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Presenting AOW: Art of War Wrestling - The Greatest Affair

125K views 305 replies 39 participants last post by  gatorzftw 
#1 · (Edited)
Last post of last thread was May 31st

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"Warfare is the greatest affair of the state, the basis of life and death, the Way to survival or extinction."

- Opening Line of Sun Tzu's Art of War​

Backstory

August 2005
The WWE comes to terms with Christopher “Chris Jericho” Irvine with his contract expiring

December 2006
The WWE comes to terms with both Paul Heyman and Paul “The Big Show” Wright

January 2007
John “Bradshaw” Layfield, as well as Mick Foley and Dean Malenko, cut ties with World Wrestling Entertainment

Late January 2007
Paul Heyman, shortly after being foolishly denied by TNA Wrestling, reportedly makes a few phone calls, the main ones of note being Foley and Layfield. Chris Jericho, meanwhile, is not called, but instead, calls Heyman. The groundwork for what appears to be a new wrestling organization appear to be set.

1/21/07
Mick Foley and Jericho reportedly rope in Dean Malenko, as well as extending international interest with AAA representative and the “Mexican Hulk Hogan”, Konnan.

Heyman and Layfield, meanwhile, secure sponsoring in Layfield’s own Layfield Energy. The duo is also busy securing what looks to be a television deal with the Fox branch channel FX

All this is overshadowed, however, by the TNA signing of Kurt Angle, a few mere months after his ‘retirement’ from the WWE. This reportedly does not sit well with a great deal of the TNA locker room
.

1/23/07
Heyman calls for a press conference to occur on the following day.

Foley and Jericho, meanwhile, secure Tony Chimel on his leave of absence from the WWE to come be their full time ring announcer. They are also able to fully convince Dean Malenko to became an agent and potential trainer

This, again, is covered up by bigger TNA news of the unconditional release of Jason “Christian Cage” Reso, as well as even rockier negotiations between TNA and Nuufolau “Samoa Joe” Seanoa, both stemming from the signing of Kurt Angle
.

1/24/07
In the press conference held by Paul Heyman, he announces the official founding of AOW – Art of War Wrestling. He also confirms a 1-hour time slot on FX at the beginning of their fall season in August. He also confirms involvement of Mick Foley, as well as Layfield’s financial backing, among others. With both Heyman and Foley’s backing, Heyman has to assure any interested that this is not some sort of ‘hardcore wrestling' promotion. Chris Jericho, present at the conference, confirms that he is the company’s first talent as part of a roster along with being a ‘founding father’. Jericho also confirms involvement from Dean Malenko as well as Lance Storm, whom is also confirmed to be the second competing talent. The launch of a website, aohdubya.com is established and is said to be the host of all future signings.

A few short hours later, aohdubya.com breaks the news that they have signed Christian Cage and Samoa Joe. With several months between the actual television launch of AOW Wrestling, AOW allows for confirmed and future signees to finish up their current contracts, as well as finish any independent circuit tours they may be attending
.

February 2007
AOW confirms the signings of Dave Finlay, Jack Evans, Elix Skipper, and the recently released from the WWE Chris Masters, Gregory Helms, and Jamie Noble. They also confirm the arrival of Aero Star, a top Mexican lucha libre prospect.

The WWE also acknowledges that Rey Mysterio’s contract has expired, with Mysterio not having resigned on the road to Wrestlemania


March 2007
AOW quickly stops all suspicion of what Mysterio will do by signing him, where he will go under the name Rey Mysterio Jr. During this month, AOW is able to sign Matt Sydal, Paul Burchill, as well as drawing Mark “Muhammad Hassan” Copani out of retirement from professional wrestling. Dirtsheets also report they have planted seeds to take Phil “CM Punk” Brooks and Shelton Benjamin straight off the WWE’s roster.

April 2007
Following the WWE’s annual PPV extravaganza Wrestlemania, their spring cleaning takes place. AOW acts quickly to snap up Carlito Colon, Charlie Haas, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Psicosis, & Super Crazy, among the many more released. In the process, they are also able to snatch Shelton Benjamin away successfully.

May 2007
In news that seems to tickle ROH fan’s pickle, Bryan Danielson confirms he is leaving the promotion that gave him fame and going mainstream with AOW. This is made publically as a “Mick Foley signing”, but the bigger signing is that of another former ROH legend in CM Punk, who walked out on the WWE. Punk mentioned AOW on live television on his final RAW appearance before cutting ties with the company and confirming having signed with AOW.

Later in the month, another former ROH mainstay is confirmed to have signed, as Brandon “Low Ki/Senshi” Silvestry is no longer affiliated with TNA


June 2007
Following the WWE’s One Night Stand PPV, Rob Van Dam was written out of his feud with Randy Orton and announced his signing with AOW Wrestling a few weeks after, almost undoubtedly a “Heyman signing”. As this goes on, talks begin with Paul “Big Show” Wright over a possible return to wrestling following Show using his break from wrestling by losing weight and taking up boxing. No word yet on his alliance with the company.

Late June 2007
With the WWE cutting ties with Ohio Valley Wrestling and the formation of FCW, AOW is quick to announce that OVW will be used as their development talent home. Many former WWE development talents are signed to OVW or AOW official roster contracts. Brent Albright and Ken Doane are reportedly coming up to the main roster immediately, while Kofi Kingson, Afa Jr., Sonny Siaki, DH Smith, Tyson Kidd, Mike Kruel, Jack Swagger, Eric Escobar, Tyson Tarver, and Sheamus O’Shaunssey are signed to OVW deals.

AOW Wrestling later announces they’ve signed unknown talents Justin Gabriel and Tyler Black to development contracts, this being their first professional contract
.

July 2007
Just over a month before AOW debuts on national television on August 22, AOW suffers its first setback when they are unable to sign Mexican sensation Mistico. They are also turned down by Brock Lesnar, who wished to continue pursuing an MMA career.

Amongst this pair of disappointment, Lance Storm confirms he will only wrestle part-time, becoming the co-trainer of OVW with Malenko.

Heyman is also able to confirm that the first ‘season’ of AOW, the three months they’ve confirmed with FX, will take place in the Hammerstein Ballroom. They are to take place here until the funds are sufficient and FX sees fit to send Heyman and company on the road

In more company news, aohdubya.com confirms the four championships that will be used in AOW Wrestling: a world title, tag titles, a cruiserweight title, as well as a championship called the “Dynasty” Championship. This is most likely the name of the mid-card strap
.

Late July 2007
The double-whammy of failed signings in early June is quickly negated by the official word from Paul Wright, who is now officially signed with the company. Joey Styles also confirms he is leaving the WWE to commentate for AOW Wrestling, where his teammate is confirmed to be none other than co-founder John “Bradshaw” Layfield. The first and potentially only female signing for AOW is confirmed when Torrie Wilson reportedly signs, her purpose being a backstage interviewer. Another is reportedly signed, when former MTV actor Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is confirmed as another interviewer, as well as a sporadic competition clause.

This is quickly upstaged, however, when Bobby Lashley, coming on the heels of his WWE Championship loss at the Great American Bash, lets his WWE contract expire and sign with AOW. Many fans recall the Lashley winning of the ECW title in December was the final straw for Heyman, but this is cited as a “Mick Foley signing”.

…but THIS is quickly upstaged by the confirmed release by the WWE of Shawn Michaels, who reportedly asked for his release from the company while on a leave of absence
.

August 2007
…and it was only a matter of days, literally, days before the debut of AOW’s first ever programming (now given the title Wednesday Night Oblivion) that the company confirmed the signing of the one and only Shawn Michaels. It is later revealed that it took Foley, Jericho, and some help from Dean Malenko to fully bring Michaels in, although Jericho is said to have been the most aggressive about gaining the Heart Break Kid. This was done without the consent, knowledge, or a green light of Paul Heyman.

Premise

For those who care not for a backstory, the basic premise of this thread is exactly what it looks like - a dream fed for me. For those who have read my stuff before, realism isn't my strongest suit, but I wish to not stretch the realms too far in this thread. The roster is compiled of individuals and a time period of not only I feel I can write well, but are comferteble doing so, with a few new wild cards for me thrown in.

Oh, and props to Dubya b/c I'm about to steal his opening post format. Here's to hoping he'll forgive me.


-AOW-
ART OF WAR WRESTLING
Life. War. Wrestling.


“Founding Fathers”: Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko


~The Administration~
Executive Producer/On-Screen Owner
– Commander in Chief
Paul Heyman
Acting Commander - Mick Foley
Play-by-Play – Joey Styles
Co-Vice Executive Producer/Color Commentator – John Bradshaw Layfield
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel
Backstage Interviewer(s)The White Chick Torrie Wilson, Steve The Blank Canvas Romero, and Mike The Miz Mizanin


~Roster~
Aero Star
The Boondock Saint Antonio Banks - Suspended indefinately
Bobby Lashley - Inactive due to injury
Shooter Brent Albright
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson
The Bad Apple Carlito Colon
The Straight-Edge Superstar CM Punk
Charlie Haas
The Worthy Man Chris Jericho
The Masterpiece Chris Masters
The Man on the Moon Christian Cage
The Fighting Irishman Finlay
Primetime Elix Skipper
Gregory Helms
Harry Smith
Jack From the Heavens Evans
Jack Hagar
Pitbull Jamie Noble
Ken Doane
The Man With No Land Kofi Kingston
The Warrior Low Ki
Manu
Matt Sydal
Nick Nemeth
The Ripper Paul Burchill
Psicosis
The Biggest Little Man Rey Mysterio, Jr.
The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam
The Samoan Submission Machine Samoa Joe
The Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels
Shelton Benjamin
Siaki
The Crazy Luchador Super Crazy
TJ Wilson
Tyler Black
William Regal

The Tandems and Alliances
The Mexicools - Super Crazy & Psicosis
Mercenaries, Inc. - William Regal, Paul Burchill & Brent Albright
Sons of the Dungeon - Harry Smith & TJ Wilson
American Made - Nick Nemeth & Jack Hagar
Samoan Fight Club - Siaki & Manu


~The Medals of Honor~
AOW Heavyweight Champion – Christian Cage
AOW Dynasty Champion – Tyler Black
AOW Tag Team Champions – The Mercenaries
AOW Cruiserweight Champion – Bryan Danielson


~Medals of Honor Archive~

AOW World Heavyweight Championship


Name: Christian Cage
Reign: March 16th, 2008 –
Event: The Outer Limits 2008*
Match Type: Triple Threat Match
Other Competitor(s): Chris Jericho; Shawn Michaels
*Note: Became AOW “World” Championship by being defended outside the US

Name: Chris Jericho:
Reign: August 22nd, 2007 – March 16th, 2008
Event: Wednesday Night Oblivion – Pilot Episode
Match Type: Lucky 13 Battle
Other Competitor(s): Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Bobby Lashley, Christian Cage, CM Punk, Chris Masters, Samoa Joe, Finlay, Muhammad Hassan, Rey Mysterio, Lance Storm, Paul Burchill

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AOW Dynasty Championship

Name: Tyler Black
Reign: July 23rd, 2008 -
Event: Wednesday Night Oblivion
Match Type: Singles Match
Other Competitor(s): CM Punk

Name: CM Punk
Reign: December 26th, 2007 – July 23rd, 2008
Event: A Very Merry War
Match Type: Singles Match
Other Competitor(s): Muhammad Hassan

Name: Muhammad Hassan
Reign: September 26th, 2007 – December 26th, 2007
Event: September 26th Supershow
Match Type: Tournament Final Singles Match
Other Competitor(s): Rey Mysterio

--------
AOW World Tag Team Championship

Name: The Mercenaries - Paul Burchill & Brent Albright
Reign: June 30th, 2008 -
Event: Wednesday Night Oblivion
Match Type: Tag Team Match
Other Competitor(s): Sons of the Dungeon - TJ Wilson & Harry Smith

Name: Sons of the Dungeon – TJ Wilson & Harry Smith
Reign: March 16th, 2008 – June 30th, 2008
Event: The Outer Limits 2008*
Match Type: Tag Team Match
Other Competitor(s): The World’s Greatest Tag Team - Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
*Note: Became AOW “World” Tag Championships by being defended outside the US

Name: The World’s Greatest Tag Team - Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
Reign: September 12th, 2007 – March 16th, 2008
Event: Wednesday Night Oblivion
Match Type: Ladder Match
Other Competitor(s): The Hooliganz – Paul London & Brian Kendrick

--------
AOW Cruiserweight Championship

Name: Bryan Danielson
Reign: September 26th –
Event: September 26th Supershow
Match Type: Tag Team Turning Point
Other Competitor(s): Gregory Helms, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Super Crazy, Psicosis, Low Ki, Jack Evans, Jamie Noble, Elix Skipper


~Television Schedule~
Wednesday Night Oblivion | 9-10:30 pm EST on FX
Official Theme: “The Fight Song” by Marilyn Manson


~PPV & Supercard* Schedule~
September 26th Supershow

World Ablaze | November 11, 2007 | Boston, Massachusetts – TD Banknorth Garden
A Very Merry War | December 26th Supershow
This is Exile | February 3, 2008 | East Rutherford, New Jersey – Izod Center
The Outer Limitshttp://www.wrestlingforum.com/booke...restling-greatest-affair-24.html#post18213522 | March 16th, 2008 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Belle Centre
Offseason Finale Supershow | May 21st, 2008 | Louisville, Kentucky - Davis Arena
Rise of a Dynasty Supershow
| July 2nd, 2008 | Las Vegas, Nevada - MGM Grand
Origins & Endings
| August 24th, 2008 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Mellon Arena

*Supercard names/dates/lengths subject to change

AOW Originals
Lucky 13 Battle - 13-man battle royal; final 4 becomes a Fatal 4-Way, one fall finish
Inaugural Match - Pilot Episode

Yin v. Yang - A veteran versus a younger competitor; done with no count-outs
Inaugural Match - Oblivion Edition 4 - 9.12.07

Tag Team Turning Point - Tag team gauntlet, winners face one another
War Rules - Hardcore match rules
Inaugural Match(es) - Sept. 26th Supershow

Art of the Knockout (A.O.K.O.) - Last Man Standing rules inside a steel cage
Inaugural Match - Oblivion Edition 8 - 10.17.07

The War Chamber - Eight men, pseudo-combination of War Games and Elimination Chamber rules
Inaugural Match - This is Exile

The Offseason - Two-month television hiatus for entire roster; crossover online shows with OVW
Inaugural Event(s) - Accumulates at
Offseason Finale

The Dynasty Tournament - Thirty-Two man #1 Contender's Tournament; follows Offseason
Inaugural Event - Accumulates at Rise of a Dynasty

------
~Contracted OVW Developmental Talent~
Aron "Idol" Stevens
Alex Riley
Brodus Clay
Chris Hero
Claudio Castagnoli
Drew Galloway
Eric Perez
Jay Bradley
Jay Uso
Jimmy Uso
Johnny Jeter
Justin Gabriel
Mike Kruel
PAC
Tyson Tarver
Steve Lewington
Stu Bennet


------
DEM CREDENTIALS

1x King of the BTB Tournament winner (2012)

----
Most Underrated (2008)
Most Improved Booker (Spring 2011)
Best BTB of the Year (2012)
Best Individual Show - A Very Merry War (2012)
Most Creative (2008, 2012)
Best Used Character - Chris Jericho (2012)
Biggest Shock - The Double Turn (2012)
 
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#175 ·
Been waiting for this for sometime. Let's get crackin'!

The cold open is perfect especially considering the darker tone this episode has. This whole opening promo is absolutely brilliant. I love the cult-like discipline that the legion has (Doane kneeling down when being accepted into the legion, Lashley being disciplined by Jericho for losing). It gives Jericho a real eerie and uncomfortable aura to him that is simply awesome. I especially love when Jericho lists off the fate of all his previous victims. Danielson being the noble hero is also great and another nice touch is Danielson acknowledging that he was frustrated at Shawn Michaels' neglect. Little touches like that make characters much more relatable are great. Danielson-Jericho? Too awesome!

- Carlito/Punk was a good match to both show off Carlito and give Punk a match. Punk selling the back was great as was the fact that Mexicools were pissed about Carlito's comments. I was actually pretty surprised, not so much at the fact that Punk won but the fact that Carlito lost..

- Finlay's interview was short and sweet. I believe that since his feud with Joe seemed to end prematurely, it will resume, intertwined with Jericho..

- I am loving what you're doing with Kofi. This has to be the best handling I've EVER seem of Kofi. It's not easy, but it just shows why, in my opinion you're one of the best character writers I've ever seen on this forum..

- The Mercenaries as a heel version of the APA has been great and it's looks like they'll be having a few matches with the Mexicools. Carlito in the mix will make it even better..

- Hassan getting his heat back is good and his rematch with Punk should be fine as well..

- Heyman's promo is something I was really looking forward to. Not just for an explanation of his turn, but to see how you wrote him as a heel. Needless to say, you didn't disappoint. His mannerisms are on point. I also like that he still doesn't agree with Jericho, but goes with the idea that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. This is obviously far from over..

- Considering that none of the four guys in the segment are really good talkers you did well with the tag segment and setting up for the future..

- DAT MAIN EVENT. Awesome. Just Awesome. The closest thing I can compare it to is Jeff Hardy vs .Undertaker Ladder Match in 2002. However, this is done much, MUCH, better..
A. It's much more personal..
B. Danielson has actually been a featured wrestler and even a champion. Much more believable that he might win..
C. This match was just INCREDIBLE! I really thought he would win for a second, just great work man..

- I actually forgot about Joe because of the match. Joe in the World Title picture looks to be incredible.

Overall, once more just great work. I know you might be getting demotivated but I don't know if there is anyone on this forum who's work I enjoy reading more. Hell, you're the reason I started my new btb. So keep up the good work man, if you're up to it..
 
#177 ·
Oblivion Feedback​

This is very late I know, my apologies.

No shock it was Jericho opening up proceedings and what he had to say was on the money, typical ‘Worthy Man’ stuff and the whole anointing of Doane almost was very well done. Hoping that he kicks on from here and starts to prove himself as truly ‘worthy’. Danielson coming out wasn’t what I expected but a nice little confrontation nonetheless and that’s one hell of a main event for later on. I will say that I totally didn’t think Jericho would put the title on the line, especially as he’s in charge tonight, puzzling but hey, makes things all the more exciting I guess.

Pretty strong choice of match to kick the in ring action off and it delivered nicely. Beforehand I thought you’d booked yourself into a corner here with Lito needing momentum and Punk needing to pick up where he left off from AVMW. Good ending however and this little Mexicools/Carlito feud will be a nice route to go for Carly’s first feud.

Standard Finlay interview, always gets his point across, short and sweet. Perfect.

Nice interaction here from the Mercs and Carlito. Bit surprised Lito’s already turning to them, thought if he was to do this it’d be in another couple of weeks but not a bad route to go and glad you kept up with mentioning the Mercs and Regal’s little meet and greet.

Hassan squash, not a bad way to get him some heat back following his title loss. Aftermath was a woeful excuse but that’s a heel for you haha. Rematch should be a good one, no hope of Hassan recapturing the gold though.

Awesome segment here with Heyman. Absolutely loved his characterisation and this truly does lead me to believe a BIG time Heyman/Foley feud is on the cards. I think Melvis has mentioned it before regarding a Stable war and after this, I might be jumping on that bandwagon. The line about Jericho cutting the tumour was brilliant by the way. Very, very enjoyable stuff, the reasoning from Heyman wasn’t what I expected but made a ton of sense and it’s now a case of just how Mr.Foley manages to bring back the Showstopper. Great job with this, raised my interest already.

Liked this from WGTT and the Sons. The slow kind of nature of Benji/Haas’ heel turn is moving smoothly and I think the injury angle’s a nice one so this feud can be dragged out further along the line. Can’t wait for when these four do go at it eventually.

Helllll of a main event. Simply breathtaking action from these two men and it’s no surprise when they meet that you were gonna deliver the goods. Some of the stuff was brutal and there were genuinely times when I thought Danielson was gonna take it home. You raised his stock big time with this display, looking excellent even in defeat. Aftermath was a good little spot and Joe’s new ‘One Man Army’ schitck should be good until the saviours return. Great main event.

Overall an enjoyable show as per usual. Main event was epic and this whole Heyman/Foley feud has me pumped. Other than that things were a tad flat but the first show off of a PPV is always gonna be tough as you’ve gotta move things onto different angles. Very much looking forward to the next edition, hopefully your work, uni and imminent battle with Melvis in the tournament won’t detract you from this badboy(Y)
 
#185 ·
Saying fuck it to a preview this time...





1.16.08

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Back From the Dead”



No video package. No opening vignettes. Oblivion opens to yet another restless crowd of 3,000+ with absolutely no elbow room tonight, as the entire building is awaiting the fallout from last week’s ridiculousness. Everyone is awaiting some type of fallout for everything. And for the first time in a while, the Oblivion faithful have something to cheer about…

**WRECK**

MICK FOLEY!! IT’S FOLEY!! FOLEY HAS RETURNED!! Not being seen by anyone for two whole months, Mick Foley has returned tonight with hopefully some big news!! Foley is clad in his signature flannel and taking in his huge reception, several “Foley is God” signs being put on display, the entire arena breaking out into a “FOLEY! FOLEY! FOLEY!” chant. After taking it in, the scruffy Hardcore Legend makes his way down the ramp and into the ring, microphone in hand. He puts the mike to his mouth, but the crowd cuts him off with the unbelievable ovation and chanting one more. They go for another few seconds before Foley tries again.


Mick Foley:
It's not the Ghost of Christmas Past - it really is me.

~HUGE pop as Foley takes this one in too, toothlessly grinning from ear-to-surgically-reattached-ear

Mick Foley:
Not gonna lie – I kinda missed you guys too.

~Yet another HUGE pop

Mick Foley:
But the one thing I didn’t miss is the guy that got leg dropped through a table last week.

~A great mixed reaction here, some reacting to the Heyman reference, others to the actions of the Legion

Mick Foley:
I’m gonna go ahead and throw this on the table to make sure it’s clear enough – I and Paul Heyman are business associates. We never see eye to eye, but even so, I don’t wish the worst upon him. Even if he kind of deserved it.

~Cheap pop for the cheap jab

Mick Foley:
But yes. In Paul Heyman’s current condition, he is in no shape to organize and run a wrestling promotion. And while Mr. Heyman called me out and blasted me a couple of weeks ago, despite firing my prize signee on live television across the world, what Paul Heyman forgot to do in all his infinite wisdom rage…was actually fire me.

~Another pop

Mick Foley:
So whether you like it or not, Heyman, and I know good and damn well you don’t sitting from your hospital bed, but you just have to accept the fact that you put me in charge whenever you were not around. And you’re not. So I am.

~Yet another pop, as Foley gives a one handed ‘BANG’ and a small smile towards the camera

Mick Foley:
And the message I got today straight from you, Mr. Heyman, was that I was to run this show exactly as you would.

~Heat

Mick Foley:
Now while this is a very commendable philosophy, one thing's gotta be said – I’m not Paul Heyman. I’m Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy.

~Another good pop

Mick Foley:
But even so, there is a very important first piece of ‘business’ to attend to. And that’s what to do with the jackasses that put my boss through the announce table last week.

~BIG sustained pop for this

Mick Foley:
So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like you all to welcome to the ring a man that I loathe inconsolably…Chris Jericho.


Foley dryly does that welcome/call-out, but it doesn’t take much time for “KING OF MY WORLD” to hit the airwaves once again to a barrage of heat, as the AOW Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho comes down the ramp and to the ring in a full suit, title slung over his shoulders, but no Legion behind him. He has his nose turned up to everyone in attendance, but it seems particularly high when he steps into the ring and comes face to face with a man he’s been at odds with since the dawn of AOW

Chris Jericho:
Who let you out of the crazy box, Foley? I thought after all the embarrassment I’ve adorned on you, you’d get the message. But since you seem to have missed that because of your absence, let me reiterate something to you that you nor Paul Heyman seem to be able to get through your heads – this. World. Is. Mine.

~Jericho gets a healthy dose of heat

Chris Jericho:
This company has been mine ever since the cameras started rolling and showing footage of this ring. It has been mine ever since I stepped into this ring. And it has been mine when I took out the misguided fool who thought this was his show.

~Even more heat

Chris Jericho:
I am invincible, Foley. So you can do whatever you want to try and punish me and my Legion, but rest assured, I am more than worthy to own up to my actions and prove to you and all of these easily influenced sheep that I deserved to be bowed down to.

~And UNGODLY rain of heat pours down from that ultimate heel tactic, Foley just standing there unmoved

Chris Jericho:
You and Heyman have done nothing but drive this company into the dirt since day one. You're both interchangable cockroaches that as soon as I squish one, the other shows up. But when all of this is said and done, every single one of you will realize that I am your undisputed and worthy champion, your undisputed and worthy leader. And your undisputed and worthy savior.

~Another downpour of heat for yet another heel tactic 101

Mick Foley:
If there’s one thing I did admire about Paul Heyman is that he stood his ground on you. And that’s why he’s not here tonight. But you’re right. There’s not much I can do to you if I think like Paul Heyman.

Chris Jericho:
So you’ve finally come to your senses. It’s very amusing to me that a man of your mental state can even put together a comprehensible thought like that.

Mick Foley:
I said ‘if’, Jericho. But see, while Paul Heyman would have only one face to reference, I, Mick Foley, in fact have three.

~A buzz for that statement, Jericho looking much less confident now


Mick Foley:
But you stated it very clearly, Jericho – a man of ‘my mental state’ might not be able to put anything together very well. But if there’s one thing I’ve become accustomed to doing well, it’s one-upping Chris Jericho.

~We can see the look on Jericho’s face is a very audible ‘gulp’

Mick Foley:
And I know that you are a very pretentious champion, proudly touting your belt around and proudly declaring that there’s no ‘worthy’ challenger for that AOW Championship. And you’re right. There’s not a single person that’s worthy to face you.

~A bit of buzz, but Foley could be luring Jericho in here

Mick Foley:
Nope. The way I see it, there are two.

~….bazzing

Mick Foley:
You ran them both over last week in a last ditch attempt to solidify your claims that this is world belongs to you. When in fact, Chris, I have the keys the Gates of Kiev – yourworld is mine!

~Wild pop for Foley gradually get more and more intense, possibly getting more disturbed…

Mick Foley:
And Jericho. They’re both here. They’re both healed. And they’re both angry sons of bitches.

~The increasingly disturbing look on Foley’s face is rivaled only by the increasingly horrified expression of the AOW Champion

Mick Foley:
And I’m not gonna wait until This is Exile. Oh no. You’re not gonna face just one of them. You’re gonna face both of them. Samoa Joe. Finlay. Tonight. In a Triple Threat match for the AOW Championship.

~A HUGE pop once again from the Hammerstein, as Jericho is obviously hit by the news, but keeps his cool

Chris Jericho:
Like I said, Foley, I am more than worthy to –

~Foley cuts him off

Mick Foley:
And you will do so with absolutely no help from your ‘Worthy Legion’. Or from anybody else for that matter.

~A sick grin develops over Foley’s face, Jericho staring at him with his mouth hanging open, still wanting to have his say

Mick Foley:
Because tonight, you’re gonna defend that AOW Championship in a Triple Threat match against Finlay and Samoa Joe…inside this FIFTEEN FOOT HIGH STEEL CAGE!!

~The entire audience, Jericho, the cameraman – everyone looks as Foley points above his head to indeed reveal a cage, looming over the entire arena, with the crowd losing their effin’ minds. The look on Jericho’s face is of pinnacle crisis – blank fear. He stands motionless as Foley’s sick grin has gotten all the wider


Mick Foley:
BANG BANG!!


Foley throws his microphone against Chris Jericho’s chest following the hand gesture and exits the ring, but Jericho hasn’t moved a muscle since getting the news. He’s literally paralyzed with fear, the only motion is the subtle quivering of his bottom lip. He then begins to slowly lower the microphone that was still in his hands, dropping it, then slowly beginning to look up at the demonic structure hanging over his head. We get a quick shot of Foley going up the ramp with the same smile that wouldn't look out of place at all with his Cactus Jack tights.

Joey Styles:
What a way to kick off Oblivion!! I’m Joey Styles alongside John Layfield, and what an incredible announcement we just heard from the triumphantly returning General Manager Mick Foley!

JBL:
You’ve gotta be kiddin’ me. “Triumphant?” Listen to yourself, Joey. There’s nothin’ “triumphant” about comin’ out here an’ proving Chris Jericho’s point that this company is doin’ nothing but bein’ run by crazy old guys!

Joey Styles:
Crazy as it may be, that may in fact be what it takes to knock Chris Jericho off of his megalomaniacal high horse – a man who has every plan thought has having to be put to the test by a man who doesn’t have a clear thought to read! Look, Jericho is for once, absolutely speechless!!

JBL:
How the hell can you sit here an’ condone the violence set forth by a bloodthirsty and insane man?! How is this in any way justifiable?

Joey Styles:
It’s justifiable when Chris Jericho has had this coming for months – driving half the roster crazy, kicking them out, forcing them away, proclaiming to be some kind of Master of the Universe, and trying to take this company with an iron fist. And hell, if nothing else, it’s justifiable with what Jericho tried to do to Samoa Joe and Finlay last week.

JBL:
Chris Jericho is a worthy champion. I haven’t the slightest doubt in my mind he will obliterate any challenge placed before him, Worthy Legion or not. What you see as him standin’ there after being outplayed, I see a man who is calculating as we speak.

Joey Styles:
An absolutely huge opening here tonight ladies and gentlemen, just one week removed from Paul Heyman getting sent through our announce table by the cohorts of the Worthy Legion, and given that’s how we’ve kicked off, who knows what there rest of the night will hold? Oblivion is live for ninety minutes!



**COMMERCIAL BREAK**




We return from the commercial break to see Matt Sydal in the ring, who is getting more words of advice from Billy Kidman, standing on the apron. Sydal’s theme is going over the sound system, so we can’t exactly hear what he’s saying, but Kidman pats the rookie on the shoulder before dropping off the apron and heading to the back. Sydal shadow boxes for a moment, awaiting his other opponents.

“LONDN CALLING” hits the stage now, as Brian Kendrick hits the Oblivion scene for the first time in a few weeks and the first time this year to a very welcome pop. He’s without London, but he’s nonetheless pumped, charging full-force into the ring and backflipping off a turnbuckle in signature fashion. Kendrick actually slaps hands with Sydal once he’s down, the two showing a small sign of mutual respect.

“SIN LIMITES” hits the waves now, as the man they call Aero Star comes through the blood red curtain to a great ovation, many glad to see the sensation after not being on television for a few weeks. Nonetheless, Star is without his cape-like attire, merely in his trademark blue-and-white suit as he leaps onto the apron and salutes the crowd before leaping into the ring, nodding in both Kendrick’s direction and Sydal’s before taking in more of his ‘we miss you’ ovation.

“IT’S TIME – HACKER’S REMIX”

A theme we haven’t heard since World Ablaze sends a few shockwaves through the crowd, the men in the ring all taking note as well, yet another man returning after some time away. The ominous static-heavy theme can only mean the arrival of Gregory Helms…and he does not look happy at all. Still wearing his beanie and vest, the look on Helms’ face just reeks of intensity, as the last two months don’t look like they’ve been kind to him. He walks slowly to the ring and absorbs the crowd’s heat and the men in the ring’s potential fear. As JBL points out, their chances of winning just went down considerably.

OPENING CONTEST
~Cruiserweight #1 Contendership Mini-Tournament~
*Winner advances to Finals*

Aero Star v. Matt Sydal v. Brian Kendrick v. Gregory Helms


The match begins with Helms showing he’s more than ready after being away for a while, but he’s quickly upended by both Aero Star and Brian Kendrick, who also seek to prove themselves after absences before us. With all three of those men going back and forth, it’s Matt Sydal that actually begins to break things away, getting in the middle, and quickening the pace. After a hectic first three minutes and dumping Kendrick out of the ring, Helms avoids Aero Star’s crossbody attempt, causing him to roll out of the ring to the floor. With just Helms and Sydal in the ring, Sydal the determinant rookie starts upping the pace with several arm drags before Helms stops him short with a hip toss. Helms then shows that his cruelty hasn’t been lost in the least since he’s been gone, now immediately going to work on the spine of Sydal with a hard backbreaker, followed by another backbreaker that keeps Sydal arched over the knee of Helms, driving it into the vertebrae. As Helms tries to wear down his adversary, Sydal takes to the offensive and starts kicking Helms in the skull, but as the two rise, Helms keeps on Sydal’s head and drives it back into the mat with a reverse DDT drop! The first cover the match – 1…2…NO! Kendrick comes flying in to break it up!

Kendrick now capitalizes on the surprised Helms, giving him several kicks before tossing him into the opposite ropes and meeting him with a jumping calf kick on the rebound. Kendrick now with a cover – 1…2…NO! Helms easily gets out of that, Kendrick dragging Helms to his feet and trying to whip him again, but it’s reversed, Helms tossing Kendrick instead. On the rebound, Helms lowers his head, only for Kendrick to leap over him for a sunset flip – 1…2…NO!! Helms rolls out and vertical, but as soon as he does, he’s met by a dropkick to the back of the head from Sydal! Helms is down, rolling to the outside, leaving Kendrick and Sydal in the ring. The rookie charges, only to get caught in an arm drag, followed by another. When Kendrick now charges, he too is met by a flurry of arm drags from Sydal, the two meeting a nice stalemate. This is interrupted when Aero Star bursts back into things with a springboard double dropkick back into the ring!! Both men are down, Star covering Sydal – 1…2…NO!! Sydal still has fight, now going to Kendrick – 1…2…NO!! He can’t get it there either!

Star doesn’t take it to heart, however, just taking Kendrick and giving him a sharp back kick to the gut, doubling him over. He then chunks him into a corner, charging after him, and attaching himself to his chest…monkey flip…no!! The aerodynamic-in-his-own-right Kendrick lands on his feet to counter the move, but as soon as he lands on his feet, he’s met with a dynamic dropkick from Sydal!! Sydal with a feisty cover now – 1…2…NO!! Star swoops in and breaks it up, bringing us the first time affair of Star and Sydal. Star goes for an arm drag, but Sydal lands on his feet, forces Star over, then tries to execute a backdrop, but Star flips out of that onto his feet, running off the ropes behind him. Sydal sidesteps, sending Star into the opposite ropes that he rebounds off of and nails Sydal with the handspring elbow!! Star with a cover now – 1…2…NO!! Sydal still has some guts in him!

Sydal rolls away by the ropes, but its not a wise place, as Kendrick is breathed back to life and kicks Sydal under the ropes and out of the ring. He turns around to see Aero Star, but he whips Star into a corner, dashing after him with a hard corner elbow!! As Kendrick leaps off of Star’s limping body, he catches his head and looks for the SLICED BREAD…NO!! Star turns the headlock into very luchatastic arm drag, whipping Kendrick all the way across the ring and to the outside. Star’s got a lot of steam under him now, as he looks up to see both Sydal and Kendrick rising outside, Star looking for the NO HAND TOPE…HELMS BEHEADING CLOTHESLINE!!! WOW!! Helms sneaks back into the affair by damn near tearing Star’s neck off his shoulders as he’s running, looking for a big win here – 1…2…3-NO!! Star still has life!!

Helms is not happy about that in the least, taking Star now and delivers a quick snap suplex – 1…2…NO!! Star still won’t go away, Helms putting some boots into before picking him back up and attempting what looks like a backbreaker rack…but Star spins around to reverse it into a very crafty hurricanrana, that sends Helms right back out of the ring. Star sees three opponents on the outside here, as Sydal and Kendrick have been exchanging punches. They see Helms fall at their feet and both look to damage him, but they look up to see AERO STAR FLYING WITH THE TOPE TORPEDO!! THE NO HAND TOPE MISSILE CONNECTS WITH THREE MEN!!

Star is the first of these men to get to their feet, but he does so to an incredible pop, but some of it is buzz because there’s someone rushing down the ramp…it’s Carlito!! Carlito bashes Star in the back of the head, stunning him, before chunking him spine first into the barricade!! Carlito then takes Star and caps it off by scoop slamming him against the ramp!! OW!! Carlito’s business with Star mystifying some, but others know his motives, as ‘Lito vanishes almost as quickly as he came, slowly walking backwards up the ramp, viewing his dastardly handiwork as he retreats.

The first man to come to his senses then is Matt Sydal, who groggily gets up and roll Brian Kendrick back into the ring. Sydal awaits on the apron as Kendrick tries to bring himself back up to his feet, Sydal springboarding…DROPKICK OUT OF THE AIR!! KENDRICK COUNTERS!! The rookie makes a glaring mistake of leaving himself open with unnecessary moves, Kendrick taking advantage of his adversary by taking his head…SLICED BREAD #2!! HE GETS IT!! The crowd goes nuts for a possible Kendrick win – but he’s cut off before he can cover by Gregory Helms, who pulls Kendrick by his hair from behind…NIGHTMARE ON HELMS STREET!! Kendrick’s head is pancaked on the canvas between Helms’ elbow!! Helms takes his lifeless body and flings it out of the ring, turning around to see a very groggy looking Sydal try to get to his feet…SHINING WIZARD!! Sydal gets a leg driven through his skull, dropping like dead weight back to the canvas, eyes glazed. Helms then once again shows the rookie the lights – 1…2…3…!!!

Winner and ADVANCING TO FINALS: Gregory Helms at (9:29)

Helms lifts himself from off of Sydal’s body to a chorus of heat, but he doesn’t seem to give the slightest shit, only concerned that the referee raises his hand. Helms yanks his hand down afterwards, before adding insult to injury by kicking dirt in the direction of the downed Sydal. We get shots of both Kendrick and Star dead on the outside, Helms climbing through the ropes and pulling the cameraman close up the ramp, screaming “Danielson – I ain’t done witchu yet, boy!”​




JBL:
Now that’s a return I can get behind! Atta boy, Gregory!

Joey Styles:
Helms picking up a victory here, but an impressive display from every man in this contest!

JBL:
Who cares how they all looked? How they all look now is like losers!

Joey Styles:
Oh stop it, John. A case could be made for every man in that contest. Brian Kendrick looked excellent, the evolution of Matt Sydal continues, and Aero Star was absolutely on fire until Carlito came and wrecked that whole thing!

JBL:
As fun as Aero Star is to watch, Carlito was more than justified in beating him down! Carlito is a proud Puerto Rican, a proud man of the Hispanic lineage. He’s pissed because people like the Mexicools an’ Aero Star, comin’ in here an’ fueling their stereotypes.

Joey Styles:
So that gives him to right to come out here and deny Aero Star any kind of title opportunity?

JBL:
Carlito was merely out here expressing his opinions.

Joey Styles:
Oh, right. It would be completely un-American of me to deny a man, no matter his origin, his right to intervene into other people’s business.

JBL:
Now you’re gettin’ it.

Joey Styles:
Please. Nonetheless, Gregory Helms is back and by means of his motions, he looks like he wants to get right back at the throat of Bryan Danielson and interject himself as the best cruiserweight in the world.

JBL:
Like he damn well is.




~Backstage halls, the merchandise stand…?


Sitting at the merchandise stand is, surprisingly, Mick Foley. Foley is selling several t-shirts to a flock of fans for some reason, while at the same time looking back at a member of arena personnel who looks very much confused.


Mick Foley:
Well, see, Paul Heyman got wind that I’d be back, he didn’t fire me, but he took away my office. So the merch stand is my office this week. But it’s okay so long as I’m right here, in Manhattan, New York?

~Foley gives the camera a thumbs up and his signature toothless grin, getting his vintage cheap pop. The personnel shrugs in acceptance, but someone is making the fans in the merch line complain, soon revealed to be a rude and still very much bitter Muhammad Hassan. He pushes the woman who was first in line out of the way and gets in Foley’s face

Hassan:
So the man who is running the joint is you? And you’re out here goofing around at your lemonade stand? This is exactly the kind of lax leadership Chris Jericho was talking about!

~All the happiness is drained from the scene now, as the fans left in line at the stand are damn near booing in Hassan’s face

Mick Foley:
Look, Hassan, if you wanna talk matters with me, you’ll have to get at to the back of the line just like everybody else I have to serve tonight.

Hassan:
I still have enough money left to buy this dinky table and all of these people ten times over. You will not discriminate against me and you will speak with me now.

~Hassan really means it, again getting in Foley’s face

Mick Foley:
I can get you this CM Punk shirt now.

~Foley holds up a black CM Punk design t-shirt, with the phrase “One Dark Flame” overcast in big, bold letters over three ‘X’s. Hassan snatches the shameless plug out of Foley’s hands and gets down to business

Hassan:
I had an arrangement with Mr. Heyman about my re-match for my Dynasty title. I said I wanted it this week, but I was told you said no. Give me what I want, and what I want isn’t to support some street rat!

~Hassan throws the shirt in his hands to the floor and steps on it; Foley is not amused

Mick Foley:
First of all, Hassan, I’m not Paul Heyman. By a long shot. Second of all, let me make something clear to you since you’re actually the first person to ever lose a championship in AOW – this is Art of War Wrestling. We don’t follow the same rules many assume to be concrete in the wrestling world. There is no automatic rematch clause here. You get your title shots when you show you’ve earned them, however that may be. And when you lose that shot or title…you go to the back of the line.

~Foley points to the back of the merchandise stand, getting a cheer from the actual Hammerstein and the fans waiting to buy stuff. Hassan is not amused by the crucial plot point presented

Mick Foley:
So take you, your bitter-at-America attitude, go home and accept the fact that since there are people in front of you, you’re not getting squat.

~Hassan damn near chokes Foley as he stares at him, Foley grinning away before taking another shirt off the back rack and tossing it at Hassan’s frozen face that churns back into a scowl before we fade away…


**Video Package**

We reach a black screen that soon comes to life in a desolate area in harsh sunrise, beckoning, no sound, until we hear a narrator

Narrator:
In the beginning…


As he speaks, the day seems to fast forward, the sun getting higher and higher in the sky

Narrator:
Light and darkness were separated


The day continues to be fast forwarded until the sun goes down, the moon rising in its place

Narrator:
Only one can exist while the other fades away.


The desolate place’s sand begins to swirl, conjuring images of AOW thus far, the first one of Shelton Benjamin suplexing London off a ladder…

Narrator:
But on February 3rd, 2008…


The sands swirl again, Jericho locking Michaels in the Liontamer, followed quickly by Finlay and Joe battling atop the Hammerstein Balcony

Narrator:
The light and dark shall clash once more…


Our view goes back up to the moon now, the night sky acting like a big screen, being played on it is the intense face of Christian Cage holding a chair over his head

Narrator:
But only one of them can remain in power…the other…meets exile.


The camera pans out a little bit, where we can see the silhouette of a man on a cliff, looking out at the moon. We can’t make out his face, being barely lit by the moon, but his figure seems familiar…




~AOW PRESENTS~
THIS IS EXILE
A THREE-HOUR PAY-PER-VIEW SPECIAL

FEBRUARY 3, 2008
IZOD Center – East Rutherford, New Jersey

**End Package**

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Still backstage, the merchandise stand…


We’re right back where we left at the break, Foley taking cash and handing merch out,, however, his line is pushed aside once again by two even angrier looking men than Hassan – Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Both men are in normal clothes and have their duffle bags. Benjamin takes off his sunglasses to address Foley.


Benjamin:
Why. In the hell. Did you call us down here?

Mick Foley:
Because I’m running things and when I say get down here, I mean get down here.

Haas:
But we made it perfectly clear that we have no challengers left.

Benjamin:
So since we don’t have anyone good enough to defend out titles against, or more than that, even compete against, we’re leaving because we have earned not doing anything.

~Benjamin and Haas have made their point, but Foley stops them dead in their tracks

Mick Foley:
If I recall the message you guys sent out, you two were content with not competing unless you got challengers, am I right? So how about just giving you two a bit of a…challenge.

Haas:
What kind of ‘challenge’…?

Mick Foley:
I don’t know. That’s not really my department. But I do know whose department it is…

~Foley reaches down in his pants and pulls out…MR. SOCKO!! The crowd pops behind the walls of the segment, the fans in line all going nuts, Haas’ and Benjamin’s eyes not liking anything that they’re seeing

Benjamin:
What the hell is that thing doin’ here?

~Foley pays him no heed

Mick Foley:
So Mr. Socko, what do you think I should do about these two?

~Foley puts the sock puppet up to his ear and acts as though he’s listening intently to what it has to say, nodding his head every so often. We get a look at the deeply disturbed Benjamin and Haas before Foley pulls back away

Mick Foley:
Mr. Socko and I are fans of the utterly spontaneous. So tonight, you two are gonna defend your AOW Tag Team Championships against…whoever are the next two guys to walk around that corner.

~Haas and Benjamin go from disturbed to absolutely livid, both men throwing their hands in the air in disbelief

Benjamin:
You gotta be kiddin’ me!

Haas:
This is insane!!

~As soon as the two are just getting started with their ‘oh, come ons’, two men do indeed walk around the corner…in Jack Evans and Low Ki, better known as Low Jack.

Evans:
Hey, Mr. Foley, me and Ki was just lookin’ for you! We wanted to talk about that #1 Contender Cruiserweight –

Mick Foley:
Talk to me later, Jack. After Low Jack faces the World’s Greatest Tag Team tonight for the Tag Team Championships.

~Jack’s face goes from serious to happy as a lark, Ki not cracking a smile, but his stature noticeably perks up at the title opportunity

Mick Foley:
I suggest you all go get ready.

~Evans and Ki can’t believe their luck and stare at each other for a moment before getting out of the frame. Benjamin and Haas look as pout as pouting can be, Foley teasing them by waving at them with his Mr. Socko hand as we fade away…


~Back at ringside…


As we head back to the arena, the tune of “MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING” meets the fold, as Dynasty Champion CM Punk comes down the ramp to a very welcome reception. He’s not in competition attire. He does have his title in hand, however, as he roams around the ring and makes his way over by the announce desk to grab a microphone from someone. As Punk turns to go into the ring, he stops and winks at JBL before sliding back in. What’s on Punk’s mind here…?


Punk:
I don’t really like leaving people in suspense. I don’t really like having to beat around the bush with things, or being cryptic, and I don’t really like sugar coating many things. So I’m gonna be pretty blunt and unceremonial with what I have to say right now.

~Punk pauses to scratch his chin

Punk:
The first day I ever set foot in this company – Art of War Wrestling, on the pilot episode of Wednesday Night Oblivion, August 22nd, 2007, I made a decree to you people. A decree that I hope was not lost on any of you.

~A little bit of buzz as Punk stops

Punk:
I made a vow to come here and compete every single week in this ring and to give it my all without all the glitz and glamour, without all the bells and whistles. And if I could be allowed, I would say that I’ve upheld a vast majority of that.

~Crowd gives appreciative applause, recalling that night and the first main event

Punk:
I’m here with the Dynasty title in hand, so I think I will say that I’ve upheld a vast majority of that.

~Another round of applause

Punk:
I believe that now, as a champion of this company, it is my duty, nay, my honor to stand before you as a man who will take on all comers no matter what because this is what we are here to do. We are professional wrestlers and we are here to wrestle professionally.

~Another small applause, but where’s he going with this…?

Punk:
But while I am more than keen on upholding my vow, I understand that there are several champions in the back who have absolutely no intentions of doing the like. And they know exactly who they are. They exclaim week after week how there’s no more challengers for them. How having this title and keeping this title is the pinnacle accomplishment one can achieve. But gentlemen, that’s our job. To keep on wrestling.

~A pop for that

Punk:
But how would I know, right? I haven’t even had a chance to defend this baby yet. But it’s no different than anything else I’ve had to scratch and claw for in my entire life. Getting there was fun. But it’s how you stay there that really defines a man. So yes, this is CM Punk taking a shot at you, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. And yes, this is CM Punk, of all people, taking a shot at you, Chris Jericho.

~A bit of buzz for that one

Punk:
The one guy in that locker room that’s gone at it without any real complaints is our Cruiserweight Champion, Bryan Danielson.

~A pop for the Danielson name

Punk:
There’s one overwhelming quality I see in a guy like Bryan Danielson. It’s something I hold very dear to myself as well. And that’s pride. Danielson has a lot of pride to call himself champion, take on all comers, and always come out of it by giving it his all.

~Another round of applause for the semi-put over here

Punk:
So when a man, a professional wrestler as proud as Bryan Danielson is forced to take the airwaves and make a plea, you know something drastic had to happen to get things that way. And those drastic things do include you, Chris Jericho, and your entire Worthy Legion.

~More buzz, as Punk looks like he’s getting more intense here

Punk:
You and your entire little group stand for nothing but abusing power to get what you want. And it’s causing the fighters and true warriors and wrestlers of this company to be pushed into the background to be pawns in your manipulative ploys. But Jericho, this world doesn’t belong to you. It belongs to them.

~Punk points out towards the crowd, getting a very nice, if cheap, pop that lasts a little while, even moreso when Punk holds the microphone to the crowd before turning it back to his lips

Punk:
And while I’m a very proud man myself, I know how much it took for Danielson to make that plea to stop you and everything you stand for. Tonight, whether or not you survive being inside that cage with those two bulls is one thing. But the spell you've cast over this company can’t be broken by just one man.

~Punk is getting very intense now, if somewhat subtle. He stops his panorama approach and looks directly into the camera in the ring with him…

Punk:
Danielson, I know you’re back there somewhere. So if you can see this, just know that your prideful plea didn’t fall on deaf ears. This is a place I won’t have stained by men like that. But I want it to be fit for men like us. You said you wanted somebody, anybody, to voice up and step up beside you to end this. And I wholeheartedly agree with you that this ends now. Wherever you are, Danielson, I just want to let you know – I want in.



Punk throws down his microphone to a very nice pop as his music hits the waves once again, the crowd very happy that the ranks opposing the Worthy Legion may in fact be growing. Punk drops his title and slides out of the ring before fetching his title from underneath the bottom rope and slinging it back over his shoulder, taking in his honorable ovation as he heads back up the ramp, surprisingly, uninterrupted.

Joey Styles:
Well it looks like Bryan Danielson’s plea from aodubya.com did indeed reach out and touch somebody, Punk looking like he wants in on whatever war Bryan Danielson has to let him know that he’s not alone.

JBL:
For cryin’ out loud. Please give me somebody, anybody, who sees both of those miscreants for who they really are?

Joey Styles:
And what would that be, John?

JBL:
They’re doin’ the same damn thing they’re accusing Jericho of doin’ – building a stable to try an’ take power! Look, Joey, to build a new temple, one must be destroyed. Danielson and Punk both have this great little ‘white knight’ thing goin’ on, an’ it makes me sick, because it’s only a ruse of them to build their own crew an’ try to take over this company themselves.

Joey Styles:
Quite the contrary, John. Their intentions aren’t to take over the company, they’re to take it back and place it back in the hands of men who are here to compete. And Punk was right, because they’re the same words Paul Heyman spoke just a few weeks ago – this company was developed by wrestlers for wrestlers to settle their differences and compete in that ring, not see how many people they could intimidate with their cults.

JBL:
You’re full of it, Joey. Just full of it. You’re eatin’ everything kids like Punk are shovelin’ you. An’ one day you’re gonna see just how unworthy they are. It makes me sick to my stomach to sit here an’ listen to you regurgitating this filth.

Joey Styles:
Just like it makes me sick to sit here and have to listen to you feeding into Jericho’s ego, sucking off on his grapefruits like he can do no wrong.

JBL:
LISTEN HERE! I am John “Bradshaw” Layfield, I am my own man, an’ I REFUSE to be talked to like I’m some –

Joey Styles:
They’re here to professionally wrestle and we’re here to professionally commentate, so I guess I’ll get to it. Coming up later on tonight, ladies and gentlemen we do have an absolutely enormous main event that wasn’t even decided until the start of the show – AOW Champion for almost five dastardly months, Chris Jericho, will be defending his title not against one, but two very angry and fierce men in Samoa Joe and Finlay in a Triple Threat Steel Cage match, where the only way to win is by escaping the enclosure. Has Mick Foley finally trumped Jericho one final time? Will Joe finally complete his journey to rid the world of the Worthy Legion himself? Of is Finlay going to finally capitalize in his first ever AOW Championship opportunity? Find out later on toight!



~Backstage, viewing room…


Before we head off to break, we see Chris Jericho in a room surrounded by his Worthy Legion – Ken Doane, Bobby Lashley, and Paul “The Great” Wright, all watching what we all just saw from CM Punk on a television screen. Jericho is snarling to himself as the two behemoths behind him stand as stoic as ever. Doane’s face is much more animated.


Doane:
Should we go out and teach him a lesson?

Chris Jericho:
No. He and Danielson are and always will be just annoying little flies. We have much bigger things to deal with tonight. Like how I’m going to keep this.

~Jericho points to the title draped over his shoulder, a close up going in on it, as we finally fade away…


**Video Package**

We’re brought to a very shady setting, darkness shrouding the entire frame save for what looks like an overhead lamp lighting up a small table. We hear what sounds like cards being shuffled before a figure just as shrouded in shadows as his surroundings deals out hands to three other shadowed figures when a narrator kicks in.

Narrator:
War cannot be won alone.


The men in the shadows pick up the hands dealt, where we go to a behind the back shot of one man, but still not able to see his hand…

Narrator:
Rule is spread by armies.


Two of the other players push forth their chips, both appearing to be all in…

Narrator:
And numbers fighting for a man mean everything.


The shadowy man we’re following pushes his entire stack of chips forth…these men have balls…

Narrator:
One is a struggle…


One shadowed man presents his hand…

Narrator:
Two is a battle…


The second man lays down his hand…

Narrator:
But three…


Our followed shadow presents one card, a King of Spades, which looks very similar to Samoa Joe…

Narrator:
…is…


…and then drops down a King of Clubs, which bears a striking resemblance to Finlay…

Narrator:
WAR.


…and his final card is dropping the King of Hearts for a three-of-a-kind that looks stunningly like Chris Jericho. As the man rakes in his winnings, we get a graphic flashing up on our screen –

THE AOW TRIOS TOURNAMENT
BEGINNING FEBRUARY 6TH


**End Package**

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Backstage, the Green Zone interview set…


Steve Romero:
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, a man who will be competing in the AOW Championship Steel Cage match tonight, he is the One Man Army – SAMOA JOE!!

~Very nice pop as the camera pans back to reveal a very intense and beastly looking Samoa Joe

Steve Romero:
Joe, I’m sure you’ve got some last minute preparations to go with before you head into the cage, but can you just give us a few quick thoughts on the match tonight?

Joe:
I’m only gonna say this, Steve – Finlay deserves an ass kicking.

~Joe pauses as the crowd gives him a pop beyond the walls

Joe:
And Jericho deserves that title being taken away from him.

~Another pop

Joe:
And I deserve to be the one to beat it out of him. So all I’m gonna say is that tonight, inside that steel cage, everyone is gonna get exactly what they deserve.

~Joe turns back away from the camera and Romero, as the camera catches him walking to the back, but he’s notably limping a bit, as his knee that was targeted by Finlay and hit the by car last week don’t seem to be completely healed as we fade out…


~Further backstage, locker room area


We leave one interview to only be met with another, as The Miz appears on our screen, but he looks as if he’s damn near about to piss himself…


The Miz:
Hi…I’m Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, here with my guest at this time, the other man in the Triple Threat Cage match for the AOW Championship tonight…Finlay.

~The camera pans back to reveal Finlay behind Miz, his foot on a bench, tying the last laces in his boots. He’s as stoic as ever.

The Miz:
Um…Mr. Finlay…I don’t’ mean to disturb you, I’m only doing my job, but can you please not kill me and just give us some quick thoughts on the match tonight?

~Miz’s hand is noticeably shaking as he puts it up to Finlay’s face, who finally turns around to face Miz

Finlay:
My thoughts? Tonight, I get to kill two birds with one stone. To finally get rid of Joe and take my AOW Championship.

~Finlay gives us his own toothless grin before it quickly fades back into his stoic state

Finlay:
All I can say, boy…is it’s about time.

~There’s notable anger in Finlay’s voice, as he lingers to stare at Miz. It doesn’t take long for Miz to get the point and quickly scurries out of there, leaving Finlay by himself, but like Joe before him, he see him wince for only a moment and tend to his back, his injuries possibly not that healed, as we fade away…



~Back at ringside…


“THE PROUD WARRIOR (LOW JACK REMIX)” greets our ears as we get a good view at the entrance ramp, the team of Low Jack bursting through the curtain, Evans leading the way. He does a mini crump dance on the entrance ramp, Ki following suit and still staying very serious, just staring at Evans with disinterest. Evans looks at Ki and takes him by the shoulders, where we can read his lips say “it’s for the Tag Team titles, man!” Ki just takes Evans by the back of the head and shoves him down the ramp, which forces Evans to keep going lest he fall, and make his way to the ring, Ki following suit as both men look pumped, in their own way, for their very first AOW Tag Team Championship opportunity.

“WORLD’S GREATEST” chimes over the speakers now, as the World’s Greatest Tag Team make their way down the ramp, but they seem very much the opposite of Evans and Ki. There’s not a lot of pep in their step at all, not much emotion on their face, possibly agitated, and rightfully so. The reaction they’re getting is one of mixed reception, the same kind they’ve been getting for several weeks now. They get to the base of the ramp and look at one another before sliding under the bottom rope and into the ring. They both approach center ring and…extend their hands?? An action the WGTT hasn’t done in quite a while occurs here with the respectable handshake! Ki and Evans seem very hesitant at first…before finally shaking the hands of the Tag Team Champions, no one in the crowd not exactly sure what to make of this.

MATCH 2
*AOW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS*
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. Low Jack


The opening seconds of the contest see the WGTT being thrown a little off-guard by the unorthodoxed style of both Ki and Evans, but after a good four minutes, they seem to adapt reasonably well by singling out Jack Evans, Charlie Haas countering his high-octane offense by planting his face in the canvas with a one-man flapjack! Haas tags in Benjamin, who proceeds to nail Evans in the back of the head with an elbow drop before going for a cover – 1…2…NO! Evans has more fight in him than that, trying to get to his corner, but Benjamin prevents that by dragging him back to center and grapevining his leg, tagging Haas back in, who leaps over the top rope upon being tagged and nails Evans again the back of the head with a leg drop! Haas now for a cover – 1…2…NO!! Evans makes his way out of that as well!

The WGTT continue their rotating tag-outs when Haas pulls Evans up to tag Benji back in, the two then performing a double suplex that Benjamin tries to capitalize on – 1…2…NO!! Ki bursts into the ring to save it for his tag team partner! Benjamin now takes Evans and tries to wear him down, pulling his neck back in a rest hold. After a minute or so of being worn down, Evans starts to get back up and try to spark some more fight, putting some elbows in Benjamin’s gut and trying to wrench away, but Benjamin pulls him back in with a short-arm clothesline!! Benjamin again with a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Evans still has life!

Benjamin shows a little bit of frustration on that one, but he merely drags Evans over to his corner, Haas tagging himself in. Benji then lifts Evans into what looks like a suplex position, but we soon see that he’s merely passing Evans up to Charlie Haas, who has climbed to the top rope. This looks like a hellova move coming, but Low Ki storms the ring once again to his partner’s aid, hitting the spine of Benjamin to let Evans down. He then goes over to kick Haas’ ankle, which causes him to be straddled on the post! As the crowd shares his pain, Ki actually knocks Benjamin out of the ring, Evans completely back to his feet. Ki then looks at Evans, the two of them sharing a thought, as Evans backs up a few steps as Ki stands in front of the recovering straddled Haas. Evans rushes towards Ki, who lifts him over his head and right onto Haas – AIDED FRANKENSTEIR!! WOW!! It’s Low Jack’s turn to show some chemistry, as Haas goes flipping over and crashing below! It takes a moment for Evans to recover a bit and crawl over to Haas, but the referee is trying to direct Ki out of the ring. The ref finally does turn around, though – 1…2…3…NO!!! Benjamin comes crashing in at the last second!

The tag team titles damn near escaping their grasp, Benjamin barely saves it for his partner! Evans is still feeling some of the earlier offense, but he has enough in him to try and pull Haas into his corner for a tag, but Haas starts coming back to life and starts hitting Evans with hard rights, eventually getting enough back in him to Irish whip, but Evans ducks underneath a clothesline attempt to roll right into his corner to tag in Low Ki to a pop! Ki bursts into the ring and hits Haas with a flurry of strikes and forces him into a corner, Shelton Benjamin entering to try and aide his partner. He gets a vicious roundhouse to the face upon entry, flopping on top of Haas in the corner. Evans is still in the ring, looking at Ki to help him direct traffic…cartwheel back elbow smash to both men!! The sandwiched bodies booth feel the impact!! As Benjamin drops to the canvas and rolls outside from the blow, Haas’ inertia keeps him vertical as Ki follows up directly behind Haas…TIDAL CRUSH!! The cartwheel to jumping kick cracks Charlie Haas right in the face!! He falls face-first into the canvas, Ki springing to shoot the half – 1…2…3…NO!!!

HAAS KICKS OUT!! The Tag Team Championships stay where they’re at! The Warrior doesn’t waste any time at all on the kickout, wrapping his body around Charlie’s with some bodyscissors, possibly trying to wear down the resilient champion. Haas struggles to undo the vice, but as soon as he gets back to his feet, Ki looks to absolutely behead with a roundhouse…but Haas ducks, spinning Ki all the way around, allowing Haas to grapple around his waist…flawless German suplex!! Both men are down now, but Haas definitely needs to make a tag! Ki uses some nearby ropes to make it to his feet and rushes at the struggling Haas, but Haas catches the careless Ki in a drop toehold, crunching his jaw against the WGTT’s corner post!! This gives Haas all the time he needs to tag in Benjamin, who stands close behind Charlie, Haas approaching their dazed opponent in the corner and pulling him out…with another German suplex, but this flows right into Benjamin lifting him up right off the mat…and hitting a wheelbarrow suplex!! German-to-German combo!!! Benjamin keeps the bridge on this one, getting another cover attempt – 1…2…3…NO!! It’s Jack Evans turn to make the save!!

Not letting their first time go to waste, Evans saves it! Benjamin shows his disapproval of this move by driving a knee sharply into Evans’ gut before throwing him out of the ring, leaving Ki alone. Benjamin takes his newfound alone time to bring Ki to his feet and into a suplex position before bouncing him off the ropes…slingshot suplex!! Benji floats over for a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Ki wants his shot to keep going, too!! Benjamin now takes Ki and gives him a hard blow to the head, but this seems to wake up Ki more than anything, as when Benjamin tries to lift him to his feet, Ki breaks his grasp with a knife-edge CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends Benji reeling, Ki himself leaning on the ropes behind him for support. Benjamin geos over and yanks Ki off the ropes with an Irish whip, but Ki greets him on the rebound with a hard knee to the gut that sends Benji to one knee. Ki rebounds again and slings towards the prone Benjamin…BLACK MAGIC!! The feint to back-of-the-head-kick!! Benjamin down again – 1…2…3-NO!! Benjamin’s able to kick out and keep going! Ki doesn’t like that one bit, trying to bring Benjamin back up, but the Black half of the champions surprises him with a last-ditch European uppercut effort that sends Ki away and gives Benjamin enough time to flop to his corner and tag back in Haas.

Haas comes in hot, hitting Ki with a hard back elbow before hitting him with a knee to the gut, doubling him over. Haas then rebounds off the ropes behind him, going for the running knee lift, but Ki spins out of the way, only hit Haas…with a springboard enzeguiri!! Haas falls flat on his back, Ki looking at his position and seeing that Benjamin actually has yet to get back to the apron, leading him not to cover, but to tag in Evans instead. As Jack E leaps in, Benjamin slinks up and charges at Evans, only to get hit by a hard Ki elbow, sending him back leaning against the ropes. Ki then takes Evans like he’s going to backdrop him, but instead, he kicks Benjamin over the top rope…RIGHT INTO A MOONSAULT ON HAAS!! AIDED DROPKICK-MOONSAULT COMBO!! This looks like it could do it – 1…2…3…NO!!

JBL says they took too much time between impact and pin attempt, and he may be right, but Low Jack thought they had’em! Evans quickly picks himself off of Haas’ body, however, he and Ki taking Haas and nailing him with a double dropkick! Ki then looks outside the ring to see Benjamin making it to his feet…SASUKE SPECIAL!! The cartwheel-to-corkscrew-senton over the top rope takes out both Low Ki and Benjamin!! It’s Evans and Haas alone in the ring, Evans making it to the top rope, the crowd on their feet for the beautiful move that may win tag told…630 SENTON…NOBODY HOME!! NOBODY HOME!! Evans crashes and burns, his spine jarring on the impact of the missed maneuver! Haas instantly takes this opportunity to crank Evans’ legs over his body…HAAS OF PAIN!! HAAS OF PAIN!! And with Evans’ unbelievably flexible body, Haas is able to crank back considerably, Evans’ feet TOUCHING THE BACK OF HIS FUCKING HEAD!! The damage to the spine done and the sinister submission locked in…Evans has no choice but to TAP OUT!!

Winners and STILL AOW Tag Team Champions: The World’s Greatest Tag Team at (12:42)

The titles stay home!! Haas uncoils Evans’ body and rolls back towards the center ring, the referee handing him his half of the titles before rolling outside and handing the struggling Benjamin his half of the gold as well. The crowd actually gives them a round of applause, although they’re struck a little funny when the WGTT stop to acknowledge the cheers. They take their titles and head back up the ramp, holding each other up, while Low Jack can only lick their wounds inflicted from their – surprisingly – respectful opponents.​


Joey Styles:
What’s gotten into these guys heads? That certainly didn’t look like the same World’s Greatest Tag Team that walked out of the show last week and damn near boycotted this one.

JBL:
Does it really matter what’s goin’ on with their attitudes? You an’ everybody else have been on these guys about their ‘changin’ attitudes’ for weeks, but what you people fail to realize is that both of those young men are TAG. TEAM. CHAMPIONS. Whatever they feel like being, they can be.

Joey Styles:
That’s all true, and a very valiant effort on behalf of Low Jack in their very first title opportunity, but they came here tonight pissed they had to compete, and they came here and –

JBL:
…and they handled business. It don’t matter what you feel like, Joey, when that bell rings, the lights are on bright, and championship gold is up for grabs, you get down to business. An’ if you’re the World’s Greatest Tag Team, this was just that an’ I must admit, their business is booming.

Joey Styles:
Again, I’m not refuting that, Bradshaw, I’m just wondering what made them change the way they saw this. I mean, when was the last time we saw them shake an opponent’s hand like that, especially under forced circumstances?

JBL:
Hell if I know, Joey, but why do you give a damn? Look, they’re a very self-reflective pair of young men. Maybe they saw somethin’ in what they were doing, didn’t like it, an’ just decided to suck it up and compete. The fact is, Low Jack ain’t got gold, Benjamin an’ Haas do, an’ Mick Foley has to think of somethin’ new if he wants to challenge them.


Joey Styles:
Well speaking of ‘something new’, while many of us were feeling the shock and impact of Paul Heyman being taken out by Chris Jericho at the start of last week, many of us were taken completely aback at what turned out to be our actual main event of the evening and that was the absolutely unbelievable battle put on between two rookies in their debut – Kofi Kingston and Tyler Black.

~Still-frames show now of the Kingston/Black encounter from a week ago, many of the match’s high points displayed

JBL:
You wanna talk about makin’ a statement as soon as you walk in the doors of the company – I have never seen anything like those two goin’ at it last week in my entire life. Two guys who literally have never had a professional contract before in their entire lives, both in the prime of their youth an’ they came in here on their first day an’ tore this house down.

Joey Styles:
And those two have caused an insatiable amount of buzz in the wrestling world, many wondering where these guys came from and what they have to offer to AOW at this point in time, and especially, John, whether we’ll see a rematch or not.

JBL:
As much as I harp on wins and losses bein’ everything, I still wanna see these two guys go back at it. I’m becomin’ a Tyler Black man, especially after he actually won the daggone match, but I can’t take anything away from Kofi Kingston.

Joey Styles:
I’m quite the opposite, partner. I loved everything Kofi Kingston had to offer in that contest, regardless of whether or not he picked up the win, but like you said, that’s taking nothing away from his opponent in Tyler Black.


As the pictures conclude from our screen, we hear the pulsating rhythm that can only mean one thing – the lowering of the cage. Everyone in the arena looks up to see the unforgiving steel enclosure slowly lower itself into devouring the ring, the cage itself getting as big a reaction as any face tonight.


Joey Styles:
But that was last week’s main event. This week, we have something much, much bigger and possibly much, much bloodier, but definitely much, much bigger implications. Chris Jericho will be locked in that very cage with two angry, hungry, proven savage beasts in Samoa Joe, the One Man Army, and Finlay, the Man Who Loves to Fight. The AOW Championship is on the line and there’s absolutely no escape for the Worthy Champion. That HUGE main event is coming up…NEXT!!!



**Video Package**

We’re brought to a dark screen, seeing nothing, everything looking somewhat blurred, but it clears up after a moment or so. When the blur lifts, we are taken aback when a gold chain crucifix drops down from above and only leaves us with words emerging at the bottom of the screen…

THE SAINT IS COMING…

**End Package**

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


We return from the break to the sound of Tony Chimel announcing that this following contest is, indeed, a Steel Cage match for the AOW Heavyweight Championship. Not long after he lets that ring over the Hammerstein, “LEMBEG” breaks out on that same sound system, as The Fighting Irishman, Finlay, bursts through the blood-red curtain and onto the ramp, He’s getting a very dense array of heat, his shillelagh still in hand, although when he gets to ringside, the referee in charge of the door asks him to dispose of it. Finlay just gives Ray Ramsey a hard stare, handing him his destructive wooden staff before walking into the asylum. We can see, as Joey Styles is point out at the booth, that Finlay is trying very hard not to expose the damage to his back, but we can see it in the very ginger way he walks.

“MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT” soon ignites the threshold and the fans, as the ass-kicking machine that is the newly dubbed ‘One Man Army’ Samoa Joe pulls back the crimson curtains to reveal an unbelievably focused expression, one that has been on his face for the last month or so. As he struts down the ramp, he almost makes the cage invisible, damn near staring through it to get a cold hard look at the man who has opposed him since the company inception in Finlay. Joe, too, has in injury quite noticeable, although his is more obvious that Finlay’s because we can see his taped up appendage behind its knee pad. He keeps his eyes locked on Finlay as he walks through the door and into the demonic structure. He walks to the near corner, but adjacent to Finlay.

The reaction turns almost violent once “KING OF MY WORLD” hits the system, as AOW Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho comes on out in tights this time, title still slung over his shoulder. He hardly acknowledges the heat, but he looks almost as cold and unfeeling as his opponents, although as JBL is putting it, he’s hiding his weakness the best out of the three men. Jericho has his nose up all the way down the ramp before handing his title to Goose Mahoney, the other referee manning the match from the outside. He kisses it before doing so.

He steps into the ring, his ‘worthy’ face guise wearing thinner by the moment, but comes almost completely undone when Samoa Joe randomly bolts towards the entrance way, Jericho quickly making way to another, empty corner. Joe steps back through the door and up to Ray Ramsey, who still has Finlay’s staff in hand…and takes it from him! This catches both the champion and the Irishman’s gaze, as Joe walks a little bit on the outside…before THROWING THE SHILLELAGH INTO THE CROWD!! The brutal shillelagh that has been the bane of many victims in AOW has just been flung into the masses! The crowd is popping big, everyone on Joe’s side before the match even begins. Joe steps back through the doorway, reaching back, and slams the door shut behind him. It’s on.


MAIN EVENT

AOW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
*STEEL CAGE MATCH*
~Escape Only~


Chris Jericho(c) v. Samoa Joe v. Finlay



All three men have a three-way standoff, Joe’s aura clashing with Finlay’s, while both of their airs meet with Jericho’s, who tentatively backs away from those two men, and wisely so. Joe and Finlay meet in the center of the ring, nose to nose, brow to brow. The undeniable tension between the two men in their familiar surroundings of the steel asylum invoke an even bigger reaction from the crowd. The crowd pops even bigger when they suddenly break ranks and turn towards the cowering-in-a-corner champion, and they both start beating the high hell out of him!! Joe unleashes a flurry of punches and a hard kick to the midsection that sends Jericho to the lower rungs of the turnbuckle, Finlay delivering stomp after stomp to the prone champion.

Finlay then forces Jericho back to his feet, only to make him curl up after a hard CHOP(Wooooo!). Joe follows up on that with a CHOP(Wooooo!) of his own. Finlay immediately sees this as a challenge, Joe egging him on. Joe even holds Jericho back up in the corner as Finlay approaches and delivers another ridiculous CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends the champ cringing. Finlay and Joe don’t let their gazes drop from the other as they switch roles, Finlay holding Jericho up while Joe rears back…CHOP(Wooooo!) Jericho’s chest as turned completely raw this early in the contest. Finlay still doesn’t seem all too impressed, but he walks into the corner with Jericho before whipping him out towards Joe, who nails him with a hard clothesline!! Joe stays standing and looks at Finlay once again, Joe now taking Jericho back to his feet and putting him into the corner again, Finlay backing up this time. Joe now whips Jericho towards Finlay…who BEHEADS JERICHO WITH A LARIAT!! Finlay puts his entire body behind the blow, but as soon as he hits the canvas, he hits a single leg-tackle on Joe’s week knee!!

Finlay reminds Joe what’s at stake here by not even making is subtle that he plans to pick apart Joe’s weak joint, stomping away at it before driving a knee into it. Joe doesn’t scream in pan, pretty much taking it, but when Finlay holds in knee into his own, Joe pulls Finlay’s head in close and starts delivering hard blows to his skull, forcing the Irishman up and off. Finlay reels a bit while Joe struggles to get to his feet because of his weakened appendage, but he still has enough in him to take the reeling Finlay and throw his face into the cage!! Finlay is the first man introduced to steel tonight, Joe immediately following up on that by wrapping around Finlay’s midsection and DRIVING HIS SPINE INTO THE CAGE!!

It’s Joe’s turn to make it very blatant he knows Finlay’s weakness, Finlay letting out an Irish yell of anguish. As Joe lets Finlay take a few steps of pain away from the wall, he surprises him by pulling out the CCS ENZEGURI!! THE JUMPING TWISTING BLOW!! Joe hasn’t busted that move out yet in AOW, catching Finlay so off guard that he reels into a corner and falls to the lower rungs. Joe backs up and slaps some life into his damaged knee, backing up to the opposite side of the ring and holding a finger high and screaming “OLE!!” The crowd begins chanting along the corresponding sports cry, as Joe charges for the nasty facewash…JERICHO TRIANGLE DROPKICK!! WOH! Jericho bursts back into the fray by hitting the springboard dropkick to down the charging Joe!

Both of his opponents are down, and it’s no surprise that Jericho is the first man to go for a climbing attempt. Clutching his still throbbing chest, Jericho begins to make his way up a cage wall to a chorus of heat for his weaseling, but he’s soon stopped by a recovering Finlay who clubs him in the spine. Jericho tries to keep going still, now more than halfway up, but Finlay cubs him yet again before bringing himself up to him and pulls the back of his head, slamming Jericho’s face into the cage!! This stuns Jericho enough for Finlay to get underneath his arm and wrap around his waist, catching him in a super backdrop position…but then Joe comes to life. Joe starts climbing the ropes on the cage wall to get directly underneath the setting-up Finlay, coming right up between his legs and putting him in an elevated position and falling back…BACKDROP/ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE CAGE!!! OH MY GAAAD!! The match is barely five minutes old, and already the men are all on the canvas!! Jericho’s neck may be broken, Finlay’s back makes him scream in pain, and Joe’s leg that supported the mass of weight possibly buckled upon impact. The sight of all three men down on the ground demonstrates what brutality awaits on the other side of the break.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


As soon as we return from the commercial break, Finlay and Joe are on their feet in the center of the ring, exchanging bows back and forth. They’re not furious blows that we’ve become accustomed to as they both seem to be just getting to their feet, but Finlay has more in him to backpedal and whip off the ropes and again, launch himself at Joe’s weak leg, again making him collapse. Finlay may look to get on it like a pitbull this time, but he doesn’t get a chance to because he’s ambushed by a recovering Chris Jericho, who rams his forearm into the base of Finlay’s spine, provoking his own injury. Jericho then takes Finlay and short arm whips him hard, spine-first into the cage! Jericho taking command here, as Finlay whiplashes violently right back into the fray, Jericho takes Finlay’s head and hits him with the one-handed bulldog!

The commentators note this would be a great place for a cover, but it would be for naught in this match, as Jericho now sees an opportunity a mere few feet away from him in the cage door, crawling towards it, but collapsing on his way. He recovers enough to get the refs to open the door as he approaches retention…NO!! Joe catches an ankle of Jericho and pulls him back into the center of Hell, curling up his leg…and locking in the STF!! STF!! While this may not get him the title, Joe’s finally got his hands on Jericho and he’s making him suffer!! He pulls up and cranks violently on Jericho’s spine, Jericho grasping for a rope that won’t do him any good. What saves him from the pain is a recovering Finlay, breaking the hold with a surprise Finlay Press! The seated senton drills the back of Joe, but also sandwiches Jericho under the weight of two brutes.

The calculating Finlay then takes the body of Joe in his hands, making his body a missile and CHUNKING HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE IRON POST!! Not only does Joe’s shoulder meet metal, his face does too, as it grinds against the cage! Joe clutches his ailing shoulder now and he reels back into the ring, where we see Finlay now has Jericho in his clutches…and chunks Jericho right into the legs of Joe!! Finlay, true to form, is using everything (and everyone) he can get his hands on as a weapon! Jericho’s head hits Joe’s knee hard, but of course, Finlay was aiming for Joe’s injury. Joe falls under the momentum of the move on his ailing part, Jericho rolling away and clutching his head.

Finlay is back in command here, taking the still stunned Jericho by the legs now. He stands vertical with them before leaning all the way back…CATAPAULT RIGHT INTO THE CAGE!! Jericho’s face sticks up against the unforgiving steel from the momentum, his body soon sliding down the wall. Finlay takes this opportunity to go for his first climbing attempt, swallowing the heavy array of heat from the crowd as a result. He tends to the small of his back, which has taken damage still, getting closer and closer to the top…when he’s stopped by Joe! Much like he did with Jericho, Joe grabs hold of Finlay’s ankle and prevents him from advancing anywhere, pulling himself up along the cage wall and bringing himself even with Finlay.

The two exchange blows, but they both continue to climb. They keep stopping one another when they ascend, stopping to bash each other with fists yet again. Finlay manages to pull away with a hard elbow that forces Joe to hold onto the cage for dear life should he fall all the way down, getting Finlay the time he needs to get all the way to the top with one leg over. Finlay’s just moments away from capturing gold…but Joe is able to gather himself and stop him just in time! Joe now pulls back up and in the same position as Finlay at the top of the cage, half in and half out. The two now start going back and forth from way up-top. The crowd is behind each blow, but neither man backs down, one immediately following with a hit of their own right after the other is done. Eventually, their punches gain tempo…and they just start bashing with a flurry of punches at the very top!! The crowd is popping wildly at this sight, almost a shot-for-shot perfect remake of their infamous brawl atop the Hammerstein balcony many months ago!

They just keep firing back, left and right, until finally, Finlay does start pulling away, clubbing Joe down to the point that he almost falls all the way down into the ring, but catches himself on the caged wall before he can do so. This still leaves Finlay in a favorable position, but Joe repositions himself beneath Finlay and starts clubbing him in the spine, Joe now getting into Finlay’s weakness!! This prevents Finlay from going all the way over, even bringing his dangling leg back over to sit on the top of the cage, both feet now inside. This turns his back away from Joe, but the Samoan Machine still manages to get several blows in on Finlay’s head…until we see him tuck Finlay’s head into his shoulder. The crowd is buzzing at what this is looking like, Joe now grappling the two of Finlay’s legs…could it be…? MUSCLE BUSTER FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!! MUSCLE BUSTER FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!!! OOOHHH MY F*CKING GAAAADD!!!


“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”


The Hammerstein faithful let ring their approval as they rise in applause for that absolutely ridiculous move. They should be paying for something like this, but they’re getting it for free at the expense of the body of Finlay. Samoa Joe’s body isn’t spared from the move, however, as again the knee used to support the weight of the move is in pain, as well as Joe whiplashing his head pretty hard on the fall down. As JBL and Joey show the folks at home the move again and again from three different angles, neither man is showing any signs of life, Finlay possibly completely KO’d here. But the Hammerstein’s lingering cheers are almost immediately cut off when Chris Jericho comes back to life, whom we now see was evidently BUSTED OPEN when he met the cage wall, as he’s donning a CRIMSON MASK. Jericho springs to his bloody feet and grabs both of the winded Joe’s legs…WALLS OF JERICHO!!! WALLS OF JERICHO TO JOE!! Jericho torques possibly the last bit of life that’s in Joe’s legs, Joe without the whereithall to counter! Perhaps the hemoglobin release has awoken an inner Jericho! The bloody face of the Worthy Champion is screaming to sell the intensity of the hold, the pain also written in Joe’s clenched face as well. Jericho damn near wrenches Joe’s bad knee out of the joint, but Joe somehow finds it in him with his entire body of strength to twist his body and unlock the Walls! Jericho geos tumbling and Joe is free, but that puts even more strain on the knee, forcing him to clutch it in pain.

Joe slowly stumbles to his feet, using some of the ropes to get up before drifting back center ring, but the bloody Jericho is ready…CODEBREAKER…NO!! Joe has the strength to catch Jericho in mid-air and looks like he wants ANOTHER MUSCLE BUSTER…NO!! HIS KNEE BUCKLES!! Once again, the damage to Joe’s leg costs him more than pain, as he collapses to one knee and drops Jericho! The puppetmaster of a champion doesn’t make this go unnoticed, rushing at the cut-down Joe…RUNNING ENZEGUIRI CONNECTING!!! Joe is stunned so much, he is propelled to stand up, leaning against the ropes and the cage behind him, but he doesn’t fall! The dripping crimson face of Jericho looks on in frustration and fear, as Joe doesn’t go down. He takes a moment to rush at the man who has taken an oath to take him down and goes for ANOTHER CODEBREAKER…NO!!

We’re all over the overrun, but Joe still has enough in him to throw Jericho’s body down, forcing him to roll in recovery. Joe is still very much groggy, leading Jericho to charge at him again, but Joe catches him and pulls Jericho over his shoulder…ISLAND DRIVER…NO!! Jericho squirms from over Joe’s shoulder, drifting over to a cage wall…and beginning to climb!! Jericho weasels his way into a cage climb, but Joe promptly stops him by pulling him by his tights off of the cage, right back into his clutches…Samoan Drop!! Jericho is flattened by the One Man Army! Joe gets to his feet and lets out a roar, prompting the crowd to pop huge, but almost as soon as that happens, Joe is surprised by a recovered Finlay…CELTIC CROSS!! CELTIC CROSS TO JOE!! Out of nowhere, Finlay dashes Joe and the crowd’s hopes! The move momentarily jars Finlay’s spine, but he grits his teeth and sucks it up enough to stand up and go over to an attempting to recover Jericho…CODEBREAKER!! CODEBREAKER!!

Finlay flops back, leaving Jericho the only conscious man in the ring! The crowd is throwing ridiculous heat here, as Jericho crawls over the bodies of the downed bulls among him, going towards the door. Ramsey unlocks the gate, opening the door and giving us a clear shot of the blood-drenched Jericho crawling on his hands and knees, struggling to get to the door. He grabs onto the ropes in the doorway to try and pull himself through, but the crowd is buzzing big time…IT’S BRYAN DANIELSON!! AND HE KICKS THE DOOR SHUT ON JERICHO’S FACE!! Jericho recoils violently back into the ring, as Danielson’s interference has the crowd on fire!!

Danielson is screaming through the bars at Jericho, pumped as ever, but he himself has a fight on his hands when he’s suddenly ambushed…KEN DOANE! Doane throws Danielson’s face against the cage wall from the outside!! Danielson reels into a Doane clothesline, sending him splat against the padded outside! The crowd deflates again, but the outside doesn’t stay padded for long, as Doane starts ripping up a portion of the padding. This exposes the hard concrete underneath, taking Danielson in his clutches, possibly looking to nail him with a RKDOANE TO THE CONCRETE…BUT HE’S HIT BY CM PUNK!! The other half of the ‘annoying flies’ comes to the party now, as he bashes Doane from behind and saves Danielson now! Danielson recovers now, getting Doane in a suplex position, prompting Punk to help him…DOUBLE SUPLEX…ONTO THE EXPOSED CONCRETE!! The crowd is back on fire, as the numbers game seems to FINALLY be in Danielson‘s favor…until both men look up and are DECAPITATED BY A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE FROM BOBBY LASHLEY!

The crowd goes through a roller coaster of emotions in that short timespan, but it seems to be over now, as Lashley stands over both rebels with a look of distain. He then looks behind himself to see Paul Wright galumphing down the ramp now, but he’s in no hurry. Lashley surveys the damage again before our focus shifts back into the ring…where JOE IS VERTICAL AND CLIMBING!! The calm look on Lashley’s face turn to one of panic, as Jericho isn’t up yet, Lashley going to the cage wall Joe is climbing. The crowd is again going nuts, but it gets even more tense when Finlay groggily gets to his feet, and begins climbing a different wall of his own! Lashley helps direct traffic, telling Wright to go cover Finlay, both men looking to threaten the challengers should they make the top!

Both of Joe and Finlay’s injuries are flaring up here in spades, as neither man can climb the cage as best they can when they’re in great pain. The two badasses suck it up verily, however, eventually reaching the top, but looking down to see daunting and large foes. The crowd is popping their heads off for someone to jump, but both men are wary of what waits below. Finlay is the first man to gather himself enough and pretty much says ‘fuck it’, FINLAY LEAPING TO THE FLOOR…BUT HE LANDS ON TOP OF WRIGHT!! Wright breaks Finlay’s fall, both men lying on top of one another…BUT FINLAY DOESN’T TOUCH THE FLOOR! Finlay is positioned perfectly, parallel right on top of the wide body of Wright so that he’s not touching the floor! The replay shows that both men cracked skulls on the fall, knocking them both out. The match goes on!

On the other side of the ring, Ray Ramsey is opening the cage door once again because Jericho has enough in him to start crawling towards the door again! Joe is still at the top of the cage, the crowd urging him to leap, the Machine looking behind him to see Jericho crawling way down below. But Jericho has trouble awaiting, as CM Punk is back to his feet, clutching his body, looking to play Danielson and shut the door on Jericho’s face…but Lashley spots him and rushes over…SPEAR!! LASHLEY SPEARS PUNK IN HALF!! The Dynasty Champion is down, leaving Jericho uncontested…but Lashley leaving Joe alone means that he’s uncontested too!! It’s a race against gravity! Who can hit the floor faster??


…JOE FALLS FROM THE TOP…


…JERICHO FLOPS THROUGH THE DOOR…


WHO WILL HIT THE FLOOR FIRST???















Here is your winner and…











…STILL AOW Heavyweight Champion: Chris Jericho at (20:18)

Contrary to how it’s written, Jericho CLEARLY hits the floor first, flopping through a bloodstained face and eagle spread onto the floor, Bobby Lashley taking his stable leader’s carcass up and takes the title from the referee, holding Jericho up to another great deal of heat. Joe pounds the outside floor in pure frustration and anguish, Danielson clenching his teeth and checking on Punk. Wright finally tosses Finlay’s limp and exhausted body off of his own, shaking the cobwebs out. Doane is struggling in some way to get to his feet, the cage being raised behind all the men.


Joey Styles:
An absolutely BRUTAL match that signifies just how destructive the steel cage can be, Chris Jericho weaseling his way out of the whole thing!

JBL:
Weaseling? There’s nothin’ weaselin’ about goin’ toe to toe with the two toughest sons of bitches in the entire world an’ walking out of a steel cage still with the title you more than deserve! Stick that in your craw, Mick Foley!

Joey Styles:
Wait – this battle might not be over yet!!


Styles is more than right, as Samoa Joe comes rampaging over to the celebrating Worthy Legion, knocking the woozy Jericho down and prompting a brawl with both Lashley and Wright!! He’s going back and forth between both men, Bryan Danielson soon joining in behind him!! A big brawl is brewing, but the power and numbers game catch up to the defiant wrestlers, Ken Doane grabbing Joe’s leg and keeping him still long enough for Wright to hit him with the KNOCKOUT PUNCH!! Wright finally nails the punch on Joe, deadening the big man. Lashley proceeds to beat down Danielson now, Doane aiding how he can. Lashley then takes Joe and rolls him under the ropes and into the ring, looking to do more damage to his rival there. Doane follows suit, while Wright takes the beaten Danielson…and military presses him through the ropes into the ring!!

Danielson and Joe are completely at the mercy of their abusers, Jericho crawling under the ropes after several more seconds of beatdown. Jericho is still bleeding, but he has more than enough in him to survey the damage being done to his enemies. But while everyone has their back turned, no one notices CM Punk getting to his feet and jumping to the apron…SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE…Jericho ducks and rolls…but Doane and Lashley get taken down! Punk is inserting himself right in the war against the Legion!! But just as quickly as Punk gets folks down, he turns to see…JERICHO BASH HIM IN THE FACE WITH THE AOW TITLE!! Punk goes spinning from the impact, Doane and Lashley quickly recovering to have the entire Legion standing over everyone who has ever opposed them that still remains. They continue stomping and beating the living pulp out of them, Jericho still looking on, his bloody face giving way to an insidious smirk that looks damn near demonic, Joey Styles begging for this to stop and many fans silent in disgust, perhaps dying for a hero…


“GO!!!”

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**



COULD IT BE??? IT…IT’S CHRISTIAN!!! IT’S CHRISTIAN CAGE!! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!! AND HE’S GOT A STEEL CHAIR IN HAND!! The man who was exiled from this company two months ago has just reappeared!! The crowd is absolutely losing their freakin’ minds, although Christian doesn’t seem as thrilled as everyone. He has the same look in his eye that he had before he left, his eyes circled with red like he hasn’t slept since he left. He has a snarl on his face that rivals only an insane man, standing on the entrance ramp and looking around him…his expression easing a bit. Have the people who turned on him finally accepted him? We look down to the ring at every member of the Worthy Legion, none of them believing the ghost they can see, Jericho least of all, whose stunned and wide white pupils stand out from his otherwise crimson face. Even Lashley expresses an emotion of surprise, the man he was sure he exiled somehow back here. Whatever their thoughts, Christian takes his chair in both hands…AND CHARGES THE RING!!

Jericho directs traffic and tells everyone to haul ass, everyone getting out of the ring as Christian slides in, pumped the fuck up, whipping his chair around, and even hitting it off a top rope! He wants the men who evicted him!! Jericho can barely retreat up the ramp, Paul Wright having to aid him, while Lashley is trying to aid a still hurting Ken Doane. Christian looks down at the souls he hates, his face telling his intense story. The crowd is still going crazy, but the voice of Mick Foley in person on the stage cuts through the applause


Mick Foley:
Chris Jericho, tonight, I made sure there was nowhere for you to run. And in three weeks, there won’t be anywhere for any of your Worthy Legion to run! That’s because at This is Exile, this war ends and the entire Worthy Legion is gonna be in another AOW innovation. You’re all gonna be locked inside the debut of another demonic steel structure that I like to call…THE WARCHAMBER!!

~The crowd pops for what sounds like an absolutely brutal stip, Ken Doane seen mouthing the words “War Chamber?” at Chris Jericho

Mick Foley:
At This is Exile, it’s gonna be the Worthy Legion taking on Team Art Of War –Dynasty Champion CM Punk, Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson, the “One Man Army”, Samoa Joe…and the man that using every inch of power I’ve been bestowed in this company, I’ve reinstated…CHRISTIAAAAAN CAAAAGE!!

~The crowd lets out an otherworldly pop, as the look on Jericho’s bloodied face gets even worse at this news

Joey Styles:
I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! What an absolutely incredible turn of events this has been!!

JBL:
Ron Simmons, forgive me, but I’ll be DAMNED!

Joey Styles:
The Ghost of Christmas Past brings back the Ghost of Christmas Future! Twenty-Four hours ago, no one was sure who was even gonna be running things, and not only do we have Mick Foley back at the helm, not only did he give us an absolutely gory main event, but he gave us back the one man who may be the key to taking down the entire Worthy Legion, Christian Cage!! And what the hell is this ‘War Chamber?”

JBL:
An’ just like that, we’ve got our main event for This is Exile!! I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but this is absolutely unbelievable!

Joey Styles:
Perhaps the single most unreal night in AOW history, and I know it’s almost freakin’ eleven o’clock, but dammit, tonight we have proven that AOW will indeed live and is for the people!! Good night, all!!


The final image we get on the third Oblivion in 2008 is that of the Worthy Legion, beaten, bloodied, and finally out-played, walking away on the entrance ramp and staring into the jowls of vengeance that await them in only three weeks at the rising rebels of Team AOW, Danielson, Punk, and Joe all getting to their feet beside the “Man on the Moon” who is finally back from the dead and, for the first time, is positively NOT alone in this war as we

Fade…

To…

Black…

END SHOW







THIS IS EXILE
IZOD Center – East Rutherford, New Jersey
February 3rd, 2008
*Current Card*

~FIRST EVER WarChamber Match~
~Team AOW~
Christian Cage, Samoa Joe,
Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson & Dynasty Champion CM Punk
v.
~The Worthy Legion~

AOW Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, Ken Doane & Paul “The Great” Wright





Not gonna lie, did this one as best I could under the circumstances I have right now, so I'm not gonna say it's my best show, but I tried to do what I could. Hope all don't hate me for this one, but wishing you all well. Enjoy :eek:
 
#207 ·
Yeah, this is late, but that seems to be the story of my life lately...



2.6.08

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Out of Exile”


“The Fight Song” by Marilyn Manson vignette

(Whispers)

Fight…

RVD leaps for a Frog Splash…

Fight…

HBK cocks back, Sweet Chin Music ready…

Fight…

Finlay and Joe go at it on the balcony…

Fight…

Chris Jericho’s silhouette is highlighted…

*Opening guitar riff*

You'll never grow up to be a big rock star

The camera goes from the ground up to the face of Paul Wright in his debut Week 3

Celebrated victim of your fame

Aero Star leaps onto Jamie Noble from the entrance stage columns

Just cut our wrists like cheap coupons

Christian searches for his peeps from Week 5

And say that "death was on sale today"

Bryan Danielson raises his hand, singing his theme from Week 4

*Upped tempo, heavier sound*

And when we were good

Jack Evans’ double moonsault from Week 1

You just close your eyes

Aero Star, Psicosis, and Super Crazy perform a Triple Asai Moonsault from Week 14

So when we are bad

Paul Wright chokeslams Michaels through the table from the Supershow

We'll scar your minds

A replayed shot of Shelton Benjamin German suplexing Paul London off the ladder from Week 4

Fight!

SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!

Fight!

WARRIOR’S WAY!!!

Fight!

MUSCLE BUSTER!!!

Fight!

SPEAR THROUGH THE TABLE!!

Fight!

CHOKESLAM!!!

Fight!

WORLD’S GREATEST DOOMSDAY DEVICE!!

Fight!

GTS!!

Fight!

FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!!

*Final cymbal crash*

Chris Jericho holds the AOW World title high in the air

***

The main camera gives us a great shot around the arena, as AOW looks to be sold out for the umpteenth time in company history. The signs aren’t as clever tonight as they were Sunday night, but the entire Hammerstein is rockin’ as anything, 3,000+ popping hard all the way from the balcony. Part of that is because they’re just here to see another show, but another reason is because right now standing in the middle of the ring is the Hardcore Legend himself, the Acting Commander Mick Foley.

Mick Foley:
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope none of you are too worn out from Sunday’s festivities.

~Another resounding pop gets the crowd right back into things

Mick Foley:
That’s kind of what I was hopin’ for. So how about we celebrate what happened in that unreal main event, huh? How about we name ourselves a new number one contender right here, in the heart of the Hammerstein in Manhattan?

~The signature Foley cheap pop, complete with the Foley grin and thumbs up in the ring camera

Mick Foley:
So how about it? Ladies and gentlemen, a man who lasted over an hour in an absolute warzone in a display of guts never seen before that I think is more than deserving to be the next man to fight for the AOW Heavyweight Championship at The Outer Limits…CHRISTIAAAAAN CAAAAGE~!!


…and the roof of the Hammerstein comes absolutely BLOWN OFF, as “JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES” hits and the man himself, Christian Cage pushes back the blood-red curtain to make the crowd pop even louder. For the first time since nearly the first show of the entire campaign, Christian actually raises his hand to his brow…looking for his peeps. He still has a look of madness in his eyes, but it’s not as prevalent as it has been in the past as he gingerly walks down the ramp and to the ring, obviously feeling the effects of the Chamber to this day. He doesn’t pander to the crowd anymore after the brief seeking, his eyes locked on Foley before climbing into the ring and being handed a microphone.

Christian Cage:
Six months. Six months I’ve been the outcast. Six months I’ve had to stand in the middle of this ring and on the outside wondering if there was anyone in the world who would even listen to me.

~Christian is back to talking to the canvas and not looking at the camera

Christian Cage:
So Sunday night, I did what I had to do. I took a team of misfits and myself and did what no one has been able to do in those six months. And that’s give the Worthy Legion the beating of a lifetime.

~Christian looks up after that last line, the crowd once again erupting. Cage then turns in Foley’s direction, who hasn’t left the ring

Christian Cage:
But Mick, I want you to know something. I want you to know that I didn’t allow you to bring me back so that I could waltz down to this ring after going through absolute hell and have you stand here like a proud father.

~The crowd quickly quiets back down

Christian Cage:
I did it because someone had to do something. I did it because after we showed the world the Legion’s cracks, I knew there’d only be one man who could possibly take the entire empire down. And that was me.

~A lukewarm reception for that one, some in the crowd cheering, others remain silent


Christian:
So don’t get it twisted. You’re not naming me the number one contender. That’s what I’ve always been. I’ve always been the only man in this entire company who could take down this monster and his army of monsters. But to do so, Foley, I had to resort to becoming a monster myself.

~Christian is really close to Foley’s face here

Christian:
That’s not something I’m proud of. You said it yourself only a few days before I entered that Chamber, Mick. I wouldn’t let anyone in. I wouldn’t listen to anyone because no one ever bothered to listen to me. So you bestowing upon me this honor that I believe I’ve had all along, it’s…liberating. For me.

~Cage actually puts a hand on Foley’s shoulder, his intense gaze going a little bit softer as Foley looks at him, obviously a bit concerned

Christian:
It’s liberating for me. But I have to open my mind and look past that. When I beat Chris Jericho for the AOW Championship, it’ll not just be liberating for me. But be liberating for everyone that he has oppressed. That includes you, Mick. That includes those guys who were in that Chamber with me. And –yes – that includes you people.

~A nice pop for Christian finally giving mention to the fans, but he still doesn’t look at them, merely pointing out before Foley surprises him by grabbing his still extended hand and shaking it, causing another pop. Christian doesn’t fight the handshake, seemingly going along with it

Mick Foley:
Believe me, Christian, there is no one in the entire world I’d rather have in this spot.

Christian:
Let me repeat myself, Mick – that’s because there is no one who could fill this spot. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about what you and what they all did to me. No. I could never forget that, no matter how hard I try. But facing Chris Jericho is bigger than that. And winning that title is bigger than me. So…I accept you naming me the number one contender.


Christian doesn’t let his re-intensified gaze go from the eyes of Foley, the crowd giving one last pop for Cage accepting the terms of Foley’s faith, but the somewhat heartwarming moment is completely ruined by the sound of “KING OF MY WORLD” hitting the system as an ironically UNGOLDY rain of heat pours down for AOW Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and Paul “The Great” Wright, apparently the only two members of the Worthy Legion coming out for this interruption. Jericho is in a signature suit, but Wright looks beyond pissed, even moreso when we see his right hand is still in a cast. The only person in the entire arena looking more furious than Wright…is Jericho himself, virtually stomping his way down the ramp, his anger coming through his voice as he speaks while walking.

Chris Jericho:
This is an absolute outrage. This man has done nothing but perform blasphemies against me since he set foot in this company and this is how you repay him?

~Jericho finally gets to the base of the ramp and steps into the ring, Wright not coming with him and staying on the floor

Chris Jericho:
HUH? How can you sit there and justify that this miscreant has any business facing me?? Because of him, my Worthy Legion, the light that was to guide this company to majesty, is a WRECK!! Bobby Lashley needs surgery. I haven’t seen Kenneth since Sunday!

~Jericho is teetering on madman tone there

Chris Jericho:
So he spent an entire hour inside the War Chamber. You know who else lasted an hour in there? Bobby Lashley!

~Jericho is seething at this point, getting all in Christian’s face

Chris Jericho:
But Bobby Lashley isn’t here, is he? No! This disingenuous sociopath you call a number one contender, that you’re all clamoring ‘savior’ for injured Bobby Lashley in that Chamber! How dare you take down a man after such a valiant and heroic effort!

~The crowd throws heavy heat at Jericho flipping the tables here, being potentially disingenuous himself

Chris Jericho:
And while we’re at it, I, Chris Jericho, the Master of War, the God of Gods himself also lasted an entire hour in that satanic structure. I have the scars to prove it!

~Jericho points to stitches above his left brow that we haven’t seen due to the normal camera angle. The gash doesn’t look all that bad. The level of heat Jericho is getting is almost making it hard to talk

Chris Jericho:
My worthy blood was shed all over that hellzone more than this unworthy cretin. And yet, no one is giving me the praise I have so undisputedly deserved. I’m your savior, not his false prophet!! PRAISE ME, YOU UNGREATFUL SHEEP~!!

~Whether it’s a response to the heat being so loud or just being fed up with everything, Jericho screams this across the arena towards the crowd to an even LOUDER unleashing of hell from the fans. A quick glimpse at Christian’s eyes show they have transformed back to their madman intensity that we saw before TIE, the gaze never leaving Jericho


Chris Jericho:
…and all of this is no one’s fault but yours…Foley.

~Jericho now gets in the AC face, who isn’t backing down, this not the first time this has happened between the two


Chris Jericho:
You get taken out, Heyman comes back. I take Heyman out, you resurrect. You just couldn’t roll over and let well enough alone, could you? You wouldn’t allow these people to see that I’m trying to save all of them. You’re just like the attention whore zombie you’ve always been – never knowing when. To. Die.

~Jericho gets really close to Foley here, the crowd still buzzing with a parade of heat…but this suddenly whiplashes into a pop when Christian steps between the two, his nose almost touching Jericho’s. The contrast in their eyes is stunning – Christian’s is brutally intense while Jericho’s angry gaze suddenly dissipates to a look of potential fear, causing him to back away


Chris Jericho:
Oh, how trite. It’s almost cute how much of a hero you think you are, Cage. These people might find it admirable. But I find it…suspicious.

~A buzz of interest here


Chris Jericho:
I mean, Mick Foley used every part of his power in his position to get you back in the company. And for what? So he could use you for what he wanted.

~Christian quickly glances aside to Foley, but then just as quickly looks right back at Jericho

Chris Jericho:
So Christian, not only have these people turned their backs on you, the boys in the back abandoning you, but the administration itself is manipulating you.

~Christian’s gaze hasn’t flinched, nothing Jericho is saying even looking like it’s getting through

Chris Jericho:
I’m just looking out for you, Christian. I mean, facing me for the AOW title is a big opportunity. Almost enough to break a man right after he does what someone else wanted them to. And I would just hate it if you and your fragile mind were to break down again.

~Jericho has the fakest look of genuine empathy on his face that isn’t fooling anyone. But he’s suddenly cut off by Mick Foley

Mick Foley:
Jericho, to borrow some words from your own scripture that once made you famous – SHUT. THE HELL. UP.

~A HUGE pop for Foley, who walks from behind Christian and back into the eyes of Jericho


Mick Foley:
This man has earned everything I’m giving him and he deserves it. He deserved to be back in this company. He deserved to caption Team AOW in the Chamber. And he deserves the right to face you for what you hold most dear.

~Foley points to the AOW title draped across Jericho’s shoulder, but just when it seems like Foley is actually going to touch the title, Jericho goes from fear back to insufferable rage

Chris Jericho:
I have done everything imaginable while in possession of this title! This gold means something because I made it mean everything!! And this man deserves none of that! He doesn’t deserve my everything! He deserves nothing!! He is nothing compared to me!!

~Jericho ROARS this while nose-to-nose with Foley before actually shoving him aside into the ropes to get back even with Cage

Chris Jericho:
So tell me, oh Savior, how does it feel to be staring a god in the eye??

~It’s JERICHO that actually looks like he’s starting to go mad here, while Cage’s gaze softens just a tad as he raises his microphone to his lips for the first time in what feels like forever

Christian:
I feel…saved.


CAGE LEAPS ONTO JERICHO!! CAGE IS WAILING AWAY ON CHRIS JERICHO LIKE A WILD ANIMAL!! Foley actually tries to pull Christian off, but he’s kicked off by Paul Wright, who has decided to come in to things, grabbing Christian by the back of the neck and TOSSING HIM off of the Worthy One. But Christian stays like a rabid dog, now LUNGING AT WRIGHT!! Cage actually gets several shots in, the crowd roaring along for him, but this is quickly stopped when Wright knocks all the wind out of him with a heavy club to the midsection with his casted hand, doubling Christian over and forcing him onto all fours. At that moment, Jericho gets back to his feet and throws off his jacket before kicking Cage stiff in the face.

The crowd deflates right back, but they spark up once again when Finlay strikes Wright in the back of the head, only for the big man to not even feel the hit. Instead, Wright takes hold of Foley and chunks him clean over the top rope, Foley tumbling all the way to the floor. This little window leaves Cage able to start mounting a comeback on Jericho, but the Worthy Champion puts a stop on that by hitting Christian with a LOW BLOW, forcing Christian right back down. Jericho then goes and brings Christian to his feet and holds his arms back, snarling angrily into his ear. With Christian being held and defenseless, Wright cocks back and GETS READY FOR A KNOCKOUT PUNCH…


**DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK**



IT’S JOE!! SAMOA JOE!! The man who spent the least amount of time in the War Chamber comes bursting through to aid the man who spent the longest in there!! Joe sprints all the way to the ring, Wright turning to now look at the One Man Army that drove him through a steel girdle last night!! We can now see the marks that left on Joe, and when he starts firing right hands on Wright, “The Great’s” hoodie comes off, showing us his scars from the ordeal as well. It’s Joe and Wright now exchanging heavy hands as Christian fights out of Jericho’s grasp and starts going at it with him!! We’ve got ourselves a brawl on our hands!!

Wright and Joe and tearing each other apart, while Christian is beating on a covering Jericho, who isn’t getting any blows in. Christian forces him into a corner and begins a relentless pummel, but Jericho is able to push Cage back before he gets too into it. With that space, Jericho grabs the jacket he threw off earlier and throws it at Cage, blinding him!! Jericho now jumps on his handicapped foe, leaping onto him and beating him down following his underhanded tactic! Meanwhile, Wright begins pulling away from Joe in their heavy brawl, but Joe counters back when he delivers an elbow so hard, Wright is knocked back to the ropes.

This gives Joe an opportunity to throw Jericho off the defenseless Cage. Jericho recovers to see Cage and Joe seething at him, prompting Jericho to high tail it out of the ring, grab his AOW title that fell to the outside during the brawl, and start heading up the ramp, disgusted. As Joe and Cage turn to take him down, they taken out by a double clothesline from Wright!! Both men go down hard, but Wright cocks his fist back and awaits for one of the men to get back to their feet…only for Jericho to leap onto the apron and grab it, telling him to get the hell out of here. Wright climbs over the rope and goes with Jericho back on up the ramp, as Foley just now climbs back into the ring to see Joe and Christian back to their feet. Christian rushes at the ropes and damn near breaks them as if they were running tape before being somewhat restrained by the battered Joe and Foley.

All Christian can do is stare with his moonman eyes up the ramp at the all too familiar scene of Jericho just escaping by the skin of his teeth. Jericho isn’t taking pride in this escape, however, audibly telling Wright to ‘get the limo, we’re getting out of this madness!’ before going back behind the curtain. We stay focused on the shot of Christian in the ring with Foley and Joe, his gaze never leaving the spot where Jericho disappeared.


Joey Styles:
Well ladies and gentlemen, how about THAT as a welcome to Oblivion!! We’re fifteen minutes into the broadcast and already some earth-shattering developments in the wake of This is Exile.

JBL:
An’ by ‘earth-shattering’ I assume you mean ‘prejudiced’. Mick Foley has it in for Chris Jericho an’ all of you people know it! But yet you all jump on the Christian bandwagon anyway.

Joey Styles:
Oh, and I suppose Chris Jericho has done absolutely nothing to warrant behavior like that, right? And I suppose people aren’t allowed to change their minds about people either, right?

JBL:
It’s people like you who are the reason why this company is gonna go to the gutters. You don’t recognize a hero when you see one, you’re blind to your own ignorance, an’ because of that, you can’t see your worthy savior when he is clearly trying to save you all.

Joey Styles:
Christian certainly is a worthy man in that position, John.

JBL:
I WAS TALKIN’ ABOUT YOUR AOW CHAMPION, YOU GOON!!

Joey Styles:
Pipe down, John. This is the AOW Oblivion announce desk, remember? Not your Fox News show where you have to scream to get your point across. Christian Cage will finally get his shot at Chris Jericho at The Outer Limits from both men’s home country, but that’s the tip of the iceberg here tonight! Just four days after competing in the hellish War Chamber, CM Punk must defend his Dynasty Championship against the man he took it from, Muhammad Hassan.

JBL:
All my money’s on Muhammad, an’ I got a lot of money!

Joey Styles:
I’m not surprised in any way, shape, or form at that, but coming up on the other side of the break, we’ve got opening round action of the AOW Trios Tournament!! You won’t wanna miss that, or anything we’ve got going on tonight! This is Exile fallout galore tonight, here on Wednesday Night Oblivion.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**



We return from the break to a still buzzing arena, only for them to deliver another solid ovation, this time for the tune of “EXECUTERS OF EXCELLENCE”, as the Sons of the Dungeon walk through the curtain with their focused expressions showing signs of excitement, particularly from Smith, who hasn’t competed for five weeks due to his injury. The two then make some space between them only for Lance Storm to come through the curtain and fill it to a very nice ovation, as no one’s seen Storm since World Ablaze. The commentators do make note of the fact that the only guy in that trio that has seen any ring action in the new year is TJ Wilson as all three men approach the ring.

Their song gradually fades out into a familiar, yet unfamiliar theme song hits that is recognized as a remix of “World’s Greatest”, this one with the signature hum being infused with a bit of a hip hop beat, entitled “GREATER THAN GREAT”, as through the blood red curtain struts the AOW Tag Team Champion World’s Greatest Tag Team, still tight as ever despite their contest this past Sunday. Coming alongside them is their trios partner in a man who almost came up with a shot at gold Sunday in Low Ki. Ki doesn’t share in his partner’s pandering instead just keeping his extremely focused demeanor. Both Benjamin and Haas reach at Ki’s bald head to rub it for luck a la Jack Evans, but Ki doesn’t let either one of them do it by simply keeping on walking.

As both teams make way to their respective aprons and get everything set, referee Brian Hebner asking both corners for their ‘captains’ to come forward, with the veteran Lance Storm going for his corner and Charlie Haas coming forward for his corner, the commentators stating that it must have something to do with him winning Sunday night, with Benjamin not looking too thrilled about having to watch Chairie walk up there. But nonetheless, as the captains shake hands and head back to their corners, the commentators remind everyone of the Trios rules that differ from regular styles.

Teams will be composed of three members each, with one person being designated as the team’s “captain”.

The role of “captain” cannot change during the match, but it may change between matches (i.e. the named captain does not have to remain captain all the way through the Tournament)

In order to win a Trios match, a team must either a) eliminate two members of the opposing team or b) eliminate the team captain
OPENING MATCH
~AOW Trios Tournament Opening Round~

AOW Tag Team Champions World’s Greatest Tag Team & Low Ki
v.
Lance Storm & Sons of the Dungeon


The match begins with both captains actually starting things off, but the commentators do note that things don’t have to be that way. The elder of captains don’t stay around for long, however, as in due time Storm rotates around and tries to get his other team members in on things, the first two minutes being dominated by the corner from Canada. After Storm tags Smith, it’s the big guy’s turn to get some of his ring rust off, smashing Haas in his exposed ribs as Storm holds him open. Smith then takes Haas down with a bit rear waistlock takedown, but Haas is able to scurry out of it and perform a sitting switch, getting Smith in his own rear waistlock. The amateur prowess of Haas on display there, both men getting to their feet, Haas still with the waistlock on.

Smith pushes out his hips to try and create some space, but it’s Haas’ turn to plant him in the mat with a rear waistlock takedown before he floats over and grabs the stronger Smith in a front headlock, trying to wear him down a little. Haas gets to his feet a little bit and keeps the headlock on as he backpedals towards his corner, Benjamin slapping him on the back to become the legal man. Benjamin enters and greets Smith the same way Smith greeted Haas and that being a firm boot to the ribs while restrained, but with Smith’s rib injury, Benjamin’s hit becomes more poignant. Benjamin then takes Smith and gives him a hard forearm smash to the side of the face before trying to whip him into a corner, but Smith reverses it. Benjamin goes careening towards a corner, but cleanly leaps up onto the top rope and leaps back towards Smith, taking him down with a leaping spinning forearm!! Benjamin goes for the first cover – 1…2…NO!!

Despite Benjamin cementing his athleticism early, he can’t put Smith away, opting instead to go back to his corner and tag in Low Ki for the first time, Ki not immediately entering and instead opting to give Smith a knee to the ribs before entry and leap over the rope and pull Smith into a sunset flip attempt, but the larger Smith won’t go over, standing over Ki. This gives Smith some leverage as he reaches down to pull Ki back to his feet and gives him a hard right hand that sends Ki bracing against the ropes, only for him to come right back with a hard forearm of his own. Smith backpedals from the blow a bit, retaliating with what looks like a clothesline, but Ki ducks underneath it and hits Smith with a pair of knife edge CHOPS(Wooooo!). Ki tries to whip Smith into the ropes, but again it’s reversed, but Smith nails Ki with a nasty clothesline on the rebound, getting his corner its first cover – 1…2…NO!! Ki has more life!

Smith pulls Ki towards his corner with Lance Storm tagging himself back in this time, the captain and Smith both whipping Ki into the ropes and catching him on the rebound in a double flapjack!! Ki hits the canvas hard as Storm goes for another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Ki wants to fight on! But he’s in a bad position now, at the mercy of the technical veteran Storm, who delivers a hard shot to the side of his neck before wrapping him up in a rest hold. Ki manages to get to his feet after a bit of a struggle and knock Storm off, but when he rebounds off the ropes to get some momentum, he’s cut off by a Lance Storm picture perfect dropkick!! Storm covers Ki again – 1…2…NO!!

There’s still gusto in the tank, but the Canadian corner looks to further beat it out of him, as Storm goes over to now tag TJ Wilson in for the first time, but Wilson doesn’t hit Ki while he’s down. Instead, he waits until Ki gets to his feet, surprising both his corner and the WGTT. Ki gets back to his feet and sees Wilson standing across from him…and smiles a little. We take a look at Wilson…and he does the same. The commentators harken back to the first time these two men met in the ring at World Ablaze and what their confrontation meant to one another, but the WGTT doesn’t see or know that, barking at Ki to tag one of them back in because he’s taken heavy damage. Ki waves them off and prepares to dance with Wilson, the two circling around one another briefly before engaging in a collar tie-up.

Right out of the lock-up, Ki and Wilson begin to set a cruiserweight pace, both men countering the other’s headlock attempt with quick headscissors and following those up by trading arm drags. They then both rush to their feet, only for Ki to swing at Wilson with a ROUNDHOUSE, but Wilson ducks and awaits Ki to turn around to go for a ROUNDHOUSE of his own, but it’s Ki this time who ducks to catch Wilson from behind and get him in a roll-up – 1…2…NO!! Wilson throws his legs up and out of it, quickly approaching Ki and taking him down with at double leg takedown and going for the jackknife cover – 1…2…NO!! Ki wraps his arms around Wilson’s waist and coils around to catch Wilson in the backside – 1…2…NO!! Wilson rolls out of that predicament, getting to his feet to greet Ki with a dropkick of his own, but Ki slaps him down and has him eat air, Ki now looking to wrap the legs of the downed Wilson up for something, but Wilson counters by pushing him away and rolling back to his feet, both men at what looks like a ridiculous stalemate, but it gets a HUGE ovation from the Hammerstein.

Both men semi-circle one another again, only for Ki to burst forward and nail Wilson in the gut with a knee, lighting him up with a knife edge CHOP(Woooo!!) before tossing him into an empty corner, Wilson’s back hitting hard. Ki then sets up for the Tidal Crush, but Wilson ducks out of the corner at the last minute, causing him to kick nothing but air and stumble off balance back to his feet, only to get hit by a Wilson dropkick that sends him tumbling through the ropes! But Ki hangs onto the middle rope, using it to rise back up on the apron only to be struck by a Wilson ROUNDHOUSE, forcing Ki to fall all the way to the floor!

No sooner does Ki hit the padded outside does Shelton Benjamin burst into the ring, surprising the near-ropes Wilson and clotheslines him over the rope to the floor!! This causes an immediate reaction from Smith, who storms into the ring and nails Benjamin with a hard shoulder block that knocks Benjamin into a corner, but Charlie Haas now storms the ring, only to get a shoulder block of his own. But as Smith turns back to Benjamin, he gets CRACKED IN THE JAW BY A BENJAMIN KICK, sending him tumbling over the top rope!! As Benjamin tries to help Haas recover, they’re both taken aback by Lance Storm rushing at the both of them, nailing a DOUBLE CACTUS CLOTHESLINE, all three men tumbling to the floor!! It’s chaos in the very first match in the Trios Tournament bracket as everyone is on the floor!! What the hell else could come??


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


Upon our return from the break, we’re back in the ring where Wilson and Ki are still the legal men, but our return is rechristened with the image of Ki nailing Wilson with the kippou rolling kick, getting another cover here – 1…2…NO!! Wilson has life in him yet, Ki dragging Wilson to his feet, but Wilson pushes Ki off towards the WGTT corner. When he does so, Charlie Haas blind tags himself back in, much to the displeasure of Ki. He turns around to argue with Haas as he steps into the ring, both Tag Champions saying this is a ‘team effort’, but Ki still isn’t too happy. He doesn’t even exit the ring immediately, leading to Wilson coming up behind Haas and pushing him into Ki, who cracks heads with Benjamin and causes him to fall off the apron, Wilson catching the captain Haas in a surprise victory roll – 1…2…3-NO!! Haas is just able to push Wilson up off of him at the last minute and keep his team in the Tournament! Wilson regains his balance and charges right back at Haas, who lifts the cruiserweight over his head before nailing a flawless German suplex!! He keeps the bridge – 1…2…3-NO!! Smith barges into the ring to break the count, saving his tag team partner.

Haas now works over Wilson, keeping him grounded and away from his corner, trying to wear down the firecracker. Wilson sees a window of opportunity when he finally gets back to his feet and strikes Haas away, but Haas comes right back with a hard back elbow, putting Wilson up against the ropes. Haas takes a moment to step back before charging right back at Wilson, who kicks Haas in the face, and in the process, flips over the top rope and onto the apron. There’s enough space for Wilson to go for something as he leaps up for a springboard neckbreaker…DROPKICK OUT OF MID-AIR!! Haas kicks the rookie right out of the sky en route to another cover attempt – 1…2…3-NO!! Wilson keeps his hopes alive!!

Haas doesn’t stop trying, however, stomping on Wilson before dragging him back towards his corner and tagging Benjamin back in, whom enters and lifts Wilson up in a military press, only to drop him from that height into a Haas European uppercut!! But as Wilson reels, he does so right into a Benjamin belly to belly suplex!! An impressive combination from the Tag Team Champions there, Benjamin going to Wilson for yet another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! It’s Lance Storm who rushes to the youngster’s aid, Benjamin rising off of Wilson’s body to tell him to back off. Storm has to adhere to he and the referee, but as Benjamin turns back to Wilson, he’s met with hard rights and lefts to the gut and a shin kick to the side of the head, Wilson running and rebounding off the ropes right back towards Benjamin…SAMOAN DROP!! Wilson’s momentum is killed yet again as Benjamin covers him – 1…2…3-NO!! Wilson shows some Dungeon graduate resolve!!

Benjamin is slightly annoyed that that one didn’t eliminate Wilson, pulling him up to his feet and setting him up for the big EXPLODER SUPLEX…BUT WILSON FLIPS OUT OF IT ONTO HIS FEET!! The incredibly athletic Wilson flips out of the move, his momentum taking him right to his corner, getting the hot tag to Harry Smith!! Smith bursts into the ring and immediately puts Benjamin down with a clothesline, only for Charlie Haas to bust into the ring to his partner’s aid, only to get a clothesline of his own! Ki, possibly absorbing the ‘team effort’ thing, comes rushing in as well, only to eat a Smith Big Boot. Smith grabs hold of Benjamin and hoists him up in a very impressive delayed vertical suplex that gets a great reception from the crowd, Benjamin coming crashing down as Smith looks to cover – 1…2…NO!!

Benjamin groggily gets back up and tends to his aching spine, being taken by Smith and being hoisted on a shoulder, looking for the RUNNING POWERSLAM…but Charlie Haas intervenes, nailing Smith with a chop block, bucking his leg and causing Benjamin to fall right on top of him – 1…2…NO!! Smith isn’t pinned, but now Benjamin has a bit of an opening, using this to tag in Haas, who has quickly retreated to his corner. Low Ki crawls in underneath the ropes after falling to the outside on the boot on the tag in as well, Haas taking Smith in the rear waistlock, Benjamin and Ki getting the same idea…DOUBLE SUPERKICK/GERMAN SUPLEX DOMINO!! A very impressive triple team there, Haas again keeping the bridge and pinning Smith down – 1…2…3-NO!! It’s Lance Storm that breaks back in for the kids, again forcing the WGTT to keep going.

Haas isn’t too happy with that, almost reacting the same way Benjamin did, but he keeps his head on enough to await for Smith to get back to his feet to nail him with a pair of snap verticals for another cover – 1…2…NO!! Smith throws a shoulder up, even though he’s still very much out of it from the triple team. Haas again waits for Smith to get back to his feet, stalking him from the second rope in an empty corner and leaping for the second rope bulldog…NO!! Smith uses his brute strength to stop Haas’ momentum towards the canvas in it’s tracks, instead grappling Haas around the waist and nailing German suplex of his own!! But he can’t get back up to his feet, both men on their backs and trying to get to their corners for tags. Haas slaps the tag in on Ki, while Smith gets the tag in on captain Storm!!

Low Ki bursts in ready to get going once again, but he’s immediately caught off guard by Lance Storm entering the ring with a springboard clothesline!! Ki clutches his nose as he gets back to his feet following the blow, Storm waiting for him, whips him hard into a corner, only for him to hit it so hard he comes right back out…into a northern lights suplex!! Storm keeps the bridge – 1…2…3-NO!! Ki has life!! Storm is slightly disappointed, but he grabs hold of Ki’s bald head to bring him back to his feet, only for Ki to deliver a sharp headbutt right to the veteran’s jaw. This forces him to drop to a knee, leaving him open for Ki to nail him with the Krush Kombo, finishing the trio of kicks with a roundhouse to the skull!! Ki covers – 1…2…NO!! Storm keeps his team in this!

Storm tries to get back to his feet, but Ki cuts him off at the pass with another hard kick to the side, now taking Storm and trying to whip him into the ropes, only to have Storm turn it around. Ki rebounds off the ropes and ducks underneath a Storm desperate clothesline attempt, only to turn around to see an airborne Ki nail him with the springboard enzeguiri!! Storm goes down once again, the kicking looking pretty damn stiff, Ki covering the Canadian for possibly the win – 1…2…3…NO!! Storm stays alive somehow!! The Sons over in the corner are ecstatic their coach/captain is still in this, but Low Ki and his corner are getting pretty mad at all these kickouts. Ki has to wait for Storm to get back to his feet, rebounding off the ropes and back towards him, ducking underneath a reverse elbow attempt and rebounding again. On that one, Ki leapfrogs clean over a ducking Storm to rebound off the ropes once again, leaping with a great deal of momentum onto Storm’s shoulders for a hurricanrana…SITOUT POWERBOMB!! A COUNTER SITOUT POWERBOMB FROM LANCE STORM!!! WOW!

The crowd comes alive as both legal men are once again floored, giving it their all here in just the opening round! Both men struggle to get back to their corners and tag in someone else, Storm getting there first and tagging back in Smith, Ki getting there just a second later and tagging Haas back in. Smith rushes towards the opposing corner, but immediately gets caught in the Haas one-man flapjack. Haas keeps Smith’s legs wrapped up, reaching up to tag Benjamin back in, who delivers a hard elbow to the back of Smith’s head and rolls him over for a cover – 1…2…NO!!

He throws a shoulder up, which Benjamin grabs to keep him down and tag back in Haas, who leaps over the top rope and delivers a leg drop to the back of Smith’s head, rolling him back over for a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Smith stays in this, but Haas just goes right back and tags back in Benjamin, walking back in and bringing Smith to his feet with Haas. They set him up for what looks like a double suplex…NO!! The mighty son of the British Bulldog throws both men off of him, Haas coming back at him to eat a hard elbow. Benjamin retaliates with the Dragon whip…but Smith ducks…Benjamin still spinning…and nails Haas with the Dragon whip!! Haas tumbles outside, Smith nailing Benjamin with another clothesline with some momentum behind it, that momentum taking him right back into his corner to tag in Wilson. Smith takes Benjamin up in the bearhug while Wilson waits on the apron with the springboard…HART ATTACK!! HART ATTACK TO BENJAMIN!! Smith goes over and knocks Ki off the apron for good measure while Wilson covers – 1…2…3…!!

ELIMINATED: SHELTON BENJAMIN at (18:12)

FINALLY, someone’s gone!! The next fall wins it for the Sons of the Dungeon and Storm, but Charlie Haas doesn’t look like he’s gonna let that happen, leaping right back into the ring to jump on Wilson for eliminating his partner, clubbing him rapidly before whipping him into the ropes and nailing another flapjack on the rebound…BUT ROLLS IT RIGHT INTO THE HAAS OF PAIN!! Just like Sunday night, Haas rolls right into his finishing submission!! The flexibility of Wilson is letting Haas crank back hard here, Smith on the brink of intervening…but Storm stops him? Storm is yelling, trying to encourage Wilson to get out of this himself without his corner’s help. While Storm’s heart might be in the right place, his team could potentially lose a member here…but Wilson reaches out and grabs a rope!!

Miraculously, Wilson makes it there, forced to use the ropes to get back to his feet and back to the fray with a pissed off Haas. Haas charges at Wilson, but TJ surprises the tag champ with a double leg takedown…SHARPSHOOTER!! SHARPSHOOTER!! One submission to another!! Haas starts scrambling in pain, trying to find a way out of the hold, but he can’t quite do it! The crowd is going nuts at the possibility of the Sons eliminating both of the Tag Team Champions, smith and Storm also pumped at the notion and cheering Wilson on. It looks like Haas is gonna tap…SPRINGBOARD ENZEGUIRI FROM LOW KI!! Ki keeps his team and his title hopes alive by cracking one of his signature kicks off of Wilson’s head!! Wilson lets go of the hold and collapses, the Hebner trying to shoo out Ki as Haas tries to go for a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Wilson won’t go down like that!!

Haas is nearly ripping his hair out after that one, now taking Wilson and looking for another EXPLODER SUPLEX attempt…but Wilson starts fighting out of the clutches of Haas, instead catching him in a jawbreaker before springboarding off the second rope and downing Haas with the leaping back kick!! Wilson collects himself and tags back in Smith, Wilson heading to the apron and getting prepped for something. Smith enters and grabs the worn Haas with another bearhug…Wilson springboards…HART ATTACK!! A SECOND HART ATTACK TO THE OTHER TAG TEAM CHAMPION!! It’s Smith who is the legal man this time, however, as he goes to cover Haas one more time. But before he can, Low Ki springs back into the ring, only to be cut off at the pass by a Lance Storm SUPERKICK!! A SUPERKICK FROM STORM!! Ki is beheaded as Smith drapes himself on top of Haas and hooks the leg – 1…2…3…!!!

Winners: Lance Storm & Sons of the Dungeon at (20:04)

They did it!! Whatever training and coaching the Sons have been getting from Lance Storm looks to have paid off, as Storm and co. get a clean sweep and pin BOTH members of the AOW Tag Team Champions AND move on to the next round in the Tournament. Smith and Wilson share an embrace before Storm comes up behind them and pats them on the back, congratulating the rookies on their big win.​


Joey Styles:
WOW!! And that was just the first match in the opening round of our AOW Trios Tournament!

JBL:
Well I’ll be damned.

Joey Styles:
Indeed so, partner! The Sons of the Dungeon and Lance Storm win in the first round without anyone being eliminated, but perhaps even bigger, they pinned both members of the AOW Tag Team Champions!

JBL:
But in the bigger picture, they just eliminated possibly the biggest threat in this entire tournament in the very first round. The World’s Greatest Tag Team has been the undisputed most dominant team in this company from day one an’ Low Ki has shown he’s more than up for a big fight. Then you had these guys, two of’em haven’t been in a competitive wrestling ring for over a month, in Storm’s case almost three months. I think they just pulled off a hellova upset.

Joey Styles:
For once, you and I agree, partner. The Sons and Storm move on, while the World’s Greatest and the Warrior have to go elsewhere in our opening round action, but later on tonight, we’ve got more opening round action as the newly dubbed Mercenaries Inc. will take on the team of Paul London, Brian Kendrick, and Low Ki’s tag team partner, Jack Evans. They’ll be hard pressed to be as hard hitting as this match, though.

JBL:
But that’s still not the best yet to come.

Joey Styles:
Indeed because later on tonight, we still have CM Punk defending his Dynasty Championship against the man who lobbied furiously for a rematch in Muhammad Hassan.



~Backstage, rear parking lot…


We’re brought to the scene of Chris Jericho bursting through the double doors to the back lot, his chauffer and limo waiting. Jericho grows ‘”Took you long enough” under his breath, still seething from earlier. A quick shot of the front of the vehicle shows a dent that was quite possibly caused by Finlay and Samoa Joe several weeks ago that still hasn’t gotten buffed out. Jericho’s face has gone deep red in rage, throwing off his tie and about to get into the back seat. A peek inside the limo reveals that Paul Wright is already there. Just as Jericho puts a leg in to get in, he’s interrupted by Ken Doane.


Doane:
Hey, Jericho!! Look, before we leave, I gotta ask you something –

Chris Jericho:
Doane? Where the hell have you been? More importantly, where the hell were you earlier when I needed you?

Doane:
I’ve been hanging with these guys since Sunday.

~The camera pans back to reveal the duo of American Made – Jack Hagar and Nick Nameth

Chris Jericho:
And what were you thinking when you went MIA to hang with these fools?? Huh? I needed your help and neither one of them are me!!!

Nameth:
Hey! No offense, Jericho, but at least we won our match Sunday night.

Chris Jericho:
Ohhhh…don’t you dare even think about getting into that with me right now, junior! So you got a messily little win over London and Kendrick. LATTIE FREAKIN’ DAAAAA!!

~Jericho seems to be completely losing his composure here, his face a deep tomato red as he gets in Doane’s face, his hands looking like they want to rip Doane’s face off

Chris Jericho:
The world that I have worked so hard for is crumbling around me. All this wealth and power and knowledge of wealth and power I’ve accumulated and no one seems to be by my side anymore!! Before you go off partying with the frat boys again, just let me remind you who has made you in this company. You were swimming in a sea of nothing going nowhere until I brought you into this fold. You remember those days?

~Doane no longer has a slight look of hope on his face, now looking thoroughly defeated

Chris Jericho:
So what can these two goofs offer you that I can’t, huh? What’s so great about America’s sweethearts that would lead you to leave a man as powerful as I am high and dry, HUH?

~Jericho is nearly roaring across the parking lot at this point

Doane:
Well…uh…we’ve been working out a deal.

Chris Jericho:
…what??

Doane:
Please, Chris, hear me out. They know I didn’t do too hot of a job in the War Chamber. And they gave me an offer to help maybe bring a little bit of honor back to the Worthy Legion.

~Jericho seems to settle down just a little bit

Chris Jericho:
…go on.

Nameth:
See, at This is Exile, the hottest chick I’ve ever seen gave me her phone number. But she never gave me a name. And no one’s answering her number. That’s where you guys come in.

Chris Jericho:
Pardon me?

Hagar:
We’ve asked for Kenny here to help use your power and connections to help us find this girl and actually bring her up here to the Hammerstein…

Doane:
…and in exchange, I team up with them in the Trios Tournament, bring home the trophy, and get the Worthy Legion some of its luster back. You understand, boss?

Chris Jericho:
So let me get this straight…you’re offering my resources, my power, and my works in general without any of my knowledge or say…so your buddies can go panty raiding a girl they don’t even know…in exchange for your nothing-without-me services in the Trios Tournament?

~Jericho’s face looks blank with rage, while all hope is drained from the trio standing before him

Doane:
…yes sir.

~Doane even dips his head down, knowing nothing good can be coming next

Chris Jericho:
Y’know what? Go ahead.

~This absolutely shocks AM and Doane, Jericho even fixing the collar on Doane’s shirt

Doane:
You…you really mean that, Mr. Jericho?

Chris Jericho:
Sure. Anything that can be done to glorify my Worthy Legion’s name should be taken full advantage of, especially in this time of need. Plus, when all I’m doing in return is delivering something as trivial as a woman, I think I’m getting the better bargain here.

~Jericho looks directly at American Made, who are taken aback by Jericho’s bluntless there

Chris Jericho:
But be warned, gentlemen. You’re both now in debt to me. And you will pay it back in some form in the future.

~Nameth and Hagar look at one another before nodding their heads at Jericho, Hagar even going so far as to audibly gulp. Jericho then gets in Doane’s face

Chris Jericho:
And as for you…you’d better come back with that trophy. Or so help me god – so help me me, I will see to it that you go right back into that sea of nothing going nowhere. Except this time, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you drown in it.

~With a daunting gaze, Jericho drives that point home with Doane by getting into his limo, the chauffer closing the back door as Doane is struck silent and stunned, as the limo drives off without him


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Backstage, the Green Zone interview set…


Steve Romero:
Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Steve Romero here with my guest at this time who impressed many in the War Chamber Sunday night and is set to defend his AOW Dynasty Championship in just mere moments…CM PUNK!!

~The camera pans to our left, Romero’s right, to reveal none other than the Straight-Edge enthusiast and wrestler with a focused look on his face wearing a black hoodie and his title slung over his shoulder. There’s noticeably a shiner over his right eye from the War Chamber itself.

Steve Romero:
Now, Punk, you’re only just a few days removed from competing in the first ever War Chamber. What’re your thoughts on being forced to compete tonight against Muhammad Hassan?

Punk:
Y’know what irks me the most, Steve? I don’t care about the fact that Hassan thinks he’s owed a rematch. I can actually understand that. I don’t care about the fact that he’s getting a match against me when I’m bruised and beat up. That’s actually pretty smart on his part, so I can understand that too.

~Punk rubs at his chin for a moment before speaking again

Punk:
What irks me the most and the one thing I don’t understand about all this is the fact that he’s gone about this in a way that completely goes against what I stand for. I've mentioned several times here in AOW that I’m a professional wrestler here to professionally wrestle. What Hassan did to get his rematch had nothing to do with professional wrestling, but legalities. Backstage politics. Lawyer talk. You’d think he was running for public office, not being a pro wrestler.

~Punk lets out what sounds like a chuckle before touching his shiner and speaking once again

Punk:
Not blaming Mick Foley, mind you, but in the end, I do find it funny that these guys can get away with talking the talk and not be pro wrestlers, but when it gets right down to it, they have to be pro wrestlers to back their talk up. AOW is better than that. The Dynasty title is better than that. I’m better than that. So whether it be to the Muhammad Hassans or the Chris Jerichos of the world, I’m gonna go out there tonight and retain my Dynasty Championship for one thing…freedom. Freedom from strings being pulled. The freedom to actually be a professional wrestler.

~Punk places a hand on Romero’s shoulder before giving him a good look and starts to walk away…but he’s stopped when Lance Storm enters the scene. He and Punk stare into each other for a seemingly tense second…before Storm pulls Punk in for a hug. As both men undo their embrace, Storm pats Punk on the back before barely mouthing the words ‘give’em one for me, kiddo”. Punk nods his head and shakes the hand of the man who made his title reign possible, the crowd heard in the arena letting out a pop for the clearly driven Punk as we fade away…


~Back at ringside…


As we return our focus to the ring, we hear “SKIP OVER” playing over the sound system, as Elix Skipper stands in the center of the ring doing several shadow boxing techniques, whipping himself up into last minute form for a match that could get him on the fast track towards championship gold.

That’s because the next sound to hit the threshold is none other than “FINAL COUNTDOWN”, as Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson comes down the ramp to a very welcome pop, the orbital area above his eye looking much better than it did last night, however, it still doesn’t look like he should be in any form to compete. Nonetheless, the truly fighting champion rolls into the ring and plays to the crowd for a moment before taking off his strap and handing it to referee Justin King.

…but then suddenly, a third tune hits the system, as “IT’S TIME – HACKER’S REMIX” plays now, as Gregory Helms makes his way through the blood-red curtain and on down to the ring. He’s in non-competition attire, but the look on his face doesn’t exactly say ‘innocent’. He walks around the ring and makes his way over to the commentary table, putting on a headset


Joey Styles:
Um…well, ladies and gentlemen, we were expecting Bryan Danielson to come out here for a match that he requested even after the damage he took in the War Chamber. What we weren’t expecting was for anyone to come and join us on commentary tonight –

JBL:
But a special case can be made for the best cruiserweight in the world. How ya doin’, Gregory?

Helms:
I’m doin’ alright, John. Thank you so much for asking.

Joey Styles:
Are you feeling any better tonight after Low Ki nearly kicked the life out of you?

Helms:
That is a stupid question that does not warrant an answer from me.

JBL:
Greg is right, Joey. You have to ask the right questions.

Joey Styles:
Oh, pardon me. Where are my manners. Well then, how about this one – what’re you doing out here completely unannounced and unscheduled?

JBL:
He’s here to scout the Cruiserweight Champion, Joey! That question was just as stupid as the one that came before it. Y’know what? How about you shut up an’ only I ask Gregory the questions, okay? I’m sure he’d much rather appreciate that.

Joey Styles:
I’m sure Bryan Danielson appreciates him being here as well.


MATCH 2
Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson
v.
Elix Skipper


We catch up to the match just over a minute in, Danielson and Skipper in the tail end of their feeling out process. They go for another lock-up, but Skipper catches Danielson in a hammerlock, only for Danielson to work his way around and reverse the hammerlock and catch Skipper in his own. Skipper rushes into the ropes and holds onto them on the recoil, forcing Danielson to release the hold and roll back onto his feet. Skipper rushes back towards Danielson, but the champ immediately greets skipper with a hard kitchen sink that sends Skipper flipping right over the knee!! Skipper has a hard landing, but Danielson doesn’t go for the immediate cover. Instead, he takes that moment to glare over his shoulder outside the ring at Gregory Helms. Helms shrugs off the stare on commentary, telling Danielson that he’d better pay attention to the ring veteran Skipper.

Danielson doesn’t heed this warning, but isn’t any worse for wear, as he takes the recovering Skipper and whips him into the ropes. On the rebound, Skipper shoots over the head of the ducking Danielson to pull him over for a sunset flip – 1…2…NO! Danielson is quickly able to roll back out of the move, only to welcome Skipper back to his feet with another hard knee to the gut. Danielson then looks to lift up Skipper for a suplex, but Skipper stops him and instead floats over Danielson to grapple him around the midsection. Danielson is aware of this, and immediately hits a standing switch, yanking Skipper back and nailing a nice German suplex!! Danielson with his first cover – 1…2…NO!! The veteran still has something left in the tank.

Danielson again glances over to see Helms, but it’s only a quick look this time before he focuses his attention back on Skip. This time, Skipper takes advantage of the split second distraction, knocking Danielson on the side of the face his injured orbital bone resides. This gets a quick spiel of heat, but Skipper doesn’t mind as he gets back up to quickly put Danielson down again with a nice back suplex. Immediately following dropping Danielson, Skipper doubles the pain with a quick leg drop, followed by another. A second cover for Skipper – 1…2…NO!

Danielson still has a lot more in the tank, but it looks like Skipper wants to completely drain it out of him when he catches Danielson in the Primetime Submission!! The modified octopus stretch…but it’s not fully synched in, as Danielson fights his way the whole time the move is being set up, throwing Skipper over his shoulder while holding onto his arm…LEBELL LOCK!! LEBELL LOCK LOCKED IN…BUT DANIELSON LETS GO!! Why? We look on the outside and get our answer, as Danielson slides underneath the bottom rope and stomps over to the commentary table, where the timekeeper has just given the Cruiserweight Championship to Gregory Helms.

Danielson, knowing fully well what happened last time Helms got his hands on it, snatches the gold right out of Helms’ hands. Helms tries to defend himself, proclaiming he was just “getting a closer look at it”. Danielson isn’t buying it, screaming at Helms to “never touch what’s mine again!” Danielson throws the title back towards the timekeeper, who now appears to know better, but as soon as Danielson enters back into the ring, he’s caught off guard by a Skipper spinning crescent kick!! Skimmer smashes his leg into Danielson’s nose and goes for another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Danielson still holds on!

Skipper then takes Danielson and gives him a pair of forearms to the face before trying to deliver a suplex. It’s Danielson this time who stops the move, his turn to now float over Skipper, but the veteran is ready for him and greets him with another knee to the gut, followed another. Skipper then takes Danielson and tries to whip him into the corner…but Danielson scales the corner and backlips right over Skipper!! This turns right into a duet of charging Danielson sitout clotheslines, Skipper rising back to his feet after the second one. Danielson then greets him with a vicious shoot kick to the midsection.

He follows that up with another, and another and another, each one harder than the last because he pauses to look at Helms until Skipper drops to one knee, clutching his midsection in pain. Danielson doesn’t stop there, giving Skipper even more repeat shoot kicks, increasing the tempo as he stares a hole through Helms still. Danielson lets out one final roar before gearing back and KICKING SKIPPER’S HEAD OFF! The impact of Skipper’s skull caving in is heard all over the arena, but Danielson doesn’t go for a cover there. Instead, he grabs the limp Skipper by both of his wrists…AND STARTS STOMPING THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF HIM!! The wrist-clutch stomping from Danielson doesn’t even seem to have a target, each stomp causing Skipper’s flexible body to violently whiplash and nail Skipper’s head, throat, and chest areas. And Danielson refuses to stop the onslaught, a look of pure rage overcoming his face as he relentlessly stomps the life out of Skipper so much, that the referee calls for the bell after Skipper is completely knocked out.

Winner: Bryan Danielson at (5:40)

Danielson doesn’t stop stomping until the referee damn near forces him off of Skipper, the Cruiserweight Champion in a fit of rage here tonight, surprising quite a few people. As soon as he stops rabidly stomping, he stares daggers over at Gregory Helms, his patched up orbital bone making the gaze look all the more menacing. Helms doesn’t look all too intimidated, but he does get up from the announce desk innocently and walks back over to the timekeeper’s table and slows down his walk…before walking away and back up the ramp.​


Joey Styles:
Well, Gregory Helms obviously looking to perhaps play a few mind games with Bryan Danielson before he challenges him for the Cruiserweight Championships.

JBL:
You’re damn right he is. An’ he’s doin’em pretty well I do say so myself.

Joey Styles:
Well, it really is hard to blame Helms. I mean he’s been beaten pretty decisively by Danielson twice before, so I imagine he’d try and do something a little different this time.

JBL:
Oh shut yer yap. He was out here doin’ exactly what he needed to do. He knows what Danielson’s capable of, but most importantly, he knows exactly what Danielson’s weaknesses are now.

Joey Styles:
Well speaking of weaknesses, what do you think of that ‘agreement’ that was struck by Ken Doane with American Made?

JBL:
I think it’s brilliant. I think Chris Jericho is a fantastic leader for letting his young gun go out an’ try to expand their worth, I think it’s great that Ken Doane is showing some initiative even after taking that huge blow in the Chamber loss, an’ I think it’s great that American Made is lookin’ to make themselves better an’, well, can ya blame’em for goin’ after a pretty girl?

Joey Styles:
Pretty women have been known to be the downfall of man, John.

JBL:
Yeah. I suppose you can go ask your buddy Christian about that one.

Joey Styles:
Anywho, there’s still more Oblivion to come after the break, because coming up next, coming off the heels of that incredible opening round contest in the Trios Tournament, we have another! Trios action, next!



The entire screen begins to cut in and out of static until we’re brought to what looks like an executive office scene, a chair sitting behind a desk. The entire scene is dimly lit and grungy looking until the chair swivels around to reveal Chris Jericho in a suit and a sinister smirk.

Chris Jericho:
There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture.


The scene throbs in static for a moment before returning to clarity, except this time, all color is sucked out of it and monochrome

Chris Jericho:
I am controlling transmission. If I wish to make it louder, I will bring up the volume.


The camera begins to slowly move towards Jericho, then it cuts away to the Hammerstein Ballroom losing their minds and cracking decibel levels

Chris Jericho:
If I wish to make it softer, I will tune it to a whisper.


It again flashes to Jericho staring hypnotically, then flashes back to Jericho holding the AOW Championship high to nothing but silence over the bodies of Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, and Bryan Danielson

Chris Jericho:
I can reduce the focus to a soft blur…


The scene gets blurry and out of focus so much, that we can’t make it out anymore…

Chris Jericho:
…or sharpen it to crystal clarity.


When the picture reforms, we’re on a very close up shot in the office of Jericho, his eyes locked on us as though he truly is getting us under his control

Chris Jericho:
I will control the horizontal.


As he says that now, a scene flashes of a horizontal white line that trails behind Bobby Lashley as he spears Rob Van Dam through a table from the World Ablaze main event

Chris Jericho:
I will control the vertical.


Another scene flash, this one of a vertical white line following Ken Doane as he puts Paul Heyman through the announce table with the Sky High Leg Drop

Chris Jericho:
For the first several months of this company, I have dominated all and proven my worth. Now I need more lands to conquer.


We’re back to Jericho now, pulling away from his close up, his puppetmaster fingers interlocking with each other on the front of his desk, the color somewhat returning to the scene, but everything is tinted with a red and white hue

Chris Jericho:
And I won’t just go for more things alone. Oh no. You all are coming with me. I will control what you see and hear.


We continue to pull back from the desk, but Jericho’s eyes haven’t budged

Chris Jericho:
You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to...The Outer Limits.


As Jericho says that, the wall behind him becomes draped with a tattered, bloody Canadian flag





~ART OF WAR WRESTING PRESENTS~

THE OUTER LIMITS
!!A THREE-HOUR PAY-PER-VIEW SPECIAL!!
Bell Centre - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
March 16th, 2008

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


We return from the break focused on the ring, but it isn’t long before we hear what sounds like “LONDON CALING” going across the arena, as The Hooliganz come through the curtain to a good solid pop, only for them to introduce the third member of their team tonight, Jack Evans. Evans does a little jig on the entrance stage with his partners before all three men madly dash down the ramp and into the ring. While London and Kendrick go to the turnbuckles to play to the crowd, Evans stays in the middle and break dances for a moment before stopping. The three lunatics get a good reception, with Evans looking like he’s teaching the ‘ganz how to dance like him while they wait for their opponents…

“WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL” hits its ominous pipe organ, as the newly named Mercenaries, Inc. steps through the curtain at a slow, methodical pace to display William Regal and the Mercenaries in all their meticulous glory. Burchill and Albright throw off their black jackets, but Regal keeps his black and red one draped over his shoulders as he and the Mercs make their slow walk down the ramp. The team captain steps into the ring first, the perpetual scowl still etched on his face before throwing off his coat and greeting the opposing team captain, who would turns out to be Paul London. The two shake hands as the tournament seems to call for, but there’s nothing respectful about the look in Regal’s eye at all.

MATCH 3
~AOW Trios Tournament Opening Round~
The Hooliganz & Jack Evans
v.
Mercenaries, Inc.


The opening minutes of the contest saw Jack Evans display some athleticism for his team, but it didn’t take long for William Regal to capitalize on his recklessness and put him at the mercy of he and his corner. But even so, Mercs Inc didn’t want much to do with Evans, but keep demanding that London tag himself in. We pick up two minutes into the contest, Evans rolling back into his corner and now tagging in Brian Kendrick, defying the wishes of the Mercs. Seeing this, Regal tags in Albright and gives him instructions before he steps in. The two fresh men approach center ring and lock up, but it doesn’t take long at all for Albright to break the lock up and take Kendrick down with a massive double leg takedown, almost looking like a spinebuster.

Albright takes clear control of Kendrick here, dragging him around and pulling him into submission holds to wear him down and potentially force him to tag back out. Albright catches Kendrick in what looks like a modified camel clutch, but Kendrick fights his way out back to his feet, trying to reach his way into his corner. But just when it seems like he’ll get there, Albright pulls back for what looks like a full nelson suplex, but Kendrick manages to flip out onto his feet and hit Albright in the spine with a dropkick, propelling him towards the high-flyer corner. Albright’s jaw collides with the post, stunning him, while Kendrick does get to tag in London. Evans grabs the still stunned rookie by his arms, while Kendrick grabs his legs, holding him in place draped across the corner so London can leap in…and mushroom stomps him in the back!! London with an impressive triple team cover – 1…2…NO!! Albright still has enough in him to kick out!

The team captain doesn’t waste much time trying to up the pace, but as he tries to whip Albright into the ropes, the whip is reversed. On the rebound, London catches Albright by surprise and leaps at him with a full on crossbody, but Albright isn’t caught off enough as he rolls through the move and covers London himself – 1…2…NO!! London throws his legs up to escape the hold, but as he does, Albright grabs hold of him and plants him with a back suplex and another cover – 1…2…NO!! London still has some gusto in him, Albright trying to wrench that gusto out of him with a rear chinlock. London needs some prompting from the crowd and his corner, but when he gets it, he escapes the neck wrenching move with a sitout jawbreaker!

Albright goes reeling, London nailing him with a series of arm drags and capping it off with a beautiful dropkick, the pace all in the high end now as London goes for another cover – 1…2…NO!! Albright still has some resolve, but he gets nothing to show for it but a London kick to the gut. London rebounds to try and go for another move, but Albright sidesteps him and catches him from behind…HALF NELSON SUPLEX!! The same move that damn near gave Super Crazy a concussion Sunday night strikes again!! Albright with a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! London stays in! Albright doesn’t waste much time following that, however, as he now tagging in Burchill. Burchill doesn’t leap in, instead waiting for Albright to take London’s legs and set up the catapult…MERCY KILL!! MERCY KILL CONNECTING!! The catapult/second rope clothesline combo beheads the completely unsuspecting London!! This could be it if they pin the captain, Burchill covering – 1…2…3…NO!!! Evans and Kendrick both storm the ring to break the count!

But as both of those men storm the ring, so does Regal and Albright, the four non-legal men duking it out here! Kendrick and Evans gain the surprise upper hand, dropkicking Regal and Albright out of the ring!! They then wait for them as they get back to their feet on the outside, both men rushing towards the ropes with double suicide dives…NOBODY HOME!! Regal shoves Albright out of the way of the projectile bodies as they go completely crashing and burning. Regal jumps back onto the apron, as Burchill tries to lift the still dizzied London up for perhaps a turnbuckle powerbomb…but London keeps rolling over for a sunset flip attempt!

Burchill doesn’t go all the way down, however, teetering over London as he tries to pull him. This allows Burchill to tag in Regal, London pulling him over for the sunset pin…but there’s no count. Burchill rolls out of the futile pin attempt to greet a puzzled London, who gets punted in the gut by Burch, doubling him over. Regal takes note of this and rebounds off the ropes nearby…and ROCKS LONDON’S TEMPLE WITH THE KNEE TREMBLER!! London, coming off the half-nelson and the Mercy Kill, is possibly concussed with that one last blow to the head!! London drops lifelessly to the canvas at the feet of the legal Regal, who doesn’t go for the pin, but instead wraps both of his legs up…and contorts London’s body into the REGAL STRETCH!! All the concentrated damage London’s taken in in almost no time flat now takes its toll…and causes him to tap out!!

Winners: Mercenaries, Inc. at (6:42)

Regal just stands up and dusts off as if that were business as usual, the newest member of the AOW roster getting his team the win in very quick fashion. Burchill and Albright soon join him in victory, but none of the men look very emotive bar the devilish smirk they all seem to be sharing​


Joey Styles:
A very convincing win for William Regal and the Mercenaries, but I found it most interesting the way they went about this match – they didn’t care to live up to the opener.

JBL:
Because they didn’t need to, Joey. It’s not always about stealin’ the show an’ making these people walk away happy. These guys are here to hurt people an’ make money hurtin’ people. You saw that with the strategy they used. They didn’t’ dillydally – they found out who the team captain was and went right after him to end this thing as quickly as possible.

Joey Styles:
They are brutal and methodical men who live up to their name indeed. But speaking of brutal and methodical men, this past Sunday at This is Exile, Finlay may have gone too far in his quest to break Rob Van Dam...er...Robert Szatowski. Sunday night, it was Tommy Dreamer, the old ECW mainstay, who answered Finlay's open challenge.

JBL:
I love Tommy D, but there was just simply no way he could have beaten Finlay.

Joey Styles:
Well, Finlay brutalized Dreamer to the point of hospitalization in an attempt to draw a fight out of Szatowski. He did not succeed, but we do have word that Dreamer is doing fine, recovering from his wounds like any ECW Alumni would. From one devout Extremist to another, Tommy, I wish you a speedy recovery.



~Backstage, locker room area


We’re brought to the scene of Mick Foley, Samoa Joe, and Christian Cage standing together. Joe is looking like he’s trying to ease Christian, who is sitting, while Foley reaches in his flannel and pulls out a cell phone. He reads the screen before speaking.


Mick Foley:
Well, I just got word that Jericho has long left the arena. He just up and ran.

Joe:
Figures. Any word on the big guy?

Mick Foley:
He’s gone with’em.

Joe:
Damn. You let me know anything you find out. I got a hit list to finish.


Joe pats Christian on the back before walking out of the scene, leaving Foley and Cage alone. Cage looks just as intense as he did in the opening minutes, staring a hold through the floor…until there’s a knock on the door. Without much else warning, in comes…Paul Heyman?!? In a wheelchair and neckbrace?!? Heyman is wheeled in by a broad shouldered man wearing a three piece black suit and sunglasses (although he looks incredibly similar to OVW talent Alex Riley…)

Paul Heyman:
Hello, Foley.

Mick Foley:
Mr. Heyman. What a pleasant surprise. Come on in!

Paul Heyman:
…uh…

~Heyman takes a look in the door and sees the madman looking Cage

Paul Heyman:
…how about you come out here.

Mick Foley:
Suit yourself.

~Foley exits through the door and into Heyman’s hallway, the camera following them. Foley makes no effort to close the door behind him, allowing us to be able to see Christian as the two men converse in the hall

Mick Foley:
I heard you weren’t supposed to be flushing your own toilet until sometime next month, let alone be up and rolling around here.

Paul Heyman:
After that debacle I saw opening my show tonight?? I broke every traffic law in the book getting here!!

Mick Foley:
Good think you didn’t break your neck, eh?

~Foley ‘playfully’ gives Heyman a whack on the back of the neck, prompting Heyman to become completely paralyzed in pain, his eyes as wide open as his mouth, but no sound is coming out

Mick Foley:
So. What can I do ya for?

Paul Heyman:
You can start by not letting my program fall into utter chaos. That would be preferable.

Mick Foley:
Sorry, boss. No can do. I like the guys in the office to take a ‘hands on approach’ to problem solving, you know?

~The smartass jab is not lost on Heyman, who scowls through his neckbrace while Foley beams a grin right back

Paul Heyman:
Oh yeah? Well next week, you’re gonna make sure there’s order!! Because that’s when Christian and Jericho will sign on for their AOW Championship match at The Outer Limits. If either one of them so much as thinks about touching the other before, during, or even in the weeks after that, they’ll be severely punished. Do I make myself clear??

Mick Foley:
Yes sir, you do.

Paul Heyman:
Good. Now wheel me back out to my car.

~The Riley-esque MIB agent wheels Heyman right back out of the scene, leaving Foley with a bit of a hopeless look on his face. He goes back into the locker room, Christian not having moved a muscle

Mick Foley:
So I’m guessing you heard that?

Christian Cage:
Yeah. He said I have a week to figure out how to kill him without touching him.

~Christian says nothing else, getting up and walking out of the door to a somewhat surprised Foley who, after a moment, gets a semi-smile behind his bushy beard as we fade away…


We're brought to what looks like a very dingy street in a run-down neighborhood. There's a sudden flash in the scene, showing a very shadowy figure walking down that street. We can't see anything about them other than a golden crucifix chain around their neck. The figure then reaches out around it's neck and puts the golden cross on doorknob of one of the rundown houses in the neighborhood. In a flash, the figure is gone and all that's left is the chain gleaming in the sun on the door until we see the words --

THE SAINT HAS MARCHED...

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


We come back to Oblivion to see a wide pan shot of the ring area and to hear the ringing of the bell and Tony Chimel telling us that the following contest is for the AOW Dynasty Championship. Not too long after that, the ominous and annoying Arabic chanting hits the sound system, as “MAD MAN” rings out over it to a great deal of heat as Muhammad Hassan pushes his way through the blood-red curtain and opens his arms to the sky to absorb all of that heat. Hassan is in absolutely no hurry whatsoever to get to the ring…and we soon see why, as Hassan doesn’t even walk down the ramp, but instead, proceeds to disappear behind one of the Roman stone columns making up the entrance stage decoration. The heat is unbridled for this, as many know what may come next…

…but this greatly contrasts when “MISERA CANTARE – THE BEGINNING” blares out across the arena, as Dynasty Champion CM Punk breaks on through the curtain with a great deal of desire in his eyes. He drops to one knee, but as he does, he tends to his lower back, which is still understandably wrapped with pain. But Punk gets no time to declare what time it is because here comes Hassan ambushing Punk from behind!!

MAIN EVENT
*AOW DYNASTY CHAMPIONSHIP*
CM Punk(c)
v.
Muhammad Hassan


Everyone saw this coming a moment ago, but Hassan doesn’t seem to care, as he doesn’t wait to lay into Punk here! Brooks barely has time to unhook the title from around his waist when Hassan gets in his face and starts going at him with hard clubs before pulling on Punk’s elastic waistband of his tights and keeps pulling him back in for repeat forearm shots to the lower back, Hassan immediately targeting a spot here! The crowd throws a shitload of heat for this, referee Ray Ramsey now stepping out of the ring and having to go chase down the combatants, begging them to get into the ring.

Hassan yanks Punk by his hair and starts leading him down the ramp, apparently adhering to the referee’s admonishments, but he stops about halfway down, only to take Punk and chunk him spine-first into the guard rail!! Ramsey again admonishes Hassan for that, but Hassan doesn’t seem to give much of a damn, taking Punk by his hair once again and leading him all the way down to ringside where he looks like he’s going to throw Punk in the ring, but instead, he just grabs around his midsection and drives his lower back into the ring lip!! Punk lets out a scream of pain, as Hassan is really picking apart the already battered Punk in what was obviously a premeditated notion, almost mirroring his strategy from their first encounter.

Hassan finally rolls Punk into the ring, but Punk doesn’t let him go for a cover, instead, opting to use some ring presence to roll away from him and stay on his stomach. Hassan notices this and just uses it to get free shots at Punk’s exposed back, laying his boots into it and causing Punk to cry out in pain once again. Hassan then drops a knee right into the worked over area before leaving it there, pulling up on Punk’s hair to further the torque. Ramsey is ordering he let go of the hair, which Hassan does, but only to take Punk’s head in his hands and throw it into the canvas. Punk’s head whiplashes violently before Hassan looks to finally go for a cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Punk rolls the shoulder, but Hassan stays right on him and gives him a hard club to the side of the head before bringing Punk back to his feet and setting him back down with a high-elevation backdrop. Punk curdles his entire body in pain, Hassan forcing him back down for another cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

There’s still much left in the tank from Punk, who tries as he might to get to his feet but has to stop and grip his ailing vertebrate. Hassan watches the weakened Punk try, only to kick the dog by literally kicking him in the face. He then takes Punk and tosses him into the opposite ropes, but Punk doesn’t come back, wrapping both arms around the rope. Hassan charges at Punk to try and push the issue, but Punk greets him with his first sign of offense so far with a kick to the face of his own. Hassan stumbles away, giving Punk time to rush towards Hassan and roll through him, catching him in a school boy pin attempt –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Hassan kicks his feet up just in time, just narrowly escaping Punk’s attempt at a fast one. But just as soon as both men roll to their feet, Punk surprises Hassan and everyone by clocking him in the head with the roundhouse!! From literally out of nowhere, Punk reminds us that he’s very much alive!! Hassan is stricken in the back of his head, falling flat and rolling out of the ring, perhaps out of instinct. This gets a good amount of heat from the crowd, as Hassan breaks up Punk’s momentum before he can even really get going. Hassan roams the outside trying to shake the cobwebs out of his noggin, walking over near the entrance ramp to maybe get more room to pace. Worn out spine and all, Punk doesn’t give him that time to do anything, opting instead to go up to the ropes and leap on them…SPRINBOARD CLOTHESLINE TO THE OUTSIDE!! PUNK FLIES INTO BEHEADING HASSAN ON THE OUTSIDE!! The crowd suddenly has a fire lit under their ass, everyone on their feet to see that move and pop hard for it, but both men feel the effects of the move outside, Punk having to again tend to his back. Both he and Hassan lay out as we cut away for our final…


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


When we cut back from the break, both men are still fighting on the outside, the count out having been restarted at some point or another, but it’s Hassan who is now on the offensive, trying to toss Punk into the steel ring steps. But Punk reverses the momentum and the whip, instead sending HASSAN CRASHING INTO THE STEPS!! The ring steps get displaced from the momentum Hassan strikes them. Ramsey has his count out up to six at the moment, but Punk rolls in and rolls out to break the count, still opting to be a fighting champion.

Punk strikes Hassan with a hard backhand that looks a bit stiff as he brings Hassan back to his feet. Even though he was just rocked, Hassan still has his head on straight, surprising Punk by clubbing him in the base of the spine, going for the tender spot again. He then looks to possibly break Punk’s back when he gets him back up for a backdrop ON TOP OF THE DISPLACED STEEL STEPS…but Punk manages to fight out of the move, forcing Hassan to put Punk back on his feet. It’s now Punk’s turn to ram Hassan, this time forcing him spine first into the steel ring post!! Hassan stays up against the post from the impact of the move, Punk taking a few steps back and rushing right back at Hassan, leaping off the steel steps…INTO THE RUNNING HIGH KNEE!! HASSAN’S HEAD POUNDS AGAINST THE STEEL RING POST BEHIND IT!!

A double whammy blow for Hassan there, Punk now taking advantage and rolling the limp body of Hassan in the ring, which isn’t easy now that it’s completely dead weight. Punk quickly climbs in and goes to cover Hassan for his first real definite cover –

1…

2…


3-NO!!

Punk possibly took too much time trying to roll Hassan back in, but whatever the case, Hassan rolls a shoulder!! Punk lets out a little growl of frustration but doesn’t sit on it for too long, opting instead to go back over to the ring ropes and climb through them. Punk lies in wait on the ring apron, keeping his weight back and stalking Hassan as he slowly makes it to his feet…another springboard clothesline…NO!! Hassan sidesteps sending Punk crashing right back down empty handed. Hassan wastes no time going back over to Punk, pulling him up by his hair and catching him in the inverted facelock…FINAL TOUCH!! The high speed elbow sends the back of Punk’s head crashing down, Hassan hooking a leg here –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk still has more life in him!! It’s Hassan who now lets out a roar of frustration now, letting out some of that frustration by laying more boots into Punk’s spine, going back to the weak point. Hassan stops only to acknowledge the heat being thrown on him, spitting in the fan’s general direction. He reaches on down to grab Punk by the hair yet again…GTS!! GTS…NO!! Hassan drops off of Punk’s shoulders, catching him in a front headlock…lifting swinging DDT!! Punk’s head is planted into the canvas, Hassan now in control once again –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

PUNK ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! The crowd pops in approval, as Hassan pounds the mat in utter anger, even pulling Ramsey close and ordering that he make sure that wasn’t a three count. Ramsey says it wasn’t, infuriating Hassan even more. Hassan takes a moment to knock some sense back into his head, possibly still feeling the effects of that high knee on the outside. Copani then stays on Punk, stalking him until he gets back to his feet, charging at him…SNAP POWERSLAM!! Punk snaps back to life, slamming Hassan over!! Punk scrambles to hook the leg and keep his title –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Hassan throws a shoulder up, but Punk grabs the shoulder that was thrown into the air and uses it to bring Hassan right back to his feet. He pulls Hassan in for a pair of knee strikes to the ribs before getting some double underhooks on the Mad Man…double underhook backbreaker!! It’s Hassan’s turn to feel some back pain!! Hassan crumples to the canvas, Punk again scurrying to get on top of him –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

AGAIN Punk can’t put Hassan away here! Punk has to push the hair out of his eyes and now he asks Ramsey if he was sure that wasn’t three. Ramsey assures him it was only two, Punk being forced to keep going. Hassan uses the ropes to try and get back to his feet, gripping at his back now. Punk roams over to Hassan, only for him to catch Punk in a drop toehold, dropping Punk’s neck across the top rope!! A lot of heat goes across for that signature heel tactic, Hassan now able to use it to take Punk up and get him in position for the REVERSE STO…NO!! Punk stops the finishing move by striking Hassan repeatedly in the side of the head with elbows, forcing Hassan away. Punk follows up on that with another roundhouse…NO!! Hassan ducks underneath that one, grabbing Punk from behind – BACKDROP BACKBREAKER!! Punk’s ailing spine comes right back into play as it’s dropped right across Hassan’s knee. Hassan going for the title winning cover now –

1…

2…

3…NO!!

PUNK STILL HAS LIFE!! A huge pop from the Hammerstein for their midcard hero, but Hassan immediately silences the cheers by stepping over Punk’s back…AND LOCKING IN THE CAMEL CLUTCH!! CAMEL CLUTCH!! All the work to Punk’s back may come to a head here, as Hassan pulls up and furthers the strain all over that area!!! The crowd is going crazy, everyone in the Hammerstein begging Punk to stay in there, but the pain is written on his face as he desperately tries to crawl to a rope. Hassan has a look of sheer intensity in his eyes, roaring across the arena for Punk to tap out. Punk doesn’t want it to end like this here, but he’s got no way out. With every move Punk makes crawling on his elbow to a corner, Hassan appears to crank back some more. Punk reaches, wanting more than anything to get out of this with his title and his back intact, but everything in him is wrapped with pain…HE GETS THERE!! PUNK WRAPS AN ARM AROUND THE BOTTOM ROPE!!

Even so, Hassan refuses to let go of the hold, forcing the referee to get all the way to a count of four before finally stopping the strain on Punk’s back. Punk can’t even get to his feet the pain is so great. The devout straight-edger has to use the ropes to get to try and get to his feet, but he’s stopped part of the way up when Hassan gives him another good club to the base of the spine before forcing his head up against the middle rope, choking Punk out now. Again, referee Ramsey has to count Hassan down, but he lets go before he’s disqualified. Frustrated all to hell now, Hassan takes Punk and gets him in his arms once again for the REVERSE STO…but Punk is aware of his surroundings, using a drop toehold that mirrors Hassan’s earlier to drop Hassan’s face off the ring corner!!

Hassan is suddenly dizzied, giving Punk enough time to get some breath back in him and get back to his feet, giving Hassan a good right hand for insurance. Punk now looks to climb up to the top rope, oddly not taking Hassan with him until he’s already there. He puts Hassan in the double underhooks once again and brings him up the middle rope…oh we’ve seen Punk end Hassan with this before…PEPSI PLUNDGE…NO!! Hassan stands upright, flipping Punk over in a back body drop from the second rope, all the way to the canvas below!!

Again, Punk’s body is wrapped in pain, falling right on his ailing back. Hassan is now in unfamiliar territory on the higher plane, but he decides to go for something big and climb all the way to the top rope. What could Hassan possibly have in mind? It takes him a moment to get his footing down, but just when it looks like he has it, Punk gets a burst of adrenaline and springs to life, quickly climbing up the top rope with Hassan…FRANKENSTEIR!! FRANKENSTEIR!! HASSAN GOES FLIPPING ALL THE WAY TO THE MAT!! Punk is down! Hassan is down! The crowd is flipping their shit for yet another impressive contest between these two bitter rivals! Neither man can make it to their feet, Ramsey forced to start the KO count –

…1!!



…2!!

...

…3!!



…4!!



…5!!



…6!!


Punk climbs to his feet gripping the ring ropes, waiting on Hassan…

…7!!


Hassan begins to get vertical…

…8!!

Punk signals that it’s naptime for Hassan as both men get completely vertical, the count being broken as immediately puts Hassan on his shoulders for the GTS!! GTS…PUNK’S BACK GIVES WAY!! Just like their first encounter, Hassan’s working of the back comes right back into play when Punk can’t hold Hassan up for too long! Punk is forced to drop to a knee, but Hassan drops to his feet and yanks Punk back for the REVERSE STO!! REVERSE STO CONNECTING…OR NOT?!? ANACONDA VICE!! ANACONDA VICE!! It looked like Hassan got the reverse STO, but it was Punk who forced Hassan down with a urange instead!! Hassan is choking himself out from the precarious position he’s in, trying his damndest to try and get out by driving some knees into Punk’s spine…but Punk SHIFTS HIS HIPS, getting them completely clear of Hassan’s reach while the submission is locked in completely tight!! The crowd is white hot, Punk screaming passionately along with them while Hassan tries to fight more and more, but can’t find a way out and fades by the second…

…………
……

………
……

……
……HE TAPS!! HE TAPS!! HASSAN TAPS OUT!! IT’S OVER!!

Winner and STILL AOW Dynasty Champion: CM Punk
at (14:49)

He did it!! Punk, battered, bruised, and completely beaten, has prevailed by making the man who has been on him forever finally submit in definitive fashion!! Punk is handed his Dynasty Championship and has it and his hand hoisted high for all to see that he has indeed fought for his freedom here tonight.


Joey Styles:
There you see it! Do you need any more proof that this kid is for real?

JBL:
This is hodgepodge!! Throw this match out!

Joey Styles:
Oh, now you wanna cry foul? You weren’t saying the match should be thrown out when Hassan ambushed Punk and damn near won the title by dirty tactics, were you? Besides, you nor anyone else has any reason to say he didn’t fight tooth and nail for that win.

JBL:
I can say whatever the hell I wanna say an’ I say this kid doesn’t deserve that damn Dynasty Championship!

Joey Styles:
OH~!! Who the hell is that…?


Styles and Jibbles are cut off on the commentary booth by Punk suddenly being struck from behind with a burlap sack!! Punk collapses to the canvas where Hassan once was, where we get a good shot at whoever the hell just drilled him. A man dressed in all black, what looks like a turtleneck covering his mouth, sunglasses, and a hood covering up his facial identity. The crowd is letting out a resounding round of heat for whoever the hell this is, but Punk’s lights are out. Whatever was in that sack has completely done away with Punk, but the man in black doesn't drop it. Instead, he reaches down into his hoodie and pulls out…a gold crucifix chain, the very one that we’ve been seeing in video packages for weeks. Is this “The Saint?”

Whoever he is, the next thing he does is pull down his hood, revealing cornrows. It’s a black guy? With the hood down, we do see his forehead, confirming it is indeed a dark skinned man. He then pulls down the collar of his turtleneck, revealing the lower half of his face, showing us some facial hair. Some can already start to recognize him, but it’s not until he pulls off his sunglasses that the whole arena stares back in shock…



MONTEL VONTAVIOUS PORTER?!?! WHAT THE HELL??? IT’S MVP!!



A man, A CHAMPION, who was literally on Monday Night RAW days ago and at the Smackdown tapings the very next night is standing in the middle of an AOW ring!! What’s the meaning of this? The entire Hammerstein is buzzing something fierce, only for MVP to reach down into his burlap sack and pull out…







THE WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP?!?!?!?!





Joey Styles:
That’s…that’s Montel Vontavious Porter and that’s…that’s not an AOW title!

JBL:
That’s the property of a whole other company!! What the hell is goin’ on here??

Joey Styles:
Did someone just jump ship?? What in the hell is all this -- ?


The final image we get of the fallout from This is Exile edition of Oblivion is that of the man we know as Montel Vontavious Porter/Antonio Banks holding the title which he holds currently in another company high over the body of a decimated Dynasty Champion in CM Punk with a plethora of more questions than answers as we

Fade…

To…

Black…

END SHOW



THE OUTER LIMITS
The Belle Centre – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
March 16th, 2008
*Current Card*


*AOW Heavyweight Championship*
The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Man on the Moon Christian Cage

~AOW Trios Tournament Finals~
TBA vs. TBA


Hope all don't hate me for lateness, or at least hate me less for the ending...:side:
 
#208 ·
I am new to the forums/your thread so that is a short disclaimer to my review.

To start off this is awesome. Christian and Jericho are two of my favorite workers on the mic, so I can really see this opening promo happening in my head (despite the fact that I don’t know what kind of gimmicks they play in this thread). Christian seems to be very persistent and confident, something that he really needs to be taken seriously in a feud with the champion.

Things got really intense here then BOOM Samoa Joe comes out and all out chaos. This is a pretty awesome brawl. Not surprised by the decision to have Jericho come out unscathed. Although Christian gets the brownie points for beating down the champ, Jericho still leaves the ring as the more “powerful” man.

WGTT/Low Ki vs SoD/Storm- I like this idea of a 3 on 3 tournament. Its pretty creative and entertaining (especially if there are entertaining workers like the guys in this match). I liked the little riffs between Low Ki and WGTT, it makes sense that they would have some issues with who gets to be in the ring and when to tag and stuff. The WGTT are an awesome all-time tag team with a lot of talent, and that mid-air dropkick by Haas after the commercial break was cool and shows how talented of a performer he is.
That Superkick/Suplex combo was cool. Shows the progression of the team throughout the match. I didn’t even realize that this was an elimination match, but a bit surprised that Benjamin is the first to go. In the end the handicap just proves to be too much for Ki and Haas. I like that Lance Storm gets the victory being that he is the head of the faction.

Finally Jericho gets his explanation from where Doane has been. Jericho is absolutely on point this segment. Lattie freakin da hahaha that was pretty funny. Jericho is just so entertaining and how you use him has been very entertaining so far. I think that Hager and Nameth will end up joining Jericho’s faction when this is all said and done based on Jericho’s “you guys owe me one” statement. But this 3 man team is gonna be interesting as they are all superstars that I like.

The Punk interview was the perfect small segment to both lead up to the match and helped out Punk’s character and credibility as the champion.

Danielson vs Skipper- This is another match with skilled competitors so I like that right off the bat. I don’t know how the division split goes but Danielson as Cruiserweight champion seems a little off compared to what I’ve read in other BTB’s/real life WWE. But I guess the cruiserweight division has some big names because of Helms coming down to the ring and joining commentary. ANYWAYS, match was pretty good but ending took me by surprise. Danielson just went completely off on Skipper, I guess to make a statement to Helms. Helms making it interesting by just walking backstage rather than getting into an encounter.

Hooliganz/Evans vs Mercenaries- Another one of these interesting 3 on 3 matches. My prediction would be the full faction wins the match (Mercenaries) rather than the makeshift tag team with extra wrestler. It looked like the Hooliganz would be able ti get the victory with the broken 3 count, but Regal looked superior and made sure his team was on top. Nice ending to the match.

I am really liking your usage of Christian. It really is making him seem like a main eventer and not just an upper carder being forced to the main event. Big announcement for the match signing next week, I can see that getting a little crazy. Id also like to see if anything escalates between Foley and Heyman.

Punk vs Hassan- This is definitely a dream match of mine. Hassan was one of my favorites during his time and Punk is one of my favorites now. I am expecting a really great main event, but Punk will come out victorious in the end. Hassan asserts himself as the clearly dirty player with the attack from behind. I like how Punk gets himself back into the match after the attack by using an extreme high-flying move before the break. The match is very even and when Hassan gets the Camel Clutch in I was starting to have some doubts of Punk winning. The ending was absolutely nuts. Lots of failed finisher attempts leading to the end with the Anaconda Vice. I like the usage of submissions as endings rather than always ending with a grappled finisher.

Whattt theee???? Did not see MVP coming especially since he is a WWE signed superstar. I can’t wait to see where this storyline goes next week.

Overall- Awesome show. This is the first show I have ever reviewed for this forum and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. You show bundles of creativity while also maintaining realistic tendencies.
 
#235 · (Edited)
I permit all of you to dock me points because I went completely overboard :$. I am aware of this.

But now I give you the most taxing, hugest show I've ever written. You can hate me later.



Black Screen


The black on the screen begins to melt away to an image of falling snow, an image beginning to form in it, majestic music going along with the breaking of new light…



Narrator:
From the time men are born, they dream of glory.


A shot of The Hammerstein Ballroom, filled to the brim of fans on their feet as someone stands in the middle of the ring after winning…


Narrator:
They dream of that one night where they overcome all obstacles and stand in victory.


We get a blurred, behind the back shot of someone lifting a title high at World Ablaze…


Narrator:
They dream of the day when all look to them in awe.


Various shots of crowds on their feet, raising their hands, shaking their heads, and hands covering their mouths…


Narrator:
When they become larger than life.


Chris Jericho holds the AOW Championship over his head from the pilot episode, the evil in his eyes only matched by the pride of the moment…


Narrator:
Immortal.


Christian Cage, a completely bloody and sweaty entity, is the last man standing in the first ever War Chamber, barely able to stand and raise both his arms to the sky


Narrator:
Unlimited.


This transitions seamlessly into Shawn Michaels on his knees with his arms open on the ramp, celebrating after becoming #1 contender in December…


The majestic music then abruptly stops and shows us a black background against a headshot of the Master of Puppets, Chris Jericho


Chris Jericho:
But this is not that night. This is war.


The majestic music gives way to somber, but angry strings as a camera pans across a frozen terrain warzone, bodies lain everywhere amidst the freeze. The fallen seem to be in pseudo-samurai armor…


We then melt into headshots of whoever is speaking, beginning with Rob Van Dam…



Rob Van Dam:
There is no glory here.


RVD tries to pick himself up after losing yet another AOW Championship opportunity…



Christian Cage:
Only shattered dreams and bloodshed.



Christian is left a bloody, teary mess after being forced out of the company…



Shawn Michaels:
Only disappointment and ruin.



Michaels is on his knees, looking around at the crowd after losing his job and career…



Rob Van Dam:
Where man is reminded he is not larger than life…



RVD wearily gets to his feet…



Finlay:
…but merely at the bottom of the food chain.



…only to be cracked in the head by Finlay’s shillelagh



Christian Cage:
Mortal.


Christian, despite his best efforts against Lashley, is led out of the arena by security…


Shawn Michaels:
Limited.


Shawn Michaels waves for what could have been his final goodbye…



Rey Mysterio:
The only thing without limits here is the battlefield.


Dust and snow swirls up and shows men being stabbed and sliced from a war on Feudal Japanese soil. With every body that hits the floor, a shaky shot of a wrestling ring flashes by…


Samoa Joe:
It is unflinching.


Another body drops on the battlefield…another body falls to the ring canvas…


Carlito Colon:
It is unbiased.


The warrior who has been doing all the slashing of bodies himself gets slashed before shots of Paul Heyman getting destroyed in the ring cut in…


Paul “The Great” Wright
It is unfeeling.


The shot on Wright lingers just a bit longer before fading away into a very, very close up shot of someone rolling their shoulder off the canvas…


No transitions to the frozen battlefield, just fades from shot to shot of men telling their stories…



Sons of the Dungeon:
It cares not if you wish to return home…





William Regal:
…what you wish to win…






Charlie Haas:
…if you are at odds with a friend…





Antonio Banks:
…what your skin color is…





CM Punk:
…or whether you have further dreams of glory.





Gregory Helms:
It cares only for this battle.





Bryan Danielson:
The final battle.



The screen goes dark…


…before lighting back up with the galloping of a warhorse, the unfettered animal marching over the bodies of the fallen in the snow. On his back is a man in a general’s uniform, arm raised and hoisting a sword…


Narrator:
But even so, men risk life and limb to reach this unforgiving plateau.


The horse storms towards a lone warrior on the opposing side, who quickly takes a katana and slices the beast’s legs, the rider falling off in slow motion…


Narrator:
Because this is the only place heroes can be made and euphoria can be attained.


The lone warrior now has the general in his sights and on the ground, defenseless. He raises his sword and brings it down with vigor and malice. Blood shoots onto his face before the headshots return…


Finlay:
Where a man will do whatever it takes to win.





Rob Van Dam:
Where a name is all you have.





Shawn Michaels:
Where redemption meets desperation.





Christian Cage:
Where desperation gives rise to hunger.





Chris Jericho:
And where even a god can be challenged.






Kofi Kingston:
But the only way to do this…





Tyler Black:
…is to step on the battlefield.





Super Crazy:
J’ou must not hold back.





Brent Albright:
You must forget all limits.





Aero Star:
Sin limites.





Shelton Benjamin:
Take the inner conflicts…





Rob Van Dam:
…the inner demons…





CM Punk:
…the inner passion…





Christian Cage:
…the inner desires…





Shawn Michaels:
…and break their bonds and transcend to…


The lone warrior is now has his sword in one hand and the head of the general in the other. The silhouetted man raises his prize above his head and lets out a primal scream in the midst of snow and shadows…


The scene suddenly expands, showing the victorious warrior as the lone survivor amidst a bloody, snowy battlefield littered with corpses once before zooming farther…and farther…and farther away…


…until we pull away from the scene, the entire thing revealed to be a snowglobe of sorts, the Canadian maple leaf shown on the base with the words “From Montreal” bolted into it. The holder of the snowglobe is none other than the suit wearing looming mastermind that is Chris Jericho…



Chris Jericho:
…to The Outer Limits.








AND NOW…MAMAJUANA ENERGY AND ART OF WAR WRESTLING PRESENT…THE GRANDEST STAGE OF WAR – THE OUTER LIMITS!!



**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**


After the impressive, WWE-esque pyro display, the commentary team stays silent as the camera captures the euphoria of what looks almost like a full house. 20,000 people have shown up in the Bell Center, none of them silent or sitting down and holding up signs that read “CHRISTIAN – IT’S TIME!!”, “I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD”, “HBK – YOU ARE NOT FORGIVEN”, the standard “FOLEY IS GOD”, and even a “MONTREAL IS JERICHO” poster.


We pan around to take a look at the stage now that the smoke from the pyro has cleared, the set looking quite impressive with what looks to be a gloss on a fairly simple stage. The gloss is very different from what we’ve seen from AOW stage so far, but the way the lights hit the stage, the gloss rotates from gleaming to almost looking like…blood? The big screens are two gigantic yin-yang screens, mirroring the ones shown on every edition of Oblivion.



Joey Styles:
It’s here. The biggest show, the grandest payoff in all of AOW. This is the Grandest Stage of War, our Season Finale, our Final Stand. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to The Outer Limits! I’m Joey Styles alongside my broadcast partner, a former world champion in his own right – John “Bradshaw” Layfield.


JBL:
I can hardly hear myself think, Joey! These fan’s here in Montreal have voices like dynamite because the roof has been blown clean off.


Joey Styles:
Well I’m glad to see you in such a chipper mood, John. I mean, it only took AOW finally leaving the United States and heading north of the border, but I’m glad you can finally see how great this night is!


JBL:
Hey, there ain’t a whole lot of things I like about Canada. But I do love Canadians. Talk about passionate wrestling hotbeds, it don’t get any better than this.


Joey Styles:
Indeed it doesn’t! We’re in the middle of Montreal, Quebec’s Bell Center. It’s time for AOW to truly stretch it’s limits and show just how incredible it can be! It’s only our third Pay-Per-View ever, but rest assured, it’s the biggest thing on the wrestling calendar this year.


JBL:
Hey timekeeper! Ring the bell! Let’s get this hoedown started! Ha-ha!!



***DING DING DING***



Tony Chimel:
The following contest is the Final Encounter match for the AOW Cruiserweight Champ-ionshiiiiiipp!!!


Another incredible ovation from Montreal, a HUGE match already set up from the get go!


Tony Chimel:
In this match, there will be no count outs and no disqualifications. The only way to win is by pinfall or submission. Regardless of the outcome, Bryan Danielson versus Gregory Helms for the Cruiserweight Championship will never take place again.


The crowd (and maybe some readers) are now somewhat more clear on the rules of a match of this stature, somewhat of a hush falling over the crowd for a moment until…


“LISTEN~!!”


**IT’S TIME (HACKER’S REMIX)**


The excitement and buzz of the opening minutes becomes an intense rain of heat, as Gregory Helms becomes the first man to step through the blood-red double doors that represent the now signature red curtain of AOW. Helms doesn’t look the least bit phased, a cocky flair following him all the way down the entrance aisle, which actually isn’t a ramp. It’s an elevated platform aisle, one that one would more commonly see in Japan or in the old ECW. It takes Helms right to the ring, no need to climb steel steps, just stepping in and absorbing his boos and hisses, that slasher smile starting to come back.



Tony Chimel:
Introducing first, from Smithfield, North Carolina, weighting in at two hundred and fifteen pounds…GREGORYYYY HEELLMMSSS~!!!


Joey Styles:
Now here is a man who has become obsessed with not just getting his hands on the Cruiserweight Championship, but with proving he’s better than Gregory Helms at everything. There’s been no low he won’t stoop to – he’s assaulted his friends, stolen his title, and even forced him to face the mammoth known as Paul “The Great” Wright on one occasion.


JBL:
Oh will you shut up? There has been nothing heinous about what this guy has done. He’s proven time an’ again that not only does he deserve to be Cruiserweight Champion, but that he’s better in every way than Brian “Spaghetti Legs” Danielson. He’s smarter. He’s faster. He’s stronger. An’ he’s much more hungry. An’ boo hoo on Danielsno havin’ to face that giant. If he’s as good as he says he is, then nobody, especially you an’ his dweeby little Internet fans, should be complainin’ about that.


As JBL and Joey hit their usual banter, Helms takes his place in the ring, that sick smile of his growing even wider on his face. But his smile soon begins to fade away just as soon as it reaches it’s climax, as the entire crowd starts kicking up a chant directed at the hacker, people stomping and banging on the guard rails…


*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM*
“YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKIN’ HEAD KICKED IN!!”
*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM*
“YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKIN’ HEAD KICKED IN!!”



Joey Styles:
Well…um…I can’t exactly repeat what this crowd is chanting right now, but it has plenty to do with the final exchange between Danielson and Helms this past Wednesday.


JBL:
I thought Canadians were a peaceful people…



**FINAL COUNTDOWN**



And the crowd is back to their exploding ways, no longer heckling Helms as the infectiously catchy tune roars over Montreal. It takes a moment or so of heavy pops before AmDrag himself, Bryan Danielson, pushes through the double doors with his Cruiserweight Championship wrapped securely around his waist. His face seems stuck in a perpetual scowl, the orbital bone around his left eye somewhat bandaged up.



Tony Chimel:
And the opponent – from Aberdeen, Washington, weighing in at one hundred and eighty-eight pounds…he is the AOW Cruiserweight Champion…The American Dragon – BRYAAAAN DANIEL-SUUUUUN~!!!


Joey Styles:
The reason the crowd is chanting that is because this is a much angrier, much more driven Brian Danielson.


JBL:
It’s only because he knows he’s second best to Helms.


Joey Styles:
That’s a load of crap, John. You know as well as I do Danielson’s been like this all year. If I had to put a starting point to it, I might think that after Shawn Michaels lost his job following a Very Merry War, Danielson took everyone’s burdens and placed them on himself, bringing out this aggression.


JBL:
Analyze it all you want, but the fact remains is that he’s an undeserved champ. Yes, he’s a hellova in-ring competitor, a better wrestler than Gregory Helms I’ll admit – but he’s just not better than Helms!


Joey Styles:
Twist it whatever way you want to, partner, but the fact remains that The American Dragon has the gold and has had it for 127 days. He’s bandaged up around that orbital bone, angrier than ever, and ready to pump those feet to stomp Helms’ face in.


Danielson takes in his amazing ovation before raising a finger and galloping a few steps down the aisle before simply holding it up and strutting with immense purpose to the ring. He steps in straight from the platform to the ring and climbs onto one of the turnbuckles, almost in sync right before the chorus of his theme. Just when it looks like he’s going to sing it with the crowd, he turns around and points directly at Gregory Helms, mirroring what he did at World Ablaze –


“IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!”


Danielson climbs down as the crowd unleashes another huge pop, Danielson taking off his maroon hooded robe and throwing it aside before taking off his title and handing it to referee Goose Mahoney, who holds the title high to signify what this is all about








~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~

*The Final Encounter*

The American Dragon
Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms


As soon as the ref drops the title, Helms drifts out of his corner, only to be the stopped cold by DANIELSON TACKLING HIM RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE!! This is getting started right away!! Danielson starts pounding fists off of Helms’ face and body, all of Montreal immediately enthralled and cheering for the action. Helms squiggles out of Danielson’s assault, retreating to a corner in hopes that it’ll buy him some time…but Danielson simply follows him, now pounding on him because he’s got nowhere to go!!

Danielson keeps firing blow after blow after blow, but Helms manages to duck one of them and grip the Dragon by his waist before turning him into the corner and changing their positions. Now it’s Helms’ turn to light up Danielson, IMMEDIATELY going for right hands to Danielson’s injured left eye! The change of aggressors already turns the crowd, but with each shot to Danielson’s obvious injury, they throw deeper heat at Helms.

Even with his handicap being picked apart out of the box, Danielson’s adrenaline and hatred for Helms perhaps fuels him to turn Helms back around in the corner, once again shifting the action and striking Helms in his face with hard forearms and fists, referee Goose Mahoney almost having to get between both men. Danielson does back away a little bit, but this is only to give him room to hit Helms with the SHOOT KICK TO THE MIDSECTION!! Helms has the corner gripped, so he stays vertical, only to EAT ANOTHER SHOOT KICK TO THE GUT!! Danielson is looking relentless here, but he’s not done, cranking back and nailing ANOTHER SHOOT KICK TO THE RIBS!!

Helms doubles over in the corner, Danielson keeping his eyes on his rival as he backs away to the opposite corner. AmDrag measures the hacker up as he tries to get back to his feet in the corner, rushing back towards him … EXPLODING CORNER DROPKICK … NO!! Helms moves out of the way at the last possible moment, sending Danielson crashing into the unforgiving turnbuckle! The tides turn once again, Helms catching a breather for a moment. Danielson has to bring himself back to his feet using the nearby ropes, but he only gets to his knees before Helms rushes back at him and HITS HIM IN THE INJURED EYE WITH A NASTY RUNNING BOOT!! Danielson is struck so hard by the move that he flails through the ropes and to the floor!

Greg obviously has a strategy to work in here, while Danielson is just letting loose with all his aggression. Right now, Helms’ way seems to be working as he crawls out from the ring to the outside, again firing punches deliberately aimed at Danielson’s left orbital bone. Referee Mahoney can only beg both men to get back inside, as there’s no count outs here. Helms doesn’t adhere to the admonitions, taking Danielson and lifting him over his head…lining him up with the guard rail … AND DROPS DANIELSON’S FACE RIGHT ONTO THE RAILING!!

Danielson falls back in agony, coving up his targeted eye. He momentarily screams in pain, the camera capturing it before panning up to show Gregory Helms with his newfound sick, slasher smile etched on his face. He slowly walks over to Danielson and slaps him on the back of the head, taunting at him. “What now, Dragon?? Huh? Ya gonna kick my head in, huh? Ya gonna bite, Dragon??”

Helms slaps Danielson’s head once more for even more heat, taking Danielson up by the head and dragging him back up…only for Danielson to BURST from Helms’ grip, grabbing at Helms’ head … AND THE DRAGON ACTUALLY BITES HELMS RIGHT ON THE NOSE!! Danielson even tears some skin off as he rips away, the crowd again turning the heat into wild pops! Helms is reeling and gripping at his nose, not sure what the hell to think except that maybe he should keep his mouth shut.

Danielson takes this moment to lean up against the railing closest to the announce table, trying to gather himself a little bit. But he doesn’t have much time, as a now enraged Helms stops holding his bitten appendage and rushes at Danielson … ONLY FOR DANIELSON TO BACK BODY DROP HIM RIGHT OVER THE RAILING AND INTO THE FANS’ LAPS!!! HELMS HITS PURE CONCRETE!!

Helms bends to tend to his impacted spine, screaming in pain as fans around him cheer wildly. Danielson takes a moment to again tend to his eye before climbing over the rail and seeing Helms trying to crawl back to his feet, only to DRILL HIM IN THE HEAD WITH A STIFF KICK!! A blow that would make puroresu fans happy sends Helms onto his stomach and possibly avenges the kick to Danielson’s head earlier. Danielson then ventures over and takes Helms up by his neck and tights, runs, and SLINGS HIM BACK OVER THE RAIL, again forcing Helms to land on his already weakened spine!

The vengeance is strong with these two, the crowd feeling all of it as Danielson now climbs back over the railing to fetch Helms once more, sliding him back into the ring this time. Danielson follows him, dragging himself on top of him for the first actual cover attempt of the contest –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Helms is as driven by revenge and title dreams as Danielson is, rolling a shoulder and staying in this! But Danielson doesn’t fret, taking the shoulder that Helms raised, grips it, then reaches for his other one … AND LOOKS FOR THE WRIST-CLUTCH STOMPS…but Helms squirms away while on his back to the nearby ropes, clogging up any chance Danielson might have had with the move.

Danielson backs off of Helms by order of the referee, Greg getting back up to his feet and trying to regain his breath after nearly getting his head stomped in. He props himself up on the ropes with his arms wide, leaving his chest wide open for a particularly stinging Danielson knife-edge CHOP(Woooooo!) Helms immediately regrets the decision to leave his pecs unguarded, curling his arms back over his chest as he steps away from the ropes, dropping to his knees. Danielson sees this as another opening, rearing back and NAILING HELMS IN THE CHEST WITH A SHOOT KICK!!

He then rears back … AND NAILS ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!! Helms’ body whiplashes violently with each blow, Danielson again stepping back. This time, he pumps his fists and yells loudly across the Bell Center, the crowd yelling with him and going for the FINISHING ROUNDHOUSE … NO!! Helms knows Danielson and ducks the final blow, quickly getting some footing and hitting Danielson from behind with a low dropkick. Danielson drops from his legs being pulled from underneath him, trying to get back up on all fours before propping himself on his knees. Helms is on his feet and strikes Danielson one more time in the injured eye before tugging at his hair and forcing him to look up into Helms’ face –
“Anything you can do, I can do better, Danielson! I’m better than you!!”

Helms’ boast garners him some heat before he rears back … AND HE BLASTS DANIELSON IN THE CHEST WITH A SHOOT KICK!! This garners even more heat, but he’s not done, gearing back and HITTING ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!! Perfectly flipping the very move from just a few seconds ago, Danielson’s body is struck hard with each blow, but he stays more stationary than Helms was. Even so, Helms mimics Danielson’s fist pump and battle cry, getting another negative reaction before HE GOES FOR THE FINAL ROUNDHOUSE TO THE SKULL ... but Danielson ducks and takes down Helms from behind with a single leg take down on the backswing…crawls quickly to the front … AND GETS IN THE LEBELL LOCK … but not completely!! Once again, Helms scurries to the ropes and jams the move by technicality before Danielson has a chance to set it off.

Danielson quickly steps off of Helms and waits for him to get back to his feet once more, Helms somewhat drunkenly stepping back to the center ring and getting nailed in the calf by another Danielson shoot kick! Helms take it, but shrugs it off a bit before nailing Danielson in the calf with a shoot kick of his own!! Danielson then retaliates with another calf shoot, only or Helms to retaliate with another! The crowd is getting into this vengeful battle of one-upsmanship!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

YAY!!

YAY!!

Helms abandons the kicks and suddenly comes around with a hard haymaker, again aimed right at Danielson’s injured eye –

BOO!!
BOO!!

YAY!!
YAY!!

OOOoooooOOOOOOHHH…

Danielson bounces off the opposite ropes and rushes at the rope-leaning Helms…who lifts him over him and plants him on the apron! Danielson is now right on the platform entrance aisle, he and Helms continuing this duel with straight punches with the ropes between them –

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!
BOO!!
BOO!!

OooooOOOOOOOOOHHHH…

Helms has Danielson somewhat groggy, taking that chance to run behind him and rebound off the rope and go for a big move…

YAY!!!

Danielson counters with a beautifully timed roundhouse to the midsection through the middle rope!! It forces Helms to double over, Danielson shaking a cobweb out before reaching over the top rope and getting Helms in a double underhook and beginning to take his momentum backward…and brings Helms over the ropes … WITH A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX FROM THE RING RIGHT ON TOP OF THE ELEVATED AISLE!!! OHH MY GAAAAAHHDD!!

Very faint “HOLY SHIT” chants can be heard as Helms splats against the hard platform. The move takes a little bit out of Danielson too, his back taking a flat bump against the platform as well. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as Helms’, giving Danielson all the strength he needs to roll to his feet. Helms is hurt so much, he rolls off of the platform aisle, slumping to the floor below. Danielson watches Helms try to get away and recover, just watching him as he pulls himself up using the ring lip. Helms has to prop his ailing back up against the ring post on the floor, Danielson suddenly flying into the frame … AND SANWICHING HELMS’ SKULL BETWEEN THE STEEL POST AND THE FLYING KNEE!!

The crowd “ooooohs” with the absolute ferocity being shown here by Danielson, the knee clacking against Helms’ skull. AmDrag lets out a small feral yell when he gets back to his feet, the crowd joining in with him. Danielson then takes Helms right back in his clutches and once again slides him underneath the bottom rope before following in pursuit, but Helms keeps on rolling, getting farther away from Danielson as he slides in. This forces Bryan to crawl a few extra feet and force Helms onto his back for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

Helms throws up a shoulder somehow!! Getting his skull damn near fractured on the post and getting his back repeatedly warped isn’t demotivating Greg in the slightest! He may or may not be positively dead, but he’s not going down without letting his side of the vengeance out, but Bryan isn’t pleased he’s not going down. Instead of griping, Danielson wraps up both of Helms’ legs and then grabs both wrists and starts rocking back and forth, forcing Helms’ body to go with him, setting up for the surfboard stretch…but Helms rips his arms away from Danielson’s clutches, forcing AmDrag to fall back against the canvas with no leverage.

Danielson springs back up to his feet from the slight setback, Helms groggily getting to his feet much slower, but when Danielson approaches Helms, he gets a surprise when Helms HEADBUTTS HIM RIGHT IN THE INJURED ORBITAL BONE!! Danielson is immediately taken aback and clutching his face in pain, Helms creating an opening for himself and keeping it open by taking Danielson and throwing his face into a turnbuckle, further damaging the targeted region. Once Danielson’s face bounces off and reveals itself for a moment, we can see that his is indeed bleeding from the eye a tad.

Helms hits Danielson with a CHOP(Wooooo!) that backs him back into the same corner before Helms yanks Danielson out, gets him in a backdrop position … and then throw Danielson into the canvas with a WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!! Helms keeps blatantly going after the now bleeding eye of Danielson, but he doesn’t give much of a shit if it’s a cheap strategy because now it’s getting him his first fall attempt of the match –

ONE..


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Danielson is hurt and squirting, but he’s not done yet! Just after he throws his shoulder up, he goes right back to tending to the eye, making sure not to elevate his head so that Helms can further mess him up. Helms strikes him several times to soften up his covering up, wrapping up Danielson’s legs the same way Danielson had his. He then forcibly takes Danielson’s wrists and begins shifting his weight on several attempts … BEFORE CATCHING DANIELSON IN HIS OWN SURFBOARD STRETCH!!

The evil game of one-upsmanship continues, the entire crowd throwing an immense amount of heat towards Gregory. He doesn’t seem to care, only having his sick smile grow wider and wider the more he hears Danielson cry out in pain. Mahoney has to ask Danielson if he would like to give up, but Danielson constantly refuses, shaking his head with more vigor with every question. Just when it looks like Helms may be running out of steam on the move, Helms starts bringing Danielson closer and closer to his own body … AND LOOKS FOR THE DRAGON SLEEPER to go along with the stretch…but Danielson begins to fight out of his own move, knowing exactly what Helms is going for! He starts pounding backhand fists off of Helms’ midsection before getting one that nails Helms in the face, forcing him to let go.

Both men get back to their feet quickly, Helms firing a wild right hand, only for Danielson to duck underneath it and wrap up Helms from behind with the double chickenwing…picking Helms up…then setting him on his face … CATTLE MUTILATION … NO!! Helms knows the move by now and starts walking back up out of the move and gets back to a vertical base almost as soon as AmDrag is ready to bridge it over. But even so, Danielson is still in possession of the double chickenwing lock, possibly looking to turn it right into the TIGER SUPLEX … but Helms knows that counter as well, feeling Danielson ready his hips and hits him with a quick back kick before running towards one of the corners and pushing off, capturing Danielson underneath him with the underhooks still in –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Danielson unhooks and kicks out of Helms trying to pull a fast one. The fact that these gentlemen know one another’s movesets is starting to come into play here, but the more calculating Helms is taking advantage of Danielson’s blind fury. This is made even moreso when both men get back to their feet, only to have Danielson rush right back at Helms and Greg jams him by grabbing one arm and wrapping him up with it before grabbing the other one … SITOUT STRAIGHT JACKET SLAM!! Helms keeps the sitout and hooks one of Danielson’s legs…

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Danielson still has life in him!! Helms isn’t pleased with that at all, the crowd loving that this is still going on. Helms shakes it off a bit and waits for Danielson to drift back to a vertical base, catching him from behind and going for the NIGHTMARE ON HELMS STREET … NO!! Danielson jams the move and spins around while still in the headlock…pops his hips … AND NAILS A PERFECT NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!! Danielson upholds the bridge and gets another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THRE-NO!!

Juuuuust in the nick of time does Helms throw his legs up! Helms twists his entire body to somehow escape the move and keep on surviving, deflating the crowd back down. Danielson isn’t quick to recover at all, still feeling the effects of everything he’s taken. He shakes some cobwebs out before turning back to where Helms lies … SUPERKICK!! SUPERKICK!! HELMS PULLS OUT A SUPERKICK!! A possible homage to the man in the main event that both men idolize, but here, it could almost certainly pay dividends for Helms as he surprises everyone and clutches Danielson, hooking a leg –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

Now it’s Danielson’s turn to kick out at the very last second!! Helms is almost beside himself as the Bell Center pops off one more time!! Helms pulls Mahoney in and tells him that “that shit was three”, but Goose shakes his head and continues to hold up two fingers. An angered Helms then peers over his shoulder to take another venge-filled look at Danielson before climbing through the ropes and heading to the top. Helms is going all high risk here, stalking Danielson until he stands … leaping … OVERCAST … NO!! Danielson catches him on his shoulders and tries to flow right into the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER … but Helms uses the momentum to carry him all the way over to the ropes nearest the entrance platform, Greg again just barely able to counter a sequence from their previous meetings.

Helms holds onto the rope for dear life as Danielson tries and tries to tug away and nail the big move, but the Carolinian isn’t letting go. Instead, Danielson tries to throw him over, only for Helms to land on the apron on his feet. On the throwaround, however, Helms keeps a headlock on Danielson, getting him up for a suplex over the ropes…and suddenly shifts the momentum when vertical … BRAINBUSTER!! BRAINBUSTER ON THE PLATFORM!! OHH MYY GAAAAAHHHDD!!!!

Helms is really pulling out all the stops here, even the Canadian crowd having to give him major props for that huge move. Helms is breathing hard, almost looking like he can’t believe it himself. The crowd remains buzzing as Helms now drags the carcass of Danielson back through the ropes, huffing and puffing after giving so much to get his hands on the title. He rolls Danielson more away from the ropes and shoots a half before having to throw himself on top –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…


NO!!!

DANIELSON STAYS ALIVE!! DANIELSON STAYS ALIVE!! BAH GAWD, IT’S NOT OVER YET!! Danielson, taking a great deal of abuse, will not go down to his rival!! Helms slumps off of Danielson’s body in disbelief, laying completely flat and throwing his hands over his face. Danielson hasn’t moved since the rolling of the shoulder, still on a side. Nearly 20,000 in the Bell Center are on their feet for the display both men are putting on here, Danielson’s heart winning over on that fall attempt.

Helms finally sits up after looking up at the lights for a bit…and it looks like he has an idea. Helms scoots over to the edge of the ring and rolls out by the bellkeeper’s area. He orders the timekeeper and Chimel to move before snatching away … THE AOW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. The one thing that Helms has obsessed over since day one that has nearly eaten away into his very well-being is now in his hands again, Helms having to peer into the gloss of the title for a moment.

He remains mesmerized by the gold as he rolls into the ring with it, but the referee gets in front of him and tries to take it away from him. Helms refuses to have anyone rip the gold away from his hands, now playing tug of war with Mahoney. Helms wins the war, pulling the title away and lunging at the now vertical Danielson, and HITTING HIM WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP … Danielson jams the blow … LEBELL LOCK!! LEBELL LOCK!! THE FINISHING SUBMISSION IS SYNCHED IN COMPLETELY!!

A move Gregory Helms has tapped out to before has the crowd going apeshit, Danielson selling the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Helms struggles mightily as his arm and neck are wrenched in torturous positions, trying with all his might to not tap out to the move for a second time. Danielson pulls back even harder, but Helms is bound and determined not to pound his hand against the canvas. Mahoney is close to Helms’ extended arm, watching closely to see if it’s ever going to come down…

………………
………………………
……………
………

… AND HELMS GETS TO A ROPE!! The crowd deflates as Danielson is forced to let go of his lock, pissed as all hell that Helms didn’t submit. Mahoney tells him that he had to let go, but Danielson rises from his seated position to Mahoney’s face, shouting “I HAVE ‘TIL FIVE!!” Those who can her him give another big pop, the frustrated Danielson looking like a rabid beast by this point with blood and sweat engulfing the whole left half of his face.

After screaming in the official’s face, Danielson has to reach over and peel Helms off of the ropes he’s gripped to escape the lock, only for Helms to hit Danielson with a nice back kick to the gut. Following this and a hard blow to the head, Helms has enough space to take Danielson and whip him towards a corner, but the ready and agile Dragon leaps and backflips over the charging Helms. But right as Danielson flips, Helms leaps onto the second rope, twisting and leaping back FOR THE OVERCAST AFTER THE BACKFLIP … but Danielson takes a step back … AND DRILLS HELMS WITH A SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Now it’s Danielson’s turn to learn from sequences from matches past in an incredibly impressive manner!! Danielson pulls Helms farther away from the ropes and hooks a leg –

ONE...


TWO…


THREE…NO!!!

AGAIN, Helms rolls a shoulder somehow!! This seesaw battle continues beyond unbelievable proportions!! Neither man, face nor heel, wants to go down without a title in hand! Danielson almost falls over from the force of the kickout, wiping his mouth to probably just do something so that he doesn’t strike the referee. Danielson uses his angry energy to roll under the bottom rope and to the apron before proceeding to climb the turnbuckles, making it all the way to the top and looming over his still downed rival. He stands straight up and holds his arms up before leaping … DIVING HEADBUTT … NOBODY HOME!!

Helms rolls out of the way and sends Danielson crashing and burning, but it hurts even more than it normally would because Danielson lands right on his left side!! His broken orbital bone rears its ugly head yet again, AmDrag clutching at his face once more. Helms has gotten back to his feet, clutching his body in pain, but more than fit to size Danielson up as he tries to get back to his feet. Danielson gets up to one knee while holding his eye, giving Helms all the time he needs to rush forward … SHINING WIZARD … NO!! Danielson catches Helms on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry, but he doesn’t flow into any particular move. Instead, he resets his feet … AND STARTS UP AN AIRPLANE SPIN!! Montreal starts counting with every rotation Danielson turns –

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!

FOUR!!

FIVE!!

SIX!!

SEVEN!!

EIGHT!!

NINE!!

TEN!!

… AND HE KEEPS SPINNING … AND SPINNING … AND SPINNING!! After the twenty-fifth rotation, most of the crowd stops counting, everyone just popping their heads off from the sheer awesomeness of the move. But Danielson just keeps spinning and spinning and spinning … FINALLY STOPPING AT FORTY ROTATIONS!! A FORTY-GYRATION AIRPLANE SPIN!! There isn’t a person in the arena in their seats, everyone up and cheering as both Danielson and Helms wander disoriented around the ring, obviously dizzy.

It’s Danielson who regains himself quicker, approaching the discombobulated Helms … AND DRILLS HIM IN THE SKULL WITH THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK!! Danielson finally gets the kick to the head he’s long promised Helms, the crowd popping once again from the impact and as Helms’ body falls lifeless onto the canvas, but instead of going for the cover, Danielson turns Helms over … grabs hold of both of his wrists … AND STARTS WRIST-CLUTCH STOMPING THE FUCK OUT OF HELMS!! Danielson looks to make good on his promise to kick Danielson’s head in, the kicks hitting everything from Helms’ face to his throat to his chest, the stomps going on for a moment…

…………
…………………
…………
…… AND THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL!! HE’S KICKED HIS FUCKING HEAD IN!!


Here is your winner and STILL AOW Cruiserweight Champion…BRYAN DANIELSON at (20:01)


THAT’S IT!! Danielson adds some more stomps past the ring bell, getting out all his anger and frustration before finally letting go and dropping to his knees, partially still dizzy, partially overcome with happiness. The referee hands him the Cruiserweight Championship that was still in the ring, Danielson pressing it against the bloody side of his face in jubilation.


Joey Styles:
Danielson did it! The demon that has plagued him for seven months named Gregory Helms has finally been quelled! There’s no more arguing now – Bryan Danielson is now undisputedly the best cruiserweight wrestler in the world!


JBL:
Will you stop cheerin’ like a damn fangirl? Danielson’s not better than anybody!


Joey Styles:
Go ahead and pout all you want to, partner, but the fact remains that the American Dragon beat your boy Gregory Helms and finally put an end to their vengeance filled feud. A phenomenal match, both men knowing each other’s move pools so well, that they countered the other’s counters into counters!


JBL:
That’s what you have to do, Joey. I’ll admit – Bryan Danielson put up a hellova fight an’ showed impressive guts, but the fact of the matter is is that Gregory Helms never got pinned. He never got made to submit. The referee ordered the match to be finished –


Joey Styles:
But partner, that’s because Danielson knocked Helms the fr’ck out!!


JBL:
Tony Chimel blatantly stated – only ‘pinfall’ or ‘submission’. Neither one of those happened!


Back in the ring, Helms is being tended to by the referee, who has called for medical assistance. The hacker hasn’t moved since being stomped to death. As Helms is flocked by medical personnel, we can see that Helms is now bleeding from above his left eye, his orbital bone now potentially broken.


Joey Styles:
Neither of those happened, but that right there is the epitomy of ‘comeuppance’ if I’ve ever seen it. Helms tried to pick apart Danielson’s well-documented orbital bone injury over his left eye and Danielson stomped on Helms so hard, it looks like he may have broken that bone now!


JBL:
That’s just sick. How the hell can you get excited about somethin’ like that??


Joey Styles:
You can’t be excited, John? The first match in the history of The Outer Limits is Bryan Danielson setting everything aside, silencing any and all doubters and showing that he is exactly what he said he was the first day he stepped into an AOW ring – the best.


The camera pans back to Danielson now, who is backpedalling back up the platform aisle, his hard-earned title, now pressed with his blood, thrown over a shoulder. Danielson puts one hand high and points his finger, before disappearing behind the red double doors after one last victory pose.







We cut backstage now to see AOW Champion Chris Jericho exiting his limousine, which is still banged up on the front bumper from numerous past encounters with certain individuals. Jericho is dressed in his absolute best, perhaps surpassing Antonio Banks as far as striking attire. He has his worthy man scowl on, however, his AOW title draped over his shoulder.


Not too long after Jericho exits, Paul “The Great” Wright also comes from the back seat, his hooded jacket and taped fists directly playing contrast to Jericho’s business attire. Jericho’s chauffer interrupts their upcoming walk into the arena by trying to hand him…a cell phone?



Chauffer:
Sir, Mr. Nameth and Mr. Hagar are on the line. They are asking when you would like them to arrive.


Jericho looks over at his driver, his face never changing


Chris Jericho:
Tell them…they have the night off.


The driver actually raises his eyebrows in surprise. Wright also looks somewhat taken back.


Chauffer:
Are you sure, sir?


Jericho’s expression remains unchanged as he begins his confident strut towards the arena doors, not even looking back to see if Wright is following him, as well as his chauffer’s look. Wright does follow, leaving the driver to simply get back on the line and tell the boys of American Made “not to come” as we fade away





~Back at ringside…



***DING DING DING***



Tony Chimel:
The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the AOW Tag Team Championships!!


Another huge pop from Montreal, another big match incoming...



**EXECUTORS OF EXCELLENCE**



The remixed guitar riff rips over Canada for an ENORMOUS ovation, the home-country Sons of the Dungeon pushing past the doors and taking in their massive reaction. They actually have to stop for a second and break their near robotic focus and take it all in, both guys getting smiles and maybe a tad emotional. Their walk down the aisle is them trying to refocus while simultaneously taking everything in


Tony Chimel:
Making their way to the ring, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, weighting in at a combined weight of four hundred forty five pounds…TJ Wilson and Harry Smith – THE SONS OF THE DUNGGEEEEOOOONNNN~!!!


Joey Styles:
What a welcome for these two finally competing in their home country!! TJ Wilson and Harry Smith have trekked for several months to get a two-on-two contest with the World’s Greatest Tag Team, and what better place to do that than in their own backyard??


JBL:
It ain’t that far from here that the Hart Dungeon gave both of these guys a home, but now they’re in their real home. An’ I don’t mean just here in Canada – I mean in that ring. If there’s any pair of guys who can match the World’s Greatest Tag Team on the mat, it’s gotta be these guys.



**BETTER THAN GREAT**



The remix of their signature chimes rings through to a very mixed response. The AOW Tag Team Champions steps through the gates with their championship belts wrapped around their waists, one man with their hood up, the other without. While walking side by side down the ramp, the champs seem just seem so…distant. There’s almost nothing unified in them at all.



Tony Chimel:
And making their way to the ring at a combined weight of four hundred ninety-seven pounds…they are the AOW Tag Team Champions…Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin – THE WOOOORLD’S GREATEST TAG TEEAAAM!!!


Joey Styles:
These two men have not been on the same page for months on end now, but somehow, some way, they have found a way to hold onto those Tag Team Championships for over six months. Things didn’t get better six weeks ago when Charlie Haas managed to get a win over Shelton Benjamin.


JBL:
Their obsession with competition is what’s driven them, Joey, an’ I can see how it could be their undoing. But when it gets right down to it, with all that disagreement, if there’s anything that these two have proven over the last few months is that no matter their personal problems, they set them aside an’ do exactly what their name says – they stay the World’s Greatest Tag Team, the greatest Tag Team Champions in any company, soon to be World Tag Team Champions.







~AOW Tag Team Championships~


World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. Sons of the Dungeon


The crowd is still lit up from the introductions, but they soon calm down enough for both corners to be able to speak to one another. In the Canadian corner, it’s TJ Wilson who leaps into the ring first with very little words exchanged. On the other side of the ring, however, Benjamin and Haas are not having it so straightforward. The WGTT are having some noticeable bickering, although neither man is very animated to portray this, but neither man is also leaving the ring so the other can start the match. Haas then seems to concede, throwing his hands up and going onto the apron and leaving Benjamin in to start things with Wilson.

The two men who are quite possibly the best pure athletes in the entire company begin to circle on another, gauging the other’s position. It’s the rookie TJ who steps towards the center of the ring first, Benjamin following suit, only for Wilson to raise his hand and ask for a test of strength. Benjamin flashes a bit of a cocky smile and obliges. The two lock fingers on one hand before going to the next one. The two then press to overwhelm the other, but they seem even until Benjamin starts to overtake Wilson. TJ struggles to fight Benji off, but Benjamin keeps pressing and pressing down until Wilson is forced all the way back onto his shoulders, referee Ray Ramsey getting to his duties –


ONE…


NO!!


Wilson lifts a shoulder off the mat and forces himself into a bridge, balancing his head off the mat and preventing his shoulders from touching. The stronger Benjamin jumps to the side and presses the shoulder back down –

ONE…


NO!!


Wilson now pushes up the other shoulder, again Benjamin looking to force it right back down, but TJ keeps his impressive bridge solid as a rock. Benjamin grits his teeth as he tries to push the shoulders back down, but Wilson grits his teeth as well and shows the same determination in keeping them off. Just when Shelton appears to have the shoulders down again, Wilson hits an impressive kip-up with he and Benjamin’s fingers still locked in.

He unlocks the fingers as soon as he hits his feet, taking one of Benjamin’s arms and working it around a few times before finally wrenching it and throwing it over his shoulder, causing Benjamin to flip and hit the canvas hard! Shelton doesn’t stay on the canvas very long, jumping right back to his feet and grips the arm, Wilson having made some space now, Montreal throwing some applause for the technical display shown there.

Benjamin shakes some life back into his arm, more or less shrugging it off. The two then hit the reset button and circle the ring for a second time, the two now going for a more traditional lock-up. They wrestle a moment for position, Wilson even dropping to a knee and trying to shove Benjamin back, but again it’s Shelton who gets out with the advantage by trapping Wilson in a headlock. The tag champ wrenches away at the rookie and sends him to a defensive knee this time. Wilson, still flashing prowess, rolls over a shoulder and catches Benjamin in a bridge pin –

ONE…


NO!!

Benjamin rolls right back over and still has Wilson in the headlock, TJ getting back to a knee and rearing back…and nails Benjamin with a back suplex to break the headlock!! Wilson again perhaps outwrestling Benjamin there, TJ scrambling for another quick cover –

ONE…

TWO – NO!!

Benjamin easily kicks out of that, looking to get back to his feet now, but he’s greeted with a Wilson headlock. The roles shift, but Shelton doesn’t let him keep it for too long, backing into the ropes and using the momentum to throw Wilson across the ring. On the rebound, Wilson crashes right into Benjamin with a stiff shoulder block and backpedals into the ropes behind him, Benjamin remaining flat on the canvas to let TJ skip over him and keep running. Wilson rebounds once again, but this time Benjamin is vertical and LEAPS CLEANLY over the running Wilson, the Carolinian now flashing some athleticism. Wilson rebounds once more, but he does so right towards a rushing Benjamin, who NAILS HIM WITH A MOMENTOUS KITCHEN SINK!! Wilson goes flipping over the knee and is pressed flat by Shelton –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Wilson still has plenty of life, getting back to his feet and being greeted by a Benjamin knee to the gut before being whipped against the ropes once more…but Wilson hangs on to them and doesn’t rebound. The aggressive Benjamin then rushes at Wilson, only for the Dungeon graduate to hit him with the BACKFLIP KICK that sends Benjamin reeling and puts Wilson on the apron. While Benji tends to his possibly broken nose, Wilson walks over on the apron and tags in Smith, who gets a huge pop for becoming the legal man. Smith wastes no time, hopping in and running at the still reeling Benjamin and BLASTS HIM WITH A BIG BOOT!! A very nice sort of tag team combination from the challengers, Smith now dropping onto Shelton for the cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Benjamin keeps the titles in place for now, but he’s in a bit of trouble against Smith. Shelton gets out of this trouble by ambushing Smith with an ankle pick single leg that prompts the stronger Smith to go on the defensive as Benjamin keeps a grip on that ankle. Smith starts kicking at the back of Benjamin’s head to finally get him off. Shelton grips at the back of his head as Smith comes charging at him with a BIG CLOTHESLINE, forcing Benjamin to again grip at his head and roll away towards his corner. Haas is tagged in now, stepping in and staring at Benjamin until he steps on through the ropes to the apron. Haas shifts his focus to Smith now, the two initiating a lock-up of their own.

This one doesn’t last all that long, Smith getting the advantage by catching Haas and slinging him with the headlock takeover, Haas countering the blow with some defensive headscissors, forcing Smith to release the hold and both men to dash back to their feet. Haas and Benjamin take a page out of the same book when Charlie hits Smith right in the ribs with a hard knee and looks to whip Smith into the ropes, but Harry reverses the whip and sends Haas rebounding … right into a NICE REVERSE ELBOW!! Smith again falls on top of a tag champion –

ONE…


TWO…

…NO!!

The crowd groans a bit, even though they’re quite certain it would take more than that to take down the six month reigning champs. Haas drags himself back to his feet, but Smith looks to retain the advantage by bashing Haas in the head with a pair of rights before taking Haas and slinging him over with a snap suplex!! Haas sits up in immediate pain before trying to rise back to his feet, only for Smith to come back at him and whip him into an empty corner. Smith rushes at him but eats a boot to the face in retaliation. Haas then takes Smith and throws him towards the ropes where Benjamin lies...and Benjamin throws a knee into Smith’s back!!

Smith falls forward and holds the small of his back, Haas potentially unaware of his partner’s meddling. Charlie grips the on-fire big guy in a front headlock, trying to drain some of the momentum out of him now. The Haas inhales through his teeth to sell the intensity of the hold, doing his best to wear Davey Boy’s son down. Smith slowly but surely starts making it back to his feet and begins trying to pull Haas’ arms from around his neck off. As Smith tries to struggle free, Haas adjusts his grip a little and underhooks an arm…before taking Smith over with an impressive SNAP UNDERHOOK SUPLEX!! A crisp counter that allows Haas to float over for his first cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Smith still has much left in the tank, Haas not giving much of a second thought to trapping Smith with another rest hold, but Smith uses his ring prowess to immediately twist out of it, capturing Haas in a grounded hammerlock. The two work back up to a base where Haas struggles to get out of the lock, only for Smith to twist the hammerlock around…and try for a HAMMERLOCK LARIAT…but Haas ducks underneath it and goes around Smith and sets up for a GERMAN SUPLEX … NO!! Smith jams the move and performs a standing switch, Harry now having the rear waistlock on Haas for a GERMAN SUPLEX OF HIS OWN … but now it’s Haas’ turn to stop it, hooking Smith’s leg and preventing him from tossing him. Smith adjusts much like Haas did a moment ago, keeping the rear waistlock and pushing Haas forward … AND KNOCKING SHELTON BENJAMIN OFF THE APRON!! Smith gets revenge from a few moments ago, snapping Haas back with the VICTORY ROLL and a clean opposing apron –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

Haas throws his legs up at the last possible second, shoving Smith off and right back towards the ropes … where Benjamin has quickly recovered … and SNAPS SMITH’S NECK OFF THE ROPES WITH THE HOTSHOT!! The now prone Smith stumbles back towards the ring with his back towards Haas, who is still oblivious to his partner’s misdeeds. He just sees Smith stumbling to him back first and catches him in the rear waistlock again … AND NAILS A FLAWLESS GERMAN SUPLEX!!

But Haas keeps the grip intact and rolls over the hips, getting back to his feet … AND HITS A SECOND PERFECT GERMAN!! The crowd counts along with the ‘honest’ member of the WGTT for the number of Germans, rolling back up to his feet and going for the trifecta … AND HITS THE THIRD BEAUTIFUL GERMAN SUPLEX!! THE HAT TRICK!! Made famous by another Canadian, the Montreal crowd actually lets out a roar of approval for the men opposing their hometown favorites, Haas now trying to gather himself for a cover –

ONE…


TWO…

THR-NO!!

Smith won’t end it here!! TJ Wilson was on the verge of breaking into the ring to save his partner, but Smith shows enough resolve to keep their titles hopes alive by himself. Benjamin is noticeably perturbed, but Haas doesn’t let it bother him too much, just keeping focus and going from move to move. Haas throws several stiff boots into Smith’s sides before taking him back to his feet and striking him with another hard knee.

He then takes Harry and tosses his feet between the middle ropes, keeping his upper body hanging inside the ring. With Smith dangling and teetering in imbalance, Haas steps up onto the second rope of the nearest corner … leaping … AND DRILLS SMITH IN THE HEAD AND NECK WITH A HANGMAN’S JUMPING KNEE STRIKE!! WOW!! The entire Belle Center lets out a “ooooh” in unison as their hometown boy is potentially put into a coma, falling forward through the ropes and back into the ring. Haas has to drag the big man’s dead weight away from the ropes before shooting the half and going for a more definite cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…NO!!

SMITH THROWS A SHOULDER UP!! No one is certain Smith knows where he is, let alone how he had the wherewithal to get out of the devastating maneuver! The immensely focused Haas is actually surprised now, his taped wrists and hands raking through his hair and unsure how that didn’t end things. He makes a motion towards Ray Ramsey to almost beg for another count, but he knows that’s not happening. Benjamin is much more irate in the corner, calling after Haas that “I could’ve done better!” The tension between the teammates is still obviously there, Haas glancing over his shoulder and gazing at Benjamin with aggravated eyes.

Charlie has to play peacemaker again it seems, Haas quickly gets over it and pulls the limp Smith somewhat vertical and into another front headlock, backing him into his corner and tagging in Benjamin. Shelton jumps in and allows Haas to help him hoist Smith up and bring him back down with the DOUBLE DROP SUPLEX!! Benjamin scurries for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

This time it’s not Smith, but TJ Wilson who breaks into the ring and helps out his partner! Benjamin takes out his earlier frustrations with Wilson right here, storming after the smaller Son and ramming him into his own corner, nailing him with incredibly aggressive shoulder strikes! This garners the most undisputed heat thus far in the night, Benjamin showing a whole side here that no one was sure was there. Haas yells at him from across his corner, telling him to stop and focus.

Benjamin stops and regains his aggressive posture, turning back towards the actual legal man in Smith … who HOISTS BENJAMIN OVER A SHOULDER FOR THE RUNNING POWERSLAM … but Benjamin squiggles off, turning Smith back around towards him. Benjamin then shoots out what could be a SUPERKICK…but Smith sees it coming and catches it, throwing it down and letting Benjamin use the momentum for the DRAGON WHIP…NO!!

The machines that are the Sons show their excellence of execution by ducking underneath the DRAGON WHIP…catching Benjamin around the front … popping his hips … AND HITTING A BELLY TO BELLY OVERHEAD SUPLEX … THAT FLIPS BENJAMIN SPINE-FIRST INTO AN EMPTY CORNER!! WOW!!

Sparse “HOLY SHIT” chants are starting to spread all over the Belle, the crowd going nuts for the huge spot they saw from the hometown corner, Smith putting some extra stank on it to seek vengeance for his partner. The tide has suddenly shifted, with Smith now having an opening to tag in Wilson, regardless of his potential rib injuries. Benjamin isn’t trying to crawl towards his corner, instead trying to drag his limping body to Smith’s to stop him. Harry inches closer and closer to Wilson, who is trying his best to extend his arms with a tender midsection … reaching … crawling … AND GETTING THE HOT TAG!!

Wilson holds his ribs as he leaps in and targets Benjamin, but Haas comes back into the ring and rushes across to cut him off, only to eat a TJ stiff kick to the gut! Wilson then immediately follows that up with an excellent dropkick that sends Haas spilling through the ropes and to the floor! This momentary distraction allows Benjamin to somewhat recover, taking Wilson as soon as he turns around … EXPLODER SUPLEX … NO!! Wilson completely flips out of the move and catches Benjamin in a front headlock ... grabs the far leg … and nails a SWINGING CRADLE SUPLEX!!

A perfectly executed move gets a solid pop, but Wilson doesn’t go for the pin. Instead, he grabs at Benjamin’s legs … and sticks a leg through … Montreal goes nuts for a SHARPSHOOTER … NO!! Benjamin is more than aware of the move and squiggles around on the canvas, getting his legs back and shoving Wilson with his legs. TJ is thrust off balance towards the ropes, going right through them and to the apron, stopping himself before falling to the floor. He regains himself and struts to a corner and to a top rope as Benjamin gets back to his feet, leaping for the CODE BLUE NECKBREAKER … SAMOAN DROP!! SAMOAN DROP!! Benjamin now with a heads-up counter!! The midsection of Wilson is further damaged, Shelton shooting the half and flopping Wilson onto his back –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Wilson rolls a shoulder!! Now it’s TJ’s turn to show some ironman tendencies, refusing to go down after a ridiculous counter! Benjamin is not happy about that in the slightest, especially when Montreal lets out a relieved reaction. The aggressive Benjamin then takes the tender TJ and lowers his midsection RIGHT OVER HIS KNEE!! PENDULUM GUTBUSTER!! Benjamin now looking to pick this young man apart as he spreads him and gets his shoulders down –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Wilson still has so much left to give, refusing to go down on such an elementary move. Haas is calling for a tag over in his corner, but Benjamin isn’t paying much heed. Smith is back in his corner trying to pump up Wilson enough to get him another tag, but even if he wanted to, he’s completely at the mercy of Shelton right now. He remains so when Benjamin gives him another shot to the gut before hoisting him on his shoulders … AND THROWING HIM WITH A TURNBUCKLE POWERBOMB!!

All of the positive air seems to leave the arena with that impact, Benjamin garnering a great deal of heat here and perhaps truly showing his true colors to everyone. Wilson is folded over like an accordion, his athletic body twisted in ways even it shouldn’t bend. Benjamin just has a satisfied sneer on his face as he watches Wilson try and bring himself to his feet via the turnbuckles. Benjamin’s sneer turns into a smile as he takes a few steps back, measuring up his prey until it gets vertical, rushing back toward the corner … STINGER SPLASH … NOBODY HOME!! Benjamin hits the turnbuckle hard as Wilson dodges the move at the very last second, grabbing Benjamin from between the legs and carrying him over for a school boy –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Just as before, Benjamin throws his legs up just in time to remain alive. The momentum of the kickout sends him rolling towards his corner, Haas slapping him on the shoulder and getting himself the tag in. Benjamin is forced to watch Haas now perhaps get a little aggressive on bringing himself in. Wilson is trying his best to get to his corner for another hot tag, this time of Smith…but Haas leaps on him, stopping him cold in his tracks. Haas pulls him away from the corner and spins him over for another count attempt –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Wilson keeps his resolve with his people cheering him on, Haas once again not letting it get to him. Wilson gets to his feet slowly, gripping at his midsection once more, Haas rebounding off the ropes behind him … and driving his face into the canvas with a PERFECT RUNNING BULLDOG!! Wilson flips over on the impact, Haas just having to hook the far leg –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Smith breaks into the count this time, perhaps out of more frustration than lack of faith in his partner’s ability to kick out. Haas doesn’t try to jump Smith. Instead, it’s Benjamin who breaks into the ring and starts exchanging blows with Smith, order perhaps starting to get a little crazy here. Smith shoves Benjamin away towards the hard camera ropes before charging at him and taking him over with a CACTUS CLOTHESLINE!! Both men tumble to the floor as Haas takes Wilson from behind and looks to nail ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX … BUT WILSON ROLLS FORWARD INTO THE WHEELBARROW VICTORY ROLL!! Shades of the end of their one-on-one match a few weeks ago with empty corners –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…


NO!!!

Haas throws his legs up at the literal last millisecond, the entire crowd throwing their hands up because they knew that should’ve been it! Haas quickly gets back to his feet, only to have Wilson strike him in the gut with a perfect spinning back kick. Wilson then suddenly leaps on top of the bent over Haas…pushes forward then off the canvas … flipping … ARM TRAP SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! A thoroughly impressive move that gets another wild pop, as this could be it –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Haas clasps his legs against Wilson’s head at, once again, the damn near last possible second. Both men rolls back, Haas having to grip at his neck as he tries to get vertical, but Wilson is already there and rushes at Haas for one more move … Haas trips him up and keeps rolling … HAAS OF PAIN!! HAAS OF PAIN!! A ROLLING HAAS OF PAIN!! Literally no one saw that one coming, Haas possibly taking a page out of the book of the Sons’ coach, Lance Storm!

The crowd is on fire right now, seemingly just as many people screaming for Wilson to stay alive as there are telling him to tap out. The athleticism and flexibility of Wilson comes back to haunt him once again, has Haas is able to crank his finishing submission even farther back than he normally would, Wilson’s feet damn near touching the back of his head. Haas cranks it as far as he can physically go, screaming for Wilson to tap…
…………… WILSON RAISES AN ARM …………
………………
………
……
…………
………………
……
… AND SMITH BURSTS IN AND BREAKS IT UP!!

At the last possible second, Harry Smith jumps back into the ring and gets his corner just one more shot at gold! The crowd ignites in a wild pop, as their boys are still in this thing! Haas is forced off of Wilson’s body, looking more irate than he has in the whole match. This prompts Haas to get up off of Wilson and bash Smith with a hard European uppercut that sends him against the ropes … before it’s Haas’ turn to clothesline him outside!!

Smith is forced back out of the ring, the corners once again empty and two near exhausted men left to do battle. Haas takes the more withered Wilson and drags him towards the WGTT corner, where Benjamin would be if he had recovered. Haas hoists Wilson up onto the top rope before climbing on up there himself. The crowd can see what he’s going for, setting up for a big SUPERPLEX … NO!! Wilson begins to fight out of it, slapping right hand after right hand against Haas’ temple. When Haas is weakened enough, Wilson manages to pull a knee up to level and CRACK THE KNEE AGAINST HAAS’ CHIN!!

This immediately dizzies Haas enough to nearly lose his footing on the top rope. As Haas almost falls from this perch, Wilson takes Haas and stands on the middle rope, surprising quite a few and getting the entire arena on their feet when Haas is draped across his shoulders. Wilson lets out a quick yell of adrenaline before leaping … ROLLING STAMPEDE!! ROLLING STAMPEDE!! THE SUPER ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY DRILLS HAAS!!

The crowd is absolutely on fire after that huge move, the same move that won the Sons the #1 contendership. Everyone’s on their feet and trying to pump up the home team, but all the abuse Wilson has taken has left him in bad shape, not able to capitalize on his big move right away. Haas is completely lain out, Wilson having to potentially use every last bit of his remaining energy to crawl on top of Haas and sling just one arm over –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…NO!!!

HAAS ROLLS A SHOULDER!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! Charlie Haas just manages to throw his shoulder up, now to Wilson’s complete and utter dismay. The crowd deflates when ref Ramsey only says two, leaving Wilson to grip at his midsection in both discomfort and disbelief. Even so, Haas’ body has not moved at all since he was super steamrolled. Only when Wilson struggles to get back to his feet does Haas even being moving, and that’s just to (conveniently) turn over to his back.

His tag partner gone for the moment, Wilson looks at Haas and sees this as another big opportunity. Haas takes his wounds and starts to climb back up to the top rope, prepping himself for what could be the finishing blow on a big move…Benjamin suddenly flies into the frame…AND LEAPS CLEANLY ONTO THE TOP ROPE … AND TOSSES WILSON OFF THE TOP WITH THE BELLY TO BELLY TOSS!! OHH MY GAAAAAAHHHHDDD!!!

Benjamin springs into the ring from literally nowhere to put Wilson right back at the disadvantage, both men now completely lain out and lifeless on the canvas. Benjamin crawls back over through the ropes and into his corner despite the referee admonishing. Smith is just now getting to his corner and now the race is on!! Both men are giving what little they have left to crawl for dear life towards their partners, the result of the entire match and thus the first ever AOW World Tag Team Championships could hang in the balance on this tag … and Haas gets to his corner first…only for Wilson to get there literally a second later!!

Both Benjamin and Smith rush towards one another with the crowd hot, both men with the same idea of momentum … until Benjamin twists around the rushing Smith…arm drags him to the ground … AND LOCKS IN THE SCISSORED ARMBAR!! SCISSORED ARMBAR!! BENJAMIN IS IMMEDIATEY GOING FOR THE KILL!! The new signature submission debuted by Benjamin at This is Exile to try and defeat Haas makes another appearance, this time being executed out of nowhere! Smith’s broad shoulders are being torqued considerably, twisted into their very physical limit. Benjamin is yelling at Smith to tap to end this contest, but Smith shows the infamous Dungeon resolve and starts to find his way out of the move, popping his hips forward and getting able to get to a vertical base … forcing Benjamin to shift around on his shoulders…before having him draped over one shoulder … RUNNING POWERSLAM … NO!! Charlie Haas pulls Smith’s leg from under the bottom rope as he ran by, tripping him up and causing Benjamin to fall right on top of Smith –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

TJ Wilson jumps in now, again, more out of frustration than lack of faith. He’s probably also pissed that Haas potentially broke his ‘honor’ code for that one with a possibly blatantly heelish tactic. Smith is still down, but Benjamin gets back up to see the thorn in his side Wilson, who he tries to toss back over the top rope…but Wilson hangs on and adjusts himself on the apron! Shelton thought he had chunked Wilson out, having turned away and now slowly turning back around towards the apron…Wilson leaping … AND GOING FOR A SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE ... BENJAMIN SUPERKICK … NO!! WILSON CATCHES THE KICK AS HE HITS THE CANVAS!!

Wilson stops his entire move in the middle to stop the way he lost to Benjamin weeks ago! The Executors of Excellence show their machine-like scouting once again, but this doesn’t stop Benjamin from being spun around and trying for another DRAGON WHIP … Wilson ducks … AND CAUSES BENJAMIN TO HIT CHARLIE HAAS RIGHT OFF THE APRON!! Benjamin hits his tag team partner out of his own reach, the more aggressive and ‘heelish’ WGTT member even looking surprised. The very same move that cost them their Trios Tournament match rears again! As Haas tumbles to the floor, the entire crowd pops, as Smith is back on his feet and trapping Benjamin in a bearhug. Wilson quickly leaps back up to the second rope before leaping towards both men … HART ATTACK!! HART ATTACK FROM THE SECOND ROPE!! Benjamin is down, Haas is down on the outside, and Wilson hurries to get out of there before Ramsey shoos him out, Smith going for the immediate cover. All of Montreal counts down with this one –

……
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……
!!!


Here are your winners and NEW AOW World Tag Team Champions…THE SONS OF THE DUNGEON at (17:35)


FINALLY!! The boys from Canada break their machine-like focus and are overwhelmed with euphoria as the Bell Center completely loses its top!! The referee hands them their gold, the two rookies looking into the reflections before sharing an embrace. They break only to go up to the turnbuckles and hold the titles high for their entire country to see



Joey Styles:
The AOW Tag Titles have become the AOW World Tag Titles, and they’ve changed hands on that ground-breaking defense!! The Hart legacy continues as the Sons of the Dungeon get the biggest win of their young careers!!


JBL:
I love it! Kudos to the kids. They earned their shot, they earned this opportunity, an’ low an’ behold, there they are with gold straps. Benjamin an’ Haas were fantastic, but these two were just better.


Joey Styles:
I’m surprised we’re in consensus there, John, but the Sons were in consensus themselves on that match, very much in contrast to their opponents. On this night in Montreal, it’s the kids, the rookies taking center stage and becoming the NEW AOW World Tag Team Champions. What a match and what a win!!


On that, we get a shot of the new champions arm-in-arm heading back up the ramp, both of them feeling quite exhausted. But even so, they have more than enough strength to hold their new straps up in their other hands. The shot in the ring is just that of an extremely disappointed Charlie Haas, who is staring down at his partner who has yet to his feet. Haas, surprisingly, doesn’t help his partner up. All he does is look up the aisle to see two young, brand new champions.





***

We’re brought to the booming, bright city of Las Vegas, Nevada – casinos lined up on every corner, people dressed in their finest, limousines all over the streets, and live band tunes blaring their trumpets.

The camera steps through the doors of one of the casinos and shows us to a room bustling with commotion, but a closer look shows us one of the men participating in the fun is Antonio Banks rolling some dice…and rolling terribly



Banks:
Damn! Another bad roll!

A man in a tux next to Banks leans in

Man:
Shouldn’t you be better at this?

Banks:
What? Just ‘cause I’m black, I’m supposed to be good at dice?

The camera leaves the offended Banks to show us a quartet of guys playing cards – Jack Evans, Low Ki, The Miz, and Jamie Noble

Dealer:
Alright, gentlemen – show your hands!

Jack Evans throws a hand down, followed by Jamie Noble

Noble:
HA-HA!! Read’em an’ weap, ya city slickers!

Noble is stopped from grabbing his winnings by Miz, who lays down his hand

The Miz:
I don’t think so! Mike Mizanin, poker extraordinaire!!

Miz now reaches over to grab the chips, but he’s stopped by Low Ki with no change in expression…who drops down…a full house!

Evans:
Wow! That’s some poker face, Ki!

The Miz:
HEY! That’s four in a row! No fair!

Evans:
Do you want him to kick you back into a closet?

Miz gets sweaty and terrified, sitting back down silently. The camera now pans aside to see Bryan Danielson standing alongside William Regal at a roulette table. The dealer stands between them

Danielson:
So, how the heck does the Dynasty Tournament even work?

Man:
Well, it’s random. No one knows who they’re gonna face until the night of the contest. Everyone draws numbers and whoever gets the same numbers, that’s who you face.

Danielson:
Really? There’s like thirty-two guys in that tournament!

Regal:
Quit complaining, youngster. Hey you – throw that pebble.

Danielson shrugs his shoulders and the dealer flicks the little white ball, the ‘pebble’ landing on a little square that has the number “16”

Danielson:
16? Hey, who’s the unlucky guy who’s gonna face me! Who else got 16?

Danielson is consumed by a large shadow before looking up and seeing Samoa Joe. Regal has a small chuckle as Danielson’s mouth goes agape, but we soon pan away from that to see Brian Kendrick and Paul London jumping on a pool table and kicking things all over the place and acting like general monkeys

We then switch to a view of a security viewer wall, Chris Jericho apparently the man in charge of the entire casino. He speaks into a walkie-talkie


Jericho:
We’ve got a couple of guys acting like Hooliganz on table four. Get rid of’em.

Cut to a shot of Paul Wright in a bouncer’s outfit and sunglasses, throwing the struggling tag team out the front door. We then cut to someone sitting at a bar, the bartender taking note of what just occurred

Bartender:
Well, I guess those guys got eliminated. You want somethin’ hard there, tough guy?

The camera turns to reveal the man to be CM Punk

Punk:
Naw. Just get me a Pepsi. It’s gonna be a long night.

The scene becomes blurry and in the background to words scrolling across the screen

Narrator:
The 2008 AOW Dynasty Tournament – starting June 4th and lasting until July 2nd for the 3-hour Finals Supershow, Rise of a Dynasty, live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas!

***


...



~Back at ringside…


**619 ESTA VIVO**


Rey Mysterio is greeted with a very warm reception, stepping onto the stage and adjusting his mask. He points to the crowd and acknowledges his great reaction before shaking his knee and making his way down the asie



Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from San Diego, California, weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds…REY MYYYSTERRIOOOOO!!!


Joey Styles:
Despite being with AOW for its entire run thus far, the veteran Rey Mysterio is actually making his AOW Pay-Per-View debut! Injures have marred his stay here thus far, but now Mysterio’s back, his knee seems to be healed, and he’s ready to shut Carlito Colon up.


JBL:
The only thing Rey Mysterio could shut up is his own damn mouth. Look at this little jumpin’ bean tryin’ to exercise his ego over a young budding star. News flash, Rey - your knee surgery was the first sign that you’re GETTING OLD!! Now take the hint an’ go away!



**QUIEN SOY YO?**



Mysterio barely has time to actually step in the ring before the theme for his nemesis hits. A light rain of heat comes down on the puffy-haired one, Carlito Colon making his way through the doors with his white blazer and apple in tow. An all too smug smile is on his face as he walks, looking incredibly overconfident.



Tony Chimel:
And the opponent – from San Juan, Puerto Rico, weighing in at two hundred twenty-eight pounds…CARLITO COLOOOONNN!!


Joey Styles:
You wanna talk about egos running rampant, look no further than this guy. His head’s swollen to the size of his hair since he had to take down Tres Reyes almost by himself.


JBL:
He did do it by himself! He didn’t have any help then an’ he doesn’t have the Samoan Fight Club by him today. This kid stands by his word – when he wants to take out the trash, he does it by himself.






~Grudge Match~

Rey Mysterio v. Carlito Colon


The two proud Latin American natives circle the ring, doing so in their own pace – Mysterio rapidly sidesteps around while Carlito strokes at his goatee and just strolls, a little bit of a smirk appearing on his face. The crowd keeps their buzz, getting louder when Mysterio tries to initiate a lock up, only for Colon keep strolling past him to great heat. This subtle sign of disrespect doesn’t sit well with the masked one, who immediately starts going to town on Carlito’s calves, peppering his legs with kick after kick!! Carlito grabs at his stinging thighs, unable to shake off the little guy no matter much he tries to cover up.

After six kicks or so, Mysterio forces Carlito up against the ropes and looks to whip him across, only to get the whip reversed. Mysterio leaps and springs off of the second rope and grabs Carlito’s poofy hair and head in the SPINNING HEADSCISSORS!! Carlito is thrown off balance, which forces him to fall … RIGHT ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!! Could this be it so soon?? Montreal certainly thinks it could, the entire arena now getting on their feet as Rey rebounds off the ropes and looks for the 619 … NO!!

Carlito dodges the move while it was in full-swing, forcing Rey to spin all the way around. Carlito remains in the ring, simply just removing himself from the middle rope. He tries to get back to his feet, obviously still a little bit disoriented. As he tries, Mysterio is waiting…stalking on the apron for perhaps more high-octane offense … Carlito is vertical … he turns around … Mysterio leaps … SPRINGBOARD HURRICANRANA … BUT CARITO CATCHES REY … and uses his momentum … TO DUNK HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!! WOW!! An alley-oop counter dunks Rey right over to top, the luchador tumbling on down! The replays show that Rey’s head and neck may have hit the ring lip on the way down, further worsening the damage on the sickening impact, Rey still crumpled up in a heap.

Carlito’s smirk is back, prompting a good bit of heat while he adjusts his wristbands. ‘Lito doesn’t follow Mysterio all the way to the floor. Instead, he steps through the ropes and lies in wait on the apron, far away from Mysterio’s position. What’s he got in mind here? Rey uncoils from his painful position, stumbling back onto his feet to now face a stalking Carlito … DIVING DOUBLE-AXE HANDLE FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!! A sick impact as Carlito’s clubs meet Rey’s head at such high a high velocity!! Referee Justin King is telling Carlito he needs to get him back in the ring, ‘Lito taking a moment to lift himself off the outside padding and grabbing Mysterio by the base of his neck and tights. He then throws Mysterio back in, quickly following after and going for the first cover of this contest –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Mysterio rolls a shoulder! A big spot early, but it doesn’t down the determined luchador! Carlito tries not to let it get to him so early, instead just measuring Mysterio some more as he rises to his feet gripping at his neck. When Mysterio turns back around, he sees a running Carlito and eats a RUNNING KNEE LIFT, but doesn’t go down, only for Carlito to rebound off the closest ropes and force Mysterio down with the NASTY CLOTHESLINE!! THE KNEE LIFT/CLOTHESLINE COMBO CONNECTS!! Carlito with another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Mysterio has lots more left in him, regardless of Carlito completely catching him off guard in the early going. Colon is visibly vexed, perhaps now knowing that he has to wear the little shit down. He pulls Mysterio back to his feet and throws him into a corner. Rey hits it so hard, he whiplashes a bit, Carlito still not letting up and grabbing Rey’s head and shoves it through the second rope. Colon then begins choking Rey by setting his entire body weight on the back of Rey’s neck and pressing it all up against the ropes. This is clear and much more blatant disrespect than the opening seconds, Colon just taunting Rey as the crowd throws a great deal of heat. King gets to his refereeing duties after begging ‘Lito to let go and he won’t –

…1!!
…2!!
…3!!
{Ju’re nothing, Mysterio!}
…4!!
“Hey, come on!! Get off him, Carlito!”

King pulls Carlito off of the asphyxiating San Diego native, admonishing him for his heel tactics. Carlito holds his hands up like he was doing nothing wrong at all, Mysterio now having to get some air back into his body. Carlito brushes past the ref and reaches over the ropes, yanking Mysterio to a vertical base on the apron. The two scuffle for control for a moment before suddenly, Rey drops off the apron and seems to take Carlito’s face with him … HOTSHOT!! Mysterio forces Carlito’s neck to bounce off the ropes, stunning him and getting the King of Mystery back into things!

It’s Carlito’s turn to fall to the mat and grip at his throat, Mysterio jumping back up on the apron and waiting for Carlito to get back up … he springboards … but doesn’t wait for Carlito turn around … SEATED SENTON FACEBUSTER!! Mysterio possibly making a whole new move with the seated senton to the back of the neck and Colon’s face being driven into the canvas! Either way, Mysterio still pops right back up after the move and bounces off the ropes to greet an on-his-knees Carlito – LOW DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE JAW!! Carlito has his face rearranged on two consecutive moves, Mysterio going for his first cover now –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Carlito still has a good bit of life in him here, Rey now going back to trying to up the momentum by rebounding off the ropes … TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!! Carlito stunts things yet again, showing that he’s scouted Rey to the utmost extent and goes for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Mysterio, again, has much left in his system than that! Already, these two have exchanged heavy blows and have gotten off to a hellova start, but now Carlito locks Rey down in a seated double underhook rest hold. Mysterio tells the ref that he doesn’t want to give up, Carlito egging him to do so. Colon keeps trying to wrench back harder with the move, but Rey keeps resisting both Colon and Colon’s submission attempts. The crowd starts clapping away to get Mysterio charged back up, Rey adhering to his fans north of the border and starting to get back to his feet, only for Carlito to change his grip once he’s vertical and go from the double underhook to a HIGH ANGLE BACKDROP!! Rey’s head bounces off the canvas with authority, Carlito another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Again, Mysterio shows he’s still got much left in the tank, Carlito not done wearing the little guy down yet. He catches Mysterio in another seated position, going for the chin lock this time. Rey screams in pain but again tells King he won’t give in, Colon shaking his poofy head and telling Rey to go ahead and give up and go away. Mysterio doesn’t stay in this one for too long, working his way back up to a vertical base and starts trying to jab Carlito in the gut with elbows, only for Colon to hold on.

Rey can’t turn around completely, Carlito turning the chin lock into a modified headlock now. Rey keeps trying to fight his way out of the vicegrip, continuing to struggle until he…steps on Carlito’s toe? Well, if it works, it works! Colon now limps away from Mysterio while gripping at his boot and shunning the crowd for their laughter. The laterally thinking luchador takes a moment to get more break in him before running at Colon once again … HURRICANRANA!! The move is hit to perfection, almost as if Rey is in his prime again, flinging Carlito across the canvas and out of the ring!

Colon seems to have gone out on his own power, perhaps now looking to regroup or just try and jam Rey’s momentum again. Whatever the case, he walks around on the outside, running his fingers through his poof and trying to walk off his stubbed toe. Mysterio doesn’t let the disrespectful youngster out of his sight, however, heading to the top rope and looking out over the outside … LEAPING … SEATED SENTON FROM THE TOP ALL THE WAY TO THE OUTSIDE!! OH MY!! Mysterio again flies like he’s back in his youth … but Mysterio landed badly and is tending towards his surgically repaired knees, reminding us that he is indeed battle tested. It takes Rey a moment to limp back to his feet, bring Carlito up, and sling him under the bottom rope into the ring for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

A little bit closer that time, but Colon still manages to get a shoulder up. Mysterio tries to shake some life back into the left knee and trying to bring Carlito back up to his feet, but the ever aware Puerto Rican springs to life and picks Rey up off his feet … AND SLAMS HIS LEGS INTO A CORNER!! The unorthodoxed toss leaves Rey in a heap, but when he screams in pain and tends to his knee, it’s obvious that Carlito’s noted the weak spot.

‘Lito looks to keep the pressure on Rey’s recovering knee, laying it out in front of him and just STOMPING ON IT REPEATEDLY!! Mysterio screams through his mask and curls up once again, Carlito now getting a bit of a smirk on his face. This, predictably, garners a purely negative reaction from the crowd. Carlito certainly doesn’t seem to care, stomping on Rey to force himself flat once more. With that done, Colon climbs through the ropes and sets up on the apron for something … leaning back … SLINGSHOT SUMMERSAULT SENTON – ONTO THE SURGICALLY REPAIRED KNEE!! Carlito has more than done his homework, the entire crowd now deflated on the impact and watching Mysterio writhe on the canvas in absolute agony. The heartwrenching image is interrupted by ‘Lito, who hooks Rey’s injured left leg and goes for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Mysterio still has life, even if he doesn’t have a left leg! Colon gets in the referee’s face and demands that that was a three count, but King says it was just two. Colon argues at more length, but then stops to reach down and look to do more damage to the knee … BUT HE’S PULLED INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!! Mysterio out of nowhere –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Carlito undoes the package just in time!! The Puerto Rican has to catch his breath for a moment, almost getting caught there. Rey uses that moment to try and get to his feet, limping as he does so. Colon notices this and sees the bent over Mysterio and goes for perhaps another RUNNING KNEE LIFT … MYSTERIO SPINS TO DODGE IT … AND GRABS CARLITO FROM BEHIND INTO ANOTHER SURPRISE PIN!! Can the roll-up get him –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

And again Carlito just manages to throw his legs up right before the three! Rey seems to be getting back into things little by little here, springing back to his feet as best he can and trying to whip Colon into the ropes. This is predictably countered, but Rey ducks underneath a clothesline attempt on the rebound, running and hitting a SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT off the second rope, catching Carlito … INVERTED DDT!! MOONSAULT TO INVERT DDT!! AJ Styles would like that one, Mysterio definitely now back in the swing of things as he covers Colon –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Colon throws up a shoulder!! The Latino Savior showing he’s got more than that in the tank! Mysterio holds up two fingers as if to ask the ref if it was only two, which unfortunately was. Rey collapses back down for a moment out of disappointment before gather his nerves to stand up again. He does a good limp before shaking his left leg, the knee holding up nicely on the springboard at least. Carlito is struggling to recover from that surprise move, now on all fours. Mysterio sees this as a chance, leaping over ‘Lito’s back and pulling him over for the OKLAHOMA ROLL –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

And again Carlito just manages to get out of the quick pins! This time Carlito rolls back to his feet and braces against the ring ropes, only for Mysterio to approach him and start peppering him with thigh kicks yet again! Rey gets several good shots in before taking Colon and again attempting a whip, only for Carly to reverse it. On this go ‘round, Mysterio wraps his arms around the ropes to make sure he doesn’t go anywhere, prompting Colon to rush at him and EAT A BOOT that sends him reeling again. This gives Rey the space he needs to actually rebound off the ropes and run at Colon, show more flash with the INVERTED BODYSCISSORS and popping up for the BULLDOG … BACKCRACKER!! BACKCRACKER!! BACKCRACKER OUT OF THE INVERTED BODYSCISSORS!! OH MY!!

That one is literally out of nowhere, Mysterio struck so hard by the move, he falls under the bottom rope and FLOPS TO THE FLOOR, OUT OF CARLITO’S LAST DITCH EFFORT REACH!! The sight of Rey writhing in agony about his spine is little consolation to the Bad Apple. Carlito can’t go stop Mysterio from rolling out of the ring, his head still spinning from the quick pace and possibly still feeling the effects from the inverted DDT.

Carlito tries to shrug it off and shakes his head and makes his signature hair jiggle as he does. He has to will himself to roll out of the ring and drunkenly lean up against the ring lip to support himself before taking Rey and rolling him back under the bottom rope. Carlito follows him back in as quickly as he can, slumping over and throwing his body onto Mysterio’s, hooking a leg for definite measure –

ONE…


TWO…


THR…!!!


NO!!!

MYSTERIO ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! Carlito took too much precious time and it costs him dearly!! The crowd goes NUTS, Colon pounds the mat in anger and gets in King’s face, forcibly telling him that ‘THAT WAS THREE!! CARLITO KNOWS HE HAD HIM!!’ The man in stripes just shakes his head and infuriates Colon even more.

Mysterio is barely moving, struggling to get to the ropes and pull himself to his feet from his ailing knees and now ailing spine. Carlito, meanwhile, is absolutely seething. He stalks Mysterio until he gets completely vertical, rushing at him one more time and looking for something else … DROP TOEHOLD! Mysterio just barely manages to pull a fast one, on Carlito, the Bad Apple landing … ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!!

Mysterio barely has enough in him to completely get stable and to his feet, wobbling as he tries. He still manages to run to the ropes and rebound, looking for THE BIG 619 … NO!! Rey took too long and Carlito has ample time to move out of the way, making Rey spin all the way around again and grabbing him at the back … BACKCRACKER … NO!!!

The veteran has ring presence and grabs onto the top rope, forcing Carlito to fall back empty handed and whiplash violently off the canvas! The Apple Spitter rolls back to his feet and grips at the back of his head, Mysterio now catching him weakened … STEP-UP ENZEGUIRI!! Colon is positively stupefied, turning about face on the blow … and falling on the second rope on the opposite side!

The Belle Center begins to light up yet again, Mysterio taking deep breaths as he nears exhaustion before rebounding off the ropes and … 619!! 619 CONNECTING!! The cross-country call to San Diego hits, but Mysterio pays for it, as his knees start acting up after the impact. Carlito falls flat, but while Rey has to pause for the pain, the crowd is letting out considerable buzz. We look over to see why … and see that SIAKI IS DISTRACTING THE REFEREE!!

One half of the Samoan Fight Club has indeed shown up and distracting the ref! Mysterio pays him no heed, however, and leaps up to the top rope and goes to DROP DA DIME with a high springboard … Manu suddenly appears and slides in perfectly timed as he leaps … SAMOAN DROP!! SAMOAN DROP!! MANU CATCHES MYSTERIO OUT OF MIDAIR WITH THE RIB CRUNCHING SAMOAN DROP!! Just as quickly as the big man appeared, Manu disappears and Siaki leaves the ref alone once the deed is done. The crowd is throwing a huge amount of heat as a dazed Carlito simply rolls over and hooks both of Mysterio’s legs –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…!!!


Here is your winner…CARLITO COLON at (10:27)


Carlito steals one with a little bit of help!! A much denser round of heat comes down for Carlito as he tries to roll away, being helped out of the ring by both Siaki and Manu. He doesn’t even get his hand raised by the ref, just opting to slink away in the arms of his Fight Club



Joey Styles:
No!! That was a travesty!! Colon just used the Samoan Fight Club for the victory!


JBL:
What a brilliant man! Carlito with another huge win to show up Rey Mysterio! Get it, kid!


Joey Styles:
Oh so I have to pipe down when Brian Danielson wins. But you have fair game to sit here and pump your fist for Carlito?


JBL:
That’s exactly right, Poindexter. Because the guys I cheer for actually deserve to be cheered. Carlito Colon, ladies an’ gentlemen! Your Latino Savior!


JBL gives a great signing off line, Mysterio gripping at his knee and trying to get to his feet and having to watch Carlito leave with a weary smile and his arms slung over the shoulders of the feral looking Samoan Fight Club.


The camera pans back to the announce booth, JBL and Styles still pumped up



Joey Styles:
Well, this night has barely just begin and some incredible developments already unfolding. An amazing, if marred by interference, match we just saw between Carlito and Rey Mysterio, but we have new World Tag Team Champions!


JBL:
I’m sure somewhere, the Hitman is smilin’ behind them sunglasses, especially with it happening right here, north of the border.


Joey Styles:
That’s right, but to kick off the night, we witnessed an absolutely incredible Cruiserweight Championship contest that I think set the tone perfectly for the remainder of the night.


JBL:
Actually, it didn’t. That match set the tone with ‘the wrong guy won’, but so far, other than that match, guys that deserved to win have won.


Joey Styles:
Oh my lord. Do you ever stop complaining?


JBL:
Well, I don’t have Internet, so I have to complain here.


We take the focus off the bickering-like-a-married-couple booth to the entrance stage, where there seems to be a big, solid gold trophy standing on a red platform with the words “Trios Tournament Champions” etched into the base.


Joey Styles:
Well there you see it, folks. The trophy that represents the best trio in the wrestling world and the first team to ever hold it will be decided in just a few moments.


JBL:
These two teams have had some great matches and some terrific battles to get here, but only one of’em is gonna be able to walk outta here with that solid gold cup. An’ mark my words, Mercenaries, Inc. will be takin’ that baby home.


Joey Styles:
Mercenaries, Inc. have yet to really show any kind of weakness in this Tournament, but you can’t deny the resiliency that’s been displayed by the team known as Tres Reyes.


JBL:
Or whatever the hell their name is this week.


Joey Styles:
They do have a tad of an identity crisis, but with the luchador rookie Aero Star being officially named their captain following Oblivion last week, they have a whole new lease on life for the finals!


JBL:
Let’s just take a look at some of battles these teams have had to go through.


ROAD TO THE FINALS


Tres Reyes
Def. American Made & Ken Doane at (13:33)
Def. Samoan Fight Club & Carlito at (14:14)


Mercenaries, Inc.
Def. The Hooliganz & Jack Evans at (6:42)
Def. Sons of the Dungeon & Lance Storm at (12:34)



***DING DING DING***



Tony Chimel:
The following contest is the AOW Trios Tournament FINALS!!!


The crowd lets out a loud pop for that


Tony Chimel:
This match will be contested under Trios rules, where the only way to win is to either pin two members of the opposing team OR pin the designated captain of the opposing team.



**SIN LIMITES**



An awesome pop greets the Mexicans that only gets louder when Aero Star’s music keep tuning and no one comes out…only for the Mexicools to both ride out on their old riding mowers! Aero Star is nowhere to be seen, but when the Mexicools put the mowers in park right in front of the double doors, Aero Star suddenly bursts through and LEAPS CLEANLY OVER TWO LAWN MOWERS, tuck and rolling onto a knee and being pulled up by his teammates! All three men now stroll down the aisle, ready for their big moment in the sun.



Tony Chimel:
Introducing first, from Mexico City, Mexico, weighing in at a combined weight of five hundred and sixty pounds…the team of Aero Star, Super Crazy, and Psicosis…TREEES REYEEESS!!!


Joey Styles:
And that’s just a touch of the athleticism and aerobatics that has made Aero Star not just one of the most must-see luchador prospects in all the world, not just one of the brightest rookies we have in AOW, but it’s also made him the team captain for this Trios Final round.


JBL:
I talked about it last week, Joey, if Tres Reyes or whatever their name is wanted any shot at competing in this Final, they needed to get the captain’s title away from that concussed Super Crazy. Of course, a concussion makes Super Crazy act more sane than usual, but the point still stands.



**WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL**



The ominous pipe organs hit the threshold and give way to the much less theatrical Mercenaries, Inc. William Regal is in one of his very regal robes, while his Mercenaries simply have their jackets and roses. They toss off their jackets and follow Regal down the ramp, none of them showing any kind of emotion. But before Chimel can announce their weights, all three of their opponents suddenly rush from the ring…AND HIT THE MERCS WITH THREE DIVING CROSSBODIES!! We’re starting this one right away!!






~AOW Trios Tournament Finals~


Tres Reyes v. Mercenaries, Inc.



And everything has already started so white-hot!! Super Crazy storms out in the madness to retrieve Regal and grab him by the neck and base of his tights and fling him into the ring!! Crazy is completely fueled by Regal trying to decapitate him four days ago!! Regal still hasn’t had any kind of chance to regain himself, let alone take off his fancy robe.

Super Crazy lashes at it, nearly tearing it off of Regal’s body and tosses it aside, referee Justin King not sure entirely what to do. He tells Crazy to cool it down, but Crazy pays no heed and heads to the top rope!! The entire Belle Center is still on their feet with Crazy, Psicosis and Aero Star cheering him on from the apron as Regal dizzily gets back to his feet…MISSILE DROPKICK!! Super Crazy with a huge move just a few seconds in! Crazy with a white hot cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE-NO!!!


Regal manages to throw up a shoulder! The captain of the guard gets caught off guard, but not enough! As soon as Regal gets out of the first pinfall, however, Crazy doesn’t let up in the slightest, his blood festering to a boil…AND STARTS HEADING TO THE TOP ROPE AGAIN!! This time, Crazy’s back is to Regal and it takes him a moment to properly get his balance and perhaps go for the BIG MOONSAULT…WAIT!! Both Burchill and Albright have recovered and jumped up onto the apron, distracting not only Crazy, but the Reyes’ corner as well!

King orders that both men go to the opposite side of the ring and get into their own corner, both brilliant brutes adhering to those words. As they drop off the apron and head on over, Crazy has to set up all over again and GO FOR ANOTHER MOONSAULT…NO!!! Regal pulls him by his long, curly hair and FORCES THE BACK OF HIS HEAD TO HIT THE BASE OF THE TURNBUCKLE!! Crazy goes from moonsault perch to Tree of Woe in one fell swoop!! Super Crazy’s

Regal takes a moment to tend to his wounds and walk them off, gripping at the base of his neck and showing a great deal of anger that we haven’t seen on the calm, collected Brit since coming to AOW. Regal wipes his mouth and heads to his corner to tag aggressively tag in Paul Burchill. Regal shouts at Burchill to “SICK HIM!!”, saliva flying from his lips. Regal really has lost a bit of his cool here. Burchill snarls, but in no time at all, he rushes across the ring and DRILLS THE DANGLING SUPER CRAZY WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE TO THE FACE!!

Crazy’s head is driven further into the corner, his body collapsing to the canvas. The crowd isn’t even deflated, the Brits actually getting a good bit of love for that move as Burchill jumps on Crazy and pulls him farther away from the ropes for the Merc’s first cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!


PSICOSIS BREAKS UP THE COUNT!! Another near fall so early, Super Crazy surviving by the skin of his teeth by his tag team partner! It’s the face corner that pulls the first ‘interference’ of the match, Burchill getting upset and nearly going after Psicosis. King gets to him before Burch does and orders him back out. Burch tries to roam over to Super Crazy and continue the beatdown, but Crazy gets to his knees and starts trying to deliver blows to Burchill’s midsection, the crowd getting behind the luchadore with every hit.

But just when it seems like Crazy is going to get back into things, bad head and all, Burchill takes him and grapples him around the midsection, hoisting him up with a gutwrench…and holds him up in what looks like a Canadian backbreaker position. Burchill then adjusts one of his arms and quickly goes to adjust the other … ELEVATED NECKBREAKER!! WOW!! Crazy’s head crashes against the canvas with violent force!! Burchill goes for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

This time, it’s Super Crazy who rolls a shoulder for himself! Burchill’s snarl returns to his face as he sits up off of Crazy’s body, his turn to now play with his wrist tapings. Burchill then shakes his long hair a bit before grabbing hold of Supes’ hair and again forcing him to his feet … and CHUNKING HIM into his own corner…? What’s the method for this? Crazy is dead on his feet, only being held up by the unfeeling post, as Psicosis and Aero Star look at Burchill with disgust. Burchill gestures to Aero Star and then claps his hands together, telling Aero Star, the captain, to tag in.

The Mercs are keeping with their strategy of going right for the head of the snake. There’s distain in Star’s lips and he raises his arm to slap Crazy on the shoulder and become legal, but before it can come down, Psicosis slaps his fellow Mexicool on the shoulder and steps in to become the legal man, much to the chagrin of the Mercs, Inc. corner.

The savvy of Psicosis throws a wrench in the opponent’s plans, Psicosis now crouching over a little and telling Burchill to “come on, vato!” Burchill curls his lips in distain, staring at Psicosis with gold eyes. He soon gives in to his demands and the two initiate the first traditional move of the entire match with a lock-up, both men quickly struggling for position before Psicosis emerges the victor, trapping Burchill in a headlock.

Burchill leans back against the ropes and flings Psicosis across the ring into the ropes, but on the rebound, Burchill lowers his head only to get kicked in the face by Psicosis. Burchill grips his jaw and stands upright in pain, allowing Psicosis to backpedal against the ropes and come right back at him, cracking him again in the face with an impressive SPINNING WHEEL KICK!! Psicosis now with a cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Burch still has much more in him than that, Psicosis grabbing at Burchill’s exposed head and wrapping it up in a headlock of his own. Psicosis wrenches and has it in deep, but Burchill still manages to not only get to his feet, but prep himself to deliver a backdrop … BUT PSICOSIS FLIPS OUT OF IT!! He lands right on his feet and uses the momentum to again backpedal off the ropes and speed towards Burchill … but Paul catches him … OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!! Psicosis is thrown through the air, his cruiserweight body flying with ease as Burchill flattens him out for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Psicosis is showing some resolve there, but all it does is give Burchill the cue to drag Psicosis’ still unmoved body into his corner, now tagging in his tag partner and apprentice, Brent Albright. Burchill keeps hold of Psicosis and drags him to his feet, only to take him up and plant him with a high angle back suplex, almost German suplex like. Psicosis lands with his shoulders on the mat and his legs wide open, giving Albright the space to walk between them and set up for what looks like a wheelbarrow suplex … but instead works his arms up for a DOUBLE CHIKENWING LIFT!!

An impressive display of strength from the young stud here, but as he lifts Psicosis high, he backpedals into a leaning forward William Regal, who DRILLS PSICOSIS IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH AN ELBOW!! The momentum from that blow gives Albright the lavage to complete the combo with a CHICKENWING FACEBUSTER!! WOW!! An incredible triple team from Mercs, Inc. there!! Burchill turns Psicosis on his back for a devastating pin –

ONE…


TWO…

THREE…


NO!! AERO STAR BREAKS IT!!

Just in the nick of time, Aero saves it for his team!! Telling the story of Tres Reyes all through the tournament, Star keeps his team alive by diving out of the blue. Star rolls out just as quickly as he came in, Albright’s turn now to be somewhat angered. Psicosis still hasn’t moved much after the incredible triple team, but instead of throwing him aside like Burchill did, Albright shoots in … AND GOES FOR THE CROWBAR … NO!!

Psicosis is able to scurry out of the move before it’s locked in completely, scurrying to some nearby ropes. Albright tries to tear him away from those ropes, grappling him by the midsection and leading him away and possibly going for a GERMAN SUPLEX … but Psicosis jams it and throws an elbow right to Albright’s temple, giving him the space he needs to rebound off the ropes yet again … but he rushes RIGHT ONTO ALBRIGHT’S SHOULDERS!! What’s the rookie got in mind here? Albright sets himself for a potentially big move … BUT PSICOSIS TURNS IT INTO A DDT!! The lucha vet proves his worth once again, having enough gusto in him to shoot a half and cover Albright –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Albright still has life! Psicosis runs his hands through his hair in one quick motion, but gets to his feet and steps on Albright’s face for good measure. He goes over into his corner and finally does tag in Aero Star, who gets the biggest pop by far of anyone who wasn’t born in Canada. Star doesn’t immediately spring in, instead waiting on the apron for Albright to get back to his feet … SPRINGBOARD HURRICANRANA!! Albright goes spinning as Aero Star immediately hits the skies!! But when Albright wills himself to get back to his feet after the disorienting move, he’s met immediately with A DOUBLE DROPKICK FROM THE MEXICOOLS!! ALBRIGHT FALLS THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!

Albright flops in front of the announcers’ desk, Burchill and Albright both coming off the apron in the ‘heel corner’ to get him back to his feet. But this is obviously what Tres Reyes wanted. All three members of the team look at each other and crowd knows what’s possibly coming next. But this time it’s … different? None of the men set up for the triple Asai moonsault, instead the Mexicools charging along either side of Aero Star … TRIPLE TOPE TORPEDO!! TRIPLE TOPE TORPEDO!! TRES REYES TURNS ALL OF THEIR BODIES INTO MISSILES!! OH MY!!

Montreal is in an absolute FRENZY, as all six men hit the deck and the Reyes pull their second balls to the wall move of the contest!! Aero Star is the first man to recover, jumping to his feet and pumping his arms to another huge reaction. He doesn’t waste any time, taking the still legal Albright and throwing him underneath the bottom rope and into the ring, setting him up very close to a turnbuckle. Star then leaps into the ring right to the top rope of the corner he put Albright next to. His back is turned to Albright, looking for the FINISHING AERO STAR PRESS … NO!!

Albright isn’t spun out completely enough, bashing Star in the spine with several clubs to the spine. This stuns Star long enough for Albright to grab him in a half-nelson hold and drag him from off the top rope all the way back to the canvas … HALF-NELSON SUPLEX!! THE CONCUSSION CAUSING MOVE CONNECTS!! Aero Star sells the move like a champ, being slung all the way across the ring on the impact! Albright is still feeling the effects of all the moves he’s been hit with so far, not able to get to Star immediately and has to crawl all the way from one corner of the ring to the other, pull Sar away from the ropes, and then finally fall onto him for a cover –


ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

AERO STAR ROLLS A SHOULDER!! Albright pounds the mat in frustration, telling King that that was definitely three, but the zebra insists that it was only two. Sweat drips from Albright’s hair as he looks over to Star’s corner and sees that The Mexicools have both recovered from their time on the outside, causing Albright to instinctively look over into his corner, where Paul Burchill is still shaking cobwebs out of his head, but at least on the apron. Regal is doing his recovering off the apron on the outside.

Albright pulls Star to his feet and brings him to the Mercs, Inc. corner, tagging back in Burchill. Albright takes Star by the legs as Burchill enters by leaping onto the second turnbuckle … oh no … Albright sets up for the catapult…Burchill readies the clothesline … MERCY KILL … NOBODY HOME!! BURCHILL FLIES OVER ALBRIGHT WITH NO CLOTHESLINE CONNECTING!!

Why the hell wasn’t Aero Star beheaded? Because he curled up at the last minute on the catapult, legs pressed up against Albright’s body … and turns it into a MONKEY FLIP … RIGHT ON TOP OF BURCHILL!! AERO STAR MAKES A MERCENARIES SANDWICH!! Burchill grips at his midsection, while Albright rolls off and away, leaving Star the space he needs to pull off yet another fast one –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

Burchill rolls a shoulder now!! Aero seems to be just a bit peeved at that, pressing his lips together, but as he reaches over to maybe catch Burchill in another quick move, it’s Burchill who pulls a fast one by grabbing Star’s wrist and dragging him to the ground … ROYAL MUTILATION!! ROYAL MUTILATION!! THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR IS LOCKED IN!! The tendons are ripping and tearing in Aero’s arm, the crowd hot for him to get out of the move! Psicosis and Super Crazy both try to fly in to break the hold, but they’re stopped by the referee! The rookie all alone and getting his arm ripped off! We can’t see the look in Star’s eyes, but we can see the savage look in Burchill’s.
…………Star struggles…………
………clawing on his stomach to the side………
………the closest rope is right there………
…………………
……AND HE GOT IT!!

Star gets to the ropes and forces Burchill to let go of the hold…but Burchill won’t do it! He keeps the arm locked in and almost turns it into a key lock as Star uses the ropes to get back to his feet … but Star uses the ropes to backflip in place and torque out of the hold … AND CLOTHESLINE BURCHILL!! WOW!!

The kid is showing all kinds of acrobatic flash in this match, but he’s taken some damage and tags back in Super Crazy. Psicosis jumps in and Star doesn’t step out, but Crazy leaps instead to … the middle rope? Perhaps another big time move in the works, Psicosis and Star hoisting Burchill up … AND PLACING HIS LEGS OVER SUPER CRAZY’S SHOULDERS. Could this be what it looks like…?? Crazy leaps … A LUCHADOR TRIPLE POWERBOMB FROM THE SECOND ROPE!! OHH MY GAAAD!! No one or their mother saw that coming!!! The luchadors completely breaking the mold as the crowd goes nuts, Crazy keeping Burchill down with a prawn hold pin –

ONE…
{William Regal slides into the ring…}


TWO…
{Regal rebounds off the ropes…}


THREE…NO!!!
REGAL CRACKS CRAZY IN THE SKULL WITH THE KNEE TREMBLER!! They forgot about the captain and Regal reminded them of the concussion!! Regal finishes the job by smashing Aero Star with an elbow off the apron, while the recovering Albright grabs Psicosis’ foot and DROPS HIS FACE ON THE APRON, the extra men all clear for Burchill, still feeling the effects from the triple team, crawls over and slings an arm on top of Crazy –


ONE…


TWO…


THREE…!!!


ELIMINATED: SUPER CRAZY at (9:53)


And just like that, Tres Reyes is handicapped! But as Joey Styles explains, the consolation is that the decision to make Aero Star captain at the last minute proves its weight gold. That said, the rookie is the one who storms the ring and starts delivering hard blows to Paul Burchill, who barely has time to recover and is still feeling the effects of that powerbomb. Star rebounds off the ropes behind him, but Burchill catches him now in a NASTY CLOTHESLINE! Burch goes for what could be the winning fall –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Star still has life and kicks out, but Burchill doesn’t risk any more damage and heads to his corner, tagging back in Regal. The swift captain enters and delivers a stomp to the still downed Star. He then brings Star to his feet and traps him in the corner, delivering a hard back elbow before tagging in Albright. Albright enters and throws a hard knee into the midsection of Star, further wearing him down, before tagging back in Burchill, who quickly delivers a blow to the head and tags Albright back in.

The precision tagging is wearing Star down considerably, Albright looking to cap it off by nailing Star with a European uppercut that causes Star to hit the canvas hard, but bounce back up and grip his neck. Brent takes the sitting up Star and tags in Regal, who shoves him between his legs and gets the double underhooks. Albright stays in and lays flat on the canvas as Regal lifts him up … DOUBLE UNDERHOOK POWERBOMB … ON THE KNEES OF ALBRIGHT!!! Another brutal sequence from the Mercs corner, Regal with an aggressive cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

Psicosis again storms the ring and this time, hits a low dropkick to get Sir Regal off of Star’s body. Regal does indeed shoot up off of Star’s body after the blow, going after Psicosis, again the Reyes pushing Regal’s buttons! King has to get between the two and order Psicosis back to the apron. While Regal has his back turned, Aero Star tries a fast one and ROLLS HIM UP FROM BEHIND –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

William throws his legs up just in time, getting to his feet, at the same time as Aero Star. Star rushes at Regal and NAILS ANOTHER HURRICANRANA!! Regal wobbles to his feet and Aero Star tries to get the momentum stirring by rushing back at him, but Regal ducks underneath whatever Star is trying and grapples him from behind … REGAL PLEX!! THE REGAL PLEX CONNECTS!! Regal takes a moment to reorient himself after nailing his namesake technique, shaking his head and flattening Star before covering him with his back, eagle spread –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!
STAR SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT AND TURNS IT INTO A SURPRISE CRUCIFIX!!

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…


NO!!

Regal just manages to rolls legs out, keeping his promise that Aero Star won’t catch him by surprise! Star tries to get to his feet, but Regal gets there first, charging at him and looking for A SECOND KNEE TREMBLER … NO!! Star sidesteps it and grabs Regal through his legs, another school boy attempt –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Regal still keeps his vow, but again, he gets vertical before Star, and BASHES STAR IN THE HEAD WITH A BOOT!! Star goes right back flat, Regal now getting down for another count –


ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Star flashes even more resolve there, but Regal and Co. look to still isolate him, Regal now tagging back in Albright. Albright and Regal whip Aero Star into the opposite ropes and look for a DOUBLE BACK TOSS … but Aero Star somehow stays suspended on their shoulders and doesn’t go over … before swinging forward and NAILING A DOUBLE DDT!!! DOUBLE DDT!! BOTH REGAL AND ALBRIGHT ARE DOWN!!

Psicosis is fired up on the apron along with the crowd, reaching over for Star to make the hot tag. Star crawls while clutching his back, still feeling the force of all the blows … AND TAGS IN PSICOSIS!! The veteran immediately jumps to the top rope and targets Albright, his back to him and looking for another big move … CORKSCREW SENTON FROM THE TOP … Burchill suddenly dives in, rolling Albright out of the way … AND TAKES THE BLOW FOR HIS APPRENTICE!!! WHAT ON EARTH???

The hard knocks mentor that Burchill has been since the start of the federation gives way to a man who takes a heavy hit for his trainee!! Psicosis is notably confused once he rolls back to his feet and looks over, but as soon as he does, he’s ambushed by a recovered Albright, who pulls Psicosis down by his arm … AND LOCKS IN THE CROWBAR!! THE CROWBAR IS LOCKED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! Psicosis thrashes around and tries to find the ropes!! Aero Star looks to leap up and springboard in but Regal, who is barely recovered from the DDT, rushes over to the other corner … AND CLOTHESLINES AERO OFF THE APRON BEFORE HE CAN LEAP!! Star crashes all the way down to the floor, leaving Psicosis alone in the middle of the ring with the brutal rookie…
……………
…………………
……………………………
……PSICOSIS REACHES OUT……
…………………
………
………

…AND HE TAPS!! PSICOSIS TAPS OUT!!


Here are your winners and the 2008 Trios Tournament Champions…MERCENARIES, INC. at (13:10)


The most meticulously malicious team in all of AOW finally has the big win that they covet! Albright lets out a fist pump and clings to the ropes in adrenaline rush, William Regal coming up behind him and sharing in the rush. Both men then go over to peel Paul Burchill off the canvas and raise his hands


JBL:
Just call me Nostradamus.


Joey Styles:
I’ll call you Bradshaw and that’s all, but a huge win for Mercenaries, Inc. with a win they’ve wanted since the moment this Tournament was announced.


JBL:
An’ these guys went out an’ they got it. They had to adjust their strategy a little bit, they couldn’t get the captain like they wanted. The way you win may not be what you want, but in the end, it’s all you want.


Joey Styles:
That’s actually pretty well said, partner. Tres Reyes put up a great fight, but in the end, it was the power of one rookie, Brent Albright, overtaking the team of another rookie in Aero Star. Mercenaries, Inc., the brutal masterminds, stand tall as the very first ever AOW Trios Tournament Champions.


All three winners are in the ring, being handed the trophy we saw earlier. Regal takes it and they all give it a rub before Regal hands it over to the kid with the win, Albright. Albright raises it over his head as the crowd actually gives them a solid amount of applause, if a few boos sprinkled in.









~AOW PRESENTS~
ONLINE OBLIVION
BI-WEEKLY DURING THE OFFSEASON
BEGINNING APRIL 9TH
8/7c exclusively on aohdubya.com

~Back at ringside…


Joey Styles:
That’s right, ladies and gents, immediately following tonight’s Pay-Per-View, the first ever professional wrestling Offseason will kick off and last until the fourth of June.


JBL:
I’m actually looking forward to two and a half months away from you, Joey.


Joey Styles:
It’s win-win partner, trust me. But on April 9th and 23rd, as well as May 7th and 21st, we’ll be streaming exclusively from aohdubya.com with Online Oblivion, coming to you right from the Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.

JBL:
An’ if any of you fans are smart enough, you know that’s the exact same place as the AOW developmental core, Ohio Valley Wrestling.


Joey Styles:
Excellent point there, partner. Because Online Oblivions will be focused on showcasing not only the championships that may need to be defended, but also our developmental talent down in OVW will be getting their cracks at some guys on the actual roster.


JBL:
Good luck to those losers.


Joey Styles:
And speaking of that roster, some guys will be on the ‘Offseason roster’ and others won’t. Many will be taking that time off, but for anyone who holds a championship, they can’t do that. There’s a few guys in the back who want more ringtime and they won’t do that. So it’s gonna be an interesting mix of up-and-comers, hard workers, and established champions.


JBL:
I understand the name, Joey, but in the end, pro wrestling can’t ever have a true offseason. This is a business that runs 24/7, 365. But I admire what’s being done to give guys opportunities not just to showcase themselves more, but to protect their well-being.


Joey Styles:
It is a valiant effort, but I’ll worry about my vacation plans when this already monumental night is over. And I don’t ever want it to end!!



“DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK~!!”


**MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT**



And the Bell Center lets out a GRAND pop for Samoa Joe when he storms through the double doors, towel wrapped around his head. He snatches the towel off and sets it back around his neck, but we can see he has a shiner around his eye. The tank that is Joe doesn’t seem to mind it at all, just making the guy look more badass. He steps between the ropes and plays to the crowd for a moment before dumping his towel over the top


Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from the Isle of Samoa, weighing in at two hundred seventy-six pounds…SAMOOOAAAAA JOOOOEEEE!!!


Joey Styles:
And you see the shiner right around Samoa Joe’s eye and that’s from taking two Knockout Punches from Paul Wright just four days ago. But you can also see that this man is almost completely unfazed, just showing how much of a beast he is. I don’t think there is anything that Samoa Joe won’t do to eliminate the ‘scum’ of AOW, no matter how huge the challenge.


JBL:
I love Samoa Joe’s style, I love everything he’s done, the man is damn near undefeated here in AOW. But I think he’s biting off the biggest chunk in the company an’ he doesn’t have the chops to chew it.



**KING OF MY WORLD**


The tune that usually begets the image of Chris Jericho is met with perhaps a preview of the heat Jericho will get, although a twinge of awe is in that heat when Paul “The Great” Wright steps through in all his gargantuan glory. Even in his own badass aura, he too has a bruise on his face from the lead pipe Joe hit him with.



Tony Chimel:
And the opponent…standing at seven feet tall and weighing four hundred and seventy-seven pounds…PAUL “THE GREEEEAAT” WRIIIIIIGGGHHT!!!


Joey Styles:
There are not many men who have beaten Samoa Joe to a pulp. And there are even fewer men who have done the same to this man. As a matter of fact, before Samoa Joe eliminated this man in the War Chamber, I don’t think I can remember the last time Paul Wright even so much as hit the canvas.


JBL:
He’s big, he’s mean, an’ he’s undefeated. There’s a reason this man was the anchor of the Worthy Legion – with all due respect to Jericho of course. But this guy was in his back pocket from the very first moment he showed up. An’ you wanna talk about guys like Brian Danielson or Shelton Benjamin having mean streaks they’re showin’ tonight – how about tonight, he’s pissed that someone managed to give him a nasty shiner.


Wright finishes his galumph down the aisle and steps over the top rope, staring a hole through the man directly across from him. He goes over to the ‘heel corner’, but when he turns back around, he and Joe still don’t break their mammoth staredown.





~The Unstoppable Force vs. The Immovable Object~


Samoa Joe v. Paul “The Great” Wright

Contrary to many of the hot starts before this one, Joe nor Wright are bursting out of the gate with anything. They take heed to JBL’s advice and slowly just approach one another, neither man looking the slightest bit intimidated by the other. The Canadian crowd begins to buzz considerably, both men just showcasing their unflinching walks and stares until they meet in the center of the ring. The dominating figure of Samoa Joe still has to look up at the frame of the destructive Wright. The bruises on both men’s faces are burning as bright as their eyes as the crowd begins to roar … then on the audience’s apex, Joe suddenly HEADBUTTS WIGHT RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES!! IT’S ON!!

This catches the giant completely by surprise, forcing him to reel a bit and for Samoa Joe to capitalize on this weak moment. Joe socks Wright in the jaw with a stiff right hand, followed by another, then another before beginning to drill him in the midsection with precision shoot kicks. Wright is forced to back all the way into a corner to try and get on the defense from Joe’s flurry, but after a moment or so of defensive action, Wright just reaches up in the middle of more Joe punches to grab him by the head … AND DELIVER A HEADBUTT OF HIS OWN!! It’s Joe’s turn to go reeling now, Wright lifting himself up out of the corner and following that up with ANOTHER HEADBUTT, this one sending Joe reeling into the opposite corner now.

The roles have now been completely reversed, Joe propped into the corner and having his body open, giving Wright all the space he needs to start PUNCHING JOE IN THE GUT OVER AND OVER LIKE A SAMOAN PUNCHING BAG!! Wright’s ham-sized hands would probably rupture the kidney of any other man getting punched there, but Joe just holds on to the ropes behind him and tries not to fall down.

All the air more than likely beaten out of Joe’s body, Wright takes him with one hand and sits him upright in the corner and moves that hand across his chest, moving Joe’s arms out of the way. Wright doesn’t need to hold a finger up to his lips to make the crowd silent, as they’ve dropped back down from their high after Wright’s onslaught on the One Man Army. They get deathly quiet when they see him raise his gargantuan right hand … AND SMACK JOE RIGHT ACROSS THE CHEST!!

The overhand chop echoes all over the Belle Center, the “OOOH”s being very sparse, but still heard. Joe curls up his upper body from the sting of the hand. Again, Wright looks to continue the punishment and throws Joe back up with one hand and opens him back up before once more raising his enormous palm … AND SMACKING JOE IN THE CHEST FOR A SECOND TIME!!

The “OOOOH”s are more prominent on that one, Joe feeling the pain. He drops to his knees and clutches at the point of impact, where we can clearly see the gigantic red markings of where the hand landed. But the punishment isn’t over so soon. Wright once more takes the weakened Joe and props him up in the same corner, opening him up, and looking for A THIRD CHOP TO THE CHEST … THE HAND COMES DOWN … BUT JOE GRABS IT BEFORE IT CONNECTS!!

Joe has to use both hands, but he stops the momentum of the hand before it impacts his chest once more, using nothing but sheer strength and will to power the hand of the big man away from him. The crowd is popping their heads off for Joe’s show of strength, none getting louder than when he successfully lifts the hand completely over his head.

Joe doesn’t spend much time with it there, just merely giving us the spectacle of his strength before throwing the hand aside and delivering a CHOP(Wooooo!) to Wright’s chest of his own. The chop jiggles the body of Wright, but doesn’t take him off his feet, merely sending him back a step. Joe isn’t finished, coming right after him with another CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends him back again, only to be met with yet another CHOP(Wooooo!).

Wright again stumbles a bit, but he retaliates this time by immediately firing right back with another over hand CHOP that again crashes against Joe’s already swelling chest. Joe barely reels from this one, opting instead to fire right back at Wright with another knife-edge CHOP(Woooo!) Wright again cringes and stumbles, but once again fires right back with a hard over hand CHOP TO THE CHEST. These two are in a rapid fire slugfest!!

SMACK(Ooooh~!!)
CHOP(Woooo~!!)
SMACK(Ooooh~!!)
CHOP(Woooo~!!)
SMACK~!!
CHOP~!!
SMACK~!!
CHOP~!!
SMACK~!!
CHOP~!!

The crowd can’t even keep up with their reactions they’re going at it so fast!! The arena is just one big buzz spot until it’s apparent that both men are being worn down…

SMACK(Oooooh~!!)



CHOP(Woooo~!!)



SMACK(Oooooh~!!)



CHOP(Woooo~!!)



SMACK(Oooooh~!!)





CHOP(Woooo~!!)



CHOP(Woooo~!!)
CHOP(Woooo~!!)
CHOP(Woooo~!!)

Joe nails a rapid fire trio of chops that have such veracity, they force Wright up against the ropes. Joe delivers one more CHOP(Wooooo!) for good measure before stepping back and allowing us to see not only the welts beginning to form on his chest, but the blisters starting to show on the chest of the indestructible “Great”. Joe takes a few more steps back and rubs his chest a little before rushing right at Wright … AND TRIES TO CLOTHESLINE HIM OVER THE ROPES … BUT NO AVAIL!! He hits Wright with a ton of momentum, but he doesn’t get the big lug over. Joe begins backing, farther this time and GOES AGAIN…AND WRIGHT GOES TUMBLING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE FLOOR!!

The crowd lights up as Wright flops right in front of the announcers’ desk, but despite Joe’s momentum, he doesn’t go tumbling over with him. Instead, he lies in wait near the ropes for the big man to get back to his feet, Wright having to use the announce table to support his large body. Just as Wright gets vertical, the crowd gets on its feet to watch Joe run across the ring and bounce off the opposite ropes before he leaps through the middle … ELBOW SUICIDA!! ELBOW SUICIDA!! TANK CRASHING AGAINST TANK!! Wright goes right back down, taking every last bit of the blow!! Joe tumbles and lands on his ass before jumping right back on his feet and roaring in adrenaline!

Referee Goose Mahoney has to poke his head through the ropes to beg Joe to get back in the ring, but Joe pays no heed as he roams over to the timekeeper’s area and pulls out … A STEEL CHAIR!?! Joe’s apparatus makes the Belle Center pop even louder, but he doesn’t close the chair and look to hit Wright with it. Instead, he roams over and places the chair erect right in front of a barricade corner.

The crowd keeps buzzing as they still know what’s coming, Mahoney still begging Joe to get inside. Again, Joe ignores him and hoists the massive body of Wright to his feet, the bigger man wobbling a bit. Joe leads him over to the chair and forces him to sit down into it, delivering a sharp SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST for good measure. Joe then steps away from the chair bound big man and flicks his hand like a musical conductor, the crowd whipping up on cue –

“OLE, OLE OLE OLE!! OLE!! OLE!”

…Joe charges…

OLE KICK!! Joe’s boot rakes across the shiner he gave Wright! Wright damn near falls out of the chair he’s hit by the facewash so hard, but since he doesn’t Joe starts backing up to maybe do it again! When Joe backs away, we can hear Mahoney’s count is at a three, stopping once more to beg Joe to come back in. Joe simply waves his invisible conductor wand and gets the crowd started again –

“OLE, OLE OLE OLE!! OLE!! OLE!!”

…Joe charges again…

… SPEAR!! SPEAR!! JOE IS SPEARED IN HALF AS WRIGHT INTERCEPTS THE SECOND OLE KICK!!! The crowd chanting comes to an abrupt stop and becomes universal concern, Joe rolling around and gripping at his midsection. Wright hasn’t changed expressions since the match began and still hasn’t to this point, unemotionally taking Joe and rolling him under the bottom rope and then stepping into the ring to follow him, his enormous body covering Joe’s for the first pin attempt of the contest –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

JOE THROWS UP A SHOULDER!! He might have broken ribs, but Joe wants to keep fighting! Wright’s face doesn’t move in the slightest, just taking Joe and dragging him to his feet before tossing him right into a corner and rushing after him … RUNNING HIP ATTACK!! Joe is sandwiched between the unforgiving post and a 400-lb behemoth! Joe’s midsection again is the one that takes the damage, but he drifts out of the corner right into a BIG BOOT!! Wright downs Joe once again, and drops for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Joe still has some steam in him but he’s a damaged man after going blow for blow with Wright. Again, Wright is not even angered, but goes right back to work … CALLING FOR THE CHOKESLAM … GOOZLE … THE LIFT … NO!! Joe jumps out of the move and latches behind Wright … THE CLUTCH!! JOE’S GOT THE REAR NAKED IN … BUT WRIGHT’S STILL STANDING!! Joe can’t bring the big man to the canvas to fully lock in the hold! Wright’s enormous amount of leverage allows him to just throw Joe over his shoulder, causing him to roll across the ring.

Wright, even though he didn’t fall, got something taken out of him on the choke, having to grab a rope to pull himself up a little. Joe rolls to his feet and rushes back at Wright…BACK KICK..NO!! Joe grabs hold of the massive leg of Wright and has the strength to pull Wright away from the ropes, causing him to fall … STF!! STF!! JOE HAS THE STF … BUT HE CAN’T GET IT LOCKD IN COMPLETELY!! Wright is too gargantuan of a man, even for the 6’ 2”, 280-lbnder, to lock him in the stretch!

Joe struggles mightily to get the mountain in his lock and seems to have it in for a split second…but Wright has enough in him to just extend his leg and force Joe out of the advantage. But the Samoan Machine doesn’t let the loss of a leg stop him, transitioning from a failed STF … INTO A FULL NELSON STRETCH!! WOW!! Joe has a Full Nelson in and is possibly breaking Wright’s back! Joe’s got a much deadlier hold locked in than originally intended, Wright now being forced to change his expression in a howl of pain.

Joe is pulling up, trying with all his might to do some kind of extensive damage to this big man … but he’s suddenly stopped by Mahoney! Why is that?? Wright’s long legs have reached a bottom rope!! Joe has no choice but to let go of the Nelson, slamming Wright’s upper body down with distain and taking a few steps back from the downed giant.

Joe is now pumped up, shaking some of the sweat off his brow. Wright tends to his lower back as he gets to his feet, Mahoney looking like he’s helping him. Joe tries to get close to Wright, but he’s backed away by Mahoney. The One Man Army doesn’t adhere to any of the ref’s admonition as he hasn’t before, storming Wright … ONLY TO GET CLOCKED WITH THE JAW WITH THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH!! Wright springs a fast one on the reckless Joe … BUT JOE DOESN’T FALL!!

Despite having damage from the double dose of punches less than a week ago, Joe won’t go down!! He stumbles hard and takes several steps back, but somehow, he stays on his feet. Wright is somewhat surprised at this, but he doesn’t let it shock him too much, charging full force back at Joe … SAMOAN DROP!! SAMOAN DROP!! MERCY!! Joe, perhaps on sheer instinct alone, somehow has the guile and strength in him to throw Wright on his shoulders and take him down! But now neither man is even able to move, the damage having sufficient impact on both men. Mahoney gets to his refereeing duties regarding motionless bodies –

…1!!



…2!!



…3!!



…4!!



…5!!



…6!!



…7!!

Joe barely begins to stir…

…8!!

Joe slings a shoulder over Wright and shifts the count –

ONE…


TWO…


THR…NO!!!

WRIGHT STILL HAS LIFE IN HIM!! Joe is aggravated, but he doesn’t take his eyes off the prize and sees Wright sit up. He rushes up to Wright and chops in the back, kicks him in the chest, forces him flat, runs off the ropes … AND NAILS A NICE RUNNING SENTON!! Joe with more vigor on the cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Wright STILL will not go down like that! But just as it was with the submissions, the Samoan Submission Machine goes from move to move to move … AND LOCKS IN THE CLUTCH!! THE COQUINA CLUTCH!! REAR NAKED CHOKE IS SYNCHED IN!! The crowd is white hot for it, and Wright looks to be fading fast! Joe screams in intensity and sells his want for the tapout…
…WRIGHT IS STRUGGLING LESS AND LESS…
………..………
……..HIS EYES CLOSE AND HIS ARMS SLUMP……
……
…………THE GREAT IS MOTIONLESS…………
……
……BUT HE SUDDENLY GAINS NEW BREATH!!!

Wright throws a defiant giant fist in the air and slowly gets to his feet, the whole arena in awe at this inhuman display of power, Wright completely vertical with a near THREE00-lb savage human being on his back…Wright backpedals … AND SANWICHES JOE BETWEEN HIS BODY AND A CORNER!! He got out of it!

The intense hold is broken just the monstrous strength of “The Great”, Joe forced to slump against the ring post that has so much been his bane for this match. Joe starts to stumble a bit out of the corner, but only to walk right into the grip of Wright, who turns him over and steps one of his huge legs over Joe’s still red chest … SHOWSTOPPER!! SHOWSTOPPER!! THE INVERTED LEG DROP BULLDOG CAVES IN JOE’S CHEST!! The crowd deflates all the more, Wright sifting over and hooking a leg –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

JOE STILL HAS ENOUGH IN HIM!! Wright shows some emotion now, the slightest twinge of frustration now coming over his face. He grits his teeth and gets back up to his feet…and suspends his right hand in the air. There’s no “Big Show” theatrics, just the simple raising of the doombringer, Wright more than ready for Joe when he recovers. The Samoan Submission Machine coughs as he gets to his feet, his chest still stinging and the leg drop making it more difficult to breathe…Wright continues to stalk him, waiting for him to turn around…Joe bends over to catch his breath … AND CRACKS WRIGHT IN THE JAW WITH THE CCS ENZEGUIRI!!

Joe pulls one right out of his hat!! The force of the move doesn’t down Wright, instead forcing him to turn around and hit his head against a corner and hitting it so hard that he bounces right back out. Joe is right there to grapple him around the waist as he reels … GERMAN SUPLEX!! GERMAN SUPLEX!! A GIANTIC GERMAN SUPLEX!! Joe hoists the 400-lb titan over his head and plants him, surprising all in attendance and possibly even himself as he climbs over for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

WRIGHT SOMEHOW KICKS OUT!! How in the hell does Wright kick out after having his entire frame dropped on his neck?? This final leg of Joe’s ‘hitlist’ isn’t going down easily at all! Wright is barely able to move, but the crowd is on their feet still from the spectacle that just was. If Joe didn’t hit that move right, Paul Wight could damn well have been paralyzed, but as it is, Joe is more angry that the move didn’t end the match than he is proud that he executed it at all. He looks up at Mahoney in disbelief before putting his hands on his hips to catch his breath. The sweat drops from Joe’s brow as he stares intensely at Wright, as now it’s his turn to stalk the tank before him.

Wright pulls on the ropes in front of him and again climbs them like a ladder to get back to his feet, only to turn around and drift right into the clutches of Joe. Samoa Joe again displays his immense strength and HOISTS HIM ON A SHOULDER … LOOKING FOR THE ISLAND DRIVER!! The crowd is completely ignited, as the last time they saw Joe do this to Wright, it drove him through a steel girdle … Joe takes a moment to set it up completely … ISLAND DRIVER … NO!!! WRIGHT DECKS JOE WITH A KNOCKOUT PUNCH WHILE ON JOE’S SHOULDER!! OH NO!! Joe falls like an oak, Wright landing hard on the back of Joe’s neck!!

The impact throws Wright for a bit of a loop and he can’t get back to his feet immediately. He manages to slowly begin getting back to his feet …and prepares by raising an arm, CALLING FOR THE CHOKESLAM. Joe drunkenly stumbles back to his feet and turns with his glazed eyes to Wright … GOOZLE … CHOKESLAM!! CHOKESLAM TO THE ONE MAN ARMY!! THE CHOKESLAM AFTER THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH!! Joe is knocked out cold in front of 20,000 deflated fans, Wright having to take a moment to clutch his neck and hook Joe’s leg. An academic cover –

ONE…

TWO…


THREE…


NO!!!

HOW IN THE HELL??? SAMOA JOE ROLLS A SHOULDER!! SAMOA JOE IS STILL ALIVE AND UNPINNED!!! Through some kind of superhuman miracle, the One Man Army is hit by the same move that handicapped Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels, and Joe himself on previous occasions … and STILL doesn’t go down!! Wright is as angry as a silent giant can be, his eyes telling the story as they go wide and his huge jaw grates his teeth. He stares a burning hole through the dead body of Joe, which hasn’t moved since the rolling of the shoulder. The wheels of frustration seem to be turning as Wright wonders what exactly he has to do to end things. Wright then goes over to a corner and steps between the ropes before … scaling to the top rope?? What the hell is going on here??

The crowd doesn’t know what to make of this as Wright situates his incredibly heavy frame on the top rope. He never stands up completely as that would almost definitely throw his entire balance off, but he’s set enough … AND LEAPS … DIVING ELBOW DROP!! A MOVE PAUL WIGHT HASN’T PULLED OUT OF THE HAT SINCE HIS WCW DAYS!!! HE DRILLS JOE ACROSS THE HEART WITH A HALF TON OF FORCE!! OHH MY GAAAAD!! The ring itself shakes in awe of the meteor impact crash. There’s vague “HOLY SHIT” chants going around, but they become drowned out in the sheer buzz of the moment when Wright has to shake off the damage he’s just taken from his mammoth leap, dragging his bigness on top of Joe, barely able to make a cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…


NO!!! NO!!!

SAMOA JOE ROLLS A SHOULDER!! HOW IN THE BLUEST OF BLUE HELLS DID HE DO THAT~!?!? THE ONE MAN ARMY JUST WILL NOT GO DOWN!!! Wright completely breaks his unflinching demeanor, getting notably irate and even reaches up to yank Mahoney by the collar and physically pulls the ref up to his face!! It looks like an angry bully and an honest nerd! Wright’s face is beet red and is screaming incoherently into the zebra’s nose, the crowd noise over him unimaginable for Joe’s kickout. This contest of the tanks might never end! The flustered Wright drops Mahoney from his perch and just looks down at the still seemingly dead Joe with seething eyes. Wright then does exactly what he did a few minutes ago and take his eyes off of the Machine before him … and once again climb to the top rope.

All of the offense has to be doubled up here with neither man going down on one shot, so a second helping of crater-making elbows might actually do it. Wright again struggles to make it to the top and maintain his balance once he gets there, the crowd all on their feet once again for the earth shattering move … CAN HE PULL IT OFF A SECOND TIME … but Joe suddenly comes to life … AND STRADDLES WRIGHT ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!!

“OOOOOOH”s ring out across the arena now, as the devastated Joe can barely stand on his own will and power. He has to use the ropes in the corners to even get vertical, the mighty Submission Machine on spaghetti legs. But with a prone Wright on the top rope, Joe sets to work and tucks “The Great”’s head into his knees. The Belle Center knows what might be going on, Joe now connecting Wright’s tucked neck and gripping his thighs … AND PULLS HIM OFF OF THE TOP ROPE!! SAMOE JOE USES EVERY LAST OUNCE OF STRENGTH HE HAS LEFT IN HIS BODY TO PUT PAUL WRIGHT ON HIS SHOULDERS!! The crowd buzz is unimaginable at this point, Joe starting to drop back…MUSCLE BUSTER!!! MUSCLE BUSTER!! HE HIT IT!! MUSCLE BUSTER TO THE QUARTER-TON MAN!! OHH MY GAAAD!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”

Both men lay absolutely flatlined from the ring shattering impact as the crowd goes nuts, but Joe seems to have just enough in him to crawl … on his hands … and knees … to get … to Wright’s gargantuan body, only able to sling an arm across –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…!!!


Here is your winner…SAMOA JOE at (16:11)


An incredible display of strength on behalf of Samoa Joe gets him the literal BIGGEST win of his AOW career! Joe wobbles to his feet, barely able to hold himself up from both the beating he took and from doing what he just did to a man that size.



Joey Styles:
I’m literally speechless! There are no words to describe how awesome a display of power we just witnessed. Samoa Joe just took Paul Wright over his head and drove him right into this canvas!


JBL:
We all just saw it, ya yutz. An’ didn’t you just say you were speechless?


Joey Styles:
That’s called a ‘hyperbole’, John. Maybe if you had paid attention in Language Arts, you might understand.


JBL:
Yeah? Well when John Layfield hits the Clothesline from Hell, that ain’ t no hyperbole. That’s a fact.


Joey Styles:
When did this suddenly become about you? This is about that incredible victory by Samoa Joe!


JBL:
I was just making a point. But you wanna talk about a war? That was a war between two tanks. I don’t know which was more shocking – the fact that Samoa Joe was able to hit that Muscle Buster or the fact that either one of these guys can walk away from that one at all.


Joey Styles:
Perhaps one of the most physical contests in all of Art of War Wrestling concludes in the most jaw dropping of ways, both of these men forced to do to lengths they would never dare. But in the end, only one of these men could stand tall. The Unstoppable Force was just too much. The hitlist is complete for the One Man Army!!


We fade away on a shot of Samoa Joe pumping his fists before beating his chest, the ultimate display of what perhaps just won him that match


***

A black screen. We don’t see anything until what sounds like Shawn Michaels speaks

Michaels:
In the beginning…God said ‘Let there be light’. And there was light.

The screen lights up with a light at the end of a dark tunnel

Michaels:
And God saw the light and that it was good. He separated the light from the darkness.

The silhouette of a man walks down a hallway. A side view reveals that this man is Shawn Michaels. As he walks, still pictures of Shawn Michaels as part of The Rockers come to life and play videos of matches.

Michaels:
He saw the light and that it was good…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of his “Sexy Boy” days before it too comes to life, standing alongside Sensational Sherri and stripping in the ring for no reason at all

Michaels:
But then there was the darkness…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of the Montreal Screwjob, the picture going in motion to have Michaels win

Michaels:
…and that is what man wishes to rid himself of.

Michaels stops walking now, freezing in front of a very hazy picture of what looks like him holding a world title

Michaels:
He wishes to always be in the light…

Michaels hangs his head before he keeps walking…

Michaels:
And that light…that spotlight…is what drives him. He was born in it.

HBK walks by a picture of his very first appearance in AOW, the picture becoming a video of a pumped up Shwostopper

Michaels:
But that light is what will drive him back to darkness…from ashes to ashes…

Another picture of HBK facing Chris Jericho back in December, Jericho pinning Michaels…

Michaels:
From dust…to dust…

A full-front shot of Michaels, who raises his head…only to smirk and look forward, the blood-red curtain right in front of him

Michaels:
How it is done…is how it shall be. Until the end of all time.

Michaels approaches the curtain, a raucous crowd being heard chanting “HBK!! HBK!!” Michaels now turns to the camera and speaks

Michaels:
But my time…will never be up!

Michaels pushes through the curtain and though we only get a back view of his way out, we can see him doing his entrance the crowd going nuts for a second before fading off…





~AOW PRESENTS~
ORIGINS & ENDINGS
*THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AOW*
~A FOUR HOUR PAY-PER-VIEW SPECTACULAR~

AUGUST 19th, 2008
Mellon Arena – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

***


~Backstage, Green Zone interview set…



Steve Romero:
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, one of the challengers for the AOW Heavyweight Championship and vying to be the first ever AOW World Heavyweight Champion…Canada’s own Christian Cage!!


Christian gets an incredible ovation past the arena walls as the camera pans to its right to see Cage. His eyes are much calmer than we’ve seen in months past, but there’s still something incredibly driven about them…


Steve Romero:
Now Christian, you’ve had to deal with an indescribable amount of adversity to reach tonight. How does it feel to be competing in your home country for what could be your first world title after enduring all that hardship?



Christian rubs at his scruff before actually turning to face Romero



Christian:
That was quite an intro there, Steve. Thank you.



Romero is slightly taken aback



Steve Romero:
Well, Mr. Cage, if I could be so frank as to break the ‘unbiased’ journalism code, I’ll say after all that you’ve been through, I’m definitely a fan of yours tonight. If it weren’t for what Chris Jericho did to Torrie Wilson, then I wouldn’t have a job anyways. So with all due respect to Shawn Michaels, if there’s anyone that deserves to dethrone Chris Jericho tonight…my confidence is definitely with you.



And now it’s Steve Romero’s turn to not just show some personality, but to receive a terrific ovation from the Canada crowd. Christian actually looks somewhat touched by that, even behind his determined eyes



Christian:
That actually means a lot coming from you, Steve. I appreciate that. But your question was how do I feel…? I feel exactly like I did thirteen years ago when I made my professional wrestling debut just right up the road from here. I feel hungry.



Christian points to himself and doesn’t look directly at the camera, nor Romero



Christian:
Not just hungry for the big wins, not just hungry to prove myself, but physically hungry. I paid off wrestling school with loans. I had to work a dead end job to pay for all my gear. I didn’t know or even cared where my next meal came from so long as I got to satisfy the hunger I had for that ring on any given night.



Christian is clearly a different kind of intense here than we’re used to



Christian:
It’s bit of a drive from Toronto to Montreal, but it doesn’t feel any different to me. It doesn’t feel any different right now than I did when I was paid ten bucks after my very first show. Tonight, that ten dollars comes right back to me in the very form of the AOW Heavyweight title. And that’s because I’m hungrier right now than I’ve ever been.



Christian finally looks up at the screen, the desire overflowing in his eyes



Christian:
I’m hungry for justice from the stunts Chris Jericho’s pulled. I’m hungry for vengeance because of what he’s put me through. I’m hungry for gold that I deserve. But most of all, I’m hungry for new life in front of the very people who gave me life in the first place.



Another pop is heard beyond the walls, the camera sneaking closer and closer to Christian’s face



Christian:
Chris Jericho claims he’s alone. And he’s right. Shawn Michaels knows he’s alone. And he’s right, too. But for the first time in my entire stay in AOW, I’m the only one not alone. So how do I feel, Steve?



The passionate and intense Cage now slowly looks off into the distance…



Christian:
I feel like tonight, after I do the impossible and win the AOW World title, the Man on the Moon is gonna feel like…



…and lets out perhaps the first smirk we’ve seen on Cage in his seven month stay in AOW


Christian:
…like an instant classic.


And there’s an ENORMOUS pop heard from beyond the muted walls, but just as quickly as the smirk appeared, it disappears back to an intense and focused Christian. Cage slaps a hand on the shoulder of Romero before leaving the scene even more determined.


~Back at ringside…



Joey Styles:
I think it’s safe to say that Christian Cage is incredibly focused, but at the same time, not to the madness degree he’s been seen for months.


JBL:
I’ve said it once an’ I’ll say it over an’ over an’ over again – there is nothing that can stop a driven man. Especially when everything hits a personal note for him in a match that big.




PUNK | BANKS




Joey Styles:
Well, while this next contest may not be the most personal of the night, it certainly has some deep-rooted issues that many of us don’t wish to talk about.


JBL:
Would you just say it, Joey? Race. Antonio Banks is here because he’s here for every black man who has ever stepped into a wrestling ring.


Joey Styles:
Yeah, well, nobody asked him to do that. As a matter of fact, many of the African-American talent here in AOW seem to resent the fact that Banks is trying to represent them in this manner


JBL:
Some people think he’s gone too far, but if you ask me, I don’t think he’s gone far enough. This isn’t a subtle business, so I’m glad someone finally brought something like this to light.


Joey Styles:
Well according to CM Punk, this is all just a guise for Banks to throw his weight around and just get a shot at his Dynasty Championship.


JBL:
Also according to CM Punk, alcohol is disgusting. What does he know?


Joey Styles:
I think CM Punk knows a bit more about Antonio Banks than we do. I mean, the guy even specially requested that Justin King, our lone black official, call this match!


JBL:
There’s nothing wrong with doin’ everything you can to have some kind of advantage. That’s just the way going for championship gold works.


Joey Styles:
And I’m sure you would know all about taking advantages for championships. But enough of our babbling. Let’s take a look back and see just how this incredibly controversial character and story came to light.


***

A black screen. An entire arena is counting down…


1…2…3…!!!


The screen lights up, a bleeding CM Punk raising his body off of Muhammad Hassan and being handed a championship belt


Here is your winner and NEW AOW Dynasty Champion…CEEEEEE EMM PUUUNKK~!!



Joey Styles:
All you can call CM Punk is your NEW Dynasty Champion!!!


Scenes flash of Punk in his battles alongside Team AOW and the War Chamber itself


Joey Styles:
CM Punk has let it be known that his passion for professional wrestling have led him to continually living his dream!!


Punk forces Muhammad Hassan to tap out, retaining his Championship again as Joey Styles’ voice echoes…


…his dream…
…his dream…


Suddenly, Punk is struck from behind by the man in black, all color being drained from the scene. Punk falls lifelessly to the canvas as the man removes his sunglasses to reveal the man we now know as Antonio Banks



JBL:
Did…did someone just jump ship??


…his dream…
…his dream…


Banks shows up in the ring a week later, microphone in hand. Between his lines, footage and audio flashes of Malcolm X delivering his infamous “Ballot or the Bullet” speech



Banks:
The “White man” runs the land. He always has. Especially when it comes to business. The professional wrestling industry is no different. Why? Because I just said it – pro wrestling is an industry. It’s a business before it’s anything else.


“All of us have suffered here, at the hands of the white man…”


Banks:
And what’s good for business…evidently ain’t putting a Black man as the poster boy. If ya skin is just a little dark, you might as well get in the back.


“So, I’m not standing here speaking to you as an American, or a patriot…”


Banks:
People worked too damn hard for too damn long to fight for we call ‘freedom’. And that’s why I blasted you in the head, CM Punk.


Another image of Banks bashing Punk with the title


“We want freedom now, but we’re not going to get it saying “We Shall Overcome.” We’ve got to fight until we overcome…”


Banks:
I heard your little speech about ‘freedom’. Your quest for ‘freedom’ to be a professional wrestler.


Flash to several weeks before, Punk days removed from the War Chamber and forced to defend his title…


Punk:
I’m gonna go out there tonight and retain my Dynasty Championship for one thing…freedom. Freedom from strings being pulled. The freedom to actually be a professional wrestler.


Flash back to Banks



Banks:
But the fact is, what does someone like you know about fighting for freedom? I’ll tell you what you know – nothin’.


“I don’t see any American dream; I see an American nightmare…”


Banks:
I’m a man who was brought up in the ghetto and made it out! Now it’s my responsibility to lead my brothas home and outta the slums!!
I am “The Boondock Saint” Antonio Banks. And I’m here for my brothas in arms.


Suddenly, footage of Punk’s rebuttal breaks over Banks


Punk:
See, I grew up in those same slums. My family and I had to scratch and claw our way to get whatever it was that we wanted. I was raised as a ‘street rat’.


Punk’s voice is in sync with Muhammad Hassan’s for a quick second, only for Banks to again interrupt him


Banks:
Whether you wanna admit it or not, whether you wanna say it or not, black men don’t have the same opportunities as guys like you.


The “you” is said with a doubled over, evil sounding voice


Banks:
A white man born with nothing who works his way up the ladder? That’s called the “American Dream”.


“I don’t see any American dream…”


Banks:
But when a black man even tries to even think about workin’ his way up the ladder, he’s turned away because of that same past that white man is revered for. Black men can’t have ‘American Dreams’.


“… I see an American nightmare…”


Banks:
So instead, we try and take’em. We try and grab what we can’t have and never let go. But we get vilified for it. The American Dream was never ours to have.


“Anyone who puts forth any effort to deprive you of that which is yours is a criminal.”


Punk:
I understand that life’s not easy. But you have to understand that life’s not easy for anybody, no matter what color you are or where you come from.


Flashes of people of all sorts of color, origin, faith, and culture, many of them working hard, but looking happy doing so


Punk:
So you can tell me all the Liberty City stories you want, but it just makes you another guy.


The flashes of people stop, only to cut to an angry CM Punk


Punk:
And you challenging me for my Dynasty Championship…


Flash of the Dynasty Championship, glistening in a spotlight


Punk:
…just makes you another guy in my way.


Flash to the penultimate edition of Oblivion, Punk having to get on Banks yet again


Punk:
You sit here and you talk about dreams and how everyone is holding you down so your ‘American Dream’ can’t come true when your dream has already come true.


A sequential shot of various cheering, sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom crowds


Punk:
You’re standing in the middle of a wrestling ring in front of the most passionate fan base in the world in the heart of New York, less than three blocks away from Madison Square Garden.


An overhead shot of the “World’s Most Famous Arena”


Punk:
So it’s my belief, Antonio, that you’re here just because you want more. You want more money. You want more glory. But to do that…you want my gold.


“Gold” now is doubled over in an ominous voice, a reaction shot of Banks in his green suit


Punk:
And Banks, just in case you may have missed it, but since the day this company opened its gates, I’ve let it be known that it’s been my dream to be here.


“…his dream…”
“…his dream…”



Punk:
I’ll be professional and just let my actions do the talking. Because a knee to the face…


A collage of Punk delivering the GTS to various people – Shelton Benjamin, Muhammad Hassan, Brent Albright


Punk:
…means the same to every race.


Punk drops his microphone and cracks Banks in the face with the running knee, but Antonio squiggles off of his shoulders as he tries to his the GTS


Joey Styles:
It will be The Second City Saint taking on the Boondock Saint. But which dream will survive and be Dynasty Champion?


A shot of an angry Banks backing away, fixing his threads while Punk is pissed Banks got away that transforms into the two in a face-to-face staredown moments before, the Malcolm X speech audio playing over it as the footage appears to static in and out of color


“I don’t see any American dream…”


A close-up shot of Punk before a flash to Punk making Hassan tap out, holding his title high…


“… I see an American nightmare…”


A close-up of Banks that flashes into him destroying Jack Evans and hitting Punk from behind again, one final flash and both men continuing their staredown

***



Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the AOW DYNASTYYY CHAMPIONSHIP!!!



“ANOTHA’ DAY, ANOTHER DOLLA’…”


**HOLLA TO THA WORLD**



The self-made theme gets a very negative reaction from Canada, “The Boondock Saint” Antonio Banks stepping onto the entrance stage in his trademark jumpsuit. His sunglasses protect him from the glare of the spotlights while he walks down the aisle holding his crucifix necklace high



Tony Chimel:
Introducing the challenger, from Liberty City, Miami, Florida, weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds…“THE BOONDOCK SAINT” – ANTONIOOO BAAAANKKKSS~!!


Joey Styles:
As much of a loudmouth as this guy is, he’s actually still sort of a mystery. Yes, we know he’s fueled by race. Yes, he’s also somewhat fueled by his religion. But do we really know who Antonio Banks is? He talks about a lot of things, but not too much about himself.


JBL:
What are you talkin’ about? He grew up on the terrible streets of Liberty City in Miami. He was involved in gangs and was thrown in jail for almost ten years, but he made it out, and he’s made it. He’s been pushed by his faith an’ his own people an’ now he’s gonna do what he can to repay them both. An’ I would be the biggest advocate for him to do it against this greasy lookin’ sack of potatoes.


Banks enters the ring and does a little hip-hop jig before taking off his sunglasses and kissing his chain and removing it. He then walks up to Justin King and tries to get him to ‘hit the rock’, which King looks at him puzzled before doing so.


**MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING**


Canada sharply changes their tone to a large positive reaction when CM Punk pushes through the blood-red double doors, his “One Dark Flame” shirt being pressed against him while his Dynasty title is wrapped around his waist. Punk is very pumped, a smile developing as he looks around at the crowd. It doesn’t take him long to drop to a knee – but he looks behind him really quick to make sure no one’s there. Punk sways a hand against the stage before checking his wrist – “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!!”



Tony Chimel:
And from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at two hundred twenty-five pounds…he is the AOW Dynasty Champion…CEEEE EM PUUUUNNKK!!


Joey Styles:
Punk taking a quick look behind him due to the events of his last Dynasty title defense, but nonetheless, I don’t know if there’s anyone on this roster who has the passion and desire CM Punk has. You want to talk about guys who want to be here and prove everything with every match, look no further than this guy.


JBL:
Oh would you please just shut the hell up? I can’t stand this kid. It ain’t just that he won’t drink an’ that he won’t smoke. Sure, he’s passionate. Sure, he’s got desire. It’s that this kid is like some kind of wide-eyed little boy who thinks that that’s all it takes to make it here. No. There’s many dark corners in this business that would drive this kid to smoke an’ drink. Antonio Banks is tryin’ to expose him to one of’em. But all this kid does is smile, wave, an’ flap his smartass gums. GET TAUGHT A LESSON, YOU GREASY SQUID!!


JBL screams this out as Punk has entered the ring and is holding his title high on a turnbuckle. Punk actually looks over his shoulder and flashes a little grin towards JBL, knowing he’s probably shit talking him. But he looks over at Banks and has his smile fade. Punk hands Justin King his title, King hoisting it high for all to see and confirm this is a championship bout.






~AOW Dynasty Championship~


The Second City Saint
CM Punk(c) v. The Boondock Saint Antonio Banks


Banks and Punk don’t circle around the ring, instead, just opting to just make direct lines at each other and instantly lock-up. Almost as soon as they do, Banks shoves Punk back, causing the champion to hit a back roll into a crouch. Banks lets out a cocky ‘WOOOO!’, getting some heat and getting even more when he starts jockeying around in very cocky fashion. The look on Punk’s face says he doesn’t have time for this, jumping right back into the fray and getting in another collar-and-elbow tie up with Banks. The two stay intertwined just a little bit longer, but it’s Banks again who shows he has more power than Punk by backing him into a corner.

Referee Justin King has to ask Banks to back away from the corner and allow Punk some space, with the rope break and all. Banks seems to comply, backing away with his hands up and giving Punk his moment of breath … before SOCKING PUNK WITH A SUCKER PUNCH!! Punk reels and hits the corner hard, forced to lean against the lower portion of it as Banks once again garners some heat for cocky tactics. He sustains this by backing away from Punk and shadow boxing around, shuffling his feet and his fists around in the same iconic way as Muhammad Ali.

The arrogance level of Banks is duly noted here in the opening minutes, this guy obviously as full of himself as perhaps Punk prospected. A look over to Punk shows him gripping his jaw as Banks dances around, telling King that he’s more than okay to finish the match. The ref claps his hands together for both men to get it on again, which they take a second or so to do.

They don’t jockey for position very long, Punk taking advantage this time and using Banks’ momentum to flip him over with an impressive arm drag! Banks gets back to his feet, only for Punk to nail him with a second one! Banks springs to his feet one last time, but instead of finishing the trifecta … it’s Punk who BLASTS BANKS IN THE JAW WITH A PUNCH!! It’s Banks’ turn to reel into a corner now and hold the side of his face, the crowd popping for Punk’s retaliation. It’s Phil’s turn to show his cockiness, as now he starts dancing around the ring and shadow boxing, although his movements probably more resemble those of Shane McMahon than an actual boxer.

Antonio is very much unimpressed, clutching at his face and checking his hand to see if he’s busted a lip, but he’s fine. Even so, he obviously looks vexed, rushing back out of the corner towards Punk … only for Punk to throw him up in the air with a FREEFALL DROP!! Banks is flung into the air and right back onto his stomach! Banks grips at his midsection, only to look up and see Punk again flashing his cocky side by flexing and showing his muscles, pumping his arms out like he’s Hulk Hogan. The crowd eats it up, as Punk shows Banks just how much their attitudes may very well be similar.

Banks doesn’t seem to give the slightest shit, once again springing off the canvas and throwing himself at Punk, driving boot after boot after boot into Punk’s ribs and legs and forcing him down to one knee. Once Banks has Punk a little more worn down, he wrenches an arm and forces it back behind him with a hammerlock. Punk has to deal with Banks pressing down on him on one knee, but he makes it back to his feet where he tries to reach back and find a way out of it in vain.

Banks wrenches the hammerlock in even tighter, forcing Punk to tell King ‘no’ on the submission question. Punk dips a little bit and tries to perhaps go behind Banks and lock in a hammerlock of his own, but Banks follows his hips and keeps on him, just holding onto it even tighter. This obviously frustrates Punk, who perhaps wasn’t counting on Banks having that kind of mat-based style. Punk has even more be frustrated about when he hits the canvas with a forward roll to unwind his arm, only for Banks to follow him once again and re-wrench it, getting the hammerlock in again.

Punk flips his hair out of his face and grunts out of aggravation, again telling King he doesn’t want to quit. Instead, he makes it back to his feet and has to deal with Banks yelling his ear to ‘give up now, boy’. Punk doesn’t adhere to that, suddenly beginning to run around the ring a little. He picks up some speed before turning a shoulder … AND FORCING BANKS OUT OF THE RING!! Banks flies through the middle rope and to the floor, right in front of JBL and Styles! It took a while, but Punk is finally free. Banks has to shake his head back into things, possibly a little dizzy, but when he looks up, he sees Punk flying at him with a SUICIDE DIVE!!!

Both men are down, but Punk has the distinct advantage now! Banks may be stronger and perhaps even better on the mat, but Punk shows he’s faster and perhaps more unorthodoxed than Banks anticipated. Punk doesn’t waste much time getting to his feet, shaking some life into the arm that was hammerlocked, then taking Banks and rolling him underneath the bottom rope. He keeps his head sticking out from under that rope before jumping up to the apron and coming down … WITH A HARD GUILLITINE ELBOW RIGHT ACROSS BANKS’ FACE!! Punk getting aggressive in his third ever title defense, rolling back in, pulling Banks farther from the ropes, and getting the first cover of the contest –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Too early for a real near fall there, but now at least Punk has some sort of advantage. Banks sits up after throwing up his shoulder, Punk taking note of this and rearing back – and SMASHING BANKS IN THE BACK WITH A HARD KICK!! Banks curls his fingers and scrunches his face to sell the stinging of the move, Punk forcing him back to the canvas for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Again too early for too much, Banks showing some fight early on. Punk floats over and tries to nab Banks in a headlock, but Banks ducks out of it and quickly gets back to his feet, bashing Punk in the gut with another hard boot before taking him and making a missile out of him – AND SENDING HIM SHOULDER-FIRST INTO AN IRON POST!! Punk’s momentum and shoulder are damn near dislocated! Banks wipes at his nose and pretends not to hear Justin King admonishing him for the blatant heel tactic. Banks doesn’t give much of a damn, tugging the ailing Punk out from behind and rolling him up –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Punk is able to throw his legs up and get out of the school boy, his entire body now lain flat from the effort. Antonio doesn’t look all that peeved, opting instead to begin drilling Punk over and over again with elbow drop after elbow drop after elbow drop. In near JBL-like fashion, Banks nails a total of seven elbows before again hooking a leg –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Punk keeps his title, despite the relentless assault by Banks. It’s Banks’ turn to try and wear down Punk some more, catching him in a front headlock and trying to drain Punk of oxygen. Punk wags a finger and just says he’s not done yet to the ref, Montreal trying to get Punk back into the ballgame the more the Boondock Saint tries to wrench his head.

*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP*

Punk is finally on his feet, Banks trying with all his might to keep sucking the life out of his opponent. Punk manages to force Banks against the ropes and then pushing him off, forcing him to rebound right back … but Banks strikes Punk hard with a shoulder block. Punk falls flat, Banks going to rebound off the ropes again, Punk flipping onto his stomach as the Miami native steps over him and rebounds once again. On this rebound, Punk springs up and catches Banks under an arm and slings him over for a nice, momentous HIP TOSS!!

Banks has to scurry to his feet, but in the time it takes him to do so, Punk rebounds off the ropes and rockets right back at him…with a well-placed leaping calf kick! Punk is gaining a head of steam here, Banks looking more and more out of it as he’s caught off by the straight-edger’s offense.

He’s forced to retreat to a corner, Punk following in quick pursuit and whipping him into the opposite corner. Punk then preps himself and rushes … HIGH CORNER KNEE … NO!! Banks moves out of the way, recognizing the move from last week! Punk hits his knee on the turnbuckle, momentarily stunning him as he tends to it. As Punk stumbles out of the corner, Banks takes this chance to run at Punk … AND NAIL HIM WITH A HIGH RUNNING BOOT TO THE HEAD!! Perhaps a makeshift Boondock Boot, but nonetheless, Punk’s head is thrown off his shoulders as Banks goes down for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Punk rolls a shoulder!! Banks looks somewhat disappointed, taking Punk by the hair and pulling him to his feet, locking him in a three-quarters facelock. Banks tugs at Punk’s head, hitting him repeatedly with MULTIPLE KNEES TO THE TEMPLE!! Banks looking to bore a hole through Punk’s head, hitting three knees before yanking him up and pulling him back down … SNAPMARE DRIVER!! WOW!! Punks head is driven into the canvas like a dart, Banks pulling that nasty move out of the either!! Punk recoils from the blow before falling right back down to the canvas for another Banks cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

PUNK ROLLS A SHOULDER AGAIN!! Banks lifts himself on his knees and puts his hands on his hips, making sure what the count was with the referee. When King tells him it was just two, Banks audibly lets out a ‘c’mon, maan! You gotta help a brotha out!” Banks gets no help from his fellow black man, King calling it down the middle. Even so, Punk is still very much out of it, trying his damndest to get vertical again. He’s only able to get to a knee, which allows Banks to size him up and aim for a DRIVE-BY KICK … NO!! Punk ducks the move at the last second and catches Banks from under and between, pulling off his own school boy –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!’


Banks is just able to spin his legs and get out of the move, landing in good enough position to spring back to his feet. He approaches the slower recovering Punk, catching him in a DOUBLE UNDERHOOK … but Punk spins out of it and clutches MVP’s wrist before pulling him in with a short-arm … DDT!! DDT!! Punk now drives Banks into the canvas with a nifty counter! Punk has to shake life back into his head for a moment before shooting the half on Banks –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

The Boondock Saint still has life left in him, the damage done to Punk again rearing its head when he can’t immediately go back on the offensive. He shakes some life back into his head again before having to turn over on a knee and get back to his feet, he and Banks getting vertical around the same time. Punk is a tad more groggy, but he takes a swing at Banks’ head with the BIG ROUNHOUSE … NO!!

Banks ducks underneath it, catching Punk in a rear waistlock … POSSIBLE GERMAN SUPLEX … NO!! Punk hustles towards the ropes, gripping them and using them as leverage to not be slammed. Banks looks to adjust, possibly trying to turn it into a victory roll…but Punk still holds on, Banks rolling back onto his head empty handed! Mr. 305 is now the dizzied one, Punk approaching him with double underhooks now … DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER!! Punk’s knee is crunched against Bank’s spine, Punk now for another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Again, Banks rolls a shoulder and stays alive!! It’s Punk now who starts letting his frustration show, throwing his hair out of his face WITH DISTAIN~!! Punk takes a look down at Banks before getting a slow forming smile, obviously having something in mind…before throwing his hands out and putting them back together behind his ear. It’s time to Go To Sleep!

The Bell Center pops huge for the finishing taunt, Punk stalking, waiting … waiting … waiting … and HOISTS BANKS ON HIS SHOULDERS … it takes him a moment to get him situated … Banks struggles a bit … and Antonio takes hold of one of Punk’s arms before it looks like Punk collapses a little, Banks with one of his legs behind Punk’s head … PLAYMAKER!! PLAYMAKER!! THE OVERDRIVE CONNECTS!! One of Banks’ finishers as MVP drives Punk’s spinning head into the canvas, a counter out of nowhere! Banks now with an impressive cover here –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

PUNK KICKS OUT!! PUNK KICKS OUT!! Montreal goes wild as Punk confirms that that jobber finisher won’t work here in AOW. The Boondock Saint is more irate than he was last time, pounding both fists against the canvas and letting out a ‘HELL NO!!’ Once again, he begs for some … er … preferential treatment from the black referee, but King again sticks that it was only a two count.

Banks lets out his fury on the still prone Punk, taking his arm and locking it above his head while standing … for an ELEVATED SCISSORED ARMBAR!! Banks is twisting away, the hold having as much effect on Punk’s arm as it does his neck area! Punk grits his teeth and curls his fingers at the pain, refusing to go down like this. The entire arena is on Punk’s side here, not buzzing big so that Punk knows he’s got supporters. Punk takes all that in and manages to swing to a knee and quickly grab Banks from behind to get out of the hold, pushing him forward off the ropes, and getting his own VICTORY ROLL –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Once again, Banks throws up his legs just in time, flinging Punk off of his body and towards the ropes. Punk braces himself against the cables as the Liberty City son gets to his feet. Punk turns around to see this, charging right back at Banks … SNAP OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY TOSS!! The Second City Saint is thrown with authority over the head of Banks!! Antonio quickly tries to gather himself as he clamors to cover Punk –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

And Punk still will not go down! The Chicago native lives up to his billing as full of passion and pride, but Banks seems to have had enough. He runs his hands through his cornrows in silent anger, Punk crawling to a corner to try and get back to his feet with some support. Once again, this gives The Saint enough time to measure Punk up, heading to the opposite corner and crossing his arms around his neck for a taunt, going for one more BOONDOCK BOOT … NO!!

Punk ducks the corner running boot, causing Banks to STRADDLE HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE!! The whole arena lets out an “OOOOH!” as Banks hangs on by his family jewels. He doesn’t stay there for long, however, as Punk gets to his feet … and snaps off the NASTY ROUNDHOUSE TO THE ELEVATED BANKS!! The Boondock Saint falls off of his perch and tumbles on the apron before going all the way to the floor!

Punk takes a moment to gather himself and fell the crowd once he gets to his feet, Banks trying to grasp at some guard rails once he’s outside. Banks gets to his feet by leaning on the guard rails, King beginning his count out count –

…1!!



…2!!
{Punk rolls outside…}

…3!!

{Punk takes a few steps along the perimeter … running at Banks … and CRACKING HIM RIGHT IN THE JAW WITH THE RUNNING HIGH KNEE!!}

…4!!
{Punk grabs hold of Bank’s face … and finishes the combo with a BULLDOG ON THE OUTSIDE PADDING!!}

…5!!

The commentators note not only Punk’s brutal side here, but they also note his fighting champion spirit when he takes Banks and throws him back into the ring. Punk wants a definitive win, not a count-out victory. As Punk rolls Banks in, he himself climbs on up to the apron, King’s count still going because he’s still outside…

…6!!

Punk doesn’t seem to care, leaning back and lying in wait for Banks to recover and get back to his feet, looking to hit one big move before a big finish. Banks drunkenly gets back to his feet, his head being knocked around on the outside. He tries to box someone he can’t see before turning back in the right direction, only to see Punk flying at him with the SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE … AND PUNK NAILS IT – ON THE REFEREE!! BANKS PULLS KING IN THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND!!

Using the black referee as a meat shield, Banks counters Punk’s big signature! Punk realizes who he hit instantly, turning after the impact to see King knocked the fuck out. He tries to shake some life back into him, not aware of Banks behind him and fully conscious. Punk absent-mindedly gets to one knee while trying to bring the referee to, when suddenly … DRIVE-BY KICK!! DRIVE-BY KICK!! THE SHINING BOOT CONNECTS AGAINST PUNK’S TEMPLE!! Punk falls to the canvas, a boot mark imprinted on the side of his straight-edge face. Banks’ finisher deadens the crowd as he slumps on top of Punk, hooking a leg…

……{ONE!!}……
………………
…………{TWO!!}…………
……………
…………{THREE!!}…………
…………
…………{FOUR!!}………

BUT THE REFEREE IS STILL DEAD!! The crowd counts out loud the phantom cover, but Banks’ decision to use his fellow black man as a shield backfires in a big way! The Boondock Saint realizes this after getting Punk on the canvas for a full four and a half count. He lifts himself from off of Punk his face locked in a very aggravated look as he goes over to King and shakes him, trying to get him back up. King is barely just now coming around, Banks slapping his face to help him regain himself.
When the official looks like he might be able to at least move and swing his arms, Banks lets him go and roams right back over to Punk, again flinging himself on top of him and hooking both legs this time. The referee’s count is the big, slow, dramatic windmill –

………ONE………
…………
…………TWO…………
…………
………THREE………

……NO!!!

PUNK KICKS OUT!! HE KICKS OUT!! The whole ordeal took far too long!! Banks is in disbelief and boarder line rage, Montreal popping huge! Banks simply cannot believe it, but as Joey Styles hits on commentary, you might knock Punk down for four, but you can’t keep him out for ten! That’s what Banks was trying to do, but his solution this time is to SHOVE REFEREE JUSTIN KING INTO A CORNER!!

This garners a great deal of heat, as Banks screams in King’s face that “That’s a bullshit call, blue!!” King doesn’t have much of a rebuttal other than to stare somewhat fearfully at a man twice his build. Banks hopes the intimidation works as he goes back to Punk, trying to prop him back up for maybe another Drive-By attempt … BUT PUNK PULLS HIM IN FOR A SURPRISE SMALL PACKAGE –

………ONE………


………TWO………


…THREE…!!!


Here is your winner and STILL AOW Dynasty Champion…CM PUNK at (15:19)


PUNK RETAINS!!! Yet another face walks away with gold, Banks completely befuddled by what just happened. Punk has to quickly roll away to a corner, King following him to hand him his championship belt. Punk gets his title and has to lean up against the ropes and the corner to get up, hugging the belt as though it’s his long lost child



Joey Styles:
Punk wins! Punk wins!! It took using his smarts and not his skill, but CM Punk will walk away from this controversial figure with his championship gold still intact!


JBL:
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE TRAVESTY!! Banks had CM Punk down for a damn ten count, but the referee was down!! You saw it, I saw it, 20,000 people in Canada saw it, all those nerds illegally streamin’ this online saw it – BANKS SHOULD BE CHAMPION, DAMMIT!!


Joey Styles:
That may be some kind of case if it wasn’t Banks who actually caused the referee to be down! Banks has absolutely no one to blame for any of this but himself if he couldn’t get the job done.


King has to pull Punk out of the corner and bring him to the center ring to raise his hand. Punk smiles, but then falls to a knee


JBL:
THAT’S HORSE CRAP!! JUSTIN KING IS A RACIST!!


Joey Styles:
No one’s a racist here, John! But by the skin of his teeth, CM Punk remains your Dynasty Champion – WHAT THE HELL?!?


Styles’ commentary is interrupted because as Punk is on a knee, Banks charges … AND BASHES HIM IN THE FACE WITH THE DRIVE-BY KICK!! Punk spins and is once again lifeless on the canvas, his title nearly thrown from his body. The crowd throws a great deal of heat at this, Banks getting to his feet and staring down at Punk with menacing eyes.


Joey Styles:
That was entirely uncalled for! The match was over! Banks lost and he sits there does this?? This should’ve been CM Punk having his moment in the sun, but Banks’ ego flares up! I’m not sure his ‘brothers in arms’ would be very proud of this!


JBL:
He’s doin’ exactly what he’s done his entire life, Joey! Nobody’s ever given him opportunity, so he’s takin’ it! Good for you, Antonio! Show that slimy bastard what for!


King tries to wave it all off and tell Banks to get away. Banks doesn’t smirk, simply opting to stare through Punk before walking away…









We head backstage now, where we see Paul Heyman appear on our screen. He gets a great deal of heat past the walls, but of course he doesn’t hear them and continues to look back and talk to whomever it is pushing his wheelchair…




Paul Heyman:
…so now that all that’s taken care of, all you need to do is go out there and do your job.



…and the camera pans up to see who Heyman is talking to and it’s, no surprise, Shawn Michaels. HBK’s first appearance of the night is met with NUCLEAR AND UNGODLY heat from the sellout Montreal crowd. HBK’s face is completely devoid of any emotion, his hair slicked back to looking like a puppet.



Paul Heyman:
You can be a rebel all you want to, Shawn, but just remember – you belong to me. And I command you to win the AOW title tonight.



Michaels continues pushing Heyman with his blank face, not even reacting to the line



Shawn Michaels:
So it’s all set up then?



Heyman gets his rat-like smirk



Paul Heyman:
Shawn, you may steal the show, but you forget – I own the show. Everything is set up and in place.



Heyman’s smile continues…until Michaels suddenly brings the wheelchair to a halt.



Paul Heyman:
What…what the hell are you doing? This isn’t our stop!



Shawn Michaels:
No. It’s not. It’s your stop.



The camera goes from the side of both men to over the shoulder of Heyman, showing us a TOWERING FLIGHT OF STAIRS. Heyman goes from confident and assured to terrified and fidgeting



Paul Heyman:
Shawn…Shawn…please don’t do this. B-b-by “belong to me”, I meant – I meant “treat you like a brother!”



Michaels’ face hasn’t moved a goddamn muscle. He starts to tilt the chair back onto the wheels…



Paul Heyman:
WAIT SHAWN PLEASE~!!



Michaels cease his motion. Heyman’s eyes are about to pop out of his head as he breathes heavily and holds his heart



Paul Heyman:
Okay…okay…point taken. Tonight…we do things your way. Go by…by yourself. But just remember…from here on out…you live my way.



Michaels is completely unfettered, just getting dangerously close to Heyman’s ear as he still peers down in terror at the steps below…



Shawn Michaels:
I’d rather die my way.



…and Michaels thrusts his arms forward…AND SENDS THE OWNER OF AOW AND HIS WHEELCHAIR CRASHING ALL THE WAY DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS!!!! Heyman lies in a heap at the very bottom, groaning in insurmountable pain, telling us he’s at least alive…but the look on Michaels’ face still hasn’t moved. Michaels just turns to walk away from the scene before spotting the camera and looking into it



Shawn Michaels:
Please. It’s not the worst thing I’ve done in this building.



And Michaels flashes a wry, cruel, but also very cocky smirk towards the camera as the crowd buzz for killing Heyman to quite possibly decibel breaking level heat. Much like Christian before him, just as quickly as HBK’s smirk appears, it vanishes and returns him to the cold puppet he’s become, just walking off…





VAN DAM | FINLAY





Joey Styles:
I can't believe I just saw Shawn Michaels do something so cold...


JBL:
It was shocking, but I think we're about to see a hellova lot more of it coming up.


Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels is definitely a man on the edge and pushing people over the edge, but so has Rob Van Dam for the past few months, the man pushing him being Finlay. But now, it's time for these men to settle their differences in one of our main events...and legally won't actually happen.



***

A Very Merry War. Rob Van Dam delivering an address. Most of his words are muddled silent as the scene is devoid of much of the color. Only a few words jump out and are audible…


“Please…no more…”


“Rob Van Dam is no more…because…he’s retiring…”


We hear the crowd deflate, begging RVD not to go…


…but it’s interrupted by a heavy, dark thud for the arrival of Dave Finlay. His appearance is marred by dark, almost psychotic strings, his words being muddled out until he lets out the utterance -


“Rob Van Dam doesn’t die until I say he does…”


Finlay then takes his shillelagh and SOCKS VAN DAM ASIDE THE HEAD…
Only for this action to be played almost in perfect sync with the time Finlay struck Van Dam with the shillelagh several weeks before, costing Van Dam the AOW Championship. Van Dam is carried out of that scene, heartbroken…


…but flows effortlessly into him walking back down the ramp from this past Wednesday. Van Dam is followed very closely by Dave Finlay, who hands over his shillelagh to JBL…


…only for us to suddenly flash to the damage that shillelagh has done to not just RVD, but men like Samoa Joe and even Chris Jericho…


…before we cut back to the contract signing, both men sitting in uneasy silence, the strings reaching a shrill crescendo



RVD:
I know you’re a sick dude. I know you’re even less of a man for words than I am. But you’ve threatened my career…


A quick flash of Finlay striking RVD with the shillelagh at his ‘retirement’ once again


RVD:
…bloodied one of my best friends…


The blood curls of Szatowski as he sits in the front row and watches Finlay beat Tommy Dreamer to a bloody pulp


RVD:
…and then you struck my wife in the skull…

Van Dam almost gets emotional as the shillelagh goes across the face of his wife, Sonya. It replays twice, Van Dam looking saddened on both takes


RVD:
My one burning question is simple…why?


Finlay:
Because, Robbie. You needed to be broken.


A close up of Van Dam looking damn unpleasant at that


Finlay:
You sit on your laurels an’ ya don’t try to do anything else. All you’ve done since you’ve come to AOW is go off of your ol’ ECW moments.


A collage of RVD moments in ECW, the screen slightly curved at the edges, the insane antics of a young Rob Van Dam captivating millions…


Finlay:
ECW is dead. An’ honestly, you should’ve died with it.


As RVD hoists the ECW Television title high, suddenly the flashbacks and makes the screen go static and then shut to black, as if someone’s unplugged the TV


Finlay:
I’ve been damn near undefeated since I came to AOW. I’ve never been pinned an’ I’ve never been made to submit.


Flashes of various Finlay matches, as he dominates in pretty much all of them, no one getting him down for a three


Finlay:
An’ yet, I’ve only ever had one shot at the AOW Championship.

A quick flash goes by of Finlay locked in the Steel Cage with both Samoa Joe and Chris Jericho. Finlay unleashes hell on both men until it cuts away


Finlay:
But you? You kept getting title shot after title shot after title shot after losing each an’ every time


Van Dam loses on the pilot episode before losing again at the first Supershow…then losing again at World Ablaze…

Static shot of Finlay back at the contract signing



Finlay:
…an’ it bored me to tears, Robbie. That’s a record that needed more than anything to be broken.


A flash to Finlay sneaking behind Van Dam in his fourth title match against Jericho…


Finlay:
So long story short, Robbie…I tortured you an’ broke you simply because I wanted to.


A slow motion shot of Finlay bringing the shillelagh around…and the instant it hits Van Dam, we cut to RVD at the contract signing


RVD:
I just want you to know that I wanna be the reason that you walk away. You tried to break me…


Finlay competes in the tag team match that would add him to the main event of TOL…


…but all you did was help me remember exactly the kind of guy I wanna be, the guy I need to be…


A full-fledged flashback now to the end of that match, Finlay covering for a win…before Szatowski assaults him and breaks it all up


Joey Styles:
That’s…that’s Szatowski! What the hell is he doing here??


JBL:
He’s supposed to be retired! Get him the hell outta here!


Joey Styles:
I think he’s finally come around!


Szatowski:
You wanted to break me, Finlay? Well you went too far! Your fight was with me!


A quick shot of a fearful Finlay…


Szatowski:
That’s why my proposal has been accepted. It’s been agreed that at The Outer Limits, we’re gonna meet…in an Unsanctioned Match!!


We return to the contract signing table, RVD staring into Finlay’s eyes


RVD:
You tried to break me, but all you did was help me remember exactly the kind of guy I wanna be, the guy I need to be


RVD leans closer to Finlay…


RVD:
…and that’s a bloodthirsty R…V…D.


The entire crowd cheers, but all tracks are stopped dead


Finlay
While you were away finding yourself …you must’ve forgotten who I am.

Flashes go by of Finlay beating the tar out of Tommy Dreamer before seeping into Finlay beating on Paul Burchill when he’s caught in the apron and finishing up with the infamous ‘noose and gallows’ ending to he and Samoa Joe’s AOKO match…


Finlay:
So when I step into that ring with no limits just remember…


Finlay stares coldly at RVD, only for the screen to become disoriented when Finlay pulls out the bottle of liquor and pours the glasses.


Finlay:
…you asked for this.


Finlay suddenly throws the alcohol in RVD’s eyes, blinding him. Finlay then takes the whole bottle and holds it over his head, waiting for RVD to stand up. As he stalks him, swirling and disoriented camera angles show shadows and flashes of footage from the two in the Irish pub…


RVD:
They say you drink to help you forget. But I’m done with forgetting. I don’t ever wanna forget who I am…


In slow motion, Van Dam tries to get to his feet…


RVD:
…and I sure as hell don’t ever wanna forget what I’m gonna do to you.


Van Dam KICKS THE BOTTLE AND SEND THE GLASS EVERYWHERE, the glass shattering going in conjunction with the backbeat of his theme “Walk”. The two almost get into their brawl, but are restrained


Joey Styles:
The first ever Unsanctioned match in AOW history will be between two men who want the other one dead!


The chorus of RVD’s theme can be heard between scenes –


“RE –”


Dreamer is bleeding…


“- SPECT!!”


Sonya is recovering…


“WALK!”


RVD blasts Finlay on his return, the package ending on Van Dam standing tall and looking at Finlay


***


Tony Chimel:
The following contest is an Unsanctioned match!! Both parties have signed an agreement against each other and AOW. There are no count outs and no disqualifications. The only way to win is by pinfall or submission


The crowd lets out a mile response to that, perhaps saving it all for a few moments...


**WALK**


The entire arena lights up for an unbelievable ovation, the roof once again popping off the Bell Center for Rob Van Dam. RVD slinks out from behind the double doors, the confidence somewhat back in his step. He has a slight smirk as he steps onto the stage and looks around, his ponytail swinging around as he takes in his big reaction.



Tony Chimel:
From Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing in at two hundred and twenty six pounds…ROB…VAN…DAM!


Van Dam actually doesn’t do his thumbs, just heavily nodding his head on each syllable. Perhaps he doesn’t feel completely comfortable as RVD yet…?


Joey Styles:
Well, there he is. A man who we haven’t seen like this in almost four long months with a look in his eyes that we’ve never seen in more than a decade and a half in the – HEY!!


Just as RVD is coming on down the platform aisle, Finlay bursts from a shadowed part of the stage and SMASHES HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM BEHIND!! Van Dam falls face first onto the aisle, the crowd reaction whiplashing into that of pure heat. Finlay isn’t waiting at all – he’s bringing the fight to the revitalized Rob Van Dam right NOW!!






*Unsanctioned Match*


The Whole F’n Show
Rob Van Dam v. The Fighting Irishman Finlay


Finlay immediately shows that he wants Van Dam to be a broken man by not even waiting for a formal introduction, laying into his opponent right on the aisle. Van Dam is still bewildered a bit, caught completely off guard by the Man Who Loves to Fight. He’s being drilled over and over again with hard right hands before Finlay steps into his chin and nails a SIDE KNEE LIFT. Van Dam falls back down, Finlay not letting him get any breath and starts laying his vicious boots into the ribs of the airbrush singlet.

Van Dam may not be able to breathe at all with those blows as Finlay remains relentless on the assault. The fans keep throwing an immense amount of heat at him, which Finlay finally acknowledges with a “SHUT UP!” This gets him even more heat, but with it, he just grabs Van Dam and takes him up in a scoop slam position … and SCOOP SLAMS HIM ON THE PLATFORM!!

A sickening THUD against the upraised aisle sends the crowd reeling and a slightly toothy grin from Finlay flashes through. Van Dam is writhing around until Finlay takes a hand full of Van Dam ponytail and walks him down the rest of the aisle before tossing him over the top rope and into the ring.

Finlay takes a moment to sharply stare out over the booing Bell Center that garners even more heat, the long awaited return of RVD not going as planned. Finlay waves them off before turning back around to step into the ring himself…but RVD is back up, and uses the top rope to remain vertical … rearing back … AND STRIKES FINLAY IN THE FACE WITH A MOMENTOUS HEADBUTT!! A very uncharacteristic move for Rob Van Dam, but it gets the crowd reacting positive and gets him back in this match. As Finlay reels, he steps away from the ropes, giving RVD enough time and space to take a few steps back … AIR VAN DAM!! AIR VAN DAM!! THE SUICIDE SUMMERSAULT SENTON CONNECTS ON THE AISLE!!

The arena erupts once again, Van Dam showing he’s certainly not the man getting broken tonight! Already throwing himself at Finlay, RVD picks himself up off the aisle to get to his feet, only to be met with all of Montreal chanting “RVD!! RVD!! RVD!!” Van Dam lets show very quickly that he’s happy about that, but his body reminds him the story of the match and snaps him back into focused and angry mode.

RVD takes the stunned Finlay and strikes him with a hard forearm for good measure before taking him up…AND SCOOP SLAMMING HIM ON THE PLATFORM!! It’s Finlay’s turn to fully feel the pain, but much like Finlay, RVD doesn’t give him much time to breathe. Instead, Van Dam takes Finlay right back up and lifts him with another scoop lift and takes a few steps to the very edge of the platform … AND SCOOP SLAMS HIM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR!! WOW!!

Finlay’s spine SPLATS off the padding after being dropped from such a high perch! The crowd is loving that, Van Dam loving it with them, nodding his head and swiping his thumb across his lips in perhaps some slight cockiness. Getting a bit more comfortable in his own skin is Rob, but he’s not done – payback is clearly on his mind. When Finlay’s done yelping in pain, we can see Van Dam doing a few preparation squats. Finlay has to use the guard rail to get back to his feet, but when he turns back around towards the now elevated aisle he sees Van Dam flying … WITH THE DIVING SIDE KICK!! FINLAY IS CRACKED IN THE JAW FROM ABOVE!!

Van Dam not showing very much ring rust, if any, here in the early goings, despite being completely caught off guard earlier. Finlay tumbles along the padding once again, RVD having to take a moment to get adjusted to the ground level balance. When he gets it, he again grabs hold of Finlay and tugs him up by his singlet before grabbing his head … AND BOUNCING IT AGAINST THE RAIL!!

This softens up Finlay even more for RVD to lift him in a suplex position…before setting him on top of the guard rail itself! Finlay’s rather stocky body is dangling – his upper body in the ring area and his feet almost touching some front row fan’s faces. RVD just preps himself again, leaping up to the ring apron and looming over his prone prey. Many in the crowd are prepping their thumbs to chant with him, but RVD actually doesn’t hit his name-calling thumbs chant, simply leaping and spinning … the DIVING CORKSCREW KICK…MISSES!! NOBODY HOME!! RVD IS STRADDLED ON THE RAILING!!

The savvy veteran that is Finlay dodges the high-risk move and impales Van Dam on the steel fence that separates ringside from crowd. Finlay is actually in the crowd, having dodged the move by shifting his weight and moving into the laps of some fans. With Finlay in front of them, the rowdy fans start booing him in his face and at the same time getting away from him, Finlay using this to his advantage by actually telling a front row female fan to “get the hell outta your chair!” The female fan isn’t the blond American Made is looking for, but she scurries out nonetheless and allows Finlay to take her chair…and fold it up. It’s not discernible from any other traditional steel folding chair now, Finlay gearing back … AND BASHING THE STRADDLED RVD RIGHT ACROSS THE SKULL WITH THE CHAIR!! GOOD GAWD!!

Van Dam nearly flips over himself when he lands on the ring side of the railing. He’s absolutely motionless other than slight breathing, the crowd deadening again as Finlay takes the chair in his hand and climbs back up over and to ringside. Van Dam begins to stir just a little bit, trying to get onto his hands and knees. But the cruel Finlay catches sight of this and makes RVD pay for his determination with a SICKENING CHAIR TO THE SPINE!!

Van Dam yells in pain to a further silenced crowd, the Van Daminator sprawled out in even more agony. Finlay finally drops the chair, slinging it a little ways away. The merciless Finlay is far from finished, now taking the cringing Van Dam and grabbing a wrist … and IRISH WHIPS HIM RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF THE BASE OF THE PLATFORM AISLE!! The “pit” area, if one had to name it, is now taken up by the agonizing mess that is the body of one Robert Szatowski. As RVD lies motionless with a hand on his spine, all Finlay can do is flash a toothy grin.

The Fighting Irishman doesn’t let up, even after his satisfying string of offense. He takes the potentially paralyzed Van Dam and pulls him up, forcing him to walk around the outside with him until they get around the announcer’s table. Finlay signifies reaching their destination by turning Van Dam around and BOUNCING HIS HEAD OFF THE RING LIP. This is where we get our first real glance at referee Brian Hebner, who can do nothing in this match but record the fall. RVD remains stunned, allowing Finlay to wrap around his wrist and then send him running … with a WHIP INTO THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA!!

Van Dam crashes against a series of chairs and forces more people to rush from their seats, this time being the timekeeper and Tony Chimel. A cameraman, who wasn’t so lucky to dodge the revitalized star, actually falls over and loses some equipment. Finlay is dominating here, roaming over to where he flung RVD and taking him back up before smashing him once on the chest for good measure. He then looks down and sees some headphones that the cameraman dropped and grabs hold of it … AND WRAPS THE WIRES AROUND RVD’S NECK, CHOKING HIM TO DEATH!! Finlay’s choking out Van Dam with the cameraman’s headphones!!

Van Dam stretches his arms out in a desperate plea for air, but all Finlay does is wrap it tighter. All the while RVD’s face is losing color, Finlay just verbally lets RVD have it – “YOU WANTED THIS, ROBBIE!! REMEMBER??” After the badgering, we can see Van Dam almost completely lose oxygen, his mouth hanging open and his face turning a deep red-purple. Finlay finally mercifully lets go, causing RVD to fall to his knees and then slump to the floor, coughing and trying to find his breath once more.

With RVD momentarily incapacitated, Finlay looks to do even more damage being the first man in the match to look up under the ring. The proud Irishman digs for a second before finding … A TABLE!! Finlay wants to break Van Dam by breaking him through a table! There’s a bit of a pop from the crowd, but that’s more from the appearance of the table than them actually wanting to see it. Finlay starts playing with the table’s legs, looking to set it up, but he’s only able to set up one side before RVD comes at him with a FLURRY OF PUNCHES!!

Finlay is forced to suddenly cover himself up and prop the table on the apron in doing so! Montreal comes to life as RVD breaks out the ol’ fisticuffs on and hopefully fight his way back into this thing. RVD gets several punches in and knocks Finlay against the apron, still looking for more. Van Dam lifts a fist for more punishment … but he’s CLOCKED IN THE FACE BY THE WOODEN TABLE!! Finlay uses his surroundings to use the wooden slab itself as a weapon, once again stunning Szatowski. RVD has to drop to his knees and hold himself up by leaning against the announce table, almost as if he’s in prayer.

Finlay takes the table and finishes setting it up, not too far from where RVD is. Before putting RVD on it, Finlay takes a few steps over and retrieves his steel chair. He walks up to the kneeling RVD and RAISES THE CHAIR HIGH … NOBODY HOME!! Finlay brings the chair down like a guillotine with no one there, RVD moving from his spot at the last minute. Finlay drops the chair as RVD looks to fight back once again, more punches being thrown, only for Finlay to duck underneath a wild haymaker attempt and PUSH RVD INTO AN IRON POST … NO!! RVD is as aware of his surroundings as Finlay, stopping himself right before his lips taste steel, but when he turns back around to face Finlay, he’s BEHEADED WITH A NASTY SHORT-RANGE CLOTHESLINE!!

Van Dam’s head bounces violently off the padded outside, Finlay once again maintaining his control. He takes Van Dam and shoves him between his legs and turns towards the table, grabbing RVD in a waistlock and looking for a big table-crunching powerbomb. Finlay hoists RVD up…but Van Dam grabs the chair from right underneath Finlay’s feet … AND CRACKS HIM RIGHT IN THE HEAD WITH THE CHAIR AS HE FLIPS UP!! WOW!! An incredible counter by Van Dam as he destroys Finlay’s head as a powerbomb jam!

Finlay drops to the canvas like a rock in water, RVD getting back in this thing in a huge way! Finlay is motionless as Van Dam tries to shake the cobwebs out of his head. He drops the chair and lifts up Finlay’s dead weight, taking him by the head … and sending him FACE FIRST INTO THE IRON POST!! Van Dam succeeds in what Finlay couldn’t do moments ago, further concussing the Irishman! But now it’s RVD’s turn to perhaps look for something extreme, as he lifts up the ring skirt to rummage around under the ring to find … A LADDER!?!?

Van Dam pulls the long apparatus from under the ring, but he doesn’t pick it up. Instead, he ventures back over to a stupefied Finlay and rolls him into the ring. He then takes the ladder and slides it under the ring before following it in, making this the first time in the entire match that both men have been inside the ring at the same time. Van Dam has to take a moment to gingerly get to his feet, his lower back still feeling the pain from earlier, but he does so with the ladder in hand as Finlay starts to groggily get vertical … and TAKES A RUNNING LADDER SHOT TO THE FACE!!

Finlay drops and his head whiplashes violently, forcing him to roll away in pain. Van Dam must be feeling more comfortable as himself because he takes a moment to raise the ladder over his head in victory, the crowd reacting appropriately. Finlay has rolled all the way across from where Van Dam is to a corner, using it to get back to his feet. He stays in said corner as RVD gets a look and charges, looking to RAM THE LADDER INTO FINLAY’S RIBS … NO!! Finlay moves away at the very last minute and crunches RVD’s own body into the ladder. The ladder stays in the corner and RVD grips at his knees for a moment, Finlay rolling away to the apron as he escaped. As Van Dam veers closer to the ropes, Finlay grabs hold of RVD’s ponytail – and HITS HIM THROAT-FIRST WITH A HOTSHOT!! RVD’s already tender throat is bounced off of the top rope and sends him to the canvas.

Finlay, meanwhile, drops to the floor on the move, landing on his feet. He lands a tad off balance, leaning up against another part of the guard rail. But as he leans against it, it buckles a bit. Finlay notices this and starts tinkering with the section of railing, until … he completely separates it! FINLAY’S GOT A WHOLE PIECE OF GUARD FENCE AS A WEAPON!! Finlay strolls on back into the ring with his new weapon in hand, RVD trying to get back up … only to get DRILLED IN THE SPINE BY THE STEEL GUARD RAIL … NO!! RVD swiftly moves out of the way at the very last second, leaping up for a spinning kick…Finlay instinctively throws up his rail-holding hands in defense … VAN DAMINATOR!! VAN DAMINATOR WITH THE GUARD RAIL!! A loud “OOOH” comes from the crowd, as Finlay is hit so hard, he rolls back under the ring to the outside, flopping to the padding.

The crowd is again in a frenzy of “RVD! RVD!” chants, Van Dam again having to slowly regain himself and tend to his back. He takes a peek to the outside and sees Finlay trying to regain himself. Van Dam takes a step and sees the guard rail still in the ring, taking it in his hands and suddenly running towards the corner with the ladder in it … CLIMBING THE LADDER LIKE A STAIRCASE AND LEAPING FROM IT … AND LANDS ON FINLAY WITH THE GUARD RAIL!! A LADDER-AIDED FLYING CROSSBODY WITH THE STEEL RAILING!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!” chants immediately start kicking up, but now both men are down and feeling the effects of the completely unorthodoxed offense of this match. The crowd remains buzzing as Van Dam rolls off of Finlay’s body, taking the guard rail with him and setting it aside.

Van Dam is the first man to get to his feet, still a tad wobbly. He once again drags Finlay to his feet, pulling him along until they reach the table still set up on the outside from earlier. RVD lays Finlay flat across the wooden slab and clubs him on the chest a couple of times for good measure before rolling into the ring and slowly climbing to the top rope. The crowd is all on their feet, looking for what could be an incredible spot here … but Finlay jumps off the table and strikes Van Dam in the side of the head with a leaping blow.
Finlay then starts to climb to the apron and starts a back and forth battle with RVD, neither man wanting to make the big drop that could decide the difference in the match. Van Dam starts pulling away, knocking Finlay over and over with hard right hands. Finlay begins to slump, being forced to hold onto the top rope for dear life with one hand, his other hand dangling lifelessly and getting dangerously close to the table. But just as RVD rears back for perhaps the big blow, Finlay’s dangling arm grabs something that we can’t see, concealed by the steel ring steps in front of it. Van Dam goes for one more punch…but Finlay brings up his arm … AND BREAKS A LIQUOR BOTTLE OVER VAN DAM’S HEAD!! Glass goes everywhere as alcohol covers RVD’s face, his temple possibly ruptured, as is dead weight takes him forward … AND HE FALLS FROM THE TOP RIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE!!

The crunch of the table gets the crowd in another frenzy, as buzz consumes the building with Finlay looking on the carcass of Van Dam. Another evil, toothy grin envelops Finlay’s face as he drops from the apron to the floor and picks up the decimated Van Dam, rolling his dead weight into the ring. Even though it’s unsanctioned, any pinfalls would have to take place in the ring. But Finlay isn’t even going for a pinfall yet. After rolling RVD in, Finlay roams back over to around the still untidy timekeeper’s area and bends over to get something. He comes back up to reveal THE DREADED SHILLELAGH is in hand. Finlay rolls into the ring with the wooden staff ready for destruction, not even waiting for RVD to drift to his feet. Instead, the still lifeless body of Szatowski is taken by the ponytail and forced to sit upright, Finlay rearing back … AND CRACKING RVD IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE SHILLELAGH!!

All air seems to have left the Bell Center now, as Finlay is seemingly making good on his promise to finish his breaking of Rob Van Dam. The shit-eating grin is back, but now it comes with cruel laughter, Finlay seemingly enjoying this now. Van Dam’s body has no signs of life as the referee checks on him, but Finlay suddenly stops laughing and smiling to actually tug the ref away from RVD’s body. Dave then goes back outside and throws the top layer of steel ring steps away, revealing the bigger, heavier base ring steps. Finlay grabs the big base and throws it through the middle ropes into the ring, soon following it back in.

There are much more incredibly sinister notions still on Finlay’s mind as he gets the huge steel steps base in his grasp, hoisting it up. RVD is only now beginning to truly stir, his drunk body motions now matching the alcohol that’s still being mixed with the sweat on his face. Mr. Wednesday Night stumbles and struggles mightily, but when Hebner asks him if he wants to stop, Van Dam still has enough in him to shove the Brian away. Van Dam gets to his feet on spaghetti legs and turns back towards Finlay … the Irishman rushes … AND DRILLS VAN DAM IN THE HEAD WITH THE MASSIVE STEEL RING STEPS!! Van Dam is cracked right between the eyes and goes down flat, the disgusting thud completely deadening the crowd.

Finlay places the steps in a corner after he rushes, but another look down reveals that Van Dam has been BUSTED OPEN. The blood mixes freely with both his sweat and the liquor still present, giving an incredibly ghastly effect, despite the wound being fresh. And even still, Finlay isn’t satisfied. He doesn’t go for a pinfall attempt on RVD. He does try to approach him, but the official gets in the way and says he has to check on him. Finlay almost throws Hebner out of his face to get back at Van Dam. Finlay oddly starts clawing at RVD’s clothing, lowering the straps on his airbrushed singlet to expose Van Dam’s skin.

Whatever Finlay has in mind here, Hebner again mercifully tries to get in the middle of. Finlay again looks to toss Brian aside, but it looks like he’s tugging at the referee’s pants…?? The odd gesture comes to fruition in a moment when we see that Finlay has ripped the leather belt holding the referee’s pants up from around his waist. An entirely new ominous wind blows across Canada, everyone knowing what’s coming next, but everyone’s powerless to stop it … as Finlay WHIPS VAN DAM ACROSS THE EXPOSED SPINE WITH THE LEATHER BELT!! The sickening SMACK of leather on skin makes everyone’s blood curl, especially when Van Dam’s cries of pain though his crimson mask can be heard through the harrowing silence. But Finlay rears back and WHIPS VAN DAM YET AGAIN, even more screams coming now. We can see two long red marks etched in RVD’s back, just marks of the agony he’s going through.

The cruelty is just raging inside Finlay’s eyes, not letting up in the slightest. He finally drops the belt, which the official quickly snaps back up to get it out of Finlay’s grasp, as well as to continue to hold his pants up. Van Dam is a pile of pain at this point, Finlay having to kick him around to get him move where he wants. He gets him out of the center of the ring, only to go back and grab the steel ring steps and throw it down in the center. The groaning carcass of Van Dam is grabbed once again by his ponytail, Finlay stepping up and on top of the steel steps. Dave Finlay then holds RVD’s face steady as he stares right into his glossed over, blood stained eyes –

“I started to break you, Robbie. Now I’ll finish you!”

Finlay continues to drag the body of Van Dam up, pulling it on top of the steps with him. He then hosts it up and sends him over the shoulder. The entire crowd is silent, knowing exactly what kind of ominous ending Finlay has in mind. Finlay grabs hold of RVD’s head … and goes for the CELTIC CROSS ON THE STEEL RING STEPS … but RVD shows some miraculous sign of struggle…Finlay keeps the grip…but RVD wriggles free!! He barely escapes the death sentence move, Finlay quickly turning around to see Van Dam on weak legs…only for RVD to take the feet from under Finlay with a very clutch LOW SPINNING SWEEP!! Finlay falls backwards, his head BOUNCING OFF THE STEEL RING STEPS!

RVD shows the slightest glimmer of hope, Finlay now gripping his head in pain as Van Dam groggily steps over and grabs Finlay’s shillelagh. Finlay rolls off the steps and to his feet, but he’s immediately me by Van Dam CLOCKING FINLAY IN THE SKULL WITH HIS OWN SHILLELAGH!! The crowd goes ballistic as Finlay drops to a knee following the blow, but Van Dam isn’t done. He sees the prone Finlay and rears back again … AND SMASHES THE SHILLELAGH ACROSS FINLAY’S FACE!! THE STAFF SHATTERS AND SPLITERS!! Van Dam completely destroys Finlay’s favorite foreign object, the staff exploding, with shards of wood and splinters flying! This garners an even bigger reaction, especially when Finlay drops to the canvas and all that’s left in Van Dam’s hand is a nub of the handle. A quick shot of Finlay shows that there’s drops of blood coming from his face, opening up the hard way from the exploding staff.

RVD throws what’s left of the staff away before forcing his body in motion and rolling outside the ring, throwing up the ring skirt. He’s looking for yet another weapon, but no one is prepared for what he actually pulls out. Van Dam rummages around for a moment before pulling out a doozy – A STEEL CHAIR – THAT’S BEEN WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE!! All the life that’s been drained by Finlay’s onslaught is suddenly breathed right back into the atmosphere as Van Dam unveils that beast, sliding back under the ring and moving over towards an attempting to recover Irishman … Robbie V lifts the chair … AND SMASHES IT INTO FINLAY’S SPINE, DRIVING BARBS INTO IT AT THE SAME TIME!!

Unlike most chair shots, that one isn’t nearly as loud, nor is it easy to get off of the body, as the barbs get caught in Finlay’s ring attire as Van Dam tries to pull it up. It just makes the impact more look more brutal when RVD has to hold Finlay’s body steady with a leg and tug the barbs out of Finlay’s clothes/skin. But Van Dam isn’t done. He doesn’t go for a pinfall either, although he clearly could, looking to make Finlay reap everything he’s sown since November. Finlay now grips at his lower back, trying with all his might to get to his feet … only for Van Dam to SMASH HIM WITH ANOTHER BARBED-WRAPPED CHAIR SHOT!! He aims higher up on Finlay’s singlet this time, making sure to get more skin than clothing!! As he pulls up more easily this time, the camera close up reveals specks of blood turning up on Finlay’s back, the barbed wire having clearly punctured the skin.

Van Dam doesn’t drop the chair, instead taking this time to perhaps tend to his own wounds. He tries to wipe some of the blood off his face to get him to see better, but there’s still oh so much remaining. He leans against an empty corner to gather his breath, never taking an eye off of the cruel man before him. Finlay takes a while to get vertical again, stumbling a great deal and having to tend to his back every second. When he finally gets up, he turns around, only to see Van Dam waiting with the chair … and TOSSES IT AT FINLAY – NO!! Finlay catches it, but it’s still at face level…VAN DAMINATOR WITH A BARBED WIRE STEEL CHAIR!! THE STEEL AND THE BARBS ARE RIPPED INTO FINLAY’S FACE!! HOLY SHIT!!

Finlay falls as the crowd roars, his forehead gashed from the impact and causing Finlay to now have BLOOD POURING over his face. Van Dam wobbles back to his feet and grabs the chair, finally throwing it out of the ring. Van Dam could once again go for a cover, but all he does is stare blankly into the eyes of a bleeding man who he has no respect for, only thinking about his wife and Tommy Dreamer. RVD then drags Finlay’s corpse over to a far corner, forcing him to sit against the lower rungs. Van Dam still hasn’t bothered to pull his straps back up, but still doesn’t, even when they somewhat get in his way when he goes over to grab the steel ring steps. He places the steps standing upright in front of Finlay’s face, the “V” in their base making a perfect little gateway to fit it over Finlay’s body.

As Joey Styles begs RVD to not even do this, the Bell Center comes to life yet again and knows where this could be going. Van Dam slumps over to the adjacent corner and leaps cleanly to the top rope, struggling with his balance a bit when he gets there. But he stands upright, once again not going with the thumbs and just taking a look around before LEAPING … VAN TERMINATOR!! VAN TERMINATOR WITH THE STEEL RING STEPS!! OHH MY GAAAD!!! Despite the incredible veracity that the steps are struck with, it remains standing.

Van Dam shifts his hips from his seated position and gets back to his feet, still dragging a big from all the damage he’s taken. But one look at Finlay and you wouldn’t know who has taken more, as Finlay’s bleach white hair has become soaked in blood, his crimson mask now taking up more than his face and looking all the more gruesome. But as Van Dam rests up, the crowd sees the steps still standing over Finlay’s decimated body and begin a bloodthirsty chant –

“ONE MORE TIME!! ONE MORE TIME!! ONE MORE TIME!!”

Van Dam just peers through his blood in awe at the crowd…before leaping to the top rope once again. The crowd goes nuts as Van Dam stands tall once again, but like last time, doesn’t performer his thumbs taunt. He just stares a hole through the steps as through Finlay is there…before he looks off into the crowd somewhere. He points to that spot and we can hear him say “Sonya – this is for you!” The crowd pops once more for that as Van Dam LEAPS … AND NAILS A SECOND VAN TERMINATOR WITH THE STEEL RING STEPS!!

The steps finally fall, Van Dam moving out of the way to reveal a Finlay who looks like he’s been through a bomb explosion, blood plastered all over his dome and shrapnel in the form of shillelagh splinters still stuck in the side of his face. With a man who looks like that, we can see Brian Hebner call for EMTs, Van Dam having to slump himself against the ladder that’s still propped up in a corner for support. Van Dam notices exactly what it is he’s leaning on, now taking the ladder and setting it up in front of the corner. Van Dam approaches the limp body of Finlay and pulls him towards the center ring. RVD isn’t waiting on EMTs, opting instead to CLIMB THE LADDER. The crowd is going nuts at what they’re potentially about to see, Brian Hebner begging him to come down and not do this, holding the ladder itself (conveniently, he’s also holding it steady…). Van Dam doesn’t care, reaching the top and standing as straight as he can without losing his balance, and for the first time in the entire match, takes his thumbs and pumps them –

“ROB…VAN…DAM!!”

Leaping … FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH OFF A LADDER!! Van Dam meets Finlay’s body with a THUNDEROUS impact, momentarily throwing himself off of Finlay’s body. The bloody and ravaged Van Dam crawls over with the little power he has left, wrapping his legs around Finlay’s with a double leg hook for the very first pinfall attempt in this entire match –

ONE…


TWO…


THREE…!!!

Here is your winner…ROB VAN DAM at (21:24)


He has returned!! In the most extreme way imaginable, Rob Van Dam assures us that this is him and he’s back! Van Dam peels himself off of Finlay’s body and rolls to his knees, opening his arms, and looking up towards the sky, reenacting his WWE Championship win from ONS 2006. The blood runs freely down his face as we can see what possibly looks like tears forming



Joey Styles:
HE’S BACK!! HE’S OFFICIALLY BACK!!! Rob Van Dam knows exactly who he is!! An extreme revival in his own right, Rob Van Dam and Finlay tore into each other like I have never seen before!


JBL:
We’ve seen Finlay in some brutal matches an’ we’ve seen RVD in hardcore scenarios, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen brutality like that. I’ve been to Texas slaughter houses that had less blood than that match.


Joey Styles:
Indeed, partner. You want to talk about violence, brutality, and just outright barbarianism, I don’t think you can look much further than this. Steps, shillelagh shatters, and something I’ve never seen before in a freakin’ BARBED WIRE CHAIR!!


JBL:
This is one that’ll go down in the history books. Van Dam might not have the chance to get any more titles, but on this night, Rob Van Dam was baptized in blood an’ pinned a man who has never been pinned before. An’ so he lives again!


Van Dam is walking away up the aisle, still blood pouring down his face, but he takes a moment to find his wife somewhere in the front row…and give her a big, bloodstained hug. Sonya Szatowski doesn’t seem to mind at all as her husband is back doing the one thing he loves the most. And he looks EXTREMELY happy. Van Dam stops and turns back around when he’s on the stage about to go through the doors, but one last time, pumps his thumbs…R…V…D!!





~Backstage, locker room area…


We see Aero Star, the prideful young luchador, sitting alone while a trainer seemingly explains to him that his Trios partners will be okay. Star nods his head and stays silent, but he puts his hands on his head and sits back, obviously somewhat disappointed by tonight’s events.



???:
This seat taken?


The offscreen voice soon comes on screen, being revealed as Rey Mysterio. He has an ice pack on his knee, but he’s pretty mobile. He takes a seat next to Aero Star on his bench.


Rey Mysterio:
Hey, don’t look so down. You were the best captain you could be. If it makes you feel any better –


Mysterio lifts his hurt leg with the ice on it


Rey Mysterio:
I didn’t exactly walk away from my match on top either.


This seems to loosen Star up, a smile appearing on the only part of his face we can see. Mysterio puts a hand on Star’s shoulder


Rey Mysterio:
You know, I had a really close friend. His name was Eddie. And anytime I got down like you right now, he’d always tell me – “Si usted no es un campeón hoy, puede ser un futuro campeón."


This seems to touch Star, who raises his head and actually looks at Rey


Rey Mysterio:
“If you're not a champion today, you can be a champion tomorrow.” It’s your rookie year, esse. You got lots of time. You’ve set the world on fire so far. You got lots more coming.


Star nods his head in appreciation. This almost father-son moment is soon interrupted, however, by three men entering the locker room. These men mean no harm, they just seem to be making jabs at one another – Kofi Kidman is joking alongside Billy Kidman and probably the butt-of-the-joke Matt Sydal


Matt Sydal:
Hey, I know I haven’t had the best rookie year in AOW, but I’ve put up more than my fair share of fights. I’m not that bad!


Mysterio chimes in…


Rey Mysterio:
Well…you could’ve been better.


A few chuckles from Kingston, especially after Aero Star nods in hesitant agreement


Kofi Kingston:
No offense, mon, but as your frien’ I’m tellin’ you…you no have no wins, mon!


Kingston slaps Sydal on the back, Kidman joining in on the fun. Sydal takes the joke, but looks somewhat hurt at Kidman


Matt Sydal:
Why the heck are you laughing, Billy? I’m your pupil. If I suck, then you suck.


Billy Kidman:
I’m laughing because you’re making excuses for yourself. Your year stunk. You put up tough fight after fight after fight. And you’ve gotten better.


Kidman slaps Sydal on the back


Billy Kidman:
But you – and me too – just need to get better.


As all three share a bit of a smile, they’re interrupted by the ominous presence of Tyler Black


Tyler Black:
I know you’re all not talking about “Rookie of the Year” and I’m not in the room.


Black and Kingston share a staredown, Black with a smirk on his face


Tyler Black:
Kofi.


Kingston stares right back


Kofi Kingston:
Tyler.


Black looks away and looks at Sydal


Tyler Black:
I’m the best prospect in this company. I’ve got more wins than you in a month and a half with no mentor than you do in seven months.


Black sounds awfully full of himself, Kingston looking to cut in and save his friend


Kofi Kingston:
Yeah? Well then maybe you and I should go one-on-one again to see if those wins hold up.


Kingston and Black have another staredown, but they’re interrupted by a much more ominous figure in Brent Albright. Albright struts on through like he owns the place, the Trios Tournament trophy in his hands.


Brent Albright:
Rookie of the Year? You guys? Yeah right. Maybe it should be someone who has actually done something.


Albright goes over to a locker and grabs a duffle back, slinging it over his shoulder before going to leave just as quickly as he arrived. Even so, he’s let all the positive air go out the room with him…but he’s stopped when someone at the door stops him.


TJ Wilson:
Done something? I’d kinda like to agree with you.


Wilson has his NEW AOW World Tag Team title slung over his shoulder, he and Albright breathing on each other they’re so close. Albright just smirks and shakes his head before completely leaving the scene, leaving Wilson to walk in to the room full of fellow rookies…and Mysterio and Kidman


TJ Wilson:
What? No love for the rookie tag teams?


All the men in the room start to jokingly argue with one another…except for Tyler Black, who seems to get in Rey Mysterio’s face quite aggressively. The room continues to fill up with clusterfucked chatter…until the door once again swings open and revealing a still hurt and recovering Bryan Danielson. His Cruiserweight Championship is draped over a shoulder, the blood from his eye still staining it.


Bryan Danielson:
Rookies? I’m technically a rookie. But what I really am is Cruiserweight Champion. And I have been for 128 days. And what I see isn’t a room full of rookies. It’s a room full of challengers.


A look around the room reveals what Danielson is saying is true. From Kidman to Mysterio to Black to Wilson – no one in the room tops 215 lbs.


Bryan Danielson:
Argue all you guys want. But I finally got Gregory Helms out of my life. So all that’s left is to prove to all of you that I’m the best Cruiserweight in the world.


There’s silent unrest in the room until Danielson smirks to himself and heads out of the door, apparently just having heard the commotion and seeing what was up. He leaves all his ‘challengers’ looking around and feeling quite unsure of themselves now…






JERICHO | CHRISTIAN | MICHAELS






Joey Styles:
But now, ladies and gentlemen, the time has finally come for the very final battle on our final stand. This is a place that I’m sure many, if not all of those rookies we just saw would love to be at some point in their careers.


JBL:
If you’re not dreaming of bein’ in a world title match in the main event with the lights on bright, then you’re not here to be a pro wrestler, I can tell you that much.


Joey Styles:
I’m sure all of these men have dreamed of this moment as well, but not nearly to the extent of what each man has had to do even reach this moment. All three of these men have given more than anybody normally would. But that’s what has made all three of these men who they are. But in order to attain the immortality of tonight, all of them will attempt to do…the impossible.


***

A black screen. Words slowly being to scrawl on it.


im•pos•si•ble
adjective
1. not possible; unable to be, exist.
2. unable to be performed, effected.
3. not to be endured with any degree of reason or propriety.


The words dissipate before we hear an ominous hum. It is accompanied by dramatic cymbals. A camera pans over to reveal the War Chamber from six weeks ago.


Tony Chimel:
The following contest is THE WAAAARR CHAMBEERR!!


Flashes go by of all four members of Team AOW in their individual entrances – Joe and his towel, Danielson and his hood, Punk and his motto – before going in slow time as Christian walks down the ramp


Tony Chimel:
The only way to win is to eliminate all members of the opposing team one all eight men have legally entered the match.


The Christian-heavy focus fades right into Chris Jericho and his Worthy Legion walking down the ramp in unison.


Bobby Lashley and Christian are the two men to begin, staring each other down before the music shifts from hums and cymbals to fast paced strings, both men tearing into each other.


Joey Styles:
This is absolute carnage…!!


Flashes go by, more men in the ring and the blood beginning to flow freely on nearly every man


JBL:
I’ve seen plane crashes look better than this…


The intense images begin to become men eliminating each other, the numbers going down…until everything stops when Christian comes face to face with Chris Jericho as he cowers behind a pod.


Time slows down to where we can only hear a heartbeat. With every beat, a flash goes by of a painful memory…


**THUM-THUMP**


Jericho using Torrie Wilson as bait…


**THUM-THUMP**


Christian being shunned by the roster…


**THUM-THUMP**


Lashley spearing Christian in half


**THUM-THUMP**


Cage being forced to quit, lest Torrie eat a Con-Chair-To…


**THUM-THUMP**


Jericho stands week after week with his Legion…


**THUM-THUMP**


Back to Christian and Jericho staring through the pod, the strings slowly rising in volume back into our ears. Lashley spears Jericho thought he Chamber door, leaving himself open to an Unprettier and finally an emphatic Con-Chair-To. The intense strings suddenly stop to give rise to victorious trumpets as a bloody Christian raises his hands


Tony Chimel:
Here are your winners…TEAM AOW!!


Joey Styles:
Christian Cage has come all the way out of exile!!


Seamless transition to two weeks later, Christian Cage and Chris Jericho ready for their official contract signing



Jericho:
Every man who has stepped up to try and take me down has been completely eradicated. Shawn Michaels.


Shawn Michaels tearfully says his good-byes


Jericho:
Rob Van Dam.


A vacant faced RVD peels himself off the canvas


Jericho:
Mick Foley.


Paul Wright chokeslams Foley though the announce desk


Jericho:
Paul Heyman.


Jericho orders that Ken Doane leg drop Doane through the table


Jericho:
The list goes on. None of those men were the same after they challenged me. And now that you’ve “saved this company” as you say, they have no use for you.


Christian:
When I finally get my shot at you for what you covet most, I’ll be sure to hold absolutely nothing back. You’ll learn that you can never eradicate me. You’re all gonna see the dark side of the moon.


A flash of Christian standing before the full moon many months ago…


Christian:
Are you ready for that, oh God of Gods…?


The two enemies get incredibly close to one another, the table the only thing stopping them as the strings return and hit a rapid pace alongside the heartbeats…


**THUM-THUMP**


**THUM-THUMP**


**THUM-THUMP**



SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Both Jericho and Christian eat Sweet Chin Music!! The beats stop and pan to show us Shawn Michaels



Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels is here? And what the hell is he doing signing Christian’s contract?


HBK signs on what was Christian’s dotted line, Heyman smirking alongside him


Joey Styles:
Wait a minute… Paul Heyman and Shawn Michaels…in cahoots?? What kind of unholy alliance is that?


The images fade away, but as they do, we can hear the shrill voice of Paul Heyman alongside very eerie tones


Heyman:
At The Outer Limits, it will be Chris Jericho defending his AOW Championship against Christian Cage…and Shawn Michaels.


We open back up on an image of the rat bastard himself, close up on his unnerving smile


Heyman:
And Shawn, honestly, if you win, more power to you…but that won’t absolve your contract with me! I’ll finally have an AOW Champion at my beck and call!!


Heyman rears back and laughs, only to be cut off by a clip of Mick Foley entering the ring to cut off his mad scientist music


Mick Foley:
You don’t get to do this, HEYMAN!! This isn’t about you, this isn’t about me, but it’s about Christian FINALLY getting what he deserves!!


FOLEY EATS SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! The scene slows down to show Michaels towering over Foley with Heyman pleased as we fade away to heavy bass strings and a very vacant looking Shawn Michaels a week later…


Michaels:
Christian. I just wanna say I have no problem with you. My business has nothing to do with you.


We see a quick flash of Christian, staring right through HBK


Michaels:
I actually agree with Mick Foley, and I’m sure you share the same thought – this whole thing should be about you finally getting your shot at Chris Jericho. But it’s actually insulting to me that people think that way.


A very quick double-flash of Michaels, head down in the shadows, being forced to walk away in December


Christian:
This was my match. I have worked my way from being alienated by everyone around me…


Flash of Christian being dragged out in handcuffs by security


Christian:
… to being the only beacon of light in this entire company to being it’s one and only hope of survival.


Christian stands in the ring and takes in his ovation after being named #1 contender


Michaels:
You’re not listening to me, Christian. I’m not taking that away from you. What’s insulting to me is the fact that people think you’re the only man who is deserving of a shot.


As sounds stop and the outlines of both men appear to ripple outward


Michaels:
The biggest reason I came back isn’t just because I hate Chris Jericho. It isn’t just because I want another shot at the AOW Championship. It was what happened one faithful night in Montreal over ten years ago.


A shot of the Survivor Series 1997 poster


Michaels:
It all happened in that same building we’re gonna be in on March 16th. The Belle Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.


A pan shot of the arena completely empty, just the audio of what happened that night playing over, the sound of immense boos being heard over Jim Ross


“What happened? What happened? Bret Hart tapped out to the Sharpshooter…”



Michaels:
You may deserve your shot at the AOW Championship, but what I deserve is to finally quell those demons that’ve been hounding me for years.


The scene fades away to Christian and Michaels toe-to-toe two weeks later


Joey Styles:
For the first time ever in AOW, Christian Cage and Shawn Michaels will go one-on-one. Two men who have taken very different, but very similar paths to get to Sunday will clash.


Clips of the Michaels/Cage main event last week, both men giving everything they have until Christian is distracted and the shot pace slows to a screeching, almost hypnotizing halt as Chris Jericho interrupts the match.


Michaels hits Cage with Sweet Chin Music once again, but his victory is stopped almost immediately when Jericho CRACKS HIM WITH THE CODEBREAKER. The video maintains its hypnotizing tint as Jericho speaks



Jericho:
No matter which of your missions you think is improbable…it’s taking the AOW Championship from me, the unconquerable God of Gods…


Shots go by of the umpteen Oblivions that Jericho has walked out with his title intact


Jericho:
…that will truly be…impossible.


Impossible…
Impossible…


The words swirl in an echo as Jericho throws his title high over his head, a close up on his insidiously familiar strategist smirk…


A momentary black screen before it comes to life with shots of Chris Jericho hitting numerous finishers and signatures on a plethora of opponents, a high-paced and furious orchestra playing behind it…



Jericho:
In order to defend my AOW Championship at The Outer Limits, I’ll have to do the one thing people have been saying I can’t do…and that’s the impossible


The flashes cease, only to bring up a portion of the words from the beginning


1. not possible; unable to be, exist.


Jericho:
I have to defend my AOW Championship in a Triple Threat against two men who are undisputedly consumed by their hatred for me.


A flash of Jericho capturing both Christian and Michaels in the Walls of Jericho/Liontamer


Quickly, the flashes dissolve into Shawn Michaels defeating numerous opponents and putting on a show while doing it


Michaels:
I take pride in stealin’ shows. And I will never be outperformed. I’ve made a career out of doing the impossible.


2. unable to be performed, effected.


Michaels:
I might’ve sold my soul to try and redeem myself, but there’s nothing I can do to get those people in Montreal on my side.


A shot of Michaels in the shadows back in ’97 being pelted with garbage


Michaels:
…but just so you, Paul Heyman, and Christian know, I’ve got nothing holding me back from being the villain.


HBK beheads Mick Foley, Christian Cage, and Chris Jericho all with Sweet Chin Music…


…until Christian Cage lunges and spins Michaels around, nailing him with an Unprettier



Christian:
I have never held a world title and I’m supposed to take down two monsters to try and get it.


Shots of Christian now in numerous bloody battles, Cage always having to pay the price before he wins, if he wins


Christian:
So if you want to see someone who is more than ready to do the impossible…you’re lookin’ at him. Because that’s all I’ve done in AOW.


3. not to be endured with any degree of reason or propriety.


Christian:
I’m not concerned with being the “hero” and I’m not concerned with being the “villain”. I’m just concerned with being champion.


Christian brawls with Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels on separate occasions, his madman eyes glowing after each encounter


Joey Styles:
Chris Jericho has to defend his AOW title against two men whose careers he has impacted forever – the hungry Christian Cage and the redemption seeking Shawn Michaels!


The orchestra is approaching the climax. As each man speaks, we see a close-up of one of their eyes, their respective journeys playing inside them


Jericho:
I am the Puppetmaster God.


Christian:
I am the Consumed Savior.


Michaels:
I am the Showstopping Devil.


Images alternate of all three men as the chorus hits one final mighty chord, the music fading on an image one last time of Chris Jericho in the center, Christian on a split screen to the left, and Michaels on the right

***



After that quite heavy video package, there’s a momentary hush before a whole new sound hits the threshold…


“OH…OH…SHAWN!!”


**SEXY BOY**



…and an UNGODLY amount of heat pours down once again for Shawn Michaels, who looks much more like himself than when groomed in Heyman’s image like we saw earlier. He also doesn’t seem nearly as vacant as earlier, looking like the jovial HBK of old…until he blows snot in the direction of the crowd. Michaels is channeling perhaps an old school HBK here, even performing his prayer and crucifix position –


*PYRO*
*PYRO*
*PYRO*
*PYRO*


Michaels jumps back to his feet and almost taunts the crowd the whole way down the aisle, not giving the slightest damn about the heat



Joey Styles:
Well…Shawn Michaels has said on every occasion before that this match is his redemption. More than a decade ago, a match happened in this very building that has marred the career of the Showstopper. He’s here to set things right by winning that title, but by his body motions, he doesn’t really look like he’s looking for the forgiveness he says he so wants.


JBL:
Who knows what’s on Shawn Michaels’ mind? A half hour ago, the guy threw the owner of this company down a flight of stairs, a week ago you couldn’t pay him to have a smile on his face, an’ now here he is bein’ the good ol’ Haich Bee Kay he’s been forever.


Joey Styles:
Well, maybe it’s like you addressed earlier, John. Perhaps it’s not how you win, just that you win. Shawn Michaels is a master of big game situations. I don’t think there’s ever been a bigger big match competitor. I’m not gonna doubt his strategies, so perhaps this is just his way of taking the crowd out of the game and perhaps, even moreso, getting in the head of his opponents.


Michaels steps into the ring and twirls around, the tornado of heat just keeping on him. Michaels extends a leg and hits his famous flex pose to a whole new round of heat. He flashes an incredibly fake smile before turning to the crowd and blowing a raspberry at them. He then retreats to a corner and has an adolescent air to him, waiting on his opponents…



“GO~!!”


**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**


And the crowd unleashes an incredible whiplash and delivers the LARGEST POP of the night, the roof blown clean off the building. Christian Cage steps through the doors and gains an even bigger ovation. Christian has to stop on the entrance stage, taking a long look at the arena full of people who suddenly want him. His intense eyes almost seem…teary? The reaction is overwhelming, but Cage sucks it up and begins his stoic walk down the aisle, his arm taped a bit at the elbow from the abuse it’s taken in recent weeks



Joey Styles:
A homecoming for Christian Cage and if his interview moments ago is anything to go by, he is in the best mindset he’s been for seven months. He’s not alone. He’s got this arena, an entire country behind him. All he’s ever dreamed is coming to a head right here in this match.


JBL:
I have never seen this much emotion on one man going into a match. An’ so different from Shawn Michaels at that. But this is incredible to watch.


Joey Styles:
Indeed it is. Just the transformation of Cage from coward to conspiracy theorist to driven mad to driven with purpose to now being driven by his dreams.


Christian steps into the ring, looking right at the man who made this a Triple Threat match. Michaels and Christian stare into each other not with hatred, but with immaculate respect. They have no deep-seated beef with one another, but neither will stop at anything that gets in the way of their individual goals.


Their intense gaze is interrupted when all the lights go off in the arena and a blue glow begins to shine from the big screens. They remain the only light in the arena, but they allow us to see what looks like the silhouettes of several people…dropping down from the rafters?? They all fall, bright white wires connected to them, all forming around the entrance stage and parts of the entrance aisle. Their full-body costumes have what look like Tron-esque lines on them, making them glow as well. When all the people hit their respective marks, they go limp…as though they’re all puppets.

Suddenly, the screens light up with an all too familiar ominous countdown…


5…


4…


3…


2…


1…


0…


**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**


“C’MON…Y’KNOW I GOT YA…YEAH!!”
“…I’LL OPEN YOUR EYES AND MAKE YOU SEE…!!”


**BREAK DOWN THE WALLS**
**KING OF MY WORLD**


{/MASH UP}

A unique sounding entrance theme to say the least. As the mash-up hits, we can see the cyberpunk puppets begin to dance, their limbs all limp and swaying whichever ways their strings pull them. They keep moving until two of them hold open the double-door for AOW Champion Chris Jericho to walk on through. Jericho has his holier-than-thou strut on full blast, the AOW title draped over a shoulder. With every puppet that he passes, they all stop dancing and begin to walk in place, immolating his stratagem strut.



Joey Styles:
A grandiose entrance for a grandiose champion, but whether you like him or not, it’s ridiculously fitting for this man. Chris Jericho has pulled every string imaginable over the last year to get to where he is right now – an undefeated champion for seven months. He has taken on all comers. He has devised brilliant, if maniacal, strategies to keep himself on top. And now he’s here to put his boast of being a ‘god’ to the ultimate test.


JBL:
I love it. Now it feels like we’re on the Grand Stage of War. An entrance truly befitting the king that he is, the men he has surpassed, the god he has become! An’ you actually said something right, Joey. Whether you love or hate this man, hell, whether you even respect this man or not, you have to acknowledge his unparalleled success. No matter what the circumstances, this man has been, and will remain…untouchable.


Jericho’s walk reaches the end of the platform aisle, stepping into the ring to walk right into the glares of two ‘beneficiaries’ of his strategies. Jericho just gives them a smug look as he slinks the title from off his shoulder and gives it a kiss before handing it over to senior referee Ray Ramsey. Ramsey takes the title and shoots it up over his head, electing a pop from the crowd.


JBL:
That’s what it’s all about right there. These three guys, all stupendous performers and competitors, are gonna put it all on the line for that strap.


Joey Styles:
The Holy Grail of AOW about to get even holier when that bell rings, making it become a world title. But you’re right, John. This is what dreams are made of. This is what the impossible has come to. This is it. The main event. The final battle on our final stand.


Tony Chimel:
The following contest is a Triple Threat match for the AOW Heavyweight Championship!!


HUGE pop continuing


Tony Chimel:
In this match, there are no count outs and no disqualifications. The first man to secure a pinfall or submission will win the match and become the AOW World Heavyweight Champion!!


Another resounding pop, the AOW title about to be elevated in a big way as soon as the bell rings


Tony Chimel:
Introducing challenger number one – from San Antonio, Texas…


Chimel can’t even get the hometown of HBK out of his mouth before the airwaves become consumed by nuclear heat


Tony Chimel:
…weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds…the Heart Break Kid – SHAAAWWWN MICHAAAEEEELLSS~!!


The heat continues as Michaels just remain leaning against his corner, a circa 1997 Shawn Michaels cocky smirk developing on his face, not giving the slightest shit what these people think


Tony Chimel:
Introducing challenger number two – from Toronto, Ontario, Canada…weighing in at two hundred and thirteen pounds…CHRISTIAAAAAAN CAAAAAAAAGGEE~!!


Once again, in direct proportion to HBK’s ungodly rain of heat, Christian gets an earth shattering ovation, stepping forward and shooting both Jericho and Michaels hard looks before taking a step back


Tony Chimel:
And their opponent…from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, weighing in at two hundred and twenty five pounds…he is the AOW Heavyweight Champion…The Worthy Man…CHRIIIIIIS JERICHOOOOOOO!!!


Jericho garners a shitton of heat himself, only Michaels getting remotely close to that. Jericho, like HBK, just soaks it all in and even taunts the crowd by raising a fist and throwing his nose up even further in the air before stepping back.


**DING DING DING**






*AOW Heavyweight Championship*

The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v.
The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v.
The Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels



Finally. It’s here. It’s all come down to this. This is the final stand. It truly is the biggest match of the year. The reigning, defending AOW Champion no longer has his signature coy smirk, but more a look of mild concern. The biggest lights on the biggest stage have made the ‘god’ appear mortal, even after his insane entrance, just the slightest hint of worry in his egomaniacal eyes. Shawn Michaels, degenerate as his demeanor has been in the seconds leading to this moment, shifts his entire aura to one of pure focus, reminding us why he is still ‘The Icon’. Christian Cage’s eyes tell his story, as they burn with an intensity that’s taken seven months to become a roaring blaze. There isn’t a single person of the over 20,000 in attendance sitting down. Everyone is making some noise as three purpose-driven gladiators stand motionless before them; the level of Montreal becoming deafening.

All three catalysts of this pandemonium hear the ring bell signify that the finale is on, but none of them move from their spots. Their eyes just dart from one man to the next, their faces locked in the angry looks they keep darting at one another. The first man to even step forward just a tad…is Shawn Michaels. The Showstopper’s heat follows him as he steps closer to the center, a chant even following him as he lingers on those footsteps

“YOU SCREWED BRET!! YOU SCREWED BRET!!”

HBK doesn’t let this faze him, taking it all in and smelling the air before snapping open his eyes. He points to Christian and then Jericho before spinning around and pointing to all in attendance, telling him who he screwed … AND LETS LOOSE A DX CROSS CHOP!! Michaels tells his opponents – and this crowd – TO SUCK IT!! This actually garners a mixed reaction from the Bell Center, but it soon becomes overwhelmingly positive when the next person to step to the center ring is Christian. As he steps forward and stares right into Michaels eyes, the Peeps all over Canada start making themselves be heard –

“CHRIST – IAN!! CHRIST – IAN!!”

Cage is much too intense to really make any big gestures, but he does glance from Jericho back to Michaels … AND PATS HIS CHEST TWICE!! This sends the crowd into another frenzy, even if in Christian’s intensity and state of mind, doesn’t completely pander to the crowd and finish the taunt with a point out. The fact is that Captain Charisma is feeling it, perhaps even drawing on Michaels’ example and feeding off a younger, less troubled version of himself.

But another parade of heat pours down when Chris Jericho decides to step forward, now completing the three-way approach. With every step Jericho takes, his maniacal smirk shows up and grows wider…before he extends his arms outward, performing now his signature taunt! Jericho doesn’t get a chant, just a constant stream of heat. Instead, he gets reactions out of Michaels and Christian, who both look to one another … BEFORE BOTH MEN START UNLOADING RIGHT HANDS ON JERICHO!!

Both men’s hatred for Chris Jericho is what gets this finale cooking, Jericho being forced to cover up relatively quickly because even can’t come up with a fast plan other than ‘cover your face’. It does him little good, as Christian now takes him and rams him into a corner before shoving another shoulder into his gut. Following right behind him is Michaels, rips Christian out of the way before he rears back and nails a thunderous knife-edge CHOP(Woooooo!) to the exposed chest of Jericho.

Jericho covers up his chest now, but Christian pounces back on him with a well-placed hard right hand! It’s Michaels’ turn to step back to Jericho, hitting him with another hard CHOP(Wooooo!), Christian again following with a crushing right hand. Christian and Michaels keep alternating shots, each man almost seeming to enjoy this beatdown of the most hated man in all of AOW. The crowd starts loving it to, but the onslaught comes to a satisfying end when Jericho, red chested and possibly shiner-eyed, wanders out of the corner only to be hit with a hard life-edge CHOP(Wooooo!) from Christian this time! Christian hits him so hard with his massive hands that he spins all the way around, facing the crowd as they pop wildly for the joint massacre.

Cage just adjusts his wristband and looks to turn back around … SWEET CHIN MUSIC – but Christian quickly ducks out of the way and rolls out of the ring. When his mind stops scrambling, he stares daggers into Michaels from the floor. That action reminds us this is every man for himself, despite the joint hatred here. Christian doesn’t break his gaze with Michaels as he slides back in under the bottom rope, the two challengers hitting center ring and getting into a quick collar tie.

Michaels wins the shuffle for position, swinging Christian over in a headlock takeover, but Christian is quick to recover and force both men back up and forces Michaels to let go with a big back suplex. Both men get to their feet quickly, Michaels gripping at his neck area with his back to Christian … UNPRETTIER … but Michaels quickly uncoils out of Christian’s early finisher attempt, pushing the Man on the Moon into the ropes, but on the rebound, Christian decks Michaels with a nasty clothesline! Before Christian can even venture his next move, Chris Jericho SMASHES CHRISTIAN WITH A RUNNING REVERSE ELBOW!! Jericho suddenly breaks back into things, hitting Christian so hard, he flops through the middle rope to the outside.

Jericho now turns his attention towards Michaels, who hasn’t quite gotten back to his feet yet, getting on all fours. Jericho goes over and hits Michaels with a STIFF KICK TO THE FACE, garnering him a bit of heat for his ego showing. Jericho trash talks Michaels a little before kicking Michaels again and forcing him to roll over, mounting him, and now delivering punishment of his own in the form of repeat right hands. Jericho nails several hard right hands before standing up and getting a smirk, all the more heat following him there.

He turns back around to face Michaels, only for HBK to get to one knee and greet him with a KANE-LIKE THROAT THRUST!! This completely catches Jericho off guard, sending him reeling and gripping at his throat. After coughing a small fit, Jericho more angrily now goes for another boot to Michaels’ face, only for HBK to duck it and catch Jericho in a school boy for the first pin attempt –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Jericho kicks out quickly, getting back to his feet at the same pace as Michaels. When Jericho turns to see Michaels this time … HE’S SLAPPED SQUARE IN THE FACE BY HBK!! The crowd reels at the initial sound with a pop, probably forgetting who was doing the slapping, but glad someone just showed Jericho up. Michaels isn’t done from that, not giving Jericho much time to register he’s been smacked because MICHAELS TACKLES HIM DOWN NOW!! It’s HBK’s turn to let Jericho have it by himself, pummeling Jericho now with blow after blow before Jericho is forced to throw Michaels off of his body. HBK rolls to his feet and waits for the angered Jericho to charge at him, punting him hard in the gut. Michaels then Irish whips Jericho into the ropes, but Jericho grabs the lowered head of Michaels on the rebound…AND HITS THE ONE-HANDED BULLDOG!! Jericho now goes for his first cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

It’s Michaels’ turn to quickly roll a shoulder, Jericho knowing it’ll take more than that to put Michaels away. He takes Michaels now and throws him over the middle rope, choking him for a moment before smacking him across the back with a hard club. Jericho doesn’t adhere to Ray Ramsey’s warnings, now rebounding off the ropes and going for the RUNNING KNEE ... CHRISTIAN DROPKICK!! Christian suddenly is back in things to the pleasure of the crowd, making himself known by nailing Jericho with a perfect dropkick!! Michaels slumps off the second rope clutching his throat, while Jericho is forced to roll out onto the entrance aisle to prevent being covered. Christian sees Jericho rolling away from danger, measuring him up as he stands up on the aisle way … Christian runs at the corner … SECOND ROPE PLANCHA TO JERICHO ON THE PLATFORM AISLE!!

The crowd pops as Christian is showing what he’ll do to win the match and the title, throwing caution to the wind to down both he and Jericho. Very faint ‘Holy Shit’ chants sprinkle around and don’t gain much steam, Christian the first man to his knees and giving Jericho a pair of hard right hands to the head. The two men have a brief brawl as they continue to get to their feet. Once they do, Christian starts pulling away, now looking to SCOOP SLAM JERICHO ON THE AISLE…but Jericho floats over, turns Christian around … and now he looks to SCOOP SLAM CHRISTIAN ON THE AISLE … NO!! Christian floats over that one too, but as both men get set to once again go at it, they look up … MOONSAULT FROM SHAWN MICHAELS ONTO BOTH MEN ON THE ELEVATED AISLE!! WOW!!

Even this anti-Michaels crowd can’t contain their excitement on that move, applause erupting from all over Montreal. Nobody saw Michaels climb to the top and he took advantage of that. HBK recovers before any of the other two and shoves the AOW Champion back through the ropes. Jericho rolls through to a knee, Michaels stepping back in now and hitting him with a forearm before whipping him into a corner. He hits Jericho with a hard blow to the gut before hoisting him even higher, setting him on the top rope. Could Michaels be going for a huge move this early?? It worked with the moonsault, it might work here as the Showstopper sets up for a big SUPERPLEX … but Christian Cage crashes the party yet again, clubbing Michaels in the lower back several times.

Michaels’ infamous back problems come to light as he screams in pain at Cage’s blows before he positions himself underneath Michaels in a powerbomb position. The Bell Center is buzzing like crazy now, as this could be a huge spot that makes a difference …. TOWER OF DOOM … NO!! Jericho shoves Michaels’ grip off of him at the last minute, but Christian still has Michaels up. HBK is able to use the shift in weight to drop behind Christian, only for Cage to turn around … and CLOTHESLINE’S MICHAELS’ HEAD OFF HIS SHOULDERS!! The move has so much weight behind it, Cage is a tad off balance after the blow, turning back towards the ropes to see Jericho still on the top rope … FLYING REVERSE ELBOW!! Christian is smashed right in the jaw by the high-risk move, Jericho now covering the Man on the Moon –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Cage throws up a shoulder and keeps his title hopes alive!! But Jericho doesn’t let that get to him too much, actually throwing the back of Christian’s head back down into the canvas and crawling over to the still downed Michaels, shooting a half, and covering him now –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Michaels flashes his infamous determination now!! Jericho is slightly aggravated on that one, but the calculating champion doesn’t let it get to him. Instead, he keeps on calculating and takes the weakened Christian and whips him hard into a corner. Jericho then ventures over to the recovering Michaels and gives him a hard shot to the head before putting all his weight into an Irish whip … AND FORCING CHRISTIAN AND MICHAELS TO CRACK HEADS TOGETHER IN THE CORNER!! The Master of Puppets plays with his opponents as only he can, the metaphor coming to life there. Jericho possibly concusses both men on one move, Christian dropping to a slump in the corner while Shawn drunkenly wobbles out. Jericho sees this as another chance, rolling up Michaels from behind now –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Michaels kicks out … but Jericho keeps on him, turning the kickout into … GRABBING BOTH OF MICHAELS’ LEGS … AND TURNS HIM OVER … WALLS OF JERICHO!! WALLS OF JERICHO ARE IN!! The crowd roars for the finishing submission putting Michaels in immediate pain, if only for an instant … FLASHPOINT!! JERICHO IS NAILED WITH THE DIVING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM CHRISTIAN!! Cage inadvertently saves Michaels from prolonged damage to his back, Cage more about saving the match for himself. Michaels still has to tend to his back for a moment as Cage rolls over the ‘god’ he caught by surprise and gets his first pin attempt of the contest –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Jericho keeps his title with a kickout! Christian doesn’t get too vexed, but he doesn’t really get much time to react when the next thing he feels is a Shawn Michaels boot to the back of his head. Michaels thanks Christian for saving the match with a pair of stiff kicks, one to the head and one to the gut. As Christian gets up from that, he gets lit up with a CHOP(Wooooo!) that softens him up enough for Michaels to attempt to whip him into a corner. However, Christian reverses the whip and sends Michaels running instead, but Michaels leaps onto the second rope … SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!! Christian caught underneath another high-impact Shawn Michaels move –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Christian escapes that and forces the match to continue, Michaels taking Christian up and nailing a quick neckbreaker. Christian springs to a sitting position and grips at his neck, Michaels taking him up now and successfully whipping him into a corner this time. HBK dashes right after Christian, but Cage shifts his feet through the ropes as Michaels charges … PENDULUM KICK!! Michaels is dashed in the head with Christian’s feet, knocking him all off balance. Cage takes advantage of this and takes Michaels by the wrist now, whipping him into a corner … AND MICHAELS SKINS THE CAT TO THE APRON!!

The Headliner’s back takes a beating as he spins to the ring lip closest to the announce table, but Christian doesn’t let up, looking to knock Michaels off with a CLOTHESLINE … but Michaels ducks the attempt and hits Christian with a hard right hand, only for Cage to retaliate with forearms. Christian nails another solid pair of forearm blows, softening up HBK enough to grab him by the head … AND SUPLEX HIM INTO THE RING … NO!! Michaels keeps his weight back, preventing Christian from taking him over. Michaels now reverses it, looking to SUPLEX CHRISTIAN TO THE OUTSIDE…but Cage floats over and lands on the apron beside Michaels, the two now going at it side by side! Cage fires with a right hand, only to be hit with another Michaels CHOP(Wooooo!). Cage again hits a right hand, Michaels again going for a CHOP … but Christian ducks under it and causes Michaels to spin around, losing his balance on the lip. Cage takes advantage of this and takes Michaels from behind … INVERTED DDT DROP ON THE APRON!! Michaels’ head, neck, and back are impaled by dropping on the ring lip!!

Michaels hits it hard and rolls to the floor, Cage quite possibly pulling off the haymaker needed to make an opening. He quickly jumps off and takes Michaels by the hair, trying to bring him back up and into the ring. He steps back onto the apron and tries to bring Michaels back up with him, but HBK isn’t complying. This distracts Christian enough to not see Jericho … TRIANGLE DROPKICK!! TRIANGLE DROPKICK TO CHRISTIAN!! Jericho now springs into the picture from nowhere, both Michaels and Christian down on the outside!

Jericho again making some masterful moves, rolls under the ropes and making his way outside. He steps over the body of Michaels and approaches Christian, BOUNCING HIS HEAD OFF THE ANNOUNCE DESK! Cage is stupefied for a moment, long enough for Jericho to RAM HIM INTO THE RING LIP!! Jericho’s really taking it to Christian here, Cage’s kidneys taking a blow with that one. The ‘God of Gods’ then gets Christian with a double leg and looks like the WALLS OF JERICHO … but the crowd’s buzzing and excitement betrays them, as Jericho doesn’t step over Christian’s back, just looking behind him and sizing up the announce desk … AND CATAPULTS CHRISTIAN RIGHT INTO JBL AND JOEY STYLES!! Cage is flung up and over the announce desk, tumbling right into the commentating crew! Christian’s head even hits the guard rail behind the desk, Cage possibly KO’d here!

The Worthy Champion steps back to his feet with his signature stratagem smirk running wild, but it’s wiped off when Shawn Michaels recovers, hitting Jericho in the gut with punches while on one knee. Jericho retaliates with a hard right of his own, then taking Michaels by the head and trying to CRACK HIS HEAD OFF THE RING LIP … but Michaels stops him and BOUNCES JERICHO’S HEAD OFF THE LIP! The weary HBK then takes Jericho and looks to whip him INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS … Jericho reverses the whip…AND SENDS MICHALS SPINE-FIRST INTO THE UNFORGIVING RING STEPS!! Again, the infamous back problems rearing their ugly head here for Michaels. Chris takes Michaels up and rolls him back into the ring and soon follows, dragging the ailing Michaels back to his feet and grabbing at his midsection … PENDULUM BAKCBREAKER!! Michaels contorts is body in pain, Jericho unsurprisingly looks to milk that weak back for all its worth. The champion with a hook of the leg –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Michaels still has more than enough in him, but the kickout could’ve taken more out of him as he had to twist his back to do so. It doesn’t even seem to bother Jericho, who now just has a sick smile on. He now takes both of Michaels’ legs and looks down at HBK. Michaels is breathing hard is all the blows he’s taken are probably now starting to catch up to him, as Jericho just taunts HBK –

“You’re beneath me, Michaels! You’ve always been beneath me!”

Jericho has the legs … AND LOOKS FOR MORE WALLS OF JERICHO … but Michaels won’t let him turn him onto his back! The memory of Michaels tapping out to Jericho seven months ago to start this Reign of Terror is far too fresh in his mind, refusing to let the Master of War do it to him again. Jericho tries to force the issue, but Michaels uses his lower body strength to roll all the way over, tossing Jericho aside! Y2J stops himself before he hits a corner hard, Michaels slowly making his way back to his feet. Jericho rushes at Michaels, only for HBK to counter with the INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!! This actually gets a droll reaction from Montreal, Michaels not seeming to care at all. He follows that up with a hammer of a right hand that knocks Jericho down, only to bounce him back up. Michaels takes him and nails A SECOND INVERTED ATOMIC DROP, before downing him with a clothesline this time!!

Michaels is starting to feel it, even if the unforgiving Canadian crowd doesn’t want him to. Michaels waits on Jericho to get back up and tries to whip him into the ropes, but Jericho reverses. On the rebound, Michaels hits him with the FLYING FOREARM SMASH … SNAP POWERSLAM!! Jericho counters the move Michaels has hit him with in the past!! Jericho again with a clutch leg hook –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Michaels rolls a shoulder! Jericho probably wouldn’t believe it, but he more than anyone knows of Shawn Michaels’ undeniable will to win. The flustered champion snatches Michaels by his hair and then his wrist, again whipping him into a corner. Jericho charges, only to EAT AN HBK BOOT TO THE FACE! Michaels wearily, as if instinctively, gets his foot up! Jericho reels and gives Michaels some space, which he quickly covers up by rushing out of the corner…AND NAILS THE FLYING FOREARM SMASH!! Both men lay idle, the Montreal crowd throwing some heat now as they know what’s coming next…Michaels lifts the legs … AND HE KIPS UP TO A NUCLEAR (heat) REACTION!! Michaels is all kinds of pumped up by no means but his own, opening up his arms and strutting as if teasing the crowd. He then proceeds to taunt the crowd, making a mocking face and asking the Canadian attendance –

“Ooooooh come on! You know you love your daddy!”

Michaels making a reference to his infamous promo several years ago just rubs it in 20,000 people’s faces. It appears JBL was right in his theory about Michaels’ demeanor. Nonetheless, HBK waits on Jericho to come right back to him … and hits the scoop slam! The heat remains sustained as Michaels heads on up to the top rope and adjusts himself, looking for a big blow … LEAPING … AND HITS THE DIVING ELBOW DROP!! Montreal lets the Showstopper have it, but Michaels is having none of it, getting pumped up as if they were any other crowd. Or perhaps he’s just feeding off the heat instead…? Regardless, an adrenaline-filled Michaels ventures over to a corner and slaps at his thigh, now beginning to tune up the band. Michaels has a fire in his eyes, his redemption on the horizon with every stomp he takes…

BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!


……
………

SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS!! Michaels hooks a leg, on the verge of redemption for his loss in December and from a career of unforgiven demons –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……

NO!! CHRISTIAN BREAKS THE COUNT AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!! The crowd pops wildly as Christian stunts Michaels’ redemption by keeping his hunger going! The match continues! Getting catapulted didn’t completely eliminate the Moonman, forcing Michaels to roll off of Jericho’s body. All three men are laid flat for a moment, Michaels rolling to his feet with a look of absolute anger in his eyes. He stares daggers at Christian before roaming over and grabbing him by the head and forces him into a corner. The look on Michaels’ face goes from determined and juvenile to harrowed and desperate as he looks into Christian’s eyes, almost as if he’s asking “do you know what you’ve done?” The weary Cage is aware of Michaels’ journey, but reminds him of his own when he DRILLS HBK WITH A RIGHT HAND!!

Michaels has to reel from the blow, rubbing at his jaw and responding with a CHOP(Woooo!) that stings Christian. Cage looks to retaliate with another hard right, but Michaels counters the punch … INTO A CROSSFACE!! MICHAELS HAS CHRISTIAN IN THE CROSSFACE!! Michaels is receiving a whole new batch of unbelievable heat with that one, but HBK’s eyes tell that this isn’t to get back at Canada. Cage is screaming in pain as Michaels cranks back as much as he can, but Christian refuses to tap because of what’s on the line. Michaels cranks so much, he forces the issue, allowing Christian to uses his momentum to roll back and towards center ring, catching Michaels with an OUTSIDE CRADLE –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Michaels escapes the quick counter, Christian rolling away towards a corner, still healing. Michaels rushes towards Christian only to get hit with a back heel kick. Christian takes this moment to leap onto the middle rope and fires back at Michaels, a SPRINGBOARD SUNSET FLIP!! Christian surprises Michaels with a cover to the approval of the crowd –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Michaels shifts the weight of the move, now sitting on top of Christian –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Christian shifts the weight again, back in the sunset position –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Michaels claps his knees against the sides of Christian’s head, forcing him to let go of the pin. Both men get back to their feet quickly only for HBK to take him out with a double leg takedown. He keeps ahold of both legs before STICKING A LEG THROUGH THEM … CROSSING THEM UP … AND HE SYNCHES IN THE SHARPSHOOTER!! SHARPSHOOTER IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, ON A CANADIAN, IN THE HOTBED OF THE SCREWJOB!! MONTREAL IS POSITIVELY SHITTING ON SHAWN MICHAELS FOR THIS!!

The look in HBK’s eyes even says he doesn’t want to do this, but he’s not gonna stop if it’s gonna help him win. HBK’s biggest ‘fuck you’ to Montreal could spell the end for Christian’s journey, the crowd spewing as much hate for Michaels as they are churning out hope for Christian. No one in the arena wants him to go this way, Cage pushing himself up and trying his best to crawl towards the ropes. Michaels gets it in just a little deeper, throwing his hair out of his face as he clenches his face. Christian crawls a just a little bit further … just a little closer … BUT MICHAELS PULLS HIM AWAY!! CHRISTIAN’S BACK IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! Christian refuses to give up, but how much more does he have left?? Every dream he’s ever had is about to come crashing down … he raises his hand … IS THIS IT???
………
……………
………
………

… RUNNING ENZEGURI!! CHRIS JERICHO BREAKS UP THE HOLD WITH THE ENZEGUIRI TO MICHAELS!! A universal sigh of relief lets out as Michaels collapses to the mat after getting struck in his temple. Chris Jericho – of all the people in the world – gets a hero’s reception. Jericho lifts himself off the canvas following the hit and has a scowl on his face – possibly as a response to either stopping himself from smiling at the crowd’s reaction or to sell the fact that he almost lost his title without being involved in the decision. Whatever the case, Jericho keeps the scowl as he takes a moment to lean up against the ropes and breathe, Christian Cage struggling to get to his feet after his ordeal. Jericho hones in on Cage when he finally does get vertical, grabbing at his destroyed lower back. Jericho rushes at Christian and goes for the ONE HANDED BULLDOG … Christian grabs Jericho and keeps him running … BEFORE SHOVING HIM CROTCH FIRST INTO A CORNER POST!!

The people popping for Jericho’s involvement a moment ago pop wildly at his man(itoba)hood colliding with unflinching iron. Cage pulls Jericho from out of his painful position from behind and traps his head in an inverted headlock … INVERTED DDT DROP!! Jericho’s head is driven into the canvas, Christian now with a definitive cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Jericho keeps his title hopes alive by rolling the shoulder! Christian tries to gather his breath after that one, every man reaching exhaustion levels now. Cage gets up and turns around to see Shawn Michaels just now recovering, using the ropes to pull himself back up. Christian goes over and clubs Michaels in the back to stop his progress before hooking his arms from behind … UNPRETTIER COMING … but Michaels hooks a leg onto the ropes and pulls himself forward to unhook his arms before pushing back and forcing Christian to roll away. The Toronto native rolls to his feet and rushes right back at Michaels … SWEET CHIN MUSIC … NO!! Christian catches Michaels’ boot on the out-of-nowhere finisher, pulls on the leg to get Michaels off the ropes, before swinging it around and getting Michaels from behind … ANOTHER UNPRETTIER TRY … NO!! Michaels spins his way out and pushes Cage into the ropes, Christian shooting back on the rebound … DOUBLE AA SPINEBUSTER!! DOUBLE AA SPINEBUSTER FROM MICHAELS!! Shawn Michaels digging into a friend’s, not an enemy’s, moveset in all his desperation here! Michaels with a leg hook on Cage –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

CHRISTIAN ROLLS A SHOULDER!! Michaels is almost beside himself, falling to the canvas out of both exhaustion and disbelief. He pushes his locks out of his face and has to take a moment to let it sink in that this match just keeps going. If there’s anyone in this match used to marathons, it’d be HBK … AND MICHAELS KIPS UP!! The Icon receives another wave of displeasure from Montreal, but Michaels stays true to form and keeps on putting on a show no matter who is watching. Christian manages to get to his knees, only for Michaels to yank him up the rest of the way.

HBK then takes Cage and puts him in a corner and puts back his arms before letting lose a hard CHOP(Wooooo!) This allows Michaels to hoist Christian up onto the top rope, perhaps the big move coming that Michaels couldn’t hit earlier. HBK socks Christian with a hard right before throwing an arm over himself and indeed going for a second SUPERPLEX … but Christian fights back! Christian whaps Michaels with a flurry of rights and lefts, giving all he’s got to stay in this thing. Michaels fires back with blows of his own, but Christian overtakes him and makes him wobbly.

As that happens, Chris Jericho shows back up in the frame and gets beneath Michaels…before stepping away and getting him in an ELECTRIC CHAIR POSITION. Michaels notices the position he’s in and starts hitting Jericho with a few blows so he doesn’t drop back, but Jericho holds him on up there as Christian readjusts himself and LEAPS … DOOMSDAY DROPKICK!! THE DOOMSDAY DROPKICK!! MICHAELS GOES TUMBLING FROM ON HIGH TO THE CANVAS!!

“HOLY SHIT” chants are ringing out once again, all three men involved in a huge spot! Christian hits the canvas hard and has to clutch at his midsection, but Jericho is the only man who doesn’t fall, reacting quickly by snatching Christian … AND SHOVING HIM THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE!! Jericho is in such a hurry, he doesn’t see that Cage lands on his feet, if off balance. He gets over to Michaels, who is trying on instinct to roll close to the ropes, but Jericho stops him with a cover, the Worthy Champion looking for a HUGE STEAL –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

CHRISTIAN PULLS JERICHO OFF MICHAELS, UNDER THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE!! JERICHO IS COMPLETELY AT CHRISTIAN’S MERCY!! Now Christian gets to let out all his hatred for the Master of Puppets, thrashing him with blow after blow right in front of the crowd, now taking Jericho and WHIPPING HIM SHOULDER-FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Jericho is introduced to the cold steel as we get a shot of the look in Christian’s eyes…and they’ve gone back to the intense, mad look that’s consumed him for nearly all seven months of AOW.

Christian doesn’t let up on the man who has made his life hell, taking him now and THROWING HIS HEAD AGAINST THE ANNOUNCE DESK!! This stuns Jericho after he bounces off, flopping to the floor. JBL and Styles have long since returned to their spot, but now they might wish they hadn’t as Christian begins removing the fixings off the announce table. The crowd lets out an almighty roar as they know something big will be coming, Christian again CRACKING JERICHO’S HEAD OFF THE TABLE for good measure. He follows that up by rolling him onto the table and following him, pulling him up. Christian is behind Jericho and hooks his arms before COILING AROUND … UNPRETTIER THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE … NO!! Jericho uncoils the move, but Christian keeps hold of one of Jericho’s wrists, pulling him in…but Jericho extends his other arm at the same time … AND BOTH MEN COLLIDE WITH DOUBLE SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINES!!

Both Canadians collapse on top of the table, but the desk doesn’t break underneath them. They’re both exhausted, staring up at the lights and wondering which one of them will be able to have enough left in the tank to accomplish their impossible mission. In the momentary break of action, the Montreal crowd starts up a chant that lets us know who they believe is going to accomplish their goal –

*CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP*
“LET’S GO CHRIST-IAN!!”
*CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP*
“LET’S GO CHRIST-IAN!!”


But Christian remains lifeless … but their chant suddenly stops and becomes an incredible buzz of intrigue as one man is moving … and it’s Shawn Michaels. He’s crawled on his hands and knees to the corner, pulling up on the ropes to get himself some leverage to stand up. Michaels’ eyes are somewhat glazed over, his body possibly moving on pure autopilot. Once again the crowd throws heat, but just as before, it appears that no one but Shawn Michaels is willing Shawn Michaels on.

Michaels slowly begins ascending to the top rope, the whole crowd getting on their feet for what they’re anticipating. Neither Christian nor Jericho is moving and Michaels has gotten all the way to the top. There’s no taunting, hardly any cheering. Just an intense moment of anticipation as Michaels looms over his opponents and preps himself … LEAPING … DIVING ELBOW DROP THROUGH THE TABLE … NOBODY HOME!! NOBODY HOME!! CHRISTIAN AND JERICHO ROLL OFF AT THE LAST SECOND!! SHAWN MICHAELS DRIVES HIMSELF THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!! OHHH MYY GAAAAD!!!!

Crash and burn the nth degree, as the entire Bell Center is in awe at what they just witnessed. Shawn Michaels, low and behold, did exactly what he said he would and that was died by his own hand than live by Paul Heyman’s. The perils of being the Showstopper run rampant, Jericho and Christian both breathing huge sighs of relief as they dodged one hellova bullet together. Jericho flops right back to the floor, not quite recovered yet, but Christian rolls back into the ring and gets to his feet. Jericho pushes himself up and takes a look at Michaels in the wreckage he’s caused before turning back to the ring … and seeing Christian Cage, center stage. The crowd sustains their huge reaction as Cage points to Jericho … then jabs a thumb at himself … before pointing to the ring around him … and then motioning for Jericho to ‘get in here’. The AOW Champion receives the message and climbs onto the apron before stepping into the ring, meeting Christian in the center of the battlefield.

The final duel within the final battle. Christian Cage – the Man forced to be on the Moon is now face to face, toe to toe with the man who is directly responsible for everything that has happened to him in AOW. A hungry challenger stares with intense purpose at the tyrant champion before him, finally getting his uninterrupted chance to topple him. The Worthy Champion just stares back, trying his best to put his nose above the slightly taller Cage, looking down on the man who he has played like a fiddle for so long. The crowd’s kicking back up their ‘CHRISTIAN’ chant as these two destined rivals stare one another down … BEFORE THEY BEGIN UNLOADING WITH BIG LEFTS AND RIGHTS!!

Both men erupt in a flurry, but neither man can keep the energy up anymore, every blow they’ve taken through the match leaving then drained. Cage nails Jericho with a hard right that sends Jericho reeling into the ropes, only for him to use them to keep him up and spring him back towards Christian…and nail him with a hard right! That blow too sends Christian reeling and bouncing off the ropes, right into another right hand to Jericho! Jericho again backpedals and bounces off the ropes for another right hand … but Christian catches it … spins behind Jericho … hooks the arms … COILS THE BODY … UNPRETTIER … NO!!

Jericho pushes Christian forward and forces him to CRASH STERNUM-FIRST INTO A TURNBUCKLE!! Cage hits it so hard, he backpedals out of the corner … STANDING ENZEGURI TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BY JERICHO!! The Master of War is living up to his name here, pulling out a doozey to get Christian to fall flat! The adrenaline pumps for Jericho, who sees Christian fall and takes a moment before he rushes to the ropes … SPRINGBOARDING … LIONSAULT!! NO!! SOMEHOW, CHRISTIAN GETS THE KNEES UP!! Cage drives the knees right into Jericho’s gut!! Jericho pops up and clutches his midsection, while Christian drunkenly stands and grips his neck and awaits Jericho … hooking the arms … COILING AROUND … UNPRETTIER!! UNPRETTIER FINALLY CONNECTING!! HE GOT IT!! The Bell Center absolutely ERUPTS as Christian finally gets his man!! But Christian can’t immediately go for the cover, his head still ringing from the enzeguiri! Michaels is still unmoved on the outside, both men are center ring – there’s nothing stopping Christian as he crawls to hook the leg…!!!

…….
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……

NO!!!

JERICHO ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! JERICHO ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! HOW DID HE DO THAT??? Perhaps it was unbridled selfishness and pride, but somehow, Chris Jericho remains AOW Champion, if only for a moment!! The Bell Center is in as much shock as Christian, who rolled off of Jericho and still hasn’t gotten up, his eyes wide in surprise, pain, and fatigue. Christian eventually rolls over onto his hands and knees, unable to pick up his head, wondering if Jericho really is a god. He finally picks his head up and wills himself to move over to Jericho’s body … WHICH SUDDENLY PULLS HIM INTO A SMALL PACKAGE –

…….
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……

NO!!!

Christian unhooks the quick thinking hold by the stratagem, both men lying flat yet again. Christian pulls himself to his feet wearily, Jericho following very slowly behind and gradually rising back up. He might not know where he is right now, but he turns around to see Christian and rushes blindly at him…Christian catches Jericho in a FLAPJACK … RIGHT INTO A CORNER POST!! JERICHO’S FACE IS DRIVEN INTO METAL!! Christian collapses into a sitting position in the very corner Jericho just met, but Jericho reels around on his feet long enough for us to see that he’s been BUSTED OPEN!! The camera catches a very quick smirk on Christian’s face, Cage now knowing Jericho’s a mortal man who bleeds mortal blood.

That mortal man finally (and dramatically) falls at the heels of the corner opposite Christian. Both men are understandably and excruciatingly tired … but Cage has something left in the tank. As he stares at Jericho opposite him, Christian rises into a crouched position … and holds a hand out in front of him. Montreal begins to buzz considerably as this isn’t an ‘FU’ to Canada, but perhaps a tribute to one of its favorite sons and Christian’s best friend from that other company. Christian’s mad look in his eyes makes the homage that much sweeter, as he twitches just a little and waits on Jericho to slump to his feet … and turn around … before he BULLRUSHES FOR THE SPEAR … CODEBREAKER!! CODEBREAKER!! JERICHO BREAKS THE CODEBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!! Christian’s head snaps back after being hit with the double knees, but Jericho hits his back hard and can’t immediately get the cover! He takes a second to rise up to his knees and then collapse onto Christian. Can Jericho pull yet another rabbit out of the hat…?

…….
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……

NO!!!

CHRISTIAN ROLLS A SHOULDER!! UNBELIVABLE!! CHRISTIAN’S WILL TO WIN KEEPS IT GOING!! Jericho is beside himself through his growing crimson mask as a MASSIVE pop breaks out from the crowd. Jericho almost looks like he’s about to cry as he pounds the mat and tries to comprehend what just happened, even looking to referee Ramsey and having to be told that that was indeed ‘just’ a two count. Jericho shakes his head in disbelief before finding concealment in grabbing both of Christian’s legs…bringing them up … AND STEPPING OVER HIM … WALLS OF JERICHO!!! WALLS OF JERICHO LOCKED IN!!!

Christian barely has time to gather himself after the Codebreaker and now he has to deal with the agony of the Walls of Jericho!! The move that has helped define Jericho’s title reign has made a grand appearance on a man who has been unable to break down those Walls for seven months. Christian is screaming in pain, Jericho screaming in intensity, all of Montreal screaming for Christian to not give up here. Cage has almost nothing left; nothing but the burning desire, that hunger to keep going until he is satisfied. Is that enough here?? Jericho synchs it in even harder, bound and determined to make Cage submit to him and once and for all put him beneath him. “ASK HIM!!” is all we get out of Jericho while Christian tries with all his might to get to not just get to a rope, but somehow prevent Jericho from turning this into the Liontamer. Flashbacks of every painful recollection of the last several months flash before Christian’s eyes, crawling forward, one for every memory … AND HET DRAPES AN ARM OVER THE BOTTOM ROPE!!

ONCE AGAIN, THROGH SHEER DETERMINATION ALONE, CHRISTIAN STAYS ALIVE!! Jericho is forced to let go of Cage’s legs, the move taking plenty away from him as well. Jericho is only able to slump off of Christian before falling to the canvas again out of frustration, anger, and fatigue. Will any man be able to do the impossible tonight?? Cage has to climb up the ropes to even stand up straight, the only man who may know how torn up his back feels is still dead on the remains of an announce table. As soon as Christian is able to stand, he turns to see a rushing Jericho looking for A SECOND CODEBREAKER … AND HE HITS IT … NO?? It looks like Jericho hits it, but Christian catches his knees and slams him down to the canvas with the double leg … steps over Jericho … CLOVERLEAF!! THE CLOVERLEAF!! CHRISTIAN’S GOT HIS OWN SUBMISSION SYNCHD IN PERFECTLY!!

It’s Jericho’s turn to squirm around in unbelievable pain, Christian keeping his hold so tight, there isn’t much room at all for Jericho to squirm around in. All the ‘god’ can do is grit his teeth and refuse to bring down his arm. Jericho can’t have much, if anything, left at all. What the hell is driving him to not tap out?? Is it the drive of being the undisputed best? Is it the pride of having been undefeated?? Is it his own memories of each and every plan that has worked out perfectly, along with every single man he has broken to get to where he is now? For everything that fueled Christian, Jericho seems empowered by his own memories, clawing all the way to the ropes … AND GRABBING HOLD OF A BOTTOM ROPE … BUT CHRISTIAN PULLS HIM AWAY BACK TO THE CENTER OF THE RING!! The crowd buzz is unimaginable, this crowd giving Christian everything they have to get Jericho to tap … Christian leaning back … AND TURNING IT INTO A LIONTAMER VARIANT OF THE CLOVERLEAF!! Christian’s knee is right in the back of Jericho’s neck!! Now Jericho feels all the pain he’s caused for months on end!! Jericho raises a hand, a poetic ending if there’s ever been one…


…………………………...........

…………………………..

……………

………


… SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! CHRISTIAN IS BEHEADED WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Where in the hell did Shawn Michaels come from??? With all this going on, everyone forgot about the man with the most documented history of determination and wills to win!! Cage falls off of Jericho after releasing the hold, Michaels himself stumbling after nailing the superkick. Michaels climbs over the body of Jericho and collapses on his crawl to Cage, having to settle for slinging his arm over the body of the Man on the Moon, redemption coming –

……
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……

NO!!!

CHRISTIAN AGAIN KICKS OUT SOMEHOW!! Michaels doesn’t even have the energy left to do anything but roll off in disappointment. All of Montreal is on their feet not just for the kickout of their hero, but of this image now of three men, none of them standing, having given literally every ounce of what they have to get that title and accomplish whatever impossible goal they set out to achieve.

Christian has enough in him to be the first man to really move and roll away from the other two, Michaels is the second man to have any motion by getting to his feet on his own whim and power. The Ironman shows how he earned that moniker despite having to tend to his back now, strutting over to a corner and now waiting for one of his opponents to get to their feet. Christian is still trying to hoist himself up, but it’s the bloody AOW Champion who is the first to completely get vertical. Michaels doesn’t tune up the band, simply having his foot throb against the canvas and itching … waiting … Jericho turns around … A THIRD DOSE OF SWEET CHIN MUSIC … SPEAR!! SPEAR!!! SPEAR!! CHRISTIAN SPEARS SHAWN MICHAELS IN HALF!!

The homage is successful this time, hitting Michaels so hard, he hits the canvas and rolls … OUT OF THE RING AND TO THE FLOOR!! Christian doesn’t have enough in him to immediately rise after hitting the big move … but where did Jericho go?? While all were focused on Christian’s big hit, Jericho rolled out of the ring himself … AND HAS RETRIEVED THE AOW CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. The twenty pound physical manifestation of superiority is in Jericho’s clutches as he rolls back into the ring. Ray Ramsey can do nothing to stop him – everything is legal. He waits in a corner for Christian to bring himself to his feet, the Ontarian struggling greatly to do so, still feeling the effects of the Music. Jericho grips the title tightly, but he doesn’t have it over a shoulder, but around his knees. A CODEBREAKER WITH THE TITLE could be coming … but before Jericho can rush with it … someone SNATCHES THE TITLE FROM HIS CLUTCHES AND THROUGH THE ROPES!! The crowd pops as Jericho turns around to see … TORRIE WILSON!?!?

The woman who was so close to Christian, the woman you could say was Jericho’s first ever puppet; the first cog to the machine that was every master plan he’s ever had has come back to haunt him!! Jericho looks as though he’s seen a ghost, Wilson securing the title out of Jericho’s hands and keeping her footing on the platform aisle. His shocked expression gradually becomes one of anger, reaching out and looking to grab the belt back … BUT HE GETS SLAPPED FOR HIS TROUBLES!!! A PUPPET’S RETRIBUTION!!

The slap surprises Jericho so much that he stumbles back … RIGHT INTO CHRISTIAN’S CLUTCHES!! Christian has the arms underhooked and COILS … UNPRETTIER … NO!! Jericho has one last stratagem’s saving throw and he shoves Christian … RIGHT TOWARDS WILSON WITH THE TITLE EYE-LEVEL … but Christian abruptly catches himself on the rope before he hits Torrie or the gold plate. Wilson gasps as Cage almost collides with her, almost causing his downfall once again. Cage hangs onto the rope with one hand as he turns around … CODEBREAKER FROM JERICHO – NO!! Cage keeps his hand on the rope and sends Jericho empty handed back down to the canvas, his head whiplashing violently!! Cage has an opening now and the entire arena can feel it as Jericho stumbles back to his feet … CHRISTIAN GETS THE HOOKS … COMPLETES THE COIL … UNPRETTIER!! CHRISTIAN DRILLS THE CHAMPION WITH A SECOND UNPRETTIER!! Cage has just enough in him to shoot the half and roll Jericho over, an emphatic and emotional cover as Ramsey drops down –

…….
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Here is your winner … and NEEEEEEWWW AOW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION … CHRISTIAN CAGE at (33:12)


The journey of Christian is complete!! Cage’s eyes go from determined and intense to being glossy with emotion. He rolls off of Jericho’s body and has his hand joyously raised by the referee, Cage himself raising his other arm.


Joey Styles:
THE JOURNEY – THE DREAM – IT’S ALL COME TRUE!! THE MADNESS, THE EXILE – IT HAS ALL LED TO THIS VINDICATION!! For the first time in all of Art of War Wrestling history, we can finally say that we have a NEW AOW World Heavyweight Champion – and he is the man who worked the damn hardest to get there!


JBL:
I’m gonna have to apologize to a good friend of mine, but I can only sum this up in ways he can - BAH GAWD, CHRISTIAN DID IT!! That match was absolutely incredible an’ it took some kind of divine strength to finally get it done, but Christian Cage, damn if I say it, deserves to hold that gold.


Joey Styles:
As if this moment could get any better…look at this!


Cage falls back to his knees and puts his head in his hands before pushing himself back off the canvas, tears of joy mixing with his sweat…before he’s approached by Torrie Wilson. Wilson, title still in hand, holds it out for…and Cage takes it from her, gazing into the title like a mirror and collapsing back to his knees, completely overwhelmed in emotion. Almost as soon as he drops down, he jumps back up to give Wilson a huge embrace.


The crowd pops even more for the heartwarming moment, a gesture that’s almost as long overdue as the title win itself. The two part from their embrace only to be stormed by a bevy of guys from the AOW locker room – Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Low Ki, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Bryan Danielson – even Jamie Noble and agent Dean Malenko.


Virtually every face in the locker room (and Jamie Noble) comes in as confetti starts pouring from the ceiling. The locker room then lifts Christian up on their shoulders, Cage holding the title high and joyously pumping a fist for all to see.



Joey Styles:
The Grandest Stage of War is over, the Offseason begins, but there will never be a bigger night than this! The incredible journey for one man comes to a close on an entire night that will never be topped! And so I’m Joey Styles alongside John “Bradshaw” Layfield where we leave the battlefield where Christian Cage is no longer the Man on the Moon…but a man on top of the world! Goodnight.


The final image of this incredible night is that of Christian Cage flanked by the entire locker room as he raises the AOW World Heavyweight Championship over his head on a turnbuckle as we

Fade…


To…


Black…


END SHOW
 
#239 ·
Been wanting to review this one for a while but just never found the time. But now I've had a chance to sit down and read it all properly, so let's get to it.

With the whole eye injury scenario heading into the match, it was of course no surprise to see Helms go straight for it from the get go. I did however think there should have been a longer period of attack from Danielson from the start. He was obviously very charged up, and with the injury was obviously hungry for revenge, but that opening flurry from him ended just a bit too soon imo. The spot with Helms taunting Danielson with the “Ya gonna bite?” comment, leading to an actual bite was kinda funny, yet at the same time put over what kind of lengths both men would go to for victory. Battle through the crowd, the kicks from Danielson, the slugfest, all that was really well written, and that spot with the suplex onto the ramp sounded nasty. Thought that whole section of the match was really well done. I wasn't quite so sure about Helms going back to work on the eye then going for the surfboard though. Just seemed rather random and out of place, even if it is a trademark Danielson move. More focus on Helms doing damage to the eye would have suited here I think. Finishing sequence was very well done though, from the brianbuster on the platform, to Helms surviving the LeBell lock, to the sheer brutality of Danielson literally kicking Helms into submission, I thought that was all great stuff. I think it was always a given that Danielson would be the man winning this one, but I enjoyed the story this match told, you certainly had plenty of nods to previous moments of the feud, and the psychology throughout the match was solid. A great way to kick of such an important show.

Interesting little segment for Jericho there. The fact that he's told American Made to take the night off suggests he's either determined to prove he can win on his own, or he's too arrogant to realise he needs help. Interesting development, something worth keeping an eye on.

And again, a great story to be told during this one too. The stark contrast between the togetherness of the Sons compared to the fractured nature shown by Haas and Benjamin, really added a nice little wrinkle to this one, although perhaps this, added to the fact we’re in Canada, perhaps meant that the outcome of the match was rather forgone. But anyway, was another really fine match to read, and I thought your use of Haas was spot on. He was so mechanical in his approach at times, picking opponents apart, and of course the Haas of Pain is always a pleaser for me. One thing I didn’t like was that “I could have done better” line from Benjamin. It just seemed so… off. Much better was the Benjamin leaping to the top rope for the overhead belly to belly, that’s always a great spot to use. As for the ending, the fact that Benjamin knocked Haas off the apron and then turned into the Hart Attack suggest serious problems for the former champs. Although it seems that Haas and Benjamin is a pretty popular feud in this section, so it’ll be interesting to see if you can bring something different to the table if that’s the route you decided to go. And one final thought… we’re in Montreal, with two dungeon graduates… there had to be a sharpshooter in there somewhere, right?

Wow, pulling out the big moves early in the Mysteiro/’Lito match with that 619 attempt, although I guess that as a feud coming in that didn’t have all that much going for it, you kinda needed to really grab the attention early on. I thought you Carlito so well here, with the arrogance and that real cockiness about him, and the use of his smack talk was so much better when compared to your earlier efforts with Benjamin. While I’ve got no problems with the outcome of the match, or the fact that Carlito needed the help of the Fight Club to secure the win, I thought the end sequence was a bit far-fetched. That springboard move Mysterio, he tends to line it up from the apron then go for it. For him to do this move without seeing Manu was very hard to imagine. But yeah, a solid match, perhaps lacked the story or drama of the first two, but the pacing had to drop eventually, and this served as a nice chance for the crowd to recover before pressing on with the rest of the show.

In my predictions, I actually had this down as the opener, as I felt the tournament to this point was handled so well, and it was such a different concept from other BTBs that I felt this would be a great way to kick things off. But, with the switch to the middle of the show, this one has kinda lost it’s lustre a little bit. That and I was shocked by the outcome. I thought for sure this would come down to a captain v captain battle, but no, a clean sweep for the Mercs, caught me off guard with that one. Match itself was fine, I thought Albright came out of things looking like a real contender, and it was wise to protect Aero Star, who’s been such an exciting addition to the company. But yeah, I’ll always feel this had the potential to be a real show stealer, but perhaps given how may big time matches are on the card, maybe you wanted to tone this one down a bit?

I can’t wait to see how you handle the off season. Such a creative, yet at the same time risky move from you. Although the idea that there’ll be a strong focus on the OVW talent is something that will no doubt drive the interest in this concept. So intrigued to see how you handle this, almost endless possibilities as to what you could do with it.

If maybe the last two matches slowed things down a bit, things certainly picked up here. Although I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Joe hitting a headbutt.I thought the opening was a little choppy ( :side: ) but I was glad when the power moves started to land, especially the elbow suiciida which is always a cool move to use. I’ve never been a fan of writing matches for Wight, I always find him very hard to use, but you seemed to handle things well with some touches such as Joe making him sit down on the chair. Just little things that worked well with regards to Wight. And while at times I felt Joe recovered far too quickly from some of Wight’s offense (or in the case of that first knockout punch, barely sold it), he certainly came out of this one looking like an absolute beast. From the Samoan drop to the Island driver attempt, to the match winning muscle buster, it was all very impressive sounding. If we’re looking at your thread in terms of seasons, Christian has certainly been the star of the first, but Joe is a strong candidate to be star of the second.

Strange interview with Christian, mainly due to Romero’s words. Although they certainly put Christian over, it just seemed so… weird. Christian’s words were much better though, that real sense of hunger and desire, and the journey he’s been on to get to this point, it all came through strongly.

As I’ve told you in the past, I’ve always felt Banks is a character that while very well written, the content of his words have always sat a little uneasy with me. However, I felt that it was used very well with regards to having King as the referee, and the exchanges between he and Banks during the match was a nice little touch to add to things. Plus that “Justin Kind is a racist” line drew a chuckle from me. Punk winning in a sense adds a certain sense of legitamicy to the company, as having a WWE champion come in and beat an AOW champion wouldn’t have been the smart thing to do, so the outcome of this one makes perfect sense. Was a pretty decent match, and with the finish and the post match attack, this one’s almost certain to continue… but then again, what about the offseason? Most matches here tonight seem to be feud enders, but this one just has to continue… but when? Interesting to see how you handle this. But yeah, the match itself lacked the real excitement of others, but it was a solid enough effort. No doubt things will step up a bit for the rematch.

Jesus… that was pretty brutal from Shawn to shove Heyman down the stairs. I guess that means any obligations Michaels had to Heyman are over now? Really cool segment, thought Michaels was superb, and Heyman was his usual weasel self before his fall. Great stuff here.

In the early goings, it felt to me as if Van Dam wasn’t quite Van Dam yet. There was more of a focus on hurting Finlay rather than the flamboyant style we’re used to from Van Dam. I guess that was intentional, a nod to Van Dam having to find himself. Again, another match with a good story going into it that shone through during the match. I pointed out to you in the past that I wasn’t a fan of you mixing your Van Dams and Szatowskis, and I’ll say it again here. I get that it’s part of the story, but I don’t think it’s necessary during your description of a match. Again, another great little touch with the use of the liquor bottle, going back to the bar room brawl they had, and just in general Finlay’s offense was a joy to read, so brutal and sadistic, it really drove home how personal this feud has become and how determined both men are to knock the other into retirement almost. And that attitude shown through again in the finish, with Van Dam playing up to the crowd, certainly having found himself again in comparison to the start of the match. I thought this one was a great read, easily match of the night so far for me.

I wasn’t entirely sure of the purpose of this segment, it seemed a little disjointed with all those guys pilling into the one room. But I guess it served its purpose in that we’ll finally get a rubber match between Kofi and Black, and that it highlights how young and hungry you undercard is. Will these guys also be a feature during the off season?

And now the main event. Great video package to start off with, really set the scene, especially the reminder of the role Torrie Wilson played early on in Christian’s journey. Maybe a bit long, but awesome nonetheless. I also really liked those opening few paragraphs of the match, really played up how big a match this is, the biggest in company history by far. Made sense to have Christian and Michaels both go after Jericho early on, and again with Michaels going for the sweet chin music, showing how much of a loner he is, not wanting to stay partners with anyone for any length of time. Jericho’s trash talk was a nice touch, and there’s that sharpshooter I was looking for earlier. All is forgiven, but I’d have liked to have read a little more of the crowd’s response to that. It seemed to be such an iconic moment, yet it was passed over rather quickly for my liking. I thought Michaels came out of this looking like an absolute star, while Christian worked well by hanging in there, a real show of guts. I thought the end sequence was really well written, with Christian taking out Michaels to let us have a finish between the two main characters. Couldn’t help but wonder at this point if maybe this should have been a one on one match between Christian and Jericho, but Michaels involvement throughout more than justified the triple threat stipulation. And there’s Torrie to save the day, a real full circle moment, an awesome way to end the story which just adds to the inevitable Christian victory. Really enjoyed this one, a fantastic read.

Overall, a great show. There wasn’t a whole lot to criticise, and some of the match writing was just brilliant. So many matches seemed to have that blend of storytelling and symbolism that you do so well, it was a truly epic performance from you. There’s a real sense of excitement now heading into the off season, and I can’t wait to see what the unknown will bring. Great job man, long may it continue.
 
#245 ·
NOTE: Initially, this was to be feedback of some kind ... but it turned into ... something else. :confused:

This is long overdue, I believe. And, before I kick into gear, I’m not simply leaving feedback as ‘returning the favour’ (although I really did appreciate that you took the time to leave me feedback a few days ago), this is something I’ve been meaning/wanting to do since I took a proper look in the thread around Christmas time.

I’d remembered scanning through a couple of shows in the previous year (the tag team edition show, the Christmas show stick out to me) but it was only when it came to voting at the end of last year that I really looked at the thread, along with other threads such as Melvis & cp954.

So, don’t take it as a knock that I was merely only aware of the thread before the end of 2012 - I’ll admit that generally a ‘created’ fed has almost never appealed to me as a reader, and in addition, I’m just a lazy bugger, and didn’t take the time to invest myself in reading. Now that I have taken the time to read (and honestly, I‘ve read through just about every show -but did skim PPV matches in general-), I’ve come to realise that I really have been missing out on something quite special.

Anyway, this wont be a review of the PPV per se, but more of feedback on the ‘season’ as a whole. Besides (and I hate this, as it always sounds like a cop out excuse when I read it in other threads - but on this occasion, it does ring pretty much true) Melvis pretty much covered all the nuances and the intricacies in the matches playing off elements of each feud in pretty emphatic detail. But I still have thoughts I’d like to share.

So, the first thing - “The Boondock Saint” is the best moniker for anyone in BTB. Certainly right now, probably in my time here - but seeing as that’s a long time, I’ll not commit to that. In addition to that, I see you’ve somewhat divided opinion on the entire Banks angle and in honesty I can see why … but even still from my perspective - taking out the problems that you‘ve already heard about from others - I’ve loved it. From the real life goings on and legal ramifications backstage behind his introduction, to the actual in ring promos, you’ve got this reader hooked.

Understandably, there has been some concern on the racial overtones to the angle, and maybe they aren’t necessary … but to me, looking at AOW as a fledgling and struggling organisation that needs more eyes on it’s product, running a highly contentious angle could intrigue a lot of ‘casual’ fans into putting their eyeballs on the promotion = ratings. On the other hand, sponsors etc would start to get cold feet on such an angle … and I’m cancelling out my own argument :side:. Moving away from how such an angle can impact the promotion to simply how the character has been used is terrific, from the shocking debut, to the promo work.

Again, while it copped you some criticism, Banks saying that MVP was his slave name was something I really got a kick out of as a reader. At this point, despite mentioning some fears on what could happen with him, I’m more invested in the Antonio Banks character than any other in the thread. Whether his feud with Punk rages on from TOL (I suspect with the small package finish it will), or he moves into a different direction, I hope he continues to be (as he jumped ship, I assume he will be) a highly featured player in the company.

Now, while saying I’m more invested in Banks, there is no denying that the star of the thread has been Christian. The man on the moon promo was a blow away career maker, that completely turned Christian into something more than just another player in the top tier. The fact that you ended up running with it from that point is commendable too, as from comments you’ve made, it was suggested that Christian wasn’t originally going to be “The Man” so to speak.

I hate saying the word ‘journey’ … but Christian has been on a journey from the beginning of this thread right up to reaching the pinnacle at TOL, one of the more memorable story arcs in recent memory in this section, and I really cannot wait for what you have in store next for the new champ - as you have quite an uphill task to keep his momentum riding at this height, even now with the World Title. Frankly, I think the problem you may end up encountering is that you’ve booked his story too well (if that‘s possible), with only one way to go for him now - and that’s down. A big challenge IMO, to keep Christian as interesting a character as he became.

I can envisage a big journey (there’s that bloody word again) now for Jericho too in the new season. His legion has been torn apart, his title has gone, and his influence will surely be weakened without it. Just from reading the shows in recent times, it was clear that while Christian had the best character development - and rightfully got the headlines and praise in feedback - Jericho was the glue - the centrepiece - of the TV show (I wish he had‘ve just done all of Lashleys talking after Bob turned heel, every time I read Lashleys words, I just heard … well, his very unnerving, non-threatening school boy pre-puberty voice), and it’ll come as quite the shock to see him no longer in that position of power.

His manipulative title run - for my money - is right up there with the run he had in Forever Delayeds thread many moons ago as ‘Best Jericho title run in a BTB’. Not just because he held the belt from the first show to the end of the season - but how he kept the belt. You could’ve easily booked him as a ‘lucky heel’ champ ala JBL in ‘04, but you made it so much more than that - each passing week added further layers to his character, each evil deed making him more of a rotten scumbag … and it is what made his downfall all the more enjoyable.

You didn’t just have a heel hold the belt for a long time as many do, you made your readers actually care about wanting to see his run end & made his title loss mean something more than just another title change. It was built up to the point where fans would be begging for Jericho to get his comeuppance, and in the end, Christian was the perfect candidate.

Jerichos manipulation of Michaels was sensational - really clever, underhanded shit, and whilst initially I thought the stipulation in Shawns contract was a bit contrived, the later explanation from Paul Heyman made sense of it, and made that work. As for the arc of Shawn Michaels himself - again - I’m giving nothing but praise. In BTB, we’ve seen a lot of ‘conflicted’ Shawn Michaels characters, and lots of heel HBK characters, but you’ve done something rather unique with him here.

There’s a lot of talk about ‘shades of grey’ characters (no, not of the 50 variety) but, to me, the Shawn Michaels character of AOW is about the most grey character I’ve seen. He’s committed some fairly selfish acts to benefit himself, yet, somehow, there is reasoning behind it - still a reason to root for the veteran, being placed in a number of … unfortunate situations.

While I genuinely hated (about the only big negative I’ve had throughout reading the thread) the Sweet Chin Music and signing Christians contract segment that was identical to a WWE angle. So, even if it was an homage of sorts, it’s still ripping an angle from a separate company (and still a much bigger one, making AOW look minor league), and I did find that disappointing, especially so, as pretty much everything else about the thread has been original, new and unique.

Anyways, I hate to sound like a broken record, but I’m extremely intrigued (again) as to what the future now holds for HBK, being Heymans personal bitch, under contract solely to him, considering he failed at TOL. Will he be promptly fired again, I wonder??

As for the booking of the ‘lost’ RVD was a highlight for me, and added a certain depth to the one dimensional RVD that I really enjoyed reading. Personally, I felt that was - and could still be - an angle that had much more legs to it, although I get the reasoning, as RVD has never truly struck me as someone that could ‘do’ any real character development. Still, that said, this is BTB, and I honestly believe you were onto something really special with the whole Szatowski gimmick, and I would‘ve loved to see that go further. The fact you’ve used Finlay as one of the top heels of the promotion is simply a bonus ;)

Joe though … I’m not sold on. Just from my own viewpoint of coming late to the party and playing catch up on the thread, for quite some time he just seemed - to me - to come across as a bit of a busybody, sticking his nose in wherever he pleases, which did kind of sour me on him as a face. That being said, the way he’s been booked in matches has been very strong; a legit badass, which is Joe at his best - none moreso than against The Great at TOL. As either iMac or Melvis, or someone else, or maybe everyone has said - I too believe he’ll be heavily featured throughout the next season. I just cant help but wonder that with the demeanour I’ve gotten from him - and I could be reading it all wrong - is that perhaps he is being positioned for a heel turn.

Now, as I mentioned a paragraph or two ago - the uniqueness of the thread - and that’s been the main selling point (to this reader anyway) about the thread. I remember reading your piece (went and read it again earlier) in the end of year Newsletter, about starting a brand new organisation - and you hit the nail on the head; it has to be unique, and with the types of matches and the Trios Tourney etc, you’ve already carved a number of different niches that you can label AOW Originals. One thing I would say you have possibly missed the boat on that you could’ve coined an AOW Original would be the simultaneous debuts. The Sons of the Dungeon and American Made debuting against each other and Black vs. Kofi in their debut were the two I spotted (forgive me if there were others), but maybe it’s something you can incorporate into the thread for the new season. I’d suggest a name for the debut vs. debut match, but given that a) You seem pretty good at thinking up snazzy names for matches, and b) I cant think of any, I’ll leave it in your hands/mind.

My minor criticisms of the trios tournament are just that - minor. I’d have liked to have seen 16 teams as opposed to the 8, but that’s a selfish thing. Grouping together 16 three man teams would’ve turned into a clusterfuck in the end, with a mismatch of all kinds of people that didn’t fit, plus even if that wasn’t an issue, I guess you would need the tournament to be contested over a certain amount of time … so I’ve answered my own criticism. The other thing was touched on by iMac in his feedback, and I do have to echo it, for it being the first trios tournament, it might’ve been wise to have a more thrilling finale, rather than a clean sweep win for the Mercenaries.

The one thing I have to admit about not being entirely in love with, is what seems like an inevitable Haas/Benjamin feud. There hasn’t been a disappointing angle in the thread as yet, and while I’d wager Haas and Benjamin will make for another strong rivalry … (you know what’s coming here) it’s been done to death - and beyond throughout the BTB section, and I, personally, wouldn’t care if it never popped up again. I just prefer seeing them as a team, and they truly have been the outstanding team in the company - which is brimming with a lot of talent.

Literally, every team (bar maybe the Fight Club) is comprised of top level ‘workers’, and as a result the tag division in AOW will thrive. For a little bit of variety though, I wouldn’t mind seeing two big men as a tandem in the company. Not necessarily at the top of the pile challenging for the belts … but just for something different. Yeah, I’m criticising you for having a talented tag team division - I bet you weren’t expecting that.

As much as I love Danielson, for the brilliance of “Hacked by Helms”, he should’ve been CW champion. Just saying :p

As far as the Dynasty Tournament (love that name for the title too btw) is concerned, it’s another ‘original’ that helps AOW separate itself from the crowd, and it’s one I’m looking forward to seeing play out. It helps too that the preview video for it at TOL was epic. A genuinely funny video - not the forced unfunny comedy that some bookers in this section try their hand at from time to time.

The fact that EVERYONE on the main roster has been given something throughout the season; be it a gimmick overhaul, character development etc, is something else to commend you on. From the guys at the bottom of the roster such as Ken Doane, right up to the main man himself, Christian, you haven’t ignored anyone really. There was only one match I remember (featuring Hassan over a random jobber) where the audience didn’t really have a reason to care. A lot of bookers - me included - simply don’t do that, and have around half a dozen (or more) guys kicking their heels at the bottom of the roster doing nothing but jobs, with no development, no personality traits, no promo time - nothing. Everyone on your roster has something going on.

One other thing; the interweb ‘exclusives’, I’ve found from this thread that they can be extremely helpful in adding to characters or angles. I’d ask your permission to rip them off for my own use, but even if you say no, I’ll do it anyway. So, thanks ;). That’s how I’ve lasted so long here. Like a vampire living off blood, I live off stealing other peoples ideas and taking the credit for them myself to remain young. :yum:

I’ve rambled on now into a fifth page, and this isn’t really feeling like much feedback to me - more a collection of praise. :confused: And I’m pretty much done praising your ass. But from here on - whilst I’m too lazy to promise regular feedback - through the uniqueness of the thread - not just a WWE knock off with a different company name - and above all else, some honest to god BRILLIANT writing and well set out angles, you’ve earned a new reader.

:)
 
#254 ·
I'm really a big fan of the way you present your project and the style in which you write. It looks to just keep getting better as well, so kudos to that. On top of that, you seem to have a really creative mind and that's probably why I've always been intruiged by this thread. That latest post you made was excellent and it makes me look forward to your next full show. Keep it up, brother.

PS: in that Black America segment, when you cut to the montage, you should've incorporated this:



Just saying, you know, to really put the icing on the cake :side:
 
#258 ·
Going straight to the show. If it wasn't a match, I sort of abridged it as much as I could. So if it's not a match, it's in pseudo-recap. I apologize if the format is offputting for that. Hope it's not too much. :eek:





May 21st, 2008

Davis Arena – Louisville, Kentucky
“Finale”



*“Victim” by Eighteen Visions Package*

Fast forwarded footage of the normal OVW video package

So gimmie one

Eric Perez hits the La Critical

Good reason I should be forgiving you

Drew Galloway cranks back with the Scot Shock DDT

When I don’t care anyway

Johnny Jeter hits an Asai moonsault

So gimmie two

Brodus Murdoch roars while bursting through the curtain

Good reasons I should be forgiving you

Tarver cracks a Kill Shot

When I’m the victim today!

4D hits the impressive 4D Crush

And I feel like I’m the victim…

Perez raises the OVW title high…

…but the package suddenly distorts, the song sound like someone is screwing the needle off the record and melting it. The footage starts to dissipate, but is quickly replaced with footage more familiar to us…

Fight!

SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!

Fight!

WARRIOR’S WAY!!!

Fight!

MUSCLE BUSTER!!!

Fight!

SPEAR THROUGH THE TABLE!!

Fight!

619!!!

Fight!

UNPRETTIER!!

Fight!

GTS!!

Fight!

FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!!

*Final cymbal crash*

The new image of Christian hoisting the AOW Championship over his head from The Outer Limits
***

The night kicks off with a panoramic shot of the packed house that is the Davis Arena, everyone in the crowd going absolutely bonkers for the Finale of one of the oddest experimental periods in wrestling history. Are many of them plants? Of course. But everyone’s popping their heads off regardless as we swoon over to the commentary desk. Romero and Miz go over just how electric the atmosphere is for a show of this caliber, reminding us that it’s gonna go two hours with no breaks and a main event that has absolutely no time limit. There’s people worldwide plugged in to watch this baby but we get right to Terry Boddie


Terry Boddie:
The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the AOW World Tag Team Championships!! If Low Jack does not win the Tag Team Championships, they will disband as a permanent tag team.
~A raucous pop for a hot title match right off the bat, but a bit of a murmur for a well-liked team putting a stipulation on themselves like that


**THE PROUD WARRIORS (LOW JACK REMIX)**


And for perhaps the very final time, the Low Jack remix of Jack Evans’ and Low Ki’s themes hits the threshold to an outstanding pop. Both Evans and Ki step through the curtain and stand on the stage for just a moment, looking around them at the crowd. The seriousness seems to hit them, as Evans isn’t jiving this time. He and Low Ki have the same look on their faces – incredibly focused. Even so, Ki is the first guy to start walking down the aisle way, leaving Evans by himself in front of the curtain…and then he starts to do his classic little hip hop number.

The crowd pops for that, Low Ki turning around and realizing his partner isn’t walking with him. He waits until Evans sees him to have any kind of reaction, Evans knowing the drill. He stops jiving and comes with Ki down the ramp, although oddly enough, Ki has a small smirk on his face as if he appreciates the jive this time. Ki walks straight into the ring, while Evans and his somewhat off psychology plays to the crowd just a little bit.


**EXECUTORS OF EXCELLENCE**


But both men seem to hit a serious string when the remix of that all-too-familiar guitar riff hits the fray, as the AOW Tag Team Champion Sons of the Dungeon burst on through the borrowed blood-red curtain. The normally unemotional, machine-like Sons remain so, neither one of them smiling until they pose on the stage. The smiles disappear to unified focus as they come down the aisle, slapping hands with a few fans in the front row seats.

After entering the ring and playing to the crowd just a little bit more, they hand their titles to the referee in charge, being senior official Ray Ramsey. As Ramsey tries to awkwardly position himself to hold up both straps, all four members of both teams approach center ring…and share in a chain of handshakes. These four men have nothing for respect for one another, going back to the very first match in AOW history being a tag team match between foes with similar backings. The crowd cheers for this display of both fighting spirit and sportsmanship and sustains their roar when Ramsey finally is able to hold the titles high, signifying that this is for the richest prize in tag team wrestling.



~AOW World Tag Team Championships~
*If Low Jack loses, they will no longer compete as a permanent tag team*

Sons of the Dungeon(c) v.
Low Jack



With the introductions and big opens out of the way, both teams are in their respective corners, each of them exchanging some last minute strategies. When the Sons show that it’s going to be TJ kicking it off, without missing a beat, the Low Jack corner has Low Ki into the fray. With no hesitation or resignation in sight for the Low Jack corner, the usually warrior code driven meeting between the two seems soured, as neither man is smirking as they normally do. Both men have stoic gazes chiseled into their stonefaces.

Wilson and Ki approach the center of the ring, the two cruiserweights staying at an arm’s length. Ki reaches out a hand and leaves it waiting, Wilson soon meeting him as they interlock fingers. Ki then raises the other hand, and again, Wilson obliges and initiates a full-on finger lock with Ki. This sets in motion the entire test of strength, both men pushing against the force of one another with the utmost intensity. The two seem evenly matched in that regard, but both men are pushing against each other so hard, we start to see veins.

They remain deadlocked and gritting their teeth until Ki suddenly snaps the fingerlock aprt and spontaneously stings Wilsons chest with a knife-edge CHOP(Wooooo!). Wilson reels from the blow, but almost just as quickly retaliates with a CHOP(Woooo!) of his own, forcing Ki to clutch his chest now. Wilson tears one of his wrists away and looks to toss him into the rope, but Ki reverses the whip, wraps around Wilson’s arm, and pulls him back in…for a SHORT-ARM KNIFE-EDGE CHOP(Wooooo!)

It’s Ki now who pumps back and whips Wilson into the ropes, but as Ki lowers his head, Wilson rolls over his back and lands upright on the rebound. He keeps his momentum going and bounces off the ropes once again, going at Ki with a YAKUZA KICK in mind…but Ki dodges it, leaving Wilson off balance. When Ki tries a LOW LEG SWEEP to knock out the off-balance Wilson, TJ leaps up to counter the kick, landing upright…AND THEN NAILING KI WITH ANOTHER CHOP(Wooooo!)

As with their previous encounters, these two are going tit for tat! Ki is knocked back with an elbow after the chop, softening him up enough for Wilson to get him in an arm wrench and lead him to his corner. There, Wilson tags in Smith for the very first time in the contest, who steps in and knocks all the breath out of Ki’s body with a hard body shot. Smith shoots a standing half of the smaller Ki and forces him down to the mat with a headlock and half nelson –

1…

NO!!

Ki throws his shoulders off the mat, kips up, and wrenches Smith’s arm all in one smooth and ninja-like motion! Smith is on one knee with a wrenched arm now, Ki taking this opportunity to use the arm as leverage to maintain balance…and NAILS A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST OF SMITH!! He keeps hold of the arm and HITS ANOTHER SHOOT KICK TO THE STERNUM!! Smith covers up with his free hand and sells the pain, Ki rearing back to finish the combo for a KICK TO THE HEAD…NO!!

Smith catches the leg and forces Ki to balance on one foot now, Smith able to rise to his feet. He uses sheer strength to lift Ki up with his trapped arm and hoists him on the top rope. Ki doesn’t stay here for long, as Smith knocks him once in the head for measure…before unwrenching the arm and FLIPPING KI OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH AN ARM WRENCH OF HIS OWN!! WOW!! Ki flips from the top to the canvas off of nothing but torque of the human anatomy! The crowd ‘oohs’ as Ki smacks the canvas hard, Smith with a big lateral press –

1…


2…


NO!!

Ki has been flipped, but he won’t flop, still having more than enough fight in him. He reaches to try and get to his corner, but he’s pulled away by Smith, who keeps him in his sights with a knock to his noggin. He keeps Ki tied up by slapping on and wrenching a headlock, trying to drain the cruiserweight here. Even so, Ki is able to backpedal enough to get to the ropes. But unbeknownst to Ki, Wilson slaps Smith on the back just before Ki sends Smith’s body into the opposite ropes.

Ki steps forward and awaits for Smith to rebound at him, but the big man wraps both of his arms around the top rope, keeping him where he is. While Ki is thrown off by this, Wilson make his secret entry…WITH A SPRINGBOARD FRONT DROPKICK TO KI’S BACK!! Ki is caught completely off guard, shooting forward right towards the still on the ropes Smith…who CATCHES KI’S FACE ON AN UPRAISED BOOT!! Ki is struck hard by a pingpong assault of moves, but as he drifts back to the center of the ring after getting knocked in the head, he drifts right into the clutches of legal man Wilson, who uses his momentum to hoist him on a shoulder…and DROP HIM ON A KNEE WITH THE FIREMAN’S CARRY GUTBUSTER!! The Sons showing some incredible aggression here as Wilson covers –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Ki shows that he still has life, but he desperately needs to get to his corner. He tries to pull himself up, but his caught by Wilson, who whips him into the opposite rope. On that rebound, however, Ki takes advantage of Wilson’s lowered head and LEAPS CLEAN OVER HIM…do a front tuck and roll…RIGHT INTO A TAG TO HIS CORNER!! Jack Evans is the legal man on an incredibly athletic tag by Ki! Wilson turns around to see Evans springboarding…AND HITTING HIM WITH A SPRINGBOARD FRONT DROPKICK OF HIS OWN!! Evans nails Wilson with a move he hit moments before, the hip hopper scrambling onto Wilson for his team’s first cover –

1…


2…


NO!!

Wilson won’t go down so easily! TJ groggily gets to his feet and blindly rushes at the athletic Evans…only to get a SPINNING HEEL KICK for his troubles! Evans steps over the downed champion before flying right back…STANDING CORKSCREW MOONSAULT!! Mercy, Jack Evans is showing out here! He lands flat and hooks a leg for another cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

The champions remain so! It’s Wilson now who appears like he needs to get to his corner, but as he recovers, Jack E keeps a close read on him and stalks him, rebounding off the ropes in preparation for another high-octane move…SPINNING WHEEL KICK!! WILSON NAILS EVANS WITH A SPINNING WHEEL KICK!! Just like that, the pendulum swings back into the champions’ corner, TJ with the lateral press –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

It’s Evans who sustains life now! But unlike Low Jack thus far, the Sons keep their tag teaming in mind, as Wilson grabs hold of Evans’ locks and drags him into he and Smith’s corner, tagging back in the big man. Smith steps in and grabs one of Evans’ wrists, while Wilson holds onto the other. The two of them jointly whip Evans into the ropes and on the rebound…HIT EVANS WITH THE DOUBLE ARM DRAG!! But Evans hits the canvas so hard, he sits back up, where Smith doesn’t miss a beat. As soon as Evans hits like that, he rebounds off the ropes in front of him…AND BULLDOZES THE CRUISERWEIGHT WITH A RUNNING LOW-ANGLE LARIAT!! Evans could be concussed here, Smith with another cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Low Ki flies into the ring and breaks it up! The honorable warrior knows the stakes and couldn’t play the odds here. Ki is asked out by Ramsey, quickly obliging, but not before drawing some sort of a quick frustrated look from Harry. The son of the late Bulldog keeps Evans grounded, wrapping him up with a sitting abdominal stretch. Smith is trying to wear down the resilient cruiserweight here, using his superior strength to bear down heavily on him. Even so, Evans doesn’t plan on staying in the hold too long, managing to pump his fists, grit his teeth, and get to a vertical base after a few excruciating seconds.

But Smith still has him in a lock, slinging him up for a NASTY BACKDROP…EVANS FLIPS OUT!! Jack E lands on his feet, Smith turning around to see him…SPINNING HEADSISSORS!! Evans whips the big man around and sends him through the middle ropes and to the outside! Jack takes this opportunity to tag in Low Ki, who darts across the ring and KNOCKS TJ WILSON OFF THE APRON!

Wilson tumbles to the outside, leaving the two challengers in the ring to a big pop, the crowd really into them. They both look at one another and each nod their head. Both Ki and Evans take a few steps back before getting a small running head start…both tumbling…and fly OVER THE RING…DOUBLE SASUKE SPECIALS!! DOUBLE SASUKE SPECIALS!! LOW JACK TUMBLES AND NO HAND CORKSCREWS BOTH MEMBERS OF THE DUNGEON!! WOW!!

The Davis Arena is beyond pumped for that, the entire coliseum on their feet for that incredible display of daredevilism and athleticism. All four men are down and out on the outside, Ki and Smith being the two legal men still. But since everyone’s outside, Ray Ramsey has to get to the count-out charge…

…1!!

…2!!

…3!!

…4!!

Low Ki is on his feet, trying to shake himself back to life…

…5!!

He takes the larger Smith and rolls him up underneath the bottom rope, quickly following him and hooking a leg –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Smith keeps the titles right where they are! Even so, he’s still got cobwebs in his noggin from the big outside hit, shaking them out. Ki helps him out when he rebounds off the ropes behind him and SMASHES SMITH IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH A LOW DROPKICK!! The groggy, but still ring aware Smith rolls away after the blow towards the ring ropes to prevent a possible pin attempt. He tries to gather himself by sitting in an empty turnbuckle, but Ki stays on him, going to the opposite corner and getting set before rushing…but Smith snaps up and catches him…SIDE SLAM BACKBREAKER!! Smith springs that move out of nowhere, still feeling effects, but has enough gusto to cover Ki –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

The Warrior stays in this thing! Smith is a tad frustrated on that one and looks into is corner to see if Wilson is recovered enough to maybe get a tag. Wilson is in his corner on one knee, so Smith keeps his offense going by taking up Ki and RAMMING him shoulder first into an empty corner. Ki’s ribs are crunched between Canadian and iron post, matters only getting worse when Smith hoists Ki up onto the top rope. Harry climbs up to the second rope to perhaps set up a SUPERPLEX…but Ki fights back!

The two exchange blows on their high perch, but the champion appears to be winning. He starts to pull away and gets to the top rope now, everything set up and in place…but Low Ki grabs the second-gen grappler and places his chin right on top of his cue ball head…AND DROPS STANDING ON THE APRON WITH AN INNOVATIVE JAWBREAKER!! An incredibly crafty move from the indy circuit veteran that jacks Smith’s jaw and makes him stumble off the top rope, his feet falling to the second ropes.

Ki buys himself some time to get some breath back. Once he gathers himself, he looks to maybe start climbing back up to the top for his own offensive move, but Smith pulls himself back up and knocks Ki across his own jaw, sending him back to standing on the apron. Smith then springs back to life, catching Ki in a suplex position while he’s still on the second rope…and then steps up to the top rope…AND HITS THE SUPERPLEX!! A FORCED SUPERPLEX FROM THE APRON!! OH MY WORD!! It’s the Sons’ corner’s turn to get a huge pop from the crowd, a beautiful flowing and destructive move there, but both men are lain flat. As they lie there, the crowd’s buzzing doesn’t stop, some vague “HOLY SHIT” chants starting to ring up.

Both guys are out of it, but it’s Smith who is the first man to get moving, crawling a bit and using the ropes to get up. Ki is stirring, but he hasn’t pulled himself off the canvas. Smith gets to his corner and gets the semi-hot tag to Wilson, who is now ready to enter the ring dynamically…SLINGSHOT LEG DROP…NOBODY HOME!! Low Ki rolls away at the last second, Wilson landing hard on his tailbone! Ki gets to his feet and sees Wilson, who is trying to recover by getting to one knee, Silvestry running at him…SHINING WIZARD…NO!! It’s the feint, catching his leg on Wilson’s shoulder…BLACK MAGIC!! KI COMPLETES IT WITH THE REVERSE ROUDHOUSE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! Wilson drops lifelessly as Ki scrambles a bit for a cover –

1…


2…


3…NO!!

WILSON THROWS UP A SHOULDER!! TJ remains in the game for his cause, Ki now showing a little bit of frustration. Ki tries to pull Wilson up to his feet with a front headlock, but TJ still has some fight in him and SHOVES Ki away into an empty corner. Ki takes offense to this aggression, an ‘oh hell no’ look developing on his face as Wilson is still somewhat dead on his feet. Low Ki charges…AND HITS HIM WITH A BEAUTIFUL EXPLODING RUNNING FRONT DROPKICK!! THE JOHN WOO!! WILSON FLIES HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER!!

Ki debuts one of his more favored indy moves at the right moment, Wilson hitting the turnbuckle so hard, he falls down to sit against the lower rungs! He struggles to try and get back up, but while he does so, Ki goes into his corner and tags in the refreshed Jack Evans, who much like Ki before him, immediately enters and rushes across the ring to KNOCK SMITH OFF THE APRON!

He then sets himself up in the corner opposite the recovering Wilson, who has used the ropes to pull himself up and still in the corner…Evans tumbles…AND NAILS THE CARTWHEEL BACK ELBOW SMASH!! Low Ki is still in the ring, following up right behind Evans with a cartwheel of his own…TIDAL CRUSH!! TIDAL CRUSH AFTER THE ELBOW SMASH!! Wilson is smashed with an illicit and beautiful cruiserweight combo! Wilson drops like a stone onto his face, Evans dropping low and shooting the half –

1…


2…


{Smith is recovering too late…!!}

3…


NO!!!

AND TJ WILSON KICKS OUT AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!! The double team crash very nearly lost him the championship, but his Dungeon-born resiliency keeps him in this! That same Dungeon discipline tells him to roll away from danger, TJ now rolling underneath the bottom rope and to the floor. Harry Smith roams over and tries to help his best man, but Evans and Low Ki are once again alone in the ring and are able to maybe re-up a strategy.

The crowd starts buzzing considerably, both men running. But Evans is running towards a corner while Low Ki rushes towards the ropes and FLIES WITH A SUICIDE DIVE AT BOTH SONS…NOBODY HOME!! The Sons split at the last moment, seeing the move coming! Ki crashes and burns…but he has a painful smile on his face..? What’s that for? We see it when Smith and Wilson come back together only to look right back up to see Jack Evans FLYING OFF THE TOP ROPE…DOUBLE ROTATION MOONSAULT!! DOUBLE ROTATION MOONSAULT!! JACK EVANS WOWS WITH THE ENTIRE WRESTLING WORLD ONE MORE TIME!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”

All of Louisville and quite possibly everyone who has logged on to watch are amazed and losing their shit. A crafty combination has all four men lain out once again and no one has been able to hear Ramsey doing his count-out.

…3!!



…4!!

…5!!



…6!!

Jack Evans is to his feet, but he’s favoring his ribs that he came crashing down on



…7!!

It’s TJ Wilson now who is actually the first man back in the ring, very much groggily so. Evans joins him just before Ramsey’s arm comes down for the count of eight. Both men struggle to get to their feet, but Evans is the first to do so, having to lean up against the ropes. Wilson meanwhile has to use the ring corner as a ladder, struggling to climb up. He’s fully propped p in the corner when Evans is back on his feet, now going for A STINGER SPLASH…NOBODY HOME!! Wilson grabs hold of the top rope and lifts himself onto the top rope, causing Evans’ head to SMASH off the corner!

Evans drunkenly drifts away from the corner now, his head spinning and his back towards the corner. But this still leaves Wilson on the top rope, who leaps…AND NAILS A TOP ROPE BULLDOG!! WILSON COMES CRASHING DOWN WITH A BULLDOG!! Evans’ head is drilled into the canvas, as the crowd pops for the athleticism of the Canadian youngster, Wilson rolling Evans over –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

JACK EVANS STAYS ALIVE!! Somehow, Evans rolls the shoulder! His body has gone limp, Wilson with a little flutter of frustration now. He rises to his feet and right back at the corner he just launched himself from, taking Evans and hitting him with a sharp kick to the gut for good measure. It’s his turn to trap Evans on the top rope and go for something huge, making sure to set him up…FRANKENSTEIR…NO!! EVANS HOLDS ONTO THE TOP ROPE AND WILSON GOES CRASHING DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!

Evans is now all alone on the top rope after countering a move, Wilson lying very close to his feet. The crowd is on their feet as they know just what move might be coming next. Jack E resituates his feet before leaping...630 SENTON DESCENT…NOBODY HOME!! TJ WILSON ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!! Evans’ spine crashes into the canvas with no soft body underneath it! That spine is possibly jacked as Wilson approaches him and grabs his legs, pulling him away from the ropes…AND LOCKS IN THE SHARPSHOOTER!! THE SHARPSHOOTER IS LOCKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!

Evans is scrambling, trying to find a way out, but Wilson has the submission locked in deep! Louisville is on fire, buzzing unbelievably, as Wilson sells the intensity with the look on his face. Evans’ flexibility allows Wilson to crank back even harder, Ramsey getting down to see if Evans wants to tap


…………………………..

……………

………


SPRINGBOARD ENZEGUIRI!! LOW KI SAVES HIS TEAM AND TITLE DREAMS BY CLOCKING WILSON IN THE FACE!! TJ goes down hard, coving his potentially broken nose. Evans is slumping and tending to his back, both men laid out on the canvas. Evans is trying to lift himself up and crawl to his corner, but his back gives out from the heavy strain placed on it between missed impact and the Sharpshooter. Ki is reaching desperately to get his partner a closer tag and Smith is doing the same, the crowd going white hot as Wilson comes to life and gets closer and closer to his corner…AND IT’S TJ WHO MAKES THE HOT TAG!!

Smith immediately storms in and drops on Jack E, stopping his tag attempt in it’s tracks. Evans grips as his spine again, but a look over to the opposite corner sees that Wilson hasn’t stepped out and is in a corner. Smith drags Evans to his feet, but the hip-hop warrior delivers a pair of forearms before looking for a CLOTHESLINE…but Smith ducks, grabbing Evans in a rear waistlock and setting his hips…ONLY FOR WILSON TO SUPERKICK HIM…RIGHT INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!! A SUPERKICK/GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO TO THE WITHERED JACK EVANS!! Smith keeps the bridge, an elemental pin after the double team –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!!

LOW KI DROPS OUT OF THE SKY WITH AN ELBOW DROP!! AN ELBOW DROP RIGHT TO THE EXPOSED MIDSECTION OF THE BRIDGING HARRY SMITH!! Once again, Low Ki saves his title hopes and his tag team dreams alive with a dynamic pin breakup!

Smith has to curl up now and tend to his ribs after being forced to let go, while Evans is still having a difficult time of it trying to get to his feet, now having to tend to his neck area. The commentators note that Smith had broken ribs that took him out for several weeks a while back, but even so, Smith is the first to gather himself, however, holding those ribs in place as he gets up and drags Evans off the canvas, only to whip him into the opposite ropes. Smith doesn’t rebound, however, rushing at the ropes and SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE SECOND ROPE…AND COMES DOWN WITH AN INVERTED DDT DROP!! ONE GORGEOUS, FLUID MOTION ON THE SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT DDT!

But Evans has taken quite the abuse in the last several minutes, not able to cover as quickly as he wants to. The crowd is hot again after that incredibly athletic display, now prompting Evans to crawl back on over to his corner. He’s doing his damndest to get there, but Smith is rising back up. He makes a lunge at Evans, only for Jack to HIT A BACK KICK TO HIS AILING RIBS…and push off of that to lunge into his corner! He tags in Ki, but Evans uses the momentum he just gained to push himself to the top rope and cast over the doubled over Smith…AND HITS HIM WITH A DIVING DOUBLE LEG STOMP TO THE SPINE!! A FLYING MULE KICK! Smith drops as his back gives way, forcing him back onto those tender ribs and making him roll over in pain. Without a beat, right after that happens, Low Ki jumps to the top rope and leaps off himself…AND HITS THE WARRIOR’S WAY!! WARRIOR’S WAY!! A DOUBLE DOSE OF FOOT STOMPS FROM LOW JACK!! The incredible tag team move hits its fruition by potentially re-breaking Smith’s ribs, Ki hooking a leg as the crowd goes nuts –

1…


2…


3…!!!


NO!!

TJ WILSON BREAKS IT UP AND SAVES HIS PARTNER AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!! Wilson had to dive in and shove Ki off but somehow, he’s able to do it and keep his gold where it stands! Wilson hasn’t risen up after the shove, while Ki is covering up, Smith clutches at his ribs, and Evans is all kinds of exhausted. As Ramsey tries to rush Wilson back out of the ring and to his corner, Louisville lets them know how good a job they’re doing.

THIS IS AWESOME!!
*CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP*
THIS IS AWESOME!!
*CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP*


All four men take in the crowd, but Ki pounds the mat and waits for Smith to get to his feet, the big man clutching his ribs in incredible pain, not able to react to see Ki rushing at him…and contorting his body around him…IRON OCTOPUS!! IRON OCTOPUS!! KI IS STRETCHING AND CONSTRCTING SMITH’S ENTIRE BODY AT ONCE!! The strain on forcing Smith breathe hard brings his potentially broken ribs right back into the spotlight, Ki pulling up on his arm and damn near choking him with his legs.

Smith is reduced to a knee, his breath leaving him and the pain in his body erupting; Ki selling his part of the move, showing one of the only instances of emotion in his stay in the company. Ramsey is all the way down in Smith’s face, asking him if he wants to give up and tap out. The resilient wrestling family hybrid keeps on refusing, but his hand and palm are shaking with doubt…until the power starts to come through, Smith gritting his teeth and slowly rising to his feet, Ki still over his shoulders and back. Smith shifts his hips and forces Ki’s leg to come around from his neck and have him slung over his shoulder, Smith wrenching him off of his other arm…RUNNING POWERSLAM!! RUNNING POWERSLAM!! The move made famous by his father connects, Smith covering aggressively and hooking leg, the crowd buzz insurmountable –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!!

LOW KI KICKS OUT!! HE KICKS OUT OF THE POWERSLAM!! The Warrior has an incredible display of resolve, kicking out of his opponent’s father’s finishing move! Smith, even as respectful an opponent as he’s shown, is absolutely stunned. Louisville is just as shocked as he, their hands flying up in excitement. Ki hasn’t moved since the kickout, but the effect he’s had on Smith lingers on, as the big man runs his fingers through his hair and has to regroup.

Smith takes the near lifeless Ki and brings him back to his feet. He takes Ki’s wrist and tries to whip him into the Sons’ corner, but Ki grabs Smith’s wrist on the whip and turns to face Smith, pulling him in now…and hits him with a DROP TOEHOLD…AND SMITH’S FACE HITS THE CORNER!! As his face comes crashing down, however, Wilson tags in Smith. Ki doesn’t notice, going into the corner after Smith and mounting him for the ten punch –

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!

But he only gets to three before Smith recovers and again show off his brute strength by grappling Ki around the waist and pulling him away with a bearhug…as Wilson springboards…THE HART ATTACK!! HART ATTACK!! THE DOUBLE TEAM FINISHER CONNECTS ON LOW KI!! If Davey Boy’s finisher couldn’t end it, maybe Bret and Jim’s can! The place erupts as Wilson scrambles to cover his rival’s body, a win on the way –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

JACK EVANS FLIES IN TO BREAK IT UP!! THE MATCH GOES ON!! Jack Evans is barely able to move after he even flies in, but it saves his partnership and rescues Low Ki from a more than certain pin. The crowd dies back down, but stays incredibly buzzy. Wilson, more than a little frustrated at Evans’ run-in, looks the vexed part as Smith is shooed from the ring by Ramsey. Wilson waits for Ki to groggily get to his feet before hitting him with a toe kick and setting him up…SWINGING FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX…NO!! Ki jams the move and snatches his leg out of Wilson’s clutches before rolling forward…AND NAILING WILSON IN THE HEAD WITH THE ROLLING KIPPOU KICK!!

Wilson falls hard as anyone who just got nailed in the skull would. This gives Ki some space and he uses that to roll back towards his corner and tag back in Evans. Taken a great deal of abuse himself, but still packing some adrenaline, Evans jumps in and goes with his corner’s target strategy of downing the non-legal man, charging across the ring and HITTING SMITH OFF THE APRON! He then quickly turns back to see Wilson, trying to recover on all fours…LOW DROPKICK TO THE JAW!!

Wilson is hit so hard by the dropkick that his selling of it props him up on both of his knees, but he doesn’t fall over. He stays at that perch when we see Low Ki, who has yet to leave the ring, hits him with a HARD SHOOT ROUNDHOUSE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! A ping-pong effect with Wilson’s head here, TJ falling forward from the impact of the blow…but falls right into a front headlock from Evans, who kicks a leg back…SNAP DDT!! AN INCREDIBLE CONCUSSION CAUSING COMBONATION FROM LOW JACK!! Evans covers and wraps up both legs, Smith still not recovered on the apron…!!!

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

WILSON ROLLS A SHOUDLER!!! IT’S THE SONS’ TURN FOR A HUGE KICKOUT!! The arena is right back to being on their feet, the crowd going as back and forth as this match is. Evans can hardly believe what just happened, a look on his face that mirrors the look on Smith’s face after the failed powerslam. Evans tries not to sweat it too much, whipping his neck around and then pulling his fellow cruiserweight closer to an empty corner.

The crowd knows what’s coming, but the damage Evans has taken shows its toll, as it takes him a little longer to climb through and get to the top rope. Evans sets his feet and begins to stand, getting the crowd buzzing, but all the time Jack has taken has allowed Wilson to get on his feet. Both men are almost out of it, exhaustion running rampant on them, but they’re both so driven, they’re almost on autopilot.

Wilson reaches up and smashes Evans in the gut to stunt him from going anywhere before climbing up to the second and hitting him in the jaw. He goes up the final rung and joins him on the top rope, pulling Evans’ face into his knee!! This knocks Evans for a loop and dizzies him enough for Wilson to move around a little and turn around and scoop Evans on his shoulders in one move. The crowd’s buzzing goes from anticipation of one finishing move to another, Wilson setting his balance…

BUT before he can leap, Low Ki breaks into the ring to possibly try and stop it, only to be cut off at the pass by a RE-EMERGING HARRY SMITH, WHO CLOTHESLINES HIM TO THE FLOOR!! Ki goes tumbling over the top rope and to the padded outside!! But this small stop is enough for Evans to come to, the break dancer now fighting his way off of Wilson’s shoulders and getting off of them right in front of Wilson, their original positions now swapped.

Evans is trying to fight back with everything he has, but we can see that he doesn’t have much left. Things get bleaker when Wilson gets a solid punch to the side of his head, dizzying him enough…for Smith to come up under him and carry him away from the ropes in an electric chair position! No one’s quite sure what to make of this, but Evans starts pounding on Smith’s head to try and stop it, only for Smith to grab hold of one of Evans’ wrists to stop it.

This leaves Evans somewhat hunched over while still in the electric chair. Wilson is setting back up on the top rope, adjusting his balance, and when he sees Evans and Smith are close enough, he leaps…AND NAILS A DOOMSDAY ROLLING POWERBOMB!! A DUNGEON DEVICE!! OH MY GAAAAD!! Louisville goes absolutely insane for that sheer display of incredible, Smith getting out of the way for Ramsey, as he gets to his duties when Wilson exhaustingly takes a breath and hooks up both of Evans’ legs in a prawn hold pin –

1…


2…


{Ki tries to slide into the ring…}

3…!!!

TOO LATE!!

Here are your winners and STILL AOW World Tag Team Champions: Sons of the Dungeon at (25:30)



That’s it! …that’s it. The crowd lets out a mighty roar for the finishing pinfall and sustain it when Wilson and Smith are handed their championships and hold them high, but they know the situation and after they quickly embrace, their celebration ends as they head up the ramp. Even so, we see both Smith and Wilson nod towards the two men who are still in the ring, acknowledging just how hard that match made them fight. While the Sons are heading away, they stop when the crowd rises in unison on their feet…and give all these men a standing ovation.

Ki and Evans are still in the ring, Ki trying to pull his partner up, but is stopped by the thunderous ovation all of them are receiving. As the champs gradually fade away, the scene becomes clearly all about the challengers, as Ki picks Evans up and holds him steady on his hip. Evans brings and arm over as he still doesn’t look completely recovered, but he’s asking for a microphone. Ki seems to be telling him to come on, but Evans rips away from Ki, falling to his knees. He drops on the middle rope and his handed the stick as he leans against them. He is still leaning against the ropes as he tries to speak


Evans:
Yo, yo, yo…
~Is…is Evans trying to RAP when he can barely stand...?!

Evans:
Through thick an’ thin, this dude’s been here
The warrior the crowd will always cheer
The ninja with a smooth flair and style
The samurai with the kicks to make’em go wild

~Evans pants exhaustingly, trying to pull himself off the ropes and almost falling down when he does so

Evans:
We were never a pair
That ever should’ve worked
We got beat down, torn apart, and hit where it hurts.
But no matter what we did, you made me see
Your smooth and my style really inspired me
To make myself better
To be more like you
I’m cocky and say a lot
You speak by makin’em eat your shoes

~Evans has more strength now, approaching Ki in the center ring

Evans:
I don’t blame you if you hate me
For doing this lame rhyme
But I figured I wouldn’t have a better time
If there ever comes a day
When I never tag you again
I’ll just have solace in knowing
I’ve gained a hellova friend
I know you’re pissed at me
For being stupid and gettin’ pinned
We set this crowd on fire
But we’re still not champions
Your kicks are a death sentence
And the brass ring; we didn’t grab it
So I’m gonna get what I deserve –

~…and Evans drops back down to his knees, his guard completely down, and pointing to his head

Evans:
- and let you let me have it

With that, Evans drops the microphone and keeps his guard down, leaning forward to getting on all fours and hanging his head low. He really wants this. He wants Low Ki to kick his head in. The silent warrior stares down at his now former tag team partner, the crowd throwing a great deal of buzz as to what he’s going to do. Ki gets down and grabs Evans’ arm, prompting him to get back to his feet. Ki also grabs Evans’ mic as he gets up. Is…is Low Ki about to speak into a microphone…?

Ki:
The real warrior’s way
Is to stand by your troops
Regardless of the outcome –
Draw, win, or lose
I’m not gonna throw kicks
‘cause we lost and I neglect you
But in the true warrior’s spirit –

~Ki drops the stick…AND SHOOT KICKS THE STANDING EVANS SQUARE IN THE CHEST! He kicks him so hard, however, that he backpedals off the ropes and speeds back towards Ki, who catches him with his free arm, now holding him in a semi-embrace

Ki:
- I’ll kick you ‘cause I respect you.

And with that, not only have we heard Ki speak (although still not yet on national television), but we’ve heard him drop a rap…and send the crowd into another ovation frenzy. Louisville continues showing these two respect, the now former partners hugging in the center of the ring. Their theme music bellows out across the arena one last time as they pack up and walk back up the aisle together, Ki even breaking out a small smirk this time as Evans dances ahead of him to the back and we fade away…


***


We’re brought to the booming, bright city of Las Vegas, Nevada – casinos lined up on every corner, people dressed in their finest, limousines all over the streets, and live band tunes blaring their trumpets.

The camera steps through the doors of one of the casinos and shows us to a room bustling with commotion, but a closer look shows us one of the men participating in the fun is Antonio Banks rolling some dice…and rolling terribly[/I]


Banks:
Damn! Another bad roll!

A man in a tux next to Banks leans in

Man:
Shouldn’t you be better at this?

Banks:
What? Just ‘cause I’m black, I’m supposed to be good at dice?

The camera leaves the offended Banks to show us a quartet of guys playing cards – Jack Evans, Low Ki, The Miz, and Jamie Noble

Dealer:
Alright, gentlemen – show your hands!

Jack Evans throws a hand down, followed by Jamie Noble

Noble:
HA-HA!! Read’em an’ weap, ya city slickers!

Noble is stopped from grabbing his winnings by Miz, who lays down his hand

The Miz:
I don’t think so! Mike Mizanin, poker extraordinaire!!

Miz now reaches over to grab the chips, but he’s stopped by Low Ki with no change in expression…who drops down…a full house!

Evans:
Wow! That’s some poker face, Ki!

The Miz:
HEY! That’s four in a row! No fair!

Evans:
Do you want him to kick you back into a closet?

Miz gets sweaty and terrified, sitting back down silently. The camera now pans aside to see Bryan Danielson standing alongside William Regal at a roulette table. The dealer stands between them

Danielson:
So, how the heck does the Dynasty Tournament even work?

Man:
Well, it’s random. No one knows who they’re gonna face until the night of the contest. Everyone draws numbers and whoever gets the same numbers, that’s who you face.

Danielson:
Really? There’s like thirty-two guys in that tournament!

Regal:
Quit complaining, youngster. Hey you – throw that pebble.

Danielson shrugs his shoulders and the dealer flicks the little white ball, the ‘pebble’ landing on a little square that has the number “16”

Danielson:
16? Hey, who’s the unlucky guy who’s gonna face me! Who else got 16?

Danielson is consumed by a large shadow before looking up and seeing Samoa Joe. Regal has a small chuckle as Danielson’s mouth goes agape, but we soon pan away from that to see Brian Kendrick and Paul London jumping on a pool table and kicking things all over the place and acting like general monkeys

We then switch to a view of a security viewer wall, Chris Jericho apparently the man in charge of the entire casino. He speaks into a walkie-talkie


Jericho:
We’ve got a couple of guys acting like Hooliganz on table four. Get rid of’em.

Cut to a shot of Paul Wright in a bouncer’s outfit and sunglasses, throwing the struggling tag team out the front door. We then cut to someone sitting at a bar, the bartender taking note of what just occurred

Bartender:
Well, I guess those guys got eliminated. You want somethin’ hard there, tough guy?

The camera turns to reveal the man to be CM Punk

Punk:
Naw. Just get me a Pepsi. It’s gonna be a long night.

The scene becomes blurry and in the background to words scrolling across the screen

Narrator:
The 2008 AOW Dynasty Tournament – starting June 4th and lasting until July 2nd for the 3-hour Finals Supershow, Rise of a Dynasty, live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas!
***

~Back at ringside…


**DOANE-NATION**


The obnoxious theme belts out over the soundwaves now, the crowd throwing some annoyed heat that gets even louder when Ken Doane steps through the curtain. He’s so full of himself just from standing still and acknowledging the crowd. The cocky air follows him as he walks down the aisle ignoring front row fans as he bounces with nearly every step he takes, his overconfidence radiating. It reaches a pinnacle when he reaches the ring, pausing right before he climbs the steps as though just him stepping into the squared circle is some kind of epic.


**MISERE CANTARE**


…and a WILDLY more lively ovation comes out now for the AOW Dynasty Champion, CM Punk! Punk takes in his ovation as he steps through the curtain, but he noticeably has a pretty pissed off look on his face, not too much unchanged from the look he had in his last exclusives video. Even so, he remains CM Punk and takes a moment to actually walk over to the commentary booth right beside the stage…and ask Steve Romero to ‘check the time’. Punk holds his wrist in front of Romero, to which Steve casually says ‘it’s clobberin’ time’. Punk answers with a more vocal version that Louisville joins in with –“IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!!”

Punk stays pumped up, but very irate, all the way down the aisle. He stares a hole in Doane and even ignores many of the fans in the front row before hopping onto a top rope and holding his Dynasty Championship high, a scowl still on his face as he keeps garnering his big reaction. He gets off the rope to hand the belt to Goose Mahoney, who holds the belt high to let us know what’s at stake here in this second Finale contest


~AOW Dynasty Championship~
The Second City Saint CM Punk(c) v.
Dat Doane Dude Ken Doane



The cocky Doane is the first man to leave his corner, getting out and taunting the reigning champion. He opens his arms and tells Punk to ‘come at me, bro’. But the scowling Punk doesn’t move a muscle. Doane starts jumping around the ring now, doing anything he can to seem to try and provoke Punk here. But again, Punk just stays in his corner, staring Doane down with his vacant, intense expression. The crowd is throwing a great deal of heat at Doane, who is growing more aggravated by the second…before SLAPPING PUNK RIGHT UPSIDE THE FACE!! Doane Just slaps a wide one right into the side of Punk’s face! The entire crowd ‘ooooh’s along with the echoing of the stinging skin impact, Punk barely turning his head…before Punk EXPLODES OUT OF THE CORNER AND TACKLES DOANE DOWN, NAILING HIM WITH A FLURRY OF BLOWS!!

Punk is going to town on Doane, or at least trying to, as Ken covers himself up and tries with all his might to get away from the wrath of the pissed Punk. The crowd is popping all over the place before whiplashing into a great deal of heat when Doane manages to keep rolling and slip under the bottom rope to protect himself from the very wrath he induced. But Punk doesn’t let him go that easily, keeping in pursuit to the outside, snatching Doane by the back of the head…AND CHUNKING HIM INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS!! Goose Mahoney is trying his best to yell at Punk to get him back into the ring.

The aggressive Punk adheres to this warning, taking Doane now and sliding him up under the bottom rope and into the ring. Punk follows soon afterwards, Doane quickly crawling to a set of ropes to perhaps dodge a pinfall or submission attempt, then using the ropes to get back to his feet. Punk stays right on him, giving him a hard shot to his gut before whipping him into an opposite corner. Doane’s back hits the turnbuckle hard, Punk charging and going for the HIGH CORNER KNEE…but Doane darts out of the corner and out of the ring at the last minute! The crowd again throws unruly heat towards the age-old heel tactics

But once again, the keen Punk doesn’t let DAT DOANE DUDE out of his sight, again following Doane and chasing him around the outside. Doane runs away, but then quickly slides back into the ring. Punk again follows suit, but darts right into Doane’s original plan…AND GETS CLOCKED WITH A SURPRISE CLOTHESLINE FOR HIS TROUBLES!! Punk’s agitation costs him there, but Doane can’t cover Punk immediately, having to tend to his spine that was wrapped by the collision with the steel ring steps. He has to take a moment crawl over on his knees then fall on top of Punk with the lateral press –

1…


2…


NO!!

Punk and this match still have much mileage in it still yet! Doane knows that and starts laying boots into Punk’s ribs, just stomping over and over with veracity into Punk’s tender midsection. He stops to grit his teeth and tend to his back again, only to take Punk up by his long hair and twist him around…FALLING NECKBREAKER!! Doane brings Punk down on his head and neck and floats over for another cover –

1…


2…


NO!!

Punk, again, still has more than enough life still in him, Doane letting out a minor growl of frustration for a moment. He bends over to perhaps take Punk up by his hair again, only to now be seen slapping at his head and taunting him even more. This garners another big round of heat from the Davis Arena, Doane not seeming to care, actually turning around and waving the crowd off.

You shouldn’t keep your eyes off a ‘street rat’ for a second, as Punk demonstrates when he starts delivering hard jabs at Doane’s midsection, the arena seeing a bright spot for Punk here. Punk keeps delivering punches from his knees before springing to his feet and forcing Doane back all the way against the ropes before snatching Doane’s wrist and flinging him across the ring…rebound…LEAPING CALF KICK!! The momentum is really starting to shift now, but Punk can’t make an immediate cover either, shaking the cobwebs out of his head.

Punk now tries to get Done back to his feet and tries to whip him into the ropes once more, but Doane reveres the whip and follows Punk as he goes…and DRIVES A KNEE THROUGH HIS MIDSECTION AS HE’S PRESSED UP AGAINST THE ROPES!! Doane surprises everyone with that smart move, proceeding to take Punk now and whip him across the ring himself. On that rebound, it’s Punk who flashes his smart this time by continuing to run, and on the way by, grabs Doane’s wrist again and flings him into the ropes! On that rebound this time, Punk is ready…with the SNAP SCOOP POWERSLAM!! Punk now goes for his first cover of the contest –

1…


2…


NO!!

Doane has lots of life still left! Kenny now has to rethink what he’s doing, as Punk rises off of his body, he takes that time to roll out the ring for a third time. This once again garners some heat, especially when Punk tries to dart after him, only for Mahoney to stop him and tell him to back off. Punk doesn’t much listen, his eyes fixed on Doane as he tumbles outside by the entrance aisle; Doane triying to recover and make a new strategy. But as he does that, Punk starts surprising all in attendance by setting his weight back, then SPRINGBOARDING…Doane looks up…SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE TO THE OUTSIDE!! DEATH FROM ABOVE FROM CM PUNK!!

Louisville loves that move, the incredibly peeved and aggressive Punk reaching an apex on that beautiful move!! Punk falls to his knees, while Doane goes down hard, before Punk becomes overcome with adrenaline and pumps a fist to a huge pop, only to look down at the downed body of Doane and simply say “come at me, bro!” No matter how angry he might be, Punk always has the air of a smartass.

Punk takes Doane and tries to scoot him back underneath the bottom ropes and into the ring, but Doane is being a pest and stopping him on the ring lip. Punk then adjusts and takes Doane’s head…and BOUNCES IT OFF THE RING LIP!! This stuns Doane so much he starts stumbling all around the outside, overselling it just a little bit. He makes his way over to a barricade, Punk not following him from the get-go, but instead waiting for him to steady himself…rushing at him…but Kenny lifts him up…AND HANGS PUNK UP ON THE GUARD RAIL!! OH MY, PUNK IS RUNG ALL THE WAY UP!!

Punk falls on the outside, Mahoney to a count of three on the count out, only to look and see Doane shaking his head right and starting to lick his chops. As quickly as the momentum shifted in Punk’s favor, Doane used sneaky tactics to stunt it, wasting no time now and rolling Punk under the bottom rope back into the ring. He crawls over, flattens Punk out, and goes for another definite cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

PUNK KEEPS HIS LIFE AND HIS TITLE!! Doane is livid, pounding the mat and getting in Mahoney’s face and barking that that was surely a three count. Mahoney barks right back that it wasn’t, forcing Doane to get down back on the canvas and wrap Punk’s head up in a grounded chin lock. Doane clenches his teeth and tries his best to wear the Dynasty Champion down, Punk refusing to give up every time Mahoney asks him. The Davis arena is starting to try and rile behind Punk once again, clapping and stomping for him to get back to his feet –

*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*

…and Punk and Doane are on their feet, the defiant Chicago native clenching his fingers in struggle…and he nails a pair of elbows right into Doane’s stomach! This gets Punk the separation he needs, allowing him to run and rebound off the ropes and charge back towards Doane…but Doane catches Punk in an ARM DRAG! It’s a deep arm drag, but instead of letting go of the arm, Doane keeps it in and rolls back to his feet…AND HITS PUNK WITH THE SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE! Doane doesn’t let go there, either, rolling through and pulling Punk back up with him…FOR A SECOND SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE! But again, Doane rolls through and doesn’t let go, ready to finish the hat trick…but Punk ducks underneath the third one, wrapping Doane’s arm drag arm around and catching him in a hammerlock…before twisting around…PEPSI TWIST!! PUNK DEBUTS THE HAMMERLOCK LARIAT IN AOW!! The move floors Doane and gets the crowd pumped, the Saint going for a big cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Now it’s Doane’s turn to stop a big victory, Punk now holding up his fingers to ask Mahoney just how close that was. Punk is a little exasperated at the confirmation of the two-count, but he gets to his feet and stalks Doane. Kenny is getting up almost drunk, probably more surprised by the debuting move than anything, but he drifts right into Punk’s clutches once conscious…AND IS HOISTED ONTO PUNK’S SHOULDERS…GTS COMING…NO!! Doane manages to squabble off, landing behind Punk…and leaps at his neck…RKDOANE…NO!! Punk pushes off Doane…AND HE COLLIDES WITH A RING CORNER!!

Doane’s jaw bounces off the corner padding, but he’s dizzied all over again. He turns his body around to be propped up in the corner in the right position, only to see the rejuvenated ‘street rat’ rushing at him…HIGH CORNER KNEE!! DAT DOANE DUDE’s jaw just gets jacked, as Punk clutches his head to finish with the BULLDOG COMBO…ELEVATED NECKBREAKER SLAM!! Doane jams the move halfway and takes Punk up in a back suplex position, only to bring him crashing back down with the neckbreaker slam!! One of Doane’s key signatures nets him another fall attempt –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

PUNK STILL HAS LIFE!! The ever resilient Dynasty Champion stays alive, only enraging Ken Doane even more. Kenny D pounds the mat in what looks like frustration…but then we see that he’s just beginning to stalk Punk. He uses that frustrated energy to go towards the top rope. Punk is just now beginning to stir down on the mat, Doane opening his arms to garner even more heat. Punk gets to his knees and slowly begins to rise up more, Doane not adjusting himself in the slightest, now preparing…LEAPING…THE DOANE NATION DIVING CLOTHESLINE COMING…ROUNDHOUSE TO THE SKULL!! CM PUNK ROUNDHOUSES DOANE RIGHT OUT OF THE SKY!!

Doane falls to the mat, completely lifeless and quite possibly headless! Louisville is erupting, Punk pulling a card out of his hat at the very last minute. As Doane lays lifeless on the canvas, the now exhilarated Punk presses his hands together…and puts them beside his ear. It’s time to end this nonsense. Doane hasn’t even so much as moved since he hit the canvas, Punk having to go over and peel him off, setting him ON HIS SHOULDERS…a small dramatic pause…GO TO SLEEP!! GTS CONNECTING!! Doane’s jaw is jacked once again as he collapses to the floor…but Punk doesn’t go for a cover??

He stands over the dead Doane, just staring a hole through him and his blank angry face returning. Punk then takes Doane by the wrist and for a second time peels him off the canvas, only to prop him right back up on his shoulders, the entire crowd buzzing once again…AND DELIVERS A SECOND GTS!! A SECOND GTS!! Punk makes good on his promise to let out his steam on Doane!! Doane might very well have lockjaw as he collapses to the canvas for the third time in the last few minutes, Punk now dropping with a convincing, confident, and quite academic leg hook –

1…


2…


3…!!!

Here is your winner and STILL AOW Dynasty Champion…CM PUNK at (9:58)



There it is! CM Punk makes an example out of Ken Doane just like he vowed he would, taking out his frustrations on the brash adversary. Punk is handed his Dynasty Championship, a smile now plastered across his face as he holds the gold he’s fought so hard for up over his head. He defends it once again here tonight at the expense of a new challenger, but as Miz notes on commentary, he may have much larger, blacker, and angrier fish to fry when the AOW’s season begins anew. But for now, CM Punk remains Dynasty Champion and Ken Doane, well, remains the butt of everyone’s jokes.


~Backstage, viewing area…


Which brings us to Matt Sydal watching a TV screen, toying with his wrist tape and watching the last segment play out with a smile on his face


Sydal:
Karma’s a bitch, ain’t it, Kenny?

~Sydal’s smirk continues until he turns around. The camera shows several chairs and in one of them sits Billy Kidman. Kidman looks pretty zoned out

Sydal:
Hey, Billy. Billy!

~Sydal has to snap his finger’s in his mentor’s face to get him to come back to reality

Sydal:
What’s up, Billy? You’re more zoned out about this than I am. And I probably should be.

Kidman:
Nothing. Just a lot on my mind. That’s all.

Sydal:
Well…you can tell me. Right?

~Sydal has an eager and well-meaning face on…but Kidman just smirks a little and shakes his head

Kidman:
It’s not your business to know, kid. Go finish your warm-ups. You’re on next.

~Sydal pats his mentor on the back before getting up and seemingly going to a different area to finish as we fade away…


~Backstage, locker room


…and venture a little further backstage where we see the Cruiserweight Champion himself, Bryan Danielson. He too seems to be in his final warm-up stages, as he shadow boxes intensely as Torrie Wilson taps his shoulder


Torrie:
Bryan Danielson, you’re just moments away from a title defense against Matt Sydal. His title shot has been wrapped in a little bit of controversy. What’re your thoughts on your match tonight?

Danielson:
Controversy? What controversy?

Torrie:
Well the fact that Matt Sydal has yet to have a win since being a part of AOW and now OVW.

Danielson:
Wins? Losses? Gold doesn’t care. And if the gold doesn’t care, I certainly don’t. He’s obviously doing something right. And as champion, it’s my job to stay that way against anybody and everybody…even if they seem like a nobody. There’s no controversy here. Just certainty. The certainty that I’m going to keep my AOW Cruiserweight Championship.

~Danielson gives Wilson a confident nod before darting out of the scene, presumably to Gorilla position as we fade away…





AOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT OBLIVION RETURNS!
!!TWO HOUR SEASON PREMIERE!!
JUNE 4TH
9/8c ONLY ON FX

~Back at ringside...


**MACH**

The exciting riff hits the threshold to a surprising ovation for one of AOW’s most intimately featured young men, despite the fact that his booking hasn’t been the best in any sense of the word. Matt Sydal bursts through the curtain with a huge smile on his face, his very first Cruiserweight Championship opportunity right within his grasp. Coming up behind him is his mentor, the veteran Billy Kidman. Kidman seems a little more into things than he did a moment ago, but even still, he points Sydal towards the ring and prompts Matt to dash the rest of the way down the aisle, London & Kendrick style. He plays to the crowd and throws up his ‘peace’ sign to play off of them some more, awaiting his battle tested opponent.


**FINAL COUNTDOWN**


And on that note, the Europe jingle gives way to a man who many say is the best pure wrestler in the world in Bryan Danielson. Danielson is greeted with a HUGE pop, his maroon hooded jacket up, the title around his waist, and his lone finger held high in the air. When the song hits a certain chord, he pulls the hood off and shows his face to a larger pop, holding his finger high as he struts down the ramp with his championship still in tote. He keeps his index finger high, all the way until he climbs a top rope and unhooks his title, pointing to the crowd and singing “IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!” along with the Louisville faithful.

As the referee handles the gold and both men make preparations in their corners, something catches our eye, and thus, the two men in the ring. There’s a man missing at ringside. Billy Kidman…is walking away? Kidman has left his perch from ringside and is heading back up the aisle to a great buzz from the crowd. Sydal doesn’t notice it until he’s already halfway up the aisle. The bewildered kid is almost beside himself, rushing to the nearest ropes and starts yelling up the ramp – “BILLY! BILLY!!” Kidman doesn’t even so much as turn around, keeping his head down and walking back through the curtain. The bell rings for the start of the match…but no one’s sure what’s going on.



~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson (c) v.
Matt Sydal



The bell rings as Sydal stares up at the aisle, his mentor leaving him behind when perhaps he needs him the most. There’s worry and misunderstanding written all over Matt’s face; unable to truly comprehend what’s going on. This confusion is carried over to Danielson for a moment, who isn’t so much worried as he is concerned. The honorable Danielson then steps forward to the center of the ring, Sydal picking up his movement in the corner of his eye. Sydal turns to see Danielson in the middle of the ring, his hand extended. Sydal hesitates for a moment, worry still on his face, as he steps up and shakes Danielson’s hand to a very sportsman-supporting pop. As the two shake hands, we can make out Danielson telling Sydal something with his lips.

“It’s just you and me then, okay?"

With the honor code and concern out of the way, both men begin circling one another and initiate a tight collar-and-elbow tie up that Sydal gets the advantage on, wrenching Danielson with a headlock. Danielson quickly finds his way out of it, wrenching Sydal’s wrist and arm behind him into a hammerlock before reaching up and pulling Sydal in for a headlock of his own. Matt uses this to back into the ropes, slinging Danielson across the ring and undoing the hold, but on the rebound, he’s SMACKED with a hard shoulder block.

Sydal goes down, only to see Danielson rebound off the ropes and for Sydal to lay flat so that he may keep running. Off of this second rebound, Sydal surprises Danielson by catching him in yet another headlock, but Danielson keeps his momentum going from off the ropes and spins while in Sydal’s possession…and turns it into a SPINNING BACK SUPLEX!! A very nifty counter there as Danielson sets up the first fall of the contest –

1…


2-NO!!

Sydal still has plenty life, throwing up his shoulder and using it to sling himself back to his feet. He gets back up only to see Danielson punt him in the gut and catch him in a front headlock, setting him up…PERFECT SUPLEX!! Danielson with another crisp move there, the Dragon floating over for a pin –

1…


2…NO!!

Again, Sydal won’t go down so easily. Danielson tugs Sydal back to his feet, again trapping him in a headlock, but once again Sydal uses the ropes to fling Danielson across the ring. On this rebound, Danielson attempts to perhaps CLOTHESLINE SYDAL, but Matt ducks it close to the ropes and sends Danielson OVER THE TOP ROPE…but he lands on the apron! Danielson delivers a hard right hand that knocks Sydal away, only for Matt to come right back with his own. Danielson delivers another hard right, only for Sydal to retaliate with a HIGH ROUNDHOUSE TO DANIELSON’S HEAD!!

Danielson is stupefied and surprised by the move, but he’s not knocked off the apron just yet. He’s dizzied and leaning, allowing Sydal to run and rebound off the opposite ropes to fling himself towards Danielson…and go for a RUNNING DROPKICK…but he stalls the kick in midair…AND INSTEAD HITS A STALLED LOW DROPKICK that takes Danielson’s legs from under him!! The independent veteran falls from his apron perch and cracks his jaw off of the ring apron! The champion is on the defensive now, trying to pick himself up off the outside, only for him to look up and see Danielson flying at him…SLINGSHOT HURRICANRANA!! THE PLANCHA HURRICANRANA CONNECTS!!

The crowd is steadily getting behind Sydal here, the winless cruiserweight pumping a minor fist before staying on Danielson. He takes the woozy Danielson now and slides him right back under the ropes and into the ring. The kid has a chance here, following Danielson into the ring and going for what could be a big cover –

1…


2…


NO!!

Danielson is dizzied, but he’s not knocked out, as he throws a shoulder up and brings himself back up to his feet. He meets a standing Sydal, who is ready to blitz him with SHOOT KICKS TO HIS SIDES!! Danielson is eating some of his own signature feet here, Bryan having to cover up a little big. Sydal looks to end his sequence with a big ROUNDHOUSE TO DANIELSON’S HEAD…NO!! Bryan catches the kick, but Sydal bounces off of his other leg…ENZEGUIRI…NO!!

Danielson dodges that one as well, sending Sydal flat on the canvas with Danielson in possession still of his other leg. Danielson quickly wraps that leg around his ankle, then securing the other leg and doing the same. Once those are locked in, he reaches over and grabs hold of both of Sydal’s arms, pulling him up to try and gain some backwards momentum…before both men roll back…SURFBOARD STRETCH!! SYDAL’S TRAPPED IN A DANIELSON SUBMISSION!!

Sydal is screaming in pain, his arms being wrenched behind him and his knees being torn from under him. The crowd is heating up, Sydal trying to find some way out of this. Referee Brian Hebner is asking Sydal if he wants to give up, the determinant young stud refusing to give in here, with or without his mentor. As Sydal stays in the game, we can see Danielson’s grip on his wrists start to climb up more towards his head…AND HE PULLS SYDAL’S HEAD INTO HIS CHEST!! SYDAL IS ALL KINDS OF CONTORTED HERE!!

The St. Louis native’s flexibility is used as a curse onto his existence here, as every fiber of his being is being contorted in ways the human body should never bend. Even more hurtful for Sydal is that he’s hanging upside down and staring in the direction; right at the spot that Billy Kidman would’ve been standing at, barking at him to keep going. As Sydal refuses to give up here and take the full brunt of the pain, he reaches in and starts prying the intense Danielson’s fingers off of his face, getting him to lossen the grip. He struggles, but expands his hands away, allowing Sydal to start PULLING HIS BODY UP WITH THE LEGS STILL WRAPPED in the surfboard. Almost as if he’s levitating a zombie rising out of the crave, Sydal is almost hovering above Danielson here until AmDrag lets go of the legs and causes Sydal to drop square on his knees.

Sydal is still on his knees when Danielson rolls to his feet, allowing for what could be an easy SHOOT ROUNDHOUSE position…but Sydal ducks it at the last second and causes Danielson to spin all the way around, opening up his back to his opponent, who catches him in a half nelson…HALF NELSON FLIP SLAM!! WOW!! A very impressive move from Sydal there, a safer variation of the half nelson driver, but nonetheless, gets a big pop from the surprised Louisville crowd. Sydal sees the chance, another big pin attempt coming –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

The champion Dragon hangs on! As impressive a move as it was, it doesn’t quite put the resilient Danielson away, Sydal trying to perhaps think of something to follow it up with. He takes a quick look towards his empty corner, wondering what Kidman would tell him, before venturing over to pick Danielson back up. Danielson gets a burst of life, retaliating with a surprising EUROPEAN UPPERCUT that has such veracity behind it, it knocks Sydal back into the ropes. He springs off of them, only to be greeted by a Danielson SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST!! The kick knocks Sydal back so hard, he goes careening into the ropes yet again, bouncing off and rebounding back towards Danielson…who nails him in the chest with a Leonidas-like THRUST KICK that sends Sydal backpedalling and shooting off the ropes in Irish whip fashion back at Danielson, who quickly scoops him up onto his shoulders…before dropping him with a SAMOAN DRIVER!! Danielson returns the favor by dropping Sydal on his head!! The pumped Danielson scoots over and hooks both of Sydal’s legs –

1…


2…


3-NO!!!

SYDAL STAYS ALIVE!! Amidst an onslaught of Dragon offense, Sydal stays in this thing! His entire body is pretty much limp, but he wants to stay in this thing! Big spots abound as the match approaches the seven minute mark, these cruiserweights trying their best to best each other. Danielson takes the battered Sydal and tries to pull him to his feet, struggling with the limp weight, but manages to get him up. He tosses Sydal into the opposite ropes, looking for something on the rebound…A SLEEPER HOLD!! Danielson really looks to wear Sydal down here!

If Sydal has any extra steam, Danielson wants to wrench it out of him, wrenching his head in the classic clutch. Sydal is fading rather quickly, but manages to gather himself after a few seconds and deliver a pair of blows to Danielson’s ribs. This loosens the grip, but doesn’t kill the hold until Sydal slips out from under him and crawls beneath Danielson’s legs. As Danielson stoops over to perhaps reach back for Sydal, Matt grabs Danielson’s wrists and yanks them forward, flipping Danielson over! Sydal then throws his body over Danielson’s, hooking him up in a NIFTY LUCHA LIBRE COVER –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

The well-traveled Danielson is able to unhook the hold, but no later than when he gets to his feet does Sydal charge at him once more, only to slip on through his legs again, this time with a SCHOOL BOY ROLL-UP –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Danielson torques out of the school boy…AND GOES FOR THE LEBELL…but Sydal performs a grounded summersault over his own head to wrench out of the hold, now taking reach of Danielson’s legs and getting him in a PRAWN HOLD –

1…


2…


NO!!!

Danielson throws his legs forward and tucks Sydal’s head in, turning the prawn hold into a SUNSET COVER FOR THE CHAMPION –

1…


2…


NO!!

Sydal rocks back, pinning Danielson beneath him with both legs hooked –

1…


2…


NO!!

AmDrag again shifts the teetertotter forward, pinning Sydal again with the SUNSET COVER –

1…


2…


NO!!

Sydal claps his thighs together and ends that cover, only for he and Danielson to rapidly roll back to their feet on opposite corners. Both men pony up and rush at each other, a physical game of joust coming…only for Sydal to hit a HURRICANRANA PIN!! Sydal uses Danielson’s momentum against him, as his shoulders go CRASHING against the canvas!! Sydal grips one leg and tries to grip the other –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

SYDAL ALMOST HAD IT!! If he had gripped both legs, maybe, just maybe, he’d be champion!! But we’ll never know, as Danielson groggily gets to his feet. Sydal wraps the dizzy champion in a front headlock, drifting on over by a second corner rope…pushing off…TORNADO DDT!! SYDAL NAILS THE TORNADO DDT!! DANIELSON’S HEAD IS DRIVEN INTO THE CANVAS!! Sydal can hardly believe what’s going on, and neither can Louisville, who are white hot for this underdog of underdogs.

Sydal looks determined…and then he takes a look over to where Kidman would be. His determined look is sustained as he goes on over to towards that spot, stepping through the ropes, but instead now going to climb the top turnbuckle. He gonna try for it. Danielson isn’t moving, the crowd is on their feet, and Sydal prepares his balance and stands up straight on the top rope, a cruiserweight towering over his champion as Kentucky roars – SHOOTING STAR PRESS…NOBODY HOME!! NO!! Danielson rolls out of the way at the last second!!

Sydal lands hard on his stomach, clutching it as he tries to recover. He brings himself up enough to be on his knees, but as Danielson shakes the cobwebs out of his head, he looks over to see Sydal in that position…and NAILS HIM IN THE CHEST WITH A SHOOT KICK!! Sydal’s body recoils violently, only for it to be shook again with a SECOND SHOOT KICK!! AND ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!! Sydal’s bones are losing more and more life with each hit, but when Danielson takes a step back and roars to prepare for the FINISHING KILLING ROUNDHOUSE…SYDAL DUCKS!!

Danielson spins all the way around, allowing Sydal to get him around his waist and push him forward off the ropes, going for a VICTORY ROLL…NO!! Danielson holds onto the ropes, forcing Sydal to roll back empty handed on his head and then back to his knees…AND THE FINISHING ROUNDHOUSE CRACKS OFF OF SYDAL’S SKULL!! DANIELSON FINISHES THE SEQUENCE ANYWAY!! Sydal drops like he’s been shot, completely lifeless, as Danielson drops over him now for a cover –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

SYDAL STAYS ALIVE!!! SYDAL IS STAYING ALIVE!! How is he going on? Regardless, the normally much softer Sydal is still in this thing to the surprise of many, most notably Danielson himself. Danielson takes the limp Sydal and wraps him up in a reverse cradle, before hoisting back…REGALPLEX!! REGALPLEX!! Sydal’s head is driven in the canvas as he’s flipped over, Danielson trying not to waste any time on this one –

1…


2…


3…


…NO!!

SYDAL ROLLS A SHOULDER!! BUT HOW?? But wait…LEBELL LOCK!! LEBELL LOCK!! DANIELSON GRABS AND WRAPS AROUND THE ARM SYDAL THREW UP ON THE KICKOUT!! The only life in Sydal’s body now is the one in his face, written in absolute agony. Sydal is screaming, clawing with his free hand, trying to find a way out of this when his entire body behind him won’t really move. Danielson is selling the intensity of the hold, trying with all his might to rear back and grit as the crowd loses their shit. Sydal is scrambling, trying to turn both men so he can get in good enough position to make it to a rope. He crawls closer and closer to one…but Danielson shifts his weight just a hair, completely stopping Sydal’s momentum. Sydal has to find another way, scriffing around with his legs…AND MANAGES TO HANG AN ANKLE ONTO A BOTTOM ROPE!!

Danielson respectfully lets go with no real shenanigans outside of a referee DQ three count, but he rolls away and watches as the battered kid tries his damndest to get back to his feet. We can almost see the pain in Danielson’s face. He’s a competitor, but it looks like he doesn’t want to keep breaking this kid down. Sydal painfully and groggily gets up and is leaning up against a corner. Danielson shakes off any emotional look he has and sees a vertical opponent, CHARGING AT THE CORNER…BOOT TO THE FACE FROM SYDAL!! Sydal counts with an unspectacular, but practical, blow to the face!

This sends Danielson reeling, making him back up quite a few steps to make sure all his teeth are in. As he does that, Sydal musters up his remaining strength and pulls himself up to the top rope, the crowd starting to get back on their feet. Danielson drifts back towards the corner, only to look up and see a FLYING SYDAL…FLYING DOUBLE KNEES!! THE FLYING DOUBLE KNEES!! Danielson is taken down hard! But that might’ve been all the wear that Sydal had left! Sydal hits the canvas hard on the high-risk move, not able to get up immediately.

It takes him a few seconds to lift himself off the canvas, but by that time, Danielson is starting to recover as well. The wobbly legged Sydal turns to see Danielson drunkenly getting up, turning around…and Sydal aims for a STUNNING SUPERKICK…NO!! Danielson catches the kick before it hits his face, spinning Sydal around and grabbing him in a rear waistlock, all in one smooth motion…AND NAILS A GERMAN SUPLEX!! But Danielson’s not done, rolling the hips and keeping the waistlock in…A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!! Danielson holds the bridge on this one, giving him a DOUBLE SUPLEX PIN on Sydal –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

WITH ALL HIS STRENGTH AND MIGHT, MATT SYDAL THRASHES FOR THE KICKOUT!! The crowd lets out a HUGE pop, Sydal using every last bit of strength he potentially had left to get out and keep going! Danielson is stunned, forced onto his bottom and looking at Sydal with happy disbelief. He looks up with a wry smile at Hebner, who only flashes two fingers. All AmDrag can do is shake his head and try not to snap.

Sydal, again, is crawling and trying to gain any kind of leverage he can to get back to his feet. He’s once again in the corner, using the ropes to pull his decimated body back to his feet. Once again, Danielson sees this and prepares himself, bullrushing Sydal once he gets vertical…EXPLODING CORNER DROPKICK!! Sydal doesn’t have the strength to muster out a counter this time, his entire body being forced to collide with the submission specialist before him. The crowd deflates as Danielson goes for yet another cover –

1…


2…


3—NO!!

This one isn’t as close as the previous ones, but the crows pops in amazement as Sydal just keeps on going. He refuses to give in. Danielson shakes his head once again, but he doesn’t have a smile this time. His frustration is mounting as he gets back to his feet, looking down at this dude with guts at his feet. Sydal is still stirring, possibly using everything he has in him to get to his feet...scratching, clawing…only to SLAP BRYAN DANIELSON IN THE FACE!!

The defiant, determined, and possibly angry Sydal makes Kentucky pop for him again! Sydal doesn’t have much strength left, Danielson taking the slap in stride, nodding his head at his challenger…before taking his doubled over opponent in his arms and hoisting him up…AND NAILS HIM WITH AN OVER THE SHOULDER POWERBOMB!! OH MY WORD!! DANIELSON DRIVES SYDAL DOWN WITH THE POWERBOMB!! There’s a deal of sorrow in Danielson’s eyes when he nails the move, although he’s still angry at the defiance. Sydal is folded like an accordion now, Danielson having to pause to perhaps ask himself if he’s doing the right thing, before laying Sydal flat –

1…


2…


3…


…NO!!!

MATT SYDAL KICKS OUT YET AGAIN!! HOW ON EARTH IS HE DOING THIS?? The will, the heart, no matter what it may be, it’s all Sydal can be running on by this point! He’s limp, possibly not even knowing who or where he is, but the Davis Arena is lighting up for this guy. Danielson is flat on the canvas as well, but not out of exhaustion; more along the lines of frustration and disbelief. He curls himself back up to let out a sigh, having to keep the match going. Sydal turns over as he does and tries his best to push himself back up, that taking a great amount of effort in itself. Danielson doubles him over yet again, putting him between his legs, and possibly going for a more definitive powerbomb here…hoists him up…SAMURAI DRIVER!! SAMURAI DRIVER!! THE CROWD POPS AS THE HUGE COUNTER FROM SYDAL DRIVES DANIELSON’S SKULL INTO THE CANVAS!!

Danielson is flatlined now, Sydal getting a burst of energy to flail back to his feet and roam back over to a corner. He uses all his might to start climbing to the top rope, struggling to do so before finally getting there with his back to the ring. It takes him another few seconds to turn back around towards the ring, the crowd still popping hard, trying to fuel this gutsy kid on. He finally turns around all the way, looking at Danielson below and prepares for another attempt at the SHOOTING STAR PRESS…NO!! Danielson springs to his feet, fueled by adrenaline, and jams the move by rushing to the top rope himself!!

Danielson and Sydal trade blows on the top rope, Sydal trying with all his might behind each hit…AND HE LANDS A HAYMAKER THAT SENDS DANIELSON CRASHING ALL THE WAY DOWN!! Danielson is lain flat out, Sydal now having to readjust himself with all of Kentucky, and perhaps the wrestling world, at his back. He sets up…leaps…THE BEAUTIFUL SHOOTING STAR PRESS…CONNECTS!! SYDAL CONNECTS!! MATT SYDAL HAS JUST NAILED THE REIGNING CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION WITH THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! The crowd loses their minds, but the absolutely decimated and destroyed Sydal can’t make the immediate cover! He’s clutching at his ribs, selling the collision, and all the abuse he’s taken comes to the forefront when one executes a high risk move. Sydal can barely move after the impact, but the crowd is still roaring, 3,000+ urging this never-say-die St. Louis kid to go for the big one, trying to muster him on. Sydal barely begins to stir, still clutching his ribs and crawling over from his elbow, closer…closer…slinging an arm over for the COVER –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!!!

DANIELSON ROLLS A SHOUDLER!! DANIELSON ROLLS A SHOULDER AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!! Oh my word! The crowd doesn’t know what to think now, as neither man is immediately able to recover, even after the kickout. All Danielson can do is try to bear the pain and sit back up, but all Sydal can do is lay flat on the canvas, his head turned to face the very spot that Kidman left earlier. He’s done everything he can. Now what else is he to do?

Danielson is back to his feet, his turn to lean on the ropes now for support, while Sydal has just enough guile left to push himself to a vertical base. Danielson charges at his challenger, but Sydal wraps up both of Danielson’s arms, perhaps going for the BACKSIDE PIN…but Danielson stops it, pulling on his side also going for a backside! Both men are pulling in an inverted double underhook tug of war! Sydal can’t have much left in him, but he’s got his teeth gritted and desperately trying to pull AmDrag over…but suddenly, Danielson lets go of the underhooks, which causes the still pulling Sydal to fall flat on the canvas! Danielson doesn’t miss a beat, for as soon as Sydal is flat on his stomach, he reaches down and flips…CATTLE MUTILATION!! CATTLE MUTLIATION CLOSE TO THE CENTER OF THE RING!!

They’re not quite in the center, but they’re close enough that Sydal can’t quite reach a rope with his leg! The crowd is buzzing tremendously, perhaps urging Sydal on, but perhaps cheering for Danielson to end this thing. Matt is holding on as best he can, no matter how much he screams in pain, he won’t tell Hebner he’s giving up. He tries to slide closer to the ring ropes, closer to the one thing that he has as hope…but as he stabs at the ropes with his toe, he can’t quite make it. Danielson clenches and holds the lock even tighter, the entire arena on it’s feet as these two struggle…


…………………………..

……………

………


…AND SYDAL GIVES UP!! HE FINALLY GIVES UP!!

Winner and STILL AOW Cruiserweight Champion: Bryan Danielson at (18:47)



The Champion breaks his bridge and lets go of Sydal’s arms. Matt doesn’t move much beyond pulling his arms in, while Danielson is handed his Cruiserweight gold. The crowd is cheering big for a decision, but Danielson doesn’t celebrate for too long, opting instead to make sure that Sydal is okay. Matt gets himself to his feet, but he’s visibly upset, disappointment written all over his face. Danielson, like earlier, approaches him and extends a hand, consoling him with another handshake. When that one is over, Danielson even goes so far as to grab Sydal’s wrist…and raise his hand alongside his own. Sydal is surprised at the gesture as well as the big ovation he receives, but he can’t help but wonder how proud Kidman would’ve been had he stuck around and we fade away…


~Backstage, interview area…



Torrie:
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, your OVW Heavyweight Champion – Eric Perez!

~The camera pans to our right to reveal an incredibly confident Perez, which gets a round of heat from the arena beyond the walls. He’s got his sunglasses on indoors and at night

Torrie:
Eric, you’ve had quite an eventful Offseason that’s about to be capped off by having to defend your title in a Fatal 4-Way match –

Perez:
Stop right there, mamacita. You mean I’m about to cap off my Offseason by successfully defending my OVW Heavyweight Championship against three sucka’s who don’t have a chance in the world.

Torrie:
Er…okay?

Perez:
Through all the ups and downs I’ve had since AOW got here, the one thing I’m gonna take away from this is simple. I’m on the big man’s side. Paul Heyman? He’s mi primo amigo. And when you got connections like that? You don’t have to do much. But because I’m just that much classier than everyone in OVW, and from what I’ve seen, AOW too, I’m gonna put forth my best effort anyway.

Torrie:
Some are saying your friendship with Heyman is the only reason you have a chance in this match after he reversed the decision made by Al Snow. What do you say to that?

~Perez SNATCHES off his own sunglasses

Perez:
Only reason? Only reason? How about three?
~Perez holds out his hand and raises a finger for each reason

Perez:
Puerto Rican Necktie. La Critical. And class. And a combination of all three spells only one thing, connections or not – that Eric Perez will STILL be OVW Heavyweight Champion.

~Perez looks incredibly smug after rattling off his finishers, walking away from the scene, but not before he puts a finger to Torrie’s chin in a quick flirtatious move on his way out. Torrie seems appalled as we fade away…


~Back to ringside…


Terry Boddle is in the ring and ready to get to his announcing duties, but he’s suddenly cut off by the sudden chime of the most ‘holier than thou’ music anyone can ever be interrupted by.

**HALLELUJAH CHORUS**

The signature portion of Handel’s “Messiah” piece bellows out to a universal groan from the Louisville crowd. Aaron “Idol” Sandow walks on through the curtain with his blue and white bathrobe-esque attire and a microphone in his hand, held delicately as if it were a wine glass. In his other dignified hand is…a viola case? Whatever instrument he may be holding comes alongside him as he charmingly struts is way down the ramp, his nose held high to all the jeers he’s receiving. He doesn’t step into the ring, beckoning the ring announcer to hold open the ring ropes. Boddle does the bidding, holding it open and allowing Sandow to step into the ring, much to the fans’ dismay.



Sandow:
Now I know what you all are expecting. But you’re not going to get it.

~Sandow fully steps into the ring, viola case in hand

Sandow:
You are all eagerly anticipating the OVW Championship match as we speak, yes?

~The crowd lets out a resounding “YES!!”

Sandow:
Well that is exactly what you won’t get.

~Sandow eats a whole round of heat

Sandow:
See, you cannot have an OVW Championship match showcasing the best talents that OVW has to offer without having me, Your Idol, Aaron Sandow.

~Sandow bows to an even greater round of heat

Sandow:
And unlike that barbariac ruffian Jay Bradley, I’m much more intelligent. I’m not going to storm the ring out of my frustrations and try to take down all four men at once. No, no. That is the epitomy of idiocy. Furthermore, I will conduct my own terms of protest, no matter how badly you people try to antagonize me.
~The crowd continues to antagonize him

Sandow:
But since I know many of you don’t possess anything past a sixth grade level intellect, “antagonize” means ‘make me look like the bad guy’.

~…and they continue

Sandow:
So instead of treating you all to the terrible decision making of Al Snow, I will openly boycott this contest on the grounds of intellectual protest. You will not see four undeserving savages ripping into each other for championships and entertainment.

~Big round of heat

Sandow:
Instead, you degenerates will be treated to the enlightenment of Johan Sebastian Bach on the viola. You’re welcome!


And the crowd just starts SHITTING on Sandow as he stands center stage and unhooks his viola case, taking out the extravagant instrument. He takes the bow out alongside it and smiles to himself as the crowd keeps bringing down an ungodly rain of heat. You almost can’t hear Bach’s D Minor Concerto being graciously played by the bearded academician. He goes on for almost thirty seconds of enlightened ignorant music to massive heat until we hear a sound we would’ve never thought to hear in the Offseason…



*SEXY BOY*



What the-?? Could it really be…? It is!! Shawn Michaels is in Louisville!! The Heart Break Kid is here!! The Davis arena completely does a 180 and belts out the loudest pop of the night for the arrival of the man himself!! San Antonio’s favorite son marches down the OVW aisle with some blue jeans, boots, and an HBK T-shirt. He’s got some noticeable stubble, but overall he looks much better than the last time we saw him. He smirks as he takes in his reaction before rolling into the ring with a microphone in hand. Sandow has stopped playing to stare Michaels down with intense ire


Sandow:
Who the devil do you think you are interrupting my Concerto??

~The crowd goes back to throwing heat. HBK’s smirk disappears for just a moment before he raises the mic to his lips

HBK:
Y’know, you seem like a really intelligent guy. So you should know who I am. I’m the Icon. The Main Event. The Showstopper. The Heart Break Kid – SHAWWWNN MICHAAEELS~!!

~HBK puts himself over to another HUGE ovation, but Sandow doesn’t look the least bit entertained

Sandow:
I know who you are, Mr. Michaels, but quite frankly, you are nothing but an uncultured heathen just like the rest of these ingrates for ruining my symphonic protest.

~Sandow can’t even finish his sentence without getting heat

HBK:
Woh, woh, woh, there, Socrates. Let’s just take a step back here. Maybe Shawn Michaels isn’t here to interrupt you. Maybe Shawn Michaels is here to, y’know, join you.

~Sandow is skeptical

Sandow:
You…wish to be enlightened?

HBK:
Yeah, sure, why not? I mean, it’s not like I’ve had the best of times in AOW. Maybe a little Concerto is what I need to see things clearly.

Sandow:
Ahh…Mr. Michaels! I had no idea you had so much intellectual aspiration! Ladies and gentlemen, Shawn Michaels, the man with the most degenerate reputation of all of you, can see the light! Why can’t any of you ignoramuses?

~Aaand once again, more heat on the intellectual

Sandow:
Should I begin again for you, Mr. Michaels?

HBK:
Indeed you can. But…just for one measure…you think I could play it?

~The crowd doesn’t completely know what to think about this , but Sandow just seems so delighted to have found an intellectual partner. A hammy smile graces his face as he actually hands the viola and bow over to HBK. Before Shawn lifts it to his chin to begin…he sets down the viola and grabs his microphone once more

HBK:
Y’know…I’ve had a lot of time to think this Offseason. And I’ve had a lot to think about. But if there’s two things you should know, Aaron Idol, about Shawn Michaels, it’s the two constants I’ve followed my entire career. One – always steal the show.

~The crowd pops at that one

HBK:
…and two – never let anyone else stop the show.

~We can see Michaels fake expression towards Sandow begin to fade, Sandow perhaps now getting it

HBK:
See, Aaron, as smart as you are, you haven’t been here as long as I have. Hell, no one here in this arena right now has been here as long as I have. Except maybe the Stinky Head Cheese Man himself, Al Snow.

~A small round of laughter for the reference to the OVW Commissioner

HBK:
But see Aaron, you’re stepping on my principles right now. You’re stopping this show so you can parade around with your big brain. That’s a sin to Shawn Michaels. And if I were a religious man – and we all know I’ve seen a pew or two – I have to do everything I can to help stop my fellow man from adhering to sins. Even if I have to do them in a…what was it you called me? A…“degenerate??

~And the entire crowd lights up and goes nuts. A small smirk graces Michaels’ face


HBK:
Even if I have to do them in a ‘degenerate’ way. So how about I end your cute little ‘protest’ in the only way I know how.

~Michaels reaches down and drops his microphone, only to pick the viola right back up in his free hand, the bow still in the other. However, when he stoops back up, he sees Sandow is much closer to him than he was initially. He then snatches the viola from Michaels’ hand

Sandow:
No, no. If I know Shawn Michaels like I know I do, you will do one of two things. A – hit me in the head with my grandfather’s viola, or –

~Sandow is cut off when the crowd popping for that option

Sandow:
Or B – try and kick me in the jaw.

~Sandow wryly smiles as the crowd POPS even louder for that idea

Sandow:
But if I have the instrument, you cannot do A, and if I remain close to you, you cannot do B. So I hope you’re ready for a front-row concert of the classics, Mr. Michaels.


Sandow goes to play his viola right in Michaels face…but then realizes he a microphone in his hands and now the bow. He realizes this too late, for when he reaches for the bow in Michaels’ hands…HBK takes the viola bow and rubs it against his crotch!! Degenerate indeed! Michaels doesn’t stop, treating the bow as if it were a towel and he’s drying off his man parts, Sandow absolutely disgusted and stepping away from Michaels. The crowd is losing their shit here, but before long Michaels just takes the bow and chunks it out of the ring, prompting the intellectual mastermind that is Sandow to turn at Michaels with a ‘what was that for’ look…only to eat SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! AARON SANDOW TASTES SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!

The crowd loses their freaking minds as “SEXY BOY” blares back out over the sound system. Michaels has a smartass smile all over his face, almost looking like he just stepped out of 1996 again. The Showstopper keeps the show rolling, rolling out the ring after he watches Sandow and his bathrobe roll all the way out as well. Michaels makes his way back up the aisle as jovial as when he arrived, but as both Romero and Miz point out, he will almost certainly have a very different outlook on things when Oblivion goes back on the airwaves and Heyman’s leniency with him will almost assuredly evaporate as we fade away…



***

A black screen. We don’t see anything until what sounds like Shawn Michaels speaks

Michaels:
In the beginning…God said ‘Let there be light’. And there was light.

The screen lights up with a light at the end of a dark tunnel

Michaels:
And God saw the light and that it was good. He separated the light from the darkness.

The silhouette of a man walks down a hallway. A side view reveals that this man is Shawn Michaels. As he walks, still pictures of Shawn Michaels as part of The Rockers come to life and play videos of matches.

Michaels:
He saw the light and that it was good…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of his “Sexy Boy” days before it too comes to life, standing alongside Sensational Sherri and stripping in the ring for no reason at all

Michaels:
But then there was the darkness…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of the Montreal Screwjob, the picture going in motion to have Michaels win

Michaels:
…and that is what man wishes to rid himself of.

Michaels stops walking now, freezing in front of a very hazy picture of what looks like him holding a world title

Michaels:
He wishes to always be in the light…

Michaels hangs his head before he keeps walking…

Michaels:
And that light…that spotlight…is what drives him. He was born in it.

HBK walks by a picture of his very first appearance in AOW, the picture becoming a video of a pumped up Shwostopper

Michaels:
But that light is what will drive him back to darkness…from ashes to ashes…

Another picture of HBK facing Chris Jericho back in December, Jericho pinning Michaels…

Michaels:
From dust…to dust…

A full-front shot of Michaels, who raises his head…only to smirk and look forward, the blood-red curtain right in front of him

Michaels:
How it is done…is how it shall be. Until the end of all time.

Michaels approaches the curtain, a raucous crowd being heard chanting “HBK!! HBK!!” Michaels now turns to the camera and speaks

Michaels:
But my time…will never be up!

Michaels pushes through the curtain and though we only get a back view of his way out, we can see him doing his entrance the crowd going nuts for a second before fading off…





~AOW PRESENTS~
ORIGINS & ENDINGS
*THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AOW*
~A FOUR HOUR PAY-PER-VIEW SPECTACULAR~

AUGUST 19th, 2008
Mellon Arena – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

***

~Back at ringside…


**CHRIS IS AWESOME**

With the ringside area now clear of any extra variables, the stage is set for what should be a wild match, the newest member of OVW being the first man down. Chris Hero receives a hero’s welcome indeed, as he bursts through the curtain and takes in his great reaction. He slowly walks to the ring with a small smirk on his face, his shoulders bouncing along with the rhythm of his entrance theme once he gets close to the ring. He then walks along the perimeter, slapping high fives before taking hold of one of the ropes and pulling himself in, the camera staying close up on his face to show him mouthing the words of his song. He points to himself whenever the song mentions “Chris Hero”, a small “HERO! HERO!” chant kicking up


**HELL IN SCOTLAND**


Hero’s hip hop theme is interrupted by the more traditional (if bagpipe assisted) theme of on “Mad Scot”, Drew Galloway. Galloway has his kilt on yet again and a stone face, but it gets softer the more he steps down the aisle, warming up the fans’ generous reaction. He doesn’t slap any fives, but he does roll in and play to the Davis Arena a little bit before taking off his kilt and staring daggers into Hero. Chris even goes as far as to challenge him to ‘get started right now’, but Galloway shakes a Mutambo finger at Hero and says ‘wait, newbie’.


**Y’ALL SOME BUSTAS**


A more grounded hip-hop beat greets us now, but it can only mean the arrival of one man – a guy who weighs as much, if not more, than the two men already in the ring combined. Brodus Murdoch pushes his gargantuan body through the curtain to a loud roar from the crowd; his awe-inspiring presence forcing Hero and Galloway to stop their trash talking completely and take notice. His slow galumph down the aisle only enhances his aura, not taking his eyes off the two men in the ring and his face not changing expressions at all. This man is a monster and he’s more than ready to be unleashed.


**LA CRITICA**


The tone of the entire place changes completely once the heel is actually introduced, OVW Champion Eric Perez looking just as he did a few minutes ago. His sunglasses hide his asshole eyes, but his lips are pursed into position to give that away anyway. He snatches his shades off halfway down the aisle, continually ignoring the arena for pelting him with a rain of heat, simply brushing off his shoulders and stepping into the ring. His confidence seems to take a bit of a dive when he steps in, however, as he nervously looks from man to man staring daggers at him before handing his OVW Championship over to the man in stripes.


~OVW Heavyweight Championship~
The Classiest Man in Puerto Rico Eric Perez(c) v.
The Mastodon Brodus Murdoch v.
The Mad Scot Drew Galloway v.
That Young Knockout Kid Chris Hero


All four men are in their corners looking around; each man expecting the other to make the first move. They all hold their fingers out tentatively, twitching in anticipation. Perez looks the most uneasy of the group, and rightfully so – everyone in the ring is slowly approaching his corner. His eyes dart from one face to the other…until GALLOWAY GOES FOR A PUNCH, but Perez dodges it, and forces Galloway to spin into the corner.

He starts laying into him now with hard right hands, but before he can do too much damage, Murdoch comes up behind him and nails him with a HEADBUTT TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD. This stuns him long enough to stumble right into the waiting arms of Chris Hero, who slings a pair of forearms to the side of his jaw. With the OVW Champion stunned, he’s picked up like he’s in a chair by Galloway, Hero, and Murdoch…and DUMPED UNCEREMONIALLY OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!

Perez flops away, leaving his three opponents remaining in the ring and the entire arena popping huge. Looking outside at their handiwork, Murdoch has a sick grin that’s shared by Galloway while Hero actually dusts off his hands. But not long after their brief moment of accord, Galloway and Hero, without so much as missing a beat, both SOCK Brodus in the face with a double dose of punches. They begin railing on him with repeat blows, trying to wear the big man down, backing him up against the ropes. They each clutch a wrist apiece and Irish whip him across the ring, only for the near 400lb beast slings back at them with a HUGE DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!! Both the Knockout Kid and Mad Scot whiplash the back of their head violently, with Hero being forced to roll out of the ring.

Galloway sticks around, on the other hand, and is now draws the wrath of Murdoch. Forced back to his feet, Murdoch bashes Galloway with another headbutt that forces him to take refuge in another corner. Murdoch stays on him and grabs hold of him, whipping him into the opposite corner and hits it so hard, he recoils out. Murdoch is right there waiting, lifting Galloway up and taking him down with a very Kane-esque SIDEWALK SLAM!! The gargantuan man makes an incredible impact on the canvas, Brodus with the first cover –

1…


2…


NO!!

Galloway won’t have his title dreams squished like he just was, rolling a big shoulder. Drew tries to get himself back to a vertical base, but Murdoch stays on him with a vicious club to his spine, stunting the Scot for a second. In this second, Murdoch takes Galloway up…and holds him up…before slamming him down with a BIG DELAYED SCOOP SLAM. Brodus follows this up by rushing and bouncing off the ropes and rebounds right back towards the downed Galloway…AND DROPS A MOMENTOUS, 300 LB ELBOW DROP!! Murdoch hooks a leg for another big man cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!!

Galloway keeps going! Even so, he’s clutching his chest from the meteor impact of that elbow drop, breathing somewhat heavily as he tries to get up. Brodus continues his domination, lifting Galloway across his chest…AND CHRIS HERO FLIES FROM THE TOP WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK!! The dropkick hits Galloway and causes him to fall right on top of Murdoch, resulting in his first cover, if inadvertent -

1…


2…


NO!!

Chris Hero recovers in time to knock Galloway off, realizing what he did. As he pulls Galloway off and away, Murdoch rolls away to the outside to recover from his impact. It’s now Hero and Galloway alone in the ring, Hero letting lose fire several hard right hands before whipping Galloway into the ropes. On the rebound, however, he hangs his head a little too low…and gets a KICK TO THE FACE FOR HIS TROUBLES!! He’s forced upright to tend to his possibly lost teeth, as Galloway backpedals and rebounds off the ropes again…and cracks Hero in the face with a RUNNING BACK ELBOW! Galloway drops down with his first intentional cover of the contest –

1…


2…


NO!!

Hero still has loads of life, getting back to his feet a little bit off balance. Galloway looks to take advantage of that, taking Hero and whipping him into the corner. Galloway then bulrushes the Ohio native, leaping up…RUNNING CORNER FOREARM…NOBODY HOME!! Drew smashes his arm against nothing as Hero moves out the way. Galloway is now propped up against the corner, Hero making room for him to pick up some speed…INSIDE ELBOW SMASH!!

Hero bashes an elbow against the side of Galloway’s neck. As he drifts out, Hero hoists him on his shoulders, looking for a fireman’s carry…SINGLE LEG DROPKICK FROM PEREZ!! PEREZ OUT OF NOWHERE!! This forces Hero to drop back with a semi-inadvertent Samoan drop, Galloway rolling under the bottom rope to the floor. Perez now takes the man who pinned him two weeks ago and covers –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Hero still has life! The OVW Champion reminds us why he is indeed the champ, bashing and stomping on Hero repeatedly, acting like a feral thug rather than a man with any kind of ‘class’. Louisville shits on him for this, which Perez responds to by blowing his nose in the crowd’s direction. Classy indeed. Perez starts stomping on Hero so hard that he’s forced to go up under the bottom rope to the apron. Hero stands up on the apron, only to have Perez continue beating him and even pulling him in for several knee strikes.

This softens up Hero enough for Perez to set him up and lift him up to SUPLEX HIM BACK INTO THE RING…but Hero twists his way out of it, landing safely on his feet back in the ring, behind Perez. He grabs him in a rear waistlock and bounces him off the ropes, rolling back, and has the VICTORY ROLL for his first cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Perez shoots his legs up and gets out of the pin, but as Hero is shot off of his body, he uses that momentum to run into the ropes. As Perez tries to get back up, he’s bent over as Hero rebounds…MAFIA KICK!! HERO KNOCKS PEREZ OUT WITH THE MAFIA KICK!! The angled big boot knocks Perez out cold! Hero drops down for a more definite cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Perez is able to throw up a shoulder! Hero pushes his hair out of his face, a bit pissed that that wasn’t the end. Before he can pick Perez up, however, Galloway bursts back into the ring and starts clubbing on Hero. Chris is forced to fight back, but he’s stunned hard when Galloway knees him through his gut. Hero doubles over and watches as Galloway rebounds off the ropes for a bigger move, only for him to be cut off at the pass by a DEVASTATING CLOTHESLINE FROM PEREZ!!

Perez absolutely beheads Galloway here, forcing him to roll back away from the action. Almost as soon as Perez turns back around towards Hero, the crowd is starting to buzz, and when Perez turns all the way around…DEATH BLOW ELBOW…NO!! Perez sees it coming at the last possible second, countering the move that pinned him last week by wrapping himself inside of Hero’s elbow, then wrapping underneath the other shoulder and getting him in the full nelson…but then Perez is suddenly grabbed from behind by Brodus Murdoch! The gargantuan Murdoch has enough strength to pop his hips and lift back…AND NAILS A GERMAN SUPLEX TO PEREZ WHILE PEREZ LANDS A FULL NELSON SUPLEX!! MY WORD!! The impressive avalanche has the whole arena rocking, as Hero is flung all the way across the ring and to the outside, while Murdoch covers the downed Perez –

1…


2…


3-NO!!!

PEREZ SUSTAINS LIFE!! Murdoch is furious with himself for not getting the win there, but he doesn’t have much time to, as he gets up and turns around to see a flying Drew Galloway…WITH A FLYING REVERSE ELBOW!! A +1 version of his usual elbow smash to down the big man, but he doesn’t have a chance to cover because Murdoch rolls too far away. Instead, Galloway turns his attention towards Perez, who is still knocked down and out. Galloway drags him back to his feet, double underhooks intact…LOOKING FOR THE SCOT SHOCK…but the crowd is buzzing, and not for the finishing move.

Galloway’s attention turns towards the entrance aisle, where he sees the catalyst of this dissention in his biggest rival, TYSON TARVER!! Tarver comes rushing into the ring, but Galloway is ready for him, dropping Perez so he can engage in a FULL-ON BRAWL WITH TYSON TARVER!! The Baddest Man and the Mad Scot are tearing into one another, sparing absolutely no punches. The twos brawling ignites the entire Davis Arena, popping their heads off, even when Galloway and Tarver go so hard, they FLOP THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!

The two intense brawlers just keep on brawling, none of their blows cheapening on the other. Tarver seems to be pulling away after a side knee strike, but Galloway fires right back with one of his own and a targeted right hand. Tarver retaliates with his own, but just when they’re about to pick up again, they look up to see…ERIC PEREZ FLYING OVER THE TOP TO THE OUTSIDE WITH A NO-HAND TOPE!! OH MY!! Perez breaking the ‘bigger man’ mold and for that matter, the traditional heel moveset, to take out the brawling rivals!

All three men are down on the outside and the crowd actually giving Perez is clean pops. Everyone has to shake the cobwebs out of their head and gets back to their feet, but no sooner than they do that do they all gather to look up and see Chris Hero now rushing and leaping…TOPE CON HERO!! TOPE CON HERO!! THE SUMMERSAULT TOPE TO THE FLOOR ON TOP OF ALL THREE MEN NOW!! All the participants and Tarver and collapse under the move, the crowd cheering even louder for this now. Everyone is downed yet again, not even Hero is good enough condition to stand immediately after hitting the big move.

But the crowd’s roaring becomes a buzz of interest once all four men start getting back to their feet, fists starting to pound against one another’s heads as they look to maybe try and make room. But even so, they appear to clutter right back together as the crowd’s buzzing gets all the more louder – and they look up and see why. BRODUS MURDOCH IS ON THE TOP ROPE. The fuck did he get there?? Whatever means the near 400lber used to get there will have to wait, as he’s not even on the top rope completely, one foot off. But the second the other one gets up there, everyone can only look up in terror as Brodus pushes off and leaps…AND SPLATS ON TOP OF EVERYONE ELSE!! A BIG SPLASH ON TOP OF FOUR MEN!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”

There are bodies lying everywhere, the crowd shouting the sermon of divine droppings, and sheer unpredictability at this point. Even more surprising is that on the move, everyone seems to have wound up okay other than a350+ pound monster dropping on them because they braced the fall so well. Nonetheless, Murdoch is the first man to stumble back to his feet, getting up to a big ovation, but he doesn’t pay it much mind.

He shakes the cobwebs out and picks up his rival now, Perez, and drills him in the spine before taking him and RAMMING HIM SPINE FIRST INTO THE JAGGED RING APRON!! Perez hollers in agony, Murdoch again not letting up and rolling Perez under the rope and following him into the ring. Perez uses his rolling momentum to roll all the way to a corner and use it to get to his feet, resting in said corner. This doesn’t work well in his favor, as Murdoch rushes right back after him and CRASHES INTO HIM WITH THE RUNNING HIP ATTACK!!

Perez doubles over and falls out of the corner. As he tries to get up, Murdoch reads him and looks to rebound off the ropes, perhaps going for the FALL OF HUMANITY…LOW SHOULDER BLOCK TO THE KNEE!! Perez shoots a low shoulder block that stops the big man in his tracks, rolling over himself and being forced to tend to his joint. Murdoch is barely able to get to a knee, only for Perez to grip him in a front headlock and rear back…SNAP DDT!! The brutal DDT drives the Mastodon’s head into the canvas and recoils it instantly! Perez with a title retaining cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Murdoch still has his head in things! Even so, he can only recover so far as getting on one knee, Perez arguing with Mahoney that he should count faster. After he does that, Perez looks down at his still ailing rival and rebounds off the ropes looking for an even harder hit, but Brodus suddenly springs up and nails the rebounding Puerto Rican with the MASSIVE BATTERING RAM HEADBUTT!! The impact causes Murdoch to drop back to a knee, stalling him for just a second, before he falls flat on top of the OVW Champion –

1…


2…


NO!!

Perez rolls a shoulder! Murdoch is getting an incensed look on his face, the monster in him coming out with each additional blow. Murdoch then takes his battered rival and drags him to a corner with him, tucking him under his arm as he climbs to the second rope. What’s he got on his mind? Murdoch then transfers Perez from his underarm…TO HIS SHOULDERS. Is a top rope Samoan drop on the way?? Murdoch is still trying to adjust him, but just when it looks like he may be ready, below him are both Drew Galloway and Chris Hero, entering back into the fray! They both deliver big blows to Murdoch’s lower back, stopping him…before each man takes on of Brodus’ legs and LIFTS HIM AWAY FROM THE CORNER, Perez still on his shoulders. By the strength of the two long-locked men in the contest, the near 500+lb package is being lifted away by a few steps…only for both men to drop back…AND LAND A DOUBLE ELECTRIC CHAIR/SUPER SAMOAN DROP DOMINO!! OHHH MY GAAAAD!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”

For the second time in this four way match, the crowd is chanting about how big a spot that is. And these are the developmental guys. Still being ‘green’ isn’t stopping any of these men from pulling out all the stops, once again, all four men being completely lain out, this time in the ring. The extra man from the last time this happened, Tyson Tarver, has since been led away from ringside and to the back, presumably. But the crowd keeps buzzing and cheering wildly as no man seems very close to a response for quite some time.

The first men to reach their feet are Hero and Galloway, understandably, as they start the second reset button of the match by firing back at one another with heavy blows. Galloway fires some fists, while Hero fires some forearms. Galloway manages to pull away, only to see if he can get Chris in a SNAP SUPLEX…but Hero warps his leg around Galloway’s jamming the move, only readjust and take Galloway up for a suplex of his own…CRASH LANDING!! THE ROLLING SUPLEX DOWNS THE SCOT!! Almost as soon as he hits the canvas, the Knockout Kid keeps up by jumping and hitting the DOUBLE FOOT STOMP and then seamlessly transitioning into a SENTON!! Hero reenacting a piece of he and Galloway’s encounter in the 6-Way, and it could end the 4-Way as he goes for a cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

It’s Eric Perez that dives in at the last second to break the pin!! Perez almost instantly falls back flat on the break, still feeling the effects of being at the top of big four man tower a moment ago. This still draws the ire of Hero, who takes Perez and whips him into the ropes. On the rebound, Perez is caught in a vicious ELBOW SMASH that forces him to reel back towards the ropes. This gives Hero all the room he needs to rush at the Puerto Rican Nightmare…only to be THROWN OVERHEAD WITH A BELLY-TO-BELLY…OVER THE TOP ROPE!! HERO IS SUPLEXED AND FLIPPED TO THE FLOOR!!

Incredible! Hero hits the padded outside with a sickening SPLAT! The OVW Champion really flashes his chops there, even drawing another round of big pops. Some are actually in disbelief at the throw; while perhaps some others are in disbelief that these guys in development are being allowed to do big spots like this. Nonetheless, Perez has some momentum behind him right now…but that’s stopped by a DREW GALLOWAY BIG BOOT to the side of the head! Perez falls back down hard and rolls under the bottom rope, joining Chris Hero on being downed on the outside.

Galloway has a growing look of ferocity on his face, slowly contorting into a snarl. He sees the recovering Murdoch now, who is trying to get back up on his feet, stuck on one knee. Galloway audibly snarls as he sees him, running at him, looking for a SECOND BIG BOOT…but Murdoch catches it…EXPLODER SUPLEX!! MURDOCH CHUNKS DREW OVER HIS HEAD!! The impressive big man suplex machine flashes his name by forcing the Scot to flop around, Murdoch still not completely able to make it to his feet either. He has to shake his head to get the cobwebs working again…crawling…pulling his big weight and covering Galloway, slowly hooking a leg –

1…


2…


3-SMACK!!

ERIC PEREZ SMASHES A CHAIR OFF OF MURDOCH’S GARGANTUAN SPINE!! PEREZ HAS A CHAIR!! Eric Perez, the hypocritical man of class, has taken full advantage of the reinstatement of his No DQ clause!! The crowd throws tremendous heat, but the thug-like Perez doesn’t let up, and SMASHES THE CHAIR OFF MURDOCH’S SPINE AGAIN!! AND AGAIN!! Murdoch has long rolled off of Galloway’s body, and now he’s just taking the worst of the punishment, eating a FOURTH AND FIFTH CHAIR SHOT!!

The snarling champion looks incredibly malicious as he turns to see his other opponent, who is trying to prop himself up in the corner. He sees Perez coming a mile away when he SWINGS AT HIS HEAD WITH THE CHAIR…but he stops him and grabs hold of the steel apparatus, kicking Galloway hard in the gut, doubling him over, and forcing him to let go of the chair. It’s Galloway’s turn to wield the weapon and he doesn’t waste any time, swinging and BASHING PEREZ OVER THE BACK!!

The OVW Champion falls over, body wrapped in pain, being forced onto all fours. But Galloway doesn’t let up, taking the chair up again…AND SMASHING IT OVER PEREZ’S SPINE ONCE AGAIN!! Galloway’s face is nearly inhuman, the Mad part of his Mad Scot character more than coming to light. He looks to maybe drop the chair, but he turns around to see Murdoch trying to get to his feet…only to CRACK A (protected) CHAIR SHOT TO MURDOCH’S HEAD!! THE BEAST GOES DOWN!! Galloway is truly going mad here, and even moreso when he sees Chris Hero up on the apron, trying to make his way back into the ring. Hero SPRINGBOARDS TOWARDS GALLOWAY…ONLY TO GET CRACKED IN THE FACE AS HE FLIES BY!! HERO KILLED IN MID-FLIGHT!!

Galloway ROARS in adrenaline, the crowd buzzing big, his Mad Scot aspects out in full force. He throws down the steel chair in the center of the ring, with bodies strung everywhere. Murdoch has rolled to the outside, while Hero has rolled all the way to the edge of the ring, leaving Scotsman to reach for and grab the OVW Champion himself in Eric Perez. He grabs Perez and underhooks the arms…RIGHT OVER THE CHAIR. The crowd is buzzing even more, knowing what could be coming…SCOT SHOCK ON THE STEEL CHAIR…NO!!

Perez twists out of the double underhooks, miraculously, pulling Galloway in on a short-arm pull and hoists him on his shoulders. As he pulls him up, the momentum of hoisting him that high pulls him close to the ropes…AND PEREZ DROPS GALLOWAY NECK FIRST ON THE TOP ROPE!! THE PUERTO RICAN NECKTIE!! Galloway’s body springs off, but his throat is potentially eroded, causing him to backpedal right back into the clutches of Perez, who lifts him from behind…and spins…LA CRITICA – RIGHT ON THE STEEL CHAIR!! SPINOUT POWERBOMB ON THE CHAIR!! The La Critica connects, drilling Galloway’s spine on the unforgiving steel! The crowd deflates as Perez scoots the chair from underneath his foe, covering him and hooking a leg, no one in sight to stop him –

1…


2…


3…!!!

Winner and STILL AOW Heavyweight Champion…ERIC PEREZ at (17:22)


Everyone is stunned at the action these four men produced, even if they’re throwing an incredible amount of heat at the outcome! Perez is handed his title, clutches it close to his chest, and rolls the fuck out of the ring, wanting nothing more to do with any of these guys. He rolls all the way to the floor before the ref picks up his arm and declares him the winner, bodies strung everywhere, and everyone still very much in awe at what these four men were allowed to do without even having been called up to the main roster. They could very well have stolen the show without actually having contracts. But for now in the developmental region, Eric Perez survives and remains your OVW Heavyweight Champion



~Backstage, locker room area…


Shawn Michaels is seen once again, a little bit of confidence in his step after keeping the show going after Sandow’s ‘protest’. He shakes hands with a backstage worker before he turns back around and is stopped by someone else to a huge pop from the crowd…



Christian:
I’ve been looking for you.

~The look in Christian’s eye is intense, but not nearly as bad as he was in Season 1

HBK:
I know. That’s why I came.

Christian:
So you did hear.

HBK:
What? You think I flew here all the way from San Antonio just to kick some newbie in the face? You think I’d leave my wife and kids and come back here, where Paul Heyman has me on puppet strings, just to say hi to the rookies? Of course I came here because I heard you were looking for me.

Christian:
Then you know my dilemma. I need your help, Shawn. The last time I felt like this, I was too proud. I refused to ask for help. I was lucky that it came anyway. So tell me, Shawn. As a guy who has been on top and seen what it’s like up there…how do you cope? What do you do? What do you do when being the best…means losing yourself…?

~Christian’s tone is still intense, but his eyes are virtually begging Michaels for an answer. Michaels looks back almost apologetically before he sterns up

HBK:
Christian…in about five minutes, you’re gonna face a guy out there who is more than happy to pin you for that title. A guy who has told you to not pity him and has made it very clear that he will stop at nothing to be where you are. Now I’m not gonna tell you what to do. I can’t do that. We’re two totally different people, you and I. But I’ll tell you what you can’t do. And it’s exactly what you’re doing now. And that’s let that doubt and that guilt run you.

~Cage looks on somberly

HBK:
Lock it up. Lock it all up. And don’t you dare let it blind you.

Christian:
Well if those are things I shouldn’t do…then what should I do?

HBK:
I wouldn’t tell you even if I wanted to. Y’know why? Because when I step back into a ring, my goal is gonna be to be the next guy to have a shot at you or whoever is holding that gold. So I won’t tell you how to be a better champion…because I wanna be the next champion.

~Cage’s look sterns up now

Christian:
Fair enough. Oh, and Shawn?

~Cage stops HBK as he prepares to walk away…holding a hand out

Christian:
I expect to see you as the next guy to face me for this title.

~Michaels looks down at Christian’s hand and has a wry smile with a dry chuckle

HBK:
How is a puppet supposed to win the Dynasty Tournament?

Christian:
I wouldn’t tell you that even if I wanted to.

~The ironic echo rings in Michaels ears for a moment as he closes his eyes and lets that sink in…before walking away without shaking Christian’s hand. Cage is left standing, no agreement, and perhaps no real answers from wrestling master of riddles himself as we fade away…



~Back at ringside…



CHRISTIAN | NOBLE


*Christian Cage v. Jamie Noble Video Package*

~Christian wins the AOW Championship by finally toppling Chris Jericho
~The new AOW World Champ addresses the entire Offseason roster
~Jamie Noble is highlighted, surviving the entirety of the Lucky 27 Battle
~Noble, despite all odds, makes Aero Star tap out to the Trailer Hitch, becoming #1 Contender
~Two weeks later, Cage and Noble go blow for blow and, shockingly, Noble forces Christian to a Time Limit Draw
~Focuses on how disgusted both men are for going thirty minutes and no victory, both doubt and disappointment prevalent for both men
~Jamie Noble is outraged in his exclusives interview, ordering for a rematch
~Christian, on the next Online Oblivion, confirms his doubt with being a worthy champion and the guilt of being champion
~Cage then challenges Noble to a rematch, this time, with no time limits
~Noble is more than happy to take the challenge, urging Cage to not feel any pity for him
~Final shots of the two matching up again, both men’s presence pushing the other to the brink

*End Package*



**A COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE**


The down home country theme strums out across the Davis Arena to a largely positive reaction, and a surprisingly large one at that. Jamie Noble literally bursts through the curtain, incredibly full of energy, more than pumped to get his second go at the rodeo with the AOW Champion. Noble’s “YEE-HAW”s are so loud, they’re audible over most of the arena (that or the camera mike is too close to him), the ******* Messiah getting amped up by the minute. He virtually springs up the steps and into the ring, bouncing off the ropes and playing to the crowd for a bit before he calms down just a tad and appears more focused, getting mentally prepared for the war ahead.


“GO!!”

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**



…and the Davis Arena GOES BALLISTIC for the entrance theme of the holder of the highest prize in AOW. It takes a moment or so for anyone to show up, but when Christian Cage pulls back the curtain and takes his steps, he’s greeted with another round of THUNDEROUS approval. However, unlike everyone else receiving an ovation tonight, Christian doesn’t acknowledge anything. His eyes look no different than the ones that just talked with Shawn Michaels. The intensity in them reminds us of his raving conspiracy theorist days, but they seem calmer. He makes a beeline for the ring – no playing to the crowd, no acknowledgments, no nothing.

He slides into the ring and unhooks the title from around his waist and makes his first gesture towards the crowd by holding it up in the air. Cage then holds the gold and leather in front of his face, looking at his reflection in the illustrious plate. He doesn’t like what he sees, but he does love his gold, giving it a kiss before handing it over to Ray Ramsey and wasting no time in heading to his corner.



AOW World Heavyweight Championship
*No Time Limit*
The Instant Classic Christian Cage
v.
Pitbull Jamie Noble


No sooner does the bell ring than Christian CHARGES ACROSS THE RING and RAMS NOBLE RIGHT INTO A RING CORNER!! Cage starts jamming his shoulder into Noble’s guts repeatedly, going at it like he’s on fire! The crowd has barely had any time to react or settle in, but they’re buzzing big for the aggressiveness. Christian finally stops his shoulder blocks and has Noble step out of the corner, gripping his midsection. Cage grabs one of Noble’s wrists and induces and Irish whip and on the rebound, takes Noble up then down with a BIG HIP TOSS!!

Noble lands right on his hip and lower back, but he’s obviously been caught completely off guard by Christian’s near unmatchable aggression here in the opening minutes. Could it be about what Michaels said? Could it be that he wants to end the match quickly? Whatever the case, Noble has to take a breather as he slips under the bottom rope and sits on the apron and tries to gather himself…but he’s DROPKICKED IN THE SPINE BY CHRISTIAN, forcing him to fall to the outside!

Noble flops to the floor, right back in a string of pain and tries to pick himself up. The crowd is still buzzing considerably, and when Noble finally is able to pick himself back up, we see why. Behind Jamie, Cage is setting up, grabbing the top rope, and leaping…PLANCHA!! THE VAULTING PRESS TO THE OUTSIDE TAKES NOBLE DOWN YET AGAIN!! Christian Cage is absolutely on FIRE, a high pace being set at an alarming rate!! The crowd is popping huge, but Christian isn’t so much interested in that right now, opting instead to pick Noble up and throw him back in the ring, quickly following behind and going for an early cover –

1…


2…


NO!!

Noble kicks out before Ramsey can start his windmill for the third count, still with lots of life, but has plenty to adapt to. He gets a start when Christian tries to lift him back to his feet, only for Noble to break the grip on his head and SMACK CHRISTIAN ACROSS THE FACE!! Cage, in his flurry-focused mind, is completely taken out of his element now, taken aback a few steps. Noble stands strong in the center of the ring, yelling at Christian -

“Look here, sumbitch – you gonna have to try harder than that!”

Noble, standing on his platform of refusing to be a ‘stepping stone’, lets Christian know that very upfront. Cage grimaces and steps right back towards Noble and gets right in his face, the two butting heads and joining right at the forehead. The crowd’s getting back into it, Christian and Noble now jawing at nose length. Christian then suddenly SHOVES Noble back so hard, he bounces off the ropes behind him and right back towards the champion, but Noble wraps himself around and catches Christian in a SCHOOL BOY –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Cage manages to throw his legs up, but no sooner than when he gets to his feet does Noble stay in hot pursuit and NAIL CHRISTIAN WITH A DROPKICK OF HIS OWN! Christian gets caught in a bad spot and flops through the middle ropes, being forced to the floor. He doesn’t land too badly, able to get back to his feet quickly while shaking the cobwebs out…only for Noble to come roaring towards him WITH AN AMBITIOUS SUICIDE DIVE!! NOBLE TAKES DOWN THE AOW CHAMPION!!

Noble now is holding nothing back! The ******* hero pounds the outside mat in excitement, but like Cage before him, doesn’t waste much more time. He takes Cage and dumps him back into the ring, scrambling follow suit…but Cage keeps rolling out of his reach, knowing what he’s going for. One veteran ahead of the other in a mental chess game there, but Noble doesn’t let up, going over to the ropes to try and tug Christian back towards the center of the ring. Cage opts instead to keep fighting and roll back onto the apron, forcing Noble to reach over the top rope and try to pull him back up. When he does, he gets the surprise of Christian BOUNCING HIS NECK OFF THE ROPES WITH A HOTSHOT!!

Christian pulling a little bit of a heel tactic there, but perhaps HBK’s speech hit him in more ways than one. The pragmatic maneuver allows Christian to hop back into things with the advantage again. Instead of hopping back into the ring, however, Cage ventures to the top rope and awaits for Noble to get to his feet…perhaps going for the big MISSILE DROPKICK early…NO!! Noble backs up as he gets up and drives an elbow right into one of Christian’s legs, straddling him on the top rope!

Noble plays to his throat a little bit, still selling the pain of Christian’s last move, but he now takes the AOW Champion and gets him in a front headlock. Could Noble be going for a SUPERPLEX here? It appears not, as he pulls Christian away and off the ropes, but then lifts him up for a suplex anyway…but then executes a NASTY DROP SUPLEX – WITH CHRISTIAN’S LEG FALLING INTO THE ROPES!! Noble’s picked a spot! The same knee he hit on the elbow is what he seems to be shooting for as Cage’s knee is thrown into those unforgiving wrapped cables!

Noble may be setting up the move that damn near won him the AOW Championship in his last match! And he’s not pulling any punches on it, holding onto the ropes as a brace to lay some boots into the very same targeted knee. Cage screams in pain and grips at his worked over joint, but Noble remains the pitbull and pries his legs open and starts DROPING INSIDE ELBOW DROPS to the same knee! Whereas Christian tried to up the pace, Noble wants to bring it down and drag this out. Noble drops one more elbow into the knee and holds onto it for a wrenching leg lock, tugging on Cage’s ankle and putting pressure on the targeted joint.

Noble wrenches on the leg like a vicious dog, tugging away and torqueing and damn near trying to tear his leg off. Cage yells in agony, but tries to kick Noble away with his free leg, finally able to catch a break and a weak spot when he DECKS Noble right in the temple with a flailing leg. Noble is finally forced off the Captain Charisma, but Cage obviously is unable to get right back to his feet. He gets vertical, but hops on one leg over to a corner to try and hold himself up, his back towards Noble. Jamie rushes on over to the corner where Christian stands, wrapping him in a rear waistlock and pulling away for a nice VICTORY ROLL –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Christian is forced to use his legs to push Noble off his body, possibly hurting the leg more, but he pushes off so hard that Noble goes flying off of him and actually RAMS HIS SHOULDER INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Noble’s left shoulder inadvertently hits the corner, quite possibly evening the odds a bit. As Noble grips his shoulder, his back is to Christian now, who gets to his feet, still somewhat limping, but sucks it up enough to lunge into the corner – and SMASH NOBLE WITH A CLOTHESLINE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!

Noble’s head now bounces off the corner, Cage still with his body pressed against Noble. Christian stays on Noble, but doing so to wrap his now tender shoulder around the ropes. When he’s got Noble set up, he delivers a pair of hard blows to Noble’s head to soften him up, only for Cage to shake some life into his bad leg. He rebounds off the opposite ropes and rushes back at Noble…AND DROPKICKS HIS ARM THAT’S TWISTED AROUND THE ROPES!! CHRISTIAN PLAYING NOBLE’S GAME NOW!! It’s Christian’s turn to seek and destroy, as Noble’s arm is unwrapped from the ropes and he thrashes to the floor in pure pain! Christian now pulls him away a bit and forces the bad shoulder to the canvas on a lateral press –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Noble is forced to raise his bad shoulder to continue the match! Cage knows that it’s gonna take more than that to keep him down, but any strain on that appendage is welcome. Christian tries to take the still grounded Noble and twist his arm back into a single-arm chicken wing, but Noble scurries out of that and grabs a rope before Christian can get a good grip on things. He escapes through the ropes and goes to the apron, very similar to what Christian did a moment ago. But Cage stays on his tail, grabbing Noble’s wrist and catching him in a hammerlock while Noble’s on the apron. Christian then maneuvers around a little and grabs at Noble’s neck and picks him up…then steps away from the ropes…AND HAS NOBLE OVER HIS SHOULDER WITH AN IMPRESSIVE HANGMAN’S HAMMERLOCK!!

Noble is being strung up by both his neck and his wrenched shoulder!! This thoroughly impressive move gets a pop of curiosity from the Davis Arena crowd, but from Jamie Noble, it gets choking sounds. Noble’s being choked out and his shoulder separated all in one move, while Cage bounces a few times to accentuate the pressure. Each time he bounces, however, he has to shake some life back into his loose knee. Noble is refusing to tap, but his cries of agony are going all over the arena. Noble then starts kicking his feet, potentially throwing Christian off balance and forcing him to packpedal. This motion gets the ropes closer to Noble so he can get his feet on them for the break…but Christian seems to have had enough. Just before Noble can swing his legs on the ropes, Cage gets a running start…AND COMES DOWN WITH A HAMMERLOCK NECKBREAKER!! WOW!! Cage floats over and grabs the shoulder –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

NOBLE STAYS ALIVE!! Once again he has to throw up the tender shoulder, but he won’t give up quite yet, despite that very impressive move. Noble has to roll over to a side to not leave his shoulder exposed, but Cage keeps on him and keeps his strategy of giving him no breathing room going. He tries to bring Noble to his feet, but while rising, the Pitbull manages to CLUB THE KNEE when he’s being forcefully raised, effectively doubling Cage over. Christian grabs the nearby rope to stay up, but Noble sees his opening and EXECUTES A PERFECT DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE KNEES!!

Cage is suddenly on the defensive, but he tries to spring up as best he can. When he tries this, he’s instead caught right by Noble and brought up…AND COMES CRASHING DOWN WITH THE SHIN BREAKER!! NOBLE KEEPS TARGETING THE SPOT!! Cage could damn near have to have his knee fixed after this, collapsing to the canvas and clutching his knee close to him. Noble is gathering lots of momentum here, seeing Cage go down and walking onto the apron…to go to the top rope? Noble in unusual territory for him, but he has an eye on Cage and that AOW Championship. Christian starts to try and get back to his feet, limping while doing so, only to look up and see…A JAMIE NOBLE FLYING CROSSBODY!! FLYING CROSSBODY FROM THE TOP ROPE!! Noble showing he’s throwing everything to the wind here –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Cage still has much life left in him, but as soon as he throws up a shoulder and tries to turn onto his stomach, Noble wraps around that shoulder, sits on his back, and grabs at his head…DRAGON SLEEPER!! NOBLE’S GOT THE DRAGON SLEEPER LOCKED IN!! He’s pulling back on it hard, Cage with nowhere to really go in the center of the ring! This may not be what was being worked towards, but if it can wear down the champ and possibly even force a submission, it works! Noble is pulling back farther and ordering Christian to tap out, Cage refusing to do so. Christian tries to pry off Cage’s hold, but the Pitbull keeps it locked in tight.

Christian has no choice here but to try and get to his feet to perhaps get out of this. He goes to a hip and slings his right leg back onto the canvas, trying to build the vertical base off his good leg. He slowly begins getting back to his feet, but Noble just won’t let go. He puts his entire weight on Christian’s back and forces him to carry him all the way up with him, the weight almost causing Christian’s bad knee to buckle underneath it. But Cage sustains on, the crowd popping huge as Christian is able to resiliently get back up, even with Noble on his spine.

Noble even wraps in some bodyscissors to pile it on, but Cage manages to get vertical and starts backpedaling…AND NOBLE’S SPINE SMASHES OFF THE CORNER…BUT HE KEEPS THE HOLD LOCKED IN!! Almost a perfect reenactment of their first match, Noble keeps his submission locked in despite Christian trying to ram him off!! The crowd reacts because they’ve seen this before, albeit with a different hold, but nonetheless, Noble drives Christian back to a knee and keeps the Dragon Sleeper in tight.

Cage also recognizes that he’s seen this before, but he has no other option than to drag himself back to his feet and packpedal again…AND FORCES NOBLE TO COLLIDE WITH THE RING POST AGAIN!! This time, instead of expecting Noble to fall, Cage takes advantage of the momentarily loosened grip and pulls on Noble, slinging him right over his shoulder and reversing their positions…INVERTED DDT DROP!! INVERTED DDT DROP!! Christian counters the sleeper into the drop! Cage if finally free, but before trying to get his breath back, he makes sure to sling his body onto Nobles for a cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

NOBLE KEEPS GOING!! Christian flops off of Noble’s body, now being the time to collect his breath. Even so, he’s slightly frustrated things will go on, knowing that the longer the match goes, the more it favors Noble. But he doesn’t plan on it going much longer, as he retreats over to a corner and crouches down, waiting for Noble to get back up. The move his bestie in that other company uses is on it’s way, Noble getting back to his feet…CHARGING FOR THE SPEAR…DROP TOEHOLD!! Christian lands flat on his face…AND IS CAUGHT ALMOST SEAMLESSLY IN THE TRAILER HITCH!! THE TRAILER HITCH IS LOCKED IN!!

The move that damn near cost Christian the AOW Championship in their last meeting shows up right here, Christian’s tweaked knee being thrust right into the spotlight!! Even more tender in that area than last time, there’s no way Christian can hold on as much as long! Christian tries to pull himself over to the ropes, but he can’t get very far without collapsing in pain. Noble is trying to push on his legs harder as Louisville is losing their minds, knowing that this was what Noble setup from the start. Christian’s face is twisted in torture as he reaches out in vain to the ropes, forcefully having to again drag he and Noble’s weight to try and get to the ropes…


…………………………..

……………

………


AND HE GETS THERE!! CAGE SLINGS AN ARM ONTO THE ROPES!! It takes a bit into the count for Noble to unhook the legs, but he’s got a frustrated look all over his face. Cage has to use the ropes to get back to his feet, venturing over to a corner once again to try and maintain himself. Like earlier, Noble rushes at him to try and capitalize…BACK KICK!! Christian saw him coming and doubles him over before springing onto the second rope…SPRINGBOARD SUNSET FLIP!! Cage has Noble where he wants him now –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Noble claps his knees together on Christian’s head to force him to let go, both men gathering themselves and getting back to their feet. Christian is slower still due to the knee, leading Noble to HOIST HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS…but Christian scrambles off, landing behind Jamie and catching him in the INVERTED DDT DROP…NO!! Noble gets out of that, grabbing Cage’s wrist and twisting out, pulling Cage in with the short arm right back onto his shoulders…DOUBLE KNEE GUTBUSTER!! CHRISTIAN’S RIBS COULD BE SHATTERED!! Noble could be closing in on the biggest win of his entire life –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

CHRISTIAN ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! The AOW Champion still has a ways to go if he’s going to be toppled for his gold! Noble realizes this, but pounds the mat anyway. He tries to bring Cage to his feet, only for Christian to twist his way out of that and grab Noble from behind…INVERTED FACELOCK BACKBRAKER!! Cage takes Noble’s vertebrae right over his knee! But he still feels the effects from the gutbuster, falling back to the canvas. He rolls under the bottom rope, starting to show lots of fatigue, and makes his way up to the top rope. Noble tends to his back before trying to get back vertical, trying to mask his pain and see Christian up top…AND HE FLOPS ONTO THE TOP ROPE, STRADDLING CHRISTIAN!!

Noble lowers the top and throws Christian’s balance all to hell and leaves him bent over and in pain on the top! Noble tries to get some breath back in him, venturing over to the hunched over Cage like he did in the opening minutes, but this time he doesn’t pull him off. He keeps him up top and gets him in a front headlock…ELEVATED DDT!! ELEVATED DDT!! CHRISTIAN’S HEAD IS ABSOLUTELY SPIKED INTO THE CANVAS!! The crowd lets out a loud “OOOOH” as Cage’s skull impales the ring on impact, a possible concussion, but also the potential winning fall coming as Noble covers, all of AOW counting along with Ramsey’s count –

1…


2…


3…!!!


NO!!!

CHRISTIAN THROWS UP A SHOULDER AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!! HOW DID HE DO THAT?? Christian could very well be knocked out cold and going on instinct, but somehow, this son of a Canadian bitch still has life left in him! Christian may not even know where he is, much less moved since the kickout, but this match will continue…much to Noble’s dismay. He looks even angrier now as he kicks at Christian to roll him over, then grabbing at his legs…LOOKING FOR THE TRAILER HITCH…NO!! Christian manages to roll away! Perhaps on autopilot, Cage rolls away from the finishing submission, only to have Noble charge right back after him…SPEAR!! SPEAR!! CHRISTIAN CUTS NOBLE OFF WITH THE SPEAR!! But Cage can’t shrug off the damage he’s taken in the last few minutes and now both men are sprawled out on the canvas! Ray Ramsey has no choice but to start the count…

…1!!



…2!!



…3!!



…4!!



…5!!



…6!!



…7!!



…8!!

Christian is the first man to stir and get back to his feet, still trying to play off the knee that was picked apart earlier. Noble is stirring, but he can’t quite come to on his own, Christian picking him up the rest of the way. Noble hammers a right hand across Christian’s face, only for Cage to hit back with one of his own. Noble hits him back with one more, Cage firing back with a kick to the midsection. Cage then shoves the bent over Noble between his legs and flips him up into a POWERBOMB POSITION…BEFORE MAKING IT A FACEBUSTER!! THE POWERBOMB TO FACEBUSTER!! OH MY!! Christian still has enough in him to do that, dropping Noble right on his face from up high and laying him flat out for the cover –

1…



2…



3…!!!



NO!!

NOBLE ROLLS A SHOULDER!! HE KICKS OUT!! HOW ON EARTH DID HE DO THAT?? The Pitbull, once again, shows just how much heart he has and how badly he wants to be on top of the world for the first time in his career. The crowd is popping huge as this just keeps on going, letting these men know just how much they appreciate both of their efforts. Even Christian, who we know appreciates the heart and effort of an opponent who won’t say die more than anyone, has to get to his knees and acknowledge what’s happening here. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t want it to end, however, as he gets back to his feet and spreads his arms open and positions himself behind Noble’s still downed body. Everyone knows what’s coming here, as Noble has to drunkenly pick himself up off the canvas…Christian pounces and gets the underhooks…coiling…UNPRETTIER!!





NO? Christian freezes once he’s got Noble all coiled up and ready to fall. He just…stops, mid move. Noble didn’t jam it. He just stopped it. That guilt Christian talked about before seems to be taking him here, not wanting to be the one to send Jamie Noble rolling all the way back down the mountain. That guilt and his doubt stop him from finishing it as the crowd buzzes, somewhat confused…only for Noble to come to as he pauses and squiggle out. Christian snaps back to reality to see Noble punting him in the gut…and getting two underhooks of his own…TIGER DRIVER!! TIGER DRIVER!! NOBLE NAILS THE TIGER DRIVER!! He keeps the cover as the entire arena counts with Ramsey’s swinging arm –

1…


2…


{Noble puts his feet on the ropes…!!}


3…!!!


NO!!!


CHRISTIAN THROWS HIS LEGS UP!! THE DOUBT DOESN’T FINISH CHRISTIAN!! It left him open and vulnerable, but it couldn’t put him away! Noble couldn’t put him away! What’s Jamie Noble got to do to become AOW Heavyweight Champion?? He’s asking himself that as the crowd buzzes for the matches continuation, Jamie with his fingers through his hair and getting angrier by the second. He could almost taste the title, desperate, but it was not to be. Christian hasn’t gotten up yet, Noble watching him in frustration as he rolls back onto his back…and Noble pounces now, grabbing Cage’s legs and trying to set him up…THE TRAILER HITCH…NO!!! Christian pulls him in before he can fuck up his legs even more, turning it into A SMALL PACKAGE –

1…


2…


3…NO!!!

Noble undoes the package at the last second! Both men must be exhausted, but they’re not showing the other much of it, as they both try and spring to their feet. Noble is faster, while Christian’s damage to his leg comes back to light when he tries to get up. Noble charges back at Christian for more offense, but Christian catches him…ONE-MAN FLAPJACK…THAT SENDS NOBLE’S LEFT SHOULDER INTO THE STEEL RING POST!!

Cage’s flapjack guides Noble right into the corner and SLAMS his tender shoulder right into the post! Noble thrashes in pain in the corner, his shoulder quite possible being hit right out of its socket. He tries to get back to his feet and continue, but Cage is a step ahead, right behind him…grabbing the arms…coiling…UNPRETTIER!! UNPRETTIER CONNECTING!! No pauses, no hesitations, just the finishing move!! The crowd roars as the Instant Classic nails it, shooting the half and flipping Noble onto his back for the cover –

1…


2…


3…!!!


Here is your winner and STILL AOW World Heavyweight Champion…CHRISTIAN CAGE at (19:23)


And the crowd explodes with a HUGE FUCKING POP that nearly implodes the place. The crowd sort of overdoes it, but it sets a mood of another huge triumphant victory for the Man on the Moon, who pulls himself up from his knees to holds his AOW Championship pressed up against his chest. He’s euphoric, but it doesn’t seem like he’s celebrating completely. He musters a smile as he raises his hand in victory.

He looks behind him in the big moment of his retention to see Noble dragging himself to his feet. Christian looks back to his title…and back at his reflection. He then looks back to Noble before going over and asking for a microphone. The crowd continues buzzing as Noble finally gets vertical, the crowd giving him his own ovation. Cage looks at him and gives him a round of applause himself, only stopping when someone hands him the mike.


Christian:
Do you people see this? I want all of you to take a good look at what you see in front of you. Don’t cheer, don’t boo, don’t do or say anything except look at what’s in this ring right now.

~The crowd adheres to Christian’s prompt and stop making noise; his intensity magnified by him trying to catch his breath and his adrenaline possibly till pumping

Christian:
It wasn’t that long ago that I would’ve killed to have you people listen to me. I would’ve killed to have you people see what I had seen. But now I’m more than certain that finally we all share the same vision.

~Cage steps closer to the center ring

Christian:
There’s a reason why Art of War Wrestling has gotten off to the start it has. There’s a reason why each and every time guys step in this ring, they steal the show not just from one another, but from every other wrestling ring on this planet. There’s a reason why this title is the very pinnacle of our profession.

~Christian holds his gold up high and looks right at Jamie Noble, who has an arm wrapped around a rope to stay steady

Christian:
And that one reason…is because of guys like Jamie Noble. The reason why this company has done what it has and why this title means what it means is because this company, that locker room, is filled to the brim with the most devoted talent in the world. Guys who will do anything they can to take this title from me. Just like I did everything I could to get my hands on it.

~A pop from the crowd, acknowledging both men’s title efforts

Christian:
And no matter how I feel about whether I should hold this gold or not, it doesn’t matter. Because there’s always gonna be another guy in the back that’s just as hungry, if not hungrier. And I know the next time any of you see any action in this ring, it’ll be when each and every one of those hungry men are gonna be in the Dynasty Tournament to see who is gonna face me next. An entire army is gonna face off, one man at a time. And in those brackets, there are thirty-two Jamie Nobles who have the one goal of kicking my ass at all costs.

~Another pop for the put over of the roster, but even moreso for the Noble put over

Christian:
So I’ve got some things on my mind. So I’m not an invincible champion yet. So I may not be all the way back, but one thing is for certain – no matter who walks out of that Dynasty Tournament…I’ll be ready for you. I won’t go down easy. You can attest to that. All of you make this title important because of what you’ll do to get it. But I cement its importance by what I’ll do to keep it. And that’s a challenge to all of you.

~A buzz of intrigue, Christian looking around and even glancing at Noble, who nods his head in understanding

Christian:
What you all see before you is a new chapter in the making. One that will bring even more than what you’ve seen before. So thank you, Louisville, Kentucky, and all of OVW for making this our home away from home. But intermission is over. It’s time for us to head back to our own battleground. We got a whole new war to start.


And with that, Cage drops the microphone to another enormous ovation. Noble is seen applauding himself before stepping out between the ropes and making his way back up, leaving Christian as the lone man in the ring to take in the reaction. He acknowledges it this time, patting his chest twice and then holding the gold high. He doesn’t point to the crowd, instead, pointing up the aisle where Jamie Noble is just now disappearing. The final image of the AOW Offseason is that which we ended last season, but this time, the Davis Arena is on their feet not for just one man, but chanting in unison for an entire company that’s just getting started –

“AOW!! AOW!! AOW!! AOW!!”

Fade…

To…

Black…
 
#259 ·
So I FINALLY have caught up on this thread and I must say in one word it is 'PERFECT' I truly looked forward to reading each show. I love the character development and the way that the news compliments each show. I sometimes find myself forgetting that this federation doesn't actually exist as I try to keep up with the history of it. Keep up the amazing work and I can't wait for season 2.
 
#260 ·
Nope. It's not dead. And neither am I. Just lots of school shit getting all up in my grill. That being said, I'm still more than ready to kick this thing right back up because I wanna get to my next Supershow by the end of the year. Plus, with all these oldies coming back to life, I figured I'd throw my hat out there and say 'hey, I'm here too'.

So here's a big post with some news, notes, AND a scantly-clad preview because they irritate me



The Informer said:
~The trial for the Antonio Banks/MVP ordeal has finally gone through with results not too pleasing for AOW. With the WWE’s policy on these things more or less being ‘don’t acknowledge a smaller company’, AOW nor FX are having to pay any real large sum of money. Regarding Banks himself, it was ruled that the MVP/Antonio Banks character CANNOT compete on-screen for 90 days in fulfillment of the WWE’s ‘no competition clause’. Normally, this is not taken out when Superstars opt out (see Kurt Angle) or their contract expires without resigning (see RVD), but it was determined that even while Banks was technically out of contract when he showed up on Oblivion, his contractual duties were not completed until two days afterwards.

~Needless to say, this potentially puts a huge wrench into AOW’s plans, especially regarding the mid-card, upper mid-card, and main event scenes. With what they had to do to get Banks in the company, one would imagine that the company had high hopes for Banks and were going to push his character quite significantly, but this almost definitely changes things. Whether or not AOW will look for a loophole in this like they did in the Offseason is yet to be determined.

~There’s no word on FX and its sponsors cutting any additional funding from AOW for this stunt, but one would imagine they would be much more careful and perhaps investigate any similar signings if AOW even does anything similar like this ever again.

~In terms of preliminary buyrates for The Outer Limits, the show has undisputedly been the best-selling PPV in the company’s young history, almost doubling the buys from World Ablaze. This could be skewed, however, in that The Outer Limits was the first PPV to be broadcast internationally as well as domestically, but nevertheless, this is big news for the company. More definitive numbers will be passed along as we get them.

~As far as the Offseason goes, there are no numbers right now on how many viewers actually logged on to watch the Online Oblivion streamings, but based on the notion that the site’s servers had to be updated between the first and second episodes, it may turn out to be a solid turnout. The expectation was just that of 1/4th of their regular audience would stream the episodes.

~In developmental news, officials have learned that five more men will be joining the OVW ranks on developmental contracts – Stu Bennett, Benjamin Satterly (otherwise known as PAC), Jimmy & Jay Uso, and in confirmation of what we discussed earlier, Claudio Castagnoli. Bennett and PAC are both English-born wrestlers, the Usos are the twin sons of former WWE star Rikishi (who had an earlier affiliation with AOW), while Castagnoli is the latest to be gone from the ROH roster, following in the footsteps of his tag team partner, Chris Hero. We’ve been told other names have been approached and discussed, Chris Sabin being the main one thrown around, while Colt Cabana’s name has been coming up with the success of CM Punk being a big point. Brock Lesnar is another name that’s been on the block for some time now, but even though AOW seems to contact Lesnar almost monthly, he has yet to accept any kind of affiliation with the company. It seems like Mick Foley’s premonition of a growing roster but no growing timeslot seems to be coming true.

~As far as people already on the roster, we’ve already noted Lance Storm’s options, who we’re being told won’t be with the company much past the Dynasty Tournament. While Bobby Lashley is still recovering from shoulder surgery, there is currently no timetable for his return. While initially not anyone in the company’s favorite, Lashley seems to have grown on several people given the work he’s put on since being in the company. On the other hand, Chris Masters is recovering from his pectoral injury quicker than expected and Gregory Helms’ neck troubles aren’t as dire as first reported. How the company deals with these leavings and injuries could be a point of great interest in Season 2

~As seen in the developmental Offseason, AOW has a ton of faith in their youth core, best displayed with the OVW Championship match damn near stealing the show at the Finale Supershow. The OVW Heavyweight Championship has always been an indicator for who is going to be called up sooner, so fully expect to see Eric Perez to be one of the first call-ups of the new season, as well as Alex Riley. No word on if the entire Varsity Squad will follow Riley to the main stage. With Castagnoli’s confirmed signing, one would have to wonder if or when the Kings of Wrestling might finally show up on mainstream wrestling.

Until next time, this has been The Informer...

Now here's some rule clarifications and Exclusives...


aohdubya.com said:
~AOW Dynasty Tournament Set-Up and Rules~

-32 men = 31 total matches
-Single-Elimination style
-The Dynasty Tournament is based on a Warrior’s Honor System, meaning that tag team, stable, and alliance members (especially if both/all are competing in the Tournament as well) are encouraged to not accompany one another to ringside. Managers are acceptable.
-Quarter, Semi, and Finals will be held at Rise of a Dynasty

Special Rules

~Round 1~
Individuals draw numbers at random, 1-16. Matching numbers face one another in that order.
Matches have a 10 minute time limit

~Round 2~
Brackets are re-randomized, still no one knowing who they will face
Matches have a 15 minute time limit

~Quarter, Semi, & Finals~
To be held at the Rise of a Dynasty Supershow on July 2nd
Brackets announced beforehand
No time limit


aohdubya.com Exclusives Return for Season II!!


We’re brought to what looks like a hallway in the Hammerstein, Paul Heyman struggling to roll himself out of a door. He closes it behind him, but no sooner does it slam shut, Antonio Banks gets in his face with the slip of paper he’s been whoring around for two and a half months

Banks:
Read it and weep, homeboy.

Heyman:
What is this? Who let you in this building?

Banks:
This is our place, Mr. Heyman. I’m pretty sure anyone can walk up in here.

Heyman:
Actually, anyone but you can walk up in here at this point in time.
~Banks takes off his sunglasses in confusion and possibly anger

Banks:
Watchu on about, Heyman?

Heyman:
I’m saying do you know how much trouble I’m in because you’re here?? The whole company has suffered because of your whole ‘The Man is keeping me down’ thing.

Banks:
Oh so you don’t think The Man is keeping me down…?

Heyman:
I never said that. I just said the way you’re going about it is getting us in a great deal of hot water.

Banks:
Hot water, huh? Well maybe this’ll just stir the pot.
~Banks again holds up the petition papers

Banks:
Here. These are the signatures of 105 enraged Black Americans who want me to get my rematch for the Dynasty Championship. I went to all the streets of New York and did everything I could to make sure I got these names. Now you gonna listen to the voice of my people, you understand, Pauly?
~Banks is now all up in Heyman’s face. Heyman is unmoved

Heyman:
I don’t care what color you are. I will no longer be intimidated into making decisions that are not best for this company. I am Paul Heyman, the Commander in Chief of Art of War Wrestling. I call the shots. I tell the cannons to fire, I tell them to stop. I tell the generals where to stand and where to blitz. I tell the soldiers where to fight and where to retreat. And I will not be swayed by a horde of people you’ve riled up and played basketball with to give you what you do not deserve.
~Banks is also not moving

Banks:
I deserve everything because men like you don’t wanna give men like me a damn thing. You know what? I should’ve seen this coming. The Black man works his ass off and the big White man in charge just brushes him off. So whatchu gon’ do then? Huh, Pauly?

Heyman:
Easy. For trying to push something on me that is not in the best interest of this company as well as threatening me and accusing me of racial slander, Antonio Banks, I hereby SUSPEND you indefinitely.
~Banks flings his arms up, his petition papers flying, and his hands going back into his cornrows

Banks:
SUSPEND ME?? SUSPEND ME?? What the hell?!? I did everything right and you –

Heyman:
…but
~On a dime, Banks suddenly calms down

Banks:
…but…?

Heyman:
But I will not run you off the premises nor ban you from the arena. I like you, Antonio, and I jumped through a lot of hoops to get you here. The only thing I will suspend you from is in-ring competition.

Banks:
But…but that means I’m still not gettin’ my title shot and I can’t be in the Dynasty Tournament! What the hell am I supposed to do??

Heyman:
Not my problem, homeboy.
~Heyman rolls on by Banks, who is too stunned to even make a motion that many do of threatening a wheelchaired man, just standing with his mouth open as we fade away…


Backstage, the Finale Supershow. Matt Sydal is holding his neck and being flanked by a referee, who he assures that he is well. Sydal looks up and sees Billy Kidman just standing in the hall, almost completely forgetting his physical pain and tapping into perhaps the emotional one that just had to deal with

Sydal:
So. You’re standing here when you could’ve been standing out there.

Kidman:
If I had been standing out there, it ‘d have been a lie.

Sydal:
What kind of line is that, huh? You’ve been standing right there beside me for months now, coaching me, telling me what I need to do. And the one moment of my entire career where I needed you more than life itself…you just up and walked out. What lie would it have been to have just stayed there…?

Kidman:
You don’t get it, do you? I fully support you in everything. Even tonight. But if I stood out there tonight, it would’ve said I was okay with it.

Sydal:
I don’t…I don’t understand. You groomed me to get that shot and you’re saying it’s not okay that I got it?

Kidman:
No. I’m grooming you to be a winner. Guess what you haven’t done? Won. You haven’t won anything at all. And yet out of the blue, here you get a title shot. You know how much I had to work in my day to even sniff a title, much less even get a shot? I love you, kid. And I’ll always love you. But you didn’t deserve anything near that shot.
~Sydal looks hurt and confused

Sydal:
So with all the work I put in…you’re saying I didn’t deserve any of it…?

Kidman:
It ain’t just about work rate, kid. It’s about who works. And right now, you’re working hard…but you’re not working.
~Sydal is now just looking straight hurt

Sydal:
…I understand. I think I might need to find a new coach.
~Kidman now looks hurt

Kidman:
Look, Matt, you don’t need to do that. This isn’t about me, it’s about what you need to do. It’s something entirely different.

Sydal:
It might. But I might not take advice from someone I don’t have faith in if they don’t have faith in me.
~Sydal grips back at his neck and stares a hole through Kidman as he turns away. The camera focuses on Kidman, who looks like he just lost a son as we fade away…


We’re brought to the image that looks like Brent Albright carrying a pair of bags and setting them into the locker room of a building, most likely the Hammerstein. As soon as Albright sets them down, he’s greeted with a pat on the shoulder by his own mentor, Paul Burchill

Burchill:
Good job, mate.
~Albright nods a head as Burchill looks at him

Burchill:
Y’know, we’ve been at this a while. And I just kinda wanted to say you’ve become like a brother to me, Albright.
~Burchill holds out an open hand, Albright somewhat taken aback by the proposition

Albright:
Thank you, Burch.
~The two shake hands assuredly before Burchill pulls him in and the two share sort of a hug. Albright smiles once they separate

Burchill:
Now savor that because it’s the only one you’re gonna get for a while.
~Albright’s smile fades and nods his head. Before the two can continue, however, they are greeted by William Regal walking into frame, the AOW Trios Tournament Trophy in his hands

Regal:
Gentlemen, we are one unit. This silver accolade is the display of that. But we almost do not need it because we know there’s no one on this roster who is even on our level.
~He sets the trophy in front of them and puts his arms around both men on their shoulders

Regal:
And we can only make more money from here.
~All three men smile sinisterly before Albright puts a fist in front of him

Albright:
Civil first.
~Burchill puts his fist next to Albright’s

Burchill:
Savages second.
~Regal now puts a fist forward before opening it and putting it on both fists

Regal:
But duty above all.
~The three look at each other smiling all the more sinister as we fade away on this merciless bond…

The screen suddenly distorts and twists into a mess of colors, almost like a hallucination, before turning solid once again and showing us the dark, damp room we last saw Chris Jericho in from his last terrifying appearance. He sits in the same way, same spot, the shadows covering his entire entity with the exception of his left eye, which has an even stronger madness ring to it, his words echoing

Jericho:
They tried to kill a god once…once
~The screen momentarily distorts before coming back up closer to his shadowed face

Jericho:
It was tried once…once…but he didn’t die. He just fell from the heavens…and to this day rules a different domain…main
~The echoes are getting more demonic

Jericho:
And from that underworld…world…that he now ruled, he became a god of his own realm…realm. Being cast out did not kill him…it just made him stronger…stronger
~The screen distorts all kinds of funny, loud screeching noises being heard before suddenly SNAPPING on an extreme close up of Jericho’s face and his eye, looking as mad as its ever been

Jericho:
There’s more than one way to rule the world.

…world…
…world…
…world…


BLACK


June 4th, 2008

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Don’t Call it a Comeback”


!!SPECIAL 2-HOUR SEASON II PREMIERE!!

.:Confirmed for Oblivion:.

~TEN, yes, TEN Opening Round matches of the 2008 Dynasty Tournament
~The chaotic vibe of the Dynasty Tournament shows, as no one knows who will show up and who will face who
~Christian Cage makes his first televised appearance as AOW World Heavyweight Champion
~Much, more in store!!

Slow pace, but I'll still keep it coming. Can't guarantee I'll be giving many threads looks, but I hope you enjoy the ride with me one more time. Hope all remain well until I can get this thing dusted. And don't hate me 'til then. You've got plenty of other stuff to read around here :eek:
 
#280 · (Edited)
**Crowd chanting “AOW!” signature**

We’re brought to what looks like a video promo set, soft strings playing over everything. A chair sits in the middle of some lighting equipment and a camera. A lull moment is followed by CM Punk walking into frame

This cuts seamlessly with Low Ki replacing Punk, he also preparing to take a seat and right before he sits down…

He is replaced by Shawn Michaels. Upon taking his seat, the camera angle shifts to a close-up view, being the viewpoint of the camera set up right in front of the sitting men.

Another smooth cut has Rey Mysterio adjusting his mask while looking into the camera…

Before changing right to an intimidating Samoa Joe, but as each man speaks, it cuts to their close-ups


Joe:
My name is Samoa Joe –

Finlay:
- Dave Finlay –

Haas:
My name is Charlie Haas –

Regal:
My name is William Regal. And the reason why I am going to be the winner of the 2008 –

Michaels:
- of the 2008 Dynasty Tournament –

Punk:
Is because I already hold a ‘Dynasty’.

Mysterio:
Because there’s more than you know beneath this mask.

Haas:
I’ll win because I just don’t know when to quit.

Joe:
Because no one’s been able to stop me yet.

A quick return shot of the side of Joe, who adjusts himself with a small smirk…

Joe:
I feel like a prick saying that.

…before returning to the front view

Joe:
No, I just mean that for the first ten months of AOW’s existence, no one’s been able to get on top of Samoa Joe for the one, two, three. No one’s dare made me submit. And I have loads of respect for everyone left on this bracket. But truth be told, I didn’t spend the entire Offseason getting even better just to get knocked out tonight. Not when no one’s done it yet. The One Man Army will become the ‘One Man Dynasty’.


Regal:
I come from the land of noble dynasties, and that’s from across the pool of this bloody raving establishment. This company, and for that matter, the AOW World title needs a little bit of civility. A little bit of…nobility. I have the class and the poise to make that happen. I’ve ordered that my accomplices, The Mercenaries, not help me at all tonight so I can show just how bountiful AOW’s future will be. Civil first, savage second…and a dynasty forever.


Haas:
They say that I’m stupid. That I’m incredibly rash and just downright dense for coming here tonight with just one arm. But let me remind all of you something – Charlie Haas is competitive to the bone. Even if that bone’s about to separate completely from it’s socket. I have the thirst to show how good I am and the stamina to get there and quench it. No one, not even my own handicaps, will stop me from winning this Tournament.


Ki:
Because even the smallest dogs in the fight don’t have to bark to let you know we can bite.


Punk:
I’m pretty confident. Hell, I might even be a little bit full of myself. But I don’t think I’d be a bit out of place if I said I’m pretty sure I can win this Tournament. Since day one, I said I wanted to be a professional wrestler. What better way to prove that than winning a tournament where I have to kill myself all in one night to prove I’m the best. Straight-edge or not, AOW needs (Punk holds up the Dynasty Championship) a champion as a dynasty.


Finlay:
I love to fight. It’s a night of fights. I’m built for it. And I’m ready to take that title shot I’ve deserved for a long, long time. Tough Irish bastards can make dynasties, too. That’s why I will win. (Looking past the camera lens) You ask me a stupid question like that again, and I’ll smash your little camera. Aye?


Mysterio:
I’ve spent a lot of time on the shelf. But I’m back and every joint of me is as good as it’s ever felt. And everyone knows Rey Mysterio will never go down without a fight, never go down without scratching and clawing with every bit of me. I have the legacy of this mask and the heritage of my people. I have too much to stand on to fall. Even if little guys aren’t supposed to fall very hard.


Michaels:
Do I need a reason? That ring is the only place I have freedom anymore. If I win, I’m still stuck. If I lose, I’m still stuck. So what’s a Heart Break Kid to do? Answer’s simple. And that’s go out there and live for every second I’m between those ropes. Do exactly what I’ve done for more than twenty years and that’s steal the show…and live while doing it. I’ll do anything to win this tournament. Because I think everyone knows what I’ll do for the AOW World Heavyweight Championship.

The strings stop, leaving a cold faced Shawn Michaels as the last thing we see as we cut away to black…

…and fade back to Samoa Joe


Joe:
Tonight, there will be –


Mysterio:
- there will be only one.


Punk:
- only one. We will all fight –


Finlay:
- we will all fight. Until there is –


Ki:
- until there is one definitive –


Haas:
- one definitive man standing. Tonight, you will see –


Regal:
- you will see and bear witness to the rise –


Michaels:
- the rise. Of the Showstopper.


Joe:
Of the One Man Army.


Punk:
Of a straight-edge saint.


Regal:
Of a noble mercenary.


Mysterio:
Of a proud mask.


Haas:
Of a determined athlete.


Finlay:
Of Irish blood.


Ki:
Tonight, you will see and bear witness. To the rise. Of a dynasty.

Low Ki is the last face we see as we fade away to a black screen…



AND NOW…ART OF WAR WRESTLING AND MAMAJUANA ENERGY PRESENT…A THREE HOUR SPECIAL SUPERSHOW – RISE OF A DYNASTY!!


We’re brought to a crowd of nearly 12.000, which is a good bit short of the MGM Grand Gardens seating capacity. Even so, every single one of them is on their feet and popping their heads off. As the camera pans around the famous Vegas arena, we can hear the crowd chanting “AOW!! AOW!! AOW!! AOW!!”

The rabid shouting meets up with the camera going by ringside to out ever-so-team playing commentary team


Joey Styles:
Welcome ladies and gentlemen, one and all, to AOW’s first ever show in the Pacific time zone! We’re here in the middle of the City of Sin, where we’ll be here for three hours to decide who will become the ‘one man dynasty’ at Rise of a Dynasty! Greetings all, I’m Joey Styles with my broadcast partner John “Bradshaw” Layfield.

JBL:
It’s gonna be a fight to the finish for sure, Joey! Eight guys left, an’ every single one of’em has proven that they can go the distance. I’m still stickin’ by Regal an’ Finlay an’ I even visited the bettin’ tables to show how sure I am they’re gonna win!

Joey Styles:
Don’t forget, we have a bet too, partner. This night is the biggest Supershow on the AOW calendar because this is a three-hour event that will give the winner the opportunity to face the AOW World Heavyweight Champion for a title match whenever they see fit! It could be next month at Origins & Endings, or it could even be at The Outer Limits II! Who knows, but right now, we’re going to head to Tony Chimel to get this incredible groundbreaking night off the ground.

Chimel:
The following contest is a Dynasty Championship Quarter-Final match!


**MISERE CANTARE**


And the crowd lets out a huge ovation! The first man to step through the curtain is the first man who stepped through the blood-red curtain for Season Two, and that’s CM PUNK. Punk steps to the familiar stage and stoops to a knee, his Dynasty Championship glistening in the light as he checks his watch…“IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!”

Chimel:
From Chicago, Illinois…he is the AOW Dynasty Champion…CEEE EEMM PUUNK!!

Joey Styles:
And here’s my number one pick for tonight, the cocky but devoted CM Punk! Being the Dynasty Champion has to put him up as one of the biggest favorites in this tournament has him –

JBL:
There’s nothin’ to this kid. He might be a favorite every other day of the week, but when he’s up against who he’s gonna be up against tonight, the little Huddle House cook doesn’t stand a chance.


**619 ESTA VIVO**


And now through the curtain comes the Biggest Little Man, REY MYSTERIO! Mysterio’s attire is very peculiar, as he’s wearing what looks like a purple full-body suit, very similar to his famous attire from Halloween Havoc 1997. He gets a very generous reaction and comes down the ramp playing to the crowd

Chimel:
And from San Diego, California…REEEY MYYYSTERRIOOOOOOO!!

Joey Styles:
Wearing something very similar to the same outfit he wore in this building just over ten years ago, I think Mysterio’s the biggest sleeper in this bracket. He was away for four and half months with a knee injury, but before he left, he established himself firmly in the running for the Dynasty Championship and when he came back, he showed he hadn’t lost a step.

JBL:
Oh dear lord it’s the little jumpin’ bean that retired me against that boring grease fire straight-edge enthusiast. I really wouldn’t mind if I just tuned out of this match.

Before anything gets started in the ring, Punk and Mysterio step to the center of the ring and shake hands, showing their respect for one another and the fighting spirit AOW and this night are going to be all about.

~Dynasty Tournament: Quarter Finals~
Dynasty Champion CM Punk
v.
Rey Mysterio


With the grand introductions out of the way and the handshake ceremonies along with them, Punk and Mysterio circle the ring, then conjoin in the center for a very brief collar tie. It’s brief because almost as soon as it’s locked in, Mysterio maneuvers his way behind Punk and pulls him in a SCHOOL BOY –

1…

2…

NO!!

Punk gets out of that relatively quickly, but as soon as he reaches his feet he’s met with a hard forearm by Rey. Mysterio reaches back for perhaps another blow, but Punk counters this one by wrapping his arms up with Mysterio’s and pulls him over for a BACKSIDE PIN –

1…

2…

NO!!

Mysterio rolls back to get out of the grip, both men at an early stalemate. Vegas appreciates the very quick opening pace and shows it with applause as JBL points out exactly why this is happening – both of these guys know it’s gonna be a long night. If they want to make it to the end, they have to keep their stamina – and what better way to keep it than win quickly?

Regardless of these very valid motives, both men are back at the start and are circling once again. They initiate another lock-up, except this time it’s Punk who slips out of it to get Mysterio with a SCHOOL BOY –

1…

2…

NO!!

Mysterio rolls out of that one as well, both men scurrying back to their feet. Mysterio greets Punk for his pinning practices by peppering him with CALF KICKS! Punk has to stoop over and tend to his thighs, only for Mysterio to take advantage of this and pull him in FOR A SMALL PACKAGE –

1…

2…

NO!!

Punk unbinds the package and gets back to his feet, greeting Mysterio with a HARD KICK TO THE GUT!! Rey sells it well with his small size, Punk now whipping Mysterio into the ropes. On the rebound, Mysterio is hurt even more as Punk sends him up…AND CRASHING DOWN WITH A FREE FALL DROP!! Rey might have broken ribs judging from the amount of air he got, but he’s pressed down by Punk so he can try another count –

1…

2…

NO!!

It’s going to take more than that to keep down the Biggest Little Man. Punk probably knows that, but no harm in trying, as Punk now takes Mysterio’s arm and locks him in a SEATED ARMBAR, sitting on top of Rey’s shoulder and pulling up, very similarly to a Fujiwara. Hoping to possibly wear the little one down, Punk cranks back on the nifty hold, only for Mysterio to repeatedly tell Mahoney that he isn’t quitting. Rey has to struggle some more, but he eventually has the strength to shift his hips and actually bring his legs around, wrapping them under Punk’s, and CATCHING HIM IN A CRADLE –

1…

2…

NO!!

Mysterio couldn’t catch Punk completely off there, but as the two unhook and get back to their feet, Punk immediately THORWS MYSTERIO ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR THE GTS…but Mysterio wiggles his way off, lands behind Punk, and hits him with a FRONT DROPKICK…THAT DRAPES PUNK ACROSS THE MIDDLE ROPES!! The crowd ignites for the early possibility here, Mysterio GOING FOR THE 619…SNAP SCOOP POWERSLAM!! Punk interrupts him on the rebound and immediately catches him again in another pin –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Mysterio still has lots of life in him! Punk, again, realizes this and tries to maybe grind some life out of him, so he locks in a sleeper hold. Even though things are at a fast pace, Punk seems to also know that that works in Rey’s favor, so he slows it down a bit by clamping it on and forcing Rey to do some work again.

The crowd tries to get behind Rey on this one, encouraging him to get back to his feet, which Rey does rather quickly. But he’s still locked in Punk’s grip, so he delivers a series of shots to Punk’s ribs to let it loose. As soon as Punk lets go of Rey’s head, Mysterio looks to run, but Punk actually grabs Mysterio by the neck and pants, spins around, and FLINGS HIM THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE TO THE FLOOR!! Somewhat of a heelish move there from Punk, using Mysterio’s desired momentum against him, but he doesn’t get much heat for it at all. Rey has to try and recover on the outside now, but he looks up to see Punk coming back at him through the ropes with a big SUICIDE DIVE!! PUNK WIPES OUT MYSTERIO!!

As odd as it is to see a bigger man hit a high-flying move on Rey Mysterio, Punk is going all out here!! The crowd gets back behind Punk for the big dive after the slightly heelish move, Punk getting back to his feet and pumping a fist. This gets a quick pop, Punk reaching down and picking up Rey’s carcass from the outside. We can audibly hear him say something to the Master of the 619 – “I’m not gonna let up, Rey!” Punk seems determined as all to win this match and this tournament, rolling Rey back inside and covering him –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Mysterio still has lots of life to give! Anyone can be more than certain that Mysterio wants to win this match come hell or high water as well! Punk takes the vigilant luchador and gives him a hard knee to the gut before whipping him into a corner. Punk prepares to charge and goes for the HIGH CORNER KNEE…NOBODY HOME!! Mysterio rushes out of the way at the last minute, leaving Punk awkward and off balance in the corner. Mysterio helps him out with that hitting a TRIANGLE DROPKICK THAT KNOCKS PUNK TUMBLING ALL THE WAY TO THE ARENA FLOOR!!

Mysterio shows he’s not above a sneaky shot too, the replays now showing Punk’s shoulder hit the ring apron hard on the way down. Punk has to recover, but so does Mysterio, who finally has some time to rest up from his earlier abuse. Rey Rey ventures to the top rope and looms over Punk as he gets to his feet before launching himself…AND SPLASHES ON TOP OF PUNK WITH A TOP ROPE PLANCHA, SANDWICHING HIM AGAINST THE GUARD RAILS!!

Almost like a top rope stinger splash, Punk is crunched between flying Mexican and iron rails! He stumbles away from the collision before falling on his face, while Mysterio is lain out as well, the move taking almost as much out of him. It’s Mysterio’s turn to ‘not let up’, but referee Goose Mahoney is getting to his count out duties –

…1!!



…2!!



…3!!

Mysterio bursts to life and takes the Dynasty Champion and thrusts him into the ring, climbing on up to the apron. Once there, he prepares himself and SPRINGBOARDS…WITH A LEG DROP!! MYSTERIO DROPS THE DIME!! He shoots the half and rolls Punk over, draping his body across his –

1…

2…

3…NO!!

PUNK THROWS UP A SHOULDER!! The Dynasty Champion is still in this, but the momentum has definitely shifted into Mysterio’s favor. Mysterio looks to take advantage of this by taking Punk’s arm and wrenches it around before folding back over and getting a MAGISTRAL CRADLE in order –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk is able to roll back and out of that move, but almost as soon as he gets back to his feet, he’s greeted by the sight of the San Diego native rushing at him and nailing the INVERTED BODYSCISSORS…and popping up…INTO THE BULLDOG!! THE WHEELBARROW BULLDOG CONNECTS!! Mysterio is absolutely on fire here as he covers again -

1…

2…

3…NO!!

PUNK KICKS OUT!! Punk kicks out so hard, he throws Rey a bit off of his body, prompting Mysterio to go back to the apron and await on the outskirts for Punk to get back up…only to hit him with a huge SPRINGBOARD SENTON!! Mysterio sits on Punk’s chest and hooks a leg –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk still has his arms under Mysterio and literally lifts him off of his body, forcing Rey to move if he doesn’t want to get lifted. Mysterio rushes off of Punk’s body and rebounds off the ropes, only for Punk to try and hit him with a COUNTER CLOTHESLINE, but Mysterio ducks it and keeps right on running. He springs off the second rope and goes high for the SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY…AND IT CONNECTS…NO?? PUNK ROLLS THROUGH!!

Punk rolls through the high-risk move and keeps Mysterio in his clutches…BEFORE THROWING HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS…GTS COMING…HURRICANRANA!! Mysterio turns it into a hurricanrana when Punk threw him up! Punk is foiled and lands…RIGHT ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!! The crowd is all kinds of amped now after that sequence, as Mysterio sees his chance and hits the rebound…CALLING THE 619…NO!! Punk gets up and forces Mysterio to spin all the way around and meet a PUNK ROUNDHOUSE!! THE MUAY THAI ROUNDHOUSE CONNECTS!! Punk now takes the dead weight of his Lucha opponent and pulls him away from the ropes, a big cover upcoming –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

MYSTERIO SOMEHOW HOLDS ON!! Punk thought he’d hit the big move, but alas, the defiant Mysterio fights on! Even so, Punk’s got the momentum and Vegas in his corner now, taking the limp body of Mysterio and getting the double underhooks…AND HITS THE DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER!! PUNK WARPS MYSTERIO’S SPINE AROUND HIS KNEE!! Punk takes Mysterio’s legs and stacks them, getting an outside cradle cover –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

MYSTERIO WILL NOT GO DOWN!! Punk has to backpedal and rest himself on some nearby ring ropes, as these two have been going at a very high pace for a while and neither man has had much time to rest, working themselves even quicker to exhaustion. Punk has to slap the hair out of his face as he recovers, the sweat on his face making it stick to him. After Punk thinks he’s gotten enough breaths, he approaches the still down Mysterio to pick him back up, but Rey pulls him in FOR ANOTHER SMALL PACKAGE –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk breaks out of the possum and both men get right back to their feet, but as soon as they do, Punk goes for a SECOND ROUNDHOUSE, only for Mysterio to duck underneath it and run right under it, rebounding off the ropes and whipping right back at Punk…TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!! Punk seems to be focusing on a target here, as he again puts bone in Rey’s back for another momentum stopping cover –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Rey, once again, will not go down without a fight! We can see Punk deliver a very wry smile, not entirely sure what to make of the little guy in the very first meeting between the two. Punk takes Rey and throws him so hard towards a corner, REY RECOILS OUT AS HIS BACK THIS POST!! Punk possibly still working over Rey’s back there, as Mysterio bolts to the canvas and grips his back. There’s no malicious intent, obviously, as Punk has let it be known that he’s not gonna ‘let up’.

He keeps to that oath when he picks up the downed Rey and flings him into the opposite corner, setting him there instead of throwing him so hard. Punk rushes at him…AND NAILS THE HIGH CORNER KNEE!! Punk grips Rey’s head and looks to charge forward, finishing it with the BULLDOG…NO!! Mysterio forces Punk backwards as he charges to the center, rolling him back with a NIFTY VICTORY ROLL –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk flings Mysterio’s body off of his own, sending the Biggest Little Man shooting towards another corner. As Punk tries to recuperate, Rey ventures to the top rope in one smooth move, his back towards the ring. Punk rushes at Rey in the corner, only to be too late and look up to see REY MYSTERIO NAILING THE STANDING CM PUNK WITH A BEAUTIFUL MOONSAULT!! Mysterio’s still got the high-flying chops and he’s flaunting them as he covers Punk again –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

PUNK ROLLS A SHOULDER AT THE LAST SECOND!! Both men are still down, as Punk has to claw back to his feet, while Mysterio has to take several seconds to tend to his back. Both men are very slow to rise to their feet, taking a lot out of each other already, but Punk looks to do more when he delivers a hard kick to Rey’s midsection. He then gets in the hammerlock and spins, looking for the PEPSI TWIST…NO!! Mysterio scissors the arm and takes Punk over, turning the Twist INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

Punk manages to escape at the very last minute and rolls backward, but the instant he hits his feet, Mysterio greets him with a vicious STEP UP ENZEGUIRI!! Punk is so stupefied by Mysterio’s swift feet, he’s spun around…AND FALLS RIGHT ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!! Mysterio again is slowed by his back, but he sees right were Punk is and hears the crowd start igniting all over again, Mysterio going for yet another 619 ATTEMPT…AND FOR A THIRD TIME HE MISSES!! Mysterio just can’t hit his finishing move here! But as soon as Rey turns back around, Punk tries to do what he did last time and hit the SURPRISE ROUNDHOUSE…BUT HE MISSES on his third try as well!!

As Mysterio ducks underneath the roundhouse, he goes back through the middle ropes to the apron, watching Punk as he spins himself silly on the missed kick. Rey calculates and grips at his back before springboarding at Punk…AND HITTING THE WEST COAST POP…NO!! HE CAN’T PULL PUNK OVER!! Punk catches Rey before he can spin Punk over, using his strength to hold onto him and force Rey up…into a powerbomb position…AND THEN ONTO HIS SHOULDERS…AND NAILS THE GTS!! THE GTS CONNECTS!! MYSTERIO IS OUT COLD!! Punk stumbles after the impact, but he quickly leaps over and hooks a leg as the crowd roars –

1…

2…

3…!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS: CM PUNK at (11:39)

Punk crawls off of Mysterio’s body and is handed his Dynasty Championship, holding his gold high as the referee holds his arm high in victory. Punk tries to catch his breath a little bit and even helps Mysterio get back to his feet and sets him in a corner to help support himself.


Joey Styles:
YES!! And CM Punk is advancing to the Semi-Finals to face the winner of Samoa Joe and William Regal’s duel!

JBL:
Yawn. Wake me up when somethin’ worth noting happens, will ya?

Joey Styles:
Oh come on, John. Punk fights through an impressive contest against a very tough foe in Rey Mysterio to prove that he belongs here on the Dynasty Tournament bracket. The AOW Dynasty Champion is just that much closer to winning the AOW Dynasty Tournament.

Mysterio gets an ovation of his own as he steps away from the corner, saluting to the fans in attendance. Mysterio comes up just a bit short, but he’s done more than establish that he’s ready and healthy for the long run.

Joey Styles:
A great sign of respect form the fans here for Rey Mysterio, but as incredible and as thrilling as that opening contest was, we’ve got lots more where that came from!

JBL:
Oh you bet your ass we do!

Joey Styles:
Coming up later tonight, we have of course the remaining Dynasty Tournament matches, but we also have a match where the participants were voted by you, the AOW faithful! The Fan Bracket Showcase is also tonight!

JBL:
An’ our looney AOW Champion is here tonight, tryin’ to convince the corporate executives to let him at Chris Jericho. Is he gonna be able to do it? Don’t think he will, but he’s gonna rant and rave his case!

Joey Styles:
Christian will more than have his say, but coming up next on the other side of the break, we’re gonna see if one of JBL’s favorites can put up or shut-up! It’s the never been pinned, never been made to submit Samoan Submission Machine Samoa Joe facing the head of Mercenaries, Inc., William Regal! Keep it here!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Backstage, the Green Zone interview set…


Torrie Wilson:
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels!

Michaels appears as the camera pans out to a huge ovation from the Vegas crowd, although there’s a possible noticeable mixed reaction

Wilson:
Now, Shawn, you’ve made it known that you’ll do pretty much anything to win the Dynasty Tournament. But tonight, you’ll be facing Charlie Haas, who might only have one working arm tonight. Are you willing to go through a hurt opponent for your win?

Michaels’ stare is somewhat vacant, but at least he doesn’t look like the puppet he usually does, looking much more like himself

Michaels:
What I say, I mean, sweetcheeks. I mean I will do everything to make sure I walk out of this bracket with that title opportunity. I respect Charlie Haas as an individual, as a person, and as a competitor, so I will respect his injury. But don’t think for a second I’ll hold back on him.

Wilson:
What do you have to say about some of the people who are saying you’re getting it easy by facing an injured opponent in the first round tonight?

???
Mr. Michaels will not answer any more questions.

The camera pans out to reveal PAUL HEYMAN is now standing beside Shawn Michaels. HBK’s expression goes from stoic to damn near miserable. Heyman appears to be up and out of his wheelchair, but he’s still got his neckbrace

Heyman:
Mr. Michaels has to go and finish preparing for his match. Excuse me, Miss Wilson…

And with that, Heyman leads the miserable Michaels off screen, leaving Wilson somewhat puzzled as we fade away back to ringside…


**WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL**


We return to the arena to the sound of pipes and hard guitar, as WILLIAM REGAL comes through the curtain wearing one of his usual lavish jackets. He gets a good amount of heat on his way to the ring, only taking off his jacket when he gets to the ring and wipes his feet, handing it to the referee

Chimel:
The following contest is a Dynasty Tournament Quarter-Finals match! Introducing first, from Blackpool, England…WILLIAAAM RE-GUUUULL!!

JBL:
There’s one of my favorites! You wanna talk about a guy who has the veteran poise an’ presence and the knowledge an’ skill to not just make it to the end, but to represent a brand new dynasty coming forward, an’ you need not look further than William Regal.

Joey Styles:
I’m not going to discredit Regal at all. He’s better known in AOW as the brainchild behind the current business workings of Mercenaries, Inc. as sort of a player-manager, but he’s more than made a name for himself over the years in that ring. If there’s any man that might have some kind of veteran knowledge and wisdom that might be able to out-tactic Samoa Joe’s impressive repertoire, it’s this man.


*GODZILLA HORN*
“DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK~!!”

**MAMMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT**


And here comes the Godzilla killa himself, SAMOA JOE. The odds on favorite bursts through the crimson curtain with his signature towel draped over his head to an ENORMOUS pop. Joe doesn’t so much as acknowledge them, his head towel cutting out the view of anything. He stomps down to the ring and removes the cloth to let out a Godzilla-esque roar, stepping into the ring and finally acknowledging his reception

Chimel:
And the opponent, from the Isle of Samoa…SAMOOOAAAA JOOOEEEE!!!

JBL:
The ‘RoaD’ to Origins & Endings and becoming the next AOW World Heavyweight Champion goes right through that man right there. If you want to prove you’ve got what it takes to be a World Champion, you’re gonna have to beat this man.

Joey Styles:
And no one’s been able to really do that yet. Only one man has the right to say that they gave a loss to Samoa Joe and that man is on this bracket in Finlay. But even then, Finlay had to resort to literally choking the life out of Joe and nearly breaking his leg to make sure he didn’t get up. That’s what it takes to beat Samoa Joe and to be quite frank, what he said in the package earlier might be right. No one’s stopped him yet and it doesn’t look like anyone will.



~Dynasty Tournament: Quarter Finals~
Samoa Joe
v.
William Regal


The bell sounds and leaves two of the best brawling technicians in all of AOW alone to do their work, but unlike Joe’s brawl’s with Finlay, when he tries to get things kicked off right away, Regal actually keeps his space. Joe charges Regal to initiate a strong lock-up, but Regal immediately shucks the shoulder and forces the two apart again. Joe tries to lock up again, but Regal again keeps the distance. He seems to know he can’t go tit for tat with the strength of Joe.

But what he can do is try to wear the big guy down in other areas, surprising Joe with a RUNNING KNEE TO THE GUT! Joe counters this by grabbing hold of Regal’s head and countering with a HEADBUTT of his own, sending Regal reeling. Joe doesn’t waste any time, closing in the gap that Regal seems to want, and CHARGES FOR A CLOTHESLINE…but Regal dips low and DRIVES A SHOULDER INTO THE CHARGING JOE’S KNEE!

Joe goes flipping over his own knee, his momentum taking him all the way to the ropes and rolling underneath the bottom rope. Joe goes to the floor and has to reassess any early strategy he may have had – Regal’s gonna make him work at a pace he’s not a fan of. But as Joe shakes his knee out, he doesn’t see Regal rushing towards the lip of the ring…AND GOING FOR A BASEBALL SLIDE…NO!! Joe catches Regal’s legs and pulls him under the bottom rope with him…AND DRIVES REGAL’S KINDEY INTO THE RING LIP!

Joe now has the power distance he wanted, but he lingers a bit too long and Regal is able to drive a series of forearms to the side of Joe’s face. Joe retaliates with a hard CHOP(Wooooo!) that forces Regal to cover his chest, only to further redden the Brit with another CHOP(Woooo!) and makes him reel even more. But again, Regal shows some sort of pain threshold when he again comes at Joe with a HARD KNEE TO THE GUT.

He rolls Joe into the ring, but Joe gets to his feet rather quickly and meets the Englishman with a hard back elbow, only for Regal to again retaliate with a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! This throws Joe for a little loop, allowing Regal whip Joe into a corner. Regal charges at his cornered foe, only to get tossed aside by the STJOE!! Regal is flung out of the corner, forcing him to roll to a knee, Joe exploding out of the corner for a HUGE BIG BOOT!!

The boot hits Regal so hard, he reels all the way into the opposite corner! He hits that corner so hard, that he’s forced to sit, which automatically gets the crowd buzzing. Joe repositions himself to an adjacent corner, the One Man Army stirring up the MGM Grand now –

“OLE! OLE, OLE, OLE! OLE! OLE!”

THE OLE KICK CONNECTS!! REGAL’S FACE IS WIPED AWAY ON THE FACEWASH!! It’s Regal’s turn now to have to get out the ring and regroup, rolling outside after the fierce blow and having to clutch his face. But it’s also Joe’s turn to not let up, because once Regal walks more center in line with the ramp, the crowd starts buzzing again, as Joe rebounds off the ropes…ELBOW SUICIDA!! THE ELBOW SUICIDA CONNECTS!! The MGM Grand lets out a huge roar as Joe gets all the big gears going early! Joe is the first man back to his feet after throwing his body to the wind, rolling Regal back in, and hitting the first cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Regal stays alive so early! But again, he keeps trying to make separation between he and Joe by rolling away and into another corner, sitting on the lower rungs. The crowd is already gearing up for another chant and Joe is already setting up for another boot to the face. Joe positions himself and whips up the crowd –

“OLE! OLE, OLE, OLE! OLE – BOOOOO!!!”

The sudden heat is because amidst their chanting and Joe’s readying, it looks like Paul Burchill and Brent Albright, the Mercenaries and the rest of Mercenaries, Inc., are making their way down the ramp. They stop Joe in his tracks as he sees them walking down, the Samoan Submission Machine staring holes in them. They both look at Joe with hard stares right back, Joe backing into the center of the ring as both men flank two sides of the ring.

The crowd is throwing a great deal of heat here, and as much as referee Brian Hebner is telling both men to get away from the ring, both Mercs keeps their cold expressions…and then hop up on the aprons. The heat increases as Joe has to protect his left and right flank from any kind of attack. Are these two really going to attack here…? The commentators can’t make much sense of this either, but all Joe sees is two threats to his well-being…AND HE TRIES TO ASSAULT ALBRIGHT ON THE APRON – but Albright falls off before the blow can be delivered. When Joe turns his back to attack one of them, Burchill breaks into the ring and looks to make a beeline for Joe…BUT HE RUSHES AT REGAL AND HITS HIM WITH A RUNNING KNEE TO THE FACE!! HEBNER CALLS FOR THE BELL!! WHAT ON EARTH…??

Here is your winner by disqualification and advancing to the Semi-Finals…WILLIAM REGAL at (4:26)

Joe turns around and is utterly puzzled, completely unsure what the hell just happened. He had this back to his opponent and now the match is suddenly over. Hebner has to explain to him that the Mercenaries attacked Regal and Joe’s been disqualified. The look on Joe’s face is an obvious confused rage, but he can’t really do anything about it since the Mercenaries have already taken Regal in their grips and taking him up the ramp with them.

Joey Styles:
Of all the no-good dirty tactics to employ! Mercs, Inc. found another loophole to get one of their members to the next round! That’s disgusting!

JBL:
It’s not disgusting, Joey, it’s smart! It’s smart as hell! William Regal is a fine grappler in his own right, but Mercenaries Inc. realized he faced an uphill battle with Joe that even if he did win, he would’ve been beat as hell to face CM Punk in the next round. It’s brilliant! These guys really look out for each other.

Joey Styles:
There’s no way in hell you can advocate this, John!

Even as Layfield is giving props to the Mercs, a look up the ramp shows…dissention? When Regal completely comes to, he actually shrugs off both member of his stable. What’s that about? And Regal actually looks pretty upset. He stares at his teammates as he goes back through the curtain, no one quite sure what to make of this as of yet…


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Backstage, locker room area…

William Regal is followed into the locker room by his stablemates. He seems almost as pissed as Joe was a moment ago

Regal:
What the hell were you two doing out there? I told you we will respect the integrity of the Dynasty Tournament and give rise to a dynasty with class.

Burchill:
Yeah, we know. But the money was good.

Regal goes from angry to confused

Regal:
The what…?

Albright:
The money was good.

Regal:
Wait, someone paid you to get me to advance?

Albright:
Not exactly. Someone paid us because they wanted Samoa Joe out of the Tournament. The fact that you advanced was a plus.

Regal goes from confused to surprised, although an audible “ooooh” can be heard beyond the walls in the MGM Grand

Regal:
So, how much was it?

Burchill:
A cold six grand. Each.

Regal audibly inhales through his nose to signify the large sum

Regal:
Well then. So long as I get my cut, I will be satisfied just preparing for my next round match.

Albright:
Don’t you wanna know who paid us?

Regal:
The deed has been done. It matters not who it was. But if it is who I think it is…we’d best keep it quiet and amongst ourselves. And if that Samoan barbarian comes for us, which I’m sure he will…our clients must be protected.

Regal raises a finger to both men so that they understand, both Mercs nodding their heads as Regal sits to re-apply his wrist tape and finish preparing for his next match…


~Back at ringside…



Joey Styles:
Oh my goodness, why am I not surprised. It seems like someone paid off Mercenaries, Inc. to eliminate Samoa Joe. That’s probably all just one big ruse because it’s far too convenient to have something like that happen while Samoa Joe was facing William Regal.

JBL:
They’re smart businessmen, Joey. They killed two birds with one stone. If someone did want Joe gone, first of all, they’re sane people. He’s the biggest threat in the bracket an’ the odds on favorite. You’d be stupid not to want him gone. So they eliminated the biggest threat an’ advanced their own man at the same time, an’ then they got paid for it! That’s actually three birds. That’s brilliant, it’s efficient, it’s just good business.

Joey Styles:
It’s loophole abuse is what it is! That’s what they’re best at doing!

JBL:
So? In the corporate world, that’s what I’m best at doin’, too. No one gets rich by straight shootin, Joey.

Joey Styles:
My god economics disgust me.


**THE PROUD WARRIOR**

The surly attitude towards money is directly contrasted by the sound of a man who cares about nothing but kicking some ass. LOW KI steps through the curtain with his ninja-esque pose intact. He gets a very solid pop before making his way to the ring

Chimel:
The following contest is a Dynasty Tournament Quarter-Final match! Introducing first, from Brooklyn, New York…LOWWW KIIII!!

Joey Styles:
All that calamity as it may, here comes who many call the biggest wild card, but also the man with the longest shot to win and that’s Low Ki. Ki has perhaps the most educated and deadly feet in the entire wrestling world and he’s gonna have to use those and his speed to get the best of his opponent tonight.

JBL:
It was nice to hear Low Ki say more than one word in that opening, but if Low Ki’s gonna have any chance against a guy like Finlay, yes, he will have to use that speed. He’s becoming known as the best pure striker in AOW, but if there’s any guy who can counter him blow for blow, it’s that tough Irish son of a bitch.


“MY NAME IS FINLAY. AN’ I LOVE TO FIGHT.”

**LAMBEG**



Coming down the ramp now is the most no-nonsense ma on the roster in Finlay. He gets a very big array of heat that he simply ignores, his shillelagh swaying to and fro as he struts down to the ring. He sets it in a corner as he steps into the ring, looking across it and seeing his cruiserweight foe…and getting a confident little smirk on his face

Chimel:
And the opponent, from Belfast, Ireland…FINLAAAAYY!!

JBL:
There’s my number one guy. He’s not built for speed, but he’s built for brawls, an’ he’s built to last. This is gonna be a knockout fight!

Joey Styles:
That may be true, but there have been some rumblings lately about Finlay possibly losing a step or two in the ring. He’s not a young spring chicken anymore and one has to wonder just how much he’ll have in the tank in an endurance contest like this.


~Dynasty Tournament: Quarter Finals~
Finlay
v.
Low Ki


Finlay keeps the smug look on his face, possibly already licking his chops. But as advertised, Low Ki’s face is quite stoic, but even so, it isn’t too hard to read, either – he’s incredibly focused, knowing he’s more than an underdog here. He leans out of his corner, his hands on the ropes keeping him up, but as soon as the bell rings, Low Ki BURSTS FROM HIS CORNER AND UNLEASHES AN ONSLAUGHT OF BLOWS TO FINLAY!! WOW!! Finlay is caught completely off guard, having to throw his hands up over his face as Low Ki delivers blow after blow and kick after kick!

Finlay is forced right back up into his corner where things don’t get any better, even allowing Ki to nail him with several SHOULDER THRUSTS TO THE GUT that forces him to drop his defenses even more. This leaves Finlay’s face open, allowing Ki to deliver forearm after punch right to Finlay’s nose, then goes right back to the shoulder thrusts that double Finlay over. Ki takes that chance to SHOOT KICK FINLAY SQUARE IN THE FACE – THREE TIMES!! On the third time, Finlay stumbles out of the corner, the crowd white hot for Low Ki!

Finlay is still doubled over and he’s gripping at his jaw, but Ki doesn’t let up, following the surprised Irishman, grabbing at his head, and hitting a STIFF SHIN KICK that pops Finlay up, but Ki grabs at Finlay’s head again, bends it back over, and HITS ANOTHER STIFF SHIN KICK! Finlay again pops up before doubling back over, gripping at his jaw, but almost as soon as he doubles back over, he backpedals off the ropes and rolls forward…THE ROLLING KIPPOU KICK SQUARE IN THE FACE!! FINLAY IS TAKEN DOWN!! Vegas is absolutely on fire in Low Ki’s corner, the underdog cruiserweight knocking the nearly undefeated Irishman off his fee in the opening seconds with a huge offensive outburst! Ki acknowledges this by getting back to his feet and hitting his crouching ninja pose, taking it all in with a remaining stoic face.

Finlay, meanwhile, hits the canvas and rolls to the outside, completely taken out of his game plan here. The smirk he had is long gone and now we see further evidence why. It wasn’t just his jaw he was holding at but his lip. As Finlay checks his face, he looks at his thumb and sees that barely two minutes into the contest, his lip is busted! In both disgust and disbelief, Finlay rolls his tongue around his mouth to taste what he’s seeing…before nodding his head in angry ‘oh I see how it is’ compliance.

Finlay slowly climbs up the ring apron, only to be met by Low Ki, who tries an ENZEGUIRI, but Finlay drops off the apron quickly and causes Ki to whiff. The keen Ki lands on his feet after the move, however, seeing Finlay again try to approach the ropes…AND LOW DROPKICKS HIM AWAY FROM THE RING LIP! Ray Ramsey is already at a count of four for Finlay, but he stops to ask Ki to let Finlay back in the ring. Ki looks to do no such thing, as he backs away to rush outside for a BASEBALL SLIDE…NO…FINLAY CATCHES HIM IN THE RING SKIRT!!

A trademark Finlay maneuver is his first hint of offense in this match, and he uses it to his advantage, trapping Ki’s powerful legs beneath the ring skirt and CLUBBING HIM RELENTLESSLY IN THE BACK AND BACK OF THE HEAD!! The offensive burst seen by Low Ki in the opening minutes is directly fueling this here, as now it’s Finlay’s turn to remind Ki who he is. As much flack as he’s getting from the referee, Finlay doesn’t care, dragging Ki out of the ring skirt but setting Ki up…AND HITS A VERTICAL SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE PADDING!

Ki’s body pounds off the outside with a sickening ‘SPLAT, Finlay now taking it to Ki. The vexed Irishman is getting some heat now, to which he responds “SHUT UP!” The passionate and long-winded speech garners him even more negative reaction, which Finlay answers by rolling back into and then out of the ring to reset the count. He’s not done making Ki pay just yet. He takes the hard-hitting cruiserweight up by the wrist…AND WHIPS HIM RIGHT INTO THE IRON POST!!

Ki’s head whips violently from against the metal, recoiling back a few steps – but right back into Finlay’s grasp, who traps him in a rear waistlock and charges forward again…AND CRASHES KI’S FACE AGAINST THE POST YET AGAIN!! Finlay is in complete vengeful control here, possibly giving The Warrior all the concussion he’d ever want. He rolls his body into the ring and throws a forearm over his face as he covers –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Ki throws a shoulder up! He might have a concussion, but he’s not done yet, Finlay having to wipe more blood away from his lips. But it doesn’t look like Finlay’s done letting out his rage, as he starts LAYING BOOTS INTO LOW KI’S RIBS!! Ki tries to cover up, but Finlay’s stomps are all over him, and by the time he has some instant to curl up, Finlay has dropped to a knee and is now CLUBBING THE DOWNED KI!! Finlay is just letting Low Ki have it here, all this payback from making his lip bleed! Finlay then abruptly takes Ki up, whips him into the ropes, and CLOTHESLINES HIM ON THE REBOUND!! Finlay with another cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Ki still has lots of life! This doesn’t make Finlay any happier, who clutches at Ki’s head and drags him back to a vertical base. Ki bursts free from his grip, however, and surprises the Irishman with a HARD FOREARM SHOT! The blow is hard enough to make Finlay backpedal a few steps, but then he turns and charges right back at Ki with ANOTHER HEAVY CLOTHESLINE!! Ki goes down hard as Finlay lands on his knees from putting his whole body behind that blow, swirling around and covering Ki once again –

1…

2…

NO!!

Ki still wants to win the Tournament! Finlay lets out an aggravated growl before rolling Ki to his stomach and wrapping his legs up in a cross-legged position. He then sits on top of them and forces Ki to cry out in pain. Finlay leans over a bit and starts pulling up on Ki’s chin, turning this into a CROSS-LEGGED CHIN LOCK or perhaps even a modified Regal Stretch. Whatever you’d call it, Ki is struggling to get out of it, his body being contorted and leaving him in a very difficult situation. Finlay talks a little bit of trash, telling him to give up, but Ki pounds his fists against the canvas and refuses.

He then takes his hands and pries Finlay’s hands off his face, working his way back up…and finally forces Finlay off of his legs! Now back to a completely vertical base, Finlay stops his rising momentum by again clubbing him in the back of the neck, then catching him in a rear waistlock. Ki hits a standing switch and now grapples behind Finlay, but Finlay shifts his hips and sends Ki tumbling forward. He rolls back to his feet, but as he does and charges back at Finlay, the Irishman lifts up and HITS HIM WITH A HUGE BIG BOOT!! Finlay drops down for another cover –

1…

NO!!

What’s that? Ki kicks out at one! The crowd pops for the gesture, but Finlay is understandably confused. He’s so confused, he allows Ki to quickly get back to his feet, shake his head out. Ki then sets himself in his ready pose and lets out an angry roar much to the crowd’s delight. Is the increased aggression further awaking the Warrior inside the Warrior…? Whatever the means, Finlay isn’t intimidated, rushing back at Ki, only to get a BACK KICK to the gut! Finlay doubles over and drops to a knee quickly, but he gets back to both feet just as fast. Still having trouble standing vertically, Ki takes the opportunity to lift a leg high…AND CRACK FINLAY IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH A FEINT ROUNDHOUSE!! Finlay is reduced to a knee now, allowing Ki to turn back and rebound off the ropes…SAMOAN DROP!! SAMOAN DROP! Finlay again stops Ki’s momentum right as it starts again, another cover on the way –

1…

2…

NO!!

Ki throws up another shoulder and in one quick motion, pulls himself up right back to his feet, his fists still clenched and his eyes still burning! The hell is going on here…? The Warrior that’s been leaking out of Low Ki for months now seems to potentially be burning bright now, as he pounds his chest and verbally tells Finlay to “COME ON!” Finlay doesn’t know how to react – he’s the (nearly) undefeated Fighting Irishman! No one talks to him like that! Finlay answers the battle cry with a HARD FOREARM SMASH, turning Ki away. But Ki turns right back towards Finlay with a SHOOT KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! Finlay momentarily plays to his ribs, but he’s back up and SMASHES WITH ANOTHER FOREARM! But Ki responds with ANOTHER SHOOT KICK! The two are going at it back and forth –

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!
YAY!!
YAY!!

OOOOoooooOOOOOHHH…

Low Ki forces Finlay to another knee…rebounds…AND HITS FINLAY WITH THE BLACK MAGIC!! The feint Shining Wizard-to-roundhouse clocks Finlay right in the back of the head, Ki now going for his first successful fall –

1…

2…

NO!!

Finlay now shows he’s got some heart and throws up a shoulder! Finlay uses his ring presence to roll away from the center of the ring a bit, sitting up near the ropes. Ki has to ask Hebner if that was two, which he confirms it was, only for Ki to look and see Finlay…AND HE NAILS HIM WITH A RUNNING BOOT THAT SENDS FINLAY THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!

Another hard Low Ki kick that topples the heavyweight before him! Ki has to brace himself against the ropes he kicked Finlay so hard, the Irish bastard having to clutch his head as he tumbles along the padding. The beating shoe looks to be back on Ki’s feet, and with an opponent outside, Ki watches Finlay as he tries to recover, rushing to the other side of the ring and measuring it up…SASUKE SPECIAL!! SASUKE SPECIAL!! THE TUMBLING NO-HAND TOPE ATTACK CONNECTS!!

Low Ki is throwing it all to the wind here! The crowd kicks up a huge cheer as JBL goes off on how stupid a strategy it is to go all out in your first match, while Styles says Ki has to do this against a guy as near impossible to defeat as Finlay. Both Ki and Finlay are sprawled out on the outside, neither man able to take in the big reception as we fade away…

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

When we return from the break, the still stoic, but fiery Ki has taken his near undefeated foe and rolled him back under the ropes. Ki doesn’t follow him; instead, he starts climbing to the top rope, perhaps looking for the WARRIOR’S WAY…but the ever aware Finlay starts rolling away, prompting a huge array of heat. He rolls all the way to the opposite corner and tries to use the ropes to get back to his feet. Ki has to adjust his strategy, still on the top rope. He LEAPS…hits a front roll…AND CRACKS FINLAY IN THE FACE WITH THE TIDAL CRUSH!! A MODIFIED TIDAL CRUSH!! Finlay collapses and Ki has another pinfall attempt –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Finlay still has life!! Somehow, Finlay keeps his ‘streak’ alive, but a close up look shows his lip possibly got worse on that kick to the face. Ki’s got a look of frustration now, the only notable difference on his face other than being pumped up. Ki takes the downed Finlay and catches him in a front headlock, trying to hoist him to a vertical base. He then grabs Finlay’s wrist and tries to whip him into the ropes, but the whip is reversed and on the rebound, Finlay BEHEADS THE WARRIOR WITH A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE!! MERCY!! Just like that, the momentum is back in Finlay’s court as he covers –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

AGAIN, Ki rolls a shoulder!! Unfortunately, he doesn’t spring up full of spirit like he did previously, perhaps the wind leaving his body with that one blow. Finlay knows that that probably wouldn’t have ended it, but he looks to wear Ki down just a little more…AND LOCKS IN A CAMEL CLUTCH!! All of Finlay’s weight is pushing down on the spine of Low Ki, who now has much less fight in him that several minutes ago! Ki struggles mightily while in the clutch, trying to find some kind of ropes with a free arm. He keeps telling Hebner he doesn’t want to give up. He has to crawl on his elbows to try and get to the ropes, a man who almost has 100lbs the weight advantage weighing him down…


…………………………...........

…………………………..

……………

………


KI GETS TO THE BOTTOM ROPE!! Low Ki just barely gets his finger tips on a rope and gets the crowd to pop in relief, but it’s not for long. Not only does Finlay take advantage of his rope break count all the way to four, but he immediately pulls Ki away and then LOCKS THE CAMEL CLUTCH IN THE CENTER OF THE RING AGAIN!!

Ki might not have it all in him to scratch and claw this time, only able to crawl a couple of steps before just stopping and growling in pain. Finlay keeps trash talking as this happens, but Ki starts feeling it as Vegas cheers him on, allowing him to start getting up…AND LOW KI IS ON HIS FEET WITH FINLAY ON HIS BACK!!

The cruiserweight shows that’s he’s got a great measure of power as a talent as well! MGM is popping like mad as Ki backpedals full-speed…SENDING FINLAY SPINE-FIRST INTO A CORNER!! Ki stumbles off balance into the opposite corner, the sudden weight distribution catching up with him. Ki looks at his corner bound opponent and looks to execute more offense, going for a SECOND HELPING OF TIDAL CRUSH…NOBODY HOME!!

Ki’s legs hit nothing but ring post, forcing Ki to the canvas and grip at his knee! This doesn’t bode well because Finlay immediately hones in on the hurt appendage, dropping a pair of elbows on it before opening Ki’s legs and hitting an INSIDE LEG DROP to the knee…AND WRAPS KI’S LEGS UP FOR THE CELTIC KNOT!!

Finlay’s targeted the biggest part of Low Ki’s game and he’s making him writhe and pain for it! Ki doesn’t really have anywhere to go on this one, as he’s in the center of the ring! Finlay is pushing hard against the knee, applying pressure to Ki’s most valuable asset of his moveset. Vegas is again trying to get Ki out of this, trying to cheer him on, and even chants of “PLEASE DON’T TAP!! PLEASE DON’T TAP!!” chiming up.

Ki is trying his best to grit his teeth and not to, but it takes a while before he gathers himself enough to try and get out of the hold. Finlay leans in too close in his attempt to apply more pressure, leaving him in striking distance for Ki to SMACK HIM UPSIDETHE HEAD!! Finlay doesn’t let go, merely looking menacingly right back at the ninja-like Warrior and push down harder, which sends pain all up Ki’s legs, but he contains it enough to POP FINLAY RIGHT IN THE ALREADY BUSTED LIP!!

This is enough to force Finlay to let go of the hold, rolling away and holding at his face. Ki limps to a vertical base and tries to gather his footing, while we see Finlay is just got that much more agitated. As he heightens his ire, Ki sets himself up in a karate stance. Finlay turns around to see Ki running at him and going for the JOHN WOO DROPKICK…NO!!

Finlay catches Ki’s exploding front dropkick by grabbing both of his legs, getting Ki in a CATAPAULT POSITION…but as Ki is sent crashing into a corner, he uses his cat-like reflexes to land on the middle turnbuckle. The damage to his legs makes him pause for just a moment before leaping back at Finlay, going for the SPRINGBOARD JUMPING HIGH KICK…but the pause allows Finlay some footing, Finlay CATCHING HIM OUT OF MIDAIR on his shoulders…AND NAILS THE ROLLING HILLS!! Finlay with an impressive counter and now a cover –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

KI STAYS ALIVE SOMEHOW!! Finlay’s not happy about this at all, pounding a fist off the canvas and getting in Hebner’s face. Brian, fearfully, tells Finlay that it was only a two count. Finlay seethes as he watches Ki try to peel himself off the canvas, assisting him by snatching at his head, and delivering a clubbing blow to the side of his face. He then takes Ki and whips him into a corner. Finlay follows this up by rushing at Ki…CORNER BODY AVALANCE!! Ki is squashed between angry Irishman and iron post! Finlay backs up to see the decimated Warrior, whose ‘spirit’ is fading by the second. He then rushes at him again…A CORNER CLOTHESLINE!!

Ki’s feet almost go up over his head from the impact, but he comes back down to earth, still up, but fading with each blow. Recognizing this, the same smirk that was one Finlay’s face in the opening seconds has returned, albeit a little bit more perverse because his lips are bleeding. Even so, we can see Finlay back to his smug, confident self as he kills Ki slowly here, backing away and charging one more time for a RUNNING SHOULDER THRUST…NOBODY HOME!! Low Ki dodges it at the last second and SENDS FINLAY’S SHOULDER FULL-SPEED INTO THE UNFORGIVING POST!!

Ki has to stumble and struggle to get back to his feet, but the crowd is back behind him as Finlay’s shoulder could be dislocated now. Ki has a new spot for hope, as Finlay drifts out gripping his shoulder and drifting into the grip of The Warrior. Ki actually lifts Finlay up on his shoulders with a CRADLE SUPLEX LIFT. As great a display of cruiserweight strength already, but it becomes even more impressive when Ki lets out another roar of adrenaline and CHARGES TOWARDS A CORNER…AND SLAMS FINLAY’S HEAD AND INJURED SHOULDER OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!! WOW!! A cradle lift Oklahoma Stampede gets a pop from the crowd, but Ki’s not done, taking Finlay now and dropping Finlay…INTO A FISHERMAN’S DRIVER!! THE KRUSH RUSH!! An incredible show of offense drops Finlay on his head, Ki keeping the legs hooked as the entire arena counts along –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

FINLAY KICKS OUT!! The force of the kickout pushes Ki off of the thick legs of Finlay and lays him out flat, both men lain out on the canvas. This is just a quarter-finals match and both men are already going all out here! The Grand is popping their heads off for their efforts, some “THIS IS AWESOME!” chants are kicking up now, but neither man is probably in the shape to hear them clearly.

Low Ki is the first man to get to his feet, spotting Finlay still struggling to get up. He climbs through the ropes and starts ascending to the top rope, prompting all in attendance to stand up and follow him up. Ki sets himself and then leaps…WARRIOR’S WAY…NOBODY HOME!! Finlay rolls out of the way, but Ki lands in a way where he’s able to land and roll safely, not messing up his legs much more than they already are. Even so, his knee gives way a bit to leave him gimpy, stumbling into Finlay’s grasp…FOR THE CELTIC CROSS…NO!! Ki squirms out of the grip and goes down Finlay’s back, pulling him over for the SUNSET FLIP –

1…

2…

NO!!

Finlay clasps Ki’s head between his knees to break it up, both men rolling back to his feet and Finlay charging at Ki again…WHO CRACKS HIM WITH A ROUNDHOUSE!! Ki downs Finlay one more time!! Dave drops like a rock to the canvas, Ki having to adjust to being a little off balance. But he looks down to see the dead Irishman and again climbs up to the top rope, trying to grit it out and pay no attention to the pain in his legs. He sets himself up…WARRIOR’S WAY!! THE WARRIOR’S WAY CONNECTS!! LOW KI IS ABOUT TO DO IT!! His hurt legs give way for a moment, but again, he sucks it up and crawls on his elbows back to Finlay’s body, draping an arm over as Hebner goes for the big windmill count –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

FINLAY ROLLS A SHOULDER ONCE AGAIN!! HOW IN THE WORLD?? Finlay still has lots of fight left in him it seems, showing just exactly why he’s only got two losses on his AOW resume. The crowd is still cheering wildly, even in the kickout, as Low Ki tries to think of something, anything, to end the match and hand Finlay a definitive loss and move on. He limps a little bit as he gets to his feet, waiting for Finlay to get back up. He stalks until he’s ready, Finlay himself stumbling as Ki rushes and rebounds off the ropes…IRON OCTOPUS!! AND NOW FINLAY’S WEAKENED SHOULDER COMES INTO PLAY!!

Ki is prying away at the arm as Finlay is now yelling in pain, Vegas again letting it be known that they want to see Finlay tap out right here! Finlay tries to straighten up, but the torque on his arm is too much…until he uses his free arm to start HITTING KI’S BAD KNEE. This forces Ki to loosen the hold, Finlay lifting one of the legs off of his neck and repositions it, jockeying with Ki for position before gripping his neck…CELTIC CROSS!! THE CELTIC CROSS FROM THE IRON OCTOPUS!! Finlay nails his finisher as the crowd deflates a bit for the impact, the tough Irish bastard floating over and sticking his forearm in Ki’s face as he hooks a leg –

1…

2…

3…!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS: FINLAY at (18:24)

The upset that almost was, but Finlay’s record remains intact and adds a notch to his belt. Finlay rolls to his feet, his thumb continually grazing the spot where his lip was busted open. He doesn’t even care for the referee to raise his hand, simply wanting to get out of there


JBL:
It was almost an upset, but Finlay reminds everybody why he’s the Fighting Irishman! He’s got the battle scars to prove that he’s the best, an’ now everyone can see just how tough he is! That man’s goin’ to the finals!

Joey Styles:
Low Ki put up perhaps the toughest fight anyone’s put up against Finlay yet, but just came up short on the win. But John, this win does nothing to assuage the fact that Finlay isn’t as good as he was last season. Taking nothing away from Low Ki, Finlay really might be losing a step.

JBL:
That’s nonsense! Low Ki put up a hellova fight, kudos to the kid, but Finlay’s just too good. All hail the Irish!

Joey Styles:
That’s all good and well John, but my point’s been made. Well coming up next on the other side of the break, Shawn Michaels said he’d respect Charlie Haas’ injury, but it’s an incredible uphill battle for the one-armed Charlie Haas. It’s HBK and Haas, next!

As Low Ki gets back to his feet, like Mysterio before him, gets a very solid ovation from the MGM Grand crowd for his valiant efforts. He barely acknowledges them but he does so with a small nod, stepping through the ropes and heading up himself as we fade away…


***

A black screen. We don’t see anything until what sounds like Shawn Michaels speaks

Michaels:
In the beginning…God said ‘Let there be light’. And there was light.

The screen lights up with a light at the end of a dark tunnel

Michaels:
And God saw the light and that it was good. He separated the light from the darkness.

The silhouette of a man walks down a hallway. A side view reveals that this man is Shawn Michaels. As he walks, still pictures of Shawn Michaels as part of The Rockers come to life and play videos of matches.

Michaels:
He saw the light and that it was good…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of his “Sexy Boy” days before it too comes to life, standing alongside Sensational Sherri and stripping in the ring for no reason at all

Michaels:
But then there was the darkness…

Michaels keeps walking past a picture of the Montreal Screwjob, the picture going in motion to have Michaels win

Michaels:
…and that is what man wishes to rid himself of.

Michaels stops walking now, freezing in front of a very hazy picture of what looks like him holding a world title

Michaels:
He wishes to always be in the light…

Michaels hangs his head before he keeps walking…

Michaels:
And that light…that spotlight…is what drives him. He was born in it.

HBK walks by a picture of his very first appearance in AOW, the picture becoming a video of a pumped up Shwostopper

Michaels:
But that light is what will drive him back to darkness…from ashes to ashes…

Another picture of HBK facing Chris Jericho back in December, Jericho pinning Michaels…

Michaels:
From dust…to dust…

A full-front shot of Michaels, who raises his head…only to smirk and look forward, the blood-red curtain right in front of him

Michaels:
How it is done…is how it shall be. Until the end of all time.

Michaels approaches the curtain, a raucous crowd being heard chanting “HBK!! HBK!!” Michaels now turns to the camera and speaks

Michaels:
But my time…will never be up!

Michaels pushes through the curtain and though we only get a back view of his way out, we can see him doing his entrance the crowd going nuts for a second before fading off…





~AOW PRESENTS~
ORIGINS & ENDINGS
*THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AOW*
~A FOUR HOUR PAY-PER-VIEW SPECTACULAR~

AUGUST 24th, 2008
Mellon Arena – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

***

~Back at ringside…


“OH…OH…SHAWN!!”

**SEXY BOY**



And again, the loud but somewhat mixed reaction channels across Vegas as SHAWN MICHAELS bursts through the curtain, as pumped as he’s ever looked. He sets on his knees at the base of the ramp and preys, the pyro shooting off and cuing Michaels to pop up and continue his walk even more pumped than before

Chimel:
The following is a Dynasty Tournament Quarter-Final match! From San Antonio, Texas…the Heart Break Kid, SHAAAWWWWN MICHAAAEELS!!

Joey Styles:
As much as I enjoy Shawn Michaels and as much as I want to root for him, his entire place tonight smells rotten. He’s Paul Heyman’s hand-picked and controlled next AOW Champion and he just so happened to get a bye in the second round and he also just so happened to face the man with the most glaring handicap on the entire bracket.

JBL:
Oh will you an’ your conspiracy theories shut the hell up? What about the fact that Shawn Michaels wasn’t even supposed to be in this damn tournament, huh? He stole the entry number of a damn hot prospect in Alex Riley, but you don’t think about that, do you? No! Paul Heyman has nothin’ to do with HBK being here. Shawn Michaels’ selfishness is what brought him here!


**WORLD’S GREATEST**


And on that note, the chimes give way to CHARLIE HAAS. Haas doesn’t seem to have any tape around his dislocated shoulder, but that may be for morale reasons more than logical reasons. He’s not nearly as pumped as Michaels, as even walking seems to aggravate his injury in some way.

Chimel:
And from Houston, Texas…CHARLIEEEE HAAAAASS!!

Joey Styles:
And you see Haas is wincing just when walking. I said he’s one of my picks to win this Tournament, but I really don’t think it a wise decision at all for Charlie Haas to do this. I admire his guts, but there’s a line. Haas has not been medically cleared to compete and he won’t be for another month or so, but he said he wanted to be here. His lack of medical tape on that shoulder may be more for Haas’ mentality than for physical benefit.

JBL:
There is a fine line, Joey. There’s a fine line between wrestling hurt an’ wrestling injured an’ there’s a fine line between courage an’ stupidity. Charlie Haas has crossed both of those lines. Wrestlers go in that ring every week an’ compete hurt. But Haas is injured an’ that’s a death wish. It’s valiant, but it’s stupid.


~Dynasty Tournament Quarter-Final~
Shawn Michaels
v.
Charlie Haas


Michaels and Haas stare at one another from across the ring, Michaels with a somewhat somber expression. Haas is still trying to hide his shoulder away, but it’s hard for that to happen when the two approach the center ring for a lock-up, but almost just like the very first match, Haas quickly tries to move behind Michaels and take him over for a QUICK ROLL-UP ATTEMPT –

1…

NO!!

Michaels rolls back around, catching Haas in another lock-up, only to trap him in a headlock. He wrenches away on Haas’ head, but Charlie doesn’t panic. He backpedals and forces both men off the ropes, whipping Michaels across the ring. Michaels rebounds towards Haas, only for HBK to shoot back towards Michaels and Haas CLEANLY JUMPS OVER the rushing Michaels, who rebounds again, only to eat a PERFECT HAAS DROPKICK!! Haas displays some beautiful, shoulder-less offense that gets him another cover attempt –

1…

2…

NO!!

Michaels kicks out relatively quickly, both men springing back to their feet, Michaels taking Haas right back over for a headlock takedown. Michaels again tries to wrench Haas’ head off, but the amateur wrestler rolls over his non-hurt shoulder and catches Michaels on his shoulders –

1…

2…

NO!!

Michaels rolls back over and keeps the headlock locked in, but Haas is able to get back to his feet and again get Michaels off his head by whipping him into the ropes. Michaels rebounds and HITS HAAS IN THE BAD ARM WITH A SIMPLE SHOULDER BLOCK that shoots Haas to the ground, THRASHING IN PAIN.

A few minutes into the contest, and we can see that Haas is competing beyond his physical capabilities. Haas is in so much immediate pain, he has to roll out of the ring and clutch the dislocation spot on his left shoulder. Referee Justin King veers close to the ropes and asks Haas if he’s okay, which Haas barks in response that he’s fine. His back to the ring, Haas keeps gripping at his arm, paying no attention to Michaels pulling the referee away from the ropes so he can set himself up…AND HITS HAAS WITH A PERFECT PLANCHA!!

Michaels gets an initial pop, but gets a mixed reaction after a second of resonance. HBK has already stated he’ll do whatever it takes to get his ‘freedom’ in that ring, even if it’s take down a one-armed man. Michaels is still pumped and focused either way, taking Haas and knocking him away with a hard CHOP(Wooooo!) that loosens him up enough to try to WHIP HIM INTO THE RING APRON…but Haas reverses the whip with his bad arm and SENDS MICHAELS SPINE FIRST INTO SHARP EDGE OF THE RING!!

An unorthodoxed move at that, but having whipped HBK with his bad shoulder, Haas is in as much if not more pain that Michaels in. Even so, Haas may have evened the odds by targeting HBK’s back. He tries not to waste time, he damn near pulled his shoulder back out of the socket. He snatches HBK and rolls him into the ring, but opts not to roll into the ring with him. Instead, he climbs the apron and heads to the top rope, setting himself and waiting for Michaels to get to his feet…FLYING CLOTHESLINE!! Haas going for the big blows early! His desire to end the match quickly is evident as he sprawls over for the cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Michaels stays alive!! HBK gets back up gripping at his back, but he doesn’t get any rest time because Haas is still trying to keep the aggressive pace, snatching Michaels’ by the head and SMASHING it up against a turnbuckle. With his one good hand, he climbs up to the second rope and starts popping off a ONE HANDED TEN PUNCH…

1!!

2!!

3!!

4!!

5!!

And Michaels pushes Haas off of him!! Haas hits the ground hard, but he rolls off of his good shoulder and bursts back to his feet, cutting Michaels off before he can get out of the corner and resumes the rabid punches!

6!!

7!!

8!!

MICHAELS TURNS IT INTO AN INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!! WOW!! HBK turns the tables quickly because he has both arms functional, dropping Haas’ tailbone onto the knee. Michaels then pounds a couple of punches off of Haas’ head as he springs back to his feet, only for Haas to swing a wild right hand as he does so. Michaels takes the wild swing and turns it into a spinout powerbomb simple back suplex…which again, drops Haas right on his shoulder. Charlie again rolls around in pain and grips at his shoulder, the referee again having to stop all flow and check to see if Haas wants to continue, breaking up any momentum Michaels had.

Shawn is getting a little annoyed with this injury now, almost pushing the referee out of the way to get to Haas. Charlie sees this and fights Michaels off, getting some space between the two before Haas closes the gap again with a good clothesline. Michaels bursts to his feet only to rush at Haas again, only to be tripped for a DROP TOEHOLD…THAT FLOWS RIGHT INTO A SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB!!

Haas’ shoulder might not hamper him in the submission category if he does something like this, but perhaps the Haas of Pain is taken away…? Either way, Michaels is the man at the mercy of the hold, Haas still able to crank back pretty well with only one functioning arm. Michaels is refusing to go on such an elemental hold, but the commentators do note the strain on his back because of the grip. Michaels is crawling, trying his best to get to a nearby rope…AND HE DOES!! Michaels forces Haas to break it up, which he finally does.

As Michaels tries to get vertical, he’s immediately approached by the still aggressive Haas, who pulls him away and gives him a quick kick in the gut before setting him up for a suplex…but then Haas realizes he needs both arms when he tries to lift Michaels and can’t do it without pulling away in more wincing pain. HBK takes advantage of this and kicks Haas in the gut himself, and pulls him up for a suplex of his own. Michaels gets a little bit of heat for this, as Michaels floats over for a cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Haas still wants to fight in some capacity some more, but he’s caught by Michaels and trapped in the corner as he recovers, Michaels now going for a TEN PUNCH of his own –

1!!

2!!

3!!

4!!

But now it’s Haas’ turn to shove Michaels out of the corner, but Michaels counters the same way Haas did and that’s land so you can roll back to your feet. Michaels charges back at the corner, only for Haas to use his one good arm and Michaels’ momentum to HIT HBK’S FACE OFF THE CORNER WITH A FLAPJACK!! Michaels goes spinning to the canvas, Haas possibly catching a break there and covering –

1…

2…

NO!!

Michaels stays alive, but Haas drives a knee to Michaels’ face for good measure, only to take him up and sling him through the middle ropes. He keeps his upper body inside the ring, draping him across that middle rope, and again, gives another knee for good measure. Fans might know what he’s going for here as he goes to the corner and heads to the second rope, ready to leap for the HANGMAN’S KNEE DROP…NOBODY HOME!! Michaels lifts up his head at the last minute!!

Haas lands hard on his knees now, gingerly trying to get back up. As he does so, Michaels steps back into the ring behind him, dancing around a little, getting his feet warmed up. We know what he wants when Haas turns back around…SWEET CHIN MUSIC…NO!! Haas ducks it and ROLLS MICHAELS INTO A SCHOOL BOY –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

ALMOST but no cigar, as Michaels rolls away. Both men get to their feet, only for Haas to again swing wildly with his good arm for Michaels to trap him in another back suplex…but HAAS FLIPS OUT onto his feet, landing behind HBK and trying to take him for the TOTAL HAASTILITY…NO!! As he lifts Michaels up for what could have been the killing blow, the shoulder gives way and forces Haas to once again drop and tend to the still possibly dislocated shoulder.

Michaels has a somber look on his face again, looking very similarly to the sadness we’ve seen on his face for most of his AOW stay. He doesn’t want to do this. He never wanted to do this. But as he watches Haas get to his feet, he knows he has no choice but to capitalize if he wants to win. Haas is checked on again by referee King, but Haas actually SHOVES him away and angrily turns back to Michaels…SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS!! Michaels falls to his knees and then falls to Haas, actually making sure not to push on the shoulder, hooking a leg –

1…

2…

3…!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE SEMI-FINALS: SHAWN MICHAELS at (7:34)

Michaels is breathing a little hard sitting in the middle of the ring, a look of inner struggle painted on his face. Michaels is about to get his hand raised, but he snatches his arm away and rolls away, going up the ramp and never looking back at the handiwork he’s responsible for

Joey Styles:
Well Charlie Haas put up as much of a fight as he possibly could with just one working arm and Shawn Michaels did what he said and that’s respect the injury. But in the end, the Heart Break Kid was too much for a handicapped man. And Shawn doesn’t look proud in the least for what he did.

JBL:
He really shouldn’t be. He’s a guy who shouldn’t even be here who just beat a guy who shouldn’t be here either. There’s no pride in that.


Back in the ring, Haas is being helped to his feet by several officials and a member of medical personnel, who is tending to his shoulder as he tries to walk to the back.


Joey Styles:
I will give Charlie Haas points for putting up a fight, but it’s Shawn Michaels, proud or not, who is moving on to the next round. But coming up on the other side of the break, your voices will be heard – it’s the first ever AOW Fan Bracket Showcase! See who your votes put in this big match coming up next!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Back at ringside…


***DING DING DING***

Chimel:
The follow contest is the Fan Bracket Showcase…FATAL 4-WAY MATCH!!


A big pop from the Vegas crowd who probably wasn’t expecting that


Chimel:
The first man to execute a pinfall or submission will win the match and win an AOW Dynasty Championship opportunity in the month of July!


A HUGE pop goes up for that, but then it whiplashes a bit…


**WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL**


The crowd goes into an array of heat as PAUL BURCHILL steps onto the stage. One has to think his actions earlier are what’s garnering him such heat, but he’s rather emotionless and isn’t letting anything get to him as he fixes his tape and comes to the ring

Chimel:
Introducing first, the fourth most vote-getter…PAUL BURCHILL!!

Joey Styles:
Welcome back to Rise of a Dynasty folks, where we’re about to kick back off with the Fan Bracket Showcase match and we’re gonna get a Fatal 4-Way! Four men got enough votes to be included in this match!

JBL:
An’ the winner gets a title shot! How ‘bout that?

Joey Styles:
Guys getting rewarded for their hard work by the people…but who the hell voted for Paul Burchill?


**BETTER THAN GREAT**


The heat continues to pour, as SHELTON BENJAMIN bursts through the curtain now. He’s not getting as intense heat as he was last week, but he’s got a very smug look on his face as he marches down to the ring, throwing his hood off


Chimel:
Introducing next, the third most vote-getter…SHEL-TUUUUN BENJAMIN!!

Joey Styles:
No, seriously, who votes for these guys? After all the disgusting actions by Shelton Benjamin the past view weeks and he gets the third most amount of votes?? What the hell?

JBL:
I think it’s a pretty telltale sign of who our fans are, Joey. These guys love brutality an’ I don’t know anyone who has been more brutal than this man since the start of this season.


**BLACK TO WHITE**

And now it’s TYLER BLACK’s turn to burst through the curtain, his blond and black hair flowing freely over his face as he marches down in his black longcoat. His reaction is very similar to the one he’s been getting for a while now, being almost perfectly split mixed reaction


Chimel:
And the next opponent, the second most vote-getter…TYLEEERRR BLAAAACK!!

Joey Styles:
Okay, this one makes a little more sense. But even still, Tyler Black is far from anyone’s favorite. He’s made it known that he doesn’t care if people like him and he’s made it even more known that he’s not exactly a team player.

JBL:
No, but he’s one hellova competitor an’ that’s what people love. It doesn’t matter what your philosophies are, in the end, all that matters is that you get it done in the ring. An’ that’s where all three of these men so far thrive.

Chimel:
And introducing the number one vote-getter…


*DRAMATIC PAUSE…*


**FINAL COUNTDOWN**

And the crowd lets out one of the biggest pops of the night for BRYAN DANIELSON! Danielson has his maroon hood on, bursting through the crimson curtain, and has his Cruiserweight Championship wrapped around his waist. He holds a finger high on the stage, ripping his hood off, before galloping down the ramp with his finger still high


Chimel:
…he is the AOW Cruiserweight Champion – BRYAAAAN DANIEL-SUUUUUN!!!

Joey Styles:
You wanna talk about being able to get it done in the ring, you look no further than this man!! Quite possibly the best in-ring talent in AOW whose technical prowess has thus-far been unrivaled! Now this, this I can accept as the fan’s favorite man!

JBL:
Oh, now I know our fans are really misguided. You got an ace athlete, a mercenary, a terrific rookie, an’ the guy they vote for the most is ol’ Spaghetti Legs.

Joey Styles:
“Spaghetti Legs” has been Cruiserweight Champion for virtually the entire existence of AOW. Needless to say if any man has earned his place in this match, it’s the American Dragon.


~Fatal 4-Way Fan Bracket Showcase~
*Winner receives shot at the Dynasty Championship later this month*

Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson v. Tyler Black v. Shelton Benjamin v. Paul Burchill


It doesn’t take long for all four men to get to the action as soon as they’re all present, but also unsurprisingly ALL THREE HEELS JUMP BRYAN DANIELSON!! He may not be the biggest dog in the fight, but Danielson’s reputation of being hard to get rid of precedes him, and the three man beatdown commences before he’s dumped unceremoniously to great heat by Paul Burchill. But almost as soon as Burchill dumps him SHELTON BENJMAIN CHUNKS HIM OEVR THE TOP ROPE!!

This just leaves Tyler Black and Shelton Benjamin to kick it off by themselves, where they execute a lock-up. The lock-up is quickly broken, however, by Tyler Black who SMACKS BENJAMIN ACROSS THE FACE!! A blatant show of disrespect actually gets a big pop from the Vegas crowd, somebody showing it to Benjamin for once. When Shelton looks back at Black, we can hear Black say “that’s for not knowing how to tag in, ballhog!”. Black still holding a grudge from the tag match last week!

The uber-competitive Benjamin doesn’t take to kindly to that at all, SHOOTING in on the legs of Black like his amateur days, before taking Black up and SLAMMING HIM WITH AUTHORITY with a SCOOP-UP SLAM!! Benjamin rides on top of Black as if he’s jockeying for position in an amateur match, pressing Black’s shoulder’s down –

1…

NO!!

Black lifts up the arm, only for Benjamin to swivel around and get a lateral press, pushing the shoulder back down –

1…

2-NO!!

Black still gets out of it, even bridging up after the kickout. But Benjamin leaps up and PUSHES HIS KNEES on Black’s midsection, forcing him back down and forcing another pin attempt –

1…

2-NO!!

Black had to regain his breath after the knees, but he’s not getting pressed so easily. Benjamin keeps his weight on him and even begins to STAND UP ON BLACK’S MIDSECTION, garnering heat from the crowd and screams of pain from Black. Benjamin then pulls up on Black’s arms, making it the most painful sit-up ever. But as Benjamin grins at his dominance, he doesn’t see Paul Burchill re-enter the fray…AND CLOTHESLINE THE SMILE OFF BENJAMIN’S FACE and off Tyler’s body!

Burchill hits Benjamin so hard, he rolls out of the ring, Burch unable to capitalize with a pin attempt. This forces him to turn around and come face to face with Tyler Black, whose face he pounds with a hard forearm shot that backs him into a corner. Burchill then tries to whip Black across the ring, only for Black to reverse it and pull Burchill back for a SHORT ARM ELBOW. But Black keeps the short-arm grip in, then hitting a SHORT ARM FORARM. And then he finishes the combo with the SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! Burchill is down and Black has a cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Burchill still has tons more fight in him than that. Burchill gets himself to his feet and is met again by Tyler, but Burchill pushes him away, only for Black to rush back at him. Burchill wraps around Black and gets him in a rear waistlock, pulling up for a GERMAN SUPLEX…but Black jams the move and starts delivering back elbows to Burch, but Paul doesn’t let go for the waistlock. Black turns around while still in Burch’s clutches, still trying to wriggle free, but Burchill just takes this chance to nail a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!! He keeps the bridge for his first cover –

1…

2…

NO!!

Black won’t go down so easily, both men stumbling to their feet a little, but Burchill starts delivering more rights and lefts to Black, only for Black to fire back. The two are so wrapped up in their mini-brawl, they don’t look up to see Bryan Danielson on the top rope and the crowd buzzing like crazy…MISSILE FRONT DROPKICK TO BOTH MEN!! BOTH BURCHILL AND BLACK EAT THE FEET!! Black goes tumbling all the way cross the ring, but Burchill doesn’t roll so far, allowing Danielson to roll him to his back and get a pin attempt after the explosive re-entry –

1…

2…

NO!!

Burchill still has lots of life! Even so, Danielson keeps his momentum going when Burchill tries to get up, rising to his knees. Danielson sees his opportunity and starts POUNDING SHOOT KICKS OFF OF BUCHILL’S STERNUM!! Just when he’s about to kick back for the finishing roundhouse, Tyler Black re-enters the frame and rushes at Danielson, only for AmDrag to hit him with a low dropkick and force him onto his knees, right next to Burchill.

The crowd is white hot now, as Danielson sees both men on their knees in front of him…AND STARTS PING PONGING SHOOT KICKS OFF THE CHEST OF BOTH MEN, ALTERNATING FROM ONE MAN TO THE NEXT!! The crowd is beside themselves as Danielson just keeps kicking and kicking before stopping to pump his fists and possibly ROUNDHOUSE BOTH MEN…but right behind him on the apron is Shelton Benjamin, SPRINGBOARDING AT DANIELSON…AmDrag ducks as Burchill and Black try to stand back up…AND GET HIT WITH A SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!! Both men are floored, Benjamin getting back to his feet and turning to Danielson…WHO NAILS SHELTON WITH THE FINISHING ROUNDHOUSE!! An incredible sequence there as Benjamin just has his lights turned out as the Cruiserweight champ covers –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

It’s not that over yet!! Benjamin’s not gonna go down on just one big strike like that, but Danielson is clearly the man in control of the entire match right now. The champ tries to take advantage of this by whipping Benjamin into a corner, but Shelton reveres the whip and sends Danielson there instead. Benjamin then follows that up by following Danielson with a rush…STINGER SPLASH CONNECTING!! Danielson groggily steps out of the corner right into Benjamin’s clutches…sets hips…BELLY TO BELLY OVERHEAD TOSS!! Benjamin crawls over to Danielson’s body –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Danielson stays alive!! Benji’s pretty pissed that didn’t end it, stomping away at the Cruiserweight champ, and forcing him to a corner of the ring, but Tyler Black stumbles back into the fray after the onslaught he was subjected to. He smashes Benjamin in the back of the head with several clubs, changing Benjamin’s attention to brawling with Black. Benji gets the upper hand, grappling behind Black with a rear waistlock…but like against Burchill before him, Black jams the move and successfully elbows out this time…AND CRACKS BENJAMIN WITH THE PELE KICK!! THE OVERHEAD KICK CONNECTS!! Shelton is thrown for a major loop there, so groggy, he turns his back to Black, who picks him up…BLACK TO WHITE!! THE BACK SUPLEX TO STO CONNECTS!! Tyler Black with a huge pin attempt here –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

DANIELSON DIVES AND BREAKS IT UP!! Danielson possibly saving the match and title shot for himself, but now he draws the ire of Tyler Black who takes Danielson and drives several knees into his gut before taking him up in the fireman’s carry, going for the FIREMAN’S SNAKE EYES…but Danielson slips off from up top behind Black and wraps him up from behind, pushing him forward off the turnbuckle for an OKANA ROLL…CHAOS THEORY!! THE ROLL TO GERMAN SUPLEX!! Someone finally Germans the Gray Area! But before Danielson can even cover Black, he gets grabbed from behind by Paul Burchill, who hooks the leg…AND NAILS A REGAL PLEX!! Burchill keeps the bridge here –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Danielson keeps himself in the match!! He clutches at his head and rolls around in pain, but Burchill doesn’t seem to give much of a damn and doesn’t give him time to recover before taking him by the hair and socking him in the face several times with hard rights. He backs Danielson all the way up against the ropes, only to hit an Irish whip and catch Danielson on the rebound with a ONE-ARMED BACKBREAKER!! Danielson clutches at his vertebrae as Burchill tries for another cover –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Bryan Danielson won’t go away here! Showing off his resiliency, Danielson gets to his feet and fights back with several forearm shots to Burchill, only to be taken down again when Burchill clubs him in the back. Danielson’s spine might be a target area now, Burchill taking the hunched over Danielson and gripping him for what might be a RUSSIAN NECK DROP…DANIELSON SPINS IT INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!! The Master of the Small Package strikes again –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Burchill uncoils the surprise pin attempt, but as both men roll to their feet, BLASTS DANIELSON IN THE HEAD WITH A BIG BOOT!! Danielson is back down again, the meticulous Burchill taking him up and whipping him hard, sternum first into a turnbuckle. Danielson recoils away from the corner right into Burchill’s grip, going for another GERMAN SUPLEX…but Danielson again jams it, but then Paul mashes him several times with forearms to the lower back, going again for that tender area. He grips him again for the GERMAN…but before can let it fly, Shelton Benjamin shows back up and grapples Burchill from behind, a chain of rear waistlocks looking now…AND THEY HIT DOMINO GERMAN SUPLEXES!! DANIELSON GOES FLYING ACROSS THE RING TO THE APRON FROM BURCHILL’S SUPLEX AND BENJAMIN KEEPS THE BRIDGE ON BURCHILL FOR HIS –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

RUNNING SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! TYLER BLACK STOPS THE COUNT AND THE BRIDGE WITH A RUNNING SSP ON BENJAMIN!! He lets go of Burchill as Black now has an impressive lateral press –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

BENJAMIN KICKS OUT!! MERCY!! As high-paced, high action sequence as you’re gonna see right there, and it has Vegas in an absolute frenzy. All four men are down, gripping at various parts. There are bodies lying everywhere – Danielson’s on the apron, Burchill’s near a corner, and Benjamin and Black are near center ring, but both rolling around in pain, Black more selling all the offense he’s taken. The near sold-out MGM shows their appreciation for the match and these gentlemen who didn’t even know they were gonna be here until several minutes ago, several “THIS IS AWESOME” chants breaking out of the threshold.

Tyler Black is the first man to his feet, gripping at the back of his neck and throwing his hair out of his face. With Benjamin rolling closer to the ropes, he opts to go over to the still downed Burchill. He takes Burch up and traps him in a reverse headlock, possibly setting up for the PAROXYSM…NO!! Burchill spins out of the move and short-arm pulls Black in…takes him down by the arm…AND LOCKS IN THE ROYAL MUTILATION!! ROYAL MUTILATION!!

The crowd is buzzing because many of them have gotten on Black’s side for the duration of the match, the One Man Gray Area scrambling for a rope to get to! Black’s screaming in pain as Burchill pulls up and makes the muscles and tendons rip up even more, Black not able to go much farther even though he’s a fingertip away from the ropes…but the crowd is buzzing even more, some of them looking up the ramp…Black is only a moment away from tapping out…

…………………………...........

…………………………..

……………

………


SAMOA JOE BREAKS THE HOLD!! WHAT THE HELL?? WHERE DID JOE COME FROM?? The crowd is popping their heads off as the One Man Army rips Burchill away from Black’s arm, bashing him over and over with hard blows!! Joe’s taking advantage of the no DQ rule to lay into one of the men who cost him a shot at the AOW Championship tonight!! Burchill tries to scurry away from the big angry Machine, but Joe is right on him and winds up CLOTHESLINING HIM UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!!

But Joe’s not just satisfied with that! He follows Burchill to the outside and starts pounding on him there, WHIPPING HIM INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS!! Joe’s one angry motherfucker!! As the crowd is going nuts for what’s going on outside the ring, inside the ring, Shelton Benjamin and Bryan Danielson have come to, kicking up a mini brawl of their own.

Benjamin hoists Danielson up for perhaps a SAMOAN DROP, but Danielson wriggles out of that and turns on Benji’s shoulders and looks for a ROLLING PRAWN HOLD…but Benjamin keeps him up in the Electric Chair position, stepping closer to the ropes…BEFORE DUMPING DANIELSON FROM UP HIGH OVER THE TOP ROPE RIGHT ONTO JOE AND BURCHILL!!

All three men take hard falls, as Benjamin stumbles to a knee from the sudden shift in weight. Benjamin looks down to see all three men coming to just a little bit, measuring them up as the crowd ignites once again. Shelton rushes back at the ropes, rebounds and shoots towards all three men…NO-HAND SUMMERSAULT PLANCHA!! BENJAMIN FLIPS ONTO ALL THREE MEN OUTSIDE!! OH MY!!

The crowd is all kinds of pumped up again, even for the heel, Benjamin showing off his prized sheer athleticism! All four men are still down when Tyler Black gets back to his feet, Black clutching at his now ailing left arm. He looks out to see the four men and it’s his turn to measure them up, all four men soon drifting back to their feet, only to look up and see…A SPRINGBOARD SHOOTING STAR PLANCHA!! TYLER BLACK WITH THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS TO THE OUTSIDE!! OHH MYY GAAAAD!!

“HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!”

The crowd lets their appreciation be heard for that one now, all five men having to try and make it back to their feet. With all that offense and tumbling, a wave of security guards now comes down to the ring, taking the now damaged body of Samoa Joe. The crowd gives out a relentless array of heat, Joe’s interference being dealt with by a kind of authority here…BUT JOE’S NOT GOING WITHOUT A FIGHT!!

Suddenly, the One Man Army lives up to his moniker and starts TOSSING AWAY SECURITY GUARDS LEFT AND RIGHT!! One (who looks mysteriously similar to new OVW signee Stu Bennett) gets THROWN AGAINST THE RAMP!! More security and officials come down to try and sedate Joe, and the numbers game finally gets the big man, but it almost looks like an entire mob of security overtakes him and forces him to the back, to again, much heat from the crowd.

With order restored somewhat now, Black is the first man up and takes Shelton Benjamin in his clutches, rolling him back into the ring. Black then takes Shelton and throws him on his shoulders, NAILING THE FIREMAN’S CARRY FACEBUSTER ON THE TURNBUCKLE!! Benjamin drifts towards the center of the ring, Black rebounding with the YAKUZA KICK…NO!! Benjamin catches Black between the legs and pulls him over for a school boy –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Both men spring up, albeit somewhat drunkenly from exhaustion, which allows Benjamin to punt Black in the gut and lift him up and over…EXPLODER SUPLEX CONNECTING!! Benjamin floats over the cover and the title shot to a huge array of heat –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

A FLYING HEADBUTT FROM BRYAN DANIELSON BREAKS THE COUNT!! OH MY!! The flying Cruiserweight champ knocks the Ace Athlete off and away from a certain win!! He keeps on Benjamin as he rolls away, but he eventually rolls under the ropes and to the floor, Black doing the same, only for Danielson to turn around and meet Paul Burchill…who takes his arm…AND GOES FOR THE ROYAL MUTILATION…NO!! Danielson torques his way out of it, moving his hips and floating over Burchill’s body like an amateur wrestling reversal…before locking both of Burchill’s arms…AND LOCKS IN THE CATTLE MUTILATION!! THE CATTLE MUTILATION ON THE ROYAL MUTILATOR!!

It’s Burchill’s turn to squirm in a submission hold, the entire crowd going white hot because there’s nobody in sight to stop the move!! Burchill is trying his damndest to keep squirming, but Danielson’s got it synched in deep, leaving him no room at all!! The meticulous and brutal Burchill is reduced to a squiggling, screaming mess of pain as Danielson’s deadly bridge keeps tearing away at his body, the crowd prompting the match to end here..


…………………………...........

…………………………..

……………

………


…AND HE TAPS!! PAUL BURCHILL HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO TAP OUT TO BRYAN DANIELSON!!

……
……………
……………………
……………
……

…BUT THERE’S NO BELL!! Why the hell is that?? It’s because referee Ray Ramsey HAS BEEN PULLED FROM THE RING TO THE FLOOR…BY TYLER BLACK!! Black receives the most heat he’s gotten quite possibly in his entire AOW career at this point! Danielson feels Burchill tapping and unhooks the move, getting on his knees and prematurely celebrating…but there’s no ring bell! Danielson has no clue what’s going on, Burchill rolling away in pain. Danielson bends over to perhaps try to stop him, but as he does so, he doesn’t see Tyler Black getting on the apron…AND BLACK HITS DANIELSON WITH THE SPRINGBOARD DIVING KNEE STRIKE!!

Black takes Danielson out of the equation, now snatching up the body of Paul Burchill. But Burchill, while withered, still has enough gusto in him to fight Black off, and GETS THE ARM FOR ANOTHER ROYAL MUTILATION…but Black spins out of it and behind Burchill…PAROXYSM!! PAROXYSM!! Black nails Burchill with the spinning inverted DDT, Burchill’s lifeless body now covered by the One Man Grey Area as Ramsey crawls in –

1…

2…

Benjamin and Danielson crawl in…

3…!!!

TOO LATE!!!


Here is you winner and #1 contender for the Dynasty Championship…TYLER BLACK at (14:21)

WOW!! A flurry of action ends with Tyler Black rolling off of Burchill’s body and heading to the outside, referee Ray Ramsey holding his arm high while out of the ring. Benjamin and Danielson are left in disappointment, Danielson in particular collapsing back to the canvas after taking his blow to the head


Joey Styles:
Tyler Black showing some actual true color there, an act of desperation turns into a gold, unfortunately.

JBL:
You said it yourself, Joey, you don’t have to like him, but dammit he can get it done!! Kudos to the kid on doin’ everything he can to make sure he got that title shot!

Joey Styles:
Yeah, but by all means Bryan Danielson should have won! Paul Burchill was tapping out to Danielson when Black literally snatched the win away from him.

JBL:
And nobody cares. That’s what could have happened, but it’s not anything that did happen. What did happen was that Tyler Black is the man who is the new #1 contender for the Dynasty Championship! These fans actually did somethin’ good for once.

Joey Styles:
Oh come off it, John. Well coming up next on the other side of the break, we’ve got more Dynasty Tournament action – it’s time for the Semi-Finals!! The Semi-Finals start right when we get back! Stay tuned to Rise of a Dynasty!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Back at ringside…


**MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING**


And for the second time tonight, CM PUNK comes on through the curtain to another welcome ovation. He still has his Dynasty Championship, except this time it’s in his hand and not around his waist. He holds the title in both hands as he looks down into it and reads it like the face of a clock, holding it high above his head…“IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!!”


Chimel:
The following contest is a Dynasty Tournament Semi-Final match! Introducing first, AOW Dynasty Champion…CEEE EEEMM PUUUNK!!

Joey Styles:
Punk put on an impressive display in the quarter-finals against Rey Mysterio, but he might need to dig a little deeper for a win against William Regal. Regal’s offense is nothing like Mysterio’s fast paced, high flying style.

JBL:
You’re damn right he’s different. Regal likes to go at his own methodical pace, so don’t expect Punk to walk out of here like he did against Rey Mysterio. Considering he won’t walk out of here at all.


**WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL**


The pipe organ plays for the third time tonight, and just like Paul Burchill before him, WILLIAM REGAL comes out to more heat than he did last time for screwing Samoa Joe. Regal doesn’t pay them any heed once again, just playing with his tape as he holds his nose high down the ramp…WHEN CM PUNK SUDDENLY DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES FOR A SUICIDE DIVE!! THIS THING’S GETTING STARTED RIGHT AWAY!!



~Dynasty Tournament Semi-Finals~
Dynasty Champion CM Punk
v.
William Regal


Punk jumps the gun and wants it from the get go! Punk takes Regal and throws him back in the ring, staying right on the apron and waiting for the Brit to get back to his feet. The crowd is still pumped up, all of Vegas behind Punk and uplifting him as he springboards…SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE CONNECTING!! Punk nails a big signature move just a few seconds in, going for a big cover –

1…

2…

NO!!!

Regal won’t go down so easily! As quickly as Punk wanted the match finished, he knows he’s got an established veteran in the ring with him, but he’s taking no chances, waiting for Regal to get back up and prepping himself by clasping his hands together and putting them behind his ear…GO TO SLEEP COMING…NO!!

Regal squiggles off of Punk’s shoulders and makes some room, but Punk closes it and nails Regal in the gut with a kick. He keeps on Regal by whipping him hard across the ring into a corner, gearing up and preparing for the RUNNING HIGH KNEE…NOBODY HOME AND PUNK GOES TUMBLING TO THE FLOOR!!

Regal sends Punk tumbling up and over, head over heels!! Punk is now on the outside writhing around and holding at what looks like his elbow, Regal sitting up in the corner trying to gather himself from Punk’s intense opening. As Regal is catching his breath and recuperating, we get a good look at a replay that shows Punk smashed his arm on the apron on his tumble down to the floor. Referee Goose Mahoney is trying to peek through the ropes to see if Punk is okay.

Mahoney is almost pushed over when Regal rolls on through the ropes after finally recuperating, taking Punk and his seemingly ailing arm, taking him from behind…AND RAMMING HIM ARM FIRST INTO AN IRON POST!! Regal smells blood all over the water and now it’s time to hone in. Mahoney is yelling at Regal to get him back in the ring, but the grizzled veteran pays no heed to this and takes the now handicapped Punk…AND SMASHES THE ARM AGAINST THE GUARD RAIL!!

All the wild steam Punk had from the opening bell is gone in a flash, and so is the use of his arm. The meticulous Regal chuckles to himself a little bit before listening over his shoulder to hear Mahoney counting out at a two count. Regal rolls in then back out to reset the table, pulling Punk up by his grimy locks and pulling him over by the steel ring steps. He POUNDS Punk’s face off the steel, loosening them up and forcing Punk down.

Regal then drapes Punk’s body over the steps themselves, Punk’s targeted left arm dangling right in front of the sides plated with steel. The crowd can feel what’s coming now, as Punk is stuck with his arm dangling in front of the steps and Regal stepping away…and running…AND CRUNCHING PUNK’S ARM AGAINST THE STEEL STEPS WITH A RUNNING BOOT!! OH MY!!

Punk collapses in a heap on the floor, the tendons in his arm potentially having snapped like rubber bands from that move. Mahoney is up to a three count now, but he’s stopped to beg Regal to get Punk back in the ring, but Regal is in no hurry, enjoying the heat he’s getting from Vegas now. Punk is screaming into the outside padding, muffling his own cries of pain before Regal snatches him up and slides him back into the ring. Regal follows, making sure to press Punk’s arm down on the lateral press –

1…

2…

NO!!

Punk won’t go down without some kind of fight. The damage done to Punk here is only what we could imagine might have happened had Charlie Haas stuck around, but as it stands, Punk is the man who is going to feel the wrath of Regal here, as the Mercenary captain puts Punk on his stomach and drives a knee into the back of his head while PULLING UP ON THE INJURED ARM. Punk screams in pain as Regal uses the modified armbar and even PULLS BACK ON PUNK’S FINGERS, possibly tearing up those damaged tendons and wracked nerves even more.

The sick Regal might actually be enjoying this as Punk is constantly asked if he wants to quit. Through his screams of pain, Punk refuses to give Regal the satisfaction of a submission victory. Regal realizes this and looks to change things up, CLUBBING PUNK IN THE SHOULDER before CRANKING BACK EVEN MORE. The casual rest hold is now turned up to lethal volumes, Punk trying with all his might to just keep his arm attached to his body. He eventually has to yank the damn thing out of Regal’s clutches, rolling away towards a rope to get a rope break if needed.

But Regal isn’t going to be shaken off that easily, almost forcing Punk to roll away into a corner and sit on the lower rungs. Regal sees an opportunity here, cornering the hurt Punk and starts MASHING HIM WITH REPEAT MULE KICKS!! These hit Punk’s body hard, but his fucked up arm is spared. Regal is taking his time, enjoying the incredibly slow pace he’s set for himself, taking Punk and dragging him out of the corner and covering him –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Punk may be thrashed around, but he’s not done yet! Regal takes the worn down Punk and wraps his shoulder up in a hammerlock and preparing to TOSS THE SHOULDER INTO A CORNER, but Punk puts on the brakes by sliding on one knee. Regal tries to push the issue by charging after Punk, but Punk manages to sidestep him and send him CHEST FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE. He almost falls over, but Punk finishes bringing him over with a SCHOOL BOY –

1…

2…

NO!!

Regal manages to throw his legs up, but Punk manages to spring up with him and wrap his legs up for ANOTHER SCHOOL BOY…WRAPPED UP BY PUNK’S OWN LEGS –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

That one was considerably closer, but both Regal and Punk spring up again, only for Regal to try and knock Punk’s head off with a CLOTHESLINE…but Punk ducks underneath it and hits Regal in the gut with a back kick before taking his legs from underneath him with a TRIPPING SPINNING BACK KICK!! Punk quickly jumps on Regal again –

1…

2…

NO!!

Regal throws up a shoulder, but hit his head on the way down, so can’t immediately get up. Punk takes this opportunity to play Regal’s own game and wear him down slowly with the only part of his body that’s fully functioning, WRAPPING REGAL’S HEAD WITH HIS LEGS!! Punk’s wrapping a figure four leglock on Regal’s head to wear the old man down! Punk squeezes Regal’s head away, trying his best to completely cut off his oxygen.

Regal is fading rather quickly, but he’s not gone just yet. The veteran keeps his wits about him and tries to tear Punk off of him, his hands grasping at Punk’s calves and thighs to try and find a way out of this vise…and he might have found when by turning onto his stomach and pushing Punk off…and he pops his head from between Punk’s legs! As the crowd deflates a little bit, they start buzzing when they realize he hasn’t separated Punk’s legs, only popping his head out. He keeps Punk’s legs wrapped up nice and tight before catching them in his own legs…AND GOING FOR THE REGAL STRETCH…NO!! Punk manages to scurry to a bottom rope before he can fully synch it in.

Regal is forced off of Punk by the referee and the rope break, giving Punk time to perhaps catch his breath and use the ropes to get back to his feet using only one hand. The instant he’s back to his feet, Regal pounces on him and tries to grapple him from behind and pull him away. The Chicago native holds onto the ropes for dear life with his one good arm, pressing up against the ropes and pushing off to force Regal to roll away. But Regal rolls back to his feet and CHARGES AT PUNK AGAIN, only for Punk to LOWER THE TOP ROPE…AND SEND REGAL CRASHING TO THE FLOOR!!

It’s Punk’s turn to turn the tables of aggression, taking advantage of Regal’s rashness. Punk tries his best to shake some life back into his thus-far useless left arm before gripping the top rope and stalking the Brit as he gets back to his feet outside…PERFECT PLANCHA…NO!! Regal ducks his head and moves in preparation, but Punk sees this and simply slings himself over the top rope and catches himself on the apron. Regal sees this and goes to rip Punk’s feet from under him, but the straight-edge enthusiast backs Regal away with a well-placed kick. As Regal goes reeling, Punk turns around on the apron to face Regal…leaping…AND NAILS A LEAPING CLOTHESLINE FROM THE APRON TO THE OUTSIDE!!

A modified version of his springboard clothesline there, Punk having to gather himself, but he’s getting a great reception from the crowd for throwing it all out there to end this thing. He gives a small smirk of appreciation, but then goes right back to selling the injured arm, which he still tries to shake some life into before taking Regal’s body and rolling it back into the ring. Punk springs on Regal’s body for the pin –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Regal stays alive in the tournament! Punk is a little agitated, throwing his hair out of his face and trying to pull Regal back to his feet, but Regal almost immediately grabs the wrist of the hurt left arm and WRENCHES it, reducing Punk to his knees. As Punk gets back up after the wrench, Regal wraps it around his head before snapping off…A REGAL CUTTER!! Flawlessly executed by the man who created the move, the Mercenary from Blackpool throws Punk’s shoulder against the mat and goes for the win –

1…

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3-NO!!

Punk now throwing a shoulder up! It’s Regal’s turn to get a little bit aggravated now, almost sure the count was closer than Mahoney said it was. Regal shakes his head as he pulls Punk up, only for Punk to hit a very uncharacteristic HEADBUTT that suddenly stuns Regal long enough for Punk to rebound off the ropes. The one-armed Dynasty Champion slings back at William, only for the nasty Brit to hit a standing switch while Punk runs at him…AND FLIPS PUNK ALL KINDS OF WAYS WITH THE HALF-NELSON SUPLEX!! A move that has caused concussions here in AOW is effortlessly snapped off by Regal, who shoots another half on the lifeless body of Punk for another cover attempt –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

PUNK DOES NOT WISH TO GO YET!! Regal’s getting more and more agitated we can see, but he’s also subduing it because it’s also just his nature. Someone in the Mercs, Inc. stable has to. The Englishman takes Punk and tries to keep wearing him down, this time looking to separate shoulder from neck when he takes him up and pries away with a STRETCH PLUM!! Regal keeps showing off his array of torture methods, wrenching away at Punk’s ailing arm while pulling his head and neck in the other direction. The Second City Saint screams in pain across Las Vegas, but also keeps shouting refusals to Mahoney’s ever present questions of giving up.

Regal keeps trying to stretch him like taffy even more, but after several seconds, Punk manages to at least try to be making it to a vertical base…before quickly spinning out of the stretch plum, taking Regal by the wrist, and turning him around in a hammerlock…AND GOING FOR THE PEPSI TWIST…NO!! Regal ducks underneath the lariat and catches Punk from behind…REGAL PLEX…NO!! Punk fights back with several fierce elbows to the back and side of Regal’s head, forcing Regal to let go of his leg and the hold. Regal resets and rushes right back at Punk…only to get DRILLED WITH THE SURPRISE ROUNDHOUSE!! Punk is right back in this thing as he covers –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!

REGAL KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND!! Punk is trying to do everything he can here, but the veteran is not going down without a sure fight! As Punk tries to grapple Regal and perhaps look for more offense, Regal throws Punk’s hands off of him and rolls to a corner to pull himself up. Punk follows him, again having to work with headbutts and the occasional hard right hand. He then hoists Regal onto the top rope with one shoulder, climbing on up top and going for a high risk move, potentially for the FRANKENSTEIR…NO!! Regal shoves Punk off the top by SOCKING HIM RIGHT IN THE SHOULDER!!

Punk lands hard on the canvas, possibly on that same shoulder, screaming into the canvas in pain. He rolls all the way across the ring to the opposite corner, Regal staying up on his top rope to catch his breath some more before dropping from his high perch and RUSHING AT PUNK…only for Punk to sidestep and send Regal CRASHING INTO THE IRON POST!! Punk’s arm could still fall off at any minute, but he’s got Regal set up and going again for the HIGH CORNER KNEE…AND HITS IT!! He stays up top for just a second before going for the finishing BULLDOG…NO…REGAL PLEX!! REGAL PLEX!! REGAL PULLS THAT OUT OF THE HAT AS HE KEEPS THE BRIDGE –

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3…

NO!!

PUNK KICKS OUT!! Punk thrashes his legs up and has to get some leverage to push Regal off of his body, but Regal flows right into the next move from there, Punk flopping onto his stomach from the hard kickout…REGAL STRETCH!! REGAL STRETCH LOCKED IN!! Punk’s injured arm is trapped in the hold, making the pain that much greater!! The MGM crowd is trying to beg Punk to keep going, but Regal might have Punk this time with Punk having to crawl a long way on one arm to maybe get to a rope…


…………………………...........

…………………………..

……………

………


AND HE SLINGS AN ARM OVER THE BOTTOM ROPE!! Punk narrowly escapes, but his arm may not be as lucky. As Regal is forced away, Punk is again forced to clutch at his arm in intense agony. This far in the match, a target like that might just make you toast. The vigilant Dynasty Champion keeps his arm close and keeps refusing Mahoney when he says he can stop the match, opting instead to turn right back towards Regal, who goes right back to the arm. He wrenches it and pulls Punk in for a short-arm double underhook…BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!! A gorgeous move that Regal floats over and gets a cover on –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

PUNK IS STILL ALIVE!! A vicious kickout once again shows his vigor, even with just one arm. Going for the heroics that perhaps Charlie Haas couldn’t completely muster, Punk tries to grit it out and get back to his feet…but Regal is stalking him several steps away, clearing some space between them so he can rush back…FOR THE FINISHING KNEE TREMBLER…NO!! Punk spins out of the way and grabs Regal in a rear waistlock as he flies by, rolling back for a surprise VICTORY ROLL…

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Regal throws his legs up and gets out of the surprise move almost at the last minute, punching the canvas and looking back towards the on-his-knees Punk…BUT PUNK CATCHES HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS AND SETS HIM UP…EVEN WITH ONE ARM…GTS CONNECTING!!! WAIT…NO!! REGAL CAUGHT THE KNEE ON THE WAY DOWN…rolls through…AND LOCKS IN THE REGAL STRETCH AGAIN!! GTS TO THE REGAL STRETCH!! Punk is in the dead center of the ring this time and he almost has nowhere to go, the entire crowd completely duped by the counter and is again buzzing like crazy to make sure Punk doesn’t tap out. He’s got it synched in pretty deep, all the abuse Punk’s taken coming into play and not just the damage done to his arm. Will he be able to muster it all up and get to the finals…???


…………………………...........

…………………………..

Punk pulls his arm free…
……………

………
Wraps it around Regal’s head and starts pulling him over…


ANACONDA VISE!! ANACONDA VISE!! PUNK’S GOT IT LOCKED IN!! VISE FROM THE STF!! The positions are completely turned now, Punk the man who is trying his damndest to pull back and wrench an entire part of Regal’s body off, but the battle-ravaged veteran sees this as just another battle, refusing to go out very easily, especially when he’s wrapped up with a wear arm…AND STARTS CLUBBING AT IT!! Punk refuses to let go of the hold, even while getting beaten on his bad arm, but Regal keeps on pummeling…AND STRIKES PUNK IN JUST THE RIGHT SPOT TO MAKE HIM LET GO!!

The crowd dies back down once again, as Punk is back to having to tend to that left arm. He pounds the canvas in frustration and pain, Regal again making space between the two with a meticulous grin just painted on his face. He waits for Punk to get to one knee…then up, but hunched over…AND GOES FOR THE KNEE TREMBLER AGAIN…NO!!

Again, Punk sidesteps, this time sending Regal crashing into a corner, Punk jumping on this chance to get him in the headlock…AND DRIVE HIM TO THE CANVAS WITH THE BULLDOG!! HE FINALLY FINISHES THE COMBO!! Punk doesn’t immediately go for a cover, however, as he’s the one who is now stalking Regal as he tries to get back to his feet. Punk rebounds off the ropes and flies back at Regal…SHINING WIZARD!! THE SHINING WIZARD!! A move Punk hasn’t busted out since his indy days, but his weak arm forces him to his oldest finisher!! Punk covers and hooks the leg –

1…

2…

3…!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE FINALS…CM PUNK at (15:00)

Through the power of virtually his legs alone, CM Punk manages to get the miraculous win! Punk clutches his hurt arm close to his body, barely able to receive his Dynasty Championship with it. He has to put it in his other hand as that arm is raised. Punk doesn’t stick around for very long, getting out of there as soon as possible to get some attention on his arm


Joey Styles:
HAHA!! One of my picks beats out one of yours, John!

JBL:
Yeah, but I’d hardly call that a ‘win’. CM Punk is gonna join Charlie Haas in the ‘one arm’ department thanks to that match. An’ if you think he stands a chance against HBK or Finlay with a bad arm, you’re very mistaken.

Joey Styles:
Well don’t be too sour, John. Whatever the case, CM Punk gets a measure of revenge on William Regal from the tag match last week, and in doing so, secures his arm’s health and his place in the Finals!! A fantastic match to boot, but does Punk have what it takes to keep going in the Finals?

JBL:
Short answer: no. Long answer: hell no.

Joey Styles:
AOW seems to specialize in unbiased commentary. Just remember, John, I’m one step closer to winning our bet!

JBL:
Good luck gettin’ any money out of me.

Joey Styles:
I think just being able to tell you CM Punk won the whole thing would be good enough to watch you squirm every week. And then you’d have to get in the ring with him!

JBL:
Shut up and plug the break.

Joey Styles:
Such a wonderful partner. The meticulous Regal couldn’t best it out, but he left his mark, and up next we’ve got the other Semi-Finals contest! Shawn Michaels tries to cast his demons aside and focus on facing a man who had the longest battle in the quarter-finals, the man who loves to fight – Finlay! It’s gonna be a brawl coming to you next!!


We suddenly cut backstage when we’re supposed to cut to break. The camera work is a little different from the normal cameras, almost looking like a handheld. It seems like a sort of ‘shoot’, or ‘secret’ segment. Appropriately, it’s between Paul Heyman and Shawn Michaels

Heyman:
I’m telling you this because we got lucky with Joe’s elimination.

Michaels:
And I bet you had nothing to do with that, right?

Heyman:
FOCUS! All I’m saying is we take The Mercenaries’ lead and do something…similar.

Michaels:
What? Get myself disqualified?

Heyman:
Exactly! I’ll come down, whack you with a chair or something, and you’re in the finals for sure!

Michaels:
You’re not sure I can beat Finlay? Paul, you really don’t know who you’re talking to –

Heyman:
No, I know who I’m talking to. You said you’d do anything to win. I’m trying to help you make it there. And the way you win this tournament is you reserve your stamina for the Finals. Haas wasn’t an issue, but Finlay definitely will be. I’m doing what’s best for you –

Michaels:
Because I’m what’s best for you. No. I told you – I’m contracted to you, but I am not owned by you. You should’ve learned from Montreal – I still do things my way.

Michaels pats Heyman on the neckbrace and walks away, leaving Heyman to grip at his neck in pain before watching Michaels walk away…


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Back at ringside…



Joey Styles:
Well, it looked like moments ago that Paul Heyman had a plan in mind of Shawn Michaels, but Michaels turned him down from any dirty dealings in his tournament matches.

JBL:
What a flip-flopper. The guy says he’ll do anything to win an’ for that title an’ he just sits back an’ rejects exactly what he says he’s about.

Joey Styles:
Yeah, well at least we know that while Shawn Michaels may be a shell of a man that he’s usually been, he’s still Shawn Michaels and he has some kind of virtue and values.


**SEXY BOY**


Shawn Michaels is back out to a chorus of a mixed reaction, although it’s more positive. It’s a little weaker on his second appearance, much like the match before. Michaels doesn’t bother to get down on his knees this time, but he wears his stoic face to about halfway down the ramp, his conversation with Heyman still ringing in his head…when SUDDENLY HE’S STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY FINLAY!!

Finlay’s trying to even the score! He just went through a battle with Low Ki, so he jumps Michaels to bring him down to size!! But the fight it’s over with just one shot! Finlay keeps right on Michaels, BEATING HIM AGAINST THE AISLEWAY RAMP!! He then takes HBK and CRUNCHES HIM SPINE-FIRST OFF OF THE GUARD RAIL!! This isn’t just a sneak attack, it’s a sick, underhanded beatdown!!

The crowd is throwing immense heat on Finlay here, but Dave doesn’t seem to care, keeping Michaels in his clutches, knocking blow after blow to his head…BUT THEN MICHAELS STARTS FIGHTING BACK!! The crowd starts warming back up, trying to cheer and support Michaels, but one shot to the spine from Finlay puts an end to that. As they finally make their way to the ringside area, Finlay takes Michaels and WHIPS HIM HARD, BACK-FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS!!

The oft-cited back injury of Shawn Michaels is getting picked all to pieces here, and all the air is seemingly leaving the room with every time Michaels has to grit his teeth through the pain. Referee Justin King is all over Finlay right now, telling him to step away from Michaels so he can assess his health, but Finlay expresses this by completely ignoring the ref and CHUNKING MICHAELS AGAIN INTO THE GUARD RAIL!!

Michaels’ back could be broken again, Finlay looking down and smirking at his handiwork with his purple lip still very visible and adding that perverse element yet again. He absorbs all the heat he’s getting for this vicious onslaught, taking Michaels and rolling him into the ring now, telling King he’s ‘ready to start now’. King opts instead to go check on Michaels to see if he’s even able to get to his feet, which he can’t do without the aid of the ring ropes.

The buzzing crowd is chanting for HBK to go on, but they suddenly become a chorus of boos when we look up the ramp and see that PAUL HEYMAN is coming on down the ramp. Heyman, looking to personally save his investment, is scuttling with worry all the way to ringside. He’s talking with the referee about Shawn’s condition, with King saying he doesn’t recommend Michaels keep going. Heyman is saying “I agree with you” in his usual exaggerated Paul Heyman meter, both men trying to convince Shawn to walk out…

…but that’s not the Shawn Michaels way, is it? The rebellious Michaels shoves the referee away and gets in Heyman’s face, telling him that “I can win no matter WHAT”. Heyman is shaking his head, almost whispering to Michaels that ‘the plan can still be on’. Michaels, fighting through pain wrapping every inch of his body, just turns and looks at Heyman with a scowl befitting an enraged gunman, staring Heyman down so that he gets the point. Heyman steps away, nothing but fear in his eyes, as Michaels uses the ring ropes to climb to his feet. As Michaels gets up, Heyman again scuttles around to the other side of the ring around the announcer’s area.

As he does that, Michaels is back up, leaning all over the ropes and the turnbuckle. He’s tending to his back and gritting his teeth, yelling at Black Referee to start the match. He keeps asking Michaels if he’s sure, Michaels more than certain with ailing back and all. Finlay is smirking and grinning his ass off as the defiant Michaels stands up enough for the referee to call for the bell

~Dynasty Tournament Semi-Final~
Shawn Michaels
v.
Finlay


And as soon as the bell rings, Finlay explodes out of the gate, but SHAWN MICHAELS RUSHES ACROSS THE RING AND HITS FINLAY WITH THE LOU THESZ PRESS!! MICHAELS IS KNOCKING RIGHT HANDS OFF OF FINLAY’S SKULL!! The crowd is right back in the white hot realm, Finlay barely managing to push Michaels off of his body. HBK tries to roll to his feet, but he isn’t so limber, as his back immediately starts to act up, which gets him a CLOTHESLINE FROM FINLAY!!

Michaels has to roll away to a corner for recovery, Finlay having to create some separation too because Michaels might have hit his already tender lip. As Michaels tries to bring himself back up, Paul Heyman slips in out of the corner of our eye…AND HE’S RAISED A STEEL CHAIR AND IS ABOUT TO HIT MICHAELS…but Justin King sees him and stops him right before he can get Michaels intentionally disqualified!

Heyman is trying to reason with his referee, Michaels spinning away from the corner and staring at his ‘owner’. Heyman still wanted to do things his way. King is asking Heyman to leave the ring, but with everybody and their attention on Paul Heyman…FINLAY SMASHES SHAWN MICHAELS IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE SHILLELAGH! Where did Finlay get that?? Finlay throws his Irish staff away, clearing it as King realizes there’s a cover in the process, Heyman nearly losing his shit –

1…

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3…!!!

NO!!

MICHAELS KICKS OUT!! HOW IN THE HELL?? After the vicious onslaught and getting plunked right in the head by Finlay’s infamous shillelagh, Shawn Michaels still has enough fight in him! How badly does Shawn Michaels want to win this tournament? At that, how bad does he want to spite Heyman by winning it ‘his’ way?? Whatever the reasons, the crowd has exploded for HBK’s still lifeless body, Finlay looking like he’s just stabbed a man who just kept walking. He looks at the referee and asks him if it was a three count, Hebner saying his hand never came down the win. He looks back at Michaels with a near petrified expression and simply mouths ‘you sure?’ Michaels’ resiliency in what could be the opening minutes seem to have legitimately spooked Finlay so bad, he’s broken his usual demeanor.

Outside the ring, Paul Heyman is just as stupefied at the resiliency of his chosen champion, but King retorts to Heyman that “Mr. Heyman, Shawn asked you to leave!” Is Black Referee kicking Heyman out? Even if he’s not entirely, Heyman begins to make his way back towards the ramp. Maybe now he realizes exactly who he’s dealing with in the Iron Man. Does he really have the capabilities and did Heyman almost just cost his ‘chosen one’ the title he so covets? With all these things in mind, Heyman, still with a somewhat shocked look on his face, leaves the ringside area and actually doesn’t garner much attention because everyone’s still buzzing that HBK isn’t dead yet

Finlay shakes off his shock and remembers what’s at stake here, snatching Michaels’ still limp body and pulling his dead weight all the way up and bringing him on his shoulders, looking for the CELTIC CROSS…NO!! Michaels manages to slip behind Finlay and roll him over for a SUNSET PIN…

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Michaels almost pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes there, still trying to fight as hard as he can, but Finlay meets him upon recovery by BLASTING HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE!! Michaels goes down hard and falls right back down on that head and back that have been picked apart so far here. The crowd deflates along with Michaels’ chances, and even Paul Heyman who has stuck around on the entrance stage despite being told to get the hell outta here. He stands in pure fear, Michaels’ resiliency possibly gone here as Finlay covers Shawn –

1…

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3-NO!!

MICHAELS ROLLS A SHOULDER!! HBK WILL NOT DIE!! Michaels still doesn’t have much, if any life in him, but he has more than enough to keep going! Maybe it’s divine intervention or maybe it’s just the will to live, but the match will keep going. Finlay takes Michaels and starts dragging him back to his feet for something else, taking Michaels back up ON HIS SHOULDERS…but Michaels slips off, turns Finlay around…and hits him with the knife-edge CHOP(Woooo!) Michaels lights him up with another CHOP(Wooooo!)

He has enough gusto to try and whip Finlay into the ropes, but the sturdy Finlay reverses it and bounces Michaels off the ropes…only to hit the FLYING FOREARM! The crowd pops when they see the move, but as Michaels lays eagle-spread on the canvas, there’s no real sign of life in his body. The crowd keeps buzzing, expecting the Showstopper to pop back up like always…but he just lies there. Nothing. No movement. Even Finlay is moving before Michaels even stirs, the Irishman shakes the cobwebs out, looking at the downed body of Michaels…ONLY FOR MICHAELS TO HIT THE KIP UP!! The crowd roars and Finlay is so surprised, he stumbles a few steps back!

Even with the overdramatic pause before the kip-up, Michaels isn’t 100%, getting up and tending to his back, which prompts Finlay to regain himself and charge right at Michaels…only to eat an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!! Michaels knocks Finlay down after that with a nice clothesline, but Finlay springs right back up into Shawn’s grasp…AND MICHAELS HITS A SPINEBUSTER!!

A surprising move, but it’s not anything like Triple H’s or anything, but regardless, Finlay is down and Michaels is all kinds of pumped back up now, even a small smirk coming onto the face of Paul Heyman all the way up the ramp. Michaels climbs through the ropes and heads to the top, his back still acting up, but Shawn pushing through it all…DIVING ELBOW DROP!! RIGHT TO THE BLACK HEART OF THE IRISHMAN!!

Michaels is given a completely new life, thrashing around in excitement, the entire Vegas strip in the palm of his hand. The crowd is roaring the roof off the building, as Michaels shakes off his back problems and ventures over to a corner, watching the tough Irish bastard struggle to get to a vertical base, HBK starting to TUNE UP THE BAND…

BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!



BOOM!!


……
………

SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC CONNECTS…WITH THE REFEREE!! FINLAY PULLED IN THE REFEREE AT THE LAST SECOND!!! All the buzz leaves the arena and there’s immense heat being thrown at Finlay, Michaels seeing just what he’s done, freezing all action to see his chances of winning the match right now fall with the zebra. When Michaels remembers there’s an ‘undefeated’ guy in front of him, he turns to face him…FINLAY STRIKES WITH THE SHILLELAGH…NO!! Michaels ducks the blow from the staff…AND HITS FINLAY WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC ANYWAY!! FINLAY IS COMPLETELY KNOCKED OUT…BUT SO IS THE REFEREE!!

Michaels collapses to try and cover Finlay, but he knows the ref is still down, crawling over to him and trying his damndest to shake some life back in to him, scream at him, pull at him – anything to get this guy up and counting. We look over to Heyman up on the ramp who looks like he’s about to cry…when he realizes something. His eyes grow wide as he starts rushing down the ramp as best his portly body can, pointing at himself and saying “HEY! I CAN MAKE THE COUNT!” The fans are buzzing considerably as Heyman returns, many of them hearing when he’s saying and cheering on that the match might be able to end here!

Heyman slides into the ring and tells Michaels to cover Finlay, but before he can even begin any kind of count, Michaels GRABS HIS BOSS AND OWNER BY THE COLLAR and tells him that “I told you to leave!”

“But I can make the count for you! I’m the Commander in Chief!”

“I told you we do things my way, by myself!”

“But you said you’d win at whatever cost! Whatever, however it takes! Just let me count!”

“NO!!”

“WHY THE HELL NOT!?!

“Because I remember the last time you counted for me!”

Oooooh. The crowd heard that one and reacts accordingly, as does Heyman, who is shut up quite quickly by the retort. Michaels then continues when he tells Heyman to ‘call another referee’. Heyman looks dejected and pissed, but he’s biting his lip. He rolls out of the ring and starts walking back up the ramp, making motions with his hands to bring down a new ref. As Heyman does his actual Commander duties, Michaels turns around to see Finlay SMASH HIM IN THE BACK WITH THE SHILLELAGH…AND THEN SQUARE IN THE TEMPLE!! MICHAELS IS IN A CRUMPLED HEAT!! Heyman just now turns around and doesn’t see it, the new official, Brian Hebner, just coming through the curtain and not seeing it either.

The heat is damn near ungodly at this point, as Finlay dispatches the evidence as Hebner approaches the ring. But it looks like Finlay wants to make sure Michaels has no hope of coming back to life again like he has time and time again, taking the already shillelagh sucker punched Icon and putting him up on and over his shoulders…CELTIC CROSS!! An absolutely deflating Celtic Cross that only prompts more heat from the Grand, Finlay floating over and covering as the disappointed Heyman looks on, shaking his head –

1…

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3…!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE FINALS…FINLAY at (8:54)
Entire Segment: (14:01)


Finlay rolls off of Michaels’ body and rubs at his jaw, possibly still feeling the Sweet Chin Music. Even so, he has no problem getting his hand raised to a gorgeous array of heat. Paul Heyman hasn’t stopped staring a hole in HBK.

Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels chances of winning the AOW Championship just went up in smoke…and it’s all thanks to Finlay.

JBL:
Oh get your head outta your ass. Shawn Michaels screwed Shawn Michaels. He said he would do anything an’ what does he do? Reject everything.

Joey Styles:
Well maybe his heart wasn’t entirely in it…?

JBL:
Then he shouldn’t be here an’ he should just retire. If you’re heart’s not in this thing completely, what’re you doin’ here?

Joey Styles:
But that’s also to say nothing of Finlay, who did nothing here to set aside the rumors that he’s lost a step. He pounded on Shawn Michaels before anything could even get started!

JBL:
He was just tryin’ to soften up Michaels a little bit so he could bring Shawn down to his level. An eighteen minute match an’ a seven minute match are two different levels of exhaustion, Joey.

Joey Styles:
That may be so, but coming up next is a man who has had his heart in everything. He’s had it there so much, that Chris Jericho has done everything to try and manipulate him back to madness…and he just might have succeeded. Coming up after the break, AOW World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage has a meeting in the middle of the ring with a network executive to see if he can get permission to face Chris Jericho next week in a Last Man Standing match.

JBL:
Good luck tryin’ to change the mind of a corporate floozy.

Joey Styles:
You’re tellin’ me. I have to commentate with one every week.

Michaels is just now recovering from his wounds, being helped up by the referee. He rolls under the bottom rope to a solid ovation, but he looks Heyman right in the disappointed face. Even in a neckbrace, Heyman shakes his head disapprovingly at Michaels’ actions, but HBK doesn’t seem to care, listening more intently for the audience’s applause. He walks back up the ramp alone, knowing he might have to pay for all this…


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~We return with the image of Mick Foley standing in the middle of the ring. Mick’s wearing his signature flannel. But beside him is a man in a business suit who looks like he doesn’t really want to be there


Foley:
Hiya folks, I’m “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley, the Acting Commander for Wednesday Night Oblivion…

Foley can’t finish speaking because he’s receiving a huge pop from the Vegas crowd, a few “FOLEY!” chants going around

Foley:
…thank you. And with me here tonight is the Advocate to the CEO of FX, Mr. Jordan Gilmartin.

And Mr. Gilmartin is greeted with a very appropriate round of heat

Foley:
I’m sure he appreciates that warm welcome because he came all the way to be in person right here, in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Foley peers into the camera and gives a thumbs up, the crowd giving him his standard cheap pop

Foley:
Now, Mr. Gilmartin is here to listen in and represent the network that hosts our promotion. But most of all, he’s here to listen the case of one man in particular who has a special request. I present and introduce ‘The Instant Classic’, your AOW World Heavyweight Champion…CHRISTIAN CAGE!!


“GO!!!”

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**

And one of, if not the biggest pop of the night sounds off as CHRISTIAN CAGE bursts through the curtain. He isn’t able to look out at Vegas to find his ‘Peeps’…but that’s because in one hand he’s holding the AOW World Heavyweight Championship on one shoulder and holding STEEL CHAIR IN THE OTHER. We see Finlay actually gulp when he sees that sight, but Cage doesn’t crack anything resembling a smile or intimidation as he marches down the ramp


Joey Styles:
Welcome back to Rise of a Dynasty where Christian Cage has popped the roof off the MGM Grand Garden!

JBL:
These people love this guy! Even when he’s completely off of his rocker again!

Joey Styles:
I’m sure he’s more than sane to be able to talk to this network executive, Mr. Gilmartin.

JBL:
Not with that steel chair I don’t think he is.

Christian slides into the ring, Foley almost stepping between he and the executive as Christian plays to the crowd a little bit on the corners until his music fades and he’s face to face with Foley and the man who will listen to his case

Foley:
Uh, Christian, with all due respect, I don’t think it’s advisable that you…uh…y’know…

Foley keeps motioning to the steel chair. Cage just looks at Foley with cold eyes before TAKING THE CHAIR BY THE EXECUTIVE…and opening it up, setting it behind the suited gentlemen. With a free hand, Christian is handed a microphone

Christian:
I might be just a little bit out of my mind, fellas, but the one thing I’m not is irrational. I was just making sure that Mr. Gilmartin would be at least comfortable while he listens. So I got him a chair.

Buzz from the crowd, as Foley nods in acceptance, understanding this stance

Foley:
Mr. Gilmartin, by now I’m sure you know the terms Mr. Cage is trying to push. He would like to defend his AOW World Heavyweight Championship next week, on broadcast, free television, in a Last Man Standing Match against Chris Jericho with myself as Special Guest Referee.

Gilmartin:
Yes, I understand.

Christian:
With one extra condition.

Both Foley and Gilmartin are taken aback

Foley:
One extra what…?

Gilmartin:
Are you adding to your request, Mr. Cage…?

Christian:
Yeah. I guess I am. Because I’m not sure if you know just how much I hate Chris Jericho’s very existence, Mr. Gilmartin, but I want to add the special request of…and I know that this is digging me deeper into a pit I’m not sure I can dig out of…but I don’t want to be able to win the match…until Chris Jericho is bleeding

WHAT!? The crowd pops for that proposition, but Foley is fearfully taken aback, while Mr. Gilmartin’s eyes are popping out of his face

Foley:
Surely, surely, Christian, you’re merely exaggerating your intent to show Mr. Gilmartin just how passionate you are.

Christian:
Mick, you know as well as I do that I’m not exaggerating any feelings when it comes to Chris Jericho and my AOW title.

Cage stares down Foley, who appears to drop his arbitrator ruse

Foley:
Alright, Mr. Gilmartin, Christian wants to beat the holy high hell out of Chris Jericho until he bleeds and can’t stand and I want a front row seat to see it. Are we gonna make that happen or what?

And the crowd both laughs and cheers loudly for Foley pretty much laying it down. Even Cage has to smile, mouthing to Mick ‘I thought that was my line’

Gilmartin:
The idea…sounds a bit much. But I and the rest of the executives are very much open to you trying to convince us that it’s exactly what we need.

A bit of heat, although this is a reasonable statement

Christian:
Mr. Gilmartin, it’s my understanding that you guys up in the Big Wig corps have been watching AOW rather closely because of some of the…questionable content and decisions we seem to have made over the course of the year. But does that mean you have to deprive people of what they really want? Because quite frankly, I could list reason after reason why this should happen, but I’ll just give you 12,000 reasons.

Cage lifts his microphone and points it at the crowd, who executes yet another ENORMOUS pop, a “CHRISTIAN CAGE! CHRISTIAN CAGE!” chant bursting out

Christian:
Buuuuut just in case that’s not enough for you, let me just reiterate a few things – Chris Jericho has manipulated and controlled every single member of that locker room. From the pretty blonde you met back there, Torrie Wilson, all the way up to our administration, Mr. Foley and Mr. Heyman. Now that’s not saying we’re inept in any way, that’s a testament to just how far this guy will go in his thirst for power.

Mr. Gilmartin nods his head

Christian:
And as for me? Jericho’s made my life a living hell because of his thirst for power because I was the man who knew all his plans. But then I thwarted him. I took him off his godly throne and reminded him he’s as much a man as any of us. And then…he got worse.

The crowd buzzes as Christian starts pacing a bit

Christian:
Now that you know our brief history, I’ll just have you know that the reason I want this match is to stop him. Because if I don’t, then I’m not sure who else will or even can. And while what goes on in this ring might not mean a damn thing to you, Mr. Gilmartin, let me give you a little more insight on who we are as a roster and the men I am representing –

Christian gets in the face of the sitting executive

Christian:
Most of us don’t have anything else but wrestling. If I got fired today, I’d probably have to go back to working my ass off at Subway. CM Punk and Finlay, the two guys who are in the finals of the Dynasty Tournament tonight? Both of them have been wrestling since high school. They know nothing else. Hell, Kofi Kingston’s in the back, he doesn’t have a match, but he’s here. He’s got a Communications degree he hates with all his heart. Why does he hate it and why is he here? Because his heart is dead set on wrestling.

A big pop there for everyone, Christian putting over the roster as he stands straight up now

Christian:
I can go on and on. Jamie Noble’s been doing this and not getting the props he deserves for just as long as I have. Rey Mysterio put up a hellova fight tonight and he always has because he’s been wrestling since he was sixteen. Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Nick Nameth, Jake Hagar – all of them NCAA level athletes, knowing nothing but wrestling and competition before they even knew Shakespeare.

Another brief pop, only brief because Christian keeps on going because he’s on fire

Christian:
Bryan Danielson, a guy they called the ‘Best in the World’, had to work the independent circuit no matter how good he was because he’s not a ‘marketable’. Samoa Joe, a guy who has been undefeated in North America for damn near three years, still had to work his ass off to get here tonight. Aero Star, Brent Albright, Tyler Black, Matt Sydal, all young guys that other promotions lost faith in and we picked them up because they still want to do this with all their heart!

Christian’s damn near screaming he’s so intense at this, the crowd roaring and allowing Cage to settle back down. He breathes heavily as another chant in his name starts getting kicked up, as Mick even has to ask Cage if ‘your head is in the right place’.

Christian:
Oh, and don’t get me started on how many tables, cages, and shards of barbed wire that have gone through this sick bastard’s body to prove he loves doing this.

And another pop for Foley, who can do nothing but smile

Christian:
So you see, Mr. Gilmartin, there’s far too many of us who have nothing else but these four corners, these ropes, and that ramp and some straps of gold to our name. We’re lost without all that and we’ll give hell to anyone who tries to take it away from us and carve it in their image. But Chris Jericho? Jericho’s not completely sold here. Sure, he’s paid some dues, but you know what would happen to him if he got fired? He’d go on tour with his piece of crap band.

“Oooooh!” from the crowd, but it gets lost in a bit of a wild pop as well

Christian:
He’d probably use all his power, his influences over everyone and he’d probably work his way up some corrupt corporate ladder…hell, y’know what, if you’re not careful, Mr. Gilmartin, it’s gonna be Chris Jericho manipulating the ladders over at FOX and FX and maybe, just maybe, he’ll threaten your mother and try to take your job.

Mr. Gilmartin audibly gulps as the crowd lets out another “Oooooh…”

Christian:
So, Mr. Big Wig, if you don’t allow me to stop Chris Jericho, you’re not just putting yourself and your own network at risk, but you’re also spitting in the face of everything that I and every guy in the back stand for.

Christian gets passionate all over again

Christian:
We came to AOW to avoid the politics, to avoid the networking, and just do what we do best in the ring. If you veto me bludgeoning this man, no matter how much I might doubt myself at times…I’d rather think what’s best for the network is not having an entire locker room of rioting, protesting guys who have done nothing with our entire lives except perfect the craft of ripping men apart with our own two hands.

Cage is in the face of the executive, who has to loosen his tie while the crowd blows the roof off the joint again

Christian:
That’s how badly I want this and that’s how badly they want this. We want it, the people want it…all you got to do is give the green light.

The crowd is buzzing considerably, the very chaotic but organized crowd eventually forming a new chant “GIVE US THIS MATCH! *CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP* “GIVE US THIS MATCH!”

Gilmartin:
This man is that powerful that he puts your very way of living at risk? Is this true, Mr. Foley?

Foley:
Every word.

Gilmartin actually laughs to himself before standing and meeting Christian almost eye to eye

Gilmartin:
Mr. Cage, is it? I think the meddling of our network might have been a little overstated or just flat our misunderstood. See, we are closely examining AOW in terms of what you all do legally. As in lawsuits and the like – to make sure none of us get in trouble.

Cage nods his head as a very vague “WE WANT BANKS!” chant kicks up, but doesn’t gain much steam

Gilmartin:
But as far as the network as a whole, FX actually has a mantra regarding our programing. We love and endorse audacious, inspired programs and promotions that push the envelope and that, quite frankly, aren’t afraid to smash the lines, break glass ceilings. And that’s a criteria that AOW and it’s subsequent programming fit like a glove.

Christian’s face lights up for the very first time in this segment, as does Foley’s. The crowd has a happy pop as well, Mr. Gilmartin’s smile growing wider

Gilmartin:
So on behalf of FX, Mr. Cage, you can have your match next week. You can have your guest referee. And you can have your special stipulation.

…and the crowd absolutely ROARS. Cage has the biggest smile on his face since he actually won the AOW title, as he watches Foley shake hands enthusiastically with the corporate stooge. Mr. Gilmartin then turns to shake hands with Christian…

Joey Styles:
It looks like we’re gonna have ourselves a bloodbath next week! Christian Cage versus Chris Jericho for the AOW title in a Last Man Standing match, Foley as referee, and Chris Jericho has to be bleeding before Cage wins?? You wanna talk about must see TV!

JBL:
That’s why we businessmen are so smart, Joey. Chalk one up for the Big Wigs!

…but then suddenly the lights go out…

…and a spotlight is seen on the entrance stage. A man with a three-piece suit on is sitting, straddling a chair, but he has a hood over his head. Before we can process the entire image, an all too familiar voice rings out…


Jericho:
Chriiiiiiistian…Chriiiiiistian…

AND CHRISTIAN CAGE SMASHES JERICHO RIGHT IN THE FACE AND OUT OF THE CHAIR!!! HOLY COW!! Evidently, Cage did bring the executives’ chair for something because he snatched it up and bolted up the ramp the second the lights went dark! He knew what might be coming!

Christian’s eyes are damn near rabid as Jericho is lain out in front of him, the crowd cheering wildly. Jericho tries to get up, only for Christian to SMASH HIM THE SPINE AND SEND HIM BACK DOWN!! Cage isn’t playing any games here! He takes the chair he’s holding it and places it flat on the ramp, making sure to stay in the spotlight. He rolls Jericho onto it, Cage then taking the chair that Jericho was sitting in…and taking it in his hands. Christian positions himself to face the camera and look down the ramp, the entire Vegas strip popping their heads off for a little preview.

“No…LET MET SEE YOUR FACE!!”

Christian pulls off the hood Jericho’s wearing…



…ALEX RILEY!?!? WHAT THE HELL IS ALEX RILEY DOING UNDER THE HOOD!? Cage is beating up a decoy! Christian stares fiercely at the body of the kid he’s beating up, starting to look around to see if maybe Jericho’s still around him…but then he hears his voice elsewhere…


Jericho:
Tsk tsk tsk…Christian. I know we know each other so well, but this is insulting, even for you. That was so…predictable.

Cage turns around to see a second spotlight in the still dark arena, flashing up in one of the VIP boxes high up in the arena. Jericho is indeed in a three-piece suit, the same one it looks like he hasn’t removed or cleaned in quite some time, just smirking like the deviant strategist he is

Jericho:
I mean by now, you should know that I would never hide in plain sight with you. No. You should know I am and always will be just one…step…ahead.

Immense heat now, as everyone picks up just where Jericho is. Christian is seething as he looks at him, leaving both men the only spotlights in the dark…like the Earth and Moon against the backdrop of the universe…

Jericho:
But I suppose I should be thanking you for being so predictable. I knew your new ‘madman with responsibility’ persona would lead you to do all the work for me. Everything from trying to prove yourself worthy to getting enraged enough to actually get the go-ahead from the higher ups to get your deathmatch of choice.

Cage is grinding his teeth, his eyes slowly going right back to Moonman intensity

Jericho:
But then again, you knew that. You said it yourself last week. But that’s why it’s so funny to me. Just like you were all those months ago, you knew exactly what I was trying to do and knew exactly how to stop it…and yet you still let me play you like a busted violin.

Another incredible round of heat

Jericho:
And now you’ve dug yourself in an even deeper hole than one could ever imagine. Except, of course, the one I knew you’d dig yourself into. Christian, your little pity party full of self-doubt leaves you completely and utterly inferior to my worthiness. I think it’s cute how you intend to ‘become a monster to fight monsters’. Because you’ll never be worthy enough to do such a thing.

Christian reaches down and realizes that Riley had a microphone on him and even though he was a decoy, his stick works

Christian:
No. You’re wrong.

And the crowd finally has something to cheer about again

Christian:
I don’t doubt isn’t anything in regards to you. I doubt whether I’m the champion I promised to be to this company and all those men in the locker room. That’s what I doubt. I have no doubt where I stand in regards to you. I pinned you for that AOW Championship, oh Master of War. I already know, without the slightest shadow of a doubt, that I am better than you.

Another huge pop, as Jericho seems to develop the first frown he’s had in this segment

Christian:
And next week, in front of the crowd that you tried to brainwash for months that gave me my redemption…I’m gonna finish what I started with you. At The Outer Limits, I pinned you and gave you a crimson mask. I proved a ‘god’ could bleed. But next week in that Last Man Standing match…I’m gonna prove that a god can bleed…to death.

The crowd roars in approval, Christian lowering his microphone as the crowd starts chanting his name…only for the sound of Jericho’s laughter to cut through all of that and silence the crowd before getting more heat


Jericho:
And how do you plan to do that? How can you, oh Savior, prove yourself to others when you don’t even completely believe in yourself? You’ve already let this company down. You’ve let your beloved roster-mates down. You’ve even let your own mother down.

Cage’s face flinches. Jericho’s struck a definite nerve again

Jericho:
No, there’s more than one way to rule the world. What this company…what my company…deserves isn’t some existentialist quandary driven false prophet. It deserves an undisputed, unconquerable Worthy Champion once again. And Christian, how can you be a worthy savior to all those people…when you can’t even save yourself?

Jericho gets another round of intense and unbridled nuclear heat, as Christian actually doesn’t have a comeback for that…but he does still have a steel chair and an unconscious Alex Riley at his feet. He drops his microphone and takes the steel chair in both hands…

…raise it up over his head while seething mad…

POOM~!!

Suddenly, the spotlights go out but in the dark instant, we hear A CON CHAIR TO CLASHING…only for the lights to be lifted and we see not only has Jericho disappeared from his VIP box, but Alex Riley has mysteriously disappeared as well, meaning Christian didn’t hit anything.

All we get in this image is that one week before perhaps the biggest match of his life, Christian Cage has once again been played like a fiddle by the man he hates the most, reducing him to his knees and madness consuming his eyes as we fade away…



**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Ringside, commentating booth…

Joey Styles:
Uh…ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to an AOW special Supershow, Rise of a Dynasty, where we’re just about to get to our main event being the Finals of the Dynasty Tournament, but as we just saw right in front of us, next week, we might have an even bigger match.

JBL:
Might be? After what we just saw, we’re givin’ away stuff for free!

Joey Styles:
We are and it’ll be a philosophical clash of put-up, shut-up, or perhaps bleed-out because next week here on Oblivion it has been confirmed by Christian, Mick Foley, the FX executives, everyone it needs to be confirmed by. It’ll be Christian Cage defending his AOW World Heavyweight Championship against Chris Jericho in a Last Man Standing match with Mick Foley as the Special Guest Referee.

JBL:
Don’t forget the added strip that that idiot wanted to tack on.

Joey Styles:
I wouldn’t call Christian an idiot by any stretch. The man is driven, almost consumed by his responsibility as champion and as this ‘savior’, but the special stipulation is that Christian Cage actually cannot win the match until Chris Jericho is already bleeding. That gives Jericho a huge advantage because the referee won’t start the 10-count knockout count until Cage has already busted Jericho open

JBL:
That was beautiful. Jericho played Christian like a bad poker hand, got him to jump every hurtle for himself, all of that just so he can get another crack at the title that still belongs to him.

Joey Styles:
You gotta be kidding me, John. Jericho’s strategic mind is unparalleled, I’ll admit that, but to say he still deserves anything beyond a special place in Hell, let alone the AOW World Championship, is just downright absurd.

JBL:
Shun you, nonbeliever. The God of Gods will return to his throne an’ Christian has no one to blame that from happening except himself.

Joey Styles:
We’ll see when Jericho is carted out of here looking as mortal as ever with blood gushing from his face. (Gathers himself)
Well now we’ll turn our attention to the fact that it’s time for the Finals in the AOW Dynasty Tournament. Both CM Punk and Finlay have proven their worth, but now it’s going to have to be only one.

JBL:
The lights are on bright on the Vegas strip an’ now it’s time for one of the biggest matches on the entire AOW calendar!

Joey Styles:
That’s right, John, but let’s take a look back at both men’s journeys.


CM Punk
~‘RoaD’ to the Finals~
Round of 32 – Def. Lance Storm via Anaconda Vise @ 8:44
Sweet Sixteen – Def. Shelton Benjamin via victory roll @ 13:34
Quarter-Finals – Def. Rey Mysterio via GTS @ 11:39
Semi-Finals – Def. William Regal via Shining Wizard @ 15:00


Finlay
~‘RoaD’ to the Finals~
Round of 32 - Def. Paul London via second rope Celtic Cross @ 9:30
Bye in Sweet Sixteen
Quarter-Finals – Def. Low Ki via Celtic Cross @ 18:24
Semi-Finals – Def. Shawn Michaels via Celtic Cross @ 8:54


Joey Styles:
Both men boasting incredible resumes to this point, but I will point out that CM Punk has won every leg of the tournament with a different move. That’s pretty versatile if you ask me.

JBL:
That doesn’t matter because he’s goin’ up against Mr. Consistency himself, Dave Finlay. He’s brutal, he’s always been brutal, an’ the only guys that’ve ever done him in are nowhere to be found on this bracket anymore. If Punk thinks he has any kind of chance, he has a better chance at gettin’ drunk on his lifestyle.

Joey Styles:
It’s one of Bradshaw’s picks versus one of my own. But which man will be able to brave the storm off all the damage he’s taken tonight and walk out as the winner of the 2008 Dynasty Tournament?


**MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING**


And here comes CM PUNK once again, his Dynasty Championship around his belt, his left arm taped up at the elbow, bicep, and forearm to try and keep it sturdy. Punk looks out towards the Vegas strip with wide eyes. He windmills his hurt arm before kneeling and checking his wrist for the third time tonight…but then he also peeks behind him to check for another sneak attack. Punk’s had a few run in with those in the past and in regards to the earlier match, but no one is coming. No matter how late it gets, it curiously always seems to be the same time for the Dynasty Champion – “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!!”


Joey Styles:
We talked about it earlier, John, that there’s a difference between wrestling ‘hurt’ and wrestling ‘injured’. Punk’s been through hell already tonight with two matches from two opponents with completely different styles. Is Punk worse for wear in this match?

JBL:
Everybody’s worse for wear when you’re about to be in your third match of the evening. But the only think Punk’s got goin’ for him is that he’s wrestling hurt an’ not injured like Charlie Haas was. Punk’s bandaged up an’ looks like he’s healin’, but somethin’ tells me that’s not gonna stop Finlay from trying to rip that thing off his torso for the win. Plus, I wouldn’t mind if he did just in general.

Punk circles the ring, pumping his bad arm to churn it into good standing, rolling around his wrists, all kinds of things to get himself pumped and get this crowd behind him. There’s strong “CM PUNK!!” chants going on while Punk is getting pumped, which causes him to go to a turnbuckle to play to the crowd some more, raising his Dynasty Championship high.


“MY NAME IS FINLAY. AN’ I LOVE TO FIGHT”

**LAMBEG**

And coming on through once again to even greater heat than he has already gotten tonight, Finlay walks in with his trusty shillelagh in hand. His lip seems to still be purple and not fully healed, but he doesn’t care, coming down the ramp with no real expression on his face. He sets his shillelagh in a corner and looks to hop up on the apron…but then Punk makes a MOVE LIKE HE’S GOING TO RUN AT FINLAY…but Punk stops, causing Finlay to move out of the way of a suicide dive that never comes. Punk now has a cocky little smirk, the smartass trying to maybe get in the head of the Irishman


JBL:
Oh look at this smartass. He’s gonna pay for that, mark my words. Even if I don’t say so, I sure as hell bet Finlay will.

Joey Styles:
I think it’s a good strategy, John. Getting in your opponent’s head at this stage in the game might take some of the edge off of trying to wear him down physically because you’ve already done it mentally.

JBL:
I’m sure he won’t be playin’ games when he’s beaten like the mule he is by my Irish bastard. Kill him, Dave! Make him wish he was an alcoholic!!


Finlay does eventually make it in and makes it to the corner with his shillelagh in it, staring right at Punk with intense and stoic eyes, ready for a fight. Punk’s smirk has now disappeared and transformed into the same thing, cocking his head and staring at Finlay with eyes that burn a thousand fires to survive in the Finals.


**DING DING DING**



Chimel:
The following contest is the 2008 AOW Dynasty Tournament Finals!


A HUGE pop that says we’re at the very end of the evening


Chimel:
Introducing first…from Chicago, Illinois, weighting in at 221 pounds…he is the current longest reigning AOW Dynasty Champion…the Second City Saint – CEEEE EEEMM PUUUUNK!!


Punk gets another big ovation as he steps forward and crosses his forearms in front of him, his taped X’s showing everyone what he’s all about.


Chimel:
And the opponent…from Belfast Ireland, weighing in at 236 pounds…he has never been pinned and never been made to submit in sanctioned matches…the Fighting Irishman - FINLAAAAAYYY!!


Finlay steps forward and raises a fist before taking it and pounding it against his chest, roaring across Vegas to a great deal of heat. Finlay ignores it and retreats back to his corner, staring right back at Punk. It’s time for the big one.


~GRAND FINAL~
Finlay
v.
CM Punk


Punk and Joe stay in their respective corners and stare into each other from across the ring. The MGM Grand is getting the roof blown off from the reactions and the hype for both men. They’ve both been through war and through hell just to get here. This is their moment. One of these men will silence their doubters and finally break through this final leg of war. Neither man has any sort of expression on their face other than sheer intensity, their stern looks burning holes through one another. Only one man can walk away from this…and Punk GOES FOR BROKE AND LUNGES AT FINLAY…but the Irishman has seen that strategy already tonight and is on guard, shoving Punk back through the flurry of punches.

Punk rolls back to his knees, the game hitting a re-start with Finlay establishing that he doesn’t want that high-paced shit. No, he’s gonna wrestle his match. And all Punk can do is wipe his mouth off and nod his head, perhaps understanding that. Punk gets back to his feet and…starts clapping? Even this late in the night and been through so much action, Punk’s still a bit of a smartass. When Punk stops clapping he straight motions for Finlay to come at him in the middle of the ring. “Come on, Ireland.” Finlay cocks his neck and cracks his knuckles while circling Punk. Punk makes sure he doesn’t give Finlay his back, already knowing what the consequences of that might be, circling in place and following Finlay…BEFORE BOTH MEN FINALLY LOCK UP!!

But even though Punk got the lock-up he wanted, Finlay is the stronger man and forces Punk to backpedal and DRIVES him towards the corner Finlay was in moments ago, but both men are still in their tight lock-up. Ray Ramsey asks Finlay to get off of Punk, and damn near tears Finlay off himself when Finlay starts tugging at Punk’s hair, but Ramsey doesn’t have to do much once Punk gets his legs up and pushes Finlay away. The men change roles now, as Finlay is the man shoved away back to the center of the ring.

Ramsey finishes admonishing Finlay, Punk still leaning in the corner and adjusting his tape. But now it’s Finlay’s turn to play badass smartass and yell at Punk to “Come on, Chicago!” Punk has to now shake himself out and get back in there…but before he goes rushing back in, he feels something with his foot. Still tucked away in Finlay’s corner from earlier is…his shillelagh. Punk realizes what’s in the corner with him, stooping down and picking up the small Irish staff. The crowd lets out an “oooh” as Punk just gets a ‘look what I just found’ look on his face. Punk knows the damage that thing can do, also knowing Finlay’s strategies from earlier in the tournament…AND THROWS THE SHILLELAGH INTO THE CROWD!!

Finlay immediately looks pissed, Punk turning back to look at him and keeping up his smartass nature (strategy?) and says “GO FETCH, IRELAND!” This gets a rib out of the crowd, but no sooner than those words leave Punk’s lips, Finlay JUMPS ON PUNK IN THE CORNER AND STARTS PUMMELING HIM!! Finlay’s heavy blows just wear Punk down, bashing him enough to take him and whip him into the opposite corner…AND MASH PUNK’S BODY WITH A CORNER BODY AVALANCHE!! Punk stumbles out of the corner, collapsing from the massive blow!

As Punk crawls around and tries to regain himself, Finlay adds insult to injury and KICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE JAW. Punk is knocked for a loop and spins to his back, Finlay now with a smug purple grin on his face while JBL cheers Finlay on for hitting Punk right in his ‘jabberjaw’. Finlay gets in on that when he locks Punk in a chinlock, virtually wiring that smart mouth shut. While he tears away at Punk’s head, Finlay lets one hand go and DELIVERS HARD FOREARM CLUBS TO THE SIDE OF PUNK’S FACE!! He pulls back up and puts Punk back in the chinlock, now trash talking Punk to “say somethin’ smart now, Chicago!”

Punk doesn’t really have much time or energy to possibly talk more smartass smack, as Finlay takes one of his hands off the chinlock and starts PULLING UP ON PUNK’S FACE, a move that Ramsey sees immediately and tells him to stop. Finlay adheres to the warning, only to lock Punk back up and continue to pry away at his head and chin area. The crowd is trying to get behind Punk, as the Dynasty Champion stomps one of his legs to get the crowd in a rhythm…

*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP*

Punk is back to his feet, but he’s still caught in his opponents vise. The Chicago native starts punching elbows into Finlay’s gut to loosen things up. He loosens the grip enough to manage to rebound off the ropes for some momentum…BUT FINLAY DESTROYS PUNK WITH A LARIAT!! Punk is absolutely beheaded and possibly might need a new jaw as Finlay covers the Dynasty Champion –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Punk has been through quite a lot tonight, but he’s got more fight in him than that. As Punk rolls a shoulder, Finlay goes right back to trying to lock in that grinding chinlock, but Punk is quick to wrap Finlay’s wrist and get back to his feet and wraps Finlay around in a hammerlock. Almost as soon as Punk gets the move synched in, Finlay hops to the ropes and drapes a leg over the middle rope, causing the ref to force Punk to let go of the grip, much to the crowd’s chagrin. Punk has to step back and shake the cobwebs out of his head, still feeling the effects of that huge clothesline. Finlay sees Punk trying to recover and RUSHES AT HIM FOR ANOTHER ONE…but Punk ducks it, grabbing his tights all in one motion, and SLINGING FINLAY OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!

Punk taking some advantages there, but when he slings Finlay over, he collapses to his knees, still feeling that huge blow in the early goings. He gathers himself and looks outside to see Finlay trying to peel himself off the outside padding, the crowd getting a little more warmed up as Punk peers out, gets back to his feet, and steps back a few steps before rushing at the ropes…SUICIDE DIVE…NO!! FINLAY CLUBS PUNK IN THE HEAD AS HE LOOKS TO DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES!!

Punk is knocked out draped over the middle rope, Finlay climbing up on the apron to perhaps finish what he just started. He takes Punk keeps clubbing him in the head while Ramsey is telling him to get Punk back in the ring, which he pays no heed to. He takes Punk and looks to SUPLEX HIM TO THE FLOOR…but Punk resists, trying to SUPLEX FINLAY BACK INTO THE RING…but the Irishman jams that as well, the weary warriors playing tug-o-war, only for Finlay to LIFT PUNK UP AND OVER…but Punk floats behind Finlay on the apron, grappling him from behind. It’s not quite a German suplex hold from the apron, but Punk is clubbing away at Finlay’s head to get him to loosen his grip on the rope…AS PUNK HITS A BACK SUPLEX FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!! WOW!!

That could definitely turn the tide in Punk’s favor, as the Grand is rocking for such an impressive move! But neither man can capitalize on anything, as they’re both lain out on the outside, Ray Ramsey continuing his count out…

…TWO!!



…THREE!!



…FOUR!!



…FIVE!!

Punk starts stirring, the wear and tear already popping up on his face. Not entirely from this contest of course, but he’s trying to throw all that aside as he takes Finlay and rolls him up under the bottom rope into the ring and quickly goes to cover him –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Possibly a bit too much time from hitting the move rolling on top of Finlay, but whatever the reason, the match continues! Punk tries not to fret it too much, as Finlay tries to roll back to his feet, Punk greets him with a DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! Perhaps retaliation from the kick to the jaw, but the ring presence of the veteran shows when he’s hit with the move, then rolls to the nearby ropes. Punk has to tug Finlay away from the ropes to get another cover attempt –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

Finlay keeps his head in the game, but Punk is quick to sit him back up and then deliver a SECOND DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! Punk with another cover –

ONE…


TWO…


NO!!

AGAIN Finlay keeps showing he’s got major fight in him! He’s slower to try and recover this time, but again, he scoots close to the ropes so Punk has to work if he wants to end it now. Punk does have to venture over to try and pull him away, but Finlay shoves him away and uses the ropes to get back to his feet, Punk now running at Finlay to push the issue, only to eat a hard back elbow from the tough bastard. Finlay takes Punk and Irish whips him into a corner and follows up…WITH A RUNNING HIGH KNEE IN THE CORNER!! WOW! Finlay explodes with quite the athletic move, showing Punk he can use his knees too! Finlay flails out of the corner a little off balance, but as Punk drifts back to the ring, Finlay scoops him up on his shoulders…AND HITS THE ROLLING HILLS!! Punk could have broken ribs as Finlay hits the cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

Punk stays alive, even after the combo! Finlay growls in agitation, cracking Punk right back in the jaw as he tries to recover. As Punk rolls onto his stomach to try to assuage the pain, Finlay takes the taped up arm and flat out DOUBLE FOOT STOMPS IT!! Punk rolls away, screaming in pain as Finlay might not let Regal’s previous work go in vain. Punk is screaming into the canvas again, trying in some way to hide his agony, Finlay grabbing hand full of Punk’s hair and pulling him back to his feet.

He takes the arm of the withered Punk and locks it up in a hammerlock behind him before swinging around…AND HITTING A SCOOP SLAM RIGHT ON PUNK’S BAD ARM!! The ‘hurt’ might slowly be becoming an ‘injury’, and Finlay seems to be the right guy to do it. Punk pops up and sits in pain when he’s slammed, prompting Finlay to perhaps taunt Punk a little more by strutting around him…AND FRONT LOW DROPKICKING HIM IN THE FACE!! Punk reels from the blow, only for Finlay to keep on him and quickly bring him back to his feet, holding onto the arm…AND NAILS IT WITH A SINGLE ARM DDT!! FINLAY MIGHT HAVE JUST BROKEN PUNK’S ARM RIGHT OFF!! Finlay rolls Punk over and makes sure to fold and press Punk’s arm down on the cover –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!

PUNK THRASHES A KICKOUT!! Further agitating Finlay, the match keeps going and Finlay has to look at the referee in disgust. He takes the hurt arm of and looks like he might start going to work on it again, but Punk has had enough work on his arm for one night, packpedaling while Finlay is still holding his wrist to make him go with him before falling to his back…AND FORCING FINLAY TO FLY THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!

Once again, both men are down, Punk still reeling from Finlay’s offense and tending to his arm, while a replay shows Finlay might have landed square on his head when he was chunked outside. Ramsey has to check and see if both men are able to continue, asking Punk if his arm is okay and poking his head outside to see if Finlay’s still conscious. Neither man is even able to even show signs of life, much less move. The referee isn’t hitting a count out for some reason on Finlay, but both he and Punk start stirring around the same time. Finlay tries to shake the cobwebs out of his head, while Punk tries to shake some life back into his arm before pumping it in elation and bouncing off the ropes…AND FINALLY NAILS FINLAY WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!!

The crowd is back to being pumped up, as both men are down, but Punk grips his worked arm and gets back to his feet. He stumbles just a little bit, actually getting caught for a moment in one of the television wires, but it doesn’t stop him from grabbing Finlay and slinging him underneath the bottom rope. Punk’s body is dragging from the mass damage he’s received tonight, but he’s willing himself forward, gripping the top rope on the apron. Finlay is trying to work back to a vertical base, Punk stalking him…SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE…NO!! FINLAY RUNS AND HITS THE TOP ROPE WITH A BOOT!! PUNK COMPLETELY LOSES HIS FOOTING AND GOES CRASHING TO THE CANVAS!!

Finlay takes in a tremendous amount of heat as he leans up against the ropes and looks at Punk’s crashed-and-burned carcass. Finlay smirks to himself, his still purple lip giving off that sick, radiant look. He takes the now limp body of Punk and drags him over to another corner, hoisting him up top. Finlay follows his prey there, but Punk still has enough in him to shove Finlay away from his perch…STRADDING HIM ON THE TOP ROPE!!

The same rope Finlay just kicked is wrenching his Blarney Stones, the crowd wincing accordingly, but still cheering. Punk lost his balance when pushing Finlay, having to settle on the adjacent apron. He sees his Irish opponent on his new perch…SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE TO THE STRADDLED FINLAY!! A DECAPITATING DIVING LARIAT!! Finlay tumbles back inside the ring on the incredible move, Vegas popping their heads off as Punk tries to gather himself, pull Finlay away from the ropes, and get his most definitive cover of the contest and possibly the night –

ONE…


TWO…


THR-NO!!!

FINLAY THROWS UP A SHOULDER!! The man who claims to be undefeated looks to keep it so. It’s Punk’s turn to look up to Ramsey with three fingers up, but the ref confirms his call of a two count. Punk, in exhaustion, rolls onto his back and covers his face, almost not believing that that heavy hit didn’t end everything. He should know Finlay’s hard-nosed nature by now and that it should take more than that.

Finlay is actually the first to completely get up from the hit, leaning up against the ropes. Punk sees this and quickly gets to his feet, taking a few steps back before charging right at Finlay…AND NAILS HIM WITH THE RUNNING HIGH KNEE!! AND THEN NAILS IT AGAIN!! Each blow looks to catch Finlay flush and stiff, Punk taking Finlay and FINALLY NAILING THE BULLDOG COMBO!! Punk with another cover –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……

NO!! FINLAY ROLLS A SHOULDER!! The crowd deflates right back because they thought that might have done it, Punk similarly collapses off Finlay’s body again. He’s gonna have to dig even deeper if he wants to win the Dynasty Tournament, getting to his knees and windmill winding his hurt arm to get some life into it.

Finlay is still down, but he’s rolled to a side and we can see that the collisions with Punk’s knees has re-busted his lip, giving Finlay a little bit of blood back on him. Punk stomps on Finlay once to make him go flat, going over to a nearby top rope, looking to throw all caution to the wind…IS PUNK GOING FOR A MOONSAULT…FINLAY SHOVES HIM OFF HIS FOOTING AND STRADDLES HIM ON THE TOP NOW!!

Punk is now sitting on his Chicago jewels on the top rope, his back to Finlay, who takes his burst of life and climbs on up behind Punk on that top rope…sets Punk up…AND HITS A SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! PUNK FLIPS OVER HIS OWN HEAD AS HE HITS THE CANVAS!! Both Punk and Finlay are lain out again, all the damage of the night meeting both men with every hit they take in this final round contest, Punk possibly having be blasted out of his own body. Finlay wipes away some of the blood from his lip before rolling over and shooting the half on Punk and making sure to hook a leg –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……


NO!!!!

THE REBELLIOUS PUNK REFUSES TO STAY DOWN AND ROLLS A SHOULDER!! As the crowd pops for the kickout, Finlay angrily gets to his knees and starts BASHING PUNK IN THE FACE WITH HARD FISTS!! Finlay’s pretty pissed, but kills the crowd’s momentum by springing on Punk right away. They die down rather quickly, his strategy working, but now Finlay has a new, unorthodoxed strategy. He goes back to the corner, climbs through the ropes…and heads to the top rope?? It’s Finlay’s turn to head to the top, which is incredibly uncharacteristic, but Finlay want to win this thing that badly…AND LEAPS FOR A LEG DROP…NOBODY HOME!! FINLAY CRASHES AND BURNS AS PUNK ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!

Both Finlay and Punk are down, Finlay holding at his possibly jarred tailbone! Finlay grips at his backside while he rolls away, going to the outside to try and recover by walking it off. Punk still hasn’t moved much, Finlay doing his best to get himself straightened up on the outside. Punk is just now starting to stir, Finlay having to hold on to the guard rail outside to keep walking it off. He hunches over and still grips at his tailbone, Punk drunkenly crawling over to a corner and heading up to the top rope…AND GOES FOR A CROSSBODY FROM THE TOP TO THE OUTSIDE…BUT FINLAY MOVES AND PUNK EATS NOTHING BUT GUARD RAIL!!

Punk’s face takes a licking now, his straight-edge looks slamming off the steel. Finlay has to take a breather after dodging quite the bullet from Punk there, taking the limp body of the Second City Saint and pulling it back up, only to sling him over his shoulder and into the air raid position…AND HITS THE CELTIC CROSS!! FINLAY NAILS PUNK WITH THE CELTIC CROSS TO THE OUTSIDE!! Punk’s head sickly bounces off the padding as the crowd deflates again for the Dynasty Champion. Finlay nails the move on his bottom, so his jacked tailbone starts acting up again and leaves him unable to immediately roll Punk back inside. It takes a few moments for him to take Punk up and drag his carcass to the apron and then roll him under the bottom rope, sluggishly slide in after him, and get the big lateral press –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……


NO!!!

CM PUNK ROLLS ANOTHER SHOULDER!! Finlay quite possibly took too long on the exchange of Punk from the outside to the ring and it may have cost him. The crowd is again buzzing, Finlay back to pounding the canvas and looking up at Ramsey and begging for the three count, but it’s not gonna come on an argument. Some drops of blood slip down Finlay’s face from his lips, although a good look at the face of Punk shows his lip may be busted as well, perhaps from hitting the rails with his face.

Finlay isn’t entirely sure what to do, but he has to think of something to put the Dynasty Champion down. He drags the lifeless body of Punk back up and traps him in a semi-bearhug, carrying the tattooed champion and stuffs him onto the top rope. He steps away for a moment to make sure he’s secure up there good, stepping right back and stepping up to the second rope. He then secures Punk over his back…AND GOING FOR THAT CELTIC CROSS FROM THE SECOND ROPE…but Punk starts kicking and shows some life, getting his legs free and flipping over to where he’s now standing beneath Finlay as he’s perched up top. Punk takes Finlay’s arms and takes a step away so that Finlay’s legs are the only thing keeping him close to the ropes…SPLASH MOUNTAIN!! PUNK TURNS THE CELTIC CROSS INTO A SPLASH MOUNTAIN!! He keeps the sitout cover as the crowd goes absolutely nuts –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……


NO!!!

IT’S FINLAY’S TURN TO ROLL A SHOULDER INCOMPREHENSIVELY!! WOW!! The crowd is beside themselves, popping wildly because the match will keep going. These guys keep throwing haymakers at each other, Punk now forced to sit in the corner gripping at his arm, while Finlay is trying to his best to roll to his feet after keeping himself ‘undefeated’.

Punk’s confidence has long dissolved into disbelief and this moment is no different, but he doesn’t’ seem to have much strength left for emotion beyond exhaustion. Punk wills himself to his feet, stumbling around, but he extends his arms before bringing his hands together behind his ear…it’s time to Go 2 Sleep. Punk awaits Finlay’s equally dizzied journey to his feet, drifting right into Punk’s grip ONTO HIS SHOULDERS…AND THE GTS CONNECTS!! Finlay drops to the canvas like a rock, the crowd going nuts, as all the energy Punk doesn’t have left cause him to simply drop right on top of Finlay, struggling to hook a leg, but finally able to do so –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……



NO!!!!

FINLAY ROLLS HIS SHOULDER AT THE ABSOLUTE LAST SECOND!!! CM PUNK HAS NOT WON THE DYNASTY TOURNAMENT!! THE IRISH BASTARD KEEPS ON FIGHTING!!! Punk is removed from Finlay’s body and is in a sitting position, his fingers clenched, grasping at a victory that isn’t there. Finlay is barely stirring, the crowd buzzing uncontrollably. Punk then moves the hair out of his face, breathing heavily and trying for this to not get to him. He rolls to all fours, trying to gather himself and assess his options…when a thunderous sound form the crowd makes him look up in amazement. They’re all cheering, chanting…for him.

“C – M - PUNK!! C – M – PUNK!! C – M – PUNK!!”

Punk’s mouth is hanging open from both exhaustion and amazement, a small smirk even coming onto his face for the first time since the opening bell. The rabid AOW fan base is pumping him on, becoming the blood in his straight-edge veins. Punk feels it and gets new life, pumping his fists and seeing Finlay getting to his knees. Punk rebounds off the ropes in front of him, and here comes the SHINING WIZARD…FINLAY PICKS HIM UP…AND TURNS IT INTO A SITOUT POWERBOMB!! OH SHIT!! The crowd that got Punk back to his feet is almost completely dead now, Finlay keeping the sitout cover and possibly securing his place at the top of the heap –

……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……


NO!!!

PUNK KICKS OUT!! PUNK STILL HAS SOME KIND OF LIFE LEFT!! HOW IN THE HELL?? This is what the Dynasty Tournament means; the chance to break through and get that title opportunity! Finlay is left in further disbelief now, the defiant Punk still not moving much. Finlay, like Punk, seems to be numb to any emotion besides exhaustion at this point, besides the perpetual scowl he always has. Finlay stares at the dead body before him with his mouth pressed shut, lapping up some blood on his lips, he also not sure where to go.

Finlay pounds his fists off the canvas and gets to his feet in one smooth motion, pulling Punk up by his hair to greet him. Punk grips at Finlay’s body, but Finlay stops that with several blows to the head. Punk might not have anything left, but Finlay needs to throw the kitchen sink at him to make this work. He goes back over to the corner and sets Punk up on the top rope, ascending to the second rope himself and GOING AGAIN FOR THE SUPER CELTIC CROSS…but Punk starts fighting him off at the top, the two going back and forth with blows that have everything both men has left –

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

These two just keep fighting from their ascended perches!

BOO!!

YAY!!
YAY!!

BOO!!
BOO!!
BOO!!

YAY!!
YAY!!!

MONGOLIAN CHOP!! Punk finishes the sequence with a big double chop that forces Finlay to double over on the second rope. Punk fixes his position on the top a little bit with the crowd buzzing huge, Punk now taking both of Finlay’s arms…PEPSI PLUNGE!! PEPSI PLUNGE!!! PEPSI PLUNGE!!! OH MY GAAAAD!!! PUNK NAILS IT!!! Punk’s knees hit the canvas hard and force him over when they hit, but Finlay’s body is lifeless before him and he spends all the remaining energy he has left shooting the half, dramatically slinging his hurt arm over Finlay’s heart –

……….
……ONE……
………
…………………
……TWO……
………
……………
……THREE……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HERE IS YOUR WINNER OF THE FIRST EVER AOW DYNASTY TOURNAMENT…CM PUNK at (21:43)

Punk rolls off of Finlay’s body, unable to even stand on his own as the crowd unleashes an ENORMOUS FUCKIN’ POP for the ending of a long road


Joey Styles:
OHH MY GAAAD!! WHAT A WAR OF ATTRITION!! Both CM Punk and Finlay had to reach deeper than I’ve ever really had to see either man go. But it was CM Punk who dug so far deep and now is able to call himself a one man dynasty!

JBL:
Well I’ll be damned. That was…that was a hellova fight.

Joey Styles:
Are you finally gonna shut up and coming around on this kid? He just showed you he has everything it takes to be a long-standing pillar in AOW! CM Punk becomes only the second man to ever pin Finlay in AOW and the first man to leave an undisputed blemish on his record in a sanctioned contest! Finlay has been toppled and it’s all because of the guts of that man right there.

Back in the ring, Punk has finally been lifted to his feet and has been handed his Dynasty Championship and finally brought to his feet. He has to direct Ray Ramsey to his health arm to raise to another huge pop from Vegas

Joey Styles:
In the heart of Sin City, the man who wears his virtues on his sleeves is the man who will walk out tonight with an opportunity to face the AOW World Heavyweight Champion whenever he damn well pleases.

JBL:
Well, we know he won’t go out partyin’ to celebrate his victory.

Joey Styles:
Oh come on, Bradshaw. Will you please lay off this kid for once?? I mean you better start now because I won our bet. And that means you have to step into the ring with him!

JBL:
We never shook on it! I will do no such thing! He put up a hellova fight, I’ll admit that, but it’s gonna have to take more than a victory here for me to think differently of this kid. He’s still the wide-eyed, angry, calllin’ out the machine ramblin’ bastard he’s always been an’ now a win here is just gonna bloat his ego into thinkin’ he’s more important than he actually is! He won! He deserved it! There, I said it. Are you happy now? Because that’s all you’re gettin’. Don’t expect me to start kissin’ his feet when he can barely stand on’em!


Punk has made it up the ramp and is making his way towards the entrance stage, where Steve Romero is waiting with a microphone


Romero:
Ladies and gentlemen, once again, please give it up for the first ever winner of the AOW Dynasty Tournament…CEE EEM PUUUUNK!!


Another huge pop from the crowd as Punk smiles away


Romero:
Now Punk, is there anything you’d like to say to everyone who are now witnesses to the rise of your dynasty?


Punk again smiles, slinging his title over a shoulder and taking the microphone from Romero. He mouths something to him, which Romero bows to, as if he’s accepting an order from a Chinese emperor. Romero walks back behind the curtain, leaving Punk on the stage with the microphone in his hands with the crowd again chanting his name. Punk keeps smiling as he looks out at Vegas…and then sits, cross-legged, on the entrance stage

Punk:
I was just asked if there’s anything I wanna tell you guys. Truth be told, I’ve never been a guy to hold my tongue about a lot of things. So I actually have quite a few things to get off my chest, even though my chest is killing me right now.

Punk holds a hand against his chest

Punk:
On the very first day of Art of War Wrestling, a night I keep referring to as ‘Day One’, I made it known that I am a professional wrestler who loves professional wrestling. I said that I was not a puppet like any other ‘Superstar’ that I had been associated with before. But now I think I understand. I see clearly how things work now. I’m taking in the dark side of this profession with each passing day.

Punk wipes his mouth as the crowd seems sort of deflated with this statement

Punk:
Nobody said being a pro wrestler or living the pro wrestling lifestyle would ever be ideal or even a dream job. There are men and women who damn near kill themselves every single night for very little more than nickels and dimes. Often times, the punishment…does not match the reward. And in realizing this, I’ve realized that I’m still a puppet. I’m just a puppet that can see the strings.

The crowd again reels from Punk digging a little deep here…

Punk:
I can see those strings pulling at me, but because of my love for this business and this art, I can do nothing more than watch them make me dance. Now why would I say that? I say that because this business is nothing more than an abusive lover that I try to please and no matter what I do, it will never love me back.

Punk looks around, realizing he’s pretty much silenced the Sin City that was chanting his name moments ago

Punk:
The evils of this industry, not this company – no please, don’t get me wrong. I love Art of War Wrestling and everything it stands for. I love this promotion and everything it’s given me because I believe with every fiber of my being that from the top of the administration to the guys who don’t get enough screentime, that this is the best wrestling promotion in the world.

…and just like that, the crowd comes back to life and even kicks up a brief “AOW!! AOW!!” chant that Punk actually pumps fists with and momentarily chants along with away from his microphone

Punk:
So please don’t get it twisted. I also appreciate every single one of you sitting out here tonight who have been chanting my name, Samoa Joe’s name, the name of every guy that’s competed here tonight, the guys who will compete next week and every week after that – no, I’m not here to rant on you guys, trust me.

Another brief pop for Punk still acknowledging that this may not be a full on turn. Punk looks down at the Dynasty Championship in his lap before gathering himself and pulling the mike back up

Punk:
I’ve been straight-edge for what feels like my entire life now. And I found out that it served me well when I decided, no, when I was compelled to becoming a professional wrestler. And the straight-edge lifestyle has many disciplines and restrictions used to make one stronger. I found out just how strong I had to be when I saw friends get addicted to painkillers. When I met heroes who had fallen to alcohol. And when I had idols who fell to overdoses.

Punk pushes the hair out of his face as the crowd continues to buzz

Punk:
But then I realized that the reason they did those things, the main reason why men turn to the things I took a blood oath against wasn’t because they were bad people. It wasn’t because they were immoral. And it wasn’t because they didn’t have the strength that I did to say ‘no’. It’s because this business takes a toll on you. Those men had to cope with all the debauchery that came with this profession. They had to find their way out of the dark. They had to cope with their strings.

Punk points to the ground with each of those final statements

Punk:
But CM Punk? I don’t have that luxury of going to the bottle or popping some pills or lighting one up to make me feel better. No, I’ve taken all of this full-force. No filters, no influences, no coping mechanisms. And so that’s why for a while now, I’ve been looking for true heroes in wrestling. And that’s when Lance Storm, on his way out the door, looked me dead in the eye and said “Punk…you have be the hero you want”. And that’s when I decided.

Punk lays the title out of his lap

Punk:
That’s when I decided that I absolutely had to win this tournament. That’s when I decided I had to fulfill the clause of being a ‘dynasty’ like the title I’ve held for almost seven months. Not just to get a shot at the AOW World title. But because I have to set a tone. Dynasties rise because they are different from the already established order. The winners of this tournament have to be the heroes that we don’t have right now. And that’s exactly what I’ll be. I won’t be a ‘Savior’, I won’t be a ‘God of Gods’, I won’t be a ‘One Man Army’, I won’t be a ‘Showstopper’. I’ll just be…a hero.

The buzzing crowd finally lets out a big pop, despite pot shots at three top faces


Punk:
I have the choice to cash in on my world title shot now whenever I see fit. I’ll do it when we’re ready for a hero. When that time comes, I’ll be that hero for this company. For you people. For all the guys in the back. For all the guys we’ve lost. And I’ll do it the only way I know how, and taking the brunt of this business head-on. To not compromise my principles until the day I’m placed in the ground.

Punk stands up, taking his title in his injured arm

Punk:
I will stay true. I will stay real. And I will stay…STRAIGHT-EDGE!!

Punk passionately says this final spiel, raising his title high, if somewhat painfully, the emotion written on his face as MISERE CANTARE blares out one final time

Joey Styles:
CM Punk has set a tone, he has set a precedent, he has thrown the message out that we need a hero. And as the winner of the first Dynasty Tournament, Punk has vowed to be that hero! This one will go down in the history books and thank you for joining us for this rise of a ‘hero’ in the Sin City! I’m Joey Styles alongside John Layfield, saying one final time congratulations to the new One Man Dynasty, the Dynasty Champion, the man of heroic oath…CM PUNK!


END SHOW



Hope people don't kill me for the ending and a Merry Christmas to all :eek:
 
#284 ·
The Informer said:
Reports are saying that there is at least a little tension regarding Charlie Haas. Haas is one of the few talents signed on for more than AOW’s inaugural year and is an important piece of the roster on and off screen (especially with Lance Storm leaving). But tensions are evidently coming from the projected plans for the inevitable full-blown Haas/Benjamin program. Haas was approached with the upcoming program plans, but did not approve of the ‘nature of some of the content’. Haas isn’t known as a difficult talent and was even against the World’s Greatest Tag Team splitting up in the first place. It is not known if Heyman or Shelton Benjamin or another party solidified the plan.

With that said, Haas’s storyline shoulder injury is even more convenient than it already was. It was originally used to both feud fuel and as a means to write Haas off for a few months so he can see the birth of his second child (Jackie Gayda, Haas’s wife, is seven months pregnant). Now it can be used to rectify any of the story that rubbed Haas the wrong way.

The ending to last week’s edition of Oblivion was assembled because of concerns about faces getting a celebratory upper hand for two consecutive weeks. With that being said, my sources tell me that we can expect more things like it in the weeks leading into Origins & Endings. The PPV has a 4-hour slot and AOW only has 90 minutes a week to put as many guys on there as possible, and FX doesn’t seem to be keen with lots of overrun. Add in the company being pressured by the Olympics and having to hotshot big title matches every week, and things will get chaotic. So don’t just expect multi-man matches to be more prominent, but also post-match beatdowns and match interferences from both the face and heel parties. In addition, the aohdybya.com Exclusives might be used in an even more crucial way in those buildup weeks.

In some developmental news and for those who don’t keep track of OVW TV, Chris Hero finally defeated Eric Perez for the OVW Heavyweight Championship. This could mean a sign of good things for both men, as Hero can get a good chance to polish any skills before he comes to TV, and Perez may be on his way up to the main roster soon. It should be noted that before grabbing the gold, Hero was feuding with Drew Galloway, who is also very high on AOW’s ‘prospect watch’.

Until next time, this has been The Informer

aohdubya.com said:
AOHDUBYA.COM EXCLUSIVES

We’re brought to CM Punk, unwrapping his wrist tape from after the last show. He doesn’t even look at the camera, merely speaking while his hands stay in motion

Punk:
So we’ve always had some pretty P.O’d people in AOW. I’m not much of a believer in the supernatural, but I wouldn’t put it past this place to be cursed. Seems like eventually, everyone gets consumed by their anger and everyone loses their damn mind.
~Punk finishes unwrapping one wrist, balling the tape up and finally looking at the camera

Punk:
So what makes guys like me and Samoa Joe any different? What makes us think we’re not susceptible to the ‘curse’? We never thought we were. We just knew that if we got too pissed off…other people would feel it like crazy more than we would.
~Punk tosses his tape off-screen before starting on his other wrist, again not looking at the camera

Punk:
I don’t wanna sound like I’m talkin’ myself up, so lemme just put it this way – there’s no one in this entire building, roster, hell, industry who wants Samoa Joe pissed off. And he’s not gonna stop ‘til he lets out all that anger. But you know what? All of us need an outlet. I think all of us need to just let it all out so we don’t lose our mind.
~Punk looks up at the camera

Punk:
So if Samoa Joe wants to pull a big hissy fit and almost smash me in the head with a chair as his outlet, well then I guess I need one now. That's why next week, I cash in the voucher Joey Styles gave me when he won his bet with JBL. For those who don’t remember, those two made a bet on their favorites in the Dynasty Tournament. If Jibbles won, Joey would have to step in the ring with JBL. But if Joey won, JBL would have to step in the ring with me.
~Punk finishes unwrapping his other wrist and balls it up

Punk:
So that’s what’s gonna happen. Next week, JBL, you step in the ring with me. If you wanna just talk, I can do that. If you wanna grab some tights and have a match, I can do that. If you’ve been up all night non-stop checking your portfolio and you need someone to help you go to sleep…I can do that too.
~Punk tosses his wrapping aside

Punk:
What say you, cowboy? How about we settle a little anger like we do in Chicago?
~Punk goes from someone angry to grinning and even chuckling as we fade away…


We see Samoa Joe, storming through the backstage halls and headed to the parking lot just after being suspended last week. He's positively fuming.

Joe:
Some nerve. Some kind of goddamn nerve.
~Joe almost throws the cameraman aside

Joe:
What the hell are you still filming me for? Huh? HUH? What, you wanna make sure I go out the door so the boss can celebrate once I'm gone?

Cameraman:
Uh…no, I’m just doing my –

Joe:
Doing your job? Just doing your job, right? That’s exactly what I was doing. I was out there last week ready to fight my ass off, ready to take on three men in one night, stay unpinned and prove to everyone that my missions are done and I’m ready for that AOW World title. But no. Somebody had to go and get in my way yet again.
~Joe continues to breathe heavily

Joe:
But see even in that, The Mercenaries were just doin’ their job too. Somebody paid them off to get rid of me. But Samoa Joe’s job is to beat people up. To entertain the crowd when I slap on The Clutch. Or get a pop when I hit the Muscle Buster. I keep getting billed as the ‘One Man Army’, so you’re damn straight I’m gonna do my job and run through anybody and everybody in my way.
~Joe has to laugh to himself to keep from hitting something

Joe:
It’s my job to pin suckas. It’s my job to make’em bleed if they don’t’ stay down. It’s my job to track people down who do people wrongs and beat the tar out of’em. But now I’m suspended until I admit I was doing my job correctly. What the hell is a guy supposed to do when that happens? Huh!?
~The camera shakes as Joe gets intense again

Cameraman:
Uh…are you asking me?
~Joe shrugs

Joe:
I mean hell, I could be. I ain’t no poetic motherf*cker. I don’t do ‘rhetorical’ questions. So what would you do, cameraman? What would you do if you got shit for doin’ your job the right way and doing the right thing?

Cameraman:
Uh…I’d probably walk, actually.
~Joe’s breathing slows down as he takes the answer in

Joe:
Walk. Walk. That’s a damn good idea. So that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna walk.
~Joe gets a smirk as he steps closer to the camera

Joe:
There’s nobody in that locker room who can match blows, size, or strength with me. Paul Wright? Jumped at the first moment he could. Bobby Lashley? Out of commission. Finlay? I beat him once and I can do it again. So the way I see it, there’s no one in that locker room and especially no one in that front office that can stop me from walking. And by walking…I mean walking right back into this arena next week.
~Joe’s smirk gets more sinister

Joe:
I’m gonna walk into this arena. And then I’m gonna do my job – beat people up. Make’em bleed if they don’t stay down. Track people do who do people wrong. Rest assured, Paul Heyman - you can suspend me, but you will not stop me. And the rest of the locker room, you’re on notice too. Nothin’ personal with any of you guys in the back. But if you get in my way, this tank will topple you. Because next week, I’ll be right back here. Walking in. And I'm not walking out until I got blood on my hands.
~Joe’s smirk disappears as he turns back around, throws open the double doors and exits the arena as we fade away…




July 16th, 2008

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Walk”


~Christian Cage didn't even get to celebrate quelling his demons last week before being faced with the true reality of being champion - everyone's out to get you. This week, three men vie for a title shot on one of the biggest PPVs on the entire AOW calendar. Finlay, William Regal, and Shawn Michaels duke it out to see who will face Christian Cage at Origins & Endings!

~…but that’s not the only Triple Threat of the night! Coming off a huge upset in the Dynasty Tournament bracket, Aero Star has earned a Cruiserweight Championship opportunity…but so has the impressive Tournament performance of one Low Ki! Both men face the American Dragon for the gold!

~The wages are in and the gambling booth is long locked – John “Bradshaw” Layfield lost a bet to fellow commentator Joey Styles, forcing him to step into the ring with CM Punk. An unspecific wager and no one’s sure what will happen, but CM Punk has vowed to let out some anger on his ‘biggest fan’. Punk, Layfield, in the ring!

~Finally, Samoa Joe has been suspended…but has made a vow to show up anyway. Not just show up, but ‘walk out with blood on my hands’. Is the One Man Army calling a huge bluff? Or is the mind of Joe even worse off than he already seemed…?



.:Confirmed for Oblivion:.

~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
Bryan Danielson(c) v. Aero Star v. Low Ki


~Origins & Endings AOW Championship #1 Contender Match~
Shawn Michaels v. Finlay v. William Regal

AND…

JBL has to step in the ring with CM Punk





My apologies to Wolfy on his own triple post. Not a lot of exclusives this time, but that's because there might be a great deal more very shortly. Hope to have the show up at some point later this week, but still needs some tweaking. Maybe this place will liven up a little. Until the show, hope all stay well :eek:
 
#3 ·
I've been looking forward to this ever since you first advertised it. I didn't post reviews in your old thread but I was a reader and enjoyed your work. This looks like an amazing created thread and I like how you have explained every signing. Glad you aren't letting realism bother you. I like how you have used JBL's Energy Drink as a sponsor for the company, seems like a logical move and an easy way to get a sponsor for the company, also makes it seem legit instead of someone like Pepsi or Coca Cola randomly picking up the company. Joey Styles & JBL on commentary could be seriously epic if you write it well enough. Your roster has some promise, unsure what you will do with Muhammad Hassan but I'm happy you have brought him into play. A 1 hour show? It could work but I hope that eventually it will move to 2 hours once we get into more depth and all.

I'm hoping to God you can stick to this because it seriously looks like it has the potential to be fantastic.
 
#4 ·
While this does have a lot of potential, and your credentials speak volumes, I do have one major issue- Only three tag teams? I feel as if that's HARDLY enough to build a division around, unless you don't plan on putting that much emphasis on the tag team division, which would be kind of disappointing. Thus far, however, that's the only complaint I have. Your roster seems pretty solid, the back story was really good, and I'm pumped to see where this goes! I'm subbing this thread and I'll definitely keep an eye on my e-mail for updates!
 
#5 ·
Looks it'll be a lot of fun to read, sad as I might be that your WWE BTB is over. Here's hoping for the best. Incidentally, I can't picture Paul E. having a Cruiserweight title.
 
#6 ·
619IDH sad to see your last thread go however, this looks to be an amazing roster. I did look at the backstory and it was interesting. Overall I think it is pretty good. As you stated realism isn't one of the things you do but you set up great storylines, and you always have some decent chaos in your shows. I know I'm not around these parts as much as I used to, but this looks good and hopefully I will be able to read some of your shows. Best of luck.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the early support and thoughts, fellas. It's greatly appreciated. Here's the first bit of news...


~The signing of Shawn Michaels, while done essentially behind the back then in the face of Paul Heyman, isn’t ruffling as many feathers as the Bobby Lashley signing. Heyman reportedly wanted to stay away from WWE “big guys” and isn’t too hot on the signing of Chris Masters, either.

~Michaels being signed gives the federation a legitimate, easily recognized multi-time world champion. He seems to be the shoo-in for the inaugural AOW World Champion, but HBK is taking t humbly. Michaels, who has been awarded creative control of his character and minimum backstage pull, is reportedly pulling for the title to go to Chris Jericho first.

~In roster news, a few talents will be held off the roster for several weeks being built up upon their debuts. Paul “Big Show” Wright is among these, as well as Carly Colon, who pitched a new gimmick for himself and won’t debut for a good while. Aero Star, the luchadore prospect from Mexico, will be built up before debuting several weeks into the promotion.

~The lack of publicized tag teams raises a few eyebrows, but with AOW’s desire to build a majority of the tag division from within, unannounced tag teams shouldn’t be that much of a surprise and will slowly begin to show up over the first several weeks of the promotion.
…and now the first preview!




8.22.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“The Greatest Affair of the State”


War brings with it discord, famine, panic, and Oblivion. War has arrived, as Oblivion takes center stage! The inaugural episode of AOW Wrestling’s Wednesday Night Oblivion has arrived! This groundbreaking pilot is already breaking rules – by being granted a 90 minute time spot – live in the Hammerstein Ballroom.

The head founder of AOW, Paul Heyman, will be in attendance to address the fan faithfuls and has already promised to set the roster in its place to send shockwaves through the wrestling world!

The stars of AOW are ready to wow to world and show why they’re the best pro wrestling has to offer – and they’ll get the chance!! The Hooliganz will meet the World’s Greatest Tag Team in tag action, while Jack Evans and Jamie Noble will represent the AOW cruiserweights.

But this all fails to compare to the unveiling of the AOW World Championship…which will find its first beholder!! No match type has been announced, nor has the participants, but we have been assured to crown the FIRST EVER AOW World Champion!

Who will be the stars to look out for, who will be left in the dust, and who will be the first AOW World Champion? Find out, 9 EST on FX!



Show should be up Sunday-ish. Hope you guys stick with me 'til then.
 
#9 ·
As everybody else has said, this looks pretty amazing. The roster is as good as any I've ever seen for a created fed and there's a multitude of great feuds you can produce using it. Everything looks nicely in order and I'm glad you're going to be crowing a world champ right off the bat and not waiting for it. I'm excited for the first show to be posted and I'll definitely be reading it.
 
#10 ·


8.22.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“The Greatest Affair of the State”
*Special 90-Minute Pilot*




-----

We open to a black screen, but we can hear the roar of a crowd in the background. We then hear what sounds like the dulled and muffled sound of an object rotating very fast. This slowly evolves into a quick electric guitar rift as the logo for AOW is finally shown to the world –





We hear a vast roar from the Hammerstein Ballroom, our focus still on the logo. The logo fades away after a second more, and we’re finally brought to the scene in the Hammerstein, filled to the brim with the new AOW faithful.

We get a good look at the stage, which is the host to a gigantic version of the logo, the yin-yang is filled by a jumbotron-ish big screen in a circular formation, a giant ‘A’ on its left and giant ‘W’ on its right. Sitting underneath both gigantic letters are gigantic pillars, modeled to look like they’re from Ancient Rome. Between the pillars is what looks to be a big, blood red curtain, perfectly suited for a warrior headed to war to burst through. The entrance stage and ramp appear to be plated with a coated black titanium, similar to the one used in the WWE.

A spotlight is in the ring, with ring announcer Tony Chimel in the middle of it
.

Tony Chimel:
Ladies and gentlemen…please welcome the Chairman of Art of War Wrestling – PAAAUUUUL HEEEYYYY-MAAAAANN!!!!

A grand pop from the Hammerstein is heard, as Paul E. Dangerously makes his way from behind the blood red curtain. As Heyman takes the first steps from behind the curtain, onto the stage, down the ramp, and into the ring, he acknowledges his vast pop here tonight.

Heyman:
Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all who have wrestling in their heart and soul – welcome to the debut of ART OF WAR WRESTLING!!!
~Big pop once again

Heyman:
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Paul Heyman – the owner and establisher of this fine company. This is the first national broadcast of our weekly show, Wednesday Night Oblivion. So each and every one of you in this arena tonight, YOU HAVE MADE HISTORY!
~Another big pop

Heyman:
I chose the name Oblivion because I thought it tied in perfectly to what our philosophy is here at AOW Wrestling. When something is cast into oblivion, it is to be forgotten and never heard from again. I want all of you here tonight – and I didn’t forget those of you tuning in at home – to forget all that you know about professional wrestling. The talent here on Oblivion will completely redefine all that you know about all that you know.
~Not as big a pop, but another decent one nonetheless followed by buzz

Heyman:
Only in AOW we’ve got names like Samoa Joe…

~A respectable pop, some not knowing who that may be

Heyman:
We’ve got names like Chris Jericho…

~A VERY welcome pop, as Jericho hasn’t been heard from in two whole years. Heyman smiles with this before continuing.

Heyman:
We’ve got guys like Rob – Van – Dam…

~Another huge pop from the Hammerstein crowd, a definite fan favorite. The arena soon bursts free with “ECW! ECW! ECW!” chants that last about a minute before Heyman continues.

Heyman:
And we’ve got guys like…no, we have THE – Shawn Michaels!

~A huge pop for the biggest name on the roster. Heyman once again smiles.

Heyman:
Here in AOW it’s not about all the lights and the cameras. It’s not all about the larger-than-life personas, and it’s not about all the theatrics professional wrestling has degenerated into. This is about fighting spirit. This is about the essence of war. This is about the art that is professional wrestling.

~Another pause, the crowd popping in agreement of this statement

Heyman:
I wanted to take this time to first thank all of the individuals who make this possible. Now I know – I’m a brilliant man. But money isn’t quite my smart suit and I can’t do all this alone. I would just like to thank my financial backers…oh and I guess FX too. You’ve made a very worthwhile investment.

~The Hammerstein crowd roars in approval at the shoot statement

Heyman:
And now to thank all of you people here – many of you faithful in my endeavors since my days in ECW –

~Heyman is interrupted by a MASSIVE pop

Heyman:
It’s because of folks like you – all of you – that this could all be even possible. So thank you for your…continued…


Heyman is interrupted by what sounds like a slow, sarcastic applause against a microphone. The crowd turns their attention towards the entrance stage, where we catch the first glimpse of Chris Jericho in a suit and tie. The crowd initially lets out a massive pop, with this being the first time anyone has seen Jericho in almost two years. The look on Jericho’s face, however, seems to be all business.

Jericho:
I’m not quite sure what all this buzz is about, Paul, but I’m pretty sure it’s all in the wrong direction.

~The crowd continues to buzz as he makes his way down the ramp, speaking as he goes

Jericho:
How many of you people came here tonight to come and see the return of Chris “The Sexy Beast”, “The Living Legend”, “The Atoyallah of Rock and Rolla” Jericho-ah?

~Another massive pop ensues, as this time, Jericho pauses on the ramp and takes in his ovation

Jericho:
You hear that, Paul? These people know who to praise. These people know exactly who they should be directing their desires towards. But unfortunately, Paul…you don’t seem to know the same.

Heyman:
Chris…how nice to see you.

Jericho:
But of course it is. Paul, you can thank your financial backers and investors, you can thank this gracious network, and you can thank all these suckers giving us their hard earned and slowly declining American dollars, but the one person you’d better be getting on your hands and knees thanking had better…be…ME.

~The crowd changes reaction sharply, but there’s still some noticeable buzz

Jericho:
In case you had forgotten, Paul, and just so enlighten those of you unaware, but I’m the man who had the idea to get this entire company off the ground. I’m the man who called you. I’m the man who gave birth to this very promotion. So Paul if it weren’t for me standing here…you wouldn’t be standing there.

~Jericho points this out, with the crowd slowly getting more hostile towards Jericho with every word

Jericho:
Now just so we’re clear, I’m not looking for any special treatment. No. I’m just looking to now get back what I put in, to get my cut and what’s owed to me. And what’s owed to me is the great Paul E. Dangerously giving me my due in front of all these easily manipulated Mutants, as I recall their name, that once worshipped the ground he walked on.

~With this, the crowd feels Jericho has much overstayed his welcome and delivers the first genuine batch of heat in AOW history

Heyman:
Chris, as much as I do appreciate your input and effort you’ve given into MY company, you are a member of MY roster. I’M the one who will get to sign your paycheck. I’M the one who decides what you deserve and I’M the one who decides if you’ll even get that.

~The crowd pops again as Heyman is instantly unphased, putting his foot down

Heyman:
So Chris Jericho, if you don’t mind me asking, what do you think – what does the “King of the World” think that he is owed…?

Jericho:
I think all of this hullabaloo about having a match to crown the first ever AOW World Champion should be ceased and the title be handed over to me.

~Another good bit of heat for this

Heyman:
So wait…after what I’ve just said, you want me to immediately take the fighting spirit out of Art of War Wrestling and just HAND you a world title…?

Jericho:
A title I’ve rightfully deserved tens of thousands of times over, Paul, and you know it.

~Heyman looks at Chris very crossly, before apparently giving a hand signal. Upon that, two men in production attire bring something down the ramp, something that has a large black cloak surrounding it so we can’t see what it is. It is put between Heyman and Jericho center ring. Heyman approaches it and gets a grip on the cloak.

Heyman:
So you just want me to take this and simply give you the most prestigious thing in the company…?

~With that, Heyman removes the cloak, revealing a podium of sorts. Atop the podium is a glass case, and inside the glass case is a series of gorgeous, solid gold plates bolted down to a shining strap of leather. This beauty is getting a close-up, which allows us to read the words “AOW Wrestling World’s Heavyweight Champion” across the huge, magnificent, and illustrious central plate. The title is sitting on a bed of red velvet within the glass case. The crowd is in momentary awe, as is Jericho, whose eyes are as wide as his mouth right now

Heyman:
As you can see Chris, this is what wars are fought for. And you’ll have to fight one if you want it. So I’m officially announcing what kind of match this baby will be given away…pardon…EARNED in the very first Oblivion main event.
~Jericho’s awe turns into a scowl, while the crowd lets loose some buzz as to what the match might be

Heyman:
I will introduce to the world an AOW Original match – the Lucky 13 Battle. Thirteen men will enter this ring and nine of them will be tossed over the top rope and out of the match. The final four will duke it out in a no holds barred, first fall to a finish, winner take all war.

~A respectable pop for the brutal rules of the match

Heyman:
So with that, Chris Jericho, the folks watching at home and the many who have sold out the Hammerstein tonight, once again – WELCOME TO ART OF WAR WRESTLING!!!

~Heyman roars this in the face of Jericho. The crowd lets out another roar of approval, as Jericho’s scowl seemingly only grows bigger. Before he turns to leave the ring, we can hear him say “This isn’t over, Paul.” Jericho leaves the ring, still scowling, but his head held high and prominent as we see Heyman smile as “The Fight Song” echoes over the sound system

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

Joey Styles:

Ladies and gents, I know Paul Heyman said it a few moments ago, but we welcome you all to Art of War Wrestling’s first ever edition of Wednesday Night Oblivion!! We’re here with you tonight for 90 minutes. I’m Joey Styles here at the announce table at ringside, and with me is my colleague and color commentator – you know him, you love him, many love to hate him, but he is John “Bradshaw” Layfield.

JBL:
You best introduce me better than that, but as a pr’fessional I will move on and let it slide because I am far too excited about being here in Art of War!

Joey Styles:
Well my apologies partner, but we’ve already seen a monumental start to what should be a monumental show. If you missed it, just moments ago, Paul Heyman welcomed us all to the Hammerstein Ballroom before being interrupted by Chris J –

JBL:
And Chris Jericho had every right to do so. As another ‘founding father’ of this company and the man who gives Paul Heyman the money to even sign on those paychecks, I don’t have a doubt in my mind I would’ve done the same thing Chris Jericho just did. A man deserves his cut for the work he does and -

Joey Styles:
But John, you have to consider that Chris Jericho is under the authorization of Paul Heyman, regardless of what he’s done to help build this company. And I would think, and many would agree with me, that if Jericho were handed that title, that would be a gross misuse of influence and power
.
~On “that title”, Styles points and leads the cameraman to the spot right next to the announce table where the podium with the AOW World title has been set up for all to see for the whole night

JBL:
I will misuse my hand upside your head if you ever interrupt me again, Joey!

Joey Styles:
Well, maybe you should say something worthwhile there, John.

JBL:
(Dryly)
Joey, I like you. You are favored in the eyes of John Bradshaw Layfield. I would think it’s in your best interest to not change that.

Joey Styles:
We will have a lot of time to spend together John, but as I was saying, Chris Jericho interrupted Paul Heyman before Heyman announced that the brand, spanking new and glistening AOW World Championship would be up for grabs in our first ever main event – a Lucky 13 Battle, what Heyman declared an ‘AOW Original’.

JBL:
Righ’ off the bat, we’re showing you why AOW is the premier choice in pr’fessinal wrestling with a match that amazin’, even if I b’lieve Chris Jericho should be champion right now.

Joey Styles:
Well be that as it may, John, we here at AOW are excited to bring you the best action in professional wrestling and we’re gonna prove it to you right now with the very first match in Oblivion history
.

“LONDON CALLING” is heard over the brand new AOW sound system, as the team of the Hooliganz, Paul London and Brian Kendrick, become the first competitors to come on the ramp. They give each other a quick high five and a special handshake before rushing down to the ring in their signature fashion.

“BETTER THAN GREAT”, an unfamiliar instrumental now, is heard as Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas make their way down the ramp as the World’s Greatest Tag Team. They’re garnered in matching white and gold short tights, as well as matching colored hoodie vests. They truly do look like the world’s greatest.

OPENING CONTEST
The World’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas)
v.
The Hooliganz (Paul London & Brian Kendrick)


After both teams shake hands, Haas and London are the men who kick things off. The two circle each other before a lock-up is initiated, which Haas quickly wins by getting a headlock in on London. London is very quick to counter this, however, forcing Haas back with what looks to be a modified crucifix, but Haas kicks out of this quickly. As both men reach their feet, London takes the two he has and drives them into Haas’ chest, knocking him off his with a well-placed dropkick.

As Haas gets to his feet following that quick maneuver, he’s greeted with a series of arm drags from London, before London caps it off with his signature Dropsault. He tries another quick cover, but Haas gets on out at two. As both men scramble to their feet again, it’s Haas who surprises London with a dropkick of his own. Haas doesn’t let London stay on the ground for very long following the move, as he brings London to his feet and throws him in his corner, tagging in Benjamin for the first time into the match. The two jointly whip London into the ropes and on the rebound, Haas lets London fly with a free fall drop, but the cruiserweight comes crashing down on both of Benjamin’s knees, a two man double-knee gutbuster. Benjamin gets the WGTT their first cover of the night, but London won’t go down so easily.

Benjamin now in complete control of London doesn’t waste any time, taking more shots at potentially broken ribs of London, capping it off by whipping London ribs-first into a corner, leaving London hunched over in an awkward position in the corner. He’s quickly taken out of it by Benjamin, who pulls London out of the corner in that position and nails a flawless German suplex. Benjamin keeps the bridge, prompting a pin count. 1...2…NO!!! London throws his legs into the air and out of the move!

London still can’t get much momentum, as following this, the World’s Greatest rotate and single out London before London finally shows some life after dodging a Haas rebounding clothesline and turning it into a hurricanrana, which becomes a jumping calf kick, before becoming a well-aimed kick to Haas’ jaw!! London sells the hurt on his ribs, but the flurry of offense gives him the momentum to finally tag in Kendrick.

Kendrick ups the momentum with a rapid sequence of leaping calf kicks, but he’s stunted when Haas ducks, causing Kendrick to fly over his head on a third attempt. With that, Haas pulls Kendrick to his feet and hits a beautiful vertical suplex, followed quickly by a tag in to Benjamin. Benji tries to pounce on Kendrick, but Spanky surprises him with a backflip kick that grants Kendrick the chance to tag back in London. Benjamin flops into London and Kendrick’s corner, where Kendrick forces him to bend over. Unbeknownst to L&K, Haas has gotten back into the ring. As London jumps back into the fray, he leaps onto and off of Benjamin’s back with a double stomp, before bouncing off and nailing the rushing Charlie Haas with a hurricanrana.

The crowd is in awe at that move, but the ‘ganz aren’t quite done. With Benjamin still in the corner, London rushes at him with a full body splash, hurting his midsection even more. London then lifts Benjamin into a powerbomb position, to which Kendrick grabs his head, looking for Sliced Bread…Tower of London!!! Back to back tag team maneuvers for the Hooliganz! London covers Benjamin quickly now – 1…2…3…NO!!!! Charlie Haas has kicked back in at the very last second to knock London off with the double axe handle!

As London gets to his feet holding his ailing ribs, Haas is sizing him up for something. We then catch a shot of Benjamin knocking Kendrick off the apron. As London finally gets up, he turns towards the stalking Haas, London is grabbed around the waist by Benjamin. As he looks down to see this, he’s met with a superkick from Haas, dominoing into another flawless German suplex from Benjamin. Once again, Benjamin keeps the bridge. 1…2…3…!!!!

Winners: The World’s Greatest Tag Team at 8:24

~As Benjamin and Haas lift their arms in celebration, they’re quickly greeted by the Hooliganz, who extend their hands for an honorable handshake, despite their hard-fought loss. Benjamin and Haas look at each other and then look at their beaten up cruiserweight opponents….and then extend their hands and shake their opponent’s hands very respectfully. The crowd recognizes this and gives both teams a great ovation.


Joey Styles:
That’s the epitome of what Paul Heyman was talking about – fighting spirit and the art of wrestling. Both teams displayed that tonight in that very ring and that very sportsmanlike handshake is the cherry on top.

JBL:
You and I fin’lly agree on somethin’, Joey, but don’t sugar coat stuff and put cherries on it. As much as I enjoy watchin’ London and Kendrick, the simple fact is that they lost and are not in the same league of the World’s Greatest Tag Team. And that was just respectfully proven.

Joey Styles:
How can you say that? They pushed Benjamin and Haas to the limit in the very first contest in AOW. Besides, that handshake is a huge sign of respect, not superiority, Bradshaw.

JBL:
Do I have to spell it out for you, Joey? WORLD’S. GREATEST. TAG. TEAM. No one’s in their league on this planet.

Joey Styles:
Not even the APA?

JBL:
We were the best in the universe, not just the world. These guys are the best in the world, but the APA was universal.

~Touche, Joey Styles

Joey Styles:
Well whatever you say partner, but coming up later on tonight a universally pleasing main event – the filling of the throne. The first ever Lucky 13 Battle match to decide who the first ever AOW World Champion will be is still to come! But first, we’re gonna send you backstage to our ‘Green Zone’ interview set and the very, very –

JBL:
VERY.

Joey Styles:
…yes – VERY lovely Torrie Wilson.


~We cut backstage to an area lined against the wall with a white curtain, the color of peace in the ‘Green Zone’. There’s a small pillar podium nearby with a prop microphone on it, but behind the white curtain, seems to be what looks like titanium plates, as if to symbolize a fortress.

Torrie Wilson:
Thanks, Joey! This is Torrie Wilson from the Art of War Green Zone, where –

~Wilson is cut off by a leather jacketed body’s arm is seen being wrapped around her shoulders. Wilson looks on in disgust and the face the body and arm belong to are revealed to be Mike Mizanin.

The Miz:
And I’m Mike “The Miz” Mizanin.


Torrie Wilson:
Yeah. He’s The Miz. Big deal. But we are your backstage interview team, where our goal is to give you the most coverage possible behind the scenes and outside the ring.

The Miz:
What do you mean, big deal? I was on MTV, babe, of course I’m a big deal.

Torrie Wilson:
Oh, really, little boy?

The Miz:
Uh, yeah stupid girl. Been sniffing our purse dog’s freshly done fur a little much? Get a reality check, sister. I’ve got the interview skills to go take on anyone with this mike and in the ring!

Torrie Wilson:
Really? Well here’s our first ever guest here in the Green Zone, Bobby Lashley!

~The crowd lets loose for a very surprising mixed reaction, but it favors many boos. Who knew Lashley wasn’t a smark favorite? Regardless, Miz looks on terrified at the big hulking black guy before him.

The Miz:
Uh…you can take the first one, Torrie
.
~Miz exits the screen very quickly

Torrie Wilson:
That’s what I thought. So Lashley, how do you feel about being here in AOW Wrestling?

Lashley:
I –

~Lashley has absolutely no chance to get a word out before Christian Cage enters the frame, arms crossed and a small smirk on his face. Even so, Christian gets a massive pop from the crowd, possibly b/c he’s loved, but also possibly b/c he’s stopped Bobby Lashley from talking

Christian Cage:
How are you, Torrie? It’s been years. You look great!

Torrie Wilson:
Well thank you, Christian! Same to you, but uh…I’m in the middle of an interview here.

Christian Cage:
Yeah, well, Torrie, how about you let me take this one?

~Christian takes the seemingly prop microphone from the pillar and lets us see it’s an actual working mike. The camera shifts focus to Lash and Christian, but Wilson is still standing nearby.

Christian Cage:
How’s it going, Lashley? Don’t answer that. I’ll tell you where you should be going – and that’s far, far away from AOW. Like away from Oblivion and into oblivion itself.

~The crowd lets out a pop of approval for this, their mixed reaction going in favor of Christian now. Christian’s smirk is still present.

Christian Cage:
Why are you here, Lashley? I’m here because the company I was in before treated me like dirt and I wasn’t given the appreciation I deserve. And before I could quit, they fired my ass. If I recall, Lashley, you voluntarily walked out on your contract after you’d just been given a world title match and been treated like a superhuman god who could do no wrong. So, why exactly are you here?

~Before Lashley can answer, Cage pulls the microphone back to his mouth, still smirking.

Christian Cage:
Don’t answer that. If you’ve come here because you think you can just mosey on in here and take whatever you want just because of your name and be worshipped, you’re sorely mistaken. Chris Jericho is sorely mistaken. And if Shawn Michaels thinks that way, then he’s sorely mistaken. There are too many of us back here who have worked our tails off only be turned away. And I’ll speak for them and say we won’t stand for a guy like you to come here on our opportunity and take it way before we can even breathe on it.

~This almost seems like Christian’s (or maybe Paul Heyman’s…?) legitimate feelings. Is this a worked shoot? Either way, the smarky crowd is cheering very wildly, agreeing with Christian’s sentiments, worked or not. Christian’s smirk has now completely disintegrated into a look of seriousness.

Christian Cage:
So Bobby Lashley, you’d better prove yourself and earn everything you get here. An entire legion of us back here are fairly certain you didn’t earn the right to be the last ECW World Champion in the presence of Paul Heyman. We don’t know why you’re here, but we don’t like you. And we don’t want you. So if you didn’t know…now you know.

~The Hammerstein lets out a massive roar b/c now Lashley knows their sentiments towards him as well. Lashley is left stone faced and ‘soft spoken’. Christian’s face is of pure intensity before we catch a glimpse of a very troubled looking Torrie Wilson before we cut away.


**Video Package**

There is a creature alive today…

We see a shot of what looks to be that of a gargantuan 7-foot, heavyset being in the shadows

That has survived millions of years of evolution…

The man steps from the shadows, head down, face still concealed by an equally enormous hoodie

Without change…

A quick shot flashes of the man ROARING while grabbing a man by the throat in the middle of a ring

Without passion…

The giant lifts and chokeslams the man into the ground, causing the canvas to crack and the ring to collapse

And without remorse…

The giant rolls up his sleeve, revealing a taped fist the size of a bowling ball

It lives to kill; a merciless, monstrous machine….

The ‘monstrous machine’ prepares, as another man rushes towards the beast

It will attack and destroy anything…

The hooded giant swings his giant fist, crushing the attacking man’s jaw as if it were a wrecking ball

It is as if God created the devil and made him…

Flashback to the shot of the giant in the hood standing alone, still surrounded by shadows

…GREAT

The giant finally raises his head, but before we can see his face, the screen cuts to black, where we then see the words –

~Paul “The Great” Wright~
COMING SOON TO AOW


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


As we return from the break, we get to see the face of the one and only Rob Van Dam. The Hammerstein lets out a deafening roar. Van Dam doesn’t acknowledge the camera for a second, as he’s beating the hell out of a punching bag with punches and kicks. He eventually turns towards the camera and acknowledges his reaction with his trademark smile and shrug. He gets a little more serious when he begins talking.

Van Dam:
So Chris Jericho thinks he can just groove on in here, co-sign on the line, and proclaim himself champion? And you, Chris, have the gall to sit there and try and upstage a man like Paul Heyman?

~A great deal of heat

Van Dam:
Chris, I respect you for the wrestler you are. I respect you for the things that you’ve done. And hell, I do appreciate you having the idea to get this company off the ground. But I respect Paul Heyman much, much more than I could ever respect you, dude.

~HUGE pop

Van Dam:
I think someone said it best earlier, but you gotta earn everything you get here in AOW. And you’re no different, dude. So when we get in that ring tonight to decide the first ever champion of this company you so proudly says is yours, you’re gonna come face to face with me. And that doesn’t bode so well for you, dude.

~Another great big pop

Van Dam:
One more guy needs a mention here…a guy named Shawn Michaels is back here, too.

~Another roof-popping pop for a mention of the Heart Break Kid in AOW

Van Dam:
Shawn, I hear you’ll be in that ring later, too. And I’ll be staring you in the eye. I respect you too, Shawn. But this is the house that I built. And I’ve brought it down before. And if my memory serves correct, Shawn…you’ve never been to my house before.

~Another decent pop from the crowd

Van Dam:
It takes a lot of balls to go from where you were with all you’d done to come here, man. But I’m not just gonna hand you that title on a silver platter. No one here is. And as for everyone else in the main event tonight, hope you guys brought your A-game. Simply ‘cause there’s only one man walking away with that gold tonight, so say it loud, say it proud, Hammerstein -
(thumbs in the air, crowd joins in) ROB – VAN – DAM.

~Back at ringside…

Joey Styles:
Rob Van Dam makes his case and it’s a damn good one if I do say so myself.

~Pun not intended

JBL:
Listen, Rob Van Dam has what it takes to electrify a crowd and put on fantastic matches, he’s a fantastic athlete, but I don’t think he’ll be able to take that world title.

Joey Styles:
And what about that very cold greeting to Bobby Lashley by Christian Cage concerning Lashley just being here in AOW? That’s gotta raise quite a few eyebrows.

JBL:
Look, I’m not gonna judge Christian for not wanting Bobby Lashley here, but I think he’s using his story as a cover up. Christian, as good as he is, has never been good enough and he’s pro’ly just jealous at Lashley’s success.

Joey Styles:
Christian does have a history of that, John, but we’re back here on Oblivion to present you with our cruiserweight division ready to go on display!


The unfamiliar tune of “JACK E.” is heard across the Ballroom, as Jack Evans bursts forth from the curtain, about to dance out of his shoes. Evans is donning his trademark white boy wave cap tonight before stepping into the ring and hitting a few break dance moves. The crowd is amused enough to give him some pops. We learn from commentary that the man rapping in the theme song is Evans himself.

“A COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE (Instrumental)” hits the speakers now, as Jamie Noble comes through the curtain with the polar opposite demeanor of Evans – focused and ready for a fight. Noble is getting a decent reaction, as a few of his ROH and indy followers are present. One of his biggest fans appears to be JBL, who declares Noble as ‘his boy’ while on commentary.

MATCH 2
~Cruiserweight Duel~
Jack Evans
v.
Jamie Noble

The roughneck, no nonsense Noble has an intense look still on his face, but perhaps its agitation, seeing as how Jack Evans hasn’t stopped moving since he entered the ring. Evans is moving in some combination of dancing and a wrestling stance. When Noble hesitates to attack for a moment, Evans uses this chance to jive continue to jive around before surprising Noble with a swift leg sweep, causing Noble to fall. Evans gets on his feet quickly from the low sweep before executing a beautiful, standing moonsault to cover Noble very quickly – 1…2…NO! Noble won’t go down in such a flash!

Noble gets to his feet with a nasty scowl on his face, punting Evans in the gut before grappling him from behind and thrusting him face first into a turnbuckle. Evans’ head bounces off violently, sending him whiplashing back into the arms of an awaiting Noble, who grapples his head from behind for a split second before executing what looks like a cobra clutch slam. Noble’s version of ‘Dream Street’ gets him his first cover of the contest. 1…2…-NO!! Evans has more fight left in him!

This hot start has the crowd in both men’s corners, but Noble has the advantage. He uses this to chuck Evans between his legs now and get some double underhooks in, looking for something, but as he flips Evans for what looks like a Tiger Driver, Evans counters with a lightning-quick hurricanrana pin, holding onto Noble’s leg and getting another pinfall attempt. 1…2…3-NO!!! Noble slides from under Evans, leaving Evans on his knees. Noble bridges back to his feet before executing a back kick that catches Evans in the jaw. Evans’ head makes a beeline for the canvas before Noble goes for another cover. 1….2…NO!! Evans kicks out again!! With that kickout, Noble grabs hold of Evans’ arm and locks in an armbar, hoping to drain some of the jive out of Jack E’s step.

Evans finds a way to fight out of the hold after a few seconds of agony, finally getting to his feet and jabbing Noble in the ribs to force him to let go of his arm. Evans then whips Noble into a corner, going to the opposite one, performing a cartwheel across the ring before nailing Noble with an elbow. Noble collapses to the canvas before rolling out to recover, but Evans is in quick pursuit. Evans leaps to the top rope, his back towards Noble on the outside. Noble looks up to see Evans performing a DOUBLE MOONSAULT onto Noble, right in front of the commentators. The crowd has never seen anything like it, and judging from JBL’s and Joey’s (OH MY GOD!!!) reactions, neither have they.

“HOLY SHIT!!! HOLY SHIT!!!” chants are abound, which is rare for TV anyway, but nonetheless, it roars across the Hammerstein. Evans gets to his feet to a big pop, who throws Noble back into the ring. As Noble gets to his feet, Evans rebound off the ropes in front of him, ducking under a Noble retaliation clothesline and rebounding again. On this rebound, Noble tries a clothesline again, forcing Evans to duck once more. Quickly, Noble grabs the doubled over and momentous Evans with one arm, hooking an underhook, then grabs the other, and locks in another underhook before nailing a nasty Tiger Driver. The wind is knocked all out of Evans, his neck driven into the canvas. 1….2…3…!!!

Winner: Jamie Noble at 5:56


Joey Styles:
Now THAT was something! Jamie Noble may have gotten the W, but the crowd will definitely be talking about Jack Evans and his absolutely impressive display here tonight!

JBL:
What the hell are you talking about, Joey? So a white kid can break dance and do crazy flips – so can the guys on Jackass. My man “Pitbull” Jamie Noble just proved that all that fancy footwork doesn’t mean a damn thing. It’s about the win and loss column here in AOW Wrestling.

Joey Styles:
Oh come on! An impression is an impression, John, and Evans made a damn good one just now.

JBL:
You think if our Founding Fathers made just an ‘impression’ on Great Britain, they would’ve had a revolution and formed the United States of America? NO! They beat the bumblin’ Brits! They won! So you can go on your little blog and talk about Jack Evans and you saying ‘OH MY GOD’ all you want, but the fact remains Jamie Noble is a winner and just inserted himself in the running as the most dominant cruiserweight here in AOW.


**Video Package**

We’re brought to what looks to be a desert, sand going on for miles. The camera pans all the way across until it eventually hits a man’s torso. The camera climbs to see the man’s face. He’s quickly identified as Muhammad Hassan.

Hassan:
My name is Muhammad Hassan. And I am a changed man.


The camera shifts out of focus for a moment, then re-focuses on Hassan in another part of the desert.

Hassan:
You see, I used to get so angry at Americans for the way they treated me. They hated me just because I looked just like some kind of terrorist
.

The screen shows a quick flash of the notorious Osama Bin Laden, but only for a quick instant

Hassan:
I vehemently expressed my opinions and defended the fact that just like them, I was just a regular American man from Minnesota. They didn’t listen. So I became exactly what they wanted me to become. A terrorizing individual. And it cost me my career
.

A short and shadowy re-enactment of Hassan and his ‘sympathizers’ beating the shit out of someone and Hassan choking them with piano wire shows. The man who’s obviously substituting for the Undertaker in this clip’s face is not shown.

Hassan:
But like I said – I’m a changed man. And it’s a funny way how life works. My Saudi Arabian great uncle recently passed, but in his will, he beset me something of great wealth and value –


Hassan is still in the desert, but he points to something next to him. In an instant, the ground opens up and shoots out what appears to be oil.

Hassan:
My uncle had an oil empire!!! So now all those Americans who wanted me dead are paying me millions to do nothing but drive around in their pointless luxury cars!


We now see Hassan in a city, expensive sunglasses and suit on, rolling around in a gas-guzzling Hummer H2.

Hassan:
I used to hate my fellow Americans for their hate of me. Now I love them for making my wallet as big and fat as their children!! HA-HA!!


We now see a shot of Hassan in his Hummer passing by and snatching an ice-cream cone out of the hand of a very obese young lad. Hassan takes a lick before laughing.

The scene goes back to Hassan, no sunglasses, still in a suit, against a black background. He has a look of sheer intensity on his face
.

Hassan:
Because of you, I am leagues richer than you. But this doesn’t make me a happy man. No. I won’t be happy until I see every cent my millionaire uncle willed to me used for making my fellow pious Americans suffer. My name is Muhammad Hassan – exile turned tycoon. And I am a changed man
.​
***


We’re back backstage, where we see the first shot of that one guy everyone keeps talking about – Shawn Michaels. The crowd lets out an enormous pop, as the first real physical evidence has shown up that he’s real and here. Michaels is preparing himself before he stares at the camera and grins. The crowd pops one more time, but he turns away when someone taps on his shoulder from behind…

???:
Hey! Shawn Michaels!

HBK:
Yes?


Michaels turns around at about eye level, then drops his head to show he was looking for someone a little…bigger. The man he sees instead is the rather non-physically intimidating Bryan Danielson. A few folks who know his face let out a few cheers.

HBK:
Um…hey there, little fella! What can I autograph for you?

~Danielson is not amused, apparently

Danielson:
I don’t really want an autograph, Michaels, but eh…well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a fan
.

HBK:
Of course you’re a fan! The Heart Break Kid’s found a new home to start breakin’ hearts and stealin’ shows all over again! Who wouldn’t wanna come see that?

~Another roar of approval from New York

Danielson:
Shawn Michaels…I’ve been a fan of yours since I was a little boy. I sat there and I watched you through all your, y’know, show stealing moves and your zipwire entrances and your boyhood dreams. But I was also a fan for those smiles you lost and all those injuries –

HBK:
I appreciate it, kid, I really do, but if this isn’t really going anywhere, I need to finish getting ready –

Danielson:
I’m not done yet. I was a fan of yours through all that, and you greatly inspired me. So I went and enrolled in your wrestling academy where I could learn to become a professional wrestler. Just like you.

HBK:
Oh, did you now?

Danielson:
Oh yeah. I couldn’t wait to be there and train under the same roof as the Heart Break Kid. But I was sorely disappointed. I wanted to meet the man who I called my own Icon, my own hero. But you never showed up, Shawn. You never step foot in that school or shook my hand, or even came to see any of my matches.

~This leaves the crowd buzzing and Michaels silent

Danielson:
All I wanted to do was be able to look my idol in the eye and make him proud. But I never got that chance.

Michaels:
But now you do. Look, son…all I can say is I’m terribly, terribly sorry from the bottom of my heart. I used to not be the…uh…most pleasurable guy on the planet. I made some promises I never kept, I had some debts I never paid. And I’m sorry I never held up my end of my bargain for you. But this is a new start for me and a whole new start for you. So I will promise you – I am not that guy anymore. And who do I have the privilege of addressing, mister…?

Danielson:
Danielson. Bryan Danielson. And some call me the Best in the World
.
~The two shake hands again to very nice pop, despite the somewhat cocky self-bidding of Danielson. Michaels begins to walk out of the frame, but not before another hand appears on HBK’s shoulder…

???:
That seemed a bit intense, huh Heartbreak?

~Shawn Michaels turns around to see another face he might not have ever seen before in Samoa Joe

HBK:
Uh…sure, big fella.

Joe:
My name’s Samoa Joe. And you’re the great Shawn Michaels, am I right?

HBK:
You’d be correct there, Joe.

Joe:
Hm. Funny, huh. Everyone here seems to know you and you don’t seem to know anyone, do you? That kind of stuff puts a big, big target on your back, my friend. And add to the fact all those showstoppin' moments and matches? And the fact that you’re THE Shawn Michaels? Yeah. You’ve got a huge target on your back.

HBK:
Well thanks for the heads up, Joe, but I think I’ll be fine fending for myself. And I’m sure a big guy like you can fend for yourself too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a match to prepare for. So I’ll see ya around, Joe.

Joe:
No, see, it’s not ‘see ya around, Joe’. Here’s another heads up - I’m gonna be out there in that Lucky 13 Battle for that AOW World title. So it’s ‘see you in a few minutes when you’ll be kicking my ass, Joe’
.

The crowd actually chuckles a bit at this before it lets loose into laughter when Joe slaps Michaels’ ‘target’ on his back, causing the off-guard HBK to collapse from the heavy hand of the Samoan Submission Machine. Michaels holds his back, comically making an attempt to get back to his feet.

HBK:
Man…where do these guys keep COMING from…?



~Back at ringside…


JBL:
Who do these guys think they are? Disrespecting Shawn Michaels like that.

Joey Styles:
I think it’s just like Samoa Joe said – Shawn Michaels definitely has a target on his back. He’s a big name, and as you can sympathize, partner, taking down a big name could be the key to a breakout star.

JBL:
I defeated a star in Eddie Guerrero for a world title once, so yes, it is key to a breakout star.

Joey Styles:
You’ve also been the defeated star a few times, right Bradshaw?

JBL:
I haven’t the slightest clue what you’re talkin’ about.

Joey Styles:
Well as my partner suffers from his selective memory loss, ring announcer Tony Chimel is in the ring to announce the start of our first ever main event.


Tony Chimel:
The following main event contest is the Lucky 13 Battle for the A-O-DOUBLE EEEEUUUUUU CHAMPIONSHIP!

~Grandour pop

Tony Chimel:
The rules are as follows: thirteen men will enter the ring, being eliminated by being thrown over the top rope. The final four men will then compete by one fall to the finish rules. The man who pins or makes submit one of his final four opponents will be crowned the AOW WORLD CHAMPION!!!

~Even bigger pop

**MISERE CANTARE**

The crowd lets out a bursting cheer, as CM Punk makes his way through the curtain to his elder indies theme. Punk’s got a big, satisfied grin on his face, happy to be back in a place with a cult following. Punk’s generous pop follows him all the way down the aisle
.

Tony Chimel:
Making his way to the ring – from Chi-ca-goooooooooo, Illinois, weighing in at 222 pounds…the Straight-Edge Superstar…CEE…EMM…PUNK!!!!

Joey Styles:
CM Punk is here in AOW to bring his straight-edge beliefs to all! CM Punk lives a life that is drug free and alcohol free, and on top of that, his knowledge of wrestling is second to none. This kid is definitely one that we have to be on the watch for, Bradshaw.

JBL:
Why? Who you really have to be on the watch-out for are any old ECW convicts who drink, gamble, and have their way with whoever they want. This guy doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, and he doesn’t do anything without asking mommy and daddy for permission.

~Punk smiles and nods toward the crowd before respectfully asking Chimel for his microphone

CM Punk:
In case you folks missed my awesome introduction, my name is CM Punk
.
~The crowd explodes again

CM Punk:
And with all due respect to you, Tony Chimel, yes, I am from Chicago, yes, I am Straight-Edge…but no, I am not a “Superstar”
.
~A little buzz for this curious statement

CM Punk:
You see, what “Superstars” do is come out here and put on a show, pandering to everyone in sight. They have their own PR departments, they have other people make decisions about their lives and who they are for them, but most importantly, what a “Superstar” is, through all that glitz and glamour, is a mere puppet
.
~Crowd keeps buzzing for this still curious statement. This is potentially a pot-shot at the WWE

CM Punk:
So you see, my name is CM Punk and I am not a “Superstar”. I don’t have all that glitz and glamour. I don’t have all the bells and whistles. And I’m pretty damn sure I don’t have any strings attached to me making me dance. I am a wrestler. Pure and simple. What I do is come out here and wrestle. If it so happens to entertain you Hammerstein folks, so be it. But whether or not you love me, or even like me, is merely a formality to me. Because I love this ring and everything done in it
.
~Punk gets a surprising ovation following those remarks, his passion showing vigorously

CM Punk:
So Tony, from this day forth, do not ever call CM Punk a “Superstar” again. You can call me the Straight-Edge Saint, the Straight-Edge Salutatorian, the Straight-Edge Sigmund Freud – I don’t care. Just so that when my intro is done, these people know that CM Punk is a professional wrestler who loves professional wrestling. And tonight, I will become the first ever champion of war
.

The crowd gives a standing ovation to this address, Punk having gotten to the heart of the former ECW Mutants. A heart many weren’t sure they had. Punk’s ovation refuses to die down as he gives Chimel back his microphone and does some warm ups, shadow boxing, etc.

Joey Styles:
The Straight-Edge CM Punk is just the first man in this World Championship Lucky 13 Battle and has made it quite clear where he stands here in AOW. Who will be crowned the FIRST EVER AOW World Champion? We’ll find out next!!!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

Upon returning from the break, the sound stage lets loose with a very daunting pipe organ, before continuing into some very creepy sounding tones, as “WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL” is heard. The crowd buzzes for a second to find out who it is, but while the wait is short as Paul Burchill makes his way down the ramp, being announced as “The Ripper”. He’s donning a gentleman’s coat, but throws it off as he enters the ring.

“LAMBEG” plays now, as we see for the first time in an AOW environment, the Fighting Irishman they call Finlay. Finlay comes on down the ramp, unamused at the large crowd he’s performing in front of.

“STORM LANCING” plays for the first time across AOW, as development trainer and one of the first talents announced with the company in Lance Storm comes down the ramp to a solid reaction, being in the final home of ECW and all, surrounded by those who watched him.

“MASTERPIECE” hits the speakers now, as a largely dull reaction is heard (or unheard) for Chris Masters, making his AOW presence known with his signature poses at the entrance stage, sans pyro. The man with the feared full-nelson makes more taunts and gestures before sliding in the ring. He meets and stares down Lance Storm upon entering, the veteran not giving an inch.

*HIILALIAH LALIAH LAAALIAH…*

“MAD MAN”
is heard following this ominous Arabian chanting, as the newly-wealthy Muhammad Hassan makes his way down the ramp. He’s getting some pretty heavy heat, as Hassan’s golden tights match his golden head towel, Hassan taking the heat as a blessing and not caring. Heat or no heat, he’s still rich.

*GODZILLA HORN*
*DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK…!!!*

“MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT”
hits the airwaves, as Samoa Joe makes his way through the curtain now, going back to an ROH theme. He’s getting a nice reaction, taking his time and keeping an absolutely intense composure getting into the ring.


Joey Styles:
We saw Joe moments ago with Shawn Michaels, but Samoa Joe is no stranger to the ring. He’s undefeated in North America as a professional wrestler in singles competition. Now that’s impressive!

~AOW seems to be acknowledging his TNA undefeated streak…

“619 ESTA VIVO” hits for the first time, but this is quickly recognized as the remixed entrance theme of none other than Rey Mysterio Jr. Rey gets the biggest ovation out of everyone who has competed so far, a fact that the “King of Mystery” acknowledges with some high fives.


JBL:
Oh no. He’s followed me to AOW.

Joey Styles:
That man that my partner so loathes is Rey Mysterio Jr., easily the most recognizable cruiserweight on the entire planet, and from the looks of things, the lucha legend is here to make a statement in his new company.

“JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”
meets quickly afterward, as Christian Cage stops on the stage to look for his “peeps” for just a second before coming on down to a great reaction from the smarky Mutant setting. Perhaps the fans agree with his statements earlier…?

…but things hit a new level of “Bizarro World” when “HELL WILL BE AT YOUR DOOR” begins to play and the physical specimen that is Bobby Lashley comes out to DEAFENING HEAT. And all Lashley’s done is walk out on stage. And he hasn’t said a word all night. The incredibly smarky mutants here tonight are making their voices heard, showing their extreme (pun intended) displeasure with the last man to hold the ECW title in the presence of Paul Heyman, perhaps because of being an overpushed McMahon product and they agreed with Christian, or maybe the Hammerstein doesn’t really care much for black people. Nonetheless, the surprising reaction doesn’t seem to phase Lashley.

This is quickly whiplashed by “WALK” by Pantera, as the Mutants know only who that can be. Rob Van Dam makes his way to the stage with a THUNDEROUS ovation, as the entire arena joins Robbie V in his “Rob! Van! Dam!” taunt before he jumps into the ring.

“BREAK DOWN THE WALLS”, this remake done by Fozzy, explodes from the stage, as the first bit of pyro to go off tonight does for Chris Jericho’s entrance. Jericho, usually a smark favorite, is getting a great amount of heat following his comments earlier. The ‘holier than thou’ stride in Jericho’s step just tells us he doesn’t give a damn. As Jericho struts down to the ring, he takes the time to walk over to the podium bound title and stare into the golden reflection.

…and finally, “SEXY BOY” lets fly, as the Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels flies from the back, getting a larger-than-Van Dam-sized reaction now. Michaels doesn’t pray or set off pyro, but his energetic strut to the ring tells us he’s more than ready to put on a show tonight and be crowned a champion in the process, target on him and all.


MAIN EVENT
~Lucky 13 Battle~
*TO CROWN THE FIRST EVER AOW WORLD CHAMPION*

Rob Van Dam v. Chris Jericho v. CM Punk v. Shawn Michaels v. Christian Cage v. Bobby Lashley v. Finlay v. Muhammad Hassan v. Rey Mysterio v. Samoa Joe v. Chris Masters v. Lance Storm v. Paul Burchill


The match kicks off with what seems like a small cluster, but a good bit of order is instilled when folks start branching off towards the corners, leaving the men in the middle of the ring to be Shawn Michaels and Rob Van Dam. The two meet in a staredown, which gets a great pop from the crowd. Behind Van Dam, Chris Masters looks to be attempting a sneak attack, but Michaels moves Van Dam out of the way and delivers some Sweet Chin Music that sends Masters toppling over the top rope.

ELIMINATION #1: CHRIS MASTERS at 0:31

Van Dam returns the favor almost immediately, as behind Michaels, Finlay is sneaking up, which Van Dam quickly delivers his own superkick to, with the crowd loving that. Finlay, however, doesn’t fly over the top rope, simply being forced against the ropes. Unfortunately, this is quickly followed up by Samoa Joe coming out of nowhere and clotheslining Finlay over the top rope.

ELIMINATION #2: FINLAY at 1:12

Two men quickly eliminated here, but the remaining ten men are disbursed among each other, still forcing some anarchy. Lance Storm has started brawling with Danielson, Punk is the target of Hassan and Chris Jericho, while Mysterio and Lashley are trying to deal with Christian and Samoa Joe. Following the superkick, HBK tries to sneak behind Van Dam and dump him over, but Van Dam catches himself on the ropes, landing on the apron and staring back in to Michaels. This gets some heat, but Van Dam walks back in, everything being confirmed that no one really has allies in a world title war.

This is cemented even further when Michaels turns his attention to Lance Storm, who dodges a Michaels clothesline that sends him stumbling into some ropes, where he’s quickly ambushed by Paul Burchill. Burchill is on the apron, using some unorthodoxed headscissors to maybe try and bring the biggest name in the fight over, but Michaels manages to throw him off and back onto the apron. Michaels is then hit by a shot from Bobby Lashley, but Burchill doesn’t stay on the apron long, using the ropes to launch himself towards the ring, nailing Lance Storm with an explosive slingshot shoulder block. The bystander goes down hard, but as Burchill gets to his feet, he’s being stalked by CM Punk. As Burch turns to face Punk, he gets a swift roundhouse kick, sending him head over heels and over the ropes.

ELIMINATION #3: PAUL BURCHILL at 4:23

Punk looks on in satisfaction momentarily, before going back into the fray. Around the ring, Mysterio now has his hands full with Samoa Joe now roaming over to him, CM Punk and Christian are exchanging blows, as well as Storm and Van Dam. Lashley and Michaels are trying to eliminate each other, while Jericho and Muhammad Hassan get together momentarily to pick targets, Jericho roaming over to double team Punk again, while Hassan goes over to feast on Mysterio, but gets caught with a massive flurry of chops and slaps from Samoa Joe, pretty much telling him to go find his own kill.

Michaels and Lashley soon run into Lance Storm and RVD, which turns into a show of strength from Lashley, who soon clubs down all three men before Storm gets to his feet and attempts to rush at the big black guy, but is soon lifted into a military press and almost thrown from his perch over the top rope…but Storm finds a way to fight his way off. Attempting to eliminate an ECW Alumni member does NOT help Lashley’s standing in the Hammerstein to say the least, but as soon as Storm gets his footing, he’s ambushed from behind by Chris Jericho, dumping his fellow Canadian over the rope.

ELIMINATION #4: LANCE STORM at 6:19

Jericho flexes a taunt, which prompts forth more heat, which is amplified when Jericho says “I’m top dog, ass clown!”. This turns into a pop when he’s bashed from behind by CM Punk. The natural smartass attitude of CM Punk then leads him to flex the same taunt Jericho just did, this time to a reaction of approval. Jericho uses this to his advantage, however, and attempts to knock Punk over the ropes, but Punk hangs on, Jericho continuing to try and ambush folks. Unfortunately for Punk, just as quickly he sticks the landing on the apron, he gets a running back elbow from Muhammad Hassan, knocking him off the apron and out of this match.

ELIMINATION #5: CM PUNK at 6:50

This garners heat for the tag team elimination, but Hassan is quickly in the grasp of Shawn Michaels, who delivers a few shots to his head. Jericho is met with Rey Mysterio, while Samoa Joe shows us that Lashley is human by delivering a fierce CHOP(Woooooo!) to him that sends him reeling. Van Dam and Cage are now in each other’s face, as it looks like there’re only a few bodies left in the ring.

The next body to leave, however, comes while Christian and Lashley are throwing blows. Christian manages to pull ahead with those blows, forcing a hard shoulder into the gut of Lashley before Lashley tries a suplex, but Christian floats behind him and locks the arms, looking for that Unprettier…which he has locked in…BUT LASHLEY STANDS STRAIGHT UP, putting Christian on his shoulders in a compromising position. The strength of Lashley is on display again, as Christian is still gripping the wrists of Lashley while sitting on his shoulder. Lashley backpedals into some ropes, sending Christian tumbling off Lash’s shoulders and to the floor.

ELIMINATION #6: CHRISTIAN CAGE at 8:01

Lashley eliminates his first man in this match, but again, it doesn’t help his standing in the Hammerstein. Potentially getting back at Christian for his comments earlier, Lashley jumps back into the fray, having more momentum than anyone…SWEET CHIN MUSIC FROM NOWHERE. Shawn Michaels makes the lid come off the Hammerstein and the head come off the shoulders of Lashley, doing just what the Showstopper does best. In keeping with his attitude tonight, Michaels is quickly attacked from behind by Chris Jericho, attempting another ambush dump, but Michaels hangs onto the apron. Michaels manages to get back in, but his spine gets crushed by a Samoa Joe backbreaker.

The ‘target’ Joe was talking about earlier seems all the more apparent right now, as nearly everyone in the ring has their eye on HBK. It’s Muhammad Hassan who pulls him away, however, fighting back Joe with hard shots to the head. Hassan rolls HBK to his stomach and locks in a Camel Clutch, increasing the strain on Michaels’ historically bad back. Even so, Michaels is able to crawl to a rope, but it doesn’t break the count, the match being no-DQ. Even so, Hassan is dangerously close to the ropes, a sight not lost on one Rey Mysterio Jr., who rebounds and rushes across the ring nailing Hassan with the 619 while still holding onto a Camel Clutch.

Hassan falls off Michaels back, but rolls to his feet, only to see Mysterio shooting off the top rope towards him with a hurricanrana . This sends Hassan flailing towards some ropes, but in front of them, is Samoa Joe. The momentum puts Hassan on the shoulders of Joe, who quickly dumps him off his shoulders, eliminating the Mad Man.

ELIMINATION #7: MUHAMMAD HASSAN at 9:07

A decent pop goes around, but before anything else happens, Joe gets struck in the face with some SWEET CHIN MUSIC. Joe goes tumbling, but somehow, is still able to grab onto some ropes, being laid out on the apron. Michaels seems to have responded to Joe’s ‘target’ remark by putting a target on Joe’s chin. On the other side of the ring, Jericho is again trying to ambush and dump, this time Mysterio, but Rob Van Dam is quick to stop this with a spinning wheel kick to stop the stalking. As Joe gets to his feet on the apron, the crowd begins to buzz. This is because someone’s rushing down the ramp…its Finlay, with his signature shillelagh in hand. Finlay, not one to forgive or forget, drives the staff into the back of Joe’s knee, performing an Irish drive-by of sorts, causing Joe to fall from the apron to the floor.

ELIMINATION #8: SAMOA JOE at 9:37

Just as quickly as he came, Finlay disappears into the back, having eliminated the man who eliminated him. After this, the realization sets in to those in the ring that one more elimination sends this match into a Fatal-4 Way setting. With this, Jericho is quick to attempt to target Rey Mysterio once again, being someone easy to throw over the top rope. He grabs Mysterio by the back of the head and flings him over…but Mysterio hangs on and attempts to skin the cat back into the ring…right into some headscissors to Jericho. However, Y2J is quick to throw Mysterio’s legs back onto the apron, but he’s quickly attacked by Rob Van Dam from behind. After a blow, Van Dam grabs Jericho’s attempted kick and attempts the step-over spinning wheel kick, but Jericho drops his body at the least minute, forcing Van Dam to miss Jericho and hit the man behind him, which was Mysterio still on the apron.

ELIMINATION #9: REY MYSTERIO JR. at 10:00

That’s it!!! A whole new match will begin!! Van Dam isn’t exactly pleased with whom he eliminated, but he’s in the finals, so he’ll take it.​


Joey Styles:
We have our Final Four!!! Who’s gonna walk away with the title – Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, Rob Van Dam, or Shawn Michaels? Find out next!!!

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

MAIN EVENT, PT.2
~FINAL FOUR BATTLE~
*TO CROWN THE FIRST EVER AOW WORLD CHAMPION*
Rob Van Dam v. Chris Jericho v. Shawn Michaels v. Bobby Lashley


Every man is now ready, with the commercial break having served as their brief breather. All four men are in the different respective corners, but yet again, the words of Samoa Joe ring true as Van Dam, Lash, and Y2J all jump into Michaels’ corner and begin pounding on him. Michaels takes the blows like the Iron Man he is, but is quickly overwhelmed until he delivers a flurry of CHOPS(Wooooooo!) to all three men in quick succession. This sends everyone reeling away, leaving Michaels to duel with Jericho, while Van Dam and Lashley pull away and start a brawl of their own.

This separation doesn’t last long, as both duels wind up crossing in the center ring, with Lashley now taking control and throwing his weight around. He clotheslines Van Dam over the top rope before turning his attention towards Jericho and HBK with a vicious club to the spine of Jericho, who had taken the offensive against Michaels. As Michaels hurts in the corner, Lashley whips Jericho across the ring violently, causing Jericho to get thrashed against the corner, his violent momentum forcing him back out and right into a Lashley belly-to-belly suplex. This gets the first cover of this match going - 1…2…NO!! Jericho is able to kick out!

As Michaels stands hurt in the corner, RVD climbs back on the apron adjacent to Michaels, sneaking up on the Kid of Heartbreak with a well-placed kick to the back of the head of an unsuspecting Michaels. The flexibility of RVD is on display on that one, as Michaels drops like a stone to the canvas. Van Dam quickly gets back in to get his first pin attempt – 1…2…NO!! Van Dam is shoved off by Lashley with a heavy blow to the back of the head. This rocks Van Dam for a second, long enough for Lashley to take him into the air and hold him there with a delayed vertical suplex. As RVD hands on the shoulder of the awfully powerful Lashley, he lets go and holds him up with one hand, prompting the crowd to make some noise. The Mutants give him noise, but not what Lashley was hoping, as Lashley gets a parade float of heat once again, and hoisting up the Van Daminator doesn’t help. Before Lashley can suplex Van Dam, however, Chris Jericho comes back to life. He sees Lashley veering far too close to some ropes and uses this to execute his triangle dropkick, right into Lashley’s midsection, but it causes him to backpedal into the ropes behind him, sending Van Dam tumbling from an elevated position all the way to the floor.

Lashley hits the ropes hard, his neck catching the ropes bad. Jericho takes the momentarily stunned Lashley and throws him across the ring, hitting him with a nice dropkick on the rebound, taking down the big man. This gets sort of a sarcastic pop from the crowd, but Jericho flashes his first grin of the night. As Jericho stands smiling to himself, he’s suddenly brought head over heels to the canvas, as Shawn Michaels has him a school boy roll-up!! Michaels taking a sneaky page out of Jericho’s own book tonight – 1…2….NO!!! Jericho throws his feet up to continue the contest!!

Jericho’s smile goes into a snarl as he gets back to his feet, but he doesn’t wait for HBK to get to his. Jericho jumps on the still hunched over Michaels and punts him in the gut once again before quickly taking him and hitting a backdrop that immediately has Michaels tending to his lower back. Jericho stomps on Michaels back a few times, obviously knowing of the ‘target’ on Michaels’ back and taking it from metaphorical to physical. Jericho then grabs a handful of Michaels’ hair and brings him to his feet, whipping him into the ropes. As Michaels comes back, he nails Jericho with the flying forearm that lays both men out to a great pop before Michaels kips back up.

As Michaels gets to his feet, Bobby Lashley jumps back into the fray, but he’s met with a Michaels inverted atomic drop and a blow to the head to down him again. HBK’s fired up, and the Hammerstein is fired up with him. But before Michaels can head to a corner to perhaps tune up the band, he’s met with the flying foot of Rob Van Dam from the top rope, taking Michaels clean off his feet and getting himself right back into this thing. A corner bound Lashley is next to get some, as Van Dam rushes at him with a hard shoulder to the gut before taking a step back and a backflip before nailing him with one more, forcing Lashley down and to roll out of the ring. The on-fire Van Dam then takes a look behind him, as Chris Jericho attempts a kick, but it’s caught yet again, with Jericho getting nailed with the step over spinning wheel kick. The crowd is all behind Van Dam at this point, who takes a peek at Michaels, flat on his stomach. Van Dam takes a moment to look around, thumbs at the ready –

“ROB!! VAN!! DAM!!”

With the theatrics done, Van Dam rebounds on some ropes and crunches Michaels’ back with some Rolling Thunder. With as much momentum as anyone, Van Dam attempts a cover on Michaels – 1…2….3…NO!!! Michaels, bad back and all, will not go down!! Van Dam knows there’s only one place to go now though – the top rope. Van Dam leaps onto the nearest one to Michaels body, with this Hammerstein crowd knowing exactly what he wants. Van Dam leaps with a world-title aimed Five Star Frog Splash…WHEN HE’S SPEARED OUT OF MID-AIR FROM NOWHERE BY BOBBY LASHLEY!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!! Not even this hostile crowd, hating Lashley all night, can prevent themselves from popping their heads off. It takes Lashley a second to come to after his somatically defiling spear, being forced to climb up the ropes as leverage. He takes one step towards the downed body of Van Dam, when he’s HIT WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!!

Another move that could kill a man makes the crowd lose their heads, as Bobby Lashley has possibly lost his for the second time tonight. HBK quickly collapses, back first, eagle spread onto Lashley, looking to become the first ever champion – 1…2……WHAT? The eagle spread HBK is pulled off Lashley by his feet…by Chris Jericho, who TURNS MICHAELS OVER FOR THE WALLS OF JERICHO!!! All the abuse Michaels has taken into this match directed towards his back has accumulated in it nearly being destroyed!!! The crowd is still white hot, prompting Michaels to not give up. And he isn’t. The Ironman is refusing to tap out, even though his back has probably been thrown out. It takes everything Michaels has left to start to crawl on his elbows towards a rope, moving inch by inch. Jericho recognizes that Michaels isn’t gonna go down and is trying to escape, so he quickly shifts his body weight INTO THE LIONTAMER VERSION OF THE WALLS OF JERICHO, contorting Michaels back and neck into positions a 40-year old’s body should not be twisting in. This cuts Michaels off at the pass for crawling to the ropes, and deflates the crowd a bit before firing back up, hoping for Van Dam to possibly recover or just for Michaels to hold on a bit longer….

….










...


HE TAPS!!! SHAWN MICHAELS TAPS!!! SHAWN MICHAELS TAPS OUT!!! AND WE HAVE A CHAMPION!!!

Winner and FIRST EVER AOW World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Jericho
at (13:09) (23:09 total match time)


Joey Styles:
WE HAVE A CHAMPION!!! WE HAVE A CHAMPION!!!

JBL:
Wars create heroes – that was a war and Chris Jericho is a hero!! That’s what a hero does! He sets his goals, lets you know it, and then does everything he can to fulfill his word! All of these men fought hard, tooth and nail, but Chris Jericho, the hero he is, walks away with the glory!

Joey Styles:
What does this mean for AOW? Chris Jericho, the man who stepped on Paul Heyman’s toes is now the man who is the very best in the world. I’m not sure if this bodes well for AOW at all.

JBL:
Who gives a damn?! You’re supposed to be unbiased!! Whether you like it or not, call it like you see it, damnit!! Give that man his due!!

Joey Styles:
Indeed, whether this was desired, Chris Jericho has defeated a muscle man, the Ironman, and Rob Van Dam to become ‘The Man’! I’m Joey Styles alongside John Layfield, wishing you good night and a look at our FIRST EVER Champion of War, Chris Jericho
.

The final shot of the very first edition of Oblivion is that of Chris Jericho being handed his gold by a referee, kissing the large gold plate, and throwing it over his shoulder to a mixed, but huge, reaction. Van Dam and Lashley are forced to look on in disappointment and defeat, while Shawn Michaels’ face is still buried in the canvas, conscious and aware, but unable to focus on anything but the pain in his lower back and in his pride.

Chris Jericho hoists the title high from off his shoulders with the sinister grin of a mastermind stretched across his face as we

Fade…

To…

Black….

END SHOW



Here's to hoping I didn't try to do too much. Trying to find my bearings first. Enjoy :)
 
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