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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

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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)

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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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#102 ·
PREDICTION TEMPLATE

Match #7~AOW World Heavyweight Championship~
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Shawn Michaels
~ECW RULES~

The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam

This is where you could swerve the shit out of me because I am 110% convinced that Jericho is going to win. The possibilities are endless with a Jericho win whereas with and RVD win, not so much. From a HBK heel turn (doubt it) by screwing Van Dam, to even an RVD heel turn which I doubt also, anything can happen with a Jericho win and it leaves the door open for a lot more possibilities. These three alone could run the main event scene for a whole year, given the current direction. So for the reason of a Jericho win opening more doors, I'm going for a CHRIS JERICHO victory here.

Match #5~I Quit Match~
*Loser Leaves AOW*

The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v. The Real Deal Bobby Lashley

Could go either way to be honest, but I don't see it quite ending here. It's far too early for someone as big as Christian or Lashley leaving after the first PPV, it doesn't seem right. Both men were in their prime at this time, IMO so whoever wins is going to get quite a big rub and probably move up to the title scene soon'ish despite me saying that Jericho/HBK/RVD could rune that for a year anyway. I see Christian winning through cheating or a loophole, leaving the door open for Lashley to return or not even leave in the first place, seeing as he was screwed. CHRISTIAN CAGE

Match #4 ~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms

American Dragon here, seems quite obvious here. Helms has a future feud with Mysterio almost guaranteed and I feel a feud between those two doesn't need the title to be involved, whereas a feud between maybe Danielson/Noble or Danielson/Star could, with those three being much lesser names, could really propel the division. I'll happily go forAMDRAG in this one

Match #6~AOW Tag Team Championship~
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. The Mercenaries


My heart tells me The Mercenaries but my brain tells me TWGTT. So in the end I did eeny meeny miney mo and THE MERCENARIES came out victorious 8*D

Match #2 ~AOW Dynasty Championship~
Muhammad Hassan(c) v. Lance Storm


This match is just delaying the inevitable Punk/Hassan match, unless you'd rather go for the student/teacher passing over the torch match between Storm and Punk, but I feel if Punk was champion going in to that match, it would provide a much more interesting dynamic. MUHAMMAD HASSAN

Match #1~Grudge Match~
Aero Star v. Jamie Noble


Aero Star has had some good hype since day one in this BTB, but I'm a huge mark for Noble. I presume the winner would pretty much be the #1 contender for the CW Championship and if Danielson retains like I predicted him to, I guess it would only make sense for a heel to win and challenge him, even though I wouldn't complain about Star/Danielson matches, would be insane. But yeah, JAMIE NOBLE

Match #3~Tag Team Turmoil~
*#1 Contendership for the AOW Tag Team Championships*

(Teams not in entrance order)
Sons of the Dungeon v. American Made v. Samoan Fight Club v. The Hooliganz v. Low Jack v. Ken Doane & Chris Masters

Automatically, I ruled out Doane/Masters and LowJack. Next team I ruled out was The Hooliganz, I don't think they need to win the this because they're such a credible team, they could challenge another time and besides, they've had a fair few cracks already, IIRC. It's between SFC, American Made and the Sons and in all honesty, I think the SFC will win. They're on a bit of a roll at the moment and I doubt the others can stop them. The Samoan Fight Club

~Bonus Questions~

What will be the match order? Done
Will there be blood? If so, during which match? RVD/Jericho, Hassan/Storm
What will be the longest match? Lashley/Christian
What will be the shortest match? Hassan/Storm
Who takes the fall in the Tag Team Championship match? Charlie Haas
Predict the order of teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match.

1) Sons of The Dungeon
2) American Made
3) Low Jack
4) The Samoan Fight Club
5) Doane/Masters
6) The Hooliganz[/CENTER][/FONT][/I]


Good luck, boyo!
 
#104 ·
PREDICTION TEMPLATE

7.~AOW World Heavyweight Championship~
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Shawn Michaels
~ECW RULES~

The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam
I'm gonna pick Jericho to win, thanks to a turn from Michaels, leading to a Michaels/Van Dam feud down the road. But tonight, Jericho scrapes by and hangs onto the gold.

6.~I Quit Match~
*Loser Leaves AOW*

The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v. The Real Deal Bobby Lashley
I'm gonna go for Lashley here, but I think this is far from over, and I certainly don't think Christian will be leaving the company any time soon. But Lashley gets this one imo.

4.~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms
I don't really see any other title changes, apart from this one. I'm gonna go for Helms here, as I feel there is a stronger supporting cast for a heel champion right now, with Helms capable of feuding with Mysterio, Aero Star, etc. Danielson could even make a quick move up the card to do something brutal with Finlay maybe? But yeah, for now I'm picking Helms.

1.~AOW Tag Team Championship~
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. The Mercenaries

Champs to retain here. Mercenaries still have unfinished business with the Punk/Storm combination. So champs retain here, going on to face the winners of the turmoil match.

5.~AOW Dynasty Championship~
Muhammad Hassan(c) v. Lance Storm

Hassan's been such a strong character for you in this thread, I can't see anyway you'd want to take the strap off him. Hassan retains here.

2.~Grudge Match~
Aero Star v. Jamie Noble

Given my prediction above with Helms/Danielson, I'm gonna go for Aero Star here. I think he's had a lot of hype so far and I'm sure you'll want to follow through on that on the big stage.

3.~Tag Team Turmoil~
*#1 Contendership for the AOW Tag Team Championships*

(Teams not in entrance order)
Sons of the Dungeon v. American Made v. Samoan Fight Club v. The Hooliganz v. Low Jack v. Ken Doane & Chris Masters
Low Jack, Samaoan Fight Club and Doane/Masters are ruled out for me, just can't see them challenging right now. Having picked Haas and Benjamin above, and given their long feud with The Hooliganz, I'm gonna rule out London and Kendrick too. Which leaves us with the Sons and American Made. I'll go for American Made, they've kinda had an edge for me so far, but the battle between the two teams should be a good one, but American Made to come out on top.

~Bonus Questions~

What will be the match order? Done.
Will there be blood? If so, during which match? Yes. Lashley/Christian.
What will be the longest match? Tag Team Turmoil maybe? Although probably Jericho/Van Dam.
What will be the shortest match? Noble/Aero Star.
Who takes the fall in the Tag Team Championship match? Albright I guess?
Predict the order of teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match. God, eh... Hooliganz, Samoans, Low Jack, Sons of Dungeon, Masters/Doane, American Made.

Looking forward to it man. :)
 
#105 ·
PREDICTION TEMPLATE

7.~AOW World Heavyweight Championship~
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Shawn Michaels~
ECW RULES~
The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam
Going with Jericho to retain here thanks to Michaels. The signs of a Michaels heel turn have been there lately and a feud between he and Van Dam could well be on the cards in the near future.

6.~I Quit Match~
*Loser Leaves AOW
*
The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v. The Real Deal Bobby Lashley

Very tricky one to call here as there’s a lot of options you have available to you. I’m gonna go with Lashley here and lead to more crazed stuff from Christian, refusing to leave until the ‘truth’ is revealed.

5.~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms

Much like the match above, this one is tough to call. I think you’ve done great with both these two and the feud in general and a defeat could hurt both men. I’m gonna go with Danielson for no particular reason really, just a feeling. Could very well be the show stealer though.

1.~AOW Tag Team Championship~
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. The Mercenaries

The Mercenaries have been on a roll of late and a win here would be nice BUT I see WGTT leaving with the belts as there are a lot more possibilities with them as champions in my opinion.

2.~AOW Dynasty Championship~
Muhammad Hassan(c) v. Lance Storm

This one is probably the only no brainer of the card, well, I hope! Hassan all the way here and move on to face Punk.

4.~Grudge Match~
Aero Star v. Jamie Noble

I’m gonna go with Aero Star here, just to give him a big win as he’s had a lot of hype since arriving and a win here solidifies him.

3.~Tag Team Turmoil~
*#1 Contendership for the AOW Tag Team Championships
*
(Teams not in entrance order)
Sons of the Dungeon v. American Made v. Samoan Fight Club v. The Hooliganz v. Low Jack v. Ken Doane & Chris Masters

A tough one to call yet again. My initial pick would’ve been American Made but I think that you could extend their feud with Sons of the Dungeon so with that in mind, I’m gonna go with the Hooliganz and we get a WGTT/Hooliganz rematch.

~Bonus Questions~

What will be the match order? Done.
Will there be blood? If so, during which match? Yes. Lashley/Christian
What will be the longest match? Tag Team Turmoil
What will be the shortest match? Hassan/Storm
Who takes the fall in the Tag Team Championship match? Burchill
Predict the order of teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match: Uhmmm, Sons of the Dungeon, Doane and Masters, Hooliganz, Low Jack, Samoan Fight Club, American Made.​

Very much looking forward to it, hell of a card. Good luck man.
 
#106 ·
PREDICTION TEMPLATE

7.
~AOW World Heavyweight Championship~
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Shawn Michaels
~ECW RULES~
The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam

Although this match will be contested in RVD's 'natural' environment, I believe Jericho when he says that he is one step ahead. Even though Wright is banned from ringside, I see Hassan and The Mercenaries to get involved in this one, and Michaels eventually losing control.

6.
~I Quit Match~
*Loser Leaves AOW*
The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v. The Real Deal Bobby Lashley

Christian to win this one, purely just to fuck with the fans in the Hammerstein. Just as they start to get behind Lashley, in comes Christian and takes him away from them just as they were starting to warm to him.

4.
~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms .
As much as I love the Hacker gimmick, Helms needs to lose this one, so Danielson retains the RIGHTFUL ownership of the Cruiserweight Championship. I see Helms walking out of Ablaze with the championship, but not as the champion... if that makes sense.

3.
~AOW Tag Team Championship~
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. The Mercenaries

5.
~AOW Dynasty Championship~
Muhammad Hassan(c) v. Lance Storm

1.
~Grudge Match~
Aero Star v. Jamie Noble

3.
~Tag Team Turmoil~
*#1 Contendership for the AOW Tag Team Championships*
(Teams not in entrance order)
Sons of the Dungeon v. American Made v. Samoan Fight Club v. The Hooliganz v. Low Jack v. Ken Doane & Chris Masters


~Bonus Questions~

What will be the match order? Done.
Will there be blood? If so, during which match? Yes, I Quit Match and ECW Rules Match.
What will be the longest match? Cruiserweight Title Match
What will be the shortest match? Dynasty Championship Match
Who takes the fall in the Tag Team Championship match? Albright
Predict the order of teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match. Low Jack, Hooliganz, Doane/Masters, Sons, Samoan Fight Club, American Made​

Looking forward to this SO much. :mark:
 
#109 ·
Thanks all for the predictions so far. Really floored by how much support (or pseudo-support) this thing is getting. Anyways, these are the final little notes before the PPV I said I'd post, As for the PPV itself, you can expect it to be the next post I make in this thread. Virtually everything is done - all but two matches are in the books. Still aiming for early next month sometime. Until then, feast on these last minute notes that I kind of used for fun. Oh, and when you're done, you can check out iMac's 'Mania which shouldn't be long aways, either. Also, the PPV card will follow for anyone wanting to make any last minute predics. See you guys then :)


The Informer said:
THE INFORMER'S
WORLD ABLAZE FINAL THOUGHTS
or...
A reporter turned back into a mark while backstage at a PPV airing in 3 hours

~In immediate World Ablaze affecting news, the AOW policy that it’s competitors are still allowed to work indy dates looks to come back and bite them yet again. Not only did one of their biggest reported signings, Carlito Colon, get injured working the circuit a few months ago, but two of the men competing tonight have had confirmed injuries. One disclosed name has suffered a very minimal ‘hairline fracture’ that won’t keep them off TV for very long, if at all. But Chris Masters has reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle – the same injury that knocked down the WWE’s own John Cena prior to No Mercy in October a few months ago. Cena’s timetable for return isn’t expected for 9-12 months. Masters is expected to be on that same timetable, so even if he competes tonight, expect something to happen to write him off completely for a good long while. Masters and his partner Ken Doane are slated for the Tag Team Turmoil match come later.

~On a much less dooming note, both Samoa Joe and Dave Finlay have been spotted backstage here. Neither man has popped up on TV since their absolutely brutal AOKO match about a month ago.

~There seems to be a good bit of last minute hustle-and-bustle for a great deal of guys, and as such, quite a few of the planned finishes. While some of the guys – most notably Shawn Michaels – have taken to a role of calming down or hyping up some of these guys backstage who don’t have much knowledge on a national PPV.

~As for some of the hectic replanning, at least one match’s result has changed in the last few hours since arriving here in Boston.

~Also of somewhat interesting note, Bryan Danielson and Gregory Helms have been seen multiple times backstage with both Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. This is obviously out of kayfabe given the on-screen relations between Danielson/Helms and Jericho/Michaels.

~The last several advertisements that are being shown here in Boston are advertising that the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox are to be in attendance, or at least some members of the team. With baseball being an absolutely huge deal here in Boston, especially with that world title coming just a few weeks ago, this seems like a haymaker type shot of an advertising move. As much as I want this company to succeed, I kinda didn’t believe it. That is until I saw World Series MVP Mike Lowell step off the team bus followed by several others. They really are here and probably got front row tickets.

~With several fans getting tickets at the gates, it should be noted that they arrived early and saw many wrestlers arrive. Because of this, a great deal of those arriving stuck to people they would only be seen with in kayfabe.

~When Aero Star got off the plane from Mexico last night, he had his mask on. When this reporter saw him having hotel breakfast, he had his mask on. When he had Super Crazy ask me if I had change for a dollar, he had his mask on. When this reporter caught him in a quiet moment, he was reading a book….with his mask on. Needless to say, he has it on as I’m writing this. These lucha guys really do take this mask thing passionately.

~Not sure if this was to keep the story going or if this is how it really is that bad, but somewhat unsurprisingly, Bobby Lashley’s ride arrived at the Banknorth Garden with the most security.

~Chris Jericho was reportedly the last person to arrive, but that was almost definitely because he was doing an interview in a town an hour away, not because he has some sort of ego. Jericho’s kind of taken it upon himself to be the media voice of the young company. Jericho was one of the only guys to refuse to sign autographs, again very much in character. The only other guy to do that was Muhammad Hassan, but that was kinda because no one wanted his. Must be doing a better job than apparent.

~Got a glimpse of one of the most ‘they have potential’ carpools I’ve ever seen – Lance Storm, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, TJ Wilson, and Harry Smith all arrived in the same rental. Mysterio had crutches, selling the ‘injury’ he’s sustained a few weeks ago. Truth be told, Mysterio had surgery several months ago before signing with AOW, only being written off after the company had gotten off the ground so he could fully rehab it. Whether Punk or Mysterio do anything tonight is still up in the air – it’s just that no one in AOW really wants to miss this at least being here.

~Spotted JBL backstage…with WILLIAM REGAL. This isn’t saying anything’s official – Regal has been tied to the company in terms of negotiation for quite some time, as I’ve been reporting. Perhaps this is one last scouting trip…?

~And finally, the link to an article here by I, The Informer, in a pathetic last ditch attempt to both reach my editor's deadline and fully convince all that AOW is something we should all be a part of.

WHY BUY WORLD ABLAZE?

Several months ago, in one of the wrestling world’s worst kept secrets, it was reported that several of the modern wrestling world’s best minds were coming together for something that had nothing to do with the WWE, TNA, ROH, or any other independent or oversees productions. Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho, and John Bradshaw Layfield headed the big names and would eventually be labeled by the Internet fandom as the ‘Founding Fathers’ of whatever they were fathering and founding. But nobody really takes these things seriously. Regardless of how many dirtsheets report things, no matter what Metzler says, fans are always going to take news like this with a grain of salt. Or at least they should, anyway. Even with these many great names attached, whatever they were doing seemed likely to be as unstable as the reported psyche of Vince McMahon. But as they always say in the world of wrestling ‘anything can happen’. And indeed everything has happened.

A few mere hours after Paul Heyman publically gave this new project a name – Art of War Wrestling, AOW for short – they went and confirmed the signing of two huge names in Christian Cage and Samoa Joe, straight off TNA’s gradually unstable roster due to the signing of former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion Kurt Angle. That doesn’t seem like it was supposed to happen. But it did. Many people still saw this with a great deal of doubt…but then more signings followed. Dave Finlay. Gregory Helms. Jack Evans. And finally, AOW had another huge name to add alongside potentially Joe and Christian’s – Rey Mysterio. Not long afterwards, they managed to somehow bring the human heat magnet Muhammad Hassan back into the wrestling fold. After more signings and two months later, “AOW” was mentioned on WWE Television by CM Punk, who unceremoniously left the ‘E roster to join AOW’s. Rob Van Dam came not too long afterwards. Then came the TV and venue deals. Then an agreement with AOW. It just kept piling on and on that this impossible, unstable dream could become an incredible fruition.

While the signing of Bobby Lashley didn’t exactly set the Internet on fire (well, not in a positive way), the signing of Shawn Michaels took this company from just an IWC mark’s homepage to the forefront of the minds of every wrestling fan on the planet, from Japan to Canada. Before even setting up a light stage, parking the production truck, or checking the ring ropes for weight, AOW had become an overnight, otherworldly sensation. This idea that wasn’t supposed to happen had suddenly devoured the world.

When AOW finally appeared on the FX channel on August 22nd, it got the highest rating a wrestling show has ever gotten since 2002. In the weeks that followed, AOW gradually drifted back towards Earth and returned to reality – a jump of the gun on extending it’s one-hour timeslot to 90-minutes hasn’t provided sufficient results just yet. The hotshot of their first ever PPV, World Ablaze, hasn’t gotten much more than any kind of desirable numbers attached to it. This company that was not to be suddenly had a more real world view.

So after all that hullaballoo, why on earth would you even want to buy this PPV, World Ablaze? I’m not going to spoil the card, nor go into overspeculative details concerning the participants, compeititors, characters, and storylines. What I will just say to you as a wrestling fan – or entertainment fan – when you have an opportunity to get away from what you’ve been forcibly exposed to and get a breath of fresh air, you need to do it. ‘tis only human nature. Any teenager will tell you when your parents take your keys, you find them and joyride. Any adult will tell you they’ve called in sick for a free day from the binding work schedule. The WWE has taken our keys and overworked us. By the looks of things, the declining TNA, even with its outstanding potential, is the beggar you meet during your off-day joyride that uses the money for liquor and doesn’t offer much hope beyond the ‘WWE machine’. And while ROH is that genuinely nice guy with the get-rich-quick scheme, his ideas are so different, you’re not sure if it’s a good investment.

Buy this Pay-Per-View or support this company because you’re a wrestling fan who knows that wrestling will never die. Breathe life with it. Buy (or hell, who am I kidding – illegally stream) this PPV and support this company that sprung from an idea that was never supposed to be. Because as the character “V” from the graphic novel-turned-movie V for Vendetta so accurately points out that “An idea cannot die. Because an idea is bulletproof”. This idea has already survived a great deal of gunfire. And in the war that is the wrestling world, we can only hope that Art of War Wrestling – AOW – is the one bulletproof enough to help us through it; an infectious shield of an idea that makes us all stronger as we get and stand behind it. It was never to be…so it cannot die.

So, readers…are you bulletproof?



PREDICTION TEMPLATE

~AOW World Heavyweight Championship~
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Shawn Michaels
~ECW RULES~

The Worthy Champion Chris Jericho(c) v. The Whole F’n Show Rob Van Dam

~I Quit Match~
*Loser Leaves AOW*

The Man on the Moon Christian Cage v. The Real Deal Bobby Lashley

~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
The American Dragon Bryan Danielson(c) v. Gregory Helms

~AOW Tag Team Championship~
The World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. The Mercenaries


~AOW Dynasty Championship~
Muhammad Hassan(c) v. Lance Storm


~Grudge Match~
Aero Star v. Jamie Noble


~Tag Team Turmoil~
*#1 Contendership for the AOW Tag Team Championships*

(Teams not in entrance order)
Sons of the Dungeon v. American Made v. Samoan Fight Club v. The Hooliganz v. Low Jack v. Ken Doane & Chris Masters

~Bonus Questions~

What will be the match order?
Will there be blood? If so, during which match?
What will be the longest match?
What will be the shortest match?
Who takes the fall in the Tag Team Championship match?
Predict the order of teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match.​
 
#111 ·
...all I can say... holy shit... you threw me a curve ball with the Christian-Lashley match... fucking hell! I've never found myself angry with a BTB, and I'm livid right now... good job!
 
#112 ·
World Ablaze Feedback​

Thrilled to see this thing up, been looking forward to it.

Great video package to kick off the show. Loved the whole theme of it and thought you fit all of the major issues in well with it, impressive stuff.

Really liked the detail you gave on the stage and the set etc. Gives you a great feel of what it’s looking like as it’s the company’s first PPV.

Hell of a match to pick in kicking off the show and one that I’ve had a keen eye on as you’ve done fantastically in recent weeks with the Mercenaries. Nice opening here with the two men trying to outdo one another, Burchill looking to weaken Benji’s shoulder was smart strategy. That Guillotine Drop onto the shoulder sounded rough! I liked the constant tagging from the Mercs, really made them feel a legit team here, taking it in turns, both getting their shots in and that Lariat/German Suplex combination was pretty sweetly done. The little trio of German’s thrown in afterwards was nicely done although I’m not so sure about Haas being so aggressive and breaking things up, not being the legal man etc. Strong stuff from Haas though once he was into this thing and enjoyed his little flurry of offense on Albright, almost a role reversal of Burchill/Benjamin with one man looking in such control. The little pep talk that followed from Burchill to his apprentice was nice and right on cue. Loved the Burchill/Benjamin action as the match went on a little bit, the Enziguri followed by the head butt onto that injured shoulder was nicely done, really playing up this injury to Shelton. The Royal Mutilation was right on cue here also and at one stage I really thought Benjamin was gonna go but the underdog fought back and fought back strong. Bit of a shock, almost out of nowhere ending but one that certainly leaves a lot of possibilities following on. Thoroughly enjoyable start to the show, WGTT come out of this looking like lucky boys though I must say, strong showing from the Mercs. Certainly didn’t expect what followed with the handshake, not all that sure what that’s about but we shall soon see I’m sure.

Christian in a police car is classic, cannot wait for that one later. Nice little segs here with he and then Van Dam.

Standard little interview here with Noble and Miz being his usual asshole self. Should be a good one with Noble and Star.

Chaotic start to this one with Star not holding back at all, impressive stuff from the newcomer. Really fast paced stuff here with Noble looking to wear him down but the Luchadore keeps coming back at him. The succession of pinfalls were nicely done and both men looked like they could end it early. Star’s arsenal of moves really are impressive and you’re gonna have no problems producing good matches with this guy, that standing moonsault senton sounded beautiful. It appered as though Star was in cruise control here but Noble turning the tables was great and that Fireman’s carry double knee gut buster just sounds extreme enough, god knows how that must feel. The little passage where Star hit the Sunset Flip Powerbomb only for Noble to hit the AlabamaSlam moments later was crazy, just shows the pace of this thing, although it may even be too fast lol. Superplex Smash from Star is again just madness from the man, he really is as high flying as they come it would appear. Noble putting Star away after that shocked me, I thought Star had this thing wrapped up after that but WHAT A WIN for Noble in a hell of a match once more, these two put on a show.

The aftermath was brilliantly done as you’ve just given Star everything back that he’s lost here tonight in defeat. Straight away you make him the talking point again even in defeat and that does wonders when a new guy is coming into play, you can’t stay undefeated forever but you can remain relevant.

I thought the Mercs/Hassan segment was ok. I liked the way you had Burchill tell Albright about his plan of getting a rematch, makes them look as devious as ever. Also liked the fact you had the Mercs refuse to do the job without getting paid, living up to their name there nicely. Didn’t really like the end though with Hassan promising to get the money back, then saying you wouldn’t leave it lying around would you? Well if it’s not just lying around, what are the chances you get it back? Slim to none I’d say lol.

Hassan/Storm was one that didn’t really excite me on paper so was interested to see what route you went down here. Hassan looked good from the off, didn’t back down from Storm like I thought he may do. Thought the small package from a Sharpshooter attempt was nice. Smart stuff following that from Hassan, drawing Storm out was well done and then the Camel Clutch. I really like that as a move for Hassan and would like to see it utilised a little bit more to be honest. Liked the little exchange with the Mercs during the match with Burchill bringing it up he still hasn’t paid them, was nicely done although I don’t like the fact Hassan keeps asking whether there’s any sign of Punk, if there was I’m pretty sure he’d know about it. And there we gooooo. Great stuff from Punk, coming in the other way and I really thought Storm had it when he hit the GTS but the Mercs did what they were there to do and the putting the foot on the rope was smart stuff. Pretty brutal ending there with the THREE STO’s, the added touch of forcing Punk to watch it was great and the right call for Hassan to retain. The match exceeded my expectations and I thought you did really well storyline wise here.

Very interesting stuff with Lashley and Jericho here. I liked the aggression of Lashley in saying he wishes it were Jericho who’d be gone and it’s really gonna be tough to call his and Christian’s match later on.

Enjoyed the HBK/Danielson set up here. Find it a bit strange Michaels would’ve never seen a match of his but if that’s the route you wanna go down, fair play. Whether this plants the seeds for a teacher vs. student type rivalry somewhere down the line I don’t know.

Brilliant video package here, surprised yet not surprised to see you hype this one so much. It has been a personal feud so that’s no surprise but yet I only expected that kinda detail for a main event, superb stuff.

Loved the start to this match, something completely different. I was expecting the two to go right at each other’s throats but Danielson ‘not biting’ before snapping was great. Danielson’s cocky attitude surprised me but made me laugh, the just warming up comment was gold. Really surprised to see BOTH men not capitalising when they held the advantage, instead allowing the other man up and making this a real ‘I’m better than you’ affair. The pace began to pick up following this and there were some nice sequences. Cattle Mutilation failing but then straight into the Dragon Suplex was sweet. Backflip into the overcast neck breaker from Helms was smoothly done also. We then got some serious business on the outside and that Sitout Suplex Slam to the outside sounded pretty damn brutal. Nightmare on Helms street had me thinking Helms was gonna pick up the win, I really did and I would’ve been stunned, that’s a big thing for Bryan Danielson to kick out of. ‘I have til five’ :lol haha, love it from Danielson and a fantastic little counter there from Shining Wizard to Ankle Lock. I was stunned when Helms then pulled out the sitout straight jacket slam, I dunno where he found the resolve to get that move out just moments after that vicious diving lariat. Some huge stuff you’re bringing out here mate. The camera then coming into the match just added another dimension and the little comments from both men to Mysterio were fantastic. Danielson nailing the 619 was just wow, never ever expected to see that from him. Helms FINALLY gives in, FINALLY has enough in what was a fantastic match, the highlight of the night thus far. Really, really great stuff, all the action, the ending, the unique element of the camera being involved, Helm’s little toy, really impressed.

Wasn’t too sure on this whole Doane/Masters interview. Not sure why there’d be a whole lot of tension between the two. I know you said Masters has an injury and maybe you turn the two on each other and Doane ‘puts him out’, I don’t know, we’ll see.

Thought the Christian/Torrie segment was well done. Torrie really standing by her man but Christian sticking true to his word, really can’t wait for that one later on.

Again, magnificent video package here for these two. Your video packages are top notch, I need to take a leaf out of your book for my future PPVs.

Hectic start here with Christian on the rampage from the get go and I liked that you had the microphone out right from the off, Christian wanting this ‘truth’ to be revealed already. Some solid stuff from Christian in the early going but that one man flapjack from Lashley turned the tables beautifully. Microphone shots and ring bell shots this early on really does sell how intense this is gonna get and Lashley busted open already, this is set up to be big. Loved the two men on the mic again in these little exchanges ‘You’ll have to kill me’ from Lashley and then ‘I’LL SEE YOU IN HELL’ from Christian were both great. Some really vicious stuff here, that Spear from Lashley off the apron, a man that size delivering that would be insane. Christian being busted open now was no surprise after those steel step shots, nasty, nasty stuff from B-Lash. ‘Christian…please…if you stop now…there can be help’. This line really caught me and it suggested there IS a bigger picture here after all, I don’t know why but it just did. Christian spitting in Lashley’s face just shows how desperate he is at this point, all he’s got left. Spear through the barricade, holy shit indeed, good god. Pleased to see Christian manage to turn the tables here with that DDT on the steps, he needed the match to turn sooner or later and this was a nice time to do so. Wow is all I can say to this, the handcuffs were a beautiful twist and Lashley then just ramming Christian with that steel chair, showing no remorse, unreal.

“So…what’s it gonna be, Moonman?”

“I………I………I………WILL NEVER QUIT!!”

Loved this little exchange and it really was the symbol of the fans completely turning on Lashley and favouring Christian now. The ending was just absolutely sickening stuff from Lashley, really was. When Torrie came down you knew trouble was brewing but I still didn’t see that one coming. I didn’t know how this thing was gonna pan out but I don’t think you could have pulled it off any better. This solidifies Lashley now as the man Christian seemed to know he really was, while it would appear Christian’s ‘Saving the Company’ routine really is true. It just adds so many more questions. A brutal, brutal match and a hell of a storyline brewing here, great job.

Haha:lol, great stuff with HBK here. Certainly adds a little twist to the match later on tonight and I get the feeling Jericho will have something up his sleeve, that little smirk at the end suggests so, just unsure what. The one step ahead line from Michaels was perfect following Jericho’s whole use of it of late.

Doane/Masters vs. Low Jack to start isn’t a bad way to go at all and seeing Doane and Masters go out so early on doesn’t surprise me after the news of Master’s injury. Now this was what I was hoping for! Loved seeing this from Doane and I thought you may even go this way during the match, afterwards though suits fine with me and this does wonders for young Ken Doane. I guess the match can now REALLY get underway and Low Jack versus The Hooligans I can certainly live with. Londrick looked strong in the opening with London on top of Evans but the youngster showed some fight in getting back into this once Kendrick came into play. Ki looked really bright on his arrival, loved the standing moonsault press from him, beautifully done. The double moonsault from Evans to the outside was the highlight of the match thus far and really was that big moment that Evans could use in going forward for he and his team, makes him look a star displaying moves like that. Ki’s kicks are brutal I meant to add, display them nicely. Nice tower of London and I thought that was it over with but Ki survives?! Ah Evans makes the save, smart stuff. WOW, did not see that one coming AT ALL. I had Hooliganz to win this thing, purely to set up one more match with WGTT and although I wasn’t confident, I didn’t expect to see Low Jack be the ones eliminating them. That is a huge victory for these two guys.

Sons of Dungeon now coming in surprised me, I thought we may see Samoan Fight Club rear their head first but alas, this should be fun once more. Loved the stuff from Joey Styles about Ki having fun for the first time here with a worthy opponent in Wilson. Some really nice action from these two men, doing battle with all they’ve got, some lovely exchanges throughout. The Double underhook suplex from the apron was pretty tasty I must say. The whole ‘Warrior code’ thing you’re portraying is great between these two teams also, I’m sure that may change though the longer this one goes. Really disappointing route to go down here to end it I must say. I thought we’d get something different and maybe they’d scrap the respect thing but a countout elimination if disappointing, especially considering they’ve just knocked off two teams already. I see why you did it, protecting Low Jack as well as giving SOD a nice win but still would’ve preferred something else.

Wow, this was absolutely destructive from Samoan Fight Club, you really are making these two look like legit animals, I love it. What I don’t love is them walking away. This is for a shot at the tag team titles, I know these guys simply love to fight, to destroy and whatever but they must still surely wanna wear the gold, have a symbol of their dominance. This then meant the ending was fairly predictable and American Made come in and pick up the pieces. It’s great for them and I’m all for these two going after the WGTT but I’d have liked to have seen it in another fashion. Great match ups throughout here until the end, on one hand I like, it, on the other I don’t.

Interesting stuff from Punk and Sydal here. Punk being given the 50k? Different, not sure anyone would just hand over 50k like that but I’m intrigued as to what Punk does have up his sleeve here.

Decent interaction from Van Dam and Joe here, pleased to see him finally back on the show after that hellacious match a while back with Finlay. Joe wanting a title shot? Wouldn’t mind that somewhere down the line. Guess this was all just a little pep talk though and it served its purpose.

Would’ve preferred a long video package for this one rather than the two you’ve already produced but I can live with a recapped one. Avenged Sevenfold playing is a nice touch for Van Dam and makes this feel big time for him tonight. Different way to start, that’s something I’ve liked about the PPV throughout, you’ve had different openings to every match. Good stuff with Jericho trying to leave and Michaels like a father dragging his child back to school brings him in before Van Dam sends them both flying, great stuff. Jericho using the Kendo stick was smart as it gives him a real foothold in the match, escaping Van Dams onslaught. Nice flashy moves from Van Dam here, that moonsault off the barricade was great, typical Van Dam. LOVED HBK counting slow now, changing it up after what Van Dam did to him, just shows that there may be twists to come in this with the Showstopper. Him then pulling the same on Jericho was nice although the reasoning not so solid this time around. Van Dam used that chair mighty effectively, the chair surf in particular, ouch. The Walls of Jericho followed by Van Dam using that Kendo stick was expertly done, brilliant strategy from a struggling Van Dam. “And stop them from beatin’ the hell out of each other? Then there’d be no winner. And then that’s just no fun.” Loved that line from Michaels.

OUCH, Air Van Dam missing and heading right into the announce table could well be a turning point in this one. Lionsault from Jericho was right on cue, that’s gotta hurt the challenger big time. ‘Shawn Michaels is shocked at how far these guys seem to be willing to go. Perhaps it is awe, but perhaps it is jealousy that he’s not doing anything.’ Fantastic line. The spot with Van Dam failing with the frog splash and Jericho shoving him back with the chair through the table was very, very innovative and something I can’t recall seeing before. Haha, Sweet Chin Music from the Showstopper!! Jericho pushing it a little too far and I’m glad we got at least one of those in the contest. Okay, maybe we do get a second one, wow, didn’t expect that, especially not so soon after Jericho’s. Triple jump moonsault from Van Dam had me thinking this one may just be done and dusted but great resolve from Jericho once again, he’s showed a lot of heart throughout this one. Bravo, bravo on the FrogSplash into a code breaker, absolutely epic stuff from Jericho there. I thought it was over then, wrong. I THEN thought it was over again when Jericho locked the Liontamer in but NO! Again Van Dam now showing all his resolve and heat, great stuff. Where the fuck did Wright appear from?!! I thought Van Dam had it here but Wright throws me off completely. Sweet chin music with the chair!! Love it, awesome stuff from Michaels and Van Dam to get the big man out the equation. WHAT THE FUCK?! LASHLEY!! Jesus christ, I had an inkling something was gonna happen but Bobby Lashley, dear me. The alliance is formed, the alliance has been there since day one perhaps, Christian was right!! Wow, what an ending. Jericho, Lashley, Wright, maybe even Heyman in the mix as well and that is one HELL of a group to have, one hell of a group to dominate AOW. What a main event and what a platform you now have moving forward. The commentary at the end was right on point by the way
.

I’m loving that ending, I really am, it caps off a fantastic PPV so well. You may feel you’ve gone overboard but I think it’s great. This little alliance now of Jericho/Wright/Lashley is gonna be unbelievable. How long it lasts, I don’t know but I’m sure it’ll be great reading. I’ve no doubts that Christian’s gonna play a major role in all this and eventually ‘Save this Company’. Van Dam, Michaels, Christian, Foley all fighting off this alliance of sorts could be golden. The PPV itself was excellent, really was. All the matches delivered in one way or another and the storylines now moving forward have the potential to be epic. Lashley/Christian, the main event and Danielson/Helms were my personal faves but there’s not a whole lot to complain about at all. Apologies if this is all a load of rambling, I know it’s a lot to read but I hope you take something, anything from it and keep moving forward with this thing man, it’s got so much potential in the long run. Well done here.
 
#113 ·
First off, thanks in bunches and bunches to you cp. On that note, apologies in bunches to you as well, seeing as how I've been really busy the last few weeks and not being able to give any feedback. That apology also extends to both Stojy and Melvis, whom I've noticed have posted shows since this thing's been up. Was hoping for a few more words on this thing, seeing as how I really wanted to know how people feel about the main events.

That said, it's still more than open for feedback (which I'll do my damndest to return). But I do wish to get back in the game and get back in the section. So first some fallout news...



The Informer said:
~Complete PPV buyrates and such aren’t completely accounted for, seeing as how it’s just a day after it all went down, but projections so far aren’t looking too great for AOW. Poor and last minute promotion may have hampered the buyrate considerably, but most PPV providers showed a rapid amount of orders for the event the day before and the day of the event, possibly bringing into light the notion that if promotion were a little better, more people would’ve bought the event had they known about it.

~As far as the network goes, whatever AOW does is going to be seen as great and profitable. FX did not have very high expectations for the event in the first place. That said, FX doesn’t really get any of the profits from the PPV, but the dollar signs may result in AOW’s TV contract being extended beyond February.

~From an AOW standpoint, the event was slightly disappointing. The company exhausted a great deal of expenses on the PPV set alone, much less getting Avenged Sevenfold to perform live. Much like PPV buys, the actual tickets to the event sold at a rapid pace in the final 48 hours, with capacity going from a confirmed 6,000 ticket holders on Saturday morning to the 12,000 that would wind up in attendance Sunday night. The Banknorth Garden usually seats 18,000.

~As per previous news, we all saw what come of the injury to Chris Masters, but sources are also confirming that Gregory Helms was injured prior to the PPV as well, Helms being the mystery wrestler who had been injured with a hairline fracture. As aforementioned, the fracture shouldn’t keep Helms off TV for long, if at all, but the 50/50 split going on backstage between either Danielson or Helms winning was unanimously put in Danielson’s favor after that reveal.

~In a chain reaction to that event, the Aero Star/Jamie Noble match’s ending was changed just a few hours before the show was to go on. With the still backstage indecisiveness over who would be Cruiserweight Champion, the ending, which was to be Star getting a definitive win over Noble, was changed to give both men momentum, regardless of who walked out with the title later. Needless to say, this potentially worked out much better.

~In response to the news earlier about William Regal being backstage, most are blowing it off as dirtsheet gossip, but multiple sources have said he was indeed backstage. Regal’s lack of appearance at the actual PPV heightened the uncredibility of the news.

~With Lance Storm being written off at the event and Rey Mysterio written off prior, expect to see the midcard morph and attempt to get a spotlight. While the Cruiserweight, Tag Team, and of course, World titles getting a good bit of spotlight for the foundation of AOW, the Dynasty Championship ranks have been a tad weak. Expect to start seeing several tag teams start having individuals branch out from the tag team division, staying in teams, but seeking individual gold. The World’s Greatest Tag Team may potentially do so, and if the Low Ki/TJ Wilson exchange we got is any indication, the Dynasty ranks may not be the only ones subject to this.

Until next time, friends, this has been The Informer…

And some exclusives from aohdubya.com…


aohdubya.com said:
POST-WORLD ABLAZE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEWS

After the ground-breaking event that was AOW World Ablaze, someone took it upon themselves to give us not one, not two, but THREE aohdubya.com exclusive interviews! We've got online exclusives from the mouths of Ken Doane, the World's Greatest Tag Team, and even a very special third interview!! But with The Miz seemingly taken for a ride by the Boston Red Sox at the conclusion of the event, who was backstage and doing interviews?

Super Crazy:
Bienvenido! Hola damas y caballeros, esto es Super Crazy!! De Miz has been…como se dice…‘taken care of’ by de Boston Red Sox.
~Super Crazy laughs a bit to himself

Super Crazy:
Super Crazy was sitting an’ waiting for news on Psicosis anoche. While waiting, I was watchin’ de…de…de storm chasers. Dose people dat chase de tornados y hurricanes, sabes? An’ Super Crazy thought Super Crazy was super crazy, but dose people are really crazy!
~Super Crazy illustrates this with his hands

Super Crazy:
So to show jus’ how super crazy Super Crazy can be, I am going to give ju’ de storm chasing interviews dat ju’ want, que sabe? ‘cause De Miz…is a soft pendeho. Super Crazy gets de interviews ju’ want!
~Crazy sneaks around, bringing the cameraman around with him, lurking through the halls of the Banknorth Garden for someone to interview…when he comes across the path of a fuming, yet now fully dressed Ken Doane

Super Crazy:
Doane!! Misser Doane!! Misser Ken!! Misser Ken Doane!! Can we have a word wit’ ju’?

Doane:
A what?

Super Crazy:
A word wit’ ju?

Doane:
Do you even speak English? The hell are you saying?

Super Crazy:
Why ju’ attack Chriss Masters, Misser Ken Doane?

Doane:
Masters…? Why did I attack Chris Masters? What kind of question is that? He was holding me back. He was doin’ nothing but preventing me from moving forward and making an impact on this company, on this scene. And if you’re holding Ken Doane back, then get prepared for the whiplash, because there’s nothing that’s gonna stop me from doin’ what I say I’m gonna do!

Super Crazy:
But why ju’ attack…? He seem like buen amigo –

Doane:
Buen amigo? A friend? Chris Masters was never my friend. We just shared a common goal and that was that we both wanted to leave our mark on this company and prove we were the best up and comers around. But y’see, Super Crazy, this isn’t the Mexican-American boarder, where anyone and everyone can get in. No. This is the professional wrestling world. Only one of us can be the true best. Only one of us can be the real future. And only one of us can make a true impact. And I proved tonight that that man is me – Ken Doane, IMPACT PLAYER!!
~Doane throws Crazy’s microphone out of his face after shouting those last words, walking off with his luggage in tow.


Super Crazy:
Okay…I try again. Dis time, we going to see who is left in locker room, okay? So dey be calm and not enojado, que sabe? Okay…
~Crazy sneaks locker room door open, sneaking in and motioning for the cameraman to follow him. When he steps into the shot, we get a good look at who is still left in the locker room…it’s The World’s Greatest Tag Team!

Super Crazy:
Esto es!! Es Shelton Benjamin y Charlie Haas! De AOW Tag Team Campeones! What ju’ two still doing here?

Charlie Haas:
First guys to show up and last ones to leave, right Shelton?

Shelton Benjamin:
That’s how we roll.
~Benjamin removes a towel from his left shoulder, revealing a bag of ice taped to it from the beating it took earlier

Super Crazy:
"El Corazon de los Campeones". De Hearts of Champions!

Shelton Benjamin:
Thanks, but we don’t really feel like champions.

Super Crazy:
Por que? Why es that, Shelton Benjamin?

Shelton Benjamin:
Just look at us. I probably can’t move this shoulder for a few days and Charlie can’t walk straight for the next few days.
~The camera pans to show Benjamin’s shoulder again, as well as panning to Haas’ taped up knee

Charlie Haas:
And that goes without talking about our competition, either.

Super Crazy:
Ah, de new num’er one contendientes, American Made?

Charlie Haas:
That’s them. See Crazy, we take great amounts of pride in what we do, and we expect our opponents to do the same. But we also respect our opponents and each other in and outside the ring. Our opponents tonight didn’t earn our respect until tonight after taking us to our absolute limit.

Shelton Benjamin:
Say that again.

Charlie Haas:
But when we looked on the horizon and saw who won the Tag Team Turmoil match and the way they did it? That’s not respectful at all. American Made has done nothing but disrespect the Sons of the Dungeon since they got here, and to wrap it all up, they showed the ultimate sign of disrespect on an opponent by taking an easy way out and having someone do it for them and pickin’ the bones.

Shelton Benjamin:
Yeah, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say they struck some kind of deal with those nasty Samoan guys that came before’em.

Super Crazy:
De Samoan Fight Club?

Shelton Benjamin:
That’s them, the Fight Club. But me and Charlie here? We’re not defending jack squat against guys who can’t show any kind of respect to their opponents.
~Benjamin looks dead into the camera on that one, Haas soon following suit with his own statement

Charlie Haas:
American Made, you guys got the skill…but you ain’t got the will. You guys don’t have…what’d you call it, Crazy?

Super Crazy:
"El Corazon de los Campeones", De Heart of Champions!

Charlie Haas:
That’s it. You guys got no heart.

Shelton Benjamin:
So you guys get no championships.
~Super Crazy nods very quickly and smiles on that last line he helped set up, looking back into the camera and we fade away...


Super Crazy:
Okay, my las’ go…I no even have to chase dis one down! Es none ot’er…dan REY MYSTERIO!!
~The camera does pan to indeed show Rey Mysterio, mask and all, in street clothes. Unfortunately, the joyous sight is hampered by the fact that Mysterio has his crutches.

Mysterio:
Como te vata, Super Crazy?

Super Crazy:
Estoy muy bien. Pero y tu?

Mysterio:
Ah, I’m doin’ pretty well for a guy on crutches, I think. Had my surgery about a week ago and I’m well on the road to recovery, man. Ready to be back out there in a few months.

Super Crazy:
Bueno, bueno. Si no estás saludable, por qué estás aquí esta noche?

Mysterio:
First of all, Super Crazy, you can hurt Rey Mysterio physically. But you can never hurt the spirit he has within him. But second of all, I can’t stay away from that ring. Whether I’m at a hundred percent or runnin’ on empty, I’m gonna be here because it’s what I love. I came here tonight to enjoy the show like everyone else, but also to share some love and root for a few guys.

Super Crazy:
Como quien?

Mysterio:
Like who? Like –
~Just when Mysterio is about to tell who he came here for, a very angry Miz enters the frame, bruised in several places and obviously beat up, likely by the hands of the Red Sox. Miz has a terrible scowl on his face, staring at Mysterio, then looking at Super Crazy, before looking at the camera…then back to Super Crazy

The Miz:
Wait, wait wait wait wait wait just a damn second! I don’t know if you can comprende me, compadre, but you of all people should not be holding that microphone and doing my backstage interviews!

Super Crazy:
Ju’ were gone, dere was work an’ –

The Miz:
Oh, that’s how it is? I’m gone for five seconds, and you swoop in here and take my job from me? Wait, what am I saying? Correction - try and take my job from me? Reality check - you don’t have the chops, amigo. You don’t even have the language, amigo! Step aside!
~Miz snatches the microphone from Crazy and pushes him aside assuming Crazy’s place beside Rey Mysterio

The Miz:
Now if you would be so kind to pick up where you left off with your rightful interviewer, Rey Mysterio?

Mysterio:
Le estaba diciendo a Super Crazy que yo estaba aquí para animar a algunas personas en los bastidores.
~Miz stares at Rey, completely stupefied and dumbfounded at the rapid flourish of Spanish flying off of Mysterio’s tongue. Mysterio just smiles at Miz. Miz then turns to Super Crazy, who is still beside him, speaking to him through gritted teeth

The Miz:
What…the HELL…did he just say?

Super Crazy:
I don’ know, Senior Miz. Ju’ should know. Af’er all…ju’ have de chops. An’ ju’ have de language, amigo.
~Miz, having been completely trumped here, gets another scowl on his face before throwing the microphone back into the chest of Crazy and walking away, throwing his hands up and yelling as he walks away

The Miz:
I FREAKIN’ HATE THIS CITY!!
~Crazy and Mysterio look at Miz as he temper tantrums off, chuckling to themselves before the happy Super Crazy continues

Super Crazy:
Perdon, Rey Mysterio, but who were ju’ here for?

Mysterio:
Uh I came here to support a couple of guys. Of course, I came here to support my man Bryan Danielson and let me be the very first one to congratulate you, Bryan, on a very, very well earned win in what was probably one of the best matches I’ve ever seen in all my years. You gave’em hell and you truly deserve to be called the true Cruiserweight Champion.
~Super Crazy puts the mike under one of his arms and gives his own round of applause

Super Crazy:
Bueno, bueno. Anyone else?

Mysterio:
Another guy I came here to see for myself was Aero Star. He kid reminds me so much of me when I first started doin’ my think, heck, I think the kid’s even better now than I was then. And he might not have walked away with the win in the record books, he more than made his statement like a real luchador would in the end. You did lucha proud tonight, Aero.
~Super Crazy tucks the microphone under his arm and claps again

Mysterio:
But uh…I also came here tonight to support Rob Van Dam and Bobby Lashley too, but…
~Mysterio’s eyes and words drift off, Crazy’s excitement gone as well, a much darker and serious demeanor taking both men. Super Crazy’s voice even gets deeper on the next few lines, noting this is probably the best place to end the interview

Super Crazy:
Si…gracias, Rey Mysterio, por su tiempo.

Mysterio:
De nada.
~Crazy nods in gratitude, while Mysterio begins to walk away on his crutches, as we completely fade away…
Haven't the slightest clue when the next show will actually be up, so don't wait for it :$
 
#115 ·


11.14.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Despair From the Greatest Affair”



Only 72 hours removed from the biggest event in AOW, nay, wrestling history, the wrestlers of AOW are still feeling the shockwaves of World Ablaze! The biggest shocks being felt have done nothing short of change everything we knew about AOW and pro wrestling altogether – Christian Cage is fired, Bobby Lashley tricked us all, and Chris Jericho has an otherworldly scheme surrounding all of it, including the retention his AOW Championship. Tonight, after the most shocking twist of events in AOW’s young history, we will hear not only from Bobby Lashley himself, but from the AOW Champion Chris Jericho and what this entire plan is about.

On an interesting note of last night, not a single AOW Championship changed hands in the biggest event in AOW’s young history. Along with Chris Jericho, the WGTT, Bryan Danielson, and Muhammad Hassan all kept their names engraved on the championship gold. But there is no rest for any of these men quite yet! Especially in Hassan’s case, which saw a brutal finish to his match with Lance Storm for the Dynasty Championship. Hassan retained, but not before delivering an absolutely harrowing message to the thorn in his side, CM Punk by driving Storm’s face into the canvas with not one, but THREE Kligerman Drops. With Storm reportedly out for a long period of time, is there anything CM Punk can do to up and topple Hassan without the man he considers a sort of mentor? Both Hassan and Punk seem to have the other in their sights, as Hassan has issued an ‘invitation’ to CM Punk for something he hasn’t confirmed. What’s up the bitter Hassan’s sleeve…?

Sunday night also gave way to new #1 Contenders for the Tag Team Championships in American Made, but we also had a match that would potentially get us new contenders for the Cruiserweight title…but then chaos ensued! Jamie Noble and Aero Star put on a terrific show in Boston, but it was Noble who got the win and proved he was ‘nobody’s steppin’ stone’. But post match, Noble let his mantra go to his head and tried to put Aero through a table for the second time in as many weeks, but instead, got put through it himself by Star! What’s to become of that intense situation?

After a very, very questionable win by American Made, we’ve seen the World’s Greatest Tag Team make the statement that if they don’t intend on doing anything that involves American Made, including defending the titles against them. However, the team they left in the dust, the Sons of the Dungeon, almost definitely wants some answers after being viciously assaulted by the Samoan Fight club for AM’s ‘oh-so-convenient’ win. But before they were ambushed, a very interesting exchange occurred between Low Jack’s Low Ki and the Son’s own TJ Wilson. Tonight, after the thrill of the hunt has worn off, the Sons of the Dungeon will indeed take on Low Jack in a Tag Team Turmoil rematch.

Rob Van Dam and Shawn Michaels obviously have their own things to say surrounding the conclusion of World Ablaze, Ken Doane has apparently re-invented himself, and is Psicosis in better shape than he was Sunday night to compete…? All this, and more, on the World Ablaze fallout edition of Wednesday Night Oblivion, 9/8c, only on FX!


---


.:Confirmed for Oblivion:.

Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley explain their actions


Muhammad Hassan’s ‘invite’ to CM Punk


~Tag Team Turmoil Rematch~
Sons of the Dungeon v. Low Ki
World Ablaze is still more than open for feedback, and this isn't the greatest preview ever, but it's been about a month and I feel like getting back in thing. Sorry if the preview is a little skimpy - I'm not the biggest fan of posting the entire planned show card on previews. Keep you suckers interested. Show should be up Wednesday/Thursday-ish.
 
#116 ·



11.14.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Despair From the Greatest Affair”


***

The Hammerstein Ballroom is fit to the brim of its near 3,000 seat capacity, not a single fan opting to miss out on the fallout from World Ablaze. But these fans aren’t happy in the slightest in this cold open. The ring is being pelted with heat, and from some amounts of garbage. The reason being is because standing in the middle of the ring, wearing a suit and jacket is AOW Champion Chris Jericho. Jericho has an insidiously smug look on his face, holding his AOW title over one shoulder, while his other hand holds a microphone. Behind him, to his left is Paul “The Great” Wright, wearing his standard hooded jacket with taped fists, hood up, stoic expression, and looking even more intimidating than usual. Behind Jericho to his right, however, is a man whom fooled us all in Bobby Lashley, Lashley also in a suit, coat, and tie. Lashley also shares in on Jericho’s devilish smirk.

Chris Jericho:
My name is Chris Jericho and I am an undisputedly worthy man.

~The crowd only paused their heat to hear him, continuing to pelt him

Chris Jericho:
Do not fear, television audience. You’re on the right channel. And what you’re looking at is not a mirage. But for the first time in this company’s history, I can fully assure you that this is the first step into Chris Jericho’s Art of War Wrestling.

~More words not fit for TV-14 rain from the Hammerstein

Chris Jericho:
Y’see, finally, this company can reflect its own name. The most integral philosophy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War is simple…all warfare is based on deception. And clearly, everyone in this ring was openly involved in deceiving each and every one of you.
~The crowd continues their ungodly heat towards Jericho

Chris Jericho:
I haven’t made it seem like I’ve had much to hide from any of you, but indeed I did. For you see everything you see in front of you has been laid out and intricately planned since before the moment this company went on the air.

~As if Jericho needed anymore heat, even more keeps pouring

Chris Jericho:
But I can still smell the shock in the air, I can still feel the residue of the sheer magnitude of what happened at World Ablaze overwhelming all of you ingrates, so I’m here to spell everything out for you to make sure all of you take in just how powerful and worthy I am.

~Jericho turns around in his nice suit towards Lashley

Chris Jericho:
But before I go into grave detail to tell all of you just how magnificent a plan I’ve spun, I’d like for my latest enlightee to tell you why he’s here.

~A bit of subsided heat, but heat nonetheless, as Lashley seems to nod towards Jericho and lifts his microphone to his face

Lashley:
My name is Bobby Lashley. And I am a worthy man.

~When we thought Jericho couldn’t get more heat, Lashley gets a REDICULOUS amount of the boos and hisses

Lashley:
Sunday night, I drove a man out of this company. And I am not sorry for anyone who got caught in the crossfire.

~A terribly cold-hearted statement here, as we know he’s talking about Torrie Wilson

Lashley:
But see the reason I did it was simple…it was because of you people. Sunday night was not the first time Chris Jericho warned me about what you people do to guys in my position. He warned me before I even signed on the dotted line and when I was recovering from Christian assaulting me the first time.

~A pop for Christian’s mention

Lashley:
He warned me for weeks about you Hammerstein fans. You ‘mutants’ as you call yourselves. And for some reason, no matter what I did in this ring to prove myself to you, you would just keep going home, complain about me on your pointless little blogs and your Internet forums, then come back to this arena the next week and keep booing me because you’re too bored with your own pathetic lives and admit that I’m better than all of you.

~Lashley’s delivery here is similar to his heart-felt promo a week ago, but angry this time. This is essentially a big ‘fuck you’ that gets even more heat

Lashley:
Jericho led me to realize this, but I didn’t want to admit it. But because of Christian, the realization hit me all too hard. You people never wanted me here. You’d rather cheer for some psycho than a guy who was killing himself for you.

~“WE WANT CHRISTIAN!” *CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP* “WE WANT CHRISTIAN!”

Lashley:
Are you not listending?! I don’t give a DAMN what you people want anymore!

~Huge whiplash into heat

Chris Jericho:
And this is exactly why Lashley has now devoted his allegiance to me. Because he is now enlightened, and yet all you people are…is in the dark.

~The heat gets turned back on Jericho

Chris Jericho:
But how did we get here? Well, it’s simple really. Paul Heyman may be considered one of the greatest wrestling minds to ever come into this generation, but he is a completely inept visionary. Mick Foley is neither a great wrestling mind nor a visionary. From the get go, I knew this company needed help. It needed guidance. It needed enlightenment.

~Jericho pauses to a small amount of heat

Chris Jericho:
So I took it upon myself to ring in Paul Wright and even recommend that the company sign Bobby Lashley. But someone saw through my plan almost instantly. But he didn’t know what to do once he found out. I’m sure you all know who that was by now.

~The fans do infact realize it if they haven’t already

Chris Jericho:
Christian Cage. I suppose you should be proud of yourself because, after all, you were completely and utterly right. Me and Lashley have been in cahoots for a very long time, long enough to become apparent to you. But Lashley deceived all of you into thinking he was here for your best interests long after I’d convinced him not to give the slightest damn about you.

~More cheap heat

Chris Jericho:
But see, Christian, being right doesn’t make you any less fired. I knew that if you stuck around too long, you’d spoil everything. So I had to get rid of you. It certainly helped that you got yourself suspended and all and you accepted Lashley’s plea here for an I Quit match. You dug your own grave and Lashley here was happy to put you in it. And by that point there was just no point in keeping up the face, was it Lashley?

~Lashley shakes his head

Chris Jericho:
Oh, how the easily manipulated fall so hard. Putting everything in motion later that night was simply elementary. I would form the Worthy Legion. I would remain AOW Champion. I would eliminate all threats. And I would finally build an empire large enough to mold this company into what it needs to be!

~Jericho says this very intensely, but the crowd gives him shit for it

Chris Jericho:
But alas, all of this I could not do alone. Evan a worthy man as brilliant as myself needed a back-up plan, a wild card. A sure-fire lynch pin. An ace in the hole. So ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me introduce you to the man who was my ‘ace in the hole’ who helped my plan come to its ultimate fruition…


There is a hush over the arena as Jericho holds out his arm towards the entrance ramp, everyone restlessly expecting. As if our hearts couldn’t get broken anymore, a surprise tune hits the speakers…

“SEXY BOY”

…and Shawn Michaels comes through the curtain, wrestling gear and a T-shirt on, not looking enthused in the slightest. The crowd isn’t quite sure what to think at this, Michaels with his head down and a look that says he just lost his best friend trapped in his eyes. The smile on Jericho’s face has done nothing but grow wider with every step Michaels takes towards the ring before stepping in, microphone in hand


Chris Jericho:
Oh, now don’t be shy, Shawn. Where’s the energetic, cantankerous Showstopper, huh? Because this is the part where Michaels is supposed to say “well sorry to disappoint you all, but no, I’m not the ‘ace in the hole.’” But it ain’t so that it ain’t so…is it…Shawn…?

~The satisfied look on Jericho’s face just keeps getting worse, as Michaels now has to raise his head and look at Jericho in the eye.

Shawn Michaels:
…it was me.

~…and the crowd loses all the air that they have left in this thing. The look of incredible disappointment in the eyes of Michaels is amplified even more as he takes in the crowd’s gasp of despair for what he’s just admitted to

Chris Jericho:
But why, Shawn? Why would you do something so sinister just so Chris Jericho could retain his AOW Championship?

~Jericho holds an open hand to Bobby Lashley, who reaches in his coat pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper and gives it to Jericho

Chris Jericho:
I give you exhibit A – Shawn Michaels’ AOW contract!

~The crowd doesn’t like where this is going, Michaels’ head back to looking down. Jericho unfolds the paper and reads

Chris Jericho:
In the fine print of your very own contract, Michaels, it reads “if the Shawn Michaels does not obtain rights to the AOW Championship in the calendar year of Two-Thousand and Seven, then Shawn Michaels’ competition clause is hereby revoked.”

~Jericho folds up the contract and hands it back to Lashley, who tucks it back away

Chris Jericho:
So in Layman’s terms for you uneducated lost souls, it means if Shawn Michaels doesn’t win the AOW Championship before 2007 is up…he has to retire from in-ring competition.

~The crowd just doesn’t wanna hear it at this point

Chris Jericho:
I got my hands on a look at this right about the time Mick Foley named him the Special Guest Referee. So go ahead, Shawn. Tell all these adoring people why you counted the three-count for me.

~Michaels is staring a hole in Jericho now, but Y2J is enjoying every second of it before Michaels finally lifts the mike to his lips

Shawn Michaels:
I did it because you guaranteed me a shot at the AOW Championship before the end of the year. .BUT – no, you ain’t cuttin’ me off!

~Jericho attempted to cut Michaels off in his triumph, but HBK promptly cuts him off in a very angry motion

Shawn Michaels:
But see I held up my end, Jericho. You didn’t. I was to count to three and make sure you won if you deserved to win. You were supposed to win fair and square. I told you not to bring him, an’ you did anyway. So I had to deal with him.

~Michaels points to Wright

Shawn Michaels:
But you said nothing about this joker.

~Michaels pokes a finger at Lashley now

Shawn Michaels:
An’ if you weren’t gonna hold up on that end of the bargain, don’t you dare let me know if you’re not gonna keep up the other part and not gimme my shot or so help me GOD I will kick you so hard, the people in the front row’ll be gettin’ a fortune from the tooth fairy.

~Finally, a real reason to pop

Shawn Michaels:
An’ I didn’t know anything about all this other stuff. But what I do know is you’re lower than dirt and you do not deserve to hold that AOW Championship.

~Another great reaction

Chris Jericho:
Well that’s just too bad, Shawn. Because there isn’t another worthy soul in this entire company who deserves it.


On cue, “WALK” hits the speakers now, as Rob Van Dam exits the blood-red curtain to an ENORMOUS pop, Van Dam blowing the curtain aside in an absolute rage. Van Dam playing the angry and spurned competitor to the best of his abilities marches down about halfway down the ramp, Jericho now cowering behind both Lashley and Wright, who have moved in position to defend him. Michaels is left in the cold to bear the brunt of the storm. But Van Dam doesn’t go a step further, the anger still very apparent on his face, but he lifts a mike to his face

RVD:
This is absolute bullshit.
~WOH!! The crowd is taken aback, but pops HUGE for this

RVD:
So not only was I completely screwed out of my title shot, but it was premeditated? I mean, I guess I should be flattered that you guys put so much thought just in tryin’ to beat me, but honestly dudes, I’m too concerned with tryin’ to figure out who in that ring’s ass I wanna kick the most.

~Another HUGE pop for the man who says he is AOW

RVD:
And through all crap that you were talkin’, Michaels, you did say one thing I actually agreed with. Jericho, you don’t deserve that Championship. But what you do deserve is the beating of a lifetime from me!!


RVD charges the ring to a wild reaction, but the wall that is Lashley and Wright allow Jericho to slip under the bottom rope when Van Dam slides in, only to bump chests with Shawn Michaels, who grabs RVD and tries to prevent him from having a go at either Jericho or his faction. Michaels and Van Dam are looking each other in the eye, Van Dam on the verge of changing his target, but the look in Michaels’ eyes is incredibly apologetic…but neither man says a word. Before anything gets out of hand, yet another glorious sound is heard over the sound system, as “WRECK” goes on over the Hammerstein to another huge pop as GM Mick Foley rushes out to the entrance stage

Mick Foley:
Enough! This is enough! I’m tired of this! Jericho, this is a wrestling ring, not a damn chess board! Rob, I understand you’re frustrated and mad as hell because I am too, but this will not get any worse on my watch, and Shawn…Shawn you could’ve come to me to ask for a title shot instead of all this. I trusted you. And NOBODY gives away titles shots, bartered or not, but me!

~Another incredibly intense statement here, almost Cactus Jack like, as everyone’s tensions have been taken up several notches tonight

Mick Foley:
That’s enough of this plotting and bargaining and arranging and all this garbage. This is a wrestling ring and we will settle things like wrestlers should. So tonight, Jericho, you and your new buddy Bobby Lashley will be in a tag team match against Shawn Michaels and the man who will get a rightful, unstained rematch for the AOW Championship next week – ROB VAN DAM!!

~WOW!! Big pop from the crowd, but their cheers are only equaled by the scowl on Jericho’s face, staring to practically scream up the entrance ramp with his microphone

Chris Jericho:
NO!! NO!! NO!! NO!! This is absolutely outrageous!

~The crowd quiets back down for Jericho STILL having something to say

Chris Jericho:
This is what I am trying to fight! This one-sided hierarchy. I have to give up my AOW Championship. I refuse to accept to this match unless Rob Van Dam agrees to give up something as well.

~Jericho now peers up at Rob from the arena floor

Chris Jericho:
How ‘bout it, Rob? Raise the stakes, huh? I’ll only accept this on the terms that if you lose, this NEVER happens again! Rob Van Dam will NEVER face Chris Jericho ever again for the AOW Championship! You understand? If you lose, you can NEVER COMPETE FOR ANY AOW CHAMPIONSHP EVER AGAIN!

~Raising the stakes indeed, as the crowd, and even Jericho’s new stable members are taken aback by the sheer stakes being injected here

RVD:
Only if the same goes for you!

~More raised stakes! Jericho stares at Van Dam with a vacant stare…

Chris Jericho:
Done.

Mick Foley:
That’s great. Oh, and just one last note - to make absolutely sure none of this trash ever happens again, there will be another Special Guest Referee in that match…ME!


The crowd goes nuts yet again, Jericho is predictably not a happy camper, but he doesn’t have long to scowl, as he turns back towards the ring and RVD, Van Dam leaps onto Jericho with a plancha!! Michaels is again left in the ring, to fend off the Legion, putting up a decent fight to begin with, but the numbers soon overwhelm him with a double clothesline that beheads HBK. Wright and Lashley then scurry out of the ring and throw RVD off, chunking him away before they both grab Jericho and continue up the ramp, stopping at the entrance stage where Foley is still standing and smiling, Jericho giving him a look of extreme discontent.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK*


As we return from the very big opening, we’re immediately greeted with the sound of “MEXICANO MUY LOCO” going across the arena, as Super Crazy and Psicosis are standing in the ring, Super Crazy trying to help Psicosis into dancing in tune with their theme. Psicosis, unfortunately, is too busy grimacing and gripping his midsection it seems…

Joey Styles:
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you here to Wednesday Night Oblivion live from the Hammerstein Ballroom where we’re still recovering from not just the events of Sunday night, but from the…well, thickening of the plot, I should say, we were just treated to moments ago.

JBL:
I’m still at an absolute loss for words at how genius Chris Jericho is. Love him or hate him, whether you think what he did was right or wrong, you gotta give the Devil his due.

Joey Styles:
That may be the case partner, but in case you didn’t catch it all, it appears as though Chris Jericho has had this ploy since the very dawn of AOW to potentially shape this company in the mold that he wants that involved Bobby Lashley eliminating Christian, and Sunday night, striking a deal with Shawn Michaels to retain his AOW Championship.

JBL:
Yeah, but then that bozo of a General Manager had t’have an ego trip ‘cause Jericho outsmarted him at every turn and give RVD another rematch for the AOW Championship that by this point should undisputedly be his.

Joey Styles:
And even that got out of hand when Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam agreed to raise the stakes to immense levels! So they’ll meet in a huge tag team match tonight, but next week, there will be an AOW Championship match between Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam with the loser losing all rights, not just AOW title rights, ALL rights to fight for any championship in the company!

JBL:
But how fair will this be? Mick Foley’s gonna be the Special Guest Ref fer that one an’ it’s still gonna be biased!

Joey Styles:
Indeed so, John, but right now we’re gonna have six man tag action involving the Mexicools who did not compete in the Tag Team Turmoil match Sunday night at World Ablaze due to Psicosis being unable to, but he looks like he’s gonna try his best here as we kick off a new chapter in AOW history.



As we are still recovering and taking all of it in, “SIN LIMITES” goes off now, as The Mexicools’ apparent tag team partner, Aero Star, comes down to the ring to a huge ovation, Star also gripping at his parts a little from the damage he took last night. This is most notable when Star doesn’t even leap onto the turnbuckle and swing around to salute, opting instead to slowly climb to the top rope and do it before gingerly stepping into the ring and sharing hugs with his amigos.

“COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE” goes off quickly now, as Jamie Noble, also very tender from the events of last night, trugs on down to the ring, still as hard-nosed as ever. He’s not repeating his mantra of the last few weeks, but he’s instead staring daggers at Star and even points to him before stopping halfway down the ramp for his partners.

…and all the positive air that may have been thrust back into the room leaves, as “JIMBO” goes off, and we see the Samoan Fight Club, Siaki and Manu, make their way through the blood-red curtain, as animalistic as ever. Coming off their not-so-friendly participation in the Turmoil Sunday night, it looks like the Fight Club will be looking to finish whatever they started with the Mexicools.

OPENING CONTEST
The Mexicools & Aero Star
v.
The Samoan Fight Club & Jamie Noble


As the bell rings, Super Crazy, the much fresher of his trio, steps into the ring and says something in Spanish to his partners, who both seem to nod in agreement. In the other corner, Jamie Noble seems more than glad to step out and let Siaki be the man to kick it off for them, much like their first meeting. As both men being to circle the ring, Siaki doesn’t give Crazy any time to think, immediately shooting on Crazy’s legs, taking him down and bashing his spine in with several clubs to the lower back. Siaki then pulls Crazy up by his tights right into his clutches for a hard back body drop, going for a quick cover – 1…2…NO!! Crazy still with life, Siaki quickly going into his corner and tagging in the still abled Jamie Noble, who thrusts himself into the ring and starts clubbing on Crazy’s back, very similar to Siaki. Noble stops the clubbing only to look into the corner and stare right at Aero Star, who we’re assuming is staring back, seeing as how we can’t see his eyes behind the visor of his mask.

These few seconds Noble takes to stare at Star comes back to hurt him very quickly, as Crazy takes this opportunity to drive several defensive forearms into Noble’s face before backpedaling off the ropes behind him, but Noble has some fight left and hits Crazy with a hard forearm that backs him away again. As Noble charges towards Crazy, Crazy sets a boot into Noble’s midsection and quickly springboards off the middle rope over Noble…into a sunset flip! Crazy with a nice cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Noble, no matter how surprised, rolls out of it quickly, but he’s not faster than Crazy, who rushes at him while rolling to when he’s vertical, he nails an impressive enzeguiri that drops Noble like a stone! As Noble crashes to the canvas, Crazy makes his way into his corner and tags in Psicosis, who looks ready to do some damage despite his own damage. Crazy drags Noble in the corner on the tag, where he locks hands with Psicosis before dropping a joint elbow on Noble, Psicosis covering him – 1…2…3-NO!! Noble still with life!

As Psicosis tries to drag Noble to his feet and try to whip him into the ropes, he’s whipped by a Noble reversal, only to smack Noble in the face on the rebound. In retaliation, Noble delivers a hard knee to Psicosis’ withered midsection, immediately doubling him over before doing it again and roaming into his corner and tagging in Manu now, the entire crowd having some of the wind leave them, as the rabid monster of the Fight Club enters. Noble holds Psicosis steady as Manu steps in and headbutts Psicosis right down!

The Umaga-esque Manu then takes Psicosis and brings him to his feet only to hold his head steady with his own arm and begin relentlessly headbutting Psicosis repeatedly. It’s at this point that both Star and Crazy try to intervene, but the referee immediately stops them both back. With the ref’s back turned, Siaki takes that time to take Psicosis and slam his head down with a mat slam before quickly climbing back out. This leaves Psicosis completely at the mercy of Manu, who takes Psicosis in his clutches and scoop slams him before going over to a nearby empty corner and slowly rising to the second rope. When he gets there, the animalistic Manu looks over to Siaki, who cuts his thumb across his throat, which in turn leads to Manu exalting like a wild beast before leaping for the second rope headbutt…but Psicosis moves!! Psicosis rolls away at the last possible second, leaving Manu to crash and burn on the canvas for the first time in AOW! The crowd is riled up now, as a huge hope spot opens up for the luchadors here. Psicosis is trying to make it into his corner, but the damage he’s taking forces him to crawl. Manu, meanwhile, is trying to use the ropes to regain his balance and get back to his feet, Psicosis reaching into his corner…clawing…a step more….YES!! Aero Star comes leaping in on the hot tag!!

Star immediately looks to go over and take advantage of the beast in Manu, but Siaki cuts him off at the pass, coming at him with a clothesline attempt, but Star bridges himself in Matrix-like fashion as a counter, getting the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. As Siaki comes back to try and get him again, Star snaps back into form and promptly dropkicks Siaki out of the ring! But just as the crowd pops for that, they deflate again when Jamie Noble, Star’s opponent from Sunday, rushes into the ring and bashes Star across the sternum with a hard elbow, forcing Star to backpedal into the ropes. Manu, who is completely vertical now, sees the man who knocked his caretaker/partner out and rushes at him…only for Star to leap clean over the monster and pushes off of his back. Simultaneously, the Mexicools are by the ropes Manu was going towards and lowers the top rope, sending Manu up and over to the floor like bullfighters! While that happens, Aero Star is now airborne from pushing off of Manu, going right towards Noble, who takes a flawless hurricanrana that spins him outside the ring!! The crowd is all over Star at the moment now, who roams over to the ropes that the Mexicools are still hanging by. All their foes are at the base of the ramp behind them now, as Star steps through the ropes and onto the apron beside his partners. They all nod towards each other before leaping onto the middle rope…TRIPLE ASAI MOONSAULTS!!! TRIPLE ASAI MOONSAULTS!!! WOW!! All six men are down on that absolutely beautiful display of luchadorism as we cut away from the surprising match-up


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

When we return, Aero Star is still the legal man apparently, but during the break, we see that Star was going for his springboard crossbody when Jamie Noble tampered with the middle rope, causing Star to fall on the back of his head, opening the door for the new legal man, Siaki, to unleash a flurry of MMA style blows to the back of Star’s head. Star is feeling the effects of this combination of moves, head face-down into the canvas. As Siaki turns on his savage, he takes Star and pulls off a snap suplex before attempting a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! With all that Star withstood Sunday night, he’s not gonna go down so easily. Siaki then holds Star down, locking him in a nasty sleeper w/scissors hold, clamping down hard on Star’s head and neck area. Star appears to be fading away, but the crowd is trying desperately to get him back into things.

When Star is riled up enough to get out of the grip and get vertical, he grabs one of Siaki’s arms and proceeds to flip with it and attempt to turn it into an arm drag, but Siaki keeps his stance, holds onto his arm, and pulls Star into a nasty STO! Another cover from Siaki – 1…2…3-NO!! Star with more life!!

Siaki is dreading what he has to do to stop Star now, bringing him back to his feet and looking to sock him several times in the gut with his hard MMA-style gloves. He’s got Star doubled over, looking perhaps for a powerbomb of some sort, but as he flips Star up, Star keeps the momentum going and turns it into an arm trap sunset flip powerbomb!! One of the moves Star pulled last night comes back into play as he goes for another surprise pin attempt – 1…2…3-NO!! Siaki manages to get out of it himself, keeping things going for all sides. As both men roll to their feet, Siaki ambushes Star and takes him in a double leg takedown and catapaulting him towards a corner…but Star catches himself on his feet, on the middle rope! As Siaki turns around to inspect his work, Star leaps from the middle turnbuckle and turns it into a nifty swinging headscissors takedown! The crowd is once again all for Star, who leans into his corner and tags back in Psicosis.

As Siaki rushes over to Psicosis, the veteran luchador easily sidesteps and catches the newcomer in a drop toehold that sends him face-first into the canvas, stunting him just enough for Psicosis to quickly tag in Super Crazy, who leaps clean over the top rope with Psicosis still holding Siaki’s legs down, Crazy coming down with a leg drop on the back on Siaki’s head. Psicosis quickly leaves the ring, his partner rolling Siaki over for the cover – 1...2…3-NO!! Siaki keeps the match going, showing a bit of resolve here. As Crazy gets to his feet, he tries to pull Siaki up with him and tag back in Psicosis, but Siaki stops him and pulls him back by his hair, forcing him to bend backwards and nailing a nasty backbreaker. Siaki drops on top of Crazy out of somewhat exhaustion – 1…2…3-NO!! Crazy with a bit of life still in him, but Siaki’s growing tired of this, mounting on top of Crazy and begins pounding on him with hard heavy blows, Crazy having to cover up. The referee orders him to stop, which Siaki only does when he steps over into his corner and tags back in Jamie Noble, who looks quick to jump on Psicosis with the beatdown, but as Noble enters and starts laying boots into Psicosis’ weakened midsection, Aero Star nearly jumps the ropes at the man who defeated him last night. Noble takes the time to look over to the ropes and verbally berate Star, but as he does so, Psicosis rolls Noble up from behind – 1…2…3-NO!! Noble with enough wits about him to get out!

As both men get to their feet quickly yet again, Noble charges at Psicosis only to get a series of arm drags followed by a hard running elbow. This knocks Noble right into Psicosis’ corner, putting him face to face with Aero Star…whom he promptly slaps in the face. Since we can’t see Star’s face too well, Super Crazy’s expression tells the story, wide-eyed and lips forming a gigantic “O”. As Noble turns back towards Psicosis, the Mexico native delivers a dropkick that apparently catches Noble somewhere in the wrist so much that he tags back out to Siaki. Noble never goes back to the apron, as he steps out of the ring around the base of the entrance ramp to tend to his wrist...before looking to walk away from the entire match, evidently tired of it. Before he starts walking, however, Aero Star isn’t going to take that slap lightly, climbing to the top rope…and leaping right on top of Noble at the base of the ramp!! These two still have unresolved tensions since Sunday night!

While those two seem out of it by the base of the entrance ramp, Psicosis keeps his momentum going against Siaki, catching him in the arm drags as well, but when he rebounds off the ropes to attempt a high-momentum crossbody, Siaki catches him draped across his body…and nails a devastating swinging side slam that knocks all the wind out of Psicosis and most definitely re-arranges his already hurt midsection. Siaki takes a look at his downed prey before looking over into the opposing corner and rushes towards it, knocking Super Crazy off with a huge elevated boot! As Siaki turns towards Psicosis, Star and Noble have recovered outside the ring and have started brawling with each other! Noble, the better brawler, is able to knocks Aero Star away. But the agile luchadore never knows when to say no, rushing back at Noble full tilt…BACK BODY DROP ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP!! The ramp crunches and nearly buckles under the veracity of the impact, leaving Star’s spine now in worse condition than it may have been after World Ablaze.

Back in the ring, Siaki approaches a hurt Psicosis and lays him over his shoulder, possibly looking for the Samoan Drop, but Psicosis shows a damn good bit of resolve here, driving some elbows into Siaki’s temple. Siaki is forced to loosen his grip on Psicosis, who floats over and nails a nifty DDT that flops Siaki over. The crowd is hot on their feet now at what could be a surprise win, the injured Psicosis going to the top rope, his back turned to the ring. Unbeknownst to the lucha vet, Manu has trugged into the ring. Psicosis thinks he has Siaki measured up and leaps back with a beautiful finishing Moonsault…BUT HE’S CAUGHT IN MID-AIR BY MANU ONTO HIS SHOULDERS…SAMOAN DROP!!! SAMOAN DROP!! MOONSAULT INTO THE SAMOAN DROP!! Psicosis’ midsection has to be pudding by now, as Manu looks over at Super Crazy to make sure he stays down, while Siaki rolls over the possibly internally bleeding Psicosis with the cover – 1…2…3…!!!

Winners: The Samoan Fight Club & Jamie Noble at (11:43)

While Siaki and Manu animalistically celebrate their victory by holding both their hands high and claiming “WE…DE…STROY!” once again for all to hear, we catch a camera angle on Noble looming over the still downed Aero Star, still twisted and mangled at the base of the ramp. We can see Noble develop a bit of a twisted smile, looking down at Star and saying “you ain’t gon’ ever step on me again, boy. This ain’t over.”


~Backstage…


We head backstage now, where we see AOW Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan apparently...signing off on some papers…? Overlooking Hassan is a man in a suit, possibly a broker or bank manager, watching Hassan sign a series of papers on a clipboard. Hassan signs away on a few lines before handing it back to the suited man, who shakes Hassan’s hand before walking away. As soon as the mystery man walks away, The Mercenaries, Paul Burchill and Brent Albright, approach Hassan from behind.​


Burchill:
So…what was that about?

Hassan:
I requested several transaction forms from my bank to get some funds to pay you guys. That’s what my investor was here for.

Albright:
So you can pay us now?

Hassan:
These things take time. I have enough to pay you guys what I owe you from the last few weeks, but I’ll be needing more. Because you two still have work to do.

~Burchill and Albright remain interested, their tone not changing and understand immediately what he wants

Burchill:
Alright. How bad do you want us to get rid of CM Punk?

Hassan:
Patience, Burchill. Trust me. What I have in store for CM Punk will take time. And you all will get your fill.

~The Mercenaries both smile menacingly before walking away from Hassan, who hasn’t smiled this entire segment (or for a while, at that). Hassan looks down at his Dynasty Championship around his waist and pats it before walking out of the scene…


~Still backstage, in the Green Zone…


The Miz:
Ladies and gentlemen, in case you have all forgotten, I am The Miz, interview extraordinaire for AOW Oblivion! The ONLY interview extraordinaire in this entire company! Accept no substitutes because, reality check, Torrie Wilson could never cut it like me and Super Crazy…is just super crazy for thinking he can do my job! And I will not be disrespected again!

~Miz says this as intensely as he can, which still comes off as very cheesy, especially when he’s still got bandages on his face from being beaten up by the Red Sox

The Miz:
Now my guest at this time seems to have earned a degree of himself as well, but that’s still disputable and up in the air. So I introduce my guest at this time, the AOW Cruiserweight Champion…Bryan Danielson.

~The camera pans out to reveal Danielson for nearly the first time since being champion with the physical championship over his shoulder. Danielson is staring at Miz like he’s a special needs case, but nevertheless looks happy to be there

Danielson:
Thanks, Miz. I guess.

The Miz:
Now Danielson, why do you think someone who looks like you gets respected but a guy like me – a former Real World contestant, with abilities beyond comparison, extremely good looks, and just the best dude you’ve ever met doesn’t get any respect around here?

Danielson:
Well…uh…maybe it’s because I spend all the time you spend talking about yourself actually getting in shape and being a wrestler.

~A pop for this statement behind the walls

The Miz:
What’s that supposed to mean, huh Danielson?

Danielson:
It means I get respected because I just shut up and put up. I get respected because I’ve traveled all over the world trying to perfect my craft. I get respected because Sunday night, I took Gregory Helms to the limit and proved to him why I am the best cruiserweight in the world.

~Danielson pats the gold on his shoulder on that line, prompting another pop

Danielson:
But most importantly, Miz, it might be because when all those things come together, I’m a guy who can go out there and give it my all. Not to put you down or anything, Miz, but all you do is sit back here and…y’know…pick on a hot blonde and talk smack.

The Miz:
Hey! Reality check, twerp! I should be respected because I am just that incredible. What can you do that’s so great?

Danielson:
I’ve already told you, Miz. I won this baby back from Gregory Helms. You say you want respect, Miz, but respect is earned. And championship gold means respect. So when I look at you and your ego in the eye and tell you I earned my respect, I earned my praise, and I earned my Cruiserweight Championship, you know that the American Dragon is giving you a reality check.

~Danielson gets a big pop from that, Miz being left to drown in those thoughts, obviously depressing him to an extent.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


As soon as we return from the break, “MISERE CONTARE – THE BEGINNING” erupts over the sound system to a delighted pop, as CM Punk comes on down the ramp, holding the briefcase full of cash his coach and mentor gave him following the vents of Sunday night.

Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to what has already been a whirlwind of a Wednesday Night Oblivion, where right now, it seems as though CM Punk will answer the invitation sent to him by AOW Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan, and as you can see he has a tight grip on the briefcase full of $50,000 essentially beneficed to him by Lance Storm following World Ablaze.

JBL:
Wrestling 101, Joey – when a guy who beat down a man you looked up to ‘invites’ you to the ring not too long afterwards, you shouldn’t be trustin’ him. You shouldn’t take the invite. CM Punk just failed that class just like he fails at everything else.

Joey Styles:
Well, look on the flip side, John, from CM Punk’s perspective. I’m sure he knows not to trust Hassan, but if this is his chance to get his hands on Hassan, especially following the events of Sunday night, then he’s got a damn good reason to be here, if you ask me.

JBL:
That’s the funny thing, Joey – I didn’t ask you.


We see Punk in the ring not letting go of the briefcase, even lifting it in acknowledgement to the fans, while he goes over to ringside and asks for a microphone.

CM Punk:
Lemme get something straight right off the bat – I’m not here because Muhammad Hassan ‘invited’ me. I’m here because I want Muhammad Hassan to come within two feet of me so I can take this briefcase full of what used to be his own money and beat the hell out of him with it until he can’t see straight.

~A big pop from the crowd, as Punk’s delivery on the latter portion of that statement is said rapidly and with passion

CM Punk:
No, I’m not gonna pull any punches. And probably just admitting that that’s why I’m here might be enough for good ol’ Muhammad to stay backstage and cower behind his cronies instead of coming out here and taking his beating like the man I and all of you know he isn’t.

~The crowd pops for some good ol ’fashioned trash talking, taunting, and goading Punk’s going for here

CM Punk:
Oh, and be warned, Hassan – I’m absolutely not above being a rude guest, refuting your invite, and leaving this ring right now to go back there and come find you.


As Punk says these words and gets the crowd even more behind him, “MAD MAN” greets us with all its incoherent, yet annoying Arabian chanting. Punk has a small smile on his face, waiting for Hassan like the rest of us before AOW Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan finally comes through the blood-red curtain…but he doesn’t take one step onto the ramp and stays on the entrance stage, microphone in hand, in non-competitive attire, to much more heat than he got when his song hit.

Hassan:
Oh, CM Punk…the common, squeaky, pesky, little street rat that you are.

~A good bit of ‘oooh’ for this one, Hassan not backing down from the trash talk. Punk’s mouth is seen to form the sentence ‘Street rat? That’s a new one.’

Hassan:
See, CM Punk, I call you a street rat because you do remind me so much like a rodent. You make lots of noise, you don’t do anything but cause trouble, you look like you haven’t bathed, and you’re constantly sticking your nose in business that’s not yours and wind up taking things that aren’t yours.

~A shot on down to the ring, where we see Punk lift his briefcase up

CM Punk:
Oh, you mean this?

Hassan:
You’re damn right that’s what I mean!

~Hassan’s smart business guy composure is completely shattered on that line, saying it very angrily. This shocks the crowd a bit and even invokes a slight troll face from Punk.

Hassan:
Now see Punk, I know you don’t like me. And I don’t like you. But what happened to Lance Storm Sunday night was all…your…fault.

~Punk’s ‘u mad’ expression fades to one of genuine contempt towards Hassan

Hassan:
See if you hadn’t stuck your street rat nose into any of this, he might still be here instead of getting treated for his multiple concussions.

~Another round of heat, as Punk’s face gets more and more angry

Hassan:
So Punk, I invited you down here tonight so you can undo your own doing. See…that money was won by someone else. Yet here you stand with it. Undeservingly.

CM Punk:
That’s funny, Hassan. Because, see, I think that championship you have around your waist should belong to someone else, too. Yet here you stand with it. Undeservingly.

~Crowd pops for that reversal of phrasing

Hassan:
That’s cute. But Punk, once again, your mouth gets you in even more trouble. So much so that you can’t even see the real reason why you’re here. I also call you a street rat, Punk, because you’re so easily manipulated.

~The crowd gives heat, the look on Punk’s face one of listening intensity

Hassan:
I invited you out here because Punk, I want that money back. Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. I can walk on down to that ring right now and you can hand that money to me and it’ll be all over.

CM Punk:
I can do that or…what’s the fun way?

Hassan:
Oh you don’t wanna know that, Punk.

CM Punk:
Oh, come on. No harm in telling the ‘street rat’ how to have some fun, right?

~Hassan’s eyes grow wide, possibly with excietement

Hassan:
See, Punk, I’ve placed a bounty on your head. Whoever can defeat you and take that briefcase from you not only gets half the cash, but I’m giving them a Dynasty Championship opportunity.

~A large rain of intriguing heat. Hassan is now walking down the ramp to the ring

Hassan:
So it’s your choice. You can just hand it over to me and this will all be over…or you can be forced to go against a different guy every week and drive yourself to near exhaustion. So which way is it gonna be, Punk? The easy way…or the hard way?

~Hassan steps into the ring finally, extending his hand and asking for Punk to just hand him the briefcase to a great deal of heat.

CM Punk:
Let’s see…do I hand over the money given to me by the terrific wrestler you took out at World Ablaze…or do I keep it and make you keep comin’ back to the ‘street rat’ like the rich little sucker you are?

~A big pop, then a chant for “KEEP COMING BACK! KEEP COMING BACK!” Punk even draws it out to a dramatic degree, going as far as to hold out the briefcase and extend it towards Hassan before pulling it back and opening it, looking at all the money inside. Punk stares at it and says “that’s a lot of cash”, with Hassan nodding his head in agreement. Punk then closes the case and again extends it to Hassan…before BASHING IT AGAINST HASSAN’S SKULL!!! The crowd pops big, Hassan going running out of the ring.

CM Punk:
I say bring on your bounty hunters!!


Hassan stumbles around outside, but we can see him motioning towards the entrance stage for someone to come down the ramp, which comes to pass when “I AM THE FUTURE” hits the stage, as the potentially new and improved Ken Doane comes through the curtain and takes his time getting down the ramp so Hassan can get up and leave.

Joey Styles:
A very interesting turn of events here, CM Punk now a wanted man! And Ken Doane’s gonna be the first ‘bounty hunter’ to try and bring him down for not only the dough, but for a Dynasty Championship shot! What’s Punk gotten himself into?

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

MATCH 2
*Muhammad Hassan Bounty Challenge*
CM Punk
v.
Ken Doane


We come back from the break, things already having picked up a good bit, as we join Doane wrapping Punk in a half Boston crab, his knee driving into the back of Punk’s skull, and the crowd trying their hardest to get Punk out of this sinister predicament. As the crowd roars on, Punk inches closer and closer to the ropes, crawling even, before finally reaching his hand out and clutching the bottom rope, forcing Doane off. Doane steps off, but Punk still hasn’t made it to his feet, giving Doane cause to drop several knees to the back of Punk’s head to a great deal of heat.

As Punk now groggily gets back to his feet, Doane rushes at Punk, only for Punk to sidestep him and cause Kenny to ricochet off the ropes Punk was leaning on, going into Punk’s clutches, who gets him in a quick victory roll – 1…2…NO!! Doane is able to throw his legs up and avert danger, but as soon as he gets to his feet, he’s met by a quick and impactful Punk snap powerslam! The ensuing whiplash causes a nice crowd pop, but Punk is still feeling those blows to the head, using this time to recover a little bit himself. As Doane gets to his feet clutching his spine, Punk gets some space and meets Doane with a trio of clotheslines, upping the tempo a good bit, before whipping Doane into a corner and propelling himself at him and going for the high knee, but Doane moves, forcing Punk to come to a crashing halt. With Punk’s back turned, Doane seemingly clotheslines Punk in the back of the head, but he keeps his grip on the back of Punk’s neck and turns it into a reverse clothesline/Russian leg sweep combination that gets Doane a float over cover on Punk – 1…2…3-NO!! Punk fights on!

Doane lays some boots into Punk out of a little bit of frustration before forcing him to his feet, but Punk gets a burst of life and connects with a swinging roundhouse right to the back of Doane’s head, stupefying the ‘Impact Player’ and sending him crashing to the canvas – 1…2…3…NO!!! Doane still has enough wits about him to kick out! Punk is genuinely surprised at this, but doesn’t let up, immediately following that and going for the Anaconda Vice, but Kenny squirms around enough to grasp a bottom rope before Punk can synch it in completely. As Punk is forced off Doane, the Impact Player sits up to recover himself, but the ever aware Punk just punishes him for this by connecting with a kick to his spine, sending a SMACK sound through the arena and leaving Doane screeching. Punk forces him down for another cover – 1…2…NO!! Doane still with some fight.

Punk brings Doane to his feet, only to wrap him up and drop him back with a backdrop and trying again – 1…2…NO!! Doane keeps this going, Punk getting a bit agitated, but pulls Doane up and throws him on his shoulders looking for the GTS, but Doane rakes Punk’s eyes and gets himself from the high perch to a great rain of heat, shoving Punk into the ropes and causing him to rebound, back first, towards Doane, who picks Punk up in a backdrop position, transitions it into an elevated neckbreaker. A big, dirty break for Doane gets him a cover now – 1…2…NO!! Punk stays alive, but Doane doesn’t let up, raking his boot off of Punk’s face to even more audience scorn. Doane takes the heat in and sniffs it like it’s a tasty pie and smiles before bringing Punk to his feet and nailing a beautiful falling suplex that Doane doesn’t even cover Punk after, instead propping back up and opening his arms towards the crowd, getting another rain of heat. Doane’s enjoying his reactions a little too much.

Punk makes him pay for his vanity by trying to recover, only for Doane to smack him in the spine, but Punk fights back, nailing Doane’s midsection with hard fists and then followed by a flurry of kicks, doubling Doane over. Punk takes this burst of life to natch some double underhooks on Doane and nail the double underhook backbreaker!! Doane’s spine contorts off the Chicago native’s knee – 1…2…3…NO!!! Doane still has life! But he uses that life to run away into a corner, using it to get back to his feet. Punk has him measured up perfectly, successfully nailing the high knee/bulldog combination!! The crowd sees the fire in Punk’s eyes lighting up now, Punk telling the crowd “it’s time to Go To Sleep!!” As Punk lies in wait for his seemingly oblivious opponent, Doane stumbles groggily to his feet and is hoisted onto Punk’s shoulders, but again Kenny squibbles enough to drop off the shoulders and behind Punk, cutting his ankle off with a chop block!

A page out of Ric Flair’s book for Doane, but Punk is none the less down. As Punk tries to get back to his feet from being all fours, he’s still stooped over when Doane really looks to be expanding his movest when he pulls out a FameAsser!! The legdrop bulldog!! Punk’s face goes spinning into the canvas, the crowd briefly popping at the surprise move, Doane going for the cover – 1…2…3…NO!! Punk has strength to go on!! Doane has an open mouth in surprise and frustration, but it doesn’t stop him from going to the next phase of attack, which appears to be the top rope. As Ken reaches the top, he opens his arms to more heat, looking for the Sky High legdrop…NOBODY HOME!! Doane’s ass and thigh hit the canvas hard as Punk rolls out of the way! The crowd is all pumped up now, as Doane struggles to get back to his feet only to be hoisted back on top of Punk’s shoulders…GTS!! GTS connecting!! Punk falls on top of the surprisingly fight-filled Impact Player, all out of juice here – 1…2…3…!!!

Winner: CM Punk at (8:11)


Joey Styles:
And CM Punk holds onto the briefcase given to him by Lance Storm, Ken Doane does not get any of that money, nor does he get a Dynasty Championship opportunity.

JBL:
Yeah, but I saw somethin’ new in that ring tonight an’ that was the look Ken Doane had in his eyes the whole match. After takin’ out the trash that was Chris Masters, Doane looks fully intent on provin’ himself on being what he calls an “Impact Player” an’ he sure did look like one there.

Joey Styles:
Absolutely John, taking nothing away from the valiant and surprising effort from Ken Doane and his new attitude, but CM Punk prevails and stands tall to fight another day for not just that briefcase and what it means to him, but perhaps getting one step closer to getting at Hassan and his Dynasty Championship.

JBL:
I seriously hope somebody stops this kid and gets this money off of him.

Joey Styles:
You and your detest of Punk. Anyways, coming up later, ladies in gents in our main event, a huge tag team match that will see AOW Champion Chris Jericho and his newest, uh, ‘enlightee’ is the word he used take on the man he fooled into a deal Sunday in Shawn Michaels as well as the man he faces next week for that AOW Championship in Rob Van Dam, but…wait…are you hearing this, John?

JBL:
Yeah, someone’s sayin’ somethin’…

Joey Styles:
Uh…we’re getting word to go right backstage where something looks to be going on…


~Backstage...

We’re in the middle of a brawl!! In a locker room area, we’ve cut to the middle of a battlefield evidently, where the assaulters appear to be the Samoan Fight Club, but who they’re attacking seems to be somewhat concealed by the shaky camera angle and their bodies blocking their prey, but we finally get a good look at it and their tights, we can see that is the Sons of the Dungeon!! The SFC isn’t done with their assault from Sunday night!! Siaki is bouncing Wilson’s head off of a locker and throwing him on top of a stationary bench, while Manu takes Smith across his body and sandwiches him between Manu’s immense body and the locker frame!! He’s dropped unemphatically at the feet of the monster who roars before backing away slowly from the prone body of Smith, now sitting against the lockers. Wilson’s body is now doing the same, Siaki backing away slowly as well. They both have fierce looks still in their eyes, before looking at each other and roaring before charging at both men…but Wilson at the last minute moves both he and Smith out of the way!!

The SFC’s bodies go crashing against the unprotected frame of the lockers, giving the Sons time to lay their own blows into the team that needlessly assaulted them Sunday and tonight, now beginning to lay heavy blows into them. The stronger Smith is able to whip Manu into the locker frame, while Wilson is laying fierce kick after fierce kick to Siaki’s midsection. Wilson rears back and aims for Siaki’s head with one, but Siaki is able to duck, but Wilson kicks the mirror that was behind Siaki’s head, shattering it with his kick!! Behind them, Smith looks to cause more damage to Manu, but the beast turns him around and again crunches him against the steel locker frame!! Siaki takes the moment of Wilson’s missed kick to take the smaller Son and execute a corkscrew neckbreaker, right on the hard floor!! This hurts both Wilson and Siaki, but Siaki is brought to his feet by Manu, both men breathing heavily, but smiling at the carnage they’ve caused here for reasons we’re still not completely aware of. The image fades out as both Club members leave, leaving shots of Wilson and Smith in no condition to even stand when several officials finally make their way to the scene…



**Video Package**

We’re brought to the scene of a gorgeous beach, waves crashing in and out along the shore. It seems to be early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the clouds. Playing over this scene is a very tropical, Hispanic beat, but it’s not too upbeat. We go to another scene along the beach getting a great shot of the skyline of what looks like a city on the coast. We see a building that’s flying what looks to be the Puerto Rican flag before we return to the beach scene where we see there is a figure in a lounge chair on the sands, simply sitting back underneath an umbrella. We get closer to the individual, but we cannot see his face, only his hand which is holding a cigar. The man is, oddly, wearing a very nice jacket while lounging on the beach. He reaches in said jacket and pulls out an American half-dollar coin, flipping it in the air…

As he does so, the tropical backdrop seems to fade into a solid black background, the tropical music getting even slower as the coin is seen falling in slow motion, slowly descending towards a now abyss backdrop. As the coin spins beautifully, we get an underneath shot of it before the coin hits a clear floor, possibly plastic or just glass. The coin flips over itself on the inertia of finally hitting the ground. But as soon as it stops it’s teetering, we don’t even get to see which side it landed on. The screen goes dark, the tropical music completely stops, leaving the only sound we hear being the crashing waves on the shore with only three words appearing on the screen –

“QUIEN SOY YO…?”

**End Package**

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


~Backstage, Mick Foley’s office. Foley looks somewhat flustered, digging in his beard, his office an absolute mess, but there’s a knock on his door…

Mick Foley:
Come in.

~In steps the team of Low Jack, being Jack Evans and Low Ki.

Mick Foley:
Please, excuse the mess, guys. It’s been a pretty bad week so far.

Evans:
No sweat, Foley man. But uh…what’s this you said ‘bout wantin’ to see us?

Mick Foley:
Well, uh, I don’t know if you guys heard what happened a few minutes ago, but the guys you were supposed to face in just a few moments, the Sons of the Dungeon, have been deemed unable to compete tonight.

Evans:
So…does that mean we don’t have match tonight, boss?

Mick Foley:
On the contrary, Jack. See, I’ve found a team that is more than willing to step into the Sons’ place tonight. You faced them Sunday night as well. And you’ll be facing them instead in just a few moments. Go finish getting ready, guys.

~Foley looks to shake hands with Evans, but the hip-hop dancer instead tries to give Foley a rock to hit, leading to one of those ‘do I hit the rock or shake his hand’ awkward moments. As both men fidget and awkwardly trade hand gestures, Ki grabs Evans and walks out without saying a word, a serious look still on his face.


~Still backstage, the Green Zone interview set…



The Miz:
The Miz back here in the Green Zone, but this time I’m with a pair of dudes who deserve not only your respect, but the respect of the entire nation. Ladies and gentlemen…American Made!

~Both members of AM steps into the frame, being Nick Nameth and Jack Hagar, with Nameth grinning from ear to ear in a near goofy fashion, while Swagger, the more focused one, doesn’t have much of a smirk, but it’s still visible.

The Miz:
Now tell the world, guys, who does it feel to be the new #1 Contenders for the AOW Tag Team Championships?

Nameth:
It’s funny, Miz, we were here with you last week and we told you that we’d use our Manifest Destiny to take exactly what belonged to us. And we did just that didn’t we?

Hagar:
That’s exactly what we did. But even though we proved our dominance to the tag team division, the World’s Greatest Tag Team says that they won’t defend those titles against us because we’re ‘disrespectful’.

Nameth:
But see things like that don’t even matter! We won Tag Team Turmoil, and we’re well on our way to fulfilling what’s rightfully ours and becoming AOW Tag Team Champio –

~Nameth is interrupted by a hand being slapped on his shoulder. The camera pans back to see for the third time tonight, both Siaki and Manu

Siaki: (Audible, but under his breath)
We’ve done our part. Now you better hold up yours.
~Nameth, paralyzed, just watches Siaki walk away just as rapidly as he appeared, but Manu lingers for a second and stares at Nameth and growls before leaving the frame. Nameth looks back towards Miz as though nothing happened

Nameth:
As I was saying, we’re well on our way to showing why America is the best and that we will be AOW Tag Team Champions.

~Nameth flashes Miz a pageant winning smile, with Hagar nodding in full agreement, while Miz continue brown nosing…

The Miz:
And that is an All-American reality check!



~Back at ringside…


Upon our return to the AOW stage, “THE PROUD WARRIORS” greets us to a nice ovation for the team of Low Jack making their way to the stage and down to the ring. Evans and Low Ki still seem to be on the same page, even after their sort of misconnection last night. Evans does a hip-hop dance all the way down the ramp, while Ki just walks alongside, completely serious and stoic as usual. When both men get to the base of the ramp, Ki finally taps Evans on the shoulder and waves a finger at him, telling him it’s time to get serious before both men climb into the ring.


Joey Styles:
Welcome back to action here on AOW Oblivion where we’re about to witness a match that was, well, unadvertised tonight because the team that Low Jack was supposed to face tonight were assaulted backstage by the same team that attacked them Sunday night at World Ablaze.

~A shot is shown of the carnage we saw earlier, the Samoan Fight Club beating the snot out of the Sons of the Dungeon

Joey Styles:
As you can see in those disturbing images, the Sons of the Dungeon were attacked earlier tonight by the Samoan Fight Club for yet another night.

JBL:
Yeah, and the Sons were supposed to face Low Jack t’night in a rematch from World Ablaze, but Mick Foley in all his immaculate wisdom decided to keep these guys on the show t’night.

Joey Styles:
That’s not that bad of a business decision if you ask me, John.

JBL:
Once again, I didn’t ask you, Poindexter.

Joey Styles:
Well regardless, I believe Mick is making the most of a situation going from bad to worse.

JBL:
Making the most? He made it go from bad to worse, Joey! I know you’re a bit thick, but you’re not that stupid.

Joey Styles:
I last longer at this announce table and keep my sanity more when I ignore you, John, so I’ll keep doing that and sit here and wonder with the folks at home and the fans here in the Hammerstein as to who this other team could possibly be.


“LONDON CALLING” goes over to a well-received ovation, the crowd going a bit more nuts on the surprise opponents, as The Hooliganz make their way to the stage and point down the ramp to the team that eliminated them Sunday. Evans is seen smiling to himself in the ring, while Ki seemingly nods to himself in acceptance. Noticeably, London and Kendrick both have on theatrical masks for the first time in AOW. They then both look at each other before rushing down to the ring in their signature fashion and backflipping off the turnbuckles, taking off the masks, and getting another good look at the only team they faced Sunday night. We do still indeed get a rematch.

MATCH 3
The Hooliganz
v.
Low Jack


Both teams head to their respective corners before we get confirmation on Jack Evans and Paul London starting, just as they did when these two matched up Sunday. London and Evans step forward and bump fists in respect before backing away and circling each other, a collar-and-elbow tie following suit. London quickly throws Evans over his head with a quick fireman’s carry, holding onto his arm as he goes down. Evans quickly gets to his feet, however, and wrenches London’s arm back and turns it into a hammerlock, which London gripes but escapes quickly into his own hammerlock. London then pulls the arm out, still wrenching and goes to his corner to tag in Kendrick, who leaps in and bashes Evans in the head with an aerial forearm.

Kendrick pulls Evans away from the ropes to quickly cover him – 1…2…NO! Evans doesn’t go down from that early shot, getting to his feet quickly and forcing Kendrick to toss him into the ropes. On that rebound, however, Evans meets Kendrick with a hard shoulder block that forces Kendrick down, followed by Evans rebounding off the ropes and Kendrick lying flat, letting him go over him. As Evans rebounds again, he catches the now vertical Kendrick with a hard momentous dropkick that plants Kendrick for Evans to get his team’s first pin attempt – 1…2…NO!! Kendrick stays strong, getting to his feet quickly, only to be met by an Evans arm drag. As he gets to his feet, Evans charges now, resulting in him getting an arm drag from Kendrick. Both men stand their ground for this momentary stalemate, the crowd applauding it a bit.

Both men re-engage with a lock-up, but Kendrick quickly darts underneath and gets a headlock in, but Evans is able to trip him up from behind and pull him by his foot into his corner, tagging in Low Ki. Evans keeps hold onto Kendrick’s heel as Ki leaps in clean over the top rope and drops an elbow on the back of Kendrick’s head. Ki quickly shoots the half and rolls over Kendrick now – 1…2….3-NO!! Kendrick has fight left after that nice move, Ki in control. Ki brings Kendrick to his feet quickly before snapmaring him and following it up with a stiff kick to the spine, followed immediately by a kick to the chest! Kendrick geos down hard, Ki with another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Kendrick still staying strong even after the hard hits, Ki bringing Kendrick to his feet and tossing him into the ropes, but on the rebound, Kendrick clotheslines Ki into a flat bump, Kendrick then rebounding off the ropes nearest his corner, London tagging him on the back as he goes by. As Kendrick flies back towards Ki, Ki lies flat and Kendrick goes over him, rebounding once more, but unbeknownst to Ki, London is set up on the apron behind him…springboard bulldog/low dropkick combination!! The tag team prowess of the Hooliganz is again evident on that move, London quickly going for the cover – 1…2…3-NO!! The still fresh Low Ki is able to kick out!

London quickly drops a leg on Ki before springing back to his feet, bringing Ki with him. Two guys who had a nice exchange Sunday night are back at it again, with Ki reversing London’s Irish whip attempt, only for London to kick him in the face on the rebound as Ki lowered his head. As Ki is forced to stand straight up, London rebounds off the ropes again, but Ki springs to life and throws London into the air with a free fall drop…London coming down right into a Low Ki stiff kick to the jaw!! The deadly legs of Low Ki look to turn the tide here, as Ki falls from being off balance a bit, as well as still feeling that double team move. Ki goes over to London and covers him – 1…2…3-NO!! As nasty as that last move looked, London isn’t going to go down here. Ki takes another moment to gather himself before trying to pull London to his feet, but London surprises Ki with a jackknife cover – 1…2…NO!! Ki throws himself out of the hold, only for London to come back at him with a twisting sunset flip – 1…2…NO!! Ki gets out of that as well, London rushing at him again for something, but Ki looks to catch him with a swift roundhouse…but London has learned since last night, ducking underneath the roundhouse and pulling Ki in for a school boy – 1…2…3-NO!! Ki kicks out of that one just in time, both men still with a great deal of fire, rushing at each other in the upped pace…and crash crossbodies, forcing both men to hold their guts in agony and go down hard.

Both men writhe for a few seconds, both their partners holding their hands out for the tags, where Ki gets to his corner first, tagging in Evans. The firecracker Evans leaps into the ring and surprises everyone with a tope atomico senton! He goes right across London’s back and stops him from getting to his corner, London rolling over in anguish. When London is flat on his back, Evans moves over and does a beautiful standing moonsault splash – 1…2…3-NO!! London still has some guts to go here, Evans bringing him to his feet and giving him several forearms to the face before whipping him into the ropes. On the rebound, Evans leans over, prompting London to leap over him for a sunset flip – 1…2…3-NO!! Both men rapidly get to their feet again, Evans’ turn to catch London in the jackknife – 1…2…3-NO!! Another near fall, both men again rushing to their feet – LEGSWEEP DDT!! London surprises all in attendance with that move, almost literally pulling it out of thin air. As London gets to his feet following that move, he notices he’s close to Low Ki, so he dropsaults Ki off the apron…landing on Evans with a moonsault press!! Beautiful transition here, another pinfall attempt – 1…2…3…NO!!! How did Evans kick out of that? London is mystified at this, but he doesn’t cry over it, dragging Evans over into his corner and tagging in Kendrick, who promptly catches Evans in the Sliced Bread position, London setting up a powerbomb underneath…TOWER OF LONDON!! The tag team finisher is perfect, Kendrick with the cover – 1…2…Ki enters the ring…3…!!!

TOO LATE!!

Winners: The Hooliganz at (6:02)

Not in time!! Ki is only able to helplessly watch his partner be pinned, as London and Kendrick’s hands are raised, righting the ship from Sunday night. Ki, noticing the irony in his actions, can only place his hands on his hips in disappointment, but nods and gives a small salute to the victors. Ki then rolls out of the ring with Evans, holding him and trying to careen him to the back​


Joey Styles:
A very high-paced, high-octane match there from those two great tag teams, really showing off just how incredible both these teams are.

JBL:
That match was about pure redemption for The Hooliganz, an’ I think it’s safe t’say they got it back after bein’ eliminated by these guys Sunday night in the Turmoil.

Joey Styles:
I think so too, John, the ending of the match looking nearly identical to the elimination Sunday night, but this time, it was Low Ki who wasn’t in time to save his partner, versus at World Ablaze when Paul London was just slightly unable to save his partner.

JBL:
Not bad for a match that wasn’t even supposed to happen.

Joey Styles:
Y’know what else probably wasn’t supposed to happen? The elevated tensions when we opened tonight resulting in this AOW Championship match getting made for next week – Rob Van Dam will take on Chris Jericho one final time for the AOW Championship, but this time, Mick Foley is the guest ref.

JBL:
But even more importantly, Joey, whoever loses this match doesn’t get any kind of rematch or anything at all because the loser forfeits all rights to compete for any AOW Championship!

Joey Styles:
That’s right, partner, but that’s the huge main event for next week, but coming up on the other side of the break, our huge tag team main event for this week – HBK and RVD, two men who were at odds at World Ablaze and have been for months, have to tag up and face Chris Jericho and his new “Worthy Legion” member, Bobby Lashley.


***

We reach a black screen, before lighting up with what seems like a very innocent Christmas-like image of a home covered in snow, Carol of the Bells chiming in the background before our first female narrator chimes in over it…

Narrator:
‘Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the home…

We actually get a look inside the house, which reveals a Christmas tree…ribbons replaced by barbed wire

Narrator:
Not a creature was spared a chair shot to the dome

The screen fades to shots of several chair shots to the skull thus far in AOW

Narrator:
Some things were hung by the chimney with care…

In perhaps a PR nightmare, a flash goes by of Finlay hanging Joe with the ring rope noose in their AOKO clash

Narrator:
In hopes better bosses might soon be there…

A brief shot now of Paul Heyman and Mick Foley nose to nose in silence

Narrator:
The Hammerstein faithful, mass and brutal as a mob

Shots of the cantankerous Ballroom crowd

Narrator:
Would carol along with each other, singing {/Joey Styles} “OH MY GAAD!!”

Styles’ voice goes over for a second, with a shot of Shawn Michaels going through the announce table

Narrator:
While some have been nice, others Scrooges, some seething

Respective shots go by of Bryan Danielson, Muhammad Hassan, and Chris Jericho

Narrator:
AOW would like to wish you all happy SEASON’S BEATINGS…

On that, the Carol of the Bells becomes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra variation, complete with electric guitars

~AOW: WEDNESDAY NIGHT OBLIVION PRESENTS~

!!A TWO-HOUR LIVE SPECIAL!!
SUPERSHOW II: A VERY MERRY WAR
December 26th, 2007
**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

Upon our immediate return, we’re met with the sound of “WALK” roaring across the Hammerstein for the second time tonight, as RVD makes his way out just as determined as he did in the opening minutes of the show, barely even pandering to the fans. As he rolls in the ring and jumps up with his hands in the air, he does so with his head down and intensely focused, RVD knowing what’s at stake both tonight and the future.

“SEXY BOY” soon hits to a gargantuan mixed reaction, as Michaels’ earlier futile actions have not been lost on the Hammerstein. Michaels comes out wearing a cowboy hat this time, perhaps for no other purpose than he really does just want to hide his face from the world right now. Michaels doesn’t do any theatrics, simply lowing the brim of his hat and walking to the ring, but when he has to take it off, we can see the same look in his eye as we did in the open – apologetic, but stern.

“KING OF MY WORLD” by Saliva goes over the sound system now, which is very unfamiliar thus far in AOW, but the buzzes surrounding what it is are quickly met with the same level heat as before, as Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, and Paul “The Great” Wright, or The Worthy Legion as they’ve potentially been dubbed, come through the curtain and make their way down to the ring. Jericho smirks in his signature fashion as he steps into the ring, Lashley following him, completely devoid of emotion, but completely up to task.

MAIN EVENT
Rob Van Dam & Shawn Michaels
v.
AOW Champion Chris Jericho & Bobby Lashley w/Paul “The Great” Wright


The proud Worthy Legion kicks off with Bobby Lashley with no dispute, while the volatile but quiet corner of Michaels and Van Dam lets RVD kick things off much to the crowd’s approval. Lashley and Van Dam circle but don’t even lock up or anything, as Van Dam immediately jumps on the larger Lashley with blow after blow, kick after kick, laying into him what he couldn’t get to Jericho earlier tonight. The powerhouse that is Lashley still manages to push RVD away, sending him rebounding off the ropes, only for Van Dam to come bouncing back with a spinning wheel kick that surprises the big man. Van Dam with an early cover – 1…2…NO!! Lashley won’t go down easy, but RVD doesn’t seem to care. He again starts beating down on Lashley, even so far as stomping the hell out of him in a very Steve Austin-esque manner with his mudholes. Van Dam is forced to stop when he stomps one too many times on Lashley as he’s hanging on the ropes, forcing the referee to back him away, but the crowd is eating it up. Van Dam is livid and it shows. But he lets his rage blind him, as he rushes back at Lashley, only to get absolutely beheaded by a clothesline.

This turns the tide into Lashley’s favor heavily, as he takes Van Dam now and chunks him right into a steel post, nearly separating his shoulder. He gets heavy admonishment for this, but he doesn’t care, pulling Van Dam back out and unleashing a 270-lb German suplex. The crowd is deflated again, Lashley now rolling Van Dam over for his first cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Van Dam takes a good deal of early abuse, but when Lashley goes in his corner to potentially tag Jericho, Jericho makes a motion with his hand that seems to tell Lashley ‘not now’. Lashley adheres without dispute, going back to an assault on Van Dam. Lashley takes the now weakened Daminator and hoists him on his shoulder, but RVD wiggles his way off before dropping into a split and hitting at throat thrust! This sends Lashley reeling, but he stays alive, leading to Van Dam aiming for a roundhouse kick to the head, only for Lashley to duck, only for Van Dam to sweep Lashley’s legs from underneath him. This gives RVD the time he needs to hesitantly tag in HBK.

Michaels’ tag gets another mixed reaction that the stoic Michaels doesn’t seem to acknowledge, but he starts getting to work on Lashley with a couple of hard blows until Lashley again proves his strength by pushing ramming Michaels right into a corner, sandwiching him between body and the post. Lashley delvers several shoulders to the gut here, before taking Michaels by the head and bouncing it off of his corner, finally tagging in Jericho. After taking in his well-deserved heat, Jericho pummels Michaels as Lashley is holding him, only to throw him over for a suplex that gets his first cover – 1…2…NO!! Michaels still with plenty fight. As Jericho looks down on his foe, Jericho smirks at him before mouthing the words ‘you submitted to me’. This evidently sets Michaels off, who gets a burst of life and starts his own pummeling game with Jericho, throwing fist after first and throwing them against Jericho’s face, again prompting the referee to get involved.

When Michaels’ fury subsides just a little bit, Michaels whips Jericho into the opposite ropes, but Jericho smacks him in the face on the rebound. As he backpedals and bounces back, Jericho aims for his running enzeguiri, but Michaels ducks and sends Jericho flopping overhead, but as Michaels reaches down on Jericho, the Worthy Man pushes him away with his legs. Jericho gets to his feet now and greets Michaels with a back elbow and then a CHOP(Wooooo!), but Michaels fights right back with another CHOP(Woooooo!) of his own, causing Jericho to reel, but draws Michaels in close for another CHOP(Woooooo!) that sends Michaels back into a corner, but as Jericho approaches him, Michaels flips Jericho into the corner and delivers CHOP(Wooooo!) after CHOP(Woooooo!) after CHOP(Woooooo!), giving Jericho a total of 10 chops while situated in the corner! Jericho stumbles out of the corner, his chest completely red and raw, walking on his knees towards his corner to tag back in Lashley.

As Jericho flops onto the apron holding his chest, Lashley storms back in and rushes at Michaels, only for HBK to sidestep and send Lashley rebounding off the ropes, but this backfires on Michaels when Lashley again beheads someone with a clothesline. Lashley goes for another cover – 1…2…NO!! Michaels keeps going, but Lashley drills him with several clubs to his infamously injured back before pulling him up suddenly…into a powerbomb! Wow! Lashley pulls that move seemingly out of the ether, keeping his weight on Michaels – 1…2…3-NO!! Michaels finds a way to throw his legs up! This actually gets a small applause from Van Dam in the corner. Lashley drags Michaels to his feet and hoists him into the air with the stalling suplex, keeping Michaels vertical even when letting one hand go before crashing back down to the canvas. Lashley with another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! The Iron Man keeps on.

Lashley delivers another blow to Michaels before hoisting him over his head with a big military press, again impressing with his strength. Michaels is still conscious and aware, however, and wiggles his way from his high perch behind Lashley, forcing the big man to turn around…SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC FROM LITERALLY NOWHERE!! The crowd eats that up, but as Lashley falls, so does Michaels, the damage being done in a great deal here. Van Dam is begging for Michaels to either get the cover to tag him in, while Jericho is nervously watching his empire potentially crumble before it can even begin. Michaels finally begins to stir, but it is going into his corner and not to cover Lashley, probably because he’s moving now too. The abler Lashley seems to be winning the race to crawl into the corner, getting to Jericho and tagging him in, while Michaels is still crawling…reaching…GOT IT!! The hot tag to RVD had Jericho charging Michaels to stop it, but immediately seems to send Jericho scurrying!

As Jericho dips out of the ring to reassess things, Van Dam doesn’t look to give him any time and rushes after him. Meanwhile on the apron, Lashley is using his new heel prowess to as the referee to check something on him. As Van Dam pursues Jericho outside, he’s duped into running into a clothesline from Paul “The Great” Wright! Van Dam goes down hard, which prompts Jericho to have a sudden change of heart and rolls Van Dam back into the ring, who tries to stumble to his feet, only to get his face driven in by a Jericho one-handed bulldog. Jericho now building something as he goes for a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Van Dam stays alive. Even so, as soon as this happens, Jericho immediately goes in for the Walls of Jericho, but RVD is aware enough to send Jericho flipping by torqueing his legs around. Van Dam shakes the cobwebs out of his head, only to have Jericho rush at him to which Van Dam greets with a trifecta of running clotheslines, getting the crowd more and more pumped. As Jericho charges at him one last time, Van Dam situates himself and nails the sitout spinebuster!! RVD is all pumped up now, doing his signature thumbs before rebounding off the ropes and looking for Rolling Thunder…Jericho rolls out again!

Jericho takes a short stroll around the outside to great heat, simply to dodge the move, but Van Dam, again, follows him. Jericho just as quickly rushes back into the ring, with Van Dam running right back after him, but as soon as RVD re-enters – running enzeguiri!! Jericho keeps pulling the strings, a cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Van Dam won’t go down! Jericho gets frustrated at this but also just doesn’t wanna be in there with Van Dam, opting instead to again tag in Lashley. Lashley immediately steps in and starts sizing up Van Dam for what looks to be a spear, but as he launches himself, Van Dam cleanly leapfrogs Lashley, sending him rebounding off some ropes back towards Van Dam, who promptly gives him a monkey flip! As Lashley falls hard but gets to his feet, he finds Van Dam rushing back at him, only for Lashley to completely flip the script and belly to belly suplex Van Dam….BACK FIRST INTO A CORNER!! The sheer veracity of the move makes Van Dam’s back impact the turnbuckle in a Tree of Woe fashion before whiplashing back down to the canvas hard! Lashley pulls Van Dam from his contorted position and goes for another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Van Dam keeps going!

Lashley is forced to bring Van Dam to his feet, but knocks him right back down with another hard clothesline and another cover attempt – 1…2…NO! Lashley’s still intense expression grapples RVD around the neck and pulls him back down to the canvas, seemingly now trying to choke him to death with a chin lock. The massive bicep of Lash is wrapped so tightly, RVD’s face is turning colors, but he starts to build some form of life as the crowd cheers on, eventually able to get to his feet and try and knock Lashley back. When he finally does knock himself loose, Van Dam rushes and rebounds off the ropes only to get caught in a vicious Lashley spinebuster!! Lash really taking it to Van Dam here, another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Van Dam stays vigilant! Over on commentary, JBL is explaining how RVD’s strategy is awful, seeing as how he’s allowing himself to take this much damage a week before a huge title match.

Lashley again tries to wear Van Dam down with another chin lock, holding him in for a while once again, but RVD is aware enough this time and surprisingly leg sweeps Lashley and tries to regain himself for a second before Lashley charges back with a high boot, but Van Dam catches it, wheels over it, and nails Lashley with the step-over spinning wheel kick. This sends both Lashley and RVD down, Van Dam taking note of just how much damage he’s taken and trying to get to his corner again. Lashley is shaken, but not to point of going to his corner, but as he grabs RVD’s leg to prevent him from getting the tag in to Michaels, Van Dam gets vertical and attempts a leg-fed enzeguiri on Lashley, who ducks, but the educated feet of Van Dam come right back up and hit Lashley with a back-kick enzeguiri! This gives Van Dam enough fuel to tag in Shawn Michaels!

Michaels bursts into the ring and ducks under a Lashley clothesline, rebounding off the rope and nailing Lashley with the flying forearm smash, knocking the muscle man down…and Michaels gets the kip-up to another roar of approval from the crowd!! Lashley comes at Michaels only to eat an inverted atomic drop and a scoop slam before Michaels climbs through the apron and heads to the top rope. The crowd is on its feet, looking for that elbow drop…but Chris Jericho distracts Michaels! While Jericho is busy jeering, he doesn’t notice RVD coming rushing across the ring to knock him off!!! Jericho goes flying face-first into the announce desk!! RVD follows him to finally get more hands on him, but Wright comes galumping around a corner, forcing Van Dam to fend him off. Inside the ring, Michaels is ready to let fly with the flying elbow drop…NOBODY HOME!! Lashley rolls away at just the right second, causing Michaels to crash and burn, and right when Michaels gets to his feet…SPEAR!! SPEAR!! SPEAR FROM LASHLEY!! Michaels is split in half, and with RVD staring to get a little overbeared with Wright, there’s no stopping it – 1…2…3…!!!

Winners: Chris Jericho & Bobby Lashley at (13:20)

The bell rings and it’s over, but that doesn’t stop the fight that’s going on outside. Van Dam gets the upper hand on Wright after he misses a charge and goes into a steel ring post, but Jericho has already taken is AOW title and hauled ass into the ring. Van Dam chases him, but he’s met by the new 2-on-1 of Jericho and Lashley, both men now staring Van Dam down, who is prepped and ready for a fight. Michaels is still down, and as things look bleaker and bleaker, Wright comes to but doesn’t enter the ring, making this a potential 3-on-1 affair. Just when it seems as though things might look bad for the challenger…

“DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK~!!”


**MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT**


SAMOA JOE!! SAMOA JOE!! JOE COMES RUSHING DOWN THE RING TO SAVE VAN DAM!!
Joe is ready for a fight, but Jericho quickly darts out of the ring and tells Lashley to come with him, both men joining Wright on the outside. Joe and Van Dam bulrush the ropes in hopes of getting a hand on them, but the Worthy Legion is already making their way back up the ramp, Jericho pointing to his head and saying “we fight another day!” RVD and Samoa Joe are seething for a fight, staring down the ramp at the group of men it might have to take both of them to take down.​


Joey Styles:
Anarchy seems to be reigning supreme here on Oblivion, the fallout from World Ablaze just as chaotic as the event was in itself! The return of Samoa Joe comes to the aide of Rob Van Dam, but the entire company has been put on notice tonight.

JBL:
That’s right, Joey, the Worthy Legion has arrived an’ they’re not above breakin’ everybody on this roster to enlighten us all.

Joey Styles:
Wait, you’re not siding with those guys, are you John?

JBL:
There’s no honor going down with a sinkin’ ship, an’ I’ll be damned if I’m on the one Paul Heyman an’ Mick Foley are on. All hail Jericho! All hail the Worthy Legion! An’ after that performance, yer damn right they have what it takes to enlighten us all.

Joey Styles:
This is insane…

JBL:
No, Joey, the only thing that’s insane is not seein’ the genius of our AOW Champion and continuin’ to stay in the dark.

Joey Styles:
Folks, this has indeed been the introduction of absolute anarchy – AOW may be in trouble, but the one shining spot of hope we have is if – to hell with it – WHEN Rob Van Dam defeats Jericho for that AOW Championship right here next week on Oblivion!

JBL:
If Mick Foley knows what’s best for him, he’ll call that sucker right down the middle and force RVD to lose all his title shots!

Joey Styles:
Jericho’s got the same punishment on the line as well, John! If your head wasn’t already so far up Jericho’s ass, you might remember that!


Before the commentators now go at each other’s throats, the final scene we get on this chaotic scene is the Worthy Legion, led by a grinning Chris Jericho on up the ramp, only staring down at RVD and Samoa Joe in the ring, who are both closing their thumb and index fingers together, signifying ‘this close’ to getting their hands on Jericho. RVD backs away and looks behind him to see Shawn Michaels still hurt and recovering, but doesn’t do anything to help him up, just simply staring back down the ramp and audibly saying “there’s only one worthy man around here – “ before throwing his thumbs in the air as the crowd joins in – “ROB…VAN…DAM!” as we

Fade…

To…

Black…


END SHOW





.:Confirmed for Next Week:.

~AOW Championship~
*Loser cannot compete for ANY Championships EVER AGAIN in AOW*
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Mick Foley
Chris Jericho(c) v. Rob Van Dam


Sorry if its a bit late, but had to retype some of the promos. There's a reason it's so dense. Wasn't happiest with this, but did my best. Hope you enjoy :$
 
#117 ·
Oblivion Feedback​

Starting this one off with Jericho/Lashley/Wright was the right move after what went down at World Ablaze. Seeing Lashley all suited and booted is gold and that first line out of his mouth had me dying, Jericho brainwashing right there. Lashley’s little speech was fine, did its job, nothing too shocking, hard to do so with a guy like him. Jericho revealing there was another ace in the hole was a little surprising and then Shawn Michaels? Wow. I knew something was up when Michaels acted a little off at the end of World Ablaze but this is just… I don’t know. I like the whole angle of Michaels having to win the title, it’s a good set up but I didn’t like the way this was done. Michaels promised to give Jericho the win if he deserved it? Well uh, that’s the referee’s job for either man isn’t it? If Michaels was really gonna be blackmailed then he’d have given Jericho the win at any and all cost.

Van Dam coming out was no surprise and I liked the fact he didn’t hold back and showed just how pissed off he was. Big time announcement from Foley here and that is one hell of a stipulation for next week with the loser never again getting a title shot. Major stakes, should be a hell of a match with a lot of outside possibilities I’m guessing.

Very entertaining match to start, no surprise with the six men who were on show. The Samoan Fight Club are looking hugely impressive right now and I can see their dominance continuing a little while longer yet.

Decent exchange here between Hassan and the Mercs. I like the idea of Hassan not putting his hand in his pocket yet until the job is further done, good stuff.

I liked the last little paragraph from Danielson here, the end bit about Danielson dishing out a reality check was nice. The interview as a whole though was a bit nothing like, it seemed more of a way just to get Danielson on the show and have Miz talk himself up some more. I would’ve had him talk a little more about beating Helms and where he goes next.

Good stuff with Hassan and Punk here, I thought you got Punk’s smartass character pretty much dead on and Hassan comparing him to a street rat is a nice analogy lol. The bounty on Punk’s head is nice but I thought you were gonna go the route of anytime, any place, allowing the Mercs to strike him down backstage or something but a weekly challenge could be very entertaining. Doane was never gonna win but he didn’t come out looking weak so that’s a positive and a nice momentum builder for Punk too.

Nice brawl backstage and I’m glad this is the route you’re going with the SFC. Sons need a feud and after what went down at World Ablaze this is the right way to go, should be a good one between these four.

Really good detail in the video package here, set the scene perfectly. I’m guessing this is Carlito but not a hundred percent sure.

Should be good to see who LowJack’s opponents are, I’m guessing WGTT or Londrick.

Interesting exchange here with American Made and the SFC. Wonder what the deal is there then, must be they win the titles, they got a shot? Certainly different though considering SFC could’ve got the shot themselves at World Ablaze? Maybe you’ll swerve us!

Ah, the Hooliganz it is!! Certainly a good match up on paper and it delivered as per usual, some nice action from two fan favourites, always exciting for the crowds and for us as readers. Big win for the Hooliganz too, gives them a little bit of momentum back.

Mighty, mighty fine main event here my friend. Loved some of the spots in this one and it really showcased how strong the main event is right now with these four knocking about as well as Christian to hopefully return soon. Huge win for Lashley to keep his momentum rolling right now, he’s looking unstoppable and it’s another downer for HBK, great call to keep that going. The aftermath was surprising, Samoa Joe returning is great, certainly the right time and to come to the aid of his friend also, my only problem is I don’t quite know where he fits in at the minute. The stuff with Finlay was great, whether he and Lashley do battle or even he and Wright, will no doubt be interesting stuff.

On the whole, a very solid show here fresh off a hell of a PPV. I thought the opening did its job but was a little shaky with the whole Michaels thing. Highlight for me was Hassan/Punk here, that advanced well tonight and the main event to close things off was a great read. Keep going with this, the possibilities are endless and the main event next week has me gripped.
 
#118 · (Edited)
Thanks in bunches for the feed, cp. This thread'll be going a wee bit slower with school reaching it's second half and all that, but what I can give you right now is a trio of aohdubya.com exclusives

aohdubya.com said:
~EXCLUSIVE~
AFTER OBLIVION FOOTAGE…


AOW comes to you with with a pair of exclusive messages. We also have for you what happened when the show went off the air last week, but the cameras kept rolling and the show didn't stop. .Rob Van Dam and Samoa Joe were left in the ring with Shawn Michaels. .What happened next was unexpected and will almost surely send shockwaves through AOW.



We’re brought back to the scene of last week’s Oblivion, with Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, and Paul Wright headed already evidently having left the scene. All we’re left with is a hot crowd and Rob Van Dam standing in a ring, where both men seem to have a small conversation before Joe sticks out his hand, which RVD gives a handshake to. The men hook fingers and pull each other in to a bro hug to a large pop from the Hammerstein crowd…but then Joe looks over to see that Shawn Michaels is still in the ring with them.

Michaels is having to lean against the ropes to bring himself to his feet, where his hair dangles exhaustingly over his face. He whips it out of his face before coming off the ropes and towards RVD and Joe, who look like Michaels is the last man they want to see on the entire planet right now. RVD actually makes a move towards Michaels, but Joe steps between them and pushes RVD back. The crowd wants to see these two go at it and are starting to throw a little bit of heat towards Joe for stopping it, but even with Michaels having his fists at the ready he appears in no condition to want to fight anyone.

Joe starts forcibly pushing RVD back all the way to the ropes to get him out of the ring, Van Dam still pumped and wanting a piece of the guy who screwed him out of the AOW Championship Sunday night. Joe seems to remind him that he has a title match next week and doesn’t want to do much else to put that in jeopardy. Michaels is stepping a little closer to the center ring, but Joe has already prompted RVD to go through the ropes and go on up the ramp. The crowd lets out some disappointed heat, with Van Dam even audibly saying “I know, right? I wanna kick his ass!” Even with this, Van Dam walks behind the curtain, not much griping other than some hands on his hips.

With only Joe and Michaels left in the ring, we get another good look at Michaels’ face, which has gone from self-defensive and sturdy to looking as depressed as he did earlier in the night, as though his dog had died. He starts pushing the hair out of his face again, not taking much note of Joe until Joe starts prompting the crowd to start taunting Michaels, much of the arena starting to join in… “YOU SCREWED ROB! YOU SCREWED ROB! YOU SCREWED ROB! YOU SCREWED ROB!”

Michaels stands now looking at Joe now with a very annoyed expression, Joe giving Michaels a stern look and saying “They speak the truth, hombre.” Michaels just looks at Joe and starts to walk by him to go up the ramp, but then Joe stops him and even forces him back center ring, the crowd letting out their “oooohs”. Michaels’ face is stunned, but Joe just looks at Michaels and says “Rob has a title match next week. I don’t.” Michaels again tries to make his way around Joe, but Joe stops him once again, prompting Michaels to SLAP JOE ACROSS THE FACE in frustration about this whole thing, which only prompts Joe to shoot on Michaels, lifting him and putting him over his shoulder and introducing to AOW the ISLAND DRIVER! ISLAND DRIVER!! The Emerald Flowsion from Joe to Michaels!! Michaels’ body is lifeless as the crowd is going wild, Joe simply looking at him from his seated position. Joe says nothing as his face is fully of intensity as he gets up and leaves the scene to a great ovation. There is a close up of Michaels’ motionless and eagle spread body in the ring as the shot fades to black.​

THE WORLD'S GREATEST INVITATION RESPONSE

aohdubya.com also has for you a surprise message being sent from the World's Greatest Tag Team to...CM Punk?

We open the frame with what looks like Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas in what looks to be an apartment style room, both of them wearing casual wear. As the camera comes from behind a wall to reveal to us Benjamin and Haas, we see that they’re…playing video games? Benjamin is clearly doing something good, while Haas is obviously getting frustrated. There’s lots of button mashing sounds before both men get that air of excitement all gamers feel when a crucial point occurs…which ends with Benjamin exclaiming “YES!” and pumping his fists in the air and leaving Haas to drop the controller in shame and disappointment. Benjamin goes from the couch to looking into the camera, while Haas goes off screen

Benjamin:
Sorry you all had to see Charlie here get completely embarrassed by the Master of Games himself, Shelton Benjamin

Haas: (from offscreen)
Master of Cheat Codes is probably a better name

Benjamin:
Don’t be such a sore loser, Charlie. See, the me and Charlie here are very competitive guys. We’re competitive on a video game football field or in a real life wrestling ring.
~Benjamin throws the controller he’s still holding on his couch

Benjamin:
We might even be overcompetitive. So much so that we did use a video game football field to decide which one of us was gonna take up Muhammad Hassan’s challenge this coming Wednesday on CM Punk. And since y’all just saw me win, the one who will face Punk will be me.
~Haas pops back into the scene, holding both Tag Team Championship belts. He hands one to Benjamin, who slings it over his shoulder

Benjamin:
This isn’t personal, Punk. Just want you and everyone to know that. I have nothing against you, but if I have to go through you get a shot at the Dynasty Championship, then that’s just the way it has to be.
~Haas nods beside Benjamin

Benjamin:
It’s not even about the money he promised, it’s simply about the title shot. Like I said, we, the World’s Greatest Tag Team are very competitive. We’re so competitive that one strap of gold isn’t enough to satisfy either one of us.

Haas:
The Greatest always look to get greater. And that’s what me and Shelton are aimin’ to do.

Benjamin:
No, Haas, that’s what I’m aiming to do. You lost.

Haas:
Shut up.
~Benjamin has a small chuckle, Haas getting a small smile on his face

Benjamin:
So this is just a heads up to you, Punk. Unlike Muhammad Hassan and unlike the number one contenders to our titles, American Made, I want to show respect towards my opponent. I’m letting you know right now that I’ll be coming down that aisle after you Wednesday. May the greater man win.
~The video fades on the image of Benjamin nodding his head towards the camera as a possible sign of respect towards Punk​

DOANE DECREES ONCE MORE

Also here on aohdubya.com, a to the point statement from the man who has undergone a big attitude change in the last week, the self-proclaimed "Impact Player", Ken Doane.

We’re at a new scene here, greeted by the face of Ken Doane against a simple white backdrop. Doane is wearing blue, white, and black ring tights, but he’s wearing a matching hooded vest that looks very similar to something the WGTT or AJ Styles would wear.

Doane:
My name is Ken Doane, Impact Player.
~He takes his hood off after staring into the camera

Doane:
And I’m gonna keep this short and simple. I’m here to make my mark. And I’m gonna officially begin my Road of Impact by getting my hands on the guys who have tried to embarrass me the last few weeks here in AOW. And that’s those bozos that call themselves ‘Low Jack’, Low Ki and Jack Evans.
~Doane delivers a scowl here

Doane:
Now I do thank both of you. You two really opened my eyes and showed me just how weak Chris Masters was and how he was in no shape to be by my side to make my impact. But I’ve got unfinished business with both of you.
~Doane flicks his thumb against his nose

Doane:
So come Wednesday night, I don’t care which one of you steps into the ring against me, but one of you is gonna get it. Then the other one’s gonna get it. Imma make an example out of both you that your goofball time here in AOW is over. It’s time to make way for future. A future that hits hard and goes harder. And that’s exactly what Ken Doane is gonna deliver.
~Doane throws his hood back up and walks away from the scene, out of camera view​


Hope to get a preview and news up later in the week. Hope this holds over 'til then :$
 
#119 ·
First off, sorry it's been a while since I've left you a REAL review. Been busy as hell, I'm sure you understand all too well how that goes. Anyways, gonna review some of the bonus' you just posted

First off, I love the fact that Joe is moving on to the main event scene, and I think that him VS the Worthy Men should be a really good feud. I'm kind of hoping that the Worthy Men expand just a little bit more in upcoming weeks, maybe to include either Hassan or a tag team that could use the rub?

The WGTT promo made me smile a bit. Brought out a lighter side of them without killing the character, but at the same time was very much in character. I can't wait to see Benjamin making what I believe to be his solo debut in AOW. I always loved him as a solo superstar, but that said, I'm hoping that the team doesn't implode any time soon. I can see the gears beginning to turn with Haas being kind of a sore loser, and I have a feeling that, if done right, it could be a beautiful slow burn

As far as the Doane thing goes, it looks like you're wanting to do big things with him, but you realize that you need a few jobbers. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to bring in somebody like Maven Huffman to fill that role so Kenny can move up a bit on the card? Just an idea. Not trying to hate on Maven any, anyone whose read any of my BTB's can tell you that I'm favorable of Maven, but I can't think of many other people who would fit that bill that aren't signed with any of the big three at the time other than him except maybe a Colin Delaney or some shit.

All in all, loving what your doing, as always, and I can't wait to see more! I'm just hoping that school don't set ya back too far!
 
#120 ·
Just a wee bit of overdue news...

~The upcoming RVD/Jericho rematch has many anticipating the bout, but for many backstage in AOW, it’s making the best of a bad situation. While the actual PPV numbers for World Ablaze have not been released to the public, the numbers have been reported (by an FX executive) to have been ‘very far below even [AOW’s] realistic standards’. The event drew somewhere over 12,000 in attendance, with the Banknorth Garden being able to hold 17,000 at max capacity. While the gate numbers were not the true demoralizer, the PPV buyrate is what seems to be the most disappointing. Not much for AOW as a whole, which realistically knew it wasn’t going to knock things out of the park on its first try, but with FX and Fox looking over the shoulder of the company, the conglomerate sponsor was not pleased with its presumably lackluster results. This is most likely due to Fox/FX wanting to compare AOW to the WWE, which draws nearly a half million PPV buys on their worst day, something an extremely young company could only dream of achieving.

~Due to this very possible misconception, the RVD/Jericho angle has been hotshotted to this week’s edition of Oblivion. The execution of the way things went down on television was seen as very heavy, as many things were getting thrown at the audience in an effort to hotshot the angle to appease the network. Jericho/RVD was reportedly set to main event the second AOW PPV, This is Exile, on February 3rd. This executive meddling has caused an understandable shake-up in the entire AOW planning as a whole for the next several months, and thus, the year. How this affects the young company in the long term is something to keep note on in the very near future.

~In related news, the “disappointing” numbers in the eyes of FX and its overseers has again stalled talks for AOW being extended for another “season” past February. If nothing is settled before then, AOW will not fold as a company, but could very well be off of television until a new deal is organized. This is Exile could very well be an iPPV as a result.

~AOW’s roster seems to be getting smaller by the week. Psicosis, one half of the Mexicools, reportedly was injured a few weeks ago. Psicosis taking the devastating pin in last week’s six-man tag match was most likely the way to write him off while he recovers, which we’re hearing should be nothing more than a 4-6 week injury. This brings the injury list to Rey Mysterio (3-6 months), Gregory Helms (hairline fracture in wrist; no more than a few weeks), Carlito Colon (who has yet to debut with the company; strained pec, a month left in recovery), Chris Masters (torn pec, 7-9 months), and now Psicosis. Those who have been written off storyline-wise also include Lance Storm (to coach development) and Christian Cage (being ‘fired’)

~In somewhat stop-the-bleeding news, Tommy Dreamer has reportedly been gushing about the evolving promotion on his online blogs, going as far as to say he’d love to work under the company banner. While the company is always in search of the best talent it can find, and Dreamer may be over the hill, he could provide low-midcard stability if signed, but would most definitely be used as another step in the direction of getting on the road in a road agent. Dreamer would join and Al Snow in that department, as well as their continued pursuit of William Regal. He could also potentially join Lance Storm, Rikishi, and Elix Skipper in training the OVW corps.

Until next time, this has been The Informer…

...and for the rest of you, a preview!





11.21.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“The End is Nigh”



The time has come. It’s literally do or die time on the next edition of Oblivion for Rob Van Dam. After being the unwitting pawn in Chris Jericho’s mastermind scheme, RVD was given an ‘untainted’ rematch for the AOW Heavyweight Championship this week. How would we be sure if this match would indeed be untainted? Well, with acting GM Mick Foley ringing the bell, of course! Mick Foley named himself the Special Guest Referee after the immense disappointment in Shawn Michaels’ performance at World Ablaze. But with these announcements, Chris Jericho expressed his extreme displeasure, and coaxed RVD into agreeing that the loser of the match would not just forfeit all rights to an AOW Championship rematch, but ALL TITLES IN AOW PERIOD, which means the man who loses the match will NEVER hold gold in AOW uh-gain! Will Rob Van Dam finally be able to overcome adversity and prove that ‘RVD is AOW’? Or will Chris Jericho and his newly formed “Worthy Legion” walk away, AOW title still intact?

Shawn Michaels seems to know what he did was wrong. He knew he was giving himself to the devil, and when that devil in Chris Jericho reneged on his deal to give HBK an AOW title shot, HBK seemed to even sink further in his own self-loathing. With Shawn Michaels losing the faith of Mick Foley, as well as many AOW faithful, what does Shawn Michaels have to say about his actions? Also, with the post-Oblivion beatdown delivered by Samoa Joe, what will be Shawn Michaels’ responses on others’ actions?

Muhammad Hassan has had it in for CM Punk for a good while in AOW now, stemming from Punk’s comments regarding Hassan sitting on his wealth several weeks ago. The blatant injuring of CM Punk’s apparent coach, Lance Storm, at the hands of Hassan has only led to a thickening of the blood between both men. But with CM Punk gaining the $50,ooo Storm won from Hassan, Hassan has apparently become obsessed with getting it back. Last week, Hassan let forth another challenge, placing a bounty on CM Punk’s head that the winner would not only receive the money in Punk’s briefcase, but would also receive a Dynasty Championship opportunity. This week, AOW Tag Team Champion Shelton Benjamin has accepted the challenge – not for the money, he says, but for the Dynasty title shot. Two of AOW’s best young guns will be on display with high stakes.

Ken Doane has ‘unfinished business’ with Low Jack, Jamie Noble says that he and Aero Star aren’t over, and what’s next for Bryan Danielson…? All this (and more!) on the next explosive edition of AOW Wednesday Night Oblivion, 9/8c only on FX!



.:Confirmed for Oblivion:.

~AOW CHAMPIONSHIP~
*Loser can challenge for NO FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS in AOW*
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE
: Mick Foley
Chris Jericho(c) v. Rob Van Dam


AND…


*Muhammad Hassan Bounty Challenge*
CM Punk
v.
AOW Tag Team Champion Shelton Benjamin w/Charlie Haas


Ken Doane v. Jack Evans OR Low Ki


PLUS…

Shawn Michaels speaks his piece
Hope the news explains a little bit better what's been going on. Been busy with plenty in the real world, and apologies for lateness and such. Hoping I can post this thing by the weekend. While I'm here, cp, I haven't forgotten your GAB, feedback on the way for that. Until then, Kirbs bids all well.
 
#122 ·
I'm definitely looking forward to the next oblivion, but the big thing I want to bring up is the news section. While most btb writers like to have their up-and-coming promotions doing extraordinarily well, you've opted to go a more realistic route with the company maybe not struggling, but not exactly having things go as smoothly as they could, especially with the network. I commend you for that big time, because it fleshes out the company more, makes it more realistic! The beginning of a company is generally a difficult time, stars get injured and, while it's a booker's worst nightmare for things like that to happen, you include and embrace those things. I give you major credit for that, and it's one of the reasons that your BTB has been one of the few that I've followed on a regular basis without losing interest (Maybe not one of the TOP reasons- those go to the story lines and characters- but one of the reasons nonetheless). Looking forward to seeing the next Oblivion, mate!
 
#123 ·


11.21.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“The End is Nigh”

**UPDATED**


“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

Shawn Michaels comes down the ramp, pumped up from the main event of Week 1

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!

619!!!

Fight!

FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!!

*Final cymbal crash*

Chris Jericho holds the AOW World title high in the air

***

Coming out of the revamped opening vignette, the entire Hammerstein is buzzing yet again, filled to the brim for the umpteenth week in a row. The crowd is ready for what should be a HUGE night for better or worse, but to kick things off, we get a huge mixed reaction, as “SEXY BOY” goes off of the sound system, harkening the arrival of only one man – Shawn Michaels comes down the ramp, cowboy hat on and all. He has the hat lowered over his face so we can’t see it much, Michaels not looking up except to leap onto the apron and climb in the ring.

Shawn Michaels:
Last week, I guess I got called out.

~Michaels pauses and adjusts his cowboy hat, still not looking up

Shawn Michaels:
I’m not exactly proud of the things I did over the last month or so to even get put in that spot, but…

~Michaels stops a little to take in some of the heat being thrown at him. He pauses again when a “YOU SCREWED ROB!! YOU SCREWED ROB!!” chant starts up

Shawn Michaels:
But I’m not sorry.

~Michaels finally lifts his head to a bit of buzz

Shawn Michaels:
Rob Van Dam – you and I don’t exactly have the highest regards of each other, but you’re a fantastic competitor. I’m not sorry for what I had to do, but in a way, I guess I might be sorry that it had to be you.

~A little more uneasy heat

Shawn Michaels:
I know that disappoints some of you, but Rob…Rob I don’t hate you. I don’t respect you. I just acknowledge what you’re capable of. But what I hate the most is this idea that you’ve generated that you’re the blood that flows through AOW. That ‘RVD is AOW’.

~A little more uneasy heat now for the gradually getting more animated HBK

Shawn Michaels:
To put it bluntly, I think that’s a load of crap.

~Unmuzzled heat now

Shawn Michaels:
And of course, I’m gonna get booed for saying that. No one here wants me to talk bad about you, but that’s the thing, Rob. I’m not talking bad about you. I’m simply speaking the truth. The hard truth that you have to accept is your ego is gettin’ on up to the level of certain people we used to work with.

~HBK breaks the fourth wall a bit, staring directly into the camera on that one

Shawn Michaels:
But see, there’s a hard truth that I’m gonna have to accept as well. I’m gonna have to accept that whether or not I think it’s a load of crap that you think you are AOW, these people here accept it, these people here believe it, and these people here will always love you for it.

~An uneasy pop, but a pop nonetheless. Is HBK leading us all on…?

Shawn Michaels:
So when I say I didn’t come out here to throw some salt on that wound right before your big match tonight, you know it’s the truth. And to be fair, if the boos are gonna keep comin’, let’em come, because I’d be booing me too.

~A few more boos are sprinkled in, but not as strong

Shawn Michaels:
What I did was despicable. I sold myself to Chris Jericho’s plan because I was a desperate man. I shot myself in the foot, an’ I was tryin’ to walk it off. So Rob, from the bottom of my heart, I just want you to know that we’re not the best of friends…but you deserved better from me. Mick Foley expected better from me. And these people certainly deserved and expected better from me.

~Michaels is on his knees now, almost in a prayer position

Shawn Michaels:
So from the bottom of my heart, Rob…I guess what I’m tryin’ to say is…I’m sorry.

~A bit of buzz from the crowd

Shawn Michaels:
Now I know me saying that doesn’t give you the AOW Championship you earned last Sunday. I know me saying that doesn’t go back in time and all that, but what I can do is let you come out here when I know you’re all fired up for your title match tonight and just let me have it. Just come on out here and rip into the Heart Break Kid because you know you wanna.


Michaels has to shout this now, because the crowd is beginning to roar at the idea of Van Dam getting his hands on Michaels, however voluntarily. Michaels throws his hat off and awaits a beatdown. But instead of RVD walking out, we get “MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT” blaring over the sound system to a huge pop in its own right, as Samoa Joe comes on down to the ring. Michaels hastily makes it to his feet and grips his microphone hard upon seeing the man who showed his ‘displeasure’ last week

Joe:
Come on now, Shawn. You’re a better man than that. As much as I wanna see it and as much as you deserve it, what’s RVD coming out here crackin’ you a good one gonna do about that AOW Championship?

Shawn Michaels:
I don’t know, Joe, but I don’t see why that’s any business of yours.

~“Oooooh”

Joe:
You don’t see how that’s any business of mine?

Shawn Michaels:
Did you not hear me?

Joe:
No, Shawn, you obviously didn’t hear me loud and clear last week when I drove your head into the ground when the show was over.

~A big pop for this

Joe:
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t seen it or for you guys like me who just wanna see it again, or if you’re like Shawn here and have apparently forgotten –


Joe waves his arm towards the stage, where we see the big circular screen light up, the video taking over the TVs at home. We’re brought back to the conclusion of Oblivion last week, where RVD, Samoa Joe, and Shawn Michaels were the last men remaining in the ring. A time skip splice shows Joe asking RVD to go to the back, while Joe stays and prevents Michaels from leaving, leading up to Joe leading the crowd into a “YOU SCREWED ROB!” chant. When Michaels tries to leave again, he slaps Joe across the face, only for Joe to retaliate by delivering an Island Driver that, as Joe said, drives Michaels’ head right into the mat.

We cut back to the live-action arena, the crowd popping for that display


Joe:
So tell me again how this is none of my business?

Shawn Michaels:
Look, Joe, I get that you’re upset. You feel like I did a friend of yours wrong, and I completely understand that. But the only person that I did that wrong to was Rob Van Dam. And so the only guy whose business it is regarding that is Rob Van Dam and only Rob Van Dam.

~A bit more ‘oooh’s going around now, Joe rubbing his chin with an open palm

Joe:
“Did wrong”? Is that all you’re calling it, Michaels? Because the evidence seems overwhelming to me – it was a premeditated dirty deal that no matter what RVD would’ve done, he would’ve lost. I’d calling that being screwed. You screwed Rob. You screwed Rob.

~The crowd is quick to catch onto Joe’s delivery of the phrase, who begin chanting those very words. Michaels looks around the arena and takes it in, while Joe stands with his arms open for Michaels to take in even more

Joe:
They saw what I saw, Shawn. It’s all right there on the table. And no amount of ‘I’m sorry’s or apologetic beatdowns are gonna change that. But then again, I guess if we all know our history, Shawn Michaels screwing people over isn’t exactly anything new.

~“Oooooh”. Michaels takes is no longer staring at Joe with slight annoyance, but we can tell that it’s developing into contempt

Shawn Michaels:
Don’t open that can of worms –

Joe:
Oh, too bad. Let’s open it up and dig in. We all know what happened. Ten years ago, Shawn Michaels pulled the biggest political plays in all of professional wrestling. And just like last Sunday night, Shawn Michaels pulled some strings and had no real problem screwing over a guy who was simply better than him.

~The crowd is showing a bit of unrest, as Joe looking very intensely at Michaels, who is staring right back

Joe:
So Shawn, not only are you not a stranger to screwing guys over, but you’re also no stranger of pulling some strings backstage to get exactly what you want.

~Michaels seems to be boiling here

Shawn Michaels:
Before you go on anymore, bub, you’d better listen to me.

Joe:
Shawn, I’m done liste –

Shawn Michaels:
I SAID LISTEN. TO. ME.

~The boiling Michaels appears to be boiling over, getting dangerously close to Joe’s face. Joe doesn’t even flinch

Shawn Michaels:
Now see here. The first thing I said when I came to AOW was that this was my clean slate. I know good and damn well I’ve done some pretty terrible things in the past. But I’m a changed man, and I’ve been a changed man for several years now, actually. But people like you can’t let things go. I came here to AOW to start all over again. To show that good ol’ Haitch – Bee – Kay is still alive an’ kickin.

~A big pop for this

Joe:
That’s all good and well. Actually, I can respect that, Shawn. And maybe you’re right, the past is the past and it should stay that way. But I can’t help but factor in the idea that the biggest political play in professional wrestling wasn’t in 1997. It happened before you even stepped into AOW with your ‘clean slate’.

~The crowd buzzes, wondering what he’s talking about

Joe:
Last week when Chris Jericho was going over his plans, he revealed something that I thought kind of got lost a little in the shuffle. Between Jericho unveiling his schemes and you screwing over Rob, I’m not sure if many people caught why you did it.

~Michaels’ stoic expression now starts turning the apologetic shade we saw for most of last week

Joe:
Chris Jericho held up your contract, Shawn. He said there was a clause in it that said if you didn’t win the AOW Championship in the year 2007, you’d lose the ability to compete.

~Michaels can no longer look at Joe, opting now to look away, his face completely turning apologetic

Joe:
Now what that says to me, Shawn, is that that’s a big slap in the face to all of us who came here and expected everyone to have to fight their way to the top when it’s written in ink that you already had a step ahead of everybody.

~Michaels runs his hands through his hair, taking out the ponytail that was there

Joe:
You made a deal with Chris Jericho that if you helped him retain that title, he’d give you a title shot. And the only reason why you’re in this ring with these crocodile tears is because Jericho took back his word. You trusted the devil and the devil lies, Shawn. So now you’re out here trying to make nice so Foley or Heyman or whoever will feel sorry for you and maybe give you that shot.

~Michaels dips out of the ring now, to a growing amount of heat for each step he takes towards the ramp

Joe:
You can run, but the true reality is, Shawn, that you’re no better. You said you wanted a clean slate, and you lied. You’re no better than Jericho or Lashley or anyone else who’s here and trying to get ahead on their name.

~Joe leans on the top rope now, pointing at Michaels, who is going up the ramp, hands in his hair

Joe:
Shawn Michaels, you’re scum. Just like Jericho and his cronies are scums. And no matter what happens in the main event tonight, I just want all of you scum to know that Samoa Joe is going on a hunt. Joe’s coming for all the scum. And he’s gonna clean shit up.


“MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT” goes out over the speakers now, as Joe sends the crowd into another surprised frenzy here, some taken aback by his choice of expletives, but many others at the notion that Samoa Joe is going on the prowl. Joe is left to look at Shawn Michaels cloak himself behind the AOW blood-red curtain as he leans on the top rope and stares daggers from his leaning position on the ropes. On that image, we’re finally brought to the ever present voices of Joey Styles and JBL.

Joey Styles:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Joey Styles alongside my broadcast partner John “Bradshaw” Layfield, back here for what could be the most monumental main event in all of AOW Oblivion history, but what a vicious announcement just now from the lips of Samoa Joe.

JBL:
If I were Chris Jericho and the Worthy Legion, one man isn’t gonna do anything to the army that they have an’ I wouldn’t even worry. But if Joe makes good on comin’ after Shawn Michaels, if that footage he showed is any kind of indication, it’s “Mr. Clean Slate” who’s gonna have problems.

Joey Styles:
Indeed, Samoa Joe essentially telling us all that he’s prepared to go on the hunt and come after those who are here on their name alone, very similar to Christian Cage’s personal campaign, but Joe seems to have concrete evidence instead, but alas, ladies and gents, the reason Joe is going on that hunt is because of what happened last Sunday at World Ablaze where Rob Van Dam was cost his shot at the AOW title by not just apparently Shawn Michaels, but also the likes of Bobby Lashley aiding Chris Jericho.

JBL:
It was what it was, Joey, but that leads us to tonight!

Joey Styles:
Indeed it does, because tonight, our own General Manager Mick Foley is gonna be the man in zebra stripes and calling the shots in Jericho and RVD’s rematch! But the stakes are incredibly high after the dust settled last week, with the added stipulation that the loser not only forfeits all rights to challenge for the AOW Championship, but also EVERY championship in AOW! We have a huge night ahead of us, folks, so you don’t wanna miss!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**



As we’re brought back to the AOW stage, “MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING” begins to blare across the arena to a great deal of approval, as CM Punk comes on down the ramp and into the ring still carrying the briefcase that was given to him by Lance Storm. Punk totes it all the way down to the ring and tells the timekeeper to ‘guard it with your life’ before pandering to the crowd a little bit, at one point even throwing his hands in the air and shouting “street rat!” to get a pop.

“WORLD’S GREATEST” hums now, as the ever respectful Shelton Benjamin comes on down the aisle, his half of the AOW Tag Team Championships around his waist. Coming along with him is Charlie Haas, who is wearing his as well, Haas wearing a t-shirt, but otherwise is in wrestling trunks himself. Haas and Benjamin do a special handshake before Benjamin hops up into the ring, flashing his title for all to see. Benji hops off the top rope and sets his sights not on the money Hassan has promised, but instead Punk himself for the title shot that’s been promised.

OPENING CONTEST
*Muhammad Hassan Bounty Challenge*
CM Punk
v.
AOW Tag Team Champion Shelton Benjamin w/Charlie Haas


Punk and Benjamin start things with a respectable handshake before backing away to their respective corners, Haas hanging on the bottom rope a little bit and peering in. Punk and Benji circle the ring for a second before fully locking up, neither man able to get an advantage on the other. This lasts for a few seconds until both men realize they’re completely stalemating before unlocking, separating, stepping back, and going for it again. This time when they lock up, Punk gets the slight upper hand, able to whip Benjamin into the opposite ropes. On the rebound, Benjamin forces Punk down with a shoulder block before rebounding off the ropes beside him, Punk lying flat, and Benjamin trotting over him and rebounding again. Benjamin now rushes back towards a standing Punk, who performs a flawless hip toss. Benjamin is quick to recover from this blip, however, bringing both men to their feet, where they mirror image each other by both swinging for roundhouse kicks, but they quickly realize the other is going for the same thing and back away a little bit, both men at an early stalemate it seems.

The crowd acknowledges this, giving both men a pause button here, allowing Punk to play with his taped wrists a bit and Benjamin to fix a knee pad. When both men are good and ready to go again, they appear to go back for the lock up, but Benjamin displays his amateur prowess here and shoots a double leg takedown on Punk that forces Punk to all fours. Benjamin is floating over Punk at this point, grabbing between his legs and leaping over him, pulling him over for an Oklahoma roll and the first fall of the match - 1…2…NO!! Punk manages to throw his legs up and out of the grip, getting him to roll to his feet, but as he does, he’s met with a hard Benjamin clothesline that leads to another, but Punk manages to duck underneath a third one and grapple Benjamin from behind, pushing him into the ropes for a victory roll – 1…2…NO!! Benjamin is able to throw Punk off of his body, which sends Punk jogging into the ropes in front of him. As Punk turns around to meet Benjamin, he’s met with a clock to the face with straight vertical leaping elbow!! The sheer athleticism of Benjamin on display here, the leap looking even better with Benjamin scrunching his body to look like he leapt an extra foot. Benjamin covers Punk once more – 1…2…3-NO!! Punk with life!

Benjamin watches as Punk gets to his feet and is calculating something, but just as the tag champ approaches Punk, the Chicago native knocks a blow to Benjamin’s stomach before getting up, brining Benjamin on his shoulders with him already looking for the GTS, but Benjamin easily slides off and behind Punk, who turns right around into a roundhouse from Benjamin, but Punk ducks at the very last minute, allowing him to catch Benjamin spinning back around with a swinging neckbreaker! Punk now with a quick cover attempt – 1…2…NO!! Benjamin able to keep things going here, making Punk reassess things. As Benjamin gets to his feet, Punk attempts another lock up of sorts, Benjamin getting the upper hand and forcing Punk over with a headlock takeover. Punk immediately scissors Benjamin’s head and forces both men to start over, back to their feet, Benjamin getting another headlock takeover, Punk forcing the scissors so that they have to start all over again. When both men rise to their feet this time, Benjamin geos in for the headlock once more, but Punk surprise him and everybody by pulling a step-up enzeguiri out of thin air!! Benjamin’s eyes glaze over as Punk covers – 1…2…3-NO!!

Punk unable to get things on the surprise attempt, a tad frustrated, but brings Benjamin to his feet anyway, striking him once for good measure before whipping him into the corner. Punk takes a moment to readjust his tights before running at Benjamin looking for the high corner knee, but Benjamin has him scouted somewhat and bows out of the corner at the last minute, forcing Punk to leap onto the second rope to avoid crashing is groin into the iron post. As Benjamin treads away, he looks up and back only to see Punk flying back at him with a flying crossbody!! Punk apparently crashes bodies with Benjamin, only to have Benjamin roll back up and over with Punk, turning it into a Samoan drop!!! A ridiculously nifty counter there, but Benjamin’s still feeling that enzeguiri to the point where he can’t cover Punk immediately.

While both men lie already having taken some big blows there, the crowd is either starting to try and get both men into this or they’re just popping for the carnage. Either way, Benjamin is the first man to recover, Punk having to use the ropes to reach a base. Benjamin goes over to Punk on the ropes and picks him off and delivers a CHOP(Wooooo!) for measure, but Punk fights back with a hard right. Benjamin answers that with a hard right as well, both men trading blows back and forth until Benjamin seems to be pulling away, knocking Punk off balance with a series of forearm strikes, forcing him up against the ropes again. Benjamin slings Punk across the ring only for Punk to kick him in the face as he lowers his head on the rebound. Punk then backpedals off the ropes and goes rushing back towards Benjamin, but on that rebound, Benji catches Punk in the Exploder suplex position and even lifts Punk a bit, but Punk jumps out to the side, delivers a quick back kick to Benjamin’s midsection, and gets the double underhooks in, but before he can flip him, Benjamin struggles enough that he counters with a back body drop, only for Punk to grab onto Benjamin’s waist as he goes down, turning it into a sunset flip pin! The flurry of counters gets Punk another count – 1…2…3-NO!!

Benjamin rolls himself out of the move, forcing Punk to roll back as well. As Punk charges back, the tag champ lies flat and forces Punk to fly over him and rebound again, only for Benjamin to get up and leapfrog Punk on that rebound, forcing Punk to rebound again. This time, while Punk is running, Benjamin rebounds off the ropes as well, sending both men towards each other…DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!! The extremely momentous double bump absolutely decapitates both men, leaving them completely flatlined and sending the crowd into a tizzy. Punk momentarily chokes up to show the damage as we briefly cut away.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

As we’re back from the break, we’re immediately brought into an ongoing action scene, with Benjamin rebounding off the ropes and towards a prone Punk, but the Straight Edge enthusiast ducks as Benjamin flies towards him, prompting Benjamin to fly over him and protectively towards outside, but Benjamin grips onto the top rope before flying completely over, skinning the cat to get back inside, his legs capturing Punk on the way back up. Punk shoves the headscissors off of him, forcing Benjamin onto the apron. The two go back and forth for a bit trying to knock the other one off or back, only for Benjamin to knee Punk in the gut and bring him from the ring all the way to the floor with a suplex to the outside!! Punk’s spine crunches off the padded outside, even Haas reacting to that one by inhaling through puckered lips.

Benjamin hasn’t dropped from the apron, however, having dropped Punk at an angle that left him hanging on the apron. As Punk tries to recover holding his back, Benjamin runs and leaps off the apron towards Punk with a flying apron clothesline, but Punk ducks underneath the lariat. Benjamin shows off his great balance by landing on his feet, but he’s immediately rocked off of them by being nailed by a roundhouse right to the temple!! Benjamin twirls and goes face down into the outside, Punk having to lean on the barricade from the momentum of the swing, as well as further gathering himself from the suplex. The referee is executing the count out, but Punk takes the limp body of Benjamin and rolls it back into the ring, still taking some time to tend to his back. Punk pulls up to the apron and lies in wait for Benjamin to get to his feet, which he finally does after much cobweb shaking, only to be hit by a Punk springboard clothesline!! The crowd pops for Punk as he goes for the big cover – 1…2…3…NO!!! One half of the Tag Team Champions keeps himself in contention for a Dynasty title shot!

Punk has to lean on the ropes a little from the hits he’s taken and to rethink things through against Benjamin here. Punk clasps his fingers and twirls his wrist, showing he might be going for something and awaiting Benjamin to get to his feet. When he finally does, Punk drops him with a urange and tries to lock in the Anaconda Vice, but Benjamin wraps some headscissors on Punk and forces him back, not being able to synch in the hold completely. Punk is forced to stop trying and instead tries to jackknife over Benjamin for a cover – 1…Benjamin quickly transitions out of this by grappling Punk’s midsection and twirling him around, brings his back towards him before nailing a flawless German suplex!! Punk’s body folds over itself as Benjamin leaps onto Punk’s prone body – 1…2…3-NO!! Punk keeps his money and hopes live!

Benjamin shakes his head a little, his mouth agape in approaching exhaustion , but he grapples Punk and brings him to his feet only to chunk him into a corner and take a few steps back. He rushes towards Punk now and nails a stinger splash, sandwiching Punk’s body between his own and the steel ring post. Punk stumbles out of the corner a little before stumbling to the canvas, while Haas says something to Benjamin from outside about “ending it now”. Benjamin nods his head and stands behind Punk, stalking him for his finisher, but the crowd is beginning to buzz. That’s because it seems like Jack Hagar has come down the ramp and assaulted Charlie Haas from behind, Nick Nameth not too far behind him. Benjamin turns his head to see what all the buzz is about to see his partner being beaten down.

Benjamin is on the verge of stepping out of the ring to stop this, but the referee cuts in front of him and tells him to go back to his match before telling American Made to get the hell out of here. Nameth and Hagar look square at Benjamin and jeer before they shake hands, openly mocking the WGTT’s sign of respect. As Benjamin’s now vexed expression tries to focus back on his match, Punk is on his feet, possibly not knowing what was going on just now, but hoists Benjamin on his shoulders, only for Benjamin to fight his way off once more. The tag champ slips off onto his feet, which go towards Punk for a superkick, but Punk catches Benji’s leg, only to throw it around and Benjamin come back for the Dragon whip, but as Benjamin turns, he rotates right onto the shoulders of Punk who wastes no time this time…GTS!! GTS connecting!! Benjamin drops like a stone and Punk covers – 1…2…3…!!!

Winner: CM Punk at (12:43)

Punk keeps his gold, and holds off the Dynasty Championship shot he wants for another day, much to the chagrin of the WGTT. Punk doesn’t seem to be aware of the shenanigans that occurred while he was down, perhaps taking note when he catches a glimpse of Nameth and Hagar heading back up the ramp smiling and having a laugh at the failure they provoked in Benjamin. Benjamin, and soon following Punk, ventures outside the ring to help the battered Haas to his feet, the WGTT looking on vengefully up the ramp at their #1 contenders​


JBL:
That’s sickening. That’s just absolutely sickening.

Joey Styles:
I agree, partner. A great contest between two gifted competitors tainted by the fact that American Made continues to show the disrespect the World’s Greatest Tag Team says they do.

JBL:
No, you goon. I’m talkin’ about CM Punk obviously using the glory boys, American Made, as a distraction because he couldn’t beat Shelton Benjamin the right way.

Joey Styles:
…what?

JBL:
An’ on top of that, I think I lost a little respect for the World’s Greatest Tag Team, too. They sit there an’ say they only face opponents they have respect for. How can you respect a guy like CM Punk when he uses people as distractions?

Joey Styles:
Oh, right, CM Punk and the Tag Team Champions are the real bad guys here. What does that make American Made? The victims?

JBL:
Absolutely. They were doin’ exactly what they were supposed to be doin’ an’ that’s gettin’ a first-hand look at the guys they’ll be facing for those titles. It’s not their fault the World’s Greatest were distracted an’ it wasn’t their fault CM Punk used them just to hold onto that money that ain’t even his.

Joey Styles:
Oh, and I suppose they didn’t lay a finger on Charlie Haas. I guess he must’ve just tripped and fallen.

JBL:
An’ American Made was jus’ tryin’ to help him to his feet. Granted, they were a little rough, but they were bein’ good American citizens an’ helpin’ him out.

Joey Styles:
Y’know Bradshaw, you just may be the happiest guy I’ve ever met.

JBL:
Well thank you, Joey. I don’t see what that has to do with any of this, but I appreciate you actually taking in my positive outlook on this terrible situation.

Joey Styles:
Yeah, well, you know. Ignorance truly is bliss.



~Backstage…


Muhammad Hassan is in the backstage area, watching a TV screen of Punk walking away from the ring and up the ramp, his briefcase full of money still intact and under his ownership. Hassan looks on with the same bitter expression he always seems to have, the AOW Dynasty title around his waist not enough to offset it. He turns around to see a man in a suit with a clipboard for the second week in a row…


Hassan:
Can I help you?

Man in Suit:
Mr. Hassan, these are the transaction papers you requested.

Hassan:
Yeah. I did. But I signed some last week.

Man in Suit:
Our records showed you requested more than one.


Hassan looks on a bit confused but takes the pen and paper and signs the form anyway, shoving it back into the hands of the bank man, who grabs the clipboard and gets on out of the frame

---

Still backstage, where we can see Samoa Joe again, this time holding up what looks to be punching pads of sorts on both of his arms. The pads are being hit pretty hard by someone we can’t see until we pan out and see clearly that it’s Rob Van Dam, tearing into them with hard punches and kicks, igniting a pop from the crowd as they look at the screen


Joey Styles:
Well there you see Rob Van Dam furiously throwing those blows to prepare him for the most dire consequences match of his career when he takes on Chris Jericho for the AOW Championship, the loser of that match loses the right to fight for any AOW Championship ever! That’s coming up in our main event.



**Video Package**

We’re brought to the scene of a gorgeous beach, waves crashing in and out along the shore. It seems to be early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the clouds. Playing over this scene is a very tropical, Hispanic beat, but it’s not too upbeat. We go to another scene along the beach getting a great shot of the skyline of what looks like a city on the coast. We see a building that’s flying what looks to be the Puerto Rican flag before we return to the beach scene where we see there is a figure in a lounge chair on the sands, simply sitting back underneath an umbrella. We get closer to the individual, but we cannot see his face, only his hand which is holding a cigar. The man is, oddly, wearing a very nice jacket while lounging on the beach. He reaches in said jacket and pulls out an American half-dollar coin, flipping it in the air…

As he does so, the tropical backdrop seems to fade into a solid black background, the tropical music getting even slower as the coin is seen falling in slow motion, slowly descending towards a now abyss backdrop. As the coin spins beautifully, we get an underneath shot of it before the coin hits a clear floor, possibly plastic or just glass. The coin flips over itself on the inertia of finally hitting the ground. But as soon as it stops it’s teetering, we don’t even get to see which side it landed on. The screen goes dark, the tropical music completely stops, leaving the only sound we hear being the crashing waves on the shore with only three words appearing on the screen –

“QUIEN SOY YO…?”

**End Package**
**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

We return from the break, greeted with the image of AOW Champion Chris Jericho, alongside him being Lashley and Wright, the rest of the “Worthy Legion”, apparently in a locker room somewhere. Lashley is in wrestling gear, while Wright looks as unmoving as he always does. Jericho is in a suit, but looks to be taking it off to prepare for his title match just on the horizon

Lashley:
So, Jericho, do you want us to go over any last minute provisions…?

Chris Jericho:
No, Lashley. All that is to be done is done. All that’s left is execution. Tonight, it’s just Rob Van Dam. Tomorrow…all of AOW.

~Jericho smirks as he removes his tie from around his collar, Lashley smirking back. As Jericho prepares to remove his jacket, Ken Doane barges into the scene, a big excited grin on his face…

Doane:
Mr. Jericho! I came to you as soon as I could.


Chris Jericho:
And why would you want to do that, Kenny? Can I call you Kenny?

~Doane doesn’t seem to acknowledge the name

Doane:
Well, see you’ve completely inspired me to change my entire outlook on who I am. I’m here to make an impact and to spread my word the same way that you are. And I would be honored if you accepted me into the Worthy Legion.

~Lashley and Jericho look at one another for a moment before Jericho turns back to Doane

Chris Jericho:
I appreciate you wanting in on this, Kenny, but right now…you’re just not Worthy material.

~The smile drops from Doane’s face

Doane:
Why not?

Chris Jericho:
First of all, Kenny – you haven’t even won a match since you’ve been in AOW. At that, you’ve lost every match you’ve had in AOW in pretty convincing fashion. Get some wins and maybe, just maybe I’ll consider you.

~Doane takes that in and nods his head before leaving the area, Jericho and Lashley somewhat chuckling to themselves at that pathetic attempt


We remain backstage to see the sight of AOW Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson walking out of a door that reads “Foley”. Danielson is holding his title in his hands before throwing it around his shoulder and brushes his hand through his hair before someone approaches him and grabs him by the shoulder with a big grin on his face –

Jamie Noble:
How you don’ there, partner?

Danielson:
I’m not your partner, Noble.

~Danielson seems very much annoyed

Jamie Noble:
Of course you’re not. I hope that’s what Mick Foley was jus’ tellin’ you. Next week, we’re not partners. We’re opponents, baby!

Danielson:
Yeah, I know.

Jamie Noble:
But not only are we gonna be wrestlin’, we’re gonna be wrestlin’ for that there AOW Cruiserweight Championship! Finally, them higher ups realize I’m for real!

Danielson:
He just told me. But you know…he also told me that it wasn’t just a one on one match.

~The goofy and confident smile fades quickly from Noble’s face

Jamie Noble:
Woh, what?

Danielson:
Yeah. He told me that it was gonna be me, Bryan Danielson, the American Dragon, the best wrestler in the world, the AOW Cruiserweight Champion –

Jamie Noble:
Get on with it.

~Danielson smiles at his now annoyance of Noble

Daneielson:
He told me it was gonna be me…defending against you…and against Aero Star.

~There’s a big crowd pop heard beyond the walls

Jamie Noble:
WHAT?

~Danielson walks away from Noble with a half-smug, half-serious look on his face, but Noble pursues him and grabs his shoulder

Jamie Noble:
Hey, I ain’t done talkin’ to you yet, boy!

Danielson:
Yeah, well, I am. I’ll let my wrestling finish the talking next week.


Danielson turns back around and walks away from Noble, but he’s having none of it, dashing after Danielson again, this time clubbing him from behind with a blow to the back of the head!! Danielson goes down hard, his face making contact with the concrete beneath him. We can see that Danielson made impact right above what appears to be his left eye, causing him to clutch his eye and neck. Noble doesn’t stop there, pulling Danielson up and bashing him in the side of the face, assumingly right in his eye, which causes Danielson to backpedal. He tries to grab onto something, but winds up instead just knocking off a series of pipes off of the case they were sitting on.

Noble grabs a pipe and clutches it in his hands, awaiting Danielson to get to his feet, who is now clutching his left eye. We can see a bit of blood having opened above the eye, but Noble looks to want more, raising the pipe…but Danielson stops him! As the two have a tug of war over the pipe, Noble suddenly stops, as he’s looking up and staring in shock. Danielson stops struggling and looks up as well, only to see Aero Star on the very top of a stocking shelf. The two barely have time to brace themselves before Star leaps, eagle spread crossbody style, right on top of them!! Star rolls off, but he just hit concrete, maybe even falling on the pipe, while Noble and Danielson writhe and agony alongside him. We get a better look at Danielson’s steadily bleeding eye area as we cut away…


~Back at ringside…


“THE PROUD WARRIORS (LOW JACK REMIX)” is blaring over the sound system now, as Jack Evans and Low Ki come own down the ramp in their per usual fashion, Evans the one doing a jive all the way down the ramp, Ki allowing him to do so, only to grab him by the shoulder at the base of the ramp and stare at him sternly, not wagging his finger this time, but Evans gets the message as it is. It’s unclear which one of these guys has accepted Doane’s challenge until Evans leaps into the ring, leaving Ki outside.


Joey Styles:
Well folks, you just heard that right, uh, just announced we will be having a Cruiserweight Championship match just a few moments ago, but I think someone needs to get back there and check on the three guys who’re gonna be competing in that match next week.

JBL:
They’re grown men, Joey, they can help themselves. I think you jus’ wanna baby Bryan Danielson ‘cause he’s your favorite. He’s a champion, Joey. A full-fledged one at that. And now he’s gotta come to the fullest realization that the champion always has a target on his back.

Joey Styles:
We just saw evidence in that altercation backstage, both Noble and Star expressing their title hopes on the champion, those men having a heated rivalry thus far here in AOW, but right now in front of us we have another rivalry that Ken Doane has called ‘unfinished business’, with Doane looking to perhaps take out –

JBL:
He’s gonna take out the trash an’ show just how much of an Impact Player he really is! That’s what he’s gonna do to Jack Evans tonight!


“I AM THE FUTURE” now plays to a bit more heat than the last time we heard, as Ken Doane makes his way down the ramp looking like he did in his aohdubya.com video, his hooded vest with him and all. Doane throws it off as he gets into the ring, his demeanor being extremely focused, perhaps to prove himself worthy. He shows a tad of cocky flair when he steps in and taunts the crowd.

MATCH 2
Jack Evans w/Low Ki
v.
Ken Doane


Doane immediately shows off his new resolve by bullrushing Evans, taking him and driving him right into a corner, followed by heavy boots laying into Evans’ gut. Referee Goose Mahoney has to stop him at one point, but Doane doesn’t seem to care, going back to stomping on Evans, only to press his knee into his throat and lean in, forcing the ref to begin the DQ count. Doane eventually gets off, leaving Evans clutching his throat. Doane drags Evans out of the corner to get a cover – 1…NO! Evans quickly kicks out. Doane immediately grabs hold of Evan’s throat with a wraparound chin lock.

Doane keeps Evans here for a good bit, wearing him down, until Evans gets his wits about him enough to run straight towards a corner, propping his foot up, and shooting himself back, squashing Doane right beneath him as they come down. As soon as they hit the canvas, Doane lets go, as Evans rolls over the body of Doane and to his feet before executing a beautiful standing moonsault!! Evans now with the cover – 1…2…NO!! Doane still with some fight in him gets to his feet quickly, only to be met by an Evans dropkick that sends him backpedalling into a corner now. Evans makes some space between he and the corner clad Doane, closing that gap with a cartwheel back elbow smash!! The crowd lights up for that flashy and fancy move, prompting Doane to stumble out of the corner right into Evans, who greets him with a hurricanrana pin! Evans keeps Doane trapped beneath his legs – 1…2…3-NO!! Doane is able to make his way out!

Doane is getting taken for a ride now by Evans, who greets him with a pair of arm drags that scramble Doane’s head even more. As Doane looks to use the ropes to get to his feet, Evans rushes over and grabs his wrist, looking for the Irish whip, but it gets reversed. Evans is whipped instead, but ducks underneath a Doane clothesline on the rebound, leaping onto the second rope…springboard corkscrew moonsault press!! Doane is flattened beneath the spinning and ever energetic body of Jack Evans, prompting another cover – 1…2…3…NO!!! Doane doesn’t go down on that high octane offense, prompting much of the air to leave the crowd.

Even with Evans not being able to put Doane away here, he tries another whip into the ropes, getting that reversed again, Doane instinctively whipping Evans into the ropes. On the rebound, Doane lowers his head, only for Evans to jump over him and mule stomp him on his spine. As Doane rolls over to tend to his back, Evans points and ventures towards the top rope before making it there, the crowd now on their feet. Before Evans can leap, however, Doane springs to his feet and lowers the top rope, causing Evans to lose his balance and fall from his position.

As Evans goes tumbling down and recovers, he wanders right into Doane’s clutches, who takes him up in a backdrop that is transitioned into a neckbreaker drop. Instead of going for the cover here, Doane struggles to regain his composure, and then taunts the crowd a bit before going to the top rope himself, taking his time for some reason. When Evans sees how much time he’s taking, he pulls a page out of Doane’s book and tries to lower the top rope, but Doane sees it coming and leaps from off the top rope towards the canvas, front rolling to his feet. As that happens, Evans blindly rushes towards Doane, only for the Impact Player to spring up…RKODOANE!! RKODOANE!! Doane with the jumping cutter from out of nowhere covers center ring – 1…2…3…!!

Winner: Ken Doane at (4:29)

Doane won one! And he’s flipping out over it! Doane leaps into the air and pumps his fist, breaking his focused fighter mold he’d built just minutes before. Doane composes himself slightly only to poke at the crowd, and eventually Low Ki, who is seen trying to slide his tag team partner out of the ring. Doane then goes over to Mahoney and orders that he lift his hand, which the ref obliges to, sending Kenny D into yet another celebration.​


Joey Styles:
Well, it may be a little bit excessive, but I will admit perhaps Ken Doane has the right to celebrate his first ever win here in AOW after several frustrating weeks.

JBL:
This ain’t a football field, Joey! You don’t get flagged for excessive celebration in a wrestling ring! Let the kid have his moment! Give it up for the future of AOW, Mr. Ken Doane, who has shown just how much of a fighter he is, how determined he is. He had all those losses and none of them stopped them from gettin’ the win tonight!

Joey Styles:
Calm down, Jibbles. Not to discredit Jack Evans in any way, but it was just a win over Jack Evans. There was no title or even title shot on the line, and no, this isn’t a football field, but you and Doane are going on as though he’d won the Super Bowl.

JBL:
And you’re being a hypocrite, Joey. It wasn’t that long ago that Bryan Danielson was holding his Cruiserweight Championship on our first ever Pay-Per-View an’ you were over here chirpin at the top of your lungs like a damn cheerleader. So don’t tell me I can’t at least give this hard workin’ young man a pat on the back. See how loud you’ll be chirpin’ next week when Danielson shows he’s a fluke an’ loses that title to Jamie Noble.

Joey Styles:
Oh, for Pete’s sake…

JBL:
Not Pete’s sake, Joey, AOW’s sake! With Doane’s win here tonight, paired with the fact that Chris Jericho is only one win away from establishing himself as a true visionary, the future of AOW is bright.

Joey Styles:
And speaking of which, coming up on the other side of the break ladies and gentlemen, we will indeed have a match with an insidious amount of combustible and unstable elements – General Manager Mick Foley will be the man in stripes between Rob Van Dam and Chris Jericho, who will have what Foley called an ‘untainted’ rematch of our World Ablaze main event for the AOW Championship. All parties have been banned from ringside, but the loser of this match will forfeit any and all future title shots of not just the AOW title, but every title in AOW!

JBL:
That’s our main event, an’ it’s NEXT!!


***

We reach a black screen, before lighting up with what seems like a very innocent Christmas-like image of a home covered in snow, Carol of the Bells chiming in the background before our first female narrator chimes in over it…

Narrator:
‘Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the home…

We actually get a look inside the house, which reveals a Christmas tree…ribbons replaced by barbed wire

Narrator:
Not a creature was spared a chair shot to the dome

The screen fades to shots of several chair shots to the skull thus far in AOW

Narrator:
Some things were hung by the chimney with care…

In perhaps a PR nightmare, a flash goes by of Finlay hanging Joe with the ring rope noose in their AOKO clash

Narrator:
In hopes better bosses might soon be there…

A brief shot now of Paul Heyman and Mick Foley nose to nose in silence

Narrator:
The Hammerstein faithful, mass and brutal as a mob

Shots of the cantankerous Ballroom crowd

Narrator:
Would carol along with each other, singing {/Joey Styles} “OH MY GAAD!!”

Styles’ voice goes over for a second, with a shot of Shawn Michaels going through the announce table

Narrator:
While some have been nice, others Scrooges, some seething

Respective shots go by of Bryan Danielson, Muhammad Hassan, and Chris Jericho

Narrator:
AOW would like to wish you all happy SEASON’S BEATINGS…

On that, the Carol of the Bells becomes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra variation, complete with electric guitars

~AOW: WEDNESDAY NIGHT OBLIVION PRESENTS~

!!A TWO-HOUR LIVE SPECIAL!!
SUPERSHOW II: A VERY MERRY WAR
December 26th, 2007
**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

We return from the break and are immediately greeted with the sound of a bell ringing and an AOW Championship match graphic crawling over our screen

Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the AAAAAAOOOOOHHHH-DOUBLE-UUUUUUUU CHAMP-IONSHIIIIP!!

~An absolutely WILD pop from New York

Not too long after that introduction, “WRECK” sends the crowd into a tizzy. Throwing aside the curtain and stepping on through is the man in charge himself, General Manager Mick Foley, dressed in his classic referee’s uniform, as he makes his way all the way down the ramp to an absolutely deafening roar, stepping into the ring and acknowledging his huge ovation


Tony Chimel:
Introducing the Special Guest Referee…MIIIICK FOLEEEEYYY!!!


Joey Styles:
Folks, we welcome you right back here to AOW Wednesday Night Oblivion where our main event is literally just moments away, but before we get to it, just confirmed by General Manager Mick Foley prior to this contest, that next week, we will have the second ever Lucky 13 Battle to determine who will become the next number one contender to the AOW Heavyweight Championship.

JBL:
The first one crowned a champion, so it’s only right that the next one determine who’s next in line.

Joey Styles:
That match coming because by the result of this match, neither one of these men will be able to have any kind of rematch under any other stipulations! So we’ve got a Lucky 13 AND a Cruiserweight Championship match next week, but an AOW Championship match RIGHT NOW!!


No sooner does those words exit Styles’ lips, “WALK” throbs it’s way over the sound system and around the arena which causes all in attendance to go absolutely nuts, Rob Van Dam stepping through the curtain to cause them to ignite even more. RVD raises his fists in the air and lets in the grand pop he’s getting, but the look on his face is not one of a crowd pleaser tonight. He’s focused and in the game, ready to take on the guy who has denied him at every turn in Chris Jericho.

Not long after RVD sets himself in the ring and shadow boxes a bit, the crowd turns into an arena full of heat-throwing missiles, as “KING OF MY WORLD” begins to play now, as the revamped theme for AOW Champion Chris Jericho, who comes on down the ramp with his ever present better-than-you walk, although beside him is Paul “The Great” Wright, hoodie up, head down, and trugging behind the only man who seems to be able to control him Lashley is nowhere to be seen. Already a scheme in the works…? Jericho takes in his heat with pride, only to step into the ring and go from confident to scowling not only at Rob Van Dam, but looking to his left and seeing Mick Foley.


MAIN EVENT
~AOW CHAMPIONSHIP~
*Loser can challenge for NO CHAMPIONSHIP in AOW*
SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: Mick Foley
Chris Jericho(c) w/Paul “The Great” Wright v. Rob Van Dam

Foley walks over to Jericho and tries to take the title from him, but Jericho refuses to let Foley touch it, taking it from around his waist himself and raising it over his head to a great deal of heat to show that this is for the AOW Championship. While he does so, Foley reaches up and snatches the title from its perch, Jericho looking back furiously, only to see Foley holding it high and officially confirming that this is an AOW Championship match to a huge pop, if for no other reason than to spite the hell out of Jericho. After Foley hands the title over to the timekeeper, Jericho is in a corner, pouting, but as Foley gets situated, RVD prepares to pounce, only for Jericho to hold out his hands and ask for Foley. The crowd throws heat at this, Foley going over to Jericho and asking ‘why’, only for Jericho to demand that Foley pat RVD down to make sure he’s not hiding anything.

Jericho slowly approaches the arms raised RVD for a second inspection, but RVD is having none of this nonsense early, as he immediately initiates a lock-up with Jericho, forcing him all the way into a corner. As Van Dam is being forced off by Foley, he takes a step back only to SLAP(Wooooo!) the chest of Jericho with an overhand that has Jericho cringing. RVD then takes Jericho and whips him into the opposite corner, Jericho’s spine hitting the post hard. Jericho dips between the ropes in the corner and begs for Foley to stop him, only for Foley to pay no real heed and lets RVD move on over to the cornered Jericho and try and untangle him, very much like at World Ablaze. After a moment of struggling, Foley finally intervenes and tells RVD to back off, Van Dam not letting any of his anger subside. The crowd pops as RVD is shown with an intense expression, watching Jericho closely as he makes it from between the ropes and back center ring.

When Foley asks Jericho if he’s good to continue, Jericho surprises RVD by responding with an immediate headlock, wrapped tight. RVD backs away into some ropes and tries to fling Jericho across the ring, but Jericho is having none of it, keeping his iron grip on RVD’s skull. Jericho is wrenching RVD’s head off now, Van Dam responding this time by lifting Jericho into the air for a backdrop counter, only for Jericho to roll forward in his own counter, keeping the headlock on RVD, but both men now on the ground. RVD is in worse position than before, his back on the canvas. Jericho has the headlock synched in ridiculously tight, as we can see RVD’s face starting to change color from the lack of oxygen.

But the educated feet of RVD soon come into play, as Van Dam has enough in him to lift his ever flexible body into position where he can kick Jericho in the back of the head repeatedly enough to soften Jericho up to let go of the hold. As Jericho gets to his feet, he grips the back of his head, only to be met with a rushing RVD. Jericho dodges him by lifting him up over his head, causing RVD to go onto the apron. The two go back and forth with blows until Jericho pulls away with repeat right hands and scores a TRIANGLE DROPKICK that sends RVD sprawling to the outside. Jericho stands tall and raises his arm to deafening heat before turning to Foley and ordering him to begin the count-out. Foley just tells Jericho that he knows how to do his job and that he should get off his back, to which Jericho says otherwise. Foley then gets in Jericho’s face and the two start an argument right in mid-match, the fans going crazy for it. The crowd then gets even louder when Foley seemingly bumps Jericho just enough to send Jericho falling through the middle ropes and to the outside. Foley shrugs his shoulders before now beginning the count –

…1!!

…2!!

…3!!

Jericho looks up at Foley with pure distain before venturing back over to Van Dam, only to get a jawbreaker for his troubles, forcing him to brace on the barricade. On the other side of the ring, Wright is now making his way over to his manager, RVD not noticing and going right back after Jericho with an attempted high boot.

…4!!

…5!!

Jericho dodges at the last second, causing RVD to be hung up on the barricade. Jericho dips back inside the ring, only to get back in Foley’s face…? We wonder why he’s stopping the count with his arguing, but then we see why when Wright has made his way to the tied up Van Dam and GIVES HIM THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH!!! Van Dam gets an incredibly glossed over look on his face as he falls flat back to the outside, the crowd delivering immense heat at this. Jericho seems aware when the attack is over, moving aside and letting Foley continue the count –





Foley doesn’t count! He peers to the outside and sees Wright standing nearby a now completely knocked out RVD. We see in his eyes putting two and two together…AND EJECTS WRIGHT!! Foley is kicking Wright out of the match! Wright shows the only other emotion we’ve seen him in besides ‘stoic’ and that’s ‘anger’, jumping up on the apron and is about to probably clock Foley in his face, but Jericho jumps in front of him and stops the beast, telling him to leave. Wright seemingly calms down on that, but still has an angry look on his face, now walking back up the ramp. Despite this, the damage appears to be done, as Jericho goes back outside the ring to grab hold of Van Dam and shove him back under the ropes and to the inside, Jericho covering Van Dam now –

1…

2…

3-NO!!!

VAN DAM IS ALIVE!! The very first pinfall attempt of the night is thwarted by RVD being able to get out of the giant’s clutches! Jericho doesn’t seem to believe that, but maybe he’s in disbelief that Foley was actually executing a fair count. Nonetheless, Van Dam is still at a big disadvantage, Jericho strikes RVD several times in the skull with hard right hands before bringing him to his feet and chunking him back between the middle ropes, leaving RVD dropping on the apron. Jericho tries once again with his TRIANGLE DROPKICK…NOBODY HOME!! RVD has enough in him to sidestep on the apron, leaving Jericho to be hung out to dry over the middle rope. RVD delivers a quick kick to Jericho’s rump, causing a pop and laughter to erupt from the crowd, Jericho still having his upper half hanging in the ring, his lower on the apron. Van Dam launches himself from the apron back into the ring over the top rope…AND COMES CRASHING DOWN WITH A LEGDROP ON THE BACK OF JERICHO’S HEAD!! A leapfrog leg drop over the rope that crunches Jericho’s elevated position back into the canvas causes him to fall completely back into the ring, as Van Dam gets a small breath of wind here, taking a moment to gather himself before pulling Jericho away from the ropes and covering –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Another near fall so early! The previous kicks to the back of Jericho’s head seem to come into play again, as Jericho is clutching the back of his skull in a very similar fashion as he did earlier. RVD is still feeling the blow from the giant moments ago, so it takes him a second to shake more cobwebs out of his head before lifting Jericho to his feet and Irish whipping him across the ring, but Van Dam gets a kick to the jaw when he lowers his head on the rebound. Jericho backpedals and rebounds off the ropes again, but this time he’s met with a Van Dam kick to the gut before RVD performs a split and hits Jericho with a THROAT THRUST. Jericho falls back with a flat bump as Van Dam covers once again –

1…

2…

NO!

Not as close this time, but RVD still seems to have an edge, although he still seems a bit out of it and not fully focused. Van Dam still shakes more cobwebs out before stomping on Jericho’s head for good measure, then brings him back to his feet, only for Jericho to greet him with a sharp CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends RVD back a bit before RVD responds with a hard right hand, sending Jericho teetering a bit. Jericho brings himself back and strikes RVD with a right, prompting some boos. RVD is knocked off balance with that, coming back at Jericho, the two now going back and forth, the crowd letting their voices be heard –

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

BOO!!

YAY!!

YAY!!
YAY!!

Van Dam begins to pull away now, knocking Jericho back several steps before running into the ropes and flying back towards the AOW Champion, but as Van Dam is rushing back, Jericho pulls one out of his ass by running back…ENZEGUIRI!! RUNNING ENZEGUIRI!! VAN DAM DROPS LIKE A STONE!! The sock to Van Dam’s head is now back in play, as Jericho now takes a moment to get himself back before crawling over to RVD, shooting the half, and covering –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

Another near fall on Van Dam, Jericho looking at Foley and again arguing with the man in stripes. Foley just tells him to suck it up, which almost prompts Jericho to slap Foley, but he turns that aggression right back towards Van Dam, bringing him to his feet and suplexing him swiftly before trying again –

1…

2…

NO!

Not as close this time, but still frustrating enough for Jericho, who sits Van Dam up now and drives his knee into his spine while holding his chin back. RVD screams in pain, only for Jericho to keep the lock on, hoping to wear down the Whole F’n Show. Jericho tells Foley to “ASK HIM”, but Van Dam is simply refusing, the crowd edging him on to get out of the hold. Jericho keeps wrenching back in hopes of ripping RVD’s spinal column out of him, but Van Dam is able to make it to his feet and deliver repeat elbows to Jericho’s gut to make him release it, Van Dam rushing into the ropes once free, and crashes Jericho’s face with a hard SPINNING WHEEL KICK!!

Van Dam tumbles to his feet, Jericho making his way back up as well, only for Van Dam to rush back at Jericho…who delivers a headlock takedown, trapping RVD right back into the headlock he had earlier! Van Dam is a bit more wary of it this time, not staying in as long, but Jericho has it locked in very tight, not letting go. RVD makes it to his feet and pulls Jericho up with him, Van Dam momentarily falling to a knee. He quickly makes up for this by lifting Jericho into the air as if for a backdrop again, but instead lifts Jericho from the side and winds up throwing him on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry…STEAMROLLER!! STEAMROLLER!! Van Dam flattens Jericho! As RVD tumbles to his feet now, he gets a huge pop, which stops him in his tracks. He looks around at the crowd before throwing his hands up –

“ROB – VAN – DAM!”

RVD’s momentary lapse of psychology costs him, as it appears Jericho has rolled underneath the bottom rope and is on the outside now, forcing him to recuperate. RVD only looks on as he regains focus and hopes to keep his momentum going as we cut away.

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

As we return from the break, we’re immediately greeted with the scene of Rob Van Dam being put in position on the top rope for what looks like a Superplex. We get a small feature showing us how this situation came to be, as during the commercial break, Van Dam missed his corkscrew legdop outside on Jericho, opening things up for his moment back in the ring. Jericho has thrown Van Dam’s arm over his head and is prepared to leap up and back, but Van Dam starts showing his fight and starts pounding Jericho’s ribs in retaliation. RVD eventually fights Jericho off enough to send him flying back down to the ring, but Jericho is wary of his position, and on his way down, brings the top rope with him, causing RVD to straddle himself on the iron post. As the arena echoes the pain induced in the Crown Jewel of ECW’s family jewels, Jericho quickly gathers himself and leaps onto the second rope, reaches up, and grabs RVD’s ponytail…SUPER ONE HANDED BULLDOG!! SUPER ONE HANDED BULLDOG!! RVD’s face is sent flat into the canvas, Jericho felling little of that one in his shoulder after landing flat on his back for the spot. Some in the crowd begin a sparse “Holy shit” chant, leaving Jericho to make his way over to the seemingly dead Van Dam –

1…

2…

3-NO!!

RVD GETS THE SHOUDLER UP!! Van Dam keeps on showing the utmost resolve here! The increasingly frustrated Jericho runs his fingers though his hair before getting a very angry burst of wind, forcing Van Dam up and shoving him between his legs before lifting him up and over himself…GORY NECKBREAKER!! GORY NECKBREAKER!! Van Dam slumps off the back of Jericho, the sick maneuver twisting RVD’s spine and possibly beheading him. Jericho has an angry and sinister look in his eye as he rolls RVD over once again, making sure to hook the leg this time –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!!

VAN DAM ROLLS THE SHOULDER!! Even when Jericho pulls something out of his hat, Van Dam keeps his magic! Jericho is almost beyond frustrated now, rising to his feet and getting all in Foley’s face. Foley, as he’s done all match, gets right back in Jericho’s face. Jericho’s flustered face is burning red at the moment, but he turns back towards RVD to lift his legs for the WALLS OF JERICHO, only for Van Dam pull him forward and ROLL HIM UP! Foley quick to go flat –

1...
2…
3-NO!!

A more accelerated count by Foley, but Jericho is able to get out. Jericho gets to his feet and only has a mere second to look at Foley in utter disgust before he’s met with a Rob Van Dam clothesline. Jericho gets back to his feet quickly, only to be met by another Van Dam clothesline, quickly followed by another. RVD bursts towards Jericho one more time, ducking beneath a clothesline attempt, catching Jericho, and nailing the SITOUT SPINEBUSTER! RVD’s got a full head of steam now it seems, as he looks around the arena so they know what’s coming. Van Dam rebounds off the ropes and front rolls…ROLLING THUNDER…JERICHO CATCHES HIM IN A POWERSLAM!! WOW!! Van Dam leaps for the rolling senton only for Jericho to catch him and flip him all the way around! Jericho quickly pulls Van Dam a little closer to the center of the ring, throwing himself on top of him –

1…



2…

NO!!

Foley with a slower count for Jericho here! Jericho gets up and is stunned, staring at Foley. Foley just chirps back that “you said I was partial. I was only aiming to please”. Jericho is livid at that statement, opting to take it completely out on RVD, throwing right hand after right hand in Van Dam’s face, clubbing his body. Jericho then gets up and again goes to Foley and nearly rips the referee shirt off of him, the crowd throwing a great deal of heat at this. Jericho tells Foley that “you should be ejected”, before screaming somewhat incoherently that Foley shouldn’t be refereeing. Foley just looks at Jericho then looks at the now risen Rob Van Dam, knocks Jericho in the side of the head with a STANDING ROUNDHOUSE!! Van Dam then pulls Jericho to his feet and towards a corner, Van Dam sitting himself on the top rope and coming around…TORNADO DDT!! TORNADO DDT!! Jericho is down, he is out, and RVD quickly rushes back to the ropes and performs the flawless SPLIT-LEGGED MOONSAULT!! Van Dam’s body is partially thrown off, but Van Dam quickly recovers and throws his body on top of Jericho’s, Foley with a dramatic count –

1…

2…

3…

NO!!!

JERICHO SHOWS SOME RESOLVE!! Jericho rolls the shoulder! Foley went to a regular count and Jericho showed how much that AOW Championship means to him. Van Dam isn’t sure where else to go, taking Jericho to his feet and whipping the exhausted champion into a corner, rushing into him with several shoulder thrusts to the gut before backflipping and nailing a third one! As Jericho doubles over but still isn’t out of the corner, Van Dam backs away again, and when Jericho still hasn’t fallen, rushes back at Jericho with the front roll and leaps onto him, looking for the MONKEY FLIP…NO!! Jericho grabs underneath both of Rob’s feet and forces him to fall over…WALLS OF JERICHO!! WALLS OF JERICHO!! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Foley doesn’t look like he likes what he sees, but he ventures down to Van Dam anyway, Jericho causing the crowd to nearly riot with the move. Van Dam is saying over and over that no, he won’t give up, the Hammerstein trying to root their hero on, begging for him not to give into the so called “Worthy Man”. Just when it looks like Van Dam is going to lift his hands for the tapout…HE TURNS AND FINDS THE BOTTOM ROPE!! HE GOT THE BOTTOM ROPE!!

Foley has to tell Jericho that he has to let go of the rope, Jericho hesitantly doing so, throwing RVD’s legs down as though they were dejected toys. Jericho pulls RVD away from the ropes by his legs, although Jericho himself is near some ropes. Jericho attempts to cover RVD in a jackknife position, but throws his legs on the ropes and uses them as leverage out of Foley’s line of sight –

1…

2…





Foley spots the legs! He throws Jericho’s legs off the ropes to a huge ovation! Jericho’s mouth is agape in surprise, but tries to defend himself by pointing at Foley, saying “you can’t touch me, you’re not supposed to touch me.” He then RIPS OPEN FOLEY’S REFEREE SHIRT, getting an insane amount of heat. Jericho then, almost whiningly, looks towards the entrance ramp and screams up it that “WE NEEED A NEW REFEREE!! DISQUALIFY FOLEY!!” While Jericho is turned around and whining, Foley has reached in his pocket and pulled out…MR. SOCKO!!! Foley’s had enough! As Jericho turns back around to the ring Foley winds up…AND GIVES JERICHO THE MANDIBLE CLAW!! MANDIBLE CLAW!! Jericho is lifeless in a few seconds, the crowd going apeshit. RVD is up and gripping his back, seeing the whole thing, Foley only looking at him and smiling before cuing his “BANG BANG” taunt, only for RVD to get the hint and Now dramatically leap to the top rope and situate himself over the KO’d Jericho, Van Dam leaping…FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!! HE GOT IT!! Van Dam with the emphatic and emotional cover –

1…

2…





NO THREE COUNT!!

Why? BOBBY LASHLEY HAS PULLED FOLEY FROM UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!! Almost identical to the World Ablaze situation, RVD’s literal seconds away from glory and it’s stopped by one of Jericho’s goons! Lashley doesn’t do too great a job, merely pulling Foley out and not doing much to him, only making room to slide in himself. As Lashley slides in, Foley is still pumped and slides in right back after him, shoving Lashley away and sending him right back out…WITH A CACTUS CLOTHESLINE!! FOLEY GOES TUMBLING BACK OVER AS WELL!! Even on the outside, Foley tumbles, while Lashley lands on his feet, but off balance. Just when that happens and the pop can’t get any louder, someone else starts running down the ramp…SAMOA JOE!! JOE IS HERE!! HE’S ON THE HUNT!! Joe jumps in the ring first to check on Van Dam, who is still clutching his back and is slumped in a corner, Jericho still on his back. Joe then takes a look towards the outside where Lashley and Foley have tumbled, Joe swirling around and leaping through the ropes and aiming at Lashley with the ELBOW SUICIDA…LASHLEY PULLS FOLEY IN THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND!! JOE CRUSHES FOLEY!!

The crowd is audibly deflating at that instant, as the referee goes down hard, Joe taking a moment to gather himself after seeing who he hit. Unbeknownst to him, Lashley is stalking him and BREAKS FOR HIM WITH A SPEAR…JOE SIDESTEPS!! Lashley goes shoulder first into the steel ring steps, leaving Joe room to take him in his clutches and start delivering a flurry of blows to the big man. Lashley takes the hits, but is quick to fight back, Lashley and Samoa Joe now going blow for blow on the outside, each step bringing them closer to the barricade corner. When they finally reach it, Lashley seems to pull away and make room before he lunges at Joe and they go tumbling over the wall and begin brawling in the crowd, seemingly heading out the door.

As that goes on, there’s now no referee in the ring and Van Dam is looking for an option. Jericho is to his feet now as well, but now with no one or no rules to hold him back, RVD EXPLODES on Jericho, spearing him down and delivering his own beatdown onto Jericho for all the schemes and shenanigans that have gone on over the last few months between the two. RVD’s anger is felt all over the arena, causing another insane amount of pops, RVD laying those punches he was working on earlier deep into Jericho’s body. As the crowd gets louder and louder, portions of it get buzzier and buzzier. As Van Dam finally gets off Jericho’s now pummeled mass, someone is there to greet him…WITH A SHILLELAGH SHOT!! IT’S FINALY!!! FINLAY HAS CLOCKED RVD ACROSS THE SKULL!!! The crowd is sunk back towards disbelief, as Van Dam drops like a stone, the oxygen cut-offs to his head now potentially coming into play, as well as the initial Wright blow. Dave Finlay stands over the fallen challenger to a great rain of heat. As Jericho gets to his feet, he walks up to Finlay and appears to try and thank him in almost a groveling sort of way…ONLY TO GET CLOCKED IN THE HEAD WITH THE SHILLELAGH HIMSELF!! FINLAY CLOCKS BOTH MEN!!

The crowd is electrified, no one sure what to think, but everyone on their feet and making noise. Just as quickly as he appeared, Finlay leaves the scene of the crime the way he apparently came and that was through the camera side of the arena. Van Dam and Jericho are completely flatlined here, but there’s absolutely no one to do anything. That is, until senior referee Ray Ramsey hauls ass all the way down the ring, stripes on, and slides headfirst into the fray, only to jump to his feet and begin the count –

…1!!

…2!!

…3!!

…4!!

…5!!

…6!!

…7!!

An eyes glazed RVD is using the bottom ropes to get to his feet, trying to make his way vertical…

…8!!

Van Dam is up! Jericho is still downed it seems, barely stirring, but Van Dam makes it all the way up using the ropes, holding on, and leaping cleanly to the top rope, veering down at the man he hates at his feet. He’s still very much out of it, but the noise of the crowd is all that appears to be fueling him at this point, as RVD stands on the top rope before crouching one more time and leaps…FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH…CODEBREAKER!!! CODEBREAKER!!! CODEBREAKER IN MID-AIR FROM THE FIVE STAR!! I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!! Jericho had one last ounce of something in him, not even fully conscious himself, but he has enough juice to crawl on his hands and knees on top of the now completely KO’d Rob Van Dam –

1…

2…

3…!!!

Here is your winner and STILL AOW Champion…CHRIS JERICHO at (23:39)


Jericho rolls off of RVD’s body in an incredibly weary state, not even fully capable of believing what he just did. The crowd is absolutely livid, but there’s nothing anyone can do about what’s before them. Some are throwing heat, but a majority of others are too much in disbelief to do anything. Jericho is handed his AOW Championship and almost immediately darts out of the ring after getting his hand raised. Why? Because Samoa Joe has just re-entered the fray, crawling into the ring and continuing his hunt, possibly going for Jericho. Lashley has followed Jericho, meeting him at the base of the ramp and helping him to his feet and accompanying him as he goes all the way up the ramp.


Joey Styles:
I’m…I’m at a loss for words…Rob Van Dam, the heart and soul of AOW…can no longer challenge for any championships…

JBL:
THAT’S a Worthy Man! That’s a Worthy Champion!! That’s what’s I’m talkin’ about!

Joey Styles:
How in the hell can you condone something like this, John? It wasn’t just Chris Jericho this time, it wasn’t just Lashley, it was also Finlay! What the hell was Finlay doing here? What does this mean?

JBL:
It means Rob Van Dam is no longer a threat to greatest champion the world has ever known in Chris Jericho! An’ there’s nothin’ you, Shawn Michaels, Samoa Joe, or these people can do about it!


The final image of this darkest of Oblivions is that of RVD slung on the shoulders of Samoa Joe, who is staring up the ramp at Jericho and Lashley, who are in the exact same position. Lashley is holding Jericho up, barely able to hold his title high. Joe and Lashley are staring holes into one another as Jericho revives somewhat enough to raise the championship with both hands as we

Fade…

To…

Black…

END SHOW






.:Confirmed for Next Week:.

~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
Bryan Danielson(c) v. Aero Star v. Jamie Noble

~Lucky 13 Battle for the #1 Contendership for the AOW Heavyweight Championship~
Participants TBA


Hope too many don't hate me for the main event, but enjoy.
 
#124 ·
Alright, I think I'm long overdue to leave you a full review, so let's do this. As always, I'll be reviewing as I read, so if I mention something that ends up getting answered later in the show... well, yeah.

First off, it took some balls to have Shawn come out and give a sincere apology, but between how he did it and the fact that Shawn was the one who did it, it worked. Not a lot of people on the roster would be willing to come out and do something like that, but Shawn's one of the few I could see that happening with, so kudos there. It felt a little strange having Joe come out and speak his piece, but it was done well, and I could see this being the feud to take Joe to the main event. Having Joe bring up the Montreal Screw Job was hands down the highlight of this segment. To be honest, that didn't even occur to me when I read last week's show, but now that I've noticed it, it's so... perfect! Bringing up the contract clause was a good move, too, because that kind of got lost in the shuffle for me. I'm interested in seeing where you go with this one, mate! You haven't disappointed yet, and I'm not expecting you to disappoint here.

I'm happy that Punk won, but I'm also happy that you gave Shelton a really good showing. Having American Made interfere and cost Shelton the match does kind of hurt Punks credibility, but he's at a point where it's not going to hurt him much, compared to Shelton going over clean, which would have hindered him quite a bit. While I'm hoping that WGTT sticks around for awhile, at some point I can see Shelton being kind of a Benoit or a Guerrero- the main event technical guy. I definitely see singles gold, maybe even a world title run, in his AOW future if he keeps performing like this!

I'm kind of curious who this new guy is that you're advertising. The only person I could think it could be is one of the Colon's, but I know that Carlito's going to be hurt for awhile... are you possibly bringing in Primo? Interested in seeing where your going with this.

Seeing Doane get dissed by Jericho and Lashley does kind of bother me, because Doane has been little more than a joke, but I still see good things in his future. It's only going to be a matter of time before he has a complete attitude change and makes the rest of the roster regret underestimating him.

A triple threat between Star, Danielson and Gibson for the Cruiserweight title... that's a match I'm looking forward to seeing! The little brawl was a good little touch. Wasn't necessary, but at the same time it gives Gibson a little more heat going into the match, so good move.

...and just like that, my expectations for Doane have started to be met. I can see Doane feuding with Low Jack being a good lower card feud, and I can see Doane going over Low Ki being pretty big for his rise up the card, if that's the route you end up going.

Man, the end of that main event was quite a cluster fuck. On one hand, I'd like to think that due to how ridiculous the ending was, the stipulation will be null and void, but at the same time, that would kind of hurt the match and, to an extent, the company. I really don't know how to feel about it, to be quite frank, because on one hand, it makes Jericho even more of a heel, but on the other hand, this hurts RVD to no end if the stipulation is still in place. I'm intrigued to see where you go with this, but I'm kind of nervous at the same time.

All in all, I kind of feel like there could have been a little bit more done with this show, and I'm iffy about the main event, but it was another good show all in all. I'm hoping that the Cruiserweight title match is absolutely breath taking (I'm positive that you're NOT going to let me down, of course, but I can't help but have the concern with a match of this magnitude), and very interested in seeing what unfolds for the AOW World Title's future.
 
#125 ·
Oblivion Feedback

After the way things went down to close the show last week with Joe and HBK, good to see the Showstopper out early doors to address things. What Michaels had to say was totally believable. Reading it felt at times like he was a heel but then he’d pander a little to the fans or say a true baby face thing, very clever on your part as it keeps us as readers on our toes so to speak, looking to pick up little things. Only thing I didn’t like was Michaels saying he’s not sorry for what he did, then apologising at the end of it all?? I know he said he might be sorry it was Van Dam but still, wouldn’t have had him full on apologise after that.

Joe coming out was expected after last week’s little episode and Joe went hell for leather here. The moment he talked about screw jobs I was like, ohhhh this is gonna be good lol. Michaels snapping and telling Joe to listen to him was nice, can imagine him reaching breaking point at exactly that moment. ‘You trusted the devil and the devil lies’, loved that line, fantastic stuff. The whole point Joe brought up was great and Michaels reaction fit well alongside it. Michaels walking out was great, shows it’s really gotten inside his head and Joe rounding things off in brutal style there. Enjoyable opening.

Very good opening bout here with Punk and Shelton. Two very talented guys and you showcased them well here. Pleased to see American Made showing their faces during this as it leaves Benjamin looking none the weaker in defeat and advances their feud nicely while Punk keeps up his recent momentum.

I’m not entirely sure what the deal with Hassan and this guy is but it certainly has my attention.

Bit of a waste here in my mind with Jericho, his worthy men and Doane. Doane wanting in is fine but I would’ve hdone it another week and have Jericho focus entirely on the match as it’s a hell of a lot more important, such huge stakes. On the note of Doane joining the group, I don’t see the need nor do I want it to happen. Jericho, Lashley and Wright is a hell of a trio as it is, bringing Doane in wouldn’t do an awful lot in my book to help them or himself.

Nice segment here with Danielson and Noble. Big time match up next week, fully expect Danielson to retain but should be an excellent contest and allow Noble/Star to further. The beat down from Noble was good and Star helping out was convenient lol. Good building block.

Massive win for Doane here. You played up how he’s had a struggle since arriving and the win here could well see a turnaround begin. A steady singles push for Doane would be fine by me, just steer clear of the Worthy Legion, please?

This match was certainly eventful to say the least. Some fantastic action throughout as expected when these two lock horns and you write it in full. The ending was crazy, simply crazy. The spot with Foley bringing out Socko had me thinking Van Dam was gonna do it but Lashley on hand to stop things made sense. Once Joe got involved I fully, fully expected HBK to come on down and for him to inadvertently cost RVD but when Finlay came down I was stunned/disappointed/excited all at the same time. It’s great to see the fighting Irishman back in the fold and taking out Jericho as well as Van Dam was totally unexpected, making a statement I see. Him in the frame now adds a new twist but I was really disappointed to not see HBK. I know he didn’t wanna get involved in Van Dam’s business again but Joe was his business after last week and this week, so thought that would’ve been the little twist. Jericho retaining is the right call and I’m definitely looking forward to where you go now as there’s a lot of possible routes. The stipulation now should be interesting for RVD moving forward.

On the whole, some great action throughout as ever and a very gripping opening promo. Slightly disappointed in the fact that the main event didn’t quite get the hype it needed and deserved. There was no Van Dam interview and Jericho only had his run in with Doane. For such a big stipulation I would’ve expected a bit more hype and a bit bigger twist at the end of the contest although the match itself certainly delivered. I’m sure next week will straighten out a few issues as this show admittedly needed a lot of time for the main event this week, expecting maybe a bit more promo heavy show next time round. Keep it up mate!
 
#128 ·
We’re met with no package, no arena, no nothing but the image of AOW Commander in Chief Paul Heyman standing before us in a secluded area

Paul Heyman:
As Owner of AOW, following the chaotic actions that occurred last week in the AOW Championship match, I have used my judgment in regards to the stipulations. The referee’s decision is final and cannot be overridden, regardless of these circumstances. Therefore, not only is Chris Jericho still the AOW Champion, but Rob Van Dam is hereby banned from competing in ALL championship matches, as well as number one contendership situations. Also because of the circumstances of that match, Mick Foley’s job as General Manager is under investigation. Enjoy the show.

~We get the signature Heyman smirk as we fade away to the traditional opening…






11.28.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York

“Life Without Blood”


“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

Shawn Michaels comes down the ramp, pumped up from the main event of Week 1

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!

619!!!

Fight!

FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!!

*Final cymbal crash*

Chris Jericho holds the AOW World title high in the air

***

We open to yet again another 3,000+ sellout in the Hammerstein that has the arena rocking, some somber at the unceremonious Heyman segment beforehand, but they go silent when suddenly there’s a ringing of the bell that now grabs everyone’s attention, in the arena and watching at home


Tony Chimel:
The following Triple Threat contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the AOW CRUISERWEEEEEEIIIIGHT CHAMP-IONSHIP!!

~The crowd grows into a bigger pop that almost overcomes the disappointing Heyman announcement

“SIN LIMITES” sounds off across the sound system, as the luchadore they call Aero Star makes his way to the ring still tending to his back a little bit after still feeling the table shots for weeks and getting chunked on the titanium ramp two weeks ago. Star gets the crowd pumped and leaps on down the ramp, grabbing and spinning around the ring post, and saluting to the crowd before stepping in


Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to another addition of AOW Wednesday Night Oblivion and we’re gonna kick things off with the AOW Cruiserweight Championship being defended under Triple Threat rules, but following that heart breaking confirmation by AOW Owner Paul Heyman.

JBL:
The hell are you talkin’ about ‘heart breakin’? That’s the first sensible thing he’s done since this company’s even started! And it ain’t heart breakin’ when RVD knew what he was getting’ himself into, and dammit kudos for Mick Foley being investigated!

Joey Styles:
Well aren’t you just a bundle of joy.

JBL:
Damn right I am! Not only is this company finally waking the hell up, but Paul Heyman’s pulled is head out of his ass, will be sendin’ Mick Foley packin’, an’ right now, I’m gonna see my boy Jamie Noble get his hands on that Cruiserweight Championship he deserves.

Joey Styles:
Whether he deserves it or not is completely up to the individual, but this is for the Cruiserweight Championship and will happen, despite multiple reports saying that Bryan Danielson, our champion, has a cracked orbital bone due to the assault he sustained last week.


Almost on cue, “COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE” is heard around the arena, as Jamie Noble makes his way down the ramp with even more resolve in his step than he did a few weeks ago, not taking his eyes off Star for a second. He beats his chest before cautiously approaching the ring, remembering how Aero Star surprised him early at World Ablaze. He quickly makes his way up the steel steps, referee Rey Ramsey almost having to force the two apart as soon as Noble steps in the ring.

“FINAL COUNTDOWN” blasts its familiar chimes now to a huge pop, as AOW Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson makes his way to the stage and down the ramp, his maroon robe and hood fully donned. Danielson sidesteps his way down the ramp after throwing his hood off, leaping on the top rope and singing the signature refrain with the crowd. He then takes off his robe and hands it to the ref, finally revealing the AOW Cruiserweight title around his waist. With his motions stopped and his hood removed, we can see that Danielson’s left eye has been attended to, some bandages circling his eye socket, which was busted open last week by Jamie Noble. It is still noticeably red and bruised.

Noble and Star seem to take note of this before Danielson removes the belt from around his waist and hands it to Ramsey who hoists it high to show what’s at stake here.

~AOW Cruiserweight Championship~
Bryan Danielson(c)
v.
Aero Star
v.
Jamie Noble


All three men are in their corners, each man making sure to keep each other at arm’s length. The three approach each other with tentative open arms, forming a triangle in the center of the ring, the three men’s bodies providing the points. As each man creeps towards each other, Star and Danielson immediately get together and start kicking Noble in the gut, doubling him over and forcing him back into his corner before whipping him across the ring. Noble comes back out of the corner hard, right into the clutches of Aero Star, who performs a hip toss. As soon as the move is concluded, Danielson wraps Star up and nails a hip toss of his own. As both men recover, they trade arm drags, which concludes with Star handspringing to his feet to a pop from the crowd. As Danielson and Star reach a momentary impasse, Noble charges forward with a double clothesline, downing both men. Noble lays some boots into Danielson before taking Star and sliding him underneath the ring, sending him skidding to the arena floor.

Noble now takes control despite being doubled up early, continually laying boots into Danielson’s sides. He then noticeably lays some boots on the left side of Danielson’s face, bringing the eye injury into play. Noble brings Danielson to his feet and delivers several rabid forearm shots that back Danielson into the ropes, before launching him across the ring. Danielson meets a hard Noble shoulder on the rebound, prompting Noble to immediately try an elbow drop on the downed champ, bur Danielson rolls out of the way. As Noble tries to recover from his missed elbow, Danielson sizes him up and quickly tries for a decapitating roundhouse, but Noble has that well scouted and ducks out of the situation completely, retreating to a corner now. Danielson follows Noble into the corner, only for Noble to try and cower to get the ref’s attention. When the ref does split the two, Danielson is quickly rolled up from behind by a still very alive Aero Star! The ref changes attention –

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NO!!

Danielson manages to throw Star’s body off, sending him launching into the same corner as Noble, but Star avoids colliding with Noble by leaping up on him and performing a monkey flip…into a Danielson dropkick!! A good bit of impromptu tag team action from the face duo there, Danielson quick to cover –

1…

NO! Aero Star has scooted Danielson off, quickly taking his place on top of Noble –

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2…

He doesn’t fare much better when Danielson yanks him off of Noble’s body and into his clutches, trying to forcefully execute a backdrop, but Star flips out of it and lands on his feet. Star then rebounds off the ropes behind him and rushes back at Danielson, ducking under a Danielson backhand blow attempt, and coming back off with the handspring reverse elbow!! The commentators are quick to point out that the elbow probably caught Danielson in his injured left eye, which Danielson is quick to sell. Jamie Noble is back on his feet now, which prompts Star to run by him and try for another handspring reverse elbow…but Noble counters and seamlessly transitions it into a backdrop – right on top of Danielson! Noble shoves Star away before covering Danielson, forcing his forearm into the left side of Danielson’s face while doing so –

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NO!!

Danielson throws the elbow up, only for Noble to grab it by the wrist and force it back down to the canvas, causing Danielson to clutch it in pain. Noble then gets to some definite work on the eye of Danielson, delivering several blatant shots to it. As Danielson searches around the ropes after being temporarily blinded, he’s guided back up by Noble pulling on his hair and yanking him on the middle rope and putting his weight on him, completely choking the hell out of him. The referee is trying to get him to stop, and he finally does so to a great deal of heat. Noble pulls Danielson off the ropes into an impressive backdrop, opting to cover Danielson –

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3-NO!!

Danielson again throws a shoulder up, but Noble keeps on him. Just when Noble looks to bring Danielson to his feet, he’s struck in the side of the face by an Aero Star front dropkick, sending Noble scurrying. Star follows Noble as he recovers in a corner, leaping off of Noble’s chest before hitting him with an enzeguiri, the Tiger Mask kick! Noble collapses against the ropes, his hand barely gripping them to somewhat stay up. Aero Star then turns his attention to Danielson, but AmDrag pushes Star away hard, right back into the corner that Noble was in, Star’s tailbone ramming Noble right in the gut and forcing both men to stand upright in the corner. Danielson sees this as an opportunity, running towards his corner sandwiched opponents – a dynamic double corner dropkick!! Both men fall, Danielson scurrying to try and cover Aero Star –

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NO!!

Star keeps his title hopes alive, but Danielson quickly tries now to go and cover Noble after pulling him away from the ropes –

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3-NO!!

Noble keeps things going here! Danielson is slightly flustered that he couldn’t get either one of his opponents to stay down. Aero Star has apparently rolled to the apron, leaving Noble for Danielson. Danielson seems to wrap Noble up a bit before locking in an STF, Noble trying desperately to try and reach a rope. The crowd is popping for Danielson’s submission prowess here, the American Dragon torqueing the country boy into a painful position. Noble is scratching and clawing, trying to find a way to get back to the ropes. As he’s reaching, Aero Star seems to be back on his feet on the apron, gripping onto the top rope and leaping – Tope Atomico!

The rope-aided senton breaks the hold and keeps both Noble’s and Star’s title hopes alive! Noble now rolls out of the ring, leaving Danielson to try and get back to his feet while clutching his spine. Star has already rolled to his feet and tries to whip Danielson into the opposite corner, only for it to get reversed. Star goes whipping into the corner, but as Danielson gives chase, Star leaps over Danielson’s head. As Danielson rushes blindly into the corner now, he counters this by leaping up and performing a backflip right back into the fray, only for Aero to springboard off of the second rope and catch Danielson in some spinning headscissors!!

The rapid flurry of counters sends the CW Champ’s head spinning, and even sends him under the bottom rope. Outside the ring, Danielson meets Jamie Noble again, the two starting a small brawl near the base of the entrance ramp until we look up and still see Aero in the ring, who is rushing at both men for the Tope Torpedo…both men cover their heads in anticipation…and Star doesn’t project towards them? Star dupes them into thinking he’d soar through the ropes, but stops at the last minute and merely fixes himself on the apron, leaving his bracing opponents unable to see what he’s fixing up next. Star leaps onto the second rope, springboarding…ASAI MOONSAULT! ASAI MOONSAULT TO BOTH MEN!! All three men appear to be lain out on the outside now, Star rolling onto one knee with the momentum, leaving us wondering if he’ll keep it as we cut away.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

When we return from the break, Star is still seen to be in control, in the ring with Jamie Noble. A clip quickly shows of what happened during the break in Danielson trying to mount some offense, but Star and Noble momentarily teaming up to shove the champion into the steel steps. While Danielson is still hurting on the outside, Star and Noble reenact their World Ablaze match when Star tries to whip Noble into the ropes, only for it to get reversed and Star leaps over the lowered head of Noble and turns it into a roll-through sunset flip, leaving Star to dropkick Noble fight in the face. Star follows that up by quickly leaping over Noble and coming crashing back down with a standing moonsault senton! Star rolls back over to cover Noble –

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3-NO!!

Noble rolls the shoulder, fighting Star tooth-and-nail like he did two weeks ago. Star might be looking to end this one now, as he ventures to the top rope and trying to set something up, but Noble gets a burst of life and blatantly kicks the top rope, forcing Star to land groin first on the iron post. The crowd delivers some heat for this, Noble taking some time to clutch his body in pain. Noble then goes over to the hurt Star and grips him in a front headlock…ELEVATED DDT!! Star’s head goes spiked into the canvas!! Noble and Star’s past encounters may have played a part in that counter, Noble making sure to pull Star away from the ropes and covering –

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NO!!

DANIELSON MAKES THE SAVE!! Danielson keeps the title for now by bursting into the ring and shoving Noble off, barely able to make it. As Noble angrily confronts Danielson on his near win, he again tries to bash him in his injured eye, only for Danielson to block the blow from his knees and strike Noble several times, mounting a comeback here. Danielson gets to his feet and keeps the offense going by kicking Noble several times and attempts to whip Noble into the ropes, but reverses it, only for Danielson to come right back and hit him with the sitout clothesline, followed by another, then another. Danielson’s built up quite the head of steam here, approaching Noble and setting up the LeBell Lock, but Noble counters by quickly jabbing Danielson right back in the injured eye, sending the champ reeling. When he turns back to face Noble, the challenger nails Danielson with an Alabamaslam!! The back of the champs head is driven into the canvas, a big cover here –

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3-NO!!

DANIELSON STAYS ALIVE!! Noble can’t quite put him away, getting obviously flustered from failing to pin both of his opponents here. Noble shows this frustration by stomping on Danielson several times before getting on his knees, taking his taped wrist and raking it repeatedly across the left brow of Danielson, aggravating it more and more. Danielson screams in pain, Noble not stopping, saying “Lemme hear you squeal like a pig, Dragon”. Noble finally stops, absorbing all the heat that’s being thrown on him here for that, taking Danielson over to a corner and lifting him onto the top rope, perhaps going for something here. Noble starts setting up for what appears to be a superplex, but Danielson starts fighting back. He may ‘squeal’ like a pig, but he’s no sitting duck, as he keeps delivering blow after blow to try and get Noble off of him.

The two former ROH Champions have a tug of war battle going on the top rope which Danielson finally wins, shoving Noble off. Noble takes a flat bump, but the impact lets him roll onto one knee somewhat. Danielson stays crouching in wait until Noble is completely on his feet, but when he is, he doesn’t turn to Danielson. Instead, he turns around to see Aero Star back in the fray, rushing towards Noble, whom he quickly sees and throws over his shoulder as he leaps for a hurricanrana. Star lands right on Danielson’s shoulders, turning it right into a frankensteir!! A massive pop from the crowd for this spot, some ‘holy shit’ chants start springing up. Noble, meanwhile, looks to take complete advantage of this, grabbing Star by his neck and tights and chunking him out to the floor, as he goes over to cover the now possibly dead Danielson –

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NO!!

DANIELSON ROLLS THE SHOULDER YET AGAIN!! Noble pounds the mat in frustration, even getting in the ref’s face and ordering him to count faster. The man in stripes refutes, but in somewhat of a rage, Noble goes over to one of the turnbuckles and begins untying the protective cover on the top rope, prompting Ramsey to go over and scold him and try and fix it. While he’s doing that, Noble simply goes to the other side of the ring, where he undoes that protective cover before the referee can turn back around. Noble further demonstrates his frustration by going so far as to rip the bandages clean off of Danielson’s already targeted eye area. Noble then brings Danielson to his feet and grabs his head, only to try and bash his brains out against the unprotected steel post…but Danielson gets a leg up and stops him! This forces Noble back and gives Danielson enough room to nail Noble with a decapitating roundhouse, right to the temple! Noble goes down, Danielson on the cover now –

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3-NO!!

Noble stays in this now! But as soon as he throws the shoulder up, Danielson grabs it and works it around…LeBell Lock! LeBell Lock!! Danielson’s got it completely synched, but Aero Star is back in the ring, making his way towards breaking the hold. Before he can do so, Danielson lets go of Noble, opting instead to go after the charging Star…who gets caught in a LeBell Lock of his own!! From what we can see of Star’s face, he’s in a great deal of pain and he’s center ring with nowhere to go…before Noble delivers a fierce boot right to Danielson’s injured eye! Danielson falls flat on the blow, Noble now bringing him to his feet. The champion is quick to counter despite only one good eye, however, immediately moving behind Noble and nailing a beautiful German suplex! Star is back on his feet and charges at Danielson right after the suplex, only for Danielson to dodge him, and grab him from behind…Dragon Suplex!! Danielson keeps the bridge on –

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3-NO!!

Star is able to wiggle free!! The momentum Star used to kick out sends him head over heels and onto his stomach, Danielson staying right on him and capturing him in a nasty surfboard stretch that forces the flexible Star’s head into the chest of AmDrag. We can hear Star screaming, letting out some of the only noise he’s ever let out in AOW. Jamie Noble grips his neck, but makes his way over to the duo in the submission, but doesn’t break it up. Instead, he positions himself behind Danielson…and traps him in a Dragon Sleeper! It’s a Surfboard/Dragon Sleeper domino! Danielson still hasn’t let go of Aero Star and Noble looks like he has a death grip on the champion. Danielson finally lets go of the luchador, Star’s masked head going face-first into the canvas. Noble then wraps his legs around Danielson to form some bodyscissors, but Aero is somewhat quick to recover, though he grips his back in pain, and rush his way to the top rope…AERO STAR PRESS TO BOTH MEN!! THE IMPLODING SHOOTING STAR PRESS TO NOBLE AND DANIELSON!! Danielson seems to take the brunt of the impact, but Noble is hurt as well. Star exhaustingly pulls Danielson’s body away and covers him –

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NO!!

It’s Noble’s turn to play save-the-match, as he gets there at the last minute to shove Star off of Danielson’s body. Aero looks to be really agitated at that move, beginning to kick the living snot out of the grounded Noble, even shoving him out of the ring with his boot. Star now turns to Danielson in hopes of putting him away, rebounding off the ropes in front of him and low dropkicking him in the face! Star with another cover –

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NO!!

Danielson STILL with fight in him! Star grabs at his head and is in awe at the damage Danielson has taken here, eventually brining Danielson to his feet. When he does so, he appears to try and suplex Danielson, but the champion is quick to try and counter and eventually lifts Star into the air for his own suplex, but Star counters that by trickling down Danielson’s back on the suplex grip and turning it into a sunset flip cover –

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NO!

Danielson rolls his way out of it, but just as he gets to his feet, Star approaches him and quickly nails the snap suplex he intended, but turns it into a float over suplex! All of Star’s flash is showing now with the immediate cover again –

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NO!!

Danielson still shows lots of fight, Star looking to wear him down with a quick kick to the spine before whipping off the ropes. Danielson lies flat and lets Star go over him, Star then comes back at Danielson with the springboard crossbody…DROPKICK!! MID-AIR DROPKICK!! Star is down now, Danielson with the hopeful and quick cover –

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3-NO!!

Star showing a great deal of resolve there on that, but Danielson is again quick to answer by getting Star in the double chicken wing and looks to try and lock in the Cattle Mutilation, but Star won’t quite let him get it, continually scurrying on the canvas. He eventually makes it to his feet with Danielson still having the wings in. Star seems to counter it, however, rolling forwards and turning it into a roll-up –

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3-NO!

Danielson gets out of the tight predicament, but as both men quickly get to their feet, Danielson greets his blue opponent with a small package –

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NO!!

Star unhinges the maneuver, but just as both men get to their feet, Star surprises Danielson by charging forward and successfully nailing the springboard crossbody!! Before Star can even get a cover on this one, he’s pulled off of Danielson’s body by the reentering Jamie Noble, who kicks the vertical Star in the gut before getting the double underhooks, and suddenly…TIGER DRIVER!! TIGER DRIVER!! Noble keeps the elevated cover –

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3…

Noble lets go??

Noble doesn’t let go so much as he’s forced to let go, as one of his arms is hooked by Danielson and wrenched around…LEBELL LOCK!! LEBELL LOCK!! Noble has absolutely nowhere to go, his expressions selling the pain of the move for several seconds…until he bashes Danielson right in the injured eye!! Danielson goes down gripping his left side hard, Noble left to try and work some feeling back in his wrenched arm. As Danielson gathers himself, he charges blindly at Noble, only for Noble to sidestep and direct Danielson’s injured left eye area right into the exposed steel turnbuckle. Danielson goes reeling, right into the clutches of Noble, who turns him upside down again – TIGER DRIVER!! TIGER DRIVER!! Noble again keeps the prawn pinning position, a possible new champ being crowned –

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3…

STOPPED COUNT!!

AERO STAR COMES FLYING OFF THE TOP ROPE AND ROLLS NOBLE INTO A SUNSET FLIP!! The literally from nowhere Aero Star suddenly flips the script on Noble –

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NO!!!

NOBLE THROWS HIS LEGS UP!! The momentum causes Noble to backwards roll proceed to roll out of the ring, forced to gather himself after he was inches away from the title, only for Aero Star to swoop out of nowhere. Noble even ventures by the announce table, yelling ‘what do I need to do’ before he looks back in the ring at the sight of Aero Star running at him and through the ropes with the Tope Torpedo…NOBODY HOME!! Noble still has Star well scouted, Star crashing and burning by skidding clean across the announce table, almost taking Styles and JBL with him. Noble sees another golden opportunity now, turning back towards the ring to see a prone Danielson, who is struggling to get to his feet using the ropes. A camera angle shows that Danielson is BUSTED OPEN, right above his left eyebrow having a cut most likely from meeting the unprotected post head-on in an already tender spot.

The orbital bone may be broken now, but it doesn’t stop Noble from pulling Danielson away from the ropes and going once again for the TIGER DRIVER…but Danielson is able to counter it before he flips him, catching his arm again and turning it once more into the LeBell Lock! Noble has literally nowhere to go now, doing his best to frantically crawl, but to no avail. We can see Danielson putting as much pressure on the move as he can, the blood trickling down the left side of his face and into his eye as he sells the intensity. Noble’s thrashing leads him to start trying to hit Danielson in the eye with his free hand, but the American Dragon shows why he’s the best by taking the free arm, unhooking the LeBell…and turns it into the CATTLE MUTILATION!! CATTLUE MUTILATION FROM THE LEBELL!! Noble is screaming in agony as Danielson bridges, the crowd going wild…







AND HE TAPS!! NOBLE TAPS!! IT’S OVER!!

Winner and STILL AOW Cruiserweight Champion: Bryan Danielson at (20:17)

HE DID IT!! Danielson unhooks the submission hold and automatically falls to his knees, soon being handed his Cruiserweight Championship by referee Ray Ramsey. Danielson’s arm is then raised, bringing him to his feet to a massive pop from the Hammerstein, completely taken aback by what they just saw. And just to show that Jamie Noble and Aero Star’s efforts aren’t in vain, the crowd begins chiming up with a “THAT WAS AWESOME!! *CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP* THAT WAS AWESOME!!” chant going. This continues until Danielson raises his title in the air which prompts another huge pop, Noble slowly getting to his feet, while Star is crawling to get to his on the outside. The chant continues before we get an excellent screen shot of Danielson holding his title right next to his bloody eye area, some of it getting on the title.


Joey Styles:
Through blood, sweat, tears, and possibly broken bones, Bryan Danielson prevails, and he is STILL your AOW Cruiserweight Champion!

JBL:
How many times do I have to tell you to sit your heathen ass down? So the guy won, so the guy retained his title, so what? Chris Jericho retained his title last week an’ you weren’t jumpin’ around out here like his damn cheerleader.

Joey Styles:
Did Chris Jericho win with blood pouring down his face? Did he win with heart and determination? NO! Chris Jericho won last week with dirty tactics, distractions, and scheming! Bryan Danielson just retained his title on sheer talent alone.

JBL:
An’ so did Chris Jericho! That’s his talent – bein’ so incredible, people just want to help his cause. You can’t fault the man for that! He won on pure talent alone, too!

Joey Styles:
As much as I disagree, this crowd seems to be in conjunction in the fact that they think that this match was well…awesome.

JBL:
It’s not too often I agree with these hooligans here in the Hammerstein, an’ I’m disappointed that Jamie Noble just couldn’t get the job done, but that was an absolutely incredible match. All three men gave it all they had because the Cruiserweight title means that much to them. So quit actin’ like Danielson was the only one who did anything, you goon.

Joey Styles:
Indeed, everyone involved gave it everything they had. Aero Star out here crashed and burned late in the contest because of how much he gave, and Jamie Noble was literally seconds away from winning the title numerous times. But through all the efforts, Bryan Danielson, the American Dragon, remains your Cruiserweight Champion.

JBL:
An’ if you can believe it, this was jus’ our appetizer!

Joey Styles:
Oh, absolutely. Because coming up later on tonight, we’ve got the Lucky 13 Battle that’s going to decide who will become the #1 Contender for the AOW Championship at our next Supershow, a Very Merry War! But woh – um, no, don’t go to the break just yet, we’re getting word from backstage that The Miz has found Rob Van Dam and is going to try and get his reaction to Paul Heyman’s verdict from earlier tonight…


~We do indeed go backstage to a scene similar to that of a storm chaser, Miz playing the part here and approaching a room labeled “RVD” with caution with the cameraman

The Miz:
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin here, where on the other side of this door awaits the man who found out tonight that he can no longer challenge for any AOW title ever again. Let’s see how screwed up he is…

~Miz drops the creeper shtick and bursts through the door rather rambunctiously

The Miz:
Ooohhh, boo hoo, Rob Van Dam can’t be champion anymore! You gonna cry, Rob?

~Miz stops his automatic taunting when he actually lays his eyes on RVD…who is sitting with his back still to the entrance, no ponytail, leaving his hair completely wild, and watching his unceremonious verdict by Paul Heyman that we saw at the beginning of the show…but RVD evidently keeps rewinding and replaying, the same piece playing over…and over…and over…and over…

Paul Heyman(recording):
Rob Van Dam is hereby banned from competing in ALL championship matches, as well as number one contendership situations… hereby banned from competing in ALL championship matches, as well as number one contendership situations… ALL championship matches… ALL championship matches… ALL championship matches…

~Miz just stares at RVD, unable to comprehend what’s going on until the recording finally stops playing its broken record and we see RVD finally get up and turn around. RVD’s gaze seems incredibly distant, keeping his head down and staring into the floor, not even looking at Miz, even when the annoying interviewer waves his hand in front of his face

The Miz:
Uh…Rob…? Any comment on Paul Heyman’s announcement…? Er…Rob?

~RVD brushes past Miz without saying a word and goes to his locker room door, stares hard at the nameplate on it, before ripping it off and slowly making his way back to Miz

RVD:
Miz…who is this?

~Miz stares at RVD in confusion as he points to the nameplate he’s holding

The Miz:
Uh…‘RVD’. Rob Van Dam. That would be you, Einstein.

RVD:
No…that can’t be me.

~Van Dam says this with an incredibly blank expression and a dry voice, almost monotone

The Miz:
What are you talking about?

~Miz holds the microphone the RVD’s lips, but all we get is Van Dam breathing somewhat heavily into the mike, getting a bit more rapid

RVD:
The man who holds the AOW Championship is the man who is considered to be the life and blood of AOW. But now, I can’t challenge for any title in AOW at all. If I can’t do that, then that means I can’t be the blood that runs through AOW.

~RVD pulls the microphone closer, clutching it with one hand and continuing to stare blankly at his nameplate with the other

RVD:
And the man you say I am, this “RVD” guy…he once claimed that RVD is AOW. So if I can’t be AOW Champion, then I can’t be AOW. And if I can’t be AOW…

~Van Dam almost looks as if he’s on the verge of tears

RVD:
…then I must not be Rob Van Dam.

~Miz’s face tells the story, as he stares at Van Dam as though he’s completely lost it, but he is very justified in believing so…has RVD completely lost it…?

RVD:
And if I’m not Rob Van Dam…then who am I?

~RVD’s grip on the microphone seems to tighten exponentially, crushing Miz’s fingers beneath it. Miz sells the crunching of his fingers as RVD’s face goes from distant to that of a very apparent nervous breakdown, bringing the microphone closer to him

RVD:
Who am I? Who…am…I??

~The man we know as RVD finally lets go of Miz’s hand and the microphone, prompting Miz to start high-tailing it out of the there, the cameraman beginning to follow suit, but stays put to give us good parting shots. It’s apparent now that RVD is no longer…RVD

RVD:
Who am I??


RVD maintains his subdued nature, but he’s left staring at the frozen picture of Heyman with the nameplate with his initials on it in his hand. Van Dam then takes the nameplate and suddenly stabs it into the television screen, right in the middle of Heyman’s face, causing the TV to short circuit. RVD still seems very tranquil in motion, despite his contrary action. But Van Dam isn’t done, now grabbing the TV, ripping it off the wall, and chunking it against the ground, completely shattering almost all that was left of the screen. Van Dam drops to his knees in despair, now staring at the destroyed screen before him, still with the same blank stare and far-gone monotone…

RVD:
Who…am…I…?









**Video Package**

We’re brought to the scene of a gorgeous beach, waves crashing in and out along the shore. It seems to be early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the clouds. Playing over this scene is a very tropical, Hispanic beat, but it’s not too upbeat. We go to another scene along the beach getting a great shot of the skyline of what looks like a city on the coast. We see a building that’s flying what looks to be the Puerto Rican flag before we return to the beach scene where we see there is a figure in a lounge chair on the sands, simply sitting back underneath an umbrella. We get closer to the individual, but we cannot see his face, only his hand which is holding a cigar. The man is, oddly, wearing a very nice jacket while lounging on the beach. He reaches in said jacket and pulls out an American half-dollar coin, flipping it in the air…

As he does so, the tropical backdrop seems to fade into a solid black background, the tropical music getting even slower as the coin is seen falling in slow motion, slowly descending towards a now abyss backdrop. As the coin spins beautifully, we get an underneath shot of it before the coin hits a clear floor, possibly plastic or just glass. The coin flips over itself on the inertia of finally hitting the ground. But as soon as it stops it’s teetering, we don’t even get to see which side it landed on. The screen goes dark, the tropical music completely stops, leaving the only sound we hear being the crashing waves on the shore with only three new words appearing on the screen –

“QUE ESTA BIEN…?”

**End Package**
**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

As we return from the commercial break perhaps still in shock at what we saw before it, insult gets piled onto injury as we hear “KING OF MY WORLD” go off, meaning only the arrival of The Worthy Legion, which this week seems to comprise of only two men – Bobby Lashley and AOW Champion Chris Jericho. Jericho is wearing a fine suit as well as an enormous smirk on his face, more than pleased with what he just saw, while Lashley is in tow and wearing competitive clothes.

Chris Jericho:
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

~Jericho lowers the microphone to strengthen his smirk into a full-fledged smile

Chris Jericho:
I take that back – that would insinuate that Rob Van Dam was at one point mighty, and thus, you would have to assume that at one point, Rob Van Dam was worthy. But he is not. And he has never been.

~Rain of heat

Chris Jericho:
I believe the ineptitude of this administration has been well displayed so far in AOW, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. And thus, finally, Paul Heyman made not just one right decision, but two earlier tonight.

~Jericho stirs around the ring, Lashley standing completely motionless behind him

Chris Jericho:
Not only did he finally look into my complaints in regards to the idiot in charge known as Mick Foley and is evaluating his most certainly doomed charges –

~Jericho pauses for the heat

Chris Jericho:
But he also made the undisputable right call when he said that Rob Van Dam’s punishment would be completely and justifiably upheld.

~Even more heat

Chris Jericho:
And judging by the looks of things, Ol’ Robbie doesn’t quite resemble the man he always has, does he? His ego has collapsed and become a black hole inside of itself.

~Jericho is laughing to himself by this point, being completely victorious it would appear, despite the fan’s overwhelming heat

Chris Jericho:
But all of this is old news, the world travels fast. So in just a few moments, there is going to be a Lucky 13 Battle to decide who will be the next competitor for my AOW Championship.

~Jericho lifts it a tad off his shoulder into the camera

Chris Jericho:
But before we get onto those futile festivities, I want you all to set aside your selfish antagonizing of me and realize what today is so you can know what tomorrow is. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

~Jericho delivers this in a mock optimist tone

Chris Jericho:
Amongst your gluttonous rituals, I know all of you would like to tell fruitful tales about how thankful you are that I am here. But since we only have so much time, I will just tell why some people should just be thankful for me.

~Jericho keeps drawing the Hammerstein’s ire

Chris Jericho:
First of all, Paul Wright should be thankful for me because as much of an unstoppable monster as he is, even he needs a break every now and then, so I gave it to him tonight. And second, Lashley, my latest enlightee, you should be thankful for me because I am allowing you to participate in this Lucky 13 Battle. Not only because you have earned it, but because you are one of three worthy men in this entire company.

~Jericho places his hand on Lashley’s massive shoulder, Lashley mouthing a ‘thank you’ to his enlightener

Chris Jericho:
But most of all, all of you unworthy people need to give thanks to me for offering you a way out of your criminally uneventful and insidiously mediocre lives. Give thanks to me for ridding you of the façade of exactitude that was Rob Van Dam. Give thanks because I will see to the end of Mick Foley as GM and this corrupt era of false leadership and into a new era where only the worthy roam!

~UNGODLY heat

Chris Jericho:
Give thanks that I, Chris Jericho, your Worthy Champion, have cast the first ray of light on a new dawn in AOW!


Jericho finally lowers the microphone from his lips to open his arms as through he deserves worship, Lashley behind him looking as intense as ever. He gets a great deal of heat until “MISERE CATARE – THE BEGINNING” begins to blare now, as the crowd goes into a pop for the arrival of CM Punk. He doesn’t appear to have his briefcase present, but he’s all set for competition it would seem, leaving Jericho to dip out of the ring and head to the announce table.

Joey Styles:
Well ladies and gentlemen, an uh, interesting sermon from Chris Jericho, the AOW Champion who will join us ringside for the Lucky 13 Battle that’s coming up right on the other side of the break!



***

We reach a black screen, before lighting up with what seems like a very innocent Christmas-like image of a home covered in snow, Carol of the Bells chiming in the background before our first female narrator chimes in over it…

Narrator:
‘Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the home…

We actually get a look inside the house, which reveals a Christmas tree…ribbons replaced by barbed wire

Narrator:
Not a creature was spared a chair shot to the dome

The screen fades to shots of several chair shots to the skull thus far in AOW

Narrator:
Some things were hung by the chimney with care…

In perhaps a PR nightmare, a flash goes by of Finlay hanging Joe with the ring rope noose in their AOKO clash

Narrator:
In hopes better bosses might soon be there…

A brief shot now of Paul Heyman and Mick Foley nose to nose in silence

Narrator:
The Hammerstein faithful, mass and brutal as a mob

Shots of the cantankerous Ballroom crowd

Narrator:
Would carol along with each other, singing {/Joey Styles} “OH MY GAAD!!”

Styles’ voice goes over for a second, with a shot of Shawn Michaels going through the announce table

Narrator:
While some have been nice, others Scrooges, some seething

Respective shots go by of Bryan Danielson, Muhammad Hassan, and Chris Jericho

Narrator:
AOW would like to wish you all happy SEASON’S BEATINGS…

On that, the Carol of the Bells becomes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra variation, complete with electric guitars

~AOW: WEDNESDAY NIGHT OBLIVION PRESENTS~

!!A TWO-HOUR LIVE SPECIAL!!
SUPERSHOW II: A VERY MERRY WAR
December 26th, 2007

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


As we return from the break, Bobby Lashley is seen bouncing and looking intimidating in the middle of the ring, with several individuals having already made their way to the ring surrounding him. Ken Doane, CM Punk, and both members of The Hooliganz have all entered the ring during the commercial break it seems, but as we turn our attention to the ramp, we see that both members of the WGTT have made their way down the ramp with their tag team gold set aside and ready to compete for a shot at AOW’s biggest prize.

Joey Styles:
Back here live on Wednesday Night Oblivion, joined by AOW Champion Chris Jericho –

JBL:
Address him with more respect than that, Joey. He is The WORTHY Man, our AOW Champion and enlightener, Chris Jericho.

Chris Jericho:
Thank you, Bradshaw. It’s nice to know someone out here on commentary recognizes when they’re in the presence of genius.

Joey Styles:
Well while my partner here is getting brown on his nose, let me remind you of the rules of the Lucky 13 match. Thirteen men will enter that ring and every man is eliminated when he’s thrown over the top rope in a battle royal format. When there are four men left it in the ring, it becomes a one fall to the finish four way contest where the first man who is able to solidify a fall will become the number one contender for the AOW title December 26th at our second Supershow.

“MAD MAN”
goes off now, as we’re treated to Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan making his way down the ramp and into the ring, bringing with him both members of The Mercenaries as he promised in his interwebz address. Hassan is looking dead at Punk in the ring before looking at both Albright (whose hair keeps getting longer by the week) and Burchill. The Mercs soon creep onto the apron and step in, Hassan following suit.

“LAMBEG” goes off now, Finlay making his way down the ramp in a very no nonsense stature, his shillelagh in hand. He’s advised to put it down by officials before stepping in, placing it on the top step of the steel steps. He struts in and those in the ring part somewhat, Finlay coming face to face with Lashley before moving right past him and staring daggers at Jericho at the announce table.

“SEXY BOY” brings the crowd back into things, as Shawn Michaels comes on out now, a bit more reserved that usual, but still channeling his inner Showstopper, knowing that this is his last chance to get his shot and keep his career going strong. The crowd is all on his side, regardless of his actions the previous few weeks, acknowledging that they want the career of HBK to keep going. As he steps in the ring, he, like Finlay, locks gazes with Lashley before looking over at Jericho, all theatrics leaving his intense stare.

HBK’s future looks even bleaker as “MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT” sends its hip-hop tune all across the Hammerstein to a wild pop, as Samoa Joe, the driven and angry Samoan Submission Machine also has a look of sheer intensity in his eyes, but before stepping into the ring, he notices Finlay’s shillelagh on the top steel step and kicks it off before stepping up and into the fray, knowing far too well the damage that thing can do. This draws him the ire of Finlay, but Joe is busy staring daggers not just at Michaels and Lashley, but everyone surrounding him in the ring. Joe makes his way to a corner before the bell rings…and all hell breaks loose!

Lucky 13 Battle
~For the Number One Contendership for the AOW Heavyweight Championship~

Bobby Lashley v. Ken Doane v. CM Punk v. Paul London v. Brian Kendrick v. AOW Tag Team Champion Shelton Benjamin v. AOW Tag Team Champion Charlie Haas v. Paul Burchill v. Brent Albright v. AOW Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan v. Finlay v. Shawn Michaels v. Samoa Joe


Almost as soon as the bell rings, Samoa Joe EXPLODES out of the corner towards everyone, nearly making a foe tossing charge towards the biggest dog in the fight – Bobby Lashley. Not surprisingly, Finlay is also thinking the same way, Joe and Finlay, once ridiculously fierce rivals, are now beating the hell out of Jericho’s right hand man. Another focused target arises, as CM Punk looks to attempt to go right for Muhammad Hassan, but Burchill and Albright stop him dead in his tracks with a double clothesline. The WGTT and Hooliganz start some sort of brawl, while Shawn Michaels comically tries to get away from the big fight, staying on the outskirts. The big-headed Ken Doane gets eyes bigger than his stomach, as he tries to prove himself ‘worthy’ by clubbing Samoa Joe across the spine, turning Joe’s frustration from Lashley to him. While Doane may have saved Lashley, Doane now has drawn the ire of the meanest man on the planet, leaving Done to regret his actions and slowly back away and almost begs Joe to calm down. Joe isn’t having it, charging at the backpedalling Doane…and clotheslining him over the top rope!!

ELIMINATION 1: KEN DOANE at 0:31


The crowd pops as Doane goes tumbling over the rope and flat on the floor, but the entire ring doesn’t pay much attention as they continue bashing each other’s heads in. Joe recollects himself as he glares at Doane as the leaves ringside, exchanging blows now with Paul Burchill. The anarchy continues to reign, Shawn Michaels getting into the fray now, exchanging a few CHOPS(Woooooo!) with Paul London before he’s double teamed by Benjamin and Haas. We see Finlay has weakened Lashley to an extent, starting to teeter Lashley over the top rope, but Lashley soon pulls himself back over.

As the massive brawl rages on, Punk is trying his best to get his hands on Hassan, but he’s stumped by Albright once more, causing the two to brawl back and forth before Hassan comes up behind Punk and tries to dump him over, but Punk manages to hold onto the ropes, holding on the apron for dear life. He tries to get back into the ring, but He’s instantly met by an Albright knee, which almost forces him out, but somehow he holds on. Lucky for Punk, Samoa Joe has knocked Burchill down and now goes between both Albright and Hassan, delivering fierce blows back and forth between both men. This allows Punk some room to breathe, as he jumps right back into the fray with the springboard clothesline to Albright!

Punk narrowly missing elimination there, but he’s promptly greeted with a SPEAR BY LASHLEY!! WOW!! Lashley comes out of nowhere to spear Punk down amidst his rising momentum, the crowd throwing immense heat at that. As Punk is down, Hassan doesn’t think to eliminate him, instead, choosing to jump on Punk and beat his head in. This catches the attention of Samoa Joe, who now instigates for a brawl with Lashley, only for Lashley to duck out of the way. When he ducks, he’s met now by Shawn Michaels, but Lashley is quickly able to dodge him as well and try to flip him over the top rope, but Michaels is able to hold on, fueled by his need to win to keep his career going.

In other places around the ring, Finlay is choking the life out of Brian Kendrick on the middle rope until Paul London makes the save for his tag partner, while Burchill and Albright seemingly start picking fists with the men they faced at World Ablaze in Benjamin and Haas. Burchill is able fend off Haas and helps Albright in trying to knock over Benjamin, but Haas is quick to help his partner out. While that goes on, we get to see Muhammad Hassan finish his mad beating on Punk and try to fling him over…only for Punk to hold onto the top rope and hang out on the other side of the apron for a moment before rolling back in the ring, unbeknownst to Hassan. Hassan goes over to fend off the Hooliganz with Finlay.

We cut back to the squabble between the Mercs and the WGTT, both tag champs charging at the Mercs, who sidestep and guide them over, believing them to be eliminated. Instead, both members of the WGTT are on the apron before leaping and springboarding off of them simultaneously before coming down on the Mercs with springboard forearm blows! The World’s Greatest are momentarily psyched, leaving them a bit distracted as the crowd starts buzzing…apparently someone (or some people) are rushing through the crowd. Benjamin and Haas pay no heed as they both lift and try to dump over the Mercenaries…only for Jake Hagar and Nick Nameth to come from behind the chaos and dump the Tag Team Champions out of the ring!!

ELIMINATION #2 & #3: SHELTON BENJAMIN AND CHARLIE HAAS at (5:07)


American Made, just as quickly as they entered into the fray, high tail it out of there on up the ramp to a great deal of heat, both rookies with huge smiles on their faces. They get to the top of the ramp and again mock the WGTT’s handshake. Benjamin and Haas are too busy being stupefied to go after them or do anything really, just staring at the disrespectful duo as they go on up the ramp.

The war in the ring rages on behind them, however, as those left are still in divided pits of brawling. Lashley and Michaels look to take center stage once that fiasco is over with, Michaels delivering a fierce array of knife-edge CHOPS(Woooooo) to the big man and forcing him back against the ropes and tries to lift him up over them, but Lashley starts fighting back and refuses to be lifted over. Around the ring now, the six of the other seven men are sporadically brawling, CM Punk the only man not doing anything, still feeling that Lashley spear and having dodged Hassan’s elimination attempt.

It is at this point that Hassan notices that Punk wasn’t eliminated, which gives him a ruthless expression on his face, only to be stopped by a surprise jumping calf kick/reverse leg sweep combination from the Hooliganz! The ‘ganz blindside Hassan on that one, but they’re soon blindsided by the men at Hassan’s side in the Mercenaries, both men grappling the Hooliganz with a pair of German suplexes!

As that action dies down and degenerates into a small beatdown and toss over attempt, we see a very pumped up Samoa Joe and a lurking for a fight Finlay eventually gravitate towards each other center ring, as the crowd delivers a very big pop for these two men meeting head to head yet again. They stare into each other’s eyes intensely, the crowd getting hotter with each second…before they pick up right where their feud started and start giving each other huge right and lefts hands, an all-out fight occurring between both men! Each man looks to be completely no-selling the other one’s hits until Finlay manages to start pulling away and knees Joe in the gut, only to grab his head and try to guide him over the top rope, but Joe hangs onto the apron and gives Finlay an elbow to get back into things, which leads to Joe grabbing Finlay’s head and trying to throw him over as well, but to no avail.

As Finlay marches back into the ring to face Joe once more, he’s cut off by – SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Michaels pulls it right out of his hat!! Michaels smiles to himself for a moment before Bobby Lashley charges at him once again, only for Michaels to fire up again – SWEET CHIN MUSIC…but Lashley dodges…TO JOE!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO SAMOA JOE!! Michaels kicks in the jaw of the man who wants to hunt him down! Michaels stares somewhat stoically at the downed Joe for a moment before Lashley comes up behind him and tries to chunk him over the ropes…but Michaels skins the cat! But as he comes back into the ring, Lashley places him on his shoulder in perfect position for a Dominator, but Michaels squirms off his shoulders before leaping on Lashley with a Lou Thez press, staring to beat down the big man, but Lashley fights back once more, causing the both to roll into a corner.

Now taking center ring it seems is CM Punk doing his best to battle off Muhammad Hassan and the Mercenaries by himself, the Hooliganz soon joining alongside him after recovering from their suplexes. Punk has taken a great deal of punishment with no assistance, his chances of winning very much hindered like Hassan promised. As the Mercs prepare for perhaps a double team move, they’re caught by both members of the Hooliganz, while Punk makes a mad dash for Hassan and tries to go right after him, but Hassan ducks close to the ropes, sending Punk flying over them…but he hangs onto the apron once more! Hassan tries to approach Punk and knock him off, but Punk fights him off with a blow to the face before Hassan charges again, this time getting a jumping knee to the jaw for his troubles that sends him aback once more, this time in rage. Hassan loses his cool completely and flies towards Punk…only for Punk to lower the top rope…AND SEND HASSAN FLYING OVER TO THE FLOOR!!

ELIMINATION #4: MUHHAMMAD HASSAN at (10:01)


Punk did it! Through the constant beatdowns in the match, the street rat found a way! But before Punk can celebrate, Hassan’s anger-turned-surprised expression swings right back to being angry, but this time much moreso than he was before. He grabs Punk’s ankle and pulls up, causing Punk’s spine to hit the apron and Punk to collapse to the floor!

ELIMINATION #5: CM PUNK at (10:13)


PUNK IS GONE!! The crowd deflates somewhat, as one of their favorites is gone in very vindictive fashion. Officials are trying to get Hassan away from the scene, inadvertently keeping the seething madman from mauling Punk even more than he has been so far. Punk is on the floor writhing in pain and gripping his back, but Hassan shows an even more vengeful mean streak, blowing back officials and jumping on the downed Punk…AND LOCKING IN THE CAMEL CLUTCH!! HASSAN’S GOT THE CAMEL CLUTCH LOCKED IN!! Punk’s spine is contorted in all kinds of ways as Hassan pulls back, forcing the officials to yank Hassan off, some of them ordering him to go to the back, a few others attending to Punk and trying to get him to his feet, but Punk tries to throw them off as they help him to his feet, as he holds his back in pain, but is visibly trying to break free to either go at Hassan himself or the proud Punk won’t let anyone help him up the ramp.

While every single official is trying to pull back Hassan or help carry Punk no one notices that in the ring, Samoa Joe has somewhat ambushed Shawn Michaels and CLOTHESLINED MICHAELS OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR, ending Michaels’ title dreams and possibly his career…BUT THERE’S NO OFFICIAL TO CONFIRM HIS ELIMINATION. Michaels doesn’t realize this when he hits the floor, his face getting very catatonic, running his fingers through his hair in thinking he just lost his shot and his in-ring career…but he soon realizes no one’s told him he’s eliminated. Before he gets back in the ring, he stares daggers at Chris Jericho before giving him a smile and jumping right back into the ring, Chris Jericho absolutely losing it on commentary now.

When the officials turn their attention back towards the scheduled match and the crowd keeping Michaels’ secret but still popping wildly, Michaels is actually greeted by the rookie Brent Albright, who makes Michaels pay for bending the rules by catching us all off guard and planting Michaels with a half-nelson suplex! Michaels’ face goes flat into the canvas, but while Albright was dealing with the rule bender, his partner is being taken advantage of by Kendrick and London, setting him up for what looks like the Tower of London…but Albright stops them mid move, keeping Kendrick running towards the corner and IMPALING HIM ON THE TURNBUCKLE, sending him flipping all the way to the floor.

ELIMINATION #6: BRIAN KENDRICK at (12:38)

With Kendrick gone, London appears to be a sitting duck, but he’s still got Burchill in a powerbomb position, which Albright helps his partner get out of. Burchill shows his brutal retribution for this by taking getting behind London and driving his head into the canvas with a leaping neckbreaker. London goes limp, to which Burchill drags his body up as he and his apprentice both grab hold him and chunk him clean over to the top rope.

ELIMINATION #7: PAUL LONDON at (12:50)

It’s down to six now – Lashley, Finlay, Joe, The Mercenaries, and thanks to poor officiating, Shawn Michaels. Two more men need to be eliminated for this to go into the Fatal 4-Way set up. Every man realizes this, with the Mercs setting up in one corner, Samoa Joe setting up in another, Bobby Lashley in another, and Finlay now fully recovered in the final one, while Shawn Michaels is the man in the center of the ring. Everyone is looking very uneasy at each other, with HBK looking the most nervous, as well he should be.

Michaels eventually breaks the tension by jumping on Finlay in his corner, while Samoa Joe gets jumped on both sides by Burchill and Albright, while Bobby Lashley…darts underneath the bottom rope to the outside. Those who see it give him a great deal of heat, Lashley stalking from a distance. He ventures outside enough to get close to the announce table, where Jericho takes off his headset and calls Lashley over, the two of them discussing something.

Back inside the ring, Michaels is now on the defensive against Finlay, who turned the tables on him and flipped him into a corner before chunking him out of it and nailing the Finlay press, landing square on Michaels’ chest with all his body weight. Joe is trying to build a comeback against the Mercs, rapidly going back and forth between both men with machinegun CHOPS(Wooooo! Woooo! Wooooo!) one right after the other, but the numbers game keeps catching up with him when he focusses too much on Albright, leaving Burchill the opportunity to chop block him in the back of the leg. After a few more blows to Joe, both men bring him to his feet and seemingly attempt a double vertical suplex, but Joe stops them and shows signs of struggle…before delivering a double suplex of his own to both men!! Joe roars in adrenaline here, the crowd with him, but as he turns around – SPEAR!! SPEAR!! A SPEAR FROM LASHLEY!! Lashley’s done talking strategy with Jericho it seems, and gets back into things in a huge way!

As Lashley downs Joe, Finlay has Michaels in a headlock of sorts before Michaels fights back and rebounds off the nearest ropes, hitting Finlay with the flying forearm…and then hitting the kip-up. Michaels is all the same pumped up that Joe was a moment ago, but Jericho is quickly up on the apron to not only distract Michaels, but to get several officials’ attention to listen to him proclaim that “HE WAS ELMINATED ALREADY!! HE SHOULDN’T BE HERE!!” Michaels simply stares at Jericho with distain and slowly approaches him, possibly waiting to kick his head off, but as Michaels is approaching the champ, he doesn’t notice Lashley stalking him from behind before turning back around…SPEAR FROM LASHLEY – NO!! Michaels dodges…SENDING LASHLEY’S SHOULDER INTO JERICHO, KNOCKING HIM OFF THE APRON!! Lashley notices what he’s done with not a very happy look, not fully focused on the match, but very close to the ropes. When he turns back around he’s happily greeted by some SWEET CHIN MUSIC…THAT SENDS THE DOMINATOR TUMBLING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE FLOOR!!

ELIMINATION #8: BOBBY LASHLEY at (15:35)

HE DID IT!! MICHAELS GOT LASHLEY!! With only one more elimination required now for this leg, we take a look at Paul Burchill, who was keeping a close eye on Michaels eliminating Lashley. As Michaels uncoils from kicking Lashley so hard he’s fallen, he’s immediately greeted by a rushing Finlay…WHO CLOTHESLINES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE, but this is simultaneous with Burchill, who grabs his own apprentice and THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE





ALBRIGHT CLEARLY TUMBLES TO THE GROUND FIRST!! MICHAELS IS SAFE!!

ELIMINATION #9: BRENT ALBRIGHT at (15:42)


MICHAELS’ CAREER STILL HAS HOPE!! IF ONLY BY A HAIR!! As the referee rings the bell on the Battle Royal portion of the match, Albright sits looking at his partner in extreme questioning, his body language asking ‘what the hell was that for’. Burchill looks down at his apprentice and says ‘nothing personal, mate, but we’re here for the gold. Do what you have to do’. This seems to ease the young, learning wrestler’s feelings, but still leaves him with a somewhat dejected look on his face as he leaves the scene, having learned a valuable lesson from his mentor it would seem. Regardless of what he’s learned, we take a look around the arena that breathes a sigh of relief at Michaels’ career not being over, as well as shots of all four men that will be in the final part of this match before we hit a black screen



**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


MAIN EVENT, PT.2
~FINAL FOUR BATTLE~
*#1 CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE AOW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP*
Shawn Michaels v. Samoa Joe v. Finlay v. Paul Burchill


The commercial break serving as a breather to these four men (and Chris Jericho at that, who is so angry back on commentary, that he’s not even speaking, only pouting), each of them wary eyed of the others and in separate corners – the man who loves to fight, the man who is on the hunt, the man who is trying to save his career, and the man who is merciless. All four men start getting closer and closer to the center of their ring, their arms open and trying to gauge their space. This lasts for several tense seconds before Finlay guns for Paul Burchill, while Joe keeps his eyes on the prize in Shawn Michaels. The four men separate into their two brawls, Finlay noticeably pulling away on Burchill, but appears to momentarily lose sight and cause Burchill to clothesline him over the top rope. Meanwhile, Michaels and Joe are veering near some ropes, leaving Burchill to rush towards them and nail a running dropkick to Samoa Joe, who goes through the middle ropes and falls to the outside, leaving Michaels and Burchill the only men in the ring.

Burchill trying to establish dominance early, but Michaels stunts him with a CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends him reeling, followed by another CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends him into a corner, where Michaels tries to whip him into the opposite one, only to have it reversed. Burchill whips Michaels hard into the corner and follows up quickly with a running corner clothesline that dizzies Michaels enough for Burchill to pull him out of the corner and go for the match’s first cover – 1…2…NO!! Michaels stays alive. The methodical Burchill starts stomping all over Michaels now before targeting his left shoulder, bringing down several knees on it.

Outside the ring, the fierce brawlers that are Joe and Finlay get back within striking distance, both men delivering shot after shot once again to one another. Samoa Joe pulls away when he kicks Finlay in the gut, prompting Joe to leap up onto the apron and try to get back into things, but Finlay is well aware of this and yanks him down hard before taking him in his clutches and chunking him against the steel ring steps! Joe is down and contorted, allowing Finlay to get himself back into the fray, where he meets Paul Burchill, Finlay immediately getting the upper hand with a decapitating clothesline on the unsuspecting surprise finals member. Finlay hoists Burchill on his shoulders before bringing his gut down on his knee!! Burchill rolls over in pain, Finlay getting on top with the cover – 1…2…NO!! Burchill not only kicks out, but Shawn Michaels is also there to prove back up, kicking Finlay off.

Michaels proceeds to try and stomp Finlay out, but Finlay is vehemently quick to fight back, shoving Michaels back and making some space between both men. Finlay soon bursts forth looking for another clothesline, but Michaels is able to duck underneath it and send Finlay rebounding off the ropes behind him, which Michaels greets him on the rebound with a kitchen sink knee to the get that sends Finlay flipping! Michaels doesn’t try for a cover, because despite the big bump there, Finlay is quick to get back to his feet and start clubbing down Michaels with force, several of the blows hitting Michaels’ targeted left shoulder. Finlay picks up on this and wrenches Michaels’ arm back before lifting him over with a back suplex, Michaels landing right on top of his targeted shoulder. Finlay with another cover attempt – 1…2…NO!! Michaels is able to keep going strong.

As Michaels throws his shoulder up, Finlay grabs it and forces him to his feet and wrenches it once more before tossing him into the opposite ropes. Michaels keeps his head in this by going to the lowered head of Finlay and executing a nice neckbreaker. Both men are down here, where we’re able to get good shots of Samoa Joe getting to his feet and Burchill waiting it out in a corner.

Both Michaels and Finlay appear to have the same idea by rolling to the outside, both men realizing the other one is going there, sparking more right hand exchanges. Michaels gets the upper hand this time, pulling completely away by scoop slamming Finlay right on the outside! Finlay goes down with an Irish yelp of pain, Michaels standing with his back to the ring…baseball slide by Burchill!! Burchill takes out Michaels, who wasn’t watching his back! Burchill stays in the ring, however, creeping back onto his hands in a snake like position and stalking once again, this time waiting until Finlay gets to his feet, but instead, he’s greeted by Samoa Joe, who jumps on the flat Burchill and quickly turns it into an STF!!

Burchill is all of a sudden flailing around trying to catch a rope or anything that can help him at all, But Joe has the hold locked in tight. Burchill keeps crawling and getting closer to the ropes, but all Joe does is crank the facelock back that much more, forcing Burchill’s head to move farther back to where he can’t see the ropes. Just when it looks like Burchill is a mere fingertip away from grabbing the rope, Joe transitions the STF…into a GRAPEVINED ANKLE LOCK!! Burchill now has all of Joe’s body weight on him, making it impossible to even drag himself the extra half inch to get the rope break until finally…BURCHILL MAKES IT!!

One huge lunge saves Burchill’s ankle from being snapped in half, but the Samoan Submission Machine doesn’t let up, grabbing Burchill by the hair and pulling him up onto his shoulders, possibly for an Island Driver, but Burchill grabs onto the top rope whatever move he’s going for, hoping and praying to find some way to not have the move done on him. Joe can’t tug Burchill away from the ropes, opting instead to simply toss him over the top rope…RIGHT ON TOP OF SHAWN MICHAELS AND FINLAY!! Finlay and Michaels had recovered and going at it again on the outside, only to be interrupted by the flying body of Burchill landing on top of them! Joe is the only one standing in the ring and lets out a smile to the popping Hammerstein, as he fixes his trunks for a brief moment before watching all three men get to their feet and spinning around before rebounding off the ropes…ELBOW SUICIDA!! ELBOW SUICIDA TO ALL THREE MEN!! EVERYONE IS DOWN ON THE OUTSIDE!! All four men vying for the #1 Contendership have been sprawled out which conveniently gives us a spot to turn away.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


When we come back from the break, Samoa Joe looks to still be in control, having grabbed hold of Shawn Michaels and pounding it against the announce table, right in front of Jericho. As Michaels wanders away possibly with a concussion, Joe looks Chris Jericho in the eye with a look that just screams ‘you’re next’. Unbeknownst to Joe, however, Finlay has come up behind him. When Joe takes the moment to look at Jericho, Finlay delivers a hard shot to the back of Joe’s head, Shawn Michaels soon joining in. The two make a temporary alliance, only to shove Joe right into the steel ring post, sending Joe falling, but as soon as that happens, Finlay shoves Michaels right into the post as well!

Finlay taking no prisoners here it seems, Chris Jericho applauding Finlay from behind. Unbeknownst to Finlay, however, Paul Burchill is back in the ring and is in a stalking stance once again, looking for another baseball slide…but Finlay counters by lifting up and getting Burchill trapped in the ring skirt!! Finlay literally using everything and the kitchen sink here, starts clubbing the living shit out of the trapped Burchill, and surprisingly so to a big pop. When Finlay’s done with his lynching, he chunks Burchill back into the ring before landing right on Burchill’s chest with a Finlay Press!! Finlay keeps on top of him and grabs his legs – 1…2…3-NO!! Burchill is able to kick out!

Finlay doesn’t let this stop him though, as he notes Burchill trying to get to his feet, but Finlay just knocks him right back down with a running knee to the head that sends Burchill right back down for another cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Burchill shows more fight here. Burchill tries to get away from the fierce Irish brawler, crawling into a ring corner. Finlay sees this and charges at Burchill only to get a hard kick to the face, Finlay reeling, but doesn’t let up on his assault, rushing right back at Burchill. The Ripper sidesteps the charging Finlay, sending him chest first and recoiling from hitting the turnbuckle…right into a German suplex!! Burchill now goes for what could be the upset – 1…2….3-NO!! Finlay keeps his title hopes alive!!

As Burchill runs his fingers through his hair in a show of desperation, but while he’s wondering what to do next, both Samoa Joe and Shawn Michaels are back into the fray, Michaels just beginning to crawl back into the ring, while Joe makes a beeline for Burchill, snapping him over, chopping him in the back, kicking him in the chest and forcing him down, then finishes the furious combo with a running senton!! Burchill feels the pain, but doesn’t give Joe time to cover him, again crawling towards a corner. He can’t even stand, so he sits, but this suits Joe just fine to revs up his leg and greets Burchill with a facewash!! Joe pulls Burchill out of the corner now – 1…2…NO!! Shawn Michaels breaks it up!

Michaels yanks Joe by his leg off of Burchill, springing on his head now with repeat blows until he locks him in a grounded headlock. Joe is stunted for just a little while, but Joe makes it to his feet with Michaels still with the headlock synched in. Joe throws Michaels across the ring, only for Michaels to dodge a clothesline attempt and rebound again and leaps for the flying forearm…but Joe just casually walks out of the way, leaving Michaels to crash, burn and eat canvas! The signature Joe ‘fuck you’ to the high-flying maneuvers comes into play here by merely walking out of the way and letting Michaels hurt himself. Joe smiles and shakes his head at that before jumping on the downed Michaels and locking in…THE CLUTCH!! JOE’S GOT THE REAR NAKED CHOKE IN ON MICHAELS!! This could be it right here, as Burchill has rolled out of the ring and Finlay is nowhere to be seen, Michaels reaching desperately for the ropes, being very near to them. Michaels fueled here by only his desire to get that title shot and possibly keep his career going…clawing…reaching…fading…hand up…HE GETS THERE!! Michaels saves himself, but he’s completely out of it!!

Michaels’ hair has consumed his face as he leans with one hand on the ropes, Joe disappointed that he couldn’t put Michaels down here, but he doesn’t cry over spilt milk for long. He goes to reach over and grab Michaels by the hair…WHEN HE’S STRUCK BY A SHILLELAGH TO THE BACK OF THE LEG!! Joe falls straight back and clutches leg, when we see that Finlay has indeed reentered the fray, his signature weapon in hand, right to the man who tried to kick it away at the very outset of the match! Finlay now approaches the clutching to the ropes to get to his feet Michaels and doesn’t forget him, BASHING THE STAFF AGAINST MICHAELS’ WEAKENED LEFT SHOULDER!! This sends Michaels back down, leaning against the ropes with no arm. Finlay puts his shillelagh down and picks Michaels up by his hair before setting him over his shoulder and looking for the CELTIC CROSS…but Michaels has enough life to scurry off of Finlay’s shoulders, Finlay turning back around to face Michaels…SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! The sudden superkick and Finlay goes down, absolutely beheaded! But Michaels goes down too, still feeling the effects of The Clutch and his shoulder, gripping his hurt appendage and he tries to make it to some kind of cover, slinging his hurt arm over Finlay’s body –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

JOE BREAKS THE COUNT!! SAMOA JOE BREAKS THE COUNT!! Joe tends to his ailing leg, but he has more than enough gusto to stomp Michaels’ hurt arm off, hurting it even more. Joe seems to limp a little bit before clutching Michaels’ by the hair and giving him a good headbutt before hoisting him over his shoulder just like he did at after Oblivion went off the air two weeks ago…ISLAND DRIVER!! ISLAND DRIVER!! MICHAELS HEAD COLLAPSES WITHIN ITSELF ON THE IMPACT!! The crowd is going crazy for what could be and should be the end –

1…


2…


3…


NO??

JOE IS YANKED OFF OF MICHAELS…BY BOBBY LASHLEY!! LASHLEY IS BACK!! Lashley grabs Joe by the waist and deadlifts him off of Michaels’ body before throwing him through the middle ropes and to the floor, soon following him. Lash then takes the completely surprised Joe and chunks him right back into the steel ring steps, completely displacing them. The completely driven Lashley then takes the agonized Joe and hoists him over one of his shoulders…DOMINATOR!! THE RUNNING POWERSLAM…ON THE TITANIUM RAMP!! The look on Lashley’s face is one of an absolute monster, the same look he had in his eye when he faced Christian Cage at World Ablaze. Over on the commentary booth, we see Jericho, who hasn’t said nary a word in this half of the match, stand up and cheer for his Worthy Legion stablemate. Several officials are quickly on the case and force Lashley to leave the scene almost as quickly as he had entered it, his eyes never leaving Joe’s now limp body.

While everyone is peering over their shoulder and seeing Lashley crush Joe, no one is looking in the ring where the only man even up is Paul Burchill, who has ascended to the top rope after biding his time on the outside. What’s Burchill got in mind here, his sights set on Shawn Michaels…DIVING HEADBUTT!! DIVING HEADBUTT TO MICHAELS LEFT SHOULDER!! Burchill shows his meticulous nature in the utmost on that, driving his head into the targeted Michaels’ shoulder that he and Finlay have been hounding since the outset. But Burchill doesn’t go for the cover here, instead…ROYAL MUTILATION!! ROYAL MUTILATION!! THE HIGH-ANGLE FUJIWARA LOCKED IN!! Burchill’s quite possibly had this set up the entire match, as The Ripper could very well not only walk away with the biggest upset in AOW history, but potentially ending Shawn Michaels’ chances at keeping his career!! What a win it would be, but the crowd is cheering for the nearly lifeless Michaels to make his way out of this someway, somehow. Burchill has Michael’s elbow locked and the arm at an incredibly torqued angle, we can almost hear the tendons ripping off of Michaels’ bones as he desperately tries to get some life in him. Michaels is seemingly paddling with his free arm to try and get to the ropes, but he’s almost got nothing left as these men’s time in the ring ticks on past the half hour mark. Burchill is still pulling Michaels’ arm out of the socket as the Hammerstein tries with all their might to root Michaels on…but it’s Finlay who kicks Burchill in the face and breaks the hold!!

Finlay starts laying boot after boot into the upstart Burchill before bringing him to his feet and looking to whip him into the ropes, only to behead him with a nasty short-arm clothesline. Finlay stares at Burchill, looking to do more damage and pulls him up by his locks, but Burchill begins fighting back. Burchill comes back enough to knock Finlay away and rebound off the ropes and go for something, but Finlay swings around and plants a boot right between Burchill’s eyes! The Ripper’s lights may be out after that, but Finlay isn’t done here. He brings Burch to his feet and looks for another Celtic Cross attempt, but Burchill squibbles his way out of it, staying behind Finlay and catching him in Regalplex position, but Finlay too fights back before thrusting his leg free and throwing a shoulder into Burch’s gut before hoisting him up and over…CELTIC CROSS!! CELTIC CROSS!! It’s Finlay’s game to win here as he covers –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!

SHAWN MICHAELS SAVES IT FOR HIMSELF!! Michaels flings himself on top of the sure-fire new #1 contender to end the count, Finlay flinging Michaels still limp body off of him in sheer annoyance. Both men get to their feet, Finlay pounding a fist off of Michaels’ skull before giving him a hard European uppercut. He follows up on this by running into the ropes and rebounding towards Michaels…DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER!! WOW!! Michaels pulls that one out of his hat on Finlay, weak arm and all, sending Finlay rolling outside the ring. The crowd is going white hot now, Chris Jericho about to blow a gasket on the commentator table (“GET ME LASHLEY!! GET ME WRIGHT!! SOMEONE STOP THIS MADNESS~!!). Michaels gets back to his feet gripping his shoulder in pain but more than fueled to go over to a corner and await Burchill to get back to his feet, Michaels even staring over at Jericho and getting a sly smile on his face. Michaels then starts an emphatic ‘tuning of the band’

…1!

…2!!

…3!!

…4!!

…5!!

…6…

SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Burchill is beheaded and drops like a stone, Michaels collapsing on top of The Ripper on sheer instinct–

1…


2…


3…!!!

Winner and #1 Contender for the AOW Heavyweight Championship: Shawn Michaels at (19:30)
TOTAL MATCH TIME: (35:12)

HE DID IT!! Michaels has done it, despite all of the obstacles placed before him! Chris Jericho is staring on with an absolutely stunned look on his face, not believing what he’s just seen. Michaels is standing tall amongst the bodies around him with his arm raised high, the crowd acknowledging what the Heart Break Kid has had to go through.


Joey Styles:
HE DID IT!! Shawn Michaels’ career will not die here tonight!

JBL:
Yeah, tonight. All Shawn Michaels did was win this match an’ get his title shot. He’s still got to actually defeat Chris Jericho for the title, which no one’s been able t’do yet. Whatever’s written in Shawn Michaels’ contract still could come to be.

Joey Styles:
What – hey wait!! Where the hell is Jericho going?!


What Styles is referring to is the fact that Chris Jericho has ripped off his headset and taken his AOW Championship in his hands and has slid into the ring, stalking the hand-raised Michaels. The crowd goes from giving Michaels his due to giving Jericho his, as Michaels starts looking around with wonder to why the crowd changed their tone…as Jericho tries to hit Michaels with the title, but HBK ducks the ambush by Jericho, forcing Jericho to halt his momentum before turning back around…SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! ONE MORE GLORIOUS SWEET CHIN MUSIC, AND TO THE AOW CHAMPION!!

Joey Styles:
A statement of revitalization!! If anyone thought Shawn Michaels’ career was on the way out tonight, they all left with that blow to Chris Jericho!

JBL:
Go ahead an’ applaud Shawn Michaels all you want to, but all this is gonna do is stir up that Worthy Legion behind him.

Joey Styles:
And I will applaud him, John. Because that image right there could very well be what we see in just over a month at AOW’s next Supershow on December 26th!


The image Styles is referring to is the image of Shawn Michaels looking incredibly satisfied with his work on Jericho’s jaw before looming over his body and taking the AOW Championship that he held in his hands. He then stands up and holds the title high over the fallen champion, the crowd going nuts. The last image of the pre-Thanksgiving edition of Oblivion is Shawn Michaels standing completely and utterly triumphant over the body of The Worthy Man, the ever sly HBK smile across his face as we

Fade…

To…

Black…

END SHOW


Hope the lack of matches made sense given the content of the show. But hope all enjoy. And when you're done, head on over to Melvis' show, 'cause it looks pretty sexy.
 
#129 ·
Alright, another comment-as-I-read review starting... NOW!

I get the vibe that Heyman is going to be a heel very soon. The way he went about the announcement at the beginning seemed very... weasel-ish to me, to be perfectly honest. I can't say I'm a huge fan of this, but I have a feeling that there's a bigger plan for everything, or that RVD will be on his way out soon (I can't see RVD being in AOW for long if he's not allowed in the title picture), so it'll be interesting to see where this goes.

I'm shocked that you had the Cruiserweight title match as your opener, but it was a hell of a way to kick off the show! All three men looked very strong in the match, and at the end of the day (Unlike at Mania), the right guy walked away with the belt. No offense to Star, Gibson or the way you've booked either man, but neither of them are at the level where they can carry the division like Danielson does, so keeping the belt on him was a great move on your part, bud!

I think it's a general rule of thumb that all authors have their specialty, and it would seem that your specialty is that broken character, the one who has lost it all and allows himself to slip mentally because of it. First Christian, now RVD. While I can't help but make the similarity, which some people view as a negative thing, I'm actually a lot more interested in RVD now than I ever was, because I'm hoping for another brilliant spark like the one you had with Christian... maybe we'll get to see Christian's return through this? Interested in seeing where this goes!

I kind of feel that the Jericho segment was filler. He didn't say anything particularly new or insightful, it didn't particularly build toward anything... I feel as if the show wouldn't lose anything if it wasn't there. Nothing wrong with filler, I'm just saying.

Lucky 13... I was hoping you'd do another one soon, though right off the bat, I have a bit of an issue- Doane being eliminated so soon. You took two steps forward with his win last week (Or was that a few weeks ago? Or am I mixing up BTB's... I don't think it's that), but having him get eliminated so soon was a pretty big step back. Just my opinion, though. I feel a little cheated that Haas and Benjamin were eliminated at the same time, but considering who eliminated them... I can only assume it's leading to bigger things. While I like the Punk-Hassan bit, and REALLY love how HBK took advantage of it, showing how desperate he is, I'm confused as to why Hassan didn't get his briefcase back. Did Punk not bring it, and I missed that? If that's not the case, it feels really strange that Hassan had the chance to get what he's wanted so badly back, but didn't take the opportunity! Again, I have a feeling that the Hooliganz's elimination situation is, like the WGTT, leading to bigger things. Michaels eliminating Lashley makes sense, kind of shocked Albright lasted so long, and we're on to the final four!

First off, having Joe and Finlay in the bout... I'm kind of hoping this is the blow off between them. As anti-climactic as it would be, I honestly feel like their feud has run it's course. Also, Burchill being in the final four is a very welcome surprise! I've always loved Burchill's work, so it's nice seeing him kind of get this kind of rub. Now, having Michaels win, despite Lashley's interference, was a little predictable, but still welcome. While I do kind of want to see someone other than Jericho, HBK and RVD in the main event picture, this was the natural place for the title picture to go, considering HBK's situation.

All in all, you did everything pretty well. While there are some things I wish you would have done differently, I enjoyed the show overall, and that's all that matters, right? Looking forward to see where you're going from here, though I do have to say I'd kind of like to see some new blood get thrown in the mix soon. The only division to really get an influx of new talent since the start of AOW, other than Aero, is the tag team division. I wouldn't mind seeing a few new fresh faces. I know you have someone coming in (I want to say that it's Carlito, but I don't know), which will be VERY welcome from me, but I'd like to see even one or two more people debut, or see someone make a return, especially in regards to the main event scene. That said, as always, I trust your direction more than I trust my opinion.
 
#130 ·
Oblivion Feedback​

A cold, hard opening like this one always gives an important feel and the statement from Heyman was simple and emphatic. Big call, I like it.

Triple threats usually see a two on one beat down occur but it’s usually two heels doing that dirty work so I was surprised to see Danielson and Star teaming up from the get go. Some nice stuff from them though, the monkey flip into a dropkick was nicely executed. That soon evaporated though and rightfully so, I think everyone would wanna see Danielson and Star go at it. I liked the fact you had Noble work on the eye of Danielson, taking the opportunity to do some damage, Star’s more flashy than that so nice to see Noble actually work on a weak spot. Enjoyed the surfboard stretch from Danielson followed up with the Dragon Sleeper from Noble, can picture that pretty nicely there. Star was a bit too quick I think to recover though and hit the Shooting Star, just my opinion though. The exchanges following that from Star and Danielson were sweet, counter after counter, pinfall after pinfall, nice fast back and forth stuff. Wow, the pace really upped here, I thought Noble had this thing won with the Tiger Driver but then Star from nowhere and I genuinely thought he had it won there, it’s great you can make me believe anyone can win like that. Danielson finally pulls through though and looks very strong coming out of this. Noble and Star look real threats as well and on another night could’ve taken home the gold. Excellent contest here to kick off the show.

Wow, this was a whole different side to RVD here. I’ll be honest and say that I don’t know how I feel about it. I like that Van Dam’s got a bit of character progression here but at the same time I’m a little hesitant, I don’t know why. Maybe, it’s a little too close to Christian’s crazy, lost the plot character. I’ll give it another couple of shows before I form a full on opinion but it could be a real positive for Van Dam, no doubt. You have me interested.

Pretty standard Jericho promo here. Think this was more done so he got on the show, rather than being totally necessary. The whole giving thanks for him was a nice little touch and I really hope his quest to get rid of Foley keeps up, that line at the end seemed to be pretty focused upon it.

There’s some big names in this thing and a lot of them have been built up very well thus far so I guess it was no surprise Doane went first BUT it is a little disappointing considering he has just come off a big win and looked as though a little push was coming his way. Nicely handled with the next eliminations, Hagar and Nameth getting involved makes a whole world of sense and allows Shelton and Charlie to not look too bad in elimination. I’m sure that Joe and Finlay are done with each other but allowing them one more moment would be a sight to see so glad they got that here. Punk and Hassan has been the best story throughout this match, they’ve constantly just been focused on one another and these eliminations were just as should be, as well as the attack afterwards from Hassan. I’m really enjoying these two going at each other and this just adds to it now, good job.

Kendrick and London I’m a little surprised lasted so long but the Mercs look good here for taking these two out of things. Once Kendrick went, London was always right behind. Wow, Lashley goes!! I thought for sure he’d make the final four, huge call there but the elimination was done in a good way, using Jericho as should be. Albright then going didn’t surprise me, was always gonna be him or Burchill, a nice rub however for Burchill getting to the final four. Allows him an opportunity to shine here.

I didn’t like how you had Joe and Finlay going after each other here. I liked the little moment in the Battle Royal but I would’ve kept them apart at the off anyway here, maybe a little interaction at some stage further into it but going straight at one another wasn’t for me. Loved what went down before the commercials with Joe tossing Burchill to the outside before taking out all four men, good way of heading into the break. The Rear Naked Choke from Joe had me thinking Michaels was gonna tap but great resolve from the Showstopper to hang in there. Holy shit, major impact by Lashley, this was what I expected him in the final four for, to take out Joe but I guess this works as well, huge, huge impact. And HBK from out of nowhere takes it home!! Major victory for HBK here and absolutely the right call, that one last chance at survival now for the Showstopper and I think you handled things almost perfectly here with the Fatal 4 Way, from Lashley’s arrival to allowing Burchill to stand a fighting shot, to Michaels finally getting the win in a hell of a main event. Sweet Chin Music to Jericho to put the icing on the cake was a fitting way to end the show.

Really enjoyable show here mate. Obviously it wasn’t the best in terms of promos and all the storylines advancing LOADS but the action was absolutely fantastic and a lot of the angles through the matches progressed nicely, Punk/Hassan for example, as well as WGTT/American Made whilst HBK/Jericho can now resume. Great job and looking forward to next weeks show

P.S- Thanks for the Bash feedback, appreciated(Y)
 
#131 ·
*New to the promotion, so kinda reviewing as I go here.

*Incredible impressed with your wrestling style right off the bat. Very good job of capturing both Michaels and Samoa Joe. The impending build between the two of them should be something special to see. Joe calling Shawn out on the contract clause as well was very well done, because it proves that Shawn really was out for himself when he screwed Van Dam at the PPV.

*The broadcast team of Styles and JBL is a very interesting one. Have you ever played off their real life issues before at the table, or do those not exist in the AOW world?

*Punk vs. Benjamin: I have no clue what the Hassan bounty is about, which is a danger of diving into a show fresh. I'll focus instead on the action...the feeling out process was well done, I really enjoy the use of a commercial break mid-match, as it adds to the realism of the match...not sure what Hagar and Nemeth's deal with the WGTT is, but I'd assume it has something to do with the AOW tag belts that Haas and Benjamin hold...love that finish with the counter of the Dragon Whip kick right into Punk's GTS for the pinfall. *** for the match. It gets hurt from going any higher due to the nature of the finish, with the involvement of the outside interference.

*Definitely dig the fact that you use the commentators after the match to put over the storyline purposes of everything happening. The problem I see is that if they are there for post match, why not consider having them call the match in the format you currently have already as well.

*Curious as to where that Hassan thing is going. I really enjoyed the Muhammad Hassan character, so I look forward to seeing how you use him in AOW.

*Short and sweet with Joe and RVD, and apparently those two are good pals, because this is the second time you've mentioned them together. First being when Joe mentioned RVD in his deal with Michaels earlier in the show.

*If I had to venture a guess, I'd say Carlito, but either way it's a good visual on the segment to hype whomever it is.

*Jericho and Lashley in the same stable. Jericho is my favorite wrestler, but I will openly admit to not liking Bobby Lashley, so we'll see how you play them off each other...will be interested to see how that conversation with Jericho will effect Ken Doane's career there.

*Enjoyed the next segment, and you really captured Jaime Noble well. The finish with Noble jumping Danielson from behind leading to the brawl, and then sorta save by Aero Star is a strong build for the triple threat next week

*Evans vs. Doane: Well, it's definitely a statement to Jericho that Doane was able to pin Evans inside of five minutes. And the shorter match makes sense since the first one went over twelve between Punk and Shelton. Not sure how I feel about Doane using a RKO as his finish, when he has probably the best guillotine leg-drop in pro wrestling. *1/2 for the match.

*Excellent hype video for the 2 hour supershow. Really impressed with your video package skills.

*Do like that way you hype your main event for the belt. Giving it the full on introduction sequence made the match seem that much more important, and as such, gives the reader more interest in continuing with such.

*Jericho vs. Van Dam: The match itself was good. The issues I take are the overbooking on the finish. I am off the belief that it's best to keep a champ strong in what will be the final match against a challenger with him retaining. I get that Jericho is a heel, and thus more inclined to take a cowardly way out, but it still leaves a bad taste in one's month when the final part of a feud is someone going over unclean. The match itself was golden was before that though. We'll call it ****

Enjoyed my first visit into your fed, and need to catch up on some of the backstory to understood why everyone is with who they are. You have a really strong roster, and some very interesting storylines, not to mention, I really enjoy your writing that. Almost RP fed like. Once I get to know the characters better, I'm sure everything will make more sense of what everyone is

8.5/10
 
#132 ·
Oblivion Feedback

I was expecting a full-on promo from Heyman to maybe get his personality across and further the Foley/Heyman angle, but the chilling way that you went with this was actually very effective. Foley under investigation is also something I'm a fan of, because it means we can continue along this road towards having Foley become more involved in the show, hopefully leading to that Jericho/Foley bloodbath somewhere down the line. Cold start to the show, and it works nicely.

Cracker of an opening match. You had some really nice spots in there (the Monkey Flip to Dropkick was something I would have loved to see, same with the Aero Star Press on Noble's Dragon Sleeper on Danielson, crazy stuff) and you kept Danielson's eye injury as a focus as well. The main thing I liked was how well Noble came off, too. He hit Tiger Drivers on both his opponents and there were moments I genuinely thought the title was going to change hands in his favour. In the Cruiserweight division it's easy to see Danielson as a threat because he's the champion, and it's easy to see Aero Star as one of the highlights because of his style, but Noble really raised his stock with this performance. Great, great opener, and I'm very interested to see where you go with this division from here on out; I'm also glad Danielson retained, seeing as he hasn't spent all that long with the title in his actual grasp (thanks to Helms), so I think he'll benefit from keeping a little longer. Unless I missed it, I don't think Aero did the No-Handed Tope, so that might have been something I wanted to see, but otherwise you used all the moves necessary and filled it with the right kind of action to heat up the crowd and get the show started with a bang. Oh, and Danielson-Aero's back-and-forth pinfalls was cruiserweight action at its finest. Bon.

Liking the backstage promo with RVD. This is just about what I was hoping for, with the 'RVD is AOW' metaphor being his downfall. The promo itself is very powerful, with RVD's breakdown being painted brilliantly by him staring at that screen and replaying it. The Miz, as I've said recently, is also a character you've characterised nicely, and having him taunt Van Dam really builds the idea that we've got to pity him. My only concern is whether you've gone for the complete breakdown a little too soon, but if there's two things you're known for, it's wacky tag team names and your ability to convincingly write characters having mental struggles. I have faith it can only get more interesting from here.

If it's a Puerto Rican flag flying, I'm guessing it's Carlito, just in a more classy, less 'spit an apple in your face' role, or maybe Eric Perez. Definitely think there's room for more talent in the mid-card, although you don't really have a mid-card as much as you have a series of different divisions - maybe a challenger for Punk in the Dynasty Title chase? We'll see.

Small thing here with Jericho - you didn't mention him going to the ring, so I just assumed he and Lashley had stayed on the ramp, then I read him leaving the ring, so I was confused for a moment. Jericho's characterisation was good, as you got all the usual phrases from the Worthy Man in there, but I'm going to agree with one of the above peeps (I think it was CP) and say I don't know if it was wholly necessary to have him talk. Regardless, the promo itself was good, and you got the anti-Foley agenda and enough self-praise to make it worthwhile. I'm not entirely keen on Lashley as a 'protégé' when he was tearing it up already without Jericho, but the Worthy Legion is undoubtedly a strong stable and they'll provide a good challenge for any babyface chasing the World Title for a good underdog angle. Maybe a multi-man tag team match in the future with Christian returning ala Daniel Bryan at Summerslam 2010 as the final member against the Worthy Legion? Lots of possibilities with your roster at the moment.

A Very Merry War about a month away now - should be a great show if the first supershow or World Ablaze are anything to go by.

While I understand that Doane 'saving' Lashley is his way of trying to join the Worthy Legion, having him thrown out in 30 seconds really undermines any success he had last week, which is a real shame. You continued the running theme of Joe desperate to beat up Lashley, which is good continuity, as was the previously-unseen American Made dumping out WGTT to give us this week's closure for the Tag Team Title feud. I feel maybe two guys as talented in the ring as Benjamin and Haas could have been given longer to pull off a few more spots to fire up the crowd, but I have no qualms with the booking of their exit, which is a nice way to put a bit more heat in their feud. Again the angle takes precedent over the wrestling with Hassan eliminating Punk illegally, which is fine as long as it doesn't get overdone, and having Punk overcome the 3-on-1 bit was nice, seeing as it shows how he's always managed to overcome the odds, even with Hassan promising to screw him over in the previous newswire interview. Hassan's Camel Clutch leading to HBK's non-elimination is absolutely genius - up until this point it felt a little like it wasn't a Battle Royal as much as every feud had separated into its own little match, so it was good to see more than one feud cross over by having Hassan's Camel Clutch steal the referees' attention and allow HBK to steal his place back. Really nice thinking. I'm surprised that Kendrick and London lasted so long when they could have gone well before Punk/Hassan/WGTT, all possibly more important guys, but it was still a strong moment to solidify how cruel and opportunistic the Mercs are. The action after this (especially Samoa Joe's double suplex on the Mercs) was well-written and well thought out, and the entire sequence leading to Lashley's elimination was perfect, from Jericho's involvement to Lashley's accidental Spear to HBK getting rid of him. A very dramatic end to the Battle Royal, although having Burchill eliminate Albright deliberately before HBK hit the floor seems like a bit of dick move, rather than because he's teaching his apprentice a lesson. Surely he could have consolidated Albright's involvement to help him win the Fatal Four-Way, as well as watching a major threat in HBK eliminated? Not entirely sure, but as always, I like that you're differentiating your tag teams so it's not just two clones teaming together.

On to the Final Four Battle - the HBK-Finlay sequence was nicely written (I know I've said it before, but your matches are always easy to read) and Joe came across as exactly who you'd want him to be, as an incredibly talented and proficient wrestler as well as brawler; this was evident in his submissions on Burchill, the transitions between STF to Ankle Lock, and then the power game with him throwing Burchill into the others, and then even his high-flying elements with the Elbow Suicida. Always a good thing to present your top stars in such a positive light. Surprised we got no covers before the commercial break, but it made it more fast-paced, which is fine. I remember watching Finlay do the old catch-them-in-the-apron spot on Dolph Ziggler years ago, so I enjoyed seeing it in use again here; just as you made Samoa Joe look like a badass before, Finlay comes across like a similar BOSS by being able to no-sell HBK's offence beforehand, and being such an effective brawler in this sequence with Burchill. I'll admit I thought the Island Driver to HBK would be the finish momentarily, but Lashley's reappearance was ideal, just to further that angle. Again, there's the danger of your main event becoming overbooked, but this was probably the one run-in that had to happen after Lashley went from the bout, and also solidified in my mind that HBK was going over, which is what I had assumed before. Burchill taking advantage of HBK was a beautiful sight, because I love to see the under-card talents shine against the main eventers (see: Justin Gabriel in my thread) and Burchill showing his opportunistic streak here made for great reading. The Double A Spinebuster wasn't something I've ever seen HBK use but it showed that he was willing to go to any lengths possible to win, which was perfect. Burchill was always going to take the fall and the finish was one for the crowd to enjoy, so again, no complaints. This is the result I was hoping for, leaving us with HBK/Jericho, Joe/Lashley, leaving the door open for Finlay/RVD if you want to use it, and even making Burchill look damn good in the process. A strong main event. The aftermath was an emphatic exclamation point to conclude the night with, and gives HBK some real momentum to make Jericho even more frustrated for next week. Undoubtedly we'll see Michaels' ghost elimination brought up, and I'm assuming Wright will be back, too, so it should be explosive in the new AOW Title feud. Excellent.

Overall, a real cracker of a show. As always, your characterisation in terms of promos was spot-on, and the wrestling itself was top-drawer, especially in that opening Triple Threat and the closing action of the Four-Way Battle. The main highlight for me remain your feuds - as mentioned just above, the potential at the top of the card is great, while there's reason to be excited in the Dynasty and tag team divisions too. The Cruiserweight division now has an almost blank slate to work with after Danielson's victory, so you've got a lot to work with there too. All in all, a meaty show which got everything in there that needed to be done - as I said, my only worry was the possibility of overbooking your main event with all the run-ins, i.e. Hassan's antics, American Made, Jericho's involvement, Lashley coming back, HBK's ghost elimination. You can argue a case for all of them being necessary, and I would agree, but it's just a line to be careful of crossing, especially after last week. Otherwise, I got what I tuned in when it came to RVD and Heyman's involvement, and the show delivered on all fronts, bar maybe Doane's recovery being stunted a little. Very good stuff, can't wait for next week. King's stamp of approval - BAM. There it is. Bon. Kirby approves.
 
#133 ·
aohdubya.com said:
AOHDUBYA.COM EXCLUSIVES

Another round of exclusives, this time the site for all things AOW is giving you not one, not two, but FIVE brand new bits!! This go 'round, we've got The Mercenaries and Muhammad Hassan making a business decision, and two pairs of call-and-response videos: Jack Evans and Ken Doane aren't done, while the Tag Team Champions throw the gauntlet at American Made, who throw it right back.

We open to a scene that looks like it’s from last Oblivion, Paul Burchill still in wrestling gear and dripping in sweat, rubbing his Superkicked chin. He’s going through the halls and finding a locker room door that he opens and enters, meeting both his partner and apprentice, Brent Albright, and his benefactor, Muhammad Hassan. Hassan doesn’t look happy, while Albright stares stoically.

Hassan:
What the hell did you think you were doin’? I paid you two to protect me in that match!

Burchill:
Hold on, Hassan. You haven’t paid us squat for weeks! You keep telling us that when someone beats CM Punk for that money, you’ll give it to us. You haven’t paid us a dime in almost a month. And y’know what? I’m starting to get a little bit tired of it.

Hassan:
I’ve been doing my part. I’ve been contacting banks and getting the money, but somehow it’s not getting to you. Even the finances this American greed loves is messed up.

Burchill:
Hey, hey, hey. Don’t blame anyone else. That’s your money. And by now, it should be our money.
~Albright steps in between the warring benefactor and his mentor, opting to look his mentor in the eye

Albright:
You uh…you threw me over the top rope tonight, Burch. What was that supposed to teach me about…?
~Burchill stares at his partner for a moment

Burchill:
I told you, youngblood, it was nothing personal. But what we’re here for is gold. I saw a chance, and looked at everyone in the ring with us. Unfortunately, it had to be you. But believe me, it was nothing personal, mate. It was just…business. You need to learn that sometimes, you have to do things for yourself. Then do what you have to do.

Albright:
I can understand that…but seeing you out there in the main event and then listening to you two just now, it gave me an idea.

Hassan:
It’d better be about getting my money from that rat.

Albright:
Actually, it is. See, right now, I see a chance. And Burch is right – what we’re here for is gold. But we’re also here to collect our dough. So I’m sure you won’t mind next week, Hassan, that I’ll be taking on CM Punk in that Bounty Challenge. I can get our money you owe us AND get a shot at that gold.
~Hassan looks somewhat dumfounded, his eyes growing wide as Albright points to the title on Hassan’s shoulder. Burchill just stands and gives a very proud grin

Hassan:
But…

Burchill:
I’m sure he won’t mind that at all, youngblood. He is a smart businessman. And, after all, this is just business.
~Burchill leads the way back out the door, but Albright stays behind for just a second, looking right at Hassan…

Albright:
It’s nothing personal.
~Albright now follows Burchill out the door, never taking his eyes off of Hassan or the Dynasty Championship as we fade away…​





We’re in a scene that looks like the Green Zone backstage, but standing in said scene is the team of Low Jack – Jack Evans and Low Ki. Ki is trying to look straight ahead at the camera with his arms crossed, but Evans is off to the side laughing at something on the television screen…

Evans:
Do you see that, Ki? Lemme rewind it so you can see it –
~Evans rewinds the TV to show us that he was watching Ken Doane’s 30-second elimination from last week’s main event

Evans:
That’s pretty flippin’ hilarious, ain’t it? Thirty seconds!
~Ki just stares back at Evans with a serious look

Evans:
Oh, don’t give me that tough guy look.
~Ki keeps staring at Evans before lifting an eyebrow

Evans:
Alright, alright. Yeah, it’s good enough that that’s captured on video for the entire world to see what a loser Ken Doane is. But nothing’s really immortalized until it’s captured…in song. So to…commemorate this terrible achievement, I, DJ Jack E., have written a rap for this occasion.
~Evans says this phrase with oodles of false sophistication. He then clears his throat before looking at the camera

Evans:
“Impact Player” must –
~Ki unfolds his arms and stops Evans from speaking by placing a backhand on his shoulder. We then get to hear Low Ki’s deep voice into a microphone for the first time in AOW

Low Ki:
Jack. Before you go off on Ken Doane, just know somethin’. According to the warrior code, you are only as good as the last man to beat you. Who was the last man to beat you?

Evans:
Eh…Ken Doane?

Low Ki:
And Ken Doane got eliminated in a few seconds. So you’re only as good as you’re mockin’ Ken Doane for being. And if you’re calling him a loser…what does that make you?
~Evans has completely stopped in his tracks, his mouth suspended in his train of thought, now realizing what Ki’s getting at here and gets serious

Evans:
Y’know what, Ki? You’re right. I’m not gonna rap about it. Ken Doane, you and me, a rematch this Wednesday on Oblivion. Lemme set this…“warrior code” record straight.
~Ki nods and crosses his arms again, looking proud of his tag team partner for the first time in their history. Evans stares at the camera with purpose as we fade away…




We’re brought to a simple white backdrop, Ken Doane soon stepping into the frame wearing his same vest-hoodie we saw him debut several weeks ago

Doane:
Yeah, I’m not gonna hide it. I did get dumped out of the ring in thirty seconds in the Lucky 13 Battle. But see that’s because I was the biggest threat. The number one priority of everyone in that ring was to get rid of me before I could do any damage. Lucky for everyone else, Samoa Joe got to me first
~Doane sniffs quickly before flicking his nose with his thumb

Doane:
And see all I was trying to do was protect the Worthy Legion. I saw Bobby Lashley in danger, and so I set out to do what was right and help a friend in need. But nobody sees any of those things. All anybody wants to say is “Kenny, you got dumped in half a second; Kenny, you didn’t deserve to be in that match” and I say to those people SHUT THE HELL UP!!
~Doane is almost eating the camera at this point

Doane:
And now, Jack Evans wants a rematch? With me, The Impact Player extraordinaire? All because he’s pissed that he’s ‘as good as me’? Please. Low Ki’s feeding you lies, son. You’ll never be as good as Ken Doane. So you and everybody else can hold your lame insults, Jack E. That elimination you wish broke me will only fuel me to not just beating you yet again…but destroying you and anyone else in my way. That’s my “warrior code”.
~Doane stares intensely in the camera, breathing heavily as we fade to black…



We’re brought to what looks like Oblivion last week, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas still in ring gear and both looking very pissed, possibly over their elimination earlier in the night. They’re virtually stomping through the halls when Benjamin sees somebody and pulls them into the shot. We notice that it’s Super Crazy, Benjamin yanking Crazy into the center of the shot, both champs flanking him on the sides. Crazy is somewhat behind both men.

Shelton Benjamin:
That…that was some class, y’know that American Made? I mean, we’ve been talking about you guys having absolutely no respect for people like we knew what you were about, but we were wrong.

Charlie Haas:
We were dead wrong. We through we knew how bottom dwelling you guys are, but you proved us wrong. You’re even farther beneath that than we thought. Sneakin’ behind us in a ring full of other guys and throwin’ us over?
~Haas shakes his head in disappointment and anger

Shelton Benjamin:
It’s a disgrace to call you two the #1 Contenders for our titles. We hold these titles with respect and that’s something you two know nothin’ about. Because we have…what did you say it was, Crazy?

Super Crazy:
"El Corazon de los Campeones." The Heart of Champions.

Shelton Benjamin:
That’s it. We got it. But you don’t.

Charlie Haas:
As a matter of fact, if you guys are the next best guys for our gold, I almost don’t want to know what the rest of the division is like. See, we’re competitive guys. We live off that. And if there’s no other team in the division with…
~Haas points to Crazy

Super Crazy:
"El Corazon de los Campeones." The Heart of Champions.

Charlie Haas:
With that, then maybe we just need new competition.

Shelton Benjamin:
Nick Nameth. Jack Hagar. If you’re really as good as you think you are, you’ll bring it to us face to face. But until then, you guys ain’t worth squat. Because you’ll never have…
~One last point to Super Crazy

Super Crazy:
"El Corazon de los Campeones." The Heart of Champions!!
~Super Crazy screams that last one into the camera

Shelton Benjamin:
…and so you’ll never have these titles.
~Benjamin pats his belt as he and Haas stare back at us with incredibly angry looks before fading away…



We see another blank background, Nick Nameth and Jack Hagar, American Made, waltzing into the frame very casually.

Nameth:
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Shelton and Charlie. You guys just don’t get it, do you?
~Nameth looks over to Hagar with a “the don’t get it” look before looking back to the camera

Nameth:
We don’t show you any respect because we simply DON’T respect you. We just know we’re better than you. So we don’t respect you because those titles should very well be ours.
~Hagar nods in agreement

Nameth:
Now see, we’re pretty impatient guys. So we really want to prove to you that we’re better than you. But more than that, we really, really just want those Tag Team Championships to come rest on their rightful patriotic shoulders. We don’t need “Heart of Champions” to be champions. We just need those straps to fit around these gorgeous waists.
~Nameth and Hagar both grin as they both motion around their waists

Nameth:
But we can’t wait anymore. Our Manifest Destiny is right around the corner. And by right around the corner, we mean this coming Oblivion. We’re not gonna wait until the Supershow to get what’s ours. So listen up, hacks! We, American Made, will take you on THIS WEEK for the AOW Tag Team Championships!
~Nameth and Hagar’s cocky smiles disappear for a moment

Hagar:
That’s right. And we’ll show you just how strong your competition really is.

Nameth:
And trust us. The rightful and respected team will walk out with those titles. And from one pair of All-Americans to another - we guarantee it.
~AM’s cocky smiles reappear as we fade away, their teeth almost being beacons of light in the fade to black…





12.5.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Atone the Alone”


.:Confirmed for Oblivion:.

~Muhammad Hassan’s Bounty Challenge~
CM Punk v. Brent Albright

Ken Doane v. Jack Evans w/Low Ki

~AOW Tag Team Championships~
World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. American Made


Thanks in bunches for the nice crop of feedback, gentlemen. hebtheeagle, welcome to the section and no problem on you feedbacking the wrong show. As for this bit, these are NOT the best of the bunch as far as exclusives go, but I hope they do the job and understand (storyinewise, anyway) why they're getting done. No news to report and the confirmation card is essentially to serve as another half-assed show preview. I'm falling out of favor of doing those, actually. But there it is. Hoping to get the next show up by Monday or so before my last wave of exams smack me in the face. Hope all are well (and maybe Melvis posts a PPV :argh:) 'til then.
 
#134 · (Edited)


12.5.07

The Hammerstein Ballroom – Manhattan, New York City, New York
“Atone the Alone”


“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

Shawn Michaels comes down the ramp, pumped up from the main event of Week 1

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!

619!!!

Fight!

FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!!

*Final cymbal crash*

Chris Jericho holds the AOW World title high in the air

***

We’re brought to the Hammerstein Ballroom for the 17th week in a row, a sold-out crowd on their feet and rearing to go as always, but this pumped ovation crescendos to an almost lucrative degree when “SEXY BOY” hits the speakers, meaning the arrival of only one man: the Heart-Break Kid Shawn Michaels, fresh off of his #1 Contendership victory last week. Michaels is as jovial as ever, doing his little jig on down the ramp and into the ring before taking a microphone and adjusting himself slightly


Shawn Michaels:
I certainly don’t think anyone in this arena quite feels the same way I do right now.

~Shawn gives a bit of a smirk to this questionable opening statement

Shawn Michaels:
Just like I’m sure nobody in the back knows how I feel right now.

~Another pause by Michaels, who shakes his head

Shawn Michaels:
The reason I say those things is because no one back there, to my knowledge, has ever been in danger to leave this very ring and leave what they love doing by no power of their own.

~More of a buzz than a pop here

Shawn Michaels:
It’s been quite documented that my career in a wrestling ring was cut down considerably and should’ve very much ended when doctors told me that my back problems were so bad, not only could I not ever compete again, but I was gonna have trouble even truly being able to walk again.

~Sentimental buzz

Shawn Michaels:
I sat out of this ring unable to stop shows for four years. Four of the longest years of my life. Four of the most grueling years of my life. Four of the worst years of my life. Simply because I could not get in here and answer my calling in front of all of you people.

~Cheap pop

Shawn Michaels:
So even through those torturous years, I could never, ever get that calling out of my head. This ring was my life, and I wanted it back. I wanted to stand in here again and hear you guys chant “H – B – K.” “H – B – K.” “H – B – K….”

~The Hammerstein catches on, an “HBK” chant indeed starting all over the arena, causing Michaels to lower his microphone and take it in

Shawn Michaels:
Until finally, four years after the doctor told me the two herniated discs and the one broken one would keep me away from this ring, they cleared me. And the Heart Break Kid was ready t’be the Showstopper once again.

~Nicely built pop

Shawn Michaels:
I thought I’d never have that felling again, but here I stand, in front of all you people, from comin’ on the brink of my career bein’ over once again, I’m here an’ I am more than happy to say that I am the Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels and I am the number one contender for the AOW Heavyweight CHAMPIONSHIP!!


Michaels delivers this in his infamous overselling manner, twisting his body at some points to accentuate his overjoy as the crowd delivers a very solid ovation before breaking out in “HBK! HBK! HBK!” chants all over again, but these are interrupted by the completely unwelcome chime of “KING OF MY WORLD” greeting our ears, as AOW Champion Chris Jericho comes on down the ramp wearing a suit, his Worthy Legion toting not too far behind in Lashley and Paul “The Great” Wright. As the Legion gets ungodly heat and make their way down the ramp, they obviously draw the ire of Michaels, who stares them down. Jericho steps into the ring, title slung over his shoulder, while Lashley steps in with him, Wright, oddly, not stepping in, instead staying outside and apparently keeping watch should anyone come down the ramp while also possibly making sure Shawn Michaels doesn’t leave…

Chris Jericho:
Congratulations, Michaels. You are indeed the number one contender. Go ahead, please, don’t let me interrupt. Continue with the pandering charade. How does it go again? “H – B – K! H – B – K! H – B – K!”

~Jericho actually veers to his left and right pumping his fist in the air, mockingly trying to get the crowd pumped back up, which the smarky crowd isn’t buying at all, leaving Jericho to chant by himself, but he doesn’t seem to mind

Chris Jericho:
H – B – K! H – B – K. H…B…K.

~Jericho stops the hamminess and gets very much serious, now nose to nose with Michaels, the last chant getting him closer to Michaels’ face with each initial

Chris Jericho:
If there’s one thing that perturbs me more than these people flocking to unworthy people like mindless sheep is an unworthy person standing before me with something they don’t deserve.

~MAJOR heat for that

Chris Jericho:
Shawn Michaels…you don’t deserve to be in a ring with me. And you certainly don’t deserve to be the number one contender for my AOW Championship. Just in case all of you missed it last week, let me show you how Shawn Michaels was clearly ELIMINATED from the Lucky 13 Battle, then crawled back in like the worm he is –


Jericho turns our attention to the big “O” screen, displaying footage from the Lucky 13 Battle last week. Muhammad Hassan and CM Punk start causing a huge ruckus after Hassan locks in the Camel Clutch, every official surrounding the ring either dragging Hassan away or pulling Punk to his feet. With all that commotion going on, Samoa Joe clotheslining Shawn Michaels over the top rope is shown…but the video curiously cuts to static before we can see Michaels’ feet hit the floor. The video starts glitching and proceeds to show us Michaels falling just a little bit, but then completely goes all screwy before showing nothing but static and the screen going black before reverting to its default yin yang display. The look on Jericho’s face is one of a flabbergasted man, completely dumbfounded. The crowd is buzzing a good bit, not sure what to make of it, but Shawn Michaels just stands there with a look of false innocence, his hands behind his back…

Chris Jericho: (not into the microphone)
I had footage! Where’s my footage? Tell those monkeys backstage to get my footage!
~Jericho’s face is beet red at this point, as he says this right into the camera, presumably to the cameraman.

Shawn Michaels:
Oh, how curious this is. But I wonder how this could have happened…??? I mean, it’s almost as if someone’s been in this business long enough to know when someone else is going to use video evidence against them.

~The crowd gets a laugh as we catch on to what Michaels is saying, who delivers those last lines almost robotic in innocence, but still overselling. Jericho, being the ‘Worthy Man’ he is, catches on just as well, getting a snarl on his face before slowly turning away from the blank screen back to Michaels’ face only see Michaels with his eyes to the sky and his hand on his chin in the classic thinkers pose.

Chris Jericho:
Oh, ha-ha, Michaels. Give’em a good laugh. Because it doesn’t matter what you find funny, I’ll just add ‘tampering with evidence’ to the list of atrocities you’ve done since coming to AOW. What else does that list include? Oh, that’s right. Putting a title shot in your contract and ‘screwing’ over Rob Van Dam.

~Jericho says this almost mockingly as well, getting into Michaels’ face once more, who goes from comical to very serious very quickly. The crowd doesn’t start chanting what they did a few weeks ago, instead, delivering more world-class heat to Jericho

Chris Jericho:
Let me give you a history lesson, Shawn. The very first episode of AOW Wednesday Night Oblivion. August 22, 2007 – the day wrestling changed forever. On that night, I was crowned the first and greatest ever AOW Heavyweight Champion. Do you remember how I won that title, Michaels? I do. I made you tap out.

~Jericho shadow pokes Michaels twice, one for each of the last two words

Chris Jericho:
You submitted to me, and from Day One, you have been beneath me. It ate at you so much considering in your contract at the time it stated if you didn’t win the title before the end of the year, you could no longer compete in this ring. From that very second, you were undisputedly unworthy.

~Even more heat towards Jericho trying to get into the stoic Michaels’ head now

Chris Jericho:
And every moment since, you have been alone, Michaels. You were supposed to be at the top, and you failed. And now, everyone knows your underhanded contract scheme and they hate you for it, Shawn. Didn’t you hear Samoa Joe a few weeks ago? You spit in the face of everybody in that locker room. And then you went and screwed Rob Van Dam, proving you would do whatever it took to selfishly get what you wanted. So between all those things, Michaels, it is safe to say you are completely and utterly…alone.

~Even more heat here, Michaels staying stoic, the crowd kicking back up into an “HBK! HBK! HBK!” chant


Shawn Michaels:
That’s funny, Chris. It sure as hell doesn’t sound like I’m alone.

~Another pop, the chants getting louder, until…

Chris Jericho:
SILENCE, YOU SHEEP!!

~More major heat

Chris Jericho:
These people don’t know what they want! Two weeks ago, they were berating you with “YOU SCREWED ROB” chants, and now here they are, chanting your name!! These people need guidance, and guidance only I can offer! They are flakey and easily manipulated. They mean nothing.

~As if the heat couldn’t get any worse, it does. Perhaps the crowd isn’t reacting the way Jericho had anticipated…

Chris Jericho:
So just admit it to yourself, Michaels. You’ve alienated the locker room. You helped kill these people’s hero. And deep down, you’ve alienated these people too. You…are all…alone.

~Weaker, but still strong heat, as Jericho gets in Michaels’ face again, who has not changed expression since Jericho started talking. Jericho suddenly pulls away

Chris Jericho:
But see, Michaels, I’m a good and knowledgeable guy. I know you’re old and stubborn. I know you’re not gonna learn anything from me lecturing you here. It’s not gonna sink in until you experience the reality for yourself. But being the worthy man I am I’ve already arranged an offer for you.

~Michaels goes from stoic to intrigued

Chris Jericho:
That’s right, Michaels. You see, tonight someone is going to face my perfect warrior, Bobby Lashley. That someone is to be hand-picked by you. The challenge is, you have to go backstage and find someone who is willing to fight for you. And since you’re fond of loopholes, you can’t pick yourself. That would only prove just how selfish and conceded you are.

~Jericho pats Lashley on the shoulder, who looks at Michaels with a menacing glare

Shawn Michaels:
I know you too well my now, Jericho. There’s a catch in there somewhere. And you’d better tell me what is really, really quickly. I’m not makin’ any more deals with you until you tell me the whole story, bub.

~Buzz

Chris Jericho:
Oh, it’s nothing really. The stipulation is simply if you can’t find anyone to wrestle in your name tonight…you lose your number one contendership. How’s that sound?

~A great deal of buzz surrounds this statement, Michaels falling back to being completely stoic, but very much thinking

Shawn Michaels:
You really want me gone, don’t you?

~Jericho grins smugly, Michaels walking away from Jericho now

Shawn Michaels:
Y’know what, Jericho? That’s fine with me. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but I’ll take that offer. Because I could kick that grin you’ve got on your face right now clean off, but I think I’ll get more of this thrill I’ve had the last week not by bein’ a Showstopper…but just by showin’ you up. You’re on.


While everyone is absorbing that confirmation, Jericho has a very victorious smirk on his face before finally stepping out of the ring, Lashley staying back to make sure Michaels stays put…which he does, still as a statue, but with a small smile of his own. Perhaps Michaels isn’t as screwed as Jericho thinks…?

Joey Styles:
Welcome to this edition of Wednesday Night Oblivion, ladies and gentlemen, where we just witnessed Shawn Michaels perhaps making yet another deal with the devil.

JBL:
When will Shawn Michaels learn? We get it, Shawn. Your career is on the line if you don’t win that title, but that’s no one’s fault but your own. An’ damn him for tampering with evidence! If AOW had any kind of justice system, Shawn Michaels would be thrown in an’ I’d lock away the key!

Joey Styles:
Oh, right, partner. You keep on that. But Shawn Michaels seemed to be, well, a few steps ahead of the proud mastermind in Jericho there. It didn’t look like Jericho’s words were piercing Michaels’ skin, he somehow intercepted the video Jericho wanted to use, and now it looks like Michaels doesn’t look at all like a nervous man after putting his title shot, and thus, career on the line just at the notion of finding someone to wrestle Bobby Lashley for him tonight.

JBL:
He’s not one-uppin’ Jericho, Joey. Chris Jericho is an infallible genius. He’s probably already taken into account th’ fact that Shawn Michaels is gettin’ overconfident with this; he’s lettin’ that huge ego of Michaels’ get in the way on purpose. He knows good an’ well that’s what would’ve gotten Michaels to accept an’ lose it all later t’night. You’ll see, Joey. The Worthy Champion will show how right he is when th’ time comes.

Joey Styles:
That may be the case, but we’ve got a full-on show for you tonight, folks. In addition to hoping we get to see a Shawn Michaels representative face Bobby Lashley, we have Ken Doan accepting a rematch challenge from Jack Evans, as well as Brent Albright from The Mercenaries taking matters into their own hands now and challenging CM Punk for that bounty on his head and the title shot, but speaking of title shots, look at this.

~Graphic appears on screen

JBL:
I cannot WAIT for the glory boys t’take what’s there’s Joey!

Joey Styles:
Well, they certainly think that way, as a match that was not scheduled to happen until the Very Merry War Supershow in three weeks will happen tonight in the AOW Tag Team Championships being defended against the number one contenders, American Made. Nick Nameth and Jack Hagar promised the gold would go around their waists, but the team they disrespect so very much in the champion World’s Greatest Tag Team is more than adamant that they will never touch the titles. Who will walk away with the gold? That’s later on tonight.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**



We return from the break and are immediately greeted with the sound of “MISERE CANTARE – THE BEGINNING”, as CM Punk comes out to the stage and down the ramp to a very nice ovation, still in possession of the $50,000 briefcase given to him by Lance Storm. He hoists it high for all to see before tucking it by the timekeeper and playing to the crowd a little bit.

“WELCOME TO WHITECHAPEL” looms over the system now, as Brent Albright comes through the signature red curtain and to the stage, but he’s not wearing his team’s signature tattered jacket. Instead, Albright is just in his wrestling tights, Paul Burchill alongside him at the stage. When Albright pumps himself up, Burchill looks at him and the two nod at each other before Burchill goes back through the curtain to the back, leaving his apprentice to go for it alone.

OPENING CONTEST
~Muhammad Hassan Bounty Challenge~
CM Punk
v.
Brent Albright


The two former OVW standouts circle one another for a moment before locking horns, Albright showing intensity early by forcing Punk back against the ropes. As the ref already counts down to tell Albright to get off, Albright slowly backs away with his arms raised before taking it back to the center ring. Punk looks at Albright, surprised already by the aggressive nature of his opponent, but throws it aside as he executes another lock-up with Albright, but Burchill’s apprentice comes out on top again, forcing Punk into a corner this time and forcing the referee to begin the count. Albright once again backs away, but this time, he SLAPS Punk across the chest on his way out, forcing Punk to reel back into the corner and clutch his chest. Albright doesn’t let his eyes off Punk as he backs towards the center of the ring, his methodical mentor’s mind trick teachings obviously on display early.

Punk may be a bit taken aback by the early show, but he shows Albright isn’t in his head, stepping forward once more and executing a third lock-up, finally coming out on top by wrenching a headlock on Albright. But Albright quickly counters the straight-edge competitor, forcing the hold off when he wrenches Punk’s arm into a hammerlock that quickly becomes an Albright headlock. Albright digs his forearms into the sides of Punk’s head, Punk struggling for a way to get out of it, eventually backing up against the ropes and flinging Albright across. On the rebound, Punk dodges an Albright clothesline and turns it into hip toss, but Albright is quick to recoil to his feet, surprising the charging Punk with a headlock takeover, once again trapping Punk at Albright’s mercy.

Punk stays locked in the headlock takeover for a while, trying to force his arm up and search for a way out. Punk gets too close to the canvas, however, prompting the referee to begin a count – 1…2…NO! Punk realizes his danger and pulls the shoulder up, continually searching for a way to his feet, eventually finding it in him to start pounding Albright in the face to break the hold, which Albright seems to refuse to. Punk is able to battle back to his feet and attempts to counter the hold with a backdrop, but Albright rolls through and keeps the wrenching hold on, completely focused on wearing Punk down here, Punk again in the grounded headlock. His shoulder again wanders too close to the canvas – 1…2…NO! Punk has to keep his head in the game. Punk finally swings his legs over and catches Albright in the headscissors finally breaking the headlock.

Both men make it back to their feet, only for Albright to once again get Punk in the headlock, but Punk is quick to try and get out of it this time, socking Albright in the ribs repeatedly before breaking the hold and forcing Albright now into a corner, forcing the ref to get him to back away. Punk does so with a competitive glare, but as he backs away, he delivers a double dose of SLAPS to Albright’s chest in a bit of one-upsmanship payback from just moments ago. Albright blindly rushes out of the corner at this, leading to Punk executing a drop toehold on Albright and quickly goes for his head now, getting him in a grounded headlock. Albright struggles to find a way out, but counts by rolling over and getting Punk’s shoulders on the mat – 1…2…NO!! Punk rolls back over, the headlock still wrenched in tight. The grappling chess game continues, as Albright pulls himself to his feet now and backs Punk against the ropes to fling him off across the ring, Punk connecting with the shoulder block. Punk rebounds off the ropes again and expects Albright to flop onto his stomach in the elementary exchange, but instead, Albright rolls right under Punk’s feet, forcing Punk into a modified drop toehold that prompts Albright to jump back on him in and put him in a front headlock this time.

Albright beyond adamant about keeping Punk from getting any room here, but Punk starts fighting back from his knees in this position, forcibly causing he and Albright to steadily climb back to their feet. Albright’s still got the front headlock synched in, making it nearly a standing choke, Punk keeping the fight, but Albright stuns him and all in attendance by suddenly unleashing a DDT that drives Punk’s head in the canvas. Albright with the first authoritative cover of the contest – 1…2…3-NO! Punk throws a shoulder up, but clearly Albright is in control. Albright now brings Punk to his feet and quickly puts him back down with a snap suplex that nets him another pin attempt – 1…2…NO! Punk quicker to the kickout this time.

Albright drags Punk to his feet, but Punk springs to life, breaking Albright’s clutches, and starts firing right hands before landing another pair of SLAPS that are followed immediately by a vicious backhand chop to the neck. This sends Albright reeling and falling in order to roll under the bottom rope and to the outside, possibly to reassess things. Punk gives Albright absolutely no time to think things over, waiting for the Shooter to turn around and meet a suicide dive that puts both men down!! Albright collapses under Punk’s thrown body, but Punk lands in a safe position, getting to his feet quickly and exalting with the crowd, and with the change of momentum, we quickly cut away.


COMMERCIAL BREAK

Upon our return to the opening contest, Punk and Albright are still on the outside where we last left them, both men now exchanging hard rights and lefts, neither man able to gain an advantage. Albright starts pulling away, forcing Punk over to the steel rings steps before kneeing him in the gut and forcing him over before lifting him over his head and dropping him ribs first on the steel steps! The steps don’t seem to budge, leaving Punk to only roll away in pain. Albright then rolls in the ring and rolls back out to break the referee’s count, only to grab hold of Punk and try to do the same thing but on the announcer’s table, but Punk is able to wiggle out of the grasp and turns Albright around with a hard CHOP(Wooooo!) Albright is still on his tail, so another CHOP(Wooooo!) ensues before Punk takes Albright up and drops him rib first on the announce table! More payback for Punk, as Albright writhes and clutches his ribs for a moment.

Punk makes it over to the ring lip with the referee spending much more time admonishing both men than actually counting out, only reaching a count of 3 here. Punk grips at his midsection as he climbs up the ropes to the apron, but Albright is quick to leap on there with him, sparking a back and forth brawl on the apron! Punk knocks Albright in the head with a right hand, Albright responding with a CHOP(Wooooo!) of his own. The two go back and forth with fists and CHOPS(Wooooo!) until Albright begins to pull away with one last CHOP(Wooooo!) that sends Punk off a little, but only before he roars back with a roundhouse to the temple…THAT FLIPS ALBRIGHT INSIDE!! Albright goes head over heels into the ring, forcing Albright to flop around for a second while Punk recuperates and steps back in, Albright heading towards a corner to recover.

As he does, Punk gives him no time to breathe, launching himself at him – high running knee, Punk pointing out and grabbing Albright’s head…bulldog! The combo is completed! Punk now goes for a big cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Albright throws the shoulder up, but he’s not fully recovered from Punk’s high-impact offense so far, shaking the cobwebs out of his head. As he does so, Punk ventures over to the apron once more and waits for Albright to get to his feet…springboard clothesline…CROWBAR!! CROWBAR!! Albright catches Punk in his finishing fujiwara armbar, the momentum suddenly shifting!! Punk is trying to desperately find a way out of his sudden predicament, crawling on his belly to try and get to a rope. Albright continues to put as much strain on the arm as he possibly can, forcing Punk to stop momentarily to yell in agony. The crowd is solidly behind Punk, giving him all the energy he needs to roll through the hold and get back to his feet, but Albright still has a death grip on the arm, pulling the now vertical Punk into a beheading short-arm clothesline. Punk explodes back to the canvas, Albright covering – 1…2…3-NO!! Punk rolls his targeted shoulder forcing more pain on it.

Albright takes heavy note of this, immediately going to Punk’s weakened right arm, holding it steady and dropping several repeat knees on it. As Punk screams in pain, Albright drags him to his feet and wrenches the arm, causing Punk to fall to a knee, before veering behind Punk, looking to set up a half-nelson suplex. Punk shows some of his resolve and starts delivering hard elbows to Albright’s temple with his good arm. Punk has Albright softened up enough to bring him out from behind with a one-handed snapmare, following that with a kick to the spine! The SMACK is hears around the arena, Punk now leaping on a potential reversal of fortunes, forcing Albright flat – 1…2…3-NO!! Albright doesn’t go down so easily, Punk now following up with anything, opting instead to shake some feeling back into his weakened arm.

Albright slowly starts making it back to his feet, Punk greeting him with several kicks to the midsection, grimacing with each one, as his arm starts acting up. He goes for one last decapitating roundhouse, but Albright ducks underneath and causes Punk to swing all the way around, Albright clutching Punk…HALF-NELSON SUPLEX!! Punk goes flipping into a flapjack, his legs hitting the canvas first, but he sells it like his still tender ribs hit the canvas first, now rolling around and clutching those, too. Albright doesn’t waste any time, jumping on Punk here – 1…2…3-NO!! Punk still has something in him!

Whatever that something is, Albright starts to stomp it out of him, delivering a knee drop onto Punk’s weak arm before laying some boots into both it and his rib area. Albright then gets a near rabid look in his eyes, looking almost deranged now, as he stands Punk up and gets Punk in the hammerlock/chickenwing position…AND STARTS DRILLING PUNK IN THE TEMPLE WITH REPEATED KNEES!! Punk’s body nearly goes limp, from the repeat harsh blows, his hair selling the hits very well for him, but Punk starts resisting and gets a burst of life, twisting and undoing his tied up position before forcing Albright over and getting the double underhooks on him…double underhook backbreaker!! Punk flips Albright over to contort his spine, but Punk is obviously out of it! He takes a moment or two to recover before shooting the half and rolling Albright’s body over – 1…2…3…NO!!! ALBRIGHT KEEPS IT GOING NOW!!

Albright shows some guts there, as Punk grips his hurting parts and tries to drag Albright back to his feet, but it’s Albright’s turn to get a burst of life, once again wrapping Punk up and looking for the knee strikes, but Punk fights his way out of the struggle before leading Albright onto his shoulders, looking for the GTS…but Albright starts wiggling while up high…AND FALLS INTO A CROWBAR!! Albright crunches onto Punk’s hurt arm from his elevated perch in to his finishing armbar, Punk now dead center of the ring and nowhere to go. He’s not sure how much more pain he can take in that arm, but his flailing suggests that it’s not very long, as Albright keeps the hold and sells the intensity, even vocally telling Punk to “tap and hand the money over.” But Punk still fights and tries to crawl, but Albright’s worn him down far too much move a whole lot. Punk then starts tinkering, getting on his knees and rolling around and through once again, this time staying with Albright…as he TWISTS THE CROWBAR INTO THE ANACONDA VICE!! ANACONDA VICE!! Punk stars exalting in adrenaline now, Albright completely at the mercy of Punk’s hold here. Albright is thrashing around for a moment before Punk keeps the hold locked in tight, not enabling Albright to move anywhere…AND HE TAPS!! ALBRIGHT TAPS!!

Winner: CM Punk at (12:30)

Punk is handed his briefcase by the timekeeper, but he’s having to lean in a corner to receive it, his right arm still in excruciating pain, while his left arm is gripping his midsection that’s still feeling the match. Punk takes his unhurt arm and takes the briefcase and raises it high for all to see before curiously drifting back towards the center of the ring.​


Joey Styles:
And for the third week in a row, Muhammad Hassan’s ploy to get his money back from CM Punk fails, as Punk notches yet another win in his belt en route to getting his hands on that Dynasty Championship.

JBL:
Muhammad Hassan said that CM Punk would never touch the Dynasty title ever again, an’ I sure as hell believe he’s a man of his word. Yeah, I’ll give it to Punk for hangin’ in there, an’ he got the win, I can’t take that away from him, but we all know who was the better man in that ring tonight.

Joey Styles:
Well, it was quite clearly CM Pu –

JBL:
Brent Albright. Punk might still have his money, he might still have his pride, but what he’s got now is an even bigger target on his back for whoever’s gonna be the next bounty hunter in line. Albright beat him to a pulp an’ exposed his weaknesses.

Joey Styles:
Well, not to take anything away from Brent Albright either, a very, very impressive display by the rookie but…what’s this?


What’s Joey’s referring to is when he sees a neck-gripping Alright, who brings himself to his feet…before extending his hand to Punk. Punk stares at it for a second then back to Albright, who stands stonefaced and looking him in the eye. Punk takes another moment before looking suspicious…and shaking Albright’s hand! The crowd applauses for the possible sign of sportsmanship, but neither Punk nor Albright have very friendly gazes, Albright’s being intense and Punk’s being very confused. Punk walks out of the ring now, making sure to never turn his back towards Albright as he coasts back up the ramp.


~Backstage, watching a television…


We immediately cut to a scene in the back, where we see both AOW Dynasty Champion Muhammad Hassan and Albright’s mentor and tag team partner, Paul Burchill, once again. Hassan is staring at the screen with a look that spells both relief and disappointment, while Burchill’s face has a devilish smirk on it.


Hassan:
And what are you so happy about? CM Punk still has my money!

Burchill:
Your anger blinds you, Hassan. We gained something tonight.

Hassan:
What would that be?

Burchill:
Brent Albright just proved he’s almost as destructive a force as me. Look at that. CM Punk is walking away with the money, but the bloke’s crippled. Brent even faked a sign of respect, just like I taught him. That’s my boy.

~As Burchill proudly looks at his apprentice’s work on the screen, Hassan becomes distracted by someone entering their scene. Burchill soon takes notices of him, as he walks in front of the television screen. It’s another man dressed in a nice suit with a clipboard, very similar to the ones that have been lurking around Hassan the last few weeks…

Hassan:
Oh, don’t tell me. You’re from the bank too?

~The man doesn’t even say a word, simply nodding his head

Hassan:
I signed a transaction form weeks ago. Then, I signed a transaction form a week after that. There’s no way I asked for this many transaction forms!

~The man unclips the papers from the clipboard

Man in Suit:
Well, Mr. Hassan, this isn’t a transaction form. This is simply a statement form you also requested telling you how much of your funds are left after your repeated transactions.

~Hassan snatches the form out of the man, staring at it blankly before his eyes somewhat go wide

Burchill:
Let me take a look at that –

~Hassan pulls the sheet to his chest and stares at Burchill that says ‘back off’…

Hassan:
This doesn't concern you

~Burchill stares smugly at Hassan before walking off and Hassan turns all his tensions towards the bank man

Hassan:
Thank you. Now get the hell out of here. And schedule me a meeting with your manager as soon as possible.

Man in Suit:
Yes sir.

~The man in the suit exits the frame, while Hassan is left to look at his bank statement with an even more bitter expression than we’re used to as we fade away…


…to another backstage area, where we see American Made standing before the Samoan Fight Club. The camera is peeking through an open door, able to get some audio on the private conversation…


Nameth:
…that’s all. And then we promise – the second we get those titles, you guys are next in line.

Siaki:
Damn right you guys will. We’ve been waitin’ a whole month to hear you say that.

~Siaki shakes Nameth’s hand as we stay locked on the scene

Joey Styles:
Is this more shady dealings with the Samoan Fight Cub on behalf of Nick Nameth and Jack Hagar? Whatever it may be, coming up next, we’ve got the World’s Greatest Tag Team defending their AOW Tag Team Championships against two of those very men, their #1 Contenders, American Made!! Will we crown new champions? Find out NEXT!!


**Video Package**

We’re brought to the scene of a gorgeous beach, waves crashing in and out along the shore. It seems to be early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the clouds. Playing over this scene is a very tropical, Hispanic beat, but it’s not too upbeat. We go to another scene along the beach getting a great shot of the skyline of what looks like a city on the coast. We see a building that’s flying what looks to be the Puerto Rican flag before we return to the beach scene where we see there is a figure in a lounge chair on the sands, simply sitting back underneath an umbrella. We get closer to the individual, but we cannot see his face, only his hand which is holding a cigar. The man is, oddly, wearing a very nice jacket while lounging on the beach. He reaches in said jacket and pulls out an American half-dollar coin, flipping it in the air…

As he does so, the tropical backdrop seems to fade into a solid black background, the tropical music getting even slower as the coin is seen falling in slow motion, slowly descending towards a now abyss backdrop. As the coin spins beautifully, we get an underneath shot of it before the coin hits a clear floor, possibly plastic or just glass. The coin flips over itself on the inertia of finally hitting the ground. But as soon as it stops it’s teetering, we don’t even get to see which side it landed on. The screen goes dark, the tropical music completely stops, leaving the only sound we hear being the crashing waves on the shore with only three new words appearing on the screen –

“QUE ESTA BIEN…?”

**End Package**

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**

We return and are still backstage, where Michaels appears, trekking through the hallways. Michaels doesn’t appear to be looking for anyone in general, just somewhat frantically looking around before The Miz pops up at his side

The Miz:
Interview extraordinaire Mike “The Miz” Mizanin here, standing alongside the man who will be unceremoniously STRIPPED of his #1 contendership, the Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels!

~Michaels doesn’t seem to pay Miz any mind

The Miz:
Hey, Michaels! You know Chris Jericho was absolutely right? You’ve alienated yourself and I can bet there’s no one back there whose willing to fight for you tonight. What are your thoughts on losing your coveted contendership AND eventually your career?

~Michaels continues to pay Miz no mind, but Miz keeps following him

The Miz:
You know this could be the last interview of your career, Shawn?

~Michaels continues to ignore him, keeping on going through the hall

The Miz:
I mean, if you can find anybody, Shawn, just let me know, because I would LOVE to do that interview. We’ll call it “The Invisible Man”…!

Shawn Michaels:
QUIET!

~HBK roars at Miz, Miz immediately going from cocky with zeal to nearly shitting his pants. Michaels has stopped moving and appears to be in front of a door that he puts his ear to. Miz soon follows suit

Shawn Michaels:
Someone’s in here!

The Miz:
But…I don’t hear anything.

~Michaels doesn’t pay him mind again, twisting the doorknob and opening the door, but we don’t get to peek at what’s inside.

Shawn Michaels:
AAAAAHHHH!!

The Miz:
AAAAHHH!

~Miz doesn’t actually see anything, because as soon as Michaels screams in false terror, Miz hits the deck. Michaels smirks before he proceeds to stick his head in the door, then pull back out

Shawn Michaels:
Say, Miz, the guy in here says he’d be more than willing to fight for me tonight!

The Miz:
He…he does?

Shawn Michaels:
Yeah, why don’t you come interview him?

~Miz rises out of his fetal position on the floor and brings his microphone to the opening…which we then see is nothing more than an empty broom closet

The Miz:
There’s no one in here…!!


As soon as Miz solves the mystery, Michaels shoves him into the closet before shutting the door on him. Miz yelps in struggle before Michaels leans on the door. As that happens, an elderly looking man in a janitor’s outfit passes by Michaels

Shawn Michaels:
Hey! I think there’s a lot of equipment bangin’ around in here. Could you lock it tight for me?


The janitor nods his head before pulling out the cliché janitor’s huge chain o’keys, before effortlessly picks out the right one and locks the door, leaving Miz to be heard kicking and struggling on the inside.

Shawn Michaels:
Thank you, my good man!

~Michaels salutes the old man, who tips his cap back and walks away, giving the crowd a hearty laugh and giving Michaels the peace he needs to keep looking around for someone. We can hear Miz shouting now as Michaels walks away with a purpose.


~Back at ringside…



Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels finding a way for someone to FINALLY silence The Miz as he goes on the pursuit of someone who will be willing to fight for him later on tonight.

JBL:
YES!! Finally, someone shut that damn mouth of Miz’s! Interview that, ya bimbo!

Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the AOW TAG TEAM CHAMP-IONSHIIIPPPS!!!


JBL’s somewhat bullying celebration is cut off by Chimel, as well as when we hear “WORLD’S GREATEST” chime out over the sound system, as AOW Tag Team Champions Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin make their way to the ring for their third title defense. Both men are in matching red and white tights, but as they march proudly to the ring, they’re suddenly ambushed from behind by the Samoan Fight Club!!

The crowd deflates as Benjamin and Haas fall and roll down to the end of the ramp, dropping their titles out of their hands, while Siaki and Manu begin stomping and pounding on both men. Siaki starts to direct traffic here, as he takes the battered Haas and whips him into the steel ring steps, but Haas doesn’t displace the steel. Instead, he collapses and grips his lower back in pain, only for Manu to take Shelton Benjamin and whip him onto the prone Haas, now displacing the steps!! Benjamin falls over Haas and the steps, while Haas slumps forward to show the pain of being sandwiched between his tag team partner and the steel.

But the Fight Club doesn’t look to be done. Siaki takes the flung out Benjamin and looks to try and whip him into the steel post, but Benjamin shows a little bit of fight, throwing some hard right hands at Siaki! But Siaki soon overwhelms the weakened Benjamin with a hard knee to the gut before taking him and finishing his goal, shoving Benjamin face-first into the steel ring post! As Benjamin falls, Manu takes Charlie Haas and BACKDROPS HIM ON THE DISPLACED STEPS!! Haas’ spine is destroyed on impact, sending the former All-American rolling in pain.

Siaki and Manu take the champs and roll them into the ring now, soon following them and lifting both men up, draping them across their chests in powerslam positions…before running at each other and crashing together the bodies of Benjamin and Haas!! The tag champs again yell in pain, but Siaki and Manu both still have the their victims across their chests…powerslams!! Simultaneous powerslams to the champs after squishing them together! Siaki then points towards Manu and motions for him to go high, Siaki dragging Benjamin’s body near a turnbuckle. Manu also drags Haas’ limp body near a corner, both Siaki and Manu soon escalating to the top rope, the audience knowing what’s coming…SAMOAN SPLASHES!! DOUBLE SAMOAN SPLASHES TO THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!! Siaki and Manu both roar as they get to their feet, exiting the ring and going back up the ramp overseeing the damage they’ve done here.


Joey Styles:
What in the hell…? The Samoan Fight Club comes out here and demolishes the World’s Greatest Tag Team right before their title defense! What the hell is the meaning of this? Those reasonless monsters just attack anyone they want!!

JBL:
They do what they want, when they want, Joey. I’ve heard’em say that before, but I never thought even they’d take it this far.

Joey Styles:
But…but do we still have a championship match? Can these two even compete now? There’s no way this can happen…


…but it gets worse. “WE AS AMERICANS” soon booms over the sound system, as American Made now take their time in cocky fashion on down the ramp, meeting the Samoan Fight Club halfway down and patting them on the back. The Fight Club just stare them down before walking on up the ramp, AM making it to the base of the ramp and picking up the dropped tag team titles before getting some pep in their step and sliding into the rings with them, handing them to the referee, who takes the titles. Nameth is ordering the referee to raise the titles in the air and ring the bell, which hasn’t officially rung yet. This is STILL a Tag Team Championship match!!

The referee has his hands tied, waiting until Benjamin and Haas start stirring more, as they’re both clutching to ring ropes to try and get to their feet. The referee goes to Benjamin and asks if he’s in any condition to compete, Benjamin grimacing then saying “yes”. The referee then goes to Haas and asks him the same thing as he pulls himself almost completely up, Haas telling the ref to “ring the damn bell”. The fighting champs are gonna do it it seems!! Nameth and Hagar are about ready to jump on their opponents, but the ref is telling them they have to wait until both men get to their feet. Benjamin and Haas finally get to their feet after having to scratch and claw just to get there, albeit in opposite corners, the referee shrugging his shoulders and ordering for the bell to ring.

~AOW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS~
World’s Greatest Tag Team(c)
v.
American Made


The second Haas and Benjamin are vertical and the ref rings the bell, Hagar goes into Haas’ corner and throws him over the top rope to the floor, while stepping out onto the apron himself to appease the referee. Nameth then goes over to the destroyed and barely standing Benjamin, who drops to his knees and flat on his face in front of Nameth. The crowd is hot on AM’s case right now, no one wanting it to end like this, as Nameth shoots the half and tries to push over the dead weight of Benjamin before he finally does, hooking a leg and kicking his legs in excitement, already able to taste the gold…!!

1…


2…


3…!!!


NO!!!

BENJAMIN KICKS OUT!! BENJAMIN KICKS OUT!! WHAT IN THE HELL?!? The crowd ignites, as things aren’t as over as they looked! Nameth runs his fingers through his bleached blonde hair, a frantic look of horror plastered on his face. He looks at the referee and shouts at him for a moment before going into his corner and tagging in Hagar, both men going over to the still downed Benjamin and appear to set him up for the powerbomb/neckbreaker combo known as the Patriot Act, but as they lift Benjamin high, Charlie Haas re-enters the frame, delivering a chop block to Swagger, forcing him to drop Benjamin’s body from the powerbomb position.

With Nameth only holding the head and neck of Benjamin, Benji is able to elbow him off before delivering a hard forearm to him and forcing him away and near his partner. As both Hagar and Nameth get to their feet, they, and all in attendance, are surprised when the champs nail SIMULTANIOUS DROPKICKS, sending their plotting challengers to roll outside the ring to re-think their entire plan. Benjamin and Haas, however, don’t immediately get up from their dropkicks, as the damage the Fight Club dished out is still very much affecting them, the team having to use each other as crutches to slowly get to their feet, the crowd building a crescendo in pop the closer they get there. They finally get vertical, leading to a huge pop, both men signaling for their challengers to get back in the ring and do this, while Nameth and Hagar can only look up in possible fear while leaning against the barricade at what they may have gotten themselves into.


Joey Styles:
I don’t think American Made were even prepared to have a match at all, but now they see what the Heart of a Champion looks like!

JBL:
American Made looks like they’ve seen zombies rise from th’ grave! An’ I don’t blame’em! There’s no way this should be happenin’!

Joey Styles:
But it’s gonna! American Made can’t back out now – everybody’s on their feet, the ref’s rung the bell, this is an official match! Will heart and respect or underhanded assaults walk away victorious here? The gold is on the line!


COMMERCIAL BREAK



As we’re back from the break, we can see that the World’s Greatest still haven’t fully recovered from their pre-match blows, as Charlie Haas looks to be in control of Hagar, but Hagar quickly stops Haas from gathering anything by delivering a stiff and blatant shot to Haas’ softened back. Hagar then wraps himself around Haas’ waist, lifting him up…into a bearhug!! Haas’ decimated lower back is seriously put to the test here, as he yells out in pain and for Benjamin to help him out. His equally damaged partner is reaching, doing his best to try and get the tag, but they’re so far apart. Haas starts delivering elbows to Hagar’s head, but Hagar simply readjusts and clinches the hold tighter, stirring the pain up once more for Haas. Haas stays in the hold for several more excruciating seconds before he starts putting his weight forward and pushing towards his corner, Hagar being forced to backpedal. Benjamin is reaching out as far as he can to get to his partner, but still far too far. The bearhug inches closer and closer to the champion corner, however, the crowd trying to get Haas out of this mess. Just when they seem like a fingertip away…Hagar dashes forward and drives Haas’ spine into the AM corner’s ring post!!

Nameth smiles and says ‘nice’ before leaning away as Hagar isn’t done. He backpedals again, Haas still in his clutches and drives the back into the iron post a second time! This time, Hagar pins Haas’ body between his own and the ring post, Nameth grabbing the tag rope and tagging Hagar on his back, becoming the legal man. Nameth doesn’t step in, instead standing on the middle rope on the apron, grabbing the back of Haas’ head. Hagar keeps Haas’ body pinned up for a second until his partner leaps…springboard facebuster!! Haas’ body bounces up on the impact, Nameth scooting back on his ass and turning Haas over –

1…


2…


3-NO!!


Haas stays live!! Nicky then takes Haas and snapmares him right back over, driving a duet of knees into Haas’ weak back before grabbing hold of his head and flipping over with the neck snap!! Haas whiplashes violently back down to the canvas, while Nameth lands on his behind once more, but spins onto one knee before slicking his hair back and opening his arms towards the crowd, garnering some very cocky heat. Hagar then gets to his feet to drag Haas a little closer to center ring before pumping an elbow up and screaming “AMERICA!!” and leaping up with a vertical leap elbow drop, driving the joint into Haas’ sternum and staying there for another cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!


Haas gets out of that one too, prompting Nameth to float over Haas’ body and tag back in Hagar, who proceeds to grab hold of Haas’ arms while Nameth grabs hold of his legs. The two appear to mentally count before they pull up and execute a two-man freefall drop!! Haas lands squarely on his back, sending him writhing now, Hagar pulling him away from the ropes for another cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

Again, Haas shows some resolve! Hagar gets a little noticeably irritated at this, taking Haas by his hair and forcing him to his feet before picking him up, walking over to an empty corner, then scoop slamming him. Haas again tends to his back, as Hagar starts taking several steps back into the opposite empty corner. He looks and even points at Benjamin and flashes a swagger-filled grin before he rushes looking for the Hagarbomb…Haas gets the knees up!! Hagar’s guts get impaled, as this could be the breath of life the champions desperately need! Haas doesn’t get up immediately from the counter, still tending to his back as he gradually does. Hagar gets to his feet as well, blindly rushing at Haas, who counters that with a one-man flapjack!! Hagar’s face gets planted, as Haas grimaces once more, getting to one knee. He tends to his back and inches closer and closer to his corner, where Benjamin is extending…HE GOT IT!! BENJAMIN FINALLY TAGS IN!!

Benjamin storms in, but as he does, so does Nameth, who gets greeted with a running clothesline. Hagar is to his feet now, only to get hit by another clothesline. Nameth comes back after Benjamin, only to be whipped into the opposite ropes and lifted for a back body drop! Nameth rolls out of the ring, but as Benjamin starts catching fire, Hagar reminds him he’s injured by catching him off guard and shooting on his legs, only to get to his side…gutwrench suplex!! Benjamin’s wear and tear start to show now, as Hagar tries for a cover here –

1…


2


3-NO!!


Benjamin manages to keep the titles where they are! Hagar takes Benjamin now and starts clubbing away at his back, hoping to possibly open up another spot like Haas’. After several blows, he brings Benjamin all the way up and swiftly brings him up and over with a drop suplex, another pin attempt –

1…


2…


NO!

Benjamin keeps the fight alive, forcing Hagar to drag him to his feet, but as he does so, Benjamin starts fighting back, delivering hard shots to Hagar’s midsection before rebounding off the ropes behind him and rushing full tilt back at Hagar – belly to belly suplex from Hagar!! Benjamin goes flipping all the way over, taking away all wind from them again! Benjamin is close to some ropes, so Hagar starts dragging him to the center of the ring, but then decides to change direction and drag him to an empty corner. Hagar then tags in Nameth, Hagar rushing to the opposite corner and successfully hitting the Hagarbomb! But immediately following that, Nameth rushes behind, lifts himself off the middle rope – low angle elbow drop!! Nameth again pulls Benjamin away with the cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

BENJAMIN STAYS ALIVE!! Nameth starts pounding the mat in frustration, looking at the referee like he’s about to cry, wailing about that being three. The ref disagrees and nearly causes the tantrum-throwing challenger to shit his diaper, Nameth now covering Benjamin again –

1…


2…


NO!

Benjamin kicks out again, prompting Nameth to grab at his hair once more, furious at the fact that he’s not a champion by now. Benjamin gets to his feet, only to be greeted by Nameth rushing at him. Benjamin sidesteps and sends Nameth’s head crashing against the steel post, getting Benjamin to catch Nameth from behind with a school-boy –

1…


2…


NO!!


The first pin attempt from the WGTT all night comes up short, but both men get back up, Benjamin catching Nameth again, this time in a small package –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

A closer one that time, but Nameth unhinges it, getting both men back to their fee, where Benjamin quickly catches Nameth from behind, driving him into the ropes, then back for a victory roll –

1…


2…


3-NO!!


Benjamin falls short for a third time, trying to end this match as quick as possible for he and his hurt partner. Both men get back to their feet, but Benjamin is feeling the heightened pace drain his already depleted stamina, giving Nameth time to grab Benjamin in a sleeper hold!! Nameth has the hold wrapped on tight, Benjamin trying to stay awake and in this thing. Nameth then jumps on the back of Benjamin and wraps his legs around him, putting more weight and forcing more of Benjamin, who soon falls to the canvas, Nameth keeping the sleeper and bodyscissors locked in. Benjamin begins to quickly fade, Nameth ordering the referee to end it now. As the ref gets low to check Benji, he takes Benjamin’s wrist and proceeds to lift it and watch it drop…

…1!!



…2!!



3-NO!!

BENJAMIN STOPS HIS ARM!! Benji gets new life in him as the crowd surges behind him, as he gets to his feet. He’s still got Nameth on his back, but Benjamin is able to reach back and sling him over, but it causes him to stumble a bit, but he does so towards his corner, tagging in Charlie Haas!! Haas steps in, but Hagar sees this and is quickly after Haas now, who takes the larger Hagar and guides him right over the top rope to the floor!! As Nameth gets to his feet, Haas meets him with a European uppercut before kneeing him in the gut and hanging Nameth up on the rope, only for the recovering Benjamin to rebound off the ropes, leapfrog over Haas and guillotine Nameth’s body!! Nameth goes down hard, Benjamin stepping back out, and Haas getting the champs their first definitive cover –

1…


2…


3…


HAGAR PUTS NAMETH’S FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!

The still in-this Hagar foils the attempt, as the referee stops the count to acknowledge the rope break. Haas’ face tell the story of frustration, gripping his back in pain and still having to keep the match going. While JBL shuns Haas for looking that way (“Don’t get mad, Charlie! This is what you agreed to!”), Hagar’s presence draws the attention of Benjamin, who looks to eliminate Hagar by chasing after him and trying for a diving reverse elbow…NOBODY HOME!! Hagar rushes out of the way, leaving Benjamin to go from the apron to the outside and crash into the barricade, spine first. As the referee peers through the ropes to see if Benjamin is okay, Hagar sneaks back in the ring, nailing Haas in the spine once more, darting behind him…RED, WHITE, AND BLUE THUNDERBOMB!! The spinout powerbomb has Haas planted, but Nameth is still recovering from his tag team hit. Hagar quickly gets out of the ring and to his apron as the ref turns around, Nameth crawling on his hands to get to Haas and throws his body on Haas’ with one final lunge –

1…


2…


{HAAS GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!!}


3…!!!


THE REFEREE DIDN’T SEE IT!!!

Winners and NEW AOW Tag Team Champions: American Made at (14:10)


Joey Styles:
Wait a minute!! That’s a travesty!! Charlie Haas’ foot was clearly on the ropes!!

JBL:
SHUT UP, JOEY!! Sit down an’ celebrate like it’s the Fourth of July!! New champions!! New, smart, cunning, dashing, and All-American CHAMPIONS!!

Joey Styles:
No, not this way. Please, tell me not this way…


Hagar grabs Nameth and brings him to his feet, both men on the verge of tears as though they deserved this win. Benjamin is on the outside begging with the referee to look at Haas, but the ref is busy taking the titles and handing them to AM, who hoist them high and tearfully embrace with them. While they do that, the ref is taking Benjamin’s word and taking a look at Charlie Haas…then realizes he made a mistake!! Goose Mahoney’s made a mistake!! He sees his err and quickly SNATCHES the titles from the hands of Nameth and Hagar, giving them back to the timekeeper.

{His foot was on the ropes, the match is still going. Restart the match!}

THE REF CALLS FOR THE BELL AS HAGAR AND NAMETH (and JBL) LOSE THEIR MINDS!! WE’RE RESTARTING!!

RESTARTED MATCH

~AOW Tag Team Championships~
World’s Greatest Tag Team(c)
v.
American Made


Nameth and Hagar are doing their best to argue with Mahoney, but he’s not budging on these grounds, telling the false champions that one of them has to leave the ring. Hagar starts to concede, pulling away the hot-headed Nameth, but to no avail, as Nameth shrugs (throws) Hagar off of him, getting beet-faced and in Mahoney’s face, the man in stripes refusing to give the titles back. While all that’s going on, Shelton Benjamin has entered the fray and throws a kick towards Nameth, but the hot-blooded blonde catches it, only for Benjamin to hit the Dragon Whip…on Hagar!! Nameth ducks and the move inadvertently hits Hagar!! Jack goes rolling out of the ring, while Nameth sneaks away and behind Benjamin, only to be hit…WITH A CHARLIE HAAS SUPERKICK!!! Haas falls from his off balance and hits the canvas, but Nameth falls right into the arms of a waiting Benjamin…EXPLODER SUPLEX!! EXPLODER SUPLEX!! Benjamin hooks Nameth’s legs with both legs and one arm, as the ref gets to it –

1…


2…


3…!!

Winners and STILL AOW Tag Team Champions: The World’s Greatest Tag Team at (15:01)

And just like that, they retain the titles!! Benjamin rolls off of Nameth’s body and goes over to the exhausted and apron-hanging Haas, pulling him to his feet. Mahoney then hands the titles over to the rightful champions, who hoist them high, but can’t do so for long, as their backs start hurting again. Both men even drop to their knees after this, having taken plenty of abuse in the last twenty minutes.


JBL:
This is an absolute OUTRAGE!! This is beyond RIDICULOUS!! Goose Mahoney should be tried for treason for his actions against America!! Give those titles back to the boys who deserve them!

Joey Styles:
But the men who deserve them do have them, Bradshaw!

JBL:
SHUT UP, JOEY!! I’ll have you tried too!

Joey Styles:
Well, regardless of what my partner thinks, the Tag Team Championships will stay right where they are right now and that’s on the shoulders of the World’s Greatest Tag Team in a match that we were sure wasn’t even going to happen, but now American Made has to live with the fact that they used their title shot and they lost it, even after the attack by the Samoan Fight…uh-oh…


The “uh-oh” is for the fact that both members of American Made are in the ring, staring down the still very much damaged Tag Team Champions, looks of unbridled anger in their eyes. But before they can even lay a finger on the vulnerable champions, the crowd starts buzzing, as it appears someone is coming down the ramp. We soon find out who, as the Samoan Fight Club is back, sliding into the ring behind American Made. Nameth and Hagar turn to see them and make space for them, all four men staring daggers into the champions when suddenly…Siaki and Manu start pounding on Nameth and Hagar!! The brawlers sock several MMA style punches off the faces of American Made before lifting them up, crunching their bodies against each other, and simultaneously powerslamming them!

The World’s Greatest have rolled to the announcer’s table while that happens, trying to avoid any danger, but the Samoan Fight Club now have their insanely hungry eyes on the tag champs. Just when it looks like Manu and Siaki are about to step outside and rip into the champs for the second time tonight, “EXECUTORS OF EXCELLENCE” booms off the sound system now, as the crowd gives out a hearty surprise pop to a team we haven’t seen in a few weeks in the SONS OF THE DUNGEON!!

Wilson and Smith storm the ring and immediately get the attention of the men who took them out in the Fight Club, Wilson dropping Siaki with a hard dropkick, while Smith fells the beast Manu with a hard lariat. Smith then takes the weakened beast and pulls him into a bearhug, while Wilson rebounds and hits the HART ATTACK TO THE BIG MAN!! The recovering Siaki now tries to go at Wilson alone, charging at him, but the aware TJ throws Siaki over him, only for him to come down right on the broad shoulders of Harry Smith…RUNNING POWERSLAM!!

The Sons are standing tall in the ring, the crowd going nuts at this entire sequence of events, while the World’s Greatest Tag Team is staring at the carnage from about halfway up the entrance ramp. The Sons soon stare back at the awed champs, Wilson grabbing the downed body of Nameth, while Smith takes the carcass of Siaki…AND PERFORM SIMULTANIOUS SHARPSHOOTERS!!! And while they’re holding it, they never break their gazes from the World’s Greatest!! The crowd is absolutely on fire, as the Sons finally release the holds and have an aura of sheer intensity around them, staring holes into the tag team titles. Just when things couldn’t get any more overbooked, we hear the big screen behind the champs come to life with the image of Paul Heyman.


Paul Heyman:
Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Congratulations on a very…questionable retention of your Tag Team Championships. I’ve been watching. But I’ve also been listening to your very outspoken comments about your ideas about your competition. Now, what I just saw were three teams who were more than willing to give you a run for your money on those words. So, in three weeks at a Very Merry War, the World’s Greatest Tag Team will be defending those titles in a rematch against American Made…

~Heat

Paul Heyman:
…the Samoan Fight Club…

~A good bit of heat, but some pops are heard in there

Paul Heyman:
…and the Sons of the Dungeon!!

~A solid pop is heard, as the Sons nod in the ring

Paul Heyman:
And just to make sure nothing happens like what happened tonight, it’ll be a match where the ropes can’t save you. You wanna know why? Because it’s going to be…A FOUR-WAY LADDER MATCH!!!


A HUGE POP!! The World’s Greatest Tag Team just stare up in awe as Heyman disappears from the big screen, leading them only to look back at the ring, where the Sons are standing tall, American Made is crawling and staring at them at the base of the ramp, while the Samoan Fight Club are leaning on each other near the barricade and staring at them as well. Benjamin and Haas are still holding each other up, but they just look at the legion of men they’ll be defending their title against in just three weeks-time…and smile…?

Joey Styles:
What an absolutely earth-shattering announcement!! A Four Way Ladder Match is going to happen at Very Merry War for those AOW Tag Team Championships!

JBL:
Hot damn!! I was jus’ gonna say Paul Heyman needs t’give American Made those titles right back, but there’s a reason he’s the boss and not me. How about that!

Joey Styles:
That match coming about after I think American Made couldn’t hold up their end of whatever bargain they struck with the Samoan Fight Club, and the Sons of the Dungeon making a triumphant return certainly added spice, Paul Heyman giving us that. My oh my, A Very Merry War just got that much more merry, I suppose.

JBL:
No, Joey, it came about because Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas said they wanted competition an’ Paul Heyman was only aimin’ to please. Look at the sick bastards! They’re smilin’! This is exactly what they wanted! They wanted this! But it’ll cost’em, I’ll tell you that much.

Joey Styles:
Some absolutely huge developments in the tag team division right now, but later on tonight, we could either have Shawn Michaels being stripped of his #1 Contendership and possibly an unceremonious end to his career OR we could be seeing someone that Shawn Michaels can find somewhere that is willing to fight in his name to show he’s not alone.

JBL:
Too bad no one will.

Joey Styles:
That’s coming up later tonight, ladies and gents, but coming up next we take you back to last week at the horrifying footage of a man losing himself and, well, potentially all his drive to even be himself. We take you back to what happened to the man we know as Rob Van Dam.


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**



We return to Oblivion with the image of Shawn Michaels again searching backstage, talking to several unnamed backstage crew men. He nods his head in acceptance as they both shrug their shoulders. HBK looks somewhat dejected as he turns away from them and starts walking again, but he’s cut off by Ken Doane.

Doane:
Shawn Michaels. The Heart Break Kid. The Showstopper. The Main Event. The Icon. All those names aren’t gonna help you keep your contendership tonight.

Shawn Michaels:
Y’know, you’re right, Kenny. Can I call you Kenny? I’ll call you Kenny.

~Before Doane can say no, Michaels continues

Shawn Michaels:
See, Kenny, I know you’ve heard I need someone to wrestle for me tonight. But I’ve also heard that you want a spot in the Worthy Legion.

Doane:
What’s that to you?

Shawn Michaels:
Well, seeing as how you were embarrassed in thirty seconds last week, I was kind of thinking it would be in your best interest if you…y’know…impressed Chris Jericho by going out there against Bobby Lashley.

~Doane stares at Michaels while HBK flashes him a pretty fake grin

Doane:
I see what you’re tryin’ to do, Shawn. Not gonna happen. Besides, I’m just about to show the world how real I am by destroying Jack Evans again. I think that’ll impress Jericho more than helping his enemy.

~Doane snarls as he walks away from Michaels, HBK with a ‘rats, foiled again’ look on his face, knowing Doane wasn’t gonna help him, but he tried anyway. Michaels takes a few more steps before a door opens to his right and CM Punk exits with his briefcase full of money in tow. Punk is still hurting from his match and still in ring gear.

CM Punk:
Hey, Shawn. I know what Chris Jericho is doing and I know for a fact he’s not right. You’re not alone.

Shawn Michaels:
And how do you figure that, Punk?

CM Punk:
Because I’d be more than willing to wrestle in the name of the Showstopper to keep his career going.


Shawn Michaels:
Really?

CM Punk:
It would be an honor.

~Michaels looks even more interested…but then survey’s Punk’s damage before putting a hand on his uninjured shoulder

Shawn Michaels:
As desperate as I might be…I can’t do that to you. You’ve already had one hell of a match tonight. And I can’t ask for more of that from you. I appreciate the offer though, kid.

~Michaels pats Punk on the shoulder before walking away, Michaels looking borderline depressed at what he just did. Punk, meanwhile, has an understanding expression, but doesn’t stop him from looking a bit sad as we fade away…


~Back at ringside at the announce table with focused shots of Styles and JBL, but both men are in somber positions, their voice not as amped up as they are normally



Joey Styles:
Welcome back to Oblivion, ladies and gentlemen, where already tonight we’ve had huge developments. Tonight, Shawn Michaels puts his title shot and career on the line and in the hands of someone else, but we’ve also had the huge announcement of a Four Way Ladder Match being made for A Very Merry War for the Tag Team Championships.

JBL:
But both of those things revolve around championship gold, something that Rob Van Dam can no longer even challenge for in AOW.

Joey Styles:
Indeed, John, but let’s take you back to last week and let you see just how this entire somber and sad story unfolded.



**Video Package**

We see what looks like Oblivion three weeks ago, Rob Van Dam taking on Chris Jericho for the AOW Heavyweight Championship, heavy strings being played as action between the champion and challenger goes back and forth, each blow echoing through the footage. RVD leaps and hits Jericho with the Five Star Frog Splash and looks like the win…

Joey Styles:
HERE IT IS!! NEW CHAMPION…


Styles’ voice trails off as Mick Foley tries to count to three, but is pulled out of the ring by Bobby Lashley. Samoa Joe soon joins the fray, he and Lashley being thrown over a barricade by one another. Foley is down and Van Dam and Jericho are back to trading blows before the strings get faster and faster until…

Joey Styles:
Wait a minute –

JBL:
It’s Finlay! That’s Finlay!!


FINALY BASHES ROB VAN DAM WITH THE SHILLELAGH!! His motives completely unknown, Finlay bursts the scene and clubs Van Dam, but just to be even, also clubs Jericho. Finlay soon walks away from the scene, brutal staff in hand. Both men down and a new referee flying in, RVD is first to stir as he makes it to the top rope…

Joey Styles:
One last time…




Leaping…

CODEBREAKER!! CODEBREAKER!! CODEBREAKER FROM THE FROG SPLASH!! Jericho exhaustingly drapes himself over RVD, but as the referee counts, we see the image of Paul Heyman from last week’s cold open to Oblivion, reciting his address…

As Owner of AOW, following the chaotic actions that occurred last week in the AOW Championship match, I have used my judgment in regards to the stipulations…


1…


The referee’s decision is final and cannot be overridden, regardless of these circumstances….


2…


Therefore, not only is Chris Jericho still the AOW Champion…


3…!!!



…but Rob Van Dam is hereby banned from competing in ALL championship matches, as well as number one contendership situations.

A very brief shot shows Jericho walking away with the title and his Worthy Legion, but it is just as quickly consumed by static and turns right back to Heyman reciting the last part of the statement. It keeps repeating over and over and over and over again until we’re brought back to last week, RVD holding a remote, and replaying the message over and over before turning to Mike Mizanin

RVD:
The man who holds the AOW Championship is the man who is considered to be the life and blood of AOW. But now, I can’t challenge for any title in AOW at all. If I can’t do that, then that means I can’t be the blood that runs through AOW.

RVD:
And the man you say I am, this “RVD” guy…he once claimed that RVD is AOW. So if I can’t be AOW Champion, then I can’t be AOW. And if I can’t be AOW…

RVD:
…then I must not be Rob Van Dam.

RVD:
And if I’m not Rob Van Dam…who am I?

…who am I?


…who am I?

This echoes all the way through the rest of the video, as RVD unleashes a tranquil fury, taking his nameplate and stabbing the image of Heyman on the TV before ripping it off the wall, the music going from intense strings, fading into sad strings as he stares blankly down at the shattered telly screen

Who…am…I…?

*Echoes*


**End Package**


Joey Styles:
Rob Van Dam is not here tonight, he has been sent to his home in California, but we here at AOW will try and keep you updated on the situation as best we can. Um, from a personal standpoint, I’ve known Rob for years and he’s always been a very laid back guy who rolls with the punches, so to see him take this this hard, it’s…it’s honestly very tragic in my eyes.

JBL:
I may not be RVD’s biggest fan, but seein’ a grown man break down like that is a terrible thing, even if Paul Heyman made a controversial call. But my biggest question is what was Finlay’s motive ‘bout all this?

Joey Styles:
Well, we have yet to hear from Finlay as well, who was incredibly mum on the situation when asked about it, but again, we will keep you updated as more of this unfolds and is presented to us.


We leave that quiet note when “I AM THE FUTURE” rings out over the arena, as Ken Doane pumps out his chest and walks down the ramp to an ever-growing-weekly amount of heat. Doane’s walk is not as cocky as we’ve seen before, possibly being somewhat humbled by his elimination last week even though his entire tough talk. Nonetheless, Doane steps in and welcomes the heat he’s getting before lying in wait.

“THE PROUD WARRIORS (LOW JACK REMIX)” is heard arenawide now, as Jack Evans and Low Ki make their way down the ramp. For the first time ever, however, he doesn’t do a little jig, instead, coming down the ramp completely focused, just like Low Ki. Evans has a deathstare at Doane before stepping into the ring, Doane exiting for a quick second. Evans follows Doane’s movements outside before walking back to the center ring. Doane soon re-enters after taking a peek over at Low Ki, while Evans backs into a corner

~Re-match~
Ken Doane
v.
Jack Evans w/Low Ki


Both men are step towards center ring, but Evans is the first man to get into action this time, delivering several kicks to Doane’s midsection before driving an elbow into the side of his temple. Doane virtually oversells the move, backing away from the now more aggressive Evans, going so far as to go over between the ropes and force the referee to tell Evans to back off. Evans backs away, Doane getting back to his feet. The two look to lock-up, but Doane surprises Evans by gripping his head and delivering several hard knee shots to Evans’ midsection, forcing him to bend over. Doane then grabs the back of Evans’ hair and drives his head back with a mat slam. Doane brushes off his shoulder quickly before running back, rebounding, and attempting a follow up elbow drop, but Evans rolls out the way and proceeds to cartwheel to his feet, setting the men at an impasse here.

As the crowd pops from the show of athleticism of Evans, Doane is not amused, rushing back at Evans, only to have Evans sidestep him and take his legs from under him with a back leg sweep, quickly going for a cover – 1…NO!! The first fall of the match is quickly broken up, as Doane quickly gets to his feet again, only to be met by an Evans arm drag, followed by another, then another. As Evans looks to set up for another one, Doane grabs at Evans arm, twists it back, and looks for what might be a back suplex, but Evans flips out of it to his feet, rebounds off the ropes behind Doane, and comes back with a nice hurricanrana!! Doane’s body goes flipping over itself, but unfortunately does so to his feet. As Doane grabs onto the ropes to regain his balance, he soon drifts back center, where he groggily throws a wild punch at Evans, who hooks it and brings Doane over for a backside – 1…2…NO!! Doane manages to roll out of the quick pin attempt, only to rush right back at Evans and behead him with a clothesline!! Doane now with a hard cover – 1…2…NO!! Evans stays in.

Low Ki looks on stoically, but hoping for the best in his tag partner, who is brought to his feet by Doane, who grabs a hold of his wrist and delivers another clothesline, but he keeps the wrist held and proceeds to roll through and nail yet another clothesline before keeping hold and rolling through for a third consecutive clothesline, this one looking more like a lariat, as Doane covers Evans again – 1…2…3-NO!! Evans still doesn’t want to go down here. Doane then takes the flexible Evans and drives both knees into his spine before leaning back and prying…bow and arrow lock!! Doane has Evans’ body contorted in ways it probably should not, even getting Ki a bit concerned here on the outside. The crowd is doing their best to try and get Evans back into this one, but Doane has the move locked in insidiously tight, but Evans manages to start thrashing around a bit, plunking Doane several times in the face. Doane now has to let go of the hold, Evans flailing out, but going over to the still on his back Doane and getting a jackknife cover – 1…2…3-NO!! Doane throws his legs up!

Doane rolls back to his feet, only for Evans to meet him with a hard elbow. Evans then grabs Doane to Irish whip him, but it gets reversed, Doane lowering his head and gearing up for the rebound. Evans counters this by rebounding and cartwheel backflipping over Doane…INTO A REVERSE DDT!! WOW!! A great deal of the crowd is taken aback by that sudden display, but the move looks like it took a lot out of both Doane and Evans. Both men are down for several seconds while the crowd pops, Evans rolling to his feet first. He doesn’t immediately go for a pin, however, opting to get to his feet and gearing back…standing corkscrew shooting star press!!! This gets a ‘hot damn’ out of JBL, but will it get a three count – 1…2…3…NO!!! DOANE MANAGES TO THROW HIS LEGS UP!!

As impressive that high octane move was, it’s not quite enough to put Doane away. As Evans runs his hands through his locks wondering what to do next, Doane begins to crawl over to a ring corner, using it to get to his feet. Evans is keeping tabs on that, stalking Doane as he leans against the corner…cartwheel elbow!! Evans hits Doane with such velocity, he goes flipping over the top rope once he hits the move, landing safely on the apron as Doane drops face-first to the floor. He begins crawling back towards the center of the ring on instinct, but he looks to be out of it, as Evans lies in wait over on the apron. Doane looks like he rolls over onto his back, this evidently what Evans was looking for, leaping and going for a springboard corkscrew shooting star press…RKDOANE!! RKDOANE!! FROM NOWHERE!! WOW!! The corkscrew motion doesn’t just cause Evans to take the full brunt of the jumping cutter, but forces his head to be spiked hard into the canvas, Evans even flipping over his impaled head. Doane looks like he didn’t even realize he hit the move, but doesn’t waste much time, crawling over and hooking both legs – 1…2…3…!!!

Winner: Ken Doane at (6:02)

Doane rolls off the body of Evans, the crowd actually on their feet and clapping for that unreal(istic) finish. Doane is having his hand raised, but the look on his face says that he’s still out of it, either still feeling the effects of Evans’ offense or just shocked beyond comprehension that he managed to pull his finisher out of nowhere like that. Before too long though, Doane’s expression becomes wrapped with pride before devolving into one of anger, very similar to the one he had on his face when he took out Chris Masters…​


JBL:
THAT is what you call an impact, son. Jack Evans don’t even know what country he’s in, I can tell you that!

Joey Styles:
Ken Doane just snuck out a huge win my pulling the RKDoane from out of the ether it seemed like to pick up his second ever win here in AOW over the same man in Jack Evans.

JBL:
Who’s the better man now, jackass!

Joey Styles:
Tonight, the answer to that question is Ken Doane, but…he doesn’t look to be done here…


Doane is staring a hole through the downed body of Evans and starts to ominously climb to the top rope, but Low Ki climbs into the ring and starts to fight Doane from off the top, throwing several blows to Doane’s midsection, but Doane is adamant in his malicious intent, kicking Ki back hard and forcing him all the way back into the opposite corner. As Doane readjusts his balance to go for perhaps the Sky High Leg Drop, Low Ki rushes out of the corner and cartwheels, jumping very high…AND KICKING DOANE RIGHT IN THE FACE AND OFF THE TOP ROPE!! Doane falls all the way to the floor, while Ki shows off a ridiculous display of athleticism with that whole sequence, the crowd roaring once more. Doane looks up from the floor to see Ki staring at him and ready for more should it be necessary, but Doane gets up and away, clutching the side of his jaw and almost walking uncoordinated towards the ramp, pointing back to Ki saying “Watch out. You’re next!”


~Backstage halls…


We follow Shawn Michaels once again in his journey through the halls to find a wrestler, when he comes to a locker room door labeled “Samoa Joe” Michaels breathes what sounds like a “finally” sigh under his breath before walking in. Sure enough, there sits Samoa Joe, on a bench, towel around his neck, punching back not too far away


Shawn Michaels:
Joe. Been lookin’ for you.

~Joe doesn’t even look at HBK

Joe:
Shawn. Been waiting for you.

Shawn Michaels:
Look. I know we haven’t ever really been on the same page lately –

Joe:
Lately?

~Joe gets up and gets in Michaels’ face

Joe:
Lemme take you back to the very first episode of Oblivion, Shawn. August 22, 2007. Everyone was stoked because Shawn Michaels was setting foot in a brand new wrestling company just getting off the ground. And a guy like me was havin’ to get in your shadow.

~Michaels and Joe are nose to nose

Joe:
The first thing I ever said to you, Shawn, was you are the biggest name in this company. I admitted that then and it’s no less true now. But I told you because of that, you had the biggest target on your back. And you still do. It’s even bigger now with your very career on the line.

~Michaels looks stonefaced right back at Joe

Joe:
I know what you want. You want me to go out there and face Lashley for you tonight.

Shawn Michaels:
No. I don’t want you to go out there and face Lashley for me. I want you to face Lashley for you. I saw what he did last week, and the week before that, matter o’fact.

Joe:
Yeah, I’m sure you do. Two birds, one stone, right Shawn? If I go out there, you get to keep your title shot and maybe take out Bobby Lashley. Hell, if Lashley finds some way to beat me, maybe I get off your case. Not gonna work that way. If it means helpin’ you, I can wait to get my shot at Lashley. Besides…you’re still on my hit list, ain’t you?

~Michaels stands silent and stares right at Joe with a mixture of disappointment and anger and turns to walk out the door before deciding on anger and turning back to Joe…

Shawn Michaels:
I know you want me gone. But I think you and I both want Chris Jericho gone. If what I know about Jericho is right, you think he’s gonna stop now? You think he’s gonna stop at me? He went out of his way to get rid of Christian, of RVD, and now me. Yeah, you may want me gone pretty bad. But all you’re doin’ is exactly what Jericho wants you to. And if you think I screwed over your friend…I can only imagine what Jericho has up his sleeve for everyone else. If you want to find out, then I guess you stay here and think only about yourself.

~Michaels and Joe nearly rub noses before Michaels turns his head and walks out of the room, stopping one last time in the doorway, but not looking back. He then continues on, assumedly to the ring. Joe just sits there with a sneer, but a thoughtful sneer…

Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels may have just walked out on the very last person he could ask to be the man who fights for him in the main event. What other options does he have? We’ll have to find out…next!

We reach a black screen, before lighting up with what seems like a very innocent Christmas-like image of a home covered in snow, Carol of the Bells chiming in the background before our first female narrator chimes in over it…

Narrator:
‘Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the home…

We actually get a look inside the house, which reveals a Christmas tree…ribbons replaced by barbed wire

Narrator:
Not a creature was spared a chair shot to the dome

The screen fades to shots of several chair shots to the skull thus far in AOW

Narrator:
Some things were hung by the chimney with care…

In perhaps a PR nightmare, a flash goes by of Finlay hanging Joe with the ring rope noose in their AOKO clash

Narrator:
In hopes better bosses might soon be there…

A brief shot now of Paul Heyman and Mick Foley nose to nose in silence

Narrator:
The Hammerstein faithful, mass and brutal as a mob

Shots of the cantankerous Ballroom crowd

Narrator:
Would carol along with each other, singing {/Joey Styles} “OH MY GAAD!!”

Styles’ voice goes over for a second, with a shot of Shawn Michaels going through the announce table

Narrator:
While some have been nice, others Scrooges, some seething

Respective shots go by of Bryan Danielson, Muhammad Hassan, and Chris Jericho

Narrator:
AOW would like to wish you all happy SEASON’S BEATINGS…

On that, the Carol of the Bells becomes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra variation, complete with electric guitars

~AOW: WEDNESDAY NIGHT OBLIVION PRESENTS~

!!A TWO-HOUR LIVE SPECIAL!!
SUPERSHOW II: A VERY MERRY WAR
December 26th, 2007

**COMMERCIAL BREAK**



We return from the break with Chris Jericho already in the ring, his music booming on the sound system, both Wright and Lashley with him yet again. But also with him this time is AOW Chairman Paul Heyman, who is standing somewhat uncomfortably beside Wright.

Chris Jericho:
Alright, I’ve waited long enough, Michaels. You’ve had the entire night to make futile attempts to have someone compete against Bobby Lashley right here, right now. Get out here or by the very terms you agreed to, forfeit your title match with me at a Very Merry War.


Jericho has to wait a few more seconds before “SEXY BOY” hits the arena for the second time tonight, Michaels coming through the blood-red curtain, not nearly as jovial as he was in the opening segment of the show. The look on his face is pretty blank as he comes down the ramp and rolls into the ring, seeing Paul Heyman before looking to Jericho, who looks as happy as can be

Chris Jericho:
Look! See that, Heyman? No one is here for him. Shawn Michaels could not hold up to the very terms he agreed to earlier tonight in front of the whole world. You agreed to this, remember Michaels?

Shawn Michaels:
I know what I agreed to –

Chris Jericho:
Strip him! Take away his title shot right now. You know he doesn’t deserve it, these people know he doesn’t deserve it, and he knows he’s all alone just like I said. Make a decent decision in your life and take it away from him.

~Jericho says this in nearly one breath, Heyman looking somewhat nervously

Paul Heyman:
Shawn…I have to do this. You agreed to the terms…

~Michaels’ head lowers, the crowd starting to throw a considerable amount of heat

Paul Heyman:
Shawn Michaels, I hereby –


**FINAL COUNTDOWN**



The hell is this-? AOW Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson marches out to the entrance ramp to an abnormally HUGE ovation, his left orbital bone still wrapped in medical tape and bandages after being picked apart last week. The man who said Shawn Michaels was his inspiration continues his determined march to the ring before sliding in and stopping all in the ring, Jericho, Heyman, and Michaels all staring at Danielson with stupefied expressions, not sure what in the hell to think here.

Joey Styles:
What a turn of events!! Shawn Michaels career was possibly three words away from being snatched away, but here comes the man who claims Shawn Michaels is his idol in Bryan Danielson, our Cruiserweight Champion.

JBL:
That’s all very valiant and heartwarming an’ all that nonsense, Joey, but come on. Bobby Lashley is a physical specimen an’ Bryan Danielson looks like he should be in Cub Scouts. Look at’im! Lashley’s dwarfing the dwarf! There’s no way he can beat him.

Joey Styles:
That’s not part of the deal, is it Bradshaw? Chris Jericho didn’t say anything about Michaels’ pick winning, he just had to show up! Shawn Michaels is still the number one contender, but now we’ve got a David versus Goliath situation on our hands! One week after defending his title in a grueling match that nearly cost him an eye, Bryan Danielson is going to take on Bobby Lashley.

JBL:
The hell does this Danielson kid have to prove?


No one has really budged in the last few seconds, everyone still stunned at not just anyone coming to Michaels’ aid, but the Cruiserweight Champion being the one. Paul Heyman looks at Michaels suspect like “this is your guy?” before Chris Jericho starts giggling then laughing like mad. Jericho laughs so hard, he has to go over to Lashley’s shoulder and lay his head on it to emphasize his gesture. Lashley doesn’t change his demeanor at all, staying very serious, but we can tell he’s having a very hard time trying not to break character and crack a smile, not at Danielson, but just at the signature hamminess of Jericho here. Michaels pulls Danielson out of the middle of the ring and looks to talk to him for a second before Danielson points and we can hear him say “You said you never saw one of my matches. Now here’s your chance. I’m here to fight for you.” This takes Michaels back a bit before nodding to Heyman and rolling out of the ring, but staying closeby. Heyman meanwhile asks Jericho to step out of the ring and stop laughing, which he finally does, getting back serious as he steps out right beside Wright, who hasn’t moved through the whole affair. The ref makes some space between Danielson and Lashley before we begin.

MAIN EVENT
AOW Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson

w/Shawn Michaels
v.
Bobby Lashley
w/AOW Champion Chris Jericho & Paul “The Great” Wright


The crowd has to die down a little bit from the open, but Danielson and Lashley just stare at each other from across the ring for several seconds, Danielson not standing down in the least. He is the first to even bother approaching center ring, walking very slowly and being very tedious about this, Lashley soon bullrushing forward and looking to SPEAR DANIELSON IN HALF, but Danielson moves out of the way fairly quickly, leaving Lashley to keep going across the ring and stop himself against the ring ropes. We’re already teetering into overrun on the program clock, but Danielson and Lashley don’t take that into account, as they’re back to playing cat-and-mouse. Lashley turns around from the corner and looks dead at Danielson, who scurries back to his feet and into a wrestling stance, but being very tedious still. Lashley begins stalking Danielson with each step he takes towards him, lunging at Danielson again, only for the champ to dodge that as well, but surprises Lashley with a roll-up from behind – 1…NO!!

Danielson tries to pull out right out his hat right there, but Lashley is onto it. Back to the slowed pace now, as Lashley continues to stalk Danielson and the champ having to be very wary of the lethality of his much larger and stronger opponent. Lashley finally gets within striking distance, but again it’s Danielson who surprises us when he darts in on one of Lashley’s legs, throwing the big man off balance and forcing him down to one knee, which Danielson uses to try and lock in the LeBell Lock, using all his might to try and get the bowling ball sized biceps of Lashley between his legs…NO!! Lashley powers out of the move by simply flexing his arm, forcing Danielson to roll backwards. But Danielson rolls so to his feet, quickly rushing back behind the still shortened Lashley and gets in the double chickenwings, looking for Cattle Mutilation, but Lashley resists and rises to his feet before throwing Danielson clean over his shoulders with the chickenwings still locked in!!

Danielson is thrown with authority over the head of Lashley, who flexes his muscles in a ravish display of power. Danielson has to immediately rethink things, his two finishing submissions perhaps being seen as null and void here. As we look around the ring, Jericho is paying close attention, but smiles when he sees Lashley’s power and starts telling his monster to “finish him”, while Michaels is looking on very concerned, but hopeful. Lashley bursts forward towards Danielson once again with a clothesline, but Danielson is able to take it, use the momentum, and actually get Lash down on the mat, once again going for the LeBell, but Lashley again stands up and throws his arms open, throwing Danielson back down to the canvas. As the resilient champ gets to his feet quickly, however, he’s immediately BEHEADED BY A LASHLEY CLOTHESLINE!! Danielson goes flipping on that move, Lashley having to stop himself in the opposite corner there was such a charge behind that one.

Lashley surprisingly doesn’t go for a cover here, instead looking down at Jericho and getting word that he should “torture Michaels’ last hope”. Lashley seems to oblige here, now beginning to play with his food, it seems. He grabs the stunned Danielson and brings him to his feet before draping him across his chest and chunking him over his body with a massive fallaway slam. Danielson goes rolling all the way to the edge of the canvas, Michaels not looking too pleased with this. Lashley doesn’t seem to be pleased either, as The Dominator grips the limp body of Danielson and gives it a solid knee to the gut before whipping him across the ring and going for a big boot, but Danielson is still aware enough to dodge it and rebound again before connecting with a clothesline…that doesn’t seem to knock Lashley down! It stuns the big man, but Danielson needs to do more, as he goes and rebounds again, only for Lashley to catch him in a DEVASTATING SPINEBUSTER!!

The crowd is deflated once more as Jericho looks over to Michaels, telling him “You’re all alone because I’ll kill your friends!” Those who can hear this let out a boo of a roar, but it doesn’t make Danielson any more alive, as Lashley finally looks to go for a pin attempt here – 1…2…3-NO!! The Cruiserweight Champion has much more fight in him than that. Danielson rises to his feet clutching the base of his spine, Lashley quick to follow up with another hard set of blows to the gut, then a blow to the face. Danielson is rocked off balance until he starts firing shots of his own right back at Lashley, starting a flurry of blows that gets the crowd back into things, with a CHOP(Wooooo!) that would make Michaels and Naitch proud, followed by another CHOP(Wooooo!), but just when he gains a head of steam, Lashley turns the momentum around and shoves Danielson in a corner, kicking back and nailing several consecutive shoulder thrusts to his gut, prompting Danielson to nearly fold up in the corner with each blow. Lashley then takes the withered champ and tries to whip him into the opposite corner, but Danielson backflips over Lashley’s head, sending the charging Dominator to crash his chest against the corner!

Lashley’s huge body doesn’t recoil, instead leaving him hanging in pain in the corner. Danielson sees his opening, rushes at Lashley and corner dropkicks him back into the post!! Lashley goes down hard for the first time, Danielson finally able to get a count on – 1…2…NO!! Lashley lifts Danielson’s body off of him with authority! Even so, Danielson doesn’t let the big man get to his feet, rushing over to his still downed body and attempting to wrap him up in a submission hold, but Lashley is able to muscle his way out of Danielson’s attempt. Danielson doesn’t let that stop him, however, continuing to pry at Lashley until he makes it to his legs, which he finds a way to wrap up before putting on…a surfboard stretch!?

Bryan Danielson, the 5’ 10”, 180 pound vegan has the 6’ 4”, 270 pound muscleman contorted in a surfboard stretch!! Danielson is pulling Lashley’s head into his chest, forcing his body to contract down to the Dragon’s body size. The crowd is eating this up, Jericho looking on very worried. Danielson is selling the intensity of the hold, but Lashley soon breaks free when his large legs break away from Danielson’s much smaller ones, Lashley squatting to his feet with Danielson still clutching his head, adjusting and putting Danielson on his shoulder for the Dominator…but Danielson squiggles off, grabbing Lashley and pushing him into the ropes and rolling him over for a victory roll – 1…2…NO!! Lashley’s powerful legs again get him out of that one, throwing Danielson pretty far as well. Danielson makes some room between he and Lashley before charging back at the big man…BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER!! DANIELSON FOLDS HEAD OVER HEELS IN THE CORNER!! The air has once again left the arena, Lashley’s face seething as he pulls Danielson out of the corner and covers – 1…2…3…NO!!! DANIELSON STAYS ALIVE!!

The crowd loves the fight still left in Danielson after last week, but The Worthy Legion is having none of it. Jericho screams at Lashley to finish it now, prompting Lashley to lift Danielson up into a suplex…and leave him in the air before bringing him back down with the delayed vertical suplex. Danielson almost seems done for, but to add insult to an already apparent injury, Lashley doesn’t cover him, opting instead to kick Danielson right in the broken orbital bone!! Lashley’s foot goes right into Danielson’s eye socket, leaving him rolling on the canvas in pain in an already grim situation. Shawn Michaels isn’t pleased with that at all, jumping up on the ring apron and nearly jumping in there to get at Lashley, but the referee prevents him from doing so. While the ref is managing Shawn, Jericho now gets a shot in at the injured eye, delivering a blatant punch of his own to it.

Lashley now takes the possibly re-injured Danielson and brings him to his feet again, lifting him over his head in a military press, walking around with him to fully display his power to a chorus of heat. Just as Lashley prepares to put the move into something else, Danielson gets down and latches onto the head of Lashley…and locks in a guillotine choke!! Guillotine choke!! Danielson can’t quite bring Lashley’s huge body down, but he’s forced him over and cutting the circulation to his head off completely with this, the front headlock submission locked in tight. Danielson’s legs wrap around Lashley’s body as he pulls away on the head, nearly trying to wrench the head off the snake. Lashley is near powerless as he loses oxygen by the minute, dropping to his knees even. Jericho doesn’t like how this looks, now jumping up on the apron to either distract the ref or motivate Lashley. Either way, this prompts Michaels to make his way across the outside towards Jericho, yanking him off the apron himself…AND SLAPPING HIM ACROSS THE FACE!!

The crowd pops for this, but this provokes Jericho’s other muscle, Paul Wright, to galumph after Michaels. Wright hits Michaels with a heavy hand that sends Michaels away, but he comes right back with a leaping forearm to the big man, the two in a David v. Goliath match of their own on the outside. Wright of course starts pulling away, grabbing Michaels by the throat and thrusting him into the announce table, the edge of the table driving into Michaels’ infamously injured back. As Michaels looks to be in danger, Danielson lets go of his suffocating hold on Lashley to rush to the aide of his idol, climbing through to the apron…and hitting Wright in the skull with the running, leaping knee!! Wright doesn’t go down, but he’s knocked off balance enough that Jericho almost has to stop him from falling on top of him! Danielson checks on Michaels, who tells the kid he’s fine before Danielson rolls back into the ring and ready to go at Lashley again…SPEAR!! SPEAR!! LASHLEY SPEARS DANIELSON IN HALF!! The much smaller body of Danielson is nearly gored apart by the tank that is Lashley, who makes the academic cover – 1…2…3…!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley at (10:45)

Lashley looks incredibly animalistic here, but he pays no heed to the ruckus going on the outside. He’s still looking to do even more damage. He starts stepping back into a corner, looking to completely end the Cruiserweight Champion here…BUT HERE COMES SAMOA JOE!! Joe and Lashley are brawling again!! Meanwhile, outside the ring, Michaels’ constant clawing away at Wright seems to pay off when he’s able to take a TV monitor and crack it across Wright’s head!! This STILL doesn’t knock the monster off of his feet, but very much takes him out, as Jericho has to lead/drag away the glaze-eyed Wright away from the outside scene, while inside the ring, Joe is very much pulling away over Lashley after a back and forth fight, Joe getting room and clotheslining Lashley over the top rope and out of the ring, right in front of Jericho and the barley aware Wright. Joe lets out a fierce exalt as he watches The Worthy Legion head up the ramp, while Michaels slides into the ring and tends to Danielson. Joe soon does the same, giving Michaels a hard look before doing so, but both men help Danielson get to his feet, Michaels even handing Danielson his title. He pats him on the back of the head before Joe turns his attention back towards the retreating Legion.​


Joey Styles:
Look at this! Shawn Michaels’ last ditch effort to get through to Samoa Joe must have worked, as he comes to the aid of both Shawn Michaels and Bryan Danielson to get his hands on Lashley and the Legion!

JBL:
Oh, this fire just got turned up even more, Joey!

Joey Styles:
Indeed it does, this certainly spicing things up a bit. I’m Joey Styles alongside John Layfield signing off here, but on this night, Chris Jericho is finally thwarted and proven wrong – Shawn Michaels is not alone!


The final image we get of this Oblivion is that of The Worthy Legion completely on the defense for the first time since their formation, staring from the top of the ramp all the way to the ring, where we see a fired up Joe, a damaged but standing Danielson, and a very stern Shawn Michaels all staring back at them and indeed show that Shawn Michaels is indeed in good company, at least for now as we

Fade…

To…

Black…

END SHOW




~A Very Merry War~
December 26th, 2007
*Special 2-Hour Supershow*
CURRENT CARD

~AOW Heavyweight Championship~
*If Shawn Michaels loses, he can no longer compete*

Chris Jericho(c) w/Paul “The Great” Wright v. Shawn Michaels

*4-WAY LADDER MATCH*
~AOW Tag Team Championship~

World’s Greatest Tag Team(c) v. American Made v. Sons of the Dungeon v. Samoan Fight Club



Sorry for length, but wanted to mash everything in there. Hope all don't get on me too much for that.
 
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