After that beautiful opening package and singing of “America the Beautiful”, all of Atlanta falls to an excited hush, awaiting the opening act of Wrestlemania 27. We look to the entrance stage to see a large mirror set up across the center of the stage, giving the hushed arena something to wonder about, many of the stage lights reflecting off of the glass surface.



**NO MORE WORDS**



And their wonder erupts into a massive pop as a sound Wrestlemania hasn’t heard in two years bursts through the speakers. The arena goes dim, the lights flash off purple and purple/blue coloring, darting in all directions. There is no immediate appearance by the Charismic Enigma, however, the arena is now dark enough to where we can see something written on the large mirror plane in bright green glow-in-the-dark rave paint, matching with the chorus –



“DON’T YOU SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL”



This garners an even bigger reaction from the crowd when they decipher the art, but their pops can’t muffle out what sounds like the roaring of a revving engine. That’s because after another second of anticipation, JEFF HARDY ON A MOTOCROSS BIKE SMASHES RIGHT THROUGH THE MIRROR!!! The crowd erupts once more, as the shards of glass stupendously give way a helmet-less Jeff Hardy, making superstition destroying entrance. He brakes on the entrance stage, looking around the arena from his vehicular seat, absorbing the Georgia Dome’s admiration.



We can see that Hardy is sporting his trademark white and black armsleeves and mysterious locks, his usual black jeans this time being accompanied by a short-sleeve purple mesh shirt, something that a much younger version of him would wear. This unique dress, paired with his face painted in a truly enigmatic combination of white, black, and purple, makes this whole get-up look like a near combination of Jeff Hardy past and present. Jeffery stands on his bike’s pedals and bangs his head to his theme music before throwing his hands up to perform his signature gyrations on his motorbike –



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



Once that explosive display goes off, the youngest Hardy further takes in the terrific reaction, still rocking his head. We also see that the motocross bike, a 2011 Yamaha YZ450F, has been custom colored in white, black, and purple to match his face paint, as well as a handlebar decal in the shape of the “Hardyz” symbol.



**DING DING DING**



Justin Roberts:
This match is set for one fall, and it is for the Intercontinental Championship!! Introducing first, the challenger, weighing in at two-hundred twenty pounds, The Charismic Enigma…JEEEEEEEFFFF HAAAAR-DDYYYYY!!!



Jim Ross:
Wrestlemania is the night where every man must throw his every fear into the wind an’ take himself places he’s never been to, an’ you wanna talk about the personification of that, an’ you’re lookin’ at the perfect man to kick off Wrestlemania in the notorious daredevil, Jeff Hardy!



Jerry Lawler:
JR, I think Jeff Hardy throws caution to the wind for breakfast every morning!



Jim Ross:
It would appear so, King. Jeff Hardy returning out of exile to the WWE just a few months ago, this is his first Wrestlemania in two years. An’ he has exploded back into the WWE Universe’s hearts the same way he made it in the first time – by walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, defying both gravity an’ fear, an’ living all for the moment!



Jerry Lawler:
And this time, he’s decided to incorporate his love for the dangers of motocross - as if we didn’t know he defies death enough!



Hardy is done taking in his pop, but he’s not done with his theatrics quite yet, it seems. Flashing ‘double-handguns’ momentarily, The Legend Thriller sits down and revs the engine back up before kickstarting the ignition and sending he and the motocross bike ROARING DOWN THE ENTRANCE RAMP!! Curiously, he slows down a bit as he nears the base of the ramp…AND JUMPS OFF THE MOVING VEHICLE ONTO THE RING APRON!! As Hardy soars through the air, the white towel hanging from his back pocket tells of his majestically reckless journey from seat to the ring, waving beautifully in the Georgia night.



Being Hardy, the landing on the apron is not clean and is actually sort of violent, but he grabs onto the top rope to keep steady. The bike skids across the very base of the ramp and padded outside on its side without a rider, but damn near gives Justin Roberts a heart attack before stopping harmlessly at the ring skirt. This prompts Atlanta to now cheer even harder for Hardy, who rapidly climbs through the middle rope and soon to a turnbuckle. He sets himself high, his arms open as though he’s soaring before bringing his hands to his mouth, both of them in the handguns gesture. He leaps off and does the same thing to the opposite turnbuckle, this time a “V1” symbol being seen alongside his handgun, giving a small tribute his is absent brother.



He leaps off and roams towards the center of the ring, where the lights lift and Hardy is swarmed by chants of “HARDY! HARDY! HARDY!”, clapping his hands in sync before putting his hands on his knees, popping his shoulders to his fading theme music, and waiting both for his champion opponent and for a chance to truly wow this audience in his return to the Grandest Stag of Them All.

Event - WrestleMania 30
Venue - The Olympic Stadium
City - London England
Wrestler Entrance - Wade Barrett (Face)

The video package comes to a close and inside the Olympic Stadium, the anticipation can be felt. The camera shot is now focused on the stage which consists of an outstanding London theme. There are models of London landmarks - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace which has an opening set of gates for wrestlers to make their entrances and to the right of Buckingham Palace is the famous London Eye. On this beautifully created stage stand a massive London Choir, wearing the traditional white cloaks, the Choir are divided into two sections half placed to the left and half right of Buckingham Palace's opening gates. There is cheering in the stadium as the crowd await their home town hero making his appearance. The stage lights dim down and a spotlight is the main piece of the stage for now and coming out of the entrance way is a man with a United Kingdom flag, that man is none other than The Mayor of London - BORIS JOHNSON to a massive share of cheers and laughs, the Mayor of London takes his place in the centre of the stage with the United Kingdom flag waving in the wind, a piece of orchestral music plays and the choir begin to sing.


"God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen
God save the Queen
Send her victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save the Queen"


The entire stadium are on their feet, singing along with the wonderful rendition of the United Kingdom's National Anthem, the camera sweeps on by many faces of the London Choir as they sing with passion and pride.


"O Lord our God arise
Scatter her enemies
And make them fall
Confound their politics
Frustrate their knavish tricks
On Thee our hopes we fix
God save us all"


The atmosphere inside the stadium right now is incomparable, the camera captures all the fans with their hands on their chest and singing at the top of their lungs. We see many different shots of fans with the United Kingdom flag painted on their face and other body parts.


"Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour
Long may she reign
May she defend our laws
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen"


"Not in this land alone
But be God's mercies known
From shore to shore
Lord make the nations see
That men should brothers be
And form one family
The wide world over"


The gates at the entrance of the stage are suddenly opened up by two Grenadier Guards and coming out to the stage in a royal robe is the challenger to the WWE Championship and London's own, Wade Barrett! He walks with his right hand over his chest and is singing along with the London Choir and the entire Olympic Stadium he stops walking and stands directly to the right of Boris Johnson.


"From every latent foe
From the assassins blow
God save the Queen
O'er her thine arm extend
For Britain's sake defend
Our mother, prince, and friend
God save the Queen"


As the United Kingdom's National Anthem comes to it's close, the lights come back on and the stadium erupts in applause. Wade Barrett soaks up the atmosphere, a smile is plastered below his nose before he turns to face the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The pairing shake hands and Boris Johnson hands over the Great British flag.


Wade Barrett takes a deep breath as he accepts the flag from Boris Johnson and then looks around the sold out Olympic Stadium, tears are obviously present in his eyes. He soaks it all up and takes a deep breath before he lets out a massive roar and waves the United Kingdom's flag, proudly and passionately!


"WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS"


Suddenly, a version of We Are The Champions by legendary British rock band, Queen blares out and the entire stadium erupts. Wade Barrett begins the long walk down towards the ring that could seal his destiny. He brings the flag down with him, passing many fans who are waving flags to his left and right and he is looking READY for action.


Michael Cole: What a moment for this man. His journey began when he won the 30-Man over the top rope Royal Rumble back in January, sealing this main event match on the grandest stage of them all - WrestleMania. And to top it all off, he is challenging for the WWE Championship in his home country, the United Kingdom, in London, England! Can you even begin to imagine what Wade Barrett is feeling at this very moment?


The crowd are singing along to Freddie Mercury's terrific vocals of "We Are The Champions" and Wade Barrett has finally arrived at the bottom of the long but rewarding entrance ramp. He stops at the bottom to survey his territory, and once again takes in this special moment, one of which he will most likely never again experience. Barrett places the flag into a stand which is positioned just in front of where he stopped, he leaves it there and steps in front of it, allowing the wind to blow it freely. Flash bulbs are going off throughout the arena as he stands.


Barrett continues to survey the ring area, choosing to walk around the ring, passing screaming fans as he does so, he's enjoying every single moment of this, he walks towards his family and acknowledges them, stopping in front of them and giving his wife a confident look before he turns to look up and stare into the very ring that could make him a legend. Barrett hops up onto the apron, grabbing the red, white and blue ropes and entering the ring to a massive eruption from London. Barrett walks over to the corner closest facing his family and climbs to the middle turnbuckle, raising his arms high in the air and screaming out "C'MON!" as loudly as he can. The crowd have their hands high in the air as the camera comes in towards Barrett from the crowd, getting a shot of his face. Barrett does his best to hold back a giant grin but it's an almost impossible task.


Barrett points once more to his wife, nodding his head - the challenger steps down off the corner and walks towards the side of the ring that has the camera facing him, Barrett then lets out one more giant roar, this one has his appropriately themed royal robe fall off his back and to the canvas, where a referee is there to pick it up. Barrett looks out into the masses of fans who are cheering for him, waving their flags for him and wishing for him to win the WWE Championship.


He stands tall in the squared circle in London's Olympic stadium with Queen's "We Are The Champion's" coming to it's conclusion, signalling the end to Wade Barrett's phenomenal entrance to WrestleMania and the wait for the WWE Champion is now on.

WrestleMania 28
The Rock vs. John Cena


*HOW WE ROLL*


An unfamiliar theme fills the stadium and the crowd doesn’t know how to react, it’s an air of confusion as John Cena paces the ring, waiting for his opponent.


Over the theme, we hear the revving of car engines; it engulfs the theme so that we barely hear it.


The stadium lights turn orange and white, with spotlights flashing all over the arena. The sky has turned completely black, which gives this match the 'big match under the lights' feel. The cameras cut to the side of the stage, where a grey with black trim Dodge Charger, the same one from the ‘Fast 5’ movie drives out onto the stage, from a specially designed gap.


At the same time, at the other side of the stage – another car drives out. This time it’s an orange and white Porsche GT3 RS which proceeds onto the stage.


The cameras close in on the drivers; we see that it is Vin Diesel (Dodge) and Paul Walker (Porsche) from the Fast 5 movie, the two men smiling at each other from across the stage.


The crowd realize who it is and begin cheering, meanwhile in the ring – Cena is staring up at the two cars, perplexed by what is going on.


Michael Cole:
Ladies and gentleman, as you can see those two men are Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, who starred in the smash hit movie – Fast Five with none other than The Rock.


The lights in the stadium go out completely and the music that has been playing has played out.


The atmosphere in the stadium is electric as they are waiting for the arrival of The Rock.


We literally cannot see anything; we only hear the sound of the crowd cheering in anticipation, until the two men begin revving their engines, filling the stadium.


The revving continues for a few seconds until they go silent and then...


‘IF YA SMEEELLLLLL...’


‘WHAT THE ROCK...’


‘IS COOKING...’


*ELECTRIFYING*


The stadium suddenly lights up with blue lighting, with a white spotlight flashing around the arena, really showing off how huge the stadium is.


The crowd are going absolutely wild, the stadium doesn’t have a roof but if it did – the roof would be ripped off with the reaction that ‘The Great One’ has gathered.


If it’s possible the cheers get even louder as The Rock walks swiftly out onto the stage. ‘The Great One’ stands in the centre, soaking the atmosphere before walking to the right side of the stage where he high fives and hugs Vin Diesel. He continues walking to the very end of the stage and hops on the spot, staring out into the vast crowd.


Meanwhile in the ring, John Cena stands, leaning on the ropes, limbering up for this huge match.


Back on the ramp, Rocky walks to the opposite side of the stage, and hugs Paul Walker. ‘The Great One’, with the stadium lit up with his blue and white lighting, hops on the spot before walking to the centre.


Then in a surprise, from behind The Rock, a number of actors and actresses walk out from backstage, with ‘Team Bring It’ t-shirts on. The actors line up along the front of the stage.


They include his co-stars from such films as Walking Tall, Welcome to the Jungle, Gridiron Gang and some more from Fast Five. They include Johnny Knoxville, Sean William Scott, Xzibit, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster & Gal Gadot.


They line up along the silver stage, with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker at the end of each side. Rocky continues to hop on the spot while Cena stares at the row of actors and actresses.


‘The People’s Champion’ begins his journey down the huge ramp, fans reach out to get a feel of ‘The Great One’ but he is all business – focused on the man in the ring.


Michael Cole:
Listen to these fans, King – they are on their feet, cheering The Rock on as he walks down the ramp.


King:
He looks all business tonight, Michael. But so does John Cena, the leader of the CeNation won’t be fazed by The Rock’s reaction, keep in mind this is The Rock’s home town.


Michael Cole:
This match is the biggest in recent memory, two greats; two of the greatest Superstars of their generation go one on one.


Rocky walks over to the steel steps, keeping his eyes on his opponent, but Cena does the same, neither one taking their eyes off each other. The Rock walks quickly up the silver steps, he hops from the steps onto the apron, holding onto the silver ring ropes for support.


The blue lighting continues but the white spotlight stops teleporting all over the arena and focuses on The Rock. ‘The Brahma Bull’ climbs up the turnbuckle from the outside, and sends his arm up in the air – in the classic pose.


The fans copy The Rock’s pose as he smells the air, soaking in the atmosphere from the stadium. ‘The Great One’ steps down and steps through the silver ropes. He walks swiftly past Cena, staring at him as he does, before climbing the opposite turnbuckle.


He sends up his arm again, gaining another cheer as the spotlight returns to the teleporting all over the stadium. Rocky brings his arm down and starts to survey the arena.


After that, after soaking in the stadium’s atmosphere, he drops down and walks across from Cena. The two huge Superstars stare at one another, the crowd cheering loudly, hotly anticipating this match.


The referee obliges and calls for the bell and the biggest match in recent memory has begun...

WRESTLEMANIA 30 MAIN EVENT
"THE STRAIGHT EDGE SUPERSTAR" CM PUNK
vs.
"STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN

After the video package for the match has hyped things up we return to the arena. It is an outdoor arena covered by a night sky. A structure is above the ring shinning light down on it and big lights around the arena shine into the crowd. There a few spotlights hovering around the entrance way.

For the set of the arena there is a big titantron that is slanted like the RAW titantron use to be. On the titantron a graphic is displaying CM Punk and Steve Austin. There are three huge clear X's on the stage in front of the entrance to signify that it is the 30th WrestleMania. The camera pans over the ring where Justin Roberts is waiting to make the announcement...and strangely there seems to be some empty seats in the arena that were filled prior to the video package being played...

Justin Roberts: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! It is time for your Wrrrrrrrrrrrrestle Maniaaaaaaa Main E-Veeeeeent!

THE CROWD GOES BALLISTIC! "Austin!" chants quickly surround the arena as the fans prepare to see The Rattlesnake's final showdown...and the chants aren't the only thing surrounding the arena...as men and women in black hoodies pulled over their heads and blue jeans come up through the entrances into the seating sections and begin to cover all sides of the fans. The chants begin to go away as the fans become curious of the group of hooded people, who are all sporting three big red X's across the chests of their hoodies.

A commotion begins to surround the rows behind the announce table as another man in the same outfit (and who looks strangely like Colt Cabana) is seen getting closer and closer to the announcers area. He jumps over the barricade and steps over to the RAW announce table, climbing on top of it. Jim Ross, Michael Cole, and Jerry Lawler scatter not knowing what to expect from this. The man picks up a microphone as the group continues to come out from the entrances and he begins to speak.

Leader: We are!

Group: STRAIGHT EDGE!

More people are coming out from the entrances while the others are beginning to stand in place, surrounding the front rows, back rows, and both sides of the fans in each section.

Leader: We are!

Group: STRAIGHT EDGE!

The group has finally finished covering all sides of the audience and are all standing still like disciplined soldiers. The leader turns towards the crowd behind him and shouts again.

Leader: WE ARE!

Group: STRAIGHT EDGE!

The Straight Edge followers throw up their arms into the air in the form of X's revealing they have CM Punk's signature taping and drawn on red X's. The crowd is starting to get irritated with them and they start pouring on the boos, the group seeming unfazed with their arms still up in X's.

Leader: We are sick of your poison society!

Group: WE ARE SICK OF YOUR POISON SOCIETY!

"Boooooooooooo!"

Leader: We are here to show you discipline!

Group: WE ARE HERE TO SHOW YOU DISCIPLINE!

More heat for the group, with a few "What!?" chants mixed it.

Leader: We are here to show you a leader!

Group: WE ARE HERE TO SHOW YOU A LEADER!

"WHAT!?"

Leader: We are here to show you a savior!

Group: WE ARE HERE TO SHOW YOU A SAVIOR!

"WHAT!?"

Leader: So that you can be free!

Group: SO THAT YOU . . . CAN BE FREE!

"WHAT!?"

Leader: We are!

Group: DRUG FREE!

"WHAT!?"

Leader: We are!

Group: ALCOHOL FREE!

"WHAAAAT!!!?"

Leader: AND WE ARE!

Group: BETTER THAN YOUUUUUUU!

The group puts their arms back down and point at the fans as they say "YOU" getting major heat from the crowd.

Leader: This is true!

Group: THIS IS TRUE!

The crowd just continues to boo the heck out of the group.

Leader: This is real!

Group: THIS IS REAL!

More heat for the crowd with a few "WHAT!?"s and "Shut the **** up!"s being heard in the audience.

Leader: THIS IS...

Leader & Group: STRAAAAAAAAIGHT EDGE!!!

The Straight Edge men and women all hold up their arms in the form of X's in front of their chests as the fans lay into them...

...THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN...

"MISERIA CANTARE (THE BEGINNING)" BY AFI makes its WWE debut!

And as the drum begins to beat the group begins to slam everything they can in unison to it, from the walls, to the barricade, to the seats, and they are even stomping on the floor. The leader of the group begins to chant along to the song.

Leader: Love!
Your hate!
Your!
Faith lost!
You!
Are now!
One!
Of us!
Love!
Your hate!
Your!
Faith lost!
You!
Are now!
One!
Of us!

The drumming picks up again from the crowd and the lights go out. The triple X Roman numerals all of a sudden light up, glowing red, and it slightly illumines a figure kneeling down in front of them, facing towards the crowd. A spotlight shines down onto to the figure and it is none other than CM Punk who is 'checking his watch'. He looks up and yells "What time is it!" before getting up and shouting in union with his followers.

CM Punk & Group: IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!

Punk bounces up, holds his arm back, jumps forward, and throws a punch, only to a chorus of boos from the fans. He then turns around revealing the "BEST IN THE WORLD" slogan on his shirt gaining even more heat from the crowd...WHICH BATTLES WITH "BEST IN THE WORLD" chants from the Straight Edge group.

Punk turns his attention back to the ring and puts his arms across his chest in the form of an X the whole time he makes his way down to the ring, ignoring some bantering from Stone Cold fans in the arena, one who has a "Austin 3:16" shirt on is shouting that Punk is going to get his ass kicked, but it doesn't seem to break his concentration on the task at hand. The fans don't let up on Punk, mostly due to the fact that the Straight Edge crowd starts showering him with "C-M PUNK!" chants.

When Punk makes his way to the ring, he jumps up onto the apron, kneeling on his left knee as he looks around through the crowd. He then gets up and goes through the top and middle ropes into the ring. He heads over to the corner on his upper right and climbs up onto the middle rope before performing the X again, now directed towards the crowd, to a response of boos and some birds being flipped from the majority of the crowd and X's in response from the Straight Edge group. Punk then jumps down and heads to the opposite corner, climbs up and does the X again to a similar response. The Straight Edge Superstar soaks in the reaction, jumps down once more, and heads to the adjacent corner with it now becoming obvious he is mocking Austin's taunt. Punk leaps up into the corner and makes the X again, soaks in the heat and the minority of cheers, then jumps down and goes to the opposite corner to finish off with the fourth corner taunt.

As Punk finishes his mockery of The Rattlesnake, the lights turn back on, he goes to the center of the ring, sits down in Indian style and stares up the ramp with a fire in his eyes, waiting for his adversary to appear for his retirement match. From the glimpses we can see at this angle, the CM Punk fans are going back to their seats, revealing that their absence was the reason for the empty seats at the start of the entrance.

Coolquip’s King of the BTB Qualifying Round Entry

Backstory:
After a prolonged tenure in TNA, Kurt Angle has finally returned to the WWE to much fanfare. Angle's return the night after Elimination Chamber had set the pro wrestling world afire as Angle confronted CM Punk. Over the past few weeks, Punk has gone out of his way to call Angle old and washed up in build-up for their match at Wrestlemania 29 in the Meadowlands. This match will be Angle's first in a WWE ring in nearly six years and is a major selling point for Wrestlemania.

------------

Justin Roberts stands in the center of the ring

Roberts:
The following contest is scheduled for ONE-FALL!

The crowd applauds out of excitement for this huge match.

**MEDAL (REVISITED)**

The reaction is just amazing. If there were a roof over the Meadowlands it surely would have been blown off by the ovation for Kurt Angle. A few moments pass by before Angle himself rises from underneath the Wrestlemania stage via an elevator lift. Angle keeps his head down as the crowd reaction somehow increases in volume. Angle is wearing his signature singlet, his t-shirt, and of course, his Olympic gold medal hanging off his neck by it's emerald-colored ribbon. Angle takes a deep breath before a raising his head up and pointing his fingers in the air to an amazing display of

*PYRO*
*PYRO*
*PYRO*

JR:
In my opinion, the most decorated athlete in the history of this business. His accolades speak for themselves. A former WWE Champion, WCW Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, a Grand Slam Champion, a King of the Ring, and of course, an Olympic Gold Medalist!

As Angle heads down the long ramp toward the ring, nearly every member of the 70,000 plus audience holds up a panel that was underneath their chair. The image that forms from this act of unison is one of a large American flag that seems to envelope the crowd as Angle heads toward the ring in a truly awe-inspiring image.

Roberts:
Introducing first, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the ONLY Olympic Gold Medalist in WWE history, KURRRT ANNNGLLLLLE!!

Angle meanwhile walks down the ramp with a focused stare on the ring shaking his wrists every now and then. Angle's fixation on the ring in stark contrast with the breathtaking sight around him adds to how surreal the moment is. Angle stops at the end if the ramp and takes another deep breath before quickly heading up the steps and entering the ring. When in the ring, Angle holds his arms out at both sides and yells. As Angle does this, four U.S. Fighter jets fly over MetLife Stadium.

VROOM!!

The power of the awesome aircraft causes the large stadium to vibrate.

JR:
Folks, I cannot explain what we're feeling here, but I'm sure you can all feel it as well!

Angle's music finally dies down, but the crowd does not. As Angle stands in the center of the ring, the tens-of-thousands of fans in New Jersey begin to chant, "Welcome back! Welcome back!" Angle puts his head down trying to hold back his emotion, but the moment is far too powerful. Angle raises his head to reveal tears streaming down his face. This does little to settle the crowd who chant and cheer even louder. Angle continues to sob, touched by the respect being bestowed upon him for all the years of putting his body in the line in order to entertain them. Angle puts a clenched fist to his heart and uses his other hand to point to all in attendance and mouths, "Thank you! Thank you!"

A palpable air of excitement sweeps across the 54,097 fans in attendance at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington as the third hour of WrestleMania XIX is set in motion.

After already having witnessed an outstanding contest between Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels that would’ve been worthy of being slotted in the main event on any other given night, the capacity crowd still has loads to look forward to because there are three major matches remaining.

If one were to dissect the crowd, one might be able to pick out a handful of folks who have expended so much energy that they have already lost their voices. However, for the most part, there seems to be plenty of juice left in the sea of humanity who have purchased tickets to see the biggest pay-per-view of the year. They are a rowdy rambunctious bunch and it looks as if it’ll stay that way.

A crane camera pans over the massive audience catching glimpses of excited fans of all ages who have traveled from all over the world to attend the granddaddy of them all. A spectacle of grandiose proportions; the show has yet to let them down.

A sudden high-pitched siren sound blares over the ballpark’s amplifiers causing thousands of heads to swivel in unison towards the entranceway. Red lights begin to flash simultaneously, painting the entire stadium crimson.

After a few uninterrupted seconds of the loud wailing siren reverberating throughout the stadium, a voice cuts through the siren and utters the following phrase…

“Holla if ya hear me”

A cool sound effect produced by some type of electric synthesizer is then intermixed with the siren followed by a subdued drumbeat kicking in mere seconds later.

Put it all together and we have the familiar theme music of one of World Wrestling Entertainment's newest superstars. A man who has burst onto the scene and has already reached the main event level after signing with the company a short time ago. A man who goes by many nicknames. He is the “Genetic Freak”, the “Big Bad Booty Daddy”; a man currently embroiled in controversy…

He is “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner and he is the defending World Heavyweight Champion.

And he’s making his way to the ring by less than ordinary means.

Unlike all of the other superstars before him, Scott Steiner is unable to make his presence known by simply walking onto the stage. But why not? Surely he has a choice in the matter.

No, Scott Steiner is unable to simply step through the curtain because he is currently under police custody.

What the hell? But if he’s supposed to be behind bars, how in the world is he supposed to wrestle?

Well, now seems like the most appropriate time to mention the details to those unfamiliar with the build-up surrounding the upcoming World Heavyweight Championship bout.

---

Turning back the clock to just over three weeks ago, news broke out about a behind-the-scenes physical altercation involving the World Heavyweight Champion Scott Steiner and the chairman of the WWE, Mr. McMahon. Later that day details emerged indicating that charges had been filed by Mr. McMahon and Scott Steiner had been arrested for assault and battery.

That same evening, more in-depth details were leaked, revealing that the incident in question took place during a behind-closed-doors meeting between Mr. McMahon and Scott Steiner. A contract dispute between the two men became so heated it erupted in violence. When all was said and done, Mr. McMahon required immediate medical attention after suffering multiple facial lacerations, a broken collarbone, and a partially dislocated elbow. No one knows exactly what instigated the violence.

With Scott Steiner being taken into police custody under such contentious circumstances, the state of the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XIX was put in jeopardy. Steiner had been scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XIX against the man he had defeated to become champion, Evolution’s Triple H. Now that match was in limbo.

After posting bail, rumors began to swirl indicating that the WWE had no choice but to release Steiner and strip him of his title due to his untelevised violent confrontation with Mr. McMahon. However, with WrestleMania XIX just a few short weeks away, Mr. McMahon was unwilling to vacate the title on such short notice and stubbornly refused to give in to that idea. In light of the situation, with dollar signs in his eyes, Mr. McMahon did the exact opposite and ironed out a deal with Scott Steiner, ensuring that the match-up against Triple H would still take place.

In a plea agreement so bizarre the only place one could ever imagine it originating from being the crazy world of professional wrestling, Mr. McMahon agreed to drop all charges against Scott Steiner if he were to successfully defend the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XIX. But if Steiner were to come out on the losing end, his contract with the WWE would be terminated on the spot and Mr. McMahon would carry forward with his charges against Scott Steiner. In addition to those stipulations Mr. McMahon also required that Scott Steiner be jailed at a local correctional facility in the days leading up to WrestleMania XIX, to which Scott Steiner acquiesced.

---

With all that in mind, it almost seems fitting to expect to see Scott Steiner enter the building tonight in the back of a patrol car.

Well, I may have let the cat out of the bag because lo and behold, my words are ringing true…

Making its way out onto the WrestleMania floor near the entranceway is the surreal sight of a Seattle PD marked police car. At first not everybody notices the arrival of the police cruiser because even with its siren turned on, Scott Steiner's theme song is managing to drown it out. But slowly but surely as those who first caught wind of it begin to point their fingers and call attention to the police car it doesn’t take long until the entire crowd is made aware of it.

Although the back windows are tinted, it isn't hard to fathom a guess as to who is riding in the back of the vehicle. The police car travels as far as it could before coming to a complete stop a few feet away from the raised rampway.

A law enforcement officer cuts off the engine and steps out of the vehicle before approaching the rear of the automobile. He casually opens the door and gives his passenger some space to step outside of the vehicle. The passenger scoots his way to the edge of his seat and exits the car with his hands interlocked behind his back, presumably in handcuffs. When the man is finally positioned in full camera view, the crowd lets out a loud cheer in approval upon recognition of the “Big Bad Booty Daddy” on the gigantic TitanTron screens.

Peering out into the massive crowd, “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner has a bitter grin spread across his face.

Steiner is not dressed in his usual wrestling attire. He is wearing an orange jumpsuit, the stereotypical inmate garb. Noticeably absent from his head is his trademark chainmail Medieval head piece. The signature black sunglasses he likes to sport before his matches are also missing.

Escorted to the ring by the same law enforcement officer who drove him into the building, Steiner does his best to acknowledge the fans even though his hands are still bolted together with handcuffs. Steiner has a crazed look in his eyes, one you might expect to see in a lunatic who has been locked in solitary confinement for too long.

When the pair finally arrives at ringside, the cop pulls out a set of keys and looks as if he's just about ready to free Steiner from his handcuffs. Steiner turns his head around and looks dead into the officer's eyes causing the officer to hesitate slightly.

Steiner cockily asks the cop with a tinge of annoyance, "What the hell are you waiting for?".

The officer doesn't bother to answer back. He quietly does his job and unlocks Steiner from his handcuffs. Steiner turns around to give the officer an insincere goodbye and arrogantly pats the officer on the shoulder.

Steiner takes a moment to stretch outside of the ring, loosening his freakishly large muscles in the process. Steiner rolls up the sleeves of his orange jumpsuit to display his distinctively large biceps. Steiner flexes in front of the camera before climbing the steel ring steps and entering the squared circle.

While inside the ring, Steiner is greeted by longtime referee Earl Hebner who is carrying in his hands Steiner’s illustrious World Heavyweight Championship gold. Steiner admires his treasured prize while it’s still wedged between Hebner’s fingers before grabbing hold of it himself and planting it with a kiss. Steiner then hands it back to Hebner and orders him to put it around his waist as he poses in front of the hard camera. Hebner obliges.

With the title strap firmly around his waist, Steiner ventures over to the corner of the ring and ascends the turnbuckles. Steiner positions himself on the second turnbuckle and poses for the crowd, garnering an abundance of camera flashes as a slew of fans from all different angles try to capture a photograph of the World Heavyweight Champion. Steiner flexes his arms and raises his biceps to his lips, planting them with kisses whilst awaiting his opponent for what promises to be a high stakes, life-altering, career-defining match.

The scene fades to Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler sitting behind their announce table.

Jim Ross: Ladies and Gentleman, it is now time for the match that I think we have all been waiting for. The career threatening match here at WrestleMania 28. Mr. WrestleMania Shawn Michaels will put his career on the line against The Undertaker’s WrestleMania win streak.

”Sexy Boy” hits over the P.A. system. The lights in the arena go out as one lone spotlight shines on the stage. The music stops and a single elderly colored woman walk out onto the stage, wearing a white gown, the type of one that they would wear in a church. She starts out with a microphone in hand, humming a little into the mic. The lights turn back into the arena and the whole group of the church choir start to hum all together. The chorus all smile and start to sing.

“He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
His banner... over me... is love.
Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
His banner... over me... is love”

The singing of the chorus fades as the lights in the arena fade yet again. The single spot light shines once again on the middle of the stage. “Sexy Boy” hits over the P.A. system yet again. The fans all start to cheer as Shawn Michaels finally makes his long awaited entrance. He is dressed in a white cowboy hat, white dress shirt that is open up to reveal a white t-shirt under. He is also wearing white rip-away pants. Michaels slowly walks out onto the stage and looks around the arena. He drops to his knees in the ramp and the lone spotlight shines on Shawn Michaels, who now has a microphone in his hand. He keeps his head down as he begins to speak

Michaels: Tonight, I do Gods Will. Tonight I take down The Undertaker and end his undefeated Streak at WrestleMania.

Michaels drops the microphone and slowly stands up to his feet. He looks down at the ring, and sees the Hell in the Cell that he and The Undertaker will battle in tonight. Michaels face turns into a frown as he makes his way down to the ring. The fans all around him try to get him to give them high fives, but Michaels ignores this and keeps on his way down the ramp. Michaels stops at the edge of the ring and drops down to his knees. He puts his hands together and starts to pray to the God above. Michaels finally gets back up to his feet and slides into the ring and awaits his opponent, The Undertaker.

JR Michaels and The Undertaker will battle tonight in a Hell in a Cell match. That look that you saw folks was a look of pure terror from Shawn Michaels. It would take just three seconds for Shawn Michaels career to be over tonight.

WRESTLEMANIA 24
The Citrus Bowl | Orlando, Florida
March 30, 2008
Retirement Match | Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels

With The Showstopper's music coming to an end, an uncanny feeling of nervousness and excitement engulfs The Citrus Bowl as well as the 74,000 fans in attendance. An almost eery silence overwhelms the stadium which could stand the hairs of the most emotionless man on end. The sense of anticipation rises to the point where the silence is in fact louder than any cheers or chants could possibly ever be. The sense of unease is evident as we get one last shot of Shawn Michaels waiting in the corner of the ring for his opponent.

...

All eyes in the arena are on the top of the entrance ramp...

...

Moments later, we see several people walking out from the backstage area. All of the men are clad in smart, swanky three-piece suits. Dressed to the dimes, as appropriate, the camera zooms in on the handful of men strolling out on to the top of the ramp in an orderly fashion. The arena explodes in cheers as we see that the men are; RICKY STEAMBOAT, ARN ANDERSON, OLE ANDERSON, JJ DILLON, TULLY BLANCHARD, TERRY FUNK, DUSTY RHODES, BARRY WINDHAM AND HARLEY RACE! All nine men smile to the crowd but refrain from posing or taunting as Jim Ross informs every one that this collection of Wrestling legends, at one point or another, were friends or foes of The Nature Boy but the one thing that they all had in common was the mutual respect that they and Flair had for one another.

The nine men gather at the top of the entrance ramp and form a semi-circle at the top of the ramp with their backs facing inwards and their fronts facing towards the crowd, as we get a close up of all nine men's expressionless faces as they look towards the masses with their hands behind their back.

The sensation of momentous occasion envelopes the open-roofed stadium as the appearance of the nine icons really puts the significance of this match in to perspective for not only the fans in attendance, but presumably for the millions watching at home.

...

A few moments pass as silence once again suffocates The Citrus Bowl... UNTIL THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA FADE TO BLACK!

Buzz and excitement instantly destroys any silence within the arena as the anticipation for the appearance of the man himself immediately rises to incomparable heights until a HUGE single firework rises from the floor high in to the air in the center of the huge Wrestlemania structure erected on the ramp...

...

And it EXPLODES in to an awe-inspiring selection of bright, vibrant colours as the crowd 'ooh and ahh' in amazement of the one single firework exploding in the atmosphere. After a few seconds of continued silence and darkness within the stadium and the colourful sparks from the firework settle amongst the 74,000 galvanized spectators at ringside, anticipation once again consumes The Bowl.

...

Until

.....
....
..
..
....
.....

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The crowd becomes UNGLUED as the arena instantly comes to life as the expected "Woooos" resonate amongst the fans. The set and titantron immediately turns to a a paradise of rich, majestic colours - Golds, Silvers, Purples, and Reds overrun the set as the rest of Also Sprach Zarathustra plays dominantly over the sound system.

Every single fan in the arena is on their feet with their cameras at the ready, awaiting the arrival of arguably the greatest Professional Wrestler to ever grace the earth. The camera's attention then turns towards the nine aforementioned men, more specifically, the inside of the semi circle that they have created. However, the camera can not get a clear view due to the human wall that they have created...

...

UNTIL WE SEE FLAIR ARISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE STAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEMI CIRCLE! The crowd ERUPT at the sight of the former 16 time World Champion, as he gazes amongst the stadium gracefully, analysing every single inch of the arena, as we see that he is sat on a royal throne lined with passionate red material and beautiful gems, fit for only The Nature Boy himself!

Flair remains still on the throne as it rises about a foot above the nine men surrounding him. The nine men then break the semi circle and form a line, parallel to the entrance set, facing towards the ring and their back turned to Flair. Slowly but surely, the recently inducted Hall Of Famer makes his way down off of the throne using a set of steps behind the chair it's self. Ric then walks around the chair and to the beginning of the line, where arguably his greatest opponent ever, is stood - Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat.

Naitch and The Dragon embrace in a handshake and a hug, exchanging a few words, before Ric emotionally works his way along the line of Wrestling's best, which ends in Ric Flair's closest friend and former team-mate and stable-mate as a part of The Four Horsemen; 'Double A' Arn Anderson. As you would expect, Ric and Arn's embrace is slightly longer than the others, but the emotion pouring off each exchange is evident, as all nine men's respect for Flair drips off of their body.

Following the embrace and exchange with Arn, Ric turns his attention to the ring as he beings to make his way down a wrestling ramp in anticipation of competition for the final time in his life. With all of the attention now on Flair, we see a look at the grand Cashmere cloak that covers The Nature Boy. A Royal Blue coating with gold trimming, provides a beautiful sight, with assortments of diamonds and other jewels reflecting the blinding flashes from the audience's cameras. A neat, well-arranged lining of feathers around the collar tops the cloak off, adding a sense of elegance and grandeur to an already noble gown that only Flair could wear.

We get a close up of Flair's face as we heads towards the ring and his face is that of unblemished, unbridled and unadulterated passion, pride and emotion. The North Carolina native is understandably teary-eyed, as we get a glimpse of his bottom lip quivering, whilst he gradually makes his way down the lengthy ramp.

Flair finally reaches the bottom of the ramp where he stops in his tracks, glancing towards Shawn Michaels who hasn't moved an inch since the beginning. Ric then once again gazes around the stadium once more... An awe-struck smirk creeps on to his face, before closing his eyes and calmly spreading his arms out wide and slowly spins around as the camera gets a shot of the HUGE amount of fireworks and pyrotechnics going off in the distance. The majestic colours remain as Ric Flair well and truly does soak in the phenomenal atmosphere and sense of occasion here in Orlando, Florida.

The fireworks begin to settle as Flair inches closer towards the ring, untying the belt from his gown from around his waist, before two stunning females, blonde and brunette, flank Ric from the left and right of him respectively, to aid the Hall Of Famer in disrobing him. Comically, on cue, several 'Wooooos' are heard from the crowd after the appearance from the beautiful women, causing a sly grin to crawl on to Flair's red face. The two women both hold the gown and treat it with great respect and care, as they walk up by the side of the ramp and in to the backstage area.

Ric's face returns back to one of emotion and pride, as we see another shot of the nine legends, still stood on the ramp applauding Naitch. Flair's eyes return and lock on with HBK in the ring before Ric takes one last, big, deep breath before continuing and ascending the steel steps. Lillian Garcia then strolls over to Ric Flair and leans on the second rope for Flair, which garners a positive reaction for the announcer.

Ric graciously steps through the middle rope, acknowledging Lillian's assistance, before strutting in to the middle of the ring and letting off... A huge WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The crowd burst with their own 'Woooos' as Flair stands in the center of the ring, flabbergasted by the grandeur over the occasion. As his music dies down, Flair then backs in to his own corner, has he 360's The Citrus Bowl with watery-eyes, knowing that this is the LAST time he will ever be bleeding, sweating and crying inside of a wrestling ring, his second home.... Simply in the name of entertaining the millions of fans that have supported him throughout his illustrious 36 year career...

[center][quote]Nervousness. Elation. Sadness. Overwhelming joy. Pride. These were but a few of the many convoluted emotions running through the mind of one Adam Copeland, better known in his professional life as “Edge”, as he stood in the famous ‘Gorilla position’ behind the curtain that transformed him from Copeland to Edge, that shifted his very being from the so-called “real” world into one much fantastical.

Copeland paces, already feeling the literal heat generated by his leather jacket, the rest coming through sheer adrenaline. He looks at the floor, he sighs, he wriggles his fingers. And then he hears it. The entrance song for Edge, Metalingus, hits, and it is time. This is it. The final hurdle. The last stop. The end of the road. A ten-plus year career over within minutes. Copeland brushes his hand over the large gold belt wrapped around his waist, a prize which defined him, his entire career, his legacy, a championship which gave him purpose in life.

As he walks up the steps, Copeland shakes his head, thinking about Jay Reso, known in the professional wrestling world as “Christian”, his life-long friend, and what Reso would think once he had told him that this was his last match. Copeland could hear the screams, the cheers, the applause of thousands upon thousands of fans just beyond the curtain, and wondered what it would like to be a fan, in that arena, completely unknowing that the so-called “superstar” that was about to compete before them would be also entertaining them for one final time. Copeland reaches the curtain and pauses.

Black. And then, astounding, astonishing applause from the fans, burning light, an undeniable atmosphere. Not Adam Copeland, but Edge, looks out at the crowd and smiles. His chest feels ready to explode, but it matters not, as Edge makes his way to the ring. Not Adam Copeland, but “The Rated-R Superstar”, “The Ultimate Opportunist”, who slaps his hand against those lucky enough to have secured a ringside seat at this sports entertainment extravaganza. Edge slaps the hand of a young fan wearing a merchandise t-shirt of his and smirks, then ruffles the kid’s hair with his hand.

The ring announcer, Justin Roberts, cries out. “And his opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is the World Heavyweight Champion, “The Rated-R Superstar”, EDGE!” And with those words, Edge takes that championship belt from his waist, his smile glowing as much as the gold itself, and raises it high above his head and behind him a pyrotechnics display bursts to life, the perfect example of this bigger and bolder world in which Copeland has lived and ends as the larger-than-life personality. Edge.

*** MODIFIED BY JUDGES FROM ORIGINAL FORMAT, AS TO NOT STRETCH THE PAGE ***

The fans observed the front stage with wild anticipation but were left clueless when a man dressed in a fine tuxedo walked through the curtains. The only thing peculiar about the nameless figure being the thin stick held in his hand. The man stopped his march at the left side of the stage, turning his back on the crowd and staring into the emptiness before him. Seconds later, the black curtains would once more empty themselves, this time of numerous violin equipped artist. It didn’t take long for the populace looking from behind the barricades to figure that they were all part of an orchestra. It wasn’t exactly the first time that the World Wrestling Entertainment had pushed the line of extravagance at the grandest stage in the industry. Once more, the curtains emptied, this time a choir departed from the backstage area, moving towards the right section of the stage. The conductor raised his stick and dozens of hands instantly moved, the melodic sounds meeting the ears of the thousands of New Jerseyan’s in attendance. Soon enough, the singers on the opposite stage picked up on the rhythm and the questions brought on by the fans on who would be coming out the stage was instantly answered.

AAAAAAHHH-LLELUJAH
AAAAAAHHH-LLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLEE-EEELUJAH!

The front stage fully opened up at this point and two dark haired horses stepped through pulling a rather large chariot along with them. The chariot the man in question, donned with a grass crown and white cloth, Damien Sandow presented himself to the crowd with the widest smile he could conjure. One open hand raised up high, his lips mouthing “thank you” to the furious fanatics surrounding him. The jeers that met his ears seemed to be misunderstood by the competitor and no matter how hard they’d raise their voices, nothing could upset the self-professed martyr.

FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,
FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,
FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,

Sandow found himself led on by the beautiful sounds of the orchestra behind him. His fingers moved to the rhythm of the song, vigorous movements made by pure instinct and then his lips synced with that of the choir much like that of the crowd’s had done several times while listening to their favorite tunes. The intellectual’s eyes closed and he was truly immersed into the musical classic while the chariot made its way down the ramp, maintained by a trained driver. The horses finally heeded their journey at the top of the bottom of the ramp, before the squared circle.

THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD;
IS BECOME
THE KINGDOM OF OUR LORD,
AND OF HIS CHRIST
AND OF HIS CHRIST

AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER

He finally dismounted the chariot, walking ever so slowly towards the steel steps. He was in no rush whatsoever and with his eyes closed his feet’s memories were the only thing guiding him towards the ring. When he sensed that he had finally reached the steps, his eyes opened up and his body left the rest of the artistic work to the ones in charge of it. That firm smile of Damien’s, the one that made him appear as if he truly was above every single member of the WWE universe returned. He took each step upwards towards the ring with time, after each one, looking into one side of the MetLife’s stadium. Another step meant another glance.

KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

A man dressed in nothing but a drab cloth mounted the apron and lowered the middle to give an ease of entrance for the martyr. Sandow kissed the man on the head then entered the ring, stopping at the dead center of the squared circle. The intellectual savior rotated, two hands in the air, giving a chance at each section of the crowd to get the chance of a glance at the messiah. He stopped and two attractive females entered the ring, one stood aside while the other removed the grass crown, giving it to the other and then removing the white cloth and once more giving it to the other. The two then received kisses on the forehead by their savior and stepped out of the squared circle. The fans continued feverishly booing the egotistical superstar but even through all their effort, they still appeared mute to the ears of Damien Sandow. The athlete left with nothing more than a white themed attired sang the last chorus along with the choir.

FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH…

AAAAAAAHHHH-LLEEEEEEE-LUUUUUUU-JAAAAAAAAAH!


[code]The fans observed the front stage with wild anticipation but were left clueless when a man dressed in a fine tuxedo walked through the curtains. The only thing peculiar about the nameless figure being the thin stick held in his hand. The man stopped his march at the left side of the stage, turning his back on the crowd and staring into the emptiness before him. Seconds later, the black curtains would once more empty themselves, this time of numerous violin equipped artist. It didn’t take long for the populace looking from behind the barricades to figure that they were all part of an orchestra. It wasn’t exactly the first time that the World Wrestling Entertainment had pushed the line of extravagance at the grandest stage in the industry. Once more, the curtains emptied, this time a choir departed from the backstage area, moving towards the right section of the stage. The conductor raised his stick and dozens of hands instantly moved, the melodic sounds meeting the ears of the thousands of New Jerseyan’s in attendance. Soon enough, the singers on the opposite stage picked up on the rhythm and the questions brought on by the fans on who would be coming out the stage was instantly answered.

AAAAAAHHH-LLELUJAH
AAAAAAHHH-LLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLEE-EEELUJAH!

The front stage fully opened up at this point and two dark haired horses stepped through pulling a rather large chariot along with them. The chariot the man in question, donned with a grass crown and white cloth, Damien Sandow presented himself to the crowd with the widest smile he could conjure. One open hand raised up high, his lips mouthing “thank you” to the furious fanatics surrounding him. The jeers that met his ears seemed to be misunderstood by the competitor and no matter how hard they’d raise their voices, nothing could upset the self-professed martyr.

FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,
FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,
FOR THE LORD GOD OMINPOTENT REIGNETH
ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH,

Sandow found himself led on by the beautiful sounds of the orchestra behind him. His fingers moved to the rhythm of the song, vigorous movements made by pure instinct and then his lips synced with that of the choir much like that of the crowd’s had done several times while listening to their favorite tunes. The intellectual’s eyes closed and he was truly immersed into the musical classic while the chariot made its way down the ramp, maintained by a trained driver. The horses finally heeded their journey at the top of the bottom of the ramp, before the squared circle.

THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD;
IS BECOME
THE KINGDOM OF OUR LORD,
AND OF HIS CHRIST
AND OF HIS CHRIST

AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER

He finally dismounted the chariot, walking ever so slowly towards the steel steps. He was in no rush whatsoever and with his eyes closed his feet’s memories were the only thing guiding him towards the ring. When he sensed that he had finally reached the steps, his eyes opened up and his body left the rest of the artistic work to the ones in charge of it. That firm smile of Damien’s, the one that made him appear as if he truly was above every single member of the WWE universe returned. He took each step upwards towards the ring with time, after each one, looking into one side of the MetLife’s stadium. Another step meant another glance.

KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
KINGS OF KINGS FOREVER AND EVER ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH
AND LORD OF LORDS
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

A man dressed in nothing but a drab cloth mounted the apron and lowered the middle to give an ease of entrance for the martyr. Sandow kissed the man on the head then entered the ring, stopping at the dead center of the squared circle. The intellectual savior rotated, two hands in the air, giving a chance at each section of the crowd to get the chance of a glance at the messiah. He stopped and two attractive females entered the ring, one stood aside while the other removed the grass crown, giving it to the other and then removing the white cloth and once more giving it to the other. The two then received kisses on the forehead by their savior and stepped out of the squared circle. The fans continued feverishly booing the egotistical superstar but even through all their effort, they still appeared mute to the ears of Damien Sandow. The athlete left with nothing more than a white themed attired sang the last chorus along with the choir.

FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
ALLELUJAH ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH, ALLELUJAH…

AAAAAAAHHHH-LLEEEEEEE-LUUUUUUU-JAAAAAAAAAH!

The camera, from atop Fenway Park, showing the viewing audience a panoramic view of the 74,989 fans who have jammed pack "America's Favorite Ballpark" for WrestleMania 31! The shot overlooks the Green Monster. The camera moves slowly from right to left, switching over to the Helicopter shot from atop Fenway, all the flashing lights and magic that is WrestleMania is on full display.

After a few more seconds, the view takes us right in the centre of the action, right inside of the squared circle, where ring announcer Justin Roberts is standing, proud to be a part of WrestleMania 31, proud to be a part of the WWE Universe. There's a hush silence in the crowd and Justin takes one step forward, preparing for the announcement that would follow...

#ROBERTS#
"Ladies & Gentlemen... This, is your WrrrestleMania Main Event!!! *The crowd begins to applaud and cheer loudly* And it is the Career versus Career match... for the WWE Chhhampionship!!!!"

The Boston crowd cheers even louder now, but, almost immediately, there's a stand still in the iconic stadium... We can hear one last cheer echo through the masses and then...

-BLACK OUT-

All of the lights inside of the stadium shut down in a flash. The crowd's anticipation is building up. An eerie religious like buildup symphony begins to play out through the sound system. Two spotlights illuminate atop the Green Monster at both extremities.

#KANYE WEST#
"IT WAS ALL GOOD JUST A WEEK AGO"

#JAY-Z#
"YYEAHH!"

The spotlights go out and just as "H.A.M."; West's very sucessful 2011 single began to play, it stops as the crowd is yet again plunged into darkness!

Out of right field shoots out from the end of the seats an hologram a young Rocky Maivia, reanacting his first appearance in the WWE at Madison Square Garden's Survivor Series!

The hologram switches to Rocky Maivia cutting a promo as a young member of the Nation of Domination...

"One thing's for damn sure, The Rock is the best damn Intercontinental Champion there ever was!"

Then onto a promo on RAW after the epic SummerSlam Ladder Match involving The Rock & HHH...

"As The Rock laid with the People's blood flowing from his face... He realized then, at that split second, that although you became the Intercontinental Champ, Triple H, The Rock always, and The Rock means always will be the People's Champion!"

Onto a promo for a match on RAW with Kane...

"And The Rock says this Kane, that little voice box you used to use, you've left The Rock with only one choice with what to do with it... The Rock says he'll take your little voice box, take out all the little batteries out, lube it up, TURN THAT SUMBITCH THAT SIDEWAYS AND STICK IT STRAIGHT UP, YOUR CANDY ASS!!!"

When Rock got first acquainted with Booker T. during the Invasion Era...

"Who, in the blue hell are YOU!?"

In preparation for the Icon vs Icon battle at WrestleMania X-8 against Hollywood Hogan...

"Hulk Hogan, what'cha gonna do when The Rock runs wild on you? But you see Hogan, The Rock's gonna tell you what's gonna happen. He's gonna tell you exactly what you're gonna do. You're gonna feel electricity like you've never felt before, electricity that's happened like never before. You will hear 70,000 strong chanting your name, chanting The Rock's name. Hulk Hogan, you will see the People's Elbow come crashing down on your chest. And Hogan, above all else, above all else, you will, you will, you will, you will, you will, good god almighty you will smell what The Rock is cooking!"

Fast forward to 2011 when The Rock returned to WWE on RAW...

"FINALLY...THE ROCK, HAS COMEBACK TO ANAHEIM!!! Which means that.... FINALLY, THE ROCK HAS COMEBACK TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW!!!!! Which also means that... FINALLY, THE ROCK, HAS COMEBACK.... Home!!"

All the different holograms are all besides each other in right field, frozen in time, as a big fireworks display bursts out from, spelling out "THE ROCK" with a big Brahma Bull through the letters. The fireworks fade out, leaving the crowd really emotional and applauding this very special display.

The holograms fade away into obscurity, leaving the crowd aghast by what they've just been witness to! The spotlights that once were bright atop the Green Monster are reignited!

#KANYE WEST#
"IT WAS ALL GOOD JUST A WEEK AGO!! NIGG@S FEEL THEYSELVES AND THEN WATCH THE THRONE DROP!"

The Official WrestleMania 31 Titantron at the other end of the stadium starts showing career highlights from The Rock, starting with The Rock's return at the Royal Rumble at the beginning of the year, last eliminating Alex Riley to earn himself a shot at the WWE Champion at WrestleMania 31!

#KANYE WEST#
"NIGG@S KILL THEMSELVES! WHAT NIGG@S GON' DO HOV?"

#JAY-Z#
"HAM!"

Footage of Rock celebrating his big victory at the Royal Rumble, footage showing that at last year's SummerSlam, he was put out of commission by the Viper Barrage duo of Wade Barrett & Randy Orton, when Barrett & Orton defeated The Rock & Sheamus in a big tag team Steel Cage match; post-match, putting the Rock on the shelf for good, or so they thought!

#KANYE WEST#
"THIS IS A NEW CRACK ON A NEW STOVE! I'M IN THE TWO DOOR, TRUE THAT! NIGG@S TELLIN' ME... "YOU BACK?!!" LIKE A NIGG@ EVER LEFT UP OUT THIS BITCH, HUHHHH?"

When The Rock returned 2 weeks prior to the Royal Rumble, saving Sheamus & Alex Riley from a beatdown at the hands of Barrett, Orton and the tag team champions, The Ascencion.

#KANYE WEST#
"AND IF LIFE A BITCH S@CK MY .... HUH!!! AND I BET SHE DUCKED THE WHOLE CLIQUE HUHHH!?? BY THE WAY NIGG@, YOU SHOULD F@CKIN' QUIT, NIGG@, JUST FORGET IT, YOU TALK IT, I LIVE IT, LIKE ELI I DID IT, JOKES ON YOU MUTHAF@CKER AND I GET IT!!!!"

The following week on RAW, GM Stephanie McMahon ordered The Rock to go through a Gauntlet if he wanted to participate in the Royal Rumble match! And he did so by defeating Conor O'Brian, Kenneth Cameron & David Otunga!

#KANYE WEST#
"NO PAPER HOE, BUT YOU CAN SOME MORE OF ME!!! OR..GY, OR ARE WE SPEAKIN METHAPHORICALLY!!! HISTORICALLY, I'M KICKIN' BITCHES OUT LIKE PAM, NIGG@!!! GOIN'.... HAM!!! NIGG@!! ME AN JIGGA!!! AND A NIGG@ WANNA HAVE NO KIDS! BUT I'VE BEEN PRACTICING WITH SOME ACTRESSES AS BAD AS SHIT!!! AND A FEW WHITE GIRLS, ASSES FLAT AS SHIT!!! BUT THE HEAD SO GOOD, DAMN A NIGG@ GLAD HE HIT!!! GOT EM JUMPIN' OUT THE BUILDING!! WATCH OUT BELOW, A MILLION OUT THE DOOR!!!!"

On the following RAW, a 6-Men Tag Team bout pitting Barrett & The Ascencion against The Rock & The Usos. Rock Bottom on O'Brian, followed by two Top Rope Splashes from Jimmy & Jey Uso for the win!

#KANYE WEST#
"I'M ABOUT TO GO HAM!!!"

#JAY-Z#
"Hard as a Muthaf@cker!"

#KANYE WEST#
"LET THESE NIGGAS KNOW WHO I AM!!! I'M ABOUT TO GO HAM!!!"

#JAY-Z#
"Hard as a Muthaf@cker!"

#KANYE WEST#
"LET THESE NIGGAS KNOW WHO I AM!!! LET 'EM KNOW JAY!!"

Different career highlights are being shown; Rock Vs HHH (SummerSlam '98), Rock Vs HHH (Backlash-Judgment Day 2000), Rock Vs Austin (WM XV-WM X-7-WM XIX), Rock Vs Undertaker Vs Angle (Vengeance 2002), Rock & Sock Vs Evolution (WM XX), Rock Vs Hogan (No Way Out 2003), Rock Vs Goldberg (Backlash 2003), Rock Vs Cena (WM 28) along with plenty Rock Bottoms & People's Elbow and the likes from different shows through the years. Finishing with a slow motion shot of Rocky Maivia stepping out for his first ever match at Survivor Series 1996, and fading to The Rock, walking out in slow-motion at Royal Rumble 2015!

#JAY-Z#
"F@ck y'all mad at me for? You don't even know what I've been through!"

The footage of The Rock stops, and we see a close-up of Randy Orton on the titantron, as he holds the WWE Championship on his shoulders, walking down the steps on a recent edition of Friday Night SmackDown! The crowd boos heavily for Orton at this moment.

#JAY-Z#
"I play chicken with a Mack truck, Y'all muthaf@ckers woulda been moved, I swam waters with great whites, Y'all muthaf@ckers woulda been chewed!!!"

We get to relive WrestleMania 30's Fatal 4-Way World Heavyweight & WWE Title Unification Match between then World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, then WWE Champion CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler & Randy Orton. This classic finished when Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick on CM Punk, who connected with the GTS, only for Ziggler to hit the Zig Zag. With Ziggler so close to his first World Championship, Orton came out of nowhere and dropped him with the RKO for the victory.

#JAY-Z#
"I hustle with vultures late nights, Y'all muthaf@ckers woulda been food, f@ck wrong with these dudes, Try to walk around in these shoes, See the shit I saw growing up
And maybe you can take a peek at these boo's!!"

A huge celebration took place after that victory in the middle of Madison Square Garden, and, the following night on RAW, where it was announcer Orton would have to defend against both former Champions in a Triple Threat Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules.

#JAY-Z#
"Nigg@s fantasize about the shit that I do daily like, These rappers rap about all the shit that I do really, I'm like really half a billi nigg@, Really you got baby money, Keep it real with nigg@s, nigg@s ain't got my lady money, Watch the Throne don't step on our road, Bad enough we let you step on our globe, When my nephew died, daddy dead, nigg@s took the price on my uncles head, Nobody called the cops as my uncle bled, So I feel like I would like to know my uncles bread!!"

The match was a complete war. Chairs, Ladders & Tables were introduced inside of the cage, the outside the cage rule did not apply. Orton retained his title after he pushed Sheamus off a table, as Punk launched himself from the top of the Cage for the Elbow Drop, Orton caught him in mid air and they all crashed through the table with a gigantic RKO!!!!

#JAY-Z#
"Bow down, brother pay homage, don't spill hate all on my garments, Commes Des Garcon, f@ck your fresh head shots nigg@ fuck your vests
fuck the pig, no pork on my fork, Peace God cause you know a nigg@ just went... HAM!!!!"

Through the course of the spring and summer, the formation of the Viper Barrage was in full effect on the WWE. The alliance was formed out of Barett & Orton's feuds with Cena & Sheamus respectively.This all lead to the return of The Bash PPV in July, where Barrett & Orton defeated Cena & Sheamus in a Falls Count Anywhere Tag Team Match, in which Orton's WWE Title was on the line.

#KANYE WEST#
"I'M ABOUT TO GO HAM!!!"

#JAY-Z#
"Hard as a Muthaf@cker!"

#KANYE WEST#
"LET THESE NIGGAS KNOW WHO I AM!!! I'M ABOUT TO GO HAM!!!"

#JAY-Z#
"Hard as a Muthaf@cker!"

#KANYE WEST#
"LET THESE NIGGAS KNOW WHO I AM!!! LET 'EM KNOW JAY!!"

The last segment shows the different altercations over the course of last year's events leading up to SummerSlam and The Rock being a last minute replacement for Cena in the big tag team bout at SummerSlam. Also, the events that led to The Rock going to WrestleMania 31; His victory over Wade Barrett at No Way Out, while Orton kept his title against Alex Riley in a heated battle.

The song ends and Kanye West and Jay-Z receive a great ovation. Both men point to the entrance way as...

***IF YOU SMMMELLLLLLLL***
***WHAT THE ROCK***
***IS COOKING!***

Electricity shoots directly from the crowd as they come unglued for the People's Champion!!!!

#COLE#
LISTEN TO THE CROWD!!! THEY'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THE ROCK!!! AND HERE HE COMES!! THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION!! AND MAYBE SOON ENOUGH, THE NEW WWE CHAMPION!!!

The Rock burst out from the specially designed set, his trademark thights on, he smacks his chest and gives a shootout to Kanye West & Jay-Z, as the camera shoots back to them for a second, before going back to The Rock, who's pacing from left to right, going on each side of the stage to see his millions, and millions of fans all in attendance at Fenway Park!

#MATHEWS#
"This is a moment Cole, that will stay in the annals of time for years to come! The Great One is back at WrestleMania!!!"

The Rock jumps from his left foot to right several times and walks down the long and winding road towards the ring, overlooking the Fenway crowd, taking in all the flashing lights, all the waving signs, and all the adulating fans.

#COLE#
"What do you think must be going throug The Rock's mind? Is he thinking that this is it?"

#MATTHEWS#
"I think it's more about what he needs to do to keep doing this, what he's loved all those years ago in Miami, coming to the shows with his dad, seeing all the legnds like Andre The Giant, Tony Atlas, Hulk Hogan and all that time, not knowing that one day, he would be in the spotlight on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania!!!"

The Rock makes it to ringside and runs up the steps, walking a full side lenght to the outside corner turnbuckles, not wasting a second, climbing to the second rope, and raising his hand and fist in the air, closing his eyes and smelling all the energy and atmosphere of this moment, of this crowd!!!

The Rock takes his arm back down and remains on the turnbuckle, overlooking the Boston fans, before jumping back down on the apron and entering the ring. Rocky walks with a purpose tonight and he goes straight to the opposite corner, climbing to the second turnbuckle and posing yet again for the fans, as his music continues to blare, to ring out that very familiar mix of electric guitar, samoan like drums and world like beat.

The Rock jumps down and settles himself, while his music dies down, another sound is being heard throughout Fenway Park...

*ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!*

The Rock takes a look at all the fans, and even though his expression is stoic, he feels it through his veins, all the energy, and he's gonna use it all and then some to make the best of tonight's confrontation...

---

Backstory: At Royal Rumble 2011, the winner of the largest Rumble ever was none other than Wade Barrett, whose cooperation with the other members of new stable ‘The Corre’ allowed him to come out victorious, last throwing out leader of the New Nexus, CM Punk. Barrett then underwent a slight gimmick change, becoming the self-proclaimed ‘Evil Mastermind’. This dark new image for Barrett involved him ditching The Corre at Elimination Chamber, flooring Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel with chairshots. Barrett claimed that over the course of his short WWE career, he’d had several followers, whether from The Corre or Nexus, and that showed that he was nothing short of the WWE’s resident ‘puppet master’.

As Rumble winner, Barrett chose to face the WWE Champion, his old enemy John Cena (who, for the purposes of this story, took the title from The Miz at Elimination Chamber) at Wrestlemania 27. At no point in the Road to Wrestlemania did Cena get his hands on the crafty Englishman, because Barrett was always one step ahead, even apologising to Heath Slater so the One Man Rock Band would foolishly step up to face a furious Cena on Raw. Since then, Barrett has told Cena that he will win the WWE Title, because he can pull the strings of the WWE better than anyone, and because he has masterminded Cena’s downfall ever since the Nexus first began.

The stage was set: WWE Champion John Cena would defend his title against the sadistic, hateful genius Wade Barrett on the Grandest Stage of Them All. This entrance is Barrett’s, as the ‘Evil Mastermind’ plays his last mind games with the champion.

---

After Cena’s entrance, ‘the Champ’ settles in the corner of the ring, resting against the turnbuckle. He lumps his WWE Title over his shoulder and mutters “Come on, come on…” as the moment to finally get his hands on Wade Barrett nears.

The lights dim. On the huge Wrestlemania-sized TitanTron, we get a series of still images. John F. Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Mohandas Gandhi. Abraham Lincoln. Mikhail Gorbachev. Nelson Mandela. Bill Clinton. Ho Chi Minh. Barack Obama. Finally… Winston Churchill.

Narrator:
There is a breed of man… who has to lead.

The Tron now shows these men in front of crowds, at different speeches.

“I have sinned…”

“The time to build is upon us…”

“Fourscore and seven years ago…”

“I feel it, yet I cannot see it…”

“You ask, what is our aim? It is victory…”

“We will fight them on the beaches…”

“I have a dream…”

Narrator:
And in the same vein, some men were made to follow.

The TitanTron fades into a camera angle sweeping over the crowd in the Georgia Dome, the ‘followers’, and eliciting boos from the fans who understand it.

Narrator:
In times of darkness, sometimes only an individual can shine light on the masses. Sometimes the one has to decide what’s best for the many.

Flashing shots of Barrett’s face on the gigantic HD Tron on the stage.

Narrator:
If that one man knows best… who are you to defy him?

We see footage of Nexus scattering, then the Corre lying unconscious at Elimination Chamber. The next image shows a rose beginning to flower.

Narrator:
If he’s masterminded your fate… who are you to change those stars?

An eerie, slow tune begins to play. There’s movement above the Tron, and every pair of eyes in the arena turns up to look at WADE BARRETT. He immediately receives a loud chorus of boos from the seventy thousand in attendance, but the commentators are heard to gasp in awe.

Barrett’s standing on TOP of the huge TitanTron, looking down at the entire arena!

Narrator:
And if this man was born to lead… dare you risk disobeying him?

One of the floor cameras zooms crudely in, attempting to convey the production crew’s shock at seeing Barrett watching over the scene. We can see that he’s in his ring gear, with his trademark black jacket hanging over his shoulders, almost like a cape. Even from his place above the Tron, it’s evident that he’s smirking. As the Tron continues to show the flowering red rose, we catch John Cena shaking his head in the ring. He mouths “This is too much,” and begins to pace, left and right, left and right.

Barrett takes a step forward, OFF the Tron, and in that split-second there are screams in the crowd – but of course, he’s suspended on wires, and he slowly descends down towards the steel stage. Again, Barrett finds himself the target of seventy thousand men, women and children booing him, but crucially, he doesn’t care. Smiling, Barrett spreads out his arms, as the rose flowers fully behind him on the massive screen.

Between the red flower filling our vision and Barrett’s mind games, we didn’t notice the arrival of maybe twenty people on the stage below, all clad in black… but all carrying large marionettes. As Barrett lands, he kneels, and slowly the puppeteers converge on him, whirling their nightmarish toys around in a mess of wooden limbs and creepy painted faces. This means we can’t see Barrett (presumably so he can remove the harness), but the camera circles around the puppeteers, bouncing the marionettes through the lenses into our vision.

Finally, the puppeteers lurch to the side, allowing Barrett, the ultimate puppet master, to throw off his jacket and raise his arms into the air…

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH! I MAKE ‘EM SEE…”

*END OF DAYS*

...and now Barrett’s theme (and his alone, no longer the Corre’s) rumbles through the Georgia Dome, replacing the ghostly music and supplying the soundtrack as Barrett observes the puppets with another horrid smirk. The marionettes begin to move in some kind of choreographed dance, jerking this way and that, and one of them even hands Barrett a rose. The Englishman takes a moment to smell it, the maroon arena lights shimmering against his slicked-across hair, and then hands it back to the puppeteer. The camera zooms in on the ‘Evil Mastermind’ as he moves to the forefront of the stage and mouths something down to Cena.

“All part of the plan.”

Wade raises a hand above his head, and suddenly a host of fireworks explode behind him, as red and white as Lancaster and Yorkshire roses. When the thumping rhythm subsides, the heavens open, and now the cameras look up to see rose petals, all red, careering across the stadium. It’s to this background that Barrett finally walks down the long ramp, the ‘Wrestlemania’ logo lit up in red letters as well, and in the ring, John Cena remains disgusted by Barrett’s ambitious display.

The puppets follow Barrett down the ramp, and for the first time, the Englishman’s smile fades as the realisation of the match to come sinks in. Though surrounded by the metaphors of his own influence, he seems ready to leave the pageantry behind and just WRESTLE. He nods his head as the rose petals continue to fall as gentle red rain, the puppets chaperoning him to the ring, and he begins to make his way up the steel steps, eyes locked on Cena and the title.

He stops and lays his hands on the turnbuckle. Referee Mike Chioda beckons him inside, but Barrett turns to cast a look at the scene he’s entered to. The ‘Evil Mastermind’ eventually turns back to Cena and says “Every string pulled… to get me here.” That’s his cue to step inside – Cena jerks forward, but Chioda rushes to stand between them. Barrett seems unfazed by ‘the Champ’s eagerness, and heads to the turnbuckle, stepping to the second rope. He soaks up the abuse from the Atlanta masses.

The marionettes dance back up the ramp, but now it’s all attention back to Wade Barrett and John Cena, once the Englishman steps down. Josh Matthews notes Barrett’s final trick, his entrance attempting to mess with the WWE Champion’s head, and it seems to have worked; Cena looks furious. The last of the rose petals fall on the ramp, none reaching as far as the ring, and now Barrett’s music slowly fades out, giving way to huge boos and “YOU SUCK!” chants. In this moment, it’s just these two men, one title, and as Justin Roberts steps forward to make the final announcements, Barrett nods his head. This is it.

WrestleMania XXIX: Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs. Jinder Mahal

Jinder Mahal, flanked by The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh, stand in the ring dominantly and all three men raise their arms up to great heat from the crowd. The three then wait in the ring as we await the arrival of Mahal’s opponent.

Michael Cole: Jinder Mahal and his associates have been on a roll since late last year, their dominance over much of the roster has spoke volumes. Mahal made the challenge for a true American hero to face him here tonight at MetLife Stadium, and it was two weeks ago on Raw we found out it would be none other than the returning legend Hollywood Hogan accepting!

Jerry Lawler: Well Michael, we were all excited to see Hollywood back but after the beatdown he’s suffered in the past two weeks at the hands of Mahal and his goon squad, I really wonder if this was the right move for him to make…

Michael Cole: Well, we’re about to find out…

“Main Yash Hun” fades out and the hushed silence of anticipation falls across the crowd in New Jersey. Several seconds go past as Mahal is still fixated on the massive stage. A portion of the audience starts to break out into a “Hogan! Hogan!” chant and Mahal quickly turns his attention to the crowd sitting opposite the hard camera, shouting at them in Punjabi furiously. Suddenly three jets fly over the top of stadium, releasing silver, white and dark grey streams of smoke behind them into the night sky. “Voodoo Child” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience hits the speakers and New Jersey EXPLODES! Hollywood is here!

The camera focuses on the grand WrestleMania stage as the black, white and silver colours of the former New World Order take hold all over. The spectators continue to vocalize their support for the legend as the camera pans in closer to the stage, but Hogan is nowhere to be found.

The many TitanTron screens on the stage stop playing the nWo-themed Hogan entrance video and we see a confused Jinder Mahal in the ring as the crowd boo loudly. “Voodoo Child” stops playing and some seconds later another “Hogan! Hogan!” chant breaks out as hit voice begins to ring out…

Hollywood Hogan: New Jersey, New York, the world… The Hulkster is here!

A huge pop erupts from those in attendance!

Hollywood Hogan: But you see dudes, The Hulkster’s not the spring chicken he once was, it’s no secret! There was a time where the black an’ white of the n-W-o would be all the power I needed to succeed… but that’s not the case here! What I need here… to beat this great young kid Jinder, and he IS GREAT let me tell ya brothers… Hmmm…

Hogan’s voice pauses for a moment as the crowd wait in anticipation.

Hollywood Hogan: What I need is New Jersey! There are eighty thousand of you out there and I need each and every one of ya behind me! I need eighty thousand screaming Hulkamaniacs and the power you all give me to take out this threat! I need you all to help me get this victory for the great United States of America! We need to show that no matter how old ya get, ya still ain’t outta the game, jack! Will you all help me, dudes?! Will you help me, New Jersey?!

A monstrous cheer erupts from the audience!

Hollywood Hogan: Ho ho ho, yes! That’s what I need, I can feel it deep down in my bones! I’m getting stronger already, New Jersey! But the thing is Hollywood isn’t gonna get this job done… the final step is to go OLD SCHOOL, BROTHER!

The crowd pops loudly again as the three jets return over the top of the MetLife Stadium and this time they release red, white and blue coloured smoke as the audience begins a loud “USA! USA!” chant! Mahal starts to resume his angered screaming at the fans and towards Khali & Singh but he gets cut off by the opening chords of “Real American”, and all the fans in camera shot jump to their feet and scream out!

The camera returns its focus to the WrestleMania stage as we hear the opening lyrics to Real American – “When it comes crashing down, and it hurts inside, ya' gotta take a stand, it don't help to hide…” The audience are at a fever pitch as they await the arrival of the legend. Then all of a sudden the WrestleMania stage starts to break away!

Jerry Lawler: Whoa! Oh my gosh Michael, are you seeing this?! The stage is breaking apart, right down the middle!

The stage continues to break apart until each half of it is on separate sides of the staging area, we then see a large staircase that’s placed behind where the WrestleMania stage was seconds ago. The staircase slowly starts to move forward, as a camera circles the arena and we see that everyone is standing anxiously. The staircase arrives into position and starting with the bottom step lighting up in blue, each step from there on up slowly lights to white, red and then blue again and so forth. It goes up and up until the lights finally reach the top and we end up with a staircase fully illuminated in the red, white and blue. There’s a slight pause and then a large spotlight descends, directed at the top of the staircase, and there stands Hulk Hogan, dressed in the costume of Uncle Sam! The crowd absolutely explodes for the reveal! The top of the staircase has railings with three U.S. flags hanging from each side. Hogan has a microphone in his hand and lifts it to speak as “Real American” gradually fades out...

Hulk Hogan: How do you like the look, New Jersey?! (The audience pops loudly) Jinder, I had to go back to the well, I had to go old school and re-embrace this great country and all its Hulkamaniacs! And with them all behind me, let me tell ya brother, I am now UNSTOPPABLE!

Hogan drops the microphone and turns to the left side railing and pulls out one of the U.S. flagpoles and starts waving around Old Glory proudly as the crowd continues to give the legend a standing ovation. “Real American” starts up once again as Hogan begins to walk down the staircase and as he does red, white and then blue pyro explodes from out of the side of it!

Michael Cole: We talk about the pageantry, the grandeur, the glory, the spectacle of WrestleMania and you have to ask – does anyone do it better than The Hulkster?

Jerry Lawler: I love it Michael! This truly is old school!

Hogan reaches the end of the staircase and is still waving the United States flag around proudly, with a huge smile etched on his face. The Immortal One takes a few steps forward from the staircase, points out to the ring and right at Jinder Mahal and yells out “Let’s do this!” and as he does a huge United States flag unravels from the ceiling and covers the entire staging area, drawing another huge ovation! Hogan then begins to powerwalk down the long WrestleMania ramp and more red, white and blue pyrotechnics bursts out of the siding area between the entrance ramp and the nearest fans as he does.

The Icon then makes it to the part of the ramp where fans are right next to it and looks out at all the screaming Hulkamaniacs, leaning out to try and touch hands with the legend. Hogan spots a father holding his young child up in the air to get the best possible view and the child is sporting full Hulkamania gear! Hogan walks over towards them and he hands his U.S. flag over to a thrilled women in the audience as Hogan exchanges words with the father. The father smiles and then carefully hands over the young girl to Hogan who lifts her in the air as the MetLife Stadium lets out a huge cheer for the gesture! The camera closes as Hogan lowers her down and says “I’m doing this for you, darlin’!” before carefully handing her back over to the elated dad.

Hogan then continues to powerwalk down the ramp, changing from side to side and slapping hands with all the enamored fans he passes. Hogan eventually makes his way down to ringside and turns to the steel steps to his left and charges right at him, points at Mahal in the ring and the crowd shouts in unison – “YOU!”

Hogan gets into the ring through the ropes and Mahal quickly bails out. Hogan points at him and starts to chuckle to himself before turning to one side of the ring and cupping his ear, letting that side of the arena explode for the legend! Hogan does this again for each of the four sides of the ring and each time soaks in the huge ovation he receives from the highly appreciative audience. Hogan then moves his arms up and down to try and whip the crowd into a further frenzy before the camera switches to be in a position just under the bottom rope on the side opposite the staging area. Right after this “The Hulkster” takes off his Uncle Sam hat, jacket and break-away trousers and then rips apart his Hulkamania t-shirt underneath to a massive applause! Just as he does this final act, fireworks begin to go off in the night sky above the staging area with bold red and yellow colours lighting up the sky! Hogan then points to Mahal, Khali and Singh outside and ring and growls “Let’s get this on, brother!” as “Real American” begins to fade out and it looks like we’re ready to get underway!

Michael Cole: Well ladies and gentlemen, standing in the ring at this time is Heath Slater the self-proclaimed “King of Extreme” a claim he has been making ever since he defeated Mick Foley on Raw two months ago –
Jerry “The King” Lawler: Cole… defeated is a huge overstatement-
Michael Cole: He pinned him one-two-three in the center of the ring King.
Jerry “The King” Lawler: With the help of Dean Ambrose.
Michael Cole: A win is a win, lets take a look back at what we are talking about. When the “King of Extreme” was crowned…

We move from a live shot of the MetLife Stadium to a video recap from February when Heath Slater was fighting Mick Foley. Foley had the clear upperhand and locked on his infamous “mandible claw” bring Slater to his knees and moments away from submission until Dean Ambrose came from the crowd. Ambrose, who had been in a twitter war with Foley for over a year, distracted Mick from the ringside area giving Slater the opportunity to use a schoolboy roll-up to pin Foley. An over-the-top celebration from Heath Slater followed.

Michael Cole: Heath “The King” Slater has been promoting this open challenge to anyone who claims to be Extreme for weeks and everyone is curious as to who will accept this.
Jerry “The King” Lawler: I can’t believe that you are calling Heath Slater a “king”, the only thing this guy is a king of is cheap victories. In a year all he has to celebrate is a win over Doink and a lucky win over Foley.

Ring Announcer: And introducing his opponent…

The lights in the MetLife Center dim and many of the 40,000 fans in attendance throw their lighters in the sky and wave them around. For thirty seconds there is a quiet hush in the building as fans are anticipating who might emerge. Rumors have been abound but no single source could narrow down the one who would take Heath Slater’s challenge.

The monstrously huge introduction featuring guitars and drums from the song, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica begins to build through the arena and the crowd goes in a frenzy. The first fifty seconds of the song with the guitarist, drummer and bass playing the opening continues as strobe lights surrounding the arena from the second balcony blink in unison and red spotlights from above the ring begin to scan the crowd around the MetLife Stadium. Fans are on their feet, and the decibel level in the arena is deafening. The camera’s show Heath Slater standing in the ring looking around frantically trying to find his opponent.

Ring Announcer: Standing at 6 foot 2 inches and weighing 240 pounds…

In unison with the Ring Announcer, the crowd screams “Sandman!” The camera’s continue their almost nauseating search for the Sandman who clearly isn’t going to be coming from the entrance way. Finally two large spotlights find Sandman who is standing on the second balcony behind the entrance to the right of the Statue of Liberty replica that stands tall above the incredible set design for Wrestlemania 29. With a classic “ECW” black t-shirt on and a pair of blue jeans, Sandman stands among a throng of wild fans who have surrounded him. Whatever security was in place appear to be a non-issue as some fans are literally hanging of the shoulders of the ECW legend. With a kendo stick raised high in the air with his left hand Sandman begins to pump his fist along with the beat of “Enter Sandman” as the musicians begin to pick up the pace and tempo of the song.

Michael Cole: Five time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, 1 time ECW tag team Champion and a member of the Hardcore Hall of Fame!! Heath Slater is about to meet his match!
Jerry “The King” Lawler: Everyone knows I’ve had my issues with this guy, but I’m ready to see him shut Heath Slater up for good.

Sandman begins to make his way through the throng of the fans as security continues to attempt to try to keep some sort of order in the place. Sandman makes his way down to the first level by make-shift stairs built especially for his entrance. He bends down picking up a six pack of beer and throws one can of beer to a lucky New Yorker fan in attendance.

Crowd: Exit light! Enter Night!

Metallica is rocking over the PA System and the rainfall that began 15 minutes ago is adding to this amazing spectacle. The spotlight follows Sandman who makes his way through the crowd pausing at moments to appreciate the atmosphere of Wrestlemania. Sandman makes his way to the guardrail and jumps on top of it, looking back out to the New York crowd who are relentlessly screaming along with Metallica chorus. Sandman opens a can of Budweiser and with a spotlight on him, camera’s flashing from around the capacity crowd and Heath Slater in the background looking very afraid, Sandman begins to slam the can of beer on his forehead bringing the fans into sheer ecstasy.

Michael Cole: If I were Heath Slater right now, I would be high-tailing my way out of the MetLife Stadium as fast as possible…

Crowd: Exit light! Enter Night! Take my hand off to never-ever land!

The classic Metallica guitar solo explodes through the MetLife Stadium and Sandman has just chugged a second can of beer before opening a third and looking down to a fan and pouring beer directly onto his face getting little to none in his mouth. This is a party, and the crowd is absolutely loving it. With blood trickling from the center of his forehead, Sandman jumps down from the guardrail and begins to pace his way to the ring. Kendo Stick and one more can of beer in tow, Sandman climbs the stairs to the corner standing on the ring apron and throws the Kendo Stick to his opponent Heath Slater.

Michael Cole: Sandman is giving Slater the early advantage here tonight.

Sandman climbs to the turnbuckle, standing on the top rope and looking out to the crowd with the same intense facial expression he had three minutes ago when Metallica began to play through the arena. Chants of “E-C-Dubbya” begin to fill the arena as Sandman takes the one can of beer left in his hand and opens it with one hand proceeding to chug it. As he is drinking the entrance way lights up with pyro as fireworks begin to shoot from the Wrestlemania set into the night sky. It’s an epic, nostalgic scene with blood pouring down Sandman’s face before the match begins, the New York crowd appreciating seeing this ECW legend and Sandman looking ready for war.

Jerry “The King” Lawler: Noone ever claimed Sandman was an athlete, the guy just drank a six-pack in under four minutes. But this guy is going to show Heath Slater what extreme is all about.

Crowd: Exit Light! Enntterr Niigghhtt!

Heath Slater, full of intimidation, creeps over to where the Kendo Stick lies in the ring and picks it up never taking his eyes off of Sandman. Sandman turns to his opponent and sits on the top turnbuckle raising one finger in the air as if to motion that he is not ready yet. Heath Slater steps back looking to the ref out of confusion and fear.

Crowd: E-C-Dubbya! E-C-Dubbya!

Michael Cole: Trending right now worldwide on Twitter is “E-C-Fn-W” … you can join the conversation using hashtag Wrestlemania29. It is pandemonium here in New York City, with a crowd of over fourty-thousand fans at the Metlife Stadium.

Jerry “The King” Lawler: And we are about to witness the dismantling of Heath Slater … Ha! Ha!

Michael Cole: Sandman is motioning for a second…
Jerry “The King” Lawler: He is either toying with him or in need of a second wind…

The red spotlights switch to green and point at the Wrestlemania Stage.

Metallica’s sound fades but fans continue to chant ECW. The crowd again breaks off into cheers as a whistle is heard being blown from the entrance way. With his infamous black ECW hat, t-shirt and pants along with the whistle that he would blow profusely, Bill Alfonso steps out to the ramp followed by “Huka Blues” pounding through the Metlife Stadium speakers. Sandman stands on the second turnbuckle once again looking out to the entrance way as Sabu steps out walking to the left side of the stage and posing with his signature taunt before jogging over to the other side using his signature taunt once again.

Michael Cole: Two time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, three times ECW Tag Team Champion, one time ECW Television Champion, a member of the Hardcore Hall of Fame… they call him the homicidal, suicidal, genocidal, death-defying man…Sabu!

Almost on cue quick explosions above the Wrestlemania 29 set begin to go off moving from the center and then to the sides simolteuonsly. Sabu stops at the top of the ramp and then runs full sprint to the ring sliding under the top rope and nearly taking Heath Slater out in the process. Slater jumps to the side to avoid any sort of physical confrontation as Sabu stands in the center of the ring and for a third time uses his signature taunt to the crowds delight.

Crowd: Ho-ly Shit! Ho-ly Shit!

Sabu begins to pace in circles around the self-proclaimed “King of Extreme” Heath Slater. Looking as intense as ever in his classic green baggy pants and white head gear tied around with a rope, Sabu looks ready to pounce.

KOBTB TOURNAMENT QUALIFYING ENTRY

WRESTLEMANIA ENTRANCE – SHEAMUS - WRESTLEMANIA 26
Street Fight vs Triple H

----------

Justin Roberts stands in the centre of the ring with his microphone, as the crowd is buzzing in anticipation for the next match.

Justin Roberts:
The following contest is set for one fall and it is to be contested under Street Fight rules!!

The fans cheer loudly after that introduction, and the camera slowly zooms away from Roberts and turns to the stage as the arena lights go into a shade of dark green. There is still no music playing, but the crowd silences to hear some men shouting from far away, in what sounds a little like a war cry. The shouts get louder as if they are approaching us, and lightly mixed into the cries are the sounds of swords crashing together. Both the shouting and the swords start getting progressively louder and louder, until what we are listening to suddenly becomes clear... this is a WAR. The sounds of the fighting get increasingly louder still, but the fans start to come into a commotion as around THIRTY men come spilling out onto the stage, and they’re all dressed in traditional Celtic and English battle armour, and they all possess a sword; all fighting each other! The men are split into two “teams”; just over half of the men are dressed in green and the rest are all in white. Battling fiercely, the men in white are unable to fight against the numbers game and the greens show no mercy and whittle the men down to just one man in white! Being surrounded, the last White soldier holds his sword up and shouts for the greens to finish him, but everyone in the arena stops for a second as a voice is pumped through the arena with some Irish sounding music in the background...

“READ THE WORDS THAT ARE WRITTEN IN MY FACE... I BELIEVE THEM, I BELIEVE THEM”
*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*

The arena turns into a mass burst of heat, as the last White man turns to the entrance, and the greens split to leave the white standing by himself in the centre of the stage. There is continual booing, and as the white is left about to face his fate SHEAMUS walks out from behind the curtain!! This causes the boos to intensify, it is noted that Sheamus is dressed in similar attire as the men in green, and “The Celtic Warrior” holds a WARHAMMER of his own as he squares up to the poor white. Sheamus orders for him to get down onto his knees, which he begrudgingly does. Sheamus steadies himself and STRIKES the defenceless man in the side of the head with the hammer; leaving him out on the floor!! Sheamus places his foot on the man’s chest to overwhelming heat from the fans, until he drops the warhammer on the ground and takes his robe off to reveal his wrestling trunks underneath, and he starts to pace down to the ring briskly; the 2009 Breakout Star of the Year smirking at the fans as they don’t hold back with abuse, but the odd Irish flag can be seen in the crowd.

Justin Roberts:
First, from Dublin, Ireland, weighing two-hundred-and-seventy-two pounds... The Celtic Warrior.... SHEAAAMUSS!!!

Michael Cole:
Sheamus has had the most explosive first year in the WWE out of any Superstar I’ve ever seen; he’s ended careers, changed lives and he also won the WWE Championship on the first time of asking. As far as first years go Sheamus has topped anyone before him.

Jerry Lawler:
People try their entire careers to win the WWE Championship, and Sheamus did it after being in the WWE for a few months! That’s incredible in itself! Plus, this man is as violent and as physical as they get.

Matt Striker:
You felt that yourself, King. But we saw what just happened on the stage with Sheamus executing that poor, defenceless Englishman; not only does that show how ruthless and cut-throat this man is... but didn’t the feel of what just happened on the stage, the whole medieval aspect of it all, didn’t it remind you of entrances and monikers we’ve seen from another particular Superstar?

Jerry Lawler:
Triple H.

Matt Striker:
That’s right. Sheamus was trying to show Triple H that he can do what Triple H can just as well, and Sheamus has the chance to cap off this unparalleled first year by dethroning The King of Kings tonight.

Sheamus reaches the bottom of the ramp, and he looks at the ring in front of him, before he walks to the left and briskly jogs up the steps, progressing through the ropes then into the ring. He walks towards the camera side and beats his chest with both arms, bringing them out to the side afterwards as he roars out at the fans at ringside. He nods around as he admires the scenes around him with the 72,000 fans staring down at him. “Written In My Face” slowly fades out and the fans are still giving Sheamus some decent heat, but there are a few small cheers mixed in. Sheamus retreats into the corner; facing the stage where he just came from as he now awaits his opponent.

----------

Despite having one of the longest WWE Championship reigns in modern history, CM Punk felt like he wasn’t given the respect he deserved due to The Rock and John Cena still being viewed as the “poster boys of the WWE”. Punk became a bitter man, desperate to hold on to the one thing that has always garnered the respect of anybody in the wrestling business, the WWE Championship. So desperate in fact, that he turned to one the most controversial men in wrestling history for help: Paul Heyman. Punk had previously confessed he was a “Paul Heyman guy”, and Heyman, like Punk, wasn’t afraid to step on any toes (in fact Heyman’s previous client, Brock Lesnar, had just seemingly ended the career of WWE COO Triple H) so the alliance was seemingly natural. At Night of Champions, CM Punk (with Heyman in his corner) defended his championship against John Cena. The match ended in a controversial draw when both men’s shoulders were ruled down.

Over the next month, CM Punk would duck Cena’s challenges of a rematch at WWE’s most brutal pay-per-view of the year: Hell in a Cell. In fact, one night on Raw, WWE legend Mick Foley insisted that if Punk wanted the respect he yearned for, all he had to do was defeat John Cena inside the “Devil’s Playground”. “The Hardcore Legend” also gave Punk an eerie warning concerning his newfound business manager, Paul Heyman. Foley told arrogant WWE Champion that at the end of the day, Heyman was not in business for Punk, but instead was in business for himself. Although Punk disregarded Foley’s advice, it was clear that at least some of the WWE legend’s words had gotten to Punk. Punk, however, continued to refuse to defend the title against Cena. That is until one man strangely suggested that Punk face Cena. That man was Punk’s manager: Paul Heyman. This confused many, including Punk, who all wondered why Heyman would willingly put his client in danger of not only losing his title, but his career. Despite Punk’s suspicions running high, he took heed of his friend’s advice and finally accepted.

At Hell in a Cell, John Cena and CM Punk engaged in one of the most brutal wars in WWE history. With Heyman watching on the outside of the structure, Punk and Cena beat each other to pulp. In the end, to the shock of nearly everyone Punk not only retained the WWE Championship, but retained in decisive fashion; injuring Cena. After the match, the entire crowd, Cena haters and fans alike, applauded in respect for CM Punk. Perhaps the only person, who was happier than the WWE Champion, was Paul Heyman. In fact, Heyman was perhaps too happy. Heyman stood on the outside applauding and laughing, almost maniacally.

The next night on Raw, Punk entered the ring to another respectful applause from the audience. Punk actually thanked the crowd for their appreciation. Suddenly, Paul Heyman stood on the ramp as Punk looked on, puzzled. Heyman than told his client, that he owed Punk a thank you. Heyman said that the Champion had filled his “role” perfectly. Punk look even more confused when suddenly Brock Lesnar walked out from behind the curtain. Lesnar then ran down to the ring and beat down CM Punk as Heyman looked on smiling. The next week, Heyman revealed his master plan: to take over the WWE with Brock Lesnar. To do this, he needed to take out the two most powerful men in the WWE: John Cena and Triple H. Despite Lesnar being unable to defeat Cena at Extreme Rules, he was able to take out Triple H. Heyman was thinking of how to take out Cena when Punk knocked on his door. Heyman said he used Punk’s ego to manipulate him. Heyman convinced Punk to face Cena in Hell in a Cell so he could take Cena out. Now ironically, the only thing standing in Heyman and Lesnar’s way was CM Punk himself. Heyman then issued a challenge for Punk; defend the WWE Championship at Survivor Series against Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred match.

Not only did Punk accept, but he guaranteed a victory. Punk said that he wasn’t only fighting for himself, but for anybody that ever given there money or there well-being to the wrestling business. Punk said he didn’t care if it broke every bone in his body, he would not he could not lose. “No matter what it takes, whether I have to walk out, crawl out, or even be carted out, I am leaving Indianapolis as the WWE Champion.” Punk then suggested that they raise the stakes: whoever lost the match at Survivor Series would never receive another WWE title match again. Punk told Heyman to put his money where his mouth his. Heyman said he accepted and then added that he always knew that one day Punk’s cockiness would get the better of him. Over the next few weeks, Lesnar would go on a rampage that included injuring Rey Mysterio and even Mick Foley with his dreaded Kimura lock.

------------------------------------------------------------

Justin Roberts stands in center of the squared circle as the bell rings.

Roberts:
This next contest is a No Holds Barred match for the W-W-Eeeeee Championship!

The crowd buzzes in anticipation for the huge main event.

Roberts:
However, the loser of the match will NEVER receive another WWE Championship opportunity.

The crowd now waits in an almost hushed awe.

**NEXT BIG THING**

A SHOWERING of boos comes down from the rafters of the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. All the hate in the arena directed toward the two men coming through the curtain: Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar. Heyman’s face wears a very arrogant and condescending smirk and one look to his right could tell you why. He knows that not only is he just one match away from taking over the company that had put him out of business over decade earlier and he knows he has perhaps the most dominating force in WWE history by his side to do it. Lesnar is wearing his now trademark 4XL gloves, his red and black trunks, and his t-shirt. Even from the upper echelons of the Fieldhouse, one can feel his intimidating presence. Lesnar then begins to psych himself up on the top of the ramp by stomping in place, followed by jumping and roaring; revealing not only his mouthpiece but a large display of

**PYRO**

After his pre-match ritual, Lesnar and his manager begin there long walk down the ramp.

JR:
Brock Lesnar is without a doubt one of the most dangerous men on the face of the planet! In all my years in the sports entertainment business, I have never seen anybody who is so big and so strong and yet perhaps just as technically sound. He does not fear pain, he enjoys it. Perhaps the one thing Brock Lesnar enjoys more is inflicting pain.

Cole:
No doubt, JR, I mean the men that Brock Lesnar has beaten read like a who’s who list of sports and entertainment! Randy Couture, Frank Mir, Shane Carwin, Big Show, Kurt Angle, The Rock, John Cena, Undertaker, and of course, he has ended the career of Triple H.

JR:
And the most frightening part of all is that now he has the almost parasitic-like Paul Heyman in his ear. Paul Heyman has turned “The Perfect Storm” that is Brock Lesnar into a weapon. And Heyman has aimed that weapon at the heart of the WWE and has fired. Now all that stands in his wake is CM Punk. Tonight, if Lesnar is successful in capturing his fourth WWE Championship, no one will be left to stop Heyman in his quest to take over the WWE.

Lesnar stops at the bottom of the ramp and gazes into the ring. Lesnar then leaps onto the ring apron setting off more

**PYRO**

from the ring posts. Lesnar now paces around the ring focusing up at the ramp, waiting for the WWE Champion. Heyman stands at ringside and beneath his smug exterior even a blind man could see the giddiness that lies inside of the “Evil Mastermind”. Lesnar’s music dies down as does the crowd as they once wait in silence for the one man who can save the company that they love. Lesnar’s pacing has stopped as well as his eyes stare at the entrance, like a shark awaiting his prey to come out from behind it’s shelter. A trickle of sweat is already appearing on Heyman’s brow.

*STATIC*

**CULT OF PERSONALITY**

The crowd erupts in unison in a reaction that rivals any. No one comes through the curtain right away, building up the anticipation to its very highest peak. Finally, CM Punk walks out to a somehow even louder response. Punk doesn’t perform his normal pre-match theatrics; instead he simply walks slowly holding his WWE Championship to his side in one hand. It is clear that the man who has held the most prestigious championship in all of wrestling for nearly a full year, who has defended it in front of over 78,000 people at Wrestlemania, who has won it in one of the most controversial matches in the history of the business; is nervous.

JR:
Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at our flag bearer. A man who ironically had once nearly crippled this company by taking the very championship he holds in hand away from it, a man who has publicly lambasted said company in front of millions, and a man who albeit has not always been shown the proper respect by that company.

Cole:
And a man who was actually brought here by Paul Heyman!

JR:
That man is CM Punk and he is our WWE Champion. He has been for the past 364 days and has defeated his own fair share of men in his path toward tonight. At this very event last year, CM Punk won the WWE Championship and has since not relinquished the title. One look at CM Punk could tell you that he is not your normal WWE superstar and that is the way that Punk likes it best. He prides himself on proving people wrong and now he is the very best that the WWE has to offer. Tonight, Punk must prove right the very man who threatens to destroy the company that he now represents, Paul Heyman; and become the superstar that Heyman always claimed Punk could be.

Punk stands on the ring apron and locks eyes with Lesnar and then stares toward Heyman at ringside, almost as if those three are the only ones in the arena. Punk finally acknowledges the crowd by standing on the corner and holding his championship in the air proudly. Punk does not say anything and his expression only slightly changes. Punk then steps down from his perch and into the ring, not backing down from Lesnar.

Cole:
If CM Punk can do the near impossible tonight, then it will truly solidify himself as the Best in the World.

JR:
Another stroke of irony is that despite Punk being perhaps everything that the WWE doesn’t want in a superstar, Brock Lesnar was the guy who was supposed to be the very definition of a WWE superstar. However, here we are with both men on the opposite side of the spectrum. CM Punk is here tonight to save the WWE and Brock Lesnar is here to destroy it.

Punk and Lesnar head to there opposite corners as Justin Roberts stands in the center of the ring preparing for the introductions. Heyman stands on the apron next to Lesnar and whispers in his ear, obviously getting in some final points of his game plan. Punk keeps his eyes on both his former accomplice and his monstrous opponent.

Roberts:
Introducing first, the challenger: from Minneapolis; Minnesota, weighing in at two hundred sixty-six pounds, he is accompanied by his legal representation Paul Heyman, “The Perfect Storm”, BROOOOCK LESNARRRRR!!

The crowd boos as Lesnar raises his arms in the air to heat from the crowd. Lesnar’s arrogance is clear as his manager applauds at ringside. Punk just continues to stare down Lesnar, who sees Punk’s expression and smiles.

Roberts:
And his opponent: he is the W-W-EEEE CHAMPION: from Chicago; Illinois, weighing two hundred and fourteen pounds. C….M….. PUNK!!!

The crowd cheers loud again for the Champion however Punk doesn’t respond, instead continuing to gaze across the ring. It appears as though Punk doesn’t even see or hear anybody other than Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman. Lesnar’s has begun staring down Punk as well, though his gaze is much more condescending. CM Punk removes the WWE Championship from around his waist handing it over to referee Mike Chioda for perhaps the final time. Chioda shows the gold to Lesnar who again puts on a shit-eating grin when seeing what could be his for the first time in over 8 years. Chioda then holds the belt up high in the center of the ring for the entire crowd in Indianapolis to see before handing it to Justin Roberts and ringing the bell.

WWE Championship
No Holds Barred
WWE Champion CM Punk vs. “The Perfect Storm” Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman)

Punk removes his t-shirt and tosses it to ringside. Lesnar removes his too as both men approach the center. Punk’s facial expression is not one of fear but of caution. Punk realizes that one mistake could cost him everything. In stark contrast, Lesnar’s aura is a cockiness that bluntly says: “You’re ass is grass”. Both men meet in the center of the ring and Punk has to look up at “The Perfect Storm”. This just seems to add to Lesnar’s arrogance as he smirks looking down at the WWE Champion. Punk responds by SLAPPING LESNAR RIGHT IN THE FACE! The crowd let’s put a loud “ooooh” at Punk’s ballsiness (and perhaps his stupidity). Lesnar seems taken aback by both shock of Punk’s actions and the sting of the slap. Lesnar then smirks back at Punk who doesn’t bat an eye. PUNK SLAPS THE TASTE OUT OF LESNAR’S MOUTH FOR A SECOND TIME! Lesnar is furious now, and THROWS A HARD PUNCH- BUT PUNK DUCKS! Lesnar turns AND GETS SLAPPED AGAIN BY CM PUNK!! Lesnar’s face is beat red and Punk sprints out of the ring with Lesnar giving chase! Punk runs around the ring with Lesnar in hot pursuit. Punk runs back in the ring and Lesnar follows. Punk immediately heads back out of the other side of the ring and Lesnar continues to follow. Punk runs around the ring again before sliding back in the ring. Lesnar tries to slide back in the ring as well AND GETS KICKED RIGHT IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD BY CM PUNK!!

The sound of Punk’s kick resonates around the arena as Lesnar stumbles back to the outside clutching his head. Punk’s mindset is clear: he may not be stronger or bigger than Lesnar, but he is smarter and faster. As Lesnar remains on the outside of the ring, Punk hits the ropes AND LAUNCHES ONTO TO LESNAR WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! Lesnar goes spine-first into the barricade! Punk begins to punch away at the head of the already recovering Lesnar. Suddenly, Paul Heyman GRABS PUNK’S ARM! Heyman quickly let’s go and Punk turns and goes toward him. Heyman runs around the corner and begs off. Punk turns around and heads back to the task at hand. Punk grabs Lesnar’s head and pulls him up- BUT LESNAR HITS A RIB SHATTERING KNEE TO THE GUT! Punk grabs his gut and goes down in a heap. Lesnar rubs his nose with his fingers, checking for blood. He then flares his nostrils before pulling the still hurt Punk up to his feet. Lesnar lifts Punk up onto his shoulder in a spinebuster-position. Lesnar then PUNK SPINE-FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING POST! Lesnar lets Punk drop to the floor where he grabs his spine. Lesnar’s confidence is now back, having weathered Punk’s early storm of offense. Lesnar takes his time before grabbing Punk by the head and pulling him up. LESNAR PUNCHES PUNK HARD IN THE GUT! Punk again grabs the front of his mid-section as he stumbles toward the steel steps, partly to get away from Lesnar but mostly out of pain. Seeing Punk by the steps appears to give Lesnar an idea. Lesnar lifts the rising Punk onto his shoulder again…. AND SPINEBUSTERS HIM ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!!!

Punk yells out in pain as writhes on the steps and Lesnar stares, marveled by his latest piece of work. Heyman meanwhile yells, (obviously keeping his distance from the action) “Get ‘im back in the ring and PIN ‘IM!” Lesnar smiles at his advisor in both amusement and understanding. Lesnar pulls CM Punk off of the steps and rolls him back into the ring. Punk begins to slowly crawl away from Lesnar who is once more taking his time to enter the ring, going up the steps and through the ropes. Lesnar looks on amused by his opponent’s futile crawl for solace. Lesnar goes up to Punk and stomps right on the small of his lower back. Lesnar then pulls Punk up- but gets an elbow to his gut. Punk tries to fight back with another elbow to the stomach and another elbow. Lesnar is temporarily stunned as Punk takes the opportunity to hit the ropes and- GETS ABSOLUTELY KILLED BY AHUGECLOTHESLINE FROM LESNAR!!! Punk flips head-over heels in the air and lands flat on his back. Members in the audience look shocked as Lesnar wags his finger. Lesnar then covers putting his forearm right in CM Punk’s face!

1……….


2…………………..


No! Punk kicks out!

Lesnar doesn’t seem the least bit worried as it’s clear he has Punk right where he wants him. Lesnar pulls Punk up and with one arm violently throws him into the corner. Lesnar then hit a hard shoulder block to Punk’s ribs! Lesnar then immediately follows with another and another and another! Each time he does he knocks out whatever air was in CM Punk. When Brock finally stops Punk falls nearly collapses in the corner. Lesnar then pulls Punk out of the corner, gets in position in a suplex, hooks the leg AND HITS A BIG RELEASE FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX! Punk hits the mat hard and Lesnar quickly covers!

1……….


2…………….


No! Punk still has some fight left!

Lesnar sits up and looks at ref menacingly as Heyman yells to him to remain focused. Lesnar takes his time getting to his feet and sees Punk once more crawling toward the ropes. Brock continues to watch as his prey grabs the ropes and uses them to help him stand. Punk leans up against the ropes clutching his ribs. Lesnar hit the opposite ropes AND COME BACK WITH A CLOTHES- NO! PUNK LOW-BRIDGES THE ROPES AND LESNAR TUMBLES OVER THE TOP ROPE! LESNAR LANDS RIGHT ON HIS KNEE! Immediately, Brock clutches his knee and yells in pain. Heyman looks shocked and horrified as it appears that his “Perfect Storm” may be hurt and hurt badly. Punk collapses to the canvas inside the ring and takes a moment to lick his wounds. We see through replays that it appears as though Lesnar may have blown out his knee. When we come back Punk has finally begun to move by rolling to the outside as Lesnar is still down. Punk stomps right on Lesnar’s injured joint. Punk stomps a few more times before just going all out and hammering it with fists! Lesnar is clearly in pain, Heyman is nearly hysterical and Punk is enraged. Punk now begins throwing elbows and even a few knees into Brock’s wounded meniscus. Punk is clearly desperate to exploit the first (and perhaps only) major opportunity to hurt Lesnar. Heyman meanwhile is approaching Punk from behind! Heyman goes to attack Punk- but Punk quickly turns and startles Heyman so much he falls to the ground. Heyman lies on the ground and begs Punk not to hurt him. Punk’s face is one of pure rage as he slowly approaches Heyman. Heyman begins to crawl away backward and continues to plead with Punk to spare him. Punk continues to walk toward Heyman, who then quickly stands up and stumbles away. The WWE Champion then turns his attention back from his former friend to see his challenger, who is using the guardrail to support himself on his bad knee. Punk goes toward Lesnar- and gets punched hard in the gut! Punk doubles-over in pain but then gets another look of angry defiance on his face and kicks Lesnar right in his knee! Lesnar has to hold onto the guardrail to prevent himself from falling to the ground. Punk, holding his gut, then grabs Lesnar and rolls him back into the ring.

As Punk clutches his stomach on the outside of the ring, Lesnar attempts to even stand inside it. As Lesnar begins to get to a vertical basis, Punk reenters the ring, runs up from behind Lesnar AND CHOPBLOCKS HIM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! Punk clips Lesnar’s knee causing the monster to moan in agony. Punk then grabs Lesnar’s leg and looks out toward the crowd before turning with it, hooking the other, AND LOCKING IN A FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!! Lesnar is in unimaginable pain and flops around on the mat! Punk is holding his ribs and screaming at Lesnar to give it up. Chioda asks if Lesnar obliges but “The Perfect Storm” declines. In response to Lesnar’s refusal PUNK SYNCS THE HOLD EVEN MORE! Heyman is shrieking at ringside for Brock to hold on. Lesnar is nearly tearing up as he extends his hand out

………


…………..


………………..

LESNAR HOLDS ON!

Punk is now screaming at the top of his lungs: “TAP OUT BROCK! TAP OUT YOU SON OF A B----! (censored)!” Punk then reaches over the hold and begins to shove Lesnar in the face. Suddenly, Lesnar grabs hold of Punk’s outstretched arm! Lesnar then pulls Punk forward by the arm AND PUNCHES PUNK HARD IN THE SIDE OF THE TEMPLE! CM PUNK MAY BE OUT COLD! Lesnar falls back in relief of his desperate maneuver having broken the submission. Punk simply lies on the mat, motionless. Despite both men being down, Chioda doesn’t count due to the match being No Holds Barred. Lesnar hammers the mat and rubs his knee, trying to relieve some of the pain. Heyman begins to pound the mat and point at CM Punk, who hasn’t moved an inch since Lesnar’s vicious strike. Lesnar gets the message and stumbles to the WWE Champion and hooks the leg!

1…………..


2…………………


3- NO! Punk pops his shoulder up!

The crowd comes out of their seats as Punk just nudged his shoulder off the canvas before three. Lesnar pounds the mat in frustration as Heyman looks up toward the heavens and begins to mumble to himself and perhaps a higher power; desperately. Lesnar gets to his slowly gets to his feet and looks down at Punk who has yet to stir since getting out of the pinning predicament. Lesnar then squats down and yells at Punk to “Get the f--- up! Get the f--- up, now!” Punk very slowly begins to regain his bearings. The crowd buzzes, almost yelling to Punk not to turn around. Punk doesn’t heed the warning and GETS SCOOPED UP BY LESNAR IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY POSITION! Heyman yells from ringside: “FINISH HIM OFF! FINISH HIM OFF!” LESNAR SPINS PUNK THROUGH THE AIR- BUT HIS KNEE GIVES OUT ON HIM!! Punk slips off AND HITS A REVERSE STO! Punk then floats his legs around Lesnar’s neck AND LOCKS IN THE KOJI CLUTCH! Lesnar tries to fight out, but to no avail. Punk squeezes even harder and Lesnar reaches his out and

……………


………………..


…………………………

LESNAR HOLDS ON!!

Lesnar is still in it but he is fading fast! Heyman is nearly in tears at ringside pounding the mat, hoping that Lesnar finds away out! Punk synchs the hold in HARDER! Now Lesnar starts to fade! Brock slowly begins to slip into unconsciousness thanks to the unique submission hold of the WWE Champion! The crowd goes wild now, seeing that CM Punk might be able to do it! Heyman is beat red at ringside! LESNAR’S ARM GOES LIMP! Chioda lifts the arm up….

……………….


IT FALLS ONCE!!

The crowd roars in approval as two more drops and the match is over. Chioda lifts the arm again….

………………


……………………..


THE ARM FALLS FOR A SECOND TIME!!!

The crowd somehow grows even more raucous! Heyman is now praying to the heavens! Chioda lifts the arm for a third time

………………………


………………………………


……………………………………………

LESNAR’S ARM STAYS UP!

The crowd let’s out a sigh of disappointment and Heyman thanks the Lord a ringside. Lesnar get to his knees while still in the submission. Lesnar grabs Punk’s legs AND BEAUTIFULLLY TRANSITIONS THE HOLD INTO THE BROCK LOCK!!!! Everyone (including Heyman) is in disbelief as not only did Lesnar get out of the submission, but he has now locked in his old submission: the Brock Lock! Lesnar contorts Punk’s spine as Punk moans. Lesnar is now yelling for Punk to give up! Heyman is ecstatic as he slaps the mat harder! LESNAR TIGHTENS THE HOLD!

………….


………………………


………………………………………..

CM PUNK DOESN’T SUBMIT!!

Instead, PUNK ELBOWS LESNAR IN THE BACK OF HIS BAD KNEE! Lesnar collapses to the mat, breaking the hold! The crowd applauds and Heyman looks frustrated as both men lay on the mat, breathing heavily. Punk begins to roll toward the outer edge of the ring and to the outside. Punk goes to where Justin Roberts is sitting, reaches over the barricade, and grabs a steel chair! Punk folds the chair up and heads back into the ring, where Lesnar is still on the canvas. Punk walks up to Brock’s knee and lifts the chair high in the air before- PAUL HEYMAN GRABS THE CHAIR! Punk turns and pulls the chair back from Heyman who quickly drops off of the ring apron. Meanwhile, Lesnar has begun to stand up behind Punk. Punk turns and sees Lesnar and HITS HIM IN THE HEAD- NO! LESNAR CATCHES THE CHAIR SHOT! Lesnar and Punk both try to take the weapon from the other. Lesnar then KICKS PUNK IN THE STOMACH! Punk releases his hold of the chair and doubles-over. Lesnar then grabs the top and the bottom of the chair and JAMS IT RIGHT INTO PUNK’S RIBCAGE! Punk falls into the corner grabbing his stomach. Lesnar drops the chair and stretches his leg, trying to soothe some of the pressure. Punk begins to stand in the corner at which point Lesnar runs in with A BIG RUNNING SHOULDER BLOCK- BUT PUNK DUCKS AND LESNAR GOES SHOULDER-FIRST INTO RING POST! Punk then puts his arm between Lesnar’s legs and goes for a school boy- but Lesnar grabs hold of the ropes to keep his balance. Lesnar then goes to stomp on Punk’s face- but Punk quickly rolls out of the ring. Punk then goes behind the ring post and grabs Lesnar’s legs, trips him up, pulls and CROTCHES HIM ON THE POST! Punk then crosses Brock’s legs AND LOCKS IN A FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK AROUND THE RINGPOST!! Punk squeezes hard, synching in the hold that Bret Hart made famous in his hometown over 15 years ago. Lesnar is in even more pain than before as the ref (realizing the completely legal within the confines of match) asks if Lesnar would like to submit!

…………..


……………..


LESNAR REFUSES!

However, it is very clear Brock won’t be able to hold on much longer as the WWE Champion continues to grind down on the hold. Due to the pole, Lesnar’s unable to break the hold and is in quite a painful and frustrating predicament. Punk yells for Lesnar to tap and Lesnar yell in pain! Lesnar reaches his arm out!

…………….


……………………….


………………………………….

LESNAR TAP- NO! HEYMAN HITS PUNK IN THE RIBS WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!

Heyman had grabbed the earlier disposed chair! Punk falls right onto his front as Heyman’s desperate act appears to have paid off. Lesnar untangles himself from around the post and grabs his knee in pain. Lesnar begins to get to a vertical basis with help from the ropes. When Lesnar is finally able to lean against said ropes, he calls for Heyman to send CM Punk into the ring. Heyman obliges, sliding the rising and damaged Punk under the ropes and into the ring. Lesnar’s face makes it clear that he will make Punk pay for the damage he has caused to his knee. Lesnar picks Punk up in a powerslam position and looks around before BUSTING HIS BACK AGAINST HIS (not damaged) KNEE! Lesnar however keeps hold of the Champion, brings him up, AND BACK DOWN ACROSS HIS KNEE! Lesnar then pulls Punk up for a third time before SLAMMING HIM BACK AND RIB-FIRST ON HIS KNEE! TRIPLE BACKBREAKER! Lesnar finally lets Punk crumple down to the mat as the crowd gasps in horror at the punishment Punk is receiving. Lesnar looks down at his fallen opponent before covering.

1………..


2……………..


..NO! Punk pops his shoulder up!

The crowd cheers trying to will on their final hero, however Lesnar knows that the end is near as long as he stays on the attack. Immediately following the kick-out Lesnar raps his arms around Punk’s ribs. Lesnar than stands, bringing Punk up with him IN A BEARHUG! The brutal (and impressive) show of strength from the challenger seems to not only suck the air out of Punk, but of the crowd as well. As Punk struggles to breath Lesnar squeezes harder. Lesnar has a history of success with this submission as well, it has beaten many in the past including the legendary Hulk Hogan. Punk begins to fade as not only does Lesnar appear jubilant, but Paul Heyman too. Punk reaches for anything to help him in vein before GOING LIMP! The ref lifts Punk’s arm up….

……………….

IT FALLS!

Heyman tells the ref to hurry as his face has gone from red to a near purple. Chioda lifts the arm again…

……………….


…………………………


AND IT FALLS A SECOND TIME!

Heyman is now slapping the mat and screaming for Lesnar to finish it. It’s unclear who will pass out first: Punk or Heyman. The ref lifts the arm up…..


………………………….


…………………………………………….


………………………………………..


IT STAYS UP!!

The crowd comes to life once again as Heyman grimaces at ringside. Lesnar tries to squeeze harder as Punk begins to elbow and club him in the back of the neck. The crowd begins to clap in unison in order to inspire the WWE Champion. Punk begins to elbow harder and faster and finally Lesnar breaks the hold! Punk then kicks the monster HARD IN THE KNEE! Brock immediately falls to his knee; almost as if he’s been shot. Punk then quickly runs off the ropes…. AND HITS A SHINING WIZARD!! Punk’s knee goes right into Lesnar’s face and takes him down! Punk stays on the mat, clearly still feeling the effects of the bearhug. Punk rolls onto the ring apron and uses the ropes to stand. Punk waits for Lesnar to stand and Heyman knows exactly what he’s waiting for. Heyman begins to pound the mat in admonition, but it’s no use. Lesnar rises and turns TO SEE PUNK SPRINGBOARD OFF OF THE ROPES WITH A CLOTHESLINE- AND GET CAUGHT WITH A MID-AIR, OVERHEAD, BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!!! The crowd, the commentators, and even Heyman can’t believe the amazing counter they just saw! Heyman then begins to chuckle as everyone in the Fieldhouse begins to realize perhaps his War Machine’s greatest strength: no matter how much damage he takes, he can still dish it out tenfold. Punk is sprawled out on the canvas with one leg draping over the bottom rope. Lesnar crawls toward Punk and yanks him by the arm into the center of the ring. Lesnar covers the champion!

1…………


2……………….


..3-NO! Punk barely gets his shoulder up!

Lesnar and Heyman look at each other in disbelief; Lesnar’s face a one of frustration and Heyman’s one of desperation. Lesnar gingerly gets to his feet and then gets in Chioda’s face. Brock screams at the official that his count was slow. Chioda, though intimidated, stands his ground that the count was only a two. Lesnar then grabs Chioda by the collar of his shirt! Brock Lesnar then raises his hand to strike as Mike Chioda begs for mercy… but suddenly something gains the attention of not just Lesnar but everyone in the arena. CM PUNK IS BEGINNING TO STAND! The crowd in Indianapolis begins to applaud in unison at the sight of the Champion struggling to get to his feet despite the punishment he’s taken. Punk grips the ropes and breathes through his teeth as he tries to pull himself up, albeit stumbling a few times back down to the mat. Brock sees this and squats down, measuring Punk for perhaps the finishing blow. Alas Punk stands AND LESNAR JUMPS ON HIM AND HOOKS HIS ARM IN A KIMURA!! Punk immediately realizes the danger he is in and hooks his arm in the top rope. Not for a rope break, but to prevent Brock from bringing him down to the mat. Lesnar leans back as far as he can, but Punk’s arm holds him in a vertical base. Punk then shows off a bit of flexibility by placing his foot on the leaning Lesnar’s chest and shoving him off! Brock quickly gets to his feet, runs toward his opponent, AND GETS A HUGE ROUNDHOUSE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Lesnar staggers, but doesn’t go down! So, PUNK KICKS HIM WITH ANOTHER ROUNDHOUSE! A second *smack* is heard off the head of Lesnar, which bring the beast to one knee… but doesn’t take him down all the way! Punk looks enraged as he HITS A THIRD ROUNDHOUSE THAT FINALLY GETS THE JOB DONE!! The kick was so big that it staggered Punk as well. Punk stumbles toward the corner and then heads up to the top rope! The crowd cheers as Punk stands atop his perch before pointing to the heavens. PUNK LEAPS OFF THE TOP WITH THE SAVAGE ELBOW- BUT LESNAR GETS HIS KNEE UP!

Punk lands elbow first on Lesnar’s knee and immediately begins to roll around on the mat in a pain! Lesnar’s is in pain as well, as he may have just sacrificed what was left of his ACL to perhaps dislocate Punk’s elbow. Despite being in pain, Lesnar has a sinister smile on his face as he sees Punk gripping his arm in distress. Brock’s smile is shared with Heyman, who realizes where Lesnar’s most dangerous maneuver targets. Lesnar gets to his feet and pushes Chioda (who was checking on Punk’s well-being) aside. Lesnar pull the “Second City Saint” up by the arm, pulls him toward the ropes by it, and tosses him over the top to the outside- BUT KEEPS A HOLD OF PUNK’S ARM! The WWE Champion screams in pain as he is dangling off of the ring by just his arm! Members of the audience let out a groan while others cringe at the brutal maneuver that appears to almost unhinge Punk’s forearm from the rest of his arm. Lesnar only holds on for a few seconds before releasing, but the damage is done. Punk lies on the ground nearly in tears while holding his damaged arm. Lesnar slowly exits the ring, knowing Punk has nowhere to hide; like a slasher villain approaching his latest victim. Lesnar grabs Punk in a hammerlock-like position AND THROWS HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! Lesnar just smirks, knowing he has Punk right where he wants him. Heyman applauds around the corner as Lesnar grabs Punk’s arm and THROWS IT AROUND THE POST! Punk stumbles away for solace and falls by the steps. Lesnar slowly follows, grabs Punk’s arm and SLAMS IT OFF OF THE STEEL STEPS! Punk’s arm is getting torn up! Lesnar sends Punk back into the ring and enter with him. Lesnar tells Heyman to give him the chair from earlier and Heyman happily obliges. Lesnar steps on Punk’s hand to keep his arm in place AND SLAMS THE CHAIR RIGHT ON PUNK’S ARM! Punk cries out in grief as Lesnar then covers!

1……….


2…………………


NO! Punk still has some fight left!

This time Brock does not have a look on anger but one of happiness, as the fun for him can continue. As Punk remains on the ground, Lesnar looks around for something else to punish the champion with. He seems to find it as he heads out to ringside and grabs the steel steps! Lesnar pulls the heavy steps up and puts them into the ring. Lesnar himself reenters and picks up the weapon. Punk is still down as Lesnar LIFTS THE STEPS ABOVE HIS ARM- BUT PUNK DROP TOE HOLDS LESNAR’S BAD KNEE! LESNAR COLLAPSES AND FALLS RIGHT ONTO THE STEPS! Brock’s head bounces off of the steps and he falls to the mat. Punk gets to his feet and waits for a rising Lesnar. Punk hooks Lesnar with his good arm and hits A URANAGE! Immediately, Punk hooks Lesnar’s arm AND APPLIES THE ANACONDA VICE! Punk grimaces as he squeezes the hold as hard as he can on the larger challenger! Heyman screams for Brock to hang on, but it’s much easier said than done! Lesnar tries to rake Punk’s face to no avail as PUNK PULLS BACK EVEN HARDER AND….


…………


………………


……………………..

BROCK DOESN’T TAP!

Instead, Lesnar turns Punk on his back and begins to stand while still locked in the Vice! The crowd is amazed at Lesnar’s power as Heyman applauds. Brock wraps his free arm around the leg, lifts him up, AND HITS A MODIFIED SPINEBUSTER ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!! For the second time, Punk’s spine is nearly destroyed by the ring steps! Lesnar covers Punk atop steps!

1………


2…………….


NO!

Brock Lesnar rolls off of the steps and (instead of complaining) immediately pulls Punk by his bad arm off of the steps and to his feet. The challenger then knees CM Punk in the gut hard, doubling him over. Lesnar then puts Punk’s head between his legs and lifts him up! Lesnar waits a moment before HITTING A BIG POWERBOMB! Brock doesn’t release instead pulling Punk back up AND NAILING A SECOND POWERBOMB! Lesnar still doesn’t release and dead-lifts Punk again before DROPPING HIM WITH A BIG TIME RELEASE POWERBOMB! TRIPLE POWERBOMB!! Lesnar drops down and hooks the leg!

1…………


2…………………


3-NO!

The crowd explodes in a united praise of the self-proclaimed Best in the World’s resiliency! Lesnar and Heyman look at each other as they almost seem to ask each other the question nobody asked before the match: How is Brock Lesnar going to defeat CM Punk? Lesnar sits and look around, racking his brain for an answer to that very question. Punk has still yet to move since narrowly avoiding losing his WWE Championship. Lesnar then let out a long breath, seemingly finding of the answer he was searching for earlier. Brock walks to the corner and heads up to the top rope! The crowd buzzes as everyone watching collectively thinks: “He’s not doing what I think he’s doing right?!” JR then confirms on commentary that Lesnar is indeed thinking one thing: Shooting Star Press! Lesnar prepare to launch… when Heyman gets up on the apron! Heyman begs Brock not to jump! Heyman reminds Brock that not only has it been almost a decade since Brock last did the maneuver but that the last time he did it, he nearly killed himself. Brock spends precious time arguing with his manager as CM PUNK SHOVES THE REF WITH HIS FOOT INTO THE ROPES, CROTCHING LESNAR ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Punk thwarts the high-risk maneuver (that Brock was obviously not really going to do) and stumbles up to his feet and toward the turnbuckle that Brock is perched on. Punk throws a wild punch Heyman’s way, but Heyman drops down in fear. Punk then goes to the second turnbuckle and punches Lesnar right in the face. Punk hits about three more similar punches before hooking Lesnar up and….. HITTING AN ENOURMOUS SUPERPLEX!! The ring shakes as Punk’s maneuver proves true to the adage: “The bigger they are… the harder they fall”. Punk covers!

1………….


2…………………..


NO!

Both Punk and Lesnar remain on the mat, feeling the effects of not just the superplex but the brutal match as a whole. Both men slowly rise at roughly the same time. Punk hits a quick open hand slap from the right, stunning “The Freak”. Punk immediately follows with a left hand slap and then a spinning backhand, using his injured arm as a weapon! Lesnar is nearly out on his feet as Punk throws a BIG ROUNDHOUSE- BUT LESNAR DUCKS AND SCOOPS PUNK UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! LOOKING FOR THE F5- BUT PUNK SLIDES OFF HIS BACK! Punk then shoves Lesnar into the corner and FOLLOWS UP WITH HIS SIGANTAURE KNEE TO THE FACE! However, instead of following up with his normal bulldog PUNK HITS ANOTHER KNEE! AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! Lesnar is nearly out on his feet against the corner as Punk then grabs his head and HITS A RUNNING BULLDOG! The crowd cheers as Punk rises to his feet gripping his arm and begins to stalk Lesnar for the GTS! The crowd really buzzes now as Heyman’s eyes grow as wide as a clock. Heyman begins to slap the mat as hard as he can, trying to get his client’s attention but to no avail! Lesnar stands AND GETS SCOOPED UP BY PUNK! Punk is struggling to keep the heavy Lesnar on his shoulders with essentially one arm but does eventually! PUNK HITS- NO! LESNAR BASHES PUNK’S SKULL WITH A STIFF ELBOW!! Immediately, Punk grabs his head allowing Brock to slide off the back, grab a rear waist lock AND HIT A MASSIVE GERMAN SUPLEX!! PUNK GETS FLIPPED RIGHT ONTO HIS FRONT WITH THAT ONE!!

Heyman grabs a tissue in his pocket and wipes sweat from his brow as Lesnar crawls toward the corner and stands. Lesnar looks down at Punk with malice intent that then turns into sick satisfaction as he sees what everyone else is shocked to see. CM Punk’s head is dripping with blood! The former UFC Heavyweight Champion smiles into the audience and indicates his elbow was the ‘cause of Punk’s laceration. Heyman begins to laugh with Lesnar but he is the only one as Chioda checks on the WWE Champion. Chioda calls in more officials to patch Punk up and tells Brock to stay back. The crowd boos at both Lesnar and the officials who begin to try and clean up Punk’s crimson mask. Brock gets tired of waiting and grabs one of the cleaners by the scruff of the collar and tosses him away! The other official gets intimidated and moves out of the ring on his own accord. Chioda begs Lesnar not to, but he ignores the pleas. Brock pulls the Champion up to his feet- but Punk grabs Lesnar’s legs and attempts a double leg takedown. Lesnar holds on and smiles at Punk’s failed attempt before BASHING HIS LEFT KNEE RIGHT INTO THE OPEN WOUND OF THE WWE CHAMPION! Punk goes down spaghetti-legged as the crowd watches on in horror. Brock then mounts Punk and BEGINS TO PUMMEL AWAY ON THE SKULL OF PUNK WITH HEAVY BLOWS! Punk tries to get his hands up, but it’s a futile gesture. Every blow is stiff and can be seen and heard by every person in the Fieldhouse, which has become disturbingly quiet. A few shots of the audience reveal few women with their hand over their mouths in disbelief. As the blood and life fall out of the WWE Champion with every fist of Lesnar’s that crashes into to Punk’s head, only one voice can be heard. That voice belongs to Paul Heyman who wills his monster on, giddy with excitement. Chioda pleas with Brock to stop his onslaught, but the challenger is a man possessed. When Lesnar finally does finish his pounding, he glares down at the bloody and motionless WWE Champion. Lesnar’s hands nearly have more blood on them the Punk’s face does. Heyman is beaming as the heart of the WWE bleeds out in the center of the WWE ring. Heyman says to no one in particular, “It’s poetic justice!” Lesnar finally decides to put an end to the match with a cover.

1………


2……………..

3- NO!!! PUNK GETS HIS SHOULDER UP BEFORE THE FINAL COUNT!!

The crowd comes back to life, Heyman runs both of his hands through his slicked back hair, and Lesnar gives Mike Chioda an absolutely deadly stare. Chioda meekly tells Brock that the count was just a two. Brock begins to breathe heavily with his mouthpiece distorting each one to sound akin to a monster’s growl. Each breath is one of frustration, anger, disbelief, and even a bit of doubt. Brock then turns and sees a weapon he utilized earlier: the steel chair. Lesnar crawls toward the foreign object, grabs it, and stands. The crowd boos as Brock holds the chair in the air and proclaims: “This is it!” Brock is about to finish the match when he notices something at his feet: CM Punk. Punk grabs his Lesnar’s boot and begins to crawl up the massive body of the challenger. Punk reaches Brock’s mid-section and looks up into the eyes of “The Perfect Storm”. Brock Lesnar looks back and smiles as he REARS BACK WITH THE CHAIR…. AND GETS LOW-BLOWED BY CM PUNK!! The crowd come out of there seats in unison once more as their Champion still has some fight left in him! Lesnar drops the chair and grabs his nether regions in pain! Punk is still stumbling as he picks up the dropped weapon and CRACKS IT RIGHT OVER LESNAR’S HEAD (no doubt earning him a nice fine)!!! The chair is dented in the shape of the challenger’s head but he still doesn’t go down so PUNK SCOOPS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! PUNK THROWS LESNAR OFF….. AND HITS THE GO TO SLEEP!!!! The roof comes off the arena in Indianapolis like the Colts have just won the Superbowl as Punk collapses to the mat! Heyman is looking down and shaking his head, trying to hold back tears. We then see that Lesnar been busted open! Whether it is from the chair shot or Punk’s knee is neither clear nor relevant at the moment. Punk crawls and… drapes his arm over the fallen Lesnar!!

1………..


2………………….



….3- NO!!! LESNAR GETS HIS SHOULDER UP!

A collective sigh of disbelief is let out from the crowd! Heyman lets out an outcry of “Yes!” as his eyes are clearly reddened. Punk hasn’t even moved as his arm is till draped over Lesnar. When Punk finally does come to he sees that the count was only a two. He does not complain because he doesn’t have the energy to. As Punk struggles to stand, his face says what we’re all thinking: If a low blow, a chair shot, and a GTS can’t put this guy away, what can?! When Punk finally does gain his full balance he pulls Lesnar up slowly by his head- BUT SUDDENLY BROCK SCOOPS PUNK UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS, BALENCES ON ONE LEG, SPINS AROUND… AND HITS THE F5!!!! The crowd goes insane at the suddenness and explosiveness of the maneuver! Heyman is screaming so loud he can be heard clearly without a mic: “COVER HIM!! COVER HIM!!” Lesnar crawls over and hooks the leg!

1…………


2…………………..


..3

NO!! CM PUNK STILL KICKS OUT!

The crowd, the commentator, Paul Heyman, and Brock Lesnar all react in disbelief, though each one is different. The crowd somehow gets louder than before, Cole and JR scream about how they can’t believe it, Heyman buries his face in his hands before pounding the mat with a fist and yelling out “Dammit!”, and Brock looks up with his face covered bloodied, battered, and furious! Heyman finally has enough: he removes his tie and stands up on the ring apron. Heyman yells Lesnar to bring Punk his way. Brock pulls the downed Punk and stands him up next to the ropes by his manager. Heyman then WRAPS HIS TIE AROUND THE NECK OF HIS FORMER CLIENT! Punk is being chocked as Lesnar screams in his face to stay down. Punk struggles and gags and now Heyman screams right in his ear: “YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE IT ALL!!” Suddenly, PUNK SLAPS LESNAR RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE!! Everybody, including Heyman, gasp as CM Punk despite being bloodied and battered is still just as defiant as ever! Lesnar gets extremely angry and HITS A BIG RIGHT HAND… TO HEYMAN!! PUNK DUCKED!! The crowd is jubilant as Lesnar as just knocked his advisor out cold! Lesnar looks down in disbelief turning AND BEING SCOOPED UP ONTO PUNK’S SHOULDERS! PUNK THEN HITS THE GTS- NO! LESNAR CATCHES PUNK’S KNEE AND LIFTS PUNK ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! LESNAR SPINS- BUT PUNK COUNTERS WITH A TORNADO DDT! Punk then crawls over and HOOKS LESNAR’S ARM… LOOKING FOR THE VICE! PUNK GETS HIS ARM UNDER LESNAR’S AND GETS IT IN ALL THE- NO!!! LESNAR COUNTERS AND LOCKS IN THE KIMURA!! Punk got caught!! Punk squirms around in pain as Lesnar has the hold that has taken out so many before him synched in! Punk runs his hand through his hair but has no choice but to…

……..


……………..


……………………………


HOLD ON!

But perhaps not for much longer as Lesnar locks his legs around his ribs! Lesnar’s body scissors squeeze what ever air is left in the champion! The crowd begins a “CM Punk!” chant trying to will on the final protector of the WWE! But there is no way out as Brock has the hold absolutely locked! Lesnar finally SYNCHES IT IN TO IT’S MAX!!!

………


…………….


.......................


…………..

PUNK IS STILL NOT GIVING IT IN!!!!

Punk grabs Lesnar’s bad knee with his free arm and FLOATS OVER INTO A MODIFIED JACKNIFE PIN WHILE STILL IN THE KIMURA!!!

1……………


2……………………..


3!!!

LESNAR KICKS OUT!!


A SPLIT SECOND TOO LATE!!


Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk

The crowd all stand up as the announcement of the winner is heard! Punk grabs his arm and remains on the ground in pain as Lesnar looks around in shock!

Cole:
He did it! HE DID IT!!

JR:
CM PUNK HAS DEFEATED BROCK LESNAR!! IN ALL MY YEARS OF COMMENTATING I DON’T BELIEVE I’VE EVER SEEN A MATCH LIKE THE ONE WE JUST WITNESSED!

Punk rolls out of the ring and is handed the Championship by the official. Punk asks not to have his other arm raised due to it most likely being damaged. Punk heads up the ramp as Lesnar stares seething.

JR:
For over a year CM Punk has been asking for one thing: respect. Tonight, whether you love him or you hate him, he’s earned it. Not just from me, not just from the other Superstars but from anyone who has ever watched this great sport. It took everything that Punk had and even little more, more than even other Champions ever could, but he is still your WWE Champion. At the end of the day, he knew he could not out power Brock Lesnar, and so he out-smarted him. That is what separates the good champions from the all-time greats. And folks: CM Punk is truly one of the all-time greats.

Heyman is still down and Lesnar is nearly throwing a tantrum in the ring. The entire crowd is now applauding the CM Punk, whose ribs may be shattered, whose body is covered in blood, and whose arm is in nearly two pieces. However, most importantly is in his left arm raised high for all of Indianapolis to see: the WWE Championship.




[/center]
[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Setting:

Quote:

200 words = 1 minute Setting the Stage… Great American Bash 2006: Paul London & Brian Kendrick def. The Pitbulls to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships Finlay def. William Regal to retain the WWE United States Championship *Regal was replacing Bobby Lashley, who could not compete due to elevated enzymes in his liver King Booker w/Sharmell def. Rey Mysterio to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion *Chavo Guererro interfered, hitting Mysterio with a steel chair --- *For all intents and purposes, these events occur for the sake of this storyline/match* Friday Night Smackdown! - July 28th, 2006 With the King’s Court in possession of both the United States Championship, and the World Heavyweight Championship, new champ King Booker declares that his “Smackdown Kingdom” is now on its knees at their king, but there’s just one thing they need…the WWE Tag Team Championships. London and Kendrick, never the fellows to deny a challenge, accept the match and make it official. WWE United States Champion Finlay & William Regal w/King Booker & Sharmell def. Paul London & Brian Kendrick to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions. *The clash-of-styles match is highlighted by back and forth action and the eventual ejection of King Booker and his queen from ringside. Unfortunately, the Little Bastard is still eligible and hands Finlay his shillelagh, only for him to use it on Brian Kendrick’s skull. Regal would pick up the pinfall. *Post-match, both London and Kendrick would receive beatdowns at the hands of the Court, Finlay’s shillelagh meeting both of their skulls, as well as Brian Kendrick getting an emphatic Scissors Kick from King Booker once he returns post-victory. Kendrick was then forced to kiss Booker’s feet as Paul London horrifically and forcefully watched on. --- Friday Night Smackdown! – August 4th, 2006 To open the show, the gold-laden court comes to the ring to bask in their glory, but they are encountered by Batista. Once King Booker has new #1 Contender forcibly removed by security from the building, the stable feels more than safe in its absolute power. Cue Paul London bullrushing the ring and catching everyone by surprise, steel chair in hand and LEVELING Regal, before dropkicking Finlay into Booker and out of the ring. As the two champions stand in surprise recovering, GM Teddy Long announces later on tonight that Finlay will be defending his United States Championship…against Paul London! And ya betta believe that, playa! ~On a note of ‘realism’ – This match takes place in WWE 2006, a time when BOTH the Shooting Star Press AND the 450 Splash are banned for safety reasons…

------

August 4th, 2006
Friday Night Smackdown!
Izod Center – East Rutherford, New Jersey


**LONDON CALLING**


We return from the commercial break with the Izod Center buzzing and getting all the louder to the riling and rapid electric guitar riff, as Paul London comes high-stepping out of Gorilla and onto the stage in his loose-hanging blue-and-white striped pants and matching solid blue vest. We haven’t a clue what his expression on his face is, but judging from the theatrical mask he has on, it may tell the story foe us – the usual plain, white long-nosed half-mask that represent Pan, the Greek god of mischief, has been replaced with a very unsettling and borderline demonic full black mask, horns showing, London’s normally cheery face replaced by what looks like a screaming devil or perhaps, to follow the theme, Ares, the Greek god of war.


**DING DING DING**


Tony Chimel:
The following contest is set for one fall and it is for the WWE United States Championship! On the way to the ring, from Austin, Texas, weighing in at 190 pounds…PAUL LON-DUN!!


Michael Cole:
Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown, folks, where we’re all set for a match nobody saw coming, as Paul London looks to exact a little revenge on Finlay for his very own United States Championship. And to do what Paul London did earlier tonight, JBL, you can’t deny it takes guts.


JBL:
I know Paul London and Brian Kendrick are a couple of nutcases, but what London did has to take the cake. There’s nothin’ more insane an’ stupid you could do than to disrespect our King and his loyal followers. But to answer your question Michael, yes, it does take guts, an’ I fully expect Finlay to beat those guts right out of this lunatic tonight.

While those two continue their back and forth banter, London does what he does best and BURSTS full tilt down the ramp and slides underneath the bottom rope into the ring, immediately jumping to his feet and climbing up a turnbuckle, feeling the crowd that’s definitely behind him tonight. He throws his hands into a pair of fists and soaks it in, almost supercharging himself, before performing a beautifully arched backflip off the second rope, landing on his feet. He then squats down a little and looks towards the main ring camera before pulling off his sick mask to reveal his actual face, which is not as cheery as we’re used to, but fixed much more on determination. He throws the mask aside and walks in a circle in the square, bobbing his head as he does, psyching himself up more than he’s ever had to in his WWE career.


“MY NAME IS FINLAY. AND I LOVE TA FIGHT.”

**LAMBEG**

Those roaring bagpipes and bass drum beats only mean the arrival of the one-man wrecking crew in Finlay, who has since gotten heavier since he last competed thanks to the extra twenty pounds of gold around his waist. His WWE Tag Team Championship rides around his belly behind the United States title that shines around his waist, but perhaps even more importantly, is the prop he holds in his hand – the uncompromising shillelagh, still fresh from clubbing the Hooliganz’ heads in. The Fighting Irishman has an absolute no nonsense look on his face as he stoically marches down the ramp, not taking his eyes off of London for one second.

Tony Chimel:
And from Belfast, Ireland, weighting in at –

…and Chimel is cut off because Paul London has LEAPT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPES WITH A SUICIDE DIVE RIGHT ONTO FINLAY!! LONDON IS A MISSILE ONTO THE DOUBLE CHAMPION!!



WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP



The Fighting Irishman Finlay(c) v. Paul London



The triumphant bagpipes cease and New Jersey pops huge, as London immediately goes gung ho from the get-go! He gets back up on one knee after almost overshooting the Irishman, emphatically taking off his blue vest and throwing it at ringside before whipping his black locks out of his face and pumping his fists –

“COME ON!!”

The crowd gives another good pop, as London now verbalizes just how beyond pumped he is for this. Finlay’s shillelagh is dropped and the titles conveniently fall off of his waist, prompting London to stay on the offensive by, from his knees, driving a hard forearm into Finlay’s jaw. London stays psyched here, taking his heavyweight adversary and throwing him under the bottom rope into the ring. But upon trying to enter himself through the middle rope, Finlay surprises London by quickly getting to his feet and introducing him to a hard knee strike that stunts the Hooligan. Finlay then pulls London out of the ropes and into the ring, but London’s fire isn’t completely put out yet, as he breaks Finlay’s grip and SOCKS HIM IN THE FACE WITH A HARD RIGHT HAND!! The arena lets out an “ooooh” on the smacking sound, Finlay turning his head on the hit…but he doesn’t flinch, standing in place and slowly turning his head back and looking at London. The cruiserweight’s determined expression softens to show what may be a small twinkle of fear in his eyes that seems to grow wider when Finlay looks back at London with a toothless smirk.

“You wanna play, boy?”

VICIOUS EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!! Finlay suddenly grabs London’s head and jacks his jaw with that move, sending London reeling against the ropes. London drapes an arm over said ropes to not tumble to the mat, but Finlay again drags him away from the ropes and clubs him over the back. London collapses to his knees on the first blow, his face and fingers crumpling in pain. But Finlay doesn’t let up with just one, ripping at London’s spine with ANOTHER club! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER! When Finlay stops, London is lying at his feet, gripping the back of his neck, all the fire possibly smothered now.

If it’s not, Finlay’s nasty smirk emerges once more before grabbing Paul by the locks and giving him another knee to the midsection, doubling him over. Finlay then puts takes London by the waist and DRIVES HIM SPINE FIRST INTO THE CORNER!! Finlay may have found the area he’ll dissect tonight, as London falls to a sitting position in the corner, his back possibly numb. Finlay still doesn’t stop trying to completely kill the fire, grabbing hold of the middle rope, taking his foot and PUSHING IT AGAINST LONDON’S THROAT, blatantly choking him out with the aid of leverage. It’s time for referee Chad Patton to start barking orders now, doing so between London’s helpless gasps for air.

1!!

2!!

3!!

4!!

Patton himself tries to pull Finlay off, the Irishman finally adhering and taking his foot down and staring at Patton like he’s gonna choke him next, taking in a good bit of heat from Jersey. Hardly acknowledging the noise, Finlay goes right back to wearing London down, now SUFFOCATING LONDON BY PRESSING HIS KNEE AGAINST HIS FACE. The referee again begins the disqualification count, which Finlay again uses to his full given extent of four and a half before pulling back up. This momentary pause ends quickly, as Finlay again pushes his knee right into London’s throat area, cutting off more and more air that the high-flier might need for his high-paced offense. Or is Finlay just enjoying this? Finlay once more gets off before the ref counts to five, but when he reaches down to pull London out of the corner, the crafty London pulls Finlay forward – AND BOUNCES HIS HEAD OFF TURNBUCKLE!! This stuns Finlay enough for London to pull him away from the corner into a sunset pinning position –

1…


2…


NO!!

Finlay manages to back roll out of the pinning combination, rolling to his feet and aims a KICK AT THE STILL SITTING LONDON…but the loony London dodges by lying flat and grabbing the nearby bottom rope, using it to pull himself under and get onto the apron. As Finlay’s missed punt brings him spinning all the way around, he’s met with London flinging his legs over the top rope and attaching them to the sides of Finlay’s head…SPINNING HEASCISSORS TAKEDOWN!! London’s not dead yet! Both men rise to their feet quickly after the move, London running at Finlay to want to quicken the pace – CLOTHESLINE THAT FOLDS LONDON OVER!! WOW! Finlay damn near beheads London on a move JBL says could only come from a veteran, once again taking all the wind out of London’s sails.

Finlay shakes his head, mildly dizzied by the headscissors. Once he’s back in focus, the Irishman surprisingly doesn’t go for a cover, instead grabbing hold of London’s right heel, using it to split his legs open and DRIVE his elbow into the cruiserweight’s knee. London screams in pain as Finlay hits rapid fire, dropping three more elbows onto the knee before staying there and pulling back on it, Finlay again making sure London knows this is his operating table. London is trying to grit the pain out, lying flat on his back as Patton get to his duties –

1…

NO!

London realizes he put himself in a pinning predicament, Finlay still pushing his elbow into the knee. The crowd begins to clap in rising tempo, trying to get London out of this mess and possibly back into things –

*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAP*
*CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP*

London grits his teeth and shakes his fist in the air…before kicking Finlay in the back of the head with his good leg!! This stuns Finlay, but doesn’t get him off, London delivering another one that finally gets Finlay off, standing up. As Finlay reels a little, London pulls his weakened right knee in and grips it in pain, giving Finlay time to recover from his blows. When he does, he pulls London’s leg out of his grip and twists around, looking to do some kind of submission damage here, but London uses the good leg to push Finlay away, who brakes using the ropes.

When Finlay turns back around and rushes at London, he’s greeted by a beautiful arm drag. Finlay quickly recovers and goes again, only to get another arm drag. As he rises and rushes a third time, London hits him with a picture perfect dropkick that sends Finlay backpedalling into a corner. London takes a moment to get to his feet, tending again to his right knee, but once he does, he pumps his fist once more and charges mad at Finlay…CORNER ELBOW SMASH!! Finlay is sandwiched between steep post and body! The fire is building back now, as Finlay drifts groggily out of the corner towards the center of the ring, only for London to rapidly rebound off the ropes in front of him…LOW DROPKICK TO LONDON’S WEAK KNEE!! Just as quickly as it sparks, Finlay douses the flames! London goes rolling over in agony, the crowd deflating, as Finlay makes his first official cover of the match, hooking the hurt leg and putting a forearm right in London’s face –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

London still has some fight in him, but he’s forced to use the weak knee to get out of the pin. Finlay gets up, grabs London by the hair, and gives him a stiff short to the nose before pulling both men vertical and whipping London into the ropes. On the rebound, however, London’s foxlike reflexes continue to show by sliding between Finlay’s legs on what looked like a clothesline attempt. Before Finlay can turn back around to see London, the fox capitalizes – FRONT DROPKICK TO FINLAY’S BACK…THAT SENDS HIM THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!! Finlay tumbles to the floor in front of the main television camera!! London could right back in this thing with his explosive offense, noting Finlay’s position, seizing the opportunity, leaping onto the nearest corner’s middle rope… SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!! SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE ON TOP OF FINLAY!! Both men collapse to the padded outside in heaps, London gripping at his weakened knee, as the crowd erupts for that bold move that puts London’s hopes back in reach.


Michael Cole:
Paul London is a driven man in this United States Championship match – will he be able to do the unthinkable?? Smackdown rolls on!


**COMMERCIAL BREAK**


As Smackdown returns from break, we’re instantly met with the image of both men now on the opposite side of outside the ring before we left, London being DRIVEN KIDNEY FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Finlay takes a few steps away, leaving London held up only by the barricade. Finlay’s made space is cleared up quickly, as he turns back to London looking for a HIGH BOOT…but London moves out of the way, STRADDLING FINLAY ON THE BARRICADE!! The luck of the Irish are not smiling right now, as London struggles to get to his feet, Chad Patton’s voice now seeming to cut in –

…4!!

…5!!

London doesn’t seem to care, jumping up the ring apron. After Patton begs for him to get back in the ring, London again ignores him and looks towards his opponent in a very precarious position, still stuck on the straddle. London’s shakes some life into his right knee before LEAPING AT FINLAY WITH A DROPKICK…NOBODY HOME!! London lands SPLAT against the outside padding, his knee hitting hard, as its Finlay’s turn to dodge impending doom.

…6!!

Finlay isn’t in much of a hurry at all, now taking the re-introduced leg weakness, lifting the leg up…AND SLAMMING IT AGAINST THE MAT!! As the crowd gasps in horror, London rolls around in pain, Finlay rolling back under the ropes, then back out to restart the count. He wants to punish this kid. This becomes evident when Finlay again drags the Texan to his feet and grabs him by the wrist…before WHIPPING HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS WITH SUCH VELOCITY, LONDON FLIPS COMPLETELY OVER THEM!! The target was London’s right knee, which made such brutal contact, London goes head over heels. Completely writhing in pain right in front of the commentators, London’s screams of agony are the only thing you can hear in the now in the entire silenced arena.

Finlay slowly approaches the now possibly injured London, Patton poking his head through the ropes and begging both men to get back in the ring. Finlay finally complies, pulling London semi-vertical and rolling him under the ropes before following him inside and rolls him onto his back, again hooking the hurt leg –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

London won’t go down just yet! Finlay still hasn’t changed expression since the match began, but there’s a small twinge of frustration in his eyes as he slaps at London’s head, telling him to “stay down, boy!” This gets more heat from the Izod, and even draws the referee’s attention, getting in Finlay’s way and telling him to back off. While he does so, London inchworms his way on over to some nearby ropes, collapsing eagle spread across the middle rope. Finlay is having an extended talk with the referee’s rules, and while he does something crawls out from under the ring by the entrance ramp and grabs the shillelagh Finlay dropped…THE LITTLE BASTARD!! AND HE CHOKES OUT LONDON USING THE SHILLELAGH! The ref is still talking to Finlay as London loses more oxygen thanks in no part to the rabid little leprechaun. The crowd is making a lot of noise, plenty of front row casuals trying to get the referee’s attention.

The little guy drops from off the ropes and crawls back under the ring, shillelagh in hand, just in time for Patton to turn around and see London even more withered than we had seen before, a thick red line forming around the base of his neck. The merciless Finlay just yanks London off the ropes, only to force an Irish whip and send London across the ring. On the rebound, London sees Finlay lower his head, leaping over him…SUNSET FLIP TRY…but Finlay stays vertical as London tries to pull him down…FINLAY PRESS!! Finlay drops the dead weight of the seated senton right on London’s chest!! Finlay stays on the sternum and hooks London’s good leg for a dominant cover –

1…


2…


3-NO!!!

LONDON PULLS FINLAY OVER!! The referee shifts counts –

1…


2…


NO!!

Finlay shifts the weight back, sitting on London’s chest again –

1…


2…


NO!!

London again pulls Finlay down, but instead of keeping the sunset position, he flows all the way over and gets Finlay’s legs from the prawn position…jackknife cover this time –

1…


2…


3…

NO!!

Finlay juuuuust narrowly escapes being out-foxed!! But as Finlay rolls back from all fours, London leaps on him again, this time with an Oklahoma roll –

1…


2…


3-NO!!

The United States Champion finds a way out of that as well!! Both men get back to their feet quickly, London hobbling – and is immediately slowed down again by a Finlay low shoulder to the right knee! This stuns London and gives Finlay time to work his way up, taking London’s wrist and whipping him hard into a corner. London almost collapses, but holds on to stay afloat, as Finlay comes charging in hard… London lifts himself onto the tope rope at the last minute …NOBODY HOME BUT A SOLID STEEL POST!! Finlay’s shoulder eats unforgiving steel! The crowd “oooohs” in reaction to that possible dislocation, but this looks like a huge window for London here, as Finlay drifts out of the corner hunched over and gripping his right shoulder…London leaps…SUNSET FLIP FROM THE TOP ROPE!!! Referee down –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!!

FINLAY THROWS THE LEGS UP!! Somehow, Finlay gets out of it with his title! Finlay rolls back to his feet relatively quickly, London forced to struggle to his feet, gimpy leg and all, when Finlay reproaches London…SUPERKICK!! SUPERKICK!! SUPERKICK FROM LONDON!! Finlay damn near loses a tooth as his head is kicked off his shoulders!! But the damage to London’s knee has surely taken its toll, as he collapses upon cracking Finlay in the jaw. He can’t make an immediate cover! The crowd is going apeshit for that out-of-nowhere move, but that might’ve been all London had left, both men down and out here, as Patton begins the KO count –

…1!!

…

…2!!

…

…3!!

…

…4!!

…

5!!
London crawls over to nearby ropes and begins pulling himself up…

…

…6!!

London is completely vertical now, with the help of ropes, but he approaches the corner nearest the still lifeless Finlay and tries to climb the turnbuckle…but his right knee is possibly dislocated by this point, not allowing it to be easy. The unfettered London then decides to improvise…AND HOP ON ONE LEG TO THE TOP ROPE!! London’s determination gets Jersey on its feet in both awe and wonder, as London has his back turned towards his opponent and is literally trying to balance himself on one leg on the top rope, costing him precious time. But he finally leaps…ONE LEGGED MOONSAULT…NOBODY HOME!! FINLAY ROLLS; LONDON CRASHES AND BURNS!!

London grips at his ribs and midsection as he comes crashing back down to earth, the crowd with their hands on their heads and deflating, as the constant knee injury may have provided London with something to overcome, but it may have cost him precious seconds and thus the United States title. Finlay just managed to roll out of the way of impending disaster there, slowly getting back to his feet, rubbing at his jaw. The Irishman then takes one big breath in before grabbing at London once more, forcing him to his feet in a single bound before bringing him up and across his shoulders…ROLLING HILLS!! The rolling fireman’s carry pancakes London back into the canvas and most definitely further crunches those tender ribs. Finlay with a cover with his forearm on the bridge of London’s nose –

1…


2…


3…

NO!!!

LONDON STILL SAYS NO!! Even with a limp body, London somehow rolls the shoulder! The crowd pops in approval, but Finlay puts his hands on his hips in disbelief. The slightest bit of doubt is starting to enter the eyes of the Man Who Loves to Fight. He looks down at the determined London then back up to the ref, asking if it was indeed only two. Patton confirms it was, which further sours the perpetually pissed mood Finlay is in, again taking by the hair and wants to pull him up, but London’s dead weight at the moment, having to be propped against Finlay’s thigh for any kind of support. This isn’t lost on Finlay, who grabs a fist full of London locks and pulls it back, taking his head off his thigh.

“Get up! You wanted ta fight, boy! Get up!”

SMACK!!

LONDON REACHES UP AND SMACKS FINLAY IN THE JAW!! The same fight London showed in the opening seconds is still very much there, responding to Finlay’s smash mouth style by smashing Finlay in the mouth! That damn well may have been all the kid had left, as he drops right back down, his head against the belly of a very unnerved Irishman. We can see the rage building in Finlay’s face, his jaw clenched so tight his whole head is starting to convulse. He then abruptly reaches down towards London, grabbing him around the midsection and just as abruptly yanks up…GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!! GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!! WOW!! Finlay pulls that move from out of the ether and pauses for a moment, staring at what should be his final handiwork, covering London by pulling his leg up to his ear –

1…


2…


3…!!!


NOOO!!!!!

LONDON MIRACULOUSLY ROLLS THE SHOULDER!!! HOW THE HOOLIGAN HELL??? The crowd is losing their minds, partly because they didn’t expect anything of this sort when they walked in tonight, partially because they’re surprised it’s not over, but mostly in shock and amazement of the sheer iron will of Paul London. The driving force of a fallen friend is the only thing anyone can think of that’s keeping London from rolling over. Finlay is not admiring this at all, almost beside himself that that didn’t do it. His hands run through his hair in absolute disbelief, grabbing Chad Patton by the collar and demanding that that be a three count, but the official refuses. While Finlay has a face to face argument with the man in blue, a little man in green peers up through the ring skirt on the apron…THE LITTLE BASTARD’S BACK…AND HE SETS FINLAY’S SHILLELAGH IN A CORNER!! He gives a mischievous grin…before crawling up through the skirt and into the ring!

Finlay immediately points this out to the referee, completely distracting Patton! Once the LB has the official’s attention, he waddles away and leaves under the ring, Chad Patton in hot pursuit, leading to a chase around the outside ring area! The Little Bastard disappears from Patton’s view by diving back to his home underneath the ring right in front of the commentators, leading the ref to stop doing his job and start playing hide-and-go-seek under the ring skirt. With no reason to abide by the law in the ring, Finlay takes his shillelagh out of both brutality and desperation here, but as he awaits for London to get to his feet and raises the staff above his head, something stops him from caving London’s head in…IT’S BRIAN KENDRICK!! KENDRICK’S HERE!! He’s in street clothes, jumping on the apron behind Finlay and stopping him from swinging the deadly ‘legh! He and Finlay have a momentary tug-of-war while the crowd goes wild, Kendrick taking Finlay’s stretched arm…AND GUILLOTINE DROPS IT ACROSS THE TOP ROPE, forcing him to let go!! The same shoulder that was driven into the post earlier gets tested again, as Finlay lets out a yelp and reels in pain, RIGHT INTO A SCHOOL BOY FROM LONDON!! Patton looks up from his search to see what’s going on, rushing and sliding back into the ring, Kendrick looks on hopeful –

1…


2…


3…


NO!!


At the last possible second, Finlay twists his body out of the roll-up!! The pained shoulder is again strained in the body torque, London pounding the mat in semi-frustration and jump starting himself to get back up and get in there, approaching a still possibly reeling champion, who is on one knee. London grabs his head in a three-quarters facelock and points towards the turnbuckle, the crowd knowing what he’s thinking about here. With Kendrick watching on, London borrows the SLICED BREAD #2…but his leg gives out…FINLAY THROWS LONDON INTO THE CORNER!! London is absolutely impaled in a seated position on the middle rope by Finlay’s counter chunk made possible by the destroyed knee, his groin and face hitting the turnbuckles hard. The reaching exhaustion Finlay has had enough of this mess, yanking London from his stunned position and sets London on his shoulders again…no, behind his shoulders…he’s looking for the finishing CELTIC CROSS…

…

…

London squirms…

…

…

Falls down his spine…

..AND TURNS IT INTO ANOTHER ROLL-UP!! London has Finlay in a surprise prawn cover –

1…


2…


3…!!!


Here is your winner and NEW WWE United States Champion…Paul London at (17:19)


HOLY HELL--!! He did it! The fox-footed Paul London literally pulls the wool over Finlay’s eyes in an UNBELIEVABLE UPSET!! London high tails it out of the ring to Kendrick and they embrace, as Finlay looks on from a seated position with a ‘there’s no way in hell that just happened’ expression. Kendrick breaks the hug only to pick up the United States title, which never left the base of the entrance ramp from when it was dropped seventeen minutes ago. The crowd is going nuts, Kendrick holding the handicapped London up and handing him the United States Championship he just earned while going back up the ramp, referee Patton following them and raising London’s hand while they’re doing so. London is almost in tears as takes the title and holds it over his head while his best friend holds him steady – the perfect picture of the allegory for his drive the entire match if there ever was one.
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