THIS SHOW CONTAINS A SPOILER FOR CDW#2, AIRED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FWA DISCORD.
READ THAT BEFORE THIS IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET SPOILED!
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XXX: “UNEASY ALLIANCES”
Live from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, USA.
Thursday 8th June, 2023.
The show begins with sweeping shots of the excited El Paso crowd in attendance inside the Don Haskins Center, with the Texans appreciating the fact that three consecutive FWA shows are being hosted in their home state. Most of the fan signage is geared towards the main event of the night and is pro-Tommy Bedlam and anti-Shawn Summers, with Bryan Baxter and Mike Parr both getting dragged into the rhetoric through association.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Meltdown XXX! Some of you may be deterred by the name of the show tonight, but I assure you that the only pounding you will see tonight is of the traditional sense in the great matches we have lined up for you. I’m Rod Sterling and as always I am joined by Anzu Kurosawa.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure about that first part, Rod. With Ratin Mikichin lurking about somewhere assuredly, we might end up having to change the rating of the show. That mankini is going to slip off at some point… but onto what really matters and yes, we have an absolutely blockbuster main event tag team match tonight with the most uneasiest of alliances comprising of deathly enemies Mike Parr and Shawn Summers teaming up to take on Big Bryan Baxter and Texas’s own, Tommy Bedlam.”
Rod Sterling: “Three different championships will be represented in that match and our opening contest tonight is another champion versus champion affair… and it is a big one as for the first time ever, Michelle von Horrowitz and Chris Peacock will be facing off one-on-one! Let’s turn it over to Katie Lynn Goldsmith for the introductions!”
In the ring, KLG is waiting with the microphone in her hand and she flashes a smile to the camera and waits for the music to fade out before speaking.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your opening contest of Meltdown XXX!”
There’s a strong reaction from the crowd as the first person to make their entrance tonight on Meltdown is the current reigning FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock. Peacock struts out from the back, dressed to compete in a very similar outfit to that he wore at The Grand March, which was the last time he shared a ring with his opponent tonight. Behind Chris is Allen Price, dressed in a garish pastel blue suit, and he rests a hand on Peacock’s shoulder and looks out towards the fans proudly.
Peacock pats the championship wrapped around his waist and then raises the Singapore Cane in his hand above his head and a burst of pyrotechnics shoot out from the stage around him.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Introducing first… accompanied by Allen Price… he is the FWA World Champion… CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSS PEEAAAAAACCCOOOOOOCCCCKKKK!!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “As we walk down the path to Back in Business, Chris Peacock’s showdown with Cyrus Truth for the FWA World Championship grows closer and closer. I won’t lie to you, Rod, but we’ve had more heated build ups between champion and challenger for Back in Business main events before.”
Rod Sterling: “I’m not particularly sure why neither Cyrus Truth or Chris Peacock have spoken all that much about their match. They know its coming up but both seem to be focused on going out there and building up in-ring momentum as opposed to exchanging cross words. Is it because there are none?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t think that’s true. There’s no love lost between the two of them, but they’re focusing on themselves as opposed to each other. Peacock got a big win over Shawn Summers on Meltdown XXIX and Cyrus Truth defeated Noriko Kaitomi on Fallout 029. Peacock has MvH tonight and Cyrus faces Death Walker on Saturday… not easy matches for either of them.”
The FWA World Champion enters the ring and does a small shimmy to some cheers from the crowd who seem to enjoy his dancing prowess, and Price continues to be nothing more than an applause machine.
Despite being in singles action tonight, Michelle von Horrowitz is notably making her entrance to the music which she shares with her fellow FWA World Tag Team Champion, Gerald Grayson. The crowd make their feelings known towards MvH as her partner Grayson joins her on the stage and both Bill Scorpane and Uncle J.J. JAY! file out from the back as well. Chris Peacock is shown smirking at the reinforcements that his opponent has brought with him.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “His opponent… she is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions… MICHELLE VON HOOORRRROOOOWWWIIITZZZZZ!!!”
Rod Sterling: “A rare singles appearance tonight for Michelle von Horrowitz after her focus recently has been on defending the FWA World Tag Team Championships alongside Gerald Grayson and with her career being on the line at Back in Business… this could be one of the last times we see her compete.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is one that ‘Dreamer’ will be desperate to win as well, Rod. I think we know how much it would have bothered her to have lost to Chris Peacock at The Grand March, when Peacock showed that he is not scared to bend the rules in his favour either, as MvH has done herself so many times in recent months.”
Rod Sterling: “Well, Peacock is not unbeatable. We saw Danny Toner get one over on him on Fallout 028; Michelle can position herself nicely for another chance at the FWA World Championship after Back in Business with a win tonight… assuming that she will still be a part of the FWA roster.”
Michelle is the first in the ring and is then joined by Grayson, Uncle and Scorpane. Peacock and Price are prevented from doing anything by referee Larry Stevens, which seems to anger Peacock somewhat. There is a collective groan from the crowd as Uncle has taken control of Katie-Lynn’s microphone.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Cut the music… I’d like to say something to Boogie Baby, here. We have a proposition if you will, Christopher…”
Peacock is shown screwing his face up and he shakes his head albeit is seemingly willing to entertain whatever it is that Uncle has to say.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Your history with the Nephews is complicated, Boogie Baby, and we still do take some of the credit for the man you are today. You wouldn’t be the FWA World Champion if it wasn’t for all of your friends in the Nephews! You’re welcome, by the way!”
The insincerity is not lost on Peacock or the fans, who all boo Uncle, but he and the others in his entourage ignore it.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I must admit that we were surprised when we found out that you wanted a match with Michelle von Horrowitz, especially after we know how daunting you were finding the prospect before The Grand March. You don’t appear to have the same worries about Cyrus Truth though, interestingly enough.”
Peacock is shown looking at Uncle blankly, almost bored even.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “We’re not complaining, obviously, because Michelle here has been very keen to get her hands on you after you CHEATED her out of the FWA World Championship at The Grand March!”
The crowd boos at the irony of that statement and MvH is shown to be staring straight at Peacock and not even blinking.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “In fact, all of the Nephews wouldn’t mind teaching you a lesson, but tonight we are offering you the opportunity to just have two of them to contend with…”
Uncle stands in between MvH and Grayson and then grins at Peacock from under his mask.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “The Connection have dominated the tag team division ever since they picked up this gold and they’ve beaten pretty much everyone there is to offer here in the FWA… but there’s one team that Michelle and Gerald want to face, Boogie Baby. One team in particular… who had the gall to get together for the sole purpose of taking them down. It is time, Boogie Baby.
So our proposition is this… you get that partner of yours down here and Gerald and Michelle have agreed to put their FWA World Tag Team Championships on the line against you and your partner… BUT if you fall at their feet like every team before you, then your little team… is done. What do you say?”
Peacock retrieves a microphone of his own and looks slightly concerned about the offer. The crowd are willing him to accept it, but he looks around cautiously.
Chris Peacock: “Uhh…”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “OH! I just remembered! Your little friend took his ball and went home, didn’t he? I-”
The crowd reacts VERY LOUDLY as the music of Chris Peacock’s tag team partner plays and after a few seconds ALYSTER BLACK EMERGES FROM THE BACK! Chris Peacock is shown to be beaming from ear to ear and whilst Uncle and Scorpane seem slightly concerned, both Grayson and MvH are pleased by the appearance of ‘Black Jesus’.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black walked out! He said that he was done with the FWA, but he’s here tonight in El Paso! What’s going on, Anzu?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t think Black was prepared to let Peacock take on MvH and her goons on his own! Are FTN going to accept the challenge?”
Black walks around the ring and then enters next to Peacock and the two members of FTN share a nod before Peacock defiantly looks back at the Nephews in front of him.
Chris Peacock: “I think everyone here in El Paso knows what FTN stands for, right? Tell them!”
Peacock raises the microphone and a booming shout of “FUCK THE NEPHEWS!” fills the arena and Peacock cracks a smirk.
Chris Peacock: “WE ACCEPT.”
There’s a big cheer from the crowd as both MvH and Grayson unclip their championships and pass them to the referee who lifts them up into the air. Stevens then gets to work of clearing the ring of Uncle, Scorpane and Price and then getting both teams into their respective corners.
Rod Sterling: “This is quite a surprise, Anzu! We’ve got ourselves another tag team championship match!”
READ THAT BEFORE THIS IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET SPOILED!
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XXX: “UNEASY ALLIANCES”
Live from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, USA.
Thursday 8th June, 2023.
The show begins with sweeping shots of the excited El Paso crowd in attendance inside the Don Haskins Center, with the Texans appreciating the fact that three consecutive FWA shows are being hosted in their home state. Most of the fan signage is geared towards the main event of the night and is pro-Tommy Bedlam and anti-Shawn Summers, with Bryan Baxter and Mike Parr both getting dragged into the rhetoric through association.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Meltdown XXX! Some of you may be deterred by the name of the show tonight, but I assure you that the only pounding you will see tonight is of the traditional sense in the great matches we have lined up for you. I’m Rod Sterling and as always I am joined by Anzu Kurosawa.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure about that first part, Rod. With Ratin Mikichin lurking about somewhere assuredly, we might end up having to change the rating of the show. That mankini is going to slip off at some point… but onto what really matters and yes, we have an absolutely blockbuster main event tag team match tonight with the most uneasiest of alliances comprising of deathly enemies Mike Parr and Shawn Summers teaming up to take on Big Bryan Baxter and Texas’s own, Tommy Bedlam.”
Rod Sterling: “Three different championships will be represented in that match and our opening contest tonight is another champion versus champion affair… and it is a big one as for the first time ever, Michelle von Horrowitz and Chris Peacock will be facing off one-on-one! Let’s turn it over to Katie Lynn Goldsmith for the introductions!”
In the ring, KLG is waiting with the microphone in her hand and she flashes a smile to the camera and waits for the music to fade out before speaking.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your opening contest of Meltdown XXX!”
There’s a strong reaction from the crowd as the first person to make their entrance tonight on Meltdown is the current reigning FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock. Peacock struts out from the back, dressed to compete in a very similar outfit to that he wore at The Grand March, which was the last time he shared a ring with his opponent tonight. Behind Chris is Allen Price, dressed in a garish pastel blue suit, and he rests a hand on Peacock’s shoulder and looks out towards the fans proudly.
Peacock pats the championship wrapped around his waist and then raises the Singapore Cane in his hand above his head and a burst of pyrotechnics shoot out from the stage around him.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Introducing first… accompanied by Allen Price… he is the FWA World Champion… CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSS PEEAAAAAACCCOOOOOOCCCCKKKK!!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “As we walk down the path to Back in Business, Chris Peacock’s showdown with Cyrus Truth for the FWA World Championship grows closer and closer. I won’t lie to you, Rod, but we’ve had more heated build ups between champion and challenger for Back in Business main events before.”
Rod Sterling: “I’m not particularly sure why neither Cyrus Truth or Chris Peacock have spoken all that much about their match. They know its coming up but both seem to be focused on going out there and building up in-ring momentum as opposed to exchanging cross words. Is it because there are none?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t think that’s true. There’s no love lost between the two of them, but they’re focusing on themselves as opposed to each other. Peacock got a big win over Shawn Summers on Meltdown XXIX and Cyrus Truth defeated Noriko Kaitomi on Fallout 029. Peacock has MvH tonight and Cyrus faces Death Walker on Saturday… not easy matches for either of them.”
The FWA World Champion enters the ring and does a small shimmy to some cheers from the crowd who seem to enjoy his dancing prowess, and Price continues to be nothing more than an applause machine.
Despite being in singles action tonight, Michelle von Horrowitz is notably making her entrance to the music which she shares with her fellow FWA World Tag Team Champion, Gerald Grayson. The crowd make their feelings known towards MvH as her partner Grayson joins her on the stage and both Bill Scorpane and Uncle J.J. JAY! file out from the back as well. Chris Peacock is shown smirking at the reinforcements that his opponent has brought with him.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “His opponent… she is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions… MICHELLE VON HOOORRRROOOOWWWIIITZZZZZ!!!”
Rod Sterling: “A rare singles appearance tonight for Michelle von Horrowitz after her focus recently has been on defending the FWA World Tag Team Championships alongside Gerald Grayson and with her career being on the line at Back in Business… this could be one of the last times we see her compete.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is one that ‘Dreamer’ will be desperate to win as well, Rod. I think we know how much it would have bothered her to have lost to Chris Peacock at The Grand March, when Peacock showed that he is not scared to bend the rules in his favour either, as MvH has done herself so many times in recent months.”
Rod Sterling: “Well, Peacock is not unbeatable. We saw Danny Toner get one over on him on Fallout 028; Michelle can position herself nicely for another chance at the FWA World Championship after Back in Business with a win tonight… assuming that she will still be a part of the FWA roster.”
Michelle is the first in the ring and is then joined by Grayson, Uncle and Scorpane. Peacock and Price are prevented from doing anything by referee Larry Stevens, which seems to anger Peacock somewhat. There is a collective groan from the crowd as Uncle has taken control of Katie-Lynn’s microphone.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Cut the music… I’d like to say something to Boogie Baby, here. We have a proposition if you will, Christopher…”
Peacock is shown screwing his face up and he shakes his head albeit is seemingly willing to entertain whatever it is that Uncle has to say.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Your history with the Nephews is complicated, Boogie Baby, and we still do take some of the credit for the man you are today. You wouldn’t be the FWA World Champion if it wasn’t for all of your friends in the Nephews! You’re welcome, by the way!”
The insincerity is not lost on Peacock or the fans, who all boo Uncle, but he and the others in his entourage ignore it.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I must admit that we were surprised when we found out that you wanted a match with Michelle von Horrowitz, especially after we know how daunting you were finding the prospect before The Grand March. You don’t appear to have the same worries about Cyrus Truth though, interestingly enough.”
Peacock is shown looking at Uncle blankly, almost bored even.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “We’re not complaining, obviously, because Michelle here has been very keen to get her hands on you after you CHEATED her out of the FWA World Championship at The Grand March!”
The crowd boos at the irony of that statement and MvH is shown to be staring straight at Peacock and not even blinking.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “In fact, all of the Nephews wouldn’t mind teaching you a lesson, but tonight we are offering you the opportunity to just have two of them to contend with…”
Uncle stands in between MvH and Grayson and then grins at Peacock from under his mask.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “The Connection have dominated the tag team division ever since they picked up this gold and they’ve beaten pretty much everyone there is to offer here in the FWA… but there’s one team that Michelle and Gerald want to face, Boogie Baby. One team in particular… who had the gall to get together for the sole purpose of taking them down. It is time, Boogie Baby.
So our proposition is this… you get that partner of yours down here and Gerald and Michelle have agreed to put their FWA World Tag Team Championships on the line against you and your partner… BUT if you fall at their feet like every team before you, then your little team… is done. What do you say?”
Peacock retrieves a microphone of his own and looks slightly concerned about the offer. The crowd are willing him to accept it, but he looks around cautiously.
Chris Peacock: “Uhh…”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “OH! I just remembered! Your little friend took his ball and went home, didn’t he? I-”
The crowd reacts VERY LOUDLY as the music of Chris Peacock’s tag team partner plays and after a few seconds ALYSTER BLACK EMERGES FROM THE BACK! Chris Peacock is shown to be beaming from ear to ear and whilst Uncle and Scorpane seem slightly concerned, both Grayson and MvH are pleased by the appearance of ‘Black Jesus’.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black walked out! He said that he was done with the FWA, but he’s here tonight in El Paso! What’s going on, Anzu?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t think Black was prepared to let Peacock take on MvH and her goons on his own! Are FTN going to accept the challenge?”
Black walks around the ring and then enters next to Peacock and the two members of FTN share a nod before Peacock defiantly looks back at the Nephews in front of him.
Chris Peacock: “I think everyone here in El Paso knows what FTN stands for, right? Tell them!”
Peacock raises the microphone and a booming shout of “FUCK THE NEPHEWS!” fills the arena and Peacock cracks a smirk.
Chris Peacock: “WE ACCEPT.”
There’s a big cheer from the crowd as both MvH and Grayson unclip their championships and pass them to the referee who lifts them up into the air. Stevens then gets to work of clearing the ring of Uncle, Scorpane and Price and then getting both teams into their respective corners.
Rod Sterling: “This is quite a surprise, Anzu! We’ve got ourselves another tag team championship match!”
<< 0:00 >>
The crowd in the Don Haskins Center are still very excited as the match kicks off once the bell rings and ironically enough, it is the two participants in the match as originally advertised that get things going with Michelle von Horrowitz and Chris Peacock kicking things off. MvH is stoic as she approaches the centre of the ring, and the FWA World Champion also drops the goofy smile he was wearing to take this very serious match much moreso. Both Peacock and MvH are about to lock up, but Bill Scorpane jumps up onto the apron!
Peacock remonstrates with the official, but as Stevens walks over, Michelle takes advantage and catches Peacock with a European Uppercut to the jaw! It knocks Peacock back and MvH follows up with a few chops to the chest and even one to the face of the FWA World Champion which knocks him to the mat. On the outside, Allen Price storms around the ring to confront Scorpane, but he is overtaken by Alyster Black who starts pursuing Scorpane, who books it around the ring to get away from ‘Black Jesus’.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black will not have forgotten Bill Scorpane’s role in the Buddy System’s abduction of his former tag team partner Krash. Maybe Bill will think again about getting involved in this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The important thing is though that Scorpane’s small intervention allowed Michelle to get one over on Chris Peacock and she is really letting him have it here as this match has gotten underway.”
Indeed, MvH has Peacock by the hair with both hands and she slams his face into the middle turnbuckle several times. She allows Peacock to drop to the mat and then hunches over said turnbuckle and rips the padding straight off! Larry Stevens comes across and scalds MvH for doing so and she backs away, but this allows Uncle J.J. JAY! to hop up onto the apron in the opposite neutral corner and remove the second turnbuckle padding from this one. Alyster Black comes across to scare Uncle away, but not before he managed to take the protective padding away.
Chris Peacock rises to his feet and after checking his nose, he sees Michelle waiting for him across the ring and against Alyster’s shouts for the opposite, Peacock charges across the ring and Michelle catches him with a Drop Toe Hold - and PEACOCK LANDS FACE FIRST ONTO THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE!!
Rod Sterling: “That was a nasty landing for ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’! The FWA World Tag Team Champions are in control of this one in the early going, Anzu.”
As Peacock slouches against the turnbuckle, blood trickling from his nose, Michelle quickly steps back across the ring and tags in Gerald Grayson, who jumps over the top rope to enter the match.
<< 3:21 >>
Grayson connects with several forearms in the corner to Chris Peacock, who has got minimal offence into this match thus far and not been able to get a tag out to Alyster Black, who is already growing concerned. Once ten forearms have been achieved, Grayson looks to Irish Whip Peacock across the ring, but Peacock turns it around and sends Grayson for the ride instead.
Following Grayson in, Peacock can only watch as ‘The Daredevil’ floats over him and lands on his feet behind him and Grayson grabs Peacock from behind - FIGHT FEVER! The crowd responds well as Peacock gets his first offensive move of the match in and connects with the back fist to Grayson’s face. Peacock turns around and charges at Grayson… but Grayson catches him with a Snap Powerslam! Gerald then hooks a leg;
ONE… TWO-NO!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock had the chance to tag out there to Alyster Black, but he went back in for more and it cost him. The Connection have done a good job of isolating him early on.”
Smartly keeping hold of Peacock, Grayson tags Michelle von Horrowitz back into the match and ‘Dreamer’ measures a strike on Peacock as Grayson holds him and stings his chest with another chop. As Grayson leaves the ring, MvH looks to shoot Peacock across the ring but again he reverses and sends his opponent across the ring. Michelle clearly anticipates it though and jumps onto the middle rope and looks to come back with a Springboard Crossbody - but Peacock rolls through…
Michelle is on her knees as Peacock stands in front of her and he thinks quickly and runs through her with THE STRUT!!! The crowd cheers as Peacock then falls on top of MvH after catching her out out of nowhere!
ONE… NO!
Rod Sterling: “SHE KICKED OUT AT ONE!”
Instantly, Michelle rises to her feet and stands over Peacock, who is suddenly acutely aware of how angry ‘Dreamer’ is… and he backs into his corner and allows Alyster Black to tag himself in!
The crowd comes alive as Black enters the ring and immediately begins exchanging chops with Michelle! It is clear that the El Paso fans are in FTN’s corner as Allen Price checks over Peacock who was in dire need of a break.
<< 7:59 >>
In the middle of the ring, Alyster Black gets Gerald Grayson up onto his shoulders and looks for a Death Valley Driver, but Grayson attempts to navigate his way around the former X Champion and hit a DDT - but Black stands firm! Black slowly deadlifts Grayson up and elevates him high into the air and catches him with a gnarly Headbutt on the way down! Gerald holds his jaw on the mat and scrambles over to the corner, which - unfortunately for him - is the one with the exposed middle turnbuckle.
Alyster is quick to realise this and he grabs Grayson by the hair and starts forcing his face into the exposed metal of the turnbuckle, and Grayson groans loudly as he tries to pry Black’s hands and get away. However, it is only the referee who can enforce a break and he does so by utilising a five count which Alyster makes the most of.
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think Alytser Black has any issue with getting his hands dirty whatsoever - you don’t become the longest reigning X Champion in history if you aren’t - and if The Connection are going to give him a free weapon, he’s going to use it.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “You can see that Michelle von Horrowitz isn’t happy about it, but she had no issue using that exposed turnbuckle to hurt Chris Peacock earlier on.”
Black grabs Grayson out of the corner and drags his face across the top rope and then bounces his head off of the top turnbuckle in the FTN corner, where Black then tags in Chris Peacock. Black holds Grayson in place and Peacock measures him… and connects with a Pimp Slap directly to the cheek! It is abundantly clear that Peacock does not respect the Nephew and he shoves him into the corner and then climbs up onto the second rope and starts laying into Grayson with punches to the head!
Once ten have been achieved, he drops back down and waits for Grayson to stir and walk forwards into his grasp and then scoops him up on his shoulders and begins to spin around with an Airplane Spin!
Rod Sterling: “Chris Peacock could be looking for some DANCE DANCE REVOLUTIONS - COUNTERED INTO A TORNADO DDT BY GRAYSON!!”
Grayson absolutely spikes Peacock on the top of his head and both men are down on the mat after being the ones to have taken the most punishment for their respective teams in the match thus far.
<< 12:23 >>
Alyster Black finds himself struggling in the Sleeper Hold being applied to him by MvH as she tries to slow the match down a bit and wear down ‘Black Jesus’ as both Peacock and Grayson are in the process of taking a much-needed break. Michelle does well to keep her centre of gravity low and keep on top of Alyster to ensure that the submission is applied as tightly as possible. The crowd begin to get behind Black and encourage him to break free of Michelle’s grasp and he seems to feed off of this and he pulls himself up to his feet and QUICKLY SNAPS OFF MICHELLE WITH A SAITO SUPLEX!
There are cheers as Black stays on his knees for a moment and misses his opportunity to follow up on Michelle as she rolls under the bottom rope and drops to a knee at ringside. Both Uncle and Scorpane rush to check on her. Frustrated, Black charges at Gerald Grayson and knocks him from the apron with a Running Forearm Smash! Black looks at both members of The Connection on the outside and then runs the ropes… AND BLACK SOARS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TAKES GRAYSON OUT WITH AN ELBOW SUICIDA!
The impact of the blow sends Grayson careening back into the barricade at ringside but attention turns back to the ring where Chris Peacock is now waiting and he is eyeing up Michelle von Horrowitz and looks for a SUICIDE DIVE OF HIS OWN - BUT MVH USES HIS MOMENTUM TO THROW HIM WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!! Peacock lands flat on his back on the base of the ramp and screams out in pain upon landing.
Anzu Kurosawa: “That was crazy, Rod! I don’t think Peacock had ever gone for one of those before and he won’t be in a hurry to do it again after that!”
On the outside, Alyster Black gets up after taking Grayson out and sees Peacock wheezing on the ramp and then sets about following up on MvH, but Uncle stands in his way! Black brushes past him but the momentary distraction is enough for Michelle to catch him with a kick to the midsection, and she then sends him into the ring steps! Michelle picks Black up and then rolls him into the ring and climbs up onto the apron.
As Black pulls himself up from the mat, holding his shoulder, von Horrowitz notices Grayson also back up on the apron and the FWA World Tag Team Champions share a nod… and then pull themselves up and hit Black with STEREO SPRINGBOARD DROPKICKS!!
Rod Sterling: “EVERYTHING SPRINGBOARD! Black goes down and here’s Michelle, who is legal, and she goes for the cover!”
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
Black kicks out but holds the back of his head as replays show that Grayson’s boot caught him flush on the top of his neck. Michelle holds him in place as she considers her next move.
Anzu Kurosawa: “The Connection getting on top of Alyster Black here was largely due to the involvement of Uncle on the outside. During the F1 Climaxxx, Black was the only opponent that Michelle did not truly bend the rules against or use the Nephews to gain an advantage. That seems to have gone out of the window tonight. Perhaps a decrease in respect for Black after who he has since chosen to align himself with?”
<< 17:20 >>
Once again, Alyster Black has been isolated by The Connection, both of whom have done well to wear down both of their challengers, with Peacock only very recently taking his place on the apron back after MvH hurt him on the outside. Michelle walks across the ring and tags in Grayson, who waits in position as she sends Black his way and Grayson connects with a Dropkick directly to his face that takes him down.
Grayson drags Black towards the corner and puts him against the bottom one and begins to start face washing him with the underside of his boot; Alyster’s mask being an extra layer smushed against his facial features. Grayson then backs into the adjacent corner and charges in looking for a running Face Wash, but Black moves out of the way! Grayson collides with the corner and MvH then tags herself back into the match.
As Alyster Black drops to his knees to get across to Peacock who is desperately waiting for a tag back into the match, MvH takes him out from behind at the knee! The crowd boos and Peacock looks over disappointedly and a smirk forms on Michelle’s face.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black desperately needs a tag into Chris Peacock and he thought he’d got it, and MvH is revelling in the fact that she denied FTN. Wait, what is Price doing?”
In the same manner that Bill Scorpane had done earlier in the match, Allen Price jumps up onto the apron and this draws the attention of Larry Stevens. With the referee’s back turned still, MvH gets closer to Peacock to taunt him about cutting him off from his partner… AND PEACOCK REACHES BACK AND THEN CRACKS MICHELLE ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD WITH HIS SINGAPORE CANE!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock isn’t afraid to bend the rules either! Maybe he’s more like these Nephews than he’s willing to admit!”
There are raucous cheers from the crowd as Michelle falls to her knees after the unexpected shot and then stumbles backwards towards her own corner where an outraged Gerald Grayson is waiting. Scorpane pulls Price down from the apron and the most pathetic shoving match in history begins between the two managers! Stevens prevents Grayson from entering the ring illegally and then turns around to see that Alyster Black is back to his feet and Black dives forward and tags Chris Peacock into the match!
Peacock gets into the ring and runs past Michelle and rocks Grayson with a bunch which does not knock him from the apron and the noise levels of the crowd rise as he then runs the ropes underneath the weak attempt at a strike from MvH and comes back… SPEAR!!! Peacock rises to his feet and beats his chest and waits for MvH to rise to her feet and THEN PEACOCK CHARGES HER INTO THE CONNECTION CORNER AND DRIVES HER INTO THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER! ROLLER DISCO!!!
Stacking MvH up, Peacock closes his eyes and waits for the count… but it doesn't come! Peacock rises to his feet and holds his arms up in exclamation to Larry Stevens, but the reason for the count not coming was the fact that Gerald Grayson blindly tagged himself into the match when Peacock charged MvH into the corner as part of the Roller Disco combination!
This realisation comes too late for the FWA World Champion as he turns around and GRAYSON FLATTENS PEACOCK WITH THE EXTREME IMPACT!!! The Clothesline almost takes Peacock’s head off and the crowd are shocked as Grayson falls on top of Peacock for a cover of his own!
…
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE-NO!!!
ALYSTER BLACK BREAKS UP THE PIN ATTEMPT!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “I thought that was it, Rod and The Connection had done it again!”
A late dive from Black saves the match for FTN as well as their status as a tag team and all four competitors are down on the mat and the crowd bursts into applause due to the effort that each have put into the match thus far.
<< 23:45 >>
Alyster Black and Gerald Grayson are the legal competitors in the match and it is the fatigue of both that has allowed Grayson to be able to meet Black punch for punch in the middle of the ring as they exchange blows with the crowd firmly on the side of ‘Black Jesus’. Both Chris Peacock and Michelle von Horrowitz are equally exhausted as they watch from the apron, willing their partners on. Black manages to get the better of Grayson and the crowd cheers as he lands a few strikes in a row and this forces Grayson back into the corner and Black resumes his assault, with it turning into a full blown VIOLENCE PARTY!
The crowd cheers as Black lays into Grayson with everything that he’s got, but MvH has seen enough and she enters the ring and cracks Black in the back of the head with a forearm strike that takes him by surprise and knocks him down. Unsurprisingly, this draws the ire of Chris Peacock and he enters the ring to confront Michelle, but she catches him with a European Uppercut in a very similar manner to the one that she got on him at the beginning of the match.
Peacock is stunned and Stevens appeared to have given up trying to control the match and MvH begins to beat Peacock down, letting out all of her anger towards him.
Rod Sterling: “Peacock doesn’t have anything for this, Anzu. Michelle von Horrowitz is just kicking the tar out of him right now!”
The attacks from MvH cause Peacock’s nose to bleed again after it had sealed following the initial injury and she knees him in the face and backs into the corner where she lines Peacock up. Uncle and Scorpane seem pleased as Michelle has Peacock in her sights; if she hits this then the FWA World Champion is all but taken out of the match. MVH CHARGES FORWARD AND LOOKS TO TAKE PEACOCK DOWN WITH THE BUSAIKU KNEE - BUT ALYSTER BLACK SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE WAY AND TAKES THE MOVE INSTEAD!
Michelle is shocked and Black crumples down to the mat and she turns to see Peacock on the ground again and SHE CHARGES IN AT PEACOCK ONE MORE TIME - BUSAIKU KNEE AGAIN - BUT PEACOCK CATCHES HER LEG AND APPLIES THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!!
The Kneebar is locked in and as neither Peacock or MvH are legal in the match there is nothing compelling Peacock to break the hold whatsoever. He screams and shouts that he’s going to snap her leg and Michelle finds it hard to break Peacock’s grip. Peacock screams loudly and pulls back as hard as he can on Michelle’s leg, doing everything in his power to contort it until he hears the familiar snap.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock has broken people’s legs before with this move; Christian Quinn walks with a cane because of it. Michelle von Horrowitz may not even be able to make it to Back in Business and Jon Snowmantashi at this rate!”
Stuck in the hold, Michelle senses that it won’t be long before her leg gives way to the Peacock’s grip. Gerald Grayson rises to his feet and sees that Alyster Black is down on the mat and he can probably win the match right now but in doing so he would allow Peacock to break Michelle’s leg.
Grayson makes his decision and he runs and jumps over Peacock and Michelle… AND HE LANDS ON TOP OF PEACOCK WITH THE SKY HIGH MOONSAULT!!
It is enough to break the hold Peacock has over Michelle and she instantly grabs her knee after being released and she rolls towards the edge of the ring where Uncle and Scorpane rush over to check on her. Grayson gets up and throws Peacock out of the way and walks back towards the apron where he waits for Alyster Black to pick himself up.
Rod Sterling: “Grayson saved the career and livelihood of his partner, but he’s still got this match to see out and he may have to do it on his own!”
As Black slowly picks himself up, Grayson waits and then slingshots himself forward… EXTREME IMPACT - BUT BLACK DUCKS IT! Alyster runs the ropes and GERALD TURNS AROUND STRAIGHT INTO A ONE SHOT KILL!!! Black’s own Clothesline floors Grayson and Alyster drops down into a cover!!
…
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
MICHELLE TRIES TO THROW HERSELF TOWARDS THE PIN ON ONE LEG…
…
BUT AN EQUALLY BEATEN PEACOCK CUTS HER OFF!!!
…
…
THREE!!!
The crowd EXPLODE as Larry Stevens calls for the bell and ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ begins to play over the speakers and Alyster Black rises to his knees and raises his arms in the air. Chris Peacock lets go of MvH and tackles Alyster down to the mat and the two partners hug in ecstasy. Not only do they not have to end their team, but they are now the FWA World Tag Team Champions.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Here are your winners AND NEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW FWA World Tag Team Champions… Alyster Black and Chris Peacock… FFFFFFFFF… TTTTTTT… NNNNNNNNNNNN!!!”
Allen Price snatches the tag titles away from a devastated Bill Scorpane who stands next to a speechless Uncle J.J. JAY! and Price enters the ring with the belts and hands one to Peacock and the other two Black and they pull him down into their embrace too.
Rod Sterling: “I’m not sure anyone saw this coming, but Meltdown XX has kicked off with new FWA World Tag Team Champions! The Connection’s reign is over! They’ve been champions for almost eight months and now it is over!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster Black is now a two-time FWA World Tag Team Champion and Chris Peacock is now a double champion… and a Triple Crown winner!”
Michelle von Horrowitz is shown to be more concerned with her partner’s wellbeing and she shuffles across the ring towards Grayson whilst also holding her knee which seems to be in not the best way after being trapped in Peacock’s submission. She rouses Grayson and helps him to his feet and together they exit the ring and regroup with Uncle and Scorpane on the outside.
Rod Sterling: “The Connection are going to be hurt by this loss, but I think it is undeniable that they were phenomenal tag team champions, Anzu.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Whether or not you agree with their methods. They came out here week after week and took on the best teams that the FWA could offer and they beat most of them. Look at what it took in the end to dethrone them; one current and one former FWA World Champion. If Michelle makes it past Snowmantashi, don’t be surprised to see them coming back for these titles after Back in Business.”
Despite the meaning behind their name, there is no gloating or mocking on the part of FTN from inside the ring as the former champions slowly walk up the ramp. Chris and Alyster are more concerned with enjoying their moment and the solidifying of the most unlikely of alliances, along with Allen Price. Alyster is pleased to share the moment with Price and FTN then mount opposite turnbuckles and raise their championships, Peacock with both of his.
Rod Sterling: “There’s going to be some serious celebrations in the FTN camp tonight I think! Wait… what’s this?”
The camera cuts to the stage and the Nephews watch on as someone walks out from the back… It’s WEASELPERSON!
Rod Sterling: “weaselperson?! I thought they were taking an extended leave of absence?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “We know weaselperson seemed to show an interest in Alyster Black over the last few weeks after Carnal Contendership and ahead of Golden Opportunity, we had the whole dragonperson thing as well… but they’re back! Why?”
FTN are still celebrating and are totally unaware of weaselperson’s presence as they climb up the steps and into the ring. weaselperson is solely focused on Alyster Black, and after getting down from the turnbuckle, Black sees that they are in the ring and the two look at each other, wordless, for a few seconds.
Rod Sterling: “What is this all about?”
Alyster takes a step closer to weaselperson and even drops his championship belt to the mat as he does so, ready to fight even after such a long match. Peacock and Price now notice weaselperson as well and Peacock looks down at the dropped tag title on the mat and passes his one to Price to hold. He looks down at the FWA World Championship in his hand…
It seems that things are about to get physical between Black and weaselperson, the animosity about to spill over… BUT THEN CHRIS PEACOCK BLASTS WEASELPERSON IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE FWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock from behind! weaselperson is knocked out, I think!”
There’s a mixed reaction from the fans as Alyster Black looks down in shock at weaselperson down on the mat and then up at his tag team partner and Peacock nods his head and mouths off a bit, angry about something. Black puts a hand on Peacock’s shoulder and reassures him that it is okay with Price offering additional support. FTN then leave the ring together, after Black takes one final look at weaselperson unconscious in the ring.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, Rod, if you ask me… I think Chris Peacock wasn’t happy that weaselperson came out here to confront Alyster Black during their moment. I can kind of see where he’s coming from… but I expected better from the FWA World Champion.
Rod Sterling: “There’s definitely some unresolved issues here between Black and weaselperson, but Peacock may have just thrown a wrench in those plans. The headline here though is that FTN are your new FWA World Tag Team Champions!”
Black and Peacock walk up the ramp with Allen Price following them, and Peacock offers his hand to some of the fans in the front row but noticeably only a few of them accept it.
The previous match for Meltdown has just wrapped up and the cameras find their way backstage, more specifically in the hallway leading towards Jon Russnow’s office. In front of the camera you can see Todd Salum rushing down the hallway. As the camera makes its way closer towards Russnow’s office it then spots, presumably, the reason Salum is in a rush. That reason being Johnny “The Legend '' Johnson making his way down the hallway, just reaching the door of Russnow’s office. Todd just makes it in time before Johnny has a chance to even grab the door knob.
Todd Salum: ”Johnny, Johnny! Hold up! Let me get a word with you!”
Johnny turns towards Todd, who is definitely a little out of breath. If looks could kill the look that Johnny gives Todd would put him six feet under.
Johnny Johnson: ”Todd Salum, you do see who’s door I’m currently trying to enter at this point in time? Or are you so dense that your little brain can’t figure out that I would rather stick my head in a wood chipper than actually speak with you.”
Todd takes a glance at the nameplate on the door, and then back at Johnny. Todd then has a look of confusion on his face as his eyes keep glancing back and forth between Johnny and the nameplate on the door. Johnny then pats him on the head and lets out a big sigh. Then begins to talk to Todd like he’s a three year old child.
Johnny Johnson: ”Alright, Toddy boy, I can see there is a huge “Vacancy” sign flashing super bright on your forehead. Which, I can only assume means that the space between those bat wings on the side of your head is completely empty. So I’ll tell you this, let me walk inside of the big guy’s office and have myself a little chat with him. And then after that, if the rocks inside of your head finally heat up I’ll tell you why I’m here tonight.”
Johnny reaches for the door knob once again, but then pauses for a second and looks back at Todd.
Johnny Johnson: ”Oh, also you malignant tumor on the balls of humankind. Never call me Johnny again. If you do, I'll make sure you’re taking your food through a straw for many years to come. To a pissant like you, I’m The Legend!”
Johnny then reaches for the door knob, opens the door and makes his way inside of Russnow’s office.
Lucy LuPone dragged herself up the stairs with a zombie's weary trudge to her college apartment carrying her books up on his back, although certainly, the three-block walk with a long climb up a snow-choked wooden staircase wasn't a great end to a long day, but after spending seven hours researching a senior thesis that only seemed to get denser and more impenetrable the longer she spent in the stacks of reading medieval French poetry, her brain felt sludgy and her spirit drained. She was looking forward to vegging out to something dumb and trashy, maybe a horror movie of the very American and very 80s variety, but those plans almost instantly died when she opened the door and saw who was inside.
Doug LuPone: "Hello, Lucy."
Dan LuPone: "We need to talk."
Lucy froze in abject horror and terror as she stared at the massive bulking size of her twin brothers for a moment...before she threw her book bag at Doug and sprinted towards her desk, and held out a desk light like it was a hammer.
Lucy LuPone: "STAY BACK. I WILL LAMP YOU....WITH A LAMP. SO HELP ME GOD, I WILL LAMP YOU WITH A LAMP"
Doug LuPone: "Careful, Dan, that's a hot bulb!"
Doug stepped forward, his arms out, hoping to cause things to calm down.
Dan LuPone: "Easy little sis. We just want to talk."
Doug LuPone: "How did you find me?! How! I was able to hide from you for months."
Dan LuPone: "We just spent all week breaking into dorm rooms, hoping that you'd be behind one."
Doug LuPone: "We've been doing this for a good seven hours, it's a slow process, but it works."
Lucy LuPone: "Oh....That's problematic."
Dan LuPone: "We prefer to think of it as a solution."
Doug LuPone: "Yeah, we're the problem solvers; you're the problem. It's not our fault, you're our little sister, and we all lived in a small wood cabin in the Yukon raised by wild animals with an ever-loving hatred of trees until, a few months ago where you ran away to go to school."
Dan LuPone: "Doug, you're doing it again."
Doug LuPone: "What?"
Dan LuPone: "Speaking in an overly descriptive manner. Why are you telling us all this like we don't know it?
Doug LuPone: "I don't know; it's good to recap."
Lucy LuPone: "But we all literally all know this. It's our life story."
Doug LuPone: "Anyway, Lucy, you have to come with us; Back In Business is coming up, and we have a shot at winning the trios titles, and we need a partner-"
Lucy LuPone: :"Why don't you just get Avril to do it?"
Doug LuPone: "They said no!"
Lucy LuPone: "What?! That's insane!"
Dan LuPone: "I know, right?!"
Doug LuPone: "You're the only one who can help us, Lucy; You got the lumber blood in you."
Lucy stared down at the ground, shaking her head
Lucy LuPone: "Guys, why can't you understand? I gave up that lumber life. I wanted to see what else is out there; the world is so much bigger; there's more out there than just chopping down trees."
Dan LuPone: "YOU TAKE THAT BACK-!"
Dan suddenly lunges forward as Doug holds him back.
Doug: "SHE DOESN'T MEAN IT DAN. SHE DOESN'T MEAN IT!"
Dan calms down momentarily, taking some deep breaths as he does
Dan LuPone: "I don't buy that for a second! You can't just walk away from the lumber life; your heart beats with those bastard trees; this is no kind of life for you, Lucy, living here in your fancy dorm, with lamps and chairs you didn't even make yourself and...whatever those things are-"
Lucy LuPone: "Pens?"
Doug LuPone: "Whatever-! You don't need pens! Just a branch and some tree sap, and you're ready to go."
Lucy sighs, clearly conflicted.
Lucy LuPone: "I'm sorry guys, I left that life behind; I'm going to have to ask you to leave-"
Before she can finish the sentence, both of her brothers suddenly rush forward and rips the sleeves off her jacket to reveal...
Doug LuPone: "We knew it!"
Dan LuPone: "FLANNEL!"
And so it was, underneath her normal clothes, it was clear Lucy was wearing a flannel shirt; upon the realization that she had been caught, she hung her head in clear shame.
Lucy LuPone: "I tried to give up, but the shirts are so darn comfortable..."
Dan LuPone: "We know, and incredibly fashionable."
Lucy LuPone: "You're right; I can't hide it anymore. I miss it, But I don't know if I'm that person anymore; I can't be a Lumberjack any more."
The brothers share a look before they both clasp their hands on the shoulders of their sister.
Doug LuPone: "Don't worry, sis. We'll make you a lumberjack again."
Lucy LuPone: "How?"
Doug LuPone: "By leaving you in the middle of a forest with nothing but an axe for a week and hoping you'll survive."
Lucy LuPone: "Yeah, that seems like the only rational option."
There is a good cheer in the arena as Al Blizzard walks out from the back and it is clear that since the last time that he was seen, he has been weighed down by the events of Meltdown XXIX. The big man acknowledges the positive response with a small nod out to the fans but his focus is on the ring and a chance to let off some of the pent up anger that has hounded him for the last couple of weeks.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, from London, United Kingdom and weighing in at two-hundred and forty-six pounds… ‘The Perfect Storm’... AAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL BLIZZZZZZZZZZARD!”
Rod Sterling: “Welcome back to Meltdown XXX ladies and gentlemen, and we’re still reeling here from the shock of the opening match tonight when Chris Peacock and Alyster Black dethroned The Connection to become the FWA World Tag Team Champions. We move on though and we’ve got Al Blizzard in action in tonight’s second match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is the first time that we have really been able to see Al Blizzard compete in singles competition, but he passed up on a challenge from his brother Jason Quinn for a match at Back in Business even after Quinn taunted and goaded him during their confrontation two weeks ago.”
Rod Sterling: “He brought up Al’s family! We still don’t know too much of the history there but whatever issue exists between Al and his brother they are definitely unresolved.”
Al enters the ring and performs a couple of stretches as he awaits his opponent, competition on his mind tonight despite everything else that has been happening to him lately.
The lights of the arena flash a light red as cherry petals fall on the big screen. The camera zooms in towards the entrance area as some smoke builds. After about thirteen seconds Katsu makes her way out, her cape flowing behind her, showing her Kitsune inspired mask. She basks in the red spotlight as fire shoots up from the side of the stage, her arms crossed in front of her with an “X,” hands doing the “wolf-head” gesture. The Huntress spins around and does a throat slashing gesture with her pointer finger as the flames shoot higher before making her way down the ramp.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Introducing First/Their opponent, representing YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, Japan, she is the Kitsune Warrior, KAAATSUUUU!!!"
Moving down the ramp at a somewhat quick pace, Katsu removes her entrance mask to show her regular one and she gives a small head tilt while holding it next to her head. Going around the ring, she hands her mask to a younger fan before sliding onto the apron. One hand on the ropes, she opens up her cape and closes her eyes, keeping a calm aura to her. She quickly drops down into the splits then slides into the ring.
Rod Sterling: “Much like Al Blizzard, Katsu is also the target for someone she shares a history with, that being El Vengador, the luchador she coached to victory in Ground Zero Season Four. They’ve both agreed to a match at Back in Business, though!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Al Blizzard will pose a similar test to that of El Vengador at Back in Business… they’re both big and they’re both dangerous. Katsu is out here on her own with the rest of the YOKAI Death Squad, so we’ll see just how well she measures up.”
Heading to the nearest corner turnbuckles, Katsu climbs up them and puts one foot on the top rope. She does another throat slash before holding her finger down in an “M” formation. Heading down, she leans down in a superhero-like pose, holding her arms in an “X” in front of her chest. Katsu’s hands again have the wolf gesture before she spins around and heads to her corner.
The crowd in the Don Haskins Center are still very excited as the match kicks off once the bell rings and ironically enough, it is the two participants in the match as originally advertised that get things going with Michelle von Horrowitz and Chris Peacock kicking things off. MvH is stoic as she approaches the centre of the ring, and the FWA World Champion also drops the goofy smile he was wearing to take this very serious match much moreso. Both Peacock and MvH are about to lock up, but Bill Scorpane jumps up onto the apron!
Peacock remonstrates with the official, but as Stevens walks over, Michelle takes advantage and catches Peacock with a European Uppercut to the jaw! It knocks Peacock back and MvH follows up with a few chops to the chest and even one to the face of the FWA World Champion which knocks him to the mat. On the outside, Allen Price storms around the ring to confront Scorpane, but he is overtaken by Alyster Black who starts pursuing Scorpane, who books it around the ring to get away from ‘Black Jesus’.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black will not have forgotten Bill Scorpane’s role in the Buddy System’s abduction of his former tag team partner Krash. Maybe Bill will think again about getting involved in this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The important thing is though that Scorpane’s small intervention allowed Michelle to get one over on Chris Peacock and she is really letting him have it here as this match has gotten underway.”
Indeed, MvH has Peacock by the hair with both hands and she slams his face into the middle turnbuckle several times. She allows Peacock to drop to the mat and then hunches over said turnbuckle and rips the padding straight off! Larry Stevens comes across and scalds MvH for doing so and she backs away, but this allows Uncle J.J. JAY! to hop up onto the apron in the opposite neutral corner and remove the second turnbuckle padding from this one. Alyster Black comes across to scare Uncle away, but not before he managed to take the protective padding away.
Chris Peacock rises to his feet and after checking his nose, he sees Michelle waiting for him across the ring and against Alyster’s shouts for the opposite, Peacock charges across the ring and Michelle catches him with a Drop Toe Hold - and PEACOCK LANDS FACE FIRST ONTO THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE!!
Rod Sterling: “That was a nasty landing for ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’! The FWA World Tag Team Champions are in control of this one in the early going, Anzu.”
As Peacock slouches against the turnbuckle, blood trickling from his nose, Michelle quickly steps back across the ring and tags in Gerald Grayson, who jumps over the top rope to enter the match.
<< 3:21 >>
Grayson connects with several forearms in the corner to Chris Peacock, who has got minimal offence into this match thus far and not been able to get a tag out to Alyster Black, who is already growing concerned. Once ten forearms have been achieved, Grayson looks to Irish Whip Peacock across the ring, but Peacock turns it around and sends Grayson for the ride instead.
Following Grayson in, Peacock can only watch as ‘The Daredevil’ floats over him and lands on his feet behind him and Grayson grabs Peacock from behind - FIGHT FEVER! The crowd responds well as Peacock gets his first offensive move of the match in and connects with the back fist to Grayson’s face. Peacock turns around and charges at Grayson… but Grayson catches him with a Snap Powerslam! Gerald then hooks a leg;
ONE… TWO-NO!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock had the chance to tag out there to Alyster Black, but he went back in for more and it cost him. The Connection have done a good job of isolating him early on.”
Smartly keeping hold of Peacock, Grayson tags Michelle von Horrowitz back into the match and ‘Dreamer’ measures a strike on Peacock as Grayson holds him and stings his chest with another chop. As Grayson leaves the ring, MvH looks to shoot Peacock across the ring but again he reverses and sends his opponent across the ring. Michelle clearly anticipates it though and jumps onto the middle rope and looks to come back with a Springboard Crossbody - but Peacock rolls through…
Michelle is on her knees as Peacock stands in front of her and he thinks quickly and runs through her with THE STRUT!!! The crowd cheers as Peacock then falls on top of MvH after catching her out out of nowhere!
ONE… NO!
Rod Sterling: “SHE KICKED OUT AT ONE!”
Instantly, Michelle rises to her feet and stands over Peacock, who is suddenly acutely aware of how angry ‘Dreamer’ is… and he backs into his corner and allows Alyster Black to tag himself in!
The crowd comes alive as Black enters the ring and immediately begins exchanging chops with Michelle! It is clear that the El Paso fans are in FTN’s corner as Allen Price checks over Peacock who was in dire need of a break.
<< 7:59 >>
In the middle of the ring, Alyster Black gets Gerald Grayson up onto his shoulders and looks for a Death Valley Driver, but Grayson attempts to navigate his way around the former X Champion and hit a DDT - but Black stands firm! Black slowly deadlifts Grayson up and elevates him high into the air and catches him with a gnarly Headbutt on the way down! Gerald holds his jaw on the mat and scrambles over to the corner, which - unfortunately for him - is the one with the exposed middle turnbuckle.
Alyster is quick to realise this and he grabs Grayson by the hair and starts forcing his face into the exposed metal of the turnbuckle, and Grayson groans loudly as he tries to pry Black’s hands and get away. However, it is only the referee who can enforce a break and he does so by utilising a five count which Alyster makes the most of.
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think Alytser Black has any issue with getting his hands dirty whatsoever - you don’t become the longest reigning X Champion in history if you aren’t - and if The Connection are going to give him a free weapon, he’s going to use it.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “You can see that Michelle von Horrowitz isn’t happy about it, but she had no issue using that exposed turnbuckle to hurt Chris Peacock earlier on.”
Black grabs Grayson out of the corner and drags his face across the top rope and then bounces his head off of the top turnbuckle in the FTN corner, where Black then tags in Chris Peacock. Black holds Grayson in place and Peacock measures him… and connects with a Pimp Slap directly to the cheek! It is abundantly clear that Peacock does not respect the Nephew and he shoves him into the corner and then climbs up onto the second rope and starts laying into Grayson with punches to the head!
Once ten have been achieved, he drops back down and waits for Grayson to stir and walk forwards into his grasp and then scoops him up on his shoulders and begins to spin around with an Airplane Spin!
Rod Sterling: “Chris Peacock could be looking for some DANCE DANCE REVOLUTIONS - COUNTERED INTO A TORNADO DDT BY GRAYSON!!”
Grayson absolutely spikes Peacock on the top of his head and both men are down on the mat after being the ones to have taken the most punishment for their respective teams in the match thus far.
<< 12:23 >>
Alyster Black finds himself struggling in the Sleeper Hold being applied to him by MvH as she tries to slow the match down a bit and wear down ‘Black Jesus’ as both Peacock and Grayson are in the process of taking a much-needed break. Michelle does well to keep her centre of gravity low and keep on top of Alyster to ensure that the submission is applied as tightly as possible. The crowd begin to get behind Black and encourage him to break free of Michelle’s grasp and he seems to feed off of this and he pulls himself up to his feet and QUICKLY SNAPS OFF MICHELLE WITH A SAITO SUPLEX!
There are cheers as Black stays on his knees for a moment and misses his opportunity to follow up on Michelle as she rolls under the bottom rope and drops to a knee at ringside. Both Uncle and Scorpane rush to check on her. Frustrated, Black charges at Gerald Grayson and knocks him from the apron with a Running Forearm Smash! Black looks at both members of The Connection on the outside and then runs the ropes… AND BLACK SOARS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TAKES GRAYSON OUT WITH AN ELBOW SUICIDA!
The impact of the blow sends Grayson careening back into the barricade at ringside but attention turns back to the ring where Chris Peacock is now waiting and he is eyeing up Michelle von Horrowitz and looks for a SUICIDE DIVE OF HIS OWN - BUT MVH USES HIS MOMENTUM TO THROW HIM WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!! Peacock lands flat on his back on the base of the ramp and screams out in pain upon landing.
Anzu Kurosawa: “That was crazy, Rod! I don’t think Peacock had ever gone for one of those before and he won’t be in a hurry to do it again after that!”
On the outside, Alyster Black gets up after taking Grayson out and sees Peacock wheezing on the ramp and then sets about following up on MvH, but Uncle stands in his way! Black brushes past him but the momentary distraction is enough for Michelle to catch him with a kick to the midsection, and she then sends him into the ring steps! Michelle picks Black up and then rolls him into the ring and climbs up onto the apron.
As Black pulls himself up from the mat, holding his shoulder, von Horrowitz notices Grayson also back up on the apron and the FWA World Tag Team Champions share a nod… and then pull themselves up and hit Black with STEREO SPRINGBOARD DROPKICKS!!
Rod Sterling: “EVERYTHING SPRINGBOARD! Black goes down and here’s Michelle, who is legal, and she goes for the cover!”
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
Black kicks out but holds the back of his head as replays show that Grayson’s boot caught him flush on the top of his neck. Michelle holds him in place as she considers her next move.
Anzu Kurosawa: “The Connection getting on top of Alyster Black here was largely due to the involvement of Uncle on the outside. During the F1 Climaxxx, Black was the only opponent that Michelle did not truly bend the rules against or use the Nephews to gain an advantage. That seems to have gone out of the window tonight. Perhaps a decrease in respect for Black after who he has since chosen to align himself with?”
<< 17:20 >>
Once again, Alyster Black has been isolated by The Connection, both of whom have done well to wear down both of their challengers, with Peacock only very recently taking his place on the apron back after MvH hurt him on the outside. Michelle walks across the ring and tags in Grayson, who waits in position as she sends Black his way and Grayson connects with a Dropkick directly to his face that takes him down.
Grayson drags Black towards the corner and puts him against the bottom one and begins to start face washing him with the underside of his boot; Alyster’s mask being an extra layer smushed against his facial features. Grayson then backs into the adjacent corner and charges in looking for a running Face Wash, but Black moves out of the way! Grayson collides with the corner and MvH then tags herself back into the match.
As Alyster Black drops to his knees to get across to Peacock who is desperately waiting for a tag back into the match, MvH takes him out from behind at the knee! The crowd boos and Peacock looks over disappointedly and a smirk forms on Michelle’s face.
Rod Sterling: “Alyster Black desperately needs a tag into Chris Peacock and he thought he’d got it, and MvH is revelling in the fact that she denied FTN. Wait, what is Price doing?”
In the same manner that Bill Scorpane had done earlier in the match, Allen Price jumps up onto the apron and this draws the attention of Larry Stevens. With the referee’s back turned still, MvH gets closer to Peacock to taunt him about cutting him off from his partner… AND PEACOCK REACHES BACK AND THEN CRACKS MICHELLE ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD WITH HIS SINGAPORE CANE!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock isn’t afraid to bend the rules either! Maybe he’s more like these Nephews than he’s willing to admit!”
There are raucous cheers from the crowd as Michelle falls to her knees after the unexpected shot and then stumbles backwards towards her own corner where an outraged Gerald Grayson is waiting. Scorpane pulls Price down from the apron and the most pathetic shoving match in history begins between the two managers! Stevens prevents Grayson from entering the ring illegally and then turns around to see that Alyster Black is back to his feet and Black dives forward and tags Chris Peacock into the match!
Peacock gets into the ring and runs past Michelle and rocks Grayson with a bunch which does not knock him from the apron and the noise levels of the crowd rise as he then runs the ropes underneath the weak attempt at a strike from MvH and comes back… SPEAR!!! Peacock rises to his feet and beats his chest and waits for MvH to rise to her feet and THEN PEACOCK CHARGES HER INTO THE CONNECTION CORNER AND DRIVES HER INTO THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER! ROLLER DISCO!!!
Stacking MvH up, Peacock closes his eyes and waits for the count… but it doesn't come! Peacock rises to his feet and holds his arms up in exclamation to Larry Stevens, but the reason for the count not coming was the fact that Gerald Grayson blindly tagged himself into the match when Peacock charged MvH into the corner as part of the Roller Disco combination!
This realisation comes too late for the FWA World Champion as he turns around and GRAYSON FLATTENS PEACOCK WITH THE EXTREME IMPACT!!! The Clothesline almost takes Peacock’s head off and the crowd are shocked as Grayson falls on top of Peacock for a cover of his own!
…
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE-NO!!!
ALYSTER BLACK BREAKS UP THE PIN ATTEMPT!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “I thought that was it, Rod and The Connection had done it again!”
A late dive from Black saves the match for FTN as well as their status as a tag team and all four competitors are down on the mat and the crowd bursts into applause due to the effort that each have put into the match thus far.
<< 23:45 >>
Alyster Black and Gerald Grayson are the legal competitors in the match and it is the fatigue of both that has allowed Grayson to be able to meet Black punch for punch in the middle of the ring as they exchange blows with the crowd firmly on the side of ‘Black Jesus’. Both Chris Peacock and Michelle von Horrowitz are equally exhausted as they watch from the apron, willing their partners on. Black manages to get the better of Grayson and the crowd cheers as he lands a few strikes in a row and this forces Grayson back into the corner and Black resumes his assault, with it turning into a full blown VIOLENCE PARTY!
The crowd cheers as Black lays into Grayson with everything that he’s got, but MvH has seen enough and she enters the ring and cracks Black in the back of the head with a forearm strike that takes him by surprise and knocks him down. Unsurprisingly, this draws the ire of Chris Peacock and he enters the ring to confront Michelle, but she catches him with a European Uppercut in a very similar manner to the one that she got on him at the beginning of the match.
Peacock is stunned and Stevens appeared to have given up trying to control the match and MvH begins to beat Peacock down, letting out all of her anger towards him.
Rod Sterling: “Peacock doesn’t have anything for this, Anzu. Michelle von Horrowitz is just kicking the tar out of him right now!”
The attacks from MvH cause Peacock’s nose to bleed again after it had sealed following the initial injury and she knees him in the face and backs into the corner where she lines Peacock up. Uncle and Scorpane seem pleased as Michelle has Peacock in her sights; if she hits this then the FWA World Champion is all but taken out of the match. MVH CHARGES FORWARD AND LOOKS TO TAKE PEACOCK DOWN WITH THE BUSAIKU KNEE - BUT ALYSTER BLACK SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE WAY AND TAKES THE MOVE INSTEAD!
Michelle is shocked and Black crumples down to the mat and she turns to see Peacock on the ground again and SHE CHARGES IN AT PEACOCK ONE MORE TIME - BUSAIKU KNEE AGAIN - BUT PEACOCK CATCHES HER LEG AND APPLIES THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!!
The Kneebar is locked in and as neither Peacock or MvH are legal in the match there is nothing compelling Peacock to break the hold whatsoever. He screams and shouts that he’s going to snap her leg and Michelle finds it hard to break Peacock’s grip. Peacock screams loudly and pulls back as hard as he can on Michelle’s leg, doing everything in his power to contort it until he hears the familiar snap.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock has broken people’s legs before with this move; Christian Quinn walks with a cane because of it. Michelle von Horrowitz may not even be able to make it to Back in Business and Jon Snowmantashi at this rate!”
Stuck in the hold, Michelle senses that it won’t be long before her leg gives way to the Peacock’s grip. Gerald Grayson rises to his feet and sees that Alyster Black is down on the mat and he can probably win the match right now but in doing so he would allow Peacock to break Michelle’s leg.
Grayson makes his decision and he runs and jumps over Peacock and Michelle… AND HE LANDS ON TOP OF PEACOCK WITH THE SKY HIGH MOONSAULT!!
It is enough to break the hold Peacock has over Michelle and she instantly grabs her knee after being released and she rolls towards the edge of the ring where Uncle and Scorpane rush over to check on her. Grayson gets up and throws Peacock out of the way and walks back towards the apron where he waits for Alyster Black to pick himself up.
Rod Sterling: “Grayson saved the career and livelihood of his partner, but he’s still got this match to see out and he may have to do it on his own!”
As Black slowly picks himself up, Grayson waits and then slingshots himself forward… EXTREME IMPACT - BUT BLACK DUCKS IT! Alyster runs the ropes and GERALD TURNS AROUND STRAIGHT INTO A ONE SHOT KILL!!! Black’s own Clothesline floors Grayson and Alyster drops down into a cover!!
…
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
MICHELLE TRIES TO THROW HERSELF TOWARDS THE PIN ON ONE LEG…
…
BUT AN EQUALLY BEATEN PEACOCK CUTS HER OFF!!!
…
…
THREE!!!
Winners: FTN by pin fall at 26:12
The crowd EXPLODE as Larry Stevens calls for the bell and ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ begins to play over the speakers and Alyster Black rises to his knees and raises his arms in the air. Chris Peacock lets go of MvH and tackles Alyster down to the mat and the two partners hug in ecstasy. Not only do they not have to end their team, but they are now the FWA World Tag Team Champions.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Here are your winners AND NEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW FWA World Tag Team Champions… Alyster Black and Chris Peacock… FFFFFFFFF… TTTTTTT… NNNNNNNNNNNN!!!”
Allen Price snatches the tag titles away from a devastated Bill Scorpane who stands next to a speechless Uncle J.J. JAY! and Price enters the ring with the belts and hands one to Peacock and the other two Black and they pull him down into their embrace too.
Rod Sterling: “I’m not sure anyone saw this coming, but Meltdown XX has kicked off with new FWA World Tag Team Champions! The Connection’s reign is over! They’ve been champions for almost eight months and now it is over!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster Black is now a two-time FWA World Tag Team Champion and Chris Peacock is now a double champion… and a Triple Crown winner!”
Michelle von Horrowitz is shown to be more concerned with her partner’s wellbeing and she shuffles across the ring towards Grayson whilst also holding her knee which seems to be in not the best way after being trapped in Peacock’s submission. She rouses Grayson and helps him to his feet and together they exit the ring and regroup with Uncle and Scorpane on the outside.
Rod Sterling: “The Connection are going to be hurt by this loss, but I think it is undeniable that they were phenomenal tag team champions, Anzu.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Whether or not you agree with their methods. They came out here week after week and took on the best teams that the FWA could offer and they beat most of them. Look at what it took in the end to dethrone them; one current and one former FWA World Champion. If Michelle makes it past Snowmantashi, don’t be surprised to see them coming back for these titles after Back in Business.”
Despite the meaning behind their name, there is no gloating or mocking on the part of FTN from inside the ring as the former champions slowly walk up the ramp. Chris and Alyster are more concerned with enjoying their moment and the solidifying of the most unlikely of alliances, along with Allen Price. Alyster is pleased to share the moment with Price and FTN then mount opposite turnbuckles and raise their championships, Peacock with both of his.
Rod Sterling: “There’s going to be some serious celebrations in the FTN camp tonight I think! Wait… what’s this?”
The camera cuts to the stage and the Nephews watch on as someone walks out from the back… It’s WEASELPERSON!
Rod Sterling: “weaselperson?! I thought they were taking an extended leave of absence?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “We know weaselperson seemed to show an interest in Alyster Black over the last few weeks after Carnal Contendership and ahead of Golden Opportunity, we had the whole dragonperson thing as well… but they’re back! Why?”
FTN are still celebrating and are totally unaware of weaselperson’s presence as they climb up the steps and into the ring. weaselperson is solely focused on Alyster Black, and after getting down from the turnbuckle, Black sees that they are in the ring and the two look at each other, wordless, for a few seconds.
Rod Sterling: “What is this all about?”
Alyster takes a step closer to weaselperson and even drops his championship belt to the mat as he does so, ready to fight even after such a long match. Peacock and Price now notice weaselperson as well and Peacock looks down at the dropped tag title on the mat and passes his one to Price to hold. He looks down at the FWA World Championship in his hand…
It seems that things are about to get physical between Black and weaselperson, the animosity about to spill over… BUT THEN CHRIS PEACOCK BLASTS WEASELPERSON IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE FWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock from behind! weaselperson is knocked out, I think!”
There’s a mixed reaction from the fans as Alyster Black looks down in shock at weaselperson down on the mat and then up at his tag team partner and Peacock nods his head and mouths off a bit, angry about something. Black puts a hand on Peacock’s shoulder and reassures him that it is okay with Price offering additional support. FTN then leave the ring together, after Black takes one final look at weaselperson unconscious in the ring.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, Rod, if you ask me… I think Chris Peacock wasn’t happy that weaselperson came out here to confront Alyster Black during their moment. I can kind of see where he’s coming from… but I expected better from the FWA World Champion.
Rod Sterling: “There’s definitely some unresolved issues here between Black and weaselperson, but Peacock may have just thrown a wrench in those plans. The headline here though is that FTN are your new FWA World Tag Team Champions!”
Black and Peacock walk up the ramp with Allen Price following them, and Peacock offers his hand to some of the fans in the front row but noticeably only a few of them accept it.
The previous match for Meltdown has just wrapped up and the cameras find their way backstage, more specifically in the hallway leading towards Jon Russnow’s office. In front of the camera you can see Todd Salum rushing down the hallway. As the camera makes its way closer towards Russnow’s office it then spots, presumably, the reason Salum is in a rush. That reason being Johnny “The Legend '' Johnson making his way down the hallway, just reaching the door of Russnow’s office. Todd just makes it in time before Johnny has a chance to even grab the door knob.
Todd Salum: ”Johnny, Johnny! Hold up! Let me get a word with you!”
Johnny turns towards Todd, who is definitely a little out of breath. If looks could kill the look that Johnny gives Todd would put him six feet under.
Johnny Johnson: ”Todd Salum, you do see who’s door I’m currently trying to enter at this point in time? Or are you so dense that your little brain can’t figure out that I would rather stick my head in a wood chipper than actually speak with you.”
Todd takes a glance at the nameplate on the door, and then back at Johnny. Todd then has a look of confusion on his face as his eyes keep glancing back and forth between Johnny and the nameplate on the door. Johnny then pats him on the head and lets out a big sigh. Then begins to talk to Todd like he’s a three year old child.
Johnny Johnson: ”Alright, Toddy boy, I can see there is a huge “Vacancy” sign flashing super bright on your forehead. Which, I can only assume means that the space between those bat wings on the side of your head is completely empty. So I’ll tell you this, let me walk inside of the big guy’s office and have myself a little chat with him. And then after that, if the rocks inside of your head finally heat up I’ll tell you why I’m here tonight.”
Johnny reaches for the door knob once again, but then pauses for a second and looks back at Todd.
Johnny Johnson: ”Oh, also you malignant tumor on the balls of humankind. Never call me Johnny again. If you do, I'll make sure you’re taking your food through a straw for many years to come. To a pissant like you, I’m The Legend!”
Johnny then reaches for the door knob, opens the door and makes his way inside of Russnow’s office.
Lucy LuPone dragged herself up the stairs with a zombie's weary trudge to her college apartment carrying her books up on his back, although certainly, the three-block walk with a long climb up a snow-choked wooden staircase wasn't a great end to a long day, but after spending seven hours researching a senior thesis that only seemed to get denser and more impenetrable the longer she spent in the stacks of reading medieval French poetry, her brain felt sludgy and her spirit drained. She was looking forward to vegging out to something dumb and trashy, maybe a horror movie of the very American and very 80s variety, but those plans almost instantly died when she opened the door and saw who was inside.
Doug LuPone: "Hello, Lucy."
Dan LuPone: "We need to talk."
Lucy froze in abject horror and terror as she stared at the massive bulking size of her twin brothers for a moment...before she threw her book bag at Doug and sprinted towards her desk, and held out a desk light like it was a hammer.
Lucy LuPone: "STAY BACK. I WILL LAMP YOU....WITH A LAMP. SO HELP ME GOD, I WILL LAMP YOU WITH A LAMP"
Doug LuPone: "Careful, Dan, that's a hot bulb!"
Doug stepped forward, his arms out, hoping to cause things to calm down.
Dan LuPone: "Easy little sis. We just want to talk."
Doug LuPone: "How did you find me?! How! I was able to hide from you for months."
Dan LuPone: "We just spent all week breaking into dorm rooms, hoping that you'd be behind one."
Doug LuPone: "We've been doing this for a good seven hours, it's a slow process, but it works."
Lucy LuPone: "Oh....That's problematic."
Dan LuPone: "We prefer to think of it as a solution."
Doug LuPone: "Yeah, we're the problem solvers; you're the problem. It's not our fault, you're our little sister, and we all lived in a small wood cabin in the Yukon raised by wild animals with an ever-loving hatred of trees until, a few months ago where you ran away to go to school."
Dan LuPone: "Doug, you're doing it again."
Doug LuPone: "What?"
Dan LuPone: "Speaking in an overly descriptive manner. Why are you telling us all this like we don't know it?
Doug LuPone: "I don't know; it's good to recap."
Lucy LuPone: "But we all literally all know this. It's our life story."
Doug LuPone: "Anyway, Lucy, you have to come with us; Back In Business is coming up, and we have a shot at winning the trios titles, and we need a partner-"
Lucy LuPone: :"Why don't you just get Avril to do it?"
Doug LuPone: "They said no!"
Lucy LuPone: "What?! That's insane!"
Dan LuPone: "I know, right?!"
Doug LuPone: "You're the only one who can help us, Lucy; You got the lumber blood in you."
Lucy stared down at the ground, shaking her head
Lucy LuPone: "Guys, why can't you understand? I gave up that lumber life. I wanted to see what else is out there; the world is so much bigger; there's more out there than just chopping down trees."
Dan LuPone: "YOU TAKE THAT BACK-!"
Dan suddenly lunges forward as Doug holds him back.
Doug: "SHE DOESN'T MEAN IT DAN. SHE DOESN'T MEAN IT!"
Dan calms down momentarily, taking some deep breaths as he does
Dan LuPone: "I don't buy that for a second! You can't just walk away from the lumber life; your heart beats with those bastard trees; this is no kind of life for you, Lucy, living here in your fancy dorm, with lamps and chairs you didn't even make yourself and...whatever those things are-"
Lucy LuPone: "Pens?"
Doug LuPone: "Whatever-! You don't need pens! Just a branch and some tree sap, and you're ready to go."
Lucy sighs, clearly conflicted.
Lucy LuPone: "I'm sorry guys, I left that life behind; I'm going to have to ask you to leave-"
Before she can finish the sentence, both of her brothers suddenly rush forward and rips the sleeves off her jacket to reveal...
Doug LuPone: "We knew it!"
Dan LuPone: "FLANNEL!"
And so it was, underneath her normal clothes, it was clear Lucy was wearing a flannel shirt; upon the realization that she had been caught, she hung her head in clear shame.
Lucy LuPone: "I tried to give up, but the shirts are so darn comfortable..."
Dan LuPone: "We know, and incredibly fashionable."
Lucy LuPone: "You're right; I can't hide it anymore. I miss it, But I don't know if I'm that person anymore; I can't be a Lumberjack any more."
The brothers share a look before they both clasp their hands on the shoulders of their sister.
Doug LuPone: "Don't worry, sis. We'll make you a lumberjack again."
Lucy LuPone: "How?"
Doug LuPone: "By leaving you in the middle of a forest with nothing but an axe for a week and hoping you'll survive."
Lucy LuPone: "Yeah, that seems like the only rational option."
There is a good cheer in the arena as Al Blizzard walks out from the back and it is clear that since the last time that he was seen, he has been weighed down by the events of Meltdown XXIX. The big man acknowledges the positive response with a small nod out to the fans but his focus is on the ring and a chance to let off some of the pent up anger that has hounded him for the last couple of weeks.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, from London, United Kingdom and weighing in at two-hundred and forty-six pounds… ‘The Perfect Storm’... AAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL BLIZZZZZZZZZZARD!”
Rod Sterling: “Welcome back to Meltdown XXX ladies and gentlemen, and we’re still reeling here from the shock of the opening match tonight when Chris Peacock and Alyster Black dethroned The Connection to become the FWA World Tag Team Champions. We move on though and we’ve got Al Blizzard in action in tonight’s second match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This is the first time that we have really been able to see Al Blizzard compete in singles competition, but he passed up on a challenge from his brother Jason Quinn for a match at Back in Business even after Quinn taunted and goaded him during their confrontation two weeks ago.”
Rod Sterling: “He brought up Al’s family! We still don’t know too much of the history there but whatever issue exists between Al and his brother they are definitely unresolved.”
Al enters the ring and performs a couple of stretches as he awaits his opponent, competition on his mind tonight despite everything else that has been happening to him lately.
The lights of the arena flash a light red as cherry petals fall on the big screen. The camera zooms in towards the entrance area as some smoke builds. After about thirteen seconds Katsu makes her way out, her cape flowing behind her, showing her Kitsune inspired mask. She basks in the red spotlight as fire shoots up from the side of the stage, her arms crossed in front of her with an “X,” hands doing the “wolf-head” gesture. The Huntress spins around and does a throat slashing gesture with her pointer finger as the flames shoot higher before making her way down the ramp.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Introducing First/Their opponent, representing YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, Japan, she is the Kitsune Warrior, KAAATSUUUU!!!"
Moving down the ramp at a somewhat quick pace, Katsu removes her entrance mask to show her regular one and she gives a small head tilt while holding it next to her head. Going around the ring, she hands her mask to a younger fan before sliding onto the apron. One hand on the ropes, she opens up her cape and closes her eyes, keeping a calm aura to her. She quickly drops down into the splits then slides into the ring.
Rod Sterling: “Much like Al Blizzard, Katsu is also the target for someone she shares a history with, that being El Vengador, the luchador she coached to victory in Ground Zero Season Four. They’ve both agreed to a match at Back in Business, though!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Al Blizzard will pose a similar test to that of El Vengador at Back in Business… they’re both big and they’re both dangerous. Katsu is out here on her own with the rest of the YOKAI Death Squad, so we’ll see just how well she measures up.”
Heading to the nearest corner turnbuckles, Katsu climbs up them and puts one foot on the top rope. She does another throat slash before holding her finger down in an “M” formation. Heading down, she leans down in a superhero-like pose, holding her arms in an “X” in front of her chest. Katsu’s hands again have the wolf gesture before she spins around and heads to her corner.
<< 00:00 >>
Surprisingly it is Al Blizzard who kicks things off with a fast-paced piece of offence as he rushes towards Katsu and catches her with a Running Knee Strike to the midsection! Katsu doubles over and Al sledges her in the back to knock her down to the mat. It is clear that Al is in no mood for games after Jason came back into his life and he plucks Katsu from the mat and places her in a seated position on the top turnbuckle in the corner.
Al looks to strike her with a forearm, but Katsu blocks it with her left boot and then kicks Al in the face with the underside of her right. This creates separation and allows Katsu to leap from the second rope and she gets her legs around Al’s head and looks to snap him off with a Diving Hurricanrana, but Al stand strong and prevents her from doing so. Katsu sits up on Al’s shoulders and lays into him with some elbow strikes and this causes her to fall down on top of Al in a Seated Senton and the two drop down to the mat.
Rod Sterling: “Neither competitor is wasting any time here, Anzu! Both have points to prove and it shows with how they’re approaching this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Being hounded by a figure from your past is enough to make anyone get worked up, so I think a lot of this is these two trying to work out some of that frustration they’re feeling with current rivals.”
Both Al and Katsu get to their feet at the same time and Katsu looks to catch Al with a Roundhouse Kick to the ribs, but Al catches her foot and traps it and he then lifts her up into the air and places her back on his shoulders in a seated position and drives her into the mat with a Sit Out Powerbomb! Al opts to not go for a cover and instead checks his mouth for any signs of blood after the strikes to the face he received from Katsu, and then he picks her up from the mat and places her in the corner again in order to follow up.
<< 3:16 >>
Al Blizzard has maintained his control of the match from the opening exchanges after the Powerbomb and he is seen driving Katsu into the mat with a Samoan Drop! Al presses her shoulders down onto the mat and the referee - Gracelynn Guerrero - makes the count!
ONE… TWO-NO!!
Rod Sterling: “Some impressive resilience from Katsu there, Anzu. Al Blizzard knows how to pack a punch and she has got to make sure she can get back into this one before it is too late and Al picks up a victory over a former FWA Television Champion.”
It seems that ‘The Perfect Storm’ is content with the damage performed to Katsu as he hooks Katsu’s arms up and looks for VERTIGO - BUT KATSU DOES COUNTER THIS ONE INTO A HURRICANRANA! After escaping the Tiger Driver, Katsu sees that Blizzard has been snapped off towards the ropes and he kneels over the second rope, so she quickly runs the opposite ropes and connects with THE SAKURA KICK!
There’s a big response from the crowd as Blizzard slumps down onto his back away from the ropes and Katsu wastes no time at all in running along the apron and up onto the top rope where she stands with her back facing the ring, but she pauses just before she takes flight as someone has walked out onto the stage!
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s El Vengador! He’s out here to scout his Back in Business opponent, most likely, but I think his appearance is not at a great time for Katsu…”
Katsu points at El Vengador who stands on the stage and makes no advances towards the ring and she motions for him to leave, and this proves costly for her as she fails to notice that Al Blizzard is back to his feet and he shoves her from the top rope and she falls down to the floor, taking a nasty bump on the ring apron as she does so! El Vengador seems mildly amused by this as Blizzard goes to follow up…
<< 5:48 >>
After getting the better of Blizzard after being thrown around at ringside and bumped off of a lot of the environment, Katsu seems to have moved past the initial appearance of El Vengador as she has Blizzard where she wants him, which is on his knees in the middle of the ring and she knocks him flat down onto the mat with a Roundhouse Kick! Katsu falls down on top of her opponent and lifts one of his legs up for a pin attempt;
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
Blizzard powerfully kicks out and Katsu is sent a couple of feet away due to how hard she was pushed away by Blizzard. Both get to their feet and Katsu charges at Blizzard and gets caught with a Big Boot right to the face which sends her crumbling down to the mat, to El Vengador’s applause.
Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure Al Blizzard was setting out to impress El Vengador, but he’s done it anyway with that move!”
There is an air of anticipation in the Don Haskins Center as the big man Blizzard heads towards the corner and dips through the ropes to climb up onto the turnbuckle himself. The sight of a 6’6 giant standing up there is daunting enough but even worse for Katsu as Blizzard takes flight and takes Katsu down with a Diving Clothesline from the top rope! The big man rolls through and gets back to his feet and then makes a spinning motion with his hand!
Rod Sterling: “I think that this could be the beginning of the end for Katsu; El Vengador’s presence may have piled on the pressure a bit too much!”
Blizzard easily plucks his smaller opponent from the mat and he hoists her up onto his shoulders effortlessly and looks like he is about to hit Katsu with the AL CUTTER - but he stops…
Al Blizzard freezes in place as someone else walks out onto the stage and stands on the opposite side to it than El Vengador and to no one’s surprise, it is Jason Quinn. Al drops Katsu to the mat and then walks over to the ropes and shouts for his brother to get out of there. Without saying anything in return, Quinn pulls out a large placard and raises it up in the air. It is a picture of two parents holding a child, with the father’s face scratched out.
Rod Sterling: “Oh no… that’s Al Blizzard’s family! His wife and son… Jason scratched Al’s face out of the family picture…”
Unsurprisingly, Al is incensed by this and he goes to exit the ring to pursue Quinn… but KATSU STRIKES WITH ANOTHER SAKURA KICK! It catches Al in the midsection, and Katsu then slingshots herself over the top rope onto Al’s shoulders and transitions into a Triangle Choke! THE SPIRIT DRAIN IS LOCKED IN! Al struggles in the hold for a few seconds, but then has no choice but to tap out!
Tapping out as quickly as he did allows Al to still have enough awareness to leave the ring as soon as Katsu released him and he storms up the ramp in pursuit of Jason Quinn! Quinn senses the danger and drops the picture and runs towards the back.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here is your winner… KATSUUUUUU!!"
In the ring, Katsu slowly nods her head and has her arm raised in victory. She then looks up at the stage and sees El Vengador, who offers no response before he turns his back on her and leaves the stage also, just as Al Blizzard arrives on it and picks up the photo dropped by Quinn.
Rod Sterling: “An important win for Katsu on the path to Back in Business, Anzu, and I wonder what El Vengador will make of that one?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Definitely a step in the right direction for Katsu, but I do feel for Al Blizzard… Jason Quinn brought his family into this. Obviously I’m sure he will be disappointed about the result tonight, but some things are more important than wins or losses.”
Blizzard is shown looking down at the photo, mainly his removed face, with anger in his eyes and he scrunches it up before heading to the back to follow Quinn. Katsu is up on the middle turnbuckle holding the back of her head and then pumping her fist.
The camera is backstage once again, placed right in the same spot right in front of Jon Russnow’s office. Todd Salum is also still standing in the same place that Johnny left him at when he walked into the office. Just then we see Johnny Johnson open the door and emerge from Russnow’s office. As he opens the door he is shocked to see Todd and the camera still in the same place they were when he went into the office. He looks at Todd with a little concern on his face.
Johnny Johnson: ”You really waited out here this entire time and didn’t move didn’t you?”
Todd then looks at Johnny with a little confusion on his face.
Todd Salum: ”Of course, why would I leave when I can scoop like why you are here and talking to Jon Russnow?”
Johnny then thinks about it for a second and then shakes his head.
Johnny Johnson: ”Fair enough. I can see why me being here is probably the biggest news scoop you had since probably the debut of The Legend. So, what now? I’m going to assume you want me to spill the beans and tell you why exactly I’m here today?”
Todd then gets an excited grin on his face as he can only assume that Johnny is about to give him what he so patiently waited for, standing outside of the door to Jon Russnow’s office.
Todd: Oh, absolutely. If I could just get even a small snippet on why exactly The Legend has entered the halls of FWA it would be awesome.
Johnny Johnson: ”Alright chump, listen up. Time is money, and I don’t have the urge to waste either. I’m sure you saw me and came running to me to see just who The Legend is going to challenge at Back in Business. Is that a safe assumption?
Todd just nods his head in agreement.
JohnnyJohnson: ”The fact is though, I’m a businessman, slappy. My days of wrestling in a FWA ring are over. I have zero interest in putting my body through pain and suffering for any of these FWA fans that are beneath me. Let alone put myself through the hell that was the absolute torture that Russnow put The Legend through, only to make sure to show case every other loser above me. To put it in simple terms, my wrestling contract isn’t with FWA now, and never will be in the future. My fans know where I’m at, and NGW has my in-ring talents locked down tighter than Fort Knox.”
Todd Salum: ”Then….I just don’t understand.”
Johnny just lets out a chuckle at Todd’s response.
Johnny Johnson: ” I’m not surprised by that reaction. But you see Todd, like I said I’m a businessman. The little time I spent in FWA I saw things that needed to be changed. I saw how things were run. I saw how simple it was for someone to stick their nose straight up Russnow’s ass and earn themselves a title shot. The time has come for all of that to change. The idiotic fans might not like the fact that The Legend has returned. They might decide that the best thing for them to do is to boo me. The reality is though, I’ve returned to FWA for them. If they were intelligent enough they’d realize I’m somewhat of a savior for them.”
“Todd, the time has come for all of the wasteful talent in this company to be swept out to see, and it is going to happen. Soon enough, there will be a great tide that comes and washes away all of these useful twats who should be mopping piss up in the bathroom of an elementary school instead of getting to take up a spot on this roster.”
Fade out.
It's a familiar shot of people crowding around various landmarks, people in crowds, taxis, stopping in blurs that go on down the streets...and goes down....and down.... what seems to be quite a gloomy and grimy alleyways deep in the middle of the night, a cold, dark place, a desolate, barren street that couldn't be any more different from the glitz and glamour of the London high streets the camera zooms down the alley and focuses on a sign.
WELCOME TO WHITE CHAPEL.
Realizing we're here in the most infamous streets in the world as if waiting for a cue, a shrill-pitched scream joining the choir of them from centuries past as if looking for the source, the camera zooms forward into the dark void as the sound gets louder and louder until the camera stops seemingly having located where the screams were coming from.
An old, dilapidated barber shop
But this time, the segment doesn't end; this time, the doors of the barber shop creek open with the groan of rusty springs; as the camera zooms into the inky dark of the barber shop, what follows looks like some kind of horror show, people in mouldy chairs screaming as a figure in the distance hack and slice their hair, ruining their locks and turning them into something that looks like they belong in an 80s punk rock music video.
The camera scans the old grimy walls of the barber shop to reveal various headshots of FWA Wrestlers Chris Peacock. Krash. Joe Burr. Each and every one of them has a big X slashed into them clearly by scissors.
"Ya, just in time..."
The camera twists around to reveal two dark and gothic-looking girls staring at the camera, both clearly twins, wearing the same dark outfits, their hair styled the same, and both wearing matching evil grins.
"...Your appointment is coming up."
A video package plays and the camera is shown to be following a figure walking in slow-motion in the backstage area on a black and white scene. A guitar slowly lowers into the shot being held by the man. Suddenly, one word is shouted loudly and appears on the screen…
“RISE!”
Rise by Sixx: A.M. begins to play over the top of footage of ‘Rockstar’ Randy Ramon as clips of him making various entrances throughout his FWA career are shown interspersed with him playing his guitar in promotional videos and backstage.
Narrator: “Randy Ramon is recognised as one of the greatest tag team competitors in the history of the FWA. A five-time FWA World Tag Team Champion, once with bitter rival Danny Toner, another with fellow FWA Hall of Famer Ayla El and three times with ‘The Golden One’ Devin Golden as part of Golden Rock.”
Ramon, alongside Devin Golden, is seen winning the Division Tag Team Classic tournament in 2020 and then entering feuds with the likes of TxR and The Gang Stars. The infamous Osos Locos reveal at Mile High 2021 is also shown.
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think that the tag team division in the FWA would be what it is today without Golden Rock. The amount of teams who were inspired by them and the competition that they helped create… Randy Ramon has to take a lot of credit for that.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Randy Ramon was a big pick for Fallout in the draft in 2021, and we didn’t mind that we weren’t getting Devin Golden as well, because we knew what Ramon on his own was capable of.”
Narrator: “Whilst his success as part of Golden Rock will go down in history, it is important to remember that he was able to enjoy considerable success in his own right; becoming the FWA World Champion by defeating both Chris Kennedy and Danny Toner on Fallout 007 in 2021.”
Ramon is seen winning the championship in that same match and celebrating, before shots of him with his allies and nemeses through the years are shown; Devin Golden, Danny Toner, Ayla El and Chris Peacock.
Chris Peacock: “Like it or not, I wouldn’t be here or achieved anything I have without Randy Ramon. He was the one that saw in me what I’d always seen in myself as a part of Ground Zero. Things weren’t always great between us, but I owe him that much.”
Danny Toner: “I have spent my entire career looking over my shoulder for Randy Ramon, and I probably always will. Always when you least expected it, that’s when that piece of shit would hit you with one of those Remixes.”
A quick collection of Remix Superkicks are shown with Ramon flooring countless opponents with his devastating finishing move.
“REEEEEEMMIIXXXXXXXXX!”
Narrator: “Therefore, please all rise for the newest inductee into the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.”
The video package ends with Ramon standing tall as the FWA World Champion in 2021 and then pumping his fist into the air.
‘ROCKSTAR’ RANDY RAMON
FWA HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2023
We return to Fallout to find two of the competitors for this match already in the ring, Jimmy Boom Boom and Kung-Fu Karl. They are warming up for the upcoming match as Karl performs some kicks to the held out arms of Jimmy Boom Boom.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, already in the ring, the tag team of Jimmy Boom Boom and Kung-Fu Karl… KUNG-FU BOOOOOOOM!”
Karl and Jimmy stop their warm ups to toss their arms in the air to a mild reaction from the fans.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I think we are about to be in for a real treat, Rod.”
Rod Sterling: “I’m really not sure we could go that far. But this match came about after our last episode of Meltdown’s Sesame Street Fight as both Kung-Fu Karl and… “Krash”... came to the aid of Jackson Fenix and Jeremy Best respectively.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”It would appear that Jackson Fenix’s associates are looking for a matter of revenge for their friend here tonight.”
The boos intensify in the Don Haskins Center as Jeremy Best walks out from the best, hand in hand with a man who is most certainly not Krash. At least not the Krash that FWA fans know and love. This man in a white mask featuring a prominent moustache drawn on the front skips out from the back, holding hands with Jeremy as they emerge.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And their opponents… “Your New Best Friend” Jeremy Best… and…….. “Krash”....., they are… THE FRIENDSHIP WRESTLING ALLIANCE!”
Rod Sterling: “Everytime I see Jeremy Best, the more disgusted I feel. I get these chills down my spine. And the addition of this masked… “Krash”... only makes it worse.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I mean, how certain are we that it’s not Krash under there? Have you seen this masked man and Krash in the same place at the same time?”
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think anyone needs to dignify that with a response. We’ve seen Krash and last time we saw him, he was in no shape to wrestle!”
Jeremy and “Krash” make their way down the aisle, with a slight frolick to their step. The smile on Jeremy’s face beams from ear to ear, as he appears to be about as happy as we’ve ever seen him. A smile that almost feels too big. Especially knowing the twisted truth about his happiness.
The duo climb into the ring and look ready for the challenge that awaited them.
Surprisingly it is Al Blizzard who kicks things off with a fast-paced piece of offence as he rushes towards Katsu and catches her with a Running Knee Strike to the midsection! Katsu doubles over and Al sledges her in the back to knock her down to the mat. It is clear that Al is in no mood for games after Jason came back into his life and he plucks Katsu from the mat and places her in a seated position on the top turnbuckle in the corner.
Al looks to strike her with a forearm, but Katsu blocks it with her left boot and then kicks Al in the face with the underside of her right. This creates separation and allows Katsu to leap from the second rope and she gets her legs around Al’s head and looks to snap him off with a Diving Hurricanrana, but Al stand strong and prevents her from doing so. Katsu sits up on Al’s shoulders and lays into him with some elbow strikes and this causes her to fall down on top of Al in a Seated Senton and the two drop down to the mat.
Rod Sterling: “Neither competitor is wasting any time here, Anzu! Both have points to prove and it shows with how they’re approaching this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Being hounded by a figure from your past is enough to make anyone get worked up, so I think a lot of this is these two trying to work out some of that frustration they’re feeling with current rivals.”
Both Al and Katsu get to their feet at the same time and Katsu looks to catch Al with a Roundhouse Kick to the ribs, but Al catches her foot and traps it and he then lifts her up into the air and places her back on his shoulders in a seated position and drives her into the mat with a Sit Out Powerbomb! Al opts to not go for a cover and instead checks his mouth for any signs of blood after the strikes to the face he received from Katsu, and then he picks her up from the mat and places her in the corner again in order to follow up.
<< 3:16 >>
Al Blizzard has maintained his control of the match from the opening exchanges after the Powerbomb and he is seen driving Katsu into the mat with a Samoan Drop! Al presses her shoulders down onto the mat and the referee - Gracelynn Guerrero - makes the count!
ONE… TWO-NO!!
Rod Sterling: “Some impressive resilience from Katsu there, Anzu. Al Blizzard knows how to pack a punch and she has got to make sure she can get back into this one before it is too late and Al picks up a victory over a former FWA Television Champion.”
It seems that ‘The Perfect Storm’ is content with the damage performed to Katsu as he hooks Katsu’s arms up and looks for VERTIGO - BUT KATSU DOES COUNTER THIS ONE INTO A HURRICANRANA! After escaping the Tiger Driver, Katsu sees that Blizzard has been snapped off towards the ropes and he kneels over the second rope, so she quickly runs the opposite ropes and connects with THE SAKURA KICK!
There’s a big response from the crowd as Blizzard slumps down onto his back away from the ropes and Katsu wastes no time at all in running along the apron and up onto the top rope where she stands with her back facing the ring, but she pauses just before she takes flight as someone has walked out onto the stage!
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s El Vengador! He’s out here to scout his Back in Business opponent, most likely, but I think his appearance is not at a great time for Katsu…”
Katsu points at El Vengador who stands on the stage and makes no advances towards the ring and she motions for him to leave, and this proves costly for her as she fails to notice that Al Blizzard is back to his feet and he shoves her from the top rope and she falls down to the floor, taking a nasty bump on the ring apron as she does so! El Vengador seems mildly amused by this as Blizzard goes to follow up…
<< 5:48 >>
After getting the better of Blizzard after being thrown around at ringside and bumped off of a lot of the environment, Katsu seems to have moved past the initial appearance of El Vengador as she has Blizzard where she wants him, which is on his knees in the middle of the ring and she knocks him flat down onto the mat with a Roundhouse Kick! Katsu falls down on top of her opponent and lifts one of his legs up for a pin attempt;
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
Blizzard powerfully kicks out and Katsu is sent a couple of feet away due to how hard she was pushed away by Blizzard. Both get to their feet and Katsu charges at Blizzard and gets caught with a Big Boot right to the face which sends her crumbling down to the mat, to El Vengador’s applause.
Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure Al Blizzard was setting out to impress El Vengador, but he’s done it anyway with that move!”
There is an air of anticipation in the Don Haskins Center as the big man Blizzard heads towards the corner and dips through the ropes to climb up onto the turnbuckle himself. The sight of a 6’6 giant standing up there is daunting enough but even worse for Katsu as Blizzard takes flight and takes Katsu down with a Diving Clothesline from the top rope! The big man rolls through and gets back to his feet and then makes a spinning motion with his hand!
Rod Sterling: “I think that this could be the beginning of the end for Katsu; El Vengador’s presence may have piled on the pressure a bit too much!”
Blizzard easily plucks his smaller opponent from the mat and he hoists her up onto his shoulders effortlessly and looks like he is about to hit Katsu with the AL CUTTER - but he stops…
Al Blizzard freezes in place as someone else walks out onto the stage and stands on the opposite side to it than El Vengador and to no one’s surprise, it is Jason Quinn. Al drops Katsu to the mat and then walks over to the ropes and shouts for his brother to get out of there. Without saying anything in return, Quinn pulls out a large placard and raises it up in the air. It is a picture of two parents holding a child, with the father’s face scratched out.
Rod Sterling: “Oh no… that’s Al Blizzard’s family! His wife and son… Jason scratched Al’s face out of the family picture…”
Unsurprisingly, Al is incensed by this and he goes to exit the ring to pursue Quinn… but KATSU STRIKES WITH ANOTHER SAKURA KICK! It catches Al in the midsection, and Katsu then slingshots herself over the top rope onto Al’s shoulders and transitions into a Triangle Choke! THE SPIRIT DRAIN IS LOCKED IN! Al struggles in the hold for a few seconds, but then has no choice but to tap out!
Winner: Katsu by submission at 7:56
Tapping out as quickly as he did allows Al to still have enough awareness to leave the ring as soon as Katsu released him and he storms up the ramp in pursuit of Jason Quinn! Quinn senses the danger and drops the picture and runs towards the back.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here is your winner… KATSUUUUUU!!"
In the ring, Katsu slowly nods her head and has her arm raised in victory. She then looks up at the stage and sees El Vengador, who offers no response before he turns his back on her and leaves the stage also, just as Al Blizzard arrives on it and picks up the photo dropped by Quinn.
Rod Sterling: “An important win for Katsu on the path to Back in Business, Anzu, and I wonder what El Vengador will make of that one?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Definitely a step in the right direction for Katsu, but I do feel for Al Blizzard… Jason Quinn brought his family into this. Obviously I’m sure he will be disappointed about the result tonight, but some things are more important than wins or losses.”
Blizzard is shown looking down at the photo, mainly his removed face, with anger in his eyes and he scrunches it up before heading to the back to follow Quinn. Katsu is up on the middle turnbuckle holding the back of her head and then pumping her fist.
The camera is backstage once again, placed right in the same spot right in front of Jon Russnow’s office. Todd Salum is also still standing in the same place that Johnny left him at when he walked into the office. Just then we see Johnny Johnson open the door and emerge from Russnow’s office. As he opens the door he is shocked to see Todd and the camera still in the same place they were when he went into the office. He looks at Todd with a little concern on his face.
Johnny Johnson: ”You really waited out here this entire time and didn’t move didn’t you?”
Todd then looks at Johnny with a little confusion on his face.
Todd Salum: ”Of course, why would I leave when I can scoop like why you are here and talking to Jon Russnow?”
Johnny then thinks about it for a second and then shakes his head.
Johnny Johnson: ”Fair enough. I can see why me being here is probably the biggest news scoop you had since probably the debut of The Legend. So, what now? I’m going to assume you want me to spill the beans and tell you why exactly I’m here today?”
Todd then gets an excited grin on his face as he can only assume that Johnny is about to give him what he so patiently waited for, standing outside of the door to Jon Russnow’s office.
Todd: Oh, absolutely. If I could just get even a small snippet on why exactly The Legend has entered the halls of FWA it would be awesome.
Johnny Johnson: ”Alright chump, listen up. Time is money, and I don’t have the urge to waste either. I’m sure you saw me and came running to me to see just who The Legend is going to challenge at Back in Business. Is that a safe assumption?
Todd just nods his head in agreement.
JohnnyJohnson: ”The fact is though, I’m a businessman, slappy. My days of wrestling in a FWA ring are over. I have zero interest in putting my body through pain and suffering for any of these FWA fans that are beneath me. Let alone put myself through the hell that was the absolute torture that Russnow put The Legend through, only to make sure to show case every other loser above me. To put it in simple terms, my wrestling contract isn’t with FWA now, and never will be in the future. My fans know where I’m at, and NGW has my in-ring talents locked down tighter than Fort Knox.”
Todd Salum: ”Then….I just don’t understand.”
Johnny just lets out a chuckle at Todd’s response.
Johnny Johnson: ” I’m not surprised by that reaction. But you see Todd, like I said I’m a businessman. The little time I spent in FWA I saw things that needed to be changed. I saw how things were run. I saw how simple it was for someone to stick their nose straight up Russnow’s ass and earn themselves a title shot. The time has come for all of that to change. The idiotic fans might not like the fact that The Legend has returned. They might decide that the best thing for them to do is to boo me. The reality is though, I’ve returned to FWA for them. If they were intelligent enough they’d realize I’m somewhat of a savior for them.”
“Todd, the time has come for all of the wasteful talent in this company to be swept out to see, and it is going to happen. Soon enough, there will be a great tide that comes and washes away all of these useful twats who should be mopping piss up in the bathroom of an elementary school instead of getting to take up a spot on this roster.”
Fade out.
It's a familiar shot of people crowding around various landmarks, people in crowds, taxis, stopping in blurs that go on down the streets...and goes down....and down.... what seems to be quite a gloomy and grimy alleyways deep in the middle of the night, a cold, dark place, a desolate, barren street that couldn't be any more different from the glitz and glamour of the London high streets the camera zooms down the alley and focuses on a sign.
WELCOME TO WHITE CHAPEL.
Realizing we're here in the most infamous streets in the world as if waiting for a cue, a shrill-pitched scream joining the choir of them from centuries past as if looking for the source, the camera zooms forward into the dark void as the sound gets louder and louder until the camera stops seemingly having located where the screams were coming from.
An old, dilapidated barber shop
But this time, the segment doesn't end; this time, the doors of the barber shop creek open with the groan of rusty springs; as the camera zooms into the inky dark of the barber shop, what follows looks like some kind of horror show, people in mouldy chairs screaming as a figure in the distance hack and slice their hair, ruining their locks and turning them into something that looks like they belong in an 80s punk rock music video.
The camera scans the old grimy walls of the barber shop to reveal various headshots of FWA Wrestlers Chris Peacock. Krash. Joe Burr. Each and every one of them has a big X slashed into them clearly by scissors.
"Ya, just in time..."
The camera twists around to reveal two dark and gothic-looking girls staring at the camera, both clearly twins, wearing the same dark outfits, their hair styled the same, and both wearing matching evil grins.
"...Your appointment is coming up."
A video package plays and the camera is shown to be following a figure walking in slow-motion in the backstage area on a black and white scene. A guitar slowly lowers into the shot being held by the man. Suddenly, one word is shouted loudly and appears on the screen…
“RISE!”
Rise by Sixx: A.M. begins to play over the top of footage of ‘Rockstar’ Randy Ramon as clips of him making various entrances throughout his FWA career are shown interspersed with him playing his guitar in promotional videos and backstage.
Narrator: “Randy Ramon is recognised as one of the greatest tag team competitors in the history of the FWA. A five-time FWA World Tag Team Champion, once with bitter rival Danny Toner, another with fellow FWA Hall of Famer Ayla El and three times with ‘The Golden One’ Devin Golden as part of Golden Rock.”
Ramon, alongside Devin Golden, is seen winning the Division Tag Team Classic tournament in 2020 and then entering feuds with the likes of TxR and The Gang Stars. The infamous Osos Locos reveal at Mile High 2021 is also shown.
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think that the tag team division in the FWA would be what it is today without Golden Rock. The amount of teams who were inspired by them and the competition that they helped create… Randy Ramon has to take a lot of credit for that.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Randy Ramon was a big pick for Fallout in the draft in 2021, and we didn’t mind that we weren’t getting Devin Golden as well, because we knew what Ramon on his own was capable of.”
Narrator: “Whilst his success as part of Golden Rock will go down in history, it is important to remember that he was able to enjoy considerable success in his own right; becoming the FWA World Champion by defeating both Chris Kennedy and Danny Toner on Fallout 007 in 2021.”
Ramon is seen winning the championship in that same match and celebrating, before shots of him with his allies and nemeses through the years are shown; Devin Golden, Danny Toner, Ayla El and Chris Peacock.
Chris Peacock: “Like it or not, I wouldn’t be here or achieved anything I have without Randy Ramon. He was the one that saw in me what I’d always seen in myself as a part of Ground Zero. Things weren’t always great between us, but I owe him that much.”
Danny Toner: “I have spent my entire career looking over my shoulder for Randy Ramon, and I probably always will. Always when you least expected it, that’s when that piece of shit would hit you with one of those Remixes.”
A quick collection of Remix Superkicks are shown with Ramon flooring countless opponents with his devastating finishing move.
“REEEEEEMMIIXXXXXXXXX!”
Narrator: “Therefore, please all rise for the newest inductee into the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.”
The video package ends with Ramon standing tall as the FWA World Champion in 2021 and then pumping his fist into the air.
‘ROCKSTAR’ RANDY RAMON
FWA HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2023
We return to Fallout to find two of the competitors for this match already in the ring, Jimmy Boom Boom and Kung-Fu Karl. They are warming up for the upcoming match as Karl performs some kicks to the held out arms of Jimmy Boom Boom.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, already in the ring, the tag team of Jimmy Boom Boom and Kung-Fu Karl… KUNG-FU BOOOOOOOM!”
Karl and Jimmy stop their warm ups to toss their arms in the air to a mild reaction from the fans.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I think we are about to be in for a real treat, Rod.”
Rod Sterling: “I’m really not sure we could go that far. But this match came about after our last episode of Meltdown’s Sesame Street Fight as both Kung-Fu Karl and… “Krash”... came to the aid of Jackson Fenix and Jeremy Best respectively.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”It would appear that Jackson Fenix’s associates are looking for a matter of revenge for their friend here tonight.”
The boos intensify in the Don Haskins Center as Jeremy Best walks out from the best, hand in hand with a man who is most certainly not Krash. At least not the Krash that FWA fans know and love. This man in a white mask featuring a prominent moustache drawn on the front skips out from the back, holding hands with Jeremy as they emerge.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And their opponents… “Your New Best Friend” Jeremy Best… and…….. “Krash”....., they are… THE FRIENDSHIP WRESTLING ALLIANCE!”
Rod Sterling: “Everytime I see Jeremy Best, the more disgusted I feel. I get these chills down my spine. And the addition of this masked… “Krash”... only makes it worse.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I mean, how certain are we that it’s not Krash under there? Have you seen this masked man and Krash in the same place at the same time?”
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think anyone needs to dignify that with a response. We’ve seen Krash and last time we saw him, he was in no shape to wrestle!”
Jeremy and “Krash” make their way down the aisle, with a slight frolick to their step. The smile on Jeremy’s face beams from ear to ear, as he appears to be about as happy as we’ve ever seen him. A smile that almost feels too big. Especially knowing the twisted truth about his happiness.
The duo climb into the ring and look ready for the challenge that awaited them.
<< 00:00 >>
The match gets underway with Jeremy Best agreeing with “Krash” that he should start things off. The masked moustache seemed to whole-heartedly agree and Jeremy quickly got things going with Kung-Fu Karl by asking for a handshake. Karl looks back at Jimmy Boom Boom, who simply shrugs and Karl accepts the handshake, and is quickly taken down by an enziguri from Jeremy!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I can’t believe Jackson Fenix didn’t warn him about that!”
Karl rolls back to his feet but immediately gets his by a shotgun dropkick sending him backwards into his own corner where Jimmy decides to tag himself in! Jimmy charges in into an arm drag take down from Jeremy! Jimmy gets right back to his feet only to have Jeremy hit him with a spinkick to the midsection before Best rushes to the ropes and comes back with a tiltawhirl DDT to lay out Boom Boom!
Jeremy kips up to his feet and plays to the crowd, though they are loudly booing him before he points to Krash. “Are ya’ll ready for this?!”
The crowd simply boos more.
“Come on Krashy! It’s time!”
Jeremy walks over and tags in “Krash!”
Rod Sterling: “I think the lights are on but no one is home for Jeremy Best. He truly thinks these people love him and are buying this farce.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Shh, Rod - we’re witnessing Krash back in the ring for the first time in nearly a year!”
The masked man steps into the ring, appearing quite nervous as he does. He looks up to Jeremy, who offers him some reassurance. Best steps out of the ring as “Krash” grabs Jimmy Boom Boom and begins to pull him up…
SMALL PACKAGE FROM JIMMY!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO! Jeremy breaks it up!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Wow! That was nearly a huge upset! Jimmy Boom Boom almost picked up the pin on Krash!”
Jeremy swiftly lays Jimmy back out with a superkick and then turns to “Krash” and once again seems to be offering him some reassurance. Jeremy steps back out of the ring as “Krash” puts some weak boots to the back of Jimmy as he struggles to try and make his way to get the tag to Karl. The imposter intercepts the tag attempt, pulling Jimmy up and locks in a waistlock to Boom Boom.
The masked man seems to be attempting a German Suplex, but he’s unable to lift Jimmy up and Boom Boom manages to break free with a trio of back elbows. Jimmy then takes “Krash” by the arm and sends him into the ropes, running to the opposite ropes himself…
DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Both “Krash” and Boom Boom are down!
Rod Sterling: “I feel like we should apologize to the fans for this… it’s bad enough they are subjected to Ratin and Steve every week…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’m sure it’s just some ring rust for Krash here… give him some time, Rod.”
Jimmy and “Krash” both make the long crawl over and each grab the tag to their respective partners! Kung-Fu Karl rushes in and tries a roundhouse kick, but Jeremy ducks it and responds with a standing hurricanrana to take Karl down! Karl sits back up on his knees and Jeremy unleashes Friendly Fire to Karl!
Jimmy Boom Boom rushes in to help his friend, but Jeremy lifts him up onto his shoulders…
BFF!
Jeremy then pulls Karl back up to his feet…
BFF to Karl as well!
Jeremy walks back to the corner and tags “Krash” back in, instructing him to finish them off! The masked man nods before he very awkwardly climbs the turnbuckles, with Jeremy holding his arm to help him keep his balance on the way up…
DAYBREAKER DIVING ELBOW DROP to Karl!
“Krash” with the pin!
One! Two! Three!
An excited Jeremy helps his masked friend to his feet and embraces him with a big hug.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners… The Friendship Wrestling Alliance!”
Jeremy jumps up and down with excitement, and is quickly joined by “Krash” who also shows his own elation as he also joins hands with Jeremy, jumping up and down as the disgusted Texas crowd boos.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”What a debut for the Friendship Wrestling Alliance!”
Rod Sterling: “You’d think these two just won the Tag Team Titles with this type of celebration.
Jeremy stops the in-ring prancing to walk over to Katie-Lynn and asks politely for the microphone which she does hand to him, much to the disdain of the fans.
Jeremy Best: ”Oh my goodness, what a match! What a night! That was so amazing! Thank you all so much! If Krash wasn’t still getting over his anxiety that his mask is definitely helping out a lot with, he’d definitely want to thank you all so much for coming out tonight to support his big return to the ring!”
The masked “Krash” nods his head in affirmation.
Jeremy Best: ”And this… this is only the beginning for the Friendship Wrestling Alliance! Me and my best friend Krash… together… we are… UNSTOPPABLE! We’ve already taken out one formidable team within the great FWA tag team division… and we ain’t stopping here!”
Rod Sterling: “Formidable?”
Jeremy Best: ”We’re issuing an OPEN CHALLENGE to ANY TEAM.. ANY TEAM that thinks they have a closer bond than me and my pal Krash… at BACK IN BUSINESS! We’ll take them on! What team go together better than Krash and Jeremy? Certainly not Jackson and Nate. Certainly not Michelle and Gerald. Certainly not Reagan and Jeffry.”
Krash’s enthusiastic nodding slowed down with the mention of some of the other teams in FWA.
Jeremy Best: ”Heck! Why wait til Back in Business? We’ll do it next Meltdown too! Another open challenge! TO ANY team at all! Whattaya say? Let’s make next Meltdown not just a great day… the BEST DAY!”
Jeremy pulls “Krash” in for another celebratory hug before handing the microphone back to Katie-Lynn. The two leave together as “Life is a Happy Song” plays once again.
Rod Sterling: “Well the challenge has been laid down… for both next Meltdown and apparently also at Back in Business… I’m sure there’s a few names out there that might be signing up for this…”
YOU WANT BLENDERS? WELL, WE GOT ‘EM!
After the blender commercial, the Friendship Wrestling Alliance of Jeremy Best and “Krash” are shown walking down the hallway after their match, with Jeremy excitedly recounting their match against Kung Fu Boom.
Jeremy Best: “Krash, you were amazing out there! Who would have thought it had been so long since you last competed? That Daybreaker was one of your Best! Get it?”
Jeremy continues to smile and look at “Krash”, but “Krash” stops in his tracks as he sees something further down the corridor. Jeremy is unaware of this and turns around to check why “Krash” has stopped.
Jeremy Best: “What is it, buddy? You didn’t like the joke? I said it was your ‘BEST’ Daybreaker… you know, because of my name? Ah, it was kind of silly I suppose!”
???: “I personally found that hilarious.”
Jeremy jumps as he hears a voice behind him and turns around to see that it belonged to Chris Peacock, who has both of his championships over both shoulders. Jeremy then almost jumps out of his skin when Alyster Black also arrives on the scene with his newly-won FWA World Tag Team Championship over his left shoulder.
Chris Peacock: “What about you, Aly?”
Alyster Black: “Hi, Jeremy… “Krash”. It’s been a while.”
“Krash” does not move or give off any sort of response, and Jeremy awkwardly laughs.
Jeremy Best: “Hey there, fellas! W-what brings you here to see us? Oh, congratulations on your big win earlier tonight! Who knows, maybe my good friend Krash and I will be challenging you for those titles before too long!”
Alyster Black: “That’s what we’ve come to see you about actually, Jeremy. You laid out that challenge for the next Meltdown… and we want to take you up on it! What do you say?”
There is a moment where Jeremy’s face drops, but he quickly picks it up but as he goes to respond, Peacock cuts in.
Chris Peacock: “We will even put the FWA World Tag Team Championships up. That’s got to sweeten the deal, surely? Who’d pass up on THAT?”
Peacock and Black look at each other and laugh to themselves and Jeremy starts laughing as well. “Krash” even affords himself a little chuckle.
Jeremy Best: “Well, that’s mighty generous of you both and OF COURSE me and Krash would be happy to accept your challenge! We better get to starting our preparations because we’re gonna hit you with our best shot! Maybe afterwards, people will say that I’m Krash’s greatest tag team partner! Come along, buddy!”
Jeremy brushes past Black and Peacock with an excited look on his face and “Krash” awkwardly waddles after him. Alyster Black unclenches his fist, with that last comment annoying him.
Alyster Black: “I appreciate you doing this for me, Chrissy.”
Chris Peacock: “Didn’t even need to ask. Same as earlier on.”
Alyster Black: “You’re probably going to have to fight him now, you know?”
Chris Peacock: “Well, if I do, I do. It’ll be pop goes the-”
Alyster Black: “Don’t say it… don’t fucking say it.”
Peacock bows his head and FTN bump fists before walking away from the scene, with celebrations in order.
Staying backstage, there is a group huddle taking place between the down on their luck trio of Steve the Techno Vampire, Ratin Mikichin and Greg, with the camera underneath them all looking up at their faces.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “Vhy are we standing like this?”
Greg wipes a tear from his eye and loudly snorts, trying to hide the fact that he is crying.
Greg: “I’m Greg, and I’m feeling emotional tonight. You two didn’t even get booked this week and the Back in Business main event… isn’t going to happen.”
Steve and Ratin look at each other with pensive looks on their faces. It seems that deep down they both knew that it was a pipe dream, but are still disappointed nonetheless. They break the huddle and Steve puts an arm around Greg’s shoulders.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “You tried your best for us, Greg. There vas only so much you could have done. Hopefully ve vill still get on the card and get the match we have vorked so hard for.”
Ratin Mikichin: “There is something that Ratin wants to know. It has been bothering me for a while, actually…”
Breaking away from Greg and Steve, Ratin turns around and looks at the other person in the store cupboard that the group have taken to be their personal locker room; The Higher Power. The robed figure stands in the corner, hood down, simply watching.
Ratin Mikichin: “Mr. Higher Power, we have heard so much about your vision, but know so little about what it actually is. Why don’t you help Ratin and Steve get our match?”
Steve the Techno Vampire: “You know vhat? He’s right. Ve’re supposed to believe every vord you say but vhat have you actually done to help us?”
There is a clear air of frustration from the two enemies-turned-sort-of-allies and together they approach The Higher Power, who does not move an inch from their position.
Greg: “Guys, you shouldn’t question-”
The Higher Power: “It’s okay, Greg. I understand the clear air of frustration from these two enemies-turned-sort-of-allies and why they have approached me. I am not above the question.
Why have I not helped? It is because I believed the three of you to be capable enough to see out my vision. To assist me in my quest for what I - what we all - truly desire. Now I see that I must have a more direct hand as perhaps I made an error in judgement.
So, I will take it upon myself to get you both your match, Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire. Then, you will have no reasons left to doubt me.”
With that, The Higher Power makes a parting motion with their hands and they walk through the gap left by Ratin and Steve and leave thestore cupboard locker room. Both Ratin and Steve look at each other again and seem unsure of the situation they find themselves in.
Backstage correspondent Katie Baxter has managed to catch up with Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage of The Undisputed Alliance. Jackson and Nate are walking out of the medical area when Katie approaches them.
Katie Baxter: ”Jackson, Nate, is there an update on the condition of Kung-Fu Karl and Jimmy Boom Boom after what the Friendship Wrestling Alliance did to them?”
Nate Savage: ”You know, I’ll be grateful when we don’t have to worry about what that delusional freak does. I thought all of this was over after the Sesame Street fight, but I guess I thought wrong.”
Nate is clearly aggravated and Jackson does his best to calm his friend down.
Jackson Fenix: ”What Nate means is that Karl and Jimmy will be okay. They should be good to go in no time. As for Jeremy, well, I would like to think that it’s all behind me…behind us…but it’s not. I know that the Sesame Street fight did not go my way, and I would’ve liked nothing more than to have put an end to it but even if I had won, I don’t think it would be over. Jeremy and I will meet again in the ring, possibly with our respective tag partners at our side, I can’t tell you when but I know it’ll happen because this isn’t over. This will never be over…”
Katie Baxter: ”Well, there was some good to come out of the Sesame Street fight. I hear that things between you and your former arch-nemesis Big Bird have smoothed over, is that correct?”
Jackson Fenix: ”Heh, that’s right, Katie. You know usually the mention of that name would strike fear in me, but now, not so much. Big Bird and I have patched things up, and we’re on good terms now. I know he took a bad spill at the hands of Jeremy, but I want everyone to know that he’s okay. He was more hurt by the fact of what Jeremy did to him and what Jeremy has become…”
Nate Savage: ”Jack, can we please stop giving that guy the time of day? Please, just this once can we not talk about that jerk or his fat idiot friend. The only good person with the last name Baxter is Katie.”
Katie seems flattered by the compliment.
Katie Baxter: ”Well, thank you Nate.”
Jackson Fenix: ”Sorry Nate, I’ll do my best to put that behind us for now. I have to do that.”
Just then a stagehand walks up to Nate and Jackson and hands them an envelope. The stagehand quickly scampers off while Nate and Jackson examine the envelope. All that is on the bright pink envelope is their names, and they rip open the envelope to find a flamboyant looking letter, very stylish and extravagant.
The match gets underway with Jeremy Best agreeing with “Krash” that he should start things off. The masked moustache seemed to whole-heartedly agree and Jeremy quickly got things going with Kung-Fu Karl by asking for a handshake. Karl looks back at Jimmy Boom Boom, who simply shrugs and Karl accepts the handshake, and is quickly taken down by an enziguri from Jeremy!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I can’t believe Jackson Fenix didn’t warn him about that!”
Karl rolls back to his feet but immediately gets his by a shotgun dropkick sending him backwards into his own corner where Jimmy decides to tag himself in! Jimmy charges in into an arm drag take down from Jeremy! Jimmy gets right back to his feet only to have Jeremy hit him with a spinkick to the midsection before Best rushes to the ropes and comes back with a tiltawhirl DDT to lay out Boom Boom!
Jeremy kips up to his feet and plays to the crowd, though they are loudly booing him before he points to Krash. “Are ya’ll ready for this?!”
The crowd simply boos more.
“Come on Krashy! It’s time!”
Jeremy walks over and tags in “Krash!”
Rod Sterling: “I think the lights are on but no one is home for Jeremy Best. He truly thinks these people love him and are buying this farce.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Shh, Rod - we’re witnessing Krash back in the ring for the first time in nearly a year!”
The masked man steps into the ring, appearing quite nervous as he does. He looks up to Jeremy, who offers him some reassurance. Best steps out of the ring as “Krash” grabs Jimmy Boom Boom and begins to pull him up…
SMALL PACKAGE FROM JIMMY!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO! Jeremy breaks it up!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Wow! That was nearly a huge upset! Jimmy Boom Boom almost picked up the pin on Krash!”
Jeremy swiftly lays Jimmy back out with a superkick and then turns to “Krash” and once again seems to be offering him some reassurance. Jeremy steps back out of the ring as “Krash” puts some weak boots to the back of Jimmy as he struggles to try and make his way to get the tag to Karl. The imposter intercepts the tag attempt, pulling Jimmy up and locks in a waistlock to Boom Boom.
The masked man seems to be attempting a German Suplex, but he’s unable to lift Jimmy up and Boom Boom manages to break free with a trio of back elbows. Jimmy then takes “Krash” by the arm and sends him into the ropes, running to the opposite ropes himself…
DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Both “Krash” and Boom Boom are down!
Rod Sterling: “I feel like we should apologize to the fans for this… it’s bad enough they are subjected to Ratin and Steve every week…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’m sure it’s just some ring rust for Krash here… give him some time, Rod.”
Jimmy and “Krash” both make the long crawl over and each grab the tag to their respective partners! Kung-Fu Karl rushes in and tries a roundhouse kick, but Jeremy ducks it and responds with a standing hurricanrana to take Karl down! Karl sits back up on his knees and Jeremy unleashes Friendly Fire to Karl!
Jimmy Boom Boom rushes in to help his friend, but Jeremy lifts him up onto his shoulders…
BFF!
Jeremy then pulls Karl back up to his feet…
BFF to Karl as well!
Jeremy walks back to the corner and tags “Krash” back in, instructing him to finish them off! The masked man nods before he very awkwardly climbs the turnbuckles, with Jeremy holding his arm to help him keep his balance on the way up…
DAYBREAKER DIVING ELBOW DROP to Karl!
“Krash” with the pin!
One! Two! Three!
Winner: The Friendship Wrestling Alliance by pinfall at 4:22
An excited Jeremy helps his masked friend to his feet and embraces him with a big hug.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners… The Friendship Wrestling Alliance!”
Jeremy jumps up and down with excitement, and is quickly joined by “Krash” who also shows his own elation as he also joins hands with Jeremy, jumping up and down as the disgusted Texas crowd boos.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”What a debut for the Friendship Wrestling Alliance!”
Rod Sterling: “You’d think these two just won the Tag Team Titles with this type of celebration.
Jeremy stops the in-ring prancing to walk over to Katie-Lynn and asks politely for the microphone which she does hand to him, much to the disdain of the fans.
Jeremy Best: ”Oh my goodness, what a match! What a night! That was so amazing! Thank you all so much! If Krash wasn’t still getting over his anxiety that his mask is definitely helping out a lot with, he’d definitely want to thank you all so much for coming out tonight to support his big return to the ring!”
The masked “Krash” nods his head in affirmation.
Jeremy Best: ”And this… this is only the beginning for the Friendship Wrestling Alliance! Me and my best friend Krash… together… we are… UNSTOPPABLE! We’ve already taken out one formidable team within the great FWA tag team division… and we ain’t stopping here!”
Rod Sterling: “Formidable?”
Jeremy Best: ”We’re issuing an OPEN CHALLENGE to ANY TEAM.. ANY TEAM that thinks they have a closer bond than me and my pal Krash… at BACK IN BUSINESS! We’ll take them on! What team go together better than Krash and Jeremy? Certainly not Jackson and Nate. Certainly not Michelle and Gerald. Certainly not Reagan and Jeffry.”
Krash’s enthusiastic nodding slowed down with the mention of some of the other teams in FWA.
Jeremy Best: ”Heck! Why wait til Back in Business? We’ll do it next Meltdown too! Another open challenge! TO ANY team at all! Whattaya say? Let’s make next Meltdown not just a great day… the BEST DAY!”
Jeremy pulls “Krash” in for another celebratory hug before handing the microphone back to Katie-Lynn. The two leave together as “Life is a Happy Song” plays once again.
Rod Sterling: “Well the challenge has been laid down… for both next Meltdown and apparently also at Back in Business… I’m sure there’s a few names out there that might be signing up for this…”
YOU WANT BLENDERS? WELL, WE GOT ‘EM!
After the blender commercial, the Friendship Wrestling Alliance of Jeremy Best and “Krash” are shown walking down the hallway after their match, with Jeremy excitedly recounting their match against Kung Fu Boom.
Jeremy Best: “Krash, you were amazing out there! Who would have thought it had been so long since you last competed? That Daybreaker was one of your Best! Get it?”
Jeremy continues to smile and look at “Krash”, but “Krash” stops in his tracks as he sees something further down the corridor. Jeremy is unaware of this and turns around to check why “Krash” has stopped.
Jeremy Best: “What is it, buddy? You didn’t like the joke? I said it was your ‘BEST’ Daybreaker… you know, because of my name? Ah, it was kind of silly I suppose!”
???: “I personally found that hilarious.”
Jeremy jumps as he hears a voice behind him and turns around to see that it belonged to Chris Peacock, who has both of his championships over both shoulders. Jeremy then almost jumps out of his skin when Alyster Black also arrives on the scene with his newly-won FWA World Tag Team Championship over his left shoulder.
Chris Peacock: “What about you, Aly?”
Alyster Black: “Hi, Jeremy… “Krash”. It’s been a while.”
“Krash” does not move or give off any sort of response, and Jeremy awkwardly laughs.
Jeremy Best: “Hey there, fellas! W-what brings you here to see us? Oh, congratulations on your big win earlier tonight! Who knows, maybe my good friend Krash and I will be challenging you for those titles before too long!”
Alyster Black: “That’s what we’ve come to see you about actually, Jeremy. You laid out that challenge for the next Meltdown… and we want to take you up on it! What do you say?”
There is a moment where Jeremy’s face drops, but he quickly picks it up but as he goes to respond, Peacock cuts in.
Chris Peacock: “We will even put the FWA World Tag Team Championships up. That’s got to sweeten the deal, surely? Who’d pass up on THAT?”
Peacock and Black look at each other and laugh to themselves and Jeremy starts laughing as well. “Krash” even affords himself a little chuckle.
Jeremy Best: “Well, that’s mighty generous of you both and OF COURSE me and Krash would be happy to accept your challenge! We better get to starting our preparations because we’re gonna hit you with our best shot! Maybe afterwards, people will say that I’m Krash’s greatest tag team partner! Come along, buddy!”
Jeremy brushes past Black and Peacock with an excited look on his face and “Krash” awkwardly waddles after him. Alyster Black unclenches his fist, with that last comment annoying him.
Alyster Black: “I appreciate you doing this for me, Chrissy.”
Chris Peacock: “Didn’t even need to ask. Same as earlier on.”
Alyster Black: “You’re probably going to have to fight him now, you know?”
Chris Peacock: “Well, if I do, I do. It’ll be pop goes the-”
Alyster Black: “Don’t say it… don’t fucking say it.”
Peacock bows his head and FTN bump fists before walking away from the scene, with celebrations in order.
Staying backstage, there is a group huddle taking place between the down on their luck trio of Steve the Techno Vampire, Ratin Mikichin and Greg, with the camera underneath them all looking up at their faces.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “Vhy are we standing like this?”
Greg wipes a tear from his eye and loudly snorts, trying to hide the fact that he is crying.
Greg: “I’m Greg, and I’m feeling emotional tonight. You two didn’t even get booked this week and the Back in Business main event… isn’t going to happen.”
Steve and Ratin look at each other with pensive looks on their faces. It seems that deep down they both knew that it was a pipe dream, but are still disappointed nonetheless. They break the huddle and Steve puts an arm around Greg’s shoulders.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “You tried your best for us, Greg. There vas only so much you could have done. Hopefully ve vill still get on the card and get the match we have vorked so hard for.”
Ratin Mikichin: “There is something that Ratin wants to know. It has been bothering me for a while, actually…”
Breaking away from Greg and Steve, Ratin turns around and looks at the other person in the store cupboard that the group have taken to be their personal locker room; The Higher Power. The robed figure stands in the corner, hood down, simply watching.
Ratin Mikichin: “Mr. Higher Power, we have heard so much about your vision, but know so little about what it actually is. Why don’t you help Ratin and Steve get our match?”
Steve the Techno Vampire: “You know vhat? He’s right. Ve’re supposed to believe every vord you say but vhat have you actually done to help us?”
There is a clear air of frustration from the two enemies-turned-sort-of-allies and together they approach The Higher Power, who does not move an inch from their position.
Greg: “Guys, you shouldn’t question-”
The Higher Power: “It’s okay, Greg. I understand the clear air of frustration from these two enemies-turned-sort-of-allies and why they have approached me. I am not above the question.
Why have I not helped? It is because I believed the three of you to be capable enough to see out my vision. To assist me in my quest for what I - what we all - truly desire. Now I see that I must have a more direct hand as perhaps I made an error in judgement.
So, I will take it upon myself to get you both your match, Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire. Then, you will have no reasons left to doubt me.”
With that, The Higher Power makes a parting motion with their hands and they walk through the gap left by Ratin and Steve and leave the
Backstage correspondent Katie Baxter has managed to catch up with Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage of The Undisputed Alliance. Jackson and Nate are walking out of the medical area when Katie approaches them.
Katie Baxter: ”Jackson, Nate, is there an update on the condition of Kung-Fu Karl and Jimmy Boom Boom after what the Friendship Wrestling Alliance did to them?”
Nate Savage: ”You know, I’ll be grateful when we don’t have to worry about what that delusional freak does. I thought all of this was over after the Sesame Street fight, but I guess I thought wrong.”
Nate is clearly aggravated and Jackson does his best to calm his friend down.
Jackson Fenix: ”What Nate means is that Karl and Jimmy will be okay. They should be good to go in no time. As for Jeremy, well, I would like to think that it’s all behind me…behind us…but it’s not. I know that the Sesame Street fight did not go my way, and I would’ve liked nothing more than to have put an end to it but even if I had won, I don’t think it would be over. Jeremy and I will meet again in the ring, possibly with our respective tag partners at our side, I can’t tell you when but I know it’ll happen because this isn’t over. This will never be over…”
Katie Baxter: ”Well, there was some good to come out of the Sesame Street fight. I hear that things between you and your former arch-nemesis Big Bird have smoothed over, is that correct?”
Jackson Fenix: ”Heh, that’s right, Katie. You know usually the mention of that name would strike fear in me, but now, not so much. Big Bird and I have patched things up, and we’re on good terms now. I know he took a bad spill at the hands of Jeremy, but I want everyone to know that he’s okay. He was more hurt by the fact of what Jeremy did to him and what Jeremy has become…”
Nate Savage: ”Jack, can we please stop giving that guy the time of day? Please, just this once can we not talk about that jerk or his fat idiot friend. The only good person with the last name Baxter is Katie.”
Katie seems flattered by the compliment.
Katie Baxter: ”Well, thank you Nate.”
Jackson Fenix: ”Sorry Nate, I’ll do my best to put that behind us for now. I have to do that.”
Just then a stagehand walks up to Nate and Jackson and hands them an envelope. The stagehand quickly scampers off while Nate and Jackson examine the envelope. All that is on the bright pink envelope is their names, and they rip open the envelope to find a flamboyant looking letter, very stylish and extravagant.
Nate Savage: ”Experience ecstasy? What is this?”
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t think that’s how you pronounce it.”
Nate Savage: ”What do you mean? I’m saying it correctly!”
Jackson Fenix: ”It’s Xperienx Xtacee, and I think this is an invite to his talk show.”
Nate Savage: ”Why would he invite us though?”
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t know, but it could be fun.”
Nate Savage: ”We clearly have a different definition when it comes to fun.”
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t know man, it doesn’t sound so bad. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Jackson begins to walk away with the letter and Nate shakes his head before chasing after his friend.
The lights in the arena dim as a roar of boos begin to roll in through the crowd at the opening of the theme song. Smoke fills the stage as Shawn Summers slowl rises up through the stage with his head down and his eyes closed. The lights strobe between white and red to the drums of the song as the fog rises beneath him. As he reaches the top of the stage, he tilts his head up, his face void of emotions as the camera pans around him. The boos almost overpower the music but eventually the chorus kicks in and Shawn begins to walk down the ramp, mouthing the words of the song as he walks.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is our MAIN EVENT and is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first, from Laguna Beach, California… he is the FWA Television Champion AND the FWA X Champion… “DER BASTERD”.... SSSSSSSHHHHHAWWWWNNNN SSSSUMMMMEERRRSSS!”
Rod Sterling: “I have to say Anzu, there’s a lot of combustible elements in this main event. You have this man, Shawn Summers, who is perhaps one of the hottest wrestlers in FWA right now having picked up not one but two championships during this run… but tonight he’s teaming up with a man that he shares no love loss with. After the run to last year’s Back in Business, I’m not sure I’d ever see the day where Shawn Summers would be teaming up with Mike Parr.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I can’t argue with that. It’s the age-old question in wrestling… CAN THEY COEXIST?!”
Rod Sterling: “I know you say that in somewhat of a jest, but it’s a fair point. It’s certainly asking a lot for ANYONE to put their trust in Shawn Summers, but it rings especially true for Mike Parr.”
Summers continues to walk down the aisle, climbing into the ring and ascending the near turnbuckle. He takes a moment to close his eyes and tilt his head high, fully soaking in the loud boos from the crowd.. He finally hops down off the turnbuckle and heads to the corner, crouching down as he awaits his partner.
The music hits and “The Prodigy” Mike Parr trots out from the back, tossing his hands up in the air to the crowd who greets him with a more positive reaction, though slightly mixed for Summers’ partner. Parr stops at the top of the ramp, scopes out the fans before locking his eyes to the ring. His face shows some still growing uncertainty about teaming up with his long time rival.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his partner, from Toronto, Canada… he is “THE PRODIGY”.... MMMMMMMMMMMMIKE PPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR!”
Rod Sterling: “I can’t sit here and talk about the hot streak of Shawn Summers without bringing up that of Mike Parr because since his return he has yet to suffer a loss!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”And it’s that hot streak that’s earned him a shot at the FWA North American Championship at Back in Business… and this match is going to be giving us a preview of that match.”
Rod Sterling: “As Parr makes his way down to the ring, the look on his face certainly says it all, Anzu. This team with Summers has formed by a bit of necessity for the pair… but to me it seems like it’s just a matter of time before this uneasy alliance explodes right before us.”
Mike Parr climbs up the ring steps, entering the ring, Summers gives a knowing smile, seeming to take joy in teaming up with his former rival here tonight. The pair exchange some words in the corner, but all appears civil between the pair.
Back to the boos as the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter, slowly walks out from the back, his championship belt strapped around his large waist, tucked behind the glossy red “Buddy System” jacket he wears overtop his black trunks. The look on Baxter’s face brims confidence as he bobs his head along to the Nickelback tunes while ignoring the jeers from the Texas crowd.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And their opponents… introducing first, the reigning FWA North American Champion… representing…. The Friendship Wrestling Alliance… and… The Buddy System… from Hickory, North Carolina… BIG BRYAN BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAXTER!”
Rod Sterling: “This match really does feature two of the most hated men in FWA…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”The Jeremy Best match was earlier tonight, Rod.”
Rod Sterling: “Okay, fair enough… but Jeremy’s associate Bryan has certainly not endeared himself by his actions over the last few months, including his current six month reign as North American Champion, and being associated with Best certainly doesn’t help his cause.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Six… long… months. But hopefully that all is coming to an end at Back in Business because I’m not sure there’s anyone hungrier than Mike Parr to take that title off of him!”
Baxter makes his way down the aisle, stopping at the bottom of the aisle at ringside, electing not to get in the ring yet. He unstraps the title from around his waist and holds it up in the air, looking straight as his BiB opponent as Parr’s hungry eyes are locked in on Baxter and that North American Championship.
The opening notes of Bon Jovi’s Dead or Alive bring the Texas fans to their feet in anticipation of their home state hero. Tommy decides to drive the anticipation, the music continuing to play as Bon Jovi’s voice begins to get start out Verse 1… the crowd beginning to sing along as they wait, and then as it hits the chorus…
“I’m a cowboy…
on a steel horse I ride…
I’m wanted… dead or alive…
Wanted…
DEAD OR ALIVE”
Finally Tommy Bedlam emerges from the stage to a massive reaction from the fans. The cowboy is all fired up to see his fans, running onto the stage, waving his cowboy hat in his hand, only to further elicit a somehow even louder reaction. He runs back and forth to either side of the stage, taking in the love from the adoring fans.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his tag team partner… being accompanied to the ring by Randi… from the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS… TTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEDDDDDLLLLLLAAAAMM!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Would you listen to these fans, Rod? I think they kinda like Tommy Bedlam in Texas.”
Rod Sterling: “Understatement of the year, Anzu! I think we know exactly which team the crowd will be rooting for here in our main event. And that’s even with Bryan Baxter on his side!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”We talked about how Mike Parr would be able to trust Shawn Summers but you might be able to say the same thing about Bedlam with Baxter here. Baxter hasn’t exactly proven himself to be a trustworthy competitor.”
Rod Sterling: “You might be right, Anzu, but at the same time, Baxter has shown himself to be pretty loyal to people he considers his friends… and I guess to the point we have no reason to think there’s any type of animosity between Bedlam and Baxter.”
Tommy’s fiance, the lovely and pregnant Randi, makes her way out to join Tommy on the stage as he finally walks to the ramp. He takes his fiance by the hand and the pair make their way down the aisle, Bedlam now locking eyes with Summers in the ring as the pair make their way down.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Yeah, I’m not sure Tommy cares who he is teaming tonight… all he wants to do is get his hands on Shawn Summers again.”
Rod Sterling: ”That’s right. He seemed like he was on his way to winning the Television Championship at The Grand March, but a disqualification helped Summers retain that title and since then Bedlam has been eager for another shot. And I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we hope we see that, perhaps at Back in Business.”
As Bedlam stops and joins Baxter at the bottom of the aisle, the fans are still loudly and proudly singing the Bon Jovi tunes…
'Cause I'm a cowboy
On a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (WWWAANNNNTTTEEEED), dead or alive
'Cause I'm a cowboy
I got the night on my side
And I'm wanted (wanted), dead or alive
And I ride (AND I RIDE), dead or alive
I still drive (I STILL DRIVE), dead or alive
Dead or alive
As the music begins to come to a close, Baxter and Bedlam give each other a knowing look… before running and sliding into the ring together, both men charging straight at their respective rival!
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t think that’s how you pronounce it.”
Nate Savage: ”What do you mean? I’m saying it correctly!”
Jackson Fenix: ”It’s Xperienx Xtacee, and I think this is an invite to his talk show.”
Nate Savage: ”Why would he invite us though?”
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t know, but it could be fun.”
Nate Savage: ”We clearly have a different definition when it comes to fun.”
Jackson Fenix: ”I don’t know man, it doesn’t sound so bad. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Jackson begins to walk away with the letter and Nate shakes his head before chasing after his friend.
The lights in the arena dim as a roar of boos begin to roll in through the crowd at the opening of the theme song. Smoke fills the stage as Shawn Summers slowl rises up through the stage with his head down and his eyes closed. The lights strobe between white and red to the drums of the song as the fog rises beneath him. As he reaches the top of the stage, he tilts his head up, his face void of emotions as the camera pans around him. The boos almost overpower the music but eventually the chorus kicks in and Shawn begins to walk down the ramp, mouthing the words of the song as he walks.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is our MAIN EVENT and is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first, from Laguna Beach, California… he is the FWA Television Champion AND the FWA X Champion… “DER BASTERD”.... SSSSSSSHHHHHAWWWWNNNN SSSSUMMMMEERRRSSS!”
Rod Sterling: “I have to say Anzu, there’s a lot of combustible elements in this main event. You have this man, Shawn Summers, who is perhaps one of the hottest wrestlers in FWA right now having picked up not one but two championships during this run… but tonight he’s teaming up with a man that he shares no love loss with. After the run to last year’s Back in Business, I’m not sure I’d ever see the day where Shawn Summers would be teaming up with Mike Parr.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I can’t argue with that. It’s the age-old question in wrestling… CAN THEY COEXIST?!”
Rod Sterling: “I know you say that in somewhat of a jest, but it’s a fair point. It’s certainly asking a lot for ANYONE to put their trust in Shawn Summers, but it rings especially true for Mike Parr.”
Summers continues to walk down the aisle, climbing into the ring and ascending the near turnbuckle. He takes a moment to close his eyes and tilt his head high, fully soaking in the loud boos from the crowd.. He finally hops down off the turnbuckle and heads to the corner, crouching down as he awaits his partner.
The music hits and “The Prodigy” Mike Parr trots out from the back, tossing his hands up in the air to the crowd who greets him with a more positive reaction, though slightly mixed for Summers’ partner. Parr stops at the top of the ramp, scopes out the fans before locking his eyes to the ring. His face shows some still growing uncertainty about teaming up with his long time rival.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his partner, from Toronto, Canada… he is “THE PRODIGY”.... MMMMMMMMMMMMIKE PPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR!”
Rod Sterling: “I can’t sit here and talk about the hot streak of Shawn Summers without bringing up that of Mike Parr because since his return he has yet to suffer a loss!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”And it’s that hot streak that’s earned him a shot at the FWA North American Championship at Back in Business… and this match is going to be giving us a preview of that match.”
Rod Sterling: “As Parr makes his way down to the ring, the look on his face certainly says it all, Anzu. This team with Summers has formed by a bit of necessity for the pair… but to me it seems like it’s just a matter of time before this uneasy alliance explodes right before us.”
Mike Parr climbs up the ring steps, entering the ring, Summers gives a knowing smile, seeming to take joy in teaming up with his former rival here tonight. The pair exchange some words in the corner, but all appears civil between the pair.
Back to the boos as the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter, slowly walks out from the back, his championship belt strapped around his large waist, tucked behind the glossy red “Buddy System” jacket he wears overtop his black trunks. The look on Baxter’s face brims confidence as he bobs his head along to the Nickelback tunes while ignoring the jeers from the Texas crowd.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And their opponents… introducing first, the reigning FWA North American Champion… representing…. The Friendship Wrestling Alliance… and… The Buddy System… from Hickory, North Carolina… BIG BRYAN BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAXTER!”
Rod Sterling: “This match really does feature two of the most hated men in FWA…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”The Jeremy Best match was earlier tonight, Rod.”
Rod Sterling: “Okay, fair enough… but Jeremy’s associate Bryan has certainly not endeared himself by his actions over the last few months, including his current six month reign as North American Champion, and being associated with Best certainly doesn’t help his cause.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Six… long… months. But hopefully that all is coming to an end at Back in Business because I’m not sure there’s anyone hungrier than Mike Parr to take that title off of him!”
Baxter makes his way down the aisle, stopping at the bottom of the aisle at ringside, electing not to get in the ring yet. He unstraps the title from around his waist and holds it up in the air, looking straight as his BiB opponent as Parr’s hungry eyes are locked in on Baxter and that North American Championship.
The opening notes of Bon Jovi’s Dead or Alive bring the Texas fans to their feet in anticipation of their home state hero. Tommy decides to drive the anticipation, the music continuing to play as Bon Jovi’s voice begins to get start out Verse 1… the crowd beginning to sing along as they wait, and then as it hits the chorus…
“I’m a cowboy…
on a steel horse I ride…
I’m wanted… dead or alive…
Wanted…
DEAD OR ALIVE”
Finally Tommy Bedlam emerges from the stage to a massive reaction from the fans. The cowboy is all fired up to see his fans, running onto the stage, waving his cowboy hat in his hand, only to further elicit a somehow even louder reaction. He runs back and forth to either side of the stage, taking in the love from the adoring fans.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his tag team partner… being accompanied to the ring by Randi… from the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS… TTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEDDDDDLLLLLLAAAAMM!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Would you listen to these fans, Rod? I think they kinda like Tommy Bedlam in Texas.”
Rod Sterling: “Understatement of the year, Anzu! I think we know exactly which team the crowd will be rooting for here in our main event. And that’s even with Bryan Baxter on his side!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”We talked about how Mike Parr would be able to trust Shawn Summers but you might be able to say the same thing about Bedlam with Baxter here. Baxter hasn’t exactly proven himself to be a trustworthy competitor.”
Rod Sterling: “You might be right, Anzu, but at the same time, Baxter has shown himself to be pretty loyal to people he considers his friends… and I guess to the point we have no reason to think there’s any type of animosity between Bedlam and Baxter.”
Tommy’s fiance, the lovely and pregnant Randi, makes her way out to join Tommy on the stage as he finally walks to the ramp. He takes his fiance by the hand and the pair make their way down the aisle, Bedlam now locking eyes with Summers in the ring as the pair make their way down.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Yeah, I’m not sure Tommy cares who he is teaming tonight… all he wants to do is get his hands on Shawn Summers again.”
Rod Sterling: ”That’s right. He seemed like he was on his way to winning the Television Championship at The Grand March, but a disqualification helped Summers retain that title and since then Bedlam has been eager for another shot. And I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we hope we see that, perhaps at Back in Business.”
As Bedlam stops and joins Baxter at the bottom of the aisle, the fans are still loudly and proudly singing the Bon Jovi tunes…
'Cause I'm a cowboy
On a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (WWWAANNNNTTTEEEED), dead or alive
'Cause I'm a cowboy
I got the night on my side
And I'm wanted (wanted), dead or alive
And I ride (AND I RIDE), dead or alive
I still drive (I STILL DRIVE), dead or alive
Dead or alive
As the music begins to come to a close, Baxter and Bedlam give each other a knowing look… before running and sliding into the ring together, both men charging straight at their respective rival!
<< 00:00 >>
The bell rang as Bryan Baxter charges in with Mike Parr charging in as well, the pair beginning to slug it out with one another while Bedlam charges towards Summers, but Summers ducks out of the ring to a chorus of boos from the fans! But Summers is having none of that as he heads to ringside and goes after Summers, much to the delight of the fans. Summers tries to get away, but he’s intercepted as Randi stands in his way.
“OUT OF MY WAY WOMAN!” Summers demands, but Randi shows no fear as she doesn’t back down! Summers grabs her by the shoulders and moves her aside himself, but he’s spun around by an incoming Tommy! Tommy has his hands on Shawn and punches Summers right between the eyes with a hard right hand! Summers is sent rocking backwards as Tommy stops to give Randi a thank you kiss right on the lips before going back and striking Shawn with another right hand!
The double champion staggers back from another punch from Bedlam before Tommy grabs him by the head and slams him head first into the apron, while in the ring, Mike Parr finds himself in the corner after Baxter got the upperhand in the initial brawl, but Parr side steps a charging Baxter into the corner, allowing Bryan to crash into the turnbuckles!
Rod Sterling: ”It’s chaos inside and outside the ring to start the match! The referee is struggling to get this one under control from the get go!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I would’ve expected nothing less from these four involved!”
With the tables turned in the ring, Parr begins to unload some boxing jabs to the large midsection of Baxter. The combination of lefts and rights have the North American Champion in trouble in the corner while Bedlam rolls Summers back into the ring as Tommy follows him in. Summers crawls across the canvas, pulling himself up to his knees, asking for a time out as Bedlam approaches, but Tommy shows no mercy as he drives a knee right into Shawn’s face!
Tommy grabs Shawn by the head and pulls him up, he’s hooking him for the Bullseye…
Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam is wasting no time trying to put away Shawn Summers already!”
Just as it looks like Bedlam is going to plant Summers with his finisher, the move is broken up by an incoming Parr with a shining wizard to Bedlam!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”The Prodigy makes the save for Der Basterd!”
Rod Sterling: ”A combination of words I never thought I would hear spoken in the FWA!”
The save from Parr actually earns him a healthy round of boos from the crowd. Tommy gets taken down but quickly is back up, staggering back to the ropes as Parr charges in and takes both men over the top rope with a clothesline.
<< 3:22 >>
The match stabilises from here with Baxter and Summers becoming the legal men. Baxter finds himself in an unusual position of actually getting some cheers from the crowd as he works over Summers in the corner with a series of knee lifts before he pulls Summers out of the corner and gives him another knee to the midsection before lifting Summers up and tossing him into the top turnbuckle with a BUCKLE BOMB!
Summers falls down to the mat, his head resting on the bottom turnbuckle as Baxter heads over and tags in Tommy Bedlam, drawing another massive reaction from the crowd as the cowboy steps into the ring. Baxter charges in at Summers, delivering a thunderous hip attack to the cornered Summers before he stepped out back onto the apron.
Bedlam paced the ring and stared down the downed Summers, licking his lips with anticipation.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Here we go, Rod! This is what Tommy has been waiting for right here!”
After measuring up Summers, Tommy charges in with a running boot to the cornered TV & X Champion! The fired up Tommy then reaches down and grabs Summers by the hair, pulling him out of the corner. He pushes Shawn back into the turnbuckles where Tommy begins to repeatedly thrust his shoulder into Shawn’s midsection.
Bedlam continues to unleash a flurry of furious offense to Summers in the corner before backing up and he charges in with a running clothesline, but this time it's Shawn who is able to get out of the way and avoid the attack, leaping out and getting the tag to Mike Parr!
<< 6:41 >>
After some back and forth exchanges from Parr and Bedlam, Baxter would grab the blind tag after Parr had sent the cowboy into the ropes with an Irish Whip. Off the ropes, Parr caught Bedlam with a belly to belly overhead suplex, but he doesn’t see the new legal man charging in and Baxter hits a massive lariat right to the back of Parr’s head.
Rod Sterling: ”I’m surprised we’ve made it this far and both teams continue to work relatively cohesively.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”It’s still early, Rod. Like you said, this feels like a ticking timebomb.”
Baxter continues on the attack, sending Parr stumbling back with a big headbutt before lifting him up and slamming him down to the mat with a pumphandle into a sitout facebuster. Baxter went for the pin..
One! Two! Th - No!
BBB sits up and gives a stare to the official before pulling himself up and he drops a falling headbutt down on the recovering Parr. He then runs to the ropes, looking perhaps for a running high impact shoulder block, but instead he gets hit with a knee to the back from Summers on the apron! This stops Baxter in his tracks, but he turns around and goes after Summers, who jumps down off the apron to avoid a wild right hand from the NA Champion.
But when Baxter runs back toward the ring and his opponent, Parr is back up and strikes with a running knee to the face! Baxter falls into the ropes as Parr grabs him by the head, leaps onto the turnbuckles and drives Baxter into the canvas with a Tornado DDT!
Parr makes the cover!
One! Two! Thre… Bedlam makes the save!
Tommy returns to the corner, while Parr pulls Baxter’s massive frame over to his corner and makes the tag to Summers.
<< 9:04 >>
Summers and Parr continue to show an amazing amount of cohesiveness despite their past differences as they pick apart the bigger Baxter. They take turns working him over in their corner, keeping Baxter cut off from the opposite side of the ring while all Tommy can do is watch, itching to get the tag.
With Baxter now down in the corner, Summers charges in with the Bee’s Knees charging double knee strike before reaching out and tagging Parr! Summers steps back out onto the apron as Parr backs up and charges in with a running knee of his own to the downed Baxter! And he immediately tags Summers back in and… they both back up and charge in.. DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE TO BAXTER!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I feel like I’ve woken up in some kind of alternate dimension. My eyes have to be deceiving me by what we’re seeing tonight.”
Rod Sterling: ”Believe it or not, Anzu, it’s all real. This is no dream. We’re watching Mike Parr and Shawn Summers team together… and they’re actually working together and are currently in the driver’s seat! Bryan Baxter is in a world of trouble right now and quite frankly, I’m not sure we’ve seen Baxter in this position before!”
With Parr returning to the corner, Summers pulls Baxter out of the corner by his legs and locks him in the Ankle Lock! FWA Official Larry Stevens is there to check on Baxter, who shakes his head and doesn’t look ready to submit, but Summers adds more pressure as he applies a grapevine to the move! As Summers looks to break Baxter’s ankle, the NA Champ summons some of the power of his to muscle his way over and grabs the bottom rope to break the submission.
Summers, of course, doesn’t let go until he has the full count but finally does… and then proceeds to give a cheap stomp right to that same ankle before he tags Parr back in. Summers hold out Baxter’s leg, allowing Parr to drive his knee down into Baxter’s ankle as well.
<< 12:12 >>
Parr picks up where Summers left off, trying to pick apart Baxter and soon has his BiB opponent strapped into his Inverted Sharpshooter, once again trying to make Baxter submit but also applying more pain to Bryan’s leg and ankle!
Once again, Larry Stevens is in position and Baxter is shaking off the pain! Baxter pulls himself up on his arms and makes his way over… grabbing the bottom ropes once again! Parr releases the hold but wastes no time kicking Baxter’s arm off the ropes and then transitions into a rear naked choke, laying across Baxter’s back!
From the apron, Tommy Bedlam is trying to get the tag and is getting the crowd into it… the crowd actually solidly rallying behind the North American champion, wanting him to get back into this so he could get the tag to Bedlam! Baxter begins to battle his way back up… he gets up to his feet, with Parr draped across his back, still applying the submission…
BAXTER RUNS BACKWARDS AND SANDWICHES PARR INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Rod Sterling: ”This could be the opening Baxter needs! He needs to get that tag to Bedlam!”
Baxter drops to his knees, unable to immediately take advantage from the desperation manoeuvre due to the damage he had been withstanding for the last several minutes. But with Parr down in the corner as well, Baxter is able to crawl over…
He reaches out..
HE GETS THE TAG!
Bedlam charges into the ring, but is immediately cut off by Larry Stevens, eliciting some deafening boos from the crowd!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”No! Larry Stevens didn’t see the tag! Shawn Summers was distracting him from the apron!”
Sure enough, despite the protesting from Bedlam and the reaction from the fans, Larry Stevens sends him back out to the apron… while Summers hits a cheap CHOP BLOCK to Baxter from behind, taking him back down to the mat!
<< 15:58 >>
Baxter once again finds himself at the mercy of being caught in the Summers/Parr corner as a legal Summers shows off his own strength as he muscles Baxter up from a rear waistlock into a release German Suplex. Summers can’t hold the bridge, but he does roll over and tag in Parr, telling him, “finish this fat fuck off!”
Parr climbs to the top turnbuckle, looking back to measure the distance of Baxter before coming off the top rope..
X MARKS THE SPOT!
BAXTER GETS HIS KNEES UP!
Both men are down and the crowd is on their feet, wanting that hot tag so badly. Baxter begins to show signs of life as he rolls to his chest and begins to crawl… but Parr recovers and grabs him by the leg just as it looks like he was close enough to make the tag! Parr pulls Baxter away from the corner..
BUT BAXTER MANAGES TO KICK PARR IN THE FACE from his back, sending Parr falling backwards into another tag to Summers!
Baxter goes for the tag to Bedlam! HE’S…
NO! SUMMERS TAKES HIM BACK DOWN WITH ANOTHER CHOP BLOCK!
And Summers pulls him to the middle of the ring and locks in CHARLOTTE’S WEB! Right in the center of the ring! Baxter has nowhere to go!
Rod Sterling: ”I don’t think Bryan Baxter can take much more punishment! Parr and Summers have picked apart that leg… this could be it…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’m not sure he’s going to tap here… but he’s fading fast!”
Larry Stevens is checking in on Baxter, who tries to fight through the pain and turn the hold over, but slowly his shoulders begin to relax as he succumbs… and his shoulders go down!
ONE! TWO! THRE…
Baxter lifts a shoulder back up! The crowd pops for a Bryan Baxter shoulder up!
There is still life left in the big man as he once again begins trying to fight through te pain of the submission… both he and Summers lean forward in the submission… and begin to trade blows! Baxter with a right… Summers with a right… back and forth… but Summers gets the upper hand and after five successive blows, Baxter drops back down onto his back… and…
He begins to fade again…
The shoulders slump back to the mat.
ONE! TWO!
FLYING ELBOW DROP!
Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam just came in off the top rope with a flying elbow drop of all things! That’s not something we typically see out of the Bedlam arsenal, but he clearly has had enough waiting on the sidelines!”
That breaks up the submission to a roaring ovation from the crowd but in comes Mike Parr, coming after Bedlam! Parr attacks Bedlam from behind to a round of boos before hooking him for a DDT, but Bedlam reverses it into a Northern Lights Suplex! Both men roll back to their feet and Bedlam takes Parr down with THE BUCKSHOT!
Parr drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring as Bedlam heads back onto the apron, awaiting the incoming Baxter who once again makes the crawl while Summers scrambles, trying to get back to his own feet…
BAXTER GETS THE TAG
The electric crowd is on their feet, not a single butt in their seat as Tommy Bedlam steps into the ring, once again finding himself face to face with Shawn Summers… and Bedlam wastes no time as he runs in and tackles Summers with a Lou Thesz Press, unloading a flurry of punches to Der Basterd, much to the delight of the El Paso faithful.
Eventually, Bedlam rolls off of Summers, tossing his hands up in the air to further fire up the crowd as a groggy Summers begins to stumble to his feet..
SPEAR FROM BEDLAM takes Summers right back down!
Bedlam pulls Summers up by his hair… he hooks him by the head…
BULLSEYE!
Bedlam makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NO! MIKE PARR MAKES THE SAVE!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I thought that was it! Tommy Bedlam had Shawn Summers pinned but once again it's PRODIGY WITH THE SAVE FOR SUMMERS. How are these words that are coming out of my mouth?!”
The fans really let Parr have it for yet another save, but in comes Baxter! Baxter goes after Parr as things begin to break down. Parr and Baxter quickly spill out to ringside. Baxter seems to have the upperhand until Parr hits a kick to that weakened leg of Baxter and then tosses Baxter into the ring steps!
Back in the ring, Bedlam pulls Summers up as Larry Stevens has his attention on Baxter and Bedlam at ringside… SUMMERS HITS A LOW BLOW!
Tommy drops to a knee as the camera quickly grabs a concerned look on Randi’s face as a smirking Der Basterd pulls himself back up slowly. He then takes Tommy by the hair and pulls him in, setting him up for…
THE MIDSOMMAR..
BUT TOMMY BACKDROPS OUT OF IT!
Both men pull themselves back up but Tommy strikes first with the BUCKSHOT… Summers falls backwards into the ropes… and stumbles right back into the waiting arms of Tommy who lifts him up…
ROUGH RIDE… but ITS COUNTERED BY SUMMERS with an eye rake! Summers lands on his feet and hits a desperation discuss elbow strike that sends Tommy to the mat..
Parr is reaching out, he is ready for the fresh tag as Summers…
BUT BAXTER PULLS HIM DOWN OFF THE APRON. And he’s armed with a pair of brass knux which he LAYS OUT PARR WITH!
Summers makes it to his corner but with Parr laid out, there is no one to tag! And it’s Bedlam from nowhere from behind, tackling Summers into the turnbuckles and then ROLLING HIM UP!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
The crowd ERUPTS as Tommy Bedlam gets the pinfall on the TV and X Champion! Bedlam rolls off of the high stack roll up, his eyes wide as he himself is just realising what had happened!
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners… Bryan Baxer… aaannndddd TOMMY BEDLAM!”
Once again it’s another huge reaction from Bedlam as he has his hand lifted up in victory by referee Larry Stevens. An elated Randi also joins Tommy in the ring, greeting her man with a big hug and the excited Tommy wastes no time also planting a big kiss on her once again.
Rod Sterling: ”What a night for the hometown hero! Tommy Bedlam picks up a huge win here tonight!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Between what happened at The Grand March and tonight… I think there’s no denying Tommy deserves another shot… ONE ON ONE… with Shawn Summers!”
While Tommy celebrates in the ring, Bryan Baxter climbs in, watching Summers as he rolls out of the ring, almost as if he was providing back up against any possible attempts at Shawn Summers to retaliate post-match.
Instead, Summers rolls out of the ring, clearly disgusted with the outcome of the match while Mike Parr also pulls himself up on the opposite side if the ring. Parr rubs his chin where Baxter had clocked him with the brass knuckles…
Rod Sterling: ”And for those two men, Bryan Baxter and Mike Parr… this feels like just the beginning of their own battle… one that is starting to heat up now after that shot Baxter took to keep Parr from being able to make the save for Summers at the conclusion of the match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Something tells me this is only going to add fuel to the fire of Prodigy’s quest to gain back the North American Championship.”
While Parr and Summers exit El Paso with the taste of defeat, Bryan Baxter and Tommy Bedlam soak up the win in the ring. Well, Tommy especially does while Baxter nonchalantly leans over the ropes, just watching on.
After being handed his North American title, Baxter slings it over his shoulder and walks over to Tommy and Randi. Not sure what Baxter is planning, Tommy steps in front of Randi as Baxter comes in close. He gets eye to eye with Tommy… and extends his hand!
Tommy chuckles and thinks for a second before shaking Baxter’s hand. Baxter lifts up Tommy’s hand, the crowd continuing to pour in the love for the native Texan.
Rod Sterling: ”A rare moment of sportsmanship from Baxter, perhaps? Not something we see every day. But for one night… one moment… these two fought together and perhaps earned a semblance of respect here on this night in El Paso!”
With that, Baxter hobbles away, favoring the leg that had been so viciously targeted during the match by Parr and Summers, and leaves the ring. Leaving Tommy alone with Randi in the ring to continue celebrating with the fans as Meltdown came to a close.
The bell rang as Bryan Baxter charges in with Mike Parr charging in as well, the pair beginning to slug it out with one another while Bedlam charges towards Summers, but Summers ducks out of the ring to a chorus of boos from the fans! But Summers is having none of that as he heads to ringside and goes after Summers, much to the delight of the fans. Summers tries to get away, but he’s intercepted as Randi stands in his way.
“OUT OF MY WAY WOMAN!” Summers demands, but Randi shows no fear as she doesn’t back down! Summers grabs her by the shoulders and moves her aside himself, but he’s spun around by an incoming Tommy! Tommy has his hands on Shawn and punches Summers right between the eyes with a hard right hand! Summers is sent rocking backwards as Tommy stops to give Randi a thank you kiss right on the lips before going back and striking Shawn with another right hand!
The double champion staggers back from another punch from Bedlam before Tommy grabs him by the head and slams him head first into the apron, while in the ring, Mike Parr finds himself in the corner after Baxter got the upperhand in the initial brawl, but Parr side steps a charging Baxter into the corner, allowing Bryan to crash into the turnbuckles!
Rod Sterling: ”It’s chaos inside and outside the ring to start the match! The referee is struggling to get this one under control from the get go!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I would’ve expected nothing less from these four involved!”
With the tables turned in the ring, Parr begins to unload some boxing jabs to the large midsection of Baxter. The combination of lefts and rights have the North American Champion in trouble in the corner while Bedlam rolls Summers back into the ring as Tommy follows him in. Summers crawls across the canvas, pulling himself up to his knees, asking for a time out as Bedlam approaches, but Tommy shows no mercy as he drives a knee right into Shawn’s face!
Tommy grabs Shawn by the head and pulls him up, he’s hooking him for the Bullseye…
Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam is wasting no time trying to put away Shawn Summers already!”
Just as it looks like Bedlam is going to plant Summers with his finisher, the move is broken up by an incoming Parr with a shining wizard to Bedlam!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”The Prodigy makes the save for Der Basterd!”
Rod Sterling: ”A combination of words I never thought I would hear spoken in the FWA!”
The save from Parr actually earns him a healthy round of boos from the crowd. Tommy gets taken down but quickly is back up, staggering back to the ropes as Parr charges in and takes both men over the top rope with a clothesline.
<< 3:22 >>
The match stabilises from here with Baxter and Summers becoming the legal men. Baxter finds himself in an unusual position of actually getting some cheers from the crowd as he works over Summers in the corner with a series of knee lifts before he pulls Summers out of the corner and gives him another knee to the midsection before lifting Summers up and tossing him into the top turnbuckle with a BUCKLE BOMB!
Summers falls down to the mat, his head resting on the bottom turnbuckle as Baxter heads over and tags in Tommy Bedlam, drawing another massive reaction from the crowd as the cowboy steps into the ring. Baxter charges in at Summers, delivering a thunderous hip attack to the cornered Summers before he stepped out back onto the apron.
Bedlam paced the ring and stared down the downed Summers, licking his lips with anticipation.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Here we go, Rod! This is what Tommy has been waiting for right here!”
After measuring up Summers, Tommy charges in with a running boot to the cornered TV & X Champion! The fired up Tommy then reaches down and grabs Summers by the hair, pulling him out of the corner. He pushes Shawn back into the turnbuckles where Tommy begins to repeatedly thrust his shoulder into Shawn’s midsection.
Bedlam continues to unleash a flurry of furious offense to Summers in the corner before backing up and he charges in with a running clothesline, but this time it's Shawn who is able to get out of the way and avoid the attack, leaping out and getting the tag to Mike Parr!
<< 6:41 >>
After some back and forth exchanges from Parr and Bedlam, Baxter would grab the blind tag after Parr had sent the cowboy into the ropes with an Irish Whip. Off the ropes, Parr caught Bedlam with a belly to belly overhead suplex, but he doesn’t see the new legal man charging in and Baxter hits a massive lariat right to the back of Parr’s head.
Rod Sterling: ”I’m surprised we’ve made it this far and both teams continue to work relatively cohesively.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”It’s still early, Rod. Like you said, this feels like a ticking timebomb.”
Baxter continues on the attack, sending Parr stumbling back with a big headbutt before lifting him up and slamming him down to the mat with a pumphandle into a sitout facebuster. Baxter went for the pin..
One! Two! Th - No!
BBB sits up and gives a stare to the official before pulling himself up and he drops a falling headbutt down on the recovering Parr. He then runs to the ropes, looking perhaps for a running high impact shoulder block, but instead he gets hit with a knee to the back from Summers on the apron! This stops Baxter in his tracks, but he turns around and goes after Summers, who jumps down off the apron to avoid a wild right hand from the NA Champion.
But when Baxter runs back toward the ring and his opponent, Parr is back up and strikes with a running knee to the face! Baxter falls into the ropes as Parr grabs him by the head, leaps onto the turnbuckles and drives Baxter into the canvas with a Tornado DDT!
Parr makes the cover!
One! Two! Thre… Bedlam makes the save!
Tommy returns to the corner, while Parr pulls Baxter’s massive frame over to his corner and makes the tag to Summers.
<< 9:04 >>
Summers and Parr continue to show an amazing amount of cohesiveness despite their past differences as they pick apart the bigger Baxter. They take turns working him over in their corner, keeping Baxter cut off from the opposite side of the ring while all Tommy can do is watch, itching to get the tag.
With Baxter now down in the corner, Summers charges in with the Bee’s Knees charging double knee strike before reaching out and tagging Parr! Summers steps back out onto the apron as Parr backs up and charges in with a running knee of his own to the downed Baxter! And he immediately tags Summers back in and… they both back up and charge in.. DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE TO BAXTER!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I feel like I’ve woken up in some kind of alternate dimension. My eyes have to be deceiving me by what we’re seeing tonight.”
Rod Sterling: ”Believe it or not, Anzu, it’s all real. This is no dream. We’re watching Mike Parr and Shawn Summers team together… and they’re actually working together and are currently in the driver’s seat! Bryan Baxter is in a world of trouble right now and quite frankly, I’m not sure we’ve seen Baxter in this position before!”
With Parr returning to the corner, Summers pulls Baxter out of the corner by his legs and locks him in the Ankle Lock! FWA Official Larry Stevens is there to check on Baxter, who shakes his head and doesn’t look ready to submit, but Summers adds more pressure as he applies a grapevine to the move! As Summers looks to break Baxter’s ankle, the NA Champ summons some of the power of his to muscle his way over and grabs the bottom rope to break the submission.
Summers, of course, doesn’t let go until he has the full count but finally does… and then proceeds to give a cheap stomp right to that same ankle before he tags Parr back in. Summers hold out Baxter’s leg, allowing Parr to drive his knee down into Baxter’s ankle as well.
<< 12:12 >>
Parr picks up where Summers left off, trying to pick apart Baxter and soon has his BiB opponent strapped into his Inverted Sharpshooter, once again trying to make Baxter submit but also applying more pain to Bryan’s leg and ankle!
Once again, Larry Stevens is in position and Baxter is shaking off the pain! Baxter pulls himself up on his arms and makes his way over… grabbing the bottom ropes once again! Parr releases the hold but wastes no time kicking Baxter’s arm off the ropes and then transitions into a rear naked choke, laying across Baxter’s back!
From the apron, Tommy Bedlam is trying to get the tag and is getting the crowd into it… the crowd actually solidly rallying behind the North American champion, wanting him to get back into this so he could get the tag to Bedlam! Baxter begins to battle his way back up… he gets up to his feet, with Parr draped across his back, still applying the submission…
BAXTER RUNS BACKWARDS AND SANDWICHES PARR INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Rod Sterling: ”This could be the opening Baxter needs! He needs to get that tag to Bedlam!”
Baxter drops to his knees, unable to immediately take advantage from the desperation manoeuvre due to the damage he had been withstanding for the last several minutes. But with Parr down in the corner as well, Baxter is able to crawl over…
He reaches out..
HE GETS THE TAG!
Bedlam charges into the ring, but is immediately cut off by Larry Stevens, eliciting some deafening boos from the crowd!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”No! Larry Stevens didn’t see the tag! Shawn Summers was distracting him from the apron!”
Sure enough, despite the protesting from Bedlam and the reaction from the fans, Larry Stevens sends him back out to the apron… while Summers hits a cheap CHOP BLOCK to Baxter from behind, taking him back down to the mat!
<< 15:58 >>
Baxter once again finds himself at the mercy of being caught in the Summers/Parr corner as a legal Summers shows off his own strength as he muscles Baxter up from a rear waistlock into a release German Suplex. Summers can’t hold the bridge, but he does roll over and tag in Parr, telling him, “finish this fat fuck off!”
Parr climbs to the top turnbuckle, looking back to measure the distance of Baxter before coming off the top rope..
X MARKS THE SPOT!
BAXTER GETS HIS KNEES UP!
Both men are down and the crowd is on their feet, wanting that hot tag so badly. Baxter begins to show signs of life as he rolls to his chest and begins to crawl… but Parr recovers and grabs him by the leg just as it looks like he was close enough to make the tag! Parr pulls Baxter away from the corner..
BUT BAXTER MANAGES TO KICK PARR IN THE FACE from his back, sending Parr falling backwards into another tag to Summers!
Baxter goes for the tag to Bedlam! HE’S…
NO! SUMMERS TAKES HIM BACK DOWN WITH ANOTHER CHOP BLOCK!
And Summers pulls him to the middle of the ring and locks in CHARLOTTE’S WEB! Right in the center of the ring! Baxter has nowhere to go!
Rod Sterling: ”I don’t think Bryan Baxter can take much more punishment! Parr and Summers have picked apart that leg… this could be it…”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’m not sure he’s going to tap here… but he’s fading fast!”
Larry Stevens is checking in on Baxter, who tries to fight through the pain and turn the hold over, but slowly his shoulders begin to relax as he succumbs… and his shoulders go down!
ONE! TWO! THRE…
Baxter lifts a shoulder back up! The crowd pops for a Bryan Baxter shoulder up!
There is still life left in the big man as he once again begins trying to fight through te pain of the submission… both he and Summers lean forward in the submission… and begin to trade blows! Baxter with a right… Summers with a right… back and forth… but Summers gets the upper hand and after five successive blows, Baxter drops back down onto his back… and…
He begins to fade again…
The shoulders slump back to the mat.
ONE! TWO!
FLYING ELBOW DROP!
Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam just came in off the top rope with a flying elbow drop of all things! That’s not something we typically see out of the Bedlam arsenal, but he clearly has had enough waiting on the sidelines!”
That breaks up the submission to a roaring ovation from the crowd but in comes Mike Parr, coming after Bedlam! Parr attacks Bedlam from behind to a round of boos before hooking him for a DDT, but Bedlam reverses it into a Northern Lights Suplex! Both men roll back to their feet and Bedlam takes Parr down with THE BUCKSHOT!
Parr drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring as Bedlam heads back onto the apron, awaiting the incoming Baxter who once again makes the crawl while Summers scrambles, trying to get back to his own feet…
BAXTER GETS THE TAG
The electric crowd is on their feet, not a single butt in their seat as Tommy Bedlam steps into the ring, once again finding himself face to face with Shawn Summers… and Bedlam wastes no time as he runs in and tackles Summers with a Lou Thesz Press, unloading a flurry of punches to Der Basterd, much to the delight of the El Paso faithful.
Eventually, Bedlam rolls off of Summers, tossing his hands up in the air to further fire up the crowd as a groggy Summers begins to stumble to his feet..
SPEAR FROM BEDLAM takes Summers right back down!
Bedlam pulls Summers up by his hair… he hooks him by the head…
BULLSEYE!
Bedlam makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NO! MIKE PARR MAKES THE SAVE!
Anzu Kurosawa: ”I thought that was it! Tommy Bedlam had Shawn Summers pinned but once again it's PRODIGY WITH THE SAVE FOR SUMMERS. How are these words that are coming out of my mouth?!”
The fans really let Parr have it for yet another save, but in comes Baxter! Baxter goes after Parr as things begin to break down. Parr and Baxter quickly spill out to ringside. Baxter seems to have the upperhand until Parr hits a kick to that weakened leg of Baxter and then tosses Baxter into the ring steps!
Back in the ring, Bedlam pulls Summers up as Larry Stevens has his attention on Baxter and Bedlam at ringside… SUMMERS HITS A LOW BLOW!
Tommy drops to a knee as the camera quickly grabs a concerned look on Randi’s face as a smirking Der Basterd pulls himself back up slowly. He then takes Tommy by the hair and pulls him in, setting him up for…
THE MIDSOMMAR..
BUT TOMMY BACKDROPS OUT OF IT!
Both men pull themselves back up but Tommy strikes first with the BUCKSHOT… Summers falls backwards into the ropes… and stumbles right back into the waiting arms of Tommy who lifts him up…
ROUGH RIDE… but ITS COUNTERED BY SUMMERS with an eye rake! Summers lands on his feet and hits a desperation discuss elbow strike that sends Tommy to the mat..
Parr is reaching out, he is ready for the fresh tag as Summers…
BUT BAXTER PULLS HIM DOWN OFF THE APRON. And he’s armed with a pair of brass knux which he LAYS OUT PARR WITH!
Summers makes it to his corner but with Parr laid out, there is no one to tag! And it’s Bedlam from nowhere from behind, tackling Summers into the turnbuckles and then ROLLING HIM UP!
ONE! TWO! THREE!
Winner: Tommy Bedlam & Bryan Baxter by pinfall at 19:03
The crowd ERUPTS as Tommy Bedlam gets the pinfall on the TV and X Champion! Bedlam rolls off of the high stack roll up, his eyes wide as he himself is just realising what had happened!
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners… Bryan Baxer… aaannndddd TOMMY BEDLAM!”
Once again it’s another huge reaction from Bedlam as he has his hand lifted up in victory by referee Larry Stevens. An elated Randi also joins Tommy in the ring, greeting her man with a big hug and the excited Tommy wastes no time also planting a big kiss on her once again.
Rod Sterling: ”What a night for the hometown hero! Tommy Bedlam picks up a huge win here tonight!”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Between what happened at The Grand March and tonight… I think there’s no denying Tommy deserves another shot… ONE ON ONE… with Shawn Summers!”
While Tommy celebrates in the ring, Bryan Baxter climbs in, watching Summers as he rolls out of the ring, almost as if he was providing back up against any possible attempts at Shawn Summers to retaliate post-match.
Instead, Summers rolls out of the ring, clearly disgusted with the outcome of the match while Mike Parr also pulls himself up on the opposite side if the ring. Parr rubs his chin where Baxter had clocked him with the brass knuckles…
Rod Sterling: ”And for those two men, Bryan Baxter and Mike Parr… this feels like just the beginning of their own battle… one that is starting to heat up now after that shot Baxter took to keep Parr from being able to make the save for Summers at the conclusion of the match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Something tells me this is only going to add fuel to the fire of Prodigy’s quest to gain back the North American Championship.”
While Parr and Summers exit El Paso with the taste of defeat, Bryan Baxter and Tommy Bedlam soak up the win in the ring. Well, Tommy especially does while Baxter nonchalantly leans over the ropes, just watching on.
After being handed his North American title, Baxter slings it over his shoulder and walks over to Tommy and Randi. Not sure what Baxter is planning, Tommy steps in front of Randi as Baxter comes in close. He gets eye to eye with Tommy… and extends his hand!
Tommy chuckles and thinks for a second before shaking Baxter’s hand. Baxter lifts up Tommy’s hand, the crowd continuing to pour in the love for the native Texan.
Rod Sterling: ”A rare moment of sportsmanship from Baxter, perhaps? Not something we see every day. But for one night… one moment… these two fought together and perhaps earned a semblance of respect here on this night in El Paso!”
With that, Baxter hobbles away, favoring the leg that had been so viciously targeted during the match by Parr and Summers, and leaves the ring. Leaving Tommy alone with Randi in the ring to continue celebrating with the fans as Meltdown came to a close.
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