sVo Showdown
4th May 2008
Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany
Episode #024
World Tour 2008 Event #05
SHOWDOWN!
As the camera pans around the sold out arena, Pretty Vegas by INXS begins to blast out over the sound system as the sVo Showdown opening video rolls on the giant V-Tron! The crowd goes wild for the video, featuring action from top sVo stars such as Psyko Stevo, Gunner Lang, Chris Bond and Lupus Nebula! As the video begins to come to an end, the cameras begin to pan around the crowd as the fans jump up and down trying to get seen on TV! The announcer’s welcome the fans watching on TV to the latest Showdown episode as the camera pick out various signs in the crowd, including ‘You’ve been Gilmoured!’, ‘Psyko Stevo – The Best Around’ and ‘Kelly Flawless Just Slept With Your Dead Mom’! As the official sVo Showdown theme music begins to fade out, the attention of the fans turns towards the V-Tron on the top of the entrance stage as they eagerly anticipate tonight’s action getting underway.
sVo CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH….. TONIGHT?*
The fans rise to their feet and fill the arena with a deafening chorus of cheers as the lights in the arena start to flicker rapidly. The words, “The past is in-de-structible” flash across the sVo-Tron as “Remember” by Disturbed hits the PA. The fans once again pop as the former world champion, Psyko Stevo, comes walking out from the backstage area. Stevo is not wearing his in-ring attire though. Instead, he is wearing a pair of blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt. He pauses at the top of the steel ramp way for a second, instead of posing for the crowd though, he just soaks up the moment, looking around the arena at all the screaming fans. Once the moment has been absorbed, Stevo continues his way down the ramp way and eventually hops up on the ring before turning his back and doing his trademark back flip over the top rope and into the ring. Once inside the ring the cheering calms down as Stevo asks for a mic and it is tossed to him by a stagehand. As Stevo speaks the cameras zoom in on him and it appears as though he hasn’t got any sleep since last week’s Pay Per View, Vendetta.*
Stevo: Well, it’s been a long week.
*Stevo pauses after saying this, looking out at the crowd.*
Stevo: I know I upset a lot of people within the Sanctioned Violence Organizaion’s corporate structure, and for that I’ll say… I’m not sorry.
*The crowd gives a mild pop, but it’s more out of confusion then it is out of support.*
Stevo: No, I’m not sorry because you know what… they don’t deserve an apology.
*The quizzical nature that the Psyko One has possessed up until this point is finally washed from his face and a look of scorn and intensity takes over instead.*
Stevo: I got SCREWED out of the sVo World Heavyweight championship last week, and I’m not afraid to let management know it. Go ahead, roll the footage…
*The fans start to boo as footage from last weeks main event starts to play. Everything from Stevo climbing up to the top rope and the eventual collapse of the ring post plays. Once the footage is over, Stevo stares a hole at the sVo tron.*
Stevo: Pretty great, huh? There you have it, Mike “paper champ” Best starts his second reign of boredom and junior high level pranks because some idiot ring technician didn’t understand that the screws to the ring ropes were supposed to be tightened all the way.
*The fans give a mixed reaction, but Stevo pays no attention to it as he continues speaking.*
Stevo: I weighed my option this week… I really did. I thought about retiring, I mean it would be somewhat logical, being that I’m already the oldest guy on this roster and time isn’t exactly on my side. I thought about retirement really hard…
*The cameras pan around the ring and we see a variety of signs referencing the rumor that Stevo was contemplating retirement. One sign reads, “Thanks for the memories, Psyko One!”, another sign reads, “Say it ain’t so, Stevo!”. The signs are all held high as Stevo pauses for dramatic effect before continuing on.*
Stevo: But I couldn’t retire… not yet… not when Mike Best of all people is “on top” of the game. No, I thought long and hard, and there’s really only one thing that I can do… Paige Johnson, get out here right now!
*”Tainted Love” by PCD hits the ring and Paige Johnson immediately walks out to the steel ramp way, mic in hand.*
Paige: You called?
Stevo: Paige, I know that Jimmy and Jon aren’t here, so that makes you top… dog. Not going to say what type of dog, but…
Before the fans or Paige can say anything, “We’re Gonna Win” by Byran Adams hits the PA and out struts the current sVo World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Best. Best grabs the mic from Paiges hand and directs her to the backstage area with a flick of his wrist.*
Best: Ah, Stevo Stevo Stevo…….. what’s up?
Stevo: What’s up? What do you mean, “what’s up?”. What the hell are you doing out here Best?
Best: Oh, just listening in… go on.
Stevo: Well you know what? I’m glad you’re listening in. I’m glad because I want to see the look on your face when you find out you have to go toe to toe with me one more time, here, tonight! Now, Paige better give me my champions clause rematch, right now!
*The fans are once again whipped up into a frenzy as Stevo glares down at Best… who starts to chuckle.*
Best: Oh, but that’s not going to happen tonight.
*Stevo looks down at Best with annoyance more then anything.*
Stevo: Just shut up Mike, I don’t have time for your stupid little games tonight. I deserve a rematch, and I demand it tonight!
*Stevo stares a hole through the curtains leading into the backstage area and Mike Best looks back as well, his hands folded. After about ten seconds Best unfolds his hands, looks up at the sky then looks across towards the ring, directly at Stevo.*
Best: I’m afraid that Paige isn’t going to book that match tonight…. Because until further notice, I am in charge!
Paige and Psyko Stevo both look at Best in disbelief as once again the fans let out a collective, “what” as Best completely ignores them.*
Best: That’s right, go ahead and look it up. When both co-owners are incapicated or unable to perform their duties, the World Champion… ME, takes over.
Stevo: That has to be a mistake…
Best: Oh no, it’s clear as day. The rulebook might be poorly written and in certain places such as this it might be nonsensical, but it’s all there.
*The fans start to talk amongst themselves as Stevo just scratches his head in the center of the ring, trying to comprehend just what the heck is going on.*
Stevo: So… what’s the deal then?
Best: I’m glad you asked that, here’s the deal. I don’t have to honour your champions clause rematch tonight.
Stevo: What? Why not? It’s in my contract! You might be the boss, but you can’t just go around voiding contracts!
Best: I know that, you idiot. Look, I can’t honour your request for a championship match tonight, because you’ve already been booked.
Stevo: What? Already been booked? I wasn’t notified of this!
Best: Of course not, no one could find you to tell you. Your phone was shut off, you never checked into your hotel room… but you were booked though. Had you answered your phone you could have rearranged the scheduling, but no, you’re booked…
Stevo: Okay, whatever… who am I facing? I’ll just beat them and then that’ll be that.
Best: Well, Stevo… here’s the catch. See, you’ve been booked in matches the entire month, and even though you are obligated to get the first crack at the World Title… there’s a thirty day window for that to happen.
Stevo: What?
Best: Did you take a double dose of ignorant pills this morning or something? Do you not understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Look, you’ll get your title shot Stevo, there’s nothing I can do to prevent that from happening. However, you won’t be getting that title shot… until Redemption.
*The fans fill the arena with boo’s as Best starts to walk towards the backstage area. With his back turned to the fans and Stevo, he utters a few final words.*
Best: Oh… and seeing as how you and Mr. Bond got along so well together last week against Kelly and myself… you get to face him this week and put that little newly formed friendship to the test in the ring. You know, if I were you Stevo, I wouldn’t want to lose… could hurt your momentum going into Redemption, being on a losing steak and all.
*Best finally turns around and we see a borderline sadistic smile on his face as he looks at the distraught and confused Stevo with joy.*
Best: Oh… and I forgot to add… good luck!
*Best drops the mic as he starts to laugh. In the ring we see Stevo looking out across the steel ramp way with pure hatred in his heart.*
EARLIER TODAY….
Hours before Showdown kicked off we seen a press conference backstage with martial artist Michael Diaz who was apart of a huge match at Vendetta. Standing in front of a podium with a microphone sticking out from it he has a piece of paper in his hand. Fans and wrestlers gather around to witness what he has to say.
Diaz: “I first began martial arts training several years ago in Vancouver, Canada. Years of being apart of the sport I traveled to Japan to be in a huge tournament. I never thought I would ever make it this far.”
He pauses and continues to read the piece of paper as he speaks aloud and looks out to the crowd.
Diaz: “I somehow found myself watching and loving professional wrestling. I never knew how exciting it is until you step through that curtain and hear those fans screaming their heads off just to get your attention.”
He smiles.
Diaz: “At Vendetta I got a chance to be apart of the show for the very first time ever when Paige Johnson the acting sVo General Manager told me I would be the special guest referee in the career match between Howie Banks and Cody Williams.”
He kept going on, getting all excited towards the end of whatever it is he had on his mind.
Diaz: “And although Alex Ross and his goons forced me to make the count and have Howie Banks the winner, I know it’s not what he wanted nor was it what I wanted. I never wanted to have to make a decision based on pressure, I just wanted to call it right down the middle.”
He takes a deep breath.
Diaz: “I have come to love this business and I would like to be more involved. That is why for the past few weeks I have been training to step into the squared circle. Not as a referee, not as a fan but as a professional wrestler.”
Everyone in the crowd seems thrown off by this announcement.
Diaz: “Next week I make my debut as we head to Milan, Italy. I’m not sure what to really expect but I hope to give it my all and please you fans. So what I am trying to say is, I am coming to sVo to be a wrestler.”
And from this announcement, the wrestling world is s.h.o.c.k.e.d
Diaz: “Thank you for your time.”
He finishes speaking as he steps off the podium while everyone starts to clap for him.
HEADACHE
The headaches….
For the past week I could hardly even see let alone see straight. Ever since I had woken up in Sweden with three mysterious hooded guys around me the headaches had been crippling.
“Your moment has come Kaden.”
The leader of the three hooded men spoke to me in a soft tone. Was my name really Kaden? I couldn’t remember I damn thing about myself. Name, address, date of birth, family….nothing. Then again maybe would be better if it wasn’t for these damn headaches.
“If you guys are so all powerful then couldn’t you do something about these headaches?”
I spoke more in hope than thinking they could actually do anything about it. I was having trouble getting to my feet let alone fulfilling destiny or whatever these three guys were babbling about.
“Do not worry Kaden, you are still adjusting. Once you have completed your task tonight the enlightenment will ease the pain.”
Was this guy for real? I had no choice but to trust him. The other two looked nervously at me through their hoods, as if they didn’t believe in me as much as their leader.
“Tonight Kaden, you must go down there to that ring and take down two men in order to announce your arrival.”
Ok, this guy had to be crazy, how could I take on two men at once? I didn’t even know my name let alone if I could fight. My face had to be portraying my fears because the leader picked up on it straight away.
“Fear not Kaden Alonzo, Son of Destiny. Just take yourself to the place of reckoning, and let the forces of time and space guide your movements.”
He didn’t exactly fill me with confidence, but if I wanted my life back I guess I had to try it his way….
PRESIDENT PAIGE?
Backstage in the office of Paige Johnson, the General manager of the sVo was not happy. She had come into Showdown #24 ready to make Lemonade out of the Lemons that she had been handed. Sure it wasn’t great that the ‘Lemons’, Jon Page and Jimmy Moretti, looked like they were going to be locked away for a long time, but the ‘lemonade’ was that she would get to run the sVo her way until they got back.
Paige – “What do you mean I have to get elected President?”
Paige stood up as she screamed at the rimmed glasses wearing lawyer that sat in front of her. Paige’s cheeks started to turn an angry red, this wasn’t meant to happen.
Lawyer – “It clearly states that if Mr Moretti and Mr Page are out of action then the sVo Champion takes control until a President is elected, and the deadline for signing up to be a candidate is the end of the following show.”
Paige shook her head in disbelief. She was sure that Jon Page had probably written that little rule in to make sure that the sVo didn’t fall into the wrong hands if he took out Moretti and ended up taking himself out as well. Although Paige was pretty sure that Jon Page didn’t envision Mike Best being the reigning current Champion at the time. A marketing genius like Psyko Stevo at the helm, yeah she could understand that, but Best?
Paige – “Ok, well I guess you are going to have to sign me up then.”
The lawyer scribbled down a note on his pad and nodded his head. He quickly rose to his feet and offered an out stretched hand to Paige.
Lawyer – “Good luck with the election Miss Johnson.”
Paige just looked at the lawyer, not even acknowledging the attempted handshake.
Paige – “So am I still general manager until this thing is finished.”
The lawyer nodded his head.
Lawyer – “You are Miss, however I am afraid your power is greatly reduced.”
The lawyer sheepishly retracted his hand, Paige wasn’t about to shake it after the news he had just given her. She sighed as she sat back in her leather chair.
This was just one more obstacle she would have to overcome to be the woman that made the sVo great.
A CHANGE IS GOOD
[We go to a taped segment just hours before Showdown is about to take place. We see Candy Cross sitting down on a lavish red couch somewhere in the back of the arena in Wolfsburg, Germany. Candi is in a nice red dress to compliment the coach. She has her legs crossed. The camera begins to zoom in on her as she begins the interview segment.]
Candi: Hello everyone and welcome to Candi’s Corner, the show where I bring the tough questions to some of the sVo superstars. My first guest is a man who has done quite nicely in his time here in the sVo, he is none other than the Xtreme Icon Peter Gilmour.
[Camera pans to show Peter in a black BLS t-shirt and jeans.]
Peter: Hello Candi. You’re looking rather… nice today.
Candi: Thank you. Peter, you have been here in the sVo for just about 5 months now. Can you describe your time here in the sVo?
Peter: Well, it has been a great ride so far Candi. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here. I didn’t start off to well but with time and determination, I became the Hardcore Champion in my first few months here and I have had probably one of my best feuds ever with Night. I think that match at Destiny really made my career. But times are changing and so am I. I mean look at what is happening here in the sVo. We got a new hardcore champion in Joseph Equinox, we have newcomers like Travis Williams, the mysterious KHARN, and others. We now have some stupid match called ORGANIZED CHAOS and a lot of wrestlers are changing their gimmicks and the way they dress. I am rolling with the changes as well.
Candi: Yes you have Peter. You have finally taken off the mask and have seemed to gain more fans. Why did it take so long to take the mask off?
Peter: Well, I was waiting for the right time to do it. After I met my lovely girlfriend a while back, I took some time off to think about where I want my future to go. SO I decided that I needed to ditch the mask and be my own person.
Candi: Now there have been rumors of a big announcement you were going to make tonight on Showdown. Care to address those rumors?
[Peter smiles and then looks into the camera.]
Peter: Yes, I would like to address them. You see over the past few weeks, many of you have seen some tension going on between me and my best friend Max Masterson. You can call it friends arguing or whatever you like. Fact is, me and Max have had our problems, but we worked them out. But I think it’s time to move on. Tonight, I announce my new manager.. ROSE SMITH!
[Rose comes into the shot and sits down next to Peter. Rose is in a stunning Black dress with black makeup on her eyes. She wraps her arms around Peter and kisses him passionately. Candi looks like she has just seen a ghost.]
Candi: My god, this is HUGE. Why would you get rid of your former partner and friend?
Peter: There comes a time in a man’s life when you just have to move on. And I decided that Max must be, shall I say, REPLACED. That little phone call he had, I set that up. I wanted to get him as far away from me as possible. And now I think that with my lovely girl by my side, I will become more ruthless and dominant in my matches and you will all see a new change in my attitude. I will still be the same monster I was before, but with an edge. I will still take people to the Xtreme and I will soon become the World Heavyweight Champion. But first, I got to get through this stupid Tag Team Turmoil match with 8 other guys. I don’t care who my tag partner is, as long as I have a piece of gold around my sexy waist. So this Sunday at Showdown, someone is going to be taken.. TO THE XTREEEEEEEEEEEEME!
Rose: Business has just picked up boys. Beware of the XTREME ICON!
[Rose laughs wickedly as the camera fades out on Peter and Rose looking into the camera intently.]
OPENING MATCH
Cobalt Clay vs. Michael Hart
Off go the lights. On comes the music. Through the crowd he arrives.
Michael Hart song hits the PA System,he does a little taunt to the fans,and he goes by the ring to slide in the ring.Now he goes on the turn-buckle to taunt to the fans.
The bell sounds.
The match starts off with both men having a tie up. The bigger newcomer Michael Hart pushes his opponent Cobalt Clay back into a corner. They are caught up in the ropes as Cobalt Clay ducks his head out of the ring and through the ropes. The referee walks over and takes notice of this as tells Michael Hart to back off and away from him in the corner.
Michael listens as he takes a few steps back. Slowly but surely Cobalt Clay sticks his head through the ropes again but this time back inside of the ring. Cobalt Clay takes a few steps out from the corner as he extends his arms out to Michael Hart and then executes a headlock. His arms wrapped tightly around his head as he begins to squeeze.
Hart now takes a few steps back into the ropes as he pushes Cobalt across the ring and to the other side. Clay comes back as Hart goes for a back elbow smash but instead Cobalt ducks it and goes running to the other side of the ring and off the ropes one more time. Cobalt comes back and is kneed right in the gut though as Michael Hart extends it out there putting it all on the line.
As Cobalt Clay falls down to the mat we see Michael Hart get on top of him as he hooks his leg and looks for an early cover.
1
2
Unfortunately though his opponent Cobalt Clay kicks out. Michael Hart gets off of him as he now wraps his arms around the chin of Cobalt as he locks in the submission hold. He tightens the grip real quick as the fans are getting into this one. They begin to chant and cheer and carry on as the momentum pushes to Cobalt Clay who begins to battle out of it.
Cobalt begins to make it to his feet as he drives elbows into the side of his rib cage area. He breaks free now as he throws a few right hands and then takes a step back and hit’s a super kick! Hart goes down as Cobalt begins to move towards his floored body, but as he does the whole arena is plunged into chaos. The lights in the arena suddenly cut before a pulsating electric blue light begins to flash all around the ringside area.
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
The pulsating rhythm of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash slowly plays over the sound system in the arena, as onto the top of the entrance stage slowly walks the ‘Cult of Kharn’. The eyes of the fans struggle to turn to Kaden, Arrant, Manta and Sedan due to the flashing blue light, but Kaden makes his way down the entrance ramp in time with the music. Arrant is only a few steps behind ‘The Son of Destiny’, and he is flanked by Manta and Sedan. The four seem to be making their way to the ring as Clay stares in disbelief at the spectacle as Hart lays motionless on the mat. Kaden seems to be holding his head in pain as the ‘Cult of Kharn’ stand just a few steps away from the ring. Arrant motions for Kaden to climb into the ring, however the amnesiac seems to be ensure.
Cobalt Clay doesn’t know what to make of things, as Kaden Alonzo slowly climbs into the ring holding his head, as the blue flashing lights continue. Cobalt Clay decides he has had enough of the Cult of Kharn interrupting his match, and as Hart slowly begins to get to his feet, Clay runs at Kaden Alonzo! Seemingly to his surprise more than anyone elses, Kaden Alonzo strikes the uncoming Cobalt Clay with a crushing right hand that knocks Cobalt Clay out in one punch.
Kaden Alonzo looks down at the unconscious body of Cobalt Clay before looking in disbelief at his own hand that delivered the blow. Michael Hart must have seen the move, because as he gets to his feet he stares down Kaden Alonzo with disbelief. Kaden Alonzo suddenly springs forward and catches Hart with a kick to the midsection, before dropping him on his head with an Evenflow DDT! Kaden Alonzo spins back up to his feet, before looking down at Hart, seemingly amazed at what he has just done. The crowd don’t know what to make of the scene as the flashing lights become slower and slower in tempo. As prophesised by ‘the Cult of Kharns’ leader Arrant, Kaden Alonzo has certainly made his impact tonight and announce his arrival!
RESULT: No Contest
DNA
Backstage of Show Down, Travis Williams has a file in his hands. He gives some nerdy kid a twenty, and slaps him in the back, sending him on his way. Candi Cross stops by him, and ponders aloud.
Candi Cross – What’s the file for Travis?
Travis Williams – DNA Test.
Candi Cross – For your son Trenton?
Travis Williams – No you dumb fucking cunt! That’s my boy, this has to deal with a superstar in sVo.
Candi Cross – You know something you jackass, you can keep your comments to yourself. I’ve never been more disrespected in my time here in…
Travis Williams – Wait, didn’t you fuck Peter Gilmour?
Candi Cross – That is none of your business…
Travis Williams – I take that as a yes, and you said being called a cunt is disrespecting you, you disrespected yourself you filthy whore. Out of my sight, before I get blood work on you, and prove to the world how you have some disease that maybe floating around this whole locker room. I’ve got important business to handle, and it does involve you and stupid fucking questions. I’ve got information someone wants!
Candi throws the microphone at Travis Williams’ head, barely missing him. He laughs as she screams for Paige down the hall of the area.
DOGS OF WAR
The sVo cameras cut backstage to the locker room of Gunner Lang, and Chris Bond. Gunner and JD James are already in their wrestling gear quietly talking over some last minute strategy for the opening match, the Tag Team Turmoil Match that will crown the sVo’s first ever tag team champions.
Gunner glances over his shoulder as none other than Chris Bond strides into the room his trademark grin plastered over his face.
Bond: “Nice tights JD.”
JD: “What’s wrong with my tights Chrissy?”
Bond rolled his eyes as he flopped down in the easy chair besides them and he eyed JD’s tights.
Bond: “Not much if you were wrestling during double you double you eye.”
Gunner punched Bond in the shoulder.
Gunner: “Take it easy on the boy, he’s full of nerves enough as it is.”
Bond: “So I guess the rumors are true … you two are forming a tag team. What’re you gonna call yourself. No wait … wait I got it … Grumpy Old Men?”
Gunner and JD look at each other shaking their heads.
Bond: “No … hmmm. Old and Older.”
Gunner stands up as he begins to straighten his arm band.
Gunner: “Actually I was thinking Dogs of War.”
JD nods his head enthusiastically.
JD: “Yeah … Dogs of War. I like it.”
Bond: “Dogs of War … what is this, a Nic Cage movie or something.”
Gunner: “Actually Bondy. Dogs of War is a music project that I was working on that didn’t fly and names been floating around. I thin it suits us perfectly.”
Gunner glances over to JD anticipation his response.
Gunner: “We’re both old dogs, and from the sounds of things the Tag division is gonna be war.”
JD: “I like it.”
JD throws his head back in the air and starts howling like a dog. Gunner and Chris stare at JD before breaking contact and staring at each other, and then back to JD.
Gunner: “Ummm … yeah. That’s gonna have to be something we work on JD”
Bond holds his hand up pointing his finger as he is about to speak again but they are saved by a knock at the door. From behind the door the stage hand gives Gunner and JD the ten minute warning and we fade out.
THE QUEST
Voice: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?
Backstage somewhere at the Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany. sVo Hardcore Champion, Joseph Equinox makes his way down a corridor. Hearing a loud yell coming from behind a closed door, he stops. His face reflecting a man who has found what he was looking for. Without hesitation he opens the door and steps inside.
EQUINOX: Night?
The room is perfectly quiet and still. On first inspection it seems uninhabited apart from Equinox. After a moment’s hesitation, a figure steps forward from the shadows – Night.
NIGHT: Yes?
EQUINOX: What’s wrong?
Night steps forward, towards Equinox, his eyes ablaze. He hands the Hardcore Champion a card, which Joe opens.
“You’re cured. Consider it on the house!” followed by a smiley face wearing a top-hat.
NIGHT: It seems Isaac intends to just wash his hands of me and walk away. That’s it? A month of psychological torment and mind-games – a quick pin off of one of MY mistakes… and that’s it?
Remembering he is not alone, Night composes himself and turns to face Equinox.
NIGHT: Sorry. You were looking for me?
EQUINOX: Yes I was. I can come back if you like?
NIGHT: No it’s fine. What do you need?
EQUINOX: I need your advice. I was told, or I think I was at least, to seek you out if I needed any help. Now I believe I do.
NIGHT: What kind of advice do you need?
EQUINOX: Well I am kind of on my own personal quest just now. However recently I found out something that I didn’t really agree with. What I want to know is, am I being stupid for wanting to put aside my own personal quest for the sake of helping someone that I believe I can help?
Everything is silent for a moment.
NIGHT: You believe in fate, don’t you?
EQUINOX: You… could say that.
NIGHT: Then you have to help.
EQUINOX: So you think it’s right to abandon my personal quest?
NIGHT: I didn’t say that. But no path in life is straight. There are twists and turns and decisions to make. If something like this has come into your path – then offer your help…
He pauses, looking to make sure his words are getting through to Joe.
NIGHT: … and that is your journey. You might even find that it helps you on your way to completing your personal quest – it’s amazing how these things work sometimes.
Night extends his hand, palm upwards to Equinox. The Hardcore champion stares at Night’s outstretched hand with a look of confusion before finally remembering the card in his hand. He places the card in Night’s hand. The masked man nods at Equinox and turns away, moving back into the shadows of the room.
NIGHT: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have my own plans to see to.
Equinox nods in response and silently exits the room. Once back in the corridor, he shuts the door, leaning against it and letting Night’s words sink in.
TRUCE
Sitting down on a chair in his new locker room is martial artist and now professional wrestler Michael Diaz as he watches Showdown from a television screen backstage.
Coming up from behind him is none other than “Hollywood” Howie Banks who is a man that has a match up with ten other men for the chance to become one half of the sVo Tag Team Champions.
As Howie comes up behind him, wearing his green and black wrestling gear we see Michael Diaz jump off of his chair quickly and turn around in a fighting stance getting ready to defend himself.
Banks: “Whoa, ninja dude, calm down.”
He smirks.
Diaz: “What do you want?”
Howie looks to the roof then back down to Michael.
Banks: “I just came by to say welcome to the sVo.”
Howie takes a step towards him as Diaz is still a little cautious of him.
Banks: “And to say thanks, for calling it right down the middle at Vendetta.”
Howie shrugs his shoulders.
Banks: “Well, sort of.”
Diaz stops his fighting stance now as he just stands there and extends his hand out to Banks.
Diaz: “I know what you mean, but yeah, sure, no problem.”
Howie takes his hand and they shake on it.
Diaz: “Good luck in your match tonight.”
Howie smiles.
Banks: “Thanks.”
He is about to walk off as they release hands but he turns back and continues to speak aloud.
Banks: “You know, you might just face me next week in your first match up.”
Howie begins to laugh hysterically.
Banks: “You got a good kick, kid. I’ll see you next week in Milan.”
He walks away as he heads towards the door. He stops in front of it, shakes his head and then proceeds to open it up, walk out and close it behind him.
TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH
Gunner Lang vs. Blaze vs. Sensei Shredder vs. Peter Gilmour vs. Lou Lyons vs. Joseph Equinox vs. Death Venom vs. Alister Diablo vs. Chaos vs. Howie Banks
The lights begin to dim. They then turn red as Steve Vai’s “Oooo” begins to play as Chaos heads onto the stage. He looks around. He then spits blood into the air and begins walking again. He gets into the ring and sits down in the corner.
Sound of the drums
Beatin’ in my heart
The thunder of guns!
Tore me apart
You’ve been, Gunner-struck!
The familiar riff of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck fills the arena. As the pyro goes off on the entranceway Gunner Lang explodes onto the entrance ramp shooting off his own pyro from a gun while the sVo Tron shows Gunner and a band playing his entrance music. The fans are on their feet cheering and shout ‘Gunner’ along with the song. Gunner drops the pyro gun and runs down to the ring slapping hands with the fans and giving devil horns. He slides into the ring under the bottom rope and proceeds to take off his shirt and bandanna throwing them into the crowd.
The arena lights dim, and begin to flash orange and blue as flames appear flickering on the video screen. “We Takin’ Over” starts to play, as a huge pyro explosion happens on stage, BlaZe appears behind the flames pointing to the crowd, wearing a jersey from one of the city’s sports teams (customized with a player name), as well as a fitted cap of the home team. Walking to the ring he high fives fans, before sliding in and climbing the turnbuckle, to again point and signal to the fans. He pulls a sharpie from his pocket, autographs the jersey and throws it into the crowd before jumping down and preparing to warm up for the match.
Operation Ground and Pound begins playing as the lights in the arena go off. A white fog lifts from the stage and bright white lights are flashing all around as the music builds. A vague figure within the fog begins to rise from the stage when the drum beats are cued. When the music slows everything goes black again. Once the fast drus beats finish and the breakdown starts, the whole arena bursts into light and the wrestler begins moving down the ramp, giving the fans his love. Once he reaches the ring, he jumps around in excitement, going to each turnbuckle raising both his fists in the air for the crowd. Music fades as he readys for his upcoming opponents.
The lights go out in the arena and the beginning chords of Lamb of God’s WALK WITH ME IN HELL begin to play. The lights then turn red and Max Masterson begins to make his way out to the ramp. He is dressed in a red suit and holding a singapore cane. He looks over the crowd and begins to laugh. Soon after, Peter Gilmour comes out in a dark red cloak with no hood and the words “Xtreme” on the back. Peter meets Max and both of them throw up an “X” as fire emits in the same fashion behind them. The duo goes to the ring, ignoring the fans comments towards them. Max gets into the ring first and Peter follows behind him. Peter goes into the middle of the ring stretches out his arms and rolls his eyes in back of his head ala the Undertaker, as the lights come back on. Max takes off Peter’s cloak and Peter looks at the ramp intently, waiting on his next opponent.
“I dare you to step into the Lyons Den!”
“Fortunate Son” by CCR begins to play over the loudspeakers.
# It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no,
# It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate son, no no no.
Lou Lyons steps out onto the entrance ramp. The fans send a cheerful welcome to the innovative submissionist. As the fans continue to go wild, a spotlight shines down upon Lyons, and flashing maroon lights and pyrotechnics follow. He raises his right arm, rolls his neck, nods to the fans, and then walks slowly to the ring. Lyons finally jumps up upon the ring apron and over the ropes. He walks to his corner, rolls his neck again, and then paces around the ring, waiting to land his first strike.
Smoke begins to fill the stageas the lights dim to near darkness. A beam of bright white light shines from the stage. As the light begins to dim, Joseph Equinox can be seen stading at the top of the stage with smoke foating all around him. Equinox moves to the top of the ramp and stops before he flails his arms out to the side of him and a pyro lightning bolt fies down and strikes him. The spotlights loom over where Equinox was standing but he is no longer there. All of a sudden 4 more lighting bolts crash down on each corner of the ring and the arena lights change to a dark blue. And there standing in the ring is Equinox with smoke now floating around the ring. Joseph Equinox then looks up the ramp and takes off his shades as he awaits his opponents.
Stricken by Disturbed Blast out of the sVo PA system. The lights turn red and blacks smoke covers everywhere and red pyro explodes on the stage. Death Venom walks through the curtains and walk onto the stage with a black trench coat on. He slowly lift up his arms and pyro explodes. Venom starts walking and he walks own the ramp and slowly to the ring post he walks up them and walks on the apron climbs into the ring. Death walks to the turnbuckle climbs up and raises his arms and jumps down and walks to the middle of the ring waits for his opponent.
“Inside The Fire” by Disturbed begins to play and Alister Diablo comes out onto the stage. He raises his arms up in an X and red pyro in the shape of an X goes off behind him. He then heads down to the ring and takes of the black shades he is wearing. He tosses them into the crowd. He walks up the steps and gets in the ring. He gets on the turnbuckle post and makes the X with his arms again.
The fans cheer as JD James makes his way down the entrance ramp to compete for the first ever time in a sVo ring! ‘The Playboy’ makes his way to the ring accompanied by the offical sVo Showdown theme music ‘Pretty Vegas’, and will no doubt be looking to get his hands on some sVo gold tonight!
“Grillz” By Nelly hit’s the sound system system. Howie Banks comes out wearing his normal ring gear with a robe around him that’s a golden yellow colour. It also has white jewels on it. He makes his way down to the ring as the fans try to touch him but he walks a straight line down as he gets to the ring. He walks up the steel steps and onto the ring apron as he then gets into the ring as the fans have a mixed reaction.
The referee calls for the bell to be rung, and this eleven man brawl gets straight underway! The eleven superstars leap forward and begin to throw wild punches at each other, with Peter Gilmour notably going after current sVo Hardcore Champion Joseph Equinox, who beat Gilmour for the belt at Vendetta! Sensei Shredder and Blaze double team Howie Banks as JD James and Gunner Lang run through Chaos with a double clothesline! Lou Lyons drops Death Venom with a snap suplex, as Alistair Diablo helps out his tag team partner Venom by quickly taking Lou Lyons to the ropes and trying to force him over to the outside!
Lyons holds on for dear life, as on the opposite corner of the ring, Chaos nails Gunner Lang and JD James with a double clothesline, before a spinning heel kick from Sensei Shredder knocks Chaos over the top rope and eliminates him! The match is down to ten men, but not for long as Death Venom rises up to his feet, only for Shredders tag team partner Blaze to knock Death Venom to the outside with a clothesline over the top rope!
We are now down to nine as JD James and Gunner Lang slowly rise to their feet, only for Howie Banks to hit Lang with a chop block before hitting him with mounted punches. Gilmour looks for a powerbomb on Equinox, but the Hardcore Champion reverses with a back body drop, as JD James grabs Alistair Diablo as he tries to force Lou Lyons over the top rope, and tosses both men over! The crowd give JD James a big pop as the match is reduced to seven, but JD James is quickly involved in a trade off of right hands with Sensei Shredder.
Joseph Equinox rises up to his feet and brings Gilmour with him, but as Equinox tries to force Gilmour towards the ropes, Gilmour takes down Equinox with a scoop slam. Blaze and Sensei Shredder hit JD James with a double suplex, but as Sensei Shredder rises to his feet, Peter Gilmour grabs him from behind and scoops him over the top rope and to the floor below! Sensei Shredder is eliminated, and the match is down to six men in the hunt to find the first ever sVo Tag Team Champions! Blaze sees his tag team partner get eliminated, and as Peter Gilmour celebrates eliminating Shredder, Blaze dropkicks him from behind and sends him tumbling over the top rope! Gilmour has been eliminated and we are now down to five!
Gunner Lang and Howie Banks continue to brawl as Equinox rises to his feet. JD James moves over to help Gunner Lang beat down Howie Banks, and Equinox grabs Blaze and throws him into the ropes. Blaze bounces back, and Equinox tries to force him over the top rope, but as he goes flying over, Blaze grabs the top rope and manages to stay on the ring apron! Equinox turns his back thinking that Blaze has been eliminated, but the still legal Blaze rolls under the bottom rope and grabs Equinox from behind, before throwing the Hardcore Champion over the top rope!
We are down to the last four men, and two out of Gunner Lang, Blaze, JD James and Howie Banks are going to walk out as sVo Tag Team Champions! JD James and Gunner Lang are talking apart Howie Banks in the corner, so Blaze makes the strategic decision to make his way over and help out Banks! Blaze takes the fight to Gunner Lang as Howie Banks slowly rises to his feet and blocks the punches of JD James!
Howie Banks pulls JD James to the ropes just as Blaze pulls Gunner Lang to the ropes! Banks and Blaze try and push the ‘Dogs of War over the top rope, but just as Banks throws JD James to the outside, Gunner Lang counters Blaze by grabbing him around the neck and pulling him to the outside! Blaze falls to the floor and is eliminated, as Gunner Lang lands on the ring apron and is still legal!
The referee calls for the bell!
This one is all over and we have the first ever sVo Tag Team Champions!
Gunner Lang looks over expecting to see a triumphant JD James looking back at him, but is shocked as Howie Banks is handed one of the Tag Team Championship belts by the referee! Lang’s face drops as he is handed the other tag team title belt and the situation dawns on him. He has won the tag team title belts, but he has to share the honour with ‘Hollywood’ Howie Banks! Will the odd couple manage to keep the belts for a long time or is the situation bound to implode in the near future?
RESULT: Howie Banks & Gunner Lang become first ever Tag Team Champions.
SUBMIT!
The cameras cut to backstage, in the locker room of none other than Nathan Paradine. The SVO’s newest recruit is standing with his back to the camera, already dressed in his ring gear. He turns around, sliding his shades onto his face and fixing a grin as he does so.
“You know… I’ve only just come here to the SVO… I’m the rookie around here, career wise. I haven’t had a chance to shine yet. Later on tonight, I will prove myself when I fight Travis Williams. When I beat Travis Williams. But for the last few day’s, something has been tugging at my mind. A certain someone who claims to be the submission artist of the SVO.”
The grin disappears from his face, replaced by a sneer.
‘I’m talking about Lou Lyons, of course. The pretty boy who thinks he has what it takes to roll with the big boys. Well guess what friend? You are wrong. You claim to be the submission artist of this company, but that is a crown and title that belongs to ME! I am the superior fighter. I am the best out of us both. I want to make that clear to everyone.”
Paradine flicks his shades, so that they slide down just enough to show his emerald green eyes.
“I challenge you, Lyons. Next week. In what I’m going to call the Paradine Invitational. We’ll fight for one round, or five minutes. The only way to win is via submission. If you can make me tap, which I doubt, then you’ll receive my grand prize; $500,000, upfront. But I don’t think I’ll be leaving the show empty handed. So what do you say, Lou? Wanna put your skills to the test? I expect a reply soon.”
With that, the camera fades out, the last image showing the grin returning to Paradine’s face as he slides the shades back up.
SINGLE MATCH
Travis Williams vs. Nathan Paradine
The hard hitting rock/metal sound of Blaine’s “Low” starts to pour into the arena from the sound systems. The crowd rises to their feet, in the massive loads, as the Big Screen flashes the words “Dark Shadows” across it. From entrance tunnel in the crowd, a figure walks out in a pair of black jeans and a black wife beater. Steel toe boots jet black, and head cleanly shaved with drips of sweat beading up from the bright lights, and warm bodies that surround him. Security guards clear a path the best they can, as Dark Shadows walks through the normal people and hops over the barricade. He pauses, as he looks back at where he came from, and the crowd in respect, pop big for The Dark Shadows. He turns and faces the ring, as he dashes towards it and slides under the bottom rope. He walks to a corner and waits there as his music cuts away.
The intro of “Joker and the Thief” blasts from the speakers, and all lights except the multicolored lights flashing above the ring and ramp in time with the drums. A figure emerges from the darkness and into lights, as the intro ends and the lights stay a light green color. Nathan Paradine walks down to the ring, climbing up the steel stairs and wiping his feet on the ring apron before climbing in between the middle and top ropes. He walks across the ring and climbs the opposite turnbuckle, holding one arm up in the air. He flings his pair of sunglasses into the crowd and jumps down, before backing off into the corner.
The bell sounds.
Travis Williams and Nathan Paradine wrestle for the first time here on Showdown 24. Both men step to the middle of the ring and tie up. Nathan Paradine is smaller as Travis Williams pushes him back into a corner. The referee warns Paradine to back away so he does. Nathan however goes a right hand punch to Travis who ducks it and shoves Nathan in the corner now.
He begins to throw right hand punches of his own as well as kicks to his mid section area. Williams now begins to slap and chop his chest area with open hand ones from his palm. They are pretty loud as the fans begin to make ‘awe’ noises in the arena. Travis now grabs the hand of Nathan and whips him into the corner across the ring diagonally into a turnbuckle.
Paradine comes walking out from the corner and is booted in the mid section by Williams. Travis now grabs him from the side and nails him down across the center of the ring with a side walk slam. Travis Williams now grabs the leg of Nathan Paradine and goes to hook it for the pin fall. The referee takes notice of this and gets down to the ring mat as fast as he can as he begins to make the count.
1
2
No more then a two count as Nathan Paradine gets his shoulder off the ring mat just before the three count could take place.
Travis gets back to a standing base now as he grabs the head of Nathan and picks him back up. Travis grabs him from behind and has his hands locked around his waist as he looks to score with a German suplex. Nathan Paradine elbows him in the head as Williams let’s go of the maneuver. Nathan now follows up with it by taking the match his way. He drop toe holds Travis down to the ground as he gets on top of him for a camel clutch submission.
He locks it in as Travis Williams is desperately trying to get to a rope. After a few more seconds of having the hold on and Travis not wanting to tap we see Nathan get a bit frustrated and toss him face first into the ring mat. Nathan begins to taunt around a bit as he now focuses back on his opponent. He grabs the head of Williams and picks him up. He whips him into the corner now and runs in with a clothesline that connects.
Travis Williams is dazed as Nathan Paradine grabs a hold of him and jumps up on the second turnbuckle. He wraps his arm around his head then nails him down across the ring mat with a tornado ddt. Nathan crawls quickly over to his opponent Travis Williams and goes for the cover as he hooks the leg upwards. The referee gets down to make the count happen.
1..
2..
Travis Williams gets his shoulder up just in the nick of time before the three count came down from the referee.
Travis begins to roll away now as Nathan stalks his prey and comes even closer to him. Williams helps himself up in the corner as he grabs a hold of the ropes and is now in a standing position. Paradine walks over and is hit with a mafia kick to the rib cage area. Williams fights his way out of the corner as he now goes for the Reality Clash. The pile driver position is in check as he now drops him face and body first into the ring mat.
After executing that maneuver we see him instead of going for the pin grab his leg and lock in another finishing maneuver of his called the Tragic Escape! It’s a single leg lion tamer, with your knee into their back, applying weight to the neck. He tightens it as the fans watch on wondering if he will tap. He can’t seem to go anywhere!
Paradine desperately tries to escape from the clutches of Williams, and manages to twist out of the move! However it seems the damage has been done to the newcomer as he struggles to make his way up to a standing positon. Paradine fires off a few right hands at Williams, but Williams nails Paradine with a knee to the midsection, before taking him to the mat with a ‘Roll of the Dice’! The fans give a mixed reaction to the finishing move as Paradine makes the cover!
1..
2..
3!!
This one is all over, and its Travis Williams who picks up the narrow victory over newcomer Nathan Paradine!
RESULT: Travis Williams def. Nathan Paradine via pinfall
IN THE RACE…
The scene opens backstage where Katie Smith is standing by with former sVo International Champion Johnny All Star. All Star who has since retired from the ring is dressed in his usual business attire, and looks to have something on his mind.
Katie Smith – “Well I stand by here with Johnny All Star, a legend of the sVo. Now Johnny, your biological father Jimmy Moretti was last week arrested. Do you have any updates on the situation for the loyal sVo fans?”
Johnny All Star looks down at the ground as he shakes his head.
Johnny All Star – “I am afraid that the family doesn’t wish to comment on the matter at this point in time….”
Katie Smith looks surprised as she pulls the microphone closer to her mouth.
Katie Smith – “Oh. What did you call this interview for today then Mr All Star?”
Johnny All Star winks at Katie as he takes the microphone from her.
Johnny All Star – “I would like to officially toss my name in the hat to become the first ever President of the sVo! I know Paige has put herself up for election, but being Jimmy Moretti’s oldest son, I too hold a little bit of booking power around here and I think that we all agree that I would make a great sVo President.”
Katie Smith nods in agreement, but off camera where here a loud scoff. As the camera turns around it is revealed to be none other than Kerry Millano standing off camera shaking his head.
Johnny All Star – “You got something to say Millano?”
Kerry Millano takes a few steps towards Johnny All Star, trying to intimidate the retired wrestler.
Kerry Millano – “Why don’t you show the fans just how much of a great President you would be and give me a sVo championship shot. Hell do that and you got my vote.”
Johnny All Star shakes his head as he looks Millano up and down.
Johnny All Star – “People like you make me laugh you know that? You swan in here wanting a shot at this title and that title, what have you EVER done in the sVo to deserve it? I gave the prime of my career to this federation. I wrestled some of my greatest matches and won titles like the International Championship. I competed in PPV main events yet NEVER got to taste sVo Championship gold…. What makes you think you deserve it after a few shows?”
Millano smirks as Johnny All Star becomes angrier and angrier.
Kerry Millano – “Because I am THE best that the sVo has to offer.”
Millano stares All Star down, but surprisingly All Star begins to chuckle.
Johnny All Star – “You know what, I know that Best is making Psyko Stevo wait until the PPV in the hope he will get injured, but I actually have the power to give you a title shot next week!”
There is a cheer from the crowd, will we really see a sVo Championship match next week in Milan?
Johnny All Star – “But to get that shot you got to sacrifice, just like I had to in my sVo career! If you beat Alex Ross in your singles match tonight then the first thing I do when I am elected president of the sVo is book Kerry Millano in a sVo Championship match!”
Millano seems to like that idea with a nod of his head.
Johnny All Star – “But if you lose to Ross, then you pass all responsibilities as an Organised Chaos captain at Redemption to me!”
The crowd cheer, but will Millano really take All Star up on the action.
Kerry Millano – “I don’t even have to think twice.”
The deal is confirmed with a stiff handshake between the pair, before Millano smirks at All Star before making his way to prepare for his match up with Alex Ross later tonight. With Millano out of the picture, All Star turns to Katie Smith and flashes her a ‘Presidential smile’, before retreating from the scene.
SINGLE MATCH
Night vs. Cody Williams
The sound of a THX Dolby Digital Surround Sound test fills the arena, synched to the slow dimming of the house lights. “Head Like A Hole” (Clay Remix) by Nine Inch Nails plays on the speakers. Gold lights and lasers wander throughout the arena as smoke and the flashing of a strobe light covers the entrance way.
Bow down before the one you serve
You’re going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You’re going to get what you deserve
The smoke gets heavier as it settles in a foggy haze as Cody Williams makes his way through the curtain. He looks out into the crowd and turns sideways, extending his arms out to his sides. The smoke begins to clear as Cody peers behind him to see Sasha emerge from the curtain and the two make their way to the ring.
The two make their way onto the apron: Sasha slowly entering the ring, bending over and showing off her assets. Cody stares and makes motion of his heart beating fast. He slaps her on the ass and steps into the ring. He rushes to the nearest corner and raises his arms up in the air, staring into the crowd. He opens up his fur coat, exposing the sVo International championship. He caresses the belt, pounds his chest three times, and then points out to crowd and then points to himself. He jumps off the turnbuckle, doing a 180 turn and starts bouncing around while Sasha takes off his coat.
A whisper…
“I’m dreaming…”
The distant chords of Deftones’ “Knife Party” cut through the PA as the arena lights cut completely. The Tron sparks to life as the words “I’m dreaming…” float onto it. As the song errupts the words are replaced by one.
A name.
” N I G H T “
An explosion of purple light as a man in a black mask appears. At least, the mask appears black at first, but on closer inspection it appears to be made of the night sky. The mask does not entirely cover the man’s head and a head of black dreadlocks stream out, tracing the man’s jaw.
The man stands at the top of the entrance ramp – motionless for a moment, his stance elegant and mysterious, giving away nothing of his motives. As the music swirls away, the man only known as Night begins his walk to the ring – only, he doesn’t walk, it appears more of a graceful glide. Although he moves seemlessly, he moves deceptively quickly to the ring, sliding deliberately and headfirst into the ring. He moves silently to a neutral corner as he and Williams lock eyes from across the ring.
The referee calls for the bell and this match is underway! The two men begin circling clockwise around the ring as the crowd buzz anticipating a matchup between a former International and former Hardcore Champion. Both lunge forwards and lock up in the middle of the ring. Night gains an early advantage, locking Williams up with a rear waist-lock. Williams pries Night’s hands open and twists around behind Night, hooking both of his arms and sliding him over his back and pinning his shoulders to the mat with a backslide!
ONE!
TWO!
Night kicks out strongly and rolls back to his feet. Williams also finds his footing and runs at Night, leaping and aiming a flying forearm at the masked man’s head. Quick as a flash, Night drops to the mat and Williams flies right over him. Night stands and spins, thrusting a spinning shin kick at Williams head, who takes his turn to duck out of the way. Night crashes to the mat and Williams promptly drops a leg across his throat. He stands and jumps over Night, tucking his feet up and trying for a senton, only for Night to roll out of the way and to his feet, immediately throwing a front dropkick at Williams. Night is shocked as Williams manages to dodge the dropkick and instead catches the masked man’s feet. Night hits the mat and Williams quickly wraps up his legs in a figure four with his arms and turns a struggling Night over into a Texas cloverleaf!
Cody Williams wrenches the lock in as Night cries out in pain. Still relatively fresh in the match, the former hardcore champion lifts himself off the mat and scurries towards the ropes using his arms for momentum. Cody manages to stall him slightly, fighting to keep the move locked in tight as long as possible. Night crawls and reaches towards the ropes but comes up just short.
Inching towards the ropes, Night’s arm shakes from the strain as Cody pulls back, stretching Night’s back out. With a final reach, Night drapes a finger over the bottom rope, but his arm drops to the mat as Williams releases the hold and dives onto his masked opponent with a heavy elbow drop across the back of his neck. Williams stands and drags Night towards the turnbuckles, lying him face up nearby. He makes straight for the ropes and leaps onto the middle rope, bouncing onto the top rope and flipping off backwards with a beautifully executed double-jump moonsault…
… right onto Night’s waiting knees.
Williams clutches at his ribs and writhes on the mat as Night staggers to his feet, slightly awkwardly. He moves towards Williams and pulls him to his knees by the hair. The former International champion, still winded from his failed moonsault attempt, fires away and drives a left hand into Night’s abdomen. The masked man is staggered, but continues his advance on Williams, only to receive a hard right hand to the midsection following up the other. He stumbles slightly and Williams throws another punch, climbing to his feet and throwing a right at Night’s head. Night blocks the punch and plants a foot on Williams’ left thigh and drills him with an enzuigiri! Cody drops to the mat as Night scrambles back to his feet, immediately climbing through the top and middle ropes onto the ring apron. He pulls back on the top rope and leaps back over with a slingshot legdrop across the throat of Williams. He immediately covers.
ONE!
TWO!
TH–
Cody manages to kick out and Night wastes no time in climbing back to his feet, bringing Williams with him. He backs Williams up to the ropes and whips him across the ring. Williams bounces off the ropes and Night charges at him, leaping and nailing Cody with a jumping leg lariat. Night rolls back to his feet and Williams out of instinct immediately springs back to his feet, but is clearly disoriented as he turns to face the wrong direction, before turning back to find Night, who drops Cody straight back to the mat with a spinning heel kick. He follows up straight away with a somersault senton and rolls through onto his feet, grabs the top rope and uses his momentum to spring onto the top turnbuckle, where he immediately springs off with a HUGE corkscrew moonsault…
… only to crash face first into the mat! Night bounces from the impact as Cody leans on the bottom turnbuckle, his hands on the middle rope. He smiles confidently as he watches his opponent writhe painfully on the mat. Using the ropes to pull himself to his feet, Cody Williams wastes no time in moving straight to a still suffering Night and pulling him to his feet. Night instinctively throws a right at Williams’ head, which Cody easily ducks. Night follows up with a wild left, which Cody also ducks and sends Night spinning around. Seeing his opening, Williams locks a tight rear waist-lock on Night and heaves backwards, driving Night into the mat with a German suplex. Williams keeps his grip locked in tightly and stands, pulling Night back to his feet. Once both are back to a vertical base, he shifts his grip into a full nelson, once again driving backwards, this time using a full nelson suplex to ground the masked man.
With Night lying motionless on the mat, Cody once again covers for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THRE–
Night manages a kickout at the last moment and Williams takes a moment out of frustration at the near-fall. He climbs to his feet and looks towards the nearest turnbuckle, immediately moving towards it and, after stepping through the top and middle ropes onto the apron, climbs onto the top turnbuckle where he perches and waits.
Slowly, Night manages to roll to his feet, Cody watching him intently. Night stands and stumbles forwards, facing away from Williams, who takes the opportunity to fly off and drive a huge missile dropkick into the back of Night’s head! Night crumples forwards as Williams hits the mat. Cody climbs straight back to his feet and pulls a lifeless Night to his feet, but not for long as he locks him up and drives Night into the mat with a t-bone suplex. Night bounces off the mat and Williams mercilessly goes after him. He pulls Night roughly to his knees by the hair and places him in a standing headscissors, wrapping his arms under Night’s waist and lifting him up, driving him back first into the mat with a sit-out powerbomb and holding on for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE–
Once again Night kicks out at the last possible second and Williams slams the mat out of frustration. He roughly flips Night onto his stomach and stands over him, pulling Night’s head up off the mat and wrapping it under his arm – Broken Reflection!
Night writhes in the agony of Cody’s camel clutch dragon sleeper and struggles against it. Williams holds the move in tightly as Night struggles to scramble forwards. He reaches frantically at the rope, but Williams has him locked in just out of reach. The masked man cries out as he tries in vain to reach the rope, his fingers each flexed and outstretched as far as he can reach, but still he remains at least a foot from the rope.
Night finally withdraws his arm, instead trying to support himself. He digs his knees into the mat and once again scrambles forwards, managing to gain a half foot or so. Again he reaches out his hand but is still too far away to break the hold.
Fading quickly, Night quickly abandons this effort and once again concentrates on moving forwards. Quickly advancing on the ropes, Cody increases his efforts, wrenching the hold in firmer and slowing Night’s progress towards the ropes. Night once again reaches the ropes, and once again, just as he is about to grab hold, Williams releases the hold and instead hammers a forearm across Night’s chest. The masked man recoils and folds to the mat, Williams quickly rolling him up for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!
TH–
A kickout at two and Williams stands, frustration evident. Night manages to flip onto his front and makes his way to all fours – Williams swoops straight in and kicks him viciously in the ribs. Night grabs his ribs as he flies a foot off the mat and sprawls as he lands. He groggily manages to climb back to all fours and crawls towards the ropes. Cody instead decides to give Night a hand getting to his feet as he pulls him up by the hair, standing Night facing away from him. He locks Night in a reverse headlock and drives backwards with a reverse DDT – only for Night to somehow manage to flip backwards, landing across Cody with a pinfall!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE–
Williams manages a kickout and jumps straight to his feet, driving his right knee into Night’s head, which lulls to the side heavily. Williams pulls Night to his feet and is met with a spinning back-fist. Enraged, Cody shoves Night roughly into the nearby turnbuckle and charges him, dazing the masked man with a hard driving elbow. Williams proceeds to scoop Night onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry, before walking across the ring and diving forwards, rolling through and following up with a high arched double-jump springboard moonsault – Perfectly Executed! Apparently not satisfied with this effort, Cody proceeds to pull Night to his feet once again and throws him into the turnbuckle. He moves straight in and places the former Hardcore champion into a seated position on the top turnbuckle. Williams follows him up and brings Night to standing, setting him up for a top-rope t-bone suplex!
Williams bounces for momentum, but Night manages to stay put, pushing Cody off. Williams crashes hard to the mat and Night staggers, nearly losing his footing on the top turnbuckle. He manages to catch himself however and wastes no time in leaping off, twisting in the air and driving his fist into Williams’ face – KIMURA Fistdrop!
Williams seems dazed as he sprawls on the mat, slowly trying to crawl towards the ropes, Night lies nearby in perhaps worse condition as he recovers from Williams’ offense throughout the match. Willing himself back to his feet, Night stands unsteadily and moves to Williams, pulling him to a kneel and peppering him with a series of swift, stiff kicks to the midsection and chest. Bringing Williams to his feet, Night leaps and throws Cody face first into the turnbuckle with a hurricanrana. Cody stumbles backwards, clutching at his face as Night darts forward and boots Cody in the midsection, doubling him over and locking him in a side double-underhook and rolling backwards with a rolling double underhook DDT – Sandman DDT! Night immediately stands and moves straight to the turnbuckle, springing up onto the top turnbuckle where he perches and waits as Williams slowly and unsteadily finds his way to his feet.
Cody grabs hold of the middle rope and manages to climb to a knee. He moves up to the top rope and leans against it, slowly finding his balance. He spins and stumbles off the ropes and into the centre of the ring in search of his opponent. Night launches from the top rope with a side kick, which Williams manages to inadvertently sidestep as he loses his footing. Night lands and struggles to find his balance – leaving a tiny window of opportunity open for Williams – a window which Williams grabs hold of as he drives a hard knee into Night’s chest, placing him in a double-underhook and leaping, spinning with Night in midair – Pure Perfection!
Night’s head bounces off the mat and he lies motionless on the mat. Williams, however, can not make the cover as he lies breathing heavily a few feet from Night.
Digging deep and willing himself on, Cody manages to roll onto his stomach and then onto all fours. As if sensing his opponent on the move, Night too, slowly but surely flips over and starts to make his way to his feet.
Both stand around the same time and stare at each other unsteadily. Out of a rush of adrenaline, Night somehow manages to charge forward, leaping and thrusting a knee at Williams’ head with a shining wizard! Williams sidesteps and Night lands awkwardly, barely staying on his feet. Cody, smelling the end of the match, turns Night to face him and boots him hard in the midsection, doubling the masked man over. He hoists Night onto his shoulder with a pump-handle lift and prepares to finish him off with his Picture Perfect! However, Night manages to wriggle free and slips off Cody’s shoulder, behind him. Night bends and scoops Williams onto his shoulders, face up. With a great deal of effort restraining the struggling Williams, Night charges forwards a few steps and drives Cody head-first into the mat with an inverted Dreaming!
He hooks Cody’s leg and covers for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
RESULT: Night def. Cody Williams via pinfall
CURED?
Backstage, ‘The Hope’ Isaac White stretches out, his knees heavily braced and bandaged from his intense and emotional battle with his rival, Night. Isaac had emerged victorious. Of course he knew he would though, he had Night’s best interests at heart. The masked wrestler from Japan had only been fighting out of desperation. Desperation to feed a dependence.
But all of that was behind him now. Night had been cured and now Isaac could focus on an entire federation of ‘undesirables’ to cure.
A loud bang on the door spins Isaac in his chair, a second causes the door to fly open and bounce angrily off the wall. And the cause of all of this commotion?
The recently cured.
Night himself.
With a look of pride replacing the pity, Isaac stands, extending his hand towards the masked man, who stares at it in disbelief.
WHITE: You’re welcome.
NIGHT: I’m… WHAT?
Looking slightly confused, ‘The Hope’ withdraws his hand.
WHITE: I cured you. Night. I assumed you’d be here to thank me–
He is cut off as an enraged Night barges into the room, pushing the sVo International Champion up against the wall of the dressing room.
NIGHT: THANK YOU? You’re talking like this is over.
White clears Night’s grip and pushes the masked man backwards.
WHITE: Of course it is. You’re cured. We’re done, my job is over.
NIGHT: You call that curing someone? You did nothing but hound and haunt me for a month. I slipped up at Vendetta, but you don’t get to just wash your hands and walk away.
WHITE: Then we have a problem…
Barging past Night, Isaac grabs his cane and makes for the door.
WHITE: … because that is PRECISELY what I intend to do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I the corrupt to cure. I trust you can see yourself out.
White smiles to himself as he makes his way into the corridor.
NIGHT: We’ll see.
SINGLE MATCH
Kerry Millano vs. Alex Ross
A split second brought the entire event to noir as the audible hum of anxious fans echoed throughout the arena. Their wait would go no further as smooth flanged instrumentals interrupted. Soon this bassless whine would slowly pick up with background drums beginning to strengthen every second that passed. The cadence quickened, accompanied by a disc jockey’s record scratching, until it finally dropped into a mellow jazz tune.
As the drum hit to begin the jazz tune, Kerry Millano took his leave of the backstage, 211 Steel Reserve bottle in hand, occasionally taking a gulp as he paced slowly down the aisle. He made sure to belittle as many fans as possible during his descent of the ramp. While he was serenaded by White Zombie’s child friendly demon groans, he continuously took swig after swig of the malt beverage he carried down with him.
Before he would enter the ring, however, he paced about the outside in search of a lucky fan. Approaching the guard rail, he menacingly glared at the crowd of onlookers who were sharing exactly how they felt about The Career Killer with their unified chants.
YOU SUCK!
YOU SUCK!
YOU SUCK!
YOU SUCK!
All he did was smirk..
That was, before spewing the ‘high gravity lager’ at entire front row in a floating mist. As he backed away, pointing and laughing, he finally rolled into the squared circle where he nonchalantly retreated to a corner. As he dropped to a seat, he rocked his head backward to rest on the middle turnbuckle providing no signs of anticipation for the opponent.
He just turned his bottle up.
What a fucking prick.
“Breaking The Law” by Judas Priest blasts through the PA system. The lights dim and at the entranceway a spotlight shines gold through fog. Alex Ross, in a gold suit with white pinstripes, emerges from the curtain and raises his right arm into the air. He makes his way down the isle and climbs the ring stairs. Once through the ropes, Ross steps up to the top rope and taunts the crowd. He hops down and slips his jacket off, tossing it ringside.
The referee calls for the bell to be rung and for the match to start, but as Kerry Millano makes his way towards Alex Ross, his opponent jumps out of the ring! The fans boo the actions of Ross as he makes his way back up the entrance ramp! Ross holds his neck complaining that he isn’t ready to get back into the ring yet! However it looks like Kerry Millano isn’t about to win this one by default, as he leaps out of the ring and gives chase after Alex Ross! Just as Alex Ross gets to the curtains, Millano catches up with him, only for Ross’s bodyguards Clyde and Joaquin to step past the curtain and drop Millano to the floor with a double chokeslam!
The fans boo as Clyde and Joaquin begin to nail Millano with punches and kicks to send him tumbling back down the entrance ramp! Clyde and Joaquin toss a battered Kerry Millano back into the ring, before Alex Ross slides in after him! Ross pulls Millano up to his feet, and cracks him across the chest before sending him into the corner of the ring. The fans boo the actions of Ross, who seems to have forgotten about his neck pains, as he runs at Millano and nails him with a clothesline in the corner.
Kerry Millano stumbles out of the corner, allowing Alex Ross the chance to bounce into the ropes before taking Millano down to the mat with a big boot to the fact of his opponent! With Millano down on the mat, Clyde and Joaquin watch on as Alex Ross drops down on Millano and hooks his leg.
1..
2..
No!
Alex Ross holds his head in surprise as somehow Millano gets a shoulder up off of the mat! Alex Ross though he had done enough to win the match right there as ‘The Perfect Ten’ pulls Millano to his feet. Alex Ross hits Millano with a few right hands to send him into the corner of the ring, before dropping him to the mat with a quick snap suplex. Alex Ross once again goes for the cover on Millano, however Millano once again gets a shoulder up off of the mat! Alex Ross can’t believe it, as he gestures for Clyde and Joaquin to get in the ring! Clyde and Joaquin comply as the jump in and start a beat down of Kerry Millano. Alex Ross cockily rolls out of the ring to grab a bottle of water as his goons put the boots to Kerry Millano!
Clyde and Joaquin pull Millano to his feet, however out of no where Millano suddenly grabs hold of Clyde and takes him down to the mat with a 360° rotation tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Alex Ross nearly drops his bottle of water as Kerry Millano turns to Joaquin and ducks under an attempted punch, before nailing him with a Kawada kick shoot combination! This takes Joaquin to the mat, only for Clyde to make his way towards Millano. Millano takes down Clyde with a Overhead belly to belly suplex, however as he rises to his feet, he receives a low blow from behind from Ross!
Alex Ross looks smugly at Millano as he spins him around, before taking him down to the mat with the ‘Jackpot’! The fans boo the finishing move from ‘the Perfect Ten’, as he hooks the leg on Millano!
1..
2..
3!!
This one is all over, and thanks to Alex Ross’s bodyguards, he picks up the huge win over Kerry Millano! The former International Champion rises to his feet and has his hands raised in the air by Clyde and Joaquin! Maybe his neck isn’t so bad after all?
RESULT: Alex Ross def. Kerry Millano via pinfall
FIRST PICK?
Backstage Johnny All Star relaxes back whilst watching the giant TV screen that was the office previously belonging to Jimmy Moretti.
Johnny All Star – “Ah I love it when a plan comes together!”
Johnny All Star watches Alex Ross celebrate at ringside as Kerry Millano’s honour of being a Organised Chaos captain for Retribution slips away from him and straight into the hands of Johnny All Star.
Johnny All Star – “Now…. Just who should be my first pick?”
Johnny All Star scratches his head as he ponders the question and the scene fades out.
EVOLUTION PRESENTATION
On a specially constructed podium backstage sits the Evolution Cup in all its glory, shinning under the bright lights of the backstage set. Standing next to the trophy is one Paige Johnson, the general manager of the sVo, who is flanked by Scott Love, the huge sVo head of security. In front of Paige is rows of fans who have won special tickets thoughout the week on local TV and radio competitions to be present at the presentation of the Evolution Cup to the 2008 champion Lupus Nebula, right here in Germany on Showdown #24!
Paige, who stands at the top of the stage next to the trophy brings the noise of the rowdy fans down to silence with one wave of her hand, before welcoming everyone to the event.
Paige – “Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce to you, the Evolution Cup winner of 2008, Lupus Nebula!”
Lupus Nebula steps through the curtain to a mixed reaction from the lucky fans backstage. Nebula is presented the trophy by Paige, which is caught by flashing cameras for the next thirty seconds.
Paige – “Lupus, do you have anything to say on this historic occasion?”
Lupus Nebula – “As we travel through life, we are moving without the benefit of signs, maps or a guide. Like wonderers lost in a giant wood, we know where the paths are, the directions they head and, perhaps, where we want to go, but we know nothing about where the paths may lead or how long they will carry us.
Basically, we’re lost travelers, constantly at the mercy of the various perils of the world around us, wondering from path to path, decision to decision, never knowing if we’re going to get where we think we’re headed.
We make the decisions the best we can, judging all of the variables we can see, but never really knowing what lies beyond the next bend. It’s a frightening prospect and one that has broken many souls. We live in fear and uncertainty and that is our permanent state.
Yet, we press on. The air often grows cold and the nights are long, but we press on. Not because we want to or because it’s easy, but because we have to. There is no going back, there is no alternative.
But if we press through these tough times, if we keep ourselves warm on the long cold nights and survive the hardships that nip at us every step of the way, we are rewarded. No path can stay uphill forever and no trail can remain rugged for all of time.
History is paved on the backs of the souls who quit, those that couldn’t push on or find the new path. However, it’s written about those who do, the ones that break through and find something worthwhile at the end.
So, if a path is a dead end or taking you a wrong direction, don’t hesitate to take another one. Even though you don’t know where it leads, it can hardly lead you more astray. But most of all, keep yourself warm when the nights get cold and don’t let the perils of the forest get to you. Though they might alter your course, if you can keep pushing past the difficulties, greater things await.
For life is a game for those that don’t give up. Those who go just a little bit further see things until their end and push on through hardships”
Lupus Nebula hands the microphone back to Paige, however before the general manager can bring the occasion to a close, it is interrupted by two men….
Who else?
Mike Best and Kelly Flawless.
Best smirks as he and Flawless make their way through the crowd of fans, pushing them out of the way if need be, before jumping onto the presentation stage. Kelly Flawless looks Paige Johnson up and down excitedly, but Mike Best places a hand on his chest, holding him back.
Mike Best – “Paige, I thought I made myself clear earlier this evening. I AM RUNNING THINGS AROUND HERE WHILE MORETTI AND PAGE ARE OUT OF ACTION!”
Paige scowls at Best as he takes a few steps towards her, with Lupus Nebula looking on at the scene.
Mike Best – “Why wasn’t I informed about this illegal presentation ceremony?”
Paige – “Illegal presentation ceremony?”
Mike Best – “Yeah that’s right, if its not Mike Best receiving a fucking award, then it means low ratings!”
Paige rolls her eyes at Mike Best before looking across at Lupus. With that Paige catches Best’s eyes again, this time with an evil glint in hers.
Paige – “I disagree, I think this will make pretty big ratings…. Seeing as how Lupus Nebula is on his way to becoming a bigger star than, oh I don’t know….. Mike Best?”
Best looks outraged as he stares down Paige.
Mike Best – “How dare you say such a thing! I could beat this guy in any match any where!”
Flawless nods his head in agreement with Best.
Paige – “Why don’t you make it for tonight then?”
Mike Best – “Done!”
Mike Best responds instantly, as if it was his great idea.
Paige – “The fans don’t want to see a singles match with nothing on the line though…. If we are gonna get the ratings then how about you put your captaincy on the line to me… Millano had the balls to do it with All Star.”
Mike Best – “Done!”
Best again responds instantly, bringing a smile to Paige’s face. Lupus Nebula also looks pleased about getting the chance to take on the sVo Champion as he grips the Evolution Cup in his hands, but Kelly Flawless has other ideas, as he whispers something in the ear of Best, something that makes Best’s face grow an evil smile.
Mike Best – “On one condition, when I beat your friend over there, you Paige, you got to spend the night with Kelly Flawless.”
The thought made Paige nearly sick, but she managed to hold it together.
Paige – “Your on.”
Paige turned to Lupus Nebula and prayed that she was right about his talent. This was one stipulation filled match she didn’t want to lose out on.
Retribution – Live on PPV
Featuring Organised Chaos III
25th May 2008
The O2 Arena, London, England
SINGLE MATCH
Lupus Nebula vs. Mike Best
“We’re gonna win,
Don’t wanna be a loser,
Gonna win.
Cause winning really is the only thing,
You wanna fight? Just step inside the ring…”
The lights dim slowly in the arena as the Tron flares to life, an image of two dice roling towards the front of the screen. They come rolling to a stop on snake eyes, before the dots fade into the word “Mike” on one die and “Best” on the other. The dice explode into a highlight video as “We’re Gonna Win” by Bryan Adams blares over the speakers, the bass shaking the arena Gold pyro explodes in the entranceway and the fans begin to boo and jeer, screaming insults as the confident face of the sVo Champion Michael Best appears from behind the curtain. He raises two fingers to his lips, blowing a kiss out into the crowd as they hurl obscenities back in his direction. Mike stops for a moment on the stage, slapping his title belt twice and pointing out at the crowd, raising his eyebrows and throwing out a wink. He makes his way down the ramp, rolling gingerly into the ring and stretching out as he awaits the start of the match.
” More Human than Human” is heard coming from the speakers , in that same moment there is a total blackout followed by a wolf howl. A small light enlightens the rampway entrance , showing a man covered in a red mantel standing there , looking at the ground . Lupus Nebula starts his walk towards the ring without caring much about the Fan reaction . The Red Mantel is thrown away as soon as the music dies and Nebula slides in the ring sitting in one of the turnbuckles, staring towards his opponent.
The Victory Cup 2007 winner and the Evolution Cup 2008 winner circle each other around the middle of the ring as the referee calls for the bell to be rung and this one to get underway! Best and Nebula eventually lunge forward and tie up in the center of the ring. Both men try and force each other back, but Mike Best grabs the arm of Nebula and twists it behind his back. Nebula tries to twist and turn his way out of the hold, and eventually frees himself by taking Best down in a side head lock takedown. With Best down on the mat, Nebula lands a spinning leg drop on the sVo Champion!
There is a mixed reaction for Nebula as he rises to his feet, and the sVo Champion soon follows him up. Best ducks under an attempted clothesline from Nebula, and sends his opponent into the ropes. Nebula bounces back and Best takes him down with a drop toe hold, before trying to lock in an ankle lock on Nebula. Nebula is in no hurry to get locked in a submission move however, and battles out by kicking away at Best. Nebula quickly rolls to his feet, but Best is straight back on him with a clothesline that knocks Nebula on his back. With Nebula down on the mat, Best pulls him up to a sitting position before locking him in a surfboard stretch! Nebula tries to free himself from the hold, but Best seems to have it locked tight!
Best jams his knee in the back of Nebula for added effect as the referee asks the Evolution Cup winner if he would like to submit from the match, Nebula however shakes his head. Nebula eventually manages to spin around to free himself from the hold, but as he does he spins straight into a snap DDT from Best that takes him down to the mat, before Mike Best hooks the leg and makes the cover.
1..
2..
No!
Lupus Nebula gets a shoulder off of the mat, just when the sVo Champion thought that this one was all over!
Mike Best shoots the referee an evil look as he pulls Nebula up and shoots him into the corner of the ring. Best runs at Nebula in the corner, however Nebula leaps up onto the second rope and takes a shocked Mike Best down with a twisting splash as he runs at him! The high flying move from Nebula isn’t enough to keep down Best as he staggers back to his feet, but Nebula quickly comes back at Best with some forearm smashes to the sVo Champion. Best staggers backwards, and Nebula sends him crashing to the mat with a T-Bone suplex!
Best looks to be gasping for air as he gets back to his feet and runs at Nebula. Nebula however manages to sidestep Best, which causes Best to bounce into the opposite ropes. Best bounces back at Lupus Nebula, and the Evolution Cup winner of 2008 takes down the sVo Champion with a Rising Star suplex! Best looks to be in trouble as he lays out on the mat, and Lupus Nebula mystically looks towards the turnbuckle! The fans rise to their feet out of curiosity as Lupus Nebula begins to scale the ropes towards the top! Lupus Nebula looks down at Mike Best laying in the centre of the ring, before leaping off with a ‘First Human Disaster’ on the sVo Champion!
Lupus Nebula connects with his finishing move, but looks to have injured himself in the process of the highflying move! Nebula slowly begins to crawl over the body of Mike Best, before hooking the Champions leg…
1..
2..
Surely Not?
3!!
Lupus Nebula picks up the win over the sVo Champion! If an Evolution Cup win wasn’t enough, the whole of the sVo has to take notice of Lupus Nebula now with a huge win over Mike Best in his first match of his second sVo Championship reign! Lupus Nebula rises to his feet as he looks down on the sVo Champion! Will the ‘Wandering Wolf’ be making his way to the top of the sVo in the very near future?!?
RESULT: Lupus Nebula def. Mike Best via pinfall
FIRST PICK
Back in Paige’s office, the sVo general manager high fived the head of security Scott Love as the pair watched the conclusion of the match!
Paige – “Now that is what I am talking about! Johnny All Star thought he was going to hijack my match by talking control of a team in Organised Chaos, I don’t think so! Let see how he feels when the team he picks gets crushed by my team!”
Scott Love gives a macho nod to his boss.
Paige – “And just as a little thank you, I am going to make Lupus Nebula the first pick for my team!”
Paige watches the TV screen of Lupus celebrating his win over the sVo Champion Best, however as she does Scott Love notices something near the door to Paige’s office.
Scott Love – “What the hell?”
Love marches over to the door, and pulls up a wire that is poking under the door and into the office. Paige stands up to her feet as both Paige and Love yank the door open and follow the cable with their eyes down the corridor. At the far end of the corridor, sVo’s very own secret agent Chris Bond has the end of the cable plugged into a portable monitor.
Scott Love – “Hey you!”
Scott Love runs down the corridor towards Bond, but 009 quickly grabs his secret agent gadgets and sprints off before Love can catch him.
Just why the hell was Chris Bond spying on Paige and Scott Love?
FIRST BLOOD
Backstage Blaze of the Double Dragons is receiving some ice to the head from a medic as a result of landing on his head during the tag team battle royal earlier in the evening, however as Blaze sits on a near by bench holding his icepack, he hears a noise behind him.
Blaze turns around, and is suddenly floored by a steel chair shot to the head! A steel chair wielded by the laughing Death Venom! Alister Diablo is not far behind and Death Venom and Alister Diablo begin to go to work on the downed Blaze as revenge for Blaze eliminating Death Venom during the match earlier!
However as Death Venom continue their beat down, Blaze’s own tag team partner Sensei Shredder races onto the scene! Shredder adopts a marital arts pose and throws a few kicks in the direction of Death Venom and Diablo, causing Diablo and Venom to retract away from the scene!
As Sensei Shredder checks on Blaze, it seems the tag team division in the sVo is heating up!
TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE
Isaac White stumbles down a backstage corridor, he hobbles noticeably, his knees still weakened from his Vendetta match against Night. The sVo International Championship swings from his left hand and Isaac props himself up slightly with the cane in his right.
A blur of movement and a foot locks onto Isaac’s thigh, it’s twin flying through the air and driving itself into his face. The masked man, Night swoops like a vulture and snatches White’s cane from him, swinging back and smacking it…
“THWACK!”
… straight into his face. White staggers back and stumbles from his feet.
NIGHT: You can’t just walk away, Isaac.
White tries to find his feet and groggily fumbles towards the masked man. Night simply rears back his arm…
“THWACK!”
…. and once again drives White’s own cane into his forehead.
NIGHT: You tormented me!
“THWACK!”
And again.
NIGHT: You had no reason!
“THWACK!”
White finally collapses to the ground. His now bloody head bobbles as he looks up at his attacker with shock… and that familiar look of pity. Night, stands over him, shaking at his un-characteristic attack.
NIGHT: Or maybe that’s just it. Maybe you did have a reason for coming after me. I’ve looked you in the eye, Isaac and I think you’re hiding something. Why are you trying to save me, exactly? I’m going to find answers, Isaac, whether you like it or not.
Night finally throws down Isaac’s cane, it bounces off the ground and rolls, coming to rest not too far from it’s downed owner.
NIGHT: Trust me when I say one thing though, Isaac, this is far from over. You don’t want to fight me anymore? Then I won’t give you a choice.
Without another word, Night makes his way calmly and gracefully out of view, leaving a beaten and shocked Isaac White reeling on the ground clutching the International Championship to his chest.
JUST MADE IT
Anthony Moretti – “Am I here on time?”
Anthony Moretti rushes through the backstage doors of the arena and quickly blurts out his question to the lawyer that was talking to Paige earlier in the night.
Lawyer – “Yes you made it Anthony. The main event hasn’t started yet so you are in perfect time. Would you like to add your name to the official list of sVo presidential candidates?”
Moretti nods his head, and the lawyer scribbles his name down.
Anthony Moretti – “Hell yeah, if Paige or Johnny All Star think they are going to get their hands on my fathers company then they have another thing coming!”
Anthony Moretti catches his breath from the obvious dash he has just made, but will he be able to sprint past Paige and All Star and win the sVo presidential race?
MAIN EVENT MATCH
Psyko Stevo vs. Chris Bond
“If you take a life, do you know what you’ll give…
Odds are, you won’t like what it is…
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me..
By the merciless eyes I’ve deceived…
I’ve seen angels fall from blinding heights…
But you yourself are nothing so divine…
Just next in line…”
The lights dim from the piercing bright lights to an empty dark black. A single spotlight shines on the entrance ramp. Quickly it searches the entrance area, only to find nothing. Suddenly, a sheet of glass shoots up from the floor of the arena. The spotlight shines directly on the glass, and the characters ‘009’ appear quickly before fading away.
“Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you…
The odds will betray you…
And I will replace you…
You can’t deny the prize; it may never fulfill you…
It longs to kill you…
Are you willing to die…
The coldest blood runs through my veins…
You know my name…”
For a moment there is silence, the spotlight shines on the plain sheet of darkly colored glass. Suddenly, a laser light points on the glass. Everyone expects the glass to cut out a sillhouette for the resident Secret Agent to step out from. Instead, a kick from a black boot sends the glass shattering, and out steps Chris Bond. The lights quickly shoot back on. The crowd is up in arms, cheering for their favorite spy. The smirk that is known around the world as being an interesting blend of cockiness and suaveness sits perched across the face of Bond. He begins to make his way to the ring. His eyes are locked on the squared circle, as if he holds a personal vendetta against the wrestling ring that has made him famous world around. He quickly steps up the ring stairs and slides through the ropes in a smooth, cocky manner. Staring out into the crowd, his smirk has disappeared and he looks around. Camera flashes go off without a hitch and the smirk reappears.
Bond begins to circle the ring, pacing himself and readying his psyche for the upcoming challenge. Jumping in place, he breathes in and out. He quickly bends down to get a few extra stretches in as ‘You Know My Name’ performed by Chris Cornell begins to die down. The lights pop back to normalcy as the crowd continues to cheer for their favorite ‘double-oh’.
A brief silence overcomes the arena as everyone knows what is about to go down…
“Sensation washes over me
I can’t describe it
Pain I felt so long ago
I don’t remember
Tear a hole so I can see
My devastation
Feelings from so long ago
I don’t remember”
“Remember” by Disturbed hits the sound system and the anticipation in the arena grows with every moment as a flash of pyros welcomes the arrival of ‘The Best Around’ Psyko Stevo to the sVo entrance ramp! Stevo raises his hands in the air to tease the fans a bit before slowly making his way down the steel ramp towards the ring. Halfway down the ramp Stevo stops and poses once again for the fans, with another burst of golden pyros firing up into the air behind him as he does. ‘The Ironman’ then slaps the hands of a few children and other fans at ringside before sliding under the bottom rope and into the ring. Stevo quickly hops up to his feet as Bond waits in the corner, paying no attention to his opponet, Stevo hops up onto the second rope to once again signal to the crowd. Stevo repeats this process on the far turnbuckle before retreating to the corner of the ring for some last minute warm ups before the match gets underway.
DING!
The bell sounds and the match is underway. Stevo and Bond dance around the ring a bit, each showing off a bit of their footwork. After a couple of seconds of this, Stevo lunges forward, but as Bond adjusts his feet, Stevo backs off. Next, it’s Bond lunging forward for a double leg take down, which Stevo gracefully avoids. Rather then hitting the mat though, Bond quickly slides across the ring using his knee pad and hops back up to his feet before Stevo can retaliate. The crowd lets out a cheer as both men continue to circle around each other. Sensing the moment, Stevo extends his right hand in a sportsman like fashion and Bond quickly returns the gesture as the two nod their heads to each other in what in turning out to be a very unlikely main event match.
Whatever tension that had built up in the twenty to thirty seconds of circling around is immediately washed away though as Stevo and Bond both lunge forward with right hand shots. It’s Bond whoose connects hardest though and sends the former World Champ back, Bond is on the offensive now as the fans are filling the arena with cheers. A right to the face and a left and another right and a left… Stevo back against the corner now and Bond lowers his body and connects with a close range spear to the stomach of The Ironman. Bond now, continuing the offense, he grabs Stevo’s free arm and lariets him to the far turnbuckle… Bond closing in now… clothesline to the neck of the Psyko One, and Stevo hits the mat hard as Bond goes for the cover… one… two… foot under the ropes!
Bond quickly up to his feet now and Stevo looks dazed and sluggish, that can be expected though due to both the battle he went through last week with Mike Best and because of the way he treated his body following the match. Stevo, scrambling to get up now… boot to the small of his back by Chris Bond. 009 knows that this is a gigantic opportunity and he’s all business today in the ring. Stevo now, being helped to his feet by Bond… European Uppercut connects! Stevo flys back into the ropes and here comes Bond once again, Bond going for the clothesline… Stevo pulled the top rope down! Stevo pulled the top rope down and Chris Bond goes flying to the outside of the ring, landing hard on his back.
Bond getting up now, he’s dazed… what’s this? Stevo, Stevo is signaling to the crowd… Stevo off the far ropes, he gets a full head of steam… suicide dive! Stevo just connected with a suicide dive and both men fall backwards onto the steel ramp way as the crowd erupts in cheers for the borderline psychotic maneuver.
Seconds pass and neither man move, finally it’s Psyko Stevo who raises a fist in the air, and now rolls to his side. Stevo now, halfway up as we see movement from Bond. Bond, struggling to get to his feet, he finally gets up and… right hand to the face! Stevo with a left to the face, now a boot to the midsection! Stevo has Bond facing the steel steps which lead to the ring… Stevo sets Bond up… REVERSAL!
CRASH!
Stevo’s shoulder just connected with the steel steps and the fans let out a pop of concern as Bond rolls back into the ring to break up the officials count which had reached seven. What’s this? Bond rolls right back to the outside now, and he’s got a little strut to his step. Bond now, hammering away at the exposed back of the Psyko One. Bond with slegehammer like shots to the small of the back and Psyko Stevo staggers away from the punishment from each blow only to be met with more and more shots to the back. Stevo now, up against the steel guardrail, he reaches out towards the fans and cheer him on, but Bond keeps on the offensive. The officials count once again reaches eight and Bond knows he can’t win the match if both men are outside the ring. Bond now, grabs the back of Stevo’s head and rolls his back in the ring, Bond quickly follows and the official breaks his count off at nine.
In the ring now, Bond circles around Stevo, just waiting for the most opportune moment to strike. Stevo now, up on his knees and Bond grabs the back of his head to bring him to his feet… wait a second… what?
Rake of the eyes! Boot to the midsection… and a sweep! The PSYKLOPS! Stevo just connected with the Psyklops! We haven’t seen that move in ages and Bond was caught completely off guard as the momentum seems to have changed as the fans are on their feet now, filling the arena with cheers for the former champ. Stevo now, off the middle ropes, he connects with an old school leg drop across the throat of Bond. Stevo goes for the cover, one… two… NO, shoulder off the mat and Bond is still alive.
Bond up to his feet now, Stevo walks him to the ropes.. Stevo now, signaling to the fans it’s time to go high risk once again… Stevo hops up on the second rope and quickly up to the top, Stevo is walking the top rope with grace now… Stevo looks like he’s about to perform a tornado DDT… but NO! Bond just pushed Stevo over the top rope at to the outside of the ring! Stevo landed awkwardly, he might have just broke his ankle, leg or worse!
The fans are loud, but their reaction is mixed. Some are appluading the high risk, desperation maneuver by Bond, others are boo’ing the fact that their hero is possibly crippled at ringside in front of them. Bond looks around the arena and appears to be collecting himself, thinking of the best course of action. Bond now, he looks towards the outside of the ring, directly at the motionless Stevo… what’s this though? Stevo is starting to move. The Psyko One, shaking off the cobwebs, Stevo reaches down towards his leg and places his opposite hand down, shifting the weight onto the other side of his body… Stevo now, Stevo up on his feet and Bond looks on with shock. The official is now at a seven count and Stevo, Stevo to the apron… baseball slide by Bond, Stevo ducks it! Stevo rolls back in the ring and the official begins the count again… Bond now, back in the ring, Bond sprints right at Stevo, drop toe hold! Bond on the mat, Stevo connects with an STF! Stevo doing the smartest thing possible, he’s keeping the match on the mat and giving his bad leg an opportunity to recover.
The offical now, he asks Bond if he’s ready to submit, Bond looks up at him and says, “no dice!”. The fans pop as it’s Bond who is showing inordinate amounts of heart, fighting against the powerful submission move that is being applied on him. Bond, fighting his way to the ropes, Stevo is struggling to keep the move locked on, but he just doesn’t have the strength in his lower body… Bond, inches from the rope now… he’s got it! The fans cheer Bond’s actions as they know it just bought them more time to watch these two gladiators compete.
Bond back on his feet now and Stevo is still trying to put weight on his bad leg. Bond sprints in, Stevo attempts an off balanced right hand, Bond ducks it, Bond spins around… boot to the mid… no! Stevo catches Bond’s leg, Bond is in no man’s land now… what the? Stevo just spun Bond’s leg around, Bond comes too, throws a right hand, but Stevo is already underneath it, Stevo springboards up on the second rope… PSYKLONE! The Psyko One hits the Psyklone, the fans are in a frenzy, Stevo goes for the cover… One… Two… THREE! This one is over! Psyko Stevo gets back on the winning track and earns a hard fought victory over his tag partner just one week ago.
Both men are on their feet in the center of the ring now as Psyko Stevo’s theme music plays on the PA. The music is immediately cut though as Bond and Stevo now stare down in the center of the ring. It’s Stevo who acts first though as he extends his hand to Chris Bond… Bond now… Bond shakes Stevo’s hand! The fans fill the arena with cheers as both men raise their arms in the air.
Not so fast though… “We’re Gonna Win” by Bryan Adams hits the PA and out walks the interim owner and current sVo World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Best. Best has a sour look on his face as he holds the mic up to his mouth before speaking.
Best: So Psyko Stevo and Chris Bond got along in the end after all, I’m touched…
*Stevo and Bond pay little attention to Best as the fans fill the arena with boo’s*
Best: I’ll have to admit it, I’m mildly impressed. Here I thought the two of you would resort to beating each others brains in after the match, but you’re instead acting like husband and husband here in the ring.
*Best turns his back on both men as a smile creeps on his face.*
Best: Well I see that you can beat your friends…. But what about a man who has had your number in the past though? That’s right next week on Showdown you get to face Alex Ross, the man who took the International Title from you!”
*A look of disgust fills the face of Psyko Stevo as he realizes that he’s going to have to do war with Alex Ross in Italy.*
Best: If I were you Stevo, I’d ice that leg up real good because I know Ross is just itching at the opportunity to take down the number one contender to the World Title and make a REAL name for himself here in the sVo.
*The sVo logo appears at the bottom of the screen as the cameras fade to black on the scene that has transpired. Best stares at the ring with a sick smile on his face as Bond stands in the background while Stevo stares a hole through Mike Best from the middle of the ring.*
RESULT: Psyko Stevo def. Chris Bond via pinfall
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