(8/23/21) Monday Night Clash

---

The camera opens to a double door exit in the backstage area. The door opens from the parking lot, and soon Hardcore Champion Johnny Bacchus enters. He’s in street clothes – sunglasses, his black leather jacket, and a black t-shirt – with a French beret casually topping his head. The camera follows as he makes his way towards the locker room. As Dionysus passes, they exchange a high-five.

Johnny Bacchus: Killer work last week, man, don’t take guff from these swines.

As he continues on, his face lights up, and the camera pans to CJ Phoenix talking to Vanessa Rivers. He exchanges the smile.

Johnny Bacchus: Bring it in, bud.

They give a dap and a hug.

Johnny Bacchus: So goddamn happy for you. Go win that briefcase.

The moment is interrupted by a scream from off-screen.

Addy A: BACCHYCAT!

As she comes charging in, the Hardcore Champ is able to react quick enough to drop his bag and catch her around the waist, twirling her once through the air before placing her back on the ground. The two exchange a long hug.

Johnny Bacchus: You get into trouble while I was gone, babygirl?

Addy A: Mhm.

Johnny Bacchus: Wouldn’t have it any other way.

They release and Johnny picks his bag up, as he passes catering, Kat Hastings comes into the frame, pouring herself a cup of tea with a somber look on her face. Johnny notices her immediately and creeps up behind her. Placing his chin on her shoulder, he whispers in her ear.

Johnny Bacchus: Boo.

Kat tenses and flinches, dropping the tea and spilling it on the catering table. As she turns around and sees Johnny, the shock is immediately replaced with relief as she wraps her arms around his waist and he loops one over her shoulder for a friendly hug.

Kat Hastings: You scared the life out of me.

Johnny Bacchus: Sorry, I know it’s a big night for you.

Kat Hastings: Not just that. You were right about them.

She buries her face, perhaps out of shame or embarrassment, into him. He calmingly pats her back.

Kat Hastings: I’m sorry. I should’ve listened.

Johnny Bacchus: It’s okay – you’re okay – no apology necessary.

The camera looks past them to the background. A watching face, coffee in hand, is watching the two. The camera lingers on the enraged expression of Lissie Hope before cutting to the next scene.

---

The brand new, state-of-art LA branch of PHitGym is shown glistening in the Californian sun. Outside pulls up a black SUV; from out of the rear passenger door climbs out Lissie Hope - she is followed by Katherine Hastings.

Lissie removes her sunglasses as she looks up at the facility, marvelling in its beauty.

Lissie: So, what do you think? Pretty awesome right?

Katherine looks visibly impressed at the hyper-modern structure.

Katherine: Blimey, it’s so shiny.

Lissie walks up to the doors, they slide open automatically. She then gestures for her guest to enter first; Katherine obliges.

Once inside, they are met by an overly friendly receptionist named Sue. Lissie signals to Katherine that she is going to grab a bottle of water.

Sue: Well hello there, aren’t you the cutest thing.

Katherine smiles politely; she is slightly deterred by Sue’s intense gaze towards her. She also notices that a few other people in the reception area are looking over at her.

She replies with a nervous laugh.

Katherine: Thank you, I’m here as a guest of Lissie Hope.

Sue: Oh yes, Miss Hope has been instrumental in helping shape this facility.

Katherine: Well yes, it is rather impressive.

Sue passes Katherine a large stack of forms.

Sue: I just need you to fill out all the required paperwork.

Katherine takes the large stack of forms and thumbs through them. She is bewildered by the sheer amount of information being asked to be granted a gym visitor pass.

Katherine: Why do you need my social security number?

As Sue was about to answer; Lissie returns, and puts her arm around Katherine - seemingly unaware of what was occurring at the reception desk. She takes the forms from Katherine and puts them back down on the desk.

Lissie: Don’t worry Kat, you don’t need to fill in that stuff - she’s here with me Sue.

Sue takes the forms back with an out of place smile.

Sue: As you wish Miss Hope.

Lissie leads Katherine upstairs towards the gym, whilst everyone in the room continues to stare at them.

---

Eden Nova is in the ready and ready to go as we come back live on CBS on Monday Night Clash!

Billy: Welcome back folks and Eden Nova in the ring and ready for battle!

Neo enters with a look of indifference on his face as he walks down the ramp, mostly ignoring the fans who aren’t sure how to interact with him. He takes the steps up to the apron and steps through the middle rope, rocking his head from side to side and mouthing some words to himself, keeping himself to one corner of the ring.

DING DING DING

Billy: Here we go!

Neo and Eden square off in the middle of the ring and they shove eahc other into the corner! Neo tries for a move but Eden blocks it! Eden goes for a super stomp off the middle turnbuckle but Neo moves out of the way just in time!

They both hit the ropes and hit a double clothesline!

Both Neo and Eden are down but the camera notices something in the distance.

It's not something, it's someone.

Billy: Who is that?


This figure just jumps the barricade and stands next to the ring!

Chris Avery: Who is that?!

Then we see another figure in the ring and he takes down Eden with a clean russian leg sweep! He stands up and clotheslines Neo down to the mat but goes down with him. The figure sits up on his knees.


DING DING DING

Billy: Who the hell is that?!

That's when we see the first guy get into the ring and kneel down next to Neo and he pulls out a business card.

He sets the business card down onto the chest of Neo.

Billy: What is that?! A business card?!

Chris Avery: No idea!!

The two get out of the ring and walk up the ramp.

Billy: We got no winners and we have these two guys.. who left a business card?!

The camera switches to in-ring and we slowly zoom in on the business card.

It's just a phone number and text above it that reads "For Birthdays or any parties call:"

The scene fades out.

---

Scene switches backstage to show Dandy Divito and Sam Kidsgrove talking amongst themselves.

Sam Kidsgrove: I'm telling you, this isn't a good idea.

Dandy Divito: I dunno why you keep saying that, it's real simple to me, that mouthy little bitch Downfall thinks that I'm afraid of him, and he thought he could sucker punch me last week. Well he 'bout to learn tha way we do this where I'm from, we gon' run that little shrimp's fade.

Sam Kidsgrove: As charming as it is to hear you say that I have no idea what it means.

Dandy Divito: It means I'm gonna wait til tha first time I see him and I'ma run up on him and clock him with my Tag title.

Kidsgrove sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking his head.

Sam Kidsgrove: Dandy, do not, under any circumstances, do that.

Dandy Divito: Oh, I think I'ma do it, just you watch me.

Sam Kidsgrove sighs.

Sam Kidsgrove: Zooey, talk some sense into this man.

Kidsgrove, Zooey, and Dandy all turn to walk down the hall, when they're met with a random backstage worker, carrying a clipboard. The backstage worker sees Dandy, and seems to remember something.

Backstage worker: Oh, Mr. Divito... I was passed a note that you wanted your entrance music changed for tonight? Is that correct?

Dandy Divito: What? Who da fook told ya that shiz, what are they changing it to?

The backstage worker searches through the clipboard for the memo they've been handed, and finds a piece of paper with a note on it.

Backstage worker: ......"The chicken dance".

Dandy Divito: WHAT! Give me that, who sent this in?

Dandy snatches the note the backstage worker had been handed, and sees that it was slipped in by Downfall. He balls the paper up in one hand, gritting his teeth.

Dandy Divito: These two wanna play little kid games! I tol' his ass he was gon' have to do better than that!

Sam Kidsgrove: Now, let's think about this, Dandy... He just wants you to -

Dandy Divito: I'm gonna smash him right in the head, Kidsgrove! Right in the head!!

Dandy stalks off, shoving a trashcan aside and ranting to himself, as Kidsgrove and Zooey walk after him. The backstage worker looks shocked, but then, craning her head, looks on at the retreating forms of Dandy and Kidsgrove until she's she they're gone, and then nods to someone around the corner. The scene switches back to ringside.

---

After finishing up in the gym, Lissie gives Katherine a tour of the rest of the facility.

She shows her everything: the CrossFit area, the rock climbing wall, a martial arts studio. Each area is filled with presumed employees of Philidor, and they all stop and stare at Katherine as she passes by.

They arrive at a black door in a more secluded area of the facility. Two men, one standing on either side of the door, greet the girls with smiles; Katherine is now looking visibly really uncomfortable.

Lissie: Here is what I really wanted to show you - the cryo chamber.

Katherine: Oh right…

Lissie: It is fantastic for recovery, why not go in there now? It would be great for muscle recovery ahead of your match against Hunter, I noticed you were pounding that bag hard.

Katherine: I’m not sure…

Lissie: I’m so pleased you came, I knew you’d love it here.

One of the men speaks to Katherine:

Men #1: Come on ma’am, you will love it inside.

Katherine contemplates her next move. After a moment, she mops her brow and turns to Lissie.

Katherine: You know what hun, I think I’m done for the day, I’m exhausted. I probably went in a bit hard on that bag…

Lissie: That’s why you should go inside…

Katherine: No… thank you but no, I think I’m gonna head off.

Lissie looks a little despondent.

Lissie: Oh ok, I’ll make a call, get the plane ready to take you back to Sacramento then…

Katherine: No, it’s ok… thank you. I texted a friend, he is staying in downtown LA for a few days. I thought I’d go see him before I return to Sacramento.

There is an uncomfortable pause...

Lissie: That’s ok, I have things I need to do anyway.

Katherine smiles at Lissie, who still looks disappointed. She offers a friendly hug.

Katherine: Thank you… I really appreciate this… we’ll hang out again soon yeah?

They hug for a moment before Katherine pulls away, turning and heading for the exit, leaving Lissie looking on.

Lissie: I guess I will see you around then.

Katherine walks at a brisk pace, feeling vulnerable with her arms crossed. She continues to feel like she is being watched - and after every person she passes, they turn their heads towards Katherine and stare. As she makes her way out into the reception area, she smiles at Sue, who reciprocates. Once Katherine exits the building - Sue picks up the handset and makes a phone call.

Katherine breaks out into a small jog as she makes her way down the street - whilst Lissie watches her from a window high above.

---

Adilene Floyd: The following is scheduled for ONE FALL, and it is for the AW Television Championship! Introducing first, he weighs in at 232 lbs... "KIJIN", JASON CAIN!!

A PRIMAL ROAR, AN UNCONQUERED FURY

ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE

"Animals" by Architects hits on the PA. "Kijin" Jason Cain comes walking out onto the ramp. He has a sneer of disdain on his face as he walks down to the ring, and stretches for the match.

Chris Avery: This is going to be a big test for Cain tonight, he's impressed AW officials enough to give him a one-on-one opportunity for the Television title.

Billy: They call this the workhorse belt for a reason, he gonna have to pull his ass off to get ahead of our champion!

Adilene Floyd: And his opponent...

As the world falls;

wider grows disaster's maw

Desperate the thralls call;

thee three crows caw

As those words faded to black, a shrill Banshee’s Wail rang out through the stadium and everything went as dark as it possibly could. A moment later, the beginnings of Orbit Culture’s Nensha began to play; a light layer of smoke appeared upon the stage as the lights began to frantically flash in sync with the music. As the music increased in pace, so did the flashing of the lights; a silhouette of a person appearing upon the stage, hunched forward.

PICK UP THE BONES!

Abruptly, the lights return to normal in time to see the person lean backward and release a deep guttural scream upwards to the heavens from parted lips painted black. Upon finishing the guttural growl, the person titled their head down and fixated their fiery crimson gaze upon the ring; the Action Wrestling crowd letting out a sizable pop. With skin as pale as porcelain and clearly dressed to compete within the squared circle, the person was none other than the Witch of Action Wrestling; Claire Hawkins!

Adilene Floyd: Making her way to the ring, weighing in at 145 pounds, she is the Action Wrestling Television Champion.................... "The Witch".....CLAIRE.....HAWKINS!!

Once she reached the ringside area Claire paused for a moment to look at the cameraman that had dared to get close enough to get a good shot of her face. With a vicious snarl, Claire let out another one of those screams and forced the cameraman to quickly backpedal. Feeling pleased with herself, Claire made her way over to the steps and into the ring. Once she was in the ring she walked to the side of the ring where the hard camera was and stepped onto the second rope, leaned forward a little to keep her balance, and held her arms up while she held up in the "Devil Horns" gesture as pyro shot up from the ring posts. All the while bellowing out that same savage, guttural scream.

Chris Avery: She's a four time Television champion, now holding the record for the longest number of days with the title. She's overcome all the challengers as of late to stand here as the TV champion. Claire Hawkins is in her element tonight.

Billy: That's some queen shit right there!!

Cain and Hawkins circle each other, as Cain smiles down at Hawkins. The match starts off with both parties circling each other warily. Hawkins shoots in for an amateur takedown attempt, but Cain spins out of it. For a moment, they jockey for position, and then he sweeps her legs from under her, but before he can mount her, she quickly slips out. She attempts to clamp Cain in a facelock, but he spins out of it. Hawkins and Cain square off against each other, in a standoff.

Chris Avery: It's started with an exchange of holds, but you can bet that won't end there.

Hawkins fires a flurry of martial arts kicks at Cain, starting with his hamstrings. Cain takes a kick to the midsection, and then Hawkins takes Cain down with a leg sweep and then she slaps on a leg grapevine. Cain breaks the hold immediately by getting to the ropes. Hawkins lifts Cain up and gives him a dragon whip, then attempting another, and holding onto his leg she lifts him up, and gives him a third dragon whip, hanging onto his leg before trying for a single leg crab. Cain won't let Hawkins turn him over, shoving her off. Hawkins goes flying into the corner and hits chest first, and she falls back to the mat. Cain axehandles her over the back before she can get up. Cain takes a moment to boot Hawkins down and then he sticks his boot on Claire's throat and begins choking her. He pulls down on the top rope as he pushes down with his boot. The ref warns Cain, but Cain ignores him. Cain lifts Hawkins up and he goes for an Irish whip. Hawkins ducks a clothesline on the bounce back, then she runs to the ropes and hit Cain with a flying forearm smash. Claire nips up to her feet and as Cain gets up, she takes him down with a leg lariat. Hawkins hits a standing shooting star press on the prone Cain, then covers.

The referee: One... Kickout.

Hawkins goes to lift Cain up but Cain cuts her off with a stiff European uppercut. Cain takes a few steps away as he rubs his chin, and then he angrily starts stomping on Hawkins. He lifts her up, and whips her to the turnbuckle. Hawkins hits back first and stumbles out right into a heavy clothesline. Cain shakes his arm out from the impact. Cain plants Claire on her back with a scoop slam. Cain lifts Hawkins and powers her down with a snap suplex, and then hangs on to her head as he drags her back up and nails a side suplex. Finally, Cain drops an elbow across her back, locking in a rear chinlock. The ref checks on Hawkins, who flails her arms around in the air. Cain drops his rear down on Hawkins's lower back, and then he slaps the back of her head. Hawkins is pulled up, and Cain gives her a gutwrench suplex. He covers.

The referee: One... kickout.

Cain gets down and begins choking Hawkins with one hand on her throat as he yells some choice words in her face. The ref tries to admonish him, but Cain tells him to back off. Cain holds his hands up and backs off. Then, he locks in a calf slicer, wrenching back on the leg of Hawkins.

Chris Avery: Hawkins is in a world of hurt right now!

Billy: You know, I could have sworn I've seen Cain somewhere before..... wasn't his name Allister, because that guy borrowed five bucks from me to buy a hot dog and he never paid me back.

Chris Avery: I am sure that Jason Cain is not anyone we've ever seen before, no, Billy.

Billy: But dammit, I want either my money back or a hot dog!!

Several long seconds pass by in the hold, and Hawkins is no closer to giving up, flailing her free arm and reaching for the ropes. At length Cain simply releases the hold. He stands over Claire, taunting her and using his boot to moosh her in the face, making Hawkins fall onto her back. He laughs in her face for a moment. Cain then lifts Hawkins, hitting a double underhook backbreaker. Claire rolls around on the mat, holding her back, and Cain takes another moment to antagonize the crowd, holding his arms out and taunting Hawkins. The crowd begins booing.

Billy: Man, fuck this guy.

Cain lifts Hawkins up, and begins peppering her with right hands, backing his smaller opponent up to the ropes. He lays Hawkins across the ropes, then slides out onto the apron and grabs Hawkins's head from behind, pulling back with force, increasing pressure on Hawkins's neck and back. Hawkins flails her arms, and Cain keeps the hold locked in. Finally, he releases the hold, and Hawkins drops into the aisle. Cain lifts Hawkins up and pulls her over to the ropes. He climbs out onto the apron, pulls Hawkins through the bottom and middle ropes to hang on the rope, then he gives Hawkins a spike DDT onto the apron. Hawkins falls into the aisle, holding her head in pain. As she rolls over, it can be seen that she has a cut on the top of her head in her hair.

Chris Avery: Hawkins's bleeding!

Cain walks over to Hawkins, clubbing her over the back. He rubs some of her blood on his hands, then wipes it on his shirt. He grins, and he lifts her up. Cain goes to irish whip her into the steel post, but Hawkins reverses. Cain blocks himself from being whipped with a grin. Hawkins pulls again, but Cain returns, flinging her towards the guardrail. Hawkins hops up onto the guardrail, and flips off, taking Cain down with a double footed dropkick. The crowd pops. Hawkins is resting in the aisle, and then she begins to pull herself up. She lifts Cain up, bouncing his head off the announce table. Hawkins lifts Cain up, going for an irish whip, but Cain is able to reverse, and he sends her into the steel ringpost. Hawkins smacks into the ringpost shoulder first, and comes stumbling back around, and Cain takes her head off with a clothesline. Cain rests for a second, then he gets up with an angry grimace. He gets to his feet, and begins peppering Hawkins's forehead with punches. He gets to his feet, yelling to the crowd and telling them to “cheer for this skank now”. They respond with loud boo's. Cain lifts Hawkins up, walking him over to the security guardrail, and goes to bounce Hawkins's head off of it, but Hawkins blocks, elbows Cain in the gut, and Hawkins rakes Cain' eyes. Cain stumbles away, and Hawkins runs towards Cain, but he catches her, then lifts her up and drops her across the guardrail with a flapjack kind of move. Hawkins falls back into the aisle, and Cain rests. He gets up to his feet, lifting a now-limp Hawkins by the back of her pants. He rolls her in the ring, and he climbs in for a pin.

Chris Avery: That might have destroyed Hawkins's face!

Cain stays on the offensive, sending Hawkins into the corner. Cain gives Hawkins a few shoulder thrusts, before lifting Hawkins up on the top rope. Cain climbs up after her, and then Hawkins tries to fight him off with right hands but Cain cuts her off with a series of headbutts. Finally Cain resets himself and hooks Hawkins's head, bringing Hawkins down the hard way with a top rope superplex. Cain covers.

The referee: One...

Two...

Th- Kickout.

Chris Avery: Unbelievable, after all the punishment Hawkins has taken, she keeps getting the shoulder up.

Billy: Why do girls stay with guys who abuse them so badly? *sigh*

Chris Avery: I… don’t think we’re talking about the same thing!

Both parties are down for a second, then Cain gets to his feet. He lifts her up, but she suddenly rolls him into a small package. The ref slides in and counts.

Chris Avery: Claire might sneak one out!!

The referee: One...

Two...

Th- Kickout.

Cain pops out of the rollup, and he stares down at Hawkins with something approaching outrage. He gets up and shouts some more abuse at her, telling her that she's nothing. Cain lifts Claire up and goes for an irish whip, and on the rebound Claire hops up and takes him down with a flying forearm. Both parties are down, as the ref checks both for consciousness, and several moments pass with both competitors laid out on the mat. The crowd is clapping, feeding them their energy. Hawkins begins shaking and vibrating, and she nips up to her feet. Cain also, taking big lungfuls of air in and looking around to get his bearings, gets to his feet, he is blasted by a double footed dropkick to the temple from Claire. Finally, Hawkins is able to crawl over and drape an arm over Cain.

Billy: If she could just make the cover she might have it here!

The referee: One...

Two...

Thr- Kickout.

Claire lays on her back, rubbing her eyes and trying to gather more get up and go. After a moment, both Cain and Hawkins get to their feet. They begin firing away at each other with rights, but Hawkins is caught off-guard by a knee to the midsection from Cain. He whips her into the ropes. Cain whips Claire into the corner, and comes in looking for a splash, but Hawkins moves quickly out of the way. Cain stumbles out of the turnbuckle, and then when he turns around holding his injured chest Hawkins hooks his neck from behind, and then she pulls him back across the ropes with a rear chinlock as she wraps her legs around his midsection. She pulls his neck back across the ropes with force. Cain flails his arms as he's caught in the submission, but he refuses to give up, even as Hawkins wrenches his neck back over the ropes and pulls down.

Billy: You have to give it to Claire, her hatred of Cain has made her creative.

Hawkins releases the hold on Cain. He stumbles out of the corner, holding his neck. Hawkins slingshots herself in, coming in looking for a crossbody, but he catches her in midair, flips her up onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry position and then he drops her with a Bicycle knee in midair. Cain and Hawkins are both laid out.

Chris Avery: Cain just hit part of Natural Selection out of midair, but he's too beaten to capitalize!

Cain flails his arm, but finally is able to turn himself over onto his stomach, and he blinks and tries to gather his wits about him, seething and taking a few deep breaths with an intense look on his face. He gets up to his feet. He pulls Hawkins up, but she takes the advantage back with a jawbreaker. Hawkins pulls Cain over to the corner, pulling him under the ropes next to the ringpost as he slides out of the ring, and she smashes Cain' knee against the steel with force. Cain screams in pain, and Claire does it again.

Chris Avery: We are definitely seeing a vicious side of "The Metal Witch" tonight.

Hawkins twists Cain's legs in a figure four leglock. Cain screams as the hold is tightened. Cain almost passes out, as Cain checks his arms, but Cain is able to keep his arm up after the second drop. Hawkins let go of the hold, but then she stomps away at Cain's leg. Hawkins applies an ankle lock. It looks as if Cain is going to tap, but he crawls on his elbows across the ring. Hawkins pulls him back into the center of the ring. Finally, Cain pulls himself out and gets to the ropes. Hawkins releases the hold, and as Cain gets up holding his knee she meets him with a series of elbow shots. She grabs Cain's arm, and goes to whip him, only to be pulled into a shortarm clothesline. Cain lifts Hawkins up into a back suplex, then drops her with a backbreaker. He covers...

The referee: One...

Two...

Thr- Kickout.

Cain slaps the mat in frustration, yelling at the ref to come on. Gritting his teeth, his face red with intensity, Cain paces over and climbs up to the top rope, and he sits on the ropes for a second, taunting the crowd, and he flies off, looking for an elbow drop, but Hawkins rolls out of the way and he crashes and burns on the mat. Claire motions for Cain to get up, and when he does, holding his arm, Hawkins clotheslines him over the top tope. Hawkins springs up to the top rope, and as Cain pulls himself up Hawkins comes off the top rope with a corkscrew moonsault all the way down to the floor taking Cain down. The crowd erupts at this spot, and begins a "this is awesome" chant.

Billy: This is awesome! This is awesome!

Chris Avery: Billy, you're supposed to stay objective when calling these matches.

Billy: I'm beating the system, how do you like that, defying the laws!

Hawkins rolls Cain into the ring, and she covers...

The referee: One...

Two....

Thre... Kickout.

Hawkins curses and looks like she's beside herself, but trying to stay focused. She lifts Cain up, but he knees her in the gut and throws her back down to the mat on the back of her head with force. He paces away, holding his forehead, and seeing a trickle of blood. He snarls at Hawkins. He lifts her up, and begins pounding on the bleeding cut on her forehead. He plants her with a vicious pendulum backbreaker. He follows it up by lifting her up and dropping with a tiger suplex, rolled over into a cobra clutch suplex, rolled over into a bridging snap dragon suplex.

Chris Avery: Cain with the Predator Factory, how much more can Hawkins take?!

Billy: He's like some kind of... machine that can't stop suplexing.

Chris Avery: Yes, Billy, but "human suplex machine" is already registered and trademarked.

Billy: Well they don't do it like that!

The ref: One...

Two...

Thr... Kickout.

Cain pounds the mat in frustration and lets out a loud enraged scream.

Billy: Somebody get the tampons, Cain's getting mad again!

Chris Avery: Billy, I thought you were on Cain's side.

Billy: I'm still salty about not having a hot dog.

Cain gets to his feet, pulling a limp Hawkins over to the corner. He unleashes a flurry of right hands as he lays he in a seated position, then he backs up to the adjacent corner, and comes running in looking for a facewash kick. He plows into Hawkins full force, and he rests against the ropes. The crowd boo's loudly, and he grins at them and mouths some choice words. He pulls Hawkins out and hooks the leg.

The ref: One...

Two...

Thre- Kickout.

Cain shoots to his feet, getting aggressively in the ref's face and starts arguing with him about the count. The poor referee assures him Hawkins kicked out. Cain and the ref argue for a second, and then Cain grabs the official by the shirt and threatens him with bodily harm. Cain turns back to Hawkins, grabbing her legs and pulling her out to the middle of the ring. He begins to hook her legs for a sharpshooter. Hawkins resists being turned over. Cain continues trying to turn her onto her back, but Hawkins shifts her weight over again. Cain leans in towards her, and Hawkins wraps her legs around him and maneuvers him into a cradle pin.

Chris Avery: Maybe if he'd spent less time bitching and more time with his eye on the ball!!

Sweet satisfaction on the ref’s face as he counts this pin.

The referee: One...

Two...

Thr... Kickout.

Both parties get to their feet. They exchange right hands and slaps for a second until Cain rakes her eyes violently. As he lifts her for the snap pumphandle tombstone, she twists around and takes him down with a headscissors that throws him forward and he is hung up on the middle rope throat first. Hawkins runs in and uses the ropes to swing around and deliver a tiger feint kick that throws Cain backwards and makes him flop end over end. Hawkins comes in, lifting Cain up... and drops him with a Cutthroat neckbreaker. Hawkins pins.

Chris Avery: Spiritbreaker!!

The referee: One...

Two…

Thre- Kickout!

Hawkins doesn't waste any time as she moves over to the ropes, climbing up to the top rope and flying off with a diving mooonsault to the sternum of Cain. She covers.

Chris Avery: Hawkins pulled out the Spellbound!!

The ref and the crowd: One...

Two...

Thre- NO! Cain kicks out!

Chris Avery: You have to give it up for both of these two, it has been nothing short of a war here tonight.

Billy: The Television Title has meant so much to Hawkins, she won’t give it up that easily.

Hawkins lifts Cain up, planting a flurry of martial arts kicks into his midsection. She follows it up with a step-up enziguri to the side of his head. Cain flops down to the mat. Hawkins sets herself in the corner, gripping onto the ropes and leaning forward, and then she explodes outward, going for a drive-by kick... but there's nobody home! Hawkins whiffs by Cain who ducks out of the way, and Hawkins turns into a circle, only for Cain to blast her with the Living Lightning shining wizard! Cain then rests for a moment, and after a moment they both start pulling themselves up, Cain grabs Hawkins from the side and nails a hard short reverse STO then floats it over into the Koji clutch. Hawkins Claire yells in pain, and she tries to reach the ropes. Cain pulls her back into the middle of the ring. Cain asks her if she gives up, but she refuses. Cain yells for her to submit. Hawkins frantically shakes her head no. Finally, she is able to reach out and grab the bottom rope. The ref tells Cain to release the hold, but he refuses.

Billy: If Cain doesn’t release this hold the ref will disqualify him!

Chris Avery: Is he not worried about losing his title opportunity??

Billy: No, I think he just wants to fuck Hawkins up!

Cain finally releases the hold and begins stomping on Hawkins's lower back. He lifts Hawkins up, clubbing her over the back. Hawkins starts jabbing him in the gut with rights, and then she gives him a forearm shot that knocks him back off his feet. Hawkins then charges to the ropes and runs off, and then on the return she is met by a high knee to the face from Cain. Hawkins drops back to the mat. Cain then goes for the Killer Instinct again, but as he's lifted Hawkins up for the pumphandle, Claire floats around on his shoulder, grips him in an inverted facelock and drops them both with a reverse DDT!!

Both competitors are down, and neither one moves!

Chris Avery: What a counter to Killer Instinct by Hawkins, showing why she's the champion!!

Billy: She's hurting bad, if she can't get back in the game she may not be much longer!

Both competitors are laid out, groaning and trying gingerly to move as the referee checks on them. Cain stirs to his feet first and the crowd is on both superstars sides at this point for one HELLACIOUS match!

Billy: Might just be one of the greatest TV title matches of all time!

Cain goes for a bicycle kick strike but Hawkins moves and he turns around.

THE MIST!!

Billy: GOT HIM!!

Cain ducked! Hawkins mists NOTHING! Cain rolls her up!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!

Chris Avery: DID HE GET HER?!

Billy: HE REFERENCED THE ROLL UP IN HIS PROMO!!

Chris Avery: THE REF SAYS TWO!! IT WAS ONLY A TWO!! HOLY SHIT HOW DID SHE KICK OUT?!

Cain gets to his feet and goes for a lariat but Hawkins ducks under and hits a pele kick! Cain stumbles back and Hawkins grabs him for a CUTTER but NO, Cain gets out of THAT TOO!

Billy: REVERSING EVERY FINISHER SHE HAS!

Cain goes for another strike but Hawkins ducks under THAT and finally hits the cutter!!

Billy: GOT HIM!!

Hawkins hooks both lets not taking a single fucking chance!

ONE!!

TWO!!

---

No one will survive starts to play over the speakers as the sound of a motorcycle is heard as it rolls on stage with Bam Miller on it. He points around to all the fans before riding down the ramp and riding around the ring. He parks his bike and high fives a fan in the front row, then gets a Miller Lite beer tossed to him. He walks up the Steele steps, and walks slowly into the middle of the ring. He opens the can up and as soon as the can touches his lips pyro goes off behind him. As the pyro stops Bam Miller walks over to the corner to wait for the match to start.

Billy: This next match could favor Bam! It's his debut but he's a top guy slayer!

Chris Avery: We'll have to see! Anything can happen in Action Wrestling!

Corey Bull comes to the ring with his boys. The crowd cheers.

Billy: They look ready to go!

Chris Avery: This should be good!

DING DING DING

Bam grabs Bull and hits a few chops before sending him back into the turnbuckle with a boot to the gut and a huge right hand. He whips Bull out of the corner into the opposite turnbuckle and lets Bull stumble out and hits a scoop slam! Bam stomps on Bull and lifts him back up hitting a suplex! Bam goes for a cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Bull kicks out. Bam grabs Bull and hits a few chops and sends him to the ropes and goes for a clothesline! Bull ducks and lets Bam turn around and hits a dropkick! Bam goes down to the canvas before rolling to his knees where Bull meets him with a kick to the head! Bull pins Bam!

ONE!

TWO!

Bam gets a shoulder out and rolls to the corner where Bull helps him to his feet just to whip him out of the corner into the other turnbuckles hitting a powerslam! Bull pins Bam!

One!

Two!

Bam gets another shoulder up.

Billy: It was almost over!

Chris Avery: I thought it was!

This time Bull picks up Bam and goes for a suplex but Bam gets out of it and hits A TOP GUY SLAYER! Bull is out! Bam covers!

One!

Two!

Thre-

NO!!

Billy: BULL GETS A SHOULDER UP!!

Chris Avery: THIS MATCH IS EVENLY MATCHED!

Bam whips Bull to the ropes and goes for a kick but Bull catches the boot and whips Bam around and hits THE DEEP SIX! Bull has him down for the count!

ONE!!

TWO!!

Bam KICKS OUT!!

Billy: WOW! I DIDNT THINK MILLER COULD KICK OUT!

Chris Avery: THEY GO BACK AND FORTH WITH MOMENTUM!

Bull lifts Bam to his feet and goes for another suplex but Bam gets out of it one more time! This time Bam whips Bull to the ropes but both superstars hit a clothesline sending the other one down!

Billy: Both of them are down!

Chris Avery: Who can take advantage!

Bull pops up and goes for a lariat but Miller ducks and lets him hit the ropes and Bam hits a kick and then a STUNNER!!

Billy: MILLER TIME!!

Bull pops to his back and Bam covers!!

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!

DING DING DING

Chris Avery: BAM MILLER WINS IN HIS DEBUT!!

Noose and Shooter grab Bull and pull him out of the ring as Bam stands tall as the winner!!

Billy: An impressive win in his debut!

Chris Avery: Miller Time indeed! What a win!

Bam Miller gets his arm raised and then taunts as Bull is being held up by Noose and Shooter. They begin to head to the back as Miller gets on the turnbuckles!

Billy: We'll have more Action Wrestling Monday Night Clash when we come back!

We fade to a commercial.

---

As “Back Against the Wall” by Rancid hits the P.A, the Golden 1 Center explodes into deafening cheers. The lights flash red, and the Actiontron is lit up with the fresh Chimp in a Suit with a Handgun.jpeg, the background vaguely psychedelic with shifting fractal overlays. The curtain parts, and out steps Johnny Bacchus. The Hardcore Title is around his waist, a briefcase is in one hand, and the California flag is draped over his shoulders. Another roar rips through the crowd.

Chris Avery: Johnny Bacchus with his throwback theme from California band Rancid, met with the reception of a hometown hero here in Sacramento!

Billy: Probably would get it in Moscow or Havana, too.

He takes the flag from his shoulders and holds it up, giving it a few shakes to ever increasing cheers before making his way down the ramp. He slaps hands, passes off the flag to a group of teens in Johnny Bacchus shirts in the front row, and takes a moment to take some pictures – Yung Toon Summoned Skull is for the children, after all. Then he pauses a moment, steps up onto the barricade, and throws himself into the crowd! The audience catches him, the snap of phone cameras exploding as the cheers continue! He gestures towards the ring, and soon enough the crowd surfs him down, people reaching up to tussle his hair or touch his hand. Soon, he’s placed onto the ringside barricade, and before leaping down, he turns around and gives a bow.

Chris Avery: I’ll tell you, Billy, there’s a lot of members on this roster who get home state reactions, but this is something else! You can just feel the passion this crowd has for #ChampMode, and it’s obvious he loves them back.

Billy: Treating it like a damn rock concert.

Once at the floor, Johnny’s expression takes a less goofy and more determined look. The Champ slides into the ring then pulls himself onto the turnbuckle and tears the Hardcore Title off his waist to raise above his head, pulling himself up onto the middle ropes to the roar of the crowd. As his music fades, he walks to the ropes, catches a thrown microphone, and walks to the center of the ring.

Johnny Bacchus: California.

The crowd explodes again as Johnny raises a fist in the air and drinks it in.

Johnny Bacchus: The Golden State.

More cheers!

Johnny Bacchus: The Bear Flag Republic, BAYBEE!

The crowd is deafening!

Crowd: JOHN-NY BACCH-US! JOHN-NY BACCH-US! JOHN-NY BACCH-US!

Bacchus grins, looking around.

Johnny Bacchus: Unfortunately, I have to keep the pleasantries brief. I said I’d be here, and this show being in the greatest place in the world was only the icing on the cake. You spun the wheel, so come on down Maxy Poo, and collect your prize.

As if on queue, “Dead Bite” by Hollywood Undead plays on the PA. Max Daemon heeds the call and steps onto the stage. His hooded jacket is already hanging off his right shoulder whilst his left hand grips the red Solo cup tight. He smirks down the ramp at Johnny, who waits patiently for his opponent to arrive.

In his right hand is the Tokyo Cup. However, he puts it down on the ramp and turns around. A backstage producer comes out and the two trade words. The producer nods and takes the trophy back to the backstage area.

Max turns around and takes a sip of the Solo cup before beginning his trek. He stumbles down the ramp, avoiding fans booing him and jeering him along the way.

Billy: Max is already in usual form it seems.

Chris Avery: I don’t know what he puts in those cups, and quite frankly, I don’t WANT to know.

Max reaches ringside, taking the steps and entering through the top and middle ropes. His jacket gets caught on the top rope, so instead of adjusting it, he fights with it for a few moments. Eventually, he escapes the hold, allowing the jacket to fall to the apron. Max enters, the smirk still on his face.

As his music fades away, he grabs a microphone from the front of his skinny jeans. He takes a sip and turns it on.

Max Daemon: Hey Sacramento!

The fans just decide to boo Max despite him not saying much of anything.

Max Daemon: How does it feel ta’ know...that of the three of us...I’M the only KING...in this ring.

Well that certainly won’t adhere himself to the fans. Johnny rolls his eyes at Max’s poor attempt to annoy him.

Max Daemon: But enough about this city’s idiots. Let’s have a talk Johnny. We’ve been goin at it for a while, but never face-to-face. So here we are...in the same ring...preparin for a match at Uprising...for that Hardcore Title. Real fast, before we start...do ya’ want a drink?

Max offers Johnny his red Solo cup. Johnny, not taking the bait, moves his hand and the cup away.

Johnny Bacchus: Sorry, I never take a drink I didn’t pour myself. Robert Johnson and all. But I did bring you a present.

Bacchus offers up the suitcase. Max looks from it to him.

Max Daemon: This gonna spray me with silly string or glitter?

Johnny Bacchus: Who, me?

Reluctantly, Max opens the case. Inside, he retrieves the contents: the plastic children’s Pure Title replica. Across the nameplate is a piece of colored duct tape with “Max Demon” sharpied on it.

Johnny Bacchus: Look, I even customized it for you. Enjoy it – it’s the only belt you’re gonna be getting from me.

Max looks down at the belt, his face indicative of what he thinks. He scowls, letting the fans get their laughter and cheers in before placing the toy back into the suitcase. He places the suitcase onto the canvas before kicking it towards a corner.

Max looks at Johnny, his scowl transforming slowly into a smirk.

Max Daemon: It’s actually kinda funny...that ya’ wanna...hand me that fake Pure Title. Because, quite frankly...you winnin it in the first place...was luck and fate bendin over backwards to give ya’ what ya’ wanted.

The fans are pretty mute to this, and Johnny even seems interested in where Max might be going with this.

Max Daemon: Johnny Bacchus...the last ever Pure Champion. Pure Champion...not SCW World Champion or Frontier World Champion, unlike me, because if I retire belts, I retire belts that are the biggest in the company.

Max pauses a bit before continuing.

Max Daemon: But Johnny-boy here...he might be the last Pure Champion...but he’s also the ONLY Pure Champion...to not beat the former champion. For all the hype, Chimp Mode, Toon World bullshit ya’ throw together ta’ pump yourself up, Johnny-boy, that doesn’t change the fact that ya’...never beat Z-Mac ta’ win that title. You’re the only Pure Champion ta’ win it from a vacancy, and you had ta’ beat an up-his-own-ass preacher and goddamn NATE, of all fuckin people, ta’ do it.

Max scratches his chin, pacing a bit in place.

Max Daemon: Now I’m not one ta’ criticize opponents...but do ya’ really feel happy beatin those two? When there’s guys that Torture had ta’ throw at me that had no business even bein here? Sure, ya’ made up for it by beatin a buncha viable guys ta’ retain, but if your reign hadn’t started the way it did, then Johnny-boy, quite frankly, I doubt you’d even still be here. Because--

He is interrupted by the fans starting to boo.

Max Daemon: Because without that win ta’ propel ya’ ta’ where ya’ are, these fans, California cuckolds or not…

This time he purposely pauses to let the boos reign in.

Max Daemon:...wouldn’t give a shit about who ya’ are. Ya’d just be another edgeboi fuckboi lookin ta’ make a name for yourself. Hell...if Z didn’t get suspended and vacate his title, leavin YOU of all people ta’ swoop in and start your run...ya’ could very well have ended up the Joey Bunga of Clash. And I got just the bitch in mind who I’d HOPE...would be your Regan.

Max lowers the mic, allowing the fans’ boos and Johnny’s strained smile to be enough of a hit. Johnny kicks a foot, one hand behind his back as his eyes look down and he paces for a few steps, the mic raised to his mouth.

Johnny Bacchus: That’s an interesting perspective.

He stops and looks up at Max, a small smirk crossing his lips.

Johnny Bacchus: See, I’d like to take you back for a moment as to WHY Zombie McMorris had that belt in the first place and WHY he had to vacate it. I get you like to close your eyes and ears to the truth, but I’m gonna speak no evil – just facts.

I came into this company over half a year ago on a fluke. I was a college-dropout who spent his days getting arrested for protesting and smoking bud. I applied as a joke, got in out of luck, and spent my first night backstage before my match getting selfies and autographs with guys I’d only ever seen on TV. I was a nobody, an outsider, a mark, and somebody who’d be one-and-done. But I went out there, and I won my debut in a triple threat match, beating the guy who won the AW World Cup!

And when everyone said that was a fluke, I went out the next week and won again! And when people in the back said THAT was a fluke, I beat a guy whose now in that All-In match next week to win a number one contender shot at the Pure Title!

And when people in the back said THAT was a fluke, I won the damn belt, carried it all the way to Evolution, and merged it with the Hardcore Title! I am Twelve-And-Oh, one match – this match – from tying former World Champ Ash Blake’s undefeated streak!

The crowd roars with applause! The look on Johnny’s face has gone from coy confidence to an intense stare

Johnny Bacchus: I. am not. a fluke. I am the last, the longest reigning, most fighting Champion in the Pure Title’s lineage. Combined with this Hardcore Title on my shoulder, I have LAPPED you in successful defenses.

Another burst of cheers. Max’s fingers tighten on the cup.

Johnny Bacchus: But let’s talk about ZMac and that vacant belt, Max. Because if there’s one thing I prove from day one, it’s that I’m the best person on this microphone in the goddamn company. I’m so good I could send a few tweets and watch the champ reduced to a nervous wreck screaming slurs at the sky to try to get under my skin. I won the Pure Title before the bell even rang. And you think you’re gonna be the one to dethrone me, Max? Then I wonder what the hell’s in that cup because maybe I DO want some of whatever you’re on. Because whether or not it was you or ZMac across the ring for me, I had the Infinity Stones, I was inevitable, and the moment I snapped my fingers…

Bacchus raises a hand in front of Max’s face and snaps.

Johnny Bacchus: …we’d reached your end game.

Max lets Johnny’s hand fall, but he doesn’t wait any longer before raising the mic back up.

Max Daemon: It’s nice ta’ know after I lost the title somebody managed ta’ pick up the quotes and the brandin, because Johnny...that’s all that is. Brandin...somethin ta’ get the crowd interested in seein ya’ try your best ta’ fight and win...only ta’ see ya’ lose.

Max lowers the microphone briefly to see Johnny giving him a “sure”.

Max Daemon: Yeah I’m sure. Kinda like I’m sure that the only reason you ever wanted ta’ fight me...is because ya’ know...that I’m the only other Pure Champion that can match you.

The crowd starts to mutter and boo, but Max doesn’t give them any time.

Max Daemon: Ya’ look back and see who else we got. Matthias? Congrats. You beat his record. Good job. Noris? You and I both know Philidor fucks deserve no respect. Z? We both know what happened ta’ him. So that leaves me. The only other Pure Champion with an ounce of credibility. I’m the one who beat Noris for that championship and ran with it to the point where pieces of shit like you...could ride my momentum straight ta’ the top.

Max starts to pace again.

Max Daemon: And you’re on the way, don’t get me wrong, but deep down in your heart, Johnny-boy, ya’ know...that the only reason ya’ wanted this match so bad...is because you’re not a real champion, Pure or otherwise, until ya’ can beat...me.

This gets the crowd to boo.

Max Daemon: You’re hot shit! But I was the hot shit in the Pure Division long before ya’ stepped in, and ya’ might like ta’ think that you’re the fucker who took it ta’ new heights, but you wouldn’t’ve had a spot on the mountain without me there ta’ guide the way. So until ya’ can beat me...Johnny...Johnny-boy...I might as well be the one with that Hardcore Championship...and you might as well be the one...with that toy...because without me...all the Pure Title ever was...was a child’s play thing.

Max lowers the mic and takes a sip, allowing the crowd to get their jeers in. Max shouts to them, but the mic doesn’t pick it up.

Johnny Bacchus: Oh, grow up, Max! Save me the self-aggrandizement – you sound like a former high school quarterback who handed the ball off for the running back to win the homecoming game. You might as well start quoting “On the Waterfront”, if that’s where this is going. This isn’t about the title for you – it NEVER was. All your little reign and why you’re here right now is about one person, and one person only: YOU. YOU are bitter that I walked out of Evolution with two belts while you walked out empty-handed. YOU are bent because I saw enough of how you carried yourself and treated others that I didn’t feel some pretense to bow down and respect you. You’re goddamn mad that your “first dibs” at least acknowledges me in her hatred when she’ll give you little more than an eye roll!

You got the red carpet rolled out for you in spite of being a petulant child. You got…

Johnny counts them off on his fingers.

Johnny Bacchus: …a themed show, a big UFC exhibition match, a beautiful girlfriend working for a respectable organization, a shot at the United States title, that shiny gold cup you came out with. And none of it has been enough for you. You want to come take food off my plate out of spite because you can’t somebody calling you out to your face. You can’t handle someone had the things you wanted. Well guess what, Max, I earned everything I have – I didn’t have the red carpet rolled out for me. So if you want this belt, buddy, you better work for it. But you won’t because – coming from the guy who this time last year was getting high and rewatching Bojack – YOU. ARE. LAZY. And YOU. ARE. NOT. ENTITLED TO IT.

Max raises his mic immediately after Johnny is done.

Max Daemon: I’m entitled ta’ every fuckin hing in this company! Ya’ call me egotistical, look at you? If this wasn’t a long time comin some other guy just like me would look at ya’ and say the same shit. How does it feel Johnny? How does it--shut up when I’m talkin!

The crowd begins chanting at him.


Johnny Bacchus: This ain’t about them, this is about me.

Max Daemon: You’re goddamn right it is! How does it feel ta’ treat somethin seriously for once, huh? Are ya’ finally realizin that not everythin in this company can be taken as a joke? I mean...I know your relationship was pretty funny when it started out, but ya’ never treated THAT like a joke.

Johnny stares at Max, circling his tongue around his cheek to keep from speaking.

Max Daemon: But ya’ call me lazy. Me. Me! Motherfucker...you have blinded yourself by your own ego into thinkin that everythin ya’ do is a joke! And that ya’ actually managed to EARN that championship. Motherfucker the only thing ya’ did is survive!

Max starts to pace once again.

Max Daemon: Yeah! Survive! You’ve survived everythin this company has put in front ‘a’ ya’, twelve and O! He’s unbeaten! No, you’re just untested. Because everybody in this company has a breakin point. Mine was nearly gettin my arm torn outta my socket by a coke-fueled maniac. And that was before I realized how much actually survivin goes inta’ this. So yeah...you’ve survived...you’ve survived battles, absolute hell, and nearly gettin blown up in a warzone, and you’re still standin. Well Johnny-boy...everythin ya’ve gone through is NOTHIN compared ta’ what I have.

Max stops and looks straight at Johnny.

Max Daemon: I’ve done things ta’ people because it was my job. I’ve come up against the baddest, the biggest, and the most evil sons ‘a’ bitches ya’ will ever see, not even in this ring, but outside of it, and I’ve walked away from every single one of ‘em unscathed. I’ve survived everythin put against me...except for Tru--

He cuts himself off, taking a quick sip of the drink.

Max Daemon: But that’s where we’re different. I can hype myself up and get an ego and think I’m entitled...because I can survive against anythin. You? Ya’ve gone back and forth through beatin after beatin and still walked out...but ya’ haven’t been tested. Ya’ haven’t reached that breakin point yet. That’s where I come in. Because nobody’s been able ta’ stand in this ring, look at ya’ in your eyes, and tell ya’ ta’ ya’ face…

Max bends over so that the two of them are eye-to-eye inches away from each other.

Max Daemon:...when ya’ go ta’ war against Max fuckin Daemon, ya’re goin ta’ war against somethin ya’ve never fucked with before. Ya’ know it’s gonna be worse than ya’ve ever got, I know I’m walkin inta’ a massacre, but I can say I deserve that title more than YOU because if there’s anybody in this ring that’s Hardcore...it’s me. And trust me when I say...I’m not just talkin about what Mae gets up ta’ when you’re gone.

Max steps back, letting the crowds “OOOH”s and Johnny’s deep scowl for itself.

Johnny Bacchus: Well you clearly want a fight talking like that. So go on, Max – punch me in the face so you can feel like a big tough guy.

Max smirks at the challenge.

Max Daemon: Ya’d like that? For me to hit ya’? Ta’ give ya’ that satisfaction knowin ya’ got in my head? Here’s the thing Johnny-boy...I want ya’ at full strength come Uprising. I want ya’ ready and rairin to get ya’ ass kicked, ta’ get put down ta’ this mat by me. Cause when that happens...everybody...includin your girl Mae...will know that I was always and will forever be...the better choice.

Johnny moves forward, but Max puts his leg through the middle rope. Max raises his hands.

Max Daemon: Alright! Alright! Ya’ need to relax buddy.

Max reenters the ring, taking a sip from his cup in the process.

Max Daemon: I honestly think...ya’ need this drink more than I do.

Max then tosses the red Solo cup at Johnny’s face. When the cup hits home and rest of the liquid soaks his head and neck, Max dives through the top and middle ropes. He drops the mic on the way out, seamlessly grabbing his jacket still on the apron.

Johnny starts challenging him to reenter the ring all while Max flips him off, telling him “that title is mine” and motioning towards his waist.

Billy: What an exchange of words from these two!

Chris Avery: They’re two combustible elements looking to split open and rain down a nuke on this place! We’re gonna find out the fallout at Uprising!

Billy: Max vs. Johnny for the Hardcore Title! It’s the match we’ve been wishing for next Sunday!

The feed then cuts to a commercial break.

---

Suddenly, "Carry the Flame" by Unleash the Archers hits on the PA, and on the tron the shield motif of the Vanguard comes on the video, interspersed with footage of Downfall and Dionysus' team hitting several moves in the Havoc match, and their clasp of hands in the middle of the ring.

"All the time we had is wasted and gone, and all I ask is one moment more

Hold fast onto that flickering flame, or tell me what has all this been for

But I need you to remember, the power was in you all along

You must remain despite all the pain and bring hope to those who have none

Promise me you will be the one..."

Two figures walk out onto the stage from opposite sides, and they meet in the middle of the stage and clasp hands, then turn to the ring and extend their other hand out with a fist as they shout out towards the crowd. They're dressed exactly like Downfall and Dionysus, but before they can go through with their entrance, the figure of Dandy Divito explodes through the curtains, smacking Downfall with the Tag title belt in the back of the head! The figure wearing Downfall's ring gear and DIY vest rolls a couple feet down the ramp. Dandy throws his arms and shouts at the man he just laid out, yelling "I told your ass!"

Billy: It all happened so fast, Dandy Divito just cracked 'em in the head just like he said!

Chris Avery: Wait a minute -

Dandy is still yelling, but then the figure in Downfall's clothes, still laid out stunned on the entrance ramp, turns his face up to the lights. Dandy has a confused expression on his face as he looks down, and the camera sees that it is not Downfall, but it's a stunt double! Dandy slowly looks up at the taller figure wearing Dionysus' ring gear, but as the entrance ramp is lit up and the lighting falls on him, we can see he is also a stunt double of Dionysus!

Chris Avery: That isn't the real Vanguard!

Dandy shouts some choice words as he turns in a circle, but then, the real Downfall comes running from the side, spearing into Dandy and taking them down the ramp. Dandy and Downfall roll around, shouting and brawling with each other. Downfall headbutts Dandy, making Dandy fall off of him, and Downfall aggressively gets up to his feet, grabbing Dandy by the back of the head and slamming Dandy off the apron. Dandy falls, and clutches onto the apron to keep his footing. Then, Downfall slides Dandy into the ring, where the real Dionysus is already waiting.

The Vanguard whip Dandy off the ropes. Dionysus lifts Dandy up into the air in a popup powerbomb before dropping him across a leaping Downfall's knees with a backbreaker. Dandy pops up and falls to the side, holding his back. The crowd goes insane.

Chris Avery: TWO WOLVES TO DANDY!! TWO WOLVES TO DANDY!!!

Downfall and Dion are standing over a fallen Dandy Divito, and they hold their arms in, Downfall pacing over to the ropes in a fired up manner and feeding off the energy of the crowd. Suddenly, Sam Kidsgrove is out on the stage, and Dionysus yells at him to come on, to get in the ring. Kidsgrove stands aloofly, staying true to his nature, shakes his head and says that he won't engage in any trouble. Still, Kidsgrove walks down to the apron, and he collects Dandy, helping him out of the ring. Downfall shouts at Dandy, motioning that that's one.

Chris Avery: The Vanguard sent one HELL of a message!! They're telling the champions, the Vanguard just needs to hit Two Wolves ONCE this Sunday at Uprising, and we have NEW Tag Team Champions!!

Sam Kidsgrove holds onto Dandy, who is staring daggers at the Vanguard and who is yelling at them both. Downfall and Dionysus stand on the turnbuckles, staring down at Fight Forever, as the electric crowd cheers on all four men as they stare each other down.