PCW- Phoenix Championship Wrestling 2016
Nov 12, 2018 3:40:38 GMT -5
The Masked Superstar and TheSystem 1.5 like this
Post by mattflash on Nov 12, 2018 3:40:38 GMT -5
So I started this on another board, and have posted the first month's worth of shows to literally 0 reception lol. No feedback, no nothing. So I am hoping that I get a little more of a reaction over here. Hopefully you enjoy it, apologies for the first shows being so long. I didn't realize I needed to reign it in until I'd already finished the first couple shows.
Jim Ross: Hello everyone and welcome to the inaugural episode of PCW. We are Phoenix Championship Wrestling because this promotion has literally risen from the ashes of the professional wrestling industry! My name is Jim Ross and I’m accompanied by… well, by no one at all. I’ve been asked to take the helm of this show by myself and I’ll be damned if I’m not up to the challenge. Folks I wish I could tell you what we have in store for you tonight but the truth of the matter is, I just don’t know. We’ll be starting the World, and Tag Team title tournaments tonight, but I’ll be a government mule if I could name to you one participant in any of them! All I know is that I talked to the new owner, who, to tell you the truth, seemed a bit funny to me. I mean the last time we spoke he was-
Paul Heyman: MY NAME…
PH: BBBBBBBBBRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOCK LESSSSSNAR! And we are here to do nothing less than conquer this entire company. But believe me when I say, we are not alone. While my client, BROCK LESNAR, is more than enough for any man, why have just one man on your side? There is nothing wrong with insurance, with back up. And that is why I introduce to you a man who has done nothing but climb the insane, unpredictable ladder that is professional wrestling. He’s made friends, he’s made enemies, he’s made enemies OF his friends, but he never stopped fighting, never stopped taking what was his. Ladies and gentlemen I present to you…
PH: Do you see that? These two men are on the same team and they’re ready to kill each other! Tear each other apart! Rip one another’s bodies limb from limb! AND THEY’RE MINE! ALL MINE!
PH: Now you tell me, is that not the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen? So much power in one area not since the like of-
JR: WHAT!? How in the hell did Paul Heyman pull this off? Did he sell his soul to the devil? All four of those men have issues with each other!
PH: Now I know what most of you must be thinking: “Paul, how the hell did you make these deals? Did you sell your soul to the devil? All four of these men hate each other!” Well, you would be absolutely correct, they do hate each other. But do you know what they hate even worse? FAILURE. Any true athlete will tell you they hate losing more than they love winning. These men refuse to accept defeat and that is where I come into the picture. From my very humble beginnings in this business I’ve taken men, some with sub-par talent, some with immense talent, and turned them into living, breathing superstars. New Midnight Express? Stars. Extreme Championship Wrestling? I started the era of EXTREME with men no one else would work with! And after I came to the WWE, I sought out the best and the brightest. Brock Lesnar? Big Show? Kurt Angle? CM Punk? Ring any bells? I only seek out the best! AND THE BEST SEEK OUT ME. These four men you’re looking at are the best. They are the brightest. They represent everything positive that this sport has to offer. So believe me when I tell you, these four professional wrestlers are more than willing to set their hate aside for the chance to rise to the top. And when the time comes… they’ll be ready to rip each other’s heads off.
JR: THAT’S BIG E! BIG E LANGSTON IS HERE! But why?
JR: Here we go! I’m being told this is a first round match in the World Title Tournament! And these two men aren’t wasting any time!
JR: This crowd has gone from excitement to fearful anticipation very, very quickly. Things are about to get bowling shoe ugly, folks.
JR: Well who could have guessed the start of the match would go like this? Big E is taking it right to a man who has been practically invincible the past few years!
JR: Damnit referee turn around!
JR: My God he speared him right through the ropes! It looks like a car crash down there!
JR: Let’s see what Big E can do in the squared circle with the Beast Incarnate!
JR: You’ve got to be kidding me! That was a hellacious move on Brock Lesnar and he only got ONE!? He’s not human!
JR: That’s it! That should finish it right there! It’s ove- WHAT!? That’s not possible!
JR: What a heavyweight battle we just witnessed! Give all the credit in the world to Big E, against any other man I would have figured he’d be the victor after that incredible Spear through the ropes. But Brock Lesnar is not just any other man, and he is the first winner in PCW history. But right now we’re going to take you backstage to a VERY upset Jim Cornette.
JC: It’s horsecrap! That stupid bastard couldn’t find his ass if he used a goddamn mirror and a spotter! HE-
JC: Well YOU tell HIM that I’m- you know what? He’s got to be here somewhere in the building. I don’t even know who he is! He hasn’t returned a single one of my calls! If he doesn’t want to get this deal done, I’ll MAKE HIM see reason. That dirty rotten son of a-
JC: …..YOU!? YOU’RE the one that hasn’t been returning my calls? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for weeks and you can’t even give me a callback to say NO? How do you even keep this a secret? I had no idea who I was dealing with, otherwise I would’ve been a hell of a lot madder and meaner! You’ve been in this business for how long and you don’t even know how to close a deal, let alone get in contact with the prospective talent’s manger!? You’re just as warped as I remember! You’re crazy! Looney! Cuckoo! Insane! You should be locked up for how you do business and treat people! ANSWER ME!
Vince McMahon: Well hello, Jim. Long time no see. Would you care to sit?
VM: Jim, you raise a lot of great points. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner, but you and I both know what it’s like to run a company. And to save on money, I’ve had to stay on as On-Air General Manager. Can’t have the inmates running the asylum am I right? So yes, my secretary has told me about your client. I know we’re not at liberty to name names on camera until the deal is finished, I know you’re upset about how long this is taking but Jim, your man is asking for a heck of a lot. I have to run a tight ship here until our profits increase. Can you appreciate that? I know I appreciate how much patience you’ve shown me, and if you can hold out just a little bit longer, I think we’ll both be able to benefit from this deal.
JC: Now look here, Vince, I don’t know what the hell you’re trying to pull, but you can’t fool me! I’ve known you for DECADES! This namby pamby and nice crap isn’t fooling me and it won’t fool any of the boys in the back. And it sure as hell isn’t fooling my client!
VM: I’m hearing everything you’re saying, Jim, believe me. Just give me another couple of weeks to get things in order. I want your man in our company, I think he’ll be a tremendous asset. What I don’t get is you’ve got another two men signed to contract, I’ve got their names here-
JC: YES, thank you, I’m more than well aware of their names, damnit. They’re not in my plans yet, and they’ll be coming in when I tell you their damn well good and ready to come in.
VM: Fair enough, Jim. Though you know they’re only paid per appearance. If you don’t let them show up, they can’t make any money.
JC: They’re making plenty of money, so you just keep their names out of your mouth until I tell you.
VM: Well if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were the one trying to give me orders. Is that it? You think you’re in charge of me, now?
JC: Well, well no… no not exactly. I just… are you alright Vince? You seem, I don’t exactly know how to put it… off. Did you hurt yourself in all this time off?
VM: Ha ha! You know, you’re not the first person to ask me that recently! I’m fine, Jim, perfectly fine. Now go on and tell your client I’ll call him within the next couple weeks to finalize everything.
JC: I… whatever you say Vince. I’ll be back.
JC: I don’t know what the hell is going on here but… I wouldn’t go in there if I were you. Something funny is goin’ on with Vince and I don’t like it.
VM: Punk! To what do I owe this visit? I don’t owe you money do I? Ha ha!
CM Punk: Um… not yet you don’t. I’m here because I’m not on the card tonight! I gave up a hell of a lot to come back here, and it wasn’t out of the goodness of my own heart, Vince. I came back to win titles and main event pay per views. I CAN’T DO THAT IF I’M NOT BOOKED! Do you understand that? Does that make sense to you, Vinnie Mac?
VM: Of course it does, and if we’re being honest I’m a little confused right now.
Punk: YOU’RE confused?
VM: When I saw the final card you were on it. Right at the top. You’ve got a match with Seth Rollins tonight, main event. Winner goes on to the next round of the World Title tournament. Are you alright with that?
Punk: Well… well if… I mean… I guess I don’t have any problems tonight. But we’re not done here McMahon. I’ll be back.
VM: Yeah, you and everyone else…
JR: If you’re as confused as I am, my apologies. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two conversations so odd for so many reasons in my life. With that said, though, we’ve got more action right now and it’s a match in the United States Title tournament!
CR: So I know this is TV, and we’re on a time limit, but I need to make something clear right here and right now. There was a time where I heard nothing but “Star Dust needs to be retired, bring back ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes”. Looking at me, you would think I took your cruel words to heart. And yet I didn’t. I look back on my career, on my life and see what has meant the most to me. That’s family. My father, may he rest in peace, valued family above all. My brother Dustin is now retired, and some of my favorite times in this business were teaming with him. And now, all that’s left is me. I am the last generation of Rhodes to grace the ring. You are ALL put on notice, I will now be referred to only as “Lone Star” Cody Rhodes.
::Cody Rhodes drops the microphone down on the canvas, as the crowd boos, waiting for his opponent. An almost cavalry-like cadence begins, giving way to a rock-ish sound emanates from the speakers as MIKE QUACKENBUSH emerges onto the stage.::
JR: Folks let me be the first to tell you, if you do not know who this man is, prepare to be amazed. He is a professional wrestler of the highest caliber with as many moves as some people take breaths in a day. Make no mistake, he packs as much skill into his size as is humanly possible.
JR: You better get used to this folks! I don’t even know what to call this!
JR: And just like that Cody Rhodes is in absolute control of this match. That Alabama Slam, if you can get enough speed on it, is absolutely devastating. There’s Rhodes going for a cover!
JR: As talented as Quackenbush may be, as often as he may have wrestled and traveled the world, Cody Rhodes is still an athlete of the highest degree. He may not know as many holds but the ones he does are very effective, as evidenced by the effects of that Alabama Slam. What I think Quack needs to do is- well, that!
JR: My God! I’ve never seen anything like that! How did Rhodes kick out of that!?
JR: Rhodes with the win! I really thought Quack was going to pull off the upset, there. But now, we have the first competitor in the Semi-Finals of the United States Title tournament! And now, we’re going to find out the first team to move on in the TAG TEAM Title tournament! With what we’ve seen so far, I can only imagine what could possibly come next.
JR: OH MY GOD! It’s Shawn Michaels! He hasn’t wrestled in five years! What is he doing out of retirement!?
Jim Ross: Hello everyone and welcome to the inaugural episode of PCW. We are Phoenix Championship Wrestling because this promotion has literally risen from the ashes of the professional wrestling industry! My name is Jim Ross and I’m accompanied by… well, by no one at all. I’ve been asked to take the helm of this show by myself and I’ll be damned if I’m not up to the challenge. Folks I wish I could tell you what we have in store for you tonight but the truth of the matter is, I just don’t know. We’ll be starting the World, and Tag Team title tournaments tonight, but I’ll be a government mule if I could name to you one participant in any of them! All I know is that I talked to the new owner, who, to tell you the truth, seemed a bit funny to me. I mean the last time we spoke he was-
::The PA System blasts a theme song that the crowd is very familiar with, as BROCK LESNAR walks out through the curtain accompanied by PAUL HEYMAN! The crowd erupts, excited at the prospect of these two together. Paul has a smug, satisfied look on his face while Brock starts to bounce back and forth on the balls of his feet as he always does. They make their way to ringside, and Heyman immediately asks for a microphone and receives it.::
Paul Heyman: MY NAME…
::The crowd responds “IS PAUL HEYMAN” on cue. Heyman goes through the rest of his introductions.::
PH: BBBBBBBBBRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOCK LESSSSSNAR! And we are here to do nothing less than conquer this entire company. But believe me when I say, we are not alone. While my client, BROCK LESNAR, is more than enough for any man, why have just one man on your side? There is nothing wrong with insurance, with back up. And that is why I introduce to you a man who has done nothing but climb the insane, unpredictable ladder that is professional wrestling. He’s made friends, he’s made enemies, he’s made enemies OF his friends, but he never stopped fighting, never stopped taking what was his. Ladies and gentlemen I present to you…
::Again, a familiar song hits and a man of average height and thick, stocky build walks out. Again, the crowd erupts as they see KEVIN OWENS appear. He walks straight to the ring, up the ring steps and through the ropes and walks right up to Brock Lesnar, face to face, staring him down. The intensity on his face never wavers, but Brock’s turns from intensity to a slight smirk. He bounces from foot to foot and starts nodding his head. Heyman lets out a small laugh and split’s the two up, and eventually they do separate.::
PH: Do you see that? These two men are on the same team and they’re ready to kill each other! Tear each other apart! Rip one another’s bodies limb from limb! AND THEY’RE MINE! ALL MINE!
::The crowd reacts loudly to this, seemingly excited at the carnage. Owens finally takes his eyes off of Lesnar and stands next to him, the intensity still radiating off of him.::
::Heyman is cut off by MORE theme music, and his attention turns to the ramp, as do both Lesnar and Owens. But Heyman’s eyes go wide as he realizes two things simultaneously: no one is going to come out through the curtain, and he recognizes the music. His entire body swings out to look into the crowd as SETH ROLLINS and ROMAN REIGNS are making their way down to ringside! The crowd around them clearing a path, the excitement evident on their faces. Both men get down to the ringside area, hopping the guard rail and up the steps, into the ring. Rollins squares up with Owens while Reigns walks right up to Lesnar. All four men focused only on the person in front of them, no one else exists AND THEY SHAKE HANDS!::
JR: WHAT!? How in the hell did Paul Heyman pull this off? Did he sell his soul to the devil? All four of those men have issues with each other!
PH: Now I know what most of you must be thinking: “Paul, how the hell did you make these deals? Did you sell your soul to the devil? All four of these men hate each other!” Well, you would be absolutely correct, they do hate each other. But do you know what they hate even worse? FAILURE. Any true athlete will tell you they hate losing more than they love winning. These men refuse to accept defeat and that is where I come into the picture. From my very humble beginnings in this business I’ve taken men, some with sub-par talent, some with immense talent, and turned them into living, breathing superstars. New Midnight Express? Stars. Extreme Championship Wrestling? I started the era of EXTREME with men no one else would work with! And after I came to the WWE, I sought out the best and the brightest. Brock Lesnar? Big Show? Kurt Angle? CM Punk? Ring any bells? I only seek out the best! AND THE BEST SEEK OUT ME. These four men you’re looking at are the best. They are the brightest. They represent everything positive that this sport has to offer. So believe me when I tell you, these four professional wrestlers are more than willing to set their hate aside for the chance to rise to the top. And when the time comes… they’ll be ready to rip each other’s heads off.
::Before Heyman can continue, MORE music plays and this time, the look on Heyman’s face isn’t shock or anger, it’s pure suspicion. He turns to talk to his men and waits until he sees a figure walk out onto the stage.::
JR: THAT’S BIG E! BIG E LANGSTON IS HERE! But why?
::While JR was talking, E has already made his way down the ramp and into the ring, ignoring everyone except Lesnar! Chest to chest, Heyman’s expression turns to one like a cat that’s trapped a mouse, and tells Owens, Reigns and Rollins to exit the ring. He motions to the back and a referee runs down, sliding into the ring and rings the bell!::
JR: Here we go! I’m being told this is a first round match in the World Title Tournament! And these two men aren’t wasting any time!
Lesnar is the first to attack, swinging violently at E with a clothesline but it’s ducked. E charges and hit’s the ropes, bouncing back and hitting Lesnar with a Shoulder Tackle from behind! Lesnar stumbles into the ropes as E charges again with a big body smash. This time Lesnar gets sent through the ropes and onto the apron. He gets to his feet as E, for a third time, bounces off the opposite ropes and charges at Lesnar AND SPEARS HIM OFF THE APRON! And meets a knee from Lesnar!
The entire mood in the arena changes from excitement to fearful anticipation as Lesnar goes on the offensive. He raises another knee into Big E’s chest, rocking him up and down between the top and middle ropes.
JR: This crowd has gone from excitement to fearful anticipation very, very quickly. Things are about to get bowling shoe ugly, folks.
Lesnar grabs E and takes him out onto the apron, and picks him up onto his shoulders. The crowd’s noise level rises, and Lesnar sets himself. F-5 ON THE APRON!
NO!
E lands on his feet, and scoops Lesnar up onto his shoulders. ALABAMA SLAM ON THE APRON! Still holding onto Lesnar’s feet, E throws them between the middle and bottom rope, spinning Lesnar so his head is facing the entrance ramp. E backs up so his back is against the ring post and charges forward AND SPLASHES HIM ON THE APRON! Lesnar is clutching his mid-section in pain, having trouble even gasping for air. E stands up to his feet and screams out to the fans, posing, and the crowd cheers at the sudden turn of events.
E turns to get back into the ring, when he sees motion out of the corner of his eye. It’s Roman Reigns, and he nails his running dropkick to E’s left knee! Reigns pulls him down and he, Rollins and Owens all start attacking him!
JR: Damnit referee turn around!
On the other side of the ring, Heyman is arguing with the referee, distracting him, while his men go to work. Finally done with him, they roll him back into the ring. They check on Lesnar, helping him to his feet on the apron as E makes his way to his feet in the ring. Lesnar is upright but wobbly, holding tight to the top ring rope to stay on his feet. He swings his right leg into the ring when he looks up AND SEES BIG E RUNNING AT HIM! HE DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES AND TACKLES LESNAR INTO REIGNS, ROLLINS AND OWENS!
JR: My God he speared him right through the ropes! It looks like a car crash down there!
Heyman has turned the referee’s attention back around to the wrestlers, yelling that he’s not doing his job correctly. The ref begins his count out, while Heyman goes and checks on his guys. E is first to his feet, though unsteadily, and flexes for the crowd, soaking in their cheers. He grabs Lesnar by the head, brings him to his feet and tosses him back into the ring.
JR: Let’s see what Big E can do in the squared circle with the Beast Incarnate!
He stomps away on Lesnar, who’s rolled into the corner, and doesn’t stop until the referee gets to a count of 4 and has to pull him off of Lesnar. This upsets E, and he shoves the referee aside like nothing. He goes right back to Lesnar with more stomps, but Lesnar grabs his leg and pulls him out of the ring, sending him flying to the outside!
JR: Ohhh boy. Big E had this match in hand and let his emotions get the best of him and lost his focus. Brock Lesnar just pulled him out of the ring on pure strength alone! This isn’t going to be good for him, now.
Lesnar fights up to his feet, getting his bearings back. E gets back up onto the apron and Lesnar charges, knocking him off and into the guardrail! E’s ribs hit hard, and the crowd in the front row can actually hear the air exit his lungs. E stumbles back and off of it, back towards the ring. He slowly climbs back onto the apron, only to be met by Brock Lesnar who grabs him and tosses him up and over with a Belly to Belly Suplex! The crowd all chants “ONE”, with Heyman holding a finger up to signal it. Lesnar covers…
1
2
Kickout!
Lesnar continues the onslaught, executing all sorts of suplexes. E is fades bit by bit, his energy and strength leaving him with every slam to the mat. Lesnar looks out to Heyman, who nods his head, as if saying “That’s enough, finish it” and Lesnar gladly hoists Big E up onto his shoulders for the F-5, but E slithers out! Behind Lesnar now, he picks him up for a Backdrop Suplex and-
NO!
Big E actually tosses Lesnar up in the air and down onto his knee for a Backbreaker! COVER!
1
KICKOUT!?
JR: You’ve got to be kidding me! That was a hellacious move on Brock Lesnar and he only got ONE!? He’s not human!
Lesnar is already rolling around, not quite to his feet but definitely not as hurt as he should be. E is up first, and Lesnar charges at him and he scoops him up onto his shoulders again for a Running Powerslam…. BUT DROPS HIM STRAIGHT DOWN INSTEAD!
JR: That’s it! That should finish it right there! It’s ove- WHAT!? That’s not possible!
Brock Lesnar is ALREADY GETTING UP and Big E is beside himself. He’s shaking his head, but gets to his feet anyways and charges in at Lesnar AND GETS FLATTENED BY A LARIAT! Lesnar is through with this, gets E to his feet and onto his shoulders… F-5! No cover! He picks E up for another one…. And hits another one! Cover!
1
2
3!
JR: What a heavyweight battle we just witnessed! Give all the credit in the world to Big E, against any other man I would have figured he’d be the victor after that incredible Spear through the ropes. But Brock Lesnar is not just any other man, and he is the first winner in PCW history. But right now we’re going to take you backstage to a VERY upset Jim Cornette.
::A new shot appears of Jim Cornette on the phone, yelling and screaming obscenities.::
JC: It’s horsecrap! That stupid bastard couldn’t find his ass if he used a goddamn mirror and a spotter! HE-
::Cornette sees the camera on him and quickly composes himself.::
JC: Well YOU tell HIM that I’m- you know what? He’s got to be here somewhere in the building. I don’t even know who he is! He hasn’t returned a single one of my calls! If he doesn’t want to get this deal done, I’ll MAKE HIM see reason. That dirty rotten son of a-
::Cornette takes off down the hallway as fast as he can, the camera keeping up easily. He’s knocking on doors, asking everyone “Have you seen him? Have you seen the GM?” to which everyone keeps pointing further down the hallway. Finally he gets to a sign on a door that says “General Manager” and Cornette lets out a sigh of relief, once again composes himself and opens the door, only to be met with the strangest sight.::
JC: …..YOU!? YOU’RE the one that hasn’t been returning my calls? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for weeks and you can’t even give me a callback to say NO? How do you even keep this a secret? I had no idea who I was dealing with, otherwise I would’ve been a hell of a lot madder and meaner! You’ve been in this business for how long and you don’t even know how to close a deal, let alone get in contact with the prospective talent’s manger!? You’re just as warped as I remember! You’re crazy! Looney! Cuckoo! Insane! You should be locked up for how you do business and treat people! ANSWER ME!
Vince McMahon: Well hello, Jim. Long time no see. Would you care to sit?
::We pan over to see Cornette’s mouth hanging open, jaw practically touching the floor as Vince gets up and actually pulls his chair out for him, allowing him a spot to sit. Cornette doesn’t sit in it so much as his legs give out from under him and he plops into it, his entire body slumped.::
VM: Jim, you raise a lot of great points. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner, but you and I both know what it’s like to run a company. And to save on money, I’ve had to stay on as On-Air General Manager. Can’t have the inmates running the asylum am I right? So yes, my secretary has told me about your client. I know we’re not at liberty to name names on camera until the deal is finished, I know you’re upset about how long this is taking but Jim, your man is asking for a heck of a lot. I have to run a tight ship here until our profits increase. Can you appreciate that? I know I appreciate how much patience you’ve shown me, and if you can hold out just a little bit longer, I think we’ll both be able to benefit from this deal.
::Cornette’s mouth is even more agape, if that’s even possible, his eyes as big as saucers. You can tell he’s trying to speak but the words just won’t come. Finally he shakes his head, as if to lodge something loose.::
JC: Now look here, Vince, I don’t know what the hell you’re trying to pull, but you can’t fool me! I’ve known you for DECADES! This namby pamby and nice crap isn’t fooling me and it won’t fool any of the boys in the back. And it sure as hell isn’t fooling my client!
VM: I’m hearing everything you’re saying, Jim, believe me. Just give me another couple of weeks to get things in order. I want your man in our company, I think he’ll be a tremendous asset. What I don’t get is you’ve got another two men signed to contract, I’ve got their names here-
JC: YES, thank you, I’m more than well aware of their names, damnit. They’re not in my plans yet, and they’ll be coming in when I tell you their damn well good and ready to come in.
VM: Fair enough, Jim. Though you know they’re only paid per appearance. If you don’t let them show up, they can’t make any money.
JC: They’re making plenty of money, so you just keep their names out of your mouth until I tell you.
VM: Well if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were the one trying to give me orders. Is that it? You think you’re in charge of me, now?
JC: Well, well no… no not exactly. I just… are you alright Vince? You seem, I don’t exactly know how to put it… off. Did you hurt yourself in all this time off?
VM: Ha ha! You know, you’re not the first person to ask me that recently! I’m fine, Jim, perfectly fine. Now go on and tell your client I’ll call him within the next couple weeks to finalize everything.
JC: I… whatever you say Vince. I’ll be back.
::Vince holds his hand out for a handshake, but Cornette is still too shaken to even notice. He walks out the door and actually bumps into someone he’s so distracted, not even registering a human body in his way. He looks up and sees who it is and just starts shaking his head.::
::The man walks in, already in his gear, and he is not happy. The door slams behind him, and Vince looks up, a mixture of surprise and happiness on his face.::
VM: Punk! To what do I owe this visit? I don’t owe you money do I? Ha ha!
CM Punk: Um… not yet you don’t. I’m here because I’m not on the card tonight! I gave up a hell of a lot to come back here, and it wasn’t out of the goodness of my own heart, Vince. I came back to win titles and main event pay per views. I CAN’T DO THAT IF I’M NOT BOOKED! Do you understand that? Does that make sense to you, Vinnie Mac?
VM: Of course it does, and if we’re being honest I’m a little confused right now.
Punk: YOU’RE confused?
VM: When I saw the final card you were on it. Right at the top. You’ve got a match with Seth Rollins tonight, main event. Winner goes on to the next round of the World Title tournament. Are you alright with that?
Punk: Well… well if… I mean… I guess I don’t have any problems tonight. But we’re not done here McMahon. I’ll be back.
::Punk leaves as he came in, in a huff with the door slamming behind him. Vince lets out a slow exhale and slumps back in his chair.::
JR: If you’re as confused as I am, my apologies. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two conversations so odd for so many reasons in my life. With that said, though, we’ve got more action right now and it’s a match in the United States Title tournament!
WHOOOOOOOA
::The crowd rises to their feet, not to cheer but to boo as CODY RHODES comes out as the first competitor in this match. He has his old ring jacket, complete with hoodie. He makes his way down to ringside with a very confident swagger, bypassing the ring steps and heading straight over to the time keeper. He emerges with a microphone, and enters the ring already talking.::
CR: So I know this is TV, and we’re on a time limit, but I need to make something clear right here and right now. There was a time where I heard nothing but “Star Dust needs to be retired, bring back ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes”. Looking at me, you would think I took your cruel words to heart. And yet I didn’t. I look back on my career, on my life and see what has meant the most to me. That’s family. My father, may he rest in peace, valued family above all. My brother Dustin is now retired, and some of my favorite times in this business were teaming with him. And now, all that’s left is me. I am the last generation of Rhodes to grace the ring. You are ALL put on notice, I will now be referred to only as “Lone Star” Cody Rhodes.
::Cody Rhodes drops the microphone down on the canvas, as the crowd boos, waiting for his opponent. An almost cavalry-like cadence begins, giving way to a rock-ish sound emanates from the speakers as MIKE QUACKENBUSH emerges onto the stage.::
JR: Folks let me be the first to tell you, if you do not know who this man is, prepare to be amazed. He is a professional wrestler of the highest caliber with as many moves as some people take breaths in a day. Make no mistake, he packs as much skill into his size as is humanly possible.
::By the time JR is done with the introductions, Quackenbush has entered into the ring. The referee checks to see both men are ready, turns and rings the bell!::
Quackenbush extends his hand out for Rhodes to shake, which Rhodes looks at with a mixture of amusement and disgust, and slaps it away. The crowd lets out a low “Ohhhhhhh”. Quackenbush looks at his outstretched hand, almost with a look of regret. He smiles, shakes his head and lunges at Cody, who puts both of his hands up to stop him. Quackenbush, expecting the reaction, grabs both hands and criss crosses them, turning his own body to face away, and almost judo tossing Rhodes up and over onto his back. Quack still has the hands gripped, rolls forward and brings his legs up, scissoring Rhodes’ head with his legs!
JR: You better get used to this folks! I don’t even know what to call this!
Quack is really wrenching in the hold, Rhodes crying out in pain. He’s actually swaying his legs back and forth for extra torque. Being so fresh in the match, his legs still have all the strength and stamina and he’s able to keep the hold on at maximum strength. Fortunately for Rhodes, he’s also at full strength and isn’t worn down enough for the hold to finish him off. He rocks his body back and forth, gaining momentum to eventually roll up to one knee, and then up to both feet, lifting Quackenbush with him. Quack lets go of his hands though, rolling forward into a Victory Roll Cover!
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Kickout!
Rhodes is quick to his feet, shaking his shoulders out, and charges, his outstretched right arm going right over Quack’s head, who ducks and hooks the arm with his own right arm, pinning Rhodes’ left arm around his right leg, Quack grabbing Rhodes’ legs with his left arm, having him hoisted up behind his back, their bodies forming a T. He leans forward and stretches Rhodes out, again Rhodes screaming in pain. Quack pumps it a couple more times, and then sits out, dropping Rhodes on his front, with his arms still trapped, rolling him over into a cover!
1
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Kickout!
Quack shows a little frustration, but sets himself up and runs at the ropes, hopping up and spring boarding back onto Rhodes for a Sunset Flip!
NO!
Rhodes grabs him by the legs Airplane Spins him to break his grip from around his waist and nails an Alabama Slam!
JR: And just like that Cody Rhodes is in absolute control of this match. That Alabama Slam, if you can get enough speed on it, is absolutely devastating. There’s Rhodes going for a cover!
1
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Kickout!
Rhodes keeps up the pressure, stomping and punching. Quack is very vigilant about his head, apparently having smacked his head on the mat after the Alabama Slam. Rhodes notices this and targets it with ferocity. Quackenbush makes attempts at a comeback any time that he can, but Rhodes cuts those off at the pass multiple times.
JR: As talented as Quackenbush may be, as often as he may have wrestled and traveled the world, Cody Rhodes is still an athlete of the highest degree. He may not know as many holds but the ones he does are very effective, as evidenced by the effects of that Alabama Slam. What I think Quack needs to do is- well, that!
Rhodes had Quack in position, who fought it off, inching towards the ropes, and he walks up them, flipping up and onto Rhodes’ shoulders, wrapping himself for a Crucifix Pinfall!
1
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Kickout!
Rhodes freaks out, turning to the ref and holding up two fingers to make sure that wasn’t it. While he’s wasting his time with the ref, Quackenbush has backed into a corner to recuperate. Finally Rhodes regroups and turns toward Quack, charging in. Quack gets a foot up, and hoists himself to sit on the top rope. Rhodes shakes off the cobwebs and charges in again and eats another boot. This time he doesn’t stumble back as far, and Quack springs up onto the top rope and actually FLIPS off AND ABSOLUTELY DRILLS CODY RHODES WITH A DRAGON RANA! COVER!
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KICKOUT!
JR: My God! I’ve never seen anything like that! How did Rhodes kick out of that!?
The crowd starts a low rumbling “THAT WAS AWESOME” chant that grows until the entire crowd is yelling it. Quack looks out to them and nods to the crowd, pumping his fists and feeding off of their energy. Rhodes stumbles to his feet as Quack hit’s the ropes and dives at Rhodes’ legs, almost rolling up his body, pushing himself up into a Hurricanrana position. He spins his body around so that he’s now in an Electric Chair position. REVERSE HURRICANRANA!
NO!
Rhodes stops him from completing the motion, swinging him back up to a sitting position. Rhodes pushes him up and off, Quack landing on his feet, and Rhodes grabs his head and tilts him back AND EXECUTES THE CROSS RHODES! COVER!
1
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3!!
JR: Rhodes with the win! I really thought Quack was going to pull off the upset, there. But now, we have the first competitor in the Semi-Finals of the United States Title tournament! And now, we’re going to find out the first team to move on in the TAG TEAM Title tournament! With what we’ve seen so far, I can only imagine what could possibly come next.
OLEEEEEE OLE OLE OLEEEEEEEEEEEE
::The crowd immediately jumps to their feet when they see SAMI ZAYN come out, followed by ADRIAN NEVILLE! The lucky ones in the front row throw their hands out as both men bring an absolute air of excitement when they’re present. They throw out high fives to everyone in their path and slide into the ring, climbing the turnbuckles and posing, the crowd roaring with cheers. Just as they jump down, their music cuts off and the next theme hits…::
OOOHHH OOOHHH SHAWN
JR: OH MY GOD! It’s Shawn Michaels! He hasn’t wrestled in five years! What is he doing out of retirement!?
::Somehow the crowd becomes even MORE unglued as Shawn Michaels comes out onto the stage, and immediately an “HBK” chant breaks out. He has a satisfied, content smile on his face and does his trademark drop to his knees, raising his arms in the air to give praise, leaning forward and finishing the prayer before getting back to his feet. He makes his way down to ringside but stops just in front of the ring, as his music turns off and his partner’s theme starts.
A loud guitar riff hits and turns into a Rock rendition of “Flight Of The Valkyries” and the crowd is still going nuts as DANIEL BRYAN comes out as Shawn Michaels’ tag partner!::
JR: You’ve got to be kidding me! This is some of the most incredible talent I’ve ever seen grouped together in a single match. And this is the FIRST ROUND! Listen to this crowd!
::Bryan turns at the top of the ramp and side steps down all the while throwing his hands up shouting “YES! YES! YES!” in unison with this hot crowd. He makes it down to the ringside area and does a lap around the ring, the crowd as loud as ever. Once his round is done, he ends up next to Michaels, who’s just staring him down. Bryan nods his head a couple of times, breathing hard with excitement and anticipation, both entering the ring after the final nod. Knowing both men for years, Bryan goes up to them and shakes their hands, greeting them. Michaels sees this and goes over to him, wrenching him away and pulling him back to their corner, scolding him for being friendly with their opponents.::
JR: I don’t know what’s gotten into Shawn Michaels, but he’s got a much different attitude from when I last saw him. He seems to be all business tonight.
The bell rings and it’s Daniel Bryan starting out in the ring with Sami Zayn. Once again they shake hands, this time with Bryan staring over at Michaels just to drive his point home, Michaels staring both and barely, just barely shaking his head. Bryan smiles and shakes his head, throwing his hand at Michaels as if to say “Get out of here” when he gets surprised by Zayn grabbing a headlock. Michaels throws his hands up in the corner As Zayn really wrenches it in, Bryan fights for a way out, coming up empty every time. Finally, he puts his foot on the back of Zayn’s left knee and pushes it down, grabbing the left wrist and slipping out, wringing the arm. Zayn rolls forward, but is immediately wrenched down to the mat back first. He drops to a knee, pinning Zayn’s left arm to the mat, really twisting the wrist now. Zayn, kicking his feet in pain, uses that momentum to swing his legs up, grabbing a Head Scissors on Bryan. Bryan pushes up on Zayn’s leg and kicks his own out to break the hold, swinging to his feet only to be met with a Headlock Takedown by the quicker Sami Zayn. He reaches his legs up for his own Head Scissors, but Zayn pushes his legs away and stays in a position to avoid being grabbed. Instead, Bryan fights to a knee, still in the headlock, and picks Zayn up for a Backdrop Suplex!
NO!
Zayn uses his length to generate momentum, bring Bryan back down for another Headlock Takedown! He smacks the mat in frustration at being out maneuvered again.
JR: Folks, if I’d been asked how this match would start, I guarantee it would not have been Shawn Michaels being upset with his partner BEFORE the match even started, or Daniel Bryan being out wrestled! Sami Zayn is doing a great job of beating Bryan at his own gam- well I guess I spoke too soon.
Bryan fought to his feet again, much quicker this time, and backed Zayn into the ropes and then shoved him off. When Zayn rebounded and came back, Bryan tripped him with a Drop Toe Hold and immediately got to his feet and grabbed both legs, standing on both of them, pinning Zayn to the mat. He reaches forward to grab the arms and starts swinging Zayn’s body back and forth yelling “Whooooooa” a little louder each time, getting the momentum for a Surfboard stretch. Finally, he stops, lets go of Zayn’s arms and just jumps up, slamming back down and crushing Zayn’s legs into the canvas! Zayn scrambles to his own corner, while Bryan looks over to Michaels, points to Zayn, shrugs his shoulders and BOWS! Michaels just shakes his head and turns around INTO A DROPKICK FROM NEVILLE!
JR: Bryan was so busy showboating to his partner he didn’t even notice the tag!
Bryan gets back up to his feet and is met with another Dropkick! Michaels is in the corner completely disgusted now, openly berating Bryan. He gets to his feet, and is about to charge Neville again but thinks better of it, turns and slaps Michaels on the arm, tagging him into the match.
JR: Ooooh boy. Say what you will about the sudden change in Michaels’ mood, but don’t let that fool you into forgetting this was the best wrestler of his generation. And he was there for THREE different eras in wrestling. He stuck with the WWE when most would have taken a big money contract with WCW to go be with his buddies. He passed the torch to my good friend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin before he went into what we all thought was retirement. Then he made his miraculous comeback in 2002 and went on to wrestle another EIGHT YEARS at the highest level. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man’s abilities. Now five years removed from his last match, will there be any ring rust?
Neville is cautious to start, not wanting to make a mistake early in this confrontation. They circle slowly, and Neville shoots in for a Collar and Elbow Tie up only for Michaels to raise his knee to Neville’s mid section! He drives an elbow to the back of his head, dropping Neville to his knees. This puts him in a position so that Michaels can rain down kicks to the back of the head, driving Neville face first into the canvas. He comes up holding his nose, as Michaels gives no respite and drops an elbow to the back of the head.
JR: Ya know, in the last handful of years, the Superkick has become something of a forgotten match killer. People still use it, almost in reverence and a show of respect to the Heartbreak Kid, but it’s effectiveness has gone downhill since the retirement. And now that he’s back, we see an immediate focus on the head and neck area, making sure that if and when he does land Sweet Chin Music on Adrian Neville, there will be no coming back for him. That’ll be all she wrote, a done deal. And with this new attitude Shawn Michaels is showing, it’s going to be very tough road to beating him. He is all business so far.
Michaels mounts Neville, reigning down forearms to the back of his head, the ref not being able to do anything because it’s not illegal. Zayn speeds into the ring and kicks Michaels in the back of the head, knocking him away. He drags Neville by the leg to his own corner, gets back onto the apron and tags himself in. Michaels is slow to his feet, not necessarily hurt, but calculating. Zayn is practically bouncing out of his shoes, his adrenaline running so high. Michaels is like a statue, still like granite, keeping his eyes locked on his opponent. Finally, Zayn explodes like he’s been shot out of a cannon, and Michaels, expecting it, throws a clothesline. Zayn expects this, ducks, and launches himself at Daniel Bryan with a HELLUVA KICK! Bryan goes FLYING off the apron, hitting the guardrail back first! Bryan falls into a heap on the ground, slumped forward, obviously knocked out. Zayn, momentarily distracted by the hit he made on Bryan, Michaels sets himself and waits. Zayn, finally remembering where he is, turns AND GETS DRILLED WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!
NO!
Zayn somehow sensed it coming, and ducked it, slipping behind Michaels. He grabbed the arms AND THREW HIM WITH A HALF NELSON SUPLEX!
NO!
Michaels elbowed himself out of the hold, knocking Zayn back a few steps into the middle of the ring. Michaels is the one who charges now but gets Back Body Dropped!
NO!
Michaels goes straight up, and comes straight down, pulling Zayn down for a Sunset Flip! COVER!
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Kickout!
Zayn scrambles to his feet but gets met with an Atomic Drop from the front! He stumbles back and Michaels grabs his arm, and whips him into the ropes, but it’s reversed! Michaels goes flying into the ropes, and comes back with the Flying Forearm!
NO!
Zayn drops to the canvas, and Michaels goes flying under the bottom rope and to the outside, right in front of the entrance ramp!
JR: Look for Zayn to fly here, he loves throwing caution to the wind. The crowd is clapping along to his foot stomping, very Michaels-esque if I do say so myself. And he- wait, what the hell is Michaels doing?
Zayn has hit the ropes and dives over the top rope! BUT MICHAELS HAS THE CAMERAMAN AND PULLS HIM INTO THE WAY! Zayn goes crashing into the cameraman, Michaels slipping out of the way just in time. Michaels wastes no time in grabbing Zayn, slowly bringing him to his feet, Zayn clutching his back in pain, oblivious to where he is or why he’s on his feet and Michaels pushes him back. He sets AND DRILLS HIM WITH THE SWEET CHIN MUSIC!
NO!
Neville chose just that moment to dive over the top rope, seemingly cart wheeling in MID AIR and coming down onto Michaels!
JR: No camera man to save him this time!
Michaels crashes to the floor while Neville lands on his feet! The crowd erupts at the high flying action by Neville! He helps his partner Zayn to his feet, while Daniel Bryan is still in a heap against the barricade. He tosses Michaels back into the ring now, as Zayn follows in and covers!
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Kickout!
Zayn grabs Michaels by the hair, and takes him to his corner, tagging in Neville. Zayn stays in, making the most of the 5-count, and picks Michaels up for a Backdrop Suplex. Neville readies himself and springboards off of the top rope, coming in and drilling both knees across Michaels’ chest while Zayn drops him down to the canvas! Neville reaches back and grabs the legs for the cover!
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Kickout!
JR: Every time you think this kid is done amazing you, he brings out another jaw dropping move!
Neville is up to feet and follows Michaels into a neutral corner, attacking him with forearms to the jaw, sending Michaels’ head reeling back. He goes to whip Michaels across to the other corner, but he holds on to the top rope, fighting it. Neville kicks Michaels in the gut, breaking his grip and whips him this time, but Michaels reverses! BUT NEVILLE DOES A FRONT FLIP! AND ANOTHER! He spins around right as Michaels is charging, and he vaults him up for a Flap Jack into the corner! Michaels caroms off, Neville hitting the ropes and coming back with a back elbow to the chin! COVER!
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Kickout!
Neville looks to his corner and Zayn nods, extending his hand to get tagged in. Neville makes the tag
NO!
Daniel Bryan has made his way all around the ring without Zayn seeing him, and grabs him by the leg into a waist lock AND GERMAN SUPLEXES HIM INTO THE BARRICADE! Neville throws his hands on top of his head at his partner getting taken out!
JR: You’ve got to think that was payback for Zayn kicking him off the apron! Then again, it could just be Daniel Bryan being himse- OH GOD!
Back in the ring, Michaels got back to his feet and used the distraction to dropkick Neville into the corner! He goes crashing face first into the turnbuckle as Bryan makes his way over to his own corner, leaving Zayn in his own heap, and finally reaching out his hand for the tag to Michaels. Though still wary of having to partner with someone, Michaels does tag out, and Bryan comes in full of energy at Neville, immediately unloading kicks to the chest, not concerned about moving Neville out of his corner since Zayn is incapacitated.
JR: Oh folks this is going to get real ugly, real quick. If there’s one thing Daniel Bryan loves, it’s being in a dominant position against a competitor he can stretch and, to his thinking, make tap out. But Neville is pretty resilient, it won’t be as easy as Bryan may think.
All throughout this, Bryan has NOT stopped firing off kicks to Neville, who is slumped in the corner, but chest still exposed. Another, another, another and ANOTHER kick, Bryan is showing a lot of aggression now that he has the advantage. The referee gets to a 4 count, and Bryan just stares him down, looking like he wants to say something but doesn’t. He takes Neville by the hair, bringing him out, and connects with another kick! Neville drops to the mat flat on his back and Bryan turns, methodically hitting the ropes before coming back with a Knee Drop to the chest. His feet kick up in the air, gasping for breath, and Bryan digs his forearm across the chin, pinning Neville to the mat.
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Kickout!
JR: Now Daniel knew he wasn’t going to get the win with that pin attempt, but he was sending a message. He knows he can do whatever he wants right now because he is firmly in charge of this match, along with the Heartbreak Kid.
Bryan again grabs Neville by the hair, then his arm and whips him HARD into his corner, Michaels already with his arm stretched out for the tag. Bryan slowly, reluctantly tags him in, and Michaels comes in recharged, throwing a stinging chop, followed by another and an even harder third chop. His movements, while quick and crisp, are slow and meticulous. Neville is breathing hard and tries to push Michaels away, but Michaels shrugs his arm away and ands ANOTHER chop. He whips Neville into the opposite corner but Neville does a front flip! ANOTHER! He turns around but gets nailed with a raised knee to the mid section! Neville let’s out a loud OOPH as Michaels hooks the arm and Hip tosses him! Fist drop! Cover!
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Kickout!
Michaels again grabs him by the hair and gets him to his feet, wrapping his arms around Neville’s waist and drives him back first into the corner, really grinding the point of his shoulder into Neville’s ribs. Bryan tags himself in by slapping Michaels’ back, perhaps harder than necessary, and yells at him to get out.
JR: Talent is a hell of a thing. Everyone wishes they could be as prodigious as a Shawn Michaels or a Daniel Bryan, but you put two men of that caliber in the same ring, let alone on the same team, and there’s bound to be some ego’s clashing. These two boys may come to blows sooner rather than later.
Michaels is barely out of the ring before Bryan hit’s a European Uppercut, driving Neville back into the turnbuckles. That impact actually bumps Michaels off the apron, who lands on his feet but keeps his face looking down at the ground, anger in his face. Bryan can’t help but smirk a little, and his distraction leads to Neville unloading with forearms! One after the other, knocking Bryan further and further back. Bryan pushes him away to create some distance, and swings wildly with a clothesline, but Neville ducks, rolls and pops up and tags in Sami Zayn! BUT HE’S STILL LAID OUT ON THE OUTSIDE! Neville can’t believe it, and turns right around into a charging dropkick from Daniel Bryan! Neville goes FLYING into the corner, and Bryan is up, fire in his eyes. He grabs onto the top rope and delivers kick after kick to the chest until Neville can’t even stand anymore! Neville is actually curled up in the corner, and Bryan is still kicking! The referee has to insert himself between the two men, Bryan shoving him away and grabbing Neville by his lifeless ankles, dragging him into the center of the ring. Neville is still not moving at all on his own, but Bryan has his legs and hooks them under his armpits, and turns him over into a Boston Crab.
JR: Neville has been the proverbial punching bag in this match. Or kicking bag, or chopping bag…. well, you get the point. They’ve been working the core of Neville this entire match and- JESUS GOD IN HEAVEN HE’S GOING TO BREAK THAT POOR KID IN HALF!
Not content with a normal, still excruciating Boston Crab, Daniel Bryan looked out to the crowd and grinned, and very, very slowly arched himself back into a bridge WHILE STILL HOLDING ONTO THE BOSTON CRAB! This almost immediately wakes Neville up and he starts screaming at the top of his lungs, arms flailing wildly trying to find a way to stop the pain. A little too overzealous to crank back as far as he can, Bryan over tilts and breaks the hold himself. Neville’s hands shoot to his back, grasping it in obvious agony, and looks around for his partner, who is slowly starting to stir. Zayn is shaking the cobwebs out, trying to get back to his feet. Back in the ring, Bryan simply walks over to Michaels and holds his hand out, yelling at him “CARRY YOUR HALF OF THE TEAM”. Michaels stares him down and instead of slapping the hand, he shoves Daniel Bryan! He gets in through the ropes and the second he raises his head up there’s Bryan to shove him right back! They’re both arguing now, and don’t even notice Neville crawling to his corner! Zayn, shaky as he is, makes his way onto the apron and reaches his arm out, Neville stretching his own, leaping and making the tag to Sami Zayn!
JR: Business is about to pick up!
Zayn scales the ropes and waits… waits… waits… Bryan and Michaels still completely absorbed in each other they don’t notice Zayn perched on top. Finally realizing where they are, both men turn to where Neville was laying, only to see open canvas, and then look up to see Sami Zayn flying through the air at them! He lands on both of his opponents with a Cross Body! He rolls through, Michaels being the first one up, turns and charges Zayn for a clothesline, who ducks and slides under, and takes down Bryan behind him with a clothesline! Bryan rolls out of the way, and Michaels charges again, getting caught with an Arm Drag! Michaels is right back up but gets dropped immediately with another Arm Drag! Michaels charges one more time and Zayn rolls right around his back into a third Arm Drag! Michaels goes rolling under the bottom rope to the outside and IMMEDIATELY GETS SAMI ZAYN DIVING OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO HIM! Zayn goes right back into the ring and pushes Bryan into the ropes, whips him off, going for and missing a clothesline, but hitting a Leg Lariat on the rebound! He bring Bryan up again and whips him into the corner, and starts stomping his foot, the crowd clapping along. He charges in AND DRILLS BRYAN WITH ANOTHER HELLUVA KICK!
NO!
Bryan catches his foot, shaking his head that it’s not going to happen again, and throws him back. Zayn rolls up onto his feet, scrambling back into the opposite corner and Bryan charges at him for a forearm in the corner!
NO!
Zayn catches him and faints before tossing him back for an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckles! Zayn looks over to Neville, who is still recovering on the apron, so he grabs Bryan and tosses him out of the ring, and then goes back to the legal man, Michaels. Michaels is bringing himself back up onto the apron, and Zayn meets him halfway. He gets a hold of Michaels, and Suplexes him up and over the ropes!
NO!
Michaels slips over and behind Zayn, spinning him around and whipping him into the ropes, but Zayn reverses! He ducks a clothesline, ducks an elbow, and drills Zayn with a Flying Forearm! Both men are down but it takes only a handful of seconds for Shawn Michaels to kip up!
JR: And he’s on his feet! I must have seen that thousands of times, and it never fails to give me goose bumps.
Zayn isn’t far behind him, but when they meet in the middle of the ring, he gets Atomic Dropped! Michaels follows that up with a Body Slam! Zayn is incapacitated while Michaels scales up onto the ropes in the corner. The crowd knows what’s coming and rises to their feet in anticipation. Michaels sets himself, gets his hair out of his eyes and flies down with an Elbow Drop! HE CONNECTS! Michaels immediately gets to his feet and into the corner, and stomps his foot over and over! Zayn is slowly getting to his feet, legs wobbly and he turns around RIGHT INTO A SWEET CHIN MUSIC!
NO!
Adrian Neville pops up out of NOWHERE and as Michaels goes for the Super Kick, he jumps onto Michaels’ shoulders from behind and spikes him down with a Reverse Hurricanrana! Michaels’ body goes absolutely limp, slumped in the corner, eyes shut tight.
JR: Sami Zayn has no idea how close he just came to getting his teeth kicked down his throat!
Zayn turns back and nods at Neville in appreciation AND GETS BLASTED BY DANIEL BRYAN WITH THE FLYING KNEE! Zayn hit’s the mat hard, his head actually bouncing off of the canvas. Bryan turns his attention to Neville, and they face off across the ring from each other. It’s a slow circling as Bryan turns into a predator almost in the blink of an eye. Neville circles with him but in a much more defensive position. Bryan advances, but gets caught with a high kick from Neville!
NO!
Bryan ducks, grabbing the leg and slipping under and behind, and hooking the arms for a Tiger Suplex! With a bridge!
1
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Kickout!
Bryan keeps the arms hooked and rolls over, standing for another one. RELEASE TIGER SUPLEX!
NO!
Neville flips all the way over and onto his feet! He ends up in the corner, and Bryan charges in for a Dropkick!
NO!
Neville sidesteps it and Bryan crashes hard into the buckles, slamming back and over onto the canvas. Neville shoots himself up and onto the top turnbuckle and stands straight up, readying himself.
JR: This is it folks, the Red Arrow! For my money it’s one of the most incredible, jaw dropping moves out there right now. And Neville hits it flawlessly every ti- OH MY GOD!
Neville launched himself off for the Red Arrow, Bryan completely immobile on the mat, when Shawn Michaels DESTROYS Neville with a Sweet Chin Music in mid-air! Neville put so much jump into the move, he still executed it flawlessly and flattened Bryan! His body is completely immobile though, with Bryan clutching his ribs in pain. Michaels grabs Neville by the hair and drags his lifeless body into middle of the ring and covers him!
1
2
3!!!
JR: What a hell of a match! These men took blow after blow to try and get the win tonight!
Michaels celebrates on his own, looking at Bryan and clearly scoffing. He leaves the ring and walks to the back, the other three men laid out.
JR: And with that, Shawn Michaels and Daniel Bryan are the first team to move on in the Tag Team Title tournament! I can only imagine how dangerous they would be if they could get on the same page. The talent of those two on the same team is just off the charts. I don’t know any of the other teams but I can’t imagine who could hold a candle to these two in a straight up match.
::The camera switches to a backstage dressing room, we see Paul Heyman with Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns circled around him. He begins talking as Brock Lesnar walks into the screen, clad in just shorts and toweling himself off.::
Paul Heyman: Well, we’re 1-for-1 tonight, and good ole Vinny Mac gave us an advantage. I heard he told Punk that it’s you and him tonight, Seth. Now I used to manage him, and I’m going to give you every advantage I know to give. But you need to believe me when I tell you he’s in another place right now, on another level. You need to go into this match with the utmost awareness, because this match is absolutely paramount. For you, for us, for me. You need to go out there and show the world why I picked you. You all need to show that. I believe in all three of you, just like I believe in Brock. Now go get ready and make sure you-
::Heyman stops mid sentence and looks up, his eyes widening, taking in a huge gulp of air::
CM Punk: Make sure you what, Paul? Try really, really hard for you so you can stab the kids in the back? Because believe me when I tell you, that’s about all you’re good for. And let me tell you something el-
:: Brock Lesnar steps right up to CM Punk, saying nothing. Punk’s demeanor never changes, a grin on his face, Lesnar looking like he is going to pick Punk up and toss him through a couple walls. Paul Heyman sees this situation spiraling downward and gets in between the two. As soon as Brock cools down, Seth Rollins gets up however and now HE gets in Punk’s face. This time Punk is all business.::
Seth Rollins: You think they’re who you should be worrying about right now?
Punk: As a matter of fact, yeah. Just because I stopped wrestling doesn’t mean I stopped watching. I saw what you did, I know what you were doing. Everything you got, you stole. You cheated. There wasn’t a damn thing you did on your own, so no, Seth, you don’t worry me one bit.
:: Seth is taken aback at this, an insecure grin escaping his face as he tries to cover up for it by changing over to a cocky smirk.::
Rollins: You may have the rest of the world fooled, Punk, but not me. You left for a reason. You couldn’t hack it anymore. The business was passing you by. You were getting older, slower. Weaker. And tonight, you’re going to see why Paul chose me to be a part of this group. And once I beat you tonight, that’s just one step closer to me being the first World Heavyweight champion here.
:: Brock Lesnar cocks his head to the side, as do Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens. Punk just gets a big smile on his face and nods once.::
Punk: And my job here is done. See you tonight champ.
::Punk walks out of the room and Heyman is about to say something when someone yells out from the hallway “THEY’RE GONNA DIE! I’M GONNA KILL ‘EM!”::
JR: Who the hell is that!? Who is going to kill who!?
::”Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd hits and we see two men come out, in oversized wife beaters, one wear jeans and the other in long cutoff jean shorts. Both men are fairly tall, easily over 6”. One is yelling, apparently still “I’M GONNA KILL ‘EM BOTH! FIRST BODIES ON THE PILE!” and the other is just repeating “YEAHYEAHYEAHYEAHYEAHYEAHYEAHYEAH” over and over. They go straight to the ring and wait for their opponents.
JR: That’s Luke Harper! And if I’m not mistaken, that’s the Necro Butcher! These two together on the same team… that’s incredibly scary. There is nothing these two men love more than hurting and beating down their opponents. Who the hell are the two unlucky men that have to face them in the first round!?
OOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
::A wolf’s call sounds out in the arena as DAVEY RICHARDS and EDDIE EDWARDS, The American Wolves, make their way onto the stage, eyes immediately locked on the two men in the ring. The intensity is there in spades as both men hurry straight down to the ring and slide in AND STRAIGHT BRAWLING WITH HARPER AND NECRO!::
JR: Why!? Where is this even coming from? As far as I know these men haven’t had any interaction in years, if ever! And all they want to do is kill each other!
Necro pairs off with Edwards and immediately raises a knee to the mid section and grabs him by the head and tosses him to the outside! Necro follows him out and just unloads body shots, pounding Edwards’ ribs, stomach, chest, kidneys, anything that gets in the way of his fists. He backs Edwards up into the guard rail and throws one after the other, Edwards slowly crumbling before he fires up and stands straight up, throwing out chops, backing Necro up. Even through the wife beater we can hear the chops ringing out, stinging Necro Butcher. One more chop actually sends Necro back into the ring apron, and Edwards takes a second to regroup BUT NECRO CHARGES AND CLOTHESLINE EDWARDS, SENDING THEM BOTH OVER AND INTO THE CROWD!
JR: Oh my god what carnage! These four are tearing into each other!
Back in the ring, Harper has Richards backed into the corner, attacking Richards much the same as Necro was attacking Edwards. Punches to the body, lefts and rights, wearing him down. Though Richards, much like Edwards, fires up and pushes Harper back as far as he can, and starts throwing out kicks. But Harper blocks all of them! He raises both of his forearms up and blocks each one, his eyes wide and crazed. Richards changes tactics and slaps him across the face, Harper’s eyes someone growing even wider, and he raises a knee to the mid section to cut Richards’ momentum off, knocking him back into the corner. He follows up immediately with a clothesline, crushing Richards some more. Harper whips Richards across the ring, his body slamming into the turnbuckles. Harper charges in, but gets booted in the face, knocking him back into the middle of the ring. Richards charges after him, ducking a clothesline from Harper, bouncing off of the ropes and Drop kicking Harper back and through the ropes! Harper goes flying back into the guardrail and Richards is already bouncing off the ropes and charging AND DIVES THROUGH THE TOP AND MIDDLE ROPES, FLIPPING FORWARD, TAKING OUT HARPER, FLYING PAST HIM AND INTO NECRO IN THE CROWD TOO!
JR: Good God almighty it’s like a car wreck out there!
Richards is like a ball of energy now, clutching his back in pain but getting to his feet and both he and Edwards pose for the crowd, who cheer at the action they’re seeing. We see them talking real quick, and they both go after Luke Harper.
JR: I believe they just decided to go with the lesser of two evils. There’s no good option between Harper and Necro Butcher but I think they agreed Harper took the brunt of the dive and should be more incapacitated.
They toss Harper up and over the guard rail into the ringside area, hopping over it themselves, when Harper unloads with a forearm on Edwards! Richards sees it and drills Harper HARD with a kick to the chest, stopping that attack. Harper is almost unfazed, but with his attention diverted, Edwards rocks him with a chop! He turns towards Edwards now, but immediately gets caught with a Richards kick to the chest! This goes back and forth, Harper dropping bit by bit, not even turning to see who he’s being hit by. Finally, they roll him into the ring and slide in after him, Edwards making the cover!
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STRONG Kickout!
If the Wolves were shocked, they showed no signs of it. They simply pushed Harper back into the corner and kept up their assault. Richards told Edwards to keep an eye out for Necro, who is still recovering in the crowd. They double whip Harper into the opposite corner and Eddie follows that up by whipping Davey who hits a flying forearm in the corner! He then grabs the arm and throws all his weight into it, whipping Harper towards Edwards who hits a flying kick to the chest! Harper is down! Edwards covers!
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Kickout!
Richards sees Necro rising to his feet in the crowd and points him out to Edwards, who goes out onto the apron and faces the ring, Springboarding off with an Asai Moonsault onto Necro Butcher!
NO!
NECRO BUTCHER THROWS A STRAIGHT RIGHT TO THE FACE WHILE EDDIE EDWARDS IS UPSIDE DOWN!
JR: Eddie Edwards just got swatted out of the air like a fly! And Richards hasn’t even noticed! He doesn’t even know the tables have turned!
Richards picks Harper up and hooks the head, trying for a snap suplex. Strong as he is, Richards can’t get him up. Harper twists out and and keeps a hold of Richards’ left arm, pulling him in for a Clothesline, which Davey ducks BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A LARIAT FROM NECRO BUTCHER! It turns Richards inside out, landing him on his front. Harper drops down and turns him over, hooking the leg for the cover.
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Kickout!
The referee, who’s been trying to keep up with the pinfalls, finally tries to get some order and tells Necro Butcher to get out of the ring. Necro responds by cocking his fist and threatening him. Harper seemingly calms Necro down, telling him to go to the corner. Necro, however reluctantly, goes onto the apron. Harper just smiles and extends his hand and tags Necro in. Necro wastes no time in getting into the ring and stomps Davey on the back of the head while he’s trying to get up, dropping him back down. Davey keeps getting stomped repeatedly while crawling away. He grabs for the ropes to try and get out of the ring and Necro just shakes his head and yells “YOU WANT OUT!? LET’S GO THEN!”. Necro then shoves Richards out with his foot, who goes sprawling to the outside. Necro follows him out, and wails on him with punches and kicks. He never lets up picking Richards up to his feet and immediately whipping him into the guard rail! Richards practically bounces off, dropping to his knees. Necro runs in and kicks Davey right in the mouth! Davey’s head bounces off the guard rail this time, his eyes rolling in the back of his head. Necro marches forward, stalking his prey, when he breaks away to kick at Eddie’s lifeless body! Necro goes over to the time keeper’s table and tosses him out of the way, grabbing his chair. Necro then stomps back and raises the chair over his head, and the ref grabs it out of his hands from in the ring! Necro turns around, his hand cocked back and he sees the ref, and stops for a second. He then reaches forward and grabs the referee by the collar! He drags him through the ropes to outside and pushes him against the apron and yells at him “
Necro Butcher: YOU’RE NOT GONNA STOP ME FROM HURTING PEOPLE! YOU MAKE THIS NO DQ OR I’LL KILL YOU! DO IT! DO IT NOW!
Referee: O-O-O-O-O-K! OK! I’ll do it! It’s done! The match is no disqualification!
Necro Butcher stops, as if the idea of chaos, mayhem and pain calms him down. He smoothes the referee’s shirt out, patting him on the chest a few times AND THEN LEVELS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! Necro grabs the chair before his body even drops to the ground and turns, the chair raised over his head, and brings it down hard across Eddie Edwards’ back! This seems to wake Edwards up, but only to pain. Richards is struggling to his feet, trying to help his tag partner, but he doesn’t have the strength to do anything. Necro yells in the ring for Luke to come out, who rolls under the bottom rope and deadlifts Davey up to his feet, trapping his arms as Necro rears back and rams the top of the chair into Davey’s mid section! His legs go out from under him, but he can’t fall to the ground because Harper still has him standing. Necro takes the chair and puts it behind his back, lifts him up AND BODY SLAMS HIM ONTO THE GROUND WITH THE CHAIR BEHIND HIS BACK!
JR: That man must be in agony right now after that body slam! I for one was not ready for this level of carnage. We need to get somebody down here for that referee!
Harper and Necro take Richards by the head and ram him into the post! A host of referees are running down to ringside, and they go to check on the downed referee. Harper and Necro continue the onslaught on Richards, just pummeling him with shots. Richards is rocked, his knees wobbling. He throws his arms up to try and cover up and is only mildly successful. Everyone few shots are getting through and Richards is definitely worse for the wear. Once Richards slumps to his knees they both start dropping stomp after stomp onto him, not even able to cover up anymore. Necro picks him up and tosses him into the ring and covers him! One of the referees dive into the ring and make the count!
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Kickout!
JR: What heart in this kid! He may not be able to fight back at the moment but he’s definitely not out of this match! I can only imagine he’s trying to buy time until Eddie Edwards can recover and get himself back into this match.
Necro almost gets a smile on his face, and calls Harper in. He whips Richards at him and Harper drops him with a Big Boot! Harper immediately picks Richards up and whips him at Necro who levels him with a Clothesline! COVER!
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Kickout!!!
Necro doesn’t even hesitate this time, He raises up to one knee and rains down shots on Richards. Richards is trying to roll away, create distance and Necro doesn’t miss a beat, he just starts punching him in the back of the head instead. The referee is yelling at Necro to stop and grabs his arm and Necro just immediately turns and decks him! The referee goes flying onto his face. Necro goes back to Richards while Harper reaches down and Gutwrenches the referee up and onto his shoulder. He turns to the ropes AND POWERBOMBS THE REFEREE OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO THE OTHER REFEREES ON THE OUTSIDE!
JR: Oh my God! Harper and Necro Butcher are trying to destroy anything that moves!
Necro picks Richards up and whips him into the corner, with Harper right behind him with an Avalanche! He throws Richards’ arm around his neck and lifts him up out of the corner, dropping him with a Back Suplex! Cover!
But there’s no referee!
The referees on the outside are trying to get to their feet and Harper looks out at them AND RUNS AND DIVES OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO THEM!
JR: What the hell is going on right now!?
Harper gets right to his feet and stomps anything in stripes! He leaves one alone however and picks him up over his head and Gorilla Presses him into the ring! Necro is covering Richards!
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KICKOUT!!
Necro brings Richards up to his feet and sets him up, Double Underhooking the arms AND HIT’S A TIGER DRIVER BOMB!
NO!
Richards floats over! He stumbles forward and into the ropes, obviously still feeling the affects when Necro charges in at him but Davey pulls the top rope down! Necro goes flying up and over onto the apron, holding on for dear life. He grabs Richards by the shoulder and spins him around, but gets met with a forearm! And another and another! Necro is staggered, with Davey putting all he can into the strikes, when he runs and bounces off of the opposite ropes and comes and dropkicks Necro Butcher! AND EDDIE EDWARDS IS ON THE GROUND AND CATCHES HIM GERMAN SUPLEXING HIM INTO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!
The table doesn’t even break, Necro just sprawls out, yelling and groaning in pain. Harper sees this and charges at Richards, who moves and sends him through the ropes onto the floor. He turns to Edwards AND GETS SUPER KICKED! It doesn’t even knock Harper down, only sends him back into the ring post! Richards goes out onto the apron as Harper shakes it off and charges in at Edwards BUT EATS A SOCCER KICK FROM RICHARDS! That sends Harper down HARD to the ground, his head snapping back from the impact. Seeing both men are down, Richards climbs the turnbuckles and so does Edwards. They both stand straight up and set themselves up…. And Edwards jumps down and Double Stomps Luke Harper on the ground! AND RICHARDS JUMPS OFF WITH A DOUBLE STOMP OF HIS OWN TO NECRO BUTCHER THROUGH THE TABLE!
JR: Finally the Wolves are getting some momentum of their own! Could this be the edge they need to take control of this match!?
All four men are immobile at this point, the tide of the match shifting bit by bit. Edwards is first to his feet albeit slowly and he pulls Harper up, rolling him into the ring. He scales the ropes again dives off for a second Double Stomp to Harper’s back!
NO!
Harper moves and Edwards lands and rolls forward onto his feet, turning around and throwing out a Lariat at Harper!
NO!
Harper catches him and swings him for a Blackhole Slam! COVER!
1
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Kickout!!!
Harper takes a little bit to regroup, but stays on Edwards, bringing him to his feet. As soon as Edwards gets to his feet he throws a HARD chop to Harper, not even a smack but a thud reverberating throughout the arena. Harper’s eyes go wide and he slaps Edwards across the face! Edwards slaps back! They start trading slaps with all the force they can muster! Finally Edwards somehow gets the best of it and fires up, chopping Harper over and over! From out of nowhere Richards comes up from behind Harper and gets him in a waist lock. Edwards takes a step back and then DRILLS Harper with another Super Kick right as Richards tosses him over into a German Suplex! Edwards dives over and on top of Harper for the COVER!
1
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KICKOUT!!!
The Wolves can’t believe it! The referee tries to explain to them he wants to count the 3 more than anything but he has to be impartial. Both Wolves look over and they see Necro Butcher actually getting up from the wreckage of the table! Again, the Wolves look out and can’t believe it, but they focus on Harper. Edwards gets Harper in position and calls Richards over, and they gets Harper up for a Powerbomb! Richards jumps up AND NAILS A LUNG BLOWER ALONG WITH A POWERBOMB!
NO!
Harper punches out of it and falls forward onto his feet, Edwards falling onto his back. Necro turns and as Richards charges he gets thrown up into a Powerbomb! ONTO EDWARDS! Harper grabs Richards and picks him up again for another Powerbomb AND TOSSES HIM OVER THE TOP ONTO THE REFS! The refs go down AGAIN! Necro Butcher is in the ring now and he climbs up, standing on the second rope in the corner. Harper picks Edwards up onto his shoulders and Necro hits him CLEAN with a right hand! Harper hit’s a Sit Out Powerbomb! COVER!
1
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3!!!!
JR: What a helluva match! These four men went to war with each other! Take nothing away from Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards but Necro Butcher and Luke Harper were on another level of brutality tonight! Folks we’ve got to go to the back, where Samoa Joe is waiting!
::We go to the back to see a large man standing in front of the camera. He has a nice T-Shirt on and jeans, with a pooka shell necklace and his hair combed back but no gel. He has no emotion on his face and begins to speak.::
Samoa Joe: You know, I try to keep things in perspective. I don’t like to blow situations out of proportion, or minimalize them either. So when I tell you that I understand my place in this crazy business that we call wrestling, I do. I’m not as young or fast as I once was. I don’t do crazy flips and I don’t jump off of high places. What I do is hit people, stretch people, suplex people and submit them. I don’t know who I’m facing next week, and truthfully I don’t care. All I know, is that whoever it is, I will hit them, stretch them, suplex them and make them TAP. OUT. And that’s MY place here. My name is Samoa Joe, this is PCW, and I. AM. PRO WRESTLING.
::The crowd cheers at this as the camera cuts to Shawn Michaels and Daniel Bryan in their locker room, cooling down from their match. Bryan is still clutching his ribs while Michaels is taking off his wrist tape.::
Daniel Bryan: Well….. that was definitely one way to win the match. You don’t think you could’ve come in a few seconds earlier with that Sweet Chin Music, though? Maybe not had Neville fall on me? Crush me under his weight? I’m just thinking out loud here but it seems like you could have done more. If your age is getting to y-
::Michaels throws his elbow up into Bryan’s throat and backs him up against the wall.::
Shawn Michaels: Are you questioning the way I do things, Bryan? You’re really going to question the showstopper? The icon? The main event? If I were anybody else, you would have had no partner to save you in the first place. I would have been laid out and you would have been left on your own. So I know you’re not trying to tell me I didn’t do enough for this team, that I didn’t even want it, that I got told five minutes before we walked through that curtain I was on, that I sacrificed years of my career for just to WIN tonight. So back off and heal up, because we’re going to have to do this all over again.
::Bryan keeps his stare locked on Michaels, who hasn’t let Bryan off the wall. He’s not putting much pressure on, either. As Bryan comes forward, Michaels pushes him back one more time.::
SM: And who knows, maybe we’ll cross each other next week. Then maybe we can find out who the strongest link on this team really is- the teacher or the student.
::Michaels walks out while Bryan goes back to clutching at his ribs, shakes his head and continues taking off his gear, muttering to himself..::
DB: I’m not your damn student anymore…
JR: Well I guess we all know where Shawn Michaels stands on that team. I thought they did a damn good job for it being their first match together against a VERY talented team of Zayn and Neville. And don’t forget, folks, our main event tonight features another two very talented men. It’ll be CM Punk taking on Seth Rollins! But right now, I’m being told we’ve got another match in the first round of the United States Title tournament. Let’s see who made the cut!
::A slight man comes out to very small fan fare, he’s wearing a karate gi, is fairly pale and looks all of 12 years old.::
JR: Where’s his shoes!? The kid isn’t even wearing boots!
::The man makes his way down to the ring and slides in, going to his corner and seemingly finishing up his stretching.::
JR: I’m being told through my headset that this man’s name is “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Knowing nothing about him, all I can say is it’s clear he’s got a martial arts background and he……well, he looks like someone’s grandson. What else can I say but good luck out there, kid.
::The next man to come out is more known at a cult level, but the crowd reacts for the most part in boos. He has long pleather pants and a bandana over his mouth and a black wife beater. He gets into the ring and after the ref makes sure both men are ready, rings the bell.::
JR: That’s “The King Of Diamonds” Eddie Kingston! He is a very, very talented performer who loves to brawl and strike with the best of them. Loves winning matches with his Backdrop Suplex and Backfist to the Future. This Bailey kid has got a tall task ahead of him.
Kingston practically laughs once he approaches Bailey, who has come to the middle of the ring and bows at Kingston, who laughs even harder. He puts one foot in the air for the Crane/Karate Kid pose, then throws his hands to the side as if to tell Bailey to get out of here. Kingston turns to the crowd while Bailey is still bowing, asking if this is a joke then turning back AND GETTING CAUGHT WITH A SPINNING KICK TO THE FOREHEAD! KINGSTON GOES DOWN!
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KICKOUT!
JR: Oh my God I thought he had him! How close was that!?
Bailey scrambles to drag Kingston to the corner, struggling with the weight of him, but finally gets him, and scales the ropes. He gets his balance as Kingston is making it to his feet, hunched over on all fours AND LEAPS OFF WITH A SHOOTING STAR PRESS TO THE BACK!
NO!
KINGSTON SWINGS AND CONNECTS WITH THE BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE!
JR: Oh damnit! That was just like what Shawn Michaels did to Neville with the Super Kick! What was Eddie Kingston watching in the back and taking notes?! Regardless, this thing should be over once Eddie pins him.
Bailey has fall in a heap while Kingston is grabbing at his forehead, still feeling the effects of the kick. He actually sways back and has to use the ropes to keep him on two feet, but does so, with a look of pure anger on his face. He grabs Bailey by the hair and forcefully brings him to his feet, taking his arm and pushing him back, creating some distance, and pulls him back in and hits a huge Lariat! He doesn’t let go of the arm and pulls him up and hits another one! Another! ANOTHER! Bailey is absolutely lifeless as Kingston lifts him up AGAIN but this time he pulls him in, locking his arms around Bailey’s waist and tossing him over for a Backdrop Suplex! Bailey landed right on his the back of his head and neck!
JR: Pin him already damnit! You don’t need to be doing this, Eddie!
Kingston isn’t done, however. He picks Bailey up and heaves him again with a Backdrop Suplex, the landing somehow looking even worse on this one. Bailey doesn’t even clutch at his neck, he is motionless as the ref threatens to call for the bell. Kingston looks like he’s going to ignore him, but stops himself and simply puts one foot on Bailey for the cover.
1
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3
::The crowd boos the result, but Kingston could care less; he won. He goes to the back, hardly sweating but definitely worse for the wear, while medics rush down to the ring to check on Mike Bailey. They don’t move him, making sure to keep his neck immobile. While a stretcher is being brought to the ring, Bailey starts to wake up. The medics immediately hold him down, pressing his shoulders to keep the upper body from moving. One person is even holding his neck on two sides to stabilize it. The stretcher gets slid in and they begin to roll Bailey over when he starts shaking violently. But it’s not involuntary he’s trying to get out from under their hands. Finally Bailey KICKS the man holding his neck and then the ones holding his shoulders! The rest of the medics back up a few steps, not wanting to meet the same feet. Bailey goes to sit up but fails a handful of times, his body not able to fully carry out his brains instructions. Finally, he makes it to a sitting position, grabbing his head as if the effort is bringing back all the pain from the match. Slowly but surely he makes his way to one knee, then two, then one foot and the other. He stumbles back much like Kingston did, the ropes the only thing supporting him, but it’s all on his own power. He practically falls out of the ring but lands on his feet and very, very slowly makes his way to the back. The crowd has begun to cheer, a small thing at first almost indiscernible. But as he makes it further up the ramp, the applause becomes louder and louder, until the crowd as a whole is cheering him on. With one hand on the back of his neck, the other held high in thanks, he goes back through the curtains.::
JR: Call him stupid, stubborn or insane, that kid just got baptized by fire by Eddie Kingston. You better believe the next match he has, his opponent won’t take him lightly at all. Eddie Kingston may be pissed, but I’ll tell you this: he has more respect for Mike Bailey now than he did five minutes ago. And so do these fans. And so do I! But that barrage was far too much for anyone to kick out of. He may look a little young, but it takes a man to walk out on their own power after all of those Lariats and Suplexes.
::We switch to the back where Paul Heyman is talking to Seth Rollins.::
PH: How are you feeling, Seth? You all stretched out? Hydrated? Gear feel right? I know it’s been a while.
SR: It’s fine, Paul. I’m fine. What are you so worked up about anyway?
PH: I’m not worked up. Who’s worked up? I just want to make sure you’re 100% for your match!
SR: I’m always 100%. I meant what I said earlier, it doesn’t matter who I’m up against. I’m always ready. There’s going to come a time when I’m going to have to face Kevin, Roman and yes even Brock. You and I both know it, and so do they. We’re all too talented not to cross paths eventually. And when that happens, just like tonight, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to win, Paul. You don’t have to worry about me. It’s Brock you should be worrying about. If we hadn’t been out there for his match, there’s a pretty good chance Big E would’ve beaten him. Imagine that? Your golden goose starting out 0-1.
PH: Seth…. Seth you need to stop talking like that. I love your confidence, I love your drive but you don’t know Brock like I do. Sometimes he’s a slow starter, but it’s going to take more than Big E had tonight to finish him off. It’s that simple. And it’s going to take more than CM Punk has to finish you off tonight. You’re going to go out there and dominate. You’re going to Curb Stomp him back to the days where he was working for $20 in high school gyms. Now let’s get out there. I hear your music playing.
SR: Paul… I need you to stay right here. Same with everybody else. As much as you’ll never admit it, I’m not Brock. I’m more than capable of beating someone with just my skill alone. I know you’ll be back here to congratulate me after I win.
PH: If that’s what you want big guy. I just hope you know what you’re doing.
:: Rollins gets to his feet and power walks out of the locker room and out towards the curtain to the ringside area as he yells back at Heyman.::
SR: I always know what I’m doing!
:: Rollins makes his way down the hallway as the camera follows him from behind, and gets a glimpse of the crowd as Rollins goes through the curtains, all of them standing to their feet with a fairly even mix of cheers and boos, but everyone is making noise. He poses at the top of the ramp but that’s all the crowd gets as far as notice. He makes the rest of the way down to ringside without a single high five or crowd acknowledgement and rolls into the ring.::
JR: To say he’s all business is an understatement, folks. As good as CM Punk is, he’s going to have his hands full here in a few minutes.
::CM Punk’s music hits and he comes onto the stage, looking out and taking in the crowd. He nods his head appreciatively, then drops to a knee, swiping his hand over the floor and checking his wrist as if he’s looking at his watch. The camera does a close up and he looks into it and speaks to the viewers at home smiling and saying “This is the good part” before standing and yelling out “IT’S CLOBBERING TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME” and the crowd yells it out with him. He throws his arms out to the side and turns his back, his shirt still saying “Best in the World” and he makes his way down to ringside, noting Rollins staring him down but paying him no mind. He circles the ringside area before hopping onto the ring apron and then the turnbuckle, the crowd reacting accordingly. Finally, Punk makes it into the ring opposite Rollins and takes his shirt off, throwing it into the crowd and getting checked by the referee, who does the same thing to Rollins. And the bell rings!
Punk and Rollins are tentative to start, neither wanting to make the first move or first mistake. Punk feints a leg kick with Rollins raising his in anticipation to block. Rollins slides closer with his right side to grab for Punk’s hand, going for a knuckle lock. Punk is squirrelly though, shifting his hand so Rollins can’t get a grip. They play this little game for about 15 seconds before Rollins drops his hand and yells “Come on!” Punk laughs at him, clearly not taking him seriously. Rollins charges in, but stops himself and frowns not wanting to play into Punk’s hands. He calms down before advancing again, this time linking one and then both hands for the knuckle lock. They jockey for position, both men about the same height, Punk with a little more mass and Rollins with more lean muscle. They are at a stalemate early on, neither man giving up any position.
JR: Now I know a lot of younger fans may classify this as slow, maybe even boring. In my humble opinion they would be wrong. We’ve seen a lot of fast starts and sudden finishes so far tonight, but what these two men understand is the gravity of a moment. Just like Brock Lesnar and Big E were the first two men to compete in PCW, Seth Rollins and CM Punk will be the first main event. There’s no second chances to move on and try to become the first World Champion. They’ll both pick and choose their spots and take risks only when absolutely necessary.
CM Punk has since gotten the advantage, pushing down on Rolls, bending his wrists back towards his forearms. Rollins is down to a knee, but still fighting against the pressure. Punk is having none of that and drives him down to both knees. From that position though he brings a leg up and rolls himself back, his legs going up between Punk’s body and his own, coming up to his feet, now straining Punk’s wrists instead of his own. Punk’s eyes widen in sudden pain and he starts twisting his body trying to free himself. Rollins cranks, bending Punk’s wrists back like Punk had done his own. Finally Punk brings his leg up, using his left knee to knock Rollins’ right hand away. He uses his free arm to forearm Rollins, rocking him back, but Rollins keeps the grip! Punk swings again, this time Rollins ducking it, the arm going flying over Rollins’ head. Now Rollins breaks the grip and sweeps behind Punk for a Roll Up!
1
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Kickout!
Punk is quick to his feet, but Rollins is quicker, and he meets Punk with a knee to the mid section, doubling him over. He sees a chance and hit’s the ropes AND COMES BACK FOR THE CURB STOMP!
NO!
Punk moves just in the nick of time! He spins Rollins around to face him and hoists him up! GO TO SLEEP!
NO!
Rollins escapes in mid air behind Punk! He shoves him from behind into the ropes, Punk bouncing off, Rollins leap frogging, Punk hitting the opposite ropes, coming off again and getting nailed with a Dropkick! Cover!
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Kickout!
JR: You just knew the pace would pick up eventually with these two. Rollins wants to keep the action moving, you know he’s got to think his cardio is better. He’s in unbelievable shape. Punk is no slouch, either. If you’ve been following him for any longer than his run with WWE, you know he can go the distance and then some.
Rollins stays on the attack, backing Punk into the corner and hitting him with a barrage of punches to the head. Punk covers up and the referee comes in to break it up. Rollins grabs Punk by the hair and bring him out to the middle of the ring before almost tossing him back head first into the top turnbuckle. Punk tries to shake the cobwebs but can’t seem to, and Rollins zeroes in again with more punches.
JR: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize Seth Rollins is targeting the head of CM Punk. He wants to soften him up for that vicious Curb Stomp and I can’t say as I blame him. So far we’ve had a clean contest and Seth Rollins is winning this all on his own talent.
Rollins grabs the wrist and whips Punk into the opposite corner, following up with a diving forearm! He Snapmares Punk out into the center of the ring and then hits the ropes, coming back with a Seated Dropkick to the head! Cover!
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Kickout!
He keeps Punk on his back and gets to his feet, hitting the ropes once again and dropping a knee right across Punk’s forehead! He rolls over, writhing in pain as Rollins is up again and comes back with another Knee Drop, this time to the back of the head! Now he’s grabbing the back of his head and flailing his legs in pain. Rollins rolls him over, grinding his forearm into Punk’s face as he covers him!
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Kickout!
JR: Unnecessary but effective is that forearm but Seth Rollins so far has crafted the perfect game plan. All these shots to the head and all of the kick outs he’s making CM Punk do are slowly chipping away at that vaunted cardio. He’s- OH GOD! What was that, a mini Curb Stomp? He dug his foot into the back of CM Punk’s head and then leaped up and stomped on it! Oh and now he’s jawing at CM Punk and the crowd. Don’t get too cocky, kid, you haven’t won yet!
Indeed, Seth Rollins has his arms stretched out and is soaking in the boos of the crowd, who refuse to pay him lip service for his actions. Finally he grabs Punk by the head, still talking trash, and gets Punk to his feet when Punk throws his hands off and unloads with a forearm! And a punch! And a Leg Kick! Another forearm! Rollins is rocked back against the ropes and Punk charges in and Clotheslines him over the ropes!
NO!
Rollins ducks and Back body drops Punk up and over onto the outside! Punk ands on his feet, but his momentum sends him flying into the barricade! Seth Rollins sees him laid out, sitting up but out of it, propped up against the barricade. Rollins notices this and his eyes light up before he hit’s the opposite ropes and comes back charging AND DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES WITH A FLYING DROPKICK TO PUNK!
JR: Damnit! CM Punk’s head was just completely smashed between the barricade and Rollins’ feet! I know the World Title means a lot to him, but Punk might want to think about the rest of his career, hell even his own livelihood here soon.
Rollins gets up a little gingerly from the impact, with Punk totally immobile. Rollins lifts him, but finds that he’s completely deadweight. Finally he rolls him into the ring and covers!
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FOOT ON THE ROPE!
Rollins drags him further away from the ropes and covers again!
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Kickout!
Rollins slaps the mat in frustration but doesn’t let up. He stomps away again at Punk’s head, who can do little more than cover up at this point. He picks Punk up and lifts him up for a Vertical Suplex! NO! Instead of falling back, he tosses Punk forward onto his front! He then goes right to the corner and scales the turnbuckles, flying off with a Legdrop to the back of the head! Roll over and cover!
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KICKOUT!
Rollins is even more frustrated now. He starts wildly throwing blows to Punk’s back before getting up and going to the corner. Punk is very slow to get up, but Rollins waits patiently until he’s up on all fours and Rollins runs in AND CURB STOMPS HIM!
NO!
Punk moved again! And this time Punk grabbed the leg, stood straight up and swung Rollins around onto his front!
JR: PUNK’S GOT HIM IN THE STRETCH MUFFLER!
Punk is really cranking on the leg for all he’s worth, stepping over Rollins’ body to get maximum torque. Rollins is screaming and trying to scramble to the ropes but Punk has him in a pretty precarious position. Unfortunately, all of the trauma to Punk’s head is getting to him, and he actually wobbles a little before falling back, releasing the hold. Rollins clutches at his right leg in pain, trying to shake it out so he can put some weight on it while Punk has his head in his hands, his eyes becoming more and more unfocused. Punk still has the wherewithal to back up and create some distance between them to get more time to heal up, but Rollins is up to his feet, albeit limping, and making his way towards Punk. Rollins meets him in the corner and stomps with his right foot, only to have to stop and switch to the left one. While better than nothing, they don’t have quite as much on them as normal. Punk grabs the left leg and stops it, bring his own legs out behind Rollins and sweeping his bad leg out from under him! Rollins drops back into the canvas and Punk gets to his feet, now grabbing Rollins’ right leg as he drags him into the center of the ring and rolls him over into a Single Leg Boston Crab!
JR: Give CM Punk credit he is trying with everything he’s got to win this match! Now unfortunately I think he’s going with submissions because he won’t be able to pick Rollins up for the Go to Sleep, but this is just a hell of an effect from the Punker.
Again Punk starts to fade, but doesn’t let go. Rollins feels the let up in pressure and maneuvers himself over and onto his back. AND STARTS KICKING AT PUNK’S HEAD WITH HIS FREE LEG! AGAIN! AGAIN! A FOURTH TIME! Punk’s head is rocking back big time as he releases the hold, again both men needing to recover. Punk falls back against the ropes, reeling from the head kicks while Rollins is slow to his feet, testing putting weight on it but faltering, and dropping to his knee. Punk is still pressed against the ropes when he sees this and spring into action AND HIT’S A SHINING WIZARD! COVER!
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KICKOUT!
Punk tries to capitalize but wobbles, clearly light headed. He slowly brings Rollins up to his feet and throws a forearm, rocking Rollins’ head back. He then chops him, and sends a kick to the bad leg, causing Rollins to scream out in pain and drop to a knee again. Punk backs up AND HITS ANOTHER SHINING WIZARD!
NO!
Rollins lifts Punk up onto his shoulders for a Powerbomb!
JR: He’s not even putting any weight on that bad leg! That is damned impressive!
Not having much mobility, Rollins turns and POWERBOMBS CM PUNK INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Punk just crumbles out of the corner, not even bouncing out as his head snapped back hard after hitting the turnbuckle, and Rollins falls on him! COVER!
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FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE AGAIN!
Rollins tries to pull him out of the corner but can’t get enough traction with just one leg. He runs his hands through his hair in frustration and falls back against the mat, not knowing what to do next.
JR: Come on kid! This is where you’ve got to separate yourself! If you’re going to put Punk away it’s got to be right now!
As if hearing JR, Rollins gets to his feet limp and all, and brings Punk to his feet as well. BUT PUNK BRINGS HIM ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! GO TO SLEEP!
NO!
Rollins landed on his good leg in front of him and immediately swung around and nailed a Sole Butt! Rollins clutches at his leg, but sees Punk in perfect position and charges in AND NAILS AN OPPOSITE LEG CURB STOMP!
NO!
Punk launched him high up onto the air AND CATCHES HIM ON THE WAY DOWN WITH A KNEE TO THE CHIN! GO TO SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
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3!!!!!
JR: Oh my GOD what a battle! What a war! And these two men felt every bit of it! Seth Rollins had that GTS scouted every which way except when he had no control over his body! You just knew it was going to take something special to put him away tonight. And before I go I’ve just been told through my ear piece that next week’s main event has been set. It’s going to be SAMOA JOE versus SHAWN MICHAELS! What a treat we’ll be in for! I’m Jim Ross and it’s been a pleasure, we’ll see you again next week!