Left With Questions

[Jay Phillips is standing outside of Fraust's dressing room.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: And we're going backstage right now with Jay Phillips who is hoping to get a word from Fraust following his defeat against NRWL Champion, Bruno Kowalski.

WarHead: Not the smartest idea, Jim, but I never did consider Jay an Einstein. 

Jay Phillips: Well guys, I'm standing here outside of Fraust's dressing room. I hear some kind of conversation behind the door but I can't make out who he is talking to. I knocked on the door just a moment ago but got no response. Guys, I don't know if I'm going to get this interview right now. Maybe we'll come back and--wait--

[The dressing room door opens and a man wearing old, faded jeans, and a black hoodie steps out. The man turns his head to Jay and casually pulls the hood from his head. It is Mark Blood.]

WarHead: Whoa! That's the last person I'd expect to see coming out of Fraust's dressing room.

[Jay looks at Mark Blood, confused.]

Jay Phillips: Mark Blood! What are you doing here?

Mark Blood: If you are here for an interview, I don't think he's interested in talking right now.

[Jay looks into the dressing room but only catches a glimpse of Fraust closing the door.]

Jay Phillips: I'm a little confused, Mark. Why are you here?

Mark Blood: Listen, I have to go.

[Mark pulls the hood back over his head.]

Mark Blood: See you around sometime.

[Mark Blood walks down the hall and out of a door into the parking lot.]

Jay Phillips: Sometime? Did he... Did he just walk out of the NRWL? What's going on? Guys.... back to you.

[A camera shows Jim and WarHead at the announce table.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'm not sure what we just saw. There's a lot of questions here. I just hope that we get answers.

WarHead: Strange, for sure. Something just happened between these two. From the way Mark Blood looked and talked, I think he's a goner.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I sure hope not. He's a great young talent who has put a lot of time and energy into the NRWL. Something doesn't feel right about this.

WarHead: Maybe Fraust could provide some answers but I wouldn't count on him being very forthcoming.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Perhaps we'll get that answer in Season Six.

A Veteran Returns

Early in Season Five, wrestling veteran Tiger Johnson was injured in a NRWL Championship title match against then-champion, Ash. Tiger's injury appeared to be career threatening at the time. The NRWL moved forward, keeping a place for Tiger in the event he could return to action. We are pleased to announce that Tiger Johnson has been cleared to return to the ring and will be a part of the Season Six roster.

Speaking of his return, Tiger wanted to thank the fans and the NRWL for continuing to believe in him.

"It was hard to sit at home and watch this incredible season go by and knowing I couldn't be a part of it. As I watched the audience throughout the season, it meant so much to me to see the fans still holding signs for me. Whenever I was out in public, a fan would always come up to me and ask when I was coming back. Mr. Charles and Mr. Sunderland, as well as everyone at NRWL, was so supportive of me throughout my recovery. It was that support and my love for the wrestling business that drove me to get back into ring shape and come back better than ever. I am eager to get back in the ring."

Tiger Johnson suffered a neck injury after Ash dropped him with two consecutive Fan's Favorite Finishers. Initially, NRWL doctors believed that it could be career threatening, however, within a few weeks, the prognosis had changed and with proper rehabilitation Tiger could return to action. Despite the injury coming at the hands of Ash, Tiger says he holds no ill will for the popular wrestling star.

"Ash was defending the NRWL Championship and gave it his all. What happened to me is what could happen anytime we step into that ring. I'm just happy to be back. I had an opportunity to capture the NRWL Championship. I wasn't successful but I feel the hunger for gold now more than ever. I will climb back up the ranks and I get an opportunity once again."

NRWL and its fans are pleased to welcome Tiger Johnson back. Tiger, see you soon in Season Six!

Post-Event Actions

[“Crying Like a Bitch” by Godsmack blasts out of the speaker and the crowd erupts in cheers.  After a few seconds, Bruno emerges from behind the curtain and the crowd cheers louder.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  We are less than 24 hour removed from the finale’ of Season 5, and we are graced with a visit from the champion!

WarHead:  The reigning, DEFENDING champ, Jim!

[The NRWL Championship belt is around Bruno’s waist and the NRWL Tag Team Championship is draped over his shoulder.  Noticeably jumping out are the series of butterfly bandages across his forehead.  Bruno stands at the top of the ramp for a moment.  He points to the NRWL Championship belt, and then points at the bandages on his forehead and smiled wryly, earning an audience pop.]

Jim:  Bruno, showing off some of the battle scars from last night.

WarHead:  He knows he was in a fight, that’s for sure.

[He makes his way down to the ring.  He climbs into the ring, grabs a mic as the music dies down…]

Bruno:  Let me start first by saying, Wow.  What a match, right?

[Crowd cheers with approval.]

Jim:  I’ll say!

WarHead:  It was no Flaming Castle of Doom, but yeah, great match!

Bruno:  That was, without a doubt, the TOUGHEST match I have ever been in.  You would think that knowing I won would’ve allowed me to sleep like a baby last night, but not really.  The doctors are certain I sustained a concussion and I didn’t get much sleep last night as I was to be woken every 45 minutes as a precaution.  Fraust is a warrior.  A fierce warrior.  I don’t want to say that I underestimated him, but halfway through the match, it became apparent that he was going to fight tooth and nail to take this belt from me.  He would not stay down.  At a point, it gets scary because you start to think about what you have to do to put someone out, and then you wonder if you're capable of performing such acts.

WarHead:  Truth.  I know that feeling all too well.

Bruno:  Luckily, sticking to my gameplan, I wore him down and caught a lucky break to where his body said “no more!” and I didn’t have to resort to anything that I would cause me to question my own integrity later.  I don’t think we--myself especially--have heard the last of Fraust.  And he showed last night that he still has a lot left in the tank.  I think that before he hangs it up, he’ll be holding this belt.  …...but not for a while, because here is where it’s staying for quite some time!

[“Wishbone” by Dropbox suddenly begins playing and The 4 Elements emerge from behind the curtain.]

Jim:  Oh, what are these guys doing here?

WarHead:  Look!  It’s Mikey Armstrong!  He’s walking!

[The 4 Elements make their way down the ramp.  They all get mics and climb into the ring.  Bruno looks on edge.]

Tommy:  What’s wrong, Bruno?  You look kind of tense.  Relax, we’re not here to make any trouble.  We simply want what's ours.

Marcus:  That’s right.  When Season 6 kicks off, we want it to start the right way, with The 4 Elements as Tag Team Champions.

Max:  Look at yourself, Bruno.  What happened to you?  You just kicked the crap out of Fraust, and now you’re out here buttering him up with hollow compliments like your some annoying girl posting on her friend’s Facebook pictures, “Oh girl, I love your shoes!  OMG you’re so pretty!”  Stop it!  It’s beneath you.  You destroyed Fraust.  Own it!  If Fraust beat you, I bet he would’ve owned it.  He would’ve come out here and said that he annihilated you as he predicted.  Not of this greasing each other up kind of garbage.  You make me sick.

Mikey Armstrong:  I have something to say.

[Mikey receives a small pop from the crowd.]

Mikey:  I am now medically cleared to wrestle!  After months of physical therapy and rehap on my leg, I was able to fight my way through paralysis and return to the ring.  The doctors said I would never chew food again, but I thought knew I would.  And here I am now, a walking miracle of the modern world!  And my first order of business is to be Tag Team Champion.  Now, hand it over.

Bruno:  Did you get a lobotomy or something while in the hospital?  I know I took a few hits to the head myself last night, but in what universe does a champion, who just took a severe beating to keep his belt--simply hand it over to someone the next day?  Check yourself back into this plane of existance, Mikey.  You want to hold a belt, you have to earn it!

Mikey:  You know, Bruno, that is no way to talk to a superior talent.  I was giving you a chance of having the honor of bestowing the NRWL Tag Team Championship belt to me.  I mean, on top of that, that belt is going to be worthless soon because due to my amazing recovery and re-entry, they’re sure to create a belt and name it after me and replace those Tag Team belts.  They’ll be called The Armstrong Championship belts!

Jim:  What nerve!

WarHead:  You have to admit….it does have a good ring to it.

Bruno:  This is ridiculous.  I don’t have time for this nonsense.  As NRWL and NRWL Tag Team champion, I have more important things to deal with.

[Bruno goes to leave but Tommy V. blocks his path.]

Jim:  Uh oh.

Tommy:  Whoa, where are you going, champ?  You don’t walk out on The 4 Elements.  When we’re done with you, we’ll let you know.

Marcus:  Yeah.  And what was it you said to Fraust?  “If you want the belt, come take it,” or something along those lines?  Well, what if we want to take that Tag Team belt now?

[The 4 Elements begin to close in on Bruno.  Suddenly, Marty Anderson runs out from backstage with a big shiner under his eye and a fat lip and tears down to the ring.]

Jim:  Marty Anderson coming to his partner’s defense!

WarHead:  Ouch.  That brawl with Tommy left its mark on his face, didn’t it?

[Marty slides into the ring and stands next to Bruno and yellow audibly.]

Marty:  You want to take these belts!  Go ahead and try!

[Marty turns and punches Tommy V right in the face.]

Jim:  Oh man!

WarHead:  Payback!

[Marcus jumps on Marty.  Bruno spears Mikey and starts pummeling him before being pulled off by Max and suplexed.  Tommy gets up and starts stomping Marty while Marcus drops knees.  Marty and Bruno turtle for protection.]
Jim:  Oh come on!  This isn’t fair!
[Suddenly, Johnny Young and Jacob Washington tear out from backstage and run into the ring.]

WarHead:  Johnny and Jacob to the rescue!!

[Johnny dropkicks Tommy while Jacob delivers a brutal clothesline to Mikey.  Marcus runs and Johnny but Johnny sidesteps him and pulls down the rope and Marcus goes tumbling over and smacks on the mat below.]

Jim:  It’s complete chaos in the ring!!!

[Jacob and Max are locked up but Johnny comes over and puts Max in a full nelson slam!  Max, Mikey, and Tommy all roll out of the ring, holding different body parts in pain.  The 4 Elements walk backward up the ramp, angrily staring at their foes in the ring.  “Stain” by Full Devil Jacket starts playing.  Marty and Bruno get up and join Johnny and Jacob in yelling at The 4 Elements from the ring.  Bruno and Marty hold up their belts as Marty gestures to come get the belt.]

Jim:  Wow!  What an ending to Season 5!!!

WarHead:  Or, is this starting Season 6 with a bang?!??

Jim:  I don’t know, but either way, what action!  I can’t wait to see what Season 6 has in store!

WarHead:  Me too!

Jim:  And I’m also looking forward to the Hall of Fame inductions, where a certain wrestler-turned-commentator is rumored to be a first ballot inductee!

WarHead:  Pssh!  Oh stop it, you!

Jim:  Tune in for the Hall of Fame ceremony and Season 6!!!

[scene fades out.]

Season Finale Event Results for November 14th 2013

For the final event of Season Five, the NRWL put together a card to showcase and celebrate the great action throughout the season and to settle some scores before the beginning of Season Six, which is right around the corner!!!


No DQ Falls Count Anywhere Match

J.T. Crusher vs. Crawford

Two of NRWL's big men face one on one to start off the show. Both men show off their strength for the crowd Crusher slowly begins to chip away at his larger opponent.Crusher surprised everyone with his strength by suplexing and slamming his larger opponent to wear him down. Crawford made a comeback, throwing Crusher around. Crusher managed to break out of a camel clutch by simply standing with Crawford on his back and slamming him to the mat. Crawford got the upperhand again, superplexing Crusher from the top turnbuckle and hitting the Bionic Elbow to his dazed opponent. Crawford pins J.T. Crusher for the win.

Winner: Crawford


Before the next match, a commotion backstage brings cameras to a backstage hallway where Tommy V. and Marty Anderson are brawling. Both men fight feverishly. Tommy throws Marty against some storage crates. Marty Slams a door in Tommy's face. Tommy ends the fight by throwing Marty against the crates and driving a knee into his skull. Marty falls to the concrete motionless.


Street Sweeper vs Lord J Slam Match

Lord J. vs Slam Jackson

Lord J is backstage talking to Jay Phillips about how much he loves to slam. Slam Jackson appears and says that slam is in his name and that he loves to slam more. Lord J. takes issue to this statement and both men agree to meet in the ring to find out who has the better finisher.

Early int he match, Slam Jackson tosses Lord J out of the ring and kicks him off hte apron when he tries to get back in. Both men fight back and forth Lord J. begins to use a more aggressive attack, using punches, kicks, and headbutts. Slam uses his speed advantage to get an upperhand, finishing with a vicious super kick to Lord J's jaw. Lord J, seemingly unaffected, gets up and catches an attempted kick by Slam, turning it into a Lord J. Slam. Lord J picks up the win.

Winner: Lord J


Triple Threat Match

Mark Blood vs. Paul Priest vs. John Austin Baker

This Triple Threat match is a highlight match to show off some of the great young talent in NRWL. All three show off great in ring skills from the start. The action is chaotic Every time someone pulls off an impressive move, the third man in the match cuts in. Baker and Priest team up for a double gut buster on Mark Blood and then immediately attack each other. Paul Priest attempts a pin on John Austin Baker but Mark Blood breaks it up with a vicious elbow drop. Blood and Baker kick Priest in the corner. Priest manages a sleeper hold on Baker but it i broken up by Mark Blood. Blood drives Priest's head to the mat with a DDT that burst's his forehead wide open.

Baker goes outside the ring and grabs a chair. Priest comes out of the ring after him and is promptly beaten with the chair. All three men take the action outside. Blood slams Baker on the outside and Priest drives Baker through the steel steps. Blood and Priest re-enter the ring. Baker enters the ring and starts to fight with both men. Priest slides out of the ring to get a weapon but Mark Blood DDTs John Austin Baker to the mat and pins him for the win.

Winner: Mark Blood


Tag Team Match

Jacob Washington and Johnny Young vs. The 4 Elements (Max Destruction and Marcus)

Jacob Washington and Johnny Young return as a tag team to take on two members of The 4 Elements. Jacob and Max start things out in the ring. Jacob tags to Johnny early in the match and works on Max. Max is caught in the Slam of the Nite but Marcus breaks up the pin. Max tries to make a tag but Johnny prevents him time and time again. Max hits the Maximum Destroyer on Johnny and goes for a pin but it is kicked out of. Max tags in Marcus. Johnny tags in Jacob. Jacob and Marcus both show off some impressive moves but Jacob takes the lead in the match, slamming Marcus with Jacob's Ladder. Max breaks the pin attempt. Jacob continues his attack and drives Marcus to the mat with a spinebuster followed by a second Jacob's Ladder. Jacob pins Marcus for the victory.

Winners: Jacob Washington and Johnny Young


Extreme Rules Match

"Hardcore" Adam vs. Caleb

"Hardcore" Adam has some hardware at his disposal in his match against the monster, Caleb. Adam surprises everyone by winning a trading of punches to start the match. Caleb is thrown outside the ring and tries to retrieve a weapon but Adam stops him and slams him outside the ring. The action returns inside the ring where Adam shows off osme impressive strength by powerbombing Caleb. Caleb comes back with some big power moves, including a chokeslam. Adam comes a comeback but is caught in a Fall to Hell Powerbomb. Caleb attempts a pin but Adam kicks out. Caleb climbs outside the ring and grabs a kendo stick. He attacks Adam with the stick but Adam comes back with an assault followed by a Hardcore Throwdown. Adam goes for a pin but Caleb kicks out. Caleb exits the ring and returns with a mop. He attacks Adam with the mop but Adam manages to grab it and use it against Caleb. Caleb manages to get the upperhand on Adam, driving him to the mat with another Fall to Hell Powerbomb. Caleb pins Adam for the victory.

Winner: Caleb


Last Man Standing Match

Ash vs. Storm Harrison

Ash and Storm Harrison have a long standing rivalry throughout Season Five starting with an appearance on the Storm Watch talk show. Despite their animosity for each other, they never met in the ring until tonight.

Ash, releasing a lot of pent up aggression, takes the early lead in the match, wearing down Storm with a face paced offense. Ash works on Storm's good knee, hoping to slow Storm down. Storm makes a comeback but is thwarted by Ash who slams Storm to the mat with the Fan's Favorite Finisher. Storm gets up and the men continue to fight. Storm tries to slow the pace of the match. Storm surprises Ash with an Unprettier.but Ash gets up quickly and continues a vicious assault. Storm comes back with a reverse DDT followed by a running forearm smash. Ash avoids a clothesline by Storm and counters with a Fan's Favorite Finisher. Ash stands over his opponent and counts to ten with the fans to pick up the victory.

Winner: Ash


Steel Cage Match

Tornado vs. Katsutoshi

After Leiko interfered in their first encounter, Tornado demanded a steel cage match for the rematch to ensure it is kept one on one. Both men go back and forth, showing off their impressive ring skills. Katsutoshi begins to take control of the match, wearing down Tornado. Tornado tries to break the momentum but Katsutoshi's speed keeps advantage keeps him firmly in control. Katsutoshi tries to climb the cage but is ripped off by Tornado. Tornado begins an offense but Katsutoshi delivers the Mighty Head Kick and climbs out of the cage before Tornado can get to him.

Winner: Katsutoshi


NRWL Championship Title Match

KO Match

John Fraust vs. Bruno Kowalski (c)

John Fraust earned a title shot against Bruno Kowalski by winning a six man ladder match at the previous event. Throughout his long, illustrious career, he has never had an opportunity to fight for the NRWL Championship and has vowed to win it. Bruno Kowalski, the proud champion, respects Fraust as a legend but has no intention of losing his belt.

Bruno Kowalski strikes first with punches and back hand but Fruast answers back. Both men go back and forth, reversing holds, trading blows. Fraust begins to mount and offense with suplexes and corner strikers. Bruno answers back with some strong blows to Fraust's head, trying to wear him down for a knockout. Bruno delivers a hanging throatbreaker followed by PX3. Fraust manages to get up and answers back with The Ice Pick. Bruno tries to make Fraust pass out from a submission but it is not effective. Fraust answers back with a sleeper that is not effective. Bruno goe for a strong kidney shot to Fraust. Fraust answers back with one of his own. Bruno starts a furious assault to try and knockout his legendary opponent including another PX3. Bruno is cuaght in a brutal clothesline followed by a spike piledriver. Both men begint o grapple and reverse each other's holds. Fraust slams Bruno and goes for a big vertical suplex.

Fraust hits another Ice Pick and tries to follow up for a second but Bruno reverses it. Both men show off some impressive technical wrestling. Bruno smashes Fraust with another PX3 but Fraust continues to stand up. Fraust, gushing blood, continues the fight to the champion. Fraust surprises Bruno with another Ice Pick but Bruno manages to get up. Bruno puts Fraust in a backbreaker submission to try and make him pass out but he fights out of it. Fraust punches Bruno in the face several times and splits the champ's forehead open. Both men are bleeding profusely. Bruno catches Fraust in a facebuster and knocks the legend out cold. Bloodied and battered, the champion retains his title.

Winner: Bruno Kowalski


And with that, we conclude another great season of NRWL. Don't worry, unlike previous seasons, we won't be taking a break. In fact, we are about to shake things up a bit! Next up is our Hall of Fame ceremony where we will induct several of the NRWL's greatest competitors. After the Hall of Fame, we officially roll right into Season Six. Your favorite stars will be here, along with some new and returning ones. We are very excited for what comes next so stay tuned!

Bruno Responds!

[Jay Phillips is in the interview area with Bruno Kowalksi.  Bruno has the NRWL Tag Team Championship around his waist and the NRWL Championship draped over his shoulder.]

Jay:  I’m here with the NRWL and Tag Team Champion, Bruno Kowalksi!  Bruno, thanks for joining me tonight.  Let me start by saying that it’s hard to think of anyone who’s had as much success as you in--not only the fifth season of the NRWL, but in NRWL history.  You’ve been on a tear all season, and now you are--if my memory serves me correctly--the first multi-title holder in NRWL history!

Bruno:  Thanks Jay.  Yeah, not too shabby, right? 

NRWL:  Considering the legends who have come through this company, you’ve done something they weren’t able to.  Let me just name a few:  WarHead, Cujo, The Bean, The Druid, Dave Smith, Flawless Fred, Mike Blood, and…your opponent tonight, Fraust.

Bruno:  Well, that’s a fair statement, Jay.  But it’s also fair to say they’ve done things I haven’t.  For example, each one of those guys are household names and Hall of Fame material.  I’m not in either of those categories yet.  But I will certainly strive to be.

NRWL:  Let’s talk Fraust for a minute.  I had an….uh…..opportunity, shall we say?....to interview him the other day.  And in the Fraust-way, he brought a new approach to that.  He’s saying that holding NRWL title is the last hurdle he has to clear in his wrestling career and this is his first shot at the main title in any federation he’s been in.

Bruno: I can see how that can make someone--not bitter, but aggressively determined.  I was a fan of his and enjoyed watching him perform in the WFW and IRW.  Every match he was in, he made it must-see.  His name became synonymous with “hardcore.”  And at the time, that was the path he chose, and unfortunately he was never given his due by being awarded a title shot for all his blood and sweat.

Jay:  That’s kind of the inverse of you, isn’t it?  This is the first big place you’ve worked and you got your shot and won it.

Bruno:  I earned my shot, and I took it.  Just as Fraust as earned his spot.  But bad news for him, my reign has just started and isn’t ending tonight.

Jay:  And other words for Fraust?

Bruno:  [looks into camera]  Fraust.  I respect you for the legend that you are and I respect all that you’ve accomplished in your career.  However, once we’re in the ring and bell sounds, you are no longer a legend, you are an enemy.  While you’re fighting for some group of fans that you consider special because they backed you throughout your career, including after a lot of questionable decisions and behavior, I on the other hand am fighting for ALL the NRWL fans, old and new, past and present, with me or against me.

[Bruno holds the NRWL Championship belt right up to the camera.]

Bruno:  You see it?  You want this?  You want to be NRWL Champion?

[Bruno drapes it over his other shoulder and taps it on the faceplate.]

Bruno:  It’s right here.  Come take it off me, if you can.  I dare you.

[Bruno walks off camera.]

Jay:  I don’t know about you, ladies and gentlemen, but I can not WAIT for this match!!!

[scene ends]

For The Faithful

[Jay Phillips opens a dressing room door and finds the room in total darkness. He creeps in.]

Jay Phillips: Fraust? Are you in here?

[Jay looks back at the camera.]

Jay Phillips: He must not be here yet. He was supposed to be in his dressing room for an interview. I guess he's running late. I ---

[Jay is pulled into the darkness. The camera man steps in on instinct alone. After a few moments, a single light bulb overhead clicks on and Jay is standing right underneath it. He appears visibly shaken. A shadowy figure stands just outside the light.]

???: Relax, Jay. You're fine.

[The figure steps into the light, revealing the person to be Fraust.]

Fraust: You wanted an interview.

Jay Phillips: Yes. I wanted to ask you about your feelings going into the NRWL Championship match against Bruno Kowalski.... Why is it so dark in here?

Fraust: Because the lights aren't on.

Jay Phillips: Right. So, at the final event for this season, you are stepping into the ring against Bruno Kowalski, the NRWL Champion. You have earned many accolades over the years. You were the longest reigning NRWL Division 2 Champion, you were a member of the legendary You Suck! stable, you redefined the hardcore match in WFW and IRW. You are even an NRWL Hall of Famer. One thing you never captured was the NRWL Championship. How does it feel to get that opportunity, finally, after all these years?

[There is a long pause. Fraust just stares at Jay with a scowl. Finally, his scowl fades and he takes a deep breath.]

Fraust: I've had a unique career. I've been one of the most famous NRWL wrestlers in history, and yet, I'm also something of a black sheep. In the WFW and IRW, people loved watching my matches. I was one of the most popular guys in those companies. When I came to the NRWL, it was the same thing. I was always near the main event.. but I never really was the main event. You know what I mean? WFW, IRW, NRWL... I never really had a shot at the big one.

Jay Phillips: Why do you think that is?

Fraust: I never played the game. I always did my thing. Guys who catered to the audience, had a larger than life persona, they were the ones who were the focus. Mike Blood pulled me aside, tried to remake me into someone else so I could fit that mold, but it didn't work. So... I walked away.

[Jay is about to speak but Fraust holds his hand up.]

Fraust: Don't. Before you say anything, ask anything, let me be clear. No, I don't feel sorry for myself. Not anymore. I accepted my fate. You really, truly, can't deny that there is any accomplishment higher than the NRWL Hall of Fame. In time, I learned that. I was happy with the career I made for myself.

Jay Phillips: Then... why did you come back?

[Fraust looks at the camera and points into it.]

Fraust: Them. Not for the young, fresh NRWL fans. I don't fight for them. I'm talking about the people who rooted for me in WFW. The ones who paid to see me in IRW. The ones who were let down when I left NRWL after Season Two. After all these years, after simply vanishing, I felt it necessary to come back and keep fighting for them. Was getting an opportunity at the NRWL Championship something I had in mind? Truthfully, no, not really. But that opportunity is here now.

[Fraust lowers his brow and stares deep into the camera.]

Fraust: Bruno, you've done well for yourself in your career. You've been a worthy NRWL Champion. But it's a title reign about to come to an end. For every old school Fraust fan out there in the audience, it's time for them to get the champion they always hoped to have. I look forward to our match... but you shouldn't.

[Fraust turns and walks away from the small bloom of light in the room, leaving Jay standing there alone.]

Jay Phillips: Well, it sounds like Fraust is ready for his match. Fans, I have a feeling this match is going to a memorable finish to Season Five's competition. I'm going to be watching this one closely.

[Fraust's arm appears in view again to click the light bulb off.]

Fraust: Time to go, Jay.

Jay Phillips: ....How do I get out of here...?

Event Results for October 22nd 2013

Paul Priest vs Crawford

Blaming Crawford for a failed attempt to court a member of the NRWL production crew, Paul Priest demanded a match against the fan favorite hillbilly. Paul Priest imitially beat down Crawford in his quest for revenge, however, the big man used his size advantage to turn things around. Paul Priest tried to finish off Crawford with a pin attempt but a rope break kept Crawford in the match. Priest took the action to the outside and dropped Crawford to the floor with a reverse DDT. Back in the ring, Priest continued his assault. Crawford came back with a flurry of elbows to the head. Crawford got caught in a powerslam, followed by an Angel Smasher. Paul covered for the pin and won the match.

Winner: Paul Priest


Tornado vs. Mark Blood

Tornado and Mark Blood squared off in a showcase of the second generation talent coming up through the NRWL ranks. Tornado started the match with a burst of energetic attacks that was quickly matched by Mark Blood. After some back and forth, Tornado takes control of the match with a strike based attack.After showing off shades of his father's famous lightning punches, he followed up with his downburst finisher. Mark Blood kicked out of the pin attempt. Blood attempted a comeback using a slam based offense. Blood continues his attack by focusing on Tornado's head. Tornado tries to slow things down with an abdominal stretch but it is reversed into a hip toss. Mark Blood slams Tornado with a lifting facebuster slam and pinned him for the victory.

Winner: Mark Blood


Extreme Rules Match

"Hardcore" Adam vs. Storm Harrison

In a rematch from their first encounter, "Hardcore" Adam was looking to put Storm Harrison in his place. After their first match, Adam tried to help Storm up off the mat in a show of respect as it appeared Storm was injured. Storm responded by hitting Adam with a low blow and then doing jumping jacks in the ring.

The match started with a classic collar and elbow tie up. The early stages of the match went back and forth. "Hardcore" Adam tried to use a fan's replica championship belt on Storm Harrison but it was wrestled away from him.

Storm Harison used a chair to savegely beat Adam. Adam tried to get a weapon of his own but Storm stole a crutch from an injured fan and used it to stop Adam.

The match devolved into a vicious fight using crutches, sledge hammers, ladders, chairs, mops, and even a fan's cup of soda. Storm threw Adam through the steel steps. Adam responded by using the steps as a weapon against Storm. Adam leveled his opponent with a Hardcore Throwdown on the concrete floor where there was no padding.

Storm Harrison managed to get back to the ring with a crutch in hand. Hardcore Adam joined him in the ring, dodged a switch of the crutch and locked Harrison in for another ride in the Hardcore Throwdown. Adam pinned Storm for the victory and got his revenge.

Winner: "Hardcore" Adam


Lord J vs. Caleb

Wanting to make an impact, the man who loves to slam challenged a much bigger rival in Caleb. Showing he fears no man, Lord J showed off some of his best slams against the big monster. Caleb answered with his own. Caleb keeps Lord J on the mat but he comes back with a great back suplex. Caleb responded with a huge boot to the face and a "Fall to Hell" power bomb. Lord J came back with a Lord J Slam. Caleb kicks out of a pin attempt. Lord J attempts another Lord J slam but it is blocked and answered with another Fall to Hell. Lord J fights back and controls the match, displaying incredible strength with a choke powerbomb. The momentum swings back and forth. After a huge punch that knocked Lord J to the mat, Caleb used a third Fall to Hell. He pinned his opponent for the win.

Winner: Caleb


Triple Threat Match

J.T. Crusher vs. John Austin Austin vs. Slam Jackson

J.T. Crusher and Slam Jackson have unfinished business while John Austin Baker is finally happy to get a match that doesn't involve his cousin, Crawford. The three men were pitted against each other in a triple threat match. All three men go at each other in the early stages of the match.

John Austin Baker showed off an impressive wrestling skill early on. Crusher showcased his power moves. Slam Jackson showed off his flashy attacks. As the match progressed, Baker found himself on the receiving end of the majority of the offense. Crusher delivered two jackhammer suplex slams. Slam Jackson hit a big Street Sweeper slam. Crusher delivers a big slam to Baker and goes for a pin while Slam Jackson is interacting with the crowd. He is unable to get to the pin attempt in time and J.T. Crusher wins the match.

Winner: J.T. Crusher


Tag Team Championship Match

Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson vs. Tommy V. and Marcus

The newly crowned NRWL Tag Team Champions have their first title defense against Marty Anderson and the NRWL Champion, Bruno Kowalski.

Bruno and Tommy start the match for their teams. Bruno maintains early lead and Marty tags in to continue the dominance. Marty delivers Marcus to the mat with a huge superplex and tags in Bruno to continue the attack. Marcus manages to get back to his partner for a tag and the 4 Elements use their excellent team skills to bring the momentum in their favor.

Marty tags in Bruno who mounts an offense on Tommy V, culminating with a PX3. a pin attempt is blocked due to a rope break. Marcus slam Bruno in the Marc of Perfection but Bruno kicks out of a pin in two.  Both teams showing signs of fatigue but continue to fight with passion and great teamwork.

Late in the match, Marty tags in Bruno who explodes from the corner and takes out Marcus and Tommy V who is standing on the apron. Bruno drops Marcus with a facebuster and pins him for the win.

The new champions celebrate in the ring. Marty Anderson holds his first title in the NRWL while Bruno Kowalski is the first man in NRWL history to hold the NRWL Championship and the Tag Team Championship at the same time.

Winners: Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson


Number One Contender Six Man Ladder Match 

Ash vs. Katsutoshi vs. Johnny Young vs. Max Destruction vs. Jacob Washington vs. John Fraust

NRWL Champion Bruno Kowalski announced to fans that his next opponent would be the winner of a six man ladder match. The potential number one contenders were a mix of up and coming stars, former champions, and legends.

Three men immediately go outside for ladders. Within ten seconds, the ring is just a whirlwind of steel, muscle, and bone. Katsutoshi and Max fight on top of a ladder. Katsutoshi falls off but the ladder is tipped over before Max can get to the contract. The chaos continues with all men trying to get up a ladder and reach the contract. Johnny young brings in a chair and uses it on his opponents. John Fraust hits a big tombstone piledriver on Johnny while Ash throws a ladder out of the ring. Katsutoshi and Jacob Washington both climb the ladder but it is tipped over by Ash. Another ladder is setup and Max Destruction and Fraust both climb it. Fraust punches Max off and he spills to the floor. Taking the opportunity, Fraust unhooks the briefcase holding the contract and grabs hold of it as the ladder is pushed and he falls to the mat, clutching the briefcase against his chest and winning the match.

Fraust celebrates in the ring and leaves the ring to prepare himself for his title shot.

Winner: John Fraust

The J-Transfer - 10/22/2013

[scene opens to Jay Phillips on the J-Transfer set]

Jay:  Hi everyone, I’m Jay Phillips and welcome to the J-Transfer!  Your source to the latest in NRWL happenings!  Well, we’re down to the wire to the next show and we got quite a card lined up for you.  Everyone is anxiously awaiting to watch the main event, which is a 6-Man Ladder Match for the #1 contendership and shot at Bruno Kowalski’s championship belt at the next show.  Contestants are red-hot Katsutoshi, former NRWL champion Ash, the head-turning Jacob Washington, two-time former NRWL champion Johnny Young, hall-of-famer and legend John Fraust, and the explosive Max Destruction.  I know who I’m pulling for, but can’t wait to see the outcome!

We also know that the NRWL Tag Team championship is on the line in the co-main event as NRWL Champion tries to add more gold to his name by tagging up again with tournament partner Marty Anderson.  Together, they take on The 4 Elements members Marcus and Tommy V.

We have recently learned that Paul Priest was awarded a match against the husky Crawford.  Paul seemed less-than-pleased at the apparent “Crawford-blocking” being done which Paul claims, and I quote, “cost him a night of illicit passion.”

Some other matches that were inked at the last second include:

A the battle of the 2nd Generation stars, Mark Blood vs. Tornado.  Both men whose fathers were legends in their time, and both whom, unfortunately, have kind of stumbled out of the gate.  Also noteworthy is that both men can tend to be somewhat fiery.  Let’s hope both competitors keep it clean.

And speaking of keeping it clean, “Hardcore” Adam is being given a shot for revenge after the dirty low-blow by Storm Harrison after their last match.  Adam was quoted in saying “If you’re not going to keep it clean, then we’ll keep it hardcore!” revealing their match to be an Extreme Rules match.  Storm Harrison was very angry and just shoved me out of the way by my face when I asked for a comment.

Also, we have Lord J calling out the monster, Caleb.  Here’s a snippet from the interview…

[scene cuts to Lord J ranting]

“...and I came back for one thing - to show that I’m the best.  I don’t want to make friends.  I don’t want to have ‘good, technical matches.’  I want to smash people down to the canvas so hard they can’t breathe!  I might not have the marketable look or gift of the gab as some of the other faces of the franchise around here, so to get attention, I find the biggest badass in the fed, and beat the holy hell out of him.  And that badass is Caleb.  Caleb!  Your return is going to be short lived!  Next week, when you wake up and wonder what the hell happened, you’ll be old news and whoever the NRWL champion is, he’ll be seriously rethinking his career choice!”

[cut back to Jay.]

Jay:  Strong words from the man who loves to slam.  I’ve also just been told that the Lord J/Caleb match is No DQ Fall Count Anywhere.  Should be a good one!

And finally, the last signed match might actually steal the show.  A Triple Threat match between J. T. Crusher, John Austin Baker, and the leader of Slamnation, Slam Jackson.  This match can be quite the vaulting point for all of these men.  Crusher might be able to extract some revenge on Slam for the “motorcycle incident.”  Slam Jackson, with a strong showing, can easily put himself back into title contention and try to make another grab at the gold.  And Baker finally gets away from his cousin to compete as a single wrestler, where winning could propel him up the ranks very quickly.

Things are shaping up nicely as the end of Season 5 draws near, which will culminate at the Hall of Fame event to close out the season.  I’m very much looking forward to that.  It’s a great time to be following the NRWL!  Tune in to the show tonight!

[scene fades out.]

The Strong, Handsome Man

[Victoria, a member of the NRWL production crew, is backstage looking through some papers. She looks up and to her right. Standing next to her with a big grin is Paul Priest.]

Victoria: Paul. Can I help you?

Paul Priest: No, my dear. I think I can help you. I've been watching you. I noticed you aren't, ah, attached, to anyone. What's a pretty girl like yourself doing without a strong, handsome, dashing gentleman at your side?

Victoria: Oh god. Paul, I come here to work. I don't come here to date wrestlers. So unless you can help me get tomorrow's show all squared away, no, you can't help me.

Paul Priest: I'm just saying that you could have any wrestler you want. The best choice on this roster is right here and he's ready to take you to places you've only dreamed of.

[Victoria looks around.]

Victoria: You know what, Paul? You're right. I do need a strong, handsome man at my side. And you are right again. He's right here.

[Paul smirks and sidles up next to Victoria.]

Victoria: What are you doing? Not you, Paul. Him!

[Victoria points down the hall where a refreshment table is setup. Crawford is digging deep into a bowl of Doritos with one hand and a 2 liter bottle of soda in the other. He looks at Victoria and Paul Priest, takes a swig of soda and belches. Bits of Doritos fly out of his mouth.]

Crawford: Uh. Excuse me. 

Paul Priest: This oaf! You've got to be kidding me!

[Paul storms off. Victoria walks up to Crawford, pats him on the arm.]

Victoria: Thanks, Crawford.

Crawford: Sure! Anytime! Uh... What did I do?

Victoria: Took care of a little problem for me. See you around!

[Victoria walks away. Crawford shrugs and continues his assault on the refreshments.]

Championships & Challenges

[“Wishbone” by Dropbox blasts over the speakers, and The 4 Elements -- Tommy V, Marcus, Max D, and Mikey Armstrong -- emerge from behind the curtain.  Mikey is still in a wheelchair.  All four members stand at the top of the ramp and raise their arms and are welcome by boo’s from the crowd.  Mikey quickly gives an over-exaggerated grimace and starts massaging his leg.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  Wasn’t he favoring the other leg a few weeks ago?

WarHead:  Uh…. I don’t remember.

[They all make their way down to the ring.  Mikey pulls a crutch out from the back of his wheelchair and, with a look of excruciating pain, tries standing himself up with it, but falls back down into the seat of the wheelchair.  Tommy, Marcus, and Max quickly rush of and take his arms to help him up, but Mikey shrugs them off and holds his arms out with an “I got this” pose.  Mikey, teeth-clenched, slowly and arduously raises himself out of the wheelchair, supporting all his weight with the crutch until his is finally out of the chair.  Tommy, Marcus, and Max all give him a big round of applause and turn to the crowd with an insincere attempt to get the crowd to applaud along with them.  The crowd responds with even louder boo’s.  Mikey gives an insincere “thank you” wave, and begins slowly making his way up the ring steps, pausing for many seconds on each on to rub his leg.  The crowd boo’s with impatience.]

WarHead:  The show might be over before they even speak.

Jim Johnson:  I can’t believe--he can’t still be THAT injured!

[By the time Mikey and the rest of The 4 Elements make it to the center of the ring, the song is almost over.  Instead of fading out, the sound tech lets the last few seconds of the song play out and the song ends on its own]
Tommy V:  When are you people going to learn?  When are you people going to start showing some respect and gratitude?  When are you people going to wake up and realize?

Marcus:  And we’re not talking to all of you…...we’re talking to that small handful of people that were booing and injured man!

Tommy V:  Yeah!  You couple of people who were booing Mikey should be ashamed of yourself!  He suffered a career-ending injury!  But he fought through it and by his willpower and determination, he’ll be back soon! 

[Mikey smiles with faux-humility and wipes away an imaginary tear.]

WarHead:  So touching.

Jim Johnson:  This is ridiculous….

Tommy V:  Anyone else would take that opportunity to call it quits, get themselves a handicapped plate so they could park near entrances, and live off the government, just like most of you!  How many food stamps did you people have to scalp to get tickets here tonight?

Marcus:  I consider myself a hero to all you people, and for good reason.  But let me tell you, my hero, is Mikey Armstrong!

Jim Johnson:  Oh for Pete’s sake.

[The crowd boo’s more and Marcus give Mikey a handshake coupled with a bro hug.  After realease Marcus, Mikey winces and grabs his leg and rubs it a big.  The crowd starts chanting “You’re pre-ten-ding” *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap* “You’re pre-ten-ding” *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap* “You’re pre-ten-ding” *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap*.  The 4 Elements look around at the crowd with scowls on their faces.]

WarHead:  Didn’t realize so many doctors were in attendance tonight.

Marcus:  “Pretending?!?”  PRETENDING?!?  You know what’s not pretend???  THIS!!

[Marcus and Tommy hold up their tag team championship belts.]
Marcus:  We’re the NRWL Tag Team champions!  The first ones since the first season!  Pretending….Ha!  You know what pretending is??  Pretending is what you pile of garbage bums here tonight are doing right now!  You’re all pretending that you’re lower-middle class citizens!  You’re not!  You’re all here tonight because it’s a warm building with some working plumbing!  I’m sure all you toothless hobos will be in line at the soup kitchen tomorrow morning!

Jim Johnson:  Now that’s uncalled for!

Tommy V:  “Pretending.”  There’s nothing pretend about how great we are!  Look at what we did in that tournament.  Round 1 against Bruno and Marty.  Max gave us a good scouting report on them that was spot on: they’re weak-willed and lack the killer instinct.  And we did what great teams do to lesser teams.  We beat them.  We beat the team with the current NRWL Champion.

Marcus:  Round 2 - Johnny Young and Jacob Washington.  Johnny is a 2-time NRWL Champion, and Jacob Washington is this Seasons media darling.  They were the heavy favorite to win the entire tournament!  And what did we do?  We stomped them big time!  The tournament should’ve just ended there and declared us the champions.

Jim:  These guys are full of so much hot air, nobody can claim global warming is a myth!

WarHead:  …….come up with that all by yourself, did ya?

Tommy V:  Round 3 - The Sons of Darkness.  The scariest, immoral men in the federation.  They’ve cause so much pain and injuries to so many wrestlers…...And we kicked…..their…...ASSES!!!

[The crowd boo’s loudly as all four men in the ring smile ear to ear at Tommy’s statement]

Jim Johnson:  What the--?!?  They pretty much had that championship match handed to them when Apollyon hijacked The Sons of Darkness!

Marcus:  And the gold isn’t stopping there.  Max…?

Max D:  That’s right.  At the next show, I’m winning the 6-Man Ladder match, and then I’m going to beat my “friend” Bruno Kowalski, and take his belt and become NEW NRWL CHAMPION!!

[Crowd boo’s.]

Max D:  You see, when Bruno and I were training together, I told him that if he won the belt, I’d be right there to challenge for it.  But I didn’t think he’d be so cowardly that he’d do everything he can to prevent me from getting a title shot.  I’ve done my time, I’ve made my bones, and you’d think that out of sheer respect for a fellow warrior, he’d man up and grant me that title shot.  But no!  He knows I’ll beat him to a pulp, so he has to concoct this #1 Contender’s Ladder match, where I can be distracted and held back by 4 other mid-carders while another low-lift climbs the ladder without any struggle.  It’s crap.  But, crappy champions make crappy matches.  I hope Bruno isn’t champion for long, because with him at the helm, this company will founder.  What it really needs is a---

[“Crying Like a Bitch” by Godsmack cuts off Max’s speech.  Bruno and Marty emerge from backstage to thunderous cheer.]

Jim Johnson:  Uh oh!  Looks like Bruno and Marty have heard enough!

[Bruno and Marty walk down the ramp and into the ring and take mics.]
Bruno:  You guys are the BIGGEST bunch of babies this federation has ever had.  I had more respect for Red Love than I do for any of you.

WarHead:  Oh!  Buuuuurrrrnnnn!!!

Bruno:  Max, you’re haven’t earned anything.  Cheap shots and losing are not a way of becoming #1 contender.  The fact that you’ve “done your time” and “made your bones” is pretty much the only reason why I included you in the ladder match.  And now that you’re in it, why don’t you just try shutting up and winning something on your own for once this season?

[Max gets in Bruno’s face and the two stare each other down.  Marcus and Tommy pull Max back as Marty steps up to them.]

Marty:  So you think Bruno and I don’t have the killer instinct do you?  You think we’re weak-willed?  Then how about this?  Re-match between you two and us for the belts!  Put your money with your garbage-spewing mouths are!  If we’re such pushovers, then you shouldn’t be afraid to take us on again.  If you got--

[Mikey pushes by Marty and stars addressing the crowd.]

Mikey:  I’d like to thank everyone who has sent me Get-Well cards and gifts and for the tremendous outpouring of support from all my fans!  I can’t wait until this leg heals and I can finally get back to action.  You don’t know how much I wish it was me that would be defending the tag team belts for The 4 Elements!  ….Ok, well, not against these two here, that’d be a waste of time.  But against REAL opponents, I would welcome th--

[Marty kicks the crutch out from under Mikey’s arm.  The crowd cheers and Mikey stands there and glares at Marty with a look of angered shock.  Then, his face briefly flashes a look of guilty surprise, and he flops on to the canvas, rolling around and clutching his legs and screaming in “pain.”]

Jim Jonnson:  Look at that!  You can’t tell me he’s not faking!

[Tommy, Marcus, and Max tend to Mikey and call the doctors down to the ring.  Bruno and Marty exit the ring smiling and walk backwards up the ring.  Tommy, Marcus, and Max yell and point angrily at Bruno and Marty.  Tommy and Marcus hold up their tag team title belts.  Bruno holds up his NRWL championship belt.  Marty points to the ring and does the belts gesture around  his waist as the medical staff run down to the ring and tend to Mikey, who is pounding the canvas with his fists in “agony.”]

Jim Johnson:  Bruno and Marty, challenging for the tag team gold!  The next show is going to be a good one!

WarHead:  I hope Mikey’s okay.

[scene fades out.]

Back To The Beginning

[A camera is slowly working its way down a creepy, dimly lit hallway. The walls are made of a gray brick. The fluorescent lamps overhead flicker occasionally. The camera turns down another hallway with rotting wooden doors along the sides. A pipe overhead runs the length of the hallway. A large hole in the pipe reveals that it is long been dry. A rat scurries across the floor into a small hole in the wall. At the end of the hallway, the door on the left appears to be broken through. The camera slips through the broken door into a small room with a single light bulb overhead. In the corner is a man sitting on top of some cinder blocks. He is taping up his hands. The man looks up to reveal himself as John Fraust.]

John Fraust: No more distractions. I came back to the NRWL for one thing. The NRWL Championship. In the six man TLC match, five other men are going to know what it is like to feel pain unimaginable. Five other men are going to know that they should have stepped aside instead of walking into the ring and getting in my way. The Ice Man is back.

["Death Rattle" by Pantera begins to play. Fraust stands up, walks past the camera, and out of the room. The camera stays focused on the cinder blocks while the lights slowly dim until the room is left in total darkness. "Death Rattle" continues to play through the darkness. Eventually, it too slowly fades out.]

A Chance to Make Things Right

[Johnny Young is standing backstage in an interview set with Jay Phillips. He is wearing his usual entrance attire, exercise pants, white tank top, and sunglasses.]

Jay Phillips: Johnny Young, at the next event you will be stepping into the ring with five other wrestlers in a TLC match to determine the number one contender for the NRWL Championship. As a former holder of that belt, you must be very excited to get the opportunity.

Johnny Young: Awww yeah! You know Jay, I walked into this season as NRWL Champion. Since then, I've had some distractions but now is the time to get things back the way they should be. I am going to climb that ladder, pull the briefcase holding the contact that holds the contract to the title match at the next event. It's time for The Star Player to carry the gold again.

JP: How do you feel about our current champion, Bruno Kowalski?

JY: Jay, Bruno has proven himself as one of the greatest wrestlers in the NRWL today. There is no denying his skill. He is also a worthy NRWL Champion. As far as I'm concerned, I have a lot of respect for him. However, we are both wrestlers here in the NRWL and there is one thing all of us on the roster have in common. We want to be the best. We want to be the champion. There is only one NRWL Champion. Bruno is that man. I want to be NRWL Champion again. No amount of respect can change the fact that he has a target around his waist and I am gunning for it. Bruno Kowalski is a great face for the NRWL... but I'm better.

JP: Before you can challenge for that title, you have five other men to beat in the TLC match. One of those men is Jacob Washington, your tag team partner in the recent Tag Team Championship Tournament. You two had a very shaky alliance going into the tournament but you seemed to function quite effectively as a team. How does Jacob's involvement in the match affect you?

JY: Jacob Washington? The thing about Jacob Washington is this. When I called him out to be my tag team partner, I told him he reminded me of myself when I started here. That aside, we don't really see eye to eye. Coming out of that tournament, I can say this. [Johnny takes off his sunglasses and looks in the camera] Jacob, any time you need a tag team partner or someone to watch your back, you can count on me......... Except at the next event. There are five guys between me and a shot at the NRWL Championship. I don't care who it is in that ring. Everyone else is going home disappointed that night. The winner of that match is going to be "The Star Player", Johnny Young.

[Johnny looks at Jay and then walks off. Jay watches Johnny walk away.]

JP: A very confident Johnny Young.

Revenge

[scene opens to Abbadon walking menacingly through the hallways back stage.  He has just left the ring area after attacking his tag partner, Mastema, from behind in the Tag Team Championship match.  He walks with purpose and any staff or crew in the hallway cower down or paste themselves to the wall, lest they feel his wrath.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  I’m still in shock of what happened during that match.

WarHead:  Me too.  But where is he going?

[Abbadon reaches a set of wooden, windowless double-doors marked “Storage.”  He rips open the door]

JJ:  What the--?!?!?

[Sitting, hunched over, presumably unconscious, tied to chair with chains and rope, covered in bruises and welts, is…..Abbadon?]

WH:  Two of them!??!

[The standing, unbound Abbadon reaches of and rips the sack of his head, revealing another masked face]

WH:  NO WAY!!

JJ:  APOLLYON!!!  OH MY GOD!!!

[Apollyon wheels over a TV stand.  He turns on the TV and slaps Abbadon in the head.  Abbadon slowly lifts his head.  He looks up at Apollyon, still groggy.  Apollyon points over at the TV.  Abbadon turns to the TV to see it tuned into the live NRWL show.  The screen displays Tommy V. and Marcus celebrating in the ring with their newly won tag team championship belts.]

WH:  Well, you know what they say, revenge is a dish best ser—

[While Abbadon is still watching the goings-on on the TV, in quick, deft move, Apollyon delivers a massive boot to Abbadon’s head.  Abbadon and the chair spill backwards with a crash.]
 
JJ:  OH MAN!!!  A big boot to the side of the face!!

WH:  How can you tell it’s the side of his face?

[Abbadon lays motionless.  Apollyon picks up the TV and stands over Abbadon.  A commotion is heard from behind, and Apollyon turns with the reflexes of a cat, swinging the TV at the sound behind him, which happened to be Mastema!  Mastema falls to the ground, holding his head.  Apollyon kicks him solidly in the ribs, which makes Mastema instinctively curl up, gasping for air]

WH:  Oh, that never feels good.

JJ:  Apollyon is wreaking havoc!

[Apollyon looks up, and sees a few paces down the hall, Nick Belhor standing and staring in horror.  Nick comes to and takes off running.  Apollyon gives chase and quickly catches up and grabs Nick by the collar.  He spins Nick around and knees him in the gut, collapsing Nick.]

WH:  This does not look good for Nick.

JJ:  Apollyon is delivering some payback!

[Apollyon lifts Nick overhead, and gives him the Darkeness Falls through a pile of pallets!  Nick lays there motionless in a pile of broken and splintered wood.  Apollyon walks back down the hallway towards the exit.  As he approaches Mastema, who is on his hands and knees, he picks up metal hand truck, walks up to Mastema, and bashes it over Mastema’s back!  Mastema arches his back and contorts his body in pain.  Apollyon exits the arena.]

JJ:  The Sons of Darkness just got collectively destroyed Apollyon!

WH:  Maybe Nick kept the wrong one…

JJ:  Either way, the Sons of Darkness got a taste of their own medicine!

[scene fades out]

Event Results - NRWL Tag Team Championship Tournament

It's been nearly ten years since the NRWL had tag team champions. With so many teams and alliances forming during Season Five, it was obvious that it was time to revive the title belts. Eight teams stepped into the ring for a chance to become champions.

Slamnation - Slam Jackson and Ash

NRWL Champion Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson

John Austin Baker and Crawford

Johnny Young and Jacob Washington

The 4 Elements - Tommy Violence and Marcus

Sons of Darkness - Abbadon and Mastema

Storm Harrison and Caleb

SCSF - "Hardcore" Adam and Tornado

The tournament bracket was determined by random selection.

First Round

Johnny Young and Jacob Washington vs. Storm Harrison and Caleb

In an odd twist of fate, Johnny Young found himself in the ring against his two current rivals, Storm Harrison and his bodyguard Caleb. Right from the get go, Johnny Young unleashed an all out assault on his opponents. He was having his way with Storm Harrison until the tag was made to Caleb, who slowed Young's momentum before tagging Harrison back in to pick the bones. Young was late to make a tag to Jacob Washington, creating concern that he may not be a team player in this match. 

Washington used his speed advantage to keep the monster Caleb under control. Caleb manages to deliver a vicious powerbomb but Washington's energy keeps him from staying down long. Caleb tagged in Harrison. Harrison and Washington put on an amazing show of skills that proved that Harrison is ready to compete at a high level and Washington is deserving of the praise he receives each and every event.

Although it appeared that Johnny Young was not able to put his personal issues aside earlier in the match, he and Washington began to work really well as a team against the equally well oiled Harrison and Caleb. Caleb has Washington trapped in the ring corner but Washington fights his way out and tags in Young. Johnny Young finds himself in the ring with Storm Harrison and drops his rival with the Slam of the Night and a pin to win the match.

Winners: Johnny Young and Jacob Washington

Slamnation vs. SCSF

It was the new generation versus the legacy as Slam Jackson and Ash stepped into the ring against "Hardcore" Adam (and SCSF legend) and Tornado (son of legendary SCSF wrestler Cyclone). Tornado makes an immediate statement in the match by delivering a big boot to Ash who is standing on the ring apron. Tornado attacks Slam Jackson and completely dominates the early going of the match. "Hardcore" Adam and Tornado show off impressive teamwork, including a combination clothesline/spear on Jackson. Ash is tagged in but "Hardcore" Adam keeps the momentum going for his team. 

Tornado shows off an impressive elbow smash on Ash and nearly gets a pinfall. Adam and Tornado keep Ash away from his own corner, preventing a tag. Tornado tries to get Ash to submit to a painful backbreaker submission but Jackson gets in the ring to break it up. Ash manages to tag in Jackson but "Hardcore" Adam delivers two hardcore chokeslams in a row and pins him for the victory.

After the match, there is concern for Slam Jackson's health, but he is able to stand, shake off the cobwebs, and leave the ring under his own power.

Winners: SCSF

John Austin Baker and Crawford vs. Sons of Darkness

The Sons of Darkness intended to inflict harm on anyone who stepped in their way to become tag team champions. Their first roadblock came from the unusual pairing of cousins, clean cut Texan wrestler John Austin Baker and hillbilly Crawford. 

Baker started the match for his team but was overpowered by Abbadon. After Mastema tags in, Baker manages to fight back and keep his opponent at bay. After Crawford is tagged in, Mastema regains momentum for his team. Crawford is double teamed by the Sons of Darkness but gets to Baker in time for a tag. Baker is dropped with Darkness Falls by Abbadon but kicks out of a pin after only a one count. Baker tags in Crawford who squares off with Abbadon. Abbadon takes a moment to shove Baker off the ring apron and through the steel steps below. 

As the match progressed, John Austin Baker attempted to suplex Mastema but is jabbed in the eye and drops his much larger opponent. Baker responds with a quick neckbreaker followed by an impressive fallaway slam. Baker is stopped when Mastema catches him in Darkness Falls.

Baker is pinned while Abbadon obliterates Crawford outside the ring.

Winners: Sons of Darkness

Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson vs. The 4 Elements

Bruno Kowalski wants to add another belt as a companion to his NRWL Championship and picked Marty Anderson as his partner. In their first match, they faced Marcus and Tommy V. of The 4 Elements. Like the first match of the evening, this one had some personal issues fueling the fire. Bruno Kowalski and 4E member Max Destruction have a strained relationship and Marty Anderson injured the other 4E member, Mikey Armstrong.

Bruno and Marcus start the match at an even pace. Marcus sends Bruno outside with a clothesline but Bruno comes back in and does the same to Marcus on the other side of the ring. Anderson and Tommy V. are tagged in. Tommy throws Anderson out of the ring where he is attacked by Marcus. In the ring, Tommy brawls with Bruno. Anderson re-enters the ring but is quickly caught in Tommy's Vortex of Pain. Marty barely manages a kick out.

Marty tags in Bruno but is grabbed by Marcus on the outside of the ring. Tommy uses the opportunity to choke the champion. Bruno returns the favor shortly after by superplexing Tommy. Tommy responds with a Vortex of Pain. Bruno recovers quickly before Tommy can capitalize. Bruno reaches Marty Anderson in time for a tag but Marty is quickly double teamed as Marcus is tagged in. A fresh Marcus suplexes Marty and goes for a pin attempt that is broken by Bruno. Marty surprises Marcus with a spinebuster and a pin that is broken by Tommy. The referee loses all control of the match as all four men brawl in the ring.

Both teams show off impressive team skills. Bruno has the upper hand on Tommy but is quickly stopped when Tommy pulls off another Vortex of Pain. Bruno barely kicks out of a pin attempt.

Tommy is slammed to the mat with a facebuster. Bruno attempts a pin but Tommy kicks out. Tommy hits yet another Vortex of Pain while Marcus knocks Marty off the apron. Tommy pins Bruno without interruption and snags a victory for his team.

Winners: The 4 Elements

Second Round

In a twist, the second round matches are also determined by random selection.

SCSF vs. Sons of Darkness

The Sons of Darkness dominate the early stages of the match. "Hardcore" Adam manages to take down Abbadon with a series of neckbreakers and an impressive powerbomb. Mastema is tagged in and Adam is double teamed, ultimately being tossed out of the ring. Sons of Darkness manager, Nick Belhor, attacks Adam on the outside while the ref is distracted. Adam climbss back in the ring but is slammed with Darkness Falls by Mastema while Abbadon attacks Tornado on the outside of the ring. Mastema goes for a pin but at the last second Tornado rushes into the ring to break up the count! 

Adam finally manages to tag in Tornado. Mastema slows Tornado down using power moves. Tornado's head is volleyed back and forth by punches by both Sons of Darkness as Abbadon is tagged in. Tornado surprises Abbadon with an elbow smash and goes for a pin but Abbadon kicks out. Abbadon tries to tag in Mastema but is punched in the temple by Tornado and it drops him right to the mat. 

Nick Belhor sneaks over to "Hardcore" Adam on the ring apron and attacks him. Adam manages to get back to the apron in time to tag in. Adam begins to mount an offense against Mastema, including a throatbreaker off the top turnbuckle. Abbadon is tagged in. Although Adam continues his attack on his larger opponents, he is caught in Darkness Falls and is pinned.

Winners: Sons of Darkness

The 4 Elements vs. Johnny Young and Jacob Washington

Marcus and Tommy maintain control of the match early on. Marcus tries to deliver a splash to Jacob in the corner but it is blocked with a chokebomb. Johnny is tagged in and battles Tommy but Tommy keeps Johnny down. Johnny comes back with a unique fisherman's suplex slam and a double arm suplex. Tommy surprises Johnny with a Vortex of Pain and a pin attempt that Johnny kicks out of.

Johnny tags in Jacob who goes at the freshly tagged Marcus with a flurry of punches. Jacob bounces Marcus' head against the mat several times. Marcus clotheslines Jacob out of the ring as he tags in Johnny. Marcus doesn't realize the tag is made and is blindsided by Johnny. Jacob and Johnny use teamwork to keep Marcus in their corner. Johnny goes for a pin but it is broken by Tommy. Marcus slams Johnny with the Marc of Perfection but the following pin attempt is broken up.

Marcus drops Johnny to the mat with a powerslam and pins him before Jacob can get in the ring to break the count.

Winners: The 4 Elements

Final Round

Sons of Darkness vs. The 4 Elements

Tommy tries to quickly control the match but is overpowered by the Sons of Darkness. Marcus is tagged in and manages to keep Mastema at bay. Marcus and Tommy begin using double team moves to shift momentum in their favor. Mastema tags in Abbadon at the same time Tommy tags in Marcus. Marcus and Abbadon brawl in the ring. Marcus is chokeslammed and dropped with Darkness Falls. Marcus kicks out but cannot recover quickly and is tossed around by Abbadon. Tommy is tagged in and enters the ring by hitting a body splash off the top rope. Tommy uses the Vortex of Pain on Abbadon but he kicks out of a pin attempt.

Close to the Sons of Darkness corner, Tommy is attacked by Abbadon, Mastema, and Nick Belhor! Somehow, Tommy escapes and tags in Marcus. Marcus attacks Abbadon with a series of suplexes, neckbreakers, and strikes. Marcus tags in Tommy. Tommy is slammed with Darkness Falls and pinned but manages to kick out on his own before Marcus can get to him.

Abbadon attempts a powerbomb on Tommy but it is reversed into a facebuster. Mastema is tagged in. As Mastema assaults Tommy, the end looks to be near for the 4 Elements. Suddenly, Abbadon steps into the ring, attacks Mastema, and walks out of the arena! Int he commotion, Tommy and Marcus finish off Mastema with a combination forearm strike into a backbreaker followed by an elbow drop. Tommy pins Mastema as Nick Belhor is thrown from ringside by the referee. Tommy gets the pinfall victory. The 4 Elements become the NRWL Tag Team Champions. 

What will The 4 Elements have to say about their victory? What happened to the Sons of Darkness? Stay tuned.

Standoff

[Jay Phillips is in the backstage interview area]

Jay:  Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with the latest tag team to announce their participation in the upcoming tournament, “Hardcore” Adam and Tornado!

[Adam and Tornado step into view.]

JP:  Adam, this will be your second shot at tag team gold.  Give us your thoughts?

HCA:  Well Jay, last time I was tag team champion, it was with a Hall of Famer.  This time, it will be with the son of another Hall of Famer.  We will win this tournament and quite frankly, I feel one of the belts is still mine.  After all, I was never beaten for it.  I was stripped of it when Mike Blood retired.  So, we’re going to right the wrong, and bring that tag belt back around my waist.

JP:  Adam, you mentioned Hall of Famer, Cyclone.  Tornado, your father is legendary and was in just-as-legendary tag teams, winning the SCSF tag team titles with the iconic Crunchy, and then with the devastating Alien.

T:  Jay, I watched my father from the crowd as a little kid.  I saw him hold those belts and then some.  I don’t need to be reminded of what he did.  Adam and I are going to win these belts and I’m going to start my legacy.  I was just on the phone with my father last night and he thinks people need to stop bringing him up every time they talk to me or they’re going to overlook something special right in front of them.  I understand that I have big shoes to fi---

Off-Camera Voice:  Whatever!  Nobody cares about your daddy issues!

[Jay, Adam, and Tornado look off to the direction of the voice.  The camera pans over The 4 Elements--Tommy Violence, Marcus, Max Destruction are standing next to Jay.  Next to them is Mikey Armstrong in a wheelchair.]

Tommy Violence:  Seriously.  Give it a rest.  Nobody wants to hear it.  If all you are bringing to the table is a “stepping out of my father’s shadow” sob story, well, then take a spot behind Mark Blood.  He already paved his way to failure with that tired, boring drama.

Marcus:  See, this is how it works around here *does scare quotes with fingers*  “Hardcore” Adam and Tornado.  The people who pay money for tickets deserve better than you two.  They need real heroes.  And that’s why we’re also entering the tag team tournament.  Tommy V and I will take of the tag team brackets…

Max Destruction:  And when they’re done with that, I’ll be winning the #1 contender ladder match!  And right after that, I’m going and I’m laying a beat down on Bruno Kowalski and taking the NRWL Championship belt for myself!  All the gold will be locked up here, with The 4 Elements.  Bruno, you made yourself a big mistake distancing yourself from me.  You made a bigger mistake not making me your tag team partner.  And you made the biggest mistake putting me in the #1 contender match.  Enjoy your last few days with the NRWL Championship.

[Mikey Armstrong wheels closer to Jay.  He pulls a crutch out from the back of the wheelchair.  Slowly and almost exaggerated shakes, and stands up out of the wheelchair and leans on the crutch.]

Mikey Amrstrong:  Look at that, Jay.  I got up on my own two feet and am standing….all by myself!

JP:  Well...you needed the crutch--

MA:  I’m recovering from a career-ending, paralyzing injury.

JP:  You just hurt your leg.  That’s hardly paralyz--

MA:  The outpouring of support and get-well soon from all the men, women, and children has been overwhelming!  They really want to see me back in action!  And I want to say to them, I’ll be back in the ring, dazzling audiences before you know it!  You won’t have to put up with hacks like these two for much longer!

[At that line Tornado rushes towards Mikey, who quickly runs behind the other 3 members while holding his crutch up like a baseball bat.  Tommy V, Marcus and Max form a wall, and Tornado and Adam stand face-to-face with them]

Tommy V:  Easy there, junior.  Do you really want to try something?  Mikey in his injured state could take you both by himself, let alone having to deal with the rest of us. 

[Tornado turns away]

Tommy V:  Maybe if you were your dad, I’d be a little nervous…

[Tornado spins and slaps Tommy across the mouth.  Marcus and Max are about to rush Tornado but Tommy holds them back.  He steps up to Tornado.]

Tommy V:  That was your freebie.  You try anything else, and you can forget the tag team belts, because you’ll be in a body cast.

[“Hardcore” Adam pulls Tornado away from the confrontation and out of the camera view.  Tornado and Tommy never stop staring into each others eyes.  The scene fades out.]

Parallels

[Jim "The Amp" Johnson and WarHead are sitting at the ringside announce table. Jay Phillips is standing in the middle of the ring.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Alright fans, we've got Jay Phillips in the ring and he's going to be speaking with a very promising young wrestler tonight in Jacob Washington.

WarHead: That's my line, Jim, and you didn't even do it right. It goes AAAALLLLLLLLLLL RRRIIGGHHHTTT!!!! See? You have to put the emotion into it.

Jay Phillips: Fans, my guest at this time... Jacob Washington!

["Breathe Into Me" by The Red begins to play through the arena and he casually walks down to the ring to a mixed, though mostly negative, reaction from the crowd. He steps through the ropes and stands next to Jay.]

JP: Jacob, when Season Five began many called you the future face of this company. We've got a big six man Tables Ladders and Chairs match coming up after the tag team tournament to determine the number one contender for Bruno's title. You, Jacob Washington, are one of the participants in that match. What is your mindset going into the match?

Jacob Washington: Jay, plain and simple, I --

["Stain" by Full Devil Jacket begins to play, cutting off Jacob. Jacob smirks and shakes his head while he watches Johnny Young step out onto the stage. The crowd begins to cheer loudly. Johnny has a microphone in his hand and takes his time walking down to the ring.]

WarHead: Jacob Washington barely opened his mouth. I envision this not ending well at all.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'd have to agree with you, WarHead. I don't know what Johnny's game plan is here but I hope he came ready to fight.

[Johnny steps into the ring. The music dies down.]

Johnny Young: Jacob, you and I haven't really gotten along since you came here. That's no secret. Hell, we've already brawled in this ring in a number one contenders match before. You know.... I kind of hate you. BUT, I also kind of like you an awful lot. I've been trying to figure out why.

JW: Well, it's probably jealousy. I walk in here, make a name for myself, live up to the hype, and am poised to run guys like you into obsolescence. That's why you hate me. You like me because I'm just so good you can't help but be impressed.

[Johnny nods and ponders Jacob's statement.]

JY: A good theory. Definitely a possibility. Now try mine out. A gifted wrestler with a lot of hype around him comes to the NRWL. In a roster where there's some old favorites and a lot of new faces, he manages to live up to that hype, exceed it even. In time, he gets his well deserved title shot and wins the big one. From there, he takes off and builds a great career. Becomes the face of the NRWL.

JW: So you're painting a picture of my future. Amazing. Did you get that from some magic 8 ball? None needed. You only need to watch me to see that the future you described is inevitable.

JY: Well, maybe. I don't know. The truth is, I could actually see that happening for you. Only thing is, I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about the story of a "Star Player". I'm talking about me. Awww yeeaahhh!

[The crowd bursts into cheers. Fans are chanting "Johnny! Johnny!"]

WarHead: I never thought about it, but he's right. I was there! People thought Johnny was going to be this huge deal. Ten years later, the proof is standing right in front of us.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: The parallel is there, for sure.

JY: So, let me get this out of the way first. In that number one contenders match, it's every man for himself and if I were a betting man in Vegas, I'd be wise to put my money on The Star Player. But I am getting ahead of myself. Before we get to that match, we've got a tag team tournament coming up. I want in that tournament. More importantly, I want to win that tournament. I looked around and decided that the best fit for a tag team partner....... is you.

JW: Are you serious? So you come out here, interrupt me, tell me that you will win a number one contenders match that we are both in - you're wrong, by the way - and then tell me that you want me as your tag team partner? No way I'm carrying you to the finish line just to share some gold.

JY: Your cocky attitude reminds me of me. Your ability to work under the pressure of the hype machine reminds me of me. You've got the look of a champion, yeah, like me. Don't get me wrong, Jacob. I really do see you as a top guy in this company someday. Championship gold around your waist is a no brainer. It will happen. I'm just saying... it'll happen a lot sooner if you team up with me. Think about it. Put your attitude in check for just one moment and consider what I've done. I'm not asking you to like me. I'm asking you to listen to that growling inside. That hunger for some gold. Jacob, you and I can take this tournament.

[Jacob grinds his teeth, looks to the ring mat, and shakes his head. He smiles and looks up at Johnny. Then he walks right up to Johnny until they are nose-to-nose.]

JW: Ok. I'll bite. Let's do this. I don't feel too good about having a has been like you weighing me down but taking the tag titles and then going on to win the NRWL Championship from Bruno would be nice. I am hungry for gold. If I can get a double helping, why not?

JY: Well then. That's that. See you at the tournament. Partner. Aw. Yeah.

[Both men stare each other down. Finally, Johnny steps back, eyes up his partner, and then steps through the ropes and out of the ring. Jacob's music begins to play as he stands in the ring and watches Johnny walk back through the stage curtain.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: This could be quite a force in the tag team tournament. That's all dependent on if they can even function as a team.

WarHead: Fraust and I weren't always on the same page but we had a pretty good run with Nuclear Winter. With Johnny and Jacob, neither one of these guys is fond of the other but they have the same goal in mind. If they can somehow keep their focus, they really might win this whole thing. It's a big might, though.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: No matter what happens, we won't know until the tournament!

The Champ - Setting the Stage

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  Welcome everyone and thank you for joining us!!  I’m Jim “The Amp” Johnson, and calling commentary with me here is The Hottest Item in the NRWL, WarHead!!!

WarHead:  AAAALLL RRIIIIIGGGGHHHTT!!!!  Jim, I gotta tell you, the last show was nothing short of amazing.

JJ:  You got that right, WarHead.  People are still talking about it.  We’ve already heard from Mark Blood, Tornado, and Katsuto--

[“Cryin’ Like a Bitch’” by Godsmack blasts out the speakers.  The crowd erupts in cheers!] 

WH:  Sounds like we’re going to hear from the reigning NRWL champ now!

[Bruno Kowalski ermerges from backstage area to a loud pop.  He has the NRWL belt draped over his shoulder.  He stands at the top of the ramp with a small smile on his face.  Slowly and deliberately, he raises the NRWL belt overhead with one hand, and the crowd erupts with even louder cheers.  He walks down to the ring, climbs in and grabs a mic.]

Bruno:  Everyone knows that I’m a man of few words.  I like to let my actions do the talking for me.  But….I’ve got something to say.   *pauses*   How about that last show?

[Crowd cheers with approval.]

Bruno:  I like to consider myself a stand-up guy who gives credit where credit is due.  And with that in mind, I have to salute all my fellow wrestlers back in the locker room for the incredible show that we all put on.  From the first match to the brutal last, it was some of the best I’ve seen since I got here.  How about one more cheer for all the guys in the back that brought it and left it all in the ring?

[Crowd cheers even louder in appreciation]

JJ:  This man is a class act.

WH:  *clapping*  Kudos to all you guys back in the locker room.

Bruno:  The bad news about last card being so good is it makes my next task veeerrryy difficult - deciding who gets the next title shot.

JJ:  He’s got a point, WarHead.  Who do you give the next shot to?

WH:  Based off last show, everyone.

BK:  After givng it some thought, and talking with some of the guys backstage, I’ve decided to hold a #1 contender match.  The match will be a 6-Man TLC match, with the winner getting a match for this belt here at the following show!

[crowd cheers.]

JJ:  Oh man!!!  That’s something not to be missed!

WH:  But the real question is, who will be participating?!

JJ:  Good question, WarHead

BK:  It was tough decided who to pick for the match, but here’s who I came up with.  First up, a rookie who’s turned a lot of heads, Jacob Washington!

[crowd boo’s]

JJ:  Nothing surprising there

WH:  He underestimatedt Paul Priest, but other than that stumbling block, he’s been on fire.

BK:  The controversial, yet successful, Katsutoshi!

[crowd boo’s]

JJ:  He’s won pretty much every match he’s been in, but won them questionably.

WH:  W’s are W’s.  Questionable wins get in you title match contentions like this.  Losses don’t.

BK:  The fans’ favorite wrestler, Ash!

[crowd cheers!]

JJ:  Former champion and widely popular!

WH:  He’s gotta earn his re-match.

BK:  The star player, Johnny Young!!

[crowd cheers!]

JJ:  Another past champion!

WH:  Aaaww yeeaahh!  Let’s see if Johnny can strike gold a 3rd time!

BK:  My “friend” who said he’d be coming after my belt, Max Destruction.

[crowd gives a mix of boos and cheers.]

JJ:  Hoooo boy!

WH:  Well, if Max is serious about coming after Bruno’s belt, now’s his chance to prove it.

BK:  And finally, the ice man, John Fraust!!!

[another mix reaction from the crowd]

JJ:  Wow!  John Fraust!  This got even more interesting!

WH:  Fraust excels in these kinds of matches.  Ask Mark Blood.  I just wonder if Fraust’s bumps and bruises will all be healed by the time the match happens.

BK:  And there you go guys.  You all know what you have to do  Good luck, and may the best man win.  Now, on to the next order of business:  the tag team tournament!

JJ:  So Bruno IS going to participate!

WH:  Why wouldn’t he?!  I would!

BK:  I’m entering into the tournament.  So, the question is, who’s my tag team partner going to be?  Well, I’ve made my choice.  It may not be the most popular choice.  We don’t always see eye to eye and we’ve had our share of differences.  But I’m here to win, and this man I think gives me the best shot at hoisting 2 belts.  His first name begins with “M-A…”

WH:  You gotta be kidding me….

BK:  His last name ends with “O-N…”

JJ:  He’s IS!  He’s tagging with Max Destruction!

BK:  Ladies and genglemen, my tag team partner…..love him or hate him….you gotta respect him.  MARTY ANDERSON!!!!

[The crowd erupts in cheers as “On March the Saints” by Down blasts over the system,  Marty Anderson steps out from backstage to a loud pop.]

JJ:  What a shocker!!!  Marty Anderson!!!

WH: It’s a smart move!  Marty Anderson is a force!

[Marty walks down to the ring.  He takes a mic and walks over to Bruno and shakes his hand.  The music dies down.]

Marty Anderson:  Bruno and I share a few things in common: Mat skills.  No-nonsense attitude.  And the desire to win.  Those things have put the belt around his waist.  And this season he has proven that in tag team competition, he is clutch.  He’s won every tag match he’s been in this season, and with different tag team partners.

JJ:  I think Marty is the only guy that’s beat Bruno this season.

MA:  That tells me he knows how to hold his own and not fold when it’s all on the line.  I don’t know if that can be said about anyone else on the roster.  Bruno has proven he has what it takes to succeed in tag team wrestling.  So tagging with Bruno...it’s a no-brainer.

BK:  And Marty has also proven that he also has what it takes to succeed in tag team wrestling, for those of you who remember when he tagged with Malone.  We expect nothing less than winning the tag team tournament.

MA:  We don’t care who you put in front of us.  Sons of Darkness.  The 4 Elements.  It doesn’t matter.  We’re walking away with the belts.  And that’s all there is to it!!

[“On March the Saints” blasts again as the crowd cheers Marty’s bold statement.  Marty and Bruno stand up on the turnbuckles rallying the crowd.  Bruno holds up the NRWL championship, and Marty does the belt-around-the-waist gesture.]

JJ:  We don’t even know half teams in this tournament, and already Bruno and Marty might be favored to win.

WH:  Is it too early to pick them as the winners?  I’ll bet you $100, Jim.

JJ:  Ha ha, I’m not a betting man, WarHead, and I certainly wouldn’t bet against those two.  I can’t wait to see how this tournament shakes out!  Stay tuned!

[scene fades]

Isolation

[Jay Phillips is standing in the ring]

Jay Phillips:  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, Tornado.

[“Bullets” by Creed cranks over the speakers.  Tornado walks out with an irked face on.  He no-so-boisterously walks down to the ring and climbs in and stands next to Jay as the music dies down.]

JP:  Tornado, as a second generation wrestler and son of SCSF legend, Cyclone, there must have been tremendous pressure to deliver at the last show.  And thanks to Katsutoshi--or, probably more accurately, Leiko--those expectations fell, shall we say, a little short?

Tornado:  Look Jay, you and everybody watching, saw exactly what a disgrace of a match that was last night.  I understand that referees are human and they make mistakes.  I’m not blaming the officiating for my loss, but I really think it played a big hand in the outcome of the match.

JP:  The questionable officiating being the DQ call?

T:  Well---see that’s why it’s questionable.  Normally, a disqualification for putting your hands on out outside manager--which is what I did--is the correct call.  But...c’mon!!  I don’t know how the ref missed her parading back and forth on the ring apron the ENTIRE match, suplexing me out of the ring, punching me while I was outside the ring, and then...proceeding to pin my arms up while Katsutoshi got in a shot I couldn’t defend against!!  And somehow  **I** get disqualified?  Just for taking care of business??  Call me crazy, but I think the people who pay their hard-earned money deserve better than that. 

Voice over PA:  Weeeeeeee ooooooooo weeeeeeee ooooooooooo weeeeeeeee ooooooooooo!

[Tornado and Jay look up the ramp as Katsutoshi and and Leiko emerge from backstage.  It’s Katsutoshi making the siren sound into the microphone.]

Katsutoshi:  Hear that Tornado?  It’s the WAAAAAAmbulance on their way here to administer an emergency diaper change.  Why don’t you man up and admit that you’re a hot-head rookie who lost his cool and put his hands on a lady?  Wait, I just answered my own question.  You CAN’T man up because real men don’t put their hands on ladies!  Typically, I would walk right down there and kick the snot of anyone who strikes a woman, but you’ve already dishonored yourself AND your father with your cowardly act.  Plus, I already beat you!  Ha!  So I have nothing more to prove.  I’m the better man, and truly, the better man won!

[Katsutoshi folds his arms and smiles impishly.  Tornado grinds his teeth and scowls.  After a few seconds, he snatches the microphone from Jay Phillips hand, startling Jay.  Tornado walks over the ropes and leans over them, addressing and pointing up at Katustoshi.]

T:  If you think this is over, you’re WRONG!  If you think we’re done, you’re WRONG!  And if you think that I’m not going to get back at you…..YOU’RE WRONG!  After this tag-team tournament,  you and I are going at it again!  But this time, we’ll be inside a cage so your harlot can’t interfere on your behalf like she always does!  Then we’ll see who the real man is and if you can take care of business YOURSELF!

[“Bullets” begins playing again.  A visibly outraged Katsutoshi begins yelling and pacing and waving his hands in anger.  He points up at Tornado and Tornado points right back at him, then Tornado punches his fist into his open palm.  Katsutoshi continues yelling up at Tornado as Leiko tries calming Katsutoshi down as the scene fades out.]