Gallow's End 31 October 2016

The screen opens in an office. The camera focused on the back of a chair clearly occupied.

???: Ladies and gentleman I'd like to welcome you to Gallow's End... You maybe wondering what has happened to our General Manager and why he is not opening the show. Due to his failure to produce the last episode of StormFront,.. let's just say his service are no longer required. You may be asking yourself, who I am, this mysterious man in a chair who you can't see. That will be revealed when the time is right, as for now 4CW is in capable hands with my lovely assistant Ms. Quinn Cox. As of now, she speaks for me and is in charge of daily operations. So sit back and enjoy this special presentation of 4CW!

[Insert Totally Awesome Graphic Here]

We cut backstage to Gabriel Crowe standing idly by waiting for his cue, hand in his ear.  He suddenly picks up his head and speaks:

Crowe:  Welcome ladies and gentlemen to 4CW’s annual event….GALLOW’S END!  This is traditionally a show where there are epic endings, striking beginnings, and all kinds of exciting action in between!  I’m here with Bally Hoo, a man looking to win the signature Gallow’s Pole Match tonight over fellow newcomer Pilgrim Paige.  Hoo, you’re normally a tag team competitor...what’s your plan tonight against the ultra dangerous “Lunar Pilgrim” herself?

The big man comes into view and takes up most of the lens as the camera is seen going a bit wider to fit both Gabriel and all of Bally Hoo in the scene.

Bally Hoo:  Hey there Gabriel, I am beyond excited for this match.  I’ve always dreamed of being in 4CW and becoming either tag team or world champion.  But, this?  This right here is one of the most storied and legendary matches not only in 4CW but throughout the profession.  Locker rooms all over the world talk about the Gallow’s Pole Match as if it is some kind of match that nobody ever wants to re-live if they even make it out of there in the first place.  It was always known as the match that everyone wanted to have, but didn’t want to actually go through with.

The sound of wheels coming toward the interview booth are faint for a few seconds but they get closer and closer each second that passes by and soon interrupts Hoo mid-speech.  Both Gabriel and Hoo turn and look worried at first, but instantly turn to a pair of confused smirks as a giant anvil case flies across the camera’s view with someone apparently riding it, wearing stirrups and a cowboy hat with a lasso rope tied up on his belt buckle.

Tom Foolery:  YEE-HAW GIDDY UP!  RIDE ‘EM COWBOY! WOOOOOO!

Bally Hoo:  …..Anyway, as for my plan, Gabriel?  I’d love to tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.

Crowe: Well, Mr. Hoo...I honestly enjoy my life.  So, you can spare me.

Bally Hoo  HA!  Just kidding there, pal.  Just kidding.

Hoo dusts off Gabriel’s shoulders and fixes his collar a bit before continuing.

Bally Hoo:  As for my plan against Ms. Pilgrim Paige in the Gallow’s Pole Match.  I am going to first hope that I’m too heavy to be held up by the pole, but then I think that since Belly was once hung from those same gallows...that’s out.  Otherwise, I simply need to ground the girl.  She is most dangerous when there is space between us.  Up close and personal, she won’t know what to do with me.  I’m gonna be on her like stink on a hippie.  There will be nowhere for her to go tonight but up on the Gallow’s, where she will cease to wax and only wane until there is nothing left of what was once...Pilgrim...Paige. 

Gabriel’s face turns from relaxed to very focused by the end of Bally Hoo’s soliloquy because Hoo seemed to turn the intensity up as well.

Crowe: Well, best of luck to you Mr. Hoo.  Back to you, Scott, Jeffery, and James!

Ladders are shown set up around the ring and on the entrance stage.

Roberts: Now it's time for our first championship match of the evening! It was announced last Storm Front that the 4CW Custom Cup Championship will be brought back. Tonight Sery and Supreme battle each other in a ladder match to determine who the 4CW Custom Cup Champion will be.

Jeffrey: This one isn't even a contest. Sery hasn't even put up a fight against Supreme, have you seen the pipsqueak get his ass kicked constantly?
The riffs of Godsmack's "I STAND ALONE" rip through the arena. Supreme comes bursting out of the curtains with a cocky and confident stride. Supreme soaks in the boos and hands the crowd a pair of middle fingers back.

Roberts:Supreme isn't a fan favorite. We know that for sure.

Jeffrey: I don't think Supreme gives a crap.

Supreme starts to make his way down the isle when he's attack from behind with a steel chair. Sery throws the chair to the ground and picks up Supreme and throws him into one of the ladders on the entrance ramp that is set up and Supreme goes straight down to the floor. Kneeling over Supreme's body Sery starts pounding away at his head with punches.

Jeffrey: What a coward! He can't face Supreme face to face!

Roberts: Payback and these 4CW fans are loving it!!!

Sery gets off Supreme and brings him to his feet and goes to irish whip him into the ring apron, Supreme reverses and gets Sery instead. Sery cringes in pain as Supreme grabs Sery by his long hair and throws him head first into the steel ring steps. Sery is sitting back first against the steel ring steps when Supreme takes one of the ladders and holds it up over his head and throws it at Sery, Sery manages to get out of the way of his impending doom, barely. Supreme rushes Sery and tries for a clothesline but Sery rolls out of the way and ends up behind Supreme and Supreme turns around and Sery kicks him in the gut and throws him into the ring.

Roberts: Maybe we finally can get this match started. Huh?

Sery climbs the turnbuckle from the outside of the ring and waits for his nemisis to get to his feet and Sery comes launching at Supreme with a huge missle drop kick. Sery gets up and stands up on the turnbuckle and panders to the fans who are going wild. Sery jumps off and then goes to the outside of the ring and grabs a ladder. By the time he pandered to the fans and then got the ladder, Supreme is up and he gets Sery while he is getting in the ring with a drop kick to the ladder that smashes into Sery's face. Sery falls backwards into the barricade as Supreme slides out of the ring and then he grabs the ladder and throws it the ring.

Supreme goes to slide into the ring but Sery grabs his foot and pulls him out and hammers him with some punches then tries for a DDT onto the floor but Supreme blocks it and drives Sery into the barricade. Supreme takes another ladder and places it on the barricade and the ring apron, making some what of a bridge. Supreme takes Sery and tries to suplex him but Sery floats over and pushes Supreme into the ladder he set up. Sery slides into the ring for what looks to be a breather. Sery manages to find a ladder and set it up and starts an ascent to the top to grasp the gold.

Roberts: Heres our first attempt for the belt! Sery is so close!

Jeffrey: Get up Supreme! get up!!!

Sery is nearly to the top when Supreme comes in and springboards off the ropes and drop kicks the ladder. Sending Sery into the ropes and onto his back. Supreme takes the ladder and throws it out of the ring. Back to square one. Supreme waits for Sery to get up to his feet and then he takes Sery and whips him into the ropes and when Sery comes back at him Supreme hits a drop toe hold and  locks in a crossface onto Sery. Sery is screaming in pain as Supreme locks it in even harder by every waking second.

Roberts: No DQ remember! He doesn't have to break this hold!

Jeffrey: Sery's going to be paralyzed after this!

Supreme keeps it locked in and Sery begins to fade. After a while of it being locked in Sery managed to get some life and and roll out of the hold. Both men get to their feet and Sery goes for a kick but Supreme catches the feet and Sery goes for a Enzuguri but Supreme ducks it and grabs Sery by the waist and hits him with a German suplex. Supreme grabs Sery by the ankles and locks in an ankle lock but Sery reverses it right away and sends Supreme to the outside of the ring. As Supreme gets up Sery comes lauching himself to the outside of the ring knocking him and Supreme to the ground.

Roberts: Sery just leaped out of the ring! He's not messing around!

Jeffrey: What a lucky shot!

Sery is the first to his feet and he goes past the announcers table and grabs a chair and turns back to Supreme. Supreme is on his hands and knees when Sery crashes the steel chair into his back. Sery crashes the steel chair into his back a few times before he finally drops the chair. As Sery stands over Supreme he gazes up at the 4CW Custom Cup Championship that is hanging above the ring and Sery quickly slides a ladder into the ring and sets it up. Sery slowly begins his climb. Sery almost has his finger tips on the belt when Supreme comes in and once again tips over the ladder. Sery some how manages to land on his feet and Supreme knocks him down with a clothesline.

Roberts: I thought Sery had it.

Jeffrey: My boy Supreme isn't going to let a little twerp like that win!

Supreme unfolds the ladder and sets it up in the corner. Supreme takes Sery and whips him right into the ladder and the pain and agony is clear in Sery's face. Supreme holds his back as he approaches Sery again and he takes him by the head and rams it into one of the rungs of the ladder and it splits Sery's forehead open. Supreme grabs Sery by his hair and spits in his bloody face "YOU THINK YOUR ON MY LEVEL YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Supreme takes his forearm and rams it into Sery's forehead over and over. The blood on Supreme's forearm is apparent when he finally decides to stop.

Roberts: I don't think Sery is in that good of shape here..

Jeffrey: Now is Supreme's time!!

Supreme moves Sery's lifeless body away from the ladder and grabs the ladder and sets it up in the middle of the ring and he gazes up at the prize hanging above the ring. Supreme begins his ascent to glory. Sery starts to regain conciousness apparently and starts using the ropes to pull himself to his feet slowly. Supreme is at the top of the ladder when he looks down at Sery and flips him the bird "FUCK YOU!!!" Sery with one last burst of energy takes the time to lunge himself into the ladder. Supreme goes crashing down to the mat.

Roberts: Both men are down! Supreme could have been champion by now but he just HAD to rub it in Sery's face once again!

Jeffrey: I can't believe it! I mean I would have done it too but... still!

Supreme and Sery both bring themselves to their feet very slowly. Suddenly they become face  to face in the ring and start slugging it out. Back and forth they go exchanging right hands. Everytime Supreme connects with Sery's face, you can see some of the blood fly off, Sery's pouring like a fountain! Supreme gets the best of Sery and starts to connect multiple times until Sery gets backed into the corner. Supreme manuevers himself into position so he's on the turnbuckle! He hooks Sery's head and then comes flying off and hits the SUPREME IMPACT (Diamond Dust). Sery's body looks lifeless out now face down on the mat.

Jeffrey: That is the end of him. Supreme is the champ.

Roberts: Sadly it looks that way.

Supreme sets up the ladder once again and gazes up at the belt once again. He turns his attention to Sery again, almost as if he is trying to make a decision. Supreme goes for Sery and picks his corpse up off the mat and points to the Ladder that is still positioned on the outside of the ring between the mat and the ring post. Supreme takes Sery and brings him up into a power bomb position and runs and launches Sery to the outside and through the ladder!!!!

Roberts: OH MY GOD! Some one get some help out here! There is no way Sery can still be breathing after that!

Jeffrey: I'm.. speechless! I knew Supreme was ruthless, but this.. this is on a whole new level!!

Supreme flips the bird again as if he was saying "I TOLD YOU SO" and he turns his attention back to the ladder and the 4CW Custom Cup Championship! Supreme rung by rung climbs the ladder. Every inch seems like a mile, but Supreme pushes through all the pain and finally gets to the top. He looks down and sees Sery still laying in the carnage lifelessly. Supreme reaches up and takes the belt down!

Roberts: WE HAVE A NEW CUSTOM CUP CHAMPION!!!!

Jeffrey: I can't believe it! Supreme now reigns supreme! Almost killing Sery along the way, well Sery might be dead, who knows!

Supreme sits there on top of the ladder hoisting the belt high above his head as the EMTs come out to check on Sery. Supreme kisses the belt as we fade away from the action going on in the ring.

We cut backstage where Gabriel Crowe is standing, looking a bit gormless.

Crowe: Ladies and gentlemen I am joined at this time by one half of tonight's main event, "The Bruiser" Rhys Cain.

Cain comes into view as the camera pans over a little.

Crowe: Bruiser, we're here. The Soul Survivor Final tonight is for the 4CW Heavyweight Championship and it's you vs Brian White. Now, on the night of the show, will you finally reveal what your stipulation is?

Cain smirks.

Cain: It's funny, Gabriel, that I've been asked what the stipulation is for weeks now - and really, if you pay any sort of attention to my career, it should be the most obvious thing in the world. It's going to be a match where I feel right at home, it's going to be a Swansea Death Match!

An audible pop is heard from the crowd around the arena and Cain waits for it to simmer before he continues.

Cain: In this match, there is only one rule: win by pinfall, submission or TKO. That's it. There are no countouts, no disqualifications, no doctors, no mercy, until that bell rings. Every time I've had one of these matches, neither I nor my opponents have ever been the same again... but I know that this match will be the match that proves I am the best in this company and I will beat the biggest and baddest to earn that title. White, I'm gonna cut the crap for a moment, I don't like you, in fact I think you are a piece of shit - but I respect the hell out of you as a competitor and tonight, you will respect me too; for the beating I am going to inflict on you.

Cain stares at the camera for a few seconds and then leaves without another word.

Roberts: Can you believe this? Who would have thought he would choose that match?

Jeffrey: I'm speechless...

Phoenix: That's a first!

Jeffrey: What! Where... How... I thought you were fired!

The lights dim and two spotlights appear on stage, with a rusty-brown looking tint taking over the rest of the arena.  The spotlights come up one by one as the intro notes of Joe Cocker's “With a Little Help from My Friends” cover begin, revealing Bally Hoo of Debauchery!

“What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song...
And I'll try not to sing out of key…”

Carson: Introducing first, weighing in at 296 pounds... BALLY HOOOOOO!

Bally Hoo happily strolls down the 4CW rampway, lip syncing the entire song as some of the crowd members join in the fun and show their admiration for the mischievous wrestler.

Roberts:  As one half of Debauchery, Bally Hoo is well known to have a light and humorous side, but in the quest to crown the next 4CW World Champion, this big 300-pounder proved he's no laughing matter.

Phoenix: Up to and including his elimination from the Soul Survivor tournament in round 3, Hoo proved to be a formidable foe to his competitors, who may have underestimated his abilities as a singles performer.

Jeffrey: Well, he'd better get extra-serious tonight and wipe that goofy grin off of his face before he gets it slapped off, 'cause this one's for the #1 contender's slot, baby!

The lights dim and "The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch blares, as a thick layer of purple fog envelopes the stage. Paige appears through the fog, wearing a black leather jacket over her black and purple ring attire. She throws her arm up and gives the sign of the horns while pumping her arm a few times. Some fans do the same in return.

Carson: Making her way to the ring, hailing from Newfoundland, Canada and now residing on... The DAAARK Side of the MOOOON... weighing in at 134 pounds... PILGRIIIM PAIIIGE!

Roberts:  Eliminated in the penultimate round, Pilgrim Paige proved impressive, if a bit hot-headed and overzealous. Can she keep a clear head and find a way to out-maneuver the big man tonight?

Phoenix: Well, for those who've been under a rock for the duration of Soul Survivor, this young lady managed to score 2 very impressive wins in the tournament, including a submission victory that eliminated none other than Bally Hoo himself. She's definitely proven that she can not only keep up with more veteran and much larger competitors, but has also shown an intensity and innovative streak that's led her to some great successes.

After a brief scan of her surroundings, the song's beat picks up with a growling vocalization and she takes off running to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope and arising. After removing her jacket and tossing it to ringside, she walks to the middle of the ring. Paige spreads her arms wide and draws back her head, sounding out a loud WOOO while bursts of purple pyro shoot from the corner posts. The lights return to normal as she removes her Trans Pride necklace, sets it aside and commences running the ropes in preparation for the match.

Bally Hoo, at ringside, stares down Paige for a few moments, then glances over at the pulley-and-rope apparatus looming ominously over the corner post nearby.

Jeffrey: Tensions are running high! Big stakes tonight for these two, plain and simple. Someone's getting a second chance, another is getting hung tonight!

Roberts:  Hanged.

Jeffrey: What?

Roberts:  The past tense for "hanging" in this case is "hanged".

Jeffrey: You wanna play word police tonight, huh, kid? Here's a word for ya... shut up!

Phoenix: That's two words, Ray.

Jeffrey: Right you are, Scott.

Roberts:  Wait, you chided me! Why not Scott?

Jeffrey: Because I actually respect Scott. Also because shut up, James.

DING! DING! DING!

The bell rings and the two combatants charge at each other right out of the gates. Bally Hoo throws out an arm for a wild clothesline, but Paige has thought 2 steps ahead and slides, baseball-style, between his legs. Paige dropkicks the 296-pounder in the lower back, causing him to stagger and fall to a knee for a moment. A moment isn't long enough though, as Hoo turns on his heel, propels himself forward out of his kneeling pose and brings down the Lunar Pilgrim in a football-like tackle.

Jeffrey: That'll knock the taste out of your mouth! He tapped into his football experience on that one.

Roberts:  Bally Hoo has proven himself to be a rounded brawler and knows how to use his size to his advantage. He was a big center back in the day, and if he pulls out a win here tonight he'll be front-and-center in the 4CW world title picture.

Pulling her up by just her arm, he follows with a short-arm clothesline before she can plant her feet on the canvas. Hoo picks Paige up and sends her careening into a corner turnbuckle.

Roberts:  It's gonna take way more than that for Paige to get this guy down!

Phoenix: A unique twist in this match is that she can't *keep* the big man down if she gets him down, as she'll then need to get him on his feet and into that noose!

Jeffrey: I'm telling you, this girl's crafty. She knows her way around a stipulation match. She'll find a way!

Phoenix: Well, that's a good point you just made; she has certainly shown creativity in unusual match types.

Jeffrey: Yeah! I wish she'd get creative with me! Maybe she could put me in that noose for a while!

Roberts:  Ray!

Jeffrey: What?! A man can't like to a woman to choke a little? Unlike you two I'm not ashamed of my Friday nights! Woo!

At the same time that Jeffrey "woos", the fans let out a resounding "WOOOOOO!"...

Jeffrey: What the hell?

Phoenix:Get your head back in the match, Ray.

Hoo throws a second chop in the corner and the fans Flair up again. Paige ducks the third chop and Bally Hoo catches air, turns around and eats feet in a high dropkick. Hoo falls back into the buckle hard and Paige charges in from mid-ring, hitting a leaping clothesline. Repeating shoot kicks to his chest now follow, coming in faster and faster.

Roberts:  The madness of the Moon is taking over, she's getting all fired up!

Running to the opposite turnbuckle, the Lunar Pilgrim eyes the rope dangling over her head, lets out a howl and charges in for a running enzuigiri. Hoo has it scouted and drops down, leaving Paige flying feet-first into the corner. Her right foot catches up on the top rope and she finds herself hanging upside down.

Phoenix: Bad place to be! Folks, this is not gonna be pretty!

Bally Hoo grins a mischievous grin and slaps his butt with both hands a few times, a la Rikishi. The crowd buzzes in anticipation.

Jeffrey: Is this gonna be what I think it's gonna be?

Bally Hoo casually moseys over to the entangled Pilgrim, turns 180 degrees, sticks his ample posterior out and then slams it into his opponent's face. Much gyration ensues. The audience goes wild!

Roberts:  The dreaded Skunk Face! How humiliating!

Jeffrey: A-ha-ha! I mean, ugggh. But also, ha!

Phoenix: If there ever could be an opportunity for a little light-heartedness in a match of this kind, this is it, and big Bally is taking full advantage of it.

Roberts: Shades of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi.

Jeffrey: You can't say that! Ladies and Gentlemen... coming soon... a cease and desist letter!

During the Skunk Face, Paige's foot dislodges from the rope, but she can't get down until Bally Hoo finally steps out of the corner. Bally Hoo looks pleased with himself as Paige topples down in a heap in the corner. Hoo picks up the dazed denizen of Canada and scoops her up onto his right shoulder, setting up for a running powerslam. He takes a step, but must immediately halt, as Paige has grabbed onto the top rope for dear life. Hoo lands a few clubbing blows with his left forearm to the small of her back, causing Paige to relinquish her grip. Bally Hoo resumes his stride, runs to the middle of the ring aaand... Paige breaks free, sliding down behind him. Hoo spins on his heel—right into a picture-perfect enzuigiri! The New Jack City native is dazed! Pilgrim Paige watches and coils as Hoo crosses the ring on wobbly legs, seeking a corner to recover in. Having learned her lesson, Paige wastes no time charging forth and lands a second enzuigiri. Bally Hoo awkwardly falls to his knees, crumpled over.

Phoenix: Bally Hoo had it in mind to squash Pilgrim Paige like a bug, but right now he's got no mind for anything!

Jeffrey: Look at him, he's dazed and confused! Get that noose lowered and finish him off!

Paige, standing at 5'6", raises her hands over her head and jumps up to catch a hold on the rope, pulling it to chest-height. The pulley eerily creaks on its pole as the rope moves along with her. Hoo appears to still be dazed as Paige uses both hands to take it by the noose, approaching her opponent. When she reaches him, Hoo delivers a rising blow to the solar plexus, then clubs and elbows away at her back. Paige releases the noose, leaving it to lie limp on the mat.

Jeffrey: He was playing possum! Pretty slick, I have to admit.

Bally Hoo launches Paige into the ropes with a hard Irish whip, striking her down with a nasty big boot, bending his knee as it connects, falling forward and crashing down beside his opponent.

Roberts:  Nasty big boot from the big man, right on point!

As Paige reels from the blow, Hoo gets up and sets about restoring the noose to its previous height; reaching out over the turnbuckle towards the gallows pole itself and begins working the far side of its rope downward in the pulley. Inside the ring, the noose-end soon rises to its prior position; looming ominously above the ring. Satisfied, Hoo re-enters the ring through the ropes, only to be blindsided by Paige. She leaps towards him in a crossbody attack, but is caught in mid-air and driven to the mat in a vicious falling powerslam, with all of Hoo's weight landing on her! Seizing the moment, Hoo hits the ropes, going full steam ahead—leaps—and comes crashing down with a big splash! The crowd reacts in an elongated "ooooh".

Jeffrey: Who wants pancakes?!

Roberts:  That's gotta be it! Pilgrim Paige's dreams of becoming the #1 contender may have just been crushed!

Jeffrey: Nevermind her dreams! What about her ribs? Or spine? Or pretty much anything around the middle of a human body, basically? Not to mention my dreams of being—ugh—haaaanged, James?!

Phoenix: That's 296 pounds of Bally Hoo raining down onto a 134 pound frame!

Jeffrey: Hasn't she been weighing in at a steady 138?

Phoenix: During her entrance, Michael Carson stated that she weighed in tonight at 134.

Jeffrey: You know I never pay attention to Carson.

Bally Hoo, sensing victory, drags Paige's lifeless body across the ring—back to the Gallows Pole corner. Hoo pulls the rope down a few feet by its noose, then attempts to pick Paige up to pull it down around her throat; but while he supports her back with one hand—placing the rope around her neck with the other—Paige collapses sidelong away from his supporting hand and down to the mat, the rope-and-pulley following all the way.

Phoenix: I think she's out cold.

Hoo shrugs and moves to the apron and onto the steps to best get a grip on the other side. He begins to work the rope downward, slowly pulling Paige first to her knees, then feet—the noose pulling her up in its tightening grip. Paige comes back to consciousness during the hauling and looks about to struggle, until she sees Bally Hoo working the pulley on the ring steps. Knowing her window of opportunity is brief, Paige throws all caution to the wind and charges to the corner, up the buckle, and catches just enough of a front dropkick to the side of the shocked Bally Hoo's head to rattle his composure and—in a stupor—Bally loses hold of the rope. Bally Hoo staggers back, loses balance and impacts back-first onto the bottom step—making a sickening thud—and rolls off to the floor, tumbling onto his side. Simultaneously, Paige lands awkwardly on the top turnbuckle: right leg striking the post and posterior bouncing off the padded buckle, sending her into an accidental springboard that leaves her impacting the middle turnbuckle face-first! She crumbles to the mat in a heap. During all of this chaos, groans, cheers and applause from the audience rise up; proceeded by a "HOLY SHIT!" chant. The referee, previously standing outside and more-or-less just waiting to call for the bell at match end, finds himself in a panic of who to check on first. He decides on Bally, who is closer. Then he slides into the ring and turns his attention to Paige.

Jeffrey: Okay... I'll be the first to say it—one or both of these athletes may not be able to continue!

Roberts: Paige—the Lunar Pilgrim—just risked life and limb to stay in this thing! I've never seen anything quite like that before. Her nose must be broken!

Jeffrey: There are no 10-counts in this match, of course, so if they're technically still able, the show must go on—right?

Phoenix: This is currently at the referee's discretion. Paige's condition is unknown to us and Bally Hoo's back can't be in great shape. What a nasty fall that was!

Jeffrey: That put Humpty-Dumpty to shame! "Hoompty Doompty". Ehhh... kinda works.

Roberts:  How can you joke about something like this?

Jeffrey: I said "kinda"... yeesh!

The referee, again, looks torn. He moves to ringside and converses with the timekeeper. Some audience members shout out for him to "check again". The timekeeper looks as though he might ring the bell when Bally Hoo begins to stir and crawl, finally supporting himself on the apron at the opposite end from where he landed. The referee goes to check on Paige a second time, then rolls back out and to ringside. Hoo rolls into the ring, looking worse-for-wear. The audience cheers and applauds his effort, feeling hopeful for match continuation.

Roberts:  Hoo still hasn't quite found his feet, but he's gotten himself back in the ring all of his own power! Impressive resiliency.

About 8 feet away from Hoo, Pilgrim Paige finally shows the first signs of movement since her impact with the mat. Slowly, she straightens out her arms, brings them inward and pushes herself up on her hands—her dark purple hair matted, soaked in sweat. It's peppered throughout with something else, too. As Paige finally manages to prop herself up on her knees, she throws her head back, revealing a heavily bloodied face, mostly dried. Her nose does not appear to be broken, but it's clearly the source of much of the blood. No other wound is immediately apparent through the blood, but her forehead is also red, hinting that there may be a cut as well.

Phoenix: Pilgrim Paige has been busted open here tonight!

Jeffrey: She's been through hell and is still trying to get up and fight! I've said it before, this girl is nuts—in a good way.

Bally Hoo manages to crawl over to Pilgrim Paige and props himself up on his knees as well. Paige throws a weak chop that barely resonates, but the fans "WOOO!" all the same. Bally throws one back, rocking the 28-year-old upstart off-balance momentarily. A brief opposing chant breaks out: half "LUN-AR PIL-GRIM" and half "LET'S GO BAL-LY". In return for the chop, Hoo is met with a headbutt, the effect of which actually seems to be much worse on Paige than its recipient.

Phoenix: Paige looks just about ready to collapse! I don't know how she's even vertical!

Roberts:  She's in no condition to be striking with her head!

Bally Hoo takes in a few shallow breaths and a brief scan of the huge crowd, drawing some appreciative claps in return. He then stares at Paige, who cannot return his gaze, as her head is now slightly bowed. She appears to be breathing heavily. Hoo, taking a cue from the crowd, gives a brief round of applause to his opponent, stating loudly, "She earned it!".

Phoenix: Great show of respect, right there.

Bally Hoo then grabs Paige's hair and pulls her head forward while swinging his own back and then swiftly forward to meet hers, delivering a devastating headbutt that seems to re-open the unseen gash somewhere on his opponent's forehead! Blood trickles down her face yet again. Pilgrim Paige's head falls backward with the impact and her posture falters—so much so that she looks almost as if she's leaning back to stare into the rafters. Hoo finally manages to regain his feet, one at a time, using Paige's limp body for support. He hauls her up onto her feet by her head, using both hands and then twists around, setting Paige up into a neckbreaker position.

Jeffrey: Sativa neckbreaker to an already badly beaten opponent? I don't like the looks of this!

Roberts:  If he hits this move, Paige is toast!

Bally attempts to gyrate his hips, but the damage to his lower back just won't allow it! Using the wasted moment to gain a deep breath and a clear thought, the Lunar Pilgrim reaches over her own head to his, and manages to viciously rake Hoo's eyes! Hoo releases his grip and staggers around, rubbing at his eyes. In his agony, Hoo nearly walks right into the nearby noose!

Phoenix: Whoa, there! Bally Hoo very nearly ran himself right into the last place you wanna be in this match!

Paige, knowing this her absolute last shot at victory, manages to crawl to a corner. Once there, she slowly pulls herself up by the middle ring rope and desperately gets her feet back under her. Paige takes off at a clip, leaps and... is caught around the waist by Bally, who then hoists her into the noose and sets her down on her feet to deliver one final, skull-rattling headbutt. Pilgrim Paige wobbles, knocked senseless where she stands. Bally quickly makes his way out to the ring apron and grabs the outer end of the rope with both hands, leaning forward and pulling downward with all his might. Paige raises nearly an entire foot above the mat, grasping the noose and gasping for air, to no avail. Hoo holds on tight, looking pained—his back seems to be threatening to give at any moment! Just as it appears he cannot hold on any longer, Paige's head hangs limp, having lost consciousness.

DING! DING! DING!

Carson: Here is your winner... BALLY HOO!!!"

Bally Hoo releases the rope and drops, chest-first, onto the apron, clutching at his aching back as Paige collapses in the ring—rope and all coming down with her.

Roberts:  What an unbelievably brutal match that was!

Jeffrey: Yeah! Who'd have ever imagined a wrestling match called the "Gallows Pole" could get so violent? Moron. But seriously, I'm incredibly impressed with both of these athletes!

Phoenix: A hard-fought battle if ever there was one! A narrow victory for Bally Hoo. He's gonna need some time to work out all the kinks after that bout! Let's hope he can make it to his future title shot in good health!

Roberts: Incredible contest!

In the backstage interview set, Gabriel Crowe stands facing the camera He smiles and raises his mic.

Crowe: Joining me at this time, Brian, 'The Freight Train' White!

White enters the cameras frame, looking grim and cracking his knuckles.

Crowe: We have just heard from 'The Bruiser' Rhys Cain, that your match tonight will be a Swansea Death Match. What are your thoughts going into this type of match?

White smiles, although there's little mirth on show.

White: Swansea Death Match.... Barry Docks Street Fight.... What's the difference....

White grabs the mic from Gabriel and unceremoniously shoves him away from the camera. The look in his eye seems to signify that someone is going to get seriously hurt.

White: You think you've stacked the deck against me Rhys, HAH! Don't make me laugh! I was brought up on this kind of fight.

White laughs.

White: I can't wait to get you in the ring, cus you won't be coming out in one piece! I just hope your insurance is up to date! Hahahah!”White drops the mic and walks off, still chuckling to himself. Crow some back into shot andpicks up the mic looking off camera.

Crowe: “What the....”

The camera fades to black before he can finish his thought.

Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally time for the final match of the evening. Soul Survivor started a few months ago and two men have fought their way through week after week to this point: tonight, they will fight for not only the title of Soul Survivor winner but also the 4CW Heavyweight Championship!

“Wherever I May Roam” by Yashin hits the PA system. The camera focus on the entrance and the lights dim as the intro plays – and then the lights burst into full beam when the beat kicks in, complete with pyro.

Carson: The following contest is the Soul Survivor final scheduled for one fall and is a Death Match for the 4CW Heavyweight Championship! The only way to win is by pinfall, submission or TKO! Introducing first, from Barry, South Wales, weighing in at 400lbs, “THE FREIGHT TRAAAAAAIN” BRIAN … WHITE!!

The behemoth walks down to the ramp with a slow, methodical pace. He's wearing his camo trunks, boots and sleeveless jacket.

Jeffrey: Boys, you're looking at the next champion right here! I don't care what stipulation Cain picked, this man is 400lbs of destruction. He hasn't even won the right to pick a stipulation all tournament and he's STILL made it to the finals – so these supposed advantages are obviously not hindering him.

Roberts: It's not often I agree with you, Jeffrey, but I have to say, Brian White is coming into this match as the favourite.

Brian White climbs up onto the apron, over the ropes and gets into the ring, entirely focused on the entrance ramp and completely ignoring the reign of boos flooding the arena.

"The Burden" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA, and the boos for White turn into a sea of cheers for The Bruiser. Rhys Cain comes out onto the ramp, welsh flag draped over his shoulders and a barbed wire bat in hand.

Carson: And his opponent, from Swansea, Wales, weighing in at 220lbs, “THE BRUUUISER” RHYS ... CAIN!!

Phoenix: Here comes the decider of this stipulation, the 4CW Hall of Famer, Rhys Cain, who looks to become a 2-time 4CW Heavyweight Champion tonight – and it looks like he's come armed and ready to do damage!

Jeffrey: Typical that the midget brings a weapon!

Roberts: Well, there are no rules to this match except win! White could have brought his own weapon of choice!

Jeffrey: Shut up, Roberts!

Rhys Cain slaps a few fans' hands on the way down the ramp but once he reaches the bottom, he turns his attention on White. Then, without warning, he breaks into a sprint, slides into the ring, and takes a swing at White with the barbed wire bat!

Cain swings the bat – and misses as White swiftly moves out of the way. White clubs Cain in the back of the head and he drops the bat which falls out of the ring.

Jeffrey: What an idiot! Goes in all guns blazing and within ten seconds he's unarmed and on his ass!

White sends Cain to the ropes and on his return takes him out with a brutal clothesline. Cain eats another clothesline and a lariat in quick succession before getting a shot in. He hits White with a right hand and tries to whip him, but White reverses the momentum, sends Cain to the ropes again, and takes him out with a big boot!

Phoenix: It has to be said that White is dominating the early going!

White picks up The Bruiser and throws him into the corner. He gives him a few punches in the gut before shoulder barging him into the corner a few times. White withdraws from the corner and Cain stumbles out. White goes for another clothesline but Cain ducks, turns White around and takes him out with a Side Effect!

Roberts: And Cain gets White off his feet!

Jeffrey: Not for long!

White rolls to the outside, reeling from the move, and to regain his focus. Cain rolls out on the adjacent apron, and runs around to White, throwing lefts and rights, all-out brawl style. White eats a few shots before grabbing Cain and throwing him over the announce table, to which the commentators only barely move out of the way.

Jeffrey: Hey White, take out Roberts while you're here!

Roberts: Shut up, Jeffrey!

White goes to the timekeeper area and roughly grabs the timekeeper, throwing him off and taking his steel chair. He folds it in half as Cain comes crawling from behind the announce table. White slams the steel chair into Cain's spine then picks him up and throws him into the ring, following him inside with the steel chair in hand.

Phoenix: Things aren't looking good for Cain while White has that chair in hand! The man is relentless!

White hits Cain in the back with the chair twice more, and covers him. 1...2... but Cain kicks out with force! White wastes no time in heading back to the outside, and this time he flips up the apron, and pulls out a table, bringing it back into the ring with him. He takes his time setting up the table and the one time Cain gets to his knees, White smashes him in the back with the chair again.

White looks for a second like he is going to put Cain through the table, but he doesn't go for Cain, instead he decides to go back outside the ring and back to the timekeeper (who keeps his distance as he approaches), drops the steel chair and grabs the ring bell.

Roberts: Oh, this is crazy!

Jeffrey: Well it's not like Cain can complain, he chose the stipulation!

White gets back into the ring with the ring bell in hand. Cain uses the ropes to help himself back to his feet and as he gets to a standing position, White runs at him and SMASHES THE BELL ACROSS HIS FACE!

Phoenix: That's it! White has just destroyed Cain! This match is over!

White drops the bell, hooks Cain's leg and the referee counts.

1....
2....

...but Cain grabs the rope with his hand, breaking the count! White growls in frustration and Cain uses the temporary distraction to roll out of the ring.

Roberts: Great ring awareness by Cain there, who must barely be conscious, to know to roll out of the ring there!

Jeffrey: It doesn't matter! He's done for! Look, he's busted wide open!

Cain is indeed bleeding, as his face is already almost entirely covered in a crimson mask from the ring bell. Cain stands using the barricade for support as White rolls out of the ring. White piles on the punches and throws Cain back into the ring. Cain tries to get straight up to his feet, but he stumbles as he is blinded by the blood and groggy from the blow. White stalks him moments later and grabs him, setting him up for a Powerbomb.

Jeffrey: Holy crap! Is he going for the Train Crash through the table?!

White lifts Cain ready to bomb him, but Cain fights back, sticking his thumb in White's eye! White screams in agony and releases Cain, who falls and lands behind White on his feet, and while White clutches his eye, Cain grabs him by the shoulder, and leaps over the table, taking out White with a Side Effect through the table!

Phoenix: What quick thinking from Cain! White lived to regret setting that table up!

Roberts: You'll have to do a lot more than crack Cain's skull open to put him down!

While White reels from going through the table, Cain rolls out of the ring again. He picks up the steel chair that White dropped earlier, then lifts up the apron, pulls out a Kendo Stick, looks at the crowd for approval, to which he gets a hearty roar, and enters the ring again.

White barely has time to roll out of the splintered remains of the table when Cain lands his first chair shot. He hits White in the back three or four more times, relishing each shot, before finally throwing the chair away and getting a firm grip on the Kendo Stick.

Cain whips White with the Kendo Stick five or six times until White, despite the barrage of shots, gets to his knees, at which point Cain cracks it across his skull and then goes behind and chokes out White with the Kendo Stick!

Roberts: Cain is showing his ferocious side as he's just choking out White with that Kendo Stick!

White struggles at first until the adrenaline kicks in and he manages to rip the stick off his throat and out of Cain's hands, but Cain wastes no time in taking out White with a bulldog from his knelt position and hooks the leg. 1...2...but White powers out!

Cain wastes no time in continuing his offence; he gets back up to his feet, wipes the blood out of his eyes, then grabs the steel chair and props it up in the ring. He then turns to White, stalking him from behind, waiting for him to groggily get to his feet, and when he does, Cain grabs him from behind, launches him up and over and releases with a German Suplex into the propped up steel chair!

Phoenix: What a brutal landing! White will be feeling that one for a few days!!

Roberts: Cain needs to cover him!

White slouches from the chair and collapses on the mat, and Cain rolls him over to his back and covers him as quickly as possible.

1...
2...

...TH—NO!! White kicks out at the very last moment!

Jeffrey: This man is a STEEL TRAIN! He's not going down without a fight!!

Cain looks shocked at the kick-out – but doesn't dwell on it – he rolls back out of the ring and picks up the barbed wire bat he initially brought down to the ring. The crowd go nuts as he lifts it into the air. He rolls back in and delivers a few knuckle-punches to White's head before cutting him open with the barbed wire from the bat!!

Jeffrey: This little midget is one sick bastard! He should be thrown in jail for this!

Roberts: He's not breaking any rules!

Jeffrey: I thought I told you to shut up!!

White roars as he tries to pull the barbed wire from his face. Cain throws the barbed wire bat away once he decides the blood is sufficiently oozing from White's skull. He then grabs the 400lbs monster and lifts him up, hitting a suplex!

Phoenix: How is Cain able to lift this man into a suplex! He's twice his size!

But Cain isn't finished there, he lifts White again, without releasing his grip, and hits a second suplex!

Roberts: Amazing strength! Surely, he won't manage the trifecta?!

Cain keeps his grip, and indeed does hit the third suplex, completing the triple combo and he wastes no time in hooking the leg. 1...2...NO! Kickout by White!

Jeffrey: All these moves are going to exhaust Cain! All it takes is one slip up and White can capitalise!

Phoenix: You have a point! Cain needs to keep his offence up!

Cain notices that, somehow, White is slowly getting back to his feet and so he runs at him, spins and hits a discus clothesline, knocking the big man back down – but White eats the impact and within seconds is stumbling back up again. Cain looks a little frustrated at this point and runs at the ropes, he comes back and takes out White with a spear, dead in the middle of the ring, and hooks the leg!

Phoenix: That spear took out White! Is it over?!

1...2...but NO! Once again, White kicks out! Cain pulls his own hair, looking a bit desperate. He mounts White and delivers lefts and rights in ground and pound fashion!

Phoenix: We thought White was relentless! The Bruiser is pummelling the big man!!

A guttural riff, a drum beat...

“THE LORDS OF SALEM”

The iconic Rob Zombie song suddenly blasts through the PA system. The crowd ERUPT in surprise! The lights dim, the fog starts to spread through the arena!!

Phoenix: No way! It can't be?!

Jeffrey: Is it really him? Is he really here?!

Through the darkness and the fog, escorted undoubtedly by Marie Dubois, with a sickening smile on her face, is the hooded man.

Jeffrey: It is! It's CARSTEIN! HE'S HERE!!

Inside the ring, Rhys Cain stares at the entrance ramp, an incredulous look of shock, confusion and frustration on his face.

Phoenix: Cain looks like he's seen the devil himself!!

Carstein, still hooded, and Marie Dubois come down the ramp a little as Cain looks on, almost frozen in shock. Then, while distracted, Cain gets pummelled from behind by Brian White with a clothesline to the back of the head!

Jeffrey: Never turn your back on your opponent, idiot!! I still can't believe The Shadow Creeper is here!

White throws Cain into the corner again and this time hits him with a stinger splash! Carstein and Dubois stay on the ramp, still shrouded in fog and darkness. White waits for Cain to stumble out of the corner and takes him out with a Spine Buster! He hooks the leg! 1...2... but Cain lifts a shoulder!

White manhandles Cain back to his feet and lifts him up for a suplex – but doesn't slam him down – he holds him in the air!

Jeffrey: And a display of strength from this behemoth! I bet he could keep Cain up there for an hour!

Phoenix: And the longer he stays there the more blood rushes to Cain's head!

Jeffrey: And his head is busted open ready for it to pour!

Phoenix: I say this as a friend, Ray – take some counselling.

White holds up Cain for fifteen seconds, before finally slamming him down, but not into a suplex, but a Brainbuster!!

Phoenix: Pure brutality by the Freight Train!!

White hooks the leg, a smirk on his bloody face, sure this is the pinfall to end it. 1...2...BUT NO! Cain somehow kicks out!! White crumples his face, irate at the defiance of The Bruiser! White rolls out of the ring, looking momentarily up at the still-shrouded Carstein, then lifts the apron and pulls out a ladder! He takes the ladder to the other side of the ring and makes a bridge between the announce table and the ring with it, before heading back into the ring.

Phoenix: Whatever White has planned, it's not going to end well for Cain!

Roberts: I'm not sure how much more either of these two can take!

White picks up The Bruiser, and lifts him into a military press – looking to throw him over the top rope and into the ladder – but Cain wriggles free and lands on his feet. White turns around and Cain lands a right hand and pushes White into the corner. Cain uses all of his might to lift up White onto the top buckle and climbs himself!

Jeffrey: What's this nut job planning to do now?!

Cain grabs White and tries to lift him, but to no avail. White headbutts Cain but he holds his ground. Cain steps on the top buckle, with White standing on the second. He then punches him in the gut several times, then, lifts White up! White puts his feet on the top buckle, but doesn't have a chance to do anything, as Cain lifts a second time, launching White and himself backwards!! Cain lands hard on the floor below, while White SMASHES THROUGH THE LADDER, SPLITTING IT IN HALF!

Phoenix: Oh my god! That was pure destruction! ARE THESE TWO EVEN STILL BREATHING?!

An audible gasp is heard from the crowd on impact, and both men lay still for a while. The electric crowd wills on both men to get back to their feet – but neither does for a solid minute. Eventually, Cain moves, and rolls over on his stomach, clutching the back of his head.

Jeffrey: Well, we know the midget is alive! But White still hasn't moved!

Cain lifts up the big man from the metal carnage and rolls him back into the ring. Cain stands in the opposite corner to White, he turns to the crowd, shakes the ropes and screams.

Phoenix: I think I know what's coming! Cain mentioned to me a couple of days ago that he has a new move in his arsenal – I think we're about to see it!

White gets to his knees and Cain waits, almost frothing at the mouth, for his moment to strike. And then, Carstein starts SPRINTING DOWN TO THE RING! Cain notices him in his peripheral vision and turns around as Carstein jumps up on the apron. Cain jumps up – and takes him out with an Enziguri!!

Phoenix: Well that backfired for Carstein!

Marie Dubois helps Carstein up and the hood falls – only to find that it isn't Carstein at all!

Jeffrey: Who the hell is that?!

Phoenix: I'm not sure - but it's not Carstein!

A man of similar build and similar facial features, with Carstein's make-up on, stands on the outside holding his face, but it definitely isn't Carstein! Cain realises this too and starts shouting at the man, demanding answers – but once again, the distraction proves fatal for Cain – as White comes from behind with a German Suplex of his own! White looks at the man on the outside and shakes his head, then kicks Cain out of the ring, and struggles out himself, still reeling from the ladder crash.

Phoenix: How these two men are even still standing is beyond me!

White kicks the broken remnants of the ladder out of the way and screams at the announce team to scram. He then picks up Cain, sets him up for the Powerbomb – he lifts him up, takes a run – AND BOMBS CAIN THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!

Jeffrey: NOW it's over!! Cain just got ANNIHILATED with the TRAIN CRASH!! He's not getting up from that!!

White stumbles from the pain in his back, but bends over the announce table and pulls Cain slowly out from the wreckage. White lifts Cain, with great effort, up on the apron and into the ring, before taking a breather and getting back in himself. White gets to his feet inside the ring – doesn't see Cain running towards him – WHO HITS THE BUSAIKU KNEE KICK STRAIGHT INTO WHITE'S FACE!

Phoenix: That's Cain's new move! He calls it Dragon Rage! And it might have won him this match!!

Cain and White both crash on the mat but neither of them move. Slowly, but steadily, Cain reaches over to try and cover White – but as he slips his arm over White's chest, White rolls out of the ring!

Jeffrey: Everything Cain can do, White can do better! He's rolled out of the ring and that may be the last – and let's be honest, only chance that midget has at winning this match!
Phoenix: How unfortunate for The Bruiser! Now he has to go out there and get White back into the ring!

White kneels on the outside by the steel steps while Cain struggles to find the strength to even get to his feet. Cain resorts to instead rolling out of the ring, but by which time, White has rolled back in. Cain rolls back into the ring as well, but White gets to his feet first and hits Cain with a Sidewalk Slam!

Roberts: Still they are somehow finding the strength for these big moves. Look at the ring! It's a bloodbath out there!

White grabs the barbed wire bat that bust him open and pulls the barbed wire from the bat... after a few more tugs, he has the wire pulled off and wrapped in his taped hand.

Phoenix: He's got that barbed wire in hand – I don't like the look of this!

White grabs Cain - pulls a length of barbed wire – and tries to wrap it around CAIN'S THROAT! Cain immediately resists, and a silent tug of war takes place between the two of them! White wins the struggle, and even with Cain's now bloody hands between them, White starts choking Cain with the barbed wire! With his free hand, he clutches the shoulder in a claw-like grip!

Phoenix: Is that – that's SICK! He's using Carstein's Lahmian Clutch submission – and he's using the barbed wire as leverage to choke out Cain!! I've never seen anything like this!!

Roberts: Cain's pulling at the wire with his hand but you can see it digging into his neck! He's starting to bleed!

Small pricks of blood start falling down Cain's neck as he with all his might tries to keep the barbs away from his neck.

Cain clutches the mat with his other hand – and grabs the mangled remains of the steel chair, and then, lifts it into the air and smashes White across the head with it!!

Immediately, White releases the hold, and Cain scrambles away, clutching his throat, trying to ensure himself he isn't going to bleed to death. Two small cuts are visible in between his bloody hands but with blood smeared all over his face and neck it's hard to really see the damage.

Phoenix: Look at Cain! He looks, dare I say it, scared!!

Jeffrey: Of course he's scared! He almost got choked to death by barbed wire! For once, I agree with his reaction!

Roberts: I don't know how Cain is going to get up from this! He seems paralyzed!

Cain is now visibly shaking, clutching his throat still, even though it seems like he's not in any fatal danger. He sees White get to his knees however and suddenly his expression changes to one of putrid hatred.

White gets to his feet and Cain runs at him, flies through the air, AND HITS A SECOND DRAGON RAGE!!!

Phoenix: Cain with DRAGON RAGE OUT OF NOWHERE!!

Cain crawls over and covers White, still shaking. The referee counts the fall!!

ONE... TWO... THREE!!

Carson: Here is your winner, AND NEEEEW 4CW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, “THE BRUUUUISER” RHYS CAAAIN!!!

Jeffrey: I – I -

Phoenix: Ray Jeffrey is lost for words, ladies and gentlemen! RHYS CAIN DID IT! He is the Soul Survivor and the NEW 4CW WORLD CHAMPION!

Jeffrey: What a match! WHAT A WAR!!

"The Burden" by Bury Tomorrow plays again as Cain rolls out of the ring, still shaking, as the referee hands him the championship. Cain takes the championship and clutches it like a lost child. He collapses to his knees on the ramp and buries his head in the title.

Phoenix: You can see how much this win means for Cain! He's not a 2-time World Champion here in 4CW!

The doctors and EMTs rush down. Some of them run past Cain to the ring and some surround Cain, and for a few moments he is treated, before he breaks out of their grasp, lifts the title in the air and cheers triumphantly with the crowd.

Phoenix: Thank you for joining us tonight for Gallows End! The war is over! Rhys Cain is the Soul Survivor!