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Soul Survivor Round 3: Well, this was quite a way to start the night. Cain and Bonham getting their bye was a shock to be sure, and I really hope it comes back to bite them in the ass! The action was good, every team looked good, so it was a shame having to lose the two that went, and I gotta say, I was surprised that Silent Sorcery was one of them! Still, I'm glad that my boys were able to make it through to the next round. I still don't really get the Beef Umbra have decided to have with White, and I think that could be played upon for the next match at least! Still, very good match.
Inferno arrival: Well, well, well, another golden oldie returns!
Dark Lotus vs Nik Waverly, Hardcore Title: SHort and sweet, what I'd expect from a Nik Waverly title defence, and so we have a new Hardcore Champ. This Dark Lotus could be interesting...
Carson/Valentine segment: Valentine really does know how to get in ones head, but it was a bit weird to see him seemingly so out of sorts. Still, he manages to keep his arrogant and condescending self going for his interview.
Sery titantron: Sery is upset, one doesn't have to wonder as to why, except if they're thinking about the deeper reasons, which I am! What the hell is going on with the management here! And a nice little match announced too. I wonder how Cain will fuck up that one! ;-P
Final HOF inductee: Wooo! Congratz Paige! Well deserved.
Custom Cup Title, McGroin vs Hazel: So the stipulation is chairs, what a surprise! Aaaah James, Tommy knows how you feel! THis was fun match. Good offence from both, pretty great spots, especially that Flytrap, with Hazel looking very good. But ultimately, the Master of the Chair Shot is going to win with a devastating DDT. Pretty short, and not very sweet, especially for Hazel, but still a good read.
Contract Signing: And now for the main event. I've been wondering what Marie's been up to for the last little while, and it's good to see her out with Carstein again. Overall, this was a brutal segment, Mad Dog really is able to get under anybody's skin, and into anybody's head. Even the bit with Carstein pulling his old belt out doesn't seem to give himself the momentum for this match. At this point, though I hate to say it, Mad Dog has the advantage right now!
Match of the Night: Soul Survivor Gauntlet Match
MVP of the Night: Jack "Mad Dog" Valentine
Graphic/Video of the Night: Witch Hazel Likes Cats. Now you know!
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Triple Crown Champion 2020. 2 times Universal, 2 times Tag team and 1 Time World Heavyweight Champion.
Wrestler of the Year 2017, Champion of the Year 2017, Most Improved 2017
4CW Presents... Storm Front: Battle in the Bayou
February 23, 2020
Live from 4CW Fight Island
Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to 4CW Storm Front: Battle in the Bayou! Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are entertaining from an undisclosed location - 4CW FIGHT ISLAND - however, that will not change how hard we work to deliver to you the best wrestling in the world! And tonight, I am joined as always, by my broadcast partners, Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts!
Jeffrey: It was my idea to have the twelve foot table by the way! Social distancing is important!
Roberts: Twelve foot? You probably need a new measuring device...
Jeffrey: Roberts. Face. Shut.
Roberts: Ahem... We have a great show tonight! The World Championship match contract signing between Jack Valentine and Carstein will take place in our main event!
Phoenix: But we also have the third round of the 2020 Soul Survivor tournament! Five teams left, and two will be eliminated tonight!
Jeffrey: Phil McGroin will defend his Custom Cup Championship for the first time tonight, as he defends against Witch Hazel - but we don't even know what his stipulation will be yet!
Phoenix: All this and more - let's get this show underway!
Carson: The following contest is ROUND THREE of the 2020 SOUL SURVIVOR TOURNAMENT and is a GAUNTLET MATCH. Two teams will start the match. When a team is eliminated, another team will enter. The first two teams to be eliminated from this match will also be eliminated from the tournament! Eliminations can occur by pinfall, submission, DQ or countout. The winners of the match will decide the stipulation for the semi final round at Storm Front next month!
"Eternal Lotus" by RUDE. hits the PA system. The place comes alive with cheers as the 4CW Tag Team Champions step out on to the stage.
Carson: Introducing first, the team who drew #1, from Osaka, Japan, weighing in at a combined weight of 332lbs, they are the 4CW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS ... TSUKIKO MIZUNO ... OKI KIRA ... SILEEEEENT ... SOOOORCERY!!
Kiko and Kira make their way down the stage steps and onto the ramp, titles held around their waists.
Phoenix: Silent Sorcery were met with a big challenge immediately after winning the Tag Titles, having to defend them throughout this tournament! They haven't won a round of this tournament yet, but they have survived each round, and that's all that really matters.
Jeffrey: As long as they are in this tournament, they are still Tag Champs! Taking one round at a time and doing everything to survive is a smart way to find yourself in a Soul Survivor Final!
Kiko and Kira enter the ring and unhook their belts, raising them into the air for the fans in attendance. They then go to a corner and communicate in a huddle while their opponents music hits.
"Head Like A Hole" by Miley Cyrus hits the PA system. Out come Senecca and Dirk Meyer, sadly with no Marquis the Moose. The crowd boo at the lack of Marquis, but there's not a lot we can do about the laws of transporting Moose to exotic islands. Nevertheless, Senecca and Meyer look ready and determined. They talk among themselves on the stage, before finally slapping hands in agreement and heading down.
Carson: And their opponents, the team that drew #2, from Valhalla, New York, weighing in at a combined weight of 570lbs, SENECCA AND DIRK MEYER ... S AAAND M!!
Both Senecca and Meyer have new merch. It's literally just a white shirt with "M" on Meyer's and "S" on Senecca's. Senecca's looks incredibly tight, showing part of his belly, while Meyer's looks ridiculously baggy.
Phoenix: S&M - call them quirky, call them ridiculous, but you also have to call them Hall of Famers and three-time 4CW Tag Team Champions! They are often underestimated, and often make their opponents pay for such a discrepancy.
Roberts: And you know they'd love to win those titles a fourth time. If they did that, they would be 4CW's first four-time champions.
Senecca and Meyer get into the ring. Meyer pulls off his top quite easily. Senecca decides he's better tearing off his skinny top Hulk Hogan-style. Despite this comedic beat, Senecca and Meyer stare down their opponents. A stare that says "the time for jokes are over".
The ref is about to call for the bell when the tron flickers to life and Rhys Cain and Clyde Bonham appear on the titan tron. Cain has a bandage around his head. He and Bonham scout the teams in the ring. Silent Sorcery and S&M look up at the tron in exasperation. Cain and Bonham are on the island, but seem to be nowhere near the arena. Cain is wearing shades with a coconut-cup drink in his hand, complete with pink umbrella straw.
Cain: Glad to see you guys all raring to go for this match! Unfortunately, I have some bad news. After the brutal matches I've competed in, in such a short space of time, I'm kinda beat up. The doctors are unable to clear me for this match, so we can't compete.
The exclusive fans in attendance cheer at the concept of Cain being unable to compete. In the ring, the teams don't seem to have much sympathy for Cain.
Cain: After the gruelling WAR match, and then the gruelling Trainyard Massacre last month, the doctors suggested I take a month off, just enjoy my time on this island, you know? So, you guys can all battle it out in this Gauntlet match, and it pains me to say we won't be competing...
Phoenix: My heart bleeds...
Cain: So that means that you lot are going to battle it out! And we... we will see you in the next round!
Jeffrey: Wait, what?
Roberts: Cain and Bonham are getting a bye?
Phoenix: What the hell is that all about? Sery would never have approved this.
Jeffrey: I have a feeling it wasn't Sery who approved this...
Phoenix: But you know what this means? We still need two eliminations in this match! Cain and Bonham are freeloading to the next round and it's going to cost one of these teams this tournament!
Cain: Good luck!
The referee confirms through his ear piece that what Cain said is legit, and the two teams get ready to face off. Senecca starts the match with Tsukiko Mizuno. Tsukiko makes a running start at Senecca, knowing her speed will be her only advantage her, but Senecca throws out an arm and wipes out Tsukiko with a stunning clothesline. Senecca grabs Tsukiko and half-whips, half-throws her into the corner. Senecca charges after and crashes into Kiko, then takes her out with a belly-to-belly suplex! Senecca makes a cover! 1...2... no! Kickout!
Phoenix: Wow! Senecca has come out of the gate, all guns blazing!
Jeffrey: There's a lot you can do to tackle Senecca, but there's not much you can do about the fact he's over 300lbs of unadulterated power!
Roberts: Well, S&M were recently announced as inductees into the Hall of Fame Class of 2020, making Senecca a 2-time Hall of Famer! I'm sure that would instill enough confidence in anyone to start a match strong!
Tsukiko tries to get back up to her feet but Senecca stalks her and every time she gets to all fours, or to one foot, he clubs her in the back with a blow, making her sprawl back down on the mat. Eventually Senecca gets bored of this and whips Kiko into his corner, tagging in Meyer. Meyer chops Kiko a few times, until she suddenly grabs him and switches position, unleashing a few chops of her own! Kiko moves away from the corner, while Senecca encourages Meyer to go after her.
Roberts: Senecca egging on his partner!
The two approach each other with quickening pace. Meyer swiftly takes down Kiko with a snapmare then knocks her down with a dropkick! Meyer makes the cover! 1...2... NO! Kiko kicks out! Meyer sets up and executes a DDT with perfection and makes another quick cover! 1...2...KICKOUT! Meyer picks up Kiko and throws her back into his corner. He tags Senecca back in. Senecca enters the ring and starts shoulder-tackling Kiko in the gut. Each blow winds her, and she gasps for breath as she stumbles away from the corner.
But Senecca doesn't let her get very far. He grabs her from behind and hits a release German Suplex! Senecca moves over and makes a cover! 1...2... KICKOUT!!
Phoenix: I'll tell you what, our Coven alumni in 4CW have a hell of a lot of resilience! I don't know how many people the size of Kiko could take a move like that and still manage to kick out!
Senecca grabs Kiko and decides it's time to end this. He lifts her up on her shoulder. Kira desperately stretches out his arm but there's no way Tsukiko will make it.
Phoenix: Here it comes, The Deep Plunge is coming!
But NO! Kiko wriggles out of Senecca's grip and lands behind him. She then lifts her boot and with all the strength she can boots Senecca up the backside. He stumbles forward but it doesn't take him down. As Senecca turns to face her, Kiko runs at him and hits a dropkick! Senecca goes down and so does Kiko. The two of them lay on the mat, breathless, as the crowd cheer on, and the tag partners stamp their feet to encourage their teammates on.
Senecca moves towards his partner on all fours at a steady pace. Eventually, Meyer manages to get in the tag. However, he realises a moment too late that Kiko has reached her corner! There's a huge pop as Kira MAKES THE TAG! Oki-Kira leaps over the ropes and runs at Meyer, taking him down with a swift clothesline. Kira waits for the perfect moment and sets up Meyer for a superkick! Meyer ducks however, and Senecca gets blasted, falling off the apron!
Phoenix: Kado kick to Senecca! He's down!
Inside the ring, Meyer rolls up Kira from behind! ONE ... TWO ... KICKOUT! Kira rushes back to his feet and is met with a kick to the gut. Kira doubles over and Meyer sets him up for a DDT, but Kira swerves out of Meyer's grasp, spins him around and takes him out with a KADO KICK! KIRA COVERS MEYER! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: S&M have been eliminated!
Phoenix: Kira pins Meyer! And you know what that means: not only are S&M out of this match, but they are also out of the tournament!
Jeffrey: Nooo! They were my favourites to win the whole thing!
Roberts: The question now is - which team is next in this gauntlet?
"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central hits the PA system. Out come the two men making up Umbra Maxima. the agile Maximillian Yesgill and the powerhouse Elfan Simtul.
Carson: On their way to the ring, from New York, New York, weighing in at a combined weight of 485lbs... MAXIMILLIAN YESGILL ... ELFAN SIMTUL ... THIS IS UMBRAAAAA ... MAXIMAAAA!!
Phoenix: And as we know these two teams, Umbra Maxima and Silent Sorcery, have defined their careers as tag teams mostly by facing each other! Ever since the Tag Titles were revived in 2018, only these two teams have ever held them!
Roberts: And we know now, because of Cain and Bonham's bye into the next round, that one of these teams will lose the opportunity to be called Tag Champions tonight!
Simtul and Yesgill make it to the ring and stare down their opponents. Kiko is still recovering on the apron but Kira is ready to stand his ground. He stands in a martial arts stance, waiting for his opponents to decide who will face him. They decide on Yesgill, who enters the ring and he and Kira begin to circle one another.
Phoenix: These teams know each other like the back of their hands at this point - but of course, Umbra Maxima have come in fresh. Silent Sorcery just put away S&M but as such, are now at a disadvantage.
Yesgill and Kira lock up in the middle of the ring. Yesgill quickly transitions into a headlock, which he wrenches at violently. He wears down Kira to his knees. When it seems like Kira is starting to fade, he moves suddenly, slipping out of Yesgill's lock and rolling backwards and up back to his feet. Yesgill spins around and the two stand off. Kira motions for Yesgill to 'bring it' and Yesgill charges, but he falls like putty in Kira's hand as he swiftly sidesteps and sweeps the legs from behind, knocking Yesgill on his ass.
Kira launches a roundhouse kick which Yesgill lies flat on his back to avoid. Yesgill then KIPS UP back to his feet. He charges at Kira again, but is taken down with a Japanese arm drag. Moments later, Yesgill tries the same thing, but falls to yet another arm drag. The third time Yesgill charges, he tricks Kira, having never intended to go all the way. Kira motions for an arm drag but grabs only air and falls. The slight hiccup is enough for Yesgill to pounce. Stomp. Stomp. Kira stumbles away and eats a knife edge chop. Yesgill then leaps up and grabs Kira's head with his legs, taking him out with a hurricanrana!
Yesgill keeps hold of Kira and wraps him up for the PIN! ONE ... TWO .... Kira reverses into a pin of his own! ONE ... TWO .... KICKOUT! Both Yesgill and Kira jump to their feet and stand off once again. This time the crowd cheer for them both and their impressive sequence.
Phoenix: Fantastic stuff!
Jeffrey: This is what 4CW is all about! You won't see better athletes anywhere in the business!
They both nod quickly in acknowledgement to the other, but quickly get back into the action. Yesgill kicks Kira in the gut and executes a suplex for another ONE ... TWO ... KICKOUT! It seems the two of them have temporarily emptied their tanks, as Yesgill and Kira lay on the mat, taking deep breaths, trying to get their bearings. Yesgill is first up to his feet but Kira is just behind him.
Yesgill takes down Kira with a clothesline. He sees Kiko back on her feet on the apron and runs over, clocking her with a forearm that sends her crashing to the floor. Kira recovers and hits a Kado kick! It hits Yesgill square in the jaw - but it sends him over the top rope and to the outside! Kira turns to the ropes but Simtul moves towards the middle of the apron. Kira decides to take him down with a dropkick! Kira then gets back up, runs the ropes and dives to the outside, hitting a suicide dive on Yesgill!
Phoenix: Absolute chaos!
On the outside, Kira tries to pick up Yesgill to get him back in the ring, but Yesgill fights him off with some forearms! The referee counts 1...2...3... Kira strikes back with a rough elbow which rocks Yesgill. Simtul comes around to get to Kira after the apron dropkick, but Kiko sees him coming. Tsukiko sprints and jumps up on to the top steel step, before diving off and knocking down Simtul with a crossbody. ...6...7...8... Kira grabs Yesgill to throw him back in the ring, but Yesgill reverses and sends Kira crashing into the steel steps! The referee counts as Yesgill slides back into the ring! ....9....10!!
Carson: Silent Sorcery have been eliminated!
Phoenix: Oh no! Quick reversal from Yesgill got Kira counted out! And that means the Tag Team Champions are out of the Soul Survivor Tournament!
Roberts: And if Cain and Bonham were eliminated from the tournament for not being cleared, instead of getting a bye to the next round, Silent Sorcery would still be in this tournament!
Jeffrey: I want to know how Cain has suddenly gained so much favour... he's just cost Silent Sorcery the tag team titles!
Kiko approaches Kira and picks him up. It dawns on him what has happened and they both sign, looking distraught. Kira stumbles away from the ring, with Kiko following, both of them with hanged heads and bitter disappointment. Kira shakes his head, signing frantically to Kiko. One can only imagine how colourful his language is.
Phoenix: Well, you have to feel for Silent Sorcery... but the match must go on, and we have one more team to come!
"Wherever I May Roam" by Yashin hits the PA system. The crowd roar as White and Young step out on to the stage, complete with steam erupting from the stage and the sound of jets flying overhead.
Carson: On their way to the ring, from Barry, South Wales, weighing in at a combined weight of 595lbs, "TOP GUN" TOMMY YOUNG... and BRIAN ... THE FREIGHT TRAAAAAAIN ... WHIIITE!!
Phoenix: Here come Brian White and Tommy Young! The welsh natives have had more than a few clashes with Umbra Maxima over the past few months, stemming mostly from the 4CW World Championship match where Elfan Simtul cost himself the match just to spite Brian White!
Jeffrey: There's some real bad blood here! And now the winner between these two decides the stipulation for the semi final next month, so the stakes are even higher than usual!
White and Young enter the ring, with Yesgill waiting in ring and Simtul back on the apron on their side. Tommy Young stays inside the ring as White takes the apron. The referee goes over some quick rules one last time with both teams and starts the final portion of this gauntlet. Young and Yesgill circle each other, echoing Kira and Yesgill from earlier, but this time, Yesgill isn't feeling up to playing fair, and instead he sucker punches Young, before tackling him to the ground. The two high flyers roll around on the floor brawling, until Young gets the upper hand and gets to his feet as Yesgill is still recovering.
Young grabs Yesgill and takes him out with a DDT, before covering him quickly! 1...2...no! Yesgill kicks out! Young picks up Yesgill and whips him into a neutral corner. Young charges after him and hits a corner dropkick! Yesgill stumbles out and Young sets up for the bulldog, but Yesgill scouts it and pushes Young away, sending him crashing. As Young recovers, Yesgill prepares for his next move. Yesgill launches himself at Young and hits the slingblade!
Roberts: Yesgill takes out Young with the Lunar Lasso!
Young crawls into the corner to recover, but Yesgill gives him no respite. Yesgill runs forward, grabs both sides of the top rope and hits a slingshot-esque corner dropkick!
Jeffrey: CRATOR CREATOR!
Phoenix: Yesgill is pulling out some big moves here! Young will need to get his head back in the game if he wants to last much longer!
Young crawls out of the corner, clutching his gut. Yesgill climbs the turnbuckle until he is at the top! Yesgill turns his back on Young and LAUNCHES off with a moonsault - but Young ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Yesgill eats mat, and his face bounces off the canvas with a brutal smack! Now sporting a bloody nose, Yesgill clutches his face as his eyes water. In the meantime, Young stumbles over to his corner and TAGS in Brian White!
Phoenix: Here we go, there's a Freight Train coming!
White charges into the ring like a, well, freight train...and plows through Yesgill with a shoulder tackle like a knife through butter. Simtul is seething in the corner and Brian White taunts him, pointing and laughing. Simtul tries to enter the ring, but the referee is quick to stop him. With the distraction however, Yesgill crawls up from behind White and hits the LOW BLOW!!
Phoenix: Now, come on!
Jeffrey: It's not cheating if you don't get caught!
White falls to his knees and Yesgill stumbles up to his feet. As Simtul goes back to his corner, Yesgill is able to reach him and the tag is made! Simtul steps over the top rope to enter the ring. Simtul grabs White and sends him into the ropes. When White comes back, Simtul runs at him and takes the big man down with a colossal clothesline! White is quickly back on all fours, but Simtul keeps down down with some clubbing blows to his back. Regardless, White sits up on his knees and throws some gut punches at Simtul. It's a distraction long enough for White to get back on his feet, but Simtul soon comes clobbering back in with strikes, then grabs White and takes him out with a powerslam!
Phoenix: Simtul will never disappoint when it comes to feats of strength!!
Simtul stares at White with disdain, but then in the corner of his eye, he sees Young stretching over the ropes... so Simtul turns on a dime and CLOCKS Young with a BIG BOOT! Young crashes to the outside! Simtul grabs White and lurches him up. It takes a few attempts, but he gets White back up. He hits a mean uppercut which rocks White, and then, HE LIFTS WHITE ON TO HIS SHOULDERS!! The weight almost causes Simtul to buckle and he wobbles around the ring towards his own corner. Yesgill slaps Simtul on the shoulder as White gets his feet back on the ground. A kick to the gut, and White sets up Simtul in a powerbomb position!
Roberts: White could have it right here! Can he get the Train Crash?!
White lifts Simtul up, then runs forward and takes him down with a huge POWERBOMB!
Phoenix: HE DOES! TRAIN CRASH FROM BRIAN WHITE! BUT WHAT'S THIS?!
Roberts: I think - I think Yesgill is the legal man!
White gets to his feet and sees a moment too late Yesgill springboarding off the top and hitting a SUPERMAN PUNCH!!
Phoenix: YESGILL WITH BOOSTER DESCENT! It could be all over!
Yesgill frantically covers White! ONE .... NO!!! WHITE LAUNCHES YESGILL AWAY WITH A THROW FROM THE MAT! But Yesgill doesn't stop.... he uses the throw momentum to get back on his feet and flips himself back over on to the apron. As White scrambles back to his feet, Yesgill springboards and hits a SECOND BOOSTER DESCENT!! He hooks the leg again, and this time puts both feet on the middle rope for leverage! The referee doesn't see it! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!!
Carson: Here are your winners... UMBRAAAAA ... MAXIMAAA!!
Phoenix: Wow! It took a low blow and TWO Booster Descents, but I'd still consider this a huge upset from Yesgill to pin White!
Roberts: Absolutely! And Umbra Maxima continue their absolute domination of the tag team division! I could see them going all the way at this point!
Jeffrey: But let's not forget, Cain and Bonham. They will be all rested up after this round's bye, so arguably they will have the biggest advantage!
Phoenix: Perhaps so, but Umbra Maxima will choose the stipulation, giving them an advantage of their own!
Simtul and Yesgill celebrate their victory together as White rolls out of the ring. They both signal the tag belts will soon be around their waist again as we cut to commercial.
Win-Loss Records:
Senecca 0-2
Dirk Meyer 0-2
Tsukiko Mizuno 0-2
Oki-Kira 0-2
Brian White 1-3
Tommy Young 1-2
Elfan Simtul 1-1
Maximillian Yesgill 1-1
Phoenix: I’m getting word from the back that a limo’s just turned up –
Jeffrey: So?
Phoenix: According to the Fight Island arrivals list, we’re not expecting anyone that’s not already here. I’m being told that we’ve got a crew at the parking lot now to see what’s going on.
On the 4CWTron, we see the parking lot, and just like Phoenix said, a black limo’s arrived, seemingly straight from the airport.
Jeffrey: I wonder who could it be?
The driver-side door opens, and out steps the driver, wearing a very smart looking suit. He walks towards to back-door and opens it, and out steps none other than 4CW Hall of Famer Inferno!
Phoenix: Wow, it’s Inferno!
Roberts: We haven’t seen him in 4CW for years!
Jeffrey: I hope he’s gone through quarantine.
Inferno, wearing a suit sans tie and some expensive looking sunglasses, stands up straight and makes his way out of the parking lot. But intrepid and fearless interviewer Gabriel Crowe appears behind Inferno.
Crowe: Inferno! Inferno!
The Hall of Famer stops and turns around to look at Crowe.
Crowe: Inferno, welcome back!
Inferno: Thanks, it’s great to be here.
Crowe: I know you’ve literally just got here, but can you tell us what’s going on? Why are you here tonight?
Inferno: It’s Revival season, that old magic is in the air, and my old partner from the Lords of Salem is now the number contender for Jack Valentine’s world championship. So if you don’t mind, I’ve got some people to see.
Inferno leaves Crowe and the parking lot, disappearing down a corridor.
Roberts: So I guess he’s here to see Carstein.
Jeffrey: Well done Sherlock, you sure used your powers of deduction there.
"Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco hits the PA system and out comes Nik Waverly. He's decided the pandemic is a thing to be worried about how, and comes out with the 4CW Hardcore Championship on his left shoulder, and a rainbow mask across the bottom half of his face. To complete his image, his hair is tightly braided and a big gold chain is dangling from his neck.
Phoenix: Your eyes do not deceive you - that is Nik Waverly as the 4CW Hardcore Champion... and somehow, someway, he's managed to hold on to that title for a month.
Jeffrey: Well, it's because of the lockdown! Lucky bastard...
Waverly strolls down steps and ramp and into the ring. He is clearly enjoying the nice evening breeze here on 4CW Fight Island. The fans at ringside boo and jeer him, but he pretends not to notice. Waverly grabs the microphone.
Waverly: You know, I kind of like this new layout, bro... why can't we just stay here forever? So anyway, BRO! I don't know if you've been paying attention lately, but I, NIK WAVERLY, am the HARDCORE CHAMPION, baby! And I am here on 4CW Fight Island for one reason bro! TO FIGHT! SO, which one of you in the back got the guts to challenge the champ?
Waverly drops the mic and waits. The stage and spotlights flicker and go out, leaving the darkening evening to loom over the outside arena. Waverly looks around, confused. A video begins to play on the screens on the stage.
Phoenix: We've seen this video before - but I have no idea what it's about...
Roberts: I have an eerie feeling we're about to find out.
A fog fills the stage area and down the blue, steel steps. The lights remain out several seconds after the video concludes. Then a dim, forest green light slowly begins to light the stage up.
"Spider on the Wall" by Magnolia Bayou with its signature opening guitar riff begin to blare through the arena... the fans seem bewildered.
Finally we see a figure emerge from the curtain. He has long, scraggly hair, his face is thin, his eyes sullen, and he wears a distinguished mischievous smirk on his face. And then comes the star of the show, 6'6, shaved head like Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now, and as the crowd begin to recognise the man, they are even more confused than ever.
Phoenix: Is that - is that Glock Nine?
Jeffrey: He may have been known as Glock Nine last time we saw him, but this man seems like an entirely different person.
Roberts: We haven't seen him for a while. Looks like he's embraced his heritage, or something...
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, making his way to the ring, accompanied by Ol' Smokey... From Devil's Back Bone, Louisiana, weighing in at 275lbs... DAAAARK ... LOOOOOTUS!!
As Lotus and Smokey reach the ringside area, the dim green light now becomes a much brighter light enabling everyone to clearly make out who these folks are... they are The Swamp Folk.
In the distance, we see a small group of very unkempt Swamp Folk with voodoo-like white powder on their faces. They begin to lurch to the ringside area, almost in a daze. The fans react to those horrible odour coming from them, covering their noses and fanning the air with their hands.
Ol' Smokey waits at the ring steps and allows Dark Lotus to enter the ring. We then see Lotus is wearing some sort of ghillie suit, almost like a snipers camouflage.
Outside of the ring Ol' Smokey has gathered the underlings together and they stare is awe of their leader Dark Lotus. Lotus stares down with a wry grin that looks more like a grimace. Lotus then stares out into the crowd. The relatively small attendance are left in utter silence at the bizarre unfolding in front of them.
Phoenix: This is bizarre! Dark Lotus is here, and it looks like he's challenging Nik Waverly for the 4CW Hardcore Championship.
Roberts: Who are all these people? The Swamp Folk?
Jeffrey: All I know is they smell like shit, but Dark Lotus seems to have them all in his corner.
Dark Lotus disrobes his ghillie suit to reveal to reveal a camouflage shirt to go with his ghillie bottoms. Lotus turns and finally meets the eye of Nik Waverly, who has been in stunned silence watching the entire entrance. The referee, Jude O'Cater, decides that the circus of that entrance is finally over and checks both competitors before ringing the bell (and getting the hell out of dodge).
Immediately, Nik Waverly throws caution to the wind. He charges at Dark Lotus, with the championship in hand, but Dark Lotus lifts a boot and takes out Waverly with ease! Waverly instinctively, and probably stupidly, gets right back up to his feet. Lotus grabs him and hits a Sidewalk Slam. Lotus pulls a belt from his waist and folds it in half, forming a loop. He then whips Waverly in the back three times in quick succession!
Waverly writhes and rolls away but he cannot get out of the grasp of Dark Lotus! Waverly tries to rake the eyes, but he only manages to poke Dark Lotus in the chin. Lotus then takes him down with a big headbutt! Waverly is almost lifeless when Lotus picks him up again. Lotus bends Waverly into a powerbomb position, before lifting him up, then giving him an extra life again before coming down with the Last Ride!! Lotus hooks the leg, and this is a formality!
ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here is your winner and the NEEEEW 4CW Hardcore Champion.... DAAAARK... LOTUS!!
Win-Loss Records:
Dark Lotus 1-0
Nik Waverly 1-1
Phoenix: Well, he's back and he's known as Dark Lotus. He's brought his friends with him, and he is the NEW 4CW Hardcore Champion!
Jeffrey: And unlike Waverly, I think this guy might actually be able to defend the title!
Dark Lotus raises the belt in the middle of the ring. Ol' Smokey grabs the ghillie from one of the Swamp Folk. Dark Lotus puts it back on and raises the belt one more time, before leaving the ring as we cut to commercial.
We shoot backstage and see Michael Carson walking down the hallway with some purpose. He looks back to the camera with a microphone already in hand. He turns around to the camera, but keeps moving down the hallway like a reporter in the field.
Carson: We’ve received word that 4CW Champion Jack Valentine arrived just moments ago and is en route to the locker room. As you all already know, he is schedule for a contract signing tonight with the #1 contender Carstein, at this year’s Revival! There he is!
The camera pans up and we see Jack Valentine battling the lock on the door to a locker room with the word “Private” across it. Carson and company scurry up to the champion. Valentine seems to try to open the door faster to no avail. He shrugs his shoulders in annoyance.
Carson: Jack! Please, just a moment of your time!
Valentine: *sigh* What is it, Mike?
Carson speaks, sounding a bit out of breath.
Carson: Contract signing tonight with Carstein. Revival! Your thoughts!?
Valentine: Wait... why the hell are you interviewing me? You're a ring announcer.
Carson: We've got a bit of a shortage of staff and Crowe is busy with some pre-taped stuff. So, what are your thoughts?
Valentine: On Crowe? Nothing, couldn't give a shit. On my challenger and the contract signing tonight, nothing I’m not already used to, Carstein.
Carson: It's Carson.
Valentine: Whatever.
Carson: Your old nemesis from your and 4CW's early days, Inferno. He’s here! Word is he’ll be accompanying Carstein at the signing!?
Valentine: That's adorable.
Valentine finally gets the door unlocked and violently swings it open.
Carson: If I could venture a guess, I’d say you’re not in your usual cock…..confident state of mind.
Valentine, who was starting to walk into the doorway, stops cold. He turns.
Valentine: Just what do you mean exactly?
Carson: Well, usually you don’t stop…...I mean I don’t have to pull any quotes out of you. You’re very free……
Valentine: Relax, Carson. Everything is well in hand. You think too much. Your eyes and ears device you. Jack Valentine is always one step ahead of the opposition. Always.
Valentine opens up the locker room door and swiftly slides inside, leaving a bewildered Michael Carson. He scratches his head.
Carson: Um…..back to you guys I guess.
Phoenix: Jack Valentine not looking too worried about tonight.
Roberts: He’s not looking too confident either.
Jeffery: He’s not looking very much of anything, but I’m sure everything is perfectly under control, just as he said.
Phoenix: Contract signing coming up later tonight folks! Last time Valentine had a contract signing it was with Brian White and it did not end well!
Jeffery: When have they ever ended well, Scott?
We come back to Sery on the titan tron. He looks clearly like something has annoyed him (three guesses what that could be) and sighs before he makes his announcement.
Sery: Ladies and gentlemen, I want to acknowledge what happened earlier tonight in the Soul Survivor tournament; I do not agree with the decision made (above my head by the way) to give Cain and Bonham a bye to the next round. All I will say for now is, I will be dealing with it at another time. Right here, right now, I'm announcing something for Revival: a brand new feature match!
We will have what I like to call a "Sery Showcase" match! Part of the new talent initiative, I will be bringing in three talented individuals and they will compete in a triple threat match, all three of them, for the first time ever in 4CW. A debut at Revival is an opportunity that comes once a generation, so I'm sure these three individuals will make it their mission to entertain you fans like you've never been entertained before! That's all from me, enjoy the rest of the show!
Phoenix: And there we have it. Interesting developments! The announcement of a triple threat Sery Showcase match, with three brand new individual talents making their debut at Revival! What a unique opportunity!
Jeffrey: I can't wait for Revival! At this rate, it could be the greatest of all time! I mean, it kinda already was for me once I found out we were doing it on a paradise island!
Roberts: It is *really* nice here!
Jeffrey: Shut up, Roberts! No-one asked you.
Phoenix: That's right, our fourth and final inductee into the 4CW Hall of Fame - the esteemed, the legendary Pilgrim Paige!
Jeffrey: She's taken to 4CW like a duck to water. Since her debut in 2016, she has become a Triple Crown Champion! She's won Rumble in the Storm, she's competed in Gallows Pole matches, WAR matches. The Lunar Pilgrim has done it all!
Roberts: And she takes her place in the Hall of Fame, to commemorate a boundary-breaking, history-making career at Revival! Congratulations from all of the 4CW family to the Universal Champion, Pilgrim Paige!
"Numb" by Linkin Park hits the PA system. McGroin walks out onto the stage with a chair in his hand. He sets it up on the ramp and takes a seat. Camera Man walks in circles around him taking in the moment by getting every angle of the man who made a cow tap out. There's silence as McGroin looks into the camera.
Phil McGroin: You'd better have remembered to bring the microphone Camera Man. You have 5 seconds to put it in my hand.
Camera Man goes pale, then drops the camera and quickly runs to the announce table to grab a spare mic. McGroin snatches it out of his hand when he returns and can be heard telling Camera Man that if he broke his camera then a replacement is coming out of his wages. Camera Man just nods and gives McGroin a thumbs up to indicate the camera is okay, despite no lights showing.
McGroin raises the mic to his mouth and speaks with a calm confidence.
Phil McGroin: I've defended this title an uncountable amount of times.
Roberts: Are they uncountable because they didn't happen?
Jeffrey: Shut up, Roberts!
McGroin: I'm the greatest there is. Show me one more person that has won a ten on one handicap match. Just one person. Exactly, you all have no one. Never doubt me. Now I'm told that I have to defend the title again, which I'm not happy about because they seem to have the impression that they can tell me who I have to defend against. Surely that's my right as a titleholder, I get to decide what I do. Where's my championship privilege? It's unjust. But you know what, I don't back down from anyone. Not a single fucking one of ya in the back, I'll work my way through you all.
McGroin: Now, apparently I get to decide the match stipulation and I only have one answer for that. It's like my mother used to tell me, "if you're being pushed around by the man, don't take that shit and hit them with a chair". And that's exactly what I plan to do to every one of ya. Your faces will be getting all close and personal with my chair collection. You use any other weapon though and I retain my title. MY. TITLE! It's mine and no one beats me in a chairs match!
McGroin throws the mic to the floor. He then turns around and screams at Camera Man to bring the chair with him. McGroin makes his way down to the ring.
Carson: The following contest is a CHAIRS MATCH scheduled for one fall and it is for the 4CW Custom Cup Championship! Introducing first, from Helston, England, weighing in at 14 stone, he is the 4CW Custom Cup Champion.... PHIL ... MCGROOOIN!!
Phoenix: Well, it's official! And we really should have seen it coming!
Jeffrey: The Master of the Chair is in his element now!
McGroin slides into the ring, and Camera Man slides the chair into the ring after him. "Inked in Blood" by Sigh hits the PA system. The crowd cheer as Witch Hazel steps out on to the stage. She looks like she's in awe of the new surroundings, and her face makes a very obvious "ooooh!".
Carson: And introducing his opponent, from Everywhere... and NOOOOWHERE.... weighing in at 128lbs... WITCH ... HAAAZEL!!
Hazel quickly comes down the stairs and down the ramp. She avoids the ring, instead going around it and heading for the announce table. There, she smiles at all three commentators and waves.
Phoenix: Hello, Hazel! Nice of you to come say hi.
Hazel: Can I please haz one of your chairs?
Hazel comically flutters her eyelashes. Jeffrey nudges Roberts.
Jeffrey: Hey jackoff, give her your chair already!
Roberts: Why can't you give her yours?
Jeffrey: Because I'm in the middle you idiot! Do it!
Roberts sighs. He stands up, folds his chair and hands it to Hazel begrudgingly. "Yay!" Hazel beams, and gives Roberts a quick peck on the cheek, before sliding into the ring. Roberts looks dazed.
Phoenix: You OK there, James?
Roberts: *sighs longingly*
Jeffrey: For once, Roberts - I can relate.
Hazel enters the ring with the steel chair and quickly jumps to her feet. The referee barely has time to call for the bell before McGroin runs at Hazel with his steel chair braced for a swing. Hazel swiftly sidesteps McGroin and gains some distance, looking almost frustrated that McGroin isn't in the mood to be played with. McGroin charges at Hazel again with the chair, but to the same result, as Hazel quickly sidesteps him again. Predicting his third run, Hazel jumps high into the air and hits the chair in McGroin's face with a dropkick! She makes the quick cover!
ONE ... TWO ... TH--NOO!! McGroin kicks out!
Phoenix: McGroin almost just had a disastrous end to his Custom Cup reign!
Roberts: It seems all these defences he's apparently made that no-one has seen weren't even close to the challenge of esteemed former champion Witch Hazel!
Witch Hazel wastes no time getting straight back on the offence. She grabs McGroin, hooks him up, and hits a picture perfect suplex. McGroin finds some sense and rolls back up to his feet surprisingly quickly, but Hazel hits a headscissors takedown! As McGroin once again stumbles to his feet, Hazel give him a kick to the gut, then grabs his arm - and climbs up to the top turnbuckle! She then walks along the rope!
Phoenix: Hazel going COLDSCHOOL!
McGroin quickly swipes the leg in a flashing strike though, and Hazel crashes gut first on the top rope before falling inside the ring!
Roberts: Not today! McGroin had that well scouted!
Jeffrey: And he's created an opening for himself!
McGroin grabs Hazel and lifts her up for a suplex, but before dropping her, he repositions, landing Hazel on top of the steel chair! McGroin pulls the chair from under Hazel and covers her on the mat! ONE ... TWO ... NO!! Hazel kicks out! McGroin growls and gets back to his feet, grabbing Hazel and setting her up in position for a spinning neckbreaker. He pauses for a moment for Camera Man to get a good shot and then spins out Hazel - but she breaks free and runs towards the ropes.
When McGroin catches up to her, Hazel is already speeding her way back, and she launches herself into the air with a shotgun dropkick! The impact throws McGroin into the corner.
Phoenix: A Boomstick from Hazel!
Hazel runs at her cornered opponent and clotheslines him. She then takes down McGroin with a snapmare, then follows it up with a kick to the back! Hazel then sprints to the ropes, while McGroin is seated. She comes back and flies into him with a brutal crossbody!
Phoenix: Scissory Doom! Hazel is packing some heat with these moves!
Hazel makes the cover on the champion! ONE ... TWO ... no! McGroin kicks out!
Phoenix: Hazel needs to stay on McGroin! If she lets up it'll cost her!
Hazel knows this and she immediately repositions herself. She stands up while McGroin is on his knees, and then out of nowhere, like a predator striking on her prey, locks in the HANGING LOTUS LOCK!!
Phoenix: Hazel has it locked in! THE FLYTRAP!
Jeffrey: McGroin's reign will be over before it really begins if he doesn't get out of this fast!
Roberts: I don't think he can! Look, he's fading!
McGroin does seem to be going red and breathless as Hazel tightens her hold. McGroin has one arm clutching Hazel's legs and the other one frantically feeling around on the mat. Eventually, fingers touch steel, and McGroin scoops up the steel chair in one hand. He's barely able to see or move properly, so he just moves the chair around as much as he can wildly with one arm. Hazel swiftly avoids one wild swing but McGroin gets her on the return swing. Hazel gets conked and releases the hold as she rolls away.
McGroin splutters and gasps as he struggles to his feet, the steel chair in hand. Hazel turns around to face him and the crowd cringe a moment before the inevitable happens - CRACK! Steel chair directly to the head! Hazel goes down like a sack of potatoes. McGroin drops the chair and falls on top of Hazel! The ref slides in!
ONE ... TWO ... THR--NO!?! HAZEL KICKS OUT!
Phoenix: I admire Hazel's spirit here, but I'm not sure that kick out was anything other than instinct!
McGroin, for seemingly the millionth time in this match, or so he'll have you think, growls in frustration as he gets up and picks up a now almost lifeless Hazel. He sets her up and HITS THE EGGCUTION DDT - RIGHT ON THE STEEL CHAIR!
Phoenix: EGGCUTION! And what a brutal impact right on that steel chair!
Roberts: Steel always beats bone!
McGroin covers again... ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here is your winner and STIIIILLL 4CW Custom Cup Champion... PHIIIIL ... MCGROIN!!
Win-Loss Records:
Witch Hazel 1-1-1
Phil McGroin 2-0-1
McGroin leaves the ring as Camera Man gets a close up shot on him. McGroin snatches his belt off the ringside assistant and raises it high in the air. Inside the ring, a ringside doctor checks on Hazel.
Phoenix: A short but brutal affair! The thing is, no matter how resilient you are, one clean chair shot will put you out for the night!
Roberts: Hazel gave it a good go, but McGroin stands tall tonight! For once he can brag about something that actually happened!
We return from the commercial break, and some ring crew are putting the finishing touches to the set-up for the contract signing between Carstein and Jack Valentine. A table’s set up, on which the crew are placing the contract and some microphones. And with them is an annoyed looking Sery.
Sery: C’mon guys, you were meant to have finished during the commercial break.
Crew #1: Sorry Mr. Sery, but that Snickers ad was great, we couldn’t miss it!
Sery: *Sigh* Just hurry up!
The crew sets up the chairs, and a satisfied but exasperated Sery shoos them away.
Sery: Alright let’s get this back on schedule. Last Storm Front we saw Madeline Phoenix take on Carstein, with the winner being declared the number one contender for the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship at Revival. It was a gruelling match between the veteran and one of 4CW’s brightest new prospects. But experience triumphed, and Carstein is on his way to the biggest show of the year!
A big pop from the crowd.
Sery: I’m pretty excited, so tonight I’ve asked Carstein and Jack Valentine to come out here to sign this contract, making their match at Revival official. So without any further ado, here’s the former 4CW World Heavyweight and Tag Team Champion, and the two-time Hall of Famer, Carstein!
The lights dim, “Rattle Them Chains” by Wayne Murray plays, and out comes Carstein, wearing a black shirt, his long black coat, black trousers and boots, with Marie Dubois, her long brown hair tied back in a ponytail and wearing a black cropped t-shirt with a Vans logo on the left-side of the chest and a large skull graphic on the back, blue denim mini-skirt and black boots.
Roberts: It just looks right seeing Marie with Carstein.
The pair reach the ring and the lights start to come back on, and we see that Marie’s carrying a bag.
Phoenix: I wonder what’s in the bag.
They enter the ring. Sery points at the chair, motioning Carstein to sit, but the Lord of the Night decides to stand instead. He grabs a microphone from the contract signing table and stands in the middle of the ring. He looks at Sery, and the GM meekly backs off towards the ring ropes.
Carstein: So here we are once again, on the road to Revival. That time of the year when the excitement levels reach fever point as the greatest 4CW has to offer clash in the ring. It’s the time when dream matches go from being “what-ifs” discussed in the playground and the office water-cooler, to being reality.
Phoenix: He’s not wrong there; some of the greatest matches in 4CW’s history have been at Revival.
Carstein: And one such dream match will be at this year’s Revival, and in the main event no less. For the first time ever, and for the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship, the Lord of the Night goes one on one against the Mad Dog. Carstein vs. Jack Valentine. It’s a match for the ages. A Revival main event truly worthy of the name.
Roberts: You’ve got that right!
Carstein: We’ve both been in 4CW for a long time Jack and me, albeit with times away from the company. However we have never faced each other in a match before. Jack Valentine is one of 4CW’s biggest stars, a man who’s done it all. It’s an honor to finally climb into the ring with him, to see who’s the best between us.
But there’s more to this match than just knowing who’s the best. Back at Revival X, I defeated Rhys Cain for the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship. It was a match two years in the making. It was more than just a match; it was a full-fledged war of Ragnarok-like proportions. After one of the hardest and bloodiest matches I’ve had, I made Cain tap out, and my arm was raised in victory, the world championship my trophy.
It was one of the greatest moments in my life. I main-evented Revival. I defeated my arch-nemesis. I won my first, and so far only, singles title in 4CW. And what a title to win, the world championship. It was vindication of everything that I’ve said, that when you climb into the ring with me, you enter my realm, and I will end you. And that night, I was the best in the company, the best this industry had to offer.
Then 4CW became a victim to the dodgy economic climate, and when the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship came back, there wasn’t a Carstein to go with it. A new champion was crowned, without defeating the previous. A new unworthy champion. And this false crown has been passed from one champion to the next, each just as unworthy of the title as the previous. I was never beat for the championship. I was never pinned. I never tapped out. I was never counted out, forced to quit or knocked-out. And to prove my point, I have this.
Carstein beckons Marie, who steps forward opening the bag. She reaches in, and pulls out a gold championship belt.
Phoenix: Wait, is that –
Marie passes the belt to Carstein, who holds it up.
Carstein: This is the old 4CW Championship belt. The belt held by the greatest names in this company’s history. Names such as [chux] McCool, Inferno, Mike Nichols, Supreme, Lord Skywolf, Cocozo, Chris Drake, Fish and Eddie Wolfbaine. This is the belt that was fought over at Revival, War, Gallows End, Cash Out, Massacre. This is the belt that wrestlers fought, bled and cried over. This is the belt that Cain and I almost killed each other over. This is the true 4CW World Heavyweight Championship belt.
Valentine, you’re a great wrestler. You deserve your spot in the main event scene. But you’re not the real champion. You’re a pretender king wearing a false crown. I respect you, but at Revival, I will show that the crown is still mine.
Carstein drapes the old championship belt over his shoulder, and drops the microphone. He walks over to the table, picks up a pen and signs the contract. Sery watches on, acting as the official witness.
Sery: Ok, so let’s bring out the Champion. Jack Valentine, come on down!
A figure emerges from the back, but we can’t quite see who it is.
Roberts: And here comes Mad Dog!
But there’s something not quite right. There’s no music, and the figure doesn’t look like Valentine.
Phoenix: What, huh?
Jeffrey: Who’s this clown?
Sery looks up at the stage to address the figure.
Sery: Excuse me, who- where’s Valentine?
The figure lifts up his head, and it definitely isn’t Jack Valentine.
Jeffrey: Huh?
Phoenix: Wait a minute, is that?
Roberts: It is! It’s Mike Kim!
Jeffrey: Huh?
Roberts: Mike Kim was Carstein’s tag team partner back in 2006. They called themselves Vampiric Embrace.
Jeffrey: I have no memory of this whatsoever.
Phoenix: They were together at Revival II, and almost won the tag team turmoil match on that show.
The Korean Vampire Mike Kim walks down the ramp, ignoring Sery’s protestations that he shouldn’t be there.
Sery: I don’t know who you are or what you want, but you’re not supposed to be here. Get out!
Jeffrey: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Sery’s right. He’s not supposed to be here, how do we know he’s been checked and isn’t contagious?
Carstein meanwhile, stares at Kim, not quite sure what to make of things. Marie whispers to Carstein, but the Lord of the Night doesn’t respond. Kim reaches the ring, climbs up on to the ring apron.
Sery: Security! Get out here, I want this guy gone!
Carstein takes his coat off, letting it drop onto the ring mat and Kim, still ignoring Sery, ducks under the top rope and steps into the ring. Sery takes a step backwards and notices Carstein tensed up, looking ready for a fight.
Sery: Hey c’mon! No fighting! Security!
Kim leans back against the ring ropes, and points up towards the 4CWTron.
The 4CWTron flickers and comes into view. The camera is rolling and someone holding the camera looking right into a mirror. It’s clearly Jack Valentine filming himself. He’s not in his usual GQ get up, nor is he dressed in his wrestling attire. Old filthy workout clothes would be the closest description.
Valentine: Do I have you Carstein old boy?
Valentine makes a mocking kissing gesture.
Valentine: Good. Veeeeerrrry good.
Valentine turns and the camera is in complete first person view with Valentine narrating. They head out of the locker room and into the brightly lit hallway. The view turns right and then left and reveals no one in the hallway. We then start moving left and down the hallway.
Valentine: This way Count. Gotta make sure we don’t miss our cue!
Phoenix: What the hell is this?!
The curtain to the arena can be seen as we come up on the gorilla position backstage. As we approach, suddenly we make a left down what looks like a scarcely used hallway. Then the sign comes into view. “Boiler Room”. The camera forces the door open and we enter into darkness. All that can be heard is air escaping pipes and other strange ominous sounds. The camera light comes on and after a second focuses again.
Valentine: Just hang on Edward! We’re almost there!
You can see Valentine’s legs as he heads down some stairs and into an opening in the room. Just a dirty dusty brown floor. Valentine stops cold.
Valentine: It’s kinda scary in here. What’s that!?
Jeffrey: What was that!?
Roberts: I didn't see anything.
Valentine holds the camera still and you can see dust particularly reflecting everywhere. The camera takes a few steps forward and then glances left and then right. Something can be seen on the floor. It’s a body!
Valentine: What do we have here!? A victim of 4CW’s creature of the night!? Well I can’t tell a damn thing in all this dark! Julian! Turn the lights on!
Phoenix: How many people are in there?
And just like that, the boiler room is lit up. Everything quickly comes into focus and Valentine shuts the light off of the camera. He focuses back into the body. The crowd gasps at the sight. Whoever this is, looks to have been bludgeoned in the back of the head. Blood covers the back of the head and drips down into the floor, where a small puddle is getting bigger.
Valentine: Julian, this guy is fucked up.
Valentine puts his foot onto the body and applies enough pressure for him to roll over. He zooms in on the face as the crowd gasps again and boo loudly. It is clear as day, Inferno.
Valentine and what sounds like several other voices start laughing like hyenas as Carstein looks on in shock and despair. Valentine straddles Inferno and holds the camera stretched out with one arm until an unseen figure takes it and starts filming. Valentine looks down at Inferno and then back up to the camera.
Valentine: Since you’ve returned Carstein. I’ve heard and seen a lot of you on my show. To be quite honest, I’m not impressed. You’ve been at the top of cards, you’ve been in some of the most prolific and grueling matches, and you’ve mostly gotten your blood sucking ass handed to you. Not like me. Not like Jack Valentine.
Valentine looks down at Inferno again.
Valentine: 2019 was the year of the Mad Dog. No one disputes it. I put myself there. I traveled the long brutal road with zero shortcuts! Not like you! Hopping on the coattails of Madeline Phoenix and the strange friends. But you stand in my ring and you parade around with your fake title. A title, that while on your waist, saw the company decline and be taken off air! But you claim to be my equal!
2020 is an important year Carstein. As we enter into a new decade of wrestling, Jack Valentine will be just as impactful and influential as ever. And I will not let you spoil my plans! I will not let you get into my head! I saw you coming a mile away! I strike first and as you will see.....last!
Valentine gets up, looks at the camera, and starts moving towards it. He reaches past it and grabs something. He pulls back a shovel and you can see a big blood smear on the backside of it. Valentine walks back and stands over Inferno.
Valentine: Seems we have a mutual friend. As you can see, I’ve sent your ORIGINAL tag team buddy to take my place tonight. Since I’m, you know, detained. I’m all about what’s original in 4CW. If I could dig deep down and try to find any respect for you Carstein. I guess it would be the fact that you are an old timer. But that does not give you any claim to MY championship. The true championship!
Valentine takes a moment to catch his breath. He starts to become more relaxed and grins.
Valentine: It’s looking like a hell of a night for you. Not one, but two ghosts from your past. And this is just the beginning. You ain’t seen nothin yet!
Valentine lifts the shovel up above his head and swings it down hard, just as the camera shuts off and everything goes black. Carstein looks up at the 4CWTron dumbfounded and shocked at the fallen Inferno, and Valentine’s threats of resurrecting the ghosts of Carstein’s past.
Roberts: What the hell does this mean?
Jeffrey: I dunno, but I guess Mike Kim is the first of these ghosts.
Carstein looks down at Kim, who now has a microphone in his hand.
Kim: I’ve waited a long long time for this, ever since you stabbed me in the back.
Kim throws the microphone at Carstein, who lifts up his arms to block, and Kim hurtles through the air like a missile to take down the Lord of the Night. Carstein falls onto his back, and Kim lays into him with vicious lefts and rights.
Phoenix: Kim has a background in Korean martial arts, used to devastating effect in the MMA scene. Those blows have got to hurt like hell.
Marie picks up a fallen microphone, and strikes Kim across the top of his head. Kim clutches his head, and falls backwards off of Carstein. He looks up at Marie and laughs.
Jeffrey: I wouldn’t laugh Kim; she’s got no problem rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in.
Kim gets to his feet, and Marie readies herself in case of attack. Instead, Kim continues to laugh.
Kim: So I see Carstein has his emo bitch do his fighting for him now.
Marie goes to slap Kim, but he blocks with his left arm, and pushes her away with his other right. Marie takes a few steps back and Carstein, sporting a nose bleed, grabs the bottom rope and pulls himself up. Kim, still smirking, looks down at the bloodied Carstein and scoffs. He backs off towards the ring ropes and leaves the ring.
Roberts: I don’t know what Valentine’s planning, and I don’t know what’s going on with Mike Kim. But I’ve got the feeling that this isn’t over yet.
Jeffrey: And no one signed the contract!!
Phoenix: Well, folks - I'm sorry to say this match is not yet official! It has been a bad night for Sery, hopefully he can arrange something for the next show!
Jeffrey: Whatever happens, it's gonna be absolute mayhem when it all comes to a head at Revival!
Phoenix: Thank you all for joining us tonight! Until next time!
Kim reaches the half-way point up the ramp and turns around smirking, as Carstein, now up on his feet with Marie beside him, watches on, fury across his face.
Quick Results:
-Umbra Maxima defeated White & Young, Silent Sorcery (c) and S&M in a 2020 Soul Survivor Gauntlet match (S&M and Silent Sorcery are eliminated; Tag Titles are in abeyance)
-Dark Lotus defeated Nik Waverly (c) to win the 4CW Hardcore Championship
-Phil McGroin (c) defeated Witch Hazel in a Chairs match to retain the 4CW Custom Cup Championship
Writing Credit:
Soul Survivor Round 3: Rhys
Inferno arrival: LHeat/Compy
Dark Lotus vs Nik Waverly, Hardcore Title: Rhys/TheSurrealOne/Snake
Carson/Valentine segment: LHeat/Compy
Sery titantron: Rhys
Custom Cup Title, McGroin vs Hazel: Rhys
Contract Signing: LHeat/Compy
Graphics/Video Credit:
Pilgrim Paige
Rhys
TheSurrealOne
Snake!
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!