4CW Storm Front - August 28, 2022

NOTE: Some of this show and future shows may be in a more recapped format. It's just easier for me with my current work and life load to do it this way. Any matches written by others will of course be honoured, and I will write the occasional match in full myself. And on PPVs, pretty much all major matches will be written in full also. I still think even with recaps, there's a lot of quality in here and it'll probably help since I know not everyone reads every fully-written match anyway.

4CW Presents… Storm Front
August 28, 2022
Live from Golden 1 Centre - Sacramento, California

===

**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**

Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, people of all ages, welcome to 4CW STORM FRONT!! I’m Scott Phoenix, joined as ever by my broadcast partners, Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts!
Roberts: And we’re just coming off a monumental Rumble in the Storm show last month! Not only did we crown a new 4CW Custom Cup Champion in Jack Valentine, we also saw the shocking return of Jon Viper - and of course, another shocking return in the form of our Rumble in the Storm winner… RHYS CAIN!
Jeffrey: I know Scott is still furious over that one, so I won’t make him explain! That’s right, Rhys Cain, despite losing his job after being beaten by Erica Moxie at Revival, is back! And after his victory, he’s the new number one contender to Brian White’s 4CW Undisputed World Championship!

”As I Am” by Dream Theatre hits the PA system. Rhys Cain steps out on stage, somewhat surprisingly alone, and absorbs the myriad of boos and hisses that come his way as the Sacramento crowd voice their displeasure. Cain steps down the ramp with a purpose, with shiny new boots with emblazoned flames creeping the sides of them and a new tattoo sleeve showing a great dragon spiralled around a flaming sword.

Phoenix: Speak of the devil… and he shall come.

Rhys Cain comes down the ramp and enters the ring. He is all smiles as he grabs the microphone from an assistant and waits for his music to cut. When it does, the crowd decides to make up for the silence with raucous boos. Cain decides to wait a few more moments, then talks over them.

Cain: A lot changes in 4CW… but one thing never changes… 4CW IS NOTHING WITHOUT RHYS CAIN!

Cain laughs at this proclamation.

Cain: All I’ve heard over the past month is… how is this possible? How is Rhys Cain back? Didn’t he get fired? And the simple truth of it is, it doesn’t really matter how I’m back… what’s more important is why I’m back… but since you’re all like a group of needy puppies, I will indulge your incessant need for information.

More boos, but Cain is on Cloud Nine, and takes it in like a fresh breeze.

Cain: It is absolutely true that at Revival, Erica Moxie defeated me. It is also true that as per the stipulation of that match, my contract would be terminated and I would no longer be an employee for this company. And all that did indeed happen. For about a month after I lost that match, I was filled with rage and bitterness. It was a dark time for me. But the thing about the dark is, the blackness gets comfortable after a while. Despair turned into solace and I was finally able to think through what was next.

Cain looks around at Scott Phoenix on commentary.

Cain: Scott Phoenix - ladies and gentlemen - when I watched back my glorious victory, I couldn’t help but hear Scott Phoenix ask, “What on EARTH was Sery thinking, rehiring him?” … well let me put your mind at ease Scotty, Sery didn’t rehire me. Well, not intentionally anyway. You see, the thing about the Rumble in the Storm match is that it is wonderfully unpredictable. Part of that is because we have an open contract rule for that match! Any competitor from around the world can compete in the Rumble in the Storm and if they win the match, it’s a way for them to gain a 4CW contract as all winners have to be signed to the company to get their prize!

The crowd boos as the truth of what happened dawned on them.

Cain: So, all I had to do was put on a cheap lucha mask, and give myself a lucha name and sign the hell up! It was easy! I had no doubt I was going to walk out the winner of that match, which I knew would not only guarantee me the 4CW Undisputed World Championship match, but also a 4CW contract!

Phoenix: So that’s how the sneaky bastard pulled it off!

Cain: The hilarious thing is, on the application, I called myself El dragón de la Llama Negra… which if Sery had bothered to learn a word of Spanish in his life, would have figured out it was me pretty quickly! But none of that matters now… I came back, I conquered, and I won the Rumble… so, back to my more important question, why did I come back?

The crowd grumbles, but Cain is in his element.

Cain: Pretty obvious, really. This place was sinking without me. Sure, we have incredible talent and exciting prospects… but I truly was the glue that held this place together. And when I saw that the product was floundering, I decided the honourable thing to do would be to enter the Rumble in the Storm and return to my throne. See, now I have a 4CW Undisputed World Championship match in my hands… and I will use it to beat Brian White and take the title, becoming a three-time World Champion and once again ruling this kingdom.

The crowd boos and starts to chant, “You Suck!” … Suddenly, as if to drown out the crowd, ”Black Flame” by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. This only makes the crowd boo louder, as The Black Flame members file out to meet their leader. Eli Waters first, followed by The Liberation and Zephyris.

Eli grabs a mic and shakes Cain’s hand.

Waters: Cain, it’s so good to have you back! I did my best at keeping The Black Flame burning while you were gone, but I always hoped this day would come.

Cain nods gratefully, then replies.

Cain: I appreciate your joy and I am touched by you all coming down to see me because the truth is… I failed you all.

The Black Flame members protest but Cain waves them down.

Cain: You can jump to my defence as much as you want, but nothing will change what I feel inside. I failed you all when I lost at Revival. And now I’m back. And Eli… you have done an amazing job keeping the flame alive. Sure, you have had your ups and downs, but you took the crown with honour and duty and I am proud of you. I’m so proud of you that I am passing the torch of The Black Flame to you. You became the defacto leader of Black Flame… now it’s official. You are the leader.

Waters looks lost for words.

Waters: I - but you -
Fischer: I’ll say what he’s trying to… why are you leaving us?

Cain smirks.

Cain: I always admired your fire, Fischer. To put it simply, I’m not leaving. I just came back! I’ll still be around. But The Black Flame was about fostering the future for 4CW… and I am proud to say I have achieved everything I can for you guys. Now, you must walk on your own feet. And I - I must face my greatest challenge… alone.

No-one responds immediately, until Waters nods.

Waters: I understand. Thank you.
Cain: Don’t mention it. Now head to the back, I’ll catch up with you guys later. I need to do this next part alone.

Each member of The Black Flame looks a mixture of confused and curious, but each of them nod and leave the ring together, heading back up the ramp as Cain focuses on the hard camera.

Cain: White, I know you’re watching. I know you’re probably back there somewhere, hanging on to my every word. Well, good. Because I’ve got a lot to say.

The crowd start booing and chanting, “WE WANT WRESTLING” but Cain just increases the volume.

Cain: Well too damn bad, you’ve got me! Unless someone in the back is gonna come out and try to stop me, I’m gonna say what I want to say. BRIAN WHITE.

The crowd becomes deafening as boos continue to shatter around Cain, but he continues regardless.

Cain: Through many years and many wars, we have battled. The Bruiser and The Freight Train. The Deamon and The Black Flame. Our paths have crossed but we’ve always had enemies hunting us both down, so that we were never truly able to hunt down the other fully. I want to cast your mind back to our first one on one match together… It was the FINAL of the 2016 Soul Survivor Tournament. The winner would become the new 4CW World Champion… do you remember who won that match, Brian? Cos I do. It was, of course, Rhys Cain.

Fast forward, a few months. February 2017. We went one on one for a second time. Once again, the winner was Rhys Cain. Fast forward another two years, February 2019… and I beat you for the Universal Championship. You pushed your weight around and got a scam of a rematch that same night and finally, after scamming and cheating your way to it, you finally got a victory over me. For those who can’t count high enough to keep up, that’s 3-1 to Rhys Cain.

And isn’t it funny how history loves to repeat itself, when at Revival after taking the tag titles from you and Tommy, you used the same politicking to get yourself an immediate rematch and steal the titles back. 4-2.

Phoenix: Cain forgets to mention that he swayed the board of directors to grant him the impromptu tag match that won him the titles in the first place, and that Sery just evened the playing field!

Cain: And so with the information provided, two things become clear: number one, YOU CAN’T BEAT ME CLEAN, BOY BACH! And number two, whenever we’ve ever had a match with a title involved, I’ve ALWAYS taken it from you! Every single time! I have a triple crown of titles that I got from facing YOU. And that’s the twisted fate between us, Brian! So let’s wipe the slate clean, forget the scoreboards that so heavily prove that I am the greater competitor, and let’s put it all on the line… let’s see who can get the most falls in a decisive THIRTY MINUTE IRONMAN MATCH!!

Despite the hatred for Cain, the crowd pops at the prospect of an Ironman World Title match.

Roberts: I gotta be honest, that I would LOVE to see!

Cain: You see, there is no doubt that you are one of the best. As I am. The distinction between us though, is that you are the worst of the best. And it is the twisted fate of your career that it will always embolden mine. My success is defined by your failures, Brian. And so it seems only fitting that at Gallows End, your greatest failure will be my biggest success. Because I will become a three-time 4CW World Champion and cement my legacy as the greatest 4CW World Champion in history… and THAT is undisputed.

“Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica hits the PA and the crowd finally have an excuse to cheer, and as they do as 4CW's greatest power couple comes onto the stage. White, dressed in a finely tailored suit, lifts his 4CW Undisputed Championship into the air. Miss Teri, wearing a form fitting black dress and spartan sandal style high heels, stands next to her man, taking in the adulation of the crowd.

Phoenix: And finally, we have someone to shut this guy up!
Jeffrey: You know, Scott, that's normally my job, but for this, I'll let you have it!

White places the belt over his shoulder and takes the mic from Miss Teri, getting in a little tap on the behind as he does so. Miss Teri gives White a smack on the arm, but smiles nonetheless. Rhys looks like he's trying not to throw up.

White: You know, I was wondering how you got back in, but then, for such a conniving, sneaky little bitch, it doesn't surprise me the way you did it. And quite frankly, I don't trust that it was pure luck that gave you the number 30 spot. So here we are, me the Undisputed 4CW World champion, baptised through blood, repeatedly humiliated and broken to the point of madness, and yet, just as the cream rises to the top, here I am. And you, humiliated and beaten by your own crony, thrown out of this company, but like a weed, you crop back up. You used to call yourself the cleansing fire, well, it seems that's what's needed here.

The crowd “oooh” at this jab. Cain’s jaw tightens.

White: You see Rhys, yeah, our record would make you think you'd have the advantage, but things change. My own greatest achievement came with the downfall of arguably the greatest wrestler to have competed here, and with a record that on paper is worse than what we have here. And you think you can stand up to that? But that's the thing Butty Boi, I don't care about that shit, records and win loss ratios, that's for the number crunchers and nerds to get excited over. No, I'm interested in the here and now. And right here, I have someone who thinks they can get into my head, and right now, well, you want thirty minutes with me, you gotta be careful what you wish for!

White drops the mic as his music hits the PA again, before leaving the stage to the raucous sound of the crowd.

Phoenix: Well it's settled, the 4CW Undisputed Championship with the contested in a 30 minute Iron Man match at Gallows End, and I for one cannot wait!
Roberts: This could be a career defining match for both of these competitors, but the Freight Train is right, has Cain bitten off more than he can chew?
Jeffrey: For once, I gotta agree with ya, the pipsqueak has an uphill battel, no matter how you try and show it, White is stronger, and frankly, after Revival, scarier than ever. The real question is, who shall we see, the Freight Train, or the Deamon?

===

”Black Flame” by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. The crowd boos as Bruce Rigg and Garret Fischer come through the curtain.

Carson: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a combined weight of 530lbs, BRUCE RIGG … GARRET FISCHER … THE LIBERAAAAAATION!!

Phoenix: We found out earlier tonight that The Black Flame is now an entity without Cain at the helm, so how will this new found independence affect The Liberation tonight?
Roberts: They will either shine or buckle under the pressure! Time to find out!

”Antivist” by Bring Me The Horizon hits the PA. The high-octane thrasher gets the crowd hyped as Jett and Zaiden break through the curtain and march to the ring.

Carson: And their opponents, weighing in at a combined weight of 507lbs … “FULL GEAR” LINDON JETT … “THE RED RHINO” GRANT ZAIDEN … THE ANTIVISTS!!

Phoenix: And of course the Antivists have been on a tear since forming a team together, along with Erica Moxie. They see tonight as the first notch on their post to the 4CW Tag Team Championships, I’m sure!
Jeffrey: And that’s all well and good but underestimate The Liberation at your own peril! Both Rigg and Fischer have a brutal arsenal and their combinations are deadly! You can never count them out!

Tag Team Match
The Liberation vs Antivists
The bell rings and the match begins. Jett and Fischer start off, circling each other and trying to get a feel for their opponent's style. Jett goes for a quick take down, but Fischer is too strong and manages to lift Jett off his feet and slam him to the ground.

The crowd cheers as Fischer goes for a cover, but Jett kicks out at two. Fischer tags in Rigg and the two start to double team Jett. Rigg hoists Jett up for a powerbomb, but Jett counters with a hurricanrana, sending Rigg crashing to the mat.

Jett makes the tag to Zaiden, who comes in with a burst of energy. He takes down Fischer with a clothesline and then goes for a cover, but Fischer kicks out at two. Zaiden goes for a suplex, but Fischer fights out and tags in Rigg.

Rigg and Zaiden go back and forth, both men showing off their strength. Rigg hits Zaiden with a big boot, but Zaiden doesn't go down. He fights back with a series of forearms and then hits a gutwrench suplex, getting a two count.

As the match wears on, it becomes clear that The Liberation is starting to get frustrated. They're not used to being outmatched by their opponents. Rigg and Fischer start to resort to dirty tactics, trying to gain an advantage.

The ref starts to reprimand them, but they don't listen. They continue to cheat, using every trick in the book to try and take down the Antivists, including cheap shots and eye rakes.

Despite their best efforts, the Antivists refuse to stay down. They fight back, refusing to give up. But in the end, it's not enough. The Liberation's constant cheating proves to be too much and they're able to get the win by pinning Zaiden after a low blow that the ref didn't see, followed by a powerbomb from Rigg.

Carson: Here are your winners… THE LIBERAAAATION!!

The Liberation escape the ring quickly after the bell rings, celebrate as they half-run up the ramp backwards. Inside the ring, Jett sees to Zaiden and neither can believe what just happened.

Jeffrey: They’ve done it! What a huge win for The Liberation!
Roberts: They are definitely the best tag team in 4CW … at cheating to win!
Jeffrey: Really? That’s your response? Shut up, Roberts!
Phoenix: Well, by hook or by crook, The Liberation are the winners.

The Liberation celebrate at the top of the ramp as we cut to a break.

===

“Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits and a firework show off the titantron, stage, and ramp, startles the crowd.

Roberts: God in heaven!

Finally, the impromptu show ends and Jack Valentine emerges from behind the curtain. He’s dressed in his typical three piece grey suit, with his hair braided back, and sunglasses on inside. He walks through the smoky mist left from his own firework show and coughs. Looking rather annoyed, he speeds up his strut and gets to the top of the ramp. He stands and looks out to the crowd with his newly won Custom Cup Championship draped over his shoulder.

Jeffrey: You alright, James? Shit your pants?
Phoenix: Well, as per usual, Valentine decides to come down to the ring whenever he pleases, and completely screws up the card! However, we have to assume that after he talks about himself, we should get the stipulation to his championship title defense at Gallows End.
Jeffrey: It may not be the 4CW Championship anymore, but that man needs gold!

Valentine walks down the ramp as the crowd boos him. He just stares at them, even stopping once as a few kids flip him off. He shakes his head and can be seen mouthing “great parenting” to the adult behind the kids. He continues his way to the ring and marches up the steel steps and moves through the ropes into the ring. He spins slowly with his arms outward and once he completes the 360 he holds the title up high for all to see. He doesn’t grin, but he is savagely chewing gum, as he puts the title back on his shoulder and reaches through the ropes for the microphone. He takes off his sunglasses and puts them in his jacket pocket.

Roberts: Beautiful! Let’s get this going and over with.

The crowd pipes down as the music cuts. A couple of random words are screamed out to Valentine like “Loser!” and “Third rate!” Valentine is unphased and raises the microphone to his lips and begins.

Valentine: Another! Another title to my collection, ladies and gentlemen. Jack Valentine is now a Triple Crown Champion! And I did it, without breaking much of a sweat. Certainly helps ease the pain of my Revival slip up.

Roberts: Slip up!? You got your ass handed to you!
Jeffrey: God damnit James! Would you calm down and show a little respect! All this guy does is break and set records!

Valentine: 4CW’s newest darling has been defeated. Yes. I read the Internet forums and tune in to all the stupid podcasts. Xavier is the next big thing in all your eyes. He’s going to be world champion one day! He’s going to be better than his father! He’s going to be……the next Jack Valentine!

The crowd boos in displeasure as the comment.

Valentine: Alright, I may have embellished that last point. Because that little twerp will never live up to me and my career. I just proved it all to you at Rumble in the Storm. However!

Valentine looks down and begins to pace back and forth.

Valentine: However, because this organisation is filled to the brim with whiners and cry babies, I am being forced to defend my title against this clown at Gallows End. Because of a silly stipulation that the kid just made up! Ante up. When was this sanctioned!? Had I known we could just make these things up as we go, I’d have never lost my 4CW Championship! And it certainly wouldn't have taken me nearly 15 years to get it!

Roberts: Talk about cry babies……

Valentine: But no worry. I am the NEW Custom Cup Champion! And after I smack that little shit around at Gallows End, I’ll end the stupid Ante Up crap. And that brings me to the main point of the evening!

The crowd erupts in cheers and applause, silencing Valentine as he drops the microphone to his side and glances around the arena with an agitated expression. He waits. He rolls his eyes and dips his head back.

Phoenix: As much as I want to hear the stipulation and move the show along. This is kind of nice.
Jeffrey: The amount of disrespect this man gets shown is staggering.

Valentine: Are we done yet?

The crowd erupts again.

Valentine: How about now?

More sarcastic applause. Valentine gives up and attempts to speak over the crowd’s reactions. Screaming a bit into the microphone.

Valentine: The stipulation! For the Custom Cup Championship match! At Gallows End! Between FORMER Champion Xavier Avana! And the NEW! REIGNING! DEFENDING! HALL OF FAME! CUSTOM CUP CHAAAAAAAAAMPION!!!!!

The crowd finally pipes down as Valentine lowers his head down and glances around the arena, before cautiously switching back to a normal tone.

Valentine: I’ve already pinned the champion. I’ve already eliminated the champion. And now because he and the powers at be, are forcing this on me. I’m going to make him suffer. I want Xavier bruised, broken, and bleeding! I’m going to mop that squared circle with his bloody face! If you idiots haven’t put it together yet, the stipulation for the Custom Cup Championship at Gallows End, will be a First Blood match! See you then.

Valentine tosses the microphone over his shoulder as his music hits and he swiftly leaves the ring. Slowly making his way up the ramp and laughing at the crowd.

Phoenix: So finally folks, there you have it! Xavier Avana vs Jack “Mad Dog” Valentine in a First Blood match at Gallows End for the Custom Cup Championship!
Roberts: Damn this card is shaping up to be really something. I mean you’re telling me that I get to see Avana retain his title AND Jack Valentine is going to be sporting the crimson mask?
Jeffrey: Awfully confident there James. It’s almost like you were absent for Rumble in the Storm.
Phoenix: Believe what you will folks! But you cannot argue that Gallows End is shaping up to be one hell of an event!

===

”Antivist” by Bring Me The Horizon hits the PA system. Erica Moxie marches down to the ring. She has a mic in hand.

Phoenix: Erica Moxie is heading to the ring with a mic in her hand. Talk about a live wire!
Roberts: And there is no doubt she is pissed at Rhys Cain’s return to 4CW.

Erica Moxie: I can't believe it! Rhys Cain is back in 4CW and he thinks he can just waltz in here and do whatever the hell he wants? I'm not gonna stand for it, and I'll do whatever it takes to put a stop to it. So congratulations, Cain. You got what you wanted; a desperate claim at the championship. But after you fail, I’ll be more than happy to sweep up the ashes and throw them in the trash!

”Black Flame” by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. Eli Waters steps out on stage, with Zephyris and The Liberation in tow.

Eli Waters: Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a minute, Moxie. Rhys Cain has ascended above your petty little grudges. If you've got a problem with him, then you'll have to deal with me.

Moxie leans over the ropes.

Moxie: Oh, I'll deal with you, Waters. I challenge you to a match right here and now, you son of a bitch.

Waters laughs off Moxie’s fire.

Waters: Sorry, Moxie, but we don't do things on your terms anymore. Now we do things on my terms. And on my terms, I don't fight you. I send Zephyris down to face you instead.

Zephyris looks surprised to hear this is part of Waters’ plan, but quickly recovers and nods approvingly.

Moxie: Fine, I'll take on Zephyris. But mark my words, Waters, I won't stop until I get my hands on Rhys Cain and put him in his fucking place.

Moxie throws the mic down and tells Zephyris to “bring it” by beckoning him. Zephyris comes down to the ring.

Singles match
Erica Moxie vs Zephyris

Zephyris enters the ring with a flurry of acrobatic moves, wowing the crowd with his agility. But Moxie is unfazed. She charges at Zephyris, hitting him with a series of hard-hitting strikes.

Zephyris fights back, using his speed and agility to try and outmanoeuvre Moxie. But Moxie is too tough and too experienced. She hits Zephyris with a series of high-impact suplexes, wearing him down.

As the match wears on, it becomes clear that Moxie is in control. She dominates the action, using her hardcore style to her advantage. Zephyris tries to fight back, but he's no match for Moxie's relentless offence.

Finally, Moxie hits Zephyris with her finisher, the Moxie Massacre. Zephyris goes down hard and Moxie goes for the cover, getting the three count.

Carson: Here is your winner… ERICAAAAA … MOOOOXIE!!

Phoenix: And that was a dominant finish if I’ve ever seen one! Wow!
Jeffrey: She’s kinda sexy when she squashes people!
Roberts: And look at this! The Liberation and Waters have flooded the ring!

The three other members of The Black Flame all begin to beat down Moxie. Cornered and outnumbered, she starts to take a beating until -

”Antivists” by Brimg Me The Horizon and Lindon Jett and Grant Zaiden sprint down to make the save. The Black Flame vacates the ring at top speed and escapes through the crowd. Waters has a mic in his hand.

Waters: There you go, Moxie! I’m glad you’ve got your little buddies with you because at Gallows End, it’ll be The Black Flame vs Antivists in a Highway to Hell Street Fight!

The Black Flame moves through the crowd to leave. Inside the ring, Moxie is helped up by Jett and Zaiden. She wipes her bloody lip, glaring and nodding approvingly at the announcement Eli Waters just made.

Phoenix: Well, I think Erica Moxie accepts! We’ve got a six-person street fight at Gallows End!
Roberts: That’s going to be brutal as all hell! Don’t go anywhere people, because still to come tonight, it’s Tommy Young vs Jon Viper in our main event! And coming up after the break, we’re getting a Sery Showcase! Four women set to make their debut tonight, in what will be a showcase of fresh, new talent here in 4CW! You don’t want to miss it!

===

Quentin Cosmo is in his spaceship, sitting in the captain’s seat like a lazyboy. He has a bunch of exotic (likely alcoholic) drinks around him, with big fancy straws and umbrellas popping out of them. He seems to suddenly notice that he’s being recorded.

Cosmo: Oh, hey! Is it time for the show again? With all the time travelling I’ve been doing, I’ve been losing track of the prime timeline. You know, what even is a month? In some universes, a month for us is six months for them. Imagine having to wait six months between shows? Crazy.

Cosmo sips one of his drinks.

Cosmo: This here is a Cosmopolitan! Made it myself! But Cosmo, how can you invent something that has existed for longer than you? Well, because I’m a TIME TRAVELLER. Keep up. God, it’s even NAMED after me. What more proof could you need?

Anyway, I’m here because quite frankly, I’m bored! I even came out of my spaceship to take part in the Rumble and yet no-one even came close to taking this title from me! It’s like they’ve all forgotten I exist - hey, you know, there may be something to that. Who knows how travelling across the multiverse affects the universe’s perception of you and all of your iterations?

Cosmo puts his glass down.

Cosmo: Maybe I should lay off those for a while - anyway, it’s time for THE LOST TIMELINE! Remember when I caused our timeline to split, and we are the universe that skipped a year and a day. But the universe that didn’t skip is still out there, a year behind us. Things have been pretty stagnant over there. For one, I’m not there. In fact, in that universe, I never was a time traveller. I faked it all. Isn’t it funny? How did a space time event make a universe morph itself into one where I never had any time travel abilities to begin with? So I’m not there, Rhys Cain is still dominating everything after beating Moxie at Revival. And to be honest, I’ve forgotten most of the rest of it because I was the most entertaining part of the show and frankly, it wasn’t the same after I was gone.

Cosmo leans forward.

Cosmo: But here’s what you really came for - a big time scoop. At Gallows End, I will defend this 4CW Hardcore Championship. As for one minute, and one minute only, all my shields and locks will be down. Anyone who makes it into this ship during that minute I will accept as a challenger. At the end of the night whoever is left standing will be the 4CW Hardcore Champion. SPOILER ALERT: It’s me. How do I know? I’ve been there. I’m a time traveller. Keep up. So, all that’s left for me to say is, see you at Gallows End! And make sure you travel the night before, as there’s gonna be a big blizzard where a bunch of you aren’t able to make it to the show! How do I know? I’m a time traveller. Keep up!

Cosmo abruptly ends the recording with a jab of a button on a remote as we cut to the ring.

===

Carson: The following fatal four way match is scheduled for one fall!

Phoenix: That’s right, ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, we have a bit of a talent initiative event. This following match will involve four competitors making their 4CW debut! While there is nothing but pride on the line, this will be a big statement for which of the four can gain an important victory!

”Live to Tell” by Lacuna Coil hits the PA system.

Carson: Introducing first, from St Louis, Missouri, weighing in at 170lbs, INDIGOOOO … VELDA!!

Phoenix: 6 foot tall, 170lbs, Indigo Velda doesn’t look like a woman you want to mess with!

”Bloodline  (HEALTH remix)” by Northlane hits the PA system.

Carson: Next, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 124lbs… KAYLA … MAMAAAAA … MERRILL!!

Jeffrey: Oh, she’s a MAMA alright!
Phoenix: I don’t think she’s a mama you wanna cross, Ray! She’d eat you for breakfast.
Jeffrey: Promise?

”OH MAJINAI!” by BABYMETAL hits the PA system.

Carson: Next, from The Raging Seas, weighing in at 119lbs, LOLA … SQUEAK … LITTLE!!

Roberts: Looks like we have a pirate on the way to the ring! Keep hold of your treasure!
Phoenix: Here comes Lola Little! She may be small in name and nature, but that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover! The others in this match will do well not to underestimate her!
Jeffrey: Argh! You’re right there, matey!

”Run For Cover” by Black Honey hits the PA system

Carso: Finally, from Austin, Texas, weighing in at 124lbs, AMELIAAAA … WARHAWK!!

Phoenix: Amelia Warhawk looks like she means business alright!
Jeffrey: Between these four women, I really can’t say who’s my favourite to win!
Roberts: It’s every woman for herself!

Fatal Four Way match
Indigo Velda vs Kayla Merill vs Lola Little vs Amelia Warhawk

The bell rings and the match begins. Velda and Merrill start off, both women eager to prove their dominance. Velda uses her strength to her advantage, lifting Merrill off the ground and slamming her to the mat. Merrill fights back with a series of hard-hitting strikes, trying to wear Velda down.

As the two women go back and forth. Little and Warhawk end up on the outside exchanging blows. Little takes the opportunity to slide into the ring, eager to show off her high-flying moves. She goes for a springboard moonsault, but Velda rolls out of the way at the last second.

Velda and Merrill double team Little, trying to keep her grounded. But Little refuses to stay down, fighting back with everything she has. Warhawk sees an opportunity and slides into the ring, hitting Velda and Merrill with a series of hard-hitting moves.

The match becomes a chaotic flurry of action as all four wrestlers go at it, each one trying to get the upper hand. As the match nears its conclusion, Little hits Merrill with her finishing move, the Brainbuster, which she calls "Death Ahoy!" Merrill goes down hard and Little goes for the cover, getting the three count.

Carson: Here is your winner…LOLAAAAAA … LITTLE!!

The crowd erupts in cheers as Little celebrates her victory. She's been working hard for this moment and it's finally paid off. She climbs to the top rope, holding her arms in the air as the crowd cheers her on.

Phoenix: Well that was indeed a showcase of new talent and it looks like Lola Little has pulled off the upset here tonight!
Roberts: The future is bright for all four of these women!
Phoenix: Hey, Ray - you alright there?
Jeffrey: *delayed reaction* Yes, I’m fine! I was just mesmerised by all the new… assets to our roster!
Phoenix: …Moving on swiftly, coming up next is our main event! Don’t go anywhere!

===

"Possezz" by Owl Vision foreshadows the approach of Jon Viper. The Sealer of Fates calmly strolls onto the stage with his eyes focused solely on the ring.

Carson: Making his way to the ring... from Madison, Wisconsin and weighing in at 220lbs... 4CW Hall of Famer... JOOON VIIIIIIPERRR!!!

Phoenix: There's no shortage of adjectives to describe Jon Viper: "Dangerous", "methodical" and "brash" all quickly come to mind, no doubt.
Jeffrey: Sure, but so should "skilled" and "accomplished", Scott. Whether you like him or not, he's proven himself time and again. And where you see brashness, I see a man who carries himself in accordance with his Hall of Fame status.
Roberts: Do you always have to play the contrarian?
Jeffrey: Whoa! Watch your language, James. It's a family show.
Roberts: Huh?
*Scott looks over at Ray.*
Phoenix: No, it's not.
*Roberts mulls over the "contrarian" thing for a moment, then laughs.
Roberts: That word doesn't mean what you think it does, Ray.
Jeffrey: Suuure it doesn't. Whatever you say, ya fuckin' potty-mouth!

Viper enters the ring without the slightest hint of fanfare; instead, he picks a corner, limbers up and awaits his opponent's arrival.

The familiar riff and thunderous snare of "Aces High" beckons the fans to their feet as Tommy Young comes flying out through the curtain and makes a perfect three point landing! He quickly rises to his feet and does his target lock taunt.

Carson: And his opponent, hailing from Barry, South Wales and weighing in at 195lbs... he is one half of Run 'N' Gun... "TOP GUN"... TOMMYYY YOOOUUUNG!!!

He slaps every outstretched hand on his way down the ramp, loving every second of it. A young girl at ringside decked out in Top Gun merch giddily accepts Tommy's aviator shades, then he slides into the ring and climbs the near corner, drinking it all in.

Roberts: Talk about being all fired up and ready for action!
Jeffrey: What bedroom did I hear that in recently? Hmm...
*Roberts shudders*
Phoenix: If you don't mind putting Mrs. Roberts' extramarital affairs aside and focusing on the match ahead, I'd like to do my thing here.
Jeffrey: Aw, I was just getting started. But sure, go for it Scotty.
Phoenix: The way I see it is this: If Tommy Young wants to keep that smile from being permanently rearranged, he's gonna have to both move and think at a truly incredible pace. He just put both feet directly into a snake pit and that's the only way to get out unbitten!

Tommy removes his flight jacket, and senior referee Anna Molly calls for the bell.

Main Event
Singles match
Tommy Young vs Jon Viper

The bell rings and Viper, unsurprisingly, wants to lock up for starters. As the two men slowly approach one another, Young rushes Viper and knocks him back with a leaping forearm shiver! Tommy closes the gap and grabs his off-balance opponent, delivering a series of forearms that sends the one-time 4CW champion retreating back into the corner he started from! Tommy abruptly ceases his flurry, rolls away and springs back up, only to follow up by charging in with a shoulder thrust! Viper stumbles along the  near ropes while Tommy rushes to the opposite side of the ring, springs off the ropes and gets elevated up and over—NO—Young hangs on, finds his feet on the apron and puts Viper on the canvas with a rope-snap jawbreaker! Never one for wasting time, Top Gun slingshots himself over the ropes and splashes down—right onto Viper's knees!! Viper modifies this position and rolls through into a makeshift small package!

ONE! (Young is winded and barely wriggling)

TWO! (He struggles harder)

THR-NO!

Tommy kicks out with feverish force and scurries away from Viper, keeping one eye on him the whole time. Viper takes a knee, raises his right hand and moves his index finger til it nearly touches his thumb.

Viper: This close!

The fans have barely been able to keep up with the action, but they like what they see and loudly make their opinions known!

Jeffrey: WOOHOOHOO!! Oh, this is already wild!
Roberts: Top Gun turned on the thrusters right from lift-off, and Viper almost got caught out there!
Phoenix: Yeah, but so did Young when he had to follow up! Still, that was one hell of a smart play against a grappling vet like Jon Viper; better to throw caution to the wind when the cautious approach is part of your enemy's methodology.

The two competitors stand and size each other up once more while the cheers and claps die down; neither wants to make the wrong move and you can practically see the gears turning in both men's heads. Viper smirks and makes a grappling gesture, bringing out a chuckle from Tommy. The veteran athlete comes up with a compromise for close-range engagement: Viper wants a chop battle. Tommy Young is into this idea, but still steps forward with his guard up as he approaches Viper in the middle of the ring.

Phoenix: I don't know how smart this is. I mean, both these guys are proficient strikers, but what are the odds Viper plays this straight?

The perpetually self-assured Viper doesn't even bother hiding how disingenuously courteous he is in offering Tommy the first hit; in fact, he brazenly grins at him like an old friend. Tommy is unperturbed, and the hard knife edge chop he delivers quickly changes Viper's expression to a genuine wince while the "WOOO's" ring out in the arena. Viper offers a rare acknowledgement of the fans, nodding his head and gesturing at Tommy, seemingly as impressed as they are. On Viper's turn, he steps into his chop and lands it squarely between Tommy's pectoral muscles. Another two rounds see similar results, and already the welts are breaking out. Still not done, Tommy goes in for a fourth strike but miscalculates and hits Viper a little high, right on the sternum! An "OOH" ripples through the stands.

Jeffrey: Oh that's not gonna go down well for rocket boy!

Viper stumbles back and takes a few moments to recover, standing hunched with his hands on his thighs. When he comes back up, his face is a mask of rage, but instead of lashing out (which Tommy readies himself for), he eases up and insists on completing the round. Tommy obliges, and when Viper steps forward, he fakes Young out and goes for the spinning backfist, only for Tommy to narrowly duck it and take Viper off his feet with a schoolboy pin!

ONE! Viper shimmies on his back, trying to throw off Tommy's leverage

TWO! Tommy leans into the pin harder to counteract Viper

TH—Viper raises his left shoulder and uses his right hand to slap Tommy across the face

Jeffrey: Now that's how you get out of a schoolboy!

From this position, Viper swiftly grapevines Tommy's left arm and locks in a modified armbar! Young struggles for a bit but manages to roll through, break Viper's grip and kip up. Unluckily, Tommy comes up slightly off-balance; Viper does not. In extreme closed quarters, both men start throwing hands at the same time, Tommy's inability to step into his initial strikes leads to the seasoned veteran getting the better of him. Viper caps off a flurry of forearms with a knee to Young's abdomen, then backs him into the ropes, shoots him off and drops him on the rebound with a stiff roundhouse kick—right to the sternum! Viper looks quite pleased with himself.

Phoenix: Man, Tommy Young really got under Viper's skin in this—
Jeffrey: BOOYA BABY! Sweet revenge!
Roberts: Why did I know you'd like that?
Phoenix: "Booya", Ray?
Jeffrey: Hella yes! I'm in the prime of life and I'm hip with it, unlike you and Perpetual Puberty Boy.
Roberts: Whatever you say, Mid-Life Crisis! I smell denial!
Jeffrey: And I smell a full tube of acne cream failing to get the job done! Shut up, Roberts!

Viper lays into Top Gun with a few stomps, then sits him up, hits the ropes and performs a somersault neckbreaker, driving the back of Young head into the mat! Viper keeps hold of the necklock with one arm, traps one of Tommy's with the other and rolls both self and victim belly-down. From this position, the vicious ring veteran performs and maintains a bridge, wrenching away on Tommy's neck with a modified front facelock!

Roberts: The Last Chancery is hooked in at the middle of the ring, which is not a position you wanna be in with Viper!
Jeffrey: Polar opposite of your mother, who hasn't found a single position she doesn't wanna be in with this here mattress specialist!
Roberts: *shudder* Hey wait—is that... uh... that whole situation... a shared mid-life crisis thing?
Jeffrey: It's cute that you've repressed this to where you think it's something new and not, y'know.. decades of sexcapades.
Roberts: *shudder*

Tommy struggles in the hold and seems to be fading faster with each second he remains trapped in it. Senior referee Anna Molly has a close eye and ear on the situation, but Tommy is locked in too tight to submit verbally and definitely isn't tapping. Soon, a "Top Gun" chant breaks out and becomes quite loud; the Sacramento crowd is firmly behind Tommy Young.

Phoenix: Kid's gotta find some way out of this, otherwise he's gonna end up passing out altogether...

Young uses his heels to fight his way backward to the bottom rope and soon, a big extension of the right leg gets his heel draped over the bottom rope, yielding a big pop from the crowd! Viper doesn't want to let go, so Anna starts the 5-count...

1... 2... 3... 4... *Viper lets go at the very last possible moment, earning himself a verbal warning and promptly ignoring it.*

Roberts: Jon Viper has never been one for playing fair, huh?
Jeffrey: Yeah, 'cause it pays off! Just because the hold got broken doesn't mean the damage isn't done. Try flying all over the place with a stiff neck and a dizzy head!

Young elbows his way out of Viper's grasp while being brought back onto his feet, but gets shut down with clubbing blows to the back of the neck. Viper follows up with an irish whip to the far corner and rushes in for the knee lift, but Tommy evades, leaving Viper to awkwardly bounce back off the corner turnbuckle and land on his ass. Seeing his opening, Tommy wastes no time: He pulls Viper onto his feet, puts him into a front chancery and drives Viper's face down onto his (Tommy's) knee!

Roberts: Facebreaker DDT!

With his opponent staggered, Top Gun Tommy Young hits the far ropes and comes back at Viper, taking him down with an expertly delivered Sling Blade!

Phoenix: Kid's mounting a comeback here, he's just gotta do some more damage and try to wrap this thing up; I doubt he'd survive much more punishment in this contest.

Seeking to dish out more high-impact offense, Young slingshots himself out onto the apron and measures his downed opponent. Top Gun performs his target lock taunt, then slingshots back in and stings Viper with a guillotine leg drop!! Tommy moves into a lateral press and hooks the far leg...

ONE!

TWO!

TH-NO!

Viper gets a foot on the bottom rope just before Anna's hand hits the mat, and she's in perfect position to see the rope break.

Jeffrey: Ring awareness 101, baby! That's what comes with experience and talent!
Phoenix: Gotta agree with you on that one, Ray. Young might've gotten the three if he pulled Viper away from the ropes!

Tommy Young looks a little flustered and uncertain, but doesn't let it slow him down. Instead, he quickly picks Viper up and sets him up for another DDT, but Viper reverses into the double-underhook chancery!

Phoenix: Is Tommy Young's fate about to be sealed?!

Viper gets Tommy Young partway into the air, but Young kicks his legs like crazy and finds his feet back on solid ground. Undaunted, Viper goes for it again, but this time Tommy grapevines one of Viper's legs, forcing a deadlock. Otherwise locked in place, Viper releases the double-underhook and goes back to clubbing away at Young's neck and shoulders. At the same time, Top Gun relinquishes the standing grapevine and drives the point of his elbow hard into Viper's solar plexus! Viper is taken off balance for just a moment, but it's a moment too long—before he can react, Tommy Young leaps forth and smacks Viper in the back of the head with a wicked enzuigiri! Viper doesn't go down, but he's definitely on dream street!

Roberts: Now it's Young's time to seal Viper's fate!

Top Gun once again slingshots himself out onto the apron and springboards back for the flying forearm, but Viper hazily steps out of the way! Young rolls through the landing, hits the far ropes and comes back right into a flapjack that sends him high in the air—Viper jumps as Tommy begins to plummet.. and spikes him into the canvas with the FATE SEALER!!! The whole crowd unleashes a resounding "OHHH!!"

Jeffrey: WOOOOHOOOHOOO!!! Talk about a Fate Sealer!
Phoenix: MY DAYS!! That's just about the damnedest double-arm DDT I've ever seen!
Roberts: Absolutely unholy!
Jeffrey: No way the kid kicks outta that one! DONE CITY!!

All at once, the arena lights and 4CW go out. A few moments of hushed confusion overtakes the atmosphere, then is broken up by the Tron flickering back to life.

Phoenix: What the hell is going on?

Inside the ring, the lights are back on and Viper looks perplexed at this development. Distracted, he is dropkicked from behind by Young. He ends up draped on the middle rope and eats a tiger feint kick from Young!

Roberts: Young takes advantage! He has one hell of an opportunity here!

Young leaps onto the rope and takes out Viper with the ACES HIGH flying forearm smash! Young makes the cover! 1…2…3!!

Carson: Here is your winner… TOP GUN … TOMMYYYYYYY … YOOOUNG!!

Young rolls out of the ring, celebrating his victory as he heads backwards up the ramp. Inside the ring, Viper can’t believe what’s just happened.

Phoenix: It seems like Viper just got a  taste of his own medicine with that cryptic message from Lotus.
Jeffrey: It also seems like there’s a lot between them that we don’t know about. That video said they were family? Was that a figure of speech? Or are they literally related?
Roberts: Whether they are or not, there’s certainly no mutual admiration there. There are some deep-rooted issues here we don’t understand.

Suddenly, after Young disappears backstage, the titantron flickers again and ”Spiders on the Wall” by Magnolia Bayou hits the PA system. The crowd roars as Universal Champion Dark Lotus heads out from the curtain. He marches down to the ring and Viper recovers just in time to start exchanging blows with Lotus! The two go back and forth, back and forth - until Lotus viciously clotheslines Viper to the outside!

Lotus rolls out of the ring and stalks Viper, whipping him into the steel steps and the barricade with significant force! Lotus then grabs the steel steps, rips them in half and aims at Viper with a section of it. When Viper gets up, Lotus blasts him back down and then throws the steel steps on to his body.

Phoenix: Well there is no doubt that these two have bad blood between them - and they will settle it all at Gallows End for the Universal Championship!
Jeffrey: That’s assuming they even MAKE IT to Gallows End!
Phoenix: Good point! And with that, everyone, that’s all we’ve got time for! Thank you for joining us! Goodnight!

The show ends with Dark Lotus holding the Universal Championship high in the air as we fade to black.

===

Quick Results:
-The Liberation defeated Antivists
-Erica Moxie defeated Zephyris
-Lola Little defeated Amelia Warhawk, Indigo Velda and Kayla Merrill
-Tommy Young defeated Jon Viper

Writing Credit:
Cain/Black Flame/White promo: Rhys/Gorgrim
Liberation vs Antivists: Rhys
Valentine announces his stipulation: LHeat87
Moxie/Waters segment: Rhys
Moxie vs Zephyris: Rhys
Cosmo segment: Rhys
Fatal-4-Way: Rhys
Young vs Viper: Paige
Distraction Video: TheSurrealOne