Storm Front (January 26th, 2014)

Pyro, pyro! Wheeeee!

Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another edition of 4CW Storm Front, and we are on the road to Revival! I'm Scott Phoenix and I'm joined as always by Ray Jeffrey.
Jeffrey: Massacre is behind us, and the dust is yet to settle. But one thing is for sure, it's all about to kick up again!
Phoenix: 4CW champion Rhysus' grip on his title has yet to weaken, and I'm pretty confident we already know who his next challenger will be.
Jeffrey: That's right, and we'll be hearing from Rhysus later on tonight, but fi-
Phoenix: Oh no. Not this guy!
Jeffrey: Yes! What better way to start the show?!

'Iconoclast' hits, and we're treated to a show-opening appearance from "The Icon" Mark Redman. He has no D'Amicos and no replica custom title belt tonight, just making his way towards the ring through smoke and strobe lights. He eventually gets there, using the ring steps, and demands a microphone from Sarah Loveless. She hands him the mic and he's about to talk, but then decides to call Loveless back into the ring, handing the mic back and urging her to give him an introduction.

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome "The Icon" Mark Redman!

Redman mouths the words along with her, and nods in approval as she finishes and hands the microphone back to him.

Redman: Thank you, thank you Sarah for that most adequate introduction. Not great, but...you're really getting the hang of this job.

Phoenix: Getting the hang of it? She's been doing this for ten years!
Jeffrey: And she's still not picked it up. It's a miracle she's still employed.
Phoenix: Oh come on.

Redman: Two weeks ago I was victorious in my match against the rookie of the year, WH Storm. He gave all he had, and he came pretty close to pulling off the upset of all upsets, but it was just not his night. No, Massacre is my night. A night upon which I am undefeated. A 100% win record!

Phoenix: Oh wow. He's only had one match at Massacre! A three on one!
Jeffrey: Would you let the man talk?

Redman: And coming off such a monumental victory, 4CW management, Mr Belly Marks himself, has hand-picked me to deliver some very important news to all of you. This-

The Icon reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small golden ball.

Redman: -is a golden ball.

Jeffrey: Look at those powers of observation! Is there anything this man can't do?

Redman: And you know what it means?

Jeffrey: No, please enlighten us!

Redman: Of course you don't. This golden ball means I am entrant number one into this year's sole survivor tournament.

Phoenix: Ok! That actually is some big news! Sole survivor is back!

Redman: Starting about an hour ago, our roster has been called one by one into a room backstage where they will each draw a ball at random, and the seven luckiest will draw one of these. The tournament will begin in two weeks on Storm Front and run until Revival. The winner of the finals at Revival will be crowned the new custom champion.

Phoenix: Oh I see. This is his new plan to get his hands on the custom championship.
Jeffrey: You make it sound like a bad thing. You can't accuse him of taking short cuts this time!

Redman: To win this tournament you will need to be among the 4CW elite. The best the wrestling world has to offer. That's why there can only be one winner, and you're looking at him.
Actually, Mark, now they're looking at him.

The Icon turns to see his rival WH Storm standing on the stage, tossing a golden ball up into the air and catching it.

Redman: Ladies and gentlemen, the man who has never beaten me and therefore has no reason to be as cocky as he is...
Storm: Yeah yeah, I lost your handicap match. But unlike you, I'm putting that behind me.
Redman: And that's why you'll never make it in this business. Wins and losses matter, chump.
Storm: Fair ones? Sure. Which is why when I beat you in this sole survivor tournament, you'll have no more excuses.
Redman: Already taking your focus away from what's important, huh? This is for the title! That's why you'll never make it in this business.
Storm: Remind me of that when I'm custom champion and you're struggling to get a Revival dark match.
Redman: Threats you can't keep. You know, that's exactly why you'll never make it in this business.

The arena’s plunged into darkness.  Thousands of lights materialise from the crowd, as the 4CW fans light up their lighters.  They cheer as Rob Zombie’s “Lords of Salem” heralds the arrival of Carstein.

Flanked by Renfield, the returning Midnight Aristocrat makes his way down to the ring.  The pair climb up the ring steps and duck beneath the top rope.  The lights come back on, and Carstein’s holding a microphone.

Carstein: 4CW will be saved.  For too long now, this company’s been run by ineffective fops.  Tyler Smith, Hugh Knowles, Andolini, Chris Drake and now Belly.  Chaos and anarchy has repeatedly ran rampant and roughshod across the roster.  And one person in particular, the dangerous and deranged delinquent that has been terrorising and terrifying.  The menace and monster known as Rhysus.  Now is the time for change.  Now is the time for a different approach.  Now is the time for the Law of the Night to take control.  And the Midnight Court will enforce this law.
Redman: Sure. Um. That's fine and everything, but we’re kinda in the middle of the something here. I mean, you're welcome to join in, but you're kinda taking things a little off topic. You're a dark...lord of darkness...and lords, right? You're like the Dark Lord Darkness of Lordshire and Darknesston, right? That means you've lived for about a thousand years, you broke into wrestling with the ancient Greeks and Ric Flair, so surely you know of some more reasons why WH Storm here will never make it in this business.

Carstein turns to face Redman, his cold grey eyes staring at the Icon.

Carstein: And the Midnight Court shall start saving 4CW with Sole Survivor, and claiming the Custom Cup Championship for itself. 

Phoenix: Wait a minute, does this mean Carstein’s in Sole Survivor?

Carstein: I’ve been told that tonight we’re to have some matches between the Sole Survivor competitors.

Carstein looks at Redman right in the eye.  Redman panics.

Redman: Y...you? You're in the sole survivor tournament? Uh, well yeah, I was going to announce a match or two, yeah. Um, but you may want to, uh, hold off on that. You know, stay fresh for the first round? Or, or maybe not! I don't know, you may want, uh, like a warm up match! Sure, I get that. Well, um, I'd be honoured, obviously, to wrestle a, a, a, a, um, a Lord of Lordiness and, and, and Dark...things. But it, uh, it, my, um, my knee. Thing. Happened. You see, and so maybe tonight isn't so good?

Redman points at Storm.

Redman: But him! He was just saying how great his knee is, see, ah, the, uh, MCL and, and, and ACL. You know, uh, talking about - PCL! - talking about how great his patella was feeling. So maybe you want to wrestle him? You can drink his blood and eat his skin, or whatever it is you, you...you, uh, do.
Carstein: WH Storm face me?  Why would he face me?  I’m not in the Sole Survivor tournament.
Redman: Of course you're not. Obviously. But, um. Sorry, you may want to explain to Storm and our more sluggish-of-mind viewers what you're talking about then.

Renfield, with a microphone of his own, speaks.

Renfield: I am!

Renfield holds up a little golden ball to show he’s telling the truth.

Redman: You? Hah! You! Of course you!
Carstein: So WH Storm will go one on one with Renfield.
Redman:  Hey, you know, about that. My knee is, like, suddenly feeling great! Every part of my knee, it's like nothing was ever wrong with it. Like a miracle. A meniscus miracle, it is.
Carstein: I can see you’re desperate for a match, Redman, so how about you and I go one on one later tonight?
Redman: Did I say miracle? I meant tear. Brutal, agonising torn meniscus.

Carstein smirks at Redman’s displeasure.

Carstein: So I’ll deal with you later

Carstein turns to look at Storm.

Carstein: As for you –

Renfield grabs Storm, and hits a T-Bone suplex.  A ref slides into the ring, shoos Carstein and Redman, and calls for the bell.

Match 1 - WH Storm v Renfield
-
Winner: ???

Phoenix: Well folks, I'm getting word that we have live coverage of the sole survivor draw.

We're taken backstage to a little room where 4CW dogsbody Michael Carson is standing behind a big box with a question mark stuck on the side.

Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Carson here. And folks, we've been at this for over an hour now and have revealed very few golden balls. Currently the only known participants in this year's sole survivor tournament are "The Icon" Mark Redman, WH Storm and Renfield. This means there are still four golden balls left in the mystery box. Next up to draw are the D'Amico brothers. Tommy, Frankie, you'll both be wanting to join Mark Redman in the sole survivor tournament. But if it comes down to it, will we be seeing an implosion?

The D'Amicos grimace at Carson, refusing to take the bait. Tommy reaches into the box first, and pulls out a black ball. Frankie goes next, also pulling out a black ball. They both throw their balls down in anger, leaving the room.

Carson: Sorry guys! Ok! Looks like our next hopefuls are Senecca and Dirk Meyer, S&M! Guys, this sole survivor tournament is for a singles title, are you thinking of-

Senecca holds his hand up to Carson's face, cutting him off. Meyer draws his ball, it's black. Senecca laughs a little at his partner's misfortune, then pulls out a black ball of his own. Meyer takes his turn to laugh, and S&M also leave the room.

Carson: Bad luck! Ok, moving on! And continuing the tag division theme, we have former tag team champions the RockStarrs! T-Rock, Carlos, have you given up on regaining the tag titles so soon?

Starr is about to answer when Candi cuts in.

Candi: Michael, do you know why you're hosting this little tombola segment? Because they hired me to be the new interviewer. You know why they did that? Because you sucked at it. Just shut up and hold the microphone, ok?
Carson: But if I don't talk, I don't need the microphone.
Candi: Great! Put it down over there and just leave. Now, my boys lost some gold at Massacre, but they're about to take some more right now.

Rock and Starr reach into the box together, something Candi raises an eyebrow at. Starr pulls out a white ball, and T-Rock has a red ball.

Starr: What the hell is this? What does white mean?
Rock: What do I get for a red ball?
Carson: I...have no idea how those got in there. Sorry guys, they have to be gold. Better luck next year.
Starr: What?! This is bull-
Candi: Forget it guys. Besides, seeing you both reach into the box at the same time gave me an idea. Let's get out of here.

Carson sighs deeply, not enjoying this job as much as he'd hoped he would. But ever the professional, he forges ahead.

Carson: Well there has to be a gold ball in there somewhere, and who better to find one that 4CW's own gold man, El Conquistador!

The gold bodysuited luchador walks up, followed by his partner Cyber Dragon.

Carson: We're getting a lot of tag teams in here. Are you all trying to get out of the division because you don't want to face the Wolfpack?
Dragon: The Unnatural Predators, Michael. But no, regaining those titles is our ultimate goal and facing the Predators would be an honour.

Before they can draw their balls, Christopher Dawson shows up and barges his way between Dragon and Conquistador.

Dawson: Lads. Don't worry, I won't be long.

He reaches in and boom. Gold ball.

Dawson: As you were.

Dawson pats Cyber Dragon on the face as he leaves.

Carson: Wow! Well, it looks like we have our fourth entrant! Joining Redman, Renfield and Storm will be Christopher Dawson! Sorry about the interruption guys. There are still three gold balls to play for.

Dragon shakes off his annoyance and reaches into the mystery box to pull out a black ball. El Conquistador does a little prayer for good luck, then pulls out...a black ball. He doesn't voice his frustration because he doesn't voice anything, but he does do some wacky luchador overacting that shows it. They leave together, back to the tag leagues.

Carson: Next up to try his hand is leader - or former leader - of the Cowboys From Hell, Steven Penance.

The camera zooms out a little to show not only Penance, but all four Cowboys standing behind the box.

Penance: Less of the 'former,' Mike. We were all brought back by Belly, he calls the shots, but these guys still answer to me.

With that, Penance reaches into the box and pulls out a ball. He keeps it tightly covered in his fist though, and gestures for the others to do the same. First Descent, then Virus and finally Jakob Villani all reach in and pull out a ball, none showing them. Penance then nods towards the door, signalling that it's time to go.

Penance: Carson.
Carson: Hey, wait! I need to see your balls!

Jeffrey: I knew there was something funny about that guy.

The camera follows the Cowboys outside the room, where Penance holds his fist out and the others follow suit. They all open their hands at the same time. Virus has a black ball. Villani has a black ball. Penance has a black ball. Descent has a gold ball!

Penance: Good. Now, as we agreed.

Descent freezes for just a second, but nods in subservient acceptance and switches balls with Penance. Penance holds his ball up to his face with his fingertips, grinning at it evilly.

We cut backstage to a TNA-esque creepy cameraman, stalking the returning Smoke. He's doing some warm ups, using of those rubber band gimmicks to work his triceps, when he's approached by all three members of the New Redemption. Minion breathes heavily all over him as he leans in close.

Smoke: Can I help you?
Minion: This is not over.
Smoke: No, no, you say "I am not over." I, not this. You are not over.
Minion: I have no patience for this impudence.
Smoke: But you have a thesaurus. Gotcha.

Minion slams his hand against the wall, growling a little as he takes a deep breath.

Minion: When I am finished with Valentine, I will come for you.
Smoke: That's nice, man. I appreciate the heads up.

Another grunt and Minion is away. Roman and Mullet try to intimidate Smoke, but it doesn't seem to work. At least Smoke doesn't show it. He waits for the men to leave, then pulls out his phone and swipes a bit.

Smoke: Hey. Don't hang up! Yeah, I know. It's Smoke. Smoke, we- Yeah, sure. Look, you're not going to like this, I just thought you should know.

And, of course, we leave him there before we get any meaningful information. Because that's how TV works, you see.

Back to the arena now, where Lorelei Spice is making her way down to the ring. She's proudly wearing her womens championship belt, and looks confident about her chances tonight. Jobber entrance for a new girl with a Viking gimmick, wearing some kind of animal skin tights and furry boots, with pleated blond hair. She's introduced as Vie Valhalla, Lorelei isn't impressed.

Match 2 - Lorelei Spice v Vie Valhalla
- Spice lays into Vie early on, backing her into a corner and laying in some forearms. Vie is resilient though, and takes advantage of some overconfidence as Spice turns her back to parade around, taking the champ down with a chop block to the back of the knee. Valhalla works a neck crank with an arm trapped under the leg, showing her offensive style to be quite a brutal ground game. Spice can work with that though, powering through to regain control and applying a side headlock of her own. Vie elbows out and whips Lorelei, taking her down with a discus lariat for a two count, then backs up into a corner dramatically locking her hands together and holding them to the side of her head. Spice gets to her feet and Valhalla swings for the Polish hammer, only for Spice to duck and hoist her up into the torture rack, or Spice rack, bending Valhalla in a complete circle so her feet touch the top of her head. Vie taps.
Winner: Lorelei Spice

The arena lights dim, and turn to a pale pink.  Ozzy Osborne’s “Hell Raiser” plays from the system, and out comes Marie Dubois, wearing a black t-shirt with a Metallica picture on the front, jeans and black boots. 

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ring, the Mistress of Magic, MARIE DUUUBOOOOIIIIIISSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Marie climbs into the ring, and takes the microphone from Loveless.

Jeffrey: *Sigh* She could put a spell on me anytime!

Marie: Two weeks ago was Massacre.  Ah was in the back watchin’ the show, and a thought struck me.  Why exactly was Jenna Divyne wrestling Lorelei Spice for the 4CW Women’s Championship?

Ah couldn’t understand why she was the number one contender for the Championship.  Don’t get me the wrong way, Jenna’s a fine talent.  But have we all forgotten about Gallows End?  Ah wrestled Jenna in a No DQ match, and raght in the middle of the ring, ah pinned her.  1-2-3.  But she somehow gets the title shot?

Ah destroyed Divyne.  Ah beat her senseless.  But ah got nothing to show for it.

Phoenix: You can’t deny that Marie Dubois has a point.

Marie: Ah’m not goin’ ta complain and bitch about what happened.  We can’t change the past.  But we can right the wrongs of the past in the present.  And this is one injustice ah will put right.

Lorelei Spice, ah’m challengin’ you to a match against me for your Women’s Championship at Revival.

Lorelei stares straight into the eyes of Marie, unflinching, but is clearly grinding her teeth with anger. She turns away, declining to respond. Marie steps back and lets the champion leave the ring and exit up the aisle, enjoying her moment.

Phoenix: She's leaving! But the challenge has been laid down, Marie isn't going away! What will Lorelei Spice’s answer be?!

We cut backstage to the interview area where none other than the 4CW Champion Rhysus is standing with Jenny Loveless.

Loveless: I'm here with the 4CW Champion, Rhysus! First of all, Rhys, congratulations on your victory at Massacre. What do you have to say about what happened and Carstein's return?
Rhysus: You know, I'm sick and tired of Carstein. Sick of his games. Sick of my family looking over their shoulders constantly. So I'm doing something about it. As of now, the Law Abiding Citizens are on my payroll. They will be working for me and my brother, constantly, keeping my family safe from Carstein. And if they do find him sniffing around, he will be crushed.
Loveless: Rhysus, surely, your family would be safer at home? Not here in the arena?
Rhysus: You'd think so, wouldn't you? But Carstein has been to my home before and taken my partner hostage. I'm not risking that again. I'm keeping them as close as possible to make sure Carstein is nowhere near them. The closer they are to me, the safer they will be. Carstein, I'm giving you one final warning - stay away from my family if you know what's good for you.

Rhysus stares at the camera for a few seconds, then takes his mobile phone from his pocket, starts dialling and walks away from the area.

A graphic is shown on screen, informing us that the undisputed 4CW tag team champions the Unnatural Predators will be holding a celebration ceremony in two weeks! Make sure you tune in for that one, you may even see Wolfie's junk again!

Loveless: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, hailing from San Diego, California. Standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing in at 301 pounds! MINION!!!!

"Hells Bells” by AC/DC hits as the arena goes dim. Minion emerges on stage and he receives mostly boos, but some heckling from his big loss at Massacre. He reaches the ring and climbs up onto the ring apron and then lifts both his legs over the top rope to enter the ring. He shows no emotion as he just turns and faces the ring entrance and awaits his opponent.

Loveless: And his opponent, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 235 pounds! JACK “MAD DOG” VALENTINE!!!!

The crowd erupts as “Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits. Jack Valentine slowly emerges on stage with a grin on his face and looking directly at Minion. Valentine starts walking down the ramp and the walk turns into a run and then a sprint. Valentine slides into the ring and pops up to his feet. Minion steps forward and swings for a clothesline that Valentine ducks underneath. He and Minion both turn to face each other and Valentine unleashes a barrage of left and rights on the monster, as the official signals for the bell.

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*

Match 3 - Jack Valentine v Minion
Phoenix: And Valentine wastes no time laying in to Minion, only a few weeks after their encounter at Massacre!

Jeffrey: And let’s not forget, Minion was screwed not once but twice! He deserves this chance to prove he’s better than Valentine!

Valentine beats Minion back into the turnbuckle and then lifts himself up with his feet on the middle rope and starts pounding his right hand into Minion’s head. The crowd starts counting along with all the punches, but eventually lose count as Valentine starts hammering away with left and rights. Minion eventually shoves Valentine away, but he lands on his feet and runs back toward Minion and starts a second assault. Minion again shoves Valentine back down. Valentine stumbles back, but revs up for a third battering. He runs back toward Minion, but Minion quickly raises his Big Boot and Valentine’s face hits so hard he nearly flips. He slams into the mat and holds his face as Minion rests against the top rope. Minion shakes his head before making his way over to Valentine and forcefully reaching down with his right hand and grasping Mad Dog around the throat and bringing him up to his feet and then tossing him forcefully into the corner. Valentine bumps into the turnbuckle and stumbles out as Minion quickly grabs him around the waist and flips him up and over his head with a Belly-to-belly Suplex! Valentine slams into the mat as Minion yells out to the crowd with a Viking like roar. Valentine crawls on his hands and knees and uses the ropes to get to his and rest against the ropes. Meanwhile, Minion does a slow windmill with his right arm and runs at Valentine, clotheslining him over the top rope, but Valentine hangs on and lands on the ring apron. Minion reaches over and pulls Valentine to his feet, but Valentine quickly grabs the back of Minion’s head and drops down from the apron and Minion’s throat is forced into the rope and he flings back, remaining on his feet, holding his throat, and gasping for air. Valentine quickly climbs back onto the ring apron and then leaps onto the top rope and springboards off and towards Minion for a Crossbody! But Minion turns and miraculously catches Valentine and immediately throws him up and over himself while falling backwards for a Fallaway Slam!

Phoenix: Just when Valentine was starting to regain control, a very alert Minion hits a big time maneuver!
Jeffrey: I told you Scott, he’s better! Roman and Mullet Superior were just holding him back! And he was screwed! Not once! But…
Phoenix: Twice. Right Ray, he kicked out and yada yada blah blah.
Jeffrey: Rude.

Minion grabs Valentine and gets him to his feet. He forces him back into the turnbuckle and open hand slaps him right in his chest as the sound echoes throughout the arena. Minion then grabs Valentine’s wrist and gets close to him. He then quickly and strongly shoots backwards and Irish whips Valentine across the ring with such force that he leans forward and hits the turnbuckle, forcing Valentine to flip up the turnbuckle, and fall right back down landing on his back, shades of Shawn Michaels. Minion slowly walks across the ring towards his downed nemesis and grabs him by his hair, lifting him up slowly. Minion puts Valentine’s head under his arm as well as Valentine’s arm over his head. He lifts him straight up in the air and holds him for a Standing Stall Suplex, but Mad Dog starts kicking and wiggling his feet and comes down safely on his feet. Minion looks up and immediately eats a Dropkick to the face that sends him stumbling backward. Minion hits the turnbuckle as Valentine gets to his feet. Minion runs out of the turnbuckle at Valentine, but he sidesteps the Monster and manages to swift kick him in the gut. Minion leans over holding his stomach as Valentine runs the ropes. He comes back, grabs Minion’s head, twists, and hits the mat for a Running Neckbreaker. Minion shows signs of pain, but gets to his feet anyway as Valentine runs the ropes again.  Minion stands to see Valentine coming his way and swings for a clothesline that Valentine ducks under and continues into the ropes again. Valentine returns and dodges another clothesline attempt and hits the ropes again. This time Valentine flies off of the ropes directly at Minion and connects with a Flying Forearm Smash, as he forces Minion’s face into his forearm! Minion drops to a knee but quickly gets back to standing on two feet, although dazed. Valentine pops back up and stands in front of the monster. He scoops up all 80 inches and just over 300 pounds of Minion and miraculously Body Slams the beast! Valentine then quickly jumps straight up in the air and slams his foot right into Minion’s face, before stumbling back into the ropes for a rest and the crowd starts heating up.

Phoenix: Valentine with a bombardment of attacks that has Minion defenseless!
Jeffrey: Minor setback. Minion was dominating. He’s just doing this to make it a good match and not so much a squash. I mean 4CW lives show to show now right? Can’t have any squashes!

Minion sits up holding his face and starts to stand. He stands and removes his hands from his face just in time to see Valentine running full force at him and he barrels into his midsection with a Gore like Spear that sends Minion back against the ropes. Valentine immediately gets to his feet and rushes Minion and connects with a clothesline so hard both men tumble up and over the top rope and to the floor below! After a moment both men start to rise as Valentine pulls back and connects with several shots to the jaw of Minion. He then jumps up and extends his legs for another Dropkick, but Minion shockingly catches the legs of Valentine under each of his arms and Valentine’s back smacks on the ground. Minion then holds up Valentine’s legs, arching his back up, and then falls back catapulting Valentine up and into the ring post! Valentine lands on his feet and stumbles over to the announce table. Minion grabs the back of Valentine’s neck and pulls it back and then slams it right back into the announce table and repeats the process.

Jeffrey: Haha! Do it again big fella!

Minion pulls Valentine’s head back and tries to slam his head again, but Valentine puts his foot up on the table and stops the attempt. Valentine then grabs Minion’s head and slams it into the table hard! Valentine rest for a second as Minion turns around holding his head. Minion shakes the cobwebs out and then turns back towards Valentine rushes him. Valentine quickly leans forward and lifts the big man up just enough and he comes down and right through the announce table! Ray Jeffrey and Scott Phoenix scramble to avoid the ordeal. Valentine quickly rolls back into the ring and back out to break the count. He then returns to the downed Minion and drops to his knees and with his left hand grabs Minion by his hair and starts hammering away with his right. Minion is defenseless to stop the attack.

Jeffrey: Typical maneuver by Valentine, cheating all the way!

Valentine releases Minion and gets up and in Jeffrey’s face. Jeffrey’s tough and angry demeanor quickly changes to that of a scared puppy. Valentine says something as Jeffrey backs down and he turns back towards Minion.

Jeffrey: Screw you! Under achieving fail…

Valentine quickly turns and catches Jeffrey with a right to the jaw and he drops down like a sack of potatoes! Scott Phoenix starts laughing uncontrollably. Valentine pulls Minion up and forcefully tosses him back into the ring. Instead of rolling in himself, Valentine climbs to the top of the turnbuckle from the outside. Minion stands and turns dazed as Valentine leaps from the top and comes down with both hands crashing into Minion’s skull for a Double Axe Handle! Minion drops to a knee temporarily before standing again and staggering around the ring. Valentine watches a little shocked that Minion is still standing, but the second Minion turns back towards him, Valentine leaps forward and raises his foot and instantly drops him with the Superkick! Minion lays flat on the mat as the crowd cheers. Valentine climbs the turnbuckle to the top and leaps into the air and pulls up his arm revealing the elbow and he drives it into the chest of the monster! Valentine hooks the leg!

1…

2…

3…

No! Kickout!

Phoenix: Minion isn’t done yet! He kicked out! What do you think about that Ray? Hahahaha!

Valentine gets up and signals to the crowd for the end. He gets Minion up, puts his head between his legs, and hooks his arms. Suddenly, Minion lifts hum Valentine right over his back and he slams into the mat. Valentine scrambles back to his feet and rushes Minion, but he lifts his big leg and Valentine runs right into it again! Minion gets Valentine up and puts his head between his legs and lifts him up onto his shoulders in a seated position! Valentine goes off with lefts and rights and then drops back down.  Minions swings for a clothesline, but Valentine ducks under it! Minion turns and eats a kick to the stomach and quickly finds his head between Valentine’s legs again and his arms hooked! Valentine jumps back and connects with the Flea Shot! Minion’s face bounces off the canvas and Valentine rolls him over and lays on top of him exhausted!

1…

2…

3!!!!
Winner: Jack Valentine

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match…..JACK “MAD DOG” VALENTINE!!!!

The official raises Valentine’s hand in victory and he shouts out to the adoring fans and “Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits. There's a little mumbling from the commentators as they notice something going on in the audience, but they suddenly catch on.

Phoenix: Woah! I thought we had a fan jumping the barricade here, but look who it is!
Jeffrey: Is that who I think it is?
Phoenix: It's 4CW hall of famer, [chux]!

[chux] has a few words with security, and a stage hand gives the word to let him pass. He sarcastically thanks the security guard, then snatches a microphone from Sarah Loveless before rolling into the ring. Valentine extends his hand to [chux], a sportsmanlike gesture that [chux] smirks at, holding back a laugh.

[chux]: If you could stop that, uh..."music", that would be great. Thanks.

[chux] looks down at Valentine's hand again.

[chux]: Dude, you can put that away. I think we're beyond that, don't you? Now, if you want a show of respect, would you mind letting me take the ring for a bit?

Valentine nods, mouthing "welcome back" on his way out. He gets half way up the ramp before [chux] decides to speak up.

[chux]: Oh, and Dog? Congratulations on your win tonight. You're now where I was ten years ago.

Valentine turns around and glares at [chux], unsure whether or not to take the bait. He decides to be the bigger man, turning and leaving the returning legend to his business.

[chux]: The last time you saw me, I was hijacking a wedding. Married life is great, by the way, thanks for asking. I mean, life is always great when you're me. See, when you've done the things I've done, won the things I've won, you can basically retire at 30 and do whatever the hell you want! Every day I get up whenever I want, spend my whole day doing my own thing, and I don't have to worry about anything bigger than whether to drink Coke or Pepsi. Which, obviously, isn't a choice at all. I'm rich, famous and successful, not stupid.

Jeffrey: Still got that sponsorship deal then, I guess.

[chux]: So why am I back here? Why, of all the things I could be doing with my time, did I decide to show up here, tonight? Well that's a good question. A damn good question. Do I want world title number five? No. Do I want to complete my second triple crown? No. Do I want another big payoff? No. Do I just want to hear one more big pop?

He takes a second to soak in the reactions of the fans.

[chux]: No. No, I'm here simply because I want to be. I miss it. I miss coming down here and being in this ring, talking to millions of people, wrestling against the best athletes in the world. And maybe more importantly than that, it misses me. You all know I'm right. Has 4CW been the same since I left? No. I've said it for years, this place needs me, and my conscience won't let me put it through any more misery. I know what addiction is, I know what you've been going through in my absence, and I'm here to warm up your cold turkey.

Phoenix: Is he serious?
Jeffrey: You have to admit he has a point.

[chux]: So Rhysus, don't worry, I'm not coming for you. Wolfie! I'm not coming for you either, enjoy those belts. Gemini. Hm. Victor, Dredrick...as nice as it would be, I'm not looking for one last nostalgia trip. For all of you who are asking who I am coming for, just know this. I am here to lift this company back to where it belongs. I am here to give back what I took away when I left. And that means taking on the worst this company has to offer, the weights that are dragging 4CW down, the underachievers, the wastes of roster spots, the cancer that is eating this place from the inside. All you have to do is keep buying tickets, and enjoy the show. Can you do that for me?

[chux] drops his mic and casually looks around the arena until the camera cuts away.

We're thrown backstage to the door of the room Michael Carson has been drawing balls for the sole survivor tournament. The door opens and Carson comes out, sighs heavily and leans back against the wall. He notices the camera and snaps back into TV mode, straightening up and looking professional. Jenny Loveless is on the scene.

Jenny: Michael! Have you found all of the entrants?
Carson: No Jenny. I called in every single member of the 4CW roster, the developmental roster, even a few legends, and we're still one man short.

Carson holds up one last golden ball.

Jenny: So what happens now?
Carson: I don't know. I guess we do a re-draw.
Jenny: You do it all again?
Carson: Someone messed up. There were too many balls in the thing, someone put in a red one and a white one, I don't know...

Suddenly, the ball is plucked out of Carson's hand.

Carson: H- Hey! You can't...! Oh. Maybe you can...?

Sery holds the ball up to his face and smiles at it. He's got his way back in! Without saying a word he nods at Carson, then Jenny, and walks away. The backstage interviewers shrug at each other.

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall!  Introducing first, being accompanied by Tommy and Frankie D’Amico, “The Icon” MAAAAARRRRRK REEEEEEDMAAAAAAANNNNNNN!

Mark Redman appears from the back, looking as cocky and arrogant as usual, flanked by the D’Amico brothers. 

Redman climbs into the ring as the lights dim.  Rob Zombie’s “Lords of Salem” plays and the Lord of the Night emerges from the mist that floods the entrance way.

Loveless: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Renfield, he is the “Lord of the Night”, CAAAARRRSSSTEEIIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!!

Carstein slides into the ring and the ref calls for the bell.  He stands up, and watches as Redman scurries behind the referee.  Carstein approaches the ref to get at Redman, but the Icon holds onto him, and backs into one of the ring corners.  Carstein tries to grab Redman from behind the ref, but Redman instead manages to climb between the ropes and jumps to the outside.

Match 4 - Carstein v "The Icon" Mark Redman
Not wanting anything to do with Carstein, Redman walks away from the ring, towards the ramp way.  The ref begins his 10 count. 

1!

Carstein climbs out of the ring, and follows Redman towards the ramp.

2!
3!

The Midnight Aristocrat reaches Redman,  He grabs him, turns him around, and Irish Whips him back towards the ring.

4!
5!
6!

Redman crashes into the side of the ring, shaking the entire structure.  Carstein appears behind Redman.

7!

Grabbing a handful of hair, he lifts Redman’s head, then slams it onto the ring.  Redman grunts as his face hits the ring apron.

8!

Carstein rolls Redman into the ring, and slides in himself.  Redman groggily gets to his feet and Carstein jumps up too.  Carstein reaches out and pulls Redman towards him.  Redman’s hoisted up into the air with a belly to belly.  Carstein releases Redman as he goes over his head, and the Icon flies across the ring, crashing onto the canvas below.

Carstein slides into the fallen Redman with a baseball slide.  Redman scurries back to a ring corner.  With his back to Carstein, Redman grabs onto the turnbuckles and pulls himself up.  Carstein roughly turns Redman around to face him, hits some chops against his chest.

Crowd: WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

And another.

Crowd: WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

And another.

Crowd: WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

And another.

Crowd: WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Redman stumbles out of the corner, but Carstein chops him back in.

Crowd: WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Carstein climbs up onto the second rope and pounds away on the Icon.

1!
2!
3!
4!
5!
6!
7!
8!
9!
10!

Carstein leaps down, and again Redman stumbles out of the corner, collapsing onto Carstein.  Carstein wraps his arms around Redman, and heaves him into the air with a belly-to-belly suplex.  Redman crashes onto the mat, and Carstein covers.

1!
2!
Kick out!

Carstein gets to his feet, and brings Redman up with him.  Redman quickly jabs his thumb in Carstein’s face.  The Lord of the Night stumbles backwards, and Redman leaps up.  He kicks Carstein in the face with a drop kick, and Carstein crashes down.

Redman grabs Carstein’s right leg, and wraps it around the back of his neck.  Carstein writhes in pain as Redman’s Argentine leglock is applied.  The ref checks on Carstein, but he doesn’t submit.  Redman releases the hold, but still holds onto Carstein’s leg.  The Icon then slaps on an Indian Deathlock, causing more pain the shoot the Carstein’s legs and lower back.

Carstein breaks out of the hold, and Redman falls down, the unexpected escape taking him by surprise.  Carstein turns around to face Redman, and grabs his arm for a Fujiwara armbar.  Redman, powers up, and gets to his feet.  Carstein re-jigs his hold, and keeps Redman subdued with a wrist lock.

Redman pulls his arm out of the hold, and hits Carstein with a clothesline.  Redman brings Carstein to his feet, then hits a DDT.  Redman covers.

1!
2!
Kick out!

Redman slaps the mat in frustration. 

They both get up, Carstein slightly groggy from the DDT.  Redman gets behind Carstein, and sets up the Lord of the Night for a neck breaker.  But Carstein powers out.  He turns around, and wraps his arms around Redman for a German suplex.

Redman instead wraps his leg around Carstein’s, stopping Carstein from hitting the move.  Carstein instead clubs Redman in the back of the head.  Redman stumbles forwards, and Carstein pulls him back, setting him up for the Blood Drinker.

Phoenix: Carstein trying to end things early here with the Blood Drinker.

Standing in the middle of the ring, Carstein has Redman set up for the Blood Drinker.  The crowd goes nuts as Carstein’s about to leap backwards.  But the pop from the crowd turns into a commotion as 4CW World Heavyweight Champion, Rhysus, flanked by the Law Abiding Citizens, slide into the ring.

Carstein, with Redman in the Blood Drinker position, can’t do anything as Rhysus takes him out with a clothesline.  Carstein falls to the mat and Rhysus pounds away on his foe.  Redman’s not quite sure what’s going on, then the LAC pounce, beating him down.  The ref calls for the bell, throwing the match out.
No contest.

Carstein and Rhysus trade blows down on the mat, hammering away and smashing each other with fists and kicks.  Redman curls into a foetal position as the LAC stomp away on him.  Coming to rescue their boss, Tommy and Frankie D’Amico climb into the ring.  Tommy tackles Von Munro to the mat, whilst Frankie swings lefts and rights into Steele Saunders.  Redman quickly crawls into the corner as the D’Amicos and the LAC trade blows. 

Redman gets to his feet, and joins Tommy D’Amico in attacking Von Munro, stomping away on the larger man.  Carstein and Rhysus still throw vicious fists at each other.  The ref calls for some help, and dozens of other referees and backstage agents come flooding to the ring.  They slide in, and try to restore some order.

Renfield slides into the ring, and hits a spear on Redman.

Before anyone can realise what’s going on, the other Sole Survivor competitors come down: Sery, Christopher Dawson, WH Storm and Steven Penance. 

The Sole Survivor competitors slide into the ring, and all hell breaks loose.  The refs try to do their best, but to no avail.  It’s sheer pandemonium as Carstein, Rhysus, Redman, Sery, Dawson, Penance, Storm, the D’Amicos and the LAC all brawl around the ring.

Jeffrey: This is just what Carstein was talking about earlier, when he mentioned chaos and anarchy everywhere.  We need this Midnight Court to save 4CW now!

Another figure slides into the ring, with shoulder length black hair and a black leather trench coat.  Wielding a pipe, he rushes straight towards Carstein, who’s on the mat being stomped on by Rhysus and the LAC.  The man smacks Saunders on the back of the head with the pipe.  He cracks the pipe against Von Munro.

Rhysus turns around and backs off slightly.  The man pulls Carstein to his feet.

Phoenix: Wait a minute, that’s J.J. Blaze!  What the hell’s Blaze doing here?

Some agents manage to get in between Rhysus and the Carstein and Blaze duo, separating them.  They attempt to stop the rest of the brawl, but to not much avail.

Phoenix: This is all we’ve got time for tonight.  Join us in two weeks, when hopefully some order will be restored!