Storm Front (February 23rd, 2014)

Cold open this week, right into the locker room area where for once the cameraman is actually welcome in Rhysus' locker room. Rhysus is not alone. He has his brother Zephyris as well as The Law Abiding Citizens with him. His family are not around this week, which maybe a sign that Carstein has finally left that chapter closed. Rhysus has the LAC standing in front of him.

Rhysus: Alright, I'm comfortable enough to know that Carstein won't bother my family again. They are at a distant relatives house and will probably stay there until Revival. When Carstein is out of the picture, things can finally go back to normal. Now, you two are still under my payroll, so I wanna take advantage of that. Me and Carstein pick eachother's opponents tonight. So I'm going to pick you, Von Munro, to face him tonight.
Von Munro: No problem, boss.
Rhysus: I don't give a shit what you do to him, but don't injure him, because I don't want him to have any excuses come Revival. He'll be coming into the match at 100% so when he loses he has no leg to stand on when it comes to a rematch and he'll have to go to the back of the line. Just do what you do best.
Von Munro: Consider it done.
Rhysus: Great. Zeph, come on.

Rhysus leaves the locker room with his title over his shoulder, and his younger brother follows closely behind.

* Carstein announces Rhys' opponent, Zephyris

Loveless: The following contest is the second round of the Sole Survivor tournament!

The fans cheer.

Loveless: This match will be contested under Havoc Match rules!

Phoenix: Wow, a Havoc Match!  We haven’t had one of those in years!

Loveless: Competitors have to eliminate their opponents by throwing them over the top rope, and both feet must touch the floor.  Eliminated competitors remain outside the ring as lumberjacks for the duration of the match.  When the final two are in the ring, the "over the rope" elimination stops, and the way to win the match is by pinfall or submission.

The Sole Survivor elimination will be between the two men at the end of the match.  Whoever gets pinned, will be eliminated from the tournament.

Ding, ding, ding!

Match 1 - WH Storm v Renfield v Sery v Steven Penance v Christopher Dawson
"The Icon" Mark Redman is on guest commentary and is hilarious throughout.

Dawson goes after Renfield whilst Penance ties up with Sery.  Storm watches the brawling.  Dawson and Renfield’s bout becomes violent, with nasty fists.  Penance pushes Sery towards the ropes, and attempts to throw him over.  Storm comes to Sery’s aid, attacking Penance. 

Renfield gains the advantage over Dawson, and tries to eliminate the former Tag champ, but to no avail as Dawson fights off Renfield and climbs back into the ring.  Sery and Storm team up to take on Penance, and the pair pound away.  The two hit Penance with some power moves, and keep him down on the mat with various standing aerial moves.

Dawson hits his finisher on Renfield, and rushes Sery and Storm.  Dawson spears Sery into the corner.  Storm sneaks up behind, and manages to toss Dawson over the top rope and eliminates him.  Frustrated, Dawson bangs the floor.

Penance is up, and hits a German suplex on Storm.  Renfield’s up too, and attacks Penance.  Penance hits Renfield with a low blow to gain the advantage.  Sery and Storm rush at Penance, but the Cowboy from Hell fights them off.  He grabs Storm and throws him into Sery.  The two crash to the mat.

Renfield attacks Penance from behind, and pushes him towards the ropes.  Sery and Storm get up and help Renfield.  The three of them manage to flip Penance over the ropes.  Penance holds on, and fights his way back into the ring.  He throws Renfield over, but he holds on, whilst Sery and Storm attack Penance again.

Penance Irish whips Sery into the ring corner.  Renfield climbs back into the ring and jumps Penance from behind.  Storm climbs up to the top rope.  Penance flips Renfield over, causing him to crash to the mat.

Penance picks up Renfield.  He lifts him into the air, and throws him like a javelin.  Renfield flies through the air and crashes into Storm, still sat on the top rope.  The two fall to the outside, eliminated.

Penance turns to look at Sery, who’s pulling himself up in the corner.   Penance, the bigger man, destroys Sery with his big power moves.  But Sery kicks out of all pin attempts.  Penance gets frustrated, and somewhat cocky thinking he can get Sery.  Sery uses this to his advantage, and hits Penance with some big moves of his own.  Sery gains the advantage, and hits Penance with a piledriver. 

Sery climbs to the top rope, the crowd screaming.  Then the Cowboys from Hell rush to the ring.  The three men grab Sery and hit a monstrous super plex from the top.  Penance gets him, and pins Sery with his one foot on Sery’s chest.

1!
2!
3!
Steven Penance wins to gain immunity, Sery is eliminated

We are backstage and Rhysus is storming through the backstage area, livid. He finds Hugh Knowles' office and barges in without knocking. Hugh Knowles looks a little surprised at the sudden appearance of the champ.

Knowles: What the hell, Bruiser? I have a door you know, try knocking it.
Rhysus: Shut up, Hugh. Did you see what Carstein just did? Trying to pick my BROTHER as my opponent! Zeph isn't even under contract with 4CW so you can't allow this to happen.
Knowles: Well, I -
Zephyris: Sorry to interrupt Hugh, but hold on a second.

Zephyris turns to Rhysus.

Zephyris: Why don't you use this to our advantage?
Rhysus: How could we possibly use this to our advantage?
Zephyris: Think about it bro! We both love wrestling. I had a brief stint here before as a masked wrestler but I've never wrestled here... well, as me. And to be able to fight my brother, the 4CW Heavyweight Champion, the star of the show, it would be a dream come true. We could give these fans a match they'll never forget, blow the roof off, and turn Carstein's idea of getting to you into a match of the year candidate. I'm up for it. We've wrestled plenty of times before, so why not on the grand stage of 4CW Storm Front?

Rhysus considers what Zeph says, looking at how eager his brother is and finally sighs and nods.

Rhysus: ...Fine. Hugh, sign my brother up to a temporary contract. If he's gonna do this, he's gonna do it properly. With a paycheck.

Hugh Knowles considered arguing but finally decided that he didn't see the harm in offering Zeph a temporary contract and went to find the relevant paperwork on his desk as Rhysus looked at his brother, still seemingly unsure about this, and the camera fades to commercial.

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the 4CW Women’s Championship!

The lights slowly dim, and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Hell Raiser” screams from the PA.  The hooded and robed figure of Marie Dubois appears from the back, clutching a skull in both hands.

I’m living on an endless road
Around the world for rick and roll
Sometimes it feels so tough
But I still ain’t had enough.

Loveless: Introducing first, the challenger, from New Orleans, Louisiana, the Mistress of Magic, MARIEEEEEE DUBOOOOIIIIIISSSSSS!!!!

Almost as if she were gliding, Marie walks down the ramp towards the ring. 

I keep saying that it’s getting too much
But I know I’m a liar
Feeling all right in the noise and the light
But that’s what lights my fire!

From outside the ring, she places the skull in ring corner nearest the steel steps, the grinning face looking towards the middle of the ring.  She climbs up the steps, removes her hood, and climbs into the ring.

Hellraiser, in the thunder and heat
Hellraiser, rock you back in your seat
Hellraiser, and I’ll make it come true

Once in the middle of the ring, her robe falls off like water, revealing her wrestling attire of black boots, blue denim shorts and black t-shirt with “Carstein” on the front and “The Lord of the Night” on the back in red.

Hellraiser, I’ll put a spell on you!

The arena’s lit up once more, and Lorelei Spice makes her entrance.

Loveless: And her opponent, the 4CW Women’s Champion, LORELEIIII SPIIIIIIIIIIICE!!!!!!

Before the ref can call for the bell, Jenna Divyne appears.

Phoenix: What’s Jenna Divyne doing here?

Jenna walks down the ramp towards the ring.  The ref yells at her, but Jenna holds her hands up and mouths “I’m not doing anything!  Just here to watch!”  Marie and Lorelei don’t look too impressed, but they ignore Jenna.  Satisfied, but wary about Jenna, the ref calls for the bell.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Match 2 - Marie Dubois v Lorelei Spice
4CW womens championship
Lorelei approaches Marie, but it met with a spinning heel kick to the face by the Mistress of Magic.  Lorelei stumbles away, clutching her jaw.  Marie grabs the back of Lorelei’s head, and marches her over to one of the ring corners.  There, she repeatedly bashes her face against the top turnbuckle.

On the last bash, Marie leaves Lorelei resting against the turnbuckle.  She takes a few steps backwards, and hits a drop kick to Lorelei’s kidneys.  Lorelei lets out a cry of pain as Marie’s boots connect with her lower back.

Marie, whilst still on the mat, grabs a handful of Lorelei’s shorts and pulls her down for a roll up.

1!
2!
Kick out!

Marie springs to her feet.  She runs against the ropes, bounces off, and comes sprinting back at Lorelei, who’s now on her feet.  Marie leaps into the air, but Lorelei catches the challenger, and uses her momentum to slam her down onto the mat.  There, Lorelei goes for a cover of her own.

1!
Kick out!

Lorelei drags Marie over to the ring corner, and leaving her laying on her back, climbs up to the second rope.  Lorelei leaps off, and hits a splash on Marie Dubois. 

1!
2!
Kick out!

Lorelei gets up, and Marie slides under the bottom rope to the outside.  Lorelei leans over the top rope to grab her, but Marie manages to grab a hold of her instead.  Marie climbs up onto the ring apron and jumps off, bouncing Lorelei onto the top rope.  Marie lands on the ground safely, whilst Lorelei goes spinning into the middle of the ring. 

Marie climbs up the top rope and jumps off into the ring just as Lorelei regains her balance.  Lorelei turns around, and gets hit in the face with a devastating missile drop kick from Marie Dubois.

1!
Kick out!

Marie gets to her feet, and pulls Lorelei up with her.  But Lorelei powers out of Marie’s grasp, punching her in the stomach.  Marie keels over, and Lorelei hits her with a DDT.  Lorelei rolls Marie over onto her back for a pin, but Marie rolls over to the rope.  She holds onto the rope, and pulls herself up.  Lorelei too gets up.

Marie kicks Lorelei, and sets her up for Carstein’s finisher move, the Blood Drinker.

Phoenix: Hey wait a minute, Marie Dubois going for Carstein’s Blood Drinker!!

Lorelei tries to escape, but Marie’s hold is too strong.  Before she can jump back, Jenna rolls into the ring.  The ref yells at her, telling her to leave, but she ignores him.  Angry, Marie throws Lorelei to the mat, and walks up to Jenna.  The two stare each other down, then Jenna slaps Marie hard across the face.

The ref calls for the bell, signalling a DQ.
Marie Dubois wins by disqualification, Lorelei Spice retains the womens championship.

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, due to a disqualification, Marie Dubois has won the match but Lorelei Spice is still the 4CW Women’s Champion!

Backstage we meet Jenny Loveless in the interview area. She's standing alongside...ah, what's the point? She's about to tell you anyway.

Jenny: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is "Mad Dog" Jack Valentine. Jack, you've defeated Minion and Inferno on back-to-back Storm Fronts. Some eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Minion and Nichols were the men [chux] defeated to win his first two 4CW world titles. Is this just a coincidence?
Valentine: Is anything in professional wrestling a coincidence? I beat Minion because we had a little business to clear up, but when [chux] showed up to "congratulate" me on reaching the level he was at ten years ago, I figured how better to show him what level I'm on than to do exactly what he's done? He got into the 4CW hall of fame, the first name of the first class, because he beat Minion. I beat Minion, and what do I get for it? Nothing. He likes to remind everybody that he was the first 4CW champion, the first two-time 4CW champion, the first three-time 4CW champion and the first four-time 4CW champion. It sounds impressive Jenny, and I can't deny that it is, but that's not the whole story. To win four world titles you only have to win four matches. You only have to beat four men. In my time here I've wrestled them all, and I've beaten more than my fair share. I can do what he's done. I can do better. So first I'm going on a little 4CW legends tour, then at Revival I'm going to prove that I'm not just where [chux] McCool was ten years ago, I'm far above anything he's ever been.
Jenny: So far [chux] has refused to accept your challenge because, in his words, you're not worthy. How do you intend to get his agreement?
Valentine: Enough talk, Jenny, I have a match to win. And it's a big one.

Valentine leaves the shot.

Jenny: Jack Valentine, thank you.

The camera cuts back to the ring where Sarah Loveless is ready to announce the next match.

Loveless: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a Pick Your Poison non-title Match scheduled for one fall!

"Shepherd of Fire (Instrumental)" by Avenged Sevenfold hits the PA system. At first the crowd are unsure, but when they see the titantron light up and realise who it is, they start cheering.

Loveless: Introducing first, from the United Kingdom, weighing in at 200lbs, Zephyris!

Zephyris comes out, for the first time in active competition while unmasked, and makes his way down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans as he went. His attire consists of wrestling tights and elbow pads, both green, with black boots.

Phoenix: Zephyris has had very little in-ring action during his 4CW career, just a couple of matches a little while back - now he faces the 4CW Heavyweight Champion, who also happens to be his brother, in his first 4CW match of his re-debut.
Jeffrey: He should have stayed under the mask! Nobody cares who this guy is!
Phoenix: On the contrary, a lot of people care - he's well respected in the Independents and has a chance to prove himself on the grandest stage of all!
Jeffrey: Well I agree that this is  the grandest stage, but Zephyris is a smudge on the windscreen and I don't expect anything much from him. He's 6'0 and 200lbs, so he isn't exactly the biggest of guys.
Phoenix: Our champion, his brother, is only 230lbs! This isn't the 80s Jeffrey, the smaller guys can find success here too.

Zephyris makes his way into the ring and soaks in the very respectable reaction from the crowd, when "Narcissistic Cannibal" hits the PA system. Most fans are cheering, but there's still the odd few fans who just don't like the Rhysus they've seen of late and their boos definitely can be heard in the mix of noise from the crowd.

Loveless: And his opponent, he is the 4CW World Heavyweight Champion, from the United Kingdom, weighing in at 230lbs, "The Bruiser" Rhysus!

Rhysus comes out, with the title on his shoulder, trying his best to pander to the crowd but with an obvious sense of uncertainty going into this match.

Phoenix: Rhysus looks slightly distracted. Doesn't look like he's particularly comfortable with this match even if his brother does see it as an opportunity.
Jeffrey: And you can tell by his shifty looks all round the place - he's expecting Carstein to make an appearance!

It seems Jeffrey is speaking the truth as Rhysus keeps looking behind him as he comes down to the ring before sliding in, wondering if this match with his brother was all a ploy just to get a sneak attack on Rhysus. Rhysus looks around as the referee tries to start the match. Eventually, the referee does get his attention and rings the bell!

Match 3 - Rhysus v Zephyris
Pick your poison
Rhysus looks at his brother and shakes his head, trying to focus as they circle eachother and eventually lock up in the middle of the ring. Rhysus wins the grapple and pushes his brother into the corner. He then takes another look around the arena before turning back to his brother and running at  him in the corner. Zephyris ducks out of the way and Rhysus chases after him, taking his brother out with a clothesline. Instead of capitalising on his brother, Rhysus again goes to the ropes, looking in the crowd, looking anywhere he can for a possible appearance from Carstein.

Phoenix: Rhysus needs to focus on the match - he knows more than anyone you never turn your back on your opponent!

Zephyris recovers, sees Rhysus looking into the crowd by the ropes, and rolls him up. The referee slides over to count the pin! 1...2... Rhysus kicks out!

Jeffrey: Rhysus was just a second away from losing this match because he's not concentrating!

Rhysus jumps to his feet looking a little frustrated, and Zephyris just shrugs his shoulders, telling Rhysus to "FOCUS!" before jumping into another grapple with his brother. Rhysus wins the grapple again and takes out his brother with a suplex. Rhysus allows himself to focus on the match and he picks up Zephyris, sending him to the ropes and taking him out with a second clothesline. He hooks the leg quickly. 1...2... kickout with ease from Zephyris.

Rhysus and Zephyris recover and clash for a third time in the centre of the ring, Rhysus yet again gains the advantage, locking Zephyris into a headlock but Zephyris slips out of his grip and takes out the 4CW Champion with an impressive German Suplex!

Phoenix: Zephyris showing shades of his own brother there to gain an advantage!

Zephyris gets to his feet and runs to the turnbuckle, climbing quickly as his brother recovers. Rhysus turns and Zephyris jumps off with a big Hurricanrana, hooking The Bruiser's leg during landing, and the referee slides over again. 1...2... BUT NO! The Champion kicks out. Zephyris gets to his feet and smiles, enjoying himself and building momentum. He starts a clap, trying to get the crowd to clap along with him and surprisingly, they do! Rhysus gets to his feet - Zephyris runs forward, up on the knee - Enziguri attempt! But Rhysus ducks out of the way. Zephyris lands on his feet and Rhysus catches him, locking him into his grip and taking him out with a Belly-to-Belly suplex!

Rhysus decides not to pin his brother this time, instead getting to his feet and sliding out of the ring. He still looks concerned, as if Carstein is waiting for him to get immersed into his match before attacking. He grabs a nearby cameraman's camera and talks into it.

Rhysus: I know what you're planning Carstein, it's not going to work.

He pushes the cameraman away and slides back into the ring. At this point, Zephyris has recovered again and looks annoyed at his brother. The words can't be heard but he confronts Rhysus about his lack of concentration during this match. Rhysus replies with something and they both eventually agree to continue fighting. They grapple again, this time Zephyris gains the advantage and sends Rhysus into the ropes. On Rhysus' return, Zephyris, tries a standing Crossbody and takes out his brother. Rhysus is straight back up and Zephyris runs to the other side of the ropes without faltering, only to take out Rhysus with another standing Crossbody. He then runs again, this time jumping on to the ropes, springboarding off, and taking out Rhysus with a Springboard Moonsault, hooking the champion's leg!

1...2... NO!! Rhysus forces his way out of the cover!

Phoenix: What a fantastic moonsault from Zephyris! He almost pinned the champion!
Jeffrey: Well, now we'll see whether he can do the job properly. Almost doesn't mean nothin'!

Zephyris picks up his fallen brother, grabs him in such a position to set up what looks like a Twist of Fate. Rhysus however escapes Zephyris' grip, and reverses, taking out his brother with a Side Effect! Rhysus gets up, and motions with his hand for the Turnbuckle Burner. The lights flicker slightly, for the slightest of seconds, barely enough to notice, but Rhysus notices. He lowers his arm immediately, and turns around to look up the ramp and into the crowd again. During this, the camera picks up Rhysus shouting "I know you're there, Carstein!" but there is no sign of Carstein or any of his allies. Rhysus pushes his hands through his hair, visibly stressed by the unknown, until suddenly, he is grabbed by the shoulder and swung around - by Zephyris - WHO SLAPS HIS BROTHER STRAIGHT ACROSS THE FACE!

Zephyris: Dammit! I'm your opponent, not Carstein! FOCUS on the damn match!

Rhysus looks irate at his brother's outburst and after a frozen moment that seems to last an eternity, Rhysus tackles his brother to the ground and sends punch after punch his way! Zephyris covers up, but the brute strength of Rhysus' punches break through his defense and the referee decides to get between them. Rhysus pushes the referee out of the way and continues to strike his brother until the bell rings, disqualifying Rhysus, and he seems to realise what has happened at that moment.
Winner: Zephyris by disqualification

Loveless: Here is your winner as a result of a disqualification - Zephyris!!

As "Shepherd of Fire" hits the PA system, the crowd break out in boos for the champion, who has now assaulted his brother and gotten himself disqualified because of it. Rhysus stands up, looking slightly dazed and confused, as the referee yells at him for throwing away the match over a stupid reason. Zephyris rolls out of the ring, without looking back at his brother and stumbles up the ramp, holding his bloody lip and nose. Rhysus puts his head in his hands, and then his hands through his hair, sighing visibly as he shakes his head, to himself. Rhysus slowly follows his brother up the ramp, shaking his head as the fans continue to boo the champion.

We head backstage now, to a VIP dressing room where Mark Holmes, Victor and Dredrick Kincaid are lounging and being waited on by a couple of women, and interestingly, a man, in ancient Greek togas. Dredrick is being fed grapes, while one of the women, who looks suspiciously like Vie Valhalla, pours Holmes a flute of champagne.

Victor: I've had a thought, brother.
Dredrick: Hmm? What is it, brother?
Victor: I do so adore being rich.
Dredrick: Oh, and I too.

The Gemini twins share a ridiculous laugh that even Holmes rolls his eyes at. Suddenly there's a knock at the door. With a dismissive wave of his hand, the champagne-pouring woman puts her bottle back into the ice bucket and heads over to send the intruder away.

Servant: My apologies. High Society is not accepting guests at this time.
Seriously? Come on guys!

Recognising the voice, Victor has a change of heart.

Victor: Is that Mr Smoke? Grant him passage.
Servant: As you wish, sir.

She steps aside and allows Smoke into the room. He takes a good look around at the fancy drapes and gold fittings, impressed at what these guys can still get out of the company, but quickly gets back to business.

Dredrick: Again, Smoke? Is our business not concluded?
Victor: Oh now, brother! Must you be so crass?
Dredrick: It would appear, Mr Holmes, that my dear brother is rather smitten with this riff raff. Whatever would mother think?
Victor: Listen not, Smoke. I'd hoped that my brother's maturity would have caught up to his years by now. Alas. It really is quite the shame. But come, sit. To what do we owe the pleasure?
Smoke: No, thanks, I'm not stopping. Look, I just wanted to thank you guys for what you did two weeks ago. I know we're not great friends or anything, but I know that 4CW deserves better than Redemption. I mean, if we're going to have a group of assholes around here thinking they own the place, I'd prefer it was you!

Smoke's joke falls flat.

Victor: Hm. I rather prefer the phrase 'better the devil you know,' but the sentiment is appreciated. I suppose.
Dredrick: Now, if that is all...?
Smoke: Actually guys, there was one more thing.
Dredrick: Have we not done enough for you, ingrate?
Victor: Brother! This man is our guest, I suggest you show some decorum!
Dredrick: Careful brother. You may burn yourself on that torch you're carrying.

Dredrick looks to Holmes for some affirmation, but he doesn't get any. Dredrick scowls.

Victor: Please Smoke, ignore him. We are twins in appearance only, it would seem. Do go on.
Smoke: Uh, sure. Well, you guys were the first universal champion, right?
Victor: Indeed we were. What a grand time it was. Oh, to be young again.
Dredrick: You're only as young as the man you feel, brother. And it would appear Smoke here is quite the pup.
Victor: I am trying to retain my composure, brother. I'd thank you to cease.
Smoke: Point is, I'm hoping for some advice. I came back to help Mad Dog out, but he's doing great now and you guys are dealing with Redemption, so I'm a little lost. And, you know...I want to be a champion again.
Victor: A fine ambition. And what a champion you would make! Just think of that waist, adorned with gold. Mr Smoke, I am right behind you.
Dredrick: Oh you really are making this too easy, brother!
Smoke: Thanks, Mr Kincaid, I appreciate it. But it's Belly, he needs to approve the match and he's gone MIA.
Victor: Oh, Chris? Don't be silly! Chris and I have quite the history. I'll call him up and have him arrange something for you.
Smoke: You'd do that?

Victor has already whipped his phone out and speed dialled, and is waiting for an answer.

Victor: Let's just say I have a favour to call in. Chris! How are you? Good, good. Oh Chris, you know me so well. I'm afraid it's not without due cause that I am calling you tonight. No, not that. But since you bring it up! ...no. No Victor, you must resist temptation. Ahaha. I have a young man here with me who- Oh, you! I assure you he is in safe hands. You see, Mr Smoke here has unloaded onto me his desire-
Dredrick: Nice phrasing, brother.
Victor: -to become a champion. Shut up Dredrick. And it hadn't escaped my notice that the universal championship is still in your possession, correct? Oh Chris, you know fully well that the 30 day rule applies even to you. Why? Really, Bell-Bell. Need I remind you about that night at Caesar's Palace? No, we would both as soon forget that night, but I do believe the term is "you owe me one." Excellent. I will deliver the news myself. Thank you Chris. No business next time, I assure you it'll be purely pleasure. You know me, when isn't it?! Ahaha. Ta-ta.

Smoke looks at Victor expectantly.

Victor: It is done! Smoke, congratulations.
Smoke: He's...giving me the belt?
Victor: No dear, he's a businessman, not a fool. And as such he is temporarily indisposed, on a matter of business he assures me. So while he has awarded you a championship match, it will be with a substitute.
Smoke: Great! Who?
Victor: Who else? I'll see you in two weeks. Now, if you don't mind.

Victor gestures for his servants to take Smoke away. They usher him to the door, he's confused but figures it's best to just quit while he's ahead and leaves. Victor flops back down into his chaise-lounge, sighing to himself.

Dredrick: Couldn't resist getting your hands on him, hmm?
Victor: I'm only human, brother.

Meanwhile in the trainers' room, a medic is tending to Zephyris. The doctor cleans up the cut lip and busted nose as Rhysus enters the office. He looks slightly nervous and sheepish as he and his brother meet glances.

Rhysus: Zeph... I'm sorry.

Zephyris grunts.

Zephyris: Doesn't matter.
Rhysus: It does matter... we were supposed to go out there and blow the roof off but I screwed it up.
Zephyris: You got a knack of doing that a lot lately, Rhys.
Rhysus: I know, but -

Zephyris moves the doctor away from his face and jumps off the bed he was sitting on.

Zephyris: No, listen. You are The Bruiser. You are the 4CW Heavyweight Champion. And as your brother, I've always respected the hell out of that. But you know what I respected more than that? More than anything?

Zephyris takes a step closer to Rhysus.

Zephyris: You've always been a family man... Ella and your daughter Serena, they've always been your priority... hell, you've even given me every opportunity you could to help out my career... but now look at you... getting yourself disqualified because you wouldn't focus on our match... and don't think I haven't noticed that ratty behaviour you've had with Ella. I know you're under a lot of stress and I know Carstein is not helping at all - but since when did getting one up on Carstein become more important than your family? Cos the way things are going, I see you going down a steep and slippery slope...
Rhysus: It's just Carstein - he's trying to make me out to be someone I'm not -
Zephyris: No, bro... he may be calling you a monster, but you are the one acting like a monster. I really hope you beat Carstein at Revival, I really do, because the longer that you obsess over this, the more you are pushing your family away. I just hope you deal with this problem before it's too late.

Zephyris leaves the doctor's office without another word and the camera focuses on Rhysus, who looks tired and stressed, and above all, hurt by his brothers words.

Big pop for the cameo appearance from "Main Event" Mike Nichols. Even bigger pop for "Mad Dog" Jack Valentine. The announcers play up the legends tour, Mad Dog knocking off each of the men [chux] defeated to win his four 4CW championships. So far he's won two, Mike Nichols is the third and arguably the toughest so far.

Match 4 - Jack Valentine v Mike Nichols
Good back and forth contest. Nichols has still got it, showing no signs of rust after his short absence from the ring. Nichols scores a couple of very, very close near falls on Valentine that look to have the tour cut short, but of course Mad Dog fights back. Valentine fires up, fighting back against the best Nichols can throw at him, putting Nichols away with a well-timed flea shot.
Jack Valentine wins

Valentine has his hand raised, but is more concerned with his fallen prey. He helps Nichols up and the two share a respectful handshake before Nichols leaves the ring. Valentine turns to the hard camera and holds up two fingers on each hand, then lowers one on his left and raises one on his left, representing the three down and one to go.

We head backstage to where Jenny Loveless is standing in her interview position. To her left is the Skill Set, accompanied as always by Courtney Frost.

Jenny: Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time-

Paladin Wells snatches the mic from Jenny's hand, not wanting to wast time.

Wells: We’ll be brief. There’s stuff we gotta do.
Kensai: Láng qún... Huò rènhé nǐ xiǎng dǎ diànhuà jǐ zìjǐ... Wǒmen jiù lái wèi shuāngdǎ guànjūn.
Frost: He said ‘Wolfpack... or whatever you want to call yourself... we’re coming for the tag team titles.’
Wells: We, the Skill Set, don’t make threats. We make promises. Kensai said he was going to destory Sery... and then Sery was gone. I said I was going to demolish Rog Roddick... and now HE’S gone. We said we were going to become NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS to the tag team titles... and now... we ARE the Number ONE Contenders to the tag team titles. Now we make one more promise.
Kensai: Zài Revival... Zài Skill Set shèdìng jiāng chéngwéi 4CW biāojì duì guànjūn!
Frost: At Revival... the Skill Set will be the 4CW Tag Team Champions!
Wells: So... well... I think that we covered everything... don’t make threats... will be Tag Champs... mentioned Revibal... coming for Wolfpack... Yep. that’s about it. WolfPack... we will see you at Revival.

With that, Wells tosses the mic back to Jenny who fumbles to catch it, and leave the scene.

Jenny: Skill Set, thank you.

Match 5 - Carstein v Von Munro
Pick your poison
Carstein, lighter and quicker than Munro, dodges the big man.  Carstein uses his speed to his advantage, ducking and sliding away.  The Lord of the Night attacks Munro’s legs in an attempt to get the big man down on the mat.  But Munro’s quicker and smarter than Carstein thought, and the LAC member manages to grab a hold of Carstein.

Von Munro gains the advantage, tossing Carstein into the ring corner, hammering away on his smaller foe.  He pulls Carstein out, hits various power moves.  Carstein manages to kick out of his pin attempts, some of them very close.  Munro uses various submission holds on Carstein, trying to wear him out and drain his energy.  But Carstein refuses to submit.

Carstein breaks free from a bear hug, and manages to catch Munro off guard.  Carstein brings him down with a DDT, and locks in some submission holds.  Munro tries to power out, but Carstein manages to slap on the Lahmian Lock.  Munro taps.
Carstein wins