Storm Front (March 30th, 2014)

Pyro to open the show, but no time to waste! Over to Sarah Loveless.

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following match is the third round of the Sole Survivor Tournament!  This round will be contested under Riot Match rules! In the ring corners are poles with weapons hanging from them.  Once a weapon is retrieved it will become legal in the match.

Hanging from the four poles are a baseball bat, a steel chair, a back and a pair of handcuffs.

Ding, ding, ding!

Match 1 - "The Icon" Mark Redman v WH Storm v Renfield v Christopher Dawson
Dawsonn, Storm and Renfield all join together to attack Redman.  Fear taking him, Redman curls up into a ball in one of the ring corners.  All three men kick and pound on him.  Dawson kicks Redman out of the ring.  All three men then look up at the pole directly above them, where a baseball bat hangs.  They then look at each other.

Phoenix: Accompanying us for this match here at the commentary booth is the leader- oh, I mean, the...one of the Cowboys From Hell, Steven Penance.
Penance: Quite the introduction.
Jeffrey: Show a little respect, Scott!
Phoenix: I'm sorry, ok?! I just lost track of the situation with you guys. Belly was the leader at Massacre, right?
Penance: Regrettably. After my group was of no service to our "fearless leader," we were discarded. Needless to say, if I - the true leader - had been in his position at Massacre, I would not be sitting here with you, nor would we have to suffer through a main event full of monsters and crybabies.

Dawson smacks Renfield to the mat, then Storm ties up with the larger man.  Dawson knees Storm in the stomach, causing Storm to keel over.  Dawson scrambles up to the second rope to grab the baseball bat.  But Renfield grabs him, wrapping his arms around his waist and pulling him off with a German suplex.

As Renfield and Dawson crash to the mat, Storm rushes over to one of the other ring corners, where the steel chair hangs.  He gets up, touches the chair, but Redman’s back up.  Standing on the ring apron, he pushes Storm off the rope.  Storm crashes to the mat, and Redman climbs back into the ring.  Renfield gets up, and charges into Redman, taking him down with a spear.

Phoenix: So, tell us Steve, what's your strategy for surviving this tournament?
Penance: Steve?
Jeffrey: Uh oh. You've done it now.
Phoenix: Uh, Mr Penance?
Penance: Listen here you little shit. I'm not sure whether to be more offended by your disrespect in addressing me, or the outright idiocy you think of me in asking for my survival strategy! Not even friends call me Steve, and believe me Phoenix, we are faaar from friends. And even if we were, announcing ahead of time my plans for future sole survivor matches would be nothing short of imbecilic. Is that what you think of me? Is it?!
Phoenix: Um. No.

Renfield’s up, and Storm lands a standing moonsault on Redman.  All the while, Dawson’s back up and this time grabs the baseball bat, making it legal.  Dawson swings the bat at Storm, knocking him down.  Renfield ducks, and dives to take Dawson’s legs.  But Dawson just clonks Renfield.

Redman backs away from Dawson’s swinging bat, and backs right into the ring corner with the steel chair.  Redman quickly scrambles up and grabs the chair, just as Dawson swings his bat.  Redman holds the chair up like a shield, protecting himself from Chris Dawson.

Jeffrey: I understand you were upset that you didn't gain immunity in the opening round. Please don't take this the wrong way, sir, but I think maybe it was a blessing in disguise to have to participate in an extra match.
Penance: Hmph. Explain.
Jeffrey: Well you have immunity right now! Look at the match you're avoiding, it's brutal! Of all the matches to skip over this is probably the best one. And if you'd won the first round, you'd be back in there right now instead of Mark Redman.
Phoenix: That...actually makes sense.
Penance: Indeed. It is a relief to know that at least there's one capable mind at ringside. Unfortunate as it is that you have to carry Scott Phoenix.
Jeffrey: Ugh. You're telling me...

Redman uses the chair to knock the bat out of Dawson’s hands, and then cracks him over the head with the chair.  Redman drops the chair and goes for the pin.  Renfield breaks up the pin, wanting immunity for himself.  Storm picks up the bat.  Renfield grabs Redman’s legs, holds them open, and Storm hits Redman in the delicate areas.

Renfield turns to face Storm, but is met with wood to the face as the bat smacks him.  Renfield’s out cold.  Redman rolls around, howling in pain, and Storm goes to dish out more punishment.  Storm locks Redman into various submission holds, using the bat to add more pain.  Dawson now stirs and spots the steel chair. 

Dawson grabs the chair and hits Redman, who’s locked in a Boston Crab.  Storm let’s go to see what’s going on, and gets a face-full of steel for his trouble.  On the other side of the ring, Renfield’s climbed up to the pole and pulled down a bag. 

Dawson turns around to get Renfield, and Renfield leaps into the air, smacking the bag onto Dawson.  Dawson falls to the mat and Renfield lands.  Renfield opens the bag, and pours thousands of sharp thumbtacks all over the ring.

Jeffrey: So we all know you're going to Revival, but which of these guys would you most like to be facing for the custom championship?
Penance: Frankly it doesn't matter. Once I beat one of them next week I'll have bought my way into the final, and then it's out of my hands. Whoever makes it to Revival will gain a pay per view bonus, nothing more.

Dawson’s back up, and the two trade blows, slugging it out and hitting various power moves on each other.  Renfield clings onto the rope for support, and Dawson charges into him and the pair fly over to the outside.

Redman goes to pin Storm, who manages to kick out.  The pair get up, and trade blows of their own.  Storm gets the advantage, and hits a bulldog on Redman right onto the pins.  Redman cries in pain, as Storm climbs up onto the rope, and lands a picture perfect shooting star press on his foe.

1!
2!
3!
Winner: WH Storm
Eliminated: "The Icon" Mark Redman

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, WH Storm has won immunity in the next round and the “The Icon” Mark Redman has been eliminated!

The crowd roar in reply to Redman’s elimination.

Penance: Huh. Good luck getting half as much entertainment value out of him next week that you did from me.

We cut backstage to where Descent, Virus and Jakob Villani are watching from a monitor.

Virus: Redman's out! Great news.
Villani: Yeah, great news!
Descent: Is it?
Villani: Sure it is!
Descent: And why is that, Jakob? Hmm?
Villani: Because. Uh. Because he said it is.

Descent exhales sharply and turns back to the monitor.

Virus: It's good because he was the biggest threat!
Descent: The biggest threat. Is that really what you think, Virus?
Virus: Sure! It makes his route to the final even easier.
Descent: How do you come to the conclusion that the biggest threat is a man no longer in the match?
Virus: Um. He. He was the biggest threat...?
Descent: Perhaps. But he isn't anymore. What Mark Redman is now, is nothing.
Villani: Uh, boss?
Descent: I am not your boss.
Villani: I know, it's just...you kinda talk like you are.
Descent: Get this into your thick head, Jakob. I am not the leader of the Cowboys from Hell. And don't let Penance hear you say that I am. Understood?
Villani: Understood.
Descent: Good. What were you going to say?
Villani: Are we still mad at Penance?
Descent: Mad at him? Why would we be mad at him?
Villani: You know. It was unfair how he took your place in the sole survivor tournament. You pulled that gold ball out fail and square.
Virus: Yeah, man! That was totally uncool.
Descent: Listen, both of you. What he does, he does for us. I can't have you thinking things like that. So I sit on the sidelines this time. It's fine. Our time will come.
Virus: Yeah well I say we make it come now.
Descent: And I say you keep your mouth shut and get that crap our of your head. The Cowboys are solid. You hear me?
Virus: Alright man, whatever you say.
Villani: I hear you boss. Uh, I mean, Descent.

Back to the ring.

Stricken by Disturbed suddenly hammers through the speaker system, causing every person in attendance to suddenly leap to their feet and go crazy

Phoenix:  Whoa, Chris Drake is here??

The former 4CW Heavyweight champion strides confidently onto the top of the ramp, smiling and waving to the crowd.  His expensive black suit fitting his new slimed down frame perfectly.

Jeffery:  Chris Drake is back, and from the look of him, he's back in great shape and just in time for Revival as well!

Drake walks down the ramp towards the ring, shaking hands and high fiving as he goes, the volume of the crowd only increasing as he makes his way towards his goal.  He climbs the steps and ducks under the top rope and pulls a microphone from his back pocket as Stricken begins to fade down.

Drake:  Thank you, thank you.

Chants of Drake's name echo around the arena, making his pause until they die down a little.

Drake:  So, you're all probably wondering where I've been these last couple of months. 

He pats his slimmed down stomach and smiles again.

Drake:  As I'm contracted back on the roster, I needed to be back in the best possible shape.  If I'm here, then I'm here to win, and everyone that has followed my career, knows there is no one better at winning that me, you don't become a Grandslam Champion without having that winning personality

Chris Drake give a smile towards the camera as he finishes his sentence, the crowd in attendance lapping up every word that pours out of the returning Chris Drake's mouth

Phoenix:  He does have a point there, Ray.  Chris Drake is one of only two people in the ten years 4CW has been in existence for to win every title in the Grandslam. 

Drake:  So, in three weeks time, at Revival, I'll make my in ring return.  I'm back in 4CW and looking to do what no one does better than me, and that's winning titles.

By Myself by Linkin Park suddenly hits the PA, interrupting Drake.

Phoenix:  Chris Marks!  The owner of 4CW is here as well!

Jeffery:  Why do you act surprised Scott, this is HIS company

The crowd are silent as Chris 'Belly' Marks appears on the top of the ramp, his large frame fitted into a tailor made bullet grey suit with his jet black hair tied back into a pony tail, revealing the shaven sides to his head, a microphone in one hand and in the other, an oversized brown leather briefcase.  He surveys the crowd, scanning them, a slight smile arising on his face at the sound of the jeers being directed towards him, before his gaze falls on his former friend in the centre of the ring and the microphone is slowly raised to his lips as the crowd fall silent.

Belly:  Hello Friends.

Boos from the audience instantly encompass the arena as the crowd do all that they can to voice their disapproval at that sentiment as Drake looks disheartened and shakes his head, the confidence he arrived with driven from him already.

Belly:  Why are you looking so down Chris? My words are not just meant to be a throw away catchphrase that is to be dismissed as a cheap way for me to garner a response from these people here tonight, but they are true and from my heart, from one friend to another. I heard you were back in the States, and felt, as you're biggest supporter, and longest reigning friend left in 4CW, I should be here to welcome you back.

More boos from the crowd and his words fall on deaf ears.

Belly: As the owner of 4CW, I know just how good it is to have a former 4CW Heavyweight, Universal, Tag and Custom Champion back amongst us, and I know how much it means to them...

Belly gestures out to the fans in attendance, garnering a strange pop from them as they want to cheer for Drake, but not when Belly tells them too.

Belly:  Chris, you know I'm your biggest fan.  And I'm pleased that the tough love I showed you after I took on the financial burden of 4CW when you were in danger of declaring bankruptcy has brought you back to us before Revival, and brought you back in great shape as well.  I'm genuinely pleased to see this side of you Chris.

A few more pops from the crowd.

Belly:  So please, don't stand there solemn and alone in the ring thinking I am out here tonight to rain on your parade and put a downer on the return of one of 4CW's greatest in ring superstars of the last decade, and not only one of our greatest competitors, What was it you called yourself... That's right... A Grandslam Champion...

The cheers from the crowd gets louder as Chris Drake in the ring turns to looks at the increasingly louder response, started off by the mention of him being a Grandslam Champion, and the fans recognising that achievement and applauding Chris Drake for it.

Belly: Now, knowing me as well as you do, you know that I am a student of wrestling and I've recently been watching all you're old matches, Chris.  Seeing you beat [chux] for the Universal Championship, beating Roky Rocket for the Custom Championship, beating S&M for Tag Team Championship, and of course, beating Eddie Wolfbaine, at Revival, for the 4CW Heavyweight Championship.  All great matches Chris.  All great 4CW moments.

More cheers from the crowd, another Drake chant waves through the arena.

Belly: What was that move called Chris?  The one you use to win you're Heavyweight title?  Didn't you call that the "Grandslam Splash"?  Yes, I think that was it.

Belly nods to himself, recalling the moment.

Belly:  You leapt from the top rope and landed your version of the 5 star frog splash to beat Wolfbaine.  You named you're finisher after the achievement you were hoping to complete.  I miss that old, confident to the point of arrogant, Chris Drake. I miss the Chris Drake that spent the years since winning the World Championship talking about being a Grandslam Champion.

Drake nods in the ring, mouthing that it was a long time ago and times change.

Belly:  But that was a lie wasn't it Chris.

Belly's expression changes to one of almost anger for a moment as Drake looks confused.

Belly:  All I have ever done since you first took back over and revived a broken federation was try to tell people that would lay down at your feet and worship the ground you walked on, all because you were this man that was held to such high esteem and everyone looked up to as they had all bought into your lies... They had all bought into the Chris Drake that you had manufactured in front of the camera, not one of them actually going back to check on their facts not even the so called reporters we have sitting down there at ringside, bothering to do their job and research your propaganda. The shocking truth is, Chris, that you were never a Grandslam Champion.  4CW has never had a Grandslam Champion, because no one has won every title this company has had to offer.

Phoenix:  What the hell is this?

Jeffery:  You heard him Scott, Chris Drake is a liar, Belly has said this all along.. and you helped Chris Drake spread his propaganda by telling everyone about how great the so called Grandslam Champion was

Belly:  You are the master manipulator Chris, as it was I who was accused of spreading propaganda about you Chris, about your financial troubles, about how close this company was to closing its doors forever because of the way you were spending money you didn't have, but it was proven that I was speaking the truth and we were on the precipice of disaster until I saved the Federation.  And now, here we are again, Chris Drake lying for his own benefit.  Chris Drake making his living by being a fraudulent Grandslam Champion.  Chris Drake only caring about Chris Drake.  And, just like before, it will be Chris Marks that resolves the situation.

Phoenix:  What the hell is Belly talking about!  I was here, commentating on every occasion that Drake won those titles, and believe me, it happened! 

Belly: But I am not upset Chris, because I am a bigger man than that.. I am a bigger man than having to resort to shatter your dreams and everything you held so close to your heart.  Because I am here tonight to not break you down... No Chris, I am here tonight to build you back up... I am here to help rebuild THE CHRIS DRAKE that we all came to hold to such high esteem... I am here to bring life to the lie...

Phoenix: First Belly comes out here and praises the return of Chris Drake, then he tells us how it is all a lie and Chris is  fraud and now he is saying that he is here to bring life to this lie... What is going on??

Jeffery:  As usual Scott, the owner of 4CW, Chris Marks is having to bail Chris Drake out of a hole that he has dug himself, just like he did financially, just like he did by allowing him to earn a living by signing him back as an active competitor and now, he is doing it yet again...

Belly:  Chris, when you were competing here and claiming title after title, there was one you overlooked.  One that was retired several years ago, but was active whilst you were here.

Belly lifts the briefcase and snaps open the catches.

Belly:  But, Chris, as the owner of 4CW I will give you the opportunity to correct and rewrite this error in history and become the ONLY true Grandslam Champion in 4CW history.

He opens the briefcase and removes a small silver belt, the words "Everlast Championship" stamped across the face.

Belly:  The last holder of this prestigious championship was 'Mr Wrestling' Joseph Benninson, and at great cost to myself, I located and purchased the original Everlast Championship... This is not a cheap replica now a new title with a modern twist.. this is the original title belt that was being defended whilst you were an active competitor in 4CW, a title that you failed to ever claim, and thus a title that eludes you in your quest to become a true Grandslam Champion.. But Chris, As of this moment, I am reinstating the Everlast Championship.  And tonight, right now in fact, I will be holding a coronation for the new Everlast Championship.

Belly walks down the ramp and a few cheers rise up around the arena.

Phoenix:  Is Belly going to give Drake the Everlast?  Wow, he really is doing everything he can to put Drake back on top!

Jeffery:  Belly told you Scott, he told all of us.. He is here tonight to help rebuild Chris Drake, and this will make Chris Drake a true Grandslam Champion, once again Chris 'Belly' Marks will fix the mess that Chris Drake created by spreading his malicious lies and self promoting propaganda

Belly enters the ring, the Everlast now being held by the 4CW owner, as Belly discards the briefcase on to the matting around the ring and stands in the ring holding at arm's length the Everlast Championship.  Drake mouths "Thank you" to Belly and holds out his hands to take possession of his new title, a huge grin across his face.

Belly:  Chris, it gives me great pleasure crowning a brand new Everlast Champion.  And that person is...

Belly smiles warmly, almost holding out the title for Drake to claim.

Belly:  ME! 

Drake looks shocked again, his arms fall to his side and he looks up to the heavens.

Belly:  Chris, have the last 9 months not taught you anything?  If everything is given to you, then you fail to retain any respect for it.  Chris Crow paid for a title shot for you in your debut match against S&M, you were a part of NME when Senecca negotiated your Custom title opportunity, everything you have achieved in 4CW has come on the back of other people working to give you the opportunity.  If you want to be the first true Grandslam Champion in 4CW, then you have to earn it.  As you rightly said earlier Chris, your comeback match will be at Revival.  It's going to be the most important match of your life, Chris, because it will be Chris Drake versus Chris Marks and it won't just be for the Everlast Championship, it will be for your right to ever call yourself a Grandslam champion again.

Belly smiles, like a shark smiles when he finally closes in on his pray.

Belly:  Chris, the Everlast Title match at Revival Ten will define your career.  Will you step up and finally claim the right to be called the greatest title winner in 4CW history, or will you fall by the wayside and disappear again.  All you have to do Chris, is beat me.  Fight or Flight Chris.

Chris 'Belly' Marks throws his newly acquired championship belt over his shoulder and leaves the ring as By Myself by Linkin Park hammers out through the speakers again, leaving Drake standing alone in the centre of the ring.

Scott Phoenix puts his hand to his ear and pauses for a second.

Phoenix:  Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm hearing we have a commotion backstage.

The 4CWtron flickers from a rotating picture of the 4CW logo to a live picture of one of the corridors, with a cameraman obviously hurrying to his destination, he rounds a corner where the screen is filled with the current 4CW Tag Team Champions, both sprawled across the floor, unconscious and beltless.

Phoenix:  That's the Unnatural Predators, what the hell's happened...

The camera pans across the carnage, hovering over an expanding pool of blood that emanates from a deep cut along Skywolf's forehead before continuing away from the fallen former World Champion and stopping on a pair of black steel toecapped boots.  The camera moves up the legs and torso, before finally coming to rest on the face of NME leader, Siddney Black.

Black:  This is the warning.  This is what happens when the most dangerous group in 4CW are ignored.  This is the future of the company.

The other two members of NME step into the camera shot, the Natural Predators Tag Titles draped over the shoulders of Kurtis Raymond and Jacob White.

Black:  The Predators were the top of the food chain, and we have just ended them.  These belts belong to us now, and if anyone wants them, they have to beat us to take them.

Kurtis Raymond shrugs the belt higher onto his shoulder.

Raymond:  I joined NME to prove I'm the very best in this business.  This belt is the start of that.  4CW, your Enemy is here.  NME is here.  You are all warned, and every champion should be prepared.  We are coming for your titles.

Jacob White steps towards the camera, his eyes burning into the camera as his huge 7 foot plus frame filling the shot. 

White:  These are ours now.  OURS!

The 4CWtron fades out and goes back to the announce table.

Jeffery:  It looks like NME have claimed the 4CW Tag Titles, can they do that?
Phoenix:  This wont be any kind of sanctioned reign, but possession is nine tenths of the law, and NME certainly have those belts!
Jeffery:  I think the current number one contenders, The Skill Set, might have something to say about this!

We cut to the backstage area where Jenny Loveless is chasing someone down.

Jenny: Hey! Hey [chux]! Wait up!

The former champion is in his street clothes and trying to enter the building unseen under a hoodie and cap, but nothing escapes 4CW premier reporter. He doesn't stop, but Jenny walks with him.

[chux]: Oh. Hey. Make it quick, would you?
Jenny: Sure. What are your plans for tonight?
[chux]: I'm a married man, Jen.
Jenny: Oh ha-ha. That's not what I meant.
[chux]: Well it's all you're getting. You want to know what I'm going to do? You'll find out when everyone else does.

Jenny senses she's really not going to get anything more, so she stops and allows [chux] to be on his way.

Match 2 - Smoke v Victor Kincaid
Universal championship
- The match kicks off with Smoke being a little wary of Victor, afraid that the High Society member may be after a little more than just a wrestling match here. Victor uses the mind games to his advantage, to the point where Phoenix suggests maybe the whole thing is a ruse. Smoke starts to hit his stride, making a good comeback and scoring a big near fall, but what should be a major match is cut short as Minion, Roman and Mullet Superior all storm the ring.
Double disqualification

Smoke stands alongside Victor now to fend off New Redemption, but the numbers game is against them. Minion and his boys lay Victor and Smoke out and flee the ring before Mark Holmes and Dredrick Kincaid can make the save.

We head backstage again to Jenny Loveless. This time she's in her interview area, and she has a very sweaty, bruised Mark Redman next to her.

Jenny: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest-
Redman: Dammit Jenny! Every time it's the same old thing with you! "Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is the supremely talented, God's gift to women, wrestling supremo, "The Icon" Mark Redman!" Why can't you come up with something new?
Jenny: Well that's just rude. If you don't like my interview technique, why don't you find a new interviewer?
Redman: I would! God knows I would, but the company won't hire one! I'm stuck with you Jenny. Now you have one question, make it good.
Jenny: Ok. How do you feel after that crushing, humiliating, emasculating defeat tonight, knocking you out of the sole survivor tournament and ruining your dreams of a Revival title match?

Redman is already furious, so he very nearly snaps as Jenny continues to troll him. He has to restrain himself, struggling to remain calm.

Redman: You are a very difficult woman to talk to, you know that? Look. I always have a plan, and tonight things didn't go the way my plan said they would. But it's ok, because every good plan A has a plan B.
Jenny: If plan A was that good, it wouldn't need a plan B.

Redman leans in towards Jenny.

Redman: The best laid plans of mice and men go awry, Jenny.

Jenny leans in towards Redman.

Jenny: Figures. I always knew you were vermin.
Redman: And I always knew your sister was the better looking one.
Jenny: We're twins, dumbass.

By this point they're practically nose to nose and are both getting angrier.

Redman: Well there's always a fat twin.
Jenny: What did you say?!
Redman: I said you only get one question. This interview is over.

Jenny is shaking with rage, as is The Icon. There's a brief moment of silent tension before Mark and Jenny simultaneously grab each other and start passionately making out on the set. We cut away before we see anything we shouldn't. Sorry.

Back in the arena, "Thunderbolt" Jacob Scharff makes his anticipated return to 4CW, if only in a cameo. He comes down to the ring looking to be in great shape and well rested after his time away. Jack "Mad Dog" Valentine, on the other hand, is battle-worn and tired, but more fired up than ever.

Match 3 - Jack Valentine v Jacob Scharff
Long match, the longest of the night, and one that pushes both men to the limit. Scharff looks like he's never been away, probably been working some indies, and is sharp enough to pick up on a few of the weaknesses Valentine has picked up from his gruelling schedule. Both men trade finishers and kick outs around the 15 minute mark, leaving Valentine busted open from above the eye. He achieves his goal though, putting Scharff away with a second flea shot just as we pass 20 minutes.
Winner: Jack Valentine

Both men lay on the canvas for a moment after the bell, and have medics check them out. Scharff is fine, he's helped up and waits for Valentine to find his feet too. The men shake hands and a little hug of respect and congratulations for a match well fought. Scharff leaves the ring to a great ovation, while Valentine waves off the officials and medics trying to help him out of the ring. Instead he asks for a microphone.

Valentine: For the last four shows, I've taken on some of the best 4CW's history has to offer. As you all know by now, I didn't pick these guys randomly, I chose four very specific opponents for one very specific reason. Minion, Inferno, Nichols and Scharff are the four men [chux] McCool defeated to win each of his four 4CW world titles. He told me when he came back last month that I am now where he was ten years ago. Well guess what [chux]? I've done a little catching up. I know you're here tonight, so why don't you come out here and accept my challenge?

[chux]'s music hits a little too quickly, as if he was waiting to be called out. He strolls out to the stage giving Valentine a slow clap.

[chux]: Well done Dog, well done. How can I deny it now, eh? You've just done in four weeks what I took ten years to do. That puts us right around the same level, right?

[chux] holds his hands out in front of his face flat, so the fingers are close together, symbolising the two as equals.

[chux]: Wrong. But thanks for trying! It really was very entertaining to watch you struggle against those legends.
Valentine: Yeah yeah yeah, I get it, ok? Can we just skip to the part where you accept my challenge?
[chux]: Let me finish. You know why I came back, Dog? Because this is in my blood. I'm an addict, I can't deny it. I tried to clean myself up, but it's just not getting out of my system. I need this. And like I've been saying for years, this needs me. What I don't understand is why you're here. I've watched you for a decade, struggling to make a name for yourself and it's just not working. At first I thought it was cute, but pretty soon it turned into pathetic. And you know, there was a time you kept trying so hard that I found it admirable. But now? It's right back to pathetic. There's a time where you have to admit to yourself that this dream is over, and for you, Dog, that time is now.
Valentine: I'm making it real simple. You, me, Revival. Yes or no?
[chux]: Aww, am I not making it clear enough? Fine. No.

Valentine is frustrated. He's worked so hard for this and the payoff just isn't coming.

Valentine: You give me one reason why not. You tell me what I need to do and I will do it. You like to say you're so damn great and I'm so damn weak, but look at us. I'm standing here ready to fight, and you? Explain it to me. Because from where I'm standing, there's only one reason and it's real clear what it is. You're a damn coward.

Phoenix: Oh my.
Jeffrey: The Dog grew some balls!

[chux] looks pissed now. He clenches his teeth and balls up his fists, takes a few steps around the stage.

[chux]: A coward? A coward?!

His face falls into a smirk, then an all out laugh.

[chux]: Oh noes! I'm a coward! I'm afraid of the big, bad Dog! You're right, Valentine! I'm petrified of you! I think you'll kick my ass all over that ring, and I'm scared. Do you really think that's going to change a thing? Do you? What is it with you Americans and that word? Call someone a coward and they go crazy. I don't care, call me a coward all you want! Chant it, go ahead!

[chux] pauses for the fans to give him the chant.

[chux]: It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all, because I know the real reason I won't accept your challenge. You know it too, you just don't want to admit it. I don't want this match because you don't deserve it. Don't get me wrong, you have just won four straight matches and that is a big deal. Those guys you fought were among the best I've ever been in that ring with, and you came out on top every time. You are very good. The problem is, Revival is a big deal and while you're here...

[chux] holds his hand out again, this time at about chin height.

[chux]: ...I'm here.

His other hand is nearly a foot above the first.

[chux]: I'm not scared of you. What I'm scared of is tarnishing my legacy, and the legacy of 4CW. Revival is a big deal, Dog, and this year we're celebrating 4CW's tenth birthday. This show could be the biggest in company history, and you think, on the biggest ever show, the biggest ever star should be in that ring...with you? Do you really think you're that good?
Valentine: You're right. About all of it. This is the biggest show 4CW has ever had, and you are, undoubtedly the biggest star 4CW has ever made. Am I good enough to be in that spot? I don't know. I honestly don't know. What you said is true, about me trying to make a name for myself. All this time, and for what? I work so damn hard to be what I am. I give this all I have. I sacrifice, I sweat, I bleed for this.

Valentine wipes the blood from above his eye.

Valentine: I don't know if I'm the guy who belongs in this ring with you, but I do know one thing. I am as good now as I've ever been, and I've won matches over this last month that ten years ago I never dreamed I could win. But here I am. If you tell me I don't deserve it I have no good argument for you, but you tell me something. If I don't deserve it, who the hell does?

[chux] takes a moment to think it over. He desperately wants to give an answer, but comes up empty.

[chux]: Alright. You're on.

[chux] drops his mic and leaves the stage pretty quickly. Dog breathes a sigh of relief that all of this hard work hasn't been for nothing.

Phoenix: It's done! The two longest serving veterans of 4CW will go one on one at Revival X!
Jeffrey: It's the dream match I never knew was a dream match!

Backstage, Jenna Divyne is standing in Jenny Loveless' interview position but there's no Jenny for some reason. Ahem.

Jenna: Last week I had to sit back here and watch Marie Dubois challenge Lorelei Spice for the womens championship. I had to just stand back and let Marie jump in line? Gallows End was a long time ago, Marie! A lot has changed since then. I am the most dominant woman in 4CW, and nobody deserves that title more than me. Massacre was a mistake, a mistake I won't make again. I don't care if I have to go through one or both of you, I will become womens champion.

And with that, Hugh Knowles pops up with perfect timing.

Knowles: Jenna! Say no more. I've just been sent by Belly to give you a message. He sends his sincerest apologies, he's been a little tied up lately and things haven't been going according to plan with, eh, his deputy in charge.
Jenna: His replacement was you.
Knowles: Aw man! I told you to say no more! Look, he's giving you a number one contenders match against Marie next week, ok? The winner gets Lorelei at Revival. Happy now?
Jenna: Ecstatic.

Knowles scurries off to tend to some other business, Jenna scowls her happy scowl.

We cut back to the ring, where Carlos "BA" Starr, T-Rock and Candi are waiting.

Starr: Enough is enough!
Candi: Yeah! We've had it with this! Someone is screwing with us, and we want to know who it is!
Starr: Either someone has a problem with us, or we're the most cursed RockStarrs since Spinal Tap!
Candi: And I know that isn't true, because you're lucky enough to have me as your girlfriend!
Starr: So whoever you are and whatever your problem is, I suggest you-

Suddenly, an unknown wrestler is thrown from behind the blackout curtains next t the titantron and lands on his arse near the ramp.  Rage written across his features, he scrambles to his feet and runs backstage again.

Phoenix: Uh. Live TV, folks!

Starr: As I was saying. Stop this and we won't have to hurt you.
Candi: We're coming for those tag titles, but if we have to run someone else down on the way, we'll do it!
Starr: And this-

Again, the same wrestler is thrown out next to the titantron, this time quickly followed by a big bruiser of a wrestler in combat trousers and boots with a sleeveless jacket.  The smaller wrestler, apparently named Leo Banks by the stitching on his purple trunks, tries to charge at the bigger man but is caught and this time thrown against the side of the ramp.

Phoenix: That's Leo Banks! He's made quite a name for himself on the independents lately.
Jeffrey: Well he's making an impact alright, but not the kind he wanted!

Stalking towards his fallen prey, the big wrestler, named Brian ‘the Freight Train’ White judging from the design on the back of his jacket, begins throwing fists and boots down whilst Leo covers his head in an effort to defend himself.  In desperation he kicks out and catches Brian White in the crotch, giving himself both the time and separation he needs to recover his wits.
Leo, seeing the Freight Train on the ground begins to stomp every part of the larger man’s body that he can, before being shoved off.  Undeterred Leo gets back on the attack but Brian gets back to his feet and launches a shoulder charge that carries Leo back first straight into the ring apron.

Starr: Do you mind? We're kinda in the middle of something here!

Leo tries to get some separation, throwing fore-arm smashes into Brian’s face and neck, even managing to bounce his head off the apron and using his knees to drive the wind from Brian’s chest, but a heavy knee to Leo’s mid-section brings the assault to an end.  Brian follows this with a hefty uppercut that dazes Leo who is then mercilessly whipped into the ring corner before being rolled into the ring.

Starr: Woah! Woah! No, get the hell out of here! This is our ring!

As Brian climbs into the ring himself the disgruntled competitors both charge at him, intent on removing him from the ring.  But with a mighty bellow, the Freight Train lives up to his nomenclature and catches Starr with a huge clothesline that lays him out cold. Candi scrambles to the outside while T-Rock stares White down. The two are at a stalemate for a moment, but fortunately T-Rock isn't the man White is after. Brian turns his attention back to Leo, who has managed to regain his feet, only to have his head shoved between the Freight Trains Legs and hoisted up onto his shoulders.  Running forward, Brian delivers a huge power bomb that knocks Leo Banks out.

Thinking to get the drop on the big man, T-Rock tries to jump him, only to be side stepped and shoved into the ropes.  On the rebound, the Freight Train delivers what can only be described as a very high impact spear before turning and catching Starr's attempted diving crossbody and dropping him in another running power bomb.

Security and referees finally make it to the ring as White turns his attention back to Leo, but before he gets to him a dozen or more officials swamp him and pushes him back to the corner.  Leo regains is feet, shaking his head as if to clear the cobwebs and seeing his enemy surrounded, again launches himself at White as more reffs and security drag him away and out of the ring.  With Leo Banks out of the ring, the Freight Train is released and he watches the smaller man’s departure with contempt.

Jeffrey: I'm not sure what we've just seen here.
Phoenix: Something has gotten into these two guys, and I don't think this is the end of it!
Jeffrey: When he wakes up, you might want to tell Carlos Starr to just get the hell out of the ring next time.

The camera cuts back to the lockerroom, as Paladin Wells, Kensai & Courtney Frost; all in street clothes and with bags packed and slung over their shoulders; are seen headed for the backstage exit. Jenny Loveless sprints into view (with very ruffled hair and creased clothes) as she tries to chase down the three members of The Skill Set.

Jenney Loveless: PALADIN!! KENSAI!! Skill Set!!

The three turn to see the lovely reporter hastily catch up with them.

Paladin, looking a bit annoyed, asks: What can I help you with Jenny?

Jenny: Can I get a comment on the NME decalring themselves the number one contenders to the Tag Team titles?

Paladin smiles as he answers: SAYING SOMETHING... doesn’t make it true. PROVING SOMETHING... makes it true. The Skill Set are here, week after week, ready for a fight... ready to prove that they’re the best tag team in 4CW.  Now, since the Unnatural Predators have been MIA, management hasn’t been able to even find two people even willing to face us in the ring. So, ONCE AGAIN, we show up, get our pathetic downside guarantee check, and then go home. And now, finally... FINALLY... the Predators... I’m not going to make up some dumb nickname about their names, I’m not in 5th grade... FINALLY... when the Predators show up, NME attack them. Well, I can’t blame NME for wanting to see the air quote, un air-quote ‘champions’ actually EARN A PAYCHECK by showing up and competing. I can’t even blame them for attacking the Predators in response to the DISGRACE that they made the 4CW tag team championship. What WE can do... is go out and BEAT everyone who is willing to fight us, and PROVE that we’re the best tag team in 4CW. NME... Unnatural Predators... it... DOES... NOT... MATTER. Make a match... MAKE... A MATCH!!!! Put the tag titles on the line... and the SKILL SET are taking those titles HOME.

Before Jenny can even turn to Kensai for a comment, the three are already out the door.

Jenny turns to the camera: There you have it. The Skill Set will face ANYONE for the tag team championship.

The camera fades back the the arena.

Match 4 - Rhysus & Zephyris v Carstein & JJ Blaze
Zephyris starts the match with JJ Blaze and he seems to be not entirely forgiving of Rhysus' behaviour from the previous show. Zephyris shows the crowd what he can do, as he goes back and forth in a high flying confrontation with JJ Blaze. A spectacular Moonsault from the turnbuckle gives Zephyris a close 2 count, but JJ Blaze kicks out and fights back, getting the tag to Carstein.

Carstein and Blaze take turns decimating the brother of the Bruiser, taunting Rhysus at every step until eventually Zephyris reverses a corner splash from Carstein with a kick in the face. Zephyris gets the hot tag and Rhysus runs in, taking out Carstein and JJ Blaze with a double clothesline. He takes out Carstein with a Side Effect and sets him up for the Turnbuckle Burner but Carstein rakes the eyes and rolls up Rhysus from behind, holding the ropes for leverage as the referee counts 1...2...3!
Winners: Carstein & JJ Blaze

After the match, Carstein slips out of the ring, walking up the ramp with JJ Blaze. Rhysus jumps to the ropes in fury, telling Carstein to get back into the ring. When Carstein refuses, Rhysus jumps out of the ring and chases him!

Phoenix: Rhysus is going after Carstein!

JJ Blaze jumps in the firing line and goes punch for punch with Rhysus while Carstein retreats backstage. Rhysus grabs Blaze by the throat and chokeslams him on the stage. Zephyris catches up and pulls Rhysus away from Blaze.

Zephyris: Come on, you've made your point.

Rhysus sighs and walks up the ramp with his brother as the show comes to a close.

Jeffrey: Rhysus got the last word but Carstein pinned the champ! If he does that at Revival, we'll have a new champion!