4CW Storm Front - Mar 31, 2019

4CW Presents... Storm Front
Live from CHI Health Center Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Att: 17,300

"Never Back Down" by Hyro the Hero plays as the brand spanking new theme of 4CW Storm Front.

"Confessions a loose cannon... BOOM!
Feel the flame from this giant ass dragon
Gotta couple screws loose that's dangling
I'm just tryna keep my head from hanging
Cause I gotta keep my head up, chest up
Even when a brother feeling fed up
Cards stacked against me and it's looking like a set up
Built to survive I will never ever let up
Get em get em
Never back down
We kill em, kill em
These are my ambitions
As a winner, winner
Never compromise can't give up, give up
All that remains are broken down parts from a torn up stage
Leave em outraged
Cause one thing I ain't never been afraid

Never back down
Never back down
Cause one thing, I ainʼt never been afraid
Never back down
Never back down
Cause one thing, I ainʼt never been afraid
Never back down
Neveeeer"

It comes complete with a video package featuring the likes of Pilgrim Paige, Jacob Scharff, Brian White, Rhys Cain, Umbra Maxima, Tommy Young and Jack Valentine along with other stars.

We then cut to the live arena, with 17,000 strong in the CHI Health Centre Omaha.

Phoenix: Welcome to 4CW Storm Front! I'm Scott Phoenix joined as ever by Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts! Gentlemen, we're here! It's the go-home show for Revival XIII!
Jeffrey: It's gonna be yuuuuuge. I can't wait! Stormchaser Final! Pick Your Poison! Tag team action! What are we waiting for, let's go!
Roberts: Hey, I haven't even said any--
Jeffrey: ONWARD!

"Black Flame" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. The Liberation come out on to the stage, followed by Zephyris, then Erica Moxie. The four of them stand two each side of the stage and then Rhys Cain steps out, to an ocean of hostility from the crowd, complete in black trench coat, grey tights with black flames creeping up the side of each leg, and black boots.

Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... THE BLACK FLAAAME!!

As the group come down the ramp, led by Cain, the atmosphere becomes a clear antithesis of "welcoming". As usual, the odd paper cup is thrown over the barricade. Rigg in particular mouths off to some of the crowd, but Cain moves onward, to the ring, ignoring anyone and everyone watching from the crowd.

Phoenix: Here comes Rhys Cain, with The Black Flame. Last show, he was completely humiliated by the mysterious Willow the Widow... what does he have to say tonight?

The five of them roll and climb into the ring in their own ways, and them stand in the middle of the ring, with Cain up front, and the rest behind. Cain mutters something to Zephyris. Zephyris mutters something back. Cain nods and then takes a mic from a ringside assistant.

Cain: Everybody likes to play games...

The crowd don't even let Cain speak. They boo ferociously and a "shut the fuck up" chant breaks out. Cain raises his brow disapprovingly, and waits for the children to stop having their tantrum, before continuing.

Cain: Everybody likes to play games. Sery likes to play games, admitting a bias towards The Liberation. He is the only reason they have not yet become 4CW Tag Team Champions. Tonight, they face ... ah - the Synth City Thrillers. Cute name. And they are good. How do I know? Because I trained them. Unfortunately for them, they decided that their path was not the same as ours.

Big pop from the crowd.

Cain: It’s a shame that the talent I created will be wasted when The Liberation destroy them later tonight. When that happens, Sery will grant The Liberation a 4CW Tag Team Championship Match, and make no mistake... that is not a request.

A "Fuck Liberation!" chant breaks out. Rigg and Fischer look to be furious at this, but don't interrupt at all.

Cain: I hear Witch Hazel likes to play games. I know Supreme does. Erica Moxie is going to walk into Revival against those two and one other and win the Lightning in the Bottle match. That will earn her the right to challenge for any 4CW Championship at anytime in the next year. She’ll decide to use it whenever she wants, and she will burn her opponent with The Black Flame and add another championship to her list.

Erica Moxie gets a mixed reaction, being the hometown star, but her alignment with Cain is a little too much for the fans to take, and the boos simmer over, but she stands defiant, taking it in like a standing ovation and nods in agreement to Cain's comments.

Cain: Zephyris, my brother and most trusted friend, will also be competing at Revival. We don’t know who his opponent is because as previously mentioned, Sery likes to play games. Whoever his opponent ends up being will become irrelevant as soon as Zephyris gets the three.

Zephyris nods, but the crowd decide to break out in a "who are you?" chant directed at Cain's brother. Cain talks him down off-mic, waving his hand dismissively at the crowd.

Cain: And there’s one other person who likes to play games.. and that’s sweet, sweet Willow the Widow.

Huge pop for Willow the Widow.

Cain: Now I'll give credit where it's due, so here's a clip of what happened at Massacre...

Cain motions for the tron, and it shows Cain hitting the Busaiku Knee Kick to get the three count on Willow. It then shows him unmasking Willow, only for it to be Tsukiko, who spits blue poison mist into Cain's face. The camera cuts back to Cain in the arena and the crowd chant "Thank You, Kiko!" with enthusiasm. Cain ignores them.

Cain: Nice little trick you pulled there, Willow. I destroyed your sacrificial lamb, but hey, you got your last laugh. Enjoy it. Because when I say you got your last laugh, I mean you got your last laugh. Ever.

Cain steps forward and stares into the hard camera. You can see the fury in his veins as they protrude, though he looks restrained in his facial expression, talking fairly calmly.

Cain: Iit is my absolute goal and mission to destroy this facade you call an identity and expose you for the meek, pathetic little rat you are.

More boos.

Cain: I am going to maul you so badly, you’re going to need a new mask to stop your face from falling apart. And I am going to enjoy it. I’ll try my best not to to enjoy it too much but it will be... hard.

Huge heat from the crowd.

Jeffrey: Jesus... that's creepy, even by my standards.
Phoenix: Cain is a sick little man.
Jeffrey: Don't let him hear you say that...
Phoenix: Pfft. I don't care if he does. I'm not scared of Cain.
Jeffrey: Scott, you probably should be...
Phoenix: Maybe so, Ray. But there comes a point where professionalism only gets you so far. It's my job to give my opinion on what happens in that ring. If Cain wants to confront me, I'll deal with it like a man, not a coward.

Cain: Willow ... this experience will give you violent flashbacks and nightmares for the rest of your life. This will traumatise you. This will scar you mentally and physically forever. You’re going to rue the day you decided to play with The Black Flame ... because it never ceases to burn.

The crowd are now booing mercilessly loud... so Cain decides to raise his voice and shout over them.

Cain: So if you want to play games, Willow the Widow, let's play a game! My turn, I want to rip that mask off your face so I can expose you to the world as the little rat you are! ...OK, roll the dice, because it’s your turn! You're gonna tell me exactly how I can make that happen. I hope you roll a double because you’re going to fucking need it!

Cain lowers the mic and for the first time, real fury becomes evident as he glares into the camera with a fierce expression. Then, as Cain clearly expected, the lights fade and the titantron flickers to life. Cain's darkened face can be seen smiling slightly at the sign of response from Willow the Widow. He looks like he's chomping at the bit to see what she has to say.

Willow the Widow sits in a low-lit room. There is a wide table in front of her, with a makeshift ring complete with ropes and turnbuckles and a Willow the Widow marionette sitting inside it. She takes the mask from the marionette and slowly slides it off the face. The face is creepily blank, save for a big question mark sown into the material.

Then, another marionette is pulled up on to the table. It's Rhys Cain, updated for his latest "Black Flame" look; complete with trench coat and black boots. The Cain marionette dramatically and slowly falls to the floor and the Willow marionette covers him for three seconds (the crowd catch on and count along).

The "defeated" Rhys Cain marionette stands back up, but this time slips out of his boots and leaves them hanging by the laces on the ropes. Dejected, he lowers his head and leaves the ring, as the "lights" of the "arena", powered by a desk lamp, turn off on him. Then, just as abruptly as it started, the video ends. The titantron then flashes some Japanese text, with the English translated below.

等しい値を生け贄に捧げる
Sacrifice something of equal value

The ttiantron goes dead and the regular arena lights come back on.

Cain stares at the tron, looking deep in thought, before finally bringing the mic to his lips in response.

Cain: If you think my career is of equal value to your mask, you're more of a delusional fool than I thought. However, my desire to expose you is probably equal to my love for my career. So that's how you want it? Career vs Mask at Revival? Then fine, that's what it'll be!

A huge pop from the crowd at the huge announcement for Revival.

Cain: But if you really paid attention to history, you'd know, Willow, that the only way to end my career would be to either paralyze me or kill me. So I hope you're ready for the fight of your life. Because there'll be no tricks or games this time, and I will once and for all purge 4CW of you. I can't wait to meet the little girl hiding behind that mask and I can't wait to show the world what a little freak she is.

"Black Flame" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system again as Cain throws the mic down to the mat. He motions for the rest of The Black Flame to follow him out of the ring.

Phoenix: What an announcement! This blood feud, that has been brewing since December last year, will culminate at Revival! It's Willow the Widow vs Rhys Cain! It's Mask vs Career! It's the type of match that makes Revival the biggest show of the year!
Jeffrey: And I'm sure it's gonna be a barn burner! Cain is on a mission; and Willow convinced Sery to keep Cain in 4CW for a reason - so she could end his career on HER terms!
Roberts: And that's gonna be one hell of a clash but coming up next ladies and gentlemen, it's Pick Your Poison! Who will Jacob Scharff choose as the 4CW World Champion Pilgrim Paige's opponent? Don't go anywhere, we'll be right back!

===

The arena lights go out, as well as the 4CWTron, leaving everything in pitch black. A thick layer of purple fog begins to envelope the stage and ramp. Barely visible through the haze, at center stage, a small violet flame flickers in mid-air, providing a momentary glimpse of a woman's face. Suddenly, she blows the flame out. The crowd buzzes in anticipation.

Across the darkened stage, a rainbow-patterned series of six coloured fireworks ascends out of the darkness and explodes overhead, creating a starburst shower of crackling sparks. The crowd pops as "The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch pounds through the PA system and Paige appears through the fog, wearing a black leather jacket over her purple-trimmed black ring attire, She proudly displays the 4CW World Championship strapped round her waist. The 4CWtron shows dark, stylized clips of Pilgrim Paige in various settings: descending the staircase of the Moontower; stoking her fire pit, etc. She throws her arm up and gives the sign of the horns while pumping her arm a few times.

Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Pick Your Poison match! Making her way to the ring, hailing from Newfoundland, Canada and now residing on... The DAAARK Side of the MOOOON... weighing in at 134 pounds... the 4CW WORLD CHAMPION ... PILGRIIIM PAAAIIIGE!

When the song's beat picks up and the harsh vocals kick in, Paige takes off running through the fog down to the ring. At the bottom of the ramp she leaps and slides into the ring under the bottom rope, then arises swiftly from the canvas. After removing her jacket and tossing it to a ring attendant, she walks to the middle of the ring. Paige spreads her arms wide and throws her head back, sounding out a loud WOOO as rapid bursts of purple pyro shoot from the corner posts. The lights return to normal as Paige returns her attention to the stage, waiting for her opponent.

Phoenix: Pilgrim Paige has an unenviable task ahead of her tonight. Jacob has picked her opponent and knowing the #1 contender he's probably brewed up a mighty storm to put in Paige's path.
Jeffrey: If he's smart he picked Tsukiko or Witch Hazel to get in Paige's head.
Roberts: I don't think Jacob is that cruel.

"His World" begins to play and the crowd cheers loudly as Jacob comes out on the stage with a microphone in his hand. He waits for the noise to die down a bit before he addresses Paige.

Scharff: Paige I thought long and hard about this. Should I pick an opponent that will mess with your head, should I pick an opponent who can dominate you physically, or should I trust my inner circle and go with someone... who can do both?

Jacob steps to the side and the arena is suddenly bathed in a bright red light.

Phoenix: Oh my lord.

"Indestructible" by Disturbed tears through the arena as three pillars of flame set the stage alight. The center pillar soon dissipates revealing a large chalk-white humanoid being. Red scars glow amidst the light of the flames and piercing red eyes lock onto Pilgrim Paige. A block of black hair rests atop the man's head and he wears simple black trunks. He heads to the ring, never taking his eyes from Paige. The song lowers in volume as Jacob speaks again.

Scharff: For those of you unaware, this is Chaos Raines. He stands seven feet tall, and weighs 300 pounds. Paige, at Revival I will take back my title, but for tonight, Chaos reigns supreme.

Jacob heads backstage as Chaos steps over the ropes and into the ring. To her credit Paige isn't backing down from the larger opponent.

Roberts: I take back what I said about Jacob not being cruel.
Jeffrey: This is brilliant by the challenger, no way Paige can overcome this behemoth tonight.
Phoenix: I'm getting word this is a special appearance for Chaos. One night only. Remember Jacob brought him in last year when he need a partner in a tag match against Eddie Wolfbaine and Chaos sent Eddie's partner running for the hills. On that night, he was playing around but he looks deathly serious tonight. If Paige isn't careful she will not walk into Revival at 100%.

*The bell rings. Paige charges at the large man and starts laying chops into his chest. Chaos seems unfazed however as he just watches Paige. She realizes she's having no effect and switches to clubbing strikes with her forearms, but Chaos still is unbothered. Paige looks up into the bright red eyes and knows nothing is happening. She backs away and runs the ropes and goes for a crossbody but Chaos catches her! He proceeds to put the champion back down on her feet! He just looks at her, like he was expecting more.*

Phoenix: I, I don't even know if Paige can get Chaos off his feet, much less keep him on his back for three seconds or tap him out.
Jeffrey: I'm not a big fan of Jacob Scharff normally but tonight he absolutely made the right move. Chaos is gonna flatten Paige.
Roberts: Paige needs to change tactics. Chaos is completely unaffected by anything she's done thus far.

*Paige runs the ropes again and this time goes to the legs with a dropkick! The impact brings Chaos to his knees and she gets up and runs the ropes again but comes back into a thunderous clothesline from The Devil Prince! Chaos with a nonchalant cover.

1!
2!
Paige kicks out!*

Phoenix: A simple clothesline nearly ended this match. It's gonna be a long night for The Lunar Pilgrim.

*Chaos picks up Paige and holds her across his chest before spinning her out and driving her down onto her back.*

Phoenix: That's known as The Chaos Spiral, his take on a Black Hole Slam!

*Chaos puts a foot on top of Paige and demands a count!

1!
2!
Paige kicks out!

Chaos smirks down at his opponent and waggles his finger. He drags her to the corner and stomps her before he starts to ascend.*

Phoenix: Oh no. I think he's going for Chaos Wind.
Jeffrey: Which is?
Phoenix: Like Whisper in the Wind, but the opponent is down instead of standing up.
Roberts: So like a really flippy legdrop?
Jeffrey: Well she had a good career.

*Phoenix and Roberts just look at him*

Jeffrey: What?

*Chaos comes off the top rope with Chaos Wind, but Paige moves out of the way at the last second and Chaos lands hard on his butt! Paige scrambles to her feet in a desperate attempt to mount some offense and goes for another low dropkick! This one hits Chaos in the face! He's down! Paige with a Moon Shoes to the abdomen! She comes off and goes right into a standing moonsault! It connects and she stands up into a shooting star press on Chaos! Cover!

1! Chaos kicks out with authority, sending Paige flying across the ring!

Phoenix: A trifecta of The Lunar's Pilgrim moveset only kept Chaos down for a second. She can't let this setback stymie her.

*Paige scrambles to her feet and runs over, clubbing Chaos, who is also starting to rise. Every strike is an attempt to keep the big man down but she may as well be punching a wall as Chaos soon has regained his vertical base and a swift kick to the gut doubles Paige over in pain. He puts her head under his arm and lifts her into the air for a suplex and just holds her there almost effortlessly, the crowd waiting on tenterhooks for her to be slammed the mat. They are left waiting several moments, as Chaos lets the blood rush to Paige's head and she turns a bright red hue from being upside down for so long. Finally he falls backwards and slams her to the mat! Chaos gets up and raises his arms in an X shape before bringing them down and letting out a great shout, his eyes filled with a manic energy.*

Jeffrey: YES! This is what I like to see!
Roberts: Paige...what can she do against this?
Phoenix: I've never seen her dominated like this. She might want to try to run, save herself for Revival.

*Chaos roughly pulls Paige to her feet and she quickly yanks her arm away, but as she turns to run to do something she crashes headlong into the referee, sending him to the mat!*

Phoenix: Paige in a blind panic there, running straight into the ref!

*Chaos grabs her again and sinks his fist into her belly. He then puts her between his legs and flips her up for a powerbomb!*

Phoenix: This is how Chaos sets up for Chaos Impact, if he hits this Paige is done!

*Chaos smiles as Paige is atop his shoulders, helpless, only able to stare into the crowd before she is driven down to the mat, but Paige summons every ounce of strength and spits purple mist into Chaos's face!*

Roberts: Moon Mist! Chaos has been blinded by the mist!
Phoenix: A great move by Paige with the ref unable to see the questionable...tactics...oh no.

*As opposed to being blinded Chaos is enjoying the purple mist as it saturates his skin! He almost appears to inhale the substance in a sickening manner! He then drives Paige to the mat spine first with the Spiral Bomb known as Chaos Impact! Chaos with the cover!

...The ref is still down and can't make the count! Chaos notices this and noticeably pouts at his predicament. He goes over and picks the ref up, puts him in the corner so he's standing, and pats his face a few times, but as the ref still seems groggy he proceeds to follow it up with a big slap! He turns around satisfied and goes back to Paige but as he pulls her up she counters with a sitout jawbreaker! Paige gets up and grabs Chaos's head so she can hit a second one!She runs the ropes and hits a Codebreaker! Chaos falls to his back! Paige grabs the giant man and struggles valiantly to drag him into the corner! She hits Moon Shoes again! Follows it with a moonsault and another shooting star press, then she heads to the top rope!*

Phoenix: Paige with an amazing flurry here!
Jeffrey: Stupid referee! If Chaos didn't have to wake him up he could have put this away!
Roberts: Guys...what if this doesn't work?
Phoenix: It has to, for Paige's sake.

*Paige jumps off for Footprints on the Moon! It connects!! Cover on Chaos!

1!
2!
3! Chaos kicks out too late!*

Carson: Here is your winner... PILGRIIIM ... PAAAIGE!!

*In the ring Paige looks relieved and shocked. Chaos rolls out and makes his way up the ramp, and Jacob Scharff comes out to meet him on the stage. They embrace and as the camera focuses on them Chaos clearly whispers something to Jacob. Jacob smiles and nods and claps Chaos on the back. Chaos leaves as Paige gets to her feet in the ring staring at Jacob. She raises her title high in the air. Jacob raises his eyebrows and proceeds to chop out a lightning bolt.*

Phoenix: Messages from both champion and challenger have clearly been delivered here tonight.
Jeffrey: Jacob has the edge. I think Chaos took it easy on Paige.
Roberts: No way. Jacob has respect for Paige so he sent her a tough challenge.
Phoenix: Either way Revival is what matters. If either of them takes it easy on the other there, they will not walk out as champion.

===

We come back from commercial to find "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco blasting through the speakers and the ring filled with all six members of The Supergroup. Cornrowed and shades-clad, Zak E Justice and Nik Waverly front the storm. Behind them are The RockStarrs, Rane and Myback. They all are trying to look rather menacing, but honestly, come across as simply goofy.

Justice: You know, we made a promise to each other that 2019 was going to be the year of The Supergroup! And we're getting into April and bros, I'm not really happy with what we've done.

Justice sighs.

Justice: Bros... we're THE SUPERGROUP. Get it! SUPER! We can do whatever we want! And since we're fast approaching April, and we get the most happenin' show of the year Revival next, how about we make history once again!

The members of The Supergroup all nod and agree with each other, despite the crowd booing along to everything they are saying.

Waverly: I couldn't agree more bro, and I think we need to do that by proving we are indeed the Supergroup! Last year at Revival, we defeated one man. He was an absolute monster, undefeated, and almost untouchable bro, but he was still one man. How about this time around we even the numbers to prove we can beat SIX people with our six.

Justice: Bro, with brains like yours, we can't go wrong. That's a brotastic idea!.

Rock takes a step forward.

Rock: Yeah, it's great and all, boys... but who are we going to face? 4CW isn't exactly roaming with Supergroups.

The six of them all discuss this conundrum away from the mics, quietly to themselves. They seem to be quite stumped. Suddenly, "Ding Dong Song" by Gunther hits the PA system. The crowd are suddenly cheering, as Janitur comes out on stage with little Swifter, who's riding along in his mop bucket. Behind then comes JANISTAR, and finally, The Canadian Geek and the Moose Guy, along with the star of the show himself, the gigantic Marquis the Moose!

Janitur: It seems that you are forgetting who I is and who we is! We are The Janiturs! This has been said before, but WE are the most Super Group in all of 4CW! And now, we is stronger than ever! We has a moose, the great Marquis! And we has a champion, The Canadian Geek, who is the Moss-Covered, Three-Handled Family Gredunza Champion!

Phoenix: Wow, I'm impressed Janitur managed to even get that out properly.

Justice: We didn't forget about you, bro! We just said we wanted a 6 vs 6 match at Revival! And last I checked, even though you tricked us once before, you only have FIVE members, bro! Unless of course, you plan on using that moose! But that's not allowed bro, so take it back to the zoo!
Janitur: We do have a sixth member! I is not talking about the great Marquis, though. We have a special new member - a lady Janitur! And she likes to beat up other ladies! Let I introduce, the amazing, JANI-HER!!

The camera cuts to a low angle as a mysterios pair of legs-in-tights appear on screen. The legs are wearing black boots to just below the knee, an enticing blue mini skirt, a tigh t-shirt than encentuates her figure and finally, with her golden blond hair flowing, her look is completed with a .... Janitur mask.

Jeffrey: Hey - where's her face?

Inside the ring, The Supergroup are mumbling amongst themselves. Nik Waverly however is leaning on the ropes, gawking at JaniHer as she stands with her hands on her hips. Rane notices Waverly off in his own world and walks over, slapping him across the ear and bringing him back to reality.

Jeffrey: I sense some jealousy from Rane there!
Phoenix: Or maybe she just wants the boys to focus on the task at hand!

Janitur: So what do you say? You are six, we are six - let's battle at Revival to see who is the real super group.

Justice talks among the group again and then turns to Janitur.

Justice: OK, you're on! But we will continue our Revival winning streak, and prove how Brotastic we are to everyone! We're Broconic! And we're better than every one of you, including that stinkin' moose!

The crowd boo at the insult to Marquis and suddenly, The Canadian Geek comes to life and is enraged.

Geek: Did he just insult Marquis? That's it!!!

The Canadian Geek breaks from the group and runs ahead. The rest of the group run down the ramp behind him, including Marquis the Moose himself, most terrifyingly. As The Janiturs slide into the ring, The Supergroup bail! They jump out of the ring and over the barricades and leg it through the crowd!

Phoenix: Well, The Janiturs have sent The Supergroup running scared!
Jeffrey: It's not running scared! It's called strategy! They have a damn moose!
Roberts: Well, whatever the case is, there will be no running at Revival! It's 6 on 6. The Supergroup vs The Janiturs!

===

"Roadgame" by Kavinsky hits the PA system. The crowd buzz through the intro and when the beat drops, out comes the new tag team. The leaner Devon Drummond and the bulkier Reuben Kojo come out on to the stage. They both wear brightly coloured trunks of red and blue, with a neon green "belt" on the top of the trunks. The spotlights flashing around the arena make these green belts glow in the dark, and the two come down to the ring with an infectious rhythm.

Carson: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall, introducing first, residing in London, England, weighing in at a combined weight of 454lbs, DEVON DRUMMOND ... REUBEN KOJO ... THE SYNTH CITYYYYYYY ... THRILLERS!!

Drummond and Kojo slap the hands of a few fans on the way down and then slide into the ring. They continue to groove to the beat as they get to their feet and go into their corner and the lights come back on. With the crowd hyped, they slap hands in a pact of solidarity and go into their corner, awaiting their opponents.

"Black Flame" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. Instantly, the crowd's enjoyment is sucked from the room as if through a universal straw, leaving only resentment and bitterness towards the self-proclaimed Liberators.

Carson: And their opponents, representing The Black Flame... weighing in at a combined weight of 530lbs... "THE ROTTERDAM RAVEN" GARRET FISCHER... BRUCE RIGG ... THE LIBERAAAATION!!

Fischer and Rigg come down to the ring. Once again, Rigg has an issue with the fans, and mouths off to them, but Fischer brings him back to focus, by pointing at the opponents in the ring. Rigg turns and nods, and then, the two run and slide into the ring - and go straight for their opponents!!

Phoenix: We're not here to mess around apparently!

Among the chaos of all four men brawling, Fischer and Drummond get knocked out of the ring, leaving Rigg and Kojo as the two legal men. The referee makes this official as he calls for the bell!

Roberts: Here we go!

Rigg and Kojo go back and forth with hard hitting lefts and rights. Rigg gets the upper hand due to his extra size and whips Kojo to the ropes. Kojo comes back at great speed and Rigg meets him halfway, hitting the Kitchen Sink knee to the gut. Kojo flips and reels, clutching his gut. Rigg wastes no time in grabbing his opponent and lifting him, slamming him to the mat with a body slam. He follows this up by running to the ropes and coming back, dropping a running splash on Kojo! Rigg covers!

1... 2... but Kojo kicks out!

Phoenix: Rigg is a dangerous, dominant competitor when he's on his game!
Jeffrey: And since all these guys were trained by Rhys Cain, you can be sure they know each other pretty well!

Rigg brings Kojo back to his feet and attempts a suplex - but Kojo traps his leg to block the move, reversing Rigg with a suplex of his own! Rigg and Kojo are both quick to get back to their feet, but Kojo gets the first shot with a knife edge chop! The *smack* echoes around the arena and the crowd gasp. Kojo unleashes a second and third knife edge chop in quick succession, before turning on the spot and hitting a spinning back fist! Stunned, Rigg falls on his back and Kojo covers!

1...2... no! Rigg isn't done yet!

Roberts: And Reuben Kojo is proving he can give as good as he gets!

Kojo picks up Rigg and tries to whip him into the corner, but Rigg reverses the momentum and sends Kojo into the Liberation corner. Rigg chases after Kojo and hits a running clothesline, before tagging in Fischer. Fischer jumps into the ring and stomps the crap out of Kojo, not giving him an opportunity to move, and then he quickly tags Rigg back in. Rigg lifts Kojo to his feet still in the corner, and then shoves his shoulder into Kojo's gut repeatedly. Kojo eventually stumbles out of the corner as Rigg tags Fischer. Fischer then springboards from the top rope and flies in with a clothesline, knocking down Kojo!

Phoenix: The Rotterdam Raven flies and King Kojo is down!

Fischer covers Kojo! 1 ... 2 ... NO! Kojo kicks out again! Fischer tags in Rigg again, and the bigger man continues his dominance of Kojo by lifting him up and this time successfully executing a suplex! Kojo, ever the fighter, gets back up to his feet but once again falls victim to Rigg, this time with a Belly-to-Belly suplex! Rigg covers Kojo!

ONE ... TWO ... NO! Kojo kicks out again!

Phoenix: Well Kojo is taking a beating here, but he's not giving up!
Roberts: And look at Drummond - he's itching to get in on the action!

Drummond is indeed leaning over the rope, with his arm outstretched, shouting encouragement to his partner. Rigg seems to notice this as he suddenly breaks into a run and clotheslines Drummond off the rope and to ringside!

Phoenix: Jeez, what a cheap shot!
Roberts: *Pure sportsmanship* from Rigg, there!
Jeffrey: Sportsmanship doesn't win you matches!

Rigg returns to Kojo and attempts to lift him up again - but Kojo is ready for him and unleashes a rogue kick which catches Rigg at the knee and causes him to lose his balance and fall over.

Phoenix: Neither does taking your eyes off your opponent!
Jeffrey: ...Touche.

Kojo stumbles to his feet as Rigg recovers from his loss of balance. Rigg grabs Kojo for another belly-to-belly suplex, but Kojo elbows his way out of the predicament and grabs Rigg, hitting the REUBENAGE out of nowhere!

Phoenix: Oh my god! Reubenage! He caught Rigg!

Kojo covers! ONE ... TWO... THR--NO!! Fischer runs in to break the count! The referee quickly ejects Fischer from the ring, and he jumps out as suddenly as he jumped in. Kojo turns to his partner and decides to make a go at crawling over to him to get the tag. He inches closer and closer - and the crowd cheer him along as he does so - and he's fingertips away - when Rigg grabs him and pulls him back!

Roberts: So close!

Kojo gets back to his feet and pushes Rigg full force! He flies backwards and falls on his back, and Kojo spins around and jumps at Drummond - slapping his hand and getting the tag!!

Phoenix: TAG!! Here comes the Keeper of the Keys!!

Drummond runs into the ring on a mission! He dropkicks Rigg as he gets back up to a seated position, knocking him back down. He then runs at Fischer and knocks him off the apron with a big dropkick.

Jeffrey: Where's the sportsmanship now?
Roberts: Turnabout's fair play!
Jeffrey: Yeah well, your mother is fair play!

Drummond turns around to face Rigg, who is stumbling back up to his feet. As he does so, Drummond hits him with a brutal European Uppercut!

Phoenix: Beat of the Drummond!

Drummond sends Rigg to the ropes, but Rigg reverses and sends Drummond instead. Drummond ducks a Big Boot on his return and comes off the opposite ropes. Rigg spins around and Drummond takes him out with a Japanese Arm Drag. Drummond them runs to the ropes, springboards off, and takes out Rigg with a Springboard Moonsault!

Phoenix: Rage Against The Dying Light! It could be all over!

Drummond hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Rigg kicks out! Drummond picks up Rigg and lifts up the 330lber with impressive strength up on his shoulders!!

Roberts: Wow!
Jeffrey: Drummond is a big strong boi!

Jeffrey seems to have spoken too soon, as Rigg fights out of the predicament and lands on his feet behind Drummond. He takes him out with a German Suplex - but Drummond lands like a cat on his feet, before spinning Rigg around and lifting him up AGAIN! This time, Drummond launches Rigg off his shoulders with a Cross-Legged Samoan Driver!!

Phoenix: Devon Drummond hits IT'S COMING HOME! And indeed it may well be!

Drummond covers Rigg, and Fischer immediately runs in to break the count - but Kojo sees him coming and runs in too! Kojo takes out Fischer with a Spinning Head Kick!

Phoenix: KOJO KICK! Fischer is out!

With Fischer eliminated from the scenario, the referee is able to count the fall uninterrupted! ONE ... TWO .... THREE!!

Carson: Here are your winners, the SYNTH CITYYYYYYY THRILLERS!!

"Roadgame" plays through the PA as Kojo helps Drummond to his feet and they celebrate their victory. Rigg rolls out of the ring and meets up with Fischer on the outside. The crowd are all excited and dancing along with Synth City Thrillers as they celebrate, and The Liberation look like a couple of bitter Game of Thrones fans on the outside.

===

Back from ads, we have a centered shot of the commentators at their desk.

Roberts: At our March 3rd supershow edition of Storm Front, it seemed that Rhys Cain had taken down Willow the Widow with a decisive victory. However, the truth of this was revealed when Cain's attempts to unmask Willow were thwarted by Tsukiko Mizuno, who had secretly been standing in for the masked competitor.

A video package begins, with some of the build ahead of Storm Front: Massacre leading the way.

(The Tron seems to malfunction; the video glitches out and loses the audio).

When the Tron comes back to life, the video package is no longer playing and the feed seems to be live. In the backstage area, Oki-Kira is casually dressed and quietly sneaking down a corridor, while the Pink Panther theme song conspicuously plays from seemingly nowhere. The camera operator follows along behind him, managing to keep things reasonably steady in spite of all the hectic movement. Along the way, both Kira and camera halt in position when Erica Moxie heads their way from the hall around the corner. Moxie stops at a door in the side hallway, however, and enters with the use of a key. She is heard rummaging through a bag and then....

Moxie: Ugh! Disgusting.
(Muffled voice): (indistinct)
Moxie: You're an animal.

Miss Moxie exits the room with a tote bag slung over one shoulder. She swings the door shut and rounds the corner into the main hallway. She heads the other direction from Kira, never spotting him despite being inches from brushing against him at the point of the turn. As she disappears off down the corridor, the camera gives us a peek inside the room—there's no one in sight, despite the voice.

Handycam Operator (distorted "cloaking" effect): I don't see anyone. Maybe it was on her phone, a loud call?

Kira shrugs, looking overall unconcerned.

Handycam Operator (distorted): And how do you propose we get in, then?

The silent sneak-thief grins as he holds up the key he lifted from Moxie's ass pocket.

Handycam Operator (distorted): You're not exactly new at this, I take it?

Kira shakes his head so comically hard it nearly falls off. He then approaches the Black Flame locker room door and carefully, precisely inserts the key. A slow, silent turn and a gently opened door later, and he's inside. The cameraman gives us a brief eyeful of the wall to the left, lingering on Cain's macabre "trophy shelf". The Carstein marionette he nicked off of Willow currently has a handful of strategically placed needles sticking out of it. Kira re-enters the frame and gestures to the collection of gym bags strewn across a bench positioned against the right wall. At the far end wall, in line with the bench, is a dividing wall that makes up the basis of a small room within the greater room itself.

Kira kneels before the bench and his light fingers quickly set about fishing around in Fischer's bag. Finding what he came for, he raises an arm with a finger lifted high into the air; a sort of "Eureka! I've found it!" gesture.

???: Heywhatthefuckareyoudoing?!

Kira stands up straight and pulls out of the gym bag, having been digging in it up to the wrists. As he stands, he pulls out an impressive bag of brownish-green weed. He also turns on his heel in the direction of the voice. Over Kira's shoulder, the cameraman follows suit, revealing none other than Cain's brother, Zephyris, sitting on the toilet and texting with his cell phone between his thighs.

Zephyris: What the hell do you think you're doing, muteboy?! That's Garret's stash! (He spots the camera. Stop *prfft* filming, bitch!

Kira laughs the world's quietest laugh; the camera operator guffaws, sounding almost alien through the voice modulator.

Handycam Operator (distorted): Come on and do something about me, then.

Zephyris is livid.

Zephyris: I know you! I know who you are!

Handycam Operator (distorted): Who am I then?

Zephyris: Uhhhhhh—

Handycam Operator (distorted): Exactly. Right—time to bail, Kira.

The camera swings dizzily around for a moment as Kira and the cameraman take their leave.

Zephyris (shouting from bathroom): FISCHER'S GONNA BE PISSED ABOUT THIS!!! I'M TEXTING HIM RIGHT NOW, ASSHOLES!!!

Back in the main corridor, Kira runs off down the hall, hugging a big bag of weed as his cameraman follows, laughing hysterically. The Tron feed then goes blank once again and after a long minute, returns to the commentary desk. They look totally thrown off. Jeffrey is giggling like a schoolgirl. Phoenix tries the more professional approach.

Phoenix: Well folks, if it somehow wasn't clear, that was not the footage we intended to show.
Roberts: That was one hell of a stunt Kira pulled there, but I don't think documenting it is gonna go well for him.
Jeffrey: Was that.. was that porn?
Phoenix: RAY!
Jeffrey: Right, what am I saying? Everything is porn to someone.
Roberts: And on that disturbing note, let's get some more wrestling underway!

Carson: The following contest is a Pick Your Poison match scheduled for one fall.

"His World" by Crush 40 hits the PA system. The crowd come alive at the arrival of the 4CW Hall of Famer for the following contest. Scharff comes out in his usual yellow hoodie and stands at the top of the stage, doing his usual theatrics, complete with a big thunderbolt for emphasis of his appearance!

Carson: Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 260lbs, he is the 4CW Hall of Famer... JACOB ... THE THUNDERBOOOOLT ... SCHARRRFF!!

Scharff, determined and causing a buzz around the arena, comes down to the ring and enters with a confident smile.

Phoenix: Earlier tonight, Scharff picked Paige's opponent: Chaos Raines. Pilgrim Paige was able to come out on top, but now it's Scharff's turn. He has to take on an opponent of Paige's choosing. Who could it be?

Carson: ...and the opponent, as chosen by Pilgrim Paige...

"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central hits the PA system. The crowd pop in surprise at this enticing match up as Elfan Simtul comes out on to the stage, with his 4CW Tag Title on his shoulder, and notably without his partner - this is a battle he will face alone.

Carson: From New York, New York... weighing in at 280lbs, he is one half of the 4CW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... ELFAAAAN ... SIMTUL!!

Phoenix: Oh boy! What a fantastic choice from Paige! Elfan Simtul is powerful, determined and vicious!
Roberts: And let's not forget these two have history! I remember back when Scharff was 4CW World Champion... he and Simtul had some... intense exchanges, to say the least.
Phoenix: What a fitting way to prepare in the attempt to reclaim the title he has since lost to Pilgrim Paige, then! It's Scharff vs Simtul, and it's coming up right now, on Storm Front!

===

When we return, the match is underway, as Simtul is wearing down Scharff in the middle of the ring with a rest hold. It's cinched in tight, and Scharff seems to be exerting significant effort to fight out of it.

Phoenix: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen! It's Scharff vs Simtul, right now! During the break, Simtul reversed a suplex and clotheslined Scharff in the back of the head, and he has been in control ever since!
Jeffrey: And this is exactly why Paige chose Simtul! She's a smart cookie, that one!

Simtul continues to apply pressure, but the crowd are getting louder and louder, spurring on their hero. Scharff heeds their calls too and somehow manages to fight his way to a standing position. He uses his free elbow to throw a few shots into the gut of Simtul, desperate to get some separation. Eventually, after the fourth elbow, Simtul isn't able to hold on any longer. Immediately, Scharff slips behind Simtul and hits a German Suplex!

Phoenix: And that is exactly why Scharff is a Hall of Famer! At the very first opportunity, he pulls out a signature German Suplex! And look, he's rolled through!

Indeed Scharff has, and he hits a second German Suplex before releasing!

Roberts: Rumbling Thunder out of apparently nowhere! Can Scharff capitalise?!

Scharff lifts up Simtul and whips him into the ropes. The Thunderbolt chases after Simtul and hits a clothesline in the corner. He then grabs Simtul and immediately whips him into the opposite corner! Scharff runs after Simtul for another corner clothesline, but Simtul sidesteps and runs towards the ropes. Scharff chases after him but is wiped out upon Simtul's return with a crushing clothesline!

Jeffrey: It amazes me Simtul has never decapitated anyone with those clotheslines.

Simtul lifts up Scharff and takes him out with a Powerslam! He then hooks the leg for the first cover of the match! 1.. 2... NO! Scharff kicks out! Simtul doesn't let up - he lifts Scharff back up to his feet and sends him to the corner. Simtul then runs after Scharff and takes him out with the Stinger Splash!!

Phoenix: Total Eclipse from Simtul!

Simtul once again covers Scharff as he falls to the mat. ONE ... TWO ... NO! Scharff kicks out again. For the first time, Simtul shows frustration as he slaps the mat. But still he doesn't let up. He gets up again, picks up Scharff again and sends him to the ropes again. Then, once again, he attempts a second Stinger Splash - but much like Simtul moments ago, Scharff manages to move out of the way this time! Simtul stumbles out of the corner having eaten turnbuckle - and WALKS RIGHT INTO A THUNDER DROP!!!

Phoenix: WOW! Scharff with the Thunder Drop! It has to be all over!!

Scharff falls to the mat to cover Simtul - but wisely, Simtul, who is near the ropes, rolls out of the ring! Scharff scrambles but isn't able to get to Simtul in time!

Jeffrey: GENIUS! Scharff can't pin anyone outside the ring!
Phoenix: It is a very clever move from Simtul, no doubt! Great ring awareness!

Scharff decides the best defense is a good offense and rolls out of the ring to go after Simtul. Scharff grabs Simtul and whips him into the steel steps! The big man collides with the steps, which break in two. Scharff approaches Simtul and continues the assault with some strikes and chops, but Simtul fights him off and pushes him away. Scharff falls on his ass but quickly jumps back up and runs at Simtul. Simtul however, is ready, and grabs Scharff two-handed by the throat, then tosses him with a Chokebomb - directly on to the STEEL STEPS!!

Phoenix: Oh my! Brutal!
Jeffrey: If he's not careful, Scharff may not even make it to Revival!!

Scharff squirms in pain on the outside and Simtul, sensing an opening, grabs him and throws him back into the ring, sliding in after. Simtul stalks his opponent, finding the perfect position to stand. He then lifts Scharff up on to his shoulders!!

Phoenix: Simtul has him up! Shadow Hammer incoming!!

Nostradamus, Phoenix is not. At that precise moment, Scharff somehow manages to wriggle free of Simtul's grasp and chop block his knee from behind, taking Simtul down to a kneeling position! This gives Scharff the perfect opportunity to HIT THE SONIC BOOM DDT!!!

Phoenix: SONICBOOM!!

Scharff covers Simtul! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!! Simtul kicks out just after the three but he's a moment too late!

Carson: Here is your winner... JACOB... THE THUNDERBOOOOLT ... SCHARFF!!

Phoenix: A hard fought match from Simtul - but Scharff just had the edge in quality!
Roberts: Of course, that's why he's taking on Paige in the main event of Revival!

Simtul and Scharff both get to their feet, tired after a tough battle, and stare each other down. Simtul gives Scharff an acknowledging nod and leaves the ring.

Phoenix: A sign of respect from Elfan to Jacob there - he knows he just fought Scharff at his absolute best!

Pilgrim Paige suddenly appears at the top of the ramp to a big pop from the crowd. She's still a bit beat up from earlier but holds her belt up high in the air before speaking on the mic. Scharff eyes her curiously.

Paige: Hell of a win, Jacob. Truly. And with tonight all wrapped up, I just wana say how much I'm looking forward to blowing the roof off Revival with you! Two out of three falls! WOO--

She cuts herself off, throwing some of the fans off. Paige has a sly look on her face.

Paige: Buuuuuut... whaddaya say we get a little crazy and up the ante?

The crowd buzz in curious anticipation. In the ring, Scharff raises a brow.

Paige: Here's what I'm thinking. Each of us picks one stipulation apiece, and if we are still evenly matched and we go into a third fall, we'll go old-school: a one-on one singles match. In other words, how do you feel about going through Three Stages of Hell with the Lunar Pilgrim on the grandest stage of them all?!

The crowd love this idea. Scharff stares a hole through Paige - before nodding enthusiastically in agreement, a small smirk creeping up on his face as his music hits.

Phoenix: Hell yeah, it's official! Three Stages of Hell at Revival! Pilgrim Paige vs Jacob Scharff for the 4CW World Championship!!
Jeffrey: Just when I thought this match couldn't get any bigger!
Phoenix: We've had a hell of a night! And it's still not over! Stormchaser Final is still to come! Jack Valentine vs Tommy Young! Who will win and face Universal Champion Brian White at Revival?!

===

The titantron flickers to life and Sery pops up on the screen to a moderate pop. He smiles as he speaks to the crowd.

Sery: How's it going tonight in Omaha?

The crowd gives the cheap pop.

Sery: I'd like to apologise for the tron issues tonight. It seems we're having a lot of... well, let's say "technical difficultes". Anyway, I'm here to announce a couple of things. First of all, The Supergroup and The Janiturs will officially compete at Revival in a 6-on-6 match. I have decided to throw a little fuel on the fire and the winning group will get a 4CW Tag Team Championship match for two of their members!

A mild pop from the crowd at this announcement.

Sery: And of course, I'm also here to announce the participants of the first ever Lightning in the Bottle match at Revival! We already know that the first two participants are Nebraska's own, Erica Moxie!

Another mixed reaction for Moxie. Definitely some cheers from her hometown comrades, but enough boos in there to drown them out.

Sery: ...and of course, the former 4CW Custom Cup Champion, Witch Hazel!

Hazel also gets a big pop from the crowd.

Sery: ...and now I can exclusively reveal the final two participants will be, first Supreme! And finally, the runner up in tonight's Stormchaser Final, either Jack Valentine or Tommy Young, will be a part of this match as the final participant!

The crowd like this and cheer in approval.

Sery: One of these four will go on to win the first ever Lightning in the Bottle match, giving them an opportunity at ANY 4CW Championship at any time in the next twelve months! Enjoy the rest of the show!

The tron then cuts backstage, where we see Marie Dubois walking up to The Liberation backstage, heels clacking all the way along. She stops in front of Fischer and Rigg, forcing the steady beat of their boots to cease. She mugs for the camera a little.

Dubois: I'm here backstage with The Liberation, in the wake of a hard-fought battle against two familiar competitors. You and Synth City go all the way back to when you were all training up at The Bruiser School of Wrestling. Now, Rhys Cain isn't the man he once was, and rejects the Bruiser moniker. Tonight, the Synth City Thrillers, Devon Drummond and Reuben Kojo, rejected the Black Flame and stood against you. In the wake of the dissipation of old connections and SCT's upset victory, are emotions running high in the Black Flame locker room tonight?

Marie Dubois sticks her microphone in Rigg's face. He snorts like a bull.

Rigg: Is this some kind of joke? Yoo cannae be serious, lass! OF COURSE THEY ARE!!!

Fischer catches Rigg's eye, and both nod. With that, Bruce Rigg hoists Marie bodily out of his path and plunks her back down on her feet. All at once, Zephyris is on the scene, jogging up to Fischer and Rigg. He avoids eye contact with both, but is clearly more averse to Fischer's stare.

Zephyris (out of breath): Andthat'snoteventheworstpart!

Fischer cocks an eyebrow up, perplexed by his rambling, sweaty ally.

Fischer: What exactly are you trying to say, Zeph?

Zephyris: Kira. Some other bitch. Locker room. The bag. YOUR.. bag.

Fischer glares.

Fischer: He didn't.
Rigg: He didnae!

Enraged and on a mission, the two men storm off down the hall, with Zephyris trailing behind.

***

Earlier...

Oki-Kira enters his locker room and beams at a bewildered Tsukiko Mizuno; beaming at her with a big bag of weed in his arms. Between his big cheesy grin and manner of cradling the bag, Kira is looking like a proud father carrying his swaddled newborn. Tsukiko stares at him like he's got antlers sprouting out of his head.

Tsukiko: What the fuck is that?

Kira pretends not to hear her, opting instead to merrily stroll over to the sofa and gently set the bag down on it.

Tsukiko: Where'd you get that?

He gestures in JSL. Kiko's pale skin battles itself for a lighter shade.

Tsukiko: Oh, for fu—we... are... dead, Ki. We are stone-cold fucked. I mean, of all the things—

Kira points at the colourful bottle on Kiko's desk. Tsukiko shakes her head, then waggles her finger.

Tsukiko: Oh, no no no no no. This isn't some hissy fit, this is completely justified frustration. I mean, you... [*this goes on for some time*]

***

Back to the present, on the hacked 4CWTron...

In Silent Sorcery's fragrant locker room, Tsukiko sits at a small desk beside the door, fingers clacking away on a computer keyboard with both hands. Every so often, she stops to take a swig from her bottle of (now room temperature) Anti-Bitch Juice™. After each gulp of this mysterious fizzy liquid, Kiko belches and then absently excuses herself to no one in particular. In the middle of the room, a low table stands upon a bamboo floor mat, bearing an assortment of incense holders with sticks of incense jutting up out of them. Two of these are lit, and tonight's dominant scent is comprised of a pleasant blend of lavender and jasmine... with an accompanying aroma from the spoils of Kira's kleptomaniacal caper.

Kira, as usual, is sprawled out on a sofa. Unusual, however, is his choice of pillow: Fischer's bountiful bag of buds. He looks into the hacker cam and gives its mystery operator a thumbs up and a big cheesy grin when, speak of the devil...

*KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!!!*

With each beastly knock, the door frame worries for its woody companion's well-being.

Rigg: OPEN THE DOOR SO I CAN KILL THE WEE MUTE BASTARD!!!

Tsukiko calmly turns her head toward her trouble-making, taciturn friend. Kira's eyes bug out of his head, which is presently shaking fervently. Kiko shrugs; smirks; turns away; takes a swig of her fizzy juice; and from her desk, turns the lock.

Tsukiko: COME ON IN, BOYS!

Rigg boots the door open, sending the desk skidding along the floor a few feet, which knocks Tsukiko's chair over in the process. She rolls through the fall and sits up on her knees, looking mildly displeased. Fischer makes a beeline for Kira, while Rigg enters the room and towers menacingly over Kiko. He grabs her by the shoulders and hoists her up, much like he did with Marie earlier in the night. Unlike Marie, Tsukiko is prepared for this, and promptly kicks him in the balls. Rigg reels and keels, ending up on his own knees with his hands cupped between his thighs.

Meanwhile, Fischer and Kira are playing tug-of-war with the big ol' bag o' weed. Fischer is a house of fire, shouting away like a madman. Kira's only mouth-sounds, of course, are the product of effort in the impromptu "contest" he's found himself in. Tsukiko gets her wits about her and leaps on Fischer's back, trying to lock in a sleeper hold. Zephyris reluctantly enters the room and makes a grab for Kiko when all at once, Fischer "wins" the tug-of-war. The backward force sends him falling back, knocking Zephyris' head against a table; sending Kira falling onto his (own) knees; and smushing Kiko into the bamboo mat in the process. In a visually jarring moment, the hacker takes a swing at Fischer with the camera and connects, knocking him silly. Dazed, Fischer plunks down on the sofa, cradling his bag of weed. Kira, meanwhile, crawls over to Kiko, signing to her. She repeats his gestures—if a bit slurred—and accepts a hand in getting back up. The two sit on the couch beside Fischer, with Tsukiko slumped forward and her crop top revealing the imprint on her back from the fall. In the sudden (relative) silence, footsteps are heard from outside the door. The camera is abruptly zoomed out and set down on a bench in the far corner of the room, and the bathroom door is heard closing.

It is, of course, at this point when Sery walks in. The stationary camera is zoomed out enough to give us a general view of the carnage, with Sery standing in the middle of it all. He looks around, a look of blank confusion turning into incredulity. He addresses the trio on the couch.

Sery: Sooo... right. I'm gonna need you folks to politely explain the following...

He stares down at Rigg.

Sery: One. Why does Bruce Rigg appear to be doing something very inappropriate on the floor of Tsukiko and Kira's locker room?

His eyes return to Kiko.

Sery: Two. Why does Tsukiko Mizuno's lower back look like Gothic architecture?

He momentarily glances at Zephyris.

Sery: Three. Why is there an idiot-shaped pancake under the table?

Finally, Sery turns his attention to the big green elephant in the room.

Sery: Aaand four. I mean.. do I even need to say it? C'mon Fischer.

Fischer shrugs.

Fischer: It's just for unwinding. After the show.

Sery sighs.

Sery: Then what's it doing in here, now?

Fischer nods in Kira's direction, face full of rage.

Fischer: BECAUSE THIS LITTLE FU—

Sery interrupts with a tut-tut sort of sound.

Sery: Politely like I asked, please.

Fischer heaves a sigh of his own and clears his throat. Again, he nods to Kira.

Fischer: Because this little imp encroached upon Black Flame territory and stole it. Even had his little caper filmed.

Rigg: AND WE DEMAND RETRIBUTION!

Tsukiko: Use your indoor voice, asshole.

Rigg: HAUD YER WHEESHT, YE BLUE TWAT!

Sery's patience seems to run out at this point.

Sery: STOP! Alright, enough, enough. I get the picture. Let's break this down into really simple terms and spare us all the headaches, okay? *ahem* Liberation. Sorcery. Revival. Yes?

Everyone but Kira, Rigg and the hidden cameraman respond with a resounding "YES!" Kira, meanwhile, opts to give Sery two thumbs up, and Rigg bellows an "AYE!"

Sery: Great. I'll get onto putting that on the card as soon as the free time presents itself. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the production trucks to look into a matter that, assuredly, no one in this room knows anything about, right?

Silence and shaking heads follow. Sery narrows his eyes.

Sery: Riiight. Right.

Sery exits the room and heads off down the hall. And with that, the disrupted feed gives way to a black, blank screen.

===

Carson: Ladies and gentlemen! The following contest is scheduled for one fall! It is a Hardcore match and for the 4CW Hardcore Championship! In addition, it is the final match in the Storm Chaser Tournament! Introducing first, hailing from Barry, Wales, weighing in at 195lbs, he is the 4CW Custom Cup Champion, "TOP GUN" ... TOMMYYYYYY YOOOUNG!!

"Aces High" by Iron Maiden blasts through the speakers as the crowd go wild for the arrival of the Custom Cup Champion! The main riff hits and Tommy Young comes flying out from behind the curtain, pulling off a perfect 3 point landing. Standing, Young does his target lock pose before quickly throwing open his jacket to reveal the custom cup belt tied around his waist.

Carson: And his opponent. Hailing from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Weighing in at 225 pounds and standing 6 feet 2 inches. I give you 4CW’s most prized and original possession! I give you the current 4CW Hardcore Champion! I give you.. JACK ... MAD DOOOOOOG ... VALENTIIIINE!!!!!

“Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits and after a few moments Jack Valentine appears on stage with his new Hardcore title around his waist. Sporting his long weaved pony tail and the nicely maintained five o’clock shadow. His wrists are taped in black and up starting up around his thumb and down to his forearm. He wears long skin tight black and red wrestling pants and black boots. He’s holding a white towel in his right hand. He stops where the stage meets the ramp. His pyros explode as he raises his arms in the air. He then takes the white towel and proceeds to shine up his title and then tosses the towel into the crowd. He marches down the ramp with full confidence. He points at Young and starts mouthing off, so Young gives it right back to him.

The official backs Young up and Valentine swiftly moves up the steel steps and into the ring through the ropes. He takes off his belt with one swift movement, reaching back and raises it up high for all to see. The official then takes it and does the same. Valentine’s eyes are locked on Young and the second the title is lifted into the air, Young glances at it if only for a second, and Valentine charges him. Valentine tackles him to the ground and starts unloading blow after blow into the top of his head and face! Young squirms frantically to get away and the referee quickly signals for the bell!

Phoenix: And just like that the finals are underway!
Roberts: What a cheap attack! He was waiting for an opening like that.
Jeffrey: Don’t go soft on me now! You know how Hardcore matches work Jimbo! Anything goes! No holds barred! You can hit him with everything but the kitchen sink! And I think I’ve seen a kitchen sink used once or twice….

Tommy eventually slips away and slides out of the ring to collect himself. Valentine rests on a knee and takes the opportunity to show off to the crowd, who respond with a chorus of Boos. Valentine waves them off and slides out of the ring. He approaches Young from behind and grabs him by the back of his head, leading him over to the guardrail. He pulls back and attempts to slam Young’s head, but he puts his foot up on the guardrail to block the try! Young quickly swats Valentine’s arms away and grabs his head. He slams it into the guardrail! Valentine stumbles away, but Young quickly Dropkicks him in the back and he goes sprawling into the steel ring steps! A loud thunderous noise is heard at the collision and Valentine lies on his stomach. Young walks over and starts kicking him in his lower back!

Phoenix: And we are not shy on the action fellas! This one starting off hot!

Young forces Valentine to his feet by pulling on his ponytail and leaves him standing, as he quickly spins around and kicks him in the gut hard! Valentine remains keeled over holding his gut. Young gets behind Valentine a few feet and runs up, leaps, grabs the back of his head and Bulldog’s him into the canvas! Young doesn’t waste any time in flipping him over and making the first cover of the matchup! The official scrambles out of the ring to make the count!

1…
2…
Kickout!

Young argues with the official for not being in proper position. And then turns his attention back to the hardcore champion. He gets him to his feet and suddenly feels a thumb be jammed into his eye! Young holds his face and walks away blinking and rubbing. Valentine waits and when Young turns back around, rubbing his eyes, he charges and connects with a big clothesline! Young falls to the mat hard and Valentine rests against the apron for a minute. Young doesn’t stay down long as he gets to his feet and walks into the now waiting arms of Valentine. He lifts him up high, almost over his head, and lets his chest fall into the guardrail! Young holds his chest and rolls around on the ground as Valentine makes his way to the ring and reaches underneath!

Roberts: Well that didn’t take long!
Jeffrey: Get the chair! Get the table! Get the ladder! Pull out a chainsaw! Just beat the crap out of this punk!
Roberts: Why you gotta go dark?

Valentine indeed pulls out a chair and tosses it aside. He then pulls out a sledgehammer and tosses it into the ring. He picks up the chair and walks over to Young. He stands over him as he is on all fours and pulls up the chair above his head with nefarious intentions. Boom! Young swiftly gets his arm up and low blows Valentine! He drops the chair to his side and falls over holding his groin in agony. Both men take a few moments to collect themselves and Young is up first. He grabs Valentine by the back of his and belt, pulls him up and tosses him into the ring. He sees the chair and grabs it as well, and then he heads into the ring. Valentine did not have to go far to be within range of the sledgehammer and now holds it close. Young stands with the chair in hand and slowly walks over to Valentine, until he’s on top of him. He now holds up the chair for an attack, but its Valentine who quickly turns and rams the sledgehammer head into the midsection of Young! He drops the chair and falls over. Valentine, still feeling the effects of the low blow, releases the sledgehammer and grabs the steel chair. He slams it into the back of Young as he is slowly crawling away and that flattens him! He then positions the chair around the right knee of Young! He then grabs the sledgehammer!

Phoenix: Bah God! He’s gonna shatter his knee cap!
Jeffrey: Better than a chainsaw….

The official temporarily gets in Valentine’s way, begging him not to follow through with the attack and he shoves the little man away. Valentine holds the hammer up high and slams it down hard! Young quickly slides the leg away and the hammer eats the mat! The force Valentine put behind the hammer forces him to a knee. Young takes this opportunity to kick Valentine in the head and with the chair on his leg! Valentine holds his face and flops backwards! The sledgehammer falls out of his hands and bounces out of the ring! Young shakes the chair off his leg and crawls over to the corner to get himself up. Valentine does the same while nursing his face. Young stands and explodes out of the corner. He passes Valentine, hits the ropes, and then lunges forward taking out the back of Valentine’s knee! The hardcore champion rests on his knees as Young stands in front of him and delivers a devastating kick to the chest of Valentine! The sound echoes throughout the arena and they crowd starts to cheer for more! Young unloads a barrage of kicks to Valentine’s chest and midsection! He tries to deflect or block, but to no avail. The crowd tries to count along, but Young’s fury is wild! They get to about 6 or so before he stops, and they know it was more. Valentine falls forward onto his face and then rolls over onto his back. Young is already ascending the turnbuckle!

Phoenix: This guy doesn’t let up the attack!
Roberts: Everything happened so fast! Now what!?
Jeffrey: Quick, but weak attacks I see.
Roberts: Did you not hear those kicks!? Why do I ask? Of course you did. You’re just a homer until the end.

Valentine tries to shake off the pain and get to his feet. He gets up slowly and does a quick glance around the ring before turning towards the turnbuckle. Young flies off just as he makes eye contact and connects with a smooth and quick Crossbody! Young springs back up and faces the downed hardcore champion. He leaps straight up in the air and comes down with a Standing Leg Drop to the neck of Valentine, and his body contorts from the impact. He hooks the leg for the pin!

1…
2…
Kickout!

Phoenix: Young will not let up on the attack! He’s giving Valentine no chance to recover or even know what just hit him!
Roberts: Name of the game is speed, boys!
Jeffrey: Young has the fury and speed, yes true. But we all know there’s no real force or power behind those attacks! He’s putting on a pretty show, but that’s it!

Young gets up breathing heavy and takes a moment to show off to the crowd. He walks over to Valentine and slowly picks him up by his head. Valentine suddenly slaps his hands away and grabs his head, while placing his own underneath his neck. He drops down jamming the roof of his head into his throat! Young flops backward kicking his legs wildly and holding his throat. Valentine rolls away to the corner and uses it to get to his feet. He walks over to the flailing Young who is now using the ropes to get to his feet. Valentine grabs him and forces his head in-between his legs and lifts him straight up in the air holding and leaps. He drives his head into the mat for a Piledriver! Valentine then shouts out to the crowd as he gets up and climbs the turnbuckle. He flies through the air and reveals his elbow, which he then drives into the heart of Young! Young grimaces for a second and Valentine hooks the leg.

1…
2…
Kickout!

Phoenix: Valentine now on the offensive and nearly had the pinfall right there!
Jeffrey: Ya see! Young just hit Valentine with 10 different moves and got a 2 count. Valentine hits Young with 2 or 3 and gets the same pin count! He hits 100 times harder than Young and that’s why he will win!
Roberts: I think your math is wrong.

Valentine then stands and drives another standing elbow into Young. He gets up and does it again! And finally a third time! He takes a breath and heads over and picks up the steel chair. He turns and waits for Young to get up. He starts too slowly and the crowd begins to cheer and make noise. Young winces in pain, but stands and then slowly turns. Valentine swings the chair at Young’s head! Young side steps the attack and the chair hits the top rope and ricochets back! The chair slams into Valentine’s forehead! He drops it and stumbles away, leaning on the middle rope and dropping to a knee. Meanwhile, Young takes off and moves through the ropes, flies around and Tiger Feint Kicks Valentine in the face! Valentine then stands and stumbles backwards towards the middle of the ring and feels Young fly by him! He hits the ropes and lunges at Valentine and connects with a Flying Forearm Smash! Valentine hits the mat and Young is on him quick, hooking the leg tightly!

Roberts: Aces High! Ladies and gentleman! We got a new champion! We got a winner to the tournament!

The official slides in and counts!

1…
2…
3….
NO!

Valentine just manages to get a shoulder up! Young can’t believe it.

Phoenix: Valentine is still alive!
Jeffrey: You just witnessed the first competitor to ever kick out of the Aces High!

Young screams out to the crowd in frustration. He climbs the turnbuckle with intentions on finishing the mat! He hovers over Valentine who is barely moving. Young leaps as high as he can off the turnbuckle and flips for the Bombs Away! Shades of the Swanton Bomb! Just as he flips, Valentine rolls out of the way, but while pulling the nearby steel chair into his place! Young’s back, unknowingly, eats the steel! He shouts out in pain and both men remain down. Valentine crawling towards the turnbuckle.

Phoenix: This crowd is going crazy, so close to a finish and conclusion to the tournament. So close to a new champion! Jack Valentine, oh so ever the opportunist!

Valentine gets to his feet as Young forces his way up through the pain. Young stands and lifts his head only to eat a nasty Superkick from Valentine! He hits the mat hard! Valentine then signals for the end! He gets Young up and stands behind him. He slips his arm underneath Young’s and locks in the Euthanasia Lock! Shades of the Million Dollar Dream! Young thrashes madly, attempting to break free! He manages to reach the ropes and grabs on for the official to break it up, but he doesn’t!

Roberts: Hardcore dumbass! Anything goes baby! No rope break to save you now!

Almost as if he heard the comment, realizing it’s still a hardcore match, he lifts his leg backwards and into the groin of Valentine! He releases the hold and stumbles away! Young runs by Valentine, but he quickly reaches out and grabs his hair and he slams down into the mat! Valentine finds his way into the corner to recover as Young does the same on the mat.

Phoenix: I can’t say who exactly is in control right now. Valentine is nursing a significant blow in the corner, but he is standing. Young lies on the mat after nearly being put to sleep and then having his own momentum slam himself into the mat!

Valentine keeps his eyes on Young and limps over to the chair and sets it in the middle of the ring. He waits, still recovering, for Young to stand. Eventually, Young does get to his feet and staggers into Valentine’s arms, who sets up in an inverted DDT position! Young sense the Flea Shot and struggles forcing both men towards the ropes and then he lifts Valentine up and over! He spills out onto the canvas! Young slowly follows him to the outside. Valentine is already crawling towards the announce table and seemingly using it to get himself up. Young grabs him from behind and suddenly eats a blow to the face……with his own belt!

Phoenix: Valentine looked to be just getting himself up, but actually grabbed the Custom Cup Championship belt and used it as a weapon!

Valentine clears the table and the announcers clear the area! He tosses Young onto the table and soon joins him. He sets him up on the table for the Flea Shot again! And this time he leaps up and drives his face into the table which gives way! Both men hit the canvas and debris! Valentine, clearly in pain, does what he can to cover Young throughout everything and the official scurries to the outside to make the cover!

ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!

Carson: Here is your winner and STILL 4CW Hardcore Champion and the winner of the 2019 Stormchaser Tournament... JACK ... MAD DOOOOOG ... VALENTINE!!!!

Valentine is slow to get off of Young, but allows his hand to be raised and his belt given to him. He bypasses the ring, breathing heavily. He raises his arms and belt a few times, but basically makes a slow steady march towards the back. Young is currently unresponsive.

Phoenix: Gentlemen, we have a winner! Jack Valentine will square off with Brian White at Revival and the 4CW Universal Championship will be at stake!
Roberts: Valentine was the better man tonight. Not by much, but he is the winner. This “Anything Goes” rules definitely aided him in the win. I think Young comes out the winner, if not for the fact Valentine’s title forced this match to have different rules.
Jeffrey: Oh give it a rest Roberts! Your guy lost and my guy won the whole damn thing! After he wins at Revival, the sky will be the limit!
Phoenix: Valentine has accomplished a lot in a very short amount of time I will say that. However, The Freight Train has accomplished more in his career then Valentine. And Valentine is a 4CW original as he likes to remind us constantly. It’ll be the old versus the new! Revival is shaping up to be one hell of an event! Thank you for joining us, ladies and gentlemen! We'll see you April 28th, live from Dallas, Texas, for Revival XIII!! GOODNIGHT!!

===

Quick Results:
-Pilgrim Paige defeated Chaos Raines
-Synth City Thrillers defeated The Liberation
-Jacob Scharff defeated Elfan Simtul
-Stormchaser Final & 4CW Hardcore Championship: Jack Valentine (c) defeated Tommy Young

Writing Credit:
-Opening Black Flame/Willow Segment: Rhys
-Paige vs Raines: ImperialStingmon
-Supergroup/Janiturs Segment: Rhys
-Synth City vs Liberation: Rhys
-Black Flame/Liberation/Silent Sorcery backstage segments: Paige
-Scharff vs Simtul: Rhys
-Sery tron segment: Rhys
-Stormchaser Final: LHeat87

Review Sheet:
-Opening Black Flame/Willow Segment:
-Paige vs Raines:
-Supergroup/Janiturs Segment:
-Synth City vs Liberation:
-Black Flame/Liberation/Silent Sorcery backstage segments:
-Scharff vs Simtul:
-Sery tron segment:
-Stormchaser Final:

-Match of the Night:
-MVP of the Night:

Confirmed Card:

4CW World Championship
Three Stages of Hell match
Three stages TBA
Pilgrim Paige (c) vs Jacob Scharff

4CW Universal Championship
Brian White (c) vs Jack Valentine

Mask vs Career
Willow the Widow vs Rhys Cain

Lightning in the Bottle match
(Winner receives the Lightning in the Bottle which gives them a guaranteed shot at any 4CW Championship any time in the next year)
Erica Moxie vs Witch Hazel vs Supreme vs Tommy Young

Winning faction gets a 4CW Tag Team Championship match
12-Person Tag Team match
The Supergroup (Justice, Waverly, Myback, Rane, Starr, Rock)
vs
The Janiturs (Janitur, Swifter, JANISTAR, The Canadian Geek & The Moose Guy & Jani-Her) w/ Marquis the Moose

Tag Team match
The Liberation (Garret Fischer & Bruce Rigg) vs Silent Sorcery (Tsukiko Mizuno & Oki-Kira)