Storm Front (February 9th, 2014)

PYRO

Phoenix: Good evening everybody, and welcome to 4CW’s Stormfront!  I’m Scott Phoenix and with me, as always, is Ray Jeffrey.  And Ray, what a show we’ve got tonight.  For the first time in three years, we have the Sole Survivor Tournament!

Jeffrey: Oh boy, I can’t wait!  It’s gonna be huge!
Phoenix: We’re also expecting an answer from 4CW Women’s Champion Lorelei Spice about the challenge issued by Marie Dubois –

The lights in the arena cut to black.

Jeffrey: Ah jeez, don’t tell me we haven’t paid our electric bill again?

Thousands lights appear in the crowd as the audience light up their lighters and hold them up high.  Rob Zombie’s “Lords of Salem” blasts from the sound system.

Phoenix: I think we have our answer Ray!

A thick white mist floods the entrance way, and seeps down onto the ramp.  And in the middle of the stage, rising from the mist as if he were rising from the depths of Hell itself, is the Lord of the Night.

Sarah Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the ring at this time, CARSTEIN!

Carstein walks down the ramp and climbs into the ring.  The arena’s re-lit, but the lights remain dimmed, creating an eerie and shadowy atmosphere in the ring. 

Carstein, microphone in hand, sits cross-legged in the middle of the ring.  He thinks for a moment or two, soaking in the noise from the crowd, which comes across as a mixture of boos from the kids and parents and cheers from the teenagers and 20-somethings.

He brings the microphone up to his lips, and the crowd dies down, eager to listen to what Carstein has to say.

Carstein: Two weeks ago on Stormfront I said 4CW is in need of a change.  It needs a change of direction.  It needs new leadership.  It needs new rules, new laws.  It needs new governance.  It needs me.  It needs the Midnight Court. 

Why does 4CW need the Court?  Two weeks ago we saw why.  Chaos.  Anarchy.  A breakdown in law and order.  Our World Heavyweight Champion saw fit to interrupt my match with Mark Redman, then half the roster decided to follow suit. 

4CW needs the Court to maintain order.  It needs the Court to administer justice.  It needs the Court for protection.  It needs the Court to save itself.

Regardless of the vicious brawl for all engulfing the ring, we all saw that 4CW had begun to be steered in this new direction.  Renfield was announced as one of the competitors in the Sole Survivor tournament.  Marie Dubois challenged Lorelei Spice for the Women’s Championship.  And J.J. Blaze appeared by my side, to join the Court. 

But what about me?  What about Carstein?

Carstein ponders for a moment.

Carstein: Reality is simply what we perceive the world around us to be.  What we see, what we touch, what we smell and what we hear.  It might not necessarily be true.  But because we perceive it that way, it  creates the notion of reality.  We perceive the sky to be blue, and so we take it as gospel that the sky is indeed blue.  But is it?

This philosophical conundrum leads us to another perception that has defined our reality.  Or rather, a perception that has warped our reality.  I am of course referring to the man known simply as “The Bruiser”. 

For years, everyone believed Rhysus to be a man of honour.  He did what was right and just.  He punished the bad guys, stood up for the little man and fought for truth, justice and, I guess, the Welsh Way. 

This is the Rhysus we all saw, and so this was our reality.  This became the truth.  This became fact.  But I saw right through this.  I saw that Rhysus wasn’t a man of honour.  He was a savage, brutal monster.  He was a danger in the ring, and it was only a matter of time before he killed someone.

He was a threat to us all, and I took it upon myself to save us.  But I couldn’t just attack Rhysus.  After all, he was the Good Guy.  I needed to lift the blindfold that was covering all your eyes.  I needed to show you all the monster that Rhysus was.

And so in the weeks leading to Gallows End, I showed you that monster.  Yes, I involved Rhysus’ family.  Yes, I crossed lines.  But it was for the greater good.  It was for the benefit of 4CW. 

Before Gallows End, Rhysus, I said you will die.  And I’m a man of my word Rhys, for you are dead.  You see, I have revealed the real you.  That Rhysus you created, that Rhysus you all wanted us to believe was the real you, is no more.  He was only ever an illusion, and now he’s gone.  He’s dead.  The world has seen beyond your illusion, Rhys.  They can all see that it was only ever a fake.  The blindfold has been lifted, and I have allowed them a glimpse of the truth.

And not only have I revealed to the world the monster that lurks inside you, but I have shown that you are just a fraud.  You’re a fake, a phoney. 

And now it is time for me to end this.  Rhysus, you have lost the trust of your family.  You have lost the support of your fans.  And now is the time to drive the final nail into your coffin.  To destroy you once and for all.  Now is the time to slay the monster that has been stalking the corridors of every arena.

Rhys, it is now my mission to take the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship from you.

That belt is the only thing that matters to you now.  With your true self coming out, and your whole world around you collapsing, it is the only thing in your life that gives you peace, that gives you comfort, meaning and definition. 

Without that belt, you are nothing.  It will be your destruction.

And where better to do this, than at the biggest stage of them all.  Revival X.  The eyes of the world will be watching, and they will all see this modern day tale of St. George and the Dragon.  They will all see “The Monster” Rhysus toppled from his throne, cast from his self-created heaven, and cast out to Hell.

At the end of Revival, the Midnight Court will be triumphant.  Marie Dubois will be the Women’s Champion.  Renfield will have won the Sole Survivor and be crowned the Custom Cup Champion.  And I will have toppled Rhysus, and be the new World Heavyweight Champion. 

And more importantly, 4CW will have been saved.

Carstein throws the microphone away, and rolls out of the ring, “Lords of Salem” playing again.

Phoenix: Well, after months and months of mind games, we have finally heard from Carstein himself why he has been targeting Rhys.  And more importantly, his goal of winning the World Championship.
Jeffrey: Will Rhysus accept?  That was quite a grand challenge issued by Carstein.

Somewhere backstage, T-Rock, BA Starr and Candi are ready for a to-camera promo. They all look angry about something, but with their record that could be any of a number of things.

Candi: I suggest you all sit down and shut the hell up.
Starr: It's been two weeks, and I want answers!

T-Rock just stands there in his sleeveless leather jacket, arms folded in angry silence.

Starr: We got screwed last week, just like we got screwed at Massacre!
Candi: Hey! Hey, what the three of us do in our free time is our business.
Starr: No, I mean-
Candi: Oh! Right. Yeah!
Starr: I don't know who put those red and white balls into that box, but I demand a re-draw! We should be in that sole survivor tournament! We should be the next custom champions!
Candi: I already know who it was. Wolfbaine! Skywolf! I know it was you. You cheated to take our tag titles from us, and you messed with the ballot because you think mind games will throw us off our game, because you know we deserve a rematch!
Starr: No Candi, it wasn't them. It was Chris Dawson! He was scared that he'd have to meet us in the sole survivor, so when he drew his ball he put those other ones in there!
T-Rock: But he drew his ball after we drew ours.
Starr: WH Storm then! The sneaky little coward.
Candi: Whoever it was, we're coming for you. And speaking of coming, boys, we have some, uh, personal business to attend to.

Starr flinches, but T-Rock licks his lips and follows Candi as she leaves.

Starr: You have been warned.

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is the first round of the 2014 Solve Survivor tournament, where the winner will be crowned the 4CW Custom Cup Champion!

Jeffrey: Or the Custom Cup Championship will be retained if you’re Carlos Murphy, silly woman.

The crowd pop loudly for Sarah’s announcement.

Loveless: The rules are as follow.  Seven men start this round.  The match begins, and will end as soon as one competitor has been eliminated.  Then, round two will begin at the next Stormfront with six men.  This will continue until the final is reached between the last two competitors.  Elimination occurs depending on the rules of the match.

The individual who is responsible for the elimination gains immunity in the next round.  And tonight’s match is scheduled for one-fall, and will be fought under general wrestling match rules, so elimination will occur once one competitor has been pinned, submits, DQed or counted out.

The crowd boos slightly, they want a gimmick!

One by one, the competitors for Sole Survivor 2014 make their way to the ring.  Renfield, WH Storm, Sery, Christopher Dawson, Steven Penance, “The Icon” Mark Redman and the 4CW Custom Cup Champion “The Law” Carlos Murphy.

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!

Match 1 - Carlos Murphy v "The Icon" Mark Redman v WH Storm v Renfield v Sery v Steven Penance v Christopher Dawson
Sole survivor
The six men stand in a circle in the ring, their eyes darting around each other, no one wanting to make the first move.

Jeffrey: It’s like a standoff at high noon!

Sery’s eyes lock with Renfield’s.  Sery’s quickly dart towards Murphy, then back to Renfield.  He quickly nods, as does Renfield.  WH Storm notices and nods too.  Then the three rush at Murphy as one, beating him down with flurries of fists.  The Law falls to his knees, still taking the blows from Sery, Renfield and Storm.  Dawson and Penance join the beat down, stomping away on the fallen Custom Cup Champ.

Jeffrey: Hey what the?  This ain’t fair!
Phoenix: Looks like everyone’s decided the Custom Cup Champ’s the biggest threat here!

Redman, however, lurks in the corner furthest from the action, crouched down and watching the beat down.

Murphy tries to fight off his attackers.  He throws fists of his own, and tries to push at whatever he can touch first.  It soon becomes too much for him, and Muprhy curls into a ball on the mat, with fists and feet smacking into him.

Jeffrey: This is painful to watch.
Phoenix: Then look at Redman over there, just crouching and watching.
Jeffrey: It’s because Redman has honour and decency!  He knows it’s not fair just to stomp away on Carlos like that.

The five men step back, all eyes fixed on the Law.  Storm grabs his arm and pulls him up.  He Irish Whips him straight into a deadly clothesline by Dawson.  The impact of Dawson’s move causes Murphy to spin in the air before crashing back down to the mat.

Phoenix: Whoa!  He almost took his head off!

Penance lifts Murphy up, and throws him into the nearest ring corner.  He runs at full speed, smashing into Murphy, squashing him against the ring turnbuckles.  Penance backs off, and Murphy stumbles out.  But the Cowboys from Hell member pushes him back.

Jeffrey: C’mon guys, this isn’t a handicap match!  I call bullshit!

Flying through the air like a torpedo, Sery launches himself at Murphy, spearing the champ back into the corner.  WH Storm runs up onto the second rope, and kicks Murphy in the head with an enzugiri.  Barely conscious, Murphy falls out of the corner, only to be caught by Renfield.  Renfield hoists him into the air with a belly-to-belly suplex.

Jeffrey: Boo!
Phoenix: Will you be quiet and stop moaning! 
Jeffrey: Stop moaning?  This is immoral!  This is-
Phoenix: Well go in there and tell them that!

Murphy crashes to the mat, and lays there prone.  Sery quickly dives onto the Law for a pin.

1!

Dawson grabs Sery and pulls him off.

Dawson: What the hell are you doing?

Phoenix: Uh oh, looks like the Era of Good Will could be over now.

Before Sery can explain, Dawson decks him. 

Jeffrey: And the Mega Powers explode!  C'mon Carlos, now's your chance!

Penance clotheslines Dawson to the mat, whilst Renfield and WH Storm go at it.  Storm plants Renfield onto the mat with a DDT.  Penance stomps on Dawson.  Sery gets up, and joins him.  Redman, meanwhile, spots an opportunity.  He quickly sneaks to the fallen Murphy and goes for the cover.

1!
2!

This time it’s Sery who sees what’s going on.  He kicks at Redman, causing the Icon and break up the pin and back off.  Before Sery can do anything, Penance grabs him.  He spins Sery around, kicks him in the stomach and sets him up for a powerbomb.  Penance hoists the smaller man up, and slams him down hard.  Redman meanwhile scurries back to his corner to watch.

Murphy staggers to his feet.  He spots Penance, his back to him.  Murphy jumps at him, grabs the back of his head, and brings him down with a neckbreaker. 

Jeffrey: Yes!  Let's go Carlos *clap, clap, clap-clap-clap*

He goes for the cover.

1!
2!
Kick out!

WH Storm spots Murphy, and leaps into the air.  Murphy gets up, only to be met with a drop kick courtesy of Storm.

Phoenix: Ouch, right in the kisser!

They both fall down.  Renfield gets up, and drags Storm to his feet.  He pounds on him, and locks in a sleeper hold.  Storm struggles, trying to fight his way out.  Still in the sleeper position, Renfield hoists Storm into the air with a suplex.

Renfield springs to his feet, and stomps on his fallen foe.  Dawson, too, climbs to his feet. He spins Renfield around, but his met with a kick to the stomach and a DDT.  Dawson rolls over onto his back, and Sery, from out of nowhere, flies through the air to land a moonsault on the big man. 

Phoenix: Wow, where the hell did that come from?

Sery rolls off of Dawson and kips up.  Only to be met with a superkick from the Law, who’s now up.  Sery goes flying into the ropes, and falls to the outside.  Renfield gets up, and the two men tie up.  Murphy gets the upper hand, and Irish Whips Renfield into a corner.  Renfield crashes into the turnbuckles, and Murphy climbs up onto the second rope.  He begins punching Renfield, and the crowd counts along with all of his punches.

1!
2!
3!
4!
5!

Penance, now up, grabs Murphy around the waist, and pulls him away from Renfield by hitting a German suplex.  Renfield slumps from the corner, down from Murphy’s attack. 

Penance lands an elbow drop on the fallen Murphy, and goes for a pin.

1!
2!
Kick out!

Meanwhile, Dawson’s back up, and stomping away on WH Storm.  He turns around, and see’s Penance and Murphy.  Not having any of it, Dawson charges the Cowboy from Hell.  He takes him down with a spear, the bigger man squashing Penance as they land on the mat.  WH Storm gets to his feet, and at the same time Sery rolls back into the ring.

Storm walks over to where Penance and Dawson are brawling.  But Sery grabs his head and Storm eats canvas as Sery hits a bulldog.  He rolls Storm over for a pin.

1!

But Renfield kicks Sery, breaking up the count.  Dawson drills Penance in the head with an elbow, and Penance crumples to a heap.  He gets up, turns around, and sees Sery, Renfield and Storm brawling.  Dawson screams at the top of his voice, a triumphant war cry.

Phoenix: Christopher Dawson’s looking to end this right now!

Dawson charges into the three like an enraged bull.  He clotheslines Renfield, grabs Sery and hits a scoop slam, then finally DDTs Storm.  Dawson jumps up, and surveys the damage around the ring. 

Behind him, Carlos Murphy climbs to his feet.  He heads to one of the ring corners, and climbs up to the top rope.  He looks down into the ring.  He shouts at Dawson.  Dawson turns around and Murphy leaps into the air and lands on Dawson in the hurricanrana position.  But Dawson’s too strong for Murphy.  He tightens his grip and set shim up for a powerbomb.

Phoenix: It’s all over!  There’s no way Murphy’s kicking out of this!

1!

Before the ref can count to two, Redman appears from out of nowhere.  He kicks Dawson square in the face, knocking him unconscious.

Phoenix: Wow!  What a kick!

Dawson slumps down to the mat, and Redman quickly scurries onto Murphy.

1!
2!
3!
"The Icon" Mark Redman wins, eliminating Carlos Murphy.

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, “The Law” Carlos Murphy has been eliminated, and “The Icon” Mark Redman has gained immunity in the next round!

Phoenix: Talk about cheap!  Redman didn’t do anything for the whole match!  And now he gets an easy ride next time!
Jeffrey: Genius!  It’s annoying to see my man Carlos gone, but Redman’s my chosen one now.  He’s got the smarts to go all the way and win this!  Go Redman!

Everyone in the ring comes to, and they all seethe at Redman.  The Icon backs up the ramp, tapping his head, showing he used his brain.

Phoenix: Well regardless of the circumstances, Redman has immunity in the next round, and we are guaranteed a new Custom Cup Champion as the reigning Carlos Murphy has been eliminated.

To the back! Jenny Loveless is standing by in her interview area.

Jenny: Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time, Marie Dubois...

Camera zooms out a little to show Marie standing to Jenny's left.

Jenny: ...and also, 4CW womens champion, Lorelei Spice. Now, Marie-

Dubois snatches the mic out of Jenny's hand. Jenny, like a pro, is unphased and takes another from somewhere off-camera.

Marie: Two weeks ago Lorelei ah made a challenge.  You an’ me at Revival for the Women’s Championship.  It’s been two weeks.  Ah ain't waitin' no longer.

Lorelei doesn't seem to want to respond. She grimaces and breaks her eye contact with her challenger.

Marie: Come on Lorelei, you’ve had two weeks!  Yes, or no?

Still nothing.  Marie starts to look a little frustrated.  She puts her hand in her pocket, and pulls out a pack of her tarot cards.

Marie: If you won’t give me an answer, maybe these will!

Lorelei has had enough. She also snatches the replacement mic from Jenny.

Lorelei: You were right last week, yeah. You did defeat Jenna at Gallows End, and the less we say about that night, the better. And sure, maybe that puts you in line for a shot. Maybe you should have been in the ring with me at Massacre instead of her. But she made that challenge first, so what was I supposed to do? I'm not running from anyone Marie, not Vie Valhalla, not Jenna Divyne, and I'm sure as hell not running from you. You think I accepted Jenna's challenge to avoid you? Don't make me laugh. If you want a shot, you've got one. But why wait until Revival? You meet me in the ring in two weeks on Storm Front, and I'll show you exactly what you're missing out on. But I promise you, you won't like it. Be careful what you wish for.

Lorelei slams the mic into Jenny's chest and leaves the scene. Marie smirks, and more to herself than Lorlei or Jenny accepts the challenge.

Marie: You’re on.

Match 2 - Jack Valentine v Inferno
??? wins.

[Post-match segment.]

We head to the interview area for a second time, where Jenny Loveless is standing with a sweaty Mark Redman.

Jenny: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, "The Icon" Mark Redman. Did I get it right this time?
Redman: It'll do. Now ask me the question.
Jenny: You scored a huge victory tonight, progressing not just one but two rounds in the sole survivor as you gain immunity! What are your thoughts?
Redman: I told you to ask me the question! That was not the question!
Jenny: I...I'm not sure what the question is then.
Redman: You don't? It's "can I have your phone number?"! What kind of woman are you? You are a woman, right?
Jenny: Um. Yes.
Redman: Well you're the only one I've ever met who hasn't asked me for my number. You should probably see a doctor, there's probably something wrong with your libido.
Jenny: My libido is just fine, thank you.
Redman: If by fine you mean in need of a jump-start.
Jenny: I don't. Now can you answer my question?
Redman: I can, but I won't. It was a stupid question. Everyone knows how I feel about my win. I feel happy! And so do they, they're happy that they get to see The Icon compete in further rounds of the sole survivor, but even happier that in two weeks they'll get to enjoy my dulcet tones on guest commentary. What could be better?
Jenny: So how do yo-
Redman: I asked you a question. What could be better?
Jenny: I...um. I don't know?
Redman: Getting my phone number! What's wrong with you, Sarah?
Jenny: I'm Jenny. Sarah is my sister.
Redman: Sister? Well things just got interesting.

Before this can go any further, the D'Amico brothers rush up to their leader and pull him a couple of feet away. Jenny follows with her mic held out to catch their conversation.

Tommy: Boss, you've gotta help me.
Redman: Can't you see I'm busy? I was about to set up a triple threat with the Loveless sisters.
Jenny: No you weren't.
Tommy: But I've been booked tonight against Carstein! I need you at ringside.
Redman: Take Frankie! I'm not going out there with that fanged freak.
Frankie: You think I'm going out there? No chance. No, no way!
Redman: You're scared of vampires? And you're not going to support your brother? What kind of Mafias are you?
Frankie: We're...not in the Mafia.
Redman: And you never will be with that attitude. Now get out there and show him who the real monster is.
Tommy: You wrestled him last time, surely you can at least give me some advice.
Redman: Don't let him bite you. You'll become one.

The Icon gives his boys a look that tells them with no uncertainty that they'd better leave him alone. He turns back to Jenny ready to pick up where they left off, but she has other ideas.

Jenny: Scott, Ray, back to you.
Redman: Oh for fu-

Phoenix: Thank you Jenny! And folks, we have a little situation in the ring right now. Smoke is out here and is awaiting the arrival of Minion and the New Redemption, who threatened him last week. They want a little revenge for their loss at Massacre, and it looks as though there will be no Jack Valentine to help him out this time.
Jeffrey: I can't wait. Do your worst, Minion!

Smoke is ready, not for a match but for a fight. Redemption show up as expected, slowly coming down to the ring. Minion leads, with Mullet Superior and Roman following closely behind. Mullet and Roman walk around the ring to block Smoke in, as Minion steps up onto the apron. He's surrounded.

Phoenix: Three on one. What a cowardly move by Minion.
Jeffrey: Cowardly? Do you even know what that means? He has a problem with the guy so he's out here about to kick his ass! How much less cowardly can you get?!
Phoenix: Three on one!
Jeffrey: It's not Minion's fault that Smoke has no friends.

But wait! Maybe he does! Suddenly Victor Kincaid, Dredrick Kincaid and Mark Holmes sprint out from behind the curtain and down to the ring. They knock Redemption off the apron and brawl with them on the outside.

Phoenix: It's! It's High Society! High Society! What are they doing out here?
Jeffrey: What?! Why are they helping this guy?!
Phoenix: Wait! We saw Smoke make a call two weeks ago! Do you think he was calling High Society?
Jeffrey: How am I supposed to know?!

Gemini make short work of Mullet and Roman, but Holmes is knocked down at the foot of the ramp by Minion. Smoke takes the opening to nail Minion with a torpedo dive between the ropes, then clambers back into the ring where High Society have regrouped. Redemption back off up the ramp, not wanting anything to do with Smoke now the numbers are in his favour, but as soon as they're a safe distance Smoke turns his attention to the three men who have now surrounded him in the ring.

Jeffrey: Haha! Out of the frying pan, into the fire!

There's a tense moment as Smoke looks to each man expecting to be attacked, but Victor Kincaid gestures to the others to leave with a slight nod of his head. They slowly back off from Smoke and exit the ring one by one.

Jeffrey: What? Why did they leave him? Aww!
Phoenix: I don't understand anything we just saw, Ray. I hope we can get some answers.

We cut to the back now, to a hidden cameraman sneaking up on the Cowboys from Hell. A dangerous assignment. He finds Steven Penance furious, punching vending machines and kicking chairs. Virus and Villani are trying to calm him down, while Descent tries to distance himself from the situation, a little embarrassed by his leader.

Penance: God damn it! That was not how this was supposed to go down!
Virus: But Steve, it's fine!
Penance: It's not fine! How is it fine?!
Virus: You're through! You made it through.
Penance: Are you insane? Or just stupid? I know I'm through! I used to run this god damn company, I know how the sole survivor works!
Virus: So...what's the problem?
Penance: The problem is there's a masked Mexican midget moron in front of me who thinks I have to explain myself to him! Jakob, remind Virus here who leads the Cowboys from Hell.
Villani: Chris Marks.
Penance: Wh-? No! Not Chris Marks! Me! Steven goddamn Penance! That's who!
Villani: But I thought-
Penance: You thought? You thought?! I didn't hire you to think! I hired you to shut the hell up and do what I tell you to do! If I tell you to give me your entry into sole survivor, you do it. If I tell you to remind Virus who runs this group, you do it. And if I tell you to stand there and take this-

Penance slaps Villani, hard.

Penance: -you do it. Understand?
Villani: Yes.
Penance: And you?
Virus: Y-yes.
Penance: So you don't mind then.

Penance starts to take his frustration out on Virus, slapping him repeatedly across the face and head.

Penance: I will not be reduced to the likes of WH Storm! I am not on the level of Christopher Dawson! And I will not lose my immunity to Mark Redman!

Descent has seen enough, and grabs Penance's wrist as he's hit Virus one time too many.

Penance: Oh. I've hit a nerve, have I?
Descent: You've made your point.
Penance: Apparently I haven't. See, I told these two that when I tell you to do something, you do it. That includes you.
Descent: And we have. We've done everything you've told us to do. You wanted my spot and you got it, so now it's up to you to win.
Penance: It's that simple, is it, armchair quarterback? So easy to make the calls when you're on the sideline.
Descent: Who put me on the sideline? Look, you've made your point, and there's nothing we can do now. You have two weeks to rest up, you'll be good to go again, and we'll have your back just like we always do. So if you want to trash this place, go right ahead, but I think it would be much better for all of us if you took it out on your enemies instead of your allies. Don't you?

Penance glares at Descent like he wants to kill him. He jerks his hand back out of Descent's grip. He has listened though, and clearly agrees even though he'd never admit it.

Penance: You do not talk to me that way. Understand? I am your boss. Ok, get out of here, all of you. I'll be in contact.

Penance leaves the scene, so Descent checks up on Virus as the hidden cameraman escapes.

Back to the arena, in time for our main event! George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” plays, and from the back comes Tommy and Frankie D’Amico.  Frankie wearing a t-shirt and jeans, Tommy in black trunks and boots and wearing a black leather jacket.

Loveless: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!  Introducing first, from New York City, being accompanied to the ring by Frankie D’Amico, TOMMY D’AAAAAAAAMIICOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Tommy slides into the ring, and throws off his jacket, tossing it to Frankie. 

Then the lights dim as red mist floods the ramp way and stage and Rob Zombie’s “The Lords of Salem” plays from the PA. The Lord of the Night, Carstein, rises from the mist on the stage, flanked by Marie Dubois, still in her New Orleans Saints jersey, and J.J. Blaze, wearing a long leather trench coat. Carstein, Blaze and Dubois step off the list and walk down to the ring.

Loveless: And his opponent, being accompanied by Marie Dubois and J.J. Blaze, weighing in tonight at 231 lbs, CAAAAAARRRRSSTEEEEEIIIIINNNNN!

Dubois climbs up to the ring apron and sits on the middle rope, holding it open for Carstein. Carstein follows and climbs into the ring under the top rope, whilst Blaze stands on the outside. Dubois stands up and hops off the ring apron to the outside. Once in the ring, Carstein takes off his frock coat and throws it to Dubois. The lights come back on as Carstein stands in the ring facing D’Amico.

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!

Match 3 - Tommy D'Amico (w/ Frankie D'Amico) v Carstein (w/ Marie Dubois & JJ Blaze)
Carstein lunges at D’Amico, taking him down with a clothesline.  He grabs the top rope, and stomps furiously on his foe.  D’Amico grunts in pain as Carstein’s boot stomps and kicks at him.  Carstein let’s go of the rope, grabs D’Amico by the throat, and drags him over to a corner of the ring.  He sits him up against the turnbuckles, harshly slamming him against them.  Carstein backs away, then charges at D’Amico, sliding into him with a baseball slide.

Phoenix: Carstein really taking it to Tommy D’Amico in the early stages of this match!

Carstein rolls away, jumps up, and stomps on D’Amico again.  D’Amico pushes Carstein away, and quickly scrambles underneath the rope and slides outside the ring.  The ref tells Carstein to back off, and yells at D’Amico to get back into the ring.

Tommy D’Amico walks over to the crowd barrier and leans against it.  Some of the audience pat him, and he swats them away.  The ref shouts at D’Amico to get in the ring again, but again he ignores him.  So the ref starts to count him out

1!
2!

Carstein runs towards the ropes and leaps over, flying into D’Amico, causing him to crash into the crowd barrier.  The crowd roar in approval!  The ref, clearly annoyed, starts the count over again.

1!
2!
3!
4!

Carstein gets up, and heads back to the ring.

5!
6!

D’Amico stirs, and slowly gets up.

7!
8!

He’s up, and rolls into the ring just in time.

Carstein grabs a hold of D’Amico, but D’Amico pushes him away, and smacks Carstein’s chest with a chop.  Carstein stumbles backward, and D’Amico presses his advantage.  He keeps chopping at Carstein, until the Midnight Aristocrat finds himself backed into one of the ring corners.  Then D’Amico unleashes a flurry of lefts and rights.  Carstein puts up his arms in an attempt to shield himself.

Taking Carstein by surprise, D’Amico grabs him and hoists him up, sitting him on the top rope.  But the veteran Carstein regains his senses, and boots D’Amico in the face.  D’Amico stumbles away, and Carstein leaps into the air. He grabs D’Amico’s head, and plants it firmly onto the ring canvas, before going for an instinctive cover.

1!
2!
Kick out!

Carstein rolls off of D’Amico, and grabs his right foot.  He slams it onto the ring a few times, each time eliciting a yelp of pain from D’Amico.  Then causes an even louder cry of pain as he puts D’Amico in an ankle lock.  D’Amico waves his arms about in all directions in an attempt to scramble to safety, but it’s to no avail, Carstein has the moved locked in. 

Carstein, with the ankle lock still on, gets to his feet.  Once up, he eases the hold, then slams D’Amico’s knee down hard on the ring, breaking the hold. 

Phoenix: Carstein really going to town on that right leg of Tommy D’Amico.

Carstein bends D’Amico’s leg, and drives his own knee into the back of D’Amico’s.  Carstein then bends D’Amico’s leg further across his own.  D’Amico still yelps in pain, and tries to fight out, but it’s no use.  Carstein stands up, and decides to lock in a single leg Boston crab.  Whilst setting up the move, D’Amico manages to crawl a few inches towards the nearest ring ropes.

Phoenix: You have to give it to Tommy D’Amico here folks, not giving up with such tremendous pain.

Frankie D’Amico cheers his brother on from the outside.  Carstein turns his head slightly, and notices Tommy scrambling for the ropes.  He smirks slightly, and lets go of the hold.

Phoenix: Huh, I don’t get it.
Jeffrey: Carstein obviously wants to play some more.  He doesn’t want to win just yet.

As soon as Carstein lets go, D’Amico scrambles to the ropes.  He clutches onto the bottom rope tightly, knowing Carstein can’t do anything to him there.  Carstein stands up straight, and smirks, seeing Tommy D’Amico cowering.   The ref comes over to D’Amico, and tells him to get up.  He shakes his head, refusing to get up. 

Carstein rolls his eyes, and goes to get him.  He bends over to grab a hold of his foe, but it was a ploy!  D’Amico pokes Carstein in the eye, and the Lord of the Night stumbles backwards, clutching his face.  Using the ropes as an aid, D’Amico limbs to his feet, and hobbles over towards Carstein.

D’Amico grabs the back of his head, and runs towards the ring corner.  He then smashes Carstein’s face into the top turnbuckle over and over again.

Jeffrey: Stupid Carstein, should’ve kept D’Amico in that submission hold!

Still holding onto Carstein’s head, D’Amico, with his other hand, grabs a hold of Carstein’s tights.  He back away slightly, then throws  him between the turnbuckles and right into the ring pole, Carstein’s shoulder smacking into the cold steel. 

In pain, Carstein backs out of the corner.  But D’Amico has him scouted.  He kicks Carstein in the stomach, but his right leg falters, and loses balance.  D’Amico falls into the ropes, and Carstein rolls off of the turnbuckles onto the mat.  D’Amico regains his balance, and makes his way over to Carstein.  As he’s walking, Carstein grabs the weakened right leg and pulls it.  D’Amico again loses his balance, and falls down to the mat by Carstein.  Carstein jumps up, though grimacing due to his shoulder.  Ignoring it somewhat, Carstein falls onto D’Amico with an elbow drop, his elbow driven into D’Amico’s chest. 

Carstein grabs D’Amico, and pulls him up to his feet as he gets up himself.  D’Amico slaps Carstein’s arms away, and like a flash, makes him eat canvas as he hits a DDT.  D’Amico rolls Carstein over and goes for a pin.

1!
2!
Kick out!

D’Amico slaps the mat in frustration.  This time it’s his turn to bring up Carstein, and slaps on a side headlock.  D’Amico thinks he has Carstein subdued, and smiles.  But Carstein twists a bit, and grabs D’Amico’s chin.  D’Amico knows what’s going on, but before he can do anything, Carstein locks in a Tongan Deathgrip.  D’Amico lets go of Carstein, causing the Lord of the Night to fall and break his own hold.  D’Amico backs off towards the ropes, leaning on them for support and to get his breath back.

Carstein gets up, and runs against the ropes opposite D’Amico.  He bounces off, and comes charging straight at Tommy D’Amico.  He leaps into the air, but D’Amico manages to move out of the way, and pushes Carstein into the ropes.  Carstein flies into them, and bounces off like on a trampoline.  As he bounces up, D’Amico grabs his head and hits a neckbreaker. 

D’Amico drags Carstein towards a ring corner, and leaves him laying down.  He then climbs up onto the second rope, where he sits down.

Phoenix: With his leg, D’Amico really shouldn’t be doing anything like this.

He points at the fallen Carstein.  Laughing, he stands up, carefully balancing so as to not put too much pressure on the weak right leg.  Before he can do anything, Carstein kips up.  He too jumps up onto the second rope, his back to D’Amico.

D’Amico’s surprised by Carstein’s sudden agility, and doesn’t know how to react.  Carstein grabs D’Amico’s head and leaps off of the second rope, bringing D’Amico with him and hits a Diamond Cutter-style move.

Phoenix: Wow, what the hell was that?

D’Amico’s out cold, and out for the count.

1!
2!
3!
Winner: Carstein

Jeffrey: Well that was quick.
Phoenix: After almost letting D’Amico get the upper hand earlier, I guess Carstein didn’t want to take any chances.

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!

Loveless: And here’s your winner, CAAAAAAAAARSTEEEEEIIIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!!!!

The ref raises Carstein’s arm, and Marie Dubois and J.J. Blaze climb into the ring.  Frankie grabs his unconscious brother, and bails.

As Carstein celebrates his victory with Marie and Blaze in the ring, "Narcissistic Cannibal" hits the PA system.  The crowd goes wild as the 4CW Heavyweight Champion Rhysus makes his way out on to the ramp. He has a mic in hand and his title over his shoulder.  Carstein looks on, with a small smile in the corner of his mouth.

Rhysus: I'm not going to keep you for too long. I don't have a lot to say. I've been thinking about your challenge from earlier tonight, Carstein. For months we've been at this, back and forth, you with your mind games, and then me kicking your ass over those mind games and I'm ready to move on. I'm tired of you and I'm tired of your cheap voodoo whore.

Marie Dubois scowls at this comment but Carstein, still staring up at Rhysus, puts his hand out to silence her, signalling for her to let Rhysus say what he has to say.

Rhysus: It really boils down to this... after everything you've tried to do in the last few months to discredit me have not worked. I'm the top guy. I'm the 4CW Heavyweight Champion, that means I'm the best in the world. And I did it while simultaneously dealing with you. You tried to get in my way but you couldn't. And now you're bitter. Bitter that I hold a title you've never been able to capture.

The crowd "Ooooh" in suspense at the cheap shot.

Rhysus: So you want that chance to try and convince yourself you're not a total failure and honestly, if beating you at Revival means I'm done with your crap, then nothing would make me happier. You got what you wished for Carstein, at Revival, it'll be Rhysus vs Carstein for the 4CW Heavyweight Championship!!

The crowd erupt at the announcement and Carstein nods slowly, having got what he wanted.  He signals for a mic.

Rhysus: No, no, no. Carstein, I don't care what you have to say. You're the guy chasing me for my glory, so you don't get to speak. You just shut up and listen good. This match is not going to be just any match, Carstein. Because you've brought out this whole darker side of me. The side that likes to get... extreme. You know my past in 4CW, you know just how extreme I can get... so get ready, because our match is going to be a Swansea Death Match!!

Phoenix: Did you hear that?! Our Revival main event will be Rhysus v Carstein, Swansea Death Match, for the title! Rhysus competed in Swansea Death Matches all through his 392-day reign as Custom Cup Champion! The advantage is definitely with him!
Jeffrey: Of course he HAS to make it a match with such hardcore rules... or lack thereof! What is he afraid he can't beat Carstein in a one-on-one straight wrestling match?
Phoenix: Well, I don't have a problem with it and by the look of things, neither does Carstein!

Carstein nods back at Rhysus and the crowd start a "To the Death!" chant as both Carstein and Rhysus stare each other down for the show to come to a tense and exciting end.