Storm Front (May 4th, 2014)

Phoenix: Good evening everybody and welcome to 4CW’s Stormfront!
Jeffrey: And not just any old Stormfront, but the “After Revival” Stormfront!  We can expect some big things to happen tonight!

The lights switch off, and the 4CW arena’s plunged into darkness.  Rob Zombie’s “Lords of Salem” plays from the system.

Phoenix: And speaking of big things, what a way to kick off tonight’s show, with the new Champ!

Stepping out from the back is the Midnight Court.

Jeffrey: Or should we say champions!  Look at all that gold!

The Court all walk down the ramp, looking confident and happy.

Loveless: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome J.J. Blaze, the new 4CW Custom Cup Champion and the winner of the 2014 Sole Survivor Tournament Renfield, the new 4CW Women’s Champion Marie Dubois and the new 4CW World Heavyweight Champion and 4CW Hall of Famer, CAAAAAARSTEEEIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!

The Court climb into the ring.  Renfield, Marie and Blaze stand side by side by the ropes, the Custom belt over Renfield's shoulder, the Women's belt over Marie's.  Carstein stands in the middle of the ring, and holds the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship belt up high in the air.

Carstein: I promised that at Revival X, the Midnight Court would make history.  And ‘lo and behold, history we have made.  Every promise we made, we kept.  Every opponent we faced, we destroyed.  Revival was our night. 

Carstein walks up to Renfield.

Carstein: Our glory began with Renfield, who defeated a 4CW Legend in Steven Penance to win the 4CW Custom Cup Championship.  And not only that, but win the Sole Survivor Tournament.  Only three other man have done that.  In one swoop, Renfield has secured his legacy.  His name is now a part of 4CW history.

Carstein walks over to Marie Dubois.

Carstein: And next came the great victory from the Mistress of Magic herself.  Marie toppled not one, but two opponents in the form of Jenna Divyne and Lorelei Spice.  Spice’s year and a half reign as 4CW Women’s Champion came to an end at Revival, thanks to Marie Dubois.  Just like Renfield, Marie’s status as a 4CW icon is secure. 

Carstein stands in the middle of the ring.

Carstein: And then, of course, we come to main event.  For months I promised that I will end “The Bruiser” Rhysus, and I did.  We all saw the Beast emerge, and we all saw me conquer it.  Rhysus is no more.  I have saved this company, I have saved the boys in the back and I have saved each and every one of you.  By beating Rhysus, I have saved 4CW.  No more do we have to cower in his shadow.  No more will his spectre haunt the corridors.  No more. 

Revival X was the perfect night for the Midnight Court.  But, unfortunately, there is a blemish on the tale.  A dark spot, a skid mark on the otherwise perfect Revival record of the Midnight Court.  And that, everyone, is J.J. Blaze.

Carstein turns to look at Blaze

Carstein: Now what happened at Revival Blaze?

Blaze doesn’t say anything.  Instead he looks down and shuffles his feet.

Carstein: What happened Blaze?

Blaze mumbles something.  Carstein gets right in his face and screams.

Carstein: WHAT HAPPENED?
Blaze: I LOST!

Carstein smirks and steps back a bit.

Carstein: That’s right.  You lost.  You lost.  You lost against a nobody.  You lost against some jumped up little indie wrestler. 

Carstein steps forward and slaps Blaze hard across the face.

Carstein: Do you know what that loss means?

Carstein slaps Blaze again.

Carstein: Huh?  Do you?

Carstein slaps him again.

Carstein: It means you’re the weak link of this team, Blaze.  It means you’re useless!

SLAP!

Carstein: Pathetic!

SLAP!

Carstein: A no good –

SLAP!

Carstein: - waste –

SLAP!

Carstein: - of space!  Let’s face it Blaze, what have you accomplished in 4CW?  Huh?  You’ve never won a championship of any kind.  You’ve never won Sole Survivor.  You’ve never won a War match.  You’ve never won the 13 Ghosts Gauntlet.  You’re not a Hall of Famer. 

You’re nothing Blaze.  NOTHING! 

In ten years’ time, in twenty years’ time, what do you think people will think about when they think of J.J. Blaze?  I’ll tell you what.  A zombie.  Nothing more than 4CW’s first and only zombie.  And how fitting, because that’s very apt symbolism for your career.  Just like a zombie you’re career’s rotting, decayed, moribund, shuffling around and going nowhere. 

Carstein backs away, Blaze looking hurt and angry at the same time.  He looks over at Renfield, hoping maybe he’ll stick up for him.  Renfield just looks right at Blaze, grateful he’s not on the receiving end of Carstein’s fury.  Carstein thinks for a bit, then looks right Blaze

Carstein: Despite all this, Blaze, I’m sure you have some uses.  So I’m going to give you a chance to prove you belong in the Midnight Court.  Tonight, you will wrestle for your spot.  If you lose, you’re out.  If you win, you get to stay.  Simple really.  So, without any further ado, let me introduce you to your opponent.
Blaze: Wait, now?  I’m not even ready!  I’m still in my –
Carstein: It’ll make your victory all the sweeter Blaze.  He’s a close and personal friend of mine.  He main evented Revival II.  He’s a former member of the Snake Pit.

Phoenix: Could this mean who I think it is?

Carstein: He is the winner of the 2005 4CW Fight Club Tournament.

Jeffrey: Oh my God!!

Carstein: J.J. Blaze, let me introduce you to “THE RRRRRREPTIIIIILLLLEEEE” …..JOOOOOOOOOONNN……VVVIIIIIIIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phoenix: WOW!
Jeffrey: No way!

The lights quickly dim, and “Wings of a Butterfly” by HIM plays from the system.  Thick fog floods the entrance way and ramp, slowly turning from grey to green.  Then, emerging from the mist, comes the figure of Jon Viper.  The crowd roar!

Jeffrey: I can’t believe it!  Jon Viper is here!

Viper slowly walks down the ramp way, his face cold and expressionless, only staring at the ring.  Carstein, Renfield and Marie Dubois climb out of the ring, leaving J.J. Blaze alone.  Blaze throws off his leather trench coat, and stands ready.

Viper reaches the ring.  He grabs onto the middle rope, and hangs by his arm. Then pulls his legs onto the apron and rolls into the ring.

Jeffrey: Is this an official match?  Is Viper even signed to a 4CW contract?

Viper stands in the middle of the ring, and lights beam down like a Pink Floyd laser show.  Then a ref slides into the ring, making everything official.  He calls for the bell.

Ding, ding, ding!

Match 1 - Jon Viper v JJ Blaze
Blaze dives straight at Viper, but the Reptile dodges and gains the advantage.  Viper pounds away on his foe, hitting him with some big moves.  The crowd chants “You’ve still got it” and  “Welcome back” at Viper.

Blaze breaks free from a submission hold, and hits some moves of his own.  Blaze uses lots of quick moves, and uses dirty tricks when the ref’s not looking.  He knows this match is one of the most important in his career, and he isn’t losing!

The match goes back and forth, both men hitting some big nasty moves and getting plenty of nearfalls.  Viper eventually manages to put Blaze away with his finisher, and gets the 1-2-3.
Winner: Jon Viper

Loveless: And here is your winner, “THE REPTILE” JOOOOON VVVVVIIIPPPEEEEERRRRR!!!

Carstein rolls into the ring and holds up Viper’s arm!  The two embrace, and pat each other on the back.  Marie and Renfield join the two.  J.J. Blaze comes to, and rolls out of the ring.  He lays on the floor, getting his breath back.  Carstein calls for a microphone, and looks at Blaze.

Carstein: Now Blaze, don’t cry.  It might be because my best friend’s standing here with me, or it might be because I’m the World Heavyweight Champion, or a Hall of Famer, but I’m in a good mood.  So I’m going to give you another chance.  Do something to grab my attention, do something shocking and heinous to prove you belong in the Court.

Carstein drops the mic, and he leaves the ring with Viper, Marie and Renfield.

Phoenix: I’m still in shock about what we just saw.  Jon Viper, the winner of the first 4CW Fight Club competition, has returned to 4CW, and has joined the Midnight Court.
Jeffrey: I know, it’s crazy!  And this is just the start of the show!

* Announcement that Rhysus is not here, he’s at home resting and healing injuries

Loveless; And introducing first, weighing in at 322lb, from Barry Dock, Wales; BRIAAAN, The Freight Traaain, WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITEEEE!

Metallicas 'Wherever I may Roam' comes over the PA, and as the full band kicks in, Brian White bounds out, fist bumping and shouting WOOO! as if sounding the whistle on an old steam train.

Phoenix: Well, 4CW's latest singing finally makes his Stormfront debut after an impressive win over Leo Banks in the Revival Pre Show.

Jeffrey: You may have thought it impressive, all I know there was a reason it was on the pre show...

Brian enters the ring and asks for a mic.

Brian White: Some of you may have seen me before today.  Some of you may even have seen me at Revival two weeks ago.  If you've really been paying attention, you may even have witnessed a couple of brawls between me an' another wrestler who I beat at Revival.  And I guess he didn't make it afterwards!

Brian chuckles to himself. 

Brian White: Seems that bastard can't make it in the big leagues!  I guess I should be thankful.  He brought me over here, gave me a job, even if it was as his bodyguard in the indies, and I even got to fight a little.  But if anyone tells me to lie down during any match, let alone a heavyweight champion tournament final, the we have a problem, and it felt so good beating that son of a bitch down to a pulp!

So now I'm here in 4CW.  I'm here to fight, and I'm here to win.  And don't let anyone get in my way, 'cus the Freight Train is comin' on through! WOOO WOOOOO!

Brian throws the mic back to one of the techies and goes to wait in a corner, stretching out as he does so.

Loveless: And his opponent, being accompanied by his tag team partner El Conquistador, CYYYYBBBEEEEERRR DRRRAAGOOOOONN!

Cyber Dragon and El Conquistador make their way to the ring as their music plays over the PA.  Cyber Dragon leapes into the ring, full of energy and ready to go whilst El Conquistador moves to his partners corner at ringside, offering support.

Match 2 - Brian White v Cyber Dragon
The match is pretty much a squash match.  Cyber Dragon realizes that he needs to do as much damage as possible and moves quickly to the attach but Brian White is too strong and over powers him with some big moves, eventually leaving Cyber Dragon stunned in the corner.  He eventually finds his feat again, only to be run over by the 'Run Away Freight Train' (high impact Spear) and Brian White covers him for the three count and the win.
Winner: Brian White

Phoenix: Well, if that wasn't a statement of intent, I don't know what was.  He barely seems to have broken a sweat.

Jeffrey: not even you would break a sweat going one on one with one of those losers Phoenix!  Let's see how he doe next week before giving him too much credit.

* Chris "Belly" Marks interview time.

The familiar guitar riff of Limp Bizkit's "Break Stuff" begins. Pyro explodes on the entrance way. From the back emerges "Main Event" Mike Nichols.

Phoenix: Here comes Mike Nichols. We have been waiting to hear from the hall of famer about his actions from Revival.

Nichols walks straight to the ring without even acknowledging the fans reaching out to touch his hands. He steps through the rope and grabs a microphone from the ringside attendants. He walks to the middle of the ring and just stands there absorbing the mixed reaction from the crowd.

Jeffrey: Look at him. His style is always on point from the shoes to the suit, the hair. He is great. No homo.

Nichols brings the mic to his mouth.

Nichols: They say that you create your own demons. I've found out over the last six months that they(air quotes) are right. I came back last summer for one thing and that was to win the 4CW championship. And I did. I pinned Rhysus in finals of the championship tournament. 1,2,3. In that moment everything was as if should be. I had no care in the world. Then in that same moment, it was all taken from me and before you even say it, I know his foot was on the rope. None of you realize,  though, what that sort of roller coaster of emotions can do to someone.  To be feeling the highest high and then being taken to the lowest low in a matter of seconds. I couldn't recover and lost. After that I just wanted to go home and that's where I went. Unfortunately, while sitting at home I started to create demons while trying to deal with the loss.

The crowd starts to boo, showing no sympathy for Nichols.

Nichols: There are five steps to dealing  with a great loss and believe me I went through them all. Step one was denial and isolation. The refs hand hit the mat 3 times. I won.  I didn't lose. They took it all from me. I was cheated. I just sat at home alone and kept saying that over and over. My friends and family were constantly on me to face reality and move on. They didn't understand and all they did was piss me off.  Which brought me to step two, anger.

One crowd member can be heard over the others, yelling "you suck!"

Nichols: After the masking effects of denial wore off, I was so mad all the time. Any time someone would say anything to me, I would snap. Jennifer caught the worst of it. It wasn't her fault but I made her feel like it was. That didn't last long before she was gone. In fact just about everyone left because who wants to be around an asshole all the time? Then I was alone and that brought me to the next step, bargaining.

An "asshole" chant starts. Nichols talks over it.

Nichols: If only I had hooked the leg, he wouldn't have beat me. If only I wasn't a dick, she wouldn't have left me. Hell I am not a religious man but I'll be damned if I didn't find myself in a church of all places. I was down on my knees and I prayed to God. I tried to make a deal with him. I said, "God, if you give me another shot at the belt, I'll be a better person." (laughs) Like I actually meant any of that. I just wanted it to be handed to me and I was willing to do anything to make it happen. At that point I wasn't in any shape to lace the boots of the champ but I wanted to try and that made me depressed. Which was the next step on my journey. This was the shortest part of the journey because I am not the type to doubt myself. However for a little while there I was nowhere near being able to call myself the best. I was at a deep low.

Nichols somber tone starts to lighten up a little.

Nichols: But as fate would have it, I ran into a student of mine who let me know how important I was to this business. Not only am I a damn good wrestler, I am also a damn good trainer. Hell I am great at everything I do. At that moment the depression washed away and I accepted that I lost and it was OK. Then the more I thought about it, it was stupid that I was so down on myself for losing that match. I'll get another shot at the belt and I'll make it count. I've lost before and I've even lost to Chux and if that wasn't a good enough reason to want to die, losing to Rhysus wasn't even close.

A small amount of laughter pop at the Chux joke.

Nichols: So, I finally listened to all the messages I'd been avoiding and it just so happens that about 100 of them were from 4CW wanting me to be a part of some legends lumberjack bullshit. I didn't even care because that was the way back in. I turned on the next storm front and what did I see?  I saw Chris Drake getting booked in a match for the Everlast title. I thought to myself, if that title was around when I was running over everyone, I would have won it too. I wasn't about to let Drake claim that he is a grand slam champ. I'm the first and only grand slam champ and like the highlander, there can be only one.

Nichols drops the mic and he looks into the camera while holding up one finger. "Break Stuff" blasts and he walks out of the ring.

* Skill Set shown on tour, signing autographs and doing media appearances with their new 4CW tag title belts.

Time for our main event segment! The ring is covered by a red carpet, right in the centre is a podium with a glass display case on top, housing the 4CW universal championship belt. Syphony X's 'Iconoclast' blares, bringing "The Icon" Mark Redman out to the stage. He looks super douchey tonight, with a three piece suit on with a red shirt and shades. Redman is all smiles as he slowly makes his way down the ramp.

Phoenix: Look at this guy. Has anyone ever been more arrogant than Mark Redman?
Jeffrey: Are you kidding? 4CW is full of arrogant dicks. It's basically the default characteristic of half the locker room.

Redman reaches the ring, stepping between the ropes and grabbing a mic, then standing to the side of the display case to admire his prize.

Redman: Beautiful, isn't it? You could gaze at it all day and not get bored. It should be on t-shirts and posters, no slogans required. They'd be the biggest sellers on 4CWShop.com in minutes. I'm talking, of course, about my glorious face. But a similar sentiment could be attributed to this, the 4CW universal championship belt. No, my 4CW universal championship belt. I was awarded this for defeating Smoke two weeks ago in the main event of Revival X.

Phoenix: It wasn't the main event.
Jeffrey: Shut up, he's talking.

Redman: I won't tell you how I celebrated, although I'm sure the stories have been leaked to the dirt sheets by one of the many...many girls involved. I just hope it wasn't Jenny Loveless, she told me she'd keep it between the eight of us. Oops, sorry Jenny, I promised I wouldn't say anything, didn't I? I'll make it up to you somehow. Maybe I'll let you do that thing you love to do to me.

Phoenix: I'm almost certain he's lying.
Jeffrey: He's not lying! He'd totally let her do that.
Phoenix: That's not what I meant.

Redman: But that was a long time ago now, I'm 14 days into a historic title reign that will see the name Mark Redman etched into the annals of history - I said annals, Jenny, don't worry, our secret is safe - alongside the likes of...well, no one. No one at all. Because if we're all honest here, no one can match up to my level. No one in wrestling's rich past, the talent-laden present, or the bright future will ever equal the-

Redman's rambling is cut off by Pink Floyd's 'Money,' the signature theme tune of High Society. Mark Holmes, Victor and Dredrick Kincaid show up, but they have Smoke with them. They head down to the ring and show no fear invading Redman's space and splitting the ring in half, Redman on one side and High Society and Smoke on the other, with the universal title sitting right in the middle.

Victor: Excuse us, Mark, but it would appear amidst your bragging, you've neglected to acknowledge the accolades of the most decorated unit in 4CW history.
Redman: Look, I'll do you a deal. You never mention your unit again and I won't knock you out.
Victor: Oh Dredrick brother, it appears Mr Redman is afraid of me. Calm yourself dear, I don't bite. Hard.
Redman: Hey hey hey! I don't need to hear about this! Look, this is my celebration ceremony, just get out and I won't have to do anything you'll regret.
Victor: Ooh, is that a promise? Trust me, I wouldn't regret a moment of it.

Redman backs away and walks in a little circle to shake off the creepiness.

Redman: Ok, ok, ha ha ha, I get it. You're angry that I didn't give you the credit you deserve. Well I did. I mentioned wrestling's rich history. That's you, right? You're rich...and you're history. You and all of your boys, you belong in the past. Now get the hell out of my ring!
Victor: Oh Mark, how I'd enjoy being in your ring-

Now it's Kincaid's turn to be cut off, this time by Pantera's 'Cowboys From Hell.' Descent leads Jakob Villani and Virus out to the stage.

Descent: I trust we'ce had our fun? Good. Because the serious issue here is that you, Victor, are in no position to demand anything.
Victor: I haven't demanded it yet!
Descent: And yet there you are, goading our new champion into making a rash decision. Mark, don't listen to anything he says. You're the new universal champion, meaning you're one of the most important men in this business. You deserve only the best competition, not somebody who lost their big match at Revival.

Redman nods in agreement.

Descent: That means you too, Smoke. In fact, what business do any of you have out here? I suggest you listen to our great champion and leave.
Victor: Descent, I've had just about enough of you. You accuse me of goading Mr Redman into accepting a challenge? I fail to see how that's any different to you flattering your way into his good graces.
Descent: Flattery? I've heard that'll get you everywhere. Has it worked on you, Smoke? Has it gotten Victor 'everywhere'?
Victor: You leave him out of this! Anyway, since when does the organ grinder leave the monkey to do the talking? Where is Penance?
Descent: His whereabouts are no concern of yours.
Victor: Is he embarrassed about losing to Renfield? Is that it? He doesn't want to show his face anymore?
Descent: Right now you should be more worried about me than Penance.
Redman: Enough! I've heard enough from all of you. I'm the champion, I choose what happens around here!
Victor: Ooh, I like a strong dic...tator type.
Redman: Here's how this is going to go down. Cowboys, since Penance isn't here tonight, you can be my backup. The four of us will take on these four clowns, and whoever scores the pinfall gets the title shot.
Victor: Well! That sounds like a wonderful idea.
Descent: Fine. What happens if you steal the fall?
Redman: Isn't that obvious? For as long as I'm champion, none of you will ever get another title shot. Deal?
Descent: Hmph. Deal.
Victor: Why of course! Sounds like fun.

Redman strips down to his shirt and slacks, and is soon joined by the Cowboys as the ring is cleared of the belt case and carpet. Our impromptu main event is underway!

Match 3 - "The Icon" Mark Redman & Cowboys From Hell v High Society & Smoke
Descent kicks things off against Victor, so the match is heated right from the opening bell. It looks like they're going to work this match without tagging, they spend a long time just going back and forth. Descent is the first to crack though, as Victor's often overlooked technical ability is a little too much and Villani is tagged in. The big man overpowers Victor, prompting him to bring his brother into the match. Villani gets the better of Dredrick until the smaller man can hack away enough at his legs and starts working some leg locks. After a little while of this, Villani kicks Dredrick away and speeds the pace of the match up with a tag to Virus. The evil luchador hits springboards from everywhere to dizzy Dredrick, who falls into a tag to Smoke. Smoke can't quite match Virus' pace, but does a good job of keeping up and grounding the cruiserweight. Virus counters a Smoke bomb into a hurricanrana and tags out to Redman, who enjoys working over a weakened Smoke. Redman goes for a cover after every little move he does, trying to steal the match at every opportunity.
Things break down when Smoke tags out to Holmes and Holmes nearly scores a sneaky victory over the champion by countering the iconoclasm into a roll up, but Descent breaks it up at two. Gemini then storm the ring, prompting the other Cowboys and then Smoke all to brawl with each other. Gemini double team Villani, taking him over the top to the floor with a double clothesline, but are taken out with a huge springboard crossbody from Virus as they turn around. Smoke lifts Descent for a Smoke bomb but Redman clips the knee to bring him down. Descent lands on his feet only to be laid out by a superkick from Holmes. Virus hits a big tilt-a-whirl headscissor to toss Victor out of the ring, while Redman hits a reverse of fate on Smoke. Redman starts laying some boots to Dredrick in the corner while Holmes hits a big backbreaker on Virus and tosses him over the ropes into Villani. Holmes catches Redman from behind and lays him out with a reverse DDT, then heads up to the top rope. Redman scrambles to his feet and positions himself under Holmes for the iconoclasm, flipping him over into the ring with a big bump and covers for...nothing. Redman stands up to complain to the referee, but is rolled up from behind for a quick one, two, three by Dredrick Kincaid.
Winners: High Society & Smoke, Dredrick Kincaid becomes #1 contender to the universal championship

High Society regroup and leave together, Redman realises that he's been beaten and is furiously throwing a tantrum in the ring until he realises the Cowboys are behind him and they're not happy that he lost them the match. He meekly backs away out of the ring, grabbing his belt from the case by the timekeeper.

Phoenix: Well folks, we have our title match for next week! The new champion Mark Redman will defend his universal title against the first ever holder of the belt, Dredrick Kincaid! That will be one not to miss, we'll see you next week!