Monday Night Wrestling 07/23/01 (VCW 130)

Welcome to VCW Monday Night Wrestling, live from the Market Square Arena in Indiana! We're coming off a huge show... Blood and Thunder took place last night, and we saw a lot of great action! There was some huge fallout from that night's events as well... Desmond and Amy Lin are no longer working in VCW, and Falcon is also gone. In addition, we crowned a new VCW Intercontinental Champion and a new VCW World Champion... the face of VCW has been changed drastically and permanently! Tonight, the new VCW World Champion, in addition to a lot more action, we have three matches already signed! Johnny Smiles takes on Virginia, and we see the first two matches in the Survival of the Fittest Tournament when Ken Collins faces Brian Rivera, and Tim Bell faces Jacob Idol in a rematch from last night! Plus, we have a HUGE interview coming up, as Gabriel Black speaks out for the first time, live via satellite from his home in Phoenix, Arizona! All that, and--

And it looks like we're going to get an unscheduled appearance! "Walk" by Pantera kicks on over the arena sound system, and the crowd explodes into a huge roar of boos! Here comes Crimson... here comes the VCW World Champion, standing tall and wearing the VCW World Title belt around his waist. Last night, in a brutal battle between two true superpowers of this sport, he emerged with the victory and did what no man in VCW has ever done, by taking down the Grave Digger. The crowd's obviously displeased with that, and it's not hard to understand why. For months, the Grave Digger was an unbreakable bastion of decency that kept scum like the Black Plague from gaining control of VCW... but now that he's fallen, and a new reign of terror by Crimson has seemingly begun, who can rise to the challenge and take him down? Crimson steps in over the top rope and grabs a microphone... evidently he has something to say.

Crimson: Y'all should have known a long time ago that I am the motherfucking MAN.

The crowd boos loudly, and Crimson smirks at them at first, but then his face hardens into a malicious stare.

Crimson: The time for fun and games in this company is over, so sit down and shut the fuck up.

The crowd continues to boo.

Crimson: You can make that noise if you want to, but it don't make a damn bit of difference. I'm the VCW World Champion, because last night I took the Grave Digger, the man everyone was saying was so mean, lean, big, and bad, and I beat his ass all night long, then stuck that motherfucker flat on his back and took my belt back. All the people that held this title since Wrestlewar... that pussy David Wright Hubbard, that fat piece of shit Tony Garcia, and that overgrown Undertaker wanna-be the Grave Digger... they don't mean shit. They've all been victims of the Homicide Road Tour.

The crowd keeps booing. It's true, Crimson won the World Title match last night, and he is the new VCW World Champion, but this is just non-stop gloating.

Crimson: Now, we've got a little tournament, called Survival of the Fittest, and the winner gets a shot at my belt at Wrestlewar IV... and don't you doubt I'll still be holding it by then. So who's the next stop on the Homicide Road Tour? How about Gabriel Black!?

The crowd explodes into cheers, and Crimson shrugs, waiting for them to die down.

Crimson: Yeah... maybe his time is gonna come soon. How about that little wanna-be badass, Ken Collins?

The crowd bursts into another round of cheers, one that equals the cheers for Gabriel Black. They've really gotten behind Ken Collins during his struggle against Lorenzo Vasquez.

Crimson: Waste of my damn time. What about that puny, worthless punk motherfucker Johnny Smiles?

The crowd's ensuing cheers may even be a bit louder than the previous two responses, and Crimson cracks a smile as he looks around at them. A huge "JOHNNY!" chant starts up in the crowd.

Crimson: Don't make me laugh. He couldn't whip my ass even if hell froze over.

The crowd's boos are equally loud at that.

Crimson: There's others, too... Troy Black, David Wright Hubbard, that pussy Julian Page. Hell, maybe I'll get the Grave Digger back in the ring and whip his big ass one more time. It don't matter. The fact is that you all know, and all the names I just dropped, they all know too, that I'm the baddest motherfucker in this company. I'm the World Champion, and I ain't the World Champion of some pissant wrestling company where a Raven wanna-be fights a sixty-year-old man for the title in their big event. I ain't the World Champion of some circus sideshow where all you have to do is raise a stupid eyebrow or star in some cheesy-ass movie to get a belt. I'm the VCW World Champion, and that means I'm the toughest man in the toughest company in the world.

When you think my name, think Stan Hansen. Think Bruiser Brody. Think Big Van Vader. Think Andre the motherfucking Giant. Pussy-ass movie stars and aging backyard badasses are a dime a dozen, but men like me, men who put the fear of God in every last son of a bitch who crosses our paths... we don't come along too often, and you better thank God for that. Because if just one of me can--

Hold it... "War Machine" by KISS just started playing... what the hell!? BASS ROGERS!! The crowd cheers loudly as he storms out of the backstage entrance! He's not carrying a microphone or anything... he's not here to talk! Bass Rogers stomps down the aisle, glaring into the ring at Crimson, who seems vaguely surprised by this challenge! Bass Rogers slides into the ring, pops up to his feet, and roars loudly in challenge! Crimson charges him with a clothesline, but Bass Rogers ducks! Crimson turns around, and Bass Rogers grabs his legs and brings him down with a double-leg takedown, then crawls over him and begins raining punches down on him!

Crimson struggles for a few seconds, then finally throws Bass Rogers off and starts to stand, but Bass Rogers runs at Crimson as he gets up, and KILLS him with a huge lariat! Crimson goes down HARD, and he's rolling out of the ring! Furious, Crimson yells and kicks the ringsteps, cursing and roaring loudly into the ring, but he's not answering Bass Rogers's challenge to get back in there for more! A fan leans over the guardrail to taunt Crimson... and Crimson reaches over and grabs him by the throat, hauls him over, then lifts... CHOKESLAM ON THE FLOOR!! That poor, unfortunate individual is laid out in a crumpled husk... Crimson is going berserk! Bass Rogers yells "GET IN HERE AND TRY THAT ON ME!" and Crimson snarls and leaps up on the apron... but Bass Rogers charges and BLASTS him with a huge punch to the face! Crimson tumbles to the floor, and before he can get up and charge again, the H.A.R.P. Squad is out in force to seperate these two massive men! Crimson's moment of glory was just ruined by Bass Rogers, and you know that this won't go unanswered. This could lead up to a truly earth-shaking battle...

Right now, we're going to see something completely different, though. We're going to see some more of that footage from the Royal Palace on Bonarbor, where we understand Sophie has procured all the ingredients for her magic potion...

In the Royal Palace of Bonarbor...

Sophie is sitting in her bedroom, on a pink canopy bed with a curtain coming from the top. The curtain has been drawn aside, and Sophie is relaxing on the bed. She reaches up to feel her newly-bald head and frowns, then sighs. But she looks up with a smile when Gavin, the Prince of Cats, and the court magician Elderon, enter her room, along with the knight Sir Tristan. Elderon is carrying a bottle.

Sophie: Ooh! Is it ready!?

Elderon smiles and hands the bottle to Sophie.

Elderon: Princess Sophia, it is my pleasure to present you with the Immaculate Concoction. It will restore your virginity in mind, body, and soul. Drink it, and I hope we may bind the unicorn to you this very day.

Sophie: Oh, hell yes! This is the best thing ever!

Sophie opens the bottle and chugs its contents down, then sets it down on a nightstand. Her eyes glaze over briefly, and a faint smile crosses her face, as if she's distracted by a series of changes within her soul.

Sophie: This is... wow, something's happening! I feel all different, and happy, and fresh! It's working! I feel myself changing somehow! The magic really works!

Elderon: Splendid! I'll fetch the ceremonial tools we'll need to bind you to Artemis, the royal unicorn. Gavin, would you go to the pastures and prepare Artemis for the ceremony?

Gavin nods and smiles.

Gavin: At once. All that is evil gains a powerful new enemy today. I'm proud of you, Sophia. We can conquer this evil, and you will be the key.

Gavin and Elderon withdraw, and Tristan steps forward, smiling at Sophie as he smooths his long, dark hair back.

Tristan: So, the potion truly works? ... Yes, I can see it in your eyes. You look so lovely, so innocent...

Sophie giggles and blushes.

Sophie: Yeah, well, it kinda sucks that I don't have any hair after that stupid succubus match...

Tristan sits down on the bed beside Sophie and puts a hand on her thigh.

Tristan: Don't worry about that. You're still truly amazing.

Sophie's eyes light up with naughty delight as she turns to Tristan.

Sophie: Ooh, Tristan... you like me!

Tristan: I fear I can't keep it a secret any longer, Sophia. I've been madly in love with you since the day I first saw you. But I am only a lowly knight, and I have no right to pretend that I am suitable for a princess like you.

Sophie frowns and shrugs.

Sophie: What a drag. Sucks to be you, I guess.

Tristan's eyes widen, and he quickly leans forward, closer to Sophie.

Tristan: And yet I can't contain it. I love you with all of my heart, and I'll do anything for your sake, no matter what the cost.

Sophie: Really? Hey, could you go to Earth and get me a pizza really quick? That potion hit the spot, and all, but--

Tristan rips open his silk shirt, exposing a perfectly tanned and toned chest and abs, then leans forward to Sophie, speaking in a murmur, as Sophie stares.

Tristan: Anything for you, my princess. Is that what you would have me do? Tell me what you TRULY desire.

Sophie: Hot damn... screw the stupid pizza. C'mere, you!

Sophie pulls Tristan forward and starts kissing him, and they go down in a tangle on the bed, fumbling at their clothes and each other's bodies. As they do, Sophie reaches over and pulls a string at the side of the bed, drawing the curtain around it again. Seconds later, pants, underwear, and shirts are tossed to the floor from behind the curtain, and conversation ceases except for passionate gasps, sighs, and moans coming from behind the curtain. After a few seconds, Elderon returns to the room, carrying a set of magical supplies.

Elderon: Sophia, we're ready to begin the... oh, my.

Elderon trails off as he approaches the scene, his jaw dropping and his eyes widening. He steps forward, hesitantly, and peeks around the curtain, then immediately involuntarily drops all of the supplies in his hand.

Elderon: I'll be a SON of a BITCH. By God... this is the most absurd, preposterous--

Sophie: Hey, quiet! We could use a little privacy here, okay, buster!?

Elderon is struck speechless again, and stares at the curtain for a few seconds, opening and closing his mouth as he struggles with words. Finally, an angry, but resigned look comes over his face as he turns away and sighs in disgust.

Elderon: I swear by all things holy, I've never seen the damned like. I... this is beyond expression.

Elderon turns and walks out of the room, muttering to himself. He quickly closes the door behind him as the passionate activity continues behind the curtain, and the camera fades out on the scene.

Well... that was a bit of a waste of over a month of plot development, eh? It looks like she's back to square one again. But we're going to get started with match one of our show tonight, as "Riders On The Storm" by Creed begins playing, bringing forth the New Immortals, "Magnificent" Moy Lazzario and "Beautiful" Bobby Danson, along with Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Nicole. Last night, these two guys got their butts kicked by the Wrecking Crew, but tonight they'll team up with Mongo to face the Wrecking Crew and Tommy Hustle in six-man tag team action. But first, they're grabbing microphones... oh, great.

M. Lazzario: Hi, I'm "Magnificent" Moy Lazzario.

B. Danson: And I'm his tag team partner, "Beautiful" Bobby Danson. Together, we're the New Immortals... two great wrestlers, one new and improved tag team. With us, as usual, are the extremely beautiful Nicole and the beautifully extreme Mongo.

Nicole blushes as she smiles and waves to the crowd, and Mongo puts four fingers in the air and bellows incoherently, drawing a chorus of boos from the crowd. Moy Lazzario raises his microphone to speak again.

M. Lazzario: Beautifully extreme? What the hell?

B. Danson: Oh yes. Mongo is, without a doubt, the most hardcore man in the sports industry, people. One time he wrapped himself in barbed wire and tackled Joe Montana so hard that he got a grass stain from the astroturf.

S. McMichael: Yeah, baby. Now that's some extreme football, my friends! And then one time I wrapped two pounds of ground beef in little tortilla shells, cooked up a mess of Mongo-style enchiladas, and ate all of it before halftime was over, baby!

B. Danson: Indeed, Mongo. Your hunger for food is matched only by your hunger for the suffering of your enemies. But let's not forget about the most recent extreme moment in your career... when you crippled that punk Quinn Harper. I look upon it as an act of charity, really... the poor sap wasn't really cut out for the wrestling business, and by taking him out you did him a big favor. Can we see the footage of that?

Some footage is going to play on the ViolenTron. Come on, we don't need to see this again...

On the ViolenTron...

From VCW 129:

...when Quinn Harper goes for a bulldog, Mongo lifts and counters it with a BACKDROP DRIVER!! But he just dropped Quinn Harper on his head at an ugly angle... it looks like that was a belly-to-back suplex that ended up as an unintentional backdrop driver. Quinn Harper's down, clutching his neck...

Back in the ring, the New Immortals and Mongo are smiling proudly as the footage plays.

M. Lazzario: Beautiful, isn't it? This goes down in history as one of the deadliest moves of all time. The Tiger Suplex '85... the Tiger Driver '91... the Ganso Bomb... and now the Mongo Suplex! How EXTREME, eh? I want to start a V-C-W chant just looking at it!

B. Danson: But Mongo, it gets better. Now, tonight, you can go two-for-two tonight. I want you to grab Quinn Harper's worthless friend, Tommy Hustle, and give HIM the Mongo Suplex too! Pretend he's a scrawny quarterback for the Vikings or the Packers and snap his neck like a pencil, big man!

Mongo nods and smiles with malevolence... but now "Domination" by Pantera begins playing over the arena sound system, and that brings forth the Wrecking Crew, and Tommy Hustle! Tommy Hustle has a microphone, and he pauses briefly on top of the ramp, staring angrily at Mongo, and he raises the microphone.

T. Hustle: Mongo, you big turkey, you think you're gonna take me out tonight too!? Hell no. You better just try to watch your own ass, because I'm about to get a little bit back for my man Quinn.

Tommy Hustle tosses aside the microphone and charges the ring with the Wrecking Crew, and all six men begin brawling in the ring as Nicole bails out. Bobcat McGavin enters the ring and calls for the bell, and our first match starts now!

Wrecking Crew & Tommy Hustle

vs.

New Immortals & Steve "Mongo" McMichael
w/Nicole

The first few minutes of the match are controlled by the Wrecking Crew and the New Immortals, and feature several bizarre spots as both teams goof off and showboat a little bit. Tommy Hustle, standing on the apron, seems frustrated with this approach, and urges his partners to get serious. The Wrecking Crew acknowledges his request, knowing that he must want to avenge his fallen friend Quinn Harper with a decisive win, and the Wrecking Crew takes control through their athleticism and power. They begin dishing out a beating on the New Immortals, but then Nicole trips Blade from the outside, and the New Immortals turn the tide of the match, isolating Blade and tagging out to each other and Mongo frequently as they assault their victim.

Finally, Blade manages to reverse an Irish whip from Bobby Danson, then lowers his head for a backdrop as Bobby Danson comes off the ropes... but Bobby Danson also lowers his head, trying for a shoulder tackle, and as a result the two men bump heads in the middle of the ring and both fall down! They both start to get up, but as they do they move forward into the same area and their heads collide again, sending them both sprawling to the canvas a second time. They both crawl to their corners and make tags, to Tommy Hustle and Mongo! Mongo charges, but Tommy Hustle evades his clumsy offense and takes him down with a few wrestling moves and a lot of high-flying offense. The Wrecking Crew and the New Immortals begin brawling on the outside of the ring as well, while Nicole simply tries to stay clear of the carnage.

In the ring, Tommy Hustle goes to the top turnbuckle and comes off with a flying cross bodypress, but Mongo grabs him and brings him crashing to the mat with a huge powerslam! He holds the cover, but only gets two and a half. He mauls Tommy Hustle with some clubbing forearms, then lifts him in a Gorilla Press and flings him to the mat. With Tommy Hustle reeling, Mongo goes behind him and lifts... he's going for the newly-christened Mongo Suplex, the move that put Quinn Harper on the injured list! But Tommy Hustle flips out behind him! Mongo turns around... and gets a kick to the midsection from Tommy Hustle! He doubles over... and stumbles into a DDT!! Tommy Hustle covers, Bobcat McGavin counts to three, and that's that!!

The Wrecking Crew and Tommy Hustle defeated The New Immortals and Steve McMichael when Hustle pinned Mongo after a DDT in 0:06:29.
Rating: 3/4*

Next, we're going to see a match pitting Dave Adams against a newcomer to VCW, "The Star Player" Darren Michaels. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and college football, but rather than going to the big leagues he's chosen a wrestling career in VCW. We'll see if his athletic background translates well to wrestling in this match, where he faces the cagey Dave Adams... but hold it! First, we've been told that we're going backstage to a segment in Troy Black's locker room... let's get to that now!

Backstage...

Troy Black is sitting on a sofa backstage in a lavish, opulent locker room, but he's not smiling and none of the expensive food and drink on his catered table has been touched. Rebecca Black is talking to him, with a look of concern on her face.

R. Black: Troy... I know things look bleak now, but it's not that bad. Gabriel's back... but so what? Just break his back again. And sure, Amy was a good lay while she was around, but wasn't she kinda a self-centered bitch all along? Tony's out of commission permanently. And you still have me and Brujah. And Lorenzo, too. You know this won't keep him down. He'll come back from this, better than ever, and he promised me last night that he'll stick with you to the end. So you have us, and you can buy any wrestler in the world who's not on Vince McMahon's payroll. The Black Plague is alive and well, Troy.

T. Black: I don't care about any of that. Doesn't this seem empty to you? Wasn't it all just a bunch of hype and posturing, with nothing ever happening in the end?

Rebecca Black gives Troy Black a look of concern and confusion, as if she doesn't like what she's hearing.

R. Black: What do you mean?

T. Black: I was better off without the Black Plague. I need to start doing things differently. I just want... well... I don't know what I want.

Rebecca smiles knowingly at Troy and stands up.

R. Black: I think you do, and you're just having a hard time saying it. You're heartbroken since Amy dumped you. You're thinking you passed up something better a long time ago, and you're kicking yourself for it now. And you think it's too late now. Well... it's not too late.

Troy Black sits up, suddenly alert as he focuses on Rebecca.

T. Black: What do you mean?

R. Black: I know what you want, Troy. And I want it too.

T. Black: So... wait. You're saying you want me to--

Rebecca Black stands up and places a hand on Troy Black's shoulder.

R. Black: That's right, Troy. I want you, too. I've wanted you since you were in high school. I tried to push you away like you were just my bratty little brother. I even took Gabriel's side when I came to VCW. I made you my enemy to try to hide my feelings from myself... but I can tell you feel the same way now, and I have to be honest with myself.

Troy Black's eyes widen even more, and his mouth opens as he stares at Rebecca in utter shock.

T. Black: Oh my God... this is just... damn. You... you're talking about sex, with me... aren't you?

R. Black: Other people can call it sick or say whatever the fuck they want, but we know how we feel. That was the whole reason I started fucking Amy, Troy. Sure, she was a good lay, but she was also YOURS, Troy, and that was the closest I could get to you. She'd go down on me, and you'd kiss her on those very same lips seconds later. You'd fuck her, and then I'd bring her into my hotel room and eat her pussy.

Troy Black's face pales even more than usual, and his hands begin trembling as he stands up from his seat.

T. Black: Jesus Christ...

R. Black: But that was just the prelude to what we really wanted. It's just you and me now, Troy... and I'm yours.

Rebecca Black pulls off her shirt to reveal a lot of pale flesh and a skimpy black bra, then tosses the shirt aside and lunges at Troy Black, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him forward for a kiss. But Troy Black turns aside and pushes her away, stepping back quickly.

T. Black: I... think I need to be alone for a while.

Rebecca Black draws back, looking slightly sad and hurt.

R. Black: But you DON'T need to be alone, Troy. I'll always be there for you, don't you see that? And I won't bitch at you for your personal choices, like Melissa did, or use you like Amy did. It's unconditional, Troy.

T. Black: Rebecca, I need some time to myself right now.

R. Black: All right. But listen to your heart, okay? Not what other people think is acceptable.

Rebecca Black grabs her shirt and leaves the room, casting one last look of pain and concern back at Troy Black before she closes the door. When she's gone, a look of sheer horror and revulsion creeps over Troy Black's face just before he crumples down onto the sofa and buries his face in his hands.

T. Black: What kind of sick mess did I turn my life into? I... I can't deal with this. What the hell do I do now?

The camera fades out on the backstage scene as Troy Black slumps on the sofa, looking deeply disturbed.

Good God. We've seen some disturbing, grotesque things in VCW, but usually in the form of extreme violence. That is simply like nothing we've ever seen before, and it's going to be hard to get psyched up for a conventional wrestling match now. That was just bizarre.

But the show must go on... and now "Bawitdaba" by Kid Rock begins playing, bringing out "The Star Player" Darren Michaels, to a faint pop from the crowd. He's wearing his football jersey from the University of Illinois as he jogs to the ring, slapping hands with the fans along the way. He's a powerfully-built, handsome young man, with shoulder-length black hair and a good-natured smile, but this is his first foray into the world of professional wrestling, and his athleticism and confidence will be tested tonight. He enters the ring and poses, then pulls off his jersey to expose a chiselled physique, getting a few more cheers from the female portion of the crowd.

But now "Calling Dr. Love" by KISS begins playing, and here comes "Doctor" Dave Adams, along with Nurse Vivacia, to a hearty round of boos from the crowd. He doesn't seem at all intimidated by his new opponent as he walks to the ring, smirking at the fans who yell at him and boo him. He enters the ring and grabs a microphone as he looks at Darren Michaels, sizing him up.

D. Adams: Listen here, kid, and listen good. You're new here, and I feel sorry for you, so I'm gonna give you a way out. Either you can stay and fight, and get your all-American football ass dissected by the Doctor of Love... OR since I'm such a nice guy, I'll let you walk out of this ring with Nurse Vivacia to "keep you company" for the rest of the night. What's it gonna be?

Darren Michaels seems to consider it for a second, then grabs the microphone.

D. Michaels: So, my choices are that I can fight you, or I can get outta here with the girl?

D. Adams: Yes, you idiot, that's what I JUST told you. If you're so stupid, how'd you make it into college to play football, anyway?

D. Michaels: Hey, I'm not as dumb as you give me credit for, alright? I know what the best choice here is.

Darren Michaels takes Nurse Vivacia by the hand, and she steps forward into an embrace as the crowd boos, though there are a few cheers and catcalls as she starts making out with Darren Michaels. Dave Adams smirks and turns to the crowd, pointing to his cranium to show his intelligence... but as he does, Darren Michaels suddenly pulls away from Nurse Vivacia and rushes Dave Adams, tackling him down to the mat and hammering him with a series of right hands! Jerry Rogers enters the ring and calls for the bell, and that begins this match!

"Doctor" Dave Adams
w/Nurse Vivacia

vs.

"The Star Player" Darren Michaels

Darren Michaels shows a lot of impressive power and brawling ability in the opening moments of this match, manhandling the much smaller Dave Adams. He was a quarterback in his football career, but since then he's packed on an additional thirty or forty pounds of muscle before stepping into the ring, giving him a considerable size advantage over Dave Adams. But Dave Adams has the experience advantage, and he turns the tide by taking Darren Michaels to the mat, working over his right arm with hammerlocks and armbars, rather boring the crowd. They don't seem too eager to throw themselves behind Darren Michaels yet as he fights his way out of these holds. Darren Michaels fights back as best he can, but Dave Adams takes a number of cheap shots that keep him grounded as he dissects the arm.

Finally, Doctor Dave goes to hook on a cross armbreaker, but Darren Michaels manages to hook his hands together and power Dave Adams up, then drop him to the mat. He fires back on Dave Adams, but stupidly uses his injured arm for a few punches and clotheslines and ends up suffering for it. Dave Adams kicks him in the gut and hits the Doctor's Orders, then goes for the cover... but only gets two and a half! Shaken by Darren's show of remaining strength, Dave Adams panics and goes up to the top turnbuckle as Darren Michaels gets up, and he comes off with a flying axhandle... but Darren Michaels spear-tackles him right out of the air! Dave Adams is left a twisted wreck on the mat, and Darren Michaels begins shaking off the abuse as he gets up. Darren Michaels pulls Dave Adams into a standing headscissors and lifts... no, he drops him, nearly on his head! Dave Adams bolts up sharply, holding his neck and giving Darren Michaels a dirty look, and Darren Michaels just looks sheepish for a second, then pulls Dave Adams up, kicks him in the midsection, and lifts again... and this time he hits a power bomb! Perhaps Darren Michaels's injured arm made it difficult for him to execute the power bomb, though he doesn't seem to be showing any pain now as he covers Dave Adams and gets a three count!

Darren Michaels pinned Dave Adams after a power bomb in 0:06:38.
Rating: DUD

Darren Michaels gets up and poses on one of the top turnbuckles to a moderate round of cheers, as Jerry Rogers goes down to check on Dave Adams briefly, then makes a circle with his thumb and index finger to indicate that he's okay. This is certainly an impressive victory for the newcomer, Darren Michaels, though the sloppiness we saw during the end of the match could come back to haunt him.

We're going to go backstage again, where we understand the VCW World Champion, Crimson, is in a heated discussion with VCW Commissioner James Applebee. Let's see that now!

Backstage...

Crimson is standing in James Applebee's office, with the VCW World Title on his shoulder and an irate snarl on his face as he talks to James Applebee, who seems to be having trouble keeping his cool.

Crimson: I don't care what you have booked on this show tonight... you give me Bass Rogers, or I'm gonna wrap this title belt around your neck and drag you up and down the arena by it. You understand me?

J. Applebee: There's just one problem with that, Crimson. We have you pencilled in against the Grave Digger tonight.

Crimson: "Pencilled in"? I don't give a damn about no "pencilled in", motherfucker. I'll shove a pencil in your ass so far you draw pictures on the toilet paper every time you wipe for the next six months, that's what I'LL do.

A man wearing a business suit enters the room. His black hair is neatly combed and sprayed into place so excessively that a hurricane couldn't faze it, and he gives James Applebee a friendly, but predatory smile as he enters the room.

Man: Commissioner Applebee, I'm Derek Cole, and I'm here representing--

J. Applebee: I'll be with you in a minute; right now I have kind of a delicate situation.

Crimson: Goddamn right you do. One HELL of a delicate situation. Now write me a match with Bass Rogers, or I'm gonna break your delicate little neck.

J. Applebee: How about this? I'll make a tag team match. Bass Rogers and the Grave Digger against you and... and... well, I don't know.

Crimson: Me and Jack. You've got a match.

J. Applebee: No, Jack Norman's already booked tonight. So's Butch Manson. They're putting the VCW World Tag Team Titles on the line against Lars Coverdale and Paul Canyon.

Crimson: Fine. Fuck it. I'll take both those motherfuckers on singlehandedly. I don't need no damn tag team partner--

Derek Cole takes a confident step towards Crimson and gives him his winning smile.

D. Cole: Are you sure about that, big man? Because tonight could be your lucky night. I may just have a deal for you.

Crimson: I got a deal for you, pretty boy. Get the fuck out of my face and I won't beat the shit outta you. How's that for a deal?

D. Cole: I may just take you up on that in a second... but first, listen to this. I've got a perfect partner for you tonight... Lance Errington. I'm his agent, Derek Cole, and on behalf of Lance, I'd like to offer his services in this match.

Crimson: Lance Errington, huh? Yeah, I know him. Gave him a pipe wrench to take out David Wright Hubbard's knee about a year ago. I was on his team when he went apeshit on Falcon at Gang Wars. He wants to be my partner?

D. Cole: I assure you that he does.

Crimson: Then I think you DO have a deal. How's that, Applebee? Me and Lance against Digger and Bass, in the main event.

J. Applebee: Works for me.

D. Cole: I know Lance will be pleased.

Crimson: Yeah. You just better make sure I'm happy with how he holds up his end of the deal.

With a final, angry glare around at the two men, Crimson turns and walks out of the room, and Derek Cole and James Applebee exchange a look of relief as the camera fades out on the backstage scene.

Who's this Derek Cole guy? We saw a remarkable change in Lance Errington's dress and character last night... could Derek Cole be the man behind the new Lance Errington? In any case, that sounds like one hell of a main event... but we've got another big match coming up right now... it's the first match in the Survival of the Fittest Tournament! We'll see tournament matches over the next several weeks, culminating in a Survival of the Fittest pay-per-view, which will feature the semi-finals and the finals of the tournament. The winner goes on to get a title shot against the VCW World Champion, whoever that may be, at Wrestlewar IV.

"What'chu Lookin' At?" by Uncle Kracker begins playing, and the crowd boos loudly as Brian Rivera comes out of the backstage entrance, accompanied by Stormy Weathers. For some reason he's dressed halfway normally today... he's wearing an old Liberation X T-shirt (and we understand those have become rather unpopular with VCW management lately) and a regular pair of black jeans. His VCW stock has dropped for a while, and right now he's definitely not one of the favorites in this tournament... but if he can surprise us and put on a strong showing, or even win, his VCW career could really take off again. He enters the ring, shucking and jiving, and grinning like a fool, but then he suddenly becomes serious as he grabs a microphone.

B. Rivera: Hey, Falcon! This one's for you, brother.

Giving a shout-out to someone who was just fired from VCW today might not be such a great career move, but the crowd gives a confused pop anyway. But now "Liquid Mercury" by Jimmy Page begins playing, and the crowd explodes into even louder cheers as the new VCW Intercontinental Champion, "The California Crippler" Ken Collins, comes out of the backstage entrance, accompanied by Stacey Lockman. Holding the hand of Ken Collins, she seems to be walking pretty easily. We knew she was recovering nicely from her paralysis and injuries, but we didn't know the extent of it until last week she neutralized Rebecca Black's outside interference and allowed Ken Collins to defeat him and win the VCW Intercontinental Title. This match isn't for the title, just a spot in the tournament, though you have to believe that a victory for Rivera here could make a strong case for a title shot down the road for him. Ken Collins enters the ring, takes off the belt, and hands it to Stacey Lockman, and Brendan Powers enters the ring and calls for the bell to begin the match!

Survival Of The Fittest
First Round Match:

"The California Crippler" Ken Collins
w/Stacey Lockman

vs.

Brian Rivera
w/Stormy Weathers

Ken Collins wastes no time in going after Brian Rivera, looking for an attack on his shoulder, but Brian Rivera surprises everyone, Ken Collins included, by keeping up with Ken Collins in a few technical wrestling exchanges. Ken Collins isn't able to hold the advantage for long enough to do any serious damage, as Brian Rivera keeps turning the match around, showing that he's a fine technical wrestler in his own right. We haven't seen Brian Rivera wrestle like this in a good long time, and he's even wrestling with a purpose, going after Ken Collins's right leg. Has he suddenly decided to get serious? If so, he couldn't have picked a better time than this high-stakes tournament match. Ken Collins is caught off-guard by this showing of skill and effort by Brian Rivera, and actually ends up on the defensive.

But Ken Collins is still one of the best wrestlers in VCW, and once he gets his bearings he takes the advantage back again, working over Brian Rivera's shoulder eagerly. For all of Brian Rivera's hitherto-unused skills, he can't quite keep up with a focused, alert Ken Collins, and he bails out of the ring. Ken Collins follows him, and Brian Rivera tries to switch tactics and out-brawl Ken Collins, only to find that his weakened right shoulder gives Ken Collins the edge in a brawl as well. Brian Rivera ends up whipped into the guardrail, where Ken Collins gives him repeated stiff punches and chops... until Stormy Weathers comes from behind and nails him with a low blow.

Brendan Powers misses that interference, but Stacey Lockman sees it, and she immediately advances on Stormy Weathers and tackles him to the floor, beating the hell out of him to a huge pop from the crowd. But Ken Collins is still hurt, and Brian Rivera seizes the opportunity, taking him head-first into the ringpost, then rolling him into the ring and smashing his right knee repeatedly against the post as well. He reenters the ring, takes Ken Collins down with a kneebreaker, then slaps on a half Boston in the middle of the ring! Ken Collins is in a lot of pain, and tries to crawl for the ropes... but when he gets close, Brian Rivera just pulls him back into the middle of the ring and sits down on it again! Failing at that, Ken Collins looks for another escape, and finds it by grabbing Brian Rivera's right leg, which he left hanging a bit too far back, then countering the half Boston into an ankle lock submission! Now Brian Rivera's the one hurting, but somehow he manages to scramble up to one foot, then jump up into the air and nail Ken Collins with an enzuigiri!

Both men are down, but Brian Rivera starts getting up first, and Brendan Powers is trying to break up the brawl between Stormy Weathers and Stacey Lockman, so Brian Rivera rolls out of the ring and grabs the VCW Intercontinental Title! Ken Collins starts getting up... and Brian Rivera climbs to the top rope, then comes off to NAIL Ken Collins square in the back of the head with the title! Rivera quickly tosses the belt aside, and taps Brendan Powers on the shoulder, then goes for the cover... for only two and three-quarters!! Undaunted, Brian Rivera climbs to the top turnbuckle, then turns to face Ken Collins, yells "I'M GOING PLATINUM!" and leaps off... FLYING LEGDROP!! He covers Ken Collins and hooks the leg... FOR TWO AND NINE-TENTHS!! Damn, that was close!

Brian Rivera's a little bit angry now, and he pulls Ken Collins up, then turns him around for the Bitch Slap... but Ken Collins pushes him forward! Brian Rivera collides chest-first with the turnbuckles, then staggers back... into a big release German suplex from Ken Collins! Both men stay down for several seconds, but this time Ken Collins gets up first. Though he's walking with a pronounced limp, he still takes the offensive, taking Brian Rivera down with several big suplexes, then hitting a piledriver! But he only gets two and three-quarters on the cover before Stormy Weathers reaches in and puts Brian Rivera's foot on the ropes. Ken Collins signals for the end of the match and goes up to the top turnbuckle, then waits for Brian Rivera to get up... FLYING DROPKICK!! Brian Rivera goes down hard... but Ken Collins is down as well, clutching his right knee! He may have jammed it on the Flying Dropkick, after Brian Rivera's work to soften up that leg earlier in the match. After a few seconds, Ken Collins sucks it up and crawls across Brian Rivera for the cover... but the time delay was crucial, because Brian Rivera kicks out at two and nine-tenths!

Ken Collins glares at Brian Rivera, then lifts him up... SHOULDERBREAKER! He smartly brought him down on his strong knee for that move, and now he's slapping on the California Crossface! Brian Rivera surely can't hold out long... but Stormy Weathers reaches into the ring, grabs Ken Collins by the ankle, and pulls, breaking the hold! Ken Collins gets up and whirls angrily on Stormy Weathers, grabbing him by the hair and pulling him up on the apron, then sending him flying off to crash against the guardrail with a punch, which gets a huge pop from the crowd! But Brian Rivera's up when Ken Collins turns around... and he gives him a kick to the midsection, then takes him down in a small package! Brendan Powers counts... and gets two, before Ken Collins reverses the small package, and gets three!! Ken Collins wins!

Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match -Round One:
Ken Collins pinned Brian Rivera after a small package in 0:12:20.
Rating: *** 3/4

Damn... who would have thought that Brian Rivera still knew how to wrestle!? Ken Collins gives him a look of grudging respect before rolling out of the ring and embracing Stacey Lockman. He grabs the VCW Intercontinental Title and puts it on, then limps backstage with his arm around Stacey Lockman, pausing to pose for the cheering crowd at the top of the ramp. Ken Collins will go on in the tournament, and face either Jacob Idol or Tim Bell in the second round! Brian Rivera's getting up in the ring, looking less than pleased with his loss... but will his display of prowess tonight impress VCW management? Maybe, if his shout-out to Falcon didn't alienate them from the beginning.

Up next, we'll see the VCW World Tag Team Titles defended when Paul Canyon and Lars Coverdale take on Jack Norman and Butch Manson of Hell's Bikers... but first, we're going to go backstage, where Ziggy Adderloaf is standing by with the Hammer of the Gods. Let's go to that now!

Backstage...

Ziggy Adderloaf is standing by backstage with Julian Page, Jacob Idol, Rob Solomon, and Jasmina Chastity, all of whom seem happy and confident.

Z. Adderloaf: Gentlemen, Jasmina, last night was quite a night for you. Jacob Idol defeated Tim Bell, Julian Page defeated Johnny Smiles, and the Ontario Colour Show members nearly destroyed each other. I'll ask you about last night in a few seconds, but first... Rob Solomon. Everyone wants to know when you're going to return to the ring on a full-time basis, and I'd like to get the answer straight from you, if I may.

R. Solomon: It's really simple, Ziggy. I'll return to the ring when I feel like it. Even with a bad knee, I could take ninety percent of the roster. But the way I see it, I'm on a nice, long paid vacation. Why should I be in the ring, beating on a bunch of losers who aren't worth my time, when I can hang around backstage, get drunk, and get laid, all without lifting a finger? I'll come back when I want to come back, Ziggy, and you can bet your ass when I do the rest of VCW's gonna be in for a hell of a rough time.

Z. Adderloaf: I see. Now, Jacob Idol... last night you beat Tim Bell in a very good technical match. Tonight, you're facing him one more time, in the Survival of the Fittest Tournament. What are your thoughts on this rematch?

J. Idol: My thoughts? What can I say, they're letting me have an easy night two nights in a row. I could outwrestle Tim Bell on my deathbed. And from there, I've got a match with Ken Collins... another so-called great technical wrestler who can't measure up. When it's all said and done, I'll be the one who wins that tournament and gets a title shot at Wrestlewar. And if Crimson hangs onto the belt that long, it'll be my pleasure to take it from him, just like he robbed us of the VCW World Tag Team Titles.

Z. Adderloaf: All right. Now, Julian Page... you defeated one of your major rivals, Johnny Smiles last night, and you did it, surprisingly enough, in a clean, fair match. Your career really seems like it's on the rise--

J. Page: On the rise? I think you mean on the way back to where it should have been the whole time. I was robbed of the VCW Intercontinental Title by a guy who didn't even work here, and I haven't been getting the title shots and opportunities that I deserve. I hold a victory over David Wright Hubbard... I never got one shot at his title when he was VCW World Champion. If I had, I'd be VCW World Champion right here, today. And Jacob... I know you want to win the tournament, and you've got a shot at doing it. But you'll have to get through me to do it, because I also want to win the tournament, go to Wrestlewar, and kick Crimson's big ass for the title.

As Julian Page finishes speaking, Russel "The Muscle" Taylor wanders onto the scene, walking with a slight limp.

R. Taylor: Hi, Ziggy. Have you seen Commissioner Applebee? I need to try to get booked in a match for the show before it's too late.

Z. Adderloaf: I think he's in his office, if you--

J. Page: Listen, you musclebound pretty boy, this is our interview time. Nobody wants to see you try to wrestle tonight anyway, so why don't you just call a cab and head back to whatever fleabag motel you're staying at!?

R. Taylor: Well, I don't mean to be rude, but you're not being very considerate. I just came to ask a simple question, and then I'll leave. Besides, you guys owe me one.

J. Page: The only thing we owe you, muscle-boy, is an apology for the beating you're about to take if you don't get out of our interview segment.

R. Taylor: But a couple of you guys had sexual intercourse with Lazalyth, the succubus demon, right? You're lucky I destroyed her last night. If I hadn't, when the time was right she'd absorb the energy from your souls to use in a powerful spell of black magic. Without your souls, you'd be reduced to being mindless automations--

R. Solomon: Mindless... kind of like you, right? Look, pal... sure, we boffed the chick who was working the succubus demon gimmick. But nobody cares about that make-believe crap, just like nobody cares about you and your pathetic clean-cut American boy gimmick. So fuck off, you dumb son of a bitch, or you'll be leaving on a stretcher.

Russel Taylor grabs Rob Solomon by the shoulders and starts shaking him frantically.

R. Taylor: Don't you understand!? It's real! It's all--

R. Solomon: AHH!! Shit, my KNEE!!

Rob Solomon's face contorts in a grimace of pain and he doubles over to clutch his knee, as Russel Taylor looks in horror.

R. Taylor: Oh dear... I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you, Mr. Solomon... let me go get the trainer right away!

But before Russel Taylor can turn to leave, Julian Page kicks him in the kneecap, then pulls him into a standing headscissors and gives him the Swan Song on the concrete floor. Rob Solomon, who was obviously faking his pain, looks on and chuckles. As Julian Page gets up, Jacob Idol, Rob Solomon, and Jasmina Chastity gather around Russel Taylor and begin stomping and kicking at him, as Ziggy Adderloaf stares in horror. Finally, Jacob Idol picks Russel Taylor up as Rob Solomon opens the locker room door, and Jacob Idol hurls him out through the open door. Rob Solomon slams the door after Russel, as Julian Page looks on in satisfaction.

J. Page: What you just saw is a clear demonstration of what I've been saying the whole time. The Hammer of the Gods is the elite force in VCW... and everyone else are just a bunch of losers like him.

Z. Adderloaf: The Hammer of the Gods is certainly confident and ready to take action... but right now, let's get back to the ring to see the VCW World Tag Team Titles defended!

The camera fades out on the backstage scene.

Poor Russel... with this coming after his loss to Chris Champlain last night, he can't be feeling too good right now. But we're going to continue with the show now... and "Talk Dirty To Me" by Poison begins playing as the team of Paul Canyon and Lars Coverdale comes out of the backstage entrance, ready for action. Both of these men have successful backgrounds in tag team wrestling, and together, as a team, perhaps they can combine the best elements of the Ontario Colour Show and the Heavy Metal Express and find success tonight. They have a shot at the VCW World Tag Team Titles, and it's very possible that they could walk away with those titles after this match. They enter the ring, and Lars Coverdale begins playing air guitar to the music and headbanging, and Paul Canyon smiles and joins in, to a pop from the crowd.

But now the crowd begins booing as "Highway To Hell" by AC/DC begins playing, bringing out the VCW World Tag Team Champions, Jack Norman and Butch Manson of Hell's Bikers! They stroll to the ring with a lot of confidence and bravado, yelling at the fans and cracking their knuckles in preparation for a fight. They take off the VCW World Tag Team Titles and hand them to the timekeeper, then slide into the ring and rush Paul Canyon and Lars Coverdale, as Linda Peterson calls for the bell to begin the match!

For the VCW World Tag Team Titles:

Hell's Bikers (Jack Norman & Butch Manson) (c)

vs.

Paul Canyon & Lars Coverdale

Paul Canyon and Lars Coverdale duck a pair of clotheslines as Hell's Bikers rush them, then send Jack Norman spilling out over the top rope with a double dropkick. Butch Manson grabs Paul Canyon as he gets up, and pulls him into a standing headscissors, but Lars Coverdale rushes forward and nails Butch Manson with a spinning leg lariat, knocking him off balance and enabling Paul Canyon to give him a double-leg takedown. Paul Canyon turns Butch Manson over into a Boston crab, as Lars Coverdale goes to the apron, then flings himself in with a slingshot legdrop to the back of Butch Manson's head! Butch Manson scrambles to the ropes, and Linda Peterson orders a break, then sends Lars to his corner as Jack Norman goes to his.

Paul Canyon and Lars Coverdale keep the advantage early on, trading quick tags and keeping their opponents off-guard with their superior wrestling skill and high-flying ability. Jack Norman and Butch Manson get in a few licks and cheap shots of their own, but the tide of the match doesn't really turn until Jack Norman catches Paul Canyon with a low blow, then mauls him with a huge Axe Bomber. Norman and Manson quickly drag Paul Canyon into their corner and isolate him, working him over with brawling tactics and restholds. Paul Canyon tries to counter and make it to his corner several times, looking for a tag to Lars, but each time Jack Norman or Butch Manson will cut him off just before he makes it. Finally, Butch Manson plants Paul Canyon on his head with a piledriver and goes for the cover... but Paul Canyon kicks out at the last possible instant! It was only two and nine-tenths, and Butch Manson argues the count with Linda Peterson... but then he gives up on that and starts going to the top turnbuckle instead. He comes off... MOONSAULT!! But no, Paul Canyon rolls out of the way, and both men are down!

Butch Manson's starting to stir, rolling towards his corner to tag in Jack Norman... but Paul Canyon starts crawling towards Lars Coverdale! And now... someone's coming out of the back!! DAVID WRIGHT HUBBARD!! He sprints to the ring with a slight limp, and pulls Lars Coverdale off of the apron! Lars Coverdale turns around, and David Wright Hubbard pulls him into a stiff short lariat, then picks him up and runs him head-first into the steel ringsteps! Wasn't winning last night's match enough for him!? David Wright Hubbard quickly turns and starts running up the aisle again. Linda Peterson was watching Butch Manson's tag to Jack Norman, and Lars is down on the floor as Paul Canyon makes it to his corner! Paul Canyon doesn't have a partner to tag in!

Jack Norman charges Paul Canyon, and Paul Canyon leaps up and nails him in the chest with a dropkick... but Jack Norman just staggers back and doesn't go down! He grabs Paul Canyon and whips him into the ropes, then comes off with a clothesline... and Paul Canyon ducks, but runs right into a big boot from Butch Manson as Manson enters the ring to help his partner! Paul Canyon goes down, and Jack Norman clobbers him in the back a few times, then lifts him with Butch Manson... DOUBLE POWER BOMB!! Paul Canyon crashes hard to the mat, and Jack Norman covers him... and he gets the three-count, as Butch Manson cuts off an attempted save from a beaten, groggy Lars Coverdale! Hell's Bikers retain!

Hell's Bikers (Jack Norman and Butch Manson) defeated Lars Coverdale and Paul Canyon when J. Norman pinned P. Canyon after a double power bomb in 0:08:47.
Rating: **
(Hell's Bikers retained the VCW World Tag Team Titles.)

The crowd boos loudly as Linda Peterson hands the VCW World Tag Team Title belts to Jack Norman and Butch Manson, who raise the belts high in the air and bellow loudly at the crowd. Nobody can doubt that these two men are tough customers, but if it hadn't been for David Wright Hubbard's attack on Lars Coverdale, we might have seen the match go quite differently. Why did David Wright Hubbard still feel the need to do that!? As Hell's Bikers continue to celebrate, we're going to go backstage to the Technicians' locker room and get reactions to this match from Owen Addison and Tim Bell!

Backstage...

Tim Bell and Owen Addison are watching the monitors backstage as Hell's Bikers celebrate their win. Owen Addison turns to Tim Bell, shaking his head in disappointment.

O. Addison: You just can't recapture lightning in a bottle. In the old days, we would have won that match, even if somebody tried to interfere.

T. Bell: So... you're changing your mind about reforming the team?

O. Addison: No, of course not. I won the match last night, didn't I?

T. Bell: Yeah, by count-out after the Hammer of the Gods whacked both of you. That doesn't count, does it?

Owen Addison starts to reply, but the door to the locker room opens, and Jennie walks in.

Jennie: Hi, guys. I need to talk to--

Owen Addison bolts up from his seat and gets in Jennie's face.

O. Addison: What in the HELL are you doing here!?

Jennie: I just came to... to talk--

Jennie backs up, upset by Owen's angry response.

O. Addison: To talk? What do you want to talk about? How you ran out on us for a piece of human garbage!? How you decided that fucking some piece of imitation Eurotrash was more important than sticking by your friends!? Or maybe how you caused us to lose countless matches to the Black Plague because of that worthless shithead you run around with!?

Jennie: Owen, it's over between me and Brujah. Just listen--

O. Addison: What... that's it!? You turned your back on your friends for some gutter trash, then think you can come crawling back as soon as you get tired of him!? Here's what I think. I think YOU'RE the reason that the Ontario Colour Show couldn't stay together. Think, nothing... I KNOW you are. You caused all of the problems, and all of the friction, by running off with that guy. So go ahead and put that on your list of accomplishments, right next to "spent five months as a cheap hired thug's sex kitten"... you officially brought about the downfall of the greatest tag team in wrestling history. But the Ontario Colour Show wasn't just a tag team... it was an institution of wrestling. More than that, it was my LIFE, and Paul's life, too. You left us in a mess, clutching the tattered remnants of our lives, so you could run off and be Brujah's personal spermbag!!

T. Bell: Damn, Owen... maybe--

Jennie: Oh, God... I'm... I...

Jennie falls to her knees and starts sobbing miserably, an instant before Paul Canyon staggers in through the door, sore from the beating he took in his match.

P. Canyon: Hey, Tim. The bookers told me that you're up against Jacob Idol in a minute, so you'd... Jennie!? What are you doing here? ... What's wrong?

Paul Canyon starts to put a hand on Jennie's shoulder, but she shrugs it off and stands up, still crying.

Jennie: I've gotta go...

Jennie bolts out of the door and runs down the hall, sobbing the whole time. Paul Canyon turns to Owen Addison, an angry look on his face.

P. Canyon: Hey. What the hell did you say to her!?

O. Addison: I told her the TRUTH. About how she brought us all down by driving a wedge between us. About how she wrecked our careers to be Brujah's fuck puppet. About--

P. Canyon: What's your problem!? Didn't you see what happened last night? She needs someone on her side.

O. Addison: I'll bet she does. It's a rough old world. But I'm sure she can crawl into bed with some other sleazebag--

Paul Canyon grabs Owen Addison by the shoulders and shoves him up against the wall.

P. Canyon: Damn it, she's our friend! Don't talk like that about her. We need to help--

Owen Addison shoves Paul Canyon back and steps forward.

O. Addison: Don't give me that shit. She's no friend of mine. And if you put one more hand on me, I'm gonna kick your ass.

Tim Bell steps forward, looking concerned, and places a hand on Paul Canyon's shoulder.

T. Bell: Hey, there's no need to--

P. Canyon: You think she's the reason the team broke up!? She's not. You want to know the reason!? The reason is because you're a damn selfish, uncaring bastard!

Paul Canyon shoves Owen Addison back against the wall again, and this time Owen Addison steps forward, leading with a superkick. But Paul Canyon ducks, and Owen hits Tim Bell, knocking him down. Tim Bell's head collides with the cinderblock wall with a sickening "thunk", and both members of the Ontario Colour Show turn to look at him in horror. Paul Canyon goes down to kneel at his side.

P. Canyon: Tim! Oh man... I'm so sorry. That sounded bad. Are you all right?

O. Addison: See what you made me do!? I've got an idea. Why don't you get out of here, and go visit with your little whore, while I try to help him out. I think you've done enough damage for one night.

Paul Canyon shoots a murderous glare up at Owen Addison, but stifles an angry retort and walks out of the room. Owen Addison kneels at Tim Bell's side, and Tim Bell grabs his hand and starts trying to sit up.

O. Addison: No, come on... stay down. You took a pretty good hit there.

T. Bell: I can't stay down. I've got a match in a couple seconds.

O. Addison: But your head--

T. Bell: This is the Survival of the Fittest tourament. This is a title shot at Wrestlewar. I'm not giving that up to Jacob Idol without a fight. I'm going out there... and I want YOU to get a grip on yourself, so this kind of crap doesn't happen again. Because next time... I'm walking out and not coming back.

Tim Bell staggers out of the room, and Owen Addison opens his mouth to yell back an angry reply, but stops and looks at the floor with a sigh, then retakes his seat on a bench, looking a bit troubled, as the camera fades out on the backstage scene.

We're back... and "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin is already playing, drawing a chorus of boos from the crowd as Jacob Idol and Jasmina Chastity come out of the backstage entrance. They walk to the ring, looking arrogant as always, and Jacob Idol quickly steps into the ring and begins stretching in preparation for his match. After what we just saw backstage, he has to be a heavy favorite in this match... Tim Bell took a superkick and banged his head on the wall as a result of trying to break up a fight between his teammates, and he's not in top condition.

But evidently he's going to give it a try anyway... "Through The Never" by Metallica begins playing, and here he comes! Tim Bell walks out of the backstage entrance slowly and gingerly, wincing as he rubs his temples and tries to shake off the cobwebs from his recent fall. He walks slowly to the ring, wanting to take as much time as he can before stepping in... but Jacob Idol sees what he's doing, then slides out of the ring to slug it out with him on the outside! Tim Bell fires back, staggering Jacob Idol with several right hands on the ramp... but Jasmina Chastity comes from behind and nails Tim Bell with a low blow! He doubles over, and Jacob Idol takes him head-first into the steel ringsteps! Tim Bell collapses into a heap at ringside, and Idol rolls him into the ring and climbs inside himself. Bobcat McGavin enters the ring and calls for the bell, and that begins this match!

Survival Of The Fittest
First Round Match:

Tim Bell

vs.

Jacob Idol
w/Jasmina Chastity

Jacob Idol takes control in a sadistic manner from the opening bell, clobbering Tim Bell in the head at every opportunity and keeping him dazed. Tim Bell fights back, but Jacob Idol easily recovers and evades Tim Bell's rather punch-drunk offense, coming back to bash him in the head a few more times. Tim Bell starts to get desperate as the match wears on, and he dumps Jacob Idol to the floor, then jumps out after him with a flying cross bodypress that sends them spilling to a heap at ringside. He clobbers Jacob Idol on the outside, then rolls him back into the ring and gets a count of two and a half with a German suplex, then a similar count after a superkick. Tim Bell even gets a near fall after a brain buster, but he seems to be running on adrenaline, nearly out on his feet from repeated blows to the head. He puts Jacob Idol up at the top for a top rope Frankensteiner, then goes up after him... TOP-ROPE FRANKENSTEINER!! He actually hit it! But he also planted himself facedown on the mat, and he's not moving either! Bobcat McGavin begins a count... and at eight, Tim Bell rolls over and throws an arm on top of Jacob Idol! Bobcat McGavin counts... to two and a half!! Jacob Idol had eight seconds to recover, and he kicked out as a result!

Tim Bell gets up groggily, and staggers around the ring in confusion for a few seconds... it doesn't look like anybody's home. Finally, he looks down at Jacob Idol again, then turns and begins climbing to one of the top turnbuckles... but Jacob Idol gets up behind him! Tim Bell gets to the top, facing the crowd... and Jacob Idol shoves him, causing him to crotch himself on the top turnbuckle! Jacob Idol comes up from behind and hooks him... no, not this! He falls back... IDOLIZER!! Jacob Idol just scrambled Tim Bell's brains with the Idolizer, his top-rope inverted DDT... and this match is over! Jacob Idol smirks and puts one finger over Tim Bell's chest, and Bobcat McGavin counts to three!

Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match -Round One:
Jacob Idol pinned Tim Bell with the Idolizer in 0:08:13.
Rating: ** 1/4

Jacob Idol just won the match... but he's not done yet! He pulls Tim Bell up and puts him in a standing headscissors... he's going for a piledriver!! The Idolizer probably already did some severe damage... in fact, Tim Bell slumps down out of the standing headscissors, not even conscious enough to stand! Jacob Idol starts pulling him up again... but someone's coming out of the back! RUSSEL TAYLOR!! Russel Taylor runs to the ring and slides inside, then charges Jacob Idol and nails him with a clothesline as he looks up! Jacob Idol gets up again, and Russel Taylor mows him down with a second clothesline... then picks Jacob Idol up and presses him high over his head in a Gorilla Press! Jacob Idol frantically shakes his head "no"... but Russel Taylor heaves him out over the top rope to the floor! And now he's calling for a microphone...

R. Taylor: Shame on you for trying to hurt Tim Bell! It was bad enough when you attacked me backstage... but I can't believe you'd sink so low as to attack your opponent after a match, when there's no point except to try to injure him. That's absolutely terrible! I can't stand the way you people in the Hammer of the Gods have no compassion for your fellow men! It makes me sad. It makes me want to cry. But I'm not going to stand by and let it happen... I've got a match signed from James Applebee, and it's with Julian Page, right here, right now, TONIGHT!!

Jacob Idol and Jasmina Chastity are staring into the ring with open mouths and wide eyes, as if they can't believe the gall of Russel Taylor... but now "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin kicks on, and Julian Page steps out of the backstage entrance, dressed in a Hammer of the Gods T-shirt and bell-bottom blue jeans! He's not dressed to wrestle, having evidently not expected this challenge... but he has a microphone in his hand.

J. Page: You again!? You don't give up easily, do you? Let me remind you of something right now. First of all... who you are. You're Russel Taylor, a born loser who thinks he's a superhero, who thinks succubus demons and evil sorceress queens are real, known for losing more matches than Barry Horowitz. You're PATHETIC. And let me remind you who I am. I'm the leader of the most elite group of wrestlers in the history of the sport. I'm the man who beat Johnny Smiles, clean and decisively, in the middle of the ring last night. I'm the pilot of the storm that leaves no trace... the tall cool one... the crawling king snake, Julian Page. And YOU want a match with ME!?

We're not going to get into the irony of a man who's 5'10" calling himself the "tall cool one"... but Julian Page has a point. Russel Taylor has never beaten an opponent of his caliber before.

R. Taylor: I'll tell you who you are. You're a scoundrel, a purveyor of injustice, and a horrible human being who needs to be taught the meaning of fairness and compassion. And if I can't do that, maybe at least I can make this match an example that injustice and evil never pay!

J. Page: You think you'll teach me anything? No. You're the one who's about to get a wrestling lesson. So after I dissect you in the ring, watch the tape and educate yourself, and learn from your mistakes. Your first mistake... putting your name on that contract in the first place, pal.

Julian Page begins walking to the ring, stopping briefly to confer with Jacob Idol and Jasmina Chastity as those two head back up the ramp. Julian Page climbs into the ring, and Jerry Rogers enters the ring, calling for the bell to begin the match!

Julian Page

vs.

Russel "The Muscle" Taylor

Russel Taylor starts off strong against Julian Page, sending him crashing to the mat repeatedly, and finally nailing him with a clothesline that sends him spilling out through the ropes to the floor! Russel Taylor stomps and claps, starting a "U-S-A!" chant with the crowd as Julian Page pulls himself up and back into the ring. But now Julian Page gains the advantage with a cheap shot to the leg, and begins savagely working over Russel Taylor's knee, just as Chris Champlain did last night at Blood and Thunder. Russel Taylor struggles and tries to fight back, refusing to stay down or to submit in a half Boston or a kneebar, but Julian Page keeps the edge with his wrestling ability and a few cheap shots, wearing Russel Taylor down. But when Julian Page goes up to the top turnbuckle for a flying axhandle, he takes too long to get up there, and Russel Taylor grabs him at the top, then pitches him off with a Gorilla Press!

The crowd cheers as Russel Taylor makes a big comeback, nailing Julian Page with a series of clotheslines despite a limp from the pain in his leg. But a vertical suplex fails to get the pin for Russel Taylor, and so do a bodyslam and an elbowdrop off the ropes, as Russel's wading-pool-deep moveset works to his disadvantage. Russel Taylor takes Julian Page head-first into the turnbuckles at all four corners, then mauls him with some forearm shots and a powerslam that gets two and a half! Staying on the offense, Russel Taylor whips him into the ropes, then lowers his head for a backdrop... but Julian Page sees his intent and grabs his head as he comes off... DDT!! Russel Taylor's left flat on the canvas, and Julian Page covers... for two and three-quarters! Russel kicked out after the DDT! Julian Page pulls him up, kicks him in the midsection, and hooks him for the Swan Song, his double underhook faceslam... but Russel Taylor backdrops out of it! Julian Page counters that backdrop with a sunset flip, but instead of going for the cover he stands up, holding Russel's legs, then twists around into a figure-four leglock!! Russel Taylor yells out in pain and thrashes around on the mat... but then he begins beating one fist against the mat rhythmically, as the other one pumps in the air... and the crowd starts stomping and clapping to the rhythm! With the crowd behind him, Russel Taylor's face strains with effort... and he turns the figure-four over!!

Julian Page quickly releases the hold, and both men get up. Julian Page comes off the ropes and goes for a dropkick to the knee, but Russel Taylor performs a diving roll out of the way and comes up on his feet, though he falters and grimaces on the weakened leg as he comes up. Julian Page gets up and charges... right into a Samoan drop from Russel Taylor! Page gets up again, only to get a kick to the midsection from Russel "The Muscle" Taylor! Russel pulls Julian Page into a standing headscissors... but someone just crawled out from under the ring!! CHRIS CHAMPLAIN!! Chris Champlain crawled out from under the ring, wearing a black robe, and he slides in, brandishing an iron mace! Russel Taylor lifts Julian Page for the Power Bomb... and Chris Champlain nails him in the back of the knee with the iron mace, causing Jerry Rogers to call for the bell and disqualify Julian Page!

Russel Taylor defeated Julian Page via disqualification in 0:13:29.
Rating: *

The crowd boos as Chris Champlain surveys his work... Julian Page is rolling out of the ring to the floor, as Russel Taylor writhes on the mat, clutching his knee. Chris Champlain smiles at Russel Taylor, then drops his iron mace and reaches into the folds of his robe... and he pulls out two pairs of handcuffs!? He pulls Russel Taylor up and handcuffs him to the top rope by each wrist... and Russel Taylor quickly falls to his knees. He can't even stand on that leg after Chris Champlain hit him in the knee with that mace. Chris Champlain reaches into the folds of his robe again, and pulls out a barbed scourge this time!! This isn't some flimsy piece of B&M equipment, either... this is the real thing, knotted and barbed, straight out of a medieval torture chamber!

Chris Champlain raises the scourge high in the air, then lashes out at Russel Taylor, causing the snap of the whip connecting and Russel's cry of pain to ring out throughout the arena! There are a number of red lines down Russel's back now, and some of them seem to be bleeding... and Chris Champlain raises the scourge and lashes down hard on Russel again!! Come on, this is just sick!! And he raises the scourge and whips him a third time! He pauses to look around at the booing crowd, with a widening grin... but finally, here comes the H.A.R.P. Squad! About a dozen men from the H.A.R.P. Squad enter the ring, and Chris Champlain turns and lashes the first man to approach him with the scourge, but others tackle him from behind, and he's quickly wrestled to the ground, put into restraints, and pulled out of the ring... and it seems that some of them were able to take the handcuff keys away from Chris Champlain, because now they're going to unchain Russel Taylor, as trainers come out to tend to him. That was nothing short of a disgusting attack...

Now we've received word that we're going to go backstage, where a camera is on Monty Pompous. He wasn't even scheduled to wrestle tonight... what could all this be about?

Backstage...

Monty Pompous is sitting in front of a mirror in an absurdly lavish dressing room, wearing a silk shirt and trousers, and an ornate cloak, and combing his long, dark-brown hair. A large table in the middle of the room is covered with enough fine food to offer a banquet for half a dozen people, and several plush, expensive chairs and sofas are all around in the room. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling above the table. Suddenly, Brian Rivera bursts into the room.

B. Rivera: Hey, Monty! What's up, big guy!?

M. Pompous: Well, THIS is a fine how-do-you-do! What's the meaning of your intrusion into my chambers, you unkempt ruffian?

B. Rivera: Take it easy, man. I'm on your side. I was just coming here because you've been really on fire lately, and I want to hook up with you. Brian Rivera and Monty Pompous... tag team partners. How's that sound?

Monty Pompous stands up, with his cloak swooshing behind him as he whirls to face Brian Rivera, fists on his hips.

M. Pompous: Sir, I am a gentleman, and I have no reason to associate with a common villain such as yourself. I must request then, sir, that you take your leave of my chamber before I am obliged to assist you in taking measure of your length upon the ground.

B. Rivera: Hold up, man. I'm a gentleman too! I got a decked-out ride with speakers that're bomb as hell, I got a high class crib, a bunch of kickass gold chains, and a bitchin' wardrobe. All I need is to hook up with you, so I can be even more gentlemanly and shit!

Monty Pompous strokes his chin thoughtfully as he appraises Brian Rivera.

M. Pompous: So you wish to be my protege, and learn the ways of a true gentleman? I suppose I could attempt to help you there. First of all, you have used two words that must never be spoken by a true gentleman. Those words are "kickass" and "bitchin'".

B. Rivera: All right, Monty P! ... But, just so I know, which two words were they?

M. Pompous: I beg your pardon?

B. Rivera: You said there's two bitchin', kickass words I can't say no more. I'm just wondering what those words ARE, you know?

Monty Pompous stares at Brian Rivera quizzically for a second, then rolls his eyes and sighs.

M. Pompous: I can see that your reform will not be an easy task...

The camera fades out on the dressing room.

An alliance has evidently been formed between Brian Rivera and Monty Pompous, but somehow it seems doubtful that it'll last long, given the absolute conflict of character between the two men. But we're moving right along with the show; "Ballbreaker" by AC/DC begins playing, and that brings out Virginia, accompanied by Stormy Weathers and wearing one of the SJW World Tag Team Titles. Last night, she and Komachi put on an excellent show in their SJW World Tag Team Title defense against Conquest Aizawa and Sadako Momotani, retaining the titles, and tonight Virginia seems even more smug than normal as she comes to the ring. The crowd boos her, and those boos multiply greatly when Stormy Weathers grabs a microphone.

S. Weathers: I want you Indiana corn-jerkers to shut up and pay some respect to an international wrestling champion!!

The crowd boos loudly as Virginia raises her title belt high in the air and points to it.

S. Weathers: Last night, Virginia and her partner Komachi dominated the best athletes Japan had to offer, and they're still the champions. Ol' Stormy's so proud, but this is just the beginning. Virginia already whipped all the wrestlers over in Japan, so now she's starting over in America and she's gonna whip everyone here again too! If you don't like that, y'all can kiss ol' Stormy's ass!!

The crowd continues to boo loudly as Virginia takes the microphone from Stormy Weathers.

Virginia: That's right... Komachi and I are sensations all over the wrestling world. In America, in Canada, in Japan, Germany, Africa, England... everywhere, people are talking about us. There have been some okay women's teams in the past, like Aja Kong and Bull Nakano, Etsuko Mita and Mima Shimoda, Manami Toyota and whoever the hell her partner was... but there's never been ANYTHING like us. You want to change the channel sometime and see what passes for women's wrestling on other shows? Give me ten seconds with Trish Stratus and I'd break her scrawny neck and pop her tits like two big pimples.

But I'm not just a wrestling star... I'm an international sex icon. Thanks to horny losers like all of you, my issue of Overnight Sexation magazine is the highest-selling issue in the magazine's history. Every time I look around at the crowds in these arenas, all I see are a bunch of fat, ugly, pimple-faced adolescent virgins who'd give their right arm for a chance to stick their two-inch dicks in me... and after getting a look at the magazine's sales receipts, I know I'm right. The numbers don't lie.

The crowd boos loudly, and a few pieces of trash are thrown Virginia's way, but all of them miss. However, a cup of cola hits Stormy Weathers in the side of the head, sending him sprawling to the mat, to a huge roar of laughter and cheers from the crowd. Stormy Weathers gets up, yelling at the crowd and shaking his soaked hair... but now "Degenerated" by the Lone Rangers begins playing over the arena sound system, and the crowd cheers even more loudly as Johnny Smiles steps out of the backstage entrance, carrying a microphone! Virginia's amused smirk turns to an angry, annoyed glare... she's obviously not happy to see him here!

J. Smiles: HEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRE'S JOHNNY!!

The crowd cheers loudly and sings along with the catchphrase, but Virginia just shakes her head.

Virginia: Speaking of two-inch penises, look who's here! Hey, Johnny... have fun getting your ass kicked by Julian Page last night?

J. Smiles: You know, it's true... things haven't been going my way lately. Last night, I lost to Julian Page... and today, when Yuri went to Japan, she took Sumiko with her, and I don't even have my stuffed cat to keep me company. All I have are the thousands and thousands of Johnnycoholics, watching me and cheering me on right now!

The crowd erupts into a huge burst of cheers, but Virginia just yawns and gives Johnny Smiles a bored golf clap.

J. Smiles: No thanks, Virginia... I don't need you giving me the clap again.

The crowd laughs, and Virginia opens her mouth for an outraged reply, but none comes out before Johnny speaks again.

J. Smiles: But since you brought up the size of certain private regions of the human anatomy, I think it's only fair to mention what everybody saw when reading your magazine. At the risk of getting too graphic, I figure I should tell you to call Mick Foley if you ever go in for reduction surgery down there, so you can donate the excess tissue and give him a new pair of ears!

Once again, the crowd cheers loudly, and Virginia's face reddens in anger as she remains speechless, sputtering for a reply.

J. Smiles: I mean, really, it looked to me like even Jeremy Longwood had a hard time living up to his name and filling up all your vacancy. But on the bright side, if you ever retire from wrestling, you can still probably make a living renting out warehouse space down there to industrial companies! Also, if you wear a short skirt and go commando, you can probably smuggle baseball bats out of sporting goods stores.

The crowd continues to laugh and cheer, and Virginia reaches the end of her patience and raises her microphone angrily.

Virginia: What the HELL are you trying to say, anyway!?

J. Smiles: It's quite simple, really... in plain English, I'm trying to say that you have an abnormally large--

Stormy Weathers jerks the microphone away from Virginia just in time to interrupt Johnny.

S. Weathers: Shut your mouth, boy! You think you're such hot stuff!? You got a losing streak a mile long, and if you got the guts to get your butt in this ring, Virginia's fixin' to put one more on it, you hear!?

J. Smiles: You think so? Get ready for Wrestlewar III, all over again, because I'll take you down in front of all these Johnnycoholics one more time!

Johnny rushes into the ring and slides inside, then begins trading blows with Virginia as Brendan Powers enters the ring and calls for the bell!

Johnny Smiles

vs.

Virginia
w/Stormy Weathers

It's clear that these two haven't become any closer since Wrestlewar III, as they assault each other eagerly. Virginia seems more confident and calculating than before, wearing down Johnny's back methodically and trying to keep him grounded with rest holds, but Johnny shows the same enthusiasm and energy in fighting back that he always has, and keeps coming back at Virginia. The match spills to the outside of the ring, and they brawl at ringside for a while, with Virginia gaining the upper hand due to Stormy Weathers's distractions. With Johnny in trouble, she nails him with a spinebuster for a near fall, then gives him an amazing chokeslam for an even closer near fall.

The crowd boos as Virginia pulls Johnny up by the hair again, then lifts him on her shoulders and goes into a spin... she's going for the Virgin Sacrifice! But he slips out behind her, then blasts her with a superkick as she turns around! They both go down, but Johnny's up first, and he takes control of the match, hitting several of his favorite spots, then taking Virginia down with another superkick. But as it seems he has the match in hand, Komachi comes charging out of the backstage entrance! Johnny picks Virginia up in a fireman's carry and starts spinning for the Smiledriver... but Stormy Weathers has Brendan Powers distracted, and Komachi jumps up on the apron and punches Johnny Smiles in the face with a pair of brass knuckles! He falls back into a crucifix from Virginia, just in time for Brendan Powers turns around and count to three! Damn it, Johnny just got screwed!

Virginia pinned Johnny Smiles after a crucifix in 0:07:39.
Rating: * 1/2

Virginia raises her hands proudly in the air, celebrating her win, as Komachi and Stormy Weathers enter the ring to join her... but Johnny's getting up, holding his head! He starts complaining to Brendan Powers... and Komachi grabs him by the shoulder and whirls him around... BLUE MIST!! Komachi just caught Johnny with the blue mist, and he staggers back, clutching his eyes! Komachi takes aim, then levels him with a stiff kick to the face... and now Virginia picks him up in a fireman's carry and spins... VIRGIN SACRIFICE!! Johnny is left laid out on the mat, and Virginia, Komachi, and Stormy Weathers roll out of the ring and head backstage, celebrating all the way as the crowd boos loudly and chants "BULLSHIT"! This isn't right...

Our main event is coming up next... but first of all, we're going to take another look at one of those weird videos with Sophie in it... this one, again, comes from the Royal Palace of Bonarbor!

In the Royal Palace of Bonarbor...

Sophie's sitting in a royal bedchamber, eyes downcast as King Paragon lectures her, with Gavin, the Prince of Cats, and Elderon, the court wizard, standing at his side.

K. Paragon: Really, Sophia, I am APPALLED. We buy you nice things, we place our hopes in you, and Elderon labors to create a rare potion... and you turn around and waste his efforts so casually? How could you!?

Sophie: You don't understand! Sir Tristan is SOOOOOO cute! That was the best sex I've ever had!

Elderon: Sophia, after drinking the potion, you were in all ways a virgin again. That was the ONLY sex you've ever had.

Sophie: Hey, nobody asked YOU, okay? You're the one who walked into my room without knocking, you dirty old man!

Elderon harrumphs and turns away, but King Paragon steps forward and fixes his daughter with a stern glare.

K. Paragon: For your information, Sir Tristan is now performing guard duty in a whaling town in the Northern Wastes. And your misbehavior will be appropriately punished as well, Sophia. But more pressingly, I am sure that Queen Morgana is not idle during this time. What will we do? Obviously Sophia cannot bond to the unicorn now...

Elderon: We will try to summon an alternate animal for her. But it will be beyond our control now. She will bond with the animal that most closely matches what is in her heart.

Sophie: Yeah, and that'll be a tiger or a griffon or a pegasus or something, I know it. So, see, there's no problem! Who needs some old unicorn!? I'll still get a great animal!

Elderon: I certainly hope you will, or else you may have doomed us all with your ill-advised lust.

Sophie: Yeah, well at least I don't need to be a virgin anymore. Hear that, Gavin? Why don't you stop by my room later on tonight?

Gavin: I certainly will NOT. Sophia, you will have a great many responsibilities placed upon your shoulders in the coming trials... and you appear unable to handle the least of them. You must control your impulses.

K. Paragon: Perhaps you have too much idle time, Sophia. I will make a list of chores for you to do--

Sophie stands up angrily and pokes King Paragon in the chest.

Sophie: No! I'm not doing any stupid chores! You're not the boss of me!

K. Paragon: Very well... then you'll have to stay in your room until you're ready to be more cooperative. And you'll do without any of that dreadful, fatty, sugary food that you send my subjects to Earth for every night. You can eat roast meat, boiled vegetables, and brown bread like the rest of us.

Sophie: No, wait... I didn't mean it! You are, in fact, the boss of me... I was just kidding, really!

King Paragon sighs and shakes his head.

K. Paragon: I suppose I should be pleased that you'll agree to some chores now... but not only are you immature, greedy, gluttonous, lustful, and lazy, but you relent under the slightest threat of discomfort or inconvenience. Suffice it to say that I have no illusions about your ability to withhold information from Morgana's men if you're captured.

Sophie: Hey, I didn't tell them where the Eternal Stone was, did I?

K. Paragon: No... because you never knew where it was yourself.

Sophie: Details, details... you just can't give me any credit, can you?

K. Paragon: I... this becomes unbearable. I must go lie down.

Elderon: I understand, your Majesty. Believe me, I do.

King Paragon and Elderon leave the room, followed by Gavin.

Sophie: Gavin, wait! Don't leave me alone!

Gavin: Sophia... you are simply impossible. You've behaved like a brat ever since coming here and learning you're a princess, and it's a cruel trick of fate that our survival hinges upon you. I'm sorry, my princess. I must go.

Gavin steps out of the door and closes it behind him.

Sophie: That's it, I wanna go home! My REAL parents wouldn't make me fight bad monsters and do a bunch of stupid chores!

Sophie flings herself down on the bed, pouting, as the scene fades out.

Obviously, not all's well in Bonarbor these days. But now, we're ready to get started with our main event! "War Machine" by KISS begins playing, and the crowd cheers loudly as Bass Rogers and the Grave Digger come out of the backstage entrance! At a combined weight of over seven hundred pounds, these are two of the biggest and baddest men in VCW, and tonight they're definitely eager for a fight. We know that, after losing the VCW World Title to Crimson last night, the Grave Digger's eager for a rematch... and we saw Bass Rogers brawl with Crimson in the opening of our show. They enter the ring, and Bass Rogers bellows at the crowd as the Grave Digger stands imposingly behind him, with the crowd cheering them on.

But now "Walk" by Pantera begins playing over the arena sound system, and the crowd boos loudly! Here comes Crimson, the VCW World Champion, walking out of the backstage entrance with the title around his waist as the crowd boos loudly. Lance Errington follows him out, once again wearing a black and silver robe, and black and silver trunks. He's accompanied this time by Derek Cole, who smiles and points to him for the crowd as they come to the ring. They're taking their time, as if cautious about coming to the ring, and as they near the ring Crimson pulls Lance Errington and Derek Cole aside to say something to them. Then they turn and charge, sliding into the ring, and Linda Peterson enters the ring to call for the bell as well!

Crimson & Lance Errington
w/Derek Cole

vs.

Grave Digger & Bass Rogers

Crimson and Bass Rogers tear into each other viciously from the opening bell, getting into an out-of-control brawl that spills out of the ring, leaving Lance Errington in the ring with the Grave Digger. The Grave Digger brutalizes Lance Errington, mauling him, bumping him around the ring, and destroying him with power offense, until Derek Cole reaches into the ring and trips the Digger as he runs into the ropes for a Yakuza kick. Lance Errington gains the edge with an Ace Crusher, then goes on offense with rabid aggression, working over the Grave Digger's right knee to take away his vertical base and set up the Scorpion Deathlock. In the past, this targetted offense hasn't had much success with the Grave Digger... but then again, what has?

With order finally restored in the Crimson-Bass Rogers brawl, and both men returned to their corners, Lance Errington tags in Crimson, and he goes to work on the Grave Digger, giving him a few big power moves just as he did last night at Blood and Thunder. With the Grave Digger down, Lance Errington gets tagged back in and puts on the Scorpion Deathlock... but that seems almost meaningless, because the Grave Digger's green eyes flash open with a look of intensity, and he just crawls his way to his corner and tags in Bass Rogers! Bass Rogers comes in and pulverizes Lance Errington with a flurry of stiff blows and power moves... and Lance Errington begins begging off, so Bass Rogers orders him to tag out to Crimson! Lance Errington doesn't need to be told twice... he makes the tag, and here comes Crimson!

Crimson and Bass Rogers go at it tooth and nail in the ring now, trading heavy blows and power moves. After a few minutes, Crimson overpowers Bass Rogers and takes control, isolating him and taking turns with Lance Errington in breaking him down. They use a lot of restholds, forcing Bass Rogers to expend his strength fighting out of them, and keeping him from using his devestating, explosive offense, though it does bore the crowd a little bit. With Bass Rogers starting to wear down, Lance Errington goes for a double-leg takedown, perhaps into the Scorpion Deathlock... but Bass Rogers clubs him in the back and pulls him into a standing headscissors... POWER BOMB!! But Bass Rogers is weak and weary himself now, and both men are down! They're both crawling for their corners... and the Grave Digger and Crimson both get tags!!

The crowd erupts as the Grave Digger and Crimson both charge into the ring and start trading blows, and the Grave Digger starts to get the upper hand! He whips Crimson into a corner, and Crimson staggers out... into the Grave Yard Slam!! The Grave Digger goes for the cover... but only gets a two count from Linda Peterson before the kickout! Meanwhile, Bass Rogers is mugging Lance Errington on the outside... but Derek Cole comes from behind Bass Rogers and nails him with a low blow! He doubles over... and Lance Errington crawls to the timekeeper's table and grabs the ring bell, then nails Bass Rogers upside the head with it! Back in the ring, the Grave Digger hits the Cradle To Grave for a count of two and a half, then chokeslams Crimson to a thunderous roar from the crowd... but only gets two and three-quarters, as Crimson kicks out of his own finishing move!

The Grave Digger points down at Crimson and draws his thumb across his throat, then starts to pull him up by the hair... but Derek Cole has Linda Peterson distracted, and Lance Errington climbs to the top turnbuckle with the ring bell! He comes off... and NAILS the Grave Digger in the back of the head with it! The Grave Digger buckles to his knees... and Crimson gets to his feet, then grabs his throat... CHOKESLAM!! Crimson just Chokeslammed the Digger again, and he goes for the cover, with his feet on the ropes! Linda Peterson turns around and sees the cover, but not the feet on the ropes, and counts to three!! Damn it, Crimson just beat the Grave Digger again!!

Crimson and Lance Errington defeated Bass Rogers and The Grave Digger when Crimson pinned Digger with the Chokeslam in 0:19:21.
Rating: *

Crimson rolls out of the ring as the Grave Digger angrily sits up, joining Lance Errington and Derek Cole as they withdraw from the ring. He grabs the VCW World Title on his way out and raises it high, earning some heavy boos from the crowd, and an angry stare from Bass Rogers and the Grave Digger. They just got cheated, and they're furious about that... but there's nothing they can do right now, as Crimson, Lance Errington, and Derek Cole withdraw up the ramp. The Grave Digger and Bass Rogers also begin leaving, but the look on each man's face shows that he won't soon forget what happened here tonight.

But right now, we're going to try to get the satellite feed from Arizona... and here's Gabriel Black, up on the ViolenTron! Let's look and listen to what he has to say, speaking out for the first time in nearly six months!

At Gabriel Black's House...

Gabriel Black is sitting down on a large sofa in a spacious living room, facing the camera. At his side is an attractive woman with black hair with a slight widow's peak, holding a sleeping baby girl of perhaps five months of age.

G. Black: I guess there are a number of things I'd like to say right now, so if you'd all pay attention for a little bit I'll be very grateful. First of all, I'm coming back... I WILL wrestle full-time again, and it's great to be back in VCW!

Even with the arena noise somewhat muted, the explosion of cheers from the crowd still comes through.

G. Black: I'd like to thank a lot of people for wishing me well in my recovery. My wife Charlotte, my new daughter Molly, my father and mother, and all my millions of fans all around the world who sent an outpouring of mail and get-well cards... thank you very much. I just hope that seeing me get back in the ring and give you some more great matches as only I can will be enough to repay all your kindness. Thank you.

Another roar of muted crowd noise comes through, but Gabriel Black's smile disappears as he becomes more serious.

G. Black: But not all of what I have to say is quite so pleasant and upbeat. First of all, I'd like to say something to Tony Garcia... I'd like to extend an offering of peace. We beat the hell out of each other a few times... but it's over now, and I still respect Tony, because he was always man enough to confront me face-to-face. So Tony... if you want to bury the hatchet, if you don't want any more trouble with me... I'm fine with that. No apologies needed.

Second of all... Rebecca. I watched the show earlier, and I saw what you said... and on behalf of the entire family, I want to urge you to seek counselling. You've been bringing disgrace on this family your entire life, but this is different. This is sickening. It's a sign that you're mentally ill. This isn't like going down on guys in the junior high bathrooms for a bottle of Jack Daniels when you were a kid... this is a horrible mental and emotional problem. I love you, Mom and Dad love you... but you need to decide to get help. And only you can do that. I know we'll all be praying for you... but for the love of God, see a counsellor.

Gabriel Black clears his throat, and now anger is creeping into his face and voice as he begins to speak again.

G. Black: And now... I have to talk about Troy Black, my little brother, who betrayed me, tried to end my career, and left me for dead at the end of Wrestlewar III. Now, I know that what goes around comes around, and maybe I had a little of that coming after I spent a few years trying to run him out of this sport. I don't blame him for wanting to hurt me; what bothers me is the betrayal. I was never a saint, but I never needed to gain somebody's trust, then stab them in the back... I'd always come at them head-on, and destroy them because I can. I was, and I still am, the greatest wrestler in the world, and I'm not afraid to confront anybody face-to-face, man-to-man. I don't need to sneak around... I deal with anybody in the open, because Gabriel Black DOES NOT LOSE.

It's obvious you can't say the same thing about my brother Troy. He was spiteful, and he wanted to end my career... but he didn't have the guts to bring it up. We could have talked it out, we could have fought it out... but he knew that if he came at me and tried to end my career, I'd end his instead, in self-defense. So instead, he proved himself to be a coward and a backstabber. But he also proved himself to be incompetent, because even with that slimeball Lorenzo Vasquez, with that emotionally unstable freak Desmond and that worthless piece of scum Brujah... even with Tony Garcia himself on his side... he couldn't finish the job.

Sure, it took a while. I had to watch Molly's birth with a broken back... I had to think over the possibility that I might never be the same, that I might never be able to be the father and husband my family deserves. Even now, now that I'm healthy, there's a part of me that wants to retire, before something like this happens again and I can't come back from it as the man I used to be. But I still have unfinished business with you. I'm back, Troy, and there's nowhere you can run to now, nobody that can protect you from me... and I'm here to see you out of this business for good. Whether I have to beat you in a retirement match, or break every bone in your body, I'm here to end your career.

Another round of muted cheers comes up from the crowd, and Gabriel Black becomes quieter and less animated for a second.

G. Black: It's not just for me. I've been watching you every week, Troy. I've seen what you've done to other people. Every Sunday morning, when we went down to church, and all of our friends banded together to pray for me, I prayed too. But I didn't pray to recover for my own sake, or even for my family's sake... I prayed to recover so that I could come back and stop you before you destroyed someone else's life. And it seems like maybe I'm a little late. I don't blame you for what you did to Falcon or Sandis Arlington... they knew what they were getting into when they signed the contract. But what you've done to Tony Garcia, to Brujah, and especially to Melissa has disgusted me. It's too late for Tony Garcia... he's out of the business now. Brujah's young and impressionable... I sincerely hope he sees the error of your ways and abandons your megalomaniac cause. And Melissa, if I may speak to you directly... I know Troy has put you through hell emotionally and physically, especially with what happened last night. And if you ever need anybody to talk to, my family and I would welcome you into our hearts.

Gabriel Black shifts his position on the couch, pausing again before he speaks.

G. Black: And while Troy Black's my number-one target, he's not the only one on the list. There are a lot of guys in VCW who may have to reckon with me. I'm talking about guys like Julian Page, Lance Errington... while we're at it, like the VCW World Champion himself, Crimson. Before it's all said and done, they'll all have to go a few rounds with me, but I'll make it no secret that Troy Black is my first target. Troy... you will be humbled before me and brought down by any means necessary. You can try to escape, or you can finally prove me wrong and face it like a man... but one way or the other, your days are numbered. The angel of vengance has marked you, Troy... may God have mercy upon your soul.

With that, the satellite feed fades out.

Wow... Gabriel Black is BACK, and he's coming for Troy Black! What's going to happen here? We're out of time tonight, but what's going to happen next week? Will Gabriel Black be returning to VCW television in person? Will he confront Troy Black? We'll find out, plus we'll see two more Survival of the Fittest first-round matches, all next week! Here are the current tournament standings as of tonight as we go off the air! See you later!!

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