The search
for HCW’s next generation begins again tonight on Live Wire.
HCW
Director of Talent Relations Adam Jameson will officially launch Proving
Grounds Season 2, beginning another search for wrestlers hoping to earn
their place in Heritage Championship Wrestling. Fittingly, tonight’s opening
contest will feature Proving Grounds veterans as Lee-thal Combination
faces the Dynamic Duo.
Elsewhere
tonight, former World Ladies Champion Luciana Albano, accompanied by
Pierre Boulay, has demanded time to address the championship picture following
Reign of Champions.
A new
alliance will also see action when Zack Brown, Rick Rourke & Salvador
Vega battle the Muscles Trio, while Dixie Caverns meets Leslie
Grimes in singles competition.
The Brothers
Grimmstone return to action against the Freedom Fighters, but Alaric
and Elias have made it clear that their attention remains fixed on unfinished
business with the Iron Curtain.
In a major
non-title contest, HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi faces Nico “the
Inferno” Burnett, accompanied by Julian Furnace. Burnett believes defeating
the World Champion tonight will make it impossible for HCW officials to deny
him a future championship opportunity.
And in
tonight’s main event, HCW Television Champion The Rich Athlete,
accompanied by Ruth Heartless, has promised to personally select the man who
will challenge him for the Television Championship.
Who has
The Rich Athlete chosen?
Find out
tonight on HCW LIVE WIRE!
HCW
LIVE WIRE
The HCW
logo fills the screen.
A bolt of
electricity tears through it.
LIVE
WIRE
The
opening theme explodes through the Columbia Coliseum as the camera sweeps
across a packed crowd. Fans are already on their feet as blue and orange lights
race throughout the building.
Pyrotechnics
erupt across the entrance stage.
The camera
moves through the crowd before cutting to ringside and the Live Wire commentary
team.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Welcome, everyone, to the Columbia Coliseum! Heritage Championship Wrestling
is back on the air, and this is Live Wire!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And we aren't wasting any time tonight, Mike. Six matches, the World Champion
in action, a Television Championship defense, and apparently The Rich Athlete
gets to pick his own challenger.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“We'll get to that later tonight, but we're beginning with the future of
Heritage Championship Wrestling. After the success of the first Proving
Grounds, the doors are opening once again.”
The arena
lights begin to dim.
The
familiar LIVE WIRE logo remains on the massive video wall above the entrance
stage.
Another
graphic appears beneath it.
PROVING
GROUNDS
SEASON
2
The crowd
responds as Adam Jameson steps through the curtain.
The HCW
Director of Talent Relations walks onto the stage in a dark suit with a
microphone already in his hand. Jameson stops near the top of the entrance ramp
and looks out across the Columbia Coliseum.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“There is the man HCW has entrusted with finding the next generation of talent.
Adam Jameson has spent months scouting wrestlers, studying prospects and
looking for people who might deserve an opportunity here.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Finding somebody who wants to wrestle for HCW isn't difficult. Finding
somebody good enough to stay here? That's the hard part.”
Jameson
raises the microphone.
Adam
Jameson:
“Last season, we opened the doors to the Proving Grounds with a simple idea.”
Jameson
looks across the audience.
Adam
Jameson:
“There are wrestlers out there who believe they belong in Heritage Championship
Wrestling.”
Jameson
pauses.
Adam
Jameson:
“We gave them the opportunity to prove it.”
A cheer
rises from the crowd.
Adam
Jameson:
“Some succeeded. Some didn't. But every one of them learned exactly what it
takes to compete here.”
Jameson
turns and looks toward the massive PROVING GROUNDS — SEASON 2 graphic behind
him.
Adam
Jameson:
“And now we're doing it again.”
The crowd
cheers louder.
Adam
Jameson:
“Over the past several months, I've watched matches. I've studied tapes. I've
traveled to shows most of you have probably never heard of. I've talked to
trainers, promoters and wrestlers from across the country—and beyond it.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Sounds like Jameson has been busy.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And apparently the search isn't over.”
Adam
Jameson:
“Some invitations have already gone out.”
That
produces an immediate reaction from the crowd.
Jameson
smiles slightly. He knows exactly what everyone wants him to say next.
Adam
Jameson:
“No, I'm not giving you the names tonight.”
The crowd
responds with playful boos.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Oh, come on!”
Jameson
laughs before continuing.
Adam
Jameson:
“Because getting an invitation isn't the accomplishment.”
Jameson's
expression becomes more serious.
Adam
Jameson:
“What you do after you get one is.”
The
reaction from the crowd changes.
Adam
Jameson:
“Proving Grounds isn't a shortcut into HCW. It isn't a participation trophy.
And it certainly isn't a guarantee.”
Adam
Jameson:
“It's an opportunity.”
Jameson
points toward the ring.
Adam
Jameson:
“You want to wrestle in that ring?”
Adam
Jameson:
“You want your name on an HCW marquee?”
Adam
Jameson:
“You want to stand across from the best wrestlers in Heritage Championship
Wrestling and find out whether you're really as good as everyone back home
keeps telling you that you are?”
Jameson
lowers the microphone as the crowd grows louder.
He raises
it again.
Adam
Jameson:
“Prove it.”
A strong
cheer erupts throughout the Columbia Coliseum.
Adam
Jameson:
“The search for the next Proving Grounds class is underway.”
Jameson
turns toward the video wall.
Adam
Jameson:
“And Proving Grounds Season 2 starts tonight!”
The
PROVING GROUNDS — SEASON 2 graphic flashes across the video wall as Jameson's
music begins to play.
Jameson
gives the crowd one final look before turning and disappearing through the
curtain.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“There you have it! The invitations went out, the scouting continues, and
somewhere out there right now are wrestlers who could become the next members
of the HCW roster.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“But Adam said it himself. An invitation doesn't mean you've made it. You've
still got to survive the Proving Grounds.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And what better way to begin Season 2 than with four men who already know
something about proving themselves? Lee-thal Combination meets the Dynamic Duo,
and that match is next!”
The arena
lights shift as “Rebel Thunder” begins to play.
Boos
spread through the Columbia Coliseum as Mike “the Rebel” Matthews and Chris
“Thunderstrike” Thompson step through the curtain. The Dynamic Duo pause at the
top of the ramp, looking out over the crowd with matching smirks.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And here come the veterans. Mike Matthews and Chris Thompson have been with
HCW for some time, and tonight they're facing brand new talent…talent looking
for their spot in HCW.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's an advantage, Mike. They know what this feels like. They know the
pressure that comes with walking into an HCW ring and being told to prove you
belong.”
Matthews
motions toward the ring before he and Thompson start down the aisle. They
ignore the outstretched hands along the barricade, instead exchanging words
with a few particularly vocal fans.
The
Dynamic Duo climb into the ring and take their corner.
“Rebel
Thunder” fades.
After a
brief pause, “Against the Odds” begins to play.
The
reaction changes immediately as Broco Lee and Possib Lee emerge onto the Live
Wire stage.
Possib
takes in the reception with a broad smile, raising an arm toward the crowd.
Beside him, Broco surveys the Columbia Coliseum with a much more measured
expression. The two exchange a fist bump before starting toward the ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And there they are! Broco Lee and Possib Lee—Lee-thal Combination—and this is
the moment they've been waiting for. Their Proving Grounds journey begins right
here on Live Wire.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Forget about the cheers. Forget about Adam Jameson's speech. This is the part
that matters. They've been given an opportunity. Now they've got to do
something with it.”
Possib
enthusiastically reaches toward the fans along the barricade, slapping hands as
he makes his way down the aisle.
Broco
keeps a steadier pace beside him. He isn't avoiding the crowd, offering a hand
or a nod when a fan catches him nearby, but his attention remains primarily on
the ring—and the Dynamic Duo waiting inside it.
Possib
eventually catches back up with his partner as they reach ringside.
Broco
looks into the ring at Matthews and Thompson before turning to Possib. Another
quick fist bump between the partners, and Lee-thal Combination climb through
the ropes.
Possib
acknowledges the cheering crowd one more time while Broco settles into their
corner, his eyes already fixed on the Proving Grounds veterans across the ring.
With all
four men inside the ring, Tony “Echo” Calibur steps to the center with
microphone in hand.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is a PROVING GROUNDS
MATCH, scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd
cheers.
Calibur
gestures toward the Dynamic Duo.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Introducing first, the Proving Grounds veterans... Chris ‘Thunderstrike’
Thompson and Mike ‘the Rebel’ Matthews... THE DYNAMIC DUO!”
Matthews
throws his arms into the air while Thompson confidently nods. The crowd answers
with boos.
Calibur
turns toward the opposite corner.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“And their opponents, making their Proving Grounds debut... Broco Lee and
Possib Lee... LEE-THAL COMBINATION!”
Broco and
Possib raise their arms as the crowd gives the newcomers a strong reception.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Lee-thal Combination have been given their opportunity. Now comes the test.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And they've got thirty minutes to show Adam Jameson they belong here.”
Tony
Calibur exits the ring as the referee brings both teams forward for final
instructions.
The
Dynamic Duo return to their corner. Lee-thal Combination do the same.
One member
of each team steps through the ropes onto the apron, leaving the opening
competitors inside the ring.
The
referee checks both men and signals to the timekeeper.
DING!
DING! DING!
The bell rings, and Chris “Thunderstrike” Thompson starts
for the Dynamic Duo against Broco Lee. Thompson immediately takes control,
catching Broco in a Super Lock and forcing the newcomer to spend the opening
minute fighting his way free.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Not the start Broco Lee wanted. Thompson is making sure Lee-thal Combination
understands immediately what the Proving Grounds can be like.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And that's exactly what a veteran should do. Don't give them time to settle
in.”
Broco tags Possib Lee, but the change only gives the Dynamic
Duo another target. Thompson and Mike “the Rebel” Matthews exploit an opening
to double-team Possib, combining an Enzuigiri and Face Stomp before continuing
the assault with a Knee Drop and Bodyslam.
Possib refuses to simply absorb it. A Running Hurricanrana
catches Thompson, and moments later a Superkick gives Lee-thal Combination its
first real spark.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Possib Lee is taking a beating, but he's firing right back!”
Thompson shuts that momentum down with a DDT, prompting
Possib to get back to Broco.
Broco immediately changes the complexion of the match by
drilling Thompson with The Drop Zone, but Thompson answers with a
Superkick of his own. Matthews tags in, and the match settles into a fast
exchange of tags and offense. Broco connects with a Knee Drop and later a
Delayed Vertical Suplex, while Possib catches Matthews with a Step Up Enzuigiri.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“I'll give Lee-thal Combination this much—they're not intimidated. Every time
the Dynamic Duo hits them, they're coming back for more.”
Both teams switch again, leaving Possib and Thompson in the
ring. This time Thompson catches Possib cleanly with a Vertical Suplex and
immediately hooks the leg.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Possib kicks out!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Possib Lee gets the shoulder up!”
Thompson looks frustrated but doesn't waste time arguing. He
tags Matthews back into the match.
Matthews goes straight after Possib and plants him with a
Face Stomp, but Possib survives and finds an opening. Matthews reaches for him
again—
Possib catches the arm.
He twists Matthews down and quickly transitions into the LEE
LOCK!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“LEE LOCK! POSSIB HAS IT!”
Matthews struggles, trying to find a way out. Thompson
shouts from the apron as Broco watches from the opposite corner.
Possib cinches the hold tighter.
Matthews taps!
DING! DING! DING!
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“Here are your winners by submission at ten minutes... BROCO LEE AND
POSSIB LEE... LEE-THAL COMBINATION!”
Possib releases the hold as “Honest” Abe raises his arm.
Broco enters the ring and joins his partner, giving Possib an approving nod
before the two bump fists.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“What a start! Their first night in the Proving Grounds, and Lee-thal
Combination just defeated the veterans!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And Possib Lee made Mike Matthews quit. You want to get Adam Jameson's
attention? That's one way to do it.”
Possib celebrates openly with the crowd while Broco remains
more restrained. He raises an arm alongside his partner, then looks back toward
the defeated Dynamic Duo before Lee-thal Combination leaves the ring together.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Broco Lee and Possib Lee were tested tonight, and they passed their first
test. Proving Grounds Season 2 begins with a victory for Lee-thal Combination!”
Official Result
Lee-thal Combination defeated
Dynamic Duo at 10:00 when Possib Lee forced Mike “the Rebel” Matthews to submit
to the Lee Lock.
Lee-thal Combination make their way back up the aisle
following their successful Proving Grounds debut. Possib Lee continues
acknowledging the fans along the barricade, while Broco Lee walks alongside
him, occasionally responding to a nearby fan but otherwise carrying himself
with the same measured demeanor he showed on the way to the ring.
Back at ringside, the Dynamic Duo regroup after the
submission loss.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“What a way to begin Proving Grounds Season 2. Lee-thal Combination were put
under pressure by two men who have already experienced the Proving Grounds, and
Broco Lee and Possib Lee found a way through it.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Don't start handing them contracts yet, Mike. They passed one test. That's it.
But I'll say this—making one of the veterans submit is going to make people pay
attention.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And you can be certain Adam Jameson was paying attention. But right now, we're
changing subjects because there is another woman who has been demanding HCW's
attention ever since Reign of Champions.”
The lights inside the Columbia Coliseum shift.
An elegant but ominous orchestral theme, “La Corona
Perduta,” begins to play.
Boos immediately rain down from the crowd.
Luciana Albano emerges through the curtain with Pierre
Boulay following closely behind her. Luciana doesn't acknowledge the reaction.
Her expression is cold and visibly angry as she walks onto the stage with an
HCW microphone already in her hand.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“At Reign of Champions, Luciana Albano lost the HCW World Ladies Championship
to Aurora Storm. We knew Luciana wasn't going to accept that quietly.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Why should she? Luciana was the champion, Mike. If anybody has a legitimate
reason to demand Aurora Storm's attention, it's the woman Aurora took that
championship from.”
Luciana starts down the aisle with Pierre beside her. Pierre
occasionally gestures dismissively toward the jeering fans, but Luciana never
takes her eyes off the ring.
She climbs the steps and enters between the ropes. Pierre
follows.
Luciana walks directly to the center of the ring.
Her music stops.
The boos grow louder.
Luciana waits.
And waits.
Finally, she raises the microphone.
Luciana Albano:
“Are you finished?”
The response is another wave of boos.
Luciana's eyes narrow.
Luciana Albano:
“At Reign of Champions, Aurora Storm walked away with something that belongs to
me.”
Pierre nods emphatically behind her.
Luciana Albano:
“My World Ladies Championship.”
The crowd cheers at the mention of Aurora.
Luciana Albano:
“You can cheer her. You can celebrate her. You can pretend that one victory
erased everything I accomplished as champion.”
Luciana shakes her head.
Luciana Albano:
“But there is one thing none of you can change.”
She points toward herself.
Luciana Albano:
“I am the former champion. And I am owed my opportunity to take that
championship back.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“I think we all knew where this was going.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And she's got a point.”
Luciana begins pacing slowly across the ring.
Luciana Albano:
“But apparently, while I've been waiting for HCW to show me the respect I've
earned, someone else has decided she can simply walk to the front of the line.”
The crowd begins reacting before Luciana even says the name.
Luciana Albano:
“Nyx Evermore.”
Boos mix with scattered reactions throughout the building.
Luciana Albano:
“Nyx beats Chloe Parker and suddenly she thinks she can call out Aurora Storm?”
Luciana gives a dismissive laugh.
Luciana Albano:
“No.”
Pierre steps closer, smiling.
Luciana Albano:
“You don't get to decide you're next because Lazarus Blackstar whispers
something in your ear and you suddenly feel important.”
Luciana looks directly toward the camera.
Luciana Albano:
“Nyx, if you want Aurora Storm, then you wait.”
She points toward the mat.
Luciana Albano:
“Behind me.”
The crowd reacts loudly.
Pierre Boulay:
“Exactly! Luciana Albano carried that championship with distinction! She
elevated it! She made it prestigious!”
Luciana allows Pierre to continue.
Pierre Boulay:
“And now this... this convert believes she may simply demand what belongs to
Luciana?”
Pierre scoffs.
Pierre Boulay:
“Ridiculous!”
Luciana raises her microphone again.
Luciana Albano:
“Aurora, enjoy my championship while you can.”
She pauses.
Luciana Albano:
“Because I don't care whether HCW gives me my rematch next week, next month, or
makes me go through Nyx Evermore to get it.”
Luciana's expression hardens.
Luciana Albano:
“I will get my opportunity.”
Luciana Albano:
“And when I do, the World Ladies Championship comes back where it belongs.”
Luciana lowers the microphone.
“La Corona Perduta” begins playing again as Pierre applauds
her declaration.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Luciana Albano has drawn a very clear line tonight. She believes her status as
former champion puts her ahead of Nyx Evermore.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And did you hear the important part? If HCW makes her go through Nyx, she'll
do it. Maybe that's exactly how this should be settled.”
Pierre holds the ropes open for Luciana.
Luciana steps through and drops to the floor. Pierre follows
her out of the ring, and the two begin making their way back up the aisle.
Luciana never looks back.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Aurora Storm has two very dangerous women looking in her direction, and sooner
or later HCW officials are going to have to determine who gets to stand across
the ring from the World Ladies Champion.”
Luciana and Pierre disappear through the curtain as the
camera returns to ringside.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“We've got plenty more still to come tonight on Live Wire. Up next, six-man tag
team action as Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega meet the Muscles
Trio!”
The theme “Flex Appeal” hits the sound system.
The crowd responds as Muscles McGuire, Muscles Weasley and
Muscles Thorpe emerge onto the Live Wire stage.
The three men stop at the top of the aisle and strike a
collective pose. McGuire flexes while Weasley and Thorpe join him, drawing
another reaction from the Columbia Coliseum.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Here comes the Muscles Trio! Muscles McGuire, Muscles Weasley and Muscles
Thorpe have a major challenge waiting for them tonight.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“I'll give them this much, Mike. They certainly look ready. Of course, looking
ready and being ready for those three men on the other side are two different
things.”
The trio head down the aisle. Weasley enthusiastically
acknowledges the fans while McGuire and Thorpe exchange a few hand slaps with
those close to the barricade.
At ringside, the three gather together before climbing onto
the apron and entering the ring.
McGuire takes the center and flexes once more as Weasley and
Thorpe play to the crowd from the ropes.
“Flex Appeal” fades.
The atmosphere changes.
The opening notes of the theme “Hostile Takeover”
hit.
Zack Brown steps through the curtain, followed closely by
Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega.
The crowd greets all three with boos.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And here comes the opposition. Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega—three
men who have found common cause and have become increasingly dangerous because
of it.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Now look at the difference, Mike. No posing. No playing around. Brown, Rourke
and Vega are walking down there like they've got business to take care of.”
Rourke keeps his eyes fixed on the ring while Vega exchanges
words with a fan along the barricade. Brown walks slightly ahead of both men,
directing them toward their opponents.
The Muscles Trio remain inside the ring and watch them
approach.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Whatever you think of their methods, this alliance has made Zack Brown, Rick
Rourke and Salvador Vega a combination nobody in HCW can afford to overlook.”
Brown climbs onto the apron. Rourke and Vega join him before
all three enter the ring together.
The two trios begin moving toward one another.
The referee immediately steps between them and orders both
sides back.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Maybe we don't need introductions. Just get out of the way.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Six-man tag team action on Live Wire! Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and Salvador
Vega against Muscles McGuire, Muscles Weasley and Muscles Thorpe!”
Both teams confer in their corners before selecting their opening competitors.
Four men step onto the aprons while the two starters move toward the center.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“The Muscles Trio certainly have the power, but Brown, Rourke and Vega have
already demonstrated they're willing to do whatever they think is necessary to
get what they want.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Then those muscles had better be good for something besides posing.”
The referee checks both competitors before turning toward
the timekeeper.
He signals for the bell.
The bell rings with Zack Brown and Muscles McGuire starting
for their respective teams, but Brown immediately brings Rourke and Vega into
the equation. The three men swarm McGuire, hammering him with a Lawman Lariat,
Powerbomb and Three Quarter Nelson Suplex before “Honest” Abe restores order.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That didn't take long! Brown, Rourke and Vega are already using the numbers to
their advantage!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“It's a six-man tag, Mike. If the Muscles Trio don't like it, they ought to
bring their own three-man attack.”
McGuire recovers quickly, answering Brown's Paratrooper
Plunge with the Muscles Crush, but Brown continues pressing the attack.
A Powerbomb puts McGuire back on the defensive before McGuire manages to
reverse a Bossman Slam and reach Muscles Weasley.
This time it's the Muscles Trio who overwhelm Brown. Weasley
drills him with a Tornado DDT, McGuire follows with a Diving Crossbody and
Thorpe hurls Brown hard into the corner. They keep the pressure on with Corner
Chest Stomps and a Jumping Back Elbow.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Turnabout is fair play! The Muscles Trio are giving Brown, Rourke and Vega a
taste of their own medicine!”
Brown survives and catches Weasley with a Lawman Lariat,
bringing McGuire back into the match.
McGuire proves much harder to control this time. He reverses
a Powerbomb into a Pendulum Backbreaker, and another exchange sees both men
countering repeatedly before McGuire finally drops Brown with a Boom Drop
Jumping Double Leg.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Brown can't put McGuire away! Every time he thinks he's got him, McGuire finds
another counter.”
Brown tries a Football Tackle, but McGuire neutralizes it. A
Lawman Lariat and Hurricanrana collide in the next exchange before McGuire
finally tags Muscles Thorpe.
Thorpe and Weasley attempt another combination attack, but
Brown sees it coming. He turns the situation around and blasts Thorpe with the
Lawman Lariat.
One minute later, Brown plants Thorpe with a Powerbomb and
hooks the leg.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Thorpe kicks out!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Muscles Thorpe survives!”
Thorpe immediately gets to his corner and tags Muscles
Weasley.
Weasley steps through the ropes, but Brown is waiting.
Brown fires a Dropkick that catches Weasley cleanly and
sends him crashing to the mat.
Brown covers.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!... THREE!”
DING! DING! DING!
Brown rises as Rourke and Vega enter the ring to join him.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That's it! Zack Brown catches Muscles Weasley, and Brown, Rourke and Vega take
the victory!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Fourteen minutes, Mike. The Muscles Trio gave them everything they had, but
when Brown got his opening, he didn't waste it.”
“Honest” Abe raises Brown's arm while Rourke and Vega stand
alongside him. Across the ring, McGuire and Thorpe check on Weasley as the
crowd voices its displeasure with the result.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“This alliance continues to build momentum. Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and
Salvador Vega have shown once again that together, they're going to be a
problem for a lot of people in HCW.”
Live Wire returns backstage, where Candace Hart stands
beside Caesar King. He stands with his arms folded across his chest, his
expression making it clear he has something on his mind.
Candace turns toward Caesar before raising the microphone.
Candace Hart:
“Caesar, you've asked for this time tonight because you believe there's
something missing from your career here in HCW. What exactly is it that you
want?”
Caesar looks at Candace for a moment before answering.
Caesar King:
“What do I want?”
He gives a short laugh.
Caesar King:
“Look at me, Candace. Does this look like a man who should have to explain what
he wants?”
Candace doesn't react to the intimidation.
Candace Hart:
“You requested the interview.”
Caesar's expression changes slightly.
Caesar King:
“Fair enough.”
He turns his attention fully toward Candace.
Caesar King:
“I want gold.”
Caesar King:
“I look around HCW and I see men walking around with championships who aren't
stronger than me. They aren't more dangerous than me. And they damn sure aren't
more deserving than me.”
Candace Hart:
“Is there a particular championship you're targeting?”
Caesar pauses.
Caesar King:
“No.”
Candace raises an eyebrow.
Caesar King:
“Because I don't care which champion has the courage to stand across the ring
from me first.”
King unfolds his arms.
Caesar King:
“World Championship. United States Championship. Television Championship.
Hardcore Championship.”
Caesar King:
“Give me the opportunity, and I'll take whichever one HCW puts in front of me.”
Candace Hart:
“There are a lot of wrestlers in HCW who would say exactly the same thing. What
makes Caesar King different?”
King steps slightly closer to Candace. She holds her ground,
keeping her attention on him rather than the camera.
Caesar King:
“They say it.”
King pauses.
Caesar King:
“I'll do it.”
Caesar turns away from Candace and walks out of frame.
Candace watches him leave before lowering the microphone.
The camera cuts back to ringside.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Caesar King certainly isn't lacking confidence.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Why should he? Caesar just put every champion in HCW on notice. He doesn't
care which championship comes first—he just wants somebody to give him the
opportunity.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Whether Caesar King has done enough to earn that opportunity is another
question entirely. But his intentions couldn't be clearer.”
The camera turns toward the entrance stage.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Coming up next, women's division action as Dixie Caverns takes on Leslie
Grimes!”
“Cruel Intentions”
begins to play.
Leslie Grimes steps through the curtain to an immediate
chorus of boos from the Columbia Coliseum. She pauses on the Live Wire stage,
looking thoroughly unimpressed with the reception.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Here comes Leslie Grimes, and Leslie has never been particularly concerned
with whether the HCW fans approve of her.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Why should she be? They're not the ones getting into the ring with her.”
Leslie starts down the aisle, ignoring the fans reaching
over the barricade. One particularly vocal fan catches her attention, and
Leslie stops long enough to give them a dismissive look before continuing
toward the ring.
She climbs onto the apron, steps through the ropes and heads
directly toward her corner.
“Cruel Intentions” fades.
The opening of the theme “Into the Wild” hits,
drawing a much warmer response.
Dixie Caverns emerges onto the stage.
Dixie smiles at the reception and raises an arm before
starting toward the ring.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And here comes Dixie Caverns! Dixie has never been afraid of a challenge, and
she's got one waiting for her tonight.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Leslie Grimes isn't going to care how popular Dixie is. If Dixie wants this
win, she'd better be ready for a fight.”
Dixie makes her way down the aisle, exchanging hand slaps
with fans along the barricade before reaching ringside.
Leslie watches her approach from inside the ring.
Dixie climbs the steps and enters through the ropes. She
acknowledges the crowd one more time before turning toward Leslie.
The two women stare across the ring at one another as
Dixie's music fades.
The referee checks both competitors before bringing them
toward the center.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Dixie Caverns and Leslie Grimes, one-on-one here on Live Wire.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And neither woman has anybody else to blame when this one's over. Just the two
of them.”
Dixie backs into her corner while Leslie does the same.
The referee looks toward the timekeeper and signals for the
bell.
The bell rings, and Dixie Caverns immediately tries to
establish the pace, but Leslie Grimes avoids an early Elbow Drop. The two
quickly begin trading offense, with Dixie connecting on a Hurricanrana while
Leslie answers with a Moonsault.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“These two aren't spending much time feeling each other out. Dixie Caverns and
Leslie Grimes are going right at one another.”
Dixie begins finding success with her speed. A Diving
Crossbody catches Leslie, and another Hurricanrana keeps Grimes scrambling.
Leslie responds with a Running Clothesline, but Dixie refuses to let her
maintain control for long.
Another Hurricanrana and an Elbow Drop keep Dixie
competitive before she catches Leslie with a Northern Lights Suplex.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Dixie's making Leslie work for everything tonight, Mike.”
Dixie continues pressing forward, connecting with yet
another Hurricanrana before a Legsweep sends Leslie back to the canvas. Grimes
fires back with a Lou Thesz Press, and the momentum begins to turn.
Leslie catches Dixie with a Moonsault and follows it with a
DDT.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Leslie Grimes has weathered that early offense, and now Dixie is the one
trying to stop the momentum.”
Leslie keeps coming with a Running Clothesline, but Dixie
finds another opening and plants her with a Northern Lights Suplex.
Grimes answers with another Lou Thesz Press before
surprising Dixie with a Roll-Up. Dixie escapes before “Honest” Abe can count
three.
Dixie fires back with a Spinning Heel Kick, but Leslie
immediately tries another Roll-Up. Dixie escapes again.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Leslie keeps looking for that opening. Dixie had better be careful because
Grimes doesn't need much.”
Moments later, Leslie explodes forward with another Lou
Thesz Press, driving Dixie hard into the canvas.
Grimes stays on top of her and hooks the leg.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!... THREE!”
DING! DING! DING!
Leslie releases the cover and rises as “Honest” Abe raises
her arm.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Leslie Grimes gets it! Dixie Caverns gave her everything she could handle, but
Grimes gets the three-count!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“She kept looking for the finish, Mike. The Roll-Ups didn't get it done, so
Leslie found another way.”
Leslie pulls her arm away from the referee and raises it
herself, looking smugly toward the crowd as the boos return.
Dixie sits up on the canvas, disappointed, while Leslie
steps through the ropes and begins heading back up the aisle.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“A competitive sixteen minutes between these two women, but tonight belongs to
Leslie Grimes.”
Official Result
Leslie Grimes defeated Dixie Caverns
at 16:00 with a Lou Thesz Press.
As Leslie Grimes disappears through the curtain, the camera
returns to the Live Wire commentary desk.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“We've had a busy night already. Proving Grounds Season 2 officially began with
Lee-thal Combination earning a submission victory over the Dynamic Duo, and
Luciana Albano made it very clear that she believes she—not Nyx
Evermore—belongs at the front of the line for Aurora Storm's World Ladies
Championship.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And don't forget Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega picking up another
win. Those three are starting to look more dangerous every time we see them
together.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Caesar King also put every champion in HCW on notice, and we just watched
Leslie Grimes earn a hard-fought victory over Dixie Caverns.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And we're not even close to finished.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Not at all. Still to come, HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi faces Nico ‘the
Inferno’ Burnett in a non-title match, and The Rich Athlete will personally
reveal the challenger he's selected for tonight's Television Championship main
event.”
The camera sweeps across the Columbia Coliseum as the Live
Wire logo fills the screen.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“But when we return, the Brothers Grimmstone collide with the Freedom Fighters!
Don't go anywhere—Live Wire will be right back!”
Live Wire fades to commercial.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The screen goes black.
A low rumble builds before the HCW logo crashes onto the
screen.
Rapid clips flash by: bodies colliding in the ring, a
referee dropping for a count, a championship raised beneath the arena lights,
and thousands of fans on their feet.
Narrator:
“In Heritage Championship Wrestling, championships aren't given.”
Another rapid sequence shows wrestlers fighting through
exhaustion as the crowd roars around them.
Narrator:
“They aren't promised.”
The screen abruptly goes black again.
Narrator:
“They're earned.”
A bolt of electricity tears across the screen.
HCW
HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING
Narrator:
“Where heritage is built... one fight at a time.”
The HCW logo remains for a beat before fading.
The Live Wire logo flashes across the screen as the
broadcast returns to a wide shot of the Columbia Coliseum.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Welcome back to HCW Live Wire! We've got three matches still ahead of us
tonight, including our World Champion Dominic Marconi in non-title action and a
Television Championship main event.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“But right now, Mike, we've got two teams with something to prove—and in the
case of the Brothers Grimmstone, I have a feeling winning tonight isn't the
only thing on their minds.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“You may be right. Alaric and Elias Grimmstone have made no secret of the fact
that they believe they have unfinished business with the Iron Curtain. But
before they can worry about them, they've got the Freedom Fighters standing in
their way.”
The camera turns toward the entrance stage.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Brothers Grimmstone against the Freedom Fighters is next!”
“Stars of Liberty” begins to play, bringing the Columbia
Coliseum crowd to its feet.
Freedom Fighter Flash and Freedom Fighter Justice emerge
onto the Live Wire stage together. Flash raises a fist toward the crowd while
Justice points toward the ring before the two start down the aisle.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Welcome back to Live Wire, and here come the Freedom Fighters—Flash and
Justice—ready for tag team action!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“They'd better be ready. The Grimmstones aren't exactly the kind of team I'd
want waiting for me after a commercial break.”
Flash enthusiastically exchanges hand slaps with the fans
along one side of the aisle while Justice acknowledges those on the other. The
two regroup at ringside and bump fists.
Flash and Justice climb onto the apron and enter the ring.
They briefly acknowledge the crowd from opposite corners before coming back
together to discuss strategy.
“Stars of Liberty” fades.
The arena lighting darkens.
The opening notes of “Grimm Tidings” echo through the
Columbia Coliseum.
Alaric and Elias Grimmstone emerge through the curtain.
The response is noticeably mixed. There are boos throughout
the building, but a portion of the audience reacts positively to the imposing
brothers.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And here come Alaric and Elias Grimmstone. It's been difficult to know exactly
what to make of the Brothers Grimmstone lately.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“I know exactly what to make of them. They're two dangerous men who don't care
whether anybody in this building likes them.”
Alaric and Elias pause on the stage. Neither makes any
effort to encourage the crowd or antagonize them. They simply stare toward the
ring and the Freedom Fighters.
The brothers begin their deliberate walk down the aisle.
One fan near the barricade reaches toward Alaric. He briefly
acknowledges the fan with a nod but keeps moving. Elias never takes his
attention away from the ring.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And we know the Grimmstones have something else on their minds. They've been
talking about unfinished business with the Iron Curtain.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Then they'd better not look past Flash and Justice. You start worrying about
your next fight before you've finished this one, and that's how you get
beaten.”
The Grimmstones reach ringside and climb onto the apron
together.
Alaric steps through the ropes first, followed by Elias.
The Freedom Fighters remain in their corner as the two teams
stare across the ring.
The referee gives both teams their final instructions. There
is no handshake. The Grimmstones quietly confer in their corner while Flash and
Justice do the same across the ring.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“The Brothers Grimmstone have made their intentions toward the Iron Curtain
very clear, but first they have to deal with the Freedom Fighters.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And if Alaric and Elias really want another piece of the Iron Curtain, this is
their chance to send them a message without saying a word.”
One member of each team steps onto the apron as the opening
competitors move toward the center of the ring.
The referee looks toward the timekeeper and signals for the
bell.
The bell rings with Alaric Grimmstone and Freedom Fighter
Flash starting the match. The opening exchanges quickly show how evenly matched
these teams can be. Flash and Justice briefly combine their offense, but Alaric
fires right back with a Kamigoye before planting Flash with a Brainbuster.
Alaric brings Elias into the match, and Elias immediately
catches Flash with an Apron Uranage. The Grimmstones begin using quick tags to
keep the pressure on Flash.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“The Grimmstones came into this match talking about unfinished business
elsewhere, but right now their attention is exactly where it needs to be.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And Flash is finding out why. Alaric and Elias can hit you from a lot of
different directions.”
Things break down in the fifth minute as all four men enter
the ring. Alaric connects with a Standing Shooting Star Press, Elias answers
with a Spinning Samoan Drop, while Flash and Justice fire back with a Destino
and Knee Lift.
“Honest” Abe finally restores order, but the pace doesn't
slow.
Alaric repeatedly targets Flash with Brainbusters while
Flash answers with an Over the Shoulder Neckbreaker Drop and later a Tiger
Driver. Another breakdown brings all four men back into the action before the
Freedom Fighters attempt to isolate Alaric.
The plan backfires.
Alaric fights through the double-team attempt and catches
Flash with a Pumphandle Over Knee Neckbreaker.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Every time one of these teams starts pulling away, the other one finds an
answer!”
Flash eventually reaches Justice, but the fresh man
immediately finds himself trapped by the Grimmstones. Alaric connects with a
Kamigoye, Elias follows with the Spinning Samoan Drop, and Alaric adds a
Bicycle Knee Strike.
Justice survives long enough to answer with a Flying Body
Press before tagging Flash back into the match.
The Freedom Fighters begin mounting another rally. Flash
catches Alaric with Angel's Wings, and Justice later rocks him with a Flying
Dropkick.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Now we're getting into dangerous territory. Twenty minutes into this match,
and everybody's taken punishment.”
Elias enters and catches Flash with a Big Boot.
He covers.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Flash kicks out!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Flash survives!”
The pace becomes increasingly desperate.
Flash drills Alaric with a Tiger Driver before tagging
Justice. Alaric answers with the Lights Out Pump Kick and covers.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Flash dives into the ring and makes the save!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Flash keeps this match alive!”
Alaric tags Elias.
Elias catches Flash with a Spinning Samoan Drop and hooks
the leg.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
This time Justice makes the save!
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“They keep saving each other, but how many more times can they do it?”
Elias gets Alaric back into the match.
Flash catches Alaric with a Reverse Spike Hurricanrana, but
Alaric fires back with a brutal Pumphandle Swinging DVD.
Flash stays alive.
Alaric pulls him back up.
He hits the Pumphandle Swinging DVD a second time!
Alaric hooks the leg.
“Honest” Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!... THREE!”
DING! DING! DING!
Alaric releases the cover as Elias enters the ring to join
his brother.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Twenty-eight minutes! The Freedom Fighters pushed the Brothers Grimmstone
almost to the time limit, but Alaric and Elias finally put them away!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Flash and Justice saved each other twice down the stretch. Eventually there
was nobody left to save Flash.”
“Honest” Abe raises the Grimmstones' arms. Alaric and Elias
exchange a look before turning toward the crowd.
Official Result
Brothers Grimmstone defeated the
Freedom Fighters at 28:00 when Alaric Grimmstone pinned Freedom Fighter Flash
following a Pumphandle Swinging DVD.
The Grimmstones' music doesn't play.
Instead, Alaric asks for a microphone.
Elias stands beside him while Flash and Justice recover and
begin leaving the ringside area.
Alaric Grimmstone:
“Iron Curtain.”
The crowd reacts immediately.
Alaric Grimmstone:
“Don't mistake our silence for forgetting.”
Elias takes the microphone.
Elias Grimmstone:
“We haven't forgotten.”
Elias Grimmstone:
“And we haven't finished.”
Elias hands the microphone back to Alaric.
Alaric Grimmstone:
“You have something we want.”
Alaric stares directly into the camera.
Alaric Grimmstone:
“And sooner or later, we're coming to take it.”
Alaric drops the microphone.
“Grimm Tidings” begins to play as the brothers leave the
ring together.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That message couldn't have been much clearer. The Brothers Grimmstone have
their sights set on the Iron Curtain.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“And after what we just watched for twenty-eight minutes, I'd pay attention if
I were them.”
Alaric and Elias disappear through the curtain.
The broadcast cuts backstage, where Candace Hart stands with
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett and his manager, Julian Furnace. Nico looks
completely composed despite being only minutes away from facing the HCW World
Champion.
Candace Hart:
“Nico, later tonight you face HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi in a non-title
match. You've said that defeating Dominic tonight should put you next in line
for a championship opportunity.”
Nico gives Candace a confident smile.
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“Should?”
Nico glances toward Julian before looking back at Candace.
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“There shouldn't be anything to debate. If I walk into that ring tonight and
beat the World Champion, I've already proven that I can beat the World
Champion.”
Candace Hart:
“But Dominic's championship won't be at stake tonight.”
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“Exactly.”
Nico's smile widens.
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“Which means Dominic has everything to lose and nothing to gain.”
Julian Furnace steps slightly closer.
Julian Furnace:
“That's the part everyone seems to be overlooking, Candace. Dominic Marconi is
carrying the most important championship in HCW, but tonight he has to stand
across the ring from a man who doesn't need to take that championship from
him.”
Julian Furnace:
“Not yet.”
Candace Hart:
“So you believe a victory tonight automatically makes Nico the number-one
contender?”
Julian Furnace:
“I believe when Nico Burnett pins the HCW World Champion, Max McGillicutty will
have a very difficult time explaining why anyone else deserves the opportunity
more.”
Nico leans toward the microphone.
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“Dominic, tonight I'm not coming for your championship.”
His expression turns serious.
Nico “the Inferno” Burnett:
“I'm coming for the reason you won't be able to deny me a chance at it.”
Nico steps away. Julian gives Candace a satisfied nod before
following him toward the arena.
Candace turns back toward the camera.
Candace Hart:
“Nico Burnett certainly isn't lacking confidence. We'll find out shortly
whether he can back it up against the HCW World Champion.”
The camera returns to the Columbia Coliseum as the crowd
settles in for the non-title match.
The opening of “Trial by Fire” hits, and Nico “the
Inferno” Burnett emerges onto the stage with Julian Furnace at his side.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“We just heard from Nico Burnett moments ago, and now it's time for him to
prove everything he said.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“I like his argument, Mike. Beat the World Champion and you shouldn't have to
ask for a championship match. Everybody else should be asking why you haven't
gotten one.”
Nico pauses on the stage and looks around the Columbia
Coliseum with a confident grin. Julian says something into his ear before
pointing toward the ring.
Nico starts down the aisle with Julian following closely
behind.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That's assuming he can beat Dominic Marconi. Nico may be treating tonight like
an opportunity, but he's stepping into the ring with the man who sits at the
very top of HCW.”
Nico climbs onto the apron and enters the ring. Julian
remains on the floor as Nico moves to the center and spreads his arms, inviting
the boos.
“Trial by Fire” fades.
The arena erupts as “Unbreakable Empire” begins to
play.
HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi emerges onto the stage
with the World Championship around his waist.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And listen to this place! The HCW World Champion is here!”
Dominic pauses beneath the Live Wire video wall and looks
out over the crowd before turning his attention toward the ring.
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Dominic doesn't have to defend that championship tonight, but don't pretend
there isn't something at stake. Nico pins him, and every conversation about the
World Championship changes tomorrow morning.”
Dominic makes his way down the aisle, acknowledging the fans
while keeping an eye on Nico.
Inside the ring, Nico leans against the ropes and watches
the champion approach. Julian remains beside Nico's corner, wearing a satisfied
smile.
Dominic reaches ringside, removes the World Championship,
and raises it toward the crowd before handing it to the ringside attendant.
He enters the ring.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Nico Burnett said he isn't coming for Dominic's championship tonight. He's
coming for the reason Dominic won't be able to deny him a shot at it.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Well, there's the reason standing right in front of him. Go beat him.”
Dominic backs toward his corner while Nico does the same.
Julian offers Nico a final few words from ringside.
The referee checks both competitors and signals toward the
timekeeper.
DING! DING! DING!
The non-title match is underway.
The bell rings, and Julian Furnace wastes almost no time
involving himself. With “Honest” Abe's attention elsewhere, Julian uses his
silk scarf to choke Dominic from ringside before releasing it before the
referee can catch him.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Julian Furnace couldn't even wait a minute before getting involved!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Nico Burnett told us he was here to make the most of an opportunity. Julian's
just helping with the details.”
The interference doesn't give Nico the advantage for long.
Dominic and Burnett trade heavy offense, with Nico answering a Head First Body
Slam with one of his own before Dominic takes him down and works the arm with a
Figure-Four Armbar.
Nico escapes and resorts to an eye rake when Dominic closes
in again, but even that doesn't stop the World Champion. Dominic gets both arms
around Burnett and locks in a crushing Bearhug.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Dominic has the Bearhug locked in!”
Nico struggles desperately for an escape, but Dominic
tightens his grip. With nowhere to go, Burnett has no choice but to submit.
“Honest” Abe immediately calls for the bell.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That's it! Nico Burnett submits!”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Four minutes. After everything Nico said backstage, Dominic Marconi just gave
him an answer he wasn't expecting.”
Dominic releases the hold and has his arm raised as Julian
Furnace looks on from ringside in disbelief. Nico remains on the canvas,
frustrated by how quickly his opportunity disappeared.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Nico Burnett came into this match believing a victory would put him next in
line for the World Championship. Instead, the World Champion has made a very
different statement tonight.”
Official Result
HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi
defeated Nico “the Inferno” Burnett by submission at 4:00 with the Bearhug.
The broadcast returns to the ring as the unmistakable
opening of “Living Large” hits the speakers.
The boos begin immediately.
The Rich Athlete steps through the curtain with Ruth
Heartless beside him, the HCW Television Championship fastened around his
waist. He stops at the top of the aisle, throws his arms wide and slowly turns,
making certain everyone in the Columbia Coliseum gets a good look at him.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Well, we've been waiting all night for this. The Rich Athlete demanded the
privilege of selecting his own challenger for the Television Championship, and
apparently we're finally going to learn who he picked.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“That's what happens when you're the Television Champion, Mike. You earn
privileges.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't remember seeing that one in the championship rules.”
The Rich Athlete struts down the aisle with Ruth following
behind him. He stops halfway to exchange words with a particularly vocal fan,
laughs dismissively, and continues toward the ring.
Ruth climbs the steps first and holds the ropes apart. The
Rich Athlete steps through, walks directly to the center of the ring and slowly
removes the Television Championship from around his waist.
He raises it overhead.
The crowd responds with another chorus of boos.
The Rich Athlete takes a microphone and drapes the
championship over his shoulder.
The Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
The response gets even louder.
The Rich Athlete:
“Take a good look, Columbia! You're looking at the limousine-riding,
jet-flying, money-making, headline-stealing Television Champion of Heritage
Championship Wrestling!”
He struts several steps across the ring before turning back.
The Rich Athlete:
“And tonight, I decided I was going to do something generous.”
He grins.
The Rich Athlete:
“That's right! The Rich Athlete is giving one lucky man the opportunity of a
lifetime!”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Generous?”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Would you let him finish?”
The Rich Athlete:
“Everybody in that locker room wants what I've got. They're all standing back
there staring at this championship, dreaming about what it would feel like to
live one night of their miserable lives like The Rich Athlete!”
Ruth applauds approvingly.
The Rich Athlete:
“But you don't just walk up to The Rich Athlete and demand a championship
match! You don't tell me when I'm defending this title! And you sure don't tell
me who I'm defending it against!”
He runs a hand through his hair and begins another
exaggerated strut around the ring.
The Rich Athlete:
“So I looked over the entire HCW roster. I studied the competition. I
considered every possible challenger.”
He stops.
The Rich Athlete:
“And after an exhaustive search—”
The Rich Athlete struggles to suppress a laugh.
The Rich Athlete:
“—I found the man who deserves this opportunity more than anybody else.”
The crowd begins buzzing.
The Rich Athlete:
“A world-class athlete!”
Pause.
The Rich Athlete:
“A championship-caliber competitor!”
Another pause.
The Rich Athlete:
“And most importantly... a man I know I can beat!”
The crowd boos as Ruth bursts into laughter.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“There it is.”
The Rich Athlete:
“So come on down and enjoy the greatest night of your career...”
He turns toward the entrance.
The Rich Athlete:
“WALDO WINCHESTER!”
The crowd reacts as The Rich Athlete throws his head back
laughing.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Waldo Winchester?! That's who he picked?”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“He said he searched the entire roster.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“He just admitted he picked somebody because he thinks he can beat him!”
The Rich Athlete hands the microphone to Ruth and removes
the Television Championship from his shoulder. He gives the belt an
affectionate pat before handing it toward the referee.
Then he backs into his corner, grinning toward the entrance.
The Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
All eyes turn toward the stage as The Rich Athlete waits for
the challenger he personally selected.
The Rich Athlete waits impatiently in the ring with Ruth
Heartless as Waldo Winchester's entrance music begins.
Waldo emerges onto the stage to a less-than-enthusiastic
reception from the Columbia Coliseum crowd. He looks toward the ring, where The
Rich Athlete is already grinning at him.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Well, this certainly isn't the opportunity Waldo Winchester expected when he
arrived at the Columbia Coliseum tonight.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Expected? Maybe not. But it's a Television Championship match, Mike. You don't
ask questions. You get in that ring and take your shot.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“And despite everything The Rich Athlete just said, he'd better remember that.
Waldo has absolutely nothing to lose tonight.”
Waldo makes his way down the aisle, keeping his eyes on the
champion. The Rich Athlete leans over the ropes and waves him forward, laughing
as Ruth applauds beside him.
Waldo climbs onto the apron and enters the ring.
The Rich Athlete immediately steps toward him, holding the
Television Championship up in front of Waldo's face before backing away with
another exaggerated strut.
The referee takes possession of the championship.
Tony “Echo” Calibur steps into the center of the ring with
microphone in hand.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is your MAIN EVENT and is for the
HCW TELEVIS—”
The Rich Athlete:
“WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!”
The Rich Athlete marches across the ring and puts a hand
over Tony's microphone.
The crowd boos.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, what now?”
The Rich Athlete takes the microphone away from Tony and
points across the ring at Waldo.
The Rich Athlete:
“You're not actually going to introduce him, are you?”
Waldo glares back at him.
The Rich Athlete:
“Look at him!”
He turns toward the crowd.
The Rich Athlete:
“Nobody knows who this guy is!”
The crowd responds with another round of boos.
The Rich Athlete:
“He's a nobody! And when The Rich Athlete is standing in this ring, there is
only ONE man who deserves to be recognized!”
He points both thumbs toward himself.
The Rich Athlete:
“ME!”
Ruth applauds enthusiastically.
The Rich Athlete:
“So forget him, Tony. Don't waste these people's time.”
He hands the microphone back to Tony and spreads his arms.
The Rich Athlete:
“Now do your job and introduce the CHAMPION!”
Tony looks toward Waldo for a moment. Waldo is visibly
irritated, but remains in his corner.
Tony turns back toward The Rich Athlete.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“Introducing the HCW Television Champion... accompanied by Ruth Heartless...
THE RICH ATHLETE!”
He immediately throws both arms into the air.
The Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
The boos rain down as The Rich Athlete struts around the
ring, soaking up every second of his introduction.
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“Unbelievable. He personally chose Waldo Winchester for this match, and now he
won't even allow the man to be introduced.”
Johnny “the Hammer” Harris:
“Mike, we're talking about The Rich Athlete. You don't put a nobody's name on
the marquee when you've already got a superstar standing in the ring.”
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“That attitude could come back to haunt him. Waldo Winchester just got publicly
humiliated, and now he's got an opportunity to answer the Television Champion
in the only place that matters.”
The referee holds the HCW Television Championship overhead
before handing it through the ropes.
The Rich Athlete removes his robe and passes it to Ruth. He
turns around—and finds Waldo still staring directly at him. The Rich Athlete smirks.
Waldo doesn't.
The referee sends both men to their corners and signals for
the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Mike “the Voice” Johnson:
“The Television Championship is on the line, and our Live Wire main event is
underway!”
From the
opening bell, it becomes apparent that The Rich Athlete didn't choose Waldo
Winchester because he expected a competitive championship defense.
He chose
him because he intended to make an example out of him.
The
Television Champion immediately attacks Waldo's leg with a Shin Breaker before
dropping the Million Dollar Kneedrop. Waldo barely has an opportunity to
recover before Ruth Heartless gets involved, spraying hairspray into his eyes
while “Honest” Abe's attention is elsewhere.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Waldo can barely see! As if The Rich Athlete needed Ruth Heartless to help him
tonight!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Need has nothing to do with it. The Rich Athlete doesn't believe in fighting
fair when fighting unfair is so much more entertaining.”
The Rich
Athlete continues the punishment, alternating between the injured leg and a
series of Million Dollar Kneedrops. He sends Waldo through the ropes and
watches from inside the ring as Abe begins counting.
Waldo gets
back inside at three.
The Rich
Athlete actually applauds him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Look at him. He's enjoying this.”
Another
Shin Breaker drops Waldo.
The Rich
Athlete covers.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
The Rich
Athlete suddenly pulls Waldo's shoulder off the canvas.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on!”
The Rich
Athlete rises to his knees with a huge smile and shakes his head at Abe.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Not yet!”
Ruth
laughs from ringside.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He's not finished with him!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He could have ended this match!”
The Rich
Athlete drops another Million Dollar Kneedrop—but his arrogance finally gives
Waldo an opening. Waldo stomps the champion and, moments later, catches him
with a low blow.
The crowd
reacts as The Rich Athlete doubles over.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And that's what happens when you play with somebody!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Waldo Winchester just hit the Television Champion below the belt!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“After Ruth blinded Waldo with hairspray? I'm having difficulty finding
sympathy.”
But
Waldo's brief rally only makes The Rich Athlete angry.
Another
Million Dollar Kneedrop puts Waldo down.
The Rich
Athlete covers again.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!...”
The Rich
Athlete pulls him up.
The boos
become louder.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Again! He did it again!”
The Rich
Athlete grabs Waldo by the head and forces him to look toward the crowd.
The
Rich Athlete:
“LOOK AT HIM!”
He shoves
Waldo back to the canvas.
The
Rich Athlete:
“NOBODY!”
Another
Million Dollar Kneedrop connects.
The Rich
Athlete makes another arrogant cover.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Once
again, The Rich Athlete pulls Waldo off the mat.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“This isn't about defending the Television Championship anymore. This is
humiliation.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He told everybody exactly what he thought of Waldo before the match. Now he's
proving it.”
The Rich
Athlete sends Waldo crashing to the floor again. This time Waldo struggles
outside as Abe's count reaches seven before finally dragging himself back
underneath the bottom rope.
The Rich
Athlete is waiting for him.
He chokes
Waldo against the canvas until Abe forces him to break the hold.
Then comes
another cover.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!...”
The Rich
Athlete lifts Waldo's shoulder.
Ruth
applauds.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“This is disgusting.”
The Rich
Athlete gets up and struts across the ring.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
He turns
around and blasts Waldo across the chest.
Waldo
falls.
Another
cover.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!...”
The Rich
Athlete pulls him up AGAIN.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Enough! Just pin the man!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“The Rich Athlete decides when this is over, Mike!”
The Rich
Athlete gets back to his feet and looks down at Waldo.
For the
first time, Ruth gestures from ringside that perhaps her client has made his
point.
The Rich
Athlete looks toward her.
Then
toward Waldo.
He shrugs.
One final
Pectoral Chop sends Waldo crashing to the canvas.
This time,
The Rich Athlete places a boot across Waldo's chest.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!... THREE!”
DING!
DING! DING!
The Rich
Athlete immediately steps away and throws his arms into the air.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Ruth
enters the ring with the HCW Television Championship and presents it to him.
The Rich Athlete takes the belt and raises it high while Waldo remains down.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete retains the Television Championship, but let's be clear about
what we just watched. He could have ended this match long before nineteen
minutes.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's exactly the point! He picked Waldo Winchester, called him a nobody, and
then spent nineteen minutes proving it!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“One of these days that arrogance is going to cost The Rich Athlete. Tonight
wasn't that night.”
The Rich
Athlete puts the Television Championship around his waist and struts around the
ring as Ruth applauds.
Official
Result
The
Rich Athlete defeated Waldo Winchester at 19:00 to retain the HCW Television
Championship following a Pectoral Chop.
The Rich
Athlete continues strutting around the ring with the HCW Television
Championship around his waist. Ruth Heartless joins him in the center of the
ring, raising his arm as the crowd showers them with boos.
At
ringside, Waldo Winchester is helped away while The Rich Athlete barely
acknowledges him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete came here tonight promising to choose his own challenger. He
chose Waldo Winchester, humiliated him before the bell, and then spent nineteen
minutes humiliating him after it.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And he's still the Television Champion. That's the part that matters.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Elsewhere tonight, Proving Grounds Season 2 officially got underway with
Lee-thal Combination defeating Proving Grounds veterans the Dynamic Duo.
Luciana Albano made it clear that she intends to reclaim the World Ladies
Championship, and Caesar King put every champion in HCW on notice.”
The camera
briefly cuts to The Rich Athlete standing on the middle rope and holding the
Television Championship overhead.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Zack Brown, Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega picked up a victory, Leslie Grimes
defeated Dixie Caverns, and the Brothers Grimmstone sent a very direct warning
to the Iron Curtain.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And HCW World Champion Dominic Marconi needed only four minutes to submit Nico
Burnett after Nico spent the evening telling everyone what beating the champion
would mean for his future.”
The Rich
Athlete climbs down from the ropes and demands that Ruth admire the
championship around his waist.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And now The Rich Athlete has shown everyone why you don't question the
champion when he says he's got everything under control.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't think what we saw tonight was something to admire, Johnny. The Rich
Athlete could have ended this match several times and deliberately chose not
to. Someday, that arrogance may come back to haunt him.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“But not tonight!”
The Rich
Athlete turns toward the hard camera, points at the Television Championship and
lets out one final triumphant yell.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“For Johnny ‘the Hammer’ Harris, I'm Mike ‘the Voice’ Johnson. Thank you for
joining us from the Columbia Coliseum. Good night, everybody!”
The camera
pulls back to a wide shot of the arena with The Rich Athlete and Ruth Heartless
celebrating in the ring.
The HCW
Live Wire logo fills the screen.
END OF
SHOW
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