The HCW Live Wire
opening package gives way to a sweeping shot of the Columbia Coliseum, where
another Saturday night crowd is on its feet. The camera moves through the arena
before settling at ringside with Mike “the Voice” Johnson and Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Welcome to HCW Live Wire! Mike Johnson alongside Johnny Harris, and there is
plenty at stake tonight in Columbia!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Including twenty women trying to survive a Battle Royal just to get where
Korbi Kong already is.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Korbi won the first Women’s Convergent Qualifier Battle Royal, and she’ll join
us at commentary tonight as twenty more women compete for the next spot at the
next level of qualification.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Korbi gets to scout the competition without taking a single bump. I like her
chances tonight.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“We’ll also hear from Ruth Heartless, who has requested time in the ring
following her recent interest in Dex Ledger. And in tonight’s main event, Bad
News Marvin Barnes challenges ‘The Alaskan Wildman’ Jax Brenner for the HCW
Hardcore Championship!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And don't forget Harrison Marks. He's already earned a future Hardcore title
opportunity, so tonight's main event could determine exactly who Harrison
eventually has to beat.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Barnes, Harrison and Jax will all have something to say before we reach that
championship match. Right now, though, we're starting with Ghee Buttersnaps and
Rex Rampage. There may not be a personal issue between these two men, but there
doesn't need to be. Every win in HCW has the potential to move someone closer
to championship contention.”
Rex Rampage enters
first, making his way toward the ring with his attention fixed squarely on the
match ahead. He climbs through the ropes and waits as the Columbia crowd turns
its attention back toward the entrance.
Ghee Buttersnaps
follows, receiving the warmer reception of the two. Ghee acknowledges the fans
before entering the ring and coming face-to-face with Rampage as ‘Honest’ Abe
prepares to get the opening contest underway.
The opening minutes
establish just how evenly matched the two men can be. Ghee uses holds such as
the Power Arm Bar and Side Chinlock to keep Rex from settling into a rhythm,
while Rampage answers with a more punishing approach, repeatedly throwing Ghee into
the corner and slowing him with the Sleeperhold.
Rex gains the first
significant advantage when he sends Buttersnaps out of the ring. Ghee struggles
on the floor as ‘Honest’ Abe's count climbs, only managing to slide back
beneath the ropes at nine. Rampage immediately resumes the attack, but Ghee
refuses to let him take complete control.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Rex Rampage keeps trying to turn this into his kind of fight, but Ghee isn't
allowing himself to be overwhelmed.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“He's surviving, Mike. There's a difference between surviving Rex Rampage and
beating Rex Rampage.”
That difference
becomes increasingly apparent as the match continues. Ghee puts together
stretches of offense with a Belly-to-Back Suplex, Back Body Drop and repeated
work on Rampage's upper body, but Rex consistently finds a way to stop his
momentum. A Piledriver does considerable damage before Rampage traps Ghee in
the Rampage Lock. Buttersnaps refuses to submit, forcing Rex to abandon the
hold and find another way to put him away.
Frustration brings
out Rampage's uglier side. Rex catches Ghee with a low blow during an exchange
and later goes below the belt a second time. Ghee nevertheless continues
fighting, reversing a Running Clothesline into a Back Body Drop and later
neutralizing another attempted Piledriver.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Whatever Rex Rampage does to him, Ghee Buttersnaps keeps finding another
answer.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Then Rex needs to ask a harder question.”
Ghee appears to find
the opening he needs when he connects with the Ghee Hee Hee, but even that
cannot swing the match decisively in his favor. Rampage answers with another
Piledriver and follows with the Rampage Stampede. When Rex throws Ghee outside
for a second time, Buttersnaps once again beats Abe's count, this time
returning at seven.
By the closing
minutes, however, Ghee's resilience is being tested beyond its limit. Rex hurls
him into the corner and gets only a one-count. Rampage follows with another
Piledriver, and remarkably, Ghee again kicks out at one.
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“You can admire Ghee all you want, but every time he gets back up, Rex Rampage
gets another chance to knock him down.”
Rampage makes that
chance count. With Ghee struggling to remain upright, Rex pulls him in and
delivers one more crushing Piledriver. This time there is no escape.
ONE! TWO! THREE!
Rex Rampage defeats
Ghee Buttersnaps by pinfall following a Piledriver at 23:00.
‘Honest’ Abe raises
Rampage's arm as Ghee remains down recovering from the punishment. Rex has
needed twenty-three minutes and multiple Piledrivers to finally keep
Buttersnaps down, but the result that goes into the record book is a victory
for Rex Rampage.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Ghee Buttersnaps made Rex Rampage earn that one, but Rex leaves Live Wire with
the victory.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And that's what matters. Nobody hands out championship matches because you
almost won.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“One victory can lead to another, and enough of them can put a wrestler into a
championship conversation. Tonight, Rex Rampage has taken a step in that
direction.”
Rampage heads back up
the aisle while ‘Honest’ Abe checks on Ghee in the ring. Live Wire then
prepares to head backstage, where Candace Hart is standing by.
Live Wire cuts
backstage, where Candace Hart is standing alongside Bad News Marvin Barnes.
Barnes looks ready for a fight already, his attention fixed on Candace as she
raises the microphone.
Candace Hart:
“Marvin, later tonight you challenge Jax Brenner for the HCW Hardcore
Championship. Jax has built a reputation on being able to withstand an
incredible amount of punishment. In a match where almost anything can happen,
how do you prepare for someone like the Alaskan Wildman?”
Barnes gives Candace
a long look before a slight grin crosses his face.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“Candace, that's the mistake everybody makes with Jax Brenner. They look at
that man and ask themselves how much punishment he can take. Wrong question.”
Barnes turns slightly
toward the camera.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“The question is how much punishment can he take from me?”
Barnes pauses,
letting the words hang for a moment.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“Jax likes chaos. Good for him. Jax likes pain. Even better. Because tonight
there aren't going to be rules protecting him when things get ugly. And I
promise you, things are going to get ugly.”
Candace Hart:
“Jax isn't the only man connected to that championship tonight. Harrison Marks
has already earned a future Hardcore Championship opportunity. Does knowing
another challenger is waiting affect how you approach this match?”
Barnes shakes his
head.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“Harrison Marks can wait.”
His expression
hardens.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“He can sit backstage, he can watch on a monitor, he can buy himself a
front-row seat for all I care. Tonight isn't Harrison's opportunity. It's
mine.”
Barnes looks directly
into the camera again.
Bad News Marvin
Barnes:
“So Harrison, watch closely. Because when this night is over, you might need to
start preparing for Bad News.”
Barnes walks out of
frame, leaving Candace watching him depart before turning back toward the
camera.
Candace Hart:
“Bad News Marvin Barnes clearly isn't looking beyond tonight. He challenges Jax
Brenner for the HCW Hardcore Championship in our main event.”
The broadcast
transitions back toward the arena.
Live Wire returns to
ringside as Ovaltine Jackson's music hits. Jackson emerges first to a positive
response from the Columbia crowd, acknowledging the fans as he heads down the
aisle and climbs into the ring.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Ovaltine Jackson has an opportunity here to pick up exactly the kind of
victory we were talking about earlier tonight. Harrison Marks has been building
momentum, and beating him would certainly get some attention.”
The reaction turns
hostile when Harrison Marks makes his entrance. Marks pays little attention to
the crowd as he heads toward the ring, carrying himself with the confidence of
a man who already knows a future championship opportunity is waiting for him.
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And Harrison already has people's attention. He earned himself a future shot
at the Hardcore Championship, and later tonight he's going to find out whether
that road still leads to Jax Brenner or whether Bad News Marvin Barnes changes
everything.”
‘Honest’ Abe signals
for the bell, and Ovaltine immediately catches Harrison by surprise. Jackson
connects with Drink Your Ovaltine in the opening minute, then reverses
Harrison's attempted Bull Hammer into a Springboard Back Elbow. Harrison had
entered with plenty of confidence, but the opening exchanges belong firmly to
Ovaltine.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Harrison Marks might have a Hardcore Championship opportunity in his future,
but he'd better keep his attention on the man standing across the ring from him
right now.”
Marks finally slows
Jackson with a Side Headlock, using it repeatedly to take some of the pace out
of the match. Ovaltine refuses to stay grounded for long, however, and the
contest develops into an increasingly hard-hitting exchange. Harrison connects
with a Rotating Vertical Suplex, only for Jackson to answer with the Director's
Cut Powerslam.
Harrison responds
with a Powerbomb, but even that doesn't establish lasting control. Another Back
Suplex from Marks is answered by a second Director's Cut Powerslam, and when
Harrison delivers a Backbreaker, Ovaltine fires straight back with the Curtain Call
Inverted DDT.
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“I'll give Ovaltine this—he isn't intimidated by what Harrison Marks has
waiting for him down the road.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Nor should he be. Ovaltine isn't here to help Harrison prepare for a
championship match. He's here to beat him.”
Jackson comes close
to doing exactly that in the tenth minute. Harrison connects with another Back
Suplex, but Ovaltine answers immediately with Drink Your Ovaltine and
makes the cover.
ONE!
Harrison kicks out.
Jackson tries to
maintain the pressure, but the missed opportunity proves costly. Harrison
regains his footing and catches Ovaltine with a European Uppercut that drops
him to the canvas. Marks quickly covers.
ONE! TWO! THREE!
Harrison Marks
defeats Ovaltine Jackson by pinfall following a European Uppercut at 11:00.
‘Honest’ Abe raises
Harrison's arm as Marks looks down at Ovaltine with a satisfied expression.
Jackson had controlled significant portions of the match and threatened to put
Harrison away only moments earlier, but Marks needed just one opening to turn the
match in his favor.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Ovaltine Jackson gave Harrison Marks everything he could handle, but Harrison
finds the opening and gets the victory.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“That's why Harrison has a championship opportunity coming. Ovaltine had him in
trouble, Harrison survived it, and then Harrison finished the job.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And later tonight, Jax Brenner and Bad News Marvin Barnes fight over the
championship Harrison Marks has already earned the right to challenge for.
We'll hear from Harrison himself a little later tonight.”
Marks exits the ring
with another victory behind him as Live Wire prepares to move on.
The crowd responds
with immediate hostility as Ruth Heartless emerges from behind the curtain, briefcase
in hand. There is no wrestler accompanying her this time. Ruth makes her way to
the ring alone, climbs the steps and enters with a microphone waiting for her.
Ruth takes her time
looking around the Columbia Coliseum before speaking.
Ruth Heartless:
“You know, there are people in this company who spend their entire careers
waiting for someone to recognize how special they are.”
Ruth smiles.
Ruth Heartless:
“And then there are exceptional people. People whose talent is so obvious that
only a fool could possibly overlook it.”
The crowd begins
booing as Ruth slowly paces across the ring.
Ruth Heartless:
“The Million Dollar Alliance was not built by collecting whoever happened to be
available. Look at the talent I have assembled. Evan Stockwell. Ashley
‘Diamond’ Summers. And, of course, the HCW Television Champion, The Rich
Athlete.”
The boos grow louder
at the mention of the group.
Ruth Heartless:
“Every one of them understands something that far too many people in HCW never
will. Talent has value. Success has value. And when I see something of value, I
make an investment.”
Ruth stops pacing.
Ruth Heartless:
“That's why, while the rest of you were watching Proving Grounds to see whether
someone could survive, I was watching for something else.”
She taps a finger
against the briefcase.
Ruth Heartless:
“I was scouting.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“So this goes all the way back to Proving Grounds.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Of course it does. You thought Ruth Heartless suddenly woke up one morning and
noticed Dex Ledger?”
Ruth Heartless:
“I saw someone who didn't belong among people trying to prove they deserved to
be here. I saw someone who understood opportunity. Someone who understood
status. Someone who, with the right people standing beside him, could become
extremely valuable.”
Ruth turns toward the
entrance.
Ruth Heartless:
“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the newest member of the Million
Dollar Alliance…”
She pauses as the
crowd waits.
Ruth Heartless:
“The Channel Champion… DEX LEDGER!”
Dex Ledger emerges
onto the stage with a satisfied grin, soaking in the reaction before making his
way toward the ring. Ruth applauds as Ledger steps through the ropes and joins
her.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Now we know. Ruth Heartless wasn't simply interfering on Dex Ledger's behalf.
She had been scouting Ledger since Proving Grounds, and tonight she's made it
official.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Look at Dex, Mike. Does that man look surprised? Ruth knew what she wanted,
Dex knew what he was worth, and now everybody else knows too.”
Ruth raises Dex's arm
before motioning toward the entrance once again.
Ruth Heartless:
“But we didn't come here merely to make an announcement. So why don't we bring
out the three men who are about to discover exactly what my newest investment
can do?”
Burley Barkley is the
first of the opposition to emerge, followed by his regular partner, Otis
Peabody “OP” Cunningham. Julius Squeezer joins them on the stage, and the three
receive a warm response as they head toward the ring together.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Burley Barkley and OP Cunningham know each other extremely well as a team, and
Julius Squeezer gives them another powerful man on their side. Ruth Heartless
may be celebrating her newest acquisition, but these three would love nothing
more than to spoil the occasion.”
The three men enter
the ring while Ruth and Dex retreat toward their corner.
Evan Stockwell's
entrance follows. Stockwell heads toward the ring with the confidence of
someone already firmly established within Ruth Heartless's organization. He
joins Dex at ringside, exchanging a look with the newest member before turning
toward their opponents.
Then the HCW
Television Champion makes his entrance.
The Rich Athlete
emerges with the Television Championship around his waist, pausing long enough
for the Columbia crowd to make its feelings known before proceeding toward the
ring. Ruth Heartless meets him at ringside, and moments later The Rich Athlete,
Evan Stockwell and Dex Ledger stand together for the first time as the newly
expanded men's contingent of the Million Dollar Alliance.
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Now take a look at that, Mike. The Television Champion, Evan Stockwell and Dex
Ledger. Ruth Heartless just made an already successful group even stronger.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Maybe. But putting three talented individuals together doesn't automatically
make them a team. Tonight is their first opportunity to prove that Dex Ledger
actually fits.”
‘Honest’ Abe works to
get everyone into their respective corners, and when order is finally
established, the bell sounds with Dex Ledger getting the first opportunity to
represent his new alliance against Burley Barkley.
If Ledger hoped for
an easy showcase, Barkley quickly ruins that plan. Burley overwhelms Dex with
an Avalanche and then reverses a Half Nelson Suplex into a Towering Suplex.
Ledger finally responds with a Double Underhook Shoulder Breaker and manages to
send Burley to the floor, but Barkley returns comfortably before Abe's count
can become a serious threat.
OP Cunningham enters
and immediately catches Dex with a Falling Powerslam before the faces begin
using their familiarity to keep fresh men involved. Dex nevertheless settles
into the match, repeatedly attacking with the Double Underhook Shoulder Breaker
as Ruth shouts instructions from ringside.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“This hasn't been the welcoming celebration Dex Ledger may have expected.
Burley Barkley and OP Cunningham have made him work for everything.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Good. Ruth didn't recruit him because she thought he needed protecting. She
recruited him because she thinks he belongs with winners.”
The match erupts when
all six men spill into the action. Stockwell catches an opponent with a Bull
Press while The Rich Athlete sends another man tumbling out of the ring. Burley
and Julius answer with heavy offense of their own, and ‘Honest’ Abe struggles
to restore order as bodies scatter inside and outside the ring.
Once the match
settles again, Ruth becomes increasingly involved. With OP Cunningham trying to
regain control, Heartless draws his attention from ringside just long enough
for Dex to capitalize. Ledger catches Cunningham with a Gutwrench Suplex and
follows with another Double Underhook Shoulder Breaker before finally tagging
Evan Stockwell.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And there's Ruth Heartless making her presence felt again. We saw her
influence Dex Ledger's fortunes before tonight, and apparently becoming an
official member hasn't changed anything.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Why would it? If you've got an advantage, use it.”
Stockwell's arrival
triggers another breakdown in order. All six men charge into the fight, with
Julius Squeezer and Burley Barkley answering everything the Million Dollar
Alliance throws at them. Amid the chaos, The Rich Athlete comes crashing down
with the Million Dollar Kneedrop while OP Cunningham is knocked through the
ropes and to the floor.
Inside the ring,
‘Honest’ Abe finally forces the illegal competitors back toward their corners.
Outside, Cunningham
is trying to recover.
Abe begins counting.
OP reaches the apron
as the count climbs, but the punishment and confusion have taken too much out
of him. Cunningham makes one final effort to climb back inside.
He doesn't make it.
TEN!
‘Honest’ Abe calls
for the bell.
The Rich Athlete,
Evan Stockwell & Dex Ledger defeat OP Cunningham, Burley Barkley &
Julius Squeezer by countout at 12:00.
Ruth Heartless
immediately enters the ring to join her men. Dex Ledger, Evan Stockwell and The
Rich Athlete gather around her while Burley Barkley and Julius Squeezer head
outside to check on OP Cunningham.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Not exactly the decisive victory Ruth Heartless may want everyone to remember
it as, but the record book will show that the Million Dollar Alliance won Dex
Ledger's first match as an official member.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“That's the only part Ruth needs to remember. She introduced Dex Ledger, put
him alongside winners, and twelve minutes later they're celebrating a victory.
Sounds like a pretty successful investment to me.”
Ruth stands between
The Rich Athlete, Evan Stockwell and Dex Ledger, looking exceedingly pleased
with herself as the four pose together in the center of the ring.
The boos continue as
Live Wire fades away from the celebration.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Live Wire returns
from commercial backstage, where Candace Hart is standing with Harrison Marks.
Harrison still looks fresh from his victory over Ovaltine Jackson earlier in
the night, wearing the self-satisfied expression of a man who believes the
evening is unfolding exactly as it should.
Candace Hart:
“Harrison, earlier tonight you defeated Ovaltine Jackson, and now your
attention turns to the Hardcore Championship. You’ve already earned a future
opportunity at that title, so how closely are you watching Jax Brenner and Bad
News Marvin Barnes in tonight’s main event?”
Harrison gives
Candace a dismissive look, as if the answer should be obvious.
Harrison Marks:
“Closely enough.”
He adjusts his wrist
tape and glances toward the nearby monitor.
Harrison Marks:
“But I’m not sitting around hoping for one man or the other. Jax Brenner can
keep the title. Marvin Barnes can take it from him. It makes no difference to
me.”
Candace Hart:
“No preference at all?”
Harrison Marks:
“Why would I have one?”
Harrison steps a
little closer to the microphone.
Harrison Marks:
“I earned my opportunity. That means whoever walks out of the main event with
the Hardcore Championship eventually has to deal with me.”
He gives a short
smile.
Harrison Marks:
“And if either one of them watched what I did to Ovaltine Jackson tonight, then
they already know exactly what’s coming.”
Candace Hart:
“So tonight is really about scouting?”
Harrison Marks:
“No. Scouting is what people do when they’re worried about what someone else
can do.”
Harrison turns his
attention fully toward the camera.
Harrison Marks:
“I’m not worried about Jax Brenner. I’m not worried about Bad News Marvin
Barnes. I’m just waiting to see which one of them is unfortunate enough to
still be holding my championship when my opportunity comes.”
Harrison walks out of
frame, leaving Candace watching him depart.
Candace Hart:
“Harrison Marks clearly has no shortage of confidence after his victory earlier
tonight. We’ll find out later which man leaves Columbia with the Hardcore
Championship.”
The broadcast
transitions back toward ringside as preparations begin for the second Women’s
Convergent Qualifier Battle Royal.
WOMEN’S CONVERGENT
CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER
Battle Royal #2 — 20
Women
The broadcast returns
to ringside as Tony “Echo” Calibur stands in the ring. Several of the
competitors have already begun making their way down the aisle as the Columbia
crowd prepares for the second Women’s Convergent Championship qualifying Battle
Royal.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Twenty women are about to compete, and the objective is simple. Be the last
woman standing and advance to the next level of qualification for the Women’s
Convergent Championship.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And everybody who doesn't win gets another chance in the next Battle Royal.
That's important, Mike. Losing tonight doesn't end your opportunity. Winning
tonight means you don't have to go through this again.”
Among the women
making their entrances are Avery St. Claire and Blair Kensington, followed by
the likes of Daphne Ashcroft, Phoenix Blaze, Valeria Vex and Veronica “The
Heat” Flame. Nyx Evermore receives a hostile reception when she emerges, while
former World Ladies Champion Luciana Albano enters with her usual confidence.
Then Twinkle appears.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And there is Twinkle. She was omitted from the first qualifying Battle Royal,
so tonight is her first opportunity to compete for one of those coveted four
spots.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Which means she'd better make up for lost time.”
As the remaining
competitors assemble in the ring, another familiar entrance theme hits.
Korbi Kong emerges
onto the stage.
Korbi isn't dressed
to compete. Instead, she points toward the commentary desk and makes her way
down the aisle.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And here comes the woman who doesn't have to worry about surviving another one
of these. Korbi Kong won Battle Royal #1 and has already secured one of the
four places at the next level.”
Korbi reaches the
desk, puts on a headset and takes the seat beside Mike and Johnny.
Korbi Kong:
“I figured if one of these women is going to join me, I should get a good look
at her.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“You sure you aren't just here because this seat is a lot safer than that
ring?”
Korbi Kong:
“I already did my job, Johnny.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And now twenty women are trying to do theirs.”
The final competitors
enter the ring, including The Stillwell Angel. ‘Honest’ Abe surveys the crowded
ring before calling for the bell.
Chaos erupts
immediately.
There is no
feeling-out process with twenty women occupying the same ring. Alliances form
and disappear almost instantly as everyone searches for an opportunity near the
ropes. Avery St. Claire makes the first major statement by sending Trinity
Bowman to the floor, while Phoenix Blaze eliminates
Blair Kensington and
Lavender Gooms dumps Chloe Parker.
Dixie Caverns
eliminates Luna Shadow, and Penny Hall ends Sparkle's night.
Across the ring,
Veronica Flame finds herself battling Twinkle near the ropes. Veronica appears
to have the advantage until she glances toward ringside.
Her eyes find Korbi
Kong.
Korbi Kong:
“Don't look at me. Look at her!”
It's already too
late. Twinkle takes advantage of Veronica's momentary lapse and sends her over
the ropes.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Twinkle eliminates Veronica Flame!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Veronica took her eyes off the match for one second because Korbi was sitting
out here, and Twinkle made her pay for it!”
Korbi Kong:
“That's on Veronica. You don't get to blame me because you forgot there were
nineteen other women in the ring.”
The field continues
thinning. Starla Nova eliminates Penny Hall, Daphne Ashcroft sends Joy Monroe
out, and Avery collects another elimination by removing Leslie Grimes.
Then Korbi suddenly
becomes interested in something happening across the ring.
Luciana Albano has
spotted her.
The former World
Ladies Champion stops what she's doing for just a moment, staring through the
ropes at the woman seated beside Mike and Johnny.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Luciana Albano has noticed you, Korbi.”
Korbi Kong:
“Then she's making a mistake.”
Luciana says
something toward the desk that isn't picked up by the microphones.
Korbi leans forward.
Korbi Kong:
“Worry about the match, Luciana.”
Starla Nova attacks
from behind.
Luciana tries to
recover, but Nova has already driven her toward the ropes and sends her over.
Luciana hits the
floor.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“LUCIANA ALBANO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Korbi Kong just got inside Luciana's head without leaving her chair!”
Korbi Kong:
“I didn't eliminate her. Starla Nova did. Luciana knows better than anybody
that you can't take your eyes off your opponent.”
Luciana rises on the
floor and immediately looks toward Korbi. Korbi remains seated, staring back.
For several seconds,
neither woman looks away.
Then Luciana turns
and storms toward the back.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“There is a lot of history between those two, and I have a feeling Luciana
Albano isn't going to forget what just happened.”
Back in the ring,
Twinkle's first qualifying appearance continues far longer than Veronica might
have expected. Eventually Valeria Vex catches her and sends her out with a
Fallaway Slam, ending a respectable first attempt.
Meanwhile, Avery St.
Claire is becoming the story of the Battle Royal. After eliminating Trinity and
Leslie, Avery removes Dixie Caverns and later sends Valeria Vex over the ropes.
Phoenix Blaze remains dangerous as well, while Daphne Ashcroft eliminates Nyx
Evermore with a Running Senton that carries the action toward the ropes and
sends Nyx to the floor.
Korbi Kong:
“Avery's having a night.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“She certainly is. Every time we look around, Avery St. Claire seems to be
eliminating someone else.”
Lavender Gooms
eliminates Daphne Ashcroft, while Avery St. Claire continues controlling
another part of the ring. With the field rapidly shrinking, both women remain
very much in contention.
Eventually only four
women remain: Avery St. Claire, Phoenix Blaze, The Stillwell Angel and Lavender
Gooms, with the match narrowing rapidly toward its conclusion.
Avery eliminates Lavender
before Phoenix finally stops Avery's remarkable run, using the Hussy Lock to
maneuver St. Claire toward the ropes and send her to the floor.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Avery St. Claire is out! What a performance, though!”
Korbi Kong:
“She didn't win, but she just gave everybody something to remember. And because
only the winner is exempt, Avery will get another opportunity.”
With the field
reduced even further, Phoenix Blaze turns her attention toward The Stillwell
Angel.
The two battle near
the ropes, each knowing how close she is to securing the second coveted
position.
Phoenix tries to
force Angel over.
Angel hangs on.
Phoenix charges.
The Stillwell Angel
turns the momentum against her and launches herself into a DIVING CROSSBODY,
taking Phoenix Blaze over and out but hangs on to the ropes to avoid following
her.
Phoenix hits the
floor.
The bell sounds.
THE STILLWELL ANGEL
WINS WOMEN’S CONVERGENT QUALIFIER BATTLE ROYAL #2!
The Stillwell Angel
remains in the ring as ‘Honest’ Abe raises her arm. The Columbia crowd responds
while Angel realizes what she has accomplished.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“The Stillwell Angel
has done it! She survives a twenty-woman Battle Royal and becomes the second
woman to secure one of those four coveted spots!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And she doesn't have to do this again. Everybody else tonight goes back into
the pool. Angel moves on.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And Phoenix Blaze may have come up one elimination short, but her night isn't
a failure. By finishing second, Phoenix has secured the second position in the
Wild Card match!”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“So Angel doesn't have to go through another Battle Royal, and Phoenix still
has another path to the Final Four. That's a pretty valuable second-place
finish.”
At the commentary
desk, Korbi removes her headset and stands.
The Stillwell Angel
notices her.
Korbi looks toward
the ring and gives Angel a respectful nod.
Angel returns it.
Korbi Kong:
“She earned it.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Two
Battle Royals down. Korbi Kong and The Stillwell Angel have secured Final Four
positions, while Trinity Bowman and Phoenix Blaze have secured places in the
Wild Card. Two qualifying Battle Royals remain.”
Korbi applauds
briefly before stepping away from the desk as The Stillwell Angel continues
celebrating in the ring.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And remember, for everyone who came up short tonight, the opportunity isn't
over. Only the Battle Royal winners are exempt from the remaining qualifiers.
There are still two spots left to claim.”
The camera holds on
The Stillwell Angel before Live Wire prepares to head backstage.
Live Wire cuts
backstage one final time before the main event. Candace Hart stands beside HCW
Hardcore Champion “The Alaskan Wildman” Jax Brenner, the championship secured
around his waist. Jax looks less like a man preparing for an interview than
someone waiting impatiently for permission to go fight. Molly Mason stands at his side.
Candace Hart:
“Jax, earlier tonight Bad News Marvin Barnes said people have been asking the
wrong question about you. He says it isn't about how much punishment you can
take, but how much punishment you can take from him.”
Jax looks down at the
Hardcore Championship and then back at Candace.
Jax Brenner:
“That's what Marvin thinks this is about?”
Jax gives a short
laugh.
Jax Brenner:
“Marvin wants to hurt me? Good. He can sure try.”
Candace raises an
eyebrow.
Jax Brenner:
“You don't become Hardcore Champion because you're afraid of getting hurt. You
don't stay Hardcore Champion because you found a way around the fight. You walk
into it.”
Candace Hart:
“Barnes also promised that things are going to get ugly tonight.”
Jax's expression
changes immediately. A grin spreads across his face.
Jax Brenner:
“Now that's the first good thing I've heard Marvin say all night.”
Jax pats the
championship around his waist.
Jax Brenner:
“No excuses. No running. No complaining when somebody gets thrown into
something that wasn't designed to have a human body thrown into it. Marvin
wants ugly?”
Jax steps closer to
Candace's microphone.
Jax Brenner:
“Let's get ugly.”
Candace Hart:
“One more thing. Harrison Marks defeated Ovaltine Jackson earlier tonight, and
he made it very clear that he believes whoever leaves tonight with your
championship is simply keeping it warm until his opportunity arrives.”
The grin disappears.
Jax Brenner:
“Harrison can believe whatever he wants.”
Jax looks directly
toward the camera.
Jax Brenner:
“But Harrison isn't standing across the ring from me tonight. Marvin is.”
He pauses.
Jax Brenner:
“So Marvin gets all of me. If Harrison wants whatever's left afterward, he
knows where to find me.”
Jax turns and walks
away, heading toward the arena entrance. Candace watches the champion depart
before turning back toward the camera.
Candace Hart:
“The Alaskan Wildman is ready. Bad News Marvin Barnes is ready. And there are
no more interviews and no more waiting. The HCW Hardcore Championship is on the
line, and our main event is next.”
The broadcast
transitions toward the arena as the Columbia crowd can already be heard growing
louder.
The camera returns to
the Columbia Coliseum, where the atmosphere has changed noticeably. The ring
has been cleared, the crowd is on its feet, and Mike Johnson and Johnny Harris
turn their attention toward the entrance.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“We've heard from both men tonight. Bad News Marvin Barnes says the question
isn't how much punishment Jax Brenner can withstand — it's how much punishment
he can withstand from Barnes.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And Jax's answer was basically, ‘Come find out.’ This is the Hardcore
Championship, Mike. There isn't going to be much room for misunderstanding once
that bell rings.”
Bad News Marvin
Barnes' music hits, drawing an immediate reaction from the Columbia crowd.
Barnes emerges onto
the stage with none of the swagger of someone merely happy to be in a main
event. He looks focused and confrontational, scanning the arena briefly before
fixing his attention on the ring.
Earlier tonight
Barnes promised that things would get ugly. Now, with no microphone in front of
him and nothing left to say, he begins the walk toward the ring.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Marvin Barnes has been thinking about this opportunity all night. He didn't
come here talking about surviving Jax Brenner. He came here believing he can
take the Hardcore Championship from him.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And that's exactly the attitude you need. If you're walking into a Hardcore
Championship match worried about what Jax Brenner might do to you, you've
already lost half the fight.”
Barnes reaches
ringside and pauses, surveying the area around him. His eyes move from the ring
steps to the barricade and then toward the announce area.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Look at Barnes. He's not just looking at the ring.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Why would he? In a match like this, the whole building can become part of the
fight.”
Barnes climbs onto
the apron and enters. He paces inside the ring, rolling his shoulders and
occasionally glancing back toward the entrance. Eventually he settles into his
corner.
Then the arena waits.
The music of “The
Alaskan Wildman” Jax Brenner hits.
The response rises as
the HCW Hardcore Champion appears, the championship secured around his waist. Molly Mason accompanies him.
Jax stops on the
stage and stares directly toward the ring.
Barnes is waiting for
him.
The champion doesn't
pose for long. He starts down the aisle with Molly at his side with the same
almost unsettling eagerness he displayed during his interview with Candace
Hart. Barnes promised him violence. Jax looks perfectly happy to collect.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“There is the HCW Hardcore Champion. Jax Brenner captured that championship at
Reign of Champions, and tonight Bad News Marvin Barnes is the next man trying
to take it away.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“Look at Jax's face. Marvin told him this was going to get ugly, and I think
Jax took that as an invitation.”
Jax reaches ringside
and looks up at Barnes.
Barnes motions for
him to come inside.
Jax grins.
The champion climbs
onto the apron and steps through the ropes. Barnes doesn't retreat, forcing
‘Honest’ Abe between the two men before the match has even officially begun.
The lights settle
over the ring as Tony “Echo” Calibur steps into the center with microphone in
hand.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your MAIN EVENT of the evening!”
The Columbia crowd
responds.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“And it is for the HERITAGE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING… HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Tony turns toward the
challenger.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“Introducing first, the challenger… BAD NEWS… MARVIN BARNES!”
Barnes steps out of
his corner, staring across the ring at Jax before raising an arm.
Tony turns toward the
champion.
Tony “Echo” Calibur:
“And his opponent… he is the reigning and defending HCW HARDCORE CHAMPION… ‘THE
ALASKAN WILDMAN’… JAX BRENNER!”
Jax raises a fist as
the crowd responds, but his eyes never leave Barnes. Molly applauds from ringside.
Tony exits the ring.
Jax removes the
Hardcore Championship from around his waist. He looks at it for a moment before
handing it to Abe.
The referee raises
the championship above his head.
The bell rings.
Jax Brenner
immediately makes good on everything he told Candace Hart. The Hardcore
Champion charges straight into the fight, battering Barnes with a Forearm
Bludgeon and following with a Sasquatch Stomp. Barnes spends the opening
moments absorbing the champion’s assault before finally stopping Jax’s momentum
with Diamond Dust.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“There was no feeling-out process whatsoever. Jax Brenner came out looking to
overwhelm Marvin Barnes before he could ever get started.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And Marvin survived it. That's important, Mike. Barnes told us earlier that he
wanted to find out how much punishment Jax could take, but first he had to
prove he could take some himself.”
That becomes the
story of the match. Jax repeatedly uses his size and power to punish the
challenger, while Barnes refuses to let the champion dictate the fight for
long. Jax connects with the Bigfoot Bomb, only for Barnes to answer with the
Crossbow Cutter. Barnes catches Jax with another Diamond Dust and repeatedly
uses the ropes to choke the champion, turning the Hardcore environment to his
advantage whenever Jax begins building momentum.
The exchanges grow
increasingly physical. Barnes counters another attempted Bigfoot Bomb, while
Jax later turns a Superkick into the Sasquatch Squeeze. A Bodyslam and another
Sasquatch Stomp put Barnes in serious trouble, but the challenger refuses to stay
down. Even after Jax connects with The Pickaxe, Barnes kicks out.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Jax Brenner has thrown some of his heaviest offense at Marvin Barnes, and
Barnes is still here.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“That's Bad News for the champion. Every time Jax thinks he's finally broken
him, Marvin finds another way back into this fight.”
Barnes eventually
finds a way to take the brutality to another level. He gets his hands on
thumbtacks and shoves them into the champion's mouth before blasting Jax with a
Buzzsaw Kick. The sickening combination drops Brenner and gives Barnes his
strongest stretch of the match.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Barnes promised us ugly. It doesn't get much uglier than that!”
But Jax keeps coming.
Barnes catches him
with the Dark Matter Reverse S.T.O. and gets a close near fall, forcing the
champion to prove that his reputation for surviving punishment is more than
talk. From there, both men begin showing the effects of the fight. Jax
continues hammering Barnes with Sasquatch Stomps, Forearm Bludgeons and the
Sasquatch Squeeze, while Barnes answers with Superkicks, chokes and anything
else he can use to slow the champion down.
Neither man can put
the other away.
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“This stopped being about wrestling a long time ago. They're finding out which
one of them can still stand after the other guy runs out of ways to hurt him.”
The answer finally
comes during one last violent exchange.
Jax catches Barnes
with The Pickaxe, but Barnes somehow answers by sending the champion
over the ropes with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex and crashing him through a table on
the floor.
The Columbia Coliseum
erupts.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“JAX BRENNER JUST WENT THROUGH THE TABLE!”
Barnes is badly hurt
from The Pickaxe. Jax is buried in the wreckage of the table. For a moment,
neither man is able to capitalize.
Then the Alaskan
Wildman begins to move.
Jax pulls himself out
of the debris and reaches Barnes. Jax re-enters the ring and hits Marvin again
with The Pickaxe.
Jax covers.
‘Honest’ Abe drops to
the floor.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell sounds.
“THE ALASKAN WILDMAN”
JAX BRENNER DEFEATS BAD NEWS MARVIN BARNES BY PINFALL AT 28:00 TO RETAIN THE
HCW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP.
For several moments,
Jax remains down beside Barnes amid the wreckage. This was no easy defense.
Barnes promised earlier in the night that he would discover exactly how much
punishment the Hardcore Champion could take, and for twenty-eight minutes he
did everything he could to find Jax Brenner's breaking point.
He never found it.
‘Honest’ Abe
retrieves the Hardcore Championship and hands it back to Jax. The champion
pulls himself upright and raises the title.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Bad News Marvin Barnes pushed Jax Brenner through twenty-eight brutal minutes,
but the Alaskan Wildman is still the Hardcore Champion.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And somewhere backstage, Harrison Marks just watched every second of it. He
already earned his opportunity. After seeing this, he'd better understand
exactly what he's asking for.”
Jax looks down at the
fallen Barnes before raising the Hardcore Championship once more.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Barnes came looking for the limit of Jax Brenner's endurance. Instead, Jax
survives the Bad News and leaves Columbia still holding the Hardcore
Championship.”
The broadcast returns
to a wider shot of the Columbia Coliseum as the aftermath of the Hardcore
Championship main event is cleared away. Jax Brenner has survived Bad News
Marvin Barnes, but the night has left plenty for HCW to deal with in the days
ahead.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“What a night here in Columbia. Jax Brenner is still the Hardcore Champion
after an incredible fight with Bad News Marvin Barnes, but Johnny, there were
developments all over Live Wire tonight.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“There sure were. Harrison Marks picked up another win and then made it clear
he's waiting for his Hardcore Championship opportunity. After what we just
watched, he knows the man holding that championship is still Jax Brenner.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“And the Million Dollar Alliance grew tonight. Ruth Heartless revealed that she
has been watching Dex Ledger since his days in Proving Grounds, and tonight she
officially welcomed him into the group.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And they won their first match with Dex as a member. Ruth Heartless is going
to call that a very successful night.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“We also have our second winner in the Women’s Convergent Championship
qualifiers. Korbi Kong had already secured her place, and tonight The Stillwell
Angel joined her. Two coveted spots have now been claimed, with two still
remaining.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And everybody who didn't win tonight goes right back into the mix. Nobody gets
to relax unless they've actually won one of these Battle Royals.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“That includes Luciana Albano, whose attention wandered toward Korbi Kong
tonight and cost her dearly. It also includes Avery St. Claire, who put
together an impressive performance before Phoenix Blaze finally eliminated her.
There is still a lot of wrestling left before we know all four women who will
advance.”
The camera briefly
returns to Jax Brenner, Molly Mason beside him as the Hardcore Champion makes
his way from ringside with the title.
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“Tonight belonged to those who took advantage of their opportunities — Rex
Rampage picked up an important victory, Harrison Marks continued building
momentum, Dex Ledger officially joined the Million Dollar Alliance, The
Stillwell Angel secured her place in the next stage of the Women’s Convergent
Championship qualification, and Jax Brenner survived Bad News.”
Johnny “the Hammer”
Harris:
“And tomorrow night, HCW does it all over again on Voltage.”
Mike “the Voice”
Johnson:
“For Johnny ‘the Hammer’ Harris, I'm Mike ‘the Voice’ Johnson. Thank you for
joining us from the Columbia Coliseum. We'll see you next time on HCW Live
Wire!”
The HCW Live Wire
logo fills the screen as the broadcast fades to black.
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