The broadcast opens cold on the HCW Live Wire logo before the
familiar opening theme explodes through the speakers.
A rapid-fire montage follows—bodies crashing into turnbuckles, fists
flying beneath the lights, championships raised overhead, fans reaching over
the barricades, and the unmistakable chaos of Heritage Championship Wrestling.
The final burst of pyro gives way to a sweeping shot of the Columbia Coliseum,
where the crowd is already on its feet.
The camera settles at ringside with Mike “the Voice” Johnson and Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Welcome, everyone, to Heritage Championship Wrestling! Welcome to Live
Wire! We are coming to you from the Columbia Coliseum, and Johnny, there is one
match hanging over everything that happens here tonight!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius Onyx has decided this is the night, Mike. He's cashing in, and
by the time Live Wire goes off the air, he is going to know whether he made the
smartest decision of his career—or the dumbest.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And standing across the ring from him will be The Rich Athlete, with
Ruth Heartless undoubtedly having a plan for every possible contingency. We
will hear from Cassius Onyx later tonight, and Candace Hart will also speak
with The Rich Athlete and Ruth Heartless before that huge main event.”
A graphic flashes briefly across the broadcast promoting the night's main
event.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius picked the fight. That's the part everybody needs to remember.
The Rich Athlete didn't ask for this. Ruth didn't ask for this. Cassius has an
opportunity and decided he wants to spend it tonight.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And that's not all. Freedom Fighter Justice goes one-on-one with Elias
Grimmstone, we've got tag-team action with the Lee-thal Combination facing
Rourke and Vega, Valeria Vex meets Twinkle, and the newest member of the
Million Dollar Alliance, Dex Ledger, faces a man who knows that group very
well—former Alliance member Sterling Silverman.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Former member because they threw him out.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And somehow I knew you were going to emphasize that.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Accuracy matters, Mike.”
Mike shakes his head as the camera sweeps across the crowd again.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“We'll also have a special look ahead to House of Horrors, coming your
way Friday night, October 30, on pay-per-view. But we've got plenty to get
through before then, and we're starting tonight with Ghee Buttersnaps and
Doofus Covfefe!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Well, you said we had plenty to get through.”
Mike turns slowly toward his broadcast partner.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“It's going to be one of those nights, isn't it?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“You work with me every week. Why are you still asking?”
The camera pulls away from the desk and toward the entrance stage as the
crowd turns its attention toward the curtain.
Live Wire is underway.
The camera returns to the entrance stage as the opening notes of Doofus
Covfefe's music hit, drawing an immediate chorus of boos from the Columbia
Coliseum.
Doofus emerges through the curtain with all the self-importance in the
world, stopping almost immediately to survey the crowd. He gestures broadly
toward himself and begins jawing with fans along the aisle, apparently far more
interested in their reaction to him than in actually reaching the ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And here comes Doofus Covfefe, and I think it's safe to say the Columbia
Coliseum is not particularly happy to see him.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“They're still reacting to him. That's what matters.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's what matters?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Absolutely. Half these people claim they can't stand the guy, and every
single one of them is watching him.”
Doofus stops beside one particularly vocal section and points into the
crowd, arguing back before dismissively waving them off and continuing toward
ringside.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He might get to the ring eventually.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Why rush? They're already booing. He's giving them what they paid for.”
Doofus climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes, continuing to
complain about the crowd as his music fades.
Then the atmosphere changes.
Ghee Buttersnaps' entrance music hits, drawing a considerably warmer
reception.
Ghee steps onto the stage, acknowledges the crowd and heads toward the
ring with considerably more purpose than his opponent showed. Doofus watches
from inside, already running his mouth and motioning for Ghee to hurry up.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Ghee Buttersnaps looks ready to compete, and that's more than I can say
about the man waiting for him.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Doofus is ready.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He spent half his entrance arguing with people.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Multitasking.”
Ghee reaches ringside and climbs into the ring. He takes his corner while
Doofus continues talking from across the canvas.
The two men stare one another down as the official checks that both
competitors are ready.
The bell rings.
Ghee Buttersnaps comes out with considerably more urgency than Doofus
Covfefe, and it doesn't take long for that difference to show. Doofus spends
the opening exchanges trying to slow Ghee down, but Ghee repeatedly gets
underneath him and sends him crashing to the canvas with a pair of back body
drops. When Doofus tries to regroup and complain about the treatment he's
receiving, a sharp elbow smash gives him something more legitimate to complain
about.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Ghee Buttersnaps has controlled this thing from the opening bell. Doofus
hasn't found an answer for him yet.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He's assessing the situation.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He's been thrown over Ghee's back twice.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's a lot of information to assess.”
Ghee continues dictating the pace, grounding Doofus with a power arm bar
and keeping him there long enough to make the first serious attempt at ending
the match. Ghee transitions into a cover, but “Honest” Abe only gets two before
Doofus gets a shoulder off the canvas.
That finally seems to wake Doofus up.
He catches Ghee with a leg trip during the next exchange and immediately
gets back to his feet, throwing his arms wide as though he has just completely
turned the match around. The Columbia Coliseum showers him with boos.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“One leg trip, and you'd think Doofus just won the match.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Confidence, Mike. You can't teach it.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Apparently you don't need to earn it, either.”
The burst doesn't last.
Ghee takes control again and catches Doofus with the GHEE HEE HEE,
putting him down hard. Doofus survives, but now he's fighting almost entirely
to stay in the match rather than take it over. When he tries another leg trip,
Ghee sees it coming and shuts him down.
Unable to gain much ground conventionally, Doofus resorts to something
considerably less conventional. He grabs Ghee and buries him against that
unmistakable mass of orange hair, smothering Ghee until Abe intervenes and
forces Doofus to release him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on! He's smothering him with his hair!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Show me where that's illegal.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't think anybody anticipated needing to put it in the rulebook!”
Doofus argues his case with Abe, insisting he's done nothing wrong.
It's exactly the distraction Ghee needs.
When Doofus finally turns his attention back toward his opponent, Ghee is
waiting for him. He catches Doofus with a second GHEE HEE HEE, planting
him in the center of the ring.
This time there is no escape.
Ghee hooks the leg.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!... THREE!”
The bell sounds as the crowd responds approvingly and Ghee rises from the
cover. Abe raises his arm while Doofus remains on the mat, his brief flashes of
offense having done little to change what was ultimately a commanding
performance from Ghee Buttersnaps.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Here is your winner... GHEE BUTTERSNAPS!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Ghee Buttersnaps takes care of business tonight on Live Wire!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I still have questions about the officiating.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“What questions?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I'll have them ready by next week.”
Mike simply stares at his broadcast partner as the camera returns to Ghee
celebrating inside the ring.
Match
Rating: ★★
Backstage, Candace Hart stands in front of the Live Wire interview
backdrop with microphone in hand. Beside her is Cassius Onyx.
There is none of the usual uncertainty surrounding why Cassius is here
tonight. He has his opportunity, he has named his target, and before Live Wire
goes off the air, he intends to use it.
Candace
Hart:
“Cassius, tonight you cash in your opportunity against The Rich Athlete.
You could have waited. You could have chosen another time, another place, maybe
even another champion. Why tonight?”
Cassius looks at Candace for a moment before glancing toward the camera.
Cassius
Onyx:
“Because I'm tired of waiting.”
He pauses.
Cassius
Onyx:
“Everybody keeps talking about opportunities like they're something
you're supposed to protect. Hold onto it. Wait for the perfect moment. Wait
until somebody's hurt. Wait until somebody's exhausted. Wait until Ruth
Heartless isn't looking.”
Cassius gives a faint shake of his head.
Cassius
Onyx:
“That's not me.”
Candace
Hart:
“You're deliberately giving The Rich Athlete time to prepare for you.”
Cassius
Onyx:
“Good.”
That answer draws a small reaction from the fans watching on the arena
screens.
Cassius
Onyx:
“I don't want excuses. I don't want him telling everybody tomorrow that I
caught him at the wrong time. And I definitely don't want Ruth spending the
next six months telling everybody I stole something from her precious
investment.”
A slight grin crosses Cassius's face.
Cassius
Onyx:
“So Ruth can make her plans. The Rich Athlete can stretch, warm up, watch
tape, count his money—whatever makes him feel better. He knows I'm coming.”
Candace moves the microphone slightly closer.
Candace
Hart:
“The Rich Athlete has Ruth Heartless in his corner. You've seen what that
combination is capable of. Does that factor into your thinking at all?”
Cassius's expression hardens.
Cassius
Onyx:
“Of course it does. I'm not stupid.”
He looks directly into the camera now.
Cassius
Onyx:
“Ruth, I know you're listening. I know you'll have a plan. Probably two
or three of them.”
A beat.
Cassius
Onyx:
“Bring all of them.”
The crowd reaction grows louder.
Cassius doesn't smile this time.
Cassius
Onyx:
“And “Champ”... tonight you don't get surprised. You don't get ambushed.
You don't get to say you weren't ready.”
Cassius steps slightly closer to the camera.
Cassius
Onyx:
“You get me.”
He lets that sit for a moment before turning back toward Candace.
Cassius
Onyx:
“And we'll find out if all that money bought you enough.”
Cassius walks out of frame, leaving Candace watching him depart before
she turns toward the camera.
Candace
Hart:
“Cassius Onyx has made his intentions very clear. Tonight, he cashes in
against The Rich Athlete in our main event.”
The broadcast returns toward ringside.
Back inside the Columbia Coliseum, the mood brightens considerably as
Twinkle's entrance music hits.
Twinkle bursts through the curtain to a warm reaction, feeding off the
crowd as she makes her way down the aisle. She reaches out to the fans along
the barricade before sliding beneath the bottom rope and quickly getting back
to her feet.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Twinkle is ready for singles competition tonight, and Johnny, we've seen
plenty of her alongside Sparkle, but tonight she's going to have to handle
Valeria Vex all by herself.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Which means if something goes wrong, she can't turn around and ask her
sister to fix it.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't think that's how the Tinsel Twins operate.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then tonight's a perfect opportunity to prove it.”
Twinkle settles into her corner as her music fades.
The reaction changes sharply when Valeria Vex's music begins.
Valeria emerges onto the stage and pauses beneath the lights, looking
across the arena before fixing her attention on the ring. She doesn't bother
acknowledging the fans calling out from either side of the aisle. Her focus
remains squarely on Twinkle.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Valeria Vex has never seemed particularly concerned with whether these
fans approve of her.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Why should she be? None of them are getting in the ring with Twinkle.”
Valeria reaches ringside and takes her time climbing the steps. Twinkle
watches closely from the opposite corner as Valeria enters and removes the last
of her entrance gear.
The two women move toward the center of the ring.
Valeria looks Twinkle up and down before giving her a dismissive little
smirk.
Twinkle responds by taking another step forward.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't think Twinkle appreciated that.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then she's already letting Valeria get inside her head.”
The official calls both women back to their corners, checks that each is
ready, and signals for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Valeria Vex comes into the match looking determined to make Twinkle
regret stepping into singles competition without Sparkle beside her. Twinkle is
more than willing to meet her head-on, however, and the opening exchanges
quickly become a contest of contrasting approaches. Valeria looks to punish
Twinkle with heavier strikes and increasingly dangerous throws, while Twinkle
uses her speed to keep answering before Valeria can completely take command.
A rolling elbow from Valeria is answered by a hair mare from Twinkle.
Valeria then catches her with a Canadian backbreaker codebreaker, wrenching
Twinkle across her body and trying to force an early submission. Twinkle
refuses to give it to her, escapes, and comes firing back with diving forearm
smashes.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Twinkle may be better known for what she and Sparkle accomplish
together, but anybody expecting her to be helpless on her own is getting an
education right now.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“She's surviving. There's a difference.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“She just escaped a submission and came back swinging.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then she's surviving enthusiastically.”
Valeria nevertheless begins imposing herself as the match progresses. She
catches Twinkle during another attempted burst and plants her with a sitout
scoop slam piledriver, only for Twinkle to immediately threaten her with a
sudden schoolgirl roll-up.
Valeria escapes before “Honest” Abe can complete the count, and the near
surprise seems to irritate her.
From there, Valeria becomes increasingly aggressive.
She drives both knees into Twinkle with the Wraith of the Goddess
Lungblower, then begins targeting her with suplexes. A Saito suplex folds
Twinkle onto the canvas and gives Valeria the first sustained opportunity to
put the match away.
Valeria covers.
“Honest”
Abe:
“ONE!... TWO!...”
Twinkle kicks out.
Valeria sits upright and stares at Abe before turning back toward
Twinkle.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Twinkle is still in this!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And Valeria Vex doesn't look particularly pleased about it.”
Valeria hauls Twinkle back up and continues attacking with the same
punishing approach. Another Saito suplex sends Twinkle down, but Twinkle
refuses to let Valeria settle into complete control. She throws herself back
into the fight with a diving crossbody, then catches Valeria with a flying
dropkick after surviving another Wraith of the Goddess Lungblower.
The longer Twinkle hangs around, the more frustrated Valeria becomes.
And that's where the match changes.
Valeria moves in again, looking to put another combination together, but
this time Twinkle is ready. She catches Valeria off balance, brings her down
and quickly threads Valeria's legs into position.
Before Valeria can escape, Twinkle turns her over.
SURFBOARD!
Valeria's expression changes instantly.
Twinkle pulls back, forcing Valeria's body into an increasingly painful
arch as the Columbia Coliseum comes alive.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Twinkle has the surfboard locked in! Valeria Vex is trapped!”
Valeria tries to fight it. She searches for a way to shift her weight,
but Twinkle has the hold secured in the center of the ring.
There is nowhere to go.
Valeria submits.
The bell rings, and Twinkle immediately releases the hold before rolling
away.
For a moment, she remains seated on the canvas, almost processing what
she has just accomplished. Then a huge smile breaks across her face as “Honest”
Abe raises her arm.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Here is your winner by submission... TWINKLE!”
The crowd responds warmly as Twinkle gets back to her feet.
Across the ring, Valeria sits against the ropes, staring back at her with
an expression somewhere between anger and disbelief.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Twinkle weathered everything Valeria Vex threw at her, found one
opening, and made it count!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I'll give her this one. Valeria controlled most of that match, but
controlling most of a match doesn't mean much after you tap out.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I believe that was almost a compliment.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Don't make it weird.”
Twinkle climbs onto the middle rope and acknowledges the cheering crowd
as Valeria slips from the ring, clearly unhappy with how quickly the match
escaped her grasp.
Match
Rating: ★★¾
The broadcast returns from commercial to a quieter corner of the
backstage area.
There is no interview setup. No Candace Hart. No microphone waiting.
Fannie Wilkensen sits alone on a folding chair in front of a television
monitor, idly watching footage from NPCW. She looks almost bored, one hand
resting against her cheek as the program plays.
Then something on the screen catches her attention.
Fannie's hand slowly drops.
The footage is from the September 12 episode of NPCW Polar Power. On the
monitor, newly crowned Queen of the North Champion Polly Mason walks
through the backstage area with the championship around her waist. Several
women surround her—challengers and potential challengers crowding the new
champion's world only days after she captured the title.
Fannie leans forward.
Her eyes don't leave the screen.
For several seconds, she says nothing.
Then—
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Oh.”
A small smile appears.
Fannie scoots her chair closer to the monitor.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Well... aren't you pretty?”
The footage continues. Polly remains in the center of the scene, carrying
herself as champion while the other women hover around her.
Fannie's smile grows.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Look at you.”
She sounds genuinely delighted.
Then Fannie notices the others.
Her smile fades just slightly.
She tilts her head as one of the women near Polly speaks.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Why is she standing so close to you?”
Fannie leans toward the television.
Another woman appears near Polly.
Fannie's eyes narrow.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“And her.”
There is a sudden edge in Fannie's voice.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“They're all bothering you.”
Fannie sits back, irritated now, watching the women surrounding the
champion.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“You just won your championship. They could let you enjoy it.”
She shakes her head.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“People can be so selfish.”
The NPCW footage changes.
Now Polly appears alone, standing proudly with the Queen of the North
Championship secured around her waist.
Everything about Fannie changes again.
The irritation disappears instantly.
Her face brightens.
Fannie slowly rises from the chair and steps closer to the monitor until
she's standing directly in front of Polly's image.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“There you are.”
She studies Polly from head to toe.
That warm smile returns.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Polly Mason.”
Fannie says the name slowly, almost testing how it sounds.
Then again.
Softer.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Polly.”
She reaches toward the television and gently places her fingertips
against the screen beside Polly's image.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Queen of the North.”
A quiet little laugh escapes her.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“Oh, I like that.”
Fannie lowers herself back into the chair—but now she's sitting directly
in front of the television, completely absorbed.
The camera begins backing away.
Fannie doesn't notice.
She doesn't notice anything except Polly Mason.
Just before the shot fades, Fannie speaks once more.
Barely above a whisper.
Fannie
Wilkensen:
“I think you're going to be my favorite.”
The screen fades to black.
The broadcast returns to the Columbia Coliseum as Rourke and Vega's music
hits.
The boos begin almost immediately—but tonight, the two men aren't coming
through the curtain alone.
Zack Brown emerges with them.
Brown steps between Rourke and Vega on the stage, wearing a satisfied
grin as the three men survey the crowd. Whatever uncertainty might once have
existed about Zack's attitude is nowhere to be found tonight. He looks
perfectly comfortable standing alongside Rourke and Vega.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Well, this certainly changes the complexion of things. Rourke and Vega
have brought Zack Brown with them tonight.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Smart.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“They haven't even reached the ring yet.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And they've already improved their odds.”
Mike glances sideways at him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“You realize you're basically admitting why he's out here.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Support. Encouragement. Leadership.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“You said ‘improved their odds.’”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Good leadership does that.”
Rourke and Vega head down the aisle while Brown follows close behind.
Zack exchanges words with several fans along the barricade, stopping just long
enough to laugh dismissively at one particularly vocal member of the crowd
before catching up with his teammates.
Once they reach ringside, Zack takes up position on the floor while
Rourke and Vega enter the ring.
Brown immediately begins talking strategy through the ropes.
Then the music of the Lee-thal Combination hits.
The mood inside the Columbia Coliseum changes as the two fan favorites
emerge onto the stage. They acknowledge the crowd before turning their
attention toward the ring—and toward the three men waiting for them.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Lee-thal Combination knew they were facing Rourke and Vega tonight. I'm
not sure they were expecting Zack Brown to be part of the equation.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He's standing outside the ring, Mike.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“For now.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“You're awfully suspicious tonight.”
Lee-thal Combination reaches ringside and pauses.
Broco looks directly at Zack.
Brown spreads his arms innocently.
That earns a laugh from Johnny.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Look at that. The man hasn't done anything.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The match hasn't started.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Exactly. And you're already accusing him.”
Lee-thal Combination enters the ring, keeping an eye on Zack as they move
toward their corner. Across the canvas, Rourke and Vega confer briefly while
Brown continues offering instructions from the floor.
The teams settle on their opening competitors.
The official checks both corners, then takes one last glance toward Zack
Brown at ringside.
Zack smiles back.
The bell rings.
The bell rings, and Broco Lee starts opposite “Ironcad” Rick Rourke.
Rourke frustrates Broco's first attempt to overpower him, prompting an early
tag to Possib Lee. Possib immediately changes the pace, catching Rourke with a
Swinging STO and Possible Outcome before Lee-thal Combination begins settling
into its rhythm.
Rourke and Salvador “Solidarity” Vega soon answer with the more punishing
approach. They isolate Broco and begin wearing him down with power and
double-team offense, keeping Possib stranded in the opposite corner.
Zack Brown makes sure Broco stays there.
As “Honest” Abe deals with Vega, Broco crawls toward his partner. Zack
circles the ring, reaches beneath the bottom rope and grabs Broco's ankle. By
the time Broco turns, Brown has already released him and stepped away.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Zack Brown just grabbed Broco's ankle!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Did Abe see it?”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“No.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then Zack Brown didn't grab Broco's ankle.”
Broco eventually breaks free with The Drop Zone, and Lee-thal Combination
works its way back into the match. Possib brings fresh energy, forcing Vega to
deal with a faster attack while Broco recovers.
From there, the match becomes a war of attrition.
Both teams enjoy stretches of control without being able to finish the
other. Broco repeatedly absorbs Rourke and Vega's heavier offense, while Possib
gives Lee-thal Combination the bursts of speed necessary to keep the match from
getting away from them. Vega nearly ends it after catching Broco with a Sunset
Flip Powerbomb, but Possib dives in to break up the pin at two.
That brings Rourke into the ring.
Possib meets him.
Within moments, all four men are fighting as Abe struggles to restore
order.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“This thing is breaking down!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“After more than twenty minutes, Mike, nobody wants to start over.
They're trying to end it.”
The chaos ultimately favors Lee-thal Combination. Possib and Broco begin
stringing their offense together, finally forcing Vega into the same kind of
isolation Broco endured earlier.
Zack tries to change that.
As Possib moves near the ropes, Brown reaches in and yanks his boot out
from underneath him.
Possib crashes against the apron.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Again! That's twice Zack Brown has gotten involved!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then Possib should've learned after the first time.”
The opening allows Rourke and Vega to regain control, but they still
can't put Broco away. Even after another stretch of double-team punishment,
Broco keeps fighting back. Lee-thal Combination survives everything the three
men throw at them, and the frustration on the opposite side becomes
increasingly obvious.
Late in the match, Rourke and Vega again overwhelm Broco, but they can't
sustain it. Broco survives, Rourke eventually falls out of position, and Vega
is left alone with him.
Nearly twenty-nine minutes of punishment have taken their toll on both
men.
Broco catches Vega.
He muscles him up—
DELAYED
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
Broco hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings!
Winners:
Lee-thal Combination
Possib joins Broco in the ring as “Honest” Abe raises their hands.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Lee-thal Combination did it! Nearly half an hour, Zack Brown sticking
his nose into this match, and Broco and Possib still found a way!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And Rourke and Vega don't look like they're taking it particularly
well.”
They're not.
Zack Brown slides into the ring behind Possib and clubs him across the
back!
Possib drops.
Broco turns—
Rourke blasts him from the side!
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on! The match is over!”
Vega pulls himself back to his feet and immediately joins the attack.
Three-on-two.
Zack stomps away at Possib while Rourke and Vega hammer Broco. Abe tries
to intervene, but Zack brushes past him and goes right back after Possib.
Broco manages to fight his way upright, catching Vega with a right hand
and then Rourke with another.
Zack attacks him from behind.
Broco goes down again.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“They had Zack Brown helping them during the match, they still couldn't
beat Lee-thal Combination, and now they're taking it out on them!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“They're making sure Broco and Possib remember tonight.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“They're going to remember beating them!”
Rourke and Vega drag Broco back up and hammer him down again while Zack
keeps Possib from reaching his partner.
Additional officials and security finally race down the aisle.
Zack spots them and calls Rourke and Vega off.
The three men leave the ring together, slowly backing up the aisle rather
than running. Zack points toward Lee-thal Combination while Rourke and Vega
stand beside him.
Inside the ring, Broco sits against the bottom turnbuckle as Possib pulls
himself up alongside him.
The two teams stare at one another.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Lee-thal Combination won the match. Rourke, Vega and Zack Brown made
sure they didn't get to enjoy it.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“They won the match, Mike. I don't think they settled anything.”
Match
Rating: ★★★¼
Commercial
break
House
of Horrors — October 30
The screen abruptly cuts to black.
A low, distant heartbeat begins.
THUMP.
Silence.
THUMP.
A dim light flickers on inside an otherwise empty Columbia Coliseum. The
camera moves slowly down the entrance aisle toward the ring, where a thin layer
of fog drifts across the canvas.
A deep voice breaks the silence.
Voice-over:
“Every competitor has something they fear.”
Quick flashes interrupt the darkness—a steel cage door slamming shut, a
hand gripping the ring ropes, a referee raising a championship overhead, an
empty hallway illuminated by a single flickering light.
Voice-over:
“Something they would rather not face.”
The heartbeat grows faster.
THUMP.
THUMP.
The lights inside the arena suddenly go out.
Voice-over:
“But on one night...”
A burst of lightning illuminates the ring.
Voice-over:
“...there is nowhere to hide.”
The House of Horrors logo fills the screen.
Voice-over:
“Heritage Championship Wrestling presents... HOUSE OF HORRORS.”
The graphic flickers.
For a fraction of a second, the screen goes completely black.
Then the date appears one final time.
FRIDAY
— OCTOBER 30
Voice-over:
“Some nightmares don't end when you wake up.”
The heartbeat stops.
Black.
The broadcast returns to the Columbia Coliseum, with the crowd buzzing as
the House of Horrors graphic disappears from the screen.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Friday night, October 30th. House of Horrors returns to the Columbia
Coliseum, and over the next few weeks we're going to learn exactly what HCW has
in store for that night.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I don't care what they have in store. I just want to know who approved
that commercial.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Why?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Because now I've got to walk through a dark parking lot after the show.”
Mike laughs.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Somehow I think you'll manage.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Easy for you to say. I'm making you walk out first.”
Before Mike can respond, Sterling Silverman's music hits.
The reaction turns decidedly negative as Sterling Silverman steps
through the curtain. Sterling pauses on the stage, surveying the crowd with his
familiar air of superiority, but there's something different about the
situation tonight.
He's still Sterling Silverman.
The fans haven't suddenly forgotten that.
But they also haven't forgotten his history with the Million Dollar
Alliance—or the fact that he's the man who was ultimately shown the door.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Sterling Silverman on his way to the ring, and there's an interesting
history surrounding this match. Silverman was once part of the Million Dollar
Alliance.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Former member because they threw him out.”
Mike turns toward Johnny.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“You really enjoy reminding people of that.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Accuracy matters, Mike.”
Sterling climbs the steps and enters the ring. He turns toward the
entrance and waits, his expression hardening.
Then the music changes.
The boos grow louder.
Ruth
Heartless emerges first, stopping on the stage with a
confident smile.
A moment later, Dex Ledger steps through the curtain beside her.
Ruth gestures proudly toward the newest member of the Million Dollar
Alliance before the two begin making their way toward the ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And there you see Dex Ledger, the newest addition to Ruth Heartless's
Million Dollar Alliance. There is something almost poetic about Ruth bringing
Ledger out here tonight to face a man who used to occupy a place in that
organization.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's not poetry. That's upgrading.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Sterling Silverman might have something to say about that.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then he has a match to prove it.”
Sterling watches from inside the ring as Ruth and Dex reach ringside.
Ruth looks up at Sterling.
She smiles.
Sterling doesn't.
Dex climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes while Ruth takes
her position on the floor.
For a moment, Dex and Sterling simply stare at one another.
There is no handshake.
No respect offered.
Just the current member of the Million Dollar Alliance standing across
from one of its former members.
The official checks both men and calls for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Dex Ledger immediately puts his power advantage to work, tossing Sterling
Silverman with a Gutwrench Suplex and punishing the back with a Pendulum
Backbreaker. Ruth Heartless watches approvingly from ringside as Sterling
realizes very quickly that going strength-for-strength with the newest member
of the Million Dollar Alliance isn't going to work.
Sterling adjusts accordingly.
The Silicon Slam gives him his first real opening, and a pair of Tech
Wreck Sidekicks turns the momentum. From there, Sterling keeps Dex from
settling back into the match, mixing quick strikes with enough heavy offense to
keep the larger man guessing.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Sterling Silverman knows Ruth Heartless as well as anybody. He knows
what she looks for, he knows how the Million Dollar Alliance operates, and
tonight he clearly came prepared for her newest acquisition.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Getting kicked out apparently gave him plenty of time to study.”
Dex refuses to let Sterling take complete control. The Pipeline Driver
swings the match sharply back in his favor, and later Dex sends Sterling
tumbling to the floor.
Sterling stays there.
He listens to Abe's count while recovering, ignoring Ruth as she shouts
at him from ringside.
Seven...
Eight...
Nine...
Sterling slides underneath the bottom rope.
He looks directly at Ruth and taps his temple.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's experience.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's milking every second of the count.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Exactly. Experience.”
The breather works. Sterling becomes increasingly effective at cutting
Dex off, repeatedly catching him with the Tech Wreck Sidekick and Stock Market
Crash Piledriver whenever Ledger threatens to build momentum.
Still, Dex won't stay down.
Sterling connects with the Digital Decimator and covers.
ONE!
TWO!
Dex kicks out!
Ruth pounds the apron, urging Ledger back into the fight.
Sterling looks toward her.
His frustration disappears.
A grin replaces it.
Sterling moves toward Dex as Ledger gets back to his feet. Abe shifts
position to avoid the two men—and Sterling uses that instant to drive a thumb
into Dex's eye!
Ledger staggers backward, blinded.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on! Abe didn't see it!”
Sterling wastes no time.
He grabs Dex and drives him into the canvas with a Powerslam!
Sterling hooks the leg—
—and grabs a handful of tights behind Abe's back!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING!
DING! DING!
Winner:
Sterling Silverman
Sterling immediately releases the tights and rolls out of the ring.
Ruth Heartless is livid.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Sterling Silverman stole it! Thumb to the eye, handful of tights—take
your pick!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I pick three.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“What?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Abe counted three. That's the one that matters.”
Sterling backs up the aisle as Dex sits in the ring rubbing his eye.
Ruth points toward Silverman and screams at him to come back.
Sterling stops.
He looks at Ruth.
Then Dex.
Then back at Ruth.
Sterling points at Dex and gives Ruth an exaggerated shrug.
That's my replacement?
Ruth's expression turns even colder.
Sterling laughs and holds up three fingers.
Dex gets back to his feet and angrily motions for Silverman to return to
the ring.
Sterling waves him off.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Look at Sterling Silverman! He's mocking both of them!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Ruth Heartless threw Sterling out and replaced him with Dex Ledger.
Tonight Sterling gets to go home knowing he beat the replacement.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He cheated to do it!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“You keep saying that like Sterling's going to lose sleep over it.”
Sterling Silverman disappears through the curtain, still laughing at the
reaction he's gotten from Ruth Heartless and Dex Ledger.
Match
Rating: ★★¾
Ruth turns back toward the ring. Dex is on his feet now, furious, staring
up the aisle after Sterling.
Ruth climbs onto the apron and gets Dex's attention.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Dex!”
Ledger turns toward her.
Ruth motions toward the back.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Let him enjoy it. I've got Candace waiting for me, and we've got bigger
business tonight.”
Dex looks toward the entrance again.
Ruth
Heartless:
“I'll see you backstage.”
Dex nods.
Ruth drops from the apron and starts up the aisle.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Ruth Heartless reminding Dex Ledger that Sterling Silverman isn't the
only thing on her mind tonight. Cassius Onyx is cashing in against The Rich
Athlete in our main event.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Sterling can wait. Ruth has a championship to protect.”
As Ruth disappears through the curtain, Dex remains in the ring.
One fan near ringside makes the mistake of getting particularly vocal
about Sterling's victory.
Dex hears him.
Ledger walks toward the ropes and begins jaw-jacking with the fan,
pointing toward the entrance and then holding up his fingers to emphasize the
handful of tights Sterling used.
The fan isn't buying it.
Dex gets louder.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And Dex Ledger apparently isn't ready to let this go quite as easily as
Ruth is.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Can you blame him? He got cheated, Sterling laughed in his face, and now
this guy in the third row thinks he's part of the conversation.”
Dex finally throws up his hands in disgust and steps through the ropes.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Sterling Silverman may have escaped tonight with the victory, but I have
a feeling Dex Ledger is going to remember exactly how he got it.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He should. Next time, protect your eyes and your tights.”
Dex shoots one last comment toward the fans before heading up the aisle.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Meanwhile, Ruth Heartless has already made her way backstage, where
Candace Hart is waiting with The Rich Athlete.”
Backstage, Candace Hart stands with The Rich Athlete, the Television
Championship around his waist. Ruth Heartless joins them after making her way
back from ringside. Whatever frustration remains from Sterling Silverman's
victory is quickly pushed aside as her attention turns to tonight's main event.
Candace
Hart:
“Ruth, tonight, Cassius Onyx explained why he's cashing in tonight. He
could have waited until The Rich Athlete was hurt or exhausted. Instead, he
told you exactly when he was coming because he doesn't want any excuses if he
wins.”
Ruth gives Candace an amused smile.
Ruth
Heartless:
“And he expects me to be impressed by that?”
She turns toward the camera.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Cassius had the advantage every wrestler dreams about. He controlled the
moment. He could strike whenever he wanted, and we couldn't prepare for him.”
Ruth shakes her head.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Then he warned us.”
The Rich Athlete chuckles beside her.
Ruth
Heartless:
“So thank you, Cassius. You didn't eliminate our excuses. You eliminated
your advantage.”
Candace
Hart:
“Cassius expected you to say that. He said he knew you'd have a
plan—probably two or three of them.”
Ruth smiles.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Only two or three?”
The Rich Athlete suddenly steps forward.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Wait just a minute!”
He adjusts the Television Championship and looks directly into the
camera.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Cassius Onyx has been running his mouth all night! The Rich Athlete can
stretch! The Rich Athlete can watch tape! The Rich Athlete can count his
money!”
He looks down at his jewelry and slowly spreads his arms.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Cassius... take a good look!”
He struts past Candace.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Custom-made clothes! Diamonds! Championship gold! Ruth Heartless
standing beside me! You better believe I'm counting my money!”
He throws his head back.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Candace pulls the microphone back as The Rich Athlete circles around her.
The
Rich Athlete:
“And then you ask if all that money bought me enough?”
He stops.
The smile disappears.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Bought me enough?”
He slaps the Television Championship.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Money didn't buy this! I earned this! I fought for this! And every time
The Rich Athlete walks into an HCW arena wearing championship gold, everybody
in that locker room knows they're looking at the man!”
Ruth nods approvingly as The Rich Athlete becomes increasingly animated.
The
Rich Athlete:
“You wanted me rested?”
He throws his arms wide.
The
Rich Athlete:
“I'm rested!”
He points into the camera.
The
Rich Athlete:
“You wanted me ready?”
Another championship slap.
The
Rich Athlete:
“I'm ready!”
He takes a step closer.
The
Rich Athlete:
“You wanted The Rich Athlete at his very best?”
The grin returns.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Then congratulations, Cassius! Tonight you get the limousine-ridin',
jet-flyin', money-spendin' Television Champion standing right in front of you!”
He struts away from the camera, turns sharply and throws his arms into
the air.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Ruth steps forward while The Rich Athlete continues pacing behind her.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Cassius wanted no excuses.”
She looks directly into the camera.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Neither do we.”
Ruth turns toward The Rich Athlete.
Ruth
Heartless:
“Come on. We still have a main event to prepare for.”
The Rich Athlete starts down the hallway with her, then suddenly turns
back.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Hey, Cassius!”
He points into the camera one final time.
The
Rich Athlete:
“Be careful what you wish for!”
He flashes that enormous grin.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Ruth gives him a look and continues walking. The Rich Athlete struts
after her.
Candace watches them leave before turning back toward the camera.
Candace
Hart:
“Cassius Onyx wanted The Rich Athlete rested, prepared and waiting for
him. Later tonight, he's going to get exactly that.”
The broadcast returns to the Columbia Coliseum, where Mike “the Voice”
Johnson and Johnny “the Hammer” Harris are back at ringside.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Cassius Onyx wanted The Rich Athlete rested, prepared and fully aware
that he was coming tonight. Well, Johnny, that's exactly what he's going to
get.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius gave Ruth Heartless advance warning. Ruth thanked him for it.
I'm still trying to figure out which one of them thinks that's crazier.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“We'll find out in tonight's main event. Right now, though, it's time to
get back to the action. Freedom Fighter Justice is set to go one-on-one with
Elias Grimmstone.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And don't let Elias's attitude fool you. The fans around here love the
Grimmstones. I'm not entirely sure Elias loves them back.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't think Elias Grimmstone loses much sleep worrying about anybody's
approval.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“See? Now you're starting to understand him.”
The arena lights dim as Elias Grimmstone's entrance music begins.
A strong reaction rises from the Columbia Coliseum as Elias Grimmstone
steps through the curtain.
Elias stops at the top of the aisle and slowly surveys the arena. There
is no playing to the crowd, no attempt to encourage the reaction. If anything,
Elias seems almost indifferent to the cheers coming his way.
He starts toward the ring with a deliberate stride.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Elias Grimmstone doesn't ask these fans to cheer for him. He doesn't
seem particularly interested in whether they do. But listen to them.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“They respect him. Elias shows up, fights whoever is standing across from
him and doesn't waste time trying to make friends.”
Elias reaches ringside, climbs onto the apron and steps through the
ropes. He moves into his corner and turns his attention toward the entrance.
His music fades.
A moment later, Freedom Fighter Justice's theme hits, bringing another
cheer from the crowd.
Freedom Fighter Justice emerges onto the stage with considerably more
energy than his opponent. He raises a fist toward the crowd before starting
down the aisle, confidently taking in the reaction around him.
Justice stops along the way to acknowledge the fans reaching over the
barricade, but his attention repeatedly returns to Elias waiting inside the
ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Freedom Fighter Justice has never been shy about what he stands for. He
believes in meeting a challenge head-on, and tonight that challenge is waiting
for him in the ring.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's fine. Just remember Elias Grimmstone isn't interested in
Justice's principles. He's interested in beating him.”
Justice reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron. Before entering, he
looks across at Elias.
Elias doesn't move.
Justice steps through the ropes and walks toward the center of the ring.
Elias finally comes out of his corner, and the two men briefly stand across
from one another before returning to their respective sides.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Two very different personalities, but neither man is likely to give the
other an inch.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Good. That's why we're here.”
The official checks both competitors and prepares to call for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Elias Grimmstone wastes little time establishing the kind of match he
wants. He catches Justice early with the All Seeing Eye Cradle Shock, putting
the Freedom Fighter on the defensive almost immediately.
Justice answers with an elbow smash and soon shows that Elias isn't going
to simply overpower him. When Grimmstone looks for the Gonzo Bomb, Justice
counters and whips him over with a flying headscissors, drawing a strong
reaction from the crowd.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's what Freedom Fighter Justice has to do. Elias Grimmstone wants to
turn this into a fight. Justice can't let him dictate everything that happens
in there.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Good luck with that. Elias looks pretty comfortable to me.”
And increasingly, he is.
Grimmstone begins imposing himself through sheer physical punishment.
Heavy chops soften Justice up before a Sitout Piledriver and Spinning Samoan
Drop leave him struggling to establish any sustained offense. Justice
repeatedly tries to slow Elias down with holds and quick counters, but every
opening seems to end with Grimmstone finding another way to drive him into the
canvas.
Still, Justice refuses to go away.
A Gonzo Bomb finally gives Elias his first serious opportunity to end it.
ONE!
TWO!
Justice kicks out.
The Columbia Coliseum responds, and even Elias seems to acknowledge that
Justice has more fight in him than he anticipated.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Justice is taking an incredible amount of punishment, but Elias
Grimmstone cannot put him away.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Not yet.”
Justice finally finds something he can exploit. Rather than continuing to
trade power with Grimmstone, he attacks the leg, repeatedly applying the
Stepover Toehold. Elias refuses to submit, but Justice keeps wrenching at the
leg and forces Grimmstone to fight his way free.
The strategy gives Justice his best sustained stretch of the match.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Now Justice has found something! Take away the base and suddenly some of
that power disappears.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Then he'd better finish the job before Elias gets back to his feet.”
He doesn't.
Grimmstone fights through the damage and turns the match back in his
favor with an Apron Uranage. From there, the punishment begins mounting again.
A Spinning Samoan Drop puts Justice down.
ONE!
TWO!
Justice kicks out.
Elias pulls him back up.
Another Spinning Samoan Drop.
ONE!
TWO!
Justice survives again.
This time Grimmstone sits back on his knees for a moment, staring at
Justice as the crowd rallies behind both men.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“How much more can Freedom Fighter Justice possibly have left?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Enough to kick out. That's not the same as enough to win.”
Justice drags himself upright and fires one more elbow into Elias, but
Grimmstone absorbs it and answers with another Sitout Piledriver.
Justice somehow keeps moving.
Elias doesn't give him another opportunity.
Grimmstone hauls Justice up one final time and plants him with another
crushing Sitout Piledriver.
Elias hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING!
DING! DING!
Elias releases the leg and rises as “Honest” Abe raises his arm.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Here is your winner... ELIAS GRIMMSTONE!”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Elias Grimmstone earns it tonight, but Freedom Fighter Justice made him
work for every bit of that victory.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Justice kept getting back up. Eventually Elias figured out how many
times he had to put him back down.”
Justice rolls toward the ropes as Elias remains in the ring, recovering
from the fight.
Then the crowd reaction suddenly changes.
Iosef Koloff and Krueger Kruschev of the Iron Syndicate hit the
ring.
Elias turns—
Too late.
Koloff blasts him from behind.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Wait a minute! The Iron Syndicate!”
Kruschev joins the attack, and Elias is driven down beneath the
two-on-one assault.
Justice, still battered from the match, has barely made it to the floor
as Koloff and Kruschev put the boots to Grimmstone.
Elias tries to fight his way upright. He catches Koloff with a shot and
turns toward Kruschev, but the numbers quickly overwhelm him again.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Elias Grimmstone just went twenty-four minutes with Freedom Fighter
Justice! He can't defend himself against both of these men!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Where's Alaric?”
Mike pauses.
The question hangs there.
Elias is hauled back to his feet and hammered down again.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's a very good question. Where IS Alaric Grimmstone?”
There is still no sign of Elias's brother.
Koloff holds Elias while Kruschev drives another heavy shot into him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Alaric Grimmstone should be out here! There's no way he's standing
backstage watching his brother get beaten down like this!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Maybe he isn't watching.”
Another pause.
Then Mike's tone changes as information reaches the commentary desk.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Wait—we're being told something is happening backstage. Do we have a
camera back there?”
The broadcast abruptly cuts away from the ring.
Backstage
The camera races down one of the backstage corridors before turning a
corner.
Alaric Grimmstone is there.
He's on the floor, his arms bound behind him and his legs secured,
struggling furiously against the restraints.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on!”
Alaric tries to pull himself free, but he isn't going anywhere.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Well, there's your answer.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Alaric Grimmstone didn't abandon his brother! Somebody made absolutely
certain he couldn't get to that ring!”
Several HCW officials rush into the hallway and begin working to free
him.
The broadcast cuts back to ringside.
Koloff and Kruschev have already done the damage.
Elias lies on the canvas while the Iron Syndicate stands over him. Koloff
looks toward the entrance with a satisfied expression before he and Kruschev
finally leave the ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Iron Syndicate didn't just attack Elias Grimmstone. Somebody
neutralized Alaric backstage before this ever started!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Which means this wasn't an opportunity they happened to notice, Mike.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“No. This was planned.”
The camera alternates between Elias recovering in the ring and officials
freeing Alaric backstage.
The message from the Iron Syndicate has been delivered.
Match
Rating: ★★★¼
Cut to and from commercial.
The broadcast returns to a wide shot of the Columbia Coliseum. The ring
has been cleared, and the crowd is already buzzing in anticipation.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Welcome back to Live Wire, and it is main-event time!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius Onyx asked for this, Mike. No surprise attack. No weakened
champion. He told The Rich Athlete exactly when he was coming.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And now there is nothing left to say. It's time to find out whether that
decision pays off.”
Cassius Onyx's music hits.
Cassius steps through the curtain to a mixed reaction that noticeably
leans toward cheers tonight.
He stops at the top of the aisle and looks toward the ring.
There is none of the swagger that accompanied The Rich Athlete's
backstage interview. Cassius simply stares at the destination he chose for
himself earlier tonight.
Then he starts walking.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Cassius Onyx had the luxury of choosing the moment. He chose tonight,
and then he voluntarily gave up the element of surprise.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Which means we're done talking about whether it was smart. In a few
minutes, we're going to know whether it worked.”
Cassius reaches ringside, climbs the steps and enters the ring. He walks
to the center, looks around the Columbia Coliseum, then settles into his
corner.
His music fades.
A moment passes.
Then the opening of The Rich Athlete's music hits.
The reaction changes immediately.
Ruth Heartless emerges first.
She stops beneath the entrance lights and looks back toward the curtain.
The Rich Athlete steps out behind her with the Television Championship
displayed proudly around his waist.
He pauses.
Then comes the strut.
The Rich Athlete takes his time at the top of the aisle, soaking in the
reaction before throwing his arms wide.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
The crowd answers with a mixture of boos and people shouting it right
back at him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete told Cassius he wanted the champion at his best. Well,
here he is.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Rested, prepared, and with Ruth Heartless beside him. Cassius got
everything he asked for.”
The Rich Athlete starts down the aisle alongside Ruth, occasionally
stopping to jaw with the crowd and gesture toward the championship around his
waist.
Cassius never takes his eyes off him.
The Rich Athlete reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron. Before
entering, he wipes his boots deliberately on the apron and looks across at
Cassius with a grin.
He steps through the ropes.
Ruth follows him to his corner.
The Rich Athlete removes the Television Championship and holds it high in
front of Cassius before finally handing it over.
Both men move toward the center of the ring as Tony “Echo” Calibur steps
between them with microphone in hand.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is your MAIN EVENT of
the evening... and it is for the HCW TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP!”
The Columbia Coliseum erupts.
Tony turns toward Cassius.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Introducing first, the challenger... cashing in his championship
opportunity tonight... CASSIUS ONYX!”
Cassius raises one arm, his eyes remaining fixed on the champion.
Tony turns to the opposite side.
The Rich Athlete immediately spreads his arms and begins strutting in
place as Ruth applauds from beside him.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“And his opponent... accompanied to the ring by Ruth Heartless... he is
the reigning and defending HCW TELEVISION CHAMPION... THE RICH ATHLETE!”
The Rich Athlete throws his arms into the air.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Tony steps away as the Television Championship is raised overhead.
Cassius Onyx and The Rich Athlete come forward until they are nearly
nose-to-nose.
Ruth watches intently from the champion's corner.
The championship is carried away, and the two competitors retreat to
their respective sides as the official prepares to call for the bell.
The official takes one final look at both men, then signals for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Cassius Onyx immediately makes good on everything he said earlier
tonight.
There is no hesitation from the challenger. Cassius goes straight at The
Rich Athlete, driving him down with the Sovereign Press & Drop before
following with the Iron Barrage. The champion is caught cold, and Ruth
Heartless is already shouting instructions from ringside.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Cassius Onyx said he wanted The Rich Athlete rested and prepared. Well,
he has him—and Cassius is taking the fight right to the champion!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He'd better. He's the one who scheduled the appointment.”
Ruth's presence quickly becomes a factor. She identifies an opening for
her champion, and The Rich Athlete capitalizes, slowing Cassius long enough to
land the Million Dollar Kneedrop.
But Cassius fires right back, sending The Rich Athlete over the ropes
with a European uppercut. The champion remains outside until Abe's count
reaches nine, finally slipping back beneath the bottom rope at the last
possible moment.
The Rich Athlete rises with a grin as though the entire thing had been
calculated.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Nine is not ten.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I knew you were going to say that.”
Cassius keeps pressing. An Atomic Drop leads to a pinning attempt, but
The Rich Athlete reverses it and nearly steals the fall himself.
The challenger escapes at two.
As the match settles in, Ruth becomes increasingly involved from the
floor—calling to Cassius, directing her champion and doing everything she can
to disrupt the challenger's concentration. The Rich Athlete takes advantage by
attacking the leg and applying the Luxurious Leglock.
Cassius neutralizes it the first time, but the champion has found his
target.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete is starting to work that leg, and you can hear Ruth
Heartless encouraging him to stay with it.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's why she's out there. Cassius knew Ruth would be part of the
equation when he chose tonight.”
Cassius refuses to let the match become completely controlled by the
champion. Every time The Rich Athlete begins settling into his rhythm, Onyx
answers with another burst of power. The Iron Barrage repeatedly stops the
champion in his tracks, and another Atomic Drop gives Cassius a near fall.
ONE!
TWO!
The Rich Athlete kicks out.
Ruth pounds the apron as Cassius gets back to his feet.
The match becomes increasingly physical from there. The Rich Athlete
lands another Million Dollar Kneedrop, while Cassius continues answering with
the Iron Barrage and Sovereign Press & Drop. Neither man can sustain
control for long.
At one point The Rich Athlete sends Cassius to the floor, but Onyx
returns comfortably before Abe can complete the count.
Ruth immediately resumes jawing at him from ringside.
Cassius turns toward her—
And that's all the opening The Rich Athlete needs.
The champion grabs him and slows the pace, forcing Cassius to work his
way free before he can rebuild his momentum.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's exactly what Cassius talked about earlier. He knew Ruth would
have a plan.”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And knowing about Ruth Heartless and ignoring Ruth Heartless are two
different things.”
As the match pushes deeper, The Rich Athlete returns relentlessly to the
leg. The Luxurious Leglock softens Cassius up, followed by a Shin Breaker.
Another Shin Breaker leaves Onyx favoring the leg noticeably, but Cassius
answers with heavy hammering shots rather than backing away.
The Rich Athlete looks for the Seven-Figure Suplex.
Cassius counters into position for the Onyx Cataclysm—
Neither man can complete it.
Both stumble apart.
The Columbia Coliseum comes alive as they reset.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Neither man could land the big one! We're approaching the thirty-minute
limit, and this championship is still hanging in the balance!”
Cassius catches The Rich Athlete with another Iron Barrage, driving the
champion backward.
The Rich Athlete is hurt.
Cassius knows it.
He closes in, but the champion survives long enough to create separation.
The final minute begins.
Both men are exhausted.
The Rich Athlete goes back to the leg one more time, dragging Cassius
down and cinching in the Luxurious Leglock.
Cassius fights against it, refusing to give The Rich Athlete the
submission.
He twists, reaches and tries to escape—
Then suddenly turns the struggle into a Sovereign Press & Drop!
Both men hit hard.
The Rich Athlete scrambles toward Cassius.
Cassius tries to rise on the damaged leg.
The champion catches him before he can get there, folding Cassius into a
pinning predicament off the struggle.
Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING!
DING! DING!
Abe immediately signals the decision as Cassius Onyx releases the pinning
predicament and rolls onto his back, exhausted.
The Rich Athlete remains down for a moment, breathing heavily as the
reality of the three-count sinks in.
Tony “Echo” Calibur raises the microphone.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner... and STILL HCW TELEVISION
CHAMPION... THE RICH ATHLETE!”
Ruth Heartless immediately enters the ring, demanding the Television
Championship from the official.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Thirty minutes! Cassius Onyx gave The Rich Athlete everything he had,
but the champion survives!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius wanted him rested. He wanted him prepared. He wanted no excuses.
He got exactly what he asked for.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“And The Rich Athlete is still the Television Champion!”
Ruth takes the championship and personally presents it to The Rich
Athlete.
The Rich Athlete clutches the title against his chest for a moment before
pushing himself back to his feet.
Ruth raises his arm.
The Rich Athlete looks down at the championship, then out across the
Columbia Coliseum.
The exhaustion begins giving way to that familiar grin.
He raises the Television Championship high above his head and starts to
strut around the ring.
The
Rich Athlete:
“WOOOO!”
Just then—
A new entrance theme hits.
The reaction inside the Columbia Coliseum is instantaneous.
Dirty Dick Albano steps through the curtain.
And beside him is Pierre Boulay.
More importantly, Albano is carrying a Contract-in-a-Case.
The place explodes.
The Rich Athlete's celebration stops dead.
His championship slowly lowers as he stares toward the entrance.
Ruth's expression changes even faster.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“WAIT A MINUTE!”
Albano raises the case where everyone can see it.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“That's Dirty Dick Albano! And he's got his Contract-in-a-Case!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Oh, you've got to be kidding me.”
Albano and Boulay start down the aisle.
The Rich Athlete immediately turns toward Ruth, and for perhaps the first
time all night, neither of them looks remotely pleased with what they see.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete just went thirty minutes with Cassius Onyx!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Remember what Cassius said earlier? He could've waited until the
champion was hurt. He could've waited until the champion was exhausted.”
Johnny pauses as Albano reaches ringside.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Apparently Dick Albano was listening.”
Albano climbs the steps and enters the ring with Pierre following behind
him.
Ruth immediately gets between Albano and The Rich Athlete, shouting at
both Albano and Boulay.
Albano doesn't care.
He walks straight past her and thrusts the case toward “Honest” Abe.
The crowd gets even louder.
Abe looks at the case.
Then at Albano.
Then at the exhausted Television Champion.
Albano points emphatically toward The Rich Athlete.
Dirty
Dick Albano:
“I'm cashing it in.”
Ruth's eyes widen.
Dirty
Dick Albano:
“RIGHT NOW!”
The Columbia Coliseum erupts.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“HE'S CASHING IN! DIRTY DICK ALBANO IS CASHING IN RIGHT NOW!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Cassius Onyx wanted a fair fight. Dirty Dick Albano wants a
championship!”
Albano hands the Contract-in-a-Case to “Honest” Abe.
The Rich Athlete stands across the ring, exhausted, championship still in
his hands, staring in disbelief at the man who has just chosen the worst
possible moment for him—and the perfect possible moment for Dirty Dick Albano.
Pierre Boulay grins from Albano's corner.
Ruth Heartless is furious.
The crowd is on its feet.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete thought his night was over! It isn't over—not even
close!”
DING!
DING! DING!
Albano pounces immediately.
There is no feeling-out process and no attempt to prove that he can
outwrestle the champion. He has deliberately chosen The Rich Athlete after a
thirty-minute title defense, and he intends to exploit every bit of that
exhaustion.
Albano smothers the champion with a chinlock, forcing The Rich Athlete to
carry his weight while Pierre Boulay shouts encouragement from ringside.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete hasn't even had time to recover! He went thirty minutes
with Cassius Onyx, and now Dick Albano is making him defend the Television
Championship all over again!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“That's what the contract is for. You don't cash it in when the champion
is fresh and feeling wonderful.”
Ruth Heartless immediately goes to work from the opposite corner, barking
instructions to her champion and pointing out openings whenever Albano leaves
one.
It helps.
Despite everything he's already been through, The Rich Athlete refuses to
simply surrender the championship. A Million Dollar Kneedrop catches Albano
clean, and the champion follows with hard chops as he begins finding another
gear.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“How is The Rich Athlete still doing this?”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Because that's his championship, Mike. Exhausted or not, you're going to
have to take it from him.”
Albano has no objection to that.
And he certainly has no objection to cheating.
With Abe's attention elsewhere, Pierre lands a cheap shot from the floor.
Later, Boulay gets his hands on the champion again, helping Albano regain
control whenever The Rich Athlete threatens to build momentum.
Ruth sees exactly what's happening and erupts from the other side of the
ring.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Pierre Boulay is getting involved every chance he gets!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Ruth Heartless complaining about a manager getting involved in a match
might be my favorite thing I've seen tonight.”
The Rich Athlete continues fighting through it. He catches Albano with
the Seven-Figure Suplex and later begins attacking the leg with a Shin Breaker,
trying to take away some of the challenger's base.
But unlike Cassius Onyx earlier, Albano has no interest in allowing the
champion enough space to recover.
Every time The Rich Athlete starts putting something together, Albano
drags him back into another grinding hold or catches him with a knee. Pierre
remains a constant nuisance on the outside, forcing Ruth to divide her
attention between coaching her champion and keeping track of Albano's manager.
The longer the match continues, the more the effects of the entire night
begin showing on The Rich Athlete.
Still, he keeps fighting.
Fortune's Fist rocks Albano.
Another Shin Breaker follows.
Albano answers with a Rising Knee Strike.
Both men stagger away.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“The Rich Athlete has been competing for nearly an hour tonight, Johnny!
Somehow, he's still finding ways to fight back!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And Albano doesn't care. He didn't come out here to admire the
champion's endurance.”
Pierre creates another opening from ringside, and Albano drives a knee
into the exhausted champion.
Albano covers.
ONE!
The Rich Athlete kicks out.
Albano immediately looks toward Abe in disbelief.
Pierre screams from the floor.
Ruth pounds the apron, desperately trying to rally The Rich Athlete as he
struggles back to his feet.
Albano closes in.
The Rich Athlete swings—
Albano ducks and catches him in the side headlock.
Abe moves around them to check the hold.
Albano makes sure the referee can't see his hand.
Thumb
to the eye!
The Rich Athlete recoils, clutching his face.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Oh, come on! Right in the eye!”
Albano immediately dives behind him and rolls the blinded champion up.
Abe drops for the count.
Albano reaches back—
—and grabs a handful of tights.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“HE'S GOT THE TIGHTS!”
ONE!
The Rich Athlete struggles.
TWO!
Ruth sees Albano's hand and screams at Abe.
The Rich Athlete tries desperately to break free—
THREE!
DING!
DING! DING!
The Columbia Coliseum erupts.
Albano immediately releases the tights and rolls away before Abe can see
what happened.
The Rich Athlete was pinned.
“Dirty”
Dick Albano has won the HCW Television Championship.
Albano
rolls out of the pin and scrambles to his feet as Pierre Boulay rushes into the
ring.
Ruth
Heartless is immediately in “Honest” Abe's face, pointing furiously toward
Albano and shouting about the handful of tights.
It doesn't
matter.
Abe never
saw it.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur receives the official decision.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
“Ladies
and gentlemen, here is your winner... and NEW HCW TELEVISION CHAMPION...
“DIRTY” DICK ALBANO!”
The
Columbia Coliseum erupts again.
Pierre
snatches the Television Championship and presents it to Albano, who grabs it
with both hands and raises it over his head.
Match
Rating: ★★¾
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“I don't
believe what we have just seen! The Rich Athlete survived thirty minutes with
Cassius Onyx, retained the Television Championship—and Dirty Dick Albano picked
the bones!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“He picked
the moment, Mike. That's what the contract gave him the right to do.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“He poked
The Rich Athlete in the eye and grabbed a handful of tights!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“I didn't
say he picked the moment honorably.”
Albano
climbs onto the middle rope and thrusts the Television Championship overhead
while Pierre celebrates beneath him.
Across the
ring, The Rich Athlete sits against the bottom turnbuckle, one hand still
covering his eye.
Ruth
stands beside him, absolutely livid.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“Cassius
Onyx announced exactly when he was coming because he wanted The Rich Athlete at
his best.
Dirty Dick
Albano waited until The Rich Athlete had already wrestled for thirty
minutes—and then he stole the Television Championship!”
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“Two
contracts. Two completely different ways to use them. Cassius Onyx leaves
without a championship. Dirty Dick Albano leaves with one.”
Albano
drops down from the ropes and raises the title directly toward The Rich
Athlete.
Pierre is
laughing beside him.
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“What a
night! Elias Grimmstone wins and is assaulted by the Iron Syndicate, Alaric
Grimmstone is found tied up backstage, The Rich Athlete survives Cassius
Onyx—and then Dirty Dick Albano cashes in and steals the Television
Championship!”
Albano and
Pierre begin backing toward the ropes with the championship.
Johnny
“the Hammer” Harris:
“And
somewhere in all of this, Mike, we still have to come back next Saturday.”
Mike
“the Voice” Johnson:
“We
certainly do. For Johnny ‘the Hammer’ Harris, I'm Mike ‘the Voice’ Johnson.
Good night from Columbia, South Carolina!”
The final
shot is Dirty Dick Albano standing in the aisle beside Pierre Boulay, holding
the HCW Television Championship high above his head as an enraged Ruth
Heartless tends to the exhausted former champion in the ring.
FADE TO
BLACK.
No comments:
Post a Comment