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The open of tonight’s show isn’t a video package of the events of “The War Isn’t Over Yet.” It’s not the normal pyrotechnics and theme music; in fact, there’s no music at all. Instead, there’s what could be best described as a mixed reaction as the camera pans down…

...to the sight of Fiona Collins and Jimmy Riley. For those unaware, Riley made a surprising return at The War Isn’t Over Yet, and Fiona unexpectedly laid out her partner that evening, Sally Talfourd. The suited Riley had promised since then that tonight would be the night all would be answered. It’s he who takes center stage, holding a microphone as the fans calm down for him to speak.

Jimmy Riley: When I left my job as the Director of EXODUS, it was like the greatest weight possible had been lifted from my shoulders. No longer did I have to answer to the wrestlers who needed to be committed to an asylum -- not counting the one who was committed -- no longer did I have to answer to network representatives, or agents like I myself had been, or most importantly...you. The fans. Those who constantly sent me tweets, first telling me that I was awful at my job, and then asking why I didn’t do this or that.

He pauses, almost as if he’s expecting some crowd chant that never comes. There’s a smattering of boos, but Jimmy powers on regardless.

Jimmy Riley: I went home. Hell, I went further than home, I moved out of San Diego, I went to Seattle, to be closer to my wife’s family. And I watched EXODUS, I watched as Chris Strike paraded around with the World Title, as Christian Kane was given an opportunity, and as one person. One person only, that is, defeat the World Champion.

He gestures back to Fiona, who’s leaning in the corner, nodding along.

Jimmy Riley: It’s been said that Fiona Collins is “The Ace” of EXODUS. I’ve called her that. Dick and Seth have called her that. Every person who knows anything about EXODUS has called her that. That’s because there is nobody -- nobody in that locker room, nobody in this crowd, nobody in this world -- that exhibits the spirit and the heart of EXODUS more than Fiona Collins! When this company was under attack by LEGION, as the World Champion, it was Fiona’s sworn duty to fight to her last breath for EXODUS. When so many former World Champions have walked out that door -- from Zero McHannon, to Johnny Cannon, to whoever else wants to slum it in FGA -- it was Fiona Collins who stood and fought all comers.

Jimmy’s walking around the ring now; not so much with purpose, but to make eye contact with as many people as possible.

Jimmy Riley: When people like Chris Strike go off and fight battles elsewhere, or Christian Kane joins up with a partner to go compete in a tournament outside of EXODUS, or Sally Talfourd decides to fight for someone else...Fiona Collins stayed here. And fought for EXODUS. So I tell you, the fans here, the wrestlers in the back, her beloved sister-in-law that now holds my job, and her loving husband who owns part of this place…

Jimmy stops, plants himself in the middle of the ring, and raises his voice.

Jimmy Riley: Fiona Collins is sick and tired of being overlooked!

There’s a certain subset of EXODUS fans, called the “Fiona Followers,” who cheer as loudly as possible at that statement. The rest of the fans, however, can’t help but let out a little bit of booing. Both Riley and Collins are nonplussed.

Jimmy Riley: We’re talking about someone who won The Crucible. Who came closer than all but one person to winning the Brightest Day Cibernetico, to winning the Honor Cup and the Winter Road. Who owns more successful World Title defenses than anyone else. Who made it a World Title! The only Triple Crown winner in EXODUS history! And what has she been offered in return?

Pause...for effect.

Jimmy Riley: Nothing. Nothing has been offered, despite the amount of work Fiona Collins has put in, despite the mountain she’s earned. And so, this is putting all of EXODUS on notice. You’re not entitled to a World Title shot. You’re not the best wrestler in EXODUS. You’re nothing compared to Fiona Collins, because Fiona Collins is EXODUS!

A statement like that is met with the same mixed reaction that the last statement was met with. Fiona walks up to Jimmy, and the two share a comment away from the mic.

Jimmy RIley: Now, there’s one more matter of business to handle before our...illustrious World Champion -- who Fiona Collins pinned only four weeks ago in this very ring -- is graced with our presence once again.

Fiona reaches her hand out to take the microphone from Jimmy, listening as the crowd gives her a genuinely mixed reaction.

Fiona Collins: Are you guys done?

The crowd gets a little louder, including her loyalest of fans giving a “STAR-DUST SERAPH!” chant to her, giving her a reason to smile.

Fiona Collins: I think everyone here knows that I don’t come out here and waste your time with words. For the past couple of years, I’ve let my actions do the talking. I don’t do half hour monologues like Christum Furor, nor do I give you the chance to deal with talking myself up quite like Chris Strike or Johnny Cannon. No, I come out here and I wrestle. I come out here, do my job, and I’ve done my job like nobody else in EXODUS history. And the truth is, nobody in this company has a more difficult mountain to climb than me. See, I knew what I was getting into when I chose to marry into the family I did. From the get go, nothing was handed to me. Nothing was given to me, and despite what Chris Strike will tell you, the only person victimized by me was Chris Strike himself. After all, I went and pinned him. I bruised his little ego so bad, he’s refused to have anything to do with EXODUS. So while Chris Strike is more concerned about showing off EXODUS to the world, I’ll be right here, daring the world to get on my level.

There’s...a genuine mixed reaction from the crowd as Fiona looks out, nodding as she takes a moment before speaking again.

Fiona Collins: See, people seem to have this notion that everyone just hands me things around here. People seem to target me and claim that I’m sitting pretty and get everything I want by batting my eyelashes. See, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. If anything, I have to fight harder and do more to prove that I belong here, simply because I went and married Jonathan Collins! I made the decision to be happy and marry the love of my life, and my career suddenly had a weight tied around it. I can’t just ask for a World Title shot because I’m a woman and married to the owner of the company...but nobody cries politics or favoritism when Chris Strike pretends to be a fan favorite and friend of my family to get himself a shot at the World Title, only to turn on us and this company. Nobody screams that someone had to do favors once Sally Talfourd gets to walk back in the door without punishment or consequence after screaming that she wanted what I had! And let’s not even count how many times Andreas Lasiewicz abused his position as a friend and confidant of my husband to get what he wanted! When he couldn’t get what he wanted, of course, he began to cry like a child because EXODUS didn’t work for him. See, EXODUS doesn’t owe anyone anything. EXODUS doesn’t even owe me anything! EXODUS doesn’t just give you things because you’re a “name” in this industry. I don’t need this company to give me anything, because I’m working harder to earn it. So people like Aries Reed, Justin Brooks, and others want to talk about ivory towers? Well, let’s ask you boys this.

Hey Aries, what exactly are you doing to prove your greatness outside of screaming loudly at everyone for attention? I’ve got a 13-year old step daughter at home that behaves better than you do. You’re going to make me notice you? Sit down, kid, the only thing I notice is that you’re more obnoxious than the big hairy bastard that propped you up to two Tag Team Title reigns. And, oh, I beat him too.

Hey Brooks, let’s not talk about the fact I put you in your place last year. So while you’re still showing the world that you deserve to be here, I proved I belonged while you were still too Mainstream to be here with the real talent. International Title? Been there, done that.

You want to tell me I’ve turned my back on the fans? No, that’s not how this works. The reaction of the locker room doesn’t dictate whether I’m the good guy or the bad guy. The reaction of my fans do. These fans? I love them. They’re my people. And I will spend my career defending each and every fan in San Diego, Las Vegas, Japan, or wherever EXODUS calls home. But the reality is that there’s a double standard here that I’m just getting a little sick and tired of. If a man takes control of his destiny, he’s assertive. He’s a go-getter! He’s a real champion! If a woman decides to take control of her destiny? She’s an evil bitch that deserves to be reviled! So if you want to boo me, then go right ahead. I’m not going to lose any sleep over decisions you choose to make. I’m going to continue to do what I’ve always done and that’s be the best goddamn wrestler in EXODUS Pro. And what’s the rest of this company going to do? They’re going to go to social media and start talking their trash because nobody in this company is willing to say it to my face! They talk their mess because at the end of the day, they’re going to get kicked in the face and proven wrong, so they’d rather let their words hang on Twitter because I don’t waste my time there. I’d rather be a wife and a stepmother and a professional wrestler than go throw some words on Twitter. I’d rather say it here out in the open and invite anyone to come talk to me instead of hiding behind a keyboard! There’s a lot of great talent in the locker room. In fact, I’d wager to say we’ve got some of the best here! However, the statistics don’t lie…

...I’m simply the best of the best.

So you want to claim I’m no longer a hero? That’s where you’re wrong, because I’ve still got my sister in law mara in my crosshairs. I’ve still got the baddest of the bad in EXODUS in my crosshairs, but now I’m finally laying down the law that you’ve all seemed to forget because it suits you. I’m telling Chris Strike right now that I’m coming for the World Title, and he can either willingly give me my shot, or I can KO Gods & Monsters Lite in the Pantheon to get what is rightfully mine. See, despite being a two-time World Champion, neither reign has proven for him to be dominant. Losing it in the first defense the first time around and going to a time limit draw with Christian Kane? Yeah, Chris, you’re totally on a whole other plane than the rest of us. You’re such a titan amongst us all, you went and dug up the formula Furor used! Complete with harassing developmental talents like he did with Black Jones! So how soon until you bring back a Lasiewicz and declare yourself a God? How soon until you attack Darrin Stearns, my sister in law Michelle, or even Nicholas Gray to prove your point? How long until you bring back the corpse of Daisuke Iwakuma? Give me a break, Strike. You’re the biggest fraud here of them all, and if Kane beats me to it, someone’s going to prove to EXODUS that this entire time, you’ve been a scared little boy fighting the fight meant for brave men and women.

I believe in this company, everyone. I believe in EXODUS and I believe that kids like Sydney Christensen, Carey Caldwell, Ruby Tyler, Black Jones, Shinji Uchikawa are going to carry this company when I decide to go home and get knocked up and raise a family with my husband...but I also believe this. If you’re not with me, and there have been very few people who have actually been on my side, then you’re against me. And if you’re against me? You’re gonna get your head kicked clean off.

And at least you all know I’m not going to leave because I didn’t get my way. If I lose? I’m going to pick myself up, dust myself off, and I’m going to keep getting better. However, right now, I’m the best. End of story. So now that I’ve wasted enough time proving to the locker room how wrong they are, please step out here, mara, so we can finally put an end to this.



And when the lights in the arena come back on, there’s mara herself, sitting with her legs folded in the ring! Waving with a tiny little grin on her face, she pats the mat and holds up her own microphone.

mara: Just ask.

The Allmother smiles as she waits to see if either Riley or Fiona will join her in her little sit down.

mara: It’s that simple. You want to finish this, and so do I. There’s a difference between now and then though when we started this. When I first met you, you were afraid of your opinions. There was a lot bubbling underneath that you wanted to let out, and here it is. You found your voice, despite the fact that it’s now in stereo. I reckon that’s the beauty of having family…

She chuckles at her own play on words as she leans back and rolls back to her feet, her flowing skirt flipping up briefly before she stands up and approaches Fiona and Jimmy.

mara: I get it, Fiona. You’ve finally had enough and here it is. That’s the thing that you didn’t realize until you were forced to make nice with dear ol’ Sally. You don’t always know where you stand until you know that you won’t run away. But now that you’re breathing in sulfur and spitting out fire, where does that leave us?

It leaves me conceding your point.

Yes, Fiona, you have done things nobody in EXODUS has ever done. Yes, you’ve done things that few in this industry can claim. You are, for better or for worse, part of my bloodline now and are as decorated as anyone in it. And you have shown the violence this family is capable of.

mara giggles a little before she looks over at Jimmy before turning back to Fiona.

mara: So I’m telling you right now...if this is what you want while you play the waiting game for the next World Champion, who I’m very curious will be in the near future...just ask. Because ask, and you might just receive. No malice, no problems, just...here it is. After all this, it’s time people see who you really are...and who I really am.

It’s Jimmy Riley who has regained control of the microphone shared between himself and Fiona Collins, just as he’s the one who’s stepped between the two women who (as usual) look like they’re about to come to blows.

Jimmy Riley: I’ll tell you what, mara. Fiona and I are going to go backstage, we’re going to discuss a few things...and by the end of the night? You’ll have our terms for this one last match. In the meantime? Sit back, enjoy; I’m sure your sister’s put together a grand show for all of us to watch tonight

The Allmother rolls her eyes at the mention of Michelle, shaking her head.

mara: Jim, it’s grand that you’re getting involved. I get it. But I’m telling you this right now...one way or another, this is going to happen. She can work with me willingly, or I can send her to hell kicking and screaming, but at Battle Without Honor or Humanity...we’re going to find out if The Ace is just that, or a Joker kept in the pocket of all the people gambling on our lives.

Jimmy and Fiona slowly back away, Riley ushering Fiona out of the ring and up the aisle as we cut to the actual show intro.



After that intense introduction and the opening video package set to "Beyond Monday" by The Glitch Mob, we cut to Dick and Seth, who seemed genuinely surprised at what they just watched unfold prior to the opening video.

Dick Morosi: Folks, we're here for another night of EXODUS action! I'm Dick Morosi, he's Seth Ericson, and you just saw a very different side of Fiona Collins.

Seth Ericson: You know, as much as I hate to say it, she and Jimmy are right. She's quietly been effective for her entire tenure, and she's been denied the World Title shot she's pretty much put herself back in pole position to earn! Now we've got one more encounter with mara to possibly anticipate, but we've got other things to address tonight...like THE HONOR CUP!

Dick Morosi: In fact, we're kicking things off with the first quarterfinal match! Pacific Coast Champion Shinji Uchikawa meets KJPW's Tsutomu Nishioka...next!

HONOR CUP QUARTERFINAL MATCH
SHINJI UCHIKAWA (EXODUS Pro Pacific Coast Champion) vs. TSUTOMU NISHIOKA

The sounds of "The Showdown" start to play, and the crowd begins to wait in anticipation to see who's arriving, only to turn to boos the moment that they see who has arrived! The crowd's happiness for what's going on quickly goes to hatred when they realize that Tsutomu Nishioka has arrived! Flexing his muscles and showing off his physique as some Las Vegas dancers accompany him, Nishioka is already proving to be quite disliked amongst the faithful EXODUS fans. He steps in the ring and begins flexing and posing, showing off to the crowd as he continues to shout at the audience to cheer him while he waits for his opponent.

Dick Morosi: Tsutomu Nishioka has fashioned quite a bit of a rivalry over his career with Shinji Uchikawa! The two are generational rivals in KJPW and it seems like Shinji's having a hard time avoiding him now. The two squared off in Shinji's return to KJPW, successfully defending the Pacific Coast Title against him!

Seth Ericson: But Nishioka has a huge advantage on Shinji that he didn't have in previous encounters! Shinji's coming off a rough injury and an emotional bruising at the hands of SHOZO and Revolution!

Dick Morosi: Well Nishioka is about to find out how close to healthy Uchikawa is now, because here comes The Sentinel!

The arena lights start to dim as the crowd starts to anticipate the arrival of someone as the soft intro from The Glitch Mob's remix of "Seven Nation Army" starts to get louder and louder before lyrics...



And as the beat drops, the lights quickly come to light, Shinji Uchikawa standing at center stage, alone for the first time in a while! The lights continue to pulse at the heavy beat as Shinji looks out at the crowd, taking a deep breath before he slowly starts to walk down as the heavy beat disappears again to once again go into the second verse.

David Zinkus: INTRODUCING....FROM JAPAN....UCHIKAWA, SHINNNNNNNNNNNJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!



And once again, the beat kicks in, and Shinji hits the ringside area, slapping hands with a bunch of fans, all before stopping by the front row area where several of the Section B kids managed to score seats, all before hugging his friends who have started a "UCH-I-KA-WA!" chant for him before he slowly hops up to the apron before stepping into the ring and rolling to a knee before spreading his arms wide as a light shines down on him as the crowd erupts! He holds his title to the sky as he goes to the corner and climbs, showing the world how much he wants to win and defend the belt. Hopping down from the corner, he starts looking on at Nishioka, waiting for the bell to ring. As soon as it does, he starts to circle the ring, looking to lock up with Nishioka, who seems ready to until...he just stops to flex! Shinji looks irate for a moment as he lets Nishioka flex and pose, the crowd jeering as they watch him, Shinji shaking his head in disbelief. He finally decides to call Shinji to lock up and Shinji starts to prepare again before Nishioka again stops him and begins flexing, this time making fun of Shinji for not being fully prepared for what he was getting into. He begins flexing his pectoral muscles at Shinji, asking if his girlfriend is in the audience...AND SHINJI BEGINS CHOPPING AT NISHIOKA! Nishioka reels as Shinji's chops sting his chest, all before Shinji starts firing off rapid machine gun like chops in the direction of Mr. Hard Body, who is reeling from Shinji's offense! He turns around and then turns right back into Shinji, who drops him with an atomic drop before backing up and hitting him with a single leg dropkick! Nishioka leaves the ring to gather his wits, but he turns around just in time to see a charging Uchikawa jump through the ropes with a huge plancha that sends him down! The Las Vegas crowd is behind Shinji and he's pumped up for this!

Dick Morosi: Shinji, go get yourself some!

Seth Ericson: Shinji's showing no signs of wear and tear from that brutal attack right before the PPV!

Shinji gets Nishioka and throws him into the ring before Shinji gets back into the ring, Nishioka attacking him quickly to gain the advantage as Shinji tries to cover up to get back on the defensive. Shinji continues to try to keep himself protected, but Nishioka gets them back to a vertical base and nails The Sentinel in the face as he whips him to the ropes! Shinji ducks underneath a lariat attempt, but as soon as he comes back, Nishioka catches him with a huge powerslam, before placing his hands on Uchikawa's chest and begins to do pushups on top of the Pacific Coast Champion! Shinji tries to get away, but Nishioka grabs him and lifts him up...he hooks Shinji for a suplex! He looks to hold up Shinji for a brainbuster, but he's just stalling! He continues to show off his impressive strength, all before he squats and lifts...TSUTOMU BUSTER! HE HOOKS THE LEG!

ONE!


















TWO!























TH--KICKOUT BY SHINJI!

Nishioka looks irritated, screaming at the referee it was a three count and that he needs to count faster. He quickly grabs Shinji and lifts him up before leaving him there in the middle of the ring in a daze! He backs up and charges forward all before he gets caught under his arms by Shinji, quickly turning it around into the Saint Walker Bomb! Shinji gets himself fired up and he looks absolutely ready to go, looking like he's about to wait for Nishioka to get up so he can set him up for the Heaven's Gate! Shinji starts to prepare himself, but as soon as he starts getting Nishioka into pumphandle position, "For a Sick Boy" by Yuyoyuppe starts to play and Shinji's head turns toward the entrance, seeing that someone else has arrived!

Dick Morosi: That's...that's SHOZO!

Shinji looks prepared to go after him, daring him to bring on the fight, but as Shinji is distracted, he's caught by Nishioka, who rolls him up and holds the tights!

ONE!











TWO!

























THREE! Tsutomu Nishioka has stolen one!

David Zinkus: Here is your winner, and advancing to the semifinals...MR. HARD BODY, TSUTOMUUUUUU NISHIOKAAAAAA!

WINNER: Tsutomu Nishioka

Dick Morosi: I can't believe it! SHOZO has cost Shinji Uchikawa a chance to win the Honor Cup! And he was suspended! We don't even know if he's going to be allowed to compete at EXODUS Kingdom 2, not to mention how he's gonna cope with a 65% pay cut!

Seth Ericson: Only from competing tonight! Security was supposed to be watching him tonight! Nishioka is gloating, but Shinji is already marching backstage to find SHOZO!

We go backstage and Shinji is power walking around the backstage area until he finds SHOZO! He instantly goes after his former tag team partner and friend, starting to trade blows with him! The two are brawling, trading the leverage and slamming each other into the walls as they continue to brawl and try to let out the aggression and anger at one another. Quickly, a swarm of security from EXODUS and the Hard Rock start to swarm around the two of them as they have to be pulled apart while we go to commercial!

We remain backstage after all of this has transpired, and the sore body of The Allmother, The Entity mara slowly sits down in her dark dressing room. Looking in a mirror as she remains tired and frustrated with the match that had just transpired, she looks down for a moment before looking up in the mirror as a hand is placed on her shoulder.

mara: I know it's you. I just know it's you. It went just like you said. I've kept my end, just like you promised.

There's no response.

mara: Everyone's okay, right? Everyone is all on the same page?

Again, nothing.

mara: We need to stop meeting like this. There's a lot we really should talk about. I know you know, but...I know you've got this handled.

And on that, another hand appears, placing a small flash drive in front of her.

mara: Thank you.

And for the first time in what seems to be ages, a genuine smile creeps upon the face of The Allmother as the hand leaves her shoulder and we cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: I don't even know what just happened there.

Seth Ericson: Someone's nuttier than mara, that's what happened.

Dick Morosi: It's hard to say what just went down, but it's in the shadow of the biggest match in professional wrestling this year! It's the renewal of a huge rivalry for the EXODUS Pro World Title! Christian Kane meets the champion Chris Strike, and it's next!

WORLD TITLE MATCH
CHRIS STRIKE (EXODUS Pro World Champion) vs. CHRISTIAN KANE


The evening is almost at it’s dying hour, but the teaming masses in attendance will definitely be going home content with what they have witnessed. Knowing what’s left on the horizon, the fans are ready; ready for what is set to be one of the biggest matches of the year. As soon as the audience begins to settle, David Zinkus enters the ring with a mic in hand, about to officially declare the beginning of what is expected to not just be an all out war, but an instant classic.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentleman, this next bout is your ‘The War Isn’t Over Yet’ Main Event!

The crowd erupts with a bedlam of cheers, knowing they’re about to see two of the best in the business go at it for the best prize in the business. After a brief moment, the subtle cheers subside



The guitars and drums of the timeless Bon Jovi classic kick in throughout the arena as Christian Kane makes his way through the curtain and onto the stage. Red and white lights focus on the Canadian Sensation and flash rapidly, drawing attention to him whilst smoke pours across the entranceway. Holding his arms out in a ‘T’, the lights begin to illuminate his silhouette as the crowd goes wild.

Dick Morosi: This is it for Christian Kane. For a man that has recaptured the hearts of the fans, and has rebuilt his image, his path of redemption comes full circle tonight.

Seth Ericson: That is, if he can exercise one of his biggest personal and professional demons. To do that, he’s gotta beat THE man right now, and a man who embarrassed him the last time they went one on one.

Dick Morosi: A lot has happened since then, and you know that, Seth. Christian Kane has more than made up for his past sins. He’s a beloved figure in EXODUS. And everyone is pulling for him to knock Chris Strike down a peg.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but that’s easier said than done.

With a grin Kane proceeds down the ramp, acknowledging certain fans with his merch, a few who wield signs, even going as far as to slap their hands before slowly coming to a stop at ringside. Christian stares at the ring, a stoic, focused expression that eventually turns into a smirk as Kane makes his way up the steps, the crowd cheering for him all the while over his music.

From the apron The Handsome Drifter climbs the turnbuckle, his left foot standing on the second rope while his right is on the top rope. He then lowers his jacket, allowing his jacket to slide off his body to the floor before holding his arms out to his side again and tensing his muscles, inciting an extremely loud reaction from the audience in attendance once more.

After hopping into the ring Kane runs across to the diagonally opposite turnbuckle before blowing a kiss into the crowd as high pitched cheers rain out from the female contingent of the die-hard EXODUS Pro faithful (mostly). As the music slowly fades, Kane jumps down backwards into the ring and walks to his corner, preparing for the match ahead.

Dick Morosi: Kane looks more focused than I’ve ever seen him, Seth.

Seth Ericson: He should be. The man he’s about to face claims to be the best in the world, and that claim is validated by the fact that he holds the EXODUS World Championship. Christian looks ready for a fight. Lucky for him he’s about to get the fight of his life in a few minutes.

Strike isn’t here and already the atmosphere is electric. Camera flashes litter the arena, and the fans cheer and whoop in anticipation for the encounter. Kane surveys the landscape, smiling at the adulation of the EXODUS faithful, before giving them a polite clap which only causes the fans to scream louder. The Handsome Drifter laughs lightly, before moving out of the corner and resting on the far ropes, waiting for the fallen War Machine to make his arrival. There is a few seconds of tense anticipation, before the first signs of the defending champion are known.

The house lights in the arena go out completely, thunder and rain can be heard from a distance, all while the image of a large mountain complete with a temple atop the peak is seen on the LCD screen while the beginning of “No More Regrets” by Arch Enemy blares out of the PA system, green spotlights beginning to swirl all across the arena. The LCD screen zones down from the heavens onto an field filled with high grass covering it and the wind beating against it…and at its center, there is one man standing and as he opens his way and lifts his head up, lightning strikes him down!

As the lightning hits the man at the center, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, as Reika Seragaki emerges from the smoke first to heavy boos from the crowd and Chris Strike follows suit from behind her, slowly stepping out into the limelight, drawing a loud reaction from the EXODUS faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises his right arm up – EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title held high as the smoke emerges higher and pyros shoot out from each side of the ramp before he makes his way down, having the occasional fans reaching out towards him from the rail, keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring, ignoring any distractions in his way while Reika Seragaki follows him from behind.

Dick Morosi: He is arrogant, ruthless, and delusional. He is Chris Strike, and he is your EXODUS World Champion.

Seth Ericson: A two time champion at that, a feat that has only been accomplished one other time. Strike buried the man who did that Dick, just like he plans to bury Christian Kane tonight.

Dick Morosi: He’ll have to go to hell and back to do that, Seth. I’m willing to bet my life on it.

Seth Ericson: Be careful now, you know you only get one of those.

… Never again!
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! NO MORE REGRETS!
WHAT’S DONE IS DONE, CAN’T BE ERASED!
KNOW! KNOW YOUR REGRETS...SAVOR THE BITTER AFTERTASTE!!!!!

Chris then makes his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope while Reika Seragaki slides inside the ring. As he is about to get inside, Strike suddenly turns around and finds himself with both elbows locked around the top rope, his entire upper body exposed to the crowd’s sight while Reika Seragaki is just right behind him. Chris Strike slowly raises the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title in the air, savoring the moment as the crowd boos him with a grin while Reika applauds him, sitting themselves in the middle rope and allowing the champion to go under it with ease. He looks around at the crowd, raising the EXODUS Pro World title in the air again before walking to the nearest corner, leaning against the turnbuckle as David Zinkus steps into the middle of the ring to provide the formal introduction.

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the EXODUS World Championship. Introducing first, the challenger; from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… he is CHRISTIAN! KANEEEEEEEE!

The crowd ignites with unanimous cheers as The Handsome Drifter steps forward, throwing his arms every which way as he begins to get fired up, playing up to the audience like the true showman he is. The display garners nothing but a disapproving snarl on the mug of his opponent who looks on from his corner.

David Zinkus: And his opponent! From Sao Paulo, Brazil by way of Denver, Colorado, weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds! He is the reigning, and defending EXODUS World Champion! He is The War Machine, CHRIS! STRIKEEEEEEEE!

As a near deafening wave of boos descends upon the arena, Strike steps out of the corner, hoisting his EXODUS World title into the air with utmost pride as he runs off at the mouth to the man hell bent on taking it from him.

Seth Ericson: Love him or hate him, he’s the best in the game right now, Dick. We have to appreciate the man's greatness.

Dick Morosi: It’s hard to considering the way he goes about his business. I for one am sick of his attitude, as are the fans, and more importantly, the challenger. You can tell by the look on his face he just wants to rip Strike a new one.

Seth Ericson: He’ll have the opportunity to do so as the champion gets set to hand off his belt to the referee.

Dick Morosi: Which might turn out to be the last time he does so.

Indeed, The War Machine stares at his most prized possession, before approaching senior referee Brian Lowery to hand it off. Upon completing the exchange, Strike watches as the referee displays his belt to the north side of the audience, and then to the left. While this ensues, the vindictive champion notices his challenger turn his back, as Kane looks out into the audience one last time to play to the crowd. With a sinister thought running through his mind, The War Machine quickly moves on Lowery, and snatches his title back before charging at Kane who slowly turns around-

Seth Ericson: OH MY GOD!

Right in time to get clocked with the EXODUS World Championship, as Chris Strike drops him like a bad habit in the middle of the ring to a vehement chorus of boos. An irate Brian Lowery immediately seizes the World title back, and descends upon the dastardly villain with quite the tongue lashing for his heinous action, but the damage and the crime had already been done. With a wide grin etched on his face, Strike throws his arms up in the air and backs away into a neutral corner, as Lowery checks on the challenger’s condition.

Dick Morosi: That sorry excuse for a human being, that classless S.O.B., Chris Strike just assaulted Christian Kane before the match. I didn’t think he could get any lower, but I was wrong, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Kane took his eye off of him for one second, and he paid the price. He had to know Strike would resort to any means to leave here with the belt.

Dick Morosi: You can’t blame the challenger for the fact that our current World Champion does not believe in fighting fair. This sort of nonsense cannot be tolerated, and just proves what everyone in this arena knows to be true - Chris Strike is afraid of Christian Kane. He knows he was going to get beat tonight, Seth. Now there’s no way Kane can compete now.

Speaking of the challenger, with Brian Lowery huddled over him in the corner he finally begins to stir and show signs of life. The visibly stunned Canadian struggles to pull himself up whilst the senior official continues to check on his condition, and assure him that he is willing to call the match off - which Kane orders him not to do through slurred words. Refusing to quit, Christian shakes his head no, as a shocked and disappointed Lowery has no choice but to ring for the bell.

Seth Ericson: I can’t believe it. Kane is going through with the match.

Dick Morosi: He’s got guts, Seth. That’s more than what I can say about the champion.

*DING! DING! DING!*

Chris Strike takes a few steps out of the corner, glowing with elated arrogance as he begins to size up his adversary. He edges his opponent to “come on” with his hands, finding it almost impossible to contain himself in the face of what appears to be a very academic victory, sending the crowd into a tumultuous uproar of boos and jeers. Their negativity falls on deaf ears, as the defending champion is completely focused as he skulks the groggy challenger - whom of which begins to stumble to his feet, eyes weary, and in a blinding haze created by the belt shot he received moments ago. And that haze leaves him vulnerable, and completely defenseless, allowing The War Machine to take full advantage. As Kane obliviously begins to turn around, the World Champion charges out of the corner like a train off the rails. Once within striking distance, the locomotive jumps off the rails and into the air to connect with the NARUKAMI! The Handsome Drifter stands up from the point of impact, before flopping straight onto his back from the devastating Double Knee Facebreaker.

Seth Ericson: Narukami! This one is over, Dick. Thanks for playing, Kane!

Dick Morosi: As if the conclusion was ever in doubt. This is a mockery.

With a wide spread smirk on his mug, the Brazilian begins crawling to his inanimate foe. Strike doesn’t even bother to hook Christian’s legs, as he’s much too sure of himself to do so. Instead, he simply collapses across Kane’s chest, resting on him as Brian Lowery begins his count.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

In a shocking, almost defiant display, the Canadian Sensation musters enough might and will to roll his shoulder over, the crowd immediately rising to it’s feet and responding in vehement cheers. Strike looks up in disbelief, before going to the cover once again, this time opting to hook the inside leg.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Once again, Kane is able to break the fall, getting a shoulder up to further ignite the crowd. Visibly stunned, the EXODUS World Champion goes for the pin for a third consecutive time, choosing to hook both legs on this attempt.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

The challenger breaks the count again, bucking out of the pinfall to avoid defeat. Chris Strike climbs up to his feet as exasperated as one can possibly be, gripping Lowery around the collar and getting right into his face. The senior official attempts to explain himself, but The War Machine is having none of it, as he is too irate to be reasoned with and simply tosses the referee back.

Dick Morosi: What a show of tenacity and guts from Christian Kane. I thought for sure the World Champion had sealed this win, but The Handsome Drifter would not go without protest.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, he kicked out of the Narukami, but how much longer do you think he can keep this up? Strike’s still in control, Dick.

Dick Morosi: Be that as it may, I think we've learned something about Christian Kane in these first few minutes; he came to win tonight!

Seething with rage and disdain for his nemesis, Strike leans down and grabs a handful of the Canadian’s blond hair before pulling him up to a vertical base, only to throw a knee into his foe’s abdomen, doubling him over. Strike immediately puts his head underneath CK’s arm, and executes a waistlock before lifting him up and falling back. The Handsome Drifter is thrown into a forward somersault courtesy of a Northern Lights Suplex that plants him into the canvas with an authoritative thud. The persistent World Champion maintains the bridge to complete the cover as Brian Lowery moves into position and begins counting.

“ONE!”

“TWO - NO KICKOUT!”

Strike quickly scrambles to his feet, and clenches his fist around his foe’s hair before pulling him up into a seated position, then firing a vile shoot kick at Kane’s back. The impact of the strike throws Christian’s upper body forward, - however, before he can recoil back onto the mat he’s forced there by another shin kick, this time to his sternum as the impact echoes throughout the arena. Having afforded his rival another pain filled opportunity to stare at the ceiling, The War Machine steps back to lean into the ring cables, using the elasticity of the ropes to build up momentum as he bounces off into a dash. From there Chris quickly leaps into the air, before crashing down onto CK’s body with a Senton as he drops his full two hundred and twenty-two pound frame into the Canadian’s carcass. From there the World Champion executes a lateral press as he rolls over and hooks his legs for the pinfall.

“ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Despite his physical anguish, the former International Champion musters enough strength to roll his hips and get a shoulder up, breaking up the pinfall and irritating the World Champion even further. Strike doesn’t haste in showing his contempt at Brian Lowery’s ”slow” counting. Giving the man in zebra stripes a cold blooded glare, he turns his attention to Christian Kane once again, watching as the battered Canadian crawls toward the ropes. WIth malicious intent in his eyes, Strike commences a pretentious saunter toward his downed foe, before stepping onto Kane’s face whilst he holds the top rope for added leverage. With a sickening smirk on his face Strike continues his heinous, and illegal assault until Brian Lowery threatens him with disqualification via a five count.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

Finally, the World Champion removes his boot from the side of Kane’s visage, before directing his scorn to the official and mouthing off “I’m the World Champion. You better act like you know or I’ll have you thrown out on the streets!”

Dick Morosi: I’ve really had about all I can stomach of Chris Strike, Seth. For a man that helped save EXODUS almost half a year ago, he has become the most hated figure in the company.

Seth Ericson: That often happens when you become World Champion, Dick. Your friends begin to envy and turn on you because they want what you have. Everyone in EXODUS wishes they could walk in his shoes. But none of them can.

Dick Morosi: I see you’ve decided to put your head up your ass tonight, Seth. EXODUS did not turn it’s back on Chris Strike. Chris Strike turned his back on EXODUS. He’s a man who only cares about himself.

Seth Ericson: And the World Championship, which he will stop at nothing to keep.

With his focus back on the Canadian Sensation, Strike allows Kane to gather himself on all fours, following him in his attempt to reach the turnbuckle before ”assisting” him with a stiff kick to the ribs. Grimacing in pain, Christian falls into the corner, unable to protect himself from a barrage of stomps as the World Champion proceeds to lay into him. After executive about five stomps to the chest, The War Machine turns to the crowd to rub his dominance in their face. The amount of negativity coming from the EXODUS faithful is off the scale, bringing a self-gratified smirk to the surface of the Brazilian’s facial features. With the crowd looking on with disdain and consternation, Chris lifts the former International Champion up to a vertical base, then slams a huge forearm right into the Canadian’s cheek bone, forcing Kane to depend on the corner for stability as his knees buckle from the blistering shot. Strike follows that up with a knife-edge chop which practically rips the flesh right from Christian’s chest, and then a back elbow to the temple to rattle his rival’s brain even further. The force of the shot causes CK’s head to cock backwards, before hanging askew to the side as if his neck can no longer hold up the weight of his skull.

With a wicked smile on his mug, the champion begins backtracking to the opposite side of the ring. Once he feels there is enough distance between the two of them, he begins his sprint. As Chris draws near, the Handsome Drifter shows enough wherewithal to counter, as he bends down before using his opponent’s momentum against him as he tosses Strike overhead. Aware of his ring positioning, the World Champion grabs the top rope and uses it to pull himself down onto the safety of the apron. Upon landing on his feet, the villain connects with a forearm to stop Kane in his tracks. Looking to maintain control of the match, Strike grabs the ring cables and uses them to springboard himself back into the ring - only to be caught with a picture perfect Dropkick as the challenge registers the attack with a beautiful counter that sends Strike crashing down to the barely padded mat below.

Dick Morosi: Don’t call it a comeback, but Christian Kane is finally showing signs of life, Seth. He’s endured a significant amount of punishment since the outset of this contest, but now he has a chance to turn this match on it’s head.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but how much do you think he has left in the tank? The World Champion came in with a gameplan, and up until that point he executed it flawlessly.

Dick Morosi: But now this is anybody’s match, and you’d be a fool to count out the challenger. He wants this more than anybody, and he has an entire company supporting him.

Seth Ericson: That doesn’t mean anything, Dick. The fact of the matter is Chris Strike doesn’t have to beat Christian Kane to leave here as the champion. The pressure is all on the challenger.

Strike rests on the floor, blinking repeatedly as he tries to shake the cobwebs. Christian is still trying to regather himself as well, visibly wounded and worn down by the beating he received for the better part of ten minutes. Composed and as recovered as one can possibly be considering the circumstances, the number one contender slowly rolls under the bottom rope and climbs down from the apron to Chris’ level. The Handsome Drifter asses the situation before him; he knew the ball was firmly in his court now, and he was hell bent on keeping the upper hand. He drives his boot right into the Brazilian’s ribs, causing the War Machine to flinch in agony. Leaning down, Kane grabs Strike’s arm and uses it to pull him to a vertical base before whipping him hard into the guardrail. The champion slumps down, kneeling against the rail deliriously as some fans slap him on the back and head, while others simply cheer the fact that he’s finally getting the brakes beat off him. Marching with purpose, Christian looks to continue his assault - but before he can carry out his wishes he’s blinded as the champion reaches up to rake him in the eyes. WIth his vision impaired the Handsome Drifter staggers back, providing Chris with a window of opportunity to take advantage. The two time Heavyweight Champion steps forward with a toe kick, only to have it blocked as Kane catches the leg in his arm. From there, the Canadian Sensation reaches down to sweep the other leg, sending Strike to the floor. With both legs now in his possession the challenger stares out into the crowd, whilst the champion pleads and begs for mercy. The aforementioned pleas fall on deaf ears as Christian leans back, pulling his rival off the ground and catapulting him right into the steel ring post.

Dick Morosi: Face first into the ring post! Christian wants to turn this into a fight, and he’s succeeding.

Seth Ericson: Oh God. The champion looks hurt, Dick. That steel post has no give, and it seems to have busted Strike right open.

Climbing to his feet, Kane marches toward Strike, looking to stay on top of him in this phase of the match. As he stands above him, the camera focuses on the World Champion’s face, which is slowly being covered in a crimson mask as he seems to have indeed been cut due to the collision with the ring post. The blood cascades from his hairline, giving Christian a bullseye to exploit. The challenger doesn’t pass up this delicacy, as he kneels beside his antagonist before pummeling him with rights and lefts, looking to open up the gash on the War Machine’s forehead. The crowd pops at the sudden display of belligerence on the part of the Canadian Sensation, as the punches continue to rain down like bullets. Grabbing a handful of his bloodied foe’s hair, Christian lifts him to his feet before traveling toward the guardrail, staring out into the bloodthirsty crowd. As soon as he reaches the metal rails, he positions himself behind Chris, and hooks his nearest leg, then leans back before driving his momentum forward to plant the World Champion face first into the rail with an Inverted Russian Legsweep.

Kane allows no rest for the wicked, as he lifts his punch drunk nemesis onto his shoulders, before carrying Strike’s deadweight toward the announcer’s table. Once he reaches his destination, he unceremoniously lurches Chris off his shoulders, causing him to drop face first across the edge of the table. Strike staggers from the point of impact, then turns around right into a high impact Lariat as the challenger nearly decapitates him with his forearm. With a fire in his eyes, Christian directs traffic, sending the commentary team in retreat as he proceeds to lift the cover off the announce table.

Dick Morosi: It appears we’ll be calling the rest of this match on our feet, as Christian Kane rearranges furniture here at ringside, Seth.

Seth Ericson: I hope he knows this is all coming out of his paycheck.

Grabbing Strike around the head, Kane pulls the champion to his feet before lifting him onto the announce table. Upon climbing himself, the challenger drags his foe to his feet, only to drop him back down with a Facebuster. However, the table remains upright, prompting Christian to take more extreme measures to dismantle his nemesis. Laying on the table, the Brazilian turns onto his back, his eyes flickering as they peel back, as he desperately tries to regain his bearings and consciousness. Meanwhile, the Handsome Drifter has stepped onto the apron, and is beginning to scale the top rope, pandering to the roaring crowd as they get on their feet in anticipation for a highlight reel type maneuver from the greatest showman in professional wrestling. The audience begins to shout and scream, as the living legend stands tall above the masses. The ropes suddenly convulse, as the cables fling the challenger into the air in a Moonsault. As he maneuvers through the electricity in the air, his silhouette casts a warning shadow over Strike’s body, making him aware of the danger that’s plummeting down over him. With a split second reaction, Chris rolls off the table, avoiding what would have been a match sealing collision. Instead, the Canadian crashes into the announce table like a comet smashing into the Earth’s core. The announcer’s table succumbs to the pressure of Kane’s weight, breaking into several big pieces as he lies in a heap on the floor. Both men remain motionless following the sudden change of events, with the World Champion resting easy knowing he just saved his skin, and the challenger knowing he could have cost himself everything. Soaking all of this in are the patrons, as they can only chant in unison two words to accurately convey the emotions they’re feeling after witnessing what just transpired before them.

”HOLY SHIT!”
”HOLY SHIT!”
”HOLY SHIT!”
”HOLY SHIT!”

Seth Ericson: HE MISSED! KANE GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE!

Dick Morosi: They don’t call it a high-risk maneuver for nothing. He just threw caution to the wind with a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Strike gathers himself, and uses the ring apron to pull himself up to a vertical base. Now back on his feet, the World Champion blows his hair from out of his bloodied face, a sigh of relief escaping him as he plods heavily toward his downed foe. Slowly, the champion proceeds to lift Kane’s carcass off the floor as he drags him to his feet. Grabbing the veteran by the neck, he slowly shoves him into the ring. Instead of immediately climbing back in, the World Champion knees up onto the apron, still visibly weakened by the loss of blood and the toll the match itself has taken on his mind and body. Taking in a deep breath, the War Machine stares into the ring as the former shell of what used to be Christian Kane begins to stir, albeit gingerly. Realizing that his opponent may have suffered irreversible damage due to his failed Moonsault, Chris slowly uses the ropes to pull himself to a stand. With his eyes narrowed with focus, and determination, the World Champion takes a brief moment to catch his breath as he waits for the Canadian Sensation to stand. The challenger gradually climbs to his feet, his body hunched over due to the multitude of injuries it’s nursing, having been worn out by the heat of battle. With the gears now turning in his head, Chris quickly springs onto the top rope before exploiting the cables flexibility to launch himself across the ring. Getting his feet steady, the Handsome Drifter suddenly steps to the side, catching Strike off guard - as does the boot that comes shooting up from the canvas to crash into his jaw, knocking him out of the air as the deliverer of the Superkick simply turns and falls face first onto the canvas.

Dick Morosi: THE WAR MACHINE JUST FLEW…. STRAIGHT INTO THE SSK!

Seth Ericson: OUT OF NOWHERE! Where did that come from, Dick?!

Dick Morosi: From inside, where the heart of a champion lies. This is your time Kane!

The roof of the building is blown off, the sound around the spectrum is a perfect pandemonium of cheers. The electricity in the venue is tenfold, as the champion’s frame remains motionless, rendered lifeless by the sexiest kick in wrestling. With his body aching and screaming at him through every fiber in his being, the Canadian Sensation lifts up onto all fours. With every ounce of energy he can muster, Kane crawls a short distance, which to him feels like a voyage to the center of the Earth. He then collapses into the canvas from the agony he's feeling, staring in the direction of his unconscious adversary with one eye, while the other is wired shut by virtue of being smashed into the canvas. Christian takes a deep breath, and forces himself back onto his hands and knees again, crawling just enough to lunge onto his opponent. Unable to hook the leg, he simply drapes his arm on Chris Strike's chest to execute the pinfall. As Brian Lowery slides down into position, the crowd counts along as he gets set to crown a new EXODUS World Champion.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO!”

Or so we thought. The War Machine convulses his shoulder off the canvas, and the Handsome Drifter rolls back onto the mat. Both men lay unmoving on the canvas, staring glassy eyed at the ceiling. Overcoming the dejection of watching their hero fail to secure the victory, the audience simply responds with a loud roar of approval in response to the cutthroat level of competition.

”THIS IS AWESOME!”
*CLAP *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP*
”THIS IS AWESOME!”
*CLAP *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP*

Dick Morosi: Both men have taken the other’s best shot, and have lived to fight another day. They’ve endured an unimaginable amount of punishment, yet neither one is willing to quit. They know what’s at stake, Seth.

Seth Ericson: It’s pride. It’s bragging rights. It’s the fact that they hate each other’s guts. And more importantly, it’s because they both want to leave here as the EXODUS World Champion.

Chris Strike slowly drags himself into the South-western corner of the ring, looking to create as much distance between he and the man hell bent on unseating him at the top of the mountain. Christian Kane begins to stir as well, as he takes homage in the opposite corner from the War Machine, whose face has now become a coagulated mixture of sweat and blood. With a narcissistic smile on his face, the World Champion shakes his head, shouting at his opponent “YOU CAN’T DO IT” in an effort to manufacture some doubt in the heart of the challenger. The taunting causes a divided loyalty in the bleachers, with one set of fans chanting “LET’S GO STRIKE!” which is immediately followed with a chant of ‘LET’S GO CHRISTIAN!” from the Canadian’s supporters.

Dick Morosi: This crowd is torn here. These two are so evenly matched that even they don’t know who to root for.

Seth Ericson: These are two of the best in the business Dick and - what the hell is going on?

Diverting Seth’s attention from the action is a small group of figures hooded in black robes. The group of about four slowly make their way down to ringside. Meanwhile, back inside the ring the two battle-weary combatants approach one another, with the atmosphere in the arena growing to a near biblical fever pitch. Both competitors move closer to one another, nudging their foreheads together as they stare into the other’s eyes and run off at the mouth words that can't even be heard due to all the noise. After what seems like hours, Christian makes the first move, landing a lightning fast right hand across Strike’s jaw, forcing the Brazilian’s head to spring back in recoil. The War Machine quickly follows suit, stepping into Kane with a European Uppercut, nearly sending his head to the ceiling like a Rock-em-sock-em robot. Kane comes back with another right hand to loud cheers, only to have Chris once again answer with another STIFF European Uppercut to deafening boos. The strike leaves CK punch-drunk, allowing the World Champion to take advantage as he flings the challenger across the ring. As he rebounds, the Canadian Sensation sees Strike lower his posture, and thus halts his momentum in time to counter accordingly. Taking evasive measures, he turns around and leaps off his feet, sliding down Strike’s back before flipping back onto his feet. Strike is shocked at Kane’s sudden display of athleticism despite his injuries, and turns around to see Kane coming right at him. Showing off his lightning quick synapses, the World Champion immediately slams a palm thrust into his foe’s visage. Kane staggers back into the ropes from the momentum caused by the Shotei, and collapses into the middle rope, reclines back and almost falls out of the ring. The elasticity of the cables prevent his unceremonious exit, and instead ricochet him forward. Perturbing his opponent, Christian bounces off the ropes with tremendous vigor, having somehow channeled a second wind from deep down within. In a display of tenacity and fighting spirit he charges at the War Machine, and the two wrestlers collide in the middle of the ring - the Handsome Drifter throws a knee up, smashing it right into Strike’s face and knocking him flat on his back.

Dick Morosi: STKO! He got all of that.

Seth Ericson: Damn right he did! Strike doesn’t even know what hit him. That could do it!

With the crowd roaring in approval, Christian steps back and bends over to seize Strike’s legs. Upon pulling his legs up, Kane flips forward to execute a Jackknife pin. Brian Lowery approaches and drops down to begin the count.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

The audience’s cheering turns to grief as Strike once again manages to power out of the pinning predicament. With the frustration visible in his face, Kane sits up as he scours his brain for a way to finally get over the hump in EXODUS at the expense of his greatest rival. Christian runs his fingers through his blond hair, as the Canadian’s exasperation mounts, his lips trembling with rage and disbelief. The boiling and ceasing comes to a sudden cease, as the former International Champion desperately tries to compose himself, knowing he just needs to keep up the pressure. Taking a deep breath, CK grabs Strike around the head and pulls the champion to his feet. He greets him with a stiff forearm, and then a second, and then a third pushes the champ into the ropes. Kane goes for the Irish Whip, but the War Machine turns it on him, reeling him in like a fish hooked on a line. Attempting to use the momentum to his advantage, Christian goes for a Clothesline. Unfortunately, Chris is much too quick, and he weaves around the attack; with the Canadian’s wrist still clutched, Strike spins him around, and steps back, before pulling him forward right into a BURNING LARIAT!

Seth Ericson: He just turned him INSIDE out!

Dick Morosi: SUSANO’O! SUSANO’O!

Strike drops down to a knee from the pain he’s under, then spins around, staring gleefully and confidently at Kane’s unmoving body. Not giving away any time to savor the moment, he goes as as fast as he can on all fours before hooking the Canadian Sensation’s leg.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

Almost in defiance, Christian musters enough might to roll his shoulder over, the crowd immediately rising to it’s feet and responding with vehement cheers. Strike rolls onto his back, eyes staring at the ceiling lights, his facial expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief. As the champion begins to climb to his feet he notices Kane beginning to stir as well. The Brazilian watches as Christian struggles up to his knees; seething with inhospitable rage, the World Champion approaches his rival, beginning to slap him repeatedly in the face whilst he shouts for him to “STAY DOWN!” Having received enough punishment, Kane responds with a right hand that staggers Strike. Knowing he can’t allow Kane to mount any momentum, Chris puts a stop to it with a series of shots to the solar plexus. Leaning into the ropes now, Strike quickly bounces off with a Clothesline, but the former International Champion is able to duck. The Canadian Sensation quickly makes a beeline for the ropes, leaps onto the middle, then comes flying back right toward the turning War Machine. Time seems to slow down for Kane, but it soon speeds up once more as his boot clashes right into the Brazilian’s head. Both men lie on the canvas, with the only movement coming from the heaving of their chests, whilst the fans lap everything up- knowing they’re witnessing an all time classic.

Dick Morosi: Kane connects with the Springboard Roundhouse! This is his opportunity, Seth. Christian has got to dig deeper. This is the moment of truth.

Seth Ericson: The moment of truth for a man Chris Strike believes to be the biggest fraud in EXODUS. We’re about to find out who’s real, and who’s fake. It’s gut check time. Somebody’s gotta win this thing.

Kane’s extra energy leaves as fast as it came, as he rolls onto his chest, trying to force himself back to his feet. Pounding the mat to get a rhythm going, the fans in the arena join in; they clap their hands and stomp their feet, doing whatever they can to will the Canadian Sensation to victory. Christian pulls himself up in the corner mouthing “THIS IS MY TIME.” before stamping his feet on the canvas. Strike senses the vibrations from the beats, and knows that something is afoot, albeit subconsciously. Still, he gradually climbs to his feet, with saliva hanging from his bottom lip, and sweat and blood cascading from his brow, looking like a man on his proverbial and literal last legs. Slowly turning around, Chris begins to accept his fate. Kane comes sidestepping out of the corner, and once he’s in attack range he thrusts out his boot for the SSK. This time the battle weary World Champion manages to circumvent the potentially cranium shattering kick. Coiled like a viper, ready to strike, Strike waits for Kane to turn around - and when he does he unloads on him with a series of kesagiri chops, and then a spinning one that knocks Christian senseless and gets him to give his back. The shift in positioning allows the War Machine to slip in with a Half-Nelson before leaning back to deposit his foe right on his head. The momentum of the Aku Soku Zan sends Kane rolling up to one knee. Scrambling back to his feet now, the World Champion jumps into a kickboxing stance, before stepping forward to take Kane’s head off with a move more recognizable coming from the man currently on the receiving end of it.

Seth Ericson: SSK! SSK! HAHA! Turnabout is fair play!

Dick Morosi: The level of disrespect… Chris Strike would love nothing more than to beat Christian Kane with his own move.

The fatigued champion begins crawling toward his sprawling foe with a huge smirk on his face, sweating profusely, leaving a puddle on each spot of the canvas he slithers across. Hooking the inside leg, Chris performs a lateral press as Brian Lowery begins counting.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

Driven by instinct and a hatred for his opponent, the former International Champion throws a shoulder up. The crowd immediately rises to their feet in a shower of cheers. Strike rolls onto all fours, then slams his fists into the canvas repeatedly, unable to fathom what’s driving Christian to continue despite the punishment sustained. Washing his hands over his face, Chris climbs back to a stand and makes a quick slashing motion across his throat.

Seth Ericson: Strike has had enough. He’s ready to end Christian Kane and prove who’s the better man once and for all.

As Strike skulks behind his foe, the World Champion finally acknowledges the presence of the hooded group at ringside, a conglomerate that has now increased in size. There’s now about fifteen of them as they stand at ringside. Knowing he can’t lose focus, the War Machine turns his attention back to Christian who stumbles to his feet. Seizing the moment, Chris spins his foe around before doubling him over with a toe kick. From there he performs a standing headscissors, looking to nail the move that allowed him to recapture the EXODUS World Championship. As he tries to lift Kane off the canvas, the Canadian Sensation plants his feet, refusing to budge. Instead he counters, backing up toward the corner before lifting and throwing Strike overhead to send him somersaulting forward into the turnbuckle padding. With a menagerie of emotions running through his mind, Kane scrambles back to his feet and takes a few steps away from his opponent. He watches as the wounded War Machine struggles to pull himself up in the corner, as he simply rests his head on the bottom turnbuckle. Realizing this, Kane charges. The Handsome Drifter leaps onto the second turnbuckle, and then onto the top rope, before leaping into the air to come down with a curb stomp - only there’s nobody home. The World Champion moves out of harm's way at the nick of time, before sliding behind the challenger and pulling him down with a School Boy Roll Up. As Brian Lowery slides into position to make the count, the champion makes use of his ring positioning by throwing his foot up onto the middle rope for added leverage.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

Much to the crowd’s delight the War Machine is unable to steal the win as Kane powers out of the pinfall attempt. Both men get to their feet now, but Strike already sets off at a run - only to have his aggression used against him as Kane pulls him down into a Small Package.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

Strike is now the one to avoid defeat as he breaks free from Kane’s clutches. Once again, both combatants scramble to their feet. However, this time it’s Christian going for the first punch as he vies for a Clothesline. Thinking quickly, the World Champion is able to strafe behind his adversary, before turning his back to the Canadian Sensation and hooking his arms. Afterward he falls forward onto his knees, pulling the challenger down into a Backslide Pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO KICKOUT!”

Kane rolls away from his adversary, and quickly scrambles to his feet. This gives him a window of opportunity to strike as he steps forward and thrusts his leg out just as Strike gets up to a knee. Christian’s boot is firmly planted in the skull of the War Machine, as the World Champion falls to the canvas without the slightest bit of protest.

Dick Morosi: SSK! SSK! SSK!

Seth Ericson: It’s over! Christian Kane is the new EXODUS World Champion!

Christian simply falls flat on his face due to the agony and exhaustion. The two men lay motionless amidst the ruckus crowd, as the patrons in attendance watch intently at what looks to be the defining, and biggest moment of the Handsome Drifter’s EXODUS career.

*DING! DING! DING!*

Until that moment is taken away from him.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest has ended via a time limit. Therefore your winner and STILL… EXODUS World Champion…. The War Machine! CHRIS! STRIKEEEEE!


WINNER: Time Limit Draw

With the fatigue now setting in, Christian Kane lifts his sweaty mass up to a knee, and shakes his head in disbelief as he pleads with Brian Lowery to restart the match. The senior official tries his best to explain to Kane that the decision is not in his hands, and that the time had expired. Meanwhile, Chris Strike slowly begins to lift his head and open his eyes, his attention now being held by Brian Lowery who stands over him holding the EXODUS World Championship. As “No More Regrets” by Arch Enemy hits the P.A. system, the realization of what just occurred finally sets in. The War Machine grabs the most prestigious and coveted belt in wrestling, burying his face into the center piece. With a self-assured smile forming on his facial features, the two time champion hoists the EXODUS World title into the air with utmost pride to a vociferous chorus of boos and jeers.

Dick Morosi: It can’t end this way. This isn’t right, Seth. Christian Kane should be the World Champion right now.

Seth Ericson: Should be, but he’s not! Time ran out on Cinderella tonight, Dick. We may not like it, but Chris Strike is still the EXODUS World Champion, and there’s not a damn thing that-

The lights in the arena suddenly dim, leaving the crowd in a quiet hush as they wonder what is happening. Suddenly, a spotlight shines down on the group of druids at the ring, revealing them to be even larger in size. There’s now a sea of them at ringside, preventing the World Champion from leaving the ring. The look on the face of the World Champion is one of confusion as the largest man in the group steps out onto the ramp, seemingly holding a microphone.

Druid: Chris Strike…

He begins in a foreboding tone.

Druid: He’s been watching you…

The War Machine clutches his championship tightly as he looks around the ring, seeing hood after hood surrounding him.

Druid: He’s been watching for the last half year as you’ve paraded, and pretended to be everything that you’re not, yet by the same token you’ve shown your true colors all the same.

Smoke begins to build up from the ventilators as the hooded figure continues.

Druid: He knows, Chris. He knows about the black cloud that looms over you, casting a shadow that shrouds every step you take, drenching you in an everlasting darkness that you can’t break free from. It’s a stench that you can’t wash off. A poison that you cannot cure. And he told you it would happen. He told EXODUS that there are no heroes, only martyrs. And YOU, you have reaped the benefits, Chris. You have reaped the benefits of a world you DID NOT CREATE!

The hooded figure’s tone changes, becoming more frantic now.

Druid: Did you really think your sin would go unpunished? Did you honestly believe that he would allow you to walk around pretending to be the KING of HIS dominion, pretending like you’re untouchable… like you’re GOD! YOU ARE NOT GOD, CHRIS STRIKE! I HAVE SEEN GOD! A GOD THAT HAS COME TO BRING DOWN A VENGEANCE UPON YOU THAT THIS WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN BEFORE!

Chris Strike looks around feverishly, going to each side of the ring in search of an exit, but there is no escape.

Druid: CHRIS… look… look around you… look around and witness as your facade begins to CRUMBLE! HE has come for YOU… He has come to reclaim what is rightfully HIS! You have been living on borrowed time, Christopher. And in this time you have become DELUSIONAL… so delusional as to think you could live so large without ever having to answer for your repercussions. But judgment has been past on YOU, Chris. It was past on you at The Autumn Effect. That was the night that the clock began to tick against YOU, and the illusion you’ve created! And now the sands of time in your hour glass have RUN OUT!

The ringside area is now fully engulfed in smoke, whilst the curtains begin to sway. Suddenly, a four man group of hooded druids emerges, carrying a wooden casket.

Druid: TONIGHT's the NIGHT, the night that you realize something… that sometimes the demons that we exorcised… come back to DRAG US TO HELL!

The casket bearers stop in the middle of the aisle, raising the casket up as the EXODUS World Champion looks on in shock.

Druid: That sometimes the ghosts we banished… come back to HAUNT US!

The hooded man slowly descends down to a knee, as does the entire mob.

Druid: THAT SOMETIMES THE DEAD COME BACK TO LIFE!

The spotlight now fixates on the casket, as do all eyes in the arena. A brief moment of eerie silence passes until the casket slowly creaks open.

Druid: RISE… THE TRUE GOD OF EXODUS!

A figure slowly emerges from inside the casket.

Druid: RISE… THE TRUE GOD OF MADNESS!

Dick Morosi: It can't be who I think it is... it can't be!

The lights in the arena suddenly dim to nothingness, draping the entire venue in an ominous cloak of darkness. The lights in the arena flash in a rapid, epileptic succession, until they return to their normal fixture. The arena suddenly comes alive with a bedlam of noise, as the entire cult is suddenly unhooded. Every single one of them is revealed to be wearing burlap sacks, except for two men. One of those men is the former Sword of the New Age, Naoki Arishima. And the other, is dressed in a dusty, shredded tuxedo, the one he donned the last time he was ever seen in an EXODUS ring. He is the most hated, notorious, and polarizing figure in the history of EXODUS Pro Wrestling. Standing, slowly outstretching his arms in a crucifix pose, and prompting the entire mob to do so is none other than the the former EXODUS World Champion.

Noaki Arishima: RISE… CHRISTUM FURORRRRRRRRRRRR!

The former leader of Gods & Monsters stares daggers into the ring, right at Chris Strike who looks as if he's seen a ghost as he clutches his EXODUS World Championship.

Seth Ericson: IT'S CHRISTUM FUROR! He's risen from the grave! Dick, are you seeing this!

Dick Morosi:This is surreal! I thought I'd never see this man ever again. I can't even process this.

Seth Ericson:Oh my God... Dick, do you know what this means?

Dick Morosi: Yes, he's the final entrant in the Honor Cup! My God, Seth. I can't believe it! Christum Furor has returned to EXODUS

The lasting image of the telecast, just like many in EXODUS' two year history, is of Christum Furor standing before the world, the world he had just put on notice once again. 

Zack Lifer sits in his locker room, preparing himself for his match against Heather in just a few minutes. He seems focused, but there’s something about his face that seems...different. As if he’s thinking of other things. A knock at the door breaks him from his trance. He eyes the locker room door suspiciously. As if on cue, a voice from the other end addresses his concern.

Chuck Matthews: Don’t worry about it, just open the door.

Zack hesitates a moment, but cracks open the door, peering out into the hallway and coming eye to eye with EXODUS’ resident genius. His eyebrows raised.

Chuck Matthews: You wanna open the door?

Zack Lifer: I’m getting ready for my match.

Chuck stares blankly at Lifer.

Chuck Matthews: Open the damn door, Lifer.

Lifer hesitates once again, but finally swings it open, finding himself looking down at... Alanna Kramer. He stares, almost in disbelief, at the girl before him.

Zack Lifer: ... Alanna? Are you okay?

He looks up at Chuck, shaking his head.

Zack Lifer: You… How—

Chuck Matthews: I’m just very good at what I do.

Zack Lifer: But how did you... How did you find her? How did you get her back?

Chuck stares at Lifer for a second. Finally, he shakes his head.

Chuck Matthews: Don’t worry about it. Just know that it got done.

He turns to walk away, but Lifer isn’t having any of it. He grabs Chuck’s shoulder, spinning him around.

Zack Lifer: No. No... Chuck, just tell me.

Chuck frowns, not saying a word. Zack narrows his eyes.

Zack Lifer: Chuck… What did you do…?

When Chuck speaks, he does it through gritted teeth.

Chuck Matthews: Don’t...ask...questions.

He forces his shoulder out of Lifer’s grasp, walking off down the hallway. Lifer sneers and makes a motion to go after him, but Alanna’s grasp on his hand halts him in his tracks.

Alanna Kramer: Dad, just...I’m here. Let Mr. Matthews go.

Zack sighed, looking into her deep brown eyes, the ones that matched her mother's. He didn't press the issue further, simply glad his daughter was finally where she belonged.

Nick Kramer: Okay... Just... I'm so glad you're back, sweetie. Me and your mother were worried sick.

Emotion covers his expression. Right then, he wasn't Zack Lifer. He was Nick Kramer, a father to his daughter and husband to his wife. A look of enlightenment crossed his expression now, almost like he understood something he had forgotten for a while now. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her with tears rolling down his cheeks, proud that his family was finally repaired.

Nick Kramer: Give me a favor, okay? My match is next. Just... Stay here in this room and whatever you do, I don't want you to watch my match, can you do that?

She parted from the hug, looking at him with disappointment.

Alanna Kramer: But—

Nick Kramer: Just listen to me, just this once. When it's over, we can go home and see your mom, how's that sound? Maybe we'll go out to eat somewhere fun and celebrate, hm? Would you like that?

The tween nodded her head, hesitantly accepting his terms. Lifer exhaled, closing his eyes and then opening them back up again to make sure this was real and not just a hallucination. No. She was definitely real. And he hoped she would keep her promise, not wanting her to witness the monster he's become without his family to keep him in check. We cut back to Dick and Seth at this.

Seth Ericson: Oh boy he got his kid back. I'm just so happy.

Dick Morosi: Well hey, maybe this'll lead to a whole new Zack Lifer!

Seth Ericson: .....

Dick Morosi: ...yeah, I know. But we still might be rid of Lifer after tonight, since he's managed to anger Heather Halliwell so much she's decided to come from retirement to put him down.

Seth Ericson: I am so happy you have no idea. House Halliwell is going to finally make Lifer stop being a thing. I can't wait to see it!

Dick Morosi: You don't have to, because it's time! David, come on!

NORMAL MATCH
HEATHER HALLIWELL vs. ZACK LIFER

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall.

The arena goes dark as a single spotlight hits the stage. Smoke appears as Heather Halliwell saunters from behind the curtain. She drops to one knee before doing it, doing the “Tebow” pose. As the chorus to “Hit Me Like a Man” blasts through the arena, Heather climbs back to her feet to a loud cheer from the crowd. Her head is still down, the black cowgirl covering her face, black trench coat hiding her scantily clad body.. She keeps her head down, listening not to her music but to the roar from the fans, as she looks up from under the hat to survey the arena.

David Zinkus: Introducing first, from Dallas, Texas, weighing in at one hundred and twenty two pounds… she is HEATHER! HALLIWELL!

The former World Champion makes her way to the apron and slowly pulls herself up. She finally lifts her face and a smirk crosses her beautiful face. She slinks between the ropes and saunters to the middle of the ring, and slowly unbuttons her trench coat. She pauses for a moment before ripping it open, revealing her sexy ring gear, letting the coat fall to her feet. She removes her hat and tosses it aside. She slowly and triumphantly begins climbing each ring corner, waving and playing to the crowd as they cheer her loudly.

Dick Morosi: Heather Halliwell has been medically cleared to compete, so tonight she comes out of retirement for one match and one reason… and that’s to put an end to Zack Lifer’s reign of terror in EXODUS.

Seth Ericson: A lot of people have debated whether or not she should be going through with this match, but she couldn’t allow herself to stand idly by any longer. She watch the self-proclaimed New Iron Saint hurt the people she loves. He’s even put his hands on her numerous times. Tonight, she gets to exact a matter of retribution.

As her theme music dies out, Halliwell climbs down from the corner and moves into the center of the ring. After a brief moment of silence, the crowd begins a chant of “HEATHER HALLIWELL!” showing their support for one of the best EXODUS has ever seen, hoping they can will her to the most important victory of her life. After a prolonged delay, a brief flash of silence passes through the arena instantly as the stage is beamed on by gold and white lights, the bulbs dimming slightly. Villainous hues floated over the entrance, the ramp and the audience itself. Audible jeers are heard, the many in the crowd hearing the sounds of the first few words of "The Calm Before Reform" by In Fear And Faith boom through the speakers over the heavy iconic guitar riff they've grown accustomed to ever since he's arrived on the scene. This, of course, signified one man and one man alone.


As the flickering beams of amber shine down against the excited crowd, the camera looking up the stairs and to the cheap seats, they discover a familiar silhouette. There is a loud, heated booing from the fans, signs of various negative messages stretched across the ocean of angry EXODUS fans as well as a few rare, faithful "Lifer Addict" signs that juxtaposed with the others covering the screen. Adorn in a tan colored open sweatshirt, the zipper at the very bottom while he made his way down the steps with an unspoken purpose you could plainly see written on his face. A few people attempted to reach for him, trying to hold him back, however he casually refused to acknowledge it without a word, his sharp unrelenting eyes fixated on the ring instead.


David Zinkus: And her opponent. From Newark, New Jersey, weighing in at two hundred and two pounds… he is ZACK! LIFER!

Lifer's slow, methodical walking gives way to sprinting, his legs moving him quickly towards the ring down the nearly endless row of stairs before he hops the leather barricade, a running jump that could be considered impressive by most, a wind of cockiness in the way he moved at a slowed down pace once more, the steel steps in his sights. His eyes flicker to the entrance way as he trudged up the first couple steps, not looking forward as he takes in the sight of the curtain for just a couple seconds with an intense look in his eye, the gears clearly turning.

As The New Iron Saint gets to the top of the stairs, his eyes flash across the arena, almost slightly stunned by the crowd response as he raises his arms to his side to form a cross, gesturing for them to let their voices be heard, his neck looking to the rafters. The audience gets louder as he mounts the turnbuckle, raising his right arm in triumph as a single golden colored firework shot diagonally on the stage regardless, the placement of its starting point mirroring the top turnbuckle he resided on - Zack now already pacing the ring - as it peeled loudly in front of everyone's eyes. Cutting across the arena air, another loud boo from the crowd burst up again, their eyes glancing at Lifer again.



The camera zoomed away from the scene, Lifer's arms stretched out wide for just a bit dramatically again, catching on the rope behind him as he soaked in the heat of the crowd with a literal blast, the firework shooting by swiftly in the backdrop. His chocolate brown eyes searched the disgruntled crowd, a smirk rising to his lips as the song faded mid-lyric.

Dick Morosi: There’s no beating around the bush here, Seth. Zack Lifer is a sick, twisted, and sadistic individual. He doesn’t care about winning or losing matches. His only interests lies in how much destruction he can cause, and how many people he can torment.

Seth Ericson: He’s had every chance to turn the curve, Dick. Some guys are just rotten to the core. He’s one of them. But that’s his calling card. He’s made his fame on being the villain. And now he looks to become even more famous for putting Heather Halliwell out of her misery tonight.

Dick Morosi: If Zack Lifer thinks he’s going to walk all over Heather tonight, he’s sadly mistaken. This match means everything to her. He’s about to find out what happens when you mess with a woman scorned, and a former EXODUS World Champion at that.

Seth Ericson: And she’s about to find out what happens when you make a wrong turn in the woods. That’s the bell, Dick.

*DING! DING! DING!*

The bell sounds as Zack and Heather cautiously begin circling the ring, the smaller competitor knowing her strategy already, which she must adhere to despite all of the emotions she’s feeling. The New Iron Saint looks to prey on those very emotions, as the madman salivates at the prospect of feasting on every one of her fears and insecurities. Stopping in his tracks now, Lifer begins the mind games, as he dares Halliwell to come at him. Trying to quell any potential doubt or fears, the Texan bounces off of the near ropes and charges right at him. The former International Champion lowers his shoulders and grabs Heather by the legs, before lifting her up. Knowing full well she must counter the New Jerseyan’s power game with her quickness, Heather counters by slithering her legs out before wrapping them around Lifer’s head and leaning forward. The former World Champion now hangs off of Zack, who is now standing up with a headscissors applied. With the blood flow and oxygen to his cerebral cortex being cut off, the former International Champion does the first thing he can think of. He steps back and swings to the left, causing Heather to swing head first into the middle turnbuckle. Halliwell is forced to relinquish the hold as she crashes to the mat before rolling under the bottom rope to regain her bearings. Shaking off the cobwebs, Lifer stumbles into the center of the ring before charging at Heather, who’s now standing on the outside. ”ONE!” The New Iron Saint drops down with a Baseball Slide, but the Texan sidesteps before pulling the ring cover, causing Lifer to straddle it. ”TWO!” With the New Iron Saint now trapped, she begins to unload on him with chops to the sternum, and then kicks to the midsection until he finally collapses onto the floor.

Dick Morosi: Heather is keeping her distance and striking quick. She knows she can’t allow herself to get caught in a wrestling match with Zack Lifer so she’s trying to avoid his power game.

Seth Ericson: She’s trying to play it and run, and use his aggressiveness against him. I hope it works.

”THREE!” Halliwell drags Zack to a stand and rolls him into the ring before jumping up onto the apron just before four. Lifer gets up and spins around, only to see Heather flying right at him as she springboards into the ring to drive both her feet into his chest with a Springboard Dropkick. The New Iron Saint falls straight to the mat as Halliwell rolls backward to get up. Keeping up the momentum, the Texan leans into the ropes, bounces off, then runs toward her downed foe. She quickly leaps into the air before dropping an outstretched leg across Zack’s throat, scoring with a Legdrop as she drives her full one hundred and twenty pound frame into his trachea. She quickly hooks his leg for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Lifer bucks out of the first pinfall attempt of the match. Undeterred, and unflustered, Heather climbs back to her feet as Zack rolls away holding his throat before standing up. The New Iron Saint is groggy on his feet, and the Texan sees that, prompting the one time World Champion to charge right at him. However, the middleweight wanted her to do just that, as Heather jumps in front of him, only to be taken out of the sky with a wicked Lariat and he nearly decapitates her with his forearm. The crowd boos loudly as Zack sneers down at his dazed opponent, enjoying the angst and agony on her face. Smirking at the crowd, the New Jersey native soaks in their hatred. To spite them, he begins to playfully but firmly kicking Heather in the ribs as she rolls away from him.

Seth Ericson: I guess Zack Lifer never heard about how it’s not good to kick people while they’re down.

Dick Morosi: That would require common sense, and compassion. Two things he lacks.

The vehement jeers and boos from the crowd quickly return to cheers as Heather finally musters enough strength to battle back. As Zack attempts another kick, she catches his boot, then weaves her own behind it before rolling toward her foe. Lifer is tripped forward onto the ropes and is stunned when his throat collides with the ring cables. Halliwell quickly scrambles to her feet and takes a few steps back to size him up. She then runs at him and jumps, jutting her legs out into the before driving them into the back of Lifer’s head. The New Jerseyan feels his brain shift from the pan as he collapses of the ropes and falls to the canvas. Backing up toward the corner now, Heather lifts up onto the second rope, and patiently waits for the stunned Iron Saint to climb to his feet. Once he does she leaps off the middle rope, quickly grabbing him around the head with her hand before dragging him off his feet to drive him face first into the canvas. Having scored with the Flying Bulldog, Halliwell quickly drags Zack away from the ropes, then drops down to hook his leg.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Dick Morosi: Heather’s strategy is working, Seth. She just has to keep moving, and keep using her quickness to her advantage. Lifer can’t hit a moving target.

Seth Ericson: As great as she’s been she won’t be able to keep up this pace. She’s been out of action for so long. Lifer can neutralize her speed with one big move, and he knows that. He’s just waiting for his chance.

Keeping up the pressure, Heather quickly climbs to her feet and lays into Lifer with a few stomps to the chest to keep him at bay. From there she gathers herself before charging the ropes and leaping onto the second. She quickly jumps back with a Lionsault, but Zack has enough wits about him to roll out of harms way. Showing off her agility and catlike reflexes, the Texan lands on her feet. Just as Lifer begins to get back to his she’s already back on the attack, turning and jutting her feet out at him once again. This time Lifer catches her with a Wheelbarrow, and slowly lifts her up off the canvas. Exploiting the momentum to her own advantage, Halliwell reaches back for a Bulldog, only to have Zack counter with a backdrop suplex as he slams her head and neck first into the canvas with authority. Lifer doesn’t move a muscle, as he bridges and holds her in her current position for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Heather moves her upper body backward to escape the pin. Her head is throbbing and her neck is numbed from the impact they just endured. Lifer relaxes for a moment, observing his prey as she writhes in tremendous agony before dropping down to drive his knee straight across her forehead. He stands up only to do so a second time. From there he allows her to lean up onto all fours, before giving her a vile pump into the ribcage, sending her rolling under the bottom rope and out of the ring.

Seth Ericson: See, I told you, Dick. It was only a matter of time before Lifer turned this match around.

Dick Morosi: That was a vicious slam she took right there. Her neck could have been broken, and Zack Lifer doesn’t give a damn.

The booing of the crowd means nothing to Lifer who exits the ring in pursuit of his foe. Heather can’t get too far before the New Iron Saint is back on her, grabbing a handful of her gorgeous hair and using it to pull her to a stand before tossing her like a ragdoll into the guardrail. ”ONE!” The crowd gasps as her body crashes against the steel structure, much to the delight of her antagonist. Lifer begins running off the mouth, yelling “GET UP MRS. LASIEWICZ” several times to incite more scorn from the audience. ”TWO!” With a sickening smirk plastered on his face, the New Jerseyan waits for Halliwell to drag her wounded carcass off the floor before approaching - only to get a first right in his chops as Heather leaps up with a thunderous right hand. She follows that up with a kick to the midsection that doubles the deviant over, allowing her to lay into him with a sick forearm that sends the villain staggering back. ”THREE!” Looking to build a head of steam, Heather charges right at Lifer and leaps into the air with a crossbody block. Unfortunately for her she gets caught, as Zack is able to use his strength to his advantage as he holds her across his body before leaning backward and flinging her overhead, throwing her into the steel post with a Fall Away Slam. The collision between human canvas and steel post is audible, as Heather’s body nearly wraps around the structure before she crashes to the floor with a dull thud.

Dick Morosi: Good God Almighty, Zack Lifer is trying to put her in the hospital, Seth. He just threw her right into the steel post.

Seth Ericson: And he could very well be on his way to doing so. There’s no way Halliwell can come back after something like that. That was downright sick.

The crowd looks on with apprehension as Lifer drags Heather’s dead weight off the floor and rolls her back inside the ring before climbing in himself. A laugh leaves his lips, a laugh that initiates a roar of boos to rain down atop the two competitors, their hatred spewing from their mouths. The New Iron Saint reaches down and gripped her long beautiful locks in his palm, pulling her upright with a vicious determination that couldn't be replicated. His actions were met by a nearly unconscious Heather Halliwell, some fight still left in her as she glared at him through slitted eyes. In an instant, the beauty pushed the beast's hand away, only to receive a hand across her windpipe, the back of her head clunking back into the mat in one quick movement.

Seth Ericson: We've seen this before! Lifer's trying to choke her out one last time, shades of what happened weeks ago on ExPro. Isn't someone gonna help her? That's a former world champion out there!

Dick Morosi: Exactly. She's a former world champion. And I'm sure she wouldn't want to be treated like a damsel in distress.

His palm gripped around her throat caused her shoulders to touch the mat at the same time, prompting the referee to get on the ground and start his count.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Heather's eyes shot open, writhing back and forth to make sure her shoulders didn't touch the mat, all the while fading as the monster loomed over her with a sick grin clear across his features. Lifer moved to straddle her chest, forcing her shoulders to meet the mat again, both hands pumping away while he put every bit of force on her fragile windpipe. Her shoulders met the mat again.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Dick Morosi: I... We've seen a lot of brutality in that ring, but I don't think I've ever seen something [i[this[/i] disgusting...

Seth Ericson: Hold on. Is that—

Chuck Matthews quickly scrambled to ringside, sliding underneath the ropes and standing beside the two. He didn't attack anyone, nor did he interfere in the match at all. All he did was say something inaudible in Lifer's ear, something The New Iron Saint immediately responded to. He climbed up off of Heather's near-unconscious body while the crowd's boos continued to roar on top of them.

Dick Morosi: One has to wonder what Chuck told Lifer just then. Whatever it was, thank you. Sincerely. I don't know if I could see any more of that atrocity in the middle of that ring.


The crowd's emotions changed, chanting on the favorite to get to his feet while Zack and Chuck talked for a brief while in the corner of the ring. After trading a few words, Heather finally showed some life and Chuck Matthews was already leaving the ring, letting the match continue as planned. Lifer's eyes focused on his opponent, perched in the corner with his fists engulfing the top ring ropes themselves. He watched impatiently as she finally made it to her feet, pounding his feet over and over in frustration while the crowd looked on, each at the end of their seat.

Forced Sui— Missed! With an ounce of will left, the crowd began to cheer, watching as Heather Halliwell dodged the knee with her last bit of strength, dropping back down to her knees. A shocked Lifer looks around the arena for guidance, surprised she even had enough will to move her head. That is, until a smile raised to his lips again, the cheers from the crowd suddenly dying down, almost complete silence enveloping the entire arena as they realized what was about to happen.

Seth Ericson: FORCED SUICIDE! RIGHT ON THE BUTTON!!

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

"THREE!"

The crowd was riled up again, hatred flooding the entire arena like nothing EXODUS has ever seen.

David Zinkus: And the winner of this match is... ZACK! LIFER!!

WINNER: ZACK LIFER

Dick Morosi: I can't believe it. These fans can't believe it. What happened tonight was a travesty, Seth.

Seth Ericson: What did you expect was going to happen? She walked into the woods, and her time away from the ring really showed tonight. Lifer took his spots and came out as the victor tonight.

Dick Morosi: You better believe that this is far from the end of this chapter though. If I know Heather, I'm sure she'll— What is that psycho doing?!

The New Iron Saint laughed while he searched underneath the ring for his prize, something he kept here for safe keeping earlier in the night. The crowd watches nervously, wondering what was going on before he raised to his feet again, holding a familiar scepter of his own. The staff was white, completely vertical in his palm while it met the floor, the words "The Archangel" embezzled into the side in black letters. A smirk crossed his face while he entered the ring again, Heather Halliwell still laying in a heap, looking up at the rafters.

Seth Ericson: Heather has a scepter for House Halliwell, and Lifer? He has his own scepter of choice!

To everyone's shock, he didn't even use the staff to assault her violently like most thought he would. No, he did something else, something much more humiliating for the former EXODUS World Champion. He placed his boot on the side of Heather's head, holding the staff vertically right on the mat beside her. The image of power was memorable, an image of Zack Lifer standing over Heather Halliwell with his own scepter in hand, the ultimate sign of disrespect. We fade away on this disturbing sight...

We come back to Dick and Seth at ringside.

Dick Morosi: It's time for our first title match of the night, as Ruby Tyler seeks revenge on Kevin Hardaway!

Seth Ericson: Well Kevin's certainly been asking for it, but is Ruby the one to do it?

Dick Morosi: I think if anyone can do it, it's the Huntress. David, please take it away.

SAN DIEGO BAY TITLE MATCH
KEVIN HARDAWAY (EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay Champion) vs. RUBY TYLER



The house lights go out in the arena as the opening of "Devil's Night" by Motionless in White flares up. Strobe lights begin to go insane when the vocals blare out of the sound system as Kevin Hardaway appears in the entryway. The crowd turns sour at the very sight of him. Kevin inhales before he makes his way down the ring, holding the EXODUS San Diego Bay Championship in one hand, almost dragging it down to the ring with him.

A few hands get kicked away as once Kevin is at ringside, he hops up on the ring apron. The lights are back to normal as they enter the ring as he heads to the nearest turnbuckle and goes up to the top buckle. Some take pictures as he steps down, inhaling once more as he does the same thing on the other side of the ring before backing into the corner as he then waits for the match to begin as his entrance song fades off.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is a no disqualification match for the San Diego Bay Championship! Introducing first, already in the ring, fighting out of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and weighing in at 234 pounds...he is the Exodus Pro San Diego Bay Champion...KEVIN... HARDAWAAAYYYY!

Kevin barely acknowledges the announcement, as he unzips his hoodie, and tosses it over the ropes as he holds the Exodus Pro San Diego Bay title in his hand before handing it to the referee.

The crowd and Zinkus look expectantly toward the ramp, but “Heavy” by the Glorious Sons hits over the PA system and the lights swing toward the crowd.



A tall figure in a hooded calf-length jacket comes down one of the aisles, charging toward the ring.



The figure rips her hood back as she gets halfway down the aisle, revealing the Huntress, Ruby Tyler!



Ruby continues down the aisle, taking the time to give the fans a few nods of acknowledgement as she heads for the barricade and leaps over it.



As she reaches the ring, Ruby sheds her coat and pulls herself up onto the apron, turning to face the fans and pumping her fist in the air. The music continues to play as Ruby ducks through the ropes into the squared circle.

David Zinkus: And the challenger, from Barstow, California, weighing in at one hundred and thirty-five pounds, she is The Huntress... RUBYYYYYY... TYLERRRRRRRRR...!

As soon as Zinkus stops speaking, Hardaway charges at Ruby and tackles her to the mat, digging his knee into her chest and taking her head in his hands, slamming it hard into mat repeatedly. Ruby gets her hands up and grabs his wrists, pulling his hands away and using them as leverage to headbutt Hardaway in the face. It’s enough to give her some breathing room and it allows her to elbow Hardaway in the side of the head.

Seth Ericson: Ruby needs to get out from underneath Hardaway or else this is going to be a really short match!

Dick Morosi: ...There had to have been a better way to say that.

Seth Ericson: Well then you should’ve said it!

Dick Morosi: The absolute power of Kevin Hardaway is incredible. And let’s not forget, a few weeks ago Hardaway dropped Ruby on her head so hard that he gave her a concussion.

Ruby struggles to get away from Hardaway, but he grabs her by the ankle and flips her over onto her back, hitting her with a double foot stomp to the stomach! She cringes in pain as Hardaway goes for the cover!



ONE...



TWO...



KICKOUT!



She rolls away from Hardaway and out of the ring, clutching her stomach with one hand. He quickly follows her, grabbing her and hurling her into the side of the ring. Leaving Ruby lying on her side, Hardaway goes under the ring and grabs a chair!

Dick Morosi: Here we go!

Seth Ericson: Ruby Tyler’s in trouble now!

He takes a swing at Ruby, catching her in the midsection with the side of the chair, causing her to double over. He then swings upward, smacking her in the face. She reels back and grabs the bottom rope, pulling herself up and kicking Hardaway square in the chest! Hardaway stumbles and Ruby slides back into the ring, flipping up onto her feet. But she doesn’t have much time to recover, because Hardaway has made his way back into the ring and he is NOT happy.

Dick Morosi: Oh this doesn’t look good...

Seth Ericson: AT WHAT POINT HAS THIS LOOKED GOOD?!

Hardaway runs at Ruby with the chair out in front of him, chasing her into the corner. She leans against the turnbuckle and attempts to stop him with a kick, but Hardaway drives the chair into her midsection, pinning her against the pole so he can elbow her in the face. With Ruby stunned, Hardaway pulls the chair back and steps out of the way as his opponent falls to the mat. He kicks her over onto her back and drags her into position, dropping the chair on top of her. He then climbs the turnbuckle, jumping off the top rope and landing a double foot stomp on Ruby’s stomach!

Seth Ericson: There is no mercy here from Kevin Hardaway! He said he was going to teach the Huntress a lesson and boy, is he doing that!

Dick Morosi: For all her talent, it seems that Ruby just can’t match Kevin Hardaway for sheer violence! He’s been dominating this matchup since the moment it started.

Diving on top of Ruby, Hardaway hooks the leg for the cover!



ONE. . .



TWO. . .



THR -- KICKOUT!



Dick Morosi: How the hell?

Seth Ericson: There’s still some fight left in Ruby after all!

Hardaway roars in frustration as Ruby crawls painfully out of the ring, dropping over the side. Hardaway rushes toward her, only to be met with a kendo stick smashing him in the knee! Tucking the stick under her arm, Ruby uses her other hand to punch Hardaway in the face. She pushes her kendo stick into the ring, grabbing Hardaway’s head and tugging him down over the top rope, using her weight to choke him with the rope! Ruby gets her feet up on the apron and hooks her arm around his neck, climbing up to the second rope and executing a front flip, sending Hardaway crashing backward onto the mat! Ruby seems winded from the fall, but she hauls herself back to her feet and picks up the kendo stick again, twirling it expertly in her hands.

Dick Morosi: Here we go!

Seth Ericson: Let’s see if Ruby can keep this momentum going!

As Hardaway rises to his knees, Ruby smacks him hard across the back and then swings at Hardaway’s face. Blood starts gushing from his nose, but the First Son of the Family doesn’t seem to notice as he gets to his feet, charging at Ruby, who uses the tip of the kendo stick to catch him in the gut!

Seth Ericson: She nearly took his head off and then tried to spear him through the stomach!

Dick Morosi: Hardaway’s got a knack for violence, but it looks like Ruby’s coming up to his level!

Seth Ericson: Or going down to it.

Dick Morosi: ...Whatever!

Hardaway grabs the kendo stick from Ruby and tears it out of her hands, breaking it over his knee and tossing the pieces away. Still bleeding, he goes to grab Ruby, but she takes him by the wrist and gets her foot up against his neck. She falls backwards and catches him with her other leg, hitting him with the Boomstick! With Hardaway stunned, Ruby seizes the opportunity and goes for the rollup!



ONE...



TWO...



THREE... !



KICKOUT!



Hardaway kicks out, but it’s a second too late! He’s arguing with the referee, but the ref is shaking his head as he calls for the bell!

Dick Morosi: SHE DID IT! Hardaway’s still trying to argue with the referee, but the count is good!

Seth Ericson: Ruby Tyler is the new San Diego Bay Champion!

In disgust, Hardaway pushes the referee out of his way and exits the ring as the timekeeper hands the belt to Ruby, completely ignoring the medical staff who’ve come to deal with his possibly broken nose. The ref raises her hand in victory and with the other she holds the belt above her head, a wide grin on her face. She gestures for someone to hand her a mic, but her attention is diverted by Kevin Hardaway, who has returned to the ring with another chair in his hands!

Seth Ericson: Oh son of a -

Dick Morosi: We’ve heard it before, that title means everything to Kevin Hardaway! He’s not about to let it go without another fight!

Clutching the title, Ruby yells at him to get out of the ring, but Hardaway answers her by swinging the chair into her back, knocking the new San Diego Bay champion onto the mat. She struggles to push herself up, but Hardaway opens the chair and puts her head into it, delivering a vicious curbstomp to Ruby Tyler! Her body twitches, but she makes no move to get up!

Dick Morosi: Oh my God!

Seth Ericson: Somebody get the medical team out here! And for the love of whoever, can we please get our new Director to hire better security?

Dick Morosi: ...As if security is going to stop Kevin Hardaway.

The medical team rushes out to stabilize Ruby, carrying the newly crowned champion out on a stretcher with a brace around her neck.

Seth Ericson: I cannot even...

Dick Morosi: Not the kind of ending we were anticipating. Ruby Tyler got to celebrate for less than a minute before Hardaway sent her out of here on a stretcher.

Seth Ericson: That was just...

Dick Morosi: Yeah, I know.

WINNER (and NEW San Diego Bay Champion): Ruby Tyler

The shot goes backstage to Christian Kane’s locker room for the night where we see The New Hope methodically taping his wrists in a specific manner and order. The number one contender has most of his ring gear on and ready, save for his untied blue and white boots. He takes a deep breath before beginning to mumble something to himself, but it’s at this moment that the sound of high heels against the floor can be heard. As the camera begins to move slightly, Sarah Robinson, Christian Kane’s girlfriend, is seen with a big smile on her face. The beautiful blonde places her hand on her hips as she looks over at Christian, the smirk never leaving her face.

Sarah Robinson: Well, someone looks psyched for tonight.

Kane looks up from the bench he was sitting on in the direction of the voice, smiling as his eyes fall upon her. Broken from his trance, Christian motions for Sarah to come towards him, patting his padded knee after doing so.

Christian Kane: Something like that.

Sarah kindly obliges. She walks over to Christian and takes a seat down on his knee. Looking him straight into the eyes, her expression changes to that of concern.

Sarah Robinson: Look, you are going to do amazing out there. I have no doubts about that. You and Strike have been through hell and back together, but tonight you finally get what you deserve. You are going to become the world champion, and we’re going to make sure that you have a celebration fitting of a champion.

The Handsome Drifter smile fades to a sterner expression as she speaks, but returns eventually. His gaze still locked onto hers, he nonchalantly brushes a lock of her long blonde hair behind her ear before speaking.

Christian Kane: I know I’m going to do amazing, but still, I appreciate you saying that. What my fear is...is that I am going to do amazing and Strike’ll still find a way to win. I’m sure he has The Pantheon ready and waiting if he gets in any trouble out there tonight. I can’t let that happen. This is the biggest night of my life, the biggest opportunity of my career...I can’t let it slip. Because if I do? Then all of this was for nothing. I let myself down, I let you down, I let those people down. I can’t lose.

Sarah nods her head. As she looks back up at Christian, she places her right hand up against his cheek.

Sarah Robinson: You’re worried about the worst possible outcome. That outcome will not happen. You are that damn good and you will not lose tonight. No matter if The Pantheon or an entire army was here to back him up. You are that damn good Christian, you are going to be the World Champion by the end of the night. I can guarantee that.

Again, Kane smiles. He takes his hand and places it on top of the hand Sarah’s resting on his cheek for a few seconds in quiet comfort before looking into her eyes.

Christian Kane: You’re right, baby. I’m going to become the EXODUS Pro World Champion. I’m going to beat Chris Strike, and when I do so I’m going to make him watch as my belt is strapped around my waist. And come to think of it, as for The Pantheon...well, I may just have an equalizer for ‘em all.

He smirks to himself before running a hand down the back of Sarah’s dress.

Christian Kane: Now...hm...how about you help me warm up?

Sarah smiles at Christian. She takes her hands and presses them up against his chest.

Sarah Robinson: I think I may be able to help you.

A large grin begins to form on Kane’s face until suddenly he frowns, noticing the camera man filming from the doorway. Setting Sarah aside, Christian jumps up from the bench and pushes the camera man out into the hall before slamming the locker room door shut. The shot focuses on the ‘Christian Kane’ nameplate for a few more seconds, with a giggle from Sarah heard right as the shot fades out.

We come backstage and Carey Dean and the War Machines are returning backstage from their celebration, all while it seems like Tom Higashikata is mentally preparing himself to face SHOZO in a matter of moments. After a moment, the two friends look at one another and it's a shared silence. Even Siobhan looks concerned as she stays at Carey's side before he says nothing and just goes to his friend, giving him a hug. Carey seems to whisper something in Tom's ear, not letting the camera pick up on it, but he just nods and pats his friend's shoulder before walking off with The War Machines as we go back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: A touching moment between friends.

Seth Ericson: Maybe the last one they’ll get to have.

Dick Morosi: Don’t joke, Seth. That’s entirely possible with that’s going on. After what happened last show with SHOZO and Destiny, Tom Higashikata has requested this match tonight, facing SHOZO.

Seth Ericson: Smart thing to do. Man who is clearly crazy and wants to kill you, you should just go fight him.

Dick Morosi: It’s a complicated thing. SHOZO was baiting him into it and as we found out Tom’s not really strong-willed…

Seth Ericson: Nope! And now we’ll see if he’ll regret making this challenge. David, go on.

David Zinkus: The following match is a special challenge match. Introducing first…

“failbait” by deadmau5 & Cypress Hill begins to play over the speaker, bringing out Tom Higashikata to a mostly positive reaction. Dressed in plain wrestling trunks and looking slightly pudgy, he doesn’t really look like a wrestler, and he doesn’t walk to the ring like one. He keeps his head down, not wanting to meet the eyes of anyone, and rolls into the ring.

David Zinkus: From San Diego, California, TOM HIGASHIKATA!

Seth Ericson: Don’t exclusively eat cheeseburgers, kids.

Dick Morosi: Seth.

Seth Ericson: Whaaaaat? I’m just saying….

David Zinkus: And his opponent…

A figure in a hooded shiny black vest appears on the stage, hood up over his bowed head. Over the speakers something is clearly starting up, faint rumblings of something building...then finally a voice speaks.


The countdown ends with a distorted shout that kicks off “For a sick boy-” by yuyoyuppe, kicking ahead straight to the harsh, distorted lyrics as SHOZO throws his hood back and sets off down the ramp. He keeps his eyes firmly on the ring and what awaits him there, a too-wide grin playing across his face as he does. He hops up on the ring apron and leans against the ropes, staring at David Zinkus, waiting for him to do his job.

David Zinkus: From...nowhere, weighing in at 205lbs...he is SHOZOOOOOOOOO!

SHOZO grabs onto the ropes and hops over them, moving straight to the center of the ring as he unzips his vest and lets it drop to the mat. As he comes to stand in the center the song suddenly switches tone, the jarring change leaving a suddenly emotionless SHOZO staring into the camera as his music plays...


The music cuts out, and SHOZO simply walks to one corner to wait.

Dick Morosi: We’ve seen a lot of things here Seth, but SHOZO still manages to creep me out.

Seth Ericson: I know what you mean. He’s not right in the head, and you can see that in his eyes, that’s what it is.

Dick Morosi: That makes sense, actually. Doesn’t make it any better though.

Seth Ericson: ‘Course not! But it’s time to focus on this match.

NORMAL MATCH
TOM HIGASHIKATA vs. SHOZO

The bell rings but SHOZO, surprisingly, puts his hands up to ask Tom to wait, who stops his forward movement to regard SHOZO curiously. SHOZO pulls a microphone from the back of his trunks and unfortunately begins to speak.

SHOZO: Tom...I heard that promo you did...it resonated with my cold dead heart. You should understand me better than they can! Your life was ruined by the old guard! You’re wasting your time on those worthless people like Carey and Destiny...you could be spending your time getting revenge.

He reaches one hand out to Tom.

SHOZO: You could Evolve...and stand with us against the kind of people that ruined your life.

Tom stares at the hand extended, and SHOZO smiles.

SHOZO: Besides, you know it’s the only choice you have. You knowthealternative, don’t you?

Tom motions for the microphone, which SHOZO is happy to give to him, his other hand still extended out to shake. Tom looks at the hand again and back at the smiling psychopath.

Tom Higashikata: Yeah, I know what you mean. I know what I gotta do.

SHOZO smiles wider and moves his hand up higher to make sure Tom’s attention is on it. Tom lets go of the microphone. He lets out a sad sigh...before his hand lashes out, slapping SHOZO straight across the face! The crowd goes crazy at this, while SHOZO is seemingly stunned by this happening, that stunned look turning to one of pain as Tom kicks SHOZO in his left side, something that seems to cause SHOZO quite a bit of pain! He shirks from the blow, only to be hit with another kick...and another...and another! Tom grabs SHOZO’s arm and whips him into the corner, SHOZO smashing his back into it and immediately clutching at his side. Tom backs up into the opposite corner and signals for something big before taking off at a run for SHOZO! He goes for a running big boot, intending to smash SHOZO in the face with the leg that’s already caused him so much pain...but SHOZO moves! SHOZO hits the mat and rolls out of the way, leaving Tom to crash into the corner! He hits it awkwardly due to having his leg up, and rebounds off into SHOZO’s arms, SHOZO hooking Tom’s arms above his head and hitting him with a Dragon Suplex that has Tom land straight on his head!

Dick Morosi: And the momentum shifts immediately. And he was doing so well too, damn it. What in the world was with those kicks? SHOZO looks like he was hit with a log.

Seth Ericson: I dunno but I like it.

Dick Morosi: So do I, but SHOZO clearly doesn’t. He’s back up and he’s hitting the ropes and OW!

Seth Ericson: TIME HAS CHANGED! SHOZO has just absolutely SMASHED his boot into the face of Tom!

Dick Morosi: Poor kid looks out of it already, and SHOZO looks overjoyed as he comes back up and-wait why is he hitting the ropes again he’s not going to-JESUS!

Seth Ericson: A second TIME HAS CHANGED! SHOZO is taking this too far!

Dick Morosi: One was clearly enough to take Tom out, but that’s obviously not enough for SHOZO.

Seth Ericson: And just look at him, he’s loving it. And...oh no, he’s going for the microphone.

SHOZO goes to where Tom dropped the microphone and picks it up, rushing back over to Tom before beginning to yell at him.

SHOZO: SAY IT! FUCKING SAY IT! SAY THAT I’M RIGHT! SAY THAT I’M STRONGER THAN YOU! ADMIT THAT YOU WERE FUCKING WRONG TO STAND AGAINST ME!

He reaches down, grabbing Tom by the hair and jerking his head up. The camera catches sight of Tom’s face, blood running from his nose and mouth. SHOZO jams the microphone into his face. Tom speaks, the words slightly slurred.

Tom Higashikata: you’re...a fucking...psycho….

SHOZO’s eye twitches and he lets go of Tom’s head, letting it drop to the mat. SHOZO stands up, eyes defocusing as one hand slowly reaches up to play with a lock of his hair...he smiles.

SHOZO: YES! I AM!

He throws the microphone down on the mat and grabs Tom by the head, pulling him up. In a flash he has both Tom’s arms and legs hooked, and he drops him on his head with the METEOR EXTINCTION.

Tom goes limp.

SHOZO stands up, grin slicing his face, and looks down at what he’s done. He lashes out with a boot and hits Tom in the head, causing the unconscious Tom to roll over. The referee immediately steps in at this, going to grab SHOZO to pull him away. SHOZO’s eyes widen when he feels the referee’s hand and he reacts immediately, turning around and grabbing the referee, quickly lifting him up and dropping him to the mat with the Your Story Never Mattered!

Dick Morosi: That’s an official! He did nothing to do deserve that!

Seth Ericson: He touched SHOZO, so that’s apparently enough.

Dick Morosi: So it’d seem...and that seems to have set SHOZO back off, he’s got that look in his eyes.

Seth Ericson: Yeah he’s going back to Tom and he’s got him by the head and-shit no he’s not going to do it is he?!

Dick Morosi: No no no NO!

The two briefly go silent as they witness what happens in the ring, the crowd entirely silent along with them.

Dick Morosi: Another...METEOR EXTINCTION…

Seth Ericson: Jesus Christ...

In the ring SHOZO comes up to his feet, laughing. The laughter is only exacerbated as he looks at the faces of the people in the crowd, taking in their shock and worry. He then drops to his back and rolls out of the ring.

Seth Ericson: Is it over…?

Dick Morosi: I pray it is but I’ve got an awful feeling…

Seth Ericson: Shit he’s checking under the ring.

Dick Morosi: SHOZO has a chair!

SHOZO rolls into the ring and approaches the unmoving Tom. He looks down at him with a grin for a moment before dropping the chair next to him and reaching down to grab his head. Too quick for anyone to even try and prepare for it, the crowd is suddenly faced with the sight of Tom’s unmoving body in position to be driven down into a steel chair with a third METEOR EXTINCTION. Many fans close their eyes, not wanting to see this live murder...but they’re all spared, as from the back bursts Shinji Uchikawa, Black Jones, and Carey Dean!

Seth Ericson: The cavalry are finally here!

SHOZO grins even wider now, but does release Tom, letting the young man drop lifelessly onto the chair as SHOZO takes his leave, hopping into the crowd, the fans in his path scattering to avoid him. The three immediately go to check on Tom, Shinji trying to get any sign from Tom, but gets nothing.

Dick Morosi: The cavalry came but...was it too late?

Seth Ericson: I don’t know Dick. The paramedics are making their way down now, so all we can do is wait for news.

Dick Morosi: Yeah. Tom said he knew he might not survive this match with SHOZO and...and he might have been right.

Seth Ericson: ...can we go to commercial? I’m feeling sick.

Dick Morosi: I...agree completely. Cut.

And we cut to commercial on the sight of Tom Higashikata being loaded up onto a stretcher, still not moving.

NO CONTEST

The camera pans over the everhot EXODUS crowd as they get themselves riled up for the show tonight! As we hear the sounds of "The War Isn't Over Yet" by Eye Empire, tonight's theme, we see signs like "DEUCES, MARA!", "#FREEARIES", and "SHOZO WAS RIGHT" through the arena as we go to Dick and Seth!

Dick Morosi: Hello fans and welcome to The War Isn't Over Yet! Tonight we have a stacked card for you.

Seth Ericson: Not stacked in the best way but hey...

Dick Morosi: We're starting early with you I see. Great. Like I said fans, stacked card. The San Diego Bay, International, AND World titles are on the line tonight! In addition we'll see Zack Lifer take on a returning Heather Halliwell, Gang Warfare between REVOLUTION and the Storm, AND the Family of mara & Vorace take on the unlikely team of Fiona and Sally Talfourd!

Seth Ericson: So many big matches, so many bets to make!

Dick Morosi: ...again?

Seth Ericson: It went fine last time!

Dick Morosi: ...did it?

Seth Ericson: ...close enough!

Dick Morosi: Great. Well, we're starting off with a return. Chuck Matthews makes his in-ring return tonight, taking on Dante Q.

Seth Ericson: There's nothing in that sentence I like. Chuck Matthews, Dante Q, in-ring...

Dick Morosi: Well there's no missing it, it's starting now! Take it away, Zinkus!

Seth Ericson: EARN YOUR KEEP, DAVID!

NORMAL MATCH
CHUCK MATTHEWS vs. DANTE Q

The lights go out for a moment as “Master Plan” by Signal Hill Transmission begins to play. As the lights come back up, Dante Q comes out to a mild response from the RIMAC crowd and climbs into the ring.

David Zinkus: And coming to the ring...hailing from Q-Town, USA...Dante Q! And now...his opponent.

The heavy bridge of "Brains" erupts through the speakers as spotlights race across the crowd. Chuck Matthews steps out onto the stage, looking around at the people in attendance. He smiles, taking in the reaction of the fans. Casually, Chuck begins his walk towards the ring. He moves calmly, but quickly, making no effort to interact with fans until he reaches the apron. At this point, he climbs up, leaning with his back against the ropes, looking out at the crowd. He winks, and steps between the ropes before climbing one of the corners. He raises his arms in his signature horns before hopping down. He rolls his wrists and neck, waiting for the match to begin.

The bell sounds. They circle around one another, slowly moving into a collar and elbow tie up. Dante takes Matthews into a headlock. Matthews sends him off into the ropes. Dante runs off the ropes, Matthews leapfrogs over him, Dante returns into the ropes. He runs back at Matthews, he nails Dante with a stiff running forearm strike. Dante stands stunned, Matthews jumps up nailing him with a standing enziguri. He rises up to his feet pulling Dante up with him. Matthews grabs him throwing him down hard with an exploder suplex. Matthews grabs him on the mat holding his head. Matthews starts nailing him with stiff repeated MMA style elbows to the side of his head.

Dick Morosi: Chuck Matthews is beating the daylights out of Dante Q with those elbows!!

Seth Ericson: Chuck Matthews has come out the aggressor here tonight!

Matthews pulls him up to his feet. He grabs Dante into a half nelson throwing him with a half nelson suplex. Matthews turns running at Dante nailing him with a running knee strike. He turns running back at the dazed Dante nailing him with a clothesline. Matthews runs off the ropes running back at Dante nailing him with a double kick to the face sending him back onto the mat. Matthews goes for the pin.

ONE!


TWO!!



KICKOUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!

He pulls Dante up to his feet. He sends him into the ropes. Dante runs off the ropes, Matthews leans over throwing him with a back body drop. Matthews grabs Dante around his head nailing him with a pair of stiff forearm strikes. Matthews turns Dante pulling his arm back throwing him back with a wrist clutch exploder.

Dick Morosi: Chuck Matthews dominating this match!

Dante sits on one knee stunned. Matthews runs at him nailing him with the Pandimensional Thoughtcrime (Superkick). Matthews covers him.

ONE!


TWO!!



THR...KICKOUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!

Matthews rises up to his feet. He steps back, Dante rises up to one knee again holding his head. Matthews runs at him nailing him with the HOLLYWOOD STRIKE! Matthews covers him.

ONE!


TWO!!



THREE!!!

David Zinkus: The winner of this match Chuck Matthews!!

Dick Morosi: Chuck Matthews with an impressive win!

Seth Ericson: Impressive it was downright dominating!

We go to commercial on the unpleasant sight of a victorious Chuck Matthews, smiling at the camera.

WINNER: Chuck Matthews

We cut backstage, and as it seems Fiona Collins is in her favorite area of the RIMAC to stretch and calm for, the lightbulbs flicker on and off, and it's....just exactly who she didn't want to see. In a long, flowing, hippie like skirt, sandals, and a black t-shirt, The Allmother herself stands before her with daughters Amy, Audrey Lloris, and the Nameless Stranger. Looking around, mara waves off the girls as she offers a hand to help Fiona up.

mara: Look at this predicament you're in. All alone against a Pantheon of gods. Not me, of course, I'm just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Take the midnight train with me, sister mine?

Fiona is hiding away in her favorite spot, stretching her body and calming her mind before the big fight when the lights flickering causes her to freeze in place. The sight of mara makes her frown then stare at her hand. She sighs and rolls her eyes, standing up on her own without any help.

Fiona Collins: If you keep quoting Journey songs to me, I'm gonna have to say no. What do you want, mara? I'm busy.

mara: You know, there's nothing wrong with Journey, Fiona. I can't understand how my brother can possibly marry you if you don't have any appreciation for songs like "Separate Ways" and "Lights." But I'm here for...peace, believe it or not. See...

mara starts to pace around as she finally decides to sit down on the ground, legs folded in the proverbial "Indian style."

mara: We are family, for better or for worse. And whether I like it or not, you're walking into an unsettling situation. As much as I would love to see you wiped off the existence of my family tree, I wish it at my own hands. So...that said, I do believe you're aware my lion Vorace and I wish to meet you and your Magician friend at this little event in two weeks?

Fiona folds her arms over her chest as she stares at mara with questioning eyes. Seeing her sit, after the Stardust Seraph stood already, made her glare but gave in to sitting back down in front of her. With every ounce of fiber in her body, Fiona keeps her hands to herself and listens to her sister-in-law.

Fiona Collins: Yes, I'm well aware of that. Again I say, what do you want, mara? I really don't have time for your stupid parlor tricks and riddles. Get to the point.

mara: Well, first off, I want you at one hundred percent for this little affair. That said, I plan on making sure nobody in my Family will harm you...not even your old friend The Uroboros. You still remember her from your dojo days, yes? As far as anything tonight...let's just say I have a vested interest in whether or not Chris plays games with you. I like to have eyes and ears everywhere.

The Allmother smiles and leans over, kissing her sister in law on the nose.

mara: For what it's worth, my eyes see everything I want them to, I just don't want them to see you. You're good, Fiona. You might even be great. But you're not one thing I am, and we both know that.

The smile starts to fade before mara slowly leans back to sit.

mara: You aren't violent.

Fiona stares into mara's eyes, her eyebrows raising up slowly. She knows the other woman is completely insane but she didn't realize just how stupid she really was until that moment. Snorting derisively, Fiona shakes her head and smiles before her smile disappears from both her lips and her eyes.

Fiona Collins: That's where you're wrong, sister mine. You have no clue how violent I can be. I'll gladly show you though.

mara: Fiona, Fiona, Fiona...I love you. I really do, but here is something you don't understand. Dead In Hollywood? That wasn't violent. Violent are the things my monster, my brother mine...your husband did just to earn that title King of Violence. Violent is the way that Darrin Stearns and your husband cut their teeth in this industry. What we did was just a prelude. It was not even a teaspoon of their gore. Fiona, deep down inside you know what I'm saying is true, and that's why you haven't returned to prominence. You lost the chip on your shoulder, and now I'm going to help you get it back, because I want your love and I want your revenge, Seraph...because you and me are gonna have a bad romance.

Fiona Collins: I didn't lose anything. You haven't seen me be violent but it's there, laying and waiting, until I get into that ring and get my hands on you. It's gotten out when I got into the ring with Furor. So, don't you dare sit there and think you know what I have inside of me or what isn't inside of me. Because I will show you exactly what is inside of me at this very second, you deranged bitch.

mara: Look at you with that bass in your voice! You put those daddy pants on and spank my brother when you get in those moods? Fiona, it's 6:15 and I'm sure where your spark is...and it's in here.

She stops and brings her hand down, resting it in the area of her womb.

mara: It's there. That's what you want. You want to be heavier, but not with that World Title, with child. Another generation of Collins spawn to either be the savior or the destroyer. Another Collins to take up the banner, just like my niece will. And I want you to understand something, Fiona. You have one shot to make this count, and I will be looking forward to seeing if you can. The Lion sleeps tonight, but it will roar in two weeks, and Fi?

mara leans closer and reaches over to have her hand cup Fiona's cheek.

mara: Just remember this. Even when you don't want to admit it. Even when you don't want to believe...Family is always first.

Fiona glares at mara, her eyes shooting daggers into the other woman as she brings up a topic that is something sacred to her and a touchy subject. The second mara leans close and touches her cheek, Fiona shoves her hand away then rears her own back and slaps her sister-in-law across the face.

Fiona Collins: Get the f*** out of here now before I really show you how much violent tendencies I have inside of me, mara. NOW!

mara laughs a little as she looks at Fiona darkly, her smile turning into an evil scowl.

mara: You slap me now, but even you know how true it is. Sooner or later, you're going to have to decide what you want more, Fiona. The voices are calling, Fiona...and they're calling you to reach for the dead.

Fiona glares harder, giving the other woman her own evil smirk as she leans in closer.

Fiona Collins: Tell them I said hi and I'm waiting. Now do what I said and get the hell out of my face before I make sure you're never seen around here again. Permanently.

mara: They say that girl, you know she acts too tough, tough, tough until I turn off the light, turn off the light...

And with a smile, mara waves as if she's saying goodbye to a small child before the lights flicker on and off and she's gone, and we're back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: It's been personal from the start between Fiona Collins and mara, but that may have been the most personal they've been to date.

Seth Ericson: Whether anyone's going to admit it or not, mara's...not wrong. Fiona has let herself coast on her reputation the past year, and as good as she's been, she's yet to prove to the world she still wants to be World Champion. She's come up short too many times to believe she's still got that status in EXODUS.

Dick Morosi: Well she's got a chance to prove that, when she meets World Champion Chris Strike in a non-title match...next! Let's go to the ring!

NORMAL MATCH
FIONA COLLINS vs. CHRIS STRIKE (EXODUS Pro World Champion)

The house lights in the arena go out completely, thunder and rain can be heard from a distance, all while the image of a large mountain complete with a temple atop the peak is seen on the LCD screen while the beginning of “No More Regrets” by Arch Enemy blares out of the PA system, green spotlights beginning to swirl all across the arena. The LCD screen zones down from the heavens onto an field filled with high grass covering it and the wind beating against it…and at its center, there is one man standing and as he opens his way and lifts his head up, lightning strikes him down!

As the lightning hits the man at the center, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, as Reika Seragaki emerges from the smoke first to heavy boos from the crowd and Chris Strike follows suit from behind her, slowly stepping out into the limelight, drawing a loud reaction from the EXODUS faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises his right arm up – EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title held high as the smoke emerges higher and pyros shoot out from each side of the ramp before he makes his way down, having the occasional fans reaching out towards him from the rail, keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring, ignoring any distractions in his way while Reika Seragaki follows him from behind.

… Never again!
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! NO MORE REGRETS!
WHAT’S DONE IS DONE, CAN’T BE ERASED!
KNOW! KNOW YOUR REGRETS...SAVOR THE BITTER AFTERTASTE!!!!!

Chris then makes his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope while Reika Seragaki slides inside the ring. As he is about to get inside, Strike suddenly turns around and finds himself with both elbows locked around the top rope, his entire upper body exposed to the crowd’s sight while Reika Seragaki is just right behind him. Chris Strike slowly raises the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title in the air, savoring the moment as the crowd boos him with a grin while Reika applauds him, sitting themselves in the middle rope and allowing the champion to go under it with ease. He looks around at the crowd, raising the EXODUS Pro World title in the air again before walking to the nearest corner, leaning against the turnbuckle and observing his surroundings…

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike is looking for one thing tonight, Seth, and that's to take away the title of Ace of EXODUS from Fiona Collins.

Seth Ericson: Considering that he managed to derail Sally Talfourd two weeks ago, he's got a fair chance...but I still hate him and hey...it's Fiona!

Suddenly, the lights in the arena dim, and a hum and light orchestral music begins as "The Howling" by Within Temptation starts. The music continues to drift on as the lights blacken, all before the heavy portion of the intro kicks in, lights going to full blast as the crowd sees Fiona Collins standing at the center of the entrance stage, finger pointed to the air as the music continues!



Fiona starts to pump her fist, making her way down to the ring quickly, nodding as she looks out toward the ring, slapping hands with a few hands on her way down, touching foreheads with a young female fan by the rail, whispering a small promise before taking off a glow necklace from her neck to pass off to the fan!

David Zinkus: And his partner, from Portlandia, Oregon, weighing in at 135 pounds, the Strong Style Seraph…FIONA COOOOOLLLLINS!!!!



Quickly, Fiona makes her way onto the apron by leaping up onto it, all before flipping over the top rope and landing on one knee, her hand touching the ground as if she just landed like some sort of superhero, all before she climbs one turnbuckle, quickly raising her hand and pointing a finger to the sky again as the crowd cheers again.



She looks out at the crowd and instantly flips back, landing on her feet before turning around and looking toward the center of the ring, steel eyed focus on what's in front of her. As the lights come up and Collins looks back towards her opponent, she stares on, focused and prepared. Fiona begins to stare down Chris Strike, Strike smirking as he sits back in his corner before he nods and then it's interrupted by the sounds of "Breaking Skin" by Nonpoint!

Dick Morosi: Well color me surprised here, Seth! The number one contender to the (R)Evolution World Title is here tonight! Carey Dean is at the entrance way, along with his new manager, Siobhan Mahoney.

Seth Ericson: Let's not forget that next Monday on Fox Sports 1, Carey is facing Chris Strike as part of his Pick Your Poison tradition.

Carey starts to stroll his way down, a huge grin on his face as he looks over at Strike who is already screaming at him. Carey shrugs innocently, making his way to the commentary table, sitting down with Dick and Seth, Siobhan sitting on his lap.

Carey Dean: Dick! Seth! Long time, no see! I haven't seen you guys since that Revolution Roulette show! Have ya met Irish?

Seth Ericson: I certainly have not...

Siobhan Mahoney: Never had the pleasure. So this is what it's like to play with the big guns, hm?

Dick Morosi: While we're always happy to have guests, it's a little surprising to see you here, Carey. Besides being a (R)Evolution Wrestling student, you don't exactly make your presence known so publicly.

Carey Dean: I figured why not do something new? All those wrestlers scout their opponents, so I'm just here to see what's up with Chris Strike. My former mentor turned sack of crap is wrestling and I gotta wrestle him in two weeks, so why not try it? Plus, I mean, I intend on being up here on a regular basis soon. HEY, EYES ON THE OTHER BROAD, STRIKE!

Carey points to Strike from the commentary table, as he's still pointing at Carey and Siobhan, but Strike turns around, and Fiona has hammered him with lefts and rights before whipping him to the ropes, nailing a huge dropkick that brings down the World Champ! Strike seems taken off guard as Fiona gets Strike up and nails him with a rolling elbow to the face! A palm strike to the heart! She goes for the flipping dropkick to complete Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose, but Strike rolls out of the ring and tries to recover as he paces around the ring slowly, looking over at the entrance as Chikao Kessin starts to stroll down. Strike starts to cackle as he begins meeting up with Kessin, the two of them trading a few words before Strike goes back into the ring, motioning for the referee to keep Fiona away from the ropes as he tries to enter the ring again. Fiona shrugs and hops up on the ropes, leaning on them as she waits for Strike to finish taking a powder, all as she encourages the crowd to start chanting "CHRIS-TIAN KANE!" to irritate the World Champion. He gets back into the ring and comes charging at a lax Fiona, who slides down off the corner and uses the ropes to lift herself completely upside down before landing her legs on the shoulders of Chris Strike, before quickly locking him in a headscissors and sending him swinging around with a hurricanrana! He comes charging after her, and Fiona brings him down with an arm drag, before holding on and quickly locking in an armbar that sends Strike crawling to the ropes and reaching for them. She lets go and the crowd starts to cheer as she backs up, riled up and daring Strike to move on.

Dick Morosi: It seems like Fiona may already be in Strike's head.

Carey Dean: Pretty easy to be in Strike's head if you're a female. I mean, dude just makes poor life decisions when it's a double x chromosome.

Siobhan Mahoney: Most men do, but Strike's are particularly terrible.

She reaches for him, but Strike trips her up and her throat bounces off against the ropes as he then starts kicking her in the back, using the ropes to choke her as the referee begins his count. The referee finally forces Strike away from Fiona as he yanks himself away from the referee, grabbing Fiona and whipping her into the corner before charging in with a huge clothesline that flattens Fiona. He unceremoniously dumps Fiona outside the ring, distracting the referee as it seems Chikao Kessin starts to stalk the former World Champion. Coming over to find her, Kessin looks ready to lift her up, but the referee turns their head just in time and Kessin backs off, leaving Strike to come outside to throw her into the guardrail. She winces in pain as Strike again hammers her, shaking his head as the crowd continues to boo her, Strike screaming "I'M THE ACE!" at them. He grabs her and tries to throw her to the far rails, but Fiona leaps over as she gets close, leaping up onto an open chair and leaping forward to hit Strike with a flying clo--BUT HE GETS CAUGHT BY KESSIN! Kessin keeps Strike elevated and thanks to The Big Boss, Fiona hits the ground with a thud, her rally fizzling! Strike grabs her by the hair and uses his foot to slam her down face first to the ground as she reels.

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike is showing no mercy to The Stardust Seraph!

Carey Dean: As much as I think Strike's become a jackoff, I can't deny that Chris Strike is still one of the best in the business. Dude hits hard and can be absolutely relentless. Kind of surprising to know that and then see him block people because they offend his delicate sensibilities.

Siobhan Mahoney: Focus a little less on the delicate sensibilities and a little more on the fact that he hits like a goddamn freight train, will ya? Because that's what's going to come into play next week in the Pick Your Poison match you've got against him.

Strike lifts her up and starts to throw her back into the ring, hooking the leg for a pin!

ONE!














TWO!






















THR-KICKOUT!

Strike glares at the referee before he starts grinding his forearm into the face of Fiona, who seems to be struggling as he continues to use his advantage. Finally lifting her up and sending her to the ropes, he catches her on the rebound with a huge Shotei! Using a palm strike of his own to take out Collins, he quickly lifts her and drops her with a vicious Mjöllnir, sitting up and dusting his hands off as he goes over and gets a high five from Kessin. Strike looks like he's starting to size up Fiona, prepping to hit her with a Narukami, running and...STOPPING! He stops and just kicks Fiona straight in the chest to send her flying upward, now going for the Nar--SHE SHOVES HIM OFF...SUPERKICK! Collins nails a superkick that sends Strike bouncing back toward the ropes and she catches him...SOUL CALIBER! Fiona starts to reel as he seems to be staggering, looking for the Shinigami, but she goes to charge for him, only to be tripped by Chikao Kessin as the referee is checking on Strike, who says he's got something loose in his jaw!

Carey Dean: Seriously? Is this how this is going down? Strike talks huge about wanting to be the Ace of EXODUS, but he can't win this match on his own.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, you tell 'em, Carey!

Carey Dean: ....you are flippin' weird, Ericson.

Strike quickly "recovers" as he goes back over toward Fiona, grabbing her as he seems to be lifting her up in position for his new Gotch-style piledriver he calls Nepenthe, but as he lifts her, Fiona begins to kick her legs to start sending her and him off balance, forcing him to let her go. As soon as she gets back up to her feet, she tries for another superkick, but he catches her and spins her...DRAGON WHIP! She nails the reversal as she collapses, sore and trying to find the reserves to keep up with Strike, given this 2-on-1 affair. She starts to get to her feet, running over and delivering a huge shining wizard to the World Champ, and she goes to hook the leg!

ONE!






















TWO!


















TH--KESSIN DISCREETLY GETS STRIKE'S FOOT ON THE ROPES! The referee tells Fiona it's not going to count, and she looks crestfallen, not sure how she's going to get past this!

Carey Dean: Oh screw this, Irish. Get your work face on, we got things to do.

Siobhan Mahoney: Always got my work face on, Carey. Got your crowbar, too.

Carey Dean: Catch you dudes later.

Carey and Siobhan leave the announce table, Siobhan reaching into her leather jacket to pull out something for Carey, the crowd who follows (R)Evolution Wrestling cheering when they realize she's produced his trademark crowbar. She tosses it over to him, and as soon as Kessin comes to confront him, Carey swings and drops the man with his crowbar, sending him reeling before he backs up and charges towards Kessin to hit the Struck a Nerve kick! Strike starts yelling at Carey, who's already yelling back that he's going to kick his ass in a week in their match. The two keep trading words, and Carey threatens to whack Strike with his crowbar, who turns his head and offers his chin to Dean...BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS, COLLINS CATCHES STRIKE WITH A ROLLUP!

ONE!


















TWO!































THREE! "The Howling" begins to play, and the crowd has erupted and a "SHE'S THE ACE!" chant starts, leaving Strike irritated as Fiona rolls out of the ring and high fives Carey, who just gives an innocent shrug as Strike starts kicking the ropes and throwing a fit over what just transpired. Carey smirks and points his crowbar in the direction of Strike, making sure he gets one last shot in as he and Siobhan leave with Fiona as Kessin crawls in to check on Strike.

WINNER: Fiona Collins

Seth Ericson: CHRIST ON A CRACKER! SHE DID IT! SHE SHUT UP CHRIS GODDAMN STRIKE!

Dick Morosi: Fiona Collins picks up a MASSIVE win here tonight on EXPRO On FX, but give a HUGE assist to Carey Dean! Carey KO'ing Chikao Kessin set up a distraction for Chris Strike, who took his eye off the ball for just a split second.

Seth Ericson: And if he does that in two weeks, Christian Kane's going to see to it that Strike's World Title reign comes to an end. Now let's head backstage!

We go backstage and Carey Dean and Siobhan Mahoney are heading back out toward the exit of the RIMAC as Tom Matheny catches up to the both of them.

Tom Matheny: Carey! Carey, you may have raised the ire of Chris Strike tonight, a week before your match against him at (R)Evolution Wrestling on Fox Sports 1. Are you sure it was the right decision?

Carey Dean: I've never been more sure smacking that son of a bitch with some reality was the right thing. The fact is that Chris Strike may think he's sitting pretty up in his ivory tower, but some of us recognize his crap still stinks like the rest of ours does! See, he's had a lot of things to say about me, and where I come from, you talk like that and you get hit. So I came here and I hit him where it counts. I deprived Chris Strike of the thing he wanted...being called Ace of EXODUS. The fact is, he ain't a thing anymore. Not this Strike, and never this one. I'd rather see Christum goddamn Furor back on top before I see this Strike sittin' pretty. So in seven days, he wants a fight? He's gonna get the fight of his life before I go and take that World Title from Jaina Frost. Dumb it down for Strike, Irish.

Siobhan Mahoney: In one week's time, Strike, you can EXPECT. TO GET. WRECKED!

Carey Dean: You really like that one, don't ya, Irish?

Siobhan Mahoney: It's the smartest goddamn thing that's ever come out of your mouth.

Carey Dean: No, here's a smart thing...start placing your bets on Carey Dean leaving The War Isn't Over Yet as RW World Champion. The Black Sheep...The Last of My Kind...The Son of Disaster...Strike and Frost are about to find out screwing with me is a recipe for...well, you know the goddamn rest.

Carey sneers at the camera, before walking off with Siobhan, leading us off to commercial.