Absent Are the Saints

The match didn't disappoint from the start, all four competitors willing to brawl and get messy. Of course, Black Jones was going to show his East Coast crowd just what he was made of, willing to take flight and wow the crowd. Unafraid, Jones hit a major suicide dive on Yoshida, catching her and turning it into a DDT as he continued to show off. Of course, the two beasts from Japan were not without offense of their own, Watanabe hit a destructive Crash Landing onto the arena floor on Jones almost immediately after. It wasn't going to be pretty, and as soon as the match got back into the ring, Damage Inc. firmly had control. They began to dominate the champions, but the tide quickly turned when they failed to hit the Death From Above, Jones making the tag into Togo, who quickly came in as a house of fire! Togo was smashing anyone that moved to protect his partner and friend, and eventually managed to hit one of his trainer's signatures, the Extinction Agenda! Rush Hour began looking to put this away and seal the deal in their V1 Defense, but as Togo set up Yoshida for the Papa Bomb, Watanabe attacked him with a chair, causing a DQ. The duo started digging around for weapons, but Rush Hour was able to hold their own! As Damage Inc. stood on the outside with their manager, Tristan James, Togo and Jones dared them to come back and attack them again with the odds even. Point made, and everyone knew these two teams would meet again.

Winner: Rush Hour (via DQ, still Tag Team Champions)



After an incredible video package set to "Absent Are the Saints" by 36 Crazyfists, the cameras show off a super no vacancy crowd at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, the site of this huge EXODUS event! With the shots covered, we cut back to the announce table where we find our usual suspects, Dick Morosi & Seth Ericson!

Dick Morosi: Welcome to New York City! This is Absent Are the Saints, and EXODUS Pro is ready to give the Big Apple the show of a lifetime tonight! We have four huge matches, and we follow that up with The Crucible!

Seth Ericson: Can you believe what we're seeing here? Nothing but main event matches tonight on this show, and the main event is twenty of the best in the world competing in The Crucible!

Dick Morosi: You don't wanna waste time, I don't wanna waste time, let's get this started! The Tag Team Titles are up for grabs, when Trouble goes for their V2 Defense of the belts against former Tag Team Champions, The Ninth Gate!



David Zinkus: The following contest is your Absent Are The Saints opening contest. It is a Tag Team Match, scheduled for one fall and is for the EXODUS Tag Team Championships.

The lights in the arena start to dim as a lone light towards the back wall of the entrance way begins to pulse in time with the the sound of "God Save Us" by Ill Nino. Audrey Lloris leads the way for Kameron Chase and Daisuke Iwakuma, the collective known as The Ninth Gate!

David Zinkus: Introducing first the challengers. Accompanied to the ring by Audrey Lloris, they stand at a combined weight of four hundred and forty-four pounds... they are the team of Kameron Chase and "The Perfect Evil" Daisuke Iwakuma; THE NINTH GATE!



Seth Ericson: They are the incumbent champions, and they have returned to EXODUS to recapture what they feel like they've never lost, Dick.

Dick Morosi: Thats on the surface. Daisuke Iwakuma is a bad omen in this company. He tried to destroy EXODUS once, and I have no doubt in my kind that he'll try to do it again.

Seth Ericson: Well if you at first you don't succeed, try-try-and try again, which is the mantra of the champions. It took them a while to get the belts, but since then they've had a vice grip on them.

Dick Morosi: A grip The Ninth Gate thinks they can break to become the first two time champs in EXODUS history.

As the song continues, the two march down the aisle, paying no mind to the audience before Audrey steps up the ring ropes to hold them open for Daisuke and Kameron. Stepping into the ring, the duo move to the center of the ring, pausing to pose - Kameron Chase raising a fist in the air while Daisuke outstretches his arms and titls his head to the sky. Once down, the lights begin to come back on as they remove their jackets and talk strategy.

As they do so the lights fade back to black. For a few moments, there’s nothing but the noise of the crowd and the occasional flash of a camera. Suddenly, at full volume, Oh No You Didn't kicks in.

Oh no,

Oh no,

Oh no...

Oh no you didn't!

With that, the entrance lights fade up in Royal Blue, Red and White as Steve Lenton, Wulf Erikssen and Stacey-X enter the The Hammerstein Ballroom. Steve moves to the right of the entrance way, his title belt hung over his shoulder, Wulf to the left, his fan autographed belt strapped across his chest like a bandolier, with Stacey remaining in the middle. Each man raises a solitary arm in salute to the crowd, as Stacey raises both arms to indicate both performers.

David Zinkus: And their opponents, weighing in at a combined weight of 481lbs, your EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions... “The Big L” Steve Lenton... “Barroom Hero” Wulf Erikssen... they are TROUBLE!

Both men head down the ramp, Steve with his trademark strut, Wulf giving high fives to the crowd as he passes. As they reach the ring, Steve stops for a moment, reaching out to the sides to allow the fans to reach in and touch him, whilst Wulf slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Steve quickly climbs onto the apron, and straight up the turnbuckle, whilst Wulf runs up to the diagonally opposite corner. Both men unstrap their belts whilst atop the turnbuckles, and hold them high above their head. Meanwhile, Stacey walks around the ring to the teams corner. The pair then drop down into the ring, meeting in the centre where they greet each other with a chest bump, handing their belts to the referee, before peeling off back to their corner to strategise. As Daisuke steps onto the apron, The Natural Disaster, Kameron Chase steps forward. The referee checks him for weapons, as the two teams prepare to get things underway.

Dick Morosi: TROUBLE has been just that for everyone that's stepped in their path, Seth. They're having a historic reign, one they hope to continue tonight.

Seth Ericson: They've been a well oiled machine, I'll say that much. Still, I'm sure the fact that Lenton's never beaten The Ninth Gate is sitting in the back of his mind.

Dick Morosi: He didn't have Wulf Erikssen watching his back, back then. Keep that in mind, Seth.

Seth Ericson: I don't have time to worry about that, Dick. The bell just sounded. Pay attention.

*DING! DING! DING!*

Lenton slowly steps through the ropes and creeps toward the other legal man in the match, Kameron Chase who has his hands ready to lock down in a collar and elbow tie. Kamo-Mac begins moving in, and immediately lashes his arms out to initiate the tie-up, but The Big L slaps the Pittsburgian's hands away before throwing a stiff forearm right into his jawline. Lenton follows that up with a second, and then a third forearm strike, bypassing a slow, technical start and pace for one more oriented to his skill set - smash mouth. The attacks send the technician stumbling back slightly as Steve steps forward and throws up a toe-kick, only to have it caught. Chase immediately throws the Tag Champ's leg away from his body, coercing The Big L to spin all the way around. As soon as Lenton faces him, Kamo-Mac throws a kick of his own, only for the Virginian to prove that turnabout is indeed fairplay as he counters. Thinking quickly, Chase plants his free foot into the mat before swinging it up to smash it against the side of Lenton's head, ringing his bell with an Enzuigiri that connects against the grappler's temple.

The veteran grabs Lenton around the head, before pulling him up to a vertical base. Following a knee to the gut he whips the one time International Champion into his corner, where The Perfect Evil is ready and eager to get involved. Kamo-Mac gets a running start, then dives forward to jut his feet out and drive them right into his foe's solar plexus. The Dropkick leaves Steve wincing and gasping for air due to the force and velocity behind the attack. In full control, Chase lifts up one of Lenton's arms before tagging in his partner. Audrey cheers and applauds on the outside as Daisuke enters the squared circle to a chorus of boos and immediately asserts himself with a boot to Lenton's midsection, sending the champion to the canvas.

Seth Ericson: The Ninth Gate clearly haven't lost a step. They look better than ever, and have isolated The Suntan Superman.

Dick Morosi: Indeed, I don't see any ring rust on either man. And here is The Perfect Evil, Daisuke Iwakuma wrestling his first match since his defeat at the hands of the EXODUS Seikigun at ENDGAME. And as expected, the crowd welcomes him back with a tune he's accustomed to hearing from the EXPRO lifeblood.

Seth Ericson: You'd think they would have more appreciation for a guy who carried the EXODUS banner with pride up in Japan.

Seth Ericson: Daisuke Iwakuma is an infamous figure here in EXODUS due to the simple fact that he's a terrible human being. He could solve the issue of world hunger and people would still egg his home on Halloween.

Iwakuma sneers down at Lenton and laughs to himself, as he thoroughly enjoys the sight of The Big L struggling to handle the combined might of The Ninth Gate. Pretentiously, maliciously and forcefully, Daisuke punts the fan favorite in the ribs, causing the Tag Champ to roll onto his side in agony. As soon as Steve transitions to a seated position, Daisuke stalks him before driving a boot right into the small of the beloved EXPRO figure's back - the impact of which reverberates from the Hammerstein Ballroom as The Big L groans in pain. Audrey Lloris sings his praises from the ring apron, while Kamo-Mac looks on from the corner, applauding as Iwakuma exerts his will on his adversary. Slowly, and rather methodically, Daisuke lifts Steve to his feet and backs him up into the corner. He presses the issue with a series of knee strikes to The Suntan Superman's weakened breadbasket, before unleashing a vile knife-edge chop; wrenching Steve's flesh almost instantly. Iwakuma lets loose with another stiff chop, eliciting "WOOOOO!" chants from the spectators, who can't help but respond with that sentiment due to being conditioned to do so. Another chop further tenderizes the hero's cheat, as Daisuke retreats, allowing Lenton to stumble out of the corner, only to drop him with a stiff short-arm Lariat..

Daisuke Iwakuma: It appears that I really am your kryptonite after all, Superman.

Iwakuma taunts him, nudging The Big L in the head with his boot, loving the fact that he's in control, and that one of the company's biggeat heroes lays at his very feet. He recieves immense heat for his taunts, his ego swelling to an even higher level as he reaches down to pull the weakened Virginian up. Lenton looks out on his legs, prompting Daisuke to lean into the ropes. The Perfect Evil bounces off of them and charges forward on his return trip, only to have his momentum used against him as The Big L' scoops him up before planting him into the canvas with a thunderous Double A' Spinebuster. Iwakuma lies motionless, the wind tentatively knocked out of him while one of his legs remains captured in Lenton's clutches. Realizing this, Steve immediately turns him over onto his front, and sits on his back to lock in the Single Leg Crab. The crowd cheers, and chants "Make Him Tap" as Iwakuma lets out a tortured scream, Kamo-Mac in response tries to step in to help, immediately capturing referee Chris Dawson's attention.

Seth Ericson: Lenton finally turns the tables. He might break Daisuke's leg, he hates him that much.

Dick Morosi: I fear he won't get the chance. Daisuke's conglomerate is making it's presence felt.

Audrey Lloris sneaks around the ring while Chase continues to serve as a distraction, then the beautiful but evil diva slides under the bottom rope. Lenton has an instant to look over at who is approaching before his face eats a huge slap, one with such intensity that the submission is broken and the referee's focus turns back to the two legal men in the contest. Lloris rolls out of the ring as the irritated Lenton tries to shake off the effects of the gesture.

Dick Morosi: Audrey's assistance to her master sure helped that hold get released, but they're not helping themselves in the long run. Nothing is scarier than The Big L' when he's angry, and right now the champ's fuming.

Seth Ericson: You seem to have your superheroes mixed up, Dick. He's not 'The Suntan Hulk', he's 'The Suntan SUPERMAN'. BIG difference!

Dick Morosi: Maybe, but I doubt you'd want to get either character angry, Seth. Thats all beside the point though, as Lenton is on his feet and looking to keep the advantage.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, yeah go ahead and change the subject all you want, Dick.

Wulf Erikssen is tagged in and quickly steps through the ropes, giving his partner a much-needed and deserved break. The crowd explodes into applause as The Barroom Hero hastily stomps toward the legal challenger, then grabs his hair and pulls him to his feet. Wulf quickly applies a front facelock, throwing Iwakuma's arm over his shoulder as he prepares for a Suplex. However, his plans are stalled by a punch to the ribs. Wulf grunts in pain as another fist collides with his ribcage, then Iwakuma escapes from his foe's clutches before stunning him with a Jawbreaker. As Erikssen stumbles in place like the many times he's done while inebriated, The Perfect Evil charges for the ropes, bounces off then, then connects with a Yakuza Kick that drops the Englishman like a bad habit. Daisuke wastes no time in vying for the pin.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

Wulf kicks out. Daisuke gets up, then keeps the pressure on as he proceeds to stomp a mudhole in the former LEGION mole. The crowd begins booing as he scrapes his boot across the brawler's visage, but Iwakuma could care less - that is until his boot is grabbed. The enraged Barroom Hero gets up while holding the right ankle of his antagonist, prompting Daisuke to go for an Enzuigiri to counter, only to have that leg captured too. With Iwakuma supine and pleading for clemency, Wulf smiles a mischievous grin before wishboning the villain's legs. Iwakuma sits up, cringing in pain but only to eat a soccer kick right to his grill. As he stretches out from the aforementioned blow to the head, Erikssen follows up with a Handstand Legdrop, dropping his two hundred and twenty-four pound frame across The Perfect Evil's throat.

Dick Morosi: The Barroom Hero is going to town on Daisuke Iwakuma. What a combination he just ran off right there, and TROUBLE is starting to fire on all cylinders, Seth.

Seth Ericson: No doubt Wulf's starting to - wait, look!

Back on his feet, Wulf looks over at the opposing corner, then charges in the direction of Kameron Chase. When he gets in range, the tag champion turns and sticks an elbow out, slamming it straight into the Pittsburgian's face and knocking him off of the apron. The adrenaline-filled Englishman walks a few steps back toward Daisuke, motioning to the crowd to rile them up so that he can feed off of their energy. The spectators in the Hammerstein Ballroom begin a huge chant of "Barroom Hero" as the man who owns that moniker lifts his foe to a vertical base. Erikssen sticks his arm out, and Steve slaps his had to officially tag himself into the match. The Tag Champions each take one of Daisuke's arms, leaning him into the ropes before launching him across the ring. As Iwakuma rebounds, Lenton steps forward, and exploits the villains's momentum by tossing him into the air with a pop-up. Wulf charges out of the nearby corner, and catches his freefalling foe with a Jumping Cutter, planting him face first into the canvas to successfully complete their double-team move.

Dick Morosi: Old Man TROUBLE! And the champ's are going bannanas now.

Seth Ericson: Oh get real, Dick. One minute you're complaining about Kamo-Mac and Audrey's distraction, the next you're praising this. There's obviously no such thing as objectivity and integrity behind this commentary table.

Dick Morosi: Well, certainly not with you sitting here.

Seth Ericson: I resent that, Dick.

Wulf exits the ring, thus ending Seth's tirade, leaving Steve as the official and legal man in the contest. The Big L' immediately crawls on top of Daisuke, performing a lateral press for the pin amidst the noise of the crowd's loudest pop in the match thus far.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

Just on sheer willpower alone The Perfect Evil raises his shoulder up before referee Chris Dawson's hand can slap the canvas for a third time, continuing the match at least for now. Lenton, gets a handful of the harbinger of destruction's hair, ignoring Dawson's warning as he pulls him to a stand. Lenton's left hand is cupped behind his antagonist, allowing his right forearm to repeatedly slam into Iwakuma's face. As the third elbow strike is thrown, the crowd begins counting The Suntan Superman's strikes as they meet his challenger's face.

"THREE!"
"FOUR!"
"FIVE!"
"SIX!"
"SEVEN!"
"EIGHT!"
"NINE!"

Majority of the crowd prematurely calls for the tenth strike, but The Big L' opts to make a beeline for the ropes. He quickly rebounds, then leaps forward with a Flying Forearm, giving the audience what they wanted, albeit in a different form. Nevertheless, Iwakuma is knocked down, left staring up at the ceiling light's while the fav-favorite lies on the canvas beside him. After a moment, Steve suddenly springs to life, kipping up to a loud pop from the crowd, pounding his chest like a madman to further send the crowd into a frenzy before marching in Wulf's direction to tag him back in.

Seth Ericson: The Big L's about to tag in his partner. His second stint in the match didn't last long but for the short time he was in there, he sure got a lot done!

Dick Morosi: Quick tags, Seth. Daisuke's been in there a while now. They're isolating him, and the longer he stays in there the more likely they are to finish him off. This kind of teamwork is one of the very reasons why they've been on top of the Tag Division for as long as they have.

Wulf quickly steps through the ropes before advancing toward his weakened foe. As the Englishman grabs Iwakuma's right leg in order to attempt a submission, or at least keep him grounded, the heir to Hal Snyder's throne cocks his other leg back before shooting it out at his foe's face. The tag champ stumbles back as Daisuke gets up, getting a breather before the two competitors stare at one another for a moment. Erikssen lifts his leg up to throw a front kick towards Daisuke's midsection, only to have it caught. Iwakuma tosses the leg away, causing Wulf to spin around completely. Once Erikssen faces his adversary, Iwakuma steps forward with a Lariat attempt, but the Middleweight ducks, forcing The Perfect Evil to stumble in the Brit's general direction. Both combatants turn to each other once more, amd Wulf scores with a soccer kick to the villain's ribs. Iwakuma gasps in response to the pain, and Wulf immediately follows up with a stiff headbutt. The meeting of proverbial, and literal minds causes a dazed Daisuke to stagger backwards into the corner, then Wulf grabs the ropes and positions himself directly in front of his opponent.

Steve Lenton sees Audrey Lloris approaching him through his peripheral vision and hops off of the apron to scare her into heading back to her own corner. Meanwhile, Wulf prepares to thrust his shoulder into Iwakuma's ribs, but the notorious challenger cleverly throws a knee into the brawler's face to stifle his momentum. Daisuke grabs Wulf's head and turns around so that the two wrestlers switch positions, Erikssen now in the corner. Following a forearm to the jaw the former leader of LEGION grabs the TROUBLE member's arm and leans back, whipping him across the ring. Wulf runs to the far corner, Kamo-Mac desperately, yet patiently waiting to be tagged in. Audrey finally stops inciting The Big L's scorn, and heads back to her own side of the ring to climb back onto the apron. Daisuke advances toward Wulf, who's chest hits the turnbuckles with a thud, and catches him on the rebound with a Cobra Clutch. While maintaining the submission, The Perfect Evil lifts the two hundred and twenty-four pounder up before falling back to slam Wulf's head and shoulders into the canvas.

Seth Ericson: Deadly Premonition from Daisuke Iwakuma. The Big L probably could've stopped that, but he wasn't on his side of the ring due to his infatuation with Audrey Lloris!

Dick Morosi: Infatuation? What the hell are you talking about, Seth? All I see is Audrey continuing to cause problems with another well-timed distraction, I should add.

Seth Ericson: I don't know, Dick. The Big L has never met a white girl he didn't like.

Dick Morosi: After what's transpired tonight, I think it's safe to say that Steve has met the first one.

The Perfect Evil lies on the mat, catching his breath for a moment while Kamo-Mac calls out to him. Daisuke plants his hands into the white canvas and pushes himself up after a few seconds of recuperation, then immediately reaches out to tag in Kameron Chase. The incumbent Tag Champion eagerly steps through the ropes, having watched for an extended period of time and immediately drops a knee on Wulf's thigh, making the Barroom Hero cringe in pain. Pittsburgh's Prodigal Son gets up and marches up to Erikssen's head, then drops a knee onto the Englishman's face. Erikssen convulses and rolls away from his assailant under the ropes and to the floor. Wulf stumbles to his feet and backs up to the crowd barrier to regroup amidst the multitude of hands that belong to the those in the front row who pat him on the back. Kamo-Mac looks out at the crowd, then raises his arm into the air, feeling like he's ten feet tall right now as he has the advantage.

The Barroom Hero cocks an eyebrow at the brash, and cocky vet, then takes a deep breath and charges back to the ring. Wulf slides into the squared circle and pops up with Chase advancing toward him. Kamo-Mac leaps forward with a Leg Lariat, but Wulf dodges, causing his leg to fly over the top rope. Thinking quickly, Erikssen sweeps away Chase's foundation, forcing him to fall, but his leg remains hanging over the top cable causing him to be caught in somewhat of a Tree of Woe. From there, Wulf begins firing off soccer kicks at his foe's unprotected upperbody, continuing to do so until Chris Dawson orders him to stop, upon which he backs away to allow Chase to fall to the canvas. Afterward, he goes for the cover.

Dick Morosi: Wulf Erikssen just went all Rocky I in the butchershop on Kamo-Mac with his feet. And here's the cover!

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

Seth Ericson: Chase still has some fight in him. He might not have any air in his lungs anymore, but he's still got plenty of fight left to give.

Chase manages to throw his shoulder off of the mat, keeping the match alive for The Ninth Gate. The Barroom Hero smirks and crawls away on all fours, patiently waiting for Kameron to get up. The vet rolls to the ropes and pulls himself up with their help, then stumbles toward his foe. Erikssen explodes into the air and lunges forward with an explosive right hand - but gets nothing but air as Chase avoids the Falcon Punch. Wulf rolls with what happens, running into the ropes and leaning back into them, then rebounding off in a full charge at Chase. Nate Soto's former mentor is ready for him, and lifts the Englishman into air with a Back Body Drop. Wulf thuds onto the mat, but simply sits up and scrambles to his feet, staring a hole into Kamo-Mac as the pretentious Pittsburgian turns around. Wulf tosses a massive haymaker in Chase's direction, but The Natural Disaster is able to score with a toe kick to the midsection that stops the punch before it can connect. From there he follows up with a thumb to the eye, blinding Erikssen.

With Wulf's vision impaired, Chase leads him over to his corner then slams his face into the top turnbuckle. Wulf's visage is thrust into the turnbuckle once again, but this time he is allowed to stumble back while Kam tags in the The Perfect Evil. Daisuke steps through the ropes and approaches his weakened prey, grabbing the long hair of the Barroom Brawler and then swinging a knee up into his face. The ominous Asian stands tall as Wulf's body swings back and slams onto the mat.

Seth Ericson: The Ninth Gate's turned this match around, Dick. Wulf is the lone wolf right now. See what I did there?

Dick Morosi: It was cheesy, and corny but accurate all the same. Wulf's on the wrong side of town. He must find his way home and more importantly, he's gotta make a tag soon.

The Perfect Evil stalks Wulf as he tries to pull himself up in the corner - The Ninth Gate corner at that. As he comes to a stand and turns, Daisuke charges forward and lowers his shoulder. Having enough wits about him, Erikssen dodges the Spear, avoiding the beginning stages of Iwakuma's "Devil May Cry" combination, sending the devil incarnate shoulder first into the steel post. As Daisuke climbs out of the corner and turns around in pain, Wulf is the one to charge in now. However, Iwakuma is able to dode him. But Kamo-Mac is not so fortunate, as he eats a brutal forearm and is sent flying off the apron to the outside. Daisuke takes an offensive position, and waits patiently for Wulf to turn around -- and when he does he greets him with a STIFF Lariat.

Iwakuma saunters toward the corner, before slowly ascending up it, still glowing with confidence and egotism, holding one arm high and ostentatiously. But his ego would be his downfall, as The Big L suddenly forces himself back into the equation, as he makes a beeline across the apron. Daisuke's sees the incoming threat, and quickly buries his fist into Lenton's face. He follows up with anther stiff shot, the latter of which sends Steve tumbling to the floor below. Perched at the top, Daisuke outstretches his arms to massive boos, before leaping down at Wulf for a Double Axe Handle. Erikksen counters, sidestepping before unleashing a soccer kick to Iwakuma's gut. With his foe stunned, and hurting, Erikssen quickly slips behind him to apply a standing Straightjacket, before floating Daisuke over into a Suplex, releasing him upon contact with the mat.

Dick Morosi: Grendel Suplex! Steve Lenton slowed Daisuke down enough to give Wulf time to recover, and boy did The Barroom Hero make good use of that distraction.

Seth Ericson: Chris Dawson needs to maintain some semblance of order in this contest. He's letting these guy run amuck!

Wulf lies on his back and glares blankly at the lights shining down on him of the Hammerstein Ballroom, basking in the successful execution of his trademark and table-turning maneuver. He twists his body, groaning as he rolls onto his stomach and drags himself over to the equally grounded Daisuke Iwakuma. The Tag Champion extends an arm across his nemesis' torso, vying for victory in the name of his American counterpart and his own. The referee dives at the signal and holds his hand aloft, applying the umpteenth pin attempt during the contest.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THR-"

Dick Morosi: No! I thought that was it, as did Wulf, but Daisuke kicks out. We're nearing the twenty minute mark, and both teams have given it their all. What a classic we're witnessing.

Seth Ericson: Two great teams who completely hate one another; battling in one of the most historic arenas in the world - I couldn't ask for a better opener.

Indeed, The Perfect Evil interjects the pin with a right arm jutting into the air, lifting his shoulder from the canvas. Wulf drives his patella into the mat and presses his body into kneeling, arms resting on his hamstrings. Uncovered, the battered and winded Iwakuma groggily begins to sit up, his eyes closed in an ache sent through his back. Rather than scoping out his opponent’s whereabouts, he pivots on his hip flexor and begins to return to a stand. Unfortunate and unbeknownst to The Perfect Evil, his newly acquired vision is taken over by the scenic qualities of Wulf Erikssen's frame as he stands over him, applying his Monster Killer submissiom and returning him to a seated position - Wulf unable to cinch in the bodyscissors to fully execute his chokehold, opts to apply the Half Nelson with reckless abandon. Daisuke's neck rests on the boundaries of hyper-extension as another groan of pain seeps through his weakened respiratory system from the pressure being exerted.

As moments pass by The Ninth Gate's hopes in the contest are in limbo, Kameron Chase, the illegal man begins to slither into the ring. As he pulls himself along the mat’s surface, flanking Wulf from the back, the recovered Big L closes in; leaning over the apron. The Pennsylvanian rises to his feet only for them to be hoisted out from under him as Steve ducks under the bottom rope and latches onto his ankles, dragging him out like a ghost in a Paranormal Activity Movie to the ringside area. Before he gets his bearings, Kamo-Mac is met with a flurry of quick right hands from the Virginian, ready for another round of fisticuffs. Quickly, Lenton grips Chase by the back of his head and coerces him across the ring and into the guardrail. Fans nearby give a loud cheer as Kameron hits the steel, his underarm catching him from falling to the ground. Another grasp of the challenger's head sends it bouncing off the top of the same security structure, a second uproar of support spewing forth from those faithful to the Tag Team Champions. The Big L shoves Chase against the barrier to widen his target and keep him from a defensive position, reeling back his right hand once more but in the opposite direction, driving a Flair-esque chop over his pectorals. In rebuttal, Chase shoves Steve backward, leading the Suntan Superman spine-first into the ring apron with a grunt. Chase, seeming undaunted by the previous hammerings, steps forth and grips his rival by the forearm and lurches back, sending Lenton into the same guardrails. In excitement, the crowd roars again, every contact between the combatants thoroughly pleasing them. As he leans into the barricade with both arms hung over the top, Lenton groggily and helplessly watches right hands from Chase pummel his brow – his head quivering with each knuckle sandwich fed to him - a steady diet of which he'd desperately like to change.

Seth Ericson: Kameron Chase and Steve Lenton are tearing the Hammerstein Ballroom apart. I freakin' love it, Dick. Its like watching my ex-wives fight over who's going to take my stuff.

Dick Morosi: That sounds like a job for at least one of the legal consultants for hire here in EXODUS. Hell is indeed breaking loose, Seth. These are two teams who loathe one another. There's so much bad blood that it was bound to spill all over the arena, if not throughout New York.

The tables turn once more in the melee as Lenton drives a boot wildly into Chase's knee, stalling the egotist enough that he can recuperate and pick himself up off his hanger. Kam staggers back somewhat, only to become victim to a stiff haymaker, knocking him senseless and leading him to lean on the ring apron in a dazed stupor. Fans rush against the guardrail as The Big L holds himself up, Steve glancing over his shoulder to those in attendance who have come to see a slobber knocker, and have been given that and more. He grabs a bag of popcorn from one of the patrons and indulges himself - turning the bag over and dumping the contents into his mouth, though majority of the buttery snack ends up on the floor instead of in his belly. From there, Steve grabs a cup of beer from another fan’s hand.

Rather than guzzle the brew like his partner might, he grabs Kamo-Mac by the head and slams the frothy beverage right against his skull, sending the spewing of alcohol over the area, including both men's frames. Chase finds himself blind as the stinging sensation fills his pupils from the hap-hazard hops and barley that had splashed into his vision - likely a Bud Light, sending him lurching about ringside much like Velma would without her prescription eyeglasses. With Chase unaware of everything happening around him, Steve drops down into a three-quarter stance waiting for the right moment to strike. And when the moment presents itself he does just that, as he charges forward as soon as Kamo-Mac turns around and then - BOOM! Lenton spears his adversary through one of the barricades, leaving both men slunk to the arena floor, growing weary and groaning miserably, amidst a puddle of sweat and alcoholic refreshments surrounding them. The Hammerstein Ballroom explodes, as a nearly unanimous chant of "Holy Shit" breaks out.

Dick Morosi: GOOD GOD, SETH! I think The Suntan Superman just BROKE Kameron Chase -

Seth Ericson: IN HALF! What a BLITZ! I can't believe what I just witnessed!

Meanwhile, the two legal men – Erikssen and Iwakuma- are still bargaining for control of their current affair. Daisuke slowly grows in height as he makes his way to his knees, still locked in Wulf's Half Nelson. The position leaves the tag champ bent over his opponent, as he desperately holds on in an effort to keep the challenger immobile. However, The Perfect Evil reaches overhead and grabs Wulf by the neck with both hands, pulling forward to drag The Barroom Hero to the canvas with an artful snapmare. Basking in his freedom, the chaotic villain locks in a basic headlock, looking to slow things down, albeit not in time though as Wulf pivots in place to a stand. Erikssen steps backwards with Daisuke holding tight as they bounce lightly off the ropes, the added momentum able to free Wulf from captivity. The Perfect Evil is sent across the ring and into the opposite ropes, and upon his return does the Englishman drop prone to the canvas.

With a small hop over, Daisuke hits the ring cables for a second straight time as the brawler jumps up to his feet, both men quickly scouting out the next best option to put the other out of commission and leave with all the spoils and bragging rights. As Daisuke makes his return trip, both competitors outstretch their arms and come colliding with one another’s tracheas, meeting in the center of the ring with mirroring Clotheslines, hurdling shoulders first to the mat below. It is then, out of loving concern for her benefactor and to disturb the peace ONCE AGAIN, that Audrey Lloris climbs onto the ring apron in the nick of time that the more aware of the two, Wulf Erikssen, stirs and rolls onto his stomach for the cover. Chris Dawson, once again distracted, scoffs at the notion that the devious valet once again chooses to make her presence felt in the championship contest –specifically after he had sought so long to get it under some sort of order. Audrey throws a tantrum in the direction of the official, machine gun firing obscenities and overall ugly remarks that contrast her fairly pretty appearance. Having ignored the nuisance for as long as he possibly could, Dawson's teeth grind once more, until her juvenile tactics are met with the highest form of reprimanding.

Chris Dawson: That's it, you're done! Get the hell out of here!

Seth Ericson: WHAT? He just tossed Audrey out of the match! Lloris has been banned from ringside, Dick!

Dick Morosi: Way to earn your paycheck, Chris.

Dawson does his best baseball umpire impression, gesturing to the back to toss Audrey Lloris from ringside for the remaining duration of the bout. Audrey is having none of it, as she stamps immediately in her heels in a fit of rage while the fans begin to cheer in response to her dismissal. Wulf, clueless of the madness transpiring around him, realizes that his pin attempt has gone unacknowledged, and simply rolls off of Daisuke and awaits the next flurry of battle to commence. Audrey continues with her fussing, fidgeting as she's unsure as to what to do – all she knows is that she does not want to leave the festivities. That much is obvious. Overhearing the commotion at ringside, Lenton comes back to his feet and approaches Lloris from behind, realizing that he may have to enforce the ref's ruling. As he watches the spectacle from Audrey's pedestal on the apron, Dawson once again commands the valet to leave the area immediately, which is once more ignored by the perpetrator.

Deciding to play the role of bouncer, Lenton grabs Audrey by the wrist. She turns around in surprise, unable to react as she’s taken over the Virginian's massive shoulder in a fireman’s carry position like a hostage. Steve grins slyly with an arm cupped in the middle of Audrey's upper legs to prevent her from escaping; upon account of her tantrum of flailing and pounding the back of the tag champ with balled-up fists that do little damage, making him laugh more than anything. The Suntan Superman carries Audrey around half of the ring's perimeter on his way to escortingher off said premises, to the ramp, setting her down softly on her feet. She responds with a slap to The Big L's face, putting him in an awkward position - he doesn't want to choke a bitch, but dammit if she's not asking for it. Luckily, before he can do anything Stacey-X leaps onto her, and begins unloading on Lloris, as the latter's anticts had pushed her to the brink. The Big L watches the catfight unfold, leaving him susceptible to Kameron Chase. Indeed, Kam leaps onto Lenton from the barricade, sending everyone, including the brawling valets who had gotten to their feet crashing to the floor at the base of the ramp.

Seth Ericsoni: A flying Kamo-Mac sends them all to the ground. The only thing this match is missing is a live band performance, because this is basically turning into a crazy variety show.

Dick Morosi: Hey, it's still better than anything on network television. That's for sure.

Seth Ericson: Not quite, Dick. We need a wardrobe malfunction from one of these lovely ladies to reach that territory.

Dick Morosi: And you need Jesus, and a psyche evaluation.

A pair of referees rush down the aisle to the aftermath of Kam's attack to attend to the two non-competitors in distress while, in-ring, Daisuke seems disinterested by what has happened to his eye candy. The Perfect Evil pulls Wulf to his feet, slamming a series of forearms into his cranium upon lifting him onto his shoulders before slamming him to the canvas. With a series of stomps to every part of Wulf's body that sticks out at him, he turns his attention to the turnbuckle in hopes of leaping down with a knee, fist, leg, elbow, body drop or splash to procure a championship victory. The toll on his body and physical exertion of the match has Daisuke struggling as he begins to ascend from the outside of the pads. Unfortunately for The Perfect Evil, the tenacity of the equally fatigued and enervated Wulf Erikssen leads his rival to recover from the slam moments ago in enough time to meet his nemesis at the apex of his climb - right at the very top rope. Both men match the other's cold glare, Iwakuma pleading, and begging, his head shaking in an effort to convice the Brit not to do what he has planned. Wulf ignores his plead as he shakes and quivers the top rope with both hands, causing the challenger to lose his footing, slip and crotch himself on the turnbuckle pad in a straddle.

Seth Ericson: OHHHH! Damn, I sure hope he was wearing a cup.

Dick Morosi: I hope not, at least then we won't have to worry about him bringing Damien into the world.

Wulf pumps a fist into the air with a manly, and outright fiendish warcry before scaling the mountain that Daisuke is painfully perched on. With a swaying of his body, he positions himself on the second rope and jabs a right hand into Iwakuma's cranium as he configures his almost nonexistent top-rope repertoire for what could be the moment of truth in the lengthy contest. Erikssen then tucks the groggy Dausuke's head underneath his arm and does the same with his own at his foe's ribs. With this in place, Wulf begins to obtain the footing nevessary to raise the Demon of EXODUS from his testicularly unpleasant position. However, whilet this is occuring, the illegal member of The Ninth Gate, Chase rolls into the ring with aspirations of ruining Wulf's plan. Kameron takes strides over to flank his title-defending adversary as the Englishman takes a creaking step to the top rope –dragging Iwakuma with him. Chase simply ducks between Wulf's legs and hooks his head under the Barroom Brawler's pelvis. As a result, Chase raises his arms and places them over both of Erikssen's legs, standing directly below him. Aware of his precarious and perilous position and the terrible fate that awaits him, Wulf wobbles at his perch as his lower foundation is removed and replaced with Kamo-Mac as a substitute.

Chase, looking to put a decisive end to the match, joins both Daisuke and Wulf by stepping onto the first and second rope. All this time, the subdued Iwakuma is left to helplessly spectate as his partner attempts to apprehend his current and legal opponent - realizing that if he is indeed successful, it'll be at the expense of his well being. However, since there is only three men to this chaos and four participants in the match, Lenton trails Chase as he himself enters the squared circle. The Big L plods towards the human ladder erected in the corner, watching as the trio of stars sway back and forth, unsure as to which way to go in the attempts of not falling in the first place. Not one to leave the ground, Steve simply hugs Kameron, whom is standing now on the second rope with Wulf seated on his shoulders in an Electric Chair, whom is in a tie-up with Iwakuma about eight feet or so above the mat. Lenton embraces Chase whilst placing a boot across the bottom turnbuckle. The Hammerstein Ballroom erupts with cheers in anticipation of seeing the leaning tower of human flesh come to a beautiful crash landing.

Dick Morosi: This isn't going to end well.

Seth Ericson: Understatement of the year, Dick!

The Big L drives his foot into the bottom rope, using it as leverage to drive his momentum backward. As a consequence, Chase loses his balance – whom he clings on to. With Kamo-Mac now being pulled in reverse from the second rope, the laws of physics act out, as what goes up must indeed come down. Chase is followed by Wulf Erikssen, seated on his shoulders – and last but certainly not least, Daisuke Iwakuma who is trapped in a Suplex as the two are swayed to the middle of the ring. Iwakuma is tossed overhead of Wulf for extra leverage, as all four competitors pancake to the canvas in a magnificient crash landing of gigantic proportions.

*THUD*

Seth Ericson: OH. MY. GOD.

Dick Morosi: My God, Seth!

Seth Ericson: They're dead. They're ALL dead!

Dick Morosi: That was a combination of a German Suplex, Electric Chair Drop and a Superplex, and it just turned The Hammerstein Ballroom on its head.

All four men land back-first onto the mat, spanning the entire width of the ring with the legal superstars in the match absorbing the most damage as they lay motionless following a dramatic sensation of pain and concussion sent throughout their bodies. Chase landed with the brunt of his weight exerted on the back of his neck, contrary to The Big L, who ended up with his head squished by Kamo-Mac's lower half. In hindsight, he was the least in trouble in the whole ordeal, yet he still shows the effects of it and he is in no hurry to move a muscle anytime soon. Out of sheer approval of what they just witnessed, and to will somebody to their feet, the audience can only voice their opinions with a phrase to perfectly capture the moment.

"THIS IS AWESOME!"
*CLAP* CLAP* *CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
"THIS IS AWESOME!"
*CLAP* CLAP* *CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

The carnage strewn across the ring becomes evident when the dust settles from the near earthquake like impact. Looking like the aftermath of a plane crash with carcasses all about ringside, three of the four men lie motionless across the battlefield, the fourth, beginning to a stir. Lenton ducks underneath the ropes and rests on the apron, whilst Kamo-Mac does the same thing yet opts to fall on the floor instead. The Barroom Hero is the first of the legal participants to get to his feet, slowly dragging himself to a vertical base by using the ring ropes as a much needed crutch. The Perfect Evil, having received the worst of the near planetary devastation, is still labouring in obvious agony while Wulf Erikssen tries to shake the cobwebs. By the time Daisuke had gotten to a wobbly stand, Wulf was already waiting for him. Wulf charges forward with a Clothesline - but Daisuke somehow ducks, appearing to have spidey senses or eyes in the back of his head. However, Erikssen comes back off the ropes to score with The Superman Punch, leveling the dazed deviant as he turns right into the Brit's massive right cross.

Dick Morosi: Falcon Punch! He may have knocked Daisuke out cold with that one, Seth.

Seth Ericson: The crowd is on it's feet, Dick. They know what's next - this could be the end of The Perfect Evil right here.

Indeed, with the crowd at a fever pitch Wulf goes in for the kill. He slowly lifts Daisuke's deadweight to its full verticality, preparing the Double Pumphandle. There seems to be nothing to stop Wulf, as he begins to lift Iwakuma up for the Sit-Out Powerbomb known as the Barroom Bomb - that is until a a sudden ringside commotion peaks his interest. Wulf leaves Daisuke to his devises, and immediately turns his attention to Norihiro Akashi, who sprints to ringside and slides into the ring. He charges at Erikssen who backpedals in retreat - only to sidestep the assailant and toss him over the ropes.

Dick Morosi: Out goes Akashi, Wulf just took out the trash. Thanks for playing, Norihiro!

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but look-

The brief distraction gives Iwakuma time to regain his bearings, as he climbs to his feet to take advantage of his ally's intrusion. Unaware that Daisuke has recovered, Wulf walks right into a swift kick to the midsection, and is immediately hoisted onto The Perfect Evil's shoulders. Without a moment's hesitation, Daisuke spikes him into the cancas with a resounding thud, connecting with an Omega Driver that renders The Barroom Hero utterly catatonic.

Seth Ericson: DEAD SPACE!

Dick Morosi: Off the distraction by Norihiro Akashi! It can't end this way, Seth. No-No this is a travesty.

With Wulf sprawled and immobile, Daisuke immediately hooks his legs for the cover.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

The Big L tries to make the save, but is thrawted by Kamo-Mac who hugs his legs to prevent him from sliding in time to stop the count.

"THREE!"

The air is pulled out of the Hammerstein Ballroom, the bell chiming thrice to signal the end of the doubt. A unanimous chorus of boos fills the venue, whilst "God Save Us" by Ill Niño starts to play, and Chris Dawson retrieves the Tag Championships to cement the conteversial title change.

David Zinkus: The winners of this match at the time of twenty eight minutes, and your NEW EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions... the team of Kameron Chase and Daisuke Iwakuma; THE NINTH GATE!

WINNERS (and NEW Tag Team Champions): The Ninth Gate

Dick Morosi: I can't believe it...The Ninth Gate are two-time Tag Team Champions!

Seth Ericson: Give the huge assist to Norihiro Akashi, but this group seemingly now known as HATE have screwed Trouble out of those belts.

Dick Morosi: You can best believe we haven't seen the last of these two teams fighting though. For now, let's head backstage!

We cut backstage where both Jonathan and Fiona Collins sit silently, each of them seeming to be in their own little world. Despite being the first couple of EXODUS and often seen quite enamored with one another, both seem to sit apart quietly, thinking silently in their wrestling gear. Heavy and major opportunities await each of them over the course of the night, and it's not until the door swings open to their dressing room that the mood seems to lift from serious.

Voice: Jeez, you two look like someone kicked Madison.

The camera turns to face in the direction of the voice, only to find the third member of The Marauders...Jimmy Riley.

Jimmy Riley: Seriously, you two...normally I'd tell you both to get a room, but right now it seems like you two need to find the mood to get that room.

Fiona sat solemnly, her hands clasped together as if she were praying, rotating them to stretch out her wrists. The mood in the room was anything as it usually was between herself and her husband but she couldn't think about that at that moment. There were much more serious things going on that held deeper importance.

At the sound of a familiar voice however, Fiona's head lifted and her eyes widened at who she saw standing there, staring at her and Jon. She jumped up from her seat.

Fiona Collins: Jimmy! What are you doing here?

Jimmy Riley: Well, you know, I'm still employed in other capacities, but...I'm here to see my friends.

Jimmy looks over at both her and Jon and then smiles.

Jimmy Riley: And my family.

Jonathan gets up and walks over to him, nodding before he extends his hand and the two shake hands, Jon hugging his long-time friend.

Jonathan Collins: You know, it seems like EXODUS forgot how much the three of us mean to one another.

Jimmy's words touched Fiona deeply, as the past week alone had been trying time for the Collins family and their close friends. Smiling softly as she watched her husband and best friend hug, she walked over to give him a hug as well before resting her hand on Jon's back to let him know she was there as well.

Fiona Collins: As bad as it sounds, I think we might have forgotten a little bit ourselves of this. Maybe tonight.....we can fix that....

She looks up at Jon and grins before looking at Jimmy, eyebrows raised as if challenging the two men.

Jimmy Riley: Because, I mean, we've always been good at protecting the world from devasta--

Jonathan raises his hand and stops Jimmy.

Jonathan Collins: NOT THIS TIME.

Fiona looks over at Jon, surprised by his outburst.

Jonathan Collins: I need to be at peace, because....

Jonathan looks at him both, before suddenly belting out the voice of Eric Cartman.

Jonathan Collins: I'M SAAAAAAAAAILING AWAAAAAY! SET AN OPEN COURSE FOR THE VIRGIN SEAAAAAAAA....

Fiona stares at Jon in disbelief, as does Jimmy, before she starts laughing hysterically.

Fiona Collins: I don't even know what the hell is going on right now but my husband has gone insane. Come on though! This could be epic.

She grins, rising on her toes to throw her arms around Jon and Jimmy's necks while looking between them both.

Fiona Collins: The Marauders running together again for one night in NEW YORK CITY.

Both men look at her and grin, before Jimmy nods.

Jimmy Riley: You know something? Jon's right. Because he said...

Jimmy clears his throat, before joining in.

Jimmy Riley: COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY...COME SAIL AWAY WITH ME!!

Jonathan Collins: COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY WITH ME!

Fiona blinks, staring back and forth between the two men before she steps back and raises her fist to her mouth as if she is holding a microphone.

Fiona Collins: COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY WITH MEEEEEEEE!!

With that, the trio continues to sing this timeless classic as we cut back to Dick & Seth.