EXPRO On FX #21

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
SAVANNAH TAYLOR (EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay Champion) VS. SAMANTHA RAINE VS. CHANDLER SCOTT

[[ The arena suddenly goes darkens which stuns all the fans in to a hushed silence as they don’t know what to expect. The crowd just continues to be silent as the stage crew in charge of the lighting starts to simulate the look of lightening flashing within the arena as the sound system starts to broadcast the sound of a rain storm as white and blue confetti start falling like rain on both sides of the entrance. The sound of the rain storm is momentarily broken up by the sound of Samantha Raine saying… “No rain on this parade…” which is followed by “Sick and tired of hearin' all these people talk about, What's the deal with this pop life and when is it gonna fade out?” as the large screen comes to life showing Samantha standing out in a pretty looking field when all of the sudden she’s caught in a down pour. ]]



[[ As the video continues to play Sam to stand in the field with out running for cover. Instead, she looks up at the sky allowing the rain to pelt her face as she raises both of her arms up and for a quick moment several times the footage flips to Sam doing that same motion, but to hold up either the GDW Heavyweight title and half of the tag titles or the GDW Undisputed titles. The fans in the building some start cheering while the others start booing wildly as N*Sync’s “Pop” continues to blast through the speakers. ]]



[[ When Sam finally steps out from behind the curtain she is not alone as she is joined by Ashley Chase as the video changes once again, but this time it starts to show clips from her greatest matches with Angela Jameson, Feature Presentation, and Jasmine. The cheering actually gets just a little bit louder as the former GDW Undisputed Champion as she stands at the top of the entrance ramp right in the center of the confetti falling around her in her "Supergirl" themed attired that's even adorned with a red cape that falls just to her lower back and Ashley who is seemingly dressed up as "Lois Lane". Sam smiles widely as she starts to make her way down to the ring. ]]



[[ Sam alternates between the left and right side of the ring as she stops to take pictures with the fans, sign a few autographs, and for the younger fans giving a kiss on the cheek. ]]



[[ Once she reaches the ring she walks over to the ring stairs and then jaunts up them on to the apron. She moves over to the center of the apron where she looks at all the fans with a smile on her face before she enters the ring, but she stops when she is just half way in to the ring. During that slight pause in her entering the ring she wiggles her ass very much to the male fan‘s delight. Once she is in the ring she walks around the ring a bit doing her best to blow kisses out to all of the fans with both of her hands, but the sheer number of fans makes it impossible. ]]



[[ Though the fans just continue to cheer her attention turns from them as she starts to stretch herself out a little bit more to get ready for her match, but not before allowing Ashley to remove her cape from her shoulders. ]]

Seth Ericson: ...Is she done yet?

Dick Morosi: Yes, and here comes the returning Chandler Scott!

The classic beginning notes of "Ride of the Valkyries" plays over the PA as the fans in attendance know who is about to grace them with their presence. Out through the curtain steps Chandler Scott, wearing his Harvard letterman jacket. Chandler ignores the boos, jeers and catcalls of the crowd, shooing them away like the trash that they are. After Chandler hops onto the apron, he steps into the ring. He slowly turns around in a circular motion with his arms outstretched, basking in his glory while the crowd continues to boo.

Seth Ericson: That’s much better!

Dick Morosi: Look out, Meta Johnson might come after you for that one, Seth...moving on, time for the San Diego Bay Champion in this non-title contest!

The fans in the Hard Rock are in their seats, anxiously awaiting the start of the match. Before they have a chance to say anything, the lights suddenly fade to black. The noise of the crowd is replaced by a loud whistle emanating from the sound system. The whistle repeats, only this time it is accompanied by a few riffs from a synthesizer. As the synth pulses on for a few seconds, red strobe lights around the stage begin to pulse in perfect synch with the music. The heavy guitar and drum tandem that follows truly signals the beginning of “Engel” by Rammstein. The black of the arena has been replaced by a vivid crimson as the song plays on. The fans immediately leap to their feet and show their displeasure at the arrival of the woman dubbed the she-wolf, Savannah Taylor. The blonde steps out onto the stage, decked out in a sharp black military-style jacket that falls to around the mid-thigh level her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. In her right hand she carries a solid black leather riding crop. She glances to either side of her before walking purposefully down the aisle, tapping the end of the riding crop in her left hand. She climbs the steps and stands on the apron, scanning the crowd before raising the riding crop towards the kids in Section B and dragging it across her throat. Stepping into the ring, she stands in the center and raises her hands above her head, seeming to soak in the boos. She then removes her coat and hands that to a stagehand before setting her riding crop down in the corner. She then rests her back against the turnbuckle and waits for the lights to return to normal and the music to fade out.

The bell rings, and already, Chandler Scott is attempting to put the moves on Savannah. Not the “moves” in the traditional sense, of course, but showing his obvious desire for her. Savannah...instead opts to kick Sam Raine in the gut, doubling her over before dropping her with a DDT. Taylor blows a kiss at Chandler as she floats over into a pin…

One…

Two…

Chandler snaps out of it and pushes Savannah off, almost as if he refuses to hit her! Again he tries to appeal to her in a...at least semi-romantic form, but they’re interrupted as Raine rises to her feet, bounces off the ropes, and hits the pair with a flying dropkick, one foot connecting with each opponent! Taylor rolls out to the floor, while Chandler immediately turns his attentions to the opponent is IS okay with hitting.

Dick Morosi: Chandler Scott...seems to want to turn this into a handicap match.

Seth Ericson: Forget that, he wants a one-on-one with Savannah Taylor! The thirst is real, Dick, and he’s got it!

Dick Morosi: The...uh...thirst?

Seth Ericson: You hopeless old man.

Raine takes off at Chandler, who moves and lets her bounce off the far ropes, only to catch her on the return with a picture perfect dropkick! Scott bounces to his feet, soaking in the boos (and a few fans who applaud the athleticism). After a moment of that, he drops an elbow on the downed Samantha, and pulls her up with him by the hair. He lifts her for a stalling vertical suplex, but holds her just a second too long; she drops down behind him, using her surprise to catch him with a Russian legsweep!

Dick Morosi: Impressive maneuver there by Samantha Raine!

Raine rolls through back onto her feet and heads immediately to the top rope...but before she can jump off, Savannah Taylor pushes her legs out from underneath her, crotching the “Simply Stunning Supergirl” on the top turnbuckle! Chandler gets to his feet, looking at the situation, and heads up top himself, winking at Savannah as he does. She rolls her eyes, but heads to the parallel turnbuckle as Chandler hooks Sam up...before delivering a beautiful Superplex!

Seth Ericson: We’ve seen this one before, Dick!

Dick Morosi: But wait, there’s more!

With Raine laid out mid-ring, Savannah Taylor flies off the top rope, hitting a frog splash on one of her downed opponents! The fresh “Las Vegas Siren” is up, taking in the sliver of fans who are both Vegas residents and G&M supporters...thus making them her #1-3 fans. Meanwhile, Chandler is measuring up a rising Samantha Raine for the Harvard Hammer…

She gets to her feet…

He charges…

Swings…

And Samantha Raine ducks! Chandler crashes his Hammer right into the back of Savannah Taylor’s head!

Dick Morosi: HAVAHD HAMMAH!

Seth Ericson: You are literally the worst.

Chandler’s eyes widen in panic as he sees Savannah laid out, face down on the mat in front of him. He snaps out of it, only temporarily, as Samantha Raine jumps onto his back, attempting to pull him down with a Rain Cloud! But Chandler’s adrenaline is pumping, and he pulls Raine forward instead, dropping her onto his shoulder before he turns and throws her down with a powerslam! Pushing her out of the ring with his boot, he turns to look at Savannah’s laid out form once more...before dragging her to the middle of the ring, rolling her over...and pinning her in a very “provocative” manner, a big smile on his face.

One…

Two…

Three!

Dick Morosi: A BIG win here for Chandler Scott! He just pinned the San Diego Bay Champion!

Seth Ericson: He’d probably count it as more than one win, Dick!

WINNER: Chandler Scott

Dick Morosi: And he's back! Chandler Scott picks up a huge victory in his EXODUS return, and if Christum Furor is watching, he's got to know this is getting uglier for him. This is another ally to the Sekigun that isn't afraid of him.

Seth Ericson: Somehow, I'm pretty convinced Chandler isn't even looking at Furor when it comes to Gods & Monsters.

Dick Morosi: Fair point. While Chandler celebrates, let's head backstage.

We come backstage, and sitting in his office is Cleon Gray, sitting with Justin Brooks.

Cleon Grey: Despite your rather pathetic loss at Ascendancy, I must say that Punishment Strategy Epsilon went off without a hitch. It’s safe to say that those who wish to continue to oppose me will take that as reminder of what will and what can happen to them.

Justin Brooks: Yeah, that’s all well and good, Mr. Gray.

Cleon Grey: Do I note a bit of tension in your voice Mr. Brooks? I hope that I’m simply hearing things because there isn’t much for you to be tense about. Unless we are here to speak about your sub-par performances against Fiona Collins…Johnny Cannon…Christian Kane…or the fact that you couldn’t beat Steve Lenton…is that the source of your tension?

Justin turns his head for a moment as he presses his tongue into his cheek, suppressing the natural reaction to come across the last desk and strangle Cleon Grey, whose smug attitude was starting to wear thin on the Big Bad Brooks.

Cleon Grey: Or maybe it’s the fact that you couldn’t beat Zack Lifer weeks ago and he embarrassed you for the third time on national television as he began to systematically tear you apart with a steel chair wrapped in barbed wire. What could it be, Justin? Ever since I brought you into the fold, you’ve been nothing more but a constant stream of disappointments and it makes me wonder if I could even consider you my Hall Monitor which you constantly continuing to flub up even the simplest of tasks. How am I supposed to entrust you with anymore when the likes of Zack Lifer continues to roam these hallways with seemingly impunity?

He stays quiet in the small chair as Justin looks down between his feet, his jaw clenching with a fury and rage that continues to build on top of itself like Jenga blocks, threatening to topple over. His large fists ball themselves into tight fists as the veins on top of his hand bulge as if they were to burst from the skin.

Cleon Grey: Answer me, Justin. What do you have to say for yourself? Or are you going to just sit there like nothing more but an admonished child who’s once again failed the parents who’s done nothing more but put you in a position to succeed only to have to fall flat on your face over and over again…

Justin Brooks: JUST SHUT THE F*** UP ALREADY!

The sudden outburst catches even Cleon off guard as jumps slightly startled by sudden rush of aggression from Justin, who quickly stands to his feet and places his large hands on the edge of Cleon’s desk. His upper lip curls up slightly in a snarl as the immediate size difference between the two men becomes quite apparently.

Justin Brooks: I’ve been listening to you rant on and on and on and on about absolutely nothing and frankly I’m sick of it…

Cleon Grey: Mr. Brooks, I think you need to…

Justin slams his fist hard onto the desk with a heavy thud, making Cleon jump once again.

Justin Brooks: …you need to stop thinking and just listen because if you interrupt me again, I swear to Sunny Jesus himself I will strangle you to death with my own tie. I’m tired of people telling me what they think….telling me what I need to do. You wanted someone to send a message of Fiona Collins…and I did it. You wanted someone to deliver discipline to Zack Lifer…and I did it. And what have I gotten for my troubles? I’ve watched other people get leaped frogged over me from past accomplishments from everywhere else around the world while I’m delegated to running your errands like I’m some glorified gopher. Zack Lifer was your problem and you refused to get from behind your desk and do something about it.

Reaching up slowly, Justin removed his tie from around his neck and set it down Cleon’s desk.

Justin Brooks: Well, I’m going to do something about it. And I’m not doing it for you…I’m not doing for Magnus Gunner…I’m not doing it for Jonathan Collins…I’m doing it for me. I’m doing it because I’m tired of his self-absorbed ass walking around these halls as if he’s accomplished something. People want to think that he’s finally brought a monster, but what they fail to realize that the Monster is me and I refused to be shackled to someone who refused to get their own hands dirty.

Cleon Grey: Mr. Brooks…you may want to think about what you’re doing.

Justin leaned over the desk, his hands straining as it keeps it grip on the edge of the desk. The large jugular vein bulges down his large neck as Justin strains to keep his hard graze upon Cleon who has yet break the gaze from the man called ‘The Monster by The Bay’

Justin Brooks: I know exactly what I’m doing, Cleon…It’s never been clearer…I’m going to go out there tonight and I’m going to leave Zack Lifer and Evangelista in nothing more but a bloodied heap either hook or crook, because it’s what I want to do not because of what I was told to do. I’m here in EXODUS to [CENSORED] shit up and I’m not leaving until I do exactly that. And there isn’t a soul who’s going to stop me, not Zack Lifer…not anyone…not even you. I’m doing this for me, now…Zack Lifer has poked and prodded this Monster more than enough to get my full and undivided attention, get in my way Cleon, if you try to stop me…

…I will kill you.

Slowly standing to his full height, Justin smirks and turns to leave Cleon’s office as he slams the door hard behind him. Back at his desk, Cleon’s stoic gaze finally broken as a accomplished smile finally spreads over his brown lips, and we go to commercial.

We come back from commercial, and we find Jonathan Collins sitting in his office. For the first time in a long time, Jonathan has sequestered himself away from the world. In his gear, a towel already over his head, the Director of EXODUS remains quiet, taking a deep breath and just thinking about things as the door knocks and then it swings open, only to see someone there that was partially expected, part not.

That person is Sally Talfourd.

Sally Talfourd: Well isn’t this a sad sight.

Jonathan doesn’t respond, just sitting there in quiet thought.

Sally Talfourd: The weight of the world on his shoulders … not a friend in the world to share it all with … and having to go out and face your supposed wife in a match … tsk tsk tsk.

He still doesn’t respond, just remaining quiet and cool.

Sally moves closer to Jon, near enough so that she could rest a hand on the top of his head if she wanted to. Her voice lowers to a whisper.

Sally Talfourd: Don’t worry, Jon; I’m here. I can help you. Look at how everyone else has abandoned you. And yet … look who comes to you in your most desperate moment. Just like last time, isn’t it? When you needed someone. Someone to listen. Someone to help someone to …

Sally trails off for a moment. Jon is still unstirred.

Sally Talfourd: I’m here, Jon. And we can make it all better. I can make it better for you. Don’t you remember how you felt when we were side-by-side? Remember how unstoppable you and me and Andreas were? There wasn’t anything in the world that could stop us. Do you remember it? Remember how it felt when you worked with me? We can do that again, Jon.

Sally crouches alongside Jon now. The towel covers his face from her, but she still speaks with an earnest longing.

Sally Talfourd: Look around, Jon. There’s only me now. Only you and me here. There’s no one else, no one else has come to help you. I was the first to come when you needed me last year. Do you remember that call? What I said? I said I’d do anything to help you. That I was someone who would never back away when you needed me. And look now … when you needed someone … I came. I don’t lie, Jon. You know that. You didn’t even need to call this time. Where’s Fiona? Oh … that’s right. She’s about to fight you. She’s about to try and embarrass you, Jon. She’s finally lost the plot.

She gets in closer, her voice a whisper now.

Sally Talfourd: This has been her plan, Jon. All along, this has been her plan. Divide and conquer. She pushed us all away from you. Andreas … me … look at your proteges. Look at how - one-by-one - she has removed us from your life. She wants it all, Jon. She wants to take it all from you. EXODUS. Your career. Your daughter … she wants it all. And tonight, she’s making her first play Jon.

Sally stops, waiting for a reaction that never comes. Disappointed, she stands up and flicks her hair back behind her shoulders. One last try.

Sally Talfourd: If you can’t see it now, you’ll surely see it by the end of the night. If you don’t listen to me again … I can live with that. Eventually you’ll see the light. You’ll come around and you’ll see the truth. The same truth that Gods and Monsters have been revealing every week. I’m not a vengeful, vindictive, resentful person. I’m not like your wife, Jon. You realize that now, don’t you? You realize the mistake you made when you chose her, right? But I’m not vengeful. I’m not vindictive. I’m not resentful. I am loving, Jon. Caring. I’m everything you need right now and forever. But most of all … I’m forgiving. I forgive people, Jon. Unlike her, I can forgive you for your mistake. For what happened. We can go back to how it was meant to be. We’ll be okay ...

At this point, Jonathan looks up at her, all before standing up and looking at her in the eyes.

Jonathan Collins: You’re right, Sally. When this is over, we’ll be okay. Because in two weeks, I’m going to be closer to you than ever.

Sally smiles as he looks at him, almost smirking as she looks with a raised eyebrow.

Jonathan Collins: Because I’ll be seeing you in the ring. Two weeks, you and me with everyone banned from ringside. See you soon, Sally.

Jonathan hands her the towel, walking away as he chuckles, all before starting to sing to himself.

Jonathan Collins: Won’t you follow me into the jungle? Ain’t no god on these streets in the heart of the jungle...

He starts to laugh a little as we cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Jonathan Collins with a shocking announcement!

Seth Ericson: Jonathan's walking alone right now, and it's safe to say that that even if he's an island, he's not afraid to walk alone.

Dick Morosi: We've known him for a decade, and he's always been a proud man. And speaking of pride, Kliff Ulysses has a hell of a battle of it next against Deron Franklin! Let's hit the ring!

NORMAL MATCH
DERON FRANKLIN VS. KLIFF ULYSSES

That whiny guitar scratch echoes in. Winding and cutting until slowly it gave way to a rhythm. As the guitar picked up the drums begin to pound out, giving pulse to the arena. All you can see is the silhouette as he steps out onto the stage, and a bright white light blares out from behind him showing his shape and casting a large shadow toward the ring. He raises his arms up and begins to clap in time to the beat, instructing others to do so obediently. The spotlight slowly shines on Kliff Ulysses proudly wearing his "Kliff Ulysses! Run Like Hell 2014" as he begins making his way down the aisle.


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run...

He bounds down the aisle, touching hands intermittently with the crowd as he makes his way to the ringside area to circle the ring.

You better make your face up in
Your favourite disguise

With your button down lips and your
Roller blind eyes

With your empty smile
And your hungry heart

Feel the bile rising from your guilty past
With your nerves in tatters
As the cockleshell shatters

AND THE HAMMERS BATTER DOWN YOUR DOOR!

YOU BETTER RUN!

He circles around the ring, making his way to the front steps and climbing up onto the apron where he paces to the center of and stands for a moment before climbing inside the ring and begins testing the ropes and then going toward the turnbuckle.

David Zinkus: Making his way into the ring, weighing two-hundred twenty five pounds. From St. Paul, Minnesota! The Ultimate Entertainer! Kliff Ulysses!


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run...

He climbs the turnbuckle, pulling off his shirt and throwing it into the crowd before jumping back off, grabbing the top rope and following it along to the next corner and rolling his back against the padding to test it before rebounding off the other side and following the ropes to his corner where he paces back and forth anxiously in anticipation.

Dick Morosi: Kliff Ulysses, ready for a match against a man who has impressed...well, he’s impressed you, Seth, that’s for sure!

Seth Ericson: You’re damn right he has; Deron Franklin’s called his shot, and it’s happening here tonight against Kliff Ulysses!

“Gasoline Dreams” starts...but after a few moments, it’s clear that nobody is coming out. The fans begin booing, as Kliff looks on, confused.

Dick Morosi: Where...where is Deron Franklin, Seth?

Seth Ericson: Do I look like I should know!? Come on, Dick, I like him but I’m not his keeper.

Finally, the EXOScreen cuts to a video of The Derontourage’s spokesman, Brent Maxwell. He’s clearly not in any room that would be backstage at the Hard Rock. Furthermore, he looks to not even be in Las Vegas, and it’s not even live; the sun is shining in through the window behind him!

Brent Maxwell: Mr. Ulysses! Listen, listen...Deron Franklin would love to be beating your face in right now. Myself and the rest of The Derontourage would love to be there, cheering him on harmlessly-

Dick Morosi: Yeah right!

Brent Maxwell: But that just wasn’t possible tonight. See, Deron Franklin has an extremely lucrative EXODUS contract, thanks to our generous liaison with the company, Mr. Jimmy Riley. Deron only has to wrestle a minimum of twice between iPPVs, and wouldn’t you know it?

The camera cuts back to Kliff, who has an incensed look on his face. He even mouths the words, “We’re supposed to have a match!”

Brent Maxwell: Before I could get everything buttoned up on our match with you, Kliff, I received word that Deron is already booked to compete in two weeks’ time. He simply couldn’t risk injury by stepping into the ring with you just yet. But I’ll tell you what; two weeks after that, if you’re so inclined, I do currently have an open date in Deron’s schedule that I’ll hold...just for you!

The crowd is now into a full-blown booing for Maxwell and the absent Deron.

Brent Maxwell: So I’ll leave you to consider that option, Mr. Ulysses. In the meantime, when you’re seeing this? Deron, myself, and the rest of The Derontourage will be taking in a lovely evening here in Dallas. Have a great evening, Mr. Ulysses.

The final shot of that video is of Maxwell’s “shit-eating grin” before the camera cuts back to Kliff.

Seth Ericson: That’s smart! That’s a smart move, Dick, he can’t risk injury with a match coming up that he’s obligated to take!

Dick Morosi: If you ask me, he’s a coward, Deron Franklin is afraid of Kliff Ulysses and this just proves it!

Seth Ericson: Well NOBODY ASKED YOU, Dick!

Dick Morosi: ...Let’s head backstage.

WINNER: NO CONTEST

The camera cuts backstage where we see Fiona Collins standing in a locker room. The Strong Style Seraph is pacing back and forth, dealing with the menagerie of thought circulating around her mind - all in regards to her match with her husband, the “Saint of Violence”, Jonathan Collins later in the show. The room door suddenly and slowly creaks open, entering a figure that immediately garners Fiona’s attention. Collins stops right in her tracks, hands balled into fists her visage crunched up in a scowl as the subject of her scorn steps into camera view, revealing himself to be none other than her greatest rival - Christum Furor. However, the madman is not alone, as Sally Talfourd and Savannah Taylor flank him.

Christum Furor: Settle down… Seraph.

Fiona sneers at Furor then at Sally and Savannah, hands remaining curled into fists as she tries her hardest to hold herself back from doing what she wants to do most: punch Furor right in the face.

Fiona Collins: What do you want, Furor? Because now is really not the time unless you want me to kick your ass again right here in this locker room and I’m not afraid to maim your little lackeys either.

The World Champion snickers in his usual maniacal tone, then motions at his disciples who leave the premises.

Christum Furor: I’m not here to engage in a physical altercation. I for one want you at a hundred percent for your historic bout later tonight. I’m merely here to put a thought in your ear.

Fiona remains in her fighting stance, not willing to make the mistake of dropping her guard, considering who the man is who’s standing in front of her along with their storied history.

Fiona Collins: There’s not a damn thing you can say to me that I’ll listen to, Furor.

The revolutionary scoffs at the notion.

Christum Furor: Oh but there is, my dearest Fiona. My enlightened mind and omnipotence grants me unlimited powers - one of them is the ability to enter the mind of those I see fit, revealing to the world the things they’ve hidden in the deepest corners of their subconscious. And Fiona, I see clearly what you’ve tried to bury. But alas, you cannot lock your memory palace from ME. My mind is a key that opens all doors, and the knowledge that you have buried, the feelings you have tried to suppress… it’s time you faced them. It’s time you faced your fears.

The madman cackles.

Fiona Collins: Really? Newsflash, Furor. I’m not afraid of anything, least of all you and your bullsh*t theatrics.

Furor scoffs again, shaking his head while making a ‘tsking’ noise under his breath as if he is disappointed in the Stardust Seraph.

Christum Furor: Come now, Seraph. Even the Unbreakable Fiona fears something. Your consternation and trepidation is sparked by one ominous thought. It is the notion that the man you love is really the man I have claimed him to be. An unredeemable man. A wicked man. A cursed man. I know its true Fiona, I know that you thought you could be his check and balance system, that you could keep Jonathan on a path of righteousness but you cannot. He is Hal Synder’s chosen one, and despite how much he denies it Jonathan Collins is not a Saint. He’s a SINNER. He’s a DEMON. He’s the DEVIL. Fiona, you are NOT like him. His malevolence, his balefulness, those are qualities YOU were not born with, but like a poison they’ve been inserted into your soul due to your association with him.

Fiona drops her fists now. Her body becomes less tense, as if she’s registering his words. She stares at Furor, keeping her face unreadable but listening closely now.

Christum Furor: Fiona, I know what you’re going through… I know because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen someone fall in love with a man who is LOST. I’ve seen someone step into the abyss and brave the shadows in an effort to pull their beloved from the darkness but it is IMPOSSIBLE. You can’t rescue those who have forsaken themselves! And you know it… you’ve seen him for what he really is at his core. He’s an animal and a monster. You were there… what he did to Angelo? Heavens… And look at his transgressions to those he claims to care for… Andreas crippled. Jimmy Riley retired… and for what? What is the point of all this bloodshed Fiona? Because he refuses to admit to being a crooked politician… that he refuses to admit his fraudulence… that he refuses to be what HAL SNYDER BROUGHT HIM IN THIS WORLD TO BE!?

Christum shakes his head in frustration and disgust.

Christum Furor: Fiona, Jonathan is NOT the man you think he is, nor is he the man you WANT him to be. You saw… you were there when I offered the Saint of Violence a peaceful resolution. I told him that this war could have been averted, and that all he had to do was step down, admit his crimes, and LEAVE. But what did he do? He REFUSED… he sacrificed his friends and family because he doesn’t care about any of YOU. Jonathan Collins loves only one person… and that’s Jonathan Collins.

Fiona Collins: No. no….you’re wrong. You’re wrong about Jonathan.

She shakes her head, not wanting to believe him, her voice stalling and breaking as if she is unsure herself now. Furor looks Fiona right in these eyes now, his tone becoming grave and somber.

Christum Furor: I am many things, a liar is NOT one of them. This silver tongue speaks only golden truths. Fiona, I am not here to recruit or force you into Gods & Monsters. I am not here to try and manipulate you, to get you unhinged, or to play with your mind. I am simply here to state facts - and the fact of the matter is that I WILL burn EXODUS to the ground, whether you believe it or not. The question I present to you is this - is the life of ONE man worth the lives of an entire SEKIGUN?

Fiona stares at Christum, processing everything she just heard, some of it seeming to get to her a bit now. She swallows slowly, eyes leaving his face to stare down blankly at the ground as she becomes lost in thought, contemplating everything Furor is telling her.

Christum Furor: Think about it, Fiona. It should all become clear to you soon, and whether the answer is one you want to admit or not, I hope you make the right choice tonight.

With that, the EXODUS World Champion exits, leaving Fiona to ponder her thoughts alone and to her own devices.

We come back from commercial, and we catch up with Darrin Stearns as he walks down the hallway. Still looking a little bruised from the incident with Christum Furor two weeks ago, he stops at the door he's approaching and knocks on it.

Darrin Stearns: Hey Christian? It's Darrin. You in there?

After a short pause the door opens to reveal Christian Kane in his ring gear. He smiles as he sees his friend and gestures for him to enter the locker room.

Christian Kane: Good to see you, D. How've you been?

Darrin Stearns: You know me, another day of wondering what the hell Daisuke has done with my wife. Other than that, I'm recovering.

Darrin shoots Kane a half smile before coming into the locker room and sitting down.

Darrin Stearns: Christian, thank you. You have been an amazing friend the past few months and I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate it. Just...listen. I haven't had a chance to tell Jon yet because he's coming apart at the seams with everything, but Chuck Matthews is no good. I've had a feeling since he followed Tiffani here, but I feel it even more. I don't like him, Christian. I have a bad feeling about him.

With one foot up on a bench in the locker room, Christian immediately stops tying up his boot as he hears his good friend voice his concerns. He takes a moment before responding.

Christian Kane: What if I told you I had that same feeling? Especially after last week. I don't know what his game is, but I don't like it.

Darrin Stearns: Well, it certainly makes me feel less paranoid. I just...I'm not saying he's the devil, but he's not hiding in plain sight. I can't put my finger on it yet, but this is a big damn game to him.

Kane nods as he takes a seat on the bench across from Stearns.

Christian Kane: I know redemption has been my thing since I've made my return, but right now it's revenge. And as much as I'd like to make Furor suffer for all that pain he inflicted on you two weeks ago...it's Strike's fight.

The Handsome Drifter takes a second to think, rubbing his chin for a while before pointing at Darrin.

Christian Kane: I'll go to Jon...and ask him for Matthews at Long Way Down. I know he's got a lot going on right now...but I'm sure he'd agree to that. Right?

Darrin takes a breath as he thinks, nodding.

Darrin Stearns: Yeah, definitely. I think he'd say yes. I know he's seen a change in you, I've talked to him. You're the guy he knew you could be. And, for the first time in a long time, I can say one thing about you I haven't been about to say about anyone but Jon...you're my friend.

Christian cracks a wry smile.

Christian Kane: I appreciate that. We'll get to the bottom of Matthews, and if I have to take him out for good at Long Way Down...I will.

Darrin Stearns: Thank you.

Darrin stands up for a moment before he sighs and looks at him.

Darrin Stearns: You know...we don't have to be defined by our past forever. Everyone's allowed to have a clean slate, even those of us with the biggest of regrets and mistakes.

Kane stares off into space, Darrin's words resonating with the Canadian before he turns to his friend and softly speaks.

Christian Kane: Some of us don't get to make that choice for ourselves.

Darrin Stearns: You're right.

Darrin nods as he goes towards the door, opening it before looking back at Kane.

Darrin Stearns: Some of us are lucky enough that the world decides. And when you go out there tonight, you'll know the world made their choice.

Christian's eyes leave Darrin's and look to the floor as he nods.

Darrin Stearns: Don't be surprised if you find yourself forgiven.

Darrin smiles as he shuts the door, leaving Kane to his devices as we cut back to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: Darrin Stearns brings up a valid point to Christian Kane. The fans have welcomed him back without question since his return to EXODUS, and perhaps this is the Kane we've been waiting to see all along.

Seth Ericson: Let's hope Christian Kane has his head in the game, as he's got Sally Talfourd later tonight. For now, we got a good one coming up, don't we?

Dick Morosi: We sure do! It's the ever impressive Chuck Matthews meeting The War Machine himself, Chris Strike, and it's next!

NORMAL MATCH
CHRIS STRIKE VS. CHUCK MATTHEWS

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.

Dick Morosi: Chuck Matthews has been a hard man to beat as of late. Not everyone has been able to decipher what he's about.

Seth Ericson: And then you have Zack Lifer, who has seemed to take a shine to him.

Dick Morosi: Well I hope Chuck is prepared for this guy...

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 “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater blares out of the PA system. The shot zooms into the temple, as the crowd begins to clap along with the beat of the song, watching as a man rises from the throne inside of the temple and makes his way down the steps. Once he nears the camera, he looks up at the sky and makes his way over towards a pool of water. The man looks down into the water, and once he does…a shot of lightning hits the water!

Lost in the sky
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Arrows fly, seas increase
And then fall again…

As the lightning hits the water in the video, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, the fans clapping along with the song in full while white, yellow and blue spotlights swirl all across the arena.

This world is spinning around me…
The whole world keeps spinning around me…
All life is future to past…
Every breath leaves me one less to my last!

David Zinkus: AND HIS OPPONENT! From Sao Paolo, Brazil and weighing in at 215 pounds...THE WAR MACHINE, CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSS STRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps 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, hand open. Strike is showered by gold, white and black streamers and smoke appearing 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 as the fans begin to sing along with the chorus.

Pull me under! Pull me under!
Pull me under I'm not afraid!
All that I feel is honor and spite,
All I can do is set it right!

Chris then makes his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope and 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. Strike just gives the fans a sly smirk and a nod as flashes of light go off, before going under the middle rope and into the ring. He looks around at the crowd and walks up to the nearest corner, leaning against the ropes and disposing of his tactical vest and t-shirt while stretching his arms out as “Pull Me Under” fades…

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike is not looking happy tonight, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Would you be happy? Your ex is psychotic, your best friend has joined a cult, and you're itching to beat the crap out of the World Champion...and you're here...I'm sure Chris Strike is just peachy, Dick!

The bell rings and the two start circling the ring, locking up in the middle before Chris Strike starts hammering Chuck in the face with open handed punches. He backs Chuck up to the ropes before hammering him a couple of times with rolling kesagiri chops, all before spinning around and clotheslining him over the top rope. Quickly, Strike heads out of the ring and slams Matthews' head into the rail before starting to throw him towards the far end of the barricade, giving chase as hits Chuck with a huge knee to the back before tossing him back into the ring. Chris slides into the ring, but Chuck is already up and bounces off the ropes, hitting Strike with a dropkick to the face as soon as he gets close enough. Strike hits the mat before Chuck lifts him up and instantly hits a bridging German suplex for a pin!

ONE!














TWO!

















KICKOUT!

Chuck shakes his head in frustration before picking up Strike, lifting him and bringing him back down quickly with a Russian leg sweep. Chuck maintains the high paced offense, hitting Strike with a huge knee drop before getting up and giving Strike repeated stomps around the body! Referee Brian Lowery pulls Chuck away from Strike, starting to back away before looking to come running back into the corner with a variation of the Hollywood Impact, ramming his shoulder into Strike's midsection. Strike stumbles out and gets hit quickly with a huge high impact enziguri, leaving him down for a moment.

Dick Morosi: Strike is in a bad position here!

Seth Ericson: But don't ever count him out!

Strike remains down as Chuck starts to back up and call for the Hollywood Impact, knowing he's got Chris in prime position. Chuck starts to dash, but Chris sidesteps it and Chuck bounces off the ropes for a rebound, ONLY TO GET HIT WITH A HUGE SHOTEI AFTER A HUGE KICK! Strike has regained the momentum, and he starts pounding his chest to pump himself up! Strike gets a good look at Chuck, quickly grabbing him and dropping him with Mjöllnir! Strike looks down at the fallen Matthews and takes a deep breath as he signals!

Dick Morosi: IT'S TIME!

Strike charges and leaps as Chuck stands up straight...NARAKUMI! He rolls over Matthews and it's academic!

ONE!





TWO!









THREE!

"Pull Me Under" starts again, and the crowd gives a loud cheer!

David Zinkus: Here is your winner....CHRIS STRIKE!

WINNER: Chris Strike

Seth Ericson: I gotta hand it to him, he did good out there! Chris Strike was quick and efficient tonight against Chuck Matthews.

Dick Morosi: What a victory! We'll be back right after this!

The cameras catch back up with Samantha as she’s still walking around the Hard Rock avoiding not only her own dressing room, but Ashley Chase as well as she’s still in her “Super-girl” ring attire. She doesn’t really seem to be paying attention to much of anything, but when she comes up to a wall of security, that changes. Normally, she wouldn’t get involved in matters like this, but something was deep inside told her not to ignore this time.

Man: Let me in!

Security #1: No pass, no entry!

The security guard said, and even without being able to see what was going on. Sam knew that the man was trying to throw a punch at the guard that just spoke, but luckily for that guard several other guards have a hold of the man’s arms and legs.

Samantha Raine: What’s going on?

Sam asked, one of the guards that’s hanging back in case the man manages to break free. Even though, Sam didn’t have to ask what was going on, because it was obvious what was going on. A fan was trying to get back stage without a backstage pass, but more than that… she had more than an inkling of who the “fan” was.

Security Guard #2: Just some beach bum trying to waltz back here like he owns the place.

Samantha Raine: Oh…

Sam said, as she knew that the last thing he’d be called is a beach bum.

Security Guard #3: Not only that, but he’s claiming to be married to Brianna Singer.

Samantha Raine: Oh really…

Sam said, but this time it was more like an automated response as she didn’t really hear what the third guard had said. She turns to walk back the way that she just came, because it was obvious that she wasn’t going to be able to go this way. However, she doesn’t get very far as the “man” gets a glimpse of her.

Man: SAM! SAM, tell them what I’m saying is true!

Hearing her name being called by the man was more than enough to get her to turn around or maybe it was the fact that the voice sounded familiar to her. The guards thin a little bit so Sam can see the man. Which the moment that she saw his face knew that it was, who she thought it was. It was in fact, Ryan Singer, the husband of Brianna Singer. Granted, he looks a little scruffier than normal, but then again having your wife turned in to a zombie could do that to a guy.

Samantha Raine: It’s true guys and he’s with me.

Sam says, and the guards look at her for a moment like she’s crazy, but let Ryan go. Who seems a little less pissed off now, but still totally pissed off for obvious reasons.

Ryan Singer: Thanks Sam, now where’s that Cleon’s guy office?

Ryan asks, before he starts to storm down the hallway to look for it himself.

Ryan Singer: Nevermind, I’ll find it myself.

Samantha Raine: Ryan, wait!

Sam yelled, as she chases him down and blocks his path.

Sam Raine: As much as I would like to see you destroy him, but I can’t let you go.

Ryan Singer: Why the hell not?

Samantha Raine: For one security will probably stop you again, but more importantly I don’t want to see you get arrested.

Ryan Singer: Getting arrested is better than reading some of the tweets between my wife and that bastard!

Samantha Raine: I know you feel that way right now, but think of your kids. Let me handle this.

Sam said, in hope that it would calm the angry husband down a little, but even though she didn’t know how much good that she could in the situation. She’s the low woman on the totem poll here in EXODUS to where no one pays her any mind at all. The scene cuts back to the ring as Sam starts to lead Ryan back to the parking garage to hopefully get him on his way back home.

Dick Morosi: Samantha Raine is trying to interject herself in this situation with Cleon Gray and Brianna Singer.

Seth Ericson: She probably needs to worry more about herself than anyone else at the moment. She's lucky Chandler Scott didn't knock the rest of her brain cells back to the RIMAC.

Dick Morosi: Even so, maybe she's trying to do the right thing before our next contest! It was supposed to happen two weeks ago on EXPRO On FX #20, but it's happening tonight! Lexy Chapel meets Johnny Cannon for the International Title...next!

INTERNATIONAL TITLE MATCH
LEXY CHAPEL (EXODUS Pro International Champion) VS. JOHNNY CANNON

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the EXODUS International Championship.

Suddenly, the entrance tunnel is fixed with a bright purple spotlight, while the arena lights dim down to a purple tone as Cinderella Man by Eminem begins to play, starting off as a low ebb of drums before rising into a vast, vociferous crescendo of noise. The fans now lay claim to their hatred, bombarding the arena with unified chants of "JOHNNY SUCKS!" while the entrance tunnel itself becomes surrounded by a shower of sparks. The Brit's silhouette emerges behind the sparks, only backed by another daintier image.

David Zinkus: Making his way to the ring...

On demand, bursting through the shower of sparks, emerges none other than Johnny Cannon. As per usual, the cocksure, megalomaniacal grin is obvious on the face of the Englishman as he pauses on the entrance ramp, head raised high and pridefully to the sky as he peers out at the incredibly one-sided EXODUS audience. Appearing just behind him is none other than his manager, Quinn Goodrich, who edges on the crowd. Wearing purple and black wrestling trunks, with matching boots and a knee brace (on his surgically repaired left knee), the Brit appears ready for action, not because of his attire, but due to the vindictive look in his eyes, which is revealed as he removes his Versace sunglasses. They are the eyes of a cold, calculating machine. Johnny places his expensive shades in his black track jacket with numerous insignias sewn on it in purple, and begins his haughty strut to the ring as David Zinkus reads off his introduction.



David Zinkus: Accompanied by Quinn Goodrich, he weighs in tonight at two hundred and forty-five pounds and hails from London, England; He is the self proclaimed ‘Greatest Man That Ever Lived’, 'Cinderella Man' and the ‘British Mamba'; Ladies and gentlemen... this is #MrEXODUS.... Johnny! CANNON!

Cannon struts to the ring, marching with an undeniable swagger, vanity, and pretentious charm, while Goodrich continuously edges on the audience, swinging his arms up and pointing out at the sea of fans. Johnny, ignores the onslaught of hatred from the fans on either side of them, no longer caring about their opinions or beliefs. He spurts forward toward the ring, and slides in under the bottom rope, before launching himself to his feet and suddenly spinning to the center of the ring in a very Shawn Michaels-esque fashion, before positioning himself carefully in the middle. He unzips his track jacket, lowering it down his hands and to the canvas below him like a male stripper, before throwing up the offensive, British, two finger salute, eliciting tremendous heat from the crowd. From there, Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, beginning his mental preparations and prerequisites as Quinn looks on from ringside; his face drops to a more solemn expression, and his eyes flicker with hundreds of ideas playing in his mind for the match.

Dick Morosi: The reaction from this crowd tells it all, Seth. Johnny Cannon, once a beloved figure in EXODUS has now become sort of a pariah. His recent actions have ruined the image he claims to care so much about. I never thought I’d see the day where an EXPRO crowd would boo the EXPRO Original out of the building.

Seth Ericson: Mr. EXODUS feels slighted, and unappreciated. I can relate because that’s exactly how I feel sitting out here with you every two weeks.

Dick Morosi: I won’t even dignify that with a response. However, what I will say is despite Cannon’s attitude he’s a world class athlete and one of the best wrestlers in the world today. That can’t be denied. He thinks that entitles him to handouts though, and I just can’t agree with that logic.

Seth Ericson: I know of at least one person who shares your stance on the matter. She’s a redhead now, barely five feet tall, maybe you’ve seen her… she’s the star of a popular web series and she’s about to make her way out here to a hero’s welcome.

As the spotlights flash across the stage and the video screens come to life, “Cynics and Critics” by Icon For Hire hits the PA system.



As the music continues blaring, Lexy Chapel walks out on to the stage carrying with her a camera-phone, along with the EXODUS Pro International Title. She walks to the left of the stage, filming the fans cheering, and then to the right of the stage, filming more fans cheering wildly before turning the camera around on herself and can be seen mouthing the word 'wow' in to the camera. After listening to the crowd reaction a moment longer she around and poses on the stage.



David Zinkus: And his opponent! Hailing from North London, England, standing at five foot-four inches tall and weighing in at one hundred and fourteen pounds. She is the EXODUS International Champion; Lexy! CHAPEL!

As the music continues to play she begins to make her way down to the ring, filming the fans as she walks past them and posing with a few of them, holding the camera out in front of herself as she leans back in to a group of the fans. As the chorus of the song begins she slides into the ring and climbs up on to the turnbuckles, filming the fans again with her phone.

“Oh this is all we know
Oh tragic and miserable
We’re not cynics; we just don’t believe a word you say
We’re not critics, we just hate it all anyway
Oh this is all we’ve got
Oh we do what we’ve been taught
We’re not cynics; we just don’t believe a word you say
We’re not critics, we just hate it all anyway”

She leaps down from the turnbuckles and walks to the middle of the ring before spinning around and turning the phone back on herself again, kissing the lens of the camera and then putting it in to her pocket. She removes her ring jacket and slips it over to the ring attendant before jumping back on to the turnbuckles again and posing, then flipping off backwards and standing in her corner, readying herself for the match.

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel is not one hundred percent, Seth. Still, her love for this company, this profession, and her integrity as a competitor and champion would not allow her to miss two consecutive shows. They are also the same qualities that she feels Johnny Cannon has forgotten, and she’s here to remind him of that.

Seth Ericson: That won’t be an easy task though, Dick. You heard it from the man himself, Mr. EXODUS plans to bring it tonight, and as a former EXODUS World Champion he might give the young Chapel all she can handle and more.

Dick Morosi: Do you see Lexy backing down, Seth? She welcomes the challenge. She’s a fighting champion, and I’m willing to bet the farm on her tonight because she has earned my respect while Johnny has lost it.

Seth Ericson: I didn’t even know you had a farm, Dick. Nevertheless, this is gone be good.

*DING-DING-DING*

The clamoring of the frenetic fans in attendance reaches a fever pitch as the man officiating the contest, Chris Dawson signals to the timekeeper, the bell resounding and chiming thrice before fading into the background as the two Britons slowly move toward each other. The champion and challenger begin to stand off, Cannon looking very much downward at his smaller foe and smirking. The two time holder of the belt currently at stake suddenly drops down to both knees, as if to say that he’s stopping to Chapel’s level, laughing loudly to himself as he gestures for Chapel to “come at him”. Lexy initially regards Mr. EXODUS with a bitter scowl, but upon further enticing she throws a couple jabs at his face which the Englishman easily dodges. However, when she fire a kick straight at his cranium the former World Champion is forced to take more evasive measures as he rolls back on his heels, just barely avoiding being guillotined.

Dick Morosi: Johnny’s taking Lexy lightly, and that’s stupid if you ask me, Seth. Sure, make fun of her size, toy around with her all you want. That’s just going to get him embarrassed. He’s in there with the International Champion and he needs to conduct himself with some semblance of class.

Seth Ericson: Now wait a minute, Dick. What’s the difference between what Cannon’s doing, and what Kliff Ulysses or any other showman does?

Dick Morosi: There’s a distinct difference: what they do is in good taste, what he’s doing is appalling. He’s showing Chapel absolutely no respect.

Seth Ericson: And he’s being entertaining while doing so.

Johnny’s eyes widen, his brow furrowed in shock in response to Chapel’s seriousness; she was all business tonight, and wasn’t going to put up with Cannon’s antics. Realizing this, Mr. EXODUS slowly pulls himself up with aid of the ropes, slapping his face a few times to refocus himself before stepping into the center of the squared circle. The EXODUS Original raises his hands in position for a Greco-Roman tie-up, challenging his much smaller adversary to show her bravery, if not her intelligence and technical ability. Presumably accepting said challenge, Chapel locks up, but instead of putting herself at a disadvantage by measuring her might against that of the British Mamba’s, the International Champion strafes to the back of her fellow Brit and slams a STIFF kick into the back of his hamstring. Johnny reels slightly and before can discern the whereabouts of his elusive foe, Chapel has him on his knees, having planted a series of boots into his midriff only to follow that strike up with an elbow to the back of the head. With her opponent kneeling on the canvas, Lexy backs up a few feet, then charges forward before extending her left leg skywards. Mr. EXODUS registers the attack though in time, having enough wits to throw himself to the mat before rolling out of the ring, much to the champion’s chagrin. On the outside looking in, Johnny motions for a time-out, garnering a chorus of boos from the Nevadans.

Seth Ericson: Mr. EXODUS needs a breather and I can’t blame him. Lexy Chapel is breathtaking, just ask Spirit Z. She put the man in a hospital before because she’s just so damn nice looking.

Dick Morosi: I doubt Chapel’s allure has anything to do with it, Seth. Cannon was getting more than he could handle and he needed to regroup. Maybe now he’ll take Lexy as serious as he should.

Quinton Goodrich walks over to his client, and the two Briton’s have a brief conference whilst Chris Dawson begins the mandatory ten count. At about five Mr. EXODUS peels himself away from his manager, slowly kneeing up onto the apron yelling at the referee to keep Chapel back so that he can enter the ring in peace. Being subdued by Dawson, Chapel watches as Johnny wipes his feet on the apron before nonchalantly stepping through the ropes, rejoining her inside the squared hell. Just like the beginning of the match, both competitors are staring holes into one another before the staredown comes to a cease as they inch their way into the heart of the ring. Cannon hunches down slightly, whilst lifting his hand out to entice Lexy into a lockup. However, he was merely feigning the attempt to gain the advantage, waiting for Chapel’s hands to protrude far enough to present the window of opportunity to him. The British Mamba quickly scores with a kick to the midsection, then immediately takes hold of Lexy’s arm, twisting it over his head in a textbook arm wrench. The bombastic Brit doesn’t hold it in place long though, as he swiftly ducks behind his foe’s back before pinning her captured limb in a firm hammerlock. Chapel winces from the pain, her free arm reaching back in an effort to grab on to whatever part of Cannon’s anatomy that is within reach.

Cannon moves out of harms way, whilst cinching up harder on the arm which forces Chapels body to lean forward. The weight shift seems to have been Johnny’s goal all along, as he reaches one foot forward between the Londoner’s legs, then sweeps it back to push his own weight forward. The takedown coerces them both to the mat, Lexy’s body being crushed under their collective weight, her arm pinned between the two of them. Once again she yells out in agony, and Johnny wastes no time in carrying out the rest of his planned attack. He reasserts his grip on the arm, this time pulling it into a vertically positioned armbar, strategically tucking it underneath his arm. He transfers over to the side, on one knee, perpendicular to Chapel’s body. The change in position wrenches the arm back even further, and he secures the position by bringing his lower knee atop Lexy’s head, pinning it down to further pull the stretch as the referee steps in to see if the champion will submit or brave through the discomfort.

Dick Morosi: Cannon is exploiting his mat-wrestling skills, using that ability to get Lexy Chapel into a very precarious position.

Seth Ericson: You told him to get serious, Dick. Well look he’s out wrestling the champion. Clearly his early antics were just a ploy to get into Lexy’s head, and it seems to have worked as he’s got her in quite a bit of pain.

Knowing that she needs to turn the table somehow, Chapel, using her still-free lower body tries to inch backwards, aiming to get her foot on the ropes to break the hold. Enduring the excruciating discomfort long enough, the champion gets within a few inches of salvation; realizing how his foe is to the cables, Johnny opts for a different approach; standing back up, Mr EXODUS drags Chapel back to a vertical base, and with both competitors now standing the challenger applies a more standard arm wrench. Cannon gives a short hop in the opposite direction, jerking Chapel by the arm, a yelp a pin coming along with it. As she is pulled forward, her momentum is sent somersaulting forward as Johnny lowers his stance. The next thing she knows, she’s staring up at the ceiling lights, courtesy of a Northern Lights Suplex which the Brit bridges for the pin.

”ONE! TWO!”

Lexy throws a shoulder up to break the count. Cannon immediately clenches his fist around the Featherweight’s long red hair and pulls her into a sitting position, then springs to his feet before throwing a vicious shin kick into Chapel’s back. The impact of the strike throws the starlet’s upper body forward before the Youtube Sensation recoils back onto the mat, lying down once again providing the British Mamba with another opportunity to gloat which he seizes - the egomaniacal Englishman sneers down at his foe, mocking her current state by pretending to take pictures with his hand amidst the booing of the EXODUS crowd.

Seth Ericson: Look at Cannon, he’s taking mental pictures in there. You’ve gotta love the guy, when you’re down he makes sure you know it by rubbing it in your face.

Dick Morosi: He’s making a spectacle of himself, Seth. He should be following up on the last maneuver, instead he’s wasting time and allowing his opponent to recover. That’s a mistake that’ll come back to bite him if he doesn’t wise up.

Lexy Chapel’s head is grabbed again, this time at the sides as she is pulled up. Johnny greets her with a STIFF European Uppercut, then immediately reaches down to scoop her up. As she is being lifted, the champion throws a series of downward elbows, driving the sharp bone into the top of Cannon’s skull. Slightly dazing him, the fan-favorite forces her foe to drop her, Chapel quickly landing on her feet and backpedaling into the ropes. As she rebounds into a charge Johnny fires a back elbow, which she dodges before heading to the ropes for a second time. Upon her return trip, Lexy is scooped up into the air - Cannon using her momentum against her, only for the blue chipper to turn it into a Tilt-A-Whirl Armdrag in one fluid motion, sending the British Mamba somersaulting to the canvas. Both competitors simultaneously get up, Johnny charging without hesitation. Lexy’s swift instincts allow her to slip an arm under that of the Englishman’s and fall back whilst rolling to the side, throwing Cannon forward with another Armdrag that puts the challenger back-first into the spring-padded canvas once more. For a third consecutive time the combatants scramble to their feet, only Lexy is the aggressor; she quickly leaps into the air to jut out her feet with a Dropkick, planting her boots into the former World Champion’s visage sending him right back down to the mat. Reeling, Cannon makes the smartest move possible and rolls out of the ring. Soaking in the cheers of the audience, Chapel scans the outside area for the whereabouts of her opponent, watching as Johnny walks along the perimeter of the ring. Looking to keep the momentum in her favor, Chapel charges right at him, diving through the ropes with a Suicide Dive that drives Mr. EXODUS into the barricade.

Dick Morosi: The crowd has been ignited, cheering on the champion who takes to the skies to leave Cannon in a world of hurt.

Seth Ericson: Lexy wasn’t going to let Johnny take another breather. The International Champion seems hell bent on keeping up the pressure.

The British Mamba clutches his head and neck, wincing and moaning in pain while the fans behind him continue to mock his condition, whilst others stand on their feet with praise for the aerial maneuver they just witnessed. Back on her feet, Chapel lights his chest up with a knife-edge chop, then another, and finally a third to loud “WOO” chants as the Londoner raises her fist for the fans before focusing her attention on Johnny again; this time to drag him to ringside before shoving him inside the squared circle. By the time Cannon has climbed to his feet Chapel is already on the top turnbuckle. The International Champion files off of her perch, kicking both feet out directly at her adversary. The self proclaimed “Greatest Man Who Ever Lived” receives two soles straight into his visage, which send him to the canvas with a thud. Lexy crawls over to the fallen challenger, and hooks his right leg to initiate the pinfall attempt.

”ONE! TWO!”

Cannon pushes his right shoulder off the canvas, drawing a loud and frustrated moan from the Nevada crowd. Staying on the attack, Lexy pulls Cannon up to a vertical base and backs him into the ropes; she attempts to whip him across the ring, but Johnny counters with an Irish Whip of his own. When Lexy is within range, the former World Champion crouches down, planting his hands on her breadbasket to exploit her momentum against her. He springs up, the explosion of his hips channeling enough strength and leverage necessary for him to fling his much lighter foe into the air. Thinking quickly, Lexy wraps her legs around the challenger’s head during her descent, then reclines back to launch him forward with a Headscissors Takedown to counter the Cardiac Arrest. Reeling and flustered, Mr. EXODUS pulls himself up in the corner, meanwhile Lexy has already planned her next move. The charges right at him, only for Johnny to drop down to a knee and lift her up into the air. Cannon turns around to prop her up on the top turnbuckle, only to receive a kick to the face that sends him staggering back. Having forced some distance between the two, Chapel readies herself to take flight; she quickly leaps off the top rope flying at her foe who shuffles in his position - then swings an arm up with stupendous vigor to catch her underneath the chin with an artful forearm shiver.

*CRACK*

Seth Ericson: Jesus Christ! What a European Uppercut. He caught her in mid-freaking-air!

Dick Morosi: The champion went to the high rent district and she paid for it, dearly. Cannon countered in a heartbeat, and he may have very well knocked Chapel out cold.

As articulated by Morosi, Chapel had her jaw realigned by the Englishman’s forearm, is left seemingly unconscious, her brainpan scrambling to assimilate the damage that her beautiful face just sustained from the thunderous strike that didn’t lack in it’s execution or effectiveness. A cocksure grin begins to formulate on the challenger's countenance as he stands tentatively triumphant, beginning to flex the muscle of the arm that just delivered the devastating blow to vociferous boos. While a very dazed and debilitated Lexy drools on the canvas, Cannon finishes his posturing and runs to the ropes and bounces off. On his return trip, the British Mamba jumps up and bends his knees to land them both on the top of the champion’s cranium. The recipient of the blow flinches and rolls away whilst Johnny gets up. The merciless technician simply walks forward and drops a knee on Chapel’s head again, the only difference being the victim was lying facedown. Lexy rolls away in pain one more time, now inches away from the ropes. Quinn Goodrich positions himself just outside of the ring, slapping the apron with both hands to cheer on his client and friend. Cannon glances at his manager, then rolls Lexy onto her back before latching a hand onto the Featherweight’s throat. Chris Dawson steps in and orders Johnny to stop the illegal and vile choke, then begins counting when it’s clear that Mr. EXODUS has no intentions of doing so. ”ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR..” .- Cannon finally lets up to another wave of vehement boos, then climbs to his feet to receive an earful from the zebra clad official. The arrogant Englishman sticks his foot into Lexy’s ribs and shoves her out of the ring where the Londoner lands with a dull thud on the floor. The verbal rebuking from the ref continues on Johnny Cannon, allowing Quinn Goodrich to sneak in undetected with a foot on Chapel’s throat. More booing follows as Johnny dismisses his reprimander, replying with “I’m the reason you have a job, Chris” to buy more time for his manager to perform his dastardly deeds.

Dick Morosi: Oh come on, this is ridiculous. This is how you want to win, Johnny? I shouldn’t be surprised, the man has no class, and no respect for either his opponent, or this crowd.

Seth Ericson: You know the saying - it’s not cheating if you don’t get caught! At least that’s what I told my wife. That doesn’t sell in a divorce hearing, just so you know.

Chris Dawson finally does catch Goodrich in the corner of his eyes and turns around. The Armani clad Brit backs away and lifts his hands innocently whilst shaking his head, pretending to be a good samaritan which only prompts more booing and jeering from the lively spectators. Cannon pressures the ref to start counting, and he does just that, lifting his arms and shouting ”ONE!” to begin the ten count. With a menagerie of sounds buzzing in her head, Chapel slowly stirs on the ground whilst clutching her neck, seething with a mixture of agony and anger.

”TWO!”

The crowd looks on, somewhat in anguish as they see the poor shape their hero has been put on. They attempt to rally her, cheering which sends an adrenaline rush through the International Champion, and she forces herself up to one knee. Slowly, Chapel clutches the ring apron and uses it as a crutch to pull herself up.

”THREE!”

Managing to get to a stand, the winded and groggy Chapel leans on the apron for a moment, Cannon raising his arms into the air to provoke another smattering of boos before charging forward with a Baseball Dropkick. Having no interested in eating the feet, Lexy flourishes her wherewithal and sidesteps, causing Johnny to slip out of the ring. As he scrambles to get his footing Chapel leaps onto the apron, then onto the middle rope letting her momentum push the wire as far as it will stretch. Once the elastic limit of the middle rope is reached, the Londoner is sent backwards, her athleticism on full display as she back-flips in mid-air to land on Cannon’s head sending him to the floor with an Asai Moonsault.

Dick Morosi: What a move from the champion who’s proving she’s got plenty of fight left in her. And more important than that, a lot of heart which is something Johnny wouldn’t know about.

Seth Ericson: And she needs it too. She’s practically wrestling two people right now - Cannon and Goodrich and you know what they say Dick, two heads are better than one.

Dick Morosi: Not if they’re both full of hot air, which is the case when it comes to Team Cannon.

Seth Ericson: They say the same thing about me and I seem to be doing just fine, so that kinda disproves your theory.

The two competitors slowly begin to stir, showing the mental fortitude it takes to be the holder of the very championship they’re dismembering one another for. Cannon stumbles to a vertical base, slowly falling on the ring as his upper body stretches across the apron. Lexy pries her five foot, four inch frame off the floor and attempts to stand as well. The champion staggers and collapses into the guardrail, looking spent, while both appear to be worse for wear prompting Chris Dawson to begin another ten count. As said counts commences, Johnny pulls himself off the apron, his body once again upright, his eyes now being locked on his foe. ”ONE!” Lexy aided by the security barrier, struggles back to her feet. ”TWO!” Like a lion stalking a wounded gazelle, Johnny begins his charge. ”THREE!” Whether she had been playing possum or was legitimately being hampered by her injuries, Lexy overcomes the pain and suddenly leaps into the air. She wraps an arm around the back of Cannon’s head, then falls back to drag him off his feet; she drives the British Mamba face first into the guardrail, sending the crowd in a frenzy. Johnny slumps down on the guardrail, with his brains plastered across the unforgiving structure whilst Chapel lies on the floor.

Dick Morosi: UNION JACK ATTACK! She drove him face first into the guardrail, Seth!

Seth Ericson: Doesn’t she know he needs that face to sell tickets? Good Lord!

Back on her feet now, Lexy grapples Cannon around the head, struggling to pull his deadweight toward the ring. And deadweight is exactly what Mr. EXODUS has been reduced to upon having his face smeared across the guardrail. ”FIVE!” With every ounce of strength she can muster, the Londoner rolls Johnny into the ring. Cannon stares into the ceiling lights, which are the only thing that prevent him from slumping into a state of unconsciousness. Sliding into the ring, Chapel slowly crawls across the ring, draping an arm over his opponent as Chris Dawson drops down for the pin attempt.

”ONE! TWO! THR- NO!”

The British Mamba writhes his shoulder from the canvas, drawing loud and frustrated moans from the Nevada crowd. Lexy sits up, glaring at the referee as Dawson explains that Cannon broke the fall. After nodding in an reluctant understanding, she props herself up to vertical base before pulling Cannon up with him. As he is being lifted, Johnny suddenly breaks free from Chapel’s grasp, then lights her up with a staggering European Uppercut that sends her backpedaling into the ropes. Lexy has her arms hooked on the cables, visibly stunned and dazed from the debilitating strike, prompting the former World Champion to take advantage. With one hand taking a vice-like grip of his foe’s redhead, Mr. EXODUS begins to unload with STIFF European Uppercuts. TWO. THREE. FOUR. FIVE. SIX! Johnny finally relents, the last withering strike knocking the champion through the ropes, her feet sitting on the middle cable while the rest of her body lands on the apron with a thud.

Dick Morosi: What a vicious onslaught from the challenger. Those Uppercuts have left Lexy Chapel in bad shape.

Seth Ericson: Johnny Cannon is arguably the best pure striker in the game, and he just reminded everyone of that right there.

Having enervated Lexy with his combo of blistering strikes, Cannon slowly leans over the ropes and reaches down to grab Lexy by the hair. Mr. EXODUS drags the social media darling up off the apron, pulling her over the top rope. The challenger wraps an arm around her trachea, then claps his hands together. He applies tremendous pressure, then pulls her down across the top cable to restrict the blow flood to her head, using a rope assisted Guillotine Choke to further weaken the champion. Cannon knows he can’t submit her, but that’s not his intention - he just wants to make her suffer and he’s succeeding, forcing Chris Dawson to step in for a five-count. After four painful seconds, the British Mamba relinquishes his choke, leaving Lexy straddling the ropes, panting heavily like a fish out of water. Johnny steps back into the center of the ring now, curling his lips in a scowl before dashing forward, and quickly lifting his leg up level. The challenger’s boot washes the face of the champion, sending a heap of sweat flying off her mug as her head snaps back awkwardly from the concussive impact. Lexy falls off the ropes and lands on floor with a thud, with her brains oozing out of her ears and cascading down her head. The deliverer of the malevolent kick glares into the crowd while his leg hangs over the top rope. With a stroke of ego his smiles, seemingly in the driver’s seat courtesy of the vicious Yakuza Kick.

Seth Ericson: Lexy is out of it, Dick. What a Big Boot from Mr. EXODUS who could be closing in on his third International Title reign. He’s on what they call a run in basketball, and not only does he have the lead, but the fourth quarter is almost over.

Dick Morosi: True, however, let’s not forget he’s battling a woman who has made an early career of comebacks and buzzer beaters. Lexy Chapel is the International Champion because she fights like a champion. She has the heart of a champion. Johnny Cannon may have more experience, and more skill - but what he doesn’t have is her heart.

Seth Ericson: Be that as it may, none of that’s going to matter if Cannon hits Lexy like that again.

Dick Morosi: After witnessing that combo, it’s hard to disagree, Seth. The champion can’t afford to take that kind of punishment.

Cannon slowly climbs out of the ring in pursuit of his seemingly unconscious foe. Johnny lifts Chapel off the ground and rolls her into the ring. Mr. EXODUS takes his good old time, arrogantly bypassing sliding into the ring to walk up the steel stairs. He wipes his foot on the last step, and for that he receives jeers from many of those in attendance. However, he doesn’t feel obliged to acknowledge the harsh response he’s receiving, as he merely saunters along the apron before ducking through the ropes. Having re-entered the proverbial killing grounds, Cannon backs into the corner. With slaps his left leg a few times, then proceeds to stamp his foot on the canvas which further riles up the spectators - they begin boo, knowing exactly what he has in store for their beloved hero. The British Mamba continues to stalk his prey, stamping his feet again and again, shaking the canvas and causing the International Champion to stir. Lexy’s body shrivels with ever vibration, as she slowly commences to climb to her feet. Her legs buckle and crumble underneath the weight of her body - her hands quickly protruding out in hopes of grabbing the ropes to aid her in standing. The cables hang just out of reach, too far in the stance, leaving Chapel standing on spaghetti legs.

The scene of the Londoner standing on her proverbial last legs is enough to spur Cannon into action. Johnny steps out of the corner, quickly lifting his leg for his patented Roundhouse Kick - but he catches nothing but air, Lexy having enough energy and wits about her to dodge the possible match-ending maneuver. As Cannon is thrown off balance, Chapel makes a beeline for the ropes. She leaps onto the middle cable, then springboards back toward her turning foe, thrusting out a leg so that her boot collides into the British Mamba nasus, Cannon immediately going down to the ground like he’d been shot.

Dick Morosi: DENTAL CHECK! Lexy Chapel just made the go ahead bucket, Seth!

Seth Ericson: We don’t even need the basketball analogy, Dick. She kicked him in the face. That’s all that needs to be said!

As the crowd erupts with a roar of approval, Lexy grabs Cannon’s legs then flips forward, pulling the hated Englishman’s legs back and capturing him in a Jackknife pin. Chris Dawson approaches and slides down to begin the count.

”ONE! TWO! THR- NO!”

The crowd’s cheering turns into sighs and moans as Johnny somehow manages to power out of the pinning predicament. Irritating fanfare from Quinn Goodrich follows as Lexy sits up and scours her brain, doubt beginning to creep in as she wonders what she has to do to put Mr. EXODUS away. Maintaining her aggression, Chapel crawls toward Cannon, then slips an arm under his neck to apply a grounded front facelock. Chapel begins to get up, pulling Cannon to his feet as she does so. a few seconds pass as the two competitors reach a vertical base, and the opportunistic challenger throws a quick forearm into Lexy’s solarplexus before slipping his head free from her grasp. The former EXODUS World Champion the pats his right forearm before maliciously slamming it into his foe’s jaw, stunning her with a blistering European Uppercut. Using every last bit of adrenaline he has in his body, Johnny applies a front facelock of his own, hooking one of Lexy’s arms whilst he lifts her up into the air before falling back to drive her into the canvas with a well executed Single Underhook DDT. The British Mamba nails the Cannon Driver II, quickly rolling Chapel onto her back before hooking her legs.

Seth Ericson: CANNON DRIVER II. Game. Set. Match.

”ONE! TWO! THR- NO!”

Dick Morosi: She kicked out!

The champion jerks her leg out of Cannon’s grip, and the challenger flops to the mat in frustration. Cannon lays motionless on the canvas, staring at the ceiling as he is now the one questioning himself. Chris Dawson begins the obligatory ten count, whilst multiple cameras flash accompanied by chants of appreciation from the sold out arena.

”THIS IS AWESOME!?”
*CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
”THIS IS AWESOME!?”
*CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Seth Ericson: I don’t believe it. I thought for sure that was the end.

Dick Morosi: Team Cannon are just as dumbfounded, Seth. Lexy Chapel is refusing to stay down, refusing to die. The International Championship means so much to her, she just won’t give it up.

Johnny pulls himself up to a knee, the climbs to his feet to lean into the ropes for a moment to gather himself. Quinn Goodrich immediately climbs onto the apron and pats his client on the back whilst babbling some advice into his ear. Meanwhile, Lexy Chapel begins crawling to the other side of the squared battleground. “KNOCK HER OUT, JOHNNY!” is Quinnton’s last bit of encouragement as he slaps Cannon on the back and drops down from the apron, giving him the pep talk that he needed. Lexy begins pulling herself up on the far ropes while Mr. EXODUS patiently waits. Cannon begins to shake his leg again, loosening it up, knowing that the only thing that stands between him and the International Title is one kick to the head, one Roundhouse Kick! Chapel slowly pulls herself up and leans on the ropes for a second, then the instant she turns around Johnny makes his move. Once Mr. EXODUS is within kicking range, the British Brawler swings his foot up and closes his eyes… but hits NOTHING. Chapel avoids the kick for the second time, ducking and ending up crouched behind Cannon. Squatting, she places her head between her foe’s shoulders before pushing her body up to hoist the heavier man onto her shoulders - long enough to fall forward.

Seth Ericson: SHE COUNTERED!

Dick Morosi: Throat first across the ropes.

Mr. EXODUS stumbles away from the point of impact before flopping down onto his back. Chapel pulls herself to a stand then turns toward Cannon, beginning to walk toward him before dropping to all fours. The champion pulls her foe into a sitting position, then slips an arm under his chin, placing her other onto the back of the British Mamba’s head to tighten the Sleeper Hold. Johnny’s face is twisted and distorted from the pain, and he immediately starts to fade as Chris Dawson steps into checko him. Lexy cranks the hold, causing even more pain to shoot through her foe as the blood flow is quickly being reduced to his head. The challenger’s eyes are shut as the electricity begins to dim, reaching an arm out for the ropes but unable to grab them. His savior turns out to be his manager, Quinn Goodrich, who launches himself back onto the ring apron and begins shouting and making as much movement as possible to get the referee’s attention.

Goodrich succeeds, causing Dawson to get into his face, an argument ensuing as the Brit tells a cock and bull story about “foreign objects” and “sportsmanship”. Lexy Chapel notices the hubbub, releasing Cannon, before charging over at the ropes. Not wasting any time, the champion simply lands a well aimed right hook, knocking Quinn down. However, his distraction provides Johnny with enough time to recuperate. Lexy turns around, then charges at her assailant, only to be tossed into the air and kicked in the chest upon her fall. Looking down at his inert foe, Cannon makes a quick slashing moment across his throat.

Seth Ericson: Cardiac Arrest connects! Cannon has had enough. He’s looking to put Lexy away for good!

Johnny leans down, grabbing Chapel around the head before gradually dragging her to a vertical base. The former World Champion captures her head in a front facelock, throwing the battered Londoner’s arm over his shoulder in preparation for the Cannon Driver. Knowing what the British Mamba’s intentions are, Lexy hooks her leg behind Johnny’s to prevent him from scooping her up. He tries again, but once more she blocks - afterward she unloads onto his ribcage with punches until he is forced to release her. However, Cannon is just as tenacious, as he returns fire with a sickening forearm to the temple, turning Chapel around, the champion stumbling in place as she barely remains on her feet. Cannon quickly slips behind her, slipping one arm under Lexy’s leg and another around her waist, before lifting her up to attempt a Belly-to-Back Suplex. Shockingly, Chapel somehow manages to escape, as she backflips out of it, landing on her feet and behind the challenger. She gives him a mighty shove forward, pushing him into the ropes and more importantly into Quinn Goodrich who had climbed back to his feet. The members of Team Cannon collide with one another - Quinn flies off the apron, while Johnny staggers and turns right into a leaping Enzuigiri that floors him. Before anyone in the arena realizes what just transpired, the International Champion is up on the top turnbuckle. Chapel leaps off the her perch, rotating in mid air to land across Johnny’s carcass with a Phoenix Splash.

Dick Morosi: SOCIAL DISTORTION! That’s it!

As a pandemonium of cheers ensues, Chapel simply lie in the position she isin, only having to wait for Chris Dawson to begin counting.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

Not far behind, “Cynics and Critics” begins to blare over the P.A. system. Lexy slowly rolls onto her front, planting her hands into the mat and using them to lift her body up off the canvas. Her eyes finally lock on Chris Dawson who holds the International Championship in his hands - she pulls it from her fingertips and embraces it. Lexy brings the title to her face, kissing the centerpiece, showing her appreciation for the belt she just went through hell and high water to retain. Chapel finally stumbles to a full vertical base, plodding toward the corner before ascending it, her face beaming with pride and joy despite every jolt of pain that shoots through her frail body with every progression of her climb. Reaching the top of the mountain, Lexy hoists the International Title into the air to a standing ovation.

Seth Ericson: That was one hell of a match, Dick. That might be the Match of the Year right there.

Dick Morosi: That was a fantastic performance from both competitors. Lexy Chapel overcame Johnny Cannon, and even Quinn Goodrich couldn't stop her tonight. She had something to prove tonight, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, that if you think you're going to take the International Championship from her, you'd better think again.

Dick Morosi: And while Lexy celebrates her incredible victory, let's head backstage.


WINNER (and STILL EXODUS Pro International Champion): Lexy Chapel

Backstage at the Hard Rock Hotel is a tiny bit more elaborate and upscale than it is at the RIMAC Arena, EXODUS Pro’s beloved home building. Walking his way through the halls of the Hard Rock, though, is a man who has not been seen in the RIMAC in some time.

Slight of build, he carries an attache case in his right hand. Wearing a suit and tie, he looks like any of the businessmen who spend time in the Hard Rock, risking fortunes on the roll of the dice or the turn of a card.

The thing that differentiates him from those businessmen, though, is a shock of white hair that hangs down to his shoulders. In the arena proper, a few fans recognize the figure - and give him a mixed (and surprised) reaction.

All told? It’s more than enough for Tom Matheny, interviewer extraordinaire, to go wander over to the scene and confirm his suspicions, microphone in hand.

Tom Matheny: Seymour Al...masy?

The man himself nods, easily enough.

Seymour Almasy: That would be me, yes. Did you not recognize me? I can't say I blame you. Some people clean up well; me? I just feel like...someone else in a suit and tie.

Tom Matheny: Well, yes, but...never mind that! What the heck are you doing here? You haven't been seen in EXODUS Pro in..months!

Seymour chuckles. It’s true, of course, but he doesn’t seem too intent on talking about his in-ring career on this particular evening.

Seymour Almasy: Right to the point, aren't we, Tom? You know, I always did like that about you among interviewers. I'm here for business. I have a meeting with Jonathan Collins in his office in about five minutes, and I was assured by all parties involved that said meeting would be very much away from the prying eyes of EXODUS Pro wrestlers, staff...and fans. Which means that I am going to have to kindly request you not follow me, Mr. Matheny. Am I clear?

Tom Matheny: Well, yes, I suppose so...but before you go, Seymour, is there any way you could give us any sort of indication on the nature of your meeting with Mr. Collins?

It is a question that Seymour smiles at, almost as if he was waiting for it to be asked of him.

Seymour Almasy: Discipline, Tom. I am here to discuss discipline with Jonathan. Now, if you'll excuse me...

Almasy nods his head curtly, and promptly turns on his heel, leaving Tom Matheny, fans around the world, and our intrepid commentators somewhat befuddled.

Dick Morosi: Seymour Almasy returns to EXODUS Pro after months away – in a suit and tie, no less – and he's apparently here to discuss “discipline” with Jonathan Collins.

Seth Ericson: He billed himself the Judge Magister – and in case you've forgotten, he's always been somewhat critical of Jonathan Collins' methods.

Dick Morosi: That's a good point, but, well, we don't have any more to go on, folks, so instead of baseless speculation or plugging a smartphone app, we're going to go to commercial. We'll be right back!