E-Pro Television Episode #6

Singles Match
Jafreese Frazier vs. Gouken Haroshi

Lights start to flash when "On to the Next One" start to play. Out of the curtain walks Jafreese Frazier with a hoodie and his traditional wrestling clothes. Lights return to normal as the cameraman zooms on the face of Jafreese. He does his "mean mugging" and shows his mouthpiece with the word "Deathgrip" written in them. The camera zooms out and he starts walking towards the ring while not looking at anyone directly to their eyes.

Once he gets ringside he jumps over the third rope and walks towards the center of the ring. He takes his hoodie off and sits indian style in the center of the ring as his music fades.

The arena goes dark as smoke billows out from atop of the ramp. Lights flicker between total darkness and a dark red. From the back emerges Gouken clad in a robe and hood, at his side stands his sister Kanna, barbwire baseball bat in her hands. Kanna says something and points to the ring, and Gouken obeys.

The big man walks down, slowly, methodically before climbing into the ring followed by Kanna. Gouken stands in the middle of the ring as Kann approaches and pulls off the hood, revealing his masked face. She then pulls off the robe and whispers something into Gouken’s ear, causing the big man to let out an audible roar...ready for combat.

Dick Morosi: Two monsters here, one more literal than the other! Jafreese Frazier and Gouken Haroshi to do combat in our opening contest!

The bell rings, and Jafreese charges at Gouken, only to be met with a series of kicks to the chest! Gouken quickly slips behind the MMA fighter and hurls him backward with a German suplex, folding Frazier up like an accordion!

Seth Ericson: Gouken means business here! More than business, he wants to send a message, look at that!

Gouken has already hauled Frazier back up, and pulls him into position, lifting him again and running across the ring before dropping with the Fall From the Sky, as the ref slides into position to count three!

Dick Morosi: Gouken Haroshi picks up the win in dominating fashion, and he's on a roll, Seth!

Seth Ericson: You've got that right; who's going to stop this demon of LEGION?

WINNER: Gouken Haroshi

It was an important night for Ryuji Kamigawa, with his EXODUS Pro debut on the cards later in the evening against Daniel Prophet. But EXODUS' white-tuxedo-clad hitman for hire hadn't yet made his way over to his lounge/office.

Backstage, in the medical room, one of the trainers is attending to Jafreese Frazier. But that's not that important. On the table next to him, recovering from taking an Angel Arm, is EXODUS Pro owner Rufus Frost. The door opens, and in comes Jonathan Collins. Collins, with a bit of a look of worry on his face seeing the wounded already piling up, nods to his protege before walking over to Rufus' side.

Jonathan Collins: How're you doing, boss?

Rufus, still shaken up, is cognizant enough to look at his Director.

Rufus Frost: I've been better, but I'll survive. I think this has gone quite far enough, Jon. This LEGION is overstepping their boundaries, and I'm not sure how much more of this you, me, or EXODUS can take.

Jon gets a quizzical look on his face as he sits in a chair that happens to be next to the bed Rufus is laying on.

Jonathan Collins: I'm not sure I understand, Rufus. What do you have in mind?

Rufus Frost: Before I took that shot, I had a lot of things in mind...but one came to me laying here. You've got some things you need to deal with, and I'm not sure running off to Fiji, or signing with Frontier Grappling Arts is going to do it. So here's my offer, only once, you take it or leave it...the leash comes off.

There's a moment where even Collins doesn't quite understand what's being said to him...but as soon as it clicks, his eyes light up.

Jonathan Collins: If you're sure about this-

Rufus Frost: I'm not saying your EXODUS army can't take care of this, Jon...but sometimes you have to handle things yourself. I feel this might be one of them.

Jonathan nods.

Jonathan Collins: Consider your offer accepted. I have some work to do.

Rufus offers up a half-smile.

Rufus Frost: It's not forever...but it's long enough to get this job done. You don't worry about me, I'll be fine here.

Jonathan gets up, offering his hand to his boss.

Jonathan Collins: You won't regret it, Rufus.

Rufus Frost: I never do.

The two shake, and Jon almost runs out of the trainer's room.


Backstage, Tom Matheny stands in the interview area, his expression a little apprehensive as he moves closer to Katherine Reynolds. His nervousness isn't due to her, however, but the blond man sitting on the edge of the equipment case directly behind her. His fingers are running through her long auburn curls, tugging a few and getting her to smile as she faces Tom.

Tom Matheny: I... I'm backstage here tonight with Katherine Reynolds who has a big tag match tonight with Magnus Gunner as her partner from LEGION, against the team of Heather Halliwell and Dom Harter.

Tom swallows nervously as Daisuke looks up from his play and tilts his head just slightly to the right.

Tom Matheny: Also with us is one half of the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions The Ninth Gate, Daisuke Iwakuma.

Katherine giggles softly as Tom remains uncomfortable, then she leans back against Daisuke's chest and lifts a hand to let her fingertips trail along his handsome jawline. Then she leans out a bit, toward the microphone.

Katherine Reynolds: Yes I do, but I wouldn't call this a big tag match, Tom. This is what happens when people disrespect LEGION, yes. Tag match, not so much.

Daisuke smirked just a little and then moved his lips next to Katherine's ear, whispering to her. Her sharp keen expression faded to one of stillness and calm, almost blank. Her voice became eerily level and clear.

Katherine Reynolds: EXODUS Assemble. Two small words, for small minded people to rally around, people who are to afraid to embrace the truth that LEGION reveals. Why stand up against us when you know, deep down in your hearts that Daisuke is the way to salvation from the mediocrity that infests your lives and wrestling careers? You, Dom Harter. What reason do you have to stand behind Jonathan Collins, the man that keeps what is rightfully yours away from you? You, Heather Halliwell. You want the spotlight, you want to be a hero? Opposing LEGION is not your path to glory, trying to call any one of us a weak link is the stupidest thing that could come out of your mouth. Shut up and listen closely. You want Dom to be successful and happy, right? Then why do you stand with the man that would hold him back and step on him, take away what he earned?

Katherine paused, turning just slightly to nuzzle Daisuke's face, then back to the camera. His hand was woven tightly in her hair, tugging just enough to make her nod.

Katherine Reynolds: Come talk to Daisuke, Dom. Listen to his words for yourself, and make an informed decision.

Tom Matheny: But what about the despicable actions of LEGION and what happened to...

Daisuke held a hand up to Tom, effectively shutting him up as Katherine reached up to pluck the microphone from his hand and hold it up like a prize to him.

Daisuke Iwakuma: You will all see, the truth that I speak as the future of EXODUS Pro unfolds. We are LEGION, and we are many.

Katherine dropped the microphone and they both walk away, Daisuke's hand still firmly wrapped in her auburn curls.


"Hot Stuff" by Donna Summers begins to play over the PA system and out from the back steps an unknown Caucasian man with a bronze tan, brown spiky hair, and Oakley sunglasses perched upon his face. He's wearing a grey button up shirt (with the top two buttons unbuttoned), dark jeans with rhinestones along the back pockets, and black boots with small studs on them.

WHO THE <BLEEP> ARE YOU?

WHO THE <BLEEP> ARE YOU?

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen…please welcome…"HOT STUFF" JOHNNY BLAYZE.

Dick Morosi: Johnny Blayze, he's from FGA -- Frontier Grappling Arts -- they had a DVD taping last night...but I'm not sure what he's doing here!

Johnny Blayze makes his way down to the ring strutting to his music and blowing kisses at the female fans on both sides of the aisle.

Seth Ericson: Well he's definitely endearing himself to the ladies in the crowd tonight! Kind of a suck up, if you ask me.

Dick Morosi: Oh stop it.

Blayze climbs into the ring and shakes hands with Jonathan Collins who hands him the microphone.

Johnny Blayze: WHAT UP, SAN DIEGO!

The crowd pops cheaply at the sound of their hometown being mentioned.

Johnny Blayze: Now I know a lot of you may not know me since I've never graced this side of the country for a wrestling event but that's about to change. 

Crowd pops somewhat slowly giving favor to this new face.

Johnny Blayze: Because when I heard that EXODUS Pro had a vacant title on it's hands, I knew opportunity was ripe for the taking. AND when I found out my main man, Dom Harter was looking at that same fifteen pounds of gold….

He throws his hands up in the air in excitement.

Johnny Blayze: WOO! I jumped on the private jet Johnny C had waiting for me and I hightailed it straight here….not even a stop at SeaWorld.. the USS Midway.. OR Petco Park.

Louder pop as the fans see this man knows where a good time is to be had in San Diego.

Johnny Blayze: So Dom Harter…if you think ANY EXODUS Pro title is coming home with you…. 

He pulls off the sunglasses.

Johnny Blayze: WOO! Then you're in La-La land. Because just like I did in FGA, I'm going to ruin your plans REAL quick. 

He motions his hands around his waist.

Johnny Blayze: That belt you got your eyes set on…. it's might look real…real…REAL good along this slim, trim waist of mine. 

BLAYZE!

BLAYZE!

BLAYZE!

He keeps motioning around his waist as the crowd chants for him.

Johnny Blayze: I'll see all of you on April 7th!

Blayze drops the mic as "Hot Hot Hot" starts up again, and he parades around the ring as we head to a commercial break.

We cut to the back of the RIMAC Arena, just in time to catch V rapping the back of his knuckles on Director Jon Collins' part-open door, leaning through the doorway.

V: Got a minute?

Jonathan Collins had been flipping through things, in a much better mood considering how things had gone earlier tonight. Looking up, he nods.

Jonathan Collins: Come on in, have a seat.

The other does, though it's an uneasy front half of one, leaning towards the desk.

V: You mentioned a sit-down, albeit two weeks ago. Figure it's the time to circle wagons here if ever. You tell me-- where do we stand?

Collins looks up at him, eyebrow raised, all while he glances at the mysterious man that's stepped into the company he's worked hard to help make successful.

Jonathan Collins: That depends...are you finished taking home video footage of myself and my daughter?

There's something almost imperceptible in the look that comment gets, but it feels like a smirk.

V: ... yes. My life's not boring enough to go sit outside peoples' houses for leisure, and any point that would've had is long gone now. If you feel unsure who my target is here, though...

Jonathan Collins: No, I get it. And that's why I'm fine with everything. We have a common enemy, our business is finished. I imagine you and I are ready to work as together as you and I will get.

V's grin breaks through slightly and he nods.

V: I like the way you put that. If there's a time to show LEGION that this is not their playground, it's pretty much now or never, yes?

Jonathan Collins: Considering how well we know him, I'd say that's exactly it. Just wait until you you see my big surprise for later tonight.

V: I'll definitely be watching.


Tom Matheny paces eagerly back and forth in front of a door, as the chyron "EARLIER TODAY" shows up in the bottom left corner. The door in question protects the private business dealings of one Jonathan D. Collins, Director and Peacekeeper of EXODUS Pro Wrestling. Matheny had gotten word that there was someone else in the office with Collins - someone unacquainted with EXODUS and west coast wrestling at large. Tom fidgets, anticipating what could be a huge breaking story. He spins on a dime to face the door when he hears the doorknob turn.

A bit of laughter drifts through the door as it swings open. A man sporting a shiny championship belt emerges from the office. He shakes hands with Jon Collins, who then retreats back into his office, shutting the door behind him. The man has a smile on his face.

Tom Matheny’s eyes light up. He rushes to the man and sticks his microphone in the Boston Bruiser’s face.

Tom Matheny: You’re Pat Gordon, Jr, the United Wrestling League World Heavyweight Champion and FGA roster member!

Gordon pats Matheny on the back.

Pat Gordon Jr: Hey, you do your research, Fella. Good for you.

Tom Matheny: Thanks. It’s a shock to see you coming out of Collins’ office. What were you two talking about in there?

Pat Gordon Jr: Just talking about things going on here.

Tom Matheny: Did any of those things have anything to do with the International Title situation here in EXODUS Pro? I know Jonathan Collins is looking for an extra opponent for Dom Harter. I also know there’s no love lost between you two in FGA...

Pat puts his hand on his chin and casts his eyes toward the ceiling, thinking.

Pat Gordon Jr: Collins may have mentioned that Dom Harter was in possession of the vacant International Title and that he needed an extra hand getting it back where it belongs.

The Southie Scrapper pats the EXODUS interviewer on the shoulder.

Pat Gordon Jr: Listen, Fella, I’d love to stay and gab it up with you but I gotta run.

And just like that, Pat Gordon, Jr. disappears down the corridor, leaving Tom Matheny with his jaw gaping.

Daisuke Iwakuma walked the halls of the RIMAC Arena as if he owned them. His LEGION group had been generally dominant thus far when faced with EXODUS competition, and even tonight's defense of the tag team championship didn't have Iwakuma as concerned as one might think.

He did, however, have to stop on his way back to the LEGION locker room, for a three-hundred pound roadblock had parked itself in the middle of the hall.

The man that stood in the path of one-half of the Ninth Gate was someone who'd promised that he would meet with the leader of LEGION. Ryuji Kamigawa, fresh off of his debut victory over Daniel Prophet, stood dead center in the hallway. His size and firm stare made it clear that he would not allow Iwakuma to pass through the hallway without acknowledging his presence.

For Daisuke, it was an unwanted intrusion with his title defense on the horizon.

Daisuke Iwakuma: What do you want? Make it quick, whatever it is. I have business to attend to -- and by business, I mean crippling EXODUS' latest pitiful hopes to take these titles away from my partner and I.

Kamigawa-san didn't miss a beat -- offering the head of LEGION a slow, deep bow.

Ryuji Kamigawa: Allow me to introduce myself to you formally, Iwakuma-san. I am Ryuji Kamigawa, new to EXODUS Pro, and a mercenary for hire. Earlier this evening, I defeated Daniel Prophet, and in doing so, advertised my services to the EXODUS locker room.

Daisuke Iwakuma: So, you beat a lowly member of EXODUS. I'm supposed to be impressed by something my followers and I do multiple times a night, Kamigawa-me?

Ryuji's eyes flashed with anger, but he forced himself to remain cool.

Ryuji Kamigawa: There is no need for insults, Iwakuma-san. Nonetheless, I understand your point. You do not respect what I have done. Therefore, I come before you to ask for the opportunity to accomplish something that you will have no choice but to respect. I want one of your followers in the ring, when we return to this building in two weeks.

Daisuke looked at the larger Japanese man with some hesitance in his gaze.

Daisuke Iwakuma: You ask for a member of LEGION in battle?

Ryuji Kamigawa: I ask you as a show of respect and indication of good will. I could have gone to Jonathan Collins -- he would JUMP at the chance to put me across the ring from one of your ilk. But I stand here before you to demonstrate that I am a neutral in this conflict, worthy of your trust and consideration for tasks that your membership may not be able to handle at any given time.

Iwakuma thought for a moment, regarding the six foot five, three-hundred plus pound Kamigawa with new interest. 

Daisuke Iwakuma: Fine. You will have your match and opportunity to impress me in two weeks.

Kamigawa bowed again. Feeding the LEGION leader's ego wasn't his favorite task in the world, but it did seem necessary when dealing with the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champion.

Ryuji Kamigawa: Who will you give me? Reynolds, perhaps? Or Gouken, yes...I am certain that a contest between he and I would be quite the collision.

Daisuke Iwakuma: I have an important match in a very short time. Give me time to think about it, and you'll know your opponent soon enough. For now, I have things to take care of more important than you.

Another slight -- and another slight ignored by Kamigawa, who simply watched as Iwakuma headed down the hallway, back in the direction of the LEGION dressing room.

EXODUS Pro Tag Team Championship Match!
The Ninth Gate (Champions with Audrey Lloris) vs Johnny Cannon and Steve Lenton (Challengers)

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Championships!

"Napalm" by Xzibit hits the sound system and the crowd begins to cheer. Steve Lenton parts the curtain in front of him, slowly stepping out under the lights and looking around at the teaming masses of humanity that pack the RIMAC arena, providing fanfare for him and his partner. Lenton is talking to the crowd jumping up and down on the stage, walking from one end to the next. The camera zooms in on his face, "Listen to that!" Lenton exclaims with a smirk. He walks up the ramp with a slight strut, looking out at the crowd.

David Zinkus: Introducing the challengers, first from Hampton, Virgnia, standing at six feet, five inches tall and weighing in at two hundred, and fifty-five pounds… STEVE LENTON!

He stops short and looks around for a moment. He takes it all in, listening to the fans cheer for him. Some of the fans hands touch him. Stephen slaps the hands and continues to make his way up the ramp with his eyes glued on the arena again. Once he makes it to the apron, he looks at the ring and then climbs up on it quickly and stands up on the turnbuckle. The lights around the arena then turn into a spotlight.

Dick Morosi: Interesting team we’ll be having here, as Johnny Cannon and Steve Lenton will try to co-exist long enough to knock the Ninth Gate off the top of the tag division!

Seth Erickson: Which will be an impossible feat, considering the fact that the champions are a well oiled machine, while Lenton is well, just oily!

The fans continue to cheer as the song begins to break down. Lenton forms a smirk on his face and lifts his arm in the air with enthusiasm. He wipes his mouth and leaps down from the turnbuckle and stands in the ring, circling it. He decides to hit the turnbuckle again standing on it lifting his right arm in the air the same way he did. He takes in the cheers, looking around slowly. Stephen leaps down and stands in his corner, getting ready to fight.

“Napalm” fades out and silence takes over the RIMAC for a second. A small section of the fans begin chanting "Cannon" to the delight of the man waiting in the ring. Another few seconds pass, and finally "Brainstorm" by Arctic Monkeys hits, causing what could only be described as an eruption from the EXODUS crowd.

On cue the aforementioned Brit bursts through the curtains energetically, showing his true showmanship as he stops and poses with a two finger salute on the entrance stage. Staring out into the crowd through a pair of Rayban Wayfarers, Cannon stands in a track jacket designed in the colors and pattern of the London flag. He flaunts wrist tape, bottoms, knee pads, and boots stylized in the same fashion as well. The charismatic Briton ceases his posturing, slowly walking to each side of the stage to play to the crowd before beginning his march to the ring.

"Brian, top marks for not tryin'
So kind of you to bless us
With your effortlessness
We're grateful and so strangely comforted."

Walking methodically with a swagger filled amble, Johnny does't stop for an instant, as his eyes remained trained forward. As he reaches the middle of the ramp, he comes to a stop, staring at the patrons on either side of him and giving them a finger gun salute. From there the British brawler picks up his saunter.

David Zinkus: “Hailing from London, England, standing at six foot, three inches tall, and weighing in at two hundred and forty pounds… this is JOHNNY CANNON!

"And I wonder, are you puttin' us under?
Cause we can't take our eyes off
The t-shirt and ties combination
Well see you later, innovator."

Cannon quickly runs up the ring steps and quickly leaps over the ropes with relative ease. Using the momentum from his jump, Johnny spins into the center of the ring before stopping on the drop of a dime and peering outside at the nearest ringside camera. Too cool for school, the world renowned actor slowly unzips his jacket, and slides out with suaveness before handing his entrance gear to the referee, who then hands it to the nearby ring attendant.

Johnny shoots a glance at Lenton who acknowledges, the two standing in adjacent corners as they prepare for their foe’s arrival.

Seth Erickson: And you think those two are on the same page Dick? The Ninth Gate's gonna make quick work out of them.

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 drum beat. Soon, more lights start joining in on the pulsing, and as more drums and electronic pulses kick in, the crowd starts jeering. At the first scream for vocals, Audrey Lloris leads the way for Kameron Chase and Daisuke Iwakuma, the collective known as The Ninth Gate!

David Zinkus: Introducing their opponents, being accompanied to the ring by Audrey Lloris, and representing LEGION, at a combined weight of four hundred, forty four pounds... they are the EXODUS PRO TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... the team of Kameron Chase and Daisuke Iwakuma... THE NINTH GATE!



As the song continues, the two walk down, 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 extend their arms outward to pose in the LEGION trademark crucifix style. Once down, the lights start to come back up as they remove their jackets and talk strategy.

Senior official Brian Lowery holds up the tag team championships, all four men nodding in acknowledgement of what's at stake. After, he requests for the two men who will start the action to step forward. Cannon gives Lenton the floor, making his way to the apron while Daisuke lets Chase know he'll get things going. Upon Chase exiting to the apron, the bell chimes thrice and we're off.

Dick Morosi: And it looks like Lenton and Iwakuma are going to start things off.

Stretching his arms out in a crucifix pose is the leader of LEGION, Daisuke Iwakuma, as he glares coldly at the physical specimen that is Steve Lenton who stands only a few feet away from him. After the brief moment of posturing they advance toward one another, immediately going for the traditional collar and elbow tie. Knowing full well he doesn’t stand a chance in a physical struggle with Lenton, Iwakuma quickly breaks free and applies a Headlock. Quick thinking, the former linebacker from Virginia Tech University backs Daisuke into the ropes, using the elasticity of the cables throw his antagonist forward as their two bodies bounce off it. Consequently, Lenton is freed from the headlock, and Iwakuma is sent across the ring. As he bounces off the cables and charges forward, Daisuke is welcomed by the not so warm embrace of his opponent, coming in the form of a stiff shoulder block that flattens him like a pancake. As the RIMAC chirps from the collision, Steve plays to the crowd, flexing his muscles to the chagrin of Iwakuma who lies supinely on the canvas.

Finished posing, Steve makes a dash for the ropes as Daisuke slides into the center of the ring and rolls onto his belly, forcing the rebounding Lenton to leap over him. As the Virginia native hits the second set of ropes, Iwakuma scrambles to his feet, stopping Steve in his tracks with an open palm slap upon his return.

Seth Erickson: Dick… what did the five fingers say to the face?

Dick Morosi: Slap Seth! And they said it loudly. And telling from the look on his face, Steve didn’t appreciate that one at all.

The arrogant grin plastered on Iwakuma’s face sends Lenton into a fit of rage, causing him to impulsively charge forward and lunge at the villain’s throat. Steve falls right into the trap, as Daisuke capitalizes by ducking under one of the heavyweight’s exposed arms, quickly emerging behind him with a twisted arm under his control. The man known as the “Perfect Evil” maliciously bends Steve’s arm behind his back in a hammerlock, before backing toward his corner, close enough to where Chase can slap him on the shoulder for the tag. While Kameron climbs into the ring, Daisuke kicks at the inside of Lenton’s right knee, forcing him to drop onto it. From there Iwakuma shifts his position, extending Steve’s captured arm as a patient Kameron Chase sizes him up. Following a well placed dropkick from Chase to the exposed limb, Lenton immediately clutches his afflicted arm as he writhes in pain on the canvas.

Dick Morosi: Looks like the strategy is to take out Steve’s arms.

Seth Erickson: That prevents Lenton, an accomplished bench presser, from tossing them around like ragdolls. That’s sound strategy from the Ninth Gate. That’s why they’re the champs Dick!

Still tending to his ailing appendage, Lenton crawls toward the ropes, looking to create some much needed breathing room between him and his opponent. Chase denies his plea to recuperate, quickly pouncing on his downed foe, and forcing his throat across the middle rope with a blatant and malicious choke.

Brian Lowery immediately begins his five count.

"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE"
"FOUR"

Chase finally, nonchalantly breaks the choke at four before climbing to his feet and engaging the Lowery in a war of words. As the senior official continues to admonish him, the arrogant Chase merely outstretches his arms in a crucifix style pose, receiving jeers from the crowd. With the referee's attention diverted, Audrey seizes the moment to make her presence known as she reaches through the ropes and rakes at Lenton's eyes. She backs away innocently as Kameron turns his attention back to his foe, tossing Steve onto his back and going for a quick cover to preserve his team’s momentum.

“ONE”
“TWO”

The former collegiate athlete interjects the pin with a jutting out of his good arm into the air, lifting his shoulder off the canvas. Steve groggily begins to climb to his feet, his eyes closed as he gasps for air. Rather than scoping out the landscape, he pivots on his hip flexor and gradually returns to a vertical base. Unbeknownst to him, the cocky six year pro from Pittsburgh remains aggressive, taking away Lenton’s newly obtained vision with the scenic qualities of his armpit as he applies a Dragon Sleeper, immediately forcing the bigger man back down to a seated position. Steve’s neck rests on the precipice of hyper-extension, as another pain filled groan escapes his respiratory system due to the exerted pressure; Chase’s gritted teeth and the murderous look in his eyes augments the stress caused by the submission hold. With their hero looking worse for wear, the patrons rise with heartfelt chants, hoping to will Lenton to his feet.

“PLEASE DON’T TAP!” PLEASE DON’T TAP!” “PLESE DON’T TAP!”

Dick Morosi: If the gameplan was to wear down Steve Lenton, the Ninth Gate has carried out that strategy with sound execution.

Seth Erickson: Of course it has Dick! You didn't really think this makeshift team EXODUS threw together was actually going to rise to the occasion did you?

Refusing to be submitted, Lenton gradually grows in height as he makes his way onto his knees, despite still being held captive in the Dragon Sleeper. The position leaves Kameron bent over him, desperately trying to keep Steve immobilized. Steve however has other plans, as he reaches overhead and grabs the tag champion by the neck with both hands, before dragging him forward and down to the mat with a Snapmare. Showing signs of enervation from his time in the submission, Lenton staggers back into the nearby corner – the wrong corner, where a treacherous Daisuke Iwakuma lies in wait. Having gotten caught in the proverbial arachnid’s web, Steve finds himself once again at a loss for air, as Iwakuma reaches over from his position on the apron and applies a modified sleeper hold. An exasperated Johnny Cannon hastily steps through the ropes, causing the Lowery to pop up and run toward him, demanding that he get back on the apron. The irate Englishman screams at the zebra clad official, pleading his case, and pointing at the perpetrator who merely exploits the London native’s inadvertent distraction.

Dick Morosi: The referee is worrying about the wrong man. He's letting Daisuke get away with murder.

Seth Erickson: Hey its not cheating if the referee is a bumbling idiot haha!

Continuing to receive an earful, Johnny finally and reluctantly climbs back onto the apron; meanwhile Kameron Chase has recovered and climbed to his feet, Iwakuma simultaneously releasing Lenton and feigning innocence as the referee scorns him. With Steve slumped down in the corner and seemingly out of it, Kam quickly charges in with a head full of steam, looking to put him out of his misery. Either playing possum, or benefiting from a sudden second wind, Lenton suddenly bolts out of the corner, bringing Chase’s momentum to a sudden, abrupt halt. Capturing him around the head and shoulder, while simultaneously grabbing his upper thigh, Lenton reclines backward; in one fluid motion he throws him overhead, forcefully slamming him down into the turnbuckle, leaving the ring somewhat trembling from the violent impact.

Dick Morosi: The tide turns with an Exploder Suplex! Both men are down, one of them has to make a tag!

Seth Erickson: Where the hell did that come from? Lenton was being beaten worse than a cliché, yet somehow he was able to pull that counter out of nowhere!

On the apron, Cannon claps his hands and motions to the crowd, hoping to fire them up enough that Steve can feed off of their energy. The spectators filling the RIMAC for the evening’s festivities begin stamping their feet, and those close enough to the guardrails begin slapping them, the audible ruckus causing a commotion in the middle of the ring as the once inanimate bodies of the legal participants of the contest begin to stir. On one end, Steve Lenton desperately crawls across the ring to his corner, while the other sees Kameron Chase unfold his body; his frame had taken the form of an accordion due to the Suplex received mere moments ago. With a roar from the crowd, Lenton slaps the hand of an eager Johnny Cannon, making the hot tag, while a slightly disoriented Chase follows suit, legally inviting Daisuke back into the fray.

The audience explodes as Cannon steps through the ropes, giving his partner a much needed breather as he makes a bee-line toward an incoming Daisuke. The Englishman ducks a Clothesline attempt from his hated nemesis, and quickly pivots on his feet, displaying his freshness from having been forced to spectate for so long. As Iwakuma turns, Johnny lays into him with a stiff Shoot Kick to the chest, followed by a second, and then a third, the audible collision of shin and sternum sending the recipient of the barrage staggering into the ropes. Quickly executing an Irish Whip, Cannon sends Daisuke across the ring and into the opposite ropes, and upon his return does the electrifying Englishman strike. Cannon quickly flings Daisuke into the air, taking a kickboxing stance as he waits for gravity to drag the LEGION’s ringleader from the skies. He doesn’t have to wait long as Daisuke plummets straight down, only to catch a thunderous kick to the chest that sends the crowd into a frenzy.

Dick Morosi: Cardiac Arrest! Listen to this crowd Seth! This might be the beginning of the end for the Ninth Gate!

Iwakuma writhes in pain on the canvas, panting heavily from the assault sustained by his chest region. A recovered Kameron Chase pulls himself up in the corner, sensing his partner’s acute sense of agony and the potential danger their title reign is in. With haste he makes a dash at Cannon, only to be blindsided by Steve Lenton who charges at him from a three point stance. Indeed, the former collegiate linebacker collides with the exposed abdomen of Chase with a ravaging Gore, the momentum, and force behind the Blitz sending both men rolling under the bottom rope and crashing to the floor.

Meanwhile, the two legal men – Daisuke and Cannon – struggle for control of their current affair. Johnny grabs Iwakuma by his head, slowly lifting him to his feet. Quick thinking, the most hated superstar in EXODUS quickly brings his foe down with a jawbreaker, with Daisuke’s counter sending Johnny back in a disoriented retreat. Dazed by the blow to the head, the London brawler gives Iwakuma his back, a vital mistake which he pays dearly for. Sliding up behind him, the tag champion immediately captures him in a cobra clutch hold. Upon the bridging of his back, LEGION’s fearless leader coerces Johnny off his feet, slamming him head first into the canvas with authority.

Seth Erickson: Deadly Premonition! Dick, tell your mother to ready her vocals, cause its almost time for the fat lady to sing her beloved tune.

The momentum of the perfectly executed Suplex carries Cannon up to a knee, while the deliverer of the said move shuffles to his feet. As Iwakuma advances toward him, Johnny suddenly springs to his feet, appearing to be running on sheer adrenaline. With a monotonous, outright manly roar, he begins unloading across Daisuke’s face with machine gun like slaps, sending sweat flying in all sorts of directions. The slaps finally cease, but the onslaught however continues, as Johnny drives his left elbow into the tag champ’s temple, followed by a stiff and blistering discus forearm with his right arm. Despite the beating sustained by his cranium, Iwakuma remains standing, albeit barely. With his foe punch-drunk and groggy, Cannon leans back into the ropes before rushing forward, leaping, and connecting with a vicious Single Leg Dropkick that all but smashes his adversary’s proverbial piñata. The flurry leaves both men down on the canvas, with Daisuke sprawling motionlessly, while Cannon lies on his back and stares blankly at the light shining down on him from the top of the California arena, basking in the flawless execution of his trademark combination, admist the noise of the crowd’s loudest pop of the match.

Dick Morosi: The Clockwork Orange! The Ninth Gate’s in trouble Seth!

Seth Erickson: THANK YOU CAPTAIN OBVIOUS!

Cringing in pain and fatigue, Cannon slowly rolls onto his chest, and pushes himself up to a vertical base. The grimace turns to grin on Johnny’s mug, those watching on now buzzing louder than before as he stalks his prey, sliding his thumb across his throat to let everyone know that the end is near.

Dick Morosi: And we could be moments away from the Cannon Driver Seth!

Seth Ericson: I think Lenton's more excited than he is, he wants to put in the final blow!

Indeed, Lenton's got his arm out, wanting into the ring...and behind him, walking down the aisle, is a furious Kliff Ulysses! Cannon and Kliff lock eyes, and Johnny slaps his partner on the arm, bailing from the ring to meet Kliff in the aisle, the two trading punches as Lenton turns, surprised to see this happening!

Dick Morosi: Lenton needs to be careful! Here comes Daisuke!

Iwakuma grabs Lenton by the head, slinging him over the top rope and into the ring! Before The Big L can react, Daisuke pulls him up and to the middle of the ring, hitting the Resident Evil and pinning him for the three! The bell rings, and Cannon breaks away from Kliff, turning to see what happened in the ring!

Dick Morosi: Kliff Ulysses was out here to do the same thing he did earlier to Halliwell and Harter, and Johnny Cannon made sure he didn't...

Seth Ericson: But at a greater cost! He distracted his partner and cost them the match and the titles!

Iwakuma and Chase clear out of the ring as Cannon charges back in, and the pair (with their titles), escape to the back with Kliff.

WINNERS AND STILL CHAMPIONS: THE NINTH GATE