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The crowd gasp in awe as they hear a loud shriek over the P.A system as the lights begin to dim. The big screen springs to life, showing the image of silvery white feathers falling to a backdrop of intense flame. The show footage focuses on the screen, a figure of a mighty bird of prey clawing out with vicious, razor sharp talons, unaffected by the inferno. It’s eyes glow a fearful and bright gold, turning to crimson red as it seemingly flies out from the screen making the crowd gasp in awe. Then there is nothing. Nothing but darkness and silence.

The silence is broken, as a faint yet beautiful piano piece begins to play out in the background. The audience leaps to their feet, almost drowning out the sound of music as several spotlights circle around the arena as the crowd looks around in awe. Swirling violins begin to play out a haunting rhythm as a thick cloud of intoxicating smoke emits from the entrance way. Barbarian Horns fire up along with a thunderous dub step beat and distorted guitars as the Instrumental Core Remix of Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’ fully kicks in. A silhouette appears in the thick grey smog; his head is bowed as he methodically makes his way to the ring. The figure pauses for a moment, staring out into the audience. The figure of Andreas Lasiewicz, clad in a fine tailor made suit steps out from the back, seemingly smoking a cigarette; his head lolled to one side as he surveys the crowd with his police baton, the symbol of The Turks, resting on his shoulder.

As he reaches the ring, he stops to stare out in to the crowd, and lets out a short, cruel laugh as he rolls into the ring and removes his jacket, pausing with a mocking crucifix pose that would infuriate a certain competitor, if it wasn't for the fact he was presumably dead. He climbs one of the turnbuckles, searching out into the crowd with a Cheshire Cat grin across his face. He hops down as he spins the baton around in his left hand for a moment before resting back against the turnbuckle, as David Zinkus hands him a microphone.

Andreas Lasiewicz: It would seem that most of you, all of you are due some sort of an explanation. The events surrounding the end of the Autumn Effect have confused many, in fact, a lot of the actions leading up to possibly the most important moment in EXODUS Pro history have confused a great deal of you. I was going to explain my part in all of this last week, but due to an unforeseen family emergency, I was unable to attend the last EXODUS broadcast. I apologize for that.

He steps forth to the centre of the ring, running his heads through his hair as he looks on solemnly into the crowd.

Andreas Lasiewicz: We’ll have to take a trip down memory lane, several months down the way. It was a few short days after I was brutally attacked by Gods & Monsters prior to my World title defence against Johnny Cannon. Most people would have been sent to the hospital by such an attack, but I would not forfeit the title, so I went out there at barely fifty percent to face the supposed ‘Mr EXODUS’. I admit, in my weakened state he scrapped the victory. But that attack, those actions taken by G & M, after a further attack away from the cameras after the show went off of the air… It gave me an epiphany. Something had to be done, and it was not something that could solely be done within the confines of the squared circle.

Lasiewicz leans over the ropes, staring out to the top of the stage as he continues what seems to be a heartfelt speech.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Victories within the ring were becoming less important, the titles we held meant nothing if we could not defend them. Each and every single week the Sekigun, and EXODUS as a whole was becoming more and more divided. Each and every single week, members were being picked off. Each and every single week, loyalties were being tested. So… I knew that something had to change, so I arranged a meeting with Jonathan Collins… and I pitched an idea that would change the very way we were fighting this war.

He begins to pace around the ring impatiently, trying to spread his message to the quiet audience as they listen in intently.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I wore a mask, a mask in the form of a wheeled throne. I turned myself into everything that a professional wrestler fears, a future where you cannot do what you love, a future were bitterness and despair is all that you have left. A future were you can do nothing but lament over your past mistakes and failures. I simply became a mirror image of everything that could happen to EXODUS if we were not able to succeed. I posted cryptic tweets pointing out the failures and misgivings of the Sekigun, insulting and putting down all and everyone I could with little to no response. It was all part of the plan. My words and insults slowly began to unite the group once more, giving them a cause to unite once more, to prove me wrong. The fact that one of their own was saying such things fired them up so much… so much that it lit a fire under all of them. They knew they had to make their move, and they sure did.

The audience begins chanting for the Sekigun, giving them a short round of applause that Andreas joins in with.

Andreas Lasiewicz: As this continued, Christum Furor truly believed me to be lost to the Sekigun. He, and his minions, who had always paid so much attention to every single member of the roster, suddenly stopped tracking my actions. After all, what could a bitter, old man in a wheelchair do? I seemed to be only helping in their cause. But while they focused elsewhere, on the vanguard fighting on the frontlines, I was able to slip behind the enemy, and it was there that I made my move. I donned yet another disguise, as a dark figure wearing an even darker hat… and using that disguise I was able to secretly approach a great number of past EXODUS stars and convince them to come back. They did not know it was me, and I apologize for not revealing my identity, but the future of EXODUS itself was at stake. I was able to get one of my moles, a young British trainee that many had cast aside, to spy on the mysterious black clad security that was turning up at each and every show. And during that time, I was able to plant a spy within Gods and Monsters themselves.

The crowd look on in confusion to Lasiewicz’s last few words. Whilst he points out a brunette woman who is standing at ringside.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Shocking, I know. My sister’s allegiance with G & M was a shock, even to myself. But I know her far too well, and I have always known her closest confidant was her childhood friend, Leliana. You may recognise her as the woman at ringside taking still shots of every event. Well, I was able to convince her to pass on all knowledge of G & M’s actions, every single thing that was passed on to her was in turn passed on to myself and Jonathan.

The crowd chants for the EXODUS Pro photographer, as she looks on sheepishly before sitting down next to Zinkus, growing a greater shade of red. Andreas gives her a nod, before he continues on,

Andreas Lasiewicz: All of this could not be done if I hadn’t taken that dark path. We wouldn’t have been able to infiltrate Furor’s minions, nor would we have been able to slip some of our number into Matthews Security forces… and I certainly would not have been allowed to wheel my way past all of that carnage for a graveside seat for the end of the world. And you, the Sekigun, infuriated by my taunting, with anger in your bellies from G & M’s actions, with a determination to not let Chuck Matthews succeed… you finally became the army that I had begged for so many months ago. I did not wish to deceive you, nor did I wish to hurt you… But it was something that I just had to do. Only a select few knew what I was doing. Fiona, Jonathan, Chandler… and for the rest that doubted me… I am truly sorry.

Andreas’ words seem quite heartfelt now, the usual gruffness to his voice making way. He wipes what seems to be a blood red tear from his eye before continuing on, as he points towards the EXODUS sign with his baton.

Andreas Lasiewicz: In the aftermath of it all, we stood victorious… and now Jonathan Collins has stepped down from his position. In his final act, he split his duties between two people. He gave directorship of EXODUS Pro to Jimmy Riley, a very wise and fair decision and I am sure that Jimmy will lead us to a bright future. As for the leadership of the Sekigun… he gave that to me…

The crowd lets out a wild roar of approval for this decision, chanting ‘You Deserve It’ to the man from Krakow, Poland. He tries to hush them so he can finish his speech.

Andreas Lasiewicz: There were many things I said about the Sekigun as a whole during my time in the chair. Many of them were fabrications of the truth, but some were valid points made so you could better yourselves. But one point in particular was one that cannot be denied. A group of this size, with such an array of talent… it only attracts enemies. This group, they have defeated LEGION, they have defeated Gods & Monsters. Not as individuals, but as an army. United in one cause. Many will look at our new title holders as the true victors, others at those who made that final stand against Chuck Matthews. Others look to Strike, others to Collins, and some even to myself. But it was the group as a whole. Every single one of you had your part to play and you all did so admirably… and from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank you all… But a group like this, no matter how successful, no matter how powerful, it only paints a gigantic target of the back of EXODUS Pro. A group like this can make enemies quite easily, and one day another LEGION or G & M or even a HATE could emerge to challenge such a group. And this… must be avoided at all costs. It is my decision… and mine alone, that I have decided to avoid such an occurrence from ever happening again, and as we walk brightly into the new year of EXODUS Pro… I am honourably discharging each and every single member of the Sekigun.

The crowd are in absolute shock, many covering their gasps with their hands. The is utter silence in the arena, none quite believing what they are hearing.

Andreas Lasiewicz: The Sekigun is now disbanded. The future of EXODUS Pro is now in YOUR hands… I thank you all… You are dismissed.

It is at this moment that Andreas bows his head and rolls out of the ring. Nobody says a word, as nobody can quite believe what they have just heard.

Dick Morosi: I… I don’t quite believe what I have just heard. The Sekigun has been disbanded!

Seth Ericson: And Andreas’ prophecy finally comes true.

Dick Morosi: What do you mean?

Seth Ericson: He always did say that both Gods & Monsters AND The Sekigun were going to die. He just made it all come true!

Dick Morosi: And on that bombshell... It's main event time!

NORMAL MATCH
LEXY CHAPEL vs. CHRIS STRIKE (EXODUS Pro World Champion)

David Zinkus: The following contest is your Main Event and is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit.

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, Nate and Lexy Chapel walk out on to the stage, each carrying with them a camera-phone. They each stage on different sides of the stage at first, looking out over the fans and both filming the fans, before Nate turns and Lexy runs at him, leaping into his arms and kissing him passionately on the stage.



David Zinkus: Introducing first, from North London, England, weighing in at one hundred and fourteen pounds. She is LEXY! CHAPEL!

They both make their way to the ring as the music continues to play, filming the fans as they walk down to the ring and posing on the entrance ramp together. As the chorus of the song begins, both slide in to the ring and climb up on to opposite corners, filming the fans again with their phones before turning and filming each other.

“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”

They both jump down from their corners and walk to the middle of the ring where Nate grabs Lexy and spins her around before kissing her again. He takes the phone from her and she removes her ring jacket before sliding over to her corner and jumping up on the turnbuckles, posing there again for a moment before flipping over backwards and readying herself for her opponent.

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel has a golden opportunity in front of her tonight, Seth. Many have clamored since the young star burst onto the scene that she should have been in the Main Event. Here she is tonight with a chance to prove her supporters right and her doubters wrong.

Seth Ericson: I’ve always been a fan, Dick. I don’t know if she’s ready for this though. She’s about to get in the ring with the World Champion, and that’s a whole other level.

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel has already made a name for herself by defying odds and shattering expectations, Seth. I wouldn’t put anything past the young woman.

Seth Ericson: But I would put something in front of her, and that’s this man.

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 her opponent! From Denver, Colorado via São Paulo, Brazil; weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds...HE IS THE EXODUS PRO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...HE IS “THE WAR MACHINE,” HE IS...CHRIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSS…STRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps out into the limelight with the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title across his right shoulder, drawing a loud reaction from the EXODUS faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises the title up in the air with his right hand. 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 with the title held high as the fans begin to sing along with the chorus.

Dick Morosi: The bullseye on this man’s back seems to grow bigger and bigger every day, but he hasn’t backed down from the challenge. Two weeks ago he beat Justin Brooks in a GREAT match -

Seth Ericson: And now he’s gotta deal with the greatest International Champion in history, which goes to show that it won’t be getting any easier. But that’s the way he wants it. The tougher the better.

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 places the title on his shoulder again before making 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 makes his way towards the nearest turnbuckle, ascending it and slowly raising the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title in the air again, basking in the reaction before stepping down from the turnbuckle. 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, and easily becomes a distant memory in the back of everyone’s mind as the audience begins to focus on the two competitors in the ring.

Seth Ericson: The best in EXODUS is taking on one of the best right now, Dick. This is definitely a dream match for many and I’m just glad to be awake for it.

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel is capable of big things, she’s made that clear already. She’s killed giants like Jonathan Collins and Kerry Windsor. Can she handle The War Machine is the question?

Seth Ericson: And as they get ready we’re about to find that out.

Dick Morosi: Indeed because that’s the bell. Lets do this thing!

*DING DING DING*

The bell suddenly chimes thrice, and the time for talk quickly passes to be replaced with haste
and action as Chapel and strike advance to the center of the ring to quickly lock up in a collar and elbow tie. There isn’t much of struggle before The War Machine backs his adversary into the turnbuckles, his seemingly insurmountable power advantage being flourished as physically dominates his smaller foe. Lexy relinquishes her hold of him and proceeds to lean back a bit, hoping that referee Chris Dawson will step in perform his administrative duties by subduing the World Champion. Before the lead official can call for the clean break, Strike is already in mid strike (no pun intended), as he sends a forearm forehead toward the Londoner’s facial features. However, he gets nothing but air, as the former International Champion circumvents the attack - Chris spinning around in awe and befuddlement of his opponent’s blistering speed and extraordinary agility. Chapel stands in a slight crouch, hands gesturing at the champion to come at her, showing that she’s more than ready for the challenge. Cracking a grin in response to her show of confidence, The God of Thunder oblige her as he lunges forward with outstretched arms. His hands protrude into the air for a brief second, before Lexy deftly steps under them, spins around, then rotates her hips to fire a low kick at her foe’s lower foundation. The stiff blow from her shin slams against the back of Strike’s leg, causing the World Champion to hop away and retreat to the ropes in slight pain, making sure to get some distance between he and the young starlet before she can follow up.

Dick Morosi: The two seem to be feeling each other right now. Chapel is letting Strike know he’ll have his hands full tonight.

Seth Ericson: A confident Chapel is a dangerous Chapel. The War Machine better be careful to stay clear of those educated feet.

With the EXODUS faithful cheering loudly, Strike comes off the ropes with a charge attack. His haste is repaid with another clubbing blow, this time to his opposite hamstring, almost cutting him down where he stands. Chris cringes, realizing how much power the pint sized superstar packs with every home run swing she takes at his lower extremities. With her opponent somewhat reeling, Chapel dives at his knees for a Double Leg Takedown, but the veteran has her pegged as he pushes his assailant away. She tests the waters once more, rushing at him with a more vertical attack to try and catch him off guard. The War Machine answers with a wild swing, a Lariat attempt as he looks to knock the Chapel Show star’s head clean off her shoulders. Thinking on her feet, Lexy ducks and strafes to her foe’s back to lock him in a rear waistlock. Strike smiles, knowing he’s been given a window of opportunity to counter, as he takes his hands and clamps down onto her wrists before running toward the ring cables. Just before he hits the ropes, Chris breaks his grip and turns on his heels to dislodge himself from Chapel, before exploiting her momentum against her to fling her through the top and middle ropes. Instead of crashing and burning on the outside, Chapel winds up on her feet with cat like swiftness. The World Champion isn’t going to give her a breather though, as he slips under the bottom rope in pursuit. His eyes widen with focus as he turns toward her last known location, only to find that space vacant. Out of his peripheral vision, Strike catches a glimpse of a flash like blur, as Chapel charges into the ring. Having scouted her enough, Chris hits the deck in an effort to distance himself and prevent the high flying daredevil from deploying one of her airborne techniques. Lexy’s feet sling through the ropes and twirl back inside the squared circle, as the challenger avoids catastrophe and flusters The War Machine in the process.

Dick Morosi: The World Champion is rethinking his gameplan right now, Seth. Whatever strategy he came into tonight with has been scrapped due to Chapel thwarting it with her raw athleticism.

Seth Ericson: Which is amazing when you think about it. Strike is quick on his feet himself, but Lexy has him moving in slow motion right now. She’s just too fast for him.

Dick Morosi: I’m sure he planned for this, but witnessing the former International Champion’s speed in person is another thing. She moves like the wind.

Seth Ericson: But Strike brings the thunder, and you better believe he’s thinking of a way to ground her before things get out of hand.

Strike nods his head repeatedly as he stares into the ring from the outside. He comes to grips with what he already knew - Lexy Chapel is the real deal, and not an easy out by any stretch of the imagination. As a man that thirsts for competition, The War Machine can’t help but show her a measure of respect as he contemplates a way to get the upperhand. However, just as the gears begin to turn, the World Champion’s pondering is brought to an abrupt halt by a familiar and uninvited sound.



Call it a slap to the face or an attempt at playing mind games, Johnny Cannon emerges from the entrance tunnel with no special effects to an overwhelmed and annoyed audience while “Cinderella Man” by Eminem blares throughout the arena. Lexy Chapel looks up at the referee who appears to be just as bewildered. Wearing a simple suit and tie, Mr. EXODUS looks as though he’s not particularly interested in starting any trouble. Chris Strike, who slowly raises his head in anger from the sound of the theme music, disagrees. Not taking the time to taunt the livid audience, Cannon makes his way down the entrance ramp just as The War Machine re-enters the ring.

Dick Morosi: Ladies and Gentleman it seems we’re going to be graced, and I use that term loosely, with the presence of one Johnny Cannon.

Seth Ericson: Hey, Mr. EXODUS is always welcomed here at the table, Dick. You should show him a little more respect. After all he’s the reason we’re employed.

Dick Morosi: That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said in the two years I’ve sat here at this desk with you and that’s saying a lot.

Cannon saunters right up to the ring, mere feet away from the World Champion, and ever so cockily greets him with the vulgar British two finger salute. Taking in the taunt, Strike grits his teeth and glares at the British Mamba, who gives him his back as he continues his walk over to the announcer’s table. Cannon grabs a chair and a headset, taking a seat beside both commentators, deciding to lend a helping hand in calling the Main Event.

Johnny Cannon: Fellas, I’m sure you don’t mind my intrusion. I thought I’d come out here and boost the ratings again. It's know secret my match against The Big L was the most viewed portion of the show where I DOMINATED him. Now I'm back out here to give everyone a reason to watch this snooze fest. It’s the least I can do, being Mr. EXODUS after all.

Dick Morosi: Always so humble, Johnny?

Seth Ericson: If the man’s being honest, what does modesty have to do with anything? Welcome, Johnny. We’re glad to have you, at least I am.

Johnny Cannon: Glad to be here, Seth. I just thought I’d get a closer look at things, and scout the talent and see what the hype is about Chris Strike. Never been really impressed with him.

Trying to block the distraction out of their minds, the two competitors begin circling around the ring once again. After a brief moment of anticipation the two collide in the center of the squared hell again. Chapel once again takes the initiative, sliding to the canvas knee first as she lunges at Strike’s lower body, quickly encircling the Brazilian’s legs. Not expecting the maneuver, the World Champion is unable to properly defend himself, allowing Lexy to score with the Double Leg Takedown. Strike’s basic instincts cause him to roll onto his front, his change in positioning forcing Chapel to change her approach. She has no problem improvising, as she crawls beside his upper body and quickly scissors her legs around his near arm and wraps her hands around his face. The yelps of pain convey the story as The War Machine’s head is cranked back awkwardly, as Lexy tries her hand at a Crossface submission to try and put things away quickly. Realizing time is of the essence and that he has to act quickly to avoid succumbing to the agony, Strike squirms backward, managing to get foot underneath the bottom rope. Chris Dawson immediately steps in, forcing Chapel to break the hold, meanwhile, Strike rolls away.

Seth Ericson: Chapel is crafty as hell, Dick. She almost got Chris there with a rare submission move.

Dick Morosi: You’ve got to do things you normally wouldn’t do when you’re facing a World Champion, Seth. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has some more tricks up her sleeve.

Johnny Cannon: I’ve seen just about all of her tricks, so if she’s got some new ones the champ is going to be stuck between a rock and hard place real fast.

As The War Machine climbs to his feet, Lexy climbs to her feet and charges across the ring - only to meet a brick wall as Chris lowers his stance to flatten her with his shoulder blade. As the shoulder block leaves Chapel looking up at the ceiling lights, Strike stares out at the masses for a brief moment. After a brief delay, the action picks back up as The World Champion falls back into the ropes, spurring Chapel to switch to a prone position on the mat. Bouncing off the ropes, Strike leaps over Lexy before continuing his momentum across the ring. As he rebounds, the agile Chapel springs to her feet and leaps into the air. Chris puts the brakes on, halting his moment in time to catch the Londoner in midair, as the former International Champion straddles his shoulders. With tremendous might he swings Chapel downward to thrust her into the canvas, pinning her down as Dawson begins to count.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Knowing his opponent has too much resolve, Strike quickly flips her onto her chest and steps over her. After stepping back a few feet he crouches down slightly to stretch her abdominal region and apply pressure to her back with an Elevated Boston Crab.

Dick Morosi: What a combination right there from the War Machine. He floated that Powerbomb over into a Boston Crab, and now he’s got Chapel in a bad way.

Johnny Cannon: Yeah, that was impressive but he’s sacrificing positioning to apply greater pressure by not sitting down all the way with the Spinal Stretch. I wouldn’t do that, but hey not everyone can be like me which is exactly why I’m the best.

Seth Ericson: We can debate that for hours. What isn’t debatable is that Lexy Chapel needs to find a way out of there soon before Chris breaks her in half.

As the pain increases, her breathing slows, and her muscles become enervated, a strained look manifests on the profile of the former International Champion. The spinal stretch, as Cannon put it, was doing the desired damage as Strike continues to apply the pressure. Taking a deep breath, Lexy locks her jaw in place, and grinds her teeth together as she makes a last ditch effort to clasp the ropes - but fails, as The War Machine drags her from the ropes. However, that gives the young starlet a window of opportunity to counter, as she turns onto her back, and pulls her legs in before thrusting them back out to push Strike back. Lexy rolls back from the point of contact, and when she finally ceases she finds herself on her knees, trying to come with a plan to change the pace that has been effectively slowed down by the World Champion’s methodical offense. Scrambling to a vertical base, Chapel immediately charges right at Strike who swings and misses with a Clothesline as she ducks and makes a beeline for the ropes. She rebounds off the cables, leaps into the air, and straddles Chris’ shoulders before sending him somersaulting forward with a Headscissors Takedown. Both combatants look to get back to their feet now, but Lexy beats Strike to the punch - as she leaps forward with a Dropkick that sends him through the ropes as he crashes and burns to the floor below. Watching Strike struggle to get up for a moment, Lexy begins clapping her hands together in an effort to rile up the crowd. The positive response ushered suggests that the crowd is right behind her, influencing her next plan of attack. Rushing to the far end ropes, she cannons off of them, ready to sacrifice herself. When she is almost at the ropes, she leaps forward to clear the set before her - Strike can only watch as the Londoner comes flying toward him, and the fans look in amusement and begin to sing her praises.

“LEXY CHAPEL!”
CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
“LEXY CHAPEL!
*CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Seth Ericson: Suicide Dive! Lexy Chapel is turning up the noise. Listen to this crowd.

Johnny Cannon: You can’t allow her to gain any momentum and get these wankers hyped up because it just adds another dimension to her game.

Dick Morosi: You would know most of all, seeing as she got the better of you a few months ago.

Johnny Cannon: She’s beaten a lot of people. She didn’t officially arrive until she got one over on me though which just proves my point. I’m the measuring stick in EXODUS. She probably wouldn’t be in the Main Event if she didn’t pick up that win because a victory over Mr. EXODUS can make a career. I carried her for twenty minutes, and now she's a star. That's what I do.

Smelling blood in the water, a confident Lexy Chapel picks the World Champion off the cold floor before swooping him into the ring before following suit as she slides in under the bottom rope, quickly executing a lateral press.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Chapel stays on the attack as Strike rolls a shoulder over, as she quickly climbs to her feet before proceeded to stomp a mudhole in the World Champion’s sternum. With Chris down and in a world of pain Lexy begins to survey the crowd that has been vivified by her offensive onslaught. Realizing she’s firmly in the driver’s seat, Chapel doesn’t squander the opportunity as she slowly exits the ring and steps onto the apron. After taking a brief moment to build suspense, Chapel quickly springs onto the top rope before exploiting the cables flexibility to launch herself into the air. In mid flight she extends her leg, the plummets down to drop it along with her entire one hundred and fourteen pound frame across the chest of the sprawled War Machine. Upon connected with the Diving Leg drop, the former International champion once again goes for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

And once again, The World Champion shows his resolve by contorting his body enough to get a shoulder up, much to the young superstar’s dismay.

Seth Ericson: What a move from Lexy. She took a big risk there, and it nearly paid off.

Johnny Cannon: I thought Strike would just give up and live to fight another day. Guess he isn’t as much of a chump as I thought. Good for him.

Dick Morosi: That’s because he’s not a quitter, unlike somebody we know.

Seth Ericson: Hey, hey, don’t provoke the man now, Dick. Come on.

Johnny Cannon: Last time I checked Strike wasn’t in there getting pummeled with a steel chair by a bloody psychopath, an attack that caused me to miss the last show by the way as I wasn’t medically cleared to compete, but hey, I guess I should’ve stuck it out though. I wrestle for me. If I want to bow out on a match I can do that because nobody has accomplished what I've done in this company. Nobody.

The disconcerted World Champion tries to shake the cobwebs as he rises from the ashes, contrary to his adversary with currently radiates with confidence. Chapel doesn’t let up either, as she strikes the wounded War Machine in the shoulder with a high kick. Lexy follows up with a second shot, this time to the skull of the doubled over Brazilian, the latter of the two blows containing more force than it’s predecessor. The strike befuddles Strike, leaving him teetering on the back of his heels. As Strike’s body trembles, his knees are left buckling, prompting Chapel to leave her feet and send him reeling into the corner courtesy of a Dropkick as she plants her boots firmly into his sternum. Lexy springs to her feet, and backs into the center of the ring before jogging in place to build up a head of steam. She suddenly bursts toward the corner, as if she were launched from a cannon, charging straight for the groggy God of Thunder. The World Champion braces himself for the collision, but just when it seems that he’s about to be sandwiched between the incoming train and the turnbuckles, Strike circumvents the attack as he deftly slides out of the corner to evade the steam rolling Londoner.

As Chapel impinges on the turnbuckle, Strike quickly steps behind her before capturing her arms in a Full Nelson. With nowhere for Lexy to run, The War Machine lifts her up off the canvas and bridges his back to slam her head and shoulders into the canvas with a Dragon Suplex. Chris releases his grasp upon the moment Chapel crashes into the mat, allowing her momentum to carry her up onto her knee. Moving with haste, The World Champion scrambles to a vertical base, and quickly Chapel to her’s before laying into her with a series of vicious forearms to the head before locking her in a front facelock. From there he hooks the Featherweight’s near leg with his other arm, then hoists her up into the air before spinning and falling down to plant her cranium into the canvas with a Spinning Fisherman’s DDT.

Johnny Cannon: Damn.

Dick Morosi: Mjöllnir! He just spiked her head first into the mat. That could do it.

Seth Ericson: Chris Strike has left Mr. EXODUS speechless, and he could have just left Lexy Chapel for dead. Here’s the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Lexy gets a shoulder up at the last second to stay alive. Strike remains placid, keeping his cool as he slowly rises to his feet. The War Machine stands tentatively triumphant over his foe as he contemplates what he’ll have to do to put the greatest International Champion in EXPRO history away. Meanwhile, Chapel crawls toward the corner and slowly pulls her up in it. Looking to keep up the pressure, and push up the ante, Strike charges in forward. As he dashes for the corner, Chapel swings her legs up to tattoo her boots into The War Machine’s countenance, sending him reeling. With the momentum momentarily swinging into her favor, Lexy charges out of the corner and lunges at Chris while skillfully arching her body. The technical prowess of the World Champion however surfaces once again, as he captures her legs around his waist. Strike then proceeds to execute a Gutwrench hold, before gradually deadlifting his adversary off the canvas and into the air. Using the momentum achieved by the Wheelbarrow transition hold, Chapel reaches back and grabs Strike’s head, thus freeing herself from his clutches before pulling him down to plant him into the canvas with a Bulldog. The impact of the move forces Strike onto his knees, the agony of which forces the Brazilian to place his hands over his face. In full control of the match now, Lexy springs to her feet, crouching in preparation of her next course of attack. Lifting a knee up, the staggering World Champion spurs her into action, as the former International Champion turns the ropes beside her. She quickly leaps onto the middle cable, then uses it to spring back toward The War Machine. Just as Chris reaches a state of full verticality he’s sent right back down from a Roundhouse Kick to his visage. The audience comes alive in awe, as they’re seemingly moments away from a monumental victory for their darling. Lexy quickly climbs on top of Strike’s lifeless body and goes for the pin.

Dick Morosi: Dental Check!

Johnny Cannon: He’ll have a tough time running his bloody mouth about me after that.

Seth Ericson: He’ll have a tough time chewing too. He might be knocked out cold.

”ONE!”

“TWO - KICKOUT!”

Much to Chapel’s disbelief, The War Machine somehow rolls a shoulder over. With a look of frustration on her fist, Lexy lifts her head up to look at Chris Dawson who holds two fingers up in disbelief. After coming to terms with the fact that she didn’t do enough to put him away yet, the former International Champion slowly climbs to her feet. As Strike gradually begins to stir, Lex makes her way to the corner before slowing ascending up the turnbuckle. Just as she reaches the top, the World Champion comes to life to halt her progress as he dives forward and clubs Chapel over her lower back. The two then jockey for position atop the turnbuckle, as Chris attempts to lift Chapel into the air while the Londoner throws anything and everything at the Brazilian in the hopes of landing a good enough shot to prevent the her demise. She succeeds, as she lands a series of back elbows to the chin that sends The War Machine to the canvas. As Chapel attempts to secure her footing, Chris Strike rises up in defiance, displaying a sudden jolt of adrenaline as he quickly up the top turnbuckle. With haste, he quickly positions himself underneath one of Lexy’s arms, whilst wrapping one arm around the back of her head before grabbing her waist -- all before leaping backward to pull her off the top rope and throw her overhead. The two competitors come pancaking down to the canvas with a resounding thud, sending the crowd into a frenzy as they lie dormant, and utterly debilitated.

Seth Ericson: Chris Strike is insane! Dick, did you just SEE THAT!

Dick Morosi: Yeah, and I still can’t believe it either. Inverted Exploder Suplex from the top rope. No one’s moving after that car crash. Both Chapel and Strike look worse for wear.

Johnny Cannon: An unnecessary risk if you ask me. He’s hurting just as much as she is from that maneuver. I wouldn’t have done it, especially not with a title defense looming.

Dick Morosi: But that’s exactly why there’s only Chris Strike. He’s the World Champion because he take risks. He steps up to the challenge. He gives his all every single time out. He’s a fighting champion, and he has taken the fight to Lexy Chapel tonight.

Johnny Cannon: You’re just a commentator. You're paid to watch and talk about us, but you don’t understand what goes on in that ring, and the battle of attrition we endure. I wrestled banged up almost this entire year, and that was without taking the sort of bumps he's taken tonight alone. There’s no way he’ll be one hundred percent going forward after stunts like that.

Seth Ericson: That is if he’s not already dead. That was sick.

As Chris Dawson begins his count, the crowd once again attempts to rally their favorite to their feet.

“LET’S GO LEXY!”
“LET’S GO STRIKE!”
“LET’S GO LEXY!”
“LET’S GO STRIKE!”

Hearing the vociferous chants of the EXODUS lifeblood, Chapel and Strike slowly rise from the mat. The two battle weary combatants approach one another, with the atmosphere in the arena growing to near biblical proportions. Both competitors are wary as to who makes the first move, so the scene is made to look like a staredown. After what seems like hours, Lexy makes the first move, landing a lightning fast shin kick to the back of Chris’ knee. The Brazilian quickly returns fire with a vicious European Uppercut. His forearm connects with her lower jaw, and Chapel is stunned into a temporary vegetative state. Strike takes advantage, as he slings Alexandra toward the ropes. The Londoner bounces back, and lunges forward, only to be met by The War Machine who exploits her momentum to hoist her up onto his shoulders into a Powerbomb position - only for Chapel to counter with a Sitout Facebuster, planting Strike’s mug into the mat with a thud. The World Champion leans up onto his following the impact of the Critical Review, leaving himself vulnerable to another one of his opponent’s signature maneuvers. Already back on her feet, Chapel reaches across Strike’s chest and hooks the back of his head before falling back to plant his head into the canvas with a Reverse STO.

Dick Morosi: Union Jack Attack! Chapel is feeling it now. She could be moment’s away from picking up the biggest victory in her young career.

Both wrestlers lie on the canvas in a mess of battered bodies. The only movement comes from the heaving chest of Lexy Chapel, as she stares up at the ceiling lights, whilst the crowd lap everything up - knowing they’re witnessing an incredible match. Finally, the former International Champion climbs to her feet and waves at the crowd, getting fired up as the audience reacts by bursting into a paroxysm of cheers as they rally behind the young star who seems to be on the verge of victory. Exiting on the apron, Chapel stares into the ring and begins to size up her prey. With bells ringing and reverberating through his head, the befuddled World Champion staggers to his feet, completely oblivious to the position of his opponent who is already onto the top rope. As Strike turns around, Lexy springboards off the ropes and comes flying toward him with the speed of light…

Seth Ericson: SHOTEI! HE CAUGHT HER IN MID FREAKING AIR!

Johnny Cannon: Well I’ll be damned.

Only for The War Machine to counter as he leaps up to pull Chapel down into a Double Knee Facebreaker. Breaths are being held, palms sweating, and hearts racing as he lies there, the maneuver itself draining everything he had left in the tank. It’s the outpouring of adoration from the fans, as well as those watching at home that gives Chris the fortitude he needs. After a pause, he rolls over and extends his arm out, a hand just making it onto Lexy’s torso to cause Chris Dawson to make the count.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentleman... your winner... The War Machine... CHRIS! STRIIIIIIIIKKKKKE!

"Pull Me Under" by Dream Theater quickly hits the P.A. system as The EXODUS World Champion slowly climbs to his feet. Battle tested, battle proven, The War Machine stands tall, albeit gingerly as Chris Dawson holds his hand in the air to loud cheers from the Anaheim audience.

Dick Morosi: That was one hell of a match we just witnessed, Seth. Lexy Chapel gave it her all, and damn near pulled off the victory. It went to the wire, but Chris Strike was able to edge her in the end.

Seth Ericson: That's another huge notch under the belt for him. He's definitely proven himself to be the standard in EXODUS right now and surely he's earned your respect after a performance like that, right Johnny? Hey where's Johnny?

Seth and Dick look around, but the third seat at the table is empty. It has been long vacated by The British Mamba, who creeps into the ring looking to catch The War Machine off guard with a sneak attack. As Strike dislodges himself from the grasp of the referee and begins to turn around, Cannon comes rushing forward with a Clothesline. Almost as if he has eyes in the back of his head, Chris dodges the maneuver; when Johnny turns around Strike greets him with a Shotei. Mr. EXODUS rolls out of the ring from the point of impact and unceremoniously falls to the floor to ruckus cheers from the capacity crowd. A fired up Strike screams and yells at the top of his lungs, veins begin to bulge out of his forehead as he leans over the ropes and mouths off at the Brit who retreats up the ramp, holding his jaw that just got rocked.

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike just took out the trash folks. Cannon tried to get in a sneak attack, but it wasn't going down. Not tonight.

Seth Ericson: These two have a showdown on the horizon, and I can't wait to see them tear each other apart. For now, The War Machine stands tall.

The War Machine holds up the EXODUS World Championship while a jealous, and irate Cannon glares at him from the ramp as the telecast heads to copyright.


WINNER: Chris Strike

*STATIC*

The Words……

新的伊甸园

Come across the screen, translating into “New Eden” as a mist surrounds them as the sensual and soothing voice of a woman with an Asian accent begins to speak……

“A small hole not mended in time will become a big hole much more difficult to mend. As you continue to walk in all facets of life not paying attention and simply ignoring the threats that become a reality it is the importance, the sanctity of your rituals that prevent you from seeing the truth behind all of the lies.

Sweeping it under the rug and hoping, praying and waiting for it to go away but it never does, it will never go away as the disease cannot be cured overnight. It takes a cleansing, one that will see each of the socialites within Exodus to finally be forced to witness that which they turned the other cheek, walked by with a blind eye or hid under the covers expecting to be protected from the childhood monsters they were told of at such a young age….”

The Words…

黑龙

Come across the screen…..

Translating Into “Black Dragon”, the mist continues to surround them in the background as her voice continues to speak..….

“Exodus Pro has lived under the blanket of tranquility for far too long never paying attention to the Genesis that has come to fruition in this sport, taking promotion by promotion and now your name has been pulled. Fitting the home of the original sin become the liberation that you yearn and seek for sometimes entire lifetimes and never finding them…..

Withering away like a flower in the winter.

Now it is time to open your eyes and look around you, what do you see?”

The Words….

进化

Come across the screen…..

Translating into “Evolution as the face through the mist of Red Rayne, Mika Kozlov, Alana Starr and Aiken appear her voice continues to speak…..

“…..The Darkness……

In The Garden of Our New Eden.”

Silk’s face appears with her oily black eyes as she cracks a smile…..

*STATIC*

And we return, none the wiser that the feed was hijacked.

Dick Morosi: Up next, folks, should be a hell of a contest. It’s #VetStatus herself, Angela Jameson, going one on one in a non-title bout with the EXODUS Pro International Champion, Christian Kane.

Seth Ericson: And Angela Jameson is what we call NOT VERY HAPPY after losing a bout to Christian Kane’s...oh God, I have to say this word, don’t I?

Dick Morosi: You do, because I’m sure as Hell not.

Seth Ericson: ...fine, his bae, Venus, on a (R)evolution Wrestling broadcast last week, thanks to Devan Whitmore’s untimely appearance. Jameson and Kane seem to have a good deal of respect for one another, but neither’s going to hold anything back here. Let’s go up to David Zinkus and get this thing under way!

NORMAL MATCH
CHRISTIAN KANE (EXODUS Pro International Champion) vs. ANGELA JAMESON

David Zinkus: This contest is scheduled for one fall, with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first!

The fans in the arena are eagerly anticipating the next thing to happen when all of a sudden, the lights are cut off sharply, causing the fans to murmur among them as to what is happening. As they continue to wonder, a solitary guitar riff echoes throughout the arena, furthering the confusion of those in attendance. As the riff keeps playing, the clash of a bass guitar and the beat of drums chime in, and red spotlights begin to pulsate in perfect sync with the beat of the music. While this is going on, the eerie voice of Tom Araya breaks through, reaching the audience.

"An unforeseen future nestled somewhere in time.
Unsuspecting victims, no warnings, no signs.
Judgment day the second coming arrives.
Before you see the light you must DIE!!!"

David Zinkus: On her way to the ring at this time, from Savannah, GA, she stands 5’6” tall, and weighs in at 125 pounds….”THE FALLEN ANGEL” ANGELA JAMESON!

As soon as the final word is uttered, the loud crash of the drums and guitar signal a brilliant white light to take over the arena, truly kicking off “South of Heaven” by Slayer. Once the light fades out, it has been replaced by blood red lights. Spotlights frame the aisle and begin to pulse with the music. A few seconds pass and out from behind the curtains emerges ‘The Fallen Angel’ Angela Jameson. She steps out onto the stage, clad in her purple and black entrance robe, the hood coming down to just below her eyebrows. Her crystal blue eyes show little emotion as she stands there, surveying the scene for a moment before moving slowly down the aisle, the fans showering her with a loud chorus of boos. Her arms remain at her sides as her laser-like gaze remains focused on the ring as she climbs the steps slowly. She stands on the apron, with her back resting slightly on the ropes and glances to her right and left before reaching up with her right hand and yanking back the hood. As soon as she yanks the hood back, the lights slowly return to normal. Angela then steps through the bottom and middle ropes. Standing up tall in the ring, she quickly undoes her robe and hands it to the stagehand before slowly pacing around the ring as her music starts to fade out.

Dick Morosi: That is not a happy camper right now, folks.

Seth Ericson: Yeaaah, gotta agree with you there, partner.

David Zinkus: And, her opponent!



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

David Zinkus: From Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he stands 6’1”, and weighs in at 215 pounds! He is the EXODUS Pro International Champion...CHRISTIAN KAAAANE!

With a smirk Christian Kane pats the International Championship which is strapped across his chest akin to a seat belt before making his way down to the ring. As he struts he acknowledges certain fans with his merch, a few who wield signs, even going as far as to slap some of their hands before slowly coming to a stop at ringside.

From the apron The Handsome Drifter climbs the turnbuckle, his left foot standing on the second rope while his right is on the top rope. He then lowers his jacket, allowing it to slide off of his body and to the floor before unstrapping his title belt, holding it down to his side. Kane takes a moment to looks across the arena, even taking time to shout ‘#STUDLIFE’ into the camera just by ringside. Christian then takes the belt in both hands and raises it high into the air, inciting an overwhelming response of cheers from the fans in attendance.

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

Dick Morosi: Two competitors, neither of whom can afford a loss! But only one of them can march further down the road to Dead in Hollywood with a victory, so let’s see just who that is, shall we?

DING DING DING!

Christian Kane shrugs at the bell, his posture loose and casual. Jameson steps forward, to tie up with the Handsome Drifter. It’s then that Kane springs his trap, lunging forward to try and take the Fallen Angel’s head off.

Seth Ericson: No way, not already!

The SuperSexyKick attempt, though, is caught by Angela Jameson, who favors Kane with a look that screams “did you really think I’d be that stupid?” Kane, though, manages to extricate his boot from Jameson’s grasp, and somewhat sheepishly leans into the collar and elbow tieup.

Dick Morosi: Well, if nothing else, give the International Champion points for creativity on that exchange.

Kane grabs hold of a side-headlock, starting to grind it in on Angela. She pushes Kane off into the ropes, and drops down when Christian comes back, running over her. As Kane rebounds, she catches him in her own side-headlock, then takes him over with it to the canvas.

The official drops down, seeing Kane’s shoulders on the mat.

ONE!

Christian quickly gets the offending shoulders off the canvas, reaching up with his legs to scissor Jameson’s head, extricating himself from the side headlock and clamping down on the headscissors. Kane prepares for the usual counter, but Jameson instead grabs both of Kane’s legs and flips over him, stacking their weight over the shoulders!

ONE!


TWO!


THR--NO!

Seth Ericson: Was that three? I think it might have been three, just like that!

Dick Morosi: No, Katie’s putting up two fingers! Somehow, Christian Kane slipped a shoulder up out of that scary pinning predicament from the veteran!

Seth Ericson: Christian’s a flexible guy, you know.

As Kane gets back to his feet, Angela smiles at him, pantomiming just how close the count was. Kane kicks the bottom rope in a moment of frustration, but just as quickly shakes his head, clearing the negativity out of it. The two competitors circle one another again, looking for an opening.

Dick Morosi: Advantage Angela here in the early going.

Seth Ericson: Indeed, but Christian Kane has the SSK. Angela has three devastating calling cards, but not a one of them is as easy to pull off as Kane’s patented superkick. All Christian needs is a second or two and space, and this match can be over in the blink of an eye.

Kane darts in, grabbing a front waistlock, then pops his hips to take Angela over with a side belly-to-belly suplex. The Handsome Drifter wastes no time, popping back up to delivering a leaping kneedrop, grinding his knee into Angela’s face for a little extra punishment after.

Dick Morosi: Let’s not forget that, while Christian Kane receives the support of many of our fans these days, he’s no angel, and never has been.

Seth Ericson: I don’t know, I think we have a lot of female fans who’d say he’s pretty heavenly.

Christian picks Angela back up, hooking a front facelock, and grabbing her leg. He laces his fingers together, elevating the Fallen Angel in the air, landing in a perfect bridge with a fisherman’s suplex as Katie drops down to count.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: First nearfall of the contest generated by the International Champion. I think he realizes just how close Angela came to winning this match with that brilliant little flip-over into the bridge out of the headscissors.

Seth Ericson: Christian Kane DOES NOT like being shown up, and it doesn’t matter if it’s by someone he mostly gets along with.

Jameson is to her feet, and Kane is right there to greet her, rocking her with a pair of sharp forearm strikes to the jaw. With Angela rocking, the Handsome Drifter boosts himself up for a rana attempt, but Angela swats it with a sit-down powerbomb, hooking her legs over Kane’s arms on the way down, and leaning forward with all of her weight.

Dick Morosi: She’s got him!

ONE!



TWO!



KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: No! Only two, but Christian Kane is having his problems here with Angela Jameson’s crisp counter-wrestling game.

Jameson picks Kane back up, hooking a front facelock of her own, and taking Christian back down with a textbook swinging neckbreaker. She looks to go for another cover, but Kane resourcefully rolls to his stomach to block an attempted cover.

The Fallen Angel shrugs, more than willing to pick Christian Kane back up. She carefully twines a leg around his, snapping them both back to the canvas with a Russian legsweep. Angela floats over carefully for the lateral press, hooking Kane’s leg.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: I’m a little surprised, Seth, at just how dominant Jameson has been thus far.

Seth Ericson: We’ve talked about it at the start, Dick. She’s focused, and she’s out here for a big, big win tonight.

As Kane stands, she goes for a rear waistlock, looking for a big German suplex, but Kane manages to counter with a back elbow, and snapmares her over. As Angela goes to a seated position, Christian leaps, pegging her in the back of the head with a picture perfect dropkick. Kane measures her carefully, leaping in the air to DRIVE an elbow into her chest.

Dick Morosi: It’s a much more aggressive Kane we’ve seen in recent weeks, and it’s brought him to the International Championship.

Three more quick elbowdrops follow, before Kane hooks a leg.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: Kane picking the pace up, here, though really, neither of these competitors mind a fast pace too much.

Kane hauls Angela Jameson up, forearming her in the face before setting her up for a big suplex. Christian holds her upside down, letting all the blood rush to her head before finally falling back with the move. Christian gets right back up, ascending the nearest turnbuckle. Kane takes but a moment to steady himself, flying off the top with a well-done moonsault that lands flush!

ONE!


TWO!


THR--KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Christian Kane now asserting control over this contest - these are two evenly matched competitors here, folks.

The International Champion looks to shoot Angela Jameson into the ropes for something, but the crafty veteran reverses. Jameson sets her head for a back body drop a split second early, and Kane takes advantage, stopping short and leaping in the air, pumping his legs to drive his leg down across the back of Jameson’s head and neck.

Dick Morosi: Kane got the Shocker! The scissors kick, right to the back of the head! Jameson’s in deep trouble!

Kane shoots the half, rolling Angela over, and cinching a leg deeply.

ONE!



TWO!


THR-NO! KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: A rare mistake from Angela, and now, the momentum’s back in Kane’s corner! Can the International Champion put the Fallen Angel away?

A frustrated looking Christian Kane seems to consider picking Jameson back up, but instead, he goes for the legs. Stepping through, he crosses Angela’s legs, but then spins her around, so his standing cross leg grapevine is applied with Jameson face down. Kane leans forward, reaching for one of Angela’s arms. A rather naughty four letter word escapes Angela Jameson’s mouth (thankfully bleeped in time by intrepid techie Ginny Jameson (no relation)) as she realizes what Kane’s trying for, and begins making double time crawling towards the ropes.

Dick Morosi: That’s...Kane’s not going for the De Milo Lock, is he? That’s Venus’ inverted sasorigatame with a double chickenwing, that she’s used to polish off many an opponent in (R)evolution Wrestling!

Seth Ericson: I’ll be damned! All this time, when Christian Kane was talking about training with her...maybe it wasn’t ALWAYS just a euphemism for sex!

Kane manages to chickenwing Angela’s left arm, just as her right hand reaches the bottom rope. The official calls for the break, and Kane gives it. He bends over to pick up Angela, only to have her rock him with a VICIOUS palm strike to the face that staggers the now Slightly-Less-Handsome Drifter back a few paces.

Dick Morosi: Good LORD! Angela Jameson just drilled him with that, right on the nose!

The Fallen Angel rises to her feet and promptly BLISTERS Kane’s chest with a knife-edge chop that drives the wind out of his lungs. Another chop has Kane staggering back into the corner, but Jameson offers no mercy, throwing FIVE lightning fast knife-edges that further darken Kane’s chest and leave him slumping, propped up by the ropes and the corner.

Seth Ericson: Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea, Christian!

Jameson keeps pouring on the pressure, caving Kane’s chest in with a roundhouse kick, then stepping back and DRILLING him in the temple with a second! Christian Kane totters face-first to the canvas out of the corner, and Angela rolls him over, securing the leg, rolling back with as much weight as she can muster.

Dick Morosi: Kane’s unconscious!

ONE!


TWO!


THRE--NO!

Indeed, Katie Hanneman notices the boot of Christian Kane, draped limply over the bottom rope, and stops her hand a fraction of an inch before the count of three. Jameson doesn’t argue with the count, showing her years of experience, simply dragging Kane free of the ropes, and going for another cover.

ONE!


TWO!




THR--NO!

Seth Ericson: Shoulder up for Kane, but Angela’s making him expend more energy, and she’s in total control of this contest right now!

Jameson continues to keep the pressure on the Handsome Drifter. As Kane staggers his way to his feet, she scoops him up, showing impressive strength and lifting him up for the Downward Spiral!

Dick Morosi: She’s got Kane up!

Christian Kane, though, manages to slip out the back door. Christian pushes her forward, but she turns, neatly hitting the ropes, and rebounding back at Kane, loading up another roundhouse kick…

Seth Ericson: Oh, Hell…

...that stops about waist-high, as Christian Kane uncorks the SSK! It catches Angela on the butt of her jaw, her body falling awkwardly to the canvas in a heap. Kane is quick to go for the cover, hooking both legs.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Dick Morosi: Christian Kane pulls one out of the fire! Angela Jameson pressed him the entire match, but the SSK saves him one more time!

As Christian sits up, trying to get the cobwebs out, David Zinkus does his job.

David Zinkus: Your winner of this contest, by pinfall, CHRISTIAN KAAAANE!

WINNER: Christian Kane

Dick Morosi: Well, up next we have some...what seem to be pre-recorded comments from The Masked Salaryman.

Seth Ericson: Given his seeming crusade to put together a force to protect EXODUS, I’m not surprised we’re hearing from him again, but...why prerecorded?

Dick Morosi: I don’t know, so folks, let’s all find out together! These words were recorded earlier today, before we went on the air.

The EXOScreen lights up with the footage, and a venue that is familiar to some of EXODUS’ fans as the sake bar where many of the Masked Salaryman’s promos eminate from. Seated at the bar, clutching a glass half-full of the rice wine the bar is famous for, is the Masked Salaryman himself. With the Call Your Shot attache case on the bar next to him, he looks ready for business.

The Masked Salaryman: GREETINGS, GOOD CITIZENS OF THE EXODUS UNIVERSE! IT IS I, PURVEYOR OF GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(™), THE MASKED SALARYMAN! MY APOLOGIES FOR NOT BEING LIVE IN THE ARENA, BUT I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT MY WORDS WERE HEARD EVEN IF JUSTIN BROOKS PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE REALLY HARD, OR ADRIEN DROPKICKED MY HEROIC TEETH OUT!

The Salaryman flashes a thumbs up, while at the same time wincing, as if hoping neither will have been the case by the time this airs.

The Masked Salaryman: RECENTLY, ON TWITTER I HAVE HAD SOME UNPLEASANT DISCUSSIONS WITH BLACK JONES, WHO DOES NOT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VARIOUS ASIAN COUNTRIES! THIS IS UNFORTUNATELY RATHER RACIST OF YOU, MR. JONES! CHINA AND KOREA AND GLORIOUS NIPPON ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS, AND I FEEL SAD THAT YOU THINK THEY ARE! BUT SEEING AS HOW I AM A HEROICALLY OPEN MINDED INDIVIDUAL, I HAVE COME HERE TODAY TO OFFER YOU AND YOUR MANAGER, TOM HIGASHIKATA-SAN, A CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GLORIOUS NIPPONESE CULTURE!

With a big swig of sake, the Masked Salaryman goes on.

The Masked Salaryman: IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT EXODUS WILL NOT RETURN TO THE FX AIRWAVES UNTIL 2015! THEREFORE, DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO INVITE BOTH OF YOU TO THIS SAKE BAR WITH ME FOR A NIGHT OF NIPPONESE CUISINE, AND THEN FOR SOME KARAOKE! I KNOW AN EXCELLENT KARAOKE PLACE VERY CLOSE TO HERE INDEED! PLEASE, GENTLEMEN! LET ME SHOW YOU BOTH JUST HOW WONDERFUL MY HOMELAND TRULY CAN BE!

The Salaryman raises his glass to the two men, and just as quickly as it appeared, the scene on the screen goes black.

Seth Ericson: Well, that was certainly...something.

Dick Morosi: He’s defending his values, Seth! He wants Black Jones and Tom Higashikata to embrace his non-puppy killing culture!

Seth Ericson: Or maybe he's just a lunatic.

Dick Morosi: Why not both? Maybe we'll find out later, but we'll be back with more EXODUS after this.

The camera cuts backstage, a dark abandoned corridor untouched for sometime. It was far away from the locker rooms, far away from the production area, and the keen eye could easily remember the memories this place held once upon a time. Rust covered metal, dust lined the sides of several gambling machines, and there wasn't a sign of anything except for the complete silence that ominously loomed over everything as the camera panned through. That is, until the flick of a lighter illuminated everything in sight.

The familiar sound of bumpy wheels paddling away at the silence echo, the crowd watching in shock and dropping their jaws as they attempted to put two and two together. And just as the speculation started to run amuck, just when enough silence passed to give people goosebumps, a wheelchair slowly broke the silhouette and came into sight, his face down and his eyes faintly bloodshot. The creature of the night wheeled himself into the room itself, the lighter in hand cutting through the darkness the whole way through.

Zack Lifer: And it seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in.

The man's facial expression peeled up towards the camera, 'The New Iron Saint' not long after his heinous assault on Heather Halliwell. The crowd didn't know how to react, some raining down boos and others simply watching on in silence, spotting a table in the center that once held important files. Now, it simply held an unlit white candlestick steadied by one Gothic stand at the bottom. Lifer raised the lighter and lit the wick ablaze, thus the whole room fell to light. The lighter flicked away, the fire turning to smoke while the object slumped away into his sweatshirt pocket.

Zack Lifer: What happened to you? You used to be smart, intelligent. You used to understand, used to be the guiding light that made everything make sense in this company. Now, what are you?

He scoffed, shaking his head for the camera, his voice melancholy as ever. He wheeled closer to the table, watching the fire burn right in front of his face, fixated as the flames danced in front of that camera with more grace than anyone alive.

Zack Lifer: And it seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in. And I would have liked to have known you but I was just a kid, Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did...

A smirk crossed his face, thoughts flickering through his mind like lightning. He blew at the candle lightly, letting it lead to one side for only just a moment, continuing to dance for the audience watching in attendance and at home.

Zack Lifer: Now, your candle burnt out long before your legend ever did. You've become a martyr for a dogmatic lie, a figurehead that stands side by side with truths you don't believe...

He laughed lightly, almost echoing the same laugh that Chuck Matthews did during the main event of The Autumn Effect, an all knowing laugh that spoke volumes despite people not understanding the reasoning behind it.

Zack Lifer: All will never be well. All will never be hell. And they'll both be brought underground, Sekigun and Gods & Monsters, the graves already marked with each and every tombstone before the finale is even revealed. And yet, here you are, standing up for the very people who betrayed you, who told you you were being rash, who told you you were wrong...

He took a deep breath, the fire fluttering towards him slightly at an angle, his eyes shutting loosely and opening back up again.

Zack Lifer: Why would you do that? Why would you help them? I've believed in your words back when you spoke the truth, I still believe in what you've told me, but now all you've amounted to be is a protector of the Sekigun ideals, a protector of Heather after I told her the truth, and frankly, it just goes to show how little I knew you at all.

He sighed heavily, trying to focus on anything else but the hypnotising fire before him.

Zack Lifer: Don't worry, Lasie. I'm here to fulfill your ideals. Not this Lasie of course, not the turk I once HATED with a passion. No, I'm here to fulfill your ideals when you were trapped in a wheelchair, when you were speaking THE TRUTH and nobody but me believed you. "And if you tolerate this, then your children will be next... And if you tolerate this, then your children will be next, will be next will be next, WILL BE NEXT!"

His words became loud and frustrated, his heart beating fast. The flame danced wildly, out of control as it shook and stirred from hearing his anger, nervous and silent as it struggled to stay strong.

Zack Lifer: AND YOU TOLERATE THIS! You've TOLERATED the Sekigun's garbage, tolerated their stupid regime just to gain a piece of your glory days! We need to do something. We need to figure out how to fix this, how to change things so we can find our very own Haven inside EXODUS to make things right with the world, 'cause if you keep tolerating this, if you keep accepting what's happening around us, then your children will be next, then Heather will be next, then the world will be next...

He took a deep breath, blowing out the candle in front of him and letting the room go dark once more. He backed away from the table and started to hum once more, singing to himself as he neared the door once again. His eyes rised to his left, spotting a man in a freshly pressed jet black suit standing in the doorway with a proud look on his face. The man was unknown by the audience, however it was clear by the smile Lifer himself gave him shortly after that he was in fact a friend of some sort.

Zack Lifer: And it seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in. And I would have liked to have known you but I was just a kid, Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did...

The man assisted with the legs of the wheelchair, pulling them aside after pushing down a lever so that Zack could stand once again, a cocky stride to the way he sauntered out of the dilapidated room side by side with the helpful individual yet to reveal his name.

The camera fades back to ringside, the fans anticipating the next match.

Dick Morosi: Up next it's one half of our Tag Team Champions in action! Wulf Erikssen of TROUBLE takes on Aries Reed of REVOLUTION!

Seth Ericson: I've been looking forward to this!

NORMAL MATCH
WULF ERIKSSEN vs. ARIES REED

David Zinkus: The following match is scheduled for one fall!

Suddenly, the lights in the arena dim, and all we hear is one voice.

The opening rant Tech N9NE gives to begin "Blackened the Sun" by him begins, the crowd jeering as Aries Reed emerges from the entrance way! In a long black jacket and sunglasses, he smirks as he slowly takes the walk down the small ramp to glance over the crowd before chuckling. Without hesitation, he makes his way to the ring, all before hopping onto the apron and wiping his boots off before stepping into the ring.

David Zinkus: Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia and weighing in at 235 pounds... Representing REVOLUTION, Aries Reed!

He quickly reaches a corner and climbs the turnbuckle to get a reaction, only getting jeers before he hops down and sneers as he starts getting himself ready for the match mentally.

Dick Morosi: REVOLUTION has been a firestorm ever since they came on the scene, that's for sure. And Aries Reed and GRENDEL have sure been a thorn on TROUBLE's side.

Seth Ericson: You got that right. I used to think the kids at Revo weren't nearly good enough to join the big boys, but REVOLUTION has been a force to be reckoned with! Wulf's opponent sure has his hands full.

The opening words of "Barroom Hero" by the Dropkick Murphys echo around the arena as the entranceway becomes illuminated in red and white light. As the music kicks in, Wulf enters the arena with a bottle of beer in his hand, escorted by Stacey-X. Wulf walks about the entranceway, drinking from the bottle whilst saluting the crowd, as Stacey eggs the crowd on, clapping her hands. He then downs the remainder of the bottle, before smashing it over his head.

David Zinkus: And his opponent, accompanied by Stacy-X... From Romford, Essex, England and weighing in at 224 pounds... Representing TROUBLE, "The Bar Room Hero" Wulf Erikssen!

Dick Morosi: Let's remember - GRENDEL made an huge impact by defeating former San Diego Bay Champion The Big L, Steve Lenton and now this man, Wulf Erikssen has the chance to do what his friend couldn't and that's silence the REVOLUTION!

Following this, Wulf sprints to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope. He climbs one of the turnbuckles, and raises an arm in salute to the audience, as Stacey walks down to ringside. Wulf then turns to face his opponent, cracking his knuckles as he waits for that bell to ring.

DING DING DING!!

Right as the bell sounds, Wulf runs full speed ahead to avenge The Big L, ramming into his opponent with a running headbutt like a battering ram to the chest! That is, if Aries hadn't dodged, using his killer speed to good use. With split second timing, Aries was behind The Bar Room Hero, landing several clubbing blows to Wulf's back. Wulf fell to a knee, Aries knocking him down to the mat with a simple DDT from behind.

Seth Ericson: And Aries gets the big brawler off his feet early in this contest and goes for the quick pin.

ONE—

Kickout right away, Wulf is back to his feet and lands a snap suplex to his opponent, slamming him backwards to the center of the ring. He kicks Aries to the side, a soccer kick that leaves his opponent rolling to his stomach. Wulf raises his leg and slams it back down to the mat with full force, trying to keep the speedster grounded. Another soccer kick makes Aries continue to roll, the resourceful Aries Reed rolling out from under the bottom rope and resting outside the ring for just a moment.

The referee begins the count to ten.

ONE!

TWO!

Aries confidently taunts the crowd, lifting his arms up in the air as Wulf Erikssen chases him, hopping down to the outside with the clear intent of throwing Aries back in the ring, the count starting from one again.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Wulf strikes Aries with his palm, a few more punches towards Aries' chest. As a response, Aries simply lands a powerful corkscrew dropkick to Wulf's powerful frame, landing him on the not well protected concrete underneath. Aries continues to stomp and stomp at Wulf's body, dropping a few elbows on his opponent as the referee continued to count.

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

With that, Aries slid underneath the ropes and stood tall to the jeers of the crowd, getting on the top rope just to egg their emotions on that much further, feeding on it like Kira once did back in the day.

EIGHT!

Wulf slowly got to his feet, stumbling down again slightly.

NINE!

He stumbled towards the ring and readied himself to slide under the ropes,

TE—

As soon as Wulf was inside the ring, right before the ten count, he received even more of a beating from Aries, more elbow drops and finally a dragon sleeper hold on the downed opponent. He could barely wrap his legs around Erikssen, struggling as Wulf kept pushing his legs away. That is, until suddenly it was locked in. Wulf struggled to reach for the ropes, however Aries released his grip on his legs to pull him backwards towards the center, wrapping his legs around The Bar Room Hero once again. Wulf tried to fight back, tried to counter it somehow, but his actions only tired him out further, leading him to finally tap out to The Blackest Sun.

WINNER: Aries Reed

Dick Morosi: That's one-oh-and-one for REVOLUTION tonight, with Devan Whitmore still to compete! Can they go undefeated, and prove that Evolution is truly here?

Seth Ericson: I like their style, so I'm hoping so!

Dick Morosi: Either way, let's head backstage where-did I hear right? Chris Strike...and Abby Park, the number one contender!

The cameras return backstage once again, this time around focusing inside of a locker room as Chris Strike is sat down on one of the benches of the Honda Center, a few lockers with some of the Anaheim Ducks’ players names, jerseys and whatnot behind him. The EXODUS Pro World title is right next to him while Strike puts on the finishing touches on wrapping black tape around his right hand and forearm, exhaling slowly before he bites down on the tape and tears it, placing it aside before standing up to his feet and noticing a rather familiar face walk into the fray.

Chris Strike: Yo. What’s happening, Abby?

Abby hadn’t been there long, and had considered simply walking past in silence, but an opportunity presented itself, and as the two would be meeting soon enough she would be remiss to let such a chance go by. Abby, as was the case whenever she was around backstage, was already ready to go, decked in her attire, with only a few pre-match droplets of water on the tips of her hair. Before addressing the champion, she offers him a friendly, non-aggressive wave of greeting.

Abby Park: Chris. Just thought I’d, you know, drop in. Say hello. Never really had a reason to before. Since we’ll be facing each other, just thought it’d be nice to...break the ice or whatever. To show that there’s nothing personal, other than, you know, personal desire for victory and all. So...hey, Chris. How are you doing?

Chris Strike: Just getting ready for tonight. Lexy’s not going to make this easy. Probably be just as big if not an even bigger pain in my ass than Brooks...but just taking it one week at the time. Hell of a bout against Angela two weeks ago. Assuming you’re about ready to give Nick Kramer plenty of your boot?

Abby Park: Lexy doesn’t make anything easy, it’s why she was International champion as long as she was. But hey, you’ll do fine, probably. It’s not like your title is on the line or anything; no pressure on that end. As for me...yeah, though I’m probably going to go for a more fist-based approach. I find it gets the point across much easier. Something to keep in mind for the future.

Chris Strike: Noted. Although...look...

Strike inhaled, gradually standing up from the bench and grabbing the EXODUS Pro World title, placing it on his right shoulder.

Chris Strike: It’s not very often that I find myself facing somebody opposite to me that I actually don’t dislike. Maybe the same goes for you here. But with everything that’s ahead of us, I figure this is something that needs to be said. Just to make things crystal clear between us. Because Abby, I do respect you and in fact, you’re a likeable person altogether. But when it comes to this championship at Dead in Hollywood...all of that is going to be placed aside for as long as needed and all that will be in my mind is being able to make my first successful title defense. Just like I know your mind’s going to be entirely on finally climbing up to the summit of the mountain. After it’s all said and done...no hard feelings, I hope.

Abby hesitates after Chris’ sentiments, though as he stands her eyes briefly glance towards the title around his shoulder. As she responds, it comes with a simple shrug prior to speaking.

Abby Park: I would’ve just stopped after the first part, but I understand where you’re coming from. It’s rare to go against someone who’s not an immediate ass, so you’ve got that going for you. That’s meant as a compliment, by the way. If it helps you any, I could try and insult you or something, maybe some disparaging words about a family member?

Abby softly chuckles, not very convinced that she could even commit to something so low-hanging as that.

Abby Park: Yeah, yeah, no hard feelings. I wish it was someone else, I do, but we can’t always get what we want. With someone else I wouldn’t mind winning their newly won title, but you had to go and be a nice enough person. Ah well, best thing for both of us is to just let it all out down there. May the best one win and all that sportsmanship talk.

Chris Strike: Knowing this business...let’s enjoy this one while it lasts.

He nods, adjusting the EXODUS Pro World title on his shoulder accordingly before taking a few steps towards the door.

Chris Strike: Be seeing you in a few weeks, Park.

Instead of replying, Abby simply nods in agreement, stepping to the side to let Strike pass unobstructed. As when he stood, Abby’s eyes again glance towards the title, seeing it up close like this was a rarity; naturally she’d take the chance when it presented itself.

Abby Park: Good luck tonight, Strike.

Chris Strike: ...Aye. Same to you.

Strike’s out the door at that moment, leaving Abby Park to her own thoughts as the cameras go to commercial.

Searing light. A man stands atop a cliff in the badlands, arms raised to the Sun, beams cascading around him.

The Man In White: Dawn...

His scratchy, parched voice cuts over the image.

The Man In White: The moment night becomes day... one moment among the infinite, one moment we give a name to.

We pan behind the man, staring out over the desert.

The Man In White: The transition from the darkness to the light is not as simple as stepping from one moment to another. We name the transition, but each moment before and after is just as important. One moment at a time, EXODUS. Dawn has broken but the journey is not yet complete.

A time-lapse flash of the Sun and Moon chasing each other through the heavens.

The Man In White: I will be there with you every step of the way. I can ease the burden of moments as you step into the light. You just have to come with me...

The camera fades back to ringside, specifically a shot of Dick and Seth at the commentary table.

Seth Ericson: No clue what's going on there...

Dick Morosi: Me either; up next fans, it's a match featuring two of the graduates from the first (R)Evolution Wrestling class! It's Black Jones taking on Shozo Arino!

NORMAL MATCH
BLACK JONES vs. SHOZO ARINO

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a ten-minute time limit...

The crowd falls into booing as "Anti-Gravity" by Lindsey Sterling hits and the leader of the REVOLUTION steps out onto the stage. He first looks out at the crowd, and their negative reaction to him, shaking his head in disappointment. He then looks up at the ceiling and beyond, looking up for a few moments before nodding and setting off down the ramp.

David Zinkus: From Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, weighing in tonight at a two hundred and five pounds....SHOZOOOOOOOOOOO ARINOOOOOOOOOO!

He steps onto the ring apron and looks up at the sky again for a moment before stepping into the ring, rapidly turning to face the entire crowd before coming to a stop in the corner. He slowly undoes the hoodie he was wearing and ditches it, ready for his match to begin.

Dick Morosi: Shozo’s coming off a huge win two weeks ago against former World champion Adrien Cochrane and you gotta believe he’s ready to keep that momentum going.

Seth Ericson: This time around though, he’s got somebody who knows him quite well from their earlier days in (R)Evo...

The gymnasium lights somewhat dim, causing the crowd to get restless in anticipation. Finally, "Braveheart" by Lupe Fiasco hits the speakers, starting as a slow electronic noise until the drums and bass kick in. The audience turns their attention to the entryway where the curtains dividing the ringside and the backstage area are suddenly thrown back as the superstar behind the music emerges.

May the Lord have mercy on my soul
Forgive me for my fetishes, my purchases, my clothes
Allow me to catch my rhythm so the nervousness just goes
That's why I sound so certain in my verses and my flows
The verbiage just gets merciless, the wordsmithness just rolls.

Black Jones scans over the audience while he stands draped in a hoodie vest with "Half Man- Half Amazing" written on the back before taking a deep breath; his eyes continue to survey the crowd until he suddenly begins to bounce around in place, making dodging movements as if he were fighting an imaginary opponent, a smile lining across his face.

David Zinkus: On his way to the ring, from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...weighing in at two hundred and ten pounds... BLACK! JONESSSSSS!

I've tuned into my pertinence, my purposes, my goals
The feeling when you realize you've been working for your foes
And the curtains have just opened and they worthlessness exposed
You remember where you've came from, where the purses was stole
There was nothing in the oven and just work up on the stove
And you blossomed from the bottom, yeah, you worked with it and rose
From nothing to a dozen and a garden now there grows. Tell em!

Jones makes his way down the aisle with a steady march. His eyes remain focused and in front of him as he reaches ringside, "Braveheart" continues to blare through the speakers. BJ knees up onto the apron, quickly pulling on the top ring cable before using the elasticity of the ropes to propell himself off the apron and into the air. He somersaults into the ring, immediately exploiting the momentum into a roll before springing to a stand to excite the crowd with his athleticism and exuberance.

Courage under fire, gave me a brave heart (That's me)
Courage under fire, gave me a brave heart
(Yessir) Brave heart
(Yeah I got that) Brave heart
(You know) Brave heart!

Jones removes his vest, throwing it over the ropes before backing into the nearest corner. With his tune coming to an end, he strokes his fingers on his chin before cracking his knuckles and preparing for war.

Dick Morosi: And talk about being fired up...Black Jones is one hell of a success story and his EXODUS Pro debut was something that I was proud to call two weeks ago.

Seth Ericson: Sweetness of his story aside, Dick...this is going to be a big test for him as well. Shozo’s been on a tear since forming REVOLUTION with GRENDEL, Aries Reed and Devan Amidala.

The bell rings and the two men begin to circle around each other for a moment before coming forward with a collar-to-elbow tie-up in which Shozo gains the upper hand and moves into a headlock. Jones quickly counters by running backward to the ropes which from where Arino irish whips Jones off of only to catch him on the way back with a shoulder block. The crowd boos as Shozo runs the ropes again, jumping over Black Jones as he shifts his body on the mat and as Shozo comes running back, Black Jones leaps over the running Shozo and on the third time around, West Philadelphia’s favorite son leaps up again, this time around catching Shozo Arino with a hurricanrana. Shozo gets back up to his feet and eats a dropkick for his troubles which sends him rolling out of the ring to gather himself again...although, you know, not for very long when given the fact that Black Jones goes running out from the ropes and then leaps over the top rope with a corkscrew splash right onto the REVOLUTION figure, the crowd inside of the Honda Center coming alive with the daredevil maneuver.

Dick Morosi: Black Jones took to the sky here and it paid dividends!!!

Seth Ericson: That was some insane high-flying here by Black Jones, color me impressed.

Jones looks over at the sold-out crowd, yelling at them to keep making noise and encouraging them to do so before he returns his focus to Shozo and as he drags Shozo back up and tries to bring Arino back to the ring, Shozo reverses out of Jones’ grip and sends Black flying face-first into the steel pole. The crowd boos as Shozo adds in some extra stomps to the prone Black Jones before tossing him into the ring and then pinning him, forearm across his face:

ONE!

TWO!!!!

TH- But Jones gets the shoulder up.

Shozo doesn’t frustrate, however, continuing on the attack with some well-placed elbows before lifting Black Jones up, nailing him with a few clummy blows to the back before bringing him down with a Russian leg sweep. Shozo sits up, wiping his hands as if this were the easiest thing around much to the crowd’s disdain.

Dick Morosi: And now it’s Shozo in the driver’s seat but he can’t let himself get distracted here.

Seth Ericson: He’s confident...but confidence against a guy you haven’t beaten yet isn’t going to do much for you.

Shozo eventually brings Jones back up and irish whips him into the turnbuckle and as Black Jones bounces back from the impact, Arino spins around and connects with his patented “Future’s Arrival” discus uppercut. Jones takes it and again, Shozo attempts to pin him:

ONE!

TWO!!!!

THRE- But Jones gets the shoulder up again!

Shozo glances at the referee, rolling his eyes and telling the official that he should evolve his abilities as a competent staff member if he wishes for a good job evaluation from him. It’s around that time that when Shozo tries to bring Jones back up that Black Jones begins to fire back with rapid rights and lefts, showing flashes of his amateur boxing days with a nice body blow that sends Arino reeling back before he’s nailed with a step over wheel kick and that is then followed up by Jones ascending up to the top rope. Black Jones extends his arms and leaps backwards going for a moonsault but Shozo rolls out of the way...only for Jones to land on his feet and connect with a standing moonsault, the move known as the “Stay Schemin’!” Immediately, Jones covers Shozo:

ONE!

TWO!!!!

THRE- But now it’s Shozo who gets the shoulder up.

Dick Morosi: What a move by Black Jones and he almost had Shozo here.

Seth Ericson: Close counts on both ends here but they gotta watch the clock...it’s ticking!

As Jones returns to his feet and Arino rolls towards the ropes, they get a heads-up from David Zinkus (who actually goes near the ring) that they’ve only got a few minutes left to go. Jones nods and tells Zinkus he isn’t a terrible fucking weeaboo and Shozo seems to realize what’s at stake here as he begins to stand. The two men immediately take it to one another, trading punches and kicks near the center of the ring until Jones gets the advantage with a swift leg kick and attempts to hook Shozo up for Black Magic but on the way up, Shozo manages to break away from the hold and land on his feet. Arino lands with a kick to Jones’ gut and lifts him up in a suplex position, looking for “End of Your Story” maneuver...but Black Jones desperately wiggles his way out of it, landing behind his back and then landing with a dropkick to Shozo’s back, sending him reeling back to the turnbuckle. Black Jones takes off on a run to the turnbuckle going for a Corona kick but he ends up getting the turnbuckle instead as Shozo gets the hell out of dodge. Gritting his teeth, Arino brings Jones back up to his feet and begins to nail Jones with headbutts...until Jones manages to lean back just enough to jump back, swinging his right leg up and catching Shozo Arino with the Pele kick! The two man pant, eventually getting back to their feet…

Dick Morosi: Man, these two are going full throttle here tonight.

Seth Ericson: Neither can gain an edge over the other an-

At the moment in which they’re ready to run at one another again, the bell rings. The crowd realizes what just happened and there’s a few boos of disappointment as the announcement is made.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, the ten minute time limit has been elapsed. Therefore, this match has been declared a DRAW!

More boos from the crowd, a few chants of “FIVE MORE MINUTES!” emanating from some of the Honda Center EXODUS faithful as Shozo and Black Jones stare DAGGERS at one another, both men pointing and saying they were this close to putting the other down and that this...by no means...is over just yet.

WINNER: Draw

Dick Morosi: These two recent graduates from (R)Evolution Wrestling have proven tonight that they're hungry for success here, and they're only getting better.

Seth Ericson: I'm impressed tonight, but I'd be even more impressed if there was blood. What's next, Dick?

Dick Morosi: Right now fans, let's take you back to two weeks ago. It was Lexy Chapel against Zack Lifer, and after the match...well, take a look for yourself!



Seth Ericson: I still can't understand what caused Lifer to do that, and he hasn't been giving anyone answers!

Dick Morosi Well, Director Jimmy Riley has given time for Zack Lifer to speak out about his actions, and that time...is right now!

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena instantly as the stage is beamed on by gold and white lights, the bulbs dimming slightly. Heroic hues floated over the entrance, the ramp and the audience itself. Audible cheers are heard, the many in the crowd hearing the sounds of the first few words of "Alive in the Lights" by Memphis May Fire boom through the speakers over the heavy, iconic guitar riff they've grown accustomed to ever since he's arrived on the scene. This, of course, signified one man and one man alone, most of the crowd on their feet.

From the beginning, I knew I was different.
I embraced it, but you didn't.
Your normal life, 9-5, it's just not for me.
I need to feel alive!

As the flickering beams of amber shine down against the excited crowd, the camera looking up the stairs and to the cheap seats, they discover a familiar silhouette. There is a loud, heated booing from the fans, signs of various negative messages stretched across the ocean of angry EXODUS fans as well as a few rare, faithful "Lifer Addict" signs that don't fit in well with the others covering the screen. Adorn in a tan colored open sweatshirt, the zipper at the very bottom as he made his way down the steps with an unspoken purpose you could just see written on his face. A few people attempted to reach for high-fives, however, he casually refused without a word, his sharp unrelenting eyes fixated on the ring instead.

Don't you see the minds that have changed?
Do you see the lives that have been saved?
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?
Listen closely, the highways call my name.
Don't you see this is my everything?

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

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

Don't you care to see the difference I've made?

The camera zoomed away from the scene, Lifer's arms stretched out wide for just a bit dramatically again, catching on the rope behind him as he soaked in the heat of the crowd with a literal blast, the firework shooting by swiftly in the backdrop. His chocolate brown eyes searched the disgruntled crowd, a smirk rising to his lips once more before heading to the side and grabbing a microphone from a man near the announce table. He walked to the center of the ring, ready to speak his mind.

Zack Lifer: So, our new director, Mr. Jimmy Riley, gave me permission to tell my side of the story. You’ve all saw the last ExPro, you all saw what I did. I beat down Adrien Cochrane and Lexy Chapel, stood over them when it was all said and done, my foot on his head, and still you all question why, after everything that happened? You wonder why I shattered your heroes and made them look at the glass ceiling above, the same one I’ve been reaching for for six goddamn years?!

A round of boos shower down on him, clearly fans of the Sekigun showing their displeasure in what he’s done at the last ExPro.

Zack Lifer: They were asking for it. Didn’t you hear them? They sided with a group of vigilantes who decided they needed to do whatever it took to swing the war in their favor, and when I offered to help, they up and shoved me aside, laughed at me, just because I was trying to help, trying to get YOUR attention!

A finger outstretched to the crowd, he spun around quickly, pointing to a few individuals out in the audience who held up Adrien Cochrane signs, Chapel Show shirts. The boos grew louder as they started to understand, Lifer’s face growing more irritated by the second.

Zack Lifer: For months, nearly half a year, I’ve fought under detention, scratching at the bit just to get recognized enough to finally break free from that noose that suffocated me, and all just because I decided to help a fellow friend of Adrien Cochrane’s - Jaime Alejandro! Because I decided to be a nice guy, because I decided to do something for all of you, I was shunned and forced to stay in EXODUS limbo without one title shot to my name and all just to make you happy! I thought I’d be a martyr, a man who sacrificed everything just to make EXODUS a better place. I thought you’d all finally love me for what I did for you, that you’d finally accept me as one of your favorite guys on that roster, but instead, I just remained the ugly stepchild you kept in your basement, hidden under the floorboards like I didn’t DESERVE to live!

His breathing was heavy, his words powerful. Emotion took control of every word he spoke, emotion that everyone watching could clearly see written on his face.

Zack Lifer: I did so much for you people… I fought Justin Brooks, I took the brunt of Gods & Monster’s regime, I even attempted to stand side by side with people I couldn’t stand just to make you happy. And the final straw? The final straw was when I had what I thought would be the biggest match of my career. It was me versus Chuck Matthews, and if Chuck won? He had EXODUS by the balls! But I won. And saved EXODUS. For you. For everyone on the payroll. For Nicolas Gray. … And what did I get? I got nothing… I got absolutely nothing but a rigged ending orchestrated by Jimmy Riley himself who stood by as EXODUS’ insurance just in case I couldn’t get the job done! They had no faith in me, no faith that I could’ve been THE HERO, that I could’ve saved each and every one of you from going back to your menial lives with nothing but—!

Before he can go on, "Hit Me Like a Man" by the Pretty Reckless begins to play, bringing a loud cheer from the fans. Heather Halliwell makes her way down the ramp, looking straight ahead at her friend in the ring. She's obviously not in her typical cheerful mood as she slides into the ring. She walks over to Zinkus and motions for him to give her a mic. She turns back to Lifer and simply stares at him for a few moments before speaking.

Heather Halliwell: Please tell me you aren't being serious right now.

The fans cheer loudly at this, chanting Heather's name. She acknowledges this with a slight nod.

Heather Halliwell: I'm still trying to wrap my head around your logic. I really want to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you're making it really, really hard. I won't disagree that others are holding you at arms length and did so when they should have given you their support and trust when you needed it the most. But Nick...

Lifer bristles at Heather addressing him by his real name on national television. Heather narrows her eyes, noticing this. She takes a defiant step towards him.

Heather Halliwell: Yes, I'm going to call you by your real name and you are going to deal with it. Because I don't want to talk to Zack Lifer. That man has become an irrational, spastic pain in the ass and I don't have time for him. But Nick Kramer is my friend, and that's who I want to talk to tonight. Because, despite what you think, not everyone has turned their back on you. Not everyone believes your actions following Autumn Effect reflect the man underneath this facade.

Heather places a gentle hand on his shoulder and looks him deep in his eyes. He looks back into hers, unsure how to respond.

Heather Halliwell: Remember PDW, Nick? Remember whe you were going through one of the darkest points in your life and it seems as though no one cared? You called to me then. Whether you meant to or not. I felt for you because I've hit that low before. But you know that. I told you my story that day in that mental hospital. I remember when I saw you there, sitting in that window, looking out longingly for the family that wasn't there. My heart broke for you and from that day on, I felt a kinship to you. I felt an odd sense of responsibility for you, like you were a little brother I had to help bring back up from the ashes.

And until now, I never once had a worry that you were spiraling into that broken man I saw in the window. Despite the obstacles and the doubt, I always believed in you. I believed that you would always overcome everything thrown your way and that it would make you a better man than you were yesterday. But your actions as of late, the stuff you've been saying... You sound like little more than a petulant child. Whining and moping isn't going to make anyone love you. Attacking people isn't going to make anyone trust you. You're better than this Nick. You just need to... Man up a bit.

No one is taking away anything you've accomplished. Stop what you're doing... Don't take it away from yourself. You're on thin ice right now. I don't want you to fall through that crack. Because I KNOW you're better than this. The problem is... I don't think you believe it yourself. And now here we are.

Heather finally stops and looks at Lifer pleadingly. She sets the mic down and speaks a few words in private, not for the world to hear. His expression changes, calms down slightly. He takes a few deep breaths, his body relaxing, his mind slowing down inside his skull. That is, until something inside him snapped. His body tensed up, his facial expression hardening. He took a heavy stride forward, making Heather back up slightly.

Zack Lifer: Man up? Little brother?

His words were like daggers, desperation in each and every syllable to the crowd’s surprise.

Zack Lifer: You felt like you needed to look out for me? Like I’m just some kind of puppy that can’t survive without your help?

Heather shakes her head desperately, mouthing the words "friend" and "family", pleading with him. She looks fearful for the first time at the look on his face.

Zack Lifer: No! No, we’re not family. I have my own family, people that actually love me for me and don’t just want me around when it’s convenient! You left, Heather. You went on to do your little dance studio, and when you got back to EXODUS? When you wanted to come back to your roots, you didn’t come back for me, did you?! You came back for Lasie, you came back for Jon Collins and his Sekigun! They gave you a position as ambassador and you didn’t even have to wrestle, did you? And what about me? Did you even TRY to convince them I could’ve been a great asset to the group? Did you even ATTEMPT to show them that my work on the outside called for some kind of reward at all? No! You just stayed in your own little world and WATCHED ME ROT FROM YOUR DANCE STUDIO!

Heather shakes her head vehemently, shouting over the noise of the crowd. The camera just catches her saying "calm down, don't lose control again" as she takes another step backwards from her wild eyed friend.


Zack Lifer: Calm down? You’d like that, right? So you and everyone else can just push me under the rug just like they always do and just forget this ever happened? You’d rather tell me to shut my mouth than keep pointing out the truth, right?!

His words grew harsher, more intense. He continued to prowl Heather, as if smelling her fear. Heather’s eyes are like saucers, but they nearly bulge out of her head when she bumps into the turnbuckle behind her. She looks up at Lifer, his arms partially extended like an unpredictable beast that could strike at any moment.

Zack Lifer: Why won’t you help me, Heather? Why won’t you tell them that I could’ve beaten Chuck Matthews on my own, that I could’ve single handedly saved this company? Why don’t you tell them that I actually stuck around, that I had the guts to KEEP FIGHTING through everything I’ve dealt with?! They continue to boo me, continue to HATE me, and this sport just keeps gnawing away at everything I ever was just like Magnus Gunner told us! And you’re still fine and dandy, aren’t ‘cha? You’re still happy, and the crowd still loves you, even after you declared yourself a queen! HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?! How come you get all the love from these people and I can’t even gain their ACCEPTANCE?! How is it that I do whatever it takes to make this company better, whether they like it or not, and yet I’m still overshadowed by the likes of Adrien and Lexy Chapel, and you’ve done NOTHING TO GAIN THEIR LOVE? All you’ve done is turn Zero McHannon against me, make him leave and stop being my friend! All you’ve done is won the World Championship from Fiona after me and him already beat her and her husband in our FIRST MONTH, became World Champion after me and Zero beat YOU AND ADRIEN FAIR AND SQUARE IN AN EXODUS RING! How does that make any sense?! How do YOU get a title match before me and Zero? How does ADRIEN get a chance at an awful reign before ME?! Explain it for me, Heather. Explain it to me, for the love of God, explain it for all these people why I’ve never gotten a taste of World Championship gold all my [beep]ing life and you just happen to get LUCKY?!

Heather looks mixed between pissed and terrified. She glares at him for a few moments... Before slapping him clean across the face! She leans forward towards Lifer's mic and speaks in a shaky voice.

Heather Halliwell: Are you listening to yourself? Do you realize how crazy you sound? I shouldn’t have to go around and sing your praises! People are always watching, Nick! They have seen what you've done for themselves, they don't need me to spell it out for them! Furthermore, everything I've ever achieved, it wasn't LUCK! I busted my ass to get everything I got! I didn't turn anyone against you, I didn't take anything away from you! We're FRIENDS Nick, that's why I'm down here trying to make you see reason! What you need to do is quit whining like a [Bleep] child and EARN the acceptance and love you so DESPERATELY seem to seek! Grow the [bleep] up, Nick.

She goes silent and breathes heavily, bracing herself for anything at this point. However, what she got was a shock to even her. Zack’s hand reached for her long blonde hair, grabbing tightly and shaking her like a rag doll back and forth, the EXODUS legend turned dance teacher helpless for all to see. His emotions were at a sky high, the crowd in utter disbelief to what they were actually seeing.

Zack Lifer: YOU WANT ME TO GROW UP?! I’ve SAVED this company and nobody seems to [beep]ing care, Heather! Nobody! They’re all too busy hanging on Chris Strike’s every GODDAMN WORD, like what HE DID was any more important than what I DID! HE’S NO BETTER THAN ME! ADRIEN, LEXY—

The hand released her from his grip, pausing for a few seconds to gauge her reaction. He looked almost like himself again, his eyes calming as he gave it some thought. That is, until his hand gripped her throat instead, choking her hard and screaming into the microphone with all his force, all his emotions, gripping even tighter every time he got loud.

Zack Lifer: NONE OF YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME, HEATHER! NOT EVEN YOU! You abandoned me, abandoned ALL OF US, AND THEY STILL TREAT YOU LIKE THE BEST WRESTLER TO EVER STEP FOOT IN THAT RING, EVEN AFTER EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE! And why? Because you won SOME matches I never got the chance to have?! Because you pop up every now and then to pander to these people, decide to do a little dance like a WHORE at the beginning of a show? THAT’S NOT YOU! THAT WAS NEVER YOU! You’re a good person, Heather, you’re not THAT! You’re not… You’re not that kind of person… You’re my friend. You’re my friend...

His eyes looked down, his head slumping to the mat to look at his sneakers. His hand, still loosely at her throat, stayed there while he breathed into the mic. His breathing grew more animalistic as time passed, more tortured, more agonizing. His piercing eyes blinked back her way, more force being put on her neck than ever to the crowd’s horror.

Zack Lifer: WHY WON’T THEY LOVE ME, HEATHER?! WHY CAN’T THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M TRYING TO TELL THEM? WHY DOESN’T ANYTHING I TRY TO DO FINALLY END THIS NIGHTMARE ONCE AND FOR ALL?! WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO— WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BE LIKE YOU AND THE REST OF THEIR HEROES?!

Heather's head falls limp, her eyes shutting. She's turned a grey color in her face. Lifer blinks again and finally releases her. Heather falls to the mat lifelessly and doesn't move again. Lifer looks down on her, blinking hard and nudging her shoulder with his sneaker. His face is completely blank, giving away nothing of what he might be thinking. He looks down on the fallen Texan once more, nudging her one last time before taking a step backwards. He hears a great roar from the crowd, forcing him to look up to the entrance way. Seeing who is sprinting down to the ring, he turns sharply and rolls out of the ring, hopping over the barricade and walking through the crowd towards the back. The suited man who ran down to the ring is none other than Andreas Lasiewicz. Andreas hurriedly checks over the fallen Halliwell, flashing the ‘X’ sign to the back as medics come running down. As they enter the ring, he glares out into the crowd, staring daggers into the retreating Zack Lifer, who still has that blank expression on his face.

After the great opening video package set to “Beyond Monday” by The Glitch Mob to start the new year of EXPRO On FX, the crowd at the Honda Center starts to erupt as the music changes to something new. The song starts slowly, beautiful humming, along with what seems to be a light orchestral arrangement...ALL BEFORE EVERY LIGHT ON THE STAGE POPS BRIGHT! The song goes from light and airy to a heavy track, kicking in the intro for “The Howling” by Within Temptation...and the crowd erupts the moment they see who it is!

Dick Morosi: She’s always been one for dramatics…

Indeed, it’s Fiona Collins in her Stardust Seraph t-shirt, along with some jeans and a purple hoodie with her logo on the back. The crowd continues to cheer for her as she makes her way to the ring, all before she looks out at the crowd, nodding her approval as she takes a deep breath before calling over for a microphone to speak.

Fiona Collins: What’s up, Anaheim!?

The crowd goes crazy at the mention of their hometown, causing Fiona to smile wide and continue on.

Fiona Collins: It feels damn good to be out here tonight and for those of you visiting for the first time, welcome to EXODUS Pro! I love being here in Anaheim and the city has welcomed me with open arms since I’ve moved here to live with my husband. But, that’s not what tonight is about. Tonight is about an awesome show and seeing your favorite wrestlers fight for what they believe in and others…..who even knows. Speaking of which, I wanna talk a little about Devan Whitmore.

Some of the crowd begins to boo at the mention of Devan’s name while others cheer for the “Lady Sith.”

Fiona Collins: Devan is a real talent, don’t get me wrong. You know what you’re doing in the ring and you know how to get to an opponent, get into their heads the way you want to to throw them off their game. But let me tell you something, Devan. You didn’t get to this woman. I heard what you had to say in your promo. How you wanted me to realize what I needed to do to finally be free and join you and evolve…..but if you think that I’m going to join the dark side, you must be really new here.

Fiona Collins: Could you imagine me running around, exposing my breasts like she does? Christ, if you think they put me on TV too much now, think of how it would be with that! HELLO OVEREXPOSURE!!

The crowd pops as Fiona laughs, looking around shifty eyed as she continues her talk.

Fiona Collins: I got to this point by being talented. I got to where I am by not compromising, Devan. And I sure as hell won't compromise over a girl with a glow in the dark fleshlight.

The crowd goes crazy with Fiona’s remarks, causing the Seraph to grin with delight.

Fiona Collins: Let me stop before I get really out of hand. On a serious note though, I’m going to show Devan tonight and remind her that while she may be what she considers #DarkSideNasty? I am UNBREAKABLE!

She pumps an arm in the air, finger pointing to the sky as the crowd goes ballistic. Fiona smirks, pacing the ring in her excitement before she points at the camera, mouthing “Now beat that, Devan” as the crowd begins to chant Fiona’s name.

Fiona Collina: Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Two weeks ago, I was attacked right in the middle of the ring by two girls who seem to think they work for some mysterious Wizard of Oz type figure. I’m still standing though, despite their attack and despite this Mara person sending them after me in the first place. I’m still standing and I’m not going anywhere. Which is why tonight, right here and now, I’m issuing a challenge for five weeks from now at Dead in Hollywood. Myself against Mara. One and one, no tricks and no interference.

The crowd erupts with cheers at Fiona’s challenge, and she starts to smirk as she motions with her fingers in a famous manner to bring it.

Fiona Collins: You want me so bad, Mara? I’ll be waiting. Come and get me.

As the crowd cheers in delight for Fiona’s comments and remarks, suddenly back on the EXOScreen...



Once again, the lights in the arena blacken, just that image on the EXOScreen as “Reach for the Dead” by Boards of Canada begin to play over the PA System. Fiona looks on, and through what little light is left in the arena, it’s clear that she’s screaming and shouting for Mara to cut the theatrics and get straight to the point. No games, no tricks, just the two of them fighting. The stage remains empty, except for what seems to be a now lit black lantern on the stage before a voice comes over the speakers as the song plays.

Mara: Do you feel alive now, now that you walk among the dead, Seraph? Two weeks ago, I invited you into my family. The arms of the Allmother welcomed you into our world, and I let you feel how much love I have for you. Let me ask you a question, Fiona...do you know what you’ve done to me? Do you know what damage you’ve done to me? I came home a broken woman, and you put the nail in my coffin. The monster in my life is no more because of you, because of Chris Strike, because of these...people. All of you waited for a moment of weakness, and you destroyed the monster that protected me from harm. You left me out here for dead, AND I AM DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! I CANNOT FEEL A THING, AND YOU HAVE EXTINGUISHED THE ONLY LIGHT IN MY LIFE! And for that, you have to hurt, Fiona. For that, you have to suffer.

Finally, the image gives way to something else on the screen...the image of Fiona’s step daughter, the daughter of Jonathan Collins: Madison. She sits in an office, doing some homework all as a door opens, with Madison turning. All you can see from the person walking in is long dark hair before her voice sings...and it is the one voice Fiona did NOT want to hear.

Mara: Hush little baby, don’t say a word. Mara’s gonna buy you a mockingbird...and if that mockingbird don’t sing, Mara’s gonna buy you a diamond ring…

Madison looks up, and she almost smiles all before Mara turns her head to face the camera, hair almost cloaking her eyes as she seems to change expressions from a twisted grin to a malicious smirk.

Mara: Fiona...you stole light from me. You stole my breath, my essence, but more importantly...you stole my heart. And you would think that I would go with an eye for an eye, but I love you so. So I’m going to give you something you stole from me. You want light? Have some.

Have a light so bright, it creates a supernova. And just remember, Fiona...in five weeks, you’re going to...reach for the dead.

The shaky camera work erratically zooms in and out on Mara for a second before the feed cuts out on the EXOScreen, instead replaced by...



The feed returns to the backstage area, but this time the camera is pointed at the floor. Again, the camera work is shaky and at the bottom of the shot two shiny black and gold boots can be spotted. There are a few inaudible murmurs before the camera wildly spins around to reveal a gold and black painted face of the man known as NoVaK. The red eyed freak stares into the camera, with a few erratic, quiet giggles at random intervals. He twitches his neck and licks his lips before speaking.

NoVaK: You...you MAY. Have seen ME on...on Twit...HA! Twitter! Oooh, what a STRANGE place...that is? Hm?

He taps the lens of the camera which is still uncomfortably close to the painted man, so much so that you can hear every time he draws a breath.

NoVaK: I am. THE SUPERNOVA! And I am cooooming...to (R)evolution Wrestling...TO...deliver! The...the...message...ooh. I am the liiiight that shiiines sooo briiiight! So...sooo here! I! Am! The gift thaaaat keeps on giving. Eeeeeeeee how fitting! But first...first! SERAPH! I haaaaaaave. Come. For you! For I! ...Am the light! Sooo I ask? DO WE NEED LIGHTS!?

With that, the lights in the arena shut off completely, as well as the EXOScreen, leaving the fans and Fiona Collins somewhat confused. However, we can still hear sound, and what can be heard is NoVaK’s heavy breathing followed by a small sob. A sob that gets louder...and louder...and louder until it turns into a full on weep. A spotlight appears on the stage and out stumbles NoVaK, completely hunched over - hiding his face. Fiona Collins moves toward the ropes and screams for him to step into the ring with her, but the wails only become louder. Suddenly however, in an instant, the crying stops. Dropping to his knees on the stage, NoVaK slowly looks up to reveal that he’s wearing a mask...a mask of the Stardust Seraph! The Supernova runs a finger from the eye of the eerily realistic mask down the cheek to denote crying as he raises the microphone in his right hand to his lips.

NoVaK: Yeeeeeeee...AHAHAHAHAHA!!!

He throws the microphone away before covering the mouth with both hands. Getting to his feet, NoVaK begins to retreat before suddenly turning around and sprinting out of sight, a stifled laugh heard by the camera in close proximity of the strange, new (R)evo signing. The camera focuses on a confused and irritated Fiona before we cut to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: This may be one of the most bizarre openings we've ever had to kick off EXPRO On FX, folks. Folks, I'm Dick Morosi and I'm here with Seth Ericson, and we've got a great show for you tonight, headlined by Chris Strike and Lexy Chapel in a non-title match!

Seth Ericson: And if Fiona can shake off the heebie jeebies, she's got Devan Whitmore later tonight!

Dick Morosi: Those matches and more, but we're kicking things off with a four corner survival match! The Masked Salaryman, Evangelista, Adrien Cochrane, and Justin Brooks square off next!

We come back from commercial to the smiling face of Tom Matheny.

Tom Matheny: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Monster of the Bay, Justin Brooks.

The camera pans back as Justin Brooks stands next to Tom, with his taped hands on his large waist as he looks over at the EXODUS interviewer.

Justin Brooks: Tom.

Tom Matheny: Two weeks ago at the Autumn Effect 2, you had what many are calling are a instant classic against Angela Jameson, coming out on top. Tonight, you're in the Main Event you're taking on the newly crowned Exodus Pro World Heavyweight Champion in Chris Strike. Many want to say that after the Autumn Effect that you've offically arrived in Exodus while others may not be so easily swayed, what do you say to those critics?

Justin looks over at Tom as if he didn't say anything at all, leaving a bit of uncomfortable and rather awkward silence just simply hang in the air.

Justin Brooks: Go find Zack Lifer ask him. Better yet go find Dragons Unleashed and asked them. Better yet go find Angela Jameson and ask her if I've arrived in EXODUS. To those who want to doubt me....let 'em, I couldn't care less about them because I'm not here to prove them wrong, I'm not here to prove them right. I'm here to put in the work that one on else is willing to put in. I'm not Team EXODUS or Team anybody for that matter...I'm batting for my own team because I'm the only one who's got my best interest in mine. When it comes to the Main Event tonight win, lose, or draw...Chris Strike is going to know that he's been in a fight because I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Chris Strike wasn't to cement his place upon that EXODUS Mountain, well I'm going to be the man who's going to have it all crumble underneath him.

Tom Matheny: Good Luck tonight, Justin.

Slowly Justin his head as he reaches out and places a hand on Tom's shoulder.

Justin Brooks: I don't have any room for your luck, Tom. You need luck when you play the lottery...this is EXODUS, a place where War Machines rule the day...and Monsters are very much real.

And with that, we cut back to Dick & Seth.

NORMAL MATCH
LEXY CHAPEL vs. ZACK LIFER

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is beamed on by gold and white lights, the bulbs dimming slightly. Heroic hues floated over the entryway, the ramp and of course the audience, audible cheers as they hear the words of "Alive in the Lights" by Memphis May Fire boom through the speakers signifying one man and one man only.

From the beginning, I knew I was different.
I embraced it, but you didn't.
Your normal life, 9-5, it's just not for me.
I need to feel alive!

As the lights of gold and white beam down against the crowd, searching up the stairs and to the cheap seats, they notice a familiar silhouette. A pop from the fans resurfacing, signs of various positive remarks stretching across the ocean of 'Lifer Addicts' as well as a few anomaly signs that don't fit in with the others. Adorn in a white sweatshirt with his signature demented smiley face logo on the back, he makes his way down the stairs, high fiving a couple people on his way down.

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, from Newark, New Jersey, weighing in at 202 pounds, ZAAAAACK LIFERRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Don't you see the minds that have changed?
Do you see the lives that have been saved?
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?
Listen closely, the highways call my name.
Don't you see this is my everything?

Lifer's slow, methodical walking gives way to sprinting, his legs moving him towards the ring down the nearly endless row of stairs before Lifer hops the leather barricade, a running jump that could only be considered impressive, a hint of confidence in the way he moved at a slowed down pace once more towards the steel steps. His eyes dart to the entrance way as he trudges up the few stairs, not looking away as he watches the curtain for just a couple seconds. As he gets to the top of the steps, his eyes dart across the arena, stunned by the crowd reaction. The audience gets louder as he climbs the turnbuckle, a triumphant fist rising as high as he could, a laugh exiting his lips as a single golden colored firework shot diagonally on the stage, the location of its starting point mirroring the top turnbuckle he resided on as it screeched loudly as it cut across the arena air, another pop from the crowd.

Don't you care to see the difference I've made?

The camera zoomed out from the scene of Zack's arm raised with the firework shooting by swiftly in the background and watches as he gets on the outside apron again. He quickly hops the top rope effortlessly in one movement, his eyes searching the excited crowd as a smirk crosses his face. The sounds fade mid-lyric as he rests in his corner, looking anxiously at the referee and back at the entrance ramp for the match to finally make some progress.

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, Nate and Lexy Chapel walk out on to the stage, each carrying with them a camera-phone. They each stage on different sides of the stage at first, looking out over the fans and both filming the fans, before Nate turns and Lexy runs at him, leaping in to his arms and kissing him passionately on the stage.



David Zinkus: And his opponent, from North London, England, weighing in at 114 pounds, LEXYYYYYYYY CHAPPPPPPPPPELLLLLL!!!!!

They both make their way to the ring as the music continues to play, filming the fans as they walk down to the ring and posing on the entrance ramp together. As the chorus of the song begins, both slide in to the ring and climb up on to opposite corners, filming the fans again with their phones before turning and filming each other.

“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”

They both jump down from their corners and walk to the middle of the ring where Nate grabs Lexy and spins her around before kissing her again. He takes the phone from her and she removes her ring jacket before sliding over to her corner and jumping up on the turnbuckles, posing there again for a moment before flipping over backwards and readying herself for the match.

Dick Morosi: Well we are in for quite a treat as these two talented wrestlers who have had a lot of success take on one another tonight. What are your thoughts on this match, Seth?

Seth Ericson: All I have to say is that I’m not counting out either of these two. Both have held gold in this company.

Dick Morosi: No more waiting around as the bell sounds and these two can settle who the better wrestler is in the ring.

DING DING DING!!

Chapel starts things off with a quick headscissors takedown that caught Lifer way off guard. He’s back to his feet, but Chapel is already behind him and taking him back down with a bulldog. She bounces off the ropes once more and gives Zack Lifer a chest full of leg with a running leg drop right across his torso.

Seth Ericson: Holy shit, Lexy is starting things off here.

Dick Morosi: Like she was shot out of a cannon.

Lifer is back on his feet, but he’s back down with an armdrag. Lifer finally gets his first offense when he is able to finally land a move, this time a clothesline to knock down the momentum of Lexy Chapel.

Seth Ericson: There’s Lifer…

Lifer quickly suplexes her to stop her momentum once more. Then is able to land an elbow drop on her. Lifer with the cover.

ONE!!


TWO!!!


THR…NO!!

Dick Morosi:Lifer just wants to get the win and get out of here.

Seth Ericson: Can’t blame him.

Dick Morosi: Watch out, Chapel is bouncing off the ropes and Lifer doesn’t see it. Hurricanrana!!

Following the hurricanrana up with a Asai DDT and then following that with a baseball slide to the head of Zack Lifer, Lexy takes back control of the match. Lifer gets back up on to be hit with one of Lexy’s strongest moves.

Seth Ericson: Uh oh, Dental Check. You know what usually follows that.

Dick Morosi: She is climbing the top rope. This is a bit early for her to be attempting this.

Seth Ericson: Like Lifer, she might be trying to end this match as quickly as possible. And down she comes, Social Distortion!

Dick Morosi: It connects! Wow, she’s already hit her finisher, not even five minutes into the match. Cover!

ONE!!!


TWO!!!!



THREE!!!!!

Dick Morosi: Well that was quick.

Seth Ericson: That's what she said.

WINNER: Lexy Chapel

The bell rang once again, the match coming to a final close. Lexy Chapel celebrates to the crowd's delight, cheers raining down on the most successful International Champion EXODUS has ever had. However, Zack Lifer slowly makes it to his feet behind her, the crowd oblivious to the look planted across his visage.

Anger, pure rage made up his overflowing emotions, a different side of him that EXODUS was surely unfamiliar with. The few who noticed his anger chalked it up to him being a sore loser more than likely, discounting it almost immediately as nothing more than just a byproduct of this match alone. That is, until everything changed.

With Lexy Chapel on the top rope, her hands happily up in the air as she continued to celebrate her hard fought victory, Lifer silently crept behind her, his body rigid and low. The Savior Of EXODUS' Future grabbed a hold of both of her feet, positioning her over his shoulders so she was sitting in an electric chair position. He fell backwards, slamming her back towards the mat without a care in the world, shouting loud and angrily at anyone who would hear him, his words inaudible.

Dick Morosi: What a poor show of sportsmanship! Can you believe this guy, Seth?

Seth Ericson: Sportsmanship? This has nothing to do with sportsmanship. This? This is about something way more. Something even you and me haven't figured out yet, Dick! It has to be!

The crowd began to boo the single man standing in the middle of the ring, a couple kicks landing across his adversary's stomach with nearly enough vicious velocity that it could have broken a rib. However, before any real damage was done, a familiar theme song hit the PA system with full force.



The remainder of the intro of "Satellite" by Rise Against flows through the RIMAC, cheers loud and proud for the man running towards the ring without missing a beat! The Dropkick King stands in front of The New Iron 'Saint,' words being said back and forth between the two.

Dick Morosi: Adrien Cochrane, here to save the day and protect his fellow Sukigun member! Maybe he can talk some sense into Lifer for once.

Seth Ericson: Easier said than done.

The two communicate in the ring silently, Lifer's expression calming down briefly, the gears in his head starting to slow down. His thoughts begin to slow, his heart begins to regulate, and Lexy Chapel begins to quietly stir.

Dick Morosi: Hm. It's known that with Lifer, it takes a special kind of understanding and communication to calm him down, to talk some sense into him. A certain kind of patience that not even Jon Collins possessed. And as it turns out, Adrien might just be one of those people who knows how to—

Before Dick can finish his sentence, Adrien's hit by a loud right hook that sends the Dropkick King to his knees! Backing up, he prepares his mind and does the calculations, ready to run at full speed and slam his knee against his jaw with a Forced Suicide! Once it was set, to the shock of the crowd, Adrien Cochrane was down, fallen beside Lexy Chapel like a ton of bricks!

To the crowd's disgust, Lifer set his boot gently atop Adrien Cochrane's head. He raised his own arm, finally accepting the boos from the crowd like music to his ears, a sinister, childlike smile wide across his face as he stood tall above two key members of the Sekigun as we cut to commercial.

As EXPRO on FX #26 comes back from commercial, the enka-styled theme of the Masked Salaryman is just fading out. The big guy stands in the center of the ring, receiving a decent ovation from the crowd as he paces back and forth with a microphone.

Dick Morosi: Welcome back, folks! As you can see, we’ve got the Masked Salaryman back out here, and he’s got a microphone in his hands, so lets hear what the purveyor of GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES has to say.

The Masked Salaryman: Good citizens of EXODUS, I thank you for permitting me this time before you here this evening. I much prefer to conduct business with my fists and feet in this ring, but the time comes on occasion when a hero must use his mind, as well.

The Salaryman nods his head firmly.

The Masked Salaryman: Right now, EXODUS is safe. Those evildoers who plagued it have been scattered to the four winds by a force consisting of virtually this entire company! From RW students to Jonathan Collins, we all united to ensure that Gods & Monsters, Chuck Matthews, and HATE would cease to threaten us! And in doing so, we have won the war.

It’s a cheap pop, but the Masked Salaryman is not above cheap pops. Indeed, he even encourages the crowd in the Honda Center further, trying to get the “EX-O-DUS!” chant louder, letting the crowd chant itself out before continuing onwards.

The Masked Salaryman: The war has been won, good folks, but as the saying goes, now too must the peace be won! Jonathan Collins has retired, to a life of enjoying his family and preparing baked goods! Surely, he can reform the EXODUS Seikigun at a moment’s notice, and yet...I find myself standing here on this logo wanting something...more.

The Salaryman points down, onto the EXODUS logo that sits dead center of the ring.

The Masked Salaryman: I want to stand at the front-lines of this company! EXODUS has kindly given me a home, and a new purpose in life! I have been embraced by the vast majority of the good citizens of the EXODUS metropolis! They respect my love of takoyaki and karaoke! They embrace my attempts to spread the gospel of GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES! And in return? I embrace them! I embrace this company! I want to do more than beat up nameless, faceless security guards employed by some second-rate comic book villain whose only defining character traits are having lots of money and being really smart!!

Seth Ericson: Did we really have to bring him up?

The Masked Salaryman:: No, dear friends, my ambitions are much greater indeed! I wish to form an alliance! One of like-minded individuals! A group of men and women who will stand together at the front lines, now and always, to greet any would be nogoodniks with a sharp message - we will NOT accept their evil ways! In the coming weeks, I shall be observing my fellow competitors! Only the most virtuous and skilled will be selected for the EXODUS Vanguard, to stand alongside me - for all of us! For EXODUS! For now, and for always!

With his statement made, the Salaryman hands the microphone back to David Zinkus, and takes his leave of the squared circle. He slaps hands with fans in the crowd on his way to the back.

Dick Morosi: Strong words there from the Masked Salaryman, Seth.

Seth Ericson: They are indeed. I do kind of agree with him, though. Now’s the time we’ve got to think about the future - it’s always when complacency sets in that bad things happen.

Dick Morosi: Indeed. But for now, folks, we’ve got a grudge match coming up next.

Seth Ericson: We're finally having a match?

Dick Morosi: No! Shozo Arino is making his main roster debut when he meets Adrien Cochrane! Adrien took offense to REVOLUTION making their name at the expense of the TLC competitors, and he personally requested this match! It's a huge match with major implications for both parties...next!

NORMAL MATCH
SHOZO ARINO vs. ADRIEN COCHRANE

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

The lights in the arena dim as smoke starts to fill up the entrance way and ramp as a piano begins to play. With the sign of smoke comes fire on the EXO-Screen and then as the music stops, up on the giant video wall...



Suddenly, the music kicks back in for the remainder of the intro of "Satellite" by Rise Against!



As the chorus begins, out from the back, standing amidst the smoke and simulated fire is "The Dropkick King" Adrien Cochrane!

David Zinkus: Introducing first, from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 190 pounds...HE IS THE DROPKICK KING, ADRIENNNNNNNN COCHRANE!

That's why we won't back down
We won't run and hide
Yeah, 'cause these are the things that we can't deny
I'm passing over you like a satellite
So catch me if I fall

Adrien surveys the crowd, nodding and he finally pumps his fist, looking like he's slamming it down toward the ground, eliciting huge sparks of pyro that ignite from the top of the entrance way in time with his gesture! Starting to walk down the ramp, he nods his head in time with the music as he reaches his hands out, starting to slap hands with the fans who are cheering for him. Getting to the ring, he instantly hops up and practically slides across the apron before climbing up to the top turnbuckle to raise his arms to the crowd!



As the second time through the chorus starts, Adrien steps into the ring and moves across from where he enters, coming over to salute the other side of the audience! Continuing to salute the audience, Adrien finally hops down and starts to remove his shirt, looking intensely at the other side of the ring as he starts to mentally prepare for the match.

Dick Morosi: Adrien Cochrane’s looking downright focused here for this one tonight, given what happened at the Autumn Effect 2.

Seth Ericson: Adrien’s somebody who is looking to make his climb back after his absence and he’s encountered a few obstacles, but given what he suffered at the hands of REVOLUTION...he’s got all the motivation necessary to take it to his foe here tonight.

The crowd falls into booing as "Anti-Gravity" by Lindsey Sterling hits and the leader of the REVOLUTION steps out onto the stage. He first looks out at the crowd, and their negative reaction to him, shaking his head in disappointment. He then looks up at the ceiling and beyond, looking up for a few moments before nodding and setting off down the ramp.

David Zinkus: And his opponent...rom Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, weighing in tonight at a two hundred and five pounds....SHOZOOOOOOOOOOO ARINOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

He steps onto the ring apron and looks up at the sky again for a moment before stepping into the ring, rapidly turning to face the entire crowd before coming to a stop in the corner. He slowly undoes the hoodie he was wearing and ditches it, ready for his match to begin as he stares a hole through Adrien Cochrane, who is in the opposite corner with a determined look on his face.

Dick Morosi: Ladies and gentlemen, this match was made as a result of the aftermath of TLC which saw the EXPRO World Tag Team titles change hands and needless to say, REVOLUTION made their mark while led by that man, Shozo Arino!

Seth Ericson: Shozo went from being the butt monkey over at (R)Evo to somebody who is looking to make an impact on the EXODUS landscape. Beating a former World champion in Adrien Cochrane will go a long way in doing that.

The bell rings and given the nature of the attack on him and the remainder of the TLC competitors at the Autumn Effect, Adrien Cochrane wastes no time in going right at Shozo Arino, using quick forearms to take it to the REVOLUTION member, following suit with an arm drag which sends Arino to the mat. Adrien follows suit as Shozo stands and then gives him a second arm drag after that which forces Shozo to make his way to the ropes once he’s off the mat and back on his feet. He sticks his upper body between the top and middle rope, letting the referee know immediately to get Cochrane away from him. The ref does step forward and in between the competitors, forcing Adrien to step back and allow Shozo to get himself back in full inside of the ring. Arino begins to circle around the ring and Cochrane does the same before he makes his move again, this time going for a collar-to-elbow tie-up with Shozo. The two remain at a stand still, neither able to gain the advantage over the other before Adrien manages to finally slip behind Shozo, placing him in a hammerlock. He applies the hold properly, applying the pressure on Shozo and forcing him to go to the ropes yet again, placing his hand on the top rope and forcing Adrien yet again to break his grip on the REVOLUTION member. The referee once again gets in Adrien’s path and tells him to back off yet again, as Shozo chooses to stay by the ropes. Cochrane yells at Arino to come to the center of the ring and face him, but Arino shakes his head and says he’ll do it on his terms and not that of an ape who hasn’t evolved.

Dick Morosi: Cochrane has come out swinging here, but Shozo isn’t letting him dictate the pace.

Seth Ericson: I don’t think calling Adrien an ape is helping things either.

Again, Adrien comes out running towards Shozo but this time, Arino meets him with a sudden right elbow to the face. As Cochrane stumbles back, Arino goes on the attack as he connects with a few sound punches to the side of the Dropkick King’s right ear, sending him stumbling to the ropes. Arino irish whips Cochrane from the ropes and as he bounces back, Shozo meets him with a back body drop. As Adrien is still on the mat, Shozo doesn’t hesitate to hit Cochrane with a series of stomps and elbow drops, even going as far as dragging Adrien to the turnbuckle, placing him in a sitting position and throwing in some more stomps for good measure before the referee almost counts him out to five. Shozo raises his arms, backing up a few steps before taking off running and connecting with a front dropkick right to Adrien’s face. Shozo then drags Adrien away from the ropes and covers him, placing his forearm right to the Dropkick King’s head while doing so:

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOOO!!!

TH- Adrien kicks out.

Shozo, not quite satisfied, lifts Adrien up to his feet again, nailing him with a pair of elbows across the side of his right ear before placing his right arm around Adrien’s neck and then dropping him down with a Reverse DDT. Shozo again covers Adrien, although this time, he hooks the leg to go along with it:

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOOO!!!

TH- Adrien kicks out yet again.

Seth Ericson: Adrien got too caught up in that earlier taunt and he paid for it, Dick.

Dick Morosi: Shozo seems to be heavily intent on hitting Adrien across the right ear, almost as if trying to throw his equilibrium off...and that dropkick may have done the trick and nearly ended this match.

A few stomps more and Shozo decides to slow the pace down as he takes a knee and places Cochrane in a chinlock, applying the pressure and demanding the referee continuously check up and see if Adrien wants to quit. Adrien screams otherwise, his foot tapping against the mat as the crowd in the Honda Center begins to clap along, encouraging the Dropkick King to rise to his feet against the young upstart and gradually, Adrien does! As Adrien finds his vertical base, he begins to hit Shozo across the gut with elbows, forcing the REVOLUTION member to break the hold. As Arino stumbles back, Adrien follows suit and connects with a massive knife-edged chop to Shozo’s chest. He follows that up with an irish whip to Shozo and as Shozo bounces back, he gets caught right on the button with a dropkick from Adrien Cochrane, the crowd roaring in approval at the picture-perfect dropkick!

Dick Morosi: Beautiful dropkick, as Adrien proves why he’s earned the moniker.

Seth Ericson: Well, yeah...Adrien Cochrane is starting to build some steam here and Shozo had better be on the lookout! This ain’t (R)Evolution Wrestling.

As Shozo returns to his feet, he gets caught with ANOTHER dropkick from Cochrane, who electrifies the crowd further by telling them to make some noise before picking Shozo up by his head and then dragging him to the corner, bouncing Arino’s head against the top turnbuckle before irish whipping him to the opposite corner. Adrien takes off on a run towards Shozo and Arino gets out of dodge...however, Adrien continues his run and scales up the turnbuckle, reaching the top rope and then jumping off of it onto Shozo Arino with the Ace-inator! Adrien gets back to a sitting position, placing his hand right onto his right ear for a moment, checking up on it before leaning back and hooking Shozo’s leg for the cover:

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOOO!!!

TH- Shozo manages to get the shoulder up.

However, the Dropkick King doesn’t waste any time in getting Shozo back up, throwing in some closed fist punches to the REVOLUTION leader’s face given the events that transpired at TLC before connecting with a series of kicks to the side of Shozo’s ribs to keep him at bay before he takes off on a run to the ropes. As Adrien comes back, he takes a large leap, placing his legs right around Arino’s neck and bringing him down for a hurricanrana as the Honda Center erupts in approval of the maneuvers. Pounding the mat, Adrien signals that it’s time to put an end to it all as he makes his way out of the ring and onto the apron on the outside, placing his hands up on the top rope and watching as Arino gradually returns to his feet. As he does, Adrien jumps onto the top rope, springboarding from it and bringing his knees out for the Crescent City Connection...but Arino gets out of dodge and Adrien crashes knees first into the mat. The Dropkick King yells out in pain as Shozo returns his gaze over to Cochrane before YANKING Adrien back up to a standing position and beginning to nail him with a series of headbutts to the right ear area, forcing Cochrane right back onto a kneeling, reeling position before the REVOLUTION leader takes off running towards the opposite ropes and comes back with a MASSIVE Bakarate Sliding Kick, his boot catching Cochrane flush on the right ear!

Seth Ericson: What a massive kick by Shozo Arino!!!

Dick Morosi: He calls this “Evolving Times,” Seth, and Adrien got the full brunt of it!

Shozo Arino doesn’t hesitate for a moment to cover Adrien Cochrane, hooking both legs for good measure in the process while putting his full weight on him:

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bell rings and the crowd boos, some of them gasping in shock at the sudden upset as “Anti-Gravity” by Lindsey Sterling starts playing over the PA system again as Shozo stands back to his feet, a look of triumph on his face as the referee raises his arm while he holds on to the back of his head with the other hand.

David Zinkus: Here is your winner...SHOZOOOOOOOO ARIIIIINOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

WINNER: Shozo Arino

As he breaks away from the referee, Shozo Arino looks down at Adrien Cochrane, shaking his head at the Dropkick King while stating for the former World champion that it’s time to either evolve or die, the crowd at the Honda Center booing him further while Adrien is starting to stir back, hands holding the side of his head!

Dick Morosi: Adrien went all out on this one and there were instances where he nearly had him, but that series of attacks to the right ear and the well-placed Evolving Times kick gave Shozo Arino a MASSIVE victory in his young career.

Seth Ericson: REVOLUTION wanted its message taken seriously? This is as good of a start as you can make on it. Shozo Arino seized a big opportunity here tonight and needless to say, EXODUS Pro? This is somebody you’ll want to take seriously going forward.

The cameras go to a commercial as Shozo slides out of the ring, right arm raised triumphantly while Adrien sits up inside of the ring, a look of disappointment on his face...or do they?

The Scene Opens….

A silhouette of a man sitting down on a throne surrounded by the shadows of three women and a man crouched down next to one of the women can be seen in the dim lit room…..

The voice of a man, the hollow voice begins to speak slowly…..

“Maybe we all have in us a secret pond where evil and ugly things germinate and grow strong. But this culture is fenced, and the swimming brood climbs up only to fall back. Might it not be that in the dark pools of some men the evil grows strong enough to wriggle over the fence and swim free?”

The voice continues to speak…..

“Did perpetual happiness in the Garden of Eden maybe get so boring that eating the apple was justified? Was the first creation marred by indecisiveness and the pursuit sin through the acts of temptation that you indulge in your simple conduct and empty words to justify this mere existence you cherish….”

The camera gets closer to the five individuals as the voice continues to speak….

“EXODUS Pro Wrestling has become complacent, stale in its own existence and unaware of the dangers outside of their sanctuary. The creation, the Genesis is upon you and the lands in which we have already planted our seed have watched it grow into our Garden……”

Suddenly the five individuals are shown, that to be Aiken sitting on his thrown wearing leather pants, a white ruffled shirt and boots, to his right is Red Rayne dressed in red leather pants, halter top and trench coat with her long red hair hanging down, on the opposite is Mika Kozlov in black pants, boots and a white and black vest, finally Silk in her white Quipao dress with a black dragon imprint and the tattooed Mogui in a dog collar, his chain in Silk’s hand…..

Aiken speaks again…..

“The Garden of OUR New Eden…..”

Aiken cracks a smile as Silk tilts her head and softly speaks…..

“Even a dragon from the outside finds it hard to control a snake in its old haunt.”

Silk stares into the camera with her oily black eyes while Red Rayne looks on stoically, Mika giggles and Aiken just smirks….

Red Rayne in her hollow and eerie voice speaks….

“The purification begins, EXODUS this is your Genesis….”

Mika waves giggling…..

“Dosvidanya….”

*STATIC*