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We now go backstage after commercial where we find Christian Kane marching down a hallway in the RIMAC still wearing his ring gear after his match earlier in the night. His speed picks up as he pushes several people aside, the urgency in his voice easy to hear.

Christian Kane: Get out the f*****’ way! Goddamn!

Breaking out into a full on sprint Kane eventually finds the trainer’s room and bursts in to the sight of Darrin Stearns being attended to by the medical staff. Everyone in the room diverts their attention to the Canadian who is breathing heavily as he steps into the room.

Christian Kane: Sorry, I...uh...came as fast as I could. Darrin, are you okay?

Stearns grunts as the doctor shines a light into his eyes, one at a time.

Doctor: He’ll live. Darrin here has had some stitches, and it looks like he’s mildly concussed. It’s nothing too bad, but he certainly took a beating, I’m sorry to say.

Kane exhales, thanking the doctor with a pat on the shoulder before intentionally making eye contact with a dazed Darrin Stearns.

Christian Kane: You know our words, D. All will be well.

Darrins smiles weakly and nods slowly.

Christian Kane: Furor will pay for this Darrin, I promise you. I swear to you, I will kick his f*****’ head off myself.

?: Temper, Mr. Kane.

Kane’s head snaps to the left to the sight of Chuck Matthews standing in the door frame. He slowly saunters into the room, standing a few feet from Christian Kane.

Chuck Matthews: Rotten luck. It's a dangerous place out there, isn't it? You can never be too careful.

Chuck motions to Darrin.

Christian Kane: He was jumped!

Chuck Matthews: Like I said, it's a dangerous place. And drawing so much attention to yourself? It's not wise. Mr. Stearns, unfortunately, drew the wrong attention from the wrong people. And now he's got some stitches and a couple of black eyes to show for it.

Doctor: And a concussion.

The doctor quips in, Matthews smirks as Kane shoots a dirty look.

Chuck Matthews: And a concussion! Look, it's not really a secret that I'm not a member of the Christum Furor fan club, but even you can't deny that everything seems to be going his way lately. All I'm saying is that I wouldn't start picking fights with such a dangerous individual, Christian. You wouldn’t want to be the next on Furor’s hit list, would you?

Kane’s face is almost red with anger as he steps to Matthews, the two men now separated by only a few inches.

Christian Kane: I invite him to try. You on the other hand, just found yourself on mine. Doc, how would you like me to throw some work your way?

Matthews takes a step back, raising his hands before slowly backing away until he’s just inside the doorway yet again. He measures the Canadian for a few moments, fists clenched, muscles bulging - ready to fight. With a slight chuckle beforehand, ‘The Smartest Man In Wrestling’ decides to defuse the situation.

Chuck Matthews: You really should watch that temper, Kane. As much fun as I'm sure this would be, this is hardly the time or the place. We wouldn't want to make a scene in front of Darrin here, would we? Poor guy's already been through so much.

Chuck smiles, and nods to the doctor and Kane.

Chuck Matthews: I’ll see you around.

With that Chuck exits the room, and as he does so Christian follows his path, stopping just outside the door.

Christian Kane: Yeah, you will.

The camera sees Kane looking very irritated in the direction of Chuck Matthews as we cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: I don't say this often, but Christian Kane's been a different person lately. Considering how much that friendship with Darrin Stearns means to him, I can only imagine just how much what just transpired irritated him.

Seth Ericson: Kane's a changed man, Dick. I really hope that Chuck Matthews remembers that he can change back just as fast.

Dick Morosi: Stranger things, Seth. Anyways, we're scheduled to have Lexy Chapel against Johnny Cannon next, but I've been told Lexy has been taken to a local medical center to get something taken care of. It may or may not involve a swing, a banana, and a tennis racket?

Seth Ericson: And the legend of the International Champion grows!

Dick Morosi: I have to admit, with her not being in the RIMAC tonight, I don't know the status of tonight's International Title match...

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

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

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



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

Cannon struts to the ring, marching with an undeniable swagger, vanity, and pretentious charm, while Goodrich continuously edges on the audience, swinging his arms up and pointing out at the sea of fans. Johnny, ignores the onslaught of hatred from the fans on either side of them, no longer caring about their opinions or beliefs. He spurts forward toward the ring, and slides in under the bottom rope, before launching himself to his feet and suddenly spinning to the center of the ring in a very Shawn Michaels-esque fashion, before positioning himself carefully in the middle. As the crowd screams their disrespects, his music fades out, Cannon making his way to the side of the ring and holding a hand towards Tom Matheny, snatching a microphone from him and smiling cockily whilst doing so.

Johnny Cannon: Ahem. Now, you all know that tonight you were supposed to be treated to the sight of Johnny Cannon kicked Lexy Chapel’s bloody head off to become a three-time EXODUS International Champion. However, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ve got just that.

The crowd quiets, not sure what the Englishman is getting at.

Johnny Cannon: Unfortunately, Lexy Chapel cannot compete tonight, as she has not healed yet from the injuries she suffered apparently during a wild sex night. Now, I don’t want to sound judgmental, but I recall numerous occasions where I came out here and wrestled a five star match with plenty of lingering injuries, but hey, not everyone was made like the Million Dollar Man. Now, logic dictates that our dearest Chapel should be stripped of the International Championship and that I should be awarded with the championship. However, that’s not going to happen, and I don’t want it to anyway. Regardless of how you wankers feel about me I’m a competitor, and the bees knees at that. So when I take the International Championship off of Lexy’s hands I want her to be one hundred percent. So Lexy, you take all the time off you need. Lord knows it wouldn’t be the first time you were watching at home while Johnny Cannon was out here carrying the show, doing that thing he does all the time - being better than you and EVERYONE here in every fashion.

Boos and jeers fill the RIMAC arena now. The British Mamba is pleased by the crowd’s hatred.

Johnny Cannon: Oh shut your bloody cake holes I’m not out here to talk your bloody ear off. I’ve done enough of that for one night. No, I’m out here to wrestle!

Dick Morosi: What the hells he talking about? If the International Championship match has been postponed, who’s Cannon facing, Seth?

Seth Ericson: Perhaps he’ll wrestle himself. I’d pay to see that.

The confused crowd quiets down, waiting eagerly to see who the Brit will be competing against. With a wry grin, Cannon marches to the ropes, reaching out of the ring to be handed a clipboard from Goodrich. Johnny backs up into the center of the ring now, raising it into the air as he begins to snicker.

Johnny Cannon: It can never be said that Johnny Cannon never gave back to the wrestling community, even if the people in it aren’t worthy of my presence. But fret not beloved wankers, I’m here to offer you a golden opportunity, one that can bring some significance into your pitiful lives. This here is a waiver… and THIS… is the Rags To Riches Invitational brought to you by yours truly. Tonight, I’m going to give one of you undeserving losers an opportunity to live the American Dream… no… to live like Johnny Cannon. You see, one of you lucky bastards we’ll be given a shot to face Johnny Cannon right here in this ring and should you win, Goodrich will write you a check for $10,000 so you can stop window shopping and buy that outfit you always wanted, so that you can buy yourself a new pair of undies, ones without holes and stains and more importantly so you can take your inbred whore of a wife to that five star restaurant you always wanted to go to but couldn’t get a reservation because you’re a piece of *BLEEP*. Tonight, I’m offering one of you the chance to be all that you can be… to be better than what you are… to be Johnny Cannon!

Seth Ericson: Oh this sounds fantastic. You know what I could do with that kind of money, Dick?

Dick Morosi: You wouldn’t last five seconds in the ring with an athlete the caliber of Johnny Cannon, Seth. Neither would any of these people. This is sick.

Seth Ericson: Here you go trying to kill people’s dreams Dick.

Quinton Goodrich holds up a checkbook and a ballpoint pen, showcasing it to the crowd that is ignited at the prospect of winning the cash prize, regardless of the fact that they have to wrestle AND beat a former EXODUS World Champion to do so.

Johnny Cannon: So let’s cover the rules. You raise your hand when Goodrich gives the signal if you want to step into the ring with the greatest wrestler in the world today…. then I’ll choose one of your from the crowd and you’ll live your dream. You’ll step out from the crowd and be apart of the action. You’ll be apart of the show. You’ll step into my yard, you’ll sign the waiver, relieving you of all rights to take legal actions against EXODUS, it’s subsidiaries or Johnny Cannon for anything that should happen to you. I realize that majority of you haven’t graduated from school yet, which means you’re probably a Fiona Collins fan. But that’s okay, I’ll explain this in terms that you’ll be able to grasp. Once you sign this waiver, you’re competing at your own risk, which means if I want to break your bloody neck I can do so without a care in the world. I think it’s a worthy tradeoff considering the stipend being offered.

The audience screams loudly in response, the entire RIMAC buzzing with excitement at the thought of it all.

Johnny Cannon: Wow. Listen to that response. So many of you have been waiting for your chance to step into the ring and prove your mettle. You’ve gone to sleep at night and have dreamt of the day you could captivate the crowd, could know what it’s like to be famous. That’s what the Rags To Riches Invitational is all about. I remember when I was where you were - well not really. I was never out of shape and out of sorts. I was never sitting in the crowd living off of the accomplishments of someone I could never hope of amounting to. Still, this is your golden ticket to the promised land. A victory over Mr. EXODUS is worth more than a shopping spree. It’s worth an EXODUS contract, it’s worth traveling the world among the best men and women in the world selling out venue after venue as your carve out your destiny in the most cutthroat sport known to civilization. This is your chance to prove to those who have doubted you, to those who never said you’d be anything that you’re not all fur coats no knickers. Used this chance to be heard! This is your chance to turn your dream into reality. So who’s ready? Who thinks that can last five minutes in the ring with the British Mamba? Who’s got what it takes to go toe to toe with the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived?

Goodrich gives the signal and almost every hand in the RIMAC fires up, Cannon laughing condescendingly at the response.

Johnny Cannon: Lets see hmm… maybe you with the two dollar haircut.. nope. What about you… nevermind you look pregnant, then again you could just be fat. I guess you could you 10 grand for some liposuction. WAIT… I think we’ve found our winner.

Cannon looks about the masses, and finally sees someone worthy of competing against.

Johnny Cannon: You right there! Yes you’re perfect! You with the Macklemore haircut and the Forman Mills button up shirt. Goodrich, help him up.

The Brit laughs hysterically as security escorts a handicapped man, looking no older than twenty and his crutches over the guardrail. Quinton claps and urges the crowd to celebrate the man bravery as he is slides into the ring.

Dick Morosi: This is a ridiculous. Is he really going to fight a handicap?

Seth Ericson: Hey, they're still people, Dick.

Cannon scoffs and shakes his head, almost brought to tears by the chosen contestant.

Johnny Cannon: Alright kid. You’re in the ring with the GOAT. That’s a privilege and I want you to remember that and let it soak in before we get started. Okay. Now introduce yourself to the people.

The kid leans into the microphone.

?: My name is Shawn Davis, and I’m from right here in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA!

The audience pops for the hometown hero.

Johnny Cannon: Look folks we’ve got ourselves a Bay Area Boy right here. I’m always moved by stories such as yours. Look at you, coming from nothing, in this terrible city that no one visits because why would you to San Diego when Los Angeles is right around the corner. I’m moved by your courage, Shawn. You can barely stand, yet here you are trying to make something of yourself and prove that even without working legs that you’re the dog’s bollocks. I admire that. You inspire me, Shawn. Now, before I hand you this waiver I want to give you a moment that you’ll never forget. I’ll going to allow you to shake hands with your hero, your favorite wrestler, the most scintillating, jaw-dropping talent in the game today JOHNNY! CANNON!

Cannon enthusiastically extends his hand, however the gesture is not returned.

Shawn Davis: You’re not my favorite wrestler, Mr. Cannon.

Johnny, appalled, furrows his brow.

Johnny Cannon: Alright, I can’t please everybody. Tell me, who do you love MORE than ME?

Shawn Davis: Abby Park is my favorite! She inspires me to overcome obstacles every day. She’s the reason I raise my hand because she teaches me not to live in fear, and not to let my limits define me and that’s why I’m going to beat you right now!

The crowd pops, dueling chants of “Abby Park” and “Shawn Davis” filling the RIMAC to the displeasure of the British Mamba.

Johnny Cannon: That’s mighty big talk from a man with no legs.

Cannon tosses Davis the waiver and observes as Shawn signs it.

Johnny Cannon: Best of British luck to you, Shawn. Ring the bloody bell.

Cannon hands Goodrich the waiver as the bell sounds. Mr. EXODUS dances around the ring, jumping from one foot to the other as Shawn stands gingerly on his feet, not wanting to move hastily both out of caution and due to his mobility which is halted without the use of his crutches. Johnny inches closer and closer to him, but just when it seems like he’s going make a dive for his legs the British Mamba stops. He gestures for a time out, confusing Shawn.

Johnny Cannon: Wait… wait… let’s shake hands as a show of sportsmanship. Then we’ll really get started.

Nodding, Shawn extends his hand, which Cannon grabs, only to real him for the Roundhouse Kick. The audience boos vehemently as Davis drops to the mat, rendered unconscious by the vicious kick to his cranium. Quinton applauds from the outside, cheering Cannon on as the former World Champion drops down to hook his legs for the three count. Johnny leaps up into the air, then dances in place like Muhammad Ali as if he had just won a World Title. The act does not go over well with the audience who jeer ever louder! Mr. EXODUS picks up the microphone, and gets down to Shawn’s head. He pretends as if Davis is telling him something, though the man is clearly knocked out, and possibly unconscious.

Johnny Cannon: BLOODY HELL SHAWN! YOU SAID YOU CAN’T FEEL YOUR LEGS? QUICK! WE NEED A MEDIC!

Cannon convulses with laughter now to a tremendous heat, Goodrich laughing along as “Cinderella Man” by Eminem begins to play through the P.A. again.

Seth Ericson: Damn. I guess Shawn didn’t exactly, measure up to Mr. EXODUS, Dick.

Dick Morosi: I’m ashamed to be associated with such a thing. That was not a good moment for EXODUS, and certainly not the brand that Cannon so desperately wants recognized.

The former World Champion rolls out of the ring, Goodrich following him as they head up the ramp, laughing amongst themselves without a care in the world. And with that, we cut to a commercial break.

We come back from commercial, and buried in a mountain of paperwork is Jonathan Collins. With a lot to organize in the wake of Nicholas Gray's disappearance, in addition to the fact his friend Darrin Stearns happens to be sitting in the trainer's office after a heinous attack from Christum Furor. The sanity and self-control of the Director has been fraying as of late, and when the door swings open, he's not quite sure what to expect, until...

Voice: You look like a man carrying a lot of weight, friend.

Jonathan looks up and the voice belongs to none other than Kerry Windsor.

Kerry Windsor: You and I need to talk.

Jonathan stands up and shakes his head, sighing as he approaches his long time friend. Without a second thought, he reaches to give his friend a one armed hug before sighing again.

Jonathan Collins: It's okay, Kerry. I already made it official. Whether or not Lexy Chapel is International Champion at Long Way Down, you're guaranteed a match against her.

Kerry Windsor: Not like I don't appreciate that, man...but that's not what I'm here for. Jon, I think you know.

There's a brief moment of silence as the two talk, and Jon looks down at the ground for a moment as he glances back up at him.

Jonathan Collins: Are you sure you want to do this, Kerry? It's not gonna be easy. At all. We got a big war ahead of us. HATE. Gods & Monsters. Rachel Foxx's Sinistry. They're coming from all sides, Kerry, and we don't have a choice but to fight. I need to knuckle up again, and I'm gonna need you and Chandler to help the rest of us. This is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets anywhere close to better.

Kerry Windsor: Well it's a good thing I'm all about the fight, man. Listen, you and I go way back and I came here because you asked. You wanted a name for The Crucible, and I came. Now I'm not just here because it's the place to be, but I'm here because you're my friend. You need me?

Kerry nods and holds out a hand to his friend.

Kerry Windsor: Then let's go to war.

Jon nods after a moment, shaking the hand of his friend.

Jonathan Collins: I'll show you how I used to do this back when I was riding with A2.

Kerry grins and pats his friend on the back as we go back to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: Looks like the Sekigun just gained a HUGE asset in the form of Kerry Windsor!

Seth Ericson: And if it's true that Christian Kane is willing to stand tall with them, this might be just what EXODUS needs to put an end to this war for good.

Dick Morosi: And we'll see both Kane and Windsor facing Zack Lifer and Kliff Ulysses...next!

FOUR CORNER SURVIVAL
CHRISTIAN KANE VS. KERRY WINDSOR VS. KLIFF ULYSSES VS. ZACK LIFER

David Zinkus: The following contest is a Four Corners Match scheduled for one fall.

An excited murmur passes over the crowd as they sit in anticipation. All of a sudden, the opening riffs to “The Future In the End” by Evans Blue begin to blare throughout the arena, sending the crowd into an all out frenzy. As the beat finally drops, Kerry Windsor steps out from behind the curtain to a massive ovation. He slowly saunters to the top of the ramp and slides the hood from his head as he stops and gazes out over the crowd. An approving smirk appears on his face as he outstretches his arms to his sides, soaking in the reception.

David Zinkus: Introducing first! From New York City, New York, standing at six foot two inches tall, and weighing in tonight at two hundred and twenty-five pounds! This is Kerry! WINDSOR!

Finally he begins making his way down towards the ring, walking at first, but then sprinting and sliding into the ring. He quickly hops up to his feet, and spins around with his arms outstretched. He makes his way towards the ropes and leans over, mixing it up with the crowd a bit before pulling off his hoodie and tossing it to the side of the ring. He backs up into his corner, and patiently awaits for the start of the match.

Dick Morosi: Kerry Windsor is coming off his first loss in EXODUS, but it’s not one that should have his spirits low. He took Lexy Chapel to the edge, and many are already calling for a re-match.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, well he’s back at the end of the line now, Dick. He missed his chance and he blew it. And even worse, he’s taking on three guys who are either next in the pecking order, or could leap forward with a win tonight.

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


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run...

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

You better make your face up in
Your favourite disguise

With your button down lips and your
eyes

With your empty smile
And your hungry heart

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

AND THE HAMMERS BATTER DOWN YOUR DOOR!

YOU BETTER RUN!

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

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


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run


Run, run, run, run...

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

Seth Ericson: Kliff’s got his swagger back, Dick. That and a pet llama if you’ve been hip to his tweets as of late. Don’t know what that means for his opponents tonight but I’d advise them not to touch it.

Dick Morosi: That’s probably the best advice you’ve ever given in your life.

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is beamed on by gold and
, the bulbs dimming slightly. Heroic hues floated over the entryway, the ramp and of course the audience,
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
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: Introducing next from Newark, New Jersey. Weighing in tonight at two hundred and two pounds he is the NEW IRON SAINT… ZACK! LIFER!

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
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.

Dick Morosi: Zack Lifer is coming off a hard fought victory at Ascendancy over Justin Brooks. However, we’ve heard from The Big Bad Brooks himself that their business isn’t over with. I for one am sick of this timeout business, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Listen, Zack’s the kid who’s always at the principal’s office, who’s always rubbing somebody the wrong way. And Brooks, well he’s a bully. Things are probably going to get a lot worse before they get a lot better for the New Iron Saint.



The guitars and drums of the timeless Bon Jovi classic kick in throughout the arena as Christian Kane makes his way through the curtain and onto the stage. Red and
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: And from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds. He is ‘The Handsome Drifter’, and the ‘Canadian Sensation’. This is CHRISTIAN! KANE!

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

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

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

Seth Ericson: CK buried Brett Sands at Ascendancy, then they buried the hatchet. If he thought it would be smooth sailing going forward he’s a stupid as he is handsome.

Dick Morosi: Indeed, Christian’s decision to side with the EXODUS Sekigun has gotten him under the radar of Cleon Gray. And just as important, his friend (R)evolution Director Darrin Stears was the victim of a heinous assault from Christum Furor. One can only wonder where Kane’s head is at right now.

Seth Ericson: He better have it wired on right, or he’ll have it knocked off his shoulder by these guys.

Dick Morosi: The Ultimate Entertainer, The New Iron Saint, The Handsome Drifter and the veteran Kerry Windsor all in the same ring. This is going to be epic.

*DING! DING! DING!*

The bell chimes thrice as all four competitors stand in their respective corners, running their strategies through their heads one last time as they look at one another, wondering who will move first as Dan Arnouil tries to get the match underway. Starting things off are Ulysses and Windsor, two competitors familiar with one another due to the great match they had during EXODUS’ tour of Japan. The slowly inch toward each other before locking in a collar and elbow tie. Kliff quickly breaks the grapple and encircles his arms around Windsor's head to apply a headlock, locking the hold tightly as the Iowan tries to fight his way out of the textbook submission. Channeling his veteran instincts, Kerry backpedals into the ropes, using the momentum garnered from the elasticity of the cables to shove Ulysses forward into a charge. The Minnesotan rebounds off the ropes, leaping over Windsor who drops down onto his front, then leans into the opposite set of cables. Upon his return trip, Windsor springs to a vertical base and catches The Ultimate Entertainer with a Hip Toss. Kliff lands with a thud, but quickly scrambles back to his feet, charges forward, then is caught again with the same move. Persistent, Ulysses is back up, though much slower than in his previous attempts. Once again, he comes at Kerry, this time with a Clothesline attempt - Kerry ducks, then returns upright to reach back and grab hold of Kliff’s head, quickly falling down to score with a Falling Neckbreaker.

Dick Morosi: Kerry seems to be focused and on his top game tonight, Seth. He countered with that Neckbreaker and has Kliff reeling.
Seth Ericson: Kliff tries to score multiple times, but was denied. His sex life has crept into his profession. That’s gotta sting.

Ulysses quickly rolls out of the ring, vying for a breather as Kane steps in. Both veterans move toward each other before locking up; Christian quickly slips under Windsor’s arms and maneuvers behind him to apply a Hammerlock, immobilizing him as his foe winces in pain from the strain on his captured limb. Kerry struggles momentarily before bending down and sliding behind Kane, untwisting his arm before applying a hammerlock of his own, only to be caught off guard by a counter from the Canadian. CK reaches behind to wrap an arm around Kerry’s head, then drops down to drag him forward with a Snapmare. The Handsome Drifter springs to his feet, then fires a low Dropkick in one fluid motion, blasting the veteran in the back of the head. Windsor rolls into the center of the ring, a wave of disorientation stunted his cerebral functions due to the assault on his cranium. Back on his feet now, Christian quickly charges at him, then leaps into the air to perform a Standing Shooting Star Press. The Canadian Sensation splashes across Kerry’s form, dropping his entire two hundred and fifteen pound frame across his foe’s chest before hooking his legs for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Dick Morosi: Kane coming out strong early with that combination of moves. Christian seems to be engaged in this match, even though his thoughts are no doubt with Darrin Stearns.

Seth Ericson: He’s probably imagining he’s in the ring with Christum Furor. Wait… can you imagine three of him? That just sent chills down my spine, Dick.

Dick Morosi: I didn’t even know you had one, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Funny, I can say the same thing about your momma when I was hitting that thing from the BACK last night. Haha.

Christian drags Kerry up to a vertical, only to see Winsdor fight back with a series of forearms. He Irish Whips Kane into the far corner, then charges in as soon as the Canadian collides with the turnbuckle padding. However, his momentum is used against him as The Handsome Drifter ducks down before springing up in time to toss Kerry over the corner sending him flying out of the ring. Another challenger enters the arena! Zack Lifer quickly steps through the cables, prompting Kane to charge at him. The New Iron Saint ducks a Clothesline from Kane, then reaches back to hook his arms before pulling down to pin his shoulders into the canvas with a Backslide.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Kane rolls back to avoid taking the loss and wheels up onto his knee. Lifer is already on his feet and charges right at him with a Shining Wizard. He steps off CK’s raised knee and blasts him right in his face with a knee of his own sending the Canadian flopping to the canvas. Perhaps out of instinct or due to the momentum gained from having his face smashed in, Christian rolls out of the ring and looks to regroup outside the ring. Back on his feet now, Lifer senses a commotion coming from behind him. It’s Kliff Ulysses, who seems to have picked his spot perfectly, or so he thought. The New Iron Saint sidesteps him before launching him over the ropes, tossing him outside. Now standing alone in the ring, Zack clips his hands repeatedly to get the crowd going. Windsor, Kane, and Ulysses all begin to stir beside one another, prompting an idea that manifests in Lifer’s enigmatic mind. Feeding off of their energy, The New Iron Saint runs the perimeter of the ring, then shoots through the ropes like a salmon with a Suicide Dive that takes out everyone in sight.

Seth Ericson: Lifer just took out all the pins with that strike.

Dick Morosi: The New Iron Saint is in the driver’s seat now. He’s got his choice of either of the three men who are worse for wear after absorbing his Suicide Dive.

Ulysses is Lifer’s choice, as The New Iron Saint pulls him to a stand, then rolls him back into the ring. The New Jerseyan slowly knees up onto the apron, and once on his feet and ducks through the ropes. CRACK! Ulysses springs back to a stand to slam his elbow into his adversary’s temple. BAM! BAM! BAM! He follows that up with a series of violent forearms, relying on his well-documented striking ability to stop Lifer in his tracks. Having seized the momentum, Ulysses traps his foe’s head in a front facelock then pulls him forward to suspend his feet along the ropes before dropping down to score with a vicious Draping DDT. Lifer’s head lands on the canvas with a dull and resounding thud, his head immediately scrambled by the potentially concussive blow. Sensing that he may have things wrapped up, the Ultimate Entertainer immediately rolls Lifer over and executes a lateral press for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Lifer rolls a shoulder, his resilience and willpower keeping him alive despite the effects of the DDDT still clouding his brain. Ulysses is going to let up though, as he scrambles a stand, then leaps down with an Elbow Drop across the New Iron Saint’s sternum. Kliff’s got a handful of hair now as he drags Zack to a stand, doubling him over so that he can drive a malicious knee into his countenance. Lifer’s body trembles from the impact as Kliff lifts him upright and backs him into the corner, smashing a forearm into his jaw to keep him there. Afterward, Ulysses pulls him out and launches him into the diagonal corner with an Irish Whip, then rushes in with a Clothesline just as quickly as Zack hits the turnbuckles. The New Jerseyan comes stumbling out of the corner, only to be dropped by a Running Bulldog as Kliff puts an emphatic end to his lightning quick combination of maneuvers by burying his foe’s face into the mat. The Ultimate Entertainer rolls onto his back and hooks Lifer’s nearest leg for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Seth Ericson: Kliff is firing on all cylinders right now. He’s like Joe Swanson in that episode where he got his legs back. He’s walking tall and all over Zack Lifer.

Dick Morosi: The Ultimate Entertainer is one of the most dangerous men in the game when motivated, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Which is ironic, considering the fact that he could be World Champion if he wasn’t so interested in making a spectacle of himself.

Dick Morosi: Showmanship is a double edged sword, Seth. Kliff seems to be on the right side of the blade right now, and could be moments away from delivering the kill stroke.

Ulysses is back on his feet, waving his arms wildly and triumphant as the crowd pops. The best showman in the game heads for the rope, stepping out of the ring and onto the apron before beginning his ascension. As he nears the top Christian Kane tries to stop him, climbing onto the apron to grab the Minnesotan’s nearest leg. Kane desperately tries to pull Kliff down, but only receives a stiff kick to the face for his efforts, knocking him back as he leans on the ropes in a stupor. The distraction though allows Lifer to recuperate and pursue his foe. The New Iron Saint quickly chases Ulysses down, meeting him at the top rope as the two competitors engage in a fist fight. Rights and lefts. Shot after shot. They trade blow after blow, which is a game Ulysses is well suited for as he uses his striking ability to knock Lifer off the top rope, sending him crashing to the canvas with a thud. However, before he can follow up Kane inserts himself back into the mix. The Canadian Sensation leaps onto top cable, the springboards into the air to wrap his legs around Kliff’s head. He uses the headscissors to drag The Ultimate Entertainer off the top rope, and both stars come falling like a comets, crashing into the mat to a chorus of cheers.

Dick Morosi: What a sequence of events, what a move from Christian Kane! That was incredible!

Seth Ericson: He must have snorted some coke while he was down, because nobody in their right mind would have attempted something like that.

Both Ulysses and Kane look to get to their feet, with Kane being the quicker of the two considering the fact that he wasn’t just on the receiving end of a Hurricanrana from the Top Rope. Taking that into account, Christian makes a beeline for the far ropes, and quickly rebounds before charging forward with the STKO. He leaps right into the groggy Ulysses with a blistering knee strike, dropping the Minnesotan like a bad habit. Kliff lies sprawled, seemingly out cold providing Kane with enough incentive to go for the cover and the win.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR-”

Lifer slides in at the nick of time to break up the pinfall, dropping down to smash his fists into Kane’s cranium. Having dazed Christian, the Iron Saint lifts him to his feet and belts him with a series of forearms. Zack goes to whip Kane into the corner, only to have the attempt turned on him as the Canadian Sensation launches him into the corner. Kane comes charging in, receiving a face full of feet for his efforts, the counter turning him around and sending him back in retreat. As he staggers into the center of the ring, Kerry Windsor comes flying off the top rope with a Missile Dropkick. The veteran scores, planting his boots into The Handsome Drifter’s face to take him off his feet. The Iowan scrambles back to a vertical base, surveying the landscape in time to intercept in incoming Lifer. Windsor dodges a Clothesline, countering that with an Inverted Backbreaker that nearly snaps the New Iron Saint’s vertebrae in two, then floats it over into a Rolling Cutter planting Zack face first into the canvas.

Dick Morosi: Change In Plans! Kerry may have this match wrapped up in a bow now, Seth.

Seth Ericson: I’d like to have his wife wrapped up in a bow. Did you see her at Ascendancy? She’s a dime if I’ve ever seen one!

Seth Ericson: You’re lucky he didn’t hear that, Seth. Otherwise, I’d be looking for a new commentary partner.

Dick Morosi: Man I ain’t scared of nobody. I’ve been hanging with Black Jones recently, and he put me on to Chief Keef 300. Windsor doesn’t want to meet my llama! BANG!

With Lifer incapacitated, Windsor hooks his legs for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

The New Iron Saint still has life left in him. Somewhat frustrated by Zack’s tenacity, Kerry plants a fist into the canvas whilst Lifer tries to pull himself up on the ropes. Kerry offers to lend him a helping him, lifting the New Jerseyan up and leaning him into the cables before dragging him off with an Irish Whip. However, instead of giving in Lifer counters, ducking under Windsor’s arm to turn and face him in one fluid motion before reeling him in for True Madness. Lifer deposits Windsor on the canvas with authority, scoring with a Sidewinder Suplex that looks to have put Kerry out of commission. Zack doesn’t immediately go for the cover though, as he is very much groggy and still suffering from the damage he’s already sustained. Meanwhile, Kliff pulls himself in the corner using the ropes on either side of him as leverage. As Zack finally begins to stir and crawl toward Windsor for the cover, The Ultimate Entertainer simultaneously climbs up the corner.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR-”

At the last moment Kliff comes flying in with the Cunning-Sault, landing on top of Zack Lifer’s head with a ravaging knee strike to break up the count and nearly decapitate the man on the receiving end of his trademark maneuver.

Seth Ericson: CUNNING SAULT! That daredevil Ulysses flew in out of freaking nowhere!

Dick Morosi: And in the most fantastic, and captivating fashion, one worthy of a known as The Ultimate Entertainer. Kliff Ulysses is the only moving body in the ring right now, Seth. That means we could be moments away from The Angel Arm.

Indeed, as Kerry rolls away from the impact zone Kliff begins to size a battered, and bruised Lifer up. The Jr. Heavyweight Striker readies his arm, tearing off his elbow pad before rapidly rotating his arm as he limbers the aforementioned limb up for his deadly finishing maneuver. However, just when he’s about to move in for the kill his attention is diverted by a member of the Derontourage. Brent Maxwell sprints out to ringside, reaching into the ring to tug at Ulysses’ foot. Kliff turns around to face his assailant, leaning over the ropes to sneer at Maxwell who backs away, having diverted the EXODUS Original's attention long enough to prevent him from executing his final blow. His intrusion serves as Ulysses’ undoing, as he turns around to see a boot being thrusted right into his visage.

Dick Morosi: SSK! Christian Kane just kicked Kliff Ulysses right into Thursday!

Seth Ericson: Lucky for Kliff I here that’s when the new Naruto Manga drops, so it’s not completely a bad thing.

The Superkick renders Ulysses unconscious, though with the last bit of energy he has in his body he rolls under the bottom rope to avoid being pinned. As Maxwell begins to leave the scene, satisfied with the damage he had caused, Christian Kane looks for someone to pin. There’s nobody in sight - well not until he turns around to see Zack Lifer. The New Iron Saint doubles the Canadian Sensation over with a toe kick, the lifts into the air for a Vertical Suplex, only to drop him with a Spinning Brainbuster, spiking The Handsome Drifter head first into the canvas with a malicious vengeance. Zack rolls away into the near corner, bypassing the pin attempt to vie for a more decisive means to Kane’s end. As he gradually gains a vertical base, the New Iron Saint waits for Christian to stir so that he can he take his head clean off his shoulders with a barbaric knee strike to the head. The dazed Canadian slowly shows signs of life, crawling toward the corner across from Lifer. As he begins to climb to a knee Zack shoots out of the corner, looking to score with Forced Suicide - Kane counters, applying a quick Drop Toe Hold before Lifer can raise his knee. He coerces Zack face first into the turnbuckles, leaving him in a precarious and dangerous position. Kane scrambles to a stand, backing up into the center of the ring to get a running start.

Seth Ericson: What’s Kane cooking up, Dick?

The Handsome Drifter leaps onto the second rope, then the third, using the momentum to climb into the air before coming down to land on the back of Lifer’s head with a pair of boots, smashing his face into the bottom buckle.

Dick Morosi: #STUDLIFE CURBSTOMP! Kane just buried Lifer’s face in the turnbuckle padding!

Seth Ericson: He won’t be playing Pokemon for a while, I’ll tell you that.

The Handsome Drifter quickly drags Lifer into the center of the ring, dropping down to hook his legs for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

WINNER: Christian Kane

Dick Morosi: That was a great match we just witnessed, filled with plenty of action, and plenty of controversy.

Seth Ericson: You can say that again, and it seems like the drama is only just beginning.

Almost instantly, the trio of Kerry Windsor, Zack Lifer, and Christian Kane have disappeared from ringside, while Brent Maxwell, Spokesman of the Derontourage, is on the apron looking at the defeated Kliff Ulysses. Kliff, to his credit, has his eyes locked on Brent, who just cost him the previous match.

Dick Morosi: I think Brent Maxwell needs to tread very carefully here…

Maxwell has a microphone, and slowly brings it up to his mouth.

Brent Maxwell: Mr. Ulysses, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced! I am the Spokesman, the Mouthpiece for Deron Franklin, the newest talent here in EXODUS, the next star of EXODUS, and the shining centerpiece of every episode of EXPRO on FX!

The fans boo, not just because Deron is...not all of those things, but also because Maxwell says all of these things with a smug look on his face.

Brent Maxwell: And I’m out here...not to cost you that match, Mr. Ulysses. No, you did a great job losing that on your own. I’m out here to issue a direct challenge! From the prized headliner of the Derontourage, the Diamond of Dallas, the Frenzy From Fort Worth, Deron Franklin...to you.

By now, Kliff Ulysses is on his feet, and has acquired a microphone of his own...and has chosen this moment to interrupt Brent.

Kliff Ulysses: Fine. I accept Dijon’s cha-

Before Kliff can finish, he’s ambushed by Deron Franklin himself, “fresh” off his victory over Demento earlier in the night! The fans, earlier bemused by his antics, now let out a round of boos as he lays the boots to the fallen Kliff.

Dick Morosi: Now THIS, Seth! THIS is un-called for!

Seth Morosi: Again, you’re wrong! It’s called for, AND it’s entertaining! Kliff needs to learn this man’s name! It’s DERON. D, E, R-

Dick Morosi: We get it.

The fans continue booing as Deron Franklin stands over Kliff Ulysses, his arms raised triumphantly as Brent Maxwell resumes talking.

Brent Maxwell: Excellent! Mr. Ulysses...we’ll see you very soon.

“Gasoline Dreams” starts for the third time tonight as Deron and Brent exit the ring, leaving Kliff to recover, a bit of a glare in his eyes as he watches the pair back up the aisle, continuing to mock their future opponent.

Dick Morosi: Soon enough, Deron Franklin’s going to have to face a fresh Kliff Ulysses...and that’s going to be a much bigger challenge than Joey Edwards or Demento.

Seth Ericson: Don’t you worry, Deron AND The Derontourage will be ready!

Dick Morosi: That’s what I, and the fans, and Kliff...might very well be afraid of. Let's take a commercial break, we'll be right back!

We come back from commercial with a huge graphic for the next show! It's a huge match where Kerry Windsor goes one on one with Christum Furor! Let's go to Dick & Seth!

Dick Morosi: I can't believe what we just saw! In two weeks on EXPRO On FX #21, Kerry Windsor meets Christum Furor in a non-title match!

Seth Ericson: It's been nothing but elite competition for The Livewire himself, and this is no different, Dick! He's going to have his work cut out for him.

Dick Morosi: So is Sam Raine, Seth. She's meeting Daisuke Iwakuma and that's coming up next!

NORMAL MATCH
SAMANTHA RAINE VS. DAISUKE IWAKUMA

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



As the video continues to play Sam to stand in the field without running for cover. Instead, she looks up at the sky allowing the rain to pelt her face as she raises both of her arms up and for a quick moment several times the footage flips to Sam doing that same motion. The fans in the building some start cheering while the others start booing wildly as N*Sync’s “Pop” continues to blast through the speakers.



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

David Zinkus: Now coming to the ring...hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...she is THE HERONIE OF COSPLAY...SAMANTHA RAINE!



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



Once she reaches the ring she walks over to the ring stairs and then jaunts up them on to the apron. She moves over to the center of the apron where she looks at all the fans with a smile on her face before she enters the ring, but she stops when she is just half way in to the ring. During that slight pause in her entering the ring she wiggles her ass very much to the male fan‘s delight. Once she is in the ring she walks around the ring a bit doing her best to blow kisses out to all of the fans with both of her hands, but the sheer number of fans makes it impossible. Though the fans just continue to cheer her attention turns from them as she starts to stretch herself out a little bit more to get ready for her match, but not before allowing Ashley to remove her cape from her shoulders

Dick Morosi: And ladies and Gentlemen...there she is, Samantha Raine!

Seth Ericson: My God...that's the longest entrance I've ever seen in my life.

Dick Morosi: No worries, Seth...I've seen longer, it gets worse.

The lights dim in the arena as the sound of synthesizers and drums begin to reverb throughout the arena, all before smoke fills the entrance of the ramp.



Stepping out from the back, flanked by Audrey Lloris, is Daisuke Iwakuma! Slowly looking around with disdain and disgust for the crowd, he smirks almost malevolently, slowly making his way down to the ringside area.

David Zinkus: ...and her opponent, hailing from Koto, Tokyo....DAISUKE IWAKUMA!



Iwakuma slowly follows Audrey up the ring steps, which walks to the apron and holds the ropes to let him in. After all that, he drops to his knees and holds his hands in a praying position before nodding as he stands back up and climbs to one turnbuckle, outstretching his arms as if he was seeking strength from the heavens above. Stepping down and having Audrey remove his jacket, he smirks as he looks out, waiting for the match to begin.

the bell rings, both competitors approach the center of the ring. They circle a bit before locking horns with a collar-and-elbow tie up. Sam stands her ground, but Daisuke uses his size advantage to pull her around the ring. He pushes Sam back into the ropes and Referee Dan Arnouil calls for the break. Daisuke waits a moment, but slowly pulls away. As he attempts a clean break, Sam catches him with a headbutt to the nose. Daisuke grabs his face and staggers back as Arnouil scolds Raine.

Dick Morosi: So much for a clean break!

Seth Ericson: It might have been Daisuke's nose that broke!

Raine steps around the referee and charges at her ailing opponent, catching him in the chest with a running front-kick. Daisuke falls into the corner and Sam stays on him. She rears back and fires off a knife-edge chop to the chest. She steps back to avoid return fire, but comes running in with a European Uppercut that knocks Daisuke further off balance. She grabs him around the head and takes him over with a snapmare takedown. She springs to her feet and jumps up high - crashing down on Daisuke with a knee-drop to the ribs!

Daisuke holds his ribs and rolls toward the ropes but Sam stomps over and kicks him in the side. She steps back and fires another kick, catching him on the back of the head. She throws a third kick, but Daisuke grabs her leg and takes her down to the mat. He hangs onto her leg as he gets to his feet, driving a knee to the inside of her knee. Daisuke straightens up and catches her with another knee and turns her over - trapping her in the Boston Crab! He rears back, wrenching hard - but Sam grabs the bottom rope for the break.

Daisuke breaks the hold, but keeps his cool. He waits for Raine to get to her feet and runs toward her as she turns around. Daisuke ducks a clothesline and bounces off the other side. As he comes back, he ducks low as Sam leapfrogs over him. Daisuke comes running back a third time, but Sam throws a low dropkick aimed at the ribs. Daisuke rolls out of the way and Sam crashes into the canvas. He watches her as she gets to her feet. Daisuke approaches quickly, rolling in with a Roaring Elbow that sends her staggering back and out of the ring!

Dick Morosi: That one found its mark!

Seth Ericson: Yeah, on like his third try!

Daisuke is forced back to the corner by the referee as Sam is on her knees outside. Arnouil turns and begins counting her out.

1!
2!
3!
4!
5!

Sam is on her feet, but is clearly stalling. Daisuke motions for her to come back to the ring but she turns away from him, content to eat up some more time.

6!
7!
8!
9!
10!

Daisuke is visibly frustrated, but Sam continues her breather. She reaches up to climb the apron, but turns around at the last moment. The crowd shows their dissatisfaction.

11!
12!
13!
14!
15!

Daisuke shouts for her to return to the ring and the crowd is growing quite restless. Sam sticks her tongue out at the fans and returns fire, booing at them.

16!
17!
18!

Raine climbs the apron and Arnouil stops his count. She looks around for a moment, and then drops back down to the floor. The audience jeers loudly as she taunts her opponent. Shannon warns her to return to the ring. Sam steps up onto the apron again and begins climbing inside. Daisuke approaches, but she backs out. She complains from the apron as the referee forces Daisuke back. As Daisuke argues with the ref, Sam jumps up and uses the top rope to springboard her inside - catching Daisuke with a boot to the back of the head and riding him down to the mat! She makes a quick cover, hooking the leg with a lateral press.

ONE!


TWO!


KICKOUT!

Daisuke kicks out and Sam instructs Shannon to count faster.

Dick Morosi: That was all a lot of sneaky business there!

Seth Ericson: Samantha Raines won't beat Daisuke Iwakuma in a test of strength - so she's made it a battle of wits instead!

Daisuke crawls to the corner and begins pulling himself up. Before he can get his footing, Sam rushes in and catches him with a Yakuza Kick! Daisuke slumps down in the corner and Sam steps back. She charges in again with a low dropkick to the head! She raises her arm to the crowd, signaling for the Razor Blade, as she pulls Daisuke to his feet. Before she can do anything, Daisuke shoves her down to the mat. She lands hard, but pops right back up. She approaches Daisuke - but her grabs her and takes her over with an Exploder Suplex!

Daisuke gets to his feet and pumps his fists, egging on the crowd. He stalks Sam as she slowly gets to her feet. She comes at him again, and he grabs her around the waist - taking her over for the pin with a DEADLY PREMONITION!

ONE!


TWO!


THR-NOOOO!

Sam slips free and gets her shoulder up just in time. Daisuke gets to his feet and pulls her up with him. He whips her hard into the corner, causing her to bounce back. As she returns, he takes her over with a hiptoss, grabbing her wrist and applying an armbar as she lands! Daisuke wrenches back, putting the pressure on his opponent. Sam refuses to quit, shaking her head from side to side. She struggles to get to the ropes, but has trouble dragging Daisuke with pressure on her arm. After a lengthy struggle, she is just able to get her foot on the bottom rope.

Daisuke breaks the hold, but pulls Sam up to her feet. He whips her into the ropes, but on the return, she sidesteps a clothesline and nails Daisuke with a Roundhouse Kick to the back of the head. He falls forward, onto his hands and knees. Sam sags into the ropes to regain her bearings. Daisuke gets to his feet, and charges - but rams into the turnbuckles as Sam gets dives out of the way. The impact takes Daisuke off his feet and nearly out of the ring! He is able to grab the rope and keep himself inside, landing on his feet in the corner. Sam approaches and manages to hoist Daisuke onto the top rope. She sets him up for a Superplex, but Daisuke shoves her down to the mat. She lands hard and is slow to get back to her feet. Once she does, Daisuke jumps down with a clothesline that takes them both down to the mat!

Dick Morosi: Both wrestlers are down, and after the damage both have taken in - I don't know if they'll get back up!

Seth Ericson: Of course they will, Barry! Have you ever seen a match end this way?

Dick Morosi: Absolutely! In 2008, there was an incident where...

Seth Ericson: Whatever, Dick - I know that you're making it up!

Dan Arnouil inspects the situation before starting his count on both fallen competitors.

1!
2!
3!

Daisuke gets up to his knees, holding his ribs. He shakes his head a bit, trying to clear the cobwebs.

4!
5!
6!

Sam rolls onto her stomach and begins to crawl toward the ropes.

7!
8!
9!

Daisuke gets up to his feet and approaches Raine, who is pulling herself up with the ropes. She turns in time to meet him, throwing a wild kick that misses its mark and nearly causes her to lose her balance. As she turns Daisuke floors her with a huge Roaring Elbow. He signals to the crowd, who boo loudly in response. He pulls Sam up to her feet and hoists her high overhead - DEAD SPACE! The referee dives into position to make the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!

WINNER: DAISUKE IWAKUMA

Dick Morosi: That Daisuke Iwakuma is just sick, Seth. He’s a black cloud that continues to loom over EXODUS.

Seth Ericson: That’s pretty much common knowledge, Dick. However, what isn’t is the reason Johnny Cannon brought an end to his partnership with Abby Park. If you don’t know this already, Mr. EXODUS walked out on her during the World Tag Team Title Match at Ascendency, right after he kicked her-

Seth is cut off from his recap of the events of Ascendency by the opening of “Supernaut” by Black Sabbath which immediately causes a mixed reaction from the fans - some booing vehemently, others reserving their response to hear out the man they had supported for so long. Out from the curtains steps the British Mamba, Johnny Cannon who is kitted out in a black Armani suit, looking very dapper as usual. Accompanying him is none other than Quinn Goodrich, dressed in the same fashion. Through his Giorgio Armani sunglasses, Cannon surveys the waiting crowd from the stage, before beginning his saunter to the ring lead by his loud mouthed advisor.

David Zinkus: On his way to the ring alongside Quinton Goodrich, this is Mr. EXODUS, Johnny Cannon!

Cannon marches up the steel steps, making a clunking sound at each step as his Cole Haans grace the steel. Johnny wipes his feet along the apron before entering the ring, followed quickly by Goodrich who has already procured a microphone. The two stand in the center of the ring now, with Quinton waiting for the right time to speak.

Quinton Goodrich: Ladies and gentleman, for those of you who don’t know who I am allow me to properly, and formerly introduce myself. My name is Quinton Goodrich, and I am the legal and professional representative of The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

Those who have already turned against the man Goodrich is speaking of begin to boo. Quinton takes some time, waiting for the crowd to settle down again before continuing his introduction.

Quinton Goodrich: The man I speak of is the reason you all are here tonight. He is the reason you’ve slaved at the salt mines for forty hours a week at your dead end jobs, just so you can collect your minimum wage paycheck and spend it on a thirty dollar ticket to be here in this arena! My client is the King of San Diego. He’s the reason you’re able to sit out there in the cheap seats and voice your opinions as if you’re important because he created this platform. He’s the reason wrestlers from all across the globe have come here because he made EXODUS into what it is, and it’s a company on the cusp of increasing it’s image to not just a national level, but a global one as well! Yet for some reason, I don’t see anyone congratulating my client for his selfless efforts. I hear no praise. I see no applause and it makes me wonder, why?

Johnny shakes his head in disgust in the background as Quinton carries on.

Quinton Goodrich: And then it hits me. It takes me back to Ascendancy where my client did something that you couldn’t comprehend, something you couldn’t believe you were witnessing. He did something that has had you all talking for a fortnight, whether it’s been in the Wal-Mart you probably work at or on twitter. Yes, there’s been quite the uproar in regards to my client’s actions two weeks ago. The entire world wants to know why… why did he do it? Well you’re not the only ones. I’ve been asking myself the same question over and over again since we left Tokyo. I thought about it on my client’s private jet as we flew back to the states. I even thought about it on the limo ride home back to our loft. And even tonight as I road shotgun in an 2014 Audi R8 I thought about it. That’s because my client has kept silent on the matter, withholding the information from the world… until RIGHT now! So without further adieu, I introduce to you my client… MR. EXODUS… JOHNNY! CANNON!

There’s a slight buzz in the arena now as the British Mamba takes the microphone. Johnny swishes his tongue around his mouth for a moment, soaking everything in as he contemplates his thoughts. Having gathered them, the Brit steps forward, speaking into the sound inducer with a self-assurance that is greater than ever before.

Johnny Cannon: Ever since Ascendancy, I’ve heard my name get dragged through the mud because of what I did to Abby Park. I’ve heard whispers and slander of my name because of what I did to Abby Park. For two bloody weeks I’ve been bombarded with the same question. I’ve had my phone rung off the goddamn hinges. I’ve been harassed on all of my social media accounts and even more in person. Every time it’s the same inquiry about Abby Park. it’s been Abby Park this. Abby Park that. Quite frankly, I’ve grown tired of the whole ordeal. I'm tired of hearing about Abby Park.

The fans cheer at the sound of Park’s name, not to mention the fact it was said no less than six times in procession. This irks Cannon even more, his lips curling in a scowl as he tries to speak over the EXODUS faithful.

Johnny Cannon: So that’s why I’m dressed up to the nines tonight. The entire world has been clamoring for an answer, and I’ve waited long enough, holding this weight on my shoulders and all. The EXODUS Nation wants to know why Johnny Cannon quote-on-quote “stabbed Abby Park in the back at Ascendancy.” Well, here’s why, and I’m going to explain it in a way that all of your wankers who are dead up from the neck up can comprehend. Johnny Cannon kicked Abby Park’s bloody head off because of YOU!

The Brit points out at the crowd, leaning forward into the microphone as the crowd looks on in shock and confusion.

Johnny Cannon: Earlier this year I was sidelined with an injury that threatened my career. I was advised to hang up the boots, or risk suffering further damage to my right knee. But I refused that consultation, dismissing it as rubbish. Why? Because I wanted to get back into this ring, in front of you people, and give you a reason to cheer. I wanted to continue to help this company fortify it’s image. I wanted to compete for the greatest crowd in the world, with the best wrestlers in the world, in the best company in the world because while some people claim to care about the fans, and care about EXODUS, I REALLY do. I bleed for this place. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this place. That’s why I worked so hard to rehabilitate myself. I came back early from a gruesome injury because I wanted to continue doing what I love - and that’s put on a performance that makes you stand on your feet in awe. So I trained harder. I trained to get myself into the best shape of my life. EXODUS I could have left and went off into the sunset, but I came back for YOU!

Playing with the emotional connection of the audience, Cannon continues to pour out his emotions.

Johnny Cannon: And when I did return, what did I get? Nothing. There was no red carpet rolled out, no roses thrown at my feet, no virgins offered as a show of appreciation for my greatness. It was like I didn’t even exist. You didn’t receive me the same way you did Fiona. When she was put on the shelf it was Johnny Cannon who put the company on his back til’ the weight broke him. But you didn’t give me a standing ovation on my return. No. I wasn’t cheered like Fiona Collins when she waltzed her way back into EXODUS to hog the spotlight again. Hell, you didn’t even cheer me the way you did Kliff Ulysses when he came back for the umpteenth time. You didn’t show me HALF the respect you showed the Ultimate Entertainer, a man that has accomplished NOTHING in EXODUS, and has done NOTHING for EXODUS. They weren't there for you the way Johnny Cannon was but did you care, no you didn't!

Cannon bitterness becomes more apparent, as the more of the crowd begins to boo, rubbed the wrong way by his tirade and utterly appalled by what they’re hearing.

Johnny Cannon: You didn’t care about the blood, sweat and tears that I shed on your behalf! You didn’t care about the fact that I rejected Daisuke Iwakuma and LEGION on your behalf! You didn’t care about the jaw dropping performances after jaw dropping performances that I put on every bloody fortnight on YOUR behalf! You didn’t breathe my name in the same breath as Fiona’s. When you were talking about the best wrestlers in EXODUS you didn’t even mention Johnny Cannon and that made me sick. That made me resentful, and bitter, but Goodrich, he told me it was all in my head. He said that I had a few too many to drink and that I had gone off trolley and needed to get my mind back in order. He said the #CannonComeback didn’t go as planned but that winning was the remedy for my pain. And I believed him! I believed him and continued to come out to compete on your behalf because that fueled me. It fueled my dream.

The boos grow louder and louder now. Nevertheless, Cannon carries on without a hitch.

Johnny Cannon: A dream I realized when I defeated Andreas Lasiewicz to become the man. To become the EXODUS World Champion. An even then, you STILL didn’t celebrate me. You STILL didn’t put me on the same pedestal that you did The Morning Star even though I had beaten the man in THIS ring, ONE… TWO… THREE! You didn’t raise me up, you didn’t hold me in that same regard and that hurt. It hurt so much that I lost everything a month later. I had my dream ripped from my fingertips at Absent Are the Saints. I fell from grace, and was knocked down the ladder and proverbial pecking order to eat with the rest of the scrubs as if I were NOTHING. And YOU people didn’t care. You didn’t celebrate my return, you didn’t bask in the glory of my greatest achievement, and you didn’t even offer words of encouragement or support upon my demise! I was sent to the bottom of the totem pole, told to eat with the wannabes, the never-will-bes and the rest of those losers in the back as if I were NOTHING. Your forgot about everything that I had done for you. I wrestled with injury upon injury, physical and mental scars and I didn’t complain about it. I kept coming out here to compete for YOU, but you didn’t even love ME. You didn’t reciprocate that feeling! I dedicated myself to serving EXODUS, but like a fallen gladiator you discarded me and my accomplishments as if I were NOTHING! But I’m not NOTHING… I’m JOHNNY *bleeping* CANNON!

Mr. EXODUS removes his aviators, clipping them on the breast pocket of his suit jacket as there is now a unanimous roar of disapproval from the those in attendance. Cannon’s mood changes sharply from resentful to merely scornful.

Johnny Cannon: And I’m the reason this *bleeping* company didn’t *bleeping* fold. You remember the beginning of EXODUS, when scandal and backstage nonsense nearly sent us down under. You remember how Andrew Ashton, Alex Brooks, Erin Daniels, Harakiri, Lexy Bonds and countless others packed their bags and left because they did not believe in Jonathan Collins. They all left for greener pastures, but there was one man who stayed and told the “Saint of Violence” to hell with those blokes because he had all he needed in me. I reminded him of my goal the day I signed on the dotted line; to be recognized as the best wrestler alive, and to have EXODUS regarded as the best promotion today. I told him we would succeed, and that all he had to do was put the ball in my court and let me run with it and for a time I thought he did.

Cannon begins pacing, whist Goodrich nods in approval with all his points, berating the crowd during the pauses in his client’s airing of grievances.

Johnny Cannon: But he didn’t. No. He gave it to Fiona and I had to watch while she ran with it and stole all the glory that I coveted. She was in every Main Event. Her face was on every poster, every advertisement, you couldn’t walk through the RIMAC without seeing her *bleeping* mug. But what about me, what about Johnny Cannon? Where were my promotional ads? Where were my autograph signings? I didn’t get any. I didn’t get any merchandise pushed. I didn’t get any air time for a measly *bleeping* interview with that wanker Tom Matheny. I wasn’t given an opportunity. I wasn’t given a chance. I was told that the Main Event was reserved for the Fionas and Furors of the world. I was told not to vie for the World Championship, but to set my sights on capturing accolades and championships that were WELL beneath my abilities! I was told to team with ABBY *bleeping* PARK, thrown into some *bleeping* TLC Match to shave years off my *bleeping* career in an effort to shut me up and satisfy me. BUT I WASN’T SATISFIED!

The heat becomes more intense now, the fans almost unanimously turning on Cannon, now jeering as he continues to blow his gasket. The Englishman grits his teeth tightly, his eyes filled with utter antipathy as he peers out into the arena at those he feels have spurned him.

Johnny Cannon: No. I wasn’t satisfied, and how could I be when everyone who stepped foot into EXODUS after I had already laid the foundation were given an opportunity to have their moment in the sun BEFORE me! Heather Halliwell, Zero McHannon, and Adrien *bleeping* Cochrane were all put into a position to win this company’s top prize BEFORE Johnny Cannon! Chris Strike, Steve Lenton, Jerry Matthews, hell even KATHERINE *BLEEPING* STRYFE was given a chance to compete for the EXODUS World Championship BEFORE Johnny Cannon! What was I given? Nothing. ABSOLUTELY *BLEEPING* NOTHING! Nothing was handed to Johnny Cannon, no I had to make my own breaks. I had to create my own lane. The door wasn’t opened for me so I had to pick the *bleeping* lock. I had to force my way into a World Championship match. I had to complain on twitter until Jonathan had no choice but to give me the shot I deserved. And I BEAT his guy! I slayed the dragon. I beat the legend of Andreas Lasiewicz so bad that he’s a *bleeping* cripple. I proved I was the best in the world, but Jonathan still didn’t believe in me. I still wasn’t his ACE. I wasn’t even given the bloody Main Event of Absent Are the Saints, nor was I even on the *bleeping* poster!

Goodrich shakes his head in disgust at what he’s hearing, sharing Cannon’s sentiment. Mr. EXODUS hisses his frustration, almost overflowing with anger as goes on.

Johnny Cannon: It became clear to me that I was never Jonathan’s plans. My importance to him, to you, to EXODUS became clear as the blue *bleeping* sky as did the ramifications of losing the World Title. I saw it happening again… I saw myself put into the same position I was a year ago as if it were de-ja-vu, as if I had made no gains or improvements. I saw myself teaming with ABBY *BLEEPING* PARK in another pointless *BLEEPING* Tag Team Title Match. But I wasn’t going to be held down this time. No. I wasn’t going to be overlooked and told to sit with the peasants when I lived like a KING! No. I wasn’t going to sit back and fade into obscurity so that people like Lexy Chapel, Chuck Matthews and Kerry Windsor could walk right into the company I built and cut ahead of me in the line for the riches, the fame, and the fortune. That’s why I did what I did at Ascendancy. I threw a Roundhouse Kick seen around the world, one that killed the Short Change Heroes. But more importantly, it killed the Johnny Cannon you used to know. The Johnny Cannon who lived to meet your expectations, who sought your favor, who would die for EXODUS.

Mr. EXODUS removes his blazer, revealing a #TeamCannon jersey underneath. He turns around, displaying the name “Cannon” on the back, and the number one underneath.

Johnny Cannon: I wrestle for the name on the back of the jersey now and I could give a damn about what any of you people think. I don’t do this for any of you ungrateful idiots or those talentless wankers backstage. I do this for me. That’s the way it should have been from the start, and it’s the way it’s going to be from here on out because tonight I’m going to prove like I always do, that Johnny Cannon is the best thing since sliced bread and the best pound for pound wrestler on this planet. Ladies and Gentleman, tonight is an historic occasion because it’s the night that Johnny Cannon had just one thing to say, one thing that changed this company and his legacy forever.

Taking in a deep breath, Cannon scans his surroundings with a cocksure grin. The audience, quiet and listening intently, seem to be drawn in by his passion, yet equal hatred for all the man possesses.

Johnny Cannon: EXODUS… go *BLEEP* yourself!

The Brit tosses up the British two-finger salute to the applause of Quinton Goodrich, dropping the mic to the ground with authority, causing a static sound to fizz out out the speakers before Black Sabbath’s “Supernaut” starts up once again. The duo slowly exit the ring and march up the ramp, ignoring the boos and jeers of the crowd that had watched their hero turn his back on them. With that, the camera slowly cuts away.

Alexis Angel v. Mason Joseph

Alexis Angel was completely underwhelming. Mason Joseph? He wasn't. He dominated the match and picked up the win in 7:56 with the Indecent Exposure.

WINNER: Mason Joseph



The show kicks off with the camera hurriedly cutting from the ring with no fanfare to the backstage area. The hallway is dimly lit and deserted, wire fencing propped up against one of the dull cream walls. Numerous vending machines are littered along the walls, shining brightly in comparison to the lighting from the ceiling.

Voice: The future teaches you to be alone, the present to be afraid and cold. So if I can shoot rabbits, then I can shoot fascists.

The voice, a deep and thick voice bounces up and down the endless and empty hallway. The lights begin to flicker on and off, slowly at first before gaining speed… until they go out entirely.

Voice: Sallllllly…. Salllllllly… Where are you?

The lights flash back on, though the vending machines are still flickering. Sat down upon a steel chair on wheels is a figure shrouded in a grey leather jacket, head bowed in silence. It is a little too obvious who this strange figure is. None other than Andreas Lasiewicz.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I know that you are here, girl. I know that you have been loitering these halls. Wandering around restlessly, trailing around like an acolyte to your new master, the ball and chain rattling around your legs leaving dents everywhere you step. Ha… I can still smell your perfume. Least some things don’t change.

He shakes his head as he wheels his way down the hallway, bulbs shattering as he moves past them in a flash and a poof of dark, black smoke.

Andreas Lasiewicz: But it seems some things have. Never thought I’d see the day that you decided to throw your principles and loyalty out of the window. You of all people, Sally. I know you’re out there, I know you are listening. The least you can do is listen to what I have to say, face to face. You owe me that much, kid.

His thick, Eastern European voice breaks back into a haunting melody, filling the air eerily like a ghost from the shadows.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Bullets for your brain today but we'll forget it all again. Monuments put from pen to paper turns you into a gutless wonder…

He continues to wheel his way towards a door, a locker room door labelled ‘Sally Talfourd’. He raises a meaty palm, pressing it gently upon the wooden door frame.

Andreas Lasiewicz: You can’t even give me that much, eh girl? After all we have been through? That disappoints me greatly. You could have done me this one deed… Just one…

He presses his head upon the door, pulling back his hood to reveal a messy mop of espresso curls.

Andreas Lasiewicz: 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…

He sighs, eyes clenched closed as a single crimson tear trickles down his cheek.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Out of everyone, I didn’t think it would be you to turn your back on it, but I understand it, I do. I understand why you turned on Jon. He lied to us. He cheated us. He tried to play us as fools in his own personal mission for power. He used as pawns on his ever growing chessboard, to merely discard us so he could claim the glory for himself. I know he did. You know he did. I UNDERSTAND why you did what you did, Sally. But why didn’t you come to me first? Why didn’t you speak with me? I would have understood. And together we could have found a way to solve it all.

He opens his eyes once more, a shell of the warrior that once was. Broken, battered and trapped within his steel prison.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Gravity keeps my head down or is it maybe shame? At being so young and being so vain. Holes in your head today, but I'm a pacifist. I've walked La Ramblas but not with real intent… I don’t know what he promised you. I don’t know whether Jon was whispering hidden messages in your ear, but I know how you felt. I saw right through it. Is this the reason why you turned coat? Is that your reason for changing allegiance?

The Morning Star punches the wall with ferocious intent, his eyes burning an inferno as he leaves a fresh hole, dust drifting out from the brick work.

Andreas Lasiewicz: WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR TURNING ON ME?

His voice was demonic, like he was possessed by Satan himself. He took a moment to compose himself, calming himself down with slow purposeful breathing.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I was at the hospital the day you escaped. I came to visit whenever I could… only to find you absent one day, an open window and an empty bed. And that was the last time I saw you, partner. Gone like all the rest. Jon showed his true colours. Fiona? She could never be trusted. Wulf, Lenton… the very same. The Godfathers? Chandler, the supposed future? Look how that turned out. And Gabe, he tucked tail and fled before anyone else. They are dead to me now. They were supposed to be a brotherhood, but their own personal missions were far too important. Jameson, the Revolution rejects, Strike… Him most of all. He was never one of us and now he masquerades as their new leader under a second hand mask. It’s pathetic. You know… even Sarah left. My beloved Ms. Hartley. You remember her? The great love I moved to England for. She couldn’t handle… my condition. She couldn’t deal with me in this chair… this (bleep)ing chair… A throne for me to tolerate for the rest of my days.

He seemed to break, the memory of his beloved flowing through his mind as his arms quivered. He began to sing his tune once more, it’s words holding more and more meaning.

Andreas Lasiewicz: 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…Will be next… Couldn’t even trust those closest to me. I don’t even know if I can trust my own blood. But I trusted you… and I thought you did the same.

He begins to wheel himself backwards, defeated by the silence.

Andreas Lasiewicz: And on the street tonight an old man plays with newspaper cuttings of his glory days… You owe me, Sally. Meet with me. Just once… Tell me your side of this west end story. No tricks, just us. You tell your tale, I’ll tell mine. Though we know neither will end well. Ha… All Will Be Well, we used to say. Now look at me, in this chair. And look at you… and your new religion.

He turns in his chair, wheeling his way slowly towards the green lit exit, leaving one last haunting melody as he leaves. A message to Sally. A message to Exodus.

Andreas Lasiewicz: 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…

The camera begins to fade as we finally and somberly return to ringside. We open up to the sound of “Broken Glass” by The Crystal Method…

Dick Morosi: This is odd, Seth. Jonathan Collins usually tells people when Chandler Scott is in the building.

Seth Ericson: Well...sounds like we’re getting a surprise visit!

Indeed we are, and out from the back without their GFC Tag Team Titles are the duo, who are instead dressed to impress as always. The crowd responds to the return of the “Harvard Hammer” in San Diego with a surprisingly warm response, EXODUS’ beloved Section B even starting a “YOU GOT SCREWED!” chant while bowing toward the former champion of Pro Wrestling Frontier. The two step into the ring and Jonathan nods as he asks David Zinkus for a microphone before getting a second one to hand to Chandler. Asking the sound guy to cut off the music, Jonathan sighs before he lifts the microphone to his lips.

Jonathan Collins: I’m...well, I have a lot I want to say, but you’re not here to listen to me talk about what you think. Chandler Scott is here tonight, and suffice to say it’s not exactly what you expected it to be. Normally when my fellow Godfather arrives in San Diego or wherever EXODUS may be, we’re in a better mood. To be honest, we’ve had every right to be happy when we usually show up. Chandler and myself, for the better part of 2014, have been dominating Pro Wrestling Frontier. Chandler was the successful GFC World Champion, and combined we held the Tag Team Titles. We defeated every team put in front of us, successfully defending our titles three times. Hell, considering it took Frontier months to even dare send anyone to get them from us, we probably could have defended them several times over. The truth is, I don’t blame the company. Pro Wrestling Frontier has a good group of people on their Board of Directors and the GFC has been supportive of us taking these titles here and giving them further prestige...except for that time we took on Hopkins and Betamax. They were a little sore on that one.

Collins laughs and looks over at Chandler, shrugging innocently.

Jonathan Collins: Pro Wrestling Frontier resumes operations in a few weeks, and Dangerous Minds has been asked to appear on their iPPV to face Fear and Loathing in the UK for the Tag Team Titles. Makes some sense, I suppose. Hot new tag team that picked up a win against myself and my first time partner Laurel Anne Hardy. I guess that gives them the resume, getting the win over one half of the champs, I don’t even know. The truth is, Dangerous Minds won’t be appearing on that iPPV. Dangerous Minds will not be returning to Pro Wrestling Frontier for the foreseeable future. The reality is that there’s only one person to blame for this situation, and his name is Madman Szalinski. See, the guy who thinks he has a ridiculous net worth, but he’s only counting the amount he’s spent on Cheetos while getting high has been helping backstage with Frontier. Szalinski thinks his few minutes of counterproductive help to Frontier gives him the right to be an asshole backstage to whoever he feels like will make the company better. Szalinski thinks going on YouTube and cutting promos on his personal feelings backstage about people is going to be just what his company needs!

Well when your brain is not so sharp from years of concussions, along with the fact you’re consistently high as you are, you may make a mistake or five.

Madman Szalinski has abused the little power he has in Frontier to make the lives miserable for Chandler and myself. Szalinski doesn’t want this partnership with Chandler and myself with Frontier to succeed, because he gets no say in it. If it’s not approved by him, then it’s certainly not beneficial for all parties involved! Of course, then he sends out passive aggressive messages on Twitter, confirming that he really doesn’t care about the future of that company because he’s all too happy to play his part in driving out the greatest GFC Champion that company has had to date! And do you know why he did it?

Because he couldn’t hang with us.

Now let me ask you all something, and I mean this as Jonathan Collins, the businessman who runs EXODUS Pro’s day to day operations and not this character I portray on television. If you’re in a management position and you recognize that a person can’t do the job to the satisfaction you want, are you going to give him a promotion? Of course not, that’s ridiculous. You put the person most qualified for the job the promotion. Getting a title shot is like a chance at promotion. It’s also a promotion from where you’re at. Destroy All Humans were a fantastic tag team and deserved their shot. Dragons Unleashed deserved their shot. Madman Szalinski and his tag team partner Graham Clauson? They deserved, at best, this couple minutes of promo time. The reality is that Madman didn’t like the fact that he was beaten by better men. He goes on Twitter to whine and complain about the fact that he and Clauson couldn’t hack it against us, and since then it’s been all about trying to make our lives miserable as in-ring performers and our day to day lives with his chronic whining and bitching! Let me tell you something, Szalinski! If I wanted to do business with you, I’d do business with you. You’re unprofessional, not as good as you think you are, and if you think I’m wrong, drag your masked ass to San Diego, get into the ring, and I’ll tear you a new one physically as well as I’m about to do verbally!

You talk about respect for the business. You talk about what is and what isn’t killing the business, when you are singlehandedly destroying Frontier by your mere involvement. Your lack of professionalism has been noted and people are aware. People don’t want to be involved with a great company like Frontier because your name is stained on it! They wonder if they’re the next ones to draw your ire and get mocked on YouTube by you and your stoned friends! They wonder if you’re going to go out of your way to put the screws to them because you feel like doing it! It’s why I’m not coming back, it’s why Chandler isn’t coming back, and YOU! Not CJ Osbourne, but YOU...have yourself to blame for this.

The belts were FedEx’ed back to the GFC offices this morning. As of 9:00 am San Diego time today, Chandler Scott and myself are vacating the GFC Tag Team Titles. We don’t need those belts to validate our existence as one of the best tag teams in the world today. We don’t need Madman Szalinski in our lives. You fans don’t need Madman Szalinski ruining the sport you love so much. You people pay for the best in the world in Frontier, and Madman has denied you that. More importantly, whoever wins those belts knows that they were gifted those belts from two of the best in the world today. Cherish that gift, because on the day Madman Szalinski leaves that company...Chandler and I might decide we want our gold back.

But like I said, you’re not here for me. You’re here for Chandler, and rightfully so. Friend, this floor is yours.

Chandler pulls at his collar while he makes an “EEK!” expression.

Chandler Scott: Well… I guess I can just drop the mic after that, huh?

The crowd lets out a light chuckle.

Chandler Scott: In all seriousness, I’m not here to talk about this person or that person. I’m not here to talk about Frontier or any other company. I’m here to talk about EXODUS. I’m here to talk about Andreas Lasiewicz.

The crowd cheers and claps for the former EXPRO World Champion.

Chandler Scott: Las, I’m not gonna mock you while you’re in your current state. I’m not going to call you a cripple. In fact, I sympathize with you. I get it...

We’ve all seen the sacrifices that you’ve made for this place. We’ve seen the hell that you’ve put yourself through just to fight for EXODUS. After all of that, you didn’t feel appreciated. You dethroned Magnus and had him and his fellow Monsters right where you wanted them. But you didn’t have the support of your peers. You felt like you had been undermined. Then you had your title taken from you. To make matters worse, you had your very livelihood taken from you. I don’t blame you for being bitter. I don’t blame you for lashing out. If I were in your shoes, I’d be cursing everyone, too.

You’re right. Mistakes were made. The ball was dropped. But it doesn’t have to be like this. You didn’t have to take this hardline stance. You don’t have to shut all of us out. You don’t have to push away your peers and your friends. There isn’t a third side to this war. It’s still two sides. It’s the same two sides that it’s always been. Us versus them. Gods & Monsters… and the Sekigun.

This war will go on and this war will be taken to G&M… with or without you. I know the fans here in the RIMAC don’t want it to be done without you. I know that the Sekigun doesn’t want to do this without you. And deep down, I know that Jonathan doesn’t want to do this without you.

I know it’s been a long time since the four of us were in the same place at once. But the letters GoW still mean something to me. I never stopped believing in those letters and what they stood for. You brought me into this fold. You saw me as an heir of sorts. And I know that the man that brought me into this family and envisioned the GoW… would be shaking his head at what’s going on right now between you and Jonathan. We all made mistakes. We all screwed up. Plans weren’t put into action when they should have and the ones that were put together ended up failing. But now is the time to pick up the pieces and unite once again. We can do this. We are still The Fist of Change. And we can deliver that death blow once… and for all. All we have to do is put all this infighting and all this pettiness aside and focus on the real target here.

Jonathan nods as he looks at Chandler, reaching for his microphone again.

Jonathan Collins: I'm putting it out there right now. Gabe. Gabriel Gambino. Wherever you are, we need your help in fixing this ship. You put us four back on the same page, we stand by side with this Sekigun, AND WE WILL END THIS WAR! WE WILL SHOW YOU THAT FEAR CANNOT KILL THE MOST DANGEROUS MINDS IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING, BECAUSE WE ARE THE FIST, AND THE FIST! IS! CHANGE!

Las, we're here. We need this. Remember that.

"Broken Glass" again before Jonathan and Chandler begin making their way toward the back.

The lights in the arena dim, and some of the more wise to American culture Japanese fans turn on their cell phone lights as the crowd begins to stir and cheer, when suddenly over the PA System, a peaceful song known as "Song for the Fisherman" by 36 Crazyfists...



The lights dim after during all of almost 90 seconds of the song, the EXOScreen plays clips of Fiona's successes and failures in EXODUS, leaving people to absorb it all before the arena blacks out one more time. After a moment of silence, the hard pounding opening of "Stardust" by Gemini Syndrome kicks in!



As soon as the chorus kicks in, the lights around the entrance flash to the familiar purple hue that signals Fiona Collins, who has a lit up purple cloak around her, hood over her head...BEFORE SHE TOSSES IT OFF TO REVEAL A PURPLE SAILOR SCOUT COSTUME! Throwing the two fingers in front of her as soon as she brings her hand down, it's clear that she's already in heavy contemplation and mentally prepared for this match as she takes the walk to the ring, HEC Women's Title around her waist!



Fiona finally starts to slap a few hands as she nods her head, eyes locked directly on the ring. She instantly climbs to the apron and grabs the rope before leaping in and flipping forward, dropping to one knee, her hand touching the mat as if she just landed in the ring Superman-style, the crowd applauding as she gets peppered with streamers! The crowd watches as she gets up through them and climbs a corner, starting to gesture to the crowd! She repeats the process on all four turnbuckles, and the crowd returns the love to EXODUS' ace and homegrown star!

Dick Morosi: Tonight, she fights for not just love by moonlight, but she's defending EXODUS against the New Age!

Seth Ericson: Dick, Fiona Collins has been near unstoppable since returning for The Crucible! She's gone through a Gods and Monsters trio, Justin Brooks, and she nearly teamed with her most hated rival to take out The Ninth Gate!

Dick Morosi: But now she's got a problem much bigger than that...she's got her oldest rival.

As senior official Brian Lowery starts clearing the ring of streamers along with some ring boys, the lights start to dim again and a new song starts..."Vicarious" by Tool.

Eye on the TV
'cause tragedy thrills me
Whatever flavour
It happens to be like;
Killed by the husband
Drowned by the ocean
Shot by his own son
She used the poison in his tea
And kissed him goodbye
That's my kind of story
It's no fun 'til someone dies...

There he stands, torn suit and tie, EXODUS World Title in his hand, one strap dragged along the floor as he slowly starts to move his way down the aisle.

Don't look at me like
I am a monster
Frown out your one face
But with the other
Stare like a junkie
Into the TV
Stare like a zombie
While the mother
Holds her child
Watches him die
Hands to the sky crying
Why, oh why?
'cause I need to watch things die
From a distance

Vicariously
I live while the whole world dies
You all need it too, don't lie...

Furor continues to walk down the aisle, burlap sack on his face until he steps into the ring and slowly removes the mask from his head, stepping into the ring as he glares at the challenger, sneering practically as he simply begins removing the tattered suit coat and goes to wait in his corner. At that moment, David Zinkus goes to the middle of the ring and prepares to announce the competitors.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is your main event of the evening! It is scheduled for one fall and has a 60-minute time limit, and it is for the EXODUS Pro World Championship! Introducing first, she is the challenger! Coming to us from Portlandia, she is the number one contender! Ladies and gentlemen, she is THE STARDUST SERAPH, FIONAAAAAAAAAAA COLLINSSSSSSSSSSS!

The crowd cheers as Fiona remains glaring at Furor, raising her hand as her jovial mood has gone noticably sour.

Dick Morosi: Fiona Collins has the weight of the world on her shoulders tonight. She's got that mentality she needs to win this one.

Seth Ericson: Considering everything she's been through to get to this point, I think she feels failure isn't an option.

The camera then goes back to Zinkus, turning towards Furor.

David Zinkus: And her opponent is the EXODUS Pro World Champion! He is making the V1 Defense of his second reign, and he is from Detroit, Michigan...he is CHRISTUMMMMMMMMMM FUROR!

The crowd jeers as Furor raises his hand and hands his belt off to Brian Lowery, who then meets both champ and challenger in the middle of the ring as the two continue to stare down. The tension in the air is obvious as both know what's truly at stake. While they continue to stare one another down, the attendants and press clear the ring, leaving it down to the competitors and referee, all before Lowery calls for the bell and this match is on! The two begin circling the ring, each competitor taking a moment to size up and evaluate their position before they start to lock up to the crowd's applause!

Dick Morosi: A year in the making, this match is on!

Furor uses his size advantage over Fiona to start backing her into the corner, but Fiona isn't afraid to try to twist it to help herself, holding Furor in a wrist lock as she tries to go to the ropes and leap up, jumping off the ropes to bring him down with a form of an armdrag as she waits for him to get back up...she goes for the Shinigami, but Furor slowly rolls out of the ring and paces around, looking up at her while she waits.

Dick Morosi: That's the type of knowledge that comes from really knowing your rival there! The two of them have been in the ring together so many times, you have to wonder how many tricks each of them has in store for the other!

Seth Ericson: Furor is a whole new beast though! He's changed a lot of his style since changing his identity, while Fiona has just started to develop a new arsenal! I'm curious to see which one has made the right adjustments to surprise the other.

Fiona won't wait any longer for Furor's powder, and she runs off the opposite side ropes, and as Furor continues to pace and stew over Fiona, only to be met by a huge Fosbury Flop from the challenger! She gets up quickly and pumps her fist before throwing him back into the ring and scurrying back into the ring quickly herself. Starting to reach for him to go for The Undertow, Furor kicks her off and leaves her back in a corner, before he gets up and charges her, only for her to swing and move through the ropes before leaping up and springboarding in, ONLY TO GET HIT WITH A HUGE KICK ON THE WAY DOWN! Fiona hits the mat with the thud, and Furor kicks her again, starting to lay into her with boots as he sneers, realizing just how important it is to have that advantage quickly. Kicking her again and picking her up to whip her to the corner, he charges in and hits her with a huge splash before he throws her out of the corner and quickly runs and hits her with a running, sitting snapmare! Getting up and once again sitting her up, he starts screaming in her face about how she can't stop the new age, all before kicking her in the chest with a shoot style kick! Fiona goes down and Furor quickly tries to go for the cover before she quickly kicks her off and keeps moving, trying to protect herself. Getting out of the ring again, Furor stalks her, but his eyes shift to one of the young students helping out in the ringside area.

Dick Morosi: Oh God, Seth...he's looking at Black Jones.

Seth Ericson: This is one of the first times these two have been face to face since Black's vicious beating at the hands of Furor and Gods and Monsters.

Black stands back, realizing he has no choice in the matter, and he watches as Fiona gets helped to her feet by the guardrail. Furor sees this and charges...BUT GETS MET WITH A JUMPING CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM BLACK JONES! Black starts yelling at Furor, and he looks at the referee, who has thrown out Jones from ringside! Cleon Gray's personal security has started to come to take Black away and Cleon is screaming from his segway that the match needs to continue! The match is too important to fall victim to a disqualification! Fiona starts to get up and she hits a huge rolling capoeira kick on Furor! She gets him back into the ring and sits him up, starting to return the favor and nailing shoot style kicks to his chest before backing up and nailing him with a dropkick between the eyes!

Seth Ericson: DICK! How could Black Jones do that?

Dick Morosi: That's months of pent up anger, waiting to give Christum Furor what he deserves! Ill-timed, but it's also put Fiona Collins in the driver's seat!

Fiona runs to the ropes and springboards off the middle ropes with a quebrada, nailing it and hooking the leg for the cover!

One!





TWO!






KICKOUT!

Fiona sighs and gets up, quickly starting to go back to work as she quickly gets to her feet and leaves them again with a standing shooting star press, all before rolling back and going back towards the ropes to hit a major rolling thunder senton! Fiona is looking sharp tonight as she begins to back up and look for the Shinigami! She starts getting the crowd backing her again as she waits for Furor to get to his feet...she goes for it...he ducks and she lands on her feet, hitting a huge Pele kick to rebound! Without hesitation, she runs towards the ropes and comes off to catch him once he's on one knee with a huge low hurricanrana! Fiona quickly runs as Gunner is down and practically runs up the turnbuckles to leap off the top one with a moonsault...but Gunner rolls out of the--FIONA LANDS ON HER FEET AND KICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE FACE WITH A KICK TO THE HEAD! The challenger is refusing to let up on the champ, and she quickly leaps up and flips forward, landing on Furor with double knees! Fiona watches as Furor rolls out of the ring to stop himself from getting pinned again, and she goes after him! Without hesitation, she goes after him, but Furor pushes her continuously toward the rail. She quickly leaps over the rail to prevent crashing into it, but she immediately turns around...RIGHT INTO A FLYING SPEAR FROM CHRISTUM FUROR! Furor gets up and immediately throws her over the rail back to the ringside area and steps over, stepping on her as he gets back to the ring!

Dick Morosi: What disrespect from Christum Furor!

Seth Ericson: When you're the champ, you can do as you please!

Furor picks her up and throws her back in the ring, and instantly goes to lock her in an Anaconda Vise, once the dueling submission both shared. The crowd watches as Fiona screams in pain, Furor starting to wrench. As she tries to move herself so she can get in the right position, Furor starts to pull with the hope that she tires herself out and taps out instead, only to be surprised when she gets to the ropes and he's forced to let go! Finally releasing around four and a half, Furor pulls her up and starts to whip her to the ropes! Waiting for her to rebound and waiting to back bodydrop her, Fiona lifts him up and hits a huge rolling elbow to the face!

Dick Morosi: CLEAR EYES!

Fiona hits a massive palm strike to the chest!

Seth Ericson: FULL HEART!

She leaps up and hits a massive dropsault sending Furor reeling!

Dick Morosi: CAN'T LOSE! SHE'S BACK IN IT!

Fiona leans back against the ropes, and she knows what's left. Fiona starts to take a deep breath and look again, charging Furor and leaping up to hit a huge hurricanrana before he rolls back to her feet at the same time as she does only for her to charge and hit a sitout jawbreaker, the Soul Caliber! Fiona gets up again and quickly comes around, hitting a huge jumping complete shot into the Koji Clutch! SHE HAS THE OMEGA-16 LOCKED IN ON CHRISTUM FUROR, BUT HE QUICKLY GETS TO THE ROPES! Fiona lets go of the hold and as he gets up, she meets him with a SHINIGAMI! HE HITS THE MAT AND THAT'S THAT! She hooks the leg!

ONE!












TWO!




































THE REFEREE IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING BY SAVANNAH TAYLOR?!

Dick Morosi: WHAT'S SHE DOING HERE?!

Seth Ericson: OH COME ON! Like you don't know!

The referee is yelling at her, ordering her back to the ring, threatening to disqualify Furor for whatever good that would do. Savannah starts backing off...ONLY TO BE MET WITH A DIVE FROM FIONA, WIPING HER OUT! She tries to get back into the ring and ready, realizing that the referee was wiped out during the dive as well! Looking out and around, Fiona starts waiting to get him up again for another Shinigami...BUT FUROR GRABS HER...HAMMER OF DAWN! HE HOOKS THE LEG!

ONE!






TWO!



















THREE! "The Quiet Place" starts up and Furor steps away from Fiona, coming down to his knees as the referee goes to grab the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title...and Savannah rips it away from the referee, handing it over to Furor as he stands with it, glancing down at Fiona Collins and proceeding to place his foot right onto her chest as he raises the title proudly in the air as Savannah raises his other hand in the process.

Dick Morosi: Absolutely abhorring, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Dick...we’ve called a lot of matches over the years...but never in my mind did I fathom Furor finally beating Fiona Collins in this building. ...I think this New Age is here to stay, man.

But just as Seth finished saying those words, the lights went out across Korakuen Hall and the crowd roared in its surprise. The lights stay gone for a few moments and once they’re back on, the noise inside of Korakuen Hall intensifies as the Turks are now standing on the apron in each side of the ring, surrounding it in full as Furor and Savannah’s eyes widen, beginning to glance around...unaware of WEAPON running down from the crowd and jumping the barricade, sliding down in the ring...and immediately catching Savannah Taylor with a jumping double knee facebreaker, flooring the EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay champion as Furor takes a step back, eyes widening in the process as WEAPON stands back to his feet.

Seth Ericson: Oh my God, WEAPON’s here…and that move…

Dick Morosi: We saw him put Sally Talfourd out of commission here tonight through the our fellow Japanese broadcasters’ table earlier. Is he coming here for more? He stated he’s unmasking tonight...could this be it, Seth?!

As Savannah rolls off to the side of the ring holding her head, Furor and WEAPON stare down at one another from their spots, all while the Turks hop down from the apron, standing on each side still as their hands begin to pound against the mat, the crowd at Korakuen Hall following suit as Christum Furor begins to look around, screaming at WEAPON to show his true face to the world like he promised them all, screaming about how much of a fraud he is. WEAPON stands motionless before he finally reaches behind the back of his head, undoing the laces that kept the mask held around him for so very, very long and once they’re loose, he finally lets the mask drop to the mat as the crowd explodes...and Christum Furor’s jaw drops, his face losing some of its color.

Dick Morosi: IT’S CHRIS STRIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WEAPON IS STRIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seth Ericson: …………………………...thereisnogod.

The smirk on Chris Strike’s face in returns tells the entire story as Furor immediately roars, charging at him with the title and trying to swing it at his face, but Strike ducks under the shot, immediately hooking Christum’s arms into a full nelson before LEAPING up in the air, knees tucked in and crushing Furor’s back with them, flooring the World champion!

Dick Morosi: REL MPAGO!!!!!!!!!!

It is at that point that Chris Strike begins to rip off the fabric of the WEAPON attire, letting it drop into pieces as he displays eight new scars across his chest the size of bullet holes in different areas of it, roaring in the process in the same fighting spirit many have shown over the course of the night. As Savannah is now holding her head near a corner and Fiona Collins is in a sitting position in the nearest corner with a smile, the “War Machine” picks up the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title and raises it in the air while staring down at Christum Furor, as the PA finally begins to play his theme song:

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!

Dick Morosi: Folks, we have had one absolutely amazing night here in EXODUS Pro at Ascendancy, but for all my money, I did not expect this night to end like this.

Seth Ericson: WEAPON WAS SUPPOSED TO BE JONATHAN COLLINS!!! WHY WAS IT NOT COLLINS?! WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE CHRIS STRIKE, OF ALL PEOPLE?!?!?!

Dick Morosi: Regardless, Seth...and my God, his sights are set on the leader of Gods & Monsters! He’s set on taking Christum Furor down! Not all hope is lost, EXODUS fans! For Darrin Stearns, Minoru Asano, DEMON Suzuki, Katsugiri Shibada, and Seth Ericson, I am Dick Morosi! We will see you in two weeks in San Diego. My God, Chris Strike is WEAPON! Chris Strike is WEAPON!!!

The show credits appear on the bottom left hand corner while “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater continues to play on as Chris Strike tosses the championship right back into Furor’s chest, telling him that it is long overdue for a war between the two of them as we fade to black.

WINNER (and STILL World Champion): Christum Furor

We cut backstage one more time on Jonathan Collins' office, still dealing with the fallout of the visit from Andreas Lasiewicz. Leaning against the desk, looking down at his feet in shame remains Jonathan Collins. The door opens slightly and Fiona Collins walks in. Seeing all of this, Fiona runs to him and puts a hand on his face.

Fiona Collins: Captain...

Jonathan Collins: Not now, Fi.

She nods, simply wrapping her arms around her husband. The world was crashing around them both. Enemies were on every side, but sometimes things were more important than war. Sometimes family meant more. We cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: It's a moment of relief for Jonathan Collins, but for Fiona, it's a temporary reprieve.

Seth Ericson: War is hell sometimes, Dick. Right now, they're living it...and it's a scary sight. They'll be observing a major chapter coming up next with Sally Talfourd and WEAPON.

Dick Morosi: This match is a long time in the making and it's next!



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



Dick Morosi: Make no mistake. This is a very, very determined woman before us here tonight, however disturbing it may still look seeing her this way since her return to EXODUS Pro.

Seth Ericson: Oh, her attitude has definitely shifted but man, personally? I think Sally Talfourd has looked even better than she was as one-half of the tag team champions since her return.

The arena lights begin to dim except for one bright light at the entrance of the stage area while violins and classical music begin to fill the speakers, along with an ominous Latin chant...



As the verse ends and transitions into more ominous Latin chanting with the guitars and drums following suit as the song transitions from “Cantata Mortis” to “God in Fire” by Takeharu Ishimoto ft. Kidneythieves, four people start to stand in front of the light, all concealed thanks to the bright light dimming their own traits.

David Zinkus: And her opponent…accompanied to the ring by The Turks, weighing in at two hundred and thirteen pounds…he is the Fail-Safe Program of EXODUS Pro…HE…IS…WEAAAAAAAAPOOOOOONNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!



Like military, the three people accompanying WEAPON start to move in time like police. Rude, Katana, Tseng and Angeal basically clear the way for WEAPON as he starts to point to the ring before running down the ramp and sliding in before rolling and getting to his feet. The crowd starts to stir as the masked man takes a deep breath and climbs a turnbuckle to look out to the crowd and salute them before turning his attention to his surroundings, preparing himself for what is to come as Rude, Katana, Tseng and Angeal watch on from the outside.

Dick Morosi: The Fail-Safe Program has arrived at Korakuen Hall! And so have the Turks. They all look ready for a war here tonight, Seth.

Seth Ericson: And the question is whether the Turks end up playing a role in this match. Remember, Sally Talfourd was Elena once upon a time…and she betrayed them without as much as a hint of regret.

Just as the bell rings, WEAPON looks over at his companions and nods to them…and to the surprise of practically everyone, the Turks begin to make their way out of ringside and towards the back.

Seth Ericson: Wait, where the hell are they going?

Dick Morosi: It seems the Turks are going to leave WEAPON to his own devices here.

Sally wears a Cheshire like grin on her face as she mockingly waves the Turks goodbye before the two walk up to the center of the ring, meeting one another as WEAPON looks down at the woman formerly known as Elena and the two stare down one another. It doesn’t take long for Talfourd to open her mouth, making her accusations about how much of a phony the current Fail-Safe Program of EXODUS Pro has been and how she plans on putting an end to it. WEAPON, however, just stands there and takes it all in…that is until Sally’s right hand comes up swinging, smacking him right across the side of the head and forcing him to reel back. Talfourd looks pleased at her work as WEAPON returns with a step forward, only to get another slap to the face for his troubles. As he reels back the second time, Talfourd’s trash talking seems to go another level with hand gestures and all, turning her back on the Fail-Safe Program while doing it, the crowd booing heavily at Korakuen Hall as she did so.

But as she turns around, the crowd goes absolutely insane as WEAPON SPITS THE GREEN MIST RIGHT IN HER FACE!!!! Talfourd reels back, SCREAMING in surprise and agony as WEAPON immediately rolls her up in a schoolboy:

ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE------------------- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD, THAT WAS CLOSE!

Seth Ericson: WEAPON USES THE GREEN MIST AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN BEEN A MINUTE INTO THIS GODDAMNED MATCH!!!

The crowd continues to roar in approval as WEAPON wipes his mouth clean with his sleeve, leading residues of mist as Sally Talfourd is now finding herself holding on to the bottom rope, head sticking out and her screaming in Japanese for somebody to throw some water on her face. One of the stagehands nearby eventually does so and the Last Magician immediately begins to wipe away at her face, slowly but surely regaining her field of vision as WEAPON stands front and center in the ring, waiting in the same way he did at the very beginning. As Sally finally regained most of her vision, she immediately stood up and turned around, glancing at WEAPON with a look that did any and all talking for her intentions going forward into this match-up. The crowd begins buzzing again as Talfourd darts forward and the two of them meet in the center of the ring, each left hand finding the back of the other’s neck as the two begin swinging forearms against each other’s skulls in rapid fashion, the faithful in the Korakuen Hall roaring in their approval!

Dick Morosi: Oh, it is on right now at the center of the ring! Neither person giving an inch on this war of forearms!

Seth Ericson: Good lord, is this what these Japanese barbarians are used to seeing on a nightly basis? No wonder we don’t tour this country often, half of our guys would be DEAD if we did this yearly.

The two continue to go at it with forearms until WEAPON pulls Talfourd forward from his grip, smashing his knee onto her ribs in the process, doubling her over. WEAPON places Sally into a Muay Thai clutch and the Fail-Safe Program does not hesitate for a moment as he begins firing off a series of right and left knees towards Sally’s body and chin and while Talfourd does a good job in blocking any of them from getting through initially, one good pull down on the clutch forces her guard to break just long enough to let a right knee sneak in and smash her onto the chin in the process as the crowd winces at the sound of how it connected. WEAPON brings Talfourd from the clutch to tucking in her head under his legs, lifting her up in the air immediately and taking a pair of steps back and then turning towards the turnbuckle. He charges towards the turnbuckle, attempting to throw Talfourd right onto it but the crafty and speedy member of Gods & Monsters slips from WEAPON’s grasp and lands right behind him. As he stops his momentum, Sally immediately nails WEAPON with a high dropkick to the back of the head, sending him stumbling against the turnbuckle and hitting the top one head first. As he’s dazed, Talfourd grabs WEAPON by the head and arm, not hesitating for a second as she nails the Fail-Safe with a corkscrew neckbreaker.

Seth Ericson: Well, I guess WEAPON just booked a one-way ticket to the DAAAAAAANGER ZONEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Dick Morosi: Hey Seth, um, are you supposed to be Kenny Loggins or something?

Seth Ericson: …Nah dude, Sterling Archer.

Dick Morosi: I thought that was Christian Kane on weekends.

Seth Ericson: …Crap, yeah, Kenny Loggins it is.

Feeling herself assume control in this bout for the first time, Talfourd doesn’t hesitate to take it to WEAPON with a large amount of stomps before taking his left arm and pressing her foot against it while pulling on it, forcing the referee to get involved and counting her, forcing Sally to stop her attack at four before she got herself disqualified. However, she kept pulling on WEAPON’s arm as she began to drop a series of knees onto it before twisting on it. WEAPON began making his way back to his feet in order to get a vertical base to better help counter Talfourd’s in-ring prowess but just as he does, Sally smartly brings both knees up and lets them connect against WEAPON’s left arm as she falls to the mat with the double knee armbreaker. WEAPON’s right hand immediately goes to his bicep, checking up on its condition while Talfourd glances at the Korakuen Hall crowd and yells at them if this fraud is truly the hero they expected to succeed here.

Dick Morosi: And Sally’s not being shy at all about letting the fans how she feels about her opponent after that series of vicious moves on WEAPON’s left arm.

Seth Ericson: It isn’t out of the norm for her exploit body parts – people know how fluid Sally Talfourd is in the ring and that she’s got grace when it comes to her speed, but she can break knees and arms just as easily with her arsenal.

WEAPON takes the opportunity presented to him to stand back to his feet, but as he finds his vertical base, Sally kicks him in the shin, then the knees. WEAPON falls to one knee, and Sally runs at him, jumping on Terry’s leg and hitting him with an expertly placed Shining Wizard right onto WEAPON’s left arm. She doesn’t stop as he falls to the mat, following it with a kick to the head before going for a leg drop. WEAPON sees it coming and somehow rolls out of the way, as Sally collides with the mat. But she’s quick to her feet. As WEAPON attempts to get up again, Sally immediately takes him out with a running leg lariat. Still not satisfied, Talfourd lays a few elbows to WEAPON’s left bicep before bringing him up to a kneeling position by his head, having him in a cravate. She keeps her grip on him as her right leg swings with another kick to his arm before stepping back and swinging for the fences with a super kick…WHICH WEAPON SOMEHOW CATCHES WITH ONE HAND! But Sally isn’t done, as she smiles and spins out of it, the back of her heel catching WEAPON on the side of the head as she connects with the dragon whip, flooring the Fail-Safe Program of EXODUS Pro.

Dick Morosi: Good lord, she’s trying to kick him one thousand different ways to hell.

Seth Ericson: This match is about a lot more than competition, Dick. Either one of these two have the potential to bring a lot of momentum towards their respective allegiances.

Sally, at last, finally goes for a cover:

ONEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

THRE- WEAPON gets the right shoulder up!

But Sally does the smart thing here, you see, as she immediately moves her attention back to WEAPON’s left arm, bringing it up and smacking it against the mat…not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but six times! She even gets to a point where she brings WEAPON’s own arm and smacks him with it much to the crowd’s chagrin. Unlike years past, however, she basks in it as she extends her arms out and looks at them, wiping her feet one after the other on the mat right behind WEAPON. As he attempts to get back to his feet, a sound kick to WEAPON’s arm follows suit from Talfourd, backing him into the ropes. We seem to finally have our first irish whip of the match as Sally sends WEAPON to the opposite ropes and as the Fail-Safe bounces off of them, Talfourd jumps into the air, legs closing around WEAPON’s neck as she uses the momentum to attempt a hurricanrana…but WEAPON does not go for the ride!

Seth Ericson: Oh boy!

Dick Morosi: Talfourd got caught, she got caught!

With one good arm, WEAPON held on to Talfourd, who began resisting by throwing punches at the masked man’s face for good measure, keeping him from really doing much movement. In order to try and get herself away from the predicament, her hands begin digging right into the fabric of his mask, attempting to rip at it…and that seems to pull the trigger, as WEAPON realizes what is going on and roars as he takes off running towards the opposite side of the ring, managing to use his one good hand and the fact he has a damn near extra 70 lbs on Sally to toss her from his shoulders with a one-handed power bomb, as the crowd roars at the impact of the back of Sally’s neck hitting against the turnbuckle. As she stumbles forward, WEAPON immediately meets her a kesagiri chop…and another…and a third one for good measure, before spinning her around and grabbing on to her from behind, bringing her into a half-nelson before lifting her up over his head and suplexing her right into the mat!

Dick Morosi: Omnislash by WEAPON!

Seth Ericson: And to do this with one arm is all well and good, but WEAPON can’t fight on just one arm alone.

Sally didn’t take too long to stand up as WEAPON took deep breaths, holding on to his left bicep and squeezing it a few times to make sure he could still try and do things with it before charging Talfourd again and flooring her with a Shotei. And another one as she stood again. Sally eventually attempted to put a stop to it all with a kick…but WEAPON catches it, bringing Talfourd forward and attempting a Capture Suplex from the position. But the Gods & Monsters member fights back with right hands directed straight at WEAPON’s left arm, eventually forcing him to step back and break the hold. Sally immediately grabs on to the left arm and attempts to spin it into a cross armbreaker but WEAPON slips his left arm out and manages to bring her arms out, lifting her up with a scream and catching her with a tiger suplex. He keeps the bridge on it, as the referee slides in for the cover:

ONEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

THRE- but Sally Talfourd manages to kick out at the nick of time!

Dick Morosi: Tiger suplex and a close one for WEAPON here.

Seth Ericson: But look at his arm, Dick. He’s still holding on to it!

The camera does show WEAPON holding on to his left arm, as he attempts to smack it a few times for good measure, watching as Sally Talfourd begins to return to her feet, the referee still checking up on her. As Talfourd gets up to a standing position, she notices the referee near her as WEAPON comes charging in for her, shoving him out of the way as the Fail-Safe Program jumps into the air, looking for the METEOR to end this…but instead, he gets a low blow for his troubles!

Seth Ericson: OOOOHOHOHOHO…

Dick Morosi: Sally Talfourd just went downstairs and the referee never saw i- oh you have gotta be kidding me!

What Dick is referring to here is how as WEAPON fell to the ground in agony, Talfourd quickly rolled him up, the referee dropping down to the mat and counting it!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bell immediately rings as the crowd at Korakuen Hall boos FERVENTLY while Sally Talfourd jumps up from the mat, screaming in approval as she forces the referee to raise her hand moments later as “Normal People” by Arcade Fire begins to play over the PA system!

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner via pinfall, SALLY…TALFOURDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!

The boos continue as WEAPON returns to a kneeling position…and gets kicked right in the face by Sally Talfourd in the process, who is smiling from ear-to-ear as she begins nailing him with rabbit punches to the head, shoving the referee away yet again from her way when he tries to put a stop to it. Eventually, Sally grasps at the eyelids of the WEAPON mask and she begins to stretch the fabric, screaming that it’s time to unveil the fraud to the world at large as WEAPON brings his hands up, keeping her away from tearing into the fabric all that much, forcing her to stand back and stomp away at him sometimes to make him relent. The crowd’s boos grow stronger and stronger, as Sally gets herself caught in the moment, stepping to the ropes and screaming at them that it’s about time they knew who this false protector really is and that it’s time to break him…

But as Sally Talfourd turns around again, she meets a charging WEAPON who jumps up…and this time around, nails her with the METEOR!!!

Dick Morosi: METEOR!!! AND HE’S GOT IT LOCKED IN TO BOOT!

Seth Ericson: BUT THE MATCH IS OVER, DICK!!!

Dick Morosi: Seth, old buddy, I really don’t think he cares at this point. She went after him and the mask again with every intent to take it off and now WEAPON is fighting back!

WEAPON keeps the Koji Clutch part of the hold on Sally Talfourd, squeezing as hard as he can on it, gritted teeth as he fights through his own pain to deal a bit of his own onto the member of Gods & Monsters before finally letting go, leaving Talfourd to cough and writhe in pain inside of the ring as he slides out, dragging Talfourd down with him by the legs before standing her up and tossing her right into the steel post on the outside, in which she hits shoulder first. As she is down, WEAPON begins glancing around with his hands turned into fists, looking around the ringside area...and then, without warning, he darts over to the event-only, special Japanese announce table, waving his hand for analysts DEMON Suzuki and Katsugiri Shibada to clear away, as Shibada immediately jumps over the barricade like a coward while DEMON shoots WEAPON an ugly look that says something along the lines of how he would kick the man’s ass if it wasn’t for him being too drunk for this shit. WEAPON begins to dismantle the table at hand, tossing the cover aside along with the monitors, clearing the surface before moving over and grabbing on to Sally Talfourd by the hair, dragging her towards the table and smacking her head against it.

Breathing heavily, WEAPON eventually places Sally Talfourd on the announcers’ table, climbing up on it and keeping himself steady as he glances up at the skies, mask torn in parts but nowhere near enough to reveal his identity. He eventually takes one deep breath and screams out a few words caught by the cameras:

“YOU’RE NEXT, FUROR!!!!”

Seth Ericson: Oh no…

WEAPON brings Sally up, whispering something to her in specific before he lifts Talfourd up into an Argentine backbreaker position, holding her there for a moment before lifting her off his shoulders and jumping off the table, letting the Gods & Monsters member fall straight through the table with the falling reverse DDT after leaping into the air, Sally’s body crashing through the table as the crowd in Korakuen goes ballistic for the impact!

Dick Morosi: MEGAFLARE!!!!!

Seth Ericson: Talfourd is out! And so is the Japanese announce table that we paid EXTRA on to be brought in!

Dick Morosi: Do not be mistaken, folks, by hook and crook, Sally Talfourd beat the Fail-Safe Program tonight…but WEAPON may have very well made good on his promise to take her out!

WEAPON holds on to the back of his head from the impact of the finishing maneuver that’s somewhat familiar to a certain few folks out there, eventually standing up to his feet and looking at the damage he caused, breathing heavily and standing over the carnage as the Korakuen Hall still is roaring at the full-fledged effect…the cameras eventually carrying us elsewhere.

WINNER: Sally Talfourd

Johnny Cannon sits on the left of a couch backstage, alligator shoes stretched out and resting on a steel chair, with a bottle of Jose Cuervo in his lap. The door suddenly opens as the Englishman takes a sip from his brew. Abby Park comes in from behind the camera, wearing a Seoul Train T-shirt and jeans.

Abby Park: Knock… knock. Anybody home?

The Tomboy Tennessean takes a seat next to Cannon.

Johnny Cannon: Not if my good chum Captain Morgan has a say in the matter.

Abby Park: But you’re sipping Cuervo, Johnny.

Mr. EXODUS takes a look at the bottle in his hand, his brow leaping up to show display just how shocked he is.

Johnny Cannon: Potato… tomato. Long as it gets me where I’m going it can be Jesus Juice for all I care. That’s not -

Abby Park: Important. Oh look at that we’re finishing each others -

The drunkard belches loudly, blinking repeatedly as his buzz begins to set it.

Abby Park: Anyway… do you know where we are, Johnny?

Cannon leans forward, dropping his feet down off the chair as he raises a hand to suppress another burp. Afterward, he pumps his fist into chest, holding it there as he feels some slight heartburn, or so he hopes.

Johnny Cannon: Yeah. I’m at in that bloody place where you’re not nearly as hammered as you think you should be, yet for some reason the room still feels like it’s spinning and there’s this small Korean girl who’s talking your ear off but you’re not really paying attention because you’re focused on this ridiculous tapping sound in the back of your head that gets LOUDER AND LOUDER with each effing’ second which at that point you have to KEEP DRINKING just to turn down the noise even though you might be worse off for it in the end game!

The Englishman takes a deep breath, whilst Abby nods - not particularly sure what he was playing at but impressed that he was able to get it out all in one breath.

Abby Park: Uh…. no. No, Johnny we’re here in the historic Korakuen Hall. This building is rich with professional wrestling history and lineage. Man if these walls could talk, they’d be telling so many classic stories and tales about the greats from way back when. So that made me think about tonight, and what we have lying ahead of us.

Johnny Cannon: Yeah, a massive hangover.

Johnny gingerly massages his head as he sits the bottle down on the chair.

Abby Park: But it will be well deserved. That’s because The Short Change Heroes are back in town. Okay, well we’ve been in town for like two weeks now, but that’s not important. What is important is what we are going to accomplish. I hope you haven’t spoiled your dinner Johnny, because we’ve got a whole buffet waiting around the corner. We’ve got Dragons Unleashed, TROUBLE, and The Generation of Miracles. Now, I’ve gone on record about my fondness for the Japanese cuisine. However, that delicatessen pales into comparison to the full course meal we’re about to chow down on.

The Tomboy Tennessean smirks, thinking about the match she’s about to be involved in.

Abby Park: And when we’re stuffed and have had our fill, we’ll be leaving with those EXODUS Tag Team Titles. Then our story will be enshrined in the walls of Korakuen Hall which people will come from all across the globe to read about and relive. They’ll come from far far away to hear about that night Abby Park and Johnny Cannon survived and conquered. The emotional journey, rivals to partners to the once and future champions. How we did the very same thing we did about a year or so ago. They’ll make a folk song about us and they’ll sing about the Short Change Heroes… the ragtag group full of surprises, that always does the impossible just when you write us off. Hell, I smell a movie deal. Audiences love those kind of pictures. What do you think about that, Johnny?

Mr. EXODUS leans forward, grabbing his SUPER sunglasses off the collar of his floral style button up, placing them over his face then removing them as quickly as he put them there to look into the camera with a serious look on his English mug.

Johnny Cannon: I came here tonight to get drunk and kick someone's bloody head off. And Abby…

The former World Champion shakes his empty beer bottle.

Johnny Cannon: I’m all out of hooch.

With that, we're back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Those two seem more ready than ever.

Seth Ericson: Dick, look at the track record of these teams! Three of these teams are current and former EXODUS Tag Team Champions, and the other is one of the best tag teams in wrestling, having won belts all over!

Dick Morosi: It's a huge Tag Team Title match next!



David Zinkus: The following contest is an Elimination Match and it is four the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Championships!

Dick Morosi: Ladies and gentleman the rules are as followed: two competitors start the match, and you can tag in anybody, doesn’t matter if it’s your teammate. Once you’re pinned or submitted, that ends the night for you and your partner. The last team standing will be your EXPRO Tag Champs!

Seth Ericson: Oh this gone be good!

Multicoloured spotlights swirl around the entranceway as the martial-sounding intro to Glass Candy's "Candy Castle" comes across the PA. As the beat kicks in Laurel Anne Hardy bursts through the curtain, cavorting energetically and twisting a
around like a dancing partner. A moment later Evangelista walks through and stands beside Laurel, placing her hands on her hips as she surveys the auditorium with a smile.

David Zinkus: Introducing the challengers. First from the United Kingdom, at a combined weight of two hundred and eighty-one pounds and representing The Asylum...

The two young women share a good luck hug, then start down the aisle and head in opposite directions when they reach the bottom - Evangelista focused on the task ahead and absently tagging a few outstretched hands, Hardy dancing back and forth and interacting with the fans much more with hugs, high fives and handshakes. After
a circuit of the ringside area they regroup and Evangelista slides under the bottom rope while Laurel leaps over her onto the apron, and somersaults over the top rope. They run up opposite turnbuckles and pose, then drop and repeat their actions in the other two corners. Hardy throws her boa into the crowd, prompting a scrum to catch it.

David Zinkus: They are "The Prodigal Daughter" Evangelista and "The Living, Breathing
Event Of The Millennium" Laurel Anne Hardy... DRAAAAGOOONS... UNLEASHED!

They both moonsault down to standing positions in the centre of the
. Laurel takes a deep, theatrical bow while Evangelista crosses herself and warms up.

Dick Morosi: Four of the best tag teams in professional wrestling today going at it and we’re proud to say that one of the best tandems in the game belongs exclusively to EXPRO now. Laurel and Evangelista could remind the world of their greatness with a huge win tonight, Seth.

Seth Ericson: I’ve already got goosebumps, Dick. Who’re you picking?

Dick Morosi: I don’t know, Seth. Each team has their own unique style, add that to the rules of the match, and it’s just too hard to a make choice.

Seth Ericson: I’m going with Dragons Unleashed. I just love flexible women.

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

Oh no,
Oh no,
Oh no...
Oh no you didn't!

With that, the entrance lights fade up in Royal Blue, Red and White as Steve Lenton, Wulf Erikssen and Stacey-X enter the arena. Steve moves to the right of the entrance way, Wulf to the left, with Stacey remaining in the middle. Each man raises a solitary arm in salute to the crowd, as Stacey raises both arms to indicate both performers.

David Zinkus: Introducing next, weighing in at a combined weight of 481lbs, “Big L” Steve Lenton... “Barroom Hero” Wulf Erikssen... they are TROUBLE!”

Both men head down the ramp, Steve with his trademark strut, Wulf giving high fives to the crowd as he passes. As they
reach the ring, Stephen stops for a moment, reaching out to the sides to allow the fans to reach in and touch him,
whilst Wulf slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Steve quickly climbs onto the apron, and straight up the turnbuckle, whilst Wulf runs up to the diagonally opposite corner, both men lifting their arms in salute to the crowd
again. Meanwhile, Stacey walks around the ring to the teams corner. The pair then drop down into the ring, meeting in
the centre where they greet each other with a chest bump, before peeling off back to their corner.

Dick Morosi: They’re one of the most dominant teams in EXODUS history. They’ve been favored by many to come out on top when it’s all said and down. They’re TROUBLE and they intend to be that and more for the opposition tonight.

Seth Ericson: Dick, I change my mind. I’m going with THE SUNTAN SUPERMAN… AND THE BARROOM HERO! It just feels right.

Dick Morosi: Going back on your word, Seth? Wouldn’t be the first time I suppose.

Seth Ericson: And it won’t be the last.

Suddenly, the entrance tunnel is fixed with a bright yellow spotlight, while the arena lights dim down as the blaring chords of "Supernaut" by Black Sabbath slam into its rhythmic bellow throughout the depths of the arena, inciting an instant and vociferous reaction from the EXODUS faithful. The tron screen comes to life playing the Brit's entrance video, a collection of fantastic performances accumulated over his experiences. As soon as Cannon's silhouette becomes visible in the entrance tunnel David Zinkus begins the formal introduction.

David Zinkus: Making his way to the ring.



On demand, energetically bursting through the entrance tunnel is none other than Johnny Cannon. The EXPRO Original, the greatest showman in professional wrestling stops and poses on the entrance stage to soak in the adulation. Wearing his MMA style tights in yellow and purple and his #MrEXODUS track jacket in black, both with numerous insignias and designs sewn over them in purple, Johnny stares out at the excited audience through a pair of white SUPER sunglasses. The Brit surveys the capacity crowd, Johnny can't help but grin from ear to ear before running up and down the entrance stage, playing up to the audience.

David Zinkus: Accompanied by Quinn Goodrich he weighs in tonight at two hundred and forty pounds, and hails from London, England. He is MR. EXODUS... JOHNNYYYY CANNON!!!!

With Goodrich walking ahead Cannon begins sauntering down the entrance ramp, slapping the hands of excited fans that shove their arms out in his direction. Coming down the middle of the ramp, he slows his pace to a stop, posing on location. He playfully points out a finger gun gesture at the crowd, playing up to the patrons before removing his two hundred dollar sunglasses and handing them to one lucky kid in the front row.



He quickly runs up the ring steps before slipping into the ring with relative ease. Continuing with his momentum, Johnny spins to the middle of the ring before coming to a stop right in front of the camera. Cannon points at the camera, mouthing "Daddy's Home" to the audience at home as he slides out of his jacket with suaveness before handing his entrance gear to the referee, who then hands it to Goodrich on the outside.



From there, Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, apparently limbering up while Goodrich looks on from ringside; with his theme fading out, #MrEXODUS gets himself focused to hopefully put on another one of his classic performances.

The lights in the arena dim to just below total black as a soft, lilting tune from a traditional zither gently plays throughout the sound system. The figure of Abby Park stands in front of the entryway, her back facing the crowd. A light shines on the symbol emblazoned on the back of her attire. The zither fades as a roaring drum kicks in.



"Maw Maw Song" by The Joy Formidable blasts through the arena as the lights come up. Abby turns around and thrusts both fists into the air, her mouth open in a shout that is all but drowned out by the music.



David Zinkus: And his partner, tipping the scales at 118lbs and hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, she is ABBY PARK, and together, they are the SHORT... CHANGE... HEROES!!!

Abby brings her fists down but looks at her right arm for a mere moment. After looking at the arm, she lightly slaps her cheeks three times and proceeds to walk down the ramp, her eyes focused intently on the ring. Though her eyes remain forward, she averts them as she slaps a few hands with the fans, grinning ear to ear.



Using the steps to get to the apron, Abby steps into the ring and stands in the center. Abby lifts her left palm in front of her chest. Quickly she hits her palm with her right fist. Once. Twice. Three times. After the third time she raises her right fist skyward, again her mouth letting out a yell.



Before dropping her fist, she points towards a random section of the crowd and gives a thumbs up, listening for the reaction. She drops her fist and walks towards a corner and waits, eyes towards her opponent, as the music dies down until the zither plays briefly before coming to an end.

Seth Ericson: Hol’ up, hol’ up, hol’ up… DICK!

Dick Morosi: Let me guess, you’re voting for The Short Change Heroes now?

Seth Ericson: How can I not? They’ve got two EXODUS Originals on their squad, a Triple Crown Champion, they’re former champions, they dress well, they love to party and Johnny Cannon personally assured me I’d be invited to their celebration suite should they win.

Dick Morosi: It’s nice to know that you’re an objectionable journalist.

The lights dim inside of the arena, the Tron beginning to display black and white frames of two very different women beating opponents senseless with various amount of strikes, as a fierce beat alongside a low whistle is heard over the PA system, an inflatable NFL-like tunnel on the center of the ramp as the lights begin to flash white, red and gold all over the arena, the spotlight shining on the tunnel as “Bring Da Ruckus” by the Wu-Tang Clan starts through the PA system and the RZA’s
through the system.

BRING DA MOTHERFUCKIN RUCKUS!
BRING DA MOTHERFUCKIN RUCKUS!
BRING DA MOTHER, BRING DA MOTHERFUCKIN RUCKUS!
BRING DA MOTHERFUCKIN RUCKUS!

Bursting out from the inflatable tunnel to the roar of the crowd are Leander Apollo and Vanessa Cade. Both are geared up in their respective attires made of gold and black colors with red trim in Leander’s and white in Vanessa’s. As Cade executes a 360
with her right elbow leading, Leander raises his fist and hooks his arm around Vanessa’s as streamers of gold, black, white and red fire off behind and over them. With that both competitors make their way to the ring, staring down the ramp with every intent of making things happen.

David Zinkus: And their opponents! Weighing in at a combined weight of three hundred and seventy-five pounds, they are your EXODUS Tag Team Champions! The team of Vanessa Cade and Leander Apollo…the Generation of Miracles!!!!!!!!!!

The Generation of Miracles get inside the squared circle, the crowd showing their support
as Vanessa and Leander ascend to the top rope on each side, Vanessa bringing her arms high up and gloves together to form her own logo within it while Apollo extends his arms to the side, basking in the crowd support. The two hop out of the top rope and begin their preparations for the contest ahead.

Dick Morosi: And here are the champions, Seth! They came out of nowhere two weeks ago to defeat The Ninth Gate for the belts. The odds are certainly not in their favor, but Leander and Vanessa aren’t backing down from the challenge.

Seth Ericson: You make a convincing argument, Dick. I know who I’m finally going with, one hundred-percent, no take backs, or wishy washy!

Dick Morosi: Oh, and who would that be, Seth?

Seth Ericson: Easy. I’m just going to join the bandwagon of whoever wins like Drake always does.

All eight competitors stand in the ring, as referee Brian Lowery holds the championships up. Upon handing the belts to the time keeper, he sends all parties to their respective corners, save for the two wrestlers who will start the match - they are Johnny and Evangelista.

Seth Ericson: Mr. EXODUS is about to Enter the Dragon, Dick!

Dick Morosi: It appears so. That’s the bell, Seth. Here. We. Go!

DING! DING! DING!

The two high-profile stars quickly circle the ring before colliding in the center, and with the clear size advantage Johnny wastes no time in shoving his smaller foe back into the ropes. He presses her into the cables until Lowery steps in to issue a clean break - which he gets as the former World Champion releases her and steps back, although it isn’t in silence. The showman waves the British V’ salute and mouths off some trash talk, garnering a smile from Laurel. Restarting the match so to speak, the veteran leans up off the ropes and the two competitors begin to circle the ring once again, slowly inching toward one another with their hands protruding in an attempt at a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock.

Just when it seems like their hands are destined to be entwined, Laurel quickly kicks Cannon in the knee, stunning him long enough to grab his arm and apply a textbook Arm Wringer. With Johnny immobilized, she follows that up with a shoot kick to his hamstring, then to his knee, back to the hamstring, and one more to the knee for good measure. Johnny grimaces, and leans over to grab at his lower foundation, prompting Anne Hardy to make a run for the ropes. She leans into the cables to build up momentum, however, on the rebound she runs right into a nasty big boot from the strapping Englishman. Instead of immediately going for the cover, Mr. EXODUS opts to play to the crowd, allowing his adversary time to get her jaw realigned.

Seth Ericson: The British Mamba has it all, Dick. And he never lets an opportunity to tell you about pass him by. That’s why he’s “Mr. EXODUS”.

Dick Morosi: Yeah but he might want to tone the showboating down a bit. We’ve seen it come back to bite him in the past, and this is definitely not the opponent that you want to be losing focus against.

Back on her feet now, Laurel cautiously approaches her antagonist, Cannon still running off at the mouth about his greatness, his accomplishments - the usual borderline narcissistic banter. The two make for a Knuckle Lock again, and once more Evangelista uses that opening to gain the advantage, quickly grabbing Cannon’s arm and wrenching it whilst maneuvering behind him to turn her hold into a Hammerlock. Johnny doesn’t panic despite the pain being shot through his captured appendage, and calmly searches for a way to counter. He does so, waiting until his foe’s body is somewhat to the side to reach back and pull her into a Side Headlock. Laurel attempts to lift Cannon’s massive arms from around her cranium, but realizes she’s not nearly as strong enough to do so.

Thinking quickly, she burrows a series of elbows into the Englishman’s solarplexus, the fourth in the chain softening Johnny’s grip up enough to allow Anne Hardy to liberate her mind. With Cannon momentarily stunned, Laurel makes a beeline for the ropes, quickly dodging a Clothesline upon her rebound. However, instead of continuing her momentum she drops down to the canvas, immediately perplexing the turning Cannon. Laurel contorts her body into a knot, prompting the brows of Mr. EXODUS to furrow with even more bewilderment as he is completely stumped as to what to do next.

Dick Morosi: Laurel Anne Hardy has become a human pretzel, and Johnny Cannon is lost out there. He doesn’t have a clue what just happened.

Seth Ericson: I’ve been there before, where a woman does some weird crap and you’re just standing there scratching your head. Just gotta find the gloryhole Johnny, and attack it!

Dick Morosi: Thanks for the images, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Just speaking about my experiences, Dick.

The former World Champion absentmindedly searches for an entrance into the Lady of the Lake, falling right into the trap as Laurel unwinds to grab his extended arm and drag him into a Small Package.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Cannon kicks out in the nick of time and both competitors scramble to their feet with Laurel reaching her’s first. She quickly charges the ropes, and rebounds right into Johnny’s waiting arms as he leans down to lift her up into a Tilt-A-Whirl, only to have her counter with a brilliant Arm Drag. Mr. EXODUS is launched across the ring, his momentum carrying him into the corner - the wrong corner at that, as Evangelista stands in the ready, eager to be tagged in. Just as Johnny pulls himself up to a vertical base, Laurel comes in with a Running Backflipping Back Splash, crushing the Britton between her frame and the turnbuckle. Laurel then tags in Evangelista, and the Englander leaps into the ring and makes a mad dash for the diagonal corner. With Hardy holding Johnny captive in the corner, Evangelista charges right in, stepping onto Laurel’s back as she drops down onto all fours to use her as a Springboard. Once Hardy is out of harm’s way, the Featherweight pulls Cannon down with a Monkey Flip, sending him somersaulting into the air before crashing into the canvas with a thud.

Johnny quickly scurries to his feet, but Evangelista is already waiting for him. She leaps into the air - Jumping Enzuigiri! Cannon’s cranium is smashed in upon impact, reducing his stature to a knee. Before his brainpan can assimilate the damage he’s already thrown face first into the canvas with a two handed Bulldog. Mr. EXODUS rolls onto his back in a dazed stupor, whilst Evangelista makes the quick tag to Laurel who marches along the apron, waving her arms wildly to get the crowd on their feet. With the British Mamba sprawled on the mat, Anne Hardy leaps onto the top cable, then springboards into the ring to land on her foe with a Corkscrew Senton. She quickly turns over to execute the lateral press for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Dick Morosi: Dragon’s Unleashed have been well unleashed on Mr. EXODUS. What a sequence they pulled off right there, Seth.

Seth Ericson: They seem to be working together, which is odd. They could tag in anybody they want yet they’re deciding to play buddy ball.

Dick Morosi: Great observation, Seth. It appears they don’t want sacrifice their continuity, or the momentum they’ve built up. It’s a smart strategy if you ask me.

Seth Ericson: Seems like they just want to take turns beating on Cannon to me.

Laurel quickly drags Cannon to his feet, pulling him down into a Cravate to keep him subdued. With Lowery mouthing in his ear inquiring if he can bear the pain, Johnny feels the strain on his neck become more excruciating as Anne Hardy cranks the pressure on the hold more and more. Out of desperation, Cannon fires a fist right into Laurel’s breadbasket, then another and third, forcing her to relinquish the hold before firing her into the ropes with one arm. As she bounces off the cables Cannon goes for his patented Roundhouse, but Anne Hardy has the wherewithal and sense of mind to duck. She heads for the ropes on the other side of the ring, quickly leaping onto the middle rope in a brilliant exhibition of athleticism, before springboarding back toward Cannon - only to fly into a Reverse Roundhouse! The crowd gasps with excitement at what just transpired as Laurel lies motionless on the canvas. Meanwhile, Mr. EXODUS stumbles into the nearest corner, needing to catch his breath and convalesce after having been in the match for so long and endured so much punishment already. Giving him the breather is Vanessa Cade, who slaps him on the shoulder to make the impromptu blind tag official. Before Cannon even knows what’s going on the Canadian is in the ring and jumping right on the attack.

Seth Ericson: The Golden One smells blood in the water, Dick. She couldn’t wait to get in that ring and we’re about to see exactly why.

Dick Morosi: And more importantly we just witnessed the potentially chaotic nature of this match. Just when Cannon was about to follow up on that Roundhouse he was tagged out by one of his opponents! You’ve got to have eyes in the back of your head in this environment, Seth.

Cade hastily pulls Laurel to her feet, quickly laying into her with stiff forearms, both lefts and rights. Displaying a visible mean streak, Vanessa aggressively drives her knee into her foe’s solar plexus, again and again effectively leaving Anne Hardy gasping for air and doubled over. With the Waleshan in a bad way, Vanessa quickly underhooks both arms before flipping her into the air and dropping her down over her exposed knee. Laurel yelps loudly in pain from the effects of the Double Arm Backbreaker, only to have those screams funneled by a forearm which is driven into her visage whilst Vanessa applies the lateral press.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Cade remains on the attack, not letting up one bit as she grabs a handful of Laurel’s hair and uses it to pull her to a stand. The Canadian quickly tosses her back down with a Snapmare, then follows that up by firing a vile kick to her seated foe’s back. Hardy’s entire body convulses as if a shockwave had been sent down her system, panting as the wind had been kicked right out of her lungs. Grabbing her by the head again, Vanessa drags her back to a vertical base, shoving her into the ropes before driving her forearm repeatedly into the swell of Laurel’s lower back. She delivers shot after shot, stopping at about five before pulling her off the cables, and dragging her into a German Suplex in one fluid motion. She holds the bridge for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Seth Ericson: The Golden One has got some attitude to her, Dick. She’s not here to make any friends. She’s only interested in winning and dishing out as much punishment as humanly possible too.

Dick Morosi: Indeed, there’s no high-flying, tight rope act with Vanessa Cade. She’s smash mouth through and through.

Somewhat frustrated by Laurel’s resiliency, Cade continues her assault. She lays into the Welshen with a series of stomps, then bends down to get a handful of hair once again - much to Brian Lowery’s chagrin. As she is being pulled to her feet, Hardy shows her tenacity, breaking free to punch Vanessa in the gut. Again. And again, stopping Cade in her tracks to buy herself a second to convalesce. With her recovery time she purchases a Pele Kick, quickly leaping up to crack the Canadian in the crown of her head, dropping the Pureso specialist to a knee. Back on her feet now, Laurel charges at the ropes; as turns and leans into the cables, Abby Park slaps her on the shoulder with the blind tag. Before anyone other than the Tennessean knows what just happened, Laurel runs right into Cade, and is dropped with a Tilt-A-Whirl-Backbreaker.

Cade quickly goes for the cover, only to become both incensed and befuddled when Lowery doesn’t acknowledge the pinfall. Back to a stand now, Vanessa gives the official an earful, berating him as she vies to understand why he ignored her cover. Brian slaps his hand to signify that a tag had been made, further confusing Cade. Unbeknownst to her, Park is on the apron and is holding the ropes, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Once that window presents itself the Tomboy Tennessean pulls herself up onto the top cable before springboarding into the air, flying right into the turning Vanessa Cade.

Seth Ericson: The Park just moved to a new location kids!

Dick Morosi: Nashville Shores!

The Seated Senton ignites the crowd as Park continues to mount Cade, beginning to lay into her with a series of rights and lefts to the face. The brawler doesn’t relent, hitting Vanessa with every bit of might she can pack into her small fists until the Canadian finally covers up. Climbing off her foe, Abby frantically waves her hands at the audience, feeding off their energy as the groggy Cade staggers to a vertical base - only to be dropped with a vicious Short- Arm Clothesline. Just as soon as she was taken down Vanessa is right back only, and then right back down with another Clothesline. Having not had enough apparently, Cade stumbles back to a stand, receiving a toe kick to the midsection for her troubles. Once she’s doubled over, Abby pulls her into a Front Facelock before dropping her right on top of her head with a devastating DDT. Cade lands with a thud as she turns over onto her back, whilst Abby hooks her legs for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Abby doesn’t relent, grabbing Cade by the head before quickly dragging her to a vertical base. Park leans her forward, then strikes her right in the chin with a blistering European Uppercut. There’s another where that came from, and a third to follow in it’s predecessors place - the viciousness and impact of the strikes sending Vanessa lurching into the ropes. Park grabs her adversary by the arm, looking to execute an Irish Whip, only to have it turned on her as Vanessa launches the Tomboy Tennessean across the ring. Park rebounds and doges a Clothesline attempt, leans into the next set of cables, then comes roaring back with a High Knee strike. Vanessa’s face is smashed right in from the aforementioned maneuver, dropping her upon impact as the crowd goes wild.

Dick Morosi: Vanessa Cade just got her ticket punched for the most famous train ride in EXPRO history!

Seth Ericson: CHOO-CHOO! All aboard the SEOUL TRAIN! She might have knocked her out cold, Dick.

Dick Morosi: The champs could be a few seconds away from elimin- what’s Cannon doing, Seth?

Indeed, much to the confusion and dismay of everyone involved Mr. EXODUS slaps Abby on the shoulder to tag himself into the match - just as she was beginning to size Vanessa up for The Cropduster. Park seems to be just as lost as everyone in the arena as Johnny hurriedly climbs into the ring, not even shooting his partner a glance as he leaps on the downed Cade. He pulls the groggy Canadian to her feet, smacking her back into reality with a series of palm slaps, followed by a vile elbow to the head and a Discus Forearm to the other side of her delicate cranium. As she stands seemingly on her last legs, Mr. EXODUS charges forward to blast her in the visage with a Single Leg Dropkick, completing The Clockwork Orange. The British Mamba quickly scrambles to his feet, dragging Vanessa to a stand and - Cannon Driver II. He maliciously drives the Canadian head first into the canvas with a Lifting Single Arm DDT. Cannon is going crazy, spinning around and playing to the crowd as he soaks in their energy, harnessing their cheers right into his right leg which he prepares for his deadly Roundhouse. That is, until Abby tags herself back into the match.

Dick Morosi: What the hell are they doing in there, Seth?

Seth Ericson: The Short Change Heroes seem to playing a game of oneupmanship, Dick.

Cannon cocks an eyebrow in Park’s direction, visibly appalled by the gesture. Abby throws her hands up as if to say “I’ve Got It From Here”, whilst Brian Lowery orders Johnny back to his corner. Mr. EXODUS continues to stand in shock, feeling as if the glory had been stripped from him. As Vanessa slowly begins to stir Abby once more sizes her up, crouching in the ready as she looks to go for The Cropduster. Meanwhile, Cannon looks out into his space, his ego somewhat deflated as he still struggles to cope with what just happened. As Cade staggers to a vertical base Abby begins to move in for the kill - HOWEVER, she won’t get the chance as Johnny Cannon spins her around and blasts her right in the temple with the ROUNDHOUSE KICK! The air is immediately expelled from Korakuen Hall as all eyes are trained on Mr. EXODUS who stands sneering down at his unconscious partner.

Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD? JOHNNY… WHAT’RE YOU DOING?

Seth Ericson: He just kicked Abby’s head off her shoulders! And look at Vanessa!

Not taking her eyes off the Britton, Cade drops down to cover Park for the three count.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

David Zinkus: The Short Change Heroes have been ELIMINATED!

The entire arena remains frozen with shock as Johnny continues to stare at the woman he just stabbed in the back. There’s a look of indifference on his face as she shakes his head before slowly climbing out of the ring. With Quinn Goodrich following, whispering into Mr. EXODUS’ air, the EXODUS Original makes his way up the ramp as Steve Lenton steps into the ring.

Dick Morosi: I can’t believe what I just witnessed, Seth. Johnny Cannon just turned on Abby Park! I - I - I don’t believe it and neither does anybody in the arena.

Seth Ericson: Damn, and I was really looking forward to their after party.

As Abby is rolled out of the ring, The Big L slowly approaches Cade. Vanessa immediately realizes what that means, and has no intentions of tackling The Suntan Superman. Backing into Miracles’ corner, she tags Leander in. Apollo looks at Cade, then looks at Lenton, then tags Cade back in. Vanessa isn’t going in there. She tags Leander in. He tags her. She tags him. Brian Lowery has seen enough and orders one of them to get into the ring. Begrudgingly, Leander climbs into the squared circle where The Big L is waiting for him, fired up and ready to go. The two circle each other before locking up in a traditional collar-and-elbow tie. Lenton quickly exploits his height and strength advantage, beginning to push the Tag Champion back. In one swift motion, the Ohioan throws himself under steve’s arms and maneuvers behind him, but slightly to the side before pulling him down into a Muay Thai Clinch. He lays into Steve with a series of stiff knee strikes to the face, then releases him to make a run for the ropes. However, The Big L shakes the cobwebs in time to counter, scooping his oncoming foe up before tossing him into the mat with a violent Powerslam in one motion.

Leander rolls onto his front, cringing in obvious pain as The Big L springs back to his feet. Apollo tries to crawl away to gain some distance, but The Suntan Superman isn’t going to allow him to do so. Steve leans down to wrap his arms around his opponent’s waist, then in an impressive feat of strength he deadlifts Apollo’s entire frame into the air before reclining backward to deposit his foe into the canvas. As soon as the German Suplex is delivered, Steve releases and rolls back, slowly climbing up to a knee near the corner as he focuses on Leander. Apollo slowly staggers to his feet, then is taken right back down as Lenton flies in with a Flying Forearm, sending both competitors to the canvas. Neither man moves - that is until The Suntan Superman kips up onto his feet.

Dick Morosi: The Big L has been waiting for this opportunity for two weeks, Seth. He’s not holding anything back. He’s throwing everything, including the kitchen sink at Leander right now.

Seth Ericson: The Champions need a miracle right now, Dick. Steve’s running wild, going crazy like black folk during a Ralph Lauren sale.

Dick Morosi: I’m not even going to dignify that with a response, Seth. Meanwhile, Lenton’s looking to tag in The Barroom Hero!

Indeed, The Big L looks over to his eager, and fresh partner, and casually strides over to tag him in. Full of exuberance, Wulf climbs right into the ring, and both members of TROUBLE drag Leander to his feet before launching him into the corner. The Barroom Hero immediately follows up with a Jumping Headbutt, giving Apollo something to think about for the time being. As Erikssen moves out of the way, Lenton charges in with a lowered shoulder which he drives right into Leander’s solarplexus, almost driving through him with his massive shoulder blade. Apollo looks out of it, his face is contorted in a strained grimace of agony as he suffers from the void in his breadbasket - his fight and will feeling as if it had been just driven out of his system by The Suntan Superman. Grabbing his foe’s hand, Lenton jerks him out of the corner and launches him right at Erikssen who is waiting for him on the other side of the spectrum. The Barroom Hero greets the defending champion with a Falcon Punch, knocking him silly and right off his feet. With Apollo seemingly out of it, Wulf immediately goes for the pin.

Seth Ericson: OVERTIME! Here’s the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!" -KICKOUT

Dick Morosi: Leander still has something left in the tank after all of that. I’m impressed. Still, he’d better make a tag tune before TROUBLE finishes him off.

Wulf quickly tags Steve back into the ring, looking make quick tags as they isolate the champ on their side of the ring. Lenton pulls Apollo to his feet, wisely hooking his arm under that of his foe and falling to the ground, dragging Leander over him. The Englishman maintains control of the arm as he gets up to one knee, now putting it under his arm and trying to bar it, but Leander rolls backward to end up on a vertical base. Wulf stands up straight as well only to receive an elbow to the face courtesy of Apollo’s free arm, then the Ohioan slides his arm free of Erikssen’s grasp. Apollo quickly follows up with a European Uppercut. Lenton retaliates with a forearm to to the jaw, then another, and a third before winding his arm up. He goes for Game Changer, but Leander ducks. Steve tries to catch him off guard with the Audible, but Apollo has it scouted. He slips behind Steve, hoisting him into the air before falling back to drive him into the canvas with a Back Suplex. Apollo rolls through with the momentum, and wraps his arms around Lenton’s legs before lifting him up, only to drop him face first with a Wheelbarrow Facebuster. Apollo rolls him over on his back and sits on him for the cover.

Dick Morosi: Hyaku Shiki! What a combination from Leander Apollo. That may do it there!

”ONE!”

“TWO!" -KICKOUT

Lenton bucks his body off of the mat to break the count. Leander, frustrated by The Big L’s tenacity grabs him by the head, pulling The Suntan Superman up to his wobbly feet. He leads him over to the Miracle’s corner, quickly thrusting Steve’s visage into the turnbuckle, then again, and a third time before allowing him to stumble back while he tags Vanessa in. Cade slowly scales the top rope whilst Apollo pulls Steve into a Pendulum Backbreaker. Once at the top, Cade leads down to drop her leg across Lenton’s exposed upper body, nearly breaking him in half with their combination technique. As Leander exits the ring, Cade goes for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!" -KICKOUT

Quickly springing to her feet, Cade begins to lay the boots to Lenton, causing him to roll over, hunched up in pain. Steve curled up; trying to protect his whole body, but it doesn't stop the Canadian from continuing her assault. She continues to plaster him with the sole of her boot until Steve rolls over to the ropes. Once there, Vanessa positions him so that his face and neck are on the apron, whilst the rest of his body is inside the ring. Afterward, Cade grabs a hold of his legs, lifting them up - she suddenly falls back without a care for his well being, causing Steve to be guillotined on the bottom ring rope. The Big L clutches his throat, coughing and choking all the while. As he takes a breath to gather some oxygen, and tries to get to his feet, Cade backs into the corner. Once Lenton is standing, albeit hunched over, Vanessa charges right at him and slams her knee into his temple. The Big L’s lights are immediately turned off as he lifelessly flops to the canvas. Cade’s momentum carries her to the ropes, and without a moment’s hesitation she dives across the ring to collapse onto Lenton’s inanimate carcass in a lateral press.

”ONE!”

“TWO!" - KICKOUT

Dick Morosi: The Big L is still alive! Vanessa cannot believe it. She’s learning what many have found out the hard way - Steve Lenton never gives up.

Seth Ericson: That might have been out of instinct, Dick. Steve’s lucky to have a head on his shoulders after The Golden Rush.

Cade pounds the mat in frustration, then grabs Lenton by the head as she gets to a vertical base. She leads him into the nearest corner, then thrusts her boot into his abdomen again, and again, and once more. Vanessa clutches steve’s head as he doubles over, and half-guides, half-drags him into the center of the squared circle - looking to have a DDT on her mind. She taunts the fans by raising an arm into the air, which garners some boos from the crowd who have been rubbed the wrong way by her style of aggressiveness. The brief delay is all The Big L needs, as he suddenly breaks free from the Front Facelock, placing his hands around Cade’s throat in a vicegrip before using what remains of his upper body strength to lift the Canadian up and over head. Vanessa lands back first courtesy of the L Plex. Both competitors lie on the canvas, completely enervated. Cade clutches are her back, arching her body to try and ease the pain. Meanwhile, Lenton simply remains motionless. As the crowd claps, both Cade and Lenton crawl ever so closer toward their corners. Leander leans right over the top rope, simply begging for the tag. Cade stretches every last muscle in her body to reach and touch his palm. On the other side, Lenton leaps up, slapping Wulf’s hand.

Dick Morosi: The tags have been made. Business is about to pick up, Seth!

Seth Ericson: Things are about to escalate rather quickly.

Straight out of the blocks comes Wulf, and he slams into Apollo with an extremely STIFF Clothesline. The Champion gets up quickly, only to receive a second serving for a second time. Leander is up again, although this time it’s on spaghetti legs. Erikssen backs up a few paces, then charges forward to connect with a massive right hand, tattooing his knuckles right into Leander’s cheek. The Falcon Punch sends the Ohioan staggering into the ropes. Deliriously, Apollo throws a wild Clothesline - Wulf dodges, maneuvers behind, then captures Apollo in a Straight Jacket before leaning back to slam him into the canvas with authority. Korakuen Hall explodes following the Grendel Suplex as Wulf quickly goes for the cover, hoping that the powerful move is enough to put the Generation of Miracles away for good.

”ONE!”

“TWO!" - KICKOUT

Apollo manages to throw his shoulder off of the mat, keeping the match alive. Wulf smirks and proceeds to stalk Leander. The Ohioan rolls to the ropes and pulls himself up with their help, then stumbles back into The Barroom Hero. Wulf tries to trap the champion in a Half Nelson Choke, but the astute Apollo wisely reaches back to grab Wulf by the head before dropping to his knees to counter with a Jawbreaker. The Englishman staggers away and turns into the ropes - only Vanessa is waiting for him. In the blink of an eye Cade swings her arm through the atmosphere, slamming her elbow right into the fan-favorites cranium. The impact sends Wulf stumbling back, visibly punch-drunk, and he turns right into the Leoplex. With the leg hooked, Apollo holds on for the pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

David Zinkus: TROUBLE have been ELIMINATED!

Dick Morosi: Vanessa illegally used that Golden Elbow of hers to stun Wulf and before he knew what happened Leander was pinning him for the three count.

Seth Ericson: He clearly didn't believe in miracles, Dick. And now we’re down to two, and it seems like Evangelista isn’t going to give the champs a breather.

Indeed, Evangelista is already inside the ring and making her way to Leander who scrambles to his feet to defend himself. The Englander quickly drives a knee into the Ohioan’s gut before grabbing the nape of her adversary’s neck with one hand, whilst delivering a series of rapid fire European Uppercuts with the other. Once Battlegrounds Uppercut is finished, Leander falls into the ropes as his eyes roll to the back of his head. Grabbing his left arm, Evangelista gains some leverage and pulls him off the cables in attempt to hurl him to the other side of the ring. Apollo, adept at countering, plants his feet and uses the momentum he already had to hurl her into the ropes instead. The Englander rebounds off of the ropes but is completely prepared for her nemesis and slides through his legs to the other side of the ring, gaining the advantage. As Leander turns around he is met with a boot being planted forcefully into his head, sending him to the mat courtesy of an Enzuigiri.

Evangelista quickly capitalizes, grabbing her adversary and dragging into her corner before tagging in Laurel. together, they hoist Leander to the top rope before hooking his feet and letting him fall in a Tree of Woe. Hardy then runs to the opposing corner, leaving her feet with a basement Dropkick that cracks Cade in the knees, dropping her to the outside, but not before she face-plants on the apron. Evangelista charges into the opposing corner, putting her feet down and planting off the bottom turnbuckle before turning around and returning to the suspended Apollo. As she nears she leaves her feet, flipping forward in a somersault - as contact is made, the force is so strong that Leander is dislodged from the cables and ejected out to the floor in a heap. Dragon’s Unleashed both get to their feet as their opponents attempt to regain their bearings on the outside. However, the challengers will not allow them to. Laurel quickly grabs the top rope, swinging out of the ring to pull herself onto the middle cable. Already bouncing off the far ropes, Evangelista charges straight at her; she suddenly dives forward and torpedos through Hardy’s legs in a tope, crashing right into both members of the Miracles. Once Evangelista is clear, Laurel leaps back in a Asai Moonsault, taking out everything in sight.

Seth Ericson: Someone tell Daenerys Targaryen that her dragons are wreaking havoc all over Korakuen Hall right now!

Dick Morosi: Dragon’s Unleashed have gained the upperhand behind a series of incredibly acrobatic maneuvers. They’re in the driver’s seat and they’ve got the champs reeling. This could be the beginning of the end.

The audience applauds approvingly as Laurel pushes herself up to a stand. She reaches down, locking her arms around the collar and neck of Apollo, bringing him up to a dizzy vertical base, the Ohioan almost purely deadweight at this point. She slowly rolls him back into the ring and climbs onto the apron before plodding toward the corner. Hardy gradually ascends the top rope, perhaps vying for “Stronger Than Dirt” in hopes of finally putting the nail in the coffin. Just as she’s about to leap off she’s distracted by Vanessa Cade who knees up onto the apron to grab her foot, desperately trying to prevent Laurel’s descent. Hardy frantically shakes her leg in an attempt to get free, and finally does so as she cracks Cade in the face with her boot, sending her falling back down to the floor. However, the delay has allowed Leander to get back to his feet. He makes a beeline for the corner, and leaps up to top with a sudden second wind before pulling Laurel down off the top of the mountain. They come pancaking into the canvas with a resounding thud, as Apollo slams her into the mat with an Avalanche Exploder Suplex. The entire arena explodes as both competitors lie still, nothing moving save for their chests that go up and down as they attempt to draw in air, meanwhile the crowd goes nuts.

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

Finally, Leander is able to move, and he slowly rolls over onto his front before crawling toward Laurel. He stretches his arm out just enough to drape it over her carcass as Brian Lowery drops down to make the count.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Despite the trauma she just endured, Laurel is able to roll her shoulder over to break the count, demonstrating her tenacity and sheer fortitude.

Seth Ericson: SHE KICKED OUT?! No way!

Dick Morosi: I thought it was over! Leander thought it was over! Dragon’s Unleashed are still in this thing, Seth. What a match we are witnessing.

Seth Ericson: Leander just hit her with a haymaker, Dick and she still answered the bell.

Dick Morosi: Pandemonium has erupted in here in Tokyo, Japan as the best competitors in the world have once again put on a clinic. This is EXODUS Pro Wrestling!

Frustrated, enervated, and punch-drunk, Leander pulls himself up in the corner, racking his brain as he searches within to find something to push the Miracles over the edge. Sliding into the ring, Vanessa helps him along his train of thought as she slaps her elbow repeatedly. Enlightened, the battered and beaten Apollo plods toward Hardy’s lower foundation, immediately grabbing one of her legs. As he vies for the second, Laurel fights him off, kicking him repeatedly in the head until he is forced to relinquish his grasp of her aforementioned limb and abandon his crusade. Leander is sent staggering back, and as Hardy battles her way to a stand, Cade comes charging in. Thinking quickly, Laurel backs up into the ropes, waiting for the last second before dropping down to pull the ropes with her - the lowered bridge sends Cade tumbling out of the ring and crashing to the floor below.

As Laurel climbs to her feet, Leander looks to catch her off guard. Unbeknownst to him, Evangelista is back inside the ring. Apollo charges straight at Hardy with a Clothesline, but gets nothing but air as Laurel ducks and heads for the ropes, whilst Evangelista charges to the opposite side. With his equilibrium already thrown off, Leander looks to investigate the commotion in the ring - and he turns around right into a pair of boots that immediately render him incapacitated.

Dick Morosi: SNAP DRAGON!

The stereo Spinning Kicks seal the deal as Laurel collapses onto Apollo’s chest, with Evangelista falling onto her for added measure as Lowery makes the count.

”ONEEEEE!”

“TWOOOOOOO!”

“THREEEEEE!”

*DING! DING! DING!*

"Candy Castle" by Glass Candy hits the P.A. system as Laurel and Evangelista climb back to their feet, hugging one another to unanimous cheers. Brian Lowery immediately ducks through the ropes, receiving the EXODUS Tag Team Titles from the time keeper before handing the new champs the very prizes they just fought so hard to capture.

WINNER (and NEW Tag Team Chapions): Dragons Unleashed

Dick Morosi: THEY HAVE PULLED IT OFF! Dragons Unleashed have come to EXODUS Pro and have become the new World Tag Team Champions!

Seth Ericson: And in the first time the Tag Team Titles have been defended out of the United States, they change hands! Laurel Anne Hardy and Evangelista are your champions...but Johnny Cannon has abandoned Abby Park!

Dick Morosi: We need more information on that. Meanwhile, let's head backstage!