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The timeless Bon Jovi classic hits the speakers and instantly the sold out crowd at the RIMAC are on their feet as the Interim Director of EXODUS Pro walks out onto the stage. Dapperly dressed in a black and pink 3-piece suit Christian Henrik Kane takes a microphone from the timekeeper before making his way into the ring. The look on his face is surprisingly stern, this is Christian H. Kane, the businessman - not the wrestler. Motioning for the music to be cut, Kane raises the microphone to his lips.

Christian H. Kane: Let’s cut to the chase, Brett Sands, get down to the ring...now.

It takes a few seconds, but when “Burn” by Papa Roach starts playing around the ring, the audience begins to hand out boos like Christian Kane hands out superkicks. Brett Sands steps through the curtains and stands on the stage for a second, dressed in his ring gear and grinning like an idiot. After a few seconds of staring out at the audience, Brett shakes his head and makes his way down the ramp before sliding into the ring. Once he gets to his feet, he barks for a mic and is handed one, but doesn’t speak into it. Instead, he walks over to a near corner and leans on it, placing his arms on the ropes in the process.

Christian H. Kane: Nice to see you following orders for a change. Let’s begin, shall we?

Brett shrugs his shoulders, but still doesn’t speak.

Christian H. Kane: Have it your way. The Honor Cup. Last week you had a match with Jaime Alejandro and you intentionally got yourself disqualified. Now, far be it from me, Christian Kane, to preach honor and respect but you went overboard, Sands. Now I’ve asked you out here to explain your actions, so right now, that’s exactly what you’re going to do.

Brett chuckles before leaning off of the corner and starting a slow pace to the next corner.

Brett Sands: You want me to explain myself? You, Christian Kane, want me, Brett Sands, to explain myself?

The audience lets out a unanimous “yes”. Brett sighs before nodding his head.

Brett Sands: Ok, I’ll tell you why. But in order to explain my intentions, we have to start from the beginning. I was born on September- actually, let’s fast forward through that. I signed a contract with Edward Nair a couple months to join EXODUS Pro. You remember that tool, yeah? Well, that tool gave me a contract and I decided to make a nice little name for myself early on by beating down Blake Jones and Sylar Drake. Then, I made my debut at Autumn Effect and put Sylar Drake out for a couple of months.

The audience boos as Brett stares at the near camera.

Brett Sands: I heard you’re returning, Sylar. Hopefully the same s**t doesn’t happen to you again.

Brett turns his attention back to Christian Kane.

Brett Sands: So after defeating Sylar Drake, I went on to this Honor Cup qualifier and I was hype for it. S**t, I was so hype I pinned a former World champion to earn my Block A spot. Then, I got too god damn cocky and ended up losing to Anna Molly. It set me back a little, but it was no biggie. But then, when I was heading to the ring to face Jaime Alejandro, I noticed something. This Honor Cup...it’s complete bulls**t. If there is such a thing as honor, anyone remaining in this thing does not have it.

Kane takes a step back from Sands momentarily, taking a quick second to look to the crowd for their response, their response is as clear as day - they aren’t buying it.

Christian H. Kane: Brett...lemme...lemme level with you, really quickly. I get it, I get the whole persona - I understand it. But there’s something you need to understand, I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you have. Hell, you wanna play the bad guy? I’m the Original Bad Guy. See I recognise types like you. Enough to know that you didn’t ‘realise’ jacks**t. What it really comes down to is the fact that you pussied out.

The audience lets out an “ooh” as Brett just smirks.

Brett Sands: If I pussied out, then I would have pulled a Christian Kane and left the company.

Another round of “ooh” and even some boos follow it.

Brett Sands: I’m actually a very selfless person. You don’t even know that my disqualification in the Honor Cup benefitted Jaime because he got that one win that he needed to bring back to SHOOT Project. Zack Lifer got the Block and didn’t even have to get destroyed by me. S**t, I practically gave Anna Molly a win too. Call me Saint Brett because I’ve gifted everyone with that disqualification. But then again, we can’t all be like Christian Kane....getting our asses beat by our “nemesis” repeatedly.

Brett smirks once more as he leans against the near corner once more, arms folded.

Christian H. Kane: You know Brett? As much as I’d like to superkick your big, goofy face into next week...I’m not going to. I’m going to refrain and instead, I’m going to do something entirely different. So you think the Honor Cup is a load of bulls**t? Well that’s fine. In fact, that works out pretty great, because our next iPPV is Battle Without Honor or Humanity so you should be right at home in your rematch against Jaime Alejandro. And if you’re a saint, I’m Jesus f**kin’ Christ, because I’ll make you even more at home by making it no-disqualification. You beat Adrien Cochrane, a guy who lost his world title just as quickly as he lost - props. Since then? You’ve sucked worse than Heather Halliwell in the men’s locker room. Good luck, kid - you’re gonna need it.

With that said Kane throws his microphone down by Brett Sands’ feet as he leaves the ring, the crowd purring with excitement at the announcement the Interim Director of EXODUS Pro has just made. Brett looks at Christian Kane, that same smirk on his face.

Dick Morosi: Jaime Alejandro vs Brett Sands in a no disqualification match?!

Seth Ericson: Brett may just break Jaime in half in that match!

The scene goes back to Dick & Seth as Christian Kane backpedals up the ramp, staring at Brett as Brett stares right back, the smirk on his face forever glued on there.

Dick Morosi: This is huge news, and coming up next, we've got a huge match with Parker Wayde and Venga---wait, what? Quick, cut backstage!

The feed cuts to backstage, where Parker, dressed in street clothes is walking past all of the stage hands. He has a black jacket on and a gym bag hanging from his shoulder, despite being booked for a match. Tom runs towards him to catch up, but Parker doesn't give him the common courtesy of stopping to give him a word.

Tom Matheny: Parker Wayde, you are a pretty hard guy to track down.

Parker Wayde: What was it? Three months? Three months without one of you people finding Parker to harass him. Yea, Parker would say he did pretty good.

Tom seems a bit taken aback at the blatant admission that Parker had been trying to avoid these kind of backstage interactions. The star was known for being antisocial, but he had practically been a ghost backstage. The only time most people were able to find him was just before or after a match.

Tom Matheny: I guess the question that I have to ask you is, where are you going?

Parker Wayde: Home.

Tom Matheny: What about your match tonight with Vengado?

At this, Parker actually stops. Not only does he suddenly have the time of day to be interviewed, but he is wearing a smile on his face. He turns to the camera, then back to Tom before rolling his shoulders. It was sort of a warm up for him, to ease the tension.

Parker Wayde: What do you want to know?

Tom Matheny: Well, for starters, you have a match scheduled tonight against a man whose team you beat last time we saw you in an ExPro ring. Yet, you seem to be on your way out of the building.

Parker listens intently and nods his head when the interviewer is done. He raises his hand to his mouth, running the tips of his fingers over his lips, thinking about what to say. Truth be told, this was the reason that Parker avoided these things. He wasn't fond of being put on the spot.

Parker Wayde: It's every bit as simple as this: Parker knows a bitch when Parker sees a bitch.

Tom Matheny: I'm sorry. I'm not sure that I am following you.

The relatively unsuccessful star laughs. Of course the guy had followed him. He just wanted a straighter answer than that.

Parker Wayde: Let Parker ask you a question, have you seen Vengado around tonight?

Tom thinks for a second to everyone he has seen since the beginning of the show and shake his head no.

Parker Wayde: It's because he's not here.

Tom Matheny: How do you know he's no---

Parker cuts him off.

Parker Wayde: See, Parker has already been told everything he needed to hear tonight, but more importantly he saw it in Vengado's eyes. He stood across the ring from Parker and watched a man get taken out. That could have been him. Parker saw him have that realization. In the time Parker took to dismantle one man, that wannabe vigilante realized it would have been just as easy for Parker to do that to him. That's why Parker isn't surprised that Vengado isn't here. Parker expected it, or something like it to happen.

Tom Matheny: So if yo---

Parker cuts him off again. He wasn't done speaking. That's another reason he hates these interviews. These wannabe journalists are too rapid fire on the questions to hear an actual answer. It's much easier just talking to a camera.

Parker Wayde: It's really as simple as what Parker said to all of you before that big six man tag. There is nobody on this roster as pathetic as a generic real life Batman. The guy was successful in his debut. He came in and talked out ear off about a company nobody has heard of, and a guy nobody has heard of. However, when put across the ring from Parker, he saw his career flash before his eyes. So he took his ball, and he went home. There isn't going to be any more vigilante justice passed out in EXODUS. He's gone. Curtains.

Tom Matheny: Curtains?

Parker Wayde: It means you're done here.

Parker waves the interviewer off, and when he takes a few steps back Parker turns his back to him and keeps walking down the hallway. At the end, he kicks open the door, leaving the arena. The camera cross-fades back from that scene to the backstage corridor. Wulf Erikssen can be seen walking along it, with his compatriots Davy Jones and Stacey-X in tow.

Wulf Erikssen: Mate, it’s been months since I’ve been here.

Davy Jones: Yarrr, so ye be telling us.

Wulf Erikssen: I don’t even know if I still work here or not. Am I still Champ? Do I still own a Hawaii beach house? WHAT WAY IS UP?

Stacey-X: You do, you are, you do, and up.

Wulf smiles his wide grin.

Wulf Erikssen: See, that’s why I love you. I can always rely on you to keep me grounded.

An explosion can be heard from behind one of the corridor’s closed doors. The threesome stop in their tracks, Wulf raising his arm protectively in front of Stacey. Davy takes a swig from a hip flask. The door suddenly bursts open, accompanied by a cloud of black smoke, and a lightly charred Cthulhu Jones. He slams the door behind him, resting his weight against it. For a fleeting moment or two, sounds of thumping can be heard on the other side of the door, then silence. The painted P.I. is panting hard, trying to catch his breath. Slowly, he looks up, only just realising for the first time that he has company. Noticing he has female company, his demeanour instantly changes. He relaxes his pose, pulling a charred dog end cigarette from behind his ear. Taking in the group’s look of shock, he shrugs his shoulders.

Cthulhu Jones: What?

The three exchange a quick glance, before heading off down the corridor. Cthulhu watches them as they go, overhearing Wulf’s very loud complaints.

Wulf Erikssen: Who the hell was that? I’m sure I don’t work here. What the he...

Wulf is cut off as the trio turns a corner. Cthulhu breathes out a sigh of relief. Suddenly, the door pushes open slightly, catching Cthulhu off guard. Putting his shoulder against it, he struggles to force it shut.

Cthulhu Jones: WHY WON’T YOU STAY DEAD? I HAVE A MATCH TO GET TO. Damned robots...

Cthulhu continues muttering to himself and struggling with the door as the camera cross-fades to commercial.

The screen goes black after the last commercial. As the video begins we see Nate and Lexy Chapel sitting down in front of a camera, both with smiles on their faces. Behind them is a large Chapel Show logo, as though they’re at some kind of press event for the launch of their show.

Voice: So, what’s this I hear about a commercial?

Both Nate and Lexy look at each other before laughing and shaking their heads.

Lexy Chapel: It never got funding.

Nate Chapel: Yeah, see we wanted to do a commercial that showed everything that the Chapel Show was about. We wanted to include drama, to include intrigue, to really give the fans a taste of everything that the Chapel Show had to offer. But when we asked for funding for our project, we were told it wasn’t in the budget.

Lexy bows her head, as though she’s genuinely upset about it.

Lexy Chapel: Not in the budget, can you believe that? We wanted to give the fans something to really sink their teeth in to, and we didn’t even ask for that much but, you know, a good commercial doesn’t come cheap. Do you know how much money it costs to make a good one?

Nate Chapel: It’s true, those things cost a fortune. We did all the figures and everything. Still though, there was no convincing them. So, instead, we just threw in a home movie.

We cut from the two of them at their ‘press meeting’ to a home movie that’s obviously just filmed on one camera. We hear loud, thumping club music and we see Lexy dancing sexily, shaking her hips before turning around and shaking her ass for the camera. From behind the camera, we hear Nate’s voice.

Nate Chapel: Oh yeah, you go girl!

Lexy tries to spin around, but loses her balance and stumbles over, slipping on her ridiculously high heels and landing face first on the ground. She rolls over in pain, holding her head as the camera suddenly drops down and the music cuts off. The camera then refocuses on Lexy laying on the floor in pain and we hear her moaning.

Lexy Chapel: Oh god, that hurt so much! Please tell me you weren’t filming that...

Nate Chapel: Err... no babe; I... would never do that to you.

He begins laughing awkwardly as we cut to the Chapel Show logo.

The Chapel Show – Debuting TONIGHT...

With that, we go back to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: In just a few short minutes, we'll see the official arrival of The Chapel Show, the newest Tag Team to join EXODUS Pro!

Seth Ericson: Think I've got a shot with Lexy Chapel?

Dick Morosi: I think she's married.

Seth Ericson: A minor detail.

Dick Morosi: How about we not focus on that and focus on what's next? Nate Soto had a solid debut on the last show, defeating Angry Pete. Now, he's got to face one of the up and coming stars of EXODUS Pro, Shinji Uchikawa...and it's next!

SINGLES MATCH
NATE SOTO vs. SHINJI UCHIKAWA

The lights in the arena dim once the opening acoustic strums of "Waiting On a War" by 36 Crazyfists starts...



The lights go bright as soon as the heavy riff starts, Shinji Uchikawa stepping out from the back! As soon as the drums reach a steady beat, Uchikawa pumps his fist and starts making his way down the ramp.

David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, from Hiroshima, Japan, weighing in at 221 pounds...he is UCHIKAWAAAAA....SHINJIIIIIIII!!!!



Dick Morosi: Shinji Uchikawa has all the tools Seth. A young star in the making, but to reach that level here in EXODUS he’s going to have to find a way to put it all together.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, because for someone who was making waves in KJPW, all he’s done here is get washed away. He better bring it tonight.

As the chorus kicks in, Shinji reaches the bottom of the ramp, having spent time slapping the hands of a few fans the whole time. Looking up at the ring to size up what's ahead of him, Uchikawa nods and hops up onto the apron, stepping into the ring before hopping up on the turnbuckles, raising his hands up to salute the crowd and get them behind him.

The lights dim as the opening guitar of "Cradle to the Grave" by Five Finger Death Punch begins, lights flashing around the stage as Nate Soto slowly starts to make his way out, sleeveless hoodie over his torso. Accompanied by Kameron Chase, a towel draped over his manager's shoulder, Nate keeps his focus as he slowly starts to walk down the ramp.

David Zinkus: Introducing, being accompanied to the ring by "The Natural Disaster" Kameron Chase... from Dallas, Texas, weighing one hundred eighty-five pounds... Nate! Soto!

The song continues to play as Soto stops at the end of the ramp, looking up at the ring. Chase stops behind his charge and starts rubbing his shoulders, psyching him up before Soto hops up onto the apron and grabs the rope, flipping his upper body back as the hood falls back as he lets out a huge scream to psych himself up. Stepping into the ring, he starts walking toward a corner with a purpose, climbing up to look out to the crowd as he surveys them for any possible supporters. Stepping down, he instantly starts to look intensely toward the center of it as he waits for the match to begin while removing his hoodie and tossing it to the outside for Chase to catch.

Seth Ericson: And for all the talent Shinji has, he’s looking at a guy with similar skills and aspirations. Kameron Chase, you all know about him, a LEGION pioneer and former Tag Team Champion here in EXODUS. Well, he’s backing Nate Soto, and you’ve got to know his tutelage will rub off on the kid.

Dick Morosi: This is a clash between two young hungry kids looking to prove themselves. That’s the bell, and we’re underway.

Nate Soto flicks his wrists in anticipation for the up and coming battle of attrition. Shinji Uchikawa keeps his eyes locked on him like a heat seeking missile, the expression on his visage is one painted with the colors of true focus. Those eyes follow Soto as they circle the squared ring, measuring every opportunity. They finally charge toward one another without a moment’s notice, locking forearms and shoulders in the center of the ring in a traditional tie up. Shinji quickly exploits his size advantage, manipulating his adversary into retreat. Soto’s shoulders collapse and creak inward as he crouches down and commences to dig his soles into the canvas. Shinji’s progress is then halted, thus beginning a stalemate. With the tide beginning to turn, the crowd influences the inanimate objects into life. Their hoopla gives Nate enough confidence, and soon he is able to get the advantage. Inch by inch, Uchikawa reclines backward ever so closer to having his roots on the white linens of the ring. Shinji grinds and grits his teeth like steel to saw, until a quick thinking Soto grips his arm with both hands and relinquishes his ground, causing Shinji to tumble overhead and crash onto his tailbone.

Seth Ericson: Soto gets the better of that exchange. That’s gotten Kameron Chase written all of that. “The Natural Disaster” was an accomplished ring technician when he was actively competing.

Shinji scrambles back to his feet and they once again lock up, with each man hooking the other at the elbow and on the side of neck as they wrangle for control. Neither man finds success until Soto finally slides his left hand from Shinji’s elbow to bicep before releasing the grip of his other hand and throwing his weight to Uchikawa’s right side -- using both arms to lock the Japanese star’s limbs to his chest. Shooting Shinji off the ropes, he waits for him to return to the center of the ring where the Texan waits for him with his left arm outstretched. Uchikawa ducks the Clothesline, then stops his momentum to reach back and pull Soto’s head over his shoulder before dropping to the canvas to slam him into the ring. Arching up from the mat in pain from the Hangman’s Neckbreaker, the Texan winces a little and quickly rolls onto his knees and starts rising, but his ascent is cut prematurely short as Uchikawa drops to a knelt position behind him to apply a Chinlock.

Dick Morosi: Looks like the puro striker wants to slow things down here. If he can wear Soto down, he can pick him apart.

Seth Ericson: Not to mention the whiplash Soto just received courtesy of that Neckbreaker moments ago will also give him some adversity.

The referee goes through the motions of checking Soto’s responses, but even he knows its far too early for something to undo the young rookie at this point - nonetheless Uchikawa keeps heaping the pressure on his hold until finally Nate manages to connect with a flurry of back elbow shots to the face. A few more aforementioned attacks lead to Shinji eventually releasing his grip as he’s sent rolling back to create some space between he and his foe. Both men come back to a stand afterward, resetting the advantage to zero as they return to a level playing field. Not wanting to give Soto an opportunity to take back control, Shinji darts the length of the ring, narrowly dodging another Clothesline as he rebounds off the ropes behind Soto. He jumps at him as he turns, capturing him with a Front Facelock before swinging to the canvas to pull him off his feet and drive him onto his head. Nate transitions to a supine position courtesy of the Tornado DDT, leaving Shinji to go for the cover.

“ONE!”
“TWO!”

Soto immediately rolls a shoulder over, but Shinji doesn’t relent. He immediately leans up to plant a right hand into the Texan’s jaw, before climbing back to his feet, only to leap down with an Elbow Drop across his foe’s sternum. Returning to a vertical base, a focused and violent Uchikawa seems to be savoring every moment, as he drops his left knee across Nate’s cheek, freeing an anguished squeal from his adversary before relentlessly dropping two more before the Dallas native is able to roll out of the ring in retreat.

Dick Morosi: Shinji looks like a man on a mission tonight. There’s no give in anything he’s done so far. He’s wrestling like his career depends on this match. You can see his enthusiasm, his focus and purpose, he’s giving Nate all he can handle.

Seth Ericson: You could hear those knee strikes as they clashed into Nate’s jaw. I’d be regrouping too if I were Soto, and asking Kamo Mac if we can go to the dentist tomorrow because I bet he swallowed plenty of teeth just now.

Trying to shake off the effects of said knee strikes, Soto stares up at his opponent's belligerent facial features under the official’s count. He lets ir reach five before slowly climbing up onto the apron with the aid of the ropes, keeping his eyes fixed on Shinji and expecting to get jumped on the second he’s in rage. He’s right, as Uchikawa lunges forward - Nate rolls away to avoid him. Slightly flustered by his foe’s agility, Shinji leans into the ropes to build momentum before charging again. This time Soto turns his defense into offense, as he hooks the 2013 Burning Spirit Cup winner’s arm with both hands before falling backward - Shinji’s momentum causes him to somersault forward and land supinely on the mat. The Japanese Arm drag registers a 7.5 on the Steamboat Scale as Soto rises to his knees, and with Shinji’s arm still in his grasp, he begins to twist, immediately putting pressure on his foe’s shoulder and elbow. Aware of his ring positioning, Shinji quickly slides to the ropes to get a foot on the bottom cable. Soto, showing his own aggression, refuses to release his hold - and instead drags Uchikawa from the safety of the ropes before lifting up to drop a knee onto his opponent’s vulnerable captured limb. He follows up with two more knee drops, before finally allowing Uchikawa to roll away.

Jonathan Collins’ young pupil holds his arm and gingerly torques it to try and alleviate the pain, whilst slowly slithering toward the ropes to get some much needed breathing room. Once again, Soto pounces on him. With a look of vindictiveness in his eyes he quickly seizes the weakened arm before wrapping it under the bottom rope. The upstart Texan suddenly jerks the impaired limb upward, bending it over the ropes and strategically and maliciously using the ring cable as leverage to further debilitate said limb. D’Artis Johnson notices the blatant illegal maneuver and immediately walks over to reprimand him. Soto dismisses the referee, as his attention lies solely on the task at hand - breaking Shinji’s arm. He grits his teeth and pulls with tremendous force, the expression on his face conveying that of a man who aspires to completely rip apart the joint and tendons. After faced with the threat of disqualification, the impudent Texan finally relinquishes his hold at the count of four, completely using up his five count and seemingly accomplishing what he set out to do as his foe holds his damaged limb and writhes in pain.

Seth Ericson: Soto is in firm control of this contest. Kameron Chase should be proud of him. He has weakened Shinji’s arm, which will make his Cross Armbreaker that much more effective should he be able to lock it in.

Dick Morosi: Yeah, and he did it using illegal tactics. I guess Chase truly has rubbed off on the kid. That had LEGION level despicableness written all over it.

Isolating the arm, Soto begins stomping away at his left shoulder. Continuing the assault on the arm he locks in a hammerlock. Using his leverage he pushes the arm further and further up Shinji’s back as his foe screams in agony. Then as an added bonus, the Texan rolls his way into a bridge position, increasing the torque on the arm and shoulder. Yelping in obvious pain Uchikawa squirms himself toward the ropes, and frantically tries to get a break of the hold - and finally he does as he gets a foot on the bottom rope. Soto gives a clean break this time and backs away as he waits for Shinji to get to his feet and be cleared by Johnson to continue. Cautiously inching toward his opponent, he moves in to continue his onslaught. He quickly places Uchikawa in an Arm Wringer, but quickly capitalizes and runs up the turnbuckle. He turns and leaps back to the ring, only for Shinji to catch him in mid air with a vicious Lariat.

Dick Morosi: What a Clothesline!

Seth Ericson: And with the good arm! They felt that all the way in Japan. And here's the cover.

“ONE!”
“TWO!”

Amazingly, Soto is able to kick out at the last second. Shinji works hard to hide his frustration, as he slowly climbs to his feet. He leans over to pull Soto onto his knees, but from there Nate fires with lefts and rights to the midsection. Shinji stumbles back a bit, allowing Soto to get to a vertical base. From there he charges forward, where Uchikawa is able to catch him with a deep arm drag. Soto is back on his feet, and hastily charges again, only to be sent into the air with a hip toss as Uchikawa slams him into the canvas. A flustered and reeling Soto stumbles to his feet and staggers into the corner - right where Shinji wants him. The Young Lion charges in and connects with a wicked, vile Yakuza Kick. The Texan’s eyes roll in the back of his head as he lurches out of the corner and falls forward landing flat on his face.

Dick Morosi: Did you hear that Seth!? That was like an express lobotomy! Shinji is in the driver’s seat, and he could be nearing the finish line.

Seth Ericson: Soto is in a bad way, he’s completely out of it. Now is the time for Uchikawa to prove that he belongs here in EXODUS.

Shinki’s eyes widen with marksman like focus, as he skulks and stalks his prey. As Soto begins to stir, Uchikawa begins to wave and gyrate his hands, appearing to be fired up and readying himself for a devastating attack. Much like a viper, he is coiled and ready to strike. When Nate obliges, Shinji charges forward, before pivoting on his feet and spinning. He’s looking for his “Wide Awake” Rolling Elbow, but it is blocked. Nate has it scouted perfectly as he blocks with his arms, then jumps up to connect with an Enziguri to his foe’s weakened arm. Shinji is reduced to a knee as he gingerly holds his arm, wincing and cringing in pain due to the damage sustained. Like a shark smelling blood in the water, Soto climbs to his feet and grabs the arm before perform a Dragon Screw on it to further batter and diminish it.

Dick Morosi: Right to the arm, he might have pulled it out it's socket!

Soto rolls onto his chest and leans up to look at Shinji. Uchikawa, holding the arm, struggles to get to his feet. His competitive fire and desire doesn’t allow him to concede defeat, but with his arm in the predicament it is in, he is unable to defend himself from Nate’s next maneuver. With haste and urgency, the Texan springs to his feet before seizing the injured arm and stepping over it. With his foe’s wrist in toe, he suddenly twists his body in mid-air, and his momentum coerces his opponent down to the mat. He then scissors the arm, flawlessly executing the Cross Armbreaker to Kameron Chase’s delight as he claps on from ringside. Shinji initially fights, reaching and clawing out with his free arm for the ropes, but he is unable to break them. Ultimately, the wear and tear on his arm is too much, and the hyperextension of his shoulder and elbow finally spell his undoing as he taps out.

“DING!”
“DING!”
“DING!”

David Zinkus: The winner of this contest via submission... NATE SOTO!

WINNER: NATE SOTO

Dick Morosi: That has to be an upset!

Seth Ericson: Nate Soto has pulled off a huge victory! He used that cross armbreaker to pull off the victory and he's got to be looking in strong contention for a shot at the San Diego Bay Title!

Dick Morosi: Nate Soto looks fantastic in this win! Let's take a commercial brea--wha?

"Get The Fuck Up" by Yelawolf plays, and Spirit Z walks out. However. He's not in a jumpy mood. He walks towards the ring, and thats all he does. He jumps on the mat, and gets through the ropes. He demands a microphone, and the music stops. He puts the microphone to his lips.

Spirit Z: I'm going to make this short and simple. It's quite annoying to see the schmucks in the back who are telling Adrien Cochrane that this match is going to end up being a no-brainer. For the ones who are doubting my ability to crush your little hero, you can go f**k yourself. Now I'm telling this to the EXODUS Universe, as you have a right to voice your opinion. This is for the boys in the back. Blake Jones, Zack Lifer, and all those other dumb motherf***ers who are doubting. You can go burn in Hell, and oh, by the way. While you're burning in Hell, let me throw you a fire extinguisher, but I hope you have enough feeling to grab it, because there's no way you're going to be putting it out! You want to know about fire, literally and not figuratively? Look at me. My eyes are on fire. I will not put up with this.

I will kick up Natural Selection up a shot. And Adrien. I know you're in the back. I don't want to talk. Nor do I want to negotiate this. But I'm going to be sitting in the back. Waiting, and waiting for the time that clocks down for us to fight in this ring. Because I will make you submit. You will fall to the hands of me, Adrien. Because you're a nobody. You're nothing. And when people start to realize that the only reason why you haven't shown your face around much is because you've been focusing on this match with me. And I hope you have, because I don't want to face a weakling. You claim you're the face of EXODUS, and wrestling itself. Well show it, Superman. Because you will be fighting with Kryptonite tonight. And that's the final statement.

Expect me.

Spirit Z drops the mic, his music hits and he heads for the back while we go to commercial.

No video, no theme, just right to the RIMAC, when suddenly...

I am the last man, stand, survivor
I am the last man home.
I’ll be the last man, stand, survivor
I’ll be the last man home…

"Last Man Standing" by People In Planes continues, and the crowd erupts when out from the back in his ring gear comes Jonathan Collins! For the first time since War Games, Collins comes out dressed for battle, and the crowd reacts positively with uprorious applause! When the chorus repeats with drums, Collins begins to make his way down the ramp, starting to slap a few hands.

Dick Morosi: Jonathan Collins looks like he's absolutely ready for tonight's main event!

Seth Ericson: He better be, because this isn't a group of scrubs he's going up against!

Collins begins to step into the ring. Not in his entrance jacket, but rather his gear and a new "Time's Up: ZERO Hour" shirt already with the sleeves cut off, he steps into the ring and leans against the ropes as he lets the music fade out, the sounds of the crowd cheering for him letting him stay silent and humble.

SAINT OF VIO-LENCE!
CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP
SAINT OF VIO-LENCE!
CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP

Finally, grinning, Collins takes the mic from David Zinkus and puts it to his lips to speak.

Jonathan Collins: We're gonna have a real hard time starting the show at this rate, guys.

The crowd only cheers louder, Jonathan taking a step back and stumbling as if the roar of the crowd has forced him back.

Jonathan Collins: I want to tell you guys a little story. About fourteen months ago, Jimmy Riley, Fiona Rourke, and myself took my little daughter Madison to Vegas to have a business meeting. I think you all know the end result of that, as we're all here today. And it just seems to me that the more I watch time go by in this company, the more we seem to have our beliefs and our way of life attacked by people who seem to think that they know better. That their way is the way of life for this entire company.

The crowd gives a strong negative reaction, save for what seems to be the Gods & Monsters fan section of the RIMAC.

Jonathan Collins: I've put up with a lot here. I've had my character assassinated by people like Gods & Monsters, LEGION, and Jerry Matthews...but that ends tonight. Tonight, in our main event, I team with four of the hardest hitting people in this company, and we put an end to the wicked ways of Gods & Monsters, Brett Sands, and Jerry Matthews! And if you're still standing when it's over, I'll finish it in two goddamn weeks when we go to Korakuen Hall, Matthews!

The crowd starts to erupt as Collins starts looking upset, pacing around the ring.

Jonathan Collins: You wanna call me a monster? You wanna call me a bad man? I'm a bad, bad man. I AM the one and only big, bad wolf! I am goddamn predator, but this is my pack, boys...AND like a wizard told the monsters that would harm those he cared about, YOU SHALL NOT PASS! YOU DON'T RUN EXODUS! YOU DON'T TELL THESE PEOPLE THEY'RE WRONG, BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHOICE! And if you want to hear their choice? People, ARE YOU WITH ME?

Collins has worked this crowd into a frenzy. Save for the fervant boos coming from the G&M diehards, the crowd is screaming cheers for The Saint of Violence.

Jonathan Collins: CALL ME THE FALSE SHEPHERD! CALL ME THE DEMON! CALL ME ANY NAME IN THE BOOK, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY WHAT WE BUILT HERE TOGETHER! You can say I'm a hypocrite, but I'm not a hypocrite if I confess what I am. I do the same bad things, but I do them to protect what I love. Call me a monster, but I am a monster of the people. You commit your acts in self-serving manners, hoping that someone will embrace you for being messengers, but all you are is late to the party. I've been doing this for seventeen years on and off, you all knew what you were getting. Don't blame me you were too shortsighted to see it!

But I'm done talking. That's not the kind of man that I am. At the end of the night, I will have made my point, and that's all that matters. I will stand victorious alongside my friends. I will stand victorious with my loved ones. And when your dogma has been pushed back one more day, I will look at you and know that once more, I did the right thing. And I'm doing it with the help of the best four partners I could ask for. Why?

Because I'm Jonathan Collins, and I am professional wre--no. Maybe once, but not now. I'm Jonathan Collins. I'm the Saint of Violence. AND I AM YOUR RECKONING! CAN YOU DIG IT?

The crowd starts to cheer, Collins using a line and pose from one of his all time favorite films, The Warriors.

Jonathan Collins: I SAID...CAN YOU DIG IT?

Again, they get louder, and suddenly "Last Man Standing" plays once more as Collins nods, handing the microphone back to Zinkus as the crowd cheers. He begins to leave the ring as he starts slapping a few hands, but more than before, Collins looks determined and ready to help his friends and company succeed.

Dick Morosi: I have known Jonathan Collins for ten years, and I have never seen him this fired up and determined.

Seth Ericson: Even so, he's looking at one of the most difficult challenges he's ever been in. He needs to be ready, otherwise he's going to be a dead man walking in Japan.

Dick Morosi: We'll see what happens later tonight in our main event, but we've got a huge opener first! Angry Pete meets XAVIOR and the debuting Piper Fury next!

1) What's your proudest moment in EXODUS?

The day Kamigawa and I started Gods and Monsters. That reaction from the rafters, from those minds we had freed was incredible. That day will forever live on in infamy in EXODUS history, and is my greatest achievement.

2) What was the lowest moment in your EXODUS career?

Losing to Fiona at Desperate Times - not the loss, but the repercussions. Jonathan Collins was allowed back into the company, and with all the history we've had, that was my biggest chance to stick it to both of them.

3) Who is the toughest opponent you've faced since your arrival?

A lot of people come to mind. Fiona Rourke would be the obvious choice, but Kliff Ulysses was the toughest - the psychological trauma I had to endure through that whole ordeal; I will never fully recover from, but it was necessary to save my brother. Having to fight someone that was once so close to you, that's an animal that I wasn't faced with obviously, battling Fiona.

4) Do you have any dream opponents on the roster?

Is Jonathan Collins considered on the roster? Other than that hypocrite, Lasiewicz definitely. I'd like a rematch with Talfourd. Jimmy Riley would be in that boat too. And Fiona, there's definitely more to that story.

5) Do you have any immediate goals in the company?

Win the World Title. I want to bring EXODUS into the New Age, and deliver the disillusioned masses into salvation, and to change this company, I need power. There's two ways to that: with a mic, and with the big gold belt. I'm halfway there.

6) Do you have any long term goals here?

To be recognized as the best wrestler in this company. My skills are often overlooked by my eloquence and ability to captivate through speech, but I've wrestled some of the best matches of 2013. The rest of my time here, I want to leave no doubt in anyone's mind that I'm the best on the mic, in the ring, and hell, even on commentary.

7) Do you have any regrets in EXODUS?

LEGION. What became of us, that's a dark cloud I will forever be associated with. I allowed people to manipulate me with their propaganda, and tell me how to think. Never again.

8) What's your favorite thing about the San Diego crowd?

Their enthusiasm, and the fact that no matter who you are, or who you're in the ring with, whether they love you or hate you, if you're wrestling a fantastic match, they'll let you know it. And of course, those wonderful G&M supporters in the rafters. I love their energy.

9) Sum up your EXODUS tenure in 3 words.

Tumultuous. Controversial. Biblical.

10) You've been known for some rather...irreverant tweets, some of which are very different from the image you project. Which would be the real Gunner?

They're all me. No act. Some people have in-ring personas, then personas off camera that are total 180s from what they've shown. Not me. I tweet how I feel, just like I say what I want on the mic. I'm as real as it gets. Last of a dying breed. There is no Magnus Gunner character. There is only me.

11) Recently, you've adopted the nickname "Christum Furor." What inspired this for you?

I've embraced who I am. I'm chaotic, controversial, when I open my mouth I spark change and even riots. I am the physical embodiment of madness. It is my strength, my power. Im the Master of Insanity. Some people are Gods of beauty or deception - well, I'm a God of Madness.

12) What was it about Zack Lifer and Kira T. Zeppeli that drew you to them? They both seem very different from you and yet still very much alike.

I see a lot of both in myself. In Lifer, I see a man troubled by past decisions, and vilified because of them. I see an outcast, someone who has been demonized by those who don't understand him. In Kira, I sympathize with his hunger, his need for destruction, his thirst for misery. I've given them a home, where they can be accepted for who they are, without any reciprocity. They needed someone to tell them that their uniqueness makes them extraordinary. They needed a friend. We're all monsters. I've helped them to accept that, and now they're accepting themselves. And with me helping and guiding them, their potential is limitless.

13) How did it feel to be in the main event of the only EXODUS show to be out of the country, and now it looks like you'll be in its second one?

It was phenomenal. Korakuen Hall is a legendary arena, a lot of rich wrestling history. It was great, and special to headline that event. Despite my animosity toward Fiona, we spent the better part of 2012 trying to prove ourselves to the world, so that night, we shared something unique. That just made me sick saying that. Well, hopefully the second time is kinder to me.

14) You and Fiona had the feud of the year. What is it about you two that makes things so volitile and yet somehow so electric in the ring?

It's hard to describe really. We have some sort of connection. Our rivalry got really interesting this year, and as we improved, it became more personal. The two of us, we're so different - we embody the things that we hate in the other, if that makes sense. It's like a Yin and Yang type thing, the "Unstoppable Force" vs "The Immovable Object". When we collide, the energy, the animosity, it's electric. Coming into the business at the same time, we'll always be linked to each other. Early in EXODUS, we were the two best superstars, it was indisputable - it was us, then everybody else. We made one another into household names. She's my biggest rival - and my first rival. We kind of complete each other in a way, so every time we tangle, it's a 5 Star Match waiting to happen.

15) Gods & Monsters have this really rabid following in the RIMAC. What do you think makes you guys connect with the audience despite your malicious intent towards fans and others?

Because we're real. That's why we're heroes. We don't hide how we feel, don't hide our motives. We're violent, and barbaric, and we'll do what we deem as necessary to get what we desire. They accept us for that. They're tired of these false idols and frauds pretending to be good and upstanding, when their actions say otherwise. We tell them the truth, and in the end, some people accept it, and some people don't. Those who do are sheep, and everyone else is apart of the G&M congregation.

16) You've been known to wear a burlap sack over your face. What's the significance of that?

It's more of a joke than anything. Everyone in EXODUS is wearing a mask, hiding who they are underneath. The sack, that's my mask, only Im not afraid to take mine off because you know - people have seen my face. Other than that, it scares children, and that makes me smile.

17) Is there any wrestler you've been in the ring with outside EXODUS you'd like to see compete here?

Justin Brooks. I'd like to get in the ring with him again. Angelo Valour is another. That's about it.

18) Is there any wrestler in EXODUS outside Gods & Monsters you have any respect for?

Heather Halliwell. She's out for herself. Doesn't care about anyone else's opinion, though her association with Chris Strike has greatly diminished her in my eyes. Maybe Jerry Matthews for what's he done to Collins and Fiona, though I can't really bring myself to like someone who worships a false God.

19) You seem to have less ire towards EXODUS owner, Nicholas Gray. Have you been comfortable with him in ownership since he took over from Rufus Frost?

Rufus Frost was a money hungry bigot. I find Gray to be nothing more than a puppet. Sure, you may think he calls the shots, but he does Jonathan's bidding. Nothing happens behind the scenes without Jonathan's say.

20) You have a hammer, a midget, and a roulette wheel. What are your plans for the evening?

The Hangover 4.

We come back from commercial, and as the opening guitar riff to "I'm Your Favorite Drug" by Porcelain and the Tramps begins to play, the lights fade and take on a brilliant pink hue.

It won't take much to get hooked on me  

So shoot me right into your skin  

And I will be your heroin. 

The side effects are sexual  

Are you down for a taste?  

The side effects are sexual  

And you love the way I say...” 

The chorus kicks in as Savannah steps out from the back, her blonde tresses hanging slightly curled down her back and her right hand placed on her hip. In her left hand is a microphone. The fans on either side of the aisle begin to boo the blonde beauty as she stands there with no real expression on her face. Her normally playful expression has been replaced with that of sheer focus as she walks down the aisle. When she approaches the ring, she walks over to the stairs and climbs up, stepping through the bottom and middle ropes.

Your favorite drug  

Just one hit is never enough  

I'm your favorite drug  

Your favorite drug  

You can’t break this addiction no. 

Your favorite drug....” 

When she approaches the ring, she walks over to the stairs and climbs up, stepping through the bottom and middle ropes. Once inside the ring, she walks to the center of the ring and stands there for a second before making a slicing motion across her throat, signaling for her music to be cut. Once the music shuts down and the lights return to normal, she begins to speak.

Savannah Taylor: In a couple of minutes, you people are going to witness a Main Event that will be talked about long after it is over. Quite frankly I don’t think you people deserve it. What makes you people think that you deserve a main event like the one you are going to witness for free? You people are exactly what is wrong with this business.

By now the fans have begun to boo even louder as Savannah simply stands there and rolls her eyes.

Savannah Taylor: You boo me now, but deep down you know I speak the truth. Each and every one of you, especially those twits sitting over in Section B expect to get everything handed to you on a silver platter. No wonder you flock to Princess Fiona like sheep. You put her on a pedestal so high that she is touching the clouds. You people are going to get a wakeup call in a moment when I take on your precious little hero. Tonight I am going to take great pride in reminding you all that just like in fiction, your heroes are dead. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you all…..to the New Disorder.

She drops the mic to the mat with a resounding thud as she walks over to the corner, resting her back against the turnbuckles as she awaits her opponent. After Savannah's tirade, the music quickly changes to "One for the Money" by Escape the Fate, and the crowd instantly starts to cheer at the sound of the music! Coming out from the back in a new "H.S.I.C. (Head Seraph In Charge)" shirt, Fiona Rourke looks like she's happier than she's ever been as she comes out, looking down at the ring at her adversary.

Fiona Rourke: Woah, woah, woah, Savannah! Before you keep going, you're going to get some people to start thinking you hate me or something! I know you're from Vegas and it gets a little wild and nasty there, but Portlandia? That's a whole different beast. Let's be real though, I'm just a small town girl, living in a lonely world...

She holds up the mic as a good chunk of the crowd starts singing along.



The crowd starts to cheer for the Journey reference as she laughs, coming down the aisle, specifically towards the area known as Section B.

Fiona Rourke: Now I don't know what you did to upset these people, but you're in San Diego. While you may run the Strip, I'm the H.S.I.C. of this Bay, of Petco Park, of Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores, and all points in between! You come to EXODUS Pro, you know that all roads to dominating San Diego go through me!

The crowd starts to cheer again, especially Section B, which has started a loud "GRYFF-IN-DOR!" chant for the Strong Style Seraph, who turns to them, then back to Savannah, pointing a thumb at the loud superfans.

Fiona Rourke: So tonight, in front of the people watching on FX, in front of my people here in this arena, and in front of SECTION MOTHERLOVIN' B...I'm gonna show you my teeth and get myself back into contention for the Honor Cup!

Fiona's smile fades as she gets back up onto the apron and then gets in the ring, going from smiles to all business.

Fiona Rourke: And when I kick your head four rows deep into that section? You're gonna find out that I took you very seriously.

HONOR CUP C BLOCK MATCH
FIONA ROURKE vs. SAVANNAH TAYLOR

Fiona slowly removes her shirt and gets down to her wrestling gear as referee Katie Hanneman calls for the bell and the two start to lock up, with Savannah instantly going for the eyes to blind Fiona. With that happening, Rourke stumbles back, blinded, and it allows Savannah time to grab Fiona and hit a huge lariat, sending the former World Champion down. Taylor hits a huge standing moonsault and rolls back to her feet, all before lifting her leg and dropping down onto Fiona, nailing a legdrop where it looks more like she just peformed the splits over The Strong Style Seraph! Relentlessly attacking the EXODUS Original, Savannah starts reaching to choke her, having Hanneman start the count. It's only at four does Savannah finally release the hold, leaving Fiona winded and on the mat.

Dick Morosi: Savannah Taylor didn't come to play tonight!

Seth Ericson: Would you? Fiona Rourke is a former World Champion! If she can take out Sally Talfourd and Fiona Rourke in successive weeks, how do you think she'd be perceived? She'd be the new queen of EXODUS!

Savannah stomps Fiona in the ribs a few more times before picking her up and whipping her into the corner. The Las Vegas Siren starts to run toward Fiona, before doing a couple of flips into a handspring elbow into the corner on Fiona, taking a similar trick from the playbook of the Strong Style Seraph. As Fiona comes out of the corner, Taylor instantly bounces off the far ropes from Fiona, charging and nailing a sick Yakuza Kick on her! Taylor drops to her knees and hooks the leg!

ONE!



TWO!



KICKOUT!

Taylor gives a dirty look to Hanneman for not counting at a speed of her approval, and picks up Fiona by the hair, all before grabbing Fiona and hooking her, sending her flying into a corner from a belly to belly suplex, Fiona dangling there. After Savannah sees this, she starts to back up before running toward Fiona and leaping...HESITATION DROPKICK! Fiona rolls out of the ring to avoid another pinfall attempt, and Savannah gets to her feet and tilts her head back to flip her hair, getting jeers from the crowd. Just like earlier, at the ramp, Kylar Stark stands up at the top of the ramp, looking on. Savannah rolls out of the ring to go after Fiona, who is still on the floor. As she picks up Rourke, she whips her toward the rail, but Fiona leaps up and lands to balance herself on the guardrail. She flips off in a moonsault to try to catch Savannah, but Savannah holds her, all before running all the way down one side of the ring to drop Fiona snake eyes style onto the steel ring steps! Fiona seems to have busted her nose open in that, and Savannah smirks as she crawls over to Fiona to straddle her for a moment, all before starting to dig in with fists to Fiona's face! Fiona is trying to cover up, and Katie Hanneman is starting to count now!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Savannah gets frustrated and goes to slide herself back into the ring as she tries to break the count, finally doing so as she goes to grab Fiona and throw her back into the ring, leaving her to get up and grab Fiona to get her weakly to her feet...THE GAMBLE! Savannah smirks and knows she's got it, looking to reach for Fiona's legs and start setting her up for the Ace of Spades, but as she starts wrapping up Fiona's legs, Fiona quickly starts reaching for the ropes to help herself, leaving Savannah angry and frustrated. As she tries to get Fiona up again, Fiona nails a massive rolling elbow, sending Savannah back! As Savannah starts to come back toward Fiona, Fiona charges...SINGLE LEG DROPKICK! Fiona is down and can't capitalize as Savannah is still struggling to recover! Fiona starts to get up slowly as Savannah does the same! She goes after Fiona and Savannah does the same...DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Quickly, Fiona gets back to her feet, catches Taylor...SOUL CALIBER! The two are down again and it's clear that the two are giving it their all!

Dick Morosi: Fiona Rourke is doing her best to go all out against Savannah Taylor!

Seth Ericson: Savannah is holding her own against the Strong Style Seraph! She's proving she belongs here in EXODUS tonight!

The two slowly start crawling over to one another, the intensity starting to burn in their eyes, all while they start getting to their knees, and the two are starting to trade blows! As they stand rigid on his knees, they continue to hammer one another with elbows as they continue to try to stand, the elbows becoming more furious and intense once they've managed to stand up on their feet! Savannah tries to whip Fiona to the ropes, but Fiona reverses, and as Savannah returns on the rebound, Fiona leaps up and catches her with a huge leg lariat! Fiona starts to slam her hand on the mat and rub the blood away from under her nose as she stares down Savannah, all before she waits for Savannah to take a knee before she hits another huge rolling elbow before she backs up...SHINI--NO! Savannah gets up, catches her, but Fiona lands on a foot...URAKEN! SAVANNAH TAYLOR WITH THE DESERT ROSE, AND SHE'S IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT! Savannah is looking out at the crowd, practically hissing, and she's ready to put this away! She starts preparing Fiona for The Siren's Song...but Fiona wiggles out! She grabs Savannah and turns her around...ROLLING ELBOW! She starts rearing he hand back...PALM STRIKE! She quickly leaps up...DROPSAULT! CLEAR EYES, FULL HEART, CAN'T LOSE, AND FIONA HAS LEFT SAVANNAH TAYLOR DAZED! She doesn't stop now, she starts getting herself fired up before she runs to the ropes, leaps up....SPRINGBOARD SHINIGAMI! She connects on Savannah Taylor and hooks the leg!

ONE!





TWO!












THREE!

"One for the Money" kicks in again, and the crowd is on their feet after a great showing! Savannah Taylor gave it all she had, but Fiona Rourke had just enough! Looking on as Savannah slowly starts to come to, Fiona looks on at her, all before she stops and points at her, giving her a salute that she gave her a hell of a fight. Starting to notice Kylar Stark is approaching the ring, she slides out, keeping her eyes on both of them as she begins to make her way back up the ramp, slapping hands with the fans as she nods.

Dick Morosi: Fiona Rourke took a beating here tonight, but she gets herself back into contention for the Honor Cup with a major victory over Savannah Taylor tonight!

Seth Ericson: She's gonna need a lot of help though, as Kira T. Zeppeli has the block in firm command, but we shall definitely see what happens!

"One for the Money" continues to play as Fiona starts shaking hands with all the fans as she starts heading to the back all before she stops for a second at the top of the ramp. Suddenly, her music changes to "Image of the Invisible" by Thrice, the old theme music of the EXODUS Seikigun! As she does, several faces from the EXODUS Pro locker room start to file out and come out to shake hands and greet the fans, as the camera fades on the fans interacting with the EXODUS stars.

WINNER: FIONA ROURKE

We come back from commercial, already with two people in plain view!

Tom Matheny: Ladies and gentlemen, standing by me is one half of the tag team champions, "The Big L" Steve Lenton!

Steve Lenton steps into the picture, clutching his Tag Team Championship and glaring off with a firm stance. He's looking off into the distance, a look of focus illuminating from his eyes. He slowly looks down at Tom, waiting for his questions.

Tom Matheny: Steve, in just a few moments you're going to be facing the #1 contender for the EXODUS Pro World Championship, Chris Strike. If you are to win this match, you will be considered for a title shot in the near future. I have to ask you honestly....are you at all nervous...?

Steve Lenton slowly takes the belt from his shoulder and holds it in his hand, glaring at Tom. Lenton takes the mic away from his lightly and points for Tom to move out of the way for a moment. Steve glares at the camera, looking deep into it as sweat pours down his forehead.

Steve Lenton: Let The Big L tell the fans this: The Big L's been waiting for this match. When it was announced, The Big L marked it on his calendar; He went into the gym, clangin' and bangin' away at those weights; He ate, slept, went back to the gym, went back home took a shower, then went RIGHT back...to getting prepared for his showdown with Chris Strike. Many people asked him over the Holiday break if he's nervous. People must be looking at The Big L shaking, they must think he's afraid to get in the ring with such a tough opponent. The Big L has one thing to say to those people: HELL NAW HE AIN'T AFRAID TO GET IN THAT RING WITH CHRIS STRIKE!!! The Big L is EXCITED, PRIMED, AND READY TO GO!!! I promised San Diego, California for a match, a damn good match like he promised the people two weeks ago! EVERYTHING...and The Big L means EVERYTHING is riding on this match!! If you think for a moment The Big L's afraid or nervous, or worried about this match. The Big L wants to ask you people a question: What rock do you live under, so The Big L can send you some DVDs of his matches?!

The Big L will put it to you this way, Chris Strike and I know what this match means. We KNOW...without a shadow of a doubt this will change the title picture. If I am to win, if I am to pin Chris Strike, one, two, three on the canvas, he has a chance to become world champion. Now it might be greedy of me wanting to do that seeing as me and Wulf are rightfully the tag team champions of the WORLD; But The Big L cannot, will not, pass up the opportunity to represent this company as their champion. He don't give a damn about fame, he doesn't give a damn about money, WHAT THE BIG L GIVES A DAMN ABOUT IS HIS PEOPLE!!!!!

He pauses, his eyes widen with intensity. Looking off to the side, and listening out for the crowd. He hears the faint, but very apparent cheers as he nods his head.

Steve Lenton: BECAUSE THE PEOPLE...DESERVE IT!!! They don't need to be represented by guys like Zack Lifer...or Magnus Gunner. Wanna know somethin' The Big L has heard a lot from them lately, sayin' they don't get appreciated enough. They say they don't get enough love; Well let The Big L tell you somethin' in order to receive The Big L's people's love, you have to GIVE IT!!! The Big L FEEDS OFF OF THE PEOPLE'S LOVE FOR HIM!!! IT SHOWS EACH TIME HE STEPS INTO A WRESTLING RING!!! FROM THE WEST COAST TO THE FAR EAST...The Big L is loved worldwide. The Big L and The Big L's people...ain't got time for the B.S. that is Gods and Monsters nor do they for people who want to take their love for granted!!! Magnus Gunner wants to talk about how he is a GOD, how he is the namesake for the business. Well Magnus I wrote a song for you...based off the children T.V. show hit "Bananas in Pajamas", tell me if you like it Tom, c'mere.

Steve puts an arm around Tom, and shoves the microphone into his chest. Tom blinks as The Big L attempts to harmonize. He blinks and nods his head for the okay. The Big L gives a BIG friendly looking expression, swaying back and forth with Tom to his tune.

Steve Lenton: ♫ Magnus. The Jackass.
Better shut his goddamn lips.
BEFORE THE BIG L BEATS HIS ASS!!!
AND THEN MAKES'EM HIS BITCH!!!!♫

The Big L's face turns serious after the last set of lyrics. He glances at Tom who looks at him and gives a small smirk. The Big L pats him on the back and takes back the microphone not through.

Steve Lenton: YOU WANT RESPECT YOU OBTAIN IT. AND I DON'T RESPECT MAGNUS GUNNER THE MAN. THE BIG L WILL MEET YOU IN A RING ONE ON ONE SOMEDAY! AND HE WILL SHOW YOU JUST HOW POWERFUL THE PEOPLE'S LOVE IS!!! But right now, The Big L faces Strike, The Big L is PROUD to be in such a match! What The Big L wants his people do is this: I want you to sit REAL close to that T.V., real, real close. THEN, The Big L wants you to focus real hard on this match, because what you will witness YET again tonight in front of the THOUSANDS...and MILLIONS in SAN. DIEGO. CALI-FORNIA...an INSTANT...CLASSIC!!! GOOD LUCK STRIKE, LET'S RAISE HELL!!!

Lenton tosses the mic to a now visible Tom Matheny, who looks on with a bewildered, yet excited glance.

Tom Matheny: Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Lenton vs Chris Strike will begin NOW!!

SPECIAL SINGLES MATCH
CHRIS STRIKE vs. "THE BIG L" STEVE LENTON

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

The house lights in the arena go out completely, thunder and rain can be heard from a distance, all while the image of a large mountain complete with a temple atop the peak is seen on the LCD screen while the beginning of “March of Mephisto” by Kamelot blares out of the PA system. The shot zooms into the temple, as the crowd begins to clap along with the beat of the song, watching as a man rises from the throne inside of the temple and makes his way down the steps. Once he nears the camera, he looks up at the sky and makes his way over towards a pool of water. The man looks down into the water, and once he does…a shot of lightning hits the water! As the lightning hits the water in the video, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, the fans clapping along with the song in full while white, yellow and blue spotlights swirl all across the arena.

David Zinkus: Introducing first, from São Paulo Brazil, by way of Denver, Colorado. Standing at five-foot-eleven, and weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds… this is Christ STRIIIKKEE!!!

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps out into the limelight, drawing a loud reaction from the faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises his right arm up, hand open. Strike is showered by gold, white and black streamers and smoke appearing from each side of the ramp before he makes his way down, having the occasional fans reaching out towards him from the rail, all while keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring. Chris then makes his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope and as he is about to get inside, Strike suddenly turns around and finds himself with both elbows locked around the top rope, his entire upper body exposed to the crowd’s sight. Strike just gives the fans a sly smirk and a nod as flashes of light go off, before going under the middle rope and into the ring. He looks around at the crowd and walks up to the nearest corner, leaning against the ropes and disposing of his tactical vest and t-shirt while stretching his arms out as “March of Mephisto” fades…

DIck Morosi: Chris Strike looks as focused, as I’ve ever seen him. He’s made no secret that he feels he dropped the ball two weeks ago against Magnus Gunner. Tonight, he’s looking to rectify the situation and pick up some much needed momentum.

Seth Ericson: I’m willing to bet we’ll see a much more aggressive side from Strike tonight. Same from McHannon later on. They’ve got a lot to prove to themselves tonight. They’re looking to repair their confidence, and remind everyone that they should be in the Main Event at Battle Without Honor or Humanity.

The sounds of cheers are heard around the arena. The fans wait in anticipation, almost eager for him to come out. The lights flash a royal blue and suddenly "Aw Naw" (Remix) by Nappy Roots ft. POD blares. The crowd begins to sing along with the opening part. Lenton busts through the curtains. The fans bust into a defying scream of cheers. Lenton is talking to the crowd jumping up and down on the stage, walking from one end to the next. The camera zooms in on his face, "Listen to that!" Lenton exclaims with a smirk. He walks up the ramp with a slight strut, looking out at the crowd.

David Zinkus: And his opponent, coming from Hampton, Virginia by way of Washington D.C. He stands at a towering six foot five inches tall, and weighs in tonight at two hundred and fifity-seven pounds… this is one half of the EXODUS Tag Team Champions… “The Big L”, Steve LENTOOONNN!

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

Dick Morosi: Many believe Magnus Gunner is hottest superstar in the company right now. However, this man has been on a tear like no other. Along with Wulk Erikssen no knocked off The Turks for the Tag Team Titles. Then he went on to defeat World Champion Zero McHannon two weeks ago in what many are calling the upset of the year.

Seth Ericson: And some of us are calling that a fluke. Nevertheless, Steve has a prime opportunity tonight. You heard what Interim Director Christian Kane said, should Lenton win, the Title picture will be reevaluated.

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

Dick Morosi: These two are ready to go. Should be a highly competitive contest between two men who quite simply, need this victory.

As the bell rings the two superstars immediately circle around the ring before making their way into the center. Clasping their hands together, both men quickly match technique in a test of strength. Lenton immediately begins to tip the balance in his favor, exploiting his size and strength advantage to gain the early upper hand. With The Big L forcing the issue, Strike takes evasive action, quickly kicking away one of Steve’s arms before rolling backward, whilst maintaining his grip. Strike suddenly springs to his feet, bending his foe’s arm in the process. As Lenton winces in pain from the Top Wristlock, Chris quickly strafes behind him before immobilizing the big hoss with a Hammerlock. The Big L is left subdued by the submission hold, leaving Chris Strike holding all the cards as he appears to have his opponent right where he wants him - or so he thought. The adept grappler displays his quickness and cleverness as he spins out of the hold before wrapping his tree trunk arms around his foe’s torso with a waistlock. The titan then displays his might as he lifts Chris off the canvas, only to bring him back down to earth in one swift motion, slamming him chest first into the canvas.

Lying on his front, Chris Strike is completely vulnerable, allowing The Big L to take control and exert his dominance as he swings around to the top of the Brazilian’s body before trapping his head in his armpit and capturing him in a front facelock. Despite having his head compressed between his foe’s massive biceps, the savvy vet keeps his composure, darting his eyes from place to place in search of an opening. Lifting up off the mat, the window of opportunity presents itself, and Strike doesn’t hesitate to burst through i as he sits through and rolls, simultaneously seizing Lenton’s nearest arm. Having escaped his predicament, and he stills holds onto the captured appending and rises to his feet, whilst dragging the Virginian to a vertical base. Before Steve can even contemplate a way to protect himself, Chris scores with a toe kick to double the genetic freak over. The dexterous technician then flourishes his technical prowess, leaping into the air whilst draping Steve’s arm across his chest. As he hits the canvas, he plants Lenton face first into the canvas, and violently bends the arm, before leaning up to apply a Fujiwara Armbar.

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike looks to be attacking Steve’s arm. He turned that Arm Breaker right into a submission hold. And that Arm Bar in cinched in tight!

Seth Ericson: It started off as a chain wrestling exhibition, and Strike proved that he was too much to handle with his elusiveness and technical mastery. He now has the edge.

Dick Morosi: Brilliant analysis Seth. When did you become such an expert?

Seth Ericson: Since I made my ex wife tap out of our marriage.

Steve reaches out for the ropes, but they’re too far away. Chris continues to hold on, but Lenton’s tenacity and willpower refuse to allow The Big L to submit. Strike quickly climbs back to his feet consequently lifting his foe onto his knees - and with Lenton’s arm still in his grasp he quickly kicks the aforementioned limb, further increasing the Virginian’s distress, before suddenly stepping over the arm with his inside leg, causing him to give Steve his back. He continues to rotate, before diving forward over his adversary and rolling onto his side. The captured arm acts as a lever, flipping and coercing one half of Trouble onto his back, and with his shoulders pinned down Chris hook his legs for the pin.

“ONE!”
“TWO!”

Chris Dawson raises his arm for the third count, but Steve manages to escape to break up the count. Steve starts to crawl away, but he is stopped as he feels his leg being tugged. Chris pulls him back, before leaping forward to score with an elbow drop to the back of the neck. Back on his feet, Strike grapples his foe’s weakened arm and uses it to lift him to a vertical base. Shooting his arm up, Strike belts him in the chin with a blistering forearm shot - the European Uppercut sends the Virginian staggering into the corner. Chris takes a moment to contemplate his next move, as he has wrestled a perfect match to his point. Aware of his next plan of action, Strike charges at the corner, running full steam ahead, only to be caught by a back elbow as Lenton side steps out of the corner. The Big L follows up with a stiff knife-edge chop to a turning Strikes chest, followed by a stiff right hand, and an elbow strike to the hairline from his good arm. Steve scores with a toe kick to the breadbasket to double him over, and with Chris leaning forward, is able to land a thunder knee to the head.

The Brizilian’s head whiplashes awkwardly following the concussive blow, leaving him hobbling in place and seemingly out on his legs. With Strike visibly punch-drunk, The Big L looks to build up some momentum, as he charges the ropes. Upon rebounding, he extends his arm out - however the Clothesline is artfully countered, as the adroit Strike quickly captures said limb before turning away and dropping to the canvas - exploiting Steve’s momentum to drag him over his shoulder and throw him into the mat with a thud. Still clutching his supine foe’s arm, he quickly applies a Cross Armreaker, pulling and hyper-extending his foe’s shoulder and blow and effectively springboarding his opponent into the defeat’s embrace.

Seth Ericson: Another Arm Bar. Strike’s strategy has been flawless tonight. And look at him, he’s trying to tear it apart out there.

Dick Morosi: Just when Lenton was picking up a head of steam, Strike counters with another submission. He has ended centered his focused on Steve’s arm, and the Big L is in a bad way.

Seth Ericson: And he may have no choice to tap out, I mean look at him. He’s in obvious pain and that arm has taken a tremendous amount of punishment, and the longer he remains in that hold, the greater the risk of serious injury.

Dick Morosi: If I know The Big L, he’d rather have his arm broken than give up.

Refusing to quit, refusing to die, and knowing the fans are rallying behind him, The Big L slowly begins to channel his energy. He somehow musters up enough strength, as he gradually begins to rise to his feet despite Strike persistently holding onto his arm like a rabid dog. With Strike’s back on the mat, Steve winds his free hand before landing a right hand across the Brazilian's mug. He quickly follows up with another stiff punch to his foe’s facial features, the latter of which causes Chris to loosen his grip enough to allow Lenton to lift him into the air. The RIMAc explodes as Steve almost effortlessly lifts up Strike’s entire two hundred and fifteen pound frame off the canvas, and into the air. With a vociferous warcry, Lenton pulls him down from the electric atmosphere, viciously slamming and thrusting him into the canvas with both authority and a resounding thud, leaving the ring shaking slightly from the impressive counter. Unable to capitalize, Lenton rolls away grasping his weakened arm, and both men soon lie on the canvas, exhausted beyond belief due to the battle of attrition.

Strike slowly gathers himself, and he uses the ropes to bring himself to a vertical base. Lenton his able to do the same, albeit at a snails pace. He immediately takes homage in the opposite corner from his foe who begins to smile, loving Steve’s fierce competitive fire and thoroughly enjoying the war they were waging. The crowd notices this, and Lenton peers out at them upon wiping sweat from his brown, and a divide is caused in the bleachers, with one set of fans chanting “LET’S GO STRIKE”, which is immediately followed with a shout of “LET’S GO LENTON!” from The Big L’s supporters.

Dick Morosi: The fans are torn here. Even they don’t know who to root for. It’s been such a great contest so far, and they know both men are going to leave their all out there.

Set Ericson: We’ve just passed the ten minute mark in this match. Time to see what these guys are made of.

The two battle-weary combatants approach each other once again, with the atmosphere in the RIMAc growing to near biblical proportions. Both men hesitate to make the first move, so the situation is made to look like a stare down. After what seems like an eternity, Steve makes the first move, landing a lightning fast right hand on the aw of the Brazilian, forcing Strike’s head to spring back. The beloved veteran quickly follows suit, returning fire with a shoot kick to Lenton’s injured arm. Steve staggers back in obvious pain, and Strike immediately grabs at the arm to whip him into the ropes. Lenton counters the Irish Whip with one of his own, and launches his adversary into the cables. Strike charges forward at Lenton who tries to throw an elbow, but Chris coyly dodges contact and makes it to the other side of the ring, rebounding off the ropes off the ropes again. Only this time he comes back in an aggressive manner, and launches himself through the air at Lenton, landing horizontally across the chest of the bigger man and effectively takes him down with a Cross Body. However, Lenton rolls through and manages to hold onto his foe, and immediately climbs to his feet to the roaring crowd’s delight. In one fluid motion he lifts Strike onto his shoulders before reclining backward, dropping his full two hundred and fifty-seven pound frame onto his small adversary as he vigorously slams him into the mat.

Having landed with a thud, Strike is left sprawling on the canvas, allowing Lenton to execute a lateral press as he rolls over to hook his leg for the pinfall.
”ONE!”
“TWO!”

Despite his physical anguish, Chris Strike musters enough strength to roll his hips and get a shoulder up, breaking the pinfall.

Lenton hoists his head up, too weak to lash out in frustration, too alive to not feel the anguish. Slowly turning over, he looks up at Chris Dawson with pleading eyes, trying to convey a message just by trapping his gaze. The zebra clad official bluntly puts up two finger in the air - it may as well be a judge passing a sentence on him for all it matters. As Strike turns onto his front, Steve climbs up his feet, quickly stomping him on the lower back, before connected with an elbow drop to the same area. Chris convulses on the mat, and his display of distress prompts The Big L to punish him with another elbow drop, and then a third. Climbing off Strike’s body, Steve turns to reach around his foe’s body and lock his hands around the Brazilian’s waist. In a tremendous show of strength, Lenton deadlifts Strike’s entire two hundred and fifteen pound frame off the canvas and hoists him into the air. He holds him there for a moment, and grimaces as Strike’s weight causes him to exert more pressure on his already injured arm. Unable to hold him any longer, he finally lifts him overhead before turning to slam him back first into the canvas with authority. Lifting up onto his knees, Steve cringes in pain, and holds his arm before slowly making the cover.

Dick Morosi: Gutrench Suplex! The Big L, despite apparently wrestling out there with one good arm, STILL managed to deadlift Chris Strike and slam him into the canvas. He is an animal Seth!

Seth Ericson: He may be pound for pound the strongest guy in the company. That was insane!

“ONE!”
“TWO!”

Showing his resolve, Strike contorts his body and rolls a shoulder over, sending the crowd into a frenzy and dismaying Lenton in the process. The Big L crawls away from his foe, desperately racking his brains for an idea. He inhales deeply, burying the oxygen into his lungs, and pounds his chest to further excite the crowd. As if experiencing a second wind, and adrenaline rush, he pushes himself to his once unsteady feet. Strike begins to stir, clutching the small of his back from the crushing impact of the prior Suplex. He feels around, deciding against trusting his vision in finding the ring ropes. He shuffles on his knees like a blind man with his arms outstretched, but eventually clutches the cables. As Strike makes his way to a vertical base, Steve hastily, vigorously and repeatedly winds back his good arm, and the entire arena knows what’s next. Despite his fans pleas against it, Chris turns around, almost sealing his fate. Lenton immediately charges forward, and goes for his vicious Lariat. Strike circumvents the maneuver, and if wasn’t for the crowd’s noise level, he could’ve heard the sound of Steve arm cutting through the air. Strike immediately spins around, but The Big L is two steps ahead of him, and shuffles on his feet to come back around with ANOTHER lariat. The collision of biceps and sternum reverberates through the RIMAC - and the force both flattens, and turns Chris Strike inside out.

Dick Morosi: GAME CHANGER: AUDIBLE! GOOD GOD WHAT A LARIAT! He missed the first one, but spun around to take damn near takes Strike’s head off.

Seth Ericson: But look at Steve. He can’t go for the pin. He had to use his bad arm, and THAT could be the deciding factor in this match.

Indeed Lenton had rolled away clutching his impaired limb. He writhes in pain on the canvas, before moving into the corner. Fighting through the pain, he mouths to himself “TIME TO MAN UP”. The Big L works the cogs of his brain to prepare himself for the third stretch, and as he begins pounding the mat to get a rhythm going, the fans in the arena follow; clapping their hands or slapping their thighs, or stomping their feet, they try to help further psyche the Virginian up. They succeed as he clutches the ring rope and pulls himself to his feet, waiting for Chris Strike. The veteran senses the vibrations from the fan’s rhythmic beats, and he knows something is up, albeit subconsciously. The former “God of Thunder” gradually rises to his feet, and slowly, he turns around to accept his fate. Steve nods with a sly, confident grin, before launching himself across the ring in a sprint. The Big L bends slightly, and the two meet in the middle of the ring - only not in the fashion Lenton had hoped, as his maneuver is countered by a sick Enzuigiri. Strike leaps up to plant his boot firmly in his charges fore’s skull, countering Lenton’s 3:00 Pounce finisher and knocking him flat on his back.

As the approval of the crowd is audible once more, Strike crawls over and grabs onto Lenton’s legs. He pulls his foe closer to himself, then pulls The Big L’s legs up - afterward he flips over, pulling the Virginian’s legs back and locking him in a Jackknife pin. Chris Dawson approaches and drops down to begin the count.

Seth Ericson: Chris Strike with the counter! Steve Lenton had him, right until the moment he got his brains scrambled! That should do it.

”ONE!”
“TWO!”

Chris Strike immediately sighs as Lenton somehow manages to power out of the pinning predicament. Fanfare ensues as the Brazilian sits up and scours his brain for a possible way to end this fantastic match. An aggressive Strike crawls toward Steve, then slips an arm under his neck to apply a grounded facelock. Strike begins getting up, pulling Steve up as he does so. A few seconds pass as the two men both reach a vertical base, and the opportunistic Lenton throws a quick jab into Chris’ rigs before slipping his head free from the technician’s arms. The tag champion then pats his right forearm before throwing it upward, landing a vicious blow into his opponent’s jaw. Strike turns around due to the force of the attack, then simply falls on his face while Lenton leans back for a moment to gather himself. Listening to the crowd for a final bit of encouragement, Lenton stomps his feet on the canvas. Strike begins pulling himself up on the far ropes while The Big L patiently waits.

Lenton snorts like a bull, knowing that the only thing standing between him and a solidified Main Event status at this point in the match is one move. Chris Strike pulls himself to his feet and leans on the ropes for a second, then the instant that he turns around, The Big L begins charging. Once he is in range, Steve lowers his shoulder and closes his eyes looking for the BLITZ… but he misses. Chris ducks the Gore and Lenton flies shoulder first into the turnbuckle post.

Seth Ericson: HE MISSED!

As Lenton ejects from the turnbuckle, Strike crouches behind him, then puts his head between The Big L’s legs. The Brazilian grabs Steve by the knees and then pushes his body up, hoisting the heavier man onto his shoulders long enough to turn toward the corner of the ring and fall forward. The Big L bounces away from the point of impact, stumbling back with one foot on each side of his resilient foe, before finally falling down near the middle of the ring. Groggily, the Virginian slowly begins to climb to his feet while Strike sneers down at him. Once The Big L is standing, Chris turns him around and doubles him over with a toe kick. He quickly applies a front facelock, but when he goes for the leg Lenton blocks, hooking his ankles with Strike’s. Knowing what his foe’s intentions are, Steve drills him in the ribs, before spinning free, pivoting on his feet, and turning with a GAME CHANGER! Lenton misses, but comes back with the AUDIBLE version. He misses, as Chris strafes to his back. Lenton turns… Chris Strike leaps into the air and grapples him around the head, bringing his knees up to pull Lenton down into the NARUKAMI - Steve’s head collides with the knees!

The Big L doesn’t go down though. He simply is reduced to one knee, eyes glazed and mouth agape, perturbing Strike who can’t believe his foe’s resiliency. Thinking on his feet, Strike climbs to a vertical base and runs for the ropes. Upon rebounding he lunges forward, only for Steve Lenton to suddenly come alive. He rams his massive shoulder into Strike’s chest, and the gunshot kindred collision sends him flying to the canvas. The audience goes into pandemonium, as the fan-favorite drops down, collapsing onto his opponent’s chest as Chris Dawson drops into place - the crowd shouts out in unison with his count.

Dick Morosi: 3:00! OUT OF NOWHERE!

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

Seth Ericson: HE DID IT! Steve Lenton just... I-I- I can't believe it!

As the bell rings out, David Zinkus picks up the microphone again and announces the result.

David Zinkus: The winner of this match, by pinfall, STEVEEEEEEE LENTON!

WINNER: "THE BIG L" STEVE LENTON

Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! HE DID IT! THE BIG L HAS DEFEATED CHRIS STRIKE, BY GOD!

Seth Ericson: I'm...I'm speechless.

Dick Morosi: That is ALL you need to hear to know how big this is! The number one contender AND the World champion have BOTH fallen to The Big L! I don't think any man alive can deny it...The Big L deserves a shot!

Seth Ericson: I...just...wow...

Dick Morosi: Let's savor this moment of Seth silence and go backstage to Tom Matheny.

We now cut to backstage area where Tom Matheny stands, microphone in hand. An ‘EX PRO on FX’ banner hanging behind him Matheny begins to speak.

Tom Matheny: We’ve had an amazing show already and right now it delights me that I am being joined by our Interim Director, Christian H. Kane.

The camera pans out to reveal the former EXODUS Pro wrestler dressed in a navy blue suit standing next to Tom Matheny.

Tom Matheny: Now Mr. Kane I was informed you had a few announcements to make, is that correct?

Christian nods before starting.

Christian H. Kane: That’s right, yes. It’s nothing that warranted going out to the ring, I mainly look to run the show from backstage in my office but yeah, I have a few announcements, two in fact. First of all, we all know the reason that I am the Interim Director of EXODUS Pro Wrestling, Jonathan Collins, the full time Director took a leave of absence from the position to join the main roster to deal with some business - that business being Jerry Matthews. Over the past few weeks there have been rumours going back and forth regarding what kind of match they’ll be having, so at Battle Without Honor Or Humanity I’m officially announcing that their match will be...Last Man Standing. It seems fitting, I’ve spoken to both of them individually and they’ve agreed to it, so it’s done.

A faint cheer from the crowd can be heard as Matheny brings the microphone back to his lips.

Tom Matheny: I’m sure that’ll be an incredible match, one that we’ve been waiting a long time to come around. And your other announcement?

Christian H. Kane: My other announcement? Well, it’s pretty simple and it’s actually more of a specific announcement to an individual. Brett Sands, it’s called the Honor Cup for a reason. Getting yourself intentionally disqualified and eliminating yourself doesn’t sit well with me, so in two weeks expect me to personally deal with you. That’s it.

Tom Matheny: Mr Kane, thank you for your time.

Christian H. Kane: My pleasure.

With that, the show fades to commercial.

The feed comes back from commercial, beginning to focus on the faces of Dick Morosi and Seth Ericson before a burst of static cuts them out, replacing them with a closeup of the face of Kira T. Zeppeli, who faces the camera with a grin.

Kira T. Zeppeli: Block C will go down as the block whose results no one saw coming. Your hero, Fiona Rourke, fed upon. Your former hero, Sally Talfourd, fed upon. And now I stand tall over Block C, casting my shadow of Despair over everyone....not just in my block, but in the rest. Because now they're starting to realize...I can't be stopped. But for now...I just get to sit and watch, as a former meal and a future one try desperately to add a point to their names, even though they know how futile it is, for the future is already decided. And from my perch atop this block I'll watch the main event with much interest...seeing how much Savannah puts into her match, despite the inevitability of what's coming...because in two weeks...the little lost girl from Vegas...falls into a Nightmare of Despair.

The burst of static comes again, leaving the camera on Dick and Seth, who look at each other with worry.

Dick Morosi: Well...Kira T. Zeppeli making his intentions known, as he plans on going 3-0 in his block, with the only person standing against the despair eater being Savannah Taylor!

Seth Ericson: I believe in her hotness, she can beat him!

Dick Morosi: I hope she shares your enthusiasm, she'll need it not only for her task in two weeks, but tonight against Fiona! But let's focus on the right now, we've got a B-Block match AND a San Diego Bay title match, as the Risen Star Jimmy Riley takes on the mysterious otherworldly detective, Cthulhu Jones. Take it away, David!

David Zinkus: The following match is scheduled for one fall, and it is a Block B Honor Cup match for the San Diego Bay Title!

The arena plunges into darkness. A second later, Apocalypse Now starts playing over the PA system. The lights stay out as the intro rings out throughout the arena:

This is the end of the world...

You either wake up, or you don't...

Apocalypse Now!

David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, from R'lyeh, weighing in at 200 pounds...he is CTHULUUUUUUUUUUUUUU JONES!

As the words Apocalypse Now are whispered over the PA, the lights slowly come back on, and there's smoke around the entranceway, with bright white light shining through it. Silhouetted in the centre stands a man, seemingly in a Trenchcoat and Fedora, hand rolled cigarette hanging from his lips. He steps forward, and illuminated by the arena lights the audience can see his painted face, partially shielded by both the brim of his hat and the high collar of his coat. Taking one last, long drag from his cigarette, he throws it to the floor and stubs it out underfoot. He steps toward the ring, nodding to the crowd as he moves forward. As he reaches the ring, he dives forward, sliding in under the bottom rope. In the ring, he looks about, seemingly basking in the roar of the crowd. Walking to his corner, he removes his coat and fedora, revealing painted face and his shirt and slacks beneath. He shakes hands with both the referee and announcer, before heading back to his corner to wait, rolling his sleeves up as he does.

Dick Morosi: Despite losing his first match against Seymour Almasy, Cthulu Jones surprised a lot of people!

Seth Ericson: With the amount of times I saw him before these matches, I'm genuinely surprised Cthulu was real. I was starting to think I dreamed him up!

The horns break into the static noise of the crowd, and more than a fair share of the audience rises to their feet, boos beginning to sprinkle down in the arena. The lights have dimmed, but haven't gone completely out, as a single spotlight rests on the curtain. After mere seconds, Jay-Z's voice can be heard, heralding the Death of Auto-Tune;



Jimmy Riley bursts through the curtain, his steps driven, his hoodie half-zipped, and his face almost stoic. His arms shoot out to the sides as he soaks in the reaction for a moment on the stage before beginning a somewhat slow walk down the aisle.



Reaching ringside, Jimmy walks around to the far side of the ring, hoisting himself up to the apron. After looking out at the crowd, Riley nods at David Zinkus, then climbs up to the second rope, still on the outside of the ring.

David Zinkus: Now entering the ring, from Cleveland, Ohio...now residing in San Diego, California! Weighing in at two-hundred fourty-five pounds, he is the EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay Champion! This is “THE RISING STAR”...JIMMY...RILEY!



Jimmy hops down into the ring, walking to each side while his mouth moves almost non-stop. As he reaches the final side of the ring, he removes his hoodie, tossing it to the floor and leaning into his corner. He keeps his eye on Cthulu as referee D'Artis Johnson starts checking for foreign objects, all before he takes the San Diego Bay Title and hoists it into the air, giving the indication it is a title match, all before the bell rings and this match is on! The two start circling each other, and instantly Jimmy goes to utilize his striking with his elbow, but Jones rolls under it, leaping back to attempt a Pele kick...but Riley sidesteps and Cthulu rolls back to his feet. Jimmy charges forward with a forearm, but Cthulu again ducks, goes to the ropes for a handstand and tries to bounce back with an elbow of his own. Jimmy avoids the elbow as both men are standing in the middle of the ring!

Seth Ericson: This is the kind of match we're gonna be expecting tonight. A huge back and forth series.

Dick Morosi: Both men are highly skilled. Both men want this match. For Cthulu, it's go big or go home. For Riley, he is in the driver's seat for this block.

HONOR CUP B BLOCK MATCH, SAN DIEGO BAY CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
JIMMY RILEY (ExPro San Diego Bay Champion) vs. CTHULHU JONES

You see the men circling each other. As they circle, you see Riley throwing a hard kick with authority towards Cthulu's knee. The PI moves out of the way and throws his own quick shot to Jimmy's temple. But the always quick Riley moves out of the way and comes back with a hard round kick to Cthulu's midsection. The "old one" doubles over for a second. Jimmy slings himself back to the ropes and vaults himself over for a Koppou Kick! But the man from R'yleh moves out the way as Jimmy lands on his backside. Instead of staying down, though, Jimmy comes back and nails the detective with a snap Pele kick to the skull! You see the old gumshoe fall to the mat face first hard. As he does, Jimmy takes advantage with a simple headlock, keeping the wise one on the ground.

Dick Morosi: And Riley is keeping Jones down on the ground as long as he can. While Riley has the speed, Jones is just one of the most frustrating athletes around.

Seth Ericson: You could say that Jones is almost "maddening."

Riley is doing all he can to keep Cthulu down, but you see the old gumshoe stirring with his feet. Jimmy sees this and tries to clinch the move harder. But the Old One cannot be denied. At first, he gets to his knees. This forces Jimmy to adjust his hold, but Jones gets his wits about him and starts moving to his feet. You see "The Risen Star" struggling to keep his hold cinched in, but again, Cthulu gets to his feet in a hunched over position. Jimmy Riley is doing all he can to keep this maddening opponent down as much as he can, but Cthulu reaches his arms around Jimmy's waist and snaps himself and Jimmy back. The gumshoe plants Jimmy with a hard backdrop driver, and holds for the pin!

Dick Morosi: One... two... and Jimmy just threw the shoulder out.

Seth Ericson: And Cthulu just further got inside Jimmy's head. He countered that hold and nearly got Jimmy in trouble.

Jimmy looks at Cthulu in a bit of frustration. The gumshoe hits the mat a bit and gets to his feet, as does Jimmy. Both men are staring at each other looking for the next vantage point. Cthulu drops down as Jimmy comes running and nails him with a Dragon Screw. Jimmy goes down hard from the shock of the move. You see Cthulu pulling Jimmy close with the Inside Leg Hook. As he does, he pulls him up and over and drops him on his head. Riley's shoulders are in contact with the mat as Johnson starts his count!

Seth Ericson: That Move I Beat Lovecraft With! One! Tw... No, Riley kicked out!

Dick Morosi: And Riley's not done in this match yet! Or in the Honor Cup!

As Jimmy kicks out of that devastating move, you see Cthulu looking towards Jimmy and shakes his head slowly. Riley holds his head and glares over at Cthulu. As the man from R'yleh charges towards Jimmy, you see Jimmy spin around and nail Cthulu with a huge lariat!

Dick Morosi: Supernova Lariat!

Seth Ericson: Which means, it's time to get out the lighters, folks!

Riley picks up Cthulu, with a bit of effort and puts him up in the Fireman's carry position! As he does, you see Jimmy lift up and drop down with an elbow to the skull of his opponent. Cthulu drops with a thud to the ground, as Riley goes for the pin.

Dick Morosi: Light 'Em Up! One, two, three!

D'Artis Johnson calls for the bell as Jimmy Riley pushes off of Cthulu Jones to get himself up. Johnson raises up Jimmy's arm in victory. Riley nods as Zinkus announces...

David Zinkus: Your winner, by pinfall. "THE RISEN STAR" JIMMY RILEY!

Riley keeps his arms raised as the crowd looks on in the ring, wondering about the man from R'yleh on the ground. Cthulu Jones looks around as the crowd cheers for his efforts on this night.

Dick Morosi: And no shame in that man's efforts tonight, Scott...

Seth Ericson: He took Riley to his limits. Now we wait and see what the rest of the Honor Cup is going to look like. He's not done yet. For now, backstage we go!

WINNER: JIMMY RILEY

We come backstage, and Shinji Uchikawa is there, ribs still taped up from the attack two weeks ago from Jerry Matthews. Clearly, something is on his mind and he seems to be heading to the locker room for Fiona Rourke, leading him to knock on it.

Shinji Uchikawa: Fiona?

He knocks again, still unsure as he starts to knock again, this time realizing the door was open. As he pushes the door open to look at what's going on, he finds himself stunned that as he looks inside, he's horrified to find out that someone is on the ground in the locker room.

The still body of Sally Talfourd. Shinji is completely horrified at the sight, looking around as the door swings open again, this time Fiona Rourke actually being in the room.

Shinji Uchikawa: Fiona?

Fiona Rourke: Shinji...no, seriously, this has to be a joke...

He seems absolutely stunned, and as he looks on, we go to commercial.