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Darkness. Intermittent flashes of orange light far back reveal a hallway, desolate and abandoned, metal walls rusting, floor cracking. The camera begins to slowly move down the hallway. The sound of something sharp being dragged against metal can be heard just behind the camera. As the camera walks, a voice can be heard.


The sound behind the camera stops, only a moment, as it shifts to the right, like whatever it is is being dragged along the wall now.



The camera is reaching the end of a hallway, a dead end save for a room to the left just before the hallway ends. It is from here the occasional orange light peeks out from. The camera turns to look in, and it's clear that the orange light comes from outside, as the room is dominated by a large fan endlessly turning, cutting the light in different ways across the room. It is also clear there is someone inside of it. Before stepping in the camera looks to the left, for the source of the sound. The hallway is empty.

The camera steps into the room, empty save for a chair in front of the giant fan, and a man sitting in it, looking out past the fan into the unknown outside, even as the fan slowly turns and cuts off the view.

Man: What are these things, in the long run? They are brief. Fleeting. Something for your vanity, something for your ego. Something that, ultimately, means nothing. Anything can bring that to you. Your days remain the same regardless, your win or loss does not change a thing in the end. But me?

Man: I fight for my own survival. I fight to continue on another day. My victory means I'm fed, your loss means another morning I'll be able to wake up and see. I fight...to eat. And EXODUS is a feast.

A pause. The man stands up as the fan blocks the light, as it turns back bathing the mystery man in the orange light, but only his back as he throws his arms out, addressing the world outside.

Man: It won't be long now until we meet...my main dishes.

Fade to ringside.

Dick Morosi: I'm not sure what that was, really...but it's hard to say I'm not intrigued.

Seth Ericson: Who let Guillermo Del Toro direct our vignettes? Holy crap, that was disturbing!

Dick Morosi: It sets up perfectly our next match, and the first half of our double main event! One of the number one contenders, Adrien Cochrane, teams up with Blake Jones to face this new team of Gods and Monsters right now!

After a moments passing, the lights in the RIMAC arena suddenly go out, causing an uproar from the masses of humanity in the audience. The flash of bulbs and cameras go off, the lighting creating an ominous ambiance in the spectrum. Then, a siren suddenly sounds, ripping through the speakers and immediately captivating the audience, followed by slow-building, foreboding drumming. Accompanying the bedlam of sound is a voice that addresses the patrons in attendance.



The tron flicks on to static, like a busted radio or television set, before tuning itself, showing a rapid slideshow display of explosions, war scenes and historical political figures.



The drums continue to build, as the stage and entrance ramp is immersed in frantic red and white strobe lights, followed by a new image that fades onto the screen, the G & M logo.



The guitars and electronica commence, blaring into the arena, screaming and cheers coming from the rafters from the disciples of the two men behind the music. The frantic, epileptic light-display suddenly ceases, being replaced with a lone red spotlight that jumps from either side of the stage -two figures are suddenly elevated from inside each one from under the stage. Smoke billows as they reach level grounds, walking into the center of the platform, dropping into the mist as the Loaded Pistol kneels and poses in the crucifix, with Ryuji Kamigawa standing behind him standing triumphant and truculently.

David Zinkus: Weighing in at a combined weight of five hundred and fifty-five pounds... the Bakemono Express, The God in White... Ryuji Kamigawa, and the Loaded Pistol, Magnus Gunner.... this is GOD'S AND MONSTERS!

With that, both men begin sauntering down the ramp. Ryuji, as usual, is dressed in white tuxedo pants and black wrestling boots, showing off the tapestry of tattoos inked into his upperbody, while Gunner sports a "G&M" T-shirt, sleeves and handcut to exhibit his fine collection of scars, wounds and tattoos. Magnus is dressed in full black, from t-shirt, to denim shorts, and taped fists from wrist to knuckles.



Gunner's damped, jet black hair dangles loosely over his visage as the red spotlight follows his every move, cascading a crimson glow onto the physical properties of the dynamic duo of deviants. Kamigawa and Gunner reach the ringside area, Ryuji -without much hesitation- climbing into the ring while his cohort elects to scale the outside turnbuckle, posing in his iconic crucifix once more, eliciting a strong chorus of boos from his detractors.



The Loaded Pistol steps down to the apron, and slips through the ropes to join his partner in the ring. He walks past Kamigawa to the corner, and slumps down into it, taking a seat whilst leaning against the turnbuckle padding without an absolute care in the free-world, completely detached from everything around him. Kamigawa slowly moves into the adjacent corner, lifting himself to a perch on the top buckle, brooding mutually as he stares out into the crowd, surveying the landscape and soaking in their negativity. The music suddenly fades out, and the lights return to their normal fixture; in the distance, in the rafters, the "God's and Monsters" chants build up again, the supporters of the menacing team fueled on violence and blood-thirst, until their cheers are drowned out once again by detestation and abhorrence in the form of boos and jeers from the rest of the crowd.

Dick Morosi: These two men are attempting to destroy all EXODUS stands for. Warping the former Seikigun's trademark mantra, they've become the alliance known as Gods & Monsters.

Seth Ericson: This is the one team out there that legitimately strikes fear in every person in EXODUS...and I really hate to be Blake Jones right now.

The crowd starts to look toward the entrance as the lights dim to the sound of strings and piano!



The music kicks in for "Superstar Pt. 2" by Richy Nix, and the crowd notices Blake Jones stepping out from the back! In a sleeveless blue hoodie, hood over his head and the now-famous Blue Lantern logo on the back with EXODUS written through it, he nods his head to the beat of the music as the lyrics kick back in!

David Zinkus: AND HIS OPPONENT! HAILING FROM PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA...weighing in at 184 pounds...BLAKE JONES!

Jones comes out, looking right at the challenge in front of him. The two monsters dare him to come into the ring, leaving Blake to take a deep breath outside the ring, throw off his hoodie, and slide in for the brawl!

Dick Morosi: Blake Jones will not stand down!

Blake is quickly throwing fists at each member of Gods & Monsters, using a dropkick to send back Kamigawa before he goes full tilt at Magnus Gunner, starting to leap up with a Thesz press, punching him down. It's only after Kamigawa recovers and puts a boot to the back of the head of Jones that he goes down, leaving him for slim pickings. As the two start putting fists and boots to him, the crowd begins to cheer as KLIFF ULYSSES RUNS DOWN TO THE RING! Immediately going after Gunner, he stares down Gunner as Blake uses the distraction to go after Kamigawa! Blake and Kamigawa continue to brawl their way up the ramp, leaving Gunner and Kliff by themselves as they brawl outside the ring, each of them going for a weapon.

Blake is quickly throwing fists at each member of Gods & Monsters, using a dropkick to send back Kamigawa before he goes full tilt at Magnus Gunner, starting to leap up with a Thesz press, punching him down. It's only after Kamigawa recovers and puts a boot to the back of the head of Jones that he goes down, leaving him for slim pickings. Before God's and Monsters can do anymore damage to a helpless Blake Jones, a commotion at the entryway suddenly diverts the attention of the pack of wolves in the ring; that said attention is now focused on the ramp where Kliff Ulysses rushes down to unanimous cheers from the EXODUS lifeblood. Savoring, and salivating at the mouth, Gunner and Kamigawa stare out at the Ultimate Entertainer, prompting the latter to stop in his tracks as he contemplates his next move -knowing full well that the numbers game is not on his side, and more importantly, remembers the number of times he's already been unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of their villainy. However, Kliff's presence allows Blake to get a second wind - Jones immediately goes after Kamigawa knocking him out of the ring, before the two become embroiled in heavy fisticuffs, as they both look to gain an advantage over one another. Blake and Kamigawa continue to brawl their way up the ramp, leaving Kliff and Gunner alone as the arena explodes. Kliff paces back and fourth in the ring, still hesitating, knowing he can't give up any ground to his rival. Smiling vindictively, and mischievously, the Loaded Pistol requests a microphone from a nearby stagehand, bringing Kliff's pacing to a sudden halt. Panting heavily, Magnus swipes his sweaty black hair from in front of his malevolent visage, before commencing his verbal tirade.

Magnus Gunner: That's right Ulysses, you've always been on the outside looking in, too scared to make a move, too oblivious to everything that's happening around you. The inner workings of your undeveloped mind, the sheer fact that your life is crumbling around you, you're so ignorant of it all. And you think YOU can protect Sharon, protect the people you love from people like ME? You're not a man Ulysses... you can't even satisfy the love of your life, let alone satisfy your curiosity!

Baiting the monster, Gunner laughs hysterically, as an irate Kliff Ulysses dives into the ring, the crowd igniting as he springs to his feet, spoiling for a fight. He hesitates once again, as Magnus brandishes a finger, almost pleading for him to stop, slightly perturbing the Ultimate Entertainer as he looks on from the corner.

Magnus Gunner: I could destroy you right here Kliff, I could rip you apart limb from limb and toss your torn appendages into the crowd to give these mindless sheep the souvenirs and vindication that they desperately need, but I won't.. not yet... violence will not be necessary tonight my brother, I promise that you will not be harmed... physically.

With the villainous grin still etched on his mug, Gunner nods as his own words echo in the back of his head, before requesting another microphone. When he receives it, he tosses it at his former best-friends feet, Kliff cautiously bending down to pick up, his eyes never moving off his target.

Magnus Gunner: Ulysses, who knows you like my brother... the man that has watched all of your battles and every year that you've graced a ring with your presence... yet in all of your fights, your battles, your conflicts, never have you ever been THIS vulnerable. No. I mean, right here, right now, you stand here, a mere weeks away from oblivion and perdition, and you have no one to blame but yourself... you will be the one responsible for your OWN demise. I can't even recall Kliff, can you? Not even Jonathan Collins, the profiteer of violence, the cult of personality himself, never was he in such a position, basically giving his body away, risking his mind and soul... I ask that question Kliff, because behind this is the fact of the monster you're going to be pitted against... and I think you know it... I think you know who you really are... the Kliff Ulysses that used to go out and try to end people's careers, that mercilessly pillaged and plundered anyone and everyone that crossed his path... that same thing that's in ME! That monster, it's in out blood brother, its in our bones. I think the moment the LEGION killed you, you suppressed that part of you, that its died in you. You resurrected, but WITH a charade. The Kliff Ulysses that has walked these halls, he is an imposter... you are no entertainer... no sycophant, you are a heartless, callous brute... a MONSTER... a DEMON... and I've found out how to release that side of you... I've poked at the hornets nest, rattled the beast's cage... I know where the Humanoid Typhoon lies... it's right here.

The Loaded Pistol points at his chest, his Cheshire cat grin continuing to widen on his face as Ulysses remains still, trying to deflect his rival's manipulation.

Magnus Gunner: And it's in you. We're one in the same Kliff, and you know it. You know it brother, as a fact, friend or foe, no matter the amount of sleep you try to get, no matter how many times you kiss the asses of these homo-sapiens, these mind slaves, no matter how many times you KISS Sharon goodnight and tell her that everything is going to be alright... you know when you look into the mirror, the man that you see... it's nothing but a vessel, the flesh... it's all to hide the REAL Kliff Ulysses hiding underneath, ready to run rampant, ready to wreak havoc and destruction. You're not the Ultimate Entertainer. You're not the Kliff Ulysses that would wrestle competitively, with respect for his fellow man. You're not the Kliff Ulysses that would come out to the aid of others, as you've done tonight, as you've done recently, pretending to be a man that cares for the well being of others. No... you're the Kliff Ulysses that developed an intense hatred, and enmity for Jonathan Collins, an animosity SOOOOO strong, that you dedicated your immediate present, to ensure that he would have NO future! I am the catalyst for your hunger for bloodshed and carnage, your crisis of identity... I am the man that will liberate your madness, the man that will free your mind. You know, for a fact Kliff, you know that nobody is responsible for what is going to happen to you at No Church In The Wild but you.... and that the Kliff Ulysses that has paraded in EXODUS these last few months, the man that turned his back on LEGION, turned his back on ME... your own BROTHER, your BEST FRIEND, the man who has stood beside you since DAY ONE and has ALWAYS had your best interest... and the Kliff Ulysses that I said that has been suppressed, and caged... will meet me in two weeks.... NOT THE MAN WHO STANDS ACROSS FROM ME RIGHT NOW... LOOKING ME IN THE EYE.... STARING INTO THE HEART OF DARKNESS!....

The smile fades from Gunner's facial features, his face now being replaced with a bitter scowl as he steps forward, closer to his former best-friend who STILL remains still, almost frozen by the Loaded Pistol's words.

Magnus Gunner: So I ask you Kliff... before you come to a point of no return.... which Kliff Ulysses will I meet at No Church In The Wild?

Kliff lowers his eyes, then looks out into the crowd as the patrons chant his name, trying to rile him up, hoping he'll put an end to the maniacal Michigander's spiel.

"KLIFF ULL-LYSSES!"
"KLIFF ULL-LYSSES!"
"KLIFF ULL-LYSSES!"

Magnus Gunner: Nevertheless Kliff...

Magnus steps closer, coming within an inch of his friend, standing menacingly yet keeping an arm extended to deter an physical altercation, Ulysses quickly balling a fist just in case.

Magnus Gunner: Regardless, the man who I'm talking to tonight, I know who I'll defeat two weeks from tonight... because I am the master of the mind, and I have mastered yours... I know how you think, I know your mannerisms, your idiosyncrasies... and exactly what makes you tick... you think you can hide from me, hide your true nature, hide the REAL Kliff Ulysses... that you can be normal, that you can be a civilian, a laymen... that elusive dream you have.... I'm GOING TO SHATTER IT!

Magnus stares Ulysses straight in the eyes, the intensity completely palpable, enough to be cut by a knife, the two combustible elements looking like they'll explode at any moment.

Magnus Gunner: I'll revive you brother, I'll resurrect the REAL Kliff Ulysses... by shattering your aspirations... shattering your façade.... by SHATTERING... YOUR... DREAMS and you know it's the truth.

Immediately following his closing remark, the Loaded Pistol vigorously slaps Ulysses across the side of the face, eliciting extreme boos and jeers from the crowd as they plead and beg for the Ultimate Entertainer to unload on his nemesis. Before he can react, Gunner quickly retreats from the ring, leaving Kliff to merely shake his head, a hand gingerly massaging the side of his face that was just struck. He gazes a hole through him, his eyes on fire as he watches Gunner climb off the apron about to make his way through the aisle before he finally raises his microphone.

Kliff Ulysses: ...Is that what you think?

The callous sneer on Magnus' face shifts slowly, changing into a devilish grin as he turns to face the ring again. He mouths the words "That's what I know." Pointing to his former partner as he proceeds to back away.

Kliff Ulysses: You know it, huh? Well what do you know? What could a deranged, depraved, ravenous little punk like you possibly know about what people want?

The crowd began to woo and call for the entertainer to speak his mind. Gunner laughed, edging Kliff on to keep going. Begging him to say more.

Kliff Ulysses: What could a madman know about anything going on in the real world? What can someone say, who has been so detached from reality- So up his own DELUSIONAL ass for so long that has any weight to it? Please, Magnus. TELL ME! I'd love to hear your rationale on how I'm supposed to believe someone who can only look in at reality with such bitter and jealous hatred have any valid point on what that life holds! What makes you so enlightened in your lonely, angry, and nonsensical ramblings on what is and isn't normal. On what people want in their normal life.

The Pistol OOOOOH's on with the crowd, playing at them mockingly, continuing to deride his rival as Kliff begins to pace about the ring like a tiger caged, watching the meat on the outside stand out of reach.

Kliff Ulysses: You talk endlessly about what I want out of life. About who I am like you know who I am. Like I'm supposed to be some kind of mad man, constantly looking for another reason to blame someone else. Looking for an excuse to hurt people. You talk like that's who I am. But that's not who I TRULY am. Magnus. That's who YOU want ME to be! That's the man you want. The man you NEED out of me. Because that means your cold, isolated little world is just a bit less lonely. That your miserable life has some company!

By now, the mad man from Michigan is no longer cloying Kliff. He's still as the dead, his eyes fixed on him as his grin fades. Not quite into a soured sneer but simply blank, and cold. The crowd isn't so cold however, as it is beginning to heat up further.

Kliff Ulysses: You keep patronizing me. Saying I want some Stepford Life in my house on The Hills. Talking about some quiet little existence where I go home and my wife makes pork chops... There's one thing that doesn't add up with your babbling though. I'm here. In this ring. In front of all these people. I'm on a stage just about every night, and I'm playing for these people. I'm not trying to live the quiet life. I'm living LARGER than it!

The crowd cheers as Gunner nods slowly, crossing his arms. Now visibly unamused.

Kliff Ulysses: I'm not normal. No. Normal is for the cheap seats. Normal is for the front row. I'm here because I'm exceptional. I'm here because I'm DAMN good at this and because I enjoy being DAMN good at it! I'm extraordinary people. And that's why YOU picked ME! Because I'm not just normal, I'm your antithesis! I'm the OPPOSITE of you! You HATE seeing me soaking in the spotlight, you HATE the stupid grin on my face when I'm doing this, and you HATE that I'm soaring SO high and leaving you dry! You hate seeing me live the high life, happy as can be as your become more and more morally broke, more socially impoverished, more desolate. More dilapidated. You're so bankrupt of your humanity you should change your name to DETROIT!

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!"

The crowd roars around the arena as Kliff is now the one with the smug look of self satisfaction as he leans on the ropes egging Maggie on. Maggie who is now the one gazing long into the Ultimate Entertainer with all his fury.

Kliff Ulysses: And after we're through in No Church in The Wild. That's exactly where you're going to be with your tail between your legs while I'm here being the Golden Boy in the Golden State! Standing tall! Loud and proud! So take it in while you still can! Because you're not gonna have a damn thing to say when I beat you at your own game at the show! Savor it Gunner, and do your worst while you're still at your best. Because everyone here is going to bare witness when I make your moment and when it's over I'll say it loud and I will say it proud for you. To Run. Like. Hell. And get out of my ring!

The crowd is at a fever pitch as they begin their chant. Magnus Gunner wipes his mouth, leering at his future opponent. Meanwhile, the scene cuts to backstage where we see Blake Jones and Ryuji Kamigawa trading punch for punch all throughout the nearby area. Blake drives a forearm shot that nails Ryuji on the jaw and sends him backwards onto the nearby table, scaring the crap out of some interns, causing them to flee like those cockroaches you find behind the fridge. Kamigawa then drives a shot to Jones's ribs before connecting with a headbutt that sends Jones stumbling backwards. But, Blake is quick to go back on the attack, pulling his left fist backwards and looking to shoot it forward to connect with the jaw of the Japanese wrestler, only for a bunch of hands to grab Blake from behind. Security has made their way to the backstage area and are inserting themselves into this brawl, a dozen of them separating the two men. 8 of the men are pushing Ryuji back while the other 4 are holding Blake back, Blake trying to wiggle out of security's grip, but unable to do so.

Blake Jones: Let me go, you bastards! Let me go!

Ryuji just raises his hands high as though to show the security guards he doesn't plan on pushing through them to get to Blake. On the other side, Blake has managed to escape the grip of one of the guards, wriggling his left arm free and driving an elbow to that guard's face, only for another guard from Ryuji's side to come over and constrain him again.

Blake Jones: That's it! I want you one-on-one in that ring, Kamigawa! Me versus you! And let me put a steel cage on top of that match to keep your monster friend away!

The audience can be heard cheering all the way from backstage as the guards holding Blake begin to drag him away as the scene fades out to commercial.

After commercials, we're still backstage as we see someone scurrying along to catch up with Jonathan Collins. As the camera catches up, we finally find out that the person running up to him is none other than one-half of the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions, and one of his closest friends, "The Last Magician" Sally Talfourd.

Sally Talfourd: Jon!

Backstage, we find Sally all prepped for her match - her outfit on, ribbons in the hair, a slight spray of glitter underneath the eyes - racing up to Jon Collins. Collins, who is busy with his part in running things, greets Sally with a smile; it's a fresh and welcome reprieve from all the hecticness. He rests his clipboard up on the montor he's standing in front off.

Jonathan Collins: Hey, Sal. All ready for your match?

Sally Talfourd: As ready as ever! Are you going to be watching then?

Sally gestures to the monitor, watching as we see the crowd starting to get hype for the upcoming match.

Jonathan Collins: Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it for the world. If it's half as good as everyone said your match with Gunner was, it'll raise the roof.

Sally Talfourd: Oh ... you didn't see my match last week?

Jonathan Collins: Afraid not. In between Lasiewicz getting taken out and keeping track of Gods and Monsters, it just slipped my mind.

Sally is visibly disappointed at that news, almost shrinking into herself. A bit worried that he's done the wrong thing, Jon places a hand on her shoulder, trying to cheer her up.

Jonathan Collins: I'll catch up with it in the week, I promise. You know I wouldn't miss a Sally Talfourd match, though. I get busy with things, I get caught up with work and stuff at home, it's not personal and you know that.

Sally beams a smile as she comes back to life. She sort of blushes, then looks down at her feet as she pretends to kick something around.

Sally Talfourd: It's ok if you're too busy, you know? I mean, you're pretty important around here. You just make sure you don't get in too deep with it all. I mean, you've got more than enough to worry about. You've got the Gods and Monsters. And then Stephen and Edward Nair. Oh, and Fiona's injury. How is she by the way?

Jonathan Collins: No change to what I said last time: Out for maybe another couple of months. That knee ... it's going to take a while to fix up. You can bet she'll be ready to get some revenge on Jerry Matthews when she comes back though.

Sally shakes her head, closes her eyes at the mere thought of all those things that Fiona isn't able to do.

Sally Talfourd: That's too bad, Jon. And with all the pressure from EXODUS on you? I don't know how you do it.

Out of nowhere, Sally steps closer to Jon, then takes him in with a hug. Jon is a little stunned, a lot surprised. But, always the gentleman, her hugs her back with a pat on the back.

Sally Talfourd: If you need anyone to talk to or, you know, whatever ... you know where to find me.

They break off the hug, both of them with a bit of a sorrowful smile. Before she goes, she gives Jon a quick look-over.

Sally Talfourd: Oh no! I've got glitter on you! Better get rid of that; who knows what people might say!

There's a nervous laugh from Jon as Sally brushes the shirt over his chest. Then, with a wink and a pat on the shoulder, she heads off to get herself ready for her match. Jon watches after her, then turns his attention back to the monitor as he takes up his clipboard once more. As we cut back to the ring, "Napalm" by XZibit is still playing, and Steve Lenton is already in the ring, saluting the crowd.

Dick Morosi: Sally Talfourd already leaving her mark on the Director of EXODUS Pro...but what are we going to do here now?

Seth Ericson: Steve Lenton was scheduled to face Zero McHannon here, but Zero left the building earlier tonight after Nicholas Gray threw him out for attacking Adrien Cochrane!

Dick Morosi: We'll see if Nicholas let him back in the building for this matchup.

The cameras are at ringside, as Steve Lenton is still standing in the ring after his music dies down, when all of the sudden, 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 and the crowd at the RIMAC goes unglued as the lights gradually return and Chris Strike steps out from the ramp, still clad in street clothes with a pair of black jeans and a metal belt around it alongside a black “Dream Theater: Octavarium World Tour” t-shirt. He has a microphone in hands as the spotlight comes down on him as Lenton looks on inside of the ring, rather confused.

Chris Strike: Steve, I know you had a match tonight against Zero and I know you’re gutted that you aren’t going to get the opportunity to whoop his ass from pillar to post. And normally, I’m not one to come out and ask for this sort of thing...but I do have something that I need to say prior to putting the Reverend in his place later tonight in the main event. So…if you’d be able to kindly let me have the floor inside of the ring…

Lenton blinks for a moment, glancing up at Strike before managing a nod and stepping over the ropes into the apron and walking down the steps. Chris follows suit, coming down the ramp and exchanging a quick word and a nod of thanks from his end with the Big L before he makes his way to the ring, hopping up on the apron and then stepping over the ropes.

Dick Morosi: This is an interesting turn of events here, as instead of having a match, we’re going to hear from Chris Strike.

Seth Ericson: I may know where this is going, Dick…and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.

As he steps up to the middle of the ring, the crowd at the RIMAC gives Strike a warm reception while he brings the microphone to his lips.

Chris Strike: Three hundred and seventy-eight days.

Strike lets those words set in with the crowd.

Chris Strike: That’s how long it has been since Christian Kane and I first fought one another. SVW Climax in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. That’s how long it’s been since the night where I fell from grace, the night where Christian Kane took a wrench to my right knee and DESTROYED it. I still have nightmares about that night and I still remember vividly the course of events that it set for me after I lost my clean bill of health and the SVW Defiance title that I held at the time. And given the personal and professional hell that Kane put me through prior to that match and then after it…I swore to myself that someday, I would pay him in double for what he did. Oh, believe me when I say that I have been waiting for this chance for a very, very long time, EXODUS Pro! And come No Church in the Wild, I am not waiting any longer! When the count reaches three hundred and ninety-two days, the long awaited rematch between Chris Strike and Christian Kane is going to happen!

Insert the crowd going bananas at this announcement here!

Seth Ericson: I knew it! Ever since arriving at EXODUS Pro, Chris Strike has made his intentions to put an end to Christian Kane very clear…and at No Church in the Wild, we’re going to see it!

Dick Morosi: HUGE news, to say the least, Seth!

Chris Strike: I’ve already made the arrangements with Nicholas Gray and Jonathan Collins and the match itself IS set in stone. However, I specified to them that I didn’t want this to be just a traditional wrestling match. Because that isn’t enough for me. Not after the entirety of this past year. I don’t want anything getting in the way from me completing my mission here in EXODUS. I want Christian Kane’s blood! I want to break every single bone of his that I hit throughout the course of that night! I want to do to him the kind of things that would make me a villain in your eyes if I were doing them to a better man! But most importantly…I want to see him suffer, I want to see the fear in his eyes before I finally finish him. I want this to be just like it was at Climax…

The camera nearest to the ring gets a nice close-up of Strike’s face.

Chris Strike: NO. HOLDS. BARRED.

The RIMAC approves of this notion. Entirely. They roar their approval, in fact.

Chris Strike: No place to run! No place to hide! You wanna prove that you’re the goddamn Devil so badly, Christian Kane? Here’s your chance. But in two weeks’ time at No Church in the Wild? You will not see the end of that day. I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE! …And there isn’t a damned thing…that you’ll be able to do about it!

Dropping the microphone to the mat, the crowd applauds and cheers in full as “March of Mephisto” begins to play on the PA system once again as Strike makes his way out of the ring and back towards the ramp again!

Dick Morosi: Well, we know one thing…if Christian Kane has the nerve to approve of these conditions, these two are going to war come No Church in the Wild!

Seth Ericson: …Nick, I think we’re definitely going to need a few more EMTs than what we were expecting for the iPPV in two weeks. Because looking at Strike’s face and from Christian Kane’s shenanigans two weeks ago, both men look like they’re ready to kill…
Jonathan Collins is backstage, going through some paperwork. Without a single knock, the door behind him opens.

Voice: I need a favor.

Jon turns around to see Sylar Drake storming to his office.

Jonathan Collins: Well hello to you too, my friend. What favor is that?

Sylar calms down a bit.

Sylar Drake: Ah, sorry about being this rushed and all that. I want you to put Joshua Sullivan in the iPPV match for my title.

Jonathan Collins: Why? Because of that statement about being the best Stryke Dojo grad?

Sylar Drake: Not only because of that. He is exactly the kind of guy I hate and fight against. Egotistical bastard who needs to get his--

Jonathan Collins: Alright Sylar, alright!

He pats the Brit's shoulder to calm him down.

Jonathan Collins: You shall get what you wish for. Just be sure you can back it up.

Sylar Drake: I will. As I always do.

Sylar smirks as we cut to somewhere else.

The camera opens from the commercial break to the backstage interview area, showing Tom Matheny standing in front of the backdrop with a microphone in his hand.

Tom Matheny: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m now standing here with “The Dropkick King” himself, Adrien Cochrane…

Loud cheers as the camera pans out to see the New Orleans native standing beside the EXODUS Pro backstage interviewer.

Tom Matheny: …who has just be revealed to finally have his shot at Heather Halliwell’s World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match along with rival Zero McHannon. Upon this big reveal, you seemed up for it, Zero brutally attacked you and was thrown out of the arena by Gray. Does this attack mean that Zero is losing it?

Adrien Cochrane rubs where he was hit in the head.

Adrien Cochrane: Zero has been losing it for quite some time now. The fact that he’s afraid of little ole me being in this championship match gives me a lot of insight on what’s going in that coward’s mind. The fact he had to attack me while my back was turned tells me so much about what he’s thinking about. Zero McHannon is a dirty coward. I’m okay with a triple threat match. Give me Heather, Zero, both, the whole roster…I will face whoever I have to in order to reach my goal. I’m not backing down from any challenge. Zero, on the other hand, reacts to the news of the triple threat match, by attacking me. What does that tell you?

Tom Matheny: I guess I can see your point of view. So you agree with Gray’s decision to award you both the number one contendership?

Adrien Cochrane: I can see how he came to that decision. Both me and Zero were making compelling arguments. No matter how much me and Zero bickered about who had the hold first or who caused the greater amount of discomfort, we both had a legal submission locked in that led to a tap out. Nicholas Gray did what he believed to be the best compromise, and unlike Zero, I can respect that.

Tom Matheny: So, you have a big match tonight against Gods & Monsters. Tell us what’s going on your head about that.

Adrien Cochrane: I know Blake hasn’t been in the best of moods since the situation of our last match. But whether he realizes it or not, I still respect him and am still going to give everything I’ve got to fight beside him. Gunner and Kamigawa are two dangerous individuals. I’m going to do my best to get Blake on the same page as me so we can go out there and get this victory.

Another familiar voice from off-screen interrupts.

Edward Nair: Actually, that won’t be happening.

The camera pans out a little bit more to show the two Nairs, Edward the executive and Stephen the lawyer. The crowd boos.

Edward Nair: See, I’ve been told that you had a concussion at Desperate Times from a Zero McHannon attack.

Adrien Cochrane: OH MY GOSH, REALLY?! I would have never known that?! Are you absolutely sure about that, Eddie?

The sarcasm in Adrien’s tone makes even Tom chuckle.

Adrien Cochrane: That was three months ago. I’ve recovered from that.

Edward Nair: Ah, but you just got a metal belt striking the back of your head from the same man. You were even down for a few minutes.

Adrien Cochrane: What’s your point, Eddie?

Edward Nair: Well, we are concerned about letting you compete tonight with a concussion.

Adrien Cochrane: …I don’t have a…

Edward Nair: Furthermore, we are going to have to get you examined by our medical staff. As a precautionary measure, of course. No worries, our insurance will cover the cost.

Adrien Cochrane: I have medical insurance, and I do not have a concussion. I’m fine. Now if you will quit trying to play doctor with me, Edward, I have to warm up for my match.

Edward Nair: That’s where you’re wrong. With the concussions and brain injury lawsuits flying away in the sports world, we do not want to have any of that happening to us. My attorney here has advised me to make sure you’re medically cleared before letting you step foot in an EXODUS ring. Therefore, you will not be competing tonight in that tag team match against Blake Jones.

Loud boos from the fans at that announcement.

Adrien Cochrane: So you expect me to just sit back here and let Blake Jones face those two by himself? No way. He needs me out there. I’m his partner. I can’t let Blake face those two alone, they will kill him!

Edward Nair: Sorry, did you hear me say “If it pleases your highness” somewhere in that. You have no choice in the matter. This security team will be escorting you to San Diego Medical Center right now. Your evening tonight has concluded, Mr. Cochrane. And harm these guards, you’ll be in jail for assault.

Two security guards grab Adrien by an arm and start walking him towards the exit.

Adrien Cochrane: You can’t do this! Nicholas Gray is the owner, not you! I don’t have a concussion! Get your hands off of me! You will not get away with this, Nair!

After Adrien is out of sight, Edward Nair turns to his son, with Tom Matheny standing by in shock of what just happened.

Edward Nair: You know what to do next, right?

Stephen Nair: Give Mr. Gray your little love letter, right?

Edward Nair: That’s my boy.

Stephen Nair heads off to the office to take care of his task. Edward notices the astonished interviewer.

Edward Nair: Doing well, Mr. Matheny?

Tom Matheny: Yes sir. I do have one question.

Edward Nair: Go for it, son.

Tom Matheny: Why did you want to take Adrien out of the tag match tonight?

Nair gives a wide grin.

Edward Nair: You see, my plan to make EXODUS Pro more marketable and more successful involved cutting some deadweight off the roster. Since I couldn’t terminate their contracts like I had originally planned because of the little ownership mishap, I’m going to have to improvise some new methods to improve this roster. I just killed two birds with one stone. I got Adrien removed from the show for the rest of the night and now Blake Jones is going to probably be spending the night at the hospital when he has to face Gods & Monsters on his own.

Tom Matheny: So you don’t actually think Adrien has a concussion? You just wanted to get rid of him.

Edward Nair: No. He seems fine. His interview with you would have made a concussion obvious. I just need them to run those concussion tests and that CT scan to occupy him for the next two hours.

Tom Matheny: You are one manipulative bastard.

Edward Nair: Why thank you. You have a good evening, Mr. Matheny.

Edward Nair gives a mean smirk as he walks away from Tom Matheny.


After that, we cut elsewhere backstage where Sylar Drake is standing, dressed in Denim jeans and Oasis "What's the story (Morning glory)" t-shirt. His finest accessory, the San Diego Bay Championship, is draped over his shoulder. His childish smirk is on, as always, as he waves at the camera.

Sylar Drake: Hey there, guys. Long time no see. Before you ask, my head is getting better and I will wrestle and defend my title at No Church In The Wild.

This draws several cheers from the crowd.

Sylar Drake: Whether it'll be Sinc Mercier or Genesis Logan challenging me for this strap, I will still have the same goal in mind. Show everyone that I am not a one hit wonder and that I will continue to be the pride of EXODUS and a champion to look up to. It'll be fine that one of you will get your chance for a breakout, but I will not let my title go that easily. They say that the Young Guns first shoot, then ask questions. Well, you should know that when I take the shot...

The SDB Champion points at the camera with a shooting the pistol motion.

Sylar Drake: ...there will be no more questions to ask.

We cut back to ringside, Drake still in the pistol pose.

Dick Morosi: Sylar Drake looks determined and ready to face his next opponent, Seth.

Seth Ericson: Of course he is! He's dumb enough to enjoy the thrill of the fight! Take time off, dude! Rest yourself up!

Dick Morosi: He won't really have any time to rest though, because he'll find out his next opponent momentarily. It's Genesis Logan and Sinc Mercier...next!

We fade back to David Zinkus standing in the ring preparing to announce the next match when the sounds of Josh Turner’s “Long Black Train” begin to blare throughout the RIMAC. The crowd begins to boo as “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews appears at the top of the entrance ramp, followed closely by Deacon Jeremiah. But, they are not alone, as the Deacon’s progress is slowed as he is forced to drag a struggling Selena Alexander along with him. The Deacon has a hard grasp on her wrist, and despite her strongest efforts, she cannot break free. Matthews looks back to check on the rest of his party, a sadistic smile crossing his lips.

Dick Morosi: ...what's going on?

Seth Ericson: I don't think we wanna know.

The good Reverend walks towards Jeremiah, and he grabs a hold of Selena’s other arm, and they begin to walk down the ramp with Selena still trying in vain to escape. Once they reach the bottom of the ramp, the group stops. The Deacon looks towards his mentor, who simply nods. Jeremiah then takes his free hand and reaches into his suit jacket pocket, pulling out a pair of handcuffs. Selena notices this, her eyes showing a newly heightened level of fear.

Dick Morosi: Someone call Security for Gods' sake! This is wrong!

Seth Ericson: This is...a bit much, isn't it?

Matthews and the Deacon force Selena towards the nearest ring post. The Deacon latches one of the cuffs onto one of Selena’s wrists, while “The Evangelist” forces her other arm into a position right around the steel connecting the turnbuckle to the ring post. Jeremiah then latches the other cuff around Selena’s other wrist, leaving her firmly handcuffed to the ring. Matthews and the Deacon share a laugh as Selena begins to try and escape her bonds.

Dick Morosi: This is just...god, disgusting.

Seth Ericson: Well, Genesis wanted to see her girlfriend, so Jerry is letting her. It's...kind, y'know.

Dick Morosi: Does it hurt you to say that?

Seth Ericson: Amazingly so...

Matthews and the Deacon share a laugh at Selena’s expense, and together they turn and walk up the entrance ramp. The referee goes to check on Selena, trying to free her. He cannot, and looks around in question to what to do. He walks over to the ropes, sticking his head out to talk to David, who's on a headset. After a moment of conferring, Zinku gets into the ring.

David Zinkus: ...the following match is to determine the number 1 contendership for the San Diego Bay title!

Dick Morosi: We're just going on with the match?

Seth Ericson: We're on TV, man, we can't just have minutes upon minutes of watching them try to get the handcuffs off. Show's gotta go on!

Dick Morosi: I suppose...

All the lights are out. Only Sinc's titantron is shown. After the words, "Hooray for me I'm The Lucky One!" Blue Pyro fires out to the right of the crowd and to the left at the same moment. The lighting is a bright blue. The camera then blurs into Sinc raising his right hand high into the air as if grabbing a microphone and after a moment of waiting, Sinc begins walking down the ramp in an arrogant strut grinning smugly at the crowd and eying them in a bittersweet stare pointing to random people here and there acknowledging them.

He then quickly runs up the steps and enters the ring through the middle rope flicking one leg in the air in a taunt. He walks around the ring continuously eying the crowd and then stops suddenly in the center of it. He does the same gesture he did at the start of the ramp and the lighting turns into a single blue spotlight on Sinc. A microphone then slowly comes down into his hand and he announces his presence to everyone in confidence.

Sinc: Ladies and gentlemen boys and girls, I hail from WINDSOOOOOOOOOOR, CALIFORNIA! I weigh in tonight, at two hundred...and FORTY POUNDS...I am...SIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNCCCCCCC!!!!!!!! MERCIIIIIIIIERRRRRRR!!!!"

Sinc drops the mic and lets it hang. He then walks up to the post diagonal of him and raises two fists into the air following by a pounding of his chest and points to the audience once again. The lights return to normal. He then reverts to his respective place in the ring, and prepares for the match.

Seth Ericson: You have to think Sinc's feeling pretty lucky right now. His opponent's almost guaranteed to not have her head in the match right now!

Dick Morosi: Considering the circumstances, I don't think anyone would find any enjoyment in this.

Number 1 Contendership to the San Diego Bay Championship
Sinc Mercier vs. Genesis Logan

"Problem" hits as Genesis Logan comes running out to the ring, sliding in and immediately checking on Selena. She kisses her, saying many assuring things before the referee comes to remind her there's a match, with Genesis only reluctantly leaving Selena to face Sinc. The referee sounds the bell and we're off, the two circling. Because of this circling, Sinc ends up on Selena's side of the ring, and turns to look at her, obviously having a laugh at her predicament. Because of this, Selena lashes out with her leg, catching Sinc in the groin while the referee can't see it! Genesis rushes forward, grabbing the incapacitated Sinc and rolling him up! 1..2....3!

David Zinkus: Here is your winner, and NEW NUMBER 1 CONTENDER TO THE SAN DIEGO BAY TITLE...GENESIS LOGAN!

Dick Morosi: Well! Jerry Matthews handcuffed Selena to the ring to punish her and Genesis, but instead it's left Genesis with a HUGE OPPORTUNITY!

Seth Ericson: The first ever LGBT champion in EXODUS! Do you think they celebrate with mud or oil?

Dick Morosi: ...you disgust me.

Seth Ericson: Yes well you're just jealo-WAIT!

As Genesis is hugging Selena in celebration, she's attacked from behind by Joshua Sullivan! He strikes her in the head, stunning her long enough to put her in position for him to hit his The Reason You Lost! He gets into the out cold Genesis and yells in her face.

Joshua Sullivan: HASHTAG! FAILURE!

He stands, facing the booing crowd, as he makes a belt motion around his waist, making his intentions clear.

Dick Morosi: I can't believe this! Joshua Sullivan has no business attacking Genesis Logan!

Seth Ericson: He said he was going to make an impact and he did! Joshua Sullivan did a number on that poor girl and he just sent a loud and clear message to Sylar Drake!

Dick Morosi: As true as that is, I doubt Drake will back down from any sort of challenge. Let's go to the back!

Winner: Genesis Logan

We fade to the backstage area of the RIMAC, where standing near the refreshment table is none other than the EXODUS Pro International Champion himself, Johnny Cannon. Cannon is wearing his usual ring attire, his Manchester United camo trunks and a #JohnnyCannonCelebrationTour t-shirt. His championship belt is draped around his waist in reverse.

The champ is a bit preoccupied, grabbing himself a post-match snack after his contest with Chris Marks. As he helps himself to some more of the spread, however, he is interrupted as he hears his name being called. Cannon turns to acknowledge his company, and after he does so, he immediately puts down his plate of food, and he stares in silence as the camera zooms out to find “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews and Deacon Jeremiah standing a few feet away.

Johnny Cannon: Here to gloat, chaps?

Before answering, Matthews laughs to himself.

Jerry Matthews: Now, why would I feel the need to do such a thing, Johnny? I think what transpired two weeks ago speaks for itself. Isn’t that right, Jeremiah?

The Deacon nods in agreement.

Johnny Cannon: Well then, to what does this wanker owe the pleasure of your fine presence?

The champ’s remarks drip with sarcasm.

Jerry Matthews: Well, my son, given the nature of my associate’s non-title victory over you two weeks ago, I believe that talk of a rematch is at hand. Except this time, your title should be on the line, of course. I see that you aren’t doing much with the belt as it is.

The preacher man gestures at how Cannon has the belt strapped around himself to show his disgust. Cannon is obviously incensed by the situation, and he snips back at Matthews.

Johnny Cannon: What business of yours is it what I do with my belt, priest?!

Jerry Matthews: Simple, Mr. Cannon. Every day you hold that belt is another where its reputation is soiled. Soiled by the embarrassing example you set as champion. Your rampant alcoholism, your tendency to attach yourself to whatever corner gutter slut happens to look at you the right way. All of it is a disgrace, not only to yourself and to the Lord God, but to EXODUS Pro as well. My work has a purpose, my son, to make sure that sinful souls like you stop polluting the hearts and minds of the faithful at every given opportunity. You’ve made it abundantly clear that have no desire to repent, and soon, as has been foretold to me, I fear that you will lose that title and far more.

Johnny Cannon: Save me all your talk of prophecies and spiritual bullshit. There is only one man that controls what happens to this title belt, and that’s this wanker right here. Me, Johnny Cannon!!

Cannon points to himself emphatically. Matthews returns the gesture with a hateful glare.

Jerry Matthews: I wouldn’t be so confident, Johnny. After all, you couldn’t even beat the Deacon. There’s no telling what would happen if I decided to get in the ring with you. I’ll tell you what, if you want a preview, make sure you watch me dethrone the God of Thunder later on tonight. But, only do so if you are sure you’ll have no fears of what may soon lie on your horizon. Your time is coming, Johnny, and if the Lord wills, it may be sooner than you think. The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God.

Matthews and Jeremiah walk off screen, leaving Johnny Cannon to collect his thoughts. Abruptly, he turns around and flips over the refreshment table in anger as the scene fades to commercial.

I haven't seen that name in so long, it's not even funny. Welcome to EXODUS Pro.

-Adrien

Personal Information
Name: Chris
Email: chrisstrikely@gmail.com
Previous E-Wrestling Experience: Too many…but as of recent, CRW, SCW, TFWF
Instant Messenger Names (MSN, AIM, Yahoo): AIM – damascenocs; MSN/Trillian – damasceno126@hotmail.com

Character Info
Name: Chris Strike
Height: Five-foot-eleven (5’11”)
Weight: Two hundred and fifteen pounds (215 lbs)
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil (resides in Denver, Colorado)
Alignment: +2 (Respected and liked across multiple circles over his years of wrestling, confident to a fault with a bit of a stubborn streak and sometimes, his methods do take on a far harsher approach than most “fan favorites” out there.)

Entrance Music: “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater

Entrance Description:

[i]The house lights in the arena go out completely, thunder and rain can be heard from a distance, all while the image of a large mountain complete with a temple atop the peak is seen on the LCD screen while the beginning of “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater blares out of the PA system. The shot zooms into the temple, as the crowd begins to clap along with the beat of the song, watching as a man rises from the throne inside of the temple and makes his way down the steps. Once he nears the camera, he looks up at the sky and makes his way over towards a pool of water. The man looks down into the water, and once he does…a shot of lightning hits the water!

[color=yellow][b]Lost in the sky
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Arrows fly, seas increase
And then fall again…[/b][/color]

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.

[color=yellow][b]This world is spinning around me…
The whole world keeps spinning around me…
All life is future to past…
Every breath leaves me one less to my last![/b][/color]

[b]David Zinkus:[/b] (Introducing first/And his opponent)…from Denver, Colorado via São Paulo, Brazil; weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds...HE IS THE EXODUS PRO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...HE IS “THE WAR MACHINE,” HE IS...CHRIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSS…STRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps out into the limelight with the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title across his right shoulder, drawing a loud reaction from the EXODUS faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises the title up in the air with his right hand. Strike is showered by gold, white and black streamers and smoke appearing from each side of the ramp before he makes his way down, having the occasional fans reaching out towards him from the rail, keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring with the title held high as the fans begin to sing along with the chorus.

[color=yellow][b]Pull me under! Pull me under!
Pull me under I'm not afraid!
All that I feel is honor and spite,
All I can do is set it right![/b][/color]

Chris places the title on his shoulder again before making his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope and as he is about to get inside, Strike suddenly turns around and finds himself with both elbows locked around the top rope, his entire upper body exposed to the crowd’s sight. Strike just gives the fans a sly smirk and a nod as flashes of light go off, before going under the middle rope and into the ring. He makes his way towards the nearest turnbuckle, ascending it and slowly raising the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title in the air again, basking in the reaction before stepping down from the turnbuckle. He looks around at the crowd and walks up to the nearest corner, leaning against the ropes and disposing of his tactical vest and t-shirt while stretching his arms out as “Pull Me Under” fades…[/i]

Physical Appearance:

Rodrigo Santoro for the PB/Face...body wise, lean, great build, some chest hair but chest part's fully hidden usually. If exposed, they'll also find eight bullet shaped scars across the entirety of his upper body - more often than not, by exposing those scars, Strike will enter a "berserk" mode of sorts where he'll send caution to the wind and look to absolutely brutalize whoever it is in front of him.



Ring Attire:
● Black and golden yellow sleeveless muscle shirt with the "War Machine" logo across its center
● Golden yellow tape wrapped around from right hand to forearm.
● Black elbow pad on right elbow
● Black tights with the following patterns on the left and right thighs respectively:
Right: i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af206/crimsonturbo/strikel.png
Left: The War Machine logo
● Black kneepads (under the pants)
● Golden yellow shin guards
● Black wrestling boots with the word ‘STRIKE’ going vertically down in a white font


Gimmick: If we had to describe it in TEW/EWR terms…let’s go with “Man on a Mission.”
Personality: As a man who was once known as the “God of Thunder” (or at least, someone with the abilities of a deity inside of a wrestling ring), you can certainly expect Chris Strike to be very, very confident. He is not afraid to tell people that he is the best wrestler in the world in multiple ways while playing mind games with his foes and not afraid to prove his moniker in the ring either. His pride is that of a God, his heart is that of a warrior. But at the same time, he no longer lives by the principle of honor and respect…meaning that he will very likely blast you with a kendo stick to the head or get himself DQed if it means beating a point into an opponent he particularly dislikes. While he has preferred to fight alone in the past and still does not trust easily, although he is willing to team with anyone as long as it serves his own personal interests and said partners don’t get in between him and his goals.

Outside of the ring - once someone gets past his attitude - Chris is a rather knowledgeable guy, with a decent sense of humor. His love for pro wrestling is legit – striving to get better every day, proving that he is worthy of his self-proclaimed titles. While it may take a while for Chris to trust people, those that earn his trust and respect will likely be the few that can count on Chris having their back at any point and time. Given his Brazilian roots, you cannot forget that Chris Strike does have a temper. Piss him off enough and his rage will take over, the results never being one that people want to go up against in a squared circle.

List up to three strengths of your character; they can be in-ring related, personality related, whatever you think helps define your character:
1. Experience – in fact, he’s got 10+ years of it and he will use it, dammit!
2. All-Around Style – developed over his years of experience, it incorporates just about every style of wrestling and allows him to go toe-to-toe against the best at what they do best. He may not be a master of crafts, but being a jack-of-all-trades makes him deadly enough.
3. Perseverance – stubborn to a fault, will grab himself a second, third, fourth wind if necessary to achieve victory.

List up to three weaknesses of your character:
1. Right Knee – surgery on it over the last nine months has caused it to be a target inside the ring.
2. Temper – if agitated enough overtime by an opponent or specific figure (or if you're dumb enough to rip up his protective shirt and expose his eight bullet shaped scars in his chest), Chris Strike will fly off the handle...and he will go to town on you, rules and everything be damned.
3. Stubbornness – just like it carries him to push his limits through matches, it’s a double-edged sword in the fact that it’ll likely cost him matches in the process and get him hurt.

Biography:

Chris Strike’s attraction to professional wrestling began at the very moment in which he arrived in the United States alongside his mother from the streets of São Paulo, Brazil, as he immediately became hooked into the product after seeing a live show with a friend back in 1996. It did not take Chris long to be interested in being the guy under the lime lights making the crowds swoon. He began his wrestling career in Colorado in SaGa Underground wrestling in early 2001, being trained by the “Paragon of Virtue” Epic, and it did not take long for Chris’ star to explode across the independent scene. But in his quest to perfect the art of pro wrestling, Chris left his native Colorado and took himself across the world, with brief stints in Mexico and Australia and a longer stay in Canada and Japan (being further trained and mentored by the likes of “The Paragon of Virtue” Epic, Bryan Cade – graduating from his grueling technical wrestling regimen in Palestra Canadiana in Toronto mid-2002 and just about every single dojo he could find to train in Japan).

It was in Japan that Chris Strike has found his greatest success, as he teamed up with an American by the name of Lyn Dallins and broke into the JNPW tag team scene, winning a total of three tag team titles with the man while also finding success in singles competition – winning the Jr. Heavyweight title twice. Through his ability and his deadly tag team combination with Lyn Dallins, Chris Strike earned the moniker of “raijin” in Japan, which is translated to “God of Thunder.” It was with this moniker that Chris put on classic matches across Japan and developed his little ego. During that same time, Strike signed a long-term contract with GSB Wrestling – ran out of Philadelphia by a man known as Bigg Jonn (or Beejus or Godzilla, as Strike came to call him). It was during that time in GSB that Strike achieved his greatest success, winning the World title and Tag Team titles twice, winning the Intercontinental title a record three times and being the only man in GSB history to hold three title belts at the same time (the IC, Triple Crown and X division titles) – thus, making him the most decorated champion in the GSB. He also had some of his greatest matches there, as his Iron Man bout with Big Ern at Extreme Revolution II in 2003, his Triple Crown title submission match against Arthur R. Gordon and World title bout against Travis Montgomery in 2005 and tag team bout alongside Jeff Fury against the Dallins Gang (Lyn and Dru Dallins) in late 2007 were called “Match of the Year” by many wrestling magazines.

After the GSB closed its doors in early 2008, Chris Strike decided to retire and have his eternal happiness with his family and for a full year, he did just that. But due to the unfortunate death of his wife and unborn children while she gave birth along with one PWF promotion showing its promise, Chris Strike made the decision to return to wrestling – by returning to Calgary and working off his ring rust with his old mentor Bryan Cade for a few months. From that point, Strike signed on and has worked in smaller federations such as PWF and UWL to gain back some of his old form along with adding more accolades to his resume – one of which was a World Heavyweight title reign in UWL. Once he left UWL and while still signed on with another company named SVW, Chris Strike decided to take the next logical step in his career after seeing his brother-in-law compete in TFWF and his girlfriend make her way to SCW…where he eventually found a semblance of success with winning the SureShot Ladder Match in 2012 and high-profile matches against the likes of Michael Thunder, Doug E. Fresh and a few other big names in SCW. A knee injury sidelined him since late December and it seemed as if Strike was ready to call it a career until an ambitious idea to provide for the future generation that would step through the ropes and a desire for redemption brought him back for one last run...a run that eventually led him to come along with taking on the duties as the “unofficial” second-in-command to Specter’s Tomb Security Limited (and thus, the reason why he now wears a tactical vest during entrances) and to settle a bit of unfinished business…

Once arriving in EXODUS Pro, Chris Strike made no attempts to hide that he was there to settle the score with Christian Kane and over the course of the next few months, he exacted revenge on Kane for taking part on causing the knee injury that kept him sidelined and then focus his attempts at gaining the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title, failing to do so at Battle Without Honor or Humanity against then-champion Zero McHannon, Steve Lenton and Magnus Gunner. Shortly after being pinned by Magnus, he was put in an “indefinite suspension” by Christian Kane (then acting as interim Director of EXODUS in Jonathan Collins’ absence from the position), sending him into an exile from the company where he could not even so much as step foot anywhere within EXODUS grounds. He watched the tide shift over the following few months in the favor of Magnus Gunner/Christum Furor and his Gods & Monsters faction and it was at that point that he reached out his older companions in UWL in the War Machines and to Jonathan Collins to do SOMETHING about the situation at hand…after agreeing to assist Jonathan with his situation in Ellum, it was then that Chris Strike took on the mantle of WEAPON and used it to get back into the company at Absent Are the Saints, personally taking the war to Gods & Monsters and his old friend Sally Talfourd in the process, which led to Ascendency , where the two fought against one another for the first time in their careers. Sally escaped victorious but didn’t look the part after Strike drove her with the Megaflare through the announcers’ table. It was a short time later after Furor’s title defense against Fiona Collins that he showed up in the center of the ring and unmasked himself, before dropping Furor to the ground – his suspension having been long reversed. As the "War Machine," he went up against some of the heavy hitters in EXODUS Pro (most importantly, in the Gods & Monsters faction) such as Sally Talfourd, Savannah Taylor, and Lady Magdalena until finally getting his one-on-one rematch against the leader Christum Furor at Autumn Effect 2, effectively burying him alive and becoming the new EXODUS Pro World champion.

Now, as Year 3 starts in EXODUS Pro, the "War Machine" holds the gold and has now put a target on his own back...where the next year leads him, it is yet to be seen.

Wrestling Style: All-Around style with emphasis in technical wrestling and hard-hitting Puroresu strikes.

Finishers
1. Narukami (Double Knee Facebreaker) – it can be done in just about any situation, whether running, out-of-nowhere, as a counter to top rope moves...even a springboard version.
2. Relâmpago (Full Nelson Lungblower)
3. Ultima WEAPON (Leg Lariat into a Hurricanrana Neckbreaker) – **DESPERATION FINISHER A.K.A. THAT THING YOU DON’T KICK OUT OF/FEUD ENDER ISH, IF YOU’D PLEASE BE SO KIND**
[GIF in Question (for those who need a visual aid): img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/KashTheKwik/EpicKick.gif]

Signature Moves
1. Shotei (Open Palm Strike to the face, Jushin ‘Thunder’ Lyger style)
2. Mjöllnir (Spinning Fisherman’s Buster DDT)
3. Luminaire Clutch (Kneeling cross-legged STF)

Regular Moves (you don't need to fill out all the slots for moves)
1. Mongolian Chop
2. European Uppercut
3. Rolling Kesagiri Chop
4. Roundhouse Kick
5. Enziguri (can also be used as a back-up/counter after avoiding a spinning kick or leg sweep from a foe)
6. Rolling Fireman’s Carry Slam (rolls over opponent with momentum, usually follows this with a second-rope moonsault)
7. Northern Lights Suplex
8. Dragon Screw
9. Double Arm Backbreaker
10. DDT
11. Tiger Suplex
12. Dragon Suplex
13. Sleeper Suplex
14. One-Handed Bulldog
15. Rolling Wheel Kick (usually done to opponents that are against the turnbuckle)
16. Flying Forearm Smash
17. Running Dropkick
18. Springboard Moonsault into Reverse DDT
19. Asai Moonsault
20. Mushroom Stomp
21. Fujiwara Armbar
22. Elevated Boston Crab
23. Queen Angelito Stretch
24. Diamond Dust
25. Inverted Exploder Suplex
26. Half-Nelson Suplex
27. Crossface Halo
28. Diving Knee Drop
29. Senton
30. Missile Dropkick

Dick Morosi: Now here we have an important match, a triple threat to determine the man who'll go to face Heather Halliwell for her World title at No Church In The Wild!

Seth Ericson: And look at the caliber of talent in this one! Blake Jones, winner of WarGames! Adrien Cochrane, former World Champion, and Zero McHannon, one of the most danger in EXODUS! This is gonna be amazing!

Dick Morosi: Especially with the old feelings between Adrien and Zero. Zero might be seeming to become a changed man, but you have to imagine they won't complain about getting a shot at one another.

Seth Ericson: Not a chance! Let's take it to David for the introductions!

"Superstar Pt. 2" by Richy Nix begins to play all throughout the arena, the crowd cheering upon hearing the song. Blake Jones steps out through the curtains, wearing his (enter color here) trunks and a sleeveless blue hoodie, the Blue Lantern logo on the back with "EXODUS" written through it. The hood is over his head as he walks, but he quickly takes it off as he stands at the top of the ramp, smiling at the sight of the crowd. He points out at the crowd as he begins a walk down the ramp.

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a triple threat match for the number one contendership for the EXODUS Pro World Championship! Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...weighing in at 188 pounds...BLAKE JONES!

Blake tries his best to high five any possible fan before walking up the ring steps. Once he enters the ring, Blake points to the back of his hoodie and yelling "All Will Be Well", before removing it and handing to one of the EXODUS ring crew. Afterwards, Blake walks over to his designated corner and begins to stretch as he awaits for the match to start.

Dick Morosi: Blake Jones has been rising and this is his big chance to reach the top.

Seth Ericson: The question is: is he ready?

The lights cut off. The fans sit in silence. The opening guitar for "Last One Standing" by Simple Plan starts echoing throughout the arena and once the rest of the band kicks in, a set of two flames on opposite ends of the stage flare as the Dropkick King appears on the ramp. The arena explodes with cheers from the fan favorite wrestler.



David Zinkus: From New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 190 pounds...The Dropkick King...ADRIEN COCHRANE!!

Adrien Cochrane starts running down the ramp, slapping hands from the fans on his way down. He hops on the apron, climbs under the ropes and starts stretching, sizing up Blake Jones as he does.



Dick Morosi: There are not many wrestlers who have as much of a fanbase as Adrien Cochrane. Former World Champion. Former THW International Champion. Now he's targeting a chance for his first EXODUS Pro championship.

Seth Ericson: Even I won't deny the kid has the "it" factor to make it.

The music starts and the opening music hits the speakers. A shower of pyros cover the walk through entrance and the music hits harder. The crowd begins to pop with a cheers and yells of hatred.

"Nobody likes me. No one likes me, but I don't like them. Uh uh, I don't nah uh.
Nobody likes me. No one likes me, why? Cause I don't like them. Uh uh, I don't nah uh."

Zero walks through the sparks, wearing a leather jacket with a bikers chain hanging from the side, with his hands raised as the words echo through the arena. Beeno comes through the pyros right after him and throws his
hands into the air while walking to one side of the stage. He starts pounding his chest and walks to the other side of the stage, throwing his hands up again. Zero hasn't moved from in front of entrance and slowly lowers his hands as a flash from the cameras reflect off him.

"All this hate you gave me, it turned me to rage,
now I'm burning in flames, all the things that you said,
they've been stuck in my head, now I'm at it again,
an addict, welcome to hell bitch you can't do nothin' about it,"

While Zero is absorbing the atmosphere at the top of the ramp, Beeno starts to run circles around Zero before posing for the cameras in front of him. The cameras are still flashing as Zero nods his head and slowly
makes his way down the ramp, the chain swaying on his leather jacket. Beeno begins to run down the ramp yelling at the fans on the other side of the barrier. He acts like he was going to reach out to touch their
hands, but brought his hand back just in time and shows off. Zero looked from left to right at the fans as he slowly made his way down the ramp.

"This is my chance, maybe my last,
And if I leave there's no way back,
This is your fate when worlds collapse,
I took my pain now give it back,"

Beeno walks up the steps as Zero finally makes his way to the front of the ring. He turns around raising his hands and holding his head high. He nods his head some and slides into the ring where he yells at the top of
his lungs while stretching his arms out. Beeno acts like he is punching Zero in the abs while he is screaming and turns back around the crowd. Zero climbs onto the turnbuckle and just stares at the fans from side to
side, getting a mixture of cheers and boos.. He hops off the turnbuckles and takes off the jacket, handing it to Beeno. His manager gives Zero an encouragement tap on the head and yells in his ear as they are gearing up for the match.

Seth Ericson: And here comes the superstar! Zero McHannon is the true definition of a superstar. Just look at him.

Dick Morosi: He's certainly been tricky to figure out. We'll have to see what he does next.

Triple Threat Number 1 Contender for the EXODUS Pro World Championship Match
Adrien Cochrane vs. Blake Jones vs. Zero McHannon

The bell rings thrice, sending an eerie echo throughout the RIMAC arena. The three superstars begin circling around the ring in a pattern, not wanting to break the circle or make the first mistake for a sudden, early disadvantage could be catastrophic. Blake Jones, like a true daredevil, is the first to break the circle, rushing in with intent to pull off an initiative grapple on McHannon. Zero sidesteps the sais grapple attempt and simply allows Blake to drop to the canvas, before driving a boot into the Philadelphian's spinal region while he's in the grounded position, yet maintains eye contact with Cochrane. Speaking of which, Adrien takes a step forward and forces Zero to acknowledge his presence and face him, and the Dropkick Kick quickly scores with a forearm shot into the former LEGION member's cheekbone. He continues to deliver forearms, and then elbows and punches, eventually sending McHannon into the ropes, where he quickly Irish whips him into the opposing set of ring cables. Zero makes his way back across the ring toward Cochrane, who commences to dash forward with an arm extended for a Clothesline. McHannon ducks the arm and rebounds off of the ropes, and back toward the unsuspecting Louisianan. The Floridian leaps forward and drives a raised knee into the Dropkick King's cranium, sending him to the canvas, before dropping down and going for the immediate cover, the stripe shirt official dropping onto all fours to make the count;

"ONE"
"TWO"

Cochrane gets a shoulder up immediately following the second count, Zero becoming slightly flustered but remaining calm, knowing loosing his cool would be unwise, especially with a second opponent looming.

Dick Morosi: Zero seems to be the favorite so far. He was the War Games MVP. And a match between he and his love interest, Heather Halliwell, would be quite the contest.

Seth Ericson: You sound like you want to see them go at it. I for one, would rather not. They're such a lovely couple. Kicking each other's ass gives lover's quarrel a new name, although I'll admit it will make for good television!

With McHannon preoccupied with keeping a headlock on Cochrane, he fails to notice Blake Jones slowly making his way to his feet. The member of the Young Guns makes a run for the ropes, and quickly rebounds off of them, before coming in with a low drop kick into Zero's cranium to break up the hold. McHannon rolls away in pain, gingerly holding his head which was just dented by the well placed boots of Blake Jones, who is now left with the downed Dropkick King. He grabs Adrien by the hair and forcefully raises him back up to his feet, Cochrane still feeling the effect of the knee strike he received to the head moments ago, as he stumbles and lurches. Jones forces him into the corner, before assaulting his bare chest with a series of well, flesh wrenching chops, Jones holding nothing back in terms of aggressiveness, showing his friend absolutely no mercy. After a third, sickening chop, he lights up Cochrane with three stiff kicks, expelling the air from his lungs before taking a hold of his wrist and slowly dragging him out of the corner. With a handful of hair, Blake wraps an arm around Adrien's neck, then takes a hold of the Louisianan's track pants. He slowly lifts the Dropkick King into the air, suspending him upside down for several seconds as the crowd chips and buzzes. As Blake makes out to finish the suplex, the attempt is drawn short, as McHannon comes into the picture and quickly dives as Blake's legs, taking them out from under him with a chop block out of nowhere. Both men come crashing down into the canvas, with Cochrane suffering considerably more damage than Jones. Zero climbs back to his feet and eyes both of his fallen opponents, slightly hesitant in his motions as he contemplates who to pick apart first.

McHannon finally chooses a target, and makes his way toward Jones with malicious intent - it's no secret these two have some sort of rivalry and growing animosity toward one another. He pulls Jones to a vertical base, before tossing him forward into the corner, sending Blake shoulder first into the ring post. As the Philadelphian retracts from the corner and turns with a grimace, Zero comes charging forward, quickly leaping into him with a Stinger Splash. Jones stumbles out the corner, stunned, groggy, and doubling over, allowing his foe to apply a front facelock. With haste, Zero violently drops to the canvas, snapping the Philly young Gun off his feet and coercing him head first into the canvas with a sickening DDT. Jones rolls over and goes for the pinfall.

Seth Ericson: Blake Jones was in control for what seemed like a split-second, that was until Zero took him out. And he hasn't looked back since.

Dick Morosi: And that's the nature of this match. You have to keep your head on a swivel. There could be someone lurking behind you at any moment.

"ONE"
"TWO"

For the second time, a Zero pinfal attempt is broken up by a Dropkick, this time by the Dropkick King himself, as the force of the attack sends McHannon rolling to the side, separating him a few feet away from his foes, while Cochrane turns his sights on the weakened Jones. As Adrien makes a move toward Jones, the Philly young Gun fights him off, driving a boot into Adrien's forehead, forcing him to back away several paces. The New Orleans native goes on the attack once more, visibly irritated by Blake's tenacity. Jones starts crawling toward the ropes, pulling himself up with the bottom. As Cochrane gets closer, desperation begins to rise in Blake's head, as he launches himself forward while maintain to bring a leg up to kick Cochrane. Adrien blocks the attack, capturing the protruding limb, holding the appendage tight before floating Jones over into a Capture Suplex, bringing him down the canvas with authority. The ring shakes slightly from the impact, as Blake is left writhing in pain, meanwhile Adrien looks over his shoulder, making sure Zero is still out of the equation before making his next move.

Dick Morosi: Cochrane is now in control after that brilliant suplex! He's a former World Champion in PCW, so he certainly has the credentials and ability to win this contest.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, then I guess that makes Jones the dark horse, well, right now he looks more like a dead horse.

Cochrane slowly gets back up to his feet, and takes a moment to catch a breather. But out of the corner of his eye, he spots Zero slowly recovering and rising off the canvas. The Dropkick King marches toward McHannon as he stumbles back to a state of full verticality, grabbing him around the head and dragging him toward the nearest turnbuckle. He pulls back Zero's head, and violently forces it forward, slamming it into the turnbuckle, although McHannon manages to get a hand up to soften some of the blow. Zero then drives an elbow into Adrien's jaw, then drives Cochrane's head into the turnbuckle instead -turnabout is fair play. A struggle ensues in the corner, as the two superstars continue to drive each other's head into the padded turnbuckle and befuddle themselves in the process. Blake Jones once again looks up with blurred vision and watches the ongoing struggle and test of mental fortitude, and immediately shakes his head to clear the cobwebs. He takes his time with his recovery, but pushes himself up to his feet all the while. Blake takes running start before charging at the two in the corner and suddenly jumps into the air, driving out his legs and slamming the soles of his boots into the backs of both Cochrane and McHannon, sending both competitors into the turnbuckle simultaneously, before they drop to the canvas, with Jones joining them right after.

With all three men motionless, the referee takes into consideration the official rules of the match, and begins a ten count;

"ONE"

"TWO"

"THREE"

"FOUR"

Dick Morosi: This is a Main Event quality match. It's been jam packed with action and it's anybodies ballgame.

Seth Ericson: It's such a close match already, and all three guys are practically even with each other. The young Blake Jones has proven he can hang with these two veterans.

Dick Morosi: The contest is well into it's second leg now. This is where they'll have to dig down deep. A World Championship bout hangs in the balance.

Zero McHannon breaks the ref's count, slowly, and gradually climbing to a vertical base, with Adrien Cochrane not too far behind. The latter is greeted by a stiff jab from the White Knight, Zero following up with a stiff kick for a good measure. Hoping to connect again, he swings his leg at the reeling Louisianan , only this time the adept athlete and wrestler captures the incoming leg. AC quickly tucks his head under Zero's armpit, and upon grasping and bending the Flordian's leg, the member of the now defunct EXODUS Seikigun hoists his adversary into the air. Cochrane slams his foe downward, driving the former LEGION member into his exposed knee. McHannon winces and yelps in pain before hobbling to the ropes following the Shin Breaker, an artful, well-timed counter - the Dropkick King intends to further capitalize, as he charges at his foe and Clotheslines him over the ropes, the violent collision of forearm and chest ending with Zero landing unceremoniously on the floor.

While Cochrane momentarily relishes in his own triumph, Blake Jones regains a vertical base. He plods toward the oblivious New Orleans native, and quickly strikes him with a stiff blow as he turns around, cracking him in the temple with a forearm. The Young Gun follows up with a flesh wrenching chop, stripping the air from Adrien's lungs and reddening his chest upon impact,. After a quick, malicious knee to the gut, Blake has Jones staggering into the ropes, where he inflicts further damage, as he slams his elbow into his opponent's skull. With the Dropkick King dazed and weakened, Blake takes a hold of his arm before launching him across the ring with an Irish Whip, then advances to the center of the squared circle as his antagonist rebounds. He steps forward with a Clothesline, but he is unable to connect as Adrien ducks; Cochrane keeps his momentum going as he approaches the ropes. As the incognizant, recovering McHannon rises on the outside, Adrien dives over the ropes, plummeting down on top of his unsuspecting target - both men lie on the floor in a heap following the gravity defying plancha.

The Young Gun takes the opportunity to recuperate and regain his stamina, burying the air deep into the bottom of his lungs before gazing out of the ring, his eyes locking on his two opponents who simultaneously begin to regain their bearings. The two enemies - turned friends -tuned enemies - turned friends, quickly engage in fisticuffs, with neither man paying any attention to the lone superstar in the ring who begins to move toward their position, full steam ahead. As the slugfest ensues, Jones dives through the ropes, torpedoing trough the electricity in the atmosphere and landing like a human needle into his two opponent's - taking out two birds with one stone, as all three men remain scattered across the floor.

Dick Morosi: Jones... Jones.... And AWAY! The Suicide Dive connects and this young kid is stealing the show Seth.

Seth Ericson: He's putting on a fantastic performance, all concede that. But will he be able to emerge the number one contender, that's the question Dick. I don't think he'll be able to, but he's sure putting forth quite the effort.

Dick Morosi: I'm done counting this man out. He survived the War Games, has proven that he can rise to the occasion, and is a rising star in this business.

Seth Erickson: I'll tell you one thing, his stock will skyrocket if he can out-last both Adrien Cochrane AND Zero McHannon!

Cochrane is the first to feet, a few seconds before Jones, and the former quickly grapples the latter by the head before landing a knee to the gut. He then delivers a punishing blow to the Young Gun, viciously slamming his head across the security barrier. As the befuddled Philadelphian bounces off, Cochrane slowly rolls the Middle Weight back into the ring. As Adrien tries to re-enter the ring himself, he is interrupted by a now recovered McHannon, who clubs him across the lower back before dragging him off the apron and landing a vicious European Uppercut, dazing him upon impact. Zero quickly grabs Cochrane's arm before pulling him forward, launching the Dropkick King straight at the steel stairs, where he collides with them shoulder first, his body going lifeless soon afterward. With the Louisianan tentatively subtracted from the equation, McHannon crawls back inside the ring. With Jones still inert, Zero slithers into the nearest corner, gradually pulling himself before ascending the top rope. Standing, perched at the apex of the turnbuckle, Zero waits for Jones to rise, and when he does so, the Floridian leaps off the top. Either possessing spider senses, or having the maneuver scouted beyond his years, Jones quickly steps to the side, before thrusting his leg out, blasting the incoming Zero in the face with a jaw-busting Superkick. Fatigued, an unable to cover, Jones slowly slides into the far corner, struggling to pull himself up to his feet, yet managing to muster the necessary strength and will power. Having silenced the loud-mouthed McHannon, and put himself into the driver's seat, Blake soaked into the moment, listening to the crowd that was on it's feet and roaring in approval of his recent attack. Now on his twos, Jones steps through the ropes, stepping out of the confines of the squared circle and onto the ring apron. He readies himself there, looking to get the monkey off his back and instantly catapult himself into the upper echelon of EXODUS, and the Main Event of No Church in the Wild. Keeping his eyes on McHannon, Blake chomps at the bit, almost itching and jumping out of his boots. As Zero slowly regains a vertical base, Blake gears begin to turn.

With haste and vigor, Jones pulls himself up onto the top ring rope, before springboarding back inside the squared hell at the turning McHannon, looking for the Jones Equation and that decisive, career making victory. Oddly enough, Zero is now the one turning the tables, as he catches Jones in mid-air, catching his legs before slamming the Young Gun into the canvas - Blake's head violently, and awkwardly bounces off the canvas, and his body goes lifeless, giving the White Knight all he needs to turn him over. And he does just that, as McHannon rolls his foe onto his belly, and strategically steps over him, before squatting down to execute the Liontamer. Jones's screams follow right after, and the crowd is a mixed bag of emotions, as half of them are impressed by the turn of events and are ultimately captivated by the contest, while the other half looks on in despair as their young hero's opportunity at superstardom seems to be dwindling.

Seth Ericson: SHOWTIME! SHOWTIME! What a counter Dick! Zero McHannon counters the Jones Equation with Showtime and he's got Jones right where he wants him.

Dick Morosi: Right in the center of the ring, and the ropes are so far away. Can he make it there. A World Championship match is at stake here.

Seth Ericson: This means everything to Zero, as much as it does Jones, and you know McHannon would love to make him tap out here. That'll put an end to their rivalry for sure, and give Zero all the bragging rights!

But Jones refuses to tap, despite the physical anguish apparent on his face, and the searing pain shooting down his spinal region. With the crowd stamping their feet and cheering, he slowly begins crawling toward the ropes, inch -by - inch, fingernails digging into the mat, face dragging on the canvas, before he's within reach of the bottom cable. He desperately extends his hand, his protruding limb grazing the bottom cable repeatedly - yet he is unable to fully grasp it to break the hold. Salvation is then taken away from him, as McHannon lifts up enough to drag him back into the center of the ring, before sitting back down and pulling back, stretching Jones as much as he physically can. Hearing the screams, and sensing the match slipping, Adrien Cochrane rolls back inside the ring, and immediately makes a bee-line for Jones. Instead of breaking up the pinfall, he applies a submission of his own, trapping one of Blake's arms in his legs and encircling his hands around his face - the clasping of the hands follows, and the Crossface is locked in, the crowd igniting with resounding cheers in response to the cut-throat action, as Cochrane rears back, Jones helpless as his body is bent like a pretzel by the two submission maneuvers.

Dick Morosi: God God! The Dropkick King has come out of nowhere, and he's.... he's locked in a submission of his own!

Seth Ericson: Showtime... Crossface? Never thought I'd see something like this, what a match!

And not before long, Jones is finally forced to submit to the increased pressure and strain on his body, having endured all that a human being can possibly take. He taps out, and the bell immediately rings thrice, Zero and Cochrane releasing their victim and climbing to their feet respectively.

Dick Morosi: Blake Jones just tapped out, and we have a NEW number one contender Seth!

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but who?

Winner: ?!

Zero is standing just behind the curtains of the stage area, still sweating from his match, and cleaning himself off with a towel. He seems what to be annoyed and aggravated from the match. A few feet away is Adrien Cochrane, who is just as annoyed, drinking a bottle of Gatorade. Zero looks up with a raised eyebrow and questions Adrien’s presence.

Zero McHannon: Something you want, Adrien?

Adrien Cochrane: The same thing you want, Zero. I want to know what the hell is going to happen with the number one contendership if they didn’t want to award it to one of us.

He looks at Adrien, confused and a little baffled. Throwing the towel over his shoulder, he raises his head to his opponent from earlier that night.

Zero McHannon: What do you mean by that? I was clearly the better man out there tonight… I think it’s a clear decision on who is the number one contender to the World Championship.

Adrien Cochrane: I’m pretty sure I won that match as well. I clearly had Jones in a crossface. He tapped out from my submission.

Zero threw the towel from his shoulder onto the floor, taking a few steps closer to Adrien.

Zero McHannon: And I had Blake in my Showtime finisher. What are you trying to say, Adrien? You think he tapped out to your weak ass submission? Please… We all know he isn’t tapping to that. He tapped to me...

Adrien Cochrane: You might want to look at that tape again, Zero. I had his shoulder practically dislocating in my move.

Both men continue to stare down each other until Zero break the eye contact with a shake of his head and a quick look at the ground.

Zero McHannon: Screw this, you’re not taking away my chance to be World Champion, to face Heather, or say I didn’t win that match tonight. Everyone knows who the real fighter out there was, who put on the show… I was CLEARLY the best man, like it or not.

Adrien Cochrane: You were not “clearly” better than me out there. And you’re not taking that opportunity away from me either. It seems like we’ve reached an impasse. We both have a good case. We’re just going to have to leave this to one of the authority figures.

Zero couldn’t hold back a laugh.

Zero McHannon Authority figures, that’s pretty funny. Wonder what side they’ll take. You surprise me more and more everyday, man. Don’t tread on waters you don’t want involved in, take that for some wise words of wisdom. You have never been able to beat me, be better than me, and that will never change. Tonight was no damn different.

Adrien Cochrane: Don’t make the mistake of underestimating me like everyone else does. If you want to get back in that ring and settle this the old fashioned way, I’m all up for it. You didn’t beat me, and you never have. Until you can pin me or make me submit, you have nothing on me. You cannot say you are clearly better than me anymore than I can’t.

As they argue, from a corner turns Nicholas Gray, who doesn’t seem to notice them as he looks over some papers, munching on a kit-kat. He looks up at the two arguing, blinking.

Nicholas Gray: Uh...problem, fellas?

Zero McHannon: Yeah, small end of one… Adrien obviously thinks he won tonight. Go ahead and tell him I will be the one facing Heather for that World championship. Don’t take it easy on him, this isn’t Candy Land. Give him the truth.

Adrien Cochrane: I did win tonight. Why don’t you tell Zero here that I am facing Heather? I think he’s in denial here. I think he needs to hear it from someone else.

Zero mumbles under his breath, something that sounds like ‘arrogant asshole’, as he looks to Gray with Adrien.

Adrien Cochrane: I heard that. I’m just trying to get what I worked hard for and deserve.

Zero McHannon: Heard what? I didn’t say anything…

Adrien Cochrane: I work in a recording studio and am a musician. I have perfect hearing, dude.

Gray looks between the two, before slowly raising his hands.

Nicholas Gray: Uh...ask me in two weeks, guys?

Before the two can continue their yelling at one another (and in his direction), Gray slowly turns around...and takes off down the corridor. Zero and Adrien look at each other in annoyed confusion as the camera cuts to commercial.

Special Singles Match
Ryuji Kamigawa vs. Kliff Ulysses

As the bell tolls, echoes and fades away, the two competitors begin to circle the ring. Kamigawa's arms protrude toward Ulysses when the smaller man comes within reach, but Kliff is able to quickly slap them away. Ryuji puts his right hand up, spreading his fingers, prompting the Minnesotan to do the same -they lock hands, with Kliff twisting his opponent's arm and applying a severe amount of pressure on his wrist, causing the Monster in White to wince slightly. Clever, the Heavyweight manages to connect with a swift kick to Kliff's abdominal region, before grabbing his foe around the hair as he doubles over. The imposing behemoth quickly attempts a Clothesline, but the recovering Ulysses thwarts Ryuji's efforts as he ducks, reaches up to hook his opponent's arms, then drops to his knees and leans forward. Kamigawa shakes his head in refusal, firmly planting his feet into the mat to prevent the takedown, and preclude the progression into the Backslide Pin, frustrating, and flustering the Ultimate Entertainer. Exerting his will and power, Kamigawa forcefully breaks free from Kliff's grasp, then spins around to plunge his knee into the showman's solar plexus. Afterward, he victimizes the puro-striker with a Side Belly to Belly Suplex, dropping Ulysses on his head with malicious intent, and animosity. With Kliff sprawling, the hulking mass of humanity known that is Ryuji Kamigawa quickly mounts him before commencing to bombard the Minnesotan with a series of STIFF palm strikes to his rockstar mug, sending sweat flying in every direction from each blistering collision of hand and face. As if landing a lucky punch in the dark, Ulysses to grab one of Ryuji's arms, before trying to wrap his legs around his adversaries cranium. Kamigawa immediately rolls to the side to escape the would-be Triangle Choke -not a usual move in the Ultimate Entertainer's repertoire, yet nevertheless, an effective way for him to escape the aforementioned predicament.

Kamigawa wastes no time in charging at his adversary, extending his tree trunk arm out to the side in the process. The Clothesline id ducked and Kamigawa turns to collide with the flexible trio of ring cables, in which he exploits their elasticity to fire himself back toward his opponent. He charges forward and just his leg out, intending to re-arrange his foe's face, but the Kliff steps back and catches the protruding, incoming limb. He throws the captive boot to the side, coercing his opponent to rotate, where he inevitable spins around into a vicious elbow, then a second, delivered with an equal amount of malice and viciousness, followed by a stiff kick to the shin, ribs, and breadbasket. Kliff's flurry sends Kamigawa back into the ropes, where Ulysses waits for him to return fire. Bouncing off the ropes, a slightly dazed Kamigawa wildly lunges forward, playing into the Ultimate Entertainer's hands as Ulysses slaps his arm under that of his counterpart and deftly spins around -Ryuji is forced to somersault before landing supinely on the canvas with a thud, yet somehow he manages to spring back to his feet and immediately lunge forward again. Once more, Kliff scores with an Armdrag, much to the delight of the crowd and the dismay of his nemesis. The two competitors get back to their feet, with Kliff grabbling Ryuji's arm to attempt an Irish Whip, only to have it countered as Kamigawa launches him in the direction of the corner. The fleet of foot, St. Paul native runs to the corner and leaps onto the second turnbuckle, then immediately flies off with a cocked arm, aiming an elbow at the approaching God in White's head. Ryuji simply throws his adept leg up, plunging his massive boot into Kliff's visage and tarnishing his Hollywood countenance on impact.

Dick Morosi: Kamigawa scores with the Big Boot, what a kick to the face that was! Ulysses had no idea it was coming, and no way to prevent it from his airborne position.

Seth Ericson: Ulysses could have a concussion, whiplash, anything from that! That was a nasty shot, but it entertained the hell out of me. I wonder if that was what he had in plan, being the "Ultimate Entertainer" and all.

Dick Morosi: I highly doubt eating Kamigawa's boot was his intent.

Seth Ericson: I wouldn't doubt it, these rockstars are into a lot of weird stuff Dick.

The crowd groans as Kamigawa climbs to his feet, and pulls the motionless Ulysses a few feet from the ring cables. He quickly leaps up, jutting his legs out to drop his three hundred and twelve pound frame across Kliff's sternum with a Legdrop. He quickly covers for the pinfall.

"ONE"
"TWO"

Ulysses manages to roll a shoulder over, only to eat a forearm to the mouth for his effort, before Kamigawa rises back to a vertical base. The Japanese monster plods around his downed foe, marching to his antagonist's feet before grabbing them -he proceeds to lift back to catapult the much lighter wrestler toward the nearby corner. Kliff collides with the turnbuckles with a resounding thud, then remains there as his arms dangle over the ropes on either side of him, meanwhile Kamigawa scrambles back to his feet. Ryuji charges at the dazed Entertainer, only to be caught in another one of his traps, as Ulysses, whom had possibly been playing possum, deftly maneuvers out of harms way, and counter with a knife edge chop. The Ric Fliar "WOO" chants fill the RIMAC, as Ulysses fires a second, and then a third chop, before swinging his leg up to connect with a devastating Enziguiri that drops the towering bruiser to a knee. Scrambling back to a stand, Ulysses quickly leans into the ropes, then bounces off, immediately extending his knee toward Kamigawa's brainpan which hands askew. Unable to protect himself, the aforementioned Osaka native's head is once again assaulted and brutalized, as Ulysses scores with the Shining Wizard, sending the Japanese star to the canvas.

Dick Morosi: What a sequence of events right there. Kliff Ulysses pulled that out of the rabbit's hat so to speak. What a knee strike!

Seth Ericson: How the hell was able to do that Dick?

Dick Morosi: Now you know a magician never reveals his tricks Seth. You just have to keep watching and let him amaze.

A rejuvenated Ulysses grabs his opponent around the head and arms and drags him to a vertical base. Kliff slides around the Heavyweight's waist and pulls back to attempt a German Suplex, but he is unable to lift his large foe into the air as Kamigawa plants his feet to avoid the maneuver. The latter grabs his aggressor's wrist and spins out of the rear waistlock -now standing side to side with his opponent, he throws an elbow into Kliff's face, momentarily stunning him. Following a knee to the gut, he reaches over the doubled Minnesotan, and applies a waistlock of his own, before lifting the EXODUDS original off the canvas. He holds him in the air, swinging him from side to side to build suspense and leave the audience awestruck by his might, before lifting Ultimate Entertainer overhead and turning to slam him into the canvas with an authoritative Gutwrench Suplex. Ryuji rolls away and rests for a moment as the effects of the knee strike he suffered moments ago catches up to him, his brain beginning to assimilate the damage sustained as he receives a painful headrush.

Kamigawa attempts to shake off his head trauma, but remains motionless, until he finally begins to stir. Due to the painful sensation in his noggin his unaware that his adversary has rolled onto his chest and is attempting to get back to his feet as well. Ryuji uses the full support of the ring ropes to get back to his feet, and immediately advances toward his foe. He reaches toward Ulysses, only to have Kliff slap his arms away, then bring a forearm up to clash into Ryuji's hamstring, sweeping him off his feet in one fluid motion. The Ultimate Entertainer rolls to the side before rising to a kneeling position, and then finally to a stand as he attempt to keep the ball in his court. Kliff charges forward, then leaps into the air and extend his legs -he juts out his boots and plants them into a rising Kamigawa's chest, sending him staggering into the corner with a stupendous Dropkick. Maintaining his advantage, he charges the corner, quickly and vigorously swinging his elbow and connecting with a THUNDEROUS strike to the side of Ryuji's head. As the sound of the elbow strike echoes throughout the RIMAC arena, and reverberates in the back of the Japanese behemoth's head, Ulysses follows up, beginning a chain of STIFF elbows.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE…

FOUR…

FIVE…

SIX…

SEVEN…

EIGHT….

NINE…

Dick Morosi: Good God, what a devastating combination! Kamigawa is slumped in the corner. He probably doesn't even know where he's at.

Seth Ericson: He's in a slobber knocker with one of the hardest hitting men in the business, and he's about to experience the full effects of Helios!

The crowd roars in approval as Kliff scampers into the center of the ring, abandoning his dizzied, dazed and bewildered opponent for a moment. He plays up to the lively audience, getting the RIMAC fully behind him before charging back into the corner. In mid-dash, he leaps onto the ropes, in preparation to build momentum for his leap, yet has the said attempt countered as what seemed to be a debilitated, and vegetated Kamigawa wraps a claw around his throat. In one swift motion, the man with the Yakuza tats swings Kliff back down to the canvas, slamming him with tremendous force as the Chokeslam shakes the ring. As the Minnesotan slowly rolls into the center of the ring, Kamigawa takes a moment to convalesce, violently shaking his head to break the pain-filled trance that plagues his faculties. Having recuperated enough, he slowly ascends up the turnbuckle, and gradually reaches the second level of the proverbial mountaintop, sneering down at his opponent and at the fans who boo vociferously. A "God's and Monsters" chant breaks out in the rafters, but goes unacknowledged by the co-leader of the faction as he continues to stare down at his sprawling foe with a murderous, truculent expression on his visage. Without a moment longer to waste, Ryuji thrusts himself off the second rope, freefalling and plummeting over his inert foe. Kliff's carcass suddenly comes to life, as he manages to roll out of the way at the eleventh hour -just in time to avoid the Diving Headbutt as Kamigawa greets the canvas with the face.

Kamigawa remains prone following his epic face-plant, while Ulysses lays on his side, breathing in relief that he wasn't hit with the aforementioned aerial maneuver. Both men remain motionless, forcing the referee to move into the center of the ring to check on their respective physical conditions. After briefly examining the two competitors, the striped shirt official begins his ten count.

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

Kamigawa slowly recuperates as he lifts his head up and surveys the landscape, his eyes falling on Ulysses who begins to stir himself.

"FIVE"
"SIX"

Ulysses rolls onto his knees and keep his palm dug into the canvas in an effort to keep himself upright, then slowly crawls toward the ropes and uses them to aid himself in transitioning to an elevated position. Kamigawa follows suit, and the movement of bodies forces the referee to abruptly cease his count. Both combatants make their way toward the opposite side of the ring, lunging forward and latching onto a bit of the ring ropes, Ryuji catching the bottom while Kliff latches onto the top. The former makes the first advancement, stepping forward with a raised leg. Kliff turns and side steps, sending Ryuji into the ropes where he is immediately trapped like a fly in an arachnid's web. As the muscle from Osaka tries to pry himself free from his state of captivity, the Ultimate Entertainer makes a rush to the near ropes. He leaps onto the middle rope, then turns and catapults himself toward his helpless adversary; in mid-air he violently swings his leg in a semi-circular motion, with his boot colliding into Kamigawa's cranium with a stupendous, blistering force. The Disaster Kick lands flush, and with deadly precision, as the strike brings yet another gasp of awe and slight squeamish apprehension from the crowd, while the recipient of the vile strike falls from the ropes and collapses to the canvas.

Dick Morosi: Kliff Ulysses connects with another sick strike to the head! Kamigawa may be regretting joining Magnus Gunner, and the attack the beat-down he helped give two weeks ago.

Seth Ericson: As if his brain possess such functionality anymore. He skull has been shattered in pieces, only to have Ulysses glue it back together, to kick it again!

The Minnesotan quickly takes action once more, grabbing the wounded Kamigawa by the hair and lifting him back up. Ryuji is brought into the middle of the ring, where Ulysses has his head held in his arm, and with handful of the Japanese star's slacks, then makes for a Vertical Suplex. It is interrupted during the set-up as Ryuji drives a series of right hands into his foe's ribs, forcing the Ultimate Entertainer to relinquish his grasp. Given a window of opportunity, Kamgiawa capitalizes, as he grapples Kliff by the head before stabbing his head forward and driving it into his opponent's -the meeting of minds, and colliding of craniums echoes through the RIAMC as Kliff's knees buckle from the impact of the headbutt. Kamigawa himself, staggers in place, clearly dazed and feeling the effects of the maneuver, which only compound with the head trauma he's already suffered in the contest. He backpedals a few feet, before suddenly charging forward, releasing a fiendish cry as he violently swings his forearm and slams it into Kliff's chest, turning him inside out with the devastating Clothesline.

Seth Ericson: AYA-CHAN BOMBER! Holy Hell what ferocity, what hatred, what aggression!

Dick Morosi: That could be the death blow right there Seth. He got all of that, I mean he cleaned his clock!

Ulysses falls into a trance as his carcass turns over , his body going numb as the perfectly executed Clothesline gives Kamigawa plenty of time to drop down and crawl on top of him. The latter hooks one of Kliff's legs, and watches as the referee slides into position to begin the count.

Dragon falls into a trance, staring at the ceiling while his body goes numb. The effects of the perfectly-executed throw give Winthorp plenty of time to roll over and crawl on top of the downed Tennessean. The Italian Goth hooks one of MD's legs and watches as the referee slides into position to begin the count.

"ONE"

"TWO"

Ulysses throws a shoulder up to break the pinfall attempt, infuriating the belligerent man in suit and bow-tie. Ryuji grapples him around the head, then begins pulling him up, but only to receive a punch to the breadbasket, and then one to the ribs. Slightly stunned, Kamigawa is an easy victim to a STIFF forearm shot, as Ulysses swings upward and hits him in the chin with a European Uppercut, knocking the Japanese bruiser off his feet and sending him to mat hard, yet Kamigawa gets up quickly. He stumbles toward the far ropes - Kliff waiting all the while for the opportune moment to strike, and it finally comes when the sharp dressed delinquent turns around to lean on the ropes. The Ultimate Entertainer charges at that moment, then hurries across the ring before sticking out his arm and swinging it forward. A battle weary Kamigawa counters the attack, as he simply lunges forward head first, taking advantage of his foe's exposed torso, connecting with a battering ram headbutt. The collision of noggin and chest sends Kliff flying back to the canvas; he uses the momentum to roll back, and then climb to a knee, meanwhile Kamigawa charges forward, swinging his clenched fist-save for his extended right thumb like a sword. Kliff manages to circumvent the Kabukicho Lullaby, and the whiff forces Ryuji to spin out of control. When the larger man pivots and turns, Ulysses immediately bend forward to lift him onto his shoulders in a Fireman's Carry, bringing the crowd to it's feet in response to the impressive feat of strength -and more importantly, in anticipation for one of the Minnesotan's finishing maneuvers. Astute, and displaying his ring awareness, Ryuji exploits his ring positioning to reach out and grasp the top rope, preventing Ulysses from swinging into his TKO variant. Persistent, the man formerly known as the Humanoid Typhoon desperately tries to pull his foe off the ropes, but his efforts are fruitless. Forced to settle, he pops his hips before tossing the large athlete over the ropes; Kamigawa, still holding onto ropes, swinging himself down onto the apron brace his fall, before rolling down and crashing onto the floor in a sweat filled heap.

As Ulysses drops down to a knee, the referee counts.

"ONE"

Kamigawa remains on the floor.

"TWO"

Ryuji begins stirring, while Kliff looks on, unable to do much else but mutter obscenities and dare him to get back into the ring.

"THREE"
"FOUR"
"FIVE"

Kamigawa gets to one knee, breathing heavily, passing a hand over his soak filled suit as he stares into the ring.

"SIX"
"SEVEN"


With a deep breath, Ryuji finally climbs to a vertical base, as does Kliff who continues to look on from inside the ring, crouched in a fighting stance, waiting for his nemesis to bring it to him again.

"EIGHT"

Dick Morosi: What the hell is he waiting for?

Ryuji merely stands motionless, before his face suddenly curls into a wicked, villainous smile that confuses the Ultimate Entertainer.

"NINE"
"TEN"

Seth Ericson: He INTENTIALLY got counted out. I don't understand Dick. Perhaps Ulysses gave him all he could handle tonight.

David Zinkus: The winner of this match via countout, Kliff Ulysses!

Ulysses remains in the ring, not even acknowledging his victory, as he is unsatisfied by the means he obtained it, and more importantly, is still bewildered by his opponent. Meanwhile, Kamigawa remains smiling, until all quickly becomes clear. The boos and jeers of the audience alerts the Ultimate Entertainer, as the Loaded Pistol comes marching down the aisle, a mischievous smirk etched on his facial features as he quickly joins his brethren at ringside.

Dick Morosi: That's why! This was the plan all along. Gunner has been tormenting Ulysses since the end of their match at Endgame, when he blasted his FORMER friend in the face with a Steel Chair. Two week ago he intentionally cost them the Tag Team Champions, and now he and Kamigawa look to send another message.

Seth Ericson: They're entering the ring. They're going to rip him apart!

As articulated by Ericson, Gunner and Kamigawa slide into the ring. Not backing down, not afraid, Ulysses attempts to fend them off, laying boots to both superstars, then trapping a rising Gunner in the corner and raining down on him with a flurry of fists. The numbers game quickly catches up with him though, as Kamigawa strikes him in the back of the head with a STIFF elbow, then drags Ulysses off of his cohort, trapping him into a Full Nelson, only to bring him down into a sickening backbreaker. Ulysses writhes in pain as a result of Kamigawa's Jitte, as Gunner merely slumps down in the corner, laughing maniacally as he revels in his former best friends discomfort. The Master of Madness merely observes as Ryuji continues the assault, mounting the Minnesotan before choking him with one hand, and striking him with devastating palm strikes with the other - the audience looking on in horror as the hero is being maimed in front of them.

Dick Morosi: What a heinous, sickening assault! You've made your point! That's enough. You've already taken everything from the man. Cost him the tag team champions, spoiled his return. What are they trying to prove?

Seth Ericson: You expect me to know what Gunner is thinking? This is just fun for him. Look, he's laughing and enjoying it. It's all a game.

Gunner, motions to Kamigawa, prompting Ryuji to release Ulysses who merely goes spread-eagle on the canvas. As Kamiagwa backs away, Magnus steps forward, the demented, maniacal smile still etched on his face, as he oozes and radiates with a malevolent aura. He begins to stalk his former friend, the man who was like a brother to him, finding enjoyment in Kliff's acute state of pain. Arrogantly, he repeatedly taps Ulysses in the head with his boot, garnering the hatred of the crowd. Still showing his tenacity, and fighting spirit, Kliff quickly rises and drives Gunner into the ropes with a shoulder tackle, then throws wild lefts and rights that land flush. He gives knuckle sandwiches to Kamigawa as well, but once again his comeback is brought to an end, this time by a low blow from the Michigan madman as he drops Ulysses to a knee. With the opportunity to strike, Kamigawa does so, hatefully driving his right thumb into the Ultimate Entertainer's carotid artery, eliciting horrified gasps from the crowd as the Kabukicho Lullaby incapacitates the crowd's hero.

Seth Ericson: Good God Kamigawa could have just killed him. They've just taken out Kliff Ulysses AGAIN! And if I'm Sally Talfourd, are you really going to wrestle Magnus Gunner tonight, with Andreas Lasiewicz not in the arena tonight?

Dick Morosi: She'll compete because she has pride, because she's not afraid.

Seth Ericson: Kliff Ulysses wasn't afraid either, and look what just happened to him. This may be a precursor of things to come. Gunner and Kamigawa seem like they're exterminating the roster, and who the hell can stop them?

Smiling, Gunner marches toward Kliff's head, laughing hysterically. He slowly drop down to a knee, posing in his infamous crucifix, while Ryuji stand behind him, arms folded over his sternum, the "G&M: logo carved into his flesh glistening under the lights of the RIMAC as the crowd continues to boo.

Winner: Kliff Ulysses

Backstage, the place is buzzing as yet another Exodus show takes off. People running round, busy (or acting busy, so as to keep their job). And it’s here we find the amazing and championship belt-adorned Sally Talfourd, looking all ready and waiting for her match. While it’s later in the night, there’s no stopping a woman on a mission. Into the shot steps Tom Matheny, microphone at the ready.

Tom Matheny: Sally Talfourd, not long until game time - any last thoughts?

Sally Talfourd: Last thoughts?

Sally reaches over, takes up Tom’s tie between her fingers, rub it to test the quality.

Sally Talfourd: Who told you that tie was a good match for that shirt?

Tom Matheny: I did. I thought it went well.

Sally Talfourd: No, Tom. That’s a crime, that combination.

She tucks the tie back into the jacket, then pats him on the chest.

Sally Talfourd: As for the match, not much to say I guess. I think Gunner and I have probably spoken enough for everyone. At the end of the night, it’s a big match for him, big match for me, and we’ll both want the win.

Tom Matheny: Any raised expectations from previous matches now that you’re a champion?

Sally Talfourd: I’d be lying if I said no. I guess the fans expect more, as do I. I’m representing more than myself now, so I have to step up. I guess that the only person who isn’t expecting that much from me is Magnus.

Tom brings the mic back to himself.

Tom Matheny: What about this new faction - Gods and Monsters? Are they going to replace LEGION as the biggest threat to Exodus?

Sally looks a little concerned at the mention of them. She adjusts her belt, probably to comfort and remind herself that she’s not all that helpless in the face of this new threat.

Sally Talfourd: Perhaps, perhaps. It really depends what they do and how they go about their business these next few shows, you know? How big of an impact they make. I’m sure they’ll be looking to dominate, but so did LEGION. I guess the best way to nullify that threat is for EXODUS to step up and fight for what’s right ... again.

Tom Matheny: And who’s going to do that fighting?

Sally half-shrugs, playing coy as to who that might happen to be.

Sally Talfourd: I don’t know. Let’s just hope they can get the job done, you know?

Sally gives Tom a pat on the shoulder, then checks out his shirt-tie combo. She walks off, shaking her head, as Matheny is left there, dumbfounded as to what the problem is as we go to commercial.