• Non-Title Singles
• Jonathan Rhine
• versus
• Christian Darke

I was a highwaman

The crowd goes ballistic as NEW LIFE shows on the FUSEWall and the drawling voice of Johnny Cash plays over the loudspkears.

Along the coach roads I did ride
With a sword and pistol by my side

# AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! #

*BOOM!*

There's an explosion of pyro as Johnny Cash's "Highwayman" quickly switches to Strata's "Piece by Piece." The music kicks into a heavy riff and the singer screams loudly, and as the smoke fades Jonathan Rhine walks towards the ring, looking around at the arena with a large smile on his face, his arms raised to the side.

Myers: Making his way to the ring, weighing in at 238 pounds from New Orleans, Louisiana...'THE NEW LIFE' JONAAATHAAANNN RHIIIIIIIIIIINE!

I found these plastic parts and wires
Let's split me open at the seams
And rip out everything inside
Make room for all these new machines

Rhine offers a knowing smile to the crowd as he walks down to the ring, shaking hands with the fans. Pointing at SKYE as if to thank her for the introduction, Rhine approaches ringside.

Sew me up, pray that I survive
A brand new me
Piece by piece

As the music slows down for a second, hitting chilling notes, Rhine leaps over the top rope and lands in the middle of the ring just in time for the hard-hitting chorus and some more impressive pyro.

*BOOM!*

Stay here and watch me bleed
Watch me bleed
It's a brand new me, piece by piece
Piece by...
Piece

Rhine throws out his hands, turning and soaking up the reaction, then leans against the ropes and mentally prepares for his match.

We don't need lights in here, do we?? Didn't think so.? They spiral off, counter-clockwise, all the way from the upper deck down to the mega-bucks ringside seats.

[The lights in the arena go out. The sound of laughter echoes throughout the arena. There is a hissing sound and the spray painted letters 'CD' show up on the FUSEWire. Smoke begins to pour from the mouth of the entrance way and strobe lights begin to flash rapidly. 'Trip Like I Do' by The Crystal Method begins to blare.]

Ring Announcer: Now introducing, from Toronto, Ontario Canada. He stands at six feet, four inches. He weighed in at 241 pounds! He is 'The Lord of the Asylum' Chriiiistttttttiaaannnnnnn Daaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkke.

[A shadowy figure emerges from behind the strobe lights. He raises his arms into the air. The crowd boos as the heavily tattooed fighter steps to the top of the ramp. Christian smirks, smiling as the crowd boos, soaking in their hatred. He wears a black hooded sweatshirt with the zipper undone, he also wears his wrestling shorts.]

I've got the understanding of a 4-year-old
I've got the piece of mind of a killer soul
I've got the rationale of a New York cop
I've got the patience of a chopping block
Yeah, trip like I do, trip like I do (oh my god this is the best)

[Christian walks down to the ring slowly. He slides under the bottom rope. He stands in the middle of the ring and looks around at the crowd as they continue to boo him. A smirk crosses his face as he walks to the corner. He climbs to the second turnbuckle. He raises his arms over his head in an X.]

I've got the acumen of a seasoned pro
I've got the lack of say of a billion souls
I've got the world on my back but I don't seem to care
I've got the comprehension of a world unaware
Yeah, trip like i do, trip like I do (oh my god this is the best)

[Christian steps down from the ropes. He slumps back into the corner and stares at his opponent as the lights return to the arena and his music cuts off.]

Gibson: Okay, lets get this match under way!

Ware: Yeah, I wanna see Rhine get his ass handed to him.

Gibson: Well, the New Life is in for quite the challenge.

Jonathan Rhine and Christian Darke meet in the middle of the ring. Darke has an angry look on his face as Rhine is quiet, confidant. Quick as a flash, Darke slaps Rhine!

Gibson: That was uncalled for.

Ware: Darke's just making the relationship clear.

Gibson: Relationship?!

Ware: Yeah. He's the master and Rhine's the bitch.

Gibson: I have a feeling you'll be eating those words soon.

Rhine just coldly stares at Darke, who still has a grimace on his face. He goes to do it again… But his hand is caught by Rhine! Rhine places his other hand just above Darke's elbow while planting his hip against him, sending Darke flipping over and onto his backside. Rhine's quick to follow up, slapping on an armbar. Darke struggles, but can't seem to break free. Rhine pulls him to his feet, armbar still applied. He goes for a katihijime, but Darke bolts out of the ring the moment he's released.

Gibson: Looks like Darke almost got caught.

Ware: Yeah, but he's got superior ring tactics!

Gibson: He's getting back in the ring.

The two lock up, struggling with each other. They hit the corner with Darke in control. Referee Aaron Rogers tries to force the break. To nobody's surprise, Darke plows Rhine upside the head with a punch. With Rhine stunned, Darke locks in a front face lock, lifting Rhine to the top. They both come crashing down to the mat with a superplex from Darke.

Ware: Holy crap, what a freakin' superplex! There's no way Jonathan Rhine can recover!

Gibson:It definitely did hurt Rhine.

Darke rolls over for a one armed cover!
ONE!...



TWO!. Kickout!

Darke gets to his feet and goes after Rhine, stomping away at his head. Rogers makes him back off as Rhine makes the ropes, but Darke quickly jumps back onto Rhine, locking in a Crossface Chicken Wing. Since they were already in the ropes, Rogers gives Darke five to break. He does, pulling Rhine to his feet, hitting a few punches. He whips Rhine into the ropes, hitting a Cradle suplex off the rebound.

Ware: Dear GOD, what a suplex! It's over, Jonathan Rhine's back just might be broken!

Gibson: Get real! It was a nice move, but Jonathan Rhine's far too tough to be done in by that.

Ware: You're so full of crap...

Jonathan Rhine pulls himself to his feet. Darke starts to make his way towards Rhine, but is surprised by a spinning wheel kick almost out of nowhere! Darke is knocked loopy, but Rhine is still slow to get to his feet. Both men get to their feet. Darke throws a punch which connects. Rhine retaliates with a middle kick to the ribs. Darke throws another punch, albeit a weaker one this time. Rhine sends another kick to Darke's ribs, doubling him over this time. Rhine hooks in and executes a finisherman's suplex!

ONE!…



TW-- Kickout!

They both get to their feet with Darke attempting a vertical suplex. Rhine slips out back and plants Darke with a release German Suplex. Darke clutches his neck on the ground, but The New Life picks him back up. Rhine hits an overhead belly to belly on Darke. Rhine then raises his arms, getting cheers and turning his back to his opponent. Then, Rhine flips backwards in a moonsault, driving his knee across Darke's throat. Darke spazes around on the mat, clutching at both his neck and throat.

Gibson: New Life Moonsault! What a move!

Ware: Come on, Darke. Get up!

Rhine goes for the cover!

ONE!…



TWO!…



THREE! NO! Darke managed to get a shoulder up at the last moment. Jonathan Rhine gets to his feet and goes after Darke. Darke's quick to roll Rhine up, however, using the tights for leverage.

ONE!…



TWO!.. Kickout!

Gibson: You can't beat Jonathan Rhine like that.

Ware: Sure you can, if you do it three or four times.

As Rhine tries to get to his feet, the Lord of the Asylum takes him right back down with a Falcon Arrow. He climbs to the top, letting Rhine start to get to his feet. After Rhine turns around, Darke flies off the top with a missile dropkick! Unfortunately for him, Rhine dodges at the last second. Both men slowly get to their feet, with Rhine making his way to the top and hitting the Breathtaker.

Gibson: Wonderful looking flipping bulldog by Jonathan Rhine!

Ware: Damn it, I didn't even get to see Rhine's spine shatter!

Gibson: … From the Falcon Arrow?

Ware: Naturally.

Jonathan Rhine gets to his feet, with Christian Darke staggering to his. Darke turns right into Rhine, getting locked into a Reverse Tiger Suplex. When Darke gets to his feet, he's peppered with three rights, followed by a quick turning elbow to the face.

Gibson: Down goes Darke with a nice looking elbow.

Ware: Nice nothing! I thought Christian's nose was gonna explode!

The New Life takes a step back from the groggy Christian Darke. As Darke finally does gather himself, Rhine charges at him with a flying enziguire. Darke manages to duck at the last second, quickly locking in a figure four. The referee first goes to check on Rhine, looking for a submission. As he checks Rhine, Darke reaches back for the ropes, using them for leverage.

Gibson: What the hell?! Come on Rogers, keep your eyes on the big picture!

Ware: Hey, Darke just knows how to pick his spots!

The camera focuses on Darke, who still has a hold of the ropes. Rogers circles around, with Darke releasing the ropes at the last second. Rogers notices the ropes shaking, and makes Darke break the hold. Rhine makes it to his feet. No sooner than he does, Darke blasts Rhine right in the jaw with a thrust kick, causing him to drop like a sack of bricks. The Lord of the Asylum quickly drops onto Rhine for the cover.

ONE!…



TWO!…



TH-- Kickout!

Darke pounds on the mat out of frustration. He jerks Rhine to his feet, putting him right back down with a Russian Legsweep. Darke quickly climbs up top before coming off with a frog splash.

Gibson: Damn, that was an admittedly nice looking frog splash.

Ware: Aw come on. Darke has this one won. You'll see, and then you'll have to shut your mouth when it comes to the Lord of the Asylum!

Rhine pulls himself to his feet with the assistance of the ring ropes. This turns out to be a mistake as Darke slips onto the apron. Before Rhine can react, Christian locks in Tarantula.

Ware: Tarantula! There's no escape from this!

Rogers makes Duncan break the hold before the five count to avoid disqualification.

Gibson: Except that.

Christian Darke pulls Rhine to his feet, pounding away before applying a Gordbuster. The ref tries to check Rhine, but Darke goes right back to it. He grabs Rhine by the hair, pulling him to the middle of the ring before hitting a Death Valley Driver. Rhine seems out of it on the mat. Darke locks in an elevated Boston Crab, causing Rhine to yell in pain.

Gibson: This move is a tough one to break out of. Rhine might be done for!

Ware: Damn right he is!

Rhine, to the surprise of just about everyone, manages to power out of it. Christian Darke plants a few right hands on Jonathan Rhine's jaw before pulling him to his feet. Darke whips him into the ropes, but is met with a boot to the stomach. Rhine locks Darke's arms under him before lifting him up and dropping him down in a powerbomb.

Gibson: Cross-Arm Powerbomb! Excellent move!

Ware: He's too tired to cover though! Come on Darke, get up! Gibson: What's SHE doing here?

Appearing through the entranceway is Sarah Riley, Cyrus Raynes' manager and Jonathan Rhine's... psychiatrist. Yeah. Psychiatrist. She's dressed professionally, with her hair pulled back in a severe bun and her eyes impassive behind cat's-eye eyeglasses.

Ware: I'd like to sit on her couch!

Gibson: Rhine rolls over for the count....


ONE!!





TW---

Gibson: No! He waited too long!

Katie Malick looks over her shoulder -- she heard the mixed reaction to the psychiatrist -- and her brows knit in confusion. But she doesn't have time to dwell.

Gibson: Rhine back up to his feet! Christian Darke joins him -- RHINE! Rhine off the ropes with a reverse neckbreaker! Jonathan Rhine is the crispest, fastest man I've seen in many years, Eugene!

Ware: He's okay.

Gibson: Rhine runs up the corner and -- DARKE! CHRISTIAN DARKE PULLED THE DAMN REFEREE IN THE WAY! Rhine just hit the corkscrew dropkick -- on the referee!

Ware: Disqualification! Disqualification! "Here is your winner, the Lord of the Asylum, Christian Darke!"

Gibson: It doesn't work like that, Eugene!

Ware: It should! I am Eugene Ware and I secretly run FUSE!

Gibson: Jon Rhine checking on the fallen Aaron Rogers, and Darke climbs up to his feet -- he's waiting for Rhine, who turns around and -- WHAM! WHAM! Leg lariat takedown! Leg lariat from Christian Darke takes Jon Rhine down!

Ware: Jon is a dead man with no referee.

Gibson: YOU can call him "Jonathan."

Ware: But you just said "Jon"-- er, the other name.

Gibson: And I get to use the kid's real name! Darke to the outside, he's got a chair! He's got a damn steel chair!

Ware: I'm sorry -- I don't see that. I told you before we came on the air -- there's something wrong with this equipment ESPN gave us.

Gibson: Darke up to the apron! Malick desperately trying to wake up Aaron Rogers! And Sarah Riley is down at ringside, too!

Ware: This guy sure has some hot [beeps], doesn't he?

Christian Darke is perched on the top rope, the chair dangling from his grasp. Katie Malick shakes the referee in the ring. Jonathan Rhine climbs to his feet, using the ropes for an assist.

Rhine turns.

Gibson: Sarah! Sarah Riley just snatched that chair away from Christian Darke!

Ware: See, she's a good girl.

Gibson: Darke shares a glare with Sarah Riley on the floor and leaps and -- DIVING BULLDOG! Diving bulldog headlock by the Lord of the Asylum!

Ware: Now go get you some of that wench on the floor!

Gibson: Darke to the outside have some words with Sarah Riley! He's trying to get that chair back!

"Give me that, bitch!" Christian Darke shouts.

THHHHHWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCK!

Gibson: GOOD GOD! GOOD GOD! Sarah just hit him with the damn chair!

Ware: That's my little vixen

[DINGDINGDING!]

Gibson: And the referee saw it! The referee saw it and calls for the bell!

Myers: The winner of this bout as a result of a disqualification... THE LORD OF THE ASYLUM!! CHRISSSSSSSTIANNNNN! DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARKE!!!

Jonathan Rhine didn't see it; he was too busy being all sorts of woozy from the diving bulldog from Darke.

But Katie Malick did.

Gibson: Malick over to ask Riley what she was thinking! Katie Malick and Sarah Riley having words on the floor!

"What were you thinking?" is the question that Jonathan's girlfriend/valet is asking.
Sarah professes her innocence. "I was just... it was instinct!"

Jon Rhine has rolled out of the ring, Katie goes to him, kneeling on the floor, to check on his condition. Sarah heads up the ramp -- her man's got a match in a few minutes.

If you look really closely, you can see the tiny smile curling at the corners of her lips.

"Trip Like I Do" by the Crystal Method plays over the loudspeakers as Darke gets back to his feet. He glares down at Katie Malick and Jonathan Rhine. Jon nods slowly, looking back up at the Lord of the Asylum.

Gibson: I sure would like to see those two go again, Eugene!

Ware: Me too! Then we'd be free from Jon-- athan Rhine for a long time!

Gibson: Fans, this is just the start of our Super Bowl Eve edition of FUSE on ESPN!

• Oz Banned From Ringside
• Mayhem
• versus
• Jadian Bridden

Jason Myers stands in the ring, microphone in hand.

Myers: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit, and Mayhem's manager Oz is banned from ringside!

The lights in the arena begin to dim until only the blue ones are left, leaving everything awash in an eerie tone. We are graced with audio from Pinhead, of Hellraiser fame.

There is a secret song at the center of the world, and its sound is like razors through flesh. I'm here to turn up the volume.

*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOOOOOOOOM*

Thunderous pyro rattles Jobing.com Arena, ending with the entryway under the FUSEWire being flanked by twin blasts of sickly green flame. The walkway bursts into blinding white sparks, and the arena lights come back up.

Cue the distorted guitars of Megadeth's 'Symphony of Destruction - Gristle Mix,' and Dave Mustaine begins to growl at us.

You take a mortal man
And put him in control
Watch him become a god
Watch people's heads a-roll
A-roll a-roll

Standing in the middle of the pyro is a large man, facing the ring, his head down and his arms crossed in front of his chest. The FUSEWire flashes "MAYHEM" with the green flatline symbol under it.

Just like the Pied Piper
Led rats through the streets
We dance like marionettes
Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

The music fades, as does the sparks, and Mayhem lifts his head and lowers his arms. Tonight he is shirtless, wearing only black leather pants, heavy boots, and black cloth tape arm and fist wraps up to his elbows. In the eerie black lighting of the entryway, the biohazard symbol on his chest seems to pulsate, and the word "DIE" has been sloppily painted on the wraps on each forearm in UV reactive paint, glowing with violet-white radiance.

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen! Our first wrestler stands six feet ten inches tall, and weighs in at three-hundred forty-two pounds. He was born in Los Angeles, California and currently makes his home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mayhem charges the ring, running down the ramp at full speed, and slides under the bottom ropes to stand facing the entryway, scowling.

Myers: He! IS!! MAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY-HEM!!!

Gibson: It'll be interesting to see how Mayhem performs knowing Oz isn't here to distract everyone.

Ware: And when Gibbo says 'distract,' he really means 'Hit them with a cane!'

The lights dim again, slowly this time, as 'The Flame In All Of Us' by Thousand Foot Krutch begins to play over the PA system.

This world has taken me by storm,
It makes me feel like running,
This place is making me transform,
Until I feel like nothing

From behind the curtain steps Jadian Bridden, he stares at the ground for a moment and lets the moisture drip from the loose strands of hair that hang in front of his face.

It's the strength in you and me,
...that surrounds everything,
The way you look out for me, the way you burn...

In a flash, he snaps his head back, wet hair slapping the back of his head before he starts down the ramp and heads for the ring.

It's the flame, in all of us, the same,
That makes us feel this
Flame, in all of us, the same, that makes us feel it

Slapping hands with a few kids on the way down, Bridden is all smiles as he high fives a few more of his fans.

Myers: Coming to the ring next from Austin, Texas, JAAAAAY BRIIIIIDDEEEEN!!!

We are the youth, of yesterday,
We've brought you pain and sorrow,
That's what they say, but they paved the way,
We are the new tomorrow

He slides into the ring under the bottom rope and is quick to his feet as he remembers the assault Mayhem blindsided him with on last week's UPROAR. Bridden's entrance music is cut, as rotund announcer Ethan Peters appears from under the FUSEWire.

Peters: Wait! Wait wait! Mr. Duluth is busy, so he sent me to deliver this!

Ethan waves a piece of paper about as he waddle-runs down the ramp towards the ring.

Gibson: I wonder what this is about?

Ware: What it is about is Ethan Peters, about to have a heart attack on national television.

Ethan Peters stops at the bottom of the ramp, winded. Referee Malik Jackson rolls out of the ring to meet him, taking the paper from him and reading it. Malik moves over to the timekeeper for a few words with him, and the sounds of a headset being pulled on is heard.

Peters: Hi guys! Would it be ok if I sit here and help you with the match?

Ware: Seeing as how you already have a headset on, do we have much choice.

Gibson: Ignore him, Ethan, I usually do. Of course you can help us call this match.

Peters: Thanks Mr. Gibson!

In the ring, Malik moves to Jason Myers and speaks to him as well.

Gibson: Please, Ethan, call me Dave, or if you must, I've been trained to answer to 'Gibbo.'

Myers: Ladies and gentleman, I have just been informed that tonight's match will be contested under LiveWire rules!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The crowd pops at the announcement, and Jay Bridden grins. Mayhem is not as happy, becoming livid. He stomps over to Malik and begins asking what exactly 'LiveWire rules' means. Malik calls both wrestlers to the center of the ring and begins explaining what he expects from them.

Ware: And you can call me Zognar, the blood elf paladin!

Peters: Whoa! I didn't know you played WOW!

Ware: I do, and tonight's FUSE on ESPN is brought to you in part by Blizzard's World of Warcraft! With over nine million players around the world, you can be anyone you want to be! World of Warcraft, what's your game!?

Gibson: While Malik Jackson explains the LiveWire rules to both men, let's remind our viewers what they are!

Peters: I know this one! The LiveWire Title is the purest of FUSE's titles. LiveWire matches are held with a strict ten minute time limit, although if neither man has won at the end of ten minutes, the match can be extended if both contestants agree. Each wrestler in a LiveWire match receives three rope breaks to escape pins or submissions, and on your fourth break, you will be disqualified! The rules are more strictly enforced in a LiveWire match, and even though neither man holds the LiveWire Championship Belt, if they did, it could change hands on a disqualification!

Gibson: Very impressive, I may have to ask Smitty if you can do this more often!

Peters: I play a lot of UPROAR 2008 on my Xbox 360.

Ware: I knew the rules! Really, I did!

In the ring, Malik has finished laying out the rules, and Mayhem is visibly upset.

*DING* *DING* *DING*

Gibson: There's the bell, and the ten minute countdown begins.

Both men begin to circle each other before they lock up – trying to gain an early advantage – Bridden is pushed into the corner by Mayhem and they are forced to break by Jackson.

Gibson: Mayhem comes out of the corner clean.

Ware: This really isn't Mayhem's kind of match.

Peters: I disagree, Genie. If he's smart, Mayhem knows he can pretty much ignore his Endurance bars...I mean, he can go all out without fear of getting tired, since he only has to wrestle for ten minutes.

Ware: Genie? Did you just call me Genie?

Peters: Sorry Zognar.

Ware: *sigh*

Gibson: Both men taking their time, sizing each other up, I'm not sure either of them are considering the implications of the time limit in this match.

Again both men lock up and this time Mayhem doesn't hesitate to take Bridden into a headlock, squeezing down quickly. Bridden backs Mayhem up into the ropes and Mayhem fires Bridden off into the other ropes, laying down on the floor whilst Bridden skips over him and comes bounding back off right into a knee to the gut by the larger man.

Peters: It takes precision timing to hit the mat while your opponent goes over you, and then getting back up to time such a move.

Gibson: That's the truth. Mayhem reaches for Bridden and quickly grabs the dazed cruiserweight by the head, but Bridden drops down and sends Mayhem sprawling with an arm drag.

Ware: That's a good counter for that move, right?

Gibson: It is, it allows a smaller man to use his opponent's size against him.

Ware: See! I know wrestling!

Mayhem is quick to his feet but is taken down by another arm drag. Mayhem is furious when he slaps the mat and hops to his feet once more, only to get taken over again by another quick arm drag that has the fans on their feet.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Peters: Mayhem really falling for Bridden's cheesy repeater here.

Ware: The cheesy repeater? Is that another move?

Gibson: No, 'the cheesy repeater' is not another name for an arm drag.

Mayhem gets up again but instead of charging at Bridden, he plays it cool and backs away, killing Bridden's momentum, to the fans' disapproval.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: Four minutes off the clock, six to go, and Bridden approaches Mayhem trying to lock up, but Mayhem jams a thumb into his eye and kicks him, doubling him over!

Ware: That was very smart of Mayhem, using his large body to hide the thumb jab from Malik Jackson.

Peters: You can't call what you can't see!

Wasting no time, Mayhem takes Bridden head over heels in a snap suplex.

Gibson: Mayhem quick to his feet, and begins stomping Bridden!

Peters: Stomping a mudhole and walking it dry!

Malik pulls Mayhem away and checks on Jadian, giving The Path of Destruction some time to gloat, taunting the crowd.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: Mayhem has had enough of the Texas native faking his own death on the floor, and picks him up, Irish whipping him into the corner. He rushes in after him, but only catches the bottom of Bridden's foot crashing against the bridge of his nose.

Peters: Another excellent counter by Bridden!

Ware: What are you doing with your hands? Are you...Are you pretending that you're playing a video game?

Peters: It helps me call the action, Zognar. You should try it instead of just calling every move a 'Flippy Thing.'

Gibson: Yeah, 'Zognar,' maybe that would improve your announce skills some!

Ware: I'm going to regret the whole Zognar thing, aren't I?

Charging out of the corner like a greyhound chasing a plastic rabbit, Bridden sends Mayhem to the floor with quick dropkick to the side of his knee. He stands a few feet away and urges Mayhem to get back to his feet, Mayhem limps to his feet and walks right into a drop toe hold.

Gibson: Bridden picking up Mayhem's leg and driving the knee into the canvas, and he repeats. Mayhem yelling out in pain.

Ware: Take away the big man's wheels! Work the leg! Soften him up!

Peters: You really don't have any idea what it is you're saying, do you.

Ware: I know Gibbo says them at times like these, and that's good enough for me!

Bridden moves up and drops a knee on Mayhem's back before sitting on it and wrapping his hands beneath Mayhem's chin and pulling back as hard as he can.

Gibson: Bridden sinks a deep camel clutch in, with four minutes and thirty seconds on the clock! Mayhem wincing in pain as he drags the both of them towards the ropes...

Mayhem reaches the ropes, and Malik Jackson calls for a break, signaling to ringside with one finger held in the air.

Ware: Malik Jackson helping the timekeeper out in case he has forgotten how to count.

Gibson: Mayhem has used up one of his three rope breaks, and there are just under four minutes left to go in this match.

Bridden helps Mayhem to his feet, then throws him into the ropes. Mayhem ducks the clothesline attempt by Bridden, then comes bounding back at full speed to drop Jay with a vicious clothesline of his own.

Peters: The Path of Destruction with the Path of Destruction! And he picks Jay Bridden up and applies a sleeper hold!

Mayhem starts trying to wear down the smaller foe, really going to work on making Bridden exhaust his energy to break the hold from the much stronger man. The crowd lets their feelings known around the arena, chanting Bridden's name as loud as they can.

JAI- DEN!

JAI-DEN!!

JAI-DEN!!!

It looks as though Bridden is out cold though, and the ref raises his left hand up and drops it.

Gibson: Jadian Bridden in a world of hurt here, Malik Jackson checking the youngster for signs of life.

Jackson picks up Jadian's hand and drops it for a second time, giving the crowd their signal to boo as Mayhem wrenches the hold a bit tighter, swinging Bridden back and forth like a rag doll.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The referee picks up the hand for the third time and drops it, but it stays up this time.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Bridden seems to be thriving off of the fans cheering! He gets a little space between them, and elbows Mayhem in the sternum!

Ware: Again!

Peters: Again!

Gibson: And again! Mayhem finally lets go and is thrown into the ropes, bounding off Mayhem is caught with a quick knee, doubling him over. Bridden grabs Mayhem by his neck and drags him down onto the mat with a neckbreaker.

Peters: Bridden drops down, going for the pin and hooking the leg.


ONE!


TWO!!


Gibson: Mayhem with the kickout, there's just 2 minutes left in this match, and neither man has a clear advantage.

Ware: But things are swinging in Bridden's favor...

Mayhem stands and shakes out the cobwebs as Bridden rushes in to continue his assault. Ducking a fist, Bridden tries to wrap Mayhem up from behind, but Mayhem notices at the last second and crunches Bridden against the buckles as he uses his strength to drive Jadian backwards.

Gibson: Mayhem with the distinct strength advantage, firing a few fists into the face of Bridden for good measure. Referee Malik Jackson looks to step in, but Mayhem has already hoisted Bridden up and props him on the top turnbuckle.

Ware: He's trying to set up a move, the one with his name in it!

Peters: From the top rope, that would be some version of the Total Mayhem!

Ware: Yeah! What he said!

Gibson: Mayhem trying to climb, Bridden blocks him, Mayhem gets higher but Bridden connects with a huge uppercut which knocks Mayhem off his feet and sends him crashing to the mat below.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Peters: Bridden off the top rope with a picture perfect moonsault!

Ware: Picture Perfect is Drake and Pierce! You can't call it that!

Gibson: Bridden hangs on for a pin, The referee slides into position.


ONE!


TWO!!


THR-

Gibson: Kickout by Mayhem!

Looking astounded Bridden looks up at the heavens above.

Myers: There is ONE MINUTE remaining in this match!

Hitting Mayhem a few more times, Bridden picks up the larger man and whips him into the ropes again, but Mayhem recovers, grabbing Bridden by the throat as they come together.

Ware: Mayhem with a running...choke...slammy-thing!

Peters: That's exactly what that was, a running choke slam, and with just forty-five seconds on the clock, Mayhem goes for a pin!


ONE!


TWO!!


THR-

Gibson: Jay Bridden gets the shoulder up at the last second!

Mayhem stand and complains to Jackson that he was too slow with the count, and fails to notice Bridden is quickly to his feet, springing off the ropes to deliver a running dropkick to the same leg he was working earlier.

Gibson: Mayhem is staggered, and JB rebounds off the far ropes again, running up behind Mayhem...

On his return, Bridden grabs the back of Mayhem's head and springs to the top rope, flipping over Mayhem, driving his knees into the small of Mayhem's back. The momentum pulls Mayhem down onto Bridden's knees as they both fall, and Bridden continues the inverted sunset flip, launching Mayhem into the middle of the ring, face down.

Gibson: Mayhem clutching his back, attempting to stand...Bridden with the scorpion lock in the middle of the ring! Thirty seconds, and Mayhem has no where to go!

Peters: That's really torquing both the knee and the back of The Path of Destruction that Bridden has been working all night!

Ware: Just twenty seconds Mayhem! Twenty seconds! You can do this!!

Mayhem screams in agony as he tries lifting up enough to crawl to the ropes, but Jay rocks back, putting even more strain on Mayhem's knee and back. The crowd knows what they want to see.

'TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!'

Gibson: Ten seconds! Mayhem in excruciating pain! Five seconds!

Ware: Hold on MAYHEM!!

'TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!'

*DING* *DING* DING*

Gibson: MAYHEM JUST TAPPED OUT!!

Ware: THE CLOCK JUST RAN OUT!!

Peters: THIS IS SO EXCITING!!

Jadian Bridden turns to Malik Jackson, looking for a decision, while Mayhem rolls in the middle of the ring, clutching his knee. Jackson is signaling to ringside that Mayhem tapped, but the timekeeper is pointing emphatically at the bell. Malik rolls out of the ring to confer, and Mayhem slides out of the ring into the arms of two burly security men who help him stand.

'JAI-DEN! *stomp* *stomp*'

'JAI-DEN! *stomp* *stomp*

'JAI-DEN! *stomp* *stomp*'

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen, we are consulting Instant Replay!

AT&T Replay

The camera is zoomed in on Mayhem's face as he screams. The clock in the corner counts down 4...3...2...1...And with one second on the clock, Mayhem strikes the mat, tapping out.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner as the result of a tapout due to submission at nine minutes, fifty-nine seconds....JAAAAAADDDIIIIIIIAAAAAANNNNNNN BRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNN!!!!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: In a career spanning twenty plus years of mixed martial arts and wrestling, Mayhem has never been submitted before! That is, until he faced Jadian Bridden here tonight! Bridden caused The Path of Destruction to tap with just one second left on the clock!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

In the ring, Jay Bridden climbs each turnbuckle, to a thunderous ovation each time.

Peters: This was fun! Thanks for letting me help tonight, Dave!

Gibson: Anytime, Ethan!

Peters: Bye, Zognar! See you online. FOR THE HORDE!!

Ware: Rar, horde, etc etc.

• Tag Team Handicap Match
• Gideon Fontaine and Zakk Wylde - The Black List
• versus
• Cyrus Raynes

Gibson: It is time for what was supposed to be a tag match, at least it was until Cyrus Raynes' partner 'Perfect' Raymond Pierce was brutally attacked earlier this evening. And I think it is amazing that Cyrus Raynes is willing to face Gideon and Zakk without a tag team partner tonight.

Ware: I think it is amazing as well.

Gibson: You do? That's very uncharacteristic of you, Eugene.

Ware: I think it is amazingly stupid. But even in his perfect absence, Raymond Pierce is doing us all a favor.

Gibson: How's that?

Ware: This is a handicap tag match now, which can only mean a shorter match. It's like Christmas all over again to Momma Ware's favorite son!

Gibson: Jason Myers is in the ring with the introductions.

Myers: Introducing first...

The lights go out, and Johnny Cash's voice plays over the speakers.

I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The crowd jumps to their feet, cheering.

With a sword and pistol by my side
Many a young maid lost there baubles to my trade
Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade
The bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-five
But still I am alive

There is silence over the P.A. for a moment, which the crowd enthusiastically fills.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

A shrill cry blares over the P.A. system as the beginning to Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" plays

All Aboard

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The crowd instantly reaches a deafening level as everyone in the arena begins to cheer at the top of their lungs.

HAHAHAHAHA

Cyrus Raynes steps out from behind the curtain, with Sarah Riley standing at his side.

He is wearing a white spandex tank top that reads "Highwaymen" in red letters in an arching pattern across his chest, white leather pants with tassels on the sides, and white wrestling boots.

Sarah is dressed in a tan suit jacket over a white dress shirt, the sleeves on both rolled up. She wears a black dress that stops tastefully just above her knees, and on her feet are stiletto heels. Her hair is pulled back into a bun, held in place by a pair of what appear to be knitting needles.
Gibson: After what we saw this woman perpetrate earlier, I can only imagine what else she's got in store.

Ware: I look forward to it!
Various videos of Raynes and The Highwaymen in action start playing over the FUSEWire.

Myers: Weighing in at two hundred and seventy five pounds, and standing six feet seven inches, he is a member of The Highwaymen. Accompanied to the ring by his new manager, Sarah Riley...

Myers: CCCCCCCCCYYYYYYYYYRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSS RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!

Cyrus thrusts his right arm into the air as pyrotechnics begin to go off down the ramp to the ring.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cyrus' music begins to play as he walks down to the ramp.

As he gets to the end of the ramp he makes a circle around the ring slapping hands with the fans at ringside.

Sarah positions herself at ringside, waving sweetly to the fans.

Gibson: Oh, sure, she's a sweetheart.

Ware: I'm sending her a Valentine's Day card!
He gets to the ring and grabs the top rope, pulling himself up, then steps over the rope and is ready to begin the match.

Once again, the lights fade, heavy drum beats and grinding guitars begin to play as we are treated to "Blacklist" by Exodus. The lights in the entryway and in front of the FUSEWire strobe in time with the music.

Myers: And his opponents. Weighing in at a combined weight of over five hundred pounds!

Ware: Why don't they ever give combined heights? These two have to be over thirteen feet tall!

Gibson: Just let Myers do his job.

Ware: Nobody ever wants to answer the hard questions.

Zakk Wylde steps out from under the FUSEWire, bobbing his head along with the thrash metal beat, and the crowd jeers him.

Myers: The Wyld Child, Zakk Wyyyyyyylde...

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The crowd is much more vocal as Gideon Fontaine steps out, wearing his signature sunglasses, and stands stoically on the other side of the FUSEWire.

Myers: The Osaka Assassin, Giiiideeeeooooooonnnnnn Fooooooonnnnnnnnnntaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiinnnneeeeee...

Both men begin the walk to the ring, Zakk is boisterous and jumping up and down, Gideon is serious and determined.

Myers: The Blaaaaaack Liiiissssssst!!


It is no mystery
What you get is what you see
You betrayed my loyalty
You've gone and done me wrong
Now I do you harm
My revenge is guaranteed
You stabbed me in the back
Spit right in my eye
Dragging me into the fray
Take you out, write you off, there's never enough
Ways to throw you away

Zakk is already in the ring bouncing in time to the music, getting warmed up. Gideon stands with one foot on the ring steps, scanning the audience.

You'd better start runnin'
Cause you know that I'm comin'
Cocked and loaded and I never miss
I'm onto your game
And I'm layin' the blame
And I'm addin' your name to my blacklist
You shoulda thought twice
Cause your playin' with your life
You must have some sort of death wish
I haven't any doubt
That your time has run out
Cause I've added your name
To my blacklist

In a flash, Gideon is in the ring, whipping his sunglasses into the crowd. He begins shadowboxing, displaying an increasingly complex array of Muay Thai strikes.

You tried to beat me
Thought you could defeat me
But how you we ever wrong
I rise to the occasion
Character assassination
To put you down where you belong
You've got a lot to say
When I'm so far away
Now you've got a problem with me
Take you out, write you off, when I've had enough
Of your verbal debris

Gideon finishes his warmup with a backflip, landing in a crouch, smirking. Zakk has apparently found a group of Exodus fans on one side of the ring, he is leaning over the ropes leading them as they chant out the chorus with him.

You'd better start runnin'
Cause you know that I'm comin'
Cocked and loaded and I never miss
I'm onto your game
And I'm layin' the blame
And I'm addin' your name to my blacklist
You shoulda thought twice
Cause your playin' with your life
You must have some sort of death wish
I haven't any doubt
That your time has run out
Cause I've added your name
To my blacklist

The music fades and referee Ryan Davis signals for the bell.

*DING* *DING* *DING*

Gibson: Finally, a bell, and the match is underway.

Zakk and Gideon confer a moment on which man will start the match, and Zakk holds his hand up and points to himself, telling his partner he has this. Gideon steps between the ropes, as Cyrus and Zakk circle for position.

Gibson: Cyrus and Zakk tie up, and Cyrus dumps The Wylde Child to the mat with a powerful shove.

Zakk is back on his feet quickly, and attempts another tie up with Cyrus, with the exact same results.

Gibson: Wylde tossed to the canvas again by the power of Raynes.

Ware: Cause the tie up worked so well for him the first time.

Zakk is up again, but this time he holds his right hand up, challenging Cyrus to a contest of strength. Cyrus looks uncertain, and the crowd yells, urging Cyrus not to fall for it, but he pays them no heed, locking up with his opponent, immediately powering him to one knee.

Gibson: Cyrus again displaying that even though he and Zakk are pretty close in size, Cyrus is obviously the stronger man. Zakk manages to get back to his feet...And Zakk Wylde just kicked Cyrus Raynes in the abdomen, doubling him over!

Zakk launches himself off the ropes opposite Cyrus and slams into him. Cyrus takes a step back, Zakk literally rebounds off of him. Cyrus grins, and Zakk takes off at the ropes again, charging into Cyrus, again with the same results.

Gibson: Zakk Wylde into the ropes again, hoping the third time is the charm, Cyrus hits a sidewalk slam and goes for a quick cover!


ONE!


TWO!!


Gibson: Two count, and Zakk Wylde isn't going to be put away that easily. Cyrus drags Wylde to his feet as both men stand.

Cyrus then Irish whips Zakk brutally into the corner. Unfortunately, he chooses the corner where Zakk's tag team partner is standing.

Ware: Mongo had four corners to choose from, and that's the best he could do?

Gibson: Zakk wisely tagging Gideon in, and both men circle in the center of the ring. Gideon with a series of strikes, using his speed to keep away from Raynes.

Ware: If Mongo makes any mistakes against Fontaine, he'll get that huge bald melon kicked right off.

Gibson: You're right, Eugene, few men in the business have kicks as feared as The Osaka Assassin's kicks.

Gideon continues to dance around Cyrus, darting in with hard elbows, and firing stiff kicks as he backs away. Cyrus blocks the high kicks, but after several, he is left rubbing his forearm and wincing.

Gibson: Even if you block those kicks, they will still wear you down.

This continues for over a minute, Gideon surgically working on Cyrus, who grows increasingly frustrated. The crowd begins chanting for Cyrus.

'Let's go Cyrus! *clap clap clapclapclap* Let's go Cyrus! *clap clap clapclapclap*

Gibson: Cyrus backing into his corner, it's all he can do to defend against Fontaine. Sarah Riley giving her wrestler instructions.

Ware: She can instruct me ANY time, Gibbo!

Gibson: Cyrus turtles up in the corner, and Gideon begins laying the leather to him.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Cyrus blocks several more stiff kicks, and then leaves himself wide open. Gideon takes advantage of this with a thunderous roundkick to Cyrus' ribs, causing the Highwayman to howl in pain, but that's exactly what he wanted.

Gibson: Raynes just let Fontaine kick him in the ribs so he could trap Gideon's leg! Cyrus hooks Gideon's other leg and with a huge open hand to Fontaine's head plants The Osaka Assassin on the mat!

Ware: Mmmmm, ribs.

Gibson: Cyrus keeps his grip on the leg, and spins, applying pressure to Gideon's right leg, and Fontaine is still stunned from that open hand thrust.

Ware: Sarah yelling instructions to Mongo! Sit boy! Fetch! Off the couch!

Gibson: I'm willing to bet that's not what she's saying, Cyrus delivers a kick to the back of the leg he has held up. If he can take Gideon's legs away from him, that would neutralize two of his most potent weapons, those kicks, and his speed!

Sarah Riley is slapping on the mat, upset at Cyrus' actions. Cyrus looks down at her, then back at Gideon.

Gibson: Cyrus Raynes with a brutal boot to Gideon's lower abdomen at Sarah Riley's urging!

Ware: I know we're on ESPN, Gibbo, but you can still say 'Mongo kicked him in the ding ding!'

Ryan Davis moves in to have a word with Cyrus about his choice of targets, and Cyrus is apologetic, letting go of Gideon, who rolls away and into his corner, tagging in Zakk.

Cyrus looks at his empty corner, and gingerly rubs his ribs where Gideon just kicked him.

Gibson: Cyrus wishing he had someone he could tag in, and that last kick from Gideon may have shattered Raynes' ribs. Let's see if Zakk can take advantage of the lead his partner has given him.

Zakk moves in, throwing a series of punches at Cyrus' damaged ribs, which Cyrus blocks easily. But this leaves his head totally unguarded, and The Wylde Child delivers several closed fists to Cyrus' bald head before Ryan Davis steps in to warn Zakk. Zakk does the 'Who, me?' shrug as Cyrus staggers into the corner.

Gibson: Zakk charges Cyrus in the corner, but he waited too long! Cyrus gets the big boot up and The Wylde Child nearly takes his own head off running into Cyrus' foot. Raynes pulls Zakk up into a sitting position and begins twisting his head with a nasty neck stretch!

Cyrus continues to work Zakk's neck as the screen splits, one half has the match, the other half shows Mary Jackson at ringside holding a microphone in someone's face.

As the shot moves closer, we see that someone is Alice Cooper.

Jackson: There are numerous celebrities here in Phoenix for Super Bowl weekend, and some of them are here attending our show tonight. I'm here with rock legend Alice Cooper. Welcome to FUSE on ESPN, Alice!

Alice: You're too kind, Mary, it's great to be here.

Jackson: What are your thoughts on this match so far?

Alice: You know, Zakk Wylde was never this big when we toured with Ozzy.

Mary Jackson makes one of those 'Oh no, another clueless celebrity' faces at the camera, but quickly hides it.

Jackson: Well, you know Alice...

Alice: I know they're not the same person, Mary, I was trying to be funny. HIT HIM WITH A CHAIR!!

Jackson: And now back to the action in the ring.

'The action in the ring' is still Cyrus attempting to twist Zakk's head off. Cyrus releases his opponent and delivers a snap kick to Zakk's spine.

Ware: So that man's name is Alice?

Gibson: Yes, that was Alice Cooper, he's a long time wrestling fan.

Ware: And his name is Alice.

Gibson: Yes, do you have anything to say about that?

Ware: I have nothing, Gibbo. Let's just call the match.

Gibson: If you say so. Zakk rolls away from those spine kicks of Raynes, but Raynes stays after him. Wylde with a low blow! And he crawls his way to his partner.

Gideon takes the tag and leaps to the ropes in his corner, launching himself across the ring to dropkick the bent over Raynes in the head.

Gibson: G-Terminator! Gideon Fontaine goes post to post with that high impact dropkick! Fontaine with the cover, hooking the leg!


ONE!


TWO!!


THR-


Ryan Davis doesn't see Sarah Riley place Cyrus' free leg on the ropes, but he does see it there after she starts beating the mat and screaming at him, and he breaks the count. Gideon is up with a confused look on his face, and Davis points out Raynes' leg. Gideon glares at Sarah, who backs away from the ring.

Gibson: Sarah Riley with the opportunistic save.

Ware: First the crotch stomp, now the foot on the rope save, I'm really starting to think this Riley adds a whole new dimension to Mongo's game.

Gibson: One has to wonder what his team mates in The Highwaymen think of her, especially after her actions earlier in Jonathan Rhine's match against Christian Darke.

Back in the ring, Gideon has picked Cyrus up and whips him into the corner. The Osaka Assassin follows him in with a shoulder to the ribs, and immediately lands the left right left uppercut combination. As Cyrus wobbles out of the corner and begins to fall, Gideon grabs his arm, dragging Raynes down with him.

Gibson: Painkiller! Gideon Fontaine hits the Painkiller armbar in the middle of the ring, and Raynes has nowhere to go! Ryan Davis asking Cyrus if he wants to continue!

Ware: Gideon is going to tear that arm off and take it home with him tonight!

As both men lay in the ring, Cyrus's face contorted in pain as Gideon wrenches on the elbow, threatening to rip it in two, Ryan Davis is in front of Cyrus. This allows Sarah Riley to maneuver into position. She takes a needle from her hair, reaches under the ropes and brutally STABS Gideon in the calf with it, then quickly shoves it back in her hair.

Whatever Gideon screams as he releases Cyrus is bleeped out, and he stands, screaming further obscenities at Sarah, each of them bleeped out as well. Gideon reaches down and wipes the flow of blood off his leg, looking at Ryan Davis. Ryan looks down at Sarah, who looks completely sincere in her innocence.

Gibson: Sarah Riley just made a kebab out of Gideon Fontaine's calf, and Fontaine is none too happy!

Ware: Ribs, kebabs...you're making me hungry, Gibbo!

Gibson: Fontaine with a swift knee lift to the side of Cyrus' head as he tries to stand, and a quick tag to his partner. Both men whip Cyrus into the opposite ropes as Davis begins his count.

As Cyrus rebounds off the ropes, Gideon turns, waiting for Zakk to lift Cyrus up so Gideon can deliver Greetings From L.A., the tag team flapjack into a crusher. Zakk however, executes a drop toe hold, sending Cyrus crashing into the mat. Zakk gets up to gloat, pumping his hips at the crowd, and Gideon gives him a look of equal parts confusion and frustration. Zakk downplays this, assuring his partner "Next time, man!" Ryan Davis hits five, and Gideon steps out of the ring.

Gibson: The Black List not functioning as a well oiled machine, seems to be some confusion over what move they were doing there.

Ware: Mongo actually siphons IQ from everyone around him. How else do you explain how someone as hot as Sarah Riley ends up managing him?

Gibson: Why do you keep calling Cyrus 'Mongo?'

Ware: Have you looked at him? Besides, it's easier to say Mongo than it is to say cro-magnon.

Zakk Wylde picks Cyrus up and launches him at the ropes. Zakk rebounds off the ropes behind him, and both men hurtle towards each other.

THHHHHWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCK!

Gibson: Both men just went for a spear and collided head first in the center of the ring! And Cyrus is back up to his feet while Zakk is barely moving!

Ware: There's nothing in Mongo's head to hurt, Gibbo!

Cyrus picks Zakk up and whips him into the corner, charging after him and climbing the ropes to stand over him.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cyrus begins punching the cornered Wylde Child, and the crowd happily counts.

'One! Two! Three! Four!'

Gibson: Cyrus Raynes with the Rain Drops, laying down punishment on Zakk Wylde!

'Eight! Nine! Ten!'

Cyrus hops down and lets Zakk clumsily stumble out of the corner, but catches him on the way out, standing to one side and stopping him. Cyrus lifts Zakk up for a side slam, but instead of hitting it immediately, he turns, walking Zakk around in a half circle, holding him in the air until Cyrus is looking straight at Gideon, then he falls forward, slamming Zakk to the mat.

Gibson: DETROIT DRIVER! CYRUS RAYNES WITH A ONE-HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DEGREE DETROIT DRIVER!! He goes for the cover!

Ware: I've seen Detroit drivers, they're not that safe even.


ONE!


TWO!!


THREE!!!


Gibson: Gideon Fontaine with the save at the last second! And Zakk Wylde still isn't moving!

Sarah Riley is on the apron now, and when Gideon sees her, she spits at him, hitting him square in the face. Gideon reaches out and grabs her, pullling her close by her shirt. Cyrus stands and comes up behind Gideon, who turns his head at the last second, aware that Cyrus is moving up on him.

THHHHHWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCK!
"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Cyrus Raynes just super kicked Gideon Fontaine over the top rope! He tumbles out to land on Sarah Riley!!

AT&T Replay

Gideon is holding Sarah by her shirt, shaking her on the apron. Gideon turns just in time to catch Cyrus' huge kick flush on the side of his jaw. The kick itself isn't enough to send The Osaka Assassin over the ropes, but Sarah grabs his arm and jumps backwards off the apron, and the combination of the two sends them sprawling to the floor outside the ring.

Cyrus turns his attention back on Zakk, who is just standing. He launches an enormous haymaker, the windup almost comical, and he sends Zakk back to the mat before picking him up to lift him up into an elevated power bomb position.

Gibson: Down Pour! Down Pour! Ryan Davis counts!


ONE!


TWO!!


THREE!!!


*DING* *DING* *DING*

Gibson: Cyrus Raynes has done the impossible and beaten The Black List!

Ware: He had help from Sarah!

Gibson: Still, that was impressive.

Myers: Your winner, CYYYYYRRRRUUUUSSSSSS RAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYNESSSSSS!!!!

Cyrus doesn't wait for Ryan Davis to raise his hand, he's slipped out of the ring to check on Sarah Riley. Sarah stands over an immobile Gideon Fontaine, a trickle of blood running from the corner of her mouth as she screams at the unconscious man.

Sarah: WHO'S THE BITCH NOW? WHO'S THE BLEEEPING BITCH NOW? HUH??

The camera zooms in on her face, twisted in a bloody smile.

Gibson: I...I am deeply disturbed by this, but maybe not as disturbed as Sarah Riley.

Ware: I...I think I'm in love.

• Duncan Drake
• versus
• Elliott Rollins

Gibson: It's time for one of our more anticipated matches here on FUSE on ESPN, Eugene!

Ware: First title change, right here! I call it!

Gibson: We've got our first of three title matches here on FUSE on ESPN -- right now! Jason, take it away!

Jason Myers looks EXTRA snazzy in his dapper blue suit today, standing in the middle of the ring.

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for ONE FALL will be contested under LiveWire Rules and is a TITLE VERSUS TROPHY match!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Myers: Introducing first, the challenger --

Ware: Champion!

Kick those rowdy guitars, boys-of-Chevelle. If you have Showtime, you're probably sick to death of this song. If not, then get sick to death of it. It's called "I Get It."

So you say you're ignored
As it is
Well give us your sad, sad trip

Myers: He is the self-professed "Future of FUSE!"

Gibson: Not after tonight.

Myers: And the winner (and defender!) of the 2007 FUSE Young Lion's Cup!

The center FUSEWire screen leaps to life with a shot over the Hollywood Sign at night. Yes, we've seen it before in these opening shots, but nothing captures this feel quite as spectacularly. The feel of...

HOLLYWOOD

The typewriter bangs out the answer to that.

Myers: He weighs in tonight at two hundred and thirty-four and three-quarters pounds and is "THE HOLLYWOOD HELLLLLLLION!"

***SKEEV-BOOM!***
***SKEEV-BOOM!***
***SKEEV-BOOM!***

In the wake of the explosion, the typewriter message has been changed.

You're right - I get it
It all makes sense - you're the perfect person
So right - so wrong
Let's all live in your imaginary life

DUNCAN DRAKE IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER IN SPORTS ZOMG AWESOME

Myers: He! IIIIIIIIIIS! DUNNNNNNNCANNNNN! DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!!

Gibson: Oh, go ahead, we know you're bursting at the seams.

Ware: ENTER THE DRAKE!

Enter the Drake, indeed, to the sound of whirring motors.

Gibson: What NOW?

Drake comes whirring through the entranceway on the back of a scooter, towing a pushcart, onto which is strapped the FUSE Young Lion's Cup trophy itself. It's shiny, gold-plated, and gaudy.

And the trophy is kind of showy, too.

Drake is wearing long red wrestling tights with the word "DRAKE" imprinted down the left leg in an Olde English font. He's wearing a SHINY BRIGHT HOLY COW IS THAT THE SUN golden jacket, open to reveal his t-shirt -- like many wrestlers, he wears cocky t-shirts. Eugene Ware makes them in his van.

Drake's reads: "Tom Brady Fears Duncan Drake."

Assumed is whether
We're right or wrong
We're doomed, and there's plenty for all

Drake's scooter has some problems pulling the pushcart as it gets to ringside, and he hops off and kicks the thing before he pulls the motorized object-mover over to the timekeeper's table. Then he rolls into the ring, coming to his feet. The spotlight is nearly blinding off That Damn Coat.

Gibson: This guy...

ELLIOTT.
[blurred].
ROLLINS
"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Is going to get beat up SO badly.

Myers: And his opponent!

The crowd goes nuts as crunching guitar riffs and blast beats fill the arena.

I'm a monster so don't walk my way
Don't trust my smile my teeth are like knives
I'll drag you down and suck you dry

The FUSEwire fills with images of past matches. Elliott Rollins locked up with Prince Pride. Rollins landing vicious right hands on Gideon Fontaine. Rollins with a belly-to-belly, sending Timo over the top rope. Rollins landing a devastating head-and-arm suplex on Duncan Drake, sending both men crashing at ringside. The images become fast and visceral, an onslaught of battles that Rollins has had in his short career thus far in FUSE.

Myers: To be accompanied to the ringside area by William "Slick Willy" McDormant!

Don't laugh at my jokes - the punchline is murder
Don't enjoy my touch - every caress hides a chokehold
I'm only happy when I've ruined everything I see
Believe everything you've ever heard about me- suck it up

Smoke rises as Elliott Rollins appears through the entrance to another pop from the crowd. He is dressed in the traditional white 'Slayer' tee, black denim shorts, and black wrestling boots. He has a grin on his face, allowing the rush from the live audience to feed him. He begins headbanging to the music, and when he pumps two fists in the air, two shots of pyro go off in sync.

Around his waist is the FUSE LiveWire championship.

Myers: He is the current and REIGNING FUSE LiveWire Champion!

Behind him, his manager, William 'Slick Willy' McDormant makes his appearance, standing in the shadows and allowing his young student his chance to shine. As the smoke clears from the pyro, Rollins is intense as always, his eyes targeting the ring as he and his manager begin the long walk to ringside. Rollins extends his hands, slapping hands with the crowd but his eyes never leave the ring.

Ware: Who stole the title belt?

Myers: ELLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOTT!!! ROOOOOOOLLLLLLINNNNSSSS!!

Don't laugh at my jokes- the punchline is murder
Don't enjoy my touch - every caress hides a chokehold
I'm only happy when I've ruined everything I see
Believe everything you've ever heard about me- suck it up

Rollins reaches ringside and slides under the ring, popping up quickly and hitting a ring post. He holds a hand in the air, his eyes scanning the crowd. McDormant opts for the stairs, as he wouldn't want to get his nice new suit dirty.

Gibson: Here we go, folks! Drake and Rollins have had some serious battles in their time in FUSE -- they were the last two men in the ring at Defiance for the --

(SFX: DING-DING-DING!)

Ware: No time for exposition! Time for Elliott Rollins to be a big dumb hero!

Gibson: Rollins steps to the middle of the ring, beckoning Duncan on!

Ware: Don't go! It's a trap!

Gibson: I guess if you're as bad a wrestler as Duncan Drake is, then, yes, a collar-and-elbow tie-up could be considered a trap.

Ware: Mark this day down! Gibbo agreed with me!

Gibson: Drake looks over his shoulder -- but, of course, MacKenzie Malone, his fiancée, only has a visitors pass, and her manager's license was revoked when she was fired recently by Smitty T. Duluth!

Ware: Why do you keep doing that?

Gibson: Doing what?

Ware: Expositing like these people have never seen FUSE?

Gibson: We're on ESPN, not Showtime -- there might be new fans, Eugene! Drake actually agrees to the lock, or -- DAMN HIM!

Ware: Elliott was blinded by the brightness of Duncan's awesomeness!

Gibson: Or by the thumb to the eye! Now a kick to the midsection and --

"KIIII-YAAA!" It echoes through the arena.

Gibson: Backhand blow!

Ware: No! JUDO CHOP!

Gibson: Who does he think he is, Bruce Lee?

Ware: Bruce Lee is a coward and will not face him!

Gibson: Bruce Lee is dead!

Ware: If he fights Duncan Drake, sure.

Gibson: Drake off the rope now and -- Elliott! Elliott ducks a second kick from the hellion and shoots the leg!

Ware: But he doesn't have a gun!

Gibson: It's a wrestling move!

Ware: Cheating! He's wrestling! Disqualification, title changes hands!

Gibson: But this is the WRESTLING championship!

Ware: That's an unfair disadvantage for the Drake!

Gibson: Elliott with one of Duncan's ankles in hand! Duncan punches ineffectually at the LiveWire champion! Rollins steps in and trips up Drake!

Ware: Tripping! Uhhh... Guy in Slayer Shirt! Fifteen yards and loss of down!

Gibson: Elliott drops an elbow across Drake's knee! If there is one thing that Duncan Drake IS good at -- and that's a stretch -- it's that the boy is quick. So this is a sound strategy from Rollins -- not surprising, giving that this is the fourth time since Defiance that these two men have --

A sharp whistle echoes through the speakers.

Gibson: Dammit, Eugene! Where did you get a whistle?

Ware: Referee from tomorrow's game. I'm calling a foul --

Gibson: Penalty.

Ware: That, too. Excessive Exposition, ten yards, loss of ability to reference anything that happened more than a day ago for two minutes.

Gibson: Rollins with impressive height on that knee stomp... off the ropes and -- WHAM! Double-foot dropkick to the chops of the Hollywood Hellion!

Ware: (blows whistle)

Gibson: Keep doing that and I'll shove it so far down your throat you'll tweet like a bird when you pass gas.

Ware: Fuddy-duddy.

Gibson: Rollins to the apron outside -- springboard! Crossbody -- dropkick!

Ware: The crossbody dropkick having been invented in February 2008 by your hero and mine, Mr. Duncan MFin' Drake!

Gibson: But it doesn't look like Drake got all the height he needed on that, and I think he's jammed his knee!

Ware: Stupid, stupid gravity.

Gibson: Drake limping a bit as he gets up -- we've just dropped under the eight-minute mark here in this ten-minute time limit, LiveWire title match.

Ware: Pah! Ten minutes! How can an artist like Duncan Drake be expected to finish this off in just ten minutes?

Gibson: Drake pulling Rollins back to his feet -- Irish whip across the ring!

Ware: That's one. I will be keeping count of consecutive non-reversed Irish whips.

Gibson: Drake follows hot on Elliott's heels -- kneelift to the midsect... no!

Ware: The "midsect" being... I dunno. I got nothing. Something religious, probably.

Gibson: Elliott vaults over! Elliott vaults over the top into a sloppy cradle!

ONE!!





Ware: Nosir! Only the writer's strike can hold down Hollywood!

Gibson: Drake able to kick out there, and Rollins up immediately to press the advantage! Wheelbarrow -- into a reverse flapjack! Drake sent face-first to the mat! Without MacKenzie Malone out here, Elliott Rollins has been pretty dominant in the first, what, almost three minutes?

Ware: Duncan's biding his time!

Gibson: He's got seven minutes and -- twelve seconds. Don't you think he oughta stop biding?

Ware: He only needs one second for Knife Twist!

Gibson: Drake up to his hands and knees -- Rollins SWOOPS in and hits a swinging neckbreaker! He reaches back and hooks the leg!


ONE!!










TWO!!

Ware: Drake's got stick-to-itiveness! He's got gumption! He's got the heart -- and the trophy -- of a lion!

Gibson: Rollins picks Drake up -- whips him into the corner and --

Ware: Two! Two! Two Irish whips in a row!

Gibson: Elliott follows that up with a flying forearm into the corner! Drake has nowhere else to go! Elliott grabs Duncan's head and -- bulldog?

Ware: More like "Duncan Drake is a Bull God!"

Gibson: Drake pushes Elliott off! Drake pushes Elliott off and rolls to the outside!

Ware: Good strategy, Dunkster! I taught him that.

Gibson: Now there's less than six and a half minutes for him to win the title, and Duncan Drake has mounted next-to-no-offense!

Drake, on the outside of the ring, falls to his knees, clutching the back of his head with both hands.

Ware: Timeout, Hollywood. Their first charged timeout!

Gibson: How many times will I have to tell you there aren't timeouts in wrestling?

Ware: At least once more -- I thought it was part of these crazy LiveWire title rules.

Gibson: Rollins knows better, though! Rollins to the outside after Drake! Elliott out and --

[THOOM!]

Ware: That was his first mistake.

Gibson: Drake!

Ware: Is awesome!

Gibson: Duncan Drake just grabbed Elliott Rollins by the front of his jean-shorts and pulled him face-first into the steps! He was playing possum!

Ware: Correction -- he was playing awesome possum.

Gibson: Rollins on his knees against the ringsteps and --

[THOOM!]

Gibson: Duncan with a running knee to the back! Elliott Rollins is getting banged against the ringsteps like they were drums and he was Dave Lombardo of Slayer!

Ware: Nice job with the reference.

Gibson: Duncan up to the apron himself now and --

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: These fens here in Glendale letting the Hollywood Hellion have it!

Ware: Yeah, but it's GLENDALE.

Gibson: Elliott draped over the ringsteps... Drake with a running start and --

[THHHHOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!]

Ware: No! That's like shattering the kneecap of a Michelangelo!

Gibson: Rollins moved!

Ware: Well, flopped.

Gibson: Irregardless, he got out of the way!

Ware: "Irregardless" is not a word!

Gibson: And Duncan Drake barely has a knee anymore!

Ware: Why do you say such mean things!

Gibson: Why do you correct my grammar, Mr. Ware-Zillah?

Ware: I will stab you in the larynx with a pen, Mr. Condescending Announcer Man! Do not besmirch the Awesome!

Gibson: Rollins starting to stir! Drake on his back, holding his knee! And Malik Jackson begins a count!



"ONE!!"


Gibson: Rollins trying to pull himself up!


"TWO!!"

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen, there are FIVE MINUTES remaining in this contest! FIVE MINUTES!

Ware: No! Time is flying!

"THREE!!"


"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Ware: Yes, boo the referee! That will stop him from counting! I swear, our fans are dummies.


"FOUR!!"


Gibson: I think it's our newest fan they're booing.

Indeed, wending her way down the aisle in the crowd is the Belle of the Ball, MacKenzie Malone, Duncan's (now fired) fiancée. She is dressed as she was when they were disgusting earlier, and she's fairly skipping, settling nearby Drake on the crowd side of the security barrier!

Across the ring, William McDormant narrows his eyes.

Gibson: What is she doing here?

Ware: Allowing us to drink in her gorgeousity?


"SIX!!"

Ware: What happened to five?

Gibson: We missed it when she was coming down. Rollins up to his feet --


"SEVEN!!"

Gibson: He rolls into the ring to break the count!

Ware: How does this interact with the wonky LiveWire rules?

Gibson: Well, the wrestlers used to not be able to go outside the ring.

Ware: HOW DUMB WAS THAT?

Gibson: Rollins heads back over to Drake!

Ware: Unfair! Let a brother breathe!

Gibson: And MacKenzie is... leading the ovation? What IS that woman up to?

Ware: Clearly, she is a big fan of the [beep]ing!

Gibson: From the way she's dressed, I can't help but agree.

Ware: Don't blame the victim!

Gibson: Malik's count begins again as --

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"ONE!!"

Gibson: Rollins lights up Duncan Drake with a knife-edge chop!

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"TWO!!"

Ware: For God's sake, stop the horror!

Gibson: Drake flopping around like a fish against the security barrier and -- did MacKenzie just put something in Duncan's hand?

Ware: Nonsense! Poppycock! She's whistling for Rollins! MacKenzie has clearly betrayed her --

[SMACK]

"THREE!!"

Gibson: Drake! Drake slips a jab in -- and Elliott stumbles back like a truck hit him!

Ware: Duncan Drake has the most devastating right hand in professional wrestling!

Gibson: Or that punch was loaded!

"FOUR!!"

Ware: Look, I know you don't like him, but Duncan's an ELECTRIC striker -- just accept it!

Gibson: So that's why Elliott is down and out after one punch? That's why Malik Jackson is out there trying to find out what happened?

Ware: But there's nothing in his hands, see! Deny it all you want, Gibby! He's not called "Ironhands" Drake for nothing!

"FIVE!!"

Gibson: Who calls him that?

Ware: Well, I do.

Gibson: Drake now pulling Rollins up onto the apron. Front facelock! Drake drops Rollins across the top rope with a suplex!

On the floor, MacKenzie has stooped over to pick... something... up off the arena floor. Slick Willy stalks over and there is some finger pointing to be had.

Ware: Fans, we do not condone our workers berating the audience like this, and on behalf of Smitty T. Duluth, I apolo--

Gibson: Oh, like she's some kind of innocent angel. Drake, meanwhile, is back in the ring! We've got just about four minutes to go here in the LiveWire title and Young Lion's Cup trophy bout!

Ware: How come there are no cool rules for a Cup match?

Gibson: Drake -- locks on a somewhat passable armbar? But Rollins is in the ropes already!

Ware: Duncan Drake is the smartest man alive!

Gibson: Drake forces Elliott to burn one of his three allowed rope breaks!

Ware: That's right, Malik -- count!

Gibson: Malik Jackson breaks the hold and Elliott Rollins is down a rope break!

Ware: He had to reach out for the ropes! The Admiral of the Armbar was putting him through too much!

Gibson: He was already IN the ropes when Drake applied the hold!

Ware: This means it doesn't hurt?

Gibson: Rollins falls forward to get off those ropes, or else he might have lost another one! Drake to the outside and upstairs!

Drake makes an end-over-end gesture with both hands.

Ware: Dunc told me he was working on the Movie Star Press!

Gibson: Drake with his back to the ring and -- ROLLINS! Rollins with a shove to the floor! Drake crashes face-first into the security rail!

Ware: This is a tragedy! A catastrophe! A tragedastrophe!

Gibson: Didn't you use that line already at Defiance?

Ware: Then it's a castastragedy! An angel has fallen from heaven -- but not in the cool Lucifer way!

Duncan Drake is in a heap on the floor as one of the cameramen dashes over to get a close-up!

Ware: He's bleeding! Elliott Rollins has busted open a god!

Gibson: Duncan Drake is bleeding! Huh, and I always thought it'd be yellow!

Ware: Isn't blood in a match like this specifically against the Geneva Convention! Or at least the rules of a LiveWire! Elliott Rollins is a horrible, horrible man!

Gibson: Drake is bleeding for the first time in his FUSE career! We're just about to hit the three-minute mark here during the LiveWire title versus Young Lion's Cup match! We'll be back with more -- right after this short break!

Ware: What? A commercial? FUSE doesn't take --

(Cut to commercial. Well, really, it's one of those "Coming up after FUSE on ESPN on SportsCenter: Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl! Plus, have you heard of this Tom Brady guy? He's pretty decent at chucking around a pigskin, eh?" promos. Now, back to Dave Gibson Gets Pissed Off Theater.)

Gibson: -- to just be a fan! Get her back into the audience! Get some security down here!

Ware: She's just concerned about Duncan! He might pass out from the blood loss!

The "she" in question is, of course, MacKenzie Malone, who's clambered over the security rail and is dabbing at the Hollywood Hellion's forehead with her white blouse.

Gibson: Willy's shouting at Elliott, who's in the ring.

"Do you REALLY want to win by [beep]ing countout?" is what he's shouting.

Gibson: Rollins rolls to the outside!

Ware: Rule Number One!

Gibson: MacKenzie dives for cover as Rollins comes for her fiancé! Elliott scoops up Drake in a fireman's carry and dumps him, unceremoniously, into the ring!

Ware: There should be ceremony! He's Duncan Drake!

Gibson: Rollins with a lateral press!





ONE!!







TWO!!!!





Gibson: Damn her! Damn her! MacKenzie put Duncan Drake's foot on the ropes! Drake and Rollins are now each down a rope break, but that conniving jezebel just saved her boyfriend!

Ware: It's all in the name of keeping a family together, Gibby! Is there any crime too heinous that a mother ISN'T justified in committing it for her son?

Gibson: It's just a trophy! Plastic and metal!

Ware: You're labeling!

Gibson: Slick Willy around to that side of the ring! He spins MacKenzie alone as Elliott glances that way!

Ware: Cross-gender abuse! Not allowed on ESPN!

Gibson: MacKenzie goes down! Down goes MacKenzie!

Ware: Willy hit her! I'll moidah him!

Gibson: He barely touched her! Barely laid a hand on her shoulder!

Ware: That's not what I saw! I think he gave her the pimphand!

Gibson: Whatever the case, maybe it'll teach her not to interfere in matches anymore!

Ware: Dave! You're encouraging violence against women! I hardly KNOW you anymore -- you've changed!

Gibson: Malik Jackson outside to keep Slick Willy McDormant from ACTUALLY doing what MacKenzie Malone is claiming he's already done!

Ware: You have blinders on, and it's sad.

Gibson: In the ring, Rollins picks up Drake and sets him on the top turnbuckle! He climbs up to the middle rope! He's setting Duncan up for the Divine Intervention! That sick brainbuster into the turnbuckles that he beat Raymond Pierce with!

Ware: Alas, poor Raymond. We knew ye well.

Myers: TWO MINUTES! There are two minutes remaining in this bout!

Gibson: We've just had our own version of the two-minute warning here, but Duncan Drake doesn't even HAVE two minutes if Elliott Rollins hits this move!

Freed of Willy's prying gaze for a moment, MacKenzie darts around the ring, keeping low. She scoops up the LiveWire title belt from the timekeeper's table and tosses it into the ring.

Gibson: This won't be good! Willy still reading Malik the riot act on the outside -- neither guy sees what's going on!

Ware: Maybe she's just giving it back to Elliott!

Gibson: Rollins lifts -- DRAKE! Drake floats over the top and --

"OOOOOOOOOOH!!!"

Gibson: Damn him! Damn him! Lowblow! Lowblow by Drake! Rollins falls from the middle rope to the mat!

Ware: I'm sorry -- my screen went all fuzzy. Drake hit something fairly impressive, yeah?

Gibson: Yes, Duncan Drake is the king of the crotchshot.

Ware: I'm sorry. That Monet guy must be screwing with me. I heard "Yes, Duncan Drake is king."

Gibson: Drake has his eyes on the title -- and he hasn't won it yet! Mac up to the apron! Get her down from there, referee!

Ware: Uh, pretty sure that's what she wants!

Gibson: Duncan with the LiveWire title belt now! Elliott getting back to his feet and --

THHHHHWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCK!

Gibson: Duncan blasted him! Drake blasted Rollins! Then he's... laid the title on Elliott? What's he --?

Ware: My God! Elliott Rollins just hit Duncan Drake with the belt!

Gibson: No, he didn't!

Ware: But Drake is unconscious! What a turn of events! Elliott Rollins is... well, he's no Duncan Drake, but that was awesome!

Gibson: But it didn't happen! Drake is FAKING and Malik Jackson slides back into the ring to see both men lying on the mat!

Ware: Rollins has the weapon! Disqualification! Please to be disqualifying now, referee!

Gibson: If Malik Jackson disqualifies Elliott Rollins here, Duncan Drake wins the LiveWire title!

Ware: (flat) Oh really? I had abs-oh-lute-lee no idea!

Gibson: This is a damn set-up is what it is! Malik doesn't know what to do!

Ware: The evidence is right in front of you! Make the call! Make the right call, Jackson!

Malik looks up to the crowd. The fans are waving madly, trying to indicate that no one hit Drake. MacKenzie is miming Duncan getting hit with a title belt. Willy... Willy has a mic and he's racing around the ringside area.

The Slick One stops in front of a man, thin, older, African-American and in casual attire.

McDormant: (pointing) You!

Ware: Hey, I know that guy!

Eugene blows his whistle.

McDormant: You're reffing the Super Bowl tomorrow night, right?

Gibson: That's Mike Carey! He IS the referee tomorrow!

Mike Carey: I am.

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen... there is one minute remaining in this match! Sixty seconds to go!

McDormant: So if I want a second opinion, I can ask you... would you DQ my [beep]in' guy, all-around-hero-type, Elliott Rollins?

Mike Carey: Absolutely... not!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Malik Jackson nods! He's waving it off! MacKenzie leaps up onto the apron! She's livid!

Ware: She should be! That guy is NOT a licensed wrestling official!

Gibson Drake up now, too! They're both shouting at Malik Jackson! Funny that he seems fine now!

Ware: Hey! Get your hands off her!

Gibson: Willy pulls MacKenzie Malone off the apron!

Myers: Forty-five seconds!

MacKenzie turns in Willy's grasp. She says something to him; he looks doubtful, but he nods.

Gibson: Drake to the outside! Willy... Mac gets free! McDormant chases Malone!

Ware: Drake chases Willy!

Gibson: They're over here now! Rollins is up!

Ware: I'll protect you, my lovely!

Gibson: MacKenzie into the ring! Willy a step behind! Drake behind McDormant!

Ware: Look out, Duncan! He's up!

Gibson: RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT! RECKLESS DANGERMENT! Rollins hits his move! Rollins hits Drake!

Myers: Thirty seconds remain! Thirty seconds!

Ware: Unhand her!

Gibson: Rollins has thirty seconds -- he picks up Drake! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! Riot Coming! Riot Coming! Riot Coming! The Argentine piledriver!

Ware: Stop this! Do something, MacKenzie! Someone get out here! Drop a house on Elliott Rollins!

Gibson: McDormant has hold of her! Rollins hooks the leg!

Myers: Fifteen seconds!

Gibson: But Malik Jackson will only need three!






ONE! "OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNE!!!"








TWO!! "TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"










THREE!! "THREEEEEEEEEEEE!" "RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Myers: The winner of this bout, STILL FUSE LiveWire champion, and NEWWWW POSSESSOR OF THE 2007 YOUNG LION'S CUP!!! ELLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOTT!!!! ROOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLINNNNSSS!!!!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: He did it! He did it!

Ware: (crying)

Gibson: Finally! Finally! Finally, Duncan Drake has been beaten in the center of the ring! All his schemes! All his plots! Everything he'd had ready just went up in smoke, because a steamroller hit him!

Ware: But... the Drake family! Noooo!

Gibson: You've gotta wonder what MacKenzie said to William McDormant, but... that's a worry for another time!

Willy darts over to the timekeeper's table, yanking hard on the handle to the motorized pushcart as he pulls it over to the rampway. He unleashes a torrent of curses as he struggles to get the thing up the ramp. Thankfully, we don't hear them, because --

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"EL-LI-OTT!" "EL-LI-OTT!"

Malik Jackson hands the man whose curse-word of a nickname is verboten on this broadcast, and he gets up to his feet.

• Texas Death Elimination Match for AWC LiveWire Title
• Joaquin Pierre
• versus
• Corvus
• versus
• Joshua Kosidlo (c)

Myers: Ladies and gentlemen, our next match is a Texas Death Elimination Match for the AWC LiveWire Championship. The rules are simple. The match will begin with three participants, each time someone is pinned, or submitted they will have a until a ten count to answer if they do not answer this ten count they are eliminated, the last man remaining will be the winner.

All lighting in the arena dims drastically, only the barest glow around the staging area as the sound of a guitar is head and the FUSEwire comes to life. A cross appears on the screen, made of two swords, and on each blade is a name. Joaquin on the vertical cross, and Pierre on the horizontal. At this, the crowd goes nuts as "Cold (But I'm Still Here)" by Evans Blue hits the speakers.

Myers: First to the ring, from New York City by way of Paris, France, he weighs in at two hundred fifty-two pounds, Jooooooooaaaaaaaaaqqqqqqqqqqqqquuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnn Pieeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Hello, I'm your martyr
Will you be my gangster?
Can you feel my trigger hand moving further down your neck?
When you hide, just hide inside that body
But just remember that when I hold you
The more you shake, the more you give away.

As the chorus begins, a single bright spotlight illuminates the stage area, shining down directly on the form of Joaquin Pierre, who stands perfectly still, his head bowed as if he in praying. He wears a black hooded sweatshirt and carris in one hand his ever present cane sword, the handle of which forms a cross, and a double sided flag featuring the French tricolor and the Stars and Stripes of the United States.

COLD, but I'm still here BLIND, cause I'm so blind, say never
We're far from comfortable this time.
COLD, now we're so cold MINE, and your not mine, say never
We're far from obvious this time.

Pierre slowly raises his head and pulls down the hood of his sweatshirt, allowing his cobalt blue eyes to sweep the cheering fans before locking on the ring before him. He begins a slow walk to the ring, acknowledging the fans good natured cheering of Old Glory and booing the French tricolor, but not taking his eyes off of the ring.

Wait, another minute here. Time will kill us after all.
Can you feel its second hand? Wrapped around your neck.
So fall into my eyes, and fall into my lies.
But don't you forget, the more you turn away, the more I want you to stay...

COLD, but I'm still here BLIND, cause I'm so blind, say never
We're far from comfortable this time
COLD, now we're so cold. MINE, and your not mine, say never
We're far from obvious this time.

As the second verse ends, Pierre makes a complete circle around the ring, stopping to hand his sword and flag to the timekeeper to hold onto. As he finishes the circle, he does a vertical leap, landing on his feet on the ring apron, and then again jumping over the top rope.

You're so endearing, you're so beautiful
Well I don't look like they do, and I don't love like they do
But I don't hate like they do
Am I ever on your mind?

COLD, but I'm still here. BLIND, Cause I'm so blind, say never
We're far from comfortable this time.
COLD, now we're so cold. MINE, and your not mine, say never
We're far from obvious this time.

He walks to each corner of the ring, at each corner pounding his chest with a fist three times before throwing the fist into the air and bringing the crowd to their feet. As the song reaches its final verse, he moves right to the center of the ring, bowing his head and closing his eyes. He pulls the sweatshirt off over his head and tosses it into the crowd.

COLD, you broke me from the very first night.
I'll love you till they day I die.
I'm far too comfortable this time.
COLD, I loved you from the very first night.
You'll break me till the day I die
I'm far too obvious this time.

Pierre raises his eyes, and throws shadow punches and kicks, warming himself up for the upcoming battle.

Myers: And his opponent…

The air within the arena feels like it has dropped several degrees colder as the house lights dim to the point where the whole building is pitch black. Jason Myers stands in the ring with his introduction cards and lifts the microphone.

Myers: Making his way to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Parts Unknown. He weighs in at 288 lbs and stands 6 foot 6. He is known as the “Obsidian Nightmare”, this is CORRRRRRRRRRRRVUSSSSSSSSSSS!

As soon as his name is announced the fast paced opening of “Smiling Like A Killer” by Motorhead cranks out through the arena's sound system and the devious Duke of Deception pushes through the curtain and starts to walk a few steps before he stops dead in his tracks to look at all the fans that are booing him on either side of the aisle.

I'm the one you never see, in the dead of night,
Peeking in your window, staying out of sight,
Go to bed, lock the door, don't look in the mirror,
What if I was right behind you,
Smiling Like A Killer

I'm the knocking at your door, when you're all alone,
I'm the scratching zombie claw, in your twilight zone,
Cut your throat, catch your breath, blood run like a river,
Last thing you see before your death,
Smiling Like A Killer,

Killers in the house,
Killers in the yard,
Smile, smile, smile,
Killers they're so hard,

Smiling at your kids,
Smiling at your mom,
Smiling at your pets,
They know where you come from,
They know where you come from

Corvus conceitedly walks to the ring moving his arms out of the way if any of the fans reach out to try and touch him no matter if they are a fan or not. He walks around to the hard camera side and pulls himself up onto the apron and stands directly in the middle while he's leaning on the ropes.

I'm the razor at your throat, in your fever dreams,
I'm the one to get your goat, nothing's what it seems,
Freeze your smile, stop your heart, creep and crawl and slither,
Come to you and make your mark,
Smiling Like A Killer,

Killers in your room,
Squirming in your chair,
Smile, smile, smile,
Killers they're not fair,

Smiling in the crowd,
Smiling all alone,
Smiling in your ear,
Call you on the phone,
Call you on the phone

Corvus pulls out a flask from the back of his pants and brings it to his lips. He tosses the flask aside and looks down at the row of fans in front of him who are talking trash. The Obsidian Nightmare gives them an “up yours” gesture before he leans back extending his arms in a crucifix pose and spits out a reddish liquid into the air which sprays some of the fans and also himself. Red droplets run down his face as he smirks and turns slightly to step inside the ring.

I'm the creepy homeless guy, hanging around your school,
I'm the one to make you gone, low and base and cruel,
In the evening we can dance, piggy in the middle,
I will show you true romance,
Smiling Like A Killer,

Killers in the mist,
Killers in the fog,
Smile, smile, smile,
They might eat your dog,

Smiling here and now,
Smiling all the time,
Smiling in your dreams

Corvus walks across the ring and climbs up the turnbuckle and points to himself and the camera gets close enough to him that his lips can be read. He is telling the fans that he's the ultimate competitor in FUSE and that they should all get on their knees and bow to him. He drops back down to the mat and turns to be inspected for foreign objects by the official but he comes up clean; then Corvus moves to the ropes and uses them to stretch.

Gibson: Well Eugene, two of the three competitors are already in the ring, now it's been speculated all week that Joshua Kosidlo was not going to be in fighting shape for this contest tonight, it has also been rumored that his clearance for competition was not legit.

Ware: You think he got a nerdy Doctor and offered him a subscription to the new X-Men series, or maybe hooked him up with the origins of Wolverine? *SNICKT*

Gibson: Please don't tell me you're going to do that again, you were even more annoying than usual in Michigan.

Ware: *SNICKT*

The Fusewire goes black, two golden horns appear on the screen draped with a black banner. They play a short heralding tune, and then is replaced with…



"Unholy Confessions" by Avenged Sevenfold Explodes through the arena, as a single white spotlight focuses on the entrance. A voice comes over the PA system, as the intro continues on.

Voice: Once in every generation a warrior is born destined for greatness. Destined to shine light where there is only dark. These warriors are Paragons of chivalry and remain Heroic Champions... These warriors, are Paladins.

Suddenly from behind the curtain Joshua Kosidlo erupts the AWC LiveWire Championship strapped around his waist, gold pyro explode around the entrance, sending large towers into the air. Kosidlo stands at the top of the stage, raising both arms high into the air, and then he drops them to his side quickly in a determined manner, causing a second set of white pyro to explode in front of him.

Myers: Making his way to the ring, weighing in at two hundred seventy-five pounds, he hails from Rome, New York, he is the reigning AWC LiveWire Champion, the paragon of professional wrestling, he is “The Paladin” Josssssshhhhhhhhuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaa Kosssidddddlllloooo!

'I'll try,' she said as he walked away.
'Try not to lose you.'
Two vibrant hearts could change.
Nothing tears the being more than deception,
unmasked fear.
'I'll be here waiting' tested and secure.

Joshua erupts through the remnants of smoke, and flecks of white pyro jogging toward the ring, stopping to slap hands with all the little kids, and die hard fans. From the ring Corvus glares at his nemesis, Pierre merely takes in the excitement.

Nothing hurts my world,
just affects the ones around me
When sin's deep in my blood,
you'll be the one to fall.

Kosidlo gets to the ring and stands there for a moment looking around. Slowly he ascends the steps and stands on the apron facing the entranceway. He wraps both forearms and biceps around the top rope. He leans back on the ropes, gazing out at the audience, a boyish grin across his face.

I wish I could be the one,
the one who won't care at all
But being the one on the stand,
I know the way to go, no one's guiding me.
When time soaked with blood turns its back,
I know it's hard to fall.
Confided in me was your heart
I know it's hurting you, but it's killing me.

Kosidlo unravels his arms from the top rope, and pivots toward the ring, hopping over the top rope and landing in the ring. He runs to the far corner, unstrapping the AWC LiveWire Championship and hops up onto the second rope holding the title into the air. After a few moments, and a thousand flash bulbs go off he hops back down from the turnbuckle and hands the title over to referee Ryan Davis who shows it to all three competitors before handing it to the timekeeper. Jason Myers exits the ring, and Ryan Davis calls for the bell.

Gibson: And this match is no officially underway. There are no rules, there are no-holds barred, only three men, one grudge and two ten counts away from an unsanctioned title.

Ware: I think Corvus hates Kosidlo as much as I do, and for that I expect him to leave The Paladin in a heap of his own blood.

The three men circle one another, each man trying to pick the best opportunity to strike. Finally Kosidlo comes in locking up with Corvus. Corvus tries to push him back into the corner but the Paladin Nation is behind Kosidlo giving him the strength he needs as he shoves Corvus away hard and into the corner behind him. Corvus looks stunned, but only for a moment.

Gibson: What a knee from Joaquin Pierre, that caught Corvus off guard for sure!

Ware:

Pierre wraps his arm around the neck of the Obsidian Nightmare and runs forward planting him onto the canvas with a bulldog. Pierre rolls out of the way and Kosidlo springboards off the ropes, turns in mid air and drops a legdrop across the back of Corvus' neck.

Gibson: Tandem offense from the former Globalites, Pierre and Kosidlo both want Corvus taken care of from the get go.

Ware: Do you blame them Gibbo? Look at the guy he's… scary.

Kosidlo explodes to his feet locking eyes with Pierre. The two lift Corvus off of the mat and Kosidlo tosses Corvus up for a torture rack while Pierre climbs the top rope. Kosidlo begins to apply pressure really wrenching on Corvus' midsection and off the top comes Pierre landing a legdrop over the throat of Corvus causing him to crash into the canvas.

Gibson: What teamwork on the behalf of Kosidlo and Pierre.

Ware: The French usually run from their problems so if I were Kosidlo I wouldn't guarantee having Frenchie at his side through out the match.

The Paladin yanks Corvus back to his feet and hoists him up for a gorilla press. He approaches the ropes and tosses Corvus over the top to the outside. Pierre hits the far ropes, springboards off the top and lands across Corvus' back with a 450 splash. Kosidlo now springboards off the ropes and as Pierre rolls out of the way Joshua lands on Corvus with a springboard Joshton bomb. Pierre and Kosidlo both begin putting the boots to Corvus.

Gibson: These two are smart Eugene maybe you could learn a thing or two from them.

Ware: What are you saying Gibby? Are you saying I am not smart?

Pierre and Kosidlo continue their assault on Corvus. Kosidlo hoists him up and delivers a devastating back breaker. Pierre climbs to the top rope as Kosidlo holds Corvus in place over his knee. Pierre flies off hitting a legdrop across the throat of Corvus. For good measure Kosidlo hoists him up and powerbombs him onto the outside floor. Corvus lies on the outside of the ring motionless. Kosidlo and Pierre then turn on each other. The two men begin to exchange hard left and right hands. Kosidlo draws back and hits Pierre with a hard left cross causing him to stumble backwards to the floor. Kosidlo crouches down and stalks Pierre.

Gibson: Kosidlo taking the initiative to try and take both men out.

Ware: How does he do it?

Pierre starts to climb to his feet along the stairs and Kosidlo springs up and charges. Pierre gets driven into the stairs with a massive spear by The Paladin. Pierre holds his back and hollers out in pain. Kosidlo looks around him at his fallen opponents but he sees Corvus beginning to stir. Kosidlo crouches down once again and waits for Corvus to get to his feet.

Gibson: Kosidlo stalking his prey.

Ware: Wasn't Kosidlo just Corvus' prey?

Corvus finally gets to his feet and Kosidlo charges for another spear. Corvus reverses it and delivers a sit out powerbomb to The Paladin. Kosidlo holds his back from the pain as Corvus stands over him with a sick, sadistic, satisfied smile on his face. Pierre slowly climbs his feet and starts to sneak up behind Corvus. To his surprise though Corvus hears him coming and catches him in the jaw with a reverse elbow.

Gibson: Cat like reflexes shown by The Obsidian Nightmare.

Ware: I wouldn't call them cat like… maybe more like Wolverine.

Pierre stumbles back but manages to stay on his feet he retaliates with a dropkick to the middle of Corvus' back. Corvus flies forward and stumbles over the fallen Kosidlo face first into the barricade. Kosidlo slowly starts to get to his feet a small smile forming on his lips as he sees the blood trickling from the busted lip of Corvus.

Gibson: It looks like Joshua Kosidlo was playing possum Eugene. Look at that smile creeping across his lips.

Ware: He was like a possum a few weeks ago. The road kill type that is.

Kosidlo now on his feet turns to see exactly where Pierre is. A glare from both men suggests that they should strike while Corvus is down. Kosidlo hoists Corvus up onto his shoulders. Pierre hops up on the barricade runs and leaps up wrapping his arm around the neck of Corvus. Kosidlo drops down in unison with Pierre executing an Electric Chair drop DDT.

Gibson: OH MY! What a stunning move by Kosidlo and Pierre.

Ware: Meh… see better.

Kosidlo yanks Corvus back to his feet while Pierre slides into the ring, hitting the far ropes. Before Kosidlo can do anything, Corvus hits him with a low blow that takes him to his knees, Pierre springboards off of the top rope and gets caught in mid air by the devilish Corvus. Corvus charges the ringpost and slams the back of Pierre into it. He does this again, with a sick sadistic smile across his face.

Gibson: Corvus punishing the lower back of Pierre.

Ware: He just thought Pierre needed a chiropractor.

Kosidlo is grasping the barricade still in pain, meanwhile Corvus rams Pierre into the ringpost a third, fourth and then fifth time. Finally he tosses Pierre up onto his shoulders, tosses him up and hits him with the Chapter 13.

Gibson: Chapter 13 by Corvus.

Ware: This may be the end of Pierre.

Corvus yanks Pierre back to his feet, up onto his shoulders and delivers a second Chapter 13. He drops to the floor and covers the downed Pierre. Ryan Davis makes the count.

Gibson: Corvus with a second Chapter 13 for good measure.

Ware: Frenchie is down for the count.

1…




2…



Kosidlo reaches across to try and grab Corvus' leg….



3!!!

Gibson: Pierre has been pinned, now he must answer a ten count or he is out of this match.

Ware: He will stay down… why bother to fight.

Kosidlo has Corvus' foot but Corvus kicks him back in the face and gets to his feet, laying the boots into Kosidlo's side. Ryan Davis begins the ten count.

1…

Corvus yanks Kosidlo to his feet and whips him into the barricade.

2…

Corvus charges after and clotheslines The Paladin up and over the barricade and into the laps of three different fans.

3…

Gibson: Corvus now trying to wear down Kosidlo.

Ware: Those fans don't look to happy Gibby.

Corvus yanks the ring steps away from the ring and drops them only a foot or so away from the corner. He climbs them, jumps over to the barricade and falls off with an elbow across Kosidlo.

4…

Corvus yanks Kosidlo to his feet in a front face lock, hoists Kosidlo up and drops him across the barricade midsection first.

5…

Corvus grabs him by the head and falls back with an elevated DDT, The Paladin is out cold.

6…

Gibson: The Paladin is out of it.

Ware: Were at 6 on Pierre… what happens if the ref has to count the pin for Kosidlo. There should be two referees.

Corvus yanks him up and tosses him over the barricade, following after him.

7…

Corvus hoists Joshua back to his feet; meanwhile Pierre is still out cold.

8…

Corvus places his shoulder into the Paladin's midsection and drives him into the ringpost. Corvus backs up a few steps and drives Kosidlo into the ring post for a second time.

9…

A third shoulder into the midsection leaves Kosidlo slumped against the post. A sick smile crosses Corvus face as he picks the steps back up.

10!

Gibson: Pierre is done! He's out of this match, and Corvus is starting to look like the strong favorite right now!

Myers: Joaquin Pierre has been eliminated.

Corvus slams the steps into The Paladin's midsection that added pressure on his already injured body. Corvus presses the ringsteps up against Joshua, takes three steps and dropkicks them into Kosidlo, into the ring post.

Gibson: Corvus is really punishing Kosidlo.

Ware: That is gonna leave a mark.

Kosidlo slumps over the ringsteps and Corvus reaches under the apron removing a barbwire wrapped kendo stick. He approaches Joshua, and begins to slam the barbwire laced stick across the back of Kosidlo's head.

Gibson: Corvus busting out the barbwire kendo stick again this week.

Ware: What is the fascination with that thing?

Corvus drops the kendo stick and yanks the steps away, Kosidlo crumbles to the floor in a heap. Corvus covers, hooking the far leg and Ryan Davis makes the count.

Gibson: Corvus with the pin attempt.

Ware: Kosidlo is gonna need reconstructive surgery on his whole body after this past couple weeks of torture.

1…




2….



3!!!

Gibson: Now if Joshua Kosidlo cannot answer the ten count, then Corvus is the new AWC LiveWire Champion.

Ware: Corvus better hope he stays down. Kosidlo is like a bad penny.

Corvus heads over to the timekeeper's table and grabs the AWC LiveWire Championship glancing it over.

1…

2…

3…

Gibson: It looks like Corvus is planning to make sure Kosidlo stays down Eugene.

Ware: Come on Gibbo a car didn't even keep the guy down.

Corvus rolls into the ring, his sadistic smile returning to his face.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

4…

5…

6…

Gibson: The crowd is not happy with this Eugene.

Ware: Yeah but were at a six count.

Kosidlo begins to stir, but Corvus doesn't notice.

7…

Kosidlo reaches up grabbing at the ring apron, and begins pulling himself up.

8…

Kosidlo is standing, referee Ryan Davis stops the count and Corvus can't believe it. He slides out of the ring as Kosidlo tries to steady himself and clocks him with the AWC LiveWire title in hand.

Gibson: Kosidlo up by the 8 count but Corvus takes him out with the title.

Ware: I told you he wasn't gonna stay down.

Corvus drops and covers him again.

1…

2…

3!!!

Gibson: A second pinfall for Corvus, and Kosidlo looks to be out for good this time.

Ware: Corvus can hope.

Corvus remains there this time watching Kosidlo intently. Ryan Davis begins the ten count.

1…

2…

3…

Gibson: Everyone is on the edge of their seats.

Ware: The tension is as thick as pea soup.

4…

5…

Kosidlo begins to stir, but not as effectively as before. Corvus crouches down waiting for The Paladin to try and get up.

6…

Gibson: Tension is not thick as pea soup that would be fog Eugene.

Ware: I thought fog you cut with a knife.

7…

Kosidlo gropes for the ring apron and grabs it, trying to pull himself up. His face is now a bloody mess.

8…

Kosidlo yanks himself up, not quite on his feet yet.

9…

Kosidlo is nearly standing.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Kosidlo is almost to his feet.

Ware: Call the exterminator.

Corvus charges as Kosidlo starts to stand up right with the AWC LiveWire Championship again, Kosidlo ducks, Corvus turns around and Kosidlo catches him with a one handed choke, he tosses Corvus right arm behind his head, hoists Corvus up just a bit and slams him to the floor with the Bottom of Reality.

Gibson: BOTTOM OF REALITY! Joshua Kosidlo strikes back!

Ware: Where the hell did that come from?

Neither Kosidlo nor Corvus move now, both remain down. Ryan Davis waits patiently to see if one of the two tries for a cover. Kosidlo pulls himself forward and drapes an arm over Corvus.

Gibson: Kosidlo going for the pin on Corvus.

Ware: Aint that some shhhh…. Oh I can't say that. [Slaps a hand over his mouth.]

1…

2…

3!!!

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Gibson: Joshua Kosidlo did it! He pinned Corvus, and now if Corvus stays down for the ten count The Paladin has overcome all of the odds and has proven to Corvus that he will not back down!

Ware: That would be a miracle.

1…

Neither Kosidlo nor Corvus stir.

2…

3…

4…

Gibson: Both men are still.

Ware: Maybe Kosidlo is playing road kill again.

Kosidlo pulls himself up along the apron and leans against the ringpost as Corvus begins to stir.

5…

6…

Corvus grabs the apron, but can't pull himself up.

7…

Gibson: Kosidlo is on his feet and Corvus is trying to do the same.

Ware: Corvus will survive.

Kosidlo crouches down waiting for Corvus to pull himself up, he runs a hand through his hair while the other signals for Corvus to get up.

8…

Corvus starts to pull himself up on the apron.

9…

Corvus yanks himself up to a standing position and as he turns around Kosidlo spears Corvus back to the floor, The Obsidian Nightmare's head bounces off the floor.

Gibson: What a spear from The Paladin!

Ware: Damn!

Kosidlo hooks the leg.

1…

2…

Kick Out!

Gibson: Corvus kicked out! Kosidlo can't believe it!

Ware: HA! Corvus kicked out of the spear.

Kosidlo slaps the floor angrily and yanks Corvus to his feet, he hooks him in a front face lock and hoists Corvus up high into the air just holding him there. He pumps him up once, he pumps him up twice, he pumps him up a third time, leaps and slams Corvus into the floor with his Heart of the Warrior Jackhammer Suplex.

Gibson: Heart of the Warrior!

Ware: Kosidlo should just pack it in.

Kosidlo hooks the leg.

1…

2…

3!!!

Gibson: Both men now with two pinfalls over one another, but pinfalls don't matter so much in this match, all that matters is that you keep your opponent down and out, and I think Kosidlo just did that.

Ware: I don't think so Gibby.

Kosidlo rolls off Corvus and pulls himself back up to his feet, fatigue is setting in and he can hardly stand.

1…

2…

3…

Gibson: Corvus is still down.

Ware: Kosidlo looks like he is about to fall down.

Joshua sits down on the stairs watching intently.

4…

Corvus has yet to stir, but Kosidlo remains vigilant.

5…

Still nothing out of Corvus.

6…

Gibson: A count of six, and still Corvus has yet to budge, victory has got to be running through Joshua Kosidlo's mind right about now.

Ware: Kosidlo just don't want to be washed up.

7…

Still nothing out of Corvus, but Kosidlo is holding his celebrations off.

8…

Suddenly Corvus sits right up and gets to his feet, Joshua Kosidlo can't believe it as he stares at The Obsidian Nightmare his mouth open and agape.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: Corvus is back up, he's standing like what Kosidlo did was nothing, I can't believe this!

Ware: Me either Gibbo. I mean I don't care for Kosidlo but damn… Corvus is just… just a beast.

Kosidlo charges Corvus with a clothesline that takes the Obsidian Nightmare to the floor. Corvus bounds back to his feet to be met with another clothesline from the Paladin. Corvus gets right back to his feet and Kosidlo takes him down with another clothesline, this time Corvus does not get right back up.

Gibson: Third time's the charm, as Corvus does not get back up.

Ware: Kosidlo is definitely determined to keep his title.

Kosidlo yanks Corvus to his feet and hoists him onto his shoulders for an argentine backbreaker. Kosidlo walks up the steps, pivots and drops Corvus onto the steel steps with the Paladin Plunge, remnants of Super Dragon's Psycho Driver. Kosidlo holds Corvus for the pin.

Gibson: Paladin Plunge! Joshua Kosidlo hits the Paladin Plunge!

Ware: Maybe for the sake of all involved this will be the end.

1…

2…

3!!!

Gibson: Kosidlo with another pinfall.

Ware: Now he just has to hope that Corvus don't answer the ten count.

Kosidlo rolls away, this time standing tall.

1…

2…

3…

4…

Gibson: Kosidlo looking confident.

Ware: He shouldn't count his chickens before they hatch.

Corvus lays crumbled over the steps, unmoving, hardly breathing.

5…

6…

7…

Gibson: Were at seven. By the way it's eggs Eugene not chickens.

Ware: Well don't eggs turn into chickens?

8…

9…

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

10… NO! Corvus kips up to his feet and Joshua Kosidlo cannot believe it.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: OH MY! Corvus is on his feet.

Ware: I told him not to count his chickens.

Kosidlo charges Corvus with a clothesline but Corvus ducks it, as Kosidlo turns around Corvus backhand's him across the chest, followed by an elbow to Kosidlo's head, then Corvus wraps his arm around his head, runs, leaps and slams The Paladin's head across the steel steps.

Gibson: Corvus using the stairs to his advantage.

Ware: Maybe he is hoping to knock Kosidlo conscious.

Corvus yanks Kosidlo back to his feet, kicks him in the gut, lifts him then slams him face first into the floor with The Clockwork Effect Impaler DDT.

Gibson: Corvus with The Clockwork Effect.

Ware: The what?

Corvus yanks Kosidlo back to his feet, tosses him on his shoulders, climbs up the steel steps with him on his shoulders, he tosses him up, backs away and Kosidlo slams face first into the steps with a modified Chapter 13.

Gibson: Modified Chapter 13.

Ware: Maybe that could be called the Chapter 14. What do you think?

Corvus rolls him over and hooks the leg.

1…

2…

3!!!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gibson: Corvus with another pinfall.

Kosidlo lays on the steps and he doesn't look good.

1…

2…

3…

Gibson: Kosidlo don't look good.

Ware: I never knew you were that way Gibbo. I guess you learn something new everyday.

4…

Kosidlo has not even budged, as Corvus watches on with a sadistic smile crossing his lips.

5…

6…

7…

Gibson: Were at seven and no movement out of Kosidlo.

Ware: What part were you watching?

8…

Kosidlo starts to stir, he rolls off of the steps and to the floor.

9…

Corvus stares at Kosidlo in awe as he starts to pull himself up along the apron.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Then collapses.

10!

Gibson: The Paladin with a valiant effort right to the end.

Ware: He collapsed. Corvus finally made Kosidlo stay down.

Corvus grabs the AWC LiveWire Championship as “Smiling Like a Killer” by Motorhead hits the PA system.

Myers: Here is your winner, and new AWC LiveWire Champion, “The Obsidian Nightmare” Cooooorrrrrrrvvvvvvvvvvuuuuuuuuuussssssssss!

• Gateway Four Gold Ladder Match
• El Diablo
• versus
• Timo Bolamba
• versus
• Aimz
• versus
• Jacob McKail (c)

The camera focuses on Dave Gibson and Eugene Ware as the ring crew get the ringside ready for the Main Event.

Gibson: What a major Main Event we have in store, El Diablo, Aimz, Timo Bolamba and Jacob McKail all squaring off in our Gateway For Gold Ladder Match.

Ware: I hope that redhaired [bleep] [bleep] [bleep] [bleep] [bleep] gets what she deserves.

Gibson: And the five-second delay is working wonders on my broadcast colleague tonight.

Suddenly the entire screen goes black, then fuzzy.







































The screen returns to normal, where Dave Gibson is seen holding his hand to his ear trying to get word from the production crew.

Gibson: Are we back?

Ware: I didn't break the booth did I? I mean sure I had a few choice words to say about Aimz, but who doesn't?

Gibson: And we're back, I'm sorry about that folks it appears we've had some issues with our production trucks, apparently we haven't switched over to HD yet so our signal isn't important enough. While the signal was gone, El Diablo captured the win for the Gateway Championship, we have a new Gateway Champion.