The fans at Calgary's Ogden Legion Hall are ready for some action... it's five minutes before bell time. The chattering suddenly is interrupted by...
Four cellos.
"Path"
The fans pop, but are a little confused. The ring is empty. Even Frank Warburton looks unsure of what's happening. Then the curtains open and Ravager, well dressed as usual, emerges, holding the King of Hardcore trophy. He makes his way to the ring, not oblivious to the reception he's getting, but also not taking in the fan response. He takes a bit longer getting in the ring, obviously still sore. He takes a mic from Warburton.
RAVAGER: You know, as much as I like trophy presentations, I decided I had more pressing things to deal with. Last week I went through Hell to win the first King of Hardcore tournament. I beat the best in the NAPW and REBEL to do it. Despite being the smaller man in the matches. Despite the injuries that got worse each round. Despite the fact that I am not known as a "Hardcore" guy. I went out and won the whole damn thing. And people are asking me "WHY"? Why did I do it? Was it to get a title shot? Was it to satisfy my ego? Was there somebody who needed a message sent to them? Well, maybe one person needed to be sent a message.
Me.
Since day one, I have busted my ass for this promotion. I have gone to war with pretty much anyone who looked at me wrong. I've outlasted guys who were supposed to be the be all and end all for the business. I took the NAPW title to heights nobody dreamed possible. And for the last two months I've been coasting on that fact. And I'm sure it's shown. I lost my title rematch. I lost in the Lethal Lottery. I lost where normally I would have dominated. So what does a man do when he needs to snap out of a funk? Do something different. Find a bigger challenge. Shake things up. That's why I put my name in for the King of Hardcore. That's why I allowed myself to be put through tacks, fire and barbed wire.
Ravager removes his coat and and shirt. The scars from the week before are still evident.
RAVAGER: I will walk around with reminders of last week for the rest of my career. But I also have the thing that makes it all worth it.
He holds up the trophy, to a pop from the fans.
RAVAGER: I am your King of Hardcore. But more importantly, I am the White Collar Assassin. The All Business Ass Kicker. The Last Resort. And the man ready to start a new Path of Annihilation. You saw the beginnings of it in Raleigh. And what better place for it to gain steam than at Anniversary Assault? I seem to recall last year, and a certain "House of Horrors". Everybody remembers what happened after the match. But nobody remember who won the damn thing. Except for me.
Some wise ass shouts out "I remember", which gets a smirk from Ravager.
RAVAGER: I see that the House of Horrors is being brought back once more. I see that this year the winner will become number one contender. And I find myself without a match, and in need of some more career momentum. Now I know there's no way I'm going to be left off this card. Not after the two years I've given this company. But like I said, my dance card is open. So I just want to ask one thing...
"SURPRISE! YOU'RE DEAD!"
The fans boo as Jake Phoenix walks out in his street clothes. Which, really, is his ring gear. His eyes are hidden by sunglasses but he doesn't look happy. Ravager puts down the King of Hardcore trophy and gets ready for a fight. It was Jake Phoenix whom Ravager defeated in the first round of the KoH last week...
Phoenix steps on the apron and then over the top rope like a good big man. He stares at Ravager who gives it right back. Phoenix takes off his sunglasses...
And extends his hand.
Ravager raises an eyebrow. The fans don't trust it. Phoenix just stands, hand out. "Come off it. I shook goddamn Astros' hand when he beat me, I'll shake your goddamn hand." Such language. Ravager puts his hands on his hips...
and takes the hand. A terse handshake, but it's done. Phoenix turns around and steps back over the top rope as Ravager watches him. The Last Resort doesn't trust anybody, much less Jake Phoenix. But Phoenix drops to the floor and walks up the aisle. "Path" plays again as Ravager grabs the KoH trophy and raises it high... JAKE PHOENIX SLIDES IN THE RING! Ravager turns around and tries to defend himself but BIG BOOT IN THE FACE! Ravager goes down hard and Phoenix grabs the King of Hardcore trophy. What's he going to do? Ravager's getting up ---
SMASH!
Phoenix brings the trophy down across the back of Ravager's head with both hands, breaking it into dozens of pieces! Ravager holds his head and tries to cover up as Jake Phoenix lays in some heavy boots to his skull. Then... Phoenix grabs the biggest piece of the trophy and rams it across Ravager's throat, choking the man! Here come security! Who's going to stop this big man? Three officials on Phoenix but he's not getting off Ravager... finally, Phoenix stops. He shuffles aside bits of the trophy and grins sickly down at Ravager. He holds his arm up high for the crowd, snorting as they shower him with boos. Jake Phoenix leaves but Ravager is in bad shape... This isn't how a show is supposed to start!
JACK JONES: So I get told that my balls are hanging out, and I need to put them away.
BILL HEWSON: You rode all the way from Edmonton with them out the window?
JACK JONES: Yeah, at a stop light near the building, a woman finally told me... "Your volleyballs are hanging out". If it wasn't for that mesh sack, my balls would have busted all over Calgary.
BILL HEWSON: Fantastic. Ladies and gentlemen, we are getting set for our first contest... but we will let you fans on DVD know that Ravager has been taken to the hospital thanks to that dirty attack by Jake Phoenix! Handshake my ass. The show must go on, we will keep you updated if we hear any more news on the former NAPW Champion.
FRANK WARBURTON: The following contest is set for one fall and is for the NAPW Heritage Championship!
BILL HEWSON: This is yet another opportunity for the big lumberjack, Kevin Kodiak. Will tonight be the night where he finally realizes his goal and becomes a champion?
JACK JONES: Against Prince W. Darko? NO CHANCE IN HELL!
BILL HEWSON: I have to totally disagree, and tonight, I see Kevin breaking out of the underdog role and winning!
FRANKENSTEIN!
Out walks the six-foot-eight Kevin Kodiak. He slaps hands with a few of the fans as they cheer the big man. He enters the ring and you can't help but see a change in the mans demeanor. He is ALL BUSINESS! Tonight he needs to get the job done to finally win NAPW gold!
FRANK WARBURTON: Introducing first, the challenger, from Salmon River, British Columbia. He weighs in at two hundred sixty five and one quarter pounds. He is KEVIN KODIAK!
"Huh" by AKForty takes over the PA system and out walks the champ. A former REBEL Tag team champ, former NAPW Television champ, and a man that holds the Heritage title, Prince W. Darko is a force to be reckoned with. Calgary doesn't give Darko the respect he thinks he deserves and boos the hell out of the man. Prince is not deterred and calmly walks to the ring. His confidence can be seen from Mars without special alien telescopes.
FRANK WARBURTON: And his opponent. From the Kingdom of Zamunda, he weighed in at two hundred twenty eight pounds. He is the current reigning and defending NAPW HERITAGE CHAMPION.... PRINCE! W! DARKO!
BILL HEWSON: Prince Darko seems to be so calm, and so cocky tonight. How could he not be the least bit concerned with Kodiak?
JACK JONES: Kodiak is a man who ALMOST gets the job done. W Darko on the other hand is a championship winning machine. Three different belts over two companies, even though one was in that barbaric REBEL.
Morgan Smythe calls for the bell. The crowd is buzzing and getting behind Kodiak early. Kodiak wastes little time, and charges with a spinning leg kick. If Darko didn't have a mask covering his mouth, he would be spitting out teeth. What athleticism showed by the lumbering Kodiak! Kevin doesn't pussyfoot around neither, and quickly goes to work on the right leg of the champ. He turns Darko over on to his stomach, and picks up the leg. He drives it in to the mat forcefully as a yell from Darko can be heard in Red Deer. Kodiak allows Prince W. Darko to rise, and then he Canadian Whips him into the far corner. Kodiak charges in with a big splash. Kodiak backs out and Darko walks forward and then hits the ground, ala the Nature Boy flop. Kodiak drops a knee to the right leg of Darko, working it good. Kevin definitely has plans for the Bear Trap later in the match.
BILL HEWSON: The man is simply on fire!
JACK JONES: After what I had to witness last week, please don't joke about people being on fire. My stomach can't handle it.
BILL HEWSON: I was just talking about Kod--
JACK JONES: I know what you're trying to do, just stop it!
BILL HEWSON: Let's focus on the match and not on your feminine thresh hold for violence.
Darko is placed in a leg lock by Kodiak. The crowd wants Darko to tap out, as the Prince struggles to get to the ropes. He finally does and Kevin breaks the hold. Kodiak gives Darko the opportunity to get up, but Darko has a different idea, and rolls out of the ring. He takes a breather, as Morgan Smythe starts her count. She has to quickly restart it as the big man, Kodiak exits the ring. He won't let Darko get counted out. Darko is jawing with the fans and doesn't see the big man approaching. DOUBLE AX HANDLE TO THE HEAD! Darko slumps to the floor. Smythe's count reaches four and Kodiak tries to throw the champ in. Darko reverses it and hits a drop toe hold as well. The big man hits face first into the ring apron as the count hits six. Darko sneaks in a low blow from behind, for good measure. Morgan couldn't see the illegal move, but the crowd reacts with a chorus of boos. Darko slides Kodiak in, and quickly follows.
JACK JONES: See things are back to normal!
BILL HEWSON: Always has to take the low road, doesn't he?
JACK JONES: He's a champ, that's all that matters!
Darko wastes little time and his tired of being on the receiving end of a lumberjack ass kicking. THE ZAMUNDA YOKE! Darko applies his Camel Clutch Sleeper on the big man, and Kodiak is too close too close to the ropes. This doesn't make Darko happy at all. He stomps the back of Kodiak's head, once, twice, THREE TIMES! Darko allows the big man to get up, and quickly runs at him hitting a devastating DDT! The cover, ONE! TWO! KODIAK THROWS DARKO OFF HIM. Darko lands five or six feet away. THE CROWD ERUPTS! Darko quickly covers again, but is thrown off almost immediately. Prince Darko seems to be super desperate now, and tries to stop the big man from rising. Chops, punches, nothing is stopping the unrelenting Kodiak. He rises up and catches a punch from Darko, grabbing the fist. Darko nails a thumb to the eye with his free hand, then Kodiak is LAID OUT WITH SECOND VERSION! The Complete Shot is hit nearly perfect, and another cover from Darko. Two count is all he gets and Kodiak will not go down. Darko's eyes tell of major frustration.
JACK JONES: Damn... what does Darko have to do?
BILL HEWSON: A tad bit more I'd say!
Darko goes to the top but Kodiak rises up, and Darko doesn't get to attempt his move, whatever it was. Kodiak shakes the top rope and Prince W. Darko crotches the turnbuckle. Kodiak climbs the turnbuckle and SUPERPLEX! Kodiak and Darko lay motionless and the crowd chants KODIAK! KODIAK! KODIAK! No love for the former Crime, and Kodiak climbs over to Darko. He doesn't attempt the pin, but opts for some stiff kicks to the right leg of Darko. Darko screams in pain slash frustration slash begging for mercy. Darko desperately up kicks at Kodiak, nailing him in the face. Kodiak backs up, allowing Darko to get up. Darko charges at Kodiak, RUNNING DDT! REVERSED! NORTHERN LIGHT SUPLEX WITH A BRIDGE! Darko is pinned! ONE! TWO! THE ROPES, DARKO FOUND THE ROPES! His title stays on his side, but the grasp is loosening. The crowd is firmly behind the big man. They are in near nirvana watching the hated Heritage Champ get his ass kicked.
BILL HEWSON: This is an unbelievable crowd tonight!
JACK JONES: Unbelievably ignorant if they think that Darko is losing tonight.
BILL HEWSON: You watching the same match I am? All I've seen is him getting beat down.
Indeed. The crowd just knows it's only a matter of time before the belt changes possession. Darko might not know where he is right now. He seems out on his feet. Kodiak picks up Darko and body slams him. Kodiak picks Darko up and VERTICAL SUPLEX! Not a stalling one, not yet at least. Darko lays on the mat, as Kodiak goes up top. BIG SPLASH FROM THE TOP ROPE! Darko moved however, but only two his stomach. The splash connects with his back and Kodiak can't get the pin. Kodiak doesn't need to pin him. He flips him over and locks on THE BEAR TRAP. Darko is fighting it with everything he has. Prince Darko tries too move toward the ropes. He can't reach them. He then has to go with trying to flip Kodiak over. Darko is using his left arm, swinging it forward to gain momentum. He finally flips it, and reverses the pressure. Kodiak is tall however and grabs the ropes with ease. The crowd watches as Kodiak gets out of the hold easy, and towers over the hurt champ. The crowd just knows that they are watching the christening of a new champ.
BILL HEWSON: He about had the tap out, but Darko has watched Ric Flair enough to reverse the figure four.
JACK JONES: Maybe something good came from Darko's stint in the south.
Prince W. Darko gets up very gingerly. Kevin Kodiak awaits his chance. Kodiak is about to charge --- Darko pulls Morgan Smythe in the way! Kodiak can't stop and MORGAN SMYTHE GETS NAILED WITH THE THE NORTHERN BC LARIAT. Kodiak backs up and DARKO GETS NAILED WITH THE NORTHERN BC LARIAT. He instinctively covers Darko, but no ref. The crowd counts, ONE TWO THREE! But they don't count. Only one person counts, and that person is laying on the mat. Darko smartly positioned her, and now Kodiak has to revive her. As he tries, Darko slides out of the ring and grabs Frank Warburton's chair. Darko walks as fast as he can, but that's not very fast with a bum leg. He enters the ring and is measuring Kodiak.
BILL HEWSON: Wait! This can't go down like this!
JACK JONES: We got company! Stone Zellor is putting his big nose in the match.
Stone Zellor wrestles the chair away from Darko. He won't let history repeat itself. Kodiak sees what's going on, Darko calls Stone a "no good mother (BLEEP)" and Stone swings for the fences on that note! AND NAILS KODIAK! DARKO DUCKED! Stone looks in shock. He didn't mean too, but the damage is done. Darko nails LAID OUT on Stone, and Stone gets kicked out the ring. Morgan Smythe is coming to. Darko covers, but still no count. He gets up, bringing Kodiak up too. THE ZAMUNDA DRIVER! HOW THE HELL DID HE GET HIM UP! What a show of determination from Darko. Darko again covers. Morgan Smythe comes over and ONE! TWO! KICK OUT BY KODIAK? NOT THIS TIME... THREE!
FRANK WARBURTON: The winner of the match AND STILL NAPW HERITAGE CHAMPION... PRINCE! W! DARKO!!
BILL HEWSON: This is horse shit!
JACK JONES: HEY! Can't be dropping S bombs!
BILL HEWSON: We're not on television, and I don't give a damn who heres me. Darko might have shown a lot in doing his finisher, but it was the chair HE BROUGHT IN that did the damage. This is appalling on so many levels.
JACK JONES: You're pissed that I was right once again!
Darko exits the ring as champion. But what will happen when Kodiak wakes up and realizes that Stone Zellor just accidentally cost him the Heritage title. And how many more times can Darko escape defeat? What will Stone Zellor have to say about it all?
FRANK WARBURTON: At a combined weight of four hundred forty pounds. From... well I don't know. The former NAPW Tag Team champions...
"WHEN IT'S TIME TO PARTY WE WILL PARTY HARD!"
Party Hard by Andrew WK begins to play, filling the arena. It gets the crowd amped and ready.
FRANK WARBURTON: MYSSSSSSTIIIIIIIIIIIC EXPOOOOOOSIIIIITION!
Mystic Exposition both blast through the curtains and get rained with cheers. They zoom into the ring, ready to go, and stand on the second ropes gazing into the crowd for energy.
FRANK WARBURRTON: Their opponents...Together they weight five hundred forty-nine pounds. From The Shadows...
The crowd realize who it is, they begin to boo their hearts out, heavy, ruthless boos.
FRANK WARBURTON: THEEEEE DAAAAAAAAMNED!
Bullet With Butterfly Wings start to blaze through arena, but the sound is drowned out by boos.
JACK JONES: I don't think I've ever heard this much disrespect.
Al B. Damned bursts through the curtains, and gets hit in the face with heavier boos.
JACK JONES: Correction.
Something is off, Al is alone. He keeps looking at the curtains, like he hopes to see Sebastien Martyr. He makes his way past the booing crowd, he looks at the curtains, nothing. He then looks at the crowd hopping to see Sebastien Martyr. Still, disappointingly, nothing. He places his down, shakes. Then he enters the ring. Al B. stares at the curtains hoping his partner will show up, nothing. The ref walks over to Al, "He'll show up, I know he will." The ref shrugs, the match is on.
DING DING DING!
The Mystic Exposition Rock-Paper-Scissors to see who goes first. Ninja wins this one, Al takes another look at the curtains, shakes his head and finally moves to center ring. They lock up, classic fashion. Al being the stronger one, shoves Ninja across the ring, Ninja resembles a tumbleweed. On his knees, Ninja looks around thinking wow, he gets to his feet and rushes at Al...MYSTIC CYCLONE! Al is down, but gets up just as fast as Ninja does. They lock back up, Al hits a mean Suplex, slamming the poor Ninja back first onto the canvas.
BILL HEWSON: The sound of thunder.
Ninja sits back up, feeling on his back in pain, mouth open, eyes open. Al sends Ninja into the ropes as a set up for his Massive Hip Toss, adding more salt to Ninja's back. Ninja still on the floor, Al gets to his feet and squashes Ninja with a Senton onto his back. A second Senton, a third, fourth, fifth.
BILL HEWSON: Al's a big dude, I'm surprised he was able to pull those combos off.
AL HEWSON: You should see him move around food.
Ninja isn't going anywhere, Al takes his sweet ass time to regain his breath, back turned to Ninja. Expositioner runs into the ring, he grabs hold of Ninja's leg and drags him home. Expositioner behind the ropes now, makes the blind tag. Al moves over to the ropes to take another look at the curtains, still waiting. Expositioner grabs a hold of his head and sends Al to the ropes, then an X Press to a pin.
ONE
A kick out with force. Expositioner gets to his feet and goes in for the X-Traction. He can't though, Al puts up a fight before pushing Expositioner. Expositioner goes in for the second tag of this match. The Mystic Exposition are in the ring, they Irish Whip Al into the turnbuckles. Expositioner gets Irish Whipped towards Al, coming in heavy for the body splash, then he sends Al towards Ninja, who hops up in the air for a Hurricanrana that connects big time. Ninja rushes over to the top turnbuckle, he points at Expositioner who's in the corner. They yell out "BINGO TANGOOOOOOO!" Shuriken Press... no body home. Al crawls his way to Ninja for the pin.
ONE
TWO
KICK OUT!
Al takes a hold of Ninja's head and brings him to his feet and sends him into the ropes. Ninja returns to his sender, Al sends another message, Super Drop Toe-Hold. Al takes another look at the curtains. Something hits him, something hard. He screams out "(BLEEP) THAT SHIT!" A huge pop.
BILL HEWSON: About time.
JACK JONES: If it wasn't for Sebastien, Al wouldn't be where he is. He should embrace this as a test.
BILL HEWSON: Oh brother.
Al goes back to work on Ninja, he sends him into the turnbuckle, then demolishes the man with a mega clothesline. Al begins to hit Ninja with an array of shoulder thrusts. Each of them powerful, Ninja loses his breath each time. Al backs up, Ninja falls down on his ass. Al closes in, grabs Ninja's legs, tosses his legs up, Ninja is in the air horizontally, Al catches him and slams him down for a beautiful Alley Oop Bomb. Al drags Ninja to the center of the ring, he brings him up to his feet. Al DDT's Ninja's skull to the ring viciously.
ONE
TWO
THREEKICKOUT!
JACK JONES: HOW?
Al is baffled. Expositioner is baffled as well. Al shakes his head and goes back to work, he picks up Ninja and places him on his shoulder. Al rushes towards the turnbuckle, Ninja slides out and drops kicks him to the corner. Al bounces off and stumbles backwards into a schoolboy.
ONE
TWO
KICK OUT!
Ninja makes a mad dash for Expositioner. Expositioner breaks through the ropes with an X Pound. He makes his way to the corner, springs his way to the top rope. He looks over at Ninja "EXTERMINATE!" Ninja knows the drill. Al moves slowly to his feet. He doesn't know he's about to be...EXTERMINATED!
Expositioner with the pin.
ONE
TWO
THREE!
FRANK WARBURTON: The winners of the match... MYSTIC EXPOSITION!
BILL HEWSON: A good showing by all three men, especially Al B. Damned.
JACK JONES: Well I'll be damned, I actually agree with you.
BILL HEWSON: Al showed so much heart in this match despite the no show of his partner... Oh what's this?
Mystic Exposition surround Al B. Damned, they extend their hands. Al gets to his knees, finally his feet. He looks around, a bit skeptic, he shrugs, extends his hands in return. They slap some skins and exit the ring. The crowd cheers in respect for these men.
JACK JONES: I never liked that Al B. Damned character.
BILL HEWSON: Of course you didn't. But the real question is... where was Sebastien Martyr?
Mystic Exposition don't care. THEY ARE HERE TO PARTY HARD. For it is time to party.
A slow, creepy dirge plays over the PA. "Beneath Below" by Isis heralds one man, a man who once was a fan-favorite but now is loathed... Billy Kryenik slowly makes his way to the ring, in no hurry.
FRANK WARBURTON: The next match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Windsor Ontario... weighing in at two-hundred and forty-one pounds, he is BILLLLLLY KRYENNNNNIK!
BILL HEWSON: Last week in Raleigh Kryenik attacked Tommy Deathrow and both men ended up in a pool of broken light tubes!
JACK JONES: I know, I was there.
BILL HEWSON: Well, yes, but I'm explaining to the fans who may not have watched King of Hardcore why Kryenik's body is scratched up ...
JACK JONES: I WAS THERE.
BILL HEWSON: I hate you.
Kryenik takes the ring. He is indeed suffering effects of thousands of light splinters tearing up his skin, but he looks rather rugged like that.
"I SAID HALLELUJAH!"
FRANK WARBURTON: And his opponent! From Los Angeles, California... he is the former NAPW World Champion! Weighing two-hundred and twenty-seven pounds, he is DONOVANNNNN ASTROOOOOS!
Astros strolls out, cocky as ever. The fans really hate him. They don't like Kryenik, but Astros, with his smug grin, arrogant demeanor and undeniable SUCCESS is just a wonderful target for their bile. Astros steps into the ring...
BILL HEWSON: Wait a minute, Donovan Astros has asked for a microphone, who wants to listen to him talk?
JACK JONES: I do, that's who, Bill!
Astros leans up on the ring ropes, his eyes locked on Kryenik's as Frank Warburton brings Astros the microphone.
DONOVAN ASTROS: Everyone, take a look at Billy Kryenik, wouldya? Billy, a former two-time NAPW Tag Team champion, a former Canada Cup holder, and look how far you've fallen! Your tag team partner left you for bigger and better monsters, you wasted your one golden opportunity against Ravager, a man I beat twice! And your blood feud with Tommy Deathrow has left your wrestling career spiraling ever downward. What a waste.
Kryenik fumes and paces as the referee tries to keep himself between the two wrestlers.
DONOVAN ASTROS: Keep him on his side of the ring or I'll drop you like I should have dropped Kyle Roberts, you son of a bitch!
BILL HEWSON: Astros has no right to talk to an NAPW official like that! You would think he learned something from the situation that led to him losing his title!
JACK JONES: Why don't you get in there and tell him his lesson then, Bill?
DONOVAN ASTROS: But you know what, Billy? As bad as it's gotten, there's one man whose number you've always had, whether it be for the Tag Team titles or the Canada Cup, and that man is Chris Casino! So Chris, I know you're watching in the back...
Astros finally turns away from Kryenik and towards the entranceway.
DONOVAN ASTROS: I'm about to do something you've never done, Casino, and that's bring Billy Kryenik to his kn-OOF!
That OOF comes from a charging Billy Kryenik colliding with Donovan Astros, taking him down with a clothesline to the back of the head! The referee calls for the bell and Kryenik is all over Astros as this match begins!
Kryenik shoves Astros in the corner, throwing wild forearms to the forehead of the former champ! Kryenik gets some distance... LARIAT! Pick-up of Astros to the top rope, Kryenik reaches up and brings his man down headfirst onto a knee! He calls that Hot Salvation and he's looking for the Branch Breaker to end this quickly! Astros grabs the ropes in a hurry. Kryenik picks the man up and delivers some vicious crossface shots, Tazz-style. Astros stumbles to the ropes and comes out TOEKICK. Kryenik hooks the arms for DRY LAKE --- not gonna happen! Astros reverses the move into a backslide one, two, Kryenik rolls out... Astros with a running knee to the rising Kryenik's face! Astros takes Kryenik down and starts stomping him. Kryenik fights back with an open-hand chop but gets cut off with a rake of the eyes. ASTROLABE DDT! Out of nowhere! Cover gets one, two, Kryenik kicks out. Astros rolls the man over and goes for the Astrolock. Gets it on! Kryenik yelling in pain...
But makes the ropes. Referee counts one, two, three, four, Astros lets go. Stomps the shoulder again. He pulls Kryenik up... Astrocide! No, Kryenik reverses! Off the ropes with a SUPERKICK --- DUCKED! Kryenik stumbles, turns around INTO A SUPERKICK. Of Astros' own... wait a minute. That was a Chris Casino style superkick! What the hell! Astros grabs Kryenik from behind, spins around, and Astrocide's Ill Bill's head right into the canvas. Oh my. Astros hooks the leg for one, two, no kidding THREE.
FRANK WARBURTON: The winner of the match... Donovannnnn Astrooooos!
Astros taps an imaginary watch and preens as the ref checks on a dazed Billy Kryenik. The crowd lets him know what they think of him.
JACK JONES: How long was that match, Hewson? How long?
BILL HEWSON: I don't know... I don't know that it was more than four minutes long. Donovan Astros absolutely dominated Billy Kryenik here in Calgary!
JACK JONES: Not only did he dominate, but in four minutes he did something Chris Casino has NEVER been able to do in over a year. Donovan Astros beat Billy Kryenik! Who's the real future, Hewson? Your buddy Casino or DONOVAN ASTROS?
BILL HEWSON: My "buddy?" You're the one with the man-crush on Casino, at least until he started fighting against The Crimes! ...ugh. But however you slice it... Donovan Astros has beaten Billy Kryenik in under five minutes, and he did exactly what he said he was going to do. He did what Chris Casino has never been able to do!
Astros makes his leave. What's next for Worldwide Astrocide?
JACK JONES: ... So anyways, I get the fire put out, but my pants are still stuck to my...
BILL HEWSON: Why do you keep talking when I keep saying I DON'T NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS?
JACK JONES: I think you pretty much answered your own question.
STONE COLD CRAZY!!
Ah Metallica. Eases the awkwardness. The fans make it well know how they feel about the man making his way to the ring.
FRANK WARBURTON: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall, with the winner receiving a World Title match at Anniversary Assault II ! First, making his way to the ring, from Staten Island, New York, weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds: "Simply Wrestling" Andrew Rossi!
BILL HEWSON: Quite a change in this man over the last few months...
JACK JONES: A change for the better, if you ask me!
BILL HEWSON: I didn't.
JACK JONES: You never do.
Metallica fades out, and "Twinkle, Twinkle" takes over, and the fans show a bit, okay a LOT, more appreciation for the opponent.
FRANK WARBURTON: And his opponent, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weighing in at two hundred and forty four pounds: DEZ CARTER!
Dez slides in the ring and is met by Rossi, and the two men stare down. Referee John Sharplin calls for the bell, and we're off! They lock up, Rossi knees Carter in the gut, then scores a double leg take down! Carter gets rolled onto his stomach, and Rossi smacks him in the back of the head! Carter is on his feet in a flash, and Rossi goes to the ropes and orders Sharplin to hold Carter back.
BILL HEWSON: A huge lack of respect here!
JACK JONES: No, there's a lot of respect. A respect for ability. But ability means nothing when you're angry. Rossi is playing things very smart here.
Carter calmly waits for Rossi to come to center ring. They lock up again, with Carter getting a headlock. Rossi manages to lift Carter up for a back drop, but Carter holds on. Rossi rolls Carter onto his back for a pin! One... two... Carter rolls back over, keeping the head lock on tight! Rossi gets his foot on the bottom rope, forcing the break! Carter lets go, backs up a step. Rossi gets to his feet, and then slaps the taste out of Carter's mouth! Carter goes to attack, but Rossi is back at the ropes, yelling at Sharplin to keep Carter away. Carter is looking pissed, and Rossi smirks. They go for a lock up, Rossi goes behind, and rolls Carter up... and he's trying for a heel hook... Carter drives his boot under Rossi's jaw, breaking the hold! Carter gets to his feet and goes for a clothesline, Rossi ducks, then hits a crucifix pin! One... two.. Carter gets a shoulder up, Rossi goes for the heel hook again, Carter grabs the rope, and Rossi delivers a few more smacks to Carter's head.
BILL HEWSON: Andrew Rossi trying to humiliate Dez Carter...
JACK JONES: Just getting his opponent's mind out of the game. A sound strategy!
Carter is back up, Rossi tries to go for a lariat, but Carter ducks! He grabs Rossi for a school boy... no, something else.. .
JACK JONES: Oh, come on!!
BILL HEWSON: Sound strategy, you said?
Carter does not go for the pin, instead yanking down Rossi's trunks. The fans get more view of his athletic supporter than they ever wanted, and Rossi is furious. He tries to get his trunks pulled up, but Carter interrupts with a stiff palm strike. Rossi staggers, and Carter pounces, laying in with another strike, then another... he hits the ropes, and comes back with a roaring elbow that makes sick impact with Rossi's jaw! Rossi stumbles into the turnbuckles, and Carter lays in with a kick to the face that knocks Rossi over the top rope to the floor! The fans are very happy to see this...
and even happier when Rossi spits what looks to be two teeth onto the floor!
JACK JONES: Disqualify him, ref! Disqualify that dirty Dez Carter! He has a loaded boot!
BILL HEWSON: My God... Dez Carter just LITERALLY kicked the teeth out of Andrew Rossi's mouth! It's disgusting, but by God, it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Rossi has the presence of mind to get his trunks pulled up, and also to try and walk off the pounding he just took. Carter doesn't let up, and he is out on the floor, pursuing his opponent. Rossi slides back into the ring, Carter right behind, Rossi drops an elbow, Carter moves left, then tries to lock on a cross face. Rossi with an elbow to the side of Carter's head breaks that up. Rossi gets to his feet, bleeding from the mouth, and stalks Carter, who is also to his feet. Rossi chops Carter's chest, making a loud smack. Carter responds with one of his own. Then Rossi retaliates. Then Carter. CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP both men back and forth, the fans trying to keep up with "WOOO's", but Carter starts to take control, and lays in , backing Rossi into the turnbuckles, then he unloads Kobashi style with a machine gun series of chops to Rossi! Carter finally breaks off the assault, and Rossi slumps to the mat! Carter doesn't take in the fan appreciation, instead concentrating on becoming #1 contender. He drags Rossi out of the corner, then covers him for a pin! One... two.. Rossi kicks out! Carter pulls Rossi up, then delivers a stiff headbutt! Rossi stumbles back, and Carter lunges forward with a clothesline! Rossi flattened, and Carter covers again! One... two... Rossi kicks out! Carter tries to lock on his Inverted Cravate Crossface, but Rossi is too close to the ropes, and he grabs on for the reversal. Carter tries to pull him back, but Rossi gets a death grip. Carter yanks hard, only to get a boot to the gut, He stumbles back, and Rossi desperately pounces, going for Carter's ankle and a heel hook! Carter tries to fight out of it, but Rossi gets it locked in!
BILL HEWSON: Rossi finally getting the heel hook!
JACK JONES: A submission win would make up for the teeth he lost tonight...
Carter's face is a mask of pain as Rossi twists and tries to break the ankle. Sharplin is right there to check for the submission, but Dez is having none of that. Carter pulls himself to the ropes, is almost there, but Rossi yanks back, keeping him away from his only escape. Carter doesn't give up, and scratches and pulls himself to the bottom rope, and Sharplin calls for the break. Rossi is reluctant to let go. He spits a mouthful of blood out, and glares at the ref before the finally lets go. Carter pulls himself up with the ropes, but he's on one leg now. Rossi sweeps the good leg from under Dez, and drops an elbow before covering! One.. two.. Carter kicks out! Rossi kicks at the injured ankle, before trying to lock on the hook again. Carter reaches up and grabs a handful of Rossi's hair. Rossi and Sharplin both try to get him to release, and Carter finally does. Carter to his feet, but Rossi is there to stomp the ankle! Carter to one knee, and Rossi boots Carter in the face! Carter is down, and Rossi goes for the Manhattan Crab!
Carter reverses with a small package! One.. two... Rossi kicks out!
Carter barely able to stand, but he manages to catch Rossi with a European Uppercut! Rossi staggered, and Carter nails a forearm, that knocks Rossi down, but Carter also puts too much weight on his bad ankle, so he goes down as well! Both competitors on the mat. Carter crawls over to make a pin, but Rossi rolls over. Carter punches Rossi hard in the side of the head. Rossi, blood dripping down his chin, groggily responds with a thumb to the throat. Carter tries to regain his breath, and Rossi quickly tries to lock him up in a Rear Naked Choke! Carter is already struggling to breathe, and this will not help! Sharplin checks for the legality of the move, deems it fair, and now asks if Carter wants to give up! Carter does not tap! But he can't get out of the hold! Rossi puts all his weight into the move, trying to make his opponent pass out! Carter seems to be fading here. His eyes are rolling back as Rossi cinches in the choke. Sharplin looks ready to stop the match. The fans are cheering Carter on, trying to will him out of the hold! Carter, though, looks like he's done. The eyes are shut, and Rossi senses victory. He loosens up for what seems like only a second...
And Carter pulls Rossi's legs back, and rolls on top of him for a pin!
ONE!!
TWO!!!
THR- Rossi lets go of the hold completely and kicks out!
BILL HEWSON: Carter from out of nowhere with that pin attempt! That's one way to escape a submission move!
Rossi is HOT. He drops and axe handle across Carter's back, and tries to lock in the Painkiller! Carter is weakened, and not able to fight out of it. But he does have easy access to the ropes. Rossi, furious, tries for another heel hook. Carter boots Rossi in the jaw, sending a spray of blood and saliva all over the ring. Carter pulls himself to his feet, still hobbled, but not about to let his shot slip away. He catches a charging Rossi with a knee to the gut, then hits him with a gut wrench back breaker! Rossi is nearly broken in half across Carter's knee! Carter heaves Rossi up again, and drops him back first across his knees! And one more time! Carter trying to shatter Rossi's spine! He goes for one more, but his injured ankle gives out, and he drops Rossi, but manages a cover! One.. two... ROSSI KICKS OUT! Carter slaps on his Cravate Crossface, and stretches Rossi as far back as he'll go! The fans are on their feet, anticipating a submission! Rossi flails a bit, trying to get loose, but Carter pulls back hard! Sharplin asks if Rossi wants to tap. The fans DEMAND that Rossi tap! Rossi has his hand up! It's looking like he's about to bring it down..
But instead he grabs the bottom rope. Carter is forced to break the hold, much to the fans dismay. Rossi gets to his feet, holding his shoulder in pain. He spits out another mouthful of blood. Carter is barley able to stand, and looks to be having trouble breathing after the assault on his throat. The two men lock eyes. They both know what's at stake here. Both their competitive juices still flow. And most importantly?
They hate each other so much.
The two men meet center ring and trade forearm shots. Rossi winces every time he has to stretch his shoulder. carter looks like he could fall down any second. But neither man wants to let the other win. So they attack each other furiously, until they Carter gets a hard shot in that knocks Rossi back! Carter scoops Rossi onto his shoulders! He's going to try and put Rossi to sleep! But Carter's ankle can't take the weight, and Rossi adds to the problem by elbowing Carter in the head! Rossi looks relieved to have escaped that, but not for long, as he tries to hook in the New York Nightmare II ! He lifts Carter up... but his shoulder can't take the weight, and he has to let go! It's Carter's turn to look relieved...
BILL HEWSON: Both men looking to hit their finishers, but they're both to injured to support their opponent's weight!
Carter hits Rossi with a short arm clothesline, then drops an elbow! He covers! One... two.. only a two count. Rossi tries to roll out of the ring, but Carter pulls him back in. Rossi tries to kick Carter in the face, but misses. Carter drags Rossi back to his feet, then tries to hit a palm strike, but Rossi ducks, then comes back with a superkick! Carter's head snaps back and he falls to the mat! Rossi falls over as well, and crawls over to his opponent, and drapes an arm across Carter's chest!
One!
Two!!
Carter gets a foot on the bottom rope! Rossi can't believe it! The fans breathe a sigh of relief, but Rossi doesn't let up! He goes for the NYN2 again! He hoists Carter up... Carter with a small package! One... two... Rossi kicks out! He frantically tries to lariat Carter...
CARTER SCOOPS HIM UP FOR THE GO 2 SLEEP! Rossi tries to fight it, but Carter isn't going to drop him this time! Rossi flails, and manages to catch the top rope! Carter tries to pull him back! Rossi lets go of the rope.. and Carter steps back.. onto his injured ankle! Rossi rolls Carter up for a crucifix pin! One... two... Carter kicks out! He's to his feet! Rossi stomps Carter's injured ankle! Carter yells in pain, but doesn't go down! Rossi stomps the ankle again, and again, and again! Carter finally has to grab the ropes to remain standing, Rossi dives, dropping all his weight on Carter's ankle! Carter lets go of the ropes, and Rossi swoops in like a vulture!
He looks for - and gets! - the New York Nightmare II! It looks like it took everything Rossi had, but he gets the move hit, and makes an exhausted cover on Carter!
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
FRANK WARBURTON: Here is your winner, and the number one contender: "SIMPLY WRESTLING" Andrew Rossi!
The fans are not happy. Dez Carter is in a heap on the mat, trying to get back up. Andrew Rossi has a mouth full of blood. But it doesn't keep the smirk off his face as his arm is raised.
Andrew Rossi has a shot at the gold. And he doesn't care what he had to do to get it.
FRANK WARBURTON: The following contest is set for one fall with a twenty minute time limit.
"Follow" by Breaking Benjamin plays over the PA and the crowd perks up a bit. It's music they've never heard in the Ogden Legion Hall before.
FRANK WARBURTON: Making his Calgary debut, from British Columbia, weighing in at two hundred thiry pounds, here is "THE FALCON"... JACOBBBBBB VENNNNNAR!
The mysterious youngster with bright red eyes walks out from the curtains and appeals to the crowd. He gets a modest reaction from the fans as he climbs into the ring and poses across the top rope, defying gravity. The reaction suddenly changes...
"SURPRISE! YOU'RE DEAD!"
JACK JONES: This Falcon's about to get his wings clipped!
BILL HEWSON: I don't know about that, but we've already seen this man, Jake Phoenix, put one person in the hospital tonight!
Jake Phoenix steps through the curtain, a sick smile across his face. His eyes would be piercing a hole right through Jacob Venar, if we could see them behind the trademark Oakley shades.
FRANK WARBURTON: And his opponent, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, weighing two hundred eighty-nine pounds, 'THE MURDER CITY DEVILLLLL'... JAAAAAAAKE PHOEEEEEEENIXXX!
Phoenix revels in the jeers sent his way by the capacity crowd. A crumpled up drink cup bounces off the massive shoulder of 'The Murder City Devil', getting no reaction whatsoever from the big man. These fans hated him enough BEFORE he took out Ravager!
BILL HEWSON: Things don't look good for Venar here, but he's not backing down from this monster.
JACK JONES: Maybe he should! There's no reason to end your career tonight. Just walk away!
Phoenix steps over the top rope, taking off his Oakley shades and staring down Venar. To his credit, Venar isn't showing any outward signs of fear. That doesn't make it any easier for referee Anthony Uruburu to keep Phoenix from advancing on the Falcon before the start of the match. Phoenix shouts out across the ring - 'What I did to Ravager, I'm gonna do to you, kid!' Phoenix finally backs off to his corner and Uruburu calls for the bell. Phoenix slowly makes his way to the center of the ring, stalking Venar. Venar moves in and ducks to the side of Phoenix, chopping him in the back and scurrying back to the ropes! The crowd applauds Venar's daring while Phoenix just laughs to himself, taunting Venar to 'come on over, boy!' Phoenix stalks into the center of the ring again and Venar once again ducks under and around Phoenix's advance, delivering another solid chop to Phoenix's back, trying to tighten those grizzled muscles up. Phoenix remains unfazed, however, and turns back around to face Venar once again.
BILL HEWSON: Venar keeping it smart here, hitting and moving.
JACK JONES: Yeah, but all he's doing is making Phoenix mad! If Phoenix gets a hold of him, we could see little bits of Venar flapping their way across the building!
Phoenix is getting sick of this cat and mouse game and invites Venar to meet him face to face again, this time standing a little further back of center. Venar goes to duck under again, but this time there's no room for him to back off, and Phoenix has his fly trapped in the ropes. A series of soupbone rights and lefts batter Venar as he leans back on the ropes for support and sanctuary. The referee comes in to break it up and Phoenix stares his down, sending the ref scurrying! Venar takes the moment of pause and gets off the ropes, rethinking his strategy while straightening his jaw.
JACK JONES: One false step and Jake Phoenix just destroys you!
BILL HEWSON: For all the anger and rage Phoenix displays in the ring, you forget that he's a ten year veteran. A dangerous combination of craftiness and power.
JACK JONES: Dangerous for Jacob Venar!
Phoenix snarls at Venar from across the ring and cuts the ring off a little faster, moving in on his prey. Venar ducks under one more time and hits the opposite ropes, only to be LEVELED by a meaty clothesline from the Murder City Devil! Phoenix is stomping away on Venar now, and an elbow drop across the sternum takes away Venar's wind! Phoenix covers!
One....
Two.......
Venar gets the shoulder up in the nick of time! Phoenix gets up and picks up Venar.. big time overhead scoop slam! Phoenix's power is on display with that slam from almost eight feet up with the extension! Phoenix backs into the ropes... legdrop across Venar's throat! That could do it! A cover from Phoenix!
One!.....
TWO!........
Venar kicks out! Phoenix not happy with that turn of events at all and he puts his hands around Venar's throat, choking the life out of him! The referee gets in there ordering a break! One, two, three, four, and Phoenix gets his hands off of Venar. Phoenix and the ref argue as Venar rolls to the outside to catch his breath!
BILL HEWSON: This is an absolute mauling by the former tag team champion right now.
JACK JONES: Yeah, I know! Isn't this great?
Phoenix follows Venar to the outside, where Venar's resting against the ringpost. Phoenix charges in... Venar moves! Phoenix catches the ringpost with his shoulder! Venar musters his strength.. dropkick to the shoulder! Phoenix is down on the floor! Venar has his hands in the air and he's climbing up on the apron! Moonsault off the apron onto the downed Phoenix! This crowd is on their feet! Venar trying to pull Phoenix up off the ground and get him in the ring.. it's slow going, but finally both men are in the ring! Phoenix is up to his knees as Venar bounds off the ropes, Rocker Drop-NO! Phoenix catches the leg and stands up! You can see the fear in Venar's eyes! Venar tries an enzuigiri, but it's ducked! Phoenix steps over the body and delivers a roughhouse stomp to the back of the head! Good NIGHT. Phoenix rolls him over, here's the cover...
One.....
TWO.......
Thr-SHOULDER UP! Venar got the shoudler up, but he's definitely the worse for wear!
JACK JONES: That stomp has my head hurting, Bill!
BILL HEWSON: Mine too, Jack Attack. Phoenix is taking this young kid to school.
Phoenix has a sick smile on his face as he picks Venar up by the arm. Phoenix yells out, 'Hey, Ravager, this one's for you!' and drops Venar back down with a short clothesline, holding onto the arm! Phoenix picks Venar up again, another clothesline! A third time up and this time Venar half collapses and half ducks the short-arm clothesline! The momentum of having his arm pulled across his body doubles Phoenix over... dropkick to the side of the head staggers Phoenix! Venar pulling himself up and to the top rope! Phoenix up to his feet, Venar off the top... Whisper in the Wind connects! The crowd's going crazy! Venar drapes his arm over Phoenix!
ONE!
TWO!!
Phoenix SHOVES Venar off of him! The monster's been awakened! Venar charges in, but eats shoe leather! Devastating big boot from Phoenix! That could be it! Phenix moving in for the kill now, he's got Venar up... CHOKESLAM! Middle of the ring! Phoenix covers!
One!
TWO!!
PHOENIX PULLS VENAR UP! Phoenix is shaking his head... 'Not yet, boy! I ain't done with you yet!'
BILL HEWSON: Phoenix could have won the match right there, but it looks like he's trying to send another message to Ravager tonight!
JACK JONES: That's not fair, Hewson. Phoenix knows Ravager's going to be lonely, he's just trying to get him a roommate!
BILL HEWSON: Oh come off it!
Phoenix picks up Venar and chucks him non-chalantly into the corner. Soupbone rights at the prone Venar, Phoenix is having fun with the kid now, boxing his ears, beating him across the head and chest with those vicious short punches! Venar can barely stand! Thumb across the throat, the crowd's sensing a Tombstone piledriver, and Phoenix is more than happy to oblige! He's got Venar up, but the kid has some fight left in him! He's struggling and wriggling... Venar slips off behind Phoenix! Dropkick to the back! Phoenix crashes sternum first into the turnbuckles! VENAR WITH A ROLLUP!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-PHOENIX GETS THE SHOULDER UP! So close to a major upset there, but Venar's not done! Venar backs off Phoenix waiting for him to get up....
SUPERKICK!
CAUGHT.
Phoenix throws Venar's leg down and nearly takes his head off with a vicious lariat, deflating the crowd.
JACK JONES: That was way too close for comfort!
BILL HEWSON: I don't think there's going to be any comfort for Jacob Venar here shortly...
Phoenix pulls the now deadweight Venar to his feet and hoists him up in the center of the ring... TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Venar's head bounces off the canvas, and he's not moving. Phoenix puts all his weight across Venar's sternum and looks down as the referee counts... One, two, three, nobody gets up from the Tombstone. That's it, and the referee moves in to raise Phoenix's hand, but Phoenix stares him off again as Venar slowly begins to collect himself.
FRANK WARBURTON: Here is your winner... JAKE PHOEEEEEEEENIXXX
BILL HEWSON: A hell of a lot of heart displayed by the newcomer, Jacob Venar in his Calgary debut, but Phoenix was just too much for him tonight.
JACK JONES: A lot of heart shown, and from the look in Phoenix's eyes, we may get to see more of Venar...
Phoenix sees what we're all seeing, and that's Venar getting up to his knees, shaking out the cobwebs. Phoenix is standing over him, looking down, and Venar doesn't see him yet... But he sure feels that brutal soccer kick to the stomach! Venar crumples back to the mat! Phoenix is starting to lay in those boots thick! The crowd is PISSED! Phoenix is just taking liberties with this kid! Phoenix picks up Venar again for another chokeslam...
FROM THE CROWD! LLOYD REES! LDK IS BACK IN CALGARY! He's in the ring... DROPKICK TO PHOENIX! Phoenix drops Venar and staggers to the ropes, flipping over the top rope and landing on his feet! Phoenix is standing on the floor staring at the two of them. Rees is helping Venar to his feet... and Venar hops back to the corner, not wanting to get attacked again! Venar beat Rees three weeks ago at Hostile Hangover Night Two and he's expecting retribution... but Rees extends a handshake!
BILL HEWSON: I don't know if you can trust a handshake after what we've seen tonight and I know I wouldn't trust LDK after what I've seen this year!
JACK JONES: What isn't there to trust about that face?
Venar doesn't believe it, though, and leaves on the opposite side of the ring. The referee is still holding Phoenix back as he slowly makes his way back through the entrance, surveying and smiling at the carnage he's wrought tonight. Rees stands alone in the ring, disappointed. This match just raised more questions for NAPW's competitors! Such as, who can stop Jake Phoenix? And just how much heart does Venar have? And... what is "LDK" Lloyd Rees playing at?
FRANK WARBURTON: The following match is a Tag Team Triple Threat match, and it is for the NAPW Tag Team Championships! Introducing first, weighing in at a cominbed six hundred pounds, the NORTHWEST EXPRESS!
BIG Pop from the crowd when NWX's music hits. I mean, duh. AC/DC "Thunderstruck?" That's pop music. They make their way down to the ring, glad-handing as they go.
BILL HEWSON: They've been on the skids of late, but a Tag Team Championship win here will solve all those troubles for sure.
JACK JONES: Can you say "overrated"?
FRANK WARBURTON: And their opponents, weighing in at a combined three hundred eighty-five pounds...COAAAST TWO COOOASSTTT!
Nirvana's "You Know You're Right" hits and Odyssey Baldwin steps through the curtain alongside partner in crime Link Van Haggard.
JACK JONES: Now there, there's a team! These guys could wrestle circles out of the other four chumps.
BILL HEWSON: They're talented, there's no doubt about it. But I'd like to see them win this match cleanly if they do!
JACK JONES: That depends on what your definition of "clean" is.
BILL HEWSON: Of course it does.
Van Haggard and Baldwin take their spot in the corner and await the champions-
The crowd explodes when "My Old Kentucky Home" hits and the Bluegrass Mafia walk through the curtain, NAPW Tag Team Championships once again around their waists.
JACK JONES: I HATE these guys.
BILL HEWSON: Since when?
JACK JONES: Since I called my book-keeper last night, that's when!
FRANK WARBURTON: And their opponents, the NAPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! Hailing from Paducah, Kentucky and weighing in at five hundred and forty-five pounds, MATT AND CHAD, the BLUUUUEGRAAAAAS MAAAAAAFIIIIAAAAAAAA!
Matt and Chad beeline for the ring, sliding in ready to fight. Baldwin and Haggard bail, but the Northwest Express look ready to rumble. Referee Morgan Smythe holds the belts up after they're handed to her, and the bell sounds to start this match.
BILL HEWSON: It looks like the Champions have opted to start this match off, so we'll have Chad Kurtis locking up with Link Van Haggard.
Chad locks his arm under and arm drags Haggard with textbook precision. He holds onto the armbar, but Link gets him in a headscissors forcing Kurtis to let go - and he wraps his arms around his waist, lifting him off the mat with an impressive show of strength. Powerbomb! Chad wastes no time and bounces off the ropes. Where Odyssey Baldwin knees him right in the back!
BILL HEWSON: Oh come on! That's a ridiculous. This is a title match!
JACK JONES: All the more reason to give a guy the business coming off the ropes.
Matt Kurtis tries to ge through the ropes to even the odds, but referee Morgan Smythe hurries over to usher him out of the ring - giving Coast 2 Coast plenty of time to ambush Chad with an assisted standing moonsault! Link covers and calls Smythe over to make the pin! She's late getting there and it's just two. Van Haggard doesn't look the least bit pleased with that.
JACK JONES: How on earth did Morgan Smythe pass the physical?
BILL HEWSON: Would you pass the physical?
JACK JONES: Gimme three weeks..er, months...and I'd run circles around Smythie!
Van Haggard lets Smythe know just how upset he is. Only problem is, she's not hearing any of it. Not to mention Haggard's too close to Randy London - blind tag! Van Haggard looks like he just got his lunch money stolen, but Smythe tells him it's a legal tag as London springboards over the both of them and hits a forearm smash on an arisen Chad Kurtis that gets a huge pop! Chad gets himself off the mat and Randy connects with a spinning heel kick to send him right back down - and into the ring comes Matt Kurtis with a Yakuza kick that turns London inside out! Yukon Gold wastes no time backing up his partner and clotheslines the piss out of big Matt! Van Haggard with a vaulting body press wipes him out too! Baldwin sees an opportunity and hits his Baldwinizer on a prone Randy London! He covers, and in the madness Morgan Smythe counts the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE- broken up by Chad Kurtis
BILL HEWSON: Morgan Smythe has got to get control - who are the legal men?
JACK JONES: I know one's Kurtis - I think it's London, right?
Smythe gets to ordering everyone but those two out. London gets up on shaky legs, but Chad's got a second wind and peppers him with right hands, backing him into the ropes to make the tag on Matt. Chad shoots him as Matt steps over, and the Angry American hits an angry Big Boot. The BGM isn't done yet though, and Matt hits a pendulum backbreaker and holds London over his knee for Chad to hit a leg drop off the top!
BILL HEWSON: Nice teamwork here by the champions. That nearly broke Randy in half!
JACK JONES: You mean "nice cheating allowed by Morgan Smythe so that Coast 2 Coast is at a disadvantage".
BILL HEWSON: They aren't even the legal team right now!
JACK JONES: See, now you get it.
Matt whips into the adjacent ropes, where Yukon Gold just so happens to be. Blind tag on his teammate! He hurries though the ropes and the Northwest Express hits a double Clothesline that takes Matt off his feet! Nash scoops Kurtis up and bodyslams him in center ring - and powerbombs London onto him! Randy rolls out of the ring holding his back. That move must have taken some out of him as well. Back inside, Yukon's in control as he works Kurtis over with some heavy boots. Now he scoops Matt up again, but the big man shoves him off and drills him with a charging forearm smash that takes him off his feet. Matt stumbles over to the wrong part of town, and Odyssey Baldwin makes the blind tag in! He kicks at Kurtis' legs to bring him down, and Van Haggard gets in position on the top rope! Missile Dropkick on Yukon Gold - no! The big man swats him out of the air before tagging out to Randy London. Matt Kurtis, still on his feet, back elbows Baldwin in the head to get him off. London is in like a shot and hits a DVD on an unsuspecting Baldwin! He covers! ONE! TWO! Broken up by Matt! That close to having new tag team champions, but this match will continue.
JACK JONES: Can Morgan Smythe please get some order before it costs Van Haggard and Baldwin this match?
BILL HEWSON: You mean the order that those same two men keep disrupting?
JACK JONES: Poppycock!
BILL HEWSON: What?!?
Matt bails out and heads back over to Chad in BGM's corner as London and Baldwin lock it up. Baldwin backs London up into the corner and holds him there, and Smythe orders a break on her four count. Baldwin breaks, hands up - and thumbs London in the eye! Thar draws the ire of the crowd once again, who've been on Coast 2 Coast all night. He follows with a dropsault that nearly sends Randy right over the turnbuckle to the outside. Baldwin makes a quick tag to get his partner in for some SPACE GHOST!
ONE!
TWO!
Yukon Gold AND Chad Kurtis break it up! Smythe orders them out of the ring, turning her back long enough for Baldwin to slide a metal pipe into the ring to Van Haggard. London is up - and he just barely ducks under the shot! Yukon shoots across the ring and hits a flying forearm to take Baldwin out of commission! Van Haggard gets back in the ring and eats a powerslam from Yukon - Matt Kurtis sneaks in behind Yukon and drops him with a spinning side slam. Chad kicks London in the gut and hits the CK FINALE!
BILL HEWSON: THAT QUICK! THAT SUDDEN!
Smythe with the count!
ONE!
NO ONE KICKS OUT OF THE FINALE!
TWO!
GOLD IS DOWN!
THRE-
BROKEN UP BY LINK VAN HAGGARD!
JACK JONES: Oh, thank goodness!
At the last possible second he got in there, Matt didn't see him coming! BAM! Van Haggard didn't see Matt's boot coming, either. Smythe is regaining control now, ordering everyone back to their respective corners but the legal men. Baldwin hits a Chickenwing facebuster on Randy London and goes for the cover! Kickout at two and a half! Baldwin whips London into the far corner, where he's blind tagged by Matt Kurtis! Matt steps in, looking to do some damage! Baldwin tags in...Yukon Gold? Gold looks confused, but he quickly gets in and meets toe to toe with the big man. Baldwin bails out and whispers something into Van Haggard's ear while Yukon goes to work on Matt Kurtis with stiff forearm shots.
BILL HEWSON: What's the strategy here?
JACK JONES: Umm...I'm not entirely sure.
Van Haggard and Baldwin drop down off the apron and amubsh Randy London from behind. LIGHTWEIGHT DROPOUT on the outside!
JACK JONES: Ahh, now I see!
The crowd is booing violently as they head over to Chad's side of the ring - but the Champ flies at them with a body press that takes Haggard out. Baldwin is still up, however, and grabs a chair. Smythe's back is turned...Chad doesn't see it coming.
THWACK! Chad's out like a light!
Back in the ring, Kurtis has the upper hand on Gold - and gets him up on his shoulders for a Bluegrass Bomb! But Link is up on the apron and reaches in to tag Matt's shoulder!
BILL HEWSON: That sneaky son of a gun!
JACK JONES: Brilliant!
BAM! Bluegrass Bomb kills Yukon dead. Matt covers, but unbeknownst to him he's no longer the legal man. Baldwin and Van Haggard grab his legs and pull him out of the ring, and Baldwin stays behind to sacrifice himself for the team. Matt assaults him, eyes filled with rage, and takes him THROUGH the guardrail! The fans are going wild, but Link Van Haggard is on the top rope and is the legal man!
BULLET THE BLUE SKY!
ONE!
TWO!
THREEEEEEEEEE!!!!
FRANK WARBURTON: Here are your winners, and the NEEEWWWWWWWW NAPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! COOOOOAST! TWO! COOOOOOOOOOAST!
JACK JONES: I knew it! I knew it! I told you they'd win Hewson, I'm never wrong!
BILL HEWSON: Coast 2 Coast stole this win, and I don't like it one bit! It's matches like these that ruin the integrity of our championships!
JACK JONES: Integrity, In-schmegrity! Score one for the good guys, Hewson!
Matt Kurtis can't believe it. Once again, the Bluegrass Mafia are one-and-done champions - and they weren't even pinned! He hauls ass back into the ring and interrupts a celebrating Link Van Haggard -
Kick to the gut as Van Haggard spins around, belt in hand. He drops it as MAtt hoists him up for a BLUEGRASS BOMB! Matt leaves him lying, but lays the NAPW Tag Team Championship belt across his chest. A message: the BGM will be back for the belts they never lost!
JACK JONES: What a crybaby!
BILL HEWSON: An eye for an eye, Jack Attack. An eye for an eye. The tag title picture in NAPW so unpredictable! The competition has never been fiercer, and next week it will be Coast 2 Coast putting the titles up against... who, we're not sure, but it will be within a STEEL CAGE!
JACK JONES: Of course, it turns out that it was a gummi bear.
BILL HEWSON: ... how in the hell did it get between your ... oh, never mind, I don't want to know.
JACK JONES: Well you see Hewson---
BILL HEWSON: I don't want to know!
Saved by the bell! Or more accurately, THE ROCK AND ROLL! As "Bang Bang to the Rock 'N' Roll" plays over the speakers at the Ogden Legion, the crowd is on its feet for the pimpin'est wrestler in Alberta. Stone is accompanied to the ring by his manager, Harry Roly, and gladhands everyone on the way to the ring.
FRANK WARBURTON: This match is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at one hundred and seventy-one pounds! He is STOOOONNNNEE! ZEEEEELLLOOOOORRRRR!
BILL HEWSON: The man with the NAPW record for longest undefeated streak, Stone has to face off against one of the pillars of NAPW history tonight!
JACK JONES: Thirteen matches without a loss, one of which was Stone's hour-long draw against Ravager, but it only took the new Heritage Champion, Prince Darko, one shot to take Stone down a notch! And let's face it, Prince Darko is no Casino. Stone Zellor is in way over his head tonight!
BILL HEWSON: Have to wonder how much the earlier incident involving Prince Darko and Kevin Kodiak is weighing on Stone's mind... he will have to put it aside and focus here.
The strains of Carlos Santana blare from the loudspeakers as one man steps onto the stage, looking over the crowd of fans chanting his name.
FRANK WARBURTON: And his opponent! Weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds! Hailing from Sin City, Las Vegas, Nevada! He is the only NAPW Grand Slam champion! He is CHRIIIISS! CAAAASSSSIIIIIINNNOOOOO!
As his lovely wife, Monique, takes his arm, Casino flashes a bright shiny smile to some fans bowing down to him. He walks up the ring steps and ducks inside the ropes, smirking cockily at Stone Zellor, who's sizing up his competition.
JACK JONES: Chris Casino! Former NAPW champion! Former Pure Honour champion! Former Provincial champion! Former tag team champ! The only thing that Casino's missing from that resume is an NAPW WORLD championship, and that's what's at stake in this match tonight!
BILL HEWSON: Yes, Jack, it's a given that the winner of this match will most likely be two steps behind Bruce Richards and tapping on his shoulder for a chance to win the most prestigious belt in Western Canada!
JACK JONES: Let's face it, no matter what sort of streak you're on, Chris Casino's the man who can stop momentum in a snap with his bag of tricks.
Morgan Smythe pats down Casino as Stone stares evenly. "Hey, sugar, watch where you're drifting. My wife's at ringside." Casino gives Monique a thumbs up. "Honey, can I bring her home?" Monique furrows her brow and snorts. Casino shrugs. You can't blame a man for trying. Smythe calls for the bell, and Casino steps towards Zellor. But Stone puts out his hand to stop Casino. And then pops his arm out, a wave riding up his shoulders to his right hand. Moonwalk! Side spin! The worm! And a quadruple head spin for a grand finish! The crowd goes kumquat! Stone flips up, and crosses his arms, arching an eyebrow. Chris Casino sighs deeply, focusing. "No, it's cool. I've been practicing." He leans over the rope and shouts out "Here's one for all of you Calgary rednecks!" A country line dance? What the? Some people are booing, but most of the crowd's laughing and cheering. "Don't break my achey-breaky heart, Cowtown!"
BILL HEWSON: A country line dance?
JACK JONES: Hey, lay off the man. His footwork's solid, and he's clapping in time!
BILL HEWSON: What are you, a dance critic?
JACK JONES: It's catchy, has a good rhythm, and you can dance to it. I give it an 87.
Polite applause from Stone Zellor as Casino finishes off his dance with some double deuces to the audience. Classy. "We gonna wrestle here or what?" Stone nods, and motions for a grapple. Casino feints in, and slaps Stone on the cheek. Hey, he's Casino. Stone's not impressed. Casino gets down to business and is ready for a lockup. Stone nods, and locks up. Slap to the other cheek. "No, I'm serious. Let's do this." Once more, Casino motions for the lockup. Stone isn't so sure this time. "Seriously. You think I'd pull that trick a third time?" Stone digs in one more time, and once more Casino slaps- Stone grabs the arm of Casino and wrenches, pushing Chris towards the mat. Elbow to the shoulder of Chris Casino by Stone. Chris winces in pain, and Stone doesn't let go of the elbow. He twists the arm of Casino behind his back, and Casino is not liking this. Elbow to the head of Zellor. And again. Stone lets up, and Casino picks up Stone onto his back. Samoan drop! And an elbow on the prone Zellor! And again! And a third for good measure! Casino picks Stone up, measures him up, framing it exactly right. Standing dropkick! Stone goes down, and Casino steps on his chest for a one count.
As Stone gets up, Casino smirks at him. Stone glares daggers at his opponent. Casino motions for the lock-up, and Stone kicks him in the gut, folding him over. He then grabs the head of Casino and pulls it back, sending Casino to the mat. Double axe handle to the chest of Casino. Casino's getting up, but Stone's not too fond of that. Knee to the face! Casino swings wildly, and gets up, only to find Stone leaning in the turnbuckle, giving Casino his own smirk. Casino's eyes flare.
JACK JONES: This is a travesty! Smythe, are you going to let Stone get away with that?
BILL HEWSON: Looks like Chris Casino's getting a taste of his own medicine here. I'm impressed Smythe is back out here after taking that Northern BC lariat earlier. I wonder if she knows what transpired while she was out?
But Casino's not taking the bait. He breathes in and calms down. The red drains from his face, and he walks to the middle of the ring. Stone meets him, and they lock up. Casino manages to get the upper hand, swivels around Zellor, and hits a Randy-Orton style backbreaker. Stone drops, but Casino's right there to bring him back up, this time giving him a vertical suplex. He stalls a bit, and brings Stone down on his head. Ouch! The crowd ooohs in sympathy. Cover by Casino. One! Tw- Stone's got plenty of life left in him. Casino picks up Stone by the hair, but Stone's got a punch with Casino's gut written all over it. No, I don't know what that means either. But Casino's got the wind knocked out of him. He gets up only to be CLOTHESLINED by Zellor. Stone runs to the turnbuckle and climbs. A quick diving headbutt hits Casino in the chest! Stone scrambles for the cover. One! Tw-kickout by Casino! Stone shakes his head in frustration, grabs the arm of Casino and whips him to the ropes. Casino comes back to get a knee to the gut! And another clothesline! Stone grabs the head of Casino, and flips him upside down. TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Casino collapses to the mat. Stone pins his man. One! Two! Leg on the ropes! Close, but it's not a Jake Phoenix KILLER tombstone.
BILL HEWSON: Chris Casino has the right instincts here, getting the foot on the rope just in time to break up the count.
JACK JONES: Casino's a ring general! You don't end up being the Grand Slam champ by not knowing where you are in the ring at all times!
Stone slaps the mat in frustration, but, hey, he knows the score. He goes to pull Casino towards the middle of the ring, but Casino's not letting go of the ropes. Smythe tells Stone to let Casino get back up, and Stone backs off. Casino climbs onto the apron, getting his breath. Any time now. Stone's impatient, but Casino needs a breather! Casino finally gets back in, but points wildly to Zellor's manager. Both Stone and Morgan Smythe turn around, and Casino drops to his knees, and quickly goes for an arm to the family jewels of Zellor. OW! Zellor turns around as Casino's clutching his arm. Zellor shrugs. "BALLS OF STEEL, BITCH!" shouts the crowd. All of a sudden, Stone's smile drops, and it's a PIMP SLAP! Casino flies three hundred and sixty degrees and drops to the canvas. Stone takes advantage. One! Two! Kickout by Casino.
Stone grabs for Casino, but Chris manages to whip him into the ropes. Zellor stops right before impact, and chuckles, tapping his head. SUPER KICK! Stone Zellor drops to the mat, and Casino leaps onto his opponent, hooking the leg.
One!
TWO!
THREE!
Well, it would have been, if Smythe didn't see the hand of Stone Zellor clutching the rope. Casino's face drops as he realizes this isn't over yet. But Stone's not moving. He's still pretty dazed from the kick. Casino pulls up the dead weight that is Stone Zellor and yells "Zellor is done for!" He hooks the arms of Zellor and it's a double underhook backbreaker! Casino winces from the pressure he put on his arm. He points to the top rope, climbs the turnbuckle, and lets fly with a top-rope elbow drop! CLASSIC CASINO! Shot to the heart! Stone moved too late! Casino lies on Zellor's chest and hooks the leg!
One!
Two!
Kickout by Stone Zellor! Casino's shocked!
JACK JONES: That was three! It was a slow count!
BILL HEWSON: You don't honestly believe that, do you? Casino's fine with Morgan Smythe's count.
Well, sorta. Casino's shaking his head here. But he picks up Stone one more time. He hooks the arms behind his back. It's Bankrupt time! It's all but over! But Stone applies pressure to the wounded arm of Chris Casino! Casino cries out in pain as Stone Zellor pulls him up. Out of nowhere, Zellor has got Casino upside down behind him! Zellor drops on his back, and Casino hits the mat facefirst in a reverse underhook facebuster! The crowd cheers in astonishment. "THAT WAS AWESOME! THAT WAS AWESOME!" Zellor, with a last burst of energy, flops his arm over that of Casino. Morgan Smythe counts.
One! Two!
Kickout by Casino! The crowd groans and cheers, and Stone Zellor curses under his breath. With his remaining strength, Zellor stands, pulling Casino up with him. His hooks the right arm. He hooks the left arm. SLAMMY TIME! Casino hits the mat face first yet again. One!
Two!
THREE!
Smythe calls for the bell as the fans jump to their feet and cheer. Casino's nose starts to bleed, and Stone Zellor manages to pull himself to the corner and just rests there.
FRANK WARBURTON: Here is your winner.... STONNNNEEE ZELLLOOORRRR!
JACK JONES: I can't believe it. Stone Zellor managed to pull out the win!
BILL HEWSON: It was a hard fought match. Either man could have left here the victor. But tonight, that man is Stone!
Casino stirs, and puts his hand to his nose. He curses and gets up. And the first thing he sees is Stone Zellor in front of him, with his arm out. Casino looks at Stone like he's crazy, but Zellor's adamant that he gets a handshake. Casino shakes his head, and pushes past him, getting halfway out of the ring. But he stops, smirks and looks back. Stone has not budged. Casino walks back to Stone, and accepts his hand. The crowd goes nuts!
BILL HEWSON: A great show of sportsmanship by both men here tonight.
JACK JONES: The fans better enjoy it, because there's no way they'll be seeing any from the men in our NAPW World Heavyweight title match!
Stone Zellor heads out, leaving Casino in the ring looking cocky. However... somebody passes Stone on the way out.
Somebody named Donovan Astros.
Casino turns around at his wife's warning and his nostrils flare. Astros holds up a hand in peace... and asks for the house microphone.
DONOVAN ASTROS: Cool your jets, turbo. I'm just out here to talk. Great 'match,' Casino. But it looks like tonight is all about the Astrocide. Hey, no talking trash about Stone Zellor - he's no Astros - but he was the better man tonight. Meanwhile, I went out and beat a man you've NEVER been able to defeat in, what, four minutes? I think we can see who the better man really is here, Casino. And it's not the man accompanied to the ring by his tramp.
Uh... that's not the thing to say. Casino's nostrils flare, but he keeps his cool. He flashes a grin at Monique and says "don't worry." Casino walks right up to Donovan Astros, nose-to-nose, eye-to-eye. What's going to happen here? Casino yanks the mic out of Astros' hand.
CHRIS CASINO: Listen up Astroglide... you come into NAPW, you steal my moves. You steal my look. And now you're trying to steal my spot. Well guess what monkey you're no Chris Casino, and you don't make much of a Donovan Astros either. Hold on hold on. Now you want to talk all the trash you want but let's face it, we both know the Billy Kryenik you wrestled tonight is a shadow of the killer *I* had to wrestle all last year! You've beaten Ravager, but you beat an INJURED Ravager... and it's MY matches with him that are amongst the top matches in NAPW history! They put out a list last week, Astros--- you weren't on it sweetheart!
Crowd is loving this. Astros tries to look non-plussed but he isn't thrilled with Casino's trash-talk. Nobody does it better!
CHRIS CASINO: But hey, you know, all this talk... is just that. Talk. You and me Astros, there's one thing we've yet to do, and one thing that you've yet to do even after all the theft and gimmick infringement is done for. You and me, one-on-one, wrestling in this ring. Last I looked my dance card for next week in Edmonton, Anniversary Assault II, is wide open. So if you got the astro-nuts... then let's do this thing already, you stupid son of a bitch! Oh, and this is for calling my wife a tramp!
SLAP.
Astros is about to lose it. Crowd loves it as Casino just DARES Astros to give him back. Astros grabs the microphone off the canvas where Casino dropped it.
DONOVAN ASTROS: Oh yeah you want me to come out at you now, huh? Well no dice! You want me next week? You got me! I don't need to get you now, Casino ... I don't want you to have any damn excuses for when I pin you one-two-three in the center of the ring! You used to be called "the future," Casino... from where I stand, you're THE PAST... and that means you're in MY way!
Astros drops the mic with zzzrreeowww feedback and rolls out of the ring. He walks backwards up the aisle, holding his reddened cheek and glaring daggers at Casino. Casino grabs the mic once more.
CHRIS CASINO: Hey Astros! Better get ready for some bankruptcy protection... because next week in Edmonton it's not only the first time Donovan Astros and Chris Casino wrestle, it's the first time Chris Casino owns your stupid monkey ass!
CASINO! ASTROS! FINALLY! AT ANNIVERSARY ASSAULT II NEXT WEEK! Looks like some of these fans will be making the trip!
FRANK WARBURTON: Ladies and gentlemen... it is time for the NAPW "Mark of the Beast" MAAAAAAINNN EVENNNNT! The following match will be contested to the first fall, and is for the NAPW World Championship!
A new song starts up. Humming in intensity and darkness... Muse's "Hysteria" breaks out. No more Imperial March. Jason Cruise makes his way out, hair over his eyes and leaning on his ornate gargoyle cane. The crowd give him hell. Cruise just makes his way to the ring, brooding, malevolent...
BILL HEWSON: Now I wouldn't claim to be a Jason Cruise fan, but he has certainly made a dramatic change since his return to NAPW, and I don't know if it's for the better.
JACK JONES: But he has a title shot, Bill Hewson. And he holds a victory over The Beast coming into it!
BILL HEWSON: It was just over ten days ago Jason Cruise and his partners Coast 2 Coast defeated The Beast and Northwest Express in a six-man tag, and it was this man Jason Cruise scoring the pinfall on the big man, Yukon Gold. The question is, can Cruise put away another big man here tonight with NAPW gold on the line?
Muse fades out. And then... MUSE STARTS AGAIN. Wait, what? No, you heard me. But this time the crowd goes crazy as the epic, roaring wild west sounds of "KNIGHTS OF CYDONIA" kick in!
"NO ONE'S GONNA TAKE ME ALIVE!
THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT!"
He storms through the entrance way like a modern day John Wayne, cowboy hat and duster, NAPW TITLE GOLD AROUND HIS WAIST! Electricity goes through the crowd as Bruce Richards comes to the ring... and the cheers ring out! THE BEAST IS HERE!
BILL HEWSON: The first title defense for The Beast, who finally won the NAPW title last month from Donovan Astros in a classic match. That match happening at Hostile Hangover II, Night 2, who will ever forget it? But if Jason Cruise has anything to say about it, The Beast will have a very short title reign.
The Beast steps on the apron, holding his arms out to the side and roaring. He gets into the ring as the lights come up. Cruise looks almost bored, impassive, leaning in the corner as The Beast takes his own. Frank gets to the center of the ring.
FRANK WARBURTON: Introducing first to my right, the challenger. Hailing from Boston Massachussets, he weighs in at two-hundred and forty five pounds. Ladies and gentlemen... Jasonnnn Cruiiiise!
And to my left... from St. Albert, Alberta, he weighs in at two-hundred and seventy pounds! He is the current reigning NAPW World Champion... ladies and gentlemen, Bruce Richards... THEEEEE BEAAAAASSSST!
Referee Dick Kieibiech checks both men over, and then takes the belt from The Beast. He holds it up to all four corners of the ring and then... calls for the bell.
The Beast and Jason Cruise circle to start, lock-up SHOVE. The champion floors Cruise with a display of power. Cruise looks up, surprised or maybe not --- scramble as The Beast comes right for him! Cruise backs up in a hurry and hangs over the bottom rope, yelling at the referee to get the neanderthal away. Kiebiech has a job trying to keep Beast off his man for a break. Cruise gets up, waggling at finger at The Beast ...
The Beast grabs the finger and SQUEEEEEZES. Bringing Jason Cruise to his knees in pain!
JACK JONES: What is wrong with The Beast? Jason Cruise didn't make the rules! You let a guy out when he's in the ropes!
BILL HEWSON: Jason Cruise has talked a lot of trash about Bruce Richards, not to mention The Beast's girlfriend Tiffany Macintyre! I don't think Beast has any intention of a "nice little wrestling match" here tonight, he's out to beat Jason Cruise up!
JACK JONES: Doesn't that just prove Jason Cruise's points? That the champ is just a braindead jock?
BILL HEWSON: I don't know what Jason Cruise THINKS is going to happen in that ring --- this is WRESTLING! This is the WORLD TITLE!
Cruise goes to the eyes to get free, then rushes The Beast WHAMMO! The Beast explodes with a shoulderblock that sends Cruise to the canvas. He doesn't get a reprieve, Beast pulls him up, SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE! Holds on! SHORT-ARM AGAIN! Holds on! SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE! Cruise is being battered senseless, and The Beast hauls the man on his shoulders... CHART ATTACK! No Jason Cruise with desperation slips off the shoulders! He's trying for a Tiger suplex, but the champion is too strong! Beast bends forward and sends Cruise sliding forward himself. Cruise gets up and finds himself being hauled up in a vertical suplex...
and held there!
BILL HEWSON: All the blood rushing to the head of Jason Cruise, and The Beast... wow! He's keeping him up there a lonnnnng time!
The crowd is counting the seconds! Nine, ten, eleven, twelve... The Beast sways, no, he keeps his balance and continues to hold Cruise up! Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen!
How long can he go?
Twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine... THIRTY! The Beast falls backwards, driving Jason Cruise into the mat with authority! There's a cover one, two, Cruise gets a shoulder up. The Beast grabs Cruise by the greasy hair and throws him into the corner, throwing some stiff forearms. There's a big chop, WHOOOO! CANADIAN VIOLENCE~. Beast with an irish whip sends Cruise to the opposite corner! Charging champ, Cruise gets a boot up to the champ's face! That may be the opening Jason Cruise needs, he hops up to the second turnbuckle and flies off with a cross body POWERSLAM! What a slam, Beast gets up and hits the ropes... running Senton splash! The big man can do some flying, one, two, Cruise again gets the shoulder up. World title on the line, he won't go down that easily...
But The Beast isn't going easily for his own part. He once again picks up Cruise and this time puts him over his shoulder. Running powerslam, Davey Boy Smith style! The Calgary crowd appreciates that... and now The Beast is saying it's over! He's going up top for his famed Diving Moonsault! BEAST ON TOP --- Cruise nails the top rope, causing the champ to lose his balance and land crotch-first on the turnbuckle. That's gotta hurt. Jason Cruise gets up and a run... YAKUZA KICK TO THE BACK OF BEAST'S HEAD! Great elevation by Jason Cruise and The Beast is seriously stunned, Cruise climbs up the turnbuckle and tries a backdrop superplex on the champion. Beast fights it, holding on, Cruise rains down some right hands. What's this? Cruise drops back down and violently wrenches Beast back down... into the Tree of Woe.
BILL HEWSON: The challenger with the champion in a bad way here! Cruise gets some distance OH my! Basement dropkick right to the face of The Beast! And Jason Cruise is sure proud of himself.
JACK JONES: Who wouldn't be?
Cruise puts his foot against the upside-down Beast's throat and chokes away, drawing the count of Kiebiech. Cruise breaks at four. Keibeich untangles The Beast's legs, but Cruise comes in and stomps away. The Beast is on his knees and Cruise runs at him! IZZY KICK! That puts The Beast back down to the canvas, and then it's Jason Cruise to the top rope! AIR CRUISE CONNECTS! Cruise hooks a leg!
ONE!
TWO!
The Beast kicks out! Cruise grabs a handful of hair and starts delivering deliberate right hands to the forehead of The Beast. This is getting vicious now. Referee again calls Cruise off, the dark-haired challenger only relenting a moment before potential DQ. Cruise pulls Beast up, irish whip. Beast isn't going anywhere. Cruise with a kneelift, this time he whips Beast --- reversed! The Beast comes charging back at Jason Cruise LOW BRIDGE. Cruise pulls the top rope down and The Beast sails over top to the floor below, crashing in the aisle. The champion pulls himself up slowly...
CRUISE TO THE TOP! MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE BEAST!
JACK JONES: Say goodnight to The Beast, Hewson! Jason Cruise is in the driver's seat!
BILL HEWSON: Cruise has to stay on his man, but the vicious streak in him is terrible! The Beast could be hurt after that fall to the outside, oh come on Cruise! Get it in the ring!
The referee begins his twenty count, even as Jason Cruise throws The Beast into the guardrail. More right hands, The Beast is wearied. Cruise rolls into the ring breaking the count, then right back out to do more damage. Kiebiech starts his count again as Cruise ... wait a minute. Cruise just grabbed his cane from his corner! He smiles a sick grin and flips it in his hands. He raises it high above his head to bash against The Beast... nothing doing! The Beast with a boot to Cruise's gut. A big right hand, and now The Beast has the cane! Cruise looks up
WHAM!
The referee is letting this go, this match has gotten heated. The Beast grabs Cruise by the hair, Cruise is bloody now.
"This is for calling my girlfriend a whore!"
WHAM! Another shot with the cane! And one more for good measure, right across Cruise's back. The crowd begins to chant: "Beast is gonna kill you!" And Beast does indeed grab Jason Cruise and beale him head and shoulder-first into the guard rail. Beast suddenly becomes aware of the count... true, he could retain if both men get counted out, but that's not how he rolls. He grabs Cruise and manhandles him into the ring. Beast gets in and raises an arm... Cruise gets up, turns around, and is met with two of The Beast's fingers right down his gullet for the MANDIBLE CLAW! Cruise flails but by God, what's he going to do?
Jump around and get on The Beast's back, that's what? Beast still sort of has the claw locked in, but Cruise wrenches away and is free. He's got a sleeper hold on The Beast! The champion is sagging! Jason Cruise is moments away from the World Title! Kiebiech raises the arm once... it drops! Twice... it drops! The Beast is out! The crowd begins to rally, loudly... The Beast has his arm raised once more, it droppssnnoooo! BEAST IS ALIVE! THE BEAST IS GETTING TO HIS FEET! Cruise doesn't want to let go of the hold, he's not giving up yet... The Beast is on his feet, Cruise on his back! He flips his man over onto his ass, and then locks on the Cobra Clutch! Beast has Cruise in a predicament, but he's not interested in passing the man out... he's interested in the BOMB.
BILL HEWSON: COBRA CLUTCH BOMB! The Beast with the cover ONE TWO THKICKOUT! The Beast is picking up momentum, Jack Jones, and that means bad news for Jason Cruise!
Jason Cruise at the last second kicks out, and now The Beast is running. Cruise tossed to the ropes, knocked down! Again to the ropes knocked down by a big Beast shoulderblock. Cruise just getting pinballed around here as The Beast picks his man up and throws Cruise into the corner SO HARD. Cruise slams into the turnbuckle sternum first and crashes backwards. The Beast climbs to the top rope this time! AND THIS TIME HE FLIES! DIVING MOOOOOONSAULT FROM THE 270 POUNDER! SQUASH!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!...
FOOT ON THE ROPES! FOOT ON THE ROPES!
JACK JONES: PHEW! Oh my... my heart!
BILL HEWSON: There was no way Jason Cruise was kicking out, but he had just enough left in him to get his foot on the ropes! And this match is still continuing.
JACK JONES: He can still do it! I know it!
BILL HEWSON: But for how long --- NOT LONG AT ALL! THE BEAST HOISTS Cruise onto his shoulders... no, not Chart Attack! TORTURE RACK! THE BEAST IS BENDING CRUISE'S BODY IN HALF!
THE CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET! Beast is bending Cruise as far as he can go, what power in the champion! Cruise flailing about, he looks like a rag doll held up in the massive arms of The Beast! But he's not submitting... The Beast doesn't care, he just wants to hurt Jason Cruise. He's sick and tired of the bastard... finally Beast drops Cruise back to the canvas unceremoniously. NOW Beast calls for it! Chart Attack time LOW BLOW! Jason Cruise punches Beast in the balls, the referee didn't quite see it happen. Kiebiech asks Cruise what he just did, Cruise shrugs. He grabs The Beast, CRUISE CONTROL --- Beast fights it off! So strong! Beast counters, going for the Chart Attack, NO, CRUISE WITH A ROLL-UP ---
FEET ON THE ROPES!
ONE!
HE PINNED YUKON GOLD IN THE SIX-MAN LIKE THIS!
TWO!
NOT LIKE THIS!
THREEEEEENOOO! THE BEAST KICKS OUT!
JACK JONES: NOOOOOOO!
BILL HEWSON: HALF A SECOND! HALF A SECOND FROM A NEW CHAMPION BUT THE BEAST KICKS OUT! DAMN THAT JASON CRUISE! Wait a minute! CRUISE CONTROL... HE GETS BEAST UP --- NO! COUNTERED! BEAST WITH A SUPLEX INSTEAD... NOOO! CRUISE ON HIS SHOULDERS! CHART ATTACK! CHART ATTAAAAAACK!
JACK JONES: NOOOOOOOOOO!
COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THREEEEEE! CROWD GOES CRAZY!
FRANK WARBURTON: Here is your winner, and still NAPW World Champion... BRUCE "THE BEAAAAAST" RICHARRRRRRDS!
BILL HEWSON: The Beast... turns back the challenge of Jason Cruise and goes back to Edmonton STILL NAPW Champion! What a night this has been, join us next time for ANNIVERSARY ASSAULT II! For Jack "Attack" Jones, this is Bill Hewson saying good night!
The Beast holds his title belt up high, roaring, hitting the turnbuckles as the fans go nuts! At the end of Mark of the Beast, it is indeed THE BEAST... who has left his mark on Jason Cruise!