2016 Boards.ie PW Draft Evaluation thread!

For the love of God! Austin kick out! KICK OUT!

…Here is your winner and the NEW MNG World Heavyweight Champion…Dynamite King!

…History has been made!

No, damn it! No, this is not right!

…a new era for Monday Night Grappling has begun. Damn it…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZRnyJltTTY

Commentator #1: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this Overview/Preview show for Monday Night Grappling where we will fill you in on what you missed since last year and prepare you for what’s in store!

Commentator #2: We are back this year, right? Like, just us? That Boomer Sooner guy isn’t going to be around is he?

Commentator #1: Uh no. He isn’t with us this time. Tonight folks I am informed that the Million Dollar Man is to be officially unveiled as the Monday Night Grappling World Champion. We intend to focus on our roster picks and reveal how they came to be at our organisation. Speaking of which, let’s go live to the Million Dollar Man’s limousine right now…

Time: Present day

Scene: Dibiase’s limo with the man himself plus Irwin R. Schyster. He is being interviewed by a female reporter.



Reporter: So there’s no truth to the rumour that you paid off Dynamite for the title which is now in your possession?

Dibiase and I.R.S. laugh.

Dibiase: Little lady, why would I do a thing like that?

Reporter: Hmm, perhaps to avoid having to face him in the ring? He is dangerous. And by paying him off you could skip ahead of Finn Balor who was the number one contender for the title. And…well…you’ve done this sort of thing before, haven’t you? When you paid off Andre The Giant for his title. Before Wrestlemania IV I believe?

Dibiase: Darling, darling, I don’t need to pay off anybody. I beat Dynamite for this title fair and square in England and that’s all you need to know.

Reporter: England? You previously said the match took place in Japan.

I.R.S.: England, Japan, we move around so much it’s hard to keep track.

Dibiase: Listen, let’s just focus on my glorious unveiling tonight, shall we? Speaking of which, why is the damn traffic so slow? And why are there people on the road?

Reporter: It can’t be helped. I believe there’s a funeral procession taking place on the street.

Dibiase laughs at her and turns to I.R.S. ‘Bring that damn hearse driver back here.’

I.R.S. returns a few moments later with the middle-aged hearse driver.

Dibiase (starts thumbing his money): I need to get a move on to my title unveiling ceremony at the Ritz and you’re holding me up. I want you to take a detour and get off this road.

Driver: Sir, we’re heading to the cemetery. It’s a funeral procession and this is the fastest route. It’s a service for a much-loved charity worker who I knew personally. A good man who at just 41 left behind a wife and two-

Dibiase: I don’t want to hear it. Here’s your charity work. (He rolls out several fifty dollar bills…)

Driver: Sir, if I take the detour then those people will be left standing another thirty minutes in the cold and the news says there’s heavy rain on the way. I can’t…

Dibiase continues rolling out dozens more bills and the driver stops talking. He looks at the reporter shame-faced, then back at Dibiase, and then he takes the money. In a matter of moments the crowd ahead begins to clear and the limo speeds on down the road.

Reporter: You are a real nasty piece of work, you know that?

Dibiase: Everybody’s gotta price for the Million Dollar Man!

And he cackles as the limo speeds towards the hotel…

Time: Several months ago

Scene: A ‘pleasure’ house, somewhere in Japan.



We see Big Van Vader with several Japanese women straddled around him, drinking. There are waiters rushing to and fro to get him some beer. A young waiter approaches the monster and is so nervous that he drops the glass which shatters at his feet. Vader gets up and powerbombs the poor fellow through a table before collapsing on the heap of women, laughing uproariously.

A door swings open and a man in a white hat appears. Vader roars to shut the damn door or he’ll get up and smash him. The man asks Vader if he is sober enough to be able to land a punch. A hush falls on the place and Vader gets up to throttle the stranger. ‘Who the hell thinks they can talk like that to Big Van-’ he begins, but on seeing the man up close, he smiles a big grin and roars at everyone else to leave. They all scarper.

‘Well, well’ says Vader. ‘What brings you here, old friend?’

Man: Ready for a challenge?

Vader: Where to, this time?

Man: Back there.

Vader: Back? I dominated BWA last year. They won the Draft because of me, you know.

Man: Not there. But another former home.

Vader: Grappling? Forget it! I dominated there. And they won their Draft because of me. That dumbass let me go and I went and won it elsewhere. (He laughs and lets out a loud burp)

Man: We got a hell of a roster lined up. Plenty of potential victims. Title opportunities. And some familiar faces.

Vader gets up, shaking his head.

Vader: I have nothing to prove. He readjusts his tights. ‘I don’t know who these familiar faces are but they aren’t a challenge.’ He turns towards the room where the women went, but the man laughs.

Vader: What’s so funny?

Man: Oh I can think of one guy you’d find a challenge. Someone we aim to have on our books. Someone you’ve been wanting to get at for years, after what he did to your eye…

Vader’s eyes bulge wide (ironic, you could say).

Vader: Hansen? Stan Hansen is in Monday Night Grappling?

Man: The very same. We also have one of the hottest young talents in the business today. Someone who has made quite a name for himself in Japan: Finn Balor.

Vader: Ah, the Demon.

Man: His reputation has reached you, I see. We also hope to possess the best brawler in the business today. The man-

Vader: I am the best.

Man: Well perhaps you can take that up with him: Tomohiro Ishii. This fella loves punishment.

Vader: (snorts) They all love it ‘til they meet me.

‘I’ll just leave my card,’ says the man and he exits, smiling.

Vader: So... (he makes the V- sign) Looks like it’s that time again…

Time: A few days ago

Scene: A therapist’s office, Tokyo



We see a camera view of a woman’s crossed legs and, across from her, seated, Bray’s finest: Finn Balor. He seems jittery and sips some water.

Therapist: Well, if this man in the white hat wishes to give you an opportunity to perform, I think it could be good for you. But I hope you heed my advice and abandon this persona of yours. This…demon.

Finn Balor: But doc, this is what I am known for. It’s what my fans expect. My alter ego enables me to go to another gear in the ring.

Therapist: You said yourself you worry about the darkness taking over. Look how nervous you are without that attire on you.

Finn Balor: I feel almost naked without it.

Therapist: You see? I have seen this in my work before. Sometimes people develop personas - think of them as akin to wearing masks - to better face the world around them. But sometimes this new persona, these new masks, are relied upon so much, that the person forgets who they were to begin with – it simply becomes for them a new face entirely. They lose themselves. They change. You must make sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Balor thanks the therapist and gets up to leave. He stops at the door and then hands her his backpack. She moves to refuse but he insists. He leaves the office.

We see the therapist move towards the window watching Finn below move into the crowds and then she opens the backpack. She sees the demon attire inside. She shuts the bag and shivers.

Time: Several months ago

Scene: A beautiful afternoon sees The Ryback exercising in the park. A woman approaches with her dog. She gestures towards The Ryback with her bags.



Woman: Excuse me, sir. Could you hold these for one second? I need to pick up my dog’s…er, deposit.

The Ryback agrees. After a moment she takes the bag back.

Woman: Thanks that’s very kind of you. I was- oh. That’s funny. I thought I had more doggy treats here.

Ryback: (muffling something as the dog whines)

Woman: I should go.

The Ryback gulps as she moves out of view.

‘You’ve got a hunger that can’t be sated, Ryback,’ says a voice from behind.

Ryback turns to see a man wearing a white hat.

Man: That’s what I like about you. A man after my own heart. How would you like to come to where the big dogs play?

He hands Ryback his card. ‘Oh and you don’t know where I might find your old friend Curtis Axel do you? He seems to have decided to become a social outcast for real this time.’

Ryback shakes his head. ‘I haven’t been able to reach him for a while.’

Man: I will think of something. In the meantime what do you say I treat you to dinner and we talk some more?

Ryback smiles.

Ryback: Guess which word there you won me over with?

Time: Several months ago

Scene: A bar somewhere in the deep South, U.S. of A.



We see Stan ‘The Lariat’ Hansen knocking back a few ice beers in some dive. He is seated at the bar listening to some Johnny Cash. He is alone, or rather, he was…

‘What’s this tired old hillbilly sh*t?’ says a voice, standing beside the jukebox.

Hansen doesn’t move. He eyes them up from out of the corner of his eyes. He sees they are bikers. He knows the type. Usual out-of-town dicks who think grouping together their drunk asses, and sticking on a bandana and a leather jacket makes them into tough guys. Hansen spots there is only three of ‘em and he’s not even tipsy. The hell kind of challenge will this be?

Head biker: Hey bar-keep! Put some f*cking real rock music on in this b*tch!’ His two buddies are laughing.

Far off in the shadows a man in a white hat is sipping a coke and watching.

Hansen sips more of his beer.

Hansen: Leave the jukebox alone and get out.

His voice is calm, matter-of-fact. The biker turns; his mouth hangs open.

Head biker: The f*ck did you just say to me, cowboy?’ His buddies giggle some more.

Hansen finishes his beer and swivels around on his seat. The bartender pleads with Hansen that he doesn’t want trouble. Hansen raises his arm to quieten him down.

Hansen: Because I’m not drunk yet I will let the two braying hyenas go quietly. But I’m afraid I’m gonna have to hurt you for disrespecting Mr Johnny Cash. Those are the rules.

The loudmouth lead biker's lip starts to twitch.

‘Want me to go out and get the others?’ asks one of the ‘hyenas’ but the ringleader says no.

Head biker: We’re gonna deal with this ourselves and send this son of a b*tch to go meet Cash personally!

He charges, and Hansen swings the empty bottle which explodes on the ringleader’s temple. Blood and glass rain about the counter as the ringleader collapses on the ground and begins to cry.

The first ‘hyena’ now attacks and gets near-decapitated by a Lariat. The second ‘hyena’, seeing what happened to his pal turns to leave but Hansen grabs him. He hoists him up and gives him a piledriver on the floor.

From the shadows another gang member charges at Hansen from behind, but he is knocked to the ground by a chair. Hansen turns and sees the man in the white hat having knocked this biker down.

Man in the hat: You thought there were three of ‘em instead of four, didn’t you? You really ought to get those eyes tested.

Hansen smiles at the stranger he seems to recognize. He then advances towards the ringleader who is bleeding everywhere.

‘Guys!’ he screams, as if calling for back-up outside. But no one comes. Hansen continues to walk towards him. He drags the ringleader up who has now soiled himself.

Head biker: Please! Please! I’m sorry! I love Johnny Cash! Honest! Please don’t touch me, man!

Hansen drops the guy down. He picks up a box of matches from outside the biker’s pocket. He strikes the match on the counter.

Hansen: You should quit this stuff, you know. It ain’t good for you.

And he flicks the match on the alcohol-soaked head as a fireball alights. The biker screams and rushes out the door, presumably to search for the horse watering-hole.

Hansen (turning to the man): Thanks for the assist, not that I needed it. So is this the part where you make me the big sell?

The man nods.

Hansen: Save it. No force on this earth would stop me being at Monday Night Grappling. I got important business to attend to, y’see? Now then…want to go grab a beer elsewhere?’

‘Can’t,’ says the man. ‘Have more big sells to make.’

Hansen laughs. ‘I never cared much for selling,’ and he heads outside.

He braces himself for possibly having to fight some more bikers outside but as he exits the bar he brushes shoulders with a big fellow entering.

Hansen looks around the lot and sees to his surprise that there are four more biker goons knocked out on their ass. There is a look on his face as if to say, ‘I wonder who that guy who passed me by was?’ He walks out into the night.

Time: Several months ago

Scene: James Storm is hitching a ride with an old driver. It is nightfall.



Driver: So you think this Monday Night Grappling place could be the start of something big for you?

Storm: That’s the plan, brother. About time I realized the potential that I know I have.

The driver pulls up. ‘Well sir, I wish you well. This here is the place you wanted. It ain’t much though.

Storm hops down. ‘It beats Nashville. Besides, I can hear Johnny Cash from inside. I think I’m going to like it here.’ He waves the driver off and walks towards the bar.

‘Where do you think you’re going?’ says a voice from the shadows. It is a biker; he is bald.

‘What’s in the bag, bro?’ says a voice from behind. Two more figures emerge from either side, surrounding Storm.

Storm: (smiling ruefully). ‘Well, sh*t.’

Bald biker: That’s about where you are, boy.

Storm: Correction. Where “we” are.

Storm punches the guy to his left down with one shot, then elbows the guy to his right and takes him down. The guy from behind grabs him and it is then they hear the sound of a commotion from inside. Storm uses the distraction and kicks the bald biker in the face, before wriggling free of the guy who had grabbed him and trapping him in an armbar. The guy screams as Storm breaks his arm.

Bald biker: That’s enough.

He is standing over Storm and has a knife at his throat. He tells Storm to get up. The other three are down on the ground, two knocked out cold and one of them having passed out from the pain, but the bald guy now has the knife up close.

Bald biker: You’re tough. But not quite tough enough.

Then the doors of the bar swing open and a biker is seen running out with a giant fireball atop his head. He runs round the side shouting ‘water, water!’

The biker mouths ‘what the hell’ as Storm takes the chance and grabs the knife, twisting the guy’s wrist so hard that he hears it snap. The biker collapses and begins to moan. Storm takes the knife and proceeds to use it to burst the biker’s wheels. He approaches the bald biker.

Bald biker: You son of a b*tch!

Storm (smiling): Sorry about your damn luck.

He boots the guy in the face and knocks him out cold, then he pockets the knife. He heads into the bar, brushing past a big fellow on his way outside.
When he enters he sees several bodies on the ground being dragged away into the back. He scratches his head and orders a beer.

‘Hell of an evening,’ says a voice from behind him wearing a white hat.

Storm smiles. ‘Well hell, long time, no see!’

He hugs the man and says he doesn’t think the chaos in here was caused by him. The man shakes his head and says it’s just an example of what’s going to be in store on Monday Night Grappling. Storm asks who the man he passed outside was.

‘You can meet him and more if you sign on the dotted line,’ says the man taking out a contract.

Storm sips his beer and pats the knife inside his jacket pocket which he stole from the biker. ‘Some things are meant to be.’ He signs.

Time: Present Day

Scene: Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens are having lunch at the Ritz hotel lobby. They have just posed for photographs with fans.



Stevens: So do you think Dibiase is really going to be named the World Champ when he gets here later?

Bockwinkel: Hard to say, Ray. He seems convinced that he will, but I believe that would be a grievous error of judgement on the part of the company.

Stevens: We had to earn these (he points to their World Tag Team Titles) so he should have to earn the World Title belt too. I don’t believe for one minute he won that title off Dynamite fair and square.

Bockwinkel shakes his head and stares out the window. There is a rumble of thunder in the distance.

Bockwinkel: I have a bad feeling…

Stevens: We will manage Dibiase.

Bockwinkel: I don’t just mean that. I have a feeling this year…something ominous lurks on the horizon.

Stevens: You worry too much. We’ll be fine. You’ll see.

Bockwinkel stares off in the distance.

Stevens: There’s a storm coming.

Bockwinkel sips his martini and nods.

Time: Several days ago

Scene: A building in Tokyo



Manami Toyota is being attacked by several men. One charges her and she delivers a hip toss. Another throws a spin kick only for Toyota to duck and sweep his leg. Then a final man grabs her from behind only to be judo tossed to the side.

Toyota: Okay!

It is then that the camera pans back and we see she is in a wrestling ring and that this is her wrestling school. She helps up what are presumably her students and encourages them as they leave the ring to grab some water.

Then her eyes catch a figure outside. He is wearing a white hat. She smiles in recognition as the man approaches.

Man in the hat: You haven't lost a step since I last saw you four years ago. I want you to come back with me. I know you love teaching the next generation but I also know deep down you want to show why you're still the best.

He presses the card in her hand just as Toyota's students return and crowd around her asking questions. She searches for the man in the white hat but he is gone.

'Who was that?' asks one of her students in Japanese.

Toyota: An old friend.

Time: Several months ago

Scene: Tomohiro Ishii’s home, on the outskirts of Kawasaki, Japan. It is raining heavily.



We see a sleek black car pull up outside the gates. Four Russian men step out of the vehicle. They are wearing suits and carrying handguns. The leader carries an umbrella. He motions to his colleagues to go around the back.

Russian Man: Mr. Ishii! The time has come to collect our money. If we do not get our money then we will have to take your home!

The camera shifts to a scene of dogs running. We see the perspective of one of the men that was sent around the back entrance. The man stops – ‘what was that’ his face seems to say? There is a scream.

The Russian with the umbrella calls out. One of the men is not answering. We see the perspective of another Russian at the side entrance. He peaks into a window and sees something dash by. What was that? There is another scream.

The Russian with the umbrella is scared now. He calls for them to return to the car. There is silence.

We see the perspective of the remaining Russian who has broken into the cellar. He opens a door and sees a pitbull. He screams…but then notices it is a stone pitbull. He breathes a sigh of relief. He closes the door – and then he sees him: Ishii. The man is knocked cold before he can cry out again.

Now there is silence. All the Russian with the umbrella can hear now is the thrum-thrum of the raindrops. He calls out. Silence. He considers knocking on the front door. He thinks better of it. He calls out once more. Silence. He has to leave now. He turns to head back to the car when he hears something: steps, but not human ones. His mouth drops. He screams.

A half dozen pitbulls are chasing him down. He turns to run and slips. He scrambles to his feet, hearing the dogs seconds away from him. He makes it to the door. Shuts it. Locks it. They didn’t get him. His hands are shaking. He stifles a sob. He looks in the mirror. And then he sees him. HIM. No scream is heard. There’s no time.

The door opens. The dogs are frenzied. They can smell the blood on his knuckles. Ishii raises his fist high. They fall silent. He walks towards the house as the dogs part for him. Then they follow him.

Ishii enters the kitchen and wraps up his bleeding hand. He notices some drops of blood have fallen on the card that the man in the white hat had left here yesterday.

Ishii (in Japanese): A bad omen.

One of the pitbulls has followed him into the kitchen and lies down by his feet.

Ishii (looking out at the black car in his driveway): Don’t get too comfortable. We have a journey to undertake.

Time: Present Day

Scene: The Ritz Hotel as The Million Dollar Man prepares for his unveiling.

Dibiase: Ladies and gentlemen, members of the associated Press, wrestling fans around the world. It brings me great satisfaction to stand here before you today as the new beacon, the new symbol of this wonderful organisation.

We see Bockwinkel and Stevens in the crowd looking on, unimpressed.

Dibiase: Monday Night Grappling deserves a World Champion it can be proud of. And as the man who defeated Dynamite for this here championship belt back in England…

I.R.S.: Japan, boss.

Dibiase: Right. Anyway the point is I stand here before you as the man! The premier athlete in this great sport. And it is my honour – though mainly your honour – that I stand here and declare myself the new–

Voice: Not so fast.

There is a commotion as a man in a white hat strides forth towards the podium.

Dibiase: What the hell are you doing here?

Man in the hat: Retrieving property. I have checked the records of the past number of months and I am not satisfied that you defeated Dynamite for this title. In fact, there is plenty of suspicion that you paid him off to get the belt in your possession. Monday Night Grappling isn’t about to have our World Title handed to someone thanks to some shady backroom deal, Mr. Dibiase.

Instead, live on the very first show of our new season next week on the Boards PW Network, we will have an over-the-top rope battle royal to determine who gets this title belt right here and becomes our new World Heavyweight Champion. Now the good news for you Dibiase is that you will be in that match – the bad news is that so will every other member of our roster!

Dibiase is nearly tearing his hair out as I.R.S. attempts to calm him down. In the crowd we see Bockwinkel and Stevens applauding this decision.

Dibiase: You can’t do this! This is not fair! This is not right! I bought-I mean I beat Dynamite for that title fair and square. You can’t do this, you hear me?!

The man removes his white hat and gets nose to nose with Dibiase. The viewers see his face for the first time.



Man with white hat removed: My name is Jim Cornette and you bet your ass I can do this because I am the Commissioner of Monday Night Grappling. Now stick that in your f*cking pipe and smoke it!

Commentator #1: Commissioner Cornette is back, folks! And Cornette has assembled stars from around the world; it seems we’ve got a hell of a show on the way!

Commentator #2: You ain’t kidding! What huge news that we will crown a new World Champion on our opening show next week! This is one you won't want to miss!

(sig by Deadlie)

Commentator #1: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the brand spanking new season of Night Grappling. I am your host Babe E. Face aka Commentator #1; and joining me as always is my partner Dick Heel, aka Commentator #2.

Tonight we have just one match for you, folks. But what a match it is! Commissioner Cornette has sanctioned a battle royal to crown the new Monday Night Grappling World Heavyweight Champion.

Commentator #2: Oh, I've been looking forward to this one all week!

Commentator #1: The first hour of tonight's show will be building towards our main event. The second hour will feature the match itself. Let's not waste any more time and go straight to our boss Commissioner Cornette's office!

Backstage Segment

Scene: 'Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase, his son, plus I.R.S. enter Jim Cornette’s office.


Cornette: Well, gentlemen would you care to draw your numbers for tonight’s battle royal?

Million Dollar Man: It’s a disgrace, Cornette, that I have to go through this match tonight. I beat Dynamite for the World Title back in England and –

I.R.S.: Japan, boss.

Dibiase: Whatever. Couldn’t we come to some sort of, ahem, arrangement, financially speaking and-

Cornette: Dibiase if I didn’t know better I’d swear you were trying to bribe me, but I know you wouldn’t be that stupid because I would then have to suspend you indefinitely and remove you from the match tonight. Now why don’t you draw your numbers, gentlemen?

Dibiase grumbles and goes first. He looks at his number and shakes his head in annoyance.

I.R.S. goes next and draws his number. He puts his hands to his head and is not happy either.

Dibiase Junior goes next – and punches the air. He is ecstatic. His father has a peek at his number and looks up to the heavens in despair.

Million Dollar Man: Alright, son. Swap me your number.

Dibiase Junior: No way, Dad. This is a great opportunity for me.

Million Dollar Man: Irwin, will you tell my son to trade numbers with me?

Dibiase Junior: Forget it, guys. This number right here…why, it’s priceless.

Dibiase Junior leaves as Dibiase Senior looks at I.R.S., then at Cornette who is smiling, and he angrily leaves the room.

Interview with Finn Balor

Interviewer: Finn, tonight you participate in one of the biggest matches of your career where you have a chance to walk out of here the World Heavyweight Champion. First things first, are you happy with the number you drew tonight?

Finn Balor: Honestly, my number could have been better. But I’m staying positive. I believe I have what it takes to get the job done tonight.

Interviewer: And can you confirm whether you will stick to your guns and avoid returning to your demon persona tonight?

Finn Balor: I decided to leave that part of my life behind me and I meant it. I don’t want the darkness of the demon to take over ever again. Besides, I won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title without the demon, and I believe I can win the MNG World Heavyweight Title without it. Because I’m Finn Balor…and I’m rrrrreeeaaaallllll.

Interview with Big Van Vader

Interviewer: Big Van Vader, you have been installed as the favourite for the battle royal in certain quarters. Is tonight the night that you claim Monday Night Grappling’s greatest prize?

Vader: I came back to this company to dominate. To prove to the world that I am the most destructive force in professional wrestling. Tonight I show the world why I won titles on four continents. Tonight I show the world why I am the toughest man in this sport.

Because it’s time…IT’S TIME…IT’S -

Voice: …feeding time.

Vader turns to his left as a man slowly steps into shot: it is Ryback.

Vader: What did you just say?

Ryback: Vader, you are a legend. You are an icon. You are one of the most imposing forces that professional wrestling has seen. But you have never experienced the power of the big guy. And the big guy is hungry. Tonight, Vader, I feast on you. FEED ME MORE!

Ryback slowly backs out of view as Vader looks on, seething.

Interview with the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase

Interviewer: Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, you are moments away from the battle royal tonight for the World Title and my question for you is will this be the night that you, officially at least, become the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time?

Dibiase: I said it to Cornette and I’ll say it again it is a travesty that I am forced to go through this circus. I am the rightful champion and -

Voice: are you still crying, Dibiase?

One half of the tag champs Nick Bockwinkel enters the shot and is shaking his head and smiling.

Bockwinkel: You really need to build a bridge and get over it. Stop trying to buy your way to success and fight like a man. I'm not sure you have it in you though, do you Dibiase? To be a champion?

Bockwinkel turns to leave but Dibiase calls out…

Dibiase: Don't you worry, Bockwinkel. I assure you myself and my friends are going to party like it’s…1986.

Bockwinkel: What is that supposed to mean?

Dibiase: Oh, you’ll see.

And the Million Dollar Man cackles his way down the hall as Bockwinkel looks on, bewildered.

Backstage Segment

Scene: It is Commissioner Cornette's office and he is talking to someone out of shot.


Cornette: Well, I’m glad that you decided to get back in contact. A lot of people were worried about you. But you certainly look very different to what we’re used to seeing. Can you do anything about that appearance of yours? Anyway, good luck tonight…Curtis.

The figure is heard shutting a door and the announcers wonder was Cornette just speaking to Curtis Axel?

The MNG Women’s Champion Manami Toyota enters and says she wants to be in the battle royal tonight and fight to become the holder of both the Women’s Title and World Heavyweight Title.

Cornette: I'm sorry but as much as I respect you I am not a fan of male-on-female violence.

Toyota then produces a form which she says waives the company of responsibility if anything happens to her. She shows him that she signed it and pleads with him to enter her so she can be an ambassador for women. Reluctantly, Cornette agrees and enters her in the match.

Toyota bows and thanks him before leaving. There is then a knock on the door.

Just Joe: Boss, rumour has it that I’m in the match tonight. Is that true?

Cornette: I wonder who started that happy horsesh*t rumour, Joe?

Just Joe: Uh, well, the annoncers were talking and…

Cornette: Joe, I wouldn’t believe you if your tongue was notarized. Fine, if you want in the match tonight. Guess what? You’re in.

Joe thanks Cornette and leaves as the Commissioner shakes his head.

Interview with 'Cowboy' James Storm

Interviewer: ‘Cowboy’ James Storm, welcome to Monday Night Grappling. Fans are delighted to see you here and the question many are wondering is: will the Cowboy be drinking to a World Championship victory tonight?

James Storm: Well hell ‘Cowboy’ James Storm as the MNG World Heavyweight Champion sounds good to me. I’ve had to scratch and claw my way here to the big time and I intend to take the opportunity that comes my way. As far as everyone else goes, it’s a case of ‘Sorry ‘bout your damn luck’ because tonight you better believe I plan on downing a few beers and toasting my World Title victory!

Commentator #1: Ladies and gentlemen, the time for talking is over. We are now ready for the battle royal to crown our new champion!

The announcer explains the rules that you must go over the ropes to be eliminated, and then the bell sounds. It's go time!

Commentator #2: Drawing number one is certainly the number everybody back there would have been looking to avoid. Who got the short straw?

Entrant #1 – Finn Balor

There is a huge pop as Finn Balor makes his way down towards the ring. As he promised earlier, he has shown up without his demon attire. The camera pans towards signs in the crowd that say ‘Unleash the Demon!’ and ‘We want Demon Balor’ respectively.

Commentator #1: Balor is looking all fired up!

Commentator: #2: He’s going to need plenty of fire if he wants to make it through all the way to the end. Who is out next? Because drawing number two is just as bad as drawing number one…

Entrant #2 – I.R.S.

Boos ring out as Irwin R. Schyster makes his way towards the ring while he screams at several fans to pay their taxes.

Commentator #1: The Million Dollar Man is counting on I.R.S. to last the distance in this match and help him win the gold, but I suspect I.R.S. is thinking about getting the glory himself.

Commentator: #2: Hey, all I.R.S. needs to do is not take any risks and wait for the Million Dollar Man to get there.

Entrant #3 – Ray Stevens

Cheers ring out as one half of the World Tag Team Champs Ray Stevens makes his way towards the ring. I.R.S. keeps his distance as Stevens gets in the ring. Stevens then shakes hands with Balor as the two men lock up in the ring.

Commentator #1: This is interesting seeing as it was Stevens and his partner Nick Bockwinkel who brought Finn Balor into the company last summer.

Commentator #2: These two are fools. Why not form a pact and work together? Forget about honour when there’s gold at stake!

Entrant #4 – Manami Toyota

Cheers erupt as the hugely popular women’s champion Manami Toyota appears. The announcers note that she asked to be put in the match and ponder could she walk out of here tonight with both world championship belts?

Entrant #5 – The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase

Dibiase makes his way down to the ring to boos and he is angered at how I.R.S. has been faring against Toyota. As he enters the ring Toyota charges and seems to land kicks and punches. She runs the ropes to deliver a cross-body but he catches her and gives her a fall-away slam as the fans boo loudly. He then helps I.R.S. up – or rather drags him up – and the pair begin beating down the babyfaces with two-on-one attacks.

Commentator #2: See? I told you working together is the best strategy.

Commentator #1: Balor, Stevens and Toyota are in big trouble here. Who is the next entrant going to be?

Entrant #6 – Curtis Axel

The fans pop for the debut of Curtis Axel who comes down sporting thick, long hair and a wilder beard than we’re used to seeing from him. He is also noticeably heavier than he was.

Commentator #2: Wow he really looks like a social outcast now!

Commentator #1: Axel went off-radar for many months. None of his friends have been able to contact him and rumours have been circulating that his mental state is not good…

Entrant #7 – Vader

The fans rise to their feet as the monster Vader makes his way down and all of the competitors in the ring turn towards the ramp as Vader approaches.

Commentator #1: It’s safe to say business just picked up here!

Commentator #2: There he is. My pick to win it!

Entrant #8 – Just Joe

Vader and Dibiase turn to one another and laugh as Just Joe makes his way down to ringside with a look of terror on his face.

Commentator #2: Joe, if you get in that ring you are a bigger idiot than I thought. Turn around and run.

Commentator #1: This alliance between Money Inc. and Vader is dominating everybody. I don’t know who can stop them.

Commentator #2: Looks like we have the next entrant on the way but I don’t think they have a hope against this trio…

Entrant #9 – Stan Hansen

A huge cheer erupts as the veteran outlaw Stan Hansen makes his way down to the ring. Vader’s mouth drops as he sees one of his greatest foes and a man who once damn near took his eye out in an infamous match. Dibiase backs away to the corner as he eyes up a man who was once his tag team partner.

Entrant #10 – Ryback

As ‘Feed Me More’ blares out over the arena the fans rise. Perhaps ‘Big Hungry’ can help even the odds here? Ryback runs down and begins hitting clotheslines to all of the participants.

Entrant #11 – Nick Bockwinkel

The fans pop as Stevens’s tag team partner enters and goes straight for Hansen on the outside. Hansen, however, has been waiting for him and as Bockwinkel approaches he takes some brass knucks from his tights and wallops Bockwinkel, busting him open.

Commentator #1: Fans, in 1986 Stan Hansen was supposed to defend the AWA Title against Nick Bockwinkel but Hansen refused to do so, and he was stripped of the title which was awarded to Bockwinkel. Hansen was ordered to return the belt and he did so by driving over the belt with his truck and leaving mud tracks over it. I believe that’s what this assault by Hansen relates to…

Commentator #2: Remember what Dibiase said to Bockwinkel earlier about 'partying like it’s 1986'? Obviously Dibiase has got inside his old friend Hansen’s head and urged him to go after Bockwinkel, and his partner Stevens tonight!

Commentator #1: My God, I think you’re right!

Entrant #12 – ‘Cowboy’ James Storm

The fans pop as Storm enters the ring and begins hammering away at all the participants. To a loud pop he manages to take Vader down off his feet – the first time it happens in the match.

Commentator #1: What a clash of generations this is, fans!

Commentator #1: What a difference maker that could be!

Entrant #13 – Tomohiro Ishii

Ishii makes his way to the ring to a big pop as the announcers note that he has been reportedly having financial difficulties and that his family home in Japan is under threat.

Commentator #2: I guess Ishii doesn’t let anyone push him around!

Commentator# 1: I don’t believe my eyes! Vader is gone!

Commentator #2: I told you Ishii was my pick to win!

Commentator #1: Dibiase just lost his partner!

Commentator #2: How is Balor still in this?!

Entrant #14 – Ted Dibiase Jnr

A smile falls over the Million Dollar Man’s face as he realises he still has one last bit of back-up left: his own son.

Commentator #1: Wait a minute, the Million Dollar Man was about to eliminate his own son!

Commentator #2: No, he was just giving him a hand eliminating Balor.

Commentator #1: Baloney. He was trying to eliminate the both of them! What kind of slimeball does that?

Commentator #1: Are you kidding me? What the hell is that about?!

Commentator #2: Tough love, I guess.

Commentator #1: What? This is ridiculous. I.R.S. was already eliminated!

Commentator #2: Well it’s no-DQ in a battle royal. Everybody knows that.

Commentator #1: How disrespectful! That’s what Balor used to do to his opponents while a member of the Bullet Club.

Commentator #1: Finn Balor’s sixteen year odyssey has culminated in his first ever World Heavyweight Championship! He entered the match at number one and he leaves the match as number one!

Commentator #2: I got to hand it to this kid. We wondered could he do this without the demon and he managed it. Congratulations, Finn Balor.

…but the fans all rise to their feet as they spot Jim Cornette emerge on the ramp. His face looks grim and deathly pale.

Cornette: I—I’m sorry. Turn Finn Balor’s music off please.

The music stops. The fans are all standing motionless.

Cornette: Finn, I’m sorry, I don't know how to say this...

Cornette begins wiping his brow.

Cornette: I’m so sorry but you see I was lied to—I mean, we all were lied to. We all were…

The fans are silent as Balor is on his knees not understanding what’s going on.

Cornette: This has nothing to do with me. I want you to know that. It’s all the owner’s doing. It’s the both of them…they both lied to us.

Finn is seen mouthing ‘what’s going on?’

Cornette: I’m sorry Finn but I’m afraid you are not the World Heavyweight Champion. Because you see there is still one other member of this roster that you have yet to face. The final entrant in this match.

He points behind him.

Cornette: This man…

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--5tBLiE1Fk

Entrant #15 - Edge

Commentator #1: Wait a minute! What the hell?! That’s Edge! What the hell is he doing here?! I thought it was announced he was traded?

Commentator #2: What did Cornette say about the owner lying to us?

Commentator #2: I don’t believe it! Edge has shocked the world!

Commentator #1: Wait, let me piece this together. Commissioner Cornette said that the owner lied to us. So I take it that means the announcement a few weeks ago by the owner that Edge was to be traded was all a ruse. (Note - To see that post, see here.)It was all a damn set up just to allow Edge strike when no one would see it coming. Now that I think about it, that announcement of Edge being traded was never registered in the official picks thread location like all the other trades. It was a damn phantom trade all along.

Commentator #2: Edge has made a career out of exploiting the element of surprise and he’s done it again. That’s why he’s called the ultimate opportunist!

Commentator #1: I can’t believe after Finn Balor produced one of the most courageous displays I’ve ever seen, lasting over sixty minutes in there, and then this damn vulture Edge comes in from out of nowhere and picks the bones, and steals his moment!

Commentator #2: It’s one of the most shocking moments we’ve ever seen on Monday Night Grappling!

(sig by Deadlie)

Cornette: First things first, fans, I need to apologize once more. I want to say how truly sorry I am to Finn Balor for what transpired last week when Edge shocked the world and took home the World Heavyweight Championship.

The mention of Edge’s name gets a mixed reaction: some cheers, mostly boos.

Cornette: I want to stress again that I had nothing to do with what has since been dubbed ‘the phantom trade’ in which it was announced, falsely, that Edge had been traded to another show. That was the owner’s doing. I think it’s a disgrace that the owner went over my head like that. I am right now on my way to meet the owner and express to him my disgust. I intend to tell him I won't stand for such behaviour and I will not get messed around like that ever again.

The fans cheer.

Cornette: Now what’s done is done and I can’t change what has happened. But damn it, I am the Commissioner of this organisation and what I can do is determine who the number one contender for the World Title is!

The fans chant ‘Finn! Finn! Finn!’

Cornette: And that man needs to be someone who has earned his opportunity. Who fought and scratched and clawed his way to prove he was the best, before an opportunist came and struck him down…

The fans chant louder: 'Finn! Finn! Finn!'

Cornette: It is my conclusion therefore that the most deserving contender to face Edge for the World Title at Grapplemania is…Finn Balor! I'm Jim Cornette. And that's my opinion.

A huge cheer erupts at the news.

Commentator #1: Finn Balor vs Edge at Grapplemania for the World Title! A fitting outcome for Balor who lasted over 60 minutes in the battle royal and who we thought had won the gold.

Commentator #2: Balor vs Edge in the main event; what a match that promises to be!

Commentator #1: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Monday Night Grappling as we process the huge news that Finn Balor will face Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Grapplemania.

Commentator #2: Huge news is right. And I also want to know the fallout from when our angry Commissioner Cornette meets the owner. I have a feeling tonight is going to be just as memorable as last week!

Commentator #1: Well my understanding is that the Commssioner intends to be back before the end of the show and that he has some big announcements to make.

Edge’s music hits and the World Champion comes down, parading his newly won title around the ring. When the music ceases Edge is met by 50/50 cheers and boos. He smiles.

Edge: It’s reactions like that which remind me why I love this business. You know, all week I’ve had my Twitter blowing up with people asking me about the so-called ‘phantom trade’: how the owner of Monday Night Grappling and myself essentially lied – or as he puts it ‘fibbed’ – everyone in the Draft by pretending that I had been traded to another roster – when in fact I was here the whole time.

Fans start chanting ‘You screwed Finn’ as Edge gives a wry smile.

Edge: Okay, look. I have to hold my hands up here, guys. I am guilty as charged: I did concoct this plan so that I could strike when no one would see it coming. But I need all of you, and especially Finn Balor, the newly named number one contender, to understand something; so I would like Finn Balor to please come to this ring right now so I can tell him face to face.

Balor’s music hits and the fans cheer as Finn Balor makes his way down the aisle. He is still without the demon paint, though he is not his normal positive self; his face is more sombre than usual. The camera pans to signs in the crowd which call for the return of the Demon.

Edge extends his hand to Finn but Finn refuses it and locks eyes with Edge.

Commentator #2: Notice the look Balor is giving Edge. He may snap any minute.

Edge: Okay, that's cool. I can understand you not wanting to shake my hand. I can understand you being upset. I just called you out here, Finn, because I want to make one thing clear: that what I did to you last week was nothing personal against you. I respect the hell out of you and consider you one of the very best in this business. In fact, I have long thought that with another few years of seasoning you might even be spoken of in the same breath as myself.

Finn’s eyes remain fixed on Edge.

Edge: If Dibiase had been the last guy left in the battle royal last week then what happened to you would have happened to him. It was just business, Finn. That’s all.

Edge extends his hand one more time. The fans boo. Finn reaches out his hand…and takes the mic from Edge as the fans cheer.

Finn: Not personal, you say. Just business. Do you have any idea how much last week meant to me? Sixteen years, Edge. Sixteen years fighting to get an opportunity like last week; and then I discover that I have to do it all as the number one entrant in the battle royal. And yet I managed to outlast both monsters and millionaires and made it all the way to the end, to the promised land…only to find out that it was all an illusion. To find out that what I thought was my dream coming true was actually a nightmare.

You want to know the one thing worse than not achieving your dream, Edge? It’s thinking you’ve achieved it, and then having it snatched away from you at the final moment. You did that to me, Edge. All week I have had to fight real hard not to give into some really dark thoughts. I’ve had to fight really hard not to give into my inner demon.

The fans chant ‘Demon Balor’.

Finn: But I’m not going to allow myself go to that place, Edge. (The fans boo) I won’t go to that place because I’m not sure if I can come back from it. I came to this company to become the World Champion and that is what I am going to do. So I will shake your hand Edge…but I will shake it at Grapplemania. After I kick your ass and take the World Heavyweight Title.

The fans cheer; Edge smiles.

Edge: I admire that confidence, kid. And while you don’t want to shake my hand right now I hope in time you will develop the same respect for me that I have for you.

And with that Edge drops the mic and exits the ring with his head down. Suddenly, Ted Dibiase and I.R.S. hit the ring and attack Finn from behind.

Dibiase hits Finn with a piledriver as I.R.S. stomps on the prone Finn. All while this is happening, Edge continues to slowly walk up the ramp, head down, seemingly oblivious to what’s happening. The fans are pointing and screaming at Edge to turn around.

Commentator #1: Balor is being mugged here! Damn it, Edge, get down there and help!

Commentator #2: He doesn’t know it’s happening. He hasn’t got eyes in the back of his head, you know.

Commentator #1: How can he not be aware?!

Edge gets to the top of the ramp and slowly turns around. His mouth drops at what’s happening.

Commentator #1: Now he sees it! Get down there, Edge!

Edge points towards the ring and turns to the fans with his mouth still open.

‘That’s Money Inc.!’ says Edge, looking to the fans who are begging him to run down. Balor is still being assaulted.

Commentator #1: Come on, Edge! Get down there!

Edge furrows his brow and says ‘I need to stop this’. He carefully takes off his title belt and lays it on the floor. Then he removes his jacket and folds it beside the belt. Balor is having elbows dropped on him now. Edge marches down the aisle as the fans cheer but then he stops. He goes back and folds up the title belt and then places in atop the folded jacket.

Commentator#1: For goodness sake, come on! Come on!

Commentator#2: Give him a break. A champion has to take care of his belt.

Commentator #1: Balor is getting the tar beaten out of him! What sort of rescue job is this? If Edge were a fireman, the Great Fire of London would still be going on.

Edge eventually makes it to the ring and as he enters, Dibiase and I.R.S. exit. Dibiase is screaming from the aisle.

Dibiase: I should be the number one contender!

Edge: Don’t ever think you can attack Finn on my watch!

As we head to commercial we see Money Inc. backing up the aisle smiling at the damage they’ve caused, as Edge tends to Balor who is unresponsive.

Match - Manami Toyota vs Anna Cotty

A showpiece match for Toyota who makes short work of the enhancement talent. Toyota pins her with her Japanese Ocean Bomb finisher.

Winner: Manami Toyota


Post-match, an interviewer enters the ring and plays on the titantron for Toyota the video that played last week featuring Gail Kim and Molly Holly talking about being here for the Women’s Title

Interviewer: Manami Toyota, it is clear from that video that the Women’s Championship represents a big target on your back right now. As the premier women’s wrestler today, I’m wondering how do you feel abo-

Gail Kim’s music then plays and she comes down. She gets face to face with Toyota, a woman with whom she squared off against for the Title on thebostoncrab’s promotion Fusion Pro Wrestling last year. She takes the mic from the interviewer and tells the interviewer to leave the ring.

Gail Kim: Premier women’s wrestler today? Listen, Manami. You know I respect you enormously. But you and I both know that’s not true. Last year on Fusion Pro Wrestling's Queen of the Ring show, I defeated you in the main event to win the FPW Women's Championship. That belt sits proudly on my wall at home as a reminder of the time I bested a legend. So with all due respect, Manami, how can you be considered the premier women’s wrestler today when you aren’t even the premier wrestler in this ring?

There are cheers to this from the Gail fans while the Toyota fans boo. At this point, Molly’s theme hits. She makes her way down and enters the ring.

Molly Holly: Whoa, whoa, whoa, there Gail. Know what's on my wall at home? My WWE Women's Championship belt. And when you and I dominated the WWE back in the day, it was ME that had that title, not you. I am the best women’s wrestler today and if anyone deserves to be the number one contender for Toyota's title, it’s me!

Gail and Molly get nose to nose and trade insults as Toyota looks on somewhat amused. Suddenly the lights go out. We hear the sound of bodies being struck and when the lights come back on we see all the women have been taken out by a female figure clad in black, dressed like a ninja, who is holding a baseball bat. As Toyota struggles to get up, the ‘ninja’ strikes her down again.

Commentator #1: What is going on here?! Who is that woman?!

Commentator #2: I don’t know but I’m getting flashbacks to last year’s show with this attack. Although I think it’s safe to say it’s not Dynamite under there!

Mystery woman: The premier woman in this industry today? That’s easy…it’s me.

She stands over Toyota.

Mystery woman: And remember ‘champ’: anything you can do, I can do better.

The mystery woman then lifts up the women’s title to boos from the fans before draping it across the prone Toyota. She steps over the unconscious bodies of the other women and leaves the ring as the announcers wonder who that was and how with the Commissioner away, order may be breaking down with two assaults in quick succession.

Scene: We see an interviewer standing with Tomohiro Ishii and his translator.

Interviewer: Ishii, thank you for joining me. The past number of weeks we’ve heard about financial difficulties you’ve been having at home. Reportedly your family have accrued debts with some shady individuals and as a result your family home in Japan is now under threat. What are you going to do to pay off these mounting debts?

Before Ishii can answer, the Million Dollar Man enters. He tells the interviewer to leave and takes the mic. He addresses Ishii and the translator.

Million Dollar Man: Last week, Ishii, I offered you a hell of a lot of money in the battle royal if you would just step over the ropes. You turned me down due to your foolish pride. But these are dangerous times. Luckily for me Bockwinkel and Stevens are in a medical facility tonight due to their beating last week, but I still need all the protection I can get; so I’m going to make you one more offer, Ishii.

He writes a figure in his chequebook and presents it to Ishii. We see Ishii’s face remain still but the translator’s eyes go big and his mouth drops. Dibiase laughs and extends his hand. ‘So have we got ourselves a deal? Will you work as a bodyguard for the Million Dollar Man?’

Ishii pauses; then after several moments he grips Dibiase’s hand as the fans boo. The Million Dollar Man cackles.

Million Dollar Man: Some things are just universal in every language.

And he drapes his arm around Ishii and leads him down the hall.

Scene: a dimly lit room; the camera pans over several empty beer bottles across the floor before it shifts upwards and we get a glimpse of a dishevelled man with his head in his hands: it is Curtis Axel.

A figure opens the door and enters, removing his white hat: it is Commissioner Jim Cornette.

Cornette: Jesus H. Christ, Curtis, what the hell is wrong with you? We’ve got a show starting real soon.

Cornette lifts up a sign which says ‘I was Never elimina’; it is unfinished, and he lets it fall to the floor.

Cornette: A few days ago you rang me up and told me you wanted to throw your hat into the World Title scene on the basis that you were never officially eliminated from last week’s battle royal. You also said you and your buddy Ryback were looking for revenge against Vader for his attack last week. Yet now I see you wallowing in all this sh*t here. What is going on with you?

Axel laughs.

Axel: Ryback ain’t gonna be helping me, Jim. He’s deserted me like all the rest. Just when I thought I couldn’t be any more of a social outcast…

Cornette: What the hell are you ta-

At that moment a producer enters and says the owner’s limo has arrived. Cornette tells Axel he is going to meet with the owner to discuss the fallout from last week. He tells Axel he is suspended from TV tonight due to his drinking. He also tells Axel to ‘sort his sh*t out’.

Cornette exits and Axel takes out his phone. He calls somebody.

Axel: Hello? It's me. I...I really need your help.

He breaks down and sobs.

We cut back to the announce team who say that was difficult to watch. They wonder who Axel was calling.

Match – Vader vs Donnie Brooke & Grey Stones

A total squash match. The announcers said the youngsters were from the local area. The duo rushed at Vader as soon as the bell rang but it was a big mistake. Vader clobbered both men down and gave them a vicious beating. He hit the powerbomb on Brooke and then did the Vader Bomb to Stones. He piled the two young fellows on top of one another and pinned them both.

Winner: Vader

After the match Vader got a mic.

Vader: I should have won the battle royal last week but they all ganged up on me! The man who threw me over last week, Tomohiro Ishii, the man everyone says is the big bad brawler nowadays, well I know you’re back there and if you’ve got any balls, come out here and try and get the better of me tonight.

The fans cheer and we cut backstage and see Ishii watching all this on a monitor. He tapes up his fists and prepares to go out but the Million Dollar Man enters the scene and puts his hand across Ishii’s chest.

Million Dollar Man: Whoa, whoa, where do you think you’re going? I hired you to be my security, not to go fight monsters on my time. I have no beef with Vader so you’re going to stay right here with Irwin and me. Got it?

Ishii’s chest rises and falls. His face goes red. From here we can make out the fans chanting Ishii’s name, but reluctantly he unrolls the tape from his fists and sits down beside I.R.S. as the fans boo. Dibiase smiles.

Back in the ring, Vader, who has watched all this on the titantron, shakes his head.

Vader: I've fought Japanese guys my entire career, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen one that was a coward. You call yourself the Stone Pitbull but you must have been castrated because I see no balls.

Vader drops the mic and leaves the ring screaming into the camera that he is going out on the town to find someone to fight.

Scene: Enhancement talent Just Joe is backstage talking to a food vendor.

Just Joe: So last week I was behind the door of Stan Hansen’s dressing room, right? And I see the Million Dollar Man leave the room. And he goes up to his buddy I.R.S. and he says ‘Irwin, I went and riled up my old buddy Stan Hansen real good. I told him Bockwinkel was disrespecting him over their history together. We ain’t gonna have to worry about those big-mouths Bockwinkel and Stevens tonight.’

And I laugh to myself thinking, ‘man, that Hansen fella got played big time.’ Haha, anyways I gotta go. Spread the word.

As Just Joe turns he walks right into Stan Hansen who has overheard everything. Just Joe’s face goes pale.

Stan Hansen: So I was ‘played big time’, was I?

Just Joe’s lips quiver and his legs shake.

Stan Hansen: Relax, kid. I ain’t gonna hurt ya.

Just Joe smiles in relief and turns to leave only for Hansen to drag him back and damn near take his head off with a Lariat.

Stan Hansen: Well, looks like it’s you that just got played.

He walks off.

Ted Dibiase Jnr's theme plays and he makes his way down the aisle.

Dibiase Jnr: Last week was an opportunity for me to finally emerge from my father’s shadow. But it was my own father that took that away from me. All week long my mother and my brothers have been so upset by the actions of my Dad. I want to say this to you, Dad, because I know you’re back there.: if you want to take me down in the ring, then come out here face-to-face and take me down in this ring!

But it is Ishii’s music that hits. Ishii makes his way down, taping his fists as Dibiase Jnr shakes his head. The camera then cuts backstage to the Million Dollar Man’s locker room. ‘Time for Ishii to earn his money, Irwin’ and he cackles. ‘Some tough love will do him good’ says I.R.S.

Commentator #1: This is ridiculous. The Million Dollar Man is sending out Ishii here to beat up his own son!

Commentator #2: Father knows best.

Match – Tomohiro Ishii vs Ted Dibiase Jnr

This is not a squash match as Dibiase Jnr shows plenty of fire and gets in some good offence in the early stages. Eventually, however, Ishii proves to strong and after several minutes pass he pins Dibiase Jnr following his Ishii Driller finisher.

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii

After the match the camera pans backstage to Dibiase’s locker room. He laughs and tells I.R.S. to go tell the limo driver to prepare to leave. He says with Balor and his son beaten up their work tonight is done. He tells him to go tell Ishii to take the night off for a job well done.

Scene: Edge sits in a local medical facility outside a room. A doctor approaches.

Doctor: Are you a family member?

Edge: A friend.

Doctor: Well we’ve run tests on Mr. Devitt and happily it doesn’t look like he has a concussion.

Edge: So you’re saying he is medically able to compete?

Doctor: Yes. We’re going to keep him in overnight as a precaution. But he’ll be fine. You must be relieved.

Edge: .....

Doctor: I said, you must be relieved?

Edge has been staring off into the distance but he composes himself.

Edge: Yeah, doc. Relieved.

Edge walks down the hall as the doctor calls out, ‘what should I tell the patient.’

Edge: Tell him I’ll see him soon.

I.R.S. approaches the limo driver.

I.R.S.: Hey! The Million Dollar Man is ready to leave. You hear me? Hey! Turn around, I’m talking to you.

The limo driver turns and we see it’s Nick Bockwinkel. The fans cheer as I.R.S.'s face turns white.

Bockwinkel knocks down I.R.S. and drags him to the back of the limo. We see Bockwinkel’s partner Ray Stevens there and together they shove I.R.S. into the boot and lock him in.

Commentator #2: I thought those two were supposed to be in a medical facility?!

Commentator #1: They were but I guess they left.

The camera cuts back to the Million Dollar Man’s locker room who has seen all this happen on his T.V. He throws his wine glass against the wall.

Bockwinkel looks into the camera.

Bockwinkel: Hey Dibiase. I know you put up your old tag partner Stan Hansen to attack myself and Ray last week. You cost us a fair chance at winning the World Title. Then tonight we saw you attack Finn Balor, the man we brought into this company. Well if you want a fight, you’ve got one. And seeing as your current tag team partner I.R.S. is occupied at present…

Stevens bangs on the trunk as we hear I.R.S. and his muffled threats.

Bockwinkel: Go and find your old associate Hansen and tell him to come out and fight because Commissioner Cornette has booked us tonight in that ring!

The Million Dollar Man paces back and forth in his room as the camera fades out.

Commentator #1: Wow, we’ve got a hell of a match tonight! Dibiase and Hansen will renew their former tag team partnership against the tag team champions Bockwinkel and Stevens!

Commentator #2: This has classic written all over it! I bet the Million Dollar Man wishes he hadn’t given Ishii the night off!

Match – Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens vs Ted Dibiase & Stan Hansen (Non-Title)

A great tag team match that goes over twenty minutes and sees the fans fully invested. The announcers put over that Bockwinkel and Stevens couldn’t be 100 per cent after the beating last week. The announcers also note Hansen seems to be rather cool towards Dibiase; nevertheless both Dibiase and Hansen work them over for most of the match, but as the fans cheer on Bockwinkel and Stevens the fan favourites get a second wind.

The finish of the match sees Hansen attempt the Lariat on Bockwinkel but he ducks and nails a pildriver on Hansen. He gets the pin for 1…2…but the referee is dragged out of the ring before the 3…by I.R.S. The referee is then knocked out cold by I.R.S. who enters the ring and begins an assault on Bockwinkel and Stevens.

Commentator #1: I.R.S. struck an official! How did he even get out of that limo boot?

Commentator #2: Good question. Maybe Ishii came back for him. Commissioner Cornette won’t be happy about the referee being assaulted.

The Million Dollar Man and I.R.S. stomp away on Bockwinkel and Stevens as the fans boo.

Match Result: Ruled a no-contest

Dibiase points at Stan Hansen and tells him to get a steel chair but Hansen doesn’t budge. He starts screaming at Dibiase ‘you think you can play me for a fool?’

Commentator #1: Wait a minute, we saw earlier Just Joe let slip to Hansen that Dibiase manipulated him last week. I think Hansen is letting Dibiase know he doesn’t appreciate being used as a pawn.

Stan Hansen tells Dibiase to kiss his ass goodbye and he turns to leave the ring. But Dibiase attacks Hansen from behind and he and I.R.S. continue to beat on him plus Bockwinkel and Stevens. The announcers ponder if anyone can stop this when Cowboy James Storm’s music hits to a huge ovation.

Storm runs down and knocks down Dibiase and I.R.S. He then tends to Bockwinkel and Stevens as Money Inc. exit and back away up the aisle.

Meanwhile, Stan Hansen, struggles to his feet as Storm extends his hand to Hansen who takes it and nods at him.

Commentator #2: I think Hansen just gave a sign of respect there to James Storm. Perhaps he sees some of himself in this young man?

Commentator #1: Last week Storm was the one who eliminated Hansen from the Battle Royal but you're right, I think there is respect there from Hansen.

Main Event segment - Cornette's announcements

Cornette walks down the aisle stern-faced, holding a briefcase.

Cornette enters the ring and says the chaos of tonight was unacceptable. He says several performers have been attacked, including a referee, and he told the owner tonight he won't put up with instability. He says the owner gave him his full support and apologized for deceiving him over the 'phantom trade'. The owner said that it was all done to please Edge and secure his services in the Draft. Cornette then promises an end to sneak attacks and an end to chaos. He says he has two major announcements to make.

Cornette: My first announcement is that next week we will announce the first ever inductee to the Monday Night Grappling Hall of Fame. This individual is someone who has contributed hugely to our promotion over the years. We will announce him or her NEXT WEEK! So get speculating.

The second announcement concerns this briefcase right here.

Cornette unlocks the briefcase and reveals the MNG Legends Championship.

Cornette: Many great wrestlers on our roster have held this title in the past, including Vader when he was last on our show; in fact, Vader never lost it. And since you all seemed to enjoy the battle royal last week, we’re going to have another one next week. It will feature the most impressive performers from last week’s battle royal, as far as I am concerned: Vader (fans boo); Tomohiro Ishii (fans cheer); Stan Hansen ( fans cheer); and James Storm (fans cheer). These four men will compete in an over-the-top rope battle royal next week to crown the new MNG Legends Champion.

You will notice that Money Inc. were not mentioned. Their disgraceful actions tonight have resulted in me removing them from the match. I have also removed Curtis Axel, despite him not being officially eliminated last week, because he needs to sort his issues out.

I will finish by saying if you want chaos and indiscipline you can find it on the crackpot shows like BWA and WECWF, but not here!

The fans cheer.

Cornette: The reason I came back is for our great fans here and to ensure that if any lunatic is gonna run this asylum, it’s old Jim Cornette! I promise you that from now on, order will be restored.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQPvxM4uMHQ

The fans rise to their feet as Konnan and Homicide appear on stage.

Commentator #1: It's Konnan and Homicide! Rumours have been swirling that they were Monday Night Grappling's newest acquisition!

Konnan: Yo, long time no see, Commish. Here’s the thing, esse, you aren’t the only one returning to Monday Night Grappling, homes.

The fans cheer the returning Konnan as Cornette nods, unimpressed at this interruption.

Konnan: And I know Cornette that Hall of Fame ceremony you mentioned for next week isn’t being planned for me, right?

Homicide: It should be, K-Dogg.

Konnan: Oh I know it. But why would an American pig like Cornette want to honour a latino, right? Far easier to discriminate, and disseminate hate, like the rest of these putas out here.

Cornette: First of all, dipsh*t, you’re damn right the ceremony next week isn’t designed for you. The person receiving it has more class than you could ever dream of possessing. Now is there any particular reason you’re out here? Because if it’s just to introduce yourselves, you’ve done that so get to leavin’.

Konnan: “Get to leavin”. You here that, Homicide? That’s what the latin people have been hearing a lot lately from Americans: “get to leavin”. What if we don’t? You gonna build a wall, esse? You gonna deport us?

The fans cheer.

Konnan: You see? You prove my point. Americans are racist. We serve in your military, we clean up the dirt from your streets, we take care of your familia, and where does it get us, huh? Nowhere. Y’see Donald Trump may be the one who came up with the concept of 'the wall', but he didn’t create the glass ceiling that has kept the latin people down for generations. No, that’s you.

He points to the crowd.

Konnan: That’s all of you. And that is why now more than ever L.A.X. is needed in professional wrestling.

Cornette: Can you wrap up this pity parade please and get to the goddamned reason you’re out here?

The fans cheer as Konnan laughs.

Konnan: Okay, homes. Sure thing. The reason I’m out here is to tell you: you’re wrong.

Cornette: I'm wrong? Wrong about what?

Konnan: Wrong about the owner never going over your head ever again. Big words, Commish. But you’re wrong. And L.A.X. being here proves that.

Konnan and Homicide laugh.

Cornette: I don’t know what you two find so funny because I hate to break it to you Cheech and Chong but I was fully aware that you two were on your way to Monday Night Grappling. In fact, I signed off on the deal.

Konnan: Oh no, Jimbo. Oh no. See you obviously weren’t paying attention to what I said. I said I wanted to bring ‘L.A.X.’ to Monday Night Grappling. And what you see up here is just myself and Homicide. What you see here is just 2/3 of L.A.X. But L.A.X. is not just Konnan and Homicide…

A buzz goes through the audience as they listen to Konnan.

Cornette: What the hell are you talking about?

Suddenly there is a commotion as someone runs through the crowd and hits the ring. It is Hernandez! And he floors Cornette with a big boot.

Commentator #1: Wait a minute! What the hell is this?! It's Hernandez! The third member of L.A.X!

Commentator #2: Hernandez! But he doesn’t work here! He works for the ICE Wrestling promotion, doesn’t he?!

Hernandez then boots Cornette in the gut and lifts him up and delivers a devastating Border Toss to Cornette, flinging him across the other side of the ring as the fans chant ‘holy sh*t!’

Konnan and Homicide then enter the ring and embrace Hernandez as some fans cheer and some fans boo.

Konnan then drapes a Mexican flag over Cornette as L.A.X. mock Cornette from the aisle.

Commentator #1: Oh my God! Cornette has been taken out! Our Commissioner has been taken out! We’ve been invaded by L.A.X.!

Commentator #2: I think this may be the first time we've seen Konnan, Homicide and Hernandez all work together as a unit in the history of the Draft! What the hell does this mean for Monday Night Grappling?!

Commentator #1: L.A.X. have made one hell of a statement tonight! Cornette promised an end to chaos, but I think the chaos is only just beginning!