2016 Boards.ie PW Draft Evaluation thread!

Presents
SUPREMACY

VS

Semi Final 1
Brian Pillman vs Rob Van Dam

Both men lock up to start the match but it soon becomes clear that neither are too interested in keeping things slow. They trade quick arm drags and RVD hits a Hurricanrana which caught Pillman by surprise. They lock up again but Pillman stomps on RVD's foot and takes advantage with a stiff clothesline. Pillman doesn't give RVD time to recover before launching at him with a barrage of punches on the mat causing the referee to break them up with a count.

Pillman picks RVD up and goes for a DDT which RVD escapes and counters with a roundhouse kick which sends Pillman flailing into the ropes, he bounces off and gets a Belly-to-Belly which leaves him down. Rob Van Dam spots his opportunity and runs off the ropes to hit a Rolling Thunder which...connects. RVD hooks the leg. 1...2.. Pillman kicks out. But RVD is in firm control now, he raises his arms and the crowd join in with a chant of "R V D" but the pause lets Pillman roll to the outside. Not that RVD cares as he puts his body on the line with a standing moonsault off the apron, but Pillman dodges, RVD lands on his feet but is immediately thrown into the side of the ring before Pillman falls to the ground.

The referee begins his 10 count, Pillman makes it back into the ring at 7 but RVD barely makes it in at 9. Pillman picks RVD up and carries him to the corner where he puts him sitting on the top turnbuckle. Pillman climbs up and positions him for a Superplex but Rob hooks his leg on the rope. He hits Pillman with multiple punches to the gut, Pillman falls back and slams onto the mat. The crowd realise the position RVD is in before he does and a very audible mixture of cheers and boos ring out in the arena as RVD does his signature "RVD" chant once more before jumping for a 5 Star Frog Splash.. but no, Pillman gets the knees up and RVD bounces around in pain. Pillman gets to his feet, picks RVD up and hits his DDT for the 3 count.
Winner: Brian Pillman

Fandango dances onto the stage with his partner by his side and he runs down to the ring to attack the Intercontinental Champion. He viciously beats RVD on the mat before hitting his Top Rope Leg Drop. Fandango's dance partner hands him a mic.

"My name is FAAAN-DAAAAN-GOOO and I am an internationally renowned" he inhales deeply, "dancer of the world." He exhales deeply and does a shuffle with his legs & flails his arms. "And soon I will be the MWA Intercontinental Champion because Roooob Vaaaan Daaaam doesn't have the moves to keep up with FAAAAN-DAAAAN-GOOOO."

Microphone: "Kazuchika Okada, there have been rumblings online that...."
Kenny Omega interrupts; "That's what you got us here for? Kaz is preparing for his match against Billy Graham and you call us out to talk about some bull**** rumours on the internet?"
Microphone: "Well everybody's been talking about it and there are people suggesting Lions of CHAOS were behind the attack on Batista."
Omega: "You can paint us as the villains of a soap opera all you like Microphone, we are not answering bull**** like this."

At this point Ibushi, KUSHIDA & Shelley are restraining Omega from grabbing Microphone again.

Shelley: "Kenny calm down"
Omega: "Oh cut your crap Shelley. You don't tell me what to do."
Okada puts his hand out and Omega stops talking.
Okada: "You ask real question. Or we walk to ring now."
Microphone: "Ok ok, Kenny Omega, you didn't get to take part in the World Championship contender's tournament yet your Tag Team Champion partner Kota Ibushi did. Did that irk you or cause any tension?"
Omega doesn't answer, turns and hugs Ibushi. Then he suddenly punches Jimmy Microphone to the ground. "Does that answer your question?" Lions of CHAOS walk down the corridor but Kenny Omega is still shouting angrily.

VS

Semi Final 2
'Superstar' Billy Graham vs Kazuchika Okada

Okada takes the match to Graham from the off but the Superstar is much much fresher after a squash match last week versue Okada & Ibushi's war. Graham absorbs some early punishment in the form of Okada's notably impressive standing dropkicks but once Okada starts grappling the bigger man his weariness shows & Graham takes charge.

The Superstar tries to wear Okada down with some old school pressure based submissions transitioning from a Full Nelson into a Headlock which sees Okada's face turn purple before he reaches the ropes. Graham bends the rules by wrapping Okada up in the bottom & middle ropes and stomping at his stomach. The referee counts to 4 and warns Graham of disqualification but Graham can audibly be heard telling the ref he'll go one step further & fire him if he dares disqualify him.

Graham decides to end things by going up top & attempting a Double Axe Handle but Okada counters with another huge Standing Drop Kick. The adrenaline burst changes the match & Okada goes on a spree of swift strikes, a crossbody, and a double stomp from the top rope which gets a 2 count. Okada does his signature Rainmaker pose and starts to lift Graham to his feet but Graham hits a low blow in full view of the referee. Okada crumples to a heap clutching his groin & the referee shouts at Graham and goes to ring the bell but Graham grabs his arm & shouts "I'm the GM, I can do what i like" before punching the ref. The crowd are booing as he poses but suddenly the 4 Lions of CHAOS run down to ringside. Omega orders them to surround the ring, Alex Shelley is the 1st to climb up but Graham hits a Big Boot. The distraction allows Ibushi & KUSHIDA to attack from behind and they try to take Graham down. Graham is fighting them off when he gets hit by Kenny Omega with a steel chair on the back. Okada is back up, tells the 3 Lions to leave the ring and Okada hits Graham with a Rainmaker. He helps the referee up and covers Graham for the win.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada

Pillman: "Did you see that? You saw that 5-on-1 attack. You know as well as I do that Okada attacked Batista last week and if I'm fighting him tonight I want all of his other 'lions' banned from ringside. You've already screwed me over the Championship Maddox so you better not do it again!
Maddox: "But Brian there's no way Okada could have done it. Didn't you see his match last week? Okada was in no state to carry out an attack."
Pillman: "Were you dropped as a baby Maddox? He got the other 4 to do it for him obviously. Move."

Pillman pushes Maddox off his chair and opens up a video of the attack on the MWA website, pausing on the 3rd assailant. Long blonde curly hair is creeping out of the bottom of the mask.

Pillman: "That's Kenny Omega, which means the other two are the Time Splitters. It was a smart attack but it was cowardly of Okada to not do it himself no matter what shape he was in. So for tonight's final I want you to make sure it doesn't happen again. Ban everyone from ringside & fire anyone who tries to interfere."

Maddox is hesitant.

Pillman: "The fans want a rightful winner, a main event to lead MWA to greatness. If Okada is in that main event against Batista due to a 5-on-1 attack you are putting the biggest match of the year at risk." Pillman gets up in Maddox's face now and snarls, "you've already pissed me off once Brad... I'm telling you don't do it again."
Maddox: "Ok ok ok, please just calm down. If anyone interferes tonight they'll be fired."

Rob Van Dam is in the medic's office getting his chest bandaged when Matt Hardy bursts in with a steel chair and cracks it off RVD's head. Rob falls off the desk and lands on the floor, Matt holds the chair upside down and drives it into Rob's abdomen. "YOU'RE NOT BETTER THAN ME! I HAVE MATTITUDE AND ONCE I TAKE THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP YOU'LL HAVE NOTHING BUT A CAREER IN TATTERS!"

VS

Son of Havoc & Angelico vs Big John Studd & King Kong Bundy

Studd & Bundy struggle to keep up with the lucha duo in the early going. Angelico hits a lot of high flying moves off, springboarding off the ropes and frequent tags with Son of Havoc keep them fresh. But for all their effort they just cannot get Bundy off his feet. The commentators put it down to inexperience of wrestling huge men but neither of them target Bundy's legs throughout the match.

Bundy gets tagged in and finally Son of Havoc makes a mistake when he attempts a crossbody but gets caught. A number of powerslams later and Havoc is in real trouble. Studd stands on Havoc's calf for 10 seconds as he howls in pain, before dropping an elbow on the leg. He picks Son of Havoc up by his mask and hits a headbutt which sends Havoc off his feet. This is a rare Studd mistake as Angelico is able to reach Havoc for the tag and he comes in with a springboard missile drop kick. Studd is stunned but still on his feet, King Kong Bundy comes in but Angelico ducks under his arm, kicks him from behind and Bundy falls to the ropes. Angelico runs the ring and jumps onto Bundy's back, the ropes spring both men back and Angelico makes contact with Studd for a Hurricanrana. But Studd is too big and manages to grab an upside down Angelico by the waist and locks in an unorthodox Bear Hug. Angelico tries to fight out but with the pressure on his stomach and blood rushing to his head he passes out.
Winner: Big John Studd & King Kong Bundy

The Miz comes out to the ring for a special edition of Miz TV.

Miz: "Welcome to the most must see talk show on television hosted by me, the most must see superstar in all of wrestling. Welcome to Miz TV with my special guest, the supposed World Champion Batista."

Batista's music plays but nobody comes out.
Miz: "Come on now Batista, don't be intimidated by me. I mean I am a Hollywood megastar & bonafide main event superstar but I am offering you a great chance to bask in my limelight. So ladies & gentlemen I give you..Batista!"

The music plays and Batista comes out but something seems a bit off about him.

Miz welcomes Batisdow and points out how similar he looks to The Miz.
Miz: "Albeit you obviously lack my movie star good looks, my moneymaker as my millions of dollars would call it. Now last week the MWA fans witnessed one of the most sickening, cowardly, heinous attacks to shake wrestling and caused outrage for the millions watching at home. Batista, that you would assault the most must see Superstar in sports entertainment moments after stealing the World Championship from him is the single most heinous thing seen in wrestling. Forget Montreal, everybody will be talking about the Miz's screwjob for years to come. Have you got anything to say for yourself? I've had Hollywood agents & directors calling me all week to make sure I'm ok."
Batisdow sullenly speaks into the mic, "I, Batista, am sorry. I apologise to you and to all of your fans. I felt threatened and reacted rashly. Can you please forgive me?"
Miz: "If you agree to a World Championship match right here, right now then yes I will forgive you." Batisdow shakes Miz's hand and they call for a referee. A fingerpoke of doom sends Batisdow to the mat & Miz covers him. 1...2....3. Miz proclaims himself to be the new World Champion and celebrates with a replica title bought by many online.

VS

Final
Brian Pillman vs Kazuchika Okada

Pillman doesn't waste any time and launches a tirade of punches when the bell rings. He sends Okada down, and quickly follows it with a run of clotheslines as Okada keeps getting back up. After 4 clotheslines Pillman springs off the middle rope with and catches Okada on the jaw with an elbow - this one keeps Okada down and Pillman goes for the cover. Okada kicks out at 1, Pillman covers again, kickout at 2, Pillman covers again, kickout at 2, cover again and this time Okada kicks out with force that rolls him onto his stomach.

Petey: "Pillman knows Okada went through a war last week and was taken to the limits tonight by Billy Graham. Pillman had an extra half hour to recover and it's paying off."

Pillman goes back on the offensive with a series of suplexes, he turns the final one into a Tiger Suplex and holds the leg but again Okada kicks out at 2. Pillman puts Okada in a Chin Lock to rest up after his early assault but Okada is able to force his way out and starts chopping Pillman backing him into the corner. Okada hits a running dropkick, follows it up with more chops & hooks Pillman's wrist. He quickly pulls Pillman out of the corner for a Rainmaker but Pillman ducks, runs the ropes and hits a vicious lariat of his own. He covers Okada but again kick out at 2.

Pillman is getting frustrated now, he's pulling at his hair and spit is flowing from his mouth. He throws Okada to the outside and takes apart the announce table. Pillman lays Okada onto the table and elbows his head to keep him there before breaking the referee's count. Pillman climbs to the top rope and leaps to the outside for a Diving Elbow Drop.. But Okada moves and Pillman is sent through the table on his own. The referee begins his count with both men down; 1...2....3....4....5...Okada is crawling to the ring as Pillman begins to stir..6...Okada is clawing up the apron desperately trying to get onto his feet...7..Okada's on his feet but Pillman is making his way up too...8...Okada turns and hits Pillman with a stiff Rainmaker which near decapitates Pillman and sends Okada to the rubble of the announce table...9...neither man is moving....10! The match has ended in a draw.
Winner: Draw

Maddox: "I'm taking immediate action here to announce that there will be a rematch between Kazuchika Okada & Brian Pillman next week on Supremacy. Clearly neither man is fit to compete again tonight and this is my only option. But to ensure we have a winner it will be a Steel Cage match."

The crowd cheer & Maddox walks away as Pillman & Okada, both now sitting at opposite ends of the announce team area, stare at each other amidst the wreckage of tonight's match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kAGtpJrsA

The sight of John Laurinaitis walking down the ramp brings the commentary to a halt. Accompanied by Bart Gunn, he has a mic in one hand, and an obviously dented Crystal Case in the other. Getting into the ring, it is clear to see that he does not look happy. As he begins to speak, he stops for a second. The crowd begins chanting JOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHNNNNNNYYYYY, in an obviously sarcastic tone.

Johnny Ace: Last week, the crown jewel of my first night in charge was held, a roster wide over the top battle royal, to determine who would face Ricky Steamboat for the currently vacant HCE World Heavyweight Title at our showpiece event, Cheddarama.

(Crowd remains boisterous)

In what can only be described as a brutal contest, 12 of our roster entered and beat the hell out of each other, with Montel Vontavious Porter earning the right to the Crystal Case, entitling him to that main event spot. (Crowd cheers loudly, chanting MVP’s name)

UNFORTUNATELY, in the aftermath, that spineless sellout SETH ROLLINS felt the need to throw his toys out of the pram, all because he was eliminated fair and square!


Porallo: Well, as much as I don’t like the guy, that’s not strictly true…

Burke: It’s a Seth-spiracy, plain and simple! He should be balancing a diet water with rose leaves on that Crystal Case right now!

Johnny Ace: Due to his careless actions, MVP has suffered a serious concussion and has been ruled out of in-ring competition for 6-7 weeks (Crowd boos). It not only leaves me with a dented Crystal Case (shows dents to the cameras), but now we are still left without a challenger for Ricky Steamboat to face off against at Cheddarama!

One thing is for sure, it will NOT, be that miserable, snivelling SE….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R2XZRrZDFo

The crowd erupts for Seth, who walks down the ramp with a cold and calculated look on his face.

Seth: Well JAAAAAAAHN, it looks like you weren’t able to get my message into that thick, lousy skull of yours! I made my demands very clear…

Johnny Ace: Oh I know all about your demands. But one thing is for sure, this company is not going to be held to ransom by your sorry, half blonde, half brunette lowlife sorry ass! Not while me and my security team are overseeing things.

Bart Gunn looms large over Johnny’s shoulder, imposing himself on Seth. Seth just laughs it off.

Seth: Oh boy, as if that doofus is going to scare me! Only for some completely INEPT refereeing, I would be in possession of that case. I KNOW IT. YOU KNOW IT. Maybe your overgrown dog behind you knows it. THESE IDIOTS OUT THERE KNOW IT (Gestures towards the fans, who show a very mixed and loud reaction). Bottom line is, I want Steamboat, and I demand that you give him to me!

Johnny: Well I’m sorry Seth, but that simply isn’t going to happen.

Seth: Well then…I’m afraid that you leave me with no choice. I said the ENTIRE ROSTER would be on notice, and I mean it. Starting from….NOW!

Seth makes a move towards Johnny, but Bart Gunn jumps in front as they tangle together. Johnny scurries out of the ring and up the ramp. Meanwhile, Bart throws Seth across the ropes only for him to duck the clothesline, and hitting Gunn with his trademark jumping side kick. Gunn falls to his knees, where Seth nearly takes his head off with an Avada Kedavra. Bart is reeling now, and is trying his best to get to his feet, but needs to put his hands on the mat for support.

Mortell: I think I know what’s coming next, and it doesn’t look good for Laurinaitis’ head of security!

Porallo: Seth is just stalking his prey, who is all alone with nobody to help.

Seth launches himself from the corner, planting Bart’s face into the mat with a brutal Curb Stomp. Once again, the crowd pops loudly for the vicious move, as Bart lays motionless on the ground.



Seth: That was just the beginning. Until you give me what I want, I will not stop.

Seth hops out of the ring, and jumps the barricade. He walks up the steps through the crowd, with loud cheers and boos in equal measure. Johnny is just stood still on the ramp open-mouthed, while Bart still hasn’t moved from his unconscious position in the middle of the ring.

Porallo:You are very welcome back to HCE! My word, what a statement just left by Seth Rollins!

Mortell:Damn right, he’s showing that his threat from last week was not an idle one!

Burke: Why is any of this surprising? Seth does what he says he will do. If he says people are going to be Curb Stomped, then people are going to be Curb Stomped. It’s a very simple equation. Clearly you bozos weren’t much use in a Mathematics class!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-bd5j18N0s

The commentary is drowned out, by the classic golf theme playing on the titantron. In a golf cart, we can see the familiar faces of Pedro ‘Peter Morton’ Morales, the new Television Champion, and Carlos ‘Carl Collins’ Colon Sr. Smiling and waving to the crowd, they are greeted by a torrent of boos as they amble slowly down the ramp. Already set up in the ring is an elevated strip, with a green area and a hole with a flag in it. They get into the ring, and wait a moment or two for the boos to die down before speaking, which doesn’t happen.

Collins: May I present to you, the greatest Television Champion in HCE history…PETEEEEER MORTOOOON!
(the crowd boos louder)

Morton: Thank you so much Carl, you are way too kind! My adoring fans, I am glad to be able to present to you, a man who truly embodies what excellence is. I mean, after all, this is something that you folks rarely see here in Cleveland, given your track records as perennial losers! LeBron James…starts at Cleveland, a loser! Moves to Miami, a champion! Back to Cleveland, whadayaknow? A LOSER!

(the crowd is incensed)

But it’s okay you guys, I am an expert in the sporting world and I am here to try and help you reach greatness, and know what it feels like to be a champion, and bask in the glow of excellence. I am sure you all know of how the previous champion, that PIP-SQUEAK…Roderick Strong (crowd interrupts with loud cheers), had his Television Title Open Challenge (crowd cheers loudly).

Which to me, I felt was not a suitable use of your time, and frankly wasteful of mine. So I have added a little twist, something which will make this much better. I present to you, the Peter Morton….PUTTING CHALLENGE!

(the crowds boos louder, chanting WE WANT STRONG, WE WANT STRONG!)

My trusty caddy Carl & I, will select one lucky fan in the crowd, to take on myself in a putting challenge. If you beat me, I will give you…two hundred dollars of hard earned American Green!

Peter pulls out two bills, waving them in the air for everyone to see.

As long as you get the ball in the cup before I do, you get the cash. As unlikely as that is going to be, given how you pigs worship Jason Dufner, another choker of the highest degree!

(crowd boos more and more)

SO, WHO’S IT GONNA BE GUYS? CARL, WHO IS THE CHOSEN ONE??

The two survey the crowd for a brief moment, before choosing a fan 4 rows from the front. The man chosen is very overweight, and walks towards the barricade to cheers from the audience. He gets into the ring, where Morton starts asking him questions.

Morton: Okay short stuff, what’s your name?

Fan: My name is Shaun Drenner!

Morton: Easy now, don’t breath all over me! And where do you come from Shaun?

Fan: I come from RIGHT HERE IN CLEVELAND, OHIO!!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!! (the crowd cheers)

Morton: Oh brother. Alright then, the rules are simple Shaun, you putt the ball and try to get it in the cup. The first person to make it in the cup when their opponent can’t, is the winner! Now are you sure your stupid little Cleveland brain was able to process all that?

Fan: Let’s go! LET’S DO IT!!!

Morton takes up his position, and putts the ball towards the hole 12 feet away. It rolls around the hole before dropping in. Morton celebrates and gestures towards the crowd. However, Shaun makes his putt with ease, with the crowd responding in rapturous applause.

Morton: Beginner’s luck I guess! Looks like it’s sudden death, I’ll let you go first this time!

Burke: A gentleman is Peter, letting that fat slob go first!

Shaun measures up, and once again sinks the ball into the cup. Morton looks uneasy now, and steadies up for his shot, all while the crowd are trying to put him off. He putts, but the ball doesn’t go in. The crowd is thrilled by this, and cheers wildly!

Morton: No no! I call a mulligan! That one didn’t count! Right Carl?

(Carl is nodding, but the crowd is willing Morton to admit defeat, while Shaun shrugs his shoulders wondering what’s going on)

Morton: Okay, fine! I guess on this occasion, I may have let you win to put some positivity into your miserable life. Here you go, the 200 dollars is yours!

Shaun takes the money, only to find on further inspection that there is no sign of Benjamin Franklin, but Peter Morton’s face is on each bill given to him! He gets up into Peter’s face, wondering why the money is fake.

Morton: Hey, don’t get all up in my face! Consider this one of two life lessons; number one…if something is too good to be true, then it probably is….HAHAHAHAHA! (the crowd boo loudly)

And lesson number two…don’t annoy somebody who has a golf club in their hand!

Morton then shunts the fan in the stomach with the golf club while Carl kicks him on the ground. This beating continues for a good minute, all the while the crowd boo and chant for Roderick Strong. As the beating finishes, Collins puts the clubs back into the bag, and the two leave via the golf cart. Paramedics attend to the fan, as we cut to a commercial break.

A vignette for Sean O’Haire plays as we return, on the morality of cheating on your significant other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTbWI7iDt6M

Porallo: You’re very welcome back to HCE! We’re going to have our first match tonight, made last week by John Laurinaitis. It concerns the tag team champions MNM, who were told by Inoki & Fujinami that if they were able to beat the Godfather & D’Lo Brown in a tag match tonight, they would be deemed the No.1 contenders for their tag team championships. Fujinami of course made it down to the final 2 in the battle royal last week for the
Crystal Case, so who knows what percentage level he is at tonight?

Burke: A real opportunity being given here by our general manager, who are going to be the ones to take it?

Inoki & Fujinami enter the arena to loud cheers from the fans. They acknowledge the crowd, but are focused on the task at hand. D’Lo and The Godfather enter the ring to fanfare also, and engage in heavy crowd interaction, trying to psyche everybody up.

No.1 Contender’s Match for the Tag Team Championships – Inoki/Fujinami vs Godfather/D’Lo Brown

Fujinami and D’Lo lock up in the centre of the ring, each trying to break each other down. After a tussle, Fujinami asserts control, and succeeds in knocking D’Lo to the mat. He desperately tags in the Godfather, who regains control for the team. He hits a ferocious big boot on Fujinami, however this only gets a long two count.

This annoys the Godfather, who goes to the outside to catch his breath. His complacency and time spent trying to play up to the fans means that he doesn’t see Fujinami tag in Inoki, who attempts to run riot in the ring, clotheslining everybody in sight. While Fujinami hits a dragon suplex on the interfering D’Lo Brown, Inoki simultaneously lands Godfather with a picture-perfect Enzugiri. With both team members down, Inoki covers Godfather for the 1….2….3, and therefore the no.1 contendership for the tag titles at Cheddarama.

Winners & No.1 Contenders: Antonio Inoki & Tatsumi Fujinami

As they celebrate, MNM appear on the ramp with Melina. They clap slowly, applauding them on a hard fought match. Godfather and D’Lo meanwhile, exit slowly out the back, licking their wounds and feeling sorry for themselves.

Xavier Woods is roaming around the backstage area, looking for some companionship. Any wrestler he passes by seems to give him the cold shoulder, not wishing to talk to one of Johnny Ace’s hired men. He sighs silently, and says aloud how he wishes that things would not always be like this, and how hopefully things may be different in the coming weeks. He acknowledges that tomorrow after all, is a new day….

All of a sudden, he is intercepted by Seth Rollins, who jumps into him from the side. Kicking him and throwing him into some hallway tables, he unleashes a vicious assault on Woods, who is screaming and pleading for help. The exclamation point is left when Seth stands up on a table that Xavier has his head balanced on. Running for half a second, he Curb Stomps Woods’ head right through to the concrete below. Just after this, he notices the camera, and begins to talk into it.

Seth: Who the hell doesn’t notice these things around anyway? Anyway, this is a message for John Laurinaitis…

Tick Tock Johnny boy, Tick Tock!

Ricky Steamboat is in John Laurinaitis’ office with his son. John is pacing around, having been shorn of his two members of security.

Johnny Ace: What the hell am I gonna do? Rollins is like a man possessed.

Steamboat: I really don’t think he’s going to stop until he gets what he wants. I guess if it’s for the good of the company, I’ll have to face him.

Johnny Ace: Absolutely not! You cannot reward this behaviour, it would send the wrong message to everybody worldwide! We need to think of the company here!

Steamboat: John, the company isn’t going to be much good if everyone employed by it is suffering from a heady injury. If you need me, just say the word. I feel good.

Ricky Jr: He really does you know!

Johnny Ace: I tell you what Ricky. You can have until the end of tonight to decide whether or not you wish to face Seth Rollins for the HCE World Heavyweight Title at Cheddarama. God knows I can’t have my entire roster out with concussion! I’ll fully accept your decision either way.

Porallo: That is absolutely HUGE NEWS! Steamboat gets to choose whether or not he faces Rollins at Cheddarama.

Mortell: A great decision.

Burke: A WHAT NOW?!? Knowing Steamboat, he’ll decide to take the night off at our main event because he’s too lazy! I wouldn’t want to face Seth Rollins, the ‘Gamechanger of HCE’.

The Godfather & D’Lo Brown are walking backstage, feeling sorry for themselves after their match. They cross paths with none other than Sean O’Haire.

O’Haire: Hey boys, hard luck out there tonight. Such a shame about how it went down.

D’Lo: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

O’Haire: I mean, it’s not nice to think of two dominant men such as yourselves, losing to two guys who by rights, probably shouldn’t even be in this country. They haven’t given half the blood, sweat & tears that you have given to the USA, and they think they can just swan in and get an easy tag title shot…

Godfather: We just want to go home man, let us be please.

O’Haire: Not a problem my man. I just think that it’s definitely worth thinking about how you are perceived. No longer the dominant guys in the locker room, but two jesters for the audience’s amusement. I don’t like it, and neither should you. But then again, I’m not telling you anything, that you don’t already know…

O’Haire walks off, laughing to himself. Godfather and D’Lo watch him carefully, and appear to be deep in thought as they head for the exit door to go home.

John Laurinaitis is again pacing in his office, when Mike Sharpe walks in.

Sharpe: Hey boss, anything I can do to help?

Johnny Ace: I tell you what you can do, is leave me have some peace and quiet, please.

Sharpe: Are you sure? We could sing songs and tell stories??? That would surely make you feel better, right?!??

Johnny: NO! No it wouldn’t! Now get out of my sight before I do something I regret! In fact…TOO LATE! I’m putting you in a rematch with Mark Henry, AND IT’S NEXT!

Sharpe exits the office rather forlornly, as the camera follows him all the way out to the ring. Mark Henry’s music plays, but there is no sign of him on the ramp. All of a sudden, Mike is blindsided by the 350 Henry, who splashes him into next week. This is still with no bell rung. Henry looks expectantly at the ref, who then rings the bell to signal the match.

Porallo: Now this is hardly fair! Sharpe is defenceless!

Burke: All is fair in Henry and war Eric, now stop moaning!

This contest does not even begin steadily. Henry picks up a motionless Sharpe and plants him with the World’s Strongest Slam. He places a hand over his face and covers for the 1…2…3. Henry gets up quickly and leaves, shouting about how strong he is to the audience and anyone who will listen. This is not all however, as after he leaves…Seth Rollins enters the ring. As Sharpe gets up, Rollins brings him back to earth with a Curb Stomp. Sharpe’s lights are well and truly out as he remains motionless. Seth can be seen tapping his wrist, mimicking a watch in a nod to John Laurinaitis, and like that is out of the ring and back up the stairs as soon as he arrived.

Porallo: Poor Sharpe was defenceless there!

Mortell: He didn’t stand a change, the poor bugger!

Burke: It’s the wrestling food chain you guys. If you don’t survive, you get Curb Stomped. Plain and simple.

Winner: Mark Henry

’The Nature Boy’ Buddy Rogers is in competition with a local talent. He comes out flanked by his entourage of Sylvester Terkay, Rich Swann & Shelton Benjamin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vegHvLCDJK0

Burke: Can this man be stopped?

Porallo: Well I would say yes, given how he was eliminated from the
Battle Royal last week by leaning up against the ropes, I’d have thought a man of his experience would know better!

Burke: Oh be quiet! If it wasn’t for his oaf of an assistant Shelton Benjamin, he would have gone onto win! I’m surprised that he’s even still in a job!


Buddy Rogers vs Sandy Rivers

Sandy starts by getting some decent offense in, however a distraction by Terkay leads to a low blow when the ref isn’t looking. After a vicious back breaker, Buddy locks in the Figure Four Leg Lock and Rivers taps out within seconds.

Winner: Buddy Rogers


Burke: What a star! He’s the housewives’ favourite for a reason!

Mortell: Why’s that? Because the kids get bored and start doing their homework instead?

Burke: Oh ha ha. I’d like to see you say that to his face. The Nature Boy is the greatest!

Buddy’s victory celebration is interrupted by Jay Lethal on the ramp. After trading verbal insults, he is delighted to inform Buddy and the crowd of the main event for next week’s show. It will be an 8 man tag team match involving all of Buddy’s entourage, and a team of Jay’s choosing. The key detail is that if Jay’s team are successful in winning, he will get a shot at Buddy’s Intercontinental championship. Jay lets out a WOOOOO as he leaves, while Buddy is incensed at what has just happened. He berates his entourage up the ramp as we cut to a commercial break.

Porallo: You’re all very welcome to our final segment tonight. Ricky Steamboat has been advised by general manager John Laurinaitis that he can choose by the end of tonight whether Seth Rollins will face him for the currently vacant World Heavyweight Title at Cheddarama. With Seth Rollins blazing through members of the roster like firewood, you’ve gotta wonder guys, will Steamboat face him? Should he even bow to his demands?

Mortell: I think it would be absolutely outrageous Eric. Ricky is an honourable man, and has always had to work hard to get what he has. This kid Rollins shows nothing but disrespect to the graft and guile of everyone that has come before him.

Burke: Thanks for the history lesson on irrelevance Gramps. Seth Rollins is the ‘Undisputed Gamechanger of HCE’, and nobody is more deserving of this opportunity than he.

Ricky Steamboat makes his way out to the ring, mic in hand. He looks composed, as the fans cheer in adoration. He poses with one fan, and admires posters made by younger fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mnoVFgzSkQ

Steamboat: Well, well, well! It sure is great to be back in Cleveland!
(the crowd cheers loudly, chanting Steamboat’s name)

I almost thought I would never be back here in this ring, man it’s been such a long time! You all know my story by now, how I scratched and clawed my way to the top for the opportunity to fight for the ultimate prize in this business…the HCE World Heavyweight Championship.

(the crowd cheers again, chanting ‘YOU DESERVE IT’)

Of course, sometimes life has a way of keeping you in check and that’s what it did to me, no sooner did I win the title, then I had to surrender it due to an injury that I simply could not control.

(cheers)

And of course, once I returned, I knew that I would have to regain what was mine, what I NEVER truly lost. And then, our new general manager advises me that I am simply the No.1 contender. Now I know that you fans were not happy with this, but I believe that this just gives me the platform I need to prove to the world that I am the best, once again and once and for all! (the crowd cheers very wildly)

Now…onto the matter of Seth Rollins (crowd boos & cheers). Seth, you have been nothing but a pain in everyone’s side these past two weeks, and I think it is time that you showed yourself for what you really are, that of a sellout. Someone who will gain your trust and then break it right in front of your very eyes. Someo…

Ricky is interrupted by the appearance of Seth’s face on the Titantron.

Seth: Well hello there Ricky, so nice of you to join us with your boring talking abilities! Please spare us the lousy details and SHUT THE HELL UP!

Steamboat: Ahh Seth, I was just about to let the world know what I had decided, on the upcoming title match.

Seth: What YOU decided? YOU? Somehow, you have become the golden boy of this company? Well, while you were injured, I was carrying the can. In fact, even way before that I was carrying the can for this company, showing them that NO, we do not need has beens and layabouts.

No no! I am fully deserving of my opportunity, and I am entitled to the opportunity to regain MY WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

Steamboat: Well I’m sorry to disappoint you Seth, because after some careful thought, I have decided to let Mr. Laurinaitis know, that another tournament will have to take place for the No. 1 contender to face me for the title, because it most certainly is not going to be you!

(mixed crowd reaction, as Seth looks on with a smirk on his face)

Seth: Well that is indeed disappointing. I guess I am just going to have to concede defeat on this one. Oh wait a second…what do we have here?

The camera zooms out, which reveals something horrifying…the body of Ricky Jr. badly beaten, and placed kneeling precariously over the windshield and bonnet of a car in the parking lot, his head balanced between the two. Ricky Snr is horrified and places his hand over his mouth in shock!

Seth: (cackling) HAHAHAHAHA….I wonder how this happened Ricky? Looks like you weren’t around when your baby boy needed you. You weren’t there when he was trying to avoid early retirement, and you’re not here now!

Ricky looks to leave the ring, but Seth cuts across him

Ah ah ah! Don’t move a muscle Ricky, stay right where you are! If I see you leaving the ring, I will make sure Ricky Jr never walks again. You can guarantee that!

Steamboat: Please don’t. I’ll do anything!

Seth: You know what I want Ricky. COME ONNNNNN RICKKKKKKY….!

Ricky is torn, as the fans chant his name. He knows that he doesn’t want to give into the demands being made of him, but he also wishes not to see his son being hurt.

Steamboat: FINE! YOU WANT YOUR TITLE MATCH AT CHEDDARAMA?? YOU GOT IT! HAPPY NOW???

Seth: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Excellent! I even had the foresight to get a contract drawn up, because I knew you would cave. Kind, virtuous Ricky Steamboat loves his son, it would make you absolutely sick! Someone will present you with the contract in just a moment, sign it and it will be all over.

A HCE match official runs down the ring, contract in hand. He passes it to Steamboat, who signs it in disgust and throws the contract on the ground. It is now official: Steamboat vs Rollins will face off for the vacant HCE World Heavyweight Championship at Cheddarama.

Seth: It’s about time somebody did the right thing. Thank you Ricky, for giving everyone what they want. At Cheddarama I will absolutely destroy you, and crush your spirit. And just like that, my title will be mine again, and you can just fade back into whatever pool of mediocrity you came from. Thank you and goodnight.

The titantron turns off, with Steamboat scrambling up the ramp. Suddenly as he reaches the top, it turns back on again showing Seth’s face.

Seth: Oh Ricky, one more thing that I forgot to mention…I am totally going to maim your son.

Seth can then be seen getting onto the roof of the car. Ricky Jr still has not moved, and his head is balanced against the windshield of the car. Running on the roof, Rollins jumps down, Curb Stomping Ricky Jr’s head through the windshield, with glass shattering into thousands of pieces. He looks into the camera one final time:

Seth: See you soon Ricky…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!



Porallo: OH MY GOD! SOMEBODY CALL THE POLICE! THIS IS SICK, THIS GOES BEYOND ANYTHING WE’VE EVER WITNESSED HERE BEFORE, ROLLINS HAS GONE COMPLETELY UNHINGED!

Mortell: I don’t think there’s any turning back from what has just happened tonight. Rollins can expect a vengeful Ricky Steamboat coming after him now, which trust me…that is something that you do not want.

Burke: I thought I’d seen all possible statements that you could make in this industry. But by god, Seth just made a statement to end all statements right here tonight.

Ricky has witnessed this all on the Titantron, and he sprints backstage to the parking lot. EMTs and other HCE wrestlers are on the scene, along with match officials and other personnel. Rollins is nowhere to be seen, and Ricky Jr’s body lies motionless among the car debris. An ambulance can be seen pulling up with flashing blue lights, and Ricky follows the stretcher that his son is on into the back. Tears can be seen pouring down his face, as he holds the hand of his son. The doors close on him sobbing, as the credits roll to finish the episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMCgrLIM6Z8

DYNAMITE KID CM F*CKING PUNK! Man I'm sick about hearing about your skinny fat arse mate, and how you didn't get the chance to make a name for yourself in the UFC, and how your got kicked out of the BWA by that roided dinosaur Brock Lesnar. You don't need to go to the UFC to get your arse kicked by a real man Punk, I'm right here ready and waiting for you lad! I'm tap you out quicker than anyone in that UFC.. I'm the best in the World, not you, I'll tap you out within 60 seconds and you can bet your life savings on that...

CM PUNK Dynamite Kid, Dynamite King whatever the f*ck you call yourself these days, i don't know i can barely understand you anyway without subtitles or Google translate, you wanna talk **** about me and trying to transition into a Mixed Martial Artist. Well dumbass, Guess what I'm here in the WEWCF, and I'm still here competing in Pro Wrestling, I've never left. I'm ready to compete with anyone, anytime, anywhere, so lets go. Mayhem Rising , 3 weeks... Me and you..I'm looking forward to it actually, I'll get the opportunity kick your teeth down your throat. Look at you man, your a walking advertisement for steroids abuse, I'm surprised your legs don't buckle under your own weight. At Mayhem Rising i swear to god, i'll knock you out, tap you out, beat you up. Because I'm better than you Tom, i really am..

MEAN GENE Dean you've been the WECWF Legends Champion for the Last Year and haven't submitted or been beaten by anyone since your return to the company, what is left for you to do here?

DEAN MALENKO I'm a Wrestler. I'm an Athlete. So there are always challeges when you enter the squared circle. Being the Champion for as long as I have means your walking around with a target on your back..

TERRY GORDY WECWF Universe we know theres a little party happening soon, we know that little party is called Mayhem Rising.... And boys we want those perty little titles that you have slung over those shoulders of yours.

MICHAEL PS HAYES Boys We'll see you in 3 weeks, make sure you shine our belts while you still have em...

VINCE RUSSO
Ladies and Gentlemen.. In case you have forgotten what my name was. I'm Vince Russo. And after the recent death of Vincent J McMahon i am the 100% official, undisputed, undeniable, irrefutable owner of this company.

Whoa whoa whoa bro let me announce something before you boo me bro.. I'm a man of action and my first action for Mayhem Rising is to announce the main event of the biggest WECWF PPV of the Year..

F*ck it, you morons don't deserve to hear it bro, lemme say this. Mannnnny many men have tried and failed to lead WEWCF to victory in the Monday Night War, lots of em bro, that list is as long as my fu*king arm .. Eric Bischoff... Paul Heyman... Vince McMahon.. Jim Cornette.. I could go on. But where all those men have failed, i'll succeed. Because here is the truth bro. I'm the saviour of Pro Wrestling. The history books might have forgotten this, but without Vince Russo there would've been no Attitude Era, no Austin 3.16, no record ratings for WWF.. The undeniable truth is bro, I am whats best for business, and I'm whats best for WECWF..

STEPHANIE MCMAHON HEMSLEY Russo you no good piece of trash, how dare you try to claim yourself the owner of my Grandfathers company, how dare you try to claim ownership of the McMahon Families property.. That is my audience, and they are my wrestlers in the back and that's you standing in my ring, so get the hell out of it.

VINCE RUSSO Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie.. Daddies not here to protect you anymore.. Your Husbands not here to protect you anymore, your a Billion Dollar Princess of nothing but dirt, so get the f*ck out of my show, out of my promotion, out of my arena... You no good spoiled, upper-class, dirty rotten no class piece of sh*t

VINCE RUSSO Stephanie, I'm not some dumbf*ck McMahon. I knew full well you and your dumbf*ck family would get in my face as soon as your dumbf*ck Grandfather would kick the bucket. So this is my insurance policy bro.. My ace in the hole...Someone you have a lot of history with Steph, someone you've ****ed with and kicked to the curb, someone that i can actually relate with. I know you can hear me Steph, i know you can hear this Steph.. If you want to fu*k with me and my Legacy again you'll have to answer to her...
Russo and Chyna leave together whist Steph is Clearly still unconscious in the ring..

RANDY SAVAGE Shawn Michaels.. Oooooh Yeeah, You say you've found god yeah. You've say your a changed man yeah. Well there's no point looking for god when he's standing right in front of you yeah. And my Church is the Church of Macho Madness yeah...

SHAWN MICHAELS Randy this was just gonna be about a title but when you bring my faith, and my religion and my connection with god into this you made it personal my man, the Heartbreak Kids gonna kick your head clean off your shoulders in 3 weeks time.

(sig by Deadlie)

Commentator #1: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the final episode of Monday Night Grappling before we hit Grapplemania! And fans, we have plenty of questions to be answered tonight. Have we a main event for Grapplemania after that attack on Finn Balor last week? Is Balor officially out of the match? Will our commissioner Jim Cornette be back after his absence a week ago and if so, can he stop L.A.X.? Also, what’s the status of Curtis Axel after he was attacked by his own grandfather Larry Hennig?

Commentator #2: Well luckily I have a well-placed source with lots of backstage info who has asked to be kept anonymous - I’ll just refer to him as 'J.J'.…

Commentator #1: Oh, that’s subtle.

Commentator #2: He informs me that tonight Edge will appear in a segment of The Cutting Edge to address the main event situation for Grapplemania; also we will kick off tonight’s show with a huge match: L.A.X. vs the team of James Storm and new MNG Legends Champ Stan Hansen! Remember L.A.X. left the cowboys laying last week.

Commentator #1: Sounds like a hell of a show. So Cornette must be back tonight if we have all those plans in place, right?

Commentator #2: Not necessarily. Maybe it's the owner, who has gone over Cornette’s head on numerous occasions this season. Anyway, enough jibber-jabber. On to the action!

James Storm and Stan Hansen vs L.A.X.

Before the match we have an inset promo from Hansen and Storm. Both men say they will make L.A.X. pay for attacking them last week and say Cornette no longer needs to worry: as both are proud Americans they won’t allow L.A.X. burn the US flag at Grapplemania and say they are willing to take them on.

L.A.X. also have an inset promo and say since they heard Storm and Hansen were willing to be in Cornette’s corner at the PPV, they would have to give them a worse beating tonight to take them out.

The match sees Homicide and Hernandez represent L.A.X. with Konnan watching from outside. The match goes twenty minutes and is a hard-hitting contest with the fans engrossed, chanting ‘USA’ for the babyfaces. Storm and Hansen work well together and Konnan is agitated looking on from the outside.

The finish sees Storm nail Homicide with his Last Call superkick but as he goes for the pin, Konnan stands on the apron distracting the ref. He then calls Hansen a puta. Hansen, ignoring Storm’s advice, chases after Konnan and with the ref concentrating on them, Hernandez hits Storm with a low blow, followed by a border toss, and Homicide drapes an arm over Storm for the 1…2…3.

Winners: L.A.X.


After the bell Hansen enters the ring and begins nailing Hernandez with rights and lefts as the fans cheer, but from behind Konnan gets a chair and clocks Hansen. He assaults Hansen and Storm with the chair as the fans boo.

Hernandez leaves the ring and grabs a US flag from a fan while Homicide goes under the ring and grabs a blow torch. Konnan then grabs a mic.

Konnan: Since it’s obvious there’s no one in this company that can stop us, is there any point in waiting until Grapplemania? Let’s make history tonight and burn this disgusting flag in front of all of these yank pigs.

Commentator #1: Oh my God, they’re going to burn the flag right here!

Commentator #2: This is not right! But who can stop them?

Suddenly the fans rise to their feet and cheer as Commissioner Jim Cornette walks gingerly out on stage. He is noticeably in pain and is selling the Border Toss he took two weeks ago. L.A.X. point and laugh at the sight of him.

Jim Cornette: Laugh it up, boys. Laugh it up. Over the past number of weeks I’ve had a lot of problems with this company. An owner undermining my authority, that loudmouth Ted Dibiase and his scheming, a manipulative, opportunistic World Champion Edge, but I gotta say you three have to take the biscuit. After all, only you physically attacked me.

L.A.X. begin mock crying and mimic playing a violin. Homicide uses the US flag to dab his eyes and blow his nose as the fans boo.

Cornette: I heard your threat to burn the stars and stripes unless I could find somebody to stop you, and so I went looking. I asked my old associate Vader if he would help, but Vader’s only focussed on Ishii. I then planned on asking Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens but when I saw them lose the tag titles last week I decided against that. Those men deserve a chance to win their titles back, in my estimation. And so I turned to James Storm and Stan Hansen who agreed to help me…

Konnan: And then we took your boys out, Jimbo! Look at ‘em writhing around on the mat! So it looks like you’re out of options, homes. You gonna ask Finn Balor? (The fans cheer) Well he’s done after Edge’s attack last week. You gonna ask Curtis Axel? No one’s heard from him after his granddaddy beat him up!

Hernandez: Sure sounds like he’s out of options, K-Dogg.

Konnan: So why don’t we get on with this. Let this be a declaration of war on behalf of the Latino people against the white man. Homicide, light this sumbitch up!

Homicide lights the torch as the fans gasp and then shout ‘noooooo’.

Cornette: Whoa, whoa, whoa. I thought the Latino people were men of their word? You said the deal was you would not light the flag on fire if I found some guys who could stop you at Grapplemania. Well guess what? I FOUND SOME GUYS.

The fans cheer as L.A.X. look at each other and shake their head. Konnan motions to Homicide to turn off the torch. Then he tosses the US flag outside.

Konnan (laughing): Oh really? You found some guys?

Cornette: Yes, I did. Some friends of mine.

Konnan: Sounds to me like the ‘man in the white hat’ needs to be sent to the men in white coats. What friends of yours could possibly stop us, Jimbo?

Cornette: Well let me put it to you like this, ‘K-Dogg’. You and your taco-eating, tequila-slurping thug chums may have had the run of things around here, and L.A.X. may have had a fairytale start to life in Monday Night Grappling up to now…

Cornette steps to one side and holds his arm out towards the entrance way.

Cornette:…but remember boys, like all fairytales, the sh*t always hits the fan…at MIDNIGHT!

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

There is a mega pop as Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton, the men Jim Cornette famously managed once upon a time, appear on stage and run down the aisle.

Commentator #1: My God! It’s the Midnight Express! They’re back in Monday Night Grappling! Cornette has made a call to his old friends!

Commentator #2: The roof just blew off this place! I can hardly hear you! And look at the faces of L.A.X.! They can’t believe it!

Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton enter the ring and begin hammering away at L.A.X., and even though they are outnumbered, they are the fresher men and so L.A.X. decide to exit. Lane and Eaton then tend to the hurting James Storm and Stan Hansen. Cornette enters the ring and grabs a mic as L.A.X. back away up into the crowd, jostling fans out of the way.

Cornette: Hey three amigos, consider your challenge at Grapplemania accepted! We will be the ones to stop you burning the American flag at Grapplemania because it’s going to be Homicide and Hernandez with Konnan in their corner versus The Midnight Express with ol’ Jim Cornette in their corner!

The fans cheer and chant 'USA! USA!'

Commentator #1: What a match-up, ladies and gentlemen! The Midnight Express are back and with Cornette in their corner too! But I wonder has Cornette bitten off more than he can chew here?

Commentator #2: He may have, but The Midnight Express are one of the greatest tag teams of all time, and with Cornette in their corner they are a handful for anybody. At least we now have some hope of stopping these guys!

Scene: Jim Cornette is in his office with The Midnight Express. He says L.A.X. have left. An interviewer then arrives.

Interviewer: Welcome back, Mr. Cornette. First off, can I ask you to comment on the status of your relationship with the owner and whether you’ve considered tendering your resignation?

Cornette: At this point there isn’t a relationship. The lying sack of sh*t went over my head when he promised he would never do so again. But I made a promise to our great fans to fight the disorder around here, and as long as the likes of L.A.X. are around, I won’t be walking away. If I'm to leave my position then I'll have to be pushed.

Interviewer: Your thoughts on the Million Dollar Man talking charge last week? And will you be granting Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens a rematch for their tag titles?

Cornette: I thought it was pathetic that Dibiase abused his power the way he did and spoiled Nick Bockwinkel’s Hall of Fame induction. And his son showed that a rotten apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Unfortunately Dibiase made sure in his last act of power last week to control the stipulation for any rematch, so whether or not there will be one…is in his court. I expect he’ll give his answer tonight. But what I have done is make a match tonight with Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens taking on Ted Dibiase Jnr who attacked them last week, and his partner Ishii.

Interviewer: Have you given any thought to the number one contender for Manami Toyota’s Women’s Title?

Cornette: Three women want it: Molly Holly, Gail Kim and Ivelisse. As far as who will get the shot, I’ll have to give that some more thought. But the next two matches will go some way towards helping me make my mind up: Molly is in action and then afterwards so too is Gail Kim.

Interviewer: Finally, rumours are swirling that Finn Balor is out of the main event of Grapplemania. Edge tonight hosts a segment of The Cutting Edge and says he will address the situation. Can you reveal the status of the main event for us, as thing stand?

Cornette: All I will say for now is that I aim to ensure our great fans get an appropriate main event match for Grapplemania and I look forward to hearing what Edge has to say tonight.

Molly Holly vs Sandy Mount

Although Molly sells her back from Ivelisse’s attack last week, this is a total squash match. The announcers note Molly must have heard Cornette’s words before the break because she wrestles like she has a point to prove. She wins with the Molly-Go-Round in under two minutes.

Winner: Molly Holly

After the match Molly screams in the camera that the title shot should be hers.

Scene: James Storm and Stan Hansen are getting treatment in their locker room. Nurses are applying ice packs to both men.

Hansen: Well, looks like our revenge on L.A.X. is going to have to wait since the Midnight Express are going after ‘em. That’s another beating I’ve had to postpone: Dibiase is also on my list but it seems Bockwinkel and Stevens might have a rematch in the works if Ted gives them a shot.

Storm says nothing.

Hansen: Cat got your tongue, kid? What’s with you?

Storm: I told you not to go after Konnan in the match. We had ‘em beat, man.

Hansen: You blaming me for what happened? Anyone would think you’re the veteran and not me.

Storm: Just because you’ve more experience doesn’t make you better than me.

Hansen: Having this Legends Title makes me better than you. I seem to recall I threw you over the top rope last week to win it.

Storm: I seem to recall in the World Title battle royal I threw you over the top rope. So I make it that we’re even.

Hansen (laughing): I admire your guts, kid. You remind me of myself when I was your age. But make no mistake if we were to fight for this title, I’d show you who the top cowboy really is.

Storm (laughing): Well I admire your guts too, old man. Hell it’s no secret one of the reasons I came to this company was to be around crazy mofos like yourself. And since you said we’re both free for Grapplemania, how about we find out who the top cowboy really is? Hansen vs Storm for the Legends Title, what do you say?

Hansen eyeballs Storm for several moments. He then reaches down and grabs two bottles of beer and hands one to Storm.

Hansen: I say drink up kid and get ready for the biggest match of your life.

Storm takes the beer and they toast the making of the match.

Commentator #1: Wow, talk about a battle of generations! The legendary veteran cowboy vs the young, hungry upstart. Who will come out on top and take the Legends Title?

Commentator #2: This match isn’t built on hatred, but respect. It’s two evenly matched guys who want to prove that they are the best. Oh I can’t wait for these guys to get it on!

Gail Kim vs Marie No

Another squash match which sees Gail picks up the win in an almost identical time to Molly’s win earlier. Like Molly earlier, Gail is very fired up and she submits her opponent via her Christo finishing move.

Winner: Gail Kim

The announcers wonder which woman will get the title shot since there is a compelling case to be made for all of them. Afterwards Gail gets a mic.

Gail Kim: I just showed the world why I deserve the title shot against Toyota more than anybody. Last year Toyota and I tore it up on another promotion, and I defeated her on that show, so if anyone deserves a shot against Toyota, it’s me. I’m the only woman here with a win against her.

Molly’s theme then hits and she storms down the ramp. She has a mic.

Molly: No Gail, if anyone deserves the shot it’s me. I put on just as good a performance as you earlier and Toyota vs Molly Holly is a never-before-seen match. Toyota vs Gail is so last year. Literally!

The lights then go out. When they come back on, Ivelisse is standing up in the tiers amongst the fans. She is back to wearing her normal attire.

Ivelisse: Are you two kidding me right now? Who is the woman that has made the biggest impression this season? It was me, and you know it; and all these people know it. I proved I am the baddest bitch in the building and I’ve taken you two out for the past two weeks in a row.

Molly: Oh, with your sneak attacks, you mean?

Gail Kim: Yeah if you’re done with that cosplay ninja dress-up, why don’t you come down to this ring and I’ll show you who the baddest bitch really is.

The fans cheer as Ivelisse marches down and it looks as if we will have a brawl break out. Then Cornette’s face appears on the titantron.

Cornette: Ladies, ladies, before you all tear each other’s hair out perhaps you would like to know who will face Manami Toyota for her title at Grapplemania? Well, why don’t we ask the champion Manami Toyota? Because I’ve left the decision in her hands.

The camera pans to the left and we see Toyota standing there.

Manami Toyota: I came back to Monday Night Grappling to prove I was still the best in the world. I could have remained with my students in Japan, but Jim convinced me to come back one more time. And I know if I choose one of you as my opponent, then the others will claim I am afraid of them. I can see only one solution: we will all face each other in a fatal four way elimination match for the Women’s Championship at Grapplemania.

There is a huge cheer from the fans and a ‘Toyota’ chant breaks out as Gail, Molly and Ivelisse look at each other in surprise. All three seem content with the decision and so each woman backs down, with some trash-talking taking place before we head to commercial.

Commentator #1: A fatal four way elimination match! Manami Toyota has shown why she has the heart of a warrior and is a true champion!

Commentator #2: I admit she’s showing heart but she’s going to be in there with three dangerous women. I hope she knows what she’s letting herself in for.

Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig vs Just Joe

Larry Hennig is roundly jeered after the vicious assault on his grandson Curtis Axel last week. Hennig takes control of the match right at the bell unleashing a vicious assault on Just Joe who can muster no offence. Hennig quickly hits his elbow drop finisher and pins him for the 1..2..3.

Winner: Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig

After the match, Larry grabs a mic and kneels down in front of Just Joe.

Larry Hennig: Hey. Hey, kid. Can you hear me? I hope you can. I have some juicy gossip to tell you, and here it is: you’re a loser. You’re a failure. Just like my grandson. You have a grandfather don’t you? Well I am sure he is ashamed of you, just like I am of my grandson. I refuse to refer to his given name, ‘cos he’s not worthy of the Hennig name. And I refuse to refer to him by the name he adopted for himself: because he is not worthy of comparing himself to me.

This hurts me to have to say this: but he’s a bastard. There is no other name for him but that.

The fans boo.

Larry Hennig: From now on the world won’t know me as Curt Hennig’s father, and certainly it won’t know me as the grandfather of that bastard; instead I will be known for my own actions. I will be known as Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig. Last week this ‘Axe’ pruned the rotten branch of the Hennig family tree; and tonight I’m going to cut you Just Joe into ribbons, you backstage-whispering, sorry piece of trash.

Larry leaves the ring, grabs a steel chair and then returns. The referee is trying to plead with him but he tosses the ref to one side. Just then we hear the sound of screeching tyres and as we look up on the titantron we see a 4x4 jeep speed into view and then stop. The door opens and out steps Curtis Axel, sporting a leather jacket. His forehead bears the scars of Larry’s assault last week.

Commentator #1: It’s Curtis Axel! And it appears he is coming this way!

Commentator #2: I never thought I’d see this guy again. I thought that beating last week would have broken him.

Larry turns his attention away from Just Joe and the ref is able to get him and himself out of there. Larry picks up his mic as the big screen tracks Curtis’s path into the arena.

Larry The Hennig: Well, well, look who showed up tonight! You coming out here to cry, boy? You coming out here to cry and ask me to say sorry for last week, you little punk? Why don’t you go home and stay there, you snivelling bastard?

Curtis comes through the curtain. Larry’s words haven’t slowed his pace a step. He is walking down the aisle with intent.

Larry The Hennig: What, you gonna come in this ring? Because you want a hug, is that it? You want to hug and talk some more? You can’t have grown a pair, can you?

Curtis ignores him, takes off his jacket and steps up on the apron to enter the ring. Larry turns and picks up the chair and hoists it high above his head but Curtis is too quick and he spear-tackles his grandfather to the mat and begins hitting him with punches as the fans cheer.

Larry manages to skirt out from under his grandson and slides out of the ring, making his way up the aisle with a look of shock on his face. He puts his hand to his lip and notices that it’s bleeding. Curtis picks up the mic from off the mat as the fans chant for him.

Curtis Axel: You cheap-shotted me last week, old man. But I’ve been training like a mad man this past week and I'm ready for you now; so why don’t you come down and we can finish this tonight, or have you lost a pair?

The fans cheer but Larry remains motionless on the aisle. They boo that he won’t come down.

Curtis Axel: Typical. You’re nothing but a bully. You pick on someone vulnerable but when that person stands up to you, then you go running. Well not to worry, old man. Because I just got done talking with Commissioner Cornette and at Grapplemania, for the first time in Draft history, we’re going to have a grandfather vs grandson match. And it’s going to be you and me on the grandest stage of all and I will make you pay for what you did to me last week!

I’ve been suffering the last while. I’ve felt the pain of carrying the family name. But after the way you treated me I don’t feel that pressure any more. You say you’re disappointed in me? Well, guess what? I’m disappointed in YOU. And at Grapplemania I will prove that I am no longer in the shadow of the Hennig name when I kick your ass, granddad.

You could say I have an ‘Axe’ to grind and I will grind you down, make no mistake. At Grapplemania you will discover that this ‘rotten branch’ as you call me has one hell of a set of thorns, and they’re going to make you taste plenty of that blood of yours in front of over 70,000 people. How will it feel when this supposed ‘disappointment ‘ gives you the most disappointing defeat of your whole entire career?

Curtis slams the mic down as his music plays. Larry meanwhile backs up the aisle shaking his head, still incredulous that Curtis made him bleed. ‘You don’t deserve this blood’ he screams.

Commentator #1: What a match this promises to be, ladies and gentlemen! We had a mother vs daughter match last year and now this year we’ve got a grandfather vs grandson match!

Commentator #2: You ain’t kidding. It’s like Tekken but instead of Heihachi vs Jin, we’ve got Larry Hennig and Curtis Axel! Not even Dr. Phil could fix this family.

Commentator #1: We settle our disputes in the ring and this match-up will have so much emotion and pride at stake. This is a match neither man can afford to lose, but one of them must.

The Million Dollar Man's theme hits and he emerges flanked by his partner and fellow tag team champion I.R.S., his hired help Tomohiro Ishii, and the prodigal son now returned to the fold: Ted Dibiase Jnr.

In the ring is a table covered with a sheet.

Commentator #1: Money Inc. are sporting their new tag team gold and we await to see whether the Million Dollar Man will give Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens a rematch at Grapplemania.

The Million Dollar Man grabs a mic and pauses as the fans serenade him with an ‘asshole’ chant.

Million Dollar Man: Last week was supposed to be the greatest night in Nick Bockwinkel’s career. He was the first man inducted into the MNG Hall of Fame and was presented with the honour by his own tag team partner Ray Stevens. It was a night that the two of them thought they would treasure forever…

He raises aloft his tag team belt.

Million Dollar Man: And then Money Inc. took it all away. Hahahahaha.

The fans boo.

Million Dollar Man: We destroyed their big day by taking their tag team titles and instead it turned out to be one of the greatest nights in my career. Why? Because I not only acquired tag team gold, but I reunited with my boy Ted Junior.

He pulls Ted Junior in for a hug as the fans boo.

Million Dollar Man: Now as Cornette pointed out earlier - welcome back by the way, Jim - in my last act of power as temporary GM last week I ensured that any potential rematch with Bockwinkel and Stevens would be down to me. But that's okay because as you all know I'm a fair man (fans boo). What? Don't believe me? I'll prove it.

He whisks off the sheet to reveal a table with three cups in front of them. The Million Dollar Man takes out a set of bills and addresses the audience.

Million Dollar Man: Who here wants to step in the ring and win some money?

Fans hold up their arms and shout ‘me, me’.

Million Dollar Man: Look, Irwin, look at the poverty! I’d expect this from BWA or WECWF audiences seeing as their fans can’t afford to bathe or brush their teeth, but not here. How about…lemme see…you, little man.

A little kid of about seven is chosen to enter the ring. He is then directed before the table and three cups.

Million Dollar Man: How would you like to win five hundred dollars for you and your family, kid?

The kid’s eyes bulge out and he nods his head. The Million Dollar Man laughs.

Million Dollar Man: Well it’s very simple, son: see this little ball right here? All you have to do is keep a close eye on which cup the ball is underneath. It’s a test of concentration. Understand?

The boy nods. The Million Dollar Man places the ball under a cup and begins switching them around. Then he asks the boy to choose the cup he thinks the ball is under. The audience shouts suggestions as the little boy looks to his mother for help. She mouths ‘the middle one’.

Boy: The middle one.

Million Dollar Man: You’re sure now? Not the one on the left or the one on the right?

The boy shakes his head.

Million Dollar Man: Okay then, the middle one you want. Well let’s see what’s underneath here and…oh, it’s empty. Sorry kid, you chose incorrectly.

When the middle cup is lifted there is indeed nothing there.

Million Dollar Man: Well that’s just the way it goes sometimes, kid, but not to worry because from the looks of you it seems you’re well used to being without money, so-

The kid then lifts up the other two cups and we see that there is no ball under these cups either. The audience boos. Meanwhile the kid’s mouth quivers and he looks over at his mother in confusion. The mother points and shouts abuse at Dibiase.

Boy: That’s not fair.

The boy’s lip quivers some more and his eyes start to well up. ‘You cheated’ he says and then he begins to cry.

Million Dollar Man: What did you say to me? That’s it, get out of this ring. Get out right now. It’s kids like you that are what’s wrong with this world. I give you a chance to win some money fair and square for you and your penniless parent and this is the thanks I get? Go on, get out of the ring you little brat. SCRAM!

The kid hurries out of the ring and over the barricade and then buries his head in his mother’s side as the mother shakes her head and shouts that this wasn’t right. The Million Dollar Man returns the money to his wallet as I.R.S. and Ted Junior laugh amongst themselves. Ishii looks on, scowling.

Commentator #1: What a no-good, rotten, human being Dibiase is! To make a little boy cry like that. That was obviously a scam.

Commentator #2: Whah, whah, whah, you’re as bad as that little brat. The Million Dollar Man said himself he offered the kid and his family money fair and square.

Commentator #1: In any event don’t go anywhere fans as coming up next we will have former tag champs Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens take on Ted Dibiase Junior and Tomohiro Ishii, and we hope to discover whether or not The Million Dollar Man will grant a rematch for the tag titles at the PPV.

Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens vs Ted Dibiase Jnr & Tomohiro Ishii

As the match begins, the tag champs Money Inc take some chairs and sit at ringside to watch the action. The commentary team debate whether the Million Dollar Man will grant a rematch.

The match itself is an engrossing contest and Bockwinkel and Stevens are desperate to get their hands on Ted Junior whose interference cost them their tag titles last week, but Ted Junior spends most of the match tagging in Ishii whenever he can.

The finish of the match sees Bockwinkel get the hot tag and finally get his hands on Ted Junior as the fans cheer. Bockwinkel nails Ted Junior with a piledriver and goes for the pin when I.R.S. gets up with his chair and gets on the apron. This distracts the referee.

The Million Dollar Man meanwhile grabs one of the tag title belts and goes to hit Bockwinkel with it. Stevens however sees it and charges towards him. Nearby stands Ishii and he has ample time to cut off Stevens but he does nothing as Stevens chases the Million Dollar Man out of the ring. Meanwhile Bockwinkel has locked in a sleeper on Ted Junior and the referee has returned his attention to the ring and after checking the passed out Ted Junior he signals for the bell.

Winners: Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens

I.R.S. after the match has a chair and goes to hit Bockwinkel and Stevens but they escape out of the ring. The Million Dollar Man has his hands on his hips and is staring a hole through Ishii who remains stone-faced. The fans are chanting ‘rematch, rematch’ as from the aisle Stevens screams ‘give us the damn rematch.’ The Million Dollar Man grabs a mic. He attempts to regain his composure. He smooths down his hair and pats down his shirt.

Million Dollar Man: Okay, okay, that was a fine performance, gentlemen. Congrats. I’m a fair man and I’m thinking that you two do indeed deserve a rematch for the tag team titles…

The fans cheer as Bockwinkel and Stevens pat each other on the chest.

Million Dollar Man: …as long as you’re willing to pay the price.

Bockwinkel and Stevens mouth ‘what price?’

Million Dollar Man: I came to Monday Night Grappling to make a statement. I was supposed to go into Grapplemania as the World Heavyweight Champion but the likes of Finn Balor, Cornette, and of course you two have been a thorn in my side. And while winning the tag team titles was quite a statement in itself, I want more. Specifically, what I want…are your careers.

The price, gentlemen, is this: at Grapplemania if you defeat Money Inc you will get your tag team titles back; but if you lose, the two of you are gone from Monday Night Grappling FOREVER. Never again will this promotion be able to draft either one of you. Those are my terms. So what do you say?

Commentator #1: No, this is not right! I know those tag titles mean the world to Bockwinkel and Stevens, and so does the chance to shut up the Million Dollar Man, but this is surely too big a price to pay!

Commentator #2: I agree with you but these are proud men. What would turning down this offer do for their legacies?

Bockwinkel and Stevens have sombre expressions on their faces. They discuss amongst themselves what to do. The fan reactions are mixed. They know Dibiase is setting a trap but they want to see the match.

Bockwinkel: Last week at my Hall of Fame induction I spoke about how much this place means to me. And neither I nor my partner Ray can allow your disgraceful actions and behaviour over the past number of weeks go unpunished, Dibiase. We accept the terms of your arrangement. But make no mistake we won’t allow you to define our legacy in this promotion which is so dear to us. Because we will wipe the smile off your faces and take back our tag team titles.

The fans cheer.

Million Dollar Man: Everybody's got a price for the Million Dollar Man, but gentlemen you just made the biggest mistake of your lives. I see dark clouds on the horizon for you two because at Grapplemania I will make my biggest statement yet when I send two of Monday Night Grappling’s most beloved heroes to Draft oblivion. You and everyone else need to realise that when you make a deal with me…you make a deal with the devil.

Suddenly the Million Dollar Man, I.R.S. and Ted Dibiase Junior attack Tomohiro Ishii and begin laying into him with kicks as the fans boo.

Commentator #1: What the hell is this? Ishii is being assaulted!

Bockwinkel and Stevens run down but I.R.S. blocks them from entering with the steel chair. The Million Dollar Man grabs a mic as I.R.S. and Ted Junior hold Ishii by both arms.

Million Dollar Man: I warned you last week, Ishii, that if you failed me you could kiss goodbye to that homestead of yours in Japan (He points at Bockwinkel and Stevens) Last week you were supposed to nail those two with a chair in the title match but you hesitated. If it wasn’t for my son returning to the family my plans could have been ruined. And in tonight’s match I saw you deliberately drop the ball again. I cleared your family home’s debts and was going to give you your home back but now I’m glad that instead I sold it on to an interested buyer.

Commentator #1: Interested buyer?

Ishii’s eyes are pained as Dibiase points to the titantron…

We see a man’s black and red boots stepping over shattered glass and broken picture frames. In the distance we can hear dogs barking. The camera pans up and we see Vader standing there.

Vader: Hello, Ishii. Welcome to my new home. I hope you like what I’ve done with the place.

The camera pans around the room and we can see the wallpaper has been ripped down, the furniture has been overturned, and there is a big red V daubed on one of the walls. Vader approaches the door and we see a young woman who is cowering in fear.

Vader: Oh and I met your lady friend who has been minding the place for you. Very nice.

Ishii is screaming.

Vader peers out of the curtain. We can see outside that Ishii’s dogs are all tied up at a fence outside in the rain. They are rabid. Vader turns to the woman.

Vader: Shut those dogs up because if I do it, it won’t be pretty.

She hurries out the door to the dogs. Vader watches her leave and smiles; then he turns to the camera.

Vader: I spend a lot of time in Japan as you know, and it’s so difficult to find a place I like. You can imagine how excited I was to hear that the Million Dollar Man had a property here that was just perfect for me. I can have a lot of fun with my lady friends here. I might even invite that pretty little thing of yours too.

Ishii is screaming in Japanese as he is being held down. In the background we see the Million Dollar Man smiling.

Vader: But I want a challenge, Ishii. After all, that’s why I came back to Monday Night Grappling. And the chance to fight you was one of the main reasons I returned. So let’s make this interesting. At Grapplemania I will put your family home on the line in a winner takes all match. There’s just one thing I need you to do: accept the match I want. And the match I want with you is No Holds Barred.

If you’ve got the balls, I’ll see you at Grapplemania.

The message ends and the Million Dollar Man cackles as the fans boo.

Despite the punishment he has taken Ishii is so enraged that he manages to find his way to his feet but the Million Dollar Man beats him back down and the others put their boots to him again as he falls to the mat.

From the aisle, Bockwinkel and Stevens share a concerned look with one another.

Commentator #1: Just when I thought the Million Dollar Man couldn’t sink any lower! This man is deranged! He has sold the rights to Ishii’s home on to Vader and now Vader has challenged Ishii to try and beat him to earn them back! This is sadistic!

Commentator #2: I think Bockwinkel and Stevens just realised how dangerous the Million Dollar Man really is. They truly have made a deal with the devil. The question is will Ishii take up Vader’s offer? I don’t think he’s in any condition to take on Vader in a No Holds barred match but I’m not sure he has much choice!

Scene: Commissioner Cornette is in his office, flanked by the Midnight Express. A frantic Ishii bursts in and begins throwing stuff around. The Midnight Express are about to intervene but Cornette waves them back. Ishii gets in Cornette’s face.

Cornette: I saw what happened. What can I do to help?

Ishii: Make. The. Match.

Cornette: I thought you would say that. But I have to urge caution here. I know Vader better than most people; I managed him. I can tell you this is no ordinary man. You are one of the toughest men in this business but you have never faced anyone like Vader before. And in a No Holds Barred match, where anything goes, with all due respect, I worry about what he would do to you…

Ishii: Make. The. Match.

Cornette puts his hand to his face.

Cornette: Alright. It’s official. You will compete against Vader in a No Holds Barred Match. And the winner will get the rights to your family home. I wish you good luck, Ishii. You will need it.

Ishii storms out of the room as Cornette looks at the Midnight Express and puffs his cheeks.

Main Event Segment: The Cutting Edge

Edge enters the ring with a big smile on his face as the fans boo. He grabs a mic.

Edge: Give it up for your World Heavyweight Champion! (The fans boo) You know ever since I came to this company all I've heard people talk about was Finn Balor and how great it was that Monday Night Grappling had the most talented, envelope-pushing, creative force in the industry today. And it is great that he is with us, no doubt. But what about me? What about a man who has been to the mountain top, unlike Finn Balor? Who has won the Royal Rumble, King of the Ring, every title there is to win in the business, main evented Wrestlemania, you name it I’ve done it, why don’t I get the same adulation from you people? I think it’s high time I remind you just who in the hell I am. He points to the titantron and a video plays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70_mNXPXK4c

(Do you remember this really great video which played on Raw after Edge won the WWE Title for the first time in ’06?)

As the video ends there are some cheers but mostly boos.

Edge: This year I proved that you never overlook the ultimate opportunist. I gave you the most impactful, jaw-dropping moment in Monday Night Grappling history when I entered as the final entrant in the World Title Battle Royal and took the World Heavyweight Title. And then last week I struck Finn Balor down again right when he let his guard down. Now your precious hero is done. He is Finn-ito.

Edge laughs and takes out paperwork.

Edge: See this? Right here is the medical report on Finn Balor. I'm surprised our Commissioner didn't mention it earlier. How did I get it? Well, the owner and I are pretty close. After all, he was the one who helped me engineer the ‘phantom trade’ from Week 1. And he kindly forwarded me this medical report which says and I quote: ‘Fergal Devitt…’ – that’s Finn Balor to you and I – ‘has suffered acute and severe head trauma and it is the recommendation of the medical staff that he should miss no less than the next 12 weeks of in-ring competition.’

The fans boo and the camera pans on all the Balor fans in the crowd, many of whom have their hands on their head. Edge brandishes the document in front of the camera for the fans at home to see.

Edge: So it looks like we’ll have to find a new main event for Grapplemania. Perhaps at the end of the PPV we can have a battle royal to determine the new number one contender? To me that sounds very fair. Either way, one thing’s for sure: I will be entering and leaving Grapplemania as your World Heavyweight Champion.

The crowd boos but the boos turn to cheers as Commissioner Cornette emerges on the ramp. He has a mic.

Jim Cornette: Well, sh*t Edge, don’t this just feel like De-ja-vu? Me up here with a microphone trying to make sense of a mess that you made as you stand there with our World Championship. It’s like week one all over again. But…there’s just one difference.

Edge: Oh, and what’s that, Jim?

Jim Cornette: The difference is that now the shoe’s on the other foot. How does it feel to have someone go over YOUR head this time?

The fans cheer as Edge has a look of confusion on his face. He mouths ‘what do you mean?’

Jim Cornette: You see I figured the owner would consult with you about the status of Finn Balor’s health. The owner’s been going over my head all season and I just knew you two would be poring over Finn’s condition. You and the owner screwed over Finn Balor and myself earlier in the season with the so-called ‘phantom trade’. But payback is just like you, Edge; they’re both a bitch. Because you may as well consider that document in your hand a ‘phantom medical report’ because it ain’t worth the f*cking paper it’s written on.

The fans cheer as Edge shakes his head and scans over the document.

Edge: What? Are you saying Balor’s able to compete after what I did to him? That’s impossible. No man could come back from that.

Jim Cornette: No man, Edge, no. You’re right about that. But you chose to mess with someone who is no ordinary man.

The fans cheer and chant ‘Demon Balor’ as they’ve done in previous weeks. The camera pans over the familiar signs we’ve been used to seeing, like ‘Unleash the Demon’.

Jim Cornette: I can assure you that, physically speaking, Finn Balor has been deemed ready to compete. As for his mental condition? Well, make your own mind up, champ.

The lights suddenly go off as the fans cheer. Cornette exits the stage.

.........

A fuzzy screen appears on the titantron. Then a candle is shown on screen. We hear the distorted lyrics of ‘You’re the best around’ - which was Prince Devitt’s babyface theme from New Japan, coupled with shots of a smiling, happy, young Fergal. Then we hear distorted chords of Prince Devitt's heel theme from New Japan: we see footage of when Balor first debuted his demon paint and we see his heel antics with the Bullet Club from that time. Finally we hear the distorted beats of his most recent theme and see his time on NXT where he debuted the demon as a babyface, and see him trying desperately in Monday Night Grappling to do the right thing and not give into the darkness of the demon.

We then see footage of a man walking through rain-drenched alleyways. We hear eerie laughter. Then we hear a voiceover which plays over music.

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

There are moments in our lives when darkness seems to envelop us…

Moments when the darkness seems to swallow our very being…

But it should always be borne in mind…

It is always darkest…

before the dawn.

But even though our hearts may be gladdened by the light…

Our joy is tempered by the knowledge...

the darkness never truly leaves us…


On the screen the candle goes out. And the screen fades to black.

.........

The screen goes fuzzy again. Now we see a woman’s high heels walking hurriedly down a dark hallway. From the windows she passes we can see it is raining heavily outside. The woman comes to the end of the hallway and is before a door. She is about to knock when it opens for her. She enters a small, dark room. There is a flash of lightning and we can see from it that there is a robed figure sitting on a chair in the middle of the room; the figure has his back to us and he is wearing a hood. He is clutching something in his right hand. The figure raises his left hand and motions her onward. After she takes a few steps, the figure instructs her to stop.

Figure: Thank you for coming, Doctor. You have been most helpful. You may leave the backpack there and go.

The camera focuses on the woman and we see it is the therapist that Finn visited on the preview show. The one he gave his backpack to with his demon attire inside.

Doctor: Please. Please don’t do this.

She takes out her phone to bring some light to the room and she gasps. On the wall are hanging masks. They are masks representing Balor’s previous demon incarnations: we see a Joker mask, a Hannibal Lecter mask, a Carnage mask and so on. There is also writing daubed all over the walls: words beginning with the letter R. We see ‘revenge’, ‘retribution’, ‘retaliation’ amongst others.

Figure: Turn off the light. I like it best in the dark.

Doctor: Listen, I know you’re hurting after what was done to you but remember what I told you: that you must not lose who you are.

Figure: It is too late for that.

Doctor: No. It’s not. Come with me now and let me help you like I once did before. Let me take this backpack away. I should have destroyed it before. Let me do that. You are not a demon. You are Fergal Devitt. Say it with me. Who are you?

The figure begins laughing. We see his shoulders shaking.

Figure: I do not answer to that name any more. The figure rises out of the chair and we see that what is in his hand is a mask. He tosses it behind him on the floor. We see it is a mask depicting Devitt’s own face.

Figure: Fergal Devitt is gone. I want you to tell my opponent at Grapplemania something, doctor. Tell him thank you. Thank him for opening the eye of the demon. And tell him at Grapplemania, my demon eye has his sights set on him, and his World Heavyweight Championship. His Rated R era will come to an end. And my Rated R era will begin.

The figure points upwards and a flash of lightning reveals the word on the ceiling: RESURRECTION

Figure: I am the Demon Balor and I will be the next World Heavyweight Champion.

The doctor moves towards Balor who still has his back to us. She walks towards him but out of some doors to the back of the room emerge figures dressed in robes with white masks. We have seen them before. They once appeared alongside Balor at Wrestle Kingdom some years ago.

The frightened woman turns and runs back down the hall. As she runs we can hear Balor’s laughter echoing down the hallway.

The screen fades to black and the following words appear on screen:

Grapplemania 2016 - The Demon Returns…

Then the screen goes fuzzy once more and the lights come back on. The fans cheer and chant 'Demon Balor' as Edge has a look of shock on his face; he begins pulling at his hair.

Commentator #1: The demon is back, ladies and gentlemen! And these fans are going crazy! They’ve been wanting it for weeks and weeks and now they’re going to get it! The demon eye of Balor has set his sights on revenge against Edge at Grapplemania!

Commentator #2: Finn has been battling to control the demon for weeks but it seems Edge has sent him way over the deep end. I think this is really bad news for Edge.

Edge has his eyes fixed on the World Title that means so much to him. The fans are still chanting ‘Demon Balor’ as Edge continues to shake his head. He looks desperate, forlorn, but then his expression suddenly changes. His eyes begin to brighten. He picks up the mic.

Edge: You think Balor has the advantage over me, don't you?

The fans cheer.

Edge: You think he’s in my head? You think I’m scared?

The fans cheer again.

Edge: Well you’re forgetting one thing: last week I took the pinfall in the tag match which gave me the right to choose the stip at Grapplemania. I didn’t think I’d have to use it, but it looks like now I will. And I’m going to choose a stip that plays right into my hands.

Commentator #1: I had forgotten about the stipulation. What match-up will the champion choose?

Edge: The match I’m going to choose is a match I vowed I would never compete in ever again. This match, more than any other, made me who I am in this business. But it is a career-shortening match as I know all too well. Even so, if that’s what it takes to slay this demon, then so be it. I’m going to choose a match that is my specialty, and which Finn Balor has never ever competed in.

You all think Balor has the advantage over me and think he’s going to get the last laugh but think again. Because at Grapplemania Finn Balor and I will compete one on one…in a TABLES, LADDERS AND CHAIRS match.

Commentator #1: Oh my God! What a bombshell! Edge has chosen the match type that more than any other cemented him as a star in this business!

Commentator #2: What a brilliant move. Balor has indeed never wrestled a TLC match before and perhaps no one in this industry knows that match better than Edge. I thought Balor had the advantage going into Grapplemania, but now I’m thinking Edge has evened the score with that!

The fans greet Edge’s announcement with a huge cheer and a ‘holy sh*t’ chant breaks out. Edge raises aloft his World Title as his music plays.

Commentator #1: Fans, you do not want to miss Grapplemania next week live on the Boards PW Network. We will see Edge vs Finn Balor in a TLC match for the World Heavyweight Title; Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens’s Monday Night Grappling careers will be on the line as they hunt Money Inc’s tag team titles; and we’ve also got Ishii fighting for the sake of his home against the monster that is Vader.

Commentator #2: Not only that, but we’ve got the veteran cowboy and the young upstart, Hansen and Storm, fighting for the Legends Title; a fatal four way elimination match for Manami Toyota’s Women’s Title; the Midnight Express and Jim Cornette trying to stop those L.A.X. lunatics from burning the US flag and probably starting a damn riot; and then a true blood feud with grandfather Larry Hennig taking on his own grandson Curtis Axel!

Man, I’m so damn pumped I want to see these matches right now! How much does this cost again? 9.99?

Commentator #1: Nope, we’ve got even better value than that, folks! All you have to do is use your subscription to the Boards PW Network next weekend and you can enjoy the grandeur, the spectacle, the drama, the emotion, that is to be found…at Grapplemaniaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

Goodnight everybody!