Battleground #34 : Winter Warzone (Show)

[vastrix]

Back in the old office of Zoran Sainovic, Armand von Krauss sits behind the desk with his mouth curled into a snarl. Esmeralda von Krauss stands behind him with a hand on his shoulder, her look is absolutely predatory.

Armand von Krauss: The disrespect around here is amazing. I offered Blaze Freya a seat at the table. A table of legends. What does she say? She tells me to kiss her bare ass!

Esmeralda rubs Armand’s shoulders, easing the tension out of him and reducing the snarl to something of a pained look.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You don’t need that dirty hussy in the KGB. She might be champion for right now, but she wouldn’t add any value to the group. You should recruit Graysie Parker to the organization.

Armand narrows his eyes, placing his hand on Esmeralda’s to stop her massage.

Armand von Krauss: You mean the young lady whose manager backed Paul Soutter against me?

Esmeralda von Krauss: Who?

Armand chuckles, lighting up an Egyptian cigarette. He takes a few puffs of it before passing it up to Esmeralda, who neatly places it into a foot long holder before taking a few puffs of her own.

Armand von Krauss: Don’t think I don’t know that you hadn’t already fully investigated Eric Dane and decided upon what people from your little assassin’s guild would be the best to kill him.

Esmeralda sits upon Armand’s desk and flicks ashes onto the floor with a grin.

Esmeralda von Krauss: “D” would make for the perfect assassin. I would have my people come up with a list of crimes that he had done. “D” would silently creep up on him like he were a regular man. He would engage Eric in a regular conversation, quietly going down the list of made up sins. Eric would deny these sins and rightfully so, but “D” will know that he is right. Dane is an asshole. Just the accusation would put Dane into enough of a rage to make “D” certain and he would kill Dane in public and be gone before anyone really knew he was there. Do you want him dead? Graysie will need a new mentor after the shock of Dane’s death wears off. You could fulfill that role, dahling.

Armand seems to consider for a moment before he shakes his head and lights another Egyptian cigarette as Esmeralda flicks the one she was smoking against the wall where it explodes in a shower of sparks.

Armand von Krauss: I’m not going to have him killed. He trains his charge well and thus the pair bring in ratings for my company, meine kleine Zuckerpflaume.

Esmeralda playfully punches Armand in the shoulder.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Don’t call me that, dahling. You know I’m not some fruity girl.

Armand grins, blowing smoke into the air. He knows full well what her reaction would be.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You should still reach out to them, dahling. Graysie Parker could be the one to change Eric Dane’s mind.

Armand von Krauss: Fine. I will send Gabriel Tuck out to them to try to convince them to join me instead of siding with that fool, Soutter. I had seen in the past that Lucky Linda has stood against us. I am not Zoran Sainovic. I lead the KGB with grace and charm. She should consider standing with us instead of against us.

Esmeralda von Krauss: There you go again, trying to get more female talent on your side. Do you need someone more than this?

Esmeralda motions across her own form with a seductive smile.

Armand von Krauss: I don’t seek any romantische Verbindungen with her. I seek to pack the KGB with the best talents. Unless you wish to enter the ring to take down Blaze Freya yourself?

Esmeralda von Krauss: A sweet young thing like me getting into the ring? I mean, I could indeed take Blaze Freya down if I were so inclined, but I am not. I will not bring myself down to your Kampfspiele tragen.

Armand von Krauss: Will you at least come down to the ring to support me as the KGB and I when we take on El Combatiente, Radu Matei, and Death Trap?

Esmeralda von Krauss: I’ll think about it, dahling. Have you heard that Javier running his mouth against you? Like he would have considered talking to his little luchador about joining the KGB and really trying to convince him before the torture. He’s lucky that I wasn’t in charge of talking to him. I-

Armand von Krauss: Would have probably fucked him like you did “D”.

Esmeralda stops talking and sits with her jaw hanging open at being talked to so bluntly. Though it is truth. She arranged for “D” to be drugged and tied to a chair before having sexual relations with his unwilling body. She shakes her head to try to clear the shock.

Esmeralda von Krauss: I thought we were past this, dahling. It was a mistake.

Armand von Krauss: I have forgiven you, Esmeralda, but I have not forgotten.

Esmeralda von Krauss: That’s something that I can live with. What do you intend to do about Psychotic Goth, Vampira, the Fairtexes, Angela, and even Pequeno Dinosaurio?

Armand von Krauss: I would like it if Goth can no longer compete, but I have bigger fish to fry as the peasants would say it. The Goths, the Faitexes, and even Angela can wait while other threats to this company are being dealt with. Once I have ninety percent of the company...Angela will be toothless.

Esmeralda von Krauss: And Pequeno Dinosaurio? He defied you in helping Goth against the twins. What do you intend to do about him?

Armand smiles as he crushes out his cigarette onto the desk by the other burn marks in the wood.

Armand von Krauss: I intend to do nothing. Pequeno is a white horse. He’s trying to be a saint to be better than his father to get the man’s approval. A saint doesn’t stand by while another man is being crippled. That’s a motivation I can admire.

Esmeralda von Krauss slips off of the desk and behind Armand with a smile, she rubs both hands across Armand’s shoulders and down his chest.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You really are too soft, dahling. If I were the one in charge-

Armand von Krauss: If you were in charge, my sweet, half the roster would be dead by now for their impudence. We no longer have human traffickers to get a steady stream of new recruits. We must deal with the roster that we have.

Esmeralda withdraws her hands with an exaggerated pout.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You have Gabriel Tuck! Him and his crew can round up people to replace the dead.

Armand von Krauss: Esmeralda, the Krimson Kharnival is over. It’s time that we embraced this new way of doing things. We will deal with El Combatiente, Radu Matei, and Death Trap tonight.

Esmeralda von Krauss Can we at least put a knife to the throats of Mistress Discipline and Chaos to exert some influence over Death Trap in all of this? He will break when his friends are in danger.

Armand von Krauss: Anthony Caffrey will have security watching. He’s no fan of Death Trap, but he’s protective of his talents.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Who says it has to be done at a Fireside show? They have to go to their motel at some point. Send Sticky to grab them there and have a video crew show them on the big screen, dahling. Then, Death Trap will have no choice, but to turn on his team mates to save his friends. Once the match is over and you have won the day, Sticky can kill them and crush Death Trap’s spirit completely.

Armand von Krauss: No.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Aaawwww, dahling. Why not?

Armand von Krauss: Because we can do better. I want you to send Sticky to Fireside for their New Year’s pay per view show for their open battle royal. I want Sticky to get close to Mistress Discipline and Chaos. Woo them away from Death Trap and see if they will come to represent the KGB.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You know that Death Trap and Mistress Discipline are a couple in all but name? Only they don’t seem to know it.

Armand von Krauss: That will make the betrayal all the more hurtful.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Still with the trying to recruit other women into the KGB. I’m hurt!

Armand von Krauss: I’m not looking to replace you, my love. I’m just looking to add talent to my side. I think that I should go speak with the others. The main event tonight must go as planned.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Of course, dahling.

[Dave D-Flipz]

EARLIER TODAY:

*The cameras open up just after the beginning of the show. We see a man come flying out of the trainer’s room and land hard on his head. The camera man runs over to tend to the downed man. It’s Texas Pete having just been lawn darted out of the room by Bruno and Frostbite. As the camera man gets close we hear a set of footprints sprinting up. A hand reaches down and the camera tips up to see a man in a black t-shirt with his own logos on it and some black and gold wrestling tights. And of course, a signature bowler hat on his head.*

DT: "What the hell was that about? This guy probably has a concussion."

*The camera nods. DT looks at it. He blinks.*

DT: "Just gonna sit there and do nothing? Are you all so scared of the KGB around here that you can’t even tend to some guy they literally just had physically removed? Fuck man."

*DT slowly elevates Texas Pete’s head off the hard ground.*

DT: "Buddy you ok? Ok concussions are no joke. I’m gonna take him to the medical facility. I’ll be back shortly."

---

Now:

*Death Trap is seen standing in catering as the camera finds him. We see Warren W. Webber, SWAT backstage interviewer coming up next to him. DT notices and sees the microphone in his hand. He smirks.*

DT: "Man it’s been a while since anyone but Funaki interviewed me backstage. How’s it going?"

*Webber raises the microphone*

Warren W. Webber: Hello Death Trap, my name is Warren W. Webber. I just wanted to get some interview time with you.”

DT: "Hey that’s to be expected! It’s not every day you get a two time X*Crown Champ and current World Champ in your door is it!?"

*DT spins to face the camera and mock bows. He has his MCCW World title around his waist.*

DT: "Well Triple Dub lay it on me, what can I do for ya?"

Warren W. Webber: “Well… uh .. .trip..? Well DT our cameras caught you arriving to the show earlier but then you seemingly vanished. What was the necessity?”

*DT suddenly gets very serious. He shakes his head*

DT: "Well Warren the problem is I came across a medical emergency and nobody was doing a damn thing about it. Some kid got literally thrown head first out of the trainer’s room, the place he’s supposed to get medical attention. There were no staffers around and no other wrestlers seemed to care. And I realized this kid needed attention. He had a concussion. And probably made it worse by getting slammed face first."

Warren W. Webber: “You seem very passionate about helping this person out!”

DT: "Of fucking course. You may not know this about me here in SWAT but before MCCW came around I was not in the best place in my life. My brain was addled and crippled from all the concussions and trauma my head took from the brutal XHF Classic schedule and style. Frankly the fact I’m not a gibbering mess sipping Jell-O through a straw even now is a miracle. I turned it around though. I’ve taken steps to protect myself. But fast treatment is the key thing, that guy’s gonna miss some time but he’ll be better off for it. Concussions are no joke and it speaks volumes about the assholes in that room who threw him out that they did that."

*Warren holds the mic down and says in hushed tones:*

Warren W. Webber: “Well that’s the Kross Global Bandits.”

*DT looks at him and then rolls his eyes.*

DT: "It doesn’t make a lick of difference if it was the KGB, the SS, the Crest Kids, the Scooby gang, Mystery Inc, or goddamned President Kanyon himself. You don’t get to just casually cast aside someone else’s health for something as trivial as a massage. I don’t know much about these guys, I came in as a favor to Radu because he saved my career when I was here from Zoran and his goddamned LEGO death squad. But it’s clear why they brought me in. Suit, Radu, EC and I seem to be the only ones willing to put our necks on the line to stand up to these bullies. And that’s what they are. Bullies. They can’t earn what they want so they try to take it. And it disgusts me."

Warren W. Webber: “Well you certainly seem to have an interest in stopping them. ”

DT: "I don’t like people playing with others’ careers. And honestly I hate when they take a good show away from the fans. My whole career I’ve been out to put on the best show. You hear the arenas cheering me on no matter where I go. So when a group of guys tries to end careers and interferes in half the matches on the card it irks me. It really irks me. Seeing them attack Javier and attack Goth and Dinosaurio … and attack Soutter and Radu … it pisses me off. Because they know they are worthless in the ring on their own. They use every dirty trick in the book and it’s something I cannot abide by."

Warren W. Webber: “Armand and Frostbite are tag team champs however. And Eddie D was the Renegade Champion.”

*DT scoffs at him*

DT: "Armand and Frosty stole those titles. And Eddie decided he wanted backup after his buddy Trent took time off. Eddie has talent, look at how he did in the X*Crown match at End of Days before the cavalcade of weird interfered in the match. He could be dominant on his own if he just relied on his natural strength and charisma. But people like the Bandits like to take the easy way out and that’s never been for me. I fought to get back to the ring. I fought to life MCCW up into the top tier of feds. I fought to train a future world champion as my protégé. I fought to carry this title around with honor and represent MCCW here today. Eddie could fight and win himself all the endorsements and accolades he wants but he wants to take the easy way out. And Armand and his circus ignoramus is the worst. He runs RSW into the ground and then tries to take over another fed to run into the ground! The XHF likes SWAT, I don’t want it to fade because the owner is a malicious malcontent like Armand."

Warren W. Webber: “IS that why you are here in SWAT still even after you answered the call by Radu?”

DT: "It certainly made my decision to stay easier. Look when it comes time for global reps I’m still MCCW. But I have no intent to challenge for the X*Crown again, I’m getting too old for Mongo’s shit. And I don’t need to be buried under 8 dudes again."

*Warren lowers the mic a sec and looks at him funny. DT holds his hands up and looks innocent.*

DT: "IT’S ANCIENT XHF HISTORY TRIPLE DUBS! Just look it up. The point is … I don’t like the type of people Armand is and keeps around him. I don’t like murder clowns interfering in high quality matches and putting top tier guys on the shelf just so some skinny Eastern European twat can jack himself off to the misery and money. After all … ask dear old dad Zoran how I feel about that kind of shit man. So yes … when push comes to shove I am here to back Combatiente … even if he somehow ends up being Venom again … *shudders* … and Radu and Suit for a while. How long? Who knows? But Armand has earned my ire and if I have to march through his whole menagerie of menace to get to him and put his antics to an end… I will."

Warren W. Webber: “You uh … have been watching the product yes? You’ve surely seen the lengths Armand will go to.”

*DT laughs. He then holds up a hand as if to count on his fingers.*

DT: "Intimidation, mob boss tactics, completely illegal antics, sending henchmen to do his jobs for him, threatening violence, torturing lesser men. Yeah I’ve seen it and I once again wonder how Mongo allows it to happen. It’s bad enough he has a murder clown, twin tweedles both dee and dumb, an ineffectual number two, a muscle held under his sway by threats against ‘his friend’ – a man who seems to need no protection and is charging into the danger head first anyhow, and a second rate loose cannon at his beck and call. But he’s in here with his … what wife? And they’re blowing cigarette smoke around and harassing active talent. I mean he’s not the commish right? I mean did the board of directors just decide to replace Zoran with someone ALMOST as sadistic but more willing to work with others to take what he wants?"

*DT looks right into the camera*

DT: "Von Krauss listen here. I’ve had to deal with your type before. ECF original management, Mongo the Destroyer … I think you’ll find I’m not easy to intimidate. And unlike most of your prey so far … El Combatiente and I are both world champions. We are in the primes of our careers. And Soutter and Radu aren’t legends for nothing. I think you’ll find us harder targets to bring down. And I guess tonight is the first taste of that. Since I’m willing to wager dollars to donuts you won’t accept the loss and the beating you’re going to take tonight well … which is fine … Ask anyone from the tag division or MCCW … I will enjoy … on multiple levels … finding how many ways to choke you out and make you cry for your mother. I am the Main Attraction around these parts Armand … and I’m taking this road show right to the bastards trying to hijack SWAT."

*DT walks off towards the locker area no doubt looking for Javier or Radu.*

[SWAT Team]

Jeremy Tucker : This electric card unfolds and here we are. The Society of the New Breed: "Monster Pop" Jonnie Valentine & Tuxedo Mask Vs 'The Paragon of Sleaze" Keith Williams & 'The Unbelievable' Oxford Osland. At Battlelines Williams captured Eddie’s Renegade Championship…

Andrew Fulton : The Big Deal was robbed. ‘Hell of a match’ though.

Jeremy Tucker : We also saw a confrontation between Osland and Tux at Battlelines, so, let’s throw ‘em all together and let them settle it for themselves.

Andrew Fulton : That bit of “handbags at dawn” between Tux and Osland will hopefully flourish into a proper ass kicking tonight… We will see.

As the beat from Elevators by Outkast drops through the arena, Oxford Osland emerges from behind the curtain with a confident smirk plastered all over his face. Osland doesn't bother mingling with the fans at all, as he walks calmly to the ring. Once he arrives, he walks up the stairs and wipes his boots on the apron. Osland enters in between the top and middle rope and does a lap of the ring before looking back up the aisle for his tag partner to arrive as the referee checks his boots.)

Frank Salazar : Introducing now, hailing from Indianapolis. Coming in at 6’4 and 254 pounds ... 'The Unbelievable' …OXFORD …OSLAND!!!

(The arena is plunged into darkness as "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin echoes out of the speakers, triggering the attention of those in attendance to the stage where dark blue lights have started to flash in rhythm to the music.

…If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay…

As the tempo of the song picks up, it can barely be seen that someone has made their way out in the pitch black, planting themselves in the middle of the stage. The lights return and we're shown the back of Keith Williams as he's pointing at what's on his clothing. He's noticeably wearing a black denim vest with patches of bands on the front, the words "Paragon of Sleaze" printed on the back in a death metal/black metal stylized font, and directly below this is a giant mustache graphic. Williams spins around, stroking his mustache and gleefully taking a look out at the crowd. Williams gestures to his SWAT title belt over his shoulder and smiles as the fans boo… Williams takes a slow walk to the ring and up the ring steps, unimpressed by the taunts from the crowd. Williams and Osland share a cold and functional handshake as the referee checks William’s boots.)

Frank Salazar : Introducing from Raleigh, North Carolina; Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall; Weighing 263 pounds; He is 'THE PARADIGM OF SLEAZE" …KEITH …WILLIAMS!!!"

Jeremy Tucker : Well William’s title isn’t on the line tonight, but he might as well take the newly named Universal Sin Title for a walk and show the fans who’s holding the gold around here. Getting gold this early is a real feather in his cap.

Andrew Fulton : Well we have the new faces in the ring… now we’re waiting on the old guard of The Society to kick this thing off…

(Greg the assistant heelies down to the ring. Behind him Lanny Poffo skips to the ring, throwing out frisbees. Greg gets into the ring and asks Frank Salazar to hand over the house microphone)

Greg the Assistant: (deep ring announcer's voice) "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the City of Angels, Hollywood, California. SWAT and Jonnie Valentine would like to welcome you to The Staples Center. Home of the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, and the flashpoint of rioting when either of those teams win a championship!"

(The crowd roars)

Greg the Assistant: Despite where Soutter placed it, this is your Main Event of the evening. It is scheduled for one fall, a 30 minute time limit, and your referee has to register as a sex offender whenever he moves.

(The referee cuts a promo on Greg who ignores him)

Greg the Assistant: "Featuring first, he is The Society of the New Breed's official poet. Lanny Poffo!!"

(Lanny gets a big pop and Greg hands him the house microphone)

Lanny Poffo: (nods at the cheers as he reads the back of his frisbee)
In the Staples Center, where Kobe beat defenders with his speed
Comes the tag team of the ages
The Society of the New Breed!

Jonnie works the arm,
While Tux beats you with gymnastics
Plus they both wear bow-ties
Just like the Fantastics

While Williams and Oxford are impressive
There's no doubt who is greater
Keith Williams can certainly wrestle
But he's an awful color commentator

Oxford's first SWAT tag match will be a loss
And that is just a shame
But he brought this on himself
Just cause Tux forgot his name

I thank you all for the opportunity
to give you some food for thought
Now let us introduce
the greatest team in all of SWAT!

(The crowd cheers and Lanny Poffo theatrically bows, then hands the microphone back to Greg)

"Top That" From The Teen Witch Soundtrack by Jonnie Valentine hits and Jonnie comes out dressed in a red tasseled jacket with "Kind Of A Big Deal" written in cursive lettering on the back.  Red trunks and white boots with "JV" embroidered on them.   Tux is in his Tuxedo and he stops to flirt with a young female fan on his way to the ring. Rally Jackson mozying along to the ring with them.  Jonnie jogs down to the ring, slapping fans hands, doing a full lap around the front row. He finds a geeky teen singing his theme song, and he sings along with them. He pulls on the top rope to vault inside the ring and does the double guns to the crowd.

Greg the Assistant: "They are , accompanied by former SWAT World Heavyweight Champion and the One Man Torture Chamber, he weighs in at three...

(Rally stops him and whispers in his ear)

Greg the Assistant: I beg your pardon, weighing in at a slim, trim, ripped and JEE-ACKED...297 pounds, he is "The Golden God" Rally Jackson!!

(The LA crowd cheers)

Greg the Assistant: Introducing now, hailing from Tokushima, Japan. Coming in at 5’8 and 185 pounds ....representing the Society of the New Breed .... TUXEDO MASK!!! And his tag team partner hails from The Playground of the Stars, Palm Springs, California. He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighs 234 pounds. He is a former SWAT World Heavyweight Champion. He is a former UWA World Heavyweight Champion. He is Mr. Dropkick, He is Pretty Over, He is 'MONSTER POP' JONNIE VALENTINE!!!"

Jeremy Tucker : This LA crowd eager for this match to get under way…

Andrew Fulton : No more eager than the wrestlers it seems… The bell has been called and Tuxedo is starting off against Osland... Valentine claps encouragement and gets the crowd involved from the outset… Osland and Tuxedo lock up… Tuxedo slaps Osland into a wrist lock… Osland winces and drops to one knee… Tuxedo applies more pressure and twists the arm… Osland roles forwards and arm drags Tuxedo over to escape the hold… They both get back to their feet… Osland shakes out the pain in his wrist and the pair lock up… Osland locks Tuxedo into a side headlock, punches him in the face and walks Tuxedo back to his corner and tags in Williams…

Jeremy Tucker : Williams steps in and grabs a fist full of Tuxedo’s mask… Williams and Osland run with Tuxedo still in the side head lock… Double Bulldog! …The referee demands that Osland get out of the ring… Williams drags Tuxedo up and hits a neatly executed snap suplex… Williams goes to drop an elbow on Tuxedo, but he rolls out of the way… Williams gets up frustrated and goes to knee drop Tuxedo, but Tuxedo has rolled out of the way again… Williams is angered… he goes to drag Tuxedo up, but Tuxedo dives for his corner and tags Valentine in!

Andrew Fulton : Valentine runs in and lariat clotheslines Williams down hard… Osland comes running in and Valentine lifts him up… Powerslam! … Osland rolls away winded and hurting and rolls to the outside… Williams has gotten to the ropes and eases himself back to his feet… Valentine off the ropes running at Williams with pace… clothesline over the top rope! …and Williams falls hard to the outside… Valentine goes to the second rope and throws his hands up… the crowd pop …

Jeremy Tucker : He’s a crowd pleaser…

Andrew Fulton : He’s a two-coat wearing cheat is what he is…

Jeremy Tucker : That’s last week, can we focus on this match up?

Andrew Fulton : Fine… Williams and Osland are regrouping on the outside as the referee counts …1 … …2 … …3 … …4 … Williams is shouting abuse at Valentine and sadly I can’t repeat everything being said… The referee isn’t being distracted … …5 … …6 …

Jeremy Tucker : Looks like Williams is playing mind games, saying that if they’re really a team Valentine should tag Tuxedo back in… Valentine is looking out to the crowd…

Andrew Fulton : What’s he looking out for their opinion for? …None of them know how to win a wrestling match…

Jeremy Tucker : Valentine has tagged in Tuxedo and Williams walks up the ring steps and steps in cautiously… They circle each other…. They lock up… Williams locks Tuxedo into a side headlock and walks his back to his corner to tag in Osland… but just short of the tag Tuxedo lifts Williams up… Side Suplex! …Williams rolls away clutching his neck and gets back to his feet… Tuxedo takes a moment to blow a kiss to a woman at ringside, only keeping one eye on his opponent… Williams charges at Tuxedo… Tuxedo drop toes holds Williams down across the middle rope!

Jeremy Tucker : Valentine sprints down the apron to punt Williams in the face?! …but Williams rolls out of the way just in time, much to Valentine’s annoyance… Valentine calls for the tag as Williams gets back up coughing and rubbing his throat…

Andrew Fulton : Valentine is in and Williams smiles at him through the coughing and the pair circle each other… Williams and Valentine snap into an intense collar and elbow tie up… Jockeying for position and a lot of footwork… Williams twists Valentine into a tight side headlock… Williams cranks on it and Valentine groans… Valentine gets a hand onto Williams’ wrist to try and force himself loose, but Williams forces the headlock shut again… Valentine steps in on Williams’s left calf and forces him down to a knee… Valentine escapes the headlock and has Williams in a hammerlock instead… Williams forces himself back to his feet but Valentine has Williams cursing with the pressure on that hammerlock… Williams dummies to try and grab Valentine over his left shoulder.. Valentine moves further right to avoid it, but Williams loops back a big right arm and headlocks Valentine again and forces his arm out of the hammerlock… Valentine walks Williams into the ropes and tries to bounce and force Williams off, but Williams hangs on to that headlock and kills the momentum off the ropes coming to stop in the center of the ring… Valentine forces Williams into the ropes again and this time locks a free arm around the top rope…

Jeremy Tucker : Williams still has his fingers locked in tight under Valentine’s chin… The referee calls for the break …1 …2 …3 …4 and Williams releases the hold… Valentine darts away and rubs at the pain in his neck and complains to the referee that it was a choke… Williams laughs at the accusation and the two circle each other again…

Andrew Fulton : They lock up again… Valentine gets the upper hand and applies a wrist lock on Williams and walks him back to The Society corner and tags in Tuxedo… Valentine still has the wristlock applied… Tuxedo hops up to the top rope… Tomahawk chop from the top rope on the twisted arm of Williams!!! …Williams falls to his knees in pain… Tuxedo slaps him in a standing armbar and applies the pressure on that arm… Williams is back to his feet and looks to be dragging Tuxedo back to his own corner despite the pain… Tuxedo is applying more pressure, but Wiliams takes another big step towards his corner… Tuxedo nods for Valentine to join him… The referee protests but he’s too late… Tuxedo drops the arm bar which surprises the unsuspecting Williams… Simultaneous Mafia kick from Tuxedo and Valentine with a discus lariat!!

Jeremy Tucker : Osland is in and pounds on Valentine with some big punches and then follows up with a big chop to the chest… Williams rolls to the outside, stunned by the blows and trying to walk off the discomfort of the last attack… Tuxedo sneaks up on Osland and hits him with a Russian leg sweep!! …Osland rolls to the outside and Valentine and Tuxedo are ruling the roost!!!

Andrew Fulton : Williams and Osland have met up on the outside and put their heads together to discuss some kind of plan B?

Jeremy Tucker : Williams barks at the referee about counting him out … … 1 …. … 2 … Williams rolls back into the ring and Tuxedo is waiting for him… Tuxedo grabs Williams by the arm… but Williams executes an arm drag… Williams follows up and slaps Tuxedo in a rear naked choke… The referee has got to do something about this… The referee counts again… …1 …2 …3 … Williams breaks the hold… laughs in Tuxedo’s and the referee’s face and reapplies the choke…

Andrew Fulton : The referee counts again… …1 …2 …3 …4 …5 …Williams breaks the choke… Williams shouts something and Osland runs in and leg drops Tuxedo Mask! …The referee is furious with the double team and Williams nods his approval as he heads straight back into a blatant rear choke again…. The referee counts again… …1 …2 …3 …4 Williams breaks the choke… Williams drags Tuxedo to the ropes and chokes him with the top rope…. The referee counts again… …1 …2 …3 … Williams breaks the choke and laughs at the agitated referee as Tuxedo is draped over the top rope catching his breath…

Jeremy Tucker : Valentine has had enough and bowls in there whilst the referee is arguing with Williams… Valentine spins Williams around, opens up with some forearm smashes and shouts something to Tuxedo… The referee protests but he’s clearly losing control of this match… Valentine sends Williams up in to the vertical of a Suplex and then Tuxedo grabs Williams… Codebreaker double knee shot to the face!!!!

Andrew Fulton : Osland is in now… He grabs Valentine and hits a spinning neck breaker! …The referee demands that Osland and Valentine get back to their corners… Williams and Tuxedo are down after that codebreaker and all that choking earlier on Tuxedo… Valentine is back to his feet clutching his neck… Osland swings a huge punch, but Valentine ducks it and gets in behind Osland? … German suplex!!! Osland rolls to the outside and clutches his back…

Jeremy Tucker : Valentine has returned to his corner as our apoplectic referee is red in the face shouting and trying to get order…

Andrew Fulton : Tuxedo crosses over to the downed Williams and applies THE TUXMISSION!!!

Jeremy Tucker : Williams looks in agony but defiant and reaches out towards Osland… Osland threw him something?

Andrew Fulton : Is that a horseshoe?

Jeremy Tucker : Williams manages to twist in the hold and smash Tuxedo in the face with a Horseshoe!!!

Andrew Fulton : The referee is calling for the bell, he’s had enough, this one is finishing in a DQ!!!

Jeremy Tucker : The referee shouts at Osland for involving the foreign object… Osland seems to be accepting the reprimand respectfully and then out of nowhere …DDT on the referee!!! I think the referee is out cold.

Andrew Fulton : And to add insult to injury Keith Williams has… what is that he’s produced from his pants? …A four leaf clover?

Jeremy Tucker : Keith goes to rest the leaf on the KO’d Tuxedo’s head, but Valentine drags his tag partner out of the ring by his foot to save him that indignity.

Andrew Fulton : Not to be out done, Keith shrugs off the minor disappointment puts it in the referee’s mouth?!

Jeremy Tucker : How much of this statement is hating on SWAT, attacking our officials, and how much of this is a message to Lucky Linda La Fey?

Andrew Fulton : I’d have said it was message to everyone… These guys won’t always care about the result if the pain they create is dished out on their terms.

Jeremy Tucker : Valentine hands Tuxedo Mask to an EMT guy and heads back into the ring!!!

Frank Salazar : Ladies and Gentlemen… Give it up, for your winners by disqualification tonight…. The Society of the New Breed: "Monster Pop" Jonnie VALENTINE & TUXEDO Mask!!!

Andrew Fulton : Osland and Williams have bailed to the outside and walk smugly up the aisle. They pause on the ramp, smile at the negative crowd reaction, shake hands and head into the backstage… I love this teaming of these two.

Jeremy Tucker : Next up. The Amazons Belt! Blaze Vs Industrial Women. Don’t go anywhere.

[mosler]

Zoran Sainovic: We’re going to pair up Blaze Freya with Suzi Spitz, we zink zey’ll go a long way towards adding credibility to ze Amazon championship.


Sam Burton: Freya is a glory hog. If she doesn’t beat Spitz for the strap immediately, she’ll just take her show on the road.


Zoran Sainovic: Zey beat ze alternative. Ze face of ze division doesn’t actually like wrestling women. Every chance she gets; she would rather pick a fight with me. It never ends well, and just makes her look bad. It’s like if she drops my name often enough, management will think ze feud of ze year is me versus her... instead of ME VERSUS EVERYONE.


Sam Burton: She seems to have a few peoples’ ears. I’m just saying, Blaze will give the division a black eye. ...And not with the world’s weakest punch.


Zoran Sainovic: Blaze is arrogant, egomaniacal, self-absorbed, doesn’t put ze work in, and just expects everyone to bend over backwards placating her wishes... but I have to stick her in ze slot because she’s all I’ve got.


Sam Burton: Her and Spitz together would be like a damn mirror match.


Zoran Sainovic: And I zough ze New Breed were divas.  Even Glenda is kind of whiney.  Has SWAT ever had an Amazon zat acting like a role model to little girls?


Sam Burton: . . .


Zoran Sainovic: Wel-


Sam Burton: I’m thinking! Uh... I guess Olympia shows up sometimes, but you can never trust her not to take too many bookings elsewhere. Next thing you know, she’ll be dropping the strap to a non-Amazon like Rebecca Brookes.


Zoran Sainovic: Why we still have zat division I’ll never know. If I can work intergender matches, why can’t my lessers?  


Sam Burton: The division might turn around someday.


Zoran Sainovic: And until then... Spitz and Blaze can keep wrestling each other until they attract some REAL talent. Or Blaze flakes out.


Sam Burton: I give it two weeks.


Zoran Sainovic: To Spitz's three? ...Four to one odds.


{{As SWAT brass pull out their wallets, the camera moves slightly to a mirror, where The Final Boss’ personal bodyguard, Knockoff I-Man is watching their ghoulish interaction. As Knockoff looks at himself in the mirror, the image pauses.}}

END PLAYBACK.

{{The old footage ends, leaving black.}}




{{The camera pulls out of the black frame to fin the eye of I-W. The Industrial Woman thinks back to Amazon champions past. Was Tornado Red an android too, or just named after the DC comics’ character? I-W sits in her recharging booth, watching monitors highlighting the best work of previous champions.}}


I-W: The Amazon championship requires stability for the division to grow, attracting new talent, adding lustre to the belt, and to rehabilitate a perceived atmosphere of sexism. There is a history, which sees the championship rarely defended, as is the case with Joanne Canelli, and when it is defended, to be lost. There have been seven SWAT World Champions. It is defended almost every show. There have been elven Amazon champions, with far fewer defenses.


Blaze Freya. Your first action after becoming champion was to phone in a tag match, getting pinned in the process. You followed that up with an interview, letting the host do the bulk of the work, while bragging in under 200 words about how little you cared to try. Not the ethics of a champion.


You are unfit to hold that title, and will lose in the first round of No Man’s Land, further bringing disgrace to it, an yourelf.


Potential replacements?


Lucky Linda La Fey.


Currently focused on revenge against Keith Williams, while attempting to win SWAT’s secondary title. Following this she will look for a No Man’s Land victory, and hope to rectify last year’s Anzac defeat. Her focus is elsewhere.


The Hired Killers.


Bully new Amazons to shrink the division. Cannot be trusted to put The Shootfighters’ other students ahead of SWAT interests. Are supporting characters in their husbands’ world, which is not a message of female empowerment befitting of a champion.


This unit.


This unit is new to this gender role. Still discovering its place, voice, parameters, and programming. If the division was in a healthier state. It would not be challenging.


This is not the right time, nor will my factory warranty permit me to travel to the degree that SWAT management may ask.


Unfortunately, despite these factors – one scenario keeps presenting itself.


There is no way this unit could lose to trash like you, Blaze.


{{The machine refers to Blaze as trash with such disassociated coldness, that it is hard not to believe it.}}


{{The monitors turn to images of Lucky Linda La Fey’s first reign. One worth emulating. As The Industrial Woman downloads this objective, the screen fades to black.}}

BLAZE

WILL

FEED THE FIRE

OF

THE

INDUSTRIAL

WOMAN

[radu]

(The backstage area is packed with production assistants, road agents, security and interns racing around at break neck speeds.  All the hustle and bustle associated with live television production.  For all the bodies pushing through crowded corridors one remains stationary, with all the calm of a Michael Myers.)


(A luchador in a vibrantly crimson red mask forces the herds to move around him, gaze fixated at a water cooler.)


(The camera pans after the luchador's gaze to Radu Matei chatting to Sabrina Sinstone and Benjamin Bolt.  Rally Jackson's horrific hazing has substantially reduced the number of the SWAT regular army.)


Radu Matei: ...how is he holding up?


Benjamin Bolt: Third degree burns mon, I doubt Rajiv will be back before The Anzac.


Radu Matei (sigh): That is horrific.  Burton is still giving me the run around, but there have to be consequences.


Sabrina Sinstone: They manage to cut TJ out of those boots.  He'll be cleared to wrestle for the Rumble, but his dancehall days?


Radu Matei: Look, if I can't get the job done at New Year's Nightmare, you should all just knife him at the rumble... Julius Caesar style, and let Rally provide the retractable blades - since he's so fond of his ribs.


(Deathless notices the crimson masked wrestler.)


Radu Matei: He new?


Sabrina Sinstone: Given how fast Jackson is running through talent Rad, they'd need some fresh blood.


Radu Matei: Might as well make him feel welcomed. (raising a hand in greeting) Hi there, I'm Radu Matei. I don't think we've met.


Mysterious Luchador: . . .


Radu Matei: Things are always a little crazy around the holidays, I'm sorry we haven't had a chance to be formally introduced before now.


Mysterious Luchador: . . .


Radu Matei: I hope you're finding your way around, if there is anything I can do to make your time with us go smoother, just let me know.


Mysterious Luchador: . . .


Radu Matei: Well, feel free to join us if you'd like... I think you'll find-


(DEATHLESS turns to gesture to his friends, but turning back finds the crimson mask has disappeared into the crowd.)


Sabrina Sinstone: Who was that?


Radu Matei: Didn't catch his name.  This can all be a bit overwhelming.  Still, good to see more luchadors - it seems like the phenomenal success of El Combatiante is having a positive effect on management.  Right down to my trios match tonight.  Which reminds me, I have to go congratulate Pequeño Dinosaurio on his championship victory, and Goth on how well he conducted himself as a champion.


Benjamin Bolt: I don't think they're still in the building...


Sabrina Sinstone: After the match, The KGB jumped them pretty badly.


(The KGB.)


Radu Matei: ...


(Nostrils flaring, Radu Matei nods politely to his friends before stomping off in a rage.  You get the feeling its a bad night to be an Armand sidekick.)


(As Deathless disappears into the crowd, the red masked luchador steps back into frame... his attention firmly attached to the locker room leader.)

[edwarddubin0604]

(The tron shows CEO Angela on the tron in her office looking through reports and her stock portfolio with her usual efficient keen eyes.
She puts them down and pushes the intercom button as the ringsiders chant her name.)

Secretary: "Yes Mrs. Angela."

CEO Angela: "Schedule a Zoom meeting with the board of directors."

Secretary: "Yes ma'am."

(CEO Angela looks into the camera.)

CEO Angela: "You know it's funny how people don't seem to know their percentages. Now let's take Armand von Krauss for example. You claim I only have.....hmmm.....ten percent is it? Yet your stooge Gabriel Tuck said it was thirty percent. Now by my understanding if
that's the case and I combined both numbers and divided the numbers. I would have supposedly twenty percent."

(She steeples her fingers and stares into the camera with narrowed eyes.)

CEO Angela: "So which number is it Armand? Ten or thirty percent? Now I don't expectyou to answer at this time being that you have more pressing problems like your SWAT World Tag Team Titles and trying to end EL Combatiente's career while trying to steal his championship.
Oh and trying to lure one of the Amazons to join you."

(CEO Angela tsks shaking her head.)

CEO Angela: "Now I was checking my latest portfolio and it seems that I acquired a nice amount which means I have thirty or forty percent share in SWAT."

(She smiles.)

CEO Angela: "Now I know your Gabriel Tuck must love industrial espionage since he probably snuck into my corporate office. Oh I have it all on video and the authorities are on his trail which shall lead to you Armand. Oh and anyone in this office who assisted him has been purged. So ask yourself if it's worth all this trouble. Think hard on that Armand and I'lljust enjoy the rest of Battleground."

(The tron goes blach and the scene slowly fades to black.)

[SWAT Team]

Linger, Cranberries hits and Lucky Linda makes her way down the ramp way, high fiving the fans, then joins Tucker and Fulton at the commentary booth.

Jeremy Tucker : Welcome back, coming up now we have the Amazons Championship on the line, Blaze Freya defending against the Industrial Women, and joining us for commentary it seems, is Lucky Linda La Fey, welcome Linda.

Lucky Linda : Thanks Jerry. The Amazons and SWAT is on fire, and I wanted to get a front row seat for this big match up.

Andrew Fulton : I don’t know why, you did just lose to Jade earlier so really, shouldn’t ‘she’ be the one out here calling this with us?

Jeremy Tucker : Linda pinned the champ Blaze last show Fulton, she is right up there in line for a title match.

Lucky Linda : It’s true, Jade did defeat me, I have no shame in that, she is one of the best going around. It is also true I did defeat Blaze last week, the Amazons Title is anyone’s right now, IW could well walk out with it tonight. I know it won’t be me going up against the winner come New Years Nightmare, as I have another commitment with The Paragon of Sleaze, but I still want to see what happens here and do a little recon for the No Man’s Land Tourney.

[The house lights cut out leaving the arena in darkness as "Call Your Girlfriend" by Robyn starts to pump over the PA System. The tron begins to show fragmented digital artefacts and Matrixesque code. Pink sparks blast down on the entranceway giving the audience of a flash of I-W. As the embers burn out all that remains is the audiences approval and the hundred tiny glowing lights attached to the Industrial Woman's leather jacket. These lights reflect in her ray ban shades giving her an otherworldly appearance in the dark. I-W marches down the aisle at a methodical pace, in sync with the music. Entering the ring, Industrial Woman throws off her jacket for another round of pink pyro, before the lights come back on.]

Frank Salazar : The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and is for the SWAT AMAZONS CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger, hailing from Industry Kentucky. Coming in at 6’2 and 175 lbs …. THE INDUSTRIAL WOMAN!!!

[The arena darkens and fans erupt into loud cheers as “Collapsing” by Demon Hunter blasts through the speakers. Red, pink and purple lights flicker on and off in rapid succession creating a beautiful strobe effect over the stage as none other than The Blackpool Bombshell herself, Blaze Freya comes out from behind the curtain, walking backwards onto the stage with a charismatic strut. Her black hood covers her lowered head until she spins around triggering the lights to brighten to reveal her gorgeous face as she removes the hood, headbanging with the fans a bit. She nods in approval hearing the roar of the crowd, feeding off of their excitement then rolls her shoulders a few times, sprinting down the ramp and sliding into the center of the ring, humping it briefly. Blaze then leans back on her knees running her fingers through her long black hair, flirtatiously winking at the nearest camera before standing up to her feet and walking back to her corner raising the title belt in the air with a determined look on her face.]

Frank Salazar : And introducing her opponent. Hailing from Blackpool England. Coming in at 5’6 and 125 lbs …. The Blackpool Bombshell! The Amazons Champion …. BLAZE FREYA!!!

Andrew Fulton : Let’s go Blaze! She looks incredible Jerry. Did you see earlier when she dropped her drawers in the middle of the ring.

Jeremy Tucker : (sighs) Yes Andrew, we all saw it.

Lucky Linda : She has got some balls, no one can deny it.

Andrew Fulton : I didn’t see any! And believe me, I had a great view!

Jeremy Tucker : It was a metaphor moron. Referee Steve Mahoney calls for the bell and we are under way. The two women approach each other and circle warily around, Blaze goes for a European Uppercut but the IW no sells it.

Lucky Linda : IW is strong as steel! She grabs Blaze and Irish whips her, then takes Blaze down with a rolling snap armdrag.

Andrew Fulton : Is this even legal? A robot wrestling? And in the WOMANS League?

Jeremy Tucker : It wouldn’t be booked if it weren’t. IW sticks on Blaze and delivers a body slam and then goes for a spinning elbow drop, but Blaze rolls out of the way.

Lucky Linda : Both women back to their feet and Blaze is quicker and hits a spinning roundhouse kick to the head of IW.

Andrew Fulton : That rocked the robot lady. Blaze sticks on her and delivers a beautiful exploder suplex.

Jeremy Tucker : IW back to her feet, shaking off the suplex and Blaze goes for a headlock, but IW powers her up and over with a firemans carry brain buster.

Lucky Linda : Ouch. I felt that out here. Cover by the Industrial Woman but Blaze kicks out at one.

Andrew Fulton : You’re not going to beat the Blackpool Bombshell that quickly.

Jeremy Tucker : She has great resilience and smarts too, look at this, IW is going in for the kill, but Blaze is holding up both hands pleading her not to advance.

Lucky Linda : Oldest trick in the book, but the IW looks hesitant, she is programmed with a sense of honor, and Blaze is exploiting that and charges her and hits the TORN!!!! (GORE)

Andrew Fulton : So smart! Brains and spunk! She has it all.

Jeremy Tucker : I thought you liked them a bit dumber.

Andrew Fulton : It helps Jerry, but it isn’t a ‘prerequisite’.

[We see a shot in the crowd of AWF stars Dakota Jennings and Cross Recoba. They smile and wave to the camera.]

Jeremy Tucker : Looks like you are not the only one out scouting Linda. Dakota Jennings watching on, she has also confirmed entry into next months No Man’s Land Women’s Tourney.

Lucky Linda : She is a terrific wrestler and I hope to meet her in the Tourney. Blaze catching IW on her way back to a vertical base and drills her with a big Frankensteiner!

Andrew Fulton : That’s it Blaze! Bounce her on her metallic head!

Jeremy Tucker : What’s with the robot hate Fulton?

Lucky Linda : He’s a Robotist. An anti Metalica.

Andrew Fulton : It’s not robot hate, it’s Blaze love Jerry! Why does everything got to be so hateful, and yeah, their songs blow Linda.

Jeremy Tucker : Blaze with a cover after the Frankensteiner and IW with a big kick out at two.

Lucky Linda : Blaze heading to the top rope and goes for a big flying cross body, but the Industrial Woman just catches her like a child, she is so powerful, Worlds Strongest Slam on Freya!

Andrew Fulton : IW grabs the legs of Blaze now, and starts spinning her around in a giant swing, then locks on a Texas cloverleaf.

Jeremy Tucker : The DATA Synchronising Crunch!

Andrew Fulton : The WHAT?

Jeremy Tucker : That’s what it’s called. Spinning sit out powerbomb by IW! The DATA Crunch.

Lucky Linda : Are you just making up these Data names for moves Jerry?

Andrew Fulton : Of course he is.

Jeremy Tucker : Never. IW looks down on the fallen Freya, and then busts out into a Robot Dance. (stiff dance imitating robotic movements).

Lucky Linda : She dances like Elaine!

Andrew Fulton : Blaze back to her feet and nails the dancing IW with a discuss clothesline! Go Blaze!

Jeremy Tucker : PELE! Blaze with the Pele kick to IW! Covers for a two count.

Lucky Linda : I thought she had her there guys.

Andrew Fulton : Me too, I still can’t stop thinking about Blaze’s appearance on Suits Suite. You know, lots of wrestlers have ‘this’ or ‘that’. But Blaze, she has IT!

Jeremy Tucker : She does, and she is wailing away now on IW. A big flurry of overhead lefts and rights, IW is covering up and now starts to "Hulk Up" by having steam shoot out of her nose, like she was also abusing cold ice. ‘Steam Powered!’

Lucky Linda : She is frothing steam out of her nose! The shots lessening by Freya as she looks up perturbed at the IW recovery and hijinks, TIGER DRIVER!!!!! Industrial Woman with a devastating Tiger Driver!

Andrew Fulton : Noooooooo!

Jeremy Tucker : 010010110 Cover by Industrial Woman!

Mahoney drops for the count.

One …………………

Two …………………

THREE!!!!!

She got it! New champion!

Lucky Linda : No one can kick out of that.

Andrew Fulton : This can’t be right Jerry. What just happened?

Jeremy Tucker : Blaze feel asleep at the wheel my friend, and IW just took that belt and made it her own.

Lucky Linda : Congratulations to The Industrial Woman! What a win. As for Blaze, I guess we will see what she is really made of and how she comes back from this defeat.

Andrew Fulton : You worry about coming back from your own defeats and she will worry about hers.

Jeremy Tucker : We’ll be right back with our Tornado Tag 6 man main event folks.

[Venom 🕷]

Here we are backstage in our similar spot for El Combaitente and his manager Javier standing in front of the XHF and SWAT backdrop. Javier stands on the right side of Javier with the SWAT World Championship slung over his shoulder. The two both look pumped up, excited, ready to take down the KGB.

Javier: I hope you took note of what happened tonight Armand. I hope you can comprehend what just happened. That was not one little stable standing up against you. You put a wedge between the Society of the New Breed and knocked them down a peg and out of your way. You got rid of a stable and now you have got something else standing in their place, half the damn roster. We are not united in friendship, camaraderie or anything like that. We are united in one goal, to stand in your way and for once we have got you outnumbered. Can you believe that EC? We have got the great KGB outnumbered.

El Combatiente: Puedo creerlo porque si hay algo que siempre es cierto es que cuando hay un gran mal siempre se opondrá a él con mayor bien. Radu, Soutter, Linda y yo nos levantamos y mostramos al resto de la lista que no íbamos a ser empujados por el KGB y ahora se están uniendo a nuestra lucha.
(I can believe it because if there is one thing that is always true it is that when there is a great evil it will always be opposed by greater good. Radu, Soutter, Linda and myself stood up and showed the rest of the roster that we were not going to be pushed over by the KGB and now they are joining in our fight.)

Javier: Yes they are putting aside their differences to fight a common enemy. Pequeno Dinosaurio is new here and has been in a battle with Goth, but he’s willing to put that aside to fight along side Goth to keep the KGB in their place. Goth and my client have also had their battles. Goth is only the second person to defeat my client in singles competition, but my client will not stand idly by as the KGB tries to force their will on Goth. Even Soutter and Radu have put aside their differences to fight side-by-side. This is what you have done Armand. You may have the tag titles along with Frostbite and you may have a partial ownership of the company, but you don’t have control over us. We will stop you in the ring. We will encourage all the other partial owners in SWAT to hold out. We will even find a way to pull those titles away from you and Frostbite. We are one and we are all equal. Meanwhile in the KGB you have set yourself on top of a tower with all your minions at your feet. Do you think Frostbite is content being your number two? When he eventually fails to take the title away from my client do you think he will continue to be happy as your lackey? How long do you think the “Big Deal” will hang around after you and the rest of the KGB failed to help him keep his title against an outsider? When Bruno realizes that you won’t actually kill Soutter do you think he will continue to do your bidding? Your house of cards is going to come crumbling down eventually, and we are here to start the tumbling.

El Combatiente: La primera carta será tirada esta noche cuando yo, junto con Radu y Death Trap, derrote a la KGB en la competición en el anillo. Después de esto, centraré mi atención en la defensa de este campeonato y espero que uno de los KGB se presente como uno de los primeros contendientes. Armand podría enviar a Eddie detrás de mí y eso sería la batalla con el gran hombre, pero estoy gastando mi dinero en Frostbite. Frostbite me has derrotado en el pasado. En mi segundo partido en esta compañía usted pudo derribarme, pero los tiempos han cambiado. Ya no soy el viejo veterano oxidado. Han pasado meses y he encontrado mi pie. He luchado por toda la Red contra la competencia de todas las formas y tamaños y aprendí de cada oponente. He mejorado la semana y la semana fuera y he evolucionado. Usted lo ha visto de primera mano cuando nos encerraron en esa jaula y yo gané el disparo en este título, lo verán de nuevo esta noche y si logran disparar un título, lo volverán a ver como yo defiendo con éxito este cinturón. No estaba preparado para usted hace todos esos meses, pero ahora estoy preparado para cualquier cosa.
(The first card will be pulled tonight when I along with Radu and Death Trap defeat the KGB in in-ring competition. After that I will turn my attention to defending this championship and I fully expect one of the KGB to step up as one of the first contenders. Armand could send Eddie after me and that would be quite the battle with the big man, but I am putting my money on Frostbite. Frostbite you have defeated me in the past. In my second match in this company you were able to take me down, but times have changed. I am no longer the unsure rusty old veteran. Months have passed and I found my footing. I have wrestled all over the Network against competition of all shapes and sizes and I learned from each opponent. I have improved week in and week out and I have evolved. You have seen it first hand when we were locked in that cage and I earned the shot at this title, you will see it again tonight and if you manage to get a title shot you will see it again as I successfully defend this belt. I was not ready for you all those months ago, but now I am ready for anything.)

Javier: I hope you are ready for your house to tumble Armand, because as my client said we are ready for anything. Tonight everything is on our side. We have stopped you once, we are in front of my clients hometown fans, and we are united and ready to stop you again. Now if you will excuse me, my clients music should hit any moment now.

The two walk off camera as we fade.

[radu]

(More ribs.)

(More victims.)

(Another ambulance leaves the arena.)

(Watching the flashing red lights speed away from the arena, Deathless turns a file to his nails.  Since announcing his retirement, The Sacrificial Idol had been letting them grow out.  A little sign, but a concession to rejoin humanity before it was too late.)

(...too late...)

(Sharpening the nails into razor sharp points, Deathless looks every bit the beast.)

KGB.

The Soviet Union's secret police.

It conjurors up certain images... brutality, oppression, human rights violations.

As a person who was born on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain, these are not words or concepts I take lightly.

Paul Soutter does.

One of the reasons I think so poorly of him.

Kross Global Bandits.  Let's string together some words so our stable is like this notorious secret police force.  We'll even misspell cross to make the name stick.  Why not just call yourselves the Super Studs or SS... it's just as unpleasant.

I consider the SWAT KGB to be in incredibly poor taste.  So I spent the better part of 2019 cutting them down to size. 

The Hired Guns.  The Fairtex Brothers.  Joanne Canelli.  Frostbite. Fierce.  Bruno.  Timeless.  Soutter.

They think the KGB is edgy?  I'm not sure how sharp witted your choice is... I'm more into blunt force trauma.  Which is why I cut the legs out from under the stable, and dropped each and every one of them on their fucking heads.

Ran off Pesci, and left it for dead.



(Dead.)


One thing about corpses... rotting flesh attracts a lot of maggots.  Normally I like maggots, but these?


I know why Bruno's with you.  Brand recognition, but the rest of you?


Frostbite.  If you can't beat them, join them.  You were so crap at being a fan favourite, that was a natural transition.  ...And if you'll never be good enough to be world champion, might as well hide in a tag team.


Eddie D.  A born follower.  Without Trent around you need someone to toady up too.  Hell, look at Bruno - no matter how broken down and useless the muscle gets, apparently it's a job for life.  Anything for a meal, right Eddie?  Well you've attached a promising star to a decaying husk - hope that works out for you - but it feels like you just shot yourself in the foot.

Armand.  Who?  Oh right.  The poor man's Zoran.  Because SWAT desperately needs to have evil management figures, no matter how questionable their professional polish.  Pro tip, Armand?  Stop talking to CEO Angela... who may have actually legally changed her first name to CEO so people would acknowledge that job title, which she CLEARLY doesn't have.  She's as much a stockholder as Duke Kosloff is an original thinker.  Her shtick would be better suited to a high school gym with an audience of twenty, and if you don't want to look like you belong on the same backwards Indy show, you should stop feeding that stupid putz.  That way you can focus on being the worst tag team champion in the history of SWAT.  How is that possible with guys like Tuxedo Mask who specialize in having his friends taking turns wearing his gear to cut promos?  At least one of those partners actually won the straps... you?  You're just a James Fierce place holder.

See I get why Soutter did it.  Back when he christened it he thought the cold war was a joke, hardy har.  I don't care for it, but it was a different world when he named it.  These days?  The world is a lot darker... and after braining Paul, I wonder why these men are paying him the respect of dying for his legacy?

SO KGB... I guess what I'm trying to say is... with six less bodies to distract us from your stench... this looks like a do over of the Helloween Cup.  ONLY THIS TIME... Me and El Combatiante have the MCCW World Champion to join us in making you three regret ever being glints in your father's slow witted eyes.  Do the math boys... its going to take a metric ton of run-ins and sports entertainment bullshit to save you from becoming roadkill.  Might happen.  SWAT has a Pay Per View to sell.  All I know is, for the time I have you in the ring... I'm going to remind you that the KGB has been in a fucking coffin for the last year, and we're here to hammer in the last nail.

You really couldn't come up with your own name?  Something new?  Something fresh?  How badly did you need Paul's sloppy seconds to give yourselves heat?

Is the name the only reason you three are dead meat walking in the shape of less than impressive men?

No.  It's what you represent.

Do you think that Rally Jackson would be playing ribs that are so dangerous he's ending guys careers, if he actually respected the boys?

Where does that toxic atmosphere come from?

At New Year's Nightmare, I am going to teach that menace to respect the roster... no matter what their position on the card.  But for making him think it was okay to disrespect their physical well being?  You're not able to get over in the ring, so you cheap shot great athletes like Psychotic Goth and Pequeño Dinosaurio.  That is as pathetic, tired, and dated as your group's moniker.

So no matter how tonight goes down, this is my opportunity to give you a little taste of what I gave the REAL SWAT Bandits before I pissed on their grave.  Results don't matter.  What does?  Me FORCE FEEDING YOU a lump of your own WORTHLESS FLESH.  You will know that you have been through a war.

...and when I switch my focus to Rally Jackson, I know I won't have to worry about looking over my shoulder...


I will have helped you reach your full cowardly potential, so scared you can't even resort to your usual pathetic assaults.


...For you will know the pain of dancing with the Beast.

(Nails now looking more like claws, Deathless points a razor sharp talon at the camera.  Promises of an ultra violent main event flicker in his cold eyes.)

[Kyle]

Oxford Osland is pictured toweling off in his locker room after the earlier tag-team match when a knock comes at the door. Letting themself in, their footsteps are heard as they walk into view. Keith Williams. Still holding the horseshoe he used to whack Tuxedo's face, The Paragon of Sleaze looks at Mr. Unbelievable awestruck.

Keith Williams: "You did good out there, kid. Real good."

Osland stares back at Keith, wiping away the last traces of sweat.

Oxford Osland: "I appreciate that. You weren’t so bad yourself. In fact, I might’ve learned a thing or two out there watching you in action."

Tossing the horseshoe into the air, Williams lets it spin a few times before snatching it back.

Keith Williams: "You're something special. An exceptional commodity. Teaming with you tonight was enough to persuade me. I want to extend an invitation to you, Osland. Membership into The ReVenants. What do you say?"

Intending to receive a handshake, Williams puts his free hand out for Oxford to accept.

Oxford Osland: "I like the sounds of that. You and I together are set to do some major damage. Let’s turn this place on its head, shall we?"

Osland firmly grasps Keith's hand, shaking it as he confirms his intent to form an alliance.

Keith Williams: "Together, we're already making SWAT great again. I predict good fortune for us, Double O."

Letting go of Osland's hand, Keith slaps his new partner's back and laughs.

[SWAT Team]

Jeremy Tucker: Fans, it's here, our main event of the evening! We've had quite a show already tonight. Rayzor had a decisive win over Benjamin Bolt. Then Graysie Parker defeated Ravynn Ryder.

Andrew Fulton: Then Jade was able to pick up a big win over "Lucky" Linda La Fey.

Jeremy Tucker: After some distraction from Keith Williams, you mean. Then former SWAT World Heavyweight Champion "The Golden God" Rally Jackson was able to defeat RDS in a thrilling encounter. Then we made history when Dino Guy won the SWAT Television title from Psychotic Goth. Afterwards they had to join forces to fend off the KGB.

Andrew Fulton: Nah, they were saving themselves for the match coming up. Then we had that travesty of justice where that crooked ref disqualified Keith Williams and Oxford Osland, right when they had The Society of the New Breed beat.

Jeremy Tucker: They used a horseshoe, Andy.

Andrew Fulton: He was wishing the Japanese bloke luck.

Jeremy Tucker: But coming up is our main event, the new SWAT World Heavyweight Champion El Combatiente, teams up with Radu Matei & Death Trap to take on The KGB in a no disqualification Texas tornado match. They've been at war for months. The KGB made an offer to recruit El Combatiente. They even kidnapped his manager, then tortured him to get him to force El Combatiente to join.

Andrew Fulton: Kidnap and torture are pretty serious accusations there, Jerry.

Jeremy Tucker: What would you call it?

Andrew Fulton: A recruitment drive?

Jeremy Tucker: However El Combatiente stood up to them, refusing to join the KGB. Now he's got the support of "Lucky" Linda La Fey, Radu Matei, Soutter and Death Trap who have promised to watch his back.

(‘The KGB Theme’ hits as Esmerelda Von Krauss leads the KGB out from the back. Armand von Krauss looks around at the crowd with an arrogant smirk before lighting up an Egyptian cigarette. Von Krauss walks down to the ring while smoking his cigarette, while Eddie D threatens the LA fans. Frostbite stops midway to the ring and starts mouthing off to a fan, but Armand Von Krauss and Bruno urge him to keep walking. Once he gets down to the ring, Von Krauss flicks the cigarette butt into the crowd. A fan has a sign that says "Frost Bite Me" and Eddie D tears it out of his hand and tosses it to the ground}

Andrew Fulton: Well, that's just hurtful.

Jeremy Tucker: I agree, that young man spent a lot of time on that sign.
Andrew Fulton: Not the ringside dork, Frostbite. What is wrong with these people, do they not realize he's a human being with feelings and innermost emotions? You don't think he cries?

Jeremy Tucker: I kind of doubt that. This is a new KGB as we saw the ironclad grip they have with their new leader Armand Von Krauss.

Andrew Fulton: You see, I agree with that. Soutter was pretty lax when it came to running the KGB, and you can tell the difference in discipline now

(Armand Von Krauss steps through the ropes and leans in his corner. Frostbite begins to climb the steps and jumps over the top rope)

Frank Salazar: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, a 30 minute time limit, and is a No Disqualification Texas Tornado Match. Your referee is Tommy Milligan. Featuring first, accompanied to the ring by Esmerelda Von Krauss; hailing from Boulder, Colorado. Coming in at 6’2 and 225 pounds...'The Cold Hearted Bastard'...FROSTBITE!!! His partner is from Vernon, California; Standing 6 feet and weighing 303 pounds...THE BIG DEAL...EDDIE D!!! And from Cologne, Germany. Coming in at 6’2 and 245 pounds …. ARMAND VON KRAUSS!!! They are THE KGB!!!"

(Eddie D raises his arms but the LA crowd boos, and so he curses them out before Armand Von Krauss consoles him. Then the haunting vocal intro for "The Hard Sell" by Coheed and Cambria hits the speakers and the lights dim and blue and gold spotlights strobe around the arena. The video screen lights up with a familiar theme as it reads, "And now … SWAT presents … its MAIN ATTRACTION!" A foot shatters the screen and we cut to images from DT's matches in MCCW against the likes of Nelly Angel, Weaselpop, and Eichi Yamaguchi. The first verse sets in as the screen shows DT tapping out Jason Justice and being handed the MCCW World title for the second time)

"I'm paranoid, and sick of this world's misconception of things I did. My language poured across this wrist in a metaphoric disaster."

DT slowly walks into a red spotlight on the stage with his head down hidden under a hoodie. It's black and has his custom interlocking DT logo with an Italian flag and mariners compass on it on the back. He stands in the spotlight and slowly looks up showing off his signature bowler hat and sunglasses under the hood. The screen shows images of his victories over Alexis Grace, Duke Kosloff, Ai Moe, and Jeremiah Vastrix all split screen one per corner all in his signature 'Death Trap' Dragon Clutch finisher. It then flashes to him holding the EOD 2019 briefcase over his head. It quickly transforms into him getting three pinfalls over Anthony Caffrey and being handed the X*Crown facemask before wiping into an image of DT posing with his custom X*Crown belt, the ECF title with a big bad X on it.

"My guess, I'm missing out the punchline, unless this hanging noose is fitted to be all mine. I stood by everything I loved, while you never understood me much..."

He flips the hood back and throws his hands up into a cross over his head before dropping them into his signature pose (the Orton one, you know it.). The strobe blue and gold spotlights move faster around the arena as he soaks in the adoration of fans from two generations.

"Cuz there's only one ... of me. And too many of you, fighting over nothing. There's never enough cool for everyone and before you know it you're selling out to be in."

He unzips the hoodie and tosses it into the crowd and starts marching to the ring. He pats the MCCW World Title on his waist as he heads to the ring. He rolls into the ring and climbs the far corner and poses as gold pyro showers down from the overhead area. He leaps down; drops his t-shirt, hat, shades, and title to the floor outside; and begins stretching on the ropes.

Jeremy Tucker: Here he is, the Master Class Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, The Main Attraction, Death Trap making his debut here in SWAT.

Andrew Fulton: (lights cigarette) He best bugger off back to Master Class before the KGB do it for them.

Jeremy Tucker: That would be a pretty tall order I would imagine to get this man to do anything he doesn't want to do.

Andrew Fulton: Why does he like El Combatiente anyway? Guys in masks give me the willies.

Jeremy Tucker: They're friends, Andy, and friends have one another's back.

Andrew Fulton: Maybe if I had a friend I could understand the true meaning of...

Jeremy Tucker: I'm just really busy lately, I got the commentating thing, and my miniatures collection and...

Andrew Fulton: No, no. Completely understood.

Jeremy Tucker: (shifts uncomfortably)

[The Staples Center house lights fade, leaving the arena in darkness.]

#SHAKE IT... like a ladder to the sun#

[Yeah Yeah Yeahs' ZERO starts to pump over the PA system.]

#Makes me feel like a madman on the run#

[The tron starts to show footage of the world champion's recent defences. Black and white. The amount of blood loss makes it look like an old horror film, but it does the trick working the crowd up into a frenzy.]

#find me never, never far gone...#
#So get your leather, leather...#
#LEATHER ON on on on...#

Jeremy Tucker: Death Trap has a match in Japan with Armand Von Krauss for J-Rok that is a a barefoot Legos and thumbtacks match.

Andrew Fulton: That sounds like my hell when I come home drunk at night.

Jeremy Tucker: Yeah, me and Sheila have been meaning to mention that. It's really loud, and it's every night.

Andrew Fulton: I have decided that I am too old to be listening to my younger sister and her husband any more.

[The footage then cuts to the backstage, just as the champion throws a powder blue leather jacket over his vintage '86 DOA "To Hell and back" tee. Not the best wrestling attire, but its a better look than the mass of bandages that give him a Mummy vibe. As the music hits his cue, he starts pushing forwards towards the curtains.]

#You're a zerooooooooooooooOOOOOOoo#
#What's your name?#
#No one's gonna ask you#
#Better find out where they want you to GOOOOOOOooooooooo#
#Try and hit the spot# #Get to know it in the dark#

Jeremy Tucker: Armand Von Krauss may be hoping to soften up Death Trap under the cover of a six man tag team match.

Andrew Fulton: What happens in Los Angeles could have ripple effects in Sapporo.

Purple spotlights search through the crowd, building a sense of anticipation. The audience cheer for the next participant, as repulsive as he is, he's oddly compelling. The erratic movement of the lights start to circle closer together before eventually, the perfect circles of light connect into the body of a large centipede. The visual representation of the insect stalks over the crowd, before racing towards the entranceway. Hitting the black curtains, the purple lights seem to double up, and fold into themselves.]

#Get to know it whether you're a crime, crime, crime of love#
#Can you climb, climb#
#climb hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigher?#

[Rough hands swatting aside the curtain, the five-time SWAT Dixieland champion pushes his way out into the arena. Clenching his fists, Radu Matei starts to stalk down the aisle in sync with the music. The audience approval seems to make the champion uncomfortable, though he could also be suffering from bruised ribs.



#Shake it like a ladder to the sun#
#Makes me feel like a madman on the run#
#Know you're never, never far gone#
#So get your leather, leather, leather on-on-on-on-on#

[Are they trying to tear him apart like a burning effigy? No. These extended arms are looking for high fives. Taken aback, the Beast of Dixie extends a hand to apprehensively slap one, then another. This is new. Getting into the spirit of it, Radu leans closer to the railings on his travels back and forth, slapping more hands on his way down the aisle.]

#You're a zerooooooooooooo#
#What's your name?#
#No one's gonna ask you#
#Better find out where they want you to goooooooooooooooooooooo#
#Try and hit the spot#
#Get to know it in the dark#
#Get to know it whether you're a crime, crime, crime of loooooooooooooooooove# #Can you climb, climb, climb hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigher?#

Jeremy Tucker: Here he is, longtime SWAT World Heavyweight Champion "Sacrificial Idol" Radu Matei! What a star studded three man team here tonight, apropos for The Staples Center.

Andrew Fulton: Yes but as we all know the Lakers may have all the stars but they always fall apart when matched with a well oiled machine like the KGB.

Jeremy Tucker: They've won 17 championships.

Andrew Fulton: I am of course referring to the Bangor Lakers, a lacrosse team in Maine. Real prima donnas they are.

[Arriving at ringside, the champion lifts the ring curtain to check on his bag of tricks. Nothing has escaped. Probably for the best. Leaving the sack next to the ring steps, Matei slowly ascends to the ring. Getting into the middle of the ring, he still seems uncomfortable, but throws a heavily bandaged arm up in the air to a massive pop from the crowd. The Deathless has arrived. The opening of TuPac’s “To Live and Die in LA” hits the Staples Center PA system and with the SWAT World Championship wrapped around his waist, El Combatiente follows his manager Javier onto the stage. They look around soaking up the massive hometown pop until El Combatiente breaks into a full sprint for the ring and slides in. Javier slowly walks to ringside and takes his position at ringside as El Combatiente talks to his partners and waits for the match to begin, while eyeing Von Krauss, Eddie D and Frostbite)

Jeremy Tucker: After that thrilling match in Philadelphia where he unseated "The Golden God" Rally Jackson for the SWAT World Heavyweight Championship, this is our first look at the new champion here in his hometown.

Andrew Fulton: He could have had it all. Armand Von Krauss' managerial mind, the muscle of Eddie, Frostbite and Fierce behind him, not to mention getting an eye full of Esmerelda and he turned that down to stick with Javier? That's like going to the NFL with your high school coach.

Jeremy Tucker: Loyalty means something to him, Andy.

Andrew Fulton: Well, now so is pain.

Frank Salazar : "And their opponents; accompanied to the ring by Javier; from Sibiu, Romania; Coming in at 6 feet 2 inches and 234 pounds .... The Sacrificial Idol, Deathless, Unbreakable M, The Beast of Dixie ...RADU MATEI!!! Hailing from Seattle, Washington. Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 260 pounds; He is The Main Attraction and The Current MCCW World Heavyweight Champion... DEATH TRAP! And hailing from South Los Angeles, California!!"

(The Staples Center lets out an ear splitting pop for the local boy)

Frank Salazar : "Coming in at 5’9 and 219 pounds .... He is The Current SWAT World Heavyweight Champion...EL COMBATIENTE!!!"

(The LA crowd cheers wildly as El Combatiente nods in appreciation. Referee Tommy Milligan starts giving everyone their instructions when suddenly...

("MMMBop" by Hansen starts playing. The crowd leaps to their feet as Jonnie Valentine starts jogging down to the ring wearing his satin jacket)

Andrew Fulton: (stubs out his cigarette) Oh no! No, no, no! No, he is not going to monkey about with this match, it is too important. Last month he wore two jackets that hopelessly distracted Eddie D and cost him his SWAT Renegade Championship. Now it's the Universal Sin Championship, and it's that double crosser's fault!

Jeremy Tucker: Who gets distracted by a jacket?

Andrew Fulton: Two jackets!! Why's he coming down to this music?

Jeremy Tucker: He thinks Stan Hanson sang this.

(Jonnie stops at the apron, and starts playfully playing with the zipper of his jacket. Older ladies "Woo!" Eddie D welcomes him to come into the ring as Armand Von Krauss holds him back)

Andrew Fulton: You see? He's got more jacket based trickery in mind to screw with the KGB! The man is obsessed!

(Jonnie Valentine unzips his satin jacket and reveals a referee's shirt underneath)

Jeremy Tucker: What??

Andrew Fulton: Not on your life! This man isn't a referee! There's classes and dues you have to pay! It's a whole thing!

(Tommy Milligan comes out and asks Jonnie what he's doing here? Meanwhile, inside the ring, Death Trap dropkicks the back of Eddie D's head while he's distracted by Jonnie)

Jeremy Tucker: And we are underway, regardless of who is going to be the referee. Frostbite runs across the ring and nearly cuts Radu Matei in half with a spear!!

Andrew Fulton: What?! That idiot Tommy Milligan is now making his way over here, what are you daft? Get in there and officiate the match!

Tommy Milligan: (puts on headsets) Welp, Jonnie says Vick Mackey wants me on commentary and he's gonna have to fill in because all the other referees already left to beat traffic.

Andrew Fulton: What? He's working you!

Tommy Milligan: No, it sounds right because the traffic is pretty bad here.

Jeremy Tucker: Armand Von Krauss tries to hit El Combatiente with a kneelift, but the SWAT World Heavyweight Champion catches his leg and whips him to the mat with a dragon screw.

Andrew Fulton: Meanwhile, Radu Matei is now biting Frostbite as Frosty was hovering over him after that spear.

Tommy Milligan: Jeez, someone should really get in there and stop that.

(Jeremy and Andrew stare at Tommy)

Andrew Fulton: What about you!?!

Tommy Milligan: Me? Shucks, I'm just a broadcast journalist now, I don't know anything about that.

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite now bleeding already, with a cut over his eyebrow from that vicious attack by Radu Matei. Referee Jonnie Valentine now getting involved.

(Jonnie lightly slaps Radu's hand and says "Stop that.)

Andrew Fulton: Oh, come on! (lights a cigarette)

Jeremy Tucker: Death Trap irish whips Armand Von Krauss into the corner, but the KGB leader bounces out with a stiff clothesline! Eddie D grabs Death Trap with a reverse chinlock.

Andrew Fulton: That's what I'm talking about!

Tommy Milligan: Can I bum one of those smokes off of you?

Andrew Fulton: Bugger off.

Jeremy Tucker: A bleeding Frostbite runs at El Combatiente but El Combatiente catches him with an arm drag. Another arm drag by the SWAT World Heavyweight Champion.

Andrew Fulton: Meanwhile, Armand Von Krauss laying the boots to Death Trap's face as Eddie D holds him in that reverse chinlock.

Jeremy Tucker: Radu Matei grabs Von Krauss and irish whips him, but Von Krauss reverses it and shoots Matei into the corner. He starts hammering him with rights and lefts until Matei drops down to his butt in the corner.

Tommy Milligan: You see, I would be doing a five count, but Jonnie's giving them some leeway here.

Andrew Fulton: You useless sod. Armand Von Krauss continuing with his Blitzkrieg attack here, and now it's Radu Matei that's busted open the hardway!

Jeremy Tucker: We've already got blood on both sides early on in this brutal encounter.

Tommy Milligan: Now I'm definitely glad I'm not in there. Ever get wrestler blood on you? Everyone looks at you funny at the gas station on the way to the airport.

Jeremy Tucker: El Combatiente goes for a suplex, but Frostbite hooks his leg and rolls back into an inside cradle!

Referee Jonnie Valentine: 1...(El Combatiente kicks out)

Andrew Fulton: Death Trap has now worked his way to his feet with Eddie D hanging on to that reverse chinlock. He slips his head out and then goes over the top with a headlock on Eddie.

Jeremy Tucker: Death Trap locking his hands together and really grinding his forearm into Eddie's temple. Gone is the usual taunting and hot dogging The Main Attraction does, and in it's place is a much more focused Death Trap. Meanwhile, Armand Von Krauss applies an abdominal stretch to El Combatiente.

(The Los Angeles fans boo as Armand Von Krauss leans back on the trapped arm and twists El Combatiente's ribcage. He reaches his hand out and Frostbite grabs it to increase the pressure. Jonnie Valentine checks in to see if El Combatiente wants to give up)

Andrew Fulton: You see the KGB is working together like a finely tuned machine, that'll be the difference I reckon.

Jeremy Tucker: A bleeding Radu Matei chop blocks the back of Armand Von Krauss' knee to get him to release the abdominal stretch!

Andrew Fulton: Death Trap still hanging on to that headlock, but Eddie D back suplexes him! Frostbite irish whips El Combatiente, but the champ reverses it and shoots Frostbite into the corner. El Combatiente follows him in with a stinger splash!

(Big pop from the Staples Center! Radu Matei stomps the back of Armand Von Krauss' knee over and over, while holding the ropes for balance. Eddie D scoops Death Trap up and slams him to the mat)

Jeremy Tucker: Radu and El Combatiente have definitely been focusing on Armand Von Krauss' leg.

Andrew Fulton: El Combatiente climbs to the top turnbuckle but Eddie D pushes his boot, crotching the SWAT World Champion on the turnbuckle steel cable hook. A bloody Frostbite climbs to the second rope, hooks El Combatiente and superplexes him!! He floats over into a pinning predicament.

Referee Jonnie Valentine: 1...2...(El Combatiente kicks out)

Jeremy Tucker: Radu Matei takes a big swing at Armand Von Krauss but he ducks it and german suplexes the Sacrifical Idol!

Referee Jonnie Valentine: 1...2...(Radu Matei rolls his shoulder up)

Jeremy Tucker: Armand Von Krauss grabs Death Trap in a sleeper hold, but Death Trap sits out into a jawbreaker, shooting the top of his head through Von Krauss' chin!

(Von Krauss limps around and then Death Trap applies a sleeper of his own! The audience cheers as Von Krauss yells for the KGB to help. Esmerelda yells at Armand to hang on as he reaches in vain for the ropes)

Andrew Fulton: Someone help Armand!

Tommy Milligan: Me?

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite finally gets to Death Trap and spin kicks him in the back of the head to get him to release the sleeper.

Andrew Fulton: Phew.

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite electric chairs Death Trap onto his shoulders and Eddie D climbs to the top rope! I've never seen him go up there!

Tommy Milligan: That's ugly and likely to damage him..., El Combatiente..., the ring and his life insurance premiums.

Jeremy Tucker: Eddie D leaps off and doomsday device clotheslines El Combatiente off of Frostbite's shoulders!!

(El Combatiente falls awkwardly on the back of his neck and rolls out of the ring. The audience boos. Armand Von Krauss grabs a bleeding Radu Matei with a full nelson)

Jeremy Tucker: Armand Von Krauss locks his fingers together and presses down on the back of Radu Matei's neck. Eddie D takes advantage and starts snap jabbing a helpless Matei with excellent precision.

Andrew Fulton: Eddie D aiming to open Radu's cut up some more with those knuckle shots. (stubs out his cigarette) The KGB continues to work as a three man team.

Tommy Milligan: Like us.

Andrew Fulton: Yeah, sure.

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite climbs to the top rope, jumps off and catches Death Trap with a flying huracanrana!! He cradles the leg.

Referee Jonnie Valentine: 1...2...(Death Trap kicks out)

(The Staples Center jeers Frostbite while Armand Von Krauss thrashes Radu Matei from side to side in that full nelson. Von Krauss then plants his feet and release dragon suplexes him)

Andrew Fulton: No bridge, all impact!

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite goes to pick up Death Trap but Death Trap grabs his legs in a double leg takedown. He takes one of Frostbite's legs and turns him over into a single leg half crab.

Andrew Fulton: Death Trap plants his feet and bends Frostbite's leg, trying to hyperextend the knee. Someone in the KGB has to save Frostbite and fast!

(Jonnie Valentine checks in to see if Frostbite wants to tap out, while Frostbite bleeds a pool of blood on the mat under his head. El Combatiente climbs rolls back into the ring)

Jeremy Tucker: El Combatiente has re-entered the ring after that doomsday device from the KGB. Eddie D pulls him up into a powerbomb, but El Combatiente reverses it into a huracanrana!!

Referee Jonnie Valentine: (fast count) 1.2.thr-(Eddie D kicks out)

(Eddie D rolls back up and shoves Jonnie Valentine for the fast count. The crowd lets out a collective "OH!" as Jonnie tries to keep his composure. He points to the referee shirt and reminds Eddie that he's operating in a referee capacity tonight)

Andrew Fulton: Crikey! That was about as fast a count as you could possibly do!! Jonnie Valentine is as crooked as a southpaw boxer's nose! Get back in there, Tommy!

Tommy Milligan: That was a tad quick, I admit, but the boss' orders are to sit out here and add my officiating experience to our television broadcast. Frankly you two have needed a third for years now.

Jeremy Tucker: Frostbite climbs over and hooks the bottom rope, and then uses the ropes to climb to his feet while Death Trap hangs onto his leg. He swings around with an enzuigiri to Death Trap's temple!

(The Staples Center lets out a collective "OH!" at the sound of Frostbite hitting Death Trap's skull. Eddie D and Jonnie Valentine continue their stare down. A crimson masked Radu Matei hits Armand Von Krauss from behind with a low blow)

Andrew Fulton: That should be a disqualification! Come on, Tommy!

Tommy Milligan: Technically this is a no disqualification match so...

Andrew Fulton: (lights up cigarette) That's just bad form, at least!

Jeremy Tucker: "The Sacrificial Idol" Radu Matei grabs Armand Von Krauss' leg and applies a spinning toe hold. Matei and El Combatiente have targeted that leg this entire match.

Andrew Fulton: Frostbite grabs a sleeper on Death Trap. He clamps down on his neck, while squeezing off the blood across his forehead.

Jeremy Tucker: Meanwhile, Radu Matei drops down with Von Krauss' trapped leg in that spinning toe hold drop!

(Von Krauss sits up in pain, and the audience pops. Esmerelda expresses sympathy as Von Krauss refuses to give up to Jonnie Valentine. Then a bleeding Frostbite sits out in a sleeper slam on Death Trap! The cheers turn to jeers)

Andrew Fulton: Armed And Dangerous!

Jeremy Tucker: El Combatiente out on the apron, and slingshots himself onto the middle of the top rope. He leaps off with a springboard forearm that catches Eddie D right between the eyes that sends Eddie D to the floor!!

(The Staples Center roars while Javier and El Combatiente celebrate. Radu Matei is back up and then drops back with Armand Von Krauss' leg in a spinning toe hold drop. Von Krauss grimaces in pain)

Jeremy Tucker: El Combatiente hits the ropes and then dives over the top rope with a suicide dive!!

(The Los Angeles crowd lets out a big "OH!!" El Combatiente and Eddie D lie next to each other on the floor as the fans cheer for their hometown boy. Javier helps El Combatiente to his feet)

Andrew Fulton: Frostbite springboards off the middle of the top rope and catches El Combatiente with a tornado DDT on the concrete!!

(The cheers turn to jeers as Frostbite and El Combatiente lie amongst each other on the The Staples Center floor. Frostbite gets to his feet and celebrates, and the boos get louder)

Jeremy Tucker: Death Trap comes up behind Frostbite on the floor and chokes him with the TV cables!!

Andrew Fulton: This is out of control, you gotta stop this, Tommy! Frosty's turnin' blue!

Tommy Milligan: Jonnie seems to have this well in hand.

Jeremy Tucker: Armand Von Krauss limps out to the ringside area, and then irish whips El Combatiente hard into the railing!!

(The fans let out another "OH!!" at the sound of El Combatiente hitting the steel barricade. The SWAT World Heavyweight Champion arches his back in pain. Radu Matei and Eddie D are out in the crowd, exchanging forearms)

Andrew Fulton: Eddie D out in the fourth row hits Radu Matei with a stiff forearm smash. The Sacrificial Idol answers with a hard forearm of his own. Here at ringside, Armand Von Krauss now hip tosses El Combatiente onto the Staples Center floor!!

Jeremy Tucker: Radu Matei hits Eddie D with a forearm so hard that Eddie is hardway juicing!

Andrew Fulton: (stubs out cigarette) That's Radu's coat doing that. The man has long been rumoured to have sharp objects hidden in there...

Tommy Milligan: No, I would have found that in a pat down...

Andrew Fulton: You couldn't find your arse with two hands and a map!

Jeremy Tucker: Gentleman, gentleman. Eddie D and Radu absolutely going at it in the crowd, back where the lights can't find them. Eddie D now hammering Matei with forearms with blood streaming down his face as well as Radu's.

Andrew Fulton: Eddie D grabs a chair and wails back, but Death Trap moves Radu Matei out of the way and takes the monster chair shot from The Big Deal!!

(The LA crowd lets out a huge "OH!!" at the frame of the chair being bent across Death Trap's skull!! Death Trap lays on the Staples Center floor, blood leaking from his forehead. An enraged Radu Matei bludgeons Eddie D with punches.

Jeremy Tucker: Death Trap returning the favor after Radu saved him from Zoran Sainovic cheating with a rigged set of legos in Dallas this past June.

Andrew Fulton: Oi, chivalry's not dead I suppose.

Jeremy Tucker: Eddie D and Radu Matei exchanging forearms and punches, fighting their way back to the ring area.

Andrew Fulton: It’s three on two with Death Trap still out of it. Frostbite and Armand double teaming El Combatiente.

Jeremy Tucker: Radu nails Eddie with a thrust kick to the head and then rams his bloody face into the ring apron, Eddie drops to the floor and Radu slides in to help EC even the odds.

Andrew Fulton: EC and Radu both now duking it out with Frosty and Armand. The SWAT Tag Team Champions against the World Champion and former World Champion.

Jeremy Tucker: Eddie looks under the ring and pulls out a big metal chain. He slides into the ring and wraps it around his fist, charges and takes out … JONNIE! Eddie just blatantly clobbered the ref with that steel chain!

Andrew Fulton: It’s a dog collar chain! Now he is wrapping it around Jonnie’s neck!

Tommy Milligan : Jonnie is a great wrestler, but he needs to work on his ring awareness as an official.

Jeremy Tucker: Yeah Tom, referee’s never miss anything. The Big Deal is wailing away on Jonnie, and here come Rally and Tux! They are making the save for Valentine, and both jump on Eddie. Eddie throws them off him and Rally bumps into Radu accidentally. Radu turns around and glares at Rally with pure hatred in his eyes and he dives on Rally and just starts clobbering him with a series of strikes - round houses, bolo punches, jabs, knife edge chops, forearm shots, bionic elbows, all done with such speed that you'd think he had a hundred arms.

Andrew Fulton: Radu is a mad man!

Jeremy Tucker: Tuxedo Mask makes the save and jumps on Radu and his momentum forces him and Radu out of the ring. Rally rolls out and he and Tux start double teaming Radu!

Andrew Fulton: Jonnie is back on his feet and he has the chain wrapped around him and he holds it up and running clotheslines Eddie with it! This is getting out of hand.

Jeremy Tucker: Rally and Tux continue to double team Radu on the outside and here comes Death Trap back into the fight and once again to Radu’s aid. The four of them now duking it out thru the crowd.

Andrew Fulton: Eddie and Jonnie are fighting up the rampway. El Combatiente is left all alone in the ring with the Tag Team Champions and they are having their way with him. Finish him!

Jeremy Tucker: They don’t want to win, they want to cripple him! Get in there Tommy

Tommy Milligan : (removing his headset) But I like it out here with you guys better.

Andrew Fulton: Move it! Tommy slides into the ring, The KGB have El Combatiente at their mercy, and they show no mercy … what’s this, there is a commotion in the crowd and ….

Jeremy Tucker: IT’S DYLAN BLACK!!! The X Crown Champion! He flies into the ring and makes the save and Frostbite and Armand look like they have seen a ghost and slide out of the ring.

Andrew Fulton: Javier is in the ring now too with Dylan and EC. He has a mic.

Javier : New Years Nightmare Bandits! You two against these two!

Jeremy Tucker: Armand and Frostbite are nodding agreement, this is on! Eddie and Jonnie have fought thru the gorilla position to the back and Radu and Death Trap are still brawling with Rally and Tux. We are out of time folks, see you in Melbourne for NEW YEARS NIGHTMARE!!!