Overdrive - Brasilia, Brazil - May 2nd, 2013

[Johnny Rebel]

The Overdrive pyro blasts throughout the arena as the fans erupt. The camera pans through the crowd to catch signs like: "I'll Pay Rebel $20 to Get a Personality" and "I Kissed Delikado's Ring!" throughout the crowd. The cameras eventually settle on Johnny Chase and Darren Harvey at ringside.

Harvey: Welcome everyone to another episode of Thursday Night Overdrive! I'm your host, Darren Harvey along with Johnny Chase!

Chase: We have a great night ahead of us. Level-One and C.J. Gates team up to take on Michael Callahan and Delikado! It's sure to be a preview of Mayhem!

Harvey: Let's get right to the action!

The screen goes dark for a moment as the crowd goes quiet. Suddenly Cristina's voice is heard screaming:

[shadow=purple,right,1200]"I Awake from Madness, One More Time!"[/shadow]

Lighting bursts across the titantron. Two explosions rip across the stage and then Shadow emerges from behind the curtain. The arena crowd is on their feet, cheering. The camera color scheme has shifted to black and white; Shadow slowly walks down the ramp with purpose.

Nicky Paige: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Denton, Texas... Standing at six foot eleven, weighing in at two hundred and ninety nine pounds, Shadow!

The Usher of Darkness wears his leather duster and strides through the fog that billows at his knees. Lighting continues to flash on the screens behind him and more fireworks explode as he marches toward the ring. While making his way around the ring, Shadow shakes hands with the kids, the fans who are there and even pose for a picture with one lucky person. He turns after circling the ring and pulls himself up and over the top rope. Inside Shadow raises one arm high as the two corners behind him burst with flames. The color returns to normal as the fans cheer wildly.

Harvey: Man... You wanna talk about controversy? Let’s talk about this man right here: Shadow. Let’s talk about the stir that he’s caused in the back over the past four weeks!

Chase: We could, or we could talk about the lack of stir he’s caused in the ring over the past four weeks. You see one cog break loose in the machine, and you’ve seen ‘em all. When someone with a World Title reign starts complaining, you let me know.

Harvey: Well, either way, Shadow is set to take on someone that he considers a friend here in our opening contest!

The twangy strums of "Four Rusted Horses" starts and Buckson Gooch walks out, he looks around and soaks in the cheers. He lifts his large right arm and points from the high left to the high right. He pops his neck and glares at the ring. He walks to the ring without taking his eyes off of the ring.

Paige: And his opponent, from Possumgrape, Arkansas, weighing in at three hundred and forty-five pounds... BUCKSON GOOOOOOOOCH!

Harvey: And this is the man that will battle Evan Envi in seventeen days for the prestigious APW Overdrive Championship.

Harris: You know-- it’s Gooch slides under the bottom rope and sits in the corner. He wipes his nose with his bare arm and grabs the top rope and pulls himself up. He snarls his nose, uses his finger and clogs his left nostril and fires a snot rocket to ringside...and then does the same with his left. He twists and pops his back...same serious look on his face...and he is ready for war.

Harvey: Two weeks ago, Buckson Gooch was assaulted backstage at the conclusion of our broadcast of Overdrive-- and then last week, after our cameras stopped rolling, the same thing happened to our Overdrive Champion!

Chase: Fishy business if you ask me.

Buckson Gooch vs Shadow

Our bell rings and the two men lock eyes in the ring before meeting in the center to shake hands.

Harvey: And we begin with a show of sportsmanship!

Chase: Oh boy!

After the handshake, the two circle each other for a moment before they lock up in the center of the ring! Immediately, Shadow catches Gooch in a side headlock, but Gooch is able to shove him off and into the ropes immediately-- but Shadow comes back and goes for a Clothesline! Gooch doesn’t move and simply smirks at Shadow, earning a pop from the crowd. Shadow nods and shoots the ropes, comingback again for a Clothesline-- but again, Gooch is merely forced back a bit! He grins and yells for Shadow to do it again! Shadow hits the ropes, but Gooch is already charging at him for a Lariat upon the rebound!

Chase: Counter-- no!

Shadow ducks under the first and comes back, leveling Gooch with a Flying Forearm! Gooch is finally taken down and Shadow jumps to his feet, roaring back into the screaming crowd. He motions for Gooch to get up. Buckson Gooch climbs to his feet and Shadow charges him, hitting him with a knee to the midsection, followed by what looks like the beginnings of a Suplex, but Gooch counters into a Snap Suplex! Both men are down, but Gooch climbs to his feet first. As Shadow reaches his knees, Gooch nails a Running DDT to the surprise and delight of the audience!

Chase: The Goocher’s busting out some new moves!

Harvey: He’ll HAVE to, to match the speed of Evan Envi in two and a half weeks at Mayhem-- and there’s the cover!

Gooch holds Shadow’s shoulders to the ground as he makes the cover.

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THR-- Kickout!

The crowd has gone into a frenzy in the opening contest, and Gooch can’t help but shoot a curious look into the Brazilian audience as a chant picks up.

”WE WANT CRA-VEN!”

”WE WANT CRA-VEN!”

”WE WANT CRA-VEN!”

Harvey: Well... That’s different.

Chase: Stuff like this is why I’m refusing to go on APW’s South American tour next year.

The crowd boos as we cut to a shot of Overdrive General Manager, Alexander Duvall watching the match closely from his office on a monitor. Standing next to him... Is none other than the APW Overdrive Champion’s manager, Jenny Knite! Their conversation can’t be heard, but the commentators don’t acknowledge it as we cut back to the ring.

Shadow fights his way back to his feet and reverses an Irish Whip attempt into the corner by Gooch. Shadow measures his opponent and rushes the corner-- but Gooch explodes out of it and nails a Shoulder Block that forces Shadow to smash to the back of his head and neck, rolling back to his feet. Shadow stands up, right into a Gutwrench Suplex! Gooch raises to one knee and winks into the whistling, cheering crowd. He singals for the end and pulls Shadow to his feet, nailing his version of a picture-perfect Fisherman’s Suplex-- the Hog-Tie Suplex! Gooch holds and bridges for a pin!

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Kickout!

Chase: I thought he had him. I thought this one was done!

Harvey: They’re back up... And oh dear, Gooch is going to the corner!

Chase: He really thinks this is the time?

Gooch looks over his shoulder at Shadow and points to the sky before ascending to the top rope, slowly but surely, to the crowd’s delight!

...Too slowly, for Shadow is able to roll to his feet and deliver several sharp elbows and knuckles to Gooch’s back, causing the man to slouch, losing his grip on the ropes-- and Shadow drills him with a Mountain Bomb! The ring shakes and Gooch rolls to the middle, breathing heavily, holding the back of his head in agony. The crowd has exploded into a series of Spanglish chants and the referee begins to count both men out for being down, reaching the count of three before Shadow crawls over to Gooch and forces him to his feet. Shadow blasts him with a European Uppercut that spins the man around before nailing a Full Nelson Slam!

”FREE SPEC-TER!”

”FREE SPEC-TER!”

”FREE SPEC-TER!”

Chase: Now what are they talking about?

Harvey: Hahaha, I have absolutely no idea.

Again, we cut to a brief shot of Alexander Duvall watching the match backstage-- although now he is alone, but again, his presence isn’t acknowledged by our commentary team.

Shadow slaps his knee, motioning for the end to the audience. Gooch begins to climb to his feet...

Harvey: And Gooch might be getting up into a trap here if Shadow can land that Big--

”Helter Skelter” blares throughout the PA system and the audience roars, though their cheers are quickly drowned out by the inevitable chorus of overwhelming boos.

Chase: We’re SAVED!

Jenny Knite marches out from behind the curtains first, holding the APW Overdrive Championship, “Lady Overdrive”, over her shoulder before she smiles and turns to the curtains where Evan Envi emerges immediately after, a look of boredom on his face. His music stops as they begin to descend down the ramp. Shadow has turned to shoot a glare at the self-proclaimed “King of Overdrive”, temporarily forgetting about Buckson Gooch. Jenny and Evan stop toward the bottom of the ramp, whispering to each other, laughing as they point toward Shadow.

Harvey: This is a BLATANT distraction. Send them away, ref!

Chase: Why?! They haven’t done anything wrong. You can’t send Jenny Knite away for looking too damn good.

Shadow turns his attention back toward Gooch, but suddenly, Gooch blasts him with a hard Running Clothesline! Shadow is trampled and Gooch hoists him up and positions himself with his back to Shadow. He seems to be going for a Backslide Pin, but he leans forward, allowing Shadow to rest on his back, arms interlocked-- and then charges forward, driving Shadow on the top of his head and back of his neck!

Harvey: THE SWEET TEA PLUNGE! THE COVER!

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3- NO!

The crowd roars as Shadow is able to kick out! Gooch looks surprised, but bites his tongue and nods to himself. He pulls himself up to his feet and taps his foot, waiting for Shadow to get up.

Chase: Time for the Razorback Scrambler! Hold onto your hat, Harv! Shadow’s brains are about to fly into the front row!

Shadow climbs up to his knees, and the crowd grows louder as Gooch taps his foot faster... Prepared to strike...

Harvey: HEY!

The crowd boos as out of nowhere, Jenny Knite rushes into the ring and pounces on Shadow, throwing wild, uncalculated fists to his head and neck!

Chase: Uhhh...

The crowd boos loudly and the referee is at a loss for words. After a few seconds, Buckson Gooch moves forward and tries to pull Jenny off, realizing that words won’t work, but as he touches her, Jenny shrieks and whips around toward him, screaming for Gooch to ”KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!”, doing her best to shove him back. The referee has no choice but to call for the bell, earning boos from the audience!

He leans out of the ring to explain the decision to Nicky Paige, who hesitantly announces the decision while Jenny Knite rolls out of the ring.

Paige: Ladies and gentlemen, this match has been ruled a NO CONTEST by the referee!

Harvey: These folks aren’t happy about that...

Chase: Forget them! How do you think Gooch and Shadow feel?

Buckson Gooch looks nervously toward Evan Envi, who is already making his way up the steel steps, into the ring. Shadow reaches his feet, leaning against the ropes, and glares at Envi who swiftly steps into the ring, offering a shrug before he raises his microphone.

Evan: Sorry. It was a long car ride. Jenny gets a little...

Evan turns and winks to his manager, who is once again, clutching “Lady Overdrive”, whistling innocently from the outside. Evan turns to the two.

Evan: Believe it or not, I had nothing to do with this.

Evan’s next words are drowned out by the boos, forcing him to pause.

Harvey: Just like two weeks ago wasn’t his fault.

Chase: If he says it wasn’t, it wasn’t!

Evan resumes speaking while Gooch looks at him, confused, and Shadow’s face grows more red with each passing second.

Evan: Jenny was sent out here to end this snoozefest, ladies and gentlemen, because Mr. Duvall has been sitting in the back, LIVID, asking himself HOW something like this could POSSIBLY happen!

I mean, GOOCH, you and I are seventeen days away from a wrestling classic. Why are you wasting your time out here with the help? You should be nursing your injuries. You should be preparing. You should be RELAXING, enjoying your last seven... teen... days... of the simple life.

After Mayhem, you become a Mega MegaStar, Buckson Gooch. And in order to BECOME a Mega MegaStar, you have to stop wasting your time with people like Steve Ryb--

BZZT!

Chase: NOOOOOOO!

Harvey: GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

The crowd roars as Shadow, tired of waiting, tired of listening, sprints forward and drives a solid boot into the side of Evan Envi’s head! Envi hits the ground, lying limp on the canvas with the microphone still clutched in his hand. Shadow looks down at Envi, shaking with rage.

Harvey: Gooch wants Shadow to leave! He doesn’t want this confrontation to escalate!

Chase: Listen to Gooch! ...Did I just say that?

Gooch steps forward, looking down at Envi in a panic-- and turning to Shadow, quickly, trying to calm him down, but Shadow pushes Gooch aside and bends down, forcing Envi up to his feet, looking out into the crowd before he lifts the limp Overdrive Champion up onto his shoulders!

Gooch continues to plead with Shadow, but Shadow marches to the center of the ring, paying the number one contender no mind.

Harvey: He’s going for the Dark--

Buckson Gooch turns, and blasts Shadow with the Razorback Scrambler! Shadow collapses to the mat and Envi rolls out of the ring from the momentum, landing hard on the outside. As if being jolted to consciousness from the fall, he sloppily and quickly scrambles away from ringside, holding onto Jenny Knite for support.

Harvey: GOOCH has just LEVELED Shadow!

Buckson Gooch curses under his breath, realizing what he’s done and paces around the ring as Shadow stirs. Jenny and Evan turn, making their way to the back.

Gooch looks down at Shadow, shaking his head, saying what looks like “I’m so sorry” before exiting the ring, his hands on his hips, shaking his head at the situation as he marches up the ramp, into the back.

Harvey: Look who it is...

Chase: THE BOSS!

The crowd responds negatively as Alexander Duvall appears at the top of the ramp, looking past Gooch, smirking down at Shadow in the ring, who pulls himself up, glaring at Duvall. The camera fades away on the chilling grin of Alexander Duvall.

Chase: This is exactly why you never cross the boss.

We cut to the backstage area, where Pope Delikado XXX is backstage with his trusty right hand Jimmy Gooch. Jimmy Gooch holds a container of holly water splashing it upon the halls in attempt to cleanse the arena under orders from his BAWSE.

Pope Delikado XXX: Splash, splash, splash - Jimmy! You are doing the technique wrong! One must dip his hand into the water and flick it like a bug off of his shoulder like this! Look upon us as we act out the labor done by those your ancestors owned!

Pope Delikado XXX dips his water into the holy water bowl and flicks the water forward - unbeknownst to him the particles hit Level-One in the face. Level-One doesn't take too kindly to the action and smacks the bowl of holly water right from Delikado's grasp onto the floor. Jimmy Gooch horrified by the aggression hides behinds Delikado for cover.

Level-One: What the hell are you doing?

Pope Delikado clasps his hands together, closes his eyes and lowers his head - sympathizing with the sinner before him.

Pope Delikado XXX: ...Well, we WERE cleansing this filthy arena but now that you're here it is apparent our efforts were futile!

From behind Delikado the LeWinter sisters walk up behind him and his sidekick - boxing the unlikely duo in. The pope is quick to realize this and falls to his knees as he desperately tries to scoop up the holy water.

Pope Delikado XXX: Gaaaaaah, we told you not to play with the Ouija board, Jimmy! You have opened up the deep and dark black portals of Wrestling Development HELL and have unleashed the Sindicate upon us! We're about to be sucked in forever! Unless…

Suddenly, he reaches into his robe and pulls out a smoke grenade, promptly tossing it to the floor where it explodes into a cloud. The smoke clears in seconds, revealing Delikado squatting down with his hands over his holy head.

Pope Delikado XXX: Gods damn it! Well we’re not done yet! Look over there, heathen!

Delikado points past Level-One’s head and then tries to run for it, seemingly forgetting the LeWinters are behind him, and he bumps face-first into their…ahem, chest areas.

Pope Delikado XXX: OH NO! SO SINFUL….and yet soooooooo goooooood…Let us just listen to these bosoms for confession. Yessss......

The sisters simultaneously shove the Pope back, causing him to slip on the holy water and fall onto his back. He rolls around in the water, unable to immediately get up due to his heavy robes, as smoke strangely rises off his being.

Pope Delikado XXX: MUST. BLAME. THE HOMOSEXUALS!

Delikado splashes in the holy water trying to scoop it up into his hands while the LeWinter sisters watch on with a great deal of apprehension. Everyone awkwardly watches the Cuban for several seconds before he finally looks up sheepishly in his equally wet and smoking clothes.

Level-One: Are you finished?

Pope Delikado XXX: Yes, we are content enough shenanigans have been played. That is unless you have North Korea's phone number.

Level-One: Look you idiot, I don't know what the hell you're on about - literally, but last week you screwed things up for me and the Sindicate. If it wasn't for your inaccurate, poorly timed wrestling maneuver - CJ Gates would be on the outside looking in and I wouldn't have to worry about tagging up with him tonight...

Delikado looks up at Jimmy Gooch with a great deal of panic and despair.

Pope Delikado XXX: IT’S A TRAP! WHY are you just standing there, Saint Jimmy!? HELP ME!!! SPONGE WATER IN YOUR JUMBO-SIZED FINGERS!

Jimmy Gooch, somewhat terrified by the Sindicate quickly falls to his knees and splashes his hands into the pool of holy water but he's quickly yanked to his feet by Level-One and held hostage.

Level-One: I am not messing around, Delikado! Tonight, we may be opponents but we are STILL allies in this whether you like it or not.

Pope Delikado XXX: We are NO such thing! In the name of the wrestling gods, we hereby REBUKE you Lester Only! Push us further and we shall…..NON-COMMUNICATE YOU!

The LeWinter sisters giggle as Level-One yanks Jimmy Gooch up off his feet and leaves him hanging upside down by his ankle.

Jimmy Gooch: Help me, Deli!

Pope Delikado XXX springs to his feet but the LeWinter sisters grab both of his arms holding him back from making a mistake he'd surely regret.

Level-One: Tonight, something has got to give Delikado, and either CJ Gates or Michael Callahan is going to have to learn a tough lesson. And well, seeing as I am competitive person and I always like winning - I am afraid you have drawn the short end of the stick with Michael Callahan...

Pope Delikado XXX gasps a ghastly gasp.

Pope Delikado XXX: By the Wrestling Gods! Are you asking me to make a deal with the DEVIL!? Are you....

He gasps an even ghostlier gasp.

Pope Delikado XXX: Devil-One?

Level-One: Yes.

The former four time undisputed champion flatly replies - laughing horribly, as the blood rushes to young Jimmy Gooch's bloated head.

Level-One: Hey, Jimmy... remember what I did to your father on APW's fan appreciation night? It was glorious - wasn't it Jimmy?

Jimmy Gooch: Yes, sir!

Pope Delikado XXX realizes his mission is in jeopardy and lowers his defenses as the LeWinter sisters smile.

Pope Delikado XXX: Fine - but ONLY because we think about the children! Not in THAT way, mind you, as we are not THAT kind of Pope. Just you know, Level of the One, that when Delikado becomes APW WORLD CHAMPION at Mayhem he and his council will turn that slab of gold into an orphanage to house homeless children everywhere! MWAHAHAHAHA! Err…..to be taught and stuff, and nothing else.

The LeWinter sisters let go of Delikado and Level-One carelessly drops Jimmy Gooch onto the concrete below as he scatters away. Level-One doesn't say anything more as he turns around and walks off. The LeWinter sisters give each other high fives and walk off as Jimmy Gooch can't help but follow behind the young ladies... until Delikado reaches out and grabs him by the hand.

Pope Delikado XXX: Ayeeee, Jimmy! Those two are forbidden fruits and you know how your father feels about a healthy diet! Actually, he seems to forgo anything that isn’t fried, mooting our point, BUT ITS DEEPER MESSAGE IS CLEAR! Remain with us! Good boy.

Jimmy Gooch: What do we do next?

Pope Delikado XXX doesn't have an answer for Jimmy and merely tugs Jimmy Gooch by his arm behind him and out of sight from the cameras.

[Johnny Rebel]

The scene cuts to ringside, as “Cult of Personality” hits on the PA.

Harvey: Here we go! This one should be a classic! Wait, what?

Nathaniel Havok emerges from the back with a grin on his face-- am all-knowing, chilling grin. He pauses, nodding back toward the curtains... And a loud, mixed reaction follows.

Chase: Evan Envi and Nathaniel Havok are coming out TOGETHER! What’s this about?

The fans seem astonished as Envi and Havok scale down the ramp, Envi lagging behind with Jenny Knite at his side as she hugs Lady Overdrive to her chest. Envi and Havok hop into the ring, and both men grab microphones as the music cuts out.

Havok: As you might notice, Evan and I have come down here together before the beginning of our match, in a show of protest.

The Brazilian crowd boos the statement but Evan silences them as he slowly raises the microphone to his lips.

Envi: ...In protest of unruly injustice, prejudice, and disrespect.

Havok: We realize that the two of us are bound to cross paths eventually, and believe us, we’re fine with facing one another. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man, Evan Envi.

Again, this prompts a negative reaction which Envi responds to with a quiet chuckle.

Envi: And I too, have the utmost respect for Mr. Havok.

Havok: But the fact that this match is NOT the main event of the evening, is what has the both of us in a very aggravated mood!

Envi: Like, come on, y'all. How often do I stress the importance of real wrestling? Of real wrestlers? And how often am I HORRIFIED that men like Level One, who have no respect for this business-- or even for the World Heavyweight Championship or its lineage-- are main eventing and headlining tours while REAL WRESTLERS like Havok and yours truly are subject to... This... Wrestling on the second match on the card in damned South America.

Once more, boos flood the arena at the negative portrayal of their continent.

Havok: How often do I speak of the same thing? Of this business being a laughingstock, and not being viewed in the same light as it used to be?

Envi: Sounds to ME like Nathaniel Havok and Evan Envi could help this show, and this business. Giving us the main event spotlight, we could do things that others in this company could NEVER... Hell-- we've forgotten better things than any of you will ever come up with... We've passed up bigger opportunities than most of you will ever DREAM of! We ARE the whole damn show!

Havok: Alexander Duvall knows the importance of a match like this! He knows what Evan Envi versusu Nathaniel Havok could do for this company, and our careers! Yet he refuses to place this match into the spotlight of the main event! And for what?

So that CJ Gates and Level One can continue to hog the spotlight?

So CJ Gates can continue to show the world that he's a lackluster main event talent?

So that Michael Callahan can parade around the main event spot, showing us exactly WHY he shouldn't be the World Heavyweight Champion?

If the main event were Level-One and Delikado one on one, I'd have no problem going on before them! Evan would have no problem going on before them, would you?

Evan looks oddly disinterested at the mention of Level One and rolls his eyes but snickers again before raising the mic.

Envi: Hah. Not at all, Sir Havok. As a matter of fact, I think that Delikado and Level-One is a pay per view quality main event. Just NOT quite like Evan Envi versus Nathaniel Havok! Both high quality matches, all four high quality in-ring performers. Both one-on-one matches would be instant classics! But HERE WE ARE, putting on a free wrestling clinic in Brazil.

Havok: ...It's time that Alexander Duvall and Hurricane Jeff changed the way that they do business! This company continues it's downward spiral, all of it blamed on the American economy. A Canadian-based wrestling promotion, blaming the American economy for it's shortcomings. That's like the American President Barack Obama, blaming all of his shortcomings on George W. Bush. When is that excuse no longer valid?

Envi: Nate... This isn't about American politics. Stay on track here, compadre.

Havok: But it's the same damn thing, and it's getting old!

Envi: I think what my comrade here is trying to say, is that we DEMAND the main event spotlight. TONIGHT!

Havok: Yeah! No offense to either Level-One, or Mr. Delikado... But this match, these two men you see here... We deserve our chance to showcase REAL wrestling, on a bigger stage! Not the second match of the evening! Not after Gooch and Shadow have bored you all half to death with their...

Envi: Come on, now. Don't talk about the Gooch like that. He's a superb professional! The King would know, and so do you!

Jenny Knite enthusiastically cheers at the mention of Gooch, causing the crowd to hesitate with their pop.

Havok: Nevertheless, a match the quality of Evan Envi and Nathaniel Havok... It MUST go on last!

Envi: That being said... In protest... Nathaniel Havok, Evan Envi, Lady Overdrive... We refuse to showcase our talents! We refuse to go all out, being the second match on the card!

Mr. Havok and myself had a very lengthy discussion about this matter. We have decided that if we refuse to give you one hundred percent, then we're not going to wrestle here tonight at all! And unless this match is substituted in place of the main event, then you won't be seeing us here tonight.

Havok: Alexander Duvall... I know why you're doing this. I know the grudge you hold, and you'll do anything you have to, even if it's bad for business, just to ensure that Nathaniel Havok doesn't once again take this show over! Well, I've got news for you bud... This show... Overdri...

Out from behind the Gorilla Position, comes Overdrive General Manager, Alexander Duvall. The fans give a mixed reaction, as some are on his side, while others remain on the side of Havok and Envi. Others, could care less.

Duvall: So let me get this straight... The two of you are REFUSING to wrestle here tonight one-on-one, because you're not the main event?

Evan blinks rapidly before he replies.

Envi: It's more than that! This about REAL wrestling! This is about your talent being shunned aside, so guys like CJ Gates and Michael Callahan can continue to bore these people half to death! You want an instant classic between The Source and The King? Then you better place it in the main event slot!

Duvall: I understand where the two of you are coming from. You two have illustrious histories here on this show, and I'd love to see the two of you battle it out in the main event.

Havok: Don't give me that bullshi...

Duvall: Interrupt me again, and you'll be jobbing to Mr. Dangerous on a weekly basis!

The fans erupt in applause for the Overdrive GM. Something that he rarely hears.

Duvall: I COULD place the two of you in the main event. I COULD make your match the match of the night. Wait, no, I couldn't! It doesn't matter who's in the main event! It's up to the two of you to have the match of the night! Look at it this way... If these people leave the arena tonight, STILL talking about the second match on the card instead of talking about the main event, then you know that you both did your jobs!

Now, as far as your demands... I won't be meeting them. HOWEVER, you two WILL be meeting mine! Evan, I know how much Lady Overdrive means to you. And if you don't compete in this match, Lady Overdrive will be taken from you, and eventually, she'll be sleeping with somebody else, if you get what I'm saying!

Nathaniel, if you don't compete in this match... I may not be able to fire your ass, but you WON'T be competing for the Xtreme Championship at Mayhem. Instead, you'll be doing exactly what I said, jobbing to Mr. Dangerous! The choice is up to you, but this match WILL start now, and you will do what you've been ordered to do!

Oh, and one more thing before I leave. One of your fellow Megastars, one you both know very well, will be watching this up close and personal.


“ALL OF THE LIGHTS”

Chase: “NO! NO NO, GOD DAMMIT NO!”

Out steps a smirking A.C. Smith as Duvall leaves, and he's brandishing his APW Xtreme Championship on his shoulder. His music blares in the background as Harrison and Havok give him looks that would melt steel.

Harvey: “It's no secret that Smith and Envi have a ton of history, and Smith and Havok will square off at Mayhem for that Xtreme Championship! It'll sure be interesting to hear his take on this match.”

Chase: “Speak for yourself! Can we get security out here so that big, smelly oaf doesn't lay his paws on me?”

Harvey: “Or you could just behave yourself for once.”

Smith exchanges nods with Jenny Knite at ringside as he goes around the squared circle to the announcer's table. He pulls up a chair next to Harvey, and he pulls on a headset as he sits down.

A.C.: “Gentlemen! It's a pleasure.”

Chase: “For one of us!”

Envi and Havok are both a little rattled by Smith's unexpected entrance, but they refocus on each other as a referee appears and gives the pair several last-minute directives. He calls for the bell, and the two begin sizing each other up.

They lock up, and the taller Havok cinches in a side headlock while adding several punches. Envi counters by spinning out with a wristlock, adding some knife-edge chops to Havok's chest that knock him back into the corner.

Havok locks up with Envi again, turning him around so his back is now to the turnbuckles. Havok fires away with several punches in the corner and grabs a belly-to-belly suplex, but Evan blocks the suplex by putting his foot on the middle rope, instead grabbing a hip toss that sends Havok across the ring.

Chase: “See, Smith? Real wrestling! Great reversal by Evan Envi.”

A.C.: “I'm not debating Evan's talent. I've gotten more familiar with that than anyone since I met him seven years ago. It's his MINDSET that I can't stand!”

Chase: “Psh. That was a clean, scientific maneuver...”

Havok gets up and charges at Evan, but Envi responds with a kick to the groin.

Harvey: “...and THAT?”

Chase: “You're clearly unaware of the Argentinian martial arts kick!”

A.C.: “Darren, you don't get paid NEARLY enough.”

The Overdrive champ gets a front facelock, but Havok reverses the hold into an atomic drop that stuns the Mega Megastar. A spinwheel kick drops Envi to a knee, and Havok runs to the ropes, coming off with a baseball slide that catches Evan right in the chin.

Havok follows Evan to the side of the ring, getting in a few stomps before Envi gets to his feet. An Irish whip sends Evan across the ring, and Nathaniel tries a back body drop over the top rope. However, Evan grabs the top rope, skins the cat, and dumps Havok over the ropes and down to the arena floor, right in front of the announcer's table!

Chase: “YES! Come on, Havok, forget about Evan Envi! Take Smith out before Mayhem while you've got the chance!”

Harvey: “Much as I disagree with my partner, we may very well get a sneak preview of the Xtreme Championship match right now!”

Havok gets a sense of his surroundings, and when he sees A.C. Smith at ringside, he immediately springs up and walks toward him! The crowd pops as Smith stands up, motioning for Havok to get back in the ring with one hand while polishing his Xtreme Championship with the other.

Havok continues taunting Smith, but doesn't notice Envi sneaking up behind him, and Evan gets a few forearms to the back that knock his opponent down. Evan gives Smith another angry look, but he picks Nathaniel up and rolls him back into the ring.

A.C.: “You can't allow yourself to get distracted. Havok'll have his chance at my belt soon enough. For now, he's got all he can handle with Evan Harrison.”

Chase: “ENVI! Why do you continually refuse to call him by his proper name?”

A.C.: “Because of reactions like THAT.”

Harvey: “Smith 1, Chase 0.”

Evan goes to the top rope, quickly scaling the turnbuckles and coming off with a double axe handle. However, Havok recovers just in time, catching him with the belly-to-belly suplex he tried to apply earlier! He goes for the cover...

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Shoulder up by Envi. Havok grabs an armbar on the ground, keeping it applied for a few seconds after Envi gets his right foot on a nearby rope. The hold gets released, and Havok keeps the pressure on with a few swift kicks to the gut before picking Evan up and bracing him in the corner.

Nathaniel goes to the opposite corner and gains a head of steam, but Envi moves out of the way of a charge, and Havok hits nothing but the turnbuckles. Envi grabs a roll-up with his arms and the nearby rope with both of his feet.

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Shoulder up by Havok, and Envi takes both feet off the ropes just before the official looks his way.

Harvey: “Real wrestling, my rear end.”

Chase: “Did he get disqualified? Did it affect the match in any way? No? Then shut up, you squealer!”

A.C.: “So the fact that getting leverage like that is illegal means nothing to you, Johnny?”

Chase: “You shut up, too!”

A.C.: “Make me.”

Chase: “And damage my fists, which I've had insured through Lloyd's of London? Never!”

Both men are now back to their feet in the ring. They lock up, and Havok pushes Envi backwards into the ropes. Several chops and an Irish whip follow, and Havok puts Evan down with a body slam before stomping his opponent up and down his back.

Havok taunts the booing crowd before picking Envi up into a powerbomb or piledriver position. He grabs both arms in preparation for the Commence Destruction, but Evan pushes him away and quickly rises, attempting a standing clothesline. However, Havok ducks it, countering with a surprise superkick that puts the Overdrive Champion down! Nathaniel covers:

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Shoulder up!

Harvey: “Boy, I thought that might have been it. Havok can hit that superkick from out of nowhere.”

Chase: “Take notes all you want, Smith, but nothing can prepare you for that kind of quickness. That is, if Johnny Rebel even lets you MAKE IT to Mayhem.”

A.C.: “Your concern is overwhelming, Johnny. But I know damn well who I'm facing. I've known everything about everyone who's tried to take my title for the last four-plus months, and in case you haven't noticed, that's worked out pretty well for me.”

Havok glares at the referee, who makes the “this close” symbol with his fingers. Still annoyed, Havok hits several hard punches to Envi's head before picking him up again, this time draping him over his shoulder and placing him on the top turnbuckle.

Nathaniel goes up top with Evan, going for a superplex. However, Envi pushes Havok off, crotching him on the top rope! The Mega Megastar continues the offensive with a missile dropkick, one that sends Havok bouncing off the apron and down to the floor!

Harvey: “What a counter by Evan Envi!”

Chase: “If Havok had hit that superplex, this one probably would have been over and done with. How can you NOT like this guy, Smith?”

A.C.: “I have no issue with Evan Harrison. Evan ENVI, though? Different story.”

Chase: “What the hell kind of sense does THAT make?”

A.C.: “If you'd known Evan Harrison before he turned into...all of THIS? Plenty.”

Envi attempts to regroup on the mat, and as he gets to his feet very slowly, he urges the official to count Havok out. Indeed, Havok is very slow to get up, but at the count of seven, he gingerly rolls into the ring from the apron. He's met by several stomps to his back, but Nathaniel momentarily stops the offensive by sweeping Evan's other leg out from under him, knocking him down.

Havok uses the ropes to get to his feet, and hits an elbow to Evan's chest as he charges up behind him. Havok adds a few forearms as he turns around and whips Envi to the other side of the ring, again trying to catch him with a back body drop. However, Evan springs straight up in the air, and comes down into a double-arm DDT!

Chase: “The Blues! Out of NOWHERE! This HAS to be it.”

Evan rolls over and makes the cover...

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Kickout by Havok!

A.C.: “Wrong again, Johnny.”

Chase: “Only because of Nathaniel Havok's dedication to his craft! Take a good look, Smith; that's what you'll be up against at Mayhem, someone who never says die!”

Evan looks up at the referee in absolute shock. He thought for sure that The Blues would finish things off, but instead, he picks Havok up in an inverted side headlock, undoubtedly going for The Guess Who! Havok uses all of his energy, though, to turn Envi over and into a tombstone piledriver position. However, Evan swings his legs around in mid-air, turning it into The Arm Triangle and bringing Havok down to the mat back-first!

Havok's shoulders are pinned to the mat, and the referee comes over:

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WINNER: Evan Envi

Paige: “Here is your winner...EVAN ENVI!!!!!”

Harvey: “Love them or hate them, these two men put on one heck of a show here tonight! And A.C., thanks for coming out here and spending some time with us.”

A.C.: “BOTH of you are very welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some business of my own to take care of against Johnny Rebel.”

Smith stands up, staring down both Envi and Havok as he walks back up the aisle to the backstage area. The camera zooms in as Buckson Gooch is looking in a mirror with a small pair of scissors. He looks at the small patchwork of stitches and grabs the small knots at the end of each new, pink scar.

Buckson Gooch: I wonder who did this...

He pulls each string slowly as it loops through his skin, almost therapeutic he watches as it leaves each hole. Not the most entertaining TV.

Buckson Gooch: Bleh...

He holds each of the stitches in his giant bear claw like hand and looks at them intently. He then drops them in the trashcan under the sink. He looks back in the mirror and pulls the hair back out of his face.

Buckson Gooch: Oh well, I wasn't all that good lookin' to begin with.

He steps closer to the mirror and looks at the new pink scars.

Buckson Gooch: As much as I like Envi, I get the feeling I'll be getting more of these and so will Envi...all for the sake of competition.

Buck smiles a snaggletooth grin into the mirror

Buckson Gooch: I love this job...

Buck cracks his neck in the mirror and walks away as the camera fades to commercial break.

[Johnny Rebel]

Our cameras fade into the back and our audience boos as we fade into the locker-room of Evan Envi. He is shirtless, but changed into a pair of cargo shorts, pulling on socks as we watch Cindy Shannon step into frame, knocking gently on the door.

Cindy: Evan? Could I have a minute?

She gives a polite nod to Jenny Knite, who offers a hollow smile in return.

Evan: Cindy... For you? You can have the whole damn day.

Cindy: Right, right. I'm flattered... But, Evan, I think it's been obvious since the first match that tonight hasn't exactly gone the way you wanted.

Evan finishes pulling his sock on and sighs, staring out into the hallway blankly for a few moments. He then shakes his head.

Evan: No. It hasn't. Not only did that idiot Sha... Shaaaaa.... Shaaaadd.... YOU KNOW WHO I'M TALKING ABOUT!

Cindy: Yes-- yes, I know.

Evan: Not only did he put his hands on me, UNPROVOKED, but even AFTER my manager here went out there and did what he asked, he had the nerve to disrespect me. He-- he used me and Jenny, and then made us go on second?

SECOND? Cindy, that's worse than jerking the damned curtain!

Cindy: I-- I feel that there are a few Megastars that might disagree with that.

Evan scoffs.

Evan: Yeah. The ones that don't know how to get what they want.

Cindy: What's that mean?

Evan smiles and leans forward, looking into Cindy's eyes.

Evan: I've done more in the past five weeks with Lady Overdrive, and Jenny here at my side, then any of these ingrates in the main event tonight have done in months.

I am second to nobody, Jenny. Nobody. I have my friends, and I have my allies, and they know how I think. They know how I operate. They know that until someone definitively proves otherwise, I will say that I'm the best to walk this Earth-- I'll shout it from the rooftops.

And then I'll back it up, and watch everyone bitch and moan because of it.

Evan pauses and sighs.

Evan: Envikado represents REAL wrestling. Nathaniel Havok represents real wrestling.

...Buckson Gooch does too. I just don't know if he knows it yet. So when I TEACH HIM about himself at Mayhem on May 19th, right back here in Brazil, then I expect to be held in higher regard than INGRATES like MICHAEL... EFFING... CALLAHAN!

I AM BETTER THAN MICHAEL CALLAHAN! I AM BETTER THAN CJ GATES! I AM BETTER THAN LESTER!

Cindy: Okay-- okay, I'm--

Jenny: Cindy, I think you should probably leav--

Evan: GET OUT! GET THE HELL OUT!

Cindy: Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! Thanks for your time!

Evan: OOOUUUUUUUUT!

Cindy: Leaving! Gone!

Cindy quickly escapes from the locker-room. Evan's face is red and as he stands to his feet, the crowd is growing louder, expecting him to lash out-- expecting action... But he shakes his head and turns to Jenny.

Evan: Jenny.

Jenny: Evan?

Evan: We're leaving soon. Do me a solid, eh?

Jenny: Yeah-- yeah, anything. What is it?

Evan sighs.

Evan: Go find Gooch.

Jenny looks confused by the order but slowly nods and turns, leaving the room. Evan rests his head against the doorframe and sighs. We cut back to the ring where Nicky Paige is standing with a microphone in hand.

Nicky Paige: The following bout is set for one fall!

The lights in the area quickly cut out. The fans are abuzz, and the electricity in the air is met with one lyric.

“ALL OF THE LIGHTS”

Fireworks go off in time with the bass to the song as a large, dark silhouette appears on the stage. It stands still as a statue as the music continues and the capacity crowd cheers its collective heart out.

Nicky Paige: First, from New York City! Weighing 275 pounds...THE BIG APPLE ASSKICKER, A.C. SMITH!!!!!

The lights slowly come back on around the building, and only now does the big man move down the aisle. He confidently surveys the scene around him and touches the outstretched hands of fans as the chorus kicks in.

“Turn up the lights in here, baby
Extra bright, I want y'all to see this
Turn up the lights in here, baby
You know what I need
Want you to see everything
Want you to see all of the liiiiights”

Smith soaks in the admiration as he pauses just for a moment at the ringside steps. However, the multiple-time world champion quickly pops up to the apron, runs to the opposite turnbuckle, and poses atop it to more cheers from the crowd. After a few seconds, Smith pivots and jumps down to the ring, where he begins to loosen up for his upcoming match.

Harvey: A.C. Smith has been impressive during his first year in Action Packed Wrestling. Nobody can deny that. But tonight, he may hit a roadblock. Tonight..... A.C. Smith encounters-

#SIMPLY F'N PUT!

A recorded voice comes over the loud speaker and "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple blasts over the PA. Johnny Rebel comes out in a gold robe shimmering in the lights. "SIMPLY PUT" is written in silver on the back. His blonde goatee is neatly trimmed and blonde hair is freshly cut; his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.

#IT'S TIME TO PAY THE PRICE!

Nicky Paige: And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing 234 pounds... “Simply Put” JOHNNNYY REBEL!!!

The crowd has come unglued in their hatred for Rebel. He gets to the ring and pulls a camera man down to the ground and on all fours as Rebel uses him as a stepping stone to get in the ring. He takes off his robe to reveal his gold tights and tasseled white boots. He poses on the second turnbuckle with both hands held high.

Chase: Look, John!! Look into the face of perfection! Right there!

Harvey: I’m looking, but A.C. Smith is too!

A.C. Smith vs Johnny Rebel

The bell rings and Smith looks ready to lock up, while Rebel looks ready for a nap! He yawns as the fans try to start several variations of a “REBEL SUCKS!” chant, and turns his attention to Smith once the big man gets close. Smith raises his arms for a lockup and Rebel smiles at him for a second- before hitting him with a vicious toe kick to his abdomen! Smith falls to his knees and Rebel immediately positions him for The Put Down, but Smith counters with a back body drop!

Harvey: Rebel was trying to end it early!!

Rebel howls in pain and gets up, running into a huge slap right to the pectorals! Rebel holds his chest and howls in pain again, but is hit with a Scoop Slam! Smith hits the ropes, but Johnny Rebel rolls out of the ring, catching his breath before he can take more damage.

Harvey: A.C. Smith doesn’t seem to agree that this is a good time for a break.

Chase: Leave him alone, Smith! That’s a legend in the business!

Rebel turns, but isn’t quick enough to see the oncoming Smith drill him with a Clothesline on the outside! Rebel goes down hard, but Smith lifts him up, holding him up on one shoulder before he charges the barricade and throws Rebel off, causing him to spiral and land back-first across the top! Rebel screams in agony and falls to his knees at ringside. A.C. Smith grabs him from behind in a Dragon Sleeper before he raises an arm up to the crowd and throws three hard strikes across Rebel’s chest with the crowd counting along in Spanish! Smith smirks at the audience’s display, but finishes Rebel with an elbow to the chest that sends him to the floor! Rebel writhes in pain and Smith slides him back into the ring as the referee starts to count them out.

Harvey: Police Lineup to Rebel on the outside, and Brasilia is hot for A.C. Smith!

Chase: No one is hotter for A.C. Smith than A.C. Smith. Brasilia is just loud in general.

Harvey: You just can’t give the guy a break, can you?

Chase: That’s a negative, John.

Rebel gets to his feet and turns around into a kick to the gut from A.C. Smith, identical to his match-opening kick. Smith hooks him for a Vertical Suplex and holds him upside down for a few moments, letting the blood rush to his head to a pop from the crowd before falling back. Rebel holds the back of his head as he rolls on the mat and Smith stalks him all the way back to his feet, lifting him as if for a Back Suplex before dropping him across his knee with a Backbreaker! Smith goes for the first cover of the match!!

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Kickout!

A.C. Smith isn’t discouraged and forces Rebel up and whips him into the corner. Smith goes to follow up with what looks like a Spear, but Johnny Rebel runs forward and smashes his nose with a Super Kick! Smith goes down in an instant and Johnny Rebel swiftly dives on top of him to hook the farther leg!

Chase: Ha! That was SIMPLY brilliant!

Harvey: Rebel’s got him! One... two... no, Smith got out of it just in time!

Rebel rises to his knees with his hands on his hips, sighing in annoyance but he gets to his feet and goes out to the top rope, motioning for Smith to get up (unbeknownst to Mr. Smith). A.C. gets to his feet and Johnny Rebel dives off of the top and hits a Missile Dropkick! Smith goes down and Rebel goes for a cover, but Smith rolls onto his stomach. Rebel angrily gets to his feet and hits a sharp punt to the ribs of A.C. Smith. Smith climbs to his knees, holding his side and Rebel goes to the ropes, coming back and hitting another Dropkick that takes Smith down once more! A.C. Smith shakes away the pain and climbs to his feet, swatting Rebel away in his third attempt! Johnny beats Smith to his feet and kicks him in the gut, positioning him for a Side Suplex, but again, Smith fights out of it, hitting elbows to the head and then a Powerbomb! Rebel climbs to his feet again and walks into a Samoan Drop!

Harvey: And I am BEYOND impressed with the ring awareness of A.C. Smith!

Smith waits for Johnny Rebel to climb up once more. Rebel is groaning obnoxiously in pain and when Smith runs at him, Rebel is able to counter with a Drop Toehold! Smith hits the canvas, but he’s up quickly..... right into a hard punch to the jaw by Rebel! The crowd boos for the closed fist and the referee warns the former GM but Rebel shrugs him off and climbs up to the second rope, measuring A.C. Smith. He then comes off the middle with a hard elbow right to the back of the skull. Smith is forced to one knee and Rebel delivers a Spike DDT! Smith is planted and breathes heavily while Rebel pushes him over and hooks both of his legs, but he doesn’t quite get his shoulders down! After a few seconds of hassle, Rebel finally gets both shoulders down and the ref counts.

Chase: WHY IS THIS REFEREE SO OUT OF POSITION!?

Harvey: It’s not the referee’s fault!

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THRE..SHOULDER UP!

Chase: GAAHHHH!!!

Johnny Rebel shares in Chase’s frustration and holds three fingers up to the referee, yelling for him to do his job. He turns and picks Smith up, throwing him into the corner and beginning to unload with shots to the body, but A.C. Smith hits a forearm smash across Rebel’s nose and then choke-tosses him into the corner! Smith hits him with a few more forearms for good measure before he backs to the center of the ring and comes back with a Spear to Rebel in the corner!

Harvey: And there’s that bone crunching Spear that the Big Apple Asskicker wanted to hit earlier!

Smith goes to the middle rope and begins to unload on Rebel with punches while he’s trapped in the corner! Smith reaches the count of nine with the crowd joyously counting along! He winds up, going for a hammerfisst to end the series, but Rebel grabs Smith around his legs and uses all of his strength to hit a modified Powerbomb out of the corner! Smith is driven viciously into the mat from the impact and Rebel covers him before he can bounce back, and the referee immediately counts.

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A.C. Smith grabs the bottom rope, forcing the count to be broken. Johnny Rebel tries to pull his arm away, but the referee has already seen it. Rebel looks down at Smith, shaking his head. He grabs Smith by his ear and stands up, yelling into his face before he Irish Whips him across the ring! Smith comes back into an Enziguiri from Rebel! Rebel then goes out to the top rope and stares down at Smith.

Chase: Here it is- beautiful as ever! The Chicago Crux!

Johnny Rebel sails from the top and tries to come down with the high leg drop across the skull of A.C. Smith...

Harvey: Nobody home!!

The crowd cheers wildly as A.C. Smith rolls out of the way! Both men are down in the middle of the ring and the referee starts to count them out!

Chase: Rebel looks like he really hurt his hip on that landing...

Harvey: And I doubt his current financial situation covers extensive hip surgery.

Chase: But... but we’re Canadian. I’m sure he’ll be fine! GET UP, J-REB!

Harvey: When you scream, you realize you’re just screaming into my ear...

Chase: GET UPPPPPUPUPUP!

Harvey: Mmmk.

Our cameras move past the crowd, showing the sky box area above the arena’s seats where Nathaniel Havok stands, still nursing wounds of battle from his previous match! He watches patiently as the match continues, and we cut back through the crowd, to the ring where Smith is getting up while Johnny Rebel tries to inch to the ropes for support.

Harvey: There you just saw Nathaniel Havok watching his opponent for Mayhem, A.C. Smith! He wants that Xtreme Title, and he knows that if Smith can beat Rebel here tonight, the momentum is on the side of the champion.

Smith waits for Rebel to get up and then pulls him away from the ropes, taking him to the mat with a Short-Arm Lariat! Rebel is bent like a contortionist from the impact and A.C. Smith nods out into the cheering legions of Brasilia before he lifts Rebel up and holds him above his head, then slams him to the mat with the Gorilla Press! The crowd is on their feet as Smith looks down at Rebel and then goes for the ropes!

Chase: BIG APPLE ASSKICKER!

When Smith rebounds off of the ropes however, Johnny Rebel leaps to his feet and rushes Smith, taking him down with an Oklahoma Roll! Johnny Rebel grabs the middle rope for leverage and the referee slides into the count.

Harvey: But look at the ropes! Look at Johnny Rebel’s left hand!

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THREE!!!

The referee calls for the bell and Rebel slips out of the ring.

Paige: Here is your winner... JOHNNNNNYYYY REBELLL!

Harvey: I can’t believe it!

Chase: Believe it! The man is a walking LEGACY!

Harvey: This is heartbreaking. A.C. Smith HAD this match won!!

Chase: If he had it, the ref would be raising HIS hand.

The referee raises Johnny Rebel’s hand in the middle of the ramp. Smith sits in the middle of the ring, looking down, and then shooting a look up to the now-empty skybox. He shakes his head and raises his brow at Rebel in annoyance and skepticism as Rebel makes his way into the back. The scene cuts backstage where Cindy Shannon can be seen standing with C.J. Gates.

Cindy Shannon: Joining me at this time is none other than APW Megastar C.J. Gates. C.J., last week you defeated Michael Callahan to earn a spot in the World Title match at Mayhem. How do you feel knowing you will get a shot at the World title?

C.J. Gates: It feels good. It feels like I'm getting a bit of a second chance after Rasslemania ended with Level One's involvement. However, I wouldn't say that I defeated Michael Callahan. Sure, I picked up the victory, but depending how you look at the match, I wouldn't say I defeated him.

Cindy Shannon: Level One says it was just a matter of time before you pinned Callahan.

C.J. Gates: Level One enjoys doing whatever he can to get under the skin of his opponents. Though who knows, maybe I would have beaten Callahan. Not that it matters now, because whats done is done and now I have found my way into the title match at Mayhem.

Cindy Shannon: Tonight you team with Level One to take on Callahan and Delikado. Thoughts?

C.J. Gates: It's going to be a good preview of Mayhem. Even though it's a tag team match, it's still very much every man for themselves. There's hatred flying all over the ring, so it wouldn't shock me if things blew up by the end. With Mayhem right around the corner, anything can happen.

And anything will. Everyone saw how last week went down, when Level One and Delikado did all that they could to keep me from getting into the match. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's no telling what could happen tonight.

Cindy Shannon: Any last words for your opponents?

C.J. Gates: Be ready for anything, boys. You did what you could to keep me out of the match, but failed. Now I am going to make the most out of this opportunity. I am not going to throw it all away.

I'm going to go big and you're all going home.

Gates turns and walks out of the shot as the scene fades back to ringside.

[Johnny Rebel]

Our cameras fade into the parking lot and the fans scream as we see Buckson Gooch from a distance... But as they pan out, we can see that he is speaking with Jenny Knite, prompting boos from the audience.

Both of them are standing by the double-doors of the arena, and it's nearly impossible to tell what the two are discussing... But the conversation ends with Gooch smiling at her and offering a handshake, but Jenny says something and hugs Buckson Gooch before waving and making her way back toward the camera.

Our camera switches views, briefly, cutting to the interior of a limousine as Jenny Knite climbs in, right next to Evan Envi, who is busy texting away on his iPhone behind sunglasses.

Evan: So how'd that go?

Jenny: It's dark. And you're in a limo. Do you need the shades?

Evan: ...I-- you didn't hear what I asked, did you?

Jenny: It went fine.

Evan: So everything's in motion?

Jenny: Yes.

Evan: ...And you told him who attacked me?

Evan removes his glasses, revealing the bruise under his eye, courtesy of last week's untelevised attack. He looks at Jenny for a few moments, and her eyes seem to gravitate toward the wound.

Jenny: Yeah. I told him what you told me to tell him.

Evan rolls his eyes and slides the sunglasses back on.

Evan: I told you the truth.

Jenny nods and leans back in her seat as the limo begins to pull out of the parking lot.

Jenny: So we're gonna handle it before Mayhem, right?

Evan doesn't answer for a few moments, but simply looks out the window.

Evan: My work until Mayhem is done.

Jenny: ...But I thought the whole point of me talking to that smelly, disgusting, fat--

Evan: He's not fat, Jennifer. He's husky. And MY work until Mayhem is done. BUCKSON GOOCH is a different story. HE is going to handle this, just like he handled Shadow tonight.

And then at Mayhem, I'll handle him. I'll turn him into the new MegaMegaStar. Just watch and learn, babe! Watch. And. Learn.

Evan leans back in his seat, smiling to himself as we fade to ringside. A green hue fills the arena as "Writing On the Wall" by the Tea Party begins to play and the fans instantly jump to their feet, cheering loudly. C.J. Gates quickly makes his way out from the back wearing his trademark cowboy hat and his "Go Big or Go Home" T-shirt. He points out to the fans in attendance and smiles before making his way down the ramp, tagging hands with the fans along the side of it. Gates reaches the ring and slides in under the bottom rope before springing to his feet and climbing the nearest turnbuckle. He points out at the fans one more time before raising his arms in the air to another loud chorus of cheers.

Paige: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first: from Fargo, ND; weighing 215lbs...C.J. GATES!!!

Harvey: C.J. Gates earned a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship last week, defeating Michael Callahan.

Chase: Let’s not forget it was on a technicality.

Harvey: Nevertheless, C.J. will be in the Mayhem main event, and bids to become only the second person to have held both the Undisputed and World Heavyweight Championships after the legendary Sally Talfourd.

''Almost famous'' by Eminem hits the PA system resulting in a stirring of the crowd. Several seconds later, Level-One steps out from behind the curtains cam corder in hand. He holds it up to his face and points it straight down at the ring before panning around at the rest of the crowd. As he walks down the ramp, he points the cameras in the faces of the fans whom are scowling with anger.

Paige: Weighing in at 263 points from Toronto, Ontario, Canada currently residing in Hollywood, California! He is a FOUR TIME APW Undisputed Champion! Please welcome... Level-One!!!!

Level-One continues down the ramp and as the crowd boos he shouts over them into the camera - seeing it as the opportune time to create a blog for his Youtube channel on his way to the ring. He rolls under the bottom rope and sticks the video camera in the referee's face telling him that he's going to face hell from Hollywood if he doesn't do his job. With that he leans against the ropes and casually continues to create his video blog, waiting for the match to get underway.

Harvey: Here’s the second man bidding to complete that are double of Undisputed and World Heavyweight Championships. Is there a megastar more obsessed by being #1 again in APW?

Chase: It consumes Level-One, and he has waited nearly two years for this chance at personal redemption. It’s been a long time since Level-One was top dog; too long some might argue.

Cardinal Sniper, personal announcer to His Cuban Holiness, walks down to the ring and takes the microphone from the announcer. Standing in the middle of the ring, and with overly-grand gestures, he makes the following announcement:

I announce to you a great coolness:
We have a Wrestling Pope!
The Most Sexy and Most Inspiring Lord,
Delikado Madness Asombroso
Bawse-Cardinal of the Holy Wrestling Church, Action Packed Wrestling
Who takes to himself the name of Pope Delikado XXX!!!

The epically holy narration announced by Cardinal Sniper, “The Avengers Theme” by Alan Silvestri begins and a nuclear explosion is heard going off, accompanied by heavenly angel singing, as the curtain parts slowly and Pope Delikado XXX rides out onto the stage on his valiant, trusted white stallion, First Lieutenant Daleatucuerpoalegriamacarena. As the song keeps playing, he looks out to the ring and bows gently, smiling to the crowd and making random hand gestures on the back of his steed. The crowd gives a mix of cheers and boos, to which Pope Delikado slowly rides down the ramp, giving Pope-like waves and cupping his hands in occasional prayer to the Wrestling Gods.

Reaching the ring, Pope Delikado climbs off his horse and humbly kneels before it, saying a to the attractive women, pats on the head to the children, and a ‘Sup?’ head nod to everyone else. He ascends the stairs and enters the ring; once inside he stares out to the crowd, giving them his “blessing” with more random hand gestures. He proceeds to stand in place, removing his holy pope-like garments to reveal his wrestling attire underneath. Pope Delikado now waits for the match to start as he stands in the center of the ring, extends his arms at his side, and leans his head back to look up into the lights with closed eyes. Ahhhhhhhhmeeeeeeeeen!

Harvey: Delikado is without doubt the most unique individual to ever compete in APW.

Chase: He’s completely off his rocker, Harv. But he’s the Pope--- how do you argue with that?

Harvey: All I know is that Delikado won’t need divine intervention to become the World Heavyweight Champion--- he’s good enough all by himself.

The lights go out and the arena descends into a hushed silence as the intro to "Hellraiser" by Ozzy Osbourne hits the sound system. When the drums kick in, a single spot light shines down from the rafters and the crowd roar their hearts out in dismay at the impending arrival of the champion. At last when the guitar kicks in, Michael Callahan struts out of the curtain holding the World Heavyweight Championship like a guitar, strumming and playing it and banging his head much to the chagrin of the fans.

I'M LIVING ON AN ENDLESS ROAD!
AROUND THE WORLD FOR ROCK AND ROLL!
SOMETIMES, IT FEELS SO TOUGH!
BUT I STILL AIN'T HAD ENOUGH!

I KEEP SAYING THAT IT'S GETTING TOO MUCH!
BUT I KNOW I'M A LIAR!

FEELING ALRIGHT, IN THE NOISE AND THE LIGHT!
BUT THAT'S WHAT LIGHTS MY FIRE!

As the chorus kicks in, Callahan flips his head back and slings the championship over his shoulder casually as he prepares to make his walk down. Callahan salutes the ring, before confidently strutting his way down to the ring with a certain sway about him not quite seen in a long time. When he makes it down to the ring, he swaggers his way up the steps, wipes both feet off on the apron then swings his leg over the middle and climbs in as the cameras flash to capture his grand entrance.

He takes his final moment to posture atop the furthest turnbuckle, draping the belt over his shoulder and throwing up the twin-linked Nixon V's as his music dies down and the light comes back on fully.

Paige: From Kelso, Washington; weighing 229lbs; he is the APW World Heavyweight Champion, “The American Hero”.....MICHAEL CALLAHAN!

Harvey: Has a champion ever been more under pressure in a title defence? Has a champion, outside the elimination chamber, ever faced such overwhelming odds as Michael Callahan faces at Mayhem. I mean he could lose the title without being pinned or forced to submit.

Chase: You know what, it’s going to be tough for Callahan. But he’s the American Hero; if anyone can do this, he can.

Strange Bedfellows Tag Team Match
C.J. Gates & Level-One vs. Delikado & Michael Callahan (c)

The match begins with Callahan and Delikado doubling teaming C.J. and backing him into a corner; meanwhile, Level-One nonchalantly takes his place on the apron. Delikado and Callahan takes turns hitting C.J. with shots to the face. A double whip into the opposite corner, Team CallaKado nail a Poetry In Motion double team, Delikado nailing the step-up leg lariat off Callahan. C.J. stumbles out of the corner, Callahan grapples him with a waistlock. C.J. counters with a couple of back elbows, he’s loose and nails Callahan with a mule kick, sending the World Heavyweight Champ sliding across the ring. Delikado leaps off the top rope, but C.J. counters with a mid-air spinning heel kick. The crowd are pumped, C.J leaps onto the top rope looking for the Gatecrasher, but Delikado is quick to roll out of the ring. C.J tracks him though and changes his point of attack, landing the Dropping DOW on Delikado on the outside. The crowd pop that incredible move.

Harvey: It is this all-action, high-octane offence that has endeared C.J. Gates to the APW fans over the years.

Chase: Not to mention he’s an incredible ass-kisser.

Harvey: He isn’t afraid to fight for what he believes is right.

C.J gets to his feet and climbs onto the apron, but Callahan cuts him off and nails him with a chinbreaker on the top rope. C.J. drops to his back on the apron. Callahan rebounds off the ropes and nails C.J. with a baseball slide, sending him crashing to the floor outside. Delikado starts stomping all over C.J. on the outside, Callahan grabs the referee and serves as a distraction. Eventually Level-One pulls himself away from videoing the fans and stomps over to assist Gates. Delikado backs off with his hands up, then tentatively moves in and rolls C.J. back into the ring. Callahan is immediately on the offensive, stomping half a dozen times on C.J. before landing a standing elbow drop. Callahan makes a cover, but C.J. kicks out immediately. Callahan lifts Gates and hits him with a few forearm strikes to the head, then whips C.J. into the ropes. Gates rebounds and Callahan drops him with a running back elbow strike to the face. Callahan hits the ropes and nails C.J. with a jumping knee drop right onto C.J.’s right leg. C.J. squirms away in pain, Callahan tags in Delikado.

Harvey: I think the talk in the back has been for a long time about the day Delikado becomes #1 on Overdrive. I’ve got to say, the last few weeks have convinced me more and more that day is a case of when, not if.

Chase: He’s a Cuban Missile that isn’t a red herring, if you know what I’m saying. Besides, Delikado’s reborn, he’s got God on his side--- how can he possibly fail?

In the ring Delikado is giving C.J. the face shot--- repeated mounted slaps to the face. Delikado lifts C.J. to his feet and gets in the double underhook, looking for Deli-Kado, but C.J. reverses with a back body drop. As C.J. gathers himself and begins to walk towards his corner, Delikado gets up, hits the ropes and plants C.J. with a running bulldog. Delikado turns C.J. onto his back...and scores a two count. Delikado has three fingers up on his right hand, but the ref shakes his head. Delikado lifts C.J. and plants a knee into his gut, then Delikado goes in search of a neckbreaker, but C.J. counters and sends Delikado into a turnbuckle. C.J. heads towards his corner, Level-One has his hand out-stretched, but Delikado leaps onto C.J.’s back and applies a rear choke. C.J. quickly flops down to the mat, but Delikado has the choke locked in.

Harvey: We’ve seen how Megastars use this kind of choke to great effect, and Delikado is very quickly draining the life out of C.J.’s body.

Chase: It’s only a matter of time now, Darren. C.J. will soon be unconscious.

Harvey: One thing we know for sure is that C.J. will be fighting with every ounce of energy in his soul.

But C.J. is fading fast and his body has gone limp. The ref raises an arm, lets go and it hits the mat.

ONE!

The ref repeats, again the arm slumps straight to the mat.

TWO!

Delikado is gnashing away like a madman, urging the ref to get on with it. The crowd have started up chant.

C.J. GATES

C.J. GATES

C.J. GATES

The ref lifts the arm for a third time and let’s go...

THREE-

Harvey: He’s kept his arm up! There is still life in C.J. Gates!

Delikado is disbelieving, but C.J. soon starts fighting himself back to a vertical base. He lands a couple of back elbows to the sternum and Delikado is forced to release his hold. C.J. turns, Delikado tries to punch him, but C.J. blocks and counters with a couple of shots of his own, then hits a stinging Enziguri that sends Delikado spinning around 180 degrees, before he drops theatrically to his knees, then flops face down to the mat. The crowd pop and C.J. begins to crawl to his corner.

Harvey: C.J. needs this tag more than anything! The crowd are urging him on here.

Chase: But Level-One isn’t paying attention!

That’s right, Level-One has his back to the action, and C.J. is now within tagging distance. Callahan gets into the ring and drags C.J. back to the centre of the ring and starts stomping all over him. Delikado is back on his feet and makes it a double team. Level-One turns to the ring and sees what’s going on. He climbs through the ropes, Delikado makes a hasty getaway, but Callahan is floored with a clothesline. The champ gets to his feet, Level-One grabs him and launches him across the ring with an epic belly to belly suplex. Level-One gets up and thumps his chest, but out of nowhere he’s nailed with a Last Call to Cuba superkick and is sent tumbling out of the ring. Now it’s Delikado’s turn to pose and taunt, but he walks straight into a hurricanrana from C.J., who rolls through and ends up mounting Delikado, unloading repeated shots to the Cuban’s face. Callahan tries to blindside C.J., but instead gets nailed with the Stamp of Approval (Double Arm DDT). The crowd are going wild now. C.J. heads across and jumps to the top turnbuckle. He looks set for the Gatecrasher (Corkscrew Senton Bomb) on Delikado, but Callahan pulls down on the top rope and C.J. ends up straddling himself.

Chase: What incredible ring awareness from the American Hero!

Harvey: He may have just saved the match with that move.

Delikado gets to his feet and monkey flips C.J. from the top rope, then goes to the top turnbuckle and signals something spectacular. Delikado goes in search of a huge diving leg drop, but C.J. rolls away and Delikado hits the mat. Both men are down for a good ten seconds before they start moving towards their respective corners. C.J. makes the tag on Level-One, getting a cheer from the crowd--- more for the fact C.J. now gets a rest than for Level-One getting in on the action. Level-One ignores Delikado and charges straight across the ring, knocking Callahan off the ring apron with a punch to the head. Delikado tries to blindside Level-One, but he counters into a military press and drops Delikado onto the top rope. The Cuban bounces off and is lifted straight into position for the Darkness Shine (F-5). Level-One walks to the centre of the ring, but he takes too long and Callahan is able to dive in and make the save, sweeping Level-One’s legs from underneath him with a chopblock. As both Level-One and Delikado crash to the mat, it’s the Cuban who lands on top and hooks back the legs...

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Level-One kicks out by pushing Delikado off him.

As Level-One gets to his feet Callahan is all over him with repeated knife edge chops to the chest, then a toe kick to the gut. The ref steps in and ushers Callahan back to the corner, but Delikado takes advantage by hitting a neckbreaker. Delikado is up and lands a leg drop to the head on Level-One, then he hits the ropes and a leg drop to chest connects. Up a third time, off the ropes and nailing the same leg drop to the legs of Level-One completing the DiSextion. Another cover from Delikado....

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C.J. Gates with the save!

Harvey: That was so close. I thought Delikado was going to pin Level-One!

Chase: It’s good to see C.J. holding up his end of the bargain and not sleeping on the job.

Callahan is now into the mix and complete chaos takes reign as arms and legs are swinging all over the place. The brief brawl ends with Callahan sending Gates over the top with a clothesline, and Level-One dropping Delikado with the Randy Orton backbreaker. But then Callahan surprises Level-One with the Landslide Victory (RKO), and rolls out of the ring. On the outside he starts cheerleading Delikado, telling him to get across and make the cover. A good three-count passes before Delikado gets over and drapes an arm over Level-One’s chest...

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Level-One gets up a shoulder.

Harvey: Unbelievable! Level-One just kicked out of the Landslide Victory!

Chase: That’s got to be the first time that has ever happened, Harv!

Harvey: I certainly don’t remember another instance.

Callahan is in a state of disbelief on the outside. Level-One starts to crawl towards his corner. Callahan slides under the rope, rouses Delikado and lifts him to his feet. Callahan starts lecturing Delikado, but the Cuban pushes him away. Callahan pushes Delikado. They push each other a couple more times each before Delikado plants a bitch slap on Callahan. The crowd ‘oh’, not sure how to react to that.

Harvey: Callahan and Delikado have turned on each other! They’ve both lost control.

Callahan gets that evil look in his eye and charges at his partner for the night, but Delikado ducks and then connects with the Last Call to Cuba. Callahan spins away straight into a Darkness Shine from Level-One. He drops down for a cover, but C.J. Gates also wants in on the action and lands with a splash on top of Level-One and Callahan. The ref drops down and counts the double pin...

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Winners: Level-One & C.J. Gates

Harvey: What the hell just happened?

Chase: Michael Callahan just got pinned!

Harvey: But who gets credited with it! Level-One and C.J. Gates both seemed to pin the champ.

Chase: It’s obvious, Level-One was the legal man.

Harvey: But without C.J.’s splash, Callahan may have kicked out! And what about Delikado’s involvement?

Inside the ring there is a strange atmosphere as Level-One and C.J. Gates have a stand-off. There is no music being played, the backstage crew unable to ascertain who should get the closing credit. Level-One looks across at C.J. and points at his own chest, indicating the win was his. C.J. smiles and throws his arms up in the air, getting the crowd’s vote. Delikado remains outside on the ramp. Level-One turns and looks at the Cuban, and there seems to be a hint of a mutual nod.

Harvey: One thing is for certain folks, this cannot happen at Mayhem. One man has to score the pinfall or submission; only one man can leave as the World Heavyweight Champion. From the Overdrive team thank you for watching folks. Goodnight!