Meltdown! - Portland, Oregon - May 27, 2012

[Evan De Parker]

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 a NO HOLDS BARRED tag team match! This means that while weapons are still illegal and count-outs are still in place, this match will feature no repercussions for any strike, submission, or choke, and there are no rope breaks. 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.

West: Shadow was scheduled to take on Murphy and Krown of Sang Réal in handicap action last week, but they couldn’t make it because of “family stuff.” Call it what you will but this week, APW has PROMISED these fans a fight!

Harris: Hey, Murphy and Krown can do whatever they want! They’re royalty. Their family is royalty... They don’t NEED to operate under the same rules that the rest of the roster does. They’re personal friends of the Harrisons!

West: Since when does that offer you some sort of entitlement?

Harris: ...when hasn’t it? I’m the son of a Harris, so I count too!!

West: Ugh.

Nicky Paige: And his tag team partner......

“The Baddest Man Alive” hits the PA system Yanzel steps out onto the stage. He looks out to the crowd pointing out towards them before smacking the stage floor to hype himself up. He fistbumps and high fives fans down the ramp stopping at the bottom. He throws a 4 punch combination to the camera flashing a smile as he lifts his right arm turning his back to the ring.

Nicky Paige: From L.A. California, weighing 240 pounds, YANZEL HOOOOLMES!

West: Yanzel wants revenge tonight! Revenge for Warren Peace, and revenge for himself. Sang Réal has absolutely harassed this man since they’ve debuted.

Harris: He should be thankful!!

Nicky Paige: And their opponents.....

Harris: YESSS!!

The arena lights go out. “Requiem” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra & Metallica begin to play. Golden sparks rain from the ceiling, illuminating Connor Murphy, who is standing and looking up with his arms raised in the air, and Gabriel Krown, who is on one knee in front of Murphy, looking up and his arms raised. The lights come back on.

Krown gets to his feet, and spins a bit, his robe flying behind him as he turns to stand next to Murphy. The two men walk to the ring, ignoring the jeers and boos from the crowd.

Nicky Paige: At a combined weight of 462 pounds, the team of Gabriel Krown and Connor Murphy, SAAAAANG RÉAL!

The two men climb the stairs and walk along the apron before entering the ring. In the middle of the ring, the two strike the same pose as they did at the entrance. Krown gets to his feet and the two climb the turnbuckles to pose. Dismounting, the two move to their corner and disrobe.

He climbs the ring steps moving all the way across the ring apron before climbing the turnbuckle and raising his right arm as he looks out at the crowd.

West: Let's get ready... for NOOOO HOLDS BARRED!

While "The Boy Who Destroyed the World" plays over the PA system, the cameras pan through the crowd, displaying several signs such as "Save Us, Jerry!", "I came to see Tyler reading books!", and "We thought we were buying tickets to an opera!"

We then return to ringside where the audience is anticipating our opening contest.

Tag Team, No Holds Barred
Sang Réal vs Shadow and Yanzel Homes

The bell sounds and the match starts with Connor Murphy representing his team. Shadow and Holmes talk things over for a moment and then the crowd cheers as Shadow starts off the match. Murphy grins at him and bounces around the ring for a bit before he charges forward, diving and driving an elbow into Shadow’s knee! Shadow goes down to a knee but pounds away at Murphy’s back before yanking him up! Murphy kicks Shadow in the knee again and Shadow cries out in pain but is silenced quickly with a European Uppercut! Murphy drags Shadow roughly by the leg to his corner and tags in Krown, who hops over the top rope and stomps Shadow’s knee! Shadow yells out and sits upright. Krown hits the ropes and goes for a running knee smash, but Shadow throws himself to the mat and avoids it! Krown turns around into a punch to the stomach from Shadow followed by a closed-fist throat thrust, and then another solid fist to the jaw!

West: And that closed fist’s completely legal in No Holds Barred!

Harris: So is this!!

Shadow throws Krown throat first over the bottom rope and plants his foot against the base of his neck! He applies pressure until Murphy rushes into the ring to make the save- but Murphy is intercepted by Yanzel Holmes who levels him with a running Single Arm DDT! Murphy rolls out of the ring and Holmes rolls back to his corner while Shadow waits for Krown to get up... and Krown rises to his feet, turning around where he sees Shadow running at him for the Big Boot! Krown ducks and Shadow stops at the ropes, slightly off balance due to the damage to his leg... and Murphy leaps up to the ring apron with one burst of energy and gouges Shadow’s eyes! Murphy tiredly slinks back down to the floor but the damage is done, and Krown hits Shadow with a Chop Block before he bends his leg in an absurd angle to pin him!

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th--KICKOUT!!

West: Shadow was almost bested there by the second-generation Megastars!

Harris: I thought Krown had him... and there’s the tag to Murphy again.

West: Murphy is still shaking off that DDT from Holmes. I wonder how smart this is.

Murphy and Krown take turns stomping at Shadow and his hurt leg, with the referee being able to do little to nothing about it! After a few seconds, Krown goes out to the apron and Murphy backs to the turnbuckles, pulling himself to the second before nailing a Diving Elbow Drop to the gut! Murphy hooks the leg, but Shadow kicks out after the count of one! He rolls toward Holmes, but he stops as Murphy nails an elbow to his leg and drags him back to his corner, tagging in Gabriel Krown! Murphy lifts Shadow up and nails him with a Backbreaker, suspending him, arched over his knee, while Krown runs to the ropes and springboards off of the middle to hit a modified elbow drop across Shadow’s chest! Shadow hits the ground and Krown covers him!

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THRE...

Harris: Hey! Get him out of here!

Yanzel Holmes takes Krown off of Shadow with a running straight punch straight to the temple! Krown rolls off to the side in a daze and Holmes goes back out to the ring apron, demanding the tag from Shadow... while Krown crawls to Murphy, whom is demanding the same!

West: They’re both crawling... and there’s the tag to Holmes!

Harris: Pfft a hell of a lot of good Holmes will be in this match.

West: What?

Harris: The guy’s a cop! You think he knows how to bend the rules? Sure, he punched Krown in the face when he wasn’t looking, but that’s exactly what cops do anyway, isn’t it!?

West: Holmes goes right for Krown- but Krown tags Murphy! Murphy’s in!

Murphy slides beneath the ropes and through Holmes’ legs, popping up behind him when Holmes rushes the corner. Holmes turns around and drives a fist right into the nose of Murphy, dropping the second-generation Megastar to the mat in a flash! Holmes drops to the mat, driving a hard fist into his gut and Murphy groans out in agony. Holmes rips him up from the canvas and lifts him up for a Fisherman’s Suplex, nailing a modified version that sends Murphy careening into the corner!

West: Remember folks, in a No Holds Barred match, closed fists, chokes, low blows- it’s all legal! Weapons are still illegal, and a lot of people forget that. Including Gabriel Kr-!

As if on cue, the sound of steel slamming can be heard and the crowd turns around, watching as Gabriel Krown grabs a steel chair from Nicky Paige and yells for Holmes. The referee yells for Krown to put the chair down, but Krown slams it dangerously against the apron! The crowd grows loud, and Krown turns around in time to see Shadow rushing toward him! Krown drops the chair and runs forward, hitting a well-placed Dropkick directly to Shadow’s groin! Shadow hits the ground, yelling out in agony. Krown rolls to his side and pulls himself up with the ring apron while the referee leans out of the ropes, checking on Shadow from afar.

Harris: Haha, serves him right.

West: Look at Connor Murphy!

Holmes, after surveying the damage turns back toward Murphy, but Murphy has retrieved a piece of some sort of steel framing from seemingly out of nowhere, as the cameras missed him obtaining it! He slams the weapon viciously into Holmes’ head... right as the referee turns around! He watches in shock and immediately turns, calling for the bell!

West: What just happened!?

The crowd boos uproariously and Shadow gets to his feet, looking at the referee. The referee goes to Nicky Paige and explains what has just happened before he returns to the center of the ring, with Nicky Paige lifting her microphone at ringside.

Nicky Paige: Ladies and gentlemen... as per No Holds Barred rules, any and all weapons are banned from entering the ring or coming into play in the ring or at ringside... therefore, your winners as a result of a disqualification... SHADOW and YANZEL HOOOOOLMES!

There is a bittersweet reaction from the audience, many cheering as the referee lifts a confused Shadow’s arm while Yanzel Holmes tries his best to pull himself up using the turnbuckles. In the ring, however, Gabriel Krown helps Connor Murphy to his feet, raising his partner’s hand. The crowd boos loudly at this, with several almost immediately hurling their garbage toward the ring.

”BULL SHIT!”

”BULL SHIT!”

”BULL SHIT!”

Harris: Ah, come on, ref?! That’s no way to end a No Holds Barred match! These fans feel jipped!

West: And they’re quite vocal about it.

Shadow glares at the backs of Sang Réal as they continue to celebrate to the crowd... and strides toward them. The crowd roars as Gabriel Krown turns around, right into a hard punch to the stomach followed by a Chokeslam! Krown clutches the back of his head and rolls out of the ring. Murphy finally turns around, seeing what’s transpired. Shadow grabs him by the throat as well!

West: Justice!

Harris: Unhand him!

Murphy flails and throws himself back into the ropes, forcing himself backward over the top, free from Shadow’s grip! He lands on the outside and helps Krown to his feet as the two scramble, backwards up ringside, but Murphy points and laughs at Shadow and the now-revitalized Yanzel Holmes in the ring. Holmes glares at the two, still rubbing his head which is now growing red from the shot.

West: Well, this was a chaotic way to kick off Meltdown just eight days after Mayhem! Sang Réal may have escaped today, but they’ve earned themselves another disqualification! And they STILL continue to torment Yanzel Holmes!

We cut back to the commentary table.

Harris: Please. They’re about to scare Yanzel right out of here! And I hope they do! Are you a Yanzel Holmes fan, Shane-O?

West: Yes, I’d have to say so. I’m thoroughly impressed by this man.

Harris: I think he’s a quitter. I’m gonna take bets on how long he sticks around. And I BET Murphy and Krown will be the ones to get him the hell out of APW.

West: And how could you say that? The fans, the kids-- they love Holmes, and all he’s done since he got here is try to fight for the right thing. And sue me if I’m a fan of the right thing.

Harris: BE a fan of Holmes then. BE a fan of the “right thing.” I’ll continue being a fan of wrestling.

West: And I’ll continue doing my job, being an unbiased sports commentator.

Harris: I’m biased because I don’t like a guy that has no desire to be here?!

West: You’re biased because you’re scrutinizing a talented athlete and a great person on live television because he doesn’t fit your personal portrait of a perfect wrestler.

Harris: Haha, whatever. I see how tonight’s gonna be.

West: ...Anyway, tonight, Meltdown continues to bring you the action! Still to come, live from Portlan, Oregon in the ROSE GARDEN, we have the debuts of Damien Gargano and Ethan Thorn!

Harris: I like this Gargano kid-- but I’m excited for the clash of our masked Megastars when Emerald Assassin takes on the Red Scorpion in one-on-one action!

West: The APW Faithful has been buzzing about that confrontation all week!

Harris: And then, my new favorite tag team--

West: Don’t let Sang Réal hear you say that...

Harris: The Sentinel! Zachariah Blood! The UNFORGIVEN, Shane-O! I’m their biggest fan, and I promise these guys will deliver.

West: Maybe, but they have to get through Alex Bankmanship and Demarvelous first. That’s not going to be easy. Talk about running into a brick wall.

Harris: And “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews is going to ATTEMPT to save us all when he takes on London Carter tonight.

West: Save us from what? What’s London Carter done to us?

Harris: Ask Jerry!

West: Well, nobody has been able to defeat Carter yet... Similar to our North American Champion, the Guv’Nor. Last week, he told Sienna that he would be “scouting” Overdrive and Asylum for the next few weeks until he decides where he will inevitably land... That is if he and his partner, Jace Savage, can survive Niobe Martin and Robina Hood-- the unlikely tag team!

Harris: All that, PLUS, an announcement from Sienna about Test for the Best! I think it’s Meltdown’s year, gosh darn-it.

West: Ethan Thorn and Damien Gargano square off in singles’ action next, when we get back!

We fade away from the commentators.

COMMERCIAL BREAK!

[Evan De Parker]

The audience boos loudly as we return to ringside, displaying Sienna Harrison as she stands in her office. Tyler Harrison is seated at her desk, flipping through an issue of "The Walking Dead", seemingly compelled by each page of the comic.

Sienna: You know what irks me, Tyler?

She visibly raises an eyebrow at Tyler who fails to respond to her.

Sienna: ...Besides you continuing to read books while I'm paying you to assist?

Tyler: Whoa. Not just a book.

He looks up and gives her a brief nod.

Tyler: It's the Walking Dead. Show some respect. It's Memorial Day.

Sienna: What in the HELL does the Walking Dead have to do with Memorial Day?

Tyler: UM. YO! RICK GRIMES AND FRIENDS ARE KILLING WALKERS EVERY DAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF AMERICA! Show respect.

Sienna stares at Tyler Harrison in awe for a few moments and then sighs. She raises her hands to her temples, rubbing them while she shakes her head.

Sienna: Have you seen Robina?

Tyler: Not yet.

Sienna: Niobe?

Tyler: Not yet.

Sienna: ...The Guv'Nor?

Tyler: ...Jace is here if you want to--

Sienna: Oh, Christ. WHERE ARE MY STARS, TYLER?!

Tyler: They're not here yet!

??: Excuse me!

Hannah Storm enters the room to whistles from the audience and Sienna groans again.

Sienna: Now what?!

Hannah: A lot of people have been wondering...

Sienna: And by "a lot of people", you mean... You.

Hannah: ...We were wondering WHO the number one contenders to the APW Tag Team Championships actually are, after you promised the world that you'd make an announcement tonight!

Sienna: Glad you asked, Hannah. Tyler-- tell her what we discussed.

Sienna crosses her arms and waits patiently... But gets no answer. The camera pans out and reveals that Tyler has gone back to reading, to the amusement of the crowd. Sienna slaps the comic from his hand and glares at him. Tyler nervously looks up and then turns to Hannah with a forced smile.

Tyler: Oh. Yeah. The Natural Born Killaz.

The crowd roars at this announcement and Sienna nods.

Sienna: And they get their title shot in two weeks right here on Meltdown. So I hope the Dying Breed's ready.

The crowd cheers for the announcement and Hannah Storm smiles, satisfied.

Hannah: Thanks--!

Sienna: Blah, blah, get out of my office.

She ushers Hannah out of her office and closes the door behind her. We fade to black and return to ringside.

West: Up next we have two relatively newcomers to APW and Meltdown - Damien Gargano and Ethan Thorn!

Harris: Thorn is already in the ring, so let's get to Nicky Paige for Gargano's introduction!

As the lights in the arena simultaneously begin to fade out one by one the arena can be seen in a state of almost complete darkness as a growing echo takes over throughout the Action Packed Wrestling arena as the sound of a guitar kicking in can be heard coming from the PA sound system as the song “Man that you Fear” Marilyn Manson kicks in full force, as it does a single pulsing red strobe light flickers on. The first few lyrics of the song can be heard as out steps “The Merchant of Death” Damien Gargano himself from behind the black curtains, as he does a white pulsing strobe light begins to shine down on him as he turns his back away from the fans revealing the "Damien Gargano" logo that can be seen going across the back of his sleeveless vest as it is seen after a few minutes Damien quickly turns back around taking a moment to look out into the darkness that surrounds around him as the white pulsing light continues to shine down on him, as it does Damien drops down onto the entrance ramp below him and takes a knee viva la CM Punk style as he does he continues to look out into the darkness as the single pulsing white light continues to shine down upon him as it does two other lights flicker in on Damien.

Paige: Hailing from Chicago, Illinois he weighs in at 215 pounds and stands approximately 6 foot 1 inches he is the Merchant of Death... DAAAAAMIEN GAAAAAAAARGANO!!!

As Gargano’s name is announced, Damien begins to slowly walk on down the entrance ramp, he can be seen getting chants of abhorrence, and disdain from the nearby fans at ringside as he saunters to the ring with a villainous smirk on his face, once at the bottom of the ramp Damien walks up to the ring, and as he does he slowly makes his way on around to the steel steps, once at the steel steps Damien slowly walks on up them, before stepping inside the ring he removes his sleeveless vest before stepping inside the ring, once inside the ring Gargano climbs up the nearest ring post and throws one of his arms up, his hand in the formation of a fist (viva la Rock) before jumping back down from the ring post and awaiting for his opponent to come on out to do battle against one another.

Damien Gargano vs. Ethan Thorn

The bell rings and Thorn dips in to lock-up with Gargano, but Damien ducks underneath and immediately locks in a full-nelson on his unsuspecting opponent. Gargano slings him around a little before shoving him in the corner, smirking at Thorn, who's down on his knees in the corner. Ethan charges a second time but Gargano is again waiting and sends him down to the mat with a drop toe-hold, and he immediately spins up to the top and locks him in a headlock, wrenching tightly. Thorn fights his way back up to his feet but Gargano flips him over his hip and back down on to the mat. Thorn reaches up with his feet, and uses his legs to pull Gargano off him with a head-scissors takedown.

West: Some excellent back and forth action here between these two. Ethan Thorn comes to the APW as a highly touted megastar. If Gargano is able to pull of a victory tonight, surely he'd be propelled up the card!

Harris: Gargano isn't any pushover, either, West!

Gargano wiggles free, and is the first to spring up to his feet. Thorn follows suit but Damien is waiting with a massive clothesline that threatens THorn's head from his body. Gargano uses the sharp point of his boot to reach down and rake the eyes of a downed Thorn, drawing the ire of the crowd. Gargano drops down to one knee and introduces Thorn to a series of right hands right between the eyes. He follows his onslaught by grabbing Thorn by the hair on the side of his head and drives the back of his head in to the mat repeatedly, as the referee frantically tries to break Damien's grip, unsuccessfully. Gargano swats away the referee, which draws his scorn, but doesn't let it phase him, rolling over on to Thorn, and flipping his hair backwards for the pin attempt:

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NO!

West: A close call there! Gargano better be careful or the referee is going to disqualify him!

Harris: People like Damien Gargano doesn't give a rip about what the referee thinks. He'll do whatever he has to do make Ethan Thorn feel pain!

Gargano picks up Thorn from the mat and boots him in the stomach. He whips him in to the ropes, and as Thorn comes back, he ducks below, with Gargano leap frogging over him. Thorn bounces off the ropes again, but Gargano is prepared this time with a spinning leg lariat that sends Thorn down to the mat. Ethan tries to sit-up, but Gargano charges forward with a whippersnapper, which causes Thorn to snap backwards. Gargano covers,

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KICKOUT!

Gargano slaps the mat and points at the referee, charging him to count faster! Thorn stirs about as Damien peels him off the mat and whips him in to the corner, with a tremendous force that causes him to bounce off the turnbuckle, and stumble towards Gargano. Damien walks forward and uses Thorn's knee as a springboard and boots him in the back of the head with an Enzuigiri. Thorn lays down face first on the mat with his arms covering the back of his head. Gargano motions for Thorn to get up but much to his chagrin, Thorn doesn't answer the challenge. Gargano takes the action to him, locking in the "Omerta" (Omoplata Crossface) and Thorn taps within seconds.

Paige: Here is your winner as a result of a submission... Damien Gargano!

West: Impressive, dominating win by Gargano!

Harris: I told you I liked this guy!

West: And we're only going to see brighter things from him in the future.

Harris: I'm excited!

COMMERCIAL!

[Evan De Parker]

Paige: The following contest is is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first: weighing 165lbs....RED SCORPION!!!

The Red Scorpion walks out to the stage through a cloud of red smoke. He walks to the front of the stage and extends both arms and gives the crowd two thumbs down...because they suck. Scorpion pulls a microphone out of his pocket.

Red Scorpion: The greatest president of all times is Theodore Roosevelt...I will recite for you now...from memory...His speech “The Man in the Arena”

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

The crowd boo’s loudly.

Red Scorpion: I refuse to walk down the ramp tonight amongst people who boo Present Teddy Roosevelt. I don’t want there to be a chance that your filthy hands will touch me.

The crowd boo’s even louder.

West: They don’t like him and he doesn’t like them.

He steps close to the front of the stage and pulls out a controller and pushes the button, a jet pack on his back turns on and he flies to the ring, instead of flying straight there, he takes his free and grabs the microphone and begins to serenade the audience...

Red Scorpion: I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky! Think about it every night and day!

The crowd boo’s louder at Scorpion’s singing.

Red Scorpion: I don’t have to entertain you people!

Scorpion lands safely in the ring. He takes off the jet pack and his ‘Hitman’ shirt...Scorpion likes hockey. He has many interests that are above the taste of the average fan or wrestler.

He does some prep jumps and jumps really high because of his superior athletic ability. He wipes his boots and is ready to fight!

Darling Violetta plays as the lights dim to an emerald green. The Emerald Assassin runs down the ramp at full sprint and leaps into the ring under the middle rope. Once in the ring he rolls to his feet and poses fists at his waist.

Paige: Introducing: weighing 160lbs...THE EMERALD ASSASSIN!

West: This one is sort of a re-match from the SUPERSHOW. Last week Red Scorpion came out as the victor.

Harris: I think The Emerald Assassin will be out for revenge tonight, to prove the adage that the hero always wins in the end.

The Emerald Assassin vs. Red Scorpion

The bell sounds, Scorpion charges Emerald, but the superhero counters with a drop toe hold. Scorpion gets up holding his face, Emerald kicks him in the gut, then gives him a wind-up haymaker. Scorpion stumbles backwards and rebounds off the ropes straight into a hip toss from Emerald, who then follows this up with a baseball slide into the ribs. Scorpion is on his feet, selling pain in his ribs; Emerald strikes a heroic pose. Emerald rebounds off the ropes looking for a running European uppercut, but Scorpion counters with a jumping calf kick. As Emerald gets to his feet Scorpion lands a running knee to the face, follows this up with a snapmare and delivers a low kick to the back of the head.

West: Two very colourful competitors here. Both equally matched on paper.

Harris: It’s like Incredible Hulk vs. Superman. But on a much smaller scale.

Scorpion went for the cover after that flurry, but Emerald powered out on one and a half. Scorpion now has Emerald in a corner, giving him a combination of kicks to the legs and body. Emerald blocks an attempted kick, but Scorpion counters with an Enziguri. That rocks Emerald and he stumbles out of the corner, Scorpion nails a jumping savate kick to the gut, then drills Emerald with an elbow smash to the head. Another cover for Scorpion...

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West: Heroic kick-out from The Emerald Assassin.

Harris: What would you say if it was the other way around?

West: I’d think it a villainous kick-out.

Scorpion lifts Emerald and whips him into the ropes, following this up with a flying forearm. Scorpion runs to the ropes looking for an asai moonsault, but he misses and lands on his feet. Scorpion charges Emerald looking for a clothesline, but Emerald ducks under it, rebounds off the ropes and nails Scorpion with a running lariat. Both men get up quickly, Emerald with a DDT and the cover...


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West: Shoulder up from Red Scorpion!

Harris: Was that heroic or villainous? I’m having a hard time differentiating.

West: It was close, that’s what it was! Great impact from The Emerald Assassin.

Both men are on their feet, trading knife edge chops to the chest. Eventually Emerald tires of this and lifts a knee into Scorpion, nails a European uppercut, then looks for a running hurricanrana, but Scorpion counters into an Alley-oop, but Emerald lands safely on his feet. Scorpion charges Emerald looking for a running leg lariat, but Emerald ducks and Scorpion straddles himself on the top rope. With a vicious knife edge chop Emerald sends Scorpion off the top rope and crashing to the floor outside. Emerald goes to the top turnbuckle and gives the crowd a photo opportunity.

Harris: What a poser!

West: In this instance I tend to agree. The Assassin needs to stay on-game here.

As Scorpion gets to his feet Emerald climbs to the top rope, points down to his foe and gets a pop from the crowd. Emerald lets fly and lands a huge elbow drop onto Scorpion, using him to cushion his fall. The crowd go wild for it. Emerald rolls Scorpion back into the ring.

West: Spectacular offense from The Emerald Assassin.

Harris: He flew like a superhero!

Emerald stalks Scorpion, then hits an inverted DDT, making the cover...

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Winner: The Emerald Assassin

West: A little bit of revenge for The Emerald Assassin, and a big maiden victory on Meltdown.

Harris: Whoever this guy is, he’s got to be pleased with that. Listen to this crowd!

Emerald soaks in the crowd’s adulation, throwing out some poses, delighted to have sealed the win.

West: And now we take you backstage!

Backstage in the locker room area, cameras focus on a monster of a man sitting hunched over on a bench, slowly and methodically wrapping black tape around his right hand and wrist. Blue-black hair hangs before his facial features but it can’t hide the chiseled musculature of his 6’5” frame. He brings the tape roll to his lips, tearing the length in half and smoothing down the end before setting the roll aside and reaching for a pair of padded fingerless gloves in black and red, pulling them on. Someone is pacing in front of him, back and forth, intermittently blocking out view of the Silent Destroyer, Sentinel as he prepares for The Unforgiven’s debut match. And that someone is his partner, Zachariah Blood.

Zachariah Blood: …need to be watching this whether the outcome is in question or not…

After wrapping the straps of his gloves tight, Sentinel casts a gray-eyed stare on his now-paused partner as he speaks somewhat vehemently into an iPhone.

Zachariah Blood: Faith has nothing to do with it. Yes, I’m insisting. After all that’s been put into this, you need to be aware of every detail. I really don’t give a damn if you trust him or not…your eyes need to be on this match!

Sentinel rises to his full height and sets a hand on his partner’s shoulder. Zachariah recognizes the grip and turns to look up at the speechless giant for a few moments. His grip on the phone noticeably lightens and though he grumbles a bit, he nods once and turns from his partner.

Zachariah Blood: Fine. But for all your talk about faith, this isn’t showing much far as I’m concerned.

Ending the call with a growl, the jacket-clad Blood walks over to the nearby counter and sets the phone down. The camera turns about as the locker room door opens and closes, revealing the entry of the Sisters of Suffering, Talon and Lady Rayne. The sisters part as they enter, Talon moving over to Sentinel and Rayne ambling toward Zachariah. She looks from him to the phone and takes the latter, putting it in her pocket.

Lady Rayne: Unpleasant news?

Zachariah Blood: Bastard’s being stubborn.

Rayne shakes her head as Talon looks in their direction with a red brow lifted.

Lady Rayne: You know how he is. You knew before we agreed to this. Is this not one of the few men on the planet you were forced to show proper respect to, pet?

Unable to argue that point, Zachariah nods but he still looks pissed about the perceived lackadaisical attitude of the man previously on the other end of the line. Talon walks over at this point, Sentinel in her wake.

Talon: The answer is simple. You do such damage to these weak-willed souls in that ring tonight that you make him wish he had been watching, that he didn’t accept a secondhand account, trusted or otherwise, of our work. Then, my dear, this is a conversation that need not be had ever again. His eyes and those of the rest of the world will always be watching our exploits from that point on.

Rayne nods quickly, turning back to Blood.

Lady Rayne: She speaks truth. You know that.

The words finally get through to Zachariah who stares into his own eyes in the mirror for a moment before turning to the rest of the group. Sentinel has gathered his sleeveless biker vest and sunglasses and jerks his head in the direction of the door. A sadistic look washes over the Masochist’s face that makes Rayne smile triumphantly while Talon’s expression is darkly serene. With nothing else to be said the foursome leaves the locker room as the cameras cut away.

Harris: My new favorite tag team-- The Unforgiven-- in action, next!

COMMERCIAL BREAK!

[Evan De Parker]

When our cameras return to the ring, Alex Bankmanship and Damervelous are already in the ring while "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva plays on the PA system. Nicky Paige introduces the team.

Paige: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a combined weight of four hundred and forty pounds, the team of Alex Bankmanship and Demarvelous... THE NEWWWWWWWWWW DYNASTY!

The arena lights fade to a dim level as the opening to Rammstein's "Feuer Frei" starts up. As the chorus is belted out several seconds later, the lights go up in orange and red as spotlights sweep stage and arena. The Sisters of Suffering, Talon and Lady Rayne, come out onto the stage and stop at the top of the ramp on either side. Moments later, Sentinel and Zachariah Blood make their entrance as well, the latter standing before the former with tattooed arms stretched out to his sides while the former stands with his head lowered.

Harris: Heretheyare, heretheyare!

"Bang, bang!
Bang, bang!"

The lyrics prompt the emission of fire from the stage which leads to the foursome storming down the ramp with a purpose. Zachariah rushes the apron and leaps onto it as Sentinel pulls himself up via the ropes. Talon and Rayne link their arms as their charges take the other two, lifting both sisters up simultaneously and holding the ropes open as they enter.

Paige: Accompanied to the ring by Lady Rayne and Talon, competing tonight at a combined weight of FIVE-HUNDRED pounds pounds, the team of Zachariah Blood and Sentinel...THE UNFORGIVEN!

Harris: WOOOOO!

West: This is quite the imposing team.

"Gefährlich das gebrannte Kind,
Mit Feuer das vom Leben trennt,
Ein heisser Schrei,
Bäng bäng,
Feuer frei!"

The ladies slink into the ring in a sultry fashion, standing back to back before the ropes as their men ascend the turnbuckles. Sentinel holds his arms out wide, head tilted back as he soaks up the negative reaction while Zachariah milks it even further, letting out a roaring battle cry and hurling epithets at the fans which are lost in the tumlut. They drop down, once more hold the ropes so the sisters can exit to the outside, then turn to the task at hand. Zachariah sits on the top turnbuckle, Sentinel before him, both eager to begin.

Harris: Just LOOK at them! Look at them!

West: I'm looking!

Harris: Are you impressed?! Or are you feeling dumb today?

West: ...Well, that was a weak insult... And to answer your question, I haven't seen them yet.

Harris: You're about to! There's the bell!

Tag Team
The New Dynasty vs The Unforgiven

The Sentinel starts off with Alex Bankmanship in the ring... And with a powerful roar rushes forward and twists, taking him to the mat with a Discus Lariat! Bankmanship flips through the air and lands on his stomach! His eyes widen and he immediately rolls to his corner, tagging in Demarvelous! The crowd grows loud as Demarvelous steps over the top rope and into the ring, smirking at Sentinel. Sentinel takes one single step back, eyes narrowed, and stands upright as he waits for Demarvelous to approach him.

West: Still super-confident, Dick?

Harris: I am. Just wait.

Sentinel pivots and sprints into the ropes, coming back and hitting Demarvelous with a hard Clothesline! Demarvelous teeters, but doesn’t fall! Sentinel hits the ropes again and Demarvelous tries to go for a Military Press, but Sentinel lands behind him and grabs him, using all of his strength to lift Demarvelous and drop him with a Side Slam Backbreaker! Demarvelous rolls to his knees and back to his feet, but Sentinel hits the ropes and nails a Jumping Leg Lariat, driving him to the ground! Sentinel flips his hair back, smirking down at Demarvelous and then lifts him up by the hair, rushing him into the Unforgiven’s corner! He tags in Zachariah Blood.

Harris: And here comes the Masochist!

West: This is a PG show!

Zachariah Blood is almost immediately rushed and tackled to the ground by Alex Bankmanship! Bankmanship unloads on Blood before he can get to Demarvelous, but within seconds, Sentinel is back in the ring! Blood covers up, but as soon as Bankmanship relents, he’s kicked in the gut by Sentinel! The impact sends Bankmanship flying upward into the air before landing face-first on the mat. Sentinel lifts him up, holding him for a Vertical Suplex before dropping it into a Sit-Out Powerbomb!

West: What was that?!

Harris: BLACK SUNSET!

Demarvelous crawls to his knees again, still groggy, but Blood has returned to his feet and observes Demarvelous’ position-- before nailing a Buzzsaw Kick to the skull! Demarvelous, on one foot and one knee, looks to be unconscious.

Harris: That’s the Mindbreaker! And this...

Blood plants Demarvelous with a Scissored DDT before he immediately transitions into a Front Guillotine choke with body scissors! Almost immediately, Demarvelous is forced to tap! The bell rings!

Paige: Here are your winners... THE UNFORGIVEN!

The foursome stand in the ring while the referee congratulates Sentinel and Blood.

West: Wow.

Harris: What’d I tell you?!

West: That was-- wow. They treated the New Dynasty like... Like chumps.

Harris: I hear a lot of people asking who the next Tag Team Champions are gonna be-- and I’m telling you, whether they face The Dying Breed or the Natural Born Killaz, THESE GUYS are it!

West: Zachariah Blood and Sentinel might very well be it.

LAST WEEK...
We cut to Sienna Harrison in her office as she berates Tyler Harrison.

Sienna: I want him gone! You understand me? I want him off my show by the end of the night.

Tyler: Then draft him in absentia.

Sienna: I can’t!

Sienna sighs heavily.

Sienna: The rules are very specific: he needs to sign the contract, and the window shuts when the show goes off air. If I don’t get rid of him tonight, I’m stuck with him for another two months.

There is a knock at the door. In walks a young woman, Sienna looks at her hopefully.

Sienna: Well?

Young woman: We still can’t get hold of him.

Sienna: Then what are you doing here?

Young woman: I just thought-

Sienna: I don’t want you to think! Get on the phone and I don’t want to see you until you’ve found The Guv’nor and told him to get here TONIGHT!

We cut to a scene later in the night.

Sienna: But tonight has been a fantastic night. We’ve seen some fantastic matches, and the best is yet to come. We’ve also witnessed the latest live Meltdown draft, and seen some exciting moves take place. But there is one man I know you are all eager to know the future destination of. A man who has captured the hearts of you all. A man who has proved himself a formidable wrestler, and one of the most dominant North American Champions of all time.

West: Am I really hearing this right?

Harris: Is Young Mannie here tonight? It must be him--- who else could she be talking about?

Sienna: Yes, as much as it pains me to admit all of this, I have to concede our biggest draft of the night has proven himself worthy as the #1 pick. So without further ado, and I know you are back there, I introduce to you, on his final night as a Meltdown megastar, the APW North American Champion....THE GUV’NOR!!!

The arena is smothered in darkness as the house lights drop down, only the flicker of a few lighters offering a puncture in blackness. The Megatron lights up and displays the words to the following voiceover.

One day some of the kids in the neighbourhood carried my mother’s groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect.

Respect

Respect

Respect

The Guv’nor climbs into the ring, milks the crowd’s reaction with celebratory poses in each corner. When it’s all died down he takes a mic, but it’s Sienna who speaks.

Sienna: Guvnor, let me be the first to publicly congratulate you on the victory last night. It was a great match, a fabulous spectacle, and another highlight of why Meltdown continues to be among the best wrestling products in the world toda-

Guvnor: Aw leave it out, sweetheart!

Sienna is caught off guard by Guv’nor outburst.

Guvnor: Let’s cut the crap, know what I’m saying? I know you don’t like me, and it’s pretty obvious you don’t want me around. That’s kosher, princess, but do me a favour and stop all this false talk, wipe that phony smile off your face. I ain’t a mug, and neither is this audience, so don’t try and rump us with all the sweet tones and false compliments. You’re a slag, I’ve marked your card and let’s just leave it at that.

The crowd pop the speech from Guv’nor, starting up a chant. Sienna is annoyed, but Guv’nor continues to glare at her, obviously not in the mood for any games tonight.

Guvnor: You know, for three months I’ve had to put up with your bollocks, and last night I went through hell just to wipe that slimy smirk off your mug. I’ll give that pet project of yours her dues: I marked her card, but at least she had the bottle to front up. She didn’t hide last night, and although she didn’t beat me, I got no more grief with her. Our account is settled as far as I’m concerned, but one thing is for sure Robina Hood is a lot better than you; she deserves better.

West: Wow!

Guvnor: But we aren’t here to lay down what a snivelling piece of crap you are, did we? There’s business to be taken care of.

Sienna: That’s right. So what’s it going to be, Guv’nor--- Overdrive or Asylum?

Guv’nor takes a pause, as though he still hasn’t made his mind up. The crowd start up a ‘We Want Guvnor’ chant. This brings a smile to his face.

Guvnor: I ain’t going anywhere just yet.

The crowd pop.

Guvnor: Okay, I’m not giving you my decision tonight.

Sienna: What? But you have to--- that’s the rules. You must sign this contract now!

Guvnor: No I don’t.

Sienna tries to interject, but Guvnor pulls the mic away from her and tosses it out of the ring.

Guvnor: That’s better. Listen up, sweetheart, and listen good. You see I’m one step ahead of you. I’ve already spoken to President Jeff and I’ve explained the situation to him. There may be some mugs in the back so desperate for any sort of meal they take the first thing offered to them. Not me. The way I see it I don’t know jack about Overdrive or Asylum--- or Sunday Night German-Sausage-fest, whatever it’s being called these days. Why would I make a decision about the direction of my career based on the equivalent of flip of the coin?

West: You can’t argue with that.

Guvnor: What I’ve agreed with Jeff is that he gives me two weeks grace. I will visit Overdrive and Asylum. I’ll get a feel for the place. Can I trust Alexander Duvall? Will I enjoy smashing up that German slag Raab every night of the week? These are important questions I need answered, and I ain’t going to get in isolation, or detached from the environments themselves.

So I’ll see you again in this ring in two weeks, princess. Then, and only then, will I give you The Guvnor’s decision. Comprende, sister?

Guvnor drops the mic as “Original Nuttah” begins to play. He takes to the turnbuckles to pose for the crowd. Sienna gives him a burning glare the whole time.

West: The Guv’nor has two weeks to decide where he drafts--- but it looks like he is going to draft.

Harris: It’s probably not quite how Sienna wanted it, but thank God we’ll be rid of this knuckle dragger after all.

West: I’m not sure the fans of Meltdown will agree. It sounded me like the people of Chile at least wanted The Guv’nor to stay. But what I’m wondering about--- will we see the Guv’nor at Overdrive and Asylum before he makes his decision; and what kind of impact will his presence make?

Harris: I hadn’t thought of that, Shane. But you know for certain it won’t go unnoticed. The Guv’nor isn’t exactly a paragon of subtlety.

We return to the present, and "Money Maker" by the Black Keys hits the PA system. The crowd boos loudly as Meltdown's General Manager Sienna Harrison makes her way to the ring, flanked by Tyler Harrison, who is still reading through his copy of "The Walking Dead", much to Sienna's chagrin.

West: Here's the boss, Dick. Get your chapstick ready.

Harris: I resent that.

Tyler sits on the middle rope, holding it open for his sister as she enters the ring. He hands her a microphone and the music fades.

Sienna: Good evening, Portland! You guys are the luckiest city in the world... I actually told the travel agents to book the show for Portland, Maine, but we had a hiccup in the system. So now, Portland, Oregon... You get to host the first AMERICAN APW event in 2013! Happy Memorial Day, ingrates!

The crowd boos her for her statement and Sienna simply laughs, shaking her head.

Sienna: I came out here to tell you all about Test for the Best.

There's a pop at the mention of the tournament and Sienna nods, looking around at the screaming audience.

Sienna: Each year, APW hosts the Test for the Best tournament. Each year, on the last Sunday of July, the quarter-finalists go onto become semi-finalists and the semi-finalists go onto become finalists... To decide WHO is the best. The winner goes on to face the World Champion of their respective band for either the APW World Heavyweight Championship or the APW Undisputed Championship.

Last year, one Meltdown Megastar was allowed to enter...

This year, TWO Meltdown Megastars will enter the Test for the Best tournament.

The crowd roars for this announcement as well and Tyler Harrison applauds.

Harris: Whoa!

West: That's huge!

Sienna clears her throat and resumes speaking.

Sienna: So next week, we're going to kick things off with a good old fashion five-pack challenge. We will see "The Evangelist" Jerry Matthews... versus Niobe "Nightmare" Martin... versus Jace Savage... versus Damien Gargano... versus London Carter. The winner qualifies for the tournament immediately.

The crowd roars for this announcement and Sienna raises one finger.

Sienna: And the other match?

She pauses and lowers her hand as the crowd grows louder.

Sienna: ...Hah. Tell ya later.

The crowd boos and Sienna laughs, handing the microphone back to Tyler as her music hits again.

Harris: What a tease!

West: But what we DO know is huge! A five-pack challenge next week to decide who advances?! And what's the second match gonna be?!

Harris: Is Ms. Cleo still kickin'?

Sienna and Tyler disappear to the back as we fade to black.

COMMERCIAL!

[Evan De Parker]

The scene opens backstage in the locker room where Jace Savage is powering away at pull-ups. There’s a mixed reaction from the crowd: some cheering the spunky rookie, others still not sure what to make of the kid.

70

71

72

73

Jace counts as he thrusts himself up with each rep. We hear the door swing open and the visitor causes Jace to stop his workout. Into the scene walks the North American Champion, The Guv’nor.

Guvnor: Save your energy sunshine, I don’t make a habit of carrying weak links through my matches.

Jace grabs a towel and drapes it over his shoulder.

Jace: Don’t worry about me, I’ll hold up my end of the bargain. Besides we got this: Robina and Niobe, they don’t stand a chance.

Guvnor issues a quiet guffaw and scratches his head for a few seconds.

Guvnor: Come here mate, I got something to show you.

Guvnor lifts his t-shirt and shows Jace a mean-looking bruise on his back around the kidney region.

Guvnor: See that? That’s courtesy of Robina’s crowbar. Weeks ago she did that, and it still hasn’t healed.

Guvnor then points a scar on his face.

Guvnor: I got that from Robina trying to use the steel cage like a cheese grater on my face.

Jace looks on, not really giving much away.

Guvnor: On top of that I’m up to my eyeballs with painkillers right now because any movement sends pain shooting up my back from being thrown off the cage by Robina Hood.

Jace unimpressed replies.

Jace: So what?

Guvnor: Well, I’m just giving you a heads up. I don’t need some buffed up show pony out there, I need a partner who’s going to give me his part of the fight. They may be women, but they’re animals, the pair of them; take it from me, bruv.

Jace: I ain’t your bruv, Guv!

Guvnor raises an eyebrow and tilts his head. Jace doesn’t back down.

Jace: You’re a respectable guy Guv. Don't get me wrong but tonight we are partners by chance. While I appreciate getting to step in the ring with The Man, The Icon, The Guv'Nor. We are partners tonight, but after tonight I set my sights on the North American title. It's a shame You’re being drafted, I would like nothing more than the honor of facing you. You haven't been beaten, and when you’re drafted you go out as Champion of Meltdown.

Jace pulls up his shirt and shows his bruises from his match at the super show.

Jace: I'm used to being in scraps. Meltdown will be no different. Robina and Niobe aren't going to stand in my way. After tonight nobody doubts me again.

Guvnor: I can see you can talk the talk sunshine, but words don’t help you walk the walk. So forget about the pull-ups and put your game face on, because these two bitches, like all dogs that bite, need to be put down.

Guvnor smirks slightly.

Guvnor: Otherwise I won’t be going anywhere unbeaten. I’d hate to have to hold you responsible and come and mark your card, bruv.

Guvnor lightly jabs Jace on the shoulder and leaves the locker room. The camera remains focused on Jace, his expression showing confusion at Guvnor’s closing comment. The scene fades.

The cameras return to Nicky Paige, who stands in the middle of the ring.

Paige: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall!

The arena grows dark, the bass in the speakers bump before the beat by Wiz drops, Gangbang blares through the speakers, forcing the lights to flicker on and off, silver and black pyro fall from the top as London makes his way from behind the curtain, playing to the crowd, he acknowledges the cheers as she makes his way down the ramp, sliding in the ring, he turns and bounces of the ropes playing to the crowd once more.

Paige: Introducing first, in the ring, weighing in at one hundred and seventy-five pounds, hailing from Brooklyn, New York... LONDONNNN CAAAARRRTER!

West: This might be one of the most impressive young stars on the roster today, Dick. This man might be a favorite in the Test for the Best!

Harris: We'll see, Shane-O. We'll see.

As Josh Turner's "Long Black Train" begins to play, "The Evangelist" Jerry Matthews strides down the aisle in a suit and tie. In his hand, he carries a Bible and begins his regular sermon as he ventures down to the ring. His spiritual liaison, Deacon Jeremiah, accompanies him to ringside with an offering plate, ready to collect money from any believers in the crowd.

Paige: And his opponent, from Redemption, Alabama, weighing in at two hundred and seventy-five pounds... “The Evangelist” JERRYYYYY MATTTHEWS!

As he gets to the ring, he climbs through the ropes and removes his suit. He then raises his Bible in a preachly manner to the crowd as they boo incessantly.

Single
“The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews vs London Carter

Harris: Shane-O, gimme some intel on this Mathews guy.

West: He comes from Redemption, Alabama, which is arguably one of the most spiritual, perhaps Christian-influenced areas in the entire United States. That man with him is Deacon Jeremiah. And... Not to mention, Matthews is huge.

Matthews smiles down at London and motions for him to come forward for a lock-up. Carter cautiously approaches him, but is immediately grabbed and caught in a rear waist-lock, lifted up into the air and slammed viciously to the mat with a Belly to Back Suplex! London clutches his ribs as he gets to his feet, but Matthews lifts him up and nails a high-angle Back Suplex. London rolls up to his knees and Matthews lifts him as if going for a Powerslam, but drops him down across one knee for a Rib-Breaker! He allows London to fall and covers him.

1
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2
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Kickout!

West: The size isn’t just for show. Look at that power!

Matthews lifts Carter up and delivers one huge slap to his chest, laughing after he does it. He winks to those in the audience as the collection plate is passed around, and then roughly Irish Whips London Carter to the opposing corner-- but Carter scales the turnbuckles and balances himself on the top for a second before going for a huge Moonsault! The crowd roars-- but Matthews ducks down and rushes forward into the turnbuckles to avoid it!

Harris: Hah! He avoided it!

West: But look, Carter’s still going!

Carter lands gracefully on his feet and then runs to the ropes behind Matthews. He jumps up to the middle rope and twists around, coming back at Matthews, hitting a Springboard Hurricanrana! The crowd roars as Matthews is launched to the center of the ring! Carter pushes himself up onto the second rope and leaps off, catching Matthews with a Flying Thrust Kick under the chin! Matthews hits the ground and Carter lands next to him, scrambling over to him to hook both legs!

West: This’ll do it!

1
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2
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THRRRRRRE-- Kickout!

West: Kickout by Matthews, which shows exactly how strong this guy is!

Harris: Impressive Flying Thrust Kick by London Carter to put him down too, but he said he was going to save us from Carter tonight! I hope he does!

West: Again, I beg the question-- save us from what? His undefeated streak?

London Carter waits for Matthews to start climbing to his feet, and then hits him with a series of slaps to the face! Matthews is groggy and Carter nails a Dropkick! Matthews hits the ropes and rebounds into an Inside Cradle! The referee immediately drops down to count!

1
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2
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Harris: Phew!

Matthews pops out of the move right before the three and pushes himself up, but the crowd roars as London Carter hits him with yet another Dropkick! Matthews is up again, into another Dropkick! The crowd roars as Carter rushes him and then hits a rotating Monkey Flip! Matthews hits the ground roughly due to his large size and groans in pain as Carter hits the ropes and comes at him again, going for a Spear, but Matthews stops him with an elbow to the back of his head!

West: London was looking for that Spear he calls “Carter!”

Harris: Original!

Carter goes groggy and Matthews lifts him up in a Gutwrench! Carter tries to wriggle free and starts to slip behind him, but Matthews counters it into a quick Neckbreaker! Carter’s folded up from the impact and seems to be barely conscious when he pulls himself to his feet... And Matthews sprints, shooting off of the ropes, leveling him with a malicious Running Lariat! Carter flips onto his stomach and Matthews pushes him over, grinning out into the crowd while Deacon Jeremiah applauds. He pins Carter.

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2
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THRRE-- Kickout!

West: You have to think... This match goes a long way as far as momentum when it comes to the Meltdown competitors in the Test for the Best tournament! Whoever wins here will most certainly have a target on his back!

Harris: Jerry Matthews is signaling that it’s about to be him!

Matthews lifts Carter up in a Suplex position and begins to march to the center of the ring, holding Carter up with one arm to the delight of a few in the crowd for the strength-- though most boo Matthews out of spite.

Harris: Savior’s Wrath!

Before Matthews can hit the Jackhammer, however, Carter squirms free! He drops down to his feet and surprises Matthews with a kick to the midsection and then goes for a double underhook facebuster, but Matthews counters with a Back Body Drop! Carter groans as he hits the mat, but ducks under a Big Boot from Matthews once he gets to his feet! Carter sprints, hitting the ropes behind Matthews and returning, going for--

West: SPEAR!

Harris: No-- Matthews avoids Carter!

Matthews launches Carter over the top rope by the back of his head, side-stepping the Carter Spear! He turns, dropping to his knees to catch his face-- but doesn’t realize that London Carter has caught the ropes! London Carter pulls himself back onto the apron and measures the distance between Matthews and himself. Matthews finally turns and the crowd roars as Carter launches himself up onto the top rope and goes for a Springboard Flying Cross Body!

Harris: He’s caught!

Matthews catches Carter right out of the air and hoists him up onto his shoulder before sprinting forward and jumping before driving Carter into the canvas with the Running Powerslam!

West: HOLY VENDETTA!

Matthews lies on top of Carter in exhaustion and the referee counts the pin!

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3!

The bell rings and the crowd boos as Deacon Jeremiah re-enters the ring with the collection plate. He shoos the referee away and lifts Matthews’ arm in the air!

Paige: And here is your winner... “The Evangelist” JERRRYYY MATTHEEWWWS!

West: That... That was impressive.

Harris: Are we saved from London Carter?!

West: What the-- SAVED FROM WHAT?!

Harris: Didn’t I tell you to ask Jerry?!

Jerry Matthews and Deacon Jeremiah make their way up the ramp with Matthews hugging his Bible to his chest, grinning down at London Carter, who is being helped to his feet by the referee.

West: Well, tonight, London Carter suffers his first loss... At the hands of that man.

Harris: I think I just found my favorite for this year’s Test for the Best. Talk about Jerry Matthews, Shane! TALK ABOUT THE EVANGELIST!

West: With performances like that, we’ll have to.

COMMERCIAL!

[Evan De Parker]

Our cameras fade into the commentary table.

West: Earlier tonight, Shadow and Yanzel Holmes took on Gabriel Krown and Connor Murphy, Sang Réal on in a No Holds Barred Tag Team match-- but things didn't end the way we thought they would.

West: Look at Connor Murphy!

Holmes, after surveying the damage turns back toward Murphy, but Murphy has retrieved a piece of some sort of steel framing from seemingly out of nowhere, as the cameras missed him obtaining it! He slams the weapon viciously into Holmes’ head... right as the referee turns around! He watches in shock and immediately turns, calling for the bell!

West: What just happened!?

The crowd boos uproariously and Shadow gets to his feet, looking at the referee. The referee goes to Nicky Paige and explains what has just happened before he returns to the center of the ring, with Nicky Paige lifting her microphone at ringside.

Nicky Paige: Ladies and gentlemen... as per No Holds Barred rules, any and all weapons are banned from entering the ring or coming into play in the ring or at ringside... therefore, your winners as a result of a disqualification... SHADOW and YANZEL HOOOOOLMES!

Harris: I love it! Serves Holmes right, I say!

West: Well, you're not the most morally sound human being on the planet anyway. But during the break, Sienna Harrison announced that next week Yanzel Holmes would take on Gabriel Krown as a member of Sang Réal competes in singles' action for the first time here in APW.

Harris: Here's a Tout from Krown and Murphy!

The cameras cut to a "Tout" featuring the members of Sang Réal from their limousine.

Krown: "Really? Huh? Well shoot. I was hoping not to be wasting next Monday night."

Murphy: "Well, at least you won't have to work for it!"

Krown pauses for a second and nods.

Krown: "That's true."

The two chuckle and the Tout cuts away.

We return to ringside.

As the opening of the song starts to play, the video flashes on the tron of a camera panning up a grassy hill at night slowly until it gets to the top, panning from left to right, lightning flashing in the sky as the opening guitar rift plays. Niobe appears on the hilltop, standing with her legs shoulder width apart, arms down at her sides as she slowly makes her way down the hill before breaking into a run just as the beginning lyrics play...


'Nightmare!
Now your nightmare comes to life...'



Niobe comes running out from behind the curtain, stopping at the top of the ramp briefly to extend her arms out to the sides.

'Dragged you down below
Down to the devils show
To be his guest forever
Peace of mind is less than never..'



As the lyrics of the song continue to play, she drops her arms and walks down the ramp, sliding under the bottom rope of the ring. She stands up and throws off the hood of her jacket, pointing a finger at the crowd with a smile.

Paige: Introducing first, half of Iron Nightmare, NIOBE "NIGHTMARE" MARTIN!!!!!!!!!

They say we wanted attention

Those five words of "Ignite" by Noisestorm, None Like Joshua & Veela immediately interrupts [name of opponent]'s theme and causes him/her to glare at the stage to see their opponent.

We really need a platform to teach a lesson
Well hey you forgot to mention
We're living for the melody in our head

A purple-haired lady comes out from the backstage area with a black jacket draped over her shoulders. The fans gives out a rather mixed response to this woman they knew as one Robina Hood.

Oh are we pretentious?
Or do we have stories boiling in us?
Poor fool, you're not gonna get to us
We don't even notice this...

As that voice continued to sing she walks to the top of the stage and throws her arms up high in the air, causing the jacket to fly off her shoulder and onto the floor. She proceeds to make her way down the aisle towards the ring. Some of the fans cheered, some booed and some of the younger members stayed nervously silent as Robina walked pass them, her eyes not blinking away from her opposition.

I haven't seen the sun
In over sixty-seven days
The time is moving
With the heavens when I said to wait
The room is growing smaller
And the days are getting shorter
But I have to stay awake
Cause this could change the world

Suddenly a male voice began to sing, at a faster rate than the female voice that came beforehand, and as the voice sung Robina made her way to ringside. She was a bit slow to go over to the ring steps as the female's eyes remained fully focused on her opponent, almost as if planning when to pounce.

Paige: And her partner…from Sherwood Forest…weighing in at one hundred thirty-two pounds……ROBINA HOOD!

And it's time to tell the people
When nobody will
It's time to bring the life
To what I've written with a quill
I must create, then innovate
And let it see the light
And when I'm done, I will be changing
Now watch me ignite!

She walks up the ring steps, halfway across the apron and steps into the ring as the song continued. Once in the ring Robina kept her eyes on her opponent, pointed a finger at him/her and states that "you're going to die!" but when 'watch me ignite' goes through the system, the female spins 270 degrees and punches the air, getting a louder yet still mixed reaction from the people in the arena. Miss Hood then simply stands there and glared her eyes towards her opponent as the referee pats her boots, checking for any weapons stashed in there, while her theme slowly dies out.

Paige: And their opponents...


The lights in the arena dim and are replaced by green and gold flashing lights.My Time by Fabulous plays over the P.A system Jace comes from back stage rubbing his fingers together making the money sign. He stops at the top of the ramp throws his hands down Silver pyros go off He continues his way to the ring, walking up the stairs. Jace stops and wipes his feet on the apron before entering the ring and preparing for his mach.

Paige: From L.A...JACE SAVAGE!!!!!!!!

The arena is smothered in darkness as the house lights drop down, only the flicker of a few lighters offering a puncture in blackness. The Megatron lights up and displays the words to the following voiceover.

One day some of the kids in the neighbourhood carried my mother’s groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect.

Respect

Respect

Respect

The sound of the track penetrates; it’s the sound of a siren accompanied by the lyrical flow of UK Apache as ‘Original Nuttah’ introduces itself.

New name, mon:
The original nuttah
Take heed and take check

This continues as the siren wails and the arena remains in complete darkness. Forty seconds and strobe lighting effects kick in, all multi-coloured and psychedelic-like, matching the tempo of the MC’s flow, slowly building up the anticipation in the crowd.

Bad boys inna London
Rude boys inna England

Around 1:20, as the drum beat kicks, strobe lighting effects and dry ice smother the stage as the jungle music and MC kick into full flow.

Mi are di nuttah
Original madmah madmah mad nuttah

Out steps The Guv’nor, his arms aloft as he basks in the positive crowd reaction. The Guv’nor watches on with joy as he witnesses the frenzied dance orgy. The in-house crowd turn the event into a full on rave as The Guv’nor marches down to the ring.

Nicky Paige: And his partner...Hailing from the East End of London, he weighs 228lbs...THE GUV’NOR!!!

The Guv’nor slides into the ring and tosses his shades into the crowd as he climbs the turnbuckles, tapping with his hand the ‘MADE IN HACKNEY’ legend on his t-shirt. He climbs down as the music fades, readying himself for his opponentS.

Main Event

Robina Hood & Niobe "Nightmare" Martin vs Jace Savage & The Guv'nor

The bell rings, and things have quickly been decided. Robina and Savage start things off. Savage and Hood tie up in the ring. Hood is overpowered as Savage tosses Robina to the mat. Robina rolls over her shoulder smoothly and gets to her feet, sizing Savage up. They lock up again with Savage getting the upperhand, shoving Robina back harder this time, again she rolls with the momentum and is back to a crouch. Robina slams her fist on the mat in frustration and uses a leg sweep to take the larger Savage down as he charges. Robina pounds the bigger man with right and left forearms. Savage comes up, trying to roll over onto his side. He eventually forces Robina off and Robina is pushed back by the referee while Savage reaches his feet.

West: Quickly in this match, Savage is showing his strength. But Hood’s crafty, and it’s going to take more than muscle to put her down.

Savage levels a strong fist to Robina’s jaw. Savage waits for Robina to get up before hitting a sick snap suplex. He drags Robina over to Guv. He tags in. Robina is getting to her feet, but Guv is quick to ground her with a bulldog...he fires to the other side of the ring, Robina is back to her feet...CACTUS CLOTHESLINE!

Harris: They both spilled out of the ring!!!!!

Nightmare gets in the ring and leaps over the top rope crashing down on the back of a rising Guv. She gets to her feet and immediately leveled by Jace Savage, to the delight of the crowd. Jace grabs Nightmare by the hair and sends her hard into the guardrail. He charges and she backdrops him over and into the crowd. He splats hard on the concrete. She jumps to the top of the guardrail and goes for a splash, but Jace rolls out of the way. They both lay hurting on the concrete floor as the crowd cheers.

West: This is the future of APW here! These two teams are made of up competitors that will be future World and Undisputed champions here in APW!

Robina scrambles to her feet, but a BLACK CAP SMASH knocks her roughly against the ring post. Guv opens up on Robina with rapid shots to the face and torso. Robina is sprawled out trying cover herself up. Guv picks Robina up and rolls her in the ring. He climbs the apron and goes for the cover.

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KICKOUT!

West: Robina has heart!

Guv understands it’s still a little early and gets up and grabs Hood by the hair. He lifts her up and sends her into the ropes, he goes for a clothesline, but Hood ducks...He turns back to Robina, but Robina hits a spinning elbow smash that sends Guv to the mat. Robina is on top of Guv, hammering him with rights and lefts, much like he did minutes ago. Guv desperately covers up, unprepared for the onslaught. Robina is restrained via referee and Guv gets back to his feet.

Harris: Martin and Savage have made it back to their corners. They are worse for the wear, but they helped their partners in a time of need.

Savage makes a blind tag to the back of Guv. Guv gives an irritated look to Savage, but lets him go in. Savage turns-- and Robina slides between his legs grabbing his legs and causing him to fall to the mat. She gets back up and bounds off the ropes kicking Savage in the meaty part of the back. He grabs the top rope and tries to nail Guv with a heel kick, he evades it, lifts her him and drops her on top of the ring post! Our crowd roars as Robina falls to the mats looking like she is broken in half. The ref is in Guv’s face, but Guv is saying he was defending himself. Martin runs to Robina’s side, but Robina gets to her feet while holding her back. Martin is trying to check on Hood, but Hood shoves her and rolls back into the ring.

West: Man or woman, Robina Hood may be one of the toughest competitors in APW!

Robina pulls the ref out of Guv’s way and she gets in his face and blasts him with RED MIST!!!!!!!!! Savage nails her from behind with a stiff punch to the base of the back followed by a Reverse Side Russian Leg Sweep! Robina arches her back in agony. Jace makes the cover.

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NIGHTMARE WITH THE SAVE!

Martin picks up Jace and nails him with a rolling elbow to the jaw. Guv is still trying to get the red mist from his eyes! Jace is back to his feet while holding his jaw. Jace rolls Robina to her stomach and clamps on a side headlock on the ground, but this is only temporary as Hood hits elbows to Savage’s abdomen to loosen his grip and climb up to a vertical base. Eventually Robina breaks free and dives to the ropes...SHE TAGS IN NIOBI MARTIN!!!!! Martin lands a shining wizard on Jace Savage and goes for the cover.

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KICKOUT!

Martin is back to her feet and climbs to the top rope...CORKSCREW MOONSAULT!!!!!! She covers again...

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Thr-KICKOUT!

Martin lifts Savage up to a vertical base and sends him into her corner. The ref warns her to not try anything, but Robina clamps on a choke that begins to turn Jace’s face purple. She releases before the ref can see. Robina nods to Martin and Martin tags Robina. Niobe lifts Jace up and drapes him over her knee chest up. Hood climbs to the top rope...KNEE DROP TO THE FACE!!!!! Robina grabs a writhing Jace Savage to his feet and executes a perfect Reverse STO to the middle turnbuckle.

Harris: No one’s neck is meant to endure that!

Robina flips him over and tags in Martin...Martin climbs to the top...PHANTASM HORROR!!!!!!

West: Sick shooting star press!!!!!!

Martin covers...

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GUV MAKES THE SAVE!!!!!

He lefts Martin up makes her crack heads with Robina, the ref counts it as a tag and Guv yells for Savage to crawl to their corner. Guv grabs Martin and throws her over the top rope, Guv gets back in his corner and the crowd is going crazy for a crawling Savage. Robina climbs into the ring holding her head, just as Savage makes the desparation tag...Guv wipes the remaining red mist from his face and smears it on his chest. Robina gets an angry look on her face and Guv charges hitting her with a strong boot to the gut. Guv sends her into the ropes, POLISH HAMMER!!!!! Martin is still on the outside of the ring and Savage is still trying to crawl to his feet in the corner. Guv crouches in the neutral corner and allows Robina to get to her feet. She holds her back. Guv wipes his eyes again. They meet in the middle of the ring and lock up! The crowd is reaching a fever pitch...

Harris: I CAN’T HEAR ANYTHING!

West: WHAT? I CAN’T HEAR ANYTHING!


Guv clamps on a headlock, Robina pushes him forward into the ropes, Guv returns and is met with a DROPKICK TO THE GROIN!!!!!!!!!! He almost falls back, but she grabs his arm...EXECUTION LARIAT!!!!!!!!

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3 - Savage makes the save with a running boot to the side of Hood's head!

Harris: Good god! Hood may be out!

West: Savage just BARELY-- wait, what's he doing?!

Savage roughly drags Guv'Nor to his corner, steps out to the apron, and tags himself in, slapping Guvnor's chest to do so. He steps into the ring and shoots Guv'Nor an annoyed glance, kneeling down, and pointing to himself as he says something quietly to the Guv'Nor.

Harris: What the--?

West: I think Savage just told the Guv'Nor that this was HIS time and that HE was going to do this!

Harris: Did he even notice Robina crawling to her corner?!

West: No, he's still preoccupied with mocking his tag team partner!

Savage waves the Guv'Nor off and turns around-- into a hard boot to the face by Martin! Niobe Martin goes back to her corner and steps out to the apron, ascending to the top turnbuckle... But Robina Hood tags herself again as Niobe comes off for her signature Shooting Star Press, the Phantasm Horror! Robina Hood runs into the ring and pushes Niobe clear out of the ring! She hooks Jace Savage's leg!

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3!

Paige: The winners of this match, Robina Hood and Niobe “Nightmare” Martin!!!!!!

West: And Robina steals one!

Robina Hood sits on her knees and grins at the Guv'Nor, who is still recovering from the Execution Lariat, holding his bloodied nose. He looks toward Hood, whose eyes grow wide and hungry as she sees the referee hand the Guv'Nor his North American Title.

Niobe "Nightmare" Martin glares at Robina from ringside, but she is soon joined by Tommy Knox, to boos from the Oregon crowd, who takes her by the arm, raising it into the air, victoriously as they retreat backwards up the ramp.

West: Well, don't let Niobe's scowl fool you. Her team just picked up a win over the North American Champion and the impressive Jace Savage in tonight's main event!

Harris: This kid Savage has guts. This isn't his last main event.

West: And now... Here's our boss. Chapstick, Dick?

Harris: I hate you.

Robina's music fades as Sienna Harrison steps out to the top of the ramp, Tyler Harrison (and his copy of "The Walking Dead" hugged to his side) next to her. Sienna grins and points to the ring.

Sienna: That.

The crowd buzz among themselves, unsure of what her comment means.

Sienna: THAT is our next Test for the Best qualifying match!

The crowd applauds as the Guv'Nor climbs to his feet, looking up at Sienna in realization.

Sienna: The Guv'Nor... Against... The PERFECT Megastar... Robina Hood.

Harris: Yes!

West: Guv'Nor and Hood next week!

The crowd roars at the announcement and Robina Hood continues to stare up at the Guv'Nor from her knees, grinning with wide-eyes, before she finally rolls out of the ring and moves slowly up the ramp.

West: That's it for tonight folks! But we already know of three huge matches for next week! Gabriel Krown takes on Yanzel Holmes, we have a five-pack challenge for the first Test For the Best qualifying spot... And now, in a variation of their classic Mayhem confrontation, we know that the second one features the Guv'Nor and Robina Hood! Thank you for your time! Thank you for watching!

Harris: Goodnight!

West: Happy Memorial Day!

The scene fades on the crowd first booing as Sienna raises Robina's arm at the top of the stage, to roaring in approval as the Guv'Nor raises his North American Title high above his head, looking down at Jace Savage at ringside, and then up at Robina at the top of the ramp, a look of intensity burning in his eyes.

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