Post by T-Marv on Jun 6, 2013 21:16:18 GMT -4
Outside the arena, we see the New Sindicate limo pull up in front of the building and the crowd boos loudly. The driver gets out and hurrys to the door. He opens it and the crowd continues to boo as Christian Kane steps out of the limo.
He is followed by Logan Alexander and his Suicidal Title as he helps Aubrey J. Parker out as well. They stand there for a second smiling as Terry gets out of the Limo with his Undisputed Title.
Terry Marvin: AH! Home, sweet Home.
They all chuckle as they begin to walk to the door. They're met by Overdrive GM Alexander Duvall.
Duvall: AHHH, Lady and Gentlemen... welcome to Overdrive. And thank you so much for being my honored guests!
Christian Kane: Being your honored guest better include the champagne and strippers we ordered.
Kane and Logan laugh but Aubrey just rolls her eyes. Terry shakes hands with Mr. Duvall.
Terry Marvin: As we discussed on the phone Alexander. We'ere merely here as concerned observers. Overdrive is like a home away from home for me. And to see it fall into such discourse due to your new exemplary World Champion...it's a damn shame.
Logan Alexander: It's a huge mistake.
AJP: One which we hope to rectify tonight.
Alexander stares at them for a moment reading their intentions. Finally he cracks a smile as he welcomes them into the building.
Duvall: I have this job in GREAT part to you Terry. So my show is your show. Make yourselves at home....In anyway you'd like.
He smiles a wicked smile as the scene fades to ringside.
The show opens with The Dallas crowd pumped up. Cowboy Stadium is PACKED! We see a few more crowd signs.
"I wanna join the LEAGUE"
"GO BIG OR GO HOME"
"MARRY ME AC SMITH"
"Syndicate > NEW Sindicate"
"THE RED WEDDING STILL GIVES ME NIGHTMARES!"
We go ringside to Johnny Chase and Darren Harvey.
Harvey: Welcome ladies and gentlemen and what a show we have for you in DALLAS tonight.
Chase: We also have two title matches. First Evan Envi defends his title against former two time Overdrive Champion Johnny Rebel. And in our Main event LEVEL ONE puts his title on the line against C.J. GATES!
Harvey: Not to mention 4 qualifiers set for action as Havoc and Delikado take on Biggs and Amy Zing! .
Chase: That's right... Tonight we have a second chance battle royal to claim the 8th and final spot in the Overdrive Bracket of Test for the Best.
Harvey: But right now folks, we're going to take you backstage. .
We cut backstage, to a back room that we've got a tough time believing is in the same arena as the glitzy, glamorous Overdrive show. Lights are low, and the only things in the room are a few rickety chairs, an old wooden card table, and an ancient coffee machine that looks like a fire hazard.
We hear a set of footsteps, and after a moment or two, we see they belong to the APW Xtreme Champion, A.C. Smith. Smith has a match coming up, but isn't in his wrestling gear. Rather, he's wearing a tight white polo and blue jeans, and he looks like he's expecting someone.
The door behind him opens, and he turns around quickly.
A.C.: "Gooch. Thanks for stopping by. Have a seat."
Gooch: Not a problem, A.C. When I heard you wanted to talk to me, I figured it was important. You okay?
Gooch hesitates, but eventually, he walks in and sits down.
Gooch: What's on your mind, brother?
A.C.: "Well, to say you and your new pals got my attention last week is an understatement. I've invited each of you in, individually, to see what, exactly, you guys were trying to pull. I'll handle some of you tonight and some of you next week.
"After all, nobody gets down to business better than a cop."
Gooch: Fair enough. I figure you deserve a response. Trust me though, you were in no harm. You'll understand everything later.
A.C.: "Tell me something. See, before we had our little scrape leading up to RassleMania IX, you did your own thing, and I found that extremely admirable. We have our differences, but that wasn't one of them...up until all this nonsense started.
"Why, exactly, would you join forces with Evan Harrison when you could do a whole hell of a lot doing things the right way by yourself?"
Gooch: I was doing the right thing by myself. Other than my dumping slop on you, which I guess I should apologize about. Sorry about that...I would consider us friends. We fought some tough matches. Why do you think I would join up? You know the type of man I am. I'm genuine. What you see is what you get.
A.C.: "That's never been in dispute. But I can't say the same for the guys you've chosen to align yourself with."
Gooch: It's simple, Big Apple. I'm not using these guys to catapult myself. I know my limitations. I'm never going to be a Level-One or a TMarv, or even an A.C. Smith or Evan Envi. I'm good 'ol Buckson Gooch. To say that I could only unite with people that fight for what I do would narrow down my possible alliances to one or two people, one of them being you...and we know how well you play with others.
A.C. rolls his eyes.
A.C.: "Clearly, Harrison's gotten into your head.
"But why THIS group? What the hell is it about Delikado, Harrison, and Havok that's made you say, 'THIS is where I'm taking my stand against all that's wrong with APW?'"
Gooch: I've developed a friendship with Delikado. He's really helped my boy. Evan Envi and I have a friendship based off of intense rivalry. Havok is closer with them, but I like him, too. I feel like I could do a better good helping channel the energy of the group.
A.C.: (perplexed) "...channel the energy?"
Gooch: I'd like to say that I'm the Heart and Soul of The League...The Commoner so to say. I'm just a regular guy with some country boy wisdom. If things get out of hand...I'll try to get the storm channeled...know what I mean?
A.C.: "No, but that's beside the point.
"Tell me one thing before you get out of here. You mentioned that I don't play well with others. You know my backstory with Evan Harrison, and you know I don't get along with Havok and Delikado.
"So why the hell didn't you guys just beat the living daylights out of me last week when you had the chance?"
Gooch: Heart and Soul, buddy. Heart. And. Soul.
Smith watches Gooch leave and shakes his head.
A.C.: "God, I hope these start making sense."
Backstage in the parking lot, the familiar rumble echoing throughout the walls overwhelm everything. Cars begin vibrating, debris on the ground begins to jitter. From the street, a line of four motorcycles pull in slowly. They all fall in line as the cruise onto the scene, with their engines roaring like beasts.
Finding a couple of empty spots not far from the back entrance, they all back in. As the engines still rumble, in sequence, each rider kicks his stand down and leans the bike over to its side just before killing the engine. Silence fills the air as the riders stand to their feet and begin removing their helmets. All dressed in the same cuts, the Nomad MC logo stands out on their backs with "Houston" running across the bottom.
Knox is last in line with nothing on his back but "prospect". Pulling out a cigarette, he places it between his lips and pulls out his lighter to give it a spark .Taking that first drag, he places his helmet on the seat as the other MC members close in on him.
Out of nowhere, security moves in quickly and surrounds the MC. Not taking any chances, security comes with backup totaling around fifteen. Knox shakes his head as he takes another drag and blows the smoke in the face of the approaching member or security.
Security Officer: Sirs, we're going to have to ask everyone to leave except for Mr. Knox.
Knox: You've got to be kiddin' me. Why's that?
Security Officer: Last week your friends decided that it would be a good idea to hop over the barricade and enter the ring following an official APW match.
Knox: And that's a problem?
Security Officer: Well... of course it is! APW will not be responsible for the safety of individuals not employed by the company. APW also cannot risk the safety of it's fans in attendance by careless acts of wrecklessness.
Knox: It's cool, they're with me. I promise that we will not get into any trouble tonight, at least try not to that is.
Security Officer: Sorry, that just isn't a risk that management is willing to take. You don't even have a match tonight, sir. You're not scheduled to be here as it is. You can come in but your friends cannot enter the premises.
Knox: That's bullshit and you know it.
The other members of the MC step in closer as you can sense the hostility in the air. Knox takes another drag from his cigarette and thinks to himself for a moment before responding.
Knox: You know what, fuck it. I got this guys. I'll catch up with you after the show.
The MC members look at one another in question to Knox's request. As they continue to stand their ground, Knox turns back and nods at them. They continue to look at one another for a brief moment before making their move and climbing back on their iron horses.
Knox: I'll meet with you guys at the bar across the street after I handle some business here first.
Knox tosses his cut to one of the members as they all start their motorcycles as the loud roar engulfs the parking deck once again. They then proceed to slowly drive away, leaving Knox alone with security. Knox takes another drag from his cigarette and flicks it aside as he watches the MC members exit the parking deck and drive out onto the busy streets of Dallas. He then looks at security with a cocky grin on his face.
Knox: Get out of my way, guys. I have business to attend to. Oh yea, one of you rent-a-cops stay behind and keep an eye on my bike. It's time for the show to officially begin.
Knox walks through the group of security officers as he approaches the back entrance to the arena. The security staff then follows behind him as one stays back to keep an eye out for the motorcycle as the scene fades.
Our scene opens in the back corridors of our arena and Dallas reacts in a loud, indecisive reaction as Evan Envi and Jenny Knite appear on the screen. Evan sighs and gently caressed the leather underside of the Overdrive Championship.
Jenny: So next week's the big week, eh?
Envi smiles faintly and gently nods his head.
Evan: That'll be when we make our announcement. Hah-- you'll learn how to help us save the world.
Jenny wrinkles her most a bit, clearly not satisfied with the vague response.
Jenny: I just want you to save Lady Overdrive.
Evan: Hah, really? Funny... Me too.
Showing a slight tinge of frustration, Jenny grabs Evan by the arm and pulls him closer, speaking in a firm, hoarse whisper.
Jenny: It's Johnny Rebel, Evan. It's no time for jokes.
Evan: You want me to be scared... Yeah?
Jenny: Yes!
Evan: But how could I be, knowing that in a week, we'll have a revolution on our hands?
Jenny: BECAUSE!
Evan perks a brow in alarm and takes a single step back, narrowing his eyes at Ms. Knite. She sighs and pushes stray strands of hair from her face.
Jenny: Because you might have to congregate the revolution without Lady Overdrive, and we can't do this without her. YOU can't.
Evan looks poised to respond but as he turns, the crowd erupts into boos seeing that Johnny Rebel is now casually leaning in the doorway with a half-smile.
Rebel: Jenny's right, Envi, on *both* counts. You aren't starting anything without Lady Overdrive around your waist. You and I both know that at the end of the night, you're going to be right back where you should be... the midcard of Meltdown! You are nothing without that belt. And there is a Revolution coming, but it doesn't have anything to do with the League of Extraordinary wrestlers! It has everything to do with Johnny Rebel making his return to the peak of APW. Simply put? Tonight, I'm going to end you!
Rebel snaps at Envi, who doesn't flinch, and walks away laughing as the camera focuses in on Envi and Jenny, who are whispering back and forth. Overdrive heads to a commercial break.
We cut to the ring where Nicky Paige is standing by.
Paige: The following contest is the Test For The Best Second Chance over the top battle royal. The winner earns a place in the first round of the Overdrive Test For The Best tournament. Already in the ring: ‘The Welsh Dragon’...DAN WHITE!
The director cuts to a picture of Dan White already in the ring, leaning against the ropes.
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. 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.
Paige: From Possomgrape, AR; weighing 345lbs, he is a member of The League of Extraordinary Wrestlers....BUCKSON GOOCH!!!
Harvey: It’s another chance for Buckson Gooch, and I know a lot people in the back believe he is a dark horse in this year’s tournament.
Chase: Listen, Gooch needs to win tonight. He’s becoming a likeable loser. He’s APW’s nearly man. I think he’ll be pumped tonight.
The lights dim as the song 'Natural Born Killaz' starts to play. A couple of spotlights begin to focus on the stage, as a bit of fog fills the floor.
[Dr. Dre]
Journey with me
Into the mind of a maniac
Doomed to be a killer
Since I came out the nutsac
I'm in a murderous mindsate
With a heart full of terror
I see the devil in the mirror.
Leon Roberts, Jake Titan, and Michael jennings appear from behind the curtain, along with their ladies. The men all give the X above head pose, before they head to the ring.
BUCK BUCK, Lights out
Cause when I get my sawed off
N***** get hauled off [Ice Cube:] haha barrel one
Touches your motherf***in flesh [Ice Cube:] barrel two
Shoots your f***in heart out your chest
You see I'm quick to let the hammer go click
On my Tec-9 so if you try to reck mine
Fool it's your bad time
Feel the blast of the chocolate bomber
Infra red aimed at your head
Like your name was Sarah Conner
All three walk down the ramp. Once at ringside, Demonica and Cathrine Jewel climb up, as the three men follow suite.
Decapitatin I ain't hesitatin
To put you in the funderal home
With a bullet in your dome
I'm hot like lava
You got a problem?
I got a problem solver
And his name is revolver
It's like a deadly game of freeze tag
I touch you with a 44 mag
And your frozen inside a body bag
Nobody iller
Than this graveyard filler
Cap peeler
Cause I'm a Natural Born Killa
Leon and Jake both head to the center of the ring. Leon and Michael pose with arms arms crossed, while Jake kneels infront doing two guns pointing down gang sign. They maintain that pose until the lyrics start up again.
[Ice Cube]
Terror illistrates my era
Now I cant hang around my momma
Cause I scare her
I'm quick to blast motherf***er
[Dr. Dre:] yeah what's up
[Ice Cube:]It feels like I'm bustin a nut
When I open you up
Cause your body is exposed to the midnight mist
All you weak motherf***ers give my ring a kiss
Jake gets up, and Demonica plus Cathrine removes their hoodies, as the two ladies head out of the ring. All three men the head for opposing turnbuckles, and pose for the fans.
The lights in the area quickly cut out. The fans are abuzz, and the electricity in the air is met with one lyric.
Paige: Introducing three member of The Natural Born Killaz....LEON ‘THE VIRUS ROBERTS’....JAKE TITAN....and.....MICHAEL JENNINGS!!!
Harvey: These three men announced their alliance to the world last week. You wonder what factor team-work will play in all of this.
Chase: None. There can be only one winner, one man who can get back into the tournament. I expect to see some strength in numbers, but the Killaz can dominate this one. Then the question remains: who is the best among them?
“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.
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”
Paige: From New York City, NY; weighing 275lbs, he is the APW Xtreme Champion, ‘The Big Apple Asskicker’...A.C. SMITH!!!
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: Here he is--- the Xtreme Champion. Seemingly unbeatable in Xtreme matches.
Chase: And he looks C.J. Gates to the limit last week. We know his pedigree not just on these battle royals, but in the Test For The Best tournament.
Harvey: That’s right. A.C. made his name in this tournament last year.
Smith stands tall on the middle rope and lifts his arms into the air, looking down at Michael Jennings, who holds his mouth and glares back with fury and frustration.
Harvey: He did it! For the second year in a row A.C. Smith has proved he deserves a second chance!
Chase: He’s going back to Test For The Best, his own proving ground, and this year I expect A.C. Smith wants to go one better.
Harvey: It was an incredible effort by everyone involved, but A.C. Smith is the man with the momentum right now. Can anyone stop the Xtreme Champion right now?
He is followed by Logan Alexander and his Suicidal Title as he helps Aubrey J. Parker out as well. They stand there for a second smiling as Terry gets out of the Limo with his Undisputed Title.
Terry Marvin: AH! Home, sweet Home.
They all chuckle as they begin to walk to the door. They're met by Overdrive GM Alexander Duvall.
Duvall: AHHH, Lady and Gentlemen... welcome to Overdrive. And thank you so much for being my honored guests!
Christian Kane: Being your honored guest better include the champagne and strippers we ordered.
Kane and Logan laugh but Aubrey just rolls her eyes. Terry shakes hands with Mr. Duvall.
Terry Marvin: As we discussed on the phone Alexander. We'ere merely here as concerned observers. Overdrive is like a home away from home for me. And to see it fall into such discourse due to your new exemplary World Champion...it's a damn shame.
Logan Alexander: It's a huge mistake.
AJP: One which we hope to rectify tonight.
Alexander stares at them for a moment reading their intentions. Finally he cracks a smile as he welcomes them into the building.
Duvall: I have this job in GREAT part to you Terry. So my show is your show. Make yourselves at home....In anyway you'd like.
He smiles a wicked smile as the scene fades to ringside.
The show opens with The Dallas crowd pumped up. Cowboy Stadium is PACKED! We see a few more crowd signs.
"I wanna join the LEAGUE"
"GO BIG OR GO HOME"
"MARRY ME AC SMITH"
"Syndicate > NEW Sindicate"
"THE RED WEDDING STILL GIVES ME NIGHTMARES!"
We go ringside to Johnny Chase and Darren Harvey.
Harvey: Welcome ladies and gentlemen and what a show we have for you in DALLAS tonight.
Chase: We also have two title matches. First Evan Envi defends his title against former two time Overdrive Champion Johnny Rebel. And in our Main event LEVEL ONE puts his title on the line against C.J. GATES!
Harvey: Not to mention 4 qualifiers set for action as Havoc and Delikado take on Biggs and Amy Zing! .
Chase: That's right... Tonight we have a second chance battle royal to claim the 8th and final spot in the Overdrive Bracket of Test for the Best.
Harvey: But right now folks, we're going to take you backstage. .
We cut backstage, to a back room that we've got a tough time believing is in the same arena as the glitzy, glamorous Overdrive show. Lights are low, and the only things in the room are a few rickety chairs, an old wooden card table, and an ancient coffee machine that looks like a fire hazard.
We hear a set of footsteps, and after a moment or two, we see they belong to the APW Xtreme Champion, A.C. Smith. Smith has a match coming up, but isn't in his wrestling gear. Rather, he's wearing a tight white polo and blue jeans, and he looks like he's expecting someone.
The door behind him opens, and he turns around quickly.
A.C.: "Gooch. Thanks for stopping by. Have a seat."
Gooch: Not a problem, A.C. When I heard you wanted to talk to me, I figured it was important. You okay?
Gooch hesitates, but eventually, he walks in and sits down.
Gooch: What's on your mind, brother?
A.C.: "Well, to say you and your new pals got my attention last week is an understatement. I've invited each of you in, individually, to see what, exactly, you guys were trying to pull. I'll handle some of you tonight and some of you next week.
"After all, nobody gets down to business better than a cop."
Gooch: Fair enough. I figure you deserve a response. Trust me though, you were in no harm. You'll understand everything later.
A.C.: "Tell me something. See, before we had our little scrape leading up to RassleMania IX, you did your own thing, and I found that extremely admirable. We have our differences, but that wasn't one of them...up until all this nonsense started.
"Why, exactly, would you join forces with Evan Harrison when you could do a whole hell of a lot doing things the right way by yourself?"
Gooch: I was doing the right thing by myself. Other than my dumping slop on you, which I guess I should apologize about. Sorry about that...I would consider us friends. We fought some tough matches. Why do you think I would join up? You know the type of man I am. I'm genuine. What you see is what you get.
A.C.: "That's never been in dispute. But I can't say the same for the guys you've chosen to align yourself with."
Gooch: It's simple, Big Apple. I'm not using these guys to catapult myself. I know my limitations. I'm never going to be a Level-One or a TMarv, or even an A.C. Smith or Evan Envi. I'm good 'ol Buckson Gooch. To say that I could only unite with people that fight for what I do would narrow down my possible alliances to one or two people, one of them being you...and we know how well you play with others.
A.C. rolls his eyes.
A.C.: "Clearly, Harrison's gotten into your head.
"But why THIS group? What the hell is it about Delikado, Harrison, and Havok that's made you say, 'THIS is where I'm taking my stand against all that's wrong with APW?'"
Gooch: I've developed a friendship with Delikado. He's really helped my boy. Evan Envi and I have a friendship based off of intense rivalry. Havok is closer with them, but I like him, too. I feel like I could do a better good helping channel the energy of the group.
A.C.: (perplexed) "...channel the energy?"
Gooch: I'd like to say that I'm the Heart and Soul of The League...The Commoner so to say. I'm just a regular guy with some country boy wisdom. If things get out of hand...I'll try to get the storm channeled...know what I mean?
A.C.: "No, but that's beside the point.
"Tell me one thing before you get out of here. You mentioned that I don't play well with others. You know my backstory with Evan Harrison, and you know I don't get along with Havok and Delikado.
"So why the hell didn't you guys just beat the living daylights out of me last week when you had the chance?"
Gooch: Heart and Soul, buddy. Heart. And. Soul.
Smith watches Gooch leave and shakes his head.
A.C.: "God, I hope these start making sense."
Backstage in the parking lot, the familiar rumble echoing throughout the walls overwhelm everything. Cars begin vibrating, debris on the ground begins to jitter. From the street, a line of four motorcycles pull in slowly. They all fall in line as the cruise onto the scene, with their engines roaring like beasts.
Finding a couple of empty spots not far from the back entrance, they all back in. As the engines still rumble, in sequence, each rider kicks his stand down and leans the bike over to its side just before killing the engine. Silence fills the air as the riders stand to their feet and begin removing their helmets. All dressed in the same cuts, the Nomad MC logo stands out on their backs with "Houston" running across the bottom.
Knox is last in line with nothing on his back but "prospect". Pulling out a cigarette, he places it between his lips and pulls out his lighter to give it a spark .Taking that first drag, he places his helmet on the seat as the other MC members close in on him.
Out of nowhere, security moves in quickly and surrounds the MC. Not taking any chances, security comes with backup totaling around fifteen. Knox shakes his head as he takes another drag and blows the smoke in the face of the approaching member or security.
Security Officer: Sirs, we're going to have to ask everyone to leave except for Mr. Knox.
Knox: You've got to be kiddin' me. Why's that?
Security Officer: Last week your friends decided that it would be a good idea to hop over the barricade and enter the ring following an official APW match.
Knox: And that's a problem?
Security Officer: Well... of course it is! APW will not be responsible for the safety of individuals not employed by the company. APW also cannot risk the safety of it's fans in attendance by careless acts of wrecklessness.
Knox: It's cool, they're with me. I promise that we will not get into any trouble tonight, at least try not to that is.
Security Officer: Sorry, that just isn't a risk that management is willing to take. You don't even have a match tonight, sir. You're not scheduled to be here as it is. You can come in but your friends cannot enter the premises.
Knox: That's bullshit and you know it.
The other members of the MC step in closer as you can sense the hostility in the air. Knox takes another drag from his cigarette and thinks to himself for a moment before responding.
Knox: You know what, fuck it. I got this guys. I'll catch up with you after the show.
The MC members look at one another in question to Knox's request. As they continue to stand their ground, Knox turns back and nods at them. They continue to look at one another for a brief moment before making their move and climbing back on their iron horses.
Knox: I'll meet with you guys at the bar across the street after I handle some business here first.
Knox tosses his cut to one of the members as they all start their motorcycles as the loud roar engulfs the parking deck once again. They then proceed to slowly drive away, leaving Knox alone with security. Knox takes another drag from his cigarette and flicks it aside as he watches the MC members exit the parking deck and drive out onto the busy streets of Dallas. He then looks at security with a cocky grin on his face.
Knox: Get out of my way, guys. I have business to attend to. Oh yea, one of you rent-a-cops stay behind and keep an eye on my bike. It's time for the show to officially begin.
Knox walks through the group of security officers as he approaches the back entrance to the arena. The security staff then follows behind him as one stays back to keep an eye out for the motorcycle as the scene fades.
Our scene opens in the back corridors of our arena and Dallas reacts in a loud, indecisive reaction as Evan Envi and Jenny Knite appear on the screen. Evan sighs and gently caressed the leather underside of the Overdrive Championship.
Jenny: So next week's the big week, eh?
Envi smiles faintly and gently nods his head.
Evan: That'll be when we make our announcement. Hah-- you'll learn how to help us save the world.
Jenny wrinkles her most a bit, clearly not satisfied with the vague response.
Jenny: I just want you to save Lady Overdrive.
Evan: Hah, really? Funny... Me too.
Showing a slight tinge of frustration, Jenny grabs Evan by the arm and pulls him closer, speaking in a firm, hoarse whisper.
Jenny: It's Johnny Rebel, Evan. It's no time for jokes.
Evan: You want me to be scared... Yeah?
Jenny: Yes!
Evan: But how could I be, knowing that in a week, we'll have a revolution on our hands?
Jenny: BECAUSE!
Evan perks a brow in alarm and takes a single step back, narrowing his eyes at Ms. Knite. She sighs and pushes stray strands of hair from her face.
Jenny: Because you might have to congregate the revolution without Lady Overdrive, and we can't do this without her. YOU can't.
Evan looks poised to respond but as he turns, the crowd erupts into boos seeing that Johnny Rebel is now casually leaning in the doorway with a half-smile.
Rebel: Jenny's right, Envi, on *both* counts. You aren't starting anything without Lady Overdrive around your waist. You and I both know that at the end of the night, you're going to be right back where you should be... the midcard of Meltdown! You are nothing without that belt. And there is a Revolution coming, but it doesn't have anything to do with the League of Extraordinary wrestlers! It has everything to do with Johnny Rebel making his return to the peak of APW. Simply put? Tonight, I'm going to end you!
Rebel snaps at Envi, who doesn't flinch, and walks away laughing as the camera focuses in on Envi and Jenny, who are whispering back and forth. Overdrive heads to a commercial break.
We cut to the ring where Nicky Paige is standing by.
Paige: The following contest is the Test For The Best Second Chance over the top battle royal. The winner earns a place in the first round of the Overdrive Test For The Best tournament. Already in the ring: ‘The Welsh Dragon’...DAN WHITE!
The director cuts to a picture of Dan White already in the ring, leaning against the ropes.
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. 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.
Paige: From Possomgrape, AR; weighing 345lbs, he is a member of The League of Extraordinary Wrestlers....BUCKSON GOOCH!!!
Harvey: It’s another chance for Buckson Gooch, and I know a lot people in the back believe he is a dark horse in this year’s tournament.
Chase: Listen, Gooch needs to win tonight. He’s becoming a likeable loser. He’s APW’s nearly man. I think he’ll be pumped tonight.
The lights dim as the song 'Natural Born Killaz' starts to play. A couple of spotlights begin to focus on the stage, as a bit of fog fills the floor.
[Dr. Dre]
Journey with me
Into the mind of a maniac
Doomed to be a killer
Since I came out the nutsac
I'm in a murderous mindsate
With a heart full of terror
I see the devil in the mirror.
Leon Roberts, Jake Titan, and Michael jennings appear from behind the curtain, along with their ladies. The men all give the X above head pose, before they head to the ring.
BUCK BUCK, Lights out
Cause when I get my sawed off
N***** get hauled off [Ice Cube:] haha barrel one
Touches your motherf***in flesh [Ice Cube:] barrel two
Shoots your f***in heart out your chest
You see I'm quick to let the hammer go click
On my Tec-9 so if you try to reck mine
Fool it's your bad time
Feel the blast of the chocolate bomber
Infra red aimed at your head
Like your name was Sarah Conner
All three walk down the ramp. Once at ringside, Demonica and Cathrine Jewel climb up, as the three men follow suite.
Decapitatin I ain't hesitatin
To put you in the funderal home
With a bullet in your dome
I'm hot like lava
You got a problem?
I got a problem solver
And his name is revolver
It's like a deadly game of freeze tag
I touch you with a 44 mag
And your frozen inside a body bag
Nobody iller
Than this graveyard filler
Cap peeler
Cause I'm a Natural Born Killa
Leon and Jake both head to the center of the ring. Leon and Michael pose with arms arms crossed, while Jake kneels infront doing two guns pointing down gang sign. They maintain that pose until the lyrics start up again.
[Ice Cube]
Terror illistrates my era
Now I cant hang around my momma
Cause I scare her
I'm quick to blast motherf***er
[Dr. Dre:] yeah what's up
[Ice Cube:]It feels like I'm bustin a nut
When I open you up
Cause your body is exposed to the midnight mist
All you weak motherf***ers give my ring a kiss
Jake gets up, and Demonica plus Cathrine removes their hoodies, as the two ladies head out of the ring. All three men the head for opposing turnbuckles, and pose for the fans.
The lights in the area quickly cut out. The fans are abuzz, and the electricity in the air is met with one lyric.
Paige: Introducing three member of The Natural Born Killaz....LEON ‘THE VIRUS ROBERTS’....JAKE TITAN....and.....MICHAEL JENNINGS!!!
Harvey: These three men announced their alliance to the world last week. You wonder what factor team-work will play in all of this.
Chase: None. There can be only one winner, one man who can get back into the tournament. I expect to see some strength in numbers, but the Killaz can dominate this one. Then the question remains: who is the best among them?
“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.
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”
Paige: From New York City, NY; weighing 275lbs, he is the APW Xtreme Champion, ‘The Big Apple Asskicker’...A.C. SMITH!!!
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: Here he is--- the Xtreme Champion. Seemingly unbeatable in Xtreme matches.
Chase: And he looks C.J. Gates to the limit last week. We know his pedigree not just on these battle royals, but in the Test For The Best tournament.
Harvey: That’s right. A.C. made his name in this tournament last year.
Second Chance Battle Royal
Winner gets a spot in the First round of Test for the Best
AC Smith vs. Buckson Gooch vs. Jake Titan vs. Leon Roberts vs. Michael Jennings vs. Dan White
The match begins and all six men come together. It looks a bit like a six-man tornado at the start as the three members of NBK team up to fend off Gooch, Smith and White. Jake Titan is slugging it out with Gooch, Roberts trades blows with Dan White, while A.C. Smith powers past Jennings with a clothesline. Roberts plants White with a DDT, then helps Titan take care of Gooch. They double team him into a corner, but Smith comes across and helps out his former rival for the Xtreme Title. Smith grabs Leon Roberts and launches him over the top rope, but The Virus lands on the ring apron. As Smith turns he sees Jennings rising and runs him down with a shoulder charge. Dan White is on his feet, he sees an opportunity on Leon Roberts and charges, but Roberts has him scouted, drops below the level of the top rope and drags it down. Dan White’s own momentum takes him over the top and he crashes hard onto the ringside floor.
ELIMINATED: DAN WHITE
Harvey: That’s the first man down!
Chase: And this rotten streak for Dan White continues.
Leon Roberts climbs back into the ring and he’s immediately grabbed by Gooch and knocked down with a headbutt. Jake Titan charges across the ring and clothesline the back of Smith, who is punching Jennings in a corner. Smith turns and lands a forearm smash to the face. Titan retaliates with a punch of his own, then Jennings smashes his forearm into Smith’s kidney area. Meanwhile Leon Roberts has turned the tables on Gooch and is trying to turn him over the top rope. Gooch though grips Robert’s face with one of his big hands and squeezes it hard, forcing Roberts to back off. Gooch runs at Roberts and upends him with a clothesline. Now Titan goes after Gooch, but a big boot puts him down. Jennings runs across to revenge his stable buddies, but Gooch counters with a kick to the gut, then delivers the Possomgrape Waltz. The crowd cheer for Gooch as he stands over the whole of the fallen NBK group.
Harvey: Buckson Gooch has just taken out The Natural Born Killaz.
Chase: And now he’s got eyes for A.C. Smith. Oh boy, this is about to get heavy.
The two juggernauts come together in a clinch, but neither man can get the advantage. After half a dozen seconds they separate and begin to circle each other. Another tie-up, but again neither comes out on top. They come apart and tease another clinch, but the members of NBK are back on their feet and attack them. Titan and Roberts Irish whip Gooch into the ropes then drop him with a double clothesline as he rebounds. Jennings ducks an attempted haymaker from Smith and nails a dropkick that sends Smith straight into Titan and Roberts who hit a double flapjack. All three members on Natural Born Killaz circle the ring, then set their eyes upon each other.
Harvey: Here we go! I think the alliance is about to be put on temporary hold.
Titan and Roberts look like they about to have a go slugging it out, but Jennings steps between them and holds them off, pointing instead to Smith and Gooch. They nod at him, letting him know that’s a good idea. NBK lift Gooch and Smith and give them some slugs. Titan and Jennings take Smith and double suplex him, while Roberts pushes Gooch into a corner and starts stomping him down to a seated position. Titan comes across and relieves Roberts, who joins Jennings in beaten on Smith, which ends with them hitting a double DDT. Titan joins them and they try to lift Smith over the top rope, but he counters with back elbow to the face of Jennings, smashes Titan with his forearm, and tries to slam a big boot into Roberts. The Virus counters though by catching Smith’s boot, then drops him with a dragon screw. Roberts gives a pose, but before he can lap it up he’s run over by Buckson Gooch.
Harvey: We’re already seeing the team work from the Killaz.
Chase: I think the plan is definitely to eliminate Smith and Gooch first.
Gooch grabs Roberts by the head and launches him over the top rope, but Roberts lands on his feet on the ring apron. Titan clubs the back of Gooch, the big turns and palms Titan away. Next it’s Jennings who kicks Gooch in the knee, gives him a European uppercut, then a dropkick that sends Gooch stumbling back through the middle ropes.
Harvey: Gooch remains in this one. You have to go over the top rope and both feet hit the floor to be eliminated.
Roberts is back in the ring. He grabs Smith and gives him a hard slug to the head. Smith stumbles into Titan and Jennings who try a double suplex, but Smith blocks and counters by lifting Titan and Jennings high into the air. He holds them in that vertical suplex position for a good few seconds and the crow pop for his display of strength.
Harvey: What strength from A.C. Smith--- he’s got two of them in the air here!
Chase: But he’s not watching for Leon Roberts!
However, Roberts counters by rebounding off the ropes and hitting a spear. All three men flop to the mat. Roberts picks up Smith and whips him over the top rope, but the Xtreme Champ hangs onto the top rope and drags himself back onto the apron. As Roberts tussles with Smith, Titan meets Gooch who is getting back onto the apron. Titan tries to stomp Gooch off, but the big man drops down and hits a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Gooch climbs back through the ropes and is confronted by Jennings, but Gooch sets him down with a body slam. Gooch turns to Titan and gives a big impact open palm strike that sends Titan over the top rope, but he’s safely on the ring apron. On the other side of the ring Roberts spots Gooch and charges him, trying to help out his buddy, but Gooch has it telegraphed and sidesteps, causing Roberts to collide with Jake Titan and send his tag partner crashing to the floor.
ELIMINATED: JAKE TITAN
Harvey: Leon Roberts has just eliminated Jake Titan!
Chase: I don’t think he can quite believe it!
Roberts looks down at his partner, selling shock and surprise. Roberts turns and BOOM! Buckson Gooch clothesline him over the top and Roberts hits the floor hard.
ELIMINATED: LEON ROBERTS
Harvey: The Killaz are gone! They’ve caused their own downfall here!
Outside the ring Roberts and Titan start bickering, only for Roberts to shake his head and storm off with Demonica. In the ring Jennings tries to get the better of Gooch, but he’s Biel tossed into a corner and given a flurry of body blows. A.C. Smith gets to his feet, Gooch bears down on him and rolls over him with a Polish hammer. Gooch lifts Smith and headbutts him, then charges across the ring and splashes Jennings against the turnbuckle. Jennings stumbles out straight into a Hog-Tie suplex from the Possomgrape native. Gooch is feeling it now as the crowd pop for him. He climbs to the top rope.
Harvey: Get the cameras out here, you’re about to see 345lbs of flying redneck.
But Jennings lunges and disturbs the ropes, causing Gooch to straddle the top rope. Jennings drags himself to his feet and climbs to the middle rope, looking for a super neckbreaker, but he can’t get Gooch’s bulk from his position. Instead Jennings targets Smith and hits a missile dropkick from the second rope. Jennings stalks Smith, probably with the Empire Falls in mind. Jennings for it, but Smith counters and sends Jennings against the ropes. Jennings rebounds back straight into a big boot from The Big Apple Ass Kicker. Smith lifts Jennings into a press and lets him drop, rebounds off the ropes and nails the big time, pop inducing, homage to charismatic retro, body splash he calls the Big Apple Asskicker. It gets exactly the reaction from the crowd you’d expect, and the best is still to come.
Harvey: Listen to this crowd--- now Gooch is getting set!
Gooch stands to full height on the top rope and hits what is at the same time the ugliest, but also the most awesome moonsault you’ll ever see. Unless you’re Michael Jennings, who isn’t a fan.
Harvey: The ugliest moonsault! Look at this ring shake!
Chase: I think Buckson Gooch may have just flattened Michael Jennings!
Even A.C. Smith can’t ignore the moment and does his best to pop the crowd with some fist and arm pumping. But it’s soon back to business as he grabs Gooch and drills him with a ring-shuddering German suplex. It takes a mammoth effort from Smith and all three men remain down to give everyone a chance to catch their breath and let the crowd show their appreciation.
Harvey: What an incredible effort. How are any of these men still standing?
Chase: It’s been frenetic, it’s been relentless, but this is what Test For The Best is all about.
Eventually Smith and Gooch get to their feet. Gooch is forced to lean on the ropes. Smith comes across and tries to lift him over, but Gooch is clubbing and Smith’s back and shoulders, trying to fend him off. But Smith is getting the big man up, but not quite over. Michael Jennings now joins in to help Smith and they soon have Gooch teetering on the top rope. Gooch fights back and a stray elbow knocks back Jennings, but Smith pushes Gooch off the top rope, only for the League member to land on the apron. Smith tries to punch Gooch, but its blocked and Gooch retorts with a shot that knocks Smith down. Then Jennings comes out of nowhere and nails Gooch with the Empire Falls onto the top rope; Gooch springing off it and falling backwards off the ring apron and to the floor.
ELIMINATED: BUCKSON GOOCH
Harvey: Jennings eliminates Gooch! Now it’s just him and A.C. Smith.
Both Jennings and Smith get to their feet and begin to circle the ring. They come together in a clinch, but Smith lifts a knee into Jennings gut. Jennings scrambles away, then charges Smith, who counters with a snap powerslam. Jennings reels up, holding his back. Smith takes Jennings into a sleeper and lifts him to his feet, but Jennings twists out and transitions to an arm wrench. Jennings yanks the joint a few times, then drops Smith with a hook kick to the chin. Jennings lifts Smith and slams his face against a turnbuckle, then tries to lift Smith over the ropes, but succeeds only in lifting Smith onto the top turnbuckle.
Jennings climbs onto the second rope and starts pummelling Smith with elbows and punches. Jennings tries again for Empire Falls, but Smith pushes him off and Jennings lands on the mat. Smith climbs to full height and leaps off, connecting with a flying clothesline. Smith lifts Jennings and whips him over the top rope, but Jennings keeps a hold on and drags himself onto the apron. Jennings rolls under the bottom rope. They come together against, but Jennings tries to tackle Smith to a corner, but it’s countered as Smith hits a gut wrench bomb. Smith now has Jennings controlled again, and lifts him into a press. Smith looks to launch Jennings over the top rope, but Jennings slides off and hits Empire Falls. Only the ropes keep Smith upright. Jennings looks for a running clothesline to send Smith out of the ring, but Smith drops down at the last second and...
Harvey: Jennings’ own momentum almost took him over the top there.
Chase: But he checked it and he’s now back in the ring....and safe!
It takes a few seconds for them both to get up, but Jennings seizes the advantage with a knee to the gut, then he whips Smith over the top and turns away holding his arms in the air, believing he has won....
....But Smith is still hanging onto the top rope, just about keeping his feet off the floor. Jennings notices this and tries effect Smith’s handle on the top rope by clubbing the Xtreme Champ’s hands. However Smith is able to pull himself into a lying position on the ring apron. Jennings rebounds off the ropes looking for a baseball slide, but Smith counters by spreading his legs apart and Jennings slides under the bottom rope and out of the ring. There are false cheers from the crowd.
Harvey: Ignore those fans. Michael Jennings has not been eliminated. He went under the bottom rope.
Jennings gets back into the ring with Smith and gets on the front foot with a flurry of punches, then whips Smith into a corner against the turnbuckle. Jennings moves across and lifts Smith onto the top rope, then joins him. A situation prevails where both men are standing up on the top rope. The sense of danger is sold by both men wobbling and almost losing their footing. Suddenly Smith grabs Jennings and launches him off the top rope towards the floor.
But Smith puts a bit too much into and Jennings lands on top of the crowd barriace.
Harvey: What the heck! How did he do that?
Chase: He didn’t--- A.C. just put too much into it.
Jennings pulls himself up onto the crowd barricade, then attempts a Parkour style leap back to the apron, but his leap takes his face first into the extended boot of A.C. Smith and Jennings quickly crashes to earth.
ELIMINATED: MICHAEL JENNINGS
WINNER: A.C. SMITH
Winner gets a spot in the First round of Test for the Best
AC Smith vs. Buckson Gooch vs. Jake Titan vs. Leon Roberts vs. Michael Jennings vs. Dan White
The match begins and all six men come together. It looks a bit like a six-man tornado at the start as the three members of NBK team up to fend off Gooch, Smith and White. Jake Titan is slugging it out with Gooch, Roberts trades blows with Dan White, while A.C. Smith powers past Jennings with a clothesline. Roberts plants White with a DDT, then helps Titan take care of Gooch. They double team him into a corner, but Smith comes across and helps out his former rival for the Xtreme Title. Smith grabs Leon Roberts and launches him over the top rope, but The Virus lands on the ring apron. As Smith turns he sees Jennings rising and runs him down with a shoulder charge. Dan White is on his feet, he sees an opportunity on Leon Roberts and charges, but Roberts has him scouted, drops below the level of the top rope and drags it down. Dan White’s own momentum takes him over the top and he crashes hard onto the ringside floor.
ELIMINATED: DAN WHITE
Harvey: That’s the first man down!
Chase: And this rotten streak for Dan White continues.
Leon Roberts climbs back into the ring and he’s immediately grabbed by Gooch and knocked down with a headbutt. Jake Titan charges across the ring and clothesline the back of Smith, who is punching Jennings in a corner. Smith turns and lands a forearm smash to the face. Titan retaliates with a punch of his own, then Jennings smashes his forearm into Smith’s kidney area. Meanwhile Leon Roberts has turned the tables on Gooch and is trying to turn him over the top rope. Gooch though grips Robert’s face with one of his big hands and squeezes it hard, forcing Roberts to back off. Gooch runs at Roberts and upends him with a clothesline. Now Titan goes after Gooch, but a big boot puts him down. Jennings runs across to revenge his stable buddies, but Gooch counters with a kick to the gut, then delivers the Possomgrape Waltz. The crowd cheer for Gooch as he stands over the whole of the fallen NBK group.
Harvey: Buckson Gooch has just taken out The Natural Born Killaz.
Chase: And now he’s got eyes for A.C. Smith. Oh boy, this is about to get heavy.
The two juggernauts come together in a clinch, but neither man can get the advantage. After half a dozen seconds they separate and begin to circle each other. Another tie-up, but again neither comes out on top. They come apart and tease another clinch, but the members of NBK are back on their feet and attack them. Titan and Roberts Irish whip Gooch into the ropes then drop him with a double clothesline as he rebounds. Jennings ducks an attempted haymaker from Smith and nails a dropkick that sends Smith straight into Titan and Roberts who hit a double flapjack. All three members on Natural Born Killaz circle the ring, then set their eyes upon each other.
Harvey: Here we go! I think the alliance is about to be put on temporary hold.
Titan and Roberts look like they about to have a go slugging it out, but Jennings steps between them and holds them off, pointing instead to Smith and Gooch. They nod at him, letting him know that’s a good idea. NBK lift Gooch and Smith and give them some slugs. Titan and Jennings take Smith and double suplex him, while Roberts pushes Gooch into a corner and starts stomping him down to a seated position. Titan comes across and relieves Roberts, who joins Jennings in beaten on Smith, which ends with them hitting a double DDT. Titan joins them and they try to lift Smith over the top rope, but he counters with back elbow to the face of Jennings, smashes Titan with his forearm, and tries to slam a big boot into Roberts. The Virus counters though by catching Smith’s boot, then drops him with a dragon screw. Roberts gives a pose, but before he can lap it up he’s run over by Buckson Gooch.
Harvey: We’re already seeing the team work from the Killaz.
Chase: I think the plan is definitely to eliminate Smith and Gooch first.
Gooch grabs Roberts by the head and launches him over the top rope, but Roberts lands on his feet on the ring apron. Titan clubs the back of Gooch, the big turns and palms Titan away. Next it’s Jennings who kicks Gooch in the knee, gives him a European uppercut, then a dropkick that sends Gooch stumbling back through the middle ropes.
Harvey: Gooch remains in this one. You have to go over the top rope and both feet hit the floor to be eliminated.
Roberts is back in the ring. He grabs Smith and gives him a hard slug to the head. Smith stumbles into Titan and Jennings who try a double suplex, but Smith blocks and counters by lifting Titan and Jennings high into the air. He holds them in that vertical suplex position for a good few seconds and the crow pop for his display of strength.
Harvey: What strength from A.C. Smith--- he’s got two of them in the air here!
Chase: But he’s not watching for Leon Roberts!
However, Roberts counters by rebounding off the ropes and hitting a spear. All three men flop to the mat. Roberts picks up Smith and whips him over the top rope, but the Xtreme Champ hangs onto the top rope and drags himself back onto the apron. As Roberts tussles with Smith, Titan meets Gooch who is getting back onto the apron. Titan tries to stomp Gooch off, but the big man drops down and hits a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Gooch climbs back through the ropes and is confronted by Jennings, but Gooch sets him down with a body slam. Gooch turns to Titan and gives a big impact open palm strike that sends Titan over the top rope, but he’s safely on the ring apron. On the other side of the ring Roberts spots Gooch and charges him, trying to help out his buddy, but Gooch has it telegraphed and sidesteps, causing Roberts to collide with Jake Titan and send his tag partner crashing to the floor.
ELIMINATED: JAKE TITAN
Harvey: Leon Roberts has just eliminated Jake Titan!
Chase: I don’t think he can quite believe it!
Roberts looks down at his partner, selling shock and surprise. Roberts turns and BOOM! Buckson Gooch clothesline him over the top and Roberts hits the floor hard.
ELIMINATED: LEON ROBERTS
Harvey: The Killaz are gone! They’ve caused their own downfall here!
Outside the ring Roberts and Titan start bickering, only for Roberts to shake his head and storm off with Demonica. In the ring Jennings tries to get the better of Gooch, but he’s Biel tossed into a corner and given a flurry of body blows. A.C. Smith gets to his feet, Gooch bears down on him and rolls over him with a Polish hammer. Gooch lifts Smith and headbutts him, then charges across the ring and splashes Jennings against the turnbuckle. Jennings stumbles out straight into a Hog-Tie suplex from the Possomgrape native. Gooch is feeling it now as the crowd pop for him. He climbs to the top rope.
Harvey: Get the cameras out here, you’re about to see 345lbs of flying redneck.
But Jennings lunges and disturbs the ropes, causing Gooch to straddle the top rope. Jennings drags himself to his feet and climbs to the middle rope, looking for a super neckbreaker, but he can’t get Gooch’s bulk from his position. Instead Jennings targets Smith and hits a missile dropkick from the second rope. Jennings stalks Smith, probably with the Empire Falls in mind. Jennings for it, but Smith counters and sends Jennings against the ropes. Jennings rebounds back straight into a big boot from The Big Apple Ass Kicker. Smith lifts Jennings into a press and lets him drop, rebounds off the ropes and nails the big time, pop inducing, homage to charismatic retro, body splash he calls the Big Apple Asskicker. It gets exactly the reaction from the crowd you’d expect, and the best is still to come.
Harvey: Listen to this crowd--- now Gooch is getting set!
Gooch stands to full height on the top rope and hits what is at the same time the ugliest, but also the most awesome moonsault you’ll ever see. Unless you’re Michael Jennings, who isn’t a fan.
Harvey: The ugliest moonsault! Look at this ring shake!
Chase: I think Buckson Gooch may have just flattened Michael Jennings!
Even A.C. Smith can’t ignore the moment and does his best to pop the crowd with some fist and arm pumping. But it’s soon back to business as he grabs Gooch and drills him with a ring-shuddering German suplex. It takes a mammoth effort from Smith and all three men remain down to give everyone a chance to catch their breath and let the crowd show their appreciation.
Harvey: What an incredible effort. How are any of these men still standing?
Chase: It’s been frenetic, it’s been relentless, but this is what Test For The Best is all about.
Eventually Smith and Gooch get to their feet. Gooch is forced to lean on the ropes. Smith comes across and tries to lift him over, but Gooch is clubbing and Smith’s back and shoulders, trying to fend him off. But Smith is getting the big man up, but not quite over. Michael Jennings now joins in to help Smith and they soon have Gooch teetering on the top rope. Gooch fights back and a stray elbow knocks back Jennings, but Smith pushes Gooch off the top rope, only for the League member to land on the apron. Smith tries to punch Gooch, but its blocked and Gooch retorts with a shot that knocks Smith down. Then Jennings comes out of nowhere and nails Gooch with the Empire Falls onto the top rope; Gooch springing off it and falling backwards off the ring apron and to the floor.
ELIMINATED: BUCKSON GOOCH
Harvey: Jennings eliminates Gooch! Now it’s just him and A.C. Smith.
Both Jennings and Smith get to their feet and begin to circle the ring. They come together in a clinch, but Smith lifts a knee into Jennings gut. Jennings scrambles away, then charges Smith, who counters with a snap powerslam. Jennings reels up, holding his back. Smith takes Jennings into a sleeper and lifts him to his feet, but Jennings twists out and transitions to an arm wrench. Jennings yanks the joint a few times, then drops Smith with a hook kick to the chin. Jennings lifts Smith and slams his face against a turnbuckle, then tries to lift Smith over the ropes, but succeeds only in lifting Smith onto the top turnbuckle.
Jennings climbs onto the second rope and starts pummelling Smith with elbows and punches. Jennings tries again for Empire Falls, but Smith pushes him off and Jennings lands on the mat. Smith climbs to full height and leaps off, connecting with a flying clothesline. Smith lifts Jennings and whips him over the top rope, but Jennings keeps a hold on and drags himself onto the apron. Jennings rolls under the bottom rope. They come together against, but Jennings tries to tackle Smith to a corner, but it’s countered as Smith hits a gut wrench bomb. Smith now has Jennings controlled again, and lifts him into a press. Smith looks to launch Jennings over the top rope, but Jennings slides off and hits Empire Falls. Only the ropes keep Smith upright. Jennings looks for a running clothesline to send Smith out of the ring, but Smith drops down at the last second and...
Harvey: Jennings’ own momentum almost took him over the top there.
Chase: But he checked it and he’s now back in the ring....and safe!
It takes a few seconds for them both to get up, but Jennings seizes the advantage with a knee to the gut, then he whips Smith over the top and turns away holding his arms in the air, believing he has won....
....But Smith is still hanging onto the top rope, just about keeping his feet off the floor. Jennings notices this and tries effect Smith’s handle on the top rope by clubbing the Xtreme Champ’s hands. However Smith is able to pull himself into a lying position on the ring apron. Jennings rebounds off the ropes looking for a baseball slide, but Smith counters by spreading his legs apart and Jennings slides under the bottom rope and out of the ring. There are false cheers from the crowd.
Harvey: Ignore those fans. Michael Jennings has not been eliminated. He went under the bottom rope.
Jennings gets back into the ring with Smith and gets on the front foot with a flurry of punches, then whips Smith into a corner against the turnbuckle. Jennings moves across and lifts Smith onto the top rope, then joins him. A situation prevails where both men are standing up on the top rope. The sense of danger is sold by both men wobbling and almost losing their footing. Suddenly Smith grabs Jennings and launches him off the top rope towards the floor.
But Smith puts a bit too much into and Jennings lands on top of the crowd barriace.
Harvey: What the heck! How did he do that?
Chase: He didn’t--- A.C. just put too much into it.
Jennings pulls himself up onto the crowd barricade, then attempts a Parkour style leap back to the apron, but his leap takes his face first into the extended boot of A.C. Smith and Jennings quickly crashes to earth.
ELIMINATED: MICHAEL JENNINGS
WINNER: A.C. SMITH
Smith stands tall on the middle rope and lifts his arms into the air, looking down at Michael Jennings, who holds his mouth and glares back with fury and frustration.
Harvey: He did it! For the second year in a row A.C. Smith has proved he deserves a second chance!
Chase: He’s going back to Test For The Best, his own proving ground, and this year I expect A.C. Smith wants to go one better.
Harvey: It was an incredible effort by everyone involved, but A.C. Smith is the man with the momentum right now. Can anyone stop the Xtreme Champion right now?
