The camera fades in to a shot of The Phoenix entering the locker room. A caption in the bottom left corner reads 'earlier today.' Phoenix nods in greeting to some of the backstage staff as he makes his way apparently towards his locker room, wanting to be certain that what happened last week does not occur again. As he turns a corner and sees the locker room, he stops short. For standing in front of his locker is the same black beast that wreaked all the havoc last show...Bacon. Phoenix looks at the pig and slowly walks forward, hands in front of him. Bacon immediately jumps up onto all fours and snorts in the direction of The Phoenix. The beast's little black eyes seem ablaze.

The Phoenix: [In a soft voice] Easy, big guy. I'm just trying to walk in.

The Phoenix slowly closes in, dropping to one knee and reaching one hand out to tentatively scratch the 'beast' behind the ears. The piglet practically melts into the floor in response. He flops and rolls onto his back with his hooves in the air, twitching with the little scratches. The Phoenix smiles at this response.

The Phoenix: You just wanted some attention, that's all it is. Is Aphy in there?

Bacon hops back up onto his hooves and proceeds to headbutt the door, opening it. He trots into the locker room ahead of The Phoenix and climbs up Aphrodisia Jordan's extended leg before curling onto her lap. The Warheart is indeed there, perched in an arm chair, one hand stroking the back of the pig's head.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Hey, tiger.

To say that Phoenix is taken aback would be an understatement. Who does he have to beat to get a private locker room, for crying out loud? However, he masks his annoyance and sits down on the wooden bench near the lockers. His voice is carefully neutral as he speaks.

The Phoenix: So...is this business or personal, Aph?

Aphrodisia Jordan: I'm not here to attack you if that's what you mean.

The Phoenix: I suppose that will work. What brings you to the poor side of everything non-Society then?

Aphrodisia Jordan: I'm not sure... felt like I needed to put things straight though I know I don't have to...

This catches Phoenix off-guard, as evidenced by the raised eyebrows on his face.

The Phoenix: You have me intrigued. Go on...

Aphrodisia Jordan: Making this difficult for me, hm?

The Phoenix: Well...if you're coming to apologize for something, don't. We both know that out there in the arena, it's business. What happens there stays there. Just like later tonight. Now if it's something besides that...well...yeah, then you have me confused.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Yeah, I know.

Aph smirks faintly and stands, holding Bacon under one arm. She heads for the door but pauses, eyeing Phoenix for a moment.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Loser buys dinner.

The Phoenix: And if neither of us technically lose by not getting pinned?

Aphrodisia Jordan: Then you buy dinner.

The Phoenix: ...This coming from someone who has more money than they can shake a stick at...fine. Hope you like Italian again.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Chicken. One of these days, I will get you to try Thai.

The Phoenix: You beat me yourself tonight, and you've got a deal.

Aphrodisia Jordan: I'm holding you to that.

Aphrodisia closes the door behind her before The Phoenix can respond.

The Phoenix: [Soft chuckle] It just ain't happening tonight, cherie.

'Game On' by Discipline begins to play as the words 'NLW' flash across the screen, followed by images of the last Uprising. The debuting Joey Vasco defeated Eliminator. Aphrodisia Jordan defeated Archangel. The first round of Jack Sullivan's announced Gold Rush tournament also began, with Dillon Bourne defeating ???, Jin Royale advancing over Sebastian Ashe, The Black Phoenix pinned Bill Housetin, and PIC toppled A2. In the main event, The Ice Man retained his NLW Championship against Vincent Kane in a freezer match! The scene cuts to ringside, with Caelan Tyler and Jake Steel!

Caelan Tyler: Hello and welcome to Uprising! Caelan Tyler here with 'The Real Deal' Jake Steel, and we got an action-packed show for you tonight!

Jake Steel: Plenty of abuse to go around!

Caelan Tyler: That there is, with Sebastian Ashe facing Dillon Bourne to qualify for a shot at the Destiny Title.

Jake Steel: Plus Gold Rush!

Caelan Tyler: The other four Round 1 Gold Rush matches take place tonight, with Eliminator facing Archangel, Harvey Danger facing TJ Arrington, Josh Allen taking on Joey Vasco and in a battle of debutees Piter Svoboda is taking on Jonathan Collins.

Jake Steel: Plus a triple threat ABUSE match!

Caelan Tyler: Two triple threats in fact. The first one pits Aphrodisia Jordan, The Jackrabbit and The Phoenix against each other and our main event has Brad Jackson defending his Anarchy X Championship against former Anarchy X Champ Triple M and Talon!

Jake Steel: The abuse will be amazing!

NLW's resident backstage interviewer is striding through the labyrinth of corridors with a purpose. Clearly eager to grab a scoop like the true professional that she is, Charisma Finch's eyes don't miss a single inch of the interior as she scans her surroundings for lurking wrestlers...

SWOOSH!

...so you can imagine her surprise as she completely misses a door swinging open just a few inches in front of her. Taken aback by the suddenly movement, Charisma stops in her tracks as a large, chiseled figure violently slams it shut behind him and strides along the barren corridor.

Charisma Finch: Hey! Wait a minute...
Getting over her initial shock, Charisma suddenly remembers her job description and canters off down the corridor as quickly as her heels will allow. She flutters around the black-haired, trunk-clad grappler, trying to attract his attention.

Charisma Finch: Sebastian! Sebastian! A few words from you?

NLW's 'Cure' suddenly comes to a halt. Slowly he turns his immaculate, Greek God torso around, a dissatisfied sneer etched across his facial features.

Sebastian Ashe: Alright wench, but make it quick; unlike you, I actually have to earn a paycheck here tonight.

Charisma's face contorts with confusion.

Charisma Finch: Excuse me?

Sebastian Ashe: You know what I'm talking about, foul nave. I bet you've had your back slammed down against good old Sullivan's desk more times than Monica Lewinski in the Oval Office.

Frankly, she looks shocked. And who can blame her? With Danny Boy Vegas accosting her two weeks ago and now Sebastian Ashe questioning the credibility of her employment, NLW's head interview certainly has been having a tough time recently.

Sebastian Ashe: Well go on; hurry up with the questions. I haven't got all night...

Clearly as unwilling to be interviewed as Charisma Finch is now to do the interview, Ashe folds his trunk-like arms across his bare chest. His dismissive perma-frown and ice-cold deathstare make him quite the intimidating presence, especially to a petite 110 pound girl from Salt Lake City who just wanted to make a name for herself on the big stage. Either way, Charisma swallows her pride and regains her composure as her desire to slap the taste from Sebastian Ashe's mouth is replaced by thoughts of that big ol' royalty check awaiting her at the end of the month.

Charisma Finch: Anyway... Sebastian Ashe, tonight you take on Dillon Bourne in what has been billed by NLW officials as a 'Destiny Title Qualifying Match-up'! What are your thoughts on your opponent tonight?

Sebastian Ashe: You know, it's actually quite appropriate that I'm squaring up with Dillon Bourne in Cleveland, Ohio. Because just like that green, untalented 'street fighter' is completely unworthy of sharing the ring with NLW's ONLY pure wrestler, this dung hole of a city isn't even worthy of my fecal matter passing through its sewer system.

Cheap jeers begin to filter through the arena walls as Ashe continues his diatribe.

Sebastian Ashe: The peasants and scumballs can boo all they want; it's not going to change the fact that they live in a city that is overrun with worthless working class jerk-offs and smells worse than a Tijuana hooker's sweat-drenched undergarments. But that's beside the point, because tonight, Charisma, Dillon Bourne is going to get paralyzed.

Charisma Finch: You call Dillon Bourne unworthy of stepping into the ring with you despite the fact that he's currently sitting undefeated and you've yet to win a match. How does that work?

Obviously still smarting from Ashe's earlier remarks, Charisma's usual calm, composed style of interviewing seems to have gone out the window. Either way, Sebastian does his best not to get worked up by her less-than-subtle barbs.

Sebastian Ashe: That's easy for you to say, but take a look at the guys that this Bourne character has come up against thus far. Whereas I, NLW's Standard Bearer, have come against the current NLW Champion among other decorated superstars, this guy has made his name by fighting various assortments bums and disgustos. But I digress; the fact of the matter is this; Dillon Bourne has no place whatsoever in a wrestling ring. His very presence in the squared circle is a disgrace to the founding fathers that put their blood, sweat and tears into putting this once noble profession on the map. Every time he steps through the ropes and pulls this whole bullshit 'street fighting' shtick that all the kiddies are into these days it is an absolute abomination.

He pauses for a moment, chuckling to himself.

Sebastian Ashe: Look, Dillon. I'm going to make this very simple for you, seeing as you obviously aren't a man of any real intellect... that thing out there with the four corners and the ropes? That's a wrestling ring... and you, sir, are not a wrestler. If you want to 'fight' people, I suggest you head back to whatever rancid hellhole you emerge from and pick on some bums or something, because that shit's not going to fly with me.

Charisma Finch: Wrestling or not, it's a style that's served Dillon Bourne very well thus far in his NLW career...

Sebastian Ashe: But it comes to an end tonight, Charisma. See, Dillon Bourne is a near perfect example of everything that is wrong with professional wrestling today. He clearly has no respect whatsoever for the integrity and tradition of this sport, and it makes me sick to the very pit of my stomach. He's a guy who relies on a dumb, flashy ring style and a potty mouth to get by. He's a sham, a fraud, a fake, and tonight, Charisma, I'm going to expose that to the world. And who knows? Maybe after I beat him tonight the wretched little cretin might just reconsider his choice of career. I hear the makers of Bumfights are looking for collaborators...

Finally the Standard Bearer storms off towards the ring, his match imminent. Charisma Finch shakes her head.

Charisma Finch: So much for that...

Caelan Tyler: Sebastian seems ready for his match, and Charisma can't seem to catch a break.

Jake Steel: Serves her right, she knew being an interviewer was a dangerous job when she banged Eriq Mobely for it back in the day.

Caelan Tyler: That was just a rumor though.

Jake Steel: Suuuuure it was.

The scene cuts backstage, where Jack Sullivan sits in his office, filling out paperwork. The door to his office swings open, and the NLW Champion The Ice Man storms in, a pissed off look on his face.

The Ice Man: Where is he? Where the hell is he?

Jack Sullivan: Where's who?

The Ice Man: You know damn well I am talking about Arrington, where is he?

Jack Sullivan: He's not here, but you shouldn't be worrying about him.

The Ice Man: Give me one good reason why I shouldn't.

Jack stands up from his desk, moving to stand face to face with Ice Man.

Jack Sullivan: Simple, Aphrodisia Jordan enacted her rematch clause for that belt of yours, so you better get your head straight and deal with the challenges in front of you, let me worry about things like Arrington.

The Ice Man: Let you worry about him? I can do that, but make sure he stays in line. Now what's this about Jordan?

Jack Sullivan: Her contract had a rematch clause, she decided to call it in. I want that belt staying out of Society's hands, and that means you need to keep focused on that. We can discuss it later, I have things I need to do now.

The Ice Man: Don't worry, they won't be getting a hold of this belt as long as I have anything to say about it

Jack Sullivan: Make sure of it.

The Ice Man: You just make sure that's all I have think about. I don't want any unexpected surprises, from anybody.

Jack nods his head, and Ice Man leaves the office as the scene cuts back to ringside.

Caelan Tyler: I wonder if Ice Man will do what Jack says.

Jake Steel: If he knows what's good for him he will, champ or not.

An eerie guitar riff echoes out across the arena as 'Idle Hands' by The Gutter Twins hits the PA system. The fans rise in throes of jeers as the house lights cut and begin to pulse in shades of red along with the rhythm of the song. The big screen explodes with white letters on a backdrop of pure black.

Eventually the drums kick in, and out steps Sebastian Ashe dressed in his ring attire, ready for a fight. He sneers at the sound of the booing audience and slowly makes his way down the ramp while the gruff vocals of Mark Lanegan filter from the speakers.

WITH MY IDLE HANDS,
THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO,
BE THE DEVIL'S PLAYTHING, BABY,
AND KNOW THAT I'VE BEEN USED.

YOUR LIPS ARE COLD,
THEY SUFFER ME,
THEY DRAG ME UNDER, BABY,
INTO YOUR SUFFERING.

Zach King: The following match is scheduled for one fall, and is to qualify for a shot at the Destiny Title! Making his way to the ring first, from Long Island, New York... Weighing in at 250 Pounds... SEBASTIAN ASHE!

Finally Ashe arrives at the bottom of the ramp. He enters the ring between the top and middle ropes, before beginning his final preparations.

Caelan Tyler: This match is important for Ashe, who's had a bitch of a rocky start here in NLW.

Jake Steel: Don't worry, he'll pull through, he's too damn good not to.

The lights die down abruptly, as the opening drums of 'The View from the Afternoon' resonate over the dark crowd.

anticipation has a habit to set you up
for disappointment in evening entertainment but
tonight there'll be some love
tonight there'll be a ruckus yeah, regardless of what's gone before

A narrow spectrum of deep red lights illuminate Dillon Bourne's pathway to the ring, where he tests the ropes, somewhat tuned out to the scream of fans that surround him.

Zach King: And his opponent, from Small Town, Florida... Weighing in at 200 Pounds... DILLON BOURNE!

Caelan Tyler: Dillon, on the other hand, has been on fire since he got here, defeated Plague and The Black Phoenix on his debut, and then topping ??? to win advance in the Gold Rush tournament, although picking up the win here would give him a nice cushion to fall back on should he falter in the tournament.

Jake Steel: Nah, Ashe will advance here.

Caelan Tyler: We'll see...

Ashe and Bourne circle each other slowly at first, Bourne making sure to keep a bit out, away from Ashe at the beginning. Ashe smirks and stands up straight after a bit, not moving, gesturing for Bourne to come on. Bourne hesitates for a bit, glancing out at the crowd. And then, like a flash, he leaps into Ashe and clobbers the bigger man with a fist to the jaw! Ashe staggers backwards as Bourne throws blow after blow, but before Ashe can be knocked around too much, he slams his fist straight into Bourne's ribs.

Caelan Tyler: Brutal rib punch from Ashe and now he brings Bourne's face right down onto his knee!

Jake Steel: See, this is what happens when you get a stupid street punk who thinks he can mess with the technical master class embodied by Sir Sebastian Ashe.

Caelan Tyler: Sebastian Ashe is from New York and has never-NASTY knee-drop to the face from Ashe!

Bourne rolls onto his side, but Ashe isn't done with him, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and hauling him to his feet. He marches Bourne backwards into the corner and hauls back, absolutely crushing the smaller man with a fearsome lariat. Bourne's legs lift from the ground with the force of the blow and Ashe quickly turns, catching Bourne around the neck and flipping him with a snap mare. He lands in a seated position and Ashe obviously sees no need to hurry, standing up and leaning over to Bourne before squeezing his neck with a sleeperhold.

Jake Steel: This is why when a small-fry like Bourne steps into the ring with Ashe, he will wish he had never been.

Caelan Tyler: One of these days Jake, your comments will make me quit.

Jake Steel: Thank God.

Ashe squeezes down the hold for a bit before straight-up yanking Bourne into the air and then dropping to the mat, powering him down with a surprise neckbreaker slam. Bourne spasms wildly, but Ashe doesn't let him go just yet, slapping him over onto his face. Ashe uses his hand to pin Bourne to the mat as he makes his way over, slamming his knee down on Bourne's lower back and reaching forward, clawing at Bourne's face and pulling back, his own face drawn into a rictus as he tortures the Floridian.

Caelan Tyler: Unorthodox submission hold from Ashe here, obviously designed to injure Bourne's back and soften him up, keep him from flying.

Jake Steel: Look at the ref there. See, I like the Japanese refs 'cause they just tell you to give up. Maybe if someone was shouting at this no-talent idiot, he would listen!

Caelan Tyler: Are you talking about Ashe?

Jake Steel: What...SCREW YOU.

Unfortunately for Steel and Ashe, Bourne doesn't give up, and Ashe responds by shoving Bourne's face into the mat and rising off him. Again, he grabs Bourne by the back of the neck. Again, he pulls Bourne to his feet. But this time, Bourne is fighting, ramming his elbow into Ashe's ribs, and then again, and then again until Ashe releases the hold. Bourne sets off like a rocket as the crowd cheers him on, hitting the ropes and coming back at full speed to blast Ashe in the face with a leaping front elbow. Ashe is rocked, staggering back and dropping onto a knee. Bourne sees his chance. He takes a sharp breath before hitting the ropes again. He comes at Ashe at full speed, but this time Ashe is ready, surging up into him and hoisting Bourne high into the air and bringing him down, spinebuster-style, straight onto Ashe's outstretched knee!

Jake Steel: Booyaka! And look at that, picture-perfect spin into a Boston crab!

Caelan Tyler: Sebastian Ashe is rearing back here, giving Bourne's back no easy--

Jake Steel: You know I bring Ashe along with me whenever I go to Red Lobster, just so he can put those damn crustaceans in line?

Caelan Tyler: Uhh...

Jake Steel: Hah! And look at this, he's let go of one of Bourne's legs and reaches back to fishhook the little punk! Come on Tyler, do your damn job.

Caelan Tyler: Ashe is certainly giving no quarter here, but Bourne isn't about to let this one go!

Once again, Ashe isn't willing to keep the hold on long enough to find out if this might be the finisher. He climbs to his feet and, with both hands in Bourne's hair, hauls Bourne up off the canvas and throws him chest-first against the ropes, letting him hang there for a bit. Ashe collects him, ducking his head under Bourne's near arm and wrapping him in a waistlock. He quickly readjusts his feet and lifts backwards for a belly-to-back suplex, but Bourne kicks forward in mid-lift, hooking his foot against the ropes and preventing Ashe from lifting! Ashe sets Bourne back down and Bourne drills the top of Ashe's head with punches before leaping up, kicking off against the middle rope and swinging around to plant Ashe into the mat with a bulldog! Ashe rolls over, laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling.

Jake Steel: Come on, ref, that was a thumb to the eye!

Caelan Tyler: The crowd is behind Dillon Bourne now as he leaps over Ashe, into the ropes, and a springboard moonsault! Hook of the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

TH---KICKOUT!

Caelan Tyler: Not over yet!

Jake Steel: Ashe is on his feet and NO!

Caelan Tyler: Bourne with a flying leg lariat that knocks Ashe back to the mat!

Ashe hits hard, but he's resilient and he flips over quickly, pushing himself to his feet. Bourne has hit the ropes, though, and he snaps a leaping leg drop onto the back of Ashe's neck before the New Yorker can get even halfway up. The crowd is cheering heavily for Bourne as he works to get Ashe partway to his feet before hitting the ropes once more, springboarding off the second and drilling Ashe face-first into the mat with a double-stomp right on the back of his head! Bourne is keenly aware of the momentum time clock he has and pushes Ashe over onto his back, making another cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THR—KICKOUT!

Jake Steel: Can't keep Sebastian Ashe down that easy!

Caelan Tyler: No you can't, 'cause Ashe is already back on his feet! This doesn't look good for Bourne!

No, it doesn't look good, but Bourne is popping jabs into Ashe's face and playing smart, keeping back from Ashe as the Cure wades in. Bourne dashes past Ashe, hitting the ropes once again. Ashe turns around, but his focus is too high, as Bourne dives towards the ground and nails him in the knee with a dropkick! Ashe collapses to the mat and Bourne rises. He keeps it quick, rushing to the ropes again, charging back at full-speed and leaping into the air for a back elbow drop onto Ashe's head! Unfortunately, he takes that bump on his lower back and Bourne seizes up, gripping his lower back. Still, he doesn't stop, knowing he's got to take Ashe down now. He wills himself up to his feet and climbs to the top rope, turning around and perching there, waiting.

Caelan Tyler: Could be a bad move on Bourne's part here, giving Ashe time to breathe.

Jake Steel: Every move that Bourne does is a bad move. I can't believe I have to tell you these things, Tyler. And you're supposed to be the smart one.

Caelan Tyler: Why are you still employed withBourne off the top with a fantastic somersault lariat takedown! The crowd is making a lot of noise as Bourne makes the cover, and this could be it!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

NO!

Jake Steel: That's my boy!

Caelan Tyler: At the very last second, Ashe just muscled his shoulder up from the mat to keep this match alive!

Bourne is understandably frustrated, smacking the mat. He decides that a different tack is going to be required and he grabs Ashe by the head, pulling him up to his feet enough that he can clamp on a clinch and throw some awkward but rough knees into Ashe's face. Ashe absorbs two of those punishing strikes before grabbing Bourne under the knee and hoisting him into the air, twisting and pulling Bourne over his shoulders before dropping him with a smoothly-executed Samoan drop! Ashe flips over, grasping Bourne by the hair and dragging him onto his face before cinching him up in a full nelson.

Jake Steel: And now he's getting a taste of his own medicine, Ashe driving his knees repeatedly into Bourne's lower back! Don't try to play games with the Master of Ceremonies, Guru Sebastian Ashe, 'cause you're gonna get—

Caelan Tyler: Stop it! Stop it right now!

Jake Steel: Fine! Fine! I had this whole list, but whatever.

Caelan Tyler: Jesus... Ashe spinning around now, shifting that full nelson into a double underhook hold... bringing Bourne to his feet and flipping him onto his back with a butterfly suplex!

Ashe slowly rises to his feet, smacking his hands together to dust them off before grabbing Bourne by the hair and 'helping' him to his feet again. Ashe spins Bourne around and opens his arms for a waistlock, but Bourne pitches himself forward into a roll. Ashe's eyes flash with surprise, but he quickly gives chase, only to find Bourne to his feet and leaping up to kick Ashe's eyeballs out with an enziguri! The crowd roars as Ashe twists, dropping first to a knee and then flopping onto his back.

Jake Steel: I don't believe this!

Caelan Tyler: Dillon Bourne with a somersault leg drop onto Ashe, and the impact isn't treating Bourne too well there!

Jake Steel: It's what he gets.

Bourne, like he has been doing through this entire match, fights through the pain shooting through his back as he rises to his feet. He squats down, watching Ashe like a hawk. Ashe pulls himself into a seated position, shaking his head, and Bourne moves around to be at Ashe's back. Ashe continues to rise, glancing around for Bourne, and once he reaches a standing position Bourne is off. He leaps up at Ashe's back, his fingers clawing at Ashe's forehead and his knees pushed up between his shoulderblades as he leans back, pulling Ashe into a vicious backcracker!

Jake Steel: NO!

Caelan Tyler: Did you see that!? Bourne's knees were so high he must've snapped Ashe's neck with that one! Bourne's taking the time to breathe here, but it doesn't look like Ashe is getting up soon!

After a bit of well-deserved breathing, Bourne rolls over onto his side and reaches up, grasping at the bottom rope. He pulls himself up, rope by rope, and then slips out onto the apron so he can climb up to the top. Once there, he tilts his head back and takes a deep breath before spreading his arms, letting the crowd's pop wash over him.

Jake Steel: Oh come on, this can't be...

Caelan Tyler: Nail in the coffin! Here we go! A Star is Bourne!

Bourne leaps into the air, but at the last moment Ashe is able to roll clear, and Bourne crashes into the mat.

Jake Steel: DE-NIED!

Caelan Tyler: I don't believe it! Ashe got out of the way! He's on his feet now... THE TRANQUILIZER!

Jake Steel: That's what I'm talking about!

Caelan Tyler: Bourne's pushed himself up onto his hands, but he's in so much pain, I can see it!

Jake Steel: Look at that idiot try and crawl away! Ha ha ha! Look at that!

Caelan Tyler: Ashe is showing absolutely no respect for his opponent here, using his foot to shove Bourne's face into the mat while he wrenches in that submission hold!

Jake Steel: It's over, Bourne! It's over! Time for the French maneuver: give up!

Caelan Tyler: I wish he wouldn't listen to a guy like you, but he's tapping, and I don't think there was much else he could do at that point!

The bell rings and Ashe slams Bourne's legs to the canvas, letting Bourne roll over and hold his back. The crowd boos tremendously as 'Idle Hands' filters onto the PA system again, Ashe jawing arrogantly at the crowd as he displays himself to them.

Zach King: The winner of this match, and the man advancing to the Destiny Title match at Turbulence... SEBASTIAN ASHE!

Jake Steel: Wait. What is this? Something is stirring in the crowd.

Caelan Tyler: Two masked men are coming into the ring, where Dillon Bourne is still trying to recover...

Two masked men in dressed in all black rush, one carrying a bag and the other a bat, into the ring and attack Dillon Bourne.

Jake Steel: Dillon Bourne just wrestled a hard fought match, he's not going to be able to fight these guys off.

Caelan Tyler: Are my eyes deceiving me? I think one of these guys has !!! on his shirt...

Jake Steel: I think you're right for once... It looks like the other guy has &&&! What the hell?!

!!! swings the bat at Dillon Bourne who is covering up trying to protect his head. !!! gets a couple shots to the body and back of Bourne. &&& begins to unfold the bag. !!! hits Bourne more time for good measure, Bourne lays in the ring motionless. !!! drops the bat and motions for &&& to open the bag. !!! drags Bourne and they stuff him into the bag. &&& who is the bigger of the two masked men, lifts the bag with Bourne in it and puts it into a fireman's carry. !!! grabs the bat, and the two men head out of the ring.

Caelan Tyler: I don't believe what I'm seeing here. 3 Exclamation Marks man and 3 Ampersand man have just kidnapped Dillon Bourne!

Jake Steel: Do you think they are working with 3 Question mark man? I mean he did lose to Dillon Bourne last week.

Caelan Tyler: I just hope security catches these guys before Dillon Bourne's face ends up on the side of a milk carton.

The camera opens up to the hallway, where one Charisma Finch stands outside a particular door, awaiting her cue. Three, two, one, and cameras are rolling, Charisma is on the air. One last belated check of her hair, and she is ready, microphone already waiting at her lips.

Charisma Finch: Okay, so this didn't go too great for me, last time. But what the boss wants, the boss gets... and I want a pay check. So, here goes, guys...

The camera pans out to reveal the name on the door that Charisma is preparing to enter. The name is in bold font type, simple but authoritative; SOCIETY. With a deep breath, the wary backstage reporter makes her way into the locker room. She screams.

Charisma Finch: What the hell?!

Charisma is stood on the ceiling. High above her, tables hang upside-down with their respective chairs hovering neatly underneath. On the table sits a beer glass, somehow not falling down to the ceiling, though its contents drip, drip, drip downwards. The sofas, too, defy gravity, floating ominously above Charisma's head. The chandelier, somehow, is suspended, erect, in the centre of the ceiling, and the lockers hang just inches above it, attached firmly to the ground above. The locker room has, quite literally, been turned upside down. The only thing somewhat out of place, aside from the locker room being vertically inverted, is a black and white mark, dangling from the floor. It is on this that Charisma focuses as she backs out of the room

Charisma Finch: What... the... hell...

Caelan Tyler: First Sebastian, now this. Charisma has not had a good night thus far.

Jake Steel: Nope!

Caelan Tyler: Up next we've got what promises to be one of the most evenly-matched pairings on the card, Jake.

Jake Steel: If you tuned in tonight wanting to see an all-out slugfest you're going to be very satisfied indeed. Archangel and Eliminator, perhaps the two most powerful in-ring presences in NLW, are about to go at it.

Caelan Tyler: This isn't going to be clean and it isn't going to be pretty! We're talking about two ridiculously strong individuals here in what could quickly turn into a war of attrition. Who's going to survive this one, Jake?

Jake Steel: I'm going with Archangel, Cael. He might not have had the best of luck since coming to NLW but he's got a slight size advantage. He's sitting on a 2-6 and you just know he'll be dying to channel his frustrations and prove everybody wrong tonight.

Caelan Tyler: On the contrary, Jake, take a look at Eliminator. Here's a guy who's settled into the swing of things very quickly indeed, and lets not forget he's got that all-important experience advantage.

Zach King: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall!

'Thunderkiss '65' plays as Eliminator makes his way from the back. He slowly walks to the ring, paying no attention to the crowd. He methodically walks up the stairs, and paces around a bit and looks at the back.

Zach King: Introducing first, in the ring, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee... Weighing in at 305 pounds... EEEEEELIMINATOR!

Jake Steel: This guy is a hoss Caelan, make no mistake.

Caelan Tyler: The cool, calculated, methodical Eliminator certainly has been making quite a name for himself here in NLW as of late. A lot of people in the back are speculating that this guy might just be the next big breakout star here in NLW.

Caelan Tyler: He's certainly proved himself to be a prominent member of the roster, but let's look at the facts; since joining NLW, the guy's made his name by tossing guys half his size around the ring. I'm not too sure how he'll hold up against a fellow brute like Archangel.

Caelan Tyler: I could easily accuse Archangel of the exact same thing, Jake! Write Eliminator off at your peril; he comes from a very credible wrestling background and he's got a heck of a lot of experience in that squared circle. He's very capable of picking up the win tonight, just like he did last time they faced off!

Zach King: ...aaaaaand his opponent!

'Duality' by Slipknot begins to play, the lights dropping low until the main part of the song hits. Spotlights shine down onto the center of the stage, where Archangel stands, head high, staring into the lights. He slowly looks away, before marching down to the ring and sliding under the ropes.

Zach King: In the ring, from Detroit Michigan... Weighing in at 310 pounds, ladies and gentlemen, this is... ARCHAAAANNNNGEEELLLLL!

Caelan Tyler: Now here's a man with a point to prove. There are a lot of people in the back who've suggested that Archangel might not be up to the pace of NLW lately...

Jake Steel: Complete and utter toot, Caelan! This guy is one of the strongest guys that this sport has ever seen, period. With a little drive and focus, Archangel could be a massive player here in NLW. Pun intentional.

Caelan Tyler: I'll admit that Archangel's power is certainly impressive, but the guy's hardly set the world on fire, has he? Just take a look at this record. I'm not going to write the guy off here, but there's no way I can view him as the favorite for this one.

DING! DING! DING!

Finally the timekeeper hits the bell as Slipknot fades from the PA system. A staredown ensues and the two big men begin to exchange sneers, glares, and general looks of displeasure as they try to psyche each other out. Eventually the stride towards each other and tie up in the centre of the ring.

Caelan Tyler: And the two big guys lock-up as this one gets underway.

Jake Steel: Heck, this is like Godzilla vs. King Kong, round three!

Caelan Tyler: There was a round two? When?

Jake Steel: ...I don't know. Shut up.

Neither man seems to be gaining the advantage on the lock-up as they struggle back and forth. Under the pressure of each other's strength both men are forced down to one knee without breaking the lock. Archangel is the first to react by stumbling up to his feet. Pulling Eliminator up, he looks to back his opponent against the ropes, but Eliminator manages to reverse the situation by pushing Archangel towards the other side of the ring. Archangel manages to dig his heels into the canvas, however, stopping Eliminator's momentum.

Caelan Tyler: Looks like the strength of both men is working against them here, Jake.

Jake Steel: Every time it looks like one of 'em might get an opening it sways the other way.

A sudden, quick burst from Archangel forces Eliminator into the corner. Archangel raises his mitts up to Eliminator's throat and clutches him round the neck with a chokehold. The referee soon administers the three count, however, forcing Archangel to break the hold.

Jake Steel: And the tide, perhaps, begins to turn in the favor of Archangel. What did I tell ya, Caelan?

Caelan Tyler: I'm not sure where he got that sudden adrenaline rush from but it certainly caught Eliminator off-guard and broke the stalemate.

Jake Steel: And now look at Archangel! Hammering away on Eliminator's torso with the shots!

After piling his fists against Eliminator's stomach a couple more times Archangel retracts, grabs hold of the middle rope and thrusts his shoulder into Eliminator's gut thrice for good measure. He backs off again at the referee's command as Eliminator slumps forward. Archangel stands almost motionless for a few moments, catching his breath as Eliminator struggles in the corner.

Caelan Tyler: Good start here from Archangel as the feeling out process continues.

Jake Steel: Absolutely Caelan. He's managed to literally back Eliminator into a corner here thanks to some commanding offence; let's see how he builds on this.

Archangel reaches out, grabs one of Eliminator's arms, and whips him across the ring into the opposite corner. He looks to follow up with a corner splash but Eliminator suddenly bursts out and catches Archangel in the jaw with a shoulder block! With Archangel hurting, Eliminator bursts forward and takes him down to the mat with a clothesline.
Jake Steel: Hey, look at this!

Caelan Tyler: Eliminator using some power of his own, and Archangel is on his ass!

Jake Steel: And another clothesline! Very smashmouth style employed by Eliminator here!

Arch rises from the second clothesline only to be met with a mouthful of Eliminator's fist. Punching his opponent a couple more times, Eliminator backs Archangel against the ropes before whipping him across the ring. He looks to charge and hit another clothesline but Archangel is able to grab the ropes and slip out of the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Just when it looks like Eliminator's gonna clean Archangel's clock, Archangel chickens out!

Jake Steel: He's not 'chickening out', Caelan... it's called strategy! The guy knows he's going up against perhaps the only guy on the roster that can match him in terms of raw power, so he's conserving his energy! Simple!

Caelan Tyler: Call it what you want, Jake, but Archangel certainly dodged a bullet with that one.

The referee begins a mandatory count as Archangel collects himself.

...1!

...2!

...3!

Caelan Tyler: You know, Archangel's gotta be careful here! It's one thing catching your breath, but if he's going to get counted out then what's the point?

...4!

Archangel begins to pace around the outside of the ring.

...5!

...6!

Finally he hops back up onto the apron and crawls in the ring between the bottom two ropes. With Eliminator egging him on Archangel surges forward looking for a forearm shot, but Eliminator ducks and lashes back with some shots of his own. He pulls Archangel towards the corner and smashes his head into the top turnbuckle before turning him around and beginning a series of back elbow shots.

Jake Steel: Damn, c'mon Archangel! Smack that ugly bitch one...

Caelan Tyler: Gotta admire the intensity of Eliminator here! He's really taking it to Archangel in the corner...

Jake Steel: Those elbow strikes are going to take their toll if Archangel doesn't get outta there soon!

Archangel slumps down to a seated position, allowing Eliminator the opportunity to stomp away at his torso.

Jake Steel: You know, if I was feeling particularly cheesy and tasteless, I'd say something about 'stomping a mudhole' right about now...

Caelan Tyler: Ummm, you just did.

Jake Steel: Crap.

After taking a step backwards, Eliminator pulls Archangel up to his feet and whips him across the ring. Once again though the Irish whip is reversed, but Archangel eats another shoulder barge as he tries to charge in. Archangel staggers backwards from the force of the blow but manages to recover soon enough to grab the charging Eliminator and drive him down into the canvas with a spinebuster!

Caelan Tyler: What power from the spinebuster! That'll drive the air from your lungs!

Jake Steel: It seemed like Archangel was dazed there, but oh no. He really drilled Eliminator with that one and again the tide turns.

Archangel hooks the leg.

...1!

...2!

But Eliminator gets the shoulder up!

Jake Steel: Straight-forward kickout from Eliminator there, but Archangel's showing some good offense here.

Not offering his opponent any chance to recover, Archangel rises to his feet only to drop his elbow across Eliminator's chest. Eliminator reaches down to protect his ribs as Archangel repeats this process a further two times, but the impact of the 310 pound man crashing down upon him is clearly taking its toll.

Caelan Tyler: I've gotta admit, this guy has been highly impressive thus far in this match! He's all over the experienced Eliminator here.

Jake Steel: I told you not to write Archangel off, Caelan! This guy is an absolute man mountain and he's shown us thus far that he has no qualms about mixing it up with a similarly-sized opponent!

Caelan Tyler: Hey, I didn't write anyone off; all I said was that I view Eliminator as the favorite here, and I stand by that. At the moment though? It's all Archangel.

Eventually Arch tires of this process. He pulls Eliminator up and whips him across the ring with incredible force, so much so that Eliminator's back bounces against the torso sending him crashing face-first into the mat!

Caelan Tyler: And what a power Irish whip that was! The impact on the lower back must've been immense.

Jake Steel: Seems like Archangel's singling out the torso area of Eliminator with his assault right now.

Archangel stomps his boot down on Eliminator a few times with significant gaps between each. Eventually he pulls Eliminator up by the hair, but a sudden spurt of energy from the Nashville native gives Eliminator the strength to fight back! He nails Archangel with a couple of stiff punches but the clothesline attempt is ducked! Archangel skips behind his opponent, wraps his arms around his waist, and drops him with a back body drop!

Caelan Tyler: And down goes Eliminator again! Just when it looked like he might be staging a comeback...

Jake Steel: Not only is Archangel full of power, Cael, but he's also shown that he's not the slowest guy in the world either! Alright, so he's no Josh Allen, but he's certainly quite nimble on his feet for a man of his size.

Caelan Tyler: And that's something dangerous to be up against, Jake. No doubt Archangel has spent a long time formulating a game plan for this one and it seems to be working!

Archangel makes the cover.

...1!

...2!

No! Eliminator pops his foot on the rope.

Frustrated, Archangel smacks his opponent square in the face before pulling him closer to the centre of the ring and hooking the leg again.

...1!

...2!

No! This time Eliminator manages to kick out authoritatively.

Caelan Tyler: Another kick out from Eliminator, but that was a really nasty shot there from Archangel.

Jake Steel: Well you don't win matches by playing nice, Caelan. There's not doubt that Archangel has one heck of a mean streak and he's certainly using that to his advantage.

Archangel 'helps' his opponent to his feet, only to scoop him up in the fallaway slam position. He holds him there for a good few seconds, much to the chagrin of the audience...

'BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'

Jake Steel: My god, look at the strength of this guy! Eliminator must be over 300 pounds and Archangel is holding him as if he's weightless!

Caelan Tyler: I don't like where this one is going...

Instead of tossing Eliminator over his head, Archangel instead drives him down back-first across his knee.

Caelan Tyler: And the fallaway backbreaker from Archangel adding further pressure to the torso of Eliminator!

As Eliminator rises to one knee, Archangel drivers his elbow into the back of his opponent's neck. In the nick of time, however, Eliminator manages to throw his fist into Archangel's gut and leaps up to his feet. After backing Archangel into the ropes with some hard right hands, Eliminator hoists his opponent up, spins him around, and drives his knee up between his legs.

Caelan Tyler: Atomic drop from Eliminator, and now he's looking to follow up...

Archangel inadvertently staggers round and walks right into Eliminator, who drops him with a sidewalk slam!

Caelan Tyler: That might be all here...

...1!

...2!

No! Archangel breaks it.

Jake Steel: Phew! Arch gets the shoulder up.

It takes both men a bit of time to rise to their feet and inevitably Eliminator is the first up. He powers forward with the clothesline, but Archangel merely staggers backwards into the ropes instead of going down. Just then Arch seems to recover and lunges forward with the clothesline, but Eliminator ducks, grabs the arm, and drops him with a full nelson slam!

Jake Steel: Come on Archangel! Get a grip!

Caelan Tyler: Another high impact move from Eliminator who hooks the leg...

...1!

...2!

NO! Archangel kicks out.

Jake Steel: Thank the heavens for that; I thought Archangel was dead and buried after the full nelson slam!

Caelan Tyler: The match is now firmly in Eliminator's control with that last move, folks. He's weathered the storm and now the big brawler will surely be looking to take Archangel to school!

Eliminator shakes his head, clearly a little annoyed by Archangel's persistence, but pulls him up to a vertical base regardless. He knees his opponent in the gut and puts the double underhook in place...

Caelan Tyler: Could be looking to end this now! Here comes The Process of Eliminator!

Jake Steel: NO! Archangel counters!

Sure enough, Archangel manages to break Eliminator's hold and reaches down to sweep the big man off his feet. Archangel drops to the canvas and mounts Eliminator, throwing a couple of punches into his face just to make sure he doesn't get up, before leaping to his feet and raising both arms in the air.

'BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'

Caelan Tyler: Listen to the fans, Jake! They clearly aren't happy with Archangel's chosen offense here!

Jake Steel: And yet they're the ones who paid $50 tonight just to see him wrestle. I rest my case.

Making a cut throat gesture, Archangel takes a couple of giant strides across the ring and reaches out towards the turnbuckles. He spends a couple of seconds fiddling awkwardly with the top turnbuckle pad, before tossing it aside haphazardly, his focus returning to his opponent.

Caelan Tyler: Wait a minute! That damned Archangel just took that protective pad from the turnbuckle!

Jake Steel: He's going to finish Eliminator off here!

Caelan Tyler: That's an illegal move, by my book! The referee needs to do something...

Archangel pulls Eliminator up to his feet and throws his head between his thighs. After pointing his thumb downwards, Archangel pulls Eliminator up and staggers forward, holding him in place for a few seconds as thousands of flashbulbs go off around the arena.

Jake Steel: Hedon Bomb! Here it comes!

WHAM!

Eliminator's shoulderblades smash into the exposed turnbuckle, sending his body tumbling forward like a sack of potatoes. Arch rolls him onto his back, places him in the centre of the ring, and covers.

Caelan Tyler: That's it; it's over!

Jake Steel: YES!

...1!

...2!

...3!!!

Jake Steel: And Archangel advances to the next round!

Caelan Tyler: That's gotta go down as an upset in my book!

Zach King: Ladies and Gentlemen, here is your winner... AAAAARRRRCCCCCCHHHHHHAAAANNNNNGGGEEEELLLL!

The referee tries to raise Archangel's arm, but the victor shrugs it off as 'Duality' begins to blast once again.

Randall -- who absolutely HATED being called 'Randy' for short -- was thrilled to be attending his first ever live NLW show. When he created the Arkansas Army of Allen, well, he'd only watched on TV. Now, he sat in a limo with fellow groupie Jinxie, and Muron, who, unbeknownst to anyone else, was actually keeping tabs on Allen for a man known only as The Professor.

Allen looked up at the large entrance as the limo pulled in backstage.

Caelan Tyler: Hey, my best amigo is in da HIZOUSE!

Jake Steel: Quit talking like that. It makes you look desperate and, so totally not rad.

Caelan Tyler: 'Rad?' ...please!

Allen grabbed his crutches as the car came to a halt. Jinxie, Muron and Randall began to tumble out, but Allen's glare slowed them and eventually forced them back into their seat.

Josh Allen: You're staying put. If I found out you've moved, I'll have this little group disposed of.

Josh couldn't help but notice Randall's puppy eyes and frowning lips. Josh wanted to ignore it, but for some reason, there was a soft spot in his heart, still. He shrugged.

Josh Allen: You're staying here, because I might need you to do some uber, super-duper, secret stuff for me!

Jinxie and Randall both perked up and smiled. They both nodded, as if they suddenly understood and believed whole-heartedly. Muron rolled his eyes and sat back. Allen nodded at them and exited, arranging himself on his crutches.

Jake Steel: Now, Caelan, you and I both know Josh didn't REALLY blow his knee out. I read on one of the online spoiler sites that he was caught on tape recently walking without them.

Caelan Tyler: Maybe he's just coming back 'in character.' ...you know what I mean?

Awkward silence.

Jake Steel: Uh, no ...not at ...not all...

Allen slowly springboards himself away on crutches. In the background, a man creeps around the corner. He's instantly recognized as the Russian, Vrolslikov, who was attempting to a settle a debt for another man. Vrolslikov began to creep inside, but a mob of security quickly surrounded him and pushed him out the door, demanding to see his ID and passport.

Caelan Tyler: Wow, I guess they just got shut out. You know that'll only piss the Russians off more.

Jake Steel This is like one of those damned mob movies I watch on HBO every night. You know, The Pimpfather, some shit like that?

Caelan Tyler: You mean 'The Godfather,' Jake.

Jake shakes his head no and smiles.

Jake Steel: No, no I do NOT mean 'The Godfather.'

Backstage, Allen rounds a corner and almost plows right into a man that he somewhat recognizes. At least, he thinks he does.

Josh Allen: Hey, what's your name?

The man looks at Allen and shrugs, as if Allen has no business demanding anything. Allen waits intently.

Joey Vasco: What's yours?

Allen suddenly tilts his head straight to the ground, below Vasco's feet. Vasco looks down too, and just then, Allen takes the crutch in his right hand and swings it straight up into Vasco's genitalia, creating a sickening thud. Vasco shrieks in pain and falls to the floor. Allen drops both crutches in the hallway.

Josh Allen: It's Josh Allen, good sir. When you step in that ring tonight, just know I've studied your last match. I know what you're about, and I know how you like to set up for submission. I thought you might need to know what your own actions feel like to the recipient.

Josh grins, looks over the squirming Vasco, and walks on down the hallway, demanding to see Jack Sullivan before his match.

Caelan Tyler: Well, I'd say Josh has seen Vasco's set-up move, which is basically big punches to the nut sack. Day-um that has to hurt. I cringe just thinking about it!

Jake Steel: Well Vasco will have a chance to kick Allen's ass here tonight in another Gold Rush Tournament match-up. Just who the hell does he think he is, walking in here, assaulting the talent and demanding to see Sullivan? He's not been the boss here for many a years!

Caelan Tyler: You still fear him, don't you? Ha!

Jake Steel: Joe Mamma.

Caelan Tyler: Huh?!

Jake Steel: Yep.

The lights in the arena suddenly go dark. The crowd cheers in anticipation and the building begins to rumble. A lone spotlight breaks the darkness and shines down in the center of the ring, revealing no one. As the crowd slowly goes quiet in confusion a voice cracks out in the darkness.

Over here.

The spotlights runs up the entrance ramp to the stage, where Harvey Danger stands behind a podium wearing his cheap tacky blue suit. He rubs the bridge of his nose in annoyance, and shakes his head. The audience is now beginning to turn on him. Letting out a long drawn out sigh, he begins:

Harvey Danger: Ladies and gentleman, let's get this show on the road, shall we? You know, and I know that you know, and you know that I know you know... wait, what? Never mind. We all know that the good old days of the NLW are long gone. The days of wrestling being a simple and clean family entertainment event are over. What do we have these days? We have sex, we have drugs, we have violence. It's all drugs and rock-and-roll they say, but that's not the professional wrestling I remember. My mother used to sit me down in front of the tv and... well, never mind my mother. I mean, have you watched NLW TV lately? It's just one long promo that goes on and on with no real point. Everyone is the same. One minute it's one wrestler talking about drugs and suicide... then its another talking about drugs and suicide. Is it even a different person? Oh wait, he mentioned alcohol, so he must be someone else. Then again the next and the next discuss the same drivel that your children should not be any part of. This is not the NLW I signed up for, and certainly not the one that if you'll remember correctly, I spent some time in a management position at.

Harvey ducks out of the way as bottles and cups begin to be hurled on stage. The crowd's distaste for Harvey and his new agenda is quite apparent, and the boos and jeers outgrow any crowd reaction we've recieved tonight.

Harvey Danger: I know, I know... you're all upset, just as I am! Trust me! I know, I know... I watch too. Why even bother to continue to watch anymore? Because you have me. The White Knight. I am Harvey Danger, and I'm here to clean up the NLW. Do we really need more of the same? Trust in me, believe in me. I believe in Harvey Danger, do you? I will show you all what a clean and fun time can be had, one that is without the same old gangster drugs and goth trash we continue to be force fed. No more will we be subject to sex talk and dirty language. Follow me people, be a part of my movement... Let me be your hero. Remember folks, the night is darkest just before the dawn. I promise you, the dawn is coming. It's coming.

Harvey smiles and waves at the crowd and steps away from the podium toward the curtain. The microphone cord has gotten wrapped around Harvey's leg and he trips flat onto his face. As the crowd roars in laughter, Harvey stands. With his face turning red he steps backward through the curtain mouthing 'The dawn is coming.'

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Harvey's on a mission now.

Jake Steel: That guy just doesn't know when to give up and quit.

'Riot' by Three Days Grace starts to play and... the picture goes dark.

'Not again!'

You quickly stand up, pissed off that your pirated feed of NLW has been cut off. You start to search the internet, attempting to find another feed instead of paying the ten dollars because damnit you're a smart, the company should be paying you to watch instead of you watching it! It takes you several minutes, but you finally manage to find another working stream. You fire it up, and it comes in just in time for Josh Allen pinning Joey Vasco as the bell rings. You mumble obscenities under your breath, even though you'll likely just download the match in a couple of days anyways.

Zach King: Here is your winner... JOSH ALLEN!

Caelan Tyler: That was a hard fought win there by Allen, although the crowd is really letting him have it.

Jake Steel: They know just like I do that he's overrated.

Josh rolls to the ring ropes and pulls himself up. Fans near the front row boo him, and he simply rolls his eyes at them and mouths, 'Shut the hell up,' to them. He turns to Vasco and grins.

Caelan Tyler: I think he should probably just leave the ring at this point. Don't do anything st--

Jake Steel: Too late, Cael...

Josh pulls Vasco to his feet, kicks him in the gut, takes his head and throws him straight into the steel ring post. Vasco's shoulder ricochets off and he falls to the floor, rolling outside as officials swarm him to help.

Caelan Tyler: Damn, man!

Josh demands a microphone, and a stage hand tosses one into the ring.

Josh Allen: Don't boo me. You people wouldn't understand that this is simply business. NLW officials wanted me back, so here I am. A few months ago, I turned down an offer to even compete for the NLW championship... but I won't take the back seat this time. Here I am, Jack Sullivan!

Josh smiles and looks down as officials tend to Joey Vasco.

Josh Allen: You can sure as hell expect more of that. Now, play my damn music!

Josh drops the mic and jumps out of the ring. He heads up the aisle, ignoring the wrestling fans who curse him and threaten him.

Jake Steel: He's nothing special. Just one more nut in this NLW pantry.

Caelan Tyler: Wow, that was kinda nice. Did you just come up with that?

Jake shows Caelan a card with various jests scribbled out.

Jake Steel: I pay my son to come up with this stuff.

Josh Allen has made his way to the back, stagehands tended to Vasco as someone crawls out from under the ring. The crowd doesn't know whether to boo or cheer they do both. One fan actually puts his thumbs down, while yelling 'WOOOOO!!'.

Jake Steel: It's a hooded figure again. Is it going to be ??? this time?

Caelan Tyler: Is it, or is this somebody else?

The figure appears at ringside and indeed it is ???. Joey Vasco is still a bit dazed from his match, and ??? easily tosses him into the ring, ignoring the stagehands. ??? reaches into a pocket and slips some brass knuckles on his left hand. Joey Vasco staggers to his feet, spinning around only to be decked by a punishing left cross, blood squirts out of his mouth as he falls to the mat. ??? slips the brass knuckles off and back into his pocket.

Jake Steel: I think Vasco spit out some teeth. Man look at the blood coming from his mouth.

Caelan Tyler: It's like a crimson waterfall. ??? isn't done yet.

??? grabs Vasco by his head and wraps his arms around his neck, then he wraps his legs around Vasco's body.

Jake Steel: Looks like ??? is putting on Vasco in his own finisher, the rear naked choke.

Caelan Tyler: Vasco is flailing his arms around in pain. ??? isn't letting go. Vasco might get seriously hurt if ??? doesn't stop!

Jake Steel: Where the hell is NLW security? Jack Sullivan needs to put a stop to this.

Caelan Tyler: Yeah. Somebody needs to get security. I know Sullivan has his mind on trying to stop Society, but somebody has to do something.

NLW security finally comes running the aisle. ??? sees them and releases his hold on Vasco. ??? hops out of the ring and runs straight towards the security.

Jake Steel: This guy really is crazy. He's trying to fight off 5 NLW Security guards.

??? delivers a couple of left handed blows to NLW security before hopping over the guard rail and exiting through the crowd. NLW security chase after him. Paramedics rush a gurney down to the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Joey Vasco is leaving tonight on a stretcher, he doesn't look good at all.

Vasco is put on the gurney and they begin to wheel him away, but then all of a sudden three masked men appear on the entrance ramp.

Jake Steel: What the hell? Earlier we saw !!! and &&&, then ??? comes and destroys Vasco, now !!! and &&& are back with another guy.

Caelan Tyler: And how do we pronounce this guy? It is Money Money Money? Or is it 3 dollar man?

&&&, !!!, are at the entrance ramp along with a guy with $$$ on his shirt. They walk down and intercept the stretcher. !!! and &&& attack the paramedics as $$$ takes control of the gurney and rolls it away. &&& and !!! soon follow after him. The fans are actually cheering these guys.

Jake Steel: Ok, so let's just debrief for a second, I'm sure the fans in the audience and the fans at home are thinking what we are thing? WTF?

Caelan Tyler: ...WTF? You actually said WTF...?

Jake Steel: So, 3 Ampersand man and 3 Exclamation mark man kidnapped Dillon Bourne earlier. Then 3 Question mark man shows up and beats up Joey Vasco, he distracts security and gets them to chase him as Ampersand man and Exclamation man show up...

Caelan Tyler: This time they're joined by 3 Dollar man, and they kidnap Joey Vasco. This is crazy. Also, WTF?

Jake Steel: Shut up...

We go backstage to where Charisma Finch is standing. She's looking... a bit more demure this week in comparison to last week, at any rate. She also seems a bit more at ease than when we last saw her getting yelled at by Sebastian Ashe and the upside-down room.

Charisma Finch: OK, let's try this again this week. Joining me--hopefully--at this time is the NLW Legacy champion, The Phoenix.

Sure enough, this time it is The Phoenix who appears, already in his ring attire because of his match later on tonight. He nods in greeting to Charisma.

Charisma Finch: So, tonight you have a triple threat with one half of the Tag Team champions, The Jackrabbit, as well as the person who beat you for the NLW Championship a few months ago, Aphrodisia Jordan. Do you feel worried at all coming into the match?

The Phoenix: First off, Charisma, I much prefer that look on you compared to your wardrobe last show. You should stick with that more often.

Charisma smiles as Phoenix adjusts the title belt over his shoulder and then addresses the question at hand.

The Phoenix: Do I feel worried? No. I'm not worried at all. Sure, Aph beat me four months ago. That was then; this is the present. She's going to see tonight what four months' difference makes. Oh, and by the way, Aphy...'choke' in relation to my name went out of style four weeks ago. (Pats the belt on his shoulder) Didn't you get the memo?

As for Jackrabbit...I know how hard it is to win gold here. I also know from my past how hard it is to win Tag gold. But I'm not going to be some pushover like Society seems to think I am. He'll get my full attention as well when that bell rings.

Charisma Finch: Speaking of them, what about the comments made by Danny Boy Vegas last week, while he was in your locker room?

The Phoenix: Charisma, do me a favor. Leave the mic here and back away for a bit. What I want to say, I would rather say alone, and I'd rather not let you get dragged into the middle of it. All right?

She nods and hands the microphone to the champ before exiting off the right side of the screen shot. Phoenix exhales once, and then stares directly into the camera.

The Phoenix: Vegas, this is where we are different. I'm not going to stand in someone's private locker room, in the dark, and make comments when it's next to impossible to see my face. That's the sort of bullshit shenanigans that I'm against. It almost strikes me as propagandistic, the way the five of you act.

Yeah, I said five. You see, Vegas, I keep my eye on things. I keep my ears open when no one thinks I'm listening. I'm fully aware of Aph being in Society despite what it may seem; it seems as if some people fail to realize this. In fact, I hear that you think there's only four of you in Society, and that a Y-chromosome is vital for membership. It makes me wonder just what kind of misogynistic upbringing you had. However, I'll leave the 'your momma' jokes to Jake Steel, as those are about the only sort of jokes he can understand.

There is another pause, as Phoenix gathers his thoughts.

The Phoenix: In any event, Vegas, it doesn't matter if you go from the top down, the bottom up, out of your ass, up Vincent Kane's ass, whatever. The point is that no matter what you try to do, there are those of us in NLW who will fight you every step of the way.

We do not NEED people to tell us what is best for NLW.

We do not NEED a group of people to save us from ourselves.

And we do not NEED a bunch of common criminals to act like they are the saviors of NLW.

A rousing cheer comes up at that statement, as Phoenix glares into the camera.

The Phoenix: What you fail to comprehend is one little piece of knowledge about those of us who haven't drank the Kool-Aid. Your 'Society' takes a look at us and sees people who are confused about their feelings...people confused about what they should do...people confused about who they are. You all look at me, and from the sneers on your faces, I can tell what you think you see: a fat, out-of-shape, sorry excuse for a person who should be living in some trailer park and eating at the Waffle House. But be warned: there is always more to us than what you think you see.

And all too soon, you'll find out what happens when people rebel against oppression. The revolution has begun, Society.

Those words are a cue, because out of nowhere, a steel chair descends and cracks right around Phoenix's skull. Phoenix staggers, wearing that chair as a hat for a second before it's wrenched up and cracked right back down again. Phoenix drops to the floor and the camera follows him down before jerking right back up. Danny Boy Vegas stands over him, slamming his boot down right on the base of Phoenix's spine and giving his head a final crack for good measure before tossing the chair away.

Danny Boy Vegas: Didn't your mama teach you to shut. The fuck. Up?

Danny Boy Vegas sniffs sharply and spits on the back of Phoenix's head before walking out, whistling the Imperial March.

Jake Steel: WHOO! Bitch went DOWN!

Caelan Tyler: This is quickly getting out of hand between these two.

The arena lights go dim, and a hush falls over the crowd. A voice squeaks out over the quietness. 'I am the man!' It's Harvey Danger. He quickly coughs and now in a false manly voice 'I AM THE MAN!' A few fans stand to clap and cheer; some whip out their phones and begin texting out of boredom. Most of the fans head for the restroom or concession stand. The lights begin to brighten and Harvey Danger trips over the threshold coming through the curtain. He turns and yells something at no one in particular and heads for the ring as the opening chords of 'No Rain' by Blind Melon start up. Harvey bobs and walks in time with its' corny upbeat tune. He rolls under the ring and waves at the crowd before sulking off to his corner.

Zach King: The following contest is a Gold Rush First Round match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from New York, New York... Weighing in at 215 pounds... HARVEY DANGER!

Caelan Tyler: Well, this match was originally scheduled to be Harvey facing Archangel. Any idea why it was changed just prior to going on the air, Jake?

Jake Steel: Why are you asking me? Do I look like I work backstage?

Caelan Tyler: ...You have a point. I'm shocked.

The lights go out in the arena as a countdown starts. Once it hits zero the beat hits hard, and the lights come back up with an explosion behind Arrington at the top of the ramp. He walks down the ramp, casually touching the hands of fans, but focusing on the ring.

Zach King: And his opponent, returning to NLW competition: from Atlanta, Georgia... Weighing in at 186 pounds... here is T...J...ARRINGTOOOOOON!

Arrington slides under the bottom rope, walks over to the far right turnbuckle, and looks out into the audience. He steps down, and goes to the corresponding diagonal turnbuckle and holds his hands up arrogantly. He steps down and leans back against the ropes, he then goes to a corner and begins preparing for his opponent.

Caelan Tyler: TJ Arrington is one of Jack Sullivan's 'ringers' who are in the tournament with the goal of keeping Society from winning it all. However, he's been away for close to six months. Is ring rust going to be a factor?

Jake Steel: Are you kidding? First, the guy is a former NLW champion and a two-time Anarchy X champion. Second, he's facing Harvey Danger! There is no way Arrington loses tonight!

The bell sounds, and both men circle the ring. Arrington looks to be calm in the ring despite the long hiatus, and Harvey...well, who can tell what Harvey is thinking? Collar-and-elbow tie up, TJ with the early control with a go-behind and a hammerlock. Harvey thinks for a moment before ducking under and applying a hammerlock of his own. Arrington now debates for a moment about another standing switch, and fakes it before reaching his arm up and utilizing a snap mare to send Danger to the mat. Harvey is right back up, and charges into an arm drag takedown. He rolls to his knees away from Arrington as the returning wrestler sizes up his competition.

Caelan Tyler: And TJ Arrington showing his experience in the ring in the early going.

Jake Steel: It's just a matter of time now.

Danger quickly shakes his head as he gets back to his feet. Here's another tie-up, and this time Harvey gets the initial advantage with a side headlock. Arrington shoves him away, drops down as Harvey runs over the top, and leapfrogs Danger on the rebound. TJ looks set for another arm drag on the return, but Harvey slips out and hits an arm drag of his own, sending Arrington to the mat. Harvey then clamps on a side headlock to slow the pace down a little.

Caelan Tyler: Harvey surprising Arrington with some offense.

Jake Steel: Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, Caelan.

Caelan Tyler: Wait a second, that sounds nothing like you. Where are the insults?

Jake Steel: With your mom!

Caelan Tyler: ...Dammit, I walked into that one.

Arrington doesn't stay down for long, forcing his way back to a vertical base. He grabs Danger and looks for a back suplex, but Harvey flips out of it and goes for one of his own. TJ does his own flip to get out of it, and catches Harvey off-guard with a side Russian leg sweep as the crowd slowly files back into the arena from their impromptu intermission break.

Caelan Tyler: Arrington looking impressive so far in his return to NLW. Jake?

There is silence. Jake Steel has left to get some popcorn and a soda.

Caelan Tyler: Guess I'm calling the match alone then. This should be nice.

Arrington is in control after that quick impact move, and he wastes no time in pulling Danger back to his feet. Arrington comes off the side ropes, and gets the added momentum to knock Harvey back to the mat with a running forearm to the head. TJ into the first cover of the match, only to get a long one count. Undaunted, Arrington again lifts Harvey to his feet, using another snap mare before wrenching back on the head and neck of Danger, twisting Harvey's head to one side as he applies pressure.

Caelan Tyler: Arrington in firm control here, working over the head of Danger in order to soften him up for the Light's Out.

This hold is kept on for a few seconds, until Harvey manages to slide his foot under the bottom rope. The ref sees this and calls for the clean break, which Arrington delivers on. TJ lets Danger expend the energy to get back onto his feet, but Harvey turns right into a kick to the gut and an armbreaker DDT! Arrington wisely pulls Harvey away from the ropes before dropping into the cover:

1

2, but Harvey with a left shoulder up off the mat!

Without wasting time, Arrington drives an elbow into the forehead of Danger, and repeats the action before applying a Dragon Sleeper.

Caelan Tyler: Nice ring positioning here by TJ Arrington, as he's put himself between Harvey and the ropes.

Harvey is trying to figure a way out of this hold, but no avail as he seems to be slipping away. The ref comes down, lifts Danger's hand once and watches it fall. He does it again with the same result. As he goes for a third time, Harvey's other arm reaches up and hits Arrington with a weak-looking punch to the jaw. Danger tries again, and doesn't seem to make it any easier. However, Arrington looks downright angry that Harvey refused to fall to the hold, and so releases it. TJ gets to his feet, waits for Harvey to get to his, and cinches up a suplex. Arrington lifts...but instead of dropping backwards, TJ goes straight down, into a brainbuster!

Caelan Tyler: What impact on that move! Harvey nearly got folded in half!

With an arrogant smirk, TJ moves into a lackadaisical cover:

1...

2...

Wait, Harvey surprises Arrington by wrapping him into a crucifix pin! Danger with the cover now!

1

2...but Arrington's feet are in the ropes!

Caelan Tyler: Harvey nearly stole that one due to TJ's arrogance!

Jake Steel: You mean this match is still going on?

Caelan Tyler: (sarcastically) Nice of you to finally rejoin us, Jake.

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Arrington is pissed. As he gets to his feet, one can see it written on his face that Harvey is going to pay for that. TJ backs up a step, motioning to Harvey to get to his feet. Danger is slow to get up, running on instinct as he finally gets up. With a snarl, Arrington unleashes a superkick which Harvey ducks, and the Danger Man connects with a desperation hangman's neckbreaker! Both men are down, barely moving, as the ref starts his count.

Caelan Tyler: Harvey with a last-ditch effort there, but it may be too little too late.

Jake Steel: Who cares? TJ's still got this covered!

Arrington is still in the better shape of the two, as he rolls to his knees and gets to his feet at the count of six. Danger has barely moved except to get to his stomach as Arrington closes in. Grabbing Harvey by the head, he brings Danger to his feet, but Harvey suddenly comes to life, throwing Arrington's hands off of him and landing right hook after right hook to the temple and jaw of TJ! Arrington is backed into the ropes as Harvey sends him away, and Harvey scores with a picture-perfect dropkick!

Caelan Tyler: Is it just me, or did that brainbuster seem to wake Harvey Danger up?

Jake Steel: It doesn't matter. Arrington's letting Harvey get a false sense of security here.

Harvey is quick to get back to his feet, and he looks far more determined than he did to start the match. Arrington is also right back up, but Harvey is quick to jump all over him, rights and lefts raining on the head of Arrington. Danger goes to the ropes himself this time, ducks an Arrington clothesline, and springs off the middle turnbuckle with a moonsault, sending both him and TJ to the mat, with Harvey holding on for the cover!

1

2, but Arrington escapes at two and a half!

Caelan Tyler: And Harvey almost gets the duke on that exchange.

Jake Steel: Come on, TJ, finish this guy off!

Caelan Tyler: Worried, Jake?

Jake Steel: No, if there isn't going to be any ABUSE I want to move on to the next match!

Harvey is quick to his feet as he lays the boots to Arrington's head, trying to stagger the returning veteran as he makes his way to his feet. TJ finally gets to a vertical base, blocks a punch from Danger, and stuns Harvey with a right hand of his own. He then whips Harvey into the corner, and comes charging in, looking for an avalanche. Harvey scoots out of the way, but Arrington lands on his feet on the middle rope. TJ is quick to leap back off, looking perhaps for a dropkick of his own, but Harvey ducks and Arrington gets nothing but the mat!

Caelan Tyler: Harvey Danger may have just saved his chances in this match! Can he take advantage?

The crowd is stunned into silence as Harvey gets back to his feet, kicks Arrington in the stomach, and hits a swinging neckbreaker. The Dangah Man seems to be on fire as he again gets TJ to his feet. Here's a whip into the corner, Harvey following right afterwards and--

Jake Steel: Wait a minute! When the hell did Harvey freakin' Danger learn to deliver a Shining Wizard?

Caelan Tyler: It doesn't matter, Jake. All that matters is that it was damn effective!

By now, no one is knowing what to expect from Danger as he sits Arrington on the top rope. TJ can sense what is coming, nails Harvey in the gut, cutting him off. Harvey falls to the mat, landing awkwardly on his ankle. The referee checks on him as The Ice Man jumps out of the crowd! TJ Arrington looks over and immediately tastes steel and Ice Man brings a chair down hard on the top of his head! Arrington stumbles backwards onto Harvey as Ice bails through the crowd. Thinking quickly, Harvey quickly rolls up Arrington:

1!

2!

3!

'No Rain' hits the speakers as Harvey gets to his feet, a big smile crossing his face.

Zach King: Here is your winner, advancing to the second round of the Gold Rush tournament...HARVEY DANGER!

Caelan Tyler: And Harvey advances with the help of The Ice Man!

Jake Steel: BULLSHIT! Jack's gonna be PISSED...

The camera cuts to backstage, the focus shaking as the camera-man seemingly hurries to his destination. In a random corridor just feet away from the 'gorilla position' of the arena, someone lies facedown alone on the ground. The camera looks to get a better view, a vaguely bloody wound visible on the side of the prone man's head. EMTs are suddenly on the scene, attending to the mystery man's unexplained injury.

EMT: Sebastian? Sebastian, can you hear me?

The EMT rolls over the unconscious body of Sebastian Ashe, revealing large welts on his head where something heavy has seemingly struck him. This is not the most disturbing part of this picture though.

EMT: What the hell?!

On Ashe's face, somebody has used a marker pen to turn his groggy frown upside down into a big, arcing smile. Sebastian groans, and one EMT mentions a possible concussion as the team look to help him up. The camera notices something pinned to Ashe's shirt, a familiar black and white mark.

Caelan Tyler: Between this and the ???/!!!/&&& thing it's total anarchy!

'In My Grip' hits, as Jack Sullivan walks down the entrance ramp to the ring, getting a mixed response from the crowd as he shoves a stagehand out of the way in frustration.

Jack Sullivan: Ice Man, you need to get your ass out here, and you need to do it now!

After a few moments of silence the lights go out and 'Second to None' begins to play as an explosion engulfs the stage, when the smoke clears The Ice Man is revealed behind it, holding his belt over his shoulder and a mic in his right hand. Ice slowly makes his way down the ramp and climbs into the ring, looking Jack in the eyes before turning towards the crowd and lifting his belt into the air as explosions erupt from all four turnbuckles and the crowd goes wild. The Ice Man drapes the belt back over his shoulder and turns back towards Jack Sullivan.

Jack Sullivan: You proud of yourself Ice Man?

The Ice Man: I don't see what the big problem is Sullivan.

Jack Sullivan: The problem is you attacked Arrington after I told you not to.

The Ice Man: Ah, so thats what this is about? Let's just call that a preventative measure.

Jack Sullivan: 'Preventative measure'? I told you I'd handle that, and instead you took one of my ringers out of the tournament, people I put there to make sure Society doesn't get the NLW Championship.

The Ice Man: Keeping Arrington in it only gives him more of a reason to come after me. Now that he is out of the tournament he can focus on something worthwhile like taking the Anarchy X championship from Jackson. Like I said, Society is not taking this belt from me.

Jack Sullivan: All I asked was one simple thing from you, and you couldn't even do that for me Ice Man. You know, I really was hoping to avoid this, but I'm being left with no choice. Time for you to make the call, are you with me, or are you against me?

The Ice Man: I'm a little confused by your question Jack. What do you mean 'am I with you?'

Jack Sullivan: Either your going to fall in line like a good little soldier and do what I tell you or I'm going to assume that you're with Society. So, which is it?

The Ice Man: Look Sullivan. We may be working towards the same ends. Hell, we may even be on the same damn page, but I don't take orders from anybody and I sure as hell don't 'fall in line.' I've been a 'company man' before, and somehow It always ends up screwing me over. So if you want me to heel and listen to you like a good little dog then you can kiss my ass.

The fans cheer as Jack just shakes his head in disgust.

Jack Sullivan: You'll regret that decision. Get the hell out of my ring. Hell, get the fuck out of my building!

The Ice Man: We'll see about that Jacky boy.

'Second to None' begins playing once again as The Ice Man drops his mic and makes his way out of the ring and up the ramp. Jack is left seething in the ring.

Jake Steel: Ice will live to regret that...

'Fading Away' by Demon Hunter plays as Jonathan Collins makes his way to the ring.

Zach King: The following match is a Gold Rush Round One match and is scheduled for one fall. Making his way to the ring first... From Anaheim, California... Weighing in at 200 pounds... JONATHAN COLLINS!

Caelan Tyler: This will be the NLW debut for Jonathan Collins, who is no rookie in the wrestling world. He was formerly in SW and NEW, and he could easily move on in this tournament, Jake.

Jake Steel: Yeah, yeah, but what has he done lately?

Caelan Tyler: Well, it's true that this is only his second match in four years--

Jake Steel: Pfft, call me when he's done something recently!

The house lights cut out. Four beats on the ride, and the opening riff of 'Cheat' kicks in.

I get violent when I'm fucked up
I get silent when I'm drugged up
I want excitement, if I don't get none I go wild

The curtain jerks aside and Piter Svoboda slinks through. He's decked out in faded cutoff cargo shorts of indeterminate color belted with his trademark knotted bike chain, a faded black MVW T-shirt, and black steel toe Redwings. His hair is its typical unnatural blonde and appears to be freshly spiked.

I don't know what the fuck to do about it
If you play the game you get nothing out of it
You find out for yourself by trying to be good

Piter stays at the top of the ramp for a moment to do a standing backflip, showcasing his agility, and then a moment longer to soak in his mixed crowd reaction. The majority of the arena is silent, but scattered pockets of fans boo while the occasional attempt to start an 'M-V-DUB' chant is heard.

You better cheat, cheat
No reason to play fair
Cheat, cheat
You can get anywhere
Cheat, cheat
And you can win

Svoboda sprints down to the ring, largely ignored by the fans, and slides under the bottom rope, ready to compete.

Zach King: And his opponent... From Boston, Massachusetts... Weighing in at 185 pounds... PITER SVOBODA!

Caelan Tyler: This is another NLW debut, as Piter Svoboda is another highly-experienced wrestler and one of Jack Sullivan's 'ringers' who have been entered into this tournament.

Jake Steel: I like the swagger he brought in last Uprising. He thinks he already has this in the bag!

Caelan Tyler: 'Swagger?' Where did--no, never mind. I'm not going to ask.

The two NLW newcomers circle each other, wary of making the first mistake. Collins goes for a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Piter drops low, tripping up his opponent with a drop toe hold. Collins is quick to get to his knees, checking his lip for any signs of bleeding before getting back to his feet. This time, the tie-up is achieved, and after a brief struggle, the tie-up is broken with neither man getting an advantage. Both men give level stares at each other across the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Seems to be an equal match here. This could be a classic.

Jake Steel: Boring! Technical wrestling, just like Phoenix, sucks!

Once more, the two wrestlers close in for the tie-up, and yet again Piter changes things up, cataching Collins off-guard with a quick arm drag. Jonathan is back up quickly, only to be ccaught a second time with the same move. Piter gets to his feet, ready for a third, but Collins does not rush in this time, his brow furrowed as he raises to his feet. With a quick shake of the head, Collins slowly closes in, and this time gets the better of Svoboda with a kick to the right thigh. A few more follow this, and a textbook leg sweep takes Piter down.

Caelan Tyler: Jonathan Collins wised up there, and now he's got the early advantage.

Jake Steel: Is there any blood yet?

Caelan Tyler: Aren't you watching the match?

Jake Steel: No, I'm actually watching 'When Animals Attack.' ABUSE!

Caelan Tyler: Oh, for the love of....

Jonathan tries to come in with a headlock, but Piter slips out of it and looks for an elbow shot as he regains his feet. Collins is ready for it, though, and ducks. The momentum spins Svoboda around, and Collins is quick to pull the head back and hit a reverse DDT on Svoboda. Quick cover by Collins, who does not even get a two as Piter gets a shoulder up just after the one. With little wasted motion, Jonathan pulls Svoboda into a sitting position and applies a rear chinlock, driving his knee into the back for added pressure as he cranks on the hold.

Caelan Tyler: Collins starting to work on the head, looking to pick apart a body part.

Jake Steel: Yes! Gore him, bull!

Caelan Tyler: How the heck does he get reception in here?

Piter begins to move a bit, trying to work his way out of the hold. He does so a moment later, but has no time to capitalize or even celebrate as Collins spins him around to drop him with a clothesline. Svoboda gets back up, but catches a thrust kick to the gut, which sends him through the ropes and to the outside. Piter shakes his head as he gets up, trying to get his head back in the match as Collins bounces off the far-side ropes. The 'Undercard Hero' turns in time to eat an over-the-top rope plancha as Collins connects! The crowd comes alive as Collins gets to his feet, the adrenaline pumping in his body after that high-risk maneuver.

Caelan Tyler: And that got the attention of this crowd. Nice aerial maneuver by Collins!

Jake Steel: OK, it looked impressive. But where's the blood? Where's the ABUSE?

Caelan Tyler: ...Just go back to your show, Jake.

The referee is beginning his count, but it is in vain as Collins quickly rolls Piter back inside the ring, following soon after and going right for a lateral press, hooking the far leg. It nets a short two, as Svoboda gets the left shoulder up. Jonathan rises to his feet, forcing Piter to get up on his own and expend his own energy. Piter staggers around, and is quickly locked up by Collins, who hits an armbreaker DDT on Svoboda. Another cover by Collins, and once more it's an early two as Piter gets the shoulder up.

Jake Steel: Cael, does this guy know anything else BESIDES the DDT?

Caelan Tyler: Well, Jake, Collins claims to be the master of the DDT.

Jake Steel: That's like saying I'm the master of your mom!

Caelan Tyler: ...Yep, I walked into it again.

Regardless of whether he heard this comment or not, Collins elects to head outside, up to the top rope. Piter is slow to get up, looking dazed after the last impact with the mat. As he stands, Collins leaps...but Piter ducks out of the way, and the attempted bulldog fails as Collins lands back-first on the canvas! Svoboda slumps in one of the corners, still totally out of it.

Caelan Tyler: And that might be what Piter Svoboda needs to get back into the match.

Jake Steel: Heh heh, newbie went SPLAT!

It takes Svoboda a few precious seconds to get his bearings back, which allows Collins a chance to recover and get back on his feet. Jonathan closes in, wanting to take the advantage back, but Piter is ready with a kick to the gut. Before Collins can try again, Piter comes out of the corner, landing elbows to the chest and head of Collins before grabbing the head of Jonathan and hitting a hard jawbreaker, which sends Collins to the mat!

Caelan Tyler: And Svoboda now seems to be firmly in control here.

Jake Steel: I thought I saw a tooth fly out, the impact was so hard!

Momentum seems to be firmly on the side of Svoboda now as the Boston native is quick to his feet, showing no mercy as he tries to kick Collins' face into the next state! When it doesn't work, Piter tries it again...and again...and one more time before Collins grabs onto the rope, looking for a reprieve. The ref forces Piter away, though he's quick to squirt around the official and resume his attack until Collins rolls outside for sanctuary.

Caelan Tyler: Svoboda showing a bit of a mean streak there. I don't blame Collins for getting out of the ring.

Now it's Piter's turn to fly as he sizes up his target. Collins gets to his feet, unaware of what's in store for him as Piter leaps over the top rope, twisting into, and landing, the Svoboda Special! Pulling a page from his opponent's book, Piter quickly throws Collins back into the ring and falls into a cover, getting about two-and-a-half before Jonathan pops the right shoulder off the mat.

Caelan Tyler: Impressive move by Svoboda, but it wasn't enough to end it.

Jake Steel: ...Dammit, someone cut the cable!

Caelan Tyler: Oh, good. You can do your job then.

Piter appears to be in total control at the moment, and as he pulls Collins to his feet, Svoboda whips Collins into the opposite corner. Piter charges in, vaulting off of Collins' chest with a somersault kick. The crowd likes this fast-paced action as Piter charges in again, only to have Jonathan move out of the way, as Svoboda goes shoulder-first into the post and falls through the ropes to the outside!

Caelan Tyler: That might be the mistake that costs Piter the match!

Jake Steel: Good, if he's outside, it means ABUSE!

As Collins leans against the ropes away from Piter to recover, Svoboda is slowly working his way back to his feet, trying to get some feeling back in his right shoulder. As the ref reaches a count of four, Piter is finally up. It doesn't last long as Collins slides under the ropes, a baseball slide catching Svoboda in the face and sending him down again. Collins backs away yet again as the ref is forced to reset his count due to the action. This time, Piter gets back up at five, and uses the ropes for support to climb up onto the apron. Jonathan slowly closes in looking for a high-impact move, but an elbow to the jaw thwarts that plan. As Collins staggers back, holding his jaw, Piter springs to the top rope and leaps off, looking for a springboard bulldog, but Collins manages to slip out the back of the move, forcing Svoboda to essentially give himself an atomic drop as he lands on the mat!

Caelan Tyler: If Piter makes any more mistakes like that, he's going to cost himself the match.

Jake Steel: Serves him right!

Collins watches as Piter slowly stands up, and then grabs a waistlock. He rushes Svoboda to the corner, still with the waistlock cinched in. After impact, Piter is rolled up, but Collins rolls through as well and hits his Tsunami Bomb bridging German suplex! Jonathan holds for the cover:

1

2

Two and three-quarters is all he gets as Piter finds a way to get a shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: And Svoboda somehow finding a way out of that move.

Jake Steel: OK, I'll admit, that looked pretty impressive.

Collins feels like this is in the bag as he goes to pick up Svoboda, looking to end the match. However, as he does, Piter once again drops low, and hits his second jawbreaker of the match to stun Collins! Having bought a few precious moments to compose himself, Svoboda is ready when Collins walks back in, sending him into the corner.

Caelan Tyler: Could he be setting up Collins for the USA Drop?

Jake Steel: OK, that's about as stupid a name as the Blaze of Glory.

Caelan Tyler: If it's effective, what does the name matter?

Apparently, Caelan has it right as Jonathan is lifted to sit on the top turnbuckle. Svoboda follows a moment later, after an elbow hits in order to ensure Collins remains stunned. Piter has no problem getting Collins on his shoulders, and though Jonathan tries to escape, it's to no avail as Piter lands the USA Drop! Svoboda is quick to regain his vertical base as he once more goes to the top, looking for perhaps a moonsault. However, what follows is just a bit more impressive than an ordinary moonsault...

Caelan Tyler: What an Impressive Display of Agility by Piter Svoboda!

Jake Steel: ...Damn...

The crowd chants 'Holy Shit!' at that move, and rightfully so. After all, an Imploded 450 Knee Drop is quite the sight to behold. Piter moves in for the cover, hooking the near leg:

1

2

3!

Zach King: Here is your winner, advancing into the next round of the Gold Rush Tournament... PITER SVOBODA!

Caelan Tyler: Svoboda advances in what was a very action-packed match.

Jake Steel: To you maybe.

After his confrontation with Ice Man, Jack Sullivan is returning wearily to his office. The camera follows the NLW owner through the corridors, until he reaches his destination. He stops, looking slightly baffled. He could have sworn he heard a clucking. Cautiously, looking ready for a fight, he pushes open the door to his office.

Jack Sullivan: What the hell?!

Jack's office is in disarray, desks overturned, posters torn down and replaced with drawings of obscene body parts, smiley faces, and half-naked elves, Jack's laptop is displaying some sort of error message pertaining to corruption, and a spider-crack crawls from one side of the window to the other. A spider sits on the spider-crack, naturally. Most unusually of all though, Jack Sullivan's office is now home to the livestock of a local egg farm, with a variety of cocks bobbing up and down around his room. Jack's expression is priceless, one hand covering his face. He exits, slamming the door behind him so that he does not notice the big, black and white mark painted on the back of the door.

Jack Sullivan: God damnit!

Jack pulls out his cell, quickly dialing a number.

Jack Sullivan: Yeah, I've had it. Consider your new contract demands accepted. I plan on seeing you next Uprising Heat.

Without even waiting for a response, Jack flips his cell closed and continues on.

Caelan Tyler: Not the best show in the world for Jack but did he just call who I think he called?

Jake Steel: Heat!

Jonathan Collins is walking backstage. He stops and sees a 100 dollar bill on the floor. Collins bends to pick it up, but the dollar scoots forward, Collins takes a step forward and reaches for it again, and again it scoots forward.

Jake Steel: Looks like somebody is playing the old dollar trick on Collins.

Caelan Tyler: Collins just humiliated in the ring, and now someone's playing a prank on him. Poor guy, today's just not his day.

Collins realizes what's going on and folds his arms, suddenly a 100 dollar bill falls from the ceiling followed a couple more 100 dollar bills. Collins grabs one out of the air then grabs a couple more that have landed on the ground. There is laughter in the background. Collins turns and sees $$$ laughing. $$$ then points up. Collins looks up and sees a net hanging from the ceiling. Before he can react, the net falls down and ensnares him. Collins struggles to break out but can not. $$$ grabs the end of the net and drags Collins out of view.

Jake Steel: Another kidnapping, joy.

Caelan Tyler: That's the third one tonight. These guys keep showing up out of nowhere.

Jake Steel: You could be next. Hahahahaha.

The image displays on the jumbotron for a few moments as a loud tone repeats over and over to draw the attentions of the crowd. 'Dead Man Walking' suddenly hits in the arena, sending it into darkness. The torrent of boos nearly drowns out the music as Aphrodisia Jordan's entrance video plays on the screen.

Buuuuuuurn it down!

Aphrodisia emerges from the back with her manager, Joseph Quinn at her side and a cigarette already lit. She bypasses the majority of her introduction as she strolls halfway down the ramp. She grins widely, relishing in the negativity rolling within the crowds. She turns back to the entrance ramp and points. A few dark figures begin to emerge at the top of the ramp before moving into the light. Brad Jackson and Shane Donovan are there, with Ice Man between them.

Ice Man is clearly groggy and is restrained with handcuffs and rope. Jackson and Donovan escort the NLW Champion down the ramp and roll him into the ring where Aphrodisia is already waiting. The Warheart paces slowly, shrugging off her trench coat and draping it over the top rope. She signals for a microphone, but when the ring-hand offers her a standard microphone, she shakes her head and points to the headset. Tentatively, the ring-hand gives her the headset and battery pack.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Ah, wonderful. I prefer to speak with my hands free. Hello, N-L-W!

Her greeting is met with emphatic boos and hisses. She simply smiles as Jax and Shane hold Ice Man on his knees in the middle of the ring. She paces around him slowly, that sickeningly sweet smile still on her lips. She cracks her knuckles and sets her jaw.

Aphrodisia Jordan: My name is Aph Jordan, and I'm here, live, to talk to you about chairs.

Aph turns as Joseph pushes a metal and wooden chair into the ring. Aph ducks over and scoops up the wooden chair first, moving around to the front of Ice Man.

Aphrodisia Jordan: I was so happy to have Ice Man... 'volunteer'... for this very special Public Service Announcement. Today, I'll be demonstrating the pros and cons between wooden and steel chairs. So, first up... wooden:

And with that, Aph takes up the stance of a baseball player at the plate. She swings and clocks Ice Man square in the forehead with the chair. The wooden seat splinters on impact, immediately busting open Ice Man's forehead. The camera gets closer, displaying the splinters in the NLW champion's forehead.

Aphrodisia Jordan: As you can see, the wooden chair all but shatters on impact, leaving lots of little pieces in the victim's forehead. It makes for extended pain beyond the match when our poor, petit champion has to pick all of the splinters out of his noggin before going home.

Aph moves around again, picking up the metal chair.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Alas, the wooden chair is only good for one, good whack. It also has a lot more drag than this little honey here...

Aph once more swings the metal chair into Ice Man's forehead, splattering blood across the now dented chair. She tosses the chair down and lightly pets Ice Man's head as he sags in the grasps of Shane and Jackson.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Though damaged, the metal chair remains intact enough to give him a few more good wallops. But unfortunately, it leaves no little gifts for him to deal with after all is said and done. Such a tough choice... but you'll thank me later.

The instrumental flourish from 'The Instinct' preludes the whining of the electric guitar as the crowd jumps to their feet. Coming down the ramp, looking a little worse for wear due to the attack from the fourth Society member not in the ring, is The Phoenix, sans his Legacy championship belt. However, the items he carries with him more than make up for that: a pair of kendo sticks. Aphrodisia is grinning like the Cheshire Cat as she tosses off the headset.

Caelan Tyler: There's The Phoenix, no doubt looking to spoil Society's fun.

Jake Steel: Damn him!

Aph unlocks Ice Man's cuffs and yanks off the ropes, but Jax quickly takes care of the NLW champion. Jordan's eyes are focused on Phoenix for a moment before Shane jumps in front of her as the Phoenix enters the ring. Shane starts off with an offensive swipe, clocking Phoenix hard in the head, but Phoenix gives him a good whack in the ribs with one of the kendo sticks.

Donovan doubles over, but shoves his shoulder into Phoenix's gut, sending the large man back a few steps, winded. Meanwhile, Aphrodisia watches on with a sick grin on her face. Outside of the ring, Jax and Ice Man are exchanging blows, though it's clear that Jackson is making the stronger hits.

Caelan Tyler: Jackson and the champ are brawling on the outside, and Shane Donovan is fighting The Phoenix inside.

Back in the ring, Phoenix brings down both kendo sticks across Shane's shoulders. Donovan drops like a ton of bricks. The Phoenix pushes Shane out of the ring and turns his attentions to Aphrodisia, who is pacing along one side of the ring, eyes gleaming with delight.

The Warheart stops and balls her fists, waiting for Phoenix to make the first move. Phoenix does just that, bringing both sticks to bear as he closes in on Jordan. She manages to get both forearms up to block any solid hits from going through. Outside the ring, a sharp whistle is heard before a third kendo stick flies into the ring. Tucking into a backwards roll, the Warheart comes back to her feet, stick in hand. Phoenix pauses for a second, and with a sinister grin, drops one of his sticks, wielding the other in both hands. The camera can see him shout at Aph to bring it.

Caelan Tyler: Now Aph and Phoenix both have kendo sticks!

Jake Steel: Get that tubby bastard!

Aph swings the stick in her hand to get used to its weight, her lips curled into her trademarked smirk. She sidesteps slowly around Phoenix, clearly gauging her opponent before moving forward, bringing the kendo stick down in a wide arc, aiming for his shoulder. With a flick of the wrist, Phoenix sends the weapon off course, and comes back in with a shot aimed at the left-side ribs of the Warheart. However, Aph sees it coming and bends back enough to avoid the swipe. She jumps back a few steps, bouncing on the balls of her feet, waggling a finger at Phoenix. The discarded headset picks up her taunting:

Aphrodisia Jordan: Naughty, naughty, William. Never strike a lady in anger... tsk tsk...

He replies loud enough for the headset to pick it up.

The Phoenix: Lesson in vigilance and never underestimating an opponent, 'cherie.' En garde!

At this, Phoenix feints high with the weapon before swinging it low, aimed at the knee of Jordan. Aphrodisia jumps up to avoid the swipe and gives The Phoenix a little tap on the noggin before prancing off to the other side of the ring. 'Out Of My Head' by Puddle of Mudd starts up suddenly. The Unorthodox One makes an appearance on the stage. The Jackrabbit skips merrily down towards the ring. As the impromptu-kendo-'sword'-fight continues, The Jackrabbit hops around the ring, slapping a few of the fans hands. He plops down on top of the announcer's table and produces a bag of popcorn seemingly out of thin air.

Caelan Tyler: And now Jackrabbit's out here, this is just getting out of hand.

Back in the ring, Aphrodisia is still moving around Phoenix with a wide berth. With a speed that seems unfathomable for a man his size, Phoenix closes the distance with his sword held in a guard position above his head. He again tries for the ribs of Aph, who parries, but leaves herself open to be poked in the center of the chest. After a brief shove with the kendo stick, Phoenix backs away. The headset can hear him say 'Touche, pussycat!' as he smirks at Aph. Aph chuckles, putting distance between her and the big man again. The camera once again picks up her voice.

Aphrodisia Jordan: You know what this means don't you?

The Phoenix smirks, knowing exactly where she's going. The microphone picks up 'this means war' from Phoenix, to which Aphrodisia emphatically nods. However, rather than attacking Phoenix again, she throws the kendo stick from the ring. Her sights fall on Jackrabbit. She bounces herself off the ropes opposite him. Before Jackrabbit can realize what's going on, Aph has vaulted herself over the top rope. One shooting star press later, and both Warheart and Jackrabbit are laying in a pile of wood and electronics, signaling the official start of the match.

Caelan Tyler: This match is just getting underway and already we got a train wreck out here!

Jake Steel: Whoo!

Although an exciting way to start the match, it may not have been Aphrodisia's smartest decision. The announce table is shattered with Jackrabbit pancaked on the floor, but Aphrodisia Jordan her self is on all fours shaking out the cobwebs as Phoenix looks on from inside the ring his mouth almost opened wide at what he just seen. After a few seconds of indecision and realizing Aphrodisia has given him the upper hand The Phoenix walks through the ropes and hops onto the outside. He grabs Aphrodisia Jordan and helps her on her feet and throws her back in the ring. He looks over at Jackrabbit and decides to just leave him there as he goes into the ring following Aphrodisia. Inside the ring Phoenix picks up Aphrodisia and scoops her up for a standard body slam slamming her down on to the mat. Aphrodisia rolls on to her stomach to avoid a quick pin fall attempt realizing her daring move has put her in very early trouble. Phoenix doesn't go for any ground offense instead grabbing Aphrodisia Jordan and picking her back up again. He picks her up and Irish whips her into the ropes and as she comes off the ropes he bends down for a back body drop but Aphrodisia reverses her body into a back flip position so when Phoenix lifts up he ends up back flipping Aphrodisia into the air and she lands on her feet. Despite this brilliant counter Aphrodisia is still feeling the effects from her earlier offensive maneuver and is slow to decide what to do next as Phoenix turns around to face her. She attempts to close in for an attack but Phoenix is a step ahead and catches her in a hip toss slamming her hard on the ground. This time he does go for a pin attempt but only gets a two count... And barely at that. Aphrodisia has a lot of fight in her. Meanwhile, Jackrabbit is barely stirring from the Shooting Star Press.

Caelan Tyler: Phoenix and Aphrodisia are going at it in the ring while Jackrabbit is still lying on the ground here in front of us.

Jake Steel: If he was smart he'd stay down.

Back inside it is all in the Phoenix's favor as this time he keeps Aphrodisia on the mat and realizing he's already done two moves to her back drops a knee in her back to keep up the damage. Aphrodisia tries to crawl to the ropes but is unable to get far as Phoenix pushes his over 300 pound body up... And drops another knee right into her back. He stands her up and sets her for a suplex position nailing it with very little resistance from Aphrodisia. Aphrodisia arches up in pain as she feels it all in her back area. Phoenix turns around and goes for another cover once again only getting a two. He sits Aphrodisia up and pulls her arms back behind her as he presses his knee into her back area in a submission hold. Aphrodisia is no where near close to submitting but the move continues to do damage to her back. Aphrodisia shaking her head no to the referee as he continues to ask her if she gives up and after ten-fifteen seconds Phoenix is pleased with the damage and releases the hold and lets her up on her feet. Aphrodisia gets a forearm shot in as he lifts her up. She attempts a second one but he blocks it and scoops her up for another bodyslam. This time Aphrodisia wills herself up on her own and Phoenix comes in with another Irish whip. He attempts another hip toss but Aphrodisia goes through with it and lands on her feet and continues to run into the ropes. Instead of running into them she jumps up on them and as Phoenix comes thinking of trying to knock her off she comes off with a desperation whisper in the wind type maneuver hitting Phoenix and causing him to stumble back but not fall down.

Caelan Tyler: Aph trying to take control of the match here.

Jake Steel: And she will, Aph is like a force of nature, best to get get the fuck out of the way.

Meanwhile still on the outside, Jackrabbit is in a sitting position and shaking the cobwebs still. He has yet to enter the match. Aphrodisia hold her back with one hand and in a half kneel position waits for Phoenix to come back in and then props up on her feet and hits a lightening quick drop kick right into him. He stumbles back again but doesn't go down. Aphrodisia again bouncing off the rope trying to think of a way to take the bigger and heavier opponent down. She goes for a baseball slide but Phoenix side steps it and then tries to drop a quick elbow but Aphrodisia roles out of the way and Phoenix hits the mat. Aphrodisia decides that this would work as an opening and seeing that Phoenix has sat back up in a sitting position charges quickly from behind flips over him and snaps his head down causing him to snap back and having the back of his head hit the mat hard. Aphrodisia though doesn't even go for the pin fall as she stands next to the prone Phoenix and jumps in the air... Rotating and hitting a standing moonsault for one... two... KICKOUT with authority as Aphrodisia gets pushed into the air and she lands on the mat. Back on the outside Jackrabbit is finally making it to the apron. Aphrodisia is still in control as she grabs Phoenix's legs and holds them up. She then flips over hold the legs and gets Phoenix in another pinning attempt for one... two... kick out. Aphrodisia runs into the ropes hoping to do a power move but picks the wrong ropes to bump into. As she hits them Jackrabbit reaches in and finally makes his presence known by tripping up Aphrodisia and pulling her out of the ring. Aphrodisia is pissed, and goes to hit Jackrabbit with a closed fist but he blocks it. Takes his free hand and with two fingers grabs hold of Aphrodisia's nose and twists. Aphrodisia waves her arms in frustration and then finally swats Jackrabbit's arm down and goes for a punch again. Jackrabbit ducks it and Aphrodisia in her frustration/anger punches so wildly she spins around. So now behind her Jackrabbit reaches up and messes with her hair. Aphrodisia goes red in the face and turns around and Jackrabbit slaps her twice... wiggles his fingers and then takes her down with a big slap! The crowd cheers Jackrabbit's antics as he picks her up and throws her in the ring and then gets up on the apron. Meanwhile, Phoenix has also stood up and is in the corner trying to regain himself.

Caelan Tyler: Jackrabbit is back in now and he just gave Aph what for.

Jake Steel: Man, I'm pretty sure for a slap she'd cut off a dude's balls. Hope JR didn't plan on having little Rabbits.

Jackrabbit waits for Aphrodisia to get up. Once she does she looks around realizing she doesn't even know where Jackrabbit is. She turns around in time to see him getting ready to springboard up on the top rope so she quickly ducks down to avoid whatever move he's going to do... EXCEPT IT WAS A FAKE! Jackrabbit never ended up on the top rope. As Aphrodisia Jordan gets on her feet he now springboards up and goes flying with a springboard clothesline knocking Aphrodisia down. He quickly crawls over to her for the cover. One... Two... Phoenix grabs his leg and pulls him off. Jackrabbit quickly stands up as Aphrodisia rolls out of the way. Jackrabbit and Phoenix are starring at each other and Jackrabbit gets a goofy smile to his face as he jumps to the left... and he jumps to the right. And he jumps backwards. And he jumps forward with forearm And another forearm... he then backs up and goes for a kick but Phoenix catches the leg and crashes his elbow down on Jackrabbit's leg! Jackrabbit lets out a yelp as he goes down holding his leg. Phoenix now knows what his opening is with Jackrabbit and he grabs the leg he attack and sets it up for him to drop an elbow on it! He holds on to the leg and stands up wrenching it a little bit before dropping another elbow down on it! Jackrabbit is not enjoying himself as Phoenix still holds on to the leg preparing perhaps a third elbow drop. However, here comes Aphrodisia charging in and she uses the fallen Jackrabbit's body to propel herself in the air with an Enzuguri style kick right into the back of Phoenix's head. That ends his offense on Jackrabbit as he drops to his knees and falls face first onto the mat. Phoenix rolls to the outside apron as Aphrodisia turns her attention to Jackrabbit trying to stand up but is limping. Aphrodisia although not a submission wrestler targets in on Jackrabbit's leg with an evil smile on her face.

Caelan Tyler: Aph getting her revenge for 'Rabbit's actions from before, working over his leg.

Jake Steel: Break it Aph!

After watching Jackrabbit limp for a few Aphrodisia dives down and clips him from behind. Jackrabbit crumbles down as Aphrodisia now goes for damage. She frantically begins to stomp and lick the leg... and then jumps in the air with good height crashing both knees down on it. Jackrabbit screams as Aphrodisia still in a standing position and her back turned to Jackrabbit. Hooks one of her legs around Jackrabbit's damaged leg. After a few seconds she leans forward and throws herself back sending bending Jackrabbit's leg back and giving him a wave of pain. Jackrabbit knowing he's going to be damaged badly if he doesn't make it to the ropes begins to attempt to do so. Aphrodisia Jordan stands up and gets ready to do it again but Phoenix is already recovered and he hits her with a hard clothesline... however that still sends her back and that gives Phoenix the added bonus of doing damage to Jackrabbit as well! After the clothesline though the hold is broken and Jackrabbit crawls away as Phoenix picks up Aphrodisia and lifts her up. He's going back to his old plan of attack and drops her with a back breaker! BUT WAIT! He doesn't let go. Phoenix shows off his strength and drops her down with another back breaker! This time he begins to bend her over his knee. Phoenix going for the submission and again and this time with a better chance of getting it as it's later in the match and Aphrodisia is hurt! Aphrodisia is frantically shaking her head no... no... NO! Phoenix finally throws her off his knee and walks over to the Jackrabbit who has gotten up on his feet.

Caelan Tyler: Phoenix tried for a submission to try to put Aphrodisia away but Jackrabbit broke that up.

Jake Steel: No way she would've tapped anyways.

Phoenix attempts to Irish whip Jackrabbit but due to the damage to the leg... Jackrabbit ends up falling down. Jackrabbit is rolling around holding his leg in pain. Phoenix stays back trying to be a good sportsman as Jackrabbit attempts to stand up and ends up falling down screaming louder than he was earlier in pain. Phoenix realizes he's going to have to go over and pick him up and walks over to do so. As he's picking Jackrabbit up... Jackrabbit with a burst of speed gets the bend over Phoenix in a headlock and drops him with a quick DDT! The fans erupt as Jackrabbit gets up on his feet and begins to hop around on his good leg. He then drops down and roll over The Phoenix for a one... two... KICK OUT! Jackrabbit manages to get up on his feet and although walking with a noticeable limp... is nowhere near as hurt as he was pretending to be a few moments ago. He turns away from Phoenix to see Aphrodisia down on her back. He walks over to her but she kips up and catches him with a kip up Hurricanrana! Despite this good maneuver Aphrodisia is unable to get up on her feet quickly as she is on both of her knees holding her back. Jackrabbit is also on his feet standing right next to the ropes. Aphrodisia attempts to ignore the pain and lunges up charging hitting Jackrabbit with a cross body! Jackrabbit though catches her and holds on but stumbles back almost going over the top rope. Aphrodisia is kicking her legs in the air and doing everything she can to carry Jackrabbit over but Jackrabbit is trying to balance out and get his feet back on the mat. This battle between the two is made irrelevant as Phoenix walks over grabs Jackrabbit's leg and DUMPS THEM BOTH OVER THE TOP ROPE! Jackrabbit falls unto the outside while Aphrodisia hits squarely on the apron and stays on there! Phoenix bends down and grabs Aphrodisia's legs and pulls her back into the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Phoenix looking to try to put Aph away again now that Jackrabbit is on the outside.

Jake Steel: Only in his wildest dreams could he beat Aph, especially with a submission.

The Phoenix isn't fooling around now as he drags Aphrodisia into the middle of the ring and begins a double leg grapevine! He attempts to turn her over AND DOES AND HAS HER IN A SHARPSHOOTER MANEUVER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! Aphrodisia may not be able to hold on this time! She's screaming in pain reaching all around trying to find the ropes but there's no where near her! What's worse is Phoenix has all his weight down so there is no way she is going to be able to crawl toward the ropes. Aphrodisia is screaming, but not at all signaling she wants to tap or give up. Phoenix is pulling back hard as Aphrodisia has her right hand up. Could Aphrodisia submit? Jackrabbit is on the apron and sees Aphrodisia is considering giving up and quickly propels himself on the top rope and springboards in the air and... MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF PHOENIX'S HEAD AND HE LANDS ON TOP OF APHRODISIA'S BACK! Phoenix crumbles down to the mat as Jackrabbit rolls off of Aphrodisia holding his hurt leg from the move. He is able to roll back over though and turn Aphrodisia around for the one... two... SHOULDER UP! Aphrodisia is not out of the match yet despite all the back abuse. Jackrabbit stands up and goes for Aphrodisia's legs. NOW HE'S GOING FOR A SHARPSHOOTER! Aphrodisia isn't going to let this happen twice and she grabs the bent over Jackrabbit and somehow manages to package him up for a one... two... KICKOUT! Both Jackrabbit stands up and so does Aphrodisia although a split second slower. Jackrabbit walks over and slaps her! Aphrodisia hits an open hand slap! We have an open hand slap battle as Phoenix comes in at both of them and both Jackrabbit and Aphrodisia duck the double clothesline attempt. Phoenix turns around and they both kick him in the gut doubling him over. Jackrabbit and Aphrodisia both look at each other... A split second of understanding comes to them. They both set him up for a double suplex attempt as the crowd stirs wandering if they'll pull it off! They both are in synch... They both lift... Aphrodisia releases the suplex attempt and falls down holding her back... it couldn't handle it. Poor Jackrabbit is now by himself and Phoenix has no trouble lifting him in the air for a vertical suplex. He keeps Jackrabbit up in the air for a little while letting him think about it and he goes to drop hi... no Aphrodisia despite her hurt back grabs Phoenix's leg and trips him up AND JACKRABBIT FALLS ON TOP OF HIM! ONE... TWO... SHOULDER UP! Aphrodisia almost cost herself the match!

Caelan Tyler: It looks like Aph's hurt her back, and against these two that's a major liability.

Jake Steel: Just what we need, another career potentially shortened by that fat prick.

All three competitors worn out now and all three begin to slowly rise up on their feet. Aphrodisia makes her decision and goes after Jackrabbit but he side steps as she continues to run and bounces off the ropes... Jackrabbit drops down on his stomach and quickly rolls out of the way as she jumps right into the arms of Phoenix who SPIINEBUSTERS HER DOWN! He realizes the Jackrabbit is nearby and stands up instead of going for the pin as Aphrodisia her back taking a huge beating this match rolls out of the way as Jackrabbit and Phoenix the two fan favorites now stand before each other. Jackrabbit's limp seems to be fading away now as the crowd is reaching a huge fever pitch. Jackrabbit goes to fake a kick and as Phoenix commits to block it goes for a forearm instead! He doesn't go for a second one going straight for the Irish whip attempt... But Phoenix refuses to go. Jackrabbit pulls again hoping to do it... but Phoenix pulls Jackrabbit grabs him in a bear hug lifts him up and begins to swing him around in a bearhug as Jackrabbit flails about trying to get out of it. After a few swings he throws Jackrabbit down and Jackrabbit stumbles up onto his feet and as soon as he gets up on his feet Phoenix walks over to him and Irish Whips him into the corner! He goes for a charging clothesline but Jackrabbit moves out of the way Phoenix hitting the corner. Phoenix turns around in the corner just in time to receive a RUNNING BUTT BUMP!!! Phoenix stumbles out of the corner as Jackrabbit gets ready to springboard on the top... as he's about to do so though Phoenix turns around as just as Jackrabbit springboards on top Phoenix comes in and spreads Jackrabbit's legs causing him to crotch himself and then find himself dangling upside down in a tree of woe!

Caelan Tyler: JR's in a tree of woe!

Jake Steel: The only woe that could possibly befall this match is Jackrabbit letting Phoenix pin him.

Phoenix knows he has Jackrabbit in a bad decision but decides to leave him there and go after the badly hurt Aphrodisia Jordan. He takes a few steps back and turns around to see Aphrodisia Jordan amazing standing although hunched over near the ropes hold her back. Phoenix walks over to attack her but she is able to in a desperation attempt get a dropkick in at his feet causing him to fall forward into the ropes... causing him to lay on the middle rope! Jackrabbit is still dangling in the tree of woe and Aphrodisia looks over and see the opportunity knocking! She gathers up all her will and gets up. She focuses her self and takes a running start somehow finding the energy the drive to will herself in the air and hit the FACE FULL OF STEEL! Jackrabbit is no longer in the tree of woe as he flips out of it... and he lays prone on the mat as Aphrodisia could have the win if she went for the cover. However, she is on her stomach holding her back wasting time. She finally stands herself up looks over and grabs the prone Jackrabbit by the leg and begins to pull him to the middle of the ring. She drops down and very slowly flips him over and goes for the pin attempt... One... Two... Jackrabbit gets a shoulder up! The match will continue on! Aphrodisia Jordan is up on her feet she is holding her back with one hand she looks down at Jackrabbit and falls back down on her knees. She leans in and licks his forehead signaling it is time for the French Kiss! She positions him a bit closer to the ropes while the Phoenix looks on and for some reason lets her go through with it. She's in a lot of pain though as she goes on the outside and slowly climbs the top rope. She's on the top rope and she's standing on her feet. She's only focusing on Jackrabbit though. She's not even paying attention to Phoenix who is standing. She gets ready to spring into the air... but Jackrabbit grabs Phoenix's leg and pulls him out of the way as Aphrodisia is too late to stop herself and she goes flying into the air and crashes violently into the mat below right on her back. She is a crumpled mess as the crowd roars at the miss!

Caelan Tyler: Aph misses with the French Kiss!

Jake Steel: DAMNIT! Why?!

Aphrodisia rolls around a little bit and actually ends up falling on the floor as the crowd is now standing. Their Legacy Champion appears to be heading toward victory. Aphrodisia Jordan for all intents and purposes is now out of the match! Phoenix picks up Jackrabbit and lifts up his leg. Will he hit the dragon screw leg whip... HE WILL! The crowd is exploding now as Jackrabbit's leg is once again damaged and he rolls around and manages to get onto his feet but he almost ends up tripping over his own feet and crashing down. Luckily he just ends up stumbling into the ropes and holds on. Phoenix knows he's near victory now and walks toward the Jackrabbit. He grabs him and begins to pull him into the middle of the ring so he can lock on his ankle lock. He's holding Jackrabbit by his leg and Jackrabbit in a desperation effort back flips and his free leg comes up and connect with Phoenix's chin! Phoenix was unprepared for this and takes it full standing there for a few seconds and then crashing face first unto the mat. Phoenix is not moving at all as Jackrabbit who landed stomach first forces himself up to stand seeing that he has taken the Phoenix down with his unorthodox offense! Jackrabbit pushes himself up onto his feet as Phoenix isn't moving! He grabs Phoenix and gets him up onto his feet. Jackrabbit puts his head between Phoenix's leg! Can he get him up? Can his leg hold up? Jackrabbit slowly begins to lift Phoenix up! HE GOT HIM UP SOME HOW! Jackrabbit drops down in a seating position and hits the LAST LAUGH! The crowd erupts not believing Jackrabbit successfully hit it! It's not without a cost as Jackrabbit is holding his leg but he quickly ignores it going for the pin. Aphrodisia is nowhere in sight still crumpled up on the outside. One... Two... There's no chance of Aphrodisia saving it... THREE!!!

Zach King: Here is your winner... THE JACKRABBIT!!!

Caelan Tyler: Jackrabbit did it! He won the triple threat!

Jake Steel: Ugh... Well at least it wasn't The Phoenix...

Jake Steel: Somebody just turn off the lights. Oh wait it's back on.

Caelan Tyler: One of the masked men is in the ring, it's 3 Exclamation man he's got a body bag with him, wonder what... Wait there goes the lights again.

The lights flicker off then on and another masked man now appears in the ring with !!!, this time it's &&& who appears alongside Joey Vasco strapped to the gurney. The lights then flicker off then on again and yet another masked man appears. This time it's $$$, who appears with Jonathon Collins trapped inside the net.

Jake Steel: What are these guys going to do now?

Caelan Tyler:And where's Question Mark man?

Just as Caelan mentions his name ??? appears in the crowd and begins making his way down. ??? hops over the guard railing, then slides into the ring. He grabs a microphone from his back pocket and begins to speak.

???: Over these past couple of weeks people have come out wearing the Question Mark Persona. Ice Man is not Question Mark. Triple M is not Question Mark. These have been using the mask for their own personal benefit, much like I'm using it for mine. Because you see, I have a problem. I don't know who the hell I am. After a lot of searching and investigating, I hear that a man by the name of Jack Sullivan has all the answers. That he can give me a name. But Jack Sullivan has been a hard man to reach. To get some face time with Jack Sullivan, you have to be a Somebody. And seeing as I'm a 'Nobody' Jack Sullivan could care less. So I had to get his attention. And that’s when I was approached by this man.

??? points to !!!.

???: He told me he could lead me to Jack Sullivan, he told me he was tired of the bullshit that is Jack Sullivan. He was tired of the bullshit that is Society. That he was tired of the bullshit that is Ice Man. And so we made a deal. And then shortly after that, I was approached by this man.

??? points to &&&.

???: And he told me that he could lead me to Jack Sullivan, that he was tired of how he was being treated in the NLW. How he felt like no one cared about him. And so we made a deal. And then shortly after that I was approached by this man.

??? points to $$$.

???: And he told me that he's going to make it to the top of the wrestling world, that he will take this federation by storm. But he told me that he doesn't trust many people in the business, particularly Jack Sullivan. And he told me that he could lead me to Jack Sullivan, and so we made a deal.

!!! opens the bag and dumps out Dillon Bourne who is bound and gagged.

???: And so we came up with elaborate plan to get Jack Sullivan's attention, that we would take his brightest and youngest stars and keep them until we hear from Jack Sullivan. But HE DOESN”T CARE! Jack Sullivan doesn't care about Dillon Bourne, he doesn't care about Joey Vasco, he doesn't care about Jonathon Collins.

'In My Grip' begins to play as Jack Sullivan appears at the entrance ramp. There is a mixture of cheers and boos.

Jack Sullivan: Ok. Ok. Enough of this crap, Mr. whatever the hell your name is. I don't have time for all this tomfoolery. You want me to tell you who you are, then just take off the damn mask.

The crowd erupts. ??? turns to his 3 cohorts, he puts his hand on his mask but hesitates. Jack Sullivan seems a bit impatient.

Jack Sullivan: Hurry up will you? I'll tell you who you are if it'll make you happy, just show us your damn face.

??? begins to unmask slowly as the crowd holds their breath in anticipation. The mask is completely off and the face of ??? is of a man in his late 20's, with shoulder length brown hair and a big scar on the right side of his cheek. Jack Sullivan has an irritated look on his face. The crowd is stunned because much like Sullivan they don't know who he is.

Jack Sullivan: This is ridiculous. I've never seen you before in my life. STOP WASTING MY TIME! Get security out here to get rid of this guy.

NLW Security comes out and heads to the ring. !!!, &&&, and $$$ make their exits, but ??? is still in the ring and seems to have snapped. He pulls Joey Vasco off the stretcher and launches him out of the ring. He grabs the bound and gagged Dillon Bourne and tosses him at the incoming security. They grab Bourne and unbound him. As they are doing that, ??? grabs Jonathon Collins who is still ensnared in the net and puts him on his shoulders. The lights go out. And when they come back on, ??? and Jonathon Collins are gone.

Jake Steel: ??? just unmasked and we still don't know who the hell he is.

Caelan Tyler: I don't know what to think about this story anymore. That's the thing with these mystery guys, they always turn up to be 'someone no one's heard of or cares about.'

Zach King: The following is an anything goes triple threat match, and is for the Anarchy X Championship!

'Ego' By Element Eighty hits and three M's pop up on the giant video screen

You are such an imitation of me.

'Marvelous' Mario Maurako steps out onto the stage and raises his 2x4 into the air. Maurako glares out at the fans who are booing loudly, and then he makes his way down the ramp.

Falling down on you
And still you never knew
This hell I put you through
Should be Nothing new

Maurako rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and climbs the nearest turnbuckle and raises the 2x4 again.

Don't you know
Who I am
I am the man that you will never be

Maurako hops down from the turnbuckle and heads for the next one with the 2x4 draped over his shoulder

Don't you know
Who I am
I am the man that you will never be

Maurako slams the 2x4 into the top turnbuckle which sounds off a loud bang, which cuts off the music and sends Red and White streamers into the sky

Zach King: Introducing first, from Minneapolis, Minnesota... Weighing in at 260 pounds... 'MARVELOUS' MARIO MAURAKO!

Caelan Tyler: This is Triple M's return to a NLW ring after being forced out by The Phoenix and Venom several months back.

Jake Steel: Thank God, NLW truly is lost without the guidance of the former Anarchy X Champion.

The crowd cheers loudly and then 'I Stand Alone' by Godsmack blares across the arena. There's complete black out, then from behind each turnbuckle a spotlight shine into the center of the ring. On the last is Talon, arms out-stretched to his sides, with two lengths of lead piping in his hands. After a moment's pause, Talon jumps into the ring, and paces around, throwing his piping to the turnbuckle.

Zach King: Introducing next, from parts unknown... Weighing in at 280 pounds... He is one half of the NLW Tag Team Champions... TALON!

Caelan Tyler: This is a huge opportunity here for Talon to continue his success against Society here in NLW.

Jake Steel: That was a fluke and you know it.

Caelan Tyler: The deck was clearly stacked in Society's favor, how could you call it a fluke?

Jake Steel: Um, Draco interfered?

Caelan Tyler: Whatever Jake.

The lights dim, heavy mist filling the ramp as strobe lights begin to pulse slowly. A steady bass throb begins, growing in volume, sounding much like a heartbeat. A single gunshot shatters the silence, followed by mocking laughter and Jackson's voice hurling insults before the music skips, and then the sounds of 'Lies' by Evanescence filters through the speakers. Dark red strobes pulsate on the entrance way, and a dark figure moves among them, stepping forward as indigo fountains of pyrotechnic spark either side of him. He strides forwards, ignoring the crowd reaction. He circles the ring once, his eyes steady, a look of angry concentration on his face, before ascending the ring steps and climbing between the ropes. Jackson stands in the middle of the ring, his head thrown back in a triumphant roar as the music comes to a grinding halt, cut off with a squeal of feedback.

Zach King: And their opponent, from Chicago, Illinois... Weighing in at 277 pounds... He is the reigning NLW Anarchy X Champion... BRAD JACKSON!

Caelan Tyler: This is an important match for all three men, as for both Jackson and Talon a win here would help their respective causes get a leg up, while a win for Triple M would be huge for getting himself reestablished in NLW.

Jake Steel: Last time Triple M debuted he left the arena with the Anarchy X championship, and this time sure as hell won't be any different.

The bell rings, and instantly both Talon and Triple M bum rush Jackson, knocking him back into the corner and quickly putting the boots to him. Talon continues his assault, driving his boot into Jackson's chest while Triple M steps away. After a few more kicks Talon realizes that Triple M is no longer there, and turns just in time to get the 2x4 jammed into his gut. Triple M follows that up by cracking him across the back with the lumber, causing Talon to bail out of the ring. Triple M then slams the 2x4 into Jackson's head before dropping the weapon. Quickly dragging Jackson up, Triple M hits his Road to Maurako pumphandle slam on the champ, quickly going for the pin:

1...

2...

No, Jackson just barely gets his shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: The wily veteran trying to steal the match early, but just didn't do enough damage to keep Jackson down.

Jake Steel: See, that is what Maurako brings to the table, an unparallel knowledge on how to get things done. The man is a ring general!

Caelan Tyler: You done brown nosing?

Jake Steel: Psh, you wish!

A bit frustrated that he wasn't able to finish off Jackson so quickly, Triple M drags the Anarchy X champ to his feet, delivering rights to his temple. Once Jackson's back to a vertical base Triple M quickly hooks him and delivers a snap suplex, bringing the champ down hard. Triple M tries to go for another pin, but before it can be counted Talon grabs the former champ's foot, yanking him out to ringside and slamming the lead piping he always carries into Mario's ribs. Talon takes another shot at Triple M's ribs before whipping him into the ring steps, sending him tumbling over.

Caelan Tyler: Just as a figured, Talon wasn't about to allow himself to be taken out of this match so quickly, and now he's taken control.

Jake Steel: It won't last, soon enough Triple M will be back in control and reclaim the title he never lost.

Caelan Tyler: You're ruling out Jackson awfully quick here Jake.

Jake Steel: Triple M is just that good.

As good as Jake makes Triple M out to be, he's clearly not feeling too hot as Talon continues his assault, slamming him into the protective barricade surrounding the ring and delivering elbows. By this point Jackson has recovered within the ring and slides out, clubbing Talon from behind with a lariat. Talon stumbles a bit before turning around, just in time to catch a big boot from Jackson. Jackson quickly picks Talon up, bodyslamming him onto the protective pads on the floor. With both his opponents temporarily incapacitated, Jackson reaches under the ring, pulling out a variety of chairs. Trash cans and signs, tossing them into the ring itself.

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Jackson is getting the ring ready for the rest of the match here

Jake Steel: Whoo! More ways for Triple M to hurt those two!

Caelan Tyler: Or for them to hurt Triple M.

Jake Steel: Don't say such awful things!

Jackson quickly rolls Talon into the ring, picking up a stop sign and waiting for Talon to stand up. Talon does, and Jackson smiles when he hears the satisfying (to him) sound of steel thumping against Talon's skull. Jackson quickly goes for the pin:

1...

2...

No! Talon with his shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: Jackson tried to pull a page out of Triple M's book, but it was no more successful for him than it was for Triple M.

Jake Steel: Trying to steal Triple M's moves? That's just asking for a beatdown.

Caelan Tyler: Somehow I doubt Jackson cares too much whether or not Triple M would like to see other people use his strategies to win matches.

Jake Steel: Forget what Triple M would do, I am about to serve up some beatdown!

Caelan Tyler: ...Sit down and shut up Jake.

Standing up, Jackson starts to pull Talon to his feet, but Talon cut him off with some solid shots to the gut. Talon then quickly irish whips the champ, and catches him with a nasty clothesline. Talon wipes the hair out his face, inadvertently smearing the trickles of blood from a gash that has been opened up across his forehead. Jackson gets back to his feet, and the two begin to exchange rights before Jackson delivers a solid boot to Talon's midsection. With his opponent doubled over, Jackson attempts to powerbomb him, but Talon is able to back body drop Jackson, sending the champ crashing back-first onto a trash can.

Caelan Tyler: Talon managed to get control of the match back here, but not before Jackson drew first blood.

Jake Steel: Whoo! Abuse!

Caelan Tyler: What is really surprising me here is the fact that Triple M has been hanging out at ringside without getting involved.

Jake Steel: That's just Triple M showing the non-believers like you just how much of a ring general he is. He's going to wait out there, getting ready to pick his spot, and when he sees the right opening he's going to seize it and reclaim his title.

Caelan Tyler: I'm sure that's what's going to happen here Jake.

Jake Steel: See? Glad you agree with me!

Apparently that spot is now, as before Talon could even take advantage of the opening he's created he's blindsided by the former Anarchy X champion, who's wielding a trash can lid. Triple M brings the lid down across Talon's head once again before dropping the lid and kicking the dazed Tag champ in the gut. Quickly Triple M wraps his arm around Talon's neck and hits a DDT, driving his skull onto the trash can lid. Rolling Talon over, Triple M hooks the leg:

1...

2...

No! Talon gets his shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: Apparently that wasn't quite the opening Triple M was looking for.

Jake Steel: Quiet you.

Triple M slams his hand onto the mat in frustration as across the ring Jackson slides to ringside, attempting to shake the cobwebs. Triple M turns and watches Jackson leave, causing him to yell out taunts to the Anarchy X champion. While this is taking place, Talon gets to his feet, fuming as Triple M continues to taunt the champ. Triple M then turns his attention back to Talon, and catches a European uppercut to the throat, driving him back into the corner. Once there, Talon begins to deliver hard shoulders into Triple M's midsection, trying to knock the wind out of him. Backing up some, Talon delivers a hard chop across Triple M's chest, the crowd 'oooh'ing as he does so. Talon then repeats this multiple times until Triple M's chest is beat red. Talon then backs up, and when Triple M stumbles out of the corner he lifts Mario up, delivering a powerslam and quickly making a pin:

1...

2...

No, Triple M manages to kick out at the last second.

Caelan Tyler: This has been a real back and forth affair thus far, with each man just unloading on the others.

Jake Steel: Triple M is just putting up the false front of suspense so the fans will get their money's worth, he's got this in the bag.

Caelan Tyler: Doesn't seem that way from where I'm sitting Jake.

Jake Steel: Well that's because you're blind Caelan. There, I said it! You're absolutely blind!

Caelan Tyler: Hey now, I have 20/20 vision!

Jake Steel: The only thing 20/20 about your vision is that you can only see Barbara Walters!

Talon looks down at Triple M before wiping his forehead and seeing the slick crimson coat his fingers. Realizing that it was Jackson's doing, Talon quickly slides out of the ring to get his hands on the champ, but as he exits he gets blasted with a poof of smoke, as Jackson has fished out the fire extinguisher from under the ring and decided to bring it to bear. The champ quickly slams the extinguisher against Talon's head, knocking the big man back into the barricade. Jackson quickly opts to take a page out of Talon's playbook, delivering a hard chop to Talon's chest. With Talon writhing in pain Jackson continues his attack, delivering hard rights to Talon's forehead in an attempt to open up the cut he put there more.

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Jackson is out for more blood here.

Jake Steel: Yes! This gives Triple M the time he needs to recover so he can finish this.

Caelan Tyler: Riiiiiight...

And recover he has, as Triple M slides out of the ring. Triple M nails Jackson across the back of the head with a forearm, and when Jackson turns around Triple M hooks him and hits Simply Marvelous, slamming the champ into the ground. After that Triple M looks around, trying to locate a weapon but unable to find one immediately in reach.

Jake Steel: Use me!

Caelan Tyler: ...What?!

Jake Steel: It would be an honor to be used as a weapon by you sir!

Jake removes his headset, and Triple M just shrugs before lifting Jake up and slamming him down across Jackson! The crowd cheers as Jake rolls off of Jackson, clutching his lower back in pain. Triple M just shrugs as he turns his attention to Talon, grabbing him and tossing him into the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Well, um, okay, Triple M just used my broadcast partner as a weapon before dragging Talon back into the ring. This match just keeps getting crazier by the second!

Inside the ring, Triple M Attempts to hit a Perfectly Marvelous on Talon, but is cut off by an elbow to the temple. Talon quickly wraps his hand around Triple M's throat, delivering a chokeslam. Silently, talon stalks his prey, waiting for Triple M to get back up. Slowly Triple M gets back to his feet, only to be dropped back down to the mat with a Bloody Talons Axe Kick from the Tag Champ. With Triple M down and Jackson still not moving at ringside, Talon decides to climb the top turnbuckle in order to try for Death from Above.

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Talon is trying to hit his finisher here, and now Jack has finally gotten his headset back on. So how did that work out for you Jake?

Jake Steel: ...Shut up.

Caelan Tyler: Seriously! I'm curious as to how that one went.

Jake Steel: It's not an honor that I, or my chiropractor, won't soon forget.

While Jake enjoys his rather dubious 'honor', Talon leaps off of the top turnbuckle, looking to end this match. Unfortunately for Talon, Triple M had more left in the tank than he thought, and can only watch helplessly as Triple M moves before slamming head-first into the mat. Maurako quickly moves to capitalize, wrapping his arms around Talon's and locking in the Marvelosity, dragging Talon to his knees. Talon attempts to struggle as best he can, but the fall took a big toll. Triple M gets a sick grin on his face as he continues to apply pressure, trying to force a submission out of the bloody Talon.

Caelan Tyler: Marvelosity applied by Triple M!

Jake Steel: This is it! I told you, he'd pick his spot and then this match would be over!

Caelan Tyler: Jackson can still break this up.

Jake Steel: Not since I had something to say about it he won't! I told you I'd... OW!

Caelan Tyler: What?

Jake Steel: My back!

Caelan Tyler: Serves you right for interfering.

With the hold applied and the fight seemingly fading from Talon, the referee checks Talon's arm, holding it up. The referee then releases it, watching as it falls limp to the side. The referee then tries it again, but before he gets a response Jackson enters the ring, steel chair in hand. Triple M releases the hold, allowing Talon to fall to the mat as Jackson drills Triple M with the chair! Jackson then kicks Talon, shoving him out of the ring as he turns his attention back to Triple M. As Jackson stalks Triple M, Shane Donovan, looking a bit worse for wear after the attack from The Phoenix earlier, makes his way to ringside, watching as Triple M staggers back up, only to catch another chair across the skull from Jackson. Jackson then drops the chair before dragging Triple M up to his feet. Motioning that the match is now over, Jackson hooks Triple M's arms and delivers Something Wicked, driving Triple M down again onto the chair. Talon attempts to enter the ring, but before he can Shane spins him around and blasts him in the face with mace! Talon falls back down as Jackson hooks the leg.

1...

2...

3!

Zach King: Here is your winner and STILL Anarchy X Champion... BRAD JACKSON!

The Jackrabbit charges down the ramp to help Talon, but Jackson and Shane both bail through the crowd, grabbing the Anarchy X title along the way.

Jake Steel: Triple M just got robbed!

Caelan Tyler: Looks more like Talon was robbed by Society, but we're out of time folks, see you next Uprising!