FOUR!

Adams: Would definitely count as the worst way to break a winning streak! But Kayla is starting to stir and Levana realizes it!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

Kayla gets her head out of the toilet bowl just in time and Jacob stops his count! Levana has already moved on however and is looking for a weapon to use! Spotting a discarded steel chair, she lays it on the ground and waits for Kayla to emerge from the men’s bathroom! When Kayla does Levana kicks her in the midsection before hooking her arms up and calling for her finisher!

Simone: Levana is going for the Property of Cade onto that chair!

Adams: If she hits this there’s no way Kayla can answer that ten count!

However, Kayla quickly catches on to what her opponent has in mind and blocks the attempt managing to free herself from Levana’s grasp after several tries and delivers a brutal Martial Arts Kick to Levana’s leg bringing her down to her knee and setting up Levana for the Dreamkiller!

Simone: DREAMKILLER! LEVANA IS OUT COLD! KAYLA HAS IT WON!

Adams: Stick a fork in Levana, she’s done!

BUT Kayla isn’t done, she grabs the steel chair that Levana intended to use on her just now from underneath Levana and flips Levana onto her back before wrapping the steel chair around Levana’s leg and then grabs another one before placing her foot on Levana’s leg with the chair wrapped around it!

KAYLA SLAMS THE CHAIR IN HER HANDS REPETEDLY ONTO THE LEG WITH THE CHAIR WRAPPED AROUND IT CAUSING THE CHAIR TO SNAP FOOT ON HER LEG EACH TIME!

Simone: SOMEONE STOP THIS! THIS COULD END LEVANA’S CAREER!

Adams: I don’t think Kayla cares and unfortunately for Levana, there’s nothing Jacob can do to stop this!

The chair in Kayla’s hand breaks after twenty swings but the damage is done and Levana is clutching her bad leg in agony with tears in her eyes! Kayla orders Jacob to start the count and he does so reluctantly.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

TEN!

DING DING DING!

Justin: Ladies and gentlemen Levana Cade was unable to answer the ten count, therefore the winner of the match and advancing to the Ultimate X Over the Pool Match at Summer XXXXTreme X, “The Dreamkiller” Kayla Richards!

Simone: Kayla just booked her ticket to her first title match in SCW but at what cost?

Adams: Levana was never the most popular Bombshell but she didn’t deserve that!

Kayla celebrates her win whilst paramedics rush in to check on Levana!

Backstage, all hell has broken loose in the GCU Arena. No, not a match that has spilled into the fans and worked its way backstage. Not a fight that has erupted between two rival athletes. No, this is all about…..

Ruby: We were locked in there for almost an hour!

Diamond: It was awful!

Ruby: We DEMAND that you do something….

And so on and so forth as Diamond Steele, Ruby and the rest of the Gemstones practically have Christian Underwood surrounded and are voicing screeching their complaints like howler monkeys in his general direction. They are all talking at once, their voices growing higher and louder as Christian has his own eyes closed and is massaging his temples. It grows to a grand finale until finally…

Christian: E-NOUGH!!!!!

Causing the gemstones to jump with a start. Ruby turns to Diamond and scoffs.

Ruby: Rude!

Christian looks at Diamond.

Christian: I have heard your complaints! God knows I’ve heard them! How could I not!? They’re never ending!

He then turns to Ruby, eyebrows arched.

Christian: And you ‘demand’!?

Ruby: Yes! We DEMAND! Someone locked us in our dressing room….!

Christian: It was a goddamn supply room! You can’t just confiscate it, slap a paper on the door and call it your private dressing room! Only the champions in SCW get their own private rooms!

Ruby stomps her foot.

Ruby: That’s not the point! We were insulted! We were embarrassed!

Diamond: We missed our performance…

Christian: You don’t HAVE a performance! How many times do I have to explain this to you!? Your actions with Amanda last week were INEXCUSABLE! I do not want you ‘performing’ on my show!

Diamond: Why can’t we be on the show!?

Ruby: Yeah! Why can’t we perform on the show!?

Christian mocks them with a sing-song whiny voice.

Christian: Why can’t I be on the show!? Why can’t I be on the show!? Who the hell are you!? Lucy Ricardo!?

Diamond and the gemstones blink and look at each other.

Diamond: You still haven’t given us one good reason why we can’t perform for SCW instead of that talentless drag queen!

Ruby: Yeah! Why NOT!?

Christian: Because you have no talent!

The Gemstones gasp collectively as one, shocked and insulted! Christian rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Diamond: That is SO not true!

Ruby: We are the greatest female band EVER!

Christian: Please! The Muppets have more talent than you! Your group?

He waves a finger between each member.

Christian: Could have your microphone turned off and gargle with bleach and you’d still be hard pressed to sound worse than when you’re at your best!

Ruby: Oh yeah!?

Christian: Yeah.

Diamond: Care to make it interesting?

Christian looks at her with a frown.

Christian: What are you talking about? A bet?

Diamond: Yeah! A bet! You can deny it all you want but facts are facts! The Gemstones are the best female group in music history!

Christian rolls his eyes at this claim.

Diamond: So how about this? How about we have a Battle of the Bands at Summer XXXTreme X?

Christian: A Battle of the Bands?

Diamond: Right! You go out and find any hack female led band you can dig up. Then we can outperform them in front of EVERYONE on that cruise! And WHEN we do – we take over as the opening performance every week on every Climax Control and Supercard!

The Gemstones nod and smile, each face with a smug expression.

Christian: Interesting. But if my band wins… you inept backyard wrestling band…

He waves a hand in their general direction.

Christian: Can’t ever perform on one of our shows – ever!

Now the Gemstones look a LITTLE less sure of themselves as they exchange wary glances amongst one another.

Christian: Oh? What’s the matter? Not so confident any more?

Diamond: FINE!

Ruby: Fine?

Diamond: We accept!

Ruby: We do?

Diamond: Absolutely! We can outperform ANYONE this guy…

She jets a thumb in Christian’s direction.

Diamond: Can POSSIBLY dig up! No problem!

The Gemstones exchange one more look amongst them before they resume their overconfident expressions and nod at Christian.

Ruby: Yeah! We can!

Christian: So … we have a deal?

Diamond: Yes we do!

She sticks her hand out for a shake. Christian looks at it, then at her and shakes his head

Christian: No. I don’t know where that’s been.

And he walks past them, leaving them all with mouths wide open, affronted at what he just said to Diamond.

The scene opens backstage at Climax Control #333 where we see Krystal Wolfe standing by for an interview with Ms. Rocky Mountains, Krystal is clearly still banged up from her match against Diamond Steele from the week before as her body is stitched up and as she is wearing her wrestling gear we can see her bandaged up bruised ribs.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Krystal, later on tonight you are challenging Kat Jones for the Bombshell Roulette Championship, a title that you made your career on the back off! Do you have any thoughts heading into this match?

Krystal: You know what they say about wounded animals?

Ms. Rocky Mountains: A cornered animal is almost as dangerous as a wounded one?

Krystal: Not the exact quote I was going for but it still works! I doubt anyone would’ve blamed me if I decided to back out of this match because of the injuries I sustained during last week’s match but since I’m basically entering this match as a wounded animal and had to pass several concussion tests under the supervision of SCW’s Medical Team for this match to even take place that will just make me more dangerous in the ring, why? Because it means that I’ll have to do the extra mile to win back that title tonight!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Speaking of your injuries, you caused no small amount of controversy when you decided to check yourself out of hospital the same day as the match against Diamond, Krystal I know you’re sick of hearing this by now but what were you thinking?!

Krystal lets out an annoyed sigh as she folds her arms.

Krystal: Look, I know there’s no excusing how monumentally stupid that decision was and I heard it all from my friends and even my wife over the past week! But when it became clear that the medical staff at the St. Mary Medical Centre weren’t going to let me train for my match I guess instinct just kicked in and I checked myself out! It wasn’t until Christian caught wind of my decision that I realized that there was no way Gabriel was going to let me train at the Go Gym and Jessie made it clear that she wasn’t going to go behind Christian or Gabriel’s backs to let me train in her basement gym either!

Krystal admits as the Aussie gingerly leans against the wall.

Krystal: Sad thing is? Even if I had stayed in the hospital I still would’ve been on somewhat equal footing with Kat.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: That’s right, Kat admitted on Twitter that she hasn’t been able to get any training done herself due to Masque’s attack on Amber Ryan last week.

Rocky and Krystal shudder at that memory.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: But what are your thoughts on this development? Because if you had been able to train you’d be at a distinct advantage over Kat!

Krystal: It wouldn’t have been a advantage I’d be happy to receive, I’ve never gotten on with Amber that well but that doesn’t mean she deserved that brutal attack! Besides, even with our lack of training this week my bruised ribs leave me at a severe disadvantage no matter what the wheel stops on.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Didn’t you say that certain stipulations would work to your advantage, such as a Falls Count Anywhere match?

Krystal: Admittedly the pain killers I had been prescribed by the hospital had the side effect of making me a bit drowsy, and no I haven’t taken any today, Kat has enough advantages over me in this match without me being drowsy on top of that, so that was probably affecting my mindset when I tweeted that but Makayla subsequently pointed out that that I‘d have serious setbacks in a Jello Wrestling Match!

Krystal sighs as she runs a hand through her hair.

Krystal: It’s almost enough for me to wish that wheel lands on Standard Match, because that might be the least painful match type on the wheel!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Maybe, but you know as well as I do that the wheel can be an unforgiving mistress! Anything else on your mind?

Krystal: Aside from winning back my title? No!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Back to you guys at ringside!

Krystal walks off as the scene fades.

Dawn Barnes is in the ring checking on the ropes as Justin brings the microphone to his lips.

Justin:The following contest is scheduled for one fall…Introducing first…

The opening riffs of Fire In Our House by Astral Doors hits the speakers and Kingingiseisha “Hitamashii” Shirasu comes out to the stage, looking smug. He stands there as the crowd gives him boos. Hitamashii walks from one side of the stage to the other with a swag in his step. He looks around the crowd, and starts to walk towards the ring slowly, stopping halfway down the ramp and turning his head with his nose in the air to look at the crowd, their faces showing that they do not like the way he is looking down upon them.

Justin: Introducing first! From Himeji, Japan! Weighing one hundred and ninety two pounds! -- HITAMASHII!!!!

Hitamashii lowers his head slowly and turns back to face the ring, walking down towards the apron. Hitamashii climbs up to the apron and steps between the top rope and the middle rope, looking around at the fans as they continue to boo him.

Justin: And his opponent…

Adams: Hitamashii is in the ring and ready for a fight

Simone: But is he ready for his opponent?

Justin: From New York weighing in at two hundred and one pounds…he is the Roulette champion…Finn Whelan

The lights dim down and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive rhythm of guitar chords breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out over the P.A. System. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed. The spotlight doesn't fall upon the stage, instead flowing across the crowd as the lyrics describe more than just a time in the world. Finn Whelan appears not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor entrances with a semi-cocky swagger written into his denim jeans. He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, a slight smirk on his face as he glances down at the people around him, blockaded off by the typical burly security guards. The crowd is not booing, but they're not exactly cheering either. He sets his eyes upon the ring below, and then makes his way down slowly, ignoring the people around him though a few of them clap him on the shoulders as he decends. At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them. e drops down from it, and pulls of his vest as he heads to his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it and looking upwards at the stage (or conversely, at his opponent) past his brow as his music fades out.

Simone: Our roulette champion is ready too

Adams: I hope so because there is the bell.

DING DING DING!

Finn nods at Hitamashii who just smirks. At the sound of the bell, Finn prepares to lock up with Hitamashii but Hitamashii reaches out and sends Finn stumbling away with a hard right hand to the side of his head. Staggering towards the ropes, Whelan’s hand moves to his head as he shakes the hit off. Turning to Hitamashii, Whelan lunges into the middle of the ring where he locks up with Hitamashii before twisting him into a headlock. Grinding down on the ear of Hitamashii, Finn tries to prevent the young man from pushing him off into the ropes. Hitamashii manages to force the release of his head as he pushes Whelan into the ropes. Finn rebounds off and takes down Hitamashii with a shoulder block. Looking down at Hitamashii, Whelan rushes to the opposite ropes. Hitamashii throws himself stomach first in front of Finn who leaps over the body. Hitamashii gets to his feet and catches the rebounding Finn with a boot to the midsection and then catches the doubled over Whelan in a reverse headlock before pulling him upward into a suplex that he holds for a few moments then falls backwards to the mat. Finn arches in pain as his hand moves to his lower back.

Adams: The champion is feeling the pain that Hitamashii can deliver.

Hitamashii gets to his feet as does Finn. Whelan moves gingerly as he rubs at his lower back. Hitamashii motions for him to bring it as Finn begins to circle. Hitamashii watches and then backs towards the ropes which has Finn slowing then stopping to watch as Hitamashii moves to take Finn down with a quickly executed lariat that rocks Whelan to the mat. Hitamashii rolls to his feet then quickly rushes to pin Finn. Dawn drops to the mat but only gets a one count as Finn kicks out. Hitamashii sits back on his heels to demand Dawn count faster as Finn rolls towards the ropes. Hitamashii gets to his feet and stalks towards Finn who is on one knee as he holds the ropes to pull himself to a vertical base. Seeing Hitamashii moving towards him, Finn explodes off the ropes with a clothesline that rocks Hitamashii out of his boots. Clutching at his chest, Hitamashii rolls to the side of the ring. Finn fights to his feet and moves towards Hitamashii who is slower to his feet. As he moves closer, Hitamashii grabs Whelan and twists him into the corner where Finn slips his upper body between the ropes and motions for Dawn to move a charging Hitamashii off. Dawn gets between the two and forces Hitamashii to step back. Whelan smirks as he adds his voice to Dawn’s telling Hitamashii to back away. Barnes turns to Whelan and motions for him to get into the ring.

Simone: Finn slowing the match down and giving himself some room to breathe.

Dawn Barnes checks on Hitamashii then Whelan as Hitamashii waves off the referee and lands a hard right to the jaw of Finn. Backing away slowly, Hitamashii looks over to see Finn rubbing at his jaw and shaking his head at Hitamashii. Hitamashii rushes across the ring and catches Whelan with a body slam that he rolls up into a pin of Whelan but the bigger man is still too strong and kicks out sending Hitamashii into the corner. Catching himself on the ropes, Hitamashii turns to stand on the middle ropes and launches himself at Finn with a diving DDT attempt but Finn uses the momentum to hit a suplex that once more has Hitamashii arching in pain. Hitamashii is quickly to his stomach then pushes himself backwards out of the ring to the floor where he leans against the ring apron. Whelan stomps towards Hitamashii om the outside. Reaching over the top rope, Finn pulls Hitamashii to the apron. Turning, Hitamashii clasps his hands around the head of Whelan and hangs him on the top rope by dropping to the floor. Finn stumbles back grasping at his throat. Hitamashii rolls into the ring and climbs the turnbuckle to launch himself at Whelan who had turned to the corner. Hitamashii takes him off his feet with a diving DDT. Hitamashii rolls to his hands and knees and pushes the body of Whelan onto his back and then attempts a pin.

Adams: Hitamashii for the pin

Simone: But it is not going to last because Whelan is still strong enough to kick out.

Finn kicks out and then rolls to the ropes. Hitamashii kips to his feet and moves towards Finn who has made it to the ropes and the outside. Dawn attempts to stop him but Hitamashii moves enough as he is about to reach for the head of Finn through the ropes. As he does, Finn hits him with a hard forearm shot that rocks him backwards into the ring. Whelan then slides into the ring and rolls Hitamashii into a surprise pin that has Hitamashii kick out rather quickly. Whelan slams his hands on the canvas then reaches for the head of Hitamashii and pulls him up into a vertical position then backing away, he levels Hitamashii to the mat with a super kick to the face. Hitamashii is on the mat holding his face on his stomach as his foot kicks on the canvas. Whelan rolls over and pulls a leg as he rolls Hitamashii over for a pin. Hitamashii kicks out and pushes his shoulder off the mat in desperation. Whelan angrily mounts Hitamashii and begins to slam hard rights and lefts into the head and chest of Hitamashii who covers as best as he can. Dawn warns Finn to stop but she is ignored until she begins to count Finn for a five count. At four, Finn pushes Hitamashii to the mat and gets to his feet at the urging of Dawn. Walking away from Hitamashii, Finn flashes a smirk at the fans in the venue. Hitamashii is slowly crawling to the ropes and is pulling himself to his feet. Finn moves towards him but Hitamashii is quick enough to catch Finn with a fall away slam after ducking a clothesline from Whelan. Finn arches and rolls away from Hitamashii who is also slow to his feet.

Simone: Both men are feeling the pain now.

The two men rise to their feet at opposite ropes. Glaring across the ring at each other, they charge together and both men are taken off their feet with mutual clotheslines that have both men laying on the mat to recover. Hitamashii is finally able to kip to his feet with his hands in his pockets as Finn gets to his hands and knees. Hitamashii moves towards him but Finn lunges upward with a vicious clothesline. Hitamashii is sent to the mat. Whelan grabs the prone Hitamashii and drags him towards the corner where he climbs the turnbuckle. Balancing on the top turnbuckle, Finn flashes a smirk at the fans then launches himself off the top with his Metal Whelan shooting stars press which has Hitamashii clutching at his midsection as Finn rolls away in pain as well. Finn is quicker to recover and then moves to pick up Hitamashii before he hits the Fenian Rising on Hitamashii who is laid out on the mat. Finn rolls him up in a pin which has Hitamashii with his shoulders held to the mat. He begins to fight to wiggle out of the hold as Dawn drops to the mat for the count.

Simone: Finn Whelan with the pin.

ONE!

Adams: Hitamashii isn’t moving…

TWO!

Adams: Wait, Hitamashii is fighting to get his shoulder up but it is too late.

Simone: Dawn is dropping her hand for the last count.

THREE!

Adams: Finn Whelan gets the pin and Hitamashii taking the loss.

DING DING DING!

Justin: The winner of the match, Finn Whelan !!

Finn throws the legs of Hitamashii to the mat and gets to his feet as Dawn reaches to lift his arm in victory.

Adams: Poor Hitamashii still on the mat. Finn Whelan managed to get the win.

Finn leaves the ring and heads up the ramp to the entrance. Hitamashii slowly rolls to the outside after being checked on by Dawn. He leans against the ring apron for a moment then heads up the ramp himself.

The bustling backstage crew have long learned to seamlessly adjust their direction and find new and suddenly very interesting trinkets – usually in recesses and facing walls – to focus on whenever one of SCW’s more unusual Bombshells wanders through. It is no different tonight, as the Internet Champion, Masque, turns a brickwork corner deep inside the bowels of the SCW Arena.

She drags the Championship in her prosthetic, gold plates clinking and bouncing against the concrete as the belt clatters along the floor. Pausing behind one of the venue’s support workers who is too focused on the contents of his clipboard to maintain any wider awareness, she leans over the squat young man and down.

He freezes as her cool ceramic face, painted a matt black, presses into the side of his. Fingertips blanche white against the edges of the clipboard.

Stagehand: C-c-can I help …

Blue eyes scan the document.

Masque: Turn the page.

He lifts a hand, but hesitates. It shakes.

Stagehand: We’re not … It’s just … I can’t … We’re not supposed to give out dressing room assignments.

The subtle pressure of her mask against his temple increases.

Masque: You are not giving me anything. I am reading it. Turn the page.

Swallowing, he flicks the paper over and she nods.

Masque: Thank you.

Turning away, she follows the utilitarian corridors left, right then right again until she comes before a door marked by the name of a superhero. She raps her only flesh-and-blood hand against the faded paint.

The door opens and Roxi stands face to face with Masque. Her eyes narrow as she stares.

Roxi: Can I help you?

The taller woman dips her head, bright blue eyes looking over the World Champion.

Masque: I do not think we have been properly introduced …

She drops the Internet Championship, letting it clatter against the floor and bounce behind.

Masque: I am the second person to best Amber Ryan …

She cocks her head to the side, watching.

Masque: … And you are the first, at three hundred and fifty seven days. Very impressive. It is so good to meet you, Miss Johnson.

Roxi continues to just stare before leaning against the door, not really making any real gesture in any way.

Roxi: If you’re calling what you did last week “besting” Amber Ryan, I think your definitions are a little confused. I’m not going to pretend to know what you two had going on, but beating someone with a crowbar who stood there, isn’t “besting” anybody.

Roxi looks down at the Internet championship just on the floor, discarded like junk.

Roxi: Aside from the obvious, since you just let your championship fall to the ground, what is it you want? Why are you knocking on my door?

Her eyes narrow slightly.

Masque: You said you did not understand what we had “going on”. Perhaps then, you cannot judge my definition until you do … Besides. I much prefer the term liberation. Beating has too many negative connotations; particularly given my motivations. It was a kindness. Tell me …

She looks up, over the top of Roxi for a moment.

Masque: You cannot claim you did not see her spirit breaking? After all, you took her heart from her. If either of us administered a killing blow, it is you, not me. Three hundred and fifty seven days of back-breaking labour, worn to dust. You must have seen it in her eyes. She could not go on forever, and would not ever choose to stop. So I simply finished the job you started …

Masque glanced back down.

Masque: A team effort, Miss Johnson.

Roxi touches the inside of her eyes with her thumb and forefinger and then a chuckle escapes. More of a sigh than anything else.

Roxi: So, that’s where we’re going with this? I beat Amber 3 months ago. I didn’t break her, I just beat her in a match. She was doing just fine after that. She didn’t blame me, she understood what the history between us is. Nothing more. Amber and I? While we have done some pretty terrible things to each other, it is different. So, attempting to drag me into this, like I had something to do with it, is just silly. Amber and I were going to fight last week, and all you did… was prevent that from happening, and tried to end Amber’s career.

Roxi sighs again and shakes her head.

Roxi: I know Amber was tired. She told me that to my face. Physically, mentally & emotionally. That’s what happens when you’re a champion. I was just the next person in line, and she knew just like she’s always known since the day she came here… is that when you come to fight me, it’s not going to be easy. Don’t try and act like we had the same goal or were even trying to accomplish the same thing. We weren’t. Don’t lump me into whatever you had going. I wasn’t part of it, and no amount of twisting the narrative is going to change that.

Masque: Oh, I do not think you were paying close enough attention, Miss Johnson, when you took her heart from her three months ago. Do you really believe that? Or have you just constructed a convenient narrative from which to take comfort for your part in this? Regardless of whether you believe what I tell you, it is beyond doubt that you did have a part. Inexorably.

She turns her mask aside, black paint catching the overhead fluorescent lights.

Masque: She was doing anything but fine. Were you blinded by the shine of your World Championship? My Resplendent Hurricane was falling to pieces. Lost. Spinning. Doing fine? You know that is so far from the truth; so why say it?

Bright blue eyes look over at a certain World Championship.

Masque: You took it from her, and then it was so obvious. So clear. She would never be strong enough to do what needed to be done. The reality of my wastefulness was laid bare. You showed me a path I had been too blinded by enthusiasm and investment to see did not follow the direction I walked in.

Roxi leans in, making sure Masque can look into her eyes and she can look into Masque’s.

Roxi: You are no different than everyone else who tries to use me as the scapegoat for their failures. If you really think I caused you to do anything, then really…who’s playing who? Am I so powerful that I halted the Rapture? Is that what you’re trying to say here? I’m almost a little flattered. The truth, no matter how badly you want to make this about me, it’s not me who has everyone hating them. It’s you. And before last week, well after you did what you did, is the first time you and I ever were in the same place at the same time. If you deem Amber not strong enough, then fine. But that is what YOU did. Not me.

Roxi actually reaches out her hand, and places it on Masque’s shoulder.

Roxi: If you need to blame me, then do it. I’m a big girl, I can take it. I’m used to it. Whenever someone fails, it’s my fault. Always has been. So, if you really want to try and do this, I just want you to know that you can also blame me, for when you fail. I’m used to that too.

Roxi turns back, looking into the room, taking her hand on Masque’s shoulder.

Roxi: Now, I believe that you have made your intentions clear, so… if I were you, I’d worry about Crystal, and not me. But, if you lose that title tonight, be sure and blame me for that too. So, unless you have anything else you want to talk about, I have things to do.

Masque drops her chin to look at Roxi’s hand, then back at the Champion.

Masque: Yes, there is one more thing …

The Internet Champion bends over to retrieve the forgotten title belt.

Masque: It is interesting that you – everyone in this company – consistently expects my failure and yet, here we are …

She looks down at the belt.

Masque: I have enraptured so many faces, each and every week with this thorn-painted plastic hand, and still, you doubt me. I will obviously have to prove myself. You did not listen, so you will feel.

She steps back, turning aside.

Masque: It was wonderful to meet you, Miss Johnson. I think I will enjoy taking back my formerly Resplendent Hurricane’s heart from your shoulder. You will make such a wonderful addition to my Rapture.

Roxi simply smirks.

Roxi: Good luck with that.

Roxi turns back, and gently closes the door in Masque’s face.

The scene opens backstage where we see Ariana Angelos walking through the hallways, the Greek-American Bombshell is clearly unhappy about something and is looking for someone only stopping when she spots Pussy Willow.

Ariana: Hey, have you seen Krystal anywhere?

Pussy: She was interviewed by Rocky about her title match earlier but since then she’s been warming up over there.

Ariana: Even with her injuries?

Pussy just shrugs her shoulders.

Pussy: Your asking the wrong person! But from what I’ve seen she has been taking it easy!

Ariana nods before she walks off in the direction Pussy pointed her towards, after a few minutes Ariana spots the Australian Bombshell doing some light workouts in her wrestling gear.

Ariana: So, at what point did checking yourself out of the hospital sound like a good idea?

Ariana asks and Krystal sighs before she turns to the younger woman.

Krystal: For about five minutes before Makayla and Cassie picked me up from the hospital!

Krystal admits and Ariana shakes her head.

Ariana: Krystal, that might have been the dumbest decision I’ve seen in this business, both as a fan and as a wrestler! At least tell me you’ll be protecting your ribs?

Krystal: It’s a wrestling match, I know Kat said that she wasn’t going to target my ribs but that’s going to be a lot easier said than done! The ribs will take three to six weeks to heal and my stitches are coming out on Wednesday.

Ariana: And the concussion?

Krystal grabs a sheet of paper that she left on a chair next to her and passes it to Ariana.

Krystal: Those are my concussion test results from when I was tested on Thursday, I said that I was bringing them to Climax Control and I meant it.

Ariana takes the results from the Aussie and reads over them.

Ariana: You passed every test.

Krystal: The match wouldn’t be taking place if I didn’t bring them with me and I had to show them to the bosses as soon as I showed up to the arena tonight, otherwise my title match against Kat would’ve been postponed.

Ariana nods before she passes the results back to Krystal.

Ariana: I mean, if you ask me they should’ve just named you as one of the participants in this year’s Ultimate X Over the Pool Match and left it at that! Hell Kat’s already had more defences than you had in the lead up to your match at Summer XXXXTreme IX.

Krystal: I know, and I would’ve happily had a schedule like this when I first won the title, but I’ll take what I can get I guess.

Ariana: Including the title?

Krystal: If all goes to plan? Absolutely!

Ariana shakes her head.

Ariana: Just don’t pull a stunt like that again, Odette nearly blew a gasket when word reached Gabriel that you had checked yourself out.

Krystal: Remind me to avoid her for a while!

Ariana: Should be easy enough with your injuries! Good luck tonight in any case, you’ll need it.

Ariana walks off as the scene fades.

Justin: Ladies and Gentlemen this match is Roulette Rules and it is a contendership match to see which of these two end up moving on to Summer XXXXTreme X to challenge for the Roulette Championship. First to make his way to the ring, he hails from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, he stands six feet two inches and weighs in at two hundred fifteen pounds, please give a great Phoenix, Arizona, welcome to ALEXANDER RAVEN!!!

Alpha & Omega by King 810 hits the speakers as the lights in the arena dim. Blue and red lights focus on the entrance area as Alexander Raven steps out from the backstage area. As he reaches the middle of the landing pyros erupt as Alexander Raven stands still in the middle of the landing where he gazes at the crowd while pulling his cloak tightly around his shoulders. His eyes are opened wide and a smile comes on his face and the flashing lights stop. Raven then takes off down the ramp toward the ring in a slow walk, with his arms crossed across his chest, and his head tilted back. When he arrives at the ring he enters the ring spins his way to the center of the ring dropping to his knees. After a time Alexander Raven stands up removing his cloak and sliding it out of the ring with his foot. He then backs into a corner to await the arrival of Max Burke.

Simone: I see Alexander Raven walking away with the win to go on to face off at Summer XXXXTreme X for the Roulette Championship.

Adams: If wishful thinking paid money each time you did it you would be a very rich person. Max Burke has already proven he wants the Roulette Championship and I see him with the win tonight to go into Summer XXXXTreme X and walk away as the newly crowned Roulette Champion.

Justin: Next to make their way to the ring, hailing from Dorchester, new Brunswick, Canada, standing in at six feet even and weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds, please give a great Phoenix, Arizona, welcome to MAX BURKE!!!

The opening vocals of NAILS IN THE COFFIN hits the speakers as a fox fills the entrance area and landing. A spotlight cuts through the fog and we see Max Burke standing on the landing at the top of the ramp that leads to the ring. As the music intensifies Max Burke walks down the ramp to the ring. He reaches the ring and walks up the ring steps. Once on the ringside apron, Burke glides his finger over the top rope as he walks to the center. He turns, his head bowed. Spotlights hit him from all directions as his music reaches a crescendo. Max lifts his head and poses for the fans. Max then goes to a corner opposite of where Alexander Raven is located to wait the start of the match.

Adams: I still say Max Burke is going to destroy Alexander Raven in this match.

Simone: Ha ha ha! Not a chance!

Adams: Now for the spin of the Roulette Wheel to find out what type of match they will have.

Ms. Rocky Mountains arrives at ringside and she stands next to the Roulette Wheel. She gives the wheel a hefty spin and everyone is waiting to see where it lands. As the Roulette Wheel continues to slow the silence in the arena is deafening. The wheel continues to slow until it comes to a stop. Justin Decent informs us what the rules of this match will be.

Justin: The Roulette Wheel has stopped on the spot marked ELECTRONIC DOG SHOCK COLLAR MATCH. The winner of the match is the first wrestler to be able to attack an electronic dog shock collar around the neck of their opponent and press the activation button on the remote to shock their opponent. With that said let the fun begin!

Adams: Max Burke is going to have a lot of fun shocking Alexander Raven with the electronic shock collar.

Simone: May not end up the way you hope so be ready for that.

Referee Drew Patton calls Raven and Burke to the center of the ring where he informs them of the type of match they are having. He tells the two it is classified as Hardcore Rules and the winner is the wrestler who can attach the electronic doggy shock collar on their opponent and activate it and shock their opponent. He sends the two back to their corners and when they are in place Referee Patton motions to the Timekeeper who rings the bell.

DING DING DING!

This match is officially underway. We see six doggy shock collars hanging in each corner of the ring along with their remote to activate them. They are staged there for the wrestlers to grab and attempt to attach it to their opponent’s neck and shock them. Raven and Burke come out of their corners and they start trading blows. Max lands a hard kick to the midsection of Raven causing Alexander to bend forward. Burke then hits him with a DDT. He gets up and runs to the nearest corner to retrieve the doggy shock collar.

Adams: Looks like we are going to have a short match.

Max removes the doggy collar but when he turns around to go after Alexander he is hit with a drop kick that slams him into the corner causing him to drop the doggy collar and the remote. When Burke steps out of the corner Raven grabs him and spins him over and body slams him hard to the mat and he reaches out and grabs the doggy collar Max previously had. Alexander is quickly trying to attach the doggy collar around Max’s neck.

Simone: Jason the saying goes that you should be careful what you wish for as you might just get it. Looks like Alexander Raven is about to make this a short match by shocking Max Burke.

Adams: * glares the evil stare at Belinda Simone *

Having successfully strapped the doggy shock collar abound Burke’s neck Raven looks around to locate the remote. He is having a difficult time finding the remote as it must have fallen when Max came out of the corner and Alexander body slammed him. It is taking a long time to find the remote and this gives Max Burke the time to remove the doggy shock collar from his neck. Raven locates the remote but when he turns around he is confronted by Max Burke, without the doggy shock collar around his neck, and Alexander Raven decides to take action to prevent having the doggy collar placed on his neck and getting shocked to lose the match. We watch as Raven drops the remote to the mat then he stomps hard on it numerous times and the remote shatters. Burke is upset because he knows the doggy shock collar he has in his hands cannot be activated even if placed on the neck of Raven so he tosses it out of the ring to the arena floor.

Adams: This match is like a Chess game. Just when you think Max Burke was out of the game he made a move and went from the defense to the offense. They are down to five doggy shock collars left.

Simone: You are so one-sided Jason. Alexander Raven turned the match around and got the advantage on Max Burke and you didn’t comment on what he did.

We can tell that Max is upset at Alexander but he understands he cannot allow his emotions to cause him to lose his focus in this match. The two trade blows again then Burke lands a few chops to the upper chest, neck, and face, or Raven. Max then whips Alexander into the ropes and catches him with a sleeper hold on the rebound. Raven struggles but he is not yet able to remove himself from the hold. We are surprised that Alexander fades quickly and Max releases the hold on him and Raven slumps to the mat. Max walks to the nearest corner to retrieve one of the doggy shock collars to apply to Alexander and shock him for the win. We notice Raven is stirring and he has a grin on his face which indicates he may have faked fading out to cause Burke to release him to go retrieve a doggy shock collar. Our suspicions are confirmed when Max Burke walks up to Alexander Raven and he is punched in the groin with a low blow by Raven. Burke drops the doggy shock collar then he drops to his knees holding his groin and moaning loudly. Alexander takes the opportunity to pick up the doggy shock collar and the remote and he goes behind Max and he is attempting to attach the doggy shock collar on while Burke is getting to his feet. Without hesitation Max reaches up and grabs Alexander by the head then he kicks out his feet and drops to the mat causing the jaw of Raven to slam into his head. This causes Alexander to drop the shock collar and remote to the mat. Max doesn’t waste time in picking up Alexander and power slamming him to the mat on top of the doggy shock collar and the remote damaging them so they cannot be used. Referee Patton removes the broken shock collar and remote and he tosses them out of the ring. This leaves four doggy shock collars remaining for this match.

Adams: These two are inflicting damage on each other and also on two of the six shock collars.

Simone> Still there is only one way to win this match and until one of them can attach the doggy shock collar on the other and zap them this match continues.

Alexander Raven goes to where one of the remaining doggy shock collars are staged while Max Burke goes to where one of the other remaining doggy shock collars are staged. Both grab a dog collar and turn around facing each other. With a dog collar in one hand and the remote to activate it in the other both wrestlers face off and both are being cautious not to drop the dog collar or the remote.

Adams: Looks like we have a stand-off. Both are looking for a way to take the advantage.

Simone: This stand-off won’t last long.

The Max and Alexander circle around looking for an opportunity to take the advantage and end the match. Both are being cautious as they both got an advantage and lost it earlier in the match. Max takes a chance by swinging the dog shock collar in his hand at the head of Alexander but Raven drops to his knees and ducks the attempt. While on his knees Raven brings his arm quickly up slamming his arm into the groin of Burke causing Max to groan from the pain. Not satisfied with one whack to the family jewels of Max we watch as Alexander hits him again. While Burke is incapacitated Raven gets behind Max and attaches the doggy shock collar around his neck. Alexander takes a step back and pressed the remote to activate the shock collar. Max Burke is shuddering from the shock from the dog collar and Referee Drew Patton calls for the bell to end the match.

DING DING DING!

Referee Patton takes the remote away from Alexander Raven and he presses the button to shut the doggy shock collar off. He then removes the dog collar from around the neck of Max Burke and tosses it to the side.

Simone: Well, Jason, what do you say now?

Adams: Grrr!!!

Referee Patton gives his decision on the match to Justin Decent.

Justin: The official decision on this match by Referee Drew Patton is that Alexander Raven successfully strapped the doggy shock collar around the neck of Max Burke and activated it to shock Max so the winner of this math is ALEXANDER RAVEN!!!

The crowd erupts in a mixed reaction when the hand of Alexander Raven is raised for the victory. When Referee Patton drops the hand of Raven we watch as Alexander leaves the ring and quickly heads into the backstage area. Back in the ring Referee Patton is checking on Max Burke who tells the Referee he will be okay. Max exits the ring and heads toward the backstage area.

---

Backstage, all hell has broken loose in the GCU Arena. No, not a match that has spilled into the fans and worked its way backstage. Not a fight that has erupted between two rival athletes. No, this is all about…..

Ruby: We were locked in there for almost an hour!

Diamond: It was awful!

Ruby: We DEMAND that you do something….

And so on and so forth as Diamond Steele, Ruby and the rest of the Gemstones practically have Christian Underwood surrounded and are voicing screeching their complaints like howler monkeys in his general direction. They are all talking at once, their voices growing higher and louder as Christian has his own eyes closed and is massaging his temples. It grows to a grand finale until finally…

Christian: E-NOUGH!!!!!

Causing the gemstones to jump with a start. Ruby turns to Diamond and scoffs.

Ruby: Rude!

Christian looks at Diamond.

Christian: I have heard your complaints! God knows I’ve heard them! How could I not!? They’re never ending!

He then turns to Ruby, eyebrows arched.

Christian: And you ‘demand’!?

Ruby: Yes! We DEMAND! Someone locked us in our dressing room….!

Christian: It was a goddamn supply room! You can’t just confiscate it, slap a paper on the door and call it your private dressing room! Only the champions in SCW get their own private rooms!

Ruby stomps her foot.

Ruby: That’s not the point! We were insulted! We were embarrassed!

Diamond: We missed our performance…

Christian: You don’t HAVE a performance! How many times do I have to explain this to you!? Your actions with Amanda last week were INEXCUSABLE! I do not want you ‘performing’ on my show!

Diamond: Why can’t we be on the show!?

Ruby: Yeah! Why can’t we perform on the show!?

Christian mocks them with a sing-song whiny voice.

Christian: Why can’t I be on the show!? Why can’t I be on the show!? Who the hell are you!? Lucy Ricardo!?

Diamond and the gemstones blink and look at each other.

Diamond: You still haven’t given us one good reason why we can’t perform for SCW instead of that talentless drag queen!

Ruby: Yeah! Why NOT!?

Christian: Because you have no talent!

The Gemstones gasp collectively as one, shocked and insulted! Christian rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Diamond: That is SO not true!

Ruby: We are the greatest female band EVER!

Christian: Please! The Muppets have more talent than you! Your group?

He waves a finger between each member.

Christian: Could have your microphone turned off and gargle with bleach and you’d still be hard pressed to sound worse than when you’re at your best!

Ruby: Oh yeah!?

Christian: Yeah.

Diamond: Care to make it interesting?

Christian looks at her with a frown.

Christian: What are you talking about? A bet?

Diamond: Yeah! A bet! You can deny it all you want but facts are facts! The Gemstones are the best female group in music history!

Christian rolls his eyes at this claim.

Diamond: So how about this? How about we have a Battle of the Bands at Summer XXXTreme X?

Christian: A Battle of the Bands?

Diamond: Right! You go out and find any hack female led band you can dig up. Then we can outperform them in front of EVERYONE on that cruise! And WHEN we do – we take over as the opening performance every week on every Climax Control and Supercard!

The Gemstones nod and smile, each face with a smug expression.

Christian: Interesting. But if my band wins… you inept backyard wrestling band…

He waves a hand in their general direction.

Christian: Can’t ever perform on one of our shows – ever!

Now the Gemstones look a LITTLE less sure of themselves as they exchange wary glances amongst one another.

Christian: Oh? What’s the matter? Not so confident any more?

Diamond: FINE!

Ruby: Fine?

Diamond: We accept!

Ruby: We do?

Diamond: Absolutely! We can outperform ANYONE this guy…

She jets a thumb in Christian’s direction.

Diamond: Can POSSIBLY dig up! No problem!

The Gemstones exchange one more look amongst them before they resume their overconfident expressions and nod at Christian.

Ruby: Yeah! We can!

Christian: So … we have a deal?

Diamond: Yes we do!

She sticks her hand out for a shake. Christian looks at it, then at her and shakes his head

Christian: No. I don’t know where that’s been.

And he walks past them, leaving them all with mouths wide open, affronted at what he just said to Diamond.

---

Celebrate Pride month with SCW!

Added on 12th June 2022

SCW "Pride" T-shirt

Added on 12th June 2022

SCW "#Ally" T-shirt

SCW "Rainbow" T-shirt

Availiable now at SCW Shop and The Golden Ring Casino!

---

We hear RAISE YOUR GLASS by Pink hit the speakers and the crowd erupts in a mostly negative reaction knowing Bill Barnhart is about to make an appearance. Then RAISE YOUR GLASS stops playing and HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT by Pat Benatar hits the speakers and the crowd again erupts in a negative reaction knowing Bea Barnhart is going to make an appearance also. The crowd doesn’t have long to wait as Bill and Bea Barnhart come out of the backstage area, walk down to the ring, and get into the ring where Sin City Wrestling’s Scott Oliver is waiting for them to conduct an interview with them. The three stand in the middle of the ring and the crowd goes quiet to hear what they have to say.

Scott: Here we are. Bill and Bea Barnhart. Seems you two got called out over the incident with Senor Vinnie and Fenris. So what do you two have to say for yourselves over that incident and your comments after the incident. Bill you go first.

Bill: I wasn’t anywhere near ringside when the incident took place so I want to make it clear that everyone needs to get the hell out of my face over this incident. I wasn’t there and I wasn’t involved. If you want to ask people what happened then you ask Bea and Senor Vinnie. With that said I’m not discussing this issue again since.

Scott: Well, Bea, since Senor Vinnie isn’t here to speak for himself, and Bill claims he doesn’t have any involvement to talk about, that leaves me asking you questions. We want to hear what you say happened during that match.

Bea: As I’ve stated a dozen times, but people don’t care to listen, I always carry a small plastic spray bottle of perfume with me. As I’ve also stated dozens of times I only fill the bottle one fourth of the way with perfume and three fourths with water. I dilute it because I don’t want to stink like most of the Bombshells who over-indulge in perfume. The incident everyone wants to talk about is that they claim that I personally sprayed my perfume in the face of Fenris. Go watch the match, Scott, and I challenge everyone else to also do so, and everyone will see that I was minding my business as Manager for Senor Vinnie when I heard insulting comments coming from Jason Adams and Belinda Simone. I was upset at their comments so I placed my spray bottle of perfume on the ring apron and strutted over to where Jason and Belinda were sitting. We were in an argument when I heard something, a commotion, coming from the ring. When I looked up I saw Fenris complaining about something.

Scott: That sounds like you were, in fact, involved in that incident.

Bea: What? I wasn’t even at the ring when the incident happened! I was at the Announcer’s table talking with Jason and Belinda. For everyone to falsely claim that I personally sprayed Fenris with my perfume is where I’m having an issue! I’ve never denied that I carry my small spray bottle of perfume with me all the time. I don’t deny that I placed it on the ring apron when I went to confront Belinda and Jason. When I turned around, when I heard the commotion in the ring, I was just as surprised and confused on what happened as everyone else was.

Scott: Okay I will give you the fact that you didn’t personally spray Fenris, and you didn’t hand the bottle to Vinnie, but the fact is that you placed it on the ring apron instead of bringing it with you when you went to talk with Belinda and Jason.

Bea: Good grief Scott! That’s like you parking your car and walking away and someone jumps into your car and drives it into another car causing an accident. You didn’t cause the accident. You didn’t know someone took your car. You didn’t give them the keys to your car. When you turned around and saw the accident you were as surprised as everyone else concerning what happened. Should we continually condemn you for being directly involved in an incident you didn’t cause as it was the fault of someone else?

Scott: When you put it that way it makes sense.

Bea: Just to make sure all the assholes stop accusing me of stuff I didn’t do I’ll stop bringing my perfume bottle to ringside when I serve as Manager for Bill and Vinnie. If I continue to be falsely accused of something I never did there will be Defamation Lawsuits taking place.

Scott: That’s all I have for you Bea. Anything you want to add Bill?

Bill: Just that when anyone attacks my wife and falsely accuses her they have to also answer to me. Thanks for asking us for this time to clear things up. We’re done trying to talk logic and sense to the illogical and senseless people.

Bill and Bea turn and leave the ring even though Scott Oliver is asking them to stay and talk some more. They walk up the ramp and return into the backstage area again to a loud chorus of boos from the crowd.

---

Justin: Ladies and gentlemen! The following contest is a very special attraction match!

The words fade as we hear the Church bells cling before the guitar riff starts playing along with the choir singing. The music builds up to where finally Corey Taylor can be heard. The name Goth emerges upon the titan tron, but the man only walks out after Corey Taylor can be heard screaming the words: “I’m finally holding on to letting go!!” As explosions go off on the side of the entrance stage. Goth stares at the crowd as his fiancé Melissa emerges behind him.

Justin: Currently residing from Manhattan, New York!!! He is the King of Kings!! Goth!!!!

Goth lifts his head upwards to the ceiling while extending his arms, a smirk emerges upon his face as he listens to the mixed reactions. After a few seconds he looks back ahead of him towards the ring walking slowly, totally ignoring the fans who are trying to touch him as he walks to the steel ringsteps. He gets on the ring apron before opening up the top and middle ring rope for his fiancé Melissa as she steps through them. He then steps in the ring and awaits his opponent as his music slowly fades.

Simone: Goth was specifically asked to be in this match by the brother of the late Hall of Famer, Kris Ryan - one-half of former Tag Team Champions jet City. Jason Halc.

Adams: Jason wanted to face the best on his brother's birthday to remember him by and he has that in Goth!

Justin: And his opponent...!

All the lights in the arena go out with the exception of a spotlight that shines from just under the titantron, between the entrance curtains. Fog rolls out from either side of the stage. As the fog thickens into a cloud, penetrated only by the giant spotlight the PA system comes to life with the voice of the man about to take the stage. The first yell in unison "WE ARE!", joined by the fans in yelling out "Jet!" And is quickly followed by Jason and the thousands in attendance screaming "City!"

The PA system falls silent and what follows is a huge pyrotechnic explosion of white blasts all around the giant screen at the top of the stage, but as soon as the finish A7X's "Second Heartbeat fills the arena. Jason Halc comes out from behind the curtains, and stand in the fog, allowing his shadow to be cast through. The fans know who this man is, and he is greeted accordingly.

Crowd: WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!

The spotlight behind him dies and he steps out of the fog and into the view of the crowd. Immediately orange and green lights start moving throughout the arena as he simply stands and soaks in the reaction he is getting.

Justin: Making his way down the aisle! Please welcome back former World Tag Team Champion! JASON! HALC!!!

He makes his way down the ramp, mostly ignoring everyone reaching out to them. The last few steps to the ring, Jason unzips his hoodie, and hangs it on the ring post as he climbs to the top of the stairs and enters the ring.

Adams: I-I still am having trouble believing that kris Ryans isn't with us any longer.

Simone: As am I. As is the entire SCW Universe. But that is why Jason Halc is here tonight, facing Goth in this special challenge. Today would have been Kris Ryans's birthday and what better way for Jason to bring the story of his brother to a close than by returning to the ring to wrestle on his heavenly birthday?

Jason stands across from the ring where Goth leans in the corner, staring straight at the former Tag Team Champion.

Adams: Goth isn't taking any pity on Jason, is he?

Simone: Goth respected the hell out of Kris Ryans. He is more than sorry to have heard of the passing of one of SCW's finest but he is not going to take it easy on Jason. he will want to walk out of here the winner tonight just as much as any other.

Adams: And maybe in his own way, pay tribute to Kris himself.

Both man stand ready and Jasmine St. John calls for the bell!

DING DING DING!

And at the sound of the bell, Goth immediately charges across the ring and plows right into Halc, driving Jason straight back into the corner! Goth grabs the middle ropes, pinning him in, and he begins to drive his shoulder into Jason's stomach repeatedly as Jasmine orders him to break, but Goth is unrelenting!

Adams: He really ISN’T going to go easy on Jason just because it’s Kris’s birthday!

Simone: No, indeed!

Goth breaks and grasps Jason by the throat with both hands and he viciously chokes him! Jasmine starts a count…!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

She gets to three when Goth stops his assault. Goth then grabs him around the neck again and chokes him with such vigor that he forces Halc down to the mat on his backside, then buries a knee into his windpipe!

ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR... Goth breaks and then turns back to his stunned opponent and pulls Jason up by the hand and levels him with a short arm clothesline! Goth pulls him up a second time and again, drags him right into a second clothesline! As Halc hits the canvas on his back, Goth immediately covers him, not bothering to hook a leg!

ONE!

TWO!

Jason kicks out!

Goth grabs Jason by the hair with one hand and an arm with the other, dragging him up to his feet. Goth sends him into a corner with an Irish whip and charges in for a running back elbow, but at the last split second, Jason hops up, avoiding the blow and Goth crashes hard with his back against the turnbuckles. The crowd comes to life, cheering! Jason sits on the top turnbuckle and grabs Goth, reeling him in. Jason perches himself on the challenger's shoulders and brings him out with a Victory Roll, hooking both legs!

ONE!

TWO!

Goth kicks out!

Simone: I think some of that brutal offense by Goth has finally woken Jason up!

Adams: Yeah I thought Jason's ring rust would do him in early but he is coming to life!

Jason rises to his feet as Goth gets up to one bended knee. Jason charges into the ropes and comes rebounding off, landing a well placed Shining wizard knee strike to the side of the head of Goth, causing him to tumble over! Jason with the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Kick out by Goth!

Jason quickly pulls his opponent to his feet. Jason sends him into the ropes at top speed and as he comes off, Goth is sent soaring with a high back body drop! Goth crashes heavily on his tailbone as Jason pumps his fists, rallying in the fans' cheers!

Adams: It's all for Kris Ryans bay-bay!

Goth stumbles up to a vertical standing position and Jason grabs him and lands a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Jason hops up quickly and comes off the ropes and crashes down hard on Goth's sternum with a rolling senton! Halc remains where he lands and hooks both legs!

ONE!

TWO!

TH-Goth kicks out!

Adams: Jason is giving it his all!

Simone: He knows what he is in there against and really wants to get this win in his brother's memory!

Goth proceeds to roll to the outside of the ring to regain his composure and cut off Jason's momentum.

Simone: Smart move by Goth. Jason had him on the ropes and Goth stopped it simply by going to the outside.

Jason then decides to take matters into his own hands -- literally -- and he walks over to the ropes and reaches over the top, grabbing Goth by the hair. Jason tries to pull Goth up and into the ring, but Goth reaches back and hooks Halc's head and drops down, snapping his throat over the top rope in a slingshot maneuver. Jason staggers back, clutching his throat and gagging, and Goth pulls his feet out from under him and drags him to the outside of the ring, beneath the bottom rope.

Adams: And here is where things get interesting!

Goth grabs Jason by the hair and slams his head into the ring apron two straight times. Jason slowly sinks to one knee, but Goth is not finished. He grabs him by the arm and sends him into the steel barricade with an Irish whip. Jason's back hits the metal barrier and he stumbles forward, clutching his back, and Goth scoops him up and body slams him down hard onto the floor!

Simone: And there is so very little padding out there!

Goth then attempts another Irish whip, which is reversed in a textbook fashion by Halc at the last split second, causing Goth to crash right into the steel steps and tumble over them! Jason Halc slides back into the ring and Goth again uses the ring apron to pull himself up and rolls back inside under the bottom rope where Jason is immediately on the attack. Halc begins putting the boots to him and then hoists him up and fires him off into the ropes but Goth reverses it! Goth swings for a clothesline but Jason ducks under and strikes with a float-over DDT! Goth's skull is planted into the canvas! Jason rolls him over onto his back and hooks the inside leg!

ONE!

TWO!

TH-Goth kicks out!

Jason hoists up Goth to his feet and signals to the crowd. Jason runs off of the ropes but Goth brings a big boot up into the his face as he comes flying off of the ropes! Jason staggers back against the ropes, then comes off and both men end up with the same idea and they clothesline one another! Jasmine looks down at both men and starts to issue her mandatory count against them both...!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

Jason Halc is the first to his feet and he helps Goth up to his feet as well. Jason goes for an Irish whip but at the last moment, Goth reverses it. Jason comes off and jumps for a Thesz press but Goth catches him and drives him down with a spine buster!

Adams: Nice counter by the veteran!

Goth covers him and hooks the leg, grabbing Jason's tights for added measure!

ONE!

TWO!

TH-

NO! Jason kicks out!

Simone: Even pulling the tights he can not keep Jason Halc down!

Goth is beside himself! He drags Jason up and sends him into the ropes but Jason counters him quickly and lays him out with a Slingblade lariat! Jason then forces his way to his feet and signals to the crowd and they respond with positive cheers! Jason steps out onto the apron and climbs to the top rope as Goth lays sprawled out on the mat!

Simone: Jason is taking a big risk going up top at this point!

Adams: That's why they call it high risk, Bel!

Jason then jumps off for a moonsault but Goth brings both knees up and Jason Halc crash lands on them, stomach and ribs first!

Simone: That could have injured Jason's ribs!

Adams: AND showed us what he had at the buffet!

Jason staggers to his feet, clutching his stomach in agony but as he stumbles around, Goth grabs him by the head and slaps on...

Adams: Chaos DDT!

Goth rolls him over and hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Justin: Here is your winner! GOTH!!!

Simone: Jason Halc was not successful today but with the fight he put up, I am certain his brother is looking down on him and smiling with pride!

Goth then shocks all by helping Jason to his feet and patting him on the shoulder. Goth then points up and salutes Kris before raising the arm of Jason Halc as the camera fades.

---

The scene opens backstage where we see Jessie Salco walking through the hallways listening to music on her iPhone, namely the new album “Hate Uber Alles” by the German Thrash Metal Band Kreator.

Jessie: Man, Kreator can’t make a bad album, this might be their best one since Enemy of God or Hoards of Chaos!

Jessie comments to herself before she bumps into someone much larger than her.

Jessie: Oh, sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going! Listening to an awesome metal album, I’m sure you understand………

Jessie then finally looks up and realizes that she’s bumped into Goth’s Amazonian fiancé Melissa who is looking down at the much shorter and older Bombshell, Jessie stares at Melissa, who suddenly sports a mock smile upon her face and nods.

Melissa: Oh, sure I do Jessie, it was kinda entertaining to see you move your little head up and down to the beat. I am sure it won’t happen again next time? I mean seeing how much of a real opposition to me and stuff. Who knows? I may break a fingernail.

Melissa laughs at her own comment.

Melissa: But seriously Jessie, how are you?

Jessie pockets her iPhone before staring up at the larger Bombshell.

Jessie: Oh, you know, watching the new blood in the Bombshell division like Kayla Richard, Levana Cade, Krystal Wolfe, Zoey Lukas, Kat Jones, Ariana Angelos and even Masque once you get past her attack on Amber last week, and you off course.

Jessie says as she sizes up Melissa.

Jessie: Where’s your fiancé anyway? Is he busy preparing for the match against Jason Halc?

Melissa smirks at the last question from Jessie, nodding her head.

Melissa: Goth is in a foul mood today as he is looking to take Jason Halc out later tonight. But I’m glad you are checking out the new crop of talent come in. I mean this company cannot rely upon their veterans forever you know? No offence by the way.

She smiles at herself before looking down to Jessie again.

Melissa: I can’t wait for my next match, who knows I may change your mind about me.

Jessie shakes her head.

Jessie: None taken and the only way you’d change my mind about is you is to wrestle someone with credentials! Chloe’s a sweetheart but at this point in her training she could be outwrestled by a kitten!

Jessie says as she folds her arms.

Jessie: Someone like me maybe? I’m just barely taller than Chloe and weigh about fifteen pounds heavier than her but I have several things that neither you nor she have, something that not all of the training in the world can give you.

At this point Jessie steps up to Melissa, as much as the petite Bombshell can, given the noticeable size difference.

Jessie: Experience, I may be a part of the old guard of the Bombshell Division but that just means that I can take advantage of the mistakes the rookies inevitably make!

Melissa’s cocky smile turns into an angry stare, she suddenly grabs Jessie by the throat and lifts her up so she’s at eye level with Melissa.

Melissa: You are lucky I won’t snap your neck Jessie, but if you think this rookie is going to make a mistake?!

She lets go off Jessie and smiles.

Melissa: Then you are sadly mistaken.

With that Melissa walks off to Goth’s dressing room, Jessie gives her throat a rub before shaking her head.

Jessie: She’s almost as short tempered as I was when I joined SCW but has the size and power to back it up.

Jessie comments to herself bore she digs her iPhone back out of her pocket.

Jessie: If I were the bosses I’d keep an eye on her temper! That or put her against Tempest! Anyway, time I got back to listening to metal!

Jessie walks off as the scene fades.

---

The scene opens backstage, where we see Miss Rocky Mountains standing in front of the Roulette wheel as she prepares to spin the wheel for the bombshell Roulette championship. Standing either side of Miss Rocky Mountains is the roulette champion Kat Jones and her challenger, Krystal Wolfe.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Ladies and Gentlemen… it’s time to spin the roulette wheel for the match later.

Ms Rocky Mountain turns and grabs one of the pegs of the wheel and pulls down hard and the wheel begins to spin fast. Kat Jones and Krystal Wolfe look at both looking confident as it the wheel zips past the usual matches and it begins to slow down before finally stopping and clicking onto the final choice.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: This match will be contested as a stretcher match. Good luck ladies.

Kat Jones and Krystal Wolfe both nod with confidence and acceptance of the outcome and they leave, as the scene fades out on the roulette wheel.

---

Justin: This match is a stretcher match and is for the bombshell roulette championship… introducing first…

The opening to "Stand My Ground" by Within Temptation hits the speakers and the lights dim, once the music kicks into high gear strobe lights flash around the entrance ramp before a single spotlight stops on Krystal as she kneels on one knee with her head down and hood up.

Justin: Introducing first, hailing from Adelaide, Australia she is "Down Under Thunder" Krystal Wolfe!

Once the lyrics hit Krystal removes her hood and looks out to the crowd before standing up and making her way down to the ring, she hops onto the apron before jumping over the ropes and into the ring where she removes the jacket and waits for her opponent.

Justin: and her opponent…

"Release me"

The two words from the Public Address system in the arena cause the fans in attendance, already on their feet, to react with disdain and unappreciative shouts. Kat Jones,, badass Cincinnati native of ill repute methodically makes her way to the top of the ramp from the gorilla position. Her black shorts and knee high boots are more characterizing of her facial expression and attitude toward the scathing crowd, than her highly decorative top full of self expression.

Kat walks toward the ring, methodically and without much concern at all, regarding the insults and jeers thrown in her direction.

Justin: : “Making her way to the ring, hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, standing five feet, eight inches tall and weighing in at one hundred twenty eight pounds, she is the current bombshell roulette champion… the "WildKat"... KAT JJOONNEESS!!!”

Standing before the ring apron, Kat removes her black leather jacket, whips it behind her, releasing it and allowing it to sail toward the ramp, ultimately letting out a bloodcurdling scream, before she enters the ring and raises the bombshell roulette championship high to show it off.

The ref moves in and takes the belt from Kat and shows Wolfe before moving to ringside and indicates for the bell to be rung.

DING DING DING!

Jones and Wolfe stare at for a moment before Jones rushes in and takes a wild swing at Wolfe ducks and as Jones turns back around, Wolfe boots Jones in the midsection, before throwing a forearm before grabbing Jones around the waist and drives her into the corner. Where Wolfe then proceeds to unleash a series of lefts and rights to Jones’ torso before backing away as she shakes her hands, she quickly turns and rushes in and catches Jones with a clothesline.

Simone: Considering last week’s match between Wolfe and Steele, Wolfe is moving considerably well. As Jones rushes in and tries to catch Wolfe off guard but Wolfe is ready and catches Jones with a boot in the midsection before working over Jones and the hits a clothesline.

Jones is rocked from the clothesline and Wolfe backs away once more and charges in again hitting another clothesline, which Jones drops to the mat, Wolfe turns and backs away before rushing in and goes to use the ropes to leap up and drive her feet into Jones’ chest, but Jones bails out of the ring and Wolfe lands on her feet. Wolfe doesn’t hesitate and quickly climbs from the ring.

Adams: Jones admitted on twitter early yesterday that she hadn’t done much training, but also Wolfe said the same thing, but Wolfe can be let off considering the match last week. Jones is the champion, and she should be training. And it’s clear to see that Wolfe wants this match over and done with.

Wolfe moves towards Jones, who is slowly moving to her feet and clubs her back and she stumbles forward up against the barriers, Wolfe moves in and grabs Jones around the neck and leads her towards the ring, but Jones fires in a punch to Wolfe’s torso before grabbing Wolfe’s head and attempts to drive Wolfe’s face against the apron but she blocks it and throws an elbow back into Jones’ torso and then grabs Jones’ head and she drives it into the apron.

Simone: Harsh… but perhaps true. Wolfe catches Jones across the back, as she goes to throw her back into the ring but Jones counters and fire a punch into Wolfe’s torso and she tries to drive her face into the apron but Wolfe is ready and blocks it before throwing an elbow back and catching Jones and then drives her face into the apron.

Jones stumbles away and up against the barriers, as Wolfe moves towards the one of the stretchers at ringside and pulls it toward Jones before letting go and approaches Jones, where she catches her with a forearm shot before dragging her toward the stretcher she just moved. Grabbing her around the head and tights, Wolfe sets up and then hits a suplex onto the stretcher.

Adams: The first stretcher comes into play, as Wolfe moves it into place before grabbing Jones and then hits a suplex onto the stretcher. Jones hits it but pretty much bounces off it.

Wolfe briefly stays down as she still feels the match the previous Sunday, while Jones just bounced off the stretcher and onto the floor, arches her back and slowly rolls to her side, while Wolfe makes it to her feet and she grabs Jones and pulls her up before pushes her onto the stretcher, but Jones quickly begins to fight and she kicks her legs about before twisting and manages to climb off the stretch and grabs Jones before starting to club the back of Wolfe.

Simone: Wolfe looks to finish this, but Jones fights back and stops Wolfe form pushing the stretcher any further than a few feet. Jones climbs off the stretcher and clubs the back of Wolfe.

Wolfe moves away from Jones, but Jones follows as Wolfe drops to a knee, but Jones grabs Wolfe and pulls her up and then sends her into the barriers. Wolfe goes down, as Jones approaches and grabs Wolfe and pulls her up, where she throws her back into the ring. Jones follows close behind, where she moves towards Wolfe and hits an elbow drop across Wolfe’s back.

Adams: Jones throws Wolfe into the barriers before rolling her back into the ring, as she looks to wear down Wolfe some more.

She lets out a heavy expel of breath as she rolls onto her back, but Jones is back to her feet and moves to Wolfe, where she grabs her and pulls her up, where she attempts to hits a suplex, but Wolfe blocks it and Wolfe quickly counters and she lifts Jones up and then plants her down face first onto the mat. Jones holds her face, while Wolfe takes a few seconds before moving to her feet and she watches and stalks Jones, who shakes off the face plant the best she can and slowly climbs back to her feet, but as she turns Wolfe boots Jones in the torso and goes for a front facelock cutter, but Jones blocks it and shoves Wolfe away.

Simone: Jones is back to her feet and grabs Wolfe, where she attempts a suplex, but Wolfe blocks and counters into a face plant. Wolfe slowly is back to her feet, where she watches and waits for Jones, and she tries for a twist of fate but its blocked and Jones shoves Wolfe away.

Wolfe uses the momentum to take her into the ropes and as she comes back, Jones grabs Wolfe and hits a side effect. Jones takes her time as she rolls across the ring to the outside, where she moves to the stretchers, where she grabs one and rolls it towards the ring. Wolfe who is slowly moving and rolling towards the ropes, Jones grabs her and pulls her onto the stretcher. Jones proceeds throw a few punches to Wolfe, before grabbing the stretcher, where she adjusts it before pointing it at the entrance way and proceeds to push it and she gets to right to the line, but Wolfe begins to kick out and her kicks catch Jones and Jones stumbles backwards still holding the stretcher before releasing and Wolfe climbs off and charges at Jones and hits a clothesline.

Adams: Jones with the side effect. She rolls from the ring and this time she is the on to grab a stretch and pushes it towards the ring, Grabbing Wolfe, she drags her onto the stretcher before pointing the wheels in the right direction and pushes the stretcher towards the temporary black tape and she almost gets across the line.

Simone: Remember the whole stretcher has to go over the line.

Adams; Thank you for that. But Wolfe is quick to fight, and she kicks out catching Jones a few times and Jones pulls the stretcher backwards before Wolfe hops off and hits a clothesline.

Jones goes down, as Wolfe drops to a knee again and takes a few moments before rising back up, where she moves to Jones, where she grabs her and throws in a couple of forearm shots before driving a boot in her midsection before following up with an uppercut. Jones stumbles backwards and up against the ring apron; Wolfe turns and grabs the nearest stretcher and lines it up and drives it straight at Jones and the end of it is driven into her body. Jones doubles over before dropping to a knee, as Wolfe pulls the stretcher backwards and goes to do it the second time, but Jones manages to dive sideways and the stretcher crashes into the apron.

Adams: Jones is in trouble here. she needs to get back into this match and properly defend this title… Wolfe is all over her.

Simone: Interesting use of the stretcher there but Jones dodges the second attempt of being hit by the stretcher.

Wolfe stumbles backwards and shakes her hands as the sudden stop reverberates through her hands and arms. Jones lays on her side clutching her torso, as Wolfe refocuses, she shoves the stretcher aside and approaches Jones and pulls her up, where she rolls her into the ring. Wolfe follows close behind, where she climbs to her feet and she approaches Jones, where she grab Jones’ feet and turns her onto her back, Jones begins to kick her legs about and free one and kicks Wolfe’s hands away and Wolfe backs off as Jones rolls onto her front and crawls to the ropes. Wolfe approaches Jones and grabs her and pulls her up and leans her up against the ropes, where she delivers some chops. She then grabs Jones hand and whips her across the ring and into the turnbuckles opposite and as Jones stumbles out, Wolfe charges in with a running dropkick and Jones and drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring.

Simone: Wolfe continues her attack inside the ring, as she tries to look for what I guess is a sharpshooter, but Jones kicks her away and to the ropes, but Wolfe just follows again and delivers some chops and then a whips her across the ring and then a running dropkick.

Wolfe shakes her head and climbs out and goes straight after Jones, where she grabs her and pulls her up between her legs and then powers her up on her shoulders as she looks for the running powerbomb, but right away Jones begins to throw punches and elbows to Wolfe’s head and Wolfe’s grip lesson and Jones shimmies down and off Wolfe before delivering a stinging bitch slap across Wolfe’s face.

Adams: Wolfe looks to finish off Jones totally with the running powerbomb but once on Wolfe’s shoulders Jones begins to punch and elbow Wolfe’s head and as she slides off Wolfe, she delivers a vicious slap across the face before following up with a superkick.

Wolfe steps back holding her face and Jones quickly follows up with a superkick. Wolfe lays on the mat, as Jones takes a moment herself, as she look to the outside of the ring to see the nearest stretcher before climbing back to her feet, where she returns her focus to Wolfe, where she grabs her by the hair and pulls her up and delivers another slap before grabbing her round the head and hits a running bulldog.

Simone: Is this the fight back?

Adams: seems so… very late into the match.

Climbing back to her feet, she grabs Wolfe by the leg and drags her to the ropes, where she quickly follows up with a baseball sliding and sends Wolfe out of the ring. Jones also rolls from the ring, as Wolfe lays on the mat gasping for air. Jones stomps on Wolfe a couple of times before dragging her to the nearest stretcher.

Before putting Wolfe onto the stretcher, Jones sets up and hits the INSANITY STRIKES (Swinging leg hook fireman's carry slam). Jones takes her time as she slowly climbs back to her feet, where she pulls Wolfe up and dumps her onto the stretcher. Jones then pushes the stretcher to the finish line and crosses it.

Adams: Wolfe is done and Jones retains.

DING DING DING!

Justin: Winner of this match and still Bombshell Roulette champion… Kat Jones.

Jones lets go of the stretcher, as her music hits over the p.a as she sits down on the floor, as the ref brings her the roulette championship as she raises it up in celebration, before getting help from the ref to get to her feet.

Spiritbox’s “circle with me” hits as Alicia Lukas and Zoey Lukas move out from the back, the two of them laughing as they make their way down to the ring. Alicia looks around and turns to Zoey who nods watching her back. The sisters get down to the ring and Alicia slides in as Zoey follows.

Adams: Last week we saw the debut of Alicia’s sister Zoey Lukas

Simone: And what a debut, Diamond Steele thought she had Alicia’s number and she and the gemstones were going to take Alicia out

Adams: But Zoeys arrival stopped that

As the music dies down Alicia slowly smiles and shakes her head..

Alicia Lukas: Oh Kate. You tried didn’t you? You and your Gemstones. You really thought you were going to be able to jump me and I wouldn’t be prepared?...Do I look stupid to you Kate? Do I look like someone who wouldn’t realize what you were going to do? I called Zoey, I showed Christian and Mark what she was capable of and it took seconds for them to sign her…Zoey is indeed a full time member of the roster and when she gets in the ring…you’ll know what you’re in for…

Alicia laughs as Zoey steps forward twirling the microphone in her hands

Simone: Look at the size of Zoey Lukas…over six foot tall and strong….

Zoey Lukas: I honestly expected more.

She pauses and shakes her head..

Zoey Lukas: Sin city wrestling is supposed to be one of the best companies in the world with the best competitors. Yet I stepped in the ring and three three women around like they were nothing. I watched as Diamond Steele a woman who has been a champion here, went from confident…to scared…a fear filled little girl…

Zoey steps forward and leans on the top rope.

Zoey Lukas: And to be honest, you should be scared. Alicia is coming for you Diamond…and your Gemstones wont be able to help you…because I am coming for them…Sapphire, Emerald…Ruby….I am your future…deal with it…

Zoey drops the microphone as Alicia’s theme “Circle with me” hits again. Zoey puts her hand up high and Alicia runs and jumps hitting a high five..

Carefully, she turns the plastic face over in her single hand – prosthetic lying on the faded tile floor at her feet, its palm turned up and fingers grasping at air. The curves of its moulded features catch the overhead striplight, making its impressed face shine silver on a jet-black painted background.

Head lowered, her long platinum-blonde hair falls about her shoulders and hides what is underneath. She places the mask down and reaches for an all-too-familiar tyre iron stained with soot, molten plastic and something splashed red.

The door to the dressing room – his dressing room – swings open.

Masque: Hello, Mister Bane. I told you we would see each other again.

Mac: So you did, and I told you that I hoped that conversation between us would remain civil. Unfortunately that is no longer an option.

Mac's long strides took him only moments to reach the spot where she sat. His face spoke a different language than his words. The days and nights of worry and unreleased anger speak volumes. He grabs a handful of blonde hair, dragging her to her feet and began raining down bludgeoning right hands. That's when he sees the tyre iron. He lets go of her and she slides to the floor. Picking it up he looks over at the woman called Masque.

Mac: Do I send you to the hospital or the morgue? Decisions, decisions…oh I know. You gave Amber the choice, didn't you? Now it's your turn…

She sits up and with a chest-rattling breath, clears her throat and paints the toecaps of Mac’s boots a soft-spittle pink, tinged by flecks of blood. Her hand paws behind, pulling a transit suitcase forward until she can reach inside it. A surgical mask, faded green like the tiles, disappears from view and up underneath her dishevelled hair.

When she looks up, her bright blue eyes are clear and focused. It is the first time perhaps anyone except a certain Songbird has seen so much of her face – only her mouth and tip of the nose still hidden.

Masque: No, I did not give her a choice.

She begins to laugh, interrupted by the odd cough. Lilting. Sing-song.

Masque: I gave her a test, and she failed it. Just like you did, now.

She raises the truncated stump of her left hand, waving its cemented titanium post in the air.

Masque: It is so impressive of you to beat a woman with one arm. Your wife would be very proud if she could climb out of her hospital bed unaided and see.

Unsteadily, she climbs to one knee making no effort to shake Mac’s hold on her head loose.

Masque: What are you waiting for, Mister Bane? Finish what you have started.

Mac barks a laugh and then headbutts her.

Mac: you obviously don't know who we are. More importantly you don't know who the fuck you're dealing with in me. Where's your prosthetic? The one you used to crush her throat?

He glances at the suitcase.

The blow sends her head snapping back, only for momentum to be arrested thanks to his grip on her skull. Something hot and wet trickles from her nose, staining the surgical mask dark red as it begins to spread in an oozing, damp circle.

Her only hand reaches into the suitcase and pulls free a nondescript wooden box. It is old, gouged and split along its length. Setting it on the tile, she unhooks the latch and pulls the lid back. Inside, a plastic hand and wrist sit wrapped in blue ribbon. It is piercing white, picked out with painted, snaking black thorns. Dried trickles and splashes of red cover the prosthetic from fingertip back. Her blood.

Masque: I am sorry I have not had time to clean your wife’s life from it …

Instinct takes over and he steps forward to snatch it up. As he moves, she drives the titanium post of her stump into Mac’s exposed ribs with savage force. When he releases his hold reflexively, she sweeps her long leg in an irresistible arc that takes the former World Champion’s own out from underneath him.

Climbing to her feet, prosthetic in hand, Masque roughly twists it into place.

Masque: My Songbird told me you were much tougher than you appear to be, now. Perhaps I can end you both tonight.

Her mistake was standing too close to him and not accounting for his wingspan. He quickly sweeps her legs with his left arm, sending her crashing to the floor again.

Mac: You talk too damn much.

Mac rolls to his knees and grabs her by the throat. He hoists her into the air, so they are face to face.

Mac: you're right, this ends here tonight.

With his left hand, a fist is formed, the balled fist so tight, the knuckles are a bright white. Before he can strike, the prosthetic shoots forward to grab his throat.

Servomotors whine, drawing in the plastic-capped metal armatures until her grip is set tight about his neck with only the strength a machine can bring.

Masque: I think I loved her.

Her eyes look away, up towards the striplights in the ceiling.

Masque: I am not sure … I do not know what it is supposed to feel like. But I think it might have been. Tell me …

Soaked through, blood begins to leach out from the underside of her surgical mask and pool in the neckline of her dress.

Masque: Tell me … What does it feel like?

Mac tightens his own grip in response to the threat. Her question visibly stuns him.

Mac: It feels like nothing else in the world matters. Nothing but that person being by your side. It feels like you would kill every person who would threaten them and should someone harm them, you attack without mercy or remorse.

Mac looks into the blue eyes of the woman to see if any of that registered with her.

She frowns, and blinks.

Masque: Yes – No. That does … I am not …

The plastic fingers of her prosthetic begin to twitch, as if interrupted or upset.

Her gaze settles back on the former World Champion.

Masque: She hurts so many people around her. How do you not fear it will be you, next? I have peered into the eye of a Resplendent Hurricane and seen what passes for her heart. If you are not scared of it, you should be.

Mac smiles at her statement and slowly lowers her back to the ground.

Mac: Oh, she has. No doubt about that. You're mistaken about her heart. She does the things she does to protect those she cares about. It is oftentimes misguided. Sometimes it's hard to forgive, but forgiveness is for the victim not the perpetrator.

Slowly, she pulls her prosthetic away then abruptly reaches forward with her other hand, twists it and drops the facsimile down into the suitcase a short distance away.

Masque: Then I have gifted you a kindness, Mister Bane. Perhaps you alone – her rock – will see what nobody else can see. She has been so twisted for so long; trapped in an unwinnable fight between who she wants to be, who she really is, and the expectations of those who all have their own idealised version of Miss Ryan to reconcile with reality. Such a tortured existence, made all the worse by her addiction …

Retrieving a towel from the case, she brings it up to her face and pulls away the soaked mask.

Masque: Her obsession. The World Championship. It nearly destroyed her, and I believe it would not have stopped there …

Blue eyes lock with his intently.

Masque: If I had not intervened, tell me, what would she have done? She would have faced Miss Johnson and regained that title. And then? Held it forever? Poisoned again so soon after recovering. Fallen back into the same habit.

Masque: I think you tried to help her before, but she would not – could not – listen. Nobody could have convinced her to resist. To find some other meaning except as Champion. The only way to do so would have been to physically break her …

The tall woman cocked her head to the side, towel held over her mouth.

Masque: I did. I broke her to save her. Now the fever will pass, and she might yet find peace. There is one singular aspect of me, Mister Bane, that you will find from her lips, or my Songbird’s, or any who choose to say.

Mac releases his own hold on her and listens intently to her words.

Mac: I'm sure you believe what you're saying. What you did is a bump in the road for her. Truth is sometimes more about perspective than reality.

His face hardens again.

Mac: leave before I change my mind

Flipping closed the suitcase at her feet, Masque pulls the towel away enough to inspect the side closest. Although it can’t directly be seen, the edges of her cheeks press up in an unmistakable smile.

Masque: Oh, Mister Bane. You are not in control here …

She turns towards the door.

Masque: I am not sure any of us are, anymore.

Justin: Ladies and gentlemen! The following con test is for the Internet Championship!

The crowd is in anticipation of the arrival of the next wrestler as the lights go out and a band of 6 Mariachi players come out to the arena all playing a guitar. They start to play Cancion del Mariachi as all of them start to sing while walking down the rampway. Halfway they stop and three walk to the left and the other three to the right as they stand face to face before Senor Vinnie walk out to the arena. He is sporting expensive sunglasses and a sweater around his neck and carrying an atomizer. He sprays some of his cologne in the air and sniffs it up as if not wanting to smell the foul air around him. He stops as we see Bea Barnhart walk out to accompany him to the ring before the two continue their strut.

Justin: Coming down the aisle accompanied by Bea Barnhart!! Standing in at 6’8 and weighing in at 280 pounds!! Hailing from Tijuana, Mexico!! He is the challenger!! Senor Vinnie!!!!

Vinnie and Bea walk to the ring as Vinnie holds the rope open for her as she steps through. He then steps through the ropes himself and hands her the cologne that he carries with him before posing a few moments before waiting for his opponent.

Adams: Boy! Vinnie isn't receiving the same cheers that he used to, is he?

Simone: Indeed not. Many fans are blaming him - and rightly so - for the blinding of Fenris and putting "the White Wolf" out of action in definitely.

Adams: And Bea's reception is even worse because SHE'S been accusing Fenris of faking the whole thing!

Justin: And his opponent...!

"Wasted" begins, and there is a brief murmuring of fans. As the song picks up, Jack Washington parts the curtain, a look of focus and minor indifference on his face. He shows very little emotion, walking to the ring in his hooded sweatshirt, tights and boots. He hits the ring, uses the ropes the stretch, and then sits on the top turnbuckle, mentally preparing himself to wrestle.

Justin: He is the reigning and DEFENDING Internet Champion! From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing two hundred and thirty five pounds! Jack! WASHINGTON!!!

Adams: Never thought I'd see the day Jack Washington was on the receiving end of the fans' support!

Simone: Which just goes to show how upset the fans are at both Vinnie and Bea Barnhart!

Jack passes the Internet title belt over to referee Dawn Barnes who holds it up high for all the fans to see. She then passes the gold out to the waiting hands of the timekeeper and calls for the bell!

DING DING DING!

Jack and Vinnie circle each other in the ring. Washington makes a move towards Vinnie's legs, attempting a takedown, but Vinnie uses his size and long legs to evade the attempt.

Simone: remember that these two have met before in a non-title match which Vinnie won. That is one reason why we are here tonight.

Adams: And Jack doesn't want to make the same mistake twice, especially with the gold on the line.

The two men connect with a Greco-Roman lock up, Vinnie quickly taking advantage with his size advantage and he pushes Jack back towards the ropes. Dawn calls for the break and Vinnie wastes little time breaking cleanly, but Washington takes advantage by delivering a sharp boot to the challenger's midsection, doubling Vinnie over. Washington nails Vinnie with a heavy forearm blow to the head, sending him staggering backwards. Washington moves in quickly and clips Vinnie's leg out from under him, causing the challenger's knee to buckle and he goes down to one knee. Jack then moves in from behind a second time and looks to make an attempt with a Crippler Crossface, but the experienced Vinnie quickly gets to the ropes before the hold can be secured and Dawn forces a reluctant Jack to release the hold.

Simone: Jack was determined to end this match early with Brotherly Love!

Adams: Hey Jack is a cocky S.O.B. but he's not fool enough to look past the fact Vinnie is a threat. He BEAT the champ!

Washington smirks, knowing how close he came to ending it early and taunts the challenger by backing up while pinching a thumb and forefinger together. Vinnie starts to get back to his feet but Jack is right on him with a Discus Lariat that knocks the larger man back up against the ropes where a smaller man would have been taken clean off of his feet! Jack grabs Vinnie into a front facelock before he can recover and the champion displays some strength of his own by delivering a vertical suplex on the 280 plus pounder!

Simone: Wow! Impressive display of strength by the champion!

Vinnie lands on his back, a look of pain on his face as he rolls over on to his front. Washington stands next to Vinnie and drops a guillotine leg drop across the back of his neck, followed by a quick second one. Washington gets back to his feet and stands next to Vinnie, before jumping high in the air and dropping a third leg drop to the back of Vinnie's neck! Jack rolls Vinnie on to his back and goes for the cover, hooking the inside leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Vinnie kicks out!

Adams: Jack has been all over Vinnie from the very start!

Simone: He's not wasting any time or effort in there. Jack is going for the win the first chance he gets!

Washington gets to his feet before Vinnie and starts to stomp on the challenger before pulling him to his feet. He takes Vinnie by the wrist and Irish whips him in to the ropes but as Vinnie returns, he brings a big boot up and right into Jack's pretty face! The blow sends the champion flying back head over heels!

Adams: What a shot!

Simone: Vinnie totally caught the champion by surprise!

Vinnie drags Jack up back to his feet and wraps his arms around Washington's waist and lifts him over with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Washington folds over in two as Vinnie gets to his feet. Vinnie pulls Washington to his feet and sends him into the ropes once again and grabs him for the End of Days...!

Adams: Vinnie's looking for the Lights Out!

But the champion shows some athletic grace by landing on his feet, avoiding the maneuver and sweeps Vinnie's legs out from under him. Washington comes off of the ropes as Vinnie rises but Vinnie lifts him over his head with a Spine Buster! Vinnie gets to his feet, ducking behind Washington and dragging him up into a rear waist lock. Vinnie then brings him up and over for a German suplex!...

Adams: is he going for the...?

Vinnie holds on and brings him up to his feet and delivers a second German suplex!

Simone: he's going for the Trifecta!

Indeed as Vinnie brings them back to a vertical base and hits the Trifecta! A THIRD German suplex, dumping Jack on the back of his head! Vinnie rolls over and jackknifes a leg over for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Jack gets his right shoulder up!

Adams: Oo! SO close!

Vinnie gets to his feet, pulling up Washington with him. Vinnie nails Jack with a quick shot to the side of the head that sends him falling back against the ropes. Vinnie walks away, turning his back to Washington before turning and charging at him, catching him with a discus clothesline hard enough to send both men tumbling over the ropes!

Simone: Vinnie is now showing just how badly HE wants to become a two-time Internet Champion!

Dawn quickly goes to the outside the ring, checking on both men. Vinnie is the first to get back to his feet and he takes hold of Jack's wrist and Irish whips him hard in to the barricade outside the ring. As Vinnie moves towards him, Dawn pleads with him to get in the ring, but Vinnie ignores her. The referee turns around get back in the ring, leaving an opening for Jack to kick Vinnie hard below the belt!

Simone: And once again, Jack resorts to dirty measures to take the advantage!

Adams: Men the world over crossed their legs after seeing that shot!

A cocky Jack Washington rolls Vinnie under the bottom ropes and in to the ring, and follows him in to the ring. Vinnie remains in a fetal position as Jack jackknifes him.

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICK OUT BY VINNIE!

Adams: He kicked out! After that Bojangle shot!? I can't believe it!

Simone: Neither can Jack! He looks absolutely shocked!

Eyes wide as much as his mouth is, Jack pounds the canvas in frustration and gets to his feet. He pulls Vinnie to his feet and grabs the barely standing challenger from behind and attempts a bridging German suplex but Vinnie blocks it. Vinnie then attempts to swing an elbow back into Jack's head but the champion ducks and instead, Jack grabs him around the upper body for a belly to belly! Bea is shouting for Vinnie to get up but Jack himself is going up top! Jack sizes Vinnie up and leaps for the Philadelphia Flyer -- but Vinnie rolls out of the way and Jack crashes hard elbow-first!

Simone: And that mistake right there may cost Jack Washington the Internet title!

Vinnie is back on his feet and he sends Jack into the ropes at top speed and catches him on the rebound with a spinning sidewalk slam! The impact shakes the ring and Jack's back arches in pain! Jack is still a fighter though and slowly gets back to his feet only to be knocked down by a clothesline from the challenger! Jack rises again and this time Vinnie comes off of the ropes with a flying shoulder block! Vinnie is rallying as Bea claps from the corner of the challenger! Vinnie grabs the fallen champion and drags him up to his feet and sets him up for the Razor's Edge! Vinnie lifts him up high and starts to spin around in a circle on his feet until he collapses in a sit-down powerbomb!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICK OUT!!

Adams: Now it's Vinnie's turn to be shocked!

Simone: And Bea as well!

Bea is infuriated at the count on the behalf of her wrestler and she climbs up onto the ring apron and she begins arguing with Dawn who is ordering her down! Instead, Bea stands on the bottom rope and she continues the verbal jousting with the official, accusing her of biasedness and a slow count!

Simone: Just disqualify her already!

But instead the fans begin to cheer as someone else is running down to the ringside area....!

Simone: Who....?

Adams: It's Sam! Sam Marlowe!

"Little Miss Sunshine" runs around the ringside area until she comes up behind where Bea is! Sam grabs the surprised Bea Barnhart by the foot and sweeps her foot up - sending Bea toppling over the top rope and crashing into the ring!

Adams: Hahahaha!

Simone: There has been some bad blood brewing between Bea Barnhart and Samantha Marlowe and it has just spilled over!

Samantha backs up the aisle, slapping a hand along the way! An embarrassed Bea rolls out of the ring as a confused and surprised Vinnie turns around and gets booted in the stomach by a risen Jack Washington! Jack grabs him in a front facelock and hooks the inside leg...!

Adams: All Jacked Up!

Jack with the cover and a handful of tights!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Justin: Here is your winner, and STLL Internet Champion! JACK WASHINGTON!!!

Simone: Vinnie took his eyes off of Jack just long enough for the champion to take advantage and the Internet title remains in the possession of Jack Washington!

Adams: And oh boy! I bet Bea Barnhart will have a LOT to say to Sammi Marlowe after what we just saw happen!

Bea is in the ring as Vinnie is sitting up, staring out at a smirking Jack who backs up the aisle with the gold raised up high!

Seated on a simple wooden stool in front of a green screen emblazoned with the SCW logo, Chloe Benton anxiously crosses her legs. The pliable black fabric slides effortlessly as she picks at her raised shoe, a nondescript black sneaker with white piping, a cheap knockoff brand. Looking ahead she watches an overweight cameraman with a painted on black and gold SCW brand shirt that appears three sizes too small for his engorged frame as he fiddles with the camera, an expensive looking device encased in matte black plastic sporting an array of knobs and dials along the side, an anamorphic zoom lens, a spongey looking black boom mic mounted on top above the lens and an LED touch screen monitor facing the rear mounted atop an elongated tripod. The bearded young man, whom she guesses to be in his early twenties pauses to scratch himself and reaching for a half-eaten sandwich. He takes a bite of the wheat bread leaving her to her thoughts.

Playing and replaying her intended message Chloe locks in on various points she hopes to make with her mind’s eye harkening to the image of her friend Amber Ryan, doped up on pain killers in a hospital bed. Her heavily bandaged hand and shoulder coupled with the severe bruising of her face serving as a stark reminder why she is here. Feeling her delicate brown eyes begin to well she shakes her head to rid it of the image of her badly battered friend. Looking down she allows the hem line of a white silk blouse with purple flowers to pull her attention from the painful imagery. The camera operator clears his throat, gesturing to Chloe with an outstretched hand holding three fingers aloft.

Camera Man: You are on in three… two… one…

She looks on in sullen silence as he counts down, waiting for the red light atop the camera to flash to a steady green and begins in a soft, even tone,

Chloe: M-My life sucks,

She begins blinking rapidly at the luminescence of the stage light behind the camera.

Chloe: E-Ever since I w-was little p-p-people would m-make fun of me, laugh at me a-and beat me up. I th-thought it was a phase b-but everywhere I w-went it c-c-continued. M-Maybe it was th-the fact that I was small, or my sp-speech imp-imp-impedi-diment, or m-maybe it was th-that I wasn’t very g-g-good at sports or my g-g-grades. I-I don’t kn-know. B-But it followed me for my entire l-life. M-My dad had a j-job that c-c-called f-for a lot of travel, so he w-was rarely home. My m-mother, my b-birth mother died when I was really little, and my d-dad remarried. Still, n-nothing ch-changed. My step m-mother b-beat me c-c-constantly a-and my st-step sister Janice also beat me up a l-lot.

A pause ensues while Chloe draws a deep, calming breath, wiping an errant tear from the corner of her left eye.

Chloe: They w-wouldn’t t-t-touch me wh-when my d-dad was home, but he never was. I rememb-ber begging him to s-stay or to t-take me with him, but I g-guess I n-needed to get beat up some more be-because he n-never did. I didn’t d-d-dare tel him about m-my stepmother and Janice because of it. I-I’ve been b-beaten up three t-times on my b-birthday, t-twice on C-C-Christmas and even after p-performing in a sc-school play. I-I forgot my lines a-and my stepmother said I emb-barassed her.

A shrug of her slender shoulders under the thin fabric offers time to draw another calming breath before resuming the tale.

Chloe: N-Not like th-they ever n-needed a reason, even if I-I was only six. It be-became a s-staple of m-my life; g-getting b-beat up, b-being uprooted b-by my dad’s j-job making us move all the t-t-time and n-never having my d-d-daddy at home. We’ve lived in R-Richmond Virginia, B-B-Baltimore, Ch-Chicago, D-Dallas, Houston, D-Denver, Brownsville Texas, C-C-Corpus Ch-Christie a-and finally L-Las Vegas. E-Every time I s-stared to m-make friends we h-had to move. I don’t have a s-single lifelong friend, not one!

Openly sobbing, she stops as a box of tissue is handed to her by an attentive stagehand. Drawing several sheets of the soft, thin cotton she dabs at her eyes. A pair of tear drops streak down her face prompting her to dab hastily at them and smudging the carefully brushed on peach shimmer blush in the process and leaving a contrasting mark between her skin and the makeup. Ignoring it she clasps her hands with the tissue in her laps and elects to soldier on, drawing yet another calming breath.

Chloe: N-No friends, but p-p-plenty of bruises.

Another breath allows for a change of gears.

Chloe: I-I fell in love w-with wrestling when I was seven. M-My dad was a fan and wh-when he was h-home he would watch it. H-He would let m-me sit in his lap and watch it with him a-and I was hooked. A-All of these l-larger th-than life personalities, b-big, tough men and w-women in wild costumes engaging in th-these c-c-crazy acts of v-violence. I loved it! I-I would daydream of being a wrestler, b-body slamming p-people c-cutting promos and j-just b-being in front of p-people. M-Maybe I could inspire some l-little girl to f-follow her own dreams and b-be a wrestler? I saw a wrestling sc-school here in Las Vegas and-d-d-d after an argument with my stepmother I d-decided to t-t-take the plunge. S-Six months l-later I f-found myself signed to an actual contract in SCW, my dreams were b-b-becoming a reality and my l-life was g-g-going to ch-change!

A pause ensues allowing for an introspection with her thoughts taking to the road of recent memory. Though filled with potholes she has traveled the path enough to have memorized them, easily avoiding the pitfalls until arriving at the intended destination. She revisits a private training session with Kat in a non-descript basement at the latter’s home in Colorado. Lying on the mat, their lithe bodies glistening in sweat the pair trade jokes, sharing a laugh. A bright, sunny day in springtime Las Vegas, she walks through a park alongside Amber, their sneaker clad feet treading the well-worn concrete walkway as they circle through a clutch of trees arriving at a thick trunked maple. They banter playfully as Chloe sits on the lush greenery in the shade beneath it while Amber whips out her phone to snap a picture.

Chloe: B-But my friends didn’t care…

She resumes.

Chloe: S-So why should I?

Backing away from the recollection she fails to notice the gap between the fond memory and the dark present. Falling into it, her thoughts come face to face with Amber’s broken and battered body, lying sedated in a hospital bed. A thin, blue sheet covers most of it, but the woman’s heavily bandaged hand and shoulder, and a lacerated throat marred by a long row of black suture and a feint hint of dried blood coupled with a once beautiful now face cloaked in black and blue, badly swollen and nearly unrecognizable to reveal the horrifying truth. An IV tube inserted into a vascular forearm sends clear, liquified nutrients into her system as she lies unmoving. Only the rhythmic cadence of her lungs taking in precious oxygen and the steady beeping of a heart monitor remind you that she is still alive. Chloe blinks rapidly, breaking the reverie to swipe a fresh stream of tears trickling down her cherubic face. She sobs softly, her muddled visage bearing the anguish of her friend’s condition for all to see. Undaunted however, she continues…

Chloe: I-I just don’t c-c-care anymore!

She cries freely, jettisoning the tissue to the cold, hard floor and granting the salty vestibules of melancholy unfettered reign. Her diminutive digits rest uneasily against a bouncing knee while tremulous lips quaver to continue.

Chloe: I-I only have t-two friends in th-this world-d and one of them is c-c-close to b-being taken from me! N-N-Nobody seems t-to care either way. Th-The other wrestlers still s-say I’m a loser, a c-c-coward. The m-m-media still th-thinks I-I’m a j-joke a-and everybody else still c-calls me a scrub. I-I may be all of th-those things a-and more. I d-don’t care. At the end-d of the d-day m-my boss still hates my fucking guts and would like n-n-nothing m-more than to see me dead, so why sh-should I care? I don’t have a m-million friends like him a-and everybody else. I-I only have two, but I will d-d-die a th-thousand times over to k-keep them. Ok, M-Mr. C-C-Christian, y-you want me d-dead and gone? I-I’m going to g-give you your ch-chance right now…

The lens closes in on a pair of reddened eyes, downbeat and wistful. The falling tears have carved numerous ridges of lamentation down her bulbous cheeks and dri

Give…

Me…

Masque!

Mister Bane. I went to speak with him, and he did not want to speak. Perhaps if you had been there, I would not have had to defend myself with one hand …

No.