{As the camera cuts back from the break it shows Deezee walking back to his dressing room staggering from his last match with the Cruiserweight Champion Jesse Falcon. As he is walking back he turns a corner and is about twenty feet to his St. Louis Calab-O dressing, but Bass appears from behind one of the doors prior and viciously attacks him from behind with the Kendo Stick that was used earlier in the day for an attack. With him hitting him with repeated shots Bass can be heard screaming.}
B: YOU PIECE OF CRAP! Don't you EVER attack me from behind!
{Continuing to beat down on him EWI officials and security quickly rush the scene and try their best to push Bass away. Eventually they do, but not before he can drop the Kendo Stick on Deezee's head.}
B: Next time grow a set of nuts and attack me face first ... bitch!
{The camera quickly fades out and cuts back to the announcer's table.}
BS: What the ...
GM: FOUL! That was wrong! Bass has been on an attacking spree! First Love and ... well him, BUT STILL!
BS: I'm sure Bass will have to pay fines tonight and such.
GM: In the SSN? You damn right!
The lights in the arena flicker slightly before dimming. As ‘Breed’ by Nirvana blasts through the house and white strobe lights begin flashing, ‘The Southern Fox’ Zero emerges at the top of the ramp, posing in front of the Extreme Screen. Dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt underneath a white short-sleeved t-shirt, a pair of torn blue jeans, some ratty looking blue sneakers and the EWI Television Title strapped firmly around his waist. After he finishes posing, Zero strides down the ramp, rolling into the ring and taking the microphone from the ring announcer as his music fades out.
Zero: You know, ever since I beat the living hell out of Kin Hiroshi and his lame buddy Saul E...whatever, ever since I won the EWI Television Title, I’ve felt less like the amusing goof that I’ve always been. I’ve felt less like the entertaining showman that I’ve always been. I’ve felt...dangerous. I’ve felt...intimidating. I’ve felt...formidable. In short, I’ve felt...like a Champion.
The crowd pops loudly, Zero pausing to let them finish.
Zero: Which of course, is what tonight is all about. Chris Lehew. The great ‘Career Ender’. Apparently this guy has a little crush on me, cause all I hear from him on TV, is ‘Zero this, Zero that’. Well punk, tonight is your lucky night. Tonight you meet me for the one thing in this WORLD that I care about. The only thing I’ve ever cared about. And that’s the Television Title.
Zero carefully removes the Title, holding it with one hand above his head.
Zero: This is what you want, isn’t it Lehew? Ever since you debuted, you too have had your sights set on this belt. But you see, Chris, that’s where our similarities end. While both of us have quested for this belt since our beginnings, when you got your first shot at it...you choked. And when I got my first shot at it, after nearly a YEAR of waiting...I broke Hiroshi. I left him lying in the ring like the paper Champion that he was, and I took this belt, MY BELT! And now you, Chris Lehew, actually think that you’re going to take it from me? Lehew...I DARE YOU! I DARE you to step into this ring and take this belt from me!
Zero smirks, reaching into his back pocket and removing a book.
Zero: And Lehew...if you really want my belt...you’re going to have to do it under...ZERO’S RULES!
‘Breed’ by Nirvana kicks up once more and Zero tosses the ring microphone over his shoulder, the announcer scrambling to catch it as Zero rolls out of the ring, strapping the Television Title back around his waist, walking up the ramp to the backstage area.
GM: Zero rules? What's Zero rules?
BS: I don't know, but the question is will Lehew accept because obviously he knows.
GM: I swear do you know anything?
BS: I know we've got another match coming up and it promises to be a good one as Wicked Sight tries to continue his streak as he faces Bobby Jackson.
GM: These two know eachother very well in the CSWA and over there Sight doesn't have his sights set on winning. Sure he got a few here, but can he continue against the likes of the EWI veteran Jackson? We're about to find out.
BS: You said EWI instead of SSN.
GM: Like we would claim Jackson.
BS: Folks let's go to the ring for our next match!
‘American Badass’ by Kid Rock blasts through the arena as Bobby Jackson strides down the rampway, entering the ring. He removes his trenchcoat and sunglasses, handing them to a stage hand on the outside as ‘Just Got Wicked’ by Cold cues up, Wicked Sight appearing beneath the Extreme Screen, much to the delight of the capacity crowd.
BS: Sight has been on a tear lately, first making an example of Cameron Cruise at Genesis II and Motorbreath on Heatwave.
GM: I gotta admit, Plett is impressive, but Bobby Jackson could very well be the proverbial wrench in Sight’s gears.
Jackson and Wicked Sight move to lock up, but Sight drills Jackson in the jaw with a sidekick, followed by a belly to belly suplex. He tries for a legdrop, but Jackson rolls out of the way, catching the recovering Sight from behind with a vicious bulldog. Jackson pulls Sight up by the hair, going for a snap suplex, but Plett rolls out of it, nailing an inverted tornado DDT.
BS: Impressive move from Wicked Sight.
As Jackson recovers, Sight bounces off the far ropes, dashing toward Jackson with a clothesline but Bobby Jackson counters it into a sidewalk slam.
GM: Don’t count Jackson out of this match yet!
Wicked Sight groggily gets to his feet, only to be whipped to the ropes by Bobby Jackson. Jackson looks for a powerslam, but Sight floats over, bouncing off the ropes behind him, catching Jackson with a springboard facebuster. Sight moves to lift Jackson up, but Bobby grabs his ankle, jerking Sight to the ground as well. Jackson rolls on top of Sight, wrapping him up in a camel clutch.
BS: Submission move from Bobby Jackson! This could be all she wrote for Wicked Sight!
GM: She?
After a few seconds of Jackson holding the move, Sight manages to buck him off, getting to his feet while holding his lower back. Jackson whips Wicked Sight into the ring corner, following him over. Jackson lifts Sight up onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex, but Wicked Sight shoves him off, following up with a flying knee drop onto the throat of Bobby Jackson.
GM: I thought Jackson had him for sure that time!
Sight lifts Jackson to his feet, blasting him in the face with a right hand before nailing a Diamond Cutter.
BS: VIEW TO A KILL! Sight’s finishing move!
Wicked Sight drops down, covering Jackson. The ref’s hand slaps the mat: 1...2...3.
BS: Sight has won it! Wicked Sight keeps the streak alive and wins another match here in the EWI!
GM: Damn what happened to Jackson? It's like he never brought his A game at all!
(Saul E. Dastardley walks bruskly through the backstage area. 187 trying to walk tough and keep up with his bosses speedwalking and failing miserably on both counts. Every four or five steps 187 breaks into a sprint to keep up with his boss. Abruptly, Saul takes a right turn and shoves a door open, entering Marcus Gottfrieds office without even knocking. Eddy Love, Cole Steele and Marcus Gottfried all look up surprised. Marcus speaks first...)
Marcus: Saul? Do you mind? I'm in the middle of...
Saul: Zieba is here. Now.
Marcus: What? What's that washed up loser doing here?
Saul: I don't know... he showed up with Gemini. I told security to throw them out and they all just laughed at me.
Eddy: You shouldn't have called them morons Marcus. A little charity to the common people goes a long way.
Marcus: You handle the wrestling Eddy, I'll handle running the multi-million dollar broadcasting empire, ok?
(Eddy, still recovering from the earlier assult, lets a lopsided grin cross his face then frowns.)
Eddy: As I recall Marcus, I've been more than doing my job, can you say the same?
Marcus: Enough! We have this federation completely under our thumbs. I'm not going to let a washed up alcoholic do any damage to the fine work that we've done. Round up the boys Cole, that psycho can't bear to hide for long, and when he shows up with his strippers, or clowns, or whatever the hell else it is that he has planned, we're going to give two face a little going away present.
Cole: Outstanding. (Strides out the side door.)
Eddy: Marcus, don't overdo it. In just under a month I'm going to give Gemini the wrestling lesson of both his lifetimes and send him on his way. One more thorn removed from your side courtesy of Eddy Love. You would do well to remember that Marcus.
Marcus: Ed... do you remember those very large checks that I send you every week?
Eddy: Of course I do Marcus. You get what you pay for.
Marcus: Right... you'd do well to remember that yourself Ed.
GM v/o: Oh man Zieba is good for causing trouble like this!
BS v/o: Lookes like this party is about to get started! Folks we've got to cut away, but when we return it's Aho against Jammin' Jimmy James ... NEXT!
BS v/o: Folks welcome back. During the break we were told that Hellfighter was viciously attacked by Lone Wulf of Manifest Destiny~
GM v/o: The man had it coming!
{As the announcers continue to talk the replay shows Hellfighter turning the corner and walking right into a slamming chair right into his face from Lone Wulf. Wulf then continued the assult, picked up Hellfighter, and whipped him right into the wall knocking him down again. Wulf then picked up another steel chair and slammed it into his head repeatly utnil he was pushed back by security.}
BS v/o: We're being told that Hellfighter is being looked at by the EMT's and he might still be able to compete tonight.
GM v/o: Yeah or Gottfired will sue him for break of contract!
BS v/o: Do you ever shut up? I swear. Folks we're going to cut to Evan Aho who is getting ready for his match.
GM v/o: The SSN can't afford for me to shut up thank you!
(FADE IN)
(BACKGROUND MUSIC: "Living Dead Girl" - White Zombie)
St. Louis, Missouri
6:15 PM/EDT
The countdown has begun. EWI's Shockwave will be going on the air shortly in front of a capacity crowd in St. Louis. Each superstar on the roster spends their time a little differently before each match. Some are nervous bundles of energy, pacing and twitching all the way up through their walk through the ready-room. Others are laid-back; they talk casually with reporters, other wrestlers and roadies before the show. The main-eventers tend to be a more reserved, shutting themselves in their dressing rooms and allowing only the company of close friends. The rookies walk around the halls in awe, just excited to be brushing shoulders with the likes of Eddy Love or Rob Sampson People wonder if Evan Aho gets nervous for his matches. If he did, you wouldn't be able to tell it by looking at him.
The only occupant in a small dressing room, Aho cycles through his pre-match rituals. He meticulously winds a roll of tape around his wrists and knuckles until only his thumb and fingers are visible. He flexes his grip slowly to test the tape's strength. Seemingly satisfied with the job he strips down to his wrestling briefs and a t-shirt. Aho pulls his kneepads in place and laces up his boots as tight as the laces will hold. Evan takes a seat on the lone folding chair in the room and rests his chin in his hands.
His gear is simple. His routine is limited to the bare essentials. His goal is obvious; to out-wrestle Jimmy James. James was a technician as well. Aho nearly smiles. He could barely stop from licking his lips at the prospect of facing another "pure" wrestler. They say you don't out-run a cheetah. You can't out-argue a lawyer. You'll never out-throw a pitcher. Now Jimmy was going to try to out-wrestle Evan Aho.
Evan grins wickedly in spite of himself. Good luck Jimmy.
A stagehand pops his head in through the door.
STAGE HAND - Two minutes Evan.
Evan springs to his feet and marches toward the ready room. He strips off his shirt and tosses it to the side of the room. People in the hallways stop to wish him luck but he keeps walking. He didn't like to inflict pain, but he couldn't deny the satisfaction of slamming an opponent to the mat or so expertly putting on a hold that he couldn't escape. Evan's world slowly becomes a vacuum. He faintly hears the opening riffs from "Blood, Milk and Sky" and the fans erupting into cheers. He vaguely remembers the face of the hand pointing him to the curtain and then sweeping it aside for his entrance. He can see the ring.
He smiles fully and then allows it to fade. This was his game.
(FADE OUT)
"Blood, Milk and Sky" by White Zombie cues up as Evan Aho hits the ramp accompanied by Sweet Melissa, getting a huge pop from the crowd. He briskly makes his way to the ring and rolls under the bottom rope into the ring, and stands, waiting.
GM: This should be a quick match.
BS: We'll see.
Jamming Jimmy James steps out from behind the curtain, guitar in hand. He begins to strum, playing an intense guitar solo as he walks slowly down the ramp. He scans the audience for a possible 'valet'. When he finds one, he motions for her to join him and helps her over the guardrail, continuing down the ramp. When he reaches the ring, he sets his guitar against the apron and climbs into the ring, the bell ringing.
GM: That was interesting.
BS: That it was.
Aho strides over, deliver a few right hand, knocking James into the ropes. James starts swinging back, but Aho blocks his punches, delivering more of his own. With a final blow, he sends James reeling, stunned. Aho takes advantage of this time to Dragon Suplex James. James gets to his feet, and Dragon Suplexes Aho right back. This goes on for a short while, until Aho kicks Jamming Jimmy James in the chest, then pulls him into a screwdriver piledriver, James not getting up afterwards. Aho pulls him back to his feet, and delivers a brainbuster.
BS: And Aho pulling out all the stops!
GM: Feh.
James rolls to his feet and charges Aho, closelining him before he has a chance to react. Aho gets up on his own and walks into a T-bone suplex. He gets up again, walking into Northern Lights Suplex. Aho gets up a third time, this time staying low and yanking James' leg into a Leg Whip Dragon Screw.
BS: James needs to pick up the pace.
GM: It's over, Brett.
As James struggles to his feet, Aho is ready. "Mr. Hardcore" attacks, hitting "The Agony" (inverted DDT) and immediately following up with "The Ecstasy" (Tiger Driver '91). He drops down with a pin for the win. He jumps out of the ring, met by Sweet Melissa, and strides back up the ramp, leaving Jamming Jimmy James to recover in the ring.
GM: I sure can call 'em.
BS: Aho has done it! He's beaten Triple J and his future is starting to look bright yet again!
GM: Triple J? You rip-off artist! Just because he's got Sweet Melissa tugging at his heels doesn't mean he'll make something out of himself. If anything Vick the Trick will get jealous and we'll see the catfight of the year between those two! HELL YEAH!
{The scene cuts to a dressing room backstage in the arena, where Zero sits calmly in a folding chair facing the door to the room. After a few moment of drumming his fingers on his knee, the Television Title still around his waist, the door bursts open, slamming against the wall as Chris Lehew storms in.}
Lehew: Oh I bet you thought that was really cute last week on Heatwave, huh? I could buy and sell your punk ass with the change in my pocket, so don’t pull that crap with me!
Zero gives no sign that he even hears Lehew, simply standing up to face him.
Lehew: And what the hell is up with this ‘Zero’s Rules’ BS? You know I don’t have to accept any of your dumb stipulations.
Zero smirks slightly, nodding to Lehew.
Zero: You know Chris, you’re right. You don’t have to accept my dumb stipulations. But what’s gonna stop me from cracking a chair over your head and getting a disqualification? You can’t win MY title on DQ, of course.
Lehew opens his mouth to say something, but then falls short. He grimaces to himself and speaks up.
Lehew: And what ARE ‘Zero’s Rules’?
‘The Southern Fox’ smiles broadly, handing Lehew the book he held earlier.
Zero: It’s all in the book, moneybags.
Chris frowns, flipping through the book.
Lehew: This book is blank.
Zero: Exactly.
Chris Lehew smirks back to Zero.
Lehew: Fine then. I accept...redneck.
Lehew proceeds to smack Zero in the side of the head with the book, ensuing a small brawl between the two men, trading rights and lefts before it is broken up by half a dozen referees.
{The camera cuts away and a limo can be seen pulling up to the arena. As it stops the door opens and 'Good God' Kevin Powers, along with 'Risqué' Roseanne Fairhurst and Miso, can be seen getting out. As they wave to the fans they make their way into the building.}
GM v/o: Oh LORD what are they doing here?
BS v/o: Whatever it is you can bet trouble isn't too far behind! Folks we'll be right back!
(The lights in the arena fade to darkness, the only sound being that of the crowd murmuring. 'Greed' by Godsmack fades in, gradually getting louder until it's blasting through the speakers. "ALL THAT GLITTERS…. CHRIS LEHEW" flickers across the 'Extreme Screen', followed immediately by picture of Lehew and his former-trainers, Steve and Adrian. The pictures flicker and fade, then new ones replace them and so on. After a few moments, a deafening explosion goes off at the entrance to the rampway, streaks of red, black and green among the sparks. As the smoke and sparks fade, a spotlight focuses on the entrance, Chris Lehew standing on the stage. He slowly strides down the rampway, the crowd booing loudly. He makes his way into the ring, and the music abruptly stops, the spotlight fading as the lights come back up. He paces within the ring, wearing his usual black cargo pants and tight fitting black shirt. He paces for a few moments, waiting for the boos of the crowd to die down, then pulls a mic from his pocket and begins speaking.)
Lehew: Hello to all my inferiors in St. Louis. Now SHADDUP!
(The crowd begins booing again, louder than before.)
Lehew: Well, well, well. Are you stupid, or do I need to speak louder? I'm sure it's the first one. Well, then, I'll get down to business. A title shot. My SECOND title shot, with one major difference. This time I'm not facing anyone worth my time…just a simple redneck, whose fifteen minutes are up. You talk about 'Zeros Rules' and all that crap. Well, Zero, I accepted. I hope you're ready for the consequences of asking for such a stipulation…because in the end, after one hell of a fight…weather I win or lose (And I WILL win. I'll touch on that later) you will come to respect me. When you lose your title, you will respect me. When you're having a steel chair surgically removed from your ass, you will respect me. When I pin you…1, 2, 3 and I leave you staring at the ceiling of the arena…you WILL respect me.
(Lehew pauses, watching the crowd for several seconds.)
Lehew: That might sound like a bit much…guaranteeing my victory…however, I've guaranteed it in all but one of my matches. I've won all but one of my matches. I was told that I was a fool for saying it in some cases, but when it came down to it…I won. I left my opponents bruised and bloody in the middle of the ring. And, as my nickname suggests, one of the quit shortly there after…I ended his career.
Zero, you're next in my apparent streak of redneck-bashing matches. After our match you will be left with nothing…and judging by your name, I would assume you have very little (or nothing) already. You mentioned that it took you a year to even get a SHOT at the TV title. This is my second in a very short amount of time…I find that interesting. Why would one of us get shots in quick succession and shortly after his entrance into the SSN owned EWI, while it takes a year (and a lot of whining, in my opinion) for the other to get one. A difference of skill, perhaps.
(Lehew shrugs before continuing.)
Lehew: Either way, your title is as good as mine. I can see it now…
(Lehew gestures to the 'Extreme Screen' where the following is written out in gold lettering.
SSN / EWI TELEVISION CHAMPION: Chris Lehew
1. Kin Hiroshi
2. 'The Southern Fox' Zero
3. ExE
After a short period of time, Lehew continues.)
Lehew: I'm done now…so I will leave you with a definition: Zero - One having no influence or importance; a nonentity: a manager who was a total zero. The lowest point: His prospects were approaching zero. Having no measurable or otherwise determinable value.
(Lehew drops the mic, a slight 'thud' echoing through the arena's speakers as it hits the canvas of the mat, then leaps out of the ring and back up the rampway to the backstage, 'Greed' by Godsmack blasting through the arena as he does so.)
(The lights return to the Kiel Center im St. Louis, Missouri, where the crowd is on its feet in applause for the EWI's great performers.)
BS: You've got to be kidding me.
GM: (clapping) You have to respect a man like Lehew. If he puts his mind to it he'll do it.
BS: Well, at the same time, if he puts his lips to it then he'll kiss it.
GM: OH! That wasn't nice!
BS: I ... almost care. Folks coming up next we've got a steel cage match coming up and I'm surprised that Gottfried actually agreed to it!
GM: Mr. Gottfired believes in old school wrestling and the steel cage is actually apart of that history. Normally the steel cage was used for wrestlers that had a feud and wanted a match like this to finish it all. Zieba used it as a quick money maker the foul son-of-a-
BS: Hey now you know he's in the building.
GM: Yeah, but he doesn't work here so he's a son-of-a-unnamed goat!
BS: Before McFarland gets in any more trouble let's go to the cage!
The two teams all brawl as the steel cage slowly lowers down to surround the ring, Rock and Role Kid and Rocking Ray Rodgers gaining the upper hand.
GM: I still don’t see why this match is even taking place! It’s a disgrace to the SSN!
BS: Be that as it may, but it’s underway now with the Party Animals taking the advantage!
The Kid nails Jimi Sinister with a spinning heel kick while Rodgers takes Ozzy to the mat with an armbar takedown. Ozzy struggles against the hold for a few seconds before Rodgers lets him up. RRR looks for a short arm clothesline, but Ozzy blocks it and nails a suplex. The Kid starts climbing the cage, but Jimi gets to his feet and jerks the Kid off the cage, dropping a leg across his sternum.
BS: The Kid was looking to make it out quickly, but the Heavy Metal Express has other plans!
Jimi lifts the Kid up, delivering a DDT before attempting to climb out of the cage himself. Ozzy tries to hit Rodgers with an exploder suplex, but RRR rolls out of it, nailing a neckbreaker. He runs to the side of the cage where Jimi is climbing and starts to follow him up.
GM: They’re both climbing! It’s a race to the top!
Meanwhile, the Kid and Ozzy slug it out in the ring, neither man giving the other quarter. Sinister and Rodgers have both made it to the top of the cage, where they stand on the edge.
BS: Both men are hovering at the top of the cage! This is extremely dangerous!
GM: Don’t tell me, tell them!
Sinister and Rodgers look toward each other and begin nailing each other with punches, both starting to slip.
BS: This could be bad...
Rodgers nails Sinister in the face with an elbow, and Jimi starts the long fall down, but as he falls, he grabs RRR’s leg and pulls him with him, both men colliding with the mat!
BS: No! Jimi Sinister and Rocking Ray Rodgers are both unconscious! It’s up to Ozzy and The Kid!
The Kid spears Ozzy to the mat, drilling him with vicious rights and lefts. He then mounts the turnbuckle, coming off with a 450 splash!
BS: The Air Guitar! The Kid’s finisher!
Ozzy rolls out of the way at the last second and The Kid eats mat. Ozzy looks down at The Kid, RRR, and his partner Jimi Sinister and starts climbing. He makes it to the top and climbs out, both feet touching the floor.
BS: And the Heavy Metal Express pick up the win!
The ref unlocks the door and Jimi stumbles out to clasp hands with Ozzy and the Party Animals follow. After a moment of starting between the two teams, they shake hands and make their separate ways to the back.
GM: Now that's what I'm talking about! That's classic wrestling. Those two teams gave it their all and the better team won.
BS: I've got nothing against it. Yes they fought one heck of a match and they congradulated eachother for it.
GM: You're finally SSN?
BS: No! I just hate how Gottfired shoves the thing in our faces all the time!
GM: You'll learn young appritence.
{The scene cuts out and opens up to the back again where Hellfighter is still being treated by one of the EMT's on hand. As she is checking his forehead Nemesis crashes the scene and slams a wooden bat to the back of Hellfighter before he can even react.}
BS: DAMNIT NOT AGAIN!
GM: This doesn't look good!
{Hellfighter falls and Nemesis continues the assult laying the bat into the leg of Hellfighter with repeated shots. The EMT tries to stop the attack, but Nemesis pushes her aside and continues the bashing. Soon enough security makes their way again and Nemesis drops the bat with a wicked smile on his face.}
N: WEEERRRRRWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
BS v/o: This is SICK! Hellfighter has just been attacked again by Manifest Destiny! Folks we'll be right back!
{As the show comes back on the scene shows that Powers, Fairhurst, and Miso are talking over by the television monitors when Saul E. Dastardly comes walking up behind them.}
SED: Hey! What are you three doing here? You don't have a match.
KP: So? What? You giving us the night off? You know you need all the EWI wrestlers here considering what I've been seeing. Deezee getting attacked by Bass, Bass attacking Love, Deezee attacking Love, and Melissa punking the SSN ...
SED: NO SHE DIDN'T!
RF: We saw the replay so don't lie you little twerp.
SED: Don't you .... hey wait. Where's Apocalypse.
M: Oh he ... has a match in another state so he couldn't make it.
SED: Good. I can only imagine all four of you here.
KP: From what I seen you need to get your (looks down) 'staff' together cause Zieba looks like he isn't playing.
SED: YOU SEEN HIM!
RF: Yeah. Him and Gemini.
SED: WHICH WAY DID THEY GO?
KP/RF/M: (pointing in three different directions) That way George.
SED: (with a disgusted look on his face) I dispise you three I swear .....
{As he walks away Powers and Fairhurst turn towards Miso.
RF: Another state?
M: State ... of mind?
KP: (laughing) Oh you're no good.
{The scene then cuts back to the announcers' table.}
GM: I don't trust them. Not in the slightest.
BS: You don't trust bartenders!
GM: Well? Why DO they need constant tips?? YOU TELL ME!
(Cue up: "Another Brick in the Wall" Pink Floyd. On the video wall, the Overdrive logo appears, followed by shots of each of the men in action. The music changes to "Time of Your Life" Green Day, and a male voice over comes through over the loudspeakers.)
V/O: In 1990, "Whirlwind" Chad Lawrence and "Special Delivery" Sean Dayton first met at the National High School Wrestling Championship. Lawrence took that round, but before they would finish high school, they would face each other three times more, with each ending up a two time champion. Then came the college years.
(Cue up: "It's My Life" Bon Jovi, as the video's change to shots of Whirlwind and Dayton in their college singlets.)
V/O: With Dayton at Michigan and Whirlwind at Arizona State, the stage was set for another four year split. In all four years, it went down to an overtime period, where pinfall would prove the deciding factor all four years, each gaining victory twice. The two shared the unbreakable bond of battle hardened warriors, becoming as familiar with the other as they were with themselves. In 1998, after both men graduated from their respective universities, they decided to venture into the world of professional wrestling, under the tutelage of legendary hardcore wrestler Nash Williams.
(Cue up: "My Own Worst Enemy" Lit)
V/O: Williams taught the two fiery youngsters how to blend their amateur wrestling, submission, and martial arts knowledge with wrestling's new wave of risk taking and high flying. after struggling with the new blend, they quickly adapted to become a lethal tag combination. After 6 months at Williams MidWest Wrestling Alliance, they left in mid-1998 for the big time, which they struggled to find. Dayton required arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and Whirlwind fell into a steroid addiction. After missing all of 1999 and half of 2000 due to these resurfacing problems, the two reunited at the MWWA's Roundup Event, where they won the MWWA tag team titles in a Last Stand Ironmen Tables match by using their Double Overdrive finisher toknock an opponent through four tables at the buzzer. The time was right to venture into the territory of Extreme Wrestling International, where they have found their niche as OVERDRIVE.
(Cue up: "Another Brick in the Wall" Pink Floyd, as a showering of red, gold, and blue pyro rockets off throughout the arena. The Overdrive logo again appears on the screen, and from behind the wall of pyro comes Whirlwind and Sean Dayton. Whirlwind wears a Damage Insurance t-shirt with ASU singlet undernaeth, and Dayton wears his Special Delivery t-shirt with UM singlet underneath. They walk to the ring to a good reaction, slapping hands with fans. At the apron, they both somersault into the ring. a technical worker tosses both men microphones.)
Whirlwind: Hellooooooooooo, Saint Louis! The greatest show on Earth is in the arena, and we ain't talking bout no Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, big top stuff, we're talking about the Overdrive.
Sean Dayton: I gotta admit, I've never been here before, but I love this town! I mean, McGwire, the Rams, the Blues, and that Gateway Arch. This place is awesome.
Whirlwind: And Sean, you know what makes this place even greter?
Sean Dayton: No man, what?
Whirlwind: Some of the greatest fans on the planet!
Sean: I guess your damn right bout that!
(Crowd pops.)
Whirlwind: Now, down to the business at hand, the Motor City Maniacs and the "Clash" Keith Rotten. It seems you fools were the first to accept the Overdrive Challenge. Now, you see, we asked for a partner, and we don't know who he is, and we don't know who does know who he is. But, one thing's for sure, if he's with Overdrive, he'll end up on top.
Sean Dayton: Motor City Maniacs, Rotten, it's time for you to prepare for a little, "Special Delivery". I'm a bit angry right now, cause the Calab-O took us down on our first night in the shoiw. So, I plan to make up for that tonight, when your delivery might just be a Mail Bomb!
Whirlwind: Like you just saw on the video, we've worked for ten years to get to the EWI. I was a steroid addict, Sean had his knee scoped in 99. We've struggled, and now its our time to shine. Maniacs, you're the first in a long line of people to ste up to the plate and be knocked right down. wE will prove ourselves tonight, and we won't be afraid to resort to drastic measures to do so.
Sean Dayton: You three better be on the lookout tonight, cause we're on a bit of a rampage. 10 years of pain, suffering, and hard work are going to start paying off for thw two of us. We've come to damn far, and wroked to damn hard, to go back now. We're here for the long haul, and we're gonna have our day in the sun. So watch out, or you might get steamrolled.
Whirlwind: Rotten, Maniacs, the time has come for you to meet your makers. You will notsurivive tonight, we'll see to it. Our destiny awaits us in thos Extreme Wrestling International Tag Team Titles that the MA hold. We'll worry about them after we take care of you tonight.
Sean Dayton: It's time for the Overdrive to begin. IT is inevitable that we will be victorious. As a great movie president once said, "We will not go quietly into the night, we will not go down without a figt. Today, we declare our Independence Day". Now that last part might not work, but the rest does. MCM, Rotten,we're on a path to the top, and
Both: WE JUST DARE YOU
Whirlwind: Totry and stop the unstoppable.
(Both men heads to the back to prepare for their match.)
GM: I'm telling you that team impresses me! I got to see their debut here and now they're about to face The Motor City Maniacs and Keith Rotten? And they're that confident? That team is gonna go far!
BS: There is no doubt about that! Folks coming up is the much antipated Television title match between current titleholder Zero and he'll face SSN's own Chris Lehew.
GM: The pride of the SSN is on the line as Lehew goes out for another crack at the TV title, but he's facing an old nemesis as Zero stands in front of his glory. Some say it'll be classic and I agree with them, but Lehew will take that belt!
BS: You sure about that?
GM: I would bet your house and car on it!
BS: Swift. Let's go to the ring for our next match!
Lehew is introduced to the crowd first, with the crowd booing loudly as he makes his way to the ring.
BS: Lehew looks ready, and we know that these two can't wait to get at each other. Their little scuffle earlier in the show was evidence of that.
Zero makes his entrance next, slapping hands with the fans as he walks to the ring, but never taking his eyes off of Lehew. "The Southern Fox" slides into the ring cautiously. He then hands the Television title belt to the referee.
GM: What's he acted so scared for? Maybe he doesn't really want any of Lehew!
BS: You know better, Garrett.
The referee calls for the bell and the two men square off. Zero backs Lehew into a corner and unleashes a series of knife-edge chops. Lehew fires back with a pair of right hands. Zero whips his challenger to the ropes and catches him with a hiptoss on the rebound. Lehew springs back to his feet quickly though, and fires off a dropkick. He follows up by slamming Zero to the canvas and then waits for Zero to stand up. As the champion gets to his feet, Lehew goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but Zero catches him with a fist to the midsection and then follows up with a spinning leg lariat. He covers and the referee counts: one...two...Lehew kicks out.
BS: The champion is strong here in the opening moments of the contest.
GM: Bah! It's early. Lehew will leave with the belt tonight.
Zero brings Lehew to his feet and Lehew suddenly goes to the eyes, sending Zero staggering across the ring blindly. Lehew unleashes a boot to the stomach and then suplexes the champion up and over. He follows up with a legdrop and then covers him. The referee counts: one...two...Zero kicks out. The challenger picks Zero up and slams him back down and then heads to the top rope.
BS: What could we see here?
GM: Could be anything, but if he hits it, we might have a new champ!
As Zero gets to his feet, Lehew launches off the top turnbuckle for a missile dropkick. At the last possible second, Zero dodges the move and Lehew crumples to the canvas. The champion gets a slight running start and then connects with a senton splash. He hooks the leg and the referee counts: one...two...Lehew kicks out. Suddenly the crowd pops huge as a lone figure makes his way out from the back wearing baggy jeans and a wifebeater. The figure is also carrying a metal baseball bat.
GM: Is that... Is that who I think it is?!
BS: I think so! He's back! Inferno is back!
Back in the ring, Lehew has regained the momentum. He's heading up top, as Inferno jumps up onto the apron and lays into the back of Lehew's knee, making him tumble. His legs get caught in the rope as he falls and he hangs upside down by his leg, outside the ring.
BS: Good lord! What is he doing?!
Inferno rams his bat into Lehew's side a few times and then drops it on the ground. He points at Zero as he pulls a microphone from his back pocket and starts a brief speech.
IN: I'm baaaccckkk. Well folks, I just couldn't keep away from what I loved. The fans...the wrestlers...the sensless beatings! Heh, but Lehew...
Inferno glances at the hanging man as the crowd continues it's frenzied cheers.
IN: No hard feelings, I just needed a shmuck to make a point. You were just in the wrong place at the right time. You get to witness my return front row! But that's all besides the point. What matters is that I'm back, I mean business, and nobody's safe that isn't a friend.
Inferno looks sternly out to the crowd before shooting the ever-present smirk.
IN: Now that I'm back, I'm not making another run at the cruiserweight title...no, no, my friends. I've had enough of those lower-end belts. I'm making a climb up the ladder towards the top, starting...with that.
The crowd falls silent as Inferno points to the man in the ring, his friend, the television champion. Zero's eyes widen as he realize Inferno's intent as the returned wreslter offers an almost apologetic shrug, gives a departing kick to hanging Lehew's head, then exits the ring. After a long moment the crowd starts to cheer again, coming out of their shock.
BS: Inferno's back and he wants the Television title?!
GM: What's he done to deserve it?
BS: Well, the man is a talented wrestler, but to come back and demand a title shot? We'll have to see what Commissioner Dupree has to say about that.
Back to the match, the referee pulls Lehew out of the ropes and checks him over. Zero looks at the referee as if to ask what he should do and the referee only shrugs. With a resounding sigh, Zero covers Lehew and the referee counts: one...two..thr...foot on the ropes.
BS: Holy Moley! Lehew got a foot on the bottom rope! He's still in this one!
GM: Holy Moley? Why don't you yell out "Shazam!" and call down your mystic thunderbolt next, Captain Marvel?
BS: Shut up, Garrett.
Zero climbs up on a nearby turnbuckle and waits for Lehew to pull himself up. After a few moments, Lehew finally does so with the assistance of the ropes. At that moment, Zero dives at him and takes him back down with a spear.
BS: Spear! Spear! Zero hits a diving spear from the 2nd rope!
GM: Well have a coronary, why don't ya?!
Zero pulls Lehew up into a standing head scissors and then executes a diving powerbomb. The champion then throws his head back, as if in a silent scream, before locking on Zero Tolerance.
BS: There is it! Zero's version of the figure-four leglock!
GM: Fight it Lehew!
Lehew struggles to get to the nearest set of ropes as the referee asks him if he wants to submit. Lehew does not relent and instead continues to fight for the ropes. Just as he's mere inches away from the ropes, Zero bears down on the hold and Lehew suddenly taps out.
BS: "The Southern Fox" has retained the title, but you've got to give credit to Inferno because if not for his attack, Lehew stood a very good chance of capturing the title!
GM: This is a travesty! A travesty! Dupree or someone in charge should do something about this!
(The camera flips on backstage somewhere. Gemini and Zieba stand in the backstage area, debating something. It's a pretty animated discussion, heated on both sides.)
Gemini: Why not?
Zieba: I said NO Gemini.
Gemini: Erik, it will only take a few seconds and that's it! Let us go and take care of this!
Zieba: Gemini, I agreed to this on the condition that I would call the shots. I didn't call this shot. You stay put, end of discussion. Got it?
Gemini: But if he loses, he's done! Out of the fed! Erik, you have to believe we empathize with that!
Zieba: I feel for Waz Up, I really do. But now is not the time or the place. Trust me. If he loses, well, when you punt gottried out of power and put me back where I'm supposed to be I'll hire him back, ok?
Gemini: But... we...
Zieba: No buts. You either do what you are told or I'm gonna get back in the limo and leave you on your own. Your call.
Gemini: (Wearing a dismayed look.) Tell us again why we asked you to do this?
Zieba: It must be my charming personality. Now let it go. C'mon... I'm pretty sure I saw some brie back in the refreshment area.
Gemini: Aw... crap. (Sighs.) All right... we'll do it your way.
Zieba: (under his breath) As usual.
Gemini: What did you just say?
Zieba: I said I've got contracts to peruse. Lets go.
Gemini: Yeah.. lets. I really don't want to see it happen if Waz Up gets burned.
Zieba: Why Gemini, you pair of old softies...
Gemini: Shaddup!
GM v/o: DAMNIT SAUL FIND THEM!
BS v/o: IT COULD BE GETTING NASTY SOON! We got to cut out, but don't you DARE go away!