We open backstage in the General Manager's office. The GM Shawn Taylor, and an unknown superstar are leaning over his desk signing the rest of the contract. Shawn Taylor turns to the young man, and shakes his head.
GM Shawn Taylor: Congratulations! Welcome to the XWF.... Mike Dimter.... you will be debuting on our August 28th summer ending pay per view.... "Meltdown"! Looking forward to seeing you in action with us.
Mike Dimter: Thank you for this oppurtunity Mr. Taylor. You won't regret it!
With that they shake hands, and Mike Dimter exits his office to the left. The General Manager Shawn Taylor isn't done though yet. He walks up to the camera, and stares straight in to the lens. The people jammed packed in the Q Arena in Cleveland, Ohio give him a ton of heat! They boo him loud as they can, and he is well aware of their displeasure towards him.
If you notice today. If you look around. You will see that someone is missing in action. No, I'm not talking about Caleb Cross.. who has been put out of commission by the S.O.S. No, you see I'm speaking of one Carlos A. Shotgun! Because, TONIGHT .. he has been BANNED from the arena!!! .... Enjoy the show!
You could hear the fans boo'ing the crap out of him, and cheering for Shotgun when his name was mentioned. These people are growing restless out at ringside. When "TV MA" appears on the screen. His music kicks on, and here comes the XWF World Heavyweight Champion. With Sasha Shotgun by his side "TV_MA" Mark Adkins makes his way to the ring with the championship belt in his hand. He hops up on the apron, and steps in the ring. He snatches a microphone from Danielle Worley, and waits for his music to die down.
"TV_MA" Mark Adkins: You see ... there is someone who's name graces the roster .... though I don't know why. He's been washed up. Judging by the last 2 times we stepped in the ring together ... .. judging by this belt I hold here in my hand. That man .. is nothing but a COWARD. And that COWARD's name.. is Carlos Shotgun!!!
Some cheer that statement by Adkins. But, others boo in support of Shotgun.
You know. Shotty must be depressed that reality is sinking in. The reality of the situation is .. he's not the XWF World Champion.. he's runner up. He's not the best in the company.. I am. And it kills him! It utterly destroys him inside.. despite what he tells you, and what he leads you to believe. He's FRIEGHTEND of me, and he wouldn't strike me... because he knows exactly how HARD I could hit back!!
You could hear by the crowd reaction that some XWF fans disagree.
Despite this. Despite this coward's inability to really address the issue at hand... to come face-to-face with me, and settle it like a grown man. He's chose to hide. Hide behind his persona. I'm not hiding behind his wife. I'm just getting up behind her as soon as these cameras stop rolling, and I throw on my own personal tri-pod back at the hotel room... that's the ONLY time I'm behind this woman!
Fans cheer! Some boo. Some laugh. Some chant "TV MA"!! "TV MA"!!!
Regardless of the situation. We have something else to talk about tonight... something else to look forward to.. besides those 4 letters flashing on your screens..... something- that while it's not better than being "TV_MA". It actually involved "TV_MA". You see tonight.. there's an 8-man OVER THE TOP ROPE... Battle Royale. That will determine the new #1 contender. Well, wow... whoopie! Way to go XWF with an original idea of your own .. .... Shawn Taylor, surely Mr. Lucente put you up to this! I took it to Phoenix last week, and I already dismantled Shotgun.. who else is there left for me to even face?? I'd wave some smelling salts in front of Caleb Cross' nose.. to wake him up, and hit him with an End on 5! But, ... I don't have that kind of time. You see... tonight. Is inconsequential.. ... that's a big word.. so, I'll dumb it down for a few of you. It's insignificant. It's NOT important! Rather.. it has no barring on "Meltdown".. or this XWF World Title. Want to know why?? Because, I'm not losing this thing! I'm not losing at "Meltdown"... doesn't matter who the opponent is. You could throw all 8 of those men at me in a Gauntlet-style match, and rest assured I'll walk out the XWF World Champion just like I have many other times ......... so, you guys sit back, relax.. enjoy the festivities. To you superstars-- .. well, you better thank the high heavens that you get such an easy, golden opportunity.. because, they don't come along often! At the end of the day. It really doesn't matter who wins. Because, it will all end the same. It will end .. on an END ON 5!! It will end with the referee counting the 1, 2, 3... in MY favor!! That's the way it is.. that's the way it's been for along time, and it's going to remain that way... as long as I'm still here! As long as my heart still pumping blood. I'll be the one reigning atop the XWF with my Apostoles by my side, and this XWF World Championship around my waist!! Get use to it ...
With that "TV_MA" Mark Adkins drops the mic on the mat, and his theme music begins blaring over the loud speakers. Sasha reaches up, and pulls him in for a hug. She kisses him on the neck, and he sort of turns his head away from her. He heads to the back, and she chases like a little lap dog behind him.
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Jim Ross: Welcome everyone to Showdown! We are LIVE! here in the Q Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.. we got a couple big matches for to tonight. The XWF Tag Team Champions will square off against Cliff Saxton, and Gigantis in a non-title match .. that'll be up next. We also have Hawking Ripper vs. Oblivion in their debuts later on tonight. Followed by that 8-man Battle Royale to determine the new #1 contender for the XWF World Title.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: What a night it's going to be!
You can say that again!!
We then zoom in on various signs in this wild crowd. Such as: "TV MA", "Carlos Shotgun how's the view?", "S.O.S.", and "Hawking Ripper supporter!!!" Then we cut to our Showdown! video package, and get ready to officially open the show.
We cut back to a wide shot of the people inside the Q Arena. FIREWORKS, and PYROS go off everywhere!!! The crowd seems real excited for this first match of the night.
Gigantis & "Dangerous" Cliff Saxton vs. Wreckin' Crew (c) - Non-title match -
"Dangerous" Cliff Saxton, and his partner Gigantis make their way to the ring. These pair of stablemates from the "Skeletons Of Society" are prepared to take it to the current XWF Tag Team Champions. However, it will be a non-title match. They receive heat from the crowd, and as soon as the Wreckin' Crew theme hits. We have people popping to their feet, and cheering them on! The Wreckin' Crew has really won the crowd over as of late, and the S.O.S. keep adding to their bad guy reputation. Flip Johnson decides he is going to start the match off, and "Dangerous" Cliff Saxton is ready to start this one off as well. The BELL SOUNDS, and those 2 lock up in the center of the ring. Flip gets in control early, and works "Dangerous" Cliff Saxton over. He pummels him in the corner, and gives him a nice Hip Toss towards the mat. He locks on with a headlock on the ground, and wears Cliff down. Then Flip tags in Brutality, and he starts stomping away on Cliff Saxton. He picks him up, and body slams him. He picks him up, and body slams him again! He goes to the ropes, and comes bouncing back for a BIG LEG DROP.. but, Cliff moves out of the way, and Brutality catches a stiff canvas. Cliff crawls over, and tags in Gigantis! Brutality quickly crawls, and tags in Flip Johnson. But, soon as Flip gets in the ring he's met with a big right over hand. That chop takes Flip to the mat. Flip bounces back up, and Gigantis irish whips him to the ropes-- drilling him with a BIG BOOT to the face! Flip goes down hard, and Gigantis covers him up for the pin. 1, 2, shoulder up! Flip stays alive, and Gigantis picks him up by the head. He slings Flip in to the corner, and charges in for a Back Elbow. But, Flip ducks, and rolls out of there. He immediately tags in Brutality, and here comes the other-half of the Wreckin' Crew. But, as he tries to go toe-to-toe with Gigantis-- it is Gigantis who simply shoves him, and sends Brutality head-over-hills. The crowd gets excited! They can't believe he just man-handled Brutality like that. Gigantis than walks over, and lifts Brutality up by the head. He irish whips him to the ropes. Brutality ducks that BIG BOOT attempt. But, when he bounces back, and leaps up to take Gigantis down with a Crossbody. It's Gigantis who catches him, and just drops him over his knee with a devestating Back Breaker! He then covers him up for the 1, 2, KICK OUT!
Cliff Saxton is calling Gigantis on, and he walks over tagging his partner in. Cliff rushes in, and puts the boots to Brutality. He then walks over to Flip Johnson, and talks trash. Flip tries to step in the ring, and the ref holds him back. Meanwhile, Cliff irishwhips Brutality in to his corner, and Gigantis sticks his boot up in Brutality's grill. Cliff starts punching on his mid-section, and as the referee turns around they finally stop the double-team. Cliff Saxton then out of nowhere hops up, and places his legs around Brutality's neck.. whipping him to the mat with a beautiful Hurricanrana. Cliff then tags back in Gigantis, and he begins stomping away on Brutality! Brutality tries to crawl out of there. But, Gigantis drags him back by his feet, and drops a vicious elbow on his spine!! Gigantis covers Brutality up again, 1, 2, KICK OUT! Cliff calls Gigantis back over again, and Brutality sees his moment to reach up for the tag. Flip gets tagged in before Gigantis can make the tag, and Flip jumps on his back from behind. He tries to wear him down with a Sleeperhold. But, Gigantis simply grabs the back of Flip's head, and whips him over slamming him hard on the mat!! Flip hollers out in pain, and Gigantis makes the tag to Cliff Saxton as he places Flip Johnson in that deadly vice grip known as The Migraine. The referee is trying to seperate him from Flip, and finally does. But, the damage looks done as Flip Johnson falls helplessly to the mat. "Dangerous" Cliff Saxton walks over, and lifts Flip Johnson up. Before setting him up for a Killswitch, and planting him with his finisher also known as "The Finisher"!!! Cliff smiles as he lays his back over Flip Johnson's chest, and the referee makes the count. 1, 2, .. Brutality pulls Flip Johnson out of the ring. He stands his friend up on the outside mat, and tries to snap Flip out of it. The referee stands up, and yells out at the Wreckin' Crew. He begins his 10-second countout, and Cliff Saxton looks furious. He screams out at them to GET BACK IN THE RING! But, Brutality waves him off. He helps walk Flip Johnson up the ramp with his arm slung over his shoulder, and barely making it on his own 2 feet. The referee is still counting, and finally reaches "10"! Officially counting the Wreckin' Crew out, and awarding the match to the 2 members of the "S.O.S."
Match Grade: C-, Match Duration: 6 minutes, and 24 seconds, Match Result: Gigantis & Cliff Saxton via countout.
We cut backstage where William Knighthawk, and Tyroneus Del Rio are standing by with GM Shawn Taylor.
William Knighthawk: Did you just see that?? Huh?
Tyroneus Del Rio: Yeah, even though it was non title.. how can you trust those 2 as your tag team champions? Someone in the Skeletons of Society deserves to be holding those belts ...
Let me remind you two what is at stake tonight! There is an 8-man over the top rope Battle Royale, and the winner of that will go on to "Meltdown" to face off against Mark Adkins. Why don't you two focus on tonight's #1 contendership, and maybe someone in the S.O.S. could actually be the World Champion one day..
Those two Skeletons Of Society members shakes their head in disbelief, and walk out of the GM Shawn Taylor's office. From there we cut away to a HOME VIDEO taped earlier today by Caleb Cross.
From his home with a neck brace on, and sitting in a stiff chair. Caleb Cross quietly begins speaking to the fans of the XWF at home, and LIVE! at the Q Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Caleb Cross: As everyone might know by now. I have suffered a concussion at the hands of those basterds known as the S.O.S. While I think that is the most ridiculous name ever.... it was those men- this past Showdown! ... who looked like they were in disarray. Everyone in the XWF.. including myself-- thought that Cliff Saxton was no longer a part of their group. That him, and Tyroneus Del Rio has problems out in the ring earlier. That it was just the 3 of them now, and I tried to save my partner. I tried to come out, and rescue my friend. Instead, I was jumped behind by that coward, and the Skeletons Of Society really took it to me out there in the ring. But, it wasn't until Gigantis stomped away on me in an alley a block away from the stadium .... it wasn't until the "Dark Prince" William Knighthawk dropped me on my skull with one of his famous Craddle Piledrivers!! LOOK at me William! Look at me now damnit! ... You have injured by neck... you caused me to have a concussion, and now.. the doctors won't even clear me to wrestle. If it wasn't bad enough that Justice Legal put me in the hospital with a similiar incident a few weeks back... you guys have to take it upon yourself to attack a helpless man. It's ONE THING when we take care of buisness out in that ring... it's another when you make it personal. What you did.. is against the law!! I should be pressing charges against you bozos. But, that's not my style ... you see, thought I'll be out of commission for a few months. I NEVER rule out a come back.... NEVER!! So, you boys keep looking over your shoulders.... make sure to keep looking for me... ... because, YOU NEVER KNOW when I'm going to strike! You never know when I'll be back to seek my revenge on you 4 men! Your time will come.. rest assured. You might have got rid of me for now. But, you haven't killed me... ..and what doesn't kill you-- ONLY MAKES YOU STRONGER.
With that Caleb Cross smirks at the lone camera, and the scene fades out. We cut to a few quick HBO promos for their series such as "Entourage", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and an HBO First Look at the movie "Inception".
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We cut to ringside where newcomer Hawking Ripper is awaiting his opponent Oblivion, and these 2 are about to have their debut matchup here on Showdown!
Oblivion vs. Hawking Ripper - Standard match --
The lights dim low, and out comes Oblivion to mixed reactions from the crowd. He wastes no time getting in to the ring, and locking eyes with Hawking Ripper across the ring. The BELL SOUNDS, and Hawking Ripper immediately grabs the referee putting him inbetween himself, and Oblivion. He talks it over with the ref, and claims he wants Oblivion to be searched for weapons. The fans start boo'ing as the ref complies, and approaches Oblivion. The big newcomer doesn't seem to be enjoying this accusation one bit. The referee pats his legs down, and finds him to be clean. Oblivion goes to push the referee aside but Hawking Ripper strikes with force! A nice running fist to Oblivion's face, and then he works the big man back in to the corner. He throws fist, after fist at him, and suddenly Oblivion snaps! He grabs Hawking Ripper with 2 hands by the throat, and lifts him off the ground. He yells something at him, and then simply turns to toss him right in that very corner. Oblivion begins whaling on him with right hands, and then as Hawking Ripper falls to the mat. Oblivion begins choking him out with his boot. The referee counts him off, and then pulls Oblivion away. But, Oblivion doesn't take to kindly to that. He yells down at the referee, and shows his authority. He turns and walks right in to Hawking Ripper lifting himself up-- KICKING Oblivion right in the jaw! Oblivion turns grasping his face, and Ripper mounts the turnbuckle. He signals to the crowd. Who actually CHEER this guy, and he leaps off with a brilliant Missle Dropkick from the top rope!! The crowd POPS, and he makes the unsuspected cover. 1, 2, kick out!! Oblivion launches Hawking Ripper off of him, and rolls to a knee. He graspes his face. But, Ripper wastes no time, and Dropkicks Oblivion right where he stands! That shot knocks Oblivion to the canvas, and Ripper makes another quick cover. 1, 2, another kick out!! Hawking Ripper doesn't argue with the ref. He just rubs his elbow in Oblivion's face, and covers him for a 3rd time. 1, 2, shoulder up! Hawking Ripper backs up to the ropes now, and comes in dropping a straight ELBOW to Oblivion's skull! He hooks a leg, and the referee makes the count again. 1, 2, kick out!
Hawking Ripper goes to lift Oblivion up by the hair, and the referee warns him he can't grab the hair. But, Oblivion chops Ripper in the stomach, and then lays him out with an overhand right! Hawking Ripper bounces back to his feet, and Oblivion snatches him up lifting him in the air for a High Angle Suplex!! He drops Ripper to the canvas, and then rolls back to a knee. Hawking Ripper rolls around in pain, and pulls himself up with the ropes. He turns to rush Oblivion. But, Oblivion quickly gets to his feet-- kicks Ripper in the gut, and plants him with a Double Arm Hook DDT!! The crowd marks out for that for some reason, and he makes the cover now. 1, 2, KICK OUT by Hawking Ripper!! Oblivion argues with the official, and then rolls to his feet. He lifts Hawking Ripper up by the arm, and he irish whips him in to the corner. Oblivion charges, and does a complete BODY SPLASH on him!! He smashes Hawking Ripper in that corner. But, doesn't stop there.. he irish whips him to the opposite corner now, and rushes in-- BODY SPLASHING him yet again!! He pulls Hawking Ripper close towards him, and puts him in a brutal sideheadlock. Ripper falls to a knee, and Oblivion wears him down from there. Ripper looks in trouble. He's starting to fall asleep, and the referee asks if he wants to quit? Ripper doesn't respond, and the referee proceeds to lift his arm up to determine if he's still conscious. He lifts his arm ONCE, and it drops on it's own. He lifts Hawking Ripper's arm AGAIN, and yet again it drops on it's own. He goes to lift up Hawking Ripper's arm a THIRD TIME. But, this time Ripper keeps his arm up. He begins shaking his fist, and the crowd gets real in to it!! They are heating up here in Cleveland, Ohio .. while Ripper works himself off the mat. Both men are on their feet, and Oblivion refuses to release the hold. So, Ripper elbows him in the gut twice, and then springs away from that sideheadlock. He bounces off the ropes, and runs in to a stiff Shoulderblock from Oblivion! That lone shot takes Hawking Ripper down hard, and Oblivion goes towards the ropes now. He bounces back, and goes to place a nicely timed ELBOW to his forehead. But, Ripper rolls out of the way, and catches the canvas instead!! Hawking Ripper rolls out of there, and tries to use the ropes to pull himself up. Oblivion rolls to his feet now, and he approaches Ripper from behind. He looks to be going for one of his finishers known as The Straight Jacket. It is his version of the Full Nelson. But, as he goes to grab ahold of Hawking Ripper. It is Ripper who side steps it, and ducks out of there. He dropkicks Oblivion from behind, and Oblivion ends up hunched over the top rope. Hawking Ripper approaches from behind now, and grabs him by the legs. Oblivion still leaning over the top rope. It's Ripper who lifts him up in the air by the legs, and plants a hard boot to his inner thigh!! Oblivion hobbles around in pain, and Ripper grabs him by the back of the head. He DROPS him with a Bulldog in the center of the ring!! He makes the quick cover, and the 1, 2, KICK OUT!! Hawking Ripper is not happy about that. He gets to his feet, and sizes Oblivion up. He tries to rush in for a Clothesline. But, it barely effects the big man. Oblivion doesn't barely budge. Hawking Ripper backs up to the ropes again, and rushes in again. But, Oblivion grabs him with both arms.. lifts him high up in the air, and spins around with Ripper-- dropping him with a modified Sidewalk Slam of some sort!! That powerful moves SHAKES the ring!! Oblivion gets to his feet, and a smiles grows on his face. He looks to put an end to Ripper here possibly with his Signature Move known as The Black Hole which is a Spinaround DDT. He goes to lift Ripper up. But, Ripper purposely shoves Oblivion away, and right in to the referee. But, Oblivion puts his two arms around the ref, and holds him up from falling. Suddenly, Hawking Ripper approaches Oblivion from behind, and rolls him up for a Schoolboy Pinning Combination. The referee checks on his shoulder, and isn't aware that Hawking Ripper now has a handful of Oblivion's pants. The referee makes the count, and the 1, 2, 3!!! The fans are shocked, and some of them actually celebrate this moment. Hawking Ripper hops up, and down like he just won the title. He poses on the turnbuckle, and points out to a row of Autistic kids who he flew in for this very event. He looks soo happy to have won his first ever XWF match here on Showdown! .. but, when he hops off that turnbuckle. He turns, and walks right in to a superkick known as "Check Out Time"!! Delivered by Oblivion himself!! That hard kick takes Hawking Ripper down, and Oblivion hovers over him. He looks like he wants to attack further. But, the referee pleads with him. Oblivion pushes the ref back a few feet, and seriously gets in Hawking Ripper's face now. Oblivion looks disgusted. But, he backs away from him, and exits the ring on his own. He heads up the ramp, and the referee checks on the injured Hawking Ripper who was just laid out with that superkick!
Match Grade: C, Match Duration: 8 minutes, and 2 seconds, Match Result: Hawking Ripper via pinfall.
While we fade away from ringside with the referee checking on Hawking Ripper. We then cut Backstage where Ryan Ryder, and Dark Stranger are having a private conversation.
Ryan Ryder: You know Dark Stranger.. just as well as I do.. that it all pans out tonight.
Dark Stranger: Yeah, Ryan I am with you. You know that I enjoyed being a team, and tonight we should work as a unit.. until we are the last 2 left.
You know. That's not such a bad idea. The ReArrangers might not be in tag action tonight. But, we are still brothers.. we are still friends.... so tonight, I'm down with that! Me, and you Dark Stranger.. lets make a pact!
Ryan Ryder extends his hand, and The Dark Stranger of course grabs it. They shake hands for the camera, and the scene fades out for a moment.
Suddenly, Hawking Ripper is tearing through the backstage area, and he finds Oblivion who is about to cut an interview with Mitch Keller. Hawking Ripper pounces on him out of nowhere!! He starts beating on him as Oblivion is barely able to defend himself from this sneak attack. Hawking Ripper then drags Oblivion over, and smacks his head off of the catering table. He tosses Oblivion face-first in to the brick wall. Suddenly, The Game walks up, and shoves Hawking Ripper back a few feet ... breaking up this battle .. as Oblivion recovers helplessly on the ground. Hawking Ripper says, "YOU MADE THIS PERSONAL!!"
The scene fades out on Hawking Ripper's yelling face.
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Back at ringside the members of S.O.S, and the ReArrangers are already in the ring. Those 4 men, or those 2 pair of teams rather staring each other down.
William Knighthawk, Justice Legal, "The Game", Ryan Ryder, Jon Hampton, The Dark Stranger, Tyroneus Del Rio, Xavier Phoenix - in an 8-man over the top rope BATTLE ROYALE to decide the new #1 contender for the XWF World Title --
Xavier Phoenix comes out to a rising ovation! Best reaction of the night so far... Jon Hampton comes out, and has mic in hand. He says, "I should've won back at Xtreme Battle Zone that night. I deserved to win that match! Adkins didn't, and Shotgun certainly didn't deserve walking out champion that night, .. headlining Xtreme Mania 6 ... that was MY dream!! Since he took it away from me.. I only find it fitting that I actually WON my match at Xtreme Mania 6 when I beat Shiru Vanchiez .. .. this time.. I'm not going to be screwed. I'm going to walk in off the streets. Like I have many times before .. I'm going to show these people of the XWF exactly what I'm about. That I am the "Chosen One".. the "Ultimate One", and your soon to be NUMBER ONE .. contender .... it's JUST THAT SIMPLE."
"The Game" comes out next to lots of boo's. Then here comes Justice Legal but he stands up on the apron, and then hops back down.. the referee orders him in the ring, and GM Shawn Taylor comes out saying, "Justice Legal either you get in the ring right now.. or you forfeit your spot in this #1 contendership for the XWF World Heavyweight Title! What's it going to be ......??" Suddenly, Crimson Tide steps out next to GM Shawn Taylor on the top of the ramp, and the crowd goes BIZERK! Justice Legal starts walking up the ramp towards them, and Crimson Tide simply pats Taylor on the back before disappearing behind the curtains ... Justice Legal gives chase. But, never does find Crimson Tide backstage, and he forfeits his spot in this Battle Royale.
The bell sounds as now 7 men are in the ring, and the battle pursues. All 7 men begin attacking each other. Del Rio, and Knighthawk early on begin teaming up on Xavier Phoenix. Jon Hampton goes for Ryan Ryder. While, The Dark Stranger does work on The Game. It's Tyroneus Del Rio, and William Knighthawk who lift Xavier Phoenix off the ground, and plant him with a Double Suplex!! The crowd gives them heat as they pop up, and taunt Phoenix on the mat. Ryder comes out of nowhere, and clotheslines the heck out of Tyroneus Del Rio. But, now William Knighthawk smashes Ryan Ryder from behind, and begins stomping awat at him. Dark Stranger sees what's going on, and he tries to break it up. But, Knighthawk responds with a hard open hand uppercut! That shot takes Dark Stranger back a few feet, and when Del Rio gets to his feet. It's Knighthawk pointing out at Dark Stranger, and they both attempt to Double-Clothesline him over the top rope. But, Dark Stranger manages to hold his balance on those ropes by reaching back, and grabbing them. The try to dump him out now. But, he pounds on Knighthawk's back, and tries fighting off Del Rio. Until Ryan Ryder joins the fray, and begins work ong Tyroneus Del Rio. He pulls him apart, and they begin duking it out.
We see Xavier Phoenix taking his time trying to get up in the corner. While Jon Hampton drops The Game on his head with a well-executed Brain Buster!! Hampton than scoops The Game off the mat, and walks him over to the ropes. The Game tries to wiggle out of it. But, Jon "The Man" Hampton just dumps him over the top rope with ease, and the 2nd person officially missing out on that #1 contender spot tonight is "The Game". He was on a roll through the early parts of 2011. But, after his big win at the "Hell in a Cell" match against Del Rio at "Independence Day". Well, he just hasn't seemed to recover. Now, Hampton turns, and walks in to a Enziguri by Xavier Phoenix! That hard kick rattles a few brain cells, and Phoenix proceeds to start choking Hampton out with his barehands on the mat. Just choking away at the man that pinned him back at "Xtreme Battle Zone" in his debut... costing him a chance to become XWF World Champion as a rookie off the streets. But, now Phoenix is getting his little revenge. Meanwhile, Ryan Ryder is struggling trying to dump Tyroneus Del Rio out. But, he's unable to. William Knighthawk is working Dark Stranger over in the corner trying to lift him up. But, Dark Stranger pounds on his back, and then grabs Knighthawk by the throat. He turns, and launches him in to the corner. The Dark Stranger begins working him over now. With stiff right, and lefts to the face! He backs up, and charges for a Clothesline. But, Knighthawk ducks out of it, and performs a beautiful looking Backstabber!!! That hard shot wakes the crowd up, and William Knighthawk pops to his feet taunting the XWF fans. He's playing to the crowd, and suddenly Ryan Ryder grabs him from behind. He grabs the back of his head, and runs with Knighthawk tossing him over the top rope-- BUT he grabs the rope as he's being tossed up, and lands on the outside apron. Ryan Ryder is unaware of this as he goes back to work on Tyroneus Del Rio. He's trying to eliminate him now. But, Knighthawk rolls back in the ring, and strikes Ryder hard across the back with a nice Forearm shot! He grabs the back of Ryder's head, and pulls him in for a Reverse DDT!! He lays Ryan Ryder out with that move, and he starts signaling to Del Rio that it's time to make their move. They lift Ryder up, and begin trying to toss him over the top rope.
Ryder scratches, claws, and punches his way out of the double-team. But, Knighthawk comes back with a KICK to the mid-section. Him, and his stablemate Tyroneus Del Rio try again to get Ryan Ryder out. They manage to get him up over the top rope. But, he lands on the outside apron. Knighthawk, and Del Rio begin kicking him. Trying to slide him off the apron. Trying to eliminate "The Real Deal" Ryan Ryder! The crowd is stirring. But, Dark Stranger approaches from behind, and grabs Tyroneus Del Rio. He pulls him over, and looks to give him a Chokeslam in the center of the ring. He goes to lift him off the ground with one hand. When "The Dark Prince" William Knighthawk comes out of nowhere, and clocks Dark Stranger from behind. He then runs with him, and dumps him over the top rope. Where Dark Stranger bounces off the outside apron, and down to the outside mat. He has been the 3rd person eliminated from this contest! Dark Stranger is none to happy as he pounds the mat with his fists. Del Rio, and Knighthawk smile at each other. They point towards Ryan Ryder, and begin working him over. But, Phoenix pulls Knighthawk away suddenly. After giving up on trying to dump Hampton out of the ring. It's Phoenix who starts throwing wild fists at Knighthawk, and getting the whole crowd riled up!!! The fans are electric. As Phoenix ducks a right hand attempt by Knighthawk. Using his own momentum to place him in, and execute an Atomic Drop. William Knighthawk hops around the ring, and he almost turns in to a DRAMA CLUB!! But, that spinning heel kick misses it's target when William Knighthawk ducks it, and actually sweeps Xavier Phoenix's feet out from underneath him. With a nice trick of his own! Del Rio is working on Ryder. But, decides to turn his attention to Phoenix again. Knighthawk, and Del Rio stomp away at him. Showing their power as the S.O.S.
Ryan Ryder comes out of nowhere. He breaks it up. He tackles Del Rio, and begins whailing away on him. William Knighthawk tries breaking it up. Jon Hampton gets to his feet, and he proceeds stomping away at Phoenix. Refusing to make enemies with the S.O.S. Now, it's Knighthawk, and Del Rio fighting with Ryan Ryder trying to get him out. Jon Hampton then takes a shot to the gut from Phoenix as he slowly was lifting him up by his hair. Phoenix then pulls a Dropkick out of nowhere, and that shot knocks Hampton off his feet. Phoenix pops up, and helps Ryan Ryder out of his predictament. He begins working over William Knighthawk, and Del Rio is stuck working alone on Ryder who fights his way out of the corner now. Ryder, and Del Rio exchanging punches! Phoenix beating up on Knighthawk momentarily. It's Xavier Phoenix who scoops William Knighthawk up, and Bodyslams him hard to the canvas! Seeing a free moment, and a few crazy fans marking out for him. Phoenix decides to give the XWF crowd a show! He signals for, and hops up on the ropes. He goes for, and actually connects with a Flight of the Phoenix!!! That magnificent Starship Pain maneuver kind of takes the wind out of both men. Ryan Ryder is working Del Rio in the corner now, and manages to dump him over the top rope. But, Del Rio lands on the outside apron instead.
Ryan Ryder tries using ropes as leverage, and tries kicking Del Rio off the apron. But, he won't budge. He holds on the bottom ropes for dare life. Phoenix is slow to get to his feet, and Hampton is slowly getting to his feet. They are both on a knee facing each other. But, they glance over at Ryan Ryder, and they share a strange look. They both get to their feet, and with the same agenda in mind. Phoenix, and Hampton try eliminating Ryder from behind. But, he somehow holds on to the ropes as he's starting to go over. He keeps himself in the ring. Del Rio rolls in now on his own, and rolls over near his partner. Phoenix, and Hampton try to get Ryder out!! They keep trying!! Ryan Ryder is stuck on the ropes. With Jon Hampton, and Xavier Phoenix actually working together to get him out. Hampton eventually turns on Phoenix with a hard right hand to the skull! He starts working him back in the middle of the ring, and now Phoenix fights back hard!!! Hampton stalls a couple punches. He kicks him in the gut, and Phoenix bends down grasping his stomach. Hampton takes off towards the ropes. He bounces back, and goes for a Fameasser!! But, Phoenix moves out the way just in time. Jon Hampton suddenly turns right around, and Xavier Phoenix drills Hampton with a DRAMA CLUB kick to the skull!!!! The XWF crowd here in Cleveland, Ohio goes nuts for Phoenix right now!!
But, Knighthawk, and Del Rio go to work on Phoenix quickly. Ryan Ryder tries to recover in the corner. Well, the "Skeletons Of Society" don't take it easy on Xavier Phoenix at all. They work the young man over, and Knighthawk actually manages to lift him up for one of his Craddle Piledrivers. William Knighthawk then proceeds dropping Xavier Phoenix on his skull with that finishing move known as "Out Of Your Misery"!! He drops him hard with that move, and Tyroneus Del Rio poses for the crowd. He bows for their efforts, and taunts these XWF fans. They are about to make short work of Xavier Phoenix here. Ryan Ryder stirs in the corner. He sees Hampton barely getting off the mat. Jon Hampton who looks to maybe be playing possum as he approaches the center of the ring looking wobbled, and all dazed & confused. Ryan Ryder runs right at him. Ryder goes for Hampton, and "The Ultimate One" Jon Hampton actually tosses him right over the top rope as well. The crowd boo's that scenario! And now both members of the ReArrangers tag team are eliminated from this Battle Royale. Jon Hampton falls to a knee, and looks over at the S.O.S. members about to eliminate Xavier Phoenix over on the other side of the ring.
Of the remaining 4 men who will be the new #1 contender???
Jon Hampton grabs William Knighthawk from behind, and starts arguing with him about Phoenix. Suddenly, Del Rio blasts Jon Hampton with an open right hand out of nowhere! He works Hampton back over to the opposite corner. Knighthawk keeps his attention on Phoenix. But, has to try to lift all that dead weight on his own. Tyroneus Del Rio is working "The Chosen One" Jon Hampton over with wild kicks to his rib cage!! He kicks away, and stomps away on him in the corner. He doesn't stop!! He just stomps a "mud hole" right in his ass!!! The crowd isn't liking what they are seeing as William Knighthawk has Xavier Phoenix up now. He's about to dump him over the top rope. But, Phoenix manages to hang on, and pulls himself up on the outside apron. William Knighthawk can't believe it. He tries kicking him off. That's not working so Knighthawk starts lifting him up by the hair.. Possibly to Suplex him back in the ring for some reason. But, Phoenix blocks it, and he's about to Suplex the "Dark Prince" William Knighthawk out of the ring now!! The fans are cheering this scenario. They want to see William Knighthawk the leader of the S.O.S. gone!! But, Phoenix knees him in the mid-section instead, and flips up over his head hitting him with a remarkable Sunset Flip Powerbomb out of nowhere!! William Knighthawk's head bounces off the canvas!! The fans mark out hard for that moment. Tyroneus is almost getting Hampton up over the top rope in the opposite corner. But, as Xavier Phoenix starts lifting up the leader of the S.O.S. the crowd stirs, and begins cheering this scene. However, Del Rio hears the cheers, and works his way over to his buddy. Tyroneus Del Rio starts pounding on Phoenix's back as he tries to dump Knighthawk over the top rope. That causes Phoenix to drop to a knee in pain. Del Rio turns back around, and notices Hampton coming out towards the center of the ring. Tyroneus Del Rio just charges withotu hesitation. Suddenly, Jon Hampton trips Del Rio up, and his head bounces off the middle rope. Tyroneus Del Rio pops back to his feet, and he's holding his jaw. When here comes Xavier Phoenix then connecting with a Drama Club kick to the head, and that somehow knocks Del Rio up, and over the top rope.. down to the outside mat.
The fans can't believe that exchange of events. We're down to our last 3 men. One of these 3 men will have a shot to be the new #1 contender for the XWF World Title.
Jon Hampton clocks Xavier Phoenix with a hard right shot. William Knighthawk gets to his feet, and yells out at Del Rio who says that it was "Hampton" who eliminated him. So, William Knighthawk immediately gets to his feet, and he starts grappling with Jon Hampton. They work each other over a bit, and those two try to eliminate each other over the top rope. Xavier Phoenix slowly gets to a knee, and examines the situation. He is about to try to sneak up on those 2 men. But, suddenly Mark Adkins from seemingly out of nowhere slides in the ring, and runs up behind Xavier Phoenix. He grabs him by the back of the head, and using his momentum he tosses Phoenix over the top rope!! Phoenix falls to the outside mat, and he looks to be eliminated from this contest. Mark Adkins rolls back out of the ring, and smiles widely. As Jon Hampton turns to see what is going on, and rushes back over to attack William Knighthawk. It's Knighthawk who ducks the clothesline attempt, and dumps Jon Hampton to the outside!! William Knighthawk falls to 2 knees, and almost begins shedding tears. He is soo happy he looks to have just become the new #1 contender. Jon Hampton is on the outside, and he looks pissed!! Meanwhile, it's Xavier Phoenix who is rolling around the mat in temporary pain. As he was just snuck up behind by the XWF World Heavyweight Champion. It was "TV MA" Mark Adkins who actually eliminated Xavier Phoenix from this Battle Royale. Suddenly, GM Shawn Taylor comes out on the ramp, and he is here to clearify the whole #1 contender situation now.
"Hey! Hey!! Stop this right now .... .. Adkins-- you know something. I'm getting sick, and tired of you thinking you run these XWF hallways. I DO!! I'm the General Manager, and I say .. that Phoenix, Hampton.. you get back in that ring right now, and you 3 finish this damn Battle Royale the right way!!"
William Knighthawk looks absolutely shocked. His eyeballs are about to pop out of his head. He screams obscenities out at the GM, and that's when Phoenix comes back in the ring. He goes for a quick Drama Club on Knighthawk. But, it's Knighthawk who ducks it, and lays Phoenix out with a Neckbreaker!! Hampton comes in the ring now, and he gets face-to-face with Knighthawk. But, Jon "The Man" Hampton looks down at Phoenix. He points down at Xavier, and he insist they take him out first. William Knighthawk looks down at Xavier Phoenix, and he begins to smile now. Knowing he has a chance to get his most-hated rival out of the ring, and eliminate him personally from this #1 contender Battle Royale. So, Knighthawk assist Hampton in lifting Phoenix up, and they begin working him over on the ropes. They are trying to tip him over the top rope. But, he refuses to budge. He won't be eliminated, and those 2 men are trying vigorously to get rid of him!!
William Knighthawk points towards the opposite side of the ring, and points at the ropes. He says for Hampton to hold Phoenix up, and he's going to do some sort of running attack at him. Jon Hampton agrees that maybe that tactic will work. But, as Knighthawk goes to the ropes -- Hampton quickly sneaks up behind, and dumps him over the top rope.. he turns on Knighthawk, and William Knighthawk is pissed!!!
Jon Hampton smiles at him, and points to his own mind. Suddenly, Hampton turns around, and is DROP KICKED by Xavier Phoenix-- that knocks Jon Hampton over the top, and he is eliminated!!
Match Grade: A-, Match Duration: 28 minutes, and 37 seconds, Match Result: Xavier Phoenix last man remaining.
Jon Hampton is furious now, and he slides back in the ring .. he starts going to work on him, and here comes "TV_MA" Mark Adkins .. ...Sasha Shotgun comes to get a closer look. Adkins, and Hampton double-team Phoenix, and go to work on him hard!! But, here comes Shotgun from the crowd... he attacks, and lays Hampton out with a big clothesline... he gets face-to-face with Adkins, and Adkins motions for Sasha to get out of the ring. She ducks through the ropes, and hops off the apron. Carlos gets right in Adkins face, and points down at Phoenix. Adkins says, "the kid is going down at Meltdown, believe it!" .. Carlos says, "I wouldn't worry about it.. I'd be worried about me, and when I'm going to eventually strike . ...." Hampton goes to attack Shotgun now, and Shotgun ducks the attack. Then Shotgun works Hampton back in the center of the ring. He kicks him in the gut, and signals for the Bulletbomb... Hampton pushes himself out of that, and rolls backwards out of the ring. He stands on the outside, and points up at Carlos. To which Carlos yells back out, "you want a piece of me?" But, Hampton keeps mouthing the words: "I want the WHOLE thing. I want the WHOLE thing. Carlos, I want the WHOLE THING not just a piece of you pal!"
Carlos Shotgun says, "you got it!!" He starts to help lifting up Xavier Phoenix believe it or not. As the realization sets in for Phoenix that he is now the #1 contender against the man who costs him that right just over a month ago ... now, his fellow Puerto Rican in blood is helping him to his feet. As Carlos stares out at Hampton walking backwards up the ramp, and further up on the stage area is Adkins with Sasha Shotgun. Number 8 rushes out past them, and she starts running towards the ring to help check on Xavier Phoenix who is just starting to get to his feet now. Carlos lets him stand up on his own, and both men glare up at the 2 men leaving up the ramp. As we end Showdown! with these final words from our color commentator Jim Ross.
"It'll be Xavier Phoenix vs. "TV_MA" Mark Adkins (c) for the XWF World Title, and Carlos Shotgun going 1-on-1 against Jon Hampton at "Meltdown"! .. We'll see you all on August 28th, 2011... from MADISON SQUARE GARDEN in New York City!! Thank you everybody!! GOODNIGHT."
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Here's the OFFICIAL CARD for our summer ending pay per view: "Meltdown!"
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For roster information, and XWF most recent (twitter) updates you could check our new website (currently under construction): "XWFed" - 1998-2011