Graveyard Shift [52]

[The scene opens up at ringside where Jack and Bill are sitting awaiting the first match.]

Jack Gene – Hello and welcome to another edition of Graveyard Shift. We are Wrestling Midwest and this is Graveyard Shift 52. We have a big show planned out already, and some big things happening already.

Bill Hughes – Indeed there is.

Jack Gene – I am Jack Gene. To my left is Bill Hughes. Tonight, we have the culmination of months of fueding. Tim Tyler finally will get his hands on Shank, but not for the Heartlands Championship, and not in a one on one match. It will be Bob n’ Shank taking on Tim Tyler and his long time friend, and new member of Wrestling Midwest, Handlebeards McGee.

Bill Hughes – And that’s not the only debut here tonight. Dress has been on a binge lately, signing new talent left and right. We have 3 debuts and 2 returns. Its an action packed night.

Jack Gene – But, at this time, we’re going to turn it over to our friend John Squires, who will be talking to us about the tournament currently taking place. John, where do we stand with the leaderboard.

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is standing next to a large black board with everyone's name written on it.]

John Squires – “All right. Jack and Bill, thank you. My name is John Squires and I am managing the Leaderboard tonight. As you may or may not know, Wrestling Midwest has incorporated a new scoring system which we will be using to decide who will be getting title matches at next month’s Burn Super Card. Since last week, the scoring system has changed slightly. Here is the new system:

• +5 points for submission/pin wins
• -5 points for submission/pin losses
• +2.5 points for submission/pin win in a dark match
• +2.5 points for countout/dq wins
• -2.5 points for countout/dq losses
• +1.25 points for countout/dq wins in a dark match
• +.5 points for time limit draws”

[He turns to the black board.]

John Squires – “So, let’s begin scoring for this evening. All ready, we have had a few dark matches. Maxymum defeated Matrix with a pinfall. Maxymum however is the Hardcore Champion and is not eligible for scoring. Will Smith defeated HRM with a submission, which earned him 2.5 points. And John Mercer scored a pinfall on Dess in their return match, earning 2.5 points.” [He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll come back to the board after each match to keep you up to date on the leader board. Jack and Bill, back to you.”

[The scene switches back to ringside.]

Jack Gene – Thanks John. And its time for our opening contest.

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Standard Match! Introducing first… accompanied to the ring by His Harley Davidson motorcycle… hailing from Hell’s Domain… weighing in at 327 pounds… MAAASTERRR OOOF DESTRRRUUUCTIIIOOON!!!!!

["Scars" by Papa Roach plays and Master of Destruction heads to the ring.]

Wayne Inkster – And his opponent… hailing from Lebanon PA… weighing in at 280 pounds… “THE PRRREAAACHERRR OOOF PAAAIIIN” SAAAM HERRRSHEY!!!!!

[SonicFlood's "My Refuge" plays and "The Preacher of Pain" Sam Hershey heads to the ring.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – MOD charges toward Sam. He knocks the Holy Warrior down with a running chop block. Climbs to his feet. He grabs his legs. He locks The Preacher of Pain in a figure four leglock. He crawls over and covers The Preacher of Pain. …1 … Sam kicks out.

Jack Gene – He gets the shoulder up!

Bill Hughes – Gets to his feet. He rolls the Holy Wolf up for the pin. …1 Sam escapes. MOD stands up. MOD stomps him. Races toward The Preacher of Pain. He drops a knee on the Holy Wolf. MOD crawls over and covers The Preacher of Pain. …1 … The Preacher of Pain kicks out.

Jack Gene – Sam gets the shoulder up!

Bill Hughes – MOD gets to his feet. MOD runs toward the Holy Wolf. He comes to a stop. Stomps the Holy Wolf. MOD pulls him to his feet. The Preacher of Pain strikes in the face repeatedly. A hard punch sends to the mat. The Holy Warrior stomps on MOD. The Holy Warrior pulls him to his feet. He and lock up. He has the advantage in a pinch-grip tie. Mr. Ace in the Hole irishwhips MOD into the turnbuckle, he goes down. The Holy Warrior darts toward him. He slows to a stop. Rolls out to ringside, Mr. Ace in the Hole goes after . The Preacher of Pain punches , MOD goes down. He pulls to his feet. The Holy Wolf punches him, MOD goes down. He lifts upright. The Holy Wolf locks up with him. The Preacher of Pain irishwhips him into the guardrail, MOD falls to the floor.

Jack Gene – Hits the steel!

Bill Hughes – Mr. Ace in the Hole grabs around the head. Mr. Ace in the Hole applies a rear naked choke on . The Holy Wolf climbs to his feet. He has around the neck. He locks in a rear naked choke.

Jack Gene – Sam is cutting off his air supply!

Bill Hughes – The Holy Warrior stands up. Mr. Ace in the Hole has around the neck. Mr. Ace in the Hole locks in a rear naked choke. Sam gets to his feet. Sam grabs him around the head. Sam applies a rear naked choke on him.

Jack Gene – He is cutting off his air supply!

Bill Hughes – Sam stands up. He charges toward . MOD rolls into the ring. Mr. Ace in the Hole climbs in after MOD. The Preacher of Pain comes to a halt. Sam grabs his legs. Sam locks him in a figure four leglock. Sam delivers the Clothesline from Heaven on !!! Sam covers . …1 …2 …3

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Wayne Inkster – The winner of this match… “THE PRRREAAACHERRR OOOF PAAAIIIN” SAAAM HERRRSHEY!!

[SonicFlood's "My Refuge" plays.]

[MOD clutches his AS championship belt, holding it like a new born baby. He rocks back and forth at the middle of the ring, giving a quick laugh as the camera pans closer to his face. He gives a sly smile to the camera. For a moment, he gives a smile showing full white teeth, only to close the smile and look at the camera with a stern look on his eyes. MOD crawls to the corner turnbuckle, having his back rest upon the lower turn buckle, his eyes peering at the entrance way where all the wrestlers come out. He has a microphone on his hands, as he raises the microphone to his lips so he can begin speaking, the crowd begins to boo. He only gives the crowd a sneer, showing his disapproval.]

MOD – I am great. You are not. I am the puppet master and you are simply my puppet. I am always under control. For if I am not under control, at all times, I lose me. I lose who I am… but right now, I am under control. I am the Ace Superior champion. Anyone who stands in my way is asking to be destroyed under my hands. I am your nightmare! Your worst nightmare! I am the ruler of your dreams! I control each and every one of your destinies for I am great! And you are not!

[He pauses.]

MOD – Who can stop me? Sam Hershey? He speaks of religious diatribe that frankly make no sense to me. All he is to me is a cockroach. A cockroach that I can squish at will. While he prays to his savior he is receiving a beating of a lifetime… as you all witnessed tonight.

[The crowd throws highly inspired jeers at MOD. The camera shows him with a disgruntled look on his face, letting the crowd have their voices heard. He speaks not a moment too soon.]

MOD – My reign of destruction is just the beginning. I despise this “comfort” that you many peons hold. So many of these so called “professional wrestlers” believe that they are progressing here in this promotion. That they are in their neat little “comfort zone”. You know, job security and all that.

[He smiles.]

MOD – How naive. When will any of you realize, as long as I am a member of this promotion, there will never be “comfort” ever again. None of you will never simply be able to walk aloof in your naive world in safety, because I will be there. Haunting you. You no longer will be able to rest peacefully, because I will be there, looking at your every move. And I dare anyone to stop me. Destruction is what I seek. Destruction is what turns me on. I will destroy…

["Poltergeist Mix" by Binstar plays as Mr. Videogame appears on the ramp way. The crowd gets up on their feet and cheers. Mr. Videogame heads towards the ring as his right arm clutches his head briefly over his match earlier during the evening. Once he enters the ring, he doesn't pose for the crowd as usual. Instead, he looks dead on at MOD. The atmosphere in the arena has become tense.]

MOD – Oh, its you… Videogame man. What brings you to my ring today?

[Mr. Videogame stays silent. As eyes never letting go of MOD. MOD gives a smile.]

MOD – You are my puppet. So I ask you to leave this ring. Leave now or there will be consequences! I don’t need to hear your banter about games or anything of the sort! You bore me!

[Silence continues from Mr. Videogame's end. MOD grows a tad impatient.]

MOD – Oh… I see what you want. You want my championship belt, do you not? The championship belt that I had to destroy all the competition in the world to earn this belt? This is mine, videogame man. All MINE! No one will take it from me, no less you! [He pauses.]

MOD – You don’t even deserve it!

[He pauses.]

MOD – It is because of you, videogame man, that I realize my journey has just begun. You are my puppet. You are nothing more than a cockroach to me. I can destroy you at will. And you are the start of that, videogame man! The world does not need to hear you talk about games this, games that! What the world needs is destructions at my hands!What the world needs is for me to destroy YOU! [He pauses.]

MOD – Especially you… You waste valuable time every week telling the entire world how you will come up to me personally and challenge me… UNDER MY TERMS none the less! What are you? MAD? INSANE? Because no one, video game man, is no more MAD than I am! ME! This promotion is no longer under the reign of Vyper, no! This promotion is under the reign of ME! Master of Destruction! And I will not let YOU stop ME! What say you, videogame man?

[MOD thrusts the microphone to Mr. Videogame's chest, both of their eyes never leaving the other's sight. Mr. Videogame grabs the microphone, raising it to his lips.]

Mr. Videogame – Today, Master of Destruction, I am here to take away the item you treasure most. Under direct orders from you.

MOD – ?!

[Mr. Videogame drops the house mic to the canvas, and instantneously connects with a solid right to the temple of MOD. MOD staggers backwards momentairly, and just as he is about to anticipate a second attack, Mr. Videogame charges at MOD and lands the running lariat that leads to a tremendous cheer from the crowd. Mr. Videogame mounts atop of MOD and begins landing solid rights to MOD's head, the crowd cheering immensely. Security and referees alike rush to the ring to seperate the two, igniting loud jeers from the crowd. MOD yells obscenities at Mr. Videogame. Mr. Videogame quickly exits the ring. The camera pans to MOD who continues yelling at Mr. Videogame. MOD suddenly changes his view point to the ring around him. He begins to slightly panic. Camera mics hear the words "where is it?!", as he begins to shove security and referees out of his way. He grabs the microphone quickly.]

MOD – WHERE IS IT? MY CHAMPIONSHIP? MY TITLE! WHERE IS IT? VIDEOGAME MAN. I KNOW YOU ARE LISTENING! WHERE—

[Mr. Videogame has a sly look on his face, both of his hands hidden behind his back. Looking at the capacity crowd with an almost child like look, he unviels to the audience his present: MOD's Ace Superior championship. Now under Mr. Videogame's posession. Mr. Videogame also has a microphone with him.]

Mr. Videogame – MOD. I’ve found out what CAN hurt you the most. It doesn’t matter how many times competition beats you. But even I admit, when it comes down to it, you DO beat us where it counts. But today I found out what hurts you the most.

And that’s taking away your Ace Superior championship away from you!

Tell me the time and place my friend, it could even be under your own rules!

But get used to this fact, MOD, and its the fact that you are looking at the NEXT Ace Superior Champion!!

[MOD looks at Mr. Videogame with a blank stare.]

MOD – My belt. Give it to me… GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!

[Mr. Videogame proceeds to walk to the ramp way. MOD finally understands what is happening. In a daze, he escapes the flurry of security men and referees that surround the ring, and begins to to run towards the backstage area to meet up with Mr. Videogame. He yells wordless banter that makes no sense as he attempts to catch up to Mr. Videogame.]

Jack Gene – My goodness, is Mr. Videogame insane? He takes MOD’s belt! Does he even know what he’s doing, Bill?

Bill Hughes – I’m not sure if what he’s doing is the right call, Jack, but man, he has major guts to do that to the Ace Superior champion, stealing his belt and scurrying away like no tomorrow! He’s pretty going to pawn that belt to get money for a new World of Warcraft account or something!

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is back standing next to the large leader board.]

John Squires – “Looks like MOD isn’t alone at the top of the Ace superior Division, eh? Unfortunately, he couldn’t pull out the win. Sam Hershey, with another pin fall this week, adding to his score with…”

[He turns to the black board and starts to mark the board with his chalk.]

John Squires – “5 points. Which means that Hershey is not only is he the Ace in the Hole, he may be sortly on his way to earning another title shot. So, no matter what, I’d put my money on Hershey getting a free ride to Burn. ”

[He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll see you back at the leader board later on tonight.”

[The scene fades.]

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Standard Match! Introducing first… weighing in at 255 pounds… THE MAAASKED VIIINDIIICAAATOOORRR!!!!!

[The Masked Vindicator heads to the ring.]

Wayne Inkster – And his opponent… hailing from Greenville, Tennessee… weighing in at 225 pounds… JERRROOOME WIIILLIIIAAAMS!!!!!

[Phenomenon by Thousand Foot Krutch plays and Jerome Williams heads to the ring.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – Jerome Williams locks up with The Masked Vindicator. Jerome Williams whips The Masked Vindicator, pulls The Masked Vindicator back and knocks The Masked Vindicator down with a short arm clothesline. He drops an elbow… The Masked Vindicator rolls out of the way and he hits the mat. The Masked Vindicator stands up. The Masked Vindicator pulls Jerome Williams to his feet. He clasps his hands together and slams them into the back of Jerome Williams. The Masked Vindicator bounces off the ropes and runs toward him. The Masked Vindicator clotheslines Jerome Williams, Jerome Williams goes down. The Masked Vindicator locks Jerome Williams in a sleeper hold. The Masked Vindicator grabs his legs. The Masked Vindicator locks him in a figure four leglock. The Masked Vindicator rises to his feet. Jerome Williams escapes to ringside, The Masked Vindicator follows. Jerome Williams rolls into the ring. The Masked Vindicator climbs in after Jerome Williams. Jerome Williams lands a kick to the stomach of The Masked Vindicator. He darts toward The Masked Vindicator. Jerome Williams delivers the Total Knockout [RKO] on The Masked Vindicator!!! Jerome Williams covers The Masked Vindicator. …1 …2 …3

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Wayne Inkster – The winner of this match… JERRROOOME WIIILLIIIAAAMS!!

[Phenomenon by Thousand Foot Krutch plays.]

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is back standing next to the large leader board.]

John Squires – “And Jerome Williams making the best of his debut here tonight, picking up the pinfall win.”

[He turns to the black board and starts to mark the board with his chalk.]

John Squires – “That’s 5 points for Jerome and -2.5 points for THe Masked Vindicator.”

[He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll see you back at the leader board later on tonight.”

[The scene fades.]

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Submission Rules Match! Introducing first… hailing from Seattle, WA… weighing in at 285 pounds… MRRR. VIIIDEOOOGAAAME!!!!!

["Poltergeist Mix" by Binster plays and Mr. Videogame heads to the ring.]

Wayne Inkster – And his opponent… accompanied to the ring by Terri Savage… hailing from New Orleans,La… weighing in at 265 pounds… “THE CAAAJUUUN CRRRIIIPPLERRR” STEVE SAAAVAAAGE!!!!!

[The Saints are coming by Green Day/ U2 plays and "The Cajun Crippler" Steve Savage heads to the ring.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage taunts VG. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage bounces off the ropes and runs toward VG. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage comes to a stop. They lock up. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage applies an armbar. VG reverses the armbar and drops “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage to the the mat. VG drags “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage into the corner. VG darts toward him. VG lands a running knee drop on “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. VG rises to his feet. VG throws “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage out of the ring and climbs to the floor. VG delivers a double axe handle to the back of “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. He darts toward “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. He stops running. He grabs a stop sign. He swings at “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage trips VG and he falls face first onto the stop sign. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage runs toward VG. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage lands a running knee drop on VG.

Jack Gene – That’s gotta hurt!

Bill Hughes – “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage climbs to his feet. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage lifts up the ring steps and bashes VG in the back. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage drops a fist on VG, VG rolls out of the way. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage hits the floor. VG stands up. VG lifts “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage upright to his feet. VG punches “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage, “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage goes down.

Jack Gene – Punches like that really wear you down.

Bill Hughes – VG sets up the ladder. VG leaps off the top of the ladder onto “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. VG stands up. VG applies a sleeper hold to “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage fights to his feet. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage delivers a chin buster to VG. VG goes down. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage stomps VG in the head. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage grabs a cheese grater. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage grabs his head and grinds the cheese grater into his face. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage shoves him into the ring. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage climbs into the ring. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage taunts him. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage bounces off the ropes and runs toward him. He goes for a high knee. VG side steps and shoves “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage to the the mat. VG stomps “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage in the head. VG elbow drops “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. VG gets to his feet. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage starts to get up. VG knocks “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage down with a scissor kick. VG sets “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage up in the corner. VG runs to the opposite corner spins around and rushes at “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage. He leaps into the air and… “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage moves out of the way. VG goes down to the the mat. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage lifts VG to his feet. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage locks his fists and slams them into the VG’s back. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage rakes his back. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage climbs onto the turnbuckle and misses with a flying clothesline on VG, they go down. “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage rises to his feet.”

Jack Gene – Mr. Videogame is signaling to the crowd this one is over. He’s going to nail that running lariat!

Bill Hughes – Savage is back up on his feet. I don’t even think he knows it’s coming! Watch out!

[Mr. Videogame runs at Steve Savage and attempts his running lariat, but he misses. Savage spins Mr. Videogame around quickly, and attempts a lariat of his own, but Mr. Videogame ducks from the move. Unfortunately, the referee was directly behind the action, as he is knocked silly to the canvas. The crowd belts out in unison "oooooh!".

Mr. Videogame gives a quick glance to the referee, and shakes his his in frustration. Savage immediately picks up Mr. Videogame by the hair about to land his reverse DDT, but Mr. Videogame counters with a quick leg take down. Mr. Videogame sprawls towards the ropes, capturing his breath while Savage is slow to get up.

As Savage stumbles to his feet in the middle of the ring, a charging Mr. Videogame launches himself at Savage, nailing a cool looking shining wizard that nails Savage right on his forehead, both men crashing down to the canvas. Mr. Videogame immediately gets his bearings and grabs the ankle of Savage, literally hyper-extending his right ankle as he has a tightly locked angle submission hold.]

Bill Hughes – Mr. Videogame has that ankle lock held tight, but he knows that the referee is down!

Jack Gene – That’s true, but man, he’s just going to hold on to it until the referee wakes up. There’s no chance Savage is getting back up from that knock out blow by Mr. Videogame!

[Camera angles catches in the far end of the ringside area Sam Hershey, who leaps over the guard rail and slides in to the ring. He's in the opposite side of Mr. Videogame's view point.]

Bill Hughes – Oh no! Hershey is in the ring. He launches himself at Mr. Videogame… NO!!! Clothesline from Heaven! Clothesline from Heaven! CLOTHESLINE FROM HEAVEN!!

Jack Gene – He damn near took his head off with that clothesline! Mr. Videogame is not moving an inch! That was at the back of his head! Damn it, not this way! Not this way!

Bill Hughes – He’s trying to get Savage to get his bearings back. Savage sees Mr. Videogame laid out. And oh no, look at this! Both men giving a smile to themselves knowing the damage has been done. This crowd isn’t appreciating this at all. Mr. Videogame had this bout won!

Jack Gene – Hershey attempting to awake the referee. Savage looks at the crowd with this smug look that I wish it could get removed immediately! He has that figure four locked in to a knocked out Mr. Videogame. This isn’t fair. This isn’t fair at all! The damn Elite Alliance at it, again!

[Savage tightens the figure four hold. Hershey, to eliminate his presence, slides out of the ring and looks on from the ring side area, preventing the referee to note his presence. The groggy referee notes the figure four hold. He notices Mr. Videogame knocked out cold. He holds his hands once. Falls down. Twice. Falls down. A third... it's over.]

[Ding ding ding!]

Jack Gene – Unbelievable…

Wayne Inkster – The winner of this bout… Steve Savage!!

[Sam Hershey stands on top of the ramp smiling. Savage joins him at the top of the ramp holding his hand up in victory.]

Sam Hershey – I know this is unexpected, but I just need to say a few words.]

[Sam takes a breath.]

Sam Hershey – Maxymum…and before I am interrupted, no this is not me calling you out, you can stay in the back. I just want to give you something to ponder.

[Sam raises a briefcase, it is not his Ace in the Hole one, it has biblical quotes on it.]

Sam Hershey – The contents of this case should be no mystery, this is the mask that once again contains Bloodiah…What you may not realize Maxymum is you are still vunerable to attack! I have been, through the power of the Lord and through prayer to Him, have been able to keep Bloodiah and his demon buddies at bay! The Bible states that not only will Bloodiah come back, but he will return with SEVEN others like him. If you do not belive me then read Luke 11:24 through Luke 11:26 in the Bible.

[The camera closes in on Sam.]

Sam Hershey – There is ONE WAY to stop Bloodiah, Maxymum, you must get Saved…you must accept the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior as I have done…I can help you do it. You have one week to decide what you are going to do!

[With that Sam drops the mic and leaves.]

(Commentators may comment if you think they should.)

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is back standing next to the large leader board.]

John Squires – “TEA is looking more and more dominant as the weeks continue. Before, Hershey was able to defeat MOD, and we just saw Steve Savage forcing Videogame to tap out.”

[He turns to the black board and starts to mark the board with his chalk.]

John Squires – “That’s 5 points for Steve Savage and -2.5 points for Mr. Videogame.”

[He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll see you back at the leader board later on tonight.”

[The scene fades.]

[The scene opens back up with Tim Tyler and Handlebeards McGee in the middle of the ring talking all gleefully about something.]

Jack Gene – Well, thank you for that update John. But now we are being treated to another lesson from the Professor in the center of the ring. Let’s join this talk, which is already… in progress.

[Tim and Handlebeards stand in the center of the ring, back to back so that they are facing different directions. Tim raises his hand and waves to the crowd like he is the Queen of England...or like that slutty blonde from Mean Girls.]

Tim – “Good fans of WMW! Good old Tim here has a question for you. Now, I know, usually Tim isn’t too keen on hearing other peoples’ opinions, but he really wants to know what you think this time, I promise. My question is: why does Shank think the Heartlands Championship is Number 1?”

[Someone from the audience yells "because he kicked your ass!" Tim turns to Handlebeards and shrugs. Handlebeards looks a bit grumpy about that topic.]

Handlebeards – “Heartlands Champ mumble well, Shank think mumble I’ll tell you what.”

Tim – “My associate Handy here tells it like it is. Now, this here’s part of Tim show where Tim says real reason Shank act like douchebag. Shank thinks the Heartlands Championship is Number 1 because Shank can’t do anything else. He’s like that college professor who drones on and on about high literature when the only things HE writes are “fantasy” epics comprised mostly of pages upon pages of redundant descriptions and unoriginal ideas. You know the type. Stephen Lawhead, I’m looking right at you.”

Handlebeards – “Divine right of mumble soverignty my handlebeards! Graphic mumble sexandviolence.”

Tim – “Don’t get me wrong, he should be proud of the Heartlands Championship. Looord only knows that I’d like that delicate little flower wrapped around my waist sometime soon. But still—-can you compare the Heartlands Championship to the GLC? Or is Shank just trying to talk up his own meager abilities? Shank, sometimes a man’s gotsta realize when to pay his dues.”

Handlebeards – “That reminds me mumble back at the grocer, well mumble we thought working as we were doing were just fine. mumble til they made us pay dues. mumble damn Unions.”

Tim – “It’s like being a young star. You have to spend your days getting slimed on the Nickelodean set before you get to take your top off in a movie. Although some unsavory types try to use those arty movies as a stepping stone to their career, which reminds me of a time when Handlebeards and I were just Handle-patchy-beards and little Timmy Tyler.

Handlebeards – “Shhhiii… mumble Timmy Tyler, hehha hehha mumble Right outta mumble, we were two men on the prowl. Lookin’ for some mumble, yeah, I remember those days. Hehha. Shoooot.

Tim – “We were just 18, and we met this man who drove a big white panel van. Said he was making an art house film movie and asked us if we wanted to be in it. At the time we didn’t know much about art movies, just that they were mainly in black and white with high contrast and either had subtitles or no language at all. And of course, we’d heard about all the naked ladies who romp through those movies and figured that we’d probably have a good chance at seeing some of those naked ladies….”

[The scene fades to a commercial.]

[The scene opens up and Tim and Handlebeards are still talking in the middle of the ring.]

Tim – “…so we all took our pants off. I put on some rubber elbow gloves and Handlebeards got on a stool….”

[Just then Shank's music hits. He and Bob Wire head down to the ring.]

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Tag Team Grudge Match! Introducing first… at a total combined weight of 707 pounds… BOOOB ‘N SHAAANK!!!!!

And their opponent… currently in the ring…. at a total combined weight of 373 pounds… TWOOO CYLIIINDERRR SPECIIIAAALIIISTS!!!!!

[Two Cylinder Specialists wave to the crowd.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – Shank barrels toward Handlebeards McGee. The Heartlands Champion clotheslines Handlebeards McGee, Handlebeards McGee goes down. The Heartlands Champion lifts Handlebeards McGee up. He escapes to ringside, Shank follows. SHANK connects with several chops to Handlebeards McGee. He darts toward Handlebeards McGee. He spears Handlebeards McGee onto the floor. SHANK gets to his feet. The Heartlands Champion shoves Handlebeards McGee into the ring. SHANK climbs into the ring. SHANK tags in Bob Wire. “Hardcore” Bob Wire runs toward Handlebeards McGee. “Hardcore” Bob Wire drops a knee on Handlebeards McGee. Wire climbs to his feet. He drops an elbow… Handlebeards McGee rolls out of the way and he hits the mat. Handlebeards McGee stands up. Handlebeards McGee pulls “Hardcore” Bob Wire upright. Handlebeards McGee throws Bob Wire out of the ring and climbs to the floor. He punches “Hardcore” Bob Wire, Wire goes down.

Jack Gene – Punches like that really wear you down.

Bill Hughes – He pulls “Hardcore” Bob Wire upright. Handlebeards McGee taunts Wire. Handlebeards McGee strikes Bob Wire with a knee kick. Handlebeards McGee taunts Bob. He punches at Bob, Bob Wire blocks the punch and knocks him down. “Hardcore” Bob Wire races toward Handlebeards McGee. Bob Wire puts on the breaks. He drops a fist on Handlebeards McGee. Bob stands up. Bob drops an elbow… Handlebeards McGee rolls out of the way and Bob hits the floor. Handlebeards McGee stands up. Handlebeards McGee pulls Wire upright. Handlebeards McGee taunts Bob Wire. Handlebeards McGee strikes Bob Wire with a low kick. Handlebeards McGee grabs Bob Wire around the head. Handlebeards McGee has Bob Wire in a collar tie hold. Handlebeards McGee shoves Bob Wire to the floor. He pulls Bob Wire to his feet. Handlebeards McGee shoves him into the ring. Handlebeards McGee climbs into the ring. Handlebeards McGee connects with a left jab on Bob Wire. He races toward Wire. Handlebeards McGee delivers the power slam on Wire!!! Handlebeards McGee covers Wire. …1 …2 …3

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Wayne Inkster – The winners of this match… TWOOO CYLIIINDERRR SPECIIIAAALIIISTS!!

[Tim and Handlebeards slide out from the ring.]

Jack Gene – What a match by these two. Handlebeards really surprised all of the fans when he was introduced last week, but now we know why Tim chose him as his partner.

Bill Hughes – Oh, and it looks like they’re coming this way.

[Tim reaches out and shakes Bill's hand. He then takes a mic from the table. He turns to the ring.]

Tim – “…and that’s how we ended up with 36 cases of KY Jelly.”

[Handlebeards rips the mic from him. He lets out a big happy breath. He laughs onto the mic.]

Handlebeards – “And… Handlebeards McGee!”

[He throws his fist in the air and the two celebrate as they walk up the ramp.]

Jack Gene – Wait, how did he get Handlebeards McGee?”

Bill Hughes – Pfft. You obviously weren’t paying attention. Sheesh.

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is back standing next to the large leader board.]

John Squires – “No updates for this match, since it was a tag team affair. So, let’s just review the current standings.”

[He turns to the black board and starts to mark the board with his chalk.]

John Squires – “Should note that Hershey is by far in the lead with 10 points. The closes to him is Jack Reynolds, who won’t be scored until later on tonight, and Umbrage, who hasn’t competed in over a month. Also, looking at Ace Superior title race, Savage has taken over the lead from Mr. Hero. However, that may change here in our next contest, so we’ll know for sure at that point. And those are the two big title races at this point. Everything else is too close to call.”

[He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll see you back at the leader board later on tonight.”

[The scene fades.]

Jack Gene – Thanks John.

[The shot changes back to ringside.]

Jack Gene – There is a buzz around both the lockerroom and the crowd about the new talent coming into Wrestling Midwest. But, what isn’t being talked about is the return of some former talent, who are looking to make impacts from the get go. One of those fighters is John Mercer. Before the show started, he had a dark match against WMW Hall of Famer Dess. It wasn’t what happened during the match that caught the ire of the company and the fans, but it was what happened after the match. Let’s take you back to earlier tonight, before Graveyard Shift 52 went on the air.

[The shot changes to in the middle of the ring. Mercer irish whips Dess into the ropes and hits him with the Dragon Buster. He goes for the pin and the ref counts, 1... 2... 3!]

Jack Gene – Mercer did it! He beat Dess and what a match that was.

Bill Hughes – Both of these competitors look to be on their path of getting back into the real thick of things here.

Jack Gene – Hey, what’s Mercer doing now?

Bill Hughes – He’s reaching into that signature “bag of tricks” for something.

[Dragon Lord pulls out a long silver chain from his black bag.]

Jack Gene – We’re definitely seeing that underground style that made Mercer a Hardcore legend.

[Dess sees the chain and quickly slides out of the ring. He walks up the ramp holding the back of his head as the fans cheer his name. Mercer holds the chain up.]

Jack Gene – Looks like Dess got a way just in time.

[The ref slowly exits the ring, but just then, Mercer grabs him by the hair and wraps the chain around his neck as he stands on the apron.]

Jack Gene – Hey! What is he doing? That’s a staff member!

[The ref struggles to get free, but ends up falling off the apron. He's now from the ropes and Mercer pulls back on the chain.]

Jack Gene – He’s not serious! Dragon Lord is choking the life out of the referee! Someone’s got to stop this!

Bill Hughes – We heard rumors that Mercer wanted to come back and make an impact on the Hardcore Division, but…

Jack Gene – Hardcore is hardcore, but this is too extreme!

Bill Hughes – Well, wouldn’t YOU be if you were in his scales? Having the only one goal in your life dashed into a thousand pieces?

Jack Gene – Yes, but this is going too far!

[Dragon Lord lets go of the chain causing the ref to fall to the ground. He then slides to the outside of the ring, and begins to whip the ref with the chain. Security and other ref members storm the area, but he holds them back with the chain.]

Bill Hughes – He’s whipping the ref like a Guantanamo detainee! I love it!

Jack Gene – This is barbaric! Stop this for God’s sake!

[ After whipping the ref with the chain, Dragon Lord grabs his arm and places the ref in his new submission move, the Dragon Slayer. The ref's mouth begins to bleed profusely as the King of All Hardcore continues his assault. Refs and other security surround him, trying to pull him off.]

Jack Gene – STOP THIS! MY GOD! YOU’VE MADE YOUR DAMN POINT!!!

[Dragon Lord lets go of the ref and swipes a microphone from the announcer's booth scaring Jack Gene. He storms back into the ring as some fans cheer Dragon Lord while most boo him for his grisly demonic display of rage.]

John Mercer – THIS…

[He pauses as more boos come in from the crowd.]

John Mercer – THIS… is a prime example of what happens to ANYONE getting in my way!

["The Game" by Motorhead plays as Dragon Lord storms out of the ring and walks back to the locker room holding up high his bloody chain and has a determined look in his eyes like that of a soldier ready for war. EMTs check on the ref to see if he's OK after suffering from a Dragon Slayer.]

/// End Tape ///

[The scene changes back to ringside where Jack and Bill sit now.]

Jack Gene – So now, it begs the question, what was Mercer thinking. But not only that, what will his plans be for next week.

Bill Hughes – And you also have to ask yourself if Brad Johnson will do something about this. I mean, he suspended Bob Wire for attacking other fighters. This was a defenseless ref. I mean, this could have been you or me, Jack.

Jack Gene – Right. Well, we’ll find out next week, and maybe get some answers.

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Standard Match! Introducing first… accompanied to the ring by No one. Mr. Hero is alone…all alone…. hailing from Islamabad, Pakistan… weighing in at 250 pounds… MRRR. HERRROOO!!!!!

[Tanuk Tanuk Tun plays and Mr. Hero heads to the ring.]

Wayne Inkster – And his opponent… hailing from Chicago, Illinois… weighing in at 144 pounds… JAAADE!!!!!

['Stand My Ground' by Within Temptation plays and Jade heads to the ring.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – Jade feints a left jab at Hero. Jade and Mr. Hero lock up. Jade irishwhips The Pakistani Pimp Daddy into the ropes, The Master of Deliciousness bounces off the ropes. Jade bounces off the ropes and runs toward him. She slows to a stop. She barrels toward Hero. Jade puts on the breaks. Jade races toward him. Jade puts on the breaks. She bounces off the ropes and runs toward The Bachelor. She comes to a stop. Jade darts toward The Sandwich Artist. Jade comes to a stop. Hero escapes to ringside, Jade follows. Jade taunts Mr. Hero. Jade punches The Human Breadknife, Umbrage’s Mother’s Former Lover blocks and connects with a punch of his own. The Sandwich Artist pulls Jade upright. Mr. Hero and Jade move to the aisle way. The Master of Deliciousness runs toward Jade. Mr. Hero knocks her down with a running chop block. The Pakistani Pimp Daddy gets to his feet. The Bachelor lifts Jade upright to her feet. The Bachelor clasps his hands together and slams them into the back of Jade. Jade blocks the chop by Umbrage’s Mother’s Former Lover and delivers a chop of her own. Jade has Mr. Hero around the neck. Jade locks Mr. Hero in a rear naked choke.

Jack Gene – Jade is cutting off his air supply!

Bill Hughes – Jade gets to her feet. She stomps on The Human Breadknife. Jade has The Human Breadknife around the neck. Jade locks The Human Breadknife in a rear naked choke. Jade climbs to her feet. She stomps on The Pakistani Pimp Daddy. Jade pulls The Pakistani Pimp Daddy upright to his feet. Jade grabs Potential WMW’s Hottest Ladies Man around the head. Jade has Potential WMW’s Hottest Ladies Man in a collar tie hold. Jade and Mr. Hero move toward the ring. Jade shoves Hero into the ring. Jade climbs into the ring. The Sandwich Artist whips Jade into the guardrail. Jade bounces of and fall to the mat. Mr. Hero drops a fist on Jade. The time limit for this match has expired.

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Wayne Inkster – As a result of a Time Limit Draw this match has been ruled a draw.

[The scene opens up in the back and John Squires is back standing next to the large leader board.]

John Squires – “A time limit draw. Mr. Hero and Jade were putting on a good show for the crowd, but neither of them could score a win before the time limit.”

[He turns to the black board and starts to mark the board with his chalk.]

John Squires – “That’s .5 points for both competitors.”

[He turns back to the camera.]

John Squires – “That’s all for now. We’ll see you back at the leader board later on tonight.”

[The scene fades.]

Wayne Inkster – The following contest is a Standard Match! Introducing first… hailing from Parma, OH… weighing in at 175 pounds… JAAACK “IIIN THE BOOOX” RRREYNOOOLDS!!!!! ["The Dance" from the Life Aquatic Soundtrack plays and Jack "In The Box" Reynolds heads to the ring.] And his opponent… hailing from Chicago, IL… weighing in at 248 pounds… SCOOOTT VYPERRR!!!!! ["Messiah" by Fear Factory plays and Scott Vyper heads to the ring.]

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Bill Hughes – Vyper bounces off the ropes and runs toward Jack. Vyper clotheslines him, Jack Reynolds goes down. Vyper applies a sleeper hold to The Diabetes Spokesperson of Cleveland. Vyper charges toward him. Vyper drops a knee on Jack.

Jack Gene – That’s gotta hurt!

Bill Hughes – Vyper crawls over and covers Senor Rrreynolds. …1 … The Diabetes Spokesperson of Cleveland kicks out.

Jack Gene – A swell guy gets the shoulder up!

Bill Hughes – Vyper gets to his feet. He covers Steve Ballentine’s Protege. …1 Jack kicks out. Vyper crawls over and covers The Former Great Lakes Champion. …1 … Jack Reynolds kicks out. Vyper gets to his feet. Jack escapes to ringside, Vyper follows. Vyper punches Jack Reynolds, he goes down.

Jack Gene – Punches like that really wear you down.

Bill Hughes – Vyper drops a fist on Jack Reynolds. Vyper climbs to his feet. Vyper lifts A swell guy to his feet. Vyper taunts The Former Great Lakes Champion. Jack Reynolds blocks the chop by Vyper and delivers a chop of his own. Jack “In The Box” Reynolds and Scott Vyper move to the aisle way. Jack “In The Box” Reynolds taunts Vyper. He scoops Vyper up and slams Vyper to the concrete. The Former Great Lakes Champion speeds toward Vyper. Jack Reynolds puts on the breaks. A swell guy drops a fist on Vyper. Jack Reynolds climbs to his feet. Vyper starts to get up. He knocks Vyper down with a scissor kick.

Jack Gene – Face first onto the concrete!

Bill Hughes – A swell guy drags Vyper back to ringside. Jack Reynolds rakes his back.

Jack Gene – Rake to the back by Jack Reynolds.

Bill Hughes – Vyper blocks the chop by The Diabetes Spokesperson of Cleveland and delivers a chop of his own. Vyper charges toward Steve Ballentine’s Protege. Vyper drops a knee on him. Vyper climbs to his feet. Scott Vyper and Jack “In The Box” Reynolds move to the aisle way. Vyper punches at Jack Reynolds, A swell guy blocks the punch and knocks Vyper down. The Former Great Lakes Champion stomps Vyper in the head. Senor Rrreynolds drops an elbow on Vyper. The Former Great Lakes Champion stands up. Jack “In The Box” Reynolds and Scott Vyper move toward the ring. Vyper blocks the chop by A swell guy and delivers a chop of his own. Jack rolls into the ring. Vyper climbs in after The Diabetes Spokesperson of Cleveland. Vyper stomps him. Vyper elbow drops The Former Great Lakes Champion. Vyper pulls him up, but no, Jack with a clothesline. And Vyper is down. He pulls him back up and Jack goes for another, NO! Vyper counters with a roll up. He’s got the pin …1 …2

Jack Gene – His feet are on the ropes! Vyper’s cheating!

Bill Hughes – …31

[The bell rings... ding... ding... ding...]

Wayne Inkster – The winner of this match… SCOOOTT VYPERRR!!

["Messiah" by Fear Factory plays.]

[After the match, Vyper grabs his GLC belt and slides out of the ring. He rushes up to the ramp, celebrating as if he won a major victory.]

Jack Gene – Can’t believe that. Jack almost had that match, and if it weren’t for the help of the bottom rope, he might have walked up that ramp with the victory.

[Hershey and Savage come out onto the ramp and clap for Scott Vyper. Vyper comes up to them and raises their hands, as if the Elite Alliance won the victory. Savage hands Vyper a mic and he begins to speak.]

Scott Vyper – Is this the best WMW can do?! Is this the best WMW has to offer? The very cracker-jack that stands in the ring?! Heh… you boys are in trouble. I’m in a league of my own here! I stand here, uncontested! UNCHALLENGED! THE SUPREME CHAMPION!

[Jack gets to his feet and takes the mic from the ring announcer.]

Jack Reynolds – Hey man. I know you got a lot to be happy about. But seeing as how you just beat me, your league is right here.

[The fans cheer as Jack points down to his feet.]

Jack Reynolds – When its all said and done, I’ve beaten you before Vyper, and I can beat you again. But I know that’s not what this is about. This is about – what’s next. Let me level with you. You and me, we aren’t that different. Not only do we both have awesome modern hairstyles. We both want what is around your waist. See, I have the same fears, the same disappointments, and the same questions that you have about this company. Where is the competition. Where is the next set of fighters to earn a shot at that title? It’s like you, me, Hershey, we’ve been fighting each other what…

[He counts on his fingers.]

Jack Reynolds – I think it’s been 5 times now for me, that I’ve been in the ring with either one of you for that title since the start of Summer. So yeah, it is getting a bit boring in here. I totally feel you there, man.”

[He pauses and runs his hands over his head.]

Jack Reynolds – But, I do need to beg to differ with you on one issue. Scott Vyper, you are not the Supreme Champion. According to Shank, you’re not even the #1 Champion.

["Vyper sucks" chants start to come from the crowd. Vyper looks around.]

Jack Reynolds – Furthermore, you’ve only head the title since July. We’re talking a month. I held the title from May 6th to July 8th. I think that basically puts me at least one notch above you, man. And, I will take that title back.

Scott Vyper – Oh, I see.

[Vyper smiles and looks at Hershey and Savage. He looks back at the ring.]

Scott Vyper – You’re a glutton for punishment aren’t you? You just don’t get it do you? You’re not in my league man… you’re not in Elite Alliance’s league. As far as I’m concern, you’ll never get another match with me again!

[Just then, Hershey looks at Vyper with concerned eyes, he begins to whisper something into Scott Vyper's ear. Vyper raises an eyebrow first, and then smiles, nodding his head in approval.]

Scott Vyper – Pure genius Hershey, pure genius. Well Jack, looks like the good preacher here might be your savior. I’ll tell you what Jack… I’ll give you a shot at my Great Lakes Championship…

[The crowd begins to cheer loudly, shocked by this announcement.]

Scott Vyper – IF!

[The crowd switches almost instantly to a loud roar.]

Scott Vyper – Heh… IF you can defeat both “The Cajun Crippler” Steve Savage and then defeat the “Preacher of Pain” Sam Hershey! If you can make it past them, you got your title shot at the upcoming PPV… BURN! [The crowd boos.]

Jack Reynolds – So, what you’re saying… is that if I want a title shot against you… I’ve got to get past Steve Savage and Sam Hershey? Scott Vyper – You got it. Jack Reynolds – Then, you got yourself a deal. Vyper, I’ll see you at Burn.

[The Elite Alliance begins to laugh at the ramp and walks towards the back. The camera shot changes back and forth between TEA members and Jack Reynolds as the scene fades to the WMW logo.]