Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Oct 17, 2018 3:38:36 GMT -8
The show opens in silence as an image of Vlad Blackheart and Lara Chastain, during their wedding, appears on the screen. Beneath it, the text reads:
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice list the A Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
Hanson: "Yes, welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament! I'm Nick Hanson and...well...it appears I'm here by myself, at the moment. Jim's nowhere in sight and he's not answering his phone. I certainly hope nothing's wrong, but we'll keep you posted. Until then, we've got quite the show scheduled for today's card. Without further adue, let's go ahead and take it to ringside for some six-man, or excuse me, I should say six-*woman* tag team action!"
This is said as Ghost's "Dance Macabre" kicks on over the sound system, sounding the arrival of the one of the two teams for the match -- Lara Blackheart leading the charge for Shelley Silver and GWN's Kennedy Campbell.
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In the first tag team match, Lara Blackheart, Shelley Silver and Kennedy Campbell defeated Candi Broduer, Serena Frost and Trina Tanaka, by pinfall in 14:13, after Shelley nailed Trina with a vicious Silver Bullet and rolled her up for the cover.
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In the second tag match of the day, the McKeesport Mafia defeated Suzuki-Gun, by pinfall in 12:05, when Carmine Moretti decimated Taichi with the Omerta and held him down by the face for the pinfall.
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As the third tag match was beginning, "Wolfish Soldier" blasting throughout the arena, signaling the arrival of Shingo Takagi and T-Hawk, we hear the sound of a headset being maneuvered.
Hanson: "Oh, well look who it is! Where the hell have you been?!"
Reynolds: "Hey, Nicky! I found this great little hole in the wall joint a few blocks down that makes the best buffalo chicken alfredo pasta you've ever tasted!"
Hanson: "Oh for god's sake, Jim. That's why you're late to work?! I've called two matches already!"
Reynolds: "Hey, I made it here before the block matches, didn't I?"
Hanson: "Yeah, thankfully! There's still one tag match to go! You know what? I have to use the bathroom. You can handle a few minutes by yourself, right? Considering I just handled damn near the last half hour on my own!"
We hear Hanson throw his headset off and cut the cameras to the table just in time to see him rushing off just as James Reynolds gets settled. He smirks smugly at the camera then and thumbs off to the side.
Reynolds: "The hell's his problem?"
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In the final tag match of the day, Suzuki-Gun defeated The Rebel Rousers, by pinfall in 16:37, when Shingo Takagi pinned Teddy Morse with the Last Falconry.
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Following the tag matches, the ringside crew began their routine setup of cleaning up any carnage caused by the tag teams in preparation for the A Block matches about to start.
Reynolds: "Tell me something, Nicky."
Hanson: "Yeah?"
Reynolds: "Why is it that Suzuki-Gun has to fuck up ringside EVERY--SINGLE--TIME they're out here?"
Hanson: "I don't know and I don't care to find out. Why don't you go ask Suzuki what his guys' problems are?"
Reynolds: "Pfft! Yeah, and Sasha Grey might suck---"
Reynolds and Hanson were abruptly cut off by the sudden interruption that came in the form of New Year's Day's "Anthem Of The Unwanted" ripping through the speakers.
Reynolds: "--erm...Nicky? Do we have a fourth tag match scheduled?"
Hanson: "No...?"
Reynolds: "Then what the hell...?"
As the song continued to boom throughout the arena, the first half of The Unwanted appeared on the stage in the form of Adrianna Salvatore, dressed in street clothes for once consisting of faded blue jeans that looked like they'd once been the chew toy of a timber wolf, boots and a low neckline t-shirt advertising for their tag unit, with the words "WHO WOULD WANT US?" underneath her patented, denim vest with the hood down for once.
As Adrianna strode confidently to the ring, Mia hopped arrogantly around her, dressed in black jeans, a Deadpool hoodie, and black Docs, blowing a kiss to the camera as she slid under the ropes and into the ring.
Reynolds: "What the hell are they doing out here?"
Hanson: "Well, obviously, they've got something to say, Jim. How dense are you?"
As the announcers bickered under the music, Adrianna, title belt in hand, entered the ring normally under the top rope rather than her match entrance of sliding underneath the bottom. She did, however, give the fans her turnbuckle headbang motion, her hair swinging in rhythm to the pre-chorus. Once she stepped down from the ropes, she brushed loose strands of hair out of her face as she came to stand in the center of the ring, letting her smaller but equally dangerous other half call for the mic and have the first words.
Taking the mic from her friend, Mia gave a loud, mocking laugh as she began. "You know... there's a lot of people that are intimidated by The Renegades. Who are afraid to call them out on their bullshit. Me? I ain't one of them. Here's how I see it - LeBrun? A damn talented wrestler who'd rather be known as a whiny, entitled douche-canoe who tries to befriend anyone he thinks could beat him. Julian Morrison? He's the Lance Von Erich of his generation. Newsflash, dipshit: the whole "pretending to be related" thing didn't work for Lance back then? And it didn't work for you. Tyson Law? Some athletes are on Dancing With The Stars... you're a recurring guest on Jobbing To The Stars. Candi Brodeur? Bitch would win more if she took the stick out of her ass long enough to be more limber. Oh... and Serena Frost... bitch looks like she's been shooting heroin every day for a year. And last but not least... The Fallen."
She shook her head, before breaking into a short giggle fit.
"WHAT ARE YOU FALLEN OVER? A chair? A puddle of water? What??? Face it, dipshits... only thing "Fallen" when you're in this ring are the IQs of anyone stuck watching you."
Beside Mia, Adrianna cracked a surprisingly amused smirk at her friend's zinger. While she was doing this, the crowd roared with laughter as if they were at a Comedy Central Roast special rather than a wrestling event.
Reynolds: "I'm starting to like her."
Hanson: "You're late to the party, Jim."
Taking the microphone from Mia, Adrianna paced around the ring for a brief moment, idly setting her title up on her shoulder as she looked downward in thought. Finally, she lifted her head again, along with the microphone. Her expression had returned to that of serious and downright cold. "Part of me doesn't wanna waste my breath on the Renegades. Mouse just burned them worse than I could even begin to think of doing." She said this, pointing beside her at Mia. "But, I will say this: I get it. I get that you're angry. I get that you feel left out. Overlooked. Trust me, I know what that feels like. But the one thing *I* didn't do...was let it ruin my drive. I didn't beat a dead horse with it. Yeah, I may have brought it up when it was relevant, but I pushed through the hurt and the rejection and I showed everyone just how--fucking--wrong they were to forget me!" As she said this, she lifted the Women's Championship off of her shoulder and into the air as physical proof of her statement. Lowering the belt back down onto her shoulder, Adrianna continued. "Meanwhile, Candi Broduer bitches about being stuck as a midcarder for this company and Serena Frost is bitching like she's Max with a set of tits for not being offered a place when NFW came back. But you know what else? I don't remember seeing her at the tryouts that they held in Chicago last year, in November! *I* was there. Chris was there. Tyler was there. A lot of us new faces that none of you long time fans have seen in an NFW ring before the company kicked things off again? We were all there! We showed what we were worth, instead of crying in a fucking corner about how 'nobody respects us. Nobody gives a damn about us.' If you want people to give a shit, then you need to step up and make yourselves noticed!!" As she said this, she directed her attention towards the backstage direction as the crowd began erupting in cheers of approval.
"Candi, you opened some eyes when you put your body on the line in an Inferno Match. Then you relapsed and started bitching about doing it. Serena?" Adrianna shook her head. Her dark red lips curling up in an unamused frown. "I haven't seen anything special from you except for cheap shots and a lot of running your mouth. And the two of you think you're on the level for this right here?" She lifted her title belt up just enough to make her point. "Crying on twitter and stomping your feet like a couple of self entitled bitches isn't going to get you anywhere near this. Meanwhile, the next woman in line to try and take this from me is a girl who doubted herself, doubted her ability, but still never quit and now? She's gonna get her opportunity. It's certainly not gonna come easy, but Alex Brody is gonna definitely get her chance, and that's more than -- truthfully -- anybody can say for either of you two, right now...."
Before Mia could reply to that, the two of them were blindsided as Candi Broduer and Serena Frost emerged from beneath the ring, sliding in behind the two and and attacking them both from behind. With lightning speed, Serena produced a pair of handcuffs, and quickly cuffed Adrianna's wrist to the middle rope, before helping Candi double-team Mia, dragging her across the ring to begin beating her down, taking turns kicking her, punching her, and putting knees into her.
The crowd was now roaring with angry jeers at the two women of the Renegades as the attack unfolded. By the time Adrianna realized she was, following the blindside, it was too late to move in and even the odds. All she was able to do was pull angrily against the handcuffs as her free hand reached out, trying to snag whatever she could on Serena or Candi -- whichever happened to be closer at any particular second -- desperately trying to help Mia out of the situation she was in. While she couldn't be heard, it was clear she was yelling obscene threats at the two.
Hanson: "Where in the hell are security?! Someone's gotta stop this!!"
Reynolds: "You're telling me, Nicky! This is pre-planned and calculated, if I ever saw it!"
Hanson: "Where the hell is help when you n--, wait what's going on in the back?"
Clearly getting something from his headset, Hanson motions for whatever can be done to catch something going on backstage. When the feed does cut, it's just in time to catch the men of the Renegades -- all five of them -- in a fight to hold security back from rushing the ring. Everything from causing a block to straight up throwing shots at the officers to beat them back.
Reynolds: "What the hell is going on, Nicky?!"
Hanson: "You talk about pre-planned, Jim! The Renegades are keeping people from breaking this up! They've got security blocked off at all angles!! Goddamn them!"
As the crowd jeered and the commentators voiced their mutual disapproval, the cameras cut back into the ring where Candi and Serena were still beating down Mia, while Adrianna pulled at the handcuffs like a wild animal.
The crowd exploded into cheers then, as Lara Blackheart came sprinting out of the back, steel chair in hand.
Hanson: "JIM, HERE COMES LARA!!! LARA BLACKHEART TO THE FRIGGIN RESCUE, THANK GOD!"
Reynolds: "AMERICA'S SWEETHEART, YOU'RE OUR HERO!! Well...their hero."
Tearing down the aisle in black nylon shorts, sneakers, and a LA Guns tee, she slid into the ring, FIRING the chair right at Candi's face, knocking her out of the ring clutching her face as Lara then rocketed herself at Serena, hitting a cannonball dropkick that sent her tumbling out of the ring as well. She helped Mia to her feet, handing the chair to her (and in doing so, showing a HUGE degree of trust) while the referee scrambled to quickly get Adrianna out of the cuffs before her assailants could return.
As soon as she was out of the handcuffs, Adrianna tore away from the ropes, running to the other side of the ring and flinging her hooded vest over the ropes and down to the floor, where Candi and Serena retreated up the ramp. Still yelling inaudible obscenities under the roar of the crowd, she pointed at the two and motioned for them to bring their asses back to the ring before backstepping to the center of the ring with Mia and Lara. There was a notable pause before a realization showed as Adrianna turned towards Mia and Lara. The sight of the three all together in the ring, seemingly on the same side had the crowd going WILD!!!
Hanson: "Ohhhhhhh-hoooooo damn, Jim! Buffalo's loving this!"
Looking intently at Lara for a moment, Adrianna finally nodded, even managing a tiny smirk as she beckoned the girl forward and opened her arms welcomly. A hug to fully bury whatever hatchet they still might have held. The crowd's roar grew louder, practically begging for Lara to accept.
Lara didn't even HESITATE, before hugging her old friend, the crowd cheering loudly before ERUPTING as she turned.... paused... then hugged Mia as well.
Hanson: "YES!!!!!! THERE IT IS!!!!! WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!"
Reynolds: "LOOKS LIKE THE HATCHET'S BURIED, NICKY!!"
"We've been toying with this... but you assholes just cemented it. If you got even an ounce of courage, then let's make the match... at the Finals... you two bitches against Small But Mighty!"
The crowd EXPLODED with another pop!!
Hanson: "WHOA!!!!!"
Reynolds: "DID SHE JUST SAY WHAT I THINK SHE SAID?!"
Hanson: "SHE DID, JIM!!!! SMALL BUT MIGHTY!! ONE MORE TIME, AND THEY'RE GONNA TAKE ON CANDI AND SERENA OF THE RENEGADES!!!"
As "Dance Macabre" kicked on over the speakers, Adrianna scooped up her title belt, holding it at her side, giving Lara a one armed, second hug, then pointed to the stage at Candi and Serena, mouthing something that looked like 'I hope they fucking murder you two' before throwing them the middle finger. She then took a few steps towards the ropes before pausing and looking over her shoulder and motioning for Lara to stick with her and Mia.
Hanson: "Jim, I think these fans just got two things they were hoping for all at once. A friendship rekindled and the promise of another look at one of the greatest tag teams in women's wrestling."
Reynolds: "Talk about ticket sales about to skyrocket!"
The crowd had yet to even calm down from their excitement as the three women finally made their exit up the ramp to Lara's music. The last shot of the scene being the three of them turning to give the crowd one last look before disappearing through the curtain.
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Hanson: "Wow, man...."
Reynolds: "Yeah...you said it. That was great!"
Hanson: "It was. I'm almost sad they're gone, already. I could have watched those three truce it up for another hour, buuuut, we have the block matches still."
Reynolds: "That we do! Let's hear it Nicky!"
Hanson: "Weeeellll, for those who don't know: Chris Wolfe is now in the lead of A Block with twelve points! Buzzsaw follows right behind him with eleven points. Kota Ibushi has ten, Max LeBrun and Nico Salvatore have nine, Rick Dickulous has eight, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Sabre Jr both have four, Kane has two and while it isn't much, Matt Klazzic finally has one point on the board after a damn impressive showing against Nico Salvatore the other day!"
Reynolds: "Well, let's see if he can pull off another shocker here in a few minutes, because he's up first for tonight's block matches and he's taking on A Block's leader - The Big Bad Chris Wolfe!"
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Matt Klazzic defeated Chris Wolfe in their block match, by pinfall in 19:07, after slipping out of the DireWolfe and hitting him with a Northern Lights Bomb for the upset victory!!
Reynolds: "HOOOOOLY CRAP, NICKY!!!!"
Hanson: "WHOOAAAA!!!!! WOW!!!!"
Reynolds: "YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT AN UPSET?! WE JUST WITNESSED, PROBABLY, THE BIGGEST ONE OF THE TOURNAMENT!!"
Hanson: "I'LL SAY, JIM!!! WHAT A WAY TO KICK OFF DAY 15!! MATT KLAZZIC JUST SILENCED ALL CRITICS, I WOULD THINK!!!"
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Max LeBrun defeated Zack Sabre Jr in their block match, by pinfall in 17:18, after ZSJ slipped out of an Octopus Hold and shoved Max back, seemingly off balance. When Zack moved in to capitalize, Max caught him with a sudden Slapshot and hooked his leg for the pinfall.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
"The Duke" by Lamb of God plays out in the arena as "The Punisher" Andrew Payne is seen standing in front of the promotional backdrop. Dripping with sweat and struggling to catch his breath, Payne unstraps his gloves and pulls them off of his hands.
"Alright, so...two more points." He says, sighing to himself. "That makes, what, six?" He shakes his head with a somber look on his face. "I've wrestled seven of my nine matches for this tournament. I've won three. I'm not complaining. I've lost to some tough guys. I've beaten three others. Hell, I fulfilled one of my main goals in this tournament: I beat the shit out of that little fuck, Tama Tonga. Whether he learned his lesson or not, I'm not sure. As far as I've heard, he's still running his mouth. Do D and I expect backlash after this tournament?" He nodded, placing his hands on his hips. "Yeah. Definitely. Are we ready for it? Yeah. Definitely. But enough of that. Scott? You're a hell of a guy and I enjoyed mixing it up out there, today. I know I don't need to say this, but don't let this loss get you down. We're both mathmetically eliminated. That doesn't mean we didn't show motherfuckers who have been doubting us, like the Renegades that old boys like us can still go. They're gunning for the entire generation before them. They're gunning for the House of Payne, they're gunning for the Great White North...hell, Max must have lost his mind because he's got them even gunning for the Dominion and he knows what Judas is capable of. But hey...whatever floats the little bastard's boat. Hell, speaking of Judas...."
Andrew brushes a finger under his nose idly and chuckles shaking his head. "He's next for me, isn't he?" Andrew looks down, shaking his head again and laughing under his breath.
"Would you care to elaborate on your next match with Judas Lasher?" A reporter asks.
Andrew Payne looks up, wiping his face with the inside of one of his elbow pads and giving a heavy sigh. "To sum it all up?" He exhales heavily. "This is all gonna be new to me. I've never even personally spoken to the man, nor have I ever faced him. He thinks he's the only one who wants this. I may not be able to win but I can knock that crazy bastard off of his high horse. Sorry, but I don't do the whole spiritual, Satanism gig. I was never even much of a church goer. Do I believe in God? Sure. But I've made some less than admirable choices in life that probably has the big man shaking his head. So trust me, when Judas and I step into that ring together, God's gonna sit this one out...." Cracking a small, rarely seen smirk as he knows someone watching will enjoy the reference, Andrew turns and dismisses himself from the interviewers, heading towards the locker rooms....
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Nico Salvatore defeated Shelton Benjamin in their block match, by pinfall in 16:02, with the GFY.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
Kenny Omega steps in front of the backdrop and the reporter crew. "Devil's Sky" still plays out in the arena. Catching his breath, he lets out an exaggerated "HOOOOOOO" before turning towards the camera. "Man! What did I tell you? I haven't had a perfect run for this tournament -- thanks Curry Man -- but I said the other day how this match would end and...well..." He makes a humorous 'told ya so' face and shrugs his hands up. "...look at the results! I told you, Tama, you are *not* on my level. You will *never* be on my level! Speaking of not being on my level...EVIL? Yeah, I'm looking at you. Funny how, even with so little of us from New Japan here in this tournament, we all seem to keep crossing paths. Now you can walk around claiming that *everything* is evil, but me? I'm not. What I *am* is the best, as I seem to keep proving each and every time. However, I'm also sore. I'm also tired. So, goodbye..." He gives a lazy kiss of his finger. "Mwah...goodnight...bang...seeya next time. Good overcomes Evil everytime, and that's just how things go. Stay tuned. You'll see." He 'shoots' the camera and makes off down the hallway.
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Buzzsaw defeated Kane in their block match, by pinfall in 10:50, after threet straight roundhouse kicks to the face.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
*Mannheim stands in front of the tournament backdrop, toweling sweat from his arms and face*
"I told you that would be one hell of a match. BDP always brings that shit hard, and that's why we work so well together."
"Now Thursday I've got Curry Man. Normally this is where I'd say something about my opponent to demean them, to get under their skin."
*Mannheim chuckles*
"Seriously though? Come on."
"I give him props for managing to keep this up for so long - yeah, I know, that's like the pot calling the kettle black - but come Thursday? Thursday I'm not holding back. There's another match I've got my sights set on, as do a lot of the fans out there...and that's the final match with Judas Lasher."
"I'm using Thursday as a warmup for next week. I know you'll be watching, Judas...and I hope you do. You and I have a little unfinished business, and come next Tuesday we can start working on finishing it. But in the meantime, Curry Man?"
*Mannheim points*
"You're the unfortunate one who serves as the example. It's not personal, it's business...you're just collateral damage."
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In the main event, Rick Dickulous defeated Kota Ibushi in their block match, by pinfall in 18:31, with the Misery Whip.
As the bell rings, and The Lumberjack hits over the arena speakers, Rick gets himself to his feet, hoisting both hands over his head in celebration. As the referee finishes checking on Kota Ibushi, Rick walks over to his stirring opponent and reaches out a hand. He helps Kota Ibushi to his feet and raises his hand, the crowd going absolutely nuts. Rick motions for a microphone.
"Whoa, guy! Whoa! Can we cut the music?"
The music stops, Kota Ibushi stops in the middle of exiting the ring.
Reynolds: "Oh god, he's not gonna talk, is he?"
Hanson: "He sure is, guy!"
Reynolds: "Auuugghhh! Fuck you both, Nicky."
"Seriously, Kota-guy! Come back here for a minute, eh?"
Ibushi slips back between the ropes and faces Rick.
"I never get to say this face to face, buddy, it's always in these backstage interviews! But, hey guy, that was an awesome match! I just wanted to be able to be a real Canadian and say thank you, eh?"
The crows pops as Kota Ibushi looks confused for a second, then slowly gives a thumbs up to Rick. Rick enthusiastically returns the gesture with his free hand.
"Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about! This guy just made me work my ass off for two points, and that deserves a little respect! So come on and give him a hand on his way to the back."
As Kota and Rick nod to each other, Ibushi slips under the ropes and walks up the ramp, the crowd cheering him all the way out. Rick motions for the crowd to quiet down as he paces around the ring, when they quiet down, he continues.
Hanson: "Well that was nice of him! What a great guy, Rick is!"
Reynolds: "Are you *trying* to see how far you can push me before I hit you?"
Hanson: "Hey, relax, guy!"
"Right now, somewhere in the back - likely in the Dominion of Pain's dressing room - sits a man who has drawn my attention. I'm pretty sure you all know I'm talking about Doomsday, guy..."
The crowd gives a mixed reaction of cheers and boos at the mention of Doomsday. The camera flashes a few Doomsday signs in the crowd.
"See, Commissioner Brody came out here and he laid down the law regarding Doomsday and I, eh? He vowed that if we mixed it up again during this tournament he'd fire us both..."
A chorus of boos fills the stadium, Rick holds up his hands, motioning for quiet.
"...look, come on! Relax, guy"
Slowly the crowd quiets.
"Look, he's gotta protect the image of the company, guy, I get that. This tournament? It means a lot to him, and I get it...but dealing with Kaiju? That means a lot to me."
Reynolds: "See, this is what Doomsday's talking about. This idiot just can't let it go!"
Hanson: "Well, Rick just can't hold it back anymore, Jim."
Reynolds: "...."
Hanson: *Trying hard not to laugh* "What, Jim?"
Reynolds: "I'm going to KILL YOU, Nicky!!"
"So, I had to refocus. I had to dig deep and find a way to put that idea on the back burner. Find a way to douse that raging forest fire in my chest, guy...and when I said I had six points left to earn, I wasn't kidding. I'm gonna earn two more points on Monday. And after that, we'll see where the chips lie, eh?"
"But it's like this, buddy...if you think that I've forgotten about you, Doomsday...you're dead wrong. When this tournament is over? You and I are gonna lock horns...and when the dust settles...when they lay you on that stretcher to wheel you up that ramp? You can think about the fact that I made that happen, guy! I, Rick Dickulous, put an end to the madness."
"SORRY, NOT SORRY!"
The Lumberjack blares through the sound system and the crowd goes nuts as Rick drops the mic in the ring before stepping over the ropes and hopping down to the announce table. He retrieves the Silver Mountain Championship and holds it over his head in one hand, making his exit up the ramp.
Reynolds: "He wants to talk about madness? What he's doing is madness!"
Hanson: "Hey---"
Reynolds: "I swear, I'm gonna fucking sock you if you make a Canadian quip."
Hanson: "I was just gonna say, Rick has his prerogative. He feels like Doomsday's a threat and...well...wouldn't you agree, of all people? I mean, you're always saying how you can't stand the Dominion."
Reynolds: "Nicky, I don't know who I can tolerate less. Them or Rick Dickulous by himself. It's bad enough when they're separate. He wants to lock up with Doomsday in a sanctioned match? Then I have to worry about my physical AND mental health."
Hanson: "Well, like he said, that's after the tournament and we've still got three shows to go, not including the Finals event which are already sold out! Folks, we wanna thank you for joining us today and we hope you'll be back with us tomorrow. I'm Nick Hanson, with the insufferable James Reynolds---"
Reynolds: "*I'M* insufferable?!"
Hanson: "--and we bid you so long, until next time!"
Reynolds: "Hold the phone, asshole! What the hell do you mean *I'M* insufferable?! Wait a sec, I want this on camera! Don't cut the---"
The show abruptly cuts to black....
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice list the A Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
Hanson: "Yes, welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament! I'm Nick Hanson and...well...it appears I'm here by myself, at the moment. Jim's nowhere in sight and he's not answering his phone. I certainly hope nothing's wrong, but we'll keep you posted. Until then, we've got quite the show scheduled for today's card. Without further adue, let's go ahead and take it to ringside for some six-man, or excuse me, I should say six-*woman* tag team action!"
This is said as Ghost's "Dance Macabre" kicks on over the sound system, sounding the arrival of the one of the two teams for the match -- Lara Blackheart leading the charge for Shelley Silver and GWN's Kennedy Campbell.
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In the first tag team match, Lara Blackheart, Shelley Silver and Kennedy Campbell defeated Candi Broduer, Serena Frost and Trina Tanaka, by pinfall in 14:13, after Shelley nailed Trina with a vicious Silver Bullet and rolled her up for the cover.
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In the second tag match of the day, the McKeesport Mafia defeated Suzuki-Gun, by pinfall in 12:05, when Carmine Moretti decimated Taichi with the Omerta and held him down by the face for the pinfall.
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As the third tag match was beginning, "Wolfish Soldier" blasting throughout the arena, signaling the arrival of Shingo Takagi and T-Hawk, we hear the sound of a headset being maneuvered.
Hanson: "Oh, well look who it is! Where the hell have you been?!"
Reynolds: "Hey, Nicky! I found this great little hole in the wall joint a few blocks down that makes the best buffalo chicken alfredo pasta you've ever tasted!"
Hanson: "Oh for god's sake, Jim. That's why you're late to work?! I've called two matches already!"
Reynolds: "Hey, I made it here before the block matches, didn't I?"
Hanson: "Yeah, thankfully! There's still one tag match to go! You know what? I have to use the bathroom. You can handle a few minutes by yourself, right? Considering I just handled damn near the last half hour on my own!"
We hear Hanson throw his headset off and cut the cameras to the table just in time to see him rushing off just as James Reynolds gets settled. He smirks smugly at the camera then and thumbs off to the side.
Reynolds: "The hell's his problem?"
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In the final tag match of the day, Suzuki-Gun defeated The Rebel Rousers, by pinfall in 16:37, when Shingo Takagi pinned Teddy Morse with the Last Falconry.
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Following the tag matches, the ringside crew began their routine setup of cleaning up any carnage caused by the tag teams in preparation for the A Block matches about to start.
Reynolds: "Tell me something, Nicky."
Hanson: "Yeah?"
Reynolds: "Why is it that Suzuki-Gun has to fuck up ringside EVERY--SINGLE--TIME they're out here?"
Hanson: "I don't know and I don't care to find out. Why don't you go ask Suzuki what his guys' problems are?"
Reynolds: "Pfft! Yeah, and Sasha Grey might suck---"
Reynolds and Hanson were abruptly cut off by the sudden interruption that came in the form of New Year's Day's "Anthem Of The Unwanted" ripping through the speakers.
Reynolds: "--erm...Nicky? Do we have a fourth tag match scheduled?"
Hanson: "No...?"
Reynolds: "Then what the hell...?"
As the song continued to boom throughout the arena, the first half of The Unwanted appeared on the stage in the form of Adrianna Salvatore, dressed in street clothes for once consisting of faded blue jeans that looked like they'd once been the chew toy of a timber wolf, boots and a low neckline t-shirt advertising for their tag unit, with the words "WHO WOULD WANT US?" underneath her patented, denim vest with the hood down for once.
As Adrianna strode confidently to the ring, Mia hopped arrogantly around her, dressed in black jeans, a Deadpool hoodie, and black Docs, blowing a kiss to the camera as she slid under the ropes and into the ring.
Reynolds: "What the hell are they doing out here?"
Hanson: "Well, obviously, they've got something to say, Jim. How dense are you?"
As the announcers bickered under the music, Adrianna, title belt in hand, entered the ring normally under the top rope rather than her match entrance of sliding underneath the bottom. She did, however, give the fans her turnbuckle headbang motion, her hair swinging in rhythm to the pre-chorus. Once she stepped down from the ropes, she brushed loose strands of hair out of her face as she came to stand in the center of the ring, letting her smaller but equally dangerous other half call for the mic and have the first words.
Taking the mic from her friend, Mia gave a loud, mocking laugh as she began. "You know... there's a lot of people that are intimidated by The Renegades. Who are afraid to call them out on their bullshit. Me? I ain't one of them. Here's how I see it - LeBrun? A damn talented wrestler who'd rather be known as a whiny, entitled douche-canoe who tries to befriend anyone he thinks could beat him. Julian Morrison? He's the Lance Von Erich of his generation. Newsflash, dipshit: the whole "pretending to be related" thing didn't work for Lance back then? And it didn't work for you. Tyson Law? Some athletes are on Dancing With The Stars... you're a recurring guest on Jobbing To The Stars. Candi Brodeur? Bitch would win more if she took the stick out of her ass long enough to be more limber. Oh... and Serena Frost... bitch looks like she's been shooting heroin every day for a year. And last but not least... The Fallen."
She shook her head, before breaking into a short giggle fit.
"WHAT ARE YOU FALLEN OVER? A chair? A puddle of water? What??? Face it, dipshits... only thing "Fallen" when you're in this ring are the IQs of anyone stuck watching you."
Beside Mia, Adrianna cracked a surprisingly amused smirk at her friend's zinger. While she was doing this, the crowd roared with laughter as if they were at a Comedy Central Roast special rather than a wrestling event.
Reynolds: "I'm starting to like her."
Hanson: "You're late to the party, Jim."
Taking the microphone from Mia, Adrianna paced around the ring for a brief moment, idly setting her title up on her shoulder as she looked downward in thought. Finally, she lifted her head again, along with the microphone. Her expression had returned to that of serious and downright cold. "Part of me doesn't wanna waste my breath on the Renegades. Mouse just burned them worse than I could even begin to think of doing." She said this, pointing beside her at Mia. "But, I will say this: I get it. I get that you're angry. I get that you feel left out. Overlooked. Trust me, I know what that feels like. But the one thing *I* didn't do...was let it ruin my drive. I didn't beat a dead horse with it. Yeah, I may have brought it up when it was relevant, but I pushed through the hurt and the rejection and I showed everyone just how--fucking--wrong they were to forget me!" As she said this, she lifted the Women's Championship off of her shoulder and into the air as physical proof of her statement. Lowering the belt back down onto her shoulder, Adrianna continued. "Meanwhile, Candi Broduer bitches about being stuck as a midcarder for this company and Serena Frost is bitching like she's Max with a set of tits for not being offered a place when NFW came back. But you know what else? I don't remember seeing her at the tryouts that they held in Chicago last year, in November! *I* was there. Chris was there. Tyler was there. A lot of us new faces that none of you long time fans have seen in an NFW ring before the company kicked things off again? We were all there! We showed what we were worth, instead of crying in a fucking corner about how 'nobody respects us. Nobody gives a damn about us.' If you want people to give a shit, then you need to step up and make yourselves noticed!!" As she said this, she directed her attention towards the backstage direction as the crowd began erupting in cheers of approval.
"Candi, you opened some eyes when you put your body on the line in an Inferno Match. Then you relapsed and started bitching about doing it. Serena?" Adrianna shook her head. Her dark red lips curling up in an unamused frown. "I haven't seen anything special from you except for cheap shots and a lot of running your mouth. And the two of you think you're on the level for this right here?" She lifted her title belt up just enough to make her point. "Crying on twitter and stomping your feet like a couple of self entitled bitches isn't going to get you anywhere near this. Meanwhile, the next woman in line to try and take this from me is a girl who doubted herself, doubted her ability, but still never quit and now? She's gonna get her opportunity. It's certainly not gonna come easy, but Alex Brody is gonna definitely get her chance, and that's more than -- truthfully -- anybody can say for either of you two, right now...."
Before Mia could reply to that, the two of them were blindsided as Candi Broduer and Serena Frost emerged from beneath the ring, sliding in behind the two and and attacking them both from behind. With lightning speed, Serena produced a pair of handcuffs, and quickly cuffed Adrianna's wrist to the middle rope, before helping Candi double-team Mia, dragging her across the ring to begin beating her down, taking turns kicking her, punching her, and putting knees into her.
The crowd was now roaring with angry jeers at the two women of the Renegades as the attack unfolded. By the time Adrianna realized she was, following the blindside, it was too late to move in and even the odds. All she was able to do was pull angrily against the handcuffs as her free hand reached out, trying to snag whatever she could on Serena or Candi -- whichever happened to be closer at any particular second -- desperately trying to help Mia out of the situation she was in. While she couldn't be heard, it was clear she was yelling obscene threats at the two.
Hanson: "Where in the hell are security?! Someone's gotta stop this!!"
Reynolds: "You're telling me, Nicky! This is pre-planned and calculated, if I ever saw it!"
Hanson: "Where the hell is help when you n--, wait what's going on in the back?"
Clearly getting something from his headset, Hanson motions for whatever can be done to catch something going on backstage. When the feed does cut, it's just in time to catch the men of the Renegades -- all five of them -- in a fight to hold security back from rushing the ring. Everything from causing a block to straight up throwing shots at the officers to beat them back.
Reynolds: "What the hell is going on, Nicky?!"
Hanson: "You talk about pre-planned, Jim! The Renegades are keeping people from breaking this up! They've got security blocked off at all angles!! Goddamn them!"
As the crowd jeered and the commentators voiced their mutual disapproval, the cameras cut back into the ring where Candi and Serena were still beating down Mia, while Adrianna pulled at the handcuffs like a wild animal.
The crowd exploded into cheers then, as Lara Blackheart came sprinting out of the back, steel chair in hand.
Hanson: "JIM, HERE COMES LARA!!! LARA BLACKHEART TO THE FRIGGIN RESCUE, THANK GOD!"
Reynolds: "AMERICA'S SWEETHEART, YOU'RE OUR HERO!! Well...their hero."
Tearing down the aisle in black nylon shorts, sneakers, and a LA Guns tee, she slid into the ring, FIRING the chair right at Candi's face, knocking her out of the ring clutching her face as Lara then rocketed herself at Serena, hitting a cannonball dropkick that sent her tumbling out of the ring as well. She helped Mia to her feet, handing the chair to her (and in doing so, showing a HUGE degree of trust) while the referee scrambled to quickly get Adrianna out of the cuffs before her assailants could return.
As soon as she was out of the handcuffs, Adrianna tore away from the ropes, running to the other side of the ring and flinging her hooded vest over the ropes and down to the floor, where Candi and Serena retreated up the ramp. Still yelling inaudible obscenities under the roar of the crowd, she pointed at the two and motioned for them to bring their asses back to the ring before backstepping to the center of the ring with Mia and Lara. There was a notable pause before a realization showed as Adrianna turned towards Mia and Lara. The sight of the three all together in the ring, seemingly on the same side had the crowd going WILD!!!
Hanson: "Ohhhhhhh-hoooooo damn, Jim! Buffalo's loving this!"
Looking intently at Lara for a moment, Adrianna finally nodded, even managing a tiny smirk as she beckoned the girl forward and opened her arms welcomly. A hug to fully bury whatever hatchet they still might have held. The crowd's roar grew louder, practically begging for Lara to accept.
Lara didn't even HESITATE, before hugging her old friend, the crowd cheering loudly before ERUPTING as she turned.... paused... then hugged Mia as well.
Hanson: "YES!!!!!! THERE IT IS!!!!! WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!"
Reynolds: "LOOKS LIKE THE HATCHET'S BURIED, NICKY!!"
"We've been toying with this... but you assholes just cemented it. If you got even an ounce of courage, then let's make the match... at the Finals... you two bitches against Small But Mighty!"
The crowd EXPLODED with another pop!!
Hanson: "WHOA!!!!!"
Reynolds: "DID SHE JUST SAY WHAT I THINK SHE SAID?!"
Hanson: "SHE DID, JIM!!!! SMALL BUT MIGHTY!! ONE MORE TIME, AND THEY'RE GONNA TAKE ON CANDI AND SERENA OF THE RENEGADES!!!"
As "Dance Macabre" kicked on over the speakers, Adrianna scooped up her title belt, holding it at her side, giving Lara a one armed, second hug, then pointed to the stage at Candi and Serena, mouthing something that looked like 'I hope they fucking murder you two' before throwing them the middle finger. She then took a few steps towards the ropes before pausing and looking over her shoulder and motioning for Lara to stick with her and Mia.
Hanson: "Jim, I think these fans just got two things they were hoping for all at once. A friendship rekindled and the promise of another look at one of the greatest tag teams in women's wrestling."
Reynolds: "Talk about ticket sales about to skyrocket!"
The crowd had yet to even calm down from their excitement as the three women finally made their exit up the ramp to Lara's music. The last shot of the scene being the three of them turning to give the crowd one last look before disappearing through the curtain.
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Hanson: "Wow, man...."
Reynolds: "Yeah...you said it. That was great!"
Hanson: "It was. I'm almost sad they're gone, already. I could have watched those three truce it up for another hour, buuuut, we have the block matches still."
Reynolds: "That we do! Let's hear it Nicky!"
Hanson: "Weeeellll, for those who don't know: Chris Wolfe is now in the lead of A Block with twelve points! Buzzsaw follows right behind him with eleven points. Kota Ibushi has ten, Max LeBrun and Nico Salvatore have nine, Rick Dickulous has eight, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Sabre Jr both have four, Kane has two and while it isn't much, Matt Klazzic finally has one point on the board after a damn impressive showing against Nico Salvatore the other day!"
Reynolds: "Well, let's see if he can pull off another shocker here in a few minutes, because he's up first for tonight's block matches and he's taking on A Block's leader - The Big Bad Chris Wolfe!"
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Matt Klazzic defeated Chris Wolfe in their block match, by pinfall in 19:07, after slipping out of the DireWolfe and hitting him with a Northern Lights Bomb for the upset victory!!
Reynolds: "HOOOOOLY CRAP, NICKY!!!!"
Hanson: "WHOOAAAA!!!!! WOW!!!!"
Reynolds: "YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT AN UPSET?! WE JUST WITNESSED, PROBABLY, THE BIGGEST ONE OF THE TOURNAMENT!!"
Hanson: "I'LL SAY, JIM!!! WHAT A WAY TO KICK OFF DAY 15!! MATT KLAZZIC JUST SILENCED ALL CRITICS, I WOULD THINK!!!"
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Max LeBrun defeated Zack Sabre Jr in their block match, by pinfall in 17:18, after ZSJ slipped out of an Octopus Hold and shoved Max back, seemingly off balance. When Zack moved in to capitalize, Max caught him with a sudden Slapshot and hooked his leg for the pinfall.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
"The Duke" by Lamb of God plays out in the arena as "The Punisher" Andrew Payne is seen standing in front of the promotional backdrop. Dripping with sweat and struggling to catch his breath, Payne unstraps his gloves and pulls them off of his hands.
"Alright, so...two more points." He says, sighing to himself. "That makes, what, six?" He shakes his head with a somber look on his face. "I've wrestled seven of my nine matches for this tournament. I've won three. I'm not complaining. I've lost to some tough guys. I've beaten three others. Hell, I fulfilled one of my main goals in this tournament: I beat the shit out of that little fuck, Tama Tonga. Whether he learned his lesson or not, I'm not sure. As far as I've heard, he's still running his mouth. Do D and I expect backlash after this tournament?" He nodded, placing his hands on his hips. "Yeah. Definitely. Are we ready for it? Yeah. Definitely. But enough of that. Scott? You're a hell of a guy and I enjoyed mixing it up out there, today. I know I don't need to say this, but don't let this loss get you down. We're both mathmetically eliminated. That doesn't mean we didn't show motherfuckers who have been doubting us, like the Renegades that old boys like us can still go. They're gunning for the entire generation before them. They're gunning for the House of Payne, they're gunning for the Great White North...hell, Max must have lost his mind because he's got them even gunning for the Dominion and he knows what Judas is capable of. But hey...whatever floats the little bastard's boat. Hell, speaking of Judas...."
Andrew brushes a finger under his nose idly and chuckles shaking his head. "He's next for me, isn't he?" Andrew looks down, shaking his head again and laughing under his breath.
"Would you care to elaborate on your next match with Judas Lasher?" A reporter asks.
Andrew Payne looks up, wiping his face with the inside of one of his elbow pads and giving a heavy sigh. "To sum it all up?" He exhales heavily. "This is all gonna be new to me. I've never even personally spoken to the man, nor have I ever faced him. He thinks he's the only one who wants this. I may not be able to win but I can knock that crazy bastard off of his high horse. Sorry, but I don't do the whole spiritual, Satanism gig. I was never even much of a church goer. Do I believe in God? Sure. But I've made some less than admirable choices in life that probably has the big man shaking his head. So trust me, when Judas and I step into that ring together, God's gonna sit this one out...." Cracking a small, rarely seen smirk as he knows someone watching will enjoy the reference, Andrew turns and dismisses himself from the interviewers, heading towards the locker rooms....
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Nico Salvatore defeated Shelton Benjamin in their block match, by pinfall in 16:02, with the GFY.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
Kenny Omega steps in front of the backdrop and the reporter crew. "Devil's Sky" still plays out in the arena. Catching his breath, he lets out an exaggerated "HOOOOOOO" before turning towards the camera. "Man! What did I tell you? I haven't had a perfect run for this tournament -- thanks Curry Man -- but I said the other day how this match would end and...well..." He makes a humorous 'told ya so' face and shrugs his hands up. "...look at the results! I told you, Tama, you are *not* on my level. You will *never* be on my level! Speaking of not being on my level...EVIL? Yeah, I'm looking at you. Funny how, even with so little of us from New Japan here in this tournament, we all seem to keep crossing paths. Now you can walk around claiming that *everything* is evil, but me? I'm not. What I *am* is the best, as I seem to keep proving each and every time. However, I'm also sore. I'm also tired. So, goodbye..." He gives a lazy kiss of his finger. "Mwah...goodnight...bang...seeya next time. Good overcomes Evil everytime, and that's just how things go. Stay tuned. You'll see." He 'shoots' the camera and makes off down the hallway.
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Buzzsaw defeated Kane in their block match, by pinfall in 10:50, after threet straight roundhouse kicks to the face.
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[10/16/2018 - DAY 14 - B BLOCK]
*Mannheim stands in front of the tournament backdrop, toweling sweat from his arms and face*
"I told you that would be one hell of a match. BDP always brings that shit hard, and that's why we work so well together."
"Now Thursday I've got Curry Man. Normally this is where I'd say something about my opponent to demean them, to get under their skin."
*Mannheim chuckles*
"Seriously though? Come on."
"I give him props for managing to keep this up for so long - yeah, I know, that's like the pot calling the kettle black - but come Thursday? Thursday I'm not holding back. There's another match I've got my sights set on, as do a lot of the fans out there...and that's the final match with Judas Lasher."
"I'm using Thursday as a warmup for next week. I know you'll be watching, Judas...and I hope you do. You and I have a little unfinished business, and come next Tuesday we can start working on finishing it. But in the meantime, Curry Man?"
*Mannheim points*
"You're the unfortunate one who serves as the example. It's not personal, it's business...you're just collateral damage."
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In the main event, Rick Dickulous defeated Kota Ibushi in their block match, by pinfall in 18:31, with the Misery Whip.
As the bell rings, and The Lumberjack hits over the arena speakers, Rick gets himself to his feet, hoisting both hands over his head in celebration. As the referee finishes checking on Kota Ibushi, Rick walks over to his stirring opponent and reaches out a hand. He helps Kota Ibushi to his feet and raises his hand, the crowd going absolutely nuts. Rick motions for a microphone.
"Whoa, guy! Whoa! Can we cut the music?"
The music stops, Kota Ibushi stops in the middle of exiting the ring.
Reynolds: "Oh god, he's not gonna talk, is he?"
Hanson: "He sure is, guy!"
Reynolds: "Auuugghhh! Fuck you both, Nicky."
"Seriously, Kota-guy! Come back here for a minute, eh?"
Ibushi slips back between the ropes and faces Rick.
"I never get to say this face to face, buddy, it's always in these backstage interviews! But, hey guy, that was an awesome match! I just wanted to be able to be a real Canadian and say thank you, eh?"
The crows pops as Kota Ibushi looks confused for a second, then slowly gives a thumbs up to Rick. Rick enthusiastically returns the gesture with his free hand.
"Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about! This guy just made me work my ass off for two points, and that deserves a little respect! So come on and give him a hand on his way to the back."
As Kota and Rick nod to each other, Ibushi slips under the ropes and walks up the ramp, the crowd cheering him all the way out. Rick motions for the crowd to quiet down as he paces around the ring, when they quiet down, he continues.
Hanson: "Well that was nice of him! What a great guy, Rick is!"
Reynolds: "Are you *trying* to see how far you can push me before I hit you?"
Hanson: "Hey, relax, guy!"
"Right now, somewhere in the back - likely in the Dominion of Pain's dressing room - sits a man who has drawn my attention. I'm pretty sure you all know I'm talking about Doomsday, guy..."
The crowd gives a mixed reaction of cheers and boos at the mention of Doomsday. The camera flashes a few Doomsday signs in the crowd.
"See, Commissioner Brody came out here and he laid down the law regarding Doomsday and I, eh? He vowed that if we mixed it up again during this tournament he'd fire us both..."
A chorus of boos fills the stadium, Rick holds up his hands, motioning for quiet.
"...look, come on! Relax, guy"
Slowly the crowd quiets.
"Look, he's gotta protect the image of the company, guy, I get that. This tournament? It means a lot to him, and I get it...but dealing with Kaiju? That means a lot to me."
Reynolds: "See, this is what Doomsday's talking about. This idiot just can't let it go!"
Hanson: "Well, Rick just can't hold it back anymore, Jim."
Reynolds: "...."
Hanson: *Trying hard not to laugh* "What, Jim?"
Reynolds: "I'm going to KILL YOU, Nicky!!"
"So, I had to refocus. I had to dig deep and find a way to put that idea on the back burner. Find a way to douse that raging forest fire in my chest, guy...and when I said I had six points left to earn, I wasn't kidding. I'm gonna earn two more points on Monday. And after that, we'll see where the chips lie, eh?"
"But it's like this, buddy...if you think that I've forgotten about you, Doomsday...you're dead wrong. When this tournament is over? You and I are gonna lock horns...and when the dust settles...when they lay you on that stretcher to wheel you up that ramp? You can think about the fact that I made that happen, guy! I, Rick Dickulous, put an end to the madness."
"SORRY, NOT SORRY!"
The Lumberjack blares through the sound system and the crowd goes nuts as Rick drops the mic in the ring before stepping over the ropes and hopping down to the announce table. He retrieves the Silver Mountain Championship and holds it over his head in one hand, making his exit up the ramp.
Reynolds: "He wants to talk about madness? What he's doing is madness!"
Hanson: "Hey---"
Reynolds: "I swear, I'm gonna fucking sock you if you make a Canadian quip."
Hanson: "I was just gonna say, Rick has his prerogative. He feels like Doomsday's a threat and...well...wouldn't you agree, of all people? I mean, you're always saying how you can't stand the Dominion."
Reynolds: "Nicky, I don't know who I can tolerate less. Them or Rick Dickulous by himself. It's bad enough when they're separate. He wants to lock up with Doomsday in a sanctioned match? Then I have to worry about my physical AND mental health."
Hanson: "Well, like he said, that's after the tournament and we've still got three shows to go, not including the Finals event which are already sold out! Folks, we wanna thank you for joining us today and we hope you'll be back with us tomorrow. I'm Nick Hanson, with the insufferable James Reynolds---"
Reynolds: "*I'M* insufferable?!"
Hanson: "--and we bid you so long, until next time!"
Reynolds: "Hold the phone, asshole! What the hell do you mean *I'M* insufferable?! Wait a sec, I want this on camera! Don't cut the---"
The show abruptly cuts to black....
