ICONIC

We open up to a shot of a sold out Best Arena as music blasts across and the crazy Chicago faithful are packed in to see the last HOW show of 2020. We can see the ring ropes have been removed and replaced with barbed wire which is also wrapping around the turnbuckles and ringpost. We cut down to Joe Hoffman and a bottle of Jack Daniels which is being held by Benny Newell.

Joe Hoffman: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to ICONIC!

Benny Newell: DRINK!

Joe Hoffman:It’s gonna be a long night Benny, you might wanna…

Benny Newell: DRINK!

Joe Hoffman:As you can see folks the ring is fully decked out with barbed wire and that can only mean one match is up to kick off ICONIC.

Benny Newell: Scottywood skinning Conor Fuse alive and bathing the ringside area with blood.

Joe Hoffman:Is this why we have a janitor on call at ringside here with a mop and bucket?

Benny Newell: He is a sanitation specialist Joe! That J word is so degrading… and yes, Scotty has hired him to clean up the liters and liters of blood he is going to still tonight.

Joe Hoffman:That could very well happen as with this barbed wire rope match, there will be no disqualifications, no count outs, pinfall or submission inside the ring will be the only way to end this.

Benny Newell: Inside the ring? Not falls count anywhere?

Joe Hoffman:I have it on authority that Lee Best has ordered that to try and prevent these two from destroying the arena at the start of this show. Which with the bad blood between these two over the past month… is a legit worry.

The lights in the Best Arena are off.

…

…

…

GONG!

The lights slowly turn back on, to a dim color of green. A line of female “cheerleaders” start from the opening of the massive ICONIC entranceway and run all the way down the ramp, stopping at ringside. Each cheerleader has their blonde hair tied above their head, wearing a black bandana and dressed in a green spandex jumpsuit. All hold an SNES controller wrapped in barbed wire, as well. These cheerleaders are supposed to be emulating the Mortal Kombat character Sonya Blade.

A voice over booms on the PA.

“TEST YOUR MIGHT!”
“TEST YOUR MIGHT!”

“TEST YOUR MIGHT!”
“TEST YOUR MIGHT!”

“HIGH OCTANE WRESTLING!”

A remix theme to “Mortal Kombat” begins. The ICONIC video screen runs highlights of “The Vintage” Conor Fuse as the voice over accompanies the theme, shouting various HOW combatants.

“CANCER!”
“JATT STARR!”

“SCOTTYWOOD!”
“LINDSAY TROY!”

“DAN RYAN!”
“SUTLER KAEL!”

“MIKE BEST!”

“HIGH OCTANE WRESTLING!”

The camera zooms to the front of the ICONIC entranceway and Conor Fuse emerges, rising from beneath the stage. He’s dressed like Sub-Zero (of course, in green). Sporting a MA140 BB gun airsoft mask on his nose and mouth, black hood over his head and black and green body armour across his chest, shoulders, arms and legs, Fuse takes a moment as the fog machine builds around him and then makes his way down the rampway.

Joe Hoffman:What an entrance for Conor Fuse, in what he’s calling the BIGGEST match of his career!

Benny Newell: Get this fucking shit off my television screen. Nothing but smoke and mirrors, literally!

Fuse marches through the cheerleaders, as the theme continues and more HOW talent is voiced over during the Mortal Kombat remix.

“SEKTOR!”
“DARIN!”
“HIGH FLYER!”

“FIGHT!”

Now approaching the ring, Conor sees the regular ring ropes have been exchanged for barbed wire. However, Fuse doesn’t look phased.

“EXCELLENT!”

The Vintage takes a deep breath before jumping onto the apron and then jumping over the barbed wire ropes, clearing them with ease. Conor walks to the center of the ring and raises both hands as pyro sparklers shoot green from the top turnbuckles behind him. The theme song dies down and Conor slowly takes off his gear, revealing SNES retro-styled wrestling trunks instead of his plain lime green ones. However, The Gamer does not remove his mask or black hood over his head just yet.

Joe Hoffman: It’s clear Conor is still sporting two black eyes, at the hands of Scotty’s brutal attack three weeks ago.

Benny Newell: He’s going to be sporting a fucking body bag after tonight!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH, BEG MOTHERFUCKER… BEG!

Seether’s “Beg” blasts over the P.A. system as red light bathes the stage as we see The Hardcore Artist walk out onto the stage with his barbed wire hockey stick in hand and a can of Revolution Brewing’s Anti-Hero IPA. Dressed in his black HATE jeans and anarchy vest, Scotty makes his way down the ramp, ignoring the booing Chicago crowd and focused fully on Fuse who is laser focused back on the COO.

Joe Hoffman:As if we didn’t have enough barbed wire at ringside, we should have known Scotty would bring his trusted stick with him tonight.

Benny Newell: No shit Joe, especially since that thing is fully legal.

Finishing his beer, Scotty tosses the can at the booing fans as he gets to the ring, tapping the barbed wire with the hockey stick as he smiles back at Fuse.

Bryan McVay: The following is a barbed wire rope match and is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Toronto, Canada and weighing in at 210 pounds… CONOR FUSE!!!!!

Taking off the airsoft mask, Fuse throws his hands up in the air as he continues to stare down Scottywood.

Bryan McVay: And his opponent, from New York City and weighing in at 265 pounds… the COO of HOW… The Hardcore Artist… Hall of Famer…. SCOTTYWOOD!!!!

Joe Hoffman:Any more accolades he wants to add before his name?

Raising his hockey stick in the air he again smiles as Fuse as he goes to lower it and then…

CRACK!!

DING! DING! DING!

Joe Hoffman:Cheap shot by Woodson!

Benny Newell: HA! Brilliant!

Scotty nails Fuses across the stomach that nearly doubles The Vintage over as Scotty immediately drives Fuses backwards into the corner and back first into the barbed wire wrapped turnbuckles. The body armor Fuse is wearing keep the barbed wire from puncturing the skin as yet as Scotty starts hammering rights to the head of Fuse before ripping the green armour off and tossing it out of the ring.

Joe Hoffman:Scotty tearing that armor away, quickly exposing Fuse to that razor sharp barbed wire.

Benny Newell: We want blood! Fuse’s blood!

Now without his armour, Scotty Irish whips Fuse across the ring and into the opposite turnbuckle and this time the barbed wire pierces into the back of Fuse. He twists in pain as Fuse pulls himself off the barbed wire as blood starts to run down his back. As Fuses stumbles out of the corner he gets a boot from Scotty who picks Fuses up and delivers a sidewalk slam right down onto his barbed wire hockey stick. Fuses again arches his back in pain as Scotty gets up and starts to unwrap the barbed wire from the near turnbuckle.

Joe Hoffman: What is Scotty thinking with that barbed wire Benny?

Benny Newell: Looks like he’s starting to wrap it around his own arm Joe… It’s been a long time since we have seen this!

Fuse starts to pull himself back to his feet as Scotty turns and charges towards him.

Benny Newell: Barbed Line by Scottywood!

The clothesline with the barbed wire wrapped arm turns Fuse inside out and tears apart his face and neck. Blood starts to pour down the chest of Fuse and the arm of Scottywood as The Hardcore Artist goes for the cover.

UNO…….

DOS……………

TR..

Fuse throws the shoulder up as Hortega raises two fingers. Scotty nails Fuses with a couple strikes to the head before pulling him back up to his feet. Scotty goes to irish whip Fuse into the barbed wire, but Fuse reverses and throws The Hardcore Artist backfirst into the barbed wire. Without his vest on, the barbed wire easier pierces Scotty’s skin as he winces for a moment and tries to pull himself off it. But Fuses doesn’t give him the chance as he goes for a big clothesline that send both men over the top rope and towards the outside. Fuse hits the outside mat, but Scotty doesn’t make it as his head is tied up between the top and middle lines of barbed wire and it’s both cutting his air off and cutting his throat up.

Benny Newell: Someone get Scotty out of there!! Janitor dude! Help him!

Joe Hoffman: The blood pouring from the neck of Scotty…

The Hardcore Artist grabs the barbed wire and uses all his strength to pull them apart enough for his head to slip free, cutting his face up as he frees himself from the barbed wire and falls to the floor outside.

Joe Hoffman: Listen to the cheers from the Chicago faithful.

Benny Newell: The COO of HOW… 39% Owner of this fed nearly just died there! Animals!

Scotty checks his throat and face that are now covered with a mask of blood as Fuse grabs him by the dreadlocks and pulls him towards the sanitation specialist.

Conor Fuse: You’re a mess Scotty! Time to clean up… and wash your nasty ass dreads.

Taking Scotty head, Fuse slams it into the mop bucket as the man holding the mop drops it and jumps over the barricade to avoid the confrontation.

Benny Newell: Now he’s trying to drown Scottywood! This is criminal Joe!

Scotty trashes in the water for a moment until he pushes the bucket away sending water flooding across the outside mats. Fuse then grabs Scotty’s arm and irish whips him into the steel steps. The top dislodges as Scotty tries to pull himself back up but Fuses grabs Scotty’s head and plants him with a tilt-a-whirl DDT straight onto the steel steps as he shoots the half and tries to go for a cover…

Crowd: ONE…..

Crowd: TWO……

Crowd: THREE!

Joe Hoffman: Fuse pinned Scottywood… but outside the ring.

Hortega is yelling at Fuse who now realizes what he’s done as he pulls Scotty up off the steel steps… but Scotty grabs the SNES trunks of Fuse and pulls him face first into the ring post.

Benny Newell: HA! He let Fuse pin him so he could rest and recover!

Joe Hoffman:Sure… sure he did…

Scotty rolls the dazed Fuse back into the ring as he throws up the ring apron and tosses a barbed wire wrapped steel chair into the ring. Sliding back into the ring himself Fuse is back up to his feet as he swings at Scotty who ducks and connects with a forearm shot with the barbed wire wrapped arm. Once. Twice. Three Times as blood is running down the face of Fuse.

Benny Newell: BLEED MOTHERFUCKER, BLEED!

Still on his feet Scotty picks Fuse up onto his shoulder and hits the Game Misconduct in the middle of the ring.

Benny Newell: GAME OVER BITCH

Joe Hoffman: Cover by Scotty.

UNO………..

DOS…………………

TRES…………………………………….

Benny Newell: Your winner…

Joe Hoffman: SHOULDER UP BY FUSE!

Hortega yells DOS! DOS! DOS! Over and over as Scotty can’t believe Fuse just kicked out of his trademark move. He’s absolutely stunned for a second before he spots the barbed wire wrapped steel chair and smiles.

Joe Hoffman: Oh no… maybe you should have stayed down Fuse.

Picking up the Steel chair Scotty goes to drives it into the chest of Fuse, but The Vintage rolls out of the way. Scotty goes to try again but this time Fuse gets his foot up and kicks the chair straight back into the face of The Hardcore Artist. Ripping chunks of his forehead out, Scotty pulls the chair off his face as Fuse pops back up to his feet and grabs Scotty’s barbed wire hockey stick.

CRACK!

CRACK!

CRACK!

Fuse delivers three shots to the head of Scottywood who someone manages to stay on his feet as Fuse takes him down with a big roundhouse kick. The crowd is roaring as Fuse points with the hockey stick to the corner before he tosses the stick out of the ring.

Joe Hoffman: I think Fuse is calling his shot… it’s Super Splash time!

Benny Newell: He stole Scotty’s stick! That is clearly a penalty Joe! Fuse needs to go to the box!

About to climb the turnbuckles, Fuse spots the barbed wire wrapped char himself as he now smiles. Picking it up the crowd again roars as he drills it across the chest of Scottywood and leaves it there.

Joe Hoffman: Fuse kicking it up to legendary mode as he scales the barbed wire turnbuckles.

It’s a bit hard to get his footing with all the barbed wire, but Fuse manages to as he takes a rare moment up there to look out at the rabid Chicago crowd before he leaps off.

Joe Hoffman: Super Splash 450 onto a barbed wire wrapped steel chair and Scottywood!

The barbed wire digs into the chest of Fuse, but crushes Scotty too as Hortega quickly slides in for the cover while Fuse hooks the leg.

UNO…………….

DOS………………………….

TRES………………………………………………….

DING DING DING

Joe Hoffman: It’s over! Conor Fuse has defeated the HOW Hall of Famer Scottywood!!

Benny Newell: Fucking cheater! Cheat coding cheater!

Fuse pulls the barbed wire off his chest as he rolls away from Scottywood while Hortega checks on Scottywood and points to Fuse as the winner.

Bryan McVay: Here is your winner… CONOR FUSE!!!!!!

The Mega Man 3 Remix blasts as Fuse can barely sit himself up while Scotty just lays there in the ring covered in blood.

Joe Hoffman: We knew this was going to be a bloodbath and we were not let down. Conor Fuse stepped up for the biggest win of his career tonight as he takes down Scottywood. Hell of a way to start off ICONIC where we have some more huge matches coming up, including the Battle Royal that

Fuses finally manages to pull himself to his feet as he wipes some of the blood from his face before Hortega raises his arm in victory. Fuse drops down to one knee as he looks back at Scottywood who still lay motionless in the ring before we cut away from the ring for the crew to quickly clean and remove the blood soaked barbed wire from the ring.

NEW SITE COMING IN 2021  TO HONOR ALL THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE HIGH OCTANE HALL OF FAMERS

Joe Hoffman: Ok folks welcome back. We obviously needed some time to clean up after that opening match. Conor Fuse with the impressive win over the Hall of Famer Scottywood and I for one am excited to see what Conor can do in the coming year.

Benny Newell: That was a match that was in Scotty’s fucking wheelhouse. The fuck needs to evaluate what he wants to do in 2021 and maybe its HOFC or bust for his ass.

Joe Hoffman: Well speaking of HOFC…..we all heard the announcement from Lee Best that he was putting the Lee Best Invitational on the sidelines this year and instead we are getting the first ever Denucci Cup. The winner of that will be crowned the new HOFC Champion at March to Glory in early 2021……BUT before we get there we can plant the seeds for that as the winner of our next match literally gets to select every participant for one group for the competition in the Denucci Cup. As we saw last year that led to the Group of Death which ended up turning into the most dominant stable in HOW since the restart.

Benny Newell: It had its run there is no doubt but there is little doubt that 2021 will be the year of The Best Alliance.

Joe Hoffman: Time will tell there is no doubt about that. But right now let’s get ready for our next match…..a Battle Royal where the ring will fill with several competitors and the last man standing will be crowned the winner. Only way to be eliminated is to be tossed over the top rope.

“Beliver” by Solance blares over the PA as Sutler Kael walks rapidly down to ring side with cheers audibly being piped in over while the crowd tries to boo and jeer at ringside. Sutler shirks off all the negative attention as Bryan McVay enters the ring.

Bryan McVay: The following contest is a battle royal. The winner will get the naming rights to a DeNucci Cup group. Making his way first to the ring from Chicago, IL; he is SUTLER REEEEEYYYYYNOLLLLDS-KAAAAAAAEL.

As Kael slides in the ring, the accordion to “Come With Me” by Kongos hits and Teddy Palmer makes his triumphant return to an HOW ring. Palmer strokes his beard while the crowd extends their hands out. He rushes down to the ring slapping hands as McVay announces him.

Bryan McVay: His first opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, please welcome back TEEEEEEEEEEDDDY PALMER!

Palmer slides in the ring and immediately glares Sutler down in the eyes. While Sutler and Palmer exchanged sharp glares; “Everything Has Changed” by Lucero queues up on the PA System and Zeb Martin comes charging down the ramp. He slides into the ring pumping his chest ready to fight.

Bryan McVay: And their second opponent, from Comer, GA; please welcome ZEEEEEEB MARTIN!

The opening chords to Seether’s “Out of My Way” hit and Hannibal Frost saunters down the ring while Martin, Palmer, and Kael keep their eyes focused on him. Hannibal smiles at his opponents and nods.

Bryan McVay: Introducing next, from Memphis, TN; please welcome HANNIBAL FROOOOOOOOST!

The lights go down as a familiar voice introduces our next contestant:

Meredith: From Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri please welcome your TYRANT OF THE TERRITORIES…..DAAAAAAAARIN MAAAAAATHEWS.

Darin Matthews’ new song “Last One Standing” by Icon for Hire blares over the PA System and Matthews comes decked out in a rather Chicago Grunge looking outfit with bright trunks with his hood up. He throws the hood off then points his finger like a gun at his opponents before darting down the ramp and sliding in the ring. Matthews stands right in Sutler’s face before climbing the Top Turnbuckle and taunting as the next theme cuts him off.

Disturbed’s “Strong On My Own Plays” and Matthews immediately turns his attention to Brian Hollywood who is standing at the entrance ramp glaring a hole at his former partner. Both men nod as Hollywood comes running down the entrance ramp slapping hands with his fans.

Bryan McVay: Introducing next; from Los Angeles, California…..BRIAAAAAAAAAAAN HOOOOOLLLLLYWOOOOD!!!!

As Hollywood climbs the stairs, The lights dim. The arena quiets. A chill moves through the air… “I am the COOL” explodes over the speakers. ~I’m the one your mama warned you about ~When you see me, I will leave you no doubt ~I’m the coolest man that ever walked this earth ~I’ve been the coolest since the day of my birth ~I AM THE COOL. Out from behind the curtain, after a second or two of suspense, The Crown Prince of COOL, Cancer Jiles emerges with two cartons filled with Eggs in each hand..

Bryan McVay: And from Philadelphia, PA; the final entrant in the Opening Battle Royal….COOOOOOOOL CAAAAAANCER JIIIIIIIIILES.

Jiles immediately walks up to each of his opponents and distributes an egg to each of them. All six other opponents look at each other rather confused as all the HOW officials surround the ring to keep a CLOSE eye on eliminations. Noticeable you see Hortega motion for the bell to begin the opening contest.

Benny Newell: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS JILES DOING !!!!!

Joe Hoffman: I don’t know, Benny, but it’s already creating chaos as Jiles is just standing there smiling. It’s definitely got to be apart of some strategy….

SPLAT!

SPLAT!

SPLAT!

SPLAT!

Benny Newell: That was a bold strategy, Cotton, looks like it didn’t pay off for the COOL one.

Jiles immediately grabs one of the cartons of eggs and pelts everyone back as chaos ensues in the opening moments of the battle royal. While Jiles tries to defend himself from the group of men pelting him, Sutler launches his egg and immediately blind sided the returning Teddy Palmer. Paler and Sutler trade blows in the corner while Jiles makes a motion towards attacking Hannibal Frost. Hollywood and Matthews both reach for another egg in the abandoned carton of eggs and turn towards each other and stare for a moment.

Joe Hoffman: They’re already about to turn on each other!

Benny Newell: God I hope so!!! I never want to fucking hear their rendition of Queen on the airwaves again!!!!

As both men start to pull back, Zeb Martin pulls them aside and talks strategy with them. Meanwhile, Jiles continues to attack Hannibal Frost, who is accustomed to Jiles unorthodox strategy. Jiles clips Hannibal right at the knees and takes him down. Jiles begins to stomp a mudhole straight into Hannibal Frost’s face while Hannibal tries to fight him off. He sends Hannibal straight into Teddy Palmer. Palmer, who was hitting Kael with blow after blow in the corner, picks himself up off the mat and turns around to see Jiles standing there. Jiles tries running away from Palmer before Palmer grabs Jiles by his pants and pulls him back in. Palmer’s forearm connects stiffly to the back of Jiles’ head.

Meanwhile you see Darin Matthews talking with Hannibal Frost and Brian Hollywood meeting with Sutler Kael.

Joe Hoffman: Jiles just made an enemy out of last year’s LBI winner. Teddy Palmer looks pissed off. He’s laying blow after blow straight on Jiles’ beautiful face.

Benny Newell: Who cares? That egg sucking schmuck had it coming to him.

As Palmer continues landing fist after fist to Jiles face, Jiles immediately sprays the yellow mist straight into Teddy Palmer’s face. As Palmer no sells the mist and continues to wipe it off, Jiles launches towards him and immediately gets in Palmer’s face and bites him. Palmer hits the mat while Jiles takes his knee and clips it towards the back of Palmer’s head.

Jiles picks up Palmer and nails a DDT. Jiles tries to lock Palmer in a headlock, but Palmer nails a blow to Jiles’ gut. Teddy Palmer gets up off the mat and tries to hit a suplex on Jiles, but Jiles slides out and behind Palmer. Jiles backs away quickly, but immediately bumps into Zeb Martin. Jiles cocks his fist back, but suddenly Matthews, Hollywood, Frost, and Kael surround Jiles. Zeb nods that he’s formed a super alliance. Jiles is encased by his fellow friends.

Palmer immediately looks confused. But before he can process it, you see the group of five men hoisting Jiles up together. Zeb Martin screams “NOW” as Palmer picks up on the clues and joins in. All six men grab Jiles and toss him over the top rope and he lands on the floor face first.

SPLAT!!!!

Bryan McVay: Cool Cancer Jiles has been eliminated.

Benny Newell: YES!! THAT’S WHAT YOU GET JILES!!!!

Joe Hoffman: He honestly was more of a threat than you could have anticipated. He opened the match up with an Egg fight and continued to take cheap shots. I admire his heart.

Benny Newell: I don’t! Zeb Martin had Jiles’ ego pegged. He nailed that dadgumed bastard with some good ole fashioned mind games. Good on him to get the entire roster to chuck him out. That’s one elimination for everyone so far.

Zeb celebrates a plan well done, but before he can even continue:

WHACK!

Darin Matthews and Brian Hollywood immediately land a double superkick straight to Zeb’s jaw. Brian and Darin then hit Palmer with a double super kick as Sutler Kael grabs Frost and launches him shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Hollywood and Matthews embrace showing their alliance off. Hollywood jumps up and down with Matthews, but Mattthews grabs Hollywood by his hair and rushes him towards the ropes.

Joe Hoffman: Matthews’ is about to eliminate Hollywood.

Benny Newell: Looks like we won’t be going to the Danger Zone; Hollywood’s about to get some air time like Goose did in Top Gun…..

Joe Hoffman: Matthews laaaaaaaunches him…..

Hollywood grabs the ropes as he’s thrown out and barely touches one foot on the ground. Matthews tries to attack Hollywood trying to bite him, but Sutler Kael comes up behind Matthews and tries to fling him over the top rope, but both Matthews and Hollywood are dangling next to each other. Kael tries hammering both of their arms, but Frost hits a diving clothesline to Kael from out of nowhere. Meanwhile both Hollywood Boyz members continue to try and dangle from the ropes one handed while they chop the ever loving shit out of each other. Zeb Martin gets back to his feet and instantly goes for Palmer and picks him up while nailing a Belly to Back Suplex on him. Zeb whips Palmer into the ropes and Palmer rushes back with a flying knee straight to Zeb’s face.

Kael continues his onslaught on Hannibal Frost with some rising knee strikes. While that’s going on, Hollywood and Matthews’ have sweat pouring down their heads after their chests are beat red hanging. Both look at one another before Matthews lets Hollywood roll back in and Hollywood pulls Matthews back up. They both nod and Hollywood charges for Palmer while Matthews grabs Sutler from behind and nails a stiff German Suplex on him. Hollywood nails an audible big boot straight to Palmer’s skull. Zeb gets back to his feet and picks Hollywood up in the air. He takes Hollywood’s body and hits a picture perfect spinebuster straight on top of Teddy Palmer. Zeb charges towards Matthews and hits a bulldog as his adrenaline rush continues.

Zeb then takes out some bar room punches. He picks up Kael and hits a stiff Belly to Belly suplex, sending Sutler straight into the turnbuckle back first. As Zeb tries to lock in a Back Stretch, Hannibal Frost charges at Zeb with a Facebuster from behind. Hannibal and Zeb roll around for a moment trading blow after blow. Zeb grabs Frost and sends him into the turnbuckle. As Frost comes back he ducks under Zeb’s legs and whips him around to nail a Snap Suplex on him. Zeb holds his back in pain as Frost goes down and tries locking him into a rear naked choke hold. Zeb rolls out, but before he can even gain an advantage:

Benny Newell: CARPE DIEM! HOW THE FUCK DID ZION JUST DO THAT!!!!

Joe Hoffman: That was the running knee Matthews has been perfecting. Don’t you mean, Carpe Knee’Em!!!! Huh? Huh?

Benny Newell: For fuck sakes Hoffhole, Zion is a mornon, but even he knows Mike Best owns the copyright to all knee related puns here. He named it Carpe Diem for a reason, idiot!

Matthews nods at Hannibal Frost and both men pick up Zeb Martin. They chuck him over the ropes and eliminate him. Frost and Matthews nod and shake hands signaling a friendship, but both know what has to be done now. They nod and immediately keep hitting a barrage of fists towards each other continuing their fight as Bryan McVay’s voice echoes over the PA System.

Bryan McVay: Zeb Martin has been eliminated!!!

As Matthews and Hannibal go at it, we turn towards the middle of the ring where Brian Hollywood is having a field day with Sutler Kael and Teddy Palmer. Hollywood charges straight at Teddy Palmer and nails a Danger Zone kick sending him straight in the corner. As Sutler gets up, Hollywood rushes and nails a Danger Zone kick onto Sutler. Hollywood charges to nail a Stinger Splash, but Palmer launches Hollywood over the ropes. Hollywood grabs Palmer’s head, takes it and smashes it straight into the turnbuckle. Sutler kicks Hollywood in the gut and Hollywood barely holds on. As Kael continues to hit Hollywood, Hollywood grabs Sutler and puts him into prime suplex position.

Joe Hoffman: Young Sutler is in prime elimination position! Hollywood’s got him! There’s no one around to save him!!!! He’s going to go out….

They’re fighting and Hollywood’s got Sutler!

He’s up in the air…..

IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER!!!

WHAM!

Benny Newell: Or maybe you need to have more faith in Sutler you asshat. Sutler just used his momentum to fling that idiotic businessman back into the ring. He trained with his estranged father, you idiot. He’s not like Stevens!!!!!!

Sutler wastes no time and picks Hollywood up and goes for his signature move.

Joe Hoffman: SON OF SIN ON HOLLYWOOD! SON OF SIN! HOLLYWOOD’S LIFELESS!!!

Benny Newell: Good bye Hollywood, you know what comes next.

Piped in crowd cheers come in over the PA System as Sutler goes around to attempt to put Hollywood in the Sutler tries to lock Hollywood in the Sutler Method. Sutler grabs Hollywood’s leg and taunts the crowd a moment. As he does….

WHACK!

Teddy Palmer nails a stiff upper cut on Kael’s face saving Hollywood out of respect. Meanwhile, Hannibal has gotten the advantage on Darin Matthews. Hannibal nails a series of drop kicks straight to Matthews’ jaw in the corner. Frost then takes Matthews and launches him straight into the turnbuckle shoulder first. Hannibal tries to eliminate Matthews, but Matthews tries to take Hannibal out with him. Matthews drops to the apron with Hannibal and both men rest for a moment. Matthews rolls back into the ring and eyeballs Palmer. He tries to charge at Palmer with a German Suplex, but Palmer flips behind him. He grabs Matthews and hits a German Suplex on him before Hannibal Frost launches at Teddy with The Cold Truth Enzuguri.

Frost doesn’t waste any time. He drags Teddy down with an arm drag and locks him in an arm bar, trying to weaken his shoulders. Matthews slowly gets back to his feet and punches Sutler a couple times for good measure. As Matthews pulls Sutler back up, Sutler nails a thumb straight to Matthews’ right eye. Sutler whips Matthews into the ropes and hits a tilt-a-whirl back break on him. While Sutler gets some more jiu-jit-su strikes on Matthews, Hannibal releases the submission hold on Palmer. Hannibal whips Palmer into the ropes and nails a diving clothesline. Frost tries to grab Palmer to toss him over the top rope, but Palmer reverses the momentum and tosses Hannibal Frost over the top ropes and waves bye-bye to him.

Bryan McVay: Hannibal Frost has been eliminated!!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Tough break for the young HOW rookie Hannibal Frost, but the stakes are high in this one with the naming rights to a DeNucci Cup group on the line.

Benny Newell: You have to be hungry and Teddy was hungrier. He put the ice on Frosty the Snowman there and we are now down to our…

WHACK!

Benny Newell: God damnit, Brian Hollywood! Don’t interrupt my train of thought like that again!!!! DRINK!

Joe Hoffman: We are down to the final four with Palmer, Kael, Hollywood and Matthews in this match. And God damn Hollywood with that sick danger zone kick to the back of Kael’s head.

As Brian Hollywood regains Teddy Palmer turns his attention to Hollywood. Palmer charges at Hollywood with the crossbody block and takes him down. Teddy tries to pull Hollywood UnscripTed, but Matthews leaps up and nails a Buzzsaw kick right into Teddy’s jaw. Matthews pulls Hollywood up and motions to him that they have the advantage together. Hollywood nods and both men pick up Teddy Palmer and nail a double chokeslam on him. Matthews grabs Hollywood’s hand and both embrace before they turn their sights onto Max Kael.

Joe Hoffman: Uh oh! I know that look in both men’s eyes. Sutler Kael’s night might be over shortly! Hollywood’s motioning towards Matthews for the Lights, Camera, Action; they’re signature maneuver.

Hollywood pulls back in position for the V-Trigger while Matthews goes on the outside for the Flying Forearm. Hollywood nods at Matthews. Matthews gets on the top rope and leaps and….

WHACK!

Benny Newell: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! DRINK TO THAT!!!

Hollywood pushes Sutler Kael out of the way and nails an Executive Promise straight to Matthews skull as Matthews falls back into the barricade and lands with both feet on the floor.

Bryan McVay: Darin Matthews has been eliminated!!!!!!!

Medical staff rush to grab Darin Matthews off the ground. Hollywood glares at Matthews as the crowd boos in disdain. As Matthews slowly comes to his wits and realizes what happened; he turns back towards Hollywood and glares for a moment. Both men’s eyes lock in with each other as they stare intensely at each other before Matthews sticks his thumb in the air for approval. Before Hollywood can turn around Sutler Kael is back up to his feet and nails a spinning forearm smash straight to the back of Hollywood’s skull, taking him down to the mat. Sutler locks Hollywood in a rear naked choke hold for a while before he catches Teddy Palmer coming back to his feet. Sutler quickly releases the hold and quickly gets back to his feet and nails a super kick of his own straight to the back of Palmer’s head as he screams at Brian Hollywood.

“THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE!”

Kael gets Palmer in the corner and unleashes a fury of bare handed strikes on him. Sutler lifts Palmer up and hits an atomic drop on him before he turns his attention back to Hollywood. Sutler grabs Hollywood by the hair and launches him head first straight into the opposite turnbuckle. He climbs it before nailing ten punches straight to Hollywood’s jaw. Before Sutler can come down, Teddy Palmer hoists him up in the air and nails a stiff looking power bomb on Kael. Palmer quickly rushes towards Hollywood and nails the Dirty Dangle Ripcord Knee Strike straight to his chin. He then lobs Hollywood in the air with a Belly to Belly Suplex.

Joe Hoffman: Hollywood’s taking an astonishing amount of punishment. Everyone knows he’s one of the most stubborn competitors remaining in this match up.

Benny Newell: Yeah, he is, but if Palmer’s not careful….

BAM!!!!

Sutler comes from out of nowhere and nails a stiff low blow straight to Palmer’s family jewels.

Benny Newell: That shit happens right there!!

Sutler picks Palmer up for the Hanging Neckbreaker, but Hollywood charges at Sutler with a spear and both men go down. Palmer lands on his feet and rebounds. He stammers slowly over to Hollywood wobbling after the low blow. Palmer picks Kael up and hits a sidewalk slam on him, struggling as he’s getting winded. He slowly pulls himself back up to his feet before yanking Hollywood up by his hair. But before Palmer can finish the move, Hollywood kicks Palmer in the gut.

Joe Hoffman: The Paycheck! The Paycheck!!!!! Desperation by the winded Brian Hollywood as both he and Teddy Palmer collapse.

While everything goes down, Sutler rolls under the ring ropes and begins finishing for a weapon.

Hollywood and Palmer slowly manage to get to their knees exchanging punch after punch at each other. They get to their feet continuing before Palmer launches an onslaught of punches before he grabs Hollywood and launches him in a T-Bone Suplex. Palmer locks Hollywood into the LBI hold slowly starting to cause him to fade. Palmer releases the hold and once again hoists Hollywood on his shoulders for the UnscripTED.

Benny Newell: Now this is what a DeNucci Cup winner looks like, Hollywood. Ted’s got you up and he’s about to bring your ego right down to size.

As Ted thrusts Hollywood down, Brian shifts his weight down and lands on his feet, preventing Ted from landing the move. Hollywood rushes to hit the ropes and nails a stiff Danger Zone kick straight to Ted’s face. Hollywood picks Ted up and tosses him over the turnbuckle, but Ted holds on for dear life. Hollywood’s eyes light up in a rage as he hits the ropes and…

WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!

Joe Hoffman: SUTLER WITH THE KENDO STICK STRAIGHT TO HOLLYWOOD’S GUT! Look in his eyes now. He’s not playing nice anymore! His eyes are lit up wild.

Benny Newell: It definitely has those “performance enhancing” supplements Mike has him on. They’re burning with hatred and rage!

As Teddy tries to muster himself back up the ropes, Sutler takes the kendo stick and viciously cracks Teddy Palmer in the skull as he falls to the ground.

Bryan McVay: Teddy Palmer has been eliminated!!!!!!!!

Joe Hoffman: We’re down to our final two participants!!! Brian Hollywood and Sutler Kael!!!!! One man will get to name this group.

Benny Newell: And one will get to drink their night away courtesy of my favorite drink of all times: Jack Daniels. I might have left an extra bottle for the loser.

Sutler turns his attention back to Brian Hollywood. He grabs Hollywood’s head and nails a stiff reverse Russian Leg Sweep on Hollywood. Kael holds the kendo stick in and begins choking Hollywood for air. As Hollywood’s face slowly starts turning purple, Hollywood desperately hits Kael in the gut hard, causing Kael to release the hold.

Hollywood lays on the mat while Sutler immediately gets back to his feet. Hollywood tries crawling away as Sutler viciously swings the kendo stick trying to take Hollywood out. Hollywood gets to the ropes, taking kendo stick shot after kendo stick shot as the crowd starts to cheer. It fuels Hollywood as he gets back to his feet and charges towards Sutler, ducking a stiff shot. Hollywood then comes back around and nails yet another Danger Zone kick onto Sutler, sending the kendo stick flying out of the ring.

Hollywood stands in place, panting, exhausted from the beating he takes as he and Sutler Kael pulls himself back to his feet. Hollywood wipes the sweat as his body is slowly giving out. Defiant like the father he hates, Kael motions towards Hollywood to charge him. Hollywood bolts straight over to Kael with a Big Boot as Kael moves out of the way and Hollywood connects with the ropes ankle first. Kael picks Hollywood up and tosses him towards the ropes for a Tilt-A-Whirl Back Breaker, but Hollywood reverses and hits a spinning death head scissors on Kael. Hollywood picks Kael up and nails a Tornado DDT. He cuts his throat to signal for the end.

Benny Newell: Oh God! Sharon Stone is about to be appalled by this!

Joe Hoffman: Hollywood’s going back to his Basic Instincts. He’s kicked Sutler in the gut and…

Benny Newell: Sutler throws him over his back and he’s wasting no time! Sutler’s clinging onto Hollywood’s throat for dear life!!!!!!!!! THE SUTLER METHOD!

Hollywood flails trying around trying to get out of it, but there’s no escape. Sutler’s got the lock held in. He keeps trying to nail his elbows into Sutler’s gut, but they keep getting weaker and weaker. Hollywood’s eyes close and fade as Kael’s sunk the lock in. As Hollywood’s face turns purple; Kael releases him and picks up Hollywood’s lifeless body on top of his shoulders. He easily flings it out of the ring as the bell rings.

DING! DING! DING! DING!

Bryan McVay: Here is your winner of the Battle Royal: SUUUUUUUUUTTTTTLER REEEEEEEYYNOOLDS-KAAAAAEL!

The pipe in crowd cheers blare as the crowd stands up and shows their disproval.

Benny Newell: THE SRK GROUP! It rolls off the tip of your tongue, doesn’t it? Sutler Reynolds-Kael goes to 3 and 0 to make his grandfather proud!!!

Joe Hoffman: If he calls it that!

As Hortega goes in the ring to raise Sutler’s hand, Sutler pulls away and rolls out of the ring to admire his work. Sutler smirks and brags towards the crowd and heads towards the back as the camera cuts back inside the ring where Brian Hollywood is slowly coming to.

He staggers to his feet and as he does the camera catches a man slowly hopping the guard rail.

The camera zooms in and we see the masked man that attacked Hollywood and Darin Matthews on back to back shows leading up to ICONIC. He is wearing black hoodie with a skull on the front of the hoodie…..the skull is a modified one however and is missing some front teeth..

Joe Hoffman: The masked man is here and I think he is not coming out to tell Hollywood he gets an A for the effort.

Benny Newell: Yaaaaa I am going to go out on a limb and state that is NOT the case you fucking idiot…

Suddenly the crowd jumps to their feet as we see Darin Matthews rushing down the ramp from the back.

Joe Hoffman: Well this makes sense…..Matthews was eliminated earlier by Hollywood BUT was the last man this masked man attacked…..

Matthews makes a bee line for the masked man and charges directly at him. The man in the mask does not move and watches as Matthews comes at him.

Matthews closes in on the man and as he dives forward to spear the man to the ground we see the man deftly slide to his left and drops to a knee……

WHACK

The masked man, calm and collected, dropped to a knee and released the steel pipe that was hidden in the sleeve of his hoodie and promptly swung and connected with some of Matthews’ ribs.

Darin quickly begins gasping for air as he rolls around on the ground in pain as the masked man now turns towards Hollywood, who is still struggling to get his bearings.

Joe Hoffman: This man is cold. This man is calculated.

Benny Newell: This man is the best!

The masked man climbs into the ring and pushes the struggling Hollywood back into the turnbuckle and down to the ground. He then grabs Brian by the chin and smacks him a few times. Seeing that Hollywood’s eyes are focused in on him, he slowly lets go and backs up.

Masked Man: You can call me J.A.C. but you know me as…….

The man reaches under his chin and rips his mask off..

Masked Man: …….Jason Cashe

The man then lunches forward and cracks Hollywood on the side of the head with the pipe. He drops it down to the canvas and slowly exits the ring as the crowd is buzzing with the realization that Jason Cashe is finally in High Octane Wrestling.

The crowd watches as Cashe exits the same way that he entered and the feed watches as he exits thru the Chicago crowd as we see a final aerial shot of Matthews and Hollywood laid out before we cut elsewhere.

Live audio version of Between the Ropes on December 26th as Lee Best will open up the airwaves for any and all questions

Back live after the advert for the special live edition of Between the Ropes featuring Lee Best and the PA system immediately begins the entrances for our next match.

“All Aboard! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…” A light fog rises up from the entrance way as the opening guitar riff kicks in.

Hoffman: This should—

Newell: Stop! Don’t even try to promote this match as anything other than what it is….John Motherfucking Sektor treating High Flyer like a motherfucking bitch!

Parting the smoke is High Flyer, who stands confidently at the top of the entrance ramp. He tosses one hand up in a devil horn taunt, and smiles slyly to the camera. He stomps his way to the ring, paying very little attention to the crowd.

Hoffman: You shouldn’t underestimate High Flyer’s chances in this match.

Newell: Fuck that! High Flyer hasn’t done dick in the HOW. Sektor has done it all. That’s a fucking fact! DRINK!!!

Once he reaches ringside, he slips in under the bottom rope, then sprawls on his back. He begins to make snow angels while residing on his back, looking up at the lights before recovering to his feet. As the announcer introduces High Flyer, he leaps onto the second ropes and looks out to the crowd.

BRIAN McVEY: Standing in the ring, weighing in at 224 pounds, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania……HIIIIIIIIIIIIGH FLYYYYYYYYYYYERRRRRRRR!

“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC begins blaring throughout the Best Arena. Emerging from the curtain, the HOW Tag Team Championship around his waist, is John Sektor. He doesn’t waste him pandering to the fans in the audience, he just starts making his way down the ramp.

Brian McVay: And his opponent, making his way to ring, weighing in at 245 pounds from Miami, Florida….he is one half of the HOW Tag Team Champions…..JOHN SEKTOOOOOOOOOOOR!!!!

Newell: Yes! Fucking yes!

Hoffman: Sektor looks ready for this match.

NEWELL: That’s the “Ender of Miracle Streaks” John Sektor to you!!!

Hoffman: Sektor did end Steve Harrison’s miracle streak just two weeks ago. High Flyer will have his work cut out for him.

Sektor makes his way up the ring steps and enters the ring. He raises the HOW Tag Team Championship above his head, not to the fans, but to High Flyer. He hands the referee the belt who promptly hands it to Brian McVey who promptly exits the ring.

Joel Hortega signals for the bell….

DING! DING!

Hoffman: And we’re underway!

Newell: I am under-ebriated.

Hoffman: That’s not a real word.

Newell: Shut the fuck up Hoffhole and watch Sektor destroy what’s-his-fuck!

Sektor and High Flyer after sizing each other up proceed to lock up. High Flyer manages to get the upper hand and locks in a headlock. Sektor shoves High Flyer off of him, High Flyer comes off the ropes goes for a clothesline, Sektor ducks, High Flyer comes off the ropes again and Sektor connects with a knee to the midsection. High Flyer is down for but for a moment, he gets himself up only to get clobbered by a Sektor right hand.

Newell: Did you see that? Sektor scrambled some brain cells on that hit! DRINK!!!

Hoffman: Sektor does seem to have the early advantage here, Benny.

Sektor connects with another right hand, then another, and another. High Flyer staggers back to the corner. Sektor grabs High Flyer and tosses him across the ring into the turnbuckle, Sektor follows and connects with a clothesline. High Flyer staggers and Sektor just bitch slaps him in the face. Sektor takes a couple steps back and connects with a running knee to the gut. Sektor grabs High Flyer and shoves him to the ground.

Hoffman: The Tag Team Champion is not showing High Flyer any ounce of respect here.

Newell: Oh, put a dildo in it, Hoffhole. High Flyer is disrespecting Sektor.

Hoffman: How?

Newell: By breathing Sektor’s valuable air! DRINK!

Sektor charges and kicks High Flyer in the back. High Flyer rolls onto his stomach. Sektor proceeds to grab High Flyer by the hair, pulling him up. High Flyer connects with a forearm to Sektor’s gut and another and another….but Sektor nails High Flyer with a forearm to the back dropping him to one knee.

Hoffman: It looked like High Flyer was starting to mount an offense but Sektor put an end to that quickly.

NEWELL: He’s the Gold Standard! I’ve shat bigger standards than High Flyer.

Sektor charges, hits the ropes and as High Flyer slowly gets to his feet gets nailed with a spinning forearm smash. High Flyer drops to the mat and Sektor immediately grabs the legs of High Flyer and turns him onto his stomach and locks in a Boston Crab.

Newell: YES!!! TAP!!!!

Hoffman: Sektor has it locked in! High Flyer is reaching for something! Anything!

High Flyer is in fact flailing his arms, reaching for the ropes, all out of reach. REFEREE drops down to see if High Flyer will submit. High Flyer shakes his head and musters every ounce of strength he has to crawl maybe four inches closer to the ropes. He reaches out, in agony, and he is about a good foot away from the ropes. He drops his hand on the mat….

Newell: HE TAPPED OUT!!!! HE TAPPED OUT!!!

Hoffman: That wasn’t a tap, Benny. High Flyer is pushing himself up!!! He is trying to get closer to the ropes!!!

High Flyer, somehow finds the strength to pull himself closer to the ropes. He reached out again. He manages to touch ropes with his finger. Sektor tightens his grip. High Flyer reaches out and…..grabs the ropes!!! Hortega begins counting….

UNO!!!!

DOS!!!!

Sektor refusing to let go.

TRES!!!!

CUATRO!!!!

Sektor relents and backs away receiving some admonishment from REFEREE. Sektor dismisses Hortega and approaches High Flyer, who has rolled under the ropes and is pulling himself up from the outside. As Sektor approaches, High Flyer nails a shoulder to Sektor’s midsection. High Flyer grabs Sektor by the head and brings neck down onto the top rope. High Flyer rolls under the bottom rop as Sektor staggers backwards. Sektor sees High Flyer getting to his feet, charges, High Flyer ducks, grabs Sektor and hits a German Suplex. Both men are down!!!

Newell: Fuck my balls!!! Sektor get up!!!!

Hoffman: Unbelievable!!! After the punishment to his back, how he managed to throw Sektor like that!

NEWELL: He tossed him like three feet away, Hoffhole! It’s not like he threw a fucking Hail Mary sixty yards!!!

High Flyer, holding his back slowly gets up. Unfortunately for him, Sektor is up first and is now stalking his prey. Sektor is now in prime position and locks in an Abdominal Stretch. High Flyer, once again, is screaming in pain.

Hoffman: Just when you think High Flyer is about to gain momentum, Sektor is there!

Newell: He’s a Hall of Fucking Famer! He’s not gonna let that High Flyin’ Cumstain get the better of him!!!

High Flyer begins reaching for the ropes but Sektor stops that with a forearm to the gut. High Flyer reaches again and gets hit again. High Flyer, once again reaches for the ropes and gets hit.

NEWELL: When’s that fucking idiot gonna learn? Don’t fucking fight it! Submit!! Sub—

High Flyer shockingly reverses the hold and nails a hip toss. Sektor is up and immediately gets sent down with a dropkick. Sektor is back up very quickly, High Flyer not so much. Sektor nails High Flyer with a right hand, followed by another, then a kick to the gut followed by a snap suplex. Sektor is up and pulls High Flyer up and hits a backbreaker. Sektor immediately goes for a more non-chalant cover.

UNO!

DOS!

Shoulder up!

Hoffman: I don’t necessarily think Sektor was trying to put High Flyer away with that pin attempt.

Newell: Of course not, Hoffhole! Sektor is like a cat toying with a mouse!

Sektor smirks and pulls High Flyer up and tosses him into the ropes, but High Flyer grabs the ropes to prevent the momentum to carry his body forward. Sektor charges takes a swing and misses a ducking High Flyer. High Flyer begins to nail Sektor with a flurry of punches. He begins to nail Sektor with a kick to the side, then a kick to the gut, then a kick to the head. Sektor begins to stagger.

Hoffman: And just like that, the momentum appears to be shifting.

NEWELL: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

High Flyer, not wasting any time hits a Dual Palmed Neck Hook DDT on Sektor!!!!

Hoffman: COLD SNOW!!!!!

Newell: FUCK NO!!!!

Hoffman: This could put Sektor away! This could be a huge upset!!!

High Flyer covers hooks the leg of Sektor!

UNO!

DOS!!!!

KICK OUT!!!

The frustration in High Flyer’s face is apparent.

Newell: YES!!!! DRINK!!!!!

Hoffman: Sektor manages to kick out at two-and-a-half!

Newell: He pulled a Charlie Sheen! He’s the Two and a Half Man who’s all about winning!

Hoffman: Did you even see that show?

Newell: Fuck no.

High Flyer is up, sizing Sektor up. Sektor is on his feet. High Flyer charges, leaps, looking for a Yakuza Kick but Sektor ducks. Sektor immediately grabs High Flyer from behind and nails a double arm lift into a facebuster. Sektor pounces and covers!

Hoffman: This could be it right here!!!!

Newell: YES!!!!

Joel Hortega with the count…..

UNO!!!!

DOS!!!!

TRES!!!!!

Newell: YES!!!! SEKTOR DID IT!!!!

Hoffman: Joel Hortega is signalling that High Flyer just got his shoulder up!!!!

NEWELL: FUCKING BULLSHIT!!!

Sektor is glaring at Hortega. The anger Sektor is feeling is unmistakable. Sektor stands up and kicks High Flyer in the gut, then again in the head, then again in the shoulder. Sektor lifts up High Flyer and just throws him out of the ring. Sektor rolls under the ropes to the outside. High Flyer is on one knee, Sektor grabs High Flyer’s arm and sends him into the steel steps back first. Hortega begins his count…..

UNO!!!!

High Flyer is on all fours, Sektor charges and kicks him in the gut. Sektor picks up High Flyer, drags him to the ring post and slams his head into it.

DOS!!!

Newell: Fuck him up!!!

Hoffman: Sektor is not letting up on High Flyer.

Sektor grabs High Flyer and pulls him close to the steps and delivers a suplex! High Flyer’s back hits the bottom step!!!

TRES!!!

Hoffman: Sektor continues to work the back with a devastating suplex!!!

Newell: I told you Hoffhole!!! Sektor domination!!!!

Sektor picks up High Flyer and rolls him into the ring. Sektor follows and proceeds to give High Flyer one good kick to the back before locking the Sektor Stretch!

Newell: It’s all over now!!!

Hoffman: High Flyer has shown immense resiliency during this match. But I tend to agree with you, Benny, I’m not sure how much he has left.

Sektor is screaming for High Flyer to tap out. High Flyer, struggling to get free. High Flyer is fighting with everything he has but is starting to show signs of fading. He makes a reach for the rope, inches away. High Flyer is fading fast.

Hoffman: High Flyer continues to fight. Can he reach the rope? Or will his body give out on him?

Newell: Kill that High Flying Fuck!!! Kill him!!!!

High Flyer’s arm starts to go limp. Joel Hortega lifts up the arm and lets go. As the arm is just about to hit the mat, it pops up. High Flyer, struggling and battling, reached out and grabs the rope!!!!

Hoffman: HIGH FLYER DID IT!!! I THOUGHT HE WAS DONE!!! BUT SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY HE MANAGED TO GET THE ROPE!!!

NEWELL: FUCK! Quit making it sound he won the fucking Super Bowl, Hoffhole!

Sektor becomes infuriated. Screaming and yelling at Hortega. High Flyler is slowly pulling himself up with the help of the ropes. Sektor charges and High Flyer manages to connect with an elbow to the face. High Flyer tries to take another shot, looking for a leaping Yakuza Kick, Sektor has it telegraphed, dodges it, and kicks High Flyer in the gut.

Hoffman: High Flyer looking for Locomotive but Sektor expected it.

Newell: He’s the Gold Standard for reason!

Sektor grabs High Flyer, sends him to the ropes, but what’s this? High Flyer jumps and proceeds to deliver a springboard Lou Thesz Press! High Flyer begins to lay into Sektor with a series of punches.

Hoffman: Moments ago, we though High Flyer was done and now, he’s taking to Sektor!

Newell: What the fuck am I seeing here?

The use of close fisted strikes grabs the eye of Joel Hortega who begins admonishing Hgh Flyer in Spanish. High Flyer is up, he is pumped. Sektor is getting up. High Flyer charges and takes down Sektor with a clothesline. Sektor is up pretty quick. High Flyer connects with a kick to the side. High Flyer connects with a kick to the knee. High Flyer comes off the ropes and delivers a dropkick to Sektor’s kneecap! Sektor drops down.

Hoffman: The momentum has shifted!

Newell: No!! High Flyer cheated! He took some steroid laced shit!

High Flyer grabs Sektor and delivers a reverse neckbreaker! High Flyer looking to put him away, locks in Sektor’s arms.

Hoffman: Sektor looks like he is about to catch some ‘Hyperthermia’ here!

Newell: What? You’re making fucking jokes now? Look in the fucking mirror if want a joke!

High Flyer attempts to lift Sektor, but is unable. He releases Sektor and drops to one knee, holding his back. Sektor senses blood in the water and attempts a German suplex, High Flyer connects with an elbow to the side of Sektor’s head, breaking the hold. High Flyer boots Sektor, he locks in a front facelock, looking for a DDT, perhaps. Sektor manages to lift High Flyer up and connects with an inverted atomic drop. Sektor nails High Flyer with a boot to the gut. Sektor then delivers a double underhook suplex. High Flyer is down.

Newell: Who’s laughing now, Hoffhole? Take your Hyperthermia and shove it up your ass!

Hoffman: Sektor is starting to regain control of the match!

Newell: Starting to?

Sektor grabs High Flyer, pulls him up and sends him into the corner. Sektor charges and runs into High Flyer’s boot. Sektor stumbles backward and High Flyer strikes andd connects with a legsweep inverted DDT. High Flyer then begins to climb to the top rope.

Hoffman: Instead of attempting a pin, High Flyer is going to risk it all here by going to the top. Clearly, he is taking no chances with Sektor here!

Sektor looks over, he’s up as High Flyer has one foot on the second turnbuckle and one foot on the top turnbuckle. Sektor staggers to the corner and nails High Flyer with forearm to the back. Sektor nails High Flyer with another forearm. Sektor climbs to the second turnbuckle, grabs High Flyer and hits belly to back suplex!!! Both men hit the mat with a thud. High Flyer twitches slightly as Sektor slowly gets up and heads to the corner.

Hoffman: High Flyer attempted to take a risk and it did not pay off.

NEWELL: Fucking idiot.

Hoffman: Wait! What’s Sektor doing?

NEWELL: He’s too old for that shit!!!

Hoffman: He’s climbing to the top!!!

Newell: No!!! Sektor!!! Don’t do it!!! Think of all the pussy you haven’t fucked!!!

Sure enough, Sektor has climbed to the top rope. Sektor looks down at High Flyer. Sektor proceeds to leap into the air and connects with….

Hoffman: THE SEKSATIONAL SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!!

Newell: HOLY FUCK!!!! DRINK!!!!

Sektor lands on top of High Flyer. Sektor rolls off his opponent, clutching his chest after the impact. He crawls back and hooks the leg of High Flyer. Hortega with the count…..

……………UNO!!!!!

…………..DOS!!!!

………TRES!!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Newell: YES!!!! FUCKING YES!!!! I FUCKING TOLD YOU!!!

Hoffman: Sektor has done it! Sektor continues his undefeated streak!

Newell: DRINK!!! CELEBRATION TIME, MOTHERFUCKERS!!!

Brian McVay: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH……JOHN SEKTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRR!!!!!

Sektor rolls off High Flyer, still clutching his chest, he is presented with the HOW Tag Team Championship. He stands up raising the HOW Tag Team Championship.

Hoffman: Sektor was not going to be denied tonight, Benny. But High Flyer fought hard against one of the HOW greats. The perseverance High Flyer showed—-

Newell: Means absolutely nothing. He’s a fucking LOSER.

Hoffman: He did not win, Benny. But that man in there, showed no quit.

Newell: A loser is a loser! And Sektor is a winner!!!

We cut away to another advert as the show rolls on.

We will be doing a donation drive during the first quarter of 2021 with the proceeds going to Autism Speaks

Joe Hoffman: Well ladies and gentlemen, we are just about ready for our next match.

Benny Newell: Dad War!

Joe Hoffman: Indeed.  The last time Steve Solex and Joe Bergman occupied the same ring, it was April 11^th, 2020 at Refueled XXI when Solex and Bergman aka PBR took on eGG Bandits Cancer Jiles and Bobby Dean- a match they won.

(VIDEO CLIP: Refueled XXI)
After Barbie-Q lures Bobby Dean away from the ring with a tempting platter of burgers, brats, and steaks…

Solex pulls Jiles up and whips him across the ring.  Bergman’s right there to greet him – GREEN MIST!  Blinded, Jiles turns back towards the center – Solex runs through him with the clothesline.

Joe Hoffman: THE CLOTHESLINE FROM HECK! 

Cover.

One…

Two…

THREE!

*DING-DING-DING*

Benny Newell: DAD TAG TEAM WINS!  DAD TAG TEAM WINS!  DRINK!

Matt Boettcher raises Bergman and Solex’s arms up in victory.

Bryan McVay: Your winner at eight minutes and twenty-five seconds, ‘#1 Dad’ Steven Solex.  ‘Ordinary’ Joe Bergman.  P-B-R!

(END VIDEO)

Joe Hoffman: Then in September, with Bergman recovering from surgery, Steve Solex turned his back on PBR and attacked Barbie-Q.  Tonight, Steve Solex and Joe Bergman once again will occupy the same ring- but this time under much different circumstances.

Benny Newell: After Joe Bergman bailed on Solex, Solex took out the Yoko-wannabe who ruined PBR Barbie-Q and took his career to new heights by joining the Best Alliance.

Joe Hoffman: Joe Bergman did not bail on Steve Solex.  Joe had a legitimate medical situation-

Benny Newell: Blah, blah, blah.  Bergman left a war hero hanging.  That’s all I know.

Joe Hoffman: Well that’s not true at all Benny.  But these two men will face each other tonight at ICONIC.

The opening bars of Sammy Hagar and the Circle’s brand new record, a cover of David Bowie’s classic song ‘Heroes’ plays over the Best Arena sound system.   Joe Bergman steps out on stage and the fans- especially Section 214- rise to their feet.

Bryan McVay: First, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri and weighing in at 195 lbs.  Please welcome back to HOW- ORDINARY JOE! BEEEEEERRRRRRRG – MAAAAAAAAAAN!

Vic Johnson’s chugging guitar, Michael Anthony’s always reliable bass holding down the fort, and Jason Bonham’s pounding drumbeat rocks the arena and amps the crowd so when Joe appears on stage, they’re ready to let loose.

“I.   I will be king.”

Joe looks out at the crowd and takes it all in.  It’s been a while.

“And you.  You will be queen.”

He raises his arms to the cheering fans.

“Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them, just for one day”

After Hagar finishes the first verse of the song, the crowd- already singing along with the Red Rocker- turns up the volume at the chorus.

“WE CAN BE HEROES

 JUST FOR ONE DAY!”

Bergman then climbs up on the ring apron and leaps over the top rope into the ring. He goes to a corner turnbuckle and climbs to the top to raise a can of PBR to the people in Section 214.

Joe Hoffman: Joe Bergman is back in HOW for one night.

Benny Newell: So Steve Solex can send him back into retirement in a body bag.

Just then, the beginning of “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold thumps from the sound system.  The crowd explodes into a fury of boos and hisses.

Joe Hoffman: And here comes Steve Solex.

Benny Newell: That’s war hero, Best Alliance member, and a great American, Steve Solex to you.

A montage of Steve Solex plays on the HOV, flashing on and off in rhythm with the music.  As the music stalls, the HOV goes black as the lights throughout the arena go dark.

…

Wait for it.

…

A bomb-like explosion blasts at the top of the entry way sends a plume of smoke up and in front of the HOV in the shape of a mushroom cloud as the music returns in a wall of sound.

Steve Solex makes his way out from behind the curtain.

Bryan McVay: Weighing in at 252 pounds and standing six-feet, three inches tall!  He is from Huntington Beach, California!  THIS IS STEEEEEEEEEEEVEEEEEE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLEXXXXX!

The montage continues to play on the HOV as Solex stops atop the entrance ramp and pounds his chest twice with a white knuckled first before throwing his hands high up into the air.  Solex soaks in the boos from the crowd.

“Hide my face again, harbor in the shadows.
Feel this weight of sin hammering away.”

Solex starts his march to the ring.  No glitz.  No high-fives.  Just a fast-paced march and the look of a cold-blooded killer.

“Die, with the guilt of a thousand AWOL soldiers
Die, watch the scythe usher me astray.”

He slides in under the bottom rope and glares at Bergman.

“I can’t go on this way
Not as I am today
The ugly side of me is strong…”

A few words are exchanged between both men before Solex retreats to his corner and rests back on the turnbuckle.

“Take aim, a loaded gun.
Pull back on all who run.
A coward’s truth inside the wrong.”

Joe Hoffman: The big question is going to be just how good of shape Joe Bergman is in and how much did the surgery in July take out of him.  He last wrestled a competitive match at this level at War Games back in June.  Since then, Joe’s only had three warm up matches at MVW two weeks ago.

“This means war
This means war
This means war…”

Benny Newell: Doesn’t matter.  Joe Bergman was useless when he teamed with Andy Murray and let’s face it, Steve Solex would have had to carry Bergman too if PBR stayed together.  Solex is going to do the same thing to Bergman he did to his sister Barbie-Q.  Equal rights, bitch!

Sneering at his opponent, Solex lobs over a few more verbal grenades that Bergman hears but chooses to ignore.

Referee Matt Boettcher is in the ring doing the usual pre-match routine.  He checks both men for foreign objects and the like.

Joe Hoffman: Both men are in the ring and we are about ready to go.  Matt Boettcher is our referee and he just about ready to call for the bell.

Satisfied, Boettcher motions the timekeeper to ring the bell.

DING! DING DING!

Joe Hoffman: And here we go.

Solex rushes forward.  Bergman just barely side-steps him.

Joe Hoffman: Joe was a little slow getting out of the way of that one.  Solex immediately on the attack.

Benny Newell: I tell ya Hoffhole, Solex is going to destroy Joe Bergman tonight.

The two men circle.  Solex again aggressively comes forward.  Bergman plays defense and makes him chase.

Benny Newell: See? Bergman’s afraid of him.  Look at him run.

Quick lock up – Solex takes a headlock – Bergman slips out.  Solex fires off right and left hands that connect.  Spinebuster by Solex.  Bergman gets back up and Solex plants him with a belly to belly suplex – Bergman lands hard on the mat.  Solex hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO! – Bergman kicks out.

Solex yanks Bergman to his feet – front facelock.  He then spins around.

Joe Hoffman: Oooh.  Neckbreaker by Steve Solex and Bergman gets twisted around in knots.

Solex on top wrenching Bergman’s arm.  He transitions to a hammerlock while throwing hard forearms into Bergman’s back.  Again, Solex forces Bergman back to his feet.  Headlock by Solex and squeezes as hard as he can.

Joe Hoffman: He trying to grind Bergman down.

Headlock takeover from Solex and again Joe is back on the mat.

Benny Newell: YEAH!

Joe Hoffman: Solex has Bergman grounded and he’s pressing his forearm into his throat.

Boettcher taps Solex in the back about the near choke.  Bergman fights his way up.  Solex rakes the eyes and wrenches the arm again.  He transitions into a wristlock.  Bergman tries to throw a couple body shots to get Solex’s attention.

Benny Newell: This is fucking great!  Bergman’s getting what’s coming to him.

Joe Hoffman: I don’t know about that Benny.  Joe does seem about a step or two slow compared to Sol- DRAGON SLEEPER!

Benny Newell: WHAT?

Out of nowhere, Bergman suddenly rolled Solex and slapped on his submission finisher.  But Solex is right by the ropes.  He grabs the bottom rope and Matt Boettcher immediately calls for a break.

Joe Hoffman: Steve Solex just dodged a bullet there.  Joe Bergman caught him completely by surprise and nearly had him right there.

Benny Newell: Bergman’s one good move of the match.  The only going it accomplishes is to make Solex even more pissed off at him.

They lock up again.   Solex whips Bergman to the ropes and sends him to the mat with a shoulder block.

Benny Newell: Oh shit! By Gosh!

Solex hits the ropes again and knocks Bergman flat again with another flying shoulder block.

Benny Newell: By Golly!

Solex hits the ropes one last time – he flies at Bergman with his arm extended.

Benny Newell: CLOTHESLINE FROM HECK-what?

Joe Hoffman: NO!

Bergman with a drop toehold and hooks Solex’s legs.

ONE! – Solex powers out.

Joe Hoffman: Again, Joe Bergman catches Solex and nearly snatches the win.

Benny Newell: Bergman got lucky.  He’s only making it worse for himself.

Solex goes for a rear bearhug – Bergman fights his way out with elbows.  He backdrops Solex to the mat.  Solex legsweeps Bergman down and scrambles in for the pinfall.

ONE!

TWO!- Bergman gets the shoulder up.

Russian leg sweep by Solex puts him right back down.  Solex covers.

ONE!

TWO!

Joe Hoffman: No!  Bergman just kicks out.

Benny Newell: Count faster Bitcher!

Solex boots Bergman in the gut – Joe drops to a knee.  Solex drags him up and whips Bergman to the ropes – he knees him low and hard!  Solex climbs up to the top rope.  Double axe handle drives Bergman to a knee.  Another boot by Solex takes Joe the rest of the way down.   Solex right there.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-NOOO!  

Joe Hoffman: Again, Joe Bergman just gets the shoulder up.

Benny Newell: It’s only a matter of time Hoffman.

Solex drags Bergman’s face along the bottom rope and drives forearm shivers to the back and neck area.

Joe Hoffman: Solex is turning up the heat on Bergman.  He looks really sharp here tonight.

Bergman rolls over and eats body shots as a result.  Solex adds more forearms shots to the chest and neck and a headbutt!  Bergman fights his way back to his feet again.  Solex shoves him into the corner – lowers his head – and drives his shoulder repeatedly into Bergman’s stomach.

Benny Newell: I’ll say it again, everything Steve Solex does has purpose.  He’s going to make Bergman wish he’d never come back by the time he’s done with him.

Bergman sidesteps a shoulder thrust and throws Solex into the corner.  He whips – Solex blocks and shoves Bergman back.  He falls to a seated position and drives a knife-edge chop to the throat.  Bergman falls back to the mat.  Solex stands over Bergman and boot washes his face.

Joe Hoffman: Is that really necessary?

Benny Newell: Yes.  He’s making Bergman pay the price for leaving him high and dry.

Solex makes a half-assed cover.

ONE!– Bergman gets the shoulder up.

Solex pops him in the jaw with a right hand and hooks the leg again.

ONE!

TWO!

Joe Hoffman: NO!  Bergman gets the shoulder up.

Benny Newell: Just a matter of time now.  DRINK!

Solex runs the ropes – Bergman ducks a clothesline and waits for him to come back.  This time, Solex clocks Bergman with a right hand.  Solex runs the ropes again and shoulder blocks Bergman across the ring.  Solex whips – Bergman blocks – fireman’s carry, no – Solex blocks a suplex attempt using the power of gravity.  Bergman walks into a body slam.  Solex covers.

ONE!

TWO!

2.99999!

Joe Hoffman: NO!

Benny Newell: Slow count!

Joe Hoffman: That was very close.

Solex stays focused.  He drags Bergman up – hooks both arms and flips Bergman up and over him.

Joe Hoffman: Tiger Suplex by Solex!

Benny Newell: I keep telling you Hoffhole.  Solex has this.  He’s a fuckin’ hero to all!

Solex climbs on top for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THRENOOOO!  Bergman survives yet again.

Solex keeps the pressure on.  He pulls back on Bergman’s arms and drives a knee into his back.

Joe Hoffman: I wondered going into this could Joe Bergman get back into wrestling shape after being away for six months.  Right now, I’d have to say no.  Steve Solex is just outclassing him at the moment.

Benny Newell: Stop making excuses Hoffhole.  Bergman was never that good.  Solex is a cold blooded killer.  Joe Bergman is too goddamn worried about being a nice guy.  He never was and will never be at the level of a Kael, a Ryan, a Best, or a Farthington.  He’s got no fucking killer instinct.  Hell, his wife didn’t want him to take his match.  She knew he had no chance of winning.

Joe Hoffman: I believe Joe’s wife was more concerned about his overall health than Joe Bergman winning or losing the match.

Quick shot up at Section 214.  The seats are eerily empty now.

Benny Newell: And look, even those losers up there have given up on Bergman.   He’s done.

Joe Hoffman: Joe Bergman said a couple weeks ago he needed Section 214 to get behind him like they’ve never got behind him before to win tonight, so not a good sign for Joe.  But that being said, Solex has looked terrific here tonight.  He’s methodically and meticulously done exactly what he’s needed to do.

Benny Newell: He’s a war hero, Hoffhole.  A great Dad.  A great American.   Part of the Best Alliance!  What more can I say but, DRINK!

Back in the ring, Bergman fights his way out of the Camel Clutch.  On his feet now, he scratches at Solex’s eyes.

Joe Hoffman: Desperation move there.

Benny Newell: ‘Cause he’s losing!

Enraged, Solex throws body shots and dumps Bergman on his back.  He stomps the holy hell out of Bergman’s midsection and sticks a boot on his opponent’s stomach.

ONE!

TWO!– Bergman rolls out.

Solex CLOBBERS Bergman with a right hand.  This time, he hooks a leg.

ONE!

TWO!

2.75!– Bergman escapes late again.

Solex becomes furious and uncorks right after right after right to the dazed Bergman on the mat.

Joe Hoffman: Come on Matt, you’ve got to stop that.

Boettcher does admonish Solex.  Solex ignores the referee and pulls Bergman up.  Side headlock.

Benny Newell: FINISH HIM!

Joe Hoffman: Solex setting Bergman up for the Solexplex.

Benny Newell: DO IT!

He flips Bergman’s arm over his left shoulder.

Benny Newell: END IT!

Joe Hoffman: This could be it!  WAIT!

Benny Newell: What the fuck!

The missing Section 214 suddenly reappear on the Best Arena floor and they stream down towards ringside.

Benny Newell: Where the fuck did they come from?

The mob quickly envelops the ringside area.

Benny Newell: Where’s the security?   Where the fuck is the EPU?

Joe Hoffman: The people of Section 214 are now completely surrounding the ring.

Benny Newell: Why hasn’t Boettcher disqualified Bergman for outside interference?

The instant effect is that Solex is momentarily distracted from finishing off Bergman- momentarily.  With a sudden influx of people at ringside, he defiantly goes ahead and hooks Joe’s leg with his arm.  He lifts.

Joe Hoffman: BERGMAN BLOCKED IT!

Benny Newell: I CAN’T SEE A GODDAMN THING WITH ALL THESE IDIOTS AT RINGSIDE!

Again, Solex goes for the Solexplex.

Again, Bergman stops him.  The crowd rises to their feet.

Joe Hoffman: HE BLOCKED HIM AGAIN!

Benny Newell: I STILL CAN’T SEE ANYTHING!

Joe Hoffman: That’s why I’m standing up, so I can see.

Benny Newell: Oh.

Solex tries a third time to lift him into the air – Bergman blocks –slips out – Solex tries to hang on – Bergman drops to a seated position.

Joe Hoffman: JAWBREAKER BY BERGMAN!

Solex up and pushes Bergman back.  Waistlock by Solex – Bergman reverses – waistlock and lift…

Joe Hoffman: BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX AND SOLEX GOES DOWN!

Benny Newell: NO!

Joe Hoffman: Bergman for the win!

Cover.

ONE!

TWO!- Solex kicks out at two!

The people surrounding the ring start rhythmically pounding on the apron.

Benny Newell: WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?

Joe Hoffman: This match has changed with Section 214 coming to ringside!

Benny Newell: Bergman should be disqualified!

Solex up – BOOT TO THE BALLS!

Joe Hoffman: OOOOOH!  STEVE SOLEX GOES LOW TO BERGMAN!

Section 214 vents their displeasure at Solex at ringside.

Benny Newell: It’s called good strategy Hoffman.  That’s how you change the momentum.

Bergman’s bent over at a ninety degree angle.

Joe Hoffman: Whatever his intention was it certainly worked.

Solex smirks and flips off everyone at ringside.  He again takes a side headlock.  Bergman’s arm goes over his shoulder.  Solex hooks Joe’s knee with his arm.

And lifts.

Joe Hoffman: SOLEXPLEX!   NO, WAIT!

Bergman blocks at the last possible moment.  He gets free and reverses – inverted facelock – he pulls backwards and up, wrenching Solex’s back and spine.

Joe Hoffman: DRAGON SLEEPER!  DRAGON SLEEPER!

Benny Newell: NOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: JOE BERGMAN BLOCKS SOLEX’S FINISHER AND SLAPS ON THE DRAGON SLEEPER!

Solex tries to use his strength to escape.  Bergman cinches it in and puts every ounce of strength he has left into holding the submission.  The crowd at ringside continues pound away rhythmically on the apron.  The fans up in the stands rise to their feet again.

Joe Hoffman: Bergman may have him!

Benny Newell: That’s a blatant choke Bitcher!  Stop him!

Solex starts to fade.  Bergman squeezes harder.

Joe Hoffman: Solex is holding on with everything he’s got.

Benny Newell: Where’s the EPU?  Where’s the Best Alliance?   Lee, send reinforcements!

Eyes flickering, Solex is fading fast.  Boettcher raises his arm.  It falls back to the mat.

Section 214 at Ringside: ONE!

Benny Newell: DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!

Boettcher repeats.  Solex’s arm falls back to the mat again.

Section 214 at Ringside: TWO!

Benny Newell: HE’S A HERO!

Boettcher for the third time.  Solex’s arm hesitates…

Benny Newell: HEROES NEVER QUIT!

…falls and hits the mat.

Benny Newell: FUCK!

Section 214 at Ringside: THREE!

Boettcher calls for the bell.

*DING-DING-DING-DING*

Joe Hoffman: IT HAPPENED!

Bergman releases Solex and collapses on the mat. The ring is deluged by the people of Section 214 as Boettcher raises Joe’s hand in victory.

Joe Hoffman: IT HAPPENED!  I DON’T BELIEVE IT!

Benny Newell: NOOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: Joe Bergman was gone for six months and comes back to HOW to pull off an improbable win over Steve Solex tonight at ICONIC!

Bryan McVay doesn’t even attempt to get into the ring.  He does the announcement from a table outside the ring.

Bryan McVay: Your winner at seventeen minutes and thirty-one seconds. ORDINARY JOE! BEEEEEERRRRRRRG – MAAAAAAAAAAN!

Benny Newell: What just happened Joe?

Joe Hoffman: As referee Matt Boettcher waved his hands above Steve Solex, Section 214 immediately invaded the ring to celebrate.  This match changed the second Section 214 arrived at ringside and Joe somehow turned it around.

Bergman gets swept up in the crowd and exits the ring on the shoulders of several people.

Benny Newell: This is not the way this match was supposed to end!

The camera follows the happy throng of people as they carry Bergman to the back.

Depression and suicide is an all too common theme amongst the military and wrestling communities. Being available for someone could save their life.

Joe Hoffman: Well ladies and gentlemen, we’re set to get our next match started and boy has it been a wild night here at ICONIC! A LOT of High Octane offense and some interesting surprises tonight. Could we be in store for another one as we get ready for our LSD Championship match?

Benny Newell: All I know, is that I have been waiting the last couple weeks wanting to find out what this fucking stipulation was going to be! We’re finally going to be finding that out tonight, hoffhole, DRINK!

“I WANT IT ALL!” ”I WANT IT ALL!” “I WANT IT ALL!” ”AND I WANT IT NOW!” Pyrotechnics explode at the top of the ramp as “I Want It All” by Queen blares across the arena. Emerging from the curtain being followed by his hulking, disfigured bodyguard/employee Hugo Scorpio, is Jatt Starr. The Ruler of Jattlantis smugly walks down the ramp carrying a walking cane with a weighted spherical head which has an inscription that reads “Mr. Whacky”. Jatt Starr hands Hugo his cane, “Mister Whacky”, walks up the ring steps and enters the ring. In the center of the ring, he kneels down as a single purple spotlight shines upon him, as if the HOW gods themselves are showering him in the “their” light. Jatt Starr rises as the purple light fades, the house lights once again illuminates the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Jatt Starr has been riding a high going into this match. He’s already one half of the HOW Tag Team Champions and he’s got a chance to become a double champion here tonight!

Benny Newell: The ruler of Jattlantis has been on my betting books all week and I can’t wait to double my fortunes! You can’t bet against the Best Alliance!

“Take the Money and Run,” By The Steve Miller Man starts to play and the curtain flies open. Steve Harrison walks out with his arms in the air, a smirk across his face. He begins walking towards the rings and begins waving at that crowd who return his waves with boos and indifference. The smirk begins to fade after hearing the response so the Miracle Man begins jawing back at some of the audience and pointing to himself yelling over and over “ME, ME, ME!.” Steve walks faster to the ring his smirk now a scowl, he enters the rings and leans against one of the turnbuckles and begins talking to himself, his face becoming red in anger.

Joe Hoffman: Now here’s a man who’s been nothing short of hot in HOW since his debut. He lost a heartbreaker of a match against John Sektor and has no reason to keep his held down. He took Sektor to the limit and gave him all he could handle. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Harrison bounce back here tonight. One sole loss is a lot to learn from and I think Harrison knows the learning curve here in HOW. It’s rare to see from new talent, but Harrison has that.

Benny Newell: That’s because the man is a fucking miracle hoffnut! I found myself in a conundrum this week. I almost split by bets honestly. I may find his methods curious, but I know talent when I see it!

‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond hits and the arena ruptures into total hysteria. They’ve seen the 2006 viral phone footage doing the rounds on all the socials and it’s like they’re trying to capture that same moment. The majority that know the words sing along as the rest wait for the chorus. Meanwhile, Hughie Freeman comes onto the scene from behind the curtain with gleeful appreciation. The HOW Resident Pikey slowly walks down to the ring with his arms stretched out wide; touching the fingertips of the fans. Once Freeman hoists himself up on the apron (crowd side) the voice of Neil is overpowered by the fans reaction. Freeman quickly enters the ring, heads for the furthest turnbuckle and climbs it. The chorus blasts with a real party atmosphere; everyone singing, with your man Hughie Freeman placing up a solid fist in acknowledgement. He jumps off the turnbuckle and loosens off. Also a touch of shadow boxing.

Joe Hoffman: Hughie has had quite the journey getting to this point. He definitely deserves to be in the conversation here tonight and I wouldn’t be surprised if he surprises everyone and walks out the new LSD Champion tonight.

Benny Newell: Cut the bullshit, Hoffy! We all know what Hughie has been through. Boo fucking hoo on that shit! The guy knows what he’s getting into when it comes to the LSD Championship. There’s no love lost in fighting for that title. That title has a history of fucking violence…the purest of #97Red and I promise you…there will be blood!

The ominous, opening chords to “Put ‘Em in the Grave” by Jedi Mind Tricks blasts through the speakers as a raucous ovation from the High Octane Faithful heralds the Queen of the Ring to the stage. Once the first verse kicks in, Lindsay Troy strolls out amidst a shower of pyro and cannon blasts, but doesn’t pause to preen or rile up the crowd. Instead, she marches down the ramp to the ring, blowing right by the camera in the aisle, looking focused. Spotlights follow her path as she makes her way up the steps, foregoing her usual jump to the apron and flip into the ring. She slips between the ropes, and saunters over to a corner to scale the turnbuckles and pose a bit before the match begins.

Joe Hoffman: And there she is! The LSD Champion herself, Lindsay Troy! She’s got herself quite the challenge here tonight, but if there’s anyone who has always bestowed against the odds, it’s her!

Benny Newell: What odds, Hofffuck?! The only odds she has been banking her leading into this match is how to piss off the GOD of all things HOW! Lee Best gave her a chance and she fucking queefed that down the fucking drain! She doesn’t deserve to be holding that fucking title! The only thing I’m certain on is she’s the one who gets the fuck destroyed out of her tonight and I love that I have a front row motherfucking seat to witnessing that here tonight!

Referee Joel Hortega stands in the middle of the ring. He obviously doesn’t need to check on any of the competitors seeing that this match has no rules…anything goes! The only thing the competitors want to know is what exactly the stipulation of this match is going to be. In fact, no one has been up in arms trying to find out than Steve Harrison, and he’s chopping at the bit trying to find out as he’s literally yelling at Hortega trying to find out.

Speaking of which, Harrison gets special council in trying to find out the match. So here it is…….

Just kidding, a big middle finger, metaphorically has been digitally downloaded to you buddy.

Joe Hoffman: The suspense is killing me Benny!! What is the stipulation of this match going to be?!

Benny Newell: How the fuck should I know? Do I look like Nostradamus to you motherfucker?! I want to know more than anything else. Too bad I didn’t bet against Harrison’s suffrage in him finding out the stipulation. Poor bastard.

Hortega approaches Lindsay Troy and requests the LSD Championship. She looks at it for a moment before kissing the championship and raising it proudly and defiantly before handing the title to Hortega. He then walks back to the center of the ring as we all of a sudden see a hook descend down from the ring which gets a massive pop from the crowd.

Joe Hoffman: OH BOY!! It’s going to be a ladder match ladies and gentlemen!

Benny Newell: I FUCKING KNEW IT!! It had to be!!! This is going to be fucking violence at it’s finest!!

Inside the ring the LSD Champion does NOT look impressed…….

LT: A ladder match at ICONIC? Who gives a shit? Thats it?

All four competitors watch as Hortega hooks the belt into the hook and signals for the Championship to be pulled into the air. After a few moments, the title indeed starts to ascent into the air as its on it’s way into the air. It stops about ten feet from the ground as it appears it will indeed be a ladder match. All competitors immediately start looking around for ladders as they reassess their predicament but there’s a problem with this assessment….

Joe Hoffman: Wait a minute…something isn’t right here..

Benny Newell: What the fuck are you bitching about now Hoffnuggets?! This was JUST fucking announced!!! Give it time to play out you twat! DRINK!!

But something was definitely afoot here as all of a sudden, all four competitors eyes notice that the title….STARTS MOVING AGAIN!!!

Joe Hoffman: Wait….WHAT?!

Benny Newell: Oh Jesus’s tits….what’s going on here?!

The title match, which looked like a ladder match now looks super sus as the title starts climbing higher and higher and it doesn’t stop where any traditional ladder match would stipulate where the title would normally be as the title keeps on ascending and it now becomes apparent this is not even going to be a ladder match. It was already suspect seeing as how there were no ladders even around the ring as the title is now ALL THE WAY TO THE FUCKING TOP OF THE ARENA!!!

Joe Hoffman: I don’t believe what I’m seeing folks, and if I suspect what I think I’m suspecting…then these guys are going to be in a world of hurt here!

Benny Newell: I’m already a bottle of jack in deep into your mother, hoffnozzle! I honestly can’t say with any certainty I know what’s going on.

And of course the only one who seems to be blowing his load in frustration is Steve Harrison who, again, seems to be duped into what the stipulation of this match will be. Hortega then all of a sudden motions to the back as we all of a sudden see the ring crew haul something to the ring. There are all of a sudden two rigs that come down to the ring as we start to see them assemble something in the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Well I’m just now getting word from the back on the final stipulation announcement of what this match is going to be and ladies and gentlemen…I’m almost speechless to say that this match is going to be none other than……A SCAFFOLD MATCH!!!

Benny Newell: WHAT THE ACTUAL BARBRA STREISAND FUCK?! A SCAFFOLD MATCH?! I just blew my fucking load….

The four competitors still look confused as the scaffolding is set up on opposite sides of the ring and it’s starting to look apparent what their up against as they start to figure it out. More fear and uncertainty start to fill the minds and it appears that the only one who seems confused out of it all is Jatt Starr as he just looks lost but quickly facepalms as he apparently figures it out.

Joe Hoffman: Well looks like Jatt is slowly starting to piece the puzzle together. But ladies and gentlemen, while the ring crew assemble this diabolical structure together, I can say that this match has a high certainty of someone potentially getting hurt very bad in this match.

Benny Newell: You fucking THINK you dimwitted motherfucker?! I don’t think we’ve seen a fucking scaffold match in HOW in fucking YEARS!! Way to take this back to the motherfucking well here! Jesus…I just watched as my investments take a nose dive here..

Joe Hoffman: It certainly has been awhile since we’ve seen a scaffold match in HOW and I’m certainly not surprised to see one pop up here in HOW! Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t going to be for the faint of heart, I can promise you all that.

Benny Newell: It’s a good thing I’m already borderline fucking GONE tonight hoffy. I hate being twisted like this and I can bet you that someone is going to die in this match!

Joe Hoffman: It certainly changes the odds in this match for sure, Benny. But let’s call it as we see it, every person in this match has now an equal chance at winning this match..but it doesn’t look good no matter who the heck you are in this match!

The ring crew finally assemble the two rigs as they finally get the scaffold all set up and it appears this match is ready to go and boy is it high up. We’re talking about at LEAST a good thirty feet in the air and if anyone was afraid of heights in this match, it’s going to cause heart attacks. There are a couple thick plywood boards that are connected between the scaffolding and that is all there is for support up in the air.

DING DING DING!!

All four competitors are stone cold to start this match as they have no idea what they just signed up for. Legendary is in the making but no one makes a move at first. However, it’s Jatt Starr who apparently says fuck it as he’s good with the HOW GOD’s and immediately dives towards an unsuspecting Lindsay Troy who is still trying to assess this match. Lindsay is taken off guard as Jatt sends a stiff forearm into her face. Hughie and Steve stop thinking as Steve thinks like Jatt and goes at Hughie and immediately connects with an eye poke straight to the face of Hughie. Hughie grabs his face as Steve picks him up and connects with a brainbuster. Meanwhile, Jatt continues his assault on Lindsay and begins unloading a flurry of punches at Lindsay as Lindsay tries to regain her composure in this match. Jatt nails a snap suplex in the middle of the ring which causes Lindsay to hold her back. Steve is already frustrated as he begins unloading kick after kick until he literally dropkicks Hughie out of the ring. Steve is already thinking Arial here as he thinks about climbing the scaffold.

Joe Hoffman: I think it’s going to take a bit of time to adjust to this shock, but Harrison is already thinking big as he begins to climb the scaffold.

Benny Newell: Steve isn’t going to waste any fucking time in letting this match become disastrous! This is why I love Harrison!

Jatt already is seeing Steve make his ascent up the scaffold and proceeds to pick up Mister Whacky. He targets Steve, but Lindsay is already making her way back to her feet. The Jatt-I Master targets Harrison, but not before he turns around and bashes Mister Whacky straight into the skull of Lindsay Troy taking her down in the middle of the ring. He then turns his attention and takes Mister Whacky and bashes it into the back of Steve Harrison causing him to fall to the middle of the canvas. Luckily for Harrison, he wasn’t far up the scaffold.

Joe Hoffman: Looks like Jatt is on a mission here tonight and he’s taking his frustrations out on anyone with Mister Whacky here tonight!

Benny Newell: He’s a member of the Best Alliance! Of course he’s not going to care how he gets the job done you fucktwat!

Hughie gets to his feet and sees Jatt with Mister Whacky so he decides to sneak out of the ring and grabs a golf club from under the ring. I mean, the ring was filled with all kinds of random weapons, but Hughie didn’t care. He grabs it and rolls back in the ring behind Jatt and plasters him in the back with it. Jatt drops Mister Whacky and Hughie decides it’s time for a weapons upgrade as he grabs Mister Whacky and use it AGAINST JATT! He clubs Jatt with it straight in the skull as Jatt falls to the mat. Hughie then takes a look at the canvas and begins unloading on everyone with Mister Whacky.

Joe Hoffman: Hughie unloading on literally EVERYONE in his sights as he uses Jatt’s signature weapon against literally everyone!

Benny Newell: This is blasphemy hoffcunt! What makes Hughie think he can use that weapon against Jatt, let alone everyone else in this match?!

Joe Hoffman: It’s an LSD Championship match Benny, I don’t think Hughie cares what he has to do to get the job done here tonight!

Feeling satisfied, Hughie drops Mister Whacky and decides he’s going to ascend to the top of the scaffold. However, Lindsay Troy has already made her way back to her feet , somehow. Lindsay quickly comes behind Hughie and locks him in a headlock, much to the surprise of Hughie. Hughie tries everything in his power to back her off, but she is resilient. She begins unloading on the back of his head with several punches to the back of his head before he comes down to one knee. Meanwhile, Harrison is getting back to his feet and he sees the action play out before he comes up behind Troy and grabs both Troy and Freeman and takes them down into the canvas with a double sideslam, with authority. Harrison starts cleaning house as Jatt gets back to his feet but he’s met with a stiff left punch to the temple of the head as he goes down into the mat. Harrison then makes a dropkick to the shin of Jatt as Jatt goes down to one knee. Harrison then goes for a clothesline, connecting perfectly to Jatt. Harrison is now in control of this match has he rolls out of the ring and begins to look under the ring for weapons of his own. He pulls out a table and sets it on the outside of the ring. Harrison finds the only person closest to him, which happens to be Freeman. He grabs him and tosses him over the top rope and to the outside. Freeman hits hard as he grabs his side in pain.

Joe Hoffman: All these competitors want that LSD Championship, and it’s Harrison who seems to have control of this match, at least for now!

Benny Newell: Harrison is a master of his craft! He has great ring awareness!

Only that he didn’t. Lindsay was back to her feet as she vaulted over the top rope taking Harrison down on the outside. Troy begins unleashing a vault of offense as she unleashes several left punches on Harrison. Harrison tries to fight her off, but Lindsay picks Harrison up and nails a back body drop on the outside of the ground. Lindsay rolls into the ring as she sees everyone down on the ground. She looks up and eyes the LSD Championship as she begins to make the ascent up the scaffold. Jatt is starting to stir as he makes it back to his feet. Unfortunately, he’s unable to find any weapons around him so he has no choice but to climb the scaffold. He gets up to level with Lindsay and Lindsay sees him and she goes for a running shining wizard but Jatt catches her kick! He then sends a stiff low blow to Lindsay as she falls to the wooden boards that make up the base of the scaffold. Steve and Hughie begin to stir as they look up and see Lindsay and Jatt on the eight foot wide plywood board that rests across both scaffolds. Both seem to have similar ideas as they each grab weapons of their own. Steve grabs a chain with a definitive hook and Hughie grabs a fire extinguisher as they begin to make their climb on opposite sides of the scaffold.

Joe Hoffman: Aw man…I don’t like where this is going to lead…

Benny Newell: There is an urgency in this match and Steve and Hughie recognize that they have to stay in this match in order to keep themselves relevant in this match!

Both men make their way up the scaffold before long, all four stars are on the scaffold thirty feet in the air! Lindsay Troy gets to her feet first as she assesses the gravitas of her situation. She sees both Hughie and Steve make the ascension up the scaffold and she targets the first person who makes their way up…Steve Harrison. Steve has the hook and chain and isn’t dumb to what awaits him as she goes for the leg of Troy and the hook catches her foot as it impales her foot! The whole arena can hear it as it goes straight through her foot!

Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Oh that’s going to leave a mark!

Benny Newell: Violence at its finest!! DRINK!!!!

Lindsay falls to the plywood as Steve is able to make his way back to his feet. Meanwhile, Hughie has made the climb on the other side of the scaffold with the fire extinguisher and he decides that it’s a good idea to bash Steve in the head with the extinguisher, busting him open!

Joe Hoffman: Oh my god did you see the spatter spot on that shot?!

Benny Newell: I think the whole world was probably thinking Watchmen with that shot, Hoffsnuff!

Steve grabs his head but it’s more frustration as he tries to control the outward blood pulsating from his skull. Hughie starts to look further upwards as he eyes the LSD Championship. Jatt gets back to his feet as he sees Hughie on his feet. Jatt comes up from behind Hughie and takes him down with a tornado DDT. Jatt begins to unload on Hughie with left after left kick into the skull of Hughie. Meanwhile, Lindsay is able to get back to her feet and she sees the chain with the hook just conveniently laying on the plywood. She grabs it and taps Jatt on the shoulder. Jatt turns around in an “oh how are you doing today” type of look as Lindsay swings the hook straight into the side of Jatt’s face as the hook impales him and takes a good portion of flesh off the face of Jatt…causing him to immediately fall to the plywood. Lindsay, happy with her work on Jatt, turns the chained hook on Harrison who isn’t all impressed with the fact of getting impaled as he grabs the hook midshot and turns the chain around on Lindsay. The chain wraps around her neck and things aren’t looking good for Lindsay. Harrison begins choking her with the chain but Hughie doesn’t like the fact that Harrison is entertaining the thought of murder and targets Harrison and nails a suicide dive taking Harrison down on the scaffold. Now it’s Hughie who all of a sudden starts thinking of murder here.

Joe Hoffman: God don’t do it Hughie! I know you spent a lot of time in Alcatraz, but this isn’t the way!

Benny Newell: Oh fuck off Hoffpuff! It’s all about that LSD Championship and not one of these motherfuckers are going to weigh murder on their mind when it comes to that championship!

Hughie begins to wrap the chain around Harrison’s neck before he starts to choke out Harrison with the chain. Hughie then gets a wild hair up his ass and decides it would be more entertaining if Harrison was hanging from the scaffold in mid air with the chain as he begins to try to push off Harrison dangling in mid air. He wraps the chain around the scaffold and proceeds to try and push Harrison off of it has Harrison tries to cling to life.

Joe Hoffman: What is Hughie thinking here?! He can’t be serious!!

Benny Newell: If there’s something I’ve grown accustomed to, its that fact that we’re about to get ourselves a good ole fashioned hanging! Better hope that Harrison is able to pull a miracle out of his ass on this one!

Hughie literally puts Harrison is position ready to dropkick him off the side of the scaffold, but Lindsay stops him from completing his mission. She grabs the vacant fire extinguisher and opens the valve and let’s Hughie have it! Hughie grabs his neck as he tries to clinch onto life as Lindsay makes sure Hughie takes the full load of the extinguisher. Hughie falls to the wooden part of the scaffold as Harrison grabs the chain around his neck to support him from literally dying. Hughie then grabs the extinguisher and plunges it into the back of Lindsay. Lindsay replies in kind by falling to the scaffold holding onto her back. Hughie drops the extinguisher and if he was about to show some human compassion for Harrison, just starts striking Lindsay with right after right kick to the skull of Troy.

Joe Hoffman: Does anyone care the fact that Harrison is literally hanging by the hairs of his neck for his life?!

Benny Newell: This is war Hoffsnot! Of course they don’t!! Not when it comes to the LSD Championship!

Hughie literally starts to bash Lindsay’s head into the plywood. Shot after shot, blow after blow, finally makes the LSD Champion bust wide open!

Joe Hoffman: Oh god….that didn’t look good at all!

Benny Newell: Jesus H tap dancing motherfucking CHRIST!! Hughie literally exposed the head of Lindsay with that shot!!

All this time, Jatt was able to recover a bit as he finally gets to back and bah gawd is his face showing like Hannibal Lector met the shining with his cheek literally hanging down causing the Best Arena to cringe! Jatt literally goes for everything and plows Hughie with the Starrlite Express snapping Hughie in half. Jatt gets back to his feet and decide it’s a good idea that he loves the fact that Harrison is hanging by the neck hairs of his life and begins to mock the miracle worker. He just leaves him alone as he literally only has the extinguisher to use as a weapon, too lazy to find Mister Whacky. Jatt decides that there is enough real estate to hang Hughie with some left over slack of the chain that Harrison is still dangling from as he wraps it around Freeman.

Joe Hoffman: God has this turned to a good ole fashioned hanging match or what?!

Benny Newell: Two for the price of one hoffslit! DRINK!!!

Jatt begins to wrap the chain around Freeman’s neck and just as he’s about to get what he wants, Lindsay stops him mid hanging, and grabs Jatt and headbutts him. She then climbs part of the other scaffold and proceeds to launch herself from it connecting onto Jatt and hitting a shooting star press which causes Jatt’s already impaled flapping face to hit the plywood and cracks it. Jatt is bleeding out from the bit as Lindsay gets back to her feet. Hughie hasn’t been completely hung here as he’s able to recover on the plywood and begins unraveling the chain from around his neck. He wraps it around the neck of Jatt Starr and drop kicks him which causes him to hang mid air along with Harrison.

Benny Newell: THERE WAS A FUCKING HANGING!!!

Joe Hoffman: Pretty sure this has become too freaking graphic for the viewers at home…

Hughie gets to his feet as he was able to unhook the chain from around his neck and now Hughie stands toe to toe with Lindsay. The two begin exchanging blows as Jatt and Harrison are literally clinging to their very lives. Hughie tries to grab Lindsay, but Lindsay stops the attack and hits a snap suplex into the plywood but one prolem….

SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!!!

The plywood gives way and causing Lindsay and Hughie to go through the plywood and falls at least thirty feet from the top and to the bottom of the plywood and to the canvas back to the ring as the crowd let’s them have it!

Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!!

Lindsay and Hughie now lay lifeless on the ground below as Harrison and Jatt dangle from midair as they both are able to grab the chain that their life dangles from as they are able to make it back to the base of the now snapped scaffold.

Joe Hoffman: JESUS!! Lindsay and Hughie might have just died there!!

Benny Newell: Oh my Zeus!! This is what I live for!! DRINK!!!!!!

Harrison and Jatt now lay atop of the remains of the scaffold that is literally snapped in half as they both try to catch their breath. A few moments pass by before they realize the LSD Championship is in their grasp. They slowly get to their feet as they begin to exchange lets and rights at each other, all bloodied and all leaving it all out there for the fans. There is so much blood spilled over the scaffold, that it takes a second for Harrison and Jatt to get back to their feet. Which they eventually do but there is a problem…now there is a gap, a hole that leaves them separated from the LSD Championship as they both struggle to get back to their feet.

Joe Hoffman: I’d make the safe bet to assume that Lindsay and Hughie are now dead down at the canvas.

Benny Newell: That’s literally the best claim you’ve made all fucking night hoffhole! JESUS!!!

Both Harrison and Starr get back to their feet as they assess their current predicament and they both have a path to the LSD Championship. Both men are already back to their feet, but both have lost so much blood that they are struggling to stay on their feet. They both take their path to the LSD Championship as it is literally a race to the finish! They begin to climb the remaining scaffold real estate and inch closer to the LSD Championship. Their both within striking distance as they start taking pot shots at each other. Left after left, right after right, they both have life in this match. Blood trickles down between both men as they try to gain the upper hand on the other. However, it is Jatt Starr who uses the last bits of energy he has left in connecting with a swinging drop kick that sends Steve Harrison down lying on the edge of scaffold….literally. Jatt is able to get a hand on the LSD Championship as he’s able to grab the title and falls to his knees, barely not falling all the way to the ring below. Jatt literally clings to the championship as the bell rings.

DING DING DING!!

Joe Hoffman: Jatt has done it! My god he’s done it!!

Benny Newell: YES!!!

Bryan McVay: Here is your winner….and NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW LSD CHAMPION…….JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTT STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!

Joe Hoffman: And Jatt has done it!!!! By the hairs of what was left on his neck….he’s about to grab the LSD Championship!!!

Benny Newell: What I tell you hofffhole!!!!! Jatt has done it!!! He’s your NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW LSD CHAMPION and a DOUBLE CHAMPION AT THAT!!!

Jatt holds onto the LSD Championship as he just lays on the remaining bits of the scaffold clinging onto his newly won LSD Championship!

Joe Hoffman: What a match we just witnessed ladies and gentlemen! Jatt from the Best Alliance is able to secure his double championship!

Benny Newell: YES!!!!!! I told you he was going to get it done!!! What a showing from Jatt Starr tonight! The HOW GOD’s have come through for him again!

Joe Hoffman: I don’t know about you Benny, but it sounds like we’re just getting started with the Jatt Starr era….wait…..

Inside the ring HOW medics are attending to Troy and Hughie and there is literally dozens of HOW crewmen trying to clean up the shards of the plywood board that gave way.

Two of the workers begin climbing up the scaffolding….one on each side of.

The cameras follow the men as they get to the top of the scaffolding and it is only then that everyone realizes what is happening.

The men take off the construction hats that they were wearing and toss them down to the ring below. The camera zooms in to see not only where they wearing the hats….but there were wigs on the inside…helping to hide their true identity.

As the men begin slowly walking towards the new LSD Champion and prone final challenger, its clear who they truly are.

Joe Hoffman: I cannot believe this….

Suddenly from the back we see Steve Solex and John Sektor come racing from the back as they see their stablemate is in true danger.

And finally so does Jatt.

Jatt slowly stands up and looks left first and then slowly to the right and realizes that there is literally no escape. The two men rush him and he is able to land one solitary right hand before the two men punch him off the scaffold.

The new LSD Champion and HOW Hall of Famer falls like the second coming of Hans Gruber to the ring below, saved only by the dozens of workers and medics who soften the fall.

There is nothing but bodies laid out in the ring as Sektor and Solex look up at the attackers.

Jesse Kendrix and Mikey Unlikely……..The Hollywood Bruvs.

Sektor motions for Solex to start climbing the scaffolding but before they can even begin we see another body fall from high above as Harrison falls and lands on all the bodies in the ring…….breaking a few dozen ribs of some HOW crewmen.

Benny Newell: Well at least Harrison knows the stipulation now?

Joe Hoffman: The HOLLYWOOD BRUVS HAVE RETURNED!!!! AND THEY HAVE TARGETED THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!

The camera pans up once again and this time we see that the Bruvs already had an escape route planned as they have used the cable that was holding the LSD Championship to climb and enter the rafters of The Best Arena. They quickly disappear into the darkness as a shocked Chicago crowd looks at the carnage in the ring as we obviously cut away as there are broken bodies everywhere.

Beginning on January 9th HOFC roleplaying returns as we begin The DeNucci Cup

We cut back to the Hall of Fame announcers as it is now time for the main event.

Joe Hoffman: Before we get to our final match of the evening I just want to let everyone know that even though we just so some horrifying falls in that Scaffold Match, there were no life threatening injuries, although I have been told there were broken bones aplenty. The Hollywood Bruvs returning to target one half of the Tag Team Champions, Jatt Starr, while his partner watches from below…..that will NOT go over well with The Best Alliance.

Benny Newell: …LSD Champion. You forgot to mention that Jatt is also the LSD Champion….and ya fuck those two. Last time we saw them they were running back to Defiance to stroke Murray and Perfections egos. Fucking mental midgets….all of them.

Joe Hoffman: Well they are here and they are back. Its clear as day that we are on a collision course of The Tag Team Champions John Sektor and Jatt Starr defending against the Bruvs. No way that match is not going to happen.

Benny Newell: 2020 can eat a bag of dicks…….but I cannot WAIT for what 2021 will bring and if that means I see The Best Alliance vs. The Bruvs in 2021….I am all in.

Joe Hoffman: Well before we get to that……it is time to end 2020 with our last match of the year and our main event on our last PPV of the year. It is the ICON Champion Dan Ryan taking on the World Champion Michael Lee Best with the winner being crowned the last ICON Champion of this era and will be the World Champion heading into 2021.

For once Benny has no retort and instead just raises his glass as we cut inside the ring to ring announcer Bryan McVay.

Bryan McVay: Hailing from Houston, Texas, and weighing in at 305 pounds!! He… is…the ICON Champion……… DAAAAANNNN… RYYYYYYAAAANNNNN!!!

The lights go out and a dual-spotlight makes an encircling pattern on the entrance area as the opening riff of the song plays. When the riff audio kicks it up a notch, Dan Ryan steps out and pauses, looking into the audience, then heads down the aisle as pyro blasts behind him.

The video shows clips from his career: power bombing Bobby Dean, taking MJ Flair’s head off with a clothesline, hitting Perfection with the Headliner, countering a Jack Harmen dive into a vicious power slam, and finally smirking as he pins Doozer.

Ryan walks directly to the ring, rolls in under the bottom rope, and climbs the nearest turnbuckle, keeping his arms down and smirking into the crowd as the music continues to play as he pats the ICON Championship around his waist.

Joe Hoffman: There he is folks…the ICON Champion here at ICONIC in the Main Event. Some have been saying that this match lacked the proper build but now that we are here…on this night….in this very moment…there is no doubt that THIS is the Main Event.

Benny Newell: Look these two assholes played friendly since the match was fucking announced. Dan Ryan has not even defended the fucking ICON Championship. This match has a ton of shit to make up for and I don’t think Ryan is ready for this stage.

Back in the ring we see Ryan jump off the turnbuckle and he heads to the center of the ring and stands next to the referee who will be calling the action tonight……Matt Boettcher. Both men turn towards the entrance ramp as it is now time for the World Champion to make his way down to the ring.

HALLLLLLELUJAH! HALLLLLLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLEEEEEEEELUJAH! 

The catchy but vaguely offputting groove of Hanzel und Gretyl’s “HELLAlujah” begins to slap over the sound system, heralding the arrival of the SON OF GOD, and HOW World Champion, Michael Lee Best.

The always polarizing wrestling veteran steps out slowly onto the stage, making his way toward the ramp. He holds the HOW World Championship into the air on the stage, staring out into the crowd as he bobs his head to the sweet jams of his own entrance music. As he saunters toward the ring, Mike makes a big show of making sure the camera gets a good zoomed in shot as he flips the bird, displaying his Hall of Fame ring prominently. He approaches the apron, rolling under the bottom rope and standing to his feet in the ring. Michael slowly makes his way toward the center of the ring and stands directly in front of Dan Ryan.

As the music dies out, the crowd takes over, and The Best Arena faithful are on their feet clapping as one as the World and ICON Champions stare each other down.

Joe Hoffman: The crowd here giving a standing ovation to these two before the match even begins and one has to feel that its more than that…….

Benny Newell: No shit its more than that. The crowd is paying respect for the fucking YEAR that High Octane Wrestling just had and standing in the ring right now are the top two wrestlers in the company. No other fucking way to end the year. Lets FUCKING GO!!!!!

Benny jumps to his feet and now he is clapping and Joe slowly follows suit and suddenly the crewmen at ringside do the same.

The feed cuts to an overhead shot of the ring and zooms out so we can see as much of the crowd as possible and the viewers watching on HOTv are treated to literally every single person in the arena standing as one clapping their hands.

Back inside the ring Mike and Dan are both smiling as the adrenaline is already starting to kick in as the energy from the arena is overwhelming.

Mike Best: You ready?

Dan Ryan:  Are you ready?

Both men smirk at each other and then slowly hand their Championships over to Boettcher who takes them and places one on each shoulder. He then motions for both men to back up to their corner and slowly but surely they each take a step backward until they are in their corners.

Boettcher than walks the World and ICON Championships over to the far side of the ring and hands the belts over to a crewman who takes them and walks away.

Boettcher makes his way back to the center of the ring and looks over at the ICON Champion Dan Ryan, who is 100% focused on his opposition across the ring, and asks him if he is ready…….he is.

Boettcher then turns towards the World Champion Mike Best, who is using the top rope and turnbuckle to stretch, and asks him if he is ready…..he is.

Boettcher turns and signals for the bell and the last match of 2020 is officially underway.

DING DING DING

Joe Hoffman: Here we go!!!

Dan Ryan immediately heads to the middle of the ring and Mike Best follows suit…albeit just not as quick. The two men circle each other for couple times before Ryan charges in and the two Champions lock up.

Joe Hoffman: Will there friendship survive this match…we shall see.

Benny Newell: Oh fuck their feelings. Mike went out and found him a Chris Kostoff……that is Mike just following the Father’s footsteps….Lee had Kostoff….Mike has Dan Ryan. Dan will be a footnote when this all said and done. Mike will be known as the man that sat next to GOD. Big difference. Ask Kostoff.

Back in the ring, Dan Ryan has pushed Mike into the near turnbuckle and delivers a knee to the midsection of the World Champion. He follows it up with a couple swift kicks to the stomach.

Joe Hoffman: Ryan starting off using his physical dominance here. He has almost 70lbs on Mike and 7” in height. Dan targeting the core of the World Champion is smart as the wind of Mike is one of his true advantages here in this match.

Benny Newell: Do not THINK its lost on us that Dan used a knee for his first offensive move…….slick move there you fucknut.

Back to the action and we see Ryan pull Mike up to his feet, leans into him, and proceeds to irish whip him into the far turnbuckle.

Mike bounces off violently and is met with a back body drop that sees the World Champion land hard on his back and side.  Mike quickly rolls out of the ring and falls to the arena floor holding his ribs.

Joe Hoffman: The World Champion being smart here and rolling to the outside to gather himself. Its clear that Ryan has a gameplan and that is to keep Mike grounded and wear him down.

Ryan motions for Mike to get up and get back in the ring and Mike motions that he is coming. The SON of GOD takes his time however and walks over to the ringsteps and slowly makes his way back into the ring.

The 6’7” 305lb ICON Champion does not wait for Mike to engage and instead charges at Mike but the smaller World Champion uses his speed advantage and slips under the attacking Ryan.

Mike punches Ryan into the corner and follows up with a flurry of punches before a violent knee lift from Ryan stops the barrage.

Mike falls backwards to the middle of the ring and is on one knee as its obvious that there is something really hindering Mike’s breathing at the moment.

Joe Hoffman: You gotta believe that the knees and the back body maybe have cracked a rib or something. Mike is struggling to catch his breath and this early in the match that is not a good sign.

Benny Newell: Oh come on Joe we all seen this before. Mike is on the defensive for 23309230932 minutes of the match and the last minute he comes back and wins. Easy peasy. Spoiler alert for my friends on twitter.

Back in the center of the ring and Mike looks at Ryan and he charges the bigger man hoping to catch him off guard…….but that does not work as Ryan grabs a hold of Mike, takes a few steps forward and delivers a devastating belly to belly suplex using his whole frame to drive the World Champion into the center of the mat.

Ryan covers….

1…..

Kickout by Mike.

Joe Hoffman: Quick kickout there by Mike and that was all instinct there. I think if Mike was thinking about it more he might have held off and waited another second to kick out to give himself a breather.

Benny Newell: AND its obvious who the former wrestler is out of the two of us. You kick out as soon as you fucking can Joe. This is for the World Championship. This is about being the last ICON Champion. You kick the fuck out. Fuck resting.

Ryan gets to his feet first and slowly pulls Mike up to his feet as well. He grabs Mike’s right arm and promptly kicks him in the ribcage, sending Mike down to one knee. Another kick and the Champ is down to both knees. Ryan kicks again but this time aims for the side of the face of Mike and the world champion flatbacks to the canvas.

Joe Hoffman: Physical dominance being shown here by Ryan…but will it continue? Mike had to have had a plan.

Benny Newell: We all have plans until we get kicked in the face.

Ryan raises his right leg and drives boot hard directly on the exposed ribcage of Mike. The force of the blow causes Mike to sit up in pain as the sound of oxygen leaving his body can be heard throughout Chicagoland area.

Mike tries to drag himself to the far corner but Ryan stalks after him. As Ryan raises his leg once again, the World Champion strikes, and extends his right leg and executes a perfect kick to the left knee of the ICON Champion.

Ryan immediately falls down and grasps at his left knee.

Benny Newell: There we go…..there is the Son doing GOD’s work…..cunning and playing possum.

Joe Hoffman: I genuinely think that Mike is hurt Benny….that looked like an act of a desperate man.

Benny Newell: Part of the plan. Roll the tape back and listen to what I said about Mike being on the defensive.

In the ring Mike is anything but defensive as he has used the turnbuckle to climb back up to his feet and he is waiting for Ryan to raise his head, as the big man is trying to get feeling back in his knee.

Ryan looks up just in time to see Mike coming….. He has no time to react and the elbow of Mike hits its mark…….Ryans temple. The momentum of Mike and the blow send both men flailing. Mike quickly follows up however and mounts Ryan and begins dropping elbows left and right.

Joe Hoffman: MURDER ELBOWS!!!!!

Benny Newell: NO friendship can survive these!!

Mike, who usually can drop 20-30 elbows without sweating, quickly tires out as he is still having troubles breathing. He falls off of Ryan and rolls away from the ICON Champion.

Boettcher checks on Ryan as the man has been cut open above both eyes from the elbows.

Joe Hoffman: Well we at least know Ryan bleeds 97red now.

Benny Newell: Always the company man aren’t you.

Ryan pushes Boettcher away from him and reaches for the ropes. He drags himself closer and begins climbing to his feet with their help. He turns and to no one’s surprise he is met with a running drop kick from Mike that sends the big man over the top rope and to the arena floor.

Joe Hoffman: Well looks like the World Champion is now in control Benny. Care to let us know how this is par for the course?

Benny Newell: Look we are at the part of the match where we know both men are just looking for their finisher. Mike will end this the minute he wants to end this…trust me. Right now he is proving a point. He is proving that he is NOT just going thru the motions…that he will give it 100%.

As if to prove Benny’s point, Mike races to the top turnbuckle and without hesitating, dives off drops an elbow into the heart of the Hammer of GoD.

Mike, holding his side as the move hurt him as he landed, pulls Ryan up by his hair and turns and violently whips the big man into the nearby steel steps, sending them cascading across the arena floor and up against the guard rail.

Mike rolls into the ring and breaks up a ten count that Boettcher was counting and slowly, and carefully, rolls back out and stalks the ICON Champion.

Ryan, wearing the proverbial crimson mask, is struggling to get to his feet. With the blood in his eyes he is unable to see 100%…we will say its 97% and the other 3% is red……….and with this limited vision he does not see Mike walk up behind him and deliver a perfect kick to the back of the left knee of Ryan.

Joe Hoffman: Well Mike has the target now….and that target is the left knee of Dan Ryan. That is as clear as day.

Back to ringside and we see Ryan using the ring to hold himself up as he hops along the length of it, trying to get out of range of Mike, but also to try and get some feeling back in his knee.

Behind him, Mike rolls back into the ring to break up the count once again, and rolls back out and it is now Mike who is doing the stalking as he slowly builds up some speed and charges the ICON Champion…..

But misses.

Mike’s attempt to deliver another diving dropkick to the leg of the ICON Champion misses as Ryan dove into the ring.

Mike’s momentum causes him to actually dropkick the steel turnbuckle and he bounces off and grasps at his ankle.

Back inside the ring Ryan grabs Boettcher, who was checking on him, and uses his referee’s shirt to wipe the blood from his eyes. He then turns towards Mike and sees the World Champion has gotten to his feet with the help of the guard rail and some of the HOW faithful.

Ryan yells at Mike to get into the ring. Mike smirks and motions for Ryan to give him a minute. Both men are bending their legs, trying to shake out the damages to their knees.

Joe Hoffman: 2020….the year of the Knee.

Benny Newell:  That bitch Ryan is about to bend the knee if that is what you mean.

The crowd is cheering on the two men as Mike slowly makes his way into the ring. He motions to Ryan that he is coming for that knee and Ryan points back at Mike and motions that he is going to break the rest of his ribs.

Joe Hoffman: I have never seen two people be so friendly and upfront about the hell they are about to bestow on each other.

Benny Newell: Ask them both that question after the match. Right now its cute and cuddly….but ask again.

As they did 15 minutes ago when the match started, the two men begin to circle each other, talking a little bit of trash as they do.

Once again the crowd is standing as one and the feeling in the arena is that the match is about to hit that final gear and the Chicago fans can sense it.

Joe Hoffman: Here we go Benny!!

The two men charge at each other and instead of locking up this time, they begin hammering away at each other with right hands. Both men land blow after blow. The crowd is worked up into a frenzy with each exchanged punch.

Finally the taller man, Dan Ryan, is able to gain the advantage, as he continuously is able to punch down at Mike whereas Mike was punching up at Dan and that was obviously going to wear on Mike and his bad rib(s) at some point.

Ryan wastes no movement with his advantage however and whips Mike into the far ropes and nails him with a perfect spinebuster……once again using his size advantage to wreck havoc on Mike’s insides.

Boettcher drops down as Ryan makes another cover.

1……

2…..

Kickout by Mike….and it was a full out kickout. He was barely able to slide his shoulder up. He is clearly in some pain.

The ICON Champion pulls the World Champion up to his feet and whips him into the far turnbuckle where he follows with a powerful clothesline.

Mike starts to crumble to the canvas below but he is held up by Ryan, who promptly lowers his head and begins driving his right shoulder into the ribcage of Mike over and over again.

Joe Hoffman: The ICON Champion continues to use brute force to stay on the advantage here!!

One final shoulder into the stomach of Mike and Ryan stands up to his feet. He grabs Mike by the hair and pulls him in tight and delivers a picture perfect overhead belly to belly suplex. The force of the throw sends Mike all the way to the other turnbuckle.

Joe Hoffman: Mike is in trouble……and he knows it. This match just feels different Benny. We are all waiting for that comeback and last ditch move by Mike….but I am not sure he will be able to pull it off against a very motivated and physically dominant Dan Ryan.

Ryan gets back up to his feet and closes the gap on the World Champion who is struggling up to his feet.

Joe Hoffman: Ryan is being smart here…he is trying to avoid giving Mike any room to make any strikes with his elbows and more importantly knees. Those have knockout potential and Dan has to know that it only takes one hitting the mark for him to go to sleep.

Benny Newell: Night City. That’s what we are calling it now. Send you deep into Night City…so deep you get ripped out of the store.

Joe Hoffman: Ok…..I think you need to quit hanging out with Conor backstage.

Back in the ring and Dan has picked up Mike and is holding him in a vertical suplex position and instead of falling backwards to finish the move…..Dan leans forward and drops Mike stomach first across the top rope. Mike bounces off the rope and falls awkwardly to the arena floor….once again holding his stomach in pain.

The ICON Champion, the Hammer of GoD, quickly slides out of the ring and grabs and slings Mike into the steel guard rail and Mike’s back hits the steel and once again the World Champion is gasping for air.

Ryan walks over, picks Mike up again in the vertical suplex position, and once again drops him forward and this time Mike lands on the unforgiving steel guard rail.

Mike hangs on the top of the guardrail in complete agony and it takes the ICON Champion to pull him forward, that Mike finally falls off the top of the guard rail.

The cameras focus in on Mike’s ribcage and we can see that it is already discolored.

Joe Hoffman: Ya there is no doubt Mike has some broken ribs…..it has to literally hurt to breathe at this point.

Sensing blood in the water, Ryan goes to pick up Mike again to do the same move.

8……

Boettcher is screaming at Dan

9…….

Dan turns towards Boettcher…. “Double count out? Fuck off”

Boettcher looks around and sheepishly stops the count. Dan turns his head back around towards Mike and goes to pick him up for another suplex but as he bends over he is met with a desperation low blow from Mike.

Dan falls backwards holding his groin as back in the ring Boettcher throws his arms up in the air and yells at the champions to end the match in the ring.

Mike, ignoring Dan, begins crawling towards the ring and motions for Boettcher to start the count.

Joe Hoffman: Well it appears the Son is not opposed to winning via count out here…

Benny Newell: Them the rules Joe….them the rules.

The World Champion reaches the ring apron just as Boettcher hits seven. Mike slides into the ring and yells at Boettcher to keep counting.

8………….

Ryan now also begins crawling towards the ring

9…………..

The ICON Champion reaches the ring apron

10!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Is that it???!!!! Is that it??!!!

Boettcher answers that question quickly however as he is feverishly waving his arms that Ryan barely made it into the ring just as he counted the ten.

The match continues.

Benny Newell: Bullshit. You cannot signal ten with two hands and then wave the shit off!!!

The HOV comes to life and the crowd all look at a replay shown of the close call and it is clear that Ryan was able to slide into the ring just in time.

Joe Hoffman: There we go folks….its official…we continue.

Mike is screaming at Boettcher that Hortega should be out here and even HE would have gotten to whatever the fuck ten is in Spanish.

Frustration gives way to panic as Mike sees Dan getting to his feet. He charges the big man and dropkicks him before he can even get to his feet.

Now it is Mike who is sensing blood in the water as he drags the ICON Champion to the middle of the ring by his leg and promptly locks in a figure four leglock. Ryan screams out in pain and clutches at his already injured left knee.

Mike leans back and bounces off the canvas as he tries to put as much pressure on the hold as possible.

Ryan however slowly begins to reverse the move. He is just too big and strong to keep down, even with a bad knee, and Ryan is able to reverse the hold sending both champions to their stomachs.

Mike quickly untangles himself from the hold and jumps on the back of Ryan, locks in his leg, and pulls back on the mans head.

Joe Hoffman: STF by Mike!!!

Dan reaches up with his right hand and begins to loosen the grip of Mike. Sensing this, Mike lets go of the hold and quickly pivots and turns around. He now locks in a single leg crab on the left leg of Ryan.

Mike Best: FUCK YOU TOWNSEND!!!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Mike obviously still harboring some ill feelings towards Rhys Townsend and apparently a single leg crab brings those feelings to the forefront.

Benny Newell: I miss me some Townsend. I hope his Taco Truck is doing well.

In the center of the ring Mike is pulling back with both arms on the left leg of Dan Ryan.

The ICON Champion is screaming out in pain and the cameras zoom in on his face, covered in his own dried blood, and the Texan’s face is turning from pain to rage as he works himself up into a fury.

With a huge rush of energy the ICON Champion is able to spin to his back and begins kicking Mike with his good leg.

Mike once again pivots quickly and lets go of Ryan’s leg and jumps back onto the chest of the ICON Champion and is once again in full mount as he is about to unleash more elbows.

But the ICON Champion is ready and is still fired up. He delivers a powerful right hand to the temple of Mike and the World Champion falls backwards to the canvas.

We cut to an overhead view of the ring as we see both men are laid out and not moving.

“UNDEAD” suddenly hits the PA system and the crowd erupts as the theme music for Lee Best begins to play.

Joe Hoffman: Really? The Main Event of the last PPV of the year and Lee is going to come out??

Benny Newell: Well when you say it like that….that makes perfect sense. Why wouldn’t he come out now?

Inside the ring we see Dan Ryan slowly getting to his feet with the help of the ropes and turnbuckle. He is staring at the entrance ramp, along with everyone else, waiting for Lee to make his entrance.

The crowd erupts as they see Lee make his way out. He once again is being led out to the entrance ramp by a woman on a leash. She is covered in all black and is wearing the ski mask that we saw earlier in the night.

Joe Hoffman: I just don’t get this….I mean why…..and why is that poor woman wearing that ski mask we saw Cashe wearing earlier tonight before he revealed himself….how did Lee get it??

Benny Newell: Shut up…Lee is going to talk…idiot…

But there is no microphone in Lee’s hands. His bodyguard makes his way out and whispers into Lee’s ear. Lee nods and smiles from ear to ear.

He then reaches down……pulls the mask off the woman……and Dan Ryan’s face goes white.

Joe Hoffman: Oh my god…is that….I mean that cant be….but it sure as hell looks like….

Ryan falls back against the turnbuckle…..and his mind is obviously racing as he never sees it coming…….

I KNEED A HERO!!!!!!!!!

Mike slowly and painfully drags Ryan off the bottom turnbuckle until he is away from the ropes….

1………

Lee’s bodyguard puts the mask back on the woman

2………

Lee turns and walks back towards the back

3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lee exits the stage just as his Son secures the pinfall victory and becomes the last ICON Champion of this era.

Back in the ring we see Michael Lee Best lying flat on his back as Boettcher puts both titles on him as the confetti falls from the ceiling as we fade to black.