Refueled LXXV

We open to see a shot of the live crowd at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  We cut to our FIRST overhead shot of the evening and we see that the arena is NOT sold out but there is still a good turnout for the Refueled 75.

 We cut back to the ring where Bryan McVay is standing in the middle of the ring with Joel Hortega.

Bryan McVay:  Tonight’s opening contest is scheduled for one fall…..

The chorus of ‘Never Look Back’ hits the sound system as the overhead lights dim, blue and white lights flashing along the rampway as spotlights of similar shades swirl over the crowd. Eliza Dresden waits all of a second before she bounds onto the stage, her energy levels already through the roof thanks to the cheers –and that’s with her holding a lot of it in. Stopping at the top of the ramp, she thrusts a fist in the air… but she can’t be idle for long.   We cut over to the announcer’s desk where Benny Newell has already cracked open a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Joe Hoffman:  Welcome to Refueled LXXV everyone.  I’m Joe and that’s Benny…

Benny Newell:  God I hope Dresden wins against that fat fuck Bobby Dean!  He’ll never shut up if he gets the win.

Joe Hoffman:  The question I think we all should be asking is if Eli is ok? I mean the last time we saw her she was getting a chunk of her flesh ripped by that maniac JJR.

Benny Newell:  Still hard from that one….no questions here. Move on…..

Joe Hoffman:  Well tonight we see the new HOTv Champion QT Reese defending his Championship against Brian Hollywood…

Benny Newell:  If only that asshole Brian Hollywood knew the actual name of the fucking belt he was fighting for….

Joe Hoffman:  And finally in our main event:  Sutler Reynolds-Kael takes on JPD to see who will face Conor Fuse for the World Championship next.  It’ll be one insane card for the ages here in New Mexico.

Benny Newell:  If only aliens would abduct Bobby Dean and probe his ass my night would be complete…

After Benny and Joe finish their recap of tonight’s card; we cut to the ring where “You’re the Best” stops playing.  Bobby Dean is standing face to face with Eli Dresden.  Joel Hortega signals for the bell as we begin this contest.

DING! DING! DING!

Dresden wastes no time in rushing towards Bobby Dean.  Eli nails a perfect Tilt-A-Whirl take down sending the Beautiful face of Bobby straight into the canvas.  Bobby’s trying to rush towards the corner, but Eli quickly nails a cannon ball on him fast.  Wasting no time, she quickly stomps at his face as you hear Benny laughing his drunk ass off in the background.

Benny Newell:  Typical showing how Lust takes the fat man down.  The Sloth in Bobby Dean clearly doesn’t know how to handle a woman like Eli Dresden in that ring.  She’s fiery and passionate and she will kick the ever-living fuck out of someone like Bobby.

Joe Hoffman:  Don’t count out Bobby out just yet.  He might be slow to start, but I’ve seen him pull victories out of nowhere against some of the best in this company.

Benny Newell:  PFFFFFT!  Fuck off Hoffhole!  Let me enjoy watching Bobby collect his tenth loss.

Eli Dresden rushes out of the corner trying to pull off her OH-EM-GEE parkour move, driving herself into Bobbo.  However, Bobby Dean rolls out of the way and Eli hits her leg wrong on the turnbuckle.  She’s limping along.  She tries to rush towards Bobby Dean, but he’s able to pull away.

Dean’s eyes widened, noticing blood.  He charges at her nailing a picture-perfect bulldog on the Pittsburg native.  Bobby tries pulling her up, but she slaps him straight in the face.  Bobby’s face turns bright red before he scoops up Eli to hit a stiff snap suplex onto the canvas.

Joe Hoffman:  Something’s crawled up Bobby Dean’s…

Benny Newell:  Ass?  We’re on the same page for once here, Hoffman.  Fuck you for reading my mind.  I should have brought my tin foil hat.  My thoughts are private!

Bobby locks Eli in a side headlock.  Hortega comes to check on her, but before she can pass out, Bobby releases the hold.  Dean then charges for the ropes to nail Senton drop after Senton drops on Eli’s back.  Dropping all 255 pounds of his weight on her back, Eli screams out in agony.  Dean does not hesitate to continue on the offense.  He scoops up his opponent and drives her head first down into the mat with a Snap Brainbuster.  Dean makes the cover.

UNO…

DOS…

Joe Hoffman:  The Beautiful One is now showboating against his opponent!  He pulled her off the canvas.

Benny Newell:  The Sloth still missing the point here in HOW.  KILL YOUR PREY!  YOU HAVE HER ON THE DAMN ROPES!  This is why I hope Eli kills him and we’re down to 6 deadly sins after tonight.

Bobby pulls Eli off the mat to hit a body slam on her.  But Eli manages to slide down Bobby’s backside and land on her feet.  She grabs her knee, trying to power through the pain.  Bobby attempt to clothesline her, but she matrix dodges out of the way.  As Dean comes back around, Eli nails a roundhouse kick catching Bobby off guard.  Only it doesn’t take him down like usual.  Bobby’s eyes flare with anger.  Eli limps over towards Bobby to try and hit the OMFN, but he punches her straight to the mat.  As Eli’s struggling to get up, he nails his Beautiful Drop kick, sending Eli flying close to one of the corners.

Joe Hoffman:  WHOA!  Bobby’s got control of this match.  He’s not slothing around.  He’s scooping Eli’s body off the for The Deaner Weiner…….Eli does NOT look right. Not at all.

Benny Newell:  An effective way to use Lust…I might hate the fact Bobbo doesn’t use his potential, but that’s a fitting end to this damn match.  Making lust his bitch!

Bobby nails the Danshoku Driver with Eli’s face stuffed in his pants.  He crosses her arms as Hortega makes the count.

UNO!

DOS!

TRES!

DING!  DING!  DING!  DING!

Bryan McVay: Here is your winner in 5 minutes and 12 seconds……THE BEAUTIFUL BOOOOOOOOBBBBBBBBY DEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAN!!!!

Bobby Dean’s face lights up like a Christmas tree.  He grabs Hortega and leaps for joy celebrating his win.  The New Mexico crowd erupts with glee before HOW officials in the truck cut the feed to make sure Bobby Dean’s win isn’t seen.

Mike Best: Conor Fuse is really, really good.

It’s a pre-tape. If you’d been the recipient of ten stitches to the back of the skull last week, weren’t booked on the show, and had an apparent target on your back, you’d do a pre-tape too. It’s not because New Mexico is a shit hole. He didn’t say that. He’d never say that.

Michael Lee Best sits behind a wooden desk, his elbows propped on the edges as he leans in toward the camera. Behind him, a showcase of championships and tournament trophies lines the wall— some would recognize this as the office of SixTime Academy, HOW’s oldest and most reputable school for talented, aspiring young wrestlers and also Sutler Kael.

Mike Best: He’s REALLY good. Let’s make no mistake about that. Conor Fuse is an elite caliber athlete, a high tier performer, and one of the very best that HOW has to offer. If you’re a believer in the idea that the man with the belt is the top of the heap, which I am, that makes him the statistical best. He has the look. He has the charisma. He has the pure athletic talent.

No sarcasm. No cheeky smirk. The Son of God is, as he has been since his return, being entirely genuine.

Mike Best: There are things that Conor Fuse can do in a wrestling ring that my body can’t even fathom. Twists and turns, front flips and backflips. He studies his opponents and has a ring awareness that a lot of guys just can’t touch. I want to be clear about all of that, because the babies and morons are going to make a lot of mouth sounds about what I’m about to say. Conor Fuse is more athletically talented than I am, and I can admit that. He might be the most talented athlete on the roster.

A pause. A beat. A moment to consider the feelings of the babies and morons, as they collective open social media to write something scathing.

Mike Best: …but I am the best WRESTLER on the PLANET.

He leans slightly back in his chair, taking a more relaxed posture. His words don’t rise in intensity, because in his mind he isn’t cutting a promo. He’s just explaining the way that things are.

Mike Best: I haven’t attempted a backflip since I was seventeen years old. Haven’t done a 540 since the last time I played Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. To be honest with you, I never felt the need. I think it’s a rookie mentality. I think it’s arrogant. I think that everything about the way Conor Fuse wrestles is fun to watch and amazing to behold, and I also think that it’s exploitable. Conor Fuse worked for months to learn how to counter a Falling Starr, and it was impressive. Do you know how long I had to work to learn how to counter his flippy floppy 450 splash? About four and a half seconds.

He taps the side of his head, feigning thinking hard.

Mike Best: You move out of the goddamned way.

A shrug. A smirk. He kicks his feet up onto the desk, crossing his arms smugly in front of his chest.

Mike Best: You put your knees up. You roll twelve inches. Do you realize the arrogance of these young kid high flyers these days? You’ve got a man on the ground for three seconds, you PIN HIM. You’ve got a man incapacitated long enough to climb the ropes, appeal to the crowd, and then do a double triple quadruple front flip? You PIN HIM. And do those extra spins make a move hurt more? I don’t know, man. But I’ll tell you what I DO know.

The smile falls from his face. It isn’t funny.

Mike Best: It’s pure arrogance.

A disappointed shake of the head, the kind your dad makes at CNN when they report that Donald Trump still didn’t win the election.

Mike Best: I don’t throw a knee because it’s all I know how to do— I throw a knee because it is the single most devastating move in wrestling when it lands, and when it doesn’t, I get to keep going. I don’t have the wind knocked out of me. It doesn’t turn the tide of a match. I’ve spent fifteen years perfecting an offense without a drawback. I’ve spent fifteen years learning that it doesn’t have to be flashy to be impressive. I’ve spent fifteen years becoming the best and smartest wrestler in existence, it has won me nine HOW World Championships.

He doesn’t need to watch nine hours of tapes from 2011 to recall them, either. Cool generic match promo, Jace. You and Sutler really set an example for the roster this week on why Rumble at the Rock should be a one on one match.

Mike Best: Make your mouth sounds. Go ahead. Conor Fuse is a gifted athlete with a tremendous future, but I have worked for fifteen years to perfect a game that he’s still learning the controls for. He’s good at it. He’s amazing at it. But I throw a knee. I grab hold of a guy and make him physically submit or lose the use of his lungs. I trap a man and beat him half to death, until a referee has to physically stop the match before we all witness a legal homicide. There’s a reason I hold every record for the championship that bears Conor’s name on the faceplate. There’s a reason I haven’t been pinned, submitted or knocked out in six years. There’s a reason that I have never lost a singles match at Rumble at the Rock over my entire career.

But he did get pinned by Jace once in Solitary Confinement. Don’t forget that, because he’s still bragging about it in the year of our Lord 2021.

Anyway, this is about Conor. Mike leans forward at his desk, putting his feet back on the floor.

Mike Best: Your time is coming, Conor. Just like Sutler, your time is coming. But right now, you’re playing on my quarters, and at Rumble at the Rock I’m taking this machine back while it’s still my time. I hope that you’ll shake my hand when it’s over and acknowledge that. I hope you’ll show the respect for me that I deserve. I hope that you’ll be a gracious loser, knowing that in a few years, it’ll be you etching your name into those record books. But for now? I know you want to level up high enough to beat the Son of God but…

He grins, proud of his wordplay.

Mike Best: I just have too much experience.

With that the taped vignette ends and we cut to another video….this one live.

The scene cuts to the inside of John Sektor’s personal office at the GSWA. On one side of the desk in front of him is the LSD title, propped up so that it can be fully appreciated. One the other corner of the desk are two computer monitors with the usual accessories. Sektor takes a deep breath and lets out a deflated sigh as he shakes his head at the camera.

Sektor: I’m…disappointed..

His eyes glance down with a look of regret and sorrow.

Sektor: You know, I thought that when this Iron Man match was announced at Rumble at the Rock? That there would be a long queue of challengers, all fighting to secure that spot against me for the LSD championship. An opportunity to make history in the first ever #97 minute Iron Man match against the greatest technical wrestler of all time. But instead?

He pouts his mouth and shakes his head.

Sektor: Nothing…nada..

He rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair, cupping his hands behind his head.

Sektor: So I guess it is up to me to decide who is worthy of such an opportunity.

With that, he picks up a clicker and the camera turns 180 to capture a large projection screen. The first image which appears is that of former Best Alliance member, Clay Byrd.

Sektor: I considered giving Clay another shot. He gave me a good challenge at Bottomline. But he’s ran out of chances. Next..

With a click of the button an image of Jace Parker Davisons appears on the screen.

Sektor: Jace? Would definitely be a great match. But he and Clay are already set to face each other at Rumble at the Rock. So that rules them both out anway.

Another click of the remote brings up the image of none other than his former tag team partner, and former recent LSD champion…Jatt Starr. The image lingers on the screen with silence for a moment before the camera turns back to a smirking John Sektor.

Sektor: Ah Jatt. My old friend. My hermano. I know, you have been itching to get your hands on me ever since I fat shamed you at War Games. Ever since I threw you to the wolves.

He smiles proudly to himself.

Sektor: We’ve already lit up Rumble at the Rock once before in an Iron Man match, Jatt. I see no reason why we can’t do it again, except this time better. So what do you say Jatt? It’s a no brainer right? The chance to get your hands on me? There’s no Lee or BA rules stopping you now?

He shrugs.

Sektor: A chance at the LSD championship? A chance to actually beat me?

He rubs his hands together, clearly excited by the proposal.

Sektor: I know I did you wrong my friend. This is my way of making it up to you. My way of saying that I am sorry. By giving you this opportunity to make history with me once again.

Sektor opens up his top drawer and lifts out a framed picture which he smiles at affectionately. Eventually he turns it around and sets it up on the desk, showing a photograph of himself and Jatt holding the tag team titles.

Sektor: Whenever you and I are in the ring together, whether it be in the same corner or the opposite? We create magic. So what do you say, hermano?..

The camera zooms in slightly on his smirk.

Sektor: You ready for one last Rumble at the Rock?

The scene then fades to the next segment, leaving that question hanging in the air as we cut to our first commercial break.

The show comes back from commercial break with Doozer already inside the wrestling ring. The old veteran of the sport bounces around in some half winded attempt to warm his old, envious bones up.

Benny Newell: I didn’t know “OLD” was one of the seven deadly sins, did you Joe?

Joe Hoffman: I believe he is Envy, like the movie with Ben Stiller and Jack Black.

Benny Newell: No, I meant… forget it.

“Goldberg Variations” by Johann Sebastian Bach plays over the speakers as four security guards step out onto the stage. They form a square as Jeffrey James Roberts steps out and stands in the middle. His hands are out front, tied with plastic ziptie cuffs, and he walks toward the ring, keeping his eyes focused on it. The guards keep a perimeter to make sure he can’t reach any fans and they walk with him all the way to ringside. The guard in front unlocks the cuffs, then steps back to allow Roberts to climb into the ring. He does so, then leans back against one corner, his eyes closed, head back, swaying slightly to the music.

Joe Hoffman: The last time we saw JJR he was taken away after his vile actions a few weeks ago.

Benny Newell: We are safe here, right? I’m not going to wind up locked in his basement or anything?

JJR glares at Benny as if he heard the Hall of Famer’s chipper comments from afar.

Benny Newell: What’s this guy got eagle ears, too? Christ.

Joe Hoffman: He is a high flyer.

Benny Newell: Good one, Joe. Why don’t you tell everyone that the match has started and who the referee for the contest is. Leave the witty retorts that go over everyone’s head to me.

Joe Hoffman: The referee for tonight’s contest between Wrath and Envy is Matt Boettcher. Happy?

Benny Newell: No.

Joe Hoffman: What else is new?

Benny Newell: The next bottle of Jack I drink tonight.

Dooze and JJR lock horns in the center of the ring. The two push back and forth against the others’ grain, trying to get the better of their opponent. Finally, a triumphant Dooze pushes Roberts into one of the ring corners. Dooze quickly breaks from the hold and slaps JJR clean across his chest, the sound from such an act echoes throughout The Pit.

Joe Hoffman: Ouch, that’s going to leave a mark.

Benny Newell: Kill me.

Joe Hoffman: These are some big boys inside the ring, both standing over six foot three inches tall. James has youth and craziness on his side, while Doozer has been wrestling inside Cancer Jiles’ enormous shadow.

JJR no sells the chop, so Dooze laces him with another, albeit this time around it’s louder, fiercer, and angrier. JJR no sells the move again, using all of his wrath to do so. Doozer, growing ever more envious by the second, chops him again for a third time; finally breaking JJR’s wrathy composure and possibly his breastplate.

Joe Hoffman: Third time’s a charm! Dooze has taken control early, and he’s smothering his opponent in the corner!

The impact of the third chop put JJR down on the canvas and propped him in the corner. Doozer wastes no time and starts laying the boots to him as if he were a Yankees fan. The old brute then reaches down, lifts his opponent up, and tries to body slam him into the canvas. However, JJR counters the move and winds up positioned behind Dooze. JJR then plants the old veteran with a german suplex!

Joe Hoffman: Great counter there!

JJR quickly springs to his feet. He bounces off the ropes and lands a drop kick on Doozer while the old bag of bones is rattling to his feet. The impact of the kick sends Doozer rolling out of the ring and onto the floor. JJR waits for the right opportunity before bouncing off the ropes yet again and baseball sliding into Doozer’s ugly face.

Joe Hoffman: Doozer with the counter this time!

The Dooze dodges left at the last second, and JJR goes sliding feet first out of the ring. The Boston native wrangles his surprised opponent, and then slams him face first onto the edge of the canvas. Dooze then walks the stunned Floridian over to the ring steps and slams his opponent’s face against the steel for added pleasure.

Joe Hoffman: First time went thud, second time went clang! Dooze is making music out here with Jeffery’s face.

Benny Newell: Poor guy was ugly enough as it is!

Dooze rolls JJR under the bottom rope, walks up the ring steps, and reenters the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Not looking good for Roberts’ win streak.

High Octane Senior Referee Matt Boetthcher reaches a count of seven by the time both men are back inside the ring. He admonishes Dooze for his envious behavior on the outside, all of which seems to bother no one. Meanwhile, JJR is rolling around on the canvas trying to shake out the cobwebs and his eyebrows upward. Dooze kicks him in the legs a few times, drops an elbow or two on his lower back, and then lands a well designed, precise, closed fist to the top of JJR’s head.

Joe Hoffman: Jeffery James Roberts didn’t see that one! Quick cover by the Dooze!

1.

2.

KICKOUT!

Joe Hoffman: Can’t keep Wrath down!

Dooze pulls JJR up to his feet. He whips him into the ropes, and delivers a stiff clothesline. He covers him again.

1.

2.

KICKOUT!

Benny Newell: Please don’t.

Dooze looks at Boettcher, envy spilling out of his eyes. The former Bandit stands to plead his case for a faster count, and more importantly for Boettcher to do his job better. During this time JJR finds the fire inside, and rises to his feet. He spins Dooze around, blocks a punch attempt, and delivers a hurricanrana that turns Dooze inside out.

Joe Hoffman: Jeffery going up top! Could it be?!?!?

Benny Newell: Wow. That was impressive.

Joe Hoffman: Shooting Star Guillotine!!

JJR hooks the leg as if it matters, and Boettcher drops down for an academic three count.

1.

2.

3!

Bryan McVay: Winner at nine minutes and twelve seconds, Jeffery James Roberts!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Impressive win by Jeffery Roberts, and the rookie continues to roll here in High Octane Wrestling.

The show feed cuts away to elsewhere inside The Pit and the 75th edition of Refueled moves on.

After the match, we cut to the backstage area where Zion and Meredith talk strategy for tonight’s match. Zion’s rallying his final mental efforts for Clay Byrd in the next match. Meredith wraps up the rally talk with a kiss on Zion’s cheek for good luck. As both of them struggle to get up from the comfortable leather couch, the door flings open.

THWACK!

Zion and Meredith fly off the couch ready to fight. Their beaming eyes are now on fire waiting for a pre-match attack. Zion’s fists now clenched tightly together ready for a fight. The camera pans away and we see Xander Azula standing behind Zion in a creep fashion. Xander raises his hand as though to pat Zion on the shoulder before speaking up.

Xander Azula: Hello Darin, it’s good to see you.

Zion leaps into the air and whips around to see his former Grapplers Local buddy. He places his hand over his chest to grab his heart. A look of relief is now painted over his face.

Darin Zion: Oh thank God! It’s you Xander! You almost gave me a heart attack there, buddy. Nice of you to come by before my match against Clay tonight. I can use all the good luck I can get. Clay’s one tough bastard in that ring, one of the toughest opponents I’ve ever faced off against. But I’ve been priming myself to take his ass down. Watch!

Zion does a bunch of karate moves and punches as both Xander and Meredith watch on at the embarrassing feat. Xander stops Zion mid-punch by grabbing his shoulder. Chills run up and down the spine of the leader of the #RallyZion movement. Checking out to Xander’s speech; you can see Zion staring off into space with a lost look.

Xander Azula: I wanted to offer you a bit of guidance tonight, Darin. Let me come to the ring with you, give you a chance to see that our joining together will bear much fruit. It would bring me much joy to see you destroy Clay Byrd. Show the world what one is capable of when guided by the sweet truth of my goddess.

He raises his arms with his eyes closed, as if feeling the power of Eris flow in this very room.

Xander Azula: Indeed, even now I can sense that Eris is preparing this moment, to show you just what she is capable of. We only ask for your faith in return, a faith that will be rewarded in a bountiful multitude. Surely you can feel it, can’t you…Meredith?

He looks to Meredith with a wicked smirk on his face, sending her into a state of unease almost immediately.

Xander Azula: I can just see it now. Xander Azula and Darin Zion, the greates pairing in HOW history! The first duo in consideration when the Tag Team Championships inevitably return. Someday…and you, Meredith, will become beacons of light for Eris. Your light will shine bright throughout Discordia!

Zion stands there speechless, looking in awe at Eris’ right hand man. Xander places his arms around both Zion and Meredith. Before he can continue, Meredith yanks away. She’s completely pissed off. Her hand pulls back and slaps Xander straight across the face.

Meredith: Don’t fuckin’ touch me!

Xander’s eyes burn with rage. He’s glaring a hole in Meredith’s soul, a sure sign that her refusal is changing his tact.

Xander Azula: Listen, there’s no need to be ungrateful. My goddess is offering you–

Meredith: No! That’s enough of this shit! Look I know Zion’s the nicer one of the two of us, but I’m gonna speak out for both of us here. He’s not interested in your offer. If you haven’t noticed; he’s fucking creeped out by this…this…side of you. It’s like you’re being manipulative of someone you think is lesser than you. Have you even been watching his body language over the past few weeks? Sure he’s attended your seances and shit. But Zion’s trying to be a supportive friend to you.

Meredith takes a deep breath and tries to calm herself down from all the tensions.

Meredith: He’s someone who is inclusive and wants to learn new things. That’s all this is to him. He wants you to feel included here in HOW. He’s been on the other side of this shit before. Everyone’s mocked and scorned everything he’s done in this company. He doesn’t want you to face the same experiences he’s dealt with these past 7 years. It’s a cold as hell locker room here. And Zion’s trying to do things differently compared to his peers. But that’s all this is. He isn’t going to join your stupid cult and drink the Kool-Aid. He’s got bigger fish to fry.

Stunned at Meredith’s tirade, Xander backs up. He looks at Zion, then at Meredith, before looking at Zion, his face growing more and more angry by the second.

Xander Azula: I get it, I really do. Everyone fears that which they do not understand! But I promise you that failing to accept this Eris’ will be a mistake you cannot come back from. I know my friend Darin understands Eris. She seeks out for HIS JUSTICE! He saw that in our meeting. I KNOW he will accept her generous gift!

Immediately, Darin notices this is going south quickly. Darin’s head sinks towards the cold, concrete floor of the New Mexico Arena. He lets out a deep sigh from his belly as he walks over to Xander to console him. Zion places his arm over Xander’s shoulder and pulls him away from Meredith. Zion’s tone is soft and firm as he cautiously explains his side.

Darin Zion: Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been forthright with you, bud. I’m not looking for a new Tag Team Partner. To be frank, I carried Brian Hollywood’s weight on my shoulders for the last 15 years of my career. I’d like to focus on the singles ranks here in HOW right now.

Zion’s shoulders loosen up as he continues on with his explanation. Xander still looks quite firm in his stance. Physically and mentally staring Zion down, the anger still building behind those eyes.

Darin Zion: Even if the Tag Team Titles came back miraculously, I’d team with Conor. He’s my mentor and best friend. While I’m still struggling to find my footing and voice in that ring. He’s the World Champion and knows what’s best for me. I trust him wholeheartedly. Even if I score another loss against Clay tonight; what he’s done with me is working. It’s the first time I’ve gotten noticed in years and I’m grateful for that.

Zion slaps Xander on the back like Conor does to him. As Zion’s head shakes, his tone becomes more appreciative of Xander’s friendship over the last few weeks.

Darin Zion: I can’t just keep rebooting my career at every trial and tribulation I face. And while I appreciate your guidance at your sermon this week; it’s helped me find a part of what’s missing in my career. I can’t give up the path I’m on right now. I think you can understand and respect that man. Eris is a great fit for you man! But this phase you’re going through isn’t my cup of tea…if you catch my drift!

Zion taps Xander on the shoulder, but Xander stands there stiff as a board. The lights in the locker room begin to flicker while Xander’s eyes roll back into his head. Xander’s voice deepens as his fists clench together. He begins speaking in some unknown tongue, his words quickly gaining volume as they become more comprehensible.

Xander Azula: My goddess will not be denied, least of all by someone of such ill reputation as you Darin Zion. If you cannot see the truth, Eris will open your eyes. If you will not listen, she will scream until you are forced to take notice. You will NOT disparage her, for she will not take it lightly. Zion, your failure to heed her words will cost you EVERYTHING!

Again Xander resumes speaking this strange tongue, the words sound like a jumbled mess. The cameras flicker on and off for a moment as we see Zion is panicked. Everything begins to shake in the locker room as Meredith and Zion get thrown to the ground. All the flickering and chaos stop for a moment as the lights flash on in the locker room. Suddenly the lights shut off for 30 seconds. When everything resets to normal, Zion scurries over to Meredith. Both of them examine the locker room, but Xander Azula cannot be found. Both of their eyes look on in terror as the scene fades to black.

We cut backstage where we see a room that seems to be set up like a party.  There are balloons, streamers and garland decorating the room. The balloons have Scottywood and Carey’s faces on them. We see a table with a tablecloth. There is a vegetable tray with hummus, various chips and types of dips in the center of the table. We see a giant cake with the face of Mike Best frowning on it.

Frankie: Ladypeoples and Gentleguys… welcome to the Scottywood beat Mike Best celebration party!

From the side we see Scottywood and a less than enthused Bobbinette Carey.  Scotty has a large champagne glass that is obviously filled with beer while Carey has a normal sized one half filled with champagne.

Scottywood: Thank you Frankie!  You know I never thought this day would come, but here we are… I finally beat Mike Best!

Bobbinette: We beat Mike Best and Steve Solex.

She motions back and forth between the two of them. Scottywood quickly nods his head.

Scottywood: Sure, Solex was there, but he was not important to this at all.

Bobbinette: He was the one you pinned…

She says in a matter of fact tone. Scottywood waves his hand waving off the statement.

Scottywood: Details that do not matter Carey!  It will go down that last week I beat Mike Best.

He says sounding victorious. Bobbinette sighs heavily shaking her head slowly from side to side.

Bobbinette: Ok Scooter, but what did we really win?  Mike still has his World Title shot at Rumble and we’re still wondering if some  old wash up; tag team has been, is gonna try to come back again this week and rehash a bunch of shit no one give a flying… not firetruck… but fuck about.

She says rolling her eyes crossing her arms in front of her.  Scotty laughs, shaking his head knowing whom she is meaning.

Scottywood: Oh trust me… if he had one single smart cell in that fucking cranium of his, he’d stay the fuck away.  He wouldn’t be able to handle the shit I drop on his ass.

He says plainly.

Bobbinette: And if he isn’t smart. We know he isn’t … I’ll kick that stupid haircut off his head for good.

She says slapping the side of her leg.  Scott shrugs his shoulders, seeming less than bothered by the notion. He then points at her as his face changes.

Scottywood: Anyhow… you asked what did we win?  Oh Carey we won something indeed.

He shakes his finger in an excited manner.

Bobbinette: It better not be more beer.

Scottywood: No… but you do remember I own some portion of HOW still.  Right?

Bobbinette: Do you really though?

She squints her eyebrows in confusion.

Scottywood: I don’t fucking know… but when I still had keys to the backend areas of The Best Arena a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon… and may have tactical aquireed something.

He says with a sneaky look on his face

Bobbinette: So, you stole it.

She says less than enthused.

Scottywood: Sure, if you wanna use simple vocabulary…

He shrugs his shoulders.

Bobbinette: Not funny Scooter.

Scottywood: But I thought that since we won this huge tag team match… and won it against two Best Alliance members… that we deserve these.

Scotty reaches under the snack table and grabs a red velvet back that he opens up.  Reaching in he pulls out the HOW Tag Team Titles.  With a huge shit eating grin, Scotty hands one off to Carey who is chuckling a bit.

Bobbinette: Oh this is perfect Scooter… but this isn’t official is it?

Scotty sorta shrugs at Carey as he drinks from his champagne glass. She looks skeptical at the titles.

Scottywood: It’s as official as when Mike brought back the HOFC Title… and I own part of HOW, so that has to have some power.  Plus I don’t see Lee Best anywhere around to disagree with me.  So until he answers my texts, phone calls or discord messages, cheers champ!

Scotty raises the belt to Carey as they toast the title belts, and each takes a sip from their drinks, as we cut away from this celebration to a commercial break.

Back live and we come back to ringside to the sounds of guitar and harmonica begin to blare through the arena, the start of “Gunning For You” by Nick Nolan sends a silence across the crowd as Nick Nolan’s lyrics echo through the arena. Red letters slash across the screen as “BYRD” is spelled out. Clay appears through fog on the entrance ramp, cowboy hat low over his eyes, a long black duster on and a rope in his hand.

“My Gun is loaded it’s getting time Two shots of whiskey i’m takin’ what’s mine Ain’t what you’re sayin it’s what you do Your time has come boy i’m Gunnin for You When hell is rainin’ down you’ll see my face won’t hear a sound, You’ll feel that bullet burnin’ through, Take your last breath boy I’m Gunnin for You”…..Clay begins his slow walk down the ramp. His eyes are fixed on the ring, and he trudges on. Not paying any notice to any of the fans in attendance. “There’s desperation deep in your eyes No turnin back now no compromise Cause only one of us walks out that door The other bleedin out on the floor”

Clay walks up the steps, and climbs into the ring.

Brian McVay: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, standing in the ring weighing in at 295 pounds……CLAAAAAAAAY BYYYYYYYYRD!!!!

Joe Hoffmann: Clay Byrd looking very intense tonight, Benny.

Benny Newell: When does he not look intense, Hoffhole! Darin Zion is gonna get fucking murdered!

Brian McVay: And his opponent, weighing in at 220 pounds…..DARRRRRRRINNNNNN ZIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOON!!!!!!

Happy Song” by Bring Me The Horizon blasts over the PA System as Darin Zion, who is wearing a black leather jacket, comes down to the ring accompanied by Meredith. As Zion heads down the ramp he slaps hands with the fans. Zion climbs the turnbuckle and sticks his hands out as we reach the chorus of the song. He flips off the turnbuckle pad and hands the referee his jacket.

Benny Newell: Darin Fucking Zero! How does this cumstain keep getting opportunities? He fucking fails every single time! HOW World Title, the LSD Title, the TV Title, he’s a loser!

Joe Hoffmann: Clay Byrd himself has had some opportunities that he has not succeeded in taking advantage of.

Benny Newell: Oh fuck off, Hoffhole!

Joel Hortega sounds for the bell….

“DING!”

Darin Zion and Clay Byrd walk up to each other in the middle of the ring, Darin Zion looks up at Clay Byrd and starts mouthing off.

Joe Hoffmann: I don’t know if this is a smart move for Darin Zion here. He might only succeed in making Clay Byrd angry….and after the interaction we saw earlier with Zion and Xander…one has to wonder exactly where Darin’s head is at.

Benny Newell: We finally agree on something! DRINK!!!!

Darin Zion proceeds to raise his hand in the air, signalling a test of strength. Clay Byrd goes to grab Darin Zion’s hand, but Zion kicks Clay Byrd in the midsection…once, twice, thrice…Darin Zion follows up with a standing dropkick to Clay Byrd’s upper chest. The Behemoth staggers backwards into the ropes. Darin Zion charges, Clay Byrd looks to back body drop Zion out of the ring, Zion goes over, but manages to grab onto the ropes and lands on the ring apron. Clay Byrd turns only for Zion to grab him by the head and guillotines his head off the top rope, Clay Byrd staggers backwards.

Joe Hoffmann: Great counter by Zion there. Clay Byrd might have the strength and size but Darin Zion is using his speed and quickness to gain the upper hand.

Benny Newell: Clay Byrd hasn’t left his feet yet, Hoffhole.

Darin Zion immediately slides into the ring, charges and hits Clay Byrd with a spinning heel kick. Clay Byrd drops down and slowly gets up, Darin Zion nails a Snap DDT. Darin Zion starts heading to the corner. He climbs to the top rope as Clay Byrd gets to his feet. Darin Zion leaps, looking for a double axe handle but Clay Byrd catches him in midair and hits a spinebuster!!! Both men are down!!!

Joe Hoffmann: Zion went for a high risk move and it did not pay off!

Benny Newell: Clay Byrd caught him and treated him like a fucking rag doll!!!

Both men are slowly getting to their feet. Clay Byrd is up first, Darin Zion not that far behind him. Clay Byrd nails Zion with a punch to the head that drops him. Clay Byrd takes a moment to get himself straight, just enough time for Darin Zion to get up. Byrd turns, Zion goes for a kick to the gut, Clay Byrd catches the foot but Darin Zion connects with an enziguri to the back of Clay Byrd’s head and he drops down forward like a tree. Zion is fired up, the crowd is fired up!

Benny Newell: Oh what the fuck! I’m tired of fucking Clay Byrd disappointing the fuck out of me!

Joe Hoffmann: You have to hand it to Darin Zion, though. He has been impressive in this match!

Clay Byrd slowly gets to his feet. Darin Zion grabs Clay Byrd….

Joe Hoffmann: Darin Zion looking for the Ratings Spike!!!

Benny Newell: Fuck!

Clay Byrd counters by shoving Darin Zion off him, Zion turns only to get a boot to the midsection. Clay Byrd follows up with a gutwrench powerbomb! Darin Zion rolls and convulses on the mat as Clay Byrd slowly gets to his feet. Clay Byrd stomps on Darin Zion, repeatedly.

Benny Newell: The Behemoth is fucking pissed!!!

Joe Hoffmann: We can agree on that.

Clay Byrd stops his stomping and pulls up Darin Zion. He whips Zion into the corner. Zion hits the turnbuckle back first, the impact causes him to stumble forward, Byrd charges, looking for a clothesline but Zion ducks it, grabs Clay Byrd and hits a Russian Leg Sweep. Clay Byrd is first the rise followed by Zion. Clay Byrd grabs Zion and locks in a Rear Naked Choke. Zion arms flail, trying to fight out of it.

Joe Hoffmann: I thought Zion had the makings of a comeback but that was halted by Clay Byrd.

Benny Newell: Clay Byrd knows he has to slow that little shit down and how do you that? You slow the pace of the match!

Joe Hoffmann: That was a shockingly astute observation, Benny.

Benny Newell: Fuck you, Hoffhole!!! DRINK!!!

Darin Zion’s arms begin dropping….almost lifeless. Hortega checks on Zion. The ref brings up Zion’s arm and lets it go. The arm begins to drop but comes right up. The crowd begins cheering Darin Zion’s name. Zion begins twisting and contorting his body to where he can start delivering elbows to Clay Byrd’s midsection. One after the other, finally Clay Byrd releases the hold.

Joe Hoffmann: The fans are showing Darin Zion some love! And Zion must be feeling it because he is now taking the fight to Clay Byrd.

Benny Newell: Oh shove it, you fucking hippie!

Darin Zion begins nailing Clay Byrd with a forearm shot to the side of the head followed by a chop, then another, then another. Darin Zion then proceeds to body slam the Behemoth. Zion, pumped up, calls for his fan(s) to get loud. Clay Byrd is up, Darin Zion charges but runs right into a spear!!!

Benny Newell: OH!!!! I JUST GOT HARD!!! DARIN ZION IS BROKEN IN HALF!!!

Joe Hoffmann: Zion just ran right into a three hundred pound freight train. This will do it. Clay Byrd with the cover….

Clay Byrd hooks the leg and Hortega begins his count….

UNO!!!!!

DOS!!!!!

TR—- NO!!!! ZION WITH THE SHOULDER UP!!!

Joe Hoffmann: Zion’s not dead yet, Benny!!!!

Benny Newell: For Lee’s sake!!! I feel like a fucking Jets fan, right now.

Clay Byrd rolls off of Darin Zion. Clay Byrd begins admonishing the referee for the almost three count. Clay Byrd turns to see Darin Zion slowly getting to his knees, Clay Byrd charges and nails Darin Zion with the Texas Lariat.

Joe Hoffmann: Holy…Darin Zion nearly got beheaded!!!

Benny Newell: Fucking A!!!

Clay Byrd covers…..Hortega with the count……

UNO!!!!

DOS!!!!

TRES!!!!

Hortega sounds for the bell!

DING! DING! DING!

Benny Newell: YES! YES!

Joe Hoffmann: Clay Byrd picks up the win!

Benny Newell: And Darin Zero loses again! HAHAHAHAHA!

Clay Byrd gets up and raises his hand in the air in victory as the scene cuts backstage.

Refueled pans backstage and to the parking lot entrance of the arena as a limo is seen pulling up to the venue. The black limo sits idly for a few moments before the driver gets out and makes his way to the back. He walks towards the back and opens the door as Brian Hollywood emerges from his limo to the sounds of boos coming from inside the arena. Hollywood closes his eyes and takes in the air as he breathes in and out slowly, but relishes every moment before reopening them again.

Brian Hollywood: My god they call this place the Pit? More like a piece of shit!

Boos can be heard loudly as they throw disdain and hatred towards Hollywood who is only laughing it off at the time being.

Brian Hollywood: What’s that sound?!

Hollywood pauses momentarily as he clearly ignores the loud boos that he can hear but doesn’t sell it as he shrugs making his way further into the arena.

Brian Hollywood: Huh. Oh well. Anyways, tonight’s going to be an historic night for yours truly. Tonight I continue my clear path on the road to Rumble at the Rock and that path stops here for a chance at winning the HOTv Championship. It’s a title that has eluded me my entire career but it will no longer elude me after tonight. I’ve never seen such a clearer vision than I do now. Everything is making sense as it once did. It only took an extended stay at Alcatraz for me to realize that if I don’t make moves or take risks, I’m going to get nowhere like I have been doing lately. That fucking shit is done! Why fix something that was never broken in the first place? I changed that perspective and it cost me valuable time in HOW. No. Fucking. More!

Hollywood takes a stroll around the hallway as he cracks his neck from side to side. His already edgy personality was taking shape on the outside as it appeared his eyes were getting darker. Hollywood never looked so composed like this. He pauses for just a second and takes a look at the camera. He holds out his hand and points his finger towards the camera with a slight smile on his face.

Brian Hollywood: Just one second guys, this one you can’t see yet!

Hollywood turns towards a door that definitely leads to another part of the arena. The door is slightly open and we see someone standing there, but it isn’t made out just who exactly. The only thing that the camera picks up on is Hollywood pulling out five one hundred dollar bills and hands it over to the mysterious person.

Brian Hollywood: There’s more where that came from! Just await my message and that will be the easiest money you’ll ever make!

Hollywood presses onward as he directs his attention back to the camera as the door closes and no one has any idea just who Hollywood was talking to or what he meant by the message. Hollywood sports a sinister smile as he was already in his ring gear ready for his match which was coming up shortly. Hollywood stops short of the camera as he leaves one final message before his title match.

Brian Hollywood: You all know I love to keep these things short and I’m never one to disappoint on my intentions. QT Reese, I now speak directly to you. You’re riding a high wave coming into this week after knocking off Jace Parker Deepthroat Davidson to win that HOTv Championship. But make no mistake about it, it was one win. An impressive win…but after tonight, I will show you just exactly where you belong in standing here in High Octane Wrestling. I will humble you, but I will humble you by destroying you the same way I destroyed Doozer a couple weeks ago. We’re entering a period of no tolerance…and I have no tolerance for guys like you, Reese.

Brian Hollywood: But if you’re that desperate to keep not only your head above water but also ReeseMart, perhaps you should come to me for advice in owning a business and what you should do in order to exceed. Tell you what…I’ll gladly help you keep ReeseMart afloat..and it will only cost you that HOTv Championship you so falsely and proudly hold over your shoulder. Think about it, Reese. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity in keeping your coveted supermarket afloat. It already looks like you’re dealing with your own problems and it looks like you need a swift kick in the face to wake you the fuck up when it comes to running a business. I vainly and openly Decree that a lesson in humility and how things operate in the land of the law that is High Octane is due for you. Don’t get too caught up in that head of yours, though, over my proposition. I mean, all it takes is the wrong judgement call to really open your eyes to the reality of the consequences you have to face when you make an error in judgement. Tonight will only be the continuation of my ever so Longley return to grab back the power I never should have lost. Rumble at the Rock is just a few short weeks away and I plan on making a ton of waves and noise in my quest to get it all back….one Executive Decree at a time.

Hollywood smirks evilly and winks at the camera as he heads down the hallway as Refueled heads to commercial.

Back live from commercial and “Bloody Tears (Epic Version)” from Castlevania II plays on the PA and the fans come alive with a !RANK chant for the HOW World Champion. Conor Fuse emerges from a lift under the rampway, sporting a #97MarioRed SNES trench coat. The coat is unbuttoned, showing Conor in Adidas track pants and the HOW World Title around his waist. Pyro explodes as Fuse walks to the top of the stage and then makes his way down the ramp.

Bryan McVay: Introducing the HOW World Champion… The Last Level Legend… THE VINTAGE CONOR FUUUUUSSSSEEEEE!!

Legend of Zelda inspired plastic rupees of all colours fall from the rafters and into the crowd as Conor acknowledges the fans and continues to help the !RANK chants along.

Benny Newell: He’s not booked. What the fuck is this guy doing here?

Joe Hoffman: I believe he’s following up with our interview from last week.

Benny Newell: Interview? OH, you mean piss break! DRINK! Drink, drink, drink and I can have another piss break!

Fuse jumps onto the apron and leaps over the top rope, landing gracefully on his feet, clearing the ropes with ease even with the tails of his trench coat dragging behind. Fuse asks for a microphone as his video game theme closes.

Conor Fuse: I don’t need to waste anyone’s time. I’m here for one reason and one reason only. He said he can evade my splash. Well, I dare him to try. I am calling-

“Pursuit of Happiness” by Lissie interrupts the world champion to a chorus of boos.

Joe Hoffman: No one called on Sutler!

Benny Newell: Oh fucking right, no piss break now!

As the slow melody of “Pursuit of Happiness” grumbles out over the sound system, the Son of Scions, Sutler Reynolds-Kael, slowly and somberly steps onto the stage. His shaggy black and #97red hair hangs in front of his face giving him an especially emo look straight out of a Green Day concert.

He pauses on the stage as the fans boo loudly, his music fading into their angry rumble. Retrieving a microphone from his pocket before he is cut off by the World Champion.

Conor Fuse: Don’t you have more important things to do with your time? You wrestle in less than an hour!

Fuse pulls back his trenchcoat, revealing the belt around his waist.

Conor Fuse: By the way, I told you so.

The Vintage takes a step back, hoping to ensure this means he doesn’t jump out of the ring and attack SRK.

Conor Fuse: I told you so; I kicked your ass. And you just… couldn’t… take it. So shut the hell up, Sutler. This isn’t your battle. Rumble at the Rock is NOT your Game. It’s me versus Mike and you’re not invited. Two players only! I want the top wrestler this sport has to offer one-on-one and GUESS WHAT, buddy, you’re not it and neither am I.

Fuse takes a second step back, realizing his free hand is clinched and ready to fire. It’s best for him to stay as far into the ring as possible despite the fact Reynolds-Kael is on the ramp.

Conor Fuse: And another thing! You think you’re gonna walk through JPD? I hate to admit it but I looked past Jace in the octagon a few months ago and he stomped me to the canvas. My neck STILL hurts because of it. I haven’t forgotten. Spending your time interrupting me shows how stupid and pathetic you are. A RAGEQUIT discord crybaby. Wait, I’m sorry. A snowflake wannabe OnlyFan. Now… I’m gonna give you ten seconds, Sutler. Get the fuck outta my arena.

Conor holds his hands out, pointing in the direction SRK “should” take.

Conor Fuse: I said GTFO.

With a roll of his eyes Sutler lifts the microphone to his lips.

SRK: Funny how the World Title changes a person. One minute you’re protagonist fighting for good. The next minute you’re out here throwing the term Snowflake around like an out of shape 40 year old man whose desperate to sound edgy. You beat me, congrats, right now it’s the only achievement you can hang your hat on.

The Son of Scions sneers a little as he speaks, the cocky, arrogant smirk long gone with his title reign.

SRK: You know why I was able to interrupt you, Champ? Because Mike was never going to come out here and answer you. You’re a joke to him and why wouldn’t you be? The last time you two faced each other you didn’t last very long, didya? I came out here to remind you that I’m coming back for what is owed to me and you, Conor Fuse, are just a midlevel boss that caught me in a cut scene I couldn’t react to. Once I sweep that creep, Jace, aside I’ll be coming back for what’s mine. Sutler out.

Sutler tucks the microphone back into his pocket before retreating from the stage. By his own choice or because he was legitimately threatened by the World Champion is unknown. To be sure he keeps a wary eye on the ring as he steps away.

Fuse still stands in the center of the ring. He looks down at the mat, contemplating Sutler’s comments.

Conor Fuse: I’m not worth anyone’s time? Mike spent his air time talking about ME earlier.

Conor continues, even though it’s falling on deaf ears because Sutler is gone and he’s slowly unraveling.

Conor Fuse: You call me a joke, Sutler? We’ll see about that! If Mike thinks I’m a joke too or if anyone does… I’ll prove myself all over again! Because that’s what I do here. There are no free passes!

The Vintage drops the mic, rolls out of the ring and angrily walks up the rampway.

Benny Newell: Thank god this is over.

Joe Hoffman: Give it a few hours, Conor’s got to realize Sutler’s comments were just that, comments to get under his skin and nothing more.

Benny Newell: Once again proving why SRK is the LEGIT face of High Octane and not this dumbass, impressionable idiot who has no backbone whatsoever and believes anything anyone tells him.

Fuse storms up the rampway, mouthing to himself about Sutler taking the spotlight away from Conor vs. Mike.

Joe Hoffman: I’d give Conor more credit than that, Benny. He and Sutler have been through a war over these past six months. Impressionable? Yes. But Fuse has plenty of backbone. The world title proves it.

Benny Newell: Drink.

The scene fades elsewhere.

The scene cuts backstage in one of the Pepsi Center’s conference rooms to Jatt Starr sitting at the table talking on his phone, sporting his 97red plaid suit.

JATT STARR:  Anton…listen to me, you get in touch with that Keebler Elf’s people and find out why in the heck they haven’t gotten back to us, capice?….It means “do you understand, you massive fopdoodle”?!

The King of Jatten Island disconnects the call and turns towards the camera and shows his pearly whites with a smug smile.

JATT STARR:  Hey!….John-Boy!   What’s the matter?  No one lining up for an LSD Title shot?   Geez, the Ruler of Jattlantis didn’t have that problem.  I had Teddy Palmer, Darin Zion, and a host of others chomping at the bit to get a shot at the Jattinum Standard.  Hm, makes you wonder, what is it about you that is so vile that no one even wants to go near you even if it means the STD…oops, I mean the LSD Championship?

The smugness fades and the Thane of Starrkarth gets out the chair and starts walking towards the middle of the table.

JATT STARR:  You got some Tic-Tacs on you, Johnny-boy.  I’ll give you that.  You’re giving the Sultan of SeaJattle a title shot?!  A pity title shot, at that!  Well, aren’t you Santa Claus?  Where was this giving nature while I was laid up in the hospital, Saint Dickless?   Where was your hospital visit?  How about a get well card?  A fruit basket?  Flowers?   A little gray goat wearing a doctor’s coat and a stethoscope carrying a sign that says “GOAT WELL SOON”?  They had them in the hospital gift shop, I saw them!  I got nothing.  Not even a phone call.

The Hero of Jattlanta leans against one of the chairs and crosses his arms across his chest and he thinks and ponders.

JATT STARR:  You know what, John-boy?  I, too, am in the giving mood.  I am going to give you two things….I will give your match at “Rumble at the Rock”….and in a matter of minutes, I will order you an official James Ranger Black Mamba Jumbo Dildo so you can go fuck yourself.

The Jattlantic City Idol walks off camera as the scene fades back to ringside for our next match.

Back live and we cut to the newest member of the Hall of Fame…..Bryan McVay!!

Bryan McVay: This match is for the HOTv Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from Los Angeles, California, weighing two-hundred-twenty-five pounds… he is BRIAN HOLLYWOOD!!!

“Stronger on your Own” by Disturbed blares over the PA. Hollywood slowly walks from the back and takes center stage as he stands there for a brief moment, closing his eyes. He reigns in the boos from the crowd as he gets in final mental preparation for his upcoming match. As Hollywood opens up his eyes, pyro shoots off in opposite corners of the stage as it makes its way to center stage. As the pyro hits the center, the camera zooms in to see the reflection in Hollywood’s eyes as he finally makes his way down the ramp, quickly taking off his vest and throwing it down with intensity.

Joe Hoffman: Should be a real good one here, folks.

Benny Newell: Yeah, betting odds were close.

Hollywood makes his final push as he charges the ring, rolling under the ropes. He gets back to his feet and looks about the entire arena glaring at the fans before he takes his place in the corner turnbuckle.

Bryan McVay: And his opponent, from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, weighing one-hundred-fifty-three pounds… he is the HOTv Champion… QT REEEEEESSSSSSEEEE!!

“Domino Dancing” by Pet Shop Boys plays on the PA as QT Reese comes out throwing Reesemart shirts into the crowd with the title over his shoulder.

Benny Newell: Man, people go fucking insane for free shit. It’s unbelievable… and pathetic!

Newell says this as the camera switches to him and he secretly tries to grab a shirt that fell nearby.

As Reese finds his way to ringside, he drops the Reesemart bag and rolls into the ring. Handing referee Matt Boettcher his title, QT removes his target looking apron and rests in a corner before the bell sounds.

DING DING

Joe Hoffman: We have two technicians going against each other here, although QT Reese gives up at least fifty pounds.

Reese and Hollywood circle each other before QT rushes the challenger with a knife edge chop.

Benny Newell: Whatever. Hey, did I tell you Ressemart has authentic Benny Newell Christmas hats already on sale!?

QT with another knife edge chop.

Joe Hoffman: You did, a couple weeks ago…

And another, working Brian Hollywood into a corner.

Benny Newell: Well, Ressemart has authentic Benny Newell Christmas hats already on sale!

Reese looks for a hip toss, hoping to place Hollywood in the center of the ring but Brian sinks his heels to the canvas, lowers his base and doesn’t budge so QT tries it again but to no avail. Reese kicks Hollywood in the chest and flips him over this time, or so he thinks. Instead, Hollywood simply jumps in the air to convey he’s being tossed, allowing Reese to drop his head and drop his guard.

Smack!

Hollywood hammers the champion with a knife edge chop.

Smack!

And hits him again and again and again.

A hip toss by Brian Hollywood puts QT Reese in the center of the ring. Hollywood measures the champion and dropkicks Reese square in the face before racing to lift him up and perform a snap suplex. Hollywood floats over, continues to have hold of Reese’s yellow tights and hits him with another snap suplex. Hollywood mounts Reese and pumps the champion’s chest with open palm shots.

Joe Hoffman: It’s all Brian Hollywood.

Benny Newell: Or so you think, Joe. Mere exposure and this TV title run is where QT Reese is the real winner. Grow the brand, Reese! Sell out, bro down!

Hollywood whips Reese into a turnbuckle and follows in with a clothesline.

Joe Hoffman: What???

Benny Newell: South Park was on last night, the episode about brand recognition.

The challenger suplexes Reese to the mat and slides into a headlock position. Once Reese fights to a knee, though and begins throwing elbows, Brian lets go of the sleeper, bounces off the ropes and connects with a shoulder block. Reese ricochets off the mat, wobbles to his feet and is worked into another corner because of a combination of punches and kicks from the former world champion.

Joe Hoffman: These rapid kicks work Reese into the buckle.

Hollywood connects with a springboard DDT, planting Reese dead center of the ring. Hollywood waits on Reese to stand, making sure he stays behind the champion at all times. Once QT is up, Hollywood looks for a cutter but Reese pulls back, bounces off the ropes and into a sloppy looking dropkick to Hollywood’s upper thigh. Instead of performing a move, Reese stands over Hollywood, takes both hands and grabs his balls to thrust them in Hollywood’s general direction.

Benny Newell: Mind games; love it. Drink!

Joe Hoffman: That’s disgusting.

Reese hits the ropes but upon return runs right into a sidewalk slam by Hollywood! The LA native stands, only to drop an elbow into Reese’s chest. Stands again and drops a second elbow… a third…

QT Reese rolls out of the way and into the bottom rope, which he “rebounds” off of and rolls back to the center of the ring. Before Brian Hollywood gets on his feet, Reese positions him into a small package!

One!

Two!

Kickout!

Joe Hoffman: Very unorthodox there by QT but he was a second away from the W!

Both men are up. Reese hits a knife edge chop and Hollywood returns the blow with a knee to the chest. Knife edge chop by Reese, knee to the chest by Hollywood. The two go back and forth for sometime before Reese gets the better of the challenger and then finds the ropes.

Powerslam by Hollywood.

But QT finds a second wind and quickly works an elbow drop to Brian before he stands. The champion snatches Hollywood by his tights and yanks them as high as they can go while snickering. Then Reese connects with a rabbit punch to the back of Hollywood’s head. The HOTv Champion finds a corner of the ring and springboards off, looking for the dreaded eye poke.

Joe Hoffman: Is this the Lazy Eye?

While that’s what QT is going for, it’s not the move performed. Brian Hollywood finds his feet and hits a loud and wild clothesline from hell, flipping QT twice in the air before Reese lands chest-first on the mat. The crowd gives a gasp at the sight of the move, the sheer impact making it look like QT Reese’s neck popped off his shoulders. Hollywood looks down at his opponent with a cocky grin and bands his hands around his waist, as if to say the championship is coming home.

Joe Hoffman: Roll up by Reese!

One!

Two!

Kickout!

Joe Hoffman: Oh he almost had Hollywood again with that!

The challenger is up first but the champion follows. They exchange shots once again before QT tries for a Texas titty twister. It seems like Brian Hollywood has this well scouted since he takes a step back and throws his arms down furiously, blocking the ability for QT to perform the twisting action.

Joe Hoffman: Never in my life would I think I’d be calling a counter to a titty twister.

Benny Newell: First time for everything, Joe. Drink!

Hollywood bounces off the ropes but Reese jumps over him as Hollywood’s to the next set of ropes. Reese drops to the mat, throws his feet up and hopes Hollywood runs into them because QT will send him flying high way across the ring.

One problem… Hollywood doesn’t. Instead, Brian puts on the breaks and finds himself right in front of QT Reese’s feet. He boots QT in the chest and then attempts a Texas cloverleaf.

Joe Hoffman: I would’ve thought Brian goes for a Boston crab here but QT had his feet bunched together. It’s a very smart call by the challenger!

Reese struggles to look for the ropes with his hands. He’s close but not close enough. Using one hand to pull his hair, QT tries to reach as far as he can with the other one…

And misses the rope break.

Hollywood sits back. It looks like a new champion is going to be crowned when QT moves a tiny increment forward, reaches out and takes hold of the ropes.

Joe Hoffman: He’s got them! This match continues!

Hollywood doesn’t wait for Reese to gain a vertical base. The challenger finds Reese’s waist, locks it and deadlifts him into the air. A German suplex follows and Brian Hollywood holds on for a pin attempt. He only gets a two because QT uses his momentum to roll backwards and out of the pin. Although Brian Hollywood is on his feet first, he’s met with an eye poke that Matt Boettcher misses. The HOTv champion bounces off the ropes but is surprised with a dropkick to the face!

Still on his feet, QT wobbles around, throwing punches into thin air since he can’t see where Brian Hollywood is.

Joe Hoffman: He’s right behind you, QT!

Hollywood spins Reese around, kicks him in the stomach and hits the Basic Instinct.

Joe Hoffman: I think we have a new champion!

ONE.

TWO.

THREE!

DING DING DING

Joe Hoffman: We do!

Hollywood rolls on his back, hands raised as his theme song resurfaces.

Bryan McVay: Here is your winner and NEEEEEWWWWWW HOTv Champion, Brian Hollywooooooooooddddd!!

QT Reese lays motionless, chest-up on the canvas while Brian Hollywood sits forward, resting his hands against his thighs. Matt Boettcher places the title on Brian’s right shoulder.

Benny Newell: Everyone wins. QT gets his brand recognition and we have a new champion!

Joe Hoffman: I’m not sure that’s how it works but a good back and forth contest. In the end, I think QT got a little too cute.

Benny Newell: That’s his style, dummy. That’s the Reesemart way!

Refueled goes to commercial with Brian Hollywood celebrating.

Coming out  of the commercial break, cut back to the broadcast table with Joe and Benny.

Joe Hoffman: Well folks, Sunny O’Callahan had quite a week.  First, she nearly set off a full-scale riot at a Missouri Valley Wrestling pay per view show.  Then she gave an interview in the dirt sheets where she once again took full credit for the revival of both Darin Zion and High Flyer’s career, accused Jatt Starr of infringing on her trademark catchphrase…

Benny Newell: You’re welcome!

Joe Hoffman: Shhhh.  Don’t let her hear you say that.  And finally, on last week’s Refueled, Sunny took her grievances with Rah to a whole new level. 

Benny Newell: Yeah.  Like attempted vehicular homicide. 

The HOV fires up…

(LAST WEEK: Blossom Music Center/Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
Replay of what happened last week.  Sunny O’Callahan clips Rah in the leg with a SUV in the parking lot after Rah whipped Dawn McGill out of the way.

Replay of Sunny then hitting Dawn McGill after she barges into Rah and shoves him out of harm’s way.

Joe Hoffman: She’s in the ring right now.  Let’s go to Sunny O’Callahan.

Cut to Sunny O’Callahan standing in the middle of the ring with a mischievous smirk on her face.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

She’s greeted with a blistering round of jeers from the vociferously pissed off fans.  

Sunny feigns surprise at the video that just played on the HOV and goes full Steve Urkel.  

Sunny O’Callahan: Did I do that?  

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sunny waves dismissively to the fans.

Sunny O’Callahan: Of course, I did and each and every one of you should be thanking me… Sunny O’Callahan… for once again delivering yet another memorable HOW moment.  

Sunny spreads out her arms and soaks in the fans dissonant, and downright ugly, reaction to her. 

Sunny O’Callahan: That’s right bitches.  Because of me… Sunny O’Callahan… you got a pay per view moment on free television last week on Refueled.  You’re welcome.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sunny O’Callahan: We know Rah has to face High Flyer again at Rumble at the Rock and because of me… Sunny O’Callahan… you will get to see it at Rumble at the Rock.  All of you all have me- Sunny O’Callahan- to thank because I will make it happen.  You’re welcome.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sunny O’Callahan: No no.  You’re welcome.  You are all welcome.  

Sunny motions to the cameraman to come a little closer.

Sunny O’Callahan: So Rah, I know you’re here tonight.  Stop hiding and come out here and do the right thing.  Say yes.  Say yes to the moment I… Sunny O’Callahan… am creating right here, right now.  Say yes to facing High Flyer at Rumble at the Rock.  Say yes so everyone can watch Jack Harmen kick your pathetic ass all over Alcatraz.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 

She waits with hands on hips.  No one comes out from the back. 

Sunny O’Callahan: Oh come on Rah.  Look, so I may have bumped your wife with my car.  It’s just a few scratches… and a couple of broken bones.  

…

Still nothing.  Now Sunny becomes impatient. 

Sunny O’Callahan: Jesus, it’s not like I set her on fire or anything-

*CROWD POP*

Joe Hoffman: WAIT! SOMEONE JUST HOPPED THE RAIL! 

*BAM*

*BIGGER CROWD POP*

Joe Hoffman: SOMEONE JUST TOOK O’CALLAHAN DOWN!

The crowd is on their feet and fills the Pit with an earsplitting decibel level of noise as a blond woman stands over a fallen Sunny O’Callahan. 

Joe Hoffman: SHE HOPPED THE BARRICADE AND NAILED SUNNY O’CALLAHAN WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE!.

Benny Newell: DAWN McGILL!

Joe Hoffman: No.  Can’t be.  She’s still laid up in the hospital for at least another week or so. 

The woman does looks like Dawn McGill- but seventeen years younger and two inches taller. She mounts Sunny and rains down right hand after right hand after right hand at her.

Joe Hoffman: THAT’S HER DAUGHTER!

Benny Newell: Who?  

Joe Hoffman: Her name is Victoria.  She’s a wrestler in her own right.   

Benny Newell: I don’t care who she is.  She’s looks pissed off.  She’s pounding the shit out of Sunny O’Callahan. 

Joe Hoffman: And the crowd is on their feet and loving every moment of it!

After the fifth punch, Victoria pulls a woozy and unsteady Sunny back to her feet.  McGill spins her around and rams her head first into the top turnbuckle. 

And again.

And again.  Now the crowd starts counting along.

FOUR!

FIVE!   

Victoria steps back.   

Joe Hoffman: OH!  Sunny had to latch on the top rope to keep from falling.  

Tori grabs Sunny and slings her across the ring to the other corner.  

Benny Newell: I LOVE THIS!  GO DAWN MEDUSA’S DAUGHTER!

Tori runs and splashes Sunny in the corner.  She slams O’Callahan’s head into the turnbuckle again.  This time, the crowd counts along.

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

TEN!

McGill stops and lets Sunny stagger back to her.  Gutwrench hold. 

Joe Hoffman: SHE LIFTS HER UP! 

Then Tori slams Sunny face first to the mat.

*MAJOR CROWD POP*

Joe Hoffman: GUTWRENCH FACEBUSTER! 

Benny Newell: THAT LOOKED NASTY!  

The aggrieved daughter of Dawn McGill scowls down at Sunny O’Callahan. 

Quick close up on Sunny.  Eyes closed.  No movement.    

Joe Hoffman: I think Sunny’s been knocked out.  

McGill pulls a lifeless Sunny up by the hair and then back into Gutwrench position.

Benny Newell: SHE’S GOING TO DO IT AGAIN.  DRINK!

Tori lifts her up.

Joe Hoffman: She’s going for another Gutwrench Facebuster!

Benny Newell: HIGH FLYER!

Joe Hoffman: WHAT?

*WHAP*

Joe Hoffman: OH!  STEEL CHAIRSHOT! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Benny Newell: WHAT THE FUCK! 

McGill’s face down on the mat.  

Joe Hoffman: STEEL CHARISHOT BY HIGH FLYER AND VICTORIA McGILL IS DOWN!

Tori crawls forward and tries to push herself up.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

High Flyer tosses one hand up in a devil horn taunt, and stands back with the chair at the ready, waiting for the young McGill to get to her feet. 

Joe Hoffman: Oh no!

High Flyer raises the chair. He mimes with his free hand, asking her which side is her “good” side.

Benny Newell: What a dick!  

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: HE’S GOING TO DO IT AGAIN!

Benny Newell: NO!  WATCH OUT!

*CROWD POP*

Joe Hoffman: …NOW WHAT?

Hank Williams, Jr.’s“A Country Boy Can Survive” comes on but can barely be heard over the noise.

Joe Hoffman: Wait a minute.  That’s not Rah’s music.  That’s…  

Benny Newell: HOLY SHIT!  

Joe Hoffman: SCOTT STEVENS!  

‘The Scorpion’ Scott Stevens stuns onlookers by sprinting to the ring.

Benny Newell: WHAT THE FUCK IS HE DOING HERE?

Stevens rolls into the ring ready for a fight.  The crowd noise pegs the decibel meter.

Joe Hoffman: STEVENS AND FLYER IN THE IRNG.  WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?

High Flyer drops the chair and bails out.  

Benny Newell: Well, that was anti-climactic.

Joe Hoffman: High Flyer thinks better of it and decides to head to the back. 

Flyer backs up the ramp with Stevens’s eyes trained on him the entire time.  

Joe Hoffman: So Sunny O’Callahan came out and said some awful things.  Victoria McGill jumped her in the ring and dished out some much deserved payback on O’Callahan for running over her mother with a SUV.  High Flyer attacked McGill from behind with a steel chair and Scott Stevens- who’s apparently part of the same faction Tori McGill’s in at MVW- made his first HOW appearance since the retirement match against Mike Best to make the save. 

Once High Flyer is a safe distance up the ramp, Stevens bends down and checks on Tori McGill.  

Joe Hoffman: What the hell else is going to happen n-

Benny Newell: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The crowd again erupts.  

Joe Hoffman: IT’S RAH! 

Benny Newell: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Joe Hoffman: Benny!  Not in my ear!  

High Flyer turns and sees The Sunshine God leaning on a pair of crutches with his injured leg in an air cast on stage.  

Joe Hoffman: RAH IS HERE…

Rah and High Flyer exchange angry glares.  

Joe Hoffman: …AND WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?

Benny Newell: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Rah points one of his crutches at High Flyer and mouths “You.”

High Flyer nods.  He points back at Rah and mouths “Let’s do it.”  

Rah nods his head and the crowd pops again.  

Joe Hoffman: They’re going to do it!  

Rah moves backwards with the aid of his crutches and does not take his eyes off High Flyer.

Joe Hoffman: Rumble at the Rock!  Rah versus High Flyer.  It’s going to happen!   

Benny Newell: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Joe Hoffman: All right, Jace Parker Davidson versus Sutler Reynolds-Kael coming up in just a couple minutes.

We cut away elsewhere.

The camera cuts to the backstage area of The Pit here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The crowd is a buzz knowing that the main event of the evening is coming up. Blaire Moise stands in front of the camera holding a microphone in her hand. She has a bright smile on her face as she raises the microphone up to her lips.

Blaire Moise: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome the #1 ranked wrestler in HOW, The King of Everything Jace Parker Davidson.

The camera zooms out to show Jace standing beside Blaire. He’s jumping in place and doing some pre-match stretches before the main event begins.

Blaire Moise: We are moments away from tonight’s main event where you will take on Former World Champion and #2 ranked wrestler in Sutler Reynolds-Kael. How are you feeling?

JPD: I got to be honest, Blaire. I’m feeling extremely nervous. I got butterflies in my stomach that feel like they’re the size of pterodactyls. It’s not every day that the #1 & #2 ranked superstars square off in the middle of the ring with a shot at the HOW World Championship belt on the line.

Blaire Moise: Being nervous is understandable. What do you think your chances of ending the night with your hand raised in victory?

Jace stops bouncing in place and lowers his head as he mulls over Blaire’s question.

JPD: Well, It would be safe to say I’m not the odds on favorite to win this match. I mean we are talking about Sutler Reynolds-Kael here. The youngest World Champion in HOW history. Max Kael’s adoptive son and if you know anything about a Kael, it’s that they don’t lose very often. But I’m okay with being the underdog going into this match. I’m no stranger to having doubters out there about my abilities but tonight I’m leaving it all out there.

Blaire Moise: From the way it sounds and how you’ve spoken earlier in the week it seems like you’re putting your career on the line in this match. Is that true?

Jace chuckles a bit as he runs his fingers through his hair.

JPD: I’m not saying it’s win tonight or I’m going to retire…

Jace pauses for a moment and talks in a more serious tone.

JPD: But what I am saying is that Sutler might have to re-break my neck to walk out of this arena with his rematch. See I don’t have Michael Lee Best screaming to have me added to the match at RATR. Nor did I steal someone’s Hall of Fame ring to try and weasel my way to a title rematch. Seems like Conor is focused on Mike, Mike is focused on Conor and Sutler is focused on both. I’m the odd man out in this equation, so I guess I’m going to have to take a sledgehammer and bludgeon my way into the mix.

Blaire Moise: One final question for you. Are you worried about Max Kael Jr, any member of the Kael family, or even Conor Fuse or Mike Best sticking their noses in your match tonight?

JPD: This is HOW, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. I have no idea just who Sutler is going to have at ringside with him. However, I do at least expect Mike Best and Conor Fuse to be watching with a vested interest. If one of them decides to want to tip the hand of fate in one direction or the other then I’ll just do to them what I plan to do to Sutler. Tonight I need to wrestle the match of my life. Not just because I’m facing Sutler Reynolds-Kael but because I have to prove to myself and everyone else I’m worthy of the #1 status in this company. Now if you’ll excuse me, destiny awaits.

Jace turns and heads towards the gorilla position leaving Blaire holding her microphone as we head to commercial break.

We come back from commercial and we cut to the announce team.

Joe Hoffman: Folks what you are about to watch is a sit down interview I did with Hall of Famer Mario Maurako. We all were shocked about his return a few weeks ago and I was honored to interview the man to talk about that very night.

With that we cut to the recorded interview…….

Joe Hoffman is sitting in a white fabric lounge chair and across from him sits Mario Maurako sporting a Navy Ermenegildo Zegna suit and a Navy banded Bvlgari Bvlgari watch. There is an end table situated between the two with some whiskey glasses and a bottle of Talisker Whiskey, along with a pitcher of water.

Joe Hoffman: Mario Maurako, first let me first thank you for allowing us into your home here in Minneapolis Minnesota, and secondly, you look great Mario.

Mario Maurako: Why thank you Mr. Hoffman-

Joe Hoffman: Please, call me Joe.

Mario Maurako: Joe, it is a pleasure to have you and the crew out here so we can kind of smooth some things out. I guess my sudden appearance two weeks ago has a lot of people asking a lot of questions.

Joe Hoffman: So, let’s get straight to it Mario. What brings you back to High Octane Wrestling?

Mario smiles and lets out a short chuckle.

Mario Maurako: Joe, let me set the record straight. I am not backin High Octane Wrestling. As Hall of Famer, I simply never left. Sure, I haven’t been on camera, or even been behind camera for quite some time, but that doesn’t mean I ever left.

Joe Hoffman: I’m sorry, I don’t mean to get literal here. But the simple definition of the root word “leave” means to be away from. We haven’t seen you; we haven’t heard from you. Where have you been?

Mario Maurako: I’m a busy man. You know, last time you guys saw me I wasn’t cleared for competition, and I was given a staff role. That is something that I have never been all that comfortable with. I’m a doer, I get things done. So being in a role where I’m working with all these young guys and trying to get them to do things for the greater good of the Tag Team Division, well let’s just call a spade a spade. It wasn’t any good. I wasn’t any good at it. So, I went home, and the bookings stopped. I didn’t consider myself out of the company though. I guess that is where I am coming from. As far as I know I’m always welcome in High Octane Wrestling.

Joe Hoffman: Well of course you are.

Mario Maurako: Well, there you have it.

Mario reaches over and pours a glass of Talisker Whiskey into one of the glasses with ice in it. Mario holds it up towards Joe to offer him a glass.

Joe Hoffman: No, I leave the drinking to Benny.

Mario Maurako: I figured that’s why I have this water here.

Mario pours a glass of water for Joe then sits back and takes a sip of his whiskey before returning it to the end table.

Joe Hoffman: So then let’s go back two weeks ago to right here in Minneapolis Minnesota. HOW is here in town at the Target Center, Scottywood and Bobbinette Carey are doing a bit where Bobbinette is smacking a Mario look alike around. Then later that night, you arrive. Help us all connect the dots.

Mario Maurako: Well, I just so happened to be here at home that night. I had just got out of an important business meeting you see, and my phone starts blowing up. It wasn’t just one person; it was several people explaining the disrespect taking place in my own backyard. If it was anywhere else in the World, they probably would’ve gotten away with it too.

Joe Hoffman: So that’s it?

Mario Maurako: Yeah, pretty much, I mean I called for my driver to take me to the arena, and he did, and I got there just as those two snakes were slithering out the back door. It was cute, to me they pretended like nothing was going on and banked on the fact I had no clue about their previous antics. They of course, as usual were wrong. Then I went inside and chatted with JattStarr for a while and then went home.

Joe Hoffman: So, what’s next for Mario Maurako?

Mario Maurako: Well, when this interview is done, I think I’m going to have another glass of Italy’s finest Whiskey here and probably go to sleep.

Joe Hoffman: That’s not what I meant. I meant what is next for you in HOW?

Mario Maurako: Oh, I knew what you meant, I was just being coy. Listen, I’ve heard the rumors from the boys. But listen, a lot has changed, I have changed, Society has changed, we have all changed. I mentioned earlier that last time here I wasn’t cleared for competition. Does anyone remember why?

Joe Hoffman inaudibly just shakes his head.

Mario Maurako: It is because I nearly died. I mean, I was on the brink at least. I saw the light, I saw the pearly gates, I saw St. Peter and I was not on his list. I’ve done a lot of bad things in my time, and maybe this is a time to atone for some of that.

Joe Hoffman: Wow, I didn’t realize-

Mario Maurako: It’s fine Joe. But what isn’t fine is trying to mock a man, mock a legend, mock a Hall of Famer, in his own back yard. That’s not fine! So, it got me to thinking, and thinking led me to doing, and I went back to my doctor. After a year and a half, he seems to think my heart can take another match. So, after I got home from my doctor last week, I watched Scotty’s and Carey’s little skit again and I realized something. I was just saying how so much has changed, and it has, most of it for the better. But after watching two weeks ago back again I realized that Bobbinette Carey has changed for the worse.

Joe Hoffman: What were you able to pick out Mario?

Mario Maurako: It was a look in her eye Joe. A look that was very familiar to me because it was once in my eye. Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Everyone loves to bring up the Whack-O-Meter and make jokes, but do you remember its origin, Joe?

Joe Hoffman: Well, I believe it started when you struck your wife down in the middle of the ring after she filed for divorce.

Mario Maurako: I’ll give you partial credit. Yeah, that was #1 on the Whack-O-Meter. But it really started before that. Nobody seems to talk about or remember the months and years of verbal and mental abuse that Amanda had put me through. Then she tried to embarrass me in front of a live audience. I couldn’t think, I just reacted. Right or wrong it is what happened. I was angry with her for treating me the way she had. I was bitter towards her for all the abuse, and I resented everything about her. I let those things consume me and they took over my life and I became everything that I resented.

Joe Hoffman: And now you are saying that you see that same thing in Bobbinette?

Mario Maurako: Absolutely, I do.

Joe Hoffman: So, what are you going to do about it?

Mario Maurako: The only thing that I can do.

Mario adjusts his body in the chair and stared straight into the camera.

Mario Maurako: Bobbinette Carey, I’d like to sit here and tell you not to feed into this anger. I’d like to tell you that all this hatred or pent-up animosity only has power over you if you let it. But it is clear to me that it already has taken up residence inside of you. Inside of your heart, inside of your brain, inside of your soul.

Mario takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.

Mario Maurako: So, I’m challenging you Bobbinette Carey, to a fight at Rumble at the Rock. I’m risking my health, my safety, and my life, to stop you from becoming the thing you hate more than anything on this planet. Me.

Fade out and we cut immediately to one final commercial break to highlight the current Rumble at the Rock Card

*Card Subject to Change*

World Championship Match
Michael Lee Best vs. Conor Fuse©

97 Minute Iron Match for the LSD Championship
Jatt Starr vs. John Sektor©

7 Deadly Sins Match
Scottywood vs. Doozer vs. Brian Hollywood vs. Eli Dresden vs. Bobby Dean vs. JJR vs. Steve Solex

Prison Yard Match for the HOTv Championship
?? vs. Brian Hollywood©

Singles Match
Rah vs. High Flyer

Singles Match
Bobbinette Carey vs. Mario Maurako

The lights in the arena dim as the HOV begins to light up. The words “The King has Returned.” echo throughout the building.

Joe Hoffman: Here we go! It’s time for our main event and it’s going to be a good one tonight!

The crowd stands on its feet as smoke begins to build on stage.

Benny Newell: The King is going to take another step towards regaining his throne!

The sound of Kingdom by Jaxson Gamble begins to blare through the arena.

Joe Hoffman: Jace Parker Davidson, just finished from a very impressive run as the HOTv champion, can guarantee himself a title shot tonight with a win. But it’s not going to be easy.

A spotlight shine on stage and the crowd gives a mixed reaction as through the smoke appears Jace Parker Davidson along with Madison by his side.

Benny Newell: Oh fuck off. That entitled snowflake Sutler Reynolds-Kael doesn’t have a chance against Jace.

Jace looks out at the crowd and soaks in the reception before locking arms with Madison and making his their way down the ramp slowly as fans reach over the barricade trying to touch the duo.

Joe Hoffman: I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. Sutler Reynolds-Kael has really come into his own and won the HOW World title before losing it in a war against Conor Fuse.

Madison takes her place at ringside by Benny as Jace slides under the bottom rope to enter the ring. Jace pops to his feet and makes his way over to the nearest corner and climbs the turnbuckle to pose for the crowd.

Hopping down Jace goes to his corner and begins to stretch before the match starts.

The slow, methodic melody of “Pursuit of Happiness” by Lissie fades in over Jaxson Gamble’s ‘Kingdom’ and drones over the PA system. The house lights die down as a single spot light falls on the entrance.

Benny Newell: BOOOOOO!

Boos join the steady baseline of the song adding to the depressing, drudging feel. Walking out onto the stage wanders Sutler Reynolds-Kael with a bitter, serious expression on his face.

Joe Hoffman: And here comes the young former champion now.

Sutler pauses briefly on the ramp checking the tape on his wrists before moving slowly down the ramp. Now and again he smirks at the crowd though the youthful wrestler seems more focused on the ring.

Joe Hoffman: He held the title for over two and a half months after submitting Conor Fuse at War Games.

Benny Newell: And then lost it to the fucking Game Boy. You watch, Joe. Jace is going to come out here and wrestle like it might be the last match of his career.

Joe Hoffman: Well to do that, Jace is going to have to avoid the Sutler Method. You saw what Sutler did to Michael Lee Best last week and you know that SRK is going to be heavy handed in attacking JPD’s neck.

Upon reaching the ring the SRK hops up onto the apron, wiping his feet off before sliding between the top and middle rope. The house lights rise as the spotlight goes away. Sutler slowly marches to the center of the ring where he stands looking bitter and disenchanted with the world.

Joe Hoffman: Both men are in the ring now.

His black and #97red hair falls across his face making him look more than ever like his sperm donor, Shane Reynolds, while he folds his hands behind his back. After a few moments he steps to his corner, the music dying out.

Joe Hoffman: Bryan McVay is in the ring for the introductions.

McVay raises his microphone.

Bryan McVay: Ladies and gentlemen! Our main event tonight will be one fall and the winner is guaranteed a HOW World title shot!

McVay pauses as the crowd responds.

Bryan McVay: Introducing first…

McVay points towards JPD.

Bryan McVay: Weighing in tonight at 253 pounds! He is from Miami, Florida and is a THREE-TIME HOW World Champion. THE KING OF EVERYTHING! JACE! PARKER! DAAAAAAAAVIIIIIIDSOOOOOOOOON!

Again, JPD gets a mixed reaction from the HOW faithful.

Bryan McVay: And his opponent…

McVay points to SRK in the opposite corner.

Bryan McVay: Weighing in tonight at 197 pounds. He was the 2021 War Games Sole Survivor and a former HOW World Champion. From Arkham, Massachusetts… SUTLERRRRRR REYNOLLLLLDS-KAAAAAAAAAEL!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Benny Newell: I will admit I love how McVay does the double barrelled surname.

Joe Hoffman: He’s not a hall of fame announcer for nothing.

Referee Joel Hortega checks both men.

Joe Hoffman: Jace Parker Davidson versus Sutler Reynolds-Kael. Winner earns a title shot…

*DING-DING*

Joe Hoffman: …and this match is under way.

Davidson and SRK meet in the middle of the ring.

Big staredown.

…

BIG staredown.

Joe Hoffman: Both men waiting for the other to make their first move.

Sutler shouts at JPD and points to himself.

Joe Hoffman: Sutler Reynolds-Kael says the world title shot belongs to him.

Davidson shakes his head back at Reynolds-Kael.

Joe Hoffman: Jace Parker Davidson disagrees.

JPD points to himself. SRK shakes his head. Jace shakes his head.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael: MY title shot!

Davidson doesn’t respond. That only serves to enrage SRK.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael: MY TITLE SHOT!

JPD smiles. He flips off the Son of Scions. That pops the crowd and further sets off Sutler. He balls his fists and stomps his feet at JPD’s response.

Benny Newell: It’s about to go down!

Sutler rushes forward.

Joe Hoffman: Here we go!

JPD slips to the side and Reynolds-Kael slams into the corner turnbuckle. Davidson drives a forearm to the head. Another forearm to the head. And a third. Finally, Reynolds-Kael hooks his arms around the top rope and yells at the referee to make JPD stop.

Joe Hoffman: Luckily for Sutler Reynolds-Kael, Joel Hortega does call for a break.

Sutler shouts “get him back” to the referee who then backs JPD up a few steps.

Davidson bounces up and down on his toes as SRK glares at him and takes a step forward.

Joe Hoffman: Here we go again.

Lock up. JPD uses his weight advantage to move his opponent towards the ropes. Sutler again hooks his arm under the top rope.

Joe Hoffman: Break called and Joel Hortega makes JPD take a few steps back.

Sutler again shouts “get him back” to the referee. Davidson shouts something back at SRK and motions him to get out of the ropes.

SRK gestures JPD to come forward. Davidson says something in return and gestures back at him.

Joe Hoffman: I think Jace just asked Sutler if he wanted any of this.

Benny Newell: He doesn’t Hoffman. Not in a million fucking years.

Davidson takes one step forward and Reynolds-Kael again ducks under the ropes.

Benny Newell: See?

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: And now the fans are letting the former champion have it!

Benny Newell: That’s because Sutler Reynolds-Kael is a little chickenshit and he’s going to do this all fucking night. Do you remember the shitty little sneak attack he pulled on Michael Lee Best last week?

Joe Hoffman: Sutler Reynolds-Kael attacked him because he felt Mike jumped the line for a title shot.

Benny Newell: He did it because he keeps making bad choices. Not joining the Best Alliance. Attacking the Son of GOD.

Davidson has a few heated words for the referee over SRK’s tactics.

Joe Hoffman: it should be pointed out that Sutler may be also trying to get into Jace Parker Davidson’s head.

Benny Newell: Won’t work. JPD is too good to fall for that.

Reynolds-Kael steps away from the ropes. He’s feigns charging at JPD. Davidson gets his arms up in a defensive stance and looks a chance to go for a lock up.

Both men inch ever closer.

Davidson and Sutler extend their arms. Lock up…NO! Small Package by Reynolds-Kael!

UNO!

TW-

Joe Hoffman: JPD kicks out after Sutler Reynolds-Kael tried to roll him up for a quick pin.

Reynolds-Kaels tries for a Vertical Suplex. JPD slips out. SCHOOL BOY!

UNO!

TW… Sutler kicks out.

Benny Newell: He tried to pull a fast one on JPD, but there’s no way a man with Davidson’s pedigree is going to fall for that.

SRK rolls right to the ropes.

Joe Hoffman: Turnabout is fair play.

But Jace grabs his leg and pulls him back.

Benny Newell: HAHA! He’s not getting away this time.

SRK kicks at Davidson who tries to roll him up. That fails so he shifts his weight quickly into a Cross Armbreaker. Reynolds-Kael squirms desperately- slips out of JPD’s grasp.

Joe Hoffman: Jace nearly had that Cross Armbreaker locked in!

Sutler rolls out to the ring apron…

Benny Newell: And he runs away again.

…and jumps down to the floor to take a little walk.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: Again, the crowd lets him have it.

Jace yells ‘get back in the ring’ at him.

Benny Newell: Yeah, get back in the ring you coward.

The fans tell SRK the same thing and even couch it in stronger terms as Reynolds-Kael walks around the ring. He stops and engages a couple people at ringside.

Meanwhile, Hortega starts a ten count on the former champion.

Joe Hoffman: It looks like referee Joel Hortega has had enough of the stalling and he’s finally going to count Sutler out.

Sutler turns back to the ring and with his arms spread wide asks ‘why?’

Benny Newell: About fucking time.

Jace sits down on the middle rope and offers to allow Reynolds-Kael back in the ring. Sutler waves him off and moves around to the other side of the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Probably good judgment there by Sutler Reynolds-Kael not to take Jace up on his offer.

Benny Newell: GET BACK IN THE FUCKING RING ALREADY! DRINK!

At the count of eight, SRK re-enters the ring without incident. Davidson springs forward. Waist-lock takedown by the three-time champion gets Sutler down to the mat. JPD runs the ropes as SRK gets back to his knees…

Joe Hoffman: V-TRIGGER BY JACE! Oh wow.

Cover.

UNO!

DOS!

Joe Hoffman: And Sutler gets the shoulder up!

Jace to the ropes again and propels himself towards Reynolds-Kael. He grabs Sutler by the neck.

Joe Hoffman: SPRINGBOARD CUTTER!

Benny Newell: COME ON JACE!

Jace hooks the legs.

UNO!

DOS

T-NO!

Joe Hoffman: SUTLER JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

He starts to crank back on the arms- Sutler tries to fight out.

Joe Hoffman: JPD has now locked in on that arm!

Davidson with an arm wringer. He twists the arm and drops it over his shoulder!

Benny Newell: Jace has the look in his eye tonight. He really wants this.

Joe Hoffman: Jace may have chosen a body part to work over. He’s got a fifty-pound weight advantage so he may continue to keep him grounded.

Reynolds-Kael screams out as JPD transitions to a tight hammerlock.

Benny Newell: YEAH! DRINK!

Sutler desperately tries to free himself. He tries to shake his arm away but Jace cinches it in even tighter. He finally pulls SRK up and holds him by the waist.

Joe Hoffman: Jace may be going for a German Suplex.

JPD lifts. Sutler flips back out. He tries a back elbow. Davidson blocks and grabs him by the neck. SRK ducks under and takes a side headlock. JPD puts his left hand on SRK’s waist. Right hand behind the neck. He steps on Sutler’s leg and drops him to a knee. JPD takes the wrist and shoulder. Reynolds-Kael tries to stand. Davidson blocks – grabs behind SRK’s head and slaps on a Cravat.

Joe Hoffman: Cravat by Jace Parker Davidson and nicely done! He is trying to wear Sutler Reynolds-Kael down.

Sutler frantically tries to free himself from the tight neck lock. He tries to get back up. JPD sweeps a leg out and puts a big boot on the back of SRK’s knee. He cranks the hold back.

Benny Newell: No mercy!

Sutler screams out in pain. He elbows JPD in his knee. And again. And a third time, trying to get him to let go of the hold. The fourth elbow breaks the hold. SRK tries to catch his breath. Davidson steps forward. Drop toehold by Reynolds-Kael.

Joe Hoffman: Davidson crashes hard face first into the buckle!

Benny Newell: That little cheat!

Jace up and wobbling. Reynolds-Kael leaps at him- Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker. Then he slings JPD head-first to the turnbuckle. SRK runs right at him with forearm shot to the back of Davidson’s neck.

Joe Hoffman: And there’s what will be the focus of Reynolds-Kael’s offense.

Benny Newell: Jace knew this was coming. He’s prepared for this.

SRK executes a run and nails Jace with a Rising Knee Strike that sends the King of Everything through the middle and bottom rope out of the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Jace Parker Davidson sent to the floor!

Sutler raises his arms as if he’s won the match. Then he spots a cameraman filming the match and sticks his face in the camera.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael: That title shot belongs to ME!

Benny Newell: Idiot! If he’s going to beat Jace Parker Davidson he needs to stay on top of him. DRINK!

When the disoriented Jace Parker Davidson finally rolls back to his feet, Sutler climbs to the top turnbuckle and flies.

Joe Hoffman: TOP ROPE ELBOW DROP BY KAEL!

Jace down. Sutler back up. He pulls JPD up and rolls him back into the ring so he can make the cover.

UNO!

DOS-…NO!

Joe Hoffman: JACE KICKED OUT!

Benny Newell: DRINK! THANK LEE!

Sutler measures up Davidson as the King of Everything tries to get back to his feet. He attacks.

Joe Hoffman: SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Reynolds-Kael hooks the leg and hangs on.

UNO!

DOS!

KICKOUT!

Joe Hoffman: NO! Jace kicks out again! After dominated the opening and trying to wear down his youthful opponent, Sutler Reynolds-Kael is now upping the tempo!

Sutler drives right and lefts into the back of Davidson’s neck.

Benny Newell: He may be softening JPD up for the Sutler Method… dammit.

SRK whips Jace HARD into the far corner….

Joe Hoffman: Sutler Reynolds-Kael has all the momentum and could be on the verge of getting the rematch he wants so badly for the HOW World Championship.

Benny Newell: I’d fucking murder a dude if I was in their spot. Literally murder a man on live television for a chance at the HOW World Championship.

Joe Hoffman: And as we look back in the ring… ummmm… uhhhh…

The audience watching at home clearly knows what has led to the confusion in Hall of Fame announcer Joe Hoffman’s voice – the live camera feed has gone down after a burst of static, knocking out the announcers’ monitors too. There’s a very large roar that can be heard from the crowd but no visuals to accompany the source. After a few moments of complete and total darkness, the feed switches to a back-up overhead camera. The view from above shows one of the camera technicians, dressed in the formal HOW technicians’ hoodie, standing in the ring above a fallen Jace Parker Davidson.

Joe Hoffman: We apologise for the technical difficulties, one of our camera operators accidentally made contact with Jace Parker Davidson when he was irish whipped into the corner, I’m sure he’s horrified over this.

Benny Newell: Lee Best goes away and suddenly the tech crew get loaded on the job, disgraceful!

There is a clear, audible glug from Benny’s headset.

Joe Hoffman: Joel Hortega is checking on JPD to see if the match can continue.

Hortega makes his way over to check on the self-proclaimed “King of Everything”, clearly looking the worse for wear after smashing into the camera. The operator tries to explain to Hortega what happened but can’t begin his explanation due to Sutler rushing into the scene. Sutler pushes Hortega out of the way and begins stomping furiously on the fallen Davidson. Hortega does his best to pull Kael away from the situation as Kael seems determined to get as many free blows in as he possibly can. The camera operator gestures to Hortega in confusion, pointing back to the camera and the fallen JPD.

Joe Hoffman: It’s hard to know what even happened here as our feed at the table cut out when Jace made contact with the camera. This overhead shot is the best we can manage for the moment as we rush to get a new camera into position.

Benny Newell: They’re checking the Bottomline contract to see if we can get a new cameraman…

Jace stirs into action and begins to pull on the camera operator as leverage to pull himself back up. He grabs hard, pulling down the hood. JPD quickly looks the man in the face, stunned and enraged but has little time to act on his anger due to a camera being rammed straight into his face. JPD collapses straight back down to the mat. In the middle of the ring, Hortega remains occupied with Sutler, who is petulantly trying to push his way back into the match. As Sutler yells at Hortega, he looks up and suddenly realises who was under the hoodie. The camera operator rushes past Hortega, leaps up and grabs Sutler’s arm.

Joe Hoffman: That’s… ARTICLE 50! ARTICLE 50! CECILWORTH FARTHINGTON HAS RETURNED AND LOCKED SUTLER REYNOLDS-KAEL IN THE ARTICLE 50!

Benny Newell: It’s a shame he had to become a cameraman after they killed the HOFC division but it’s always good to have a job in this economy.

The live feed switches once more to a close up of the in ring action, JPD already floored in the corner of the ring as Cecilworth Farthington wretches the Article 50 in tight. Farthington doesn’t wait for any reaction from Kael and starts to drill his left boot into Sutler’s face over and over again. Joel Hortega does his best to pull Farthington off of the former World Champion, as the ring bell gets slammed over and over again. Sutler starts fading as Hortega manages to pull Farthington off of him, yelling in the face of Cecilworth to very little success before Farthingtown grabs Hortega by the back of his neck and tosses him thru the middle rope and to the outside.

Farthington turns back around and looks down at the two men out cold in the ring and smiles and then turns towards the crowd and raises his arms up in the air and screams at the fans as he knows the damage has been done.

Farthing then finally slides out of the ring. He hops the barricade into the crowd, making his exit, satisfied with the damage done. Hortega, is back to his feet and  looks bewildered at the events in the ring but knows he has to make a ruling. Hortega and Hall of Fame Ring Announce Bryan McVay have a brief exchange of words about the situation, presumably in Spanish, as Hortega gestures towards JPD and Kael. McVay nods knowingly and hops onto the mic.

Bryan McVay: Ladies and gentleman, by order of official Joel Hortega, this match has been ruled… a NO CONTEST!

Benny Newell: Fucking bullshit………….oh wait………fuck………..fucking brilliant!!!!

Joe Hoffman: If these men were holding back, perhaps they were holding back a little too much, giving Cecilworth Farthington the opening to strike. God knows why though.

Benny Newell: Fucking brilliance Joe….fucking brilliance we just seen.

The damage by Farthington is evident in the ring as the crowd roars in anger that the much vaunted main evented between HOW’s top 2 wrestlers has ended in shambles. There is no one to answer for the disappointment. The perpetrator has already left the building. Refueled can only fade out on an enormous amount of booing and two men out cold in the ring. We see a confused referee standing outside the ring looking on in horror at the ruined match, ducking the flurry of garbage heading his way. The last thing we hear are the words of Joe Hoffman.

Joe Hoffman: I have no idea what this means for Rumble at the Rock, I have no idea what this even means for next week but please join us for the next Refueled when hopefully we can start to make sense of this.

The show fades out, the boos still very, very audible.