Refueled LXXXIII

Joe Hoffman:  Welcome everyone to Refueled LXXXIII.  I’m your host as always, Joe Hoffman.  We’ve got a lot of hot action going down on the last show before ICONIC.  Tonight’s main event is stacked with two Hall of Famers going up against our two most promising young lions. We hope that…

Before Hoffman can finish, the whistling intro of “Engel” plays over the PA system.  The music sets the crowd off in a chorus of boos as Azula and his Eternal Circle disciples step out onto the stage.  They all survey the crowd with a sinister grin. The crowd show their disdain for Azula and his crew. Xander’s sadistic laughter towards their ignorance fills up the arena.

DING!  DING!  DING!  DING!

Bryan McVay:  Our opening contest is scheduled for one fall.  Introducing first from Long Beach, California, he represents the Eternal Circle.  Please welcome XANDER AZUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLA!

Both Xander and the Eternal Circle start a slow saunter towards the ring, basking in the boos. Azula directs his disciples to circle around the ring. They all hop onto the apron with wicked smiles on their faces. They enter the ring to wait for Azula’s opponent or to wait for before he directs his crew to leave the ring.

Joe Hoffman:  Xander wasting no time, wanting to pave a potential path to ICONIC.  With one show left, there’s lots of opportunities for the wrestlers to strike.  Before I could even finish my plugs, Azula couldn’t wait to storm out here. It’s how much this match means to him.  Fun fact, tonight he’s stepping into the ring with Zion’s ex-best friend.  While Hollywood and Zion no longer associate; one has to wonder what Hollywood’s thinking.

“Stronger on your Own” by Disturbed blares over the PA.  Hollywood takes a slow pace onto center stage before closing his eyes.  Making his final mental preparations for the match, he absorbs the crowd’s boos.  As Hollywood opens up his eyes, pyro shoots off in opposite corners of the stage as it makes its way to center stage. The pyro hits the stage, engulfing Hollywood.  As the camera zooms around The Executive, the reflection off his eyes shows his opponent.

Bryan McVay:  And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California.  Please welcome….BRIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAN HOLLLLLLYWOOOOOOOD!!!!!

Joe Hoffman:  For those of you not paying attention, Hollywood’s a former HOW World Champion.  He only talks about it 42 billion times.  Knocking The Executive off the food chain could prove a turning point in Xander’s career.  Since losing to Darin Zion at Rumble at the Rock, Xander’s not channeling those powers of Eris.  One has to wonder what Xander can accomplish against Hollywood tonight.

He’s set his sights on the master manipulator of the Eternal Circle.  In a hateful motion, Hollywood tosses his vest to the ground below.  Blasting past the exiting members of Xander’s cult, Hollywood slides into the ring.  Focusing his energy towards Azula, Hollywood climbs the ropes and taunts the crowd.  He leaps off the top turnbuckle, waiting for Boettcher to ring the bell.

Boettcher forces both men to stand in the center of the ring for the customary handshake.  But Xander doesn’t waste any time.  Right out of the gates, Xander hits a chop block to Hollywood’s knee.  Boettcher motions for the bell as Azula begins a flurry of kicks.

DING!  DING!  DING!  DING!

Joe Hoffman:  No one said tonight’s contest between these men is a popularity contest.  The Liverpool crowd hates both of these men.  Heck, neither one takes the honorable road.  Both men have utilized shortcuts in their offensive strategies.  Xander’s proving that right now by stomping a mudhole into Hollywood’s face.

Boettcher pulls Xander away from Hollywood, much to the cult leader’s dismay. While Xander’s attention lies with Boettcher, Hollywood cups his fist.  Nailing a sick low blow, Hollywood floors Xander and mocks him.  The Liverpool Crowd jeers in disgust at the Executive’s actions.  But Hollywood doesn’t care at all.  Brian scoops Azula off the mat.  He drives The Eternal Circle leader’s skull down to the canvas with an Impact DDT.  Hollywood sends Xander shoulder first into the turnbuckle.  Flipping him around, Hollywood unleashes a set of ten punches to Azula’s skull.

In an unfortunate set of events, a masked member of the Eternal Circle emerges from under the ring. Hoisting Hollywood over his head, he powerbombs Brian stiff to the mat.  Xander’s licking his lips as Boettcher ejects Xander’s minion.

Joe Hoffman:  Boettcher’s showing grace tonight in this contest.  When taking this job, he knew both men would use sly methods to gain an advantage.  Xander’s using this opportunity to hit a Snap Suplex…

NO!

Hollywood reverses the attempt into a surprise roll up.  Boettcher makes the count.

ONE!

TWO!

Xander’s shoulder flies off the mat.  Hollywood kips up to his feet and charges at Azula.  Hollywood’s elbow collides with the canvas as Xander rolls away. Wasting no time, Xander hits a successful snap suplex this time.   Hollywood sells the pain in his back.  Grabbing Hollywood off the mat, Xander goes for the German Suplex.  But Hollywood lands on his feet and nails a sick German Suplex of his own.  Hollywood flips off the crowd before launching Xander over the top rope.

Joe Hoffman:  This match’s getting physical!  Hollywood thrives on the outside of the ring.  Hollywood’s got Xander’s head on the stairs and…

THWACK!

Joe Hoffman:  Medics will have their work cut out for them putting the pieces of Xander’s skull back together.

Boettcher reaches the count of six, getting Hollywood’s attention.  Hollywood tosses his opponent back inside the ring.  As Brian climbs back into the ring, Xander hits an ugly drop kick.  Hollywood’s back flies into the barricade.  While Boettcher grips at Xander, Azula demands he counts.

ONE!

TWO!

Xander rolls out the outside.  Charging at Hollywood, he hits a neckbreaker.  Grabbing a camera cord at ringside, Xander starts choking his opponent.  Brian’s face goes blue before Azula releases the hold.  A sinister smirk appears on the crazed cult leader’s face.  Boettcher’s count continues to grow while Xander saunters back inside.

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

Joe Hoffman:  Hollywood better crawl faster!  If he would stop fishing underneath the ring, he won’t lose.

NINE!

TEN!!!!

Xander’s hands fly into the air while the crowd’s booing.  He’s celebrating HIS FIRST WIN.

Unfortunately for him, Boettcher’s yanked him around.  Hollywood’s limp body slid into the ring at the last second.  Xander’s eyes light up like an intense fire.  Hoisting Hollywood on his shoulders, it’s CHAOS THEORY TIME!

Joe Hoffman:  It’s over!   Xander’s nailing his signature…

BAM!

Joe Hoffman:  HOLY MOLY GUACAMOLE!!!!  Hollywood obtained a pair of brass knuckles.  He flung his first straight into Xander’s ears.  The Leader of the Eternal circle is discombobulated!  He’s stumbling around after that one.

Hollywood makes a quick charge towards Xander, charging up the Executive Decree.  Xander ducks under the first attempt.  The energy he exerted proves a fatal blow.  Xander’s head spins.  His vision’s blurry.  Azula doesn’t see Hollywood rounding the corner.  Hollywood’s body flies into the air…..

Joe Hoffman:  OH SNAP! Hollywood’s hit the Executive Decree.  He’s going for the cover and Boettcher’s making the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREEE!!!!

DING!  DING!  DING!  DING!

Bryan McVay:  Here is your winner….

Brian Hollywood yanks the microphone out of Boettcher’s hands and the Liverpool crowd shows their disdain.  A brazen smirk forms on Hollywood’s face as he gloats to the rest of the crowd.

Brian Hollywood:  And the winner of the match is….MEEEEE!   JUST AS I DECREED IT TO BE!!!!

Hollywood chucks the microphone at Xander before exiting the ring.  Hollywood’s arms extend out, embracing the Liverpool crowd’s boos.

Joe Hoffman:  The former champion scores a crucial win against Xander Azula.  Whatever the former HOW Champion’s intentions after that win occurs, we’ll find out soon.  For right now, it was one brutal opening match to kick this final stop off.  We’ll see what more else is in store for tonight’s show.

Hollywood heads up the ramp celebrating his win as the scene fades to black.

We cut backstage where we see Cole and DB just taking it all in. They stop for a moment to look at some photos on the wall. Cole turns around to look at DB.

Cole: This is some things we will never see in America man. Enjoy this because there is no telling when…

Cole gets cut off as a flash flies past him and slams into DB sending him face first into a wall.

Cole: What the fuck??..

Getting to his feet, Kostoff stands before Cole. His eyes are glazed over with hate. He reaches down and pulls DB up and slams him head first into the wall. He spins around and glares at Cole. Taking a step back Cole looks around.

Kostoff: No one can fucking help you dick face.

He reaches out and slaps Cole across the face. He reaches down and grabs DB by his hair and pulls him to his feet. A solid punch to the neck buckles DB as Kostoff sets him up and drives him into the cement floor with a pile driver. The sickening thud of DB’s skull hitting the cement echoes down the hall. Getting to his feet, Kostoff grabs Cole by his shirt. Pulling him close to his face, the big man’s lips slowly part..

Kostoff: Fuck you boy.

A massive knee to Cole’s stomach doubles him over.

Kostoff: I got shit to finish…did you really think I would go out like that???

Kostoff gets Cole up, and drives him down with the No Remorse powerbomb. Getting to his feet he looks around.

Kostoff: Motherfuckers been taking shovels and trying to bury me for years…you think you were going to be able to do it???

Kostoff scoffs and heads down the hallway leaving behind his carnage as we cut elsewhere.

We cut back inside the arena and suddenly the show is interrupted by a rush of loud noises from the crowd. Although there is no theme music accompanying the event, a man walks down the rampway.

Joe Hoffman: That’s Conor Fuse!

The Ultimate Gamer sports a throwback SNES style track jacket and faded red Adidas track pants. He’s walking out to a massive reaction, hearing !RANK cries mixed in with LET’S GO CONOR chants. Unlike previous television shows, Conor conveys a happier demeanor, although nowhere near his normal chipper self. Fuse doesn’t rally the crowd, he doesn’t jump up and down. Instead, his eyes are on the straight and narrow, dead center of the ring. Fuse also doesn’t jump on the apron and clear the ropes in a single leap, either. He simply rolls into the squared circle… but he does ask for a microphone.

The fans calm to a hush. No one has heard Conor speak to a live crowd since he lost the World Championship to Mike Best two months ago.

Fuse waits in the center of the ring, solemnly.

He looks to his left… he looks to his right. He takes a deep breath. The crowd isn’t as loud as they normally would be, likely because they want to hear what Conor has to say.

Joe Hoffman: You can see it in Conor’s body language each week. He’s still beside himself. It was a devastating loss for the gamer but enough is enough. I think Fuse is coming to his senses. I most certainly hope so, anyway!

Conor lowers the mic but the fans still hang off his movements. The Video Game Kid slowly, methodically, walks to a corner of the ring.

He lightly taps the top turnbuckle pad and mouths the word “!rank”.

Conor pauses. He looks to his left, to his right, all around him.

He taps the top turnbuckle pad again, with a tiny bit more energy.

Conor Fuse: !rank

The former World Champion takes a deep breath and then exhales. He taps the turnbuckle pad for a third time.

Conor Fuse: !rank

The word is whisper quiet, although the apron camera mic can still pick it up.

Time passes. Some fans cheer, others wait.

Conor taps the turnbuckle pad, a little more emphasis behind the tap.

Conor Fuse: !rank

But this time, there is no pause. He taps the turnbuckle pad almost immediately after.

Conor Fuse: !rank

And again.

Conor Fuse: !rank

With each hit, Fuse’s voice gets a little louder and a little more… passionate.

Conor Fuse: !rank

Tap.

Conor Fuse: !rank

Tap.

Conor Fuse: !Rank

Tap.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

Each tap, replaced with a more forceful blow.

Smack.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

Smack.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

Smack. Smack. Smack.

Conor Fuse: !RANK !RANK !RANK

By now, Conor’s breathing heavily, his eyes intense. Energy shoots through his veins and the crowd !RANKs along with him! This time, Conor wails on the padding, shaking the ring with passion yet unrecognized by Fuse’s tenure in High Octane.

Each smack, replaced with a REAL intense hit.

SLAM.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

SLAM.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

SLAM.

Conor Fuse: !RANK

It’s endless. The turnbuckle hammering goes on and on and on. The crowd, screaming with each !RANK chant… the intensity flowing through The Ultimate Gamer as he bellows into the rafter with each connection.

SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! SLAM!

Conor Fuse: !RANK !RANK !RANK !RANK !RANK

And now, Conor doesn’t even have to hammer the turnbuckle anymore, because the crowd continues !RANKing without the cue.

Conor hits it one more time anyway.

Conor Fuse: !RAAAAAANNNNKKK

Fuse raises the mic, walks to the middle of the ring and shouts into the microphone.

Conor Fuse: Conor Fuse has RETURNED!

RAAAAAAHHHHHH!!

Conor Fuse: And I, The Power-Up King, The Ultimate Gamer, The Video Game Kid… THE FUCKING VINTAGE… is calling out the number ONE !RANKED [crowd shouts !RANK in reply] wrestler in High Octane Wrestling… J. P. D!!!!!!

The lights in the arena dim as the HOV begins to light up. The words “The King has Returned.” echo throughout the building. The crowd stands on its feet as smoke begins to build on stage. The sound of Kingdom by Jaxson Gamble begins to blare as a spotlight shines on stage. The crowd cheers as smoke appears alongside Jace Parker Davidson with something in his hand. Jace looks out at the crowd that gives a mostly positive reaction before heading his way down the ramp. Jace uses his free hand to point up as Conor before hopping up to the ring apron. Jace steps through the ropes and requests a mic of his own as his music dies down and the lights shines again. Jace walks up close to the center of the ring and raises the mic up to his lips.

JPD: Now that’s the Conor Fuse we all know and love, am I right?

The crowd goes wild as more !RANK chants fill the arena. Fuse nods his head up and down to the passion of the crowd as Jace continues.

JPD: Glad to see you’ve found the light at the end of the tunnel, Conor. Later tonight I have to team with our mutual friend, Jatt Starr, but right now? This moment right here? This is all about me and you at ICONIC. #1 ranked versus the former HOW World Champion. I can’t think of a better match on the card than that. I wanted to thank you personally for the Playstation controller you got me and return the kindness. So, here you go.

Jace hands the box over towards Conor who looks both excited and confused. The crowd is hushed as Conor opens the box and his eyes begin to widen.

JPD: A little something vintage for THE VINTAGE himself. That there is the original NES Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game. I would spend hours upon hours on this game as a kid and I wanted you to have it. As hard as this game is…is as hard as I’m going to come at you at ICONIC. I consider you my friend, Conor, and I respect you but that doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy on you. I’m going to give you 110% so I expect that much if not more from you. Let’s burn the freaking house down in London.

Fuse nods aggressively at Jace’s remarks about their upcoming match so Conor steps right in front of the #1 !RANKED wrestler in High Octane and offers his hand.

The fans are a bedlam, they !RANK and chant along with both combatants.

Joe Hoffman: A fully focused Conor Fuse and JPD, who is CLEARLY at the top of his game… these two are going to blow the ROOF off at ICONIC!

Davidson returns the handshake. The arena is unglued!

Fuse and Davidson stare each other down, with respect and intensity… the crowd continues to show support for both of them.

Joe Hoffman: Well, this certainly is something!

Refueled aka Re-FUSED goes to commercial with both JPD and Conor Fuse staring each other down, taking in the moment.

Back live and we cut backstage where we see Blaire Mouse wearing a stunning blue blouse and a pair of black slacks. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail as she looks at the camera, her professional face firmly on.

Blaire Moise: Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time let me introduce one of the participants in our next match, David Noble!

David then steps into view, dressed for his upcoming match against Darin Zion. As he enters the frame, the fans in the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool erupt into cheers.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

David looks over at Blaire with an impatient look on his face.

Blaire Mouse: In two weeks time, at the O2 Arena in London, you have laid out a challenge to Jack Harmen. We’ve just learned from Harmen’s representatives though he is currently laid out with an injury and will not be making the trip across the pond. What are your thoughts?

David Noble: Man, I can’t believe you Blaire. I’m moments away from going out to a match with Darin Zion, who functionally works here. At least he shows up each week, I guess? I mean, when you look it up in the dictionary, Zion is simply alive and there’s not much else to say about him, right?

David then looks back at the camera.

David Noble: I’m sorry Zion. Blaire here doesn’t even think you have a chance here tonight, which probably says it all. These fans out here, they know what they’re getting when they see you walk out week in and week out. They see someone who just can’t quite cut it. Don’t believe me? Look at Blaire Moise over here, who has basically forgotten you’re even in this match coming up. We squared off briefly last week in the battle royal and I’ve gotta say, it was, well, what is there to say about you Zion?

David ponders this question for a moment.

David Noble: I think the only thing that can be said is that you’re underwhelming. It’s impressive that you’ve lasted this long on this roster, but at the same time, you just find of… float through here. I think when your contract comes up, they look at it, shrug their shoulders, and simply take pity upon you. You managed to get your second shot at the LSD title and simply couldn’t get over the hump. You’re not beating Sektor. You’re not beating Roberts. Best probably would rather swim in a pool of rat blood than have to stand in the ring with you.

David looks over at Blaire.

David Noble: What is it going to take, Zion, for people to give you some respect around here? What is it going to take for Blaire to remember you exist? Are people going to be walking home tonight and thinking to themselves… man, that Darin Zion, he did a good job tonight? I think we all know that’s not the case. They’re going to go home and not even think about you as you get that elusive number you’re waiting for. Number 15. As in your fifteenth loss.

David then looks back at the camera.

David Noble: And since I’m not a rude guy, I’ll answer your first question Blaire. I received news shortly after I got here about Harmen’s status and that a match at ICONIC is out of the question. Jack Harmen, I know you’re at home and watching this. Nursing your injury. Tony Davis is somewhere playing his Nintendo Switch. Mary-Lynn Mayweather is sitting there, showing you in your contract how you can sit at home, collect your paycheck, and feign an injury.. I know you’re watching because you’re too vain to not watch. You want to know if someone has something to say about you. You’re holding on to a past version of yourself, a version of you that earned the various championships you’ve held in your career. That version though is gone.

Beat.

David Noble: The reality is this, and I know Mary-Lynn is listening too, you are a distant memory now. Your best days are far behind you. While you have your sychopants that continue to prop you up, tell you how amazing you’re doing, that you’re doing the right thing, I’m over here being the one person that knows you that is telling you what reality actually is. You’re not Jack Harmen anymore, not at least the version that could compete in this ring. You’ve sold your soul for nothing Jack. You can run from this, but not forever. I will find you and I will end you for good. Maybe not at ICONIC in two weeks time, but one day, your day, is coming.

David then looks back at Blaire.

David Noble: You want to see what it would’ve looked like? Just watch my next match. Just don’t wait for Blaire to tell you when it’s on.

David then smiles at Blaire and walks off as Blaire looks back at the camera.

Blaire Moise: And now, well, time to cut it back to the ring for our next match.

Blaire then watches as David walks away while Blaire mumbles under her breathe ‘ass’.

We cut back inside the arena and “Happy Song” by Bring Me The Horizon blasts over the PA System.

Joe Hoffman:  Welcome back and we are ready for match number two of the night.  Let’s go to Bryan McVay in the ring.

Bryan McVay: Ladies and gentlemen.  Our next match will be one fall.  Introducing first…

McVay points towards the stage where Darin Zion, who is wearing a black leather jacket, comes out from the back.

Bryan McVay: …from Crown Point, Indiana.  Weighing in tonight at 220 pounds.  DARIN!  ZION!

Zion starts to walk down the ramp but then there’s a commotion behind him in the back.  Zion stops and turns around.

Joe Hoffman: There’s something going on backstage.  If you’re wondering why Meredith isn’t here with Zion, it’s because there was a ‘mix-up’ this week after an altercation between Jace Parker Davidson and Darin Zion after Refueled 82 and both men left with the other’s manager.

Meredith shoots out from the back and runs right to Zion.

Cue big embrace.

Joe Hoffman: As you can see, all is well with the world once again and Meredith is back with Darin Zion this week.

They couple stops briefly at the front of the stage and then both head down the ramp.   A much happier and relieved Zion slaps hands with the fans.

Joe Hoffman: Two weeks ago, Darin Zion looked good in his LSD title challenge against John Sektor only to have the rampaging redneck, Bill Dickinson, run in and attack Sektor late in the match.

Rolling into the ring now, 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.

Joe Hoffman: Then last week, Zion featured in the Battle Royal and was eliminated along with his opponent tonight- David Noble- by HOW Hall of Famer Jatt Starr.

Zion sneaks a quick look over at Meredith and then shakes his head as he mentally prepared for his upcoming match.

Bryan McVay: And his opponent…

The lights dim in the arena and “Heaven and Hell” by Kanye West erupts over the PA system.

Bryan McVay: …weighing in at 245 pounds, hailing from Buffalo, NY…

From underneath the stage, Noble is lifted to the top of the ramp as the fans chant his name. He pauses for a moment at the top of the ramp, soaking in the cheers from the fans, as he’s dressed for his upcoming match, wearing a pair of blue jeans, a white shirt, and a black leather jacket.

Bryan McVay: …DAAAAAAAAAAAAAVIIIIIID! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOBLE!

Noble then makes his way down to the ring and enters it. He slams his forearm across his chest multiple times as he yells out to the fans while the music dies behind him.

Joe Hoffman: Noble looks to bounce back from his elimination last week in the Battle Royal against the man he was knocked out of the match with.

Then the music dies down as David Noble stands in the center of the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Joel Hortega will be the referee for this one.

Hortega does the pre-match check of both men and without any further ado, calls for the bell.

*DING-DING*

They meet.  Zion headlocks. Noble powers out and decks Zion with an uppercut!  Zion rolls out of danger and under the ropes before Noble can follow up.  He goes over to Meredith while Noble just glares at him.

Joe Hoffman: And as we just heard, Jack Harmen’s injury will prevent him from facing Noble at ICONIC and Noble was not particularly pleased at this development.

Noble appears particularly pissed as he hops up and down in the ring with a distinct scowl on his face waiting for Zion.  Zion back in.  Both men circle and lock up.  Noble rolls Zion to the mat and the two struggle for control.  Zion tries to roll Noble up.  Noble powers out.  Zion trips Noble and covers.

UNO!

Joe Hoffman: Noble kicks out.

Zion rolls Noble again…

UNO…

DO-

Joe Hoffman: Noble powers out again and the two jump to their feet for another standoff.

Again Noble’s eyes shoot daggers across the ring at Zion.  Zion stays at the ready and he projects a determined exterior towards his opponent.

Joe Hoffman: Both men trying to figure out the other in the early going of this match.

Noble and Zion reset and circle.  Lock up.  Noble gains the upper hand.  He corners Zion.  Zion fight back with a low kick.  He throws a forearm and then a big time chop that backs Noble up.  Headlock by Zion.  Noble escapes and rams Zion into the buckles!  Noble grabs him by the shoulder.  He turns him back towards him and…

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: Noble with a vicious chop and…

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: …ANOTHER CHOP and Zion backs into the corner.

Zion winces.  His chest is turning red.  Meredith shouts at Noble but…

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: A THIRD CHOP BY NOBLE!

The force of the chop slams Zion into the turnbuckle and causes him to stumble forward.  Noble then drives a rapid series of forearms to the face and whips him back to the corner.  Noble jumps to the ropes.

Joe Hoffman: Noble springboards off the ropes… ENZIGURI!

Zion goes down again and Noble is right on the spot to hook the legs.

Joe Hoffman: Cover!

UNO…

DO- 

Joe Hoffman: No!  Zion kicks out.

Noble with an armbar and tries to put maximum pressure on the air.  Zion backflips out.  He takes an arm drag of his own but Noble backflips and captures Zion arms.  He pulls Zion’s arm back and digs his knee into the shoulder blade.  Zion realizes he’s close to the ropes and reaches for them with his foot.

Does he reach the ropes?

Joe Hoffman: Yes!  Zion’s foot just brushed up against the rope and Joel Hortega immediately calls for a break.

Noble releases the hold and steps back.  He paces back and forth waiting for Zion to rise.  Zion takes his time but he uses the ropes to pull himself up.

Joe Hoffman: And we are right back to square one.

Collar-and-elbow tie-up.  This time Zion seizes the advantage with a side headlock.  Noble counters.  He lifts and tries to side suplex Zion- Zion flips over and drives Noble head first to the mat with a bulldog.

Joe Hoffman: Beautiful counter from Darin Zion.

Noble gets back to his feet clutching his head.  Zion drives elbows in.   Noble’s stunned.

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: ZION WITH A BUZZSAW KICK!

Zion spins around for another kick.  Noble blocks so Zion switches up… *SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: ENZUGIRI BY ZION!

The Liverpool crowd pop as Noble collapses to the mat.  Zion hooks the legs

UNO…

DOS…

Joe Hoffman: Surprise pinfall by Zion but Noble kicks… COVER!

Zion with a backslide.

UNO…

DOS…

Joe Hoffman: NO!  Noble kicks out and he rolls out of the ring.

Noble takes a quick walk around the ring to gather himself.

Joe Hoffman: Earlier this week, Noble questioned whether or not he could ‘carry’ Darin Zion to a good match.

He takes a couple deep breaths and tries to settle himself down.

Joe Hoffman: So far, I think Zion’s more than held up his end of the bargain.

Noble waits for Hortega to start a ten count.

UNO…

DOS…

TRES…

Zion waits patiently and confers with Meredith.

CUATRO…

CINCO…

At six, Noble rolls back in.

Joe Hoffman: David Noble is once again in the ring and we will start again.

Noble and Zion circle.  Lock up- no, boot to the midsection by Noble.  Spinning elbow by Noble.  Zion ducks under. Noble spins Zion.  Waistlock.  Lift and turn.

Joe Hoffman: SPINEBUSTER!

Zion scrambles to get to his knees.

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: SHINING WIZARD BY NOBLE!

Noble goes right for a pinfall.

UNO…

DOS…

TR-NOOOOOOO!

Joe Hoffman: ZION GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Noble crouches and waits for Zion rises back up.  Noble springs- Zion counters with an arm drag takedown and hops to the second rope.  Noble back up as Zion launches himself up and over.

Joe Hoffman: SUNSET FLIP BY ZION!

UNO

DOS…

Joe Hoffman: No! Noble kicks out!

Zion goes up top again.  He steadies himself as Noble gets up.  Noble goes over and stops Zion.  Zion tries right hands to regain control.  Noble no sells them and gets set.

Joe Hoffman: That slight hesitation may cost Zion…

He throws Zion off the top rope and down to the floor.

Joe Hoffman: …and it does!  Zion sent sprawling to the floor and Noble goes to the top turnbuckle.

Noble jumps and drives a double ax handle to the square of Zion’s back.  After Noble gets back to his feet, he pulls Zion up and flings him into the steel steps.

Joe Hoffman: Those steel steps are not forgiving…

*BAM*

Joe Hoffman: …OH!  Again, Noble slams Zion head first into the steel steps and that busted him open.

Meredith shrieks at the blood streaming from above Zion’s eye.  Noble points at her and warns Meredith to back off.  Then he bends down and picks up the crumpled and bloody heap known as Darin Zion and rolls him back into the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Noble hooks the legs and we’ve got a pinfall here.

UNO…

DOS…

TR-NOOO!

Joe Hoffman: Zion just… JUST gets a shoulder up before Hortega can deliver the three count.

Noble drives a boot to the face.  Boot to the chest.  He pulls Zion up and snap mares him right back down.

Joe Hoffman: Zion’s proved to be a tougher nut to crack than David Noble thought he would be and that’s despite the fact Darin’s been forced to wrestle Noble’s style of match so far.

Noble to the ropes- he drops an elbow on the return.  Zion rolls towards the ropes.  Noble follows.  He climbs up to the top turnbuckle and jumps down.

Joe Hoffman: Double stomp to the gut of Zion.

Noble tries to drag Zion back to the middle of the ring.  Zion kicks out and catches Noble with a glancing shot to the jaw.  Zion rolls to his feet.  Right hand by Zion.   Another right hand.   And a third.

Joe Hoffman: Darin’s fighting back now…

He whips Noble- no, Noble reverses and sends Zion across the ring to the opposite corner… forearm shot to the face by Noble.

Joe Hoffman: …but David Noble again turns things back to his favor.

Noble races across the ring.  SPEAR! Cover.

UNO…

DOS…

Joe Hoffman: Noble speared Zion at full speed and somehow Zion kicks out again.

Noble crouches down and waits.  On wobbly legs, Zion manages to get back to a standing position and…

*SMACK*

Joe Hoffman: RISE UP!

The jumping knee strike connects flush and Zion topples over.  Noble covers.

UNO…

DOS…

TRES! 

*DING-DING-DING*

Bryan McVay: Your winner at twelve minutes and thirty-eight seconds… DAVID NOBLE!

As Kanye West’s ‘Heaven and Hell’ fires up again over the public address system, Hortega raises Noble’s arm in victory as behind them Meredith quickly climbs into the ring to check on Zion.

Joe Hoffman: Darin Zion again shows a lot of toughness and resilience and the ability to take a lot of punishment.  David Noble used his ‘disappointment’ over not facing Jack Harmen at ICONIC to fuel his win tonight over Zion.  We will have more Refueled 83 right after these messages.

Back live and “Enemy” by Anna hits and Bobbinette Carey emerges leading Narciso, the Mario Maurako body double, to the ring via Dog Chain and collar. Carey gives the collar a good yank jolting Narciso and sending the message he needs to keep pace with her. They get to the ring and Bobbinette demands that Narciso go first and hold the ropes open for her. Narciso starts to lower the ropes and Bobinette changes her mind, yanking the chain again and screaming at him “You think I need a man to open the ropes for me!?”. Narciso looks perplexed but obeys. They get into the ring and Bobbinette instructs Narciso to fetch a microphone for her and he does.

Bobbinette Carey: You Liverpool fools have chosen to put your faith in one of HOW’s most toxic men in its history. But where is he now? Where is your hero?

The Liverpool faithful rain boos down upon The Woke Queen.

Bobbinette Carey: Last week I declared myself the winner of ICONIC. Albeit preemptively, still there’s no sight of hide nor hair of Mario Maurako in any arena. It is safe to say the Legacy that his family has built is over. However, you cretains have been blowing up my various Social Media platforms and it has become obvious to me that for you to understand this proclamation you need to see someone get pinned. Since, it is the holiday season and seeing as how I am a giving, gracious, woman. I will pin this man now, so the three count can ring out across the land and I can be awarded the victory and once and for all prove that I am better than that mountain of toxicity Mario Maurako.

The crowd boos as Bobbinette rolls her eyes and laughs. She points down at the ground to Narciso who quickly and willingly gets onto his back and lays in the middle of the ring. Carey angrily calls for a referee to get into the ring. Finally Joel Hortega makes his way into the ring.

Bobbinette Carey: I have shown my gender superiority as well as my benevolence in the situation that I’ve handled with grace and hubris. I have been more than understanding in waiting for Mario to make his appearance and since it has been weeks of radio silence, let’s just get it over with. Happy Holidays!

Bobbinette places her right foot on the chest of Narciso and Carey screams at Joel Hortega to make the count. Hortega looks conflicted but drops down and begins to make the count.

1….

2….

“Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva hits and the place goes banana. Bobbinette removes her foot off the chest of Narciso and faces the ramp smiling and motioning for Mario to come on down as she takes a fighting stance. After a few seconds pass no Mario emerges. Instead the HOTv lights up with Mario Maurako laying in a hospital bed, complete with hospital gown and ECG leads connected to his chest.

Mario Maurako: Hey there Carey. Sorry I haven’t been as present as I would have liked to be, but as you can see I’ve been holed up here after your little stunt with the defibrillators. That’s on me, I should have saw that coming.

Bobbinette Carey laughs hysterically in the ring patting herself on the back.

Mario Maurako: But I’m not the only one who is missing things right in front of their face Carey. While you have been tormenting the World, I have been in discussions with Lee about him recouping the 10% ownership of HOW from yours truly. You really should have known that was going to happen following your former protoge’s shenanigans.

The camera zooms in on Carey’s face to show a look of concern.

Mario Maurako: You want to know the deal we reached don’t you? Of course you do! Well, as I’m speaking to you right now the ink is drying on a brand new 1 year contract for yours truly. Which means, contrary to your line of thinking, I am not gone after ICONIC.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and Carey feigns being unconcerned.

Mario Maurako: That’s not all. After ICONIC we normally get into our Lee Best Invitational, well that’s not quite the case this year. This year we will be competing in the Mario Maurako Tag Team Invitational… AND I have reserved the right to name TWO TEAMS!

Bobbinette’s eyes bulge out of her head as the fans come out of their seats with excitement! Mario starts removing the ECG leads and he stands up out of his hospital bed.

Mario Mauarako: And just to be clear Bobbi. I am cleared for ICONIC and I cannot wait to Marvelously manhandle your ignorant ass!

The camera gets a nice face shot of Bobbinette Carey as she grits her teeth in anger.

Mario Maurako: Oh, and one last thing, that is not what you were missing, that was right in front of your face. That is.

Mario points at the screen as Carey looks on and then Narciso spins Carey around and lifts her up and drops her with a uranage suplex. The building is shaking with the fans in attendance jumping up and down with excitement. Narciso removes the dog collar and “mic drops” it down onto the chest of Bobbinette Carey. Narciso rolls out of the ring and backs up the ramp where he is greeted by Mario’s son Mosé who embraces him and they share a laugh as we cut to an unscheduled commercial break.

Back live and we cut to ringside, where we see Doozer already in the ring and the Hall of Fame announcer ready to call tonight’s next match of the evening.

Joe Hoffman: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen for our next contest of the evening where we have Cecilworth Farthington taking on the man already in the ring, Doozer. Let’s get this match underway.

“Mr. Finish Line” by Vulfpeck beckons forth the man known as Cecilworth Farthington, attired with the finest of towels draped across his neck. The number one contender to the High Octane Wrestling Championship bounces out jubilantly from the back to the stage with a smile a mile wide. He stretches out his arms and spins around in sheer joy at the clear non-existent adulation being doled out by the crowd while being careful to ensure not a single inch of his beautiful skin is caressed by any of their pauper hand.

Bryan McVay: From Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom; weighing in at a lean and trim 187 Pounds; please welcome CECILWORTH! FAAAAAAAAARRRRRTTTTHHHHIIIINNNNNGGTOOOOOOOON!

Convinced he is the most adored man in High Octane history, Cecilworth leaps up on the ring apron and looks out into a very unimpressed audience, blowing out kisses and giving a regal wave to his subjects, soaking in the nothingness provided back to him.

Bryan McVay: And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts; weighing in at 273 pounds, please welcome……DOOOOOOOOZEEEEER!

Farthington leaps into the ring and rushes over to the referee to give him a polite handshake, handing a signed photograph of himself over in the process. He repeats this process to a very confused ring announcer, uncertain why this event keeps repeating itself.

Joe Hoffman: Farthington looks ready, but Doozer doesn’t. Ever since the Dooze came out during the Carey segment he looks like he’s not in his right frame of mind.

Boettcher signals for the bell.

Ding. Ding.

Joe Hoffman: And here we go…..

Doozer and Farthington come out of their respective corners and meet up in the center of the ring. Doozer and Farthington begin to circle one another but the sound of a baby crying gets the Dooze’s attention and the Hall of Famer takes advantage of the situation by rocking Doozer with a Gentleman’s uppercut that sends Doozer back into the corner. Farthington runs full speed and drives the wind out of Dooze’s sails with a knee to the gut. The Hall of Famer pulls the former Tag champion from the corner and quickly hits a swinging neck breaker. Farthington pulls Doozer to his feet and the number one contender locks in a front chancery and lifts Doozer up and brings him back to the canvas on his head.

Joe Hoffman: Worthless.

Farthington grabs Doozer’s arm and rotates him over to where Doozer is away from the ropes before pulling back on the arm and Doozer has no choice, but to tap out.

Boettcher signals for the bell.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Bryan McVay: Your winner by submission…..CECILWORTH! FAAAAAAAAARRRRRTTTTHHHHIIIINNNNNGGTOOOOOOOON!

Farthington lets go of the hold and begins to jump for joy inside the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Dominate victory for Farthington as he heads into ICONIC to face the World champion, but Doozer didn’t look himself. Hopefully everything is alright……maybe he has had some restless nights or something and needs to get some rest. I for one hope we see him after the holiday break.

The action cuts away as Farthington is seen heading up the ramp stoically.

We cut to the parking lot of the arena and we see a limo sitting. The license plates on the limo give away who is more than likely inside…

HOWMOB

To confirm that assumption we see the driver open the back door and we the brother of Lee Best, and Uncle to the World Champion, Michael Oliver Best exit the limo.

The ten years younger brother of the GOD of HOW stands and stretches and as he does the crowd inside the arena begins to boo unmercifully as we see Michael is wearing a Manchester United #7 jersey.

MOB: The papers have just been signed…….its all legal baby……lets go inside and make it a reality.

Michael is smiling from ear to ear as several EPU agents arrive from inside the arena and surround the man. They escort him into the arena where they disappear as we head to a commercial break.

Back live and we cut to Hall of Famer announcer Joe Hoffman

Joe Hoffman: Welcome back everyone and my GOD do I have questions for Mr. Best. There are so many unknowns about his role here in HOW and I for one have NO CLUE what is the official pecking order around here. Mr. Best referenced signing some papers and making it all legal….but what does that mean??I dont know that, but what I do know is that right now it is time to put some pen to paper for the LSD Championship match at ICONIC.

We cut inside the ring where a table has been set up inside the ring with a single chair. Blaire Moise is standing in the ring as well.

The opening riffs of “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ by AC/DC fills the arena.

Joe Hoffman: …and it is time for the contract signing between LSD Champion John Sektor and challenger ‘Redneck’ Bill Dickinson.

LSD title belt around his waist, Sektor emerges from the curtain. He pauses on the stage and looks out as the HOW fans inside the M & S Arena in Liverpool make a lot of noise.

Joe Hoffman: John Sektor has defended the LSD just once in the run-up to ICONIC defeating Darin Zion by disqualification when Bill Dickinson jumped into the ring and attacked him.

Joe pauses as the song hits the chorus. The fans in Leeds sang along a couple weeks ago to Sektor’s entrance music and the Liverpool fans decide they too are going to belt out “DONE DIRT CHEAP” during the chorus.

“Dirty Deeds… DONE DIRT CHEAP
Dirty Deeds… DONE DIRT CHEAP
Dirty Deeds… DONE DIRT CHEAP
Dirty deeds and THEY’RE DONE DIRT CHEAP…
Dirty deeds and THEY’RE DONE DIRT CHEAP …”

Sektor smiles and nods. He makes his way down the ramp and rolls into the ring.

Blaire raises the microphone to formally introduce the LSD champion.

Blaire Moise: Ladies and gentlemen. In the ring right now for this contract signing is the reigning, defending High Octane Wrestling LSD champion… The Gold Standard of HOW… JOHN SEKTOR!

Sektor takes the LSD title belt and holds it up high in the air as the crowd cheers.

Behind Sektor, the HOV comes to life.

Blaire Moise: And now, joining us tonight from the MVW Television Studio in St. Louis, Missouri. He is…

On the HOV, there’s a table sitting inside a wrestling ring as well. Former HOW World Champion and MVW Owner Ray McAvay and MVW’s Chief Business Officer Laura Bergman are seated at the table. There’s an empty seat in between McAvay and Bergman.

Blaire Moise: …the challenger… the three-hundred-and-thirty-pound Southern Brawler… “REDNECK” BILL DICKINSON!

Dickinson appears on the HOV accompanied by his valet- ‘Texas Cowgirl’ Haley Dallas. Dickinson’s dressed up in his Sunday best- nice pants, nice shoes, and a nice buttoned shirt save a small red smear on the cuff which may or may not have come from a recent deer hunting expedition.

He even shaved for the occasion and, oh, he also has a bottle of Truck Stop Honey beer in one hand. Dickinson takes a swig of it as he heads around the table and eases past Bergman to his chair.

Dallas sports an all-black wardrobe tonight wearing a black overcoat that covers up her black outfit with black boots, black sunglasses, and a black cowboy hat that covers her blond hair.

Joe Hoffman: Bill Dickinson knows he’s stumbled into the chance of a lifetime, a shot at the big time that’s eluded him throughout his twenty-year career. But not all dreams have happy endings and we’re going to find out if Bill Dickinson can handle the spotlight shining down on him when he steps out on the big stage at ICONIC.

Dickinson puts the beer bottle down and takes his seat at the table while Dallas stands right behind him.

Sektor turns away from the HOV and takes a microphone from the hand of Blaire Moise, looking around at the fans before bringing the mic to his lips.

John Sektor: Before we get down to business, there’s something that I wanna get off my chest.

He pauses as the crowd waits in anticipation, his expression looking very serious.

John Sektor: Last week’s Lethal lottery? Was a fucking farce!

The crowd pops as he spits his words out like venom.

John Sektor: The one chance. The ONE chance everyone who is not a champion has to get a shot at one of these belts?

He says as he holds up the LSD championship.

John Sektor: And most of those lazy fucks use it to take a week off! What a fucking joke. And you know, I cussed out the entire roster a few weeks back. I did that with the hope of lighting a fire inside of somebody. Looks like that plan failed and now? Here we are. All I can say is..

He smirks as he looks around at the Liverpool crowd.

John Sektor: Thank fuck that shit happened in Manchester and not here in Liverpool!

There’s a huge pop from the crowd as Sektor fires a shot at their fierce, rival, neighbours.

John Sektor: I’ve always loved this city. You know why? Because the people are real. They’re smart. Which means they are smart enough to realise that what I’m about to do is a fucking dumb idea.

He says turning with a stern look towards the HOV.

John Sektor: At Iconic I will defend one of the greatest championships in the professional wrestling industry against a man who has never wrestled in front of a crowd bigger than a couple of thousand. Against a man who has never seen the bright lights of a big time pay per view event. Against a man who, because of all that, seethes with jealousy. Because when he looks at me? He looks at the man he wished he could have been. And when he looks at my protegee Adam Ellis? He see’s the potential he never had so he was been pushing my fucking buttons for weeks, all to get this opportunity.

The crowd boos as Sektor references this information. Sektor looks towards the HOV where Bill Dickinson is staring into the camera.

John Sektor: Well here we are Bill. That contract sitting in front of you grant’s all your wishes to come true. You get a taste at the big time. You get a shot at my LSD championship. But don’t get too excited.

Bill narrows his eyes.

John Sektor: You need to remember that you are where you are, and I am where I am for a very good reason. Because I am the best in the World and you aren’t even the best in MVW!

Crowd: “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”

Sektor smirks, as does Bill who just nods as though it’s water off a duck’s back.

John Sektor: See I’m not fucking around here Bill. I ain’t gonna underestimate you. I’m not gonna shy away from you. I’m going to stand toe to toe and fight you.

There’s a glint in Sektor’s eye as the aggression gurgles from the back of his throat.

John Sektor: You want your fifteen minutes of fame? Sign that contract then. I’ll give you your fifteen minutes. You can smell the sweat that I’ve put into the leather of this title and you can start to dream. But then I’ll embarrass you on the biggest stage in professional wrestling and send you crashing back to reality you dumb, fucking, red-neck!

Before responding, Dickinson gulps down the rest of his Truck Stop Honey and puts the bottle down. He looks squarely into the camera.

Bill Dickinson: Well, thank god I don’t embarrass easily then.

Ray McAvay lets out a chuckle and nods in agreement. Laura Bergman? She covers her mouth and tries not to laugh.

Bill Dickinson: I seem to remember when you were the world champion going up against Halitosis… who I believe was th’ underdog in that little scrap… and you tried to embarrass him. The way I see it, Bill Dickinson ain’t got nothin’ to lose here, Johnny. I mean, how in the hell could some dumbfuck, redneck hick from Alabama knock off the mighty John Sektor? But hell, how could Johnny Sektor, Hall of Fame wrassler, lose a world title to a guy with bad breath? Now that’s embarrassing.

Dickinson grins and winks at the camera.

Bill Dickinson: Johnny boy, for ‘bout twenty years now I’ve wrassled in all kinds of independent wrestling companies all over the country. I’ve seen just about everything. I’ve taken on all comers… I’ve wrestled some great wrestlers over the years. I know just how good you are. I know you’re damn good. Thing is tho, I think I’m pretty damn good too. So I guess I’m gonna take this shot and sign this here piece of paper…

Dickinson takes a pen from the table top and signs the contract.

Bill Dickinson: …and find out how good I really am.

Bill stands up to get ready to leave. But then he bends down and has one last thing to say.

Bill Dickinson: Know this, I ain’t afraid of you and I ain’t afraid to lose to you. Once that ol’ bell goes off, you and I are going to dance.

Then Dickinson slides out from behind the table and exits.

Sektor stares at the screen, his eyes narrowed.

Joe Hoffman: Folks, if I didn’t know any better I’d say the Gold Standard looks a little rocked here. After all, Bill has nothing to lose but Sektor has laid it all on the line.

Sektor clicks the pen and raises it to his mouth, licks the nib whilst all the while staring at the HOV. He then leans down and signs the contract before throwing the pen across the ring and lifting the LSD championship into the air. His music then plays.

Joe Hoffman: Well that’s it. Both men have signed on the dotted line and it is now official. At Iconic, John Sektor will defend the LSD championship against Redneck Bill Dickinson. Something tells me this one’s going to be explosive. We got more action to come but right now lets cut backstage.

As we cut backstage we see Scott Stevens standing outside the Official’s locker room and Blaire Moise is next to him.

Blaire Moise: Scott, you asked for this time because you have some breaking news.

Blaire asks the Texan who has a smirk on his face.

Scott Stevens: That’s right Blaire I do. You remember I won this battle royal last week at Lethal Lottery?

Blaire shakes her head yes.

Scott Stevens: Well because people can’t be professional enough to carry their weight around here, or do things that are asked, I was asked to reveal what I intend to do.

Blaire’s ears perk up.

Blaire Moise: You’re going to reveal what champion you are going to challenge?

Blaire asks to clarify.

Scott Stevens: That’s correct.

The crowd in the arena grows loud with anticipation.

Blaire Moise: What champion are you going to announce you are facing here tonight?

Stevens shoots her a confused look.

Scott Stevens: Apparently we have our wires crossed because I wasn’t going to reveal my answer tonight.

The arena deafens in boos.

Blaire Moise: Then why did you ask for this time?

Blaire asks with annoyance in her tone.

Scott Stevens: That all will be revealed at…….

Stevens lets the pause linger.

Scott Stevens: ICONIC!

A mixed reaction fills the air.

Blaire Moise: Thanks for your time.

Blaire goes to leave but the Texan stops her.

Blaire Moise: Something else?

She asks with intrigue.

Scott Stevens: Yes. I just want to say that it was a pleasure talking to Michael Oliver Best…….again.

Stevens states with a wink before heading into the referee’s locker room as we cut away to a commercial.

Back live and we immediately cut to Joe as it is time for our next match.

Joe Hoffman: Welcome back folks and it seems like we will find out quite a bit at ICONIC regarding quite a few folks on the roster. But what we still don’t know is what stipulation Bobby has chosen this week for match six of his Gentlemen’s Series with Steve Solex. What we do know is that if Steve Solex loses here tonight, the Hall of Famer is out of a job! Let’s go ringside!

Brian McVay: The next match is number six in the Gentleman’s Agreement Best of 7! Bobby Dean currently holds a 3-2 advantage and if Steve Solex does not win tonight, Steve Solex will be fired!

The crowd cheers at this news, but quickly switch to a frenze of boos as the lights in the arena dim and “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold comes over the PA system. The crowd explodes into a fury of boos as the montage of Steven Solex airs on the HOV. Each picture pulses in rhythm to the music. Silence fills the arena as the HOV dims.

Joe Hoffman: Here comes the Hall of Famer…

Suddenly, a mushroom cloud bursts on the HOV, sending plumes of smoke throughout the M&S Bank Arena. As the smoke clears, Steve Solex is shown standing with his back to the ring in a red jersey. The crowd boos wildly as Solex stands still at the top of the ramp.

Joe Hoffman: Solex giving the heat to the fans here in Liverpool. That’s a Ronaldo jersey he’s wearing, and it has really sent this place into a frenzy.

Solex marches down the ring as the Liverpool fans, dodging the beer and trash being thrown by the fans.

Bryan McVay: Introducing first, from Huntington Beach, California… weighing in at 252 pounds. He is Haalllllll of Faaaaaaammmmmer STEEEEEEEEEEEVEEEE SOOOOOOLLLLLEXXXX!!!

Solex slides under the bottom rope as the fans continue to boo, but then suddenly…

Bryan McVay: And his opponent…

The glorious beats of the eighties motivational song “You’re the Best Around” by Daniel Esposito begin to play and the crowd jumps to their feet in anticipation. Bobby darts out from behind the curtain onto the entrance ramp and the crowd goes ballistic.

Brian McVay: Weighing in at a stunning Three-Hundred…

McVay struggles to compete with the deafening crowd as they sing along to the best damn entrance theme in the business.

“YOU’RE THE BEST!”

Brian McVay: Sixty-nine pounds!

“AROUND!”

Brian McVay: Hailing from Houston…

“NOTHING’S EVER GONNA KEEP YA’ DOWN!”

Brian McVay: Texas!

“YOU’RE THE BEST!”

Brian McVay: Beeeeeeautiful! BOBBY! DEEEEEEAAAANNNNNNNN!

Bobby Dean climbs the steps and enters the ring. He walks past Solex waving goodbye as the crowd cheers wildly.

Joe Hoffman: Bobby Dean is asking for a mic. Let’s see what he’s got in store for Steve Solex.

Bobby walks over to the opposite corner of Solex and gets a microphone from the time keeper.

Bobby Dean: Seeing as this is going to be the last match you’ll ever have in HOW, Stevie. I’m going to make things last just a little bit longer for you.

Joe Hoffman: What is he talking about?

Bobby Dean: In order to win tonight, Steve…you have to pin me. But not to the count of three, Stevie. You’ll have to pin me to the count of five!

The crowd cheers wildly as Bobby tosses the mic over his shoulder and out of the ring.

Joe Hoffman: Interesting dynamic here! Solex cannot win by countout, disqualification, or any other technicality. He must pin Bobby Dean, and he must do so to the count of five! Talk about an advantage!

The two men meet each other in the center of the ring, belly to chest. Bobby Dean mouths the words “You’re gonna get fired” to Solex, and Solex seethes in rage as the crowd cheers on the plumpy one. Solex mouths back “Fired?,” and then plants a kick right into the belly of Bobby Dean.

DING! DING! DING!

Solex tries to surprise Bobby with a quick small – big – package pinning attempt. Referee Joel Hortega slides in for the count

UNO!!!

…

DOS!!!

…

TRES!!!

…

Joe Hoffman: Bobby is mocking Solex with a middle finger as the referee must continue to count!

…

QUATRO!

…

Joe Hoffman: Bobby kicks kicks out at….four.

Bobby gets to his feet and rights himself. Solex springs up as well and stomps the canvas in frustration. The crowd taunts Solex.

Joe Hoffman: Solex is livid at the fans!

Solex shouts at the fans in the front row in frustration, pointing a finger directly at a man wearing an eGG Bandits shirt. The man grows a big smile and points behind Solex sarcastically.

Joe Hoffman: What a punch by Bobby Dean.

Bobby spins Solex around and lands a hard punch. Bobby whips Solex off the ropes and crumbles Solex with a flabby clothesline. Solex is back up to his feet quickly, only to be knocked right back down by another Bobby Dean clothesline. Solex is again quick to his feet, but is immediately scooped up by Bobby Dean.

Joe Hoffman: Bobby Dean teasing the crowd here as he walks from corner to corner with Steve Solex hoisted up for a body slam!

SLAM!

The crowd goes bananas as Bobby Dean slams Solex down in the center of the ring like an 80’s nostalgia act. Bobby pulls down an elbow pad and shows off for the cheering crowd once more before dropping an elbow and making a cover.

UNO!!

…

DOS!!!

…

Joe Hoffman: Solex kicks out at two!

Bobby pulls Solex to his feet and whips him into the corner. Dean walks over as he plays to the crowd.

Joe Hoffman: Bobby dancing around like a boxer here and is repeatedly landing a stiff jab into Solex’s face!

Bobby goes full Muhammed Ali and shuffles his feet, but fakes a punch and instead puts an elbow right between Solex’s eyes. Solex is dazed and Bobby takes advantage by doing some Rocky style body work on Solex. He goes body, body, head on Solex.

Joe Hoffman: Bobby getting in some really good offensive here as he pummels Solex with a series of punches!

Solex turns backward in an attempt to cover up, but Dean grabs a fistful of hair and begins to smash Solex’s head into the top turnbuckle. The crowd counts along as Bobby plays to them big time.

ONE!!!

…

TWO!!!

…

THREE!!!

…

FOUR!!!

…

FIVE!!!

…

SIX!!!

…

SEVEN!!!

…

EIGHT!!!

…

NINE!!!

…

Bobby pauses for dramatic effect.

…

TEN!!!

Bobby smashes Solex’s head into the top turnbuckle one more time and then quickly – well, as quickly as Bobby can – drops to the ground, and Bobby rolls Solex up school-boy style for a cover. Hortega is right there for the count.

UNO!!

…

…

DOS!!

….

Joe Hoffman: Solex is in serious danger here!

….

TRES!!!

Joe Hoffman: NO!!! Solex gets his shoulder up just in the nick of time!

Solex is able to roll backward out of the hold, and charges toward Dean.

Joe Hoffman: What a punch by Bobby Dean!! Solex is wobbled!

Bobby Dean lands a stiff hook that lands on Solex’s temple and wobbles the Dad-Soldier back into the corner. Dean plays to the crowd and rubs his belly before he takes off in a mildly fast sprint and smashes Solex in the corner.

Joe Hoffman: Solex is on wobbly legs and stumbles out of the corner.

Bobby walks backward and waits for Solex to stumble in closer…

Joe Hoffman: Chocolate Mist!!!!

But Solex ducks. Bobby is confused and tries to wipe the syrup from his chin. Solex flips him around…

Joe Hoffman: Bobby missed and walked right into the Solexecution!!!!

The stunner doesn’t put Bobby down, but he’s clearly out on his feet and he walks right into a kick in the gut that doubles him over…

Joe Hoffman: Solexplex!!!!

Solex hooks bridges high and clasps his hand together as he hooks for the pin. Referee Joel Hortega slides in for the count.

UNO!!!

…

…

DOS!!!

…

…

TRES!!!

…

Dean begins to squirm and struggle, but Solex’s grip stays strong.

…

QUATRO!!!

…

…

CINCOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Joe Hoffman: Solex gets the pin and avoids termination!

Solex releases Dean and climbs to his feet. The crowd boos wildly as Solex takes the center of the ring and hoists two fists high up in the air before falling back down to a knee and clenching his side.

Brian McVay: The winner of this match, and moving on to face Bobby Dean for a seventh time at ICONIC….STEEEEEEVEEEEEEEEEE SOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEXXXXXXXXX!!!!!

We cut backstage after seeing a final shot of the Liverpool crowd cascading boos down upon Solex.

We open up backstage where a whistle follows Arthur Pleasant down a corridor in the M&S Bank Arena here in Liverpool, England. Almost skip-like in his steps, Pleasant’s jovial demeanor turns into something a bit more… sinister. Making a left into the boiler room, Pleasant slows his pace.

A makeshift holding cell is set up there. Two armed guards are to either side of the front of the steel bars making up this temporary prison. Inside, his back to the door, is Jeffrey James Roberts.

JJR: Arthur Pleasant, I presume.

Roberts calmly puts down the small puzzle box in his hands and stands up from his cross-legged position, turning to face the visitor. He stands still, arms down by his sides, center of the cell, eyes on Pleasant, a small smile touching the edges of his mouth.

Arthur notices the camera is there, watching Jeffrey and He. Sighing, Arthur looks at Jeffrey and speaks with his hand pointed at the camera.

Arthur Pleasant: “I came to you, friend, because I wanted to know what you thought of our opponents’ promos for this show? I know it’s uncommon practice to get together with a teammate and have a little ‘creative workshop’ of sorts, but given how neither of us gives a flying fuck about uncommon practices, I figured I would approach you about it straight up. So, how do you feel about The Jatt and Jace Express? Because I fucking hate everything they’re about.”

Jeffrey snorts, almost dismissively.

JJR: “I’d probably hate them, too, if I had ever given either one of them the first thought before this week.”

Pleasant nods.

Arthur Pleasant: “Well I don’t know about you, but I need to get some things off my chest.”

Roberts smiles, still very calm.

JJR: “Be my guest.”

Jeffrey smirks. Arthur turns his attention towards the camera.

Arthur Pleasant: “I feel like your hot fucking garbage needs a little response, boys. Sure, I’m aware that neither Jeffrey nor myself even have to respond to you, but given how benevolent we are… we certainly will. Because if there’s one thing I believe in, and I’m getting the sense that Jeffrey here believes in it too, it’s letting our opponents know their message has been heard loud and clear.”

Arthur pauses and looks down, choosing his words carefully, he smacks his lips before continuing.

Arthur Pleasant: “We are the Devil’s Advocates, and we give no quarter to anyone who crosses us. Let’s get that out of the way at the onset of this. So, based on that mantra, you wanna shoot with me? Oh you go for it, boys. But if you do? Like you did? Expect a response in kind. Hence where we’re at now, mere moments away from our match. You honestly believe, Jace, that the God of HOW was being… straight with you, and the rest of the locker room, when he told everyone Arthur Pleasant left HOW back in the summer because of a fucking… loss? At War Games? Where I made my mark and then some before getting caught in an unexpected roll-up by someone I already beat? If that’s the case then you, and Jiles last week, are even fucking more naïve than I originally thought… and frankly, I don’t even know why the fuck you boys would stay on here in HOW. But hey, I can’t make dolts like you think for yourselves. That either comes naturally, or comes in the form of a fucking boot being driven into your goddamn temple. I believe in the latter, as will be witnessed once the night comes to a bloody end.”

Pleasant laughs.

Arthur Pleasant “We’re both going to make sure you get the fuck out of our way as tonight marks the first step towards a journey into history. Tonight, as we stomp, smash, and smolder our way over you both, it will be the launchpad for the Devil’s Advocates to dominate the tag team landscape in High Octane Wrestling. You’ve all been fucking warned.”

Roberts looks up at the camera himself, and with a mock apologetic shrug, speaks into it as well.

JJR: “I do have to apologize for my friend, Jace. He’s a passionate guy, what can I say? But you know…. now that I think of it, there are a few things I’d like to say to you.”

Roberts turns his head slightly and holds up a finger in front of him for emphasis.

JJR: “I made it a point to show you due respect. Your partner is a worthless quivering pile of cliches and tropes from the mid-2000s, but you…. I had such high hopes for you. Now, I’ve been in prison for ten years, so maybe I’m not up to date on all of the cool ‘gotcha’ lines, all of which my good friend the 4th Wahl would appreciate greatly, but I think even ten years ago, when they were hauling me into court to face dozens of whimpering family members of my victims, I would have found your forced charm a little less than convincing. And you don’t even pay attention, do you? I’m an open book, my friend. You aren’t breaking any new ground. And while I’m sure all of that tired trash works on most of the unintelligent ‘wrestlers’ you come up against, I’d have to lose a hundred IQ points to be as smart as you, and I no longer have the high hopes for you that I once had. Maybe if you are still a 13 year old boy at heart, and the extent of your ability to try and be interesting is in kidnapping women and trying to convince them to look at your dick, then the modern version of High Octane Wrestling just isn’t for you. Maybe you should hop back into your time machine, and go back to a time when dick and pussy jokes were all the rage, and guys like you and Jatt Starr rode the gentle guiding hand of Lee Best to relevance, something you sorely lack now.

You think you can get under my skin, you walking Melrose Place episode? I’m very very adept at, quite literally, getting under…. people’s skin. The only thing that offends me about you is how fucking stupid you are. There’s nothing ‘spooky’ about me, except that I happen to be in prison for the rest of my life for literally carving up other human beings. Just because you can’t wrap your simple little mind around that doesn’t make you clever. GOTCHA!! No, you got nothin’. You think we’re dogshit, Jace? Well what the fuck does that make you when you lose to dog shit? And what do you gain by beating dog shit? Fucking moron.

Now then… since we’re winding down to our official meeting in the ring, I’ll leave you and Jatt Starr to your gameday preparations. God knows if you don’t stare down some poor female while giggling “heh heh, boobs”, it might throw your whole evening off. So go on, slip your little half-pecker into whatever or whoever you like, because after tonight, when you think of us, I promise you… you won’t be laughing anymore.”

Roberts turns back to Arthur, and waves his hand as if to say, “the floor is yours”.

With that, he smiles, then turns his back to the guards and Arthur, and sits back down, cross-legged on the floor, and closes his eyes.

Arthur chuckles and steps toward the camera, looking up at it and frowning.

Arthur Pleasant: “When we get in that ring in a few moments or whenever the fuck it is we’re actually on, you’re going to regret trying to shoot with the sickest, most violent competitors in all of HOW. Jatt, I thought you learned your lesson about bringing down your betters to your shitty level by teaming with John Sektor. Jace, I thought you learned your lesson when Darin Zion fucking beat you in the middle of the ring earlier this year. So if you want to keep going down those roads then the both of you better pick your fucking funeral plot.

Pleasant starts walking off, but stops himself. As he shakes his head in utter disappointment, he adds one final verbal jab.

Arthur Pleasant: “And here I fucking thought you were a veteran player, Jace. Not some stone-throwing, unimaginative, bush-league resident of another glass house on mediocre boulevard. No wonder you didn’t even crack the top 100… or 1,000.”

Arthur then walks out of the picture, clearly ready to take on Jace and Jatt with his partner in crime… in more ways than one as we cut to a commercial break.

Back from commercial we are taken to Blaire Moise who treks around one Brian Hollywoods locker room to notice the door just closed. She would have knocked but then noticed Hollywood turn the corner. She rushes around the corner to try and stop the Executive from heading onto whatever destination he was heading.

Blaire Moise: Excuse me Mr. Hollywood. I was hoping to catch a quick word from you.

Hollywood, who was in his street clothes and looking to leave the arena tonight, had his bag around his shoulder. He seemed to be in a certain “tranquil” mood tonight.

Brian Hollywood: Wow sounds like someone finally remembered how I am properly addressed around here. What can I do for you Ms. Blaire? I have a certain business venture I must see tonight.

Blaire Moise: Well as you know, ICONIC and the Hall of Fame are the hot topics around the town here in HOW and I wanted to get a comment on you being nominated for the HOW Hall of Fame vote and how you were feeling about it?

Hollywood lets out a brief smile before taking a moment to ponder Blaire’s question.

Brian Hollywood: Well…I feel content about it. I feel like it’s something that’s been in the works for a long time. I mean, what does one immediately say on the topic of being in the greatest Hall of Fame on the face of this planet? I know my name and my work in this company…it doesn’t matter who you ask around here and their opinion of me. It matters what I think and what I feel! Obviously our benevolent GOD has deemed me worthy to be inducted in the ranks of the legendary HOF along with several legendary names that have been associated with the enriched history of HOW and that’s all that matters.

Hollywood takes a little bit of a breath before continuing on.

Brian Hollywood: You see I’ve done some great things around here and I’m at the point in my career where I’m running the last half of my prime in HOW. I know I’ve got one last great run in me before I call it a career and if I can do something as impressive as running a one man Best Alliance and holding all the singles championships at once, then what’s stopping me from doing it again only this time around all on my own? I have everything I need to accomplish what I want to accomplish but if there’s one thing that clearly needs to be addressed it’s what I plan on doing next.

Blaire Moise: So ICONIC is only a couple weeks away and some have been wondering what you plan to do at the big PPV.

Hollywood closes his eyes for a short moment as he takes everything in. Clearly he has some sort of plan at the HOW show of shows but at the moment that was a mystery. Hollywood’s demeanor changes as a cocky and arrogant smile crosses his face.

Brian Hollywood: You see that’s the beauty in it all Blaire! There’s been one thing missing around here for quite sometime and it’s about high time that that gets answered. But first, the PPV will be a perfect place for yours truly Mr. Executive himself to take the next step in his evolution and it will be nothing short of beautiful because I am the Executive with a decree to punch around here but I’m more than that now…for I am the Hollywood Icon and it’s about time that people know just exactly what that means!

With that Hollywood proceeds on with his bag over his shoulder and a secret to carry on with him as Refueled cuts away.

We cut back to a man already in the HOW Hall of Fame…..

Joe Hoffman: Okay everyone, it’s main event time and it should be a good one. JJR and the returning Arthur Pleasant versus Jace Parker Davidson and Jatt Starr. To the ring and Bryan McVay!

Bryan McVay: This is the main event! It is a tag team match… introducing first the team of Jace Parker Davidson and Jatt Starr!

Both men come out together to a major cheer from the crowd. It’s clear Jatt is still getting used to the crowd liking him because it looks like The Ruler of Jattlantis wants to flip them off but doesn’t. Instead, he offers hugs although JPD tells him not right now and to focus on the match ahead. Jatt shrugs and decides that’s a good idea. They enter the ring.

Bryan McVay: And their opponents… “The Provocateur” Arthur Pleasant and the High Octane Television Champion… Jeffrey James Roberts!!

To no one’s surprise after the segment we just saw, JJR and Pleasant also come out together, although in a much different nature. JJR is flanked by his four security guards, hands out in front of him, ziptied. Arthur, meanwhile, strolls beside the five of them, eyeing Jatt and Jace in the middle of the ring with a facial expression of… indifference.

Joe Hoffman: I’ll be honest, I’m surprised to see Roberts and Pleasant enter the ring together… although I’m sure there’s no wife swap thing going on over there. At least I most certainly hope not.

Once JJR and Pleasant reach the apron, Roberts’ hands are released and the two of them walk to their corner.

Joe Hoffman: Looks like JJR and JPD are going to start things off. Our referee is Matt Boettcher and we’re about ready.

DING DING

Jace considers a grapple but Jeffrey James Roberts races towards him instead. Davidson is quick on his feet, though and steers the HOTV champion straight into an empty turnbuckle. JJR bounces off, spins around and charges JPD again. The former HOTV Champion leap frogs over Roberts, Roberts goes into the following ropes and JPD comes roaring back with a slingblade. The crowd cheers as Jace hip tosses JJR to the mat, then hip tosses JJR again to the mat… then hip tosses him a third-

Broken up by Arthur Pleasant who runs into the ring and annilahates JPD with an inside-out clothesline!

It’s like Roberts wasn’t even phased by the offence he received. Jeffrey shakes things off and immediately stomps the living hell out of Davidson with a sadistic look on his face. Meanwhile, Jatt Starr raises an eyebrow in the corner as if insinuating the cheap shot Pleasant pulled was more or less something he would’ve done.

Roberts Irish whips Davidson into the same empty turnbuckle Jeffrey met earlier. Jace bounces off and wobbles into a hurricanrana, mounted, with additional forearm shots by JJR into Jace’s temple. The champion makes sure he had a hold across Jace’s chest as he pulls the #1 ranked wrestler up and throws JPD into a modified German suplex. Roberts did not get all of it, though. Jace finds his feet… he’s the first one up between the two of them. And JPD returns the favour of an inside-out clothesline, sending Roberts crashing to the mat. JJR rolls out of the ring.

Pleasant attempts to enter, hoping to find a second cheap shot on Jace… but this time The Thane of Starrkarth flies into the ring and presents a barrier… a barrier Pleasant decides he doesn’t want to cross right now, so AP puts his feet back through the middle and bottom rope.

Joe Hoffman: Not this time, Arthur.

The Baron of Boca Jatton retreats to his corner as well and receives a warning from referee Matt Boettcher (Boettcher is on his way to warn Arthur Pleasant, too but stops when he sees JJR is perched on the top rope and Jace hasn’t turned around yet.)

Roberts jumps, Davidson catches him.

Fall away slam!

Joe Hoffman: And JPD tags Starr!

The Starrabian Knight enters. He latches onto Roberts’ waist and sends the champion flying halfway across the ring in a huge belly-to-back suplex. Starr keeps the momentum going, drop kicking the right knee out from under JJR… yet Roberts’ face suggests he might be enjoying what’s happening.

Roberts shoots upwards and catches Starr under the chin with an uppercut, then a superkick. Roberts turns to his partner and tags Pleasant.

The second Pleasant enters the ring, The Jattvian Prince meets him with a Jatti Mind Punch. Pleasant fumbles into his corner as Starr walks over. Roberts tries to rake at The Jatt-i Master but the Hall of Famer is crafty and leans back as he takes hold of Pleasant, hooks Arthur’s right arm behind his body and hurls him into the turnbuckle across the way. Jace raises his arms, making sure referee Boettcher knows there’s no funny business on his end. Pleasant meets the buckle sternum-first, bounces off and into an atomic drop by Jatt. The Jattinum Standard shoots into the ropes but Roberts kicks Starr in the back as Jatt hits them. It doesn’t hurt The HOW Classic so much as stall his momentum and then The Provocateur comes back with a recklessly looking high knee into Jatt’s temple.

Joe Hoffman: I hate to say it but Roberts and Pleasant are on the same page. I wouldn’t have thought these two, amen, clearly unstable minds would be able to do something like this but so far, so good.

Pleasant tries for a package piledriver but Starr anchors into the mat. Pleasant tries again… can’t do it, laughs it off and punts Jatt square in the chest instead. This shoots The Sultan of SeJattle upright, Pleasant runs into the ropes… and Starr nails AP with a powerslam upon return.

Joe Hoffman: Cover!

ONE.

TWO.

KICKOUT.

Roberts was about to enter the ring, likely too late but as Hoffman notes, Roberts is deceptively fast so he might have been able to break it up in time. Regardless, Starr hammers Mind Shots into Pleasant’s head before taking his opponent and walking him over to where JPD stands. Davidson tags in.

JPD flips over the top rope, pump kicks Pleasant in the side of the chest and bounces off the ropes. Pleasant tries for some kind of spear/tackle but Davidson side steps, kicks Pleasant in the ribs three times and then connects with a ripcord clothesline. Roberts thinks about coming in but Jace has eyes on him… and then Pleasant tries a package roll up!

ONE.

TW- KICKOUT.

Joe Hoffman: Not a bad idea, I have to say.

JPD’s on his feet. He pump kicks Pleasant, lifts Arthur and lands a gut wrench powerbomb! This time, Roberts sprints into the ring. Davidson attempts a hip toss but JJR lands on his feet, cracks his neck around, turns… and meets a superkick by JPD that the HOTV Champion catches! Roberts throws JPD’s foot upwards, forcing the high flyer to flip in the air and land on his feet. Davidson approaches for another superkick but Athur Pleasant hits JPD with a low blow.

Joe Hoffman: Boettcher never saw it!

Roberts is steered to his corner by the referee and Arthur taunts Jatt from the middle of the ring. The second Starr even thinks about entering, obviously Boettcher runs over to stop it. This allows Roberts to position himself on the top rope and Pleasant puts Davidson into a package piledriver position. The Provocateur performs the move as Roberts does a corkscrew press, landing his legs across JPD while the piledriver is hit!

Joe Hoffman: Well, damn…

Boettcehr slides into position for the pinfall.

ONE.

TWO.

SHOULDER UP!

The fans come alive as Pleasant has significant questions for referee Matt Boettcher. As Roberts sways wildly from side-to-side in his corner, it’s clear the TV Champion doesn’t seem to care too much. Arthur, eventually, brushes it off, lifts JPD from the mat and walks the #1 ranked wrestler into a turnbuckle pad, head-first. Pleasant dummies Davidson’s head off the top pad over and over and over. With Jace reeling, Pleasant looks for a cradle tombstone piledriver… walking Davidson to the center of the ring…

Joe Hoffman: Oh what an escape by Jace!

As the play-by-play announcer mentions, Davidson slips out, hits the ropes and drills Pleasant with a knee shot. The Provocateur eats the knee hard, stumbles around and falls into his corner. Roberts tags himself in. JJR leaps over the top rope, ducks a superkick from Jace and bounces into the next step of ropes. Roberts tries for a slingblade but Davidson ducks and Roberts slides across the canvas. The champion is right back up, however, and attempts to charge JPD again… but JPD moves.

Now Roberts becomes frustrated. He gnaws, pulls at his own face and once again charges JPD.

Easily, Davidson moves.

Joe Hoffman: This has to be the one weak point of Jeffrey, his loss of temper… when he can’t get things going. The funny thing is it’s not like Jace has been able to connect with anything right now, either. JPD just keeps dodging.

Roberts should collect himself but he keeps on coming and Davidson keeps on dodging. Finally, JJR steers straight into an empty turnbuckle pad and JPD tries for a backslide pin.

ONE.

TWO.

BROKE UP BY PLEASANT!

This cues Jatt Starr, who runs in and ejects Arthur Pleasant out of the ring, only to follow himself and the two begin brawling.

Joe Hoffman: I think Davidson had Roberts! Jeffrey was surprised by the backslide, likely anticipating an offensive move, not a pinning attempt and he was dead-to-rights!

As Pleasant and Starr fight around the outside of the ring, Davidson’s on his feet. Jace kicks away at Roberts who rests on his knees. Davidson sprints into the ropes and dropkicks Jeffrey smack in the face! This is followed by a deadlift into a German suplex and a bridge.

ONE.

TWO.

KICKOUT!

Roberts rolls over his head and onto his chest. Davidson, meanwhile, uses the ropes to rise before turning around and finding Roberts struggling.

Springboard cutter!

Joe Hoffman: It’s all JPD here!

JPD continues kicking at JJR, working the crowd to cheers as he does. On the outside, Jatt Starr avoids a poke to the eyes, shakes his head with disappointment and follows-up with an eye poke of his own. Jatt shouts at Pleasant “that’s how you do it” before hurling AP into the guardrail and returning to the fan favourite corner.

Boettcher was watching both Starr and Pleasant, telling them to take it back to their respective sides. Matt ends up keeping his eyes on Arthur Pleasant for an extra second or two, not seeing Starr on the turnbuckle and tag in. Once Boettcher turns, he sees The Champion of Jattanooga is the “legal” wrestler in the ring, applying an armbar to Jeffrey James Roberts. Boettcher will have none of it. Davidson shouts from his corner there was a legal tag but Boettcher demands he didn’t see it. Starr drops the armbar and exits the ring as JPD slings himself over the top rope-

SMACK!

JJR falls to the mat after his HARD as shit superkick catches Davidson under the chin. Roberts has a brief look on his face like he finally got JPD.

Joe Hoffman: Well this went in a sour direction fast.

Roberts collects himself. He crushes Jace with a missile dropkick and then drops JPD on his head with a sickening looking German suplex. Roberts sprints into the ropes, leaps off and hits a moonsault, where Roberts’ knee drives straight under Davidson’s chin… into his neck. The crowd can hear Jace gasp for air after the move is connected.

Meanwhile, Arthur Pleasant has found Jatt Starr and whips The Jattlantic City Idol’s feet out from under him. Starr’s head connects with the ring apron and Arthur Pleasant follows with a DDT on the outside.

Joe Hoffman: This is over! Roberts has a pin on Davidson!

ONE.

TWO.

BARELY A KICKOUT!

The crowd comes alive as JPD shows signs of life and Jeffrey Roberts doesn’t know what happened. The tormented inmate glances down at JPD with wide eyes… eventually dragging the former World Champion to a vertical base and looking for his brainbuster setup move.

Jace escapes. He’s into the ropes…

Joe Hoffman: OH MY-

JPD looks for a spear but Roberts catches him in midair and turns it into a DDT! JJR hooks a leg.

ONE.

TWO.

SHOULDER UP!

The fans come alive again, ralling their feet for JPD. On the outside, Arthur Pleasant is on the apron and tries for a single leg dropkick but Jatt Starr hits the floor when Pleasant comes flying through. The Saviour of Starrkham follows with a ManJattan Drop and a springboard dropkick off the guardrail, the Sparrow Dynamics!

Joe Hoffman: The tides have turned!

Davidson and Roberts slug it out in the middle of the ring before Jace hits a knee smash when Roberts bends over. Davidson scissor kicks JJR to a knee, bounces into the ropes, perhaps looking for his curb stomp finisher when Roberts falls to the mat, purposefully, on his back.

Jace changes it up in-mid air.

Joe Hoffman: Splash by Jace!

But it’s instantly reversed into an arm wrench submission…

Joe Hoffman: JPD’s in the ropes!

Davidson’s the first up. He wastes little time, hitting the ropes and- suddenly Roberts finds a second wind. He crushes Davidson with another superkick under the chin and then the Mask of Sanity!

Joe Hoffman: JJR’s going to the top rope!

Starr sees this. He sprints over, for as fast as the Hall of Famer can sprint… trying to get to the top rope in time. He’s JUST about there, too, but Arthur Pleasant cuts Jatt off. AP hits Starr with a modified single-leg dropkick, the Provocation.

And JRR finds JPD with his shooting star press, the Shooting Star Guillotine.

Joe Hoffman: Dammit!

ONE.

TWO.

THREE.

DING DING DING

The crowd boos as Arthur Pleasant licks his lips on the outside and Jeffrey James Roberts rolls over, eyes glazed, staring into the rafters.

Joe Hoffman: This was a hell of a fight. I think the match shifted when Jatt, who LEGALLY tagged in, wasn’t able to do so. Jace wrestled a lot in this match and wasn’t able to overcome Roberts.

The Provocateur enters the ring and takes a knee in the corner, looking on at the collateral damage he and Roberts put on display.

Joe Hoffman: I have to hand it to JJR and Arthur Pleasant. I didn’t think they’d be able to do it. Roberts, also to his credit, overcame a lot earlier on. Jeffrey’s near impossible to beat right now, even if it looks like he’s going down…

Refueled comes to an end as Roberts’ theme song plays. Boettcher hands JJR the High Octane Television Championship but it simply falls to the ground. The show goes off the air with Roberts exiting the ring, being met by his security guards. JJR puts his arms forward, they ziptie cuff him… and Arthur Pleasant watches it all happen in the corner of his ring with a sadistic, yet calm smile as we cut to our final commercial break of the evening.

Back live and we see Michael Lee Best and Cecilworth Farthington walking backstage towards the gorilla position. The crowd explodes with jeers for the two Hall of Famers as Mike is wearing his ‘Cecilworth Farthington is my favorite wrestler’ t-shirt while his best friend is wearing one that says ‘Mike Best is my favorite wrestler.’ Our camera cuts down to Joe Hoffman.

Joe Hoffman: Well here we go folks. I had no idea that Mike and Farthington would be coming out here tonight, but I don’t think anyone in HOW knows when these guys are going to grab on air time. It is their world and we are just paying rent.  These two will face off for the World Championship in only a matter of weeks so kudos to them for coming out here now to give us the last sell for the match. I have to admit that Farthington looked DANGEROUS earlier in his quick work of Doozer…..and Jiles the week before.

Joe is cut off as Mike’s theme hits the PA system

HALLLLLLELUJAH! 

HALLLLLLELUJAH!

HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

HALLEEEEEEEELUJAH!

Joe Hoffman: Lee Best had always wanted this match, and he must be rolling over in his wherever he is at the mockery these two men are making of the High Octane World Championship!

Our camera cuts backstage as Michael Lee Best and Cecilworth Farthington are about to step out onto the stage when Clay Byrd, still with his arm in a cast, sprints across the camera’s view and levels both men with lariats. Farthington, having taken the cast to the back of the head, slumps down while The Behemoth turns and leaps onto Mike Best.

Joe Hoffman: CLAY BYRD! CLAY BYRD IS ATTACKING THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BACKSTAGE!

The Monster from Plainview rains down forearm shot after forearm shot with his cast into Mike Best’s face as the EPU finally round the corner of the long hallway, and storm through the curtain into gorilla position. Clay keeps teeing off, blasting Mike over and over in the face as the EPU pulls the six-foot seven, two-hundred and ninety-five pound monster off of a bloodied Mike Best.

Joe Hoffman: CLAY BYRD IS HERE TO FIGHT!

The Behemoth is throwing EPU off of him with his arms, while trying to still kick at Mike Best who has curled up into a defensive posture. Clay Byrd is yelling and screaming something as a horde of EPU tackle Byrd down to the ground.

“WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK IS GOING ON HERE??”

Michael Oliver Best is seen walking briskly towards the carnage and stops and kneels down to check on his nephew.

MOB: Get the medical team here now…….NOW!!

The Uncle holds the Champions head in his lap as he sees the EPU start to carry Byrd away.

MOB: WAIT…..bring him to me.

HOW Medics quickly arrive on the scene and they begin attending to the World Champion and Farthington.

Michael Oliver Best slowly stands up as medics attend to his nephew and he walks towards Byrd who is still struggling to break free from the EPU clutches….but to no avail.

MOB gets directly in the face of Byrd and gently places his hand on the man’s face.

MOB: I get you being angry about your arm but do you honestly feel like this was going to end…….well?

Byrd’s eyes are red with rage as he struggles to get free but again he is held back and this time more forcefully as another EPU agent quickly nails Byrd in the ribs with his baton. Byrd would have fallen to his knees after the blow, but he is held up and is gasping for air as Oliver turns around and sees his nephew and Farthington being loaded onto stretchers.

He then turns his attention back to Byrd.

MOB: You might have just fucked up the Main Event match at ICONIC and I know your Byrd brain cannot comprehend the big picture of what that means so let me just do what we Best’s do when we are pushed.

Oliver reaches into his pocket and Byrd’s face changes from rage to fear as the anticipation of what usually happens when a Best reaches into his jacket pocket….but there is no Bottomline pen that emerges.

Instead Michael Oliver Best pulls out a piece of folded up paper and smiles as he starts to unfold it in front of Byrd.

MOB: Now I obviously planned to walk down that ramp and do this in front of all those scousers wearing this amazing Ronaldo jersey BUT you have forced my hand and if this is where this has to happen….so be it.

Oliver walks up to Byrd once again and stops a few inches from the man and begins to read:

To Whom it may Concern:

As of December 5^th 2021 I, Michael Oliver Best, have secured 100% ownership of High Octane Wrestling for the Best Family. As acting Power of Attorney for my brother Lee Best, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the family that the ICONIC show be canceled…..

Oliver pauses as he sees the shock in the eyes of Byrd and the gasps from the crowd inside the arena can be heard all the way backstage.

Once again the brother of the GOD of HOW smiles as he looks back down at the paper and continues reading.

MOB: ….the ICONIC show be canceled from being a one day event and will now air two nights live in the O2 Arena in London. Night one will be Main Evented by the LSD Championship and the second night will only feature one match…….The World Championship Match.

Again, Oliver pauses as he lets that set in for everyone.

MOB: The World Championship Match will feature the following men…….GOD willing……

Oliver pauses for the final time and nods at an EPU agent who quickly delivers a couple more blows to the ribs of Byrd, knocking the wind out of the man.

MOB: A gentlemen recognizes another gentlemen when he sees one and I am proud to state that Mr. Farthington….and again GOD willing….will compete with and against his Best friend Michael Lee Best for the World Championship…….ALONG with these men who truly deserve it:

• #1 Jace Parker Davidson and #2 Jeffrey James Roberts will compete for the chance to end the year as the Wrestler of the Year and World Champion as they have EARNED the right per their rankings to wrestle for the top prize in the land.
• The man that was NEVER given a proper rematch, an old rule that is no more, Mr. Conor Fuse will get his chance at redemption as he gets his rematch for the World Championship.

Oliver once again pauses to allow everyone to take in the addition of Jace, Fuse and the HOTv Champion to the World Championship match at ICONIC.

MOB: And finally, per one of my brothers final wishes, the original HOW Hall of Famer and man that will forever hold a special place in the heart of the Best Family…….Mr. Jatt Starr. I personally do not think Mr. Starr has EARNED this right but it was Lee’s wish to have Starr wrestle for the top prize at the last ICONIC……so let it be and let us all see if he will take this final opportunity to heart.

Oliver drops the piece of paper to the ground and grabs the slumping Byrd by his chin and looks directly into the man’s eyes.

MOB: You tried to ruin our Main Event and you better pray to your Pigeon God that my nephew is 100% for ICONIC. You will be punished for your actions here tonight….but not yet. First I will honor the right you EARNED before your CLASSIC EMOTIONAL outburst tonight……Clay Byrd…..good luck in the Main Event at ICONIC. It truly will be a glorious thing to see you fail at the very thing you want most in the world.

Byrd smiles and as he does it triggers something in Oliver as the Best grabs Byrd’s groin and twists HARD.

MOB: I am a gentlemen but do NOT push me Byrd. You will not like it.

Tears begin to well up in the big Texan’s eyes as Best twists one final time before letting go.

He reaches out one final time into his jacket…..and pulls out an object……..

A bottle of 97Red hand sanitizer and drops a few drops into his palm and rubs his eyes dry.

MOB: Time to cleanse this retched company and it starts at ICONIC.

With that the show goes to black as we see Oliver nod his head and every EPU agent begins to beat Byrd with batons as the show ends.

NIGHT ONE: Sunday December 26th
LSD Championship Match
Bill Dickinson vs. John Sektor©

Singles Match
Mario Maurako vs. Bobbinette Carey

Gentlemen’s Series Match 7
Bobby Dean vs. Steve Solex

Ladder Match for ??
Brian Hollywood vs. Darin Zion vs. David Noble vs. Xander Azula

NIGHT TWO: Monday December 27th
World Championship Match
#1 Jace Parker Davidson vs. #2 Jeffrey James Roberts vs. #5 Conor Fuse vs. #5 Clay Byrd vs. #8 Jatt Starr vs. #16 Cecilworth Farthington vs. #4 Michael Lee Best©