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#FWD21 - The International Professional Wrestling Council Presents: WrestleSlam Countdown Special (Part 1)
(History: The IPWC is a council that oversees and sanctions matches both for its own titles, and works with Aurora Championship Wrestling (ACW) Ark of Kings Wrestling (AKW) and Evolution Wrestling Federation (EWF) as members of a global wrestling powerhouse that comes together for several shows a year to put the best against the best to see who truly are the greatest professional wrestlers alive. This is the first supershow pitting champions against champions, organization against organization, with grudges coming to ahead from the personal to the ideological. Unified Champions will be crowned during this momentous first step into wrestling's future. This is the IPWC.)
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(The iconic graphic of the International Professional Wrestling Council appears on screen. As the image slowly fades out, the iconic sonic sounds of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” crescendos over a video package of the stars set to compete on the inaugural supershow featuring the best that Aurora Championship Wrestling, Ark of Kings Wrestling and the Empire Wrestling Federation have to offer. The package ends, fades to black and two men appear on screen — lead commentators Nate Rodgers and former ACW and EWF heavyweight champion “The Prototype” Jake Summers — with a glint of excitement in their eyes as the beginning of the biggest even with the best professional wrestling on earth draws nearer.)
Rodgers: Welcome everyone to the countdown show to the biggest wrestling extravaganza of all time! Sanctioned by the IPWC, the best and brightest across the world are coming together for the supershow to end all super shows -- . Over the course of the show we’re going to run down the entire card featuring the likes RnR, Scott Steiner, Bruno Sammartino, Manami Toyota, Madusa, Verne Gagne, the New Age Outlaws, among many more. But in our main event is the cherry on top as Japanese legend and AKW Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa will compete against someone you’re familiar with Jake, one of the greatest ever in ACW Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart to crown the first ever IPWC World Heavyweight Champion n a winner takes all, title for title 2/3 falls contest with no time limit…
Summers: Let me cut your Hart love fest off right there Nate. It’s no secret Hitman and I don’t see eye to eye and we never will. The hatchet will never be buried nor should it ever be, but talent recognizes talent and Hitman is one of the greatest ever, but the question is how he’ll handle the punishing offence of the Emerald Warrior, Mitsuharu Misawa.
Rodgers: You really do hold a grudge, don’t you?
Summers: He took my title.
Rodgers: And it was really…truly…one of the best calls of my career.
Summers: …
Rodgers: In any case, we’ll dive deeper into this colossal title unifier and crowning of the first ever IPWC world champion later in the show, as well as the big grudge match between Scott Steiner and Bruno Sammartino as well as many more. But in addition to the whole rundown, we have two matches lined up for you on this show. Later on Jushin Thunder Liger will be defending his AKW Junior Heavyweight title against Chavo Guerrero, with a date with the Great Sasuke waiting on the horizon. But for now let’s head down to the ring for our opening contest, as Raven takes on local indie talent Mr. Showtime.
(Already in the ring, the young up and comer Showtime waits impatiently in the ring for his opponent to arrive. The lights dim as The Offspring’s “Come Out and Play” cues up)
Ring announcer: And now coming down the aisle from The Bowery. This. Is. RAVEN!!!
(Raven emerges through the curtains slowly walks down to the ring, and stops at the apron — his gaze locked on his young opponent, hoping to intimidate him. Showing no respect for the young upstart, he turns his back to Showtime and performs his trademark pose. Little does he know…)
Commentator: Showtime bounces off the ropes and takes off up and clear over the top rope! Corkscrew plancha right on top of Raven! Oh my god, he doesn’t even know what hit him.
(The crowd explodes as the hardcore savant, sprawled out on the floor, tries to get his bearings. Showtime slides back into the ring as Raven slowly returns to his feet…)
Commentator: Here he goes again!
(Showtime makes another running start, hits the ropes as the crowd is abuzz as Mr. Showtime takes flight as Raven gets to his feet. Showtime takes off, looking for a Tope Atomico…)
Commentator: Oh my lord! Raven baited Showtime and he goes crashing down into the guardrail.
(Raven picks the confused Showtime up and throws him into the steel steps. Showtime flips clear over them and crashes hard on the other side. Raven walks over, picks him once more and rolls him into the ring. Raven stares down the referee on the outside, grabs a steel chair and slides it into the ring. He sets up the chair in the middle.)
Commentator: Raven with the Irish Whip into the ropes and drop toe hold on Showtime as he faceplants into the chair. He looks out of it as he crashes hard into the mat.
(Raven glares back at the referee on the outside, who slides into the ring. He signals for the ringbell.)
Commentator: And the match is finally underway, but I’m not sure Showtime has anything left at this point.
(Raven picks up Showtime and holds him in a front headlock and sets him up for the finish. With one swift move, Raven plants Showtime headfirst into the mat violently.)
Commentator: Evenflow DDT, that’s all folks. Raven with the laxed pin. 1……2……3. Raven with the win.
(Boos rain down on Raven as he slinks back into the corner. Showtime slowly rolls out of the ring and wobbles on the outside, stumbling as officials come to his aid. Back in the ring, Raven gets on the microphone.)
Raven: Young man, there will be a place for you in my flock when you are ready. But that will only happen when you realize the fallacies in who you are. You are weak. You hide behind your theatrics because these succubus fans demand highlights for their lives when it’s all just a mask for their insecurities and will to live vicariously through others slightly more significant than themselves. It is a mask, and it is my mission to cleave the deceit from your minds and reveal the true nature of your corruption to become what you are meant to be. An agent of chaotic truth. Only then can we be free from the anguish of mediocrity. So it is written, so it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, never more.
(Raven is showered with more jeers as the camera shifts its scene to studio)
Rodgers: Showtime had a quick start, but all it took was one error and Raven capitalized on his mistake quickly.
Summers: That’s why you can’t give any opening to your opponent, especially someone like Raven. It wouldn’t happen to me though.
Rodgers: Like that time you said Bret couldn’t lace your boots?
Summers: Let’s just get to the rundown…
Rodgers: First up, we have the ACW Tag Team Title match with the champions the New Age Outlaws taking on Perry Saturn and John Kronus, the Eliminators, with a match for the IPWC Tag Championships hanging in the balance. The Outlaws are crafty as always, but I’m not sure they can handle the physical, punishing offence of the Eliminators.
Summers: I agree. Saturn and Kronus are no slouches and if Gunn and Road Dogg play their usual game, their title reign is doomed for Total Elimination. The Outlaws need to play to their strengths…
Rodgers: …meaning they need to cheat like you used to. Because they just can’t handle the physicality of Saturn and Kronus.
Summers: They need to be smart, otherwise their reign is done.
Rodgers: Next up Nova and “The Squire” Dave Taylor meet up in a clash of styles, with Nova’s innovative offence coming up against Taylor’s rough, hard-hitting British style. Nova is going to have to hit Taylor, quickly and be on his game if he hopes to wear Taylor down to hit the Kryptonite Krunch.
Summers: Taylor is one of the best wrestlers in the game. We’ve tangled many times, and while he’s never beaten me, I don’t think he’ll have a hard time tying Nova into a pretzel and putting the fear into this superhero wannabe. Nova can and fly through the air and dress like superheroes all he likes, but in the end of the day Taylor will overwhelm him.
Rodgers: In one of our featured matches we have another clash of styles as the ever-durable Japanese legend Yoshihiro Takayama will take on Mexican legend Mil Mascaras. Takayama may not be as well known here in the States as Mascaras, but don’t count him out for a second. He’s tough, he’s physical and if you disrespect him it’ll be a long night. Mascaras has his worked cut out for him.
Summers: Mascaras is all show and no go, where Takayama is battle tested and ready to put Mil is every bad position possible. Takayama should win, but I feel like Mil’s craftiness will help him eek out a win.
Rodgers: “Craftiness,” eh…
Summers: I can get you fired.
Rodgers: You can’t, I have a no-release clause.
Summers: …
Rodgers: Next up, we have a trios contest with the Gentleman Chris Adams teaming up with the Can-Am Express against members of Don Callis’ new faction, the legendary Verne Gagne and new tag team the Natural Born Thrillers Sean O’Haire and Mark Jindrak.
Summers: Callis’ team is a perfect blend of veteran grit and raw athleticism. Together I don’t think Adams, Furnas and LaFon will have anything for Callis’ elite trio, and I’m sure Don has put together an ingenious game plan to counter anything Adams and the Express have to offer. Gagne and the Thrillers take this easily.
Rodgers: I disagree…
Summers: You would.
Rodgers:…I think the Thrillers are very untested and I think Adams, Furnas and LaFon can exploit their inexperience pull this out to put them line for Trios title contention at our next big event -- ________ -- in a few months.
Summers: There’s nothing they have that’s a threat to Callis’ finely crafted team. For as good as Adams and company were, with Callis and Gagne’s leadership I think the Thrillers overwhelm with their high-impact offence that’s nothing like anything Adams, Furnas or LaFon have ever witnessed.
Rodgers: On the payroll now too? Carry his bags?
Summers: I respect his mind.
Rodgers: Well, that’s sweet of you. What’s also sweet is our first women’s contest of the evening as the ever-dangerous Jazz will take on Japanese dynamo Akira Hokuto in what could be a very long night for the EWF Women’s Champion.
Summers: For as physically impressive as Jazz is, if you’ve never seen tape on Hokuto you have no idea what’s in store for Jazz. Hokuto throws caution to the mind and imposes her physical brand of craziness on her opponents. She’s unpredictable, highly skilled and should make short work of the EWF champion.
Rodgers: Jazz’s EWF title won’t be on the line in this special attraction match, but there are two titles that are on the line as Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu will be defending their AKW tag team championships against the highly decorated, legendary tag team champions the Rock n’ Roll Express. Tsuruta and Tenryu are two physical brutes that can hang with the best in the ring and dominate them. But you can never count out Gibson and Morton, as more times than one have they eeked out a close match with the win when it looked like they were certainly done for.
Summers: The fans will be in their corner for sure, which will be great because I think they’ll spend most of their time in Tsuruta and Tenryu’s corner. The Japanese legends are a dangerous team, and with the IPWC tag title unifier on the horizon, I think they’ll impose their will on the Rock N’ Roll Express and expose them as the second rate team they are.
Rodgers: We have another big title match with Jushin Liger defending his AKW Junior Heavyweight Title against the Great Sasuke, however first he needs to get past Chavo Guerrero Sr. later tonight. What’s going through your mind if you’re Sasuke and you have to wait to see who your opponent will be this close to such a big show?
Summers: Sasuke is so good it doesn’t matter, but I have to question Liger’s decision to defend his title…
Rodgers: Well, he is a fighting champion, unlike you were….
Summers: This is why our team broke up, you’re insufferable. Anyway, this is a dangerous contest for Liger and he shouldn’t take Chavo lightly. I fully expect Chavo to upset the arrogant Liger.
Rodgers: I think we’ll see Liger retain, and then I’m so very much looking forward to Sasuke and Liger renewing acquaintances. In another major crossover match between AKW and ACW, Jin Akiyama will defend his AKW Openweight Championship against Lance Storm.
Summers: There’s something special in the Ontario water that Bret Hart missed out on being from that mountainous cesspool in Alberta. Lance Storm is one of the most technically gifted, athletic men to ever step foot in a wrestling ring and with the wiles to outthink his opponents, Storm should be able to outlast Akiyama who’s yet to really show he can win with any consistency. That said, despite Storm being Canadian and a beacon of hope in this horrid wrestling landscape, Akiyama is still battle-tested against some of the toughest men on the Japanese wrestling scene including Kenta Kobashi and the man who will end the charade of Bret Hart, Mitsuharu Misawa. Akiyama is not to be trifled with, but I think Storm outlasts him to take the Openweight title.
Rodgers: You’d make a great journalist.
Summers: Thank you.
Rodgers: And in our second big women’s bout and the first match of our triple main event, we have the AKW Women’s Champion and the ACW Women’s Champion going head to head to crown the first IPWC World Women’s Champion. Manami Toyota is one of the fiercest, talented competitors the world over and is the greatest of all time in my estimation. That being said, Madusa is a world-travelled champion everywhere she’s gone, not just in Japan, and that gives her an edge in this big match scenario.
Summers: Madusa is a fantastic competitor, but as usual you’re selling people short. Toyota is truly the most gifted women’s wrestler ever and her will and tenacity will help her – again – outlast, outwork and defeat Madusa.
Rodgers: I disagree. I think Madusa will impose her physicality and finesse the match in her favour to become the IPWC World Women’s Champion. Next up, there’s nothing on the line other than pride as two generations clash as the Living Legend Bruno Sammartino and All-American Genetic Freak Scott Steiner will clash in a grudge match to end their feud once and for all. What’s interesting about this one is they have very similar traits. Both are physical, both can outwrestle, but where they’re different is I believe that for as physically gifted as Steiner is, Bruno’s heart and iron will be the deciding factor here. I think Steiner exhausts himself early and Bruno takes over and secures the win.
Summers: Sammartino has been over the hill for years, and now there’s no way he outlasts Steiner for five minutes, never mind comes out on top. I expect Steiner to dominate from the start and never let up. I guarantee Steiner wins.
Rodgers: Interesting choice, I don’t think Steiner has a tank to beat him. We shall see. But finally though, in our main event, Bret “Hitman” Hart and Mitsuharu Misawa will clash for all the marbles as both men put up their respective ACW and AKW heavyweight titles in a winner takes all contest to crown the first ever IPWC World Heavyweight Champion. And to leave no question about who’s the #1 wrestler in the world, this match will be two out of three falls with no time limit, no DQs and no count outs. There will be a winner. Now, these men have met before, but that was before either was at the level they’re at now. So the question truly is, who has evolved the most since their previous match and can they beat the other twice in one night?
Summers: Given Bret can barely eek a win past me, I think Misawa has the intangibles to take the best of what Bret has – which is pawltry – and dish out some serious strong style offence to leave Hart hilariously crippled. Misawa takes this 2-0 inside a half hour.
Rodgers: Balanced as always… I disagree, I think Hart has a tall task ahead of him, but the intangible for him is his keen technical proficiency and ability to exploit weaknesses and break down his opponent’s body and mind. Misawa cannot be underestimated because he’s arguably the best ever, but the question is how much have Misawa’s wars taken a toll on his body. That may be the deciding factor, because I don’t think Misawa can outlast Hart once he zeroes on Misawa’s weaknesses. I think Misawa takes the first fall, but Hart comes back to win falls two and three to become the Unified IPWC World Heavyweight champion.
Summers: That shows how ignorant you are. Misawa can been through wars with the toughest men on the planet and comes out on top as champion. Bret can’t hold a candle up against gale force skills of Misawa and I think Hart’s title aspirations are getting snuffed out.
Rodgers: Bold prediction, but I think to truly see how it all unfolds you’re all going to have to tune in on PPV. Be sure to call your local cable providers and order the show because you won’t want to miss this momentous night of pro wrestling. We’ll also be joined by superfan Regis Philbin who will be serving as backstage correspondent and special guest ring announcer for the main event. As well Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins will be here live to kick off the show with a live set. Billy’s a huge wrestling fan and supporter of the business, as is Reg, and it’s great to have them both here. That’s all the time we have though, let’s take it back to the ring for the feature match tonight: Jushin Liger defends against Chavo Guerrero Sr.
(The image of Rodgers and Summers fades out as we return the roar of the crowd at ringside. The ringside announcer stands in the centre, with Chavo Guerrero Sr. already standing in the ring. The lights dim and the music of AKW Junior Heavyweight Champion Jushin Liger cues up as he makes his way down the aisle. He steps through the ropes and into the ring. He nestles himself in the corner opposite Guerrero.)
Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your main event of the evening. First, the man standing on my right. Weighing in at 229 pounds from El Paso, Texas. He is a member of the legendary Guerrero family. He is a former junior heavyweight champion around the world. This. Is. Chavo Guerrero! And the man on my left. Weighing in at 210 pounds from Hiroshima, Japan. He is the multi-time junior heavyweight champion and has captivated fans around the world. Here is the AKW World Junior Heavyweight Champion. Jushin “Thunder” Liger!
(The bell sounds and Liger and Chavo lock up in the middle of the ring. Chavo executes a standing swich, drops down and trips Ligers feet. He transitions up Liger’s body and wraps his head in a vice-like headlock. Liger works his way to his feet and pushes Chavo off him and into the ropes. Chavo rebounds off and ducks a Liger clothesline and bounces off the ropes again and runs toward Liger.)
Commentator: Liger with the Shotei! Guerrero is down!
(Guerrero returns to his feet but Liger grabs hold of him and irish whips Chavo once again into the corner. Liger charges Chavo.)
Commentator: Liger moves in attempts the Abisegeri but Chavo rolls out of the way! Liger crashes right into the turnbuckles.
(Guerrero takes advantage and stomps the downed Liger. He drags him back to the centre of the ring, picks him up and body slams Liger down hard on the mat. Chavo drops down for the pin.)
Commentator: One…Liger kicks out before the two count. Chavo is going to have to do more than that if he wants to pin Liger’s shoulders to the mat.
(Chavo picks Liger up off the mat again, spins him around and locks him up for the Gory Special.)
Commentator: Oh my, Chavo has Liger locked up in this painful hold synonymous with the great Guerrero family. Liger is screaming and…OH!!! Chavo drops back and pancakes Liger face first on the mat.
(With Liger down on the mat, Chavo executes Liger’s own surfboard move, putting Liger through ever more pain, stretching out Liger’s tendons to the point of snapping. Chavo rolls to his side and maintains control, only to raise Liger back above his body. He lets go of the hold and allows Liger to fall face first again to the mat. Chavo bounces off the ropes and performs a running elbow drop on Liger and attempts another pin.)
Commentator: One…t…Liger kicks out again. Chavo really needs to do more to put away Liger. Chavo is upset though… he picks up Liger, and grabs him by the head and neck. Chavo throws Liger’s arm around his head and lifts him up. Brainbuster!
(Chavo looks down at the champion. He picks the champion up, throws the champion’s arm around his head once more but as he lifts Liger up into the suplex position, Liger shifts his weight)
Commentator: Oh! Liger rolls through into a small package. One…two….KICK OUT! He almost eeked out the surprise win. Liger and Chavo are back up, and Chavo kicks Liger in the gut. He picks him up again into the suplex position and….ANOTHER Brainbuster!
(Chavo looks down again at the fallen champion, and then over to the corner. He drags Liger to the centre of the ring, arranging him close to the corner. Chavo climbs the ropes with his back to Liger and reaches the top. He sets himself and launches off, crashing down on Liger’s body with a moonsault. He goes for the cover.)
Commentator: One…..two….thr…..He kicks out! 2.9. Chavo is beside himself, but he’s shrugging it off and is heading right back to the corner for another moonsault. He climbs, takes off and….OH MY! He comes crashing down on the mat, Liger rolls out of the way.
(Liger stumbles to his feet, picks up Chavo and grabs him by the wrist. Liger pushes Chavo back into the ropes and Irish whips him into the opposite side. Chavo bounces off the ropes and as he does Liger rolls forward.)
Commentator: He hits the Abisegeri rolling kick! Liger picks up the pace, he’s back on his feet and raises Chavo up, kicks him in the gut and readies Chavo for a powerbomb. He lifts Chavo up and runs forward for an emphatically thunderous Liger bomb! With the cover! One! Two! Th…No! Chavo kicks out.
(Liger pounces back on Chavo and lifts him back to his feet. He puts him in the suplex position. He lifts him and….)
Commentator: Down with the devastating Brainbuster. Chavo looks completely out. Liger covers, the referee goes in for the count. One…
(the lights suddenly go out as a low buzz quickly envelops the arena. Inside the ring is utter commotion. The crowd grows concerned as the arena remains shrouded in darkness, interrupted by an emphatically loud thud… as though someone’s head had been driven into the mat. The lights back on. Liger lays unconscious on his back in the middle of the ring, Chavo with his arm drapped across Liger’s motionless body. The referee, is shocked and perplexed; moments before Liger had been on the cusp of winning. The only person who isn’t confused, is the man sitting down in the corner holding a microphone, his arms relaxed and draped across the bottom ropes as he peers across the ring at this handiwork.)
Commentator: What the hell!? What’s Raven doing out here?? The referee moves in for the count (one) no, not like this (two)! Damn you Raven! (three)
(It is no time for celebrating, no time for good feelings such as triumph. For what little cognizance Chavo has, he knows he didn’t truly win the title this day. But he leaves with the aid of ringside officials. More officials come into the ring to fetch Liger, but Raven lifts himself up and out of the corner and levels the official with an Evenflow DDT. The crowd boos, tossing garbage into the ring directly at Raven. He returns to the corner and sits back down, glaring at the fallen, motionless Liger. He lifts the microphone up to his lips.)
Raven: Your career is a lie. A preposterous fallacy, a tale you’ve woven to people in your life to hide your insecurity. To hide your inability. Your life is a mask, and it’s one you hide behind to conceal who you really are. I've seen him. Not the man who’s a husband and father, or idol to these simpleton fans, but a twisted soul who specializes in pain. It’s a pain you know now all too well, but it is only the beginning of a grander arc…
(Raven lifts himself back up out of the corner walks over to the barely conscious Liger. He reaches down and grabs his mask, tearing it off and away from his face to reveal the partial visage of the man behind the hero. He casts the mask down directly in front of the fallen former champion.)
Raven: Every hero has a dark tale, an origin. But the people they appear to become are twisted versions of the truth. Liger… I know your true face, and now that’s all you have left. I have taken your title. I have taken your dignity. I have taken your pride… I have… broken your spirit. And this Sunday, I invite you to meet me in the ring so I can consume your soul and leave you to rot as a vile husk of refuse and failure. Liger….All who wear masks wish to conceal their true nature, and it is my wish to expose that pathological hypocrisy to reveal the true face hidden behind the carefully crafted personas of men like you to illuminate who they truly are, little "Soul Eater." So it is written, and so it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, nevermore.”
(Fade to black)
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(The iconic graphic of the International Professional Wrestling Council appears on screen. As the image slowly fades out, the iconic sonic sounds of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” crescendos over a video package of the stars set to compete on the inaugural supershow featuring the best that Aurora Championship Wrestling, Ark of Kings Wrestling and the Empire Wrestling Federation have to offer. The package ends, fades to black and two men appear on screen — lead commentators Nate Rodgers and former ACW and EWF heavyweight champion “The Prototype” Jake Summers — with a glint of excitement in their eyes as the beginning of the biggest even with the best professional wrestling on earth draws nearer.)
Rodgers: Welcome everyone to the countdown show to the biggest wrestling extravaganza of all time! Sanctioned by the IPWC, the best and brightest across the world are coming together for the supershow to end all super shows -- . Over the course of the show we’re going to run down the entire card featuring the likes RnR, Scott Steiner, Bruno Sammartino, Manami Toyota, Madusa, Verne Gagne, the New Age Outlaws, among many more. But in our main event is the cherry on top as Japanese legend and AKW Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa will compete against someone you’re familiar with Jake, one of the greatest ever in ACW Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart to crown the first ever IPWC World Heavyweight Champion n a winner takes all, title for title 2/3 falls contest with no time limit…
Summers: Let me cut your Hart love fest off right there Nate. It’s no secret Hitman and I don’t see eye to eye and we never will. The hatchet will never be buried nor should it ever be, but talent recognizes talent and Hitman is one of the greatest ever, but the question is how he’ll handle the punishing offence of the Emerald Warrior, Mitsuharu Misawa.
Rodgers: You really do hold a grudge, don’t you?
Summers: He took my title.
Rodgers: And it was really…truly…one of the best calls of my career.
Summers: …
Rodgers: In any case, we’ll dive deeper into this colossal title unifier and crowning of the first ever IPWC world champion later in the show, as well as the big grudge match between Scott Steiner and Bruno Sammartino as well as many more. But in addition to the whole rundown, we have two matches lined up for you on this show. Later on Jushin Thunder Liger will be defending his AKW Junior Heavyweight title against Chavo Guerrero, with a date with the Great Sasuke waiting on the horizon. But for now let’s head down to the ring for our opening contest, as Raven takes on local indie talent Mr. Showtime.
(Already in the ring, the young up and comer Showtime waits impatiently in the ring for his opponent to arrive. The lights dim as The Offspring’s “Come Out and Play” cues up)
Ring announcer: And now coming down the aisle from The Bowery. This. Is. RAVEN!!!
(Raven emerges through the curtains slowly walks down to the ring, and stops at the apron — his gaze locked on his young opponent, hoping to intimidate him. Showing no respect for the young upstart, he turns his back to Showtime and performs his trademark pose. Little does he know…)
Commentator: Showtime bounces off the ropes and takes off up and clear over the top rope! Corkscrew plancha right on top of Raven! Oh my god, he doesn’t even know what hit him.
(The crowd explodes as the hardcore savant, sprawled out on the floor, tries to get his bearings. Showtime slides back into the ring as Raven slowly returns to his feet…)
Commentator: Here he goes again!
(Showtime makes another running start, hits the ropes as the crowd is abuzz as Mr. Showtime takes flight as Raven gets to his feet. Showtime takes off, looking for a Tope Atomico…)
Commentator: Oh my lord! Raven baited Showtime and he goes crashing down into the guardrail.
(Raven picks the confused Showtime up and throws him into the steel steps. Showtime flips clear over them and crashes hard on the other side. Raven walks over, picks him once more and rolls him into the ring. Raven stares down the referee on the outside, grabs a steel chair and slides it into the ring. He sets up the chair in the middle.)
Commentator: Raven with the Irish Whip into the ropes and drop toe hold on Showtime as he faceplants into the chair. He looks out of it as he crashes hard into the mat.
(Raven glares back at the referee on the outside, who slides into the ring. He signals for the ringbell.)
Commentator: And the match is finally underway, but I’m not sure Showtime has anything left at this point.
(Raven picks up Showtime and holds him in a front headlock and sets him up for the finish. With one swift move, Raven plants Showtime headfirst into the mat violently.)
Commentator: Evenflow DDT, that’s all folks. Raven with the laxed pin. 1……2……3. Raven with the win.
(Boos rain down on Raven as he slinks back into the corner. Showtime slowly rolls out of the ring and wobbles on the outside, stumbling as officials come to his aid. Back in the ring, Raven gets on the microphone.)
Raven: Young man, there will be a place for you in my flock when you are ready. But that will only happen when you realize the fallacies in who you are. You are weak. You hide behind your theatrics because these succubus fans demand highlights for their lives when it’s all just a mask for their insecurities and will to live vicariously through others slightly more significant than themselves. It is a mask, and it is my mission to cleave the deceit from your minds and reveal the true nature of your corruption to become what you are meant to be. An agent of chaotic truth. Only then can we be free from the anguish of mediocrity. So it is written, so it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, never more.
(Raven is showered with more jeers as the camera shifts its scene to studio)
Rodgers: Showtime had a quick start, but all it took was one error and Raven capitalized on his mistake quickly.
Summers: That’s why you can’t give any opening to your opponent, especially someone like Raven. It wouldn’t happen to me though.
Rodgers: Like that time you said Bret couldn’t lace your boots?
Summers: Let’s just get to the rundown…
Rodgers: First up, we have the ACW Tag Team Title match with the champions the New Age Outlaws taking on Perry Saturn and John Kronus, the Eliminators, with a match for the IPWC Tag Championships hanging in the balance. The Outlaws are crafty as always, but I’m not sure they can handle the physical, punishing offence of the Eliminators.
Summers: I agree. Saturn and Kronus are no slouches and if Gunn and Road Dogg play their usual game, their title reign is doomed for Total Elimination. The Outlaws need to play to their strengths…
Rodgers: …meaning they need to cheat like you used to. Because they just can’t handle the physicality of Saturn and Kronus.
Summers: They need to be smart, otherwise their reign is done.
Rodgers: Next up Nova and “The Squire” Dave Taylor meet up in a clash of styles, with Nova’s innovative offence coming up against Taylor’s rough, hard-hitting British style. Nova is going to have to hit Taylor, quickly and be on his game if he hopes to wear Taylor down to hit the Kryptonite Krunch.
Summers: Taylor is one of the best wrestlers in the game. We’ve tangled many times, and while he’s never beaten me, I don’t think he’ll have a hard time tying Nova into a pretzel and putting the fear into this superhero wannabe. Nova can and fly through the air and dress like superheroes all he likes, but in the end of the day Taylor will overwhelm him.
Rodgers: In one of our featured matches we have another clash of styles as the ever-durable Japanese legend Yoshihiro Takayama will take on Mexican legend Mil Mascaras. Takayama may not be as well known here in the States as Mascaras, but don’t count him out for a second. He’s tough, he’s physical and if you disrespect him it’ll be a long night. Mascaras has his worked cut out for him.
Summers: Mascaras is all show and no go, where Takayama is battle tested and ready to put Mil is every bad position possible. Takayama should win, but I feel like Mil’s craftiness will help him eek out a win.
Rodgers: “Craftiness,” eh…
Summers: I can get you fired.
Rodgers: You can’t, I have a no-release clause.
Summers: …
Rodgers: Next up, we have a trios contest with the Gentleman Chris Adams teaming up with the Can-Am Express against members of Don Callis’ new faction, the legendary Verne Gagne and new tag team the Natural Born Thrillers Sean O’Haire and Mark Jindrak.
Summers: Callis’ team is a perfect blend of veteran grit and raw athleticism. Together I don’t think Adams, Furnas and LaFon will have anything for Callis’ elite trio, and I’m sure Don has put together an ingenious game plan to counter anything Adams and the Express have to offer. Gagne and the Thrillers take this easily.
Rodgers: I disagree…
Summers: You would.
Rodgers:…I think the Thrillers are very untested and I think Adams, Furnas and LaFon can exploit their inexperience pull this out to put them line for Trios title contention at our next big event -- ________ -- in a few months.
Summers: There’s nothing they have that’s a threat to Callis’ finely crafted team. For as good as Adams and company were, with Callis and Gagne’s leadership I think the Thrillers overwhelm with their high-impact offence that’s nothing like anything Adams, Furnas or LaFon have ever witnessed.
Rodgers: On the payroll now too? Carry his bags?
Summers: I respect his mind.
Rodgers: Well, that’s sweet of you. What’s also sweet is our first women’s contest of the evening as the ever-dangerous Jazz will take on Japanese dynamo Akira Hokuto in what could be a very long night for the EWF Women’s Champion.
Summers: For as physically impressive as Jazz is, if you’ve never seen tape on Hokuto you have no idea what’s in store for Jazz. Hokuto throws caution to the mind and imposes her physical brand of craziness on her opponents. She’s unpredictable, highly skilled and should make short work of the EWF champion.
Rodgers: Jazz’s EWF title won’t be on the line in this special attraction match, but there are two titles that are on the line as Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu will be defending their AKW tag team championships against the highly decorated, legendary tag team champions the Rock n’ Roll Express. Tsuruta and Tenryu are two physical brutes that can hang with the best in the ring and dominate them. But you can never count out Gibson and Morton, as more times than one have they eeked out a close match with the win when it looked like they were certainly done for.
Summers: The fans will be in their corner for sure, which will be great because I think they’ll spend most of their time in Tsuruta and Tenryu’s corner. The Japanese legends are a dangerous team, and with the IPWC tag title unifier on the horizon, I think they’ll impose their will on the Rock N’ Roll Express and expose them as the second rate team they are.
Rodgers: We have another big title match with Jushin Liger defending his AKW Junior Heavyweight Title against the Great Sasuke, however first he needs to get past Chavo Guerrero Sr. later tonight. What’s going through your mind if you’re Sasuke and you have to wait to see who your opponent will be this close to such a big show?
Summers: Sasuke is so good it doesn’t matter, but I have to question Liger’s decision to defend his title…
Rodgers: Well, he is a fighting champion, unlike you were….
Summers: This is why our team broke up, you’re insufferable. Anyway, this is a dangerous contest for Liger and he shouldn’t take Chavo lightly. I fully expect Chavo to upset the arrogant Liger.
Rodgers: I think we’ll see Liger retain, and then I’m so very much looking forward to Sasuke and Liger renewing acquaintances. In another major crossover match between AKW and ACW, Jin Akiyama will defend his AKW Openweight Championship against Lance Storm.
Summers: There’s something special in the Ontario water that Bret Hart missed out on being from that mountainous cesspool in Alberta. Lance Storm is one of the most technically gifted, athletic men to ever step foot in a wrestling ring and with the wiles to outthink his opponents, Storm should be able to outlast Akiyama who’s yet to really show he can win with any consistency. That said, despite Storm being Canadian and a beacon of hope in this horrid wrestling landscape, Akiyama is still battle-tested against some of the toughest men on the Japanese wrestling scene including Kenta Kobashi and the man who will end the charade of Bret Hart, Mitsuharu Misawa. Akiyama is not to be trifled with, but I think Storm outlasts him to take the Openweight title.
Rodgers: You’d make a great journalist.
Summers: Thank you.
Rodgers: And in our second big women’s bout and the first match of our triple main event, we have the AKW Women’s Champion and the ACW Women’s Champion going head to head to crown the first IPWC World Women’s Champion. Manami Toyota is one of the fiercest, talented competitors the world over and is the greatest of all time in my estimation. That being said, Madusa is a world-travelled champion everywhere she’s gone, not just in Japan, and that gives her an edge in this big match scenario.
Summers: Madusa is a fantastic competitor, but as usual you’re selling people short. Toyota is truly the most gifted women’s wrestler ever and her will and tenacity will help her – again – outlast, outwork and defeat Madusa.
Rodgers: I disagree. I think Madusa will impose her physicality and finesse the match in her favour to become the IPWC World Women’s Champion. Next up, there’s nothing on the line other than pride as two generations clash as the Living Legend Bruno Sammartino and All-American Genetic Freak Scott Steiner will clash in a grudge match to end their feud once and for all. What’s interesting about this one is they have very similar traits. Both are physical, both can outwrestle, but where they’re different is I believe that for as physically gifted as Steiner is, Bruno’s heart and iron will be the deciding factor here. I think Steiner exhausts himself early and Bruno takes over and secures the win.
Summers: Sammartino has been over the hill for years, and now there’s no way he outlasts Steiner for five minutes, never mind comes out on top. I expect Steiner to dominate from the start and never let up. I guarantee Steiner wins.
Rodgers: Interesting choice, I don’t think Steiner has a tank to beat him. We shall see. But finally though, in our main event, Bret “Hitman” Hart and Mitsuharu Misawa will clash for all the marbles as both men put up their respective ACW and AKW heavyweight titles in a winner takes all contest to crown the first ever IPWC World Heavyweight Champion. And to leave no question about who’s the #1 wrestler in the world, this match will be two out of three falls with no time limit, no DQs and no count outs. There will be a winner. Now, these men have met before, but that was before either was at the level they’re at now. So the question truly is, who has evolved the most since their previous match and can they beat the other twice in one night?
Summers: Given Bret can barely eek a win past me, I think Misawa has the intangibles to take the best of what Bret has – which is pawltry – and dish out some serious strong style offence to leave Hart hilariously crippled. Misawa takes this 2-0 inside a half hour.
Rodgers: Balanced as always… I disagree, I think Hart has a tall task ahead of him, but the intangible for him is his keen technical proficiency and ability to exploit weaknesses and break down his opponent’s body and mind. Misawa cannot be underestimated because he’s arguably the best ever, but the question is how much have Misawa’s wars taken a toll on his body. That may be the deciding factor, because I don’t think Misawa can outlast Hart once he zeroes on Misawa’s weaknesses. I think Misawa takes the first fall, but Hart comes back to win falls two and three to become the Unified IPWC World Heavyweight champion.
Summers: That shows how ignorant you are. Misawa can been through wars with the toughest men on the planet and comes out on top as champion. Bret can’t hold a candle up against gale force skills of Misawa and I think Hart’s title aspirations are getting snuffed out.
Rodgers: Bold prediction, but I think to truly see how it all unfolds you’re all going to have to tune in on PPV. Be sure to call your local cable providers and order the show because you won’t want to miss this momentous night of pro wrestling. We’ll also be joined by superfan Regis Philbin who will be serving as backstage correspondent and special guest ring announcer for the main event. As well Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins will be here live to kick off the show with a live set. Billy’s a huge wrestling fan and supporter of the business, as is Reg, and it’s great to have them both here. That’s all the time we have though, let’s take it back to the ring for the feature match tonight: Jushin Liger defends against Chavo Guerrero Sr.
(The image of Rodgers and Summers fades out as we return the roar of the crowd at ringside. The ringside announcer stands in the centre, with Chavo Guerrero Sr. already standing in the ring. The lights dim and the music of AKW Junior Heavyweight Champion Jushin Liger cues up as he makes his way down the aisle. He steps through the ropes and into the ring. He nestles himself in the corner opposite Guerrero.)
Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your main event of the evening. First, the man standing on my right. Weighing in at 229 pounds from El Paso, Texas. He is a member of the legendary Guerrero family. He is a former junior heavyweight champion around the world. This. Is. Chavo Guerrero! And the man on my left. Weighing in at 210 pounds from Hiroshima, Japan. He is the multi-time junior heavyweight champion and has captivated fans around the world. Here is the AKW World Junior Heavyweight Champion. Jushin “Thunder” Liger!
(The bell sounds and Liger and Chavo lock up in the middle of the ring. Chavo executes a standing swich, drops down and trips Ligers feet. He transitions up Liger’s body and wraps his head in a vice-like headlock. Liger works his way to his feet and pushes Chavo off him and into the ropes. Chavo rebounds off and ducks a Liger clothesline and bounces off the ropes again and runs toward Liger.)
Commentator: Liger with the Shotei! Guerrero is down!
(Guerrero returns to his feet but Liger grabs hold of him and irish whips Chavo once again into the corner. Liger charges Chavo.)
Commentator: Liger moves in attempts the Abisegeri but Chavo rolls out of the way! Liger crashes right into the turnbuckles.
(Guerrero takes advantage and stomps the downed Liger. He drags him back to the centre of the ring, picks him up and body slams Liger down hard on the mat. Chavo drops down for the pin.)
Commentator: One…Liger kicks out before the two count. Chavo is going to have to do more than that if he wants to pin Liger’s shoulders to the mat.
(Chavo picks Liger up off the mat again, spins him around and locks him up for the Gory Special.)
Commentator: Oh my, Chavo has Liger locked up in this painful hold synonymous with the great Guerrero family. Liger is screaming and…OH!!! Chavo drops back and pancakes Liger face first on the mat.
(With Liger down on the mat, Chavo executes Liger’s own surfboard move, putting Liger through ever more pain, stretching out Liger’s tendons to the point of snapping. Chavo rolls to his side and maintains control, only to raise Liger back above his body. He lets go of the hold and allows Liger to fall face first again to the mat. Chavo bounces off the ropes and performs a running elbow drop on Liger and attempts another pin.)
Commentator: One…t…Liger kicks out again. Chavo really needs to do more to put away Liger. Chavo is upset though… he picks up Liger, and grabs him by the head and neck. Chavo throws Liger’s arm around his head and lifts him up. Brainbuster!
(Chavo looks down at the champion. He picks the champion up, throws the champion’s arm around his head once more but as he lifts Liger up into the suplex position, Liger shifts his weight)
Commentator: Oh! Liger rolls through into a small package. One…two….KICK OUT! He almost eeked out the surprise win. Liger and Chavo are back up, and Chavo kicks Liger in the gut. He picks him up again into the suplex position and….ANOTHER Brainbuster!
(Chavo looks down again at the fallen champion, and then over to the corner. He drags Liger to the centre of the ring, arranging him close to the corner. Chavo climbs the ropes with his back to Liger and reaches the top. He sets himself and launches off, crashing down on Liger’s body with a moonsault. He goes for the cover.)
Commentator: One…..two….thr…..He kicks out! 2.9. Chavo is beside himself, but he’s shrugging it off and is heading right back to the corner for another moonsault. He climbs, takes off and….OH MY! He comes crashing down on the mat, Liger rolls out of the way.
(Liger stumbles to his feet, picks up Chavo and grabs him by the wrist. Liger pushes Chavo back into the ropes and Irish whips him into the opposite side. Chavo bounces off the ropes and as he does Liger rolls forward.)
Commentator: He hits the Abisegeri rolling kick! Liger picks up the pace, he’s back on his feet and raises Chavo up, kicks him in the gut and readies Chavo for a powerbomb. He lifts Chavo up and runs forward for an emphatically thunderous Liger bomb! With the cover! One! Two! Th…No! Chavo kicks out.
(Liger pounces back on Chavo and lifts him back to his feet. He puts him in the suplex position. He lifts him and….)
Commentator: Down with the devastating Brainbuster. Chavo looks completely out. Liger covers, the referee goes in for the count. One…
(the lights suddenly go out as a low buzz quickly envelops the arena. Inside the ring is utter commotion. The crowd grows concerned as the arena remains shrouded in darkness, interrupted by an emphatically loud thud… as though someone’s head had been driven into the mat. The lights back on. Liger lays unconscious on his back in the middle of the ring, Chavo with his arm drapped across Liger’s motionless body. The referee, is shocked and perplexed; moments before Liger had been on the cusp of winning. The only person who isn’t confused, is the man sitting down in the corner holding a microphone, his arms relaxed and draped across the bottom ropes as he peers across the ring at this handiwork.)
Commentator: What the hell!? What’s Raven doing out here?? The referee moves in for the count (one) no, not like this (two)! Damn you Raven! (three)
(It is no time for celebrating, no time for good feelings such as triumph. For what little cognizance Chavo has, he knows he didn’t truly win the title this day. But he leaves with the aid of ringside officials. More officials come into the ring to fetch Liger, but Raven lifts himself up and out of the corner and levels the official with an Evenflow DDT. The crowd boos, tossing garbage into the ring directly at Raven. He returns to the corner and sits back down, glaring at the fallen, motionless Liger. He lifts the microphone up to his lips.)
Raven: Your career is a lie. A preposterous fallacy, a tale you’ve woven to people in your life to hide your insecurity. To hide your inability. Your life is a mask, and it’s one you hide behind to conceal who you really are. I've seen him. Not the man who’s a husband and father, or idol to these simpleton fans, but a twisted soul who specializes in pain. It’s a pain you know now all too well, but it is only the beginning of a grander arc…
(Raven lifts himself back up out of the corner walks over to the barely conscious Liger. He reaches down and grabs his mask, tearing it off and away from his face to reveal the partial visage of the man behind the hero. He casts the mask down directly in front of the fallen former champion.)
Raven: Every hero has a dark tale, an origin. But the people they appear to become are twisted versions of the truth. Liger… I know your true face, and now that’s all you have left. I have taken your title. I have taken your dignity. I have taken your pride… I have… broken your spirit. And this Sunday, I invite you to meet me in the ring so I can consume your soul and leave you to rot as a vile husk of refuse and failure. Liger….All who wear masks wish to conceal their true nature, and it is my wish to expose that pathological hypocrisy to reveal the true face hidden behind the carefully crafted personas of men like you to illuminate who they truly are, little "Soul Eater." So it is written, and so it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, nevermore.”
(Fade to black)
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