“Supreme Championship Wrestling...”

A shot of Kelcey Wallace nailing Bree Lancaster with the Perfect Ending, followed by a shot of Steve Griffin hitting the Decimator off the top rope on CHBK at the first Rise to Greatness, before turning a shot of Jake Starr pumping up the crowd on his way to the ring, before turning into a shot of Ravyn Taylor sitting in the corner, waiting for the start of a match. We then see a shot of Katie Steward holding the Women’s Championship before cutting to a shot of Selena Frost hitting Vixen Cain with the Defying Gravity at Supreme Saturday: Just Desserts.

“The leading force in sports and entertainment today....”

---

MAIN SHOW:

The opening bars of “The Old Me” by Memphis May Fire play as the Breakdown logo flies across the screen.

I'm thinking about the old me
'Cause I've been feeling empty
I never used to be so dead inside

Shots of Syren celebrating with the World Championship start before we see a shot of the Beauty Factory standing tall in the ring. Following this is Aaron Blackbourne hitting the Unchained Creativity on an opponent. Katie Steward hitting the Save the Queen on Ace Marshall follows.

I think I lost my memory
I can't remember carefree
And all my days turn into fight or flight

Owen Cruze hitting the Cruze Stomp on an opponent follows before we see Selena Frost hitting the Glass Shard on Bree Lancaster. Bree Lancaster hitting the Classifier on Aaron Blackbourne follows before we see Scarlet Grey walking to the ring.

I wanna get back, tell me how to get back
I wanna get back, tell me how to get back

Giovanni Aries dragging Jason Helms into the Wonderland hole at Cold Blooded 2020 follows before we see Kandis and Tommy Valentine holding the SCW World Tag Team Championship. Asher Hayes standing on the ropes follows before we see Jordan Majors hitting a Cash Out on Sienna Swann. Derek Adonis holding up a copy of the KABLAMA Sutra follows.

Say it again, say it again, tell me what I wanna hear
Tell me that I'm gonna be fine and there's nothing left to fear
'Cause I've been losing sleep (losing sleep)
Trying to get back to who I used to be
Where is the old me?

Chris Cannon spearing Kennedy Street and Owen Cruze follows before we see a shot of Alistaire Allocco on his way to the ring, and then a shot of Regan Street and Datura swinging chairs at one another. The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen and remains on it for a few moments.

We then cut to a live shot of the inside of the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. The cameras pan across the crowd for a few moments.

Sharper: “Rise to Greatness XVII is in the record books and SCW returns with a new season beginning tonight, in El Paso, Texas, on Breakdown!”

The scene camera switches to ringside where Adam Sharper is with Jonathan Knots, both holding microphones, while standing next to the ring.

Sharper: “Hello again everyone. Adam Sharper here with Jonathan Knots. Before we start, a thank you to the fine folks here in El Paso for being hosts. We were supposed to be in Houston, but all of those in the line of Hurricane Laura, we just hope you’re able to get out safely and remain safe.”

Knots: “Definitely. It’s a scary time as is. This only makes it scarier. Please just be safe.”

Sharper: “Most definitely. But we will try and refocus here on what you all came to see. Some of the finest professional wrestling on the planet and folks, we have a new World Champion, a new World Tag Team Champion, and a new Adrenaline Champion after Rise to Greatness XVII!”

Knots: “Damn right. And Bree Lancaster, she fell short. David Helms doing it all. Regan Street made history! Glory Braddock holds SCW Gold. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone’s here. And some people have been stewing a month!”

Sharper: “And Jon, we have some big matches tonight. Jordan Majors, who showed all the heart in the world against Sienna Swann, but just couldn’t match her at Rise to Greatness…she’ll face Tommy Valentine tonight.”

Knots: “Ace Marshall is going to go one on one with Xander Valentine, our new US Champion and there’s some background there. Ace may regret setting off Xander in the last month, maybe giving him that last little edge to get him to be in contention!”

Sharper “This is all just a small window. Tonight, it’s a night you’re not going to want to miss!”

The arena's lights cut out completely, plunging the whole room into darkness for several seconds before the screens light up to display four words.

HEART FILLED WITH HATE

The screens show static for a few seconds before going dark once more. The black screen starts to pulse now like a heartbeat and on each pulse that reverberates round the arena, a shot of Thomas in various poses is shown before reverting to the words on screen until the next pulse that sounds like a bass drum beat with increasing volume until a final shot of him holding the SCW Title aloft after winning the match at Taking Hold Of The Flame is Shown and remains until two green fireworks shoot from the rafters and explode on the ramp. The explosion drifts across the ramp before the beginning chords to "Cut The Cord" by Shinedown, hits.

"FREE-DOM LALALALA FREE-DOM FOLLOW ME!"

As the last word echoes, the lights start to strobe again briefly as the song reverberates throughout the arena now, causing the fans to start jeering, the heat almost palpable in the air. The lights finally flicker back on and Thomas Valentine can now be seen on top of the arena's ramp as he looks out into the audience that are now booing loudly. He looks around the arena, Kandis at his side. The two scan the arena as Tommy smirks a bit. He then starts to head to the ring.

Sharper: “Tommy Valentine will be in action later, as we noted, but not at this moment.”

Knots: “The former World Tag Team Champion said one thing before it all. David Helms’ is the World Champion. Maybe that’s what this is about.”

Kandis walks with Tommy to the ring and Tommy reaches the ring before hopping onto the apron. He looks around as Kandis walks up the steep steps. Tommy holds the ropes for Kandis as she enters. Tommy enjoys the view for a moment before stepping in. Tommy then walks forward. He demands a microphone from Jason Phillips. Phillips walks over and hands him one. He turns and walks over to the middle of the ring. The music fades out as Tommy looks around. The crowd continues to book him.

Tommy: “Yeah, yeah…keep booing. Given that I’m going to be spending the night with her at the end of it, while many of you are going to be acquainted with yourself…you better shut it.”

The crowd boos some more.

Sharper: “Good lord…”

Tommy: “As you probably can tell, we’re out here without any gold…”

The crowd cheers. Tommy looks around as Kandis rolls her eyes.

Tommy: “Yeah, cheer….Regan has her little history while Selena Frost still has her title. Well Adam Allocco…I’m wishing all the luck to you to shut her up and Xander Valentine, go focus on Selena Frost.”

The crowd boos.

Tommy: “Because there is one silver lining in all of this. We don’t have to worry about defending a title against them and I can come out here and remind the world about ONE thing….THAT!”

Tommy points to the big screen.

BREAKDOWN – July 8, 2020

We have a sudden cut to Helms turning around only for Tommy to nail him with the Knee Deep. The crowd roars and boos. We have another quick cut to where Tommy falls back and onto Helms, throwing his arm over him.

1!

2!

3!

The crowd boos as Tommy rolls off.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, Tommy Valentine!”

The video stops.

The crowd boos as we cut to the ring where Tommy continues to point to the screen with the shot of Tommy victorious remaining on the screen.

Tommy: “Remember David…I pinned you in the middle of this ring!”

Knots: “Interesting that Bree vanished from all of that! Like he didn’t want to remind us he needed her help!”

The crowd boos as Tommy smirks.

Tommy: “And I’ve always been better than you. A better wrestler, a better man. I didn’t sell a friendship down the river because I was an intolerant jackass. And now you’re World Champion. And David…had you fallen on your face on the biggest stage in wrestling, I would’ve been fine knowing that I proved in the middle of this ring, I was better than you. But well, David, you now have a title that frankly, I know I can hold again too and if I have to wait before we can work on getting our titles back or I can help Kandis get some gold around her waist, then David, you’re going to keep paying penance for pissing away our friendship-“

The opening horns to “Natural” by Imagine Dragons plays as the crowd boos some more. Tommy stops and turns and smirks a bit. We then see Bree Lancaster walking out from the back, microphone in her hand, and Scott Burnside at her side. She looks around as the crowd boos before holding her hand out.

Bree: “Tommy…sorry to interrupt. Really, I am. But I feel that it wouldn’t be fair for me not to do this face to face…”

Bree Lancaster heads down to the ring as her music fades out.

Bree: “Because I know how much you hate David Helms. I’ve been making sure the whole world knows that David Helms is not this boy scout he portrays, given that he was willing to trample on friendships to get to his moment at Rise to Greatness.”

Bree reaches the ring and walks up the steel steps. She then steps into the ring.

Bree: “And frankly, I’m sad…I’m sad that he’s now holding the SCW World Champion. And as I said on social media, I’ll admit he was better. That night. And we already got a taste of who he is, needing to rub in the moment at Rise to Greatness and I’m sure we’ll get it tonight, but Tommy, you know I’m as honest as they come-“

The crowd boos loudly. Bree turns to the crowd as they just continue to boo.

Bree: “I am! You may not be willing to even find that out, not like you ever would give me a chance given how judgmental you all are, but Tommy, he knows it. Kandis too. I even agree to arrange a shot for the World Title had I beat David, right?”

Tommy nods.

Bree: “Well, allow me to see through to that still…because I want a rematch against David. He got the best of me once. But I’m not going to just step aside. I’m not going to step back. I’m going to reset and come back to him better than that night!”

Bree turns to Tommy.

Bree: “Let me have the first shot at him.”

Tommy looks at Bree and Bree brings the microphone down, asking him again.

Knots: “David Helms has to be watching this all.”

Sharper: “You know part of him will be happy to give them this opportunity. He may just be watching this-“

Just then “When Legends Rise” by Godsmack starts to play. Bree and Tommy continue to talk before Bree turns as Kandis walks over to the ropes. Tommy looks on too.

Sharper: “Wait a minute…that Glory Braddock’s music.”

Knots: “Maybe she’ll make one of them happy with an Adrenaline Title shot…Then again, she’s got Gavin Taylor who’s next in line!”

Glory Braddock steps out from the back, proudly holding the SCW Adrenaline Championship over her shoulder. She holds a microphone in her hand as she steps forward.

Bree: “Glory…I-“

Glory: “Sorry, Bree, Tommy, but I couldn’t help but hear the subject of your discussion here tonight and how you’re both trying to decide who will be first to challenge David Helms. The problem is that neither of you will get that opportunity.”

The crowd buzzes. Bree looks around as Tommy steps forward.

Glory: “I know you both have your reasons…but so do I. And well, I mean after I taught a lesson to the apparent future, a lesson I hope she takes seriously and thinks long about, and won the SCW Adrenaline Championship, I realized that frankly, I would be a fool not to take advantage of the fact that right now, I feel as good as I ever have.”

Glory smirks.

Glory: “And I have a Trios Tournament contract.”

The crowd roars as Bree looks at Tommy and then to Glory as Tommy just looks down, clearly annoyed.

Glory: “So you two can keep arguing…maybe I’ll solve it for you! When I beat David Helms for the World Title at Apocalypse…”

The crowd roars before some boo.

Sharper: “My God!”

Glory: “David…the Last Shadow of Hope will face the Best in the World for his first defense!”

The crowd boos as “When Legends Rise” starts to play again. Bree Lancaster steps forward as Tommy Valentine turns away, clearly upset, as Kandis heads over to him. Bree turns to Scott. Scott tries to calm her down as Glory smirks and heads to the back.

Sharper: “Glory Braddock is cashing in her Trios Tournament contract for a World Championship match at Apocalypse. And in the process, moving herself to the front of the line.”

Knots: “What about the Adrenaline Title? She’s supposed to defend it against Gavin? Is it now David?”

Sharper: “What a start here in Houston and already more questions than answers. But one big answer – Helms’ next challenger is clear!”

The scene opens up backstage. Backstage, we see Peyton Rice watching backstage as she steps back as Kelcey Wallace and Aaron Blackbourne are with her.

Peyton: “Yeah…I got the hint…”

She shakes her head.

Kelcey: “You fought hard. We all know how she won it.”

Peyton: “And now she’s ducking contenders. I may not like Gavin, but her earned it. She earned the Trios, but now to just use it to collect championships…”

Kelcey: “I’m sure we can trust David to give her much more than a challenge. It’s about you…it’s been over a month.”

Peyton: “I’ll move on. Won’t be the first loss-“

Kelcey: “Not talking about that.”

Blackbourne: “I’ve not seen him yet, if that’s any consolation.”

Peyton: “Yeah…Ali…well, I’m fine with not seeing him. It was a great weekend for us, huh…he can recover however he wants. Hopefully his knee is better enough that he can. As for me, I’ll move on in my own way.”

Peyton turns and walks off. Kelcey turns to Blackbourne.

Blackbourne: “Will she be okay?”

Kelcey: “I think so. When Owen gets here, she’ll be around friends. Tonight’s just going to sting a bit.”

Blackbourne nods as the scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Christy Matthews vs. Konrad Raab

Cold as Ice by M.O.P plays over the sound system as Konrad comes out through the curtain with Dylan Howell coming out behind him. Konrad's wearing his red, green and blue mask along with his wrestling trousers with his nickname The Iced Rainbow on the front of them with Pit Bull Energy logos on the side of his trousers with black gloves on both of his hands with a side cross necklace on his neck with the blue and black yin-yang tattoo on his right shoulder, Iceman from X-Men tattoo on his back, ice wolf on his left chest and ice bear on his right chest.

Phillips: “From Cologne, Germany, accompanied by Dylan Howell, he is The Iced Rainbow, Konrad Raab!”

He ignores the fans due to his focus on wanting to fight in the ring. He goes up the stairs, along with Dylan Howell before going in-between the ropes before sitting down in the corner of the ring with the crowd cheering for him, having a nasty look in his eyes, while Dylan Howell raises his hands in the middle of the ring, before patting Konrad's shoulder and getting out of the ring, waiting for the match to start.

The camera cuts to the crowd where we see a group of red-shirted security walking in through one of the ground-level entrances. They line up in front of the fans for a moment and seem to be holding them back. Then the lights go out leaving the arena in complete darkness. The screen fills with images of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address.

“So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is—”

There’s a record scratch before a deep voice fills the arena.

“INFAMOUS!”

The opening “King of the World” by Porcelain and the Tramps hits the PA system. The fans boo loudly as we cut to the back. In the back we see Christy Matthews with taped fists and a red ring jacket with the hood pulled up over her head. She flexes her wrists for a few moments before looking behind her where we see Ravyn Taylor and Syren both joining her. Behind them appears to be CHBK, Alexander Crowe and Christopher Richter. The fans boo louder as Infamous behind to walk the corridors toward the ring.

...E B D O N E N T E R T A I N M E N T P R E S E N T S...

...C H R I S T Y M A T T H E W S...

The music keeps playing as we see Christy appear in the doorway that security previously opened. She pauses, her head down for a moment before extending her arms in the mock crucifix pose. After a moment she starts walking to the ring, accompanied by the rest of Infamous. When she approaches ringside, she doesn’t even break stride, simply vaulting over the guardrail and toward the ring apron where she jumps up, quickly ascending the turnbuckles and extends her arms again in the mock crucifix pose.

Phillips: “Introducing, from the City of Angels, weighing one hundred and thirty-seven pounds and representing Infamous, she is accompanied to the ring by Christopher Richter, CHBK, Alexander Crowe, Ravyn Taylor and Syren, this is CHRISTY MATTHEWS!”

She steps up onto the top turnbuckle and then jumps down to the ring, taking off her jacket and throwing it into the corner. At ringside we see Ravyn Taylor slip it out of the ring. Christy then drops to her knees, extending her arms out again before collapsing back into a seated position in the corner as the rest of Infamous gather around her corner. While sat in the corner she adjusts her Infamous armband, tapping it with two fingers as she looks to the camera.

Sharper: “Christy Matthews, out with the rest of Infamous. You had some not so kind words regarding them at the Hall of Fame ceremony.”

Knots: “I stand by what I said. I know my truth.”

Sharper: “Well, let’s hope it died there.”

The ref calls for the bell. Raab steps forward. Christy saunters around the ring, circling Raab, as he keeps his attention on her. Christy lunges forward, and they lock up. Raab powers Christy toward the ropes, only for her to drive her knees into his ribs, breaking the tie-up. Raab moves back, as Christy kicks Raab’s right leg. He winces and she goes for another kick, but Raab catches her leg, and pulls her into a belly to belly suplex. He goes for a cover.

1

Christy kicks out.

Sharper: “Raab getting a one count. It’s going to take a lot more than that to put down the former World Champion.”

Knots: “The fact that Raab tried to pin her after one move, probably made her more bitter than she already was.”

Raab goes to grab Christy, but she kicks him in the face, then pulls him down into a triangle choke. Infamous can be seen cheering on the outside. Raab tries to reach out toward the ropes, but he’s nowhere close.

Sharper: “Christy Matthews with a triangle choke in the early goings, and Konrad Raab has nowhere to go. He’s going to have to fight out of this, or tap.”

Raab plants his feet and reaches over, grabbing his wrist, before slowly lifting Christy off the mat, he then drives her into the mat with a powerbomb, but she doesn’t break the hold. Raab maintains his grip, lifting her up once again, driving her into the mat with a second powerbomb. Christy breaks the hold, and Raab goes for another pin.

1

2

Christy kicks out. Raab gets to his feet, pulling Christy up, only for her to connect with a European uppercut. She spins Raab around and drops him with Once Upon A Time! She goes for a cover of her own.

1

2

Raab kicks out. Christy shakes her head and drives her elbow in Raab’s head over and over, before going for another pin.

1

2

Raab kicks out again. Raab then hits an elbow of his own, and Christy rolls away. Christy gets to her feet, only for Raab to charge, taking her down with a running clothesline. Christy hits the mat and rolls outside of the ring.

Sharper: “Christy on the outside now.”

Knots: “Knowing her, she’s probably getting a little bitter over the fact that she can’t keep Raab down. She probably came into this…”

Knots stops speaking as we see Christy walking toward him. The cameras catch them beginning to argue. Infamous is shown slowly making their way over as well. Christy knocks Knots’ headset off.

Sharper: “Oh, for crying out loud…”

Christy shoves Knots down.

Sharper: “That’s enough!”

Christy is shown glaring at Sharper, before getting in his face as well, only for Raab to grab her and spin her around. Christy hits a forearm, followed by a second. She goes for a third, but Raab catches her then takes her down with an arm drag. Infamous gets in between Raab and Christy, while she is shown trying to regroup.

Raab gets into the ring, and Christy does too. The ref checks on Raab who nods. The ref goes to check on Christy who is shown rolling her eyes and shaking her head, before stepping out onto the apron.

Christy: “I don’t care. Give him the win. Whatever.”

Christy hops down off the apron, and begins to make her way toward the back, with the rest of Infamous in tow.

Sharper: “What the hell?”

Knots: “Christy is doing what she does best. I don’t care if this pisses her off, but she’s walking away from a challenge. She wants it handed to her now, instead of trying to earn it. Good riddance.”

Konrad is shown shaking his head at the referee, before he asks for a microphone. Phillips hands her one. Christy continues to head to the back, Syren and Ravyn with her. Christopher Richter taking the rear as Crowe and CHBK stand in between.

Raab: “So this is how you’re going to prove your earned anything? Claiming that the Hall of Fame was your motivation. All you proved is that you’ve just become bitter and you’re showing your true self!”

Christy stops for a moment before Syren turns her around. They head to the back.

Raab: “If you’re what we need to ascribe to be in the Hall of Fame, I’m sorry…there are many, many better people than you!”

The crowd cheers as Raab looks around. Infamous continues to head to the back as Raab looks around. The crowd starts to chant for Raab as he watches, shaking his head.

Backstage, Sasha stands with Scott Burnside who is talking to her. Bree Lancaster is pacing in the background.

Sasha: “It’s all been approved. She’s cashed in. Board has signed off on it. My hands are tied.”

Scott: “Now, I know-“

Bree steps up.

Bree: “I know you’re probably giddy that I’m not holding that title, but your hands are not tied. If you wanted to give me a rematch, you could. Right before Glory’s cash in-“

Sasha: “I can’t. She’s put David down. And she’s requested it be honoured. She wants to beat him.”

Bree turns around briefly.

Scott: “Well then, how about after-“

Bree: “Yeah…how about after? Next in line! Tommy I know would agree to it!”

Sasha: “I’m not going to start that, and creating a lineup. Not going to start listening to everyone, which includes your best friend, Bree, who will want to then be added. After Apocalypse, I’ll consider options.”

Bree: “I’ve heard that before. Sienna has too. We’re not going away-“

Gavin Taylor then walks into the scene with Ava St. Claire.

Gavin: “Bree! Relax. Don’t worry. Let’s see if she’ll listen to her All-Star. Now Sasha…baby-“

Gavin places his arm around Sasha. Sasha pulls away as Ava turns to Gavin.

St. Claire: “Let me handle this.”

Gavin shrugs as St. Claire turns to Sasha.

St. Claire: “Now there’s got to be plenty more done. For example, my client, Gavin Taylor, the All-Star, the MVP outside of Aubrianna Powers, the Summoned by God, Envied by Zod, number one contender to the Adrenaline Championship was expecting his match against Glory Braddock that night. Now…far be it from me to suggest something could happen to Ms. Braddock, but let’s face it…Gavin’s skills are second to none and it is possible that she could be injured. Perhaps Ms. Lancaster could be an alternate-“

Bree: “A fine idea!”

Sasha: “And one that frankly, can’t happen. I’m sorry Gavin, but Glory Braddock will not be defending her Adrenaline Championship at Apocalypse. Her focus will be on the World Championship. Board approved. Perhaps you can focus on rebuilding your friendship with Ms. Powers. Now if you excuse me…”

Sasha turns and heads off. Bree just watches her before turning to Scott. Gavin turns to Ava.

St. Claire: “Well that’s not ideal.”

Gavin goes to respond before Bree does.

Bree: “You think?!”

Bree turns and heads off as Gavin Taylor turns to Bree Lancaster as she heads off, Scott Burnside following her.

COMMERCIALS

Adam Allocco walks through the backstage area, looking around. He scans the hallway, glancing down other walkways and even peering into one room. He then continues before he smiles. He walks forward and over to Artemis who turns and glances at him as he turns to see Xander Valentine leaning against a wall.

Adam: “Xander! How great it is to see you!”

Adam walks over and goes to hug him and Xander nudges him back. Adam turns and looks at Artemis.

Adam: “And who’s this? Artemis I presume-“

Adam steps forward.

Artemis: “Take one more step and you’ll be wondering how you ended up in the trainer’s room.”

Adam: “Feisty.”

Xander: “What do you want Adam? We’ve been in the same backstage area for years. You can cut the façade.”

Adam: “Okay, okay…just trying to make small talk. I mean now…now we’re on the same side. Bison and I getting our Tag Team Title shot and trust me, we’ll get the titles off Regan and Selena. Least we can do, and helps you out, but you got a US Title shot against Selena. And well, maybe we can play this right, you get your hands on her first. Do what you did last year at Under Attack? Maybe take her out…a little favour for your good buddy, Adam, right?”

Xander just looks at Adam and doesn’t respond. Adam steps back and smirks.

Adam: “Smart man. Don’t need to say anything. Don’t need you getting into trouble. Totally got it my man!”

Adam winks at him before the camera pans out and Xander motions to his left. Adam turns and sees Dean Black.

Adam: “Hey! We weren’t talking about anything. Xander just wanted to know how to…well, don’t need to trouble you with the details-“

Dean: “Xander…come with me. Sasha wants to speak with you.”

Xander: “With pleasure.”

Adam: “Ohhhhh…Xander! Don’t worry. Papa Allocco will help you out. Sasha and I are tight!”

Xander walks off with Artemis, following Dean Black, as Adam smirks as he then turns to Bison and Bison just shakes his head.

All of a sudden, the lights go out, prompting a surprised pop from the fans. The tune of “My Name” by From Ashes To New begins, the lyrics starting about eight seconds into the song. White lights slowly begin to envelop the stage as we see that smoke has also begun to engulf it. The Tron also comes to life with clips of Aaron Blackbourne in action, both as himself and as his various demon incarnations, as well as clips of his various artistic endeavors including writing, painting, drawing and digital art. During this, we see a figure standing in the smoke, but that and the lighting make it impossible to tell who the silhouette belongs to. When the song hits the chorus, pyro suddenly goes off on the sides of the stage in sync with the silhouette throwing his arms in the familiar raised and outstretched pose, the smoke clearing almost as if on command to reveal the creative soul himself, causing the fans erupt into cheers.

Sharper: “Aaron Blackbourne, at Rise to Greatness, finally got the proverbial monkey off his back! He finally walked into the big show and walked out victorious pinning Shilo Valiant in the middle of the ring.”

Knots: “At Valiant’s event! At the event he always held was his. And Blackbourne knew that!”

Blackbourne walks down to the ring and looks around. He then runs up the steel steps and looks around. He then nods before stepping into the ring. He looks around as he walks across and goes over to the corner and asks for a microphone. Phillips walks over and hands him one. Blackbourne takes it and walks back over to the middle of the ring as the crowd cheers him. His music fades out. Blackbourne nods and looks around.

Blackbourne: “Eight months….eight months is how long my career has in some way, shape or form, and generally for worse, tied to Shilo Valiant.”

Blackbourne pauses.

Blackbourne: “And at Rise to Greatness, there was no walking out. There was nothing except the spotlight HE wanted. The spotlight on the show HE always says was his. And I beat him in the middle of that spotlight.”

Blackbourne walks around the ring a bit as the crowd cheers.

Blackbourne: “After months, there were no more excuses and just as I said, he needed me for his spotlight and at Rise to Greatness XVII, I stepped up and not only did I beat him, but for the first time in a long time, I felt ready. Ready to move onto the next stage of my career. Ready to keep working up the ladder. This wasn’t some surprise win. This wasn’t me just showing potential. This was me putting the potential in the past and living up to it and-“

Just then, the lights flicker before a spotlight shines down on Blackbourne. Blackbourne looks down. He takes a deep breath.

Blackbourne: “You have to be kidding me with this…”

Blackbourne looks up as the spotlight flickers a bit before dimming for a moment, returning to full shine, and then suddenly going out. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “That spotlight. We’ve gotten too sick of that spotlight!”

The lights remain out for a few moments longer before the spotlight returns, before the house lights come on too and we see Shilo Valiant standing in the ring, microphone in his hand. The crowd roars as Aaron Blackbourne turns and looks at him, at first with disdain.

Sharper: “Shilo Valiant is here!”

Knots: “Blackbourne isn’t exactly pleased about that!”

Blackbourne goes to bring the microphone up to his mouth, but Shilo cuts him off.

Shilo: “I can guess you want nothing to do with me. Not after everything we’ve been through…everything I’ve put you through…and I’m not done until I take you to the end.”

Blackbourne: “What are you talking about? I defeated you…on your stage. I rose to THAT moment-“

Shilo: “But you’ve not finished your apprenticeship.”

Blackbourne looks up, clearly upset.

Blackbourne: “Oh God…still with this. I want to be nothing like you-“

Shilo: “But you do want your creativity to do the talking?”

Shilo smirks as Blackbourne looks at him.

Blackbourne: “What the hell do you want? I have no more time for these games-“

Shilo Valiant shakes his head.

Shilo: “No games this time. Just the ultimate opportunity. You did it all. You beat me…at Rise to Greatness. You know how big that is? That’s an event that I MADE the worldwide phenomenon and you walked in and outdid me on MY stage. That deserves kudos! That deserves something special and I’m willing to give it to you. You’ve earned that. You’ve earned something that will make people talk forever!”

Blackbourne just looks around, almost in disbelief.

Shilo: “And you almost have that Aaron….but I can guarantee it. A match where you can literally let your fears go away and truly let your creativity fly….”

Blackbourne: “After everything we have been through, I am not going to give you some chance to get into my head-“

Shilo: “What do you want Aaron? How about this…I will promise to be there at Apocalypse. If I am not, you will never see me EVER AGAIN in an SCW ring. I turn my back on this all. That stable enough for you?”

Shilo looks forward at Blackbourne, his arms outstretched.

Shilo: “I’m doing this for you…you DESERVE that after what you did at Rise to Greatness. One match, a match no one else could give you. A match that only I can…and a match that only you can take to a leave never before seen…Under the Big Top!”

Shilo steps forward. The crowd roars. Blackbourne just looks at Shilo. Shilo smiles as he continues to be in Blackbourne’s face.

Shilo: “Think about Aaron…this is your chance to go down in history….and you’ll have a net!”

Shilo smiles as he steps back. He then laughs a little bit to himself. He then stops and looks up.

Shilo: “Play his music…”

The crowd buzzes as “My Name” by Ashes to New plays. Shilo then steps back and exits the ring. He places the microphone on the apron. He then walks around the ring. Blackbourne looks down, almost hiding his true response.

Sharper: “Shilo Valiant with another challenge. But this time, no games. He just says he wants to give Aaron the opportunity to do something legacy-forming!”

Knots: “And in the Under the Big Top match…imagine what BLackbourne could do with it.”

Sharper: “I think that’s what Shilo is thinking. Nets strung around the ring. An opportunity to use the ring in ways not normally available…And Valiant is acting like he’s gifting this opportunity to him!”

Valiant walks around to the entrance way and starts to head to the back. Blackbourne remains in the ring, looking down as we cut away.

Backstage, we see Jessica Winters walking down the hallway and heading over toward the locker room of Infamous. She then stops and motions to the cameraman. She heads over.

Jessica: “Rey…Rey Anillo. Can we get a work?”

Rey Anillo turns away from whatever he was doing and turns. He holds a hand up.

Jessica: “Christy Matthews asked you to guide. And since then, we weren’t really sure what influence, but now, she’s returned to her old guise of criticizing others, that chip on her shoulder, but even tonight, walking out after threatening my colleagues, Jonathan Knots and Adam Sharper.”

Rey: “I have nothing to say. Christy Matthews is her own woman.”

Jessica: “So then what influence have you had on her-“

Rey: “A new drive…Good night, Ms. Winters.”

Rey Anillo heads off. Jessica Winters just turns to the cameraman as the scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Backstage, Xander Valentine is seen standing with Sasha. Dean Black is in the office with her as Artemis stands by the door.

Sasha: “That sound like a good compromise?”

Xander: “I get something I want. I’m happy with that.”

Sasha: “Good. I’m glad. I hope you can understand…you will get your US championship shot. That’s for certain. You earned it. But you’ll just have a wait a bit longer.”

Xander: “As I said…I have something I want more. With that being the case, I’m happy to wait.”

Xander turns and heads out the door. Sasha then stops him.

Sasha: “And Xander…”

Xander turns back.

Sasha: “Remember the terms of your employment. You want him, you have him in the ring. Adam may want to remember that too.”

Xander: “You don’t need to worry about me doing anything for Adam…and if I’m not provoked.”

Xander heads off as Artemis follows.

Sharper: “What was agreed to?”

Knots: “Well we know Selena Frost won’t be defending against Xander Valentine at Apocalypse. That seemed quite clear.”

Sharper: “So what did Xander get in lieu of? And he’s happy about it.”

Stars & Bars vs. Crystal Zdunich & Maria Salvatore

S - Sierra 
P - Papa
E - Echo
C - Charlie
O - Oscar
P - Papa
S - Sierra

SPECOPS!

The lights dim and the sound of marching boots echoes through the speakers as the lights dim while a garbled flag appears on the tron. From behind the curtain the members of SpecOps come out in formation. James Jefferson & Clive Jakobsen are in their ring attire while Imanov Chovsceh is dressed in his military BDUs. Before they start down the ramp each member of the group salutes. As they walk down the ramp, they shake hands with the fans. Once at the ring the legal members in the match enter and then give another salute before awaiting the start of the match. Meanwhile Imanov Chovsceh moves to stand at attention on either side of the announcer's table.

Phillips: “The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Imanov Chovsceh, representing SPEC OPS, they are James Jefferson and Clive Jakobsen…STARS AND BARS!”

The arena fades to black as the screen lights up and we are treated to an old school movie countdown image.

5

4

3

2

1

THE SILVER SCREEN QUEEN IS HERE!!!!

I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross begins to blast all across the speakers and as that happens we are able to see Crystal Zdunich, along with Maria Salvatore, Maria Salvatore comes out wearing her Maria Hearts Maleek leather jacket She smiles as she flips off the crowd. Crystal smiles as her grouping of paparazzi gather up in front of the ring and they snag photo after of the Latina beauty. She walks down the ramp as she turns her nose up to the fans. Her following of paparazzi meet her as does a red carpet. She takes in appeal of the cameras smiling as flashes begin to go off one after another. She then runs up the steps where she walks towards the middle of the apron. She blows kisses out to the crowd before dropping into a split entering the ring. She pops back up doing a hair flip as she waits for the match to begin. Maria joins her in their respective corner.

Phillips: “And their opponents…they are… CRYSTAL ZDUNICH AND MARIA SALVATORE!!!”

Sharper: “This next contest will showcase a new team here in SCW. That of Stars and Bars. They’ll face Crystal Zdunich and Maria Salvatore.”

Knots: “Crystal and Maria have achieved some success early on in their SCW careers, so it’ll be interesting to see how the new guys fare.”

Clive and Maria step toward the center of the ring, as their partners step to the outside apron. The ref calls for the bell, and Maria immediately slaps Clive, who was going for a tie-up.

Sharper: “Clive wanting to start things off in a traditional manner. Maria showing she doesn’t care for that.”

Knots: “Someone should have asked Clive what the five fingers said to the face.”

Clive rubs his jaw and goes for another lock up, but Maria kicks him in the abdomen, then slaps him once more. Maria grabs hold of him and hits a neckbreaker. Maria smirks before rolling over and going for a cover.

1

Clive kicks out.

Sharper: “Maria with the first pin attempt of the match, getting a one.”

Maria grabs Clive by the hair, but he shoves her back. Maria staggers, but regains her balance. Clive charges and Maria leaps over him. Clive stops in his tracks and turns, only for Maria to connect with a spinning heel kick, followed by a second, dropping Clive to the mat.

Clive rolls over, as Maria charges and bounces off the ropes. Maria hits a dropkick.

Knots: “She just leveled Clive with that dropkick. He’s going to have to switch gears if he wants to help lead his team to victory.”

Maria goes for the cover.

1

2

Clive kicks out. Maria gets up and Clive begins to stir. Maria kicks in the ribs before tagging in Crystal.

Sharper: “Maria tagging in Crystal. Clive might want to think about tagging in his partner as well.”

Clive gets to one knee and Crystal charges, only for Clive to grab her and plant her with a spinebuster. Clive rests on the mat.

Knots: “That’s one way to change the tide.”

Clive rolls over and uses the ropes to get to his feet. Crystal stirs as well, getting up. She turns and charges once again. Clive grabs her, taking her down with a sidewalk slam. Clive gets to his feet and geos to grab Crystal, but she kicks him in the face, before pulling him down into an inside cradle. The ref begins the count as the cameras show Crystal holding the tights.

Sharper: “And the Silver Screen Queen grabbing the tights. The ref can’t see it!”

1

2

Clive kicks out and rolls away. Crystal can be seen arguing with the ref, before telling the ref to talk to the hand. She turns and Clive charges going for a clothesline, but Crystal dunks out of the way. Clive hits the ropes, and Maria connects with a kick to the lower back. Clive stumbles forward, only for Crystal to take him down with a tilt-a-whirl DDT. She goes for the pin.

1

2

Clive kicks out once again. Crystal gets to her feet and stomps him in the lower back, before grabbing him by the hair. Clive gets to his feet, shoves Crystal back, before charging and taking her down with a running clothesline. Crystal hits the mat and rolls over, slowly rising to her feet. Clive connects with a running knee to the side of the head.

Knots: “Clive showing signs of life, but he needs to make a tag here.”

Sharper: “Maria and Crystal have done some damage throughout, but maybe Clive can turn it around.”

Crystal uses the ropes to get her feet as Clive begins to stalk her. She turns and he goes to whip her into the corner, but Crystal reverses, driving her knee into his abdomen. She goes for a spin kick, but Clive dunks under, grabs her and plants her with an Olympic Slam. Clive then leaps over and tags in James. James gets into the ring. Maria climbs in and charges, only for James to take her down with a sidewalk slam. Crystal gets to her feet, only for James to grab her and plant her with a running powerslam.

Sharper: “The big man cleaning house!”

Maria gets to her feet as James is shown grabbing Crystal. She connects with a heel kick to the back of the head. Clive is shown leaping over the top rope, taking her down with a forearm. Maria rolls out of the ring as Crystal gets to her feet. She charges only for James to plant her with a spinebuster. He then hooks the leg.

1

2

3!!!

Phillips: “Here are your winners...Clive Jakobsen and James Jefferson…STARS AND BARS!!!”

Sharper: “The new tandem successful in their debut, here tonight. Look out for them.”

The ref calls for the bell as Stars and Bars’ music hits. James and Clive salute the fans and then Imanov. Maria and Crystal are shown slowly stirring on the mat, and on the outside, before we are shown SpecOps celebrating and cutting to the back.

Sharper: “Now let’s go backstage, where Jaina Lancaster stands by with Alistaire Allocco!”

Backstage, Jaina Lancaster stands backstage with Alistaire Allocco.

Jaina: “Thank you Adam. Alistaire, it sounds like Rise to Greatness weekend was quite the notable weekend, but also disappointing one. You fell short against Matt Hodges at Rise to Greatness, after some difficulty arriving on time, and we now know that you and Peyton Rice apparently ended your engagement-“

Alistaire: “Ms. Lancaster, please. I’d like to keep this professional.”

Jaina: “So nothing to say about Peyton?”

Alistaire: “Just I wish her the best in her career. As for Rise to Greatness, it was a disappointment. I’m a World Class calibre wrestler and Matt Hodges was able to defeat me. Injuries or not. Meddling from my father or not. The fact is that I stand here a defeated man. And I’ve had plenty of time to think about it and I think it comes down to something quite simple.”

Jaina: “And what’s that?”

Alistaire: “I need to be true to myself. And I am going to do that.”

Jaina: “Wait? Have you not been? You’ve been-“

Alistaire: “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’m confident I know here. I know myself better than anyone else. And I need to start focusing on my principles and upholding them. Again…congratulations to Matt Hodges on his victory.”

Alistaire nods and walks off as Jaina looks a bit surprised.

Jaina: “Not what we expected to hear from Alistaire Allocco, but nonetheless, I guess he’s going to turn over a new leaf. What else to expect here tonight? Tune in to find out. More Breakdown after this!”

The scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Backstage, we see Gavin Taylor, now with his A.S.S., walking over to the locker room door of one of the women’s locker rooms. He takes a deep breath and turns to them.

Gavin: “Ready?”

Jack and Karl Barker, his A.S.S., nod. Gavin turns and knocks on the door. He then waits…and waits…and waits.

Gavin: “Aubrianna! I know…I know, I may have made a questionable decision. I am here to ensure that the Most Valuable Friendship survives. We have the power of something deeper…something that could dominate SCW!”

Gavin waits a moment. The door then opens and we see Aubrianna Powers standing on the other side. She looks at Gavin.

Gavin: “See! You have a heart!”

Aubrianna: “You pinned me…at my first Rise to Greatness. That’s almost as bad as Jake ruining Taking Hold of the Flame!”

Gavin: “Now, hold on…I wanted to make sure one of us DEFINITELY got it. And Jake Starr was crafty. I was making sure one of us would DEFINITELY get the title shot.”

Aubrianna: “And how’s that looking.”

Gavin: “Well I still have it…I just don’t know when I’m getting it, but Ava’s on that-“

Aubrianna: “And if I had won, we all know Glory would not have pulled this. She would’ve been HONOURED to be in the ring with the MVP. Look Gavin…I know it’s been a month. But I still haven’t had my perfect debut. And you ruined Rise to Greatness. Maybe our friendship…it isn’t the most valuable.”

Aubrianna turns and backs up, closing the door.

Gavin: “But I got you a flower!”

Karl then holds out one single tulip.

Gavin: “The number of Dutch flower…where I’m their favourite!”

Gavin turns back to Karl.

Gavin: “You didn’t hold it up strong enough!”

He sighs.

Jack: “So now what?”

Gavin: “I have to dig deep, give her the perfect debut…that’s the only way this partnership is going to survive. Let’s face it…we’re a hell of a team. I got an Adrenaline Title out of this and we’re the Mayhem Tag Team Champions…I’m not giving up on this!”

Karl: “About that…where are the titles-“

Gavin: “She probably has her with her. Mine is in the hotel. I forget it. I have so many titles!”

Gavin turns and heads off as Karl and Jack Barker look around. Karl then extends the flower to Jack who swats it down as we cut away.

Holly Adams vs. Kelsai Adamson-Mason

Phillips: “The following match is scheduled for one fall!”

A very traditional entrance with no lights or pyro as Kelsai believes you have to earn those things, and by her estimation she has not earned anything yet. She walks to the ring quickly and confidently while "Let Love In" plays in the background and she has the hugest smile on her face while her manager Amy Chastaine walks by her side, smiling brightly.

Phillips: “INTRODUCING FIRST, accompanied to the ring by 2020 SCW Hall of Fame inductee, Amy Chastaine, weighing in at 118 pounds, FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON… the Queen of Coffee… the Lil Spitfire… KELSAI ADAMSON-MASON!”

Getting to the ring, Kelsai jumps from the floor to the ring apron before she steps through the ropes, reveals her simple all white attire, and goes to her corner, smiling and waving enthusiastically, before she gets ready for her match, with Amy keeping watch from the corner outside.

Sharper: “A two-time Television Champion, Kelsai is a star on the rise and under the tutelage of Amy Chastaine, the skies the limit.”

Knots: “She’s hoping a win here tonight will gain some momentum to newer and bigger things.”

Sharper: “And she’s dealing with public enemy number one in Holly Adams. No one likes her.”

Yes Bitch
Yes Bitch
Yes Bitch
SLAY

"W Face," By Kumi Koda kicks in full force around the arena as the stage comes into focus. Holly Adams steps up onto the stage, spinning into place at the top of the ramp. Holly poses with her hand on her hip and her other hand high in the air as she pageant waves to the booing crowd.
Phillips: “AND her opponent, the most ambitious blonde to ever live, the pinnacle of digital sophistication? Weighing in at 135 pounds, from the city of Angles, HOLLLLY ADAAMMS!”
Holly starts her walk down to the ring, continuing her pageant wave, with a large smile on her face as the crowd continues to jeer. She stops halfway down the ramp and puts both hands on her chest thanking a fan for their "adoration," for her. She smiles before continuing down the ramp. She walks to the other side of the ramp, pretending to put her hands out to high five and immediately pulls them away and goes back to pageant waving.

Sharper: ‘We saw the mean streak in Holly Adams on the Rise to Greatness preshow. It’s just as nasty as her twitter presence.”

Knots: “If you have a handle on twitter, good luck if you get caught in her crosshairs. If she’s the pinnacle of anything, it’s cyber bullying.”

Sharper: “SCW wants to remind you that cyber bullying is a problem in this country AND myself personally thinks there is zero courage in hiding behind a computer screen, spewing mean stuff.”

Knots: “Well, you just became a target there, Adam. She’s gonna gun you down on the internets for those type of comments.”

As she comes around the corner, she hops up onto the ring apron. Holly starts to sing along with her theme song, looking directly into the camera closest to her. She gives a million-dollar smile before putting her hand on the camera and pushing it away and she gets into the ring. Holly then grabs the top rope, bends down, and then snaps back quickly, flipping her blonde hair over her head, smiling brightly for the cameras. As she takes her place in the ring, she starts her pageant wave once again as her music dies down.

Sharper: “Kelsai, precisely the person you mean when you call them a good person, is walking up to Holly. A handshake?”

Knots: “Kelsai has said to have complimented Holly on several occasions. She sees the good in everyone.”

Sharper: “Well, Holly didn’t show ANY respect to her in the jawing leading up to this match. Let’s see if Holly sticks to her routine when she actually has to look the person in the eyes.”

Kelsai extends the hands. Holly Adams steps up and flips her hair in Kelsai’s face. Kelsai doesn’t remove her hand though, she keeps it extended. Holly Adams stares at the hands. Amy’s telling her to get away. A sly smile crosses Holly’s face and she accepts the handshake. This makes Kelsai beams. Adams immediately backhands Kelsai while holding on tight on the hand. She slaps Kelsai again. The referee dives in front of the two to break it up, warning Adams and Adams backs away, pageant wave once again. Referee has a discussion with Keslai. The cameras zoom in, she has a busted lip from the backhand.

Knots: “She answered your question. She’s even meaner in person!”

Sharper: “Talk about the lack of class, Jon. No integrity whatsoever with Holly.”

Knots: “She thinks she can intimidate the nice girl that Kelsai is, but we’ve seen Kelsai, she has fight in her that can rival anyone’s.”

Referee calls for the starting bell as both ladies went to the far quarters. They meet in the middle of the ring, and immediately the just start drilling each other with close-quarters elbows with holding the other one’s hair. Holly’s knocked back by the smaller Kelsai, basically hissing after one hard elbow shook her hard. Kelsai steps in, slapping her body against Holly’s, belly-to-belly suplex? NO! Holly headbutts Keslai in the nose. Kelsai staggers back and Holly immediately catches her with a schoolgirl pin.

Sharper: “Quick pin!”

1…

2-

Sharper: “Holly tried to sneak a fast one by Kelsai after that illegal headbutt but Keslai wasn’t tricked!”

Knots: “Kelsai is smiling. I think she’s up for this challenge. What do you say?”

Sharper: “You put it best, she’s fighter and she knows she has a fight with Holly!”

Holly parades back towards Kelsai as Kelsai climbs to her feet, holding her nose. Holly flips her hair in Keslai’s face but immediately Keslai strikes…. Small package out of nowhere!

Sharper: “Measure of revenge! Small package!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper: “NO! Holly Adams gets the shoulder up at the last possible moment. She had no clue what happened.”

Knots: “Maybe she didn’t expect her world to be turned upside down.”

Holly Adams lets out a scream but settles down with a smirk. The two women circle again in the center of the ring. They lock up, grapple, show of strength. The bigger Holly Adams pulls her down into a side headlock. Holly yells in Kelsai’s ear: “HUH?”. She then pops some closed fists onto Kelsai’s face. Referee issues a warning about the closed hands, but Holly shoots her arms up, all innocently, awhile stomping on Kelsai’s foot. The boos begin to ring. Amy seems to be yelling at the referee for some order. Holly runs into the ropes and comes back but Kelsai slides in between her legs. Holly turns, Kelsai leaps up onto her chests and monkey flips her across the ring. Holly rolls up, Kelsai ducks underneath the extended arm of Holly’s clothesline attempt, handspring and then elbow launches Holly Adams across the ring.

Knots: “Look at that!”

Sharper: “Kelsai isn’t letting Holly’s dirty tricks get in her head. She’s hitting back hard.”

Knots: “Holly’s caught off guard. She didn’t expect this type of struggle from Kelsai!”

Holly pulls herself up to her feet using the ropes. While she does, Amy’s there, jawing off about Holly’s cheating. Holly spits at her, while she just misses, and this causes Amy to get up onto the apron and the referee immediately comes over to get Amy off. Kelsai walks over, trying to defuse the situation but neglecting to keep and eye on Holly. Holly reaches up and punches Kelsai right into the throat, Kelsai falls backwards onto her ass, grasping for air. Neither Amy or the referee saw the cheap shot. Holly flies forward with a running knee to the seated Kelsai’s face! She then lands her body on Kelsai’s chest to go for the pin… referee turns around after a moment!

Sharper: “Pin attempt!”

1…

2…

Knots: “Kelsai managing to get her shoulder up in time but, wow, talk about a cheap shot!”

Sharper: “She’s trying to help but you can’t take your eyes off Holly. She’ll go any length to win.”

Holly reaches down and slaps on a chancery. Kelsai powers up to her feet, she throws wild punches to the gut to the encouragement of the crowd. Holly loses her grip and Kelsai socks her with an European uppercut. Holly staggers back, Kelsai catches her head, drops down for a jawbreaker. Holly bounces back into the turnbuckle. Keslai runs forward, presses Holly into the corner with a running forearm splash. She wheels back at Holly stumbles forward, belly-to-belly suplex into the center of the ring. Double Arm Chicken Wing is locked in now.

Sharper: “Submission locked in. Keslai looking to tap out Holly.”

Knots: “Holly’s yelling in pain. She’s feeling it!”

Sharper: “IS this it? Trapped in the middle of the ring? Is Holly Adams going to tap?”

Holly slips an arm out though and them thumbs the eye of Kelsai. Kelsai lets go and Holly then spins around, locking in a fujiwara armbar. Kelsai begins to cry out in pain, Holly seems intent to tap out Kelsai. Holly begins to yell out profanities from Kelsai.

Sharper: “The tables have turned. Now Kelsai finds herself in a predicament!”

Knots: “Is she going to submit?”

Sharper: “No! Kelsai flips her around into a pin!”

1…

2…

Sharper: “Holly kicks out!”

Knots: “Both ladies are showing they are technically sound, all these quick pins and counters. This is a course on how to wrestle.”

Holly stands up immediately, getting to her feet before Kelsai, she slaps Kelsai across the back of the head. Kelsai stares at her, refusing to submit to the punishment. Holly responds with a thrust to the throat, she begins to blatantly choke Kelsai. Referee warns Holly, trying to break free the hold himself but Holly now has Kelsai back against the corner as her hand crushes her windpipe.

Sharper: “The referee wanted the illegal choke to be broke immediately but has to resort to his five count!”

1…

2…

3…

Knots: “She’s not letting go! Holly Adams might be disqualified here!”

4…

5-

Sharper: “Holly lets go right about the time the referee got to five. Kelsai is gasping for air!”

Amy Chastaine jumps up onto the apron again. She begins calling out Holly, questioning her skill. Holly Adams steps up and both ladies exchange words. Kelsai takes the time to recover. Holly’s still distracted doesn’t notice Kelsai climbing to her feet. She charges forward, rebounds, Amy points over her shoulder. Holly turns and gets speared to the mat. Keslai pops up to the applause of the crowd. She runs towards the rope, Asai moonsault lands her on top of Adams.

Sharper: “Keslai, Asai Moonsault, pin!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper: “Holly Adams kicks out again! She allowed herself to get distracted by Amy and almost paid the price!”

Knots: “We criticized Kelsai for taking her eyes off Holly, but Holly made the same mistake just there!”

Kelsai stomps down onto Holly’s arm before pulling her up. Holly spins out, getting to the back. Kelsai searched for Holly, turning around right into the Beauty Killer! Keslai drops down into a seated position, daze by the blow to the head. Holly runs and does a drive-by, Beautiful. Blonde. Perfect!

Sharper: “Holly dropping some hard kits to Kelsai. The pin!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper: “NO! Kelsai gets the shoulder up!”

Knots: “Holly is obviously frustrated by Kelsai. She thought she had her there but now she’s pulling out her hair and Kelsai’s still kicking.”

Sharper: “The resilience that Kelsai has!”

Knots: “She’s a tough cookie, that’s for sure.”

Holly slaps Kelsai hard in the head. Kelsai fights to her feet, gets slapped again. The third time Keslai blocks the blow and knees Holly hard in the midsection. Goes to kick Holly, but Holly catches the kick but Kelsai swings around for a mule kick to the chest. Holly is launched across the ring into the ropes, Kelsai runs past her. Holly spins around but there’s a springboard dropkick from the second rope. Kelsai pops up, the crowd roaring behind her. She reaches down, dragging Holly to her feet. Snap suplex! Again, snap suplex! Again, snap suplex! The fourth time Kelsai stumbles back into the rope. Kelsai tosses herself onto the top rope. 720 splash connects!

Sharper: “Kelsai exploding with fierce offense on Holly! Holly might be gone!”

Knots: “Pin!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper & Knots: “NO!”

Sharper: “Holly Adams kicked out and Kelsai is searching for answers.”

Undeterred, Kelsai climbs back up onto the ropes. She eyes her target but Holly Adams rolls to the other side of the ring. Crowd boos as Kelsai jumps off and goes to the opposite side of the ring. This time Holly looks as if she’s not moving again. Kelsai leaps out for the Bombs Away! Holly rolls out of the way. Kelsai jumps up to her feet! She turns, running right into the Blonde Ambition! The crowd boos as Holly rolls her up, she’s pulling the tights.

Sharper: “BLONDE AMBITION!”

Knots: “Pin!”

Sharper: “No! NO!”

1…

2…

3!

Sharper: “What a cheap victory!”

Knots: “I think the entire world saw that but the referee.”

Holly Adams pops up with a shit grin on her face. She begins to pageant wave around the ring. Amy takes offense to his and rolls int. She yanks Adams backwards by the shoulder begins to dress her down. Holly returns fire until the referee comes in to break up the spat.

Phillips: “The winner of the match… by pin fall… Holly Adams!”

Sharper: “Amy and Holly shared words with each other.”

Knots: “What do you expect? Holly’s blatant cheating would bother any coach!”

Breakdown cuts backstage as we see Ravyn Taylor stepping out of the Infamous locker room with CHBK. They start to head off as Jessica Winters heads over to them.

Jessica: “Ravyn, CHBK, can I get a word?”

Ravyn turns and smirks.

Ravyn: “You want a word. How about no?”

CHBK: “Now, that’s not kind.”

Ravyn: “Not kind is the treatment we received from reprobates like Cid and Asher. And Dark Fantasy provided them with good reason to know they were wrong when we defeated them. Not kind is the farce that saw the Golden Boys now hold a victory over us. You better believe we will be cashing in on that potential rematch should they win the World Tag Team Championship. And more importantly, not kind is the treatment Christy Matthews endured for her trailblazing honesty on a night of other pomp and fluff.”

Ravyn shrugs.

Ravyn: “To be honest, maybe we are just not kind. And we rally around our own. Infamous is a unit. And while Syren and Christy Matthews bond over their shared dislike for the decision making they have endured. Alex and I are going to do something else.”

Jessica: “Which is?”

Ravyn: “I plan to get a coffee.”

CHBK: “I doubt they serve scotch.”

Ravyn: “Then we are getting a coffee. What? Stunned? We’re not plotting? We don’t need to.”

Ravyn smiles.

Ravyn: “Quoth the Ravyn, Nevermore.”

CHBK smirks and the two head off as the scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Jordan Majors vs. Tommy Valentine

Breakdown returns from the commercial break to ringside where Jason Phillips stands in the ring. The voices of both Jonathan Knots and Adam Sharper carrying over the television crowd which buzzes with excitement…

Sharper: “Welcome to those who may have just joined us, and welcome back if you were with us from the start of the show.”

Knots: “Indeed! Welcome or welcome back to the mad house! Pick your poison!”

Sharper: “After the events of Rise to Greatness a few weeks ago, I can imagine there are a few people who are doing just that.”

Knots: “It was a hell of an event, the fall out and so much more happening tonight as the road to Apocalypse begins.”

Suddenly the lights go down and then red lights blink on the stage as “Warrior” by Stitched Up Heart begins to play.

Warrior… Warrior…
I’m… I’m a…
Warrior… Warrior…
I’m… I’m a Warrior!

Phillips: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and has a 15-minute time limit! Hailing from Chicago, Illinois… She weighed in tonight at one-hundred and thirty pounds… SHE IS JORDAN MAJORS!!”

A spotlight shines on the center of the stage to show Jordan Majors from behind, arms outstretched. She turns around right as the guitar riffs and pumps a fist with a smile across her face. She looks out at the crowd and nods a few times before she begins walking down the ramp as the fan cheer.

Sharper: “There is one young woman who put on an incredible showing at Rise to Greatness against arguably one of the very best in SCW, Sienna Swann.”

Knots: “She gave as good as she got, she refused to die as it were against the fallen angel, but it was too much in the end. Sienna throwing everything at her for the win including a monitor to the face which just thinking about sends a shiver up my spine once again!”

Jordan keeps her eyes on the ring as she heads down the rampway. She gets to the bottom of the ramp and surveys the crowd once more before running and sliding into the ring. She stays on her stomach. She leans on her elbows and kicks her feet behind her before rolling to her feet.  Jordan runs and jumps up on the nearest corner and puts one arm up as she looks out at the crowd and nods her head and smiles even going as far to stick a tongue out playfully to some fans in the front row before stepping back down.

Sharper: “It looks like she has used this time off well and healed up, huge opportunity for Jordan to get some momentum tonight going up against Tommy Valentine the estranged former best friend of David Helms our new SCW World Champion.”

Knots: “Hell of a night for Helms at Rise to greatness, his return being the stuff dreams are made of. However, neither these two got the result they craved in their matches. But now is the chance to get back to winning ways.”

Phillips: “And her opponent…”

The arena's lights cut out completely, plunging the whole room into darkness for several seconds before the screens light up to display four words.

HEART FILLED WITH HATE

The screens show static for a few seconds before going dark once more. The black screen starts to pulse now like a heartbeat and on each pulse that reverberates round the arena, a shot of Thomas in various poses is shown before reverting to the words on screen until the next pulse that sounds like a bass drum beat with increasing volume until a final shot of him holding the SCW Title aloft after winning the match at Taking Hold Of The Flame is Shown and remains until two green fireworks shoot from the rafters and explode on the ramp. The explosion drifts across the ramp before the beginning chords to "Cut The Cord" by Shinedown, hits.

A shot of "Thorn" going for the Swanton from the top of a chamber pod at Under Attack 2009 is shown in slow motion as he misses it and hits nothing but canvas. A shot now of him hitting the Socially Unacceptable Moonsault stomp from the top rope onto Justin Davis is shown, the impact punctuated by the last word of the verse before a shadowed figure can be seen standing in front of the curtain at the top of the ramp.

"FREE-DOM LALALALA FREE-DOM FOLLOW ME!"

As the last word echoes, the lights start to strobe again briefly as the song reverbrates throughout the arena now, causing the fans to start jeering, the heat almost palpable in the air.

Phillips: “Hailing from Santa Barbra, California… He weighed in tonight at two-hundred and five pounds… Being accompanied to the ring by Olaf Erlandsson… He is TOMMY VALENTINE!!!”

The lights finally flicker back on and Thomas Valentine can now be seen on top of the arena's ramp as he looks out into the audience that are now booing loudly, chanting obscenities in some cases. He stops and smiles a little before spinning around away from the fans and holding his arms outwards with his palms upwards, he then stops and then shakes his head before smirking and shrugging. The smirk turns to a full-on grin as "The Modern Day Viking" Olaf Erlandsson walks out from the back and stands behind Thomas who spins around and then pat's Olaf's shoulder before turning back around and looking out at the audience with smug satisfaction. Fireworks then shoot out at the top of the ramp in a burst before Thomas starts walking down to the ring, Olaf slowly walking behind him. As he walks past the barrier he looks out into the crowds and goes to high five a few fans and moves his hand at the last second, instead running it through his hair and chuckling before moving on down the ramp, the smirk still on his face before he slides underneath the ropes and immediately runs to the corner and climbs the turnbuckle, simply nodding before looking at all the fans in the crowd with undisguised disgust. Olaf looks in the ring at Valentine, an emotionless expression on his face as he watches Thomas showboating. Meanwhile, Thomas jumps down and does the same to all the turnbuckles, soaking in the disapproval of the fans before standing still in the centre, cranking his neck. He then stands motionless in the corner, looking over to make sure Olaf is focused on the ring before waiting for changing he gaze to Jordan Majors in the opposite corner.

Sharper: “Olaf Erlandsson out here in the corner of Valentine, he could prove to be a distraction for Jordan tonight if she doesn’t stay focused.”

Knots: “He very well could. Let’s hope not.”

Sharper: “Clearly Tommy looking to maintain any momentum from the last few months and now has a new presence on the floor.”

The bell sounds and both Tommy and Jordan come out of their respective corners. The meet up in the middle with a grapple in mind to kick things off but Tommy has other ideas and sidesteps before driving a knee into the gut of Majors. She stumbles a few paces and from there is sent across the ring via an Irish whip to the nearest corner. Jordan winces but immediately rushes out of her corner and hits a shotgun drop kick to Tommy sending him stumbling back which gets a roar from the crowd!”

Sharper: “Jordan letting Tommy know just what’s up tonight. She is not intimidated in the slightest and is here to fight!”

Tommy winces now while Olaf looks on, Jordan’s focus is on Tommy however who is back on his feet and rushes at her with a clothesline in mind which she ducks before spinning on her heels. As she does, she sees Tommy is already waiting with a kick to her gut which doubles her over. He then applies a front face lock and looks for a Twist of Hate, but Jordan drops to a knee and immediately escapes the hold as a smirking Tommy pinches his fingers to signal, he was close to finishing her.

Knots: “Twist of Hate on the cards, but Jordan had that scouted from a mile away, obviously done her homework.”

Sharper: “That’s the thing with Tommy, he has an arsenal of moves that could do that so Jordan will need to keep her head on a swivel.”

Jordan takes deep breath and gets back to her feet and the two actually lock up, Jordan the first to break it up with a right hand, and another before kicking Tommy into the gut this time doubling him over. She runs the ropes and comes back with a swift knee lift which sends him stumbling back towards another set of ropes where Olaf stands. Jordan then rushes over only to stop suddenly when Olaf pulls at tommy’s feet and drags him to the outside to a mass of boos from the crowd. The official yells at him to step away but Olaf ignores that demand to check on Tommy while Jordan throws her arms up. The referee leans through the ropes to speak with him Olaf again, well he tries to grab his attention but he continues speaking with Tommy instead checking him over. 

Sharper: “This is the thing Jordan needs to keep an eye on here, Olaf could interject and ruin any slither of momentum.”

Knots: “The official needs to keep an eye on him as well, but… WHOA!”

Before Knots could finish, Jordan has run the ropes and leaps over the top rope and crashes into both Olaf and Tommy Valentine with little regard for her body. She immediately gets back up however to a roar from the crowd. Olaf holds the back of his head as he hit the barrier and Tommy winces some more as he is brought back to his feet. She then drags him to the apron, but Valentine drives an elbow into her gut stopping her, he hits another before rearing back and connecting with a right hand of his own. Olaf begins to get up which Tommy sees, and he kicks Jordan in the gut forcing her to a knee before rolling into the ring, Valentine begins getting into with the referee who now has his backed turned to the ringside area. Jordan begins to pull herself up as the fans roar for her attention as Olaf gears himself up and as she turns is caught by a vicious lariat from the muscle of Valentine. 

Knots: “OH COME ON, REFEREE DO YOU JOB!”

Sharper: “Valentine distracting him so that could happen, we said she needs to keep her head on a swivel.”

The crowd boos as Olaf stomps at her once before he pulls Jordan up and throws her effortlessly into the ring as she rolls a little towards the feet of Tommy. He laughs as the official turns to look at Olaf who holds up his hands. Valentine pulls Jordan up and hits a snap suplex before rolling over and covering her.

1…

2… kick out by Jordan!

The crowd roars as Tommy sighs a little to himself, he is first to his feet and stomps down on her, he does so again before grabbing her arm and leg and dragging her to a corner. It’s here though she pushes herself up and grabs Tommy into an inside cradle with the look for a pin.

1…

2… No! Kickout by Tommy!

The crowd oohs and sighs as Valentine is first to his feet with Jordan quickly following suit, he drives another boot into her gut doubling her over however and this time hits the Twist of Hate to a chorus of boo’s from the SCW fans. He sits there on the canvas for a moment and chuckles. He then taps his templed before leaning onto the the unconscious Jordan.

1…

2… NO! Jordan converts it into a crucifix pin.

1…

2… NO! VALENTINE KICKS OUT!!

Tommy immediately rolls away and to the ringside area while Jordan starts to get up and motions for him to get back in. Tommy kicks some nearby steps in frustration. Jordan stepping forward only to then back up when Tommy demands she does if she wants him back in the ring. She steps back further and Tommy leaps onto the apron and enters the ring, the two instantly begin to circle, annoyance now showing more on Tommy’s face.

Sharper: “Tommy not happy he hasn’t been able to put her away, this night already not going to plan after the events earlier this evening.”

Knots: “But he knows better than to let that distract him, well he used to know better until he become a giant douche canoe.”

Jordan and Tommy lock up, this time Valentine spins through and sends her towards the corner however she stops herself with a foot to the middle turnbuckle and turns. Tommy runs at her and leaps only for Jordan to rolls out of the way, however Valentine leaps onto the second turnbuckle. He climbs to the top looking for a moonsault but Jordan back on her feet lunges at his legs and splits them off and Valentine crotches the top turnbuckle now before falling back into a tree of woe… The SCW Crowd roars as Jordan notices this and begins to stomp away at the chest of Tommy over and over again before running to the nearby ropes and sprinting back with basement drop kick to his face, his foot unhooks and he collapses to the canvas, Jordan pulling him away from the ropes and corner and covering.

1..

2.. NO KICK OUT BY VALENTINE!!

Jordan sits up and holds her head in frustration now as Olaf leaps onto the apron and begins to talk trash towards Jordan. She notices and ges up only to see the official interject with him, his attention taken once again. Valentine begins to stir and rolls to his knees, Jordan looking around before walking over to pick Tommy up but he drops her down into an inside cradle instead now to return the favour which Olaf points out however Tommy pulls down on her tights as well

1…

2… NO KICK OUT BY JORDAN!!

It was at the very last moment, but Jordan kicks out to a roar form the crowd, Olaf holds his head and again kicks at the steps while Tommy looks at the official telling him that was three. While he is distracted with the ref Jordan already on her feet swings a stiff kick to the back of Tommy’s head knocking him down, he rolls through to get up but a European upper cut catches him off guard next as he once again stumbles into a corner. Jordan is quick to back up and gets the crowd hyped up as she charges the corner and leaps into a splash before rolling Tommy out of the corner. She then immediately leaps onto the top turnbuckle and looks out before taking a deep breath and leaps back for a moonsault only to convert it into a double stomp onto the chest of Tommy Valentine. The crowd “Oooh’s” before she rolls back and then quickly dives on tommy…

Sharper: “HOLY COW THAT HAD TO HURT!!”

1…

2…

3!!!

The bell sounds and Olaf immediately slide into the ring to go after Jordan who is quicker on her feet and exited the ring. “Warrior” by Stitched Up Heart begins to play over the P.A System as she backs up the ramp along with the official who raises her arm. 

Phillips: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of this match as a result of a pin fall… JORDAN MAJORS!!”

The crowd roars as Jordan beams with a smile while holding herself a little. Olaf is yelling for her to get back into the ring before turning to check on Tommy who holds his chest in obvious pain.

Knots: “What a move, Jordan hit the Money Drop on Valentine and that was all she needed to cash in that victory.”

Sharper: “Congratulations to Jordan, huge win for her as she looks to the future here with Apocalypse on the horizon.”

Jordan continues to back up as the crowd cheers her. She continues to back up before the crowd roars and we see Sienna Swann running out from the back and nailing her from behind. Jordan goes down. The crowd boos loudly. Sienna then looks at her, a maniacal look on her face before she dives onto her and nails her with repeated right hands to the jaw. The crowd boos as Jordan covers up.

Sharper: “Sienna Swann from the back! What in the world?”

Knots: “She won at Rise to Greatness, but that’s apparently not enough!”

Sharper: “She’s wearing out Jordan Majors with repeated strikes!”

Sienna hammers away some more before officials run out from the back. Tommy Valentine smirks in the ring as Olaf shakes his head in disappointment. Sienna is pulled off of Jordan as Jordan rolls over. The crowd boos loudly as Sienna looks around. She looks at the crowd as she’s pulled off and spins around. She steps forward, only to be stopped by Xiomara Diaz. Xiomara keeps her back as Sienna looks at Jordan, a smile almost on her face as Jordan holds her face in pain. The crowd continues to boo as the scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Breakdown returns to see Jaina Lancaster backstage. The crowd is cheering as we see standing with her, Regan Street and Selena Frost, both holding the SCW World Tag Team Championship, and Selena Frost, holding her US Championship.

Jaina: “Welcome back to Breakdown. Jaina Lancaster here and I’m honoured to be standing alongside the SCW World Tag Team Champions, and the SCW United States Champion, Frozen Hell!”

The crowd cheers.

Jaina: “And Regan, Selena, first off, congratulations for your win and your history making victory, at Rise to Greatness.”

Regan nods.

Jaina: “Now, you move on, you’ve had a month to enjoy it. You now have Adam Allocco and Bison Jones next, the Golden Boys. And Adam Allocco already is starting to go to work – he tried to get Xander Valentine to take you out Selena, but now we know Selena won’t be challenging you at Apocalypse.”

Selena: “Seems like it’s more of the same for Adam. Adam Allocco, the man who loves to run tournament, loves to get all of the plaudits and now runs his mouth. It’s nothing we’ve not dealt with. We’ve been targeted, attacked and everything else, and if that’s the best, Adam, you better figure something else out.”

Jaina: “Now Regan, he’s made it a bit more personal. You have a new movie, From Hell to Cat, the Regan Street Story coming out, and he well, parodied it and it seems that Adam has used his adult film connections…”

Regan: “Yeah, yeah…well, I could use a euphemism for cat to describe him…and his tactics, but I’ll probably get fined. It’s all nice for him to cute. I hope that the people in his production enjoy the profits from it. Lord knows, with Adam, as slimy as he is, they’re going to get screwed and not in the way they were hoping to be paid for. The fact is that this is just Adam’s ways of doing everything. You want these titles. It’s simple. Beat us for it. But Adam, you can call yourself the best tag team ever. Two wins don’t make it. And you’re already in the deep end. Facing us. And you’ve shared a lot of tricks, using the referee, trying to make money off us, and trying to get other to do your dirty work. Well, Selena and I…we love getting dirty. Not in the way of that Anastasia chick you’re win. That’s for you to enjoy and whoever’s watching. For us, we just come to the ring and kick ass. Literally!”

Regan looks around.

Regan: “And you’re just making it easier to enjoy it.”

Selena: “The question is going to be more who gets to finish the job…and how…Glass Shard or CATastrophe.”

Regan: “You earned this shot…and you’re earning your ass-kicking.”

Selena: “And whenever Xander gets his title shot, we’ll have another round and we’ll see if he still respects me when I beat him again!”

Jaina: “Thank you for your time.”

Regan: “No problem…I needed something to rile me up again after the high of Rise to Greatness!”

Selena: “Isn’t it great?”

Regan chuckles and the two head off.

Jaina: “And let’s now go to Spirit Dansby, who is standing by with Sienna Swann.”

The crowd boos loudly as the scene changes.

Spirit Dansby smiles as she looks at the camera. Sienna Swann is also smiling as Xiomara Diaz stands with her.

Spirit: “Thank you Jaina. Spirit Dansby here with Sienna Swann, and Sienna, you sent another message to Jordan Majors. You beat her at Rise to Greatness. Are you not done with her?”

Sienna: “You know, part of me was after Rise to Greatness. Her arrogance got her in trouble, thinking she had any chance of coming back against me. Not after I so clearly defeated her. But for some reason people think that she’s…outlasting me? That she’s got more heart? That she’s an IronWoman. Oh no…..no, no, no, no, NO!”

Sienna pauses, looking directly at the camera.

Sienna: “See….I heard this at Taking Hold of the Flame. I heard it at Rise to Greatness….that Jordan Majors is the real IronWoman….the real IronAngel. NO!”

Sienna yells at the camera.

Sienna: “You are nothing like me. You can’t outlast me. You can’t TOUCH me…and we’re not done. We’re not done until I END YOUR CAREER, PERIOD!”

Xiomara steps in. Spirit looks a bit concerned. Sienna holds her hand up.

Sienna: “Sorry…a bit emotional. It’s a trying time with Chris deciding not to sign….just….I’m not going to accept someone like her stealing my reputation. Tonight was just a message. I’m far from done!”

Sienna smiles as Xiomara Diaz then leads her away. Spirit looks at her.

The scene abruptly cuts away as we see a cameraman dragged over.

James: “Right there.”

We then see Ricky James step back from the camera as LHS pulls in two other people, clearly SCW employees. One rolls their eyes.

LHS: “Don’t make me slap you! You’re here to get a scoop because THIS is a emergency press conference and I am Lucy Huckabee Sanders, the press secretary for SCW and Shady Sasha has gone too far!”

James: “She has led one man who was going to resign with this company to leave. A true star. A REAL AMERICAN…someone who stood for the rights of every man! Chris Cannon!”

Crew member: “He’s British-“

LHS: “So was everyone who started here in America and he was going to continue the American dream and all this while we have a FRAUD for a World Champion…Related to Stalina Frost and Regan Street…a woman who besmirched a real American like Ronald Reagan!”

James: “IT’s just more of this continued Canadian agenda to hold back those with true talent. Just like ours, who despite our ultimatum have NOT been booked to compete and especially not for the United States Championship!”

LHS: “It’s a damn outrage. But you know what it does show…it shows that she’s breaking at the seams. Shady Sasha can’t keep it together and it’s only a matter of time before everyone stands up to demand equality for all, especially the smartest, the strongest, and hottest!”

James: “But Sasha we can give you another chance. We are fair if anything! And next week, we better be in that ring as we prepare for my inevitable challenge against Stalina Frost-

Just then, Gavin Taylor comes into view.

Gavin: “Uh…hey…couldn’t help but here-“

LHS immediately walks over and turns to him, stepping up to his face.

LHS: “Are you someone who has come to speak on the LIES of Shady Sasha…or are you here to promote your CANADIAN agenda-“

Gavin: “Well I am Canadian, but my greatest has made me more international. I’m Australia and the Netherland’s most favourite wrestler and well, Los Angeles is a great city for someone of my greatness. I mean I am an All-Star-“

LHS: “An All-Star who has been cast aside despite EARNING a shot at greatness. And of course, someone from Britain tries to hold a good American down!”

Gavin: “Great to see you understand…but I have a deeper problem and well-“

James: “You’ve come for our help.”

Gavin: “More I noticed you wanted a match and well, I’ve heard you two. Everyone’s talking about you. And you know who else everyone needs to be talking about…the MVP of SCW.”

James and LHS look at one another. James starts to point to himself before Gavin continues.

Gavin: “Aubrianna Powers. And well, how about we have a little showcase…of ALL our greatness next week.”

James brings his finger down.

LHS: “And teach a lesson to Shady Sasha!”

Gavin: “Yeah, sure…give Aubrianna the debut she deserves. Omaha gets to see the All Star in action and we get the debut of one of the most talked about teams…not as much as us…but right up there!”

Gavin extends his hand. James grabs it and shakes it.

James: “It would be our pleasure.”

Gavin nods and smiles.

Gavin: “Excellent!”

Gavin turns and heads off. James smirks.

James: “We’re going to kick his ass.”

LHS then looks at Ricky James.

LHS: “Wait…I have to compete?”

James: “We’ll figure that out.”

LHS: “Yeah…all of you…shoo! Shoo!”

LHS shoos them off as the camera turns to see an American flag, just standing next to the wall, where a series of stickers, including one of a third eye, are on the wall next to it.

“The Silent Majority. For a better SCW…”

The scene cuts to black.

COMMERCIALS

Breakdown returns as we see two crew members talking to one another backstage. Just then Subarashi walks up to them, with scrolls in his hand. He places one in the one’s hand before looking at the other, who is just staring at him, and placing it in the collar of his shirt. He then turns and walks off.

Sharper: “Welcome back to Breakdown. The fallout of Rise to Greatness being felt tonight.”

Knots: “Subarashi is looking for new clients!”

Sharper: “So it seems after his successful encounter with Jason Helms.”

A/C Unit vs. The Wonderland

“We’re All Mad Here” by Marquis of Vaudeville begins to play as the arena goes dark except for a spotlight as Alice Ames walks out to the center of it. The camera shows a close up as Alice takes a psychedelic colored blow pop and seductively licks it as the arena lights change to wild psychedelic colors as Cain Adams appears. Alice continues to lick on the blow as Cain Adams looks at the ring and the crowd, scanning it, almost enjoying the sensory overload. Alice then jumps up onto the back of Cain Adams and piggybacks him down to the ring. They reach the ring and Alice hops off before rolling into the ring. Cain Adams grabs the ropes and pulls himself in.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a fifteen minute time limit. First, they are the team of Cain Adams and Alice Ames, the Wonderland!”

Cain Adams trapes around the ring as Alice Ames runs over to the corner and looks around. She throws her lollipop down and walks around as the crowd boos the duo.

Sharper: “Cain Adam and Alice Ames about to be in action. Not a great night for the Wonderland at Rise to Greatness.”

Knots: “Cain Adams got hit by a camera and Giovanni Aries, defeated by Owen Cruze. But where the hell is Gio?”

Sharper: “I have no clue. I’m more surprised we get some, not all. Then again, last time this happened, they convinced Owen Cruze to go with him.”

The lights suddenly go out in the arena. A few seconds of dark silence are followed by the opening synth of "Out in the Cold" by Judas Priest chiming throughout the arena. Some dark blue lights come on near the entrance ramp, lighting up the stage and arena with an eerie bluish hue as dry ice begins to spread across the stage. Several second pass and right as the sound of a snare echoes throughout the arena, a giant white metal container slowly rises up through the left side of the stage with two words plastered upon it.

A/C UNIT

The guitars kick in and Asher Hayes busts out through one side of the container, clad in his signature long leather jacket and sunglasses with a cloud of frozen mist following him out of the container. He's quickly followed by Cid Turner, who busts out of the opposite side of the container looking disheveled and just generally confused and for some reason not wearing a shirt or jacket while being in an ice box.

Sharper: “They’re coming out in a god damned air conditioner!”

Knots: “Good to see Cid Turner still is as off the wall as ever!”

Phillips: “And their opponents, they are the team of Asher Hayes and Cid Turner, A/C Unit!”

The crowd cheers as they both make their way towards the center stage, both shivering due to being in a giant ice box for almost two minutes. Once they're properly warmed up, they make their way down towards the ring through the dry ice. They both go up on steel steps on the opposite sides of each other and climb the turnbuckles, pointing dramatically at each other from across the ring in perfect unison and breathing heavily as the chorus of the song plays, the passionate audience singing along.

"I'm out in the cold

Out in the cold

Hear me calling

Cold

Out in the cold

Please rescue me"

They both hop down to the apron and step in the ring. Asher leans over the top rope and chucks his shades into the crowd and takes his jacket off as Cid nervously strokes his overgrown beard with both hands. They meet each other in the middle and hit each other with a quick fist bump as the lights come back on and their music begins to fade. The crowd cheers loudly as Cid and Asher look around.

Sharper: “The crowd firmly behind Turner and Hayes!”

Knots: “A hard fought battle at Rise to Greatness. Dark Fantasy got them, but A/C Unit aint goin’ anywhere!”

The bell sounds and Cain runs over and boots Cid in the head. The crowd ohs and boos loudly as Cid falls back and through the ropes to the floor. Asher turns and nails Cain with a hard right and then another before Alice Ames runs over and jumps on his back. Asher grabs her and staggers off and keeps fighting. He then flips her over his head and slams her down. Asher then turns and Cain runs over and nails him with a hard right. Asher falls back into the corner. Alice rolls out of the ring.

Sharper: “And just like this, right into the mayhem! Cain Adams, an unchained beast!”

Knots: “And damn near killed Cid Turner. His triumphant return to Houston was just cut short!”

Cain then runs over and shoulders Asher in the ribs before rearing back and spearing him again and again. He then gets up and back elbows him. The official starts his count.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Cain grabs Asher and whips him across the ring. He runs after and drills Asher with a running clothesline. Asher falls out of the corner. Cid turns on the floor, holding his jaw as Cain grabs Asher by the arm and drags him over to the corner. He tags in Alice. Alice climbs up to the top rope and looks down and jumps off hitting a knee drop to Asher’s rips, rolling through. Cain exits.

Sharper: “The Wonderland looking to make a statement! Alice down onto the ribs!”

Knots: “This isn’t a statement. This is a mugging. They’re frustrated. Rise to Greatness wasn’t their big night. Tonight will now be! With or without Gio!”

Alice turns and runs over and dives onto Asher, choking him with both hands.

1!

2!

3!

4!

She pulls off. Cid grabs at the ropes. Asher Hayes rolls over, grabbing at the ropes. Alice runs over and kicks him in the ribs. He stumbles off to the corner. Alice then runs over and jumps up and to the middle rope, hammering away on him with repeated right hands. Asher takes every shot as the referee, again, calls for the break.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Alice hops down and Asher falls to a knee. The crowd chants for Asher as Alice walks around the ring. She then runs and runs at Asher and jumps up for a crossbody, but he steps up, catching her and runs out and into a vicious gutbuster. The crowd cheers. Alice rolls over as Asher falls to his hands and knees.

Sharper: “Asher, willed on by the crowd, catches Alice Ames and now, maybe can reset this match.”

Knots: “Get Cid in there and we can find out if Rise to Greatness was a fluke or not. He looked damn good. He could do more than throw a punch!”

Asher starts to get up as Cid is now up and extending his arm. Alice rolls over, holding her ribs. She starts to get up and winces and turns and runs at Asher, who scoops her up and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The crowd roars. He goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Alice gets her shoulder up. She rolls over and Asher rolls off. He then starts to get up and Alice rolls over and gets up and Asher grabs her and runs her into the A/C Unit corner before tagging in Cid. The crowd roars as Cid enters the ring and Asher pulls Alice out and they lift her up for a back suplex only to throw her forward, back first, to the mat. Alice rolls over. Cid then runs across the ring and jumps up and hits a dropkick to Cain Adams, knocking him off the apron. The crowd cheers as Cid gets up and looks around. Alice holds her lower back and gets up and Cid kicks her in the ribs and hits a DDT.

Sharper: “Cid Turner in! Double-team, then the dropkick! Now the DDT!”

Knots: “The Masta of Speed is the Master of the Ring!”

Cid turns and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Alice gets her shoulder up. The crowd ohs. Cid grabs her and pulls her up. He then turns her around and hits a belly to back suplex. He gets up and just then, Cain enters and drills him with a discus clothesline. The crowd boos as Cid hits the mat. Asher enters and Cain turns and exits the ring. Asher is stopped by the official. Asher points to Cain as he’s pushed back. Cid rolls over and starts to get up and Alice gets up and hits a dropkick, knocking him back into the corner. The official turns around. Alice crawls over and tags in Cain. Cain then grabs Cid from the outside, pulling him over the top rope before clubbing him hard in the chest once, twice and then a third time.

Sharper: “Cain just wearing out Cid!”

Knots: “This is a bit different from Dark Fantasy, huh. They don’t have a hulking madman in their corner! Not unless you talk to CHBK before he has his scotch!”

Cain shoves him forward. Cid rolls over and Cain steps in and then walks over as Cid bends over, his beard on the mat. Cain steps on the bread and then pulls Cid up. Cid yells out as the crowd boos. Cain just smirks before he grabs Cid and runs him across and face first into the top turnbuckle. Cid turns around and Cain forearms him in the jaw before grabbing him and hitting a huge hip toss out of the corner. Cid rolls over. He starts to get up in the corner and Cain turns and runs at him and goes for a clothesline, but Cid ducks out of the way. Cain goes chest first into the turnbuckle. He stumbles back and Cid turns and exits to the apron, climbing up to the top rope before diving off with the Denver Diving Kick! The crowd erupts in cheers.

Sharper: “Cid going for the trademark!”

Knots: “Apparently even remembered to give the fans what they wanted!”

Sharper: “Fans in Houston watching Cid Turner in action. As part of A/C Unit!”

Cid Turner looks around and then sees Cain starting to get up and Cid kicks him in the ribs. He then runs into the ropes, bounces off and spins around him. He goes to pull him back, but Cain elbows him in the jaw. Cain steps forward and turns, levelling Cid with a hard right. He then staggers back to tag in Alice. Alice enters the ring and runs at Cid, but Cid spins around her, pulling her back and hitting one inverted front face lock backbreaker, then a second before completing the Ode to Caesar! The crowd cheers.

Sharper: “Cid showing some craftiness!”

Knots: “Cain got out. But it’s a lot easier to move Alice around when she runs at you!”

Sharper: “And Cid drops her with the Ode to Caesar!”

Cid gets up and looks around. Cain Adams then runs over and grabs Cid and nails him in the back once and then again before hoisting him up from behind and throwing him down with a big sidewalk slam. The crowd boos as Cain gets up, but then, Asher enters and runs over and kicks him in the ribs, nailing him with a hard right and then a chop before Cain lunges for a clothesline. Asher ducks, stops and turns and spears Cain down. Cain rolls out of the ring. Alice stirs as Cid gets up. Asher exits to the apron and Cid gets up and tags him in. Alice then gets up and runs at Cid, but Cid hip tosses her down into Asher who catches her by the legs, steps through and locks in the Painful Hayes as Cid drops down and locks in the King’s Coup. The crowd erupts in cheers.

Sharper: “Double submission. The Trapped Under Ice!”

Knots: “And Alice can’t get anywhere. Cain is just getting up!”

Sharper: “And there she goes!”

Alice tries to fight for a moment before nodding repeatedly as the referee calls for the bell. The crowd cheers. The bell sounds and Cid and Asher let go. Their music plays again.

Phillips: “Here are your winners, via pinfall, Cid Turner and Asher Hayes, A/C Unit!”

Sharper: “On the first Breakdown after Rise to Greatness, the A/C Unit gets the win!”

Knots: “And the Wonderland continues to spin their wheels. The message is stale!”

Cain looks on as Alice rolls to the apron. Cain walks over and grabs her and lifts her up. He then starts to carry her around the ring. Jessica Winters just sidesteps to avoid getting Cain’s ire as Cid and Asher celebrate in the ring. Jessica Winters walks up the steel steps and into the ring.

Sharper: “And Cid and Asher, victorious, now will speak to Jessica Winters. Jessica?”

Jessica steps forward as Cid looks around and Asher smirks and heads over to her. He then gets Cid’s attention and gets him over. Their music fades out.

Jessica: “Cid, Asher…congratulations. You win tonight, but at Rise to Greatness, the result was a bit different. Dark Fantasy showing they were the better team that night.”

The crowd boos.

Jessica: “The fans here in El Paso may disagree, but the results show them as the victors. Cid, you’re still here though and teaming with Asher Hayes…are you back?”

Cid looks around. He takes a deep breath.

Cid: “Yeah…I think I am!”

The crowd erupts in cheers. Cid looks around. Asher smiles and pats him on the back.

Jessica: “So with that in mind…you weren’t successful against Dark Fantasy-“

Asher walks over.

Asher: “Say it over and over, Jessica. We lost to Dark Fantasy. They were the better team. Even though I think the two of them are raging jackasses and piss me off for their attitude, I’ll admit…they won!”

The crowd boos. Asher then holds his hand up.

Asher: “Oh, they won that night. But Cid aint going anywhere and neither am I and heck, in the last two months, Cid and I, we’ve broken bread, split some bottles, and we’ve realized we have one thing we need to then do…we’re going to spend the next few months fine-tuning things…we’re going to gun for the World Tag Team Titles. Bring the big ass and the jackass. Bring the Swat team. Bring the Wonderland again. Bring the Golden Boys and yeah…we can see who can freeze the other with the Hell Kitty and the Snow Queen…”

Cid then comes back in.

Cid: “Because I’m not done punching CHBK in the face and we’re gonna get better and better and we’re coming to kick Dark Fantasy’s ass!”

Cid throws his arms up a bit awkwardly as Asher chuckles.

Asher: “You heard him! We’re just gonna reload. So have your fun, enjoying the spoils, complaining about opportunities you deserve when you’ve done nothing to deserve them…well except beat us…you’ll have that for only so long.”

Cid: “Because the A/C Unit is goin’ on full blast!”

Asher shrugs.

Jessica: “Cid Turner and Asher Hayes, ladies and gentlemen!”

The crowd cheers as their music plays some more. Cid and Asher return to celebrating.

Sharper: “A/C Unit putting the tag division on notice. Looks like we have another strong team and one that’s only going to get better.”

Knots: “I think that’s the point. They’re pissed off. They don’t like Dark Fantasy. But they know they need to respect them. For now. And at some point, they’ll meet again and we’ll see how it turns out!”

The celebration continues before we cut away.

Backstage, Jordan Majors is seen sitting backstage as Jake Starr walks over to her. The crowd cheers her.

Jordan: “Been a fun time for us.”

Starr: “That’s one way to look at it. Or it’s just the time where you know you’ve got in her head. You saw her…that’s desperation. She won and she thinks she lost.”

Jordan smirks.

Jordan: “Oh, I’ve been in her head for months.”

Starr smiles as he sits down next to his sister.

Starr: “Then you’ve done something I only wish I could do…”

Jordan: “Yeah…”

Starr: “You know what you need to do.”

Jordan: “Oh yeah…”

Starr: “Good….you’ve already made me proud. Do what makes YOU proud.”

Jordan smirks as Starr pats her sister on the back. The crowd roars as we cut away.

COMMERCIALS

The haunting opening lines of ‘Legends Never Die’ fill the arena, as smoke begins to form in the entranceway, the fans on their feet

“Legends never die
When the world is callin' you
Can you hear them screaming out your name?
Legends never die (oo-oh)”

As the beat kicks in, a silhouette forms in the smoke, the noise in the arena cranking up a notch

“They never lose hope when everything's cold
And the fighting's near”

Owen Cruze steps out through the smoke, and stands on the stage, with a look left and right. And then a smirk, and a nod of acknowledgment to the fans

“It's deep in their bones. They run into smoke when the fire is fierce
Oh, pick yourself up 'cause”

Dropping to one knee, he punches the floor, pyrotechnics filling the space behind him, before he stands up, glances behind him and looks at Kelcey Wallace as she walks out. The crowd cheers some more before the two start to walk down to the ring.

Sharper: “Owen Cruze with one of the greatest performances of Rise to Greatness, dealing with Giovanni Aries who took him to lengths Cruze has never experienced.”

Knots: “Not just that, the Wonderland, who has been oddly quiet tonight, got involved more and Kelcey Wallace even got involved. Drilled Alice Ames with the Perfect Fate!”

Sharper: “And you can see it all on the replays showing all month. But right now, Owen Cruze, a month away had to have been good for him. He’s got to be refreshed after that intense battle.”

Owen Cruze continues to head to the ring and runs over and hops up on to the apron. He looks around and enters the ring. Kelcey Wallace walks over to the steel steps, climbing them to enter. Owen walks around the ring, scanning the crowd as they cheer him. He then turns and goes over to the corner, getting a microphone for him. He takes it and walks back to the middle of the ring. The crowd roars as his music fades out. Owen looks around as an “Owen!” chant begins.

Sharper: “Fans in El Paso chanting for Owen Cruze!”

Owen looks around.

Owen: “Giovanni! I hope it was all worth it! I hope that everything you did was worth it. Against me, against Kelcey, against the owner of this company. This Wonderland schtick…it’s not going to win against people like me. People like heart! People who give a damn.”

The crowd roars.

Owen: “And tonight, the Wonderland came out, they had a match. A little guideless. I guess Giovanni Aries isn’t here after saying this would be a big night. Maybe he’s realized it won’t work, because at Rise to Greatness, I gave you the fight YOU wanted and I beat you in the middle of the ring. And not just any way, I beat you in the middle of the ring….”

Owen pauses for a moment.

Owen: “With my dad’s finishing move. You made it personal. You did something to make me see my father and have him spread lies…well, I made sure he sent one final message to you. You don’t message with the Cruze family and well….I guess at Rise to Greatness XVII, I finally lived up to the Cruze legacy.”

The crowd cheers as Owen looks around. Kelcey nods.

Owen: “SCW is standing against you Giovanni and we made our point. You’re not here tonight…stay that way…stay quiet. Think long on everything. We won’t stand for it.”

Owen then looks down, stopping a moment. He then looks up.

Owen: “And as for me…a chip came off my shoulder at Rise to Greatness. A weight that’s been on these shoulders since I first walked in here. I’m Lando’s kid. I’m Shaun’s nephew. Both true…I’m part of Kelcey’s Perfect Pack! Also true…But finally, I’m standing here looking to live up to a Legacy. I have one…one multiple occasions, two with the biggest spotlight on them, stood up for what I felt was right. In one case, it put the woman in charge in this company. I’ve beaten some of the best in the history of this sport….and I’m a former World Champion…and I think it’s time I start thinking about getting a second title run.”

The crowd erupts in cheers.

Owen: “Now there’s a bit of a longjam at the top but-“

I Want It All!
I Want It All!
I Want It All!
And I Want It Now!

The opening guitar riff of Queen’s “I Want It All” and Matt Hodges makes his way out from behind the curtain to momentous boos from the crowd. Owen turns as Matt Hodges looks around. He then starts to head down to the ring.

Sharper: “Matt Hodges coming out. He was successful against Alistaire Allocco.”

Knots: “And we heard from Alistaire who seems to have found a new desire for something. In all of this, we know Peyton Rice and Alistaire Allocco aren’t engaged anymore. Hodges broke em!”

Sharper: “I don’t know about that…”

Hodges reaches the ring as Owen Cruze watches him. Hodges walks around the ring and heads over to the timekeepers’ table. He gets a microphone and turns back to the ring. He walks up the steel steps and along the apron before entering into the ring. He steps forward. Kelcey and Owen both look at him.

Owen: “Matt Hodges…”

Hodges: “Owen Cruze….Kelcey Wallace…I don’t think we’ve properly met…”

Hodges extends his hand. Neither Kelcey nor Owen shake it.

Owen: “I know enough. Attacking Alistaire by going after his knee and even trying to do the same to Peyton.”

Hodges: “Oh yeah…about that…sorry. In the heat of battle, things get crazy. Well, you’d both know. How’s the hand, Kelcey? Cracked it off the jaw of that Ames girl well. Anyway…”

Kelcey smirks as the crowd roars. Owen looks at Hodges.

Hodges: “I couldn’t help hear how you plan to take a straight approach right for the big gold belt around here and that’s interesting…because well, as now the undisputed World Class caliber wrestler around here…I mean I beat Alistaire Allocco on one leg!”

Owen rolls his eyes.

Hodges: “Well boyo, I think you’re up next. I mean, you beat Alistaire for the World Title last. That’s also good for something….and well, I may as well punch up instead of punching down. Peyton was fine and all, but she seems a bit fragile-“

Owen steps up. Hodges backs up.

Hodges: “Easy, easy…I didn’t know you two had a thing. I’ve just been back-“

Owen steps up again.

Owen: “She’s a friend, Matt. And I’d suggest stepping more carefully.”

Hodges: “Okay, okay….relax.”

Hodges backs up.

Hodges: “Either way, I made a challenge. Are you man enough to accept it?”

Owen: “Sure, Matt…maybe this time, we can see how good you are when you don’t even the score through potential injury.”

The crowd cheers as “Legends Never Die” plays. Owen turns as Kelcey looks at Matt and turns. Hodges smirks and then lunges forward, but Owen turns. Hodges stops and backs up and rolls out of the ring. The crowd roars a bit as some boo.

Sharper: “Hodges was going to try something!”

Knots: “Was it after Kelcey or Owen?”

Sharper: “Does it matter? Owen caught him, figured he’d try something and now he’s ducked out!”

Hodges backs away as Owen turns to him. Kelcey too. The crowd boos Matt as he walks around the ring. Owen’s music continues to play. Hodges just smirks as he continue to head to the back, now laughing a bit Kelcey shakes her head.

COMMERCIALS

Clyde Sutter vs. Blake Mason

SCW Television Championship

The lights in the arena go out as the opening chords of “Unforgiven” by Metallica begins to play.  As the song picks up its pace a spotlight shines at the top of the ramp and we see “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter standing there with a sinister grin on his face.  He is flanked by his agent, Mason Van Stanton, who smirks arrogantly out at the crowd who showers both men with booing and jeering.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a fifteen minute time limit and is for the SCW Television Championship! First, accompanied by Mason Van Stanton, from Raleigh, North Carolina, he is the new Executioner, Clyde Sutter!”

Knots: “Surely he can’t still call himself that after Rise to Greatness?!”

Sharper: “Why don’t you go tell him that?”

Sutter begins his slow walk down the ramp, with Van Stanton following closely behind.  The spotlight follows the sinister sociopath as he approaches the ring; Sutter then foregoes the steel steps as he leaps up from the floor to the ring apron.  Mason applauds from the outside as he uses the steel steps to join his client on the ring apron.  With the spotlight remaining only on them as one of the few lights in the arena at the moment, Sutter and Van Stanton enter the ring and then stand in the center.  Van Stanton applauds his client while the fans continue to show their displeasure.  The sound of Metallica dies down and the lights come back on.

Sharper: “Mason Van Stanton said that this match would either end with Sutter as our new Television Champion or with Mason on a stretcher.”

Knots: “It could always be both!”

The lights go out. A few moments later, a white spotlight shines at the top of the ramp. In that spotlight we see a man wearing a robe with "Blake Mason Experience" embroidered in white. The lights to the rest of the arena come back on, the chorus to "G.O.A.T" by CF0$ featuring Will Roush echoes through the loud speaker. 

Phillips: “His opponent, accompanied by Jaxson Sullivan, from Boston, Massachusetts, he is the SCW Television Champion, Blake Mason!

Blake Mason still has his back turned to the camera. Standing behind him is Jaxson Sullivan, wearing a suit, looking like he is ready to knock someone's head off.  

Sharper: “On the other hand, Blake Mason looks to keep riding that wave of momentum he’s currently on.”

Knots: “He’s definitely on a hot streak, but that can crash and burn in spectacular fashion tonight if Sutter and Van Stanton back up their words. Sutter might manage to do just that by using that anger from Rise to Greatness to give him that extra edge. It’s been proven lately though that backing up his threats is easier said than done!”

Blake heads to the ring at a methodical pace. Reaching the steel steps, he walks up them, on to the apron, steps into the ring. Jaxson isn't too far behind. They reach the center of the ring. Blake turns his back to the main camera. He takes off his robe, hands it to Jaxson. Blake is shown to be wearing black leather pants like wrestling tights. He walks over to the nearest corner opposite of Sutter. By then, Jaxson is now standing outside the ring, keeping an eye on his surroundings and Van Stanton who is now on the opposite side of the ring on the outside.

Knots: “Well, don’t expect Van Stanton to get involved with Sullivan out there as well. That’s a death wish.”

The referee calls for the bell. It rings as Mason and Sutter begin to circle each other. The two meet in the middle and lock up in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. They struggle until Sutter breaks the tie-up, throwing Mason backwards into the ropes. Mason takes a moment to regain his composure, leaning back on the ropes, before making his way back to the middle of the ring. He crouches down slightly and puts an arm up, offering a test of strength. Sutter grits his teeth and scowls in response. 

Sharper: "Sutter not in the mood for any games tonight after that Brawl to Settle It All. He’ll be looking to bounce back in a big way tonight."

Knots: "You have to imagine it hurt enough losing that big brawl, but it had to hurt him even more that Xander Valentine was the last man standing!" 

Mason smirks and straightens himself back up. The two go back to circling one another. Mason jolts forward and ducks a grapple by Sutter, slipping behind him and locking in a waistlock. Sutter throws back an elbow but Mason ducks it, maintaining the hold. Mason goes for a takedown but Sutter blocks it by standing his ground.

Sharper: “And Mason’s having some trouble getting Sutter off his feet at the start of this match.”

Knots: “He picked up a big victory against Josh Hudson at Rise to Greatness, but Clyde Sutter isn’t Hudson! He’s going to need more than a Greco-Roman takedown to get this guy down.”

Sharper: “That’s true, but let’s not downplay Mason here. He’s looking as good as ever lately.”

Suddenly, Mason drops down and slides out of the ring. Sutter goes after him, but Mason grabs his legs and pulls him down.

Sharper: “Blake Mason, always coming in with a plan, gets the big man down.”

Mason slides in and gets on the back of the fallen Sutter. Sutter gets on all fours and Mason quickly shifts and gets Sutter in a front headlock. He keeps the hold in as Sutter gets to his feet. Sutter lets out a wail as he hoists Mason up and over, sending them both crashing to the mat on their backs with a sort of Northern Lights suplex. 

Sharper: “Oh, but now Sutter showing his immense strength with that unorthodox suplex!”

Knots: “I don’t know if I’d call that a suplex, but he’s definitely showing his strength!”

They both quickly get up but Mason gets taken down with a shoulder tackle. He gets back up and Sutter goes for another running shoulder tackle, but Mason moves, sending Sutter chest first into the corner. Mason runs forward and goes for a German suplex, but Sutter blocks it. He breaks the hold and ends up behind Mason, pushing him into the corner. He unleashes a series of vicious forearms to the back of Mason’s neck. He continues the pummeling as the referee begins his count.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Sutter stops and suddenly turns around, stepping up to the referee and sending him cowering into the corner. The referee jaws at him and warns him that he’s going to get disqualified. Van Stanton runs up to the apron and smacks it.

Van Stanton: “Mr. Sutter! The title is on the line! Focus!”

Sharper: “The other Mason in this bout, Mason Van Stanton, reminding Sutter what’s at stake here.”

Sullivan makes his way around the corner towards Van Stanton. Van Stanton sees him and quickly runs off.

Knots: “Uh oh. Van Stanton might want to stay out of the way for this one.”

Sharper: “You got that right. Jaxson Sullivan could make short work of Van Stanton if he tries to get involved.”

Knots: “On second thought, I’d like to see that!”

Sutter nods towards his manager, turns around, and rushes Mason, who’s still in the corner but now facing the inside of the ring. He hits him with a running knee to the gut. He drags Mason out of the corner and throws him towards the ropes with an irish whip. Sutter leans back and shoots himself off the ropes, meeting Mason in the middle of the ring with a running big boot. The crowd ohs. Sutter goes for the cover.

1!

2!

Mason kicks out at two.

Sharper: “Sutter with that vicious big boot.”

Knots: “Mason might have to start adapting his style soon! He got him down but didn’t do much with it.”

Mason rolls on his stomach while holding his head. Sutter goes down and pounces on him, straddling him from behind. He lays in some more stiff forearms as Mason tries to cover up the back of his head. Mason eventually manages to slip out from underneath Sutter. They both get up and Sutter turns around into a drop toe hold. Mason grabs Sutter’s leg and goes for an ankle lock, but Sutter scrambles out of the ring. The crowd boos as Sutter slams the apron in frustration. 

Sharper: “Some frustration shown here by Sutter as he slides out of the ring to reset.”

Knots: “As we’ve seen, it’s not hard to get this guy riled up. Actually, his only emotion seems to be anger.”

Sharper: “He’s controlled most of this match, but still showing signs of frustration there. Mason will be looking to pounce on any sign of weakness from Sutter.”

The referee begins his count. (1) Sutter looks like he’s going to enter the ring, but he stops as soon as he sees the referee counting. (2) He chirps at the referee who just continues to count. (3) With Sutter briefly distracted, Mason runs forward and hits him with a baseball slide, sending him crashing into the barricade. (4) Van Stanton goes to check on Sutter, who has a hand on his back as he rests against the barricade. Mason exits the ring and fakes a step towards Van Stanton, sending him scattering away. Mason smirks at him while Van Stanton glares at him.

Van Stanton: “Get back in the ring, you heathen!”

Van Stanton backs into Sullivan. He puts his hands up and backs away in the opposite direction.

Knots: “Oh, please clock him! I’m suddenly invested in seeing Van Stanton take on Sullivan on the outside!”

The referee restarts the count. (1) Mason grabs Sutter and whips him into the steel stairs. Sutter’s left leg smacks against the steel and he goes flying over the steps. (2) Sutter rolls around, grabbing at his leg. (3) Suddenly, Mason runs and hops up onto the steel steps before immediately jumping off and hitting Sutter with a diving knee drop. The crowd cheers.

Sharper: “Unique offense there from Mason!”

(4) Mason rolls through the maneuver and goes back to Sutter. He picks him up. (5) He pulls Sutter’s leg up and lifts him up by the leg and waist, sending him shin first onto the steel steps. The crowd roars as Sutter writhes in pain on the floor.

Knots: “He lifted him!”

Sharper: “Sutter’s a big man, but not many people would call Mason a small man! We can’t downplay his aggressiveness either. With that title on the line, Mason might just have that extra bit of adrenaline he needs to take this monster down.”

(5) Mason picks Sutter up and rolls him into the ring. He slides in after him and quickly goes for the cover.

1!

Sutter gets a shoulder up. 

Sharper: “And Sutter kicks out at one.”

Knots: “Mason’s style isn’t made to quickly dispatch opponents like Sutter, it’s all about working him down. Taking out that leg could be huge!”

Sharper: “As stated, Blake Mason always has a plan.”

Mason stays on the ground and grabs Sutter’s leg, locking in a kneebar. The crowd cheers as Sutter reaches forward and starts swiping at Mason.

Sharper: “And Mason has quickly turned this match back around!”

Van Stanton looks on with concern as Sutter desperately continues to try and break the hold. He stops focusing on Mason and begins the slow crawl to the ropes. He drags them both to the closest bottom rope and grabs onto it. The crowd quiets down. Mason keeps the hold locked in as the referee begins his count.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Mason releases the hold and gets back to his feet as Sutter stays clutching the rope.

Sharper: “Mason taking full advantage of that five count.”

Mason backs up and stalks Sutter. Sutter gets up and turns around. Mason charges him and goes for a crossbody but gets caught in Sutter’s arms.

Knots: “Mason’s caught!”

Sutter throws Mason up onto his shoulders. He goes to lift him up in the gorilla press position, but his leg buckles, dropping both competitors to the ground.

Sharper: “Oh, and Sutter! Might have been going for that Cruciform Slam, but the leg gave out!”

Sutter brings himself to a knee but Mason gets up beside him even quicker and drops him with a DDT. The crowd cheers.

Sharper: “Mason now benefiting from working that leg!”

Mason goes for the cover.

1!

2!

Sutter kicks out and starts to get up. Mason grabs him and hits him with a couple European uppercuts. He runs back and bounces off the ropes, but runs right into a tilt-a-whirl sidewalk slam.

Knots: “Well, I guess technical prowess can only go so far.”

Sutter goes for the cover.

1!

2!

Mason gets a shoulder up. Sutter stands and goes to pick Mason up but gets rolled up with a small package. The crowd cheers in anticipation.

1!

2!

Sutter breaks free.

Sharper: “Mason almost stole it!”

Knots: “He’d be perfectly fine with any victory here. He’s not like his opponent, just looking to hurt someone! Mason’s here to win.”

They both get up and Sutter pounces on Mason with a knee to the gut. He sets him up for a powerbomb. He lifts him up but Mason counters with a hurricanrana. He hits it and reaches back to grab Sutter’s leg, hooking it.

1!

2!

Sutter kicks out and sends Mason flying forward into the ropes.

Knots: “Almost got him again!”

Sharper: “Sutter might have been looking to finish him off with that, maybe looking for Judge, Jury, and Execution! Mason’s adapted to Sutter’s powerhouse offense with a myriad of pinning counters.”

Sutter scrambles to get up as Mason gets himself off the ropes. He goes to grapple Sutter but walks straight into a spinning spinebuster. The crowd ohs. Sutter hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Mason kicks out. Sutter slams the mat in frustration. He gets up and scowls into the crowd to a chorus of boos. He turns around to a stirring Mason and holds up his hand.

Sharper: “Setting up for a chokeslam, it looks like.”

Knots: “Eventually, he’s going to connect with something that takes Mason out. All it takes is one move from his devastating offense!”

Mason gets up and Sutter grabs him by the throat. He lifts him up but Mason grabs him in a headlock in midair. 

Sharper: “Mason’s got him with another counter!”

Mason drags though and brings Sutter down to his back. Mason lands right on top of him. Before the referee can even slide in for the count, Mason also hooks Sutter by the neck and the leg while keeping his shoulders down. He leans back with all of his weight and Sutter struggles to break free as the referee counts.

1!

2!

3!

The crowd roars. Sutter manages to break free just after the count, sending Mason rolling to the other side of the ring. "G.O.A.T" by CF0$ featuring Will Roush plays as Sutter looks at Mason with a look of pure rage.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, and still SCW Television Champion, Blake Mason!”

Sharper: “He finally got him with one of those flash pins! A unique finish there.”

Knots: “And Mason’s hot streak continues with that successful title defence!”

Mason slides out of the ring. The official rushes over to him, hands him the SCW Television Championship, and raises his arm. He raises the belt as Sullivan flanks him. Van Stanton gets up on the apron with a look of disappointment as Sutter continues to stare down Mason.

Sharper: “It wasn’t easy, but Mason got it done here tonight.”

Knots: “Again, I would have liked to see Jaxson Sullivan rip Van Stanton in half, but I can’t hold that against the competitors. A great performance from both of these men!”

Sharper: “Sutter looked great despite the defeat, but I think we both know that doesn’t mean a damn thing to him.”

Mason walks up the ramp as the scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

Backstage, Blake Mason is shown walking throughout the backstage area, towel over his shoulders as Jaxson Sullivan is walking with him. We see him heading over to the locker room area when a crew member heads over to him.

Crew member: “Blake! Hey…I have a note for you.”

Blake turns and takes it. The crew member nods and walks off as Blake looks at the note and scans it.

Blake: “Great match…good luck next week. You’ll have to relive a past failure…”

Blake turns to Jaxson.

Sullivan: “Whatever it is. Put it in the back of your mind. That’s a problem for next week.”

Blake: “Fair enough.”

Blake rips the note and throws it down before walking off.

“The Old Me” then play as we see the Breakdown logo come up on the screen.

Sharper: “Blake Mason getting warning, but we can tell you exactly what’s awaiting him. Syren is getting the next shot at the TV Title!”

Knots: “So that’s what that meant?”

Sharper: “After running into Katya, now Syren getting a shot. Coincidence? I don’t think so!”

A still of Syren vs. Blake Mason comes up on the screen before showing “NEXT WEEK!”. The still remains on the screen. We then cut to see the Breakdown logo come up on the screen again before showing Matt Hodges vs. Selena Frost.

Sharper: “And that’s not all. Next week, Matt Hodges will be present. We heard from Alistaire Allocco earlier. Hodges off tonight. Clearly savouring his victory and he’ll be up against Selena Frost next week in non-title action!”

Knots: “Talk about a hell of a match. A huge match!”

The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen again before cutting away.

The arena's lights cut and the room falls into complete darkness as a buzz spreads through the crowd, the screens suddenly lighting up with one single solitary word...

"BANG!"

As the crowd react, the entire stage lights up with a brilliant white light and the opening riff of an SCW remixed version of "All I Want" by A Day To Remember hits the pa system. The crowd erupt into cheers again as they spot the silhouette of David Helms standing there, his arms held aloft and his hands throwing the Self High Five, all framed by the brilliant white light behind him.

“ALL I WANT IS A PLACE TO CALL MY OWN
TO MEND THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO FEELS ALONE
WOAH; YOU KNOW TO KEEP YOUR HOPES UP HIGH
BUT YOU HEAD DOWN LOW!”

The intro gives way to the chorus and the lyrics of said chorus flash up on the screen as Helms suddenly jumps into the air and breaks his hands apart, pyrotechnics exploding on either side of the stage as he lands and the house lights raise again as the curtains part and Lucas Knight walks out onto the stage to join Helms there. The SCW World Championship is over his shoulder. Helms grins at the fans, soaking up the cheers before suddenly bolting towards the ring, leaving Lucas to head down after him.

Sharper: “We started the night with a shocker. Glory Braddock cashing in her Trios Tournament contract to challenge David Helms for the World Championship at Apocalypse. Now, we hear from our new World Champion!”

Knots: “First time holding that title since 2011. A long time has passed!”

Reaching the ring, Helms jumps up and slides under the bottom rope feet first before jumping straight back to his feet and climbing straight to the middle rope of the nearest ring post. He throws his hands up into the Self High Five to another cheer before hopping down and walking towards the closest camera on the outside. He throws his hands into the Self High Five to the camera so that his face is framed by the gap in the middle of his hands. Grinning, he mouths the word "Bang!" into the camera before turning and settling back into the corner to another cheer from the fans as Lucas is now in the ring. He stands in the background as David Helms walks over to the corner, grabbing a microphone waiting for him. He takes it and walks back over to the middle of the ring. The crowd cheers as he looks around. His music fades out. Loud chants of “David Helms!” start to echo throughout the arena.

Sharper: “The fans in Houston firmly behind the new World Champion!”

Knots: “Frankly, I’m waiting for the statues to be erected in his honour. Bree Lancaster isn’t World Champion anymore!”

David continues to look around as the cheers continue. David listens as Lucas Knight starts to motion to the crowd to keep going. They get louder and David just smiles as he does. David then holds his hand up, trying to get them to quiet down. We then start to hear a “You Deserve It!” chant break out. David stops and looks around. The chanting continues as the cameras cut to a wide shot of the crowd.

David: “Thanks guys….thanks…”

The cheering continues.

David: “Thanks for this….it feels good…Really damn good to be standing here as World Champion again!”

The crowd cheers as Helms looks around.

David: “It’s all a bit surreal to be standing here, some seven months after I….well…officially returned and holding the World Championship. And to do it at Rise to Greatness…”

David looks down.

David: “Again, feels really damn good!”

David smiles as he looks at the crowd.

David: “Now Lucas here wanted to come out with the bottle of Dangerously Infamous rum and have another celebration. I mean it went well after Taking Hold of the Flame, but given that it seems like this is a bit different. Now it’s been a while since I held a title here in SCW. I vaguely remember how it goes. You have a few targets on your back and we already saw some of it play out. Bree Lancaster, she wants a shot.”

The crowd boos.

David: “Tommy Valentine already is bringing up last month, when he pinned me in this ring, for a shot.”

David nods as the crowd boos.

David: “And I know that so many others, Syren, Sienna Swann, maybe Owen Cruze, and that’s just a start all want a shot at this, but we’re not going to be going that route. Instead, Glory Braddock came out here and used something I helped her win…a Trios Tournament contract.”

David looks around as the crowd boos.

David: “And so at Apocalypse, it’s gonna be David Helms facing Glory Braddock, one on one…and before you ask, I got it confirmed…only this title on the line.”

David points to the SCW World Championship.

David: “Funny enough, I may not be the only one with a target on my back. Glory by jumping to the front of the line made a lot of people angry. Now not all of them have a Xander Valentine chasing after them, and that means both of us have a lot of eyes and a lot of people who at best are jealous or at worst, want to see us fail.”

David pauses as the crowd applauds a bit.

David: “But you know all that. You’re Glory Braddock…Best in the World. Held World Titles all over….but here. And well, you’ve had a good 2020 too. Won the Trios Tournament. I know, because I was there, right there next to you. But you also walked out a new champion at Rise to Greatness, now Adrenaline Champion…I get the feeling good. I feel damn good now too.”

David turns back to Lucas.

David: “Back to Lucas and the celebration…see, unlike Taking Hold of the Flame, where that was an equally important moment for me…I could take a moment to celebrate in this ring. But I’ve had a month to celebrate this!”

David smiles.

David: “A month where I spent it with my wife, one half of the new Tag Team Champions! A month where I got to look back on everything I’ve done this year so far! And a month to get ready for the hell I’m going to go through to keep this title!”

David looks at the main camera.

David: “Glory…step up! I’m here and I’m ready. I have everything to lose and you have everything to gain. It’s what the Trios Tournament contract gives you. Just I hope it’s worth the spotlight and the jealousy because Glory…I don’t plan to give this up any time soon! BANG!”

David brings the microphone down as “All I Want” by A Day to Remember plays. Lucas nods as David walks back and turns and places the microphone over on the apron. He turns and walks over to Lucas.

Sharper: “David Helms is ready and he’s looking to be ready to take on anything.”

Knots: “New lease on life. I mean the man just had one of the most impressive seven month periods in wrestling history. And he’s got his time off. He’s back to work. Punched in and ready to go!”

Sharper: “Glory up first. David doesn’t mind! And they’ll clash for the World Title at Apocalypse on September 13!”

David Helms and Lucas Knight talk a bit before David steps through the ropes and drops down. Lucas Knight steps out and follows as we cut away.

The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen as “The Old Me” plays in the background. A still of Xander Valentine vs. Ace Marshall follows.

Sharper: “Main event is next. Xander Valentine faces Ace Marshall. Two former World Champions clashing, next, here on Breakdown!”

The scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Ace Marshall vs. Xander Valentine

A countdown starts on the big screen in fast progression from five to one before "Adrenalize" hits the speakers and the spotlights start to spin and focus in on the stage. The fans erupt in cheers as on stage Ace Marshall steps out with Oakley shades and a black reflective jacket.

ADRENALIZE ME

He pauses before raises his arms up for the crowd as strobe lights break out throughout the arena for the crowd in different shades of red, blue and green in rapid succession. Smoke erupts from underneath them and along the ramp way. He snaps his fingers and bobs his head before pointing out to the crowd.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall for TV time remaining and is your main event of the evening! Making his way to the ring, coming in from Las Vegas, Nevada, Ace Marshall!”

Ace casually strolls down the ramp. Reaching the ring Ace slides in before standing up and running his hands through his hair, singing along with the song. Making his way to the corner, he climbs up it before looking out into the crowd while thrusting an arm up as the crowd cheers him on. Dropping down after a moment he turns his back to the audience before removing his jacket and shades. He sets them to the side of the apron for an official to grab just as the match is about to be underway.

Sharper: “This stemming from before Rise to Greatness. Ace Marshall had fun at the expense of the two monsters, Clyde Sutter and Xander Valentine. Xander Valentine reminded everyone who he is.”

Knots: “Yeah and Ace Marshall may have dodged some of it, but he can’t tonight!”

The feedback over the PA system, as if a jack is plugged into an amplifier rips through the arena. While the noise attracts the attention of the crowd, spotlights, one after another shine down onto the stage. The familiar chords of "The Fade to Black" crackles on the sound system as smoke begins to hover on the stage. A shadow stands behind an illuminated curtain, by this point the crowd already caught up in a frenzy. The song's interlude cuts shorts as the lyrics begin:

“Life it seems, will fade away

Drifting further every day

Getting lost within myself

Nothing matters no one else

I have lost the will to live

Simply nothing more to give

There is nothing more for me

Need the end to set me free”

As the final line of lyrics play and the song revs up, Xander bursts out behind the curtain onto the stage. He marches out onto the stage to the top of the ramp. Boos start to hail down on him, but there are some cheers beneath. Behind him emerges a woman, wearing a coat with fur lining. As she stops and positions herself behind Xander. As if she doesn't exist, he stares down at the ring, regardless if occupied or vacant. A serious glare is painted across his weathered face. He starts marching deliberately down the ramp, continuing to stare at the ring.

Phillips: “His opponent, accompanied by Artemis, from San Diego, California, he is the Executioner, Xander Valentine!”

Things not what they used to be

Missing one inside of me

Deathly lost, this Can t be real

Cannot stand this hell I feel

Emptiness is filling me

To the point of agony

Growing darkness taking dawn

I was me, but now he 's gone

The song begins to fade out at this point. Xander is at the bottom of the ring steps. He stomps the bottom step several times before moving pass the steps towards the side of the ring. In a single bound, Xander leaps up onto the apron. He poses for a moment, stretching his shoulders as he continues to look into the ring. He raises his arm high into his air, as to promise victory. He garners another response from the crowd. Meanwhile Artemis has left his side, instead moving towards the timekeeper to take the position of a watcher. She stands there as if no one else exists but Xander and his opponent. Xander looks over at Artemis for a moment, for the first time acknowledging her existence before leaping over the top rope. He steps over to the corner and prepares for the battle ahead.

Sharper: “Valentine meanwhile told he’ll have to wait to challenge Selena Frost for the US Championship. He earned that match, a result of the Brawl to Settle it All.”

Knots: “And we know why – Tag Titles on the line, Frozen Hell will defend against the Golden Boys at Apocalypse. But we don’t know what Xander got instead. He was happy about it.”

Xander looks at Ace as the bell sounds. Ace looks around as Xander steps forward. Ace backs up and Xander continues to advance on Ace before lunging forward with a hard right. Ace ducks and spins around. Xander falls into the corner. Ace hits a left and then a right and then a kick before Xander pushes forward. Ace backs up again. Xander keeps stalking him. The crowd roars and Xander swings. Ace ducks as Xander hits the corner and turns around and Ace nails him with a hard right and then another. Xander shoves him back, causing Ace to roll back to the middle of the ring. Xander steps out and Ace actually goes for a drop toe hold. Xander falls forward to his hands and knees. Ace gets up and stomps him in the back and then again before kicking him in the head. Xander rolls over.

Sharper: “Ace taking down the giant, the Executioner!”

Knots: “And just staying on him. Guess he does have something to motivate him…his impending death!”

Xander turns and Ace stomps him in the chest once and then again before Xander rolls to the floor. Ace looks around and Xander starts to get up on the floor. (1) He looks up as Ace runs to the corner, jumps to the middle turnbuckle and then over the top rope, but Xander catches him. (1) The crowd roars before Xander runs forward and drives Ace back first into the ringpost. The crowd ohs. (2) Ace slides down and Xander grabs him and turns and drives him face first into the ring apron. (3) Xander rolls him into the ring and slides in after. Ace pulls himself to his feet and runs into the ropes. He bounces off and Xander drops him with a clothesline.

Sharper: “Ace tried to get going.”

Knots: “And he did…back to the canvas.”

Sharper: “Valentine, no flash, but all impact. Ace Marshall had some of that impact, but looks like Xander now just going to slow this down.”

Xander grabs Ace and pulls him up and elbows him in the back of the head. Ace falls to the ropes. Xander walks over and nails him with a hard right. Xander grabs him and whips him across the ring. Ace bounces off and Xander lifts him up on the rebound, launching him in the air and Ace lands hard from a big back body drop. Ace rolls over and turns, holding his lower back and Xander clotheslines him down. He then drops down and goes for the lateral press.

1!

2!

Ace kicks out. Xander gets up and Ace rolls over. Xander grabs him and pulls him up before running him over into the corner, driving him face first into the corner. Ace turns around. Xander then knees him in the ribs before rearing back and kneeing him again and again.

Sharper: “Xander now just wearing down Ace. Every knee just forcing the air out.”

Knots: “Probably good for people who hate Ace. He can’t run his mouth. Then again, Xander Valentine makes everything hard when you’re in the ring.”

Xander whips Ace across. Ace staggers out and Xander lifts him up into a bearhug. He squeezes as Ace winces in pain. The crowd boos a bit as Ace reaches around. Xander squeezes again and Ace goes limp for a moment before reaching up. Xander keeps squeezing. Ace keeps trying to hold on as Aaron Demitra checks on him. Xander then goes to lift him up, but Ace thumbs him in the eyes. Ace drops down and Ace shoot kicks Xander’s left knee. Xander falls to a knee before Ace then hits a jumping enziguri kick, knocking him over. Xander rolls over. The crowd cheers a bit as Ace gets up. He holds his back and Xander pulls himself up only for Ace to run at him and nail him with a running dropkick. Xander goes back down. Ace goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Xander pushes him off. Ace rolls off. Xander stirs.

Sharper: “Xander kicks out as Ace gets a few good shots in.”

Knots: “Hey, he’s a former World Champion. May be a doorknob half the time, but you throw a doorknob into a bag and beat someone with it, it hurts!”

Xander gets up and Ace runs over and forearms him in the jaw and then nails him again. Xander shoves him back. Ace rolls through and Xander steps up. Ace goes low and hits a dropkick. Xander falls to a knee. Ace runs into the ropes, bounces off and hits a swinging neckbreaker. He then goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Xander kicks out. Both get up and Ace grabs him and rakes the eyes. Xander falls back to the corner. Ace then kicks him in the ribs once, twice, and then over and over, dropping Xander to a seated position. Ace gets a few more shots in as the referee calls for the break.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Ace steps off and walks around the ring. Xander grabs at the ropes and starts to pull himself up. Ace then turns and runs at him and nails him with a running boot. The crowd ohs and Xander falls back and out of the corner. Ace goes for the pin.

Sharper: “Oh! What a kick. Ace got all of it!”

Knots: “And that could be it!”

1!

2!

Xander gets his shoulder up. The crowd roars. Ace rolls off. Ace looks around and Xander rolls over. Ace runs into the ropes, bounces off and hits a rocker dropper, forcing Xander back down. Ace then turns and exits to the apron. He climbs up to the top rope. He steadies himself, but Xander gets up and walks over and grabs Ace. The crowd roars as Xander then presses him over his head. He steps forward and Ace kicks his legs and lands behind him. He runs into the ropes, bouncing off and Xander lifts him up, launching him in the air. Ace flies forward, hits the top rope chest first, falls back and right into a boot by Xander. Xander goes for the pin.

Sharper: “The strength! My God!”

1!

2!

Ace gets his shoulder up. He rolls over as Xander looks around. Xander grabs Ace and drags him up. He then scoops him up and hits a sidewalk slam. Xander gets up and walks into the ropes. He bounces off and goes for a slow walk into an elbow drop, but Ace rolls out of the way. He starts to crawl to the ropes and starts to get up and Xander walks over and grabs him, but Ace elbows him in the jaw. He then steps through the ropes and grabs Xander and hits a guillotine drop. Xander staggers back. Ace then turns and climbs up to the top rope. He then dives off with a flying clothesline, knocking Xander down.

Sharper: “Ace fighting, scrapping. Big clothesline!”

Knots: “And Xander down again!”

Ace goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Xander powers out. Xander rolls over as Ace rolls over. He looks around and heads over and knees Xander in the side. He knees him again and then pulls him in and double underhooks him. He goes to lift Xander up. Ace then knees him. He tries again. Ace shrugs and then steps back and kicks Xander in the face. Xander falls to the ropes. Ace then grabs him and goes for the Olympic Slam, but Xander blocks it and elbows him in the side of the head and then again before pulling him in, kneeing him. He then hooks his head and hoists him up out of a front face lock and holds him up. Ace remains hanging in the air as Xander continues to show off his strength before dropping him with a brainbuster. The crowd ohs. Xander turns and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Ace shoots his shoulder up. Xander looks at the official and then Ace before nodding.

Sharper: “Dropped on his head with the brainbuster. Xander is stunned he kicked out!”

Knots: “Everyone is!”

Ace moves a little bit and Xander turns and grabs him by the throat. He then hoists him up from the mat and pulls him to his feet. He then looks around before looking at him. He then hoists him up, but Ace gets his knee up, catching Xander in the nose. Xander lets go and Ace kicks him in the ribs and hits a double arm DDT. Ace turns and exits the ring, climbing to the top rope. He gets to the top before diving off with the Air Marshall. He turns and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Xander gets his shoulder up. Ace rolls off and looks up. He turns to Demitra. Demitra reaffirms the two. Ace then starts to get up as Xander rolls over.

Sharper: “Ace just threw a lot at Xander, but the Executioner will not stay down!”

Knots: “Ace better be thinking what he can pull out of his bag of tricks. He’s already broken some rules, he’s gone off the top…”

Sharper: “The wheels are turning!”

Ace turns and kicks Xander in the head. He stumbles over to the ropes. Xander bounces off and Ace grabs him. He then pulls him in and takes him over with a snap suplex. Xander turns and Ace gets up. He clubs him in the back and then again before running into the ropes. He bounces off and hits a running knee lift. Xander pops up and Ace runs into the ropes again and bounces off. He jumps up for the One Eyed Royal, but Xander steps up and grabs him by the throat, hoists him up and hits him with a chokeslam in the middle of the ring.

Sharper: “Ace got caught. Xander caught him, by the throat, planting him with the chokeslam!”

Knots: “Just planted him. Like a seed!”

Xander walks around the ring as Ace rolls over and starts to pull himself up before Xander kicks him in the ribs. Xander hoists him up onto his shoulder and runs him into the corner. Ace grimaces in pain. Xander rears back and spears him again. He then lifts him up and places him on the top rope. Xander then steps up to the middle rope and then grabs him. Ace nails him in the ribs with a hard right and then another, before Xander clubs him hard in the back once and then again. He then headbutts Ace as Ace lifts his head and Xander bends him over. He double underhooks Ace and hoists him up before spinning around and throwing him down to the middle of the ring with the Martial Bane! The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Martial Bane! Ace Marshall driven back down to the canvas in the middle of the ring!”

Knots: “Xander just turned it up another level again. Just fought through anything!”

Sharper: “This is against a former World Champion and one that is competing at a top level. Xander now covering him!”

Xander crawls over and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

3!

Xander looks up and then stands up. The bell sounds and his music plays.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, Xander Valentine!”

Sharper: “Xander Valentine impressively dispatching Ace Marshall tonight!”

Knots: “Talk about making a statement. Wins at Rise to Greatness, outlasting everyone. And then tonight, just turns it on and overwhelms Marshall!”

Xander walks forward as Demitra goes to raise his arm. Xander pulls away. He then walks forward to the ropes and looks down at the camera at ringside.

Xander: “Tommy Valentine…18 days! And you won’t be running!”

Xander steps back as he looks around.

Sharper: “Did you hear that? Tommy Valentine! In 18 days. That’s who Sasha agreed to have face him. He waits against Selena, but he gets someone he wants…Tommy Valentine!”

Knots: “Oh God…Tommy, better enjoy the next eighteen nights with Kandis! Xander may be ending that fun soon!”

Sharper: “What a night from El Paso, Texas! With a new year! What a start! Good night everybody!”

The crowd continues to look on, giving a mixed reaction to Xander Valentine as he remains standing tall in the ring and the scene fades to black…