“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....”

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MAIN SHOW:

“Psycho in my Head” by Skillet plays as we see a shot of Selena Frost standing on the stage, about to the run to the ring. We then see shots of Bree Lancaster hitting someone with the Rectifier and Datura hanging upside down on the ropes, posing.

Maybe I'm just paranoid
Or maybe I'm just livin' a lie
Can't stop this screamin' voice
Or maybe I'm just sick inside

Shots of Kandis hitting Gratuitous on an opponent, before showing Rated X posing as SCW World Tag Team Champions. Katie Steward is next shown posing, before we see Cassie Wolfe hitting a dive off the top rope and Adam Brock standing on the stage, smiling. Shots of Chance Owens, Simon Lyman and Dancing Bear follow, superimposed over the Breakdown logo

This is the face
I hate the other side of me
Out of this cage
He breaks to take the life from me
Tell me, tell me, tell me
I'm not crazy

Syren is shown hitting Xander Valentine with the Total Makeover before showing Adam Allocco talking to the crowd. Glory Braddock is next shown hitting the London Plunge before we see The One Kirsten Scott proudly holding the SCW Television Championship. WASLEY is next shown as Kimberly Williams is seen smirking. The Breakdown logo flashes on the screen.

There's a psycho in my head
I'm closer to the edge
Makin' me feel like I'm livin' in misery, misery
Insane
These voices in my brain
Starting to feel like it's gonna be the death of me, death of me

Gavin Taylor hitting the Gavin Taylor lariat on an opponent is next, before we see Pro Kinneck attacking Sophie James at ringside. Konrad Raab punching Ace Marshall in a steel cage is shown next, before we see Alexis Quinne hitting a standing shooting star press. Lexy Chapel is then shown showing off Syren. Amy Chastaine posing follows.

There's a psycho in my, there's a psycho in my head

Shots of Selena Frost, Kandis, Adam Allocco, and Syren are shown before the Breakdown logo comes up on the screen.

We then cut to a live shot of the inside of the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The crowd cheers as pyro shoots out from the base of the stage. The display continues for a few moments before spotlights circle the arena and the cameras pan across the crowd for a few moments.

Sharper: “2024 is here and SCW has come to you live from Toledo, Ohio for the first Breakdown of the new year!”

The cameras continue to pan across the arena before we cut to ringside where Adam Sharper and Jonathan Knots are at ringside.

Sharper: “Welcome to ringside. Adam Sharper here, joined by Jonathan Knots. Tonight, it could be a big night. Some big matches in our tag division.”

Knots: “World Tag Team Championship on the line. Did Diamond Steele find a partner to go against Light in the Darkness. And Twisted & Sadistic will face Dark Fantasy!”

Sharper: “And yes, Asher Hayes is still your world champion. I have no doubt we will hear from him. That and much more to come.”

“Black Adam – The SCW Remix” hits over the PA system, the fans for just a moment hesitating, before breaking out in a huge reaction.

Sharper: “Wait a minute! We’ve not heard that in a while.”

Knots: “He wasn’t at End of the Year Special. Didn’t even get a chance to come out if he was there.”

Sharper: “Is it? Owen Cruze is here on Breakdown to start 2024! The co-winner of the Male of the Year!”

Owen Cruze appears on the rampway, a huge grin on his face. He listens for a moment, and sticks out his bottom lip, taking stock of the reaction. He lifts his hands and applauds the arena, before doing his trademark salute. He then starts making his way down the ramp and towards the ring.

Sharper: “Doesn’t look like he’s taken a day off from the ring. Retired last May.”

Knots: “The kid hasn’t ruined his life yet!”

Owen reaches the ring and walks around it, stopping at a point and the camera picking up Owen’s wife, Jennifer Helms in the crowd, holding their baby Ethan who has a pair of ear protectors on, so he isn’t bothered by the noise. He kisses Ethan on the forehead, and then Jennifer on the lips to a huge roar, before then nipping up onto the apron, holding the strands while looking out over the crowd.

Sharper: “The Cruze family all here. Looking good, healthy.”

Knots: “They seem happy.”

Sharper: “That they do, Jon.”

He then bends under the strands and heads for a turnbuckle, stepping up onto it and lifting one arm in the air just like Orlando used to, before then applauding once more. He then drops down and walks over to the other side of the ring, asking for a microphone, which he receives. He then holds up his hand, asking for his music to fade. However, as he lifts the mic to speak, the fans begin to chant, Owen lowering the mic to listen.

Crowd: OWEN… OWEN… OWEN

Owen looks more than a little emotional by the reaction, then looks over to Jennifer who nods her support. With a deep breath he then lifts the mic again, this time the fans chanting starting to fade, allowing Owen to speak over them.

Owen: “Wow, thank you Toledo.”

This gets another, somewhat predictable pop from the crowd.

Owen: “I got to be honest with myself… I’ve missed that.”

A smirk forms on his face, as the fans cheer again.

Owen: “And it’s great, that what… is it six months now since my last performance. I’ve lost track of time. It’s great that you still remember me, just like you remembered me in the End of Year Awards. I mean, Feud of the Year with Josh Hudson again just shows how much Josh and I put into our matches. Effort that has brought about a mutual respect I couldn’t have dreamed of two years ago. I guess we can all take credit for match of the year as well, right? Hey, anything that pads out my achievements, I’ll take it.”

This brings ripple of laughter, and Owen himself also has a chuckle, though he was only half joking.

Owen: “But Male of the Year… that for me was huge. To win it again after winning it in 2019, well it was the best way to end a career. On top. And I’ll always be proud of that.”

Owen pauses, and then holds up a finger in the air.

Owen: “But hold on Owen… let’s not get ahead of yourself here. After all, it was only JOINT Male of the Year, wasn’t it? I mean, we live in a democracy after all, and that is what you the fans voted for isn’t it? Asher Hayes is the World Champion right now, so of course he has to be in the running, but tell me Toledo, do YOU think Asher Hayes deserved to share the award?”

To be fair there are those in the crowd who do, but the majority reaction is negative towards Asher.

Owen: “Yeah, that’s what I thought. I mean, should the Male of the Year be someone who has more entries on his criminal record than his career achievements, or the man who won the World Championship TWICE, the United States Championship AND THE Underground Championship in the space of six months?”

Knots: “And he retired! Asher Hayes has risen in the second half! His Kismet guiding him!”

Sharper: “Can’t take away what Owen accomplished though from January to May in that ring!”

Owen: “But hey, I can’t be bitter, can I? I mean, apparently, I ‘walked away’ from the World Championship and indeed SCW. Apparently, I was a traitor, who knew I couldn’t cut it anymore. Well, you know what Asher, I still avidly watch the shows, I still go on social media, and I’m heard and read the crap you’ve been spewing. And now, I’m the one with the audience and you’re going to listen to me. You were a clown without the title, and you’re a clown with it. You should be thankful I DID walk away, or else you may not have FINALLY won something worth bragging about. I wouldn’t get used to it though fella, because far as I’m concerned there’s a whole locker room just waiting to take it from you the moment, they get their chance. And then, this amazing company will once again have a World Champion that they can be proud of. A Champion that these fine folk here in Toledo deserve.”

Sharper: “Is Owen angling for something?”

Knots: “Yeah! Get in the ring then!”

Owen: “But I digress…”

Again, he grins mischievously, being back in the ring bringing something out of him. His reaction was one of someone who still cared for the future of a company in which he made his own legacy.

Owen: “Thank you, ALL of you, who voted for me as Male of the Year, it means everything to me. Keep supporting Supreme Championship Wrestling because it really is the greatest wrestling company in the world. I’m proud to have competed in this very ring, and now I’m proud to simply be a fan.”

Owen walks the ring, as the ‘Owen’ chant breaks out again. He finds time to smile at Jennifer once again, before once again finding the camera’s lens.

Owen: “So, what’s next for Owen Cruze?”

A chant starts to roll around the arena, and to begin with it is inaudible, but slowly it builds.

Crowd: “ONE MORE MATCH!!! ONE MORE MATCH!!!”

Owen: “Nah, I’m afraid not guys.”

Boos ring out, Owen understanding the reasons why.

Owen: “When I said I was done, I meant it. Because believe me, I have more than enough on my hands right now. The parents amongst you will know that having a baby isn’t easy, far from it in fact. And I love you guys, truly I do, but right now I am the happiest I have been in my life. Jennifer, Ethan… they are quite simply my world. ‘Level Up’ in New York is still doing its thing, and our new school in Miami is just about ready to get off the ground so maybe one day you’ll see one of my students grace this very ring. And in a bit of a World Exclusive… my God that sounds arrogant, as if people care.”

He shakes his head, cursing himself before continuing.

Owen: “Jennifer and I will finally get married in July next year… making everything complete. It was the hardest decision of my life to leave SCW, no question about it. But it was also the best decision. I realized; I didn’t want to be an Icon like my Dad. I didn’t need to be a Hall of Fame Impact Player, like Shaun. A husband, and a father… that is all I ever needed to be. And free from the pressures of being a pro-wrestler, and the strain it takes on the body. Free from travelling from venue to venue, and the many hours away from those I love, I can be the best husband, the best father… the best PERSON. And that’s all anyone truly wants, to be happy.”

The crowd cheers a bit.

Sharper: “That’s a man that’s done a lot of growing over the years. A lot of maturity to make that decision.”

Owen: “So, maybe this will be the last time you ever see me in this ring. Maybe not. Because believe me, if ever this company needs me, in a non-active capacity of course, I promise I’ll be there. This company courses through my veins, that will never change. I am and will always be Supreme Championship Wrestling through and through. I can never get away from that and I wouldn’t want to.”

He lowers his head for a moment, biting his bottom lip for composure, knowing that this was it, the very last time he would stand in front of his fans. He then lifts it, and looks out over the arena, bringing the mic back to his lips.

Owen: “Thank you again guys, and for the very last time, so long SCW…”

He salutes the camera, nodding his head.

Owen: “It’s been a blast.”

And with that, he throws the mic to ringside where hopefully someone catches it, before once again climbing a turnbuckle as his music hits. He then points up to the rafters, the action obvious to its meaning, and a nod to Orlando. He then drops down and rolls out the ring, taking Ethan from Jennifer and walking up the ramp, the baby totally oblivious and seemingly asleep.

Knots: “The kid didn’t care!”

Sharper: “Maybe taking the next step. Next Cruze may not be in the wrestling business. May be. Either way, that’s one happy family and Owen, only the best!”

Reaching the top of the ramp, Owen turns, smiling from ear to ear. He takes his son’s hand, waving it, before then walking through the curtain.

Backstage, Jessica Winters stands with Kelsai Adamson. Chance Owen stands behind her.

Winters: “Welcome backstage. Jessica Winters here and I’m with Kelsai Adamson. Kelsai, you were chosen by the fans as one of the two people to get a World Title shot at the End of the Year Special. You failed to move when facing Deanna Frost, but it had to be a surprise and a good one to even be given that recognition.”

Adamson: “You know…it does feel good. I wasn’t sure what I was doing. Chance has been someone who has helped me through much of last year. We started to just call out shots. It had some success, but not the success we wanted. No titles. No accolades. And yet that fans voted me in…sure tied with Deanna. It’s great. But then I fell short and…”

Kelsai stops for a moment.

Kelsai: “I know I can challenge for the World Title. I know I can there and I know I should be there and yet, it seems I can’t get out of my own way. Deanna’s great. But…I…”

Owens: “Stop this.”

Chance Owens steps up, cutting Kelsai off.

Owens: “I’m not going to sit here and listen to you beat yourself up. You took on the US champion, almost to the limit, and fell short. Yes, you could have won, but that’s nothing to be ashamed of. And she fell short to Asher. She’s not the World Champion. So you want to start proving you should be there. Only way to do that is get in to the ring and get it done.”

Kelsai smiles as Owen continues.

Owens: “We were thinking about putting out a challenge to a few tag teams, but you know what Kelsai, I have something better. You want to get to that top level. I know you can do it. And so let’s do it. I’ll even get you started. Find her Gavin Taylor. Find her this All Star who is riding a reputation from the past. Great in the Taking Hold of the Flame and since then, tripping over himself. Yet everyone talks of him as a star. Kelsai right here is a star! Simple as that. Let the ring take care of it. And Kelsai…you do what you know how to do!”

Kelsai: “Gavin-“

Owens: “Yeah. Gavin Taylor. I think you can kick his ass and maybe he’ll realize that he’s owe nothing. While you’re owed…well…everything.”

Kelsai smiles at Owens as they head off.

Winters: “Breakdown returns after this!”

The scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

“The One” Kirsten Scott vs. “The Rebel Princess” Cassie Wolfe

The arena goes dark and there the crowd begins to buzz wondering who is coming out.  As "Sonne" by Rammstein begins to play, lasers begin to shoot across the arena to the beat, and a spotlight illuminates The Oracle on the entry way, back to the crowd, holding fingers up with the opening count-up.

Eins...
Zwei...
Drei...
Vier...
Fünf...
Sechs...
Sieben...
Acht...
Neun...

As she holds up the ninth finger, the song stops the countdown at its crescendo, and she throws her arms out to the side...

AUS!

Spotlights begin to swirl around the arena as the song continues, and "The One" Kirsten Scott walks out from backstage flanked by Hailey.  The pair end up on both sides of The Oracle, who turns around and spins to the opposite side of Kirsten from Hailey.  Kirsten and her compatriots begin their walk to the ring together with "The One" staring directly at her ultimate location inside the squared circle.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall with a twenty minute time limit. First, accompanied by Hailey and The Oracle, from Your Personal Nightmare, she is The One, Kirsten Scott!”

As they reach the ring, they walk along to the hard camera side, and Kirsten jumps up onto the ring apron and stands up.  Hailey goes into the ring, directly behind her friend, jumping on the middle rope, and The Oracle stands on the floor directly beneath Kirsten.  Kirsten slowly raises her arm beside her, pointing one index finger in her own direction, while Hailey and The Oracle begin doing the same in Kirsten's direction as well, all signifying her former name, and now nickname, of "The One."

After taking a moment to stare into the hard cam, Kirsten swings her arm out in a "DELETE" motion, before quickly sliding into the open ropes from being stood on by Hailey, and immediately goes to her corner.  Hailey quickly follows, as does The Oracle from the outside. Both of "The One's" compatriots stand with her, advising her and talking to her, as she awaits the bell ringing to start her match.

Sharper: “A very focused, angry, motivated, Kirsten Scott.”

Knots: “Not the end to 2023 she wanted. A notable failure. Simple as that. She wanted a sea change. And it didn’t happen.”

The opening riff of “Wolf Within” hits the speakers and once the lyrics kick in Cassie Wolfe emerges from the back excited to start the match, with her hands on her leather jacket’s sides the rookie wrestler turns her back to the crowd.

Phillips: “Her opponent, from Greenock, South Australia and now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, “The Rebel Princess” Cassie Wolfe!”

When her name is announced Cassie spins around flashing the metal horns sign with her left hand and clapping fans hands with the other, when she reaches the ring Cassie jumps onto the apron before giving her hair a full flip and removing her jacket to give to a stagehand, she then jumps over the top rope and into the ring, rolling to her knees and basking in the moment.

Sharper: “Cassie Wolfe is not the Underground Champion, but she again showed what she can do in the Chamber. The talent she has is unparalleled.”

Knots: “Just needs to bust through that glass ceiling. Too bad that Scott may be looking to plant her through the floor!”

Cassie connects with a quick arm drag, a second quick arm drag, and a third arm drag.  Kirsten pops up each time before being caught by a beautiful dropkick from Wolfe that sends Scott tumbling through the ropes.  Kirsten lands on the apron.  Wolfe connects with a springboard dropkick sending Kirsten to the outside. Cassie Wolfe with a running start and then leaps over the top, connecting with a corkscrew suicide dive onto Scott.

Sharper: “And over the top! Cassie Wolfe onto Scott on the floor!”

Knots: “You said she can do some amazing things. She just showed it there!”

Wolffe goes to the ring apron and leaps off with a flying clothesline taking down Kirsten.  Cassie pulls her up and rolls her back into the ring.  Cassie goes up top and attempts a shooting star press but Kirsten gets her knees up, driving them into Cassie’s gut.

Sharper: “And Cassie may have gone for too much too soon.”

Knots: “Scott making her pay. Wolfe may be looking to cough up her guts after landing on Scott’s knees!”

Kirsten pulls Cassie up and floors her with a short arm clothesline.  Kirsten with a gut buster and then a gut wrench suplex.  Scott measures Cassie, waiting to watch as Wolffe pushes herself up to her knees.  Kirsten then charges in with One by One, the knee to the back of the head.  Kirsten drops several elbows onto Wolfe and then applies a neck vice.

Sharper: “Scott now just brutalizing Wolfe. Maybe trying to get her to just pass out.”

Knots: “Time for her to show her fight. Figure it out!”

Cassie fights her way back to her knees and then back to her feet.  Kirsten switches to a side headlock.  Cassie counters with a stunner.  Cassie with a superkick that drops Scott.  Cassie delivers The Greenest Wizard!  Cassie charges towards the ropes and delivers a springboard moonsault!  The cover…

1!

2! Kickout!

Cassie pulls Scott up and goes for a suplex but Scott floats over and lands a reverse ddt, dropping Wolffe.  Kirsten with a slingshot, sending Cassie face first into the corner turnbuckle.  Cassie staggers out of the corner and Scott catches her with a suplex, she hangs on, swings the hips, and hits a second suplex, she hangs on, swings the hips, and then delivers a falcon arrow!  Kirsten rolls over for the cover…

1!

2!

…Kickout!

Sharper: “And only two as the One by One doesn’t get it done!”

Knots: “Wolfe not going to stay down.”

Kirsten Scott pulls Cassie up and goes for Downward Spiral but Cassie slips free of it. Cassie spins her around and strikes a ddt.  Cassie quickly staggers her way back to her feet and then goes to the outside.  Kirsten pulls herself and turns around into a springboard hurricinrana from Wolfe!

Sharper: “Wolfe snaps her off. Off the top rope!”

Knots: “Scott just found herself in her own personal nightmare!”

Cassie pulls Kirsten up and then snaps off a suplex.  Wolffe points up to the sky.  The fans roar as she climbs to the top turnbuckle.  Cassie again goes for the shooting star press, the move she missed earlier, but this time she connects!  The cover…

1!

2!

…Kickout!

Cassie dropkicks Scott to the outside.  Cassie charges and leaps over the top for a suicide dive but this time Kirsten steps to the side and Cassie hits the barricade!  Kirsten is relentless, wasting no time as she pulls Wolffe up and whips her viciously into the steel steps.  Kirsten then delivers a belly to belly overhead suplex on the outside.

Sharper: “Oh God! On the floor. Wolfe landing with a splat.”

Knots: “Well she was in the Underground Title defense in the Chamber that Scott set up.”

Kirsten rolls Wollfe back into the ring.  Scott with a double underhook suplex.  She applies an arm bar.  Cassie struggles in the hold, refusing to quit.  After about fifteen seconds Wolffe reaches the ropes, forcing a break.  Kirsten pulls Wolffe up and delivers a shoulder breaker.  She floats over into the cover.

1!

2!

…Kickout!

Kirsten pulls Wolffe up and whips her into the ropes.  Scott lowers her head a little too early and Cassie kicks her in the face.  Cassie with the Down Under Driver brainbsuter!  Cassie goes up to the top turnbuckle and connects with Air Aussie, the 450 splash!  The cover…

1!

2!

…Kickout!

Sharper: “Only two! Air Aussie only gets two!”

Cassie says its all over.  She pulls Scott up and hoists her up for Heir To The Wolffe but Scott flips over with a sunset flip, Cassie rolls through and hits the ropes, she goes for The Greenest Wizard, but this time Scott is able to avoid contact!  Scott pops up and drops Cassie with a double arm ddt.  Kirsten pulls Cassie up to her feet and then hoists her in position…DOWNWARD SPIRAL!  The cover…

1!

2!

3!

The bell sounds. Scott rolls off.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, The One, Kirsten Scott!”

Scott gets up and looks at Wolfe. The official goes to raise Scott’s arm, but she pulls away and leans on the top rope. She looks around and drops down to the floor. She’s joined by The Oracle and Hailey as the head around the ring.

The scene cuts to a clearly recorded video showing Katie Steward walking down the hallway, wearing a beautiful pink pantsuit. We hear a voiceover, clearly Katie talking.

Katie: “It’s a new year and every year, there is an opportunity to renew relationships. I have made it clear I have one goal in this sport. To become World Tag Team Champion with Giovanna. I want this to happen. While the other teams can battle for their own pride, we have a simple goal.”

Katie turns down a hallway. We see several people with their faces blurred out.

Katie: “Give Giovanna and I the title shot at Body, Heart, and Soul. Let Twisted & Sadistic and Dark Fantasy fight. Start 2024 with a history-making beginning.”

The sound from the scene fades in, hearing people talking, planning. We see Jaina Lancaster and Bree Lancaster talking in the background before showing Katie walking over to CHBK.

Katie: “Mr. Desoubrais.”

CHBK: “Katie, how are you? Ready to keep competing at the top level?”

Katie: “Naturally and I have the perfect start for you.”

CHBK: “You’re going to ask to challenge for the World Tag Team Championship at Body, Heart, and Soul.”

Katie pauses, glancing at the camera nervously, before turning back.

Katie: “Well, now that you mention it-“

CHBK: “I’m surprised you didn’t reach out to Diamond-“

Katie: “I would never betray Giovanna. And plus, if she gets a shot…“

CHBK: “And that was a special request.”

Katie: “And this isn’t? Please. I have to be among your most important roster members. I mean, I am the Goddess of Desire after all! Have some spirituality!”

CHBK: “Katie, there are two teams that have a been claim after tonight. And they’re in line first. But I’m happy to give you and Giovanna opportunities to earn that way.”

Katie: “Well…I…”

Katie pauses and recollects herself.

Katie: “Giovanna and I would love opportunities to prove ourselves.”

The scene cuts to a shot of Katie Steward preparing her gear. The voiceover returns.

Katie: “I wanted to say something else, but sometimes in this sport, you need to be political. And no one has ever been more political than me. Giovanna and I will get our opportunity and we will succeed in making history, in this, the year of our Goddess, 2024.”

The scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Backstage, we see Amy Chastaine talking with her daughter, Jaina Lancaster.

Jaina: “Mom…look, I-“

Chastaine: “I know we’ve had a rough year. That…that can stay at home or after the show. I…I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of your effort at the End of the Year Special and against Giovanni.”

Jaina: “Would have preferred wins, but…”

Chastaine: “They will come. But the important part is you’re still relatively new. It’s about improvement, good habits, good instincts, building that, so the wins naturally come from your skill and decision-making.”

Jaina: “Yeah, I know-“

We then see an attractive blonde, holding a piece of paper, wearing a backstage pass.

Woman: “Uh…sorry, Jaina? Jaina Lancaster?”

Jaina turns to the woman.

Jaina: “Uh, yeah…That’s me.”

Woman: “Hi, I’m Destiny Page…I was told to find you by Jessica…Winters, that’s it. I’ve been brought on to tryout for an interview position.”

Jaina: “Oh…well, uh, welcome aboard.”

Amy motions to Jaina as she heads off as Jaina turns to Destiny.

Jaina: “Have you been given any onboarding?”

Destiny: “Jessica just said to go to you and you’d help. Said to watch and take notes tonight.”

Jaina: “Oh…okay, uh…well, let me get my schedule for the night and we’ll get started.”

Destiny: “Great!”

Destiny smiles before following Jaina as the scene cuts away.

“The Devil Incarnate” Kevin Hunter vs. Religious Wright

Phillips: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first…Ladies and gentlemen, from The Sword of Joshua Full Gospel Pentecostal Temple of Joy Holiness by way of Mt. Judea, Arkansas, he is RELIGIOUS WRIGHT!

“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me begins to play. Religious Wright steps out onto the stage wearing a black robe and carrying his Holy Book in his right hand. Along the way down the aisle he stops by some fans. He presses his hand to the foreheads of some fans and shouts “BE HEALED IN THE NAME OF THE LAWD!” Still other fans he throws Holy Water at them and shouts “BE GONE FOUL DEMON FROM THIS SERVANT IN THE NAME OF THE LAWD!” Religious Wright then ascends the steel steps and enters the ring. He steps to the center of the ring and holds up his Holy Book and shouts “CAN I GET AN AMEN MY BROTHAS AND SISTAS OF THE LAWD?!”

“Now That We're Dead” by Metallica hits and out from the back steps, Kevin Hunter. He stands atop the entrance ramp and stares out at the crowd, who give him a lukewarm reception. His eyes then lock in on Religious Wright before Hunter heads to the ring.

Phillips: “And his opponent, from Davenport, Iowa, weighing in two-hundred and thirty-five pounds, he is known as the Devil Incarnate…KEVIN! HUNTER!”

Hunter walks up the ring steps and goes across the apron, keeping his eyes on Wright before climbing into the ring. Wright charges and begins to hit Hunter, as the ref calls for the bell. Wright hits a few forearms before going to whip Hunter across the ring.

Sharper: “This is the first one on one match for the newly signed Kevin Hunter.”

Knots: “And I think it’s convenient that we’ve got the Devil Incarnate facing the man known as Religious Wright. The Devil versus a True Believer, brothers and sisters!”

Hunter bounces off the ropes and Wright goes for a clothesline, but Hunter dunks around. Wright turns around and Hunter connects with two punches. This is followed by a shoot kick and then, a spinning backfist. Hunter steps back as Wright is stunned and then Hunter connects with a lariat.

Knots: “Wright might need to start praying for Selena Frost to show up. He just got decimated.”

Sharper: “Kevin Hunter looking highly impressive despite a brief flurry at the beginning of the match.”

Hunter grabs Wright from the mat. He hits a European uppercut, sending Wright into the ropes. Wright bounces off the ropes and Hunter picks him up and drops him with a spine buster. Hunter hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Wright manages to kick out.

Sharper: “Wright kicking out at 2, but I’m not sure if that was a smart decision.”

Knots: “This guy used to worship James Evans. I think we can wave goodbye to any sort of intelligence.”

Hunter gets to his feet and begins to stomp on Wright, stomping his head, shoulders, upper and lower back, then the back of his knees, before hitting another big stomp in the center of Wright’s back.

The crowd boos as Hunter gives a wicked grin.

Sharper: “The Devil Incarnate might live up to that moniker.”

Hunter reaches down to pick Wright up. He pulls Wright to his feet, but Wright manages to hit a European uppercut of his own. Hunter stumbles back and Wright charges, connecting with a spear!

Knots: “THE POWER OF THE LAWD!!!”

Wright stumbles over to the corner before pulling himself to the top rope. He looks down at Hunter, who is shown pushing himself up slowly. Wright then leaps off the top.

Wright: “HALLELU…”

Hunter hits with Wright with a mid-air cutter, mid ‘hallelujah’. Wright twitches a bit on the mat as Hunter gets up. He lifts Wright up from the mat and lifts him onto his shoulders.

Knots: “Apparently Hunter had no interest in the praise Wright was giving.”

Sharper: “Cutting Wright off mid-air with a move I’ve heard Hunter calls ‘Buried Alive’, left his opponent nearly lifeless.”

Hunter then hits a fireman’s carry, driving his knee into Wright’s skull. Hunter hooks Wright once again and plants him with a double underhook piledriver.

Crowd: “OOOHHH!!!”

Sharper: “And he calls that the Killer Effect, and Wright is out.”

Hunter covers.

1!

2!

3!

The ref calls for the bell as “Now That We’re Dead” hits once again. Hunter gets to his feet. The ref lifts his hand in victory. Hunter pulls away and glares at the camera as it draws closer.

Knots: “That man is a man of focus. He should do well.’

Sharper: “Religious Wright brutalized in a rather dominating debut victory.”

Hunter is shown celebrating a bit more before we cut away.

Backstage, we see “The One” Kirsten Scott sitting on a storage crate backstage, looking at the camera.

Scott: “Is it on? Huh?”

Scott looks up at the camera.

Scott: “I have been fighting this for too long. I came in with the plan of change and some people have to realize they need to be ready to fight for it or they won’t amount to anything. Cassie Wolfe can be carefree and come to fight, but she lacks conviction. And here we are. I beat her and gave her a lesson. You don’t cross me. I gave her the opportunity of a lifetime. And she fell short.”

Scott looks down.

Scott: “Then Autumn Valentine, same thing. You could have stepped up and moved out of the shadow. But you’d rather be comfortable. Or maybe I just overestimated you.”

Scott looks down again.

Scott: “But then there’s me.”

Scott looks at the camera.

Scott: “I have to admit it. Deanna Frost is better than me…”

Scott looks past the camera.

Scott: “She’s better than me. I can’t say anything more than that. And I have a World Title shot and she….she fell short. She….”

Scott shakes her head.

Scott: “We could have see a sea change. A true opening up…I’m not done with the fight. People like Asher, like James, they need to be pushed aside to fight for something fresh-“

There’s noise of screen as Scott gets up and then turns as we see Scott blindsided by a running boot. She goes down as Mordred and Harker step over and start to pummel her. The camera turns showing Hailey and The Oracle with Lues and Pain as Mordred and Harker hammer away on Scott, nailing her over and over.

Sharper: “The House of James! They’ve jumped Kirsten Scott!”

Knots: “A bit of revenge from James for Scott putting him in the Chamber?”

Sharper: “Maybe!”

Harker and Mordred get a few more shots in as the camera is pulled away and officials runs into the scene. They start to pull the House members back. We then cut to Scott, who is covered in blood, as blood streams down the side of her face from the mugging she received. The crowd ohs seeing this as Mordred and Harker are backed up. Lues and Pain stop as Hailey steps before The Oracle to protect her and the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

“Hero” by Skillet plays throughout the arena as the crowd boos. The cameras pan across the crowd showing the Toledo crowd booing their home-state wrestler. A few moments pass before Lisa Archer walks out from the back. She calmly walks down to the ring as the boos continue.

Sharper: “Well I don’t expect to see Simon Lyman here.”

Knots: “Didn’t he use to call Ohio home?”

Sharper: “He did. I don’t think they want him back.”

Knots: “Well, he’s got all of his expenses paid in a wonderful medical center. I’m told we don’t even know where. Doesn’t want Amy Chastaine to attack him.”

Lisa Archer walks down the rampway and to the ring. She walks up the steel steps and then steps into the ring.

Phillips: “Please welcome, the Public Relations Manager for Simply Sensational Simon Lyman…Lisa Archer!”

The crowd boos as Lisa Archer walks over, thanks Phillips and takes Phillips’s microphone. She turns and moves to the middle of the ring.

Archer: “Hello Ohio!”

The crowd roars a bit.

Archer: “My name is Lisa Archer and I represent Ohio’s own, Simon Lyman!”

The crowd boos as Lisa Archer just smiles through the boos.

Archer: “And with tonight being a historic night, the first Breakdown of 2024, despite the terrible injuries Simon Lyman suffered during the Ultimate Submission match when that brute Josh Hudson tried to permanently maim and scar a stroke survivor…”

Archer shakes her head.

Archer: “But the fight in that man will not quit. Simon Lyman is a survivor, ladies and gentlemen. He has gone through far worse. And he REFUSED to let tonight pass without joining us. Without sharing with us that fighting spirit.”

The crowd boos.

Archer: “Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to welcome from an undisclosed medical facility, somewhere in Canada, please welcome…YOUR HERO AND MINE, a man we can all look up to…Simply Sensational, Simon Lyman!”

The crowd boos as we cut to a shot of what appears to be a cottage. We see an IV in his arm as Lyman leans back, bandages on his head, and with his leg up in traction. He leans back and winces a bit before getting himself comfortable. He calls someone over. A nurse, appearing to be a personal nurse, comes over and moves his pillows before Lyman gets comfortable. He then smiles before taking a sip of his juice.

Lyman: “Lisa! Great to see you. SCW…even better to see you. Don’t worry. I would not allow 2024 come without you seeing my smiling face.”

Archer: “Look at this man. Showing this positivity in the face of this adversity.”

Lyman: “Lisa, I have been through so much in 2023. From needing to deal with returning to the ring, realizing I needed a bit longer to get back my championship standards, to having a few moments where I needed to reconsider my expectations, to having my goodwill turned away on holidays, to having my integrity, my person, my humanity challenged regularly by friends, lovers, and more. To having people come and slander my good name…bringing in ringers, people who took my place because I wouldn’t enable the reckless drunkenness of some people. It is stunning people still support her business and more of her students haven’t been damaged by the poor quality of training she offers them.”

Lyman stops. He takes another sip of his juice before then bringing the smile back to his face.

Lyman: “With all of that, that I’ve had come to me in 2023. The doubters, the pain, the heartbreak….this…tis but a scratch Lisa!”

Lisa Archer goes to respond before Lyman stops.

Lyman: “And I know all of Ohio is behind me. It is arguably the second, maybe third greatest state in this country!”

The crowd boos.

Archer: “It is true. High praise from this man. A man who has been all over the world, including here in Ohio!”

The crowd boos some more.

Knots: “Just not right now!”

Archer: “Now, Simon, as this is 2024, a new year, and in a time of great strife and pain around the world, we need to know…you were stretchered out at End of the Year Special. A terrible occurrence as Josh Hudson was just a man hired to fight you and hurt you, all for revenge and petty revenge at that.”

Archer sighs in sadness.

Archer: “But the world wants to know, your home state wants to know…when will we see you fight through this and come back to grace the SCW ring and return to your fight to become World Champion.”

Lyman sighs.

Lyman: “I know so many of you are disappointed that I am not there in person-“

The crowd boos. Lyman picks this up but continues, just speaking louder.

Lyman: “But…despite the injuries suffered…and some close calls on New Year’s Day, I will come back at one hundred percent. And unlike some who need multiple attempts to get themselves right, I am resilient and I am not a quitter. And I could be back, I hope, maybe next week, maybe Body, Heart, and Soul, maybe Retribution, but I will keep fighting, keep healing, keep working, round the clock to come back to the ring. To come back and refuse to let those like Amy Chastaine, Bree Lancaster, Josh Hudson, Kandis or Asher Hayes be those who dictate the story of Simon Lyman. Gavin…you too. I will RISE once again and I will remain you all that in that ring, in life and in recovery, I am Simply Sensational!”

Archer applauds in the ring as the crowd boos. Simon takes another sip of juice before pointing to his leg in traction. We see a physiotherapist coming in and starts to massage it. The boos continue.

Knots: “This man is a role model to us all.”

Sharper: “Are you serious?”

The crowd then roars as we see Adam Brock walking out from the back, microphone in his hand.

Brock: “What in the hell is this?”

Brock steps forward onto the stage and then looks up at the big screen. Lyman turns and looks around.

Lyman: “Lisa? What is going on?”

Archer: “Don’t worry about it. Just a disgruntled employee. Seems to just be par for the course.”

Brock: “Oh I’m disgruntled, but not because of this company. Instead because of this farce I’m seeing here.”

Brock walks down the rampway and to the ring.

Archer: “Now, now…I’m sure we can…”

Archer motions behind her. Brock steps up the steel steps. We then see Elijah Smith run out from the crowd, hopping the barricade and rolling into the ring. He gets up, putting his dukes up, ready to fight. Brock steps into the ring and looks at him and chuckles.

Brock: “This is your security?”

Archer: “You will not physically threaten us.”

Lyman: “Were you sent by Amy? Bree? Josh?! Another person coming after my team and without the balls to come after me!”

Brock: “Oh no Simon, I’m not planning to do anything to them except suggesting very firmly that you should be quiet for now and you shouldn’t try to do anything that follows up from whatever you’re trying to do there, the 1920s are dead.”

Brock turns to the big screen.

Brock: “But this crap about you being some role model. Trust me, I’ve been watching from the side lines and you are not a role model. And I don’t have much patience for people who blame others for their own self-destruction!”

Brock looks at Lisa Archer.

Brock: “Lisa? Your name is Lisa?”

Lyman: “My name is Simon, you asshole!”

Brock: “Since he could be ready, next week, at Body, Heart and Soul, who know when…whenever he makes this immaculate comeback, I want him in this ring. I want to face Simply Sensational Simon Lyman.”

Brock then turns to the entrance way.

Lyman: “Make the challenge to me you coward!”

Brock: “I’m not the coward, Simon. Because I’m not the one trying to milk your ass-kicking at the End of the Year Special for some PR coup. Not today. And unlike Josh, I don’t have a personal axe to grind. I just hate people like you who throw everything away because you’re still nothing more than a child. And Simon, I’ve been around just as long as you have. I made my own stunning return to SCW. And unlike you, I will be respected when I kick your ass. So get another massage, enjoy your juice…”

Lyman takes a sip of his juice before making a face at the camera.

Brock: “And get better. But the longer you take to draw this out, the more likely that leg in traction, and the bandage around your head, not only will be it legitimate, but I’ll add much more to the medical bill! And it will be SIMPLY SENSATIONAL!”

Brock turns to Lisa Archer.

Brock: “Spin that for him.”

Brock flips the microphone in her air. Archer looks around as Elijah Smith turns to Archer. Lyman just turns and points. We see a figure in the room turn off the satellite feed. Archer looks around as Brock drops down to the floor. His music plays as Archer turns to the crowd.

Archer: “Don’t you worry! Simon Lyman will be back making SCW Simply Sensational in SCW soon! Thank you everybody!”

Archer looks around as Brock continues to the back.

Archer: “Play a real champion’s music!”

Archer looks around before “Promised Land” turns into “Hero” by Skillet. The crowd boos some more. Brock stops and smirks and shakes his head before continuing to the back.

Sharper: “Archer making sure Simon, sort of, gets the last laugh.”

Knots: “Brock berating him from satellite and her! She’s just trying to help him out! It’s been a rough 2023.”

Sharper: “Through no fault of his own and Adam Brock doesn’t have time for these games. Stepping up, another veteran, just showing how disappointed he is at what Simon has become.”

Knots: “He’s still a role model! A stroke survivor! And he is going to be back soon!”

Sharper: “Uh-huh.”

“Psycho in my Head” by Skillet plays as the Breakdown logo comes up on the screen. We then see a shot of Diamond Steele and a ? versus Light in the Darkness.

Sharper: “And next, World Tag Team Championship on the line. Diamond Steele will have her opportunity after Fatal Fortunes. She can choose her own partner. They’ll challenge Light in the Darkness, next!”

The scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

Diamond Steele & The Enigma? Vs. Light in the Darkness

SCW World Tag Team Championship

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall with a thirty minute time limit and is for the SCW World Tag Team Championship!”

The SCW World Tag Team Championship logo comes across the screen. Diamond and the Gem Stones begins to blare all across the sound system and as it does we are able to see the likes of the Gem Stones playing on a tron. Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are all playing various instruments as we are able to see Diamond Steele emerging from the curtain. She has a microphone in her hands sings as loudly as she can.

Phillips: “First, the challengers, from London, England, she is Diamond Steele!”

Diamond finally makes it to the ring and she quickly runs up the ring steps as she grabs the turnbuckle as hard as she can. She immediately leap frogs over the ropes and bounces about before she points at the crowd. She waves at them off as she throws the microphone to the side. She smirks as she opens up a pocket mirror and takes a moment to admire how beautiful her hair is as she waits for the match to begin.

Sharper: “Diamond Steele getting this match at the request of Light in the Darkness. They wanted this match after Diamond Steele got a victory over Amelia Blythe, not caring about the handicap situation caused by Fatal Fortunes.”

Knots: “Yeah and now she has to find an partner! So I hope she’s got someone tapped!”

Diamond walks over to Phillips and says something to him. Phillips turns and says something to the timekeeper. He nods. He turns back.

BACKSTAGE:

We see a shot of one of the backstage locker rooms. We hear banging from inside, but the door doesn’t seem to budge. We see a couple of officials trying to figure things out, working on the doorknob and even one leaving, presumably to find a maintenance team member.

Sharper: “Well…you hear that?”

Knots: “She’s telling the ref-“

Sharper: “No. Look at your monitor! Crystal Zdunich may be trapped in her locker room!”

Phillips: “And her partner…from Los Angeles-“

The arena falls into complete darkness as a haunting melody, "Whispers of the Abyss," begins to resonate throughout. Eerie silence sweeps over the audience, and a sense of anticipation builds.

Suddenly, a soft, bluish glow illuminates the entrance ramp. Mysterious mist starts to billow out, creating an otherworldly ambiance. The crowd hushes, waiting in awe for "The Enigma's" arrival. A spotlight slowly emerges, revealing "The Enigma" standing at the top of the entrance ramp. He's cloaked in enigmatic attire and his haunting mask. His presence seems to draw the energy from the surroundings.

With supernatural grace, "The Enigma" descends the ramp. The mist swirls around him, concealing his every step, as if he is a specter emerging from the abyss. The audience watches in silent fascination as he reaches the ringside area. The enigmatic symbols on the walls of the arena come to life, glowing in response to his presence. "The Enigma" ascends the steel steps, never breaking eye contact with Diamond. His gaze remains hidden behind the mask, adding to the mystique surrounding him. Inside the ring, "The Enigma" spreads his arms wide, and the eerie mist intensifies, shrouding the entire ring. The audience is captivated by the mystical display before them.

The haunting melody of "Whispers of the Abyss" reaches its crescendo. "The Enigma" drops to one knee, his cloak sweeping the canvas. He raises his arms, and the mist begins to dissipate, revealing the mysterious aura he brings with him. As the music fades, "The Enigma" remains in the center of the ring, an enigmatic figure who has left the audience spellbound. The lights return, but the sense of mystery lingers in the air. The crowd roars as Diamond looks around, eyes darting. Enigma remains in the ring, looking right at her.

Sharper: “The Enigma…he’s here…and…”

Knots: “Did he lock Crystal in?”

Sharper: “I don’t know, but he’s in the ring. And is he stepping up as her partner?”

Knots: “He offered his services….”

All of a sudden, the lights go out, prompting a surprised pop from the fans. “In the Name of Love” by Arion feat. Cyan Kicks begins to play, the LED screens flickering to life to show a large wisteria tree in front of a starry night sky with a beautiful moon, the stars seeming like they’re slowly shifting and dancing around as petals from the tree fall and gracefully glide through the sky. One spotlight comes to life on the left side of the stage from the camera’s perspective, revealing Amelia Blythe standing underneath it, eyes focused on the ring and a small smile on her lips as her hands are folded in front of her, giving her the look of a proper young lady. A second spotlight comes to life on the right side of the stage, revealing La Pequeña Luz standing underneath it with the kind of grin that could light up a room all on its own as she motions with her hands for the fans to get pumped up, which they immediately proceed to do. Both wear their title belts. The two slowly turn their attention to one another and begin closing the distance, their spotlights following them as they stop within arm’s reach of one another, where Amelia extends her hand and Luz takes it before they pull their bodies close, the spotlights merging into one piercing through the darkness.

Phillips: “And their opponents, they are the team of Amelia Blythe, and the SCW Television Champion, La Pequena Luz, they are the SCW World Tag Team Champions, Light in the Darkness!”

When the song goes into the chorus, the two ladies begin to literally waltz their way down to the ring, fast and fluid to keep pace with the song as the spotlight follows their every move, leaving fans mesmerized by their synergy. As the chorus reaches its end and the two find themselves at the bottom of the ramp, they push away from one another as far as their arms will allow without letting go before quickly pointing to the LED screens with their free hands, where the night scene is immediately engulfed in white before transitioning to a video package of the two ladies in action, both together and individually. Slowly, the two release one another, the single spotlight splitting in two again as Amelia makes her way up the steps to walk across the apron on one side, wiping her feet. She looks in the ring as Luz watches too. Enigma remains in the ring and the Tag Champions stop for a moment before Amelia before step through the ropes. Luz, meanwhile, hops up onto the apron right in front of her and grabs the top rope before vaulting herself into a somersault into the ring, landing on her feet. They stop their usual entrance as Diamond looks around. The champions hand the World Tag Team Championship belts to the official. He raises them over his head and hands them off. Enigma then turns and glances at Diamond. He slowly moves to the corner and steps through. He then calmly grabs the tag rope and looks at Diamond as Diamond remains away from her corner.

Sharper: “Enigma going to the corner. Everyone brought to a stop by this man.”

Knots: “I don’t like any of this. Any of it!”

Sharper: “World Tag Team Championship on the line here. And Amelia, Luz and Diamond all will need to refocus.”

Knots: “Good luck!”

Amelia stays in the ring with Diamond as Diamond says something to her. She then steps up and the two lock up in the middle of the ring. They push back on one another and Amelia turns into an arm wrench. Diamond winces and Amelia ducks under and through and then pulls up on the arm and into a hammerlock. Diamond winces as Amelia pulls up on the arm. Diamond then drops down and under the arm of Amelia. She spins out of it and then hits a drop toe hold. She moves into a side headlock. Amelia slides out. Both women get up and Diamond hits a single leg trip on Amelia. She goes for the pin.

1!

Amelia kicks out. Both get up and Amelia hits a headlock takedown into a pin.

1!

Diamond kicks out. Both get up and Amelia hits a European uppercut. Diamond stumbles back and into her corner. She then glances back and jukes out and backs away, pointing at the Enigma who just looks right at her.

Knots: “This is the stuff of nightmares!”

Sharper: “And Diamond now maybe realizing what is happening here. There’s a bit of poetic irony here. Diamond has to choose to be alone or team with an enemy.”

Diamond then turns and moves to Amelia and forearms her in the jaw. Amelia forearms her back. They trade forearms before Amelia hits another European uppercut. Diamond stumbles up and over to the corner. Amelia follows up and wrenches the arm. She then forearms Diamond and pulls her out and hits a running facebuster. She geos for the pin.

1!

2!

Diamond kicks out. Amelia turns and tags in Luz. Luz slingshots in as Diamond gets up and Luz hits a dropkick. She then jumps up and hits a standing moonsault. She goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Diamond kicks out again. She rolls over toward her corner and Enigma remains unmoving in the corner, watching her.

Sharper: “Again, Diamond moves to her corner and she has The Enigma staring back at her.”

Knots: “And he’s not moved. At all. I’m not taking my eyes off of him!”

Diamond gets up and turns and then looks around before turning and going for a spinning crescent kick, but Luz ducks. She then turns and hits a forearm shot to the jaw of Diamond. Diamond staggers back and Luz strikes her again. She whips Diamond across the ring. Diamond bounces off and Luz goes for a back drop. Diamond spins through and lands on her feet. Luz runs into the ropes, bouncing off and hits a cartwheel, dodging a Diamond forearm shot. Luz then jumps up and hits a frankensteiner. Diamond rolls through. She gets up at the ropes and Luz runs at her, but Diamond gets an elbow up. Luz turns and Diamond does too before hitting a pele kick. Luz hits the mat. Diamond smirks as she gets up. Luz turns and Diamond grabs her from behind and hits a German suplex into a bidge.

1!

2!

Luz kicks out. Diamond turns and slowly gets up. Luz rolls over and Diamond clubs her in the back and runs at Amelia and nails her with a good shot too. Luz then reaches out to Amelia, but Diamond then runs into the ropes. She bounces off and Luz steps up only for Diamond to hit a floatover DDT. She hooks the leg.

Sharper: “Floatover DDT! Luz spiked!”

Knots: “Good! I think!”

Sharper: “Diamond trying to make the most of this opening she’s created!”

1!

2!

Luz gets her shoulder up. Diamond rolls off and looks back. She grabs Luz and drags her up and then grabs her by the head, going for the Diamond Cutter, but Luz shoves her back. She falls back into the ropes. Amelia tags in. Luz runs forward and Diamond bounces off the ropes and goes for a Yakuza kick, but Luz ducks. Amelia enters and spins around Diamond and into a waistlock. Luz runs into the ropes, bouncing off and they hit a clothesline/German suplex combo. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Light in the Darkness with a hell of a combo. Diamond thrown overhead, onto her head and neck.”

Knots: “Enigma’s still not moved!”

Sharper: “Amelia now going for the pin!”

1!

2!

Diamond gets her shoulder up. She rolls over as Amelia rolls off. Diamond slowly starts to get up and moves to the ropes. She turns around and Amelia hits her with another European uppercut. Diamond hits the mat. She gets up and Amelia grabs the arm and wrenches it, but Diamond then pulls her in and then lifts her up and drops her throat first on the middle rope. Amelia falls back and Diamond rolls over and to her corner. Just then, a hand comes down and tags himself in. The crowd roars, many rising to their feet as The Enigma slowly enters the ring.

Knots: “He moved! And he’s in!”

Sharper: “The Enigma just tagging himself in!”

Diamond looks up and moves away from the corner and to the apron. Amelia starts to get up as Luz looks on concerned and Enigma remains in the ring. He then suddenly turns and rushes to Luz. Before she can react, he hits a vicious Eclipse kick. The kick causes Luz to actually fall forward, hitting the top rope and then fall through the ropes into the ring. The Enigma looks down and turns to Amelia, who is still getting up and she walks right into the Cryptic Slam. The Enigma calmly exits to the apron and then climbs to the top rope. Black smoke can be seen billowing out from under the ring. Diamond looks down, seeing this. The Enigma gets to the top rope and looks down at Amelia and then hits the Shadowfall. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “My God. This man-“

Knots: “He’s not a man!”

Sharper: “He has to be! And he just is moving with precision. Off the top! A vicious elbow drop to the body of Amelia Blythe. In three moves, the World Tag Team Champions may be in trouble!”

Knots: “The hell is he doing?”

The Enigma walks over to the corner as Diamond looks on. She looks up at him, clearly enthralled yet chilled by his presence. He then calmly tags her back in. The Enigma steps through the ropes and down to the floor.

Sharper: “He’s leaving the ring! And he just tagged in Diamond!”

Knots: “Do you want to be the Tag Team Champions with that?!”

The Enigma walks around the ring, calmly and heads to the rampway. He doesn’t looks back at all as we see black smoke starting to overtake the stage and even parts of the ramp. Diamond looks around and then climbs up to the top rope.

Sharper: “She may be looking to silence Amelia Blythe. Diamond Steele to the top. Setting up for the Silence is Golden!”

Diamond gets to the top as Amelia slowly starts to get up. Amelia looks at her. Diamond dives off for the Silence is Golden, but Amelia drops to the mat. Diamond rolls through. She turns and gets up and looks at Amelia, but Luz then jumps up from behind as Amelia lunges and they hit Diamond with the Wisteria Waltz.

Sharper: “And somehow! Diamond missed, but Luz at the last moment and Amelia sensed it!”

Knots: “Enigma set them up. Diamond wanted to go big though!”

Amelia goes for the pin.

1!

2!

3!

Amelia rolls off and looks to the stage first before looking to Luz. She looks around as the bell sounds.

Phillips: “Here is your winner and still SCW World Tag Team Champions, La Pequena Luz and Amelia Blythe, the Light in the Darkness!”

Amelia gets up as Luz staggers forward. The officials hands them their World Tag Team Championship belts. They raise them over their heads.

Sharper: “And Light in the Darkness retains.”

Knots: “The Enigma came, destroyed, left…and Light in the Darkness survived?”

Sharper: “They keep looking to the stage. Perhaps one of the oddest title defense we’ll see.”

Diamond remains down as Blythe and Luz then start to celebrate a bit and the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Backstage, we open up to see the door where Crystal Zdunich was presumably trapped now open. Crystal Zdunich stands in the hallway, clearly annoyed, joined by Gigi Steward, Kelsai Adamson, and others, all of whom are sharing the room, outside. Dillusion is joined by Hiro Tanaka as they check the door with the representative of maintenance.

Zdunich: “What the hell was that? I was going to go out there-“

Maintenance Representative: “Just seems to be some substance here. But I don’t know why we couldn’t open it with the crowbar.”

Zdunich: “What the hell are you talking about?”

Adamson walks over and watches.

Zdunich: “This is just great. That Freak does this and now…”

Zdunich storms off. The maintenance representative keeps working on the door with Dillusion and Hiro Tanaka looking on.

The opening of “Blood Eagle can be heard blaring through the PA system. The camera will pan through the curtain as the faces of James Evans, Lues, Pain, Mordred, and Harker appear, igniting a negative reaction from the crowd, as they shower them in jeers. The camera remains on James as he breaks through the curtain. The boos intensify as James looks out at the crowd. From the back, follows Pain, Mordred, Harker, and Lues.

Sharper: “We already have seen the House of James make their presence felt. The One Kirsten Scott letting the world know what she thinks and well…”

Knots: “House of James gave her an immediate rebuttal!”

EARLIER TONIGHT:

There’s noise of screen as Scott gets up and then turns as we see Scott blindsided by a running boot. She goes down as Mordred and Harker step over and start to pummel her. The camera turns showing Hailey and The Oracle with Lues and Pain as Mordred and Harker hammer away on Scott, nailing her over and over. Harker and Mordred get a few more shots in as the camera is pulled away and officials runs into the scene. They start to pull the House members back. We then cut to Scott, who is covered in blood, as blood streams down the side of her face from the mugging she received. The crowd ohs seeing this as Mordred and Harker are backed up. Lues and Pain stop as Hailey steps before The Oracle to protect her and the scene cuts away.

We return live to see James Evans holding a microphone with the SCW Underground Championship around his waist. The other members of the House of James stand behind him and look out at the crowd.

Evans: “I hope people understand what we are trying to do. We do not hide it.”

Evans looks around.

Evans: “And despite the efforts to remove this title from around my waist, it is not going anywhere.”

Evans looks around.

Evans: “We have a simple goal. To make you all realize that the blood and violence this division represents…it will be a means to an end only for so long because that end will come. We will wreck, destroy, and maim, until you realize it is futile and then you will all be rebuilt. That is what only a few have understood, but it is also a vision that very much can happen, unless a certain Kirsten Scott who wants wholesale change and yet has no firm goal. It is why you failed on the last Breakdown of 2023 and why you will continue failing.”

Evans looks around.

Evans: “It’s why Cassie Wolfe failed although that came from inexperience and overaggression. She has plenty of talent. But it is gone about the wrong way. Plus you have the skill to do it without regressing to these basest instincts.”

Evans looks around.

Evans: “And that leads to the one woman who will never learn and has even lost out on opportunities to learn….Kimberly Williams.”

The crowd roars.

Evans: “The Queen of the Deathmatch. What a wretched thing to want to proudly state. But you already showed you could not handle the full press of myself and the House of James. Some of you in the crowd, you may have seen the press release earlier…Kimberly Williams will get her rematch at Body, Heart, and Soul. Kim…what makes you feel this will be any different?”

Evans looks at the camera.

Evans: “Hmmm? Is it not the definition of insanity to try and do the same thing over and over even with the same results, hoping for different ones. What makes you think I will not be ready for your challenge, Kim? That you pushed me off a ladder and drove me through two tables during Fatal Fortunes?!”

Evans points at the rampway.

Evans: “That you attacked Pain and Mordred backstage. That you managed to jump them and beat them with a weapon, all to make a point that you will not be stopped? That you went on a rampage? You’ve used hot sauce filled super soakers? You went to the dollar store and got more? Seeing your antics, you have become predictable. Staple guns, WASLEY, and more. And you are even more predictable because you care oh so much for this.”

Evans points at the Underground Championship.

Evans: “The title that is now synonymous with you, but will be known as the gateway to something better. Something where the Underground is acceptance of true competition without weapons. And it will come. Because you cannot stop it. Not with what I am building. Not with what I have already built. I already hold this title and the attention that comes with it. I have more followers. We will not be stopped and-“

Suddenly, random blasts of pyro shoot off from all over the stage, first several on the right side, and then a couple of the left, before another on the right. The crowd ohs as Evans turns to the stage.

Sharper: “What the hell?”

Knots: “Good thing I’m wearing brown!”

The cameras cut to a desk next to the stage, showing Kimberly Williams walking away from the pyro booth, away from the tech and we see a man in black, standing nearby. We then see Kim with a microphone in her hand and she walks along the floor to the side of the stage and the rampway.

Kim: “I’m predictable! James! Oh! I’m just getting started. Beating a bunch of you up a few weeks ago was fun. And I like having fun!”

The crowd roars.

Kim: “But as for the other claims, that I’m insane…Oh I know I can beat you James. I know I can make you scream for your life. I know I can maim you, and make you bleed, and make you wish you were still the terrible person you were and I’ll beat him too, because I know how terrible I can be! And you can’t handle it if I go there.”

Kim smiles as she looks at the ring.

Kim: “So you really want me to stay a bit more happy-go-lucky Kim. That’s the same Kim that came out at Fatal Fortunes and pushed you off a ladder and beat the crap out of two of your goons there. And well…”

Kim starts to point and count.

Kim: “There’s five of you now and you know what…I think I want to test those odds!”

Kim goes to step forward as the crowd roars. She then stops.

Kim: “Oh wait…I’m not stupid. And I’m not predictable. And James and your cult…I come to fight to let you know that Body, Heart, and Soul will see me get my Underground Title back. We’re just getting started!”

Kim then runs to the ring and lifts up the ring skirt. Lues and Mordred exit the ring and both head around before Kim pulls out a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat and nails Mordred in the stomach with a shot before turning and swinging at Lues. Lues goes down. She rolls over, blood coming from her forehead. Kim then turns and swings at the ring. This gets Pain back before James looks at him annoyed. Harker turns and exits and looks under the ring on the other side. He pulls out a steel chair. He then throws it into the ring. He reaches under and grabs another chair. Kim then grabs another barbed wire wrapped baseball bat.

Sharper: “Kim! What are you doing?”

Knots: “He’s taking on the whole damn House of James!”

Sharper: “And she’s got some weapons under the ring! Two barbed wire wrapped bats!”

She then swings, frantically trying to keep Mordred and Lues back. Pain looks at them as Harker gets back into the ring. James stands his ground as the crowd cheers. Kim laughs as she turns and swings wildly at Mordred and then just throws the bat at Lues. Lues ducks before Kim runs at her and nails her again. Pain then runs at her and dives over the top rope and onto her. The crowd ohs and boos. Kim goes hard into the barricade and falls over. Pain rolls over and winces as Mordred storms over and stomps away on Kim, nailing her over and over. James just smiles before shaking his head.

Evans: “When will you learn, Kim. Extreme violence for its own sake will lead to nothing. But we will make it so you cannot even do that!”

Mordred steps on Kim as Kim swings while still down. She kicks at Lues as Mordred keeps his attack. Pain gets up and kicks her too before the crowd roars and we see The One Kirsten Scott, blood still caking the side of her face, storming down from the back, with a pipe in her hand.

Sharper: “The One! Kirsten Scott! She’s heading to the ring! Joined by Hailey, one of her seconds!”

Knots: “And they have weapons too!”

She heads to the ring as Hailey follows with a hammer in her hand. They head down to the ring and Scott runs over and nails Mordred with a shot to the ribs. Harker now exits the ring and starts to head around as Hailey goes for Pain and knees him in the ribs. The crowd roars. Hailey tries to strike Pain with the hammer, but he blocks it. Scott nails Pain in the back with the pipe he falls over. Kim starts to fight up and she turns and moves around Pain and rolls into the ring. She gets up and Evans throws the chair in her face. Kim hits the mat and rolls over, laughing, a stream of blood coming down her face. She then fights up and Evans grabs the chair and throws it at her again. She stumbles back as Scott nails Mordred again in the ribs only for Harker to nail her in the ribs with the chair.

Sharper: “It’s still five on three! This war only getting started. Kim taking two shots.”

Knots: “She’s just laughing. Almost enjoying it and now fighting back up!”

Sharper: “And Evans can’t keep her down!”

Evans then grabs the chair and lifts it up, before Kim then reaches into her pocket and throws thumb tacks into the face of Evans. Evans turns away, dazed. He turns around and Kim kicks him in the ribs and then throws him face first into the chair he had. He rolls over. Kim turns and laughs as she gets up. Harker works over The One with another chair shot as Hailey has Lues in a front face lock. Officials and security finally come to the ring to break this up.

Sharper: “Still three on five, but Kim finding a way to get Evans down.”

Knots: “But look at Evans.”

Evans looks down, clearly upset by that shot. He slowly gets up, looking down, from his hands and knees. Kim then turns around and grabs him and Evans reaches up and grabs her by the throat. Kim responds in kind. They then look at each other, Evans glaring at Kim while Kim smiles. Harker is pushed away from Scott who starts to get up and lunges at him, falling over to the apron, clearly in pain from her match and attack earlier. Officials get Pain and Lues away from Hailey as Mordred backs up to the ring. Officials enter the ring and start to pry Evans and Kim away from one another. The two keep latched on each other’s necks before the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Xander Valentine vs. Holly Adams

Yes Bitch

Yes Bitch

Yes Bitch

SLAY

IT'S EXPENSIVE TO BE ME-EH-EH-EH!!

LOOKIN' THIS GOOD DON'T COME FOR FREE-EH-EH-EH!!!

The intro from "W Face," by Kumi Koda quickly fades out as "XXPENSIVE," By Erika Jayne 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, behind her a gaggle of men in black shirts reading, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills crew," holding TV cameras come running out capturing everything. Holly poses with her hand on her hip and her other hand high in the air as she pageant waves to the booing crowd. The camera men start directing Holly who continues to pose at the top of the ramp.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a thirty minute time limit. First, on her way to the ring, from Los Angeles, California, she is Holly Adams!”

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, the camera men following closely behind her. 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. Some men from the camera crew can be heard shouting to each other over the music that they'll edit that into a high five in post. 

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. The Housewives' crew follow behind her from around the ring and start getting various shots of her from every angle. 

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, the Housewives Crew taking their place in Holly's corner ready to capture everything.

Sharper: “Holly Adams confident here. We’ve heard for the first few days of the new year how angry she was. But SCW demanded she be here. No proxies!”

Knots: “It’s terrible! She’s a busy woman. She’s got a world renowned business!”

Sharper: “If world renowned means questionable and everyone knows it, sure!”

Knots: “Hey!”

A long church bell rings, once- twice- a third time as the crowd explodes. The lights go out as Xander’s voice echoes out over the sound system, increasing the intensity of the crowd’s roar.

“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

The few opening keystrokes of “Soul on Fire” by Last Internationale chimed. A lull before the storm as the crowd seems to calm for only a moment before Delila Paz’s blues dominate the audio.

“Some are born to kill

Others are born to run

Some need to keep on takin'

Till you ain't got none”

A singular light appears before the curtains, on the other side is the outline of a large man. On the screen, we’re shown Xander Valentine holding onto the bars of a prison cell. He starts to bend the bars before the scene blurs. 

“But baby, I wasn't built to die

Lay down and be crucified

Nah, no matter how hard they try

To push me down

Still I rise”

“Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)

Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)”

The curtain drops to reveal Xander. A quick salvo of pyros explodes in front of him before he steps through the smoke with an intense look on his face. He goes from one side of the stage to the next, yelling out to the crowd and throwing up his arms. He then stops at the top of the ramp while Artemis steps up from behind him and throws his arm up into the air. Together they start down the ramp, Xander’s gaze affixed on the ring.

Phillips: “Fighting out of Fort Collins, Colorado… from Rochester, New York… weighing in at 300 pounds, standing at six foot ten inches, he is the SCW Hall of Famer, a former SCW World Champion, the Paragon of Violence, the Executioner…. XANDER F’ING VALENTINE!”

Suffocate me until I am blue

To preserve my bad worldview

Paranoid, All Eyes On Me

Rumours circle, vultures feed

Baby, I wasn't built to die

Lay down and be crucified

Nah, no matter how hard they try

To push me down

Still I rise

Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)

Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)

Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)

Soul on Fire (Soul, Soul, Soul, Soul)

Xander leaps up onto the apron in a single bound. Artemis joins him by slipping below the bottom rope. Xander climbs up over the top rope and marches straight to the far side of the ring. He throws his arms up again, getting a massive pop. He goes to the opposite side and repeats to garner the same response. He hops down from the rope, and jogs into place, waiting for the bell. Artemis leans up and whispers into his ears before departing with a kiss on his neck. Holly pretends to gag.

Sharper: “And Xander Valentine wanted this. This is to end it. He’s done messing with the Brand. And he wants one message – that they will not bully him and those he loves.”

Knots: “They didn’t bully. They offered constructive criticism…and it got a bit physical. So sensitive!”

Sharper: “Can you listen to yourself?”

Knots: “Yes! I do! Frequently! I’m a delight!”

The bell sounds as Holly looks at Xander and then looks around. Xander steps forward as Holly backs away, hands up. She then turns and goes to leave the ring, but Xander runs over and grabs her by the back of her tights. She looks back and turns and swings and nails Xander with a hard right. Xander turns his head as Holly’s eyes widen.

Sharper: “I think Holly realized what she’s in for-“

Knots: “She showed up. Come on! She was trying to help-“

Holly then turns and drops to the floor. She backs up as Xander walks to the ropes. As he does, we see Cidnay running out from the back. He bolts to the ring and Xander backs up. Cidnay runs past Holly and slides into the ring. He pops up only for Xander to drill him with a big boot. The crowd ohs and cheers. Cidnay pops up and staggers to the ropes and Xander turns and runs at him and clotheslines him up and over. Holly looks at Xander as Xander turns. (1) Holly backs up and turns and heads to the back. (2) The camera crew follows her as she does, only for her to stop. (3) Trinity Valentine stands on the stage. Holly looks at her and her eyes widen. She then extends her arm. (4) She says something before Trinity grabs her by the hair. The crowd roars as she starts to pull her to the ring. (5)

Knots: “Disqualify Xander! His brute of a daughter has put her hands on Holly Adams!”

Sharper: “She’s just getting her back to the ring!”

Knots: “Cidnay! Help!”

Cidnay gets up and turns to the ring, only for Artemis to grab him and turn and throw him over the Spanish announce table. (6) The crowd erupts as Trinity then runs Holly forward and into the ring. She rolls over and looks around. She then turns and moves to her knees, looking up at Xander.

Sharper: “Holly back in the ring. Begging Xander off!”

Knots: “She’s not someone who belongs on her knees!”

Holly backs up, shaking her head, trying to convince Xander to give her mercy. Xander steps forward and Holly reaches up and thumbs him in the eye. Xander turns away and Holly laughs before running into the ropes and bouncing off and hitting the Beauty Killer to his back. Xander falls to his hands and knees. Holly smiles before running into the ropes and bouncing off and going for the Hostile Makeover, but Xander then scoops her up and spins her around and hits a huge sidewalk slam. Holly rolls over, holding her back in pain. Xander turns and gets up as the crowd roars.

Sharper: “A thunderous sidewalk slam!”

Knots: “Stay down Holly! Stay down!”

Holly remains down as Trinity looks on from one side of the ring. Artemis from the other. We see GiGi Aries on the stage now as Samuel Davis runs down from the back. He runs past the camera men for the Housewives and Trinity tries to grab him, but he dodges her and rolls into the ring only for Xander to catch him and hoist him up and drop him with a chokeslam. He rolls out of the ring as Holly manages to get up and jumps onto the back of Xander, locking in a sleeper hold. GiGi smiles on the stage. Holly wraps her legs around Xander as Xander struggles for a moment. He falls to a knee as Holly nods and starts pull back. Xander grits his teeth and gets up as Holly shakes her head and then Xander runs back and sandwiches her in the corner. He rears back and then turns and sandwiches her again. He turns and knees her in the ribs.

Sharper: “Holly with an opportunity, but quickly stopped by Xander.”

Knots: “Not fair! He’s at least four, no six times bigger than Holly!”

Xander then turns and hits a huge beal out of the corner. Holly hits the mat and rolls over. She then drops to the mat. She turns to the stage, closing her eyes. Xander however walks over to her and grabs her. He pulls her up and then turns and knees her in the ribs. He hoists her up, but Holly then manages to fight and crawl to end up on his shoulders. She punches him frantically in the top of the head, but Xander grabs her and throws her forward. Holly lands on her feet. Xander then grabs her by the hair and pulls her back into the Fade to Black! The crowd erupts. Trinity and Artemis both smile.

Sharper: “Fade to Black!”

Knots: “Holly! Oh no!”

Holly flails, trying to get out, strike Xander anything. Xander looks out at the crowd and locks in the hold. Holly’s flailing gets less and less pronounced before she then goes limp. The crowd roars as the official checks on her. He then calls for the bell. The bell sounds.

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

Xander throws Holly down. Trinity smiles as does Artemis.

Sharper: “Xander Valentine emphatically making Holly Adams pay.”

Knots: “Pay? She-“

Sharper: “Enough! Xander Valentine sending a message to Holly Adams that maybe she should leave her hands off people and keep her mouth shut.”

Knot: “Bu-“

Sharper: “Jon…”

Knots: “Fine!”

Xander turns as Trinity and Artemis enter the ring. He briefly embraces them as Holly remains down in the ring. Xander looks around and listens to his music as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

The opening riff to "Smooth Sailing" by Queens of the Stone Age kicks in. At the 11 second mark, the name "Asher Hayes" blares through the PA system, and Asher appears on the stage, wearing jeans and an Asher Hayes t-shirt of him celebrating with the World Title in the ring. The SCW World Championship is over his shoulder. The crowd boos upon seeing him. He looks around and listens to the crowd and shakes his head and heads to the ring.

Sharper: “Asher Hayes managed to turn back the challenge of Deanna Frost.”

Knots: “You can see a bit of limp. He went knee to knee with Deanna. Dust to Dust and the Burnout. And Hayes managed to win.”

Sharper: “After rolling her up and pulling on the tights.”

Knots: “Still counts!”

Hayes limps down to the ring and over to the steel steps. He then look around and climbs up them. He walks along the apron and steps into the ring. He then walks over to the corner and steps up to the middle turnbuckle and holds his title over his head. He then points to himself before stepping down. He walks over to the far corner and grabs a microphone waiting for him. He turns back and moves to the middle of the ring.

Hayes: “Oh don’t boo. You have little else to draw your attention here.”

Hayes extends his arms as the music fades out.

Hayes: “Even the Star of Tomorrow knew it was pointless and left!”

Hayes chuckles.

Hayes: “Everything is falling apart and that’s fine. Because thank God Kismet and I are here to give you something worth your time. Not because I care about any of you, but damn it, I finally have the title that should’ve been mine many, many times before. At least I stopped a Frost from getting it. Deanna! How the knee? Huh?”

Hayes looks around.

Hayes: “Mine…it’s indestructible, like my time at the top. It’s fine though. You rolled down nicely. Keep defending the US Title and boring us to death. Let’s face it everyone, nothing and no one can touch me. This isn’t SCW of the past. This isn’t the glory days. And SCW needs me here so you all can keep up. Simon Lyman and his growing insanity…keep him away from me and my family. Kandis…I took it from her. She can be as angry as she wants, but she knows she can’t touch me. And anyone else…well…”

Hayes chuckles.

Hayes: “It’s becoming laughable. The One Kirsten Scott, she’s next, huh? She just went to war with James Evans. I beat him by the way…and she thinks she’ll face me and win. Just stay away from me. Keep your stupid new guard/old guard crap from me too. I’ve fought for everything I’ve earned and I’ve EARNED this. And nothing will change there. The fact is that SCW doesn’t have a threat for me. And so we have to jump through hoops and-“

“Bang Bang” by Rammstein then starts to play. Asher stops and looks at the entrance way, confused. He points to the stage and then to the timekeeper and the announce table before looking back as sparks shoot from the stage and Hakuri Keitaro shoots out from under the stage and into the air. He lands and looks around.

Sharper: “And Hakuri Keitaro is on Breakdown!”

Knots: “Is he back?”

Sharper: “He returned at the End of the Year Open Invitational! He won the match. Won the money and the new car. But said nothing. And now he’s here in Toledo!”

Knots: “Wait…does he think he could challenge Asher?”

Sharper: “Kandis and Asher both returned last year in the Open Invitational. And look at them now. It’s not that farfetched.”

Hayes looks on and chuckles as Hakuri Keitaro walks down to the ring. He looks around and then runs to the ring and hops onto the apron. He looks at Hayes and enters the ring. He then steps forward and looks at Hayes as the music fades out. Some fans cheer a bit as Keitaro looks around. He then turns to Hayes. Hayes steps up to him.

Hayes: “Uh…I know I said the glory days are passed, but for some you could be past your prime. Look, I know you had a good End of the Year Special. Good for you. But uh…you’ve impressed enough.”

Keitaro doesn’t move, just looks at the SCW World Championship. Hayes looks around.

Hayes: “Yeah, sorry. You’re not getting to the front of the line. Write a Riddick Readout or something about it. Can you move over there?”

Keitaro still does little before then slowly backing up.

Hayes: “Thanks. You can watch though. If how I act inspires another legend…no that’s too good…person, we’ll go with that, from the past to step it up and have a second lease, that’s great. But uh…I’m looking for World Title challengers. You know, someone to keep me and these fans interested before they change the channel.”

Hayes turns to the stage.

Hayes: “Come on, anyone-“

“This is How a Heart Breaks” plays throughout the arena. The crowd roars. A few moments pass before CHBK walks out from the back in a suit. He looks at the ring and starts to head down to the ring.

Sharper: “Well this man may have some answers.”

Knots: “I would hope so. He’s the COO!”

Sharper: “CHBK heading to the ring. And he may tell us who is next to challenge Asher Hayes!”

CHBK walks down to the ring and walks up the steel steps. He then steps onto the apron and into the ring. Hayes turns to him.

Hayes: “Hey old man. Come on…give me something…give these fans something to give a damn about. No more charity. Come on!”

CHBK ignores the taunting and goes to the corner, where he’s handed a microphone from ring announcer Jason Phillips. CHBK takes it and turns back to the middle of the ring, but just as he goes to talk, his music cuts out to “Whore” by In This Moment. The crowd erupts into cheers. Hayes turns to the entrance way as does CHBK. Keitaro does too as Kandis steps out from the back in her jeans and leather jacket. She then heads to the ring, walking with purpose. Hayes backs up as CHBK steps forward. Kandis storms down to the ring and slides in. She steps up and gets up and CHBK stops her. Kandis walks around the ring, ignoring Keitaro, as does Hayes. CHBK stands between Kandis and Hayes as Kandis goes to the corner and demands a microphone.

Sharper: “And now Kandis out here and she, we know wants her shot. Said as much at the End of the Year Special.”

Knots: “They almost went after each other too! CHBK stopping them tonight like it was then!”

Phillips hands her a microphone.

Hayes: “Don’t give her one-“

Kandis: “Or what? You want a challenge, I’m right here. I still want my damn rematch.”

Hayes: “Hey, hey. Focus on CHBK here. The old man sometimes forgets things.”

CHBK: “You may want to rethink that approach.”

Hayes: “Where is The One? Come on. She has a shot. She’s next right?”

Kandis: “She can fight whatever war she wants. I’m available and I want you. Body, Heart, and Soul. Let’s just rip the bandaid off. No chairs. No ladders. You and me one on one and without you needing Raab to bail you out to give you a redo!”

Hayes: “Hey! Just because I outsmarted you! And you and Raab are so good together. He’s even nearly knocked you out and in a place you seem happy!”

Kandis: “And I’ll do the same to you, just without the happy place. I’ll strangle your Kismet too!”

CHBK: “Now-“

A long church bell rings, once- twice- a third time as the crowd explodes. The lights go out as Xander’s voice echoes out over the sound system, increasing the intensity of the crowd’s roar.

“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

The few opening keystrokes of “Soul on Fire” by The Last Internationale chimed. A lull before the storm as the crowd seems to calm for only a moment before Delila Paz’s blues dominate the audio. The crowd roars as Xander Valentine walks out from the back. Hayes turns to the stage and then back.

Hayes: “I said Kirsten Scott! Come on!”

Hayes glances back as Xander Valentine starts to walk down to the ring. Kandis glares at him as Xander continues to walk down to the ring.

Sharper: “Xander has been talking about it and after he got past Holly Adams, we figured this could be an option!”

Knots: “And he wants a World Title match!”

Xander Valentine reaches the ring. He then pulls himself up to the apron and then steps inside. He steps forward. The crowd roars. Kandis then turns to Hayes and snaps at him. Hayes looks around as CHBK stands in the middle of the ring. Xander’s music stops.

CHBK: “Before this goes any further, someone’s rematch clause is going to be used for Body, Heart and Soul!”

The crowd roars. Hayes smirks. Kandis then rubs her hands.

Knots: “Well that takes out Xander Valentine right?”

Sharper: “Did he ever get his rematch?”

Knots: “Oh…uh…maybe not! But then Hakuri’s out. Sorry!”

Sharper: “Either way, Kandis and Hayes both are locking eyes. They seem to think Kandis is next up!”

Knots: “You heard her at the End of the Year Special! She’s owed a rematch from Under Attack!”

A scoff escapes Asher.

Asher: “Really? I gotta beat her again?”

He takes a step forward.

Asher: “I would have thought-“

Only to be blasted in the face by Hakuri Keitaro with a superkick. The crowd ohs and several cheer. Hayes is laid out.

Knots: “What the-“

Sharper: “Hakuri Keitaro just nailed the world champion! Asher is out cold!”

Knots: “Same move he used to win the Invitational!”

Keitaro stands above Asher Hayes, eyes on him before he slowly reaches up and undoes his jacket. Stripping it away, the coat reveals a bunch of padding within the inside, a more toned and lithe form underneath.

Knots: “What the hell is he doing?”

Sharper: “Wait…that’s not Riddick or…that’s a woman…”

Tossing the jacket aside, Keitaro then reaches up and pulls off their mask, revealing the platinum-blonde braid that comes tumbling down – belonging to the Snow Queen of SCW!

Knots: “No!”

Sharper: “My God! Selena Frost! Selena Frost is back in SCW!”

The fans, instantly, transform their cheers to boos, deafening the arena. Selena stands there, unfazed by the crowd, her cold eyes locked on Asher, who remains motionless in the ring. Reaching down, Frost picks up the World Title and glares at it. Kandis glares at Selena as Xander just watches from the corner.

Sharper: “Is she who CHBK was referring to?”

Another second goes by, all eyes on Selena holding the World Championship before she dumps the title on Asher’s head. Without a word or a look back, the Snow Queen flips over the ropes and onto the mats below, marching up the ramp. Kandis turns to CHBK and immediately demands an explanation as Xander Valentine lets out an annoyed look. CHBK, however, keeps his eyes locked on the retreating form of Frost. Asher Hayes remains motionless in the ring, no one bothering to help him.

Sharper: “I still cannot believe what I am seeing. Selena Frost, returning as Hakuri Keitaro, wins the EOTY invitational and then, on our first episode of Breakdown of the year, leaves SCW shaken to the core!”

Selena disappears behind the curtain as Breakdown cuts to commercials.

COMMERCIALS

The camera shifts to Selena Frost marching through the arena halls and into the parking lot.

Sharper: “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. Moments ago, Hakuri Keitaro, winner of the End of the Year Invitational, unmasked to reveal the returning Selena Frost, who laid out the world champion, Asher Hayes, with the Glass Shard.”

Knots: “One single kick! Blind-sided him!”

Sharper: “During the break, we had medics assist Asher backstage to be checked on but this also happened.”

DURING THE COMMERCIAL BREAK:

As Selena reaches her black limo and opens the door-

??: “SELENA! WAIT!”

The Snow Queen stops and turns to see Deanna Frost limping towards her, the United States Champion still banged up from her two matches at EOTY. Her expression is of shock and confusion as she stands before her wife.

Deanna: “How…What does… I don’t understand…”

Her voice fails her, the two wives sharing a long look between them before Selena quietly enters into her vehicle, closing the door once she is inside. A second later, the vehicle speeds away, leaving Deanna watching it depart.

??: “WAIT!!! MY GODDESS!”

Jerking her head, Deanna sees Religious Wright running as fast as he can towards the vehicle!

Wright: “Don’t leave me, my savior! Let me bask in the miracle of your return!”

He cries a few more similar lines of worship but Selena’s vehicle is long gone, leaving the zealot to fall to his knees in the parking lot, gasping for air. The camera focuses back onto Deanna Frost looking more confused than ever as she rans a hand through her red hair as the camera shot shifts.

Breakdown returns live.

Sharper: “Deanna Frost approaching her wife. No response. So Deanna…even she didn’t know.”

Knots: “The House of Frost isn’t even on the same foundation anymore!”

We see Kandis and CHBK backstage.

Kandis: “What the hell is that? She returns…don’t tell me that she’s got the shot.”

CHBK looks at Kandis.

CHBK: “She has the shot.”

Kandis: “You’re [bleep]ing kidding me. She steps to the front of the line. After she walked out! Just put her in the ring with me and I’ll make her quit like the bitch she is again!”

The crowd roars hearing this.

CHBK: “It’s not happening. Selena versus Asher is official for Body, Heart, and Soul.”

Kandis just looks at CHBK, glaring a hole through him.

Kandis: “Fine…but I better be next.”

CHBK: “Kandis-“

Kandis: “I don’t give a damn. I am taking that title from Asher. I am OWED that after everything he manipulated. And now Selena gets ahead. Someone wants me pissed off.”

CHBK: “I understand it’s frustrating. That’s why instead, I can give you something else you want.”

Kandis steps up to CHBK.

Kandis: “And what is that?”

CHBK: “Konrad.”

Kandis chuckles.

Kandis: “You know what…”

Kandis shakes her head.

Kandis: “I already had good reason to destroy him. But you know what…he can be something else…a message to you or whoever gave her THAT shot. Konrad is going to be so messed up that Germany won’t even be able to identify the body to repatriate his old ass. And it can be on your hands…and Selena’s…and anyone else. Because I will be getting my God damned title back!”

Kandis turns and storms off. CHBK watches her leave before turning to go into his office. He looks off and stops as Xander Valentine walks over to him. He doesn’t say anything, just glaring at CHBK and walking off as CHBK enters his office.

Bree Lancaster vs. Sarah Wolf

Phillips: “The following match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first....

The lights dim slightly as a male voice speaks:

“When's the last time you were afraid?”
“I haven't been afraid a day in my life.”

The music and chorus of Shinedown's “Dead Don't Die” kicks in, with white strobe lights flashing in time. Bree Lancaster runs out from the curtain, arms spread wide, hands facing up, and a smile on her face.

{The dead don't die, the heart still beats
Head held high, I haunt these streets
Life's killed me a hundred thousand times
You can try, you can try, but the dead don't die}

Bree makes her way down the ramp, confidence in her step as she speaks to a fan or two on the way.

Phillips: “From New Orleans, Louisiana, she is Bree Lancaster!”

{Knock me down six feet deep
One more round, no reprieve
Life's killed me a hundred thousand times
You can try, you can try, but the dead don't die}

Bree sprints up the ring steps, quickly wipes her feet on the apron then steps through the ropes. She does a spin in the center of the ring, arms spread out like before, drawing cheers. She then heads to her corner, and looks around the crowd as the music fades out.

Sharper: “Bree Lancaster looking all around, trying to see where her opponent is going to come from.”

Knots: “That's right, Sarah Wolf has a nasty habit of sneaking up on people. But Bree's expecting it.”

“When I Am Queen” by Jack Off Jill begins to play through the arena, yet there is no sign of Wolf yet. Bree continues to look around the crowd.

Phillips: “And her opponent... from Bent Fork, Tennessee, Sarah Wolf!”

The music continues to play, as the camera pans around. Bree is in her corner looking out when suddenly the crowd roars.

Sharper: “Sarah Wolf! She came from under the ring!”

Knots: “The one place Bree didn't look. How long has she been under there?”

Bree spins around as Sarah slides in. Sarah hops to her feet and before Bree can brace herself for anything, Sarah charges at her and drills her down with a flying lariat. The crowd oohs.

Knots: “Wolf coming in hot! A win over a former World Champion would be quite the notch, and she knows it.”

Sharper: “Bree Lancaster won't make it easy, she's trying to move up the ranks and get herself an Adrenaline Championship shot.”

Bree kips up as Sarah turns around. Bree steps up and lands a backfist, followed by a back elbow. Sarah staggers backwards, and into the corner. Bree takes a step back, then drills a knee into Sarah's midsection. Sarah leans over in pain. Bree grabs her head and pulls her out of the corner a step or two before planting her with a DDT. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “Bree with a flurry of offense here after Sarah tried to get the advantage by sneaking in.”

Knots: “Looks like Bree took that personally!”

Bree backs away, looking at her handiwork. Sarah starts to get up, and Bree steps up. They lock up, and Sarah immediately spins Bree around and locks on a full nelson hold. The crowd boos as Sarah shakes her back and forth.

Sharper: “Allowing that lock up was a mistake on Bree's part, Sarah has the clear strength advantage and she's using it.”

Knots: “She's dragging Bree around like a rag doll!”

Sarah is pulling Bree around the ring, still locked in the hold. Bree tries to fight out of it, or plant her feet so Sarah can't move her, but Sarah just powers through it all. Sarah finally stops in the middle of the ring. She releases the hold, spins Bree around then lifts her up before planting her with a powerbomb. The crowd oohs and boos as Sarah makes a cover.

1!

2!

Bree kicks out. Sarah gets up and grabs Bree's foot before she can start to get up. She drags Bree closer to the middle of the ring. Before she can execute whatever she has in mind, Bree kicks with her free foot, nailing Sarah's knee. The knee buckles and Sarah drops down on it. The crowd cheers as Bree sits up, then grabs Sarah's arm and locks on the Tangled Web! The crowd roars as Bree pulls back on the arm.

Sharper: “Tangled Web! That cross armbreaker is one of Bree's new additions to her repertoire, courtesy of the schooling of Josh Hudson. And Sarah is in trouble.”

Knots: “She's fighting it though!”

Sarah pulls her arm hard, struggling to bend it in the right direction. Bree pulls back as hard as she can, bracing herself with her legs, but Sarah manages to use her legs to push herself off her back to her side, and grab her trapped hand with the other. Bree tries to break the grip, but to no avail. She releases the hold, and Sarah immediately crawls over Bree and mounts, throwing lefts and rights in a flurry. The crowd boos as Bree does her best to cover up.

Knots: “Sarah getting Bree all Dolled Up, and now Bree's in trouble!”

Sharper: “I think she's getting a few shots in!”

Bree sneaks in a jab, and then an elbow, followed by another. Her strikes seem to slow Sarah down a bit, and Bree pushes back with her feet, dragging them both closer to the ropes. Bree continues to cover up, as Sarah gets in a few more good shots. Bree tilts her head back, exposing her chin but looking for the ropes. Sarah lays her arm across Bree's throat just as Bree reaches for and grabs the bottom rope. The crowd cheers, then boos when Sarah doesn't get up. The ref counts.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Sarah pulls her arm back and gets off Bree, holding her hands up, a wicked smile on her face. Bree pulls herself up to a seated position using the ropes. The crowd cheers as she gets to her feet. Bree shakes her head clear and brushes her hair back, a determined glare on her face. A red knot is starting to form over her right eye.

Sharper: “Bree showing some battle wounds from that exchange.”

Knots: “She won't like Sarah marring her pretty little face, Sarah's about to get mauled!”

Sarah assumes a fighting stance and waves at Bree to bring it. Bree nods, then runs, past Sarah into the ropes. She bounces back before Sarah can turn around and drops her with a Recoil! The crowd cheers. Bree doesn't cover though. She gets up and steps back a few steps behind Sarah, waiting. Sarah starts to get up, shaking her head. She gets to her feet slowly, her back to Bree. The crowd makes anticpatory noise as Sarah gets vertical... and Bree springs into action, jumping and grabbing Sarah, landing the Rectifier! Now, Bree makes the cover, hooking the far leg.

1!

2!

3!

The bell rings as the crowd roars.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, by pinfall... Bree Lancaster!”

The official raises Bree's arm, as she smiles at the cheering crowd. She touches the spot over her eye and winces a little, but still turns as the official lets her arm go, and waves at the crowd before exiting the ring. Sarah starts to stir as Bree heads up the ramp, still smiling at her victory. Just then, Polly, dressed in her street clothes, walks past Bree. Bree glances at her before Polly heads to the ring. Sarah Wolf slowly gets up. She the turns and sees her.

Sharper: “Polly making her way to the ring. She wasn’t at Breakdown to close 2023.”

Knots: “First, good she’s safe. But what the hell is she doing? Another attack?”

Sharper: “She’s not exactly rushing to the ring. With how these two have been going at it? Then again, Sarah Wolf seems to only have one speed there.”

Polly walks over to the ring and climbs up the steel steps. She then walks along the apron and steps into the ring. Sarah Wolf steps forward and Polly holds a hand up, almost to call for a truce. Polly then steps forward. The crowd buzzes, some cheering, some booing, before as we see Polly clearly apologizing for Wolf.

Polly: “I’m sorry. I haven’t…been myself. And this…this hasn’t been me and-“

Polly goes to extend a hand, only for Wolf to headbutt Polly. Polly falls back as the crowd ohs. Wolf then lunges and mounts Polly. She grabs her by the throat.

Wolf: “I don’t do apologies!”

Wolf then starts to choke Polly as Polly wraps her legs around the body of Wolf. She swings, getting a few good shots in. Wolf rolls off. She winces as Polly then turns and starts to get up. She winces a bit and Wolf gets up and turns as Polly runs at her and spears her down. The crowd ohs. Polly gets a few shots in as Wolf then wraps her legs around her. She grabs at her face. Wolf smiles as Polly nails her with a couple more shots and Wolf starts to push on the mouth and face. Polly bites Wolf’s hand and then Wolf kicks at her. Polly falls back and Wolf rolls over, looking at her hand. She then steps up and swings and nails Polly with a hard right. Polly fights back with one of her own. They trade blows as officials run down to the ring. They get a few more shots in as the officials get in between them. Wolf then backs up, smirking, as the black liquid comes out of her mouth. Polly just looks at her and glares.

Sharper: “Polly wanted to call a truce.”

Knots: “Wolf isn’t interested. She’s out for blood.”

Sharper: “And they both are now…again!”

Polly tries to get free as Wolf just leans in the corner, glaring at Polly. The crowd looks on as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Jessica Winters is backstage where we see Konrad Raab squatting down as Dakon Theron and Ludvig Eriksson stand behind him. Ginny Raab is off to the side.

Winters: “Uh…welcome back to Breakdown. Jessica Winters here and I’m with the European Fiery Nation and Konrad…what are you doing?”

Konrad laughs as we see a flame appearing in front of him.

Winters: “My God! You’ve set fire-“

Konrad: “What? Have a problem? No…this….this is good.”

Konrad runs his hand over the flame.

Konrad: “Because I get my hands on Kandis at Body, Heart, and Soul. She thinks she’ll ever get her hands on the World Title again? Oh no…not after what I will do to her. I have wanted this for too long and I am not going to miss this opportunity. No bullshit matches. No embarrassment. No shaking her ass. Just her…burning….her screaming in pain as she is burned in BLOOD!”

Raab holds his hand briefly in front of the fire and looks up.

Raab: “If I’m getting you Kandis at Body, Heart, and Soul, I want you in the match that is going to END THIS once, and for all! A match that will leave you permanently scarred so no one will think you’re beautiful. No one will want to see you. And all that people will remember you for, for the rest of time, is what I did to you after how you and the Jackals treated me.”

Konrad Raab laughs again. Winters looks around, clearly nervous.

Raab: “I want you…where fire surrounds the ring, Kandis. I want to set you on fire…And if you’re not a coward, at Body, Heart and Soul, you and I, Kandis…Inferno Match!”

Raab smiles sadistically as the scene cuts away.

Matt Hodges vs. Ace Sky

A rocket drops from the bottom of the big screen to the stage and there is a countdown voice over from 5 which fans count down. “Eye In The Sky” by The Alan Parsons Project play as a pod door opens and Ace Sky walks out in an aviator jacket and his usual in ring attire.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a fifteen minute time limit. First, from Houston, Texas, he is Ace Sky!”

He salutes a peace sign and jogs down the aisle way high-fiving as many fans as possible while alternating with gesturing to his forehead. Then he dashes with his trademark slide through the bottom ring apron. He does the Third Eye forehead point taunt again and gets into Bruce Lee style-southpaw martial arts stance.

Sharper: “Ace Sky, a fine veteran, ringing in the new year with a hell of a challenge.”

Knots: “Yeah. He has a Hall of Famer, former World Champion, about to be across from him. Depending on where his head is at after he was laid out a few weeks ago!”

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.

Phillips: “His opponent, from Miami, Florida, he is Matt Hodges!”

He pays no heed as he walks down to the ring, smirking. The fans sing “Matt Hodges sucks!” in unison with the chorus of the song. Hodges slow moves up the steps, wipes his foot on the apron, and gets into the ring. He walks into the opposite corner and pulls on the top rope. “I Want It All” dies out as the fans continue to chant “Matt Hodges sucks!”

Sharper: “Fans greeting Matt Hodges as we expect. Last time we saw him, he was laid out by his team, the Feast of the Ascension.”

Knots: “Are they still around? Did they just beat his ass and leave.”

Sharper: “I am told that they have been granted contracts. So they are here, presumably. If they want more of Matt Hodges!”

The bell sounds. Matt and Ace look at one another and lock up in the middle of the ring. Ace quickly ducks under and around into a waistlock. Hodges holds onto his hands and then tries to break it. He then ducks under and wrenches the arm. Ace winces and then flips forward, nips up and then wrenches Hodges’s arm. Hodges flips forward. Ace jumps up and hits a leg drop. He goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Hodges kicks out. Both get up and Ace runs into the ropes. Hodges attempts a clothesline. Ace ducks and Ace bounces off the other side and then jumps up and hits an arm drag on Hodges.

Sharper: “The veteran not intimidated by the hall of famer.”

Knots: “And Hodges may be in trouble already. Come on Matt! You’re better than this!”

Hodges gets up and Ace hits a shoot kick to the ribs and then another before jumping up and hitting a jump kick to the head. Hodges staggers. Ace Sky runs into the ropes. He bounces off and Hodges hoists him up on the rebound and hits an inverted atomic drop. The crowd ohs and Ace rolls over in pain. He slowly gets up and turns to Hodges who runs at him and clotheslines him down. He looks out at the crowd, getting some boos, before he turns and stomps Ace Sky in the jaw once and then again before walking around the ring. Ace rolls over and to the corner. Hodges runs after and Ace gets a boot up. Hodges stumbles back. Ace runs out and Hodges catches him and then takes him overhead with a T-Bone suplex.

Sharper: “And Hodges catches Ace Sky and launches him overhead!”

Knots: “Just crash and burn for Sky. He did see some of the sky as he was flipping through it.”

Ace rolls over as Hodges sits up. He gets up and turns and Ace gets to his feet as Hodges clubs him in the back with a hard shot. He elbows Ace in the back of the head and then whips him into the ropes. Ace bounces off and Hodges scoops him up and hits a backbreaker. He geos for the pin.

1!

2!

Ace gets his shoulder up. He rolls over as Hodges rolls off. He gets up as Ace turns and Hodges drags him to the ropes and places him on the middle rope. She starts to choke him.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Hodges steps back and then pulls Ace up and hits a back suplex. He goes for another pin.

1!

2!

Ace kicks out again. Hodges rolls off. He looks out as Ace rolls over.

Sharper: “And Hodges trying again. Another suplex, only gets two.”

Knots: “Ace Sky just won’t stay down. Just let Hodges start 2024 right. 2023 didn’t end well for him!”

Hodges starts to get up as Ace pulls himself up and falls to the ropes. Hodges runs after him and Ace gets a boot up. Hodges stumbles back. Ace steps up and Hodges swings, but Ace catches him, but pull him down before hitting the Super Nova Slice. He stays for the pin.

1!

2!

Hodges kicks out. Ace falls back. Hodges rolls over and falls to the ropes. He turns as Ace runs at him and hits a dropkick. Hodges goes up and over the top rope and lands on the floor. He rolls over. Hodges rolls over. (1) He starts to pull himself up as Ace Sky climbs up to the top rope. The crowd roars. (2) Sky looks down at Hodges and then Sky dives off and goes for a shooting star press. Hodges is hit, but Sky otherwise, lands on the barricade. Sky falls back down as the crowd ohs as Hodges falls over. (1)

Sharper: “Ace Sky! Good God! Good God!”

Knots: “Holy crap!”

Sharper: “Ace Sky got a piece of Hodges, but Sky landed on the barricade!”

2!

3!

4!

5!

6!

Hodges just remains next to Sky, clearly dazed, but looking over. (7)

8!

9!

10!

The bell sounds as the crowd boos. Hodges rolls over, wincing in pain as Sky stirs. The official drops down to check on both.

Phillips: “This match has been ruled a double countout!”

Sharper: “And Ace Sky, crashing an burning, unable to answer the ten count.”

Knots: “Same for Hodges. He looked like he was back up, but it’s almost like he was dazed.”

Sharper: “Very possible.”

As the official drops down, Hodges pulls himself up and moves to the apron. He leans on it as he then walks around the ring. He looks around and stops at the announce table. He then turns and heads over to the timekeeper before turning and heading around the ring.

Sharper: “Let’s go backstage where Jaina Lancaster is standing by.”

Backstage, we see Sarah Wolf sitting on a storage crate next to Jaina Lancaster. Destiny Page can be seen in the background with a notepad.

Jaina: “Thank you Adam. Sarah…Polly seemed to want to make some sort truce and offered an apology. Is that-“

Wolf: “After she is the one who got involved in my affairs? I don’t care about how sorry she feels and what regrets she has. I also don’t care if this isn’t like her. Her words. First impressions are everything.”

Wolf turns to Jaina.

Wolf: “I had Alexis Quinne right where I wanted her. Everyone thinks she was going to beat me. No…I was going to let her crash and burn. But I would’ve gotten the credit. Not Polly. And I don’t like that when it involved not only my business but it prevents me from not even getting to enjoy the small victories. So Polly, take your apology and shove it. Get ready to fight because I’m ready to maim you. Another small victory. New year? Same me. I don’t care about the truth for you, Polly.”

Wolf looks at the camera and gets up and walks off, wiping her lips. Jaina watches her leave as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Rise!!!!

Look deep into his eyes!

Rise!!!!

Look deep into his eyes, that's where the fire lies! 

The spotlights shine forth from the stage, bathing the entire arena in blinding white lights corresponding with a verse of “Eyes Like Fire” by Collision of Innocence. A figure stands in front of the curtains; his arms are extended horizontally, and his legs are spread. His back is turned to the audience. His presence incites a chorus of cheers from the crowd. As the bright lights start to dim, we can see the suit he is wearing. The music builds as Alistaire Allocco walks out with Adam Allocco. Alistaire proudly wears the Adrenaline Championship. The two start to head to the ring.

Sharper: “There’s your Adrenaline Champion and yes, Alistaire is now officially the champion as of Fatal Fortunes.”

Knots: “Yeah and he’s got one of the titles he should have. Adam is just helping him catch up!”

Sharper: “Still stunning how Alistaire is working with his father and Adam is trying to help him. It was even our shocking moment of 2023. We found out Adam Allocco ran down Alistaire while drunk. It’s what took him out of action for quite some time.”

Knots: “No need to dredge that up. He’s back and better than ever!”

The Alloccos reach the ringside area. Adam Allocco runs up the steel steps and enters the ring. Alistaire follows and Adam holds the ropes open for his son. Alistaire steps into the ring. He looks around as Adam follows in after and goes across the ring, demanding a microphone. Phillips hands him one. Adam then turns back and walks over to Alistaire who takes the microphone.

Sharper: “Alistaire going to speak. Adam has been doing a lot of it.”

Knots: “Keeping his words for maximum effect!”

Alistaire looks around and turns to the crowd.

Alistaire: “First, a Happy New Year to you all.”

The crowd cheers a bit.

Alistaire: “Tonight, I’ve decided I wanted to pass along this message here as it is a new year and one that I am happy to be back in this ring after what I have been through.”

Alistaire turns to his father.

Alistaire: “And as I continue on this journey with my father, I am truly blessed to be here and I thank God for giving me that blessing to have this second lease on my career. Just as I am blessed to be the Adrenaline Champion after so long from the ring.”

Alistaire pauses.

Alistaire: “With being the Adrenaline Champion, so too comes responsibility. Yes, my father tried to angle for a World Championship opportunity with the so-called Allocco Assassin, Autumn Valentine, with my Adrenaline Championship on the line. I appreciate your efforts, father. But this time, I figured I would speak and take the lead. Because I know with a new year comes another challenge for my title. I know that I have now two challengers for my title, given recent news.”

Alistaire pauses for a moment again.

Alistaire: “On one hand, Bree Lancaster who is a former Adrenaline Champion, but had been spending her time in the Tag Division until recently. She had a hard fought win against Sarah Wolf. Impressive.”

Alistaire turns, looking at his other hand.

Alistaire: “On the other is Autumn Valentine who is stepping in for Syren, for reasons I don’t understand. Perhaps my record against Syren scares them. But Autumn had also been off for a while, regardless of her bona fides.”

Alistaire shakes his head.

Alistaire: “Now I am not a booker, nor do I wish to be. While my father is a promoter, I have not spoken to him for his ideas. But to me, this sounds fairly cut and dry. Two challengers, one champion. The challengers should face each other and I would be happy to face the winner. That would only be fair?”

Alistaire looks around.

Alistaire: “Make them earn the opportunity instead of making claims about how I deserve nothing. Criticizing how I obtained this championship. My father is just trying to help me get where I should have been had he not done what he did.”

Alistaire turns to Adam as Adam turns away, shaking his head.

Alistaire: “As he hopes for redemption and for forgiveness and tries to truly better himself. Getting sober was only part of it and he had personal gains. But now, his personal gains surpass anything he could have earned professionally. He is re-earning a son who wants to be part of his life. Who wants to help him become better? Who believes in forgiveness.”

Alistaire looks at Adam as Adam nods. A woman’s voice can be heard as the video screens display the words she's saying in unison.

"Lexy Chapel Proudly Presents"

"THE FUTURE ADRENALINE CHAMPION”

THE ALLOCCO ASSASSIN"

"AUTUMN VALENTINE"

“Miss Nothing” by The Pretty Reckless hits the PA system as Autumn Valentine walks out onto the stage. She pauses on the stage for a moment before being joined by Lexy Chapel. Chapel has a microphone in her hand and starts to walk to the ring, bringing it to her mouth. Autumn Valentine just follows behind.

Chapel: “Alistaire, I’m sorry, but you did not earn that title. Although it is lovely to see a father who is willing to recognize the talent of their child….”

Chapel looks around and glares.

Chapel: “It was you, Adam, who somehow, someway, managed to defeat my client, Syren fir that title.”

Alistaire: “So then what makes Autumn the rightful challenger? Is she not a proxy for Syren? To take her place as you no longer have faith in her?”

Chapel’s mouth goes agape.

Chapel: “How dare you say that? Syren can slay DRAGONS! She is the greatest competitor in the history of professional wrestling. She has more important goals and that is to make sure that the Tag Team Championship returns to her…and LexyCorp…before returning to her goals at the top of the card. The World Championship. The title of titles. Autumn should be it now too, but sometimes people get in the way and screw it up. Just like Adam screwed EVERYTHING up for you. There’s a good chance you could’ve been a vegetable. Something he’d have put in his Bloody Mary from his drunken escapades! Are you okay with that?”

Adam steps up as Alistaire stops him.

Alistaire: “You can try to tear this relationship I have with my father apart all you want. It will not happen. I am not as petty as you. You instead brought in a ringer in hopes of giving her relevancy when she was already relevant. Nearly a World Champion. I am quite saddened though I will take be able to take that title from her. It would’ve been a treat.”

Chapel: “No it wouldn’t have. This…Autumn…she is the ALLOCCO ASSASSIN and she is going to be YOUR future Adrenaline Champion. So you want your challenger, she’s right here. No need for another match. You and her. You already challenged her. I accept your challenge.”

Adam then takes the microphone.

Adam: “Nice try….sorry son, I’ll handle this. I’ve always been better at negotiations.”

Adam turns back.

Adam: “Well, okay, where is your World Championship to put up?”

Chapel: “Well, uh…uh…Look…when Syren and Ravyn Taylor win the World Tag Team Championship back, then there you go!”

Autumn turns to Chapel.

Chapel: “No! I have this. See, LexyCorp – home of World Champions! All of them. Every one! And Autumn will put that on the line.”

Alistaire shakes his head. Autumn says something to Lexy.

Chapel: “I’ve got it. So there!”

Adam: “You don’t have it now. So maybe-“

Bree backstage with CHBK.

Bree: “Look…I can sit here and be annoyed about everything. But you know what, Alex…I think I have an easy solution and it’s what I should’ve been wanting right from the start.”

CHBK: “Oh? Care to enlighten me?”

Autumn and Lexy turn to the big screen.

Chapel: “What are you doing? Don’t listen to her dad!”

Bree: “I still have a problem with Alistaire being champion. I also don’t care for Autumn swooping in and challenging for the title when if anyone, it should be Syren. But you know what. I can solve both problems at the same time. I’ve not been told I’m not a possibility to challenge for the title. So I don’t think I’m out of line there. So let’s make it simple. Autumn against me against Alistaire for the title.”

The crowd roars.

Adam: “Oh of course. Come on CHBK. Don’t let your hatred for me cloud you!”

Alistaire tries to calm his father.

CHBK: “We’re already thinking alike. I was more just curious if anyone would throw it out there. Consider the match booked. Body, Heart, and Soul. You all can solve it where we should…in the ring.”

Bree: “Thank you.”

CHBK heads off as Bree turns to the camera before heading off herself.

Chapel: “Dad! What…it should be Autumn!”

Adam: “Bree! You can probably hear me. All you’ve done is ensured you’re going to have less a chance of winning this title. Alistaire…you know what he can do in triple threats. He won the World Title there. Triple Threat…that’s his bag! And he’s going to bury both of you!”

Adam steps back as Lexy Chapel turns.

Chapel: “No! No! Allocco Assassin and….Bree…Buzzkill! Yeah! Take that!”

“Dead Don’t Die” by Shinedown plays.

Adam: “Why are you playing her music!”

Adam turns as Alistaire keeps trying to calm Adam down. Lexy Chapel looks around as Autumn then says something to her.

Sharper: “Bree Lancaster making the pitch, thinking the same way as our COO. Bree Lancaster against Autumn Valentine against Alistaire Allocco in a triple threat match for the SCW Adrenaline Championship at Body, Heart, and Soul!”

Knots: “And Lexy’s not happy. Adam’s not happy. But Alistaire and Autumn seem a bit more relaxed about it.”

Autumn starts to pull Lexy to the back as Lexy then turns and storms past her to the back. Autumn continues to follow as Alistaire keeps talking to his father in the ring.

“Psycho in my Head” plays as the Breakdown logo comes up on the screen. A still for Dark Fantasy vs. Twisted & Sadistic comes up on the screen.

Sharper: “Meanwhile next, we are in for a treat. Arguably two of the best tag teams in professional wrestling – Dark Fantasy faces Twisted & Sadistic. Who starts off 2024 with a win? Both want a shot at the World Tag Team Championship? Who will win? We’ll find out next!”

Knots: “Lexy Chapel better refocus!”

The scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Dark Fantasy vs. Twisted & Sadistic

The opening riff to “Best of Both Worlds” by Van Halen begins to play. Glory Braddock and Brittany Lohan emerge from behind the curtain simultaneously. The fans cheer while Glory goes from one end of the stage to the other, playing to the crowd and getting them into it. Lohan, meanwhile, continues her march to the ring.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall for TV Time remaining and is your main event of the evening. First, on their way to the ring, they are the team of Brittany Lohan and Glory Braddock, Twisted & Sadistic!”

“Something reached out and touched me
Now I know all I want
I want the best of both worlds
And honey I know what it's worth
If we could have the best of both worlds
We'd have Heaven right here on Earth”

Braddock springs towards the ring, catching up with Lohan in time to slide in just barely ahead of her underneath the bottom rope. Lohan enters the ring the traditional way. Brittany remains stoic in the center of the ring while Glory again plays to the crowd, going to each of the four corners and raising her arms high in the air, drawing cheers from the fans. Braddock then rejoins Lohan in the center of the ring as the music dies down.

Sharper: “This could be a defining match for 2024 already. Two of the top teams in SCW and they’re going at it. And we know the World Tag Team Championship opportunity is forthcoming for both.”

Knots: “Twisted & Sadistic viewed as next in line after Dark Fantasy gets their rematch. But they can make things interesting if they win. Make CHBK rethink who gets first crack at Light in the Darkness!”

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. There’s then a loud click as the lights around the building flick off and darkness consumes the arena, with nothing but a few flashes from cameras in the crowd lighting the arena. Without warning we see black and white footage spring to life on the screen of Winston Churchill giving one of his most famous speeches, all the while the chilling sound of air raid sirens and war can be heard in the background...

"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall NEVER surrender!"

The video suddenly burns away to reveal a second hidden image of the devious ex-president George H. W. Bush giving a speech of his own...

"When we are successful, and we will be, we'll have a real chance at this new world order..."

A record scratch interrupts the normal Infamous introduction, only for the sound of Cute Is What We Aim For’s hit to begin around the arena.

“I’ve got the gift of one-liners,
And you’ve got the curse of curves”

The opening to “Misery Business” by Paramore suddenly hits the PA system as the spotlights on the stage flash between pink and white. We cut to the back where we see Ravyn Taylor walking through the corridors before heading over to the curtain on the floor to the right of the stage. She walks out and looks around the arena as we see Syren step out from the back, Lexy Chapel with her. Chapel keeps a hand out, stopping Syren from even moving towards Ravyn while also keeping an eye on Ravyn.

Sinfully Seductive
Captivatingly Corrupt
Dark Fantasy

Phillips: “Their opponents, accompanied by Lexy Chapel, they are Syren and Ravyn Taylor. They are the team of Lexy Chapel presents Dark Fantasy!”

Syren then starts to head to the ring as Lexy turns and heads after her. Ravyn walks over to the rampway and steps onto it, ending up standing next to Syren. Syren focuses on the ring as Ravyn smirks. Lexy steps past Ravyn pointing at Ravyn’s eyes and then at her own, before following Syren. Syren reaches the ring and climbs up the steps and into the ring. Ravyn then follows as Lexy Chapel walks along the floor. Both women remove their ring jackets and toss them to the corner. Syren climbs up on to the ropes, with one foot on the bottom and one on the middle ropes. Ravyn stands alongside her. Ravyn then goes to finish the old Dark Fantasy entrance, locking her hand with Syren. Lexy Chapel goes to the floor.

Sharper: “And with Lexy out here, there’s a wild card. Add Ravyn Taylor.”

Knots: “Basically, Lohan and Braddock better be ready.”

Sharper: “Syren will always try to bring her best and again, every win helps her get back to the World Title ranks.”

The bell sounds. Syren and Ravyn talk a bit before Ravyn exits. Glory starts for Twisted & Sadistic. The two watch one another and lock up in the middle of the ring. Syren turns and moves into a side headlock. She pulls back as Glory pulls her to the ropes and fires her off. Syren bounces off and shoulders Glory down. Syren runs into the ropes. She bounces off and hops over Glory. Glory gets up as Syren bounces off the other side. Glory leapfrogs over Syren. Syren hits the opposite side and then Glory goes for a hip toss. Syren spins through and tries to counter with one of her own, but Glory spins through and sends Syren up and over the top rope to the floor.

Sharper: “And Glory winning the exchange. Syren sent to the floor, with that hip toss!”

Knots: “Two people who at one point called themselves the best in the world. Both proud people.”

Chapel snaps at Glory as Glory backs up. She poses a bit as the crowd cheers a bit. Syren gets up. (1) She turns and winces and Glory turns and tags in Lohan. Lohan enters. (2) Syren slides into the ring. She then gets up and Lohan clubs her in the back. Syren falls to a knee. She clubs her again. Lohan then jerks her up and whips her into the ropes. Syren bounces off and Lohan launches Syren up with a huge back body drop. Syren hits the mat and rolls over. She turns to Lohan and Lohan clotheslines her down. She goes for the lateral press.

1!

2!

Syren kicks out. She gets up and moves to the neutral corner. Lohan follows after, but Syren kicks her in the ribs. She then nails her with a hard forearm. Syren kicks her again and then Syren climbs to the middle rope and dives off with a diving clothesline. She rolls through. Lohan slowly gets up.

Sharper: “Syren fighting back. Hard clothesline. Down goes Lohan.”

Knots: “And Lohan and Syren know each other well. Ravyn too. Former Infamous members.”

Syren turns and kicks Lohan in the ribs and chops her. The crowd woos. She then goes to whip her across the ring. Lohan spins through and sends Syren in. Ravyn hits a blind tag as Lohan lifts Syren up in a military press. Syren, however, shifts her weight and lands behind her. Ravyn enters and the two hits a high-low, Syren going low, Ravyn high, dropping Lohan. Ravyn goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Lohan kicks out. Ravyn gets up as Lohan rolls over and Ravyn rakes the eyes. Lohan staggers over to the corner.

Sharper: “And while Dark Fantasy seems to be genuinely back, just under the Chapel banner, Ravyn is still the same old Ravyn.”

Knots: “You mean she’s still going to break every rule and some?”

Sharper: “Looks like it.”

Ravyn then grabs Lohan in a headlock and rakes her face along the top rope of the ring. Lohan turns away, wincing in pain. Ravyn then runs into the ropes, bouncing off and hitting a discus clothesline. She goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Lohan pushes off. Lohan slowly gets up and Ravyn turns and grabs her and pulls her arm and wrenches it. She goes for the pull-through neckbreaker, but Lohan jerks her over and lifts her up and hits a huge spinebuster. The crowd ohs. Lohan gets up and Glory asks for the tag. Glory is tagged in and she climbs to the top rope. She then looks at Ravyn and hits the London Plunge!

Sharper: “From the top! Glory Braddock hits the London Plunge!”

Knots: “Lohan right for the tag. Two teams, we’re seeing them at their best!”

Glory turns and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

Ravyn gets her shoulder up. She rolls over as Glory gets up. Ravyn holds her chest as she does, only for Glory to grab her, hook her head and leg and hit a fisherman’s suplex into a bridge.

1!

2!

Ravyn kicks out. Ravyn moves back to the neutral corner. Glory follows up and forearms her in the jaw. She then goes to whip her across, but Ravyn spins through and pulls Glory into a back elbow. She falls back into the corner and Ravyn runs after her and hits the Bust of Pallas. The crowd ohs. Glory staggers out and Ravyn drags her over to Syren. Ravyn tags in Syren. Ravyn then pulls Glory back and Syren enters, going for a clothesline as Ravyn takes Glory down with a Russian leg sweep. Chapel cheers as Ravyn rolls out of the ring and Syren goes for the pin.

1!

2!

Glory kicks out. Glory rolls over and Syren scoops her up and slams her down. She then jumps up and hits the Blonde Satisfaction.

Sharper: “Glory now in trouble as Ravyn found a way to get Syren in. Syren now going to work on the woman who just wants to challenge and win the World Tag Team Championship. She would be a Supreme Champion.”

Knots: “And right now, Dark Fantasy looking to make that a bit more farther way. We don’t know the stakes of this match, but you have to think it will play some role in who challenges Light in the Darkness at Body, Heart, and Soul.”

Syren gets up as Glory stirs. Syren pulls her up and hits a back suplex. Syren then turns and exits to the apron and then climbs up to the top rope. She gets to the top rope, but Glory gets up and runs over and nails Syren with a shot to the ribs. He rears back and nails her again and again. Syren drops to a seated position on the top rope. Glory then nails her again and climbs up to the middle rope. She nails her again and again. Ravyn runs over and grabs Glory. Glory elbows her. Ravyn steps back only to turn back and grab Glory and nail her again. She tries to fight her off, but Lohan enters the ring as the official warns Ravyn to go back. Lohan runs across and boots Ravyn off the apron. The crowd ohs. She then swats Syren and Syren is dazed before Lohan turns to Glory. She places her head between Glory’s legs and lifts her up in the electric chair. This adds to the height as she grabs Syren. Ravyn fights up and slides into the ring. They start to pull Syren off as the crowd roars and Ravyn then hits a superkick on Lohan. Lohan then falls back as Glory is slammed to the mat harder than planned as Syren hits the mat with a superplex. Ravyn collapses to the mat.

Sharper: “Superkick prevents Glory from getting the better as Lohan and Braddock had something in mind.”

Knots: “Syren got the worst!”

Sharper: “And Lexy is giving it to Ravyn Taylor!”

Lexy yells at Ravyn as she is down.

Sharper: “Perhaps a calculated decision by Ravyn to keep their hopes to win alive!”

The referee starts a ten count.

1!

2!

3!

4!

Ravyn grabs at the ropes, starting to pull herself up. (5) The official goes to get her out of the ring as Glory and Lohan stir. Ravyn pushes past the referee and then grabs Lohan, but Lohan forearms her. Ravyn staggers back and then Glory lunges and hits a variation of a superkick. The crowd ohs. Ravyn falls to the ropes. Glory then turns as Syren suddenly hits a superkick. Glory hits the mat. Lohan then lunges and goes for the For Your Eye Only. Syren moves and then Ravyn lunges and hits another superkick. Lohan hits the mat.

Chapel: “Superkick Soiree!”

Chapel dances as she yells it out. Ravyn turns to her, shaking her head as Ravyn turns and grabs Glory. Syren exits to the apron. The official keeps trying to regain order as Ravyn holds Glory out while in a bearhug. Syren climbs to the top rope. Glory however then recovers and nails Ravyn with a couple of shots before kicking her way out. Ravyn staggers back. Syren dives off and goes for the leg drop, but Glory rolls out of the way. The crowd ohs. Syren rolls over. Ravyn starts to get up as Lohan rolls to her corner. She pulls herself up. Glory turns and goes to Ravyn, but Ravyn pulls her down by the tights. Lohan tags in. Ravyn then runs across the ring, bouncing off and slides under the ropes. She goes to nail Glory, but Lohan dives off with a forward flip onto Ravyn. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Oh my God!”

Knots: “Has she ever done a flip?!”

Sharper: “She did to save Glory! And she’s the legal woman!”

Lohan winces and starts to get up. Glory gets up and turns as Syren then nails her with a hard forearm and then pulls her over with an inside cradle. The official doesn’t count. Syren lets go and looks around and then turns to Glory. Lohan rolls in and Syren turns and nails Lohan with a shot before turning to Glory who jumps up and hits the Gloria in Excelsis Dio. Syren pops up and down to a knee. Glory turns and the official finally gets control, demanding she leave. Glory drops down and rolls to the floor.

Sharper: “And finally we’re back to one on one in that the two legal people are in the ring!”

Knots: “For now!”

Lohan grabs Syren and pulls her head between her legs. She then double underhooks her and hoists her up, for the Ultimate Solution. Syren however wraps her legs around the head of Lohan and muscles herself up and grabs Lohan by the head and slides down, driving her into the mat with the Total Makeover! The crowd roars. Syren turns and hooks the leg.

1!

2!

3!

The crowd roars. The bell sounds.

Phillips: “Here are your winners, via pinfall, Ravyn Taylor and Syren, Dark Fantasy!”

Lexy Chapel turns to Phillips and points.

Phillips: “Lexy Chapel presents Dark Fantasy!”

She nods and pulls herself up to the ring. Glory winces on the floor as Ravyn rolls in. Glory turns, showing notable anger as Ravyn gets up and helps Syren up.

Sharper: “Dark Fantasy starts with a win and Twisted & Sadistic who practically beat anyone they were in the ring with last year, they fall tonight.”

Knots: “And you can tell that’s bothering Glory. Glory and Brittany just want that one shot. That one shot at Light in the Darkness!”

Sharper: “But Dark Fantasy has their rematch and CHBK better make a decision soon. Because right now, it’s civil. I don’t see that lasting long with the growing egos in this one!”

Ravyn celebrates with Syren as Glory looks on as the scene fades to black…