Breakdown - February 22, 2025

“Supreme Championship Wrestling...”

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

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

MAIN SHOW:

“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 Simon Lyman posing with his arms out.

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 David Striker diving over the top rope and Josh Hudson standing on the stage, smiling. Shots of Chance Owens, Simon Lyman and the European Fiery Nation 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 the Shinigami Foundation standing in the ring 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 Magical Cosmic Princess YUYO making her entrance. Konrad Raab punching Ace Marshall in a steel cage is shown next, before we see Light in the Darkness hitting Wisteria Waltz against an opponent. Lexy Chapel is then shown showing off Syren. Amy Chastaine posing follows before we see James Evans powerbombing La Pequena Luz off the top rope.

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

Shots of Deanna Frost, Ryan LeCavalier, Waylon Creek, Xander Valentine, 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 Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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: “We are in the hard of North Carolina as Breakdown rolls to town!”

The cameras continue to pan the crowd before we cut to ringside and the announce position where Adam Sharper and Jonathan Knots sit.

Sharper: “Hello everyone. Adam Sharper here with Jonathan Knots and folks, SCW continues to have big cards. Tonight is no different.”

Knots: “You want to know what Retribution may be like. We may not see some people make it to Retribution. Xander Valentine will team with David Striker to face Fall of Man’s Waylon Creek and Giovanni Aries.”

Sharper: “A bit of a preview of Retribution. More on that tonight, but also, the interim US Championship will be on the line. Asher Hayes finally gets his shot at La Pequena Luz.”

Knots: “She keeps needing to be ready to compete at a high level.”

Sharper: “Along with that, TV Title on the line. We will the Underground and Adrenaline Champions in action. All that and more and-“

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. The SCW World Championship sits over his shoulder. 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 and throws his arm up into the air.

Sharper: “The World Champion to start us off tonight. He will face Waylon Creek at Retribution. That is now set. Creek, through William Heaven using the Trios contract of Billy Heaven Jr.”

Knots: “The contract Billy Heaven Jr. won alongside Xander Valentine. Remember, he has a contract and he’s yet to use it!”

Sharper: “I don’t think he plans to here. Waylon Creek, the undefeated, at least in the sense he’s not been pinned. He’s not submitted. He will face Xander Valentine.”

Knots: “Xander knows a thing or two about that.”

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)

Xander walks up the steel steps and into the ring. He then steps into the ring. He looks around before going over to the corner. A microphone waits for him on the apron. He takes it and turns back to the middle of the ring before the music fades out. A “Xander!” chant begins to echo throughout the arena.

Xander: “Allow the timer to tick down, Waylon!”

The crowd roars.

Xander: “It is signed. It is set. William Heaven using the Trios Tournament I helped Billy win at Apocalypse and it will be used against me. I would not say it is ironic as I know what I hold. And I know what you have done, Waylon.”

Xander looks out at the main camera.

Xander: “I know exactly what is going through your mind. I know exactly what you are thinking, because Waylon, your path, outside of your shortened TV Title reign…it is just the same as mine. Only separated by twenty years.”

Xander walks around the ring, the crowd listening to Xander’s words.

Xander: “While you worrying about how to be cool on the playground, I was dominating. You stand before me with only a couple of blemishes and neither were your fault. One because someone else was pinned, not you. And two, because Derek Adonis took issue with the Fall of Man muscling in on his opportunity. Bad luck. But twenty years ago, I stood undefeated – twenty-five and zero before Josh Hudson beat me at Under Attack. TWENTY FIVE wins…only one draw. Jay Gold. There was no old guard when I was around. There was no claims of being held back. It was the very definition of the wild west before Josh Hudson claimed to bring it back after defeating Selena. People came and went. New stars arrived all the time. All hoping to take over. And no one had an answer for me for most of 2005.”

Xander pauses for a moment.

Xander: “William Heaven hopes that you’ll be the next me. Twenty years later, after an impressive series of wins…a TV Title reign that only your own temper was the reason you lost it…I can empathize there too.”

Xander pauses.

Xander: “And we both seem to be feared…or wish it.”

Xander smirks a bit.

Xander: “William Heaven hopes you’ll complete whatever this goal is – to get what you deserve. To fast track you to the World Championship at Retribution. To usher in a new era of destruction. And I’ve seen what you can do – the explosive offense, the singular focus, the buzz…it’s all there. You’re 2025’s Xander Valentine.”

Xander looks down for a moment.

Xander: “The problem is that while Josh Hudson stopped me, it only forced me to evolve. And Waylon, I’m going to talk to you, not your mouthpiece. Not the person who has filled you with ideas of what may be awaiting you. Whatever he’ll promote you as. Because while Josh beat me at Under Attack, I turned around and beat him. And twenty years later, I proved it again and again. I have staying power. And unlike you, there was not another Xander Valentine to surpass. People like Lethal Weapon claimed to be it, but they had not the longevity in SCW to sustain it. I had legends who stepped up to me…CHBK, Jay Gold, The Real Speed…you have had some. Light in the Darkness will be there at some point. Ryan LeCavalier…”

Xander smirks briefly.

Xander: “But you’ve never faced someone like me Waylon. Tonight, that changes. Tonight, you get a taste of what your minder has set up for you. Retribution could be won or lose tonight. Send a message and people may already anoint you the next Champion. But fall at my knees…and people doubt everything else. Tonight, that’s my goal, Waylon. To look into your eyes to see if the whispers that you’re the next Xander Valentine are justified. But if they are…do you need Heaven. Do you need the Fall of Man? Do you need the chip on your shoulder? The claims you deserve better.”

Xander looks at the camera.

Xander: “You may deserve the opportunity to face me Waylon. The Trios contract may not have even been needed for that. I don’t know who CHBK was going to line up next to face me. Maybe Selena was going to use her shot. I don’t know. I don’t care. I just know one thing…I am World Champion, I am the Executioner…and what you deserve is to be humbled.”

Xander pauses as the crowd roars.

Xander: “The Fall of Man has wanted to fast-track it’s rise to the top…I am here to make sure it doesn’t happen and I have twenty years of dominance to prove that I can meet that goal. Be as good as you claim to be, Waylon. It’s the only chance you have, both tonight, and at Retribution!”

Xander brings the microphone down as “Soul on Fire” plays. Xander turns and places the microphone down in the middle of the ring.

Sharper: “The World Champion with a clear message. He’s heard the whispers.”

Knots: “And he’s not yet ready to give up that crown! Or the World Title! Too bad Creek may be exactly what he’s not ready for. What he didn’t say is how many other powerhouses has he had to deal with?”

Sharper: “Not as many. And that may be an interesting conundrum for Xander. But experience is there. Creek is still relatively new to the sport, comparatively. And could Heaven have overplayed his hand here!”

Knots: “We may find out tonight!”

Xander Valentine turns and exits the ring. He then starts to walk to the ring, proudly holding his SCW World Championship.

COMMERCIALS

EARLIER TODAY:

We cut to a shot of the empty arena where we see several agents at ringside, including Lucas Knight, Dean Black and Hiro Tanaka. We see Marissa Swanson in the ring as she is down in the corner. On the other side of the ring, we see Darren Reid Jr. on the other end. Marissa gets up and Reid kicks her in the ribs once and then again and again as the official counts. Reid steps back.

Sharper: “Earlier today, Marissa Swanson was in action in a dark match. You can see, the fans haven’t been let in.”

Knots: “Probably to protect them. Clearly still trust issues.”

Sharper: “But Marissa was told to bring her gear and she did. And we see another familiar face. Darren Reid Jr.”

Knots: “And he was doing okay there.”

Reid stops and turns back and snaps at the agents.

DRJ: “Why am I forced to do this? Do you know who my father is-“

Swanson then runs out and just drills DRJ in the side of the head with a jumping Yakuza kick. DRJ slowly gets up and Swanson drops to her knees and looks at him and just blasts him with a hard right to the jaw. DRJ staggers back and hits the middle rope. He bounces off and stumbles forward and Swanson kicks him in the stomach. She places his head between her legs. She then hoists him up and grits her teeth, managing to step through and hit the Swan Song. Tanaka noticeably applauds.

Sharper: “And there you see Swanson fighting back. Hitting the Swan Song.”

Knots: “Jesus. Just muscling him up.”

Sharper: “There’s the pin!”

Swanson rolls over into the pin.

The bell sounds. Swanson rolls back, away from Reid as Reid remains down. Swanson gets up and looks at him.

Swanson: “Arrogant jackass…”

Swanson then walks around the ring before turning and moving to the ropes nearest the agents.

Swanson: “See enough to report back to CHBK to end this drawn out process?”

Dean Black looks at Lucas as Marissa turns as DRJ manages to get up and runs at her. She pulls down the top rope and DRJ goes up and over the top rope to the floor, landing a few feet away from Black, Knight and Tanaka. Swanson then shakes her head as she gets up. The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen.

Sharper: “Marissa Swanson successful in her match. Her try out. Is it going to be mean more?”

Knots: “Do we know?”

Sharper: “I’ve gotten nothing official. Meanwhile…”

Meghan Strader vs. Religious Wright

We return inside the arena to see Religious Wright already in the ring, with a microphone in hand.

Wright: “Praise Asher Hayes! He will be your new REAL SCW United States Champion tonight! PRAISE THE LAWD!!!”

The crowd boos as the cameras switch to the announce desk, to show Adam Sharper shaking his head.

Knots: “Don’t worry. I share your pain.”

Religious Wright throws his arms up and only brings them down when "Unchained” by Van Halen begins to play as the house lights slowly dim. At the twelve second mark, lights start flickering as the beat and rhythm of the song get louder.

~Alright!
Haaa-ha-ha-ha!
You say, I cannot get there from here, baby
Then I don't care where I'm goin'~

Phillips: “And his opponent, making her way to the ring, she is the Matriarch and President of the Straders… Meghan Strader!”

The SCWtron lights up with the chrome ‘S’ emblem and explodes into shots of Meghan, smacking the taste out of one of her past opponents’ mouths with a kick to the jaw, stepping on someone else’s skull, and pinning another opponent. Her name flashes on the screen, showing all championship belts that she has won surrounding her name, before a small amount of Pyro shoots off as Meghan steps out from behind the curtain.

~Thought you'd never miss me till I got a fat city address
Non-stop talker, what a rocker
Blue-eyed murder in a size five dress~

~Change, nothin' stays the same
Unchained, and ya hit the ground runnin'
Change, ain't nothin' stays the same
Unchained, yeah ya hit the ground runnin'~

Meghan stops and waves at the crowd as she shifts her hips to the right side. She makes her way down to ringside.

~I know, I don't ask for permission
This is my chance to fly
Maybe enough ain't enough for you
But it's my turn at a try~

Meghan finger pistols to the fan on the other side of the plexi-glass barriers.

~ Thought you'd never miss me till I got a fat city address
Non-stop talker, what a rocker
Blue-eyed murder in a size five dress ~

Meghan stops halfway down, looks side to side, raises up her arms and the entire stage explodes in gold and silver pyrotechnics as the family sneer comes across Meghan’s face.

~Change, nothin' stays the same
Unchained, and ya hit the ground runnin'
Change, ain't nothin' stays the same
Unchained, yeah ya hit the ground runnin'~

At that Meghan turns it into a stride and slides under the bottom rope into the ring and jumps up to the top turnbuckle as she raises her fist in the air. She steps down and waits for the bell to ring. When it does she turns right around and immediately looks unimpressed with Religious Wright.

Sharper: “We get to see Meghan Strader live in action for the first time ever in an SCW ring. She has won many championships where she has gone, all of them tag team championships, but it is a wait and see to see if she can have that same success here in SCW. She has already drawn the ire of one woman that I know will not just step aside.”

Knots: “Yeah, Polly. Polly has been stepped on one too many times. I’m receiving word that she is backstage watching this too.”

The ringside cameras focus on the ring as Religious Wright moves to the far corner and shouts out loud, spewing more jargon about his new hero, Asher Hayes.

Wright: “This woman here will never measure up to you Asher! PRAISE BE THE LAWD!!!”

Meghan looks very serious but is also patient. When Religious turns back around, Meghan reaches out and grabs his right arm, turning it partially, wrenching it into an armbar. Meghan holds the armbar in but Religious Wright uses his free arm to break the hold. Meghan however uses the armbar as a distraction and trips Wright up by taking out his legs with a side leg sweep. Wright goes down to his knees. Meghan begins to kick away at his back until the referee assigned to the match tells her to stop.

Meghan backs off and holds up her hands in innocence. Scene switches really quick to a shot of Polly Pingotti rolling her eyes, indeed watching the match on the monitor that is in the Body, Heart and Soul locker room. Marissa Swanson is standing right next to her, watching as well.

Wright feels at his back but does rise to his feet, likely rising to his feet for Asher Hayes.

Wright turns and throws himself at Meghan. Meghan isn’t expecting it and Wright drives himself right into her gut. Meghan goes down. Once down she pounds the mat before she shoves Wright away. Wright gets back to his feet. Meghan does as well and beats him to the punch. She clotheslines Wright right into the nearest corner. She then hops up to the middle rope and then drop kicks him right in the corner. Wright goes down in a heap. Meghan backs off but only a tad. She looks around the arena before she hops back up onto the middle rope a second time and delivers an Acid Drop. Wright looks down and out in the corner, but still Meghan doesn’t let up. She now drags him out of the corner and delivers a double arm DDT.

Sharper: “That she calls Two For The Show.”

Knots: “Eh, looks like a DDT to me. Nothing special. Nothing new.”

Sharper: “True. Being inventive can be hard. I will say this. It was effective. There is no way Religious Wright is getting up from this. He can pray to Selena, Asher, heck the entire roster. No prayers will save him after that.”

Meghan could easily go for the cover but she looks down at him before she brings him up and positions him exactly how she wants him, before dumping Religious Wright with Blackened.

Sharper: “That’s more than enough.”

Meghan nods as she sits and smirks for a few seconds before she stands back up and puts her right foot on Religious Wright’s abdomen, going for the nonchalant cover.

1!

2!

3!

The bell rings as “Unchained” by Van Halen plays once again. The crowd does not really react. Meghan doesn’t either as she simply has her arm raised before she wipes her feet against the mat. She then steps out of the ring.

Sharper: “That was an unnecessary but emphatic statement there by the Matriarch of the Straders. However this tonight was only Religious Wright, who is only concerned with praising whoever he wants to praise this month. If she hopes to be successful here in SCW, she needs to be ready.”

Knots: “I agree with that.”

The scene shifts backstage to show Polly turning away from the television monitor and heading towards the locker room door. Marissa calmly stops her.

Marissa: “Not worth it Polly. Let her have her moment. You’re better than her.”

Polly looks at Marissa and nods as the scene cuts away.

Sharper: “Let’s now go backstage where Jaina Lancaster is standing by with the challenger for the SCW Television Championship, Dante Slayton.”

The scene opens up in the SCW interview area where we see Dante Slayton standing next to Jaina Lancaster. Alex Belmont and Wil Pierce stand behind him.

Jaina: “Thank you Adam. I’m here with Dante Slayton who will be challenging for the SCW Television Championship later tonight and Dante, we saw on a pre-taped promo, Wil Pierce was very clearly calling out Ryan, yet you’ve got the shot.”

Slayton: “And I don’t make the booking, even though maybe I should. Given that the Cowgirls from Hell wanted a fight, we can do better than that Religious nutjob and frankly, Polly, you’re going to need more that yourself and Marissa to put up with them. But as for the TV Championship, the fact is that we have our eyes on it. While Wil made his claim, looks like CHBK either can’t tell us apart or maybe decided to level up Ryan LeCavalier’s opponent because he’s done with this Lost Monarch business. I don’t know. All I know is that you’re going to wish Waylon Creek put you down. You’re going to wish you stayed down and just moved on, but that’s fine. I don’t mind some gold. It’s about time we started to get that respect on our names here in SCW and it’s coming tonight. And then, Straders….look out. We’re coming!”

Slayton looks at the camera and heads off. Belmont and Pierce follow after. Jaina turns to the camera.

Jaina: “Dante Slayton challenges Ryan LeCavalier later tonight for the TV Title. So much more to come here on Breakdown!”

The scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

Breakdown returns as we see Waylon Creek and William Heaven talking.

Heaven: “You need to forget about Ryan. She is beneath you.”

Creek: “She…she has my title-“

Heaven: “And you’ll have a new one. One that is more befitting for who you are. The World Champion. THE name here. THE focal point. Just as James and Giovanni will hold the Tag Titles and we control the narratives. We control it all.”

Creek doesn’t respond.

Heaven: “You need her out of your head. She is going to bring you down. And she doesn’t deserve that!”

Just then, the door opens as we see Billy Heaven Jr. arm in a sling, still wearing the neck brace. He pushes his way in and spins around, wincing a bit.

Heaven Jr.: “Yo. Pops. Use your pull to get some accessibility buttons here. I had to open my own door.”

Heaven: “You’ll get over it.”

Heaven Jr.: “Not when I need help to hold it. Good thing that there are baddies lining up to have a brush with greatness!”

Billy Heaven Jr. smirks as he looks at James. James just glares at him.

Heaven: “We don’t need to know of your depravity-“

Heaven Jr.: “So you don’t want all of the tips I have to beat Xander!”

Heaven pauses and looks over at his son.

Heaven Jr.: “Remember. I fought next to him for a whole tournament. I didn’t even have to use my full potential and I carried him to the contract. And yeah, I saw it…fine…I’ll be a team player. I saw it dad. But you owe me. Yeah, you OWE me. Because I’m the reason all of this is happening.”

Heaven sighs and walks over to his son.

Heaven: “I owe you nothing. I gave you your career. That you’re standing here…and coming off a US title match-“

Heaven Jr.: “You sure I was ready-“

Heaven: “You kept saying it. Are you now doubting yourself? Drained by what…those baddies and-“

Heaven Jr.: “Whoa, whoa. I can go all night. That’s just how I roll, ya know. But just….feel a bit off. The arm now…just…”

Heaven: “And you’ve got a clean bill of health.”

Heaven Jr.: “Guess it’s just how hard I went, ya know. Way Way…you should pay attention. Maximum effort, ya know.”

Creek: “I think I’ll be fine.”

Creek pats Billy on the shoulder. Billy winces as the scene cuts away.

Kristen Scott vs. Dexter Grant

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.

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: “Well it wasn’t advertised as such, but Kirsten Scott made it known she felt she deserved a title opportunity for her dispatch of The Enigma, and we are being told that Dexter Grant has evidently agreed to put the Adrenaline Title on the line here tonight.”

Knots: “That’s entirely fair, Sharper. Look at what it cost Deanna Frost to deal with The Enigma! Her very sanity appears to have been chiseled away, and now she’s on hiatus! The Enigma hasn’t been seen since he fought Scott! That really says something.”

TokSik” by Starset hits as the lights in the arena immediately go out, a series of green spotlights converging onto the stage where fog has begun to consume it. The big screen show's a human eye opening, and reflecting in it is a montage of people glued to their phones and computers, either consuming or producing social media garbage as they all look sickly while doing so. “The Digital Detoxer” Dexter Grant marches out through the fog with the SCW Adrenaline Championship Belt slung over his shoulder. He stops at the edge of the stage and stares out at the fans with disgust. A few cheers can be heard, but they're easily drowned out by all the boos raining down upon him. He turns his head to his right just in time to see his faithful flunky Wendell march out behind him, proudly holding up a protest sign that has the circle-backslash symbol with a wi-fi symbol behind the backslash and twords “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT” written within the circle. Wendell eagerly looks up at Dexter, who smiles and nods in approval before he starts storming down to the ring, his disgusted look returning at the sound of all the people around him who just refuse to listen to his message. He jumps up onto the apron and aggressively steps through the ropes, marching to the center of the ring and turning his back to the hard cam as he points his thumb to the same “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT” logo of his on the back of his vest. Wendell crawls into the ring and stands beside Dexter, proudly holding up his sign before looking legitimately confused as to why they're being booed. The lights return to normal as Dexter starts to pace around the ring before handing the official the Adrenaline Championship, which he raises for the fans to see.

Sharper: “The Digital Detoxer just won this belt, and he’s wasting no time defending it.”

Knots: “His claim is that he’s on a crusade against the ill effects of technology. His actions suggest that he’s on a crusade against the SCW roster. With success like he’s having, maybe we should all disconnect and follow his lead.”

The SCW Adrenaline Championship logo flashes on the screen as the crowd roars its approval with Dexter and Kirsten aggressively staring at each other from opposite corners. The referee calls for the bell and the pop crescendos as both competitors step forward. They exchange some words before they immediately start trading some stiff blows back and forth. Finally, Scott blocks one of Dexter’s before staggering Dexter with a hard boot to the midsection! Scott with a single leg takedown of Dexter before she mounts him and begins driving a series of hard right hands into Dexter, who has no choice but to turtle before his leg reaches the bottom rope!

Ref: 1!

4!

Scott lets up as Dexter has an angry look plastered across his face. He uses the second rope to pull himself up before the two competitors circle one another. Dexter calls for a collar and elbow tie. Scott smirks at him and shrugs before lunging in, but as she does, Dexter plants his boot into Scott’s midsection, returning the favor. Some stiff right hands now by Dexter Grant, each taking Scott off her feet. Scott hustles to her feet after the third hard shot, but Dexter with a hip toss and right into a side headlock, maintaining control. Dexter shows no emotion as he continues to wrench away at the head and neck area of Kirsten Scott. Scott pushes against him, trying to get to her feet, and finally finds a vertical base with Dexter hanging on before he sneaks behind and wraps his arms around Scott, picking her up into the air before driving her onto the mat chest first.

Sharper: “The Champion took some hard blows from The One, but after taking a liberty with her drive to fight, it’s now Dexter Grant asserting dominance in this fight.”

Knots: “He’s got to keep doing what he’s doing to keep Scott grounded, Sharper! She’s the kind of fighter who might pick a fight with a starving dog over an uncooked chunk of meat, and that’s without even being hungry!”

Scott uses her feet to sweep around and find some footing. She slips out of the waist lock and circles around, putting Dexter in a Full Nelson. Dexter tries to get free but can’t quite break the hold. He’s able to get to his feet with Scott maintaining the hold. She picks him up and hits a hard release Full Nelson slam. Dexter rolls off to the side, stunned by the strength of Kirsten Scott. Scott right back on the offensive with a hard stomp. The referee gives her some leeway to operate. Scott lifts Dexter up and blocks another attempt at a hard right hand. Dexter’s momentum carries him through into a drop toe hold from Scott, who kips herself up to the delight of the crowd! Dexter attempts to push himself to his feet, but Scott flips over the top, grabs his head in a modified cutter, and slams his face into the canvas before making a cover!

Ref: 1!

2!

Dexter was kicking out just before the two count. He shakes off the offense as Kirsten stands up and plays to the crowd, smirking. She turns around and takes her boot and lightly presses it into Dexter’s face. The crowd oh’s at the disrespect as Dexter tries to stand up, Kirsten giving him a harder shove with her boot this time to the side of the head, sending Dexter back down.

Sharper: “This is when confidence in ability crosses the boundary into sheer arrogance. Kirsten Scott is one hell of a fighter. But in order to win top honors, you’ve sometimes got to put that hubris aside. Can she do it here tonight before it bites her?”

Knots: “After ridding SCW of its resident supernatural menace, some confidence might be in order, Sharper. After all, we didn’t call the Ghost Hunters. We didn’t call a demonologist or a priest. We called Kirsten Scott!”

Sharper: “It was a bounty she took on her own, but what the hell is a demonologist?”

Dexter angrily tries to get to his feet, but before he can, Scott hurries into a gut wrench gutbuster. Dexter doubles over and holds his ribs before pushing himself back into the corner, wincing in pain. Scott goes to collect Dexter, but Dexter grabs the referee and pulls him in between himself and Scott! The referee scrambles to get away, but as he does, Dexter waits his chance, reaches over the top, and catches Scott in the eye with an obvious poke as the referee is distracted! Kirsten Scott reels off, holding her face as the official warns Dexter not to touch him again. Dexter, hands up, acknowledges, before charging out of the corner with forearm smash to the back of Kirsten Scott’s head! The crowd boos as Dexter immediately lifts her up onto her feet, hooks the head, turns her over, and plants her with a picture perfect neckbreaker! The referee looks confused at the sudden change of fortune, but slides into position to make the count on Dexter’s behalf as he goes for the pin!

Ref: 1!

2!

Kick-out by Scott as Dexter immediately looks at the official, prompting him to make a better count, before leaping into the air and delivering an elevated knee drop to Scott’s face.

Sharper: “Doesn’t look like a technology cleanse does a whole lot for moral fiber.”

Knots: “What do you mean? There’s nothing wrong with anything that transpired there. Dexter Grant is the champion. He’s fighting to defend the belt he just won! That’s the end game.”

Sharper: “You’re as subtle as a thumb to the eye, Jonathan.”

Dexter to his feet now as Scott reels on the mat. Dexter comes in with a few stomps to his opponent’s upper back and head before driving downwards with a double axe handle that drops Scott to the mat. Dexter once again rolls her over and presses the shoulders down hard.

Ref: 1!

Th— Kirsten kicks out, holding the back of her head as she rolls off to the side. Dexter’s face is angrily pursed as he comes in to grab his opponent for some more offense. He brings her to her feet and drills her with a hard elbow that slumps her against the ropes before sending her for the ride. When she comes back across, Dexter levels her with a hard back elbow before once again making the pinfall attempt by hooking the far leg!

Ref: 1!

No! Scott kicks out, once again in obvious pain as Dexter’s face flushes.

Sharper: “Dexter continuing to target the head and neck area of his opponent. Specially designed offense to soften her up for the omoplata crossface or that high angle DDT!”

Knots: “Watching this dominance, I think I need to take a social media break. Maybe I’ll even stop paying my electric bill! Who knows?”

Sharper: “Maybe you should start doing your commentary in Morse code.”

Dexter with a quick snap suplex on Scott as she slowly begins to struggle to her feet. Dexter smirks at the boos he’s receiving as he slips out of the ring and begins to climb the buckle. Wendell claps on the outside, looking up at his fearless leader as the camera shows Hailey looking clearly worried. When Scott stands up and turns around, Dexter leaps off looking for a missile dropkick that Scott sidesteps! Dexter smacks into the mat!

Sharper: “NOBODY HOME!”

Scott shakes off the cobwebs and gets to her feet. Stiff front kick by Scott as Dexter stands up that launches Dexter into the buckle! Before he can catch his breath, Scott bounds off the far corner, leaping off the bottom rope and charging in with a brutal front dropkick that sends Dexter crashing to the mat! The crowd pops at the impact as Dexter reels! As he grabs the second rope, Scott charges in and drills Dexter with a vicious bicycle knee strike that sandwiches Dexter’s head against the cable! He flops out into a cover by Scott as she hooks both legs!

Ref: 1!

Thre——NO! Dexter kicks out at the last possible second!

Scott lifts Dexter up to his knees and immediately runs off the far rope, diving in with a vicious swiping elbow blow to the back of the head!

Sharper: “One-Off! And that’s a disconnect notice right there!

Knots: “NO! Dexter! Connect! CONNECT!”

Sharper: “Cover!”

Ref: 1!

3….NO! Dexter snaps his shoulder up at the last possible moment as Scott looks frustrated with the referee’s call as the crowd roars their approval!

Sharper: “Decidedly not an audience that feels the need to disconnect here tonight! They’re thoroughly behind The One!”

Knots: “Scott! She’s going for the Downward Spiral! We’re going to have a new champion! NO!”

Scott begins to try to lift Dexter into the electric chair position, but Dexter flails out behind her, then pushes her into the ropes chest first, and when she comes back out, Dexter spins violently and drills The One with a vicious spinning kick that sends Scott motionless to the mat! The crowd chants as Dexter flops to the mat as well, unable to capitalize as the referee begins the ten count!

Sharper: “Clickbait! Desperation move by the Champion! What a kick!”

Knots: “They’re both down, Sharper! Look at poor Wendell! He’s urgiing Dexter to make the cover, but he can’t!”

Ref: 1!

2!

Dexter stirs first, panting, angrily looking at Kirsten as he starts to crawl towards her.

3!

Kirsten, too, now begins to stir, rolling over onto her back in a daze, trying to shake it off.

4!

5!

Dexter to his knees, ever close to Kirsten, who clutches the side of her face, but also plants a foot under her.

6!

7!

Dexter throws a punch into Kirsten’s head, who staggers back. Dexter to his feet now. He rains down another straight right. Kirsten is stunned by the blow, slowly rises to her feet, shakes it off, and gives Dexter a blow in trade! Dexter staggers back and gives another hard, defiant right hand. Scott responds again as the crowd goes back and forth with “Yay/Boo” chants. Dexter attempts a right, but Scott blocks it with a knee lift into Dexter’s gut. Scott then attempts to bound off the ropes, but Dexter grabs her hair and rips her straight back to the ground! The crowd boos as Dexter uses his weight to roll up Kirsten with his weight on her legs!

Ref: 1!

Three-NO! Scott rolls out at the last possible minute! Dexter uses his own momentum to push her the rest of the way through to her feet, but when he does, Scott finds her footing and levels Dexter with a picture perfect roundhouse kick that sends Dexter straight to the mat. The crowd pops as Scott, exhausted, once again calls for the Downward Spiral!

Sharper: “She’s gonna do it! We’re gonna have a new champion!”

Knots: “Wendell is apoplectic! Look at the poor guy! His hero is gonna get beat before he can even defend it against Glory Braddock!”

She bends down to pick up a stunned Dexter and begins to hoist him up one more time. This time, she’s able to get him almost all the way up before Dexter frantically reaches out and grabs the referee’s shirt, tugging him towards the two competitors and using his leverage to pull himself off the shoulders of Kirsten Scott as the crowd boos! Scott looks at Grant with an irritated look.

Scott: “HEY! What the hell? You gonna fight me or what?”

Dexter, panting, looks at her, then looks at the official, who’s shirt he still has a hold of, then pushes him to the ground! Furious, the referee lands on his hind end and without thinking, calls for the bell! The crowd erupts into boos as Kirsten places her hands on her head in frustration. Dexter rolls out of the ring towards Wendell, who comes underneath his arm and supports him as they head to the timekeeper area to collect the Adrenaline Title.

Sharper: “Are you kidding me? Damnit, Dexter Grant just got himself disqualified, and now a perfectly good wrestling contest has been thrown out!”

Knots: “Self-preservation! Dexter Grant refused to lose here tonight, plain and simple. The win doesn’t matter if he still goes home with that Title Belt!”

Scott argues with the official as “Sonne” plays. The referee appears to be apologetic for issuing the DQ in haste. Grant and Wendell are now backing up the ramp. Hailey joins Kirsten in the ring as Kirsten angrily kicks the bottom turnbuckle and stares out at Grant, who clutches the back of his head. Hailey tries to calm Scott down in the ring.

CHBK is on the phone in his office before we hear a familiar work.

???: “Okay…where is he? Where…there!”

CHBK: “I’ll call you back.”

The door bursts open as Lexy Chapel comes into the room. She then steps forward and places her hands on the desk, looking at CHBK.

Chapel: “She’s come to you, hasn’t she?”

CHBK: “Who? Syren?”

Chapel: “No! SATAN!”

CHBK: “Ravyn? I’ve not talked to her…at all now that I think of it.”

Chapel looks at CHBK, almost frozen.

CHBK: “You okay?”

Chapel: “She hasn’t talked to you. I mean you know her BIBLICALLY and she hasn’t talked to you.”

CHBK: “No.”

Chapel turns and storms out of the room. The door starts to close, and Lexy turns back around and storms it.

Chapel: “Seriously?!”

CHBK: “Seriously.”

Chapel turns to herself.

Chapel: “I would’ve thought Satan would be more organized…or forceful…or SOMETHING.”

CHBK: “What are you going on about?”

Chapel: “Syren! I mean Ravyn. I MEAN SATAN. She’s…she’s taking more of a role and…Retribution….and it’s Syren. Your top star. The toppest star. Yeah! The best. YOUR protégé. The GREATEST EVER. And she’s not on the card. She should be….challenging for the World Title! Yeah! Or the US Title or-“

CHBK: “Or maybe…they’re working back on, Lexy. Wasn’t she injured?”

Chapel: “Shhhh! They may hear you.”

CHBK: “Syren revealed it, Lexy. I’m not going to push her into a top match when we saw her in Germany. Is she still Syren? Yeah. But she’s going to take some time to get back up there. She’s been off for over a year. Asher Hayes had her number. So she may be back at the World Title at some point. Maybe Ravyn knows that. And maybe Ravyn is trying to remove something…the pressure. As you and I know Syren will put that pressure on herself.”

Chapel: “No…she’s a champion. A CHAMPION…I’ll….we’ll figure it out. RETRIBUTION. SYREN! WE NEED IT!”

Chapel turn and storms off. CHBK waits a moment, just in case she returns….which she does.

Chapel: “You know you could deal with Lyman with-“

CHBK: “Bye Lexy!”

Chapel: “Fine!”

Chapel storms off as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

A wall of text comes up on the screen, slowly scrolling from the bottom to the top. It statics out at random points. We can hear the sound of some rock music in the background before hearing the sounds of a roaring dragon.

SADPDOSUHAWHEFGHSGJKLSDGOASDUGFJHSADDOLFHSEFLISABDFIGAIUSBDGFUIASSF;IOLDJHUKLSJHFJSADFKJLSAFKLUJBHFJKLSADULFKHSAKLUFHSADLKJFHASIJLKHFKSLAJHFKLJSAHFKJLSHFKLJSHFKLJSADHFUIOHERFILUASBDLKGFBSASDKFLBASDKLFBASHKLFBIAWSEBHRFIUGP;IOADBFSDFLKSABNFIUESEUIASFKLSBSLFDBASSBEFRSDFIWLBEAFGSBDFKLJDBFLKASBNOTGODFLIUHEFDULKJASSDHLFJKBASDHDJKFBASBDFSKLADJBFLKSAJBDFKJLSABSFJKLSABSDFKJLSBSJKFDLBASKLJDFBASKJBFKLJSABFKJLGOLDENGODDESSSBFKJLASBSDFJKBSAJKLFBSADKLJWORLDCHAMPIONFBJKDSABFKJALSBFKLJSABFKLJSDBFKJSADBFKLSABLFSBSFJKHLBASDHJKLFBASKLJFBASJKLBFJKSLABDFKSADBSLKFASBDFJKLASBSDFJKBASDJKLFBASKLJDFBASKJLFBDKJLSABDFKLASBDKLJFBASJKLDFBASKJLDFBASKJLFBKLASJBDFJKASDBDFJKLDSABFJKLASKJLFBSADKLJFBSJKALFBDSAKLJFBAJSDKBFKLSADBFKJSDABFJKLSDBFKLSDJABKFLJASDBFKJDLSBASKLJBFKJLASBDFKLJASBFKJSADBFKJLASDBSDFKLJSABFKJLADFBWELEFKBADFHBWSEKLFBASDJKLFBIUABFRIUAWESDKLLFBSBDEFRUPIECEOFSHITIBWEFASKLBFILUBSEFILUAWBWEFUIBSASILLFASEKLGBLHDFJBGVIASEBVEWIFBVASDFVWEAYFASKJDFVASDJHFVISABSDFAYEFVKSAVDFGIOYSEBDFASDBFVWEASVFIDFVUYEVSDBFHJKBFAILFSDHFVBSHBSHVGFJHASDFVIYEVGAIEWOBFHIDFBVWEAIOUBHDVBXCMNGBYHABFIULEBSEKHJDJBNCBAIFBASDJFBVEYGRBFWIUBQFDBSSDFXCNBFHASDEIFUQWBDFHAKBSDJBCVNXBIAQSDIFRHUWEBDSAKBNCFBQWEUIADREDEMPTIONSSDKFBCXNBDSQIUWQBEDJFKSBCBQIUFREDJFHWEJWEBQIOLFDSBDCXBFGDMDABFEWQIUFRBSKAJDBFNXZBCKJASQKDFIKLHWLDEJKSFBFKASJDSADPDOSUHAWHEFGHSGJKLSDGOASDUGFJHSADDOLFHSEFLISABDFIGAIUSBDGFUIASSF;IOLDJHUKLSJHFJSADFKJLSAFKLUJBHFJKLSADULFKHSAKLUFHSADLKJFHASIJLKHFKSLAJHFKLJSAHFKJLSHFKLJSHFKLJSADHFUIOHERFILUASBDLKGFBSASDKFLBASDKLFBASHKLFBIAWSEBHRFIUGP;IOADBFSDFLKSABNFIUESEUIASFKLSBSLFDBASSBEFRSDFIWLBEAFGSBDFKLJDBFLKASBFLIUHEFDULKJASSDHLFJKTAGTEAMCHAMPIONSBASDHDJKFBASBDFSKLADJBFLKSAJBDFKODETOABELJLSABSFJKLSABSDFKJLSBSJKFDLBASKLJDFBASKJBFKLJSABFKJLSBFKJLASBSDFJKBSAJKLFBSADKLJFBJKDSABFKJALSBFKLJSABFKLJSDBFKJSADBFKLSABLFSBSFJKHLBASDHJKLFBASKLJFBASJKLBFJKDRAGONSLABDFKSADBSLKFASBDFJKLASBSDFJKBASDJKLFBASKLJDFBASKJLFBDKJLSABDFKLASBDKLJFBASJKLDFBASKJLDFBASKJLFBKLASJBDFJKASDBDFJKLDSABFJKLASKJLFBSADKLJFBSJKALFBDSAKLJFBAJSDKBFKLSADBFKJSDABFJKLSDBFKLSDJABKFLJASDBFKJDLSBASKLJBFKJLASBDFKLJASBFKJSADBFKJLASDBSDFKLJSABFKJLADFBWELEFKBADFHBWSEKLFBASDJKLFBIUABFRIUAWESDKLLFBSBDEFRUIBWEFASKLBFILUBSEFILUAWBWEFUIBSASILLFASEKLGBLHDFJBGVIASEBVEWIFBVASDFVWEAYFASKJDFVASDJHFVISABSDFAYEFVKSAVDFGIOYSEBDFASDBFVWEASVFIDFVUYEVSDBFHJKBFAILFSDHFVBSHBSHVGFJHASDFVIYEVGAIEWOBFHIDFBVWEAIOUBHDVBXCMNGBYHABFIULEBSEKHJDJBNCBAIFBASDJFBVEYGRBFWIUBQFDBSSDFXCNBFHASDEIFUQWBDFHAKBSDJBCVNXBIAQSDIFRHUWEBDSAKBNCFBQWEUIADSSDKFBCXNBDSQIUWQBEDJFKSBCBQIUFREDJFHWEJWEBQIOLFDSBDCXBFGDMDABFEWQIUFRBSKAJDBFNXZBCKJASQKDFIKLHWLDEJKSFBFKASJD

The scene suddenly statics as we return to a live shot inside the arena.

Knots: “Another one of those damn things…”

Sharper: “What is that all about…”

We then cut backstage to see Kirsten Scott walking backstage. Hailey is trying to keep her under control. Jake Starr is also with her.

Scott: “The hell was that? That’s how I’m going to get repaid? A last minute title shot and then Grant running like a bitch?! Huh! Was it ever going to be legit?”

Scott looks around. Starr tries to calm her down.

Scott: “No! I deserve something for taking care of that crappy magician. Deanna can run scared, but I stepped up. And he’s gone! G-O-N-E!”

Starr and Hailey keep trying to stop Scott as the scene cuts away.

Dante Slayton vs. Ryan LeCavalier

SCW Television Championship

As the cameras return to the ring, Dante Slayton is shown standing in the middle of the ring. "Personal Jesus" (w/Boondock Saints intro) by Marilyn Manson trails off as he tests the ropes for strength.

Phillips: “The following match is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Supreme Championship Wrestling Television Championship!”

Dante Slayton moves to the center of the ring and raises his arm.

Phillips: “Introducing first, the challenger, weighing in at 225 pounds, he hails from Boston, ladies and gentlemen, Dante Slayton!”

The arena is quiet, with a palpable sense of expectancy in the air as the lights go off. An ethereal blue glow is projected onto the entry ramp by a lone floodlight that breaks through the darkness. The crowd trembles with eagerness as L'Impératrice's "A View to a Kill" pulsates synthesizers burst the stillness.

Phillips: “His opponent… making her way to the ring, weighing in at 135 pounds, fighting out of Miami, Florida…”

A silhouette appears out of the darkness, clad in a shimmering silver cloak that seems to both reflect and absorb the light. The coat flutters about her as she moves, giving her enticing peeks of the wrestling gear in silver and black underneath. Her face is hidden behind a mask of steely resolve, framed by the hood.

Phillips: “She is the current reigning SCW Television Champion, The Lost Monarch, Ryan LeCavalier!”

The moment Ryan LeCavalier, as "The Lost Monarch," removes her hood and shows off her icy-focused eyes, the audience screams. At the top of the ramp, she stops and looks out over the crowd like a queen assessing her subjects. She steps down into the ring and gracefully makes her way to the turnbuckle, removing her cloak like a snake might remove its skin. With her eyes fixed on her opponent, she slides into her mouthguard, completing her transformation. The arena is bustling with the unsaid promise of a great battle to come, and the air is crackling with suspense.

Sharper: “Good match-up here tonight between the Star of Tomorrow, Ryan LeCavalier and a technical standout here in Dante Slayton.”

Knots: “It’s what makes these Television title matches must-see TV.”

Sharper: “LeCavalier seeks to hold onto her first title here in SCW while Dante Slayton is eying to win his first. This belt serves as a great stepping stone to bigger and better things.”

The bell rings. Dante Slayton immediately rushes Ryan LeCavalier. LeCavalier ducks underneath his attempt to grapple and strikes with a kick to Slayton’s side before retreating. Dante stays aggressive, moving towards Ryan, trying to bully. Again, LeCavalier ducks underneath a grapple attempt and pivots behind Dante. She goes to wrap her arm around Dante’s waist but Dante delivers a stomp to the foot, followed up with a mule kick to the gut. Dante turns around and clinches. Now, it’s LeCavalier’s turn to stomp onto the foot. She breaks free of his grasp and spins around to connect with an elbow right to the jaw. Dante falls back into the corner. LeCavalier backs up and she charges in with another elbow to the jaw. She leads Dante forward for a bulldog; however, Slayton counters with a big back suplex, dropping LeCavalier right onto her neck.

Sharper: “Early salvo features both competitors exchanging strikes.”

Knots: “Ryan is showing that she’s dangerous with those elbows.”

Sharper: “Back suplex by Dante puts him into the driver’s seat!”

Knots: “And he’s not letting up.”

Dante perches on Ryan’s chest, lifts her head up, and delivers a series of stiff forearms to the head. He snatches her wrist and yanks her to her feet. Belly-to-back suplex drives her back into the canvas. Dante backpedals into the corner and waits for Ryan. Ryan gets on her hands and knees, gathering herself. Dante rushes forward to punt her skull, Ryan saves herself, rolling out of the way. Dante regains his balance and turns. Ryan drills Dante with a stiff chop against the chest. She follows up with another and another. Dante covers up his chest. Ryan switches over to elbows to the head. She whips him into the ropes. He counters. Off the ropes, Ryan boots him in the head with a running yakuza kick!

Sharper: “Back and forth, hard hitting action. Ryan covers!”

1…

Sharper: “Dante kicks out. He is far from over.”

Knots: “He wants that title. He wants it now.”

Sharper: “Ryan turns Dante over and traps his arm in a triangle choke!”

Ryan LeCavalier locks in the triangle choke in the middle of the ring. Dante tries to slip out of the hold. He swings his fists into the side of LeCavalier, looking for some kidney punches to loosen up the hold. LeCavalier stays locked in. Dante’s face starts to turn red. Dante suddenly stands, one of LeCavalier’s legs slips while Dante captures the other. Leg-capture suplex by Dante right into the middle of the ring. He stumbles over to the ropes for a moment to recover from the choke. Ryan holds her head while climbing to her feet in a daze. She spins around and walks right into an exploder suplex!

Sharper: “Slayton is breaking out a suplex clinic. Suplex after suplex. He hooks the leg. Is this it?”

1…

2…

Knots: “Ryan isn’t giving up yet!”

Sharper: “She exploded out of that pin attempt. This match is far from over.”

Knots: “I have to say. This past year have seen some incredible stars break out defending this championship. Waylon Creek. Now, Ryan LeCavalier!”

Sharper: “Now, it’s Slayton’s turn for a submission!”

Slayton rolls off and positions himself. He locks in the cross arm breaker. Ryan resists, interlocking his fingers, trying to prevent Slayton from pulling back that arm. Slayton wails on her midsection with some kicks before jerking her arm free. He gets the cross arm breaker in deep. Ryan reaches for the bottom rope; however, she’s angled wrong and the rope is far out of reach. Ryan attempts to crawl, but Slayton’s too heavy. Referee asks if she submits. She shakes her head, manages to push herself up into a roll-up pin on Slayton while grabbing onto the middle rope nearby for extra leverage. Referee goes to count but catches the blatant attempt at cheating. Slayton rolls out of the ring to escape the pin attempt while the referee admonishes Ryan. Ryan ignores him, charges into the ropes and comes back. She launches herself and takes Slayton out with a suicide dive.

Knots: “LeCavalier is showing that she’s willing to do what need to hold onto her title.”

Sharper: “Props to the referee for having a sharp eye.”

Knots: “He immediately recognized what LeCavalier doing here.”

Referee stars to count. [1] LeCavalier throws herself up onto the apron and waits for Slayton to find his feet. [2] She runs along the apron, dives off, and connects with a double knee strike. Cavalier bounces off Slayton’s chest and up onto her feet. [3] She throws up her arms in excitement. Slayton crawls towards the guard rail while LeCavalier pursues. [4] LeCavalier throws Slayton across the barricade and drills a chop. She drills another one. A third one is the charm. [5] Slayton suddenly snaps forward with a hammerhead headbutt. LeCavalier is staggered by the blow. [6] Slayton snap suplexes LeCavalier right into the barricade!

Sharper: “They’re brawling on the outside! For a moment, LeCavalier was getting the best of it; however, with one headbutt, Slayton turned the tables!”

Knots: “But he has to get her back in the ring! Slayton can’t win by countout!”

Sharper: “And he’s dragging her to the ring!”

Slayton gets LeCavalier up onto the apron and rolls her in. Slayton climbs up onto the top rope and looks down. Slayton goes for the Meteor Rain; however, LeCavalier rolls out of the way and he gets nothing but mat. Slayton rolls around as LeCavalier finds the ropes. She runs forward and takes him down with a clothesline. He pops back up and there’s another clothesline. Ryan is ready for him a third time and she begins to unload a series of strikes.

Sharper: “She calls that Feel Nothing! One last blow and Slayton’s down!”

Knots: “What a fury of attacks on the challenger!”

Sharper: “LeCavalier hooks the leg!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper: “No! Slayton gets the shoulder up. This match continues!”

LeCavalier throws herself up onto the top rope. She aims for a dazed Slayton is searching for his feet. LeCavalier dives off with the missile toe dropkick but Slayton side steps and knocks it down. LeCavalier holds herself and hurries to her feet. There’s a boot to the gut. Dante’s Inferno! LeCavalier is spread out in the middle of the ring. Dante drops down for a cover.

Sharper: “Dante Inferno! Pin!”

1…

2…

3-

Sharper: “LeCavalier kicks out at the last nanosecond.”

Knots: “It’s not over! It’s not over!”

Sharper: “They have hit hard in this match. They’re throwing the kitchen sink at each other.”

Dante Slayton isn’t pleased. He yanks Ryan back to her feet and goes for the Death Trigger! Ryan slips out of the way and boots Dante out. She drills an elbow to the throat. Ryan goes for the Crowned With Teeth! The crowd woos as she struggles but manages to hit her finisher!

Sharper: “She did it! Crowned With Teeth!”

Knots: “The pin!”

1…

2…

3!

Sharper: “LeCavalier retains. Dante had her dead to rites but she slipped away and finished him off.”

Phillips: “The winner of the match, by pinfall, and still the SCW Television Champion, Ryan LeCavalier!”

LeCavalier rolls off as she then has her arm raised. We then see Cara Strader and Veronica Strader looking on from the floor. They turn and talk to one another before walking to the back.

Sharper: “And looks like the Strader’s were watching. They heard what Slayton had to say.”

Knots: “And after last week…well Slayton, Pierce, Belmont, they may have another fight awaiting them.

Sharper: “But Ryan LeCavalier with another big win. Another success and continuing to hold that title.”

Ryan LeCavalier is handed her title and continues to celebrate. The crowd looks on as the scene cuts away.

“Psycho in My Head” plays as the Breakdown logo comes up on the screen. We then see a split screen of Asher Hayes coming to the ring on one side, La Pequena Luz with Amelia Nevado on the other.

Sharper: “Folks, a huge match coming here. Interim US Title on the line. Luz to defend against Asher Hayes! That’s next!”

The scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

Ryan LeCavalier walks down the hallway, holding her Television Championship. She take a few more steps before we see Melinda Braddock leaning against the wall. Ryan LeCavalier walks over to her and looks up at her. She then turns and glances behind her as we see Clyde Sutter walk into the view. LeCavalier looks up at him as Sutter places his hand on the TV Championship. Ryan pulls away.

LeCavalier: “That’s not yours.”

Sutter: “You don’t know that.”

LeCavalier: “Take that up with your…client…”

Sutter: “I have. And while money helps, I still want that. And you now have a choice. You can either run…or we can make this a tad less painful.”

LeCavalier looks at Sutter.

Sutter: “I’ll let you think about it.”

Sutter turns and walks over to Melinda. Melinda smiles before Sutter takes her hand. The two walk off as LeCavalier glances and watches him leave before glancing at her TV Title.

Breakdown returns to ringside as we see the Revolutions Per Minute logo up on the screen, alongside the Retribution Logo as “Haunted” by Kane Brown & Jelly Roll plays in the background.

Sharper: “As you know, big weekend coming up. March 7 and 8^th will be the Strader Family’s Tag Team Tournament. That will be Revolutions Per Minute and it will be a wild night. Winning team will earn a World Tag Team Championship shot. SCW co-promoting it. Then on, March 9 – Retribution in San Antonio.”

Knots: “Yeah, and we know a bit of what to expect there. Waylon Creek to challenge Xander Valentine. Light in the Darkness to defend their titles against James Evans and Giovanni Aries. Will the Fall of Man crown themselves on top?”

Asher Hayes vs. La Pequena Luz

SCW interim United States Championship

The opening riff to "Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age kicks in. At the 37 second mark, the name "Asher Hayes" blares through the PA system, and Asher appears on the stage, wearing a long leather jacket, his face full of focus. He bows down for a few moments before standing up straight, throwing both fists in the air, before making his way towards the ring.

“It's late enough to go driving
And see what's mine
Life's the study of dying
How to do it right"

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a thirty minute time limit and is for the interim SCW United States Championship! First, the challenger, from Chicago, Illinois, he is Asher Hayes!”

He makes his way down the ramp as the reaction of the crowd rains down upon him. He walks up the ring steps and climbs to the top turnbuckle, lifting both fists into the air, slinging the jacket off his shoulders, simply looking at the crowd before dropping down and running to the opposite side.

“You're a holy roller
If you bettin' to lose
If you're hanging around
I'm holding the noose"

He stands, once again, on the top rope. His expression remains focused as he looks toward the ceiling, before dropping down, removing his jacket and handing his belongings to the ref.

"Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Come a little bit closer
And get untied
In a hearse rolling over
Just a track in the line
Fuck it..."

Asher then leans into the corner, waiting for the match to begin.

Sharper: “Asher Hayes earned this opportunity at Fatal Fortunes. He’s been waiting patiently for it. Fall of Man suggesting he step aside to avoid other issues.”

Knots: “And they took care of that. Billy Heaven Jr. getting their US title shot to facilitate Waylon Creek cashing in the Trios shot.”

Sharper: “But this will now be the third consecutive event Luz will be in a high stakes match.”

Knots: “And in just over two weeks, she’ll be defending the tag titles against Evans and Aries!”

“Believe In Tomorrow” by Sunflower’s Garden begins to play as bright white lights begin flickering on and off on the stage in rhythm with the music. La Pequeña Luz skips out onto the stage with the kind of smile that could light up an entire room all on its own plastered to her face, dancing a bit to her theme song and waving her arms in an attempt to get the crowd pumped up, drawing cheers. The SCW Tag Team Championship is around her waist, as is the interim United States Championship As she looks down towards the ring, the smile fades as something seems to flicker through her mind, but she’s snapped out of the trance as Amelia Nevado slowly makes her way out, placing a comforting hand on Luz’s shoulder.

Phillips: “His opponent, accompanied by Amelia Nevado, from Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico, she is one half of the SCW World Tag Team Champions, and the defending interim SCW United States Champion, La Pequena Luz!”

With a quick kiss to her cheek, Luz’s smile returns as the two proceed to lock hands before heading down to the ring, Amelia trying her best to keep up with Luz’s energetic skipping. Once they reach ringside, Luz pulls Amelia into a brief but passionate kiss before letting her go as she hops up onto the apron, grabbing the top rope before vaulting herself into a somersault into the ring, landing on her feet. Luz begins skipping around the ring, motioning once more for the fans to make some noise as they answer this call while Amelia takes her place in Luz’s corner on the floor, chuckling to herself and shaking her head at Luz’s energy. Luz removes her robe and hands it off to Amelia, who gives some last minute advice and words of encouragement as she does so. Amelia takes Luz’s Tag Title belt, while Luz hands the US Title to the official, Aaron Demitra. Demitra holds the title over his head as the SCW interim US Championship logo comes across the screen.

Sharper: “La Pequena Luz second consecutive week of a title defense.”

Knots: “You wonder if Fall of Man planned it. To make sure that they would be overextended. And remember, the Dangerous Minds want their shot. There’s only one week before Retribution.”

Sharper: “The slow take over for Fall of Man. Asher Hayes is going to look to take advantage, but Luz is not going to just roll over. She is a fighter. We’ve seen that all throughout 2024.”

Demitra hands off the title. Luz stretches out using the ropes as Asher Hayes paces a bit. Demitra turns back, checks in on both, and then calls for the bell. The bell sounds. Hayes and Luz watch one another and starts to move towards each other. They both lunge and lock up before Luz drops down and around Hayes and into a side headlock. Hayes reaches around and then pulls Luz into the ropes and fires her off. She bounces off and Hayes shoulders her down. He runs into the ropes. Luz hits a drop down and Hayes hops over. Hayes bounces off the other side as Luz leapfrogs over. Hayes hits the opposite side before Luz goes for a hip toss, but Hayes spins through and then takes Luz down with a side headlock takedown. Luz immediately moves into a headscissors and Hayes nips out of it. Luz roils away. Hayes gets up and the two look at one another briefly before Luz lunges for him and hits a single leg takedown.

Sharper: “And these two, back and forth. Both we know can have that catch-as-catch-can style.”

Knots: “Both moving at the speed of sound right now.”

Luz then grabs the leg, but Hayes shoves her off with his boot. Luz rolls through. Asher gets up and Luz runs at him and then Hayes spins her through to the ropes. Luz remains on the apron. Asher then grabs her and pulls her down on the top rope with a guillotine drop. Luz falls to a knee. Asher pulls her into the ring and throws her down to the mat and goes for the pin.

Luz kicks out. Both get up and Hayes wrenches the arm of Luz and then pulls her out and Luz flips forward and nips up before cartwheeling into an arm drag. Hayes rolls through and gets up and turns around and Luz hits a hip toss. Hayes pushes Luz off with his feet. Luz rolls through and Hayes gets up and runs at Luz. Luz however leans on the top rope and presses her legs up. Hayes staggers back and Luz runs out and grabs the arm and wrenches it before jerking on it. She then runs up the turnbuckle and then jumps up, hits a leg press, jumps back up and hits a twisting arm drag, taking Hayes down across the ring.

Sharper: “There’s that lucha-libre style. That flashiness, but that also distraction. Makes you guess what’s coming.”

Knots: “And it was Hayes travelling the ring, corner to corner!”

Hayes gets up and Luz runs over to him as he leans in the corner and jumps to his thighs before hitting a monkey flip. Hayes rolls over and gets up and Luz runs at him and goes for a flying headscissors, but Hayes shrugs her off. She lands on her feet and spins around. She then turns and Hayes kicks her in the ribs and hits a snap suplex. He floats over.

Luz kicks out. Hayes gets up as Luz rolls over. She starts to get up and Hayes grabs her and forearms her in the jaw. She falls back into the corner and Hayes chops her. The crowd woos. He then forearms him again before chopping her again. He whips her across the ring. Luz reaches the corner and flips up the corner and down to the apron. Hayes runs across, but Luz stops and hits a pump kick to the jaw. Hayes stumbles back. Luz then springboards to the top rope and hits a crossbody into a pin.

Hayes kicks out. Both get up and Hayes goes for a clothesline, but Luz jumps up and hits a crucifix pin.

Hayes kicks out. Both get up and Luz kicks him in the ribs and hits an overhead chop before grabbing his arm and wrenching it. She then bends the arm back behind Hayes and into a hammerlock cradle pin.

Hayes kicks out. Both get up and Hayes moves to the corner. Luz heads over and Hayes hits a back elbow.

Sharper: “Luz, the momentum stopped. Hayes needed that elbow.”

Knots: “He needs to follow up though. Luz clearly trying to be a bit more aggressive. She’s had the harder schedule. We said it.”

Luz stumbles back and Hayes runs out and Luz catches the arm and jumps up and wraps around him, catching his other arm, but Hayes then runs out and falls back, countering the crucifix attempt with a Samoan drop. Luz rolls over, holding her stomach. She gets up and turns around and Hayes grabs his arm, wrenches her arm and then pulls her into a hammerlock before hitting a scoop slam. Luz winces and turns, shaking her arm out. She starts to get up and Hayes kicks her in the ribs. He whips her across the ring. Luz bounces off and Hayes hits a leg lariat. She hits the mat. Hayes gets up and hits a knee drop. He turns and hooks the leg.

Luz kicks out. Luz rolls over and Hayes grabs the arm and wrenches it. Luz grimaces and looks around before Hayes moves into a hammerlock and then hits a back suplex.

Sharper: “Hayes going for the arm. Thinking a bit longer term here.”

Knots: “And building a weakness. A target. Something he can keep going back to!”

Luz turns, grabbing her arm. Amelia looks on concerned as Luz grabs at the ropes and Hayes kicks at it. The crowd ohs as Luz rolls over. She clutches her arm and moves to the corner and Hayes follows up with a shot to the ribs and then another before kicking her in the ribs. He then whips her across the ring. Hayes runs after, but Luz jumps up and goes for a float over but cuts it short to catch Hayes with a headscissors. She flips forward and Hayes goes face first into the middle turnbuckle. He winces and staggers back and Luz jumps up and hits a snap hurricanrana and pulls back on the leg.

Hayes kicks out. Luz falls forward and moves to the ropes. Hayes gets up and turns and runs at Luz, who then jumps up and wraps her legs around Hayes’s head and hooks the ropes, taking Hayes over with a frankensteiner to the floor. Luz remains on the apron. She then moves back into the ring.(1) Hayes starts to get up as Luz runs across the ring, bounces off and cartwheels before diving over the top rope with the Space Flying Tiger Drop. The crowd erupts.

Sharper: “Luz! Over the top! Corkscrew flip dive and onto her challenger. Onto Asher Hayes!”

Knots: “And Hayes just found out what Luz can pull out!”

Sharper: “Both down, on the floor! Luz goes airborne!”

Luz looks around as the crowd cheers. (1) She slowly rolls over and starts to get up. She shakes out her arm. (2) Hayes rolls over and Luz grabs him and elbows him in the back of the head. (3) She elbows him again and then rolls him into the ring. (4) Luz pulls herself onto the apron. She then climbs up to the top rope. Hayes slowly starts to get up and staggers around before turning to Luz who dives off with a missile dropkick. Hayes hits the mat. Luz crawls for the pin.

Hayes gets his shoulder up. Luz looks up. She then gets up and walks around the ring. Hayes stirs and gets up and Luz hits an overhead chop. Hayes stumbles back. Luz hits another one. She then grabs Hayes and goes to whip him across, but Hayes ducks under and pulls her arm into a hammerlock before then spinning her into him and hits a hammerlock STO. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Again to the arm. Driving that arm into the mat!”

Knots: “And there may be no more cartwheels for Luz!”

Sharper: “Or the title! Cover!”

Hayes goes for the pin.

Luz kicks out. She turns and Hayes grabs the arm and pulls on it before kneeing her in the shoulder once and then pulling her up. Luz flips forward and pushes off with her feet. Hayes staggers back and Luz then gets up and turns and rushes Hayes, but Hayes catches her arm and then locks in a cobra clutch before spinning her out into a vicious short-arm clothesline. The crowd ohs. Hayes hooks the leg.

Luz gets her shoulder up. Hayes rolls over and starts to get up. Luz turns and Hayes grabs her and pulls her up before then hitting a Saito suplex. Luz rolls through and Hayes runs at her and blasts her with another clothesline. Luz is folded up and Hayes goes for the pin.

Luz just kicks out. The crowd ohs. Amelia breathes a sigh of relief. Luz rolls over and Hayes grabs her and pulls her up before hooking her by the head, and Luz elbows out, but Hayes knees her in the ribs. He hoists her up in a uranage, but Luz twists and takes Hayes over with a hip throw. Hayes gets to his feet and runs at Luz. Luz ducks and catches him in a full nelson before moving to a half nelson and throwing him back with a suplex. Luz shakes out her arm.

Sharper: “And Luz with the dragon suplex. Half nelson dragon.”

Knots: “That arm is bothering her. She thought about it.”

Sharper: “She still got him over. Hayes down for a moment. Luz needs to figure out a way to block that pain.”

Luz gets up and looks at Hayes as Hayes slowly gets up and Luz runs at him and hits a lunging European uppercut. Amelia applauds as Hayes falls to the ropes and leans back before rocking forward and hitting a pendulum clothesline on Luz as she walks around the ring. Luz flips in the air. Hayes goes for the pin. Amelia looks on concerned.

Luz just gets her shoulder up. The crowd ohs. Hayes looks up and then gets up and drags Luz up. He then kicks her in the ribs before whipping her into the ropes. Luz bounces off and Hayes goes for a clothesline. Luz ducks and bounces off the other side and Hayes catches her and hits the Dream Killer. He locks in the Anaconda Vice. The crowd roars as Luz grimaces. Hayes pulls on the arm and Luz starts to move her legs around, trying to get the ropes. The crowd looks on, cheering. Amelia looks on, trying to will Luz to the ropes. Hayes yells out as he pulls back. Luz keeps struggling and starts to reach out. Hayes keeps trying. The official checks on Luz, but Luz grits her teeth. She starts to slide herself a bit over and over to the ropes and manages to kick at the bottom rope before moving clothesline and hooking the bottom rope.

Hayes lets go and rolls over. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Luz just getting to the ropes. Just able to keep her title reign alive.”

Knots: “At what cost though? Hayes had that hold locked in fully.”

Hayes then pulls himself up and walks over to Luz who remains down and stomps her in the chest and then the jaw before the arm. Luz rolls over and Hayes grabs her and pulls her up and chops her against the ropes. The crowd woos .He chops her again. More woos. He then fires her into the ropes, but Luz suddenly flips forward, no-hands, bounces off the ropes and jumps up and hits the Esperanza Brillante! The crowd erupts. Luz rolls over as Hayes rolls to his back.

Sharper: “I don’t believe it. No hands into the ropes! Luz…”

Knots: “That could have backfired badly!”

Sharper: “That also tells you how her arm is doing. And feeling.”

Hayes remains down as Demitra counts. (1) Luz looks around and eyes Amelia. (2) Amelia nods and Luz rolls over. (3)

Luz then pulls herself up, wincing a bit. Hayes rolls over and starts to move to the ropes and Luz runs over and boots him in the back. Hayes falls into the ropes and Luz runs into the ropes, bounces off and then hits a tiger feint kick. Hayes falls back and rolls over. Luz then moves to the corner and climbs up to the top rope. Luz winces, holding her arm and then dives off, landing on Hayes’s head and hits a tornado DDT. The crowd ohs! Luz turns and hooks the leg.

Hayes gets his shoulder up.

Sharper: “And Hayes kicks out! Luz planted him. Planted him!”

Knots: “And Hayes didn’t stay there!”

Hayes rolls over and slowly starts to get up. Luz gets up and forearms him in the back of the head once and then again. Hayes elbows her in the jaw. She rolls back and Hayes turns and runs at Luz. Luz gets up and ducks a clothesline, and runs into the ropes. She bounces off and goes up and spins through, right into the La Magica! The crowd roars as Hayes yells out and Luz pulls back on the arm.

Sharper: “La Magica! The move that she beat Billy Heaven Jr. last week-“

Knots: “That snapped his arm!”

Sharper: “Hayes, caught, middle of the ring. But Luz hasn’t worn it down like Hayes has her arm!”

Hayes yells out as Luz pulls back on the arm. Hayes continues to struggle as Luz loses her grip a bit, shaking out her arm before locking it back in. Hayes starts to slide, pulling himself with Luz. Luz struggles to re-apply the grip as Hayes slides closer and closer to the ropes. Demitra stays with him, checking on him as Hayes yells out and slides closer and closers and grabs the bottom rope.

Luz lets go and rolls away. She then starts to get up, shaking out her arm. Hayes rolls to the apron. He then starts to slowly get up. Luz then turns and heads over and grabs Hayes and forearms him in the jaw once and then again before she grabs Hayes, but Hayes grabs Luz by the arm and drops down, driving it into the top rope. Luz staggers back, holding her arm as Hayes looks over and then spins into the ring and rushes Luz, before drilling her with the Dust to Dust!

Sharper: “Hayes! He created the opening! The Dust to Dust!”

Knots: “And all from the arm!”

Hayes turns and hooks the leg.

The bell sounds. The crowd roars as Hayes rolls off and to his knees. He looks around as Demitra is handed the interim SCW United States Championship.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, and NEW interim SCW United States Champion, Asher Hayes!”

The crowd cheers as Amelia is now in the ring, checking on Luz. Hayes gets up and Demitra hands him the title. Hayes holds it over his head.

Sharper: “And we have a new interim US Champion! Asher Hayes winning the title tonight in Charlotte!”

Knots: “Luz was turning it around. But that arm was the difference. Driving it into the rope, causing that discomfort and it opened Luz up.”

Sharper: “And the question now…what condition is Luz in? We know that back has to still hurt; now the arm. And the Tag Team titles will be on the line at Retribution!”

Knots: “Well now she knows how Billy feels!”

Sharper: “Oh stop it!”

Hayes holds the title over his head as the crowd roars and the scene cuts to commercial.

COMMERCIALS

Breakdown returns as we see La Pequena Luz seated on a storage crate, holding her arm and icing it as Amelia Nevado stands with her.

Nevado: “You fought hard, Luz. You can’t let it get you.”

Luz: “Just another dagger…and-“

We then see William Heaven walking over to the two. Luz looks up and stands up.

Heaven: “Whoa! Easy there!”

Heaven stops and backs up a bit as Amelia turns to him.

Heaven: “Hard fought loss out there. Looks like your luck is running out. Then again, a bit of karma for what you did to my boy.”

Luz: “He should never have been in there.”

Heaven: “The doctors said he was good and he’s a stubborn boy. But then again, so are the two of you. Don’t you see it?”

Nevado: “See what?”

Heaven: “The end of your time on top. It just a matter of time. But good job fighting, Luz. Hope the arm heals up for Retribution. You know how James and Giovanni are.”

Heaven smiles and turns and walks off. The crowd boos as Amelia watches him leave. Luz just glares at him.

Nevado: “Ignore him.”

Amelia turns and motions to Luz. The two walk off in the opposite direction.

Asher Hayes is walking backstage, proudly holding the interim SCW United States Championship. He takes a few steps before stopping and looking at the title and then eying it. He then scoffs a bit before then looking up. A smile comes over his face. He then starts to walk forward and steps forward as the camera turns and we see Selena Frost walking off. The crowd roars seeing her.

Hayes: “Hey!”

Hayes heads over to Selena Frost as Selena Frost turns to Asher. She looks at him with some measure of disgust.

Selena: “Going to just rub it in-“

Asher: “Nah…lord knows you’re trying to find a way already to tell me I don’t deserve this because the only person in your world who deserves things is you. But then again, I noticed you’re not going up against Waylon.”

Selena: “You stepped back too.”

Asher: “You better hope he doesn’t win. You may have Xander’s number, but if he wins, just tear up the contract.”

Selena: “What do you want, Asher? If it’s to waste my time, you already have done enough of that and last time I ended any hope you’d have of being World Champion and trust me, I will make sure you never hold that title again.”

Asher: “I wouldn’t expect anything less. No, I’m here because I’m sure your wife is paying attention to this.”

Asher holds up the US Title.

Asher: “Sadly, the friend on friend match whenever Deanna…recovers….won’t be happening. Even whenever Luz gets her rematch, still won’t. But I’m here for you to deliver a message. I won’t be waiting for her either. I’m not the interim Champion. I am THE US Champion. She forfeited it when she couldn’t fight for it. See, I don’t know what it is about your family, but you seem to play by different rules-“

Selena: “We’ve had plenty of interim champions or were you too baked to remember?”

Asher: “And I’m fixing a longtime mistake. Whenever she returns….IF she returns, I’ll be waiting. And I just hope you’re ready to return her home when she steps up and fails against me.”

Selena: “Screw off!”

Asher just smirks and turns and heads off. Selena watches him leave before turning, clearly scanning the arena and ruminating about something. She then turns and storms in the opposite direction. The camera follows her as Selena walks with purpose.

Sharper: “Hayes just set off Selena Frost.”

Knots: “And she just dealt with Blake Mason who went after her family and…wait…is she going to get a match against Hayes?!”

The camera continues to follow Selena as she walks past a few crew member sand we even see Wil Pierce filming a web promo video. She walks past and continues down a hallway before then stopping and turning and looking around before then storming down another hallway. The camera continues to follow her before we see her storm over to one door and pounds on it. She then lets herself in, the camera revealing it to be Alex Desoubrais’ office. She steps forward. CHBK looks up from his desk.

CHBK: “Selena, I-“

Selena: “I don’t care. I’m tired of people beneath me and Deanna taking shots because they know there are no consequences. First Blake, then Hayes, and then-“

CHBK: “You want a match against Hayes? Blake’s left the company-“

Selena: “No…that’s going to be Deanna’s fight. And I’m going to make sure it is. Asher Hayes can enjoy his relevance coming from being the Frost family’s bitch. I’m talking about someone else who keeps running their mouth and frankly…we all know who is the real champion around here anyways. They want their reward…give her me. Give Kirsten Scott me at Retribution. I’m going to take my wife’s name out of her mouth. I’ll even put my title shot rematch contract on the line. She can have it if she beats me…but damn it, she won’t. And even Jake Starr’s smart mouth won’t be able to give her an out this time. She’s going to shut up for good!”

Selena storms off. CHBK looks up as Selena slams the door behind her.

In another part of the arena, we see Ryan LeCavalier walking out of her locker room, freshly showered, TV Championship over her shoulder. She turns and then stops as we see Adam Brock leaning against the wall.

LeCavalier: “What do you want?”

Brock: “First off, you’re welcome for waiting. I hear the shower turn on and I figured I’d wait.”

LeCavalier: “A bit odd and creepy-“

Brock: “Not when I have something to say to you. I saw your little run-in with Sutter. I heard also Slayton. A lot of people gunning for you. With Sutter…well, I already hold a victory over him…and I have enough issues with bullies. And it looks like he didn’t get the message.”

LeCavalier: “Speed up the message.”

Brock: “Just you’d be well within your rights to tell him to shove it. And if you have a fresh challenge…someone who will respect you….”

Brock holds his hand up briefly, letting his words hang in the air.

Brock: “Think about it.”

Brock then walks off as Ryan watches him leave. The scene fades to black.

COMMERCIALS

Destiny Page, now dressed in a faux fur coat and sunglasses, stands in the SCW interview area with Chris Lawler.

Page: “Destiny Page here with Chris Lawler and Chris, last week, a big night. You were able to get off the snide. You were able to finally get a win, but-“

Lawler: “Don’t start that. Don’t start patronizing me just because I got a win. That’s what we’re supposed to do. And what is ….you know what. I’m not going to say anything. I’m going to focus on the reality here. I’ve been the guy from the past. I can still throw a few punches. I took the fight to Waylon Creek. Well fast forward seven months and he’s challenging for the World Title where the world is happy, I got a win. That’s not how this sport works.”

Lawler sighs.

Lawler: “But I have to just hope for the next one. Whoever I’m up against. That I can get it done. That I can win. That I can step up and defeat whoever is next in front of me.”

We then see Gigi Steward walking into view. She just looks at Page and then turns to Lawler.

Gigi: “Real cute. If you want to look like you belong in Hollywood, you should be listening to my mother. Whoever dressed you…well…first off, I’m pretty sure that real.”

Page: “Wait…what?”

Page looks stunned and focuses on the coat while Gigi looks at Lawler.

Gigi: “And you, Chris…you want another win. To keep working up. Both of us just keep spinning our wheels. Katie got her fairy tale ending. I want mine. I want my respect back. Just like you want yours.

Page: “Seriously?! This is real?! Chris! Ryan!”

Page calls off camera.

Gigi: “So…I’m going to start at the bottom and work my way up…Hi…”

Gigi then glances at Page and walks off as Lawler glares at her. The crowd buzzes as the scene cuts away as Destiny storms off.

Glory Braddock vs. Colleen MacDonald

Phillips: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, she is the reigning SCW Underground Champion, COLLEEN MACDONALD!”

A coin can be heard dropping into a coin slot, followed by a few girls giggling. But before “C’est La Vie” by B*Witched can even begin, Colleen steps out onto the stage from the backstage area, wearing her normal all-black ring gear. Colleen does a cutthroat signal. The music turns off as she stands still and waits until the beginning of “How Far I’ll Go” by Auli’i Cravalho begins to play. Colleen nods once before beginning to slowly head down the entrance ramp. The crowd does keep their eyes on her as she looks straight down at the ring. She keeps going until she arrives down at the ring. Not quickening her pace, she steps up the steel ring steps and climbs over the top rope to get into the ring. Once inside she does look around the arena. She simply approves of her surroundings before she turns to the business at hand, warming up before the bell rings.

The first chords of "Immortal" by Ozzy Osbourne begins to play over the PA system...

Phillips: “And her opponent, from London, England, she is The British Bombshell GLORY BRADDOCK!”

Glory Braddock steps out onto the stage, wearing her ring gear consisting of purple spandex pants, boots, and a purple top. She really does look like a million bucks and grins from ear to ear, gazing out at the crowd for a moment before making her way down the entrance ramp.

I come alive at the second of midnight

So I can fly when the world is asleep

You scream and howl as I'm taking the first bite

Blood on my tongue tastes of eternity

People will come and go

Some stories never told

They bury me down below

But I'll never die

'Cause I'm immortal

Yes, immortal

The British Bombshell steps up the steel steps and then onto the ring apron. She poses momentarily on the apron, allowing people to take snapshots before stepping through the ropes and into the ring. Once in the ring Glory heads to the center of the ring and poses once more. Then the music dies down slowly...

Sharper: “Glory Braddock about to face another champion. Colleen MacDonald awaits her. Then again, this could be good training for Retribution. We still have no idea what a ‘Disconnect Match’ is!”

Knots: “So face someone who could throw anything at you? Including herself?”

Colleen attempts a clothesline but Glory ducks and then lands an axe kick followed by a dropkick, staggering Collen but she still doesn’t go down. Braddock with a scissors kick and this time Macdonald goes down. Colleen staggers back up to her feet but Braddock chop blocks her leg. Braddock locks in a leg grapevine but Colleen quickly is able to make it to the ropes to force a break. Braddock drags her back out away from the ropes and tries to lock in another leg grapevine but Colleen kicks her away. Collen scrambles back to her feet but Braddock with a drop toe hold into an STF.

Sharper: “And Braddock trying to keep Colleen on the mat. Keep her there. She’s not known for her technical prowess.”

Knots: “Maybe sending a message then too!”

Colleen won’t give up. She fights and claws to the ropes, eventually reaching the bottom rope to force the break. Glory again drags her out to the center but when she tries to go for another submission Colleen punches and kicks until Braddock lets go. Colleen scrambles back to her feet. Colleen with a huge lariat that turns Braddock inside out. Colleen takes a moment to shake some feeling back into her leg while Braddock pulls herself back up. Colleen with a hard shoulder block, another clothesline, and then a back body drop.

Sharper: “And that’s what you can’t let Colleen do. You can’t let her throw you around and use her strength and her body.”

Knots: “Better than her ass.”

Colleen takes Braddock and whips her into the corner. She rushes in with an avalanche. Braddock staggers out of the corner. She whips Glory into the opposite corner. Colleen rushes in again but Glory moves out of the way and Colleen goes shoulder first into the steel ring post. Colleen staggers out of the corner. Braddock with an arm ddt into a crippler crossface.

Sharper: “To the arm now. Braddock back to the mat.”

Knots: “I think we know how this is going to go. Brawler against Technician!”

Braddock keeps the hold wrenched in, torturing Colleen’s arm. Colleen won’t quit. Colleen tries to fight her way to the ropes but can’t quite reach. She then tries to power her way back up. She gets to her knees, and surprisingly to her feet. Glory, though, does not let go of the submission. Colleen grabs Braddock and counters into a samoan drop.

Sharper: “And driving the air out. Samoan drop. Braddock now breathing deep.”

Knots: “And Collene made sure to get that in there. Just drove her shoulders into her.”

Colleen makes her way back up first, followed by Braddock. She throws right hands, backing Glory up against the ropes. She whips her into the ropes and then slams Braddock down with a spine buster. Colleen with a big splash. She covers…

1…

2…Kickout!

Colleen pulls Braddock back to her feet. She whips her into the ropes and then delivers a high back body drop. Braddock scrambles back to her feet but Colleen drops her with a huge lariat. Glory again scrambles back to her feet but Colleen puts her down with a spear. Colleen with another cover…

1…

2…Kickout!

Sharper: “And only two again. Colleen just keeping the advantage.”

Knots: “And making sure breathing is something Glory regrets doing!”

Colleen hoists Glory up into the air with a gorilla press and then drops her onto the mat with a slam. Colleen pulls Braddock back to her feet and goes for an Irish whip but Glory reverses. Glory lowers her head too early and Colleen telegraphs it, going for a kick, but Braddock catches the foot and then snaps off a dragon screw. Braddock immediately takes back hold of the leg and locks in the Indian deathlock variant she calls Glorify Thy Name.

Sharper: “Back to a hold! Glorify Thy Name!”

Knots: “And Colleen better figure something out! Braddock has been working over that leg!”

Macdonald still won’t give up but her leg, the leg Glory worked on earlier, is in obvious pain. Glory wrenches in the hold even tighter as Colleen uses her strength to claw towards the bottom rope. Eventually she does reach the bottom rope to force a break. Braddock breaks the hold but drags her back out to the center and tries to lock the hold in again but Colleen counters with a small package…

1…

2…

…3NO!

Braddock pops back up. Colleen gets back up. Glory goes for Gloria In Excelsis Deo, the code breaker, but Colleen hangs onto the top rope and keeps from falling down. Colleen pulls Braddock back to her feet, hoists her up onto her shoulder, and then delivers a running power slam. Colleen then takes her by her legs and slingshots her into the turnbuckle. Glory staggers out of the corner and Colleen takes her and drives her to the mat with a belly to belly suplex.

Sharper: “Oh! Taking her over! The belly to belly!”

Knots: “And planted her! And she’s not done!”

Colleen pulls Glory back to her feet and sets her up and drops her with a power bomb. Colleen with a jackknife cover…

1…

2…

…3NO!

Colleen is showing signs of frustration. She pulls Braddock back up and goes for another power bomb. But Glory counters with Gloria In Excelsis Deo! Glory uses the ropes to slowly pull herself up. She then goes to the second rope and waits as Colleen pulls herself up and turns around. Braddock leaps off with Prankster’s Paradise, the blockbuster, but Colleen steps to the side! Braddock misses the mark! Colleen with a seated senton to Braddock!

Sharper: “Colleen drives herself into Braddock!”

Knots: “Stay on her. Don’t get up!”

Colleen drags Braddock over to the corner. She goes up to the middle rope and attempts a vader bomb, but the crowd roars as we see Kimberly Williams fighting her way through the crowd and with WASLEY in her hands. She turns and throws WASLEY up, but it misses the ringpost. Colleen yells at her as Kim then starts to walk over to the ring. The official tells her to get away from the ring. Kim tries to hop up as Colleen turns and swings at her. Kim drops down as she loses her footing on the apron. Colleen keeps following her before Colleen turns around to Braddock who jumps up and locks in the Shekhinah Glory!

Sharper: “Kim causing a ruckus. And just like last week, but Colleen! Right into the Shekinah Glory!”

Knots: “And Kim has wanted to get her hands on her and…she’s not done!”

Braddock wrenches the hold in tight, hoping for a submission, but Colleen won’t give in. Colleen struggles to get to the ropes. She is fingertips away. But Glory Braddock loosens it enough to drag her back to the center and then reapplying it. Colleen keeps fighting but, eventually, she seems to fall limp. The referee checks. The referee rings the bell. Kim meanwhile ignores this, pulling out a bed of nails!

Phillips: “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, GLORY BRADDOCK!”

Sharper: “Braddock has won. She has won and Colleen MacDonald! She’s passed out to the Shekinah Glory!”

Knots: “Timing not best for her. What the hell is that?! This isn’t a circus? A freakshow?!”

Sharper: “My God…that’s a board of nails! A bed of nails!”

The crowd roars as Kim then lifts it up and slides it into the ring. Glory just looks at this as Colleen remains down. Kim then gives her a thumbs up as Kim turns and heads over and takes a microphone from Phillips. Kim turns and rolls into the ring.

Kim: “Thanks Glory! That’s what family’s for!”

Glory just looks at Colleen and then Kim. Kim ignores Glory as Glory then exits the ring and starts to head to the back, not wanting to be further involved.

Kim: “So! Colleen! Come on! Wake-y wake-y. Just your violent bloodmonger here. You know…since you’re telling ME how my division is run!”

Kim laughs.

Kim: “And after last week, do you really want to piss off a psychotic?!”

Kim then looks at Colleen as she starts to come to. Colleen squints, wincing in pain.

Kim: “I hope you don’t mind I brought some props tonight, because since you want to run your mouth and act like you know all things Underground, I thought I’d tell you that until you prove yourself to me, I don’t respect a damn thing you stand for. I just see a fat-assed one-trick pony that got lucky one night. And this isn’t your crappy game show on public access. Oh no, you’re apparently now the soul of SCW. Well if that’s the case, no wonder your Underground Division sucks!”

The crowd roars. Colleen grabs at the ropes.

Kim: “See, you want to just fight. And that’s fine. Brawling, that’s part of the Underground, but so is so much more. It’s about the creativity…the chaos…not being boring. And well, while you come to terms with your teenage angst over your body…I’m going to reintroduce you to what you’re REALLY in for at Retribution! Because all bets are off now Colleen! I had the chance to put Syren down and stand over her yet again, and AGAIN making her pay for what she put my family through years ago. See, I don’t forget. And Colleen, you got involved and you wanted me at my most violent…Well, Colleen…ABRACADABRA, the ASS of SCW is going to be kicked by a crazy woman with a BED OF NAILS!”

Colleen pulls herself up and then Kim grabs her, but Colleen elbows her in the jaw once and then again and again before Kim reaches up and rakes her eyes. Colleen turns and Kim then scoops her up for a back suplex only to then throw her forward and drop her ass first into the bed of nails. The crowd ohs as Colleen grimaces in pain. Kim then leans over and pushes down on her shoulders, causing the nails to grind into her more.

Sharper: “My God! Colleen slammed on those nails!”

Knots: “And Kim is now grinding her into it!”

Colleen swats her off after Kim rubs it into a bit more. Colleen turns a bit and grimaces as Kim then nails her with a superkick to the side of the head. Colleen falls over and onto the nails before rolling to the mat. Kim then walks around before grabbing the microphone.

Kim: “Be careful what you wish for Colleen…because you’re now on the full training course and I don’t hold back!”

Kim throws the microphone down on Colleen before stepping back as “Patient Number 9” plays throughout the arena.

Sharper: “Kim with an attack only Kim could come up with! And Colleen just getting a taste of what she’s unleashed!”

Knots: “And she had to poke the bear. She had to poke the bear!”

Kim turns and steps through the ropes and drops down to grab WASLEY. She then starts to walk around the ring as Colleen grimaces in pain. The cameras remain on Colleen starting to stir as the scene cuts away.

The scene opens up in the locker room of the Phantom Troupe. We see David Striker throwing some strikes as Irvine holds a pad up. He gets a good shot in before stopping as Dumont heads over. Kyle Gibson is with him.

Dumont: “You ready?”

Striker: “Oh hell yeah. If I can’t touch them outside of a match. Trust me, I’m getting my money’s worth tonight. Aries. Creek. I don’t care. I’m going full bore and I’m going to have a blast!”

Dumont: “Good…I’m hoping Billy is out there. I think he and I have some unfinished business.”

Striker: “He’s walking so of course it is.”

Gibson: “Is he really that screwed up?”

Dumont: “Trust me. Whether it’s him being tough, or something else, I don’t care. To pull all that, and slap everyone who cares in their face with that crap, and with everything he tried to pull…he’s the reason we even lost. I’m not okay with that. I’m going for blood at some point.”

Striker: “Just like me and Aries. I want that shot.”

Dumont: “Then you take your tonight. I find mine soon.”

Dumont and Striker fist pump one another as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Breakdown returns to ringside as we cut to the announce table to see Adam Sharper alongside Jonathan Knots.

Sharper: “Folks before Kemal Yilmaz is in action here, last week, Josh Hudson challenges Konrad Raab. He even called him a coward. Raab, he’s currently involved in his racing season on the weekends.”

Knots: “Maybe he needs to focus.”

Sharper: “He’s enjoying his life, Jon.”

Knots: “You weren’t saying that when he was taking a blowtorch to Xander Valentine!”

Sharper: “Well, that was different.”

Knots: “NASCAR is a gateway drug to arson.”

Sharper: “Sure, Jon…Konrad Raab had this to say.”

The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen as we see Konrad Raab pull up in his race car at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. He stops and then pulls his helmet off before pulling himself out of the car. He then steps out as his crew members come over to check on the car. Raab steps up and walks right up to the camera.

Konrad: “So Josh, you want to call me a coward simply because I happen to have a life outside of the ring. Do you want me to call you out for being married to Bree and having kids? Then again, you’ve wanted to make this personal for some time. You think I shouldn’t be here. You think I’m a waste of a roster spot. You think that I’m just a joke because I happen to prefer to throw down instead of technically wrestle. Well, Josh, I introduced you to my realm in MY home country and I left you crying like a bitch when I drove you into that barbed wire and made you feel it tear on your flesh!”

Konrad pauses briefly.

Konrad: “And you didn’t like it. Because you think you should be above it all. I heard everything you said about me. You wanted your spot because you went home and realized you had nothing left. And you came in lording over everyone. Well your decision is what brought us to clash with one another. And if you want to face me at Retribution, Josh…I will be HAPPY to meet you in San Antonio and I will spill your blood all over that ring and I will make you eat your words. I will make you eat your arrogance. I will never be treated like you talked last week. Not anymore. Not after the Jackals and I will make your REGRET not staying home, retired, wasting away, like you damn well should have. You will burn in blood at my hands, Josh. And I will love every minute of it!”

Raab is seething as some members of his crew even watch him, concerned. Raab backs up and looks around as we see several other people in the background looking on, concerned. Raab then turns and looks around before heading off camera. The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen.

We return to a live shot.

Knots: “So, uh…Josh…you ready for it?!”

Sharper: “Raab with a fiery, driven promo. Josh touched a nerve and well, we know since the Jackals, Raab hasn’t wanted to be overlooked, or disrespected so blatantly…and Josh did just that.”

Kemal Yilmaz vs. Diamond Steele

Wasteland by Pentagram, aka Mezarkabul, plays over the sound system as Kemal, wearing the black and red venom mask comes through the curtain, holding up his Turkey flag, wearing Turkey flame flag shorts with The European Fiery Nation logo attached to his shorts, wearing MMA gloves and wrestling boots with Ginny Raab behind him. He gets many boos as he walks to the ring, ignoring the fans.

Phillips: “From Istanbul, Turkey, accompanied by Ginny Raab, he is Kemal Yilmaz!”

He jumps up to the ring and gets underneath the ropes before holding them open for Ginny to get in, and he raises his fist in the air, looking at the crowd with Ginny applauding Kemal before he puts himself in a corner. He holds the ropes open again for Ginny to leave the ring before turning to the opposite end of the corner of looking at his opponent, waiting for the match to begin.

Sharper: “Kemal Yilmaz of MMA fame is here to stay in SCW, and Jonathan, he may not have a lot of professional wrestling experience, but he’s as dangerous as they come.”

Knots: “This Yilmaz is really something. He’s got a killer instinct that the Charlotte Hornets wished they had. If they had what Kemal’s got, maybe they’d be somewhere near the playoffs, Sharper.”

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 along with her husband Teddy Steele emerging from the curtain. She has a microphone in her hands sings as loudly as she can to the sound of roaring cheers. Kate smirks as she just sings loudly which results in even more cheers. 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 who cheers louder than before. 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. Teddy begins to clap excitedly for his wife as he tries to get the crowd involved.

Sharper: “Diamond Steele is a tough athlete, but really has her hands full here tonight. She’s giving up some size, she’s giving up some fighting experience. We’ll see what she can do to combat the gifted grappler from Turkey.”

Knots: “This is a battle between two international superstars. Hailing from England, Diamond Steele really hasn’t been able to find her footing, and you have to think in some way that has something to do with that god awful music she comes out to.”

Sharper: “I don’t think that’s sound analysis at all.”

Knots: “Maybe that’s because you’re aging out of touch.”

The referee calls for the ball and we’re underway. Collar and elbow tie up with Kemal slipping behind and taking Diamond’s leg out from underneath her with an arm sweep. Diamond hits the mat and Kemal jumps right on top, synching in an arm bar. Diamond grabs on with her wrist and tries not to allow Kemal to control of her arm. She rolls out of the arm bar attempt, forcing Kemal to break his hold of her arm. Kemal back on the offensive with a rear waist lock. Diamond scampers to her feet, but Kemal grabs the arm again and executes an over the shoulder judo throw. Diamond lands with a thud and holds her back as Kemal follows up with a rear chin lock. Kemal pulls her towards the middle of the ring and wraps his legs around Diamond’s waist. Kemal throws a well-placed elbow into the side of Diamond’s head and attempts a rear naked choke, which Diamond pushes off by blocking her throat with her hands. Diamond throws her head back once, then again into Kemal, knocking him in the face and forcing the break.

Sharper: “Diamond Steele with a few well placed headbutts there to Kemal Yilmaz, and I don’t care how tough you are, that’s going to break up any hold.”

Knots: “That’s what they call using your head, Sharper, and if I were Diamond Steele I would continue to do those little things she can do to get the upper hand. That whole exchange was almost all Kemal.”

Kemal gets up and attempts a short arm clothesline, which Diamond ducks and heads to the ropes. She leaps onto the second rope, then springboards back into a flying cross body that wipes Yilmaz out! Right into the cover!

Ref: 1!

T– Kickout By Yilmaz. Diamond Steele tumbles off. Yilmaz to his feet before he’s greeting with a stiff kick by Steele, then another with the opposite foot. The top of her foot connects with Kemal’s chest. Kemal doubles over as Steele kicks him in the chest again, sending him upright. Diamond Steele with a hard elbow now that further staggers Yilmaz into the corner. Diamond charges in with a Yakuza kick into the corner, but Kemal grabs the leg before she can make contact and comes out of the corner with Diamond’s leg neatly wound up in a knee bar! Diamond screams out for help as Kemal wrenches on the knee before Diamond is finally able to make the bottom rope.

Sharper: “The MMA background and cat quickness of Kemal Yilmaz almost caught Diamond Steele in the early goings here. I can’t believe how fast he applied that kneebar, Knots!”

Knots: “He went from almost getting his head kicked off into almost pulling Diamond Steele’s leg off, and it happened just like that. If she’s not careful, Kemal is going to catch it again and next time she’s not gonna be so lucky!”

The referee forces the break. Kemal wastes no time with a well placed stomp to the ribs of Diamond Steele, who tries to catch her breath. Yilmaz now helping Diamond to her feet before hooking her in aggressively, hoisting her up, and driving her into the mat with a vertical suplex. He maintains control and hoists her up again before delivering another vertical suplex! And then, one last time, he brings her up and drives her down again with the same move before letting go and rolling into a lateral press!

Ref: 1!

2!

Kickout by Diamond, who rolls over, holding her back, with Kemal wasting little time maintaining control by mounting Diamond with some stuff forearm shots before the referee calls him off.

Sharper: “Those vertical suplexes completed with the kind of precision that would indicate he’s been doing this for longer than just under a year, and then taking some liberties with those vicious shots to the head of Diamond Steele.”

Knots: “I gotta tell you, Sharper, I really like this Yilmaz! I have a feeling that under Konrad Raab’s tutelage, he could have one hell of a future!”

Kemal back onto the offensive now, pushing Diamond into the corner. He sends Diamond across the ring with an Irish Whip and charges after. When Diamond reaches the far corner, she propels herself off the second rope with a backflip! Kemal charges in but finds nothing waiting. It’s Diamond Steele off the ropes now, flying off the ropes with a high-flying shoulder tackle to Yilmaz’ face! Kemal drops, but hurries to his feet. Disoriented, he looks for Diamond but finds himself leveled by a spinning heel kick! Diamond back into the corner now! She sizes Yilmaz up and charges in looking for a spinning back elbow, but Yilmaz catches her! He lifts her up for a German suplex, but Diamond holds on, legs wrapped around Kemal’s waist, then athletically propels herself up, turning and delivering a front face buster from the crowd that draws a pop! She makes a cover and hooks both legs as Ginny looks nervous on the outside!

Ref: 1!

Thr–NO! Kemal gets his shoulder up. He rolls over and holds his face as Diamond can’t believe that Kemal escaped the predicament!

Sharper: “All of that early offense by Kemal, and in the end it’s Yilmaz that has to weather a flurry from Diamond!”

Knots: “I’d hate to say it given my very real hatred for her entrance music, but that was really an incredible maneuver by Diamond Steele.”

Sharper: “Once again, not relevant, but okay.”

Diamond Steele begins to creep behind Yilmaz, who stirs and slowly starts to get to his feet. She stalks behind slowly, and when Yilmaz is up, she attempts a Koji Cutter! But Yilmaz hangs on, tucks Diamond’s head into reverse DDT position before driving her down across the top of his knee! The crowd oh’s as Diamond is held in the same position before Yilmaz delivers a reverse DDT! Yilmaz immediately transitions into the Turkish Acid Cross! Diamond is barely with it, but after a few seconds, grimace plastered across her face, she has no choice but to limply tap out!

Sharper: “It’s over! Yilmaz has won with that crossface arm bar! Diamond Steele had nowhere to go!”

Ginny Raab claps as she rolls into the ring as “Wasteland” hits the PA. Yilmaz lets go of the hold and stands up, the referee attempting to raise his hand in victory. Yilmaz pulls it away as Ginny instead steps forward to raise his hand.

Phillips: “Your winner, by submission….KEMAL…YILMAAAAAZ!”

Knots: “Konrad Raab has welcomed an incredible weapon into his group, Sharper. Diamond Steele never stood a chance!”

Kemal looks down on Diamond, who recovers as Ginny motions for him to follow out of the ring.

CHBK is talking to Lucas Knight and Knight starts to leave the locker room when we see Ryan Lyman walking into the office. The crowd boos as CHBK looks up.

CHBK: “I assume you’re Ryan.”

Ryan: “No…I’m the new Simon Lyman. The one that is going to surpass the shell of the old one.”

CHBK: “Why are you here?”

Ryan: “You have a chance to solve a problem you have. You hate my brother. Come on…”

CHBK: “You piledrove him. And you know his medical history-“

Ryan: “And yet he thinks he can fight me! The stupid bastard doesn’t realize he should have just stayed locked away and he could at least live vicariously through me. Instead, the dumb bastard is screwing around and pretending he’s something…”

CHBK: “So why are you here? I don’t really need to hear you vent.”

Ryan: “Simon wants it. I want it. I want this over. Retribution…”

CHBK looks at Ryan.

Ryan: “Amy can try to talk him out of it, but I know one thing about my brother. He won’t give up because he doesn’t realize he’s already lost. Give him his fighting chance.”

CHBK: “There’s no way that I can sanction this…I won’t sanction it.”

Ryan sighs and goes to turn.

CHBK: “But I won’t stop it.”

CHBK looks at Ryan. He then stands up.

CHBK: “Because I may not fully know what your brother really is going through. I do know what it’s like to have someone try to take my career from me. When I saw him on that stretcher, I saw me many years earlier. You want to end this…be careful what you wish for. You have it…Lyman and Lyman…unsanctioned….at Retribution.”

Lyman smiles.

Ryan: “Thank you…I won’t regret a damn thing.”

Ryan then turns and smiles, leaving the office as the scene cuts away.

COMMERCIALS

Xander Valentine & David Striker vs. Waylon Creek & Giovanni Aries

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.”

“Some are born to kill

Others are born to run

Some need to keep on takin'

Till you ain't got none”

“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, the SCW World Championship sits over his shoulder. 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 and throws his arm up into the air.

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall with TV time remaining and is your main event of the evening. First, fighting out of Fort Collins, Colorado… from Rochester, New York… he is the 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)

Xander leaps up onto the apron in a single bound. 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. He hands off the World Championship.

Sharper: “Waylon Creek to clash with Xander Valentine at Retribution. Creek using Billy Heaven Jr.’s Trios contract to get this match. Retribution could be a big night. And we’ve already heard from Xander.”

Knots: “Xander said Creek reminds him of him. But Xander’s not yet ready for Waylon to surpass him.”

“I hope you suffer” by AFI plays as the crowd roars. We see David Striker walk out from the back, joined by Chris Dumont, Irvine, and Kyle Gibson. Striker looks around before spinning around and then starting to head to the ring.

Phillips: “His partner, accompanied by the Phantom Troupe, from Cameron, North Carolina!”

The crowd cheers loudly.

Phillips: “He is a member of the Dangerous Minds, Bam Bam, David Striker!”

Striker storms to the ring, the Troupe following him. He runs over to the ring and hops onto the apron. He then looks around at his home state crowd. He then steps into the ring and runs across to the opposite corner and throws his arms up in the air. He looks around some more before hopping down. He then starts to pace in the ring, almost ignoring Xander’s presence.

Sharper: “Striker about to compete where he calls home-“

Knots: “And he’s already ready to fight. He’s focused on the entrance. He does realize this is a tag match, even if it’s not with Dumont?”

“I am Damnation” by Bleed from Within plays as the crowd roars and then boos. The lights dim into read as we see William Heaven walk out from the back, joined by Giovanni Aries and Waylon Creek. James Evans saunters out too. They stand on the stage, looking down at the ring.

Phillips: “And their opponents, accompanied by William Heaven and James Evans, representing the Fall of Man, they are the team of Giovanni Aries and Waylon Creek!”

Creek and Aries head to the ring. Aries looks right at Striker as he takes a drag of his cigarette and blows the smoke out in the air. Creek continues to head to the ring while Heaven and Evans follow from behind. They reach the ring and Creek walks up the steel steps as Aries rolls into the ring. Creek walks along the apron as Striker runs over and nails Aries with a hard right and then another and another. The bell sounds.

Sharper: “Fall of Man at ringside and Striker, aggressive as always. He’s going right after Aries!”

Knots: “He gets his shot him and he’s going to make sure he gets the best of it.”

Sharper: “And the state of North Carolina is behind him!”

Striker then turns and nails Creek with one. Creek falls off the apron, but lands on his feet. Striker then turns and nails Aries with a kick and then another. Xander and Creek lock eyes as Xander exits the ring. Striker then pushes Aries into the neutral corner. Aries tries to grab at him, but Striker keeps the aggression going and drives his shoulder into the ribs of Aries once and then again and again. He then steps back and grabs Aries and whips him across the ring. Aries hits the corner and runs out and Striker drills him with a forearm strike. Aries hits the mat and Striker then hits the Viva la BAM! He goes for the pin.

Aries kicks out. Aries rolls over and moves to the neutral corner as Striker follows out only for Creek to grab him and pull him to the floor. The crowd boos as Creek then turns and throws Striker into the barricade. The crowd ohs. Striker falls to the mats. Xander watches as Creek turns and heads over to the Fall of Man corner.

Sharper: “And just like that! Creek grabbing Striker and throwing him into the barricade.”

Knots: “Creek just stopping it just like that. And here comes Aries!”

Aries rolls to the floor and heads over to Striker. The crowd boos as Aries drops to his knees and hammers away on Striker. (1) Striker overs up as Aries then starts to choke him. (2) Aries looks down at him and yells gibberish at him before then pulling away.(3) Striker coughs as Dumont yells at Xander. Xander ignores him. (4) Aries then grabs Striker and rolls him into the ring. Aries rolls in after and then runs over and hits a knee drop before then kneeing dropping his side and getting up and stepping over him and tagging in Creek. The crowd boos as Creek enters and Striker rolls over and Creek runs up and nails him in the ribs with a hard right and then another. He then throws him into the corner.

Sharper: “And Creek continuing this onslaught. Aries is off the wall. Creek will just bruise you.”

Knots: “And Xander stoically just watching. This isn’t like the Dangerous Minds. There’s not the same chemistry.”

Sharper: “And Chris Dumont is speaking right to Xander. Trying to get him to just intervene here. Just like Creek did.”

Creek then nails Striker with a hard right and then another before pushing him down and nailing him with repeated hard right hands .Striker is in a seated position as Creek hammers away.

Creek steps back and turns and runs at Xander, but Xander blocks the hard right and nails him with one. The crowd erupts as Creek staggers and then looks up at Xander. Creek steps up and looks right in Xander’s face. The two stand face to face, Xander still on the apron, while Creek stands in the ring.

Sharper: “Creek went to send a message. Xander has been laser-focused!”

Knots: “And that’s why he didn’t move. He let Creek come to him and he just checked him!”

Creek then is suddenly turned by Striker who kicks him in the ribs. He then hits a sweep kick before jumping up and hitting a double stomp. The crowd roars as Striker walks around the ring and then runs over and nails Aries with a hard right for good measure. Creek rolls over as Striker turns back and then goes to Xander and tags him in. He points at Creek. Xander steps into the ring. The crowd roars as Xander steps up and Striker exits the ring. Xander grabs Creek and drags him up before Aries rolls into the ring and runs over and nails Xander in the side. The crowd boos as Aries nails Xander with a hard right and then another and another. He goes to whip Xander into the ropes. Xander spins through and sends Aries in. Aries bounces off and Xander hits a boot to the face. Aries hits the mat and rolls out of the way. Xander then turns to find Creek, but Creek then grabs him and bends him over before pumphandling him up and slamming him! The crowd roars.

Sharper: “My God! Just manhandling the Executioner!”

Knots: “No hesitation. He just hoisted him up and drove him down!”

Creek hooks the leg.

Striker runs over and breaks it up. The crowd roars as Striker rolls off. Creek rolls over and starts to stir as Striker then kicks him in the chest hard once and then again and again. Creek looks at him before Striker hits a straight boot to the face. Creek falls back. Striker turns around and Aries hoists him up and then spins around in an airplane spin. The official tries to regain some control, but Aries ignores him before dropping Striker with the Annunnaki Annihilator. The crowd ohs. Striker falls back. Aries then gets up as Xander is back on his feet and Aries spins around and right into Xander who catches him by the throat.

Sharper: “Xander! Caught him! Goozle!”

Knots: “Demitra is having to work overtime just for anyone to hear him! They’re just going right at it!”

Xander then hoists Aries up and drives him down with a chokeslam. Xander then steps forward before turning around and Creek takes him down with a huge spear. The crowd erupts. The crowd ohs. Creek rolls through from the impact.

Sharper: “Oh! Oh! What a spear!”

Knots: “And he just took Xander off his feet and huge!”

Sharper: “And he cut clean through him!”

Creek turns and crawls over and hooks the leg.

Xander kicks out. Xander then turns and rolls to his side as Creek looks over at him. Creek then starts to get up as Xander rolls to his hands and knees. Creek walks over and clubs him in the back once and then again and again. He then pulls him up before turning and bending him over for another pumphandle. He hoists him up, but this time, Xander slides through. Creek turns around and Xander scoops him up and onto his shoulder and hits a powerslam. Xander goes for the pin.

Giovanni Aries breaks it up. Xander rolls over as Giovanni then turns and stomps him in the face.

Sharper: “Aries again!”

Knots: “Demitra…just call it. Let them fight!”

Sharper: “Demitra trying to keep this under control. Aries now like a feral dog on Xander.”

Giovanni drops to his knees and hammers away on Xander again. He then pulls himself up and turns around only for Striker to kick him in the ribs before jumping to the ropes and diving back with the Black Meteor. The crowd ohs. Striker rolls over and turns and Creek runs at him and drills him with a vicious clothesline, sending Striker up and over the top rope to the floor. Striker lands hard and rolls to the barricade. The Phantom Troupe looks on as Creek glances at them and then backs up and turns around and Xander stands there. Creek then goes for a hard right, but Xander again blocks it and nails him with a hard right. Creek turns and Xander spins him around before pulling his head back. He then locks in the Fade to Black. The crowd erupts.

Sharper: “Fade to Black! Xander has it in!”

Knots: “And Creek may be about to sleep!”

Xander pulls back, wide-eyed. The crowd roars before suddenly, Creek reaches up and digs his fingers into the throat of Xander. Xander’s eyes close a bit as Creek locks in the Canary!

Sharper: “Creek!”

Knots: “The Canary! He’s countering with the Canary!”

Sharper: “Both paralyzing moves. Creek countering with the Canary. In this tit for tat!”

Creek keeps the hold on as Xander refuses to let go. Xander’s legs wobble as Creek collapses a bit. Xander falls to a knee with him. The crowd looks on as the Xander and Creek both refuse to break it. They then both fall to the side. Demitra checks on both as both let go at this point. Xander ends up on his back as Creek ends up on his side.

Creek rolls over as Xander stirs too. He rolls over and reaches up and Striker tags himself in. Creek starts to get up and Striker enters and runs over and clubs him in the bkac once and then again and again and again. The crowd roars as Striker then grabs Creek and pulls him back and goes for a sleeper. The crowd erupts. Creek reaches out as Striker tries to get it synched in. Creek staggers, but remains on his feet before Striker jumps on his back. Aries, however, enters the ring and rolls over and gets up and runs over and grabs Striker and just pulls him down. The crowd ohs. The official, Demitra, gets Aries back. Striker rolls over and turns and runs at Aries and clocks him with a hard right. Striker turns around and right into Creek who locks in the Canary!

Sharper: “Creek shaking off Striker. Aries providing the opening! And Striker!”

Knots: “He’s fighting. He always fights! But Creek always overcomes!”

Creek pushes Striker back. Striker struggles as his shoulders are pushed to the mat, as Creek keeps the Canary locked in.

The bell sounds. Creek lets go and Xander then pulls himself up. Creek rolls out of the ring. Heaven just smiles as James Evans joins Giovanni Aries who cackles. Striker turns, coughing, Dumont enters the ring and runs over to check on his friend and partner. Xander looks at Creek. Creek has his arm raised by Heaven.

Phillips: “Here are your winners, via pinfall, Waylon Creek and Giovanni Aries!”

Sharper: “Aries and Creek win it. Creek with the Canary!”

Knots: “He got Striker down, but he didn’t quite get Xander down! That’s what’s going to matter at Retribution!”

Sharper: “And Xander knows it. Creek better too.”

Creek turns back and looks in the ring as Xander looks at him. Striker reaches out, still wanting to fight, coughing as Dumont tells him to relax. Aries smirks as Evans just walks back with Heaven and the scene slowly fades to black…