“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:

 

LAST WEEK:

We open up with a shot of the steel cage around the ring and see Light in the Darkness in the ring before cutting to show Waylon Creek and Giovanni Aries arriving at the cage. We then see shots of Creek mauling La Pequena Luz and Amelia Nevado before showing Amelia hitting European uppercuts on Aries and Luz hitting a leg lariat to Creek. We then see a shot of both members of the Light in the Darkness hitting a double enziguri on Creek, before showing Aries choking on Luz before showing Creek swinging Amelia on his shoulders, catching Luz in the head with Amelia’s boots. We then see Luz hitting the Caer del Cielo off the top of the cage on Creek and Aries, before showing Amelia locking in a crossface chickenwing on Aries. We then cut to see Creek clotheslining Luz before showing David Striker crawling out from under the ring.

 

Sharper: “Oh my God! It’s David Striker!”

 

Knots: “What? Was he under the ring?”

 

Sharper: “Yes he was. And Heaven alone at ringside!”

 

Knots: “Don’t you touch him. What about what happened to Chris Dumont? Charges are still pending!”

 

We then see Irvine and Kyle Gibson hop the guardrail before we see Chris Dumont crawl out on the other side of Heaven. Heaven looks around, his eyes widening as Chris Dumont starts to get up and stands behind him. Striker smirks, stretching his arm before pointing behind him. Heaven turns around. The crowd roars as James Evans then runs out from the back with some members of security. He jogs down and runs around the ring. Security starts to go over as Chris Dumont starts to advance on Heaven. Heaven backs up as Creek grabs at the cage and looks at him. Amelia meanwhile hits a European uppercut on Aries and then grabs him. He goes to lift him up before running him into Creek. Luz stirs as Evans runs around and Striker turns to him and Evans nails Striker with a hard right. Dumont, Gibson and Irvine then start to move forward as Dumont goes for Heaven. Security however gets between him and Heaven, pushing him back to the cage. Creek then grabs Dumont by the hair through the cage. Amelia kicks at him as Luz grabs Aries. She whips Aries into the corner as Creek then turns and shoves Amelia back into Luz. Both go down. Creek stirs as the crowd erupts in cheers as Xander Valentine storms out from the back. He takes his sling and rips it off, throwing it into the crowd before storming the ring. Heaven is backed up by security as they keep Irvine, Gibson, and Dumont away from him. Evans gets another shot in on Striker as Striker grabs at him before officials get between them. Evans then turns as Xander Valentine runs for the cage. The official goes to stop him, but Xander throws him down before grabbing the door of the cage. He grabs it and shakes it once and then twice before pulling it right off its hinges!

 

Sharper: “My God! Xander! With one arm! He pulled that door right off its hinges!”

 

Knots: “Evans is running around! Stop him! Security has the Troupe. They should all be arrested!”

 

Xander throws the door down. Evans runs around and Xander enters the ring. Creek gets up as Xander then lunges and goes for a running boot, but Creek ducks and Xander catches Amelia. The crowd ohs and Xander turns before Creek hits the ropes, bouncing off and hits a spear, nailing Xander right in his left arm as he brings it down and driving Xander down. Xander rolls over, grabbing his injured shoulder. Luz then then grabs Creek, but just then, Aries, who had bee thrown to the corner had climbed up to the top rope and hits the Death to the Lizard Kingdom. Luz goes down. Aries turns and hooks the leg. James stands at the door of the cage smiling.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

The crowd boos as the bell sounds.

 

Phillips: “Here are your winners, via pinfall, and STILL SCW World Tag Team Champions, The Fall of Man!”

 

Knots: “Yes!”

 

Sharper: “Xander Valentine driven by bloodlust. He went right for Creek, but everything went wrong for Xander. And then the Light in the Darkness caught in the middle!”

 

Knots: “While the Phantom Troupe are still threatening Heaven. Dumont keeps telling him he’s going to get him.”

 

Heaven backs up to James Evans as Evans stands behind him before moving forward. Dumont keeps yelling at Heaven, held back by security. Aries then gets up as Creek turns and looks at Xander, down, clutching his arm, in pain. The scene fades out.

 

EARLIER TODAY:

We see a shot of Xander Valentine walking into the building, his gear over his shoulder as he slowly walks over to the talent entrance in the O2 Arena.

 

Sharper: “Last week, Xander Valentine too overzealous. Wanting revenge against Waylon Creek and in the process, arguably cost the Light in the Darkness their Tag Team Championship rematch.”

 

Knots: “Arguably?!”

 

Sharper: “Xander Valentine arriving and I’m sure we’ll hear from him. Breakdown coming from London, England! Here we go!”

 

The scene cuts out.

 

“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 the Fall of Man standing tall. 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 O2 Arena in London, England. 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: “Breakdown comes to you from across the pond. We are with you in London, England!”

 

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

 

Sharper: “Welcome to ringside. Adam Sharper here with Jonathan Knots, as per usual.”

 

Knots: “Can’t I get someone new? Where’s Jessica Winters? She still off?”

 

Sharper: “You’re stuck with me but you all, at home, and here in London, we have hall of fame talent on display. We have a rowdy British crowd. And tonight, we’ll see Selena Frost in action against Colleen MacDonald. Syren will face Dante Slayton. Glory Braddock will face off against Kemal Yilmaz and so much more.”

 

Knots: “But the question I have – what is Xander Valentine thinking? He cost Light in the Darkness the Tag Team Championship after getting riled by Waylon Creek. And then he got creamed. Not the start for post-World Title life for him. But James Evans is on cloud nine and-“

 

“Hero” by Skillet then starts to play. The crowd roars.

 

Sharper: “And wait a minute. This is a shock. Simon Lyman! He’s in London!”

 

A few moments pass before Simon Lyman walks out from the back, cane in his hand. He takes a few steps out, joined by Amy Chastaine. He looks out at the London crowd and smiles before raising his arms in the air. They cheer him as Amy Chastaine says something to Simon. Simon chuckles back before starting to make his way to the ring. Amy Chastaine follows him down to the ring as Simon Lyman uses his cane to steady himself. He gets closer to the ring and walks over to the steel steps. He climbs up and steps onto the apron. He then steps into the ring. Amy Chastaine follows him and walks around the ring. He then goes over to the corner and asks for a microphone. SCW ring announcer Jason Phillips hands him one. Simon Lyman takes it and walks over to the middle of the ring. Amy Chastaine looks around as Simon turns to the crowd. The music fades out as a “Simon!” chant begins.

 

Simon: “London, it’s always great to be here.”

 

Simon looks around as Simon walks around the ring. The crowd cheers.

 

Simon: “Although, I’m here not just for this experience, but it seems like someone won’t move on!”

 

Simon looks around as the Simon chants starts to turn into a singing chant, “Hey-ey Amy! I wanna know if you be my girl!” Amy just chuckles and looks around and Simon stops, listening before shrugging and turning to Amy.

 

Simon: “Of course we should give it up for Amy! Although I may have something to say about the chant!”

 

The crowd cheers as Simon looks around.

 

Simon: “I’m sure Amy has something to say about this too, but last week, it looks like someone tried to put a hit out on little old me!”

 

Simon looks around as the crowd boos.

 

Simon: “Yeah! I know! After I kicked his ass at Retribution. After I put all of his insults and attacks on me…after he tried to usurp me…Ryan…this is now a new low!”

 

Simon looks at the camera.

 

Simon: “Going to Fall of Man and saying they should pre-emptively come after me. Look, I made a goal after I beat you at Retribution. I put YOU behind me. Something you’d be well-served to yourself, Ryan. I’ve exposed you for who you really are – a lying, manipulative, pathetic man and one who will NEVER carry the Lyman name with more integrity than I. To claim I am weak for the cards I have dealt when I stand here…in London, England, with a woman I love….trying to rebuild the damage you’ve done. And in that, I may have shot for the moon. Yeah, I said I have my eyes of trying to finally win the SCW World Championship.”

 

Simon pauses as the crowd roars.

 

Simon: “I wasn’t sure how that was going to happen. If it’s going to happen. Just last week…Glory Braddock…”

 

The crowd roars.

 

Simon: “Syren!”

 

More cheers.

 

Simon: “Meghan Strader!”

 

The crowd gives a more mixed response.

 

Simon: “She’s from the other London…”

 

Simon smirks as he walks around the ring.

 

Simon: “I could keep going…they all said they have their focus on the World Title. Selena Frost!”

 

The crowd boos loudly as Simon looks around. Amy smirks.

 

Simon: “I know the competition is fierce, but Ryan, if you are so demanding of me getting my ass kicked by James Evans, but the title’s on the line, well I’m not going to run and hide. I know I’m on more than borrowed time and damn it, if the Fall of Man sees me as an enemy, as a problem, especially as they go after a place I’ve called home for over a decade, then I’m standing right here!”

 

The crowd cheers.

 

Simon: “I’m not going to hard to find. So Fall of Man, if you’re coming for me, let’s just get it out in the open. Find me backstage. March out right now. I came to London, because I’m not hiding, and at the same time, well, no time like the present!”

 

Simon looks around. Amy nods.

 

Simon: “So…Fall of Man…come find me!”

 

Simon Lyman then brings the microphone down as “Hero” plays as the crowd cheers.

 

Sharper: “Simon Lyman showing up here tonight-“

 

Knots: “The hell is wrong with him? Calling our Fall of Man. They may just make an example out of him!”

 

Sharper: “Well I don’t know if Lyman wouldn’t mind that.”

 

Amy Chastaine turns and exits to the floor, going over to talk to people at ringside. Simon Lyman hands off the microphone to Phillips before turning and playing to the crowd.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Breakdown returns as we see Simon Lyman and Amy Chastaine walking down the hallway backstage, before the camera turns and shows William Heaven, James Evans, Giovanni Aries, and Waylon Creek walking down in the opposite direction. We see several officials jogging over and getting between the two sides.

 

Simon: “Not going to wait long. I can respect that!”

 

Heaven: “Mr. Lyman, you’re an interesting man. But I would suggest that you question how smart this is.”

 

Simon steps forward as Amy then looks at him.

 

Chastaine: “Just be careful Simon-“

 

Evans: “You should listen to her, Simon. Amy knows exactly what I’m capable of.”

 

Amy turns and glares at Evans.

 

Chastaine: “You are a pathetic man, Evans. The fact that you’re holding that championship-“

 

Evans: “Do you wish to take it from me? Unlike Josh Hudson, I won’t see it as an honour facing you!”

 

Simon: “Amy….”

 

Heaven: “Perhaps you should listen to each other.”

 

Aries smirks as he looks on. Creek just stands in the rear, folding his arms. Officials get between the two. Dean Black then comes into the scene, joined by Lucas Knight who gets a roar from the crowd.

 

Black: “Back off…we’re not going to do this here.”

 

Heaven: “We were just walking. Going to do as Simon asked. Someone who perhaps would be the perfect example of what we’ll do.”

 

Chastaine: “Excuse me?!”

 

Heaven: “You would be too. Your match against Hudson that while Evans had a more sinister meaning, I will make it plain. You may be a hall of famer, but that match should never have been yours.”

 

Chastaine: “I don’t make the matches.”

 

Heaven: “That you don’t.”

 

Simon: “Are we just going to keep sniping or –“

 

Knight: “Simon, this is not the time. You know that. Amy…”

 

Black: “Come on…back off. Simon, Amy, go the long way.”

 

Simon looks at Evans as Evans smirks as Amy then backs up.

 

Chastaine: “I don’t want to give him any more of my air.”

 

Simon: “Dean, Lucas…tell CHBK, they want me.”

 

Evans: “With pleasure.”

 

Simon Lyman turns with Chastaine and the two walk off as Knight watches them leave as Dean Black turns to Heaven, Evans, and Aries. Creek seemingly has disappeared.

 

Black: “I’d suggest that you return to your locker room.”

 

Heaven: “Very well. But I need to talk to your boss. So you can escort me….”

 

Heaven turns to James and Giovanni. James nods.

 

Black: “Fine. Come with me. Lucas, can you?”

 

Knight: “I’ll escort them back.”

 

Knight walks over to James Evans and Giovanni Aries as Knight motions to them. They reluctantly walk forward as Black walks with Heaven.

 

Veil vs. Chris Lawler

SCW Television Championship

 

The lights dim slowly. One light at a time. Like the whole building is giving up. The crowd gets quiet. A low, eerie sound starts over the speakers. “The Host of Seraphim” begins to play.

 

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a fifteen minute time limit and is for the SCW Television Championship. First, the challenger…this is Veil!”

Soft voices rise up—not words, just sounds. Like ghosts singing from far away. Slow. Sad. Heavy.

The tron doesn’t show highlights or action.
It shows a spiral, barely moving, turning backwards.
Mist starts to crawl from the entrance.
It stays low to the ground, almost like it’s afraid to rise.
It’s not thick. It’s not fast. It’s slow, like smoke under water.

Then, Veil steps through it.

No fireworks. No lasers. No flashing lights.
No big poses.
Just him.

Barefoot.
Slow.
Arms at his sides.

He doesn’t make eye contact with the crowd.
He doesn’t play to the cameras.
He just walks.

Every step is heavy, like the ground almost sinks under him.

His face is pale. His eyes are wide open but dead still—like he’s looking straight through everything. As he walks, the mist behind him spreads out across the stage and the ramp, almost like it’s following him, drawn to him.

The song gets a little louder.
The voices rise higher—not screaming, just crying.
Mourning something nobody can name.

The spiral on the screen behind him turns slower and slower, almost stopping. Veil reaches the ring. He doesn’t look around. He steps up onto the apron, slow and steady, and then steps between the ropes. He walks straight to the middle of the ring. There, he stops. He crouches down. He places one open hand flat on the mat. He lowers his head. He whispers something no one can hear. The spiral on the tron behind him flashes once—then fades out into black. The mist in the ring sinks low. The music fades. The lights stay dim, just enough to see him.

Veil stands there. Waiting. Still. Silent.

 

Knots: “What the hell do you make of this man?”

 

Sharper: “He injured Kirsten Scott. And this evolution of the Enigma…I don’t know, Jon. But Chris Lawler better be prepared!”

 

The dimmed lights cast an atmosphere of anticipation as the arena falls into darkness, the only illumination coming from the pulsating strobe lights. The crowd's murmurs fade into a hush as the opening chords of "Warrior" by Imagine Dragons reverberate through the speakers, electrifying the air with anticipation.

From the depths of the darkness, a figure emerges, his silhouette outlined against the backdrop of flashing lights. With each step, the floor trembles beneath his feet, echoing the determination that propels him forward. It's Chris Lawler, a titan among men, his presence commanding attention as he strides purposefully down the entrance ramp. The SCW Television Championship is around his waist.

 

Phillips: “His opponent, from Nashville, Tennessee, he is the SCW Television Champion, Chris Lawler!”

His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, remain fixed on the ring ahead, unwavering in their focus as if they could pierce through the very fabric of reality. Ignoring the cacophony of cheers and jeers that surround him, Lawler remains resolute in his mission, his gaze locked on the squared circle where his destiny awaits. As Lawler reaches the foot of the ring, the strobe lights reach a crescendo, bathing him in a pulsating glow of light and shadow. With a subtle nod to the crowd, Lawler ascends the steel steps, each footfall a testament to his unwavering determination. Finally, he steps between the ropes, his presence filling the ring with an aura of intensity and purpose. Standing tall in the center of the ring, Lawler raises his gaze to the heavens, a silent vow etched upon his features. He hands off the title as the SCW Television Championship logo comes across the screen. The official, Steve Hollinsworth, holds the title over his head and hands it off.

 

Sharper: “Lawler not showing anything. But he has been trying to prove to himself he can still go. He didn’t care for the double countout last week.”

 

Knots: “He my have to hope for that this week though with Veil. Veil may beat him bad enough that the Dead General will be back!”

 

Lawler looks at Veil as Veil just tilts his head. The bell sounds and Lawler steps forward. Veil doesn’t move. He then looks around before running at Veil and nailing him with a hrad right and then another and another. Veil falls back into the corner. Lawler follows up with a hard left and then a right before a series of more hard rights and lefts as Hollinsworth moves in calling for the break.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Lawler backs up as Veil falls to a knee. Lawler then turns and looks at him before glancing at Hollinsworth briefly and then running at him, but Veil catches him with his hand, grabbing him by the throat. He then steps out as Lawler struggles and Veil then just swats Lawler violently in the side of the head once, twice, and then a third time as Lawler falls to the mat.

 

Sharper: “Good lord. Just pounding on the side of the head of the champion.”

 

Knots: “Just beating him down like a gnat!”

 

Lawler grabs at the ropes and Veil then steps over and nails Lawler with a hard right. He then seems to follow what Lawler did, nailing him with a series of hard rights and lefts while Lawler is in the corner.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Veil stops and looks at Hollinsworth. Lawler then kicks him in the ribs before nailing him with a haymaker. Veil staggers and Lawler runs into the ropes, bounces off, and hits a flying clothesline. He then goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Veil kicks out. Veil turns and slowly gets up as Lawler gets up and follows him with a clubbing blow to the back of the head and then another. Veil then hits a back elbow to the throat of Lawler. Lawler stumbles back.

 

Sharper: “Lawler kept the attack on, but Veil with one elbow.”

 

Knots: “That got him in the throat!”

 

Sharper: “And Lawler struggling to breathe now.”

 

Veil then grabs Lawler with a waistlock before throwing him back with a vicious back suplex. Veil then calmly goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Lawler kicks out. Veil gets up as Lawler rolls over and Veil watches him and then elbows him in the side of the head. Lawler rolls over. He starts to get up and Veil grabs him by the head and neck and tries to go for a neck crank. Lawler grabs and holds onto the top rope.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Veil looks at Hollinsworth and then stalks him. Hollinsworth backs up and Lawler runs over and clotheslines him from behind. Veil falls to his hands and knees. He starts to get up and Lawler whips him into the corner before then running after him and hitting the Blitz Kick.

 

Sharper: “Lawler did not hesitate in the slightest. Veil was going after Hollinsworth and instead, Lawler took his head off.”

 

Knots: “Veil also has an Adrenaline Title shot coming up. Hopefully Dexter Grant is watching. Maybe he can feed an official to him to get out of it!”

 

Lawler then grabs Veil and pulls him up before hoisting him up over his head. The crowd roars and he then hits the Fury Suplex. The crowd ohs. Lawler hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Veil pushes him off. Lawler looks at him and then gets up and stomps him in the chest a couple of times for good measure. He then walks around the ring as Veil just starts to get up. Lawler then runs over and kicks him in the ribs. Lawler then scoops him up and Veil counters, sliding behind him and locking in a dragon sleeper. The crowd roars as He leans back. Lawler struggles as Hollinsworth checks on Lawler as Veil just looks forward out at the crowd. Lawler struggles as Veil keeps the hold on and continues to lean back. Lawler grabs at Veil and then manages to move and grabs the ropes.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Veil throws him down. Lawler then rolls over to the ropes.

 

Sharper: “Lawler just barely saved himself. He got to the ropes!”

 

Knots: “Veil’s still standing though.”

 

Veil then turns and grabs him, wrenching his arm and going for the Grave Silence, but Lawler ducks and spins around. Veil turns and Lawler kicks him in the ribs and places his head between his legs before hoisting him up and hitting the Impact Driver. He then leans forward.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

The bell sounds. Veil rolls his shoulder up and Lawler rolls out of the ring.

 

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, and STILL SCW Television Champion, Chris Lawler!”

 

Sharper: “Lawler looking less victorious, but more surviving!”

 

Knots: “Veil even got his shoulder up just after the three!”

 

Lawler backs up and looks at the ring as Veil slowly rolls over. Hollinsworth also leaves the ring, getting the TV Title and walking around the ring to hand it to Lawler. Lawler takes it as Veil slowly gets to a knee. He then stops for a moment as Lawler then turns and backs up, glancing behind him, before starting to head to the back. Veil then gets up to his feet and looks around, his eyes soulless. The crowd boos him as the scene cuts away.

 

Backstage, the scene opens up to see Dean Black with CHBK as William Heaven is talking to him.

 

CHBK: “You do realize that there’s no grand conspiracy here-“

 

Heaven: “Oh, you can think that. But if you believe that than you need to perhaps talk to your predecessor. Nonetheless, this is where I offer you some time. Time that won’t help you in the end, but allows you to decide how quickly things change.”

 

Black: “William, you-“

 

Heaven: “Dean, you are someone who perhaps should be interested in something different. You were once feared and now you’re merely a suit. In fact, maybe I should hand this to you. You can then find some purpose.”

 

Black: “What are you talking about?”

 

Heaven pulls a folded letter out of her blazer pocket. He then extends it to Black. CHBK looks at him. Black then hands it to CHBK.

 

Heaven: “I understand that Chris Dumont’s recent legal troubles have made it so Great Britain would not necessarily allow him to show up. And given his stunt last week…well…I figure you can deliver this to him.”

 

CHBK reads the letter while Heaven speaks.

 

CHBK: “This is a restraining order. Dumont can’t come within fifty feet of you…or your son? You now care about his health.”

 

Heaven: “I always have cared about his health. He wanted to chase his dreams and I gave him the opportunity, including using an earned US Championship shot to do that. It’s not my fault the boy has limited talent. Although he does seem to have his eyes on a different prize. One you know quite well.”

 

CHBK doesn’t bite Heaven’s assertion.

 

Heaven: “But Chris has an odd obsession with him. Apparently, he thinks he can determine who is in this sport. Last I checked, he is not responsible for hiring or firing and I don’t wish to have to see him take out his issues on him, just to continue to get to me. And I think I’m being fair with the fifty feet-“

 

CHBK: “So if they earn a match…”

 

Heaven: “The Fall of Man will not run. We take. And if Dumont and Striker, or any mixture of the Troupe wishes to continue to run head first into a brick wall, then so be it. But I will still be at ringside and I expect the order to be enforced.”

 

CHBK looks at the letter.

 

Heaven: “Good evening, Alex. I assure we will have your cooperation.”

 

Heaven turns to Dean.

 

Heaven: “Mr. Black.”

 

Heaven turns and walks off as CHBK looks at the letter. He then looks up watching Heaven leave. CHBK turns to Dean Black.

 

CHBK: “Get David. Chris may not be here, but I’ll…pass along this message.”

 

Black: “Alright.”

 

Black turns and heads off as the scene cuts to black.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Breakdown returns, opening up at the SCW interview area. Jaina Lancaster stands in the scene.

 

Jaina: “Fans, welcome back to Breakdown. Jaina Lancaster here, and please allow me to welcome at this time, the individual who will be number forty in this year’s Taking Hold of the Flame battle royal, the Snow Queen, Selena Frost!”

 

The crowd boos as Selena Frost walks into view and walks next to Jaina Lancaster. She hears the boos and rolls her eyes.

 

Jaina: “Selena, last week, you made again your point that this is your world, we’re all living in it. Meanwhile, the Fall of Man seems to be staking their claim and Polly Pingotti attacked you last week. Tonight, you face Colleen MacDonald in our main event. A lot that I’m sure you have thoughts on. Selena, what do you think?”

 

Frost: “First, allow me to just dismiss something out right. Let Fall of Man do whatever they decide. If they still hold the World Championship, I will be waiting for that person at Rise to Greatness and I will be taking that title. Mark my words. I wish it was Xander Valentine, but it looks like hubris finally took hold. Much like when he faced me at Taking Hold of the Flame last year. The irony.”

 

Frost then pauses briefly.

 

Frost: “As for Polly, I feel for her. She is someone who works hard. She tries to do the right thing. She shows up, she fights hard, she competes. And it’s not translated to what she deserves. It’s disappointing. And I’ve tried to offer her some advice, especially given that she’s had so many around her that seem to not be able to reach out. A shame really. What really has Marissa Swanson given her. Colleen has had her own success and even when they were out together recently, they were on different paths. But if she thinks her hating me…trying to make me come after her and physically drive her, Polly…Taking Hold of the Flame will prove to be a very long night for you.”

 

Jaina: “And Colleen? You already mentioned her, but she’s coming off an impressive win over Kimberly Williams.”

 

Frost: “I’ll always appreciate when someone makes Kimberly Williams taste crow. But…Colleen…your momentum ends tonight. Believe it or-“

 

The crowd roars as Ryan LeCavalier walks into the camera view. Selena looks at her as Ryan looks eyes with her briefly before then sizing Selena up. The crowd continues to cheer.

 

Frost: “What do you want?”

 

LeCavalier: “I’m sure you remember me. Fatal Fortunes. Thirty minutes. You may have won, but I had you this close to completely faltering under the weight of my skill!”

 

Selena Frost doesn’t respond.

 

LeCavalier: “Don’t worry. Unlike Polly, I don’t need to strike you. I just wanted to let you know that I look forward to seeing you at Taking Hold of the Flame. Because I’ll be waiting for you when you come out and I plan to show you and so many others how much has changed since late last year. I think it’s time for the Lost Monarch to sit atop her throne. And I will be going through you, Polly, and everyone else.”

 

The crowd roars as LeCavalier looks at Frost. She then walks past her as Frost keeps her eyes on her before cameras cut back to the announce position at ringside.

 

Sharper: “Ryan LeCavalier has her sights set on Taking Hold of the Flame and a World Title shot.”

 

Knots: “After the TV Title reign, after last week, after everything, looks like Ryan LeCavalier has her purpose. I don’t know if fate will allow it though.”

 

Sharper: “Oh stop with that.”

Knots: “What?”

 

Sharper: “Clyde Sutter may have something to say about it. I’m sure he’s still smarting after last week. I’m sure we will hear from him later tonight as he also is British borne and bred. But one European who is not here tonight is Konrad Raab. Konrad Raab is in the process of participating in an endurance race stateside, but after last week’s Breakdown, the Burned in Blood was particularly upset with how the fan’s vote turned around and how he was unable to see the European Fiery Nation get their hands on the Connection. He gave us these comments earlier this week.”

 

The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen as we see Konrad Raab, in his racing suit, helmet on the ground next to him, while he sits on the chair, the back in front of him, his arms folded across the back.

 

Raab: “I had thought that maybe I had been clear. Last week, the fans had a choice. They could reward cowardice….or they could finally allow some measure of revenge. A dish that at this point is not only cold, but moulding.”

 

Raab looks down.

 

Raab: “I don’t need to retrace what Tommy and Kandis have done to me. I don’t have to retread that I am far from done with these two traitors. Two individuals that since the Jackals derailed what greatness I could have been designed for. All as they had their own designs, their own hopes, and turned their back on what could have been. As they insulted me…belittled me…and tried to ruin me!”

 

Raab yells as he looks up at the camera.

 

Raab: “And the fans gave you two rookies who have earned NOTHING in this sport, fed from the spoon of their equally cowardly father. Someone who smacks of disrespect! And I had had enough. Whether it’s you Josh…or you Kandis and, ESPECIALLY, Tommy…I will get my hands on all of you at some point. One by one…all at once…in Taking Hold of the Flame. I DON’T CARE. I am done with the disrespect. I am done with seeing the three of you…three of you who have wronged me, and flout it with no care for consequence. There will be consequences….”

 

Raab smiles a bit, gritting his teeth.

 

Raab: “You WILL be burned! Josh, you will wish you stayed retired. You will wish your sons had never wished to follow you into the business and follow your lead. And Kandis, Tommy, you will wish you never returned.”

 

Raab looks down, pausing.

 

Raab: “The European Fiery Nation will get our hands on you. And we will spill you blood…and leave you with a mark you will never remove.”

 

Raab pauses again.

 

Raab: “I’m done.”

 

Raab then gets up and walks towards the camera. As he walks over to it, he turns it off as the Breakdown logo comes across the screen.

 

The scene opens back at ringside where Adam Sharper and Jonathan Knots sit.

 

Knots: “Raab’s not one you want pissed off at you. He’s the obsessive type. Josh got a bit of that last week, but he’s still on his issues with Kandis and Tommy.”

 

Sharper: “Almost like he wants to ensure their careers are over or he’s made it so they’re no longer the same. And he also specifically mentioned Tommy. He’s never truly gotten his hands on Tommy and-“

 

Knots: “Uh…Sharper…”

 

The camera turns as we see Waylon Creek walking out from the back. The crowd roars seeing Creek. There is no music and instead, Creek just walks down to the ring.

 

Sharper: “Waylon Creek joining us…”

 

Knots: “By himself. And this isn’t supposed to be happening right?”

 

Sharper: “If you’re asking if he’s scheduled to come out. He’s not. We were supposed to be hearing from Hollywood, but I’m going to suggest we stay here.”

 

Waylon Creek walks over to the ringside area and walks around the ring. The camera stay on him as the crowd looks on as Creek walks over to the timekeeper’s table. He then gets up in Jason Phillips’s face and calmly asks him something. Phillips nods and hands him a microphone. Creek then looks around before walking over to the closest camera.

 

Creek: “Xander Valentine…”

 

The crowd roars.

 

Creek: “I know you are here and I know now you will be focused on the monitor in your locker room.”

 

Creek pauses.

 

Creek: “I came out alone because I want you to understand that my words are coming from me, not from Mr. Heaven. I say this because I replay Retribution in my head regularly.”

 

The crowd roars.

 

Creek: “We destroyed ourselves and that ring and it will always bother me that you managed to defeat me. That was to be my crowning achievement. But as I learned in the military, you rise and overcome. You don’t panic, you don’t fall apart, and you adapt. And I think it is clear that I’ve responded appropriately, Xander.”

 

Creek pauses again.

 

Creek: “You may have won at Retribution, but you are no longer champion. And right now, the Executioner is understand their own humanity again. First at Rebirth where I ensured that the Fall of Man would succeed….and last week when you showed panic and desperation. You failed to adapt, Xander. And I am curious as to how your arm is doing. I hope I did not separate it or further damage it.”

 

Creek looks at the camera.

 

Creek: “I’ve told Heaven I would do things my way. This is my way. Ryan LeCavalier got off easy. You will not, Xander. I will stand over your defeated body. I will be the harbinger for the new era. I will reach my potential in record time….and I will execute the Executioner. I just hope that I’ve now not made it too easy.”

 

Creek pauses again as the crowd gives a mixed reaction.

 

Creek: “I’ll be awaiting to see if THIS time…you adapt!”

 

Creek then steps away from the camera. He calmly walks over to Jason Phillips, handing him the microphone and even thanking him. He then turns and starts to calmly walk around the ring.

 

Knots: “Did he just call out Xander again?!”

 

Sharper: “I think he just explained his actions. And I wonder how the Fall of Man will take it with him saying he ensured James would walk out champion.”

 

Knots: “James was thrilled with him last week! Aries wasn’t sure…And how is Xander going to respond?!”

 

Sharper: “I don’t know, but that’s added another wrinkle in all of this too!”

 

Creek walks around the ring and over to the entrance way. He then slowly walks up the rampway to the back as the scene cuts away.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Breakdown returns as CHBK is in his office, sitting on the edge of his desk. Dean Black stands next to him as we see David Striker looking at the letter Heaven gave CHBK. Irvine and Kyle Gibson are with him as Striker then looks up at CHBK.

 

Striker: “You’re screwing with me, right?”

 

CHBK: “It’s a legitimate order.”

 

Striker: “Of course the coward does it when Chris can’t be here.”

 

CHBK: “Of course.”

 

Striker just looks at Irvine and Gibson and then just smirks before taking the letter and ripping it. He continues to rip it into smaller and smaller pieces before then throwing it up into the air.

 

Striker: “That’s what I think of that.”

 

CHBK: “That doesn’t void it.”

 

Striker: “Do I look like I care? Chris can’t touch him or Jr. But…we can.”

 

CHBK: “And will that solve anything?”

 

Gibson: “Make us feel good.”

 

CHBK: “Great…and then what?”

 

Striker: “We’ll figure it out.”

 

CHBK: “Well, allow me to give you something to think about. Right now, James Evans is World Champion. Creek and Aries, Tag Champs. Creek and Aries are right now in the Taking Hold of the Flame.”

 

Striker: “Greedy bastards, huh?”

 

Black: “Back-up plan?”

 

CHBK: “Maybe. Or…just saying. Up to you. May be a way to divide and conquer.”

 

Striker looks at Gibson and Irvine before smirking.

 

Striker: “So you on our side now?”

 

CHBK: “Not any side. Just explaining the situation.”

 

Striker: “You also mentioned that James is the World Champion. You really going to put Simon Lyman in there only because his brother wants him gone? Really, the best…the most deserving challenger?”

 

CHBK: “I’ve not made any decision yet. I’m considering all options. And no one said I’d only consider one.”

 

Black looks at CHBK as Striker smirks.

 

Striker: “Well then Chris and I are in the queue, COO…Explaining our situation.”

 

Striker turns to Irvine and Gibson.

 

CHBK: “Just don’t do anything foolish.”

 

Striker looks at CHBK and smirks before walking out of the office.

 

Sharper: “Did CHBK…”

 

Knots: “What are you doing?! That’s not really fair!”

 

Sharper: “Fall of Man have called him out; is CHBK setting people against them? Even Dean Black was a bit stunned.”

 

Knots: “William Heaven will bury you CHBK!”

 

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

 

Sharper: “Well and I’m sure these two have something to say about last week!”

 

Knots: “They’re about to waltz to the ring, but without the World Tag Team Championship belts!”

 

When the song goes into the chorus, the two ladies begin to literally waltz their way down to the ring, fast and fluid to keep pace with the song as the spotlight follows their every move, leaving fans mesmerized by their synergy. As the chorus reaches its end and the two find themselves at the bottom of the ramp, they push away from one another as far as their arms will allow without letting go before quickly pointing to the LED screens with their free hands, where the night scene is immediately engulfed in white before transitioning to a video package of the two ladies in action, both together and individually. Slowly, the two release one another, the single spotlight splitting in two again as Amelia makes her way up the steps to walk across the apron on one side, wiping her feet before stepping through the ropes. Luz, meanwhile, hops up onto the apron right in front of her and grabs the top rope before vaulting herself into the ring, landing on her feet. She moves to the center of the ring and drops to her knees, cupping her hands together in front of her while Amelia stands right behind her, hands folded before her once again. As Luz lifts her cupped hands upward, the arena lights slowly begin to come back on as Amelia takes her hands and pulls her to her feet, spinning her around one final time into a tight embrace and a soft kiss before the two move to their corner as Amelia asks for a microphone. The crowd cheers as Amelia Nevado is handed a microphone by Jason Phillips and then turns to the middle of the ring. Luz stands with her. Amelia looks around.

 

Amelia: “It feels good….to waltz down that ramp, with my wife, in my home country.”

 

The crowd cheers. Amelia looks at Luz as the two lovingly look at one another.

 

Amelia: “Although I wish I was coming down here holding the SCW World Tag Team Championship for the fourth time.”

 

Amelia looks around as the crowd boos a bit.

 

Amelia: “Now, as disappointing as that is, I can’t fault Luz or myself. The fans chose a steel cage match. Aimed to keep the Fall of Man out. They succeeded there. And we fought as hard as we could. We got Creek off his feet. We dealt with the unorthodox offense of Giovanni Aries. We dealt with their size and strength. I saw my wife, Luz, dive off the top of the cage, showing the drive and desperation we needed. We knew this would likely be our last shot at those titles. It was our rematch. And we rose to the occasion.”

 

Amelia pauses as she looks around. Luz watches her wife.

 

Amelia: “But despite that effort, we did not succeed in our goal. And I have always said we try to do this in the right way. We try to compete the right way. We compete with the idea of proving who is the best on a given night. We’ve had our issues with out great individuals and teams. And even when we’ve disagreed, at some point, we’ve managed to always do things our way. And last week, we were robbed of a better result…not because we faltered. Not because our opponents as they may have in the past, broke the rules or cheated…in fact, Creek and Aries fought by the rules of the match. James Evans, nor…even Billy Heaven Jr….if he’s even still truly affiliated with them, intervened. It was instead Xander Valentine who did.”

 

Amelia pauses for a moment. The crowd gives a mixed reaction at this point.

 

Amelia: “Now we have a lot of respect for Xander Valentine.”

 

Amelia pauses as Luz nods.

 

Amelia: “We’ve been fighting alongside him for months. There have been many times as things have broken down in this ring, as the rules collapse and the Fall of Man fights as they would prefer, he was right there fighting alongside us. And Xander…I…I realize that Rebirth was not the night you wished it was. I know Creek speared you. He attacked you and it was missed by the official. I know you wanted your revenge. But…”

 

Amelia pauses as she looks at Luz.

 

Amelia: “But now you’ve removed our best chance to get the World Tag Team Championship belt as you could not be patient in your goal. 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. The crowd roars. Amelia stops and looks at the entrance way.

 

“Some are born to kill

Others are born to run

Some need to keep on takin'

Till you ain't got none”

 

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

 

“But baby, I wasn't built to die

Lay down and be crucified

Nah, no matter how hard they try

To push me down

Still I rise”

 

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

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

 

The curtain drops to reveal Xander. A quick salvo of pyros explodes in front of him before he steps through the smoke with an intense look on his face. He looks down at the ring and then starts to walk down the rampway.

 

Sharper: “Xander Valentine, we saw him arrive earlier. And now he’s out here.”

 

Knots: “And he’s coming right to the ring. Whatever Amelia was going to say, she’s going to have to say it to his face.”

 

Suffocate me until I am blue

To preserve my bad worldview

Paranoid, All Eyes On Me

Rumours circle, vultures feed

 

Baby, I wasn't built to die

Lay down and be crucified

Nah, no matter how hard they try

To push me down

Still I rise

 

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

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

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

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

 

Xander leaps up onto the apron in a single bound. The crowd roars as Xander looks at Luz and Amelia. He then steps over the top rope and steps forward. The crowd roars as Amelia stands in the middle of the ring, looking up at the former World Champion. Luz stands next to her, supporting her. The crowd buzzes as Xander looks at Amelia.

 

Xander: “Tell me what you want to say to my face!”

 

Xander yells out, picked up by the microphone as Amelia looks at him. Luz stands with her.

 

Amelia: “We were going to finish our issue. And we may still have failed, but it would’ve been on our terms. We definitely failed when you entered and in a fit of rage, aimed for Creek and missed!”

 

Amelia looks at Xander. Xander looks right at her, not breaking eye contact.

 

Amelia: “We are not looking for an apology or even for an explanation. We understand it as we’ve stood next to you. But instead, we seek to help and-“

 

Xander then grabs the microphone from Amelia, cutting her off. Amelia staggers a bit, but stops and looks up at Xander. The crowd boos a bit, while some fans cheer.

 

Xander: “Do you not think I’ve already realized I screwed up?”

 

Xander looks at Amelia, looking down at her.

 

Xander: “I may not have that sling on my arm this week, but the pain I still feel, exacerbated by my actions last week, is ever present. But I am not going to be lectured by two people who are fighting a war by rules that do not exist!”

 

Xander looks at Amelia and Luz.

 

Xander: “Luz…go focus on the interim US Championship. Asher offered you a match. Go there. Play hero. Maybe you’ll get a clean match against Jordan Majors. Although I don’t see you you complaining about that win-“

 

Luz steps up.

 

Luz: “Not the same-“

 

Xander ignores her.

 

Xander: “You two may be a decorated tag team. But you’re facing a group that is playing by their own rules. And while I have fought alongside both of you, I know now more than ever that we don’t need heroes. You have your code. It’s your downfall. I may have screwed up, but I will adapt.”

 

Knots: “He heard Creek!”

 

Xander looks at Amelia and Luz.

 

Xander: “Amelia, Luz…heroics won’t help this time. You’re not the heroes we need nor deserve because heroes are not needed. Hatchet men are. And I had to remind myself that I can’t let myself get reckless like others. So Amelia, Luz….sorry about the tag titles. But that’s all you’re getting from me. Go focus elsewhere. I’ll clean up my own mess!”

 

Xander drops the microphone before turning and stepping over the ropes. He steps onto the apron and drops down to the ring. Amelia grabs the microphone and Luz then stops her. The crowd buzzes as Xander just heads to the back. Amelia watches him leave, almost annoyed.

 

Sharper: “Xander Valentine telling off Light in the Darkness…”

 

Knots: “Looks like everyone is for themselves. How wonderful! Yeah, Luz. Go after Asher. Jordan Majors can then mop up there too!”

 

Sharper: “Amelia was going to say something, but Luz stopping her. And Xander…what did it mean by cleaning up his own mess?”

 

Knots: “Is he going to do something stupid? Xander says they need hatchet men. Well SCW won’t need martyrs. Especially once Fall of Man do what they want to do!”

 

Xander Valentine continues to walk up the rampway. The cameras follow him as he walks through the curtain and into the backstage area. Amelia shakes her head in the ring as Luz looks on and the scene cuts away.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Backstage, we see Amelia Nevado and La Pequena Luz trying to make sense of Xander’s response to them.

 

Amelia: “That’s what he wants to do. Just turn on anyone who’s stood with him.”

 

Luz: “I don’t know…but you know what, if he doesn’t want any heroics. He wants to go solo. Perhaps he needs to understand he can’t.”

 

Amelia: “So then what? Let Fall of Man run roughshod. We’ve learned how important it is to trust the people around us in our own issues outside of the ring.”

 

Luz: “Hopefully he’ll wake up. But we don’t have a rematch. And if we want to get to Fall of Man again, we need to earn it. But there’s others…”

 

Amelia: “The Troupe.”

 

Luz: “That’s one…and I already feel I’m going to get sucked into this matter with Hayes and Majors.”

 

Amelia: “Don’t tell me that bothered you-“

 

Luz: “Not at all. Totally different. We were trying to right a wrong. And I’m more than willing to face Majors one on one without Hayes getting involved if its possible.”

 

Amelia: “Well….this just feels wrong though.”

 

Luz: “I know. But it’s Xander’s decision. And if we can’t trust him if we were still fighting him, we’re not helping anything.”

 

Amelia: “Well said…I…”

 

Luz: “Come on.”

 

Luz wraps her arm around Amelia and they walk off camera as the scene cuts back to the ring.

 

Sal Darius vs. Gavin Taylor

 

Phillips: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, Sal Darius!”

 

'California love' by 2Pac Shakur hits the arena and Sal comes out wearing his world's famous blublockers. 'The Sex Vibe' comes out with all the hype and toughness. He walks a little and then takes a sprint to the ring. After sliding in the ring underneath the bottom rope, he climbs the turnbuckle and points to his crouch. Then 'The King of the world of Hearts' throw his blublocker aviators in the crowd and jumps back performing boxing shadow in the ring warming up for his bout.

 

Phillips: “And his opponent, “The All Star” Gavin Taylor!”

 

The lights around the arena begin to flicker as "Whoa Is Me" by Down With Webster starts to play over the arena. 

 

Whoa is me 

I'm so whoa 

See me decked out from my head to my toe 

Whoa is me 

I'm so whoa 

Everywhere I go I'm a one man show 

 

And the song continues... 

 

The crowd cheers as "All Star" Gavin Taylor steps out from behind the curtain onto the top of the ramp. As he stands in place, posing with his arms outstretched, the chorus of the song plays. 

 

Say whoa (whoa) 

The more I feel it whoa (whoa) 

The more I need it whoa (whoa) 

You say whoa 

Whoa is me 

I'm so whoa 

 

Gavin begins to walk down the ramp with swagger. He smirks as he gets to the ring. Pulling himself to the apron, he hangs out off the ring while holding onto the top rope. 

 

The song continues... 

 

I cheated to get what I got 

Stepped all over you self for my spot 

I bet you I'm winning, I bet that you're not 

I bet you don't see me, I bet you get caught 

 

Gavin pulls himself through the ropes and steps onto the second ropes on the opposite side of the ring from the ramp. He opens his jersey, sliding it off his shoulders as he stretches his arms out. 

 

Turning around, he bounces back off the ropes as he watches for his opponent.  The bell rings and Sal walks right up to Gavin and slaps him across the face. Darius laughs but Gavin isn’t.  Gavin reacts with European uppercuts and knife edge chops that back Sal against the ropes.  He whips Sal into the ropes and then delivers a tilt-a-whirl back breaker.  Gavin whips Sal into a nearby corner.  Gavin rushes in with a back elbow.  He then tosses Sal out of the corner with a belly to belly overhead suplex.

 

Sharper: “Gavin Taylor coming to fight here in Britain. And a huge suplex onto Darius.”

 

Knots: “He wasn’t ready!”

 

Gavin pulls him back to his feet and then whips him into the ropes.  Gavin lowers his head a bit too early and then Sal makes him pay with a swift kick to the face followed up by quick jabs, uppercuts, and then a roundhouse kick that floors Gavin.  Sal whips him into the ropes and drops him with a dropkick that sends him tumbling to the outside.  Darius then rushes in and launches himself over the top and to the outside with a suicide dive, taking Gavin out.

 

Sharper: “And diving over the top rope! Darius landing on the All-Star.”

 

Knots: “See! Not so easy to catch a wrestler. And Darius now has this!”

 

Sal rolls Gavin back into the ring.  He slithers back in and measures Gavin as he tries to negotiate his way back to his feet.  Sal with a Brogue Kick.  Sal with the Darius Stomp.  Sal with a cover…

 

1…

 

2…Kickout!

 

Sal pulls Gavin back to his feet and snaps off a suplex.  Sal goes up top and looks for a frog splash but Gavin gets his knees up, driving them into Sal’s gut.  Sal and Gavin slowly pull themselves up.  Gavin with a GAVIN! TAYLOR! LARIAT! Gavin locks in a figure four.

 

Knots: “Gavin! Taylor! Lariat!”

 

Sharper: “And with Darius dazed, Gavin going for the legs. Going to slow down the Sex Vibe.”

 

Knots: “Never call him that again. You make it sound uncool. Darius is not uncool!”

 

Sal won’t give up.  He fights towards the ropes, slowly but surely, eventually reaching the ropes to force the break.  Gavin reluctantly breaks the hold and then drags him back out to the center.  Gavin tries to lock it in again but Sal counters, kicking Gavin in the butt, sending him shoulder first into the steel ring post.  Sal scrambles back up to his feet just as Gavin pulls himself out of the corner.  Sal with another Brogue Kick.  Sal goes up to the top turnbuckle and leaps off with a frog splash…he connects!  He hooks the leg…

 

1…

 

2…

 

…3NO!

 

Sal locks in a headlock with Gavin still down. The referee checks on him but Gavin shakes his head, refusing to give in.  Gavin fights back to his knees and then back to his feet. Sal keeps the side headlock applied.  Gavin goes for a belly to back suplex but Sal lands on his feet and then Gavin turns around into a roundhouse kick from Sal, dropping him.  Sal hits the ropes and then delivers the Sex Curse, lionsault!  The cover…

 

1…

 

2…

 

…3NO!

 

Sharper: “And only two after the Sex Curse.”

 

Knots: “Most people if they have one of those they don’t kick out after two.”

 

Darius measures Gavin as he tries to pull himself back up.  Gavin turns around and Sal charges, going for the Darius Knee Jerk, but Gavin ducks out of the way, avoiding contact. Gavin charges and drops Sal with a running yakuza kick.  Gavin with the All Starmaker!  Gavin with the cover…

 

1…

 

2…

 

…3NO!

 

Gavin pulls Sal back to his feet and applies an abdominal stretch.  The official is in position to check on Sal but he refuses to quit.  Gavin wrenches it in tightly but Sal still won’t quit.  Finally Darius manages to break the hold with a hip toss.  Darius goes for another Darius Stomp but Gavin avoids it.  Gavin with a Desperation Buzzer-Beater!

 

Sharper: “Desperation Buzzer-Beater!”

 

Knots: “Gavin’s turning back the clock.”

 

Sharper: “I talked to him earlier tonight and he’s trying to get back to the right headspace for Taking Hold of the Flame. He knows that he’s getting increasingly viewed as all potential.”

 

Gavin pulls Darius back to his feet and attempts a suplex but Sal floats over, lands on his feet, and drops Gavin with a reverse ddt.  Sal uses the ropes to pull himself up.  Gavin is back up as well and rushes in but Darius gets a boot up to his face.  Sal then snaps off a suplex.  Sal takes a few steps back and measures Gavin as he pulls himself up…Darius Knee Jerk!  He hits it!

 

Sharper: “The Darius Knee Jerk!”

 

Knots: “That’s it. Gavin Taylor! Good night!”

 

Sharper: “And Sal Darius isn’t going for the cover.”

 

Sal doesn’t go for the cover, despite hitting his best move.  Instead he tells the crowd he is going for another one.  He takes a few steps back and waits as Gavin Taylor pushes himself back up to his feet, slowly recovering from the first knee strike.  Gavin turns around and Sal charges…GAVIN WITH A DEPENDABLE ROUNDHOUSE OUT OF NOWHERE!  Sal is out of it!

 

Sharper: “Darius got caught!”

 

Knots: “No!”

 

Gavin pulls Sal back up, hoists him in position…HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT!  Gavin covers…

 

1…

 

2…

 

…3!

 

Phillips: Here is your winner…GAVIN TAYLOR!

 

The bell sounds. Taylor rolls off and winces, holding his jaw as he looks up.

 

Sharper: “And Gavin Taylor makes Sal Darius pay for his overconfidence! Gavin Taylor victorious here in London, England.”

 

Knots: “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

 

Sharper: “If he can dig deep like that in Taking Hold of the Flame, he could be a favourite!”

 

Gavin Taylor starts to get up and raises his arm. The crowd cheers him as he looks around and he then rubs his jaw some more before looking at Darius before exiting the ring. He then holds his arms in the air and heads to the back.

 

Glory Braddock is shown walking out of her locker room. The crowd cheers seeing their hometown hero. She stretches as she walks down the hallway before she stops and looks forward. Melinda Braddock and Clyde Sutter lean against the wall waiting for her.

 

Glory: “Melinda…Clyde.”

 

Melinda: “Mother.”

 

Sutter: “So…”

 

Glory: “So…”

 

Sutter: “I think I’ve made clear what I can offer you. I can fix a few problems.”

 

Glory: “Clyde…I appreciate it. But right now, I’m going to do the decision I need to make. I’m going out to that ring, here in London, and I’m going to win.”

 

Glory goes to walk off.

 

Sutter: “That’s not a no.”

 

Glory pauses for a moment before then continuing to walk off. Melinda turns to Sutter, talking to him when Glory Braddock tuns the corner.

 

Melinda: “She’ll come around.”

 

Sutter: “I certainly can help her.”

 

Sutter and Melinda then walk off.

 

Knots: “What’s that mean?”

 

Sharper: “Glory Braddock in action, next!”

 

The scene fades to commercial.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Glory Braddock vs. Kemal Yilmaz

 

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

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall and has a twenty minute time limit. First, 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. The crowd cheers her loudly.

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. A “Glory!” chant begins.

 

Sharper: “Glory Braddock fired up. Here in her hometown, her home country and she’s hoping to stand tall.”

 

Knots: “She’s needing a win, that’s for sure.”

 

Sharper: “And in the process, she will face off against the Turkish-born Kemal Yilmaz. A wholly European contest here on Breakdown.”

 

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: “Her opponent, 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: “Yilmaz and Braddock have a lot in common – both have been a victim of Dexter Grant’s efforts in the Adrenaline Division.”

 

Knots: “Don’t say anything more. You don’t need to hype him up. He doesn’t want it.”

 

Sharper: “I wasn’t going to do that at all. I was going to point how Grant has managed to get by great talent, but that talent has had to deal with his eccentricities.”

 

The bell sounds. Braddock and Yilmaz look at one another and then start to circle. They lunge and Kemal drops down and goes for a double leg takedown. He gets Braddock down and then moves into a side mount. Braddock grabs at him and Yilmaz starts to go for the leg, but Braddock forearms him in the jaw once and then again. He rolls off and gets up. The two lunge at one another and Yilmaz goes for a European uppercut, but Braddock spins into it and through before then grabbing the arm of Yilmaz and wrenching it. She then holds on then wrenching the arm again before then letting go and spinning around Yilmaz’s back and into a drop toe hold. She then moves into a side headlock. She then looks around as Yilmaz starts to get his feet under him.

 

Sharper: “Both going for their chosen method. Braddock proficient in British technical wrestling; Yilmaz in MMA and submissions.”

 

Knots: “Right now, Yilmaz finding out that Braddock may have the advantage. That’s helped by twenty years of experience.”

 

Yilmaz reaches around and pulls Glory back to the ropes and fires her off. She bounces off and Yilmaz shoulders her down. He then runs into the ropes. Glory gets up and drops down in front of Yilmaz, tripping him up. He rolls over and gets up and Glory hits a side headlock takedown into a pin.

 

1!

 

Yilmaz rolls his shoulder up as Braddock holds on. Yilmaz starts to pull himself up again and Braddock turns and moves to the arm and wrenches it before then moving into a hammerlock. Yilmaz reaches up and then flips forward and takes Braddock down, cradling her leg with a leg scissors. Braddock quickly moves to the ropes, quickly as Yilmaz tries to lock in a knee bar. Braddock’s quickness allows her to get to the ropes.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Yilmaz lets go and rolls back. Braddock starts to get up and Yilmaz moves in and clocks her with a European uppercut. Braddock staggers to the corner. Yilmaz follows up with another European uppercut.

 

Sharper: “Yilmaz getting control. A couple of hard European uppercuts. A lot on those. You can see Braddock’s head snap back.”

Knots: “And he’s got her in the corner. This is bad for Braddock.”

 

Yilmaz then nails Braddock with a snap jab to the jaw and then a right hand to the ribs before a left hook. Braddock falls to a knee and then turns and gets up and Yilmaz steps out and grabs Braddock and hits a hip throw before controlling the arm. He turns her over onto her stomach and goes for a crossface. The crowd roars. Braddock uses her free arm to block the crossface while Yilmaz cradles the arm. Braddock keeps fighting and gets to her knees and pushes off, rolling through. Yilmaz loses his grip. Both get up and Braddock hits a Fujiwara armbar takedown. She starts to hyper-extend the arm, but Yilmaz moves to the ropes. He grabs the bottom rope.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Braddock lets go and rolls away. Yilmaz looks over and starts to get up and Braddock steps up and chops him. The crowd woos. She chops him again. More woos. She then goes to whip him into the ropes. Yilmaz, however, spins through and sends Braddock in. Braddock bounces off and Yilmaz lowers his head to grab her leg, but Braddock somersaults over his back. She stops and turns as Yilmaz then turns around and Braddock jumps up and takes Yilmaz down with a cross-armbreaker takedown. She extends the arm. The crowd roars as Yilmaz grimaces in pain. The official checks him.

 

Sharper: “Braddock has the armbar in! She’s got it!”

 

Knots: “Yilmaz. Time to see how your training went!”

 

Sharper: “Is he going to try and get to the ropes!”

 

Yilmaz keeps moving as he looks around and then starts to pivot his body. He then then twists his hips and then tries before turning, this causing Braddock to hold on, but the armbar is slightly broken. Yilmaz then reaches up and grabs at the hands of Braddock. He keeps trying before then rolling towards her once, before falling back down, only to try again and he pushes down on Braddock.

 

1!

 

2!

 

He hits a hard right to the jaw to ensure the break. Yilmaz steps back and shakes out his arm. Braddock starts to slowly get up and turns and heads to Yilmaz who then hits a drop toe hold and then steps over and into an STF. Braddock again uses her arm to prevent him from getting it fully in. He then clubs her in the head once and then again and again before Braddock blocks a fourth shot. Yilmaz keeps trying before then moving into a side headlock. He then grabs at her face, but Braddock slides out and rolls back.

 

Sharper: “Just using that MMA background. He’s very comfortable on the ground and transitioning.”

 

Knots: “He’s not overcommitting and this lets Braddock have openings, but he’s getting some good shots in.”

 

Braddock gets up and Yilmaz runs at her and hits another European uppercut. Braddock falls back to the ropes. Yilmaz then grabs her and hits a fisherman’s suplex into a bridge.

 

1!

 

2!

Braddock kicks out. She rolls over and Yilmaz holds onto her and then keeps on with her. Braddock starts to get up and Yilmaz then grabs both of her arms. He pulls them back and hoists her up in a double chickenwing. Braddock shakes her head, refusing to give up as Yilmaz uses his strength to keep her up. Braddock continues to resist before he then falls back and places her shoulders to the mat and bridges up!

 

1!

 

2!

 

Braddock kicks out, rolling her shoulder up. Both get up and Yilmaz kicks her in the ribs. He then whips her into the corner. Braddock hits the corner and Yilmaz runs after, but Braddock gets a boot up. Yilmaz staggers back and then turns and runs at the corner. Braddock moves out of the way. He hits the corner and backs up and Braddock rolls him up.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Yilmaz kicks out and Braddock steps forward and then jumps up to the middle turnbuckle. Yilmaz turns and Braddock hits the Prankster’s Paradise! The crowd cheers.

 

Sharper: “Braddock may have set that up. A step ahead. If she got the pin, great, but the kick out and she was ready for it.”

 

Knots: “Yilmaz wasn’t. He was looking for her.”

 

Yilmaz rolls over and stirs as Braddock follows up with a hard right and then another before then going to whip him into the ropes, but Yilmaz spins through and sends her in. She bounces off and ducks around him into a waistlock. Yilmaz goes for a back elbow. Braddock ducks. Yilmaz spins through and Braddock kicks him in the ribs, runs into the ropes and hits a scissors kick. She then goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Yilmaz kicks out. Both get up and Braddock goes for a hurricanrana, but Yilmaz catches her. The crowd roars as Yilmaz then hoists her up and hits a high-angle sitout powerbomb into a pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Braddock kicks out and rolls out of it.

 

Sharper: “Yilmaz planted Braddock.”

 

Knots: “I don’t know if Braddock knew where she’d land!”

 

Braddock gets up and Yilmaz grabs her and hooks her up and then hits a vertical suplex. Yilmaz swivels his hips and pulls Braddock back up. The crowd boos as Yilmaz hits a second vertical suplex. He takes a moment and swivels his hips again and gets back up. He then hoists her up, but this time, Braddock knees him in the face. She drops down, double underhooks him and hits the Beautiful Insanity! The crowd cheers as Braddock rolls over and exits to the apron. She then climbs up to the top rope and looks out at the crowd and nods before diving off with the London Plunge!

 

Sharper: “And Braddock off the top! The London Plunge in London!”

 

Knots: “And right to the chest of Kemal Yilmaz. They don’t do that in MMA!”

 

Braddock goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Yilmaz gets his shoulder up. Yilmaz rolls over as Braddock starts to get up. She then walks over to Kemal and grabs him and drags him up. She then forearms him in the jaw once and then again before spinning him around into the corner. She chops him. Yilmaz responds with a European uppercut. Braddock again hits a chop and Yilmaz hits a European uppercut and then another and another before grabbing her and whipping her into the ropes. Yilmaz hits a Yakuza kick. Glory hits the mat and rolls over. Yilmaz then heads over to her, but Glory quickly reaches up and grabs his arm and then wraps her legs around his head and arm and locks in the Shekinah Glory! The crowd erupts.

 

Sharper: “Shekinah Glory! Glory lured him in!”

 

Knots: “Yilmaz though he had her, but Glory was watching for Yilmaz to let his guard down!”

 

Yilmaz reaches up and out before fading to a knee. Glory keeps the hold on and squeezes with her legs. Yilmaz starts to slowly fade as falls to his side. Glory keeps the hold on. The official comes over and checks on Yilmaz. He takes a moment before then calling for the bell. The crowd roars as the bell sounds. Braddock lets go and rolls back to her knee.

 

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via submission, Glory Braddock!”

 

Sharper: “Braddock squeezes Yilmaz with the Shekinah Glory and wins in her hometown!”

 

Knots: “She needed that! She needed that!”

 

Sharper: “After a rough March and April, that’s how you turn the corner. And she may be number one in Taking Hold of the Flame, but she’s taking it head on!”

 

Braddock gets up and has her arm raised. She looks out at the crowd and bows for them before posing for the London crowd. They cheer her as she turns to the other side of the ring and repeats the process. She then turns and exits the ring before dropping down to the floor. She high-fives some of the ringside fans as Ginny Raab checks on Kemal Yilmaz.

 

Backstage, we open up in the locker room of Fall of Man as we see Waylon Creek just now returning from his separate efforts. He steps forward as Aries looks at him, almost with suspicion as Waylon then walks forward.

 

Heaven: “Waylon, my boy!”

 

Waylon stops and turns as William Heaven walks over.

 

Heaven: “Enjoy…doing things your own way. There’s an issue with being obsessive.”

 

Waylon: “Not when it brings results.”

 

Evans is then heard.

 

Evans: “Can’t argue there.”

 

Evans then walks into the room.

 

Waylon: “Do we have a problem with what I said…or I’ve done.”

 

Aries looks at both.

 

Aries: “Given that I smell the desire for glory…”

 

Heaven: “Don’t worry, Giovanni. We still have the big picture in order. Waylon does too.”

 

Evans: “We are going to need to be together on this. While we have the attention, we now have the bottom-feeders who think they can feast. Slayton, Striker, Dumont, Lyman….Xander if he’s a fool.”

 

Creek: “LeCavalier.”

 

Heaven: “You need to move on from her.”

 

Creek: “More just highlighting that I don’t think she’s moved on from me.”

 

There’s an eery silence in the room.

 

Evans: “As long as we’re together, that’s that. Last week, you and Aries were a team. We succeeded at Rebirth. And we control things going forward.”

 

Creek: “Fine by me.”

 

Heaven: “Giovanni?”

 

We then hear a lighter go off as Giovanni lights a cigarette and leans back.

 

Giovanni: “Just remember why you really brought me in.”

 

Giovanni takes a drag as the scene cuts away.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Syren vs. Dante Slayton

 

The lights in the arena fade down to a low blue as suddenly a voice speaks up from somewhere within the darkness that surrounds everybody.

 

<For a few seconds, this place was Armageddon!>

<There was a firefight!>

 

<Marilyn Manson>

<REACH OUT AND TOUCH FAITH!!>

 

As Marilyn Manson's cover of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" begins to play, the fans in attendance start to stomp in time with the drumline as Dante Slayton slowly walks out onto the entrance way, playing to the crowds followed by both Wil Pierce and Alex Belmont who do fist bumps with Dante before he slowly starts to make his way down to the ring. Belmont and Pierce head to the back.

 

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, he hails from Boston, Massachusetts, representing the Shinigami Foundation, known internationally as the “Harbinger of Fury”, this is DANTE SLAYTON!!!”

 

Dante continues his walk down to the ring, occasionally fist bumping with a fan before he gets to the ring steps where stands there for a moment with his eyes closed as he fights to center himself before he slams both of his fists on the top of the ring steps before climbing them, wiping his feet off before entering the ring properly before hitting his father's signature crucifix pose to the roar of the crowds.

 

Sharper: “Dante Slayton’s profile rising substantially in the last couple of weeks in SCW. Namely he’s a man that makes clear his goals and in fighting Xander Valentine, one has to note the arm injury he afflicted on him and the impact that’s had on the World Title scene since!”

 

Knots: “James Evans even thanking him and he should accept it. That’s a World Champion thanking him.”

 

Sharper: “I’m sure. Given that Dante said last week his annoyance with that. He’s declared for the Taking Hold of the Flame. He’s gunning for James Evans and the World Title now! And his opponent certainly is doing the same!”

 

The lights in the arena plunge into darkness. A pulsing sound akin to a heartbeat plays out across the PA system as the fans cheer. The heartbeat gets faster before “Groupie” by Cassie Steele hits the PA system. After a few moments Syren comes through the curtain, accompanied by Lexy Chapel on her left and Ravyn Taylor on her right. Syren pauses on the stage, looking out at the fans cheering, as Lexy waves her arms, trying to get them to cheer even louder for her client. Ravyn whispers something to Syren, who smiles and nods.

Sinfully Seductive
Captivatingly Corrupt
DARK FANTASY

Syren walks down the ramp. She jumps up onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles on the outside and waving her hands to get the fans fired up. As the camera gets closer to her, she shouts at the camera before pointing out at the fans. The camera switches to Lexy who yells about her client and the ‘Lexy Nation’ appreciating them.

Phillips: “His opponent, being accompanied by Lexy Chapel and Ravyn Taylor and representing LexyCorp International, hailing from Los Angeles, California, this is SYREN!”

Syren smiles before leaping over the top rope and unclipping the title, dropping to her knees in the ring, posing with both her arms outstretched, palms facing up, and holding up the Adrenaline title with her right hand. Lexy rolls into the ring and stands over her, pointing down at her client. She offers both her hands to Syren, pulling her up. Syren takes off her ring jacket and hands it to Lexy as Ravyn claps and stands off to the side. She climbs up on the middle rope, posing for a moment and then jumping back down and standing in her corner with Lexy and Ravyn as her music fades out.

 

Sharper: “Syren is in the Taking Hold of the Flame. She did not get that number forty when she faced Glory Braddock and Selena Frost at Rebirth. But now fate will determine her position. Nonetheless, you wonder also if she’s looking over her shoulder at Meghan Strader.”

 

Knots: “Strader went after her first. Syren is right there and if this turns into a war…did the Cowgirls from Hell make the trip to Britain?”

 

Sharper: “We may find out. Last week, a few more shots across the bow. But Syren needs to focus on Slayton.”

 

The bell sounds. Syren steps out as Slayton does too. Syren then steps up as Slayton goes for a spinning back fist, but Syren ducks. The crowd ohs as Slayton smirks. The two then go for a lock up and Syren drops down and around Slayton. Slayton throws Syren forward with a hip throw. He goes to grab her, but Syren pushes him off with his boots. Slayton rolls through and gets up and runs at Syren. Syren hits a drop toe hold and moves into a side headlock. Slayton reaches around and then pushes his head out and lunges, grabbing Syren’s head and locking in a side headlock of his own. Syren reaches around and manages to pull him over and into a pin.

 

1!

 

Slayton lets go and pushes off. Both get up and Syren hits a dropkick, knocking Slayton down. He pops back up and Syren hits a second dropkick. Slayton hits the mat and rolls out of the ring. He then smacks the mat and paces a bit. Syren gets up and motions for him to come back into the ring.

 

Sharper: “Both looking sharp but Syren a step ahead. Two good dropkicks and Slayton goes to the floor to take a moment.”

 

Knots: “Slayton almost frustrated. He thought he’d have her I think getting into his game and that’s that high impact, high striking style.”

 

Slayton paces a bit. (1) He then turns and moves to the steel steps. He walks up them. (2) He then walks along the apron and into the ring. Syren then comes over and Slayton steps up and locks up with Syren in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Slayton drops down and around. He then spins Syren out and goes for a short-arm clothesline. Syren ducks and runs into the ropes. She jumps to the middle rope and dives back, grabbing Slayton’s arm and spinning through into an arm drag. Slayton rolls through and gets up and runs at Syren and Syren hits a spinning heel kick. She goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Slayton kicks out. Both get up and Slayton moves to the corner. Syren heads over and Slayton quickly kicks her in the ribs with a hard kick and then kicks her again before drills her with a forearm shot. She falls to a knee and Slayton spins her into the corner and then lunges and knees her in the side of the head. Syren falls back as Slayton walks around the ring.

 

Sharper: “And there’s that high impact. Hard knee. Syren had nowhere to go!”

 

Knots: “Well the turnbuckles are padded!”

 

Sharper: “Not that that matters when you have a two-hundred and twenty-five pound man kneeing the side of your face!”

 

Syren pulls herself up and Slayton walks over to her and double underhooks her before hitting a butterfly suplex. He goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Syren kicks out. She turns and slowly gets up and Slayton watches before stepping up and cracking her with a forearm shot and then a second one before then whipping her into the ropes. She bounces off and Slayton gets a brief running start and hits a leg lariat. Syren hits the mat and starts to get up and Slayton grabs her and hits a snap back suplex. He bridges up.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Syren rolls her shoulder up and moves to the corner. Slayton heads after and hits a forearms hot to the jaw and then another before whipping her across the ring. Slayton runs after and Syren jumps up and floats over him. She backs up. Slayton turns and runs at her and Syren jumps up and hits a hurricanrana.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Slayton kicks out. Both get up and Syren hits an enziguri kick. Slayton staggers and Syren then jumps up for a Golden Blonde, but Slayton blocks it and then throws her overhead with a capture suplex. The crowd ohs.

 

Sharper: “He caught her and launched her! My God!”

 

Knots: “Now that was impressive!”

 

Syren rolls over and stirs as Slayton grabs her arms and then hits a roundhouse to the jaw once and then another before hitting a shot to the stomach and then an axe kick. He smirks and rolls her over and hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Syren gets her shoulder up. Slayton gets up and turns and grabs her before dragging her up and then scooping her up and slamming her down. He exits to the apron and climbs up to the top rope. He then looks down at Syren before diving off with the Meteor Rain, but Syren gets her knees up. Slayton rolls through, holding his head in pain and Syren gets up and runs past him and jumps to the middle rope and dives back with the Beauty Mark. She gets up and blows a kiss to the fans.

 

Sharper: “And Syren with that forearm. The Beauty Mark. She needed that.”

 

Knots: “Slayton was starting to just get that momentum.”

 

Sharper: “And the former seven time World Champion is in control!”

 

She jumps up and hits the Blonde Satisfaction on Slayton before Slayton rolls over and starts to get up. She runs over and kicks him in the ribs and then grabs his head and runs up the corner and goes for a tornado DDT. Slayton, however, shoves her off. She spins off and he runs out with a discus clothesline. Syren ducks and both spin around before she hits the Golden Blonde. Slayton pops up and falls to his back before Syren gets up and hits a standing shooting star press. She goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Slayton gets his shoulder up. He rolls over and starts to stir and Syren forearms him in the jaw twice before then grabbing him and running him into the corner. Syren turns around and walks to the middle of the ring. She then runs after him and goes for the Face Lift, but Slayton moves out of the way. Syren winces and turns around and Slayton grabs her and hits a northern lights suplex before backflipping through and hitting the Hammer of Dawn. He stays on her for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Syren gets her shoulder up. Slayton rolls over and turns and stomps her before then running into the ropes, bouncing off and hitting the Flashing Elbow. He goes for the pin again.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Syren shoots her shoulder up. She rolls over and crawls to the corner. Slayton grabs her and drags her up.

 

Sharper: “Slayton again. No hesitation. Everything with his entire force behind it.”

 

Knots: “Syren trying to get some distance. Aint gonna happen!”

 

Slayton grabs her in a waistlock. He pulls her back and then goes for a German suplex, but Syren backflips through to her feet. The crowd roars as Slayton rolls over and gets up and Syren superkicks him. Slayton falls to the ropes and staggers as Syren hits a second superkick.

 

Chapel: “Superkick! Soiree!”

 

Chapel yells out as Syren climbs to the top rope. She glances back and dives off with a moonsault into a pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Slayton gets his shoulder up.

 

Sharper: “Nearfall! The superkicks. The moonsault. But Slayton kicks out.”

 

Knots: “Chapel was so happy. But Syren has to still put him away!”

 

Syren looks up and slowly starts to get up as we then hear the sound of motorcycles revving. The crowd roars as Syren looks up. Ravyn Taylor turns to the entrance way as Lexy Chapel shakes her head and start yelling no.

 

Sharper: “You hear that?”

 

Knots: “I do. And last week, well…I guess we’re getting a war.”

 

Belmont and Pierce start to talk at ringside as Slayton rolls over and we see Syren get up as Meghan Strader rides out from the back and onto the stage. She pulls forward as we then see Cara Strader riding out and pulling up to her left, followed by Mackenzie Strader and Tearra Skye. The crowd roars as Meghan turns and looks at both, delivering clear orders to Cara, Tearra, and Mackenzie. She then gets up off her motorcycle as Cara, Tearra and Mackenzie do the same. Syren motions for them to come at her as Ravyn moves to the apron and yells at Syren to focus on Dante. Dante slowly gets up as Dante motions to Belmont and Pierce. The Cowgirls from Hell meanwhile start to walk to the ring.

 

Sharper: “And the Cowgirls from Hell are heading to the ring.”

 

Knots: “Syren’s ready to fight them. Ravyn is telling Syren on Dante!”

 

Lexy Chapel meanwhile reaches under the ring and grabs a steel chair. She then slides it into the ring. Ravyn turns to Lexy as Syren looks back and sees it. Lexy then reaches under the ring and grabs a second one. The Cowgirls then start to head to the ring and as they do, Mackenzie and Tearra stop as they see Belmont and Pierce. The official meanwhile then grabs the chair and sends it out of the ring. Lexy climbs onto the apron and yells at him.

 

Chapel: “She’s going to be attacked. Don’t-“

 

Dante then runs over and nails Lexy, knocking her off the apron. This leads Syren to run over to Dante and grabs him and nails him with a couple of hard shots. Meghan then motions as Ravyn then drops down to the floor and grabs the chair the official removed from the ring as Mackenzie and Tearra run over to Belmont and Pierce and start to fight with them. Cara slides into the ring and Ravyn turns to Meghan as Syren turns and hits a discus clothesline on Cara. Cara hits the mat and then Syren tells Meghan to get into the ring. Meghan climbs up as Ravyn then storms around the ring. Meghan smirks as she backs up, but Syren turns as Dante then wrenches her arm and then hits the Devil Trigger!

 

Sharper: “Meghan never entered the ring. Ravyn going after-“

 

Knots: “Cara rolling out. Look!”

 

Sharper: “My God! Slayton! The Death Trigger! He just leveled Syren with the Death Trigger!”

 

Slayton goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

The crowd roars and the bell sounds. Meghan backs up the rampway, smirking as she whistles. Mackenzie and Tearra disengage, Tearra getting tagged by a shot from Belmont. Mackenzie pulls her away with Cara helping. Ravyn Taylor turns to the ring, almost in disbelief. Lexy Chapel looks on stunned.

 

Phillips: “Here is your winner, via pinfall, Dante Slayton!”

 

Sharper: “Slayton just pinned Syren! Right in the middle of the ring!”

 

Knots: “And this time, the Cowgirls didn’t touch her!”

 

Sharper: “That’s the second time the Cowgirls in some way have intervened and cost Syren!”

 

Knots: “They didn’t touch her”!

 

Sharper: “A huge distraction and even Ravyn Taylor surprised by that. That takes a lot!”

 

Meghan Strader backs up the rampway as Dante gets up and has his arm raised. He then looks at Meghan and the Cowgirls before then looking at his crew. Ravyn Taylor watches Dante as Dante just smiles and goes to the ropes. He plays to the crowd a bit before turning to Syren and scoffing. Syren rolls over, holding her jaw as the scene cuts away.

 

Backstage, we see Polly Pingotti sitting backstage, just seemingly in a trance, looking forward. Colleen can be seen walking into the room. Marissa Swanson walks over to her and the two share a brief conversation before Colleen walks over to Polly and sits down next to her.

 

Colleen: “Polly…”

 

Polly slowly turns, looking at Colleen.

 

Colleen: “I know you heard Selena earlier. I know you want to make a statement. Glass ceiling…I-“

 

Polly: “I know. I know.”

 

Colleen: “Know what?”

 

Polly: “This is a big match for you. You beat Kim. You’re…facing Selena tonight. This is one of those matches, you win, you get the attention you deserve. Positive attention. I…I’ll stay here. I won’t get involved.”

 

Colleen: “I don’t want to side track you-“

 

Polly: “No…it’s yours. Good luck Colleen. Marissa can make sure.”

 

Colleen pauses and glances at Marissa and then back.

 

Colleen: “Are you sure?”

 

Polly: “Just go! Beat her! Okay?!”

 

Colleen calmly gets up.

 

Colleen: “Thank you.”

 

Colleen looks at Marissa and she nods as Colleen then walks out of the room and Breakdown cuts to commercial.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Breakdown returns as we cut backstage as we see in one of the back areas, Meghan Strader sitting on her motorcycle while Tearra Skye, Mackenzie Strader, and Cara Strader all celebrate as the camera pans over towards them.

 

Meghan: “Girls…that’s exactly as we drew it up.

 

Meghan smirks as the camera spins around and Meghan notices it.

 

Meghan: “Want a bit of a follow-up SCW? Well, don’t worry. Because you’re fighting out just how serious I am and the CFH are in making sure I walk out with the World Championship later this year. We told Syren that this is a fight she didn’t want. You don’t tempt us. Because we don’t forget and I’m not looking to make friends. I’m looking to win the World Title and you’re in my way. So is Dante…hi Dante! I hope you didn’t mind us getting involved. A bit of a nice twist from when we returned and busted up you and Polly. But…”

 

Tearra: “That was fun!”

 

Meghan: “Damn right it was. And unlike some, I know exactly what people are capable of. And as I said…we drew it up.”

 

Mackenzie: “Create the opportunity and let others fill the blanks while the master plan doesn’t change.”

 

Meghan: “And now Syren, you’re not looking too hot anymore. Seven time World Champion. I heard rumours you were thinking of walking away. I heard your contract is coming to an end soon. I’d heavily consider not re-upping because if you do, you risk getting humiliated like that time after time. Even your mistress of mind games could stop it. Or maybe she has too much faith in you. But I’m exposing you more and more for what you…out of your depth.”

 

Meghan smirks.

 

Meghan: “Want me to be jealous? What of? And after Taking Hold of the Flame when I dump your sorry ass over the top, along with whoever else is in my way, you’ll be the one jealous of me, Syren.”

 

Meghan then shoos away the cameraman.

 

Meghan: “Now we celebrate a job well done.”

 

The camera backs up and pans out as Cara waves the camera away as the scene cuts away.

 

"Hater era"

A laugh can be heard before the opening sounds of “Overdose” by Memphis May Fire begin. The song quickly picks up pace as purple, pink, and yellow lights shine throughout the arena, emanating from the stage.

The song plays for some time before Jordan Majors walks out to the middle of the stage and turns around and puts her arms straight out as she looks down. The camera pans in to her leather jacket to see #HaterEra emblazoned on the back. She bobs her head to the music before turning and looking directly toward the ring. She then turns as she looks at the crowd, microphone in her hand. She then holds a finger up, almost stopping herself, and the crowd from getting too carried away.

 

Majors: “Wait…wait…I’m sorry, apparently, you won’t get a US Championship defense.”

 

The crowd boos. Majors looks around.

 

Knots: “Yeah! Asher Hayes stole it back!”

 

Sharper: “Oh stop it! He’s the rightful champion!”

 

Majors looks around.

 

Majors: “Beyond the fact that someone has stolen MY property, it seems like the past decisions of a certain FORMER champion are such that they can’t make the trip across the ocean. How sad?”

 

Majors shakes her head.

 

Majors: “But that’s fine because frankly, I don’t know if we should even give someone from this nation an opportunity to challenge for such a prestigious championship. After all, the last time a Brit had it, she insulted us all by changing the name, but that’s fine-“

 

The crowd boos.

 

Sharper: “Referring to Glory Braddock and the UK Championship a few years ago.”

 

Majors: “So why am I out here? Because I was able to secure a little bit of time to talk to you. To counter some of the lies. Asher Hayes did nothing that he didn’t do willingly to himself. He always wanted to take some time down south in Mexico and I just happened to help make it happen. It’s not my fault he couldn’t control himself and he engaged in destructive behaviour. For his best interests, I simply made sure that he would have the wake-up call he really needed. I mean if a trunk full of dank kush didn’t help, well…it needed a more personal touch. But I stress to you…I am also the rightful US Champion. He agreed to an impromptu contest…and as I’ve said for months…that title is MINE.”

 

Majors looks at the camera as we cut to a shot from a cameraman right in front of her.

 

Majors: “When I get back stateside, I’ll happily share the proof, Asher. To show you’re far from the man you claim to be. To show that you’re not some great redemption story. You’re still the pathetic teenager that never grew up. And next week, I’ll be able to give the world the defense that the US Championship deserves.”

 

Majors pauses and looks out at the crowd.

 

Majors: “Ignore him…and focus on where the real story is…here…with the Star of Today!”

 

Majors then backs up as “Onslaught” plays again. She smirks and laughs a bit before turning and holding her arm in the air. She then walks to the back.

 

Sharper: “What proof does she have?”

Knots: “Asher said she risked his family. Are there pictures?”

 

Sharper: “Oh God…I don’t even know. But this seems like Jordan Majors made sure to send some message to Asher Hayes. And why not just share it now?”

 

Knots: “Maybe she wants Asher to see it!”

 

Majors disappears to the back as the cameras continue to roll for a few moments.

 

The scene cuts to the inside of the LexyCorp locker room.

 

Chapel: “That was awful. Awful! How the hell did that happen? MASTER STRATEGIST? HUH?”

 

Ravyn looks at Lexy.

 

Ravyn: “You’re the one that decided to immediately bring out the weapons. And you’re the one who served as the distraction. Perhaps I thought someone was a bit more dialled in…no judgment, but Zoe…”

 

Syren: “I’m fine…”

 

Syren pauses.

 

Ravyn: “That was a rookie mistake. I said to focus on Dante. Finish him and-“

 

Syren: “I know!”

 

Syren pauses as she stops.

 

Ravyn: “Allow me to focus on-“

 

Syren: “I’ll let you plan. I’ll let you scheme. But I’m not going to sit here and act like we can just bounce back from that. Selena, Adonis…now Slayton. I know you didn’t want me putting the pressure on me, but SCW doesn’t play that way. You wanted me to find my passion. It’s been here. It’s why I came out to stand up to Glory Braddock and Selena Frost. It’s why I called my shot. It’s why I went for the big dogs and tried to take it because I never do half-measures…Taylor Summers….Karnivale….Jake Starr….Shilo….I made my name on standing up to whatever challenge I have and Meghan Strader is acting like she’s got one over us!”

 

Ravyn: “She doesn’t-“

 

Chapel: “It doesn’t look like that right now, Satan!”

 

Syren pauses for a moment.

 

Syren: “I know you want me to just make sure this is what I enjoy, but I’m always going to have a target and it’s time for me to get back to being at that level. Ravyn…go.”

 

Ravyn: “Training wheels off-“

 

Chapel: “Wait. What are we-”

 

Syren: “Yes. Lexy…get the machine going…”

 

Chapel: “Hell yeah. The Russians won’t know what’s coming!”

 

Syren shakes her head.

 

Syren: “Meghan Strader wants a war. SCW wants to dunk on me. I’m at 100% and I said I’d hold gold in 2025. Let’s remind everyone what I can do!”

 

Chapel: “LEXYCORP TAKING OVER! WHOOP! WHOOP!”

 

Chapel excitedly goes to her cellphone as Ravyn Taylor smirks, looking at Syren, who just looks down, focused as the scene cuts away.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

Breakdown returns as we open up to see Destiny Page standing in front of the SCW interview area.

 

Page: “Welcome back to Breakdown. Destiny Page here and fans, we’ve been following a number of stories tonight, but one of the most notable ones is actually the absence of Kimberly Williams. We believe that she was present last week on Breakdown, but some conspiracy theorists have suggested that Kim sent her twin sister Marie in her stead. She did not appear on camera. Tonight, we have no record of Kimberly Williams getting through security. SCW does keep track of company provided travel and Kimberly Williams did take a plane from Boston to London, but she did not check into the promotion’s designated hotel and instead, we don’t know where she is. Whether this is a sign that the former Underground Champion is taking her loss to Colleen hard or something else, we’re not sure. Meanwhile, she’s been active on social media and seemingly being her old self, making jokes, and posting pictures of WASLEY. She’s also sent some messages claiming that she’s going to aim bigger.”

 

Page pauses for a moment.

 

Page: “What we can tell you is that Kimberly Williams, while expected to be at Breakdown this week and last, she was not booked and this was an intentional decision as SCW management, including CHBK, seemingly believed Kimberly would take the match hard. Whether her mother Angelica Jones played a role there too is unknown. Nonetheless, we can confirm that Kim Williams will be in action next week on Breakdown and we should get a good idea of what her spirits are in, and what’s next for the Queen of the Deathmatch. And…”

 

Just then, Kandis and Tommy Valentine walk into view. The crowd cheers seeing them.

 

Page: “Kandis, Tommy…what can I do for you?”

 

Tommy: “Looks like you’ve got an interview set with new guest. And while knowing what insanity Kim has gotten into may be interesting…”

 

Kandis: “What may be more pressing now is that we had a fool call us out on national television and I think Tommy and I may have something to say about it.”

 

Page: “You’re talking about Konrad.”

 

Tommy: “She’s an observant one. They hired well.”

 

Kandis: “So…”

 

Page: “Oh…yes.”

 

Page extends the microphone to Kandis and Tommy.

 

Tommy leans over.

 

Tommy: “Hey Konrad…Go F-“

 

Kandis: “We can’t say that.”

 

Tommy: “Not even in Britain?”

 

Destiny shakes her head.

 

Kandis: “Apparently not. Perhaps we should take the more direct approach.”

 

Tommy: “Oh…okay…”

 

Tommy clears his throat.

 

Tommy: “We’re not hard to find Konrad. And if your EFN wants their shot, just find us. Because we’re coming back to prove we should be back to those Tag Titles. And last week…well, Josh Hudson’s boys got one past us. Well done.”

 

Kandis: “If only you had just stayed out of it…but that’s fine, Konrad. We know you only know how to hate. But you’re going to hate us more when we keep owning you and the EFN. And Hudson…tell your boys that if they want to really prove they should be on this roster…we’re happy for round two. Remove all doubt.”

 

Tommy: “See, we’re not running. We’re not going to play games. We came out and looked at the talent and we said, let’s take it all. And next week, we’ll be coming to the ring. We’ll be facing whoever SCW puts in front of us. And if people want a shot at the Connection, line up. Because we’re going to go through you all and Fall of Man…We can see how big and bad you are soon enough.”

 

Page: “Kandis, Tommy Valentine…the Connection! Balls back in your court, Konrad…Josh….back to ringside.”

 

The scene cuts away.

 

Dexter Grant vs. Diamond Steele

 

Diamond and the Gem Stones begins to blare all across the sound system as the London fans erupt and as it does we are able to see the likes of the Gem Stones playing on a tron. Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are all playing various instruments as we are able to see Diamond Steele emerging from the curtain. She has a microphone in her hands and sings as loudly as she can to the sound of roaring cheers from her hometown fans. Kate smirks as she just sings loudly which results in even more cheers.

Phillips: “The following non-title match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from London, England!”

The London fans erupt in even louder cheers at this.

Phillips: “She is... Diamond Steel!”

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 hometown crowd who cheers even louder than before. She waves at them as she throws the microphone to the side. She smirks as she opens up a pocket mirror and takes a moment to admire how beautiful her hair is as she waits for the match to begin.

Sharper: “Diamond Steele getting a chance to shine in front of her hometown and fellow countrymen here tonight, and winning this match could give her a ton of momentum.”

Knots: “Maybe having the London fans behind her could give her a boost, but I still don't like her chances against a man you know full well could care less about any of this.”

Raucous chants of “DIAMOND STEELE!” echo throughout the O2 Arena as Diamond can't help but smile, almost overwhelmed by all the support she's getting here tonight in her hometown. The moment that “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, those cheers immediately turn into a resounding chorus of boos that almost drowns out the song itself. The big screen shows 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 literally dragging the SCW Adrenaline Championship belt as it scrapes along the stage, stopping at the edge and staring out at the fans with disgust as they don't hesitate to make sure he hears how disgusted they are with him loud and clear. 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 the words “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT” written within the circle.

Phillips: “Her opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Wendell, from 'Off the Grid,' he is the SCW Adrenaline Champion, The Digital Detoxer... Dexter Grant!”

Wendell looks up at Dexter, clearly taken aback by how much vitriol they're receiving tonight. Dexter just leans over and says something to him 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. When he reaches ringside, he literally throws the Adrenaline Title into the ring before he jumps up onto the apron and aggressively steps through the ropes, marching to the center of the ring and standing over his title, 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 reaches ringside but opts not to enter the ring this time, instead setting his protest sign by the ring steps and wandering around the ring to go retrieve the microphone that Diamond discarded during her entrance. The lights return to normal as Dexter kicks the Adrenaline Title belt over towards his corner and starts pacing around the ring.

Sharper: “Dexter Grant is still the Adrenaline Champion after a hard-fought war with Kemal Yilmaz at Rebirth, but he hasn't been quiet about his disdain over the fact that Kemal and Glory got matched up here in London tonight while he's facing Diamond Steele.”

Knots: “The man doesn't like to stay quiet about anything, and given how much these people clearly don't want to hear what he has to say, they might only have themselves to blame if he Disconnects Diamond tonight!”

As Dexter's music fades, Wendell has retrieved Diamond's discarded microphone and is handing it to Dexter through the ropes before collecting the Adrenaline Title belt. Diamond looks annoyed at this as Dexter goes to give one of his usual spiels, but he barely gets a word out before the London fans immediately drown him out, clearly not caring for whatever he has to say.

Dexter: “It's nice to see that-”

Dexter's attempt to talk louder only incites the fans to boo louder, cutting him off and drowning him out again as he just looks more irritated than before.

Knots: “I can barely hear myself think in here!”

Dexter slowly shakes his head as he starts to realize that the London fans aren’t going to let him say a word, especially when he’s facing one of their hometown heroes and virtually screwed over another in recent months. Suddenly, he spins around and blasts Diamond in the face with her microphone! The fans only erupt in even louder jeers as Dexter tosses the mic out of the ring, demanding that Referee Jennifer Cassidy start the match as he removes his vest and tosses it out to Wendell. Jennifer moves to check on Diamond, who is slowly getting to her feet in the corner, and she tells the referee that despite the cheap shot, she’s good to go. Jennifer Cassidy reluctantly signals for the bell, and Dexter is immediately all over her in the corner, bombarding her with right hands until she drops to a seated position, where he then switches to stomps. Jennifer Cassidy starts to administer a five count, getting all the way up to four until Dexter finally stops and turns to walk around the ring, the fans drowning him in boos as he doesn’t seem to care about the noise.

Sharper: “Dexter all over Diamond in the early-going here after that cheap shot before the bell even rang.”

Knots: “Well, if these fans aren’t going to listen, then maybe kicking the tar out of one of their hometown heroes would send a greater message?”

Diamond slowly pulls herself back up to her feet in the corner as Dexter walks back over to her, stunning her with another right hand before he irish whips her into the opposite corner. Dexter follows behind her, intending to catch her with a corner clothesline as soon as she hits, but Diamond surprises him by running up the turnbuckles before twisting into a crossbody! She immediately rolls off of him and takes a moment to get her bearings as Dexter quickly gets back to his feet. He goes to lock up with her, but she ducks underneath and grabs him in a rear waistlock. Dexter slams his arms down into her elbows to break her grip before doing a standing switch to grab her in a rear waistlock now, but she manages to slip free and catch him with a pele kick! Dexter rolls out to the floor, looking almost bewildered that Diamond’s got the upper hand now.

Sharper: “Diamond weathering the early aggression from the Adrenaline Champion and she’s forced him to retreat out to the floor!”

Knots: “Dexter maybe getting a little too overconfident. I doubt he’s ever had to deal with a crowd that hated him quite like this one!”

The fans start singing “DIAMOND, DIAMOND STEELE~!” as Diamond can’t help but laugh and blow kisses out to them. Dexter looks fed up by all of this as he slides back into the ring, but Diamond is quick to catch him with a roundhouse kick to the chest! Dexter backs up against the ropes as Diamond lands a few more roundhouse kicks to the chest and ribs, causing Dexter to stagger over to the nearby corner. She follows him and lands one more for good measure before she pulls him out of the corner, keeping him close as she hops up onto the second turnbuckle and grabs him in a front facelock. She leaps off for a tornado DDT, but Dexter throws her off! Diamond manages to land on her feet, but Dexter immediately takes advantage of her position as he blasts her with a running knee strike! The fans’ singing stops and immediately gives way to boos, but Dexter ignores them as he grabs Diamond’s wrists and starts to violently stomp down on her face and chest repeatedly!

Knots: “Dexter playing a tune of his own right now with those stomps all over Diamond’s face! You think I could tag that with something like #DetoxerDubstep and see if it catches on?”

Sharper: “Maybe if you want him to come over here and do that to you. Regardless, Dexter has Diamond in a bad way right now with this relentless assault!”

Dexter grabs Diamond and hauls her up enough to drape her over the middle rope before he kneels across her back, choking her against it! Jennifer Cassidy starts administering the five count as Dexter spits out at the crowd.

Dexter: “You ready to listen to me now!?”

The fans only boo louder as Dexter stops before the referee reaches five, stepping back and letting Diamond fall to the mat, gasping for air. He sneers down at her, letting her try to pull herself back to her feet, but once she’s up enough, he helps her up the rest of the way only to take her over with a dragon suplex, sticking the bridge for a pin!

1!

2!

Diamond kicks out! Dexter rolls his eyes before he pulls Diamond back to her feet, hooking her in a cobra clutch and thrashing her back and forth! Jennifer Cassidy checks in with Diamond, but before she can respond, Dexter lifts her up and plants her with the Unplugged! He follows this up with another cover, hooking the leg.

1!

2!

Diamond kicks out again! Dexter just shakes his head and mumbles something to himself.

Sharper: “Diamond Steele showing tremendous fight here in front of her hometown crowd!”

Knots: “They can will her on all they want, but unless she can start getting some offense in, Dexter might be on the verge of Disconnecting her!”

Dexter slowly steps back, measuring Diamond as she slowly pulls herself back to her feet, willed on by the support of the fans. She’s a bit unsteady as she finally gets back up, but Dexter feels this is good enough as he charges her, feinting a kick and twisting into the Clickbait, but Diamond ducks the elbow and catches his arm before twisting him into a float-over neckbreaker! The fans erupt as Diamond nods to herself, feeding off the energy and support as she grabs his ankle and tries to apply an ankle lock, but Dexter manages to roll through! He trips Diamond to the mat and goes to try and apply the Logout Lock, but she manages to slip free before he makes any headway, and as he rises, she drops him with a float-over DDT!

Sharper: “Diamond Steele fighting her way back into this match, using everything she can muster to get one over on the Digital Detoxer!”

Knots: “She better be loading up a killshot to put him down for the count, because the last thing she needs is for Dexter to get the upper hand again and decide enough’s enough!”

Diamond slowly moves over to the corner and starts ascending to the top turnbuckle. By the time she gets herself settled up there, Dexter is slowly pulling himself back to his feet, urged on by Wendell frantically pounding the apron to try and give him at least one supporter. Diamond places a finger to her lips and the crowd responds by actually going almost completely silent. Once Dexter is back to his feet, he stumbles for a moment before turning around, and Diamond leaps off to catch him with the Silence Is Golden! As she’s airborne, however, Dexter spins around and violently cracks her in the face with the Unwanted Notification, the impact echoing throughout the quiet O2 Arena! That wakes the fans up as they begin burying Dexter in an avalanche of boos, but he just spits out at them once more before he grabs Diamond’s arm and drags her to the center of the ring before applying the Disconnect to Reconnect! He wrenches back as far as Diamond’s neck and shoulder will allow as Referee Jennifer Cassidy checks in, but Diamond gives her no response, looking like she might be out cold. Jennifer tests Diamond’s free arm, but it falls limply to the mat and she immediately calls for the bell! “TokSik” by Starset hits again as the fans only boo louder, but this just causes Dexter to wrench back even more on the submission until Jennifer Cassidy reaches in and physically manages to pry his grip loose!

Phillips: “Here is your winner, by technical submission… Dexter Grant!”

The announcement from Jason Phillips is almost completely drowned out in boos as Dexter glares at the referee for pulling him off, scoffing at Jennifer Cassidy before he rolls out of the ring.

Sharper: “Dexter Grant not caring in the slightest for Diamond Steele’s homecoming, turning out her lights with that devastating kick and then the Disconnect to Reconnect to add salt to the wound.”

Knots: “He may not care about being Adrenaline Champion either, but I’d honestly like to know who could actually pose a threat to his bizarre title reign at this point, because barely anybody’s been able to stop him!”

Jennifer Cassidy checks on Diamond as Dexter just starts storming up the ramp, with Wendell quickly scurrying after him with his protest sign in hand as well as Dexter’s vest and the Adrenaline Title belt. The fans may be showering him with hatred after what he just did to one of their hometown heroes, but Dexter clearly seems to know he’s not welcome here and is more than happy to leave now that his job is done for the night. He takes a few steps before stopping and peering into the crowd. We then see the camera turn as we see Veil just staring at him while standing on the floor. Grant looks at him and then to Wendell and back. Veil remains emotionless as Grant hurries to the back.

 

Backstage, we cut to see Chris and Ryan Hollywood frantically running around and Ryan grabs a camera.

 

Ryan: “You! You’re on…look, we need you. We need to do some damage control. Chris!”

 

Ryan looks behind him as Chris Hollywood runs over and joins him.

 

Chris: “Oh good…it’s on? Good! Ryan!”

 

Ryan clears his throat.

 

Ryan: “We just wanted to say that any comments attributing claims that Destiny Page said that the EX-wife of Gavin Taylor was a hussie, a whore, and a supporter of fracking are UNTRUE. She never said anything like that.”

 

Chris: “I don’t know where such slanderous lies come from. Destiny Page is the FUTURE of Hollywood and we will not stand by when some social media scandal comes out. Just because we know how it affects one’s mental health.”

 

Ryan: “So people on the new Dependables movie. Just be cool. Destiny is better than the FORMER Mrs. Taylor. Totally. And she supports cool things. Like the Buffy reboot….”

 

Chris: “And…uh….women’s rights! Yeah!”

 

Ryan: “And totally is in favour of caging sea turtles.”

 

Chris: “They’re so cute. We don’t want them hurt!”

 

Ryan: “So much empathy and-“

 

Destiny Page runs into the scene.

 

Destiny: “What are you doing? Wait-“

 

Chris: “Telling everyone how you want to cage the wee sea turtles.”

 

Destiny: “Oh God! They don’t represent me! They don’t. Go to black! Please!”

 

The scene abruptly cuts.

 

COMMERCIALS

 

“Psycho in my Head” plays as the Breakdown logo comes up on the screen, followed by the words “Next Week!” We then see a still of Chris Dumont vs. Waylon Creek.

 

Sharper: “Folks, CHBK has been busy. And while we have heard rumours of David Striker and the Troupe plotting next steps, it looks like Chris Dumont will be getting his chance to test Heaven’s order. He’ll face Waylon Creek next week.”

 

Knots: “CHBK booked this?”

 

Sharper: “Yes he did. And it’s next week, on Breakdown!”

 

The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen.

 

Selena Frost vs. 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 and holding the SCW Underground Championship. 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.  

 

Phillips: “The following contest is scheduled for onefall for TV time remaining and is your main event of the evening. First, on her way to the ring, from Orderville, Utah, she is the SCW Underground Champion, Colleen MacDonald!”

 

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.

 

Sharper: “Colleen MacDonald in action for the first time since that war with Kimberly Williams. You wonder how she’s doing.”

 

Knots: “Less bandaged up than last week. Isn’t limping? So it’s looking good so far.”

 

Sharper: “And she’s stepping in after Polly Pingotti went after Selena Frost last week. Selena offered some comments earlier tonight, but I also don’t know if Colleen is going to be motivated by helping a friend, or her own desires to keep the momentum she’s built up.”

 

BELIEVE IT... OR NOT!

"Thank You for Hating Me!" by Citizen Soldier plays throughout the arena, the SCW Universe deafening the song with their boos. The lights shift to dark purple and blue, filling the arena as snow is seen “falling” along the electronic floor and screens as, out from the back, walks the Snow Queen, Selena Frost, taking in the crowd of the SCW Universe with a smirk.

 

Phillips: “Her opponent, from Nome, Alaska, by way of Manhattan, New York, she is the Snow Queen, Selena Frost!”

Slowly, Selena shifts her head, her sapphire eyes locked towards the ring as she turns to her side and lifts her front hand gracefully, extending it towards the ring, palm upward. With a lift of her front foot, she suddenly slams it down into the ground, causing a crack like ice to form and sprint down the ramp and towards the ring!

Lowering her arm, the Blue-Eyed Devil walks down the ramp, her steps leaving footprints in the “snow” under her feet. Reaching the ring, Selena goes up the steps and under the ropes to enter it. Once inside and in the center of the ring, she stands still, confident and powerful, as the lights form to make a massive blue and black snowflake under her and the purple and blue lights. Raising her hand back up, towards the audience, once again palm upright, a wicked smirk graces her lips. With a slam of her foot, Selena causes the snowflake at her feet to “crack” as the rampway did, the shards of ice streaking out to all four corners of the ring to shoot out purple streaks of light from the turnbuckle the lights return to normal.

 

Sharper: “Number forty in the Taking Hold of the Flame battle royal. The odds-on favourite for that match – June 1.”

 

Knots: “It feels like the World Championship is just hers. She’s around it. Taking Hold of the Flame. Holding onto that contract from last year. And she’s holding all of the cards.”

 

The bell sounds as Colleen looks at Selena, cracking her knuckles as she comes out. The crowd buzzes as the two step up and lock up in the middle of the ring. They push back on one another and Colleen starts to use her vertical base and pushes Selena back. Selena looks behind her and tries to turn her, but Colleen then just shoves her back. Selena falls back against the ropes. Selena gets up and Colleen shoves her back down. Selena gets up and Colleen nails her with a hard right. Selena staggers and Colleen blasts her with another hard right. Selena spins into the corner and Colleen comes in and forearms her in the chest once and then again and again.

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

4!

 

Colleen is forced back out of the corner. Colleen steps forward and Selena steps through to the apron. Colleen looks at her, annoyed as senior official Aaron Demitra gets Colleen back. Colleen then pushes past Demitra and Selena grabs her and hits a guillotine drop.

 

Sharper: “Colleen using the same type of brawling she used in that war against Kim Williams.”

 

Knots: “Guess that’s a benefit. You just have to not go too far with some of the rules!”

 

Sharper: “But Selena got her! And now to the top!”

 

Selena climbs up to the top rope and Colleen turns to her and Selena hits a double axe handle smash. Colleen falls to the mat. Selena then steps up and hits an elbow drop. She goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen kicks out. Colleen rolls over and stirs as Selena gets up. Colleen gets up and Selena chops her. The crowd woos. She chops her again. More woos. She then gets Colleen to the ropes and goes to fire her across. Colleen hits the opposite side and Selena goes for a clothesline. Colleen ducks and stops. Selena turns around and Colleen drops her with a clubbing clothesline of her own. Selena gets up and Colleen scoops her up and slams her down. Selena pops back up and Colleen scoops her up and hits a ribbreaker. She goes for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Selena kicks out. Colleen gets up as Selena rolls over and moves to the ropes. Colleen nails her with a hard right. Selena staggers to the corner.

 

Sharper: “And you can see the confidence on Colleen MacDonald as she is taking the fight to Selena Frost!”

 

Knots: “I don’t think Selena thought Colleen would be this aggressive and she has to figure something out!”

 

Colleen then shoulders Selena in the ribs. She rears back and shoulders her again and again before then whipping her across the ring. Colleen runs after and Selena flips up and over to the apron. Colleen stops and grabs her, but Selena fights her off and hits a pump kick on the apron. Colleen staggers back. Selena steps into the ring and then kicks her in the ribs and hits the Claim-Stake. Colleen falls back, rolling over. Selena then watches her as she stirs and then waits for her to get to her knees and then hits a shoot kick to the chest. She hits a second one and then a third one before grabbing her and pulling her down with a DDT. She rolls Colleen over and hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen kicks out. Selena gets up as Colleen rolls over. She starts to stir and Selena runs over and hits a sliding dropkick to the head. Colleen falls back and rolls to the ropes. She grabs at the ropes, trying to get up and Selena then runs over and hits another dropkick. The crowd ohs as Colleen bounces off the ropes and drops to the mat. Selena rolls her away and hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen gets her shoulder up. Selena rolls off and looks around. She then gets up as Colleen stirs and gets to the ropes.

 

Sharper: “Selena keeping the pressure on and using the ropes for added leverage.”

 

Knots: “She either has to leave the ring or has nowhere to go!”

 

Selena then grabs Colleen and drags her out and hits a snap suplex. Selena gets up and exits to the apron. She climbs up to the top rope and looks down at Colleen. She then dives off and hits an elbow drop. She hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen kicks out again. Selena looks up and then grabs the head and arm of Colleen, dragging her to her feet. Colleen gets up and Selena chops her. The crowd woos. She chops her again and then a third time. She goes to whip her across the ring, but Colleen suddenly spins through and sends her in and Selena bounces off and Colleen hits a powerslam. The crowd cheers. Colleen gets up and runs into the ropes. She bounces off and hits a running senton backsplash to the ribs of Selena. She turns and goes for the lateral press.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Selena kicks out just in time.

 

Sharper: “And only two. Colleen getting a nearfall after driving her body into the ribs of Selena Frost.”

 

Knots: “Colleen using her body to her advantage there.”

 

Colleen then grabs Selena and drags her up and runs her into the corner. She drives her face first into the top turnbuckle. She then drives her again and again before driving her twice into the middle turnbuckle. Selena collapses to a seated position as Colleen walks around the ring and then runs at Selena, hitting the running Facewarmer. The crowd ohs. Colleen then grabs Selena and drags her out before placing her head between her legs. She then hits a powerbomb before folding her over for the pin.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Selena kicks out just in time. The crowd ohs. Colleen walks around the ring as Selena rolls over. She crawls to the ropes and Colleen then runs over and goes to dive onto the back of Selena. Selena glances back and just moves out of the way. Colleen hits the ropes and bounces back. She rolls over and gets up and turns to Selena who runs past her and then rocks in the ropes before getting extra spend and hitting the Cold Shoulder. Colleen hits the mat. Selena then grabs her and drags her up before pulling her back with a reverse DDT. She hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen pushes her off. Selena looks down. She then nails Colleen with a couple of hard shots.

 

Sharper: “And Colleen kicks out after the DDT. And now Selena just hammering away.”

 

Knots: “I don’t know if you want to turn this into a brawl. Colleen’s been thriving there.”

 

Sharper: “Selena maybe just getting some damage in as she tries to figure out how to keep Colleen down.”

 

Selena gets up and walks around the ring. Colleen turns and gets to a knee and looks at Selena and tells her to come at her. Selena then heads over and nails her with a hard right and then another and another. She then backs up and runs into the ropes and lunges, but Colleen gets up and grabs her and hits an arm-trap side belly to belly suplex. She hooks the leg.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Selena gets her shoulder up. Colleen looks up and then turns and starts to get up. She then grabs Selena and drags her up and places her head between her legs. She then sets up for a second powerbomb, but Selena counters with a sunset flip.

 

1!

 

2!

 

Colleen kicks out. Both roll back and both get up and Selena hits the Glass Shard. The crowd ohs and boos. Selena falls to a knee and then moves forward and hooks the leg.

 

Sharper: “Glass Shard! Out of the pin attempt!”

 

Knots: “Colleen, you can fight hard, but sometimes, that’s just not enough! This is Selena’s world!”

 

1!

 

2!

 

3!

 

The bell sounds as the crowd boos. Selena rolls off of Colleen and sits next to her.

 

Sharper: “And Selena wins!”

 

Selena slowly gets up as we cut to a wide shot of the crowd before showing the camera panning to see Polly Pingotti standing on the floor, just watching, soullessly.

 

Knots: “And Pingotti saw it all. Colleen told her to get Selena out of her head.”

 

Sharper: “And Polly watched Selena Frost victorious tonight over her friend…”

 

Polly Pingotti just keeps watching as Selena Frost has her arm raised. Just then, the camera turns as we see Xander Valentine walking down to the ring. He holds a piece of paper in his hand as he storms to the ring.

 

Sharper: “And now Xander Valentine back out here.”

 

Knots: “With how he’s been tonight, maybe he’ll just go after Selena because he can!”

 

Selena Frost turns and sees Xander Valentine as storms to the ring. Selena backs up and drops down to the floor and backs up. Xander pulls himself onto the apron and into the ring. He then steps forward, ignoring Colleen and Selena, and instead going over to Jason Phillips. Phillips looks around as Xander barks at him.

 

Xander: “Give me a damn mic and get Alex out here!”

 

Selena looks around as Xander extends his arm. Phillips looks around.

 

Knots: “He’s asking for CHBK!”

 

Sharper: “What’s in his hand?”

 

Xander is handed a microphone by Phillips as he turns around. As he does, we see CHBK walking out from the back. He looks in the ring. Xander points to him.

 

Xander: “Get in here!”

 

CHBK heads down to the ring and then goes over to the steel steps. He walks up them. Selena Frost doesn’t leave the ringside area just watching as CHBK then steps into the ring. Polly Pingotti is also still watching from the floor, even though Marissa Swanson is now trying to get her to leave. Xander then walks over to CHBK. Selena Frost stares daggers at Xander from ringside.

 

Xander: “Here.”

 

Xander thrusts the piece of paper into CHBK’s chest. CHBK grabs it and looks at it.

 

Xander: “That’s my Trios contract. And at Taking Hold of the Flame….I’m taking Fall of Man out. World Title. The three of them…Me….Thunderdome!”

 

The crowd erupts.

 

Sharper: “My God…”

 

Xander drops the microphone and exits the ring. He walks around the ring and goes to the rampway, heading to the back as CHBK continues to scan the document and Breakdown cuts to black…