Alchemy 8.1 - RESULTS

Stone: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to FMW Anarchy 8.1! I’m Stone, along with my broadcast partner Foxx!

Foxx: Indeed, another blue brand show is hitting your screens!

Stone: We’ve got an action packed line-up tonight as we begin the road to Ultimatum, but we’ll let it speak for itself!

Foxx: Let’s get right into our first match!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for the first match in the Tournament for the Torch! Introducing first, weighing in tonight at 315 pounds, and hailing from Marietta, Georgia, this is TYRANT!

”Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeath begins to blare through the arena as the Tyrant of Full Metal Wrestling begins to make his way to the ring, twirling his nightstick menacingly as he goes.

Stone: Here comes a man who has got to be almost desperate to win this match, and the tournament as a whole.

Foxx: True, if he loses here tonight that means climbing to the very top of the hellish Mount Vesuvius will have been for nothing.

Stone: I don’t envy Rampage’s job of facing him tonight.

As Tyrant gets into the ring the music stops and Shelia Blige steps forward again.

Shelia Blige: And introducing his opponent tonight, weighing in at two hundred and sixty six pounds and coming to us tonight from Richmond, California. He is the former General Manager of Alchemy, Dante Jones, better known as RAMPAGE!

Gunshots ring out before Dante’s voice comes over the PA saying “I Still Kill” leading into the intro of “The Way I Am” by Eminem. He steps through the curtains and stops at the top of the ramp, microphone in hand.

RAMPAGE!: Cut my music. This match, this match right here seems awfully familiar, doesn’t it? In fact, I dare say this is a match we’ve all seen before. You people spent your hard earned money to see me and Mr. McKenzie battle it out on pay per view. But because of the actions of one Alex O’Rion, I think you people were deprived of seeing what should have happened. That’s why as my last act as general manager of Alchemy I am officially barring the entire FMW roster from ringside during this match, especially Alex O’Rion and Peter Saint! Should anyone interfere with this match they will be immediately fired and escorted from the arena.

RAMPAGE! drops the microphone to the ground as the crowd roars with approval of the stipulation. He comes rushing down the ramp and slides into the ring, but before he can get to his feet Tyrant is there to kick him in the ribs right as the bell rings.

Stone: Tyrant with a quick attack to start this match off, he goes for another stomp but Rampage just jumped to his feet and nailed Tyrant with a haymaker.

Foxx: And Tyrant answers him back with a straight right!

Stone: Dante now with a jab and right hook, these two are already just pounding the hell out of one another.

Foxx: What did you expect, technical perfection? Tyrant is desperate to win and regain what he lost to Rampage. And Rampage is dealing with the anger over the loss of his little brother. Both men are pissed, and both have found the perfect outlet, one another!

Stone: This is true, and in a surprising move Tyrant, the bigger man, is backing away from the brawl. I don’t get it, he’s stronger than Rampage, he would have had the upper hand.

Foxx: Maybe that loss at Catalyst shook his faith in his abilities. He hasn’t looked like the man who won Mount Vesuvius as of late.

Stone: This is true. Rampage is relentless in the ring, Tyrant dodging and blocking but he’s taking more than a few shots.

Foxx: Rampage backs Tyrant into a corner and is just wailing away at him with those heavy hands of his. It’s all Tyrant can do to keep covered up.

Stone: Finally the referee steps in and separates the two men, but not before Rampage lands another shot to the head of Tyrant.

Foxx: Tyrant looks a little dazed, but Rampage is already breathing a bit heavy. For a man who hasn’t competed as much lately that flurry may have taken a lot out of him.

Stone: And look at Tyrant, even as his face is swelling he’s smiling. I think he was counting on Dante being too angry and coming out like this.

Foxx: Well he’d better do something quick - Rampage isn’t near done yet. Kick to the gut of the Tyrant followed by a snap DDT, Jake Roberts would be proud.

Stone: Tyrant is down and Rampage is laying into him with the boots while Tyrant tries to protect himself. He’s covering up while Rampage kicks him all over.

Foxx: Rampage stops now and steps back. I think he’s been watching too much of that other wrestling promotion because he’s setting up to punt Tyrant’s head clean off. Rampage doesn’t want to just win; he wants to get his frustration out by taking the Tyrant out too!

Stone: Tyrant moved! He got his head out of the way at the last second! Rampage turns around and is caught with a HUGE big boot to the head!

Foxx: One mistake by an enraged Rampage, one quick move by Tyrant and the momentum completely shifts.

Stone: Rampage is quick to his feet, but he has a glaze to his eyes, that boot might have knocked something loose.

Foxx: It’s Rampage; can you honestly tell me you don’t think he had a few screws loose to begin with?

Stone: Rampage moves forward and Tyrant wraps his hands around his neck. This is a blatant choke but before the referee can intervene Tyrant lifts Rampage by the neck and slams him down hard onto the mat with a choke toss. Tyrant with the quick pin!

Foxx: ONE!

Stone: TWO!

NO! Rampage gets the shoulder up, clearly not done with this fight. Tyrant is enraged, practically screaming at the referee.

Foxx: Tyrant is desperate; he needs this win if he’s to have any hope of Main Eventing Ultimatum Two.

Stone: But it also gives time to let Rampage get his feet under him again. Tyrant turns to face him and is caught by Rampage. Belly to belly release suplex, what strength Rampage shows, throwing the big man into the air like that!

Foxx: Rampage now back in control as he mounts Tyrant and begins to rain down more punches onto the swelling face of the man.

Stone: But Tyrant with a rake to the eyes. What a cheap move to get Dante off him!

Foxx: Cheap!? He used his veteran instincts to stop an assault! How is that cheap?

Stone: It’s against the rules!

Foxx: Your face is against the rules!

Stone: Real professional Foxx, really. Rampage staggers off him and to his feet as Tyrant also recovers. Both men seem tired but Rampage really looks worn down. It’s almost like Tyrant has been baiting him to use up his energy early while Tyrant conserved his and just protected himself.

Foxx: Tyrant is probably the biggest veteran in FMW right now. I don’t doubt he is using Rampage’s own mental state against him.

Stone: You might just be right for once. Tyrant on the attack now as he levels Rampage with a stiff clothesline. Rampage back to his feet only to be knocked back to the mat again.

Foxx: Tyrant is firmly in control now.

Stone: I hate to agree with you. Rampage back to his feet slower now only for Tyrant to lift him up into a military press. He’s holding him up there like it takes no effort at all, and Dante Jones is not a small guy.

Foxx: Tyrant drops him straight into a back breaker!

Stone: Rampage is on the mat holding his back in pain, that was just a brutal shot for anyone to take. Tyrant with the cover!

Foxx: ONE!

Stone: TWO! NO! Once again Rampage finds the strength to get his shoulder up at the last moment!

Foxx: And Tyrant punches the ground in frustration. He pulls Rampage back to his feet, and it looks like the only thing keeping him there is Tyrant’s grip on his shoulders. But somehow Tyrant is able to throw him into the ropes and make him come back to him...

Stone: TYRANT SLAM! Tyrant grabbed hold of Dante and slammed him hard to the mat, did you see the way Rampages head bounced there. Tyrant with another pin attempt! ONE!

Foxx: TWO!

Stone: THRE...NO! RAMPAGE WILL NOT DIE!

Foxx: I can’t believe it, how the hell is Rampage not staying down? Tyrant has hit him with everything and still he can’t get the win!

Stone: I don’t think I’ve seen the Tyrant look as sadistic as he does right now! He’s pulling Dante up yet again. How much more of this can Rampage take!?

Foxx: Tyrant is setting Rampage up for a suplex, this has got to be it!

Stone: He’s got Rampage up, and Rampage is trying to squirm free. But he can’t, THERE IT IS! TYRANT BOMB! He may have broken Rampage’s neck with that move! He’s going for the pin, this is all over! ONE! TWO!

Foxx: THREE!

Stone: It’s all over....WAIT! Rampage had his foot on the ropes, Tyrant can’t believe it!

Foxx: I can’t believe it. The man should be dead!

Stone: Tyrant has lost it, he’s raining punches down onto the unprotected head of Rampage! I don’t know if the people at home can hear it but Tyrant is screaming “Why won’t you die!” with every punch!

Foxx: Rampage isn’t even making any effort to protect him, how long can this go on for!? This is violent and awesome but geez, there’s an extent you go to!

Stone: Tyrant has busted Dante’s head open, but still he won’t stop! Wait! The referee has called for the bell, and now he’s trying to pull Tyrant away from Rampage’s beaten body!

Foxx: That means a TyranT victory... and TyranT backs off, he’s only just realized he won!

Stone: Thank god for that.

Shelia Blige: Here is your winner and qualifying for the next round of the Tournament for the Torch, TYRANT!

TyranT (8.28 aps + 1.3 avs = 9.58 total)
RAMPAGE! (8.23 aps - 0.1 penalty + 0.9 avs = 9.03 total)

Stone: If this match proved one thing it’s the heart of Dante Jones. The man never gave up until the referee had to call it for him.

Foxx: It just shows he’s too stupid to know when to fight another day. What we really saw was what a desperate man will do to regain what he’s lost. I don’t envy the other three in that match next week.

Stone: Neither do I, neither do I. Tyrant just sent a message to the others that he is still the man to beat for the Vesuvius Torch!

[alc]Leon Caprice and Mark Johansson come into camera view as we go backstage to their locker room. Caprice looks a little off, perhaps still distraught about his friend’s recent death, and Johansson no doubt just wants to get on with it tonight.

Mark Johansson: Right. Let’s put all the cards on the table. We’ve moved past our petty fights, yeah?

Leon Caprice: Yep.

Mark Johansson: And together, we’re not a half bad tag team, right?

Leon Caprice: Right.

Mark Johansson: We both want tag team gold.

Leon Caprice: Definitely. BUT tonight, only one of us can get the pin or submission and go to Ultimatum Two.

Flare: I believe that would be me.

Right on cue, the Prince of Pretty interrupts the duo’s conversation, an unwanted interruption.

Flare: You two can have your love fest all you want – invite Vinny while you’re at it. But I don’t like either of you. As far as I’m concerned here, this is a five versus one match. And at 8.2, I’ll be cashing in my briefcase to face Drew Michaels for the C4 Championship. Following that, there’s only one thing left to do – go to Ultimatum, win the Gold Card Gauntlet, and take what is rightfully mine. I will complete my destiny.

Flare glares viciously at the two superstars, and laughs wickedly as he backs out of the room.

Flare: Stay out of my way.

Lord Flare the Pretty disappears from view and Caprice and Johansson shrug as we head back to ringside.[/alc]

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is a tag team match set for one fall! Introducing first, weighing in at a combined total of 382 pounds, ANTWAN BURNER and THE GAME!

Asher Roth’s “I Love College” plays over the speakers and precedes the arrival of Antwan Turner, who emerges in the middle of his last cup of beer. He heads to the ring, smiling widely and hi-fiving fans. The Game follows him, also finishing a pre-match drink.

Foxx: Drunk wrestling is their style, I presume?

Stone: They’re college kids. What are ya gonna do?

Shelia Blige: And their opponents, weighing in at a combined total of 508 pounds, they are MATTHEW FORD and STEVEN BOLTON!

As the two enter the ring, “Prayer” by Disturbed interrupts their rowdy antics. Ford enters the stage with Bolton in tow, looking somewhat malicious.

Stone: Clearly the crowd not as big into these two as they are for the two college boys.

Foxx: Probably because our crowd’s made up of frat boys.

Stone: Probably.

Foxx: Well, there’s the bell, Ford and The Game starting us off here.

Stone: The Game charges in at the considerably larger Ford, no luck in the lock up, Ford just pushes him back. The Game tries again but now Ford has a hammerlock.

Foxx: Ford ramming The Game chest first into the turnbuckle, painful!

Stone: And now... Ford releases the hammerlock and wraps his arms around the Game’s waist, bridging German suplex! Ford’s looking extremely proficient here!

Foxx: If you’d done your history, you’d know that!

Stone: Excuse me for not being up to date on every superstar we hire and fire. Ford holds for the pin, one, two, kickout from the Game.

Foxx: The Game tries to get to his feet, Ford marches over and lifts the Game onto his shoulders!

Stone: Argentinean backbreaker rack, to be honest.

Foxx: Your job to know that, not mine.

Stone: Ford jolting the Game up and down, he uses that strength and drops back to nail a picture perfect Samoan drop on the Game!

Foxx: Look at that expression... Ford’s vicious, he’s just wanting to end this right here and now. We would get along well.

Stone: I’m surprised you have any friends what with your giant ego. Ford tries for another pin, a little cocky! Putting his foot on the Game’s chest but there’s an easy kickout, not enough to put someone away this early.

Foxx: More taunting, but he’s not watching the Game... and he tags Antwan Turner!

Stone: Turner, the smaller man of the two in the ring, the fans are cheering him on though! Turner drills an elbow into Ford’s back, and he whips Ford into the corner, where Bolton tags him!

Foxx: Ford’s not happy about that! I don’t think he wanted his turn to be over just yet but the tag’s been made!

Stone: Indeed it has, Bolton rushing into the ring and squaring off with Turner. Turner smiles and offers a hand to Bolton, Bolton takes it and there’s a rookie mistake!

Foxx: Turner draws him in and there’s a shoulder smash to Bolton’s chest, and another! A third one knocks Bolton to the ground, Turner hits the ropes...

Stone: Jumping knee drop to the throat! Bolton coughs a bit after that one and Antwan Turner goes for a pin, one, two, no, kickout from Bolton.

Foxx: Considering they’ve been here longer than the others, Bolton and the Game aren’t doing too fantastic.

Stone: Makes me want to see more of Burner and Ford in the ring!

Turner grins and ascends the turnbuckle, taking care with each step. As Bolton gets to his feet, the crowd cheer along in anticipation, and they shout even louder when Turner launches himself into the air, narrowly missing the flying clothesline attempt.

Foxx: So close!

Stone: Not close enough, clearly, Turner rolls on the mat and avoids any major damage but he’s allowed Bolton to tag in Matthew Ford!

Foxx: That’s more like it!

Stone: Ford takes a determined few steps towards Burner, Burner tries to throw a fist but Ford grabs Turner’s fist with one of his own!

Foxx: All about the size difference, my man. Ford’s got a good 9 inches over Turner here, and almost an extra 100 pounds.

Stone: It’s clearly making a difference then! Turner hits the ropes, looking for a step up enzuigiri on Ford and that one manages to take him down a little bit!

Foxx: Ford collapses to the mat, Turner takes the advantage while he’s on the ground! Turner on the top rope already, geez he’s quick!

Stone: Going for another diving clothesline, it didn’t work before and... it doesn’t work this time! Bolton dodged but this time Ford has opted to CATCH Turner midair and hit an elevated side slam on him!

Foxx: Turner trying to reach the corner to tag in the Game, but Ford’s in control here and there’s a scoop slam – no, wait, Turner lands on his feet instead of taking the impact, Ford didn’t expect that!

Stone: Solid counter, but where to go now? He attempts a cutter, but Ford’s too big to pull down! Ford puts a hand under Burner, and WOW! What a MOVE!

Foxx: Matthew Ford just lifted Antwan Turner over his head and hit a devastating inverse suplex! Burner just landed on his FACE!

Stone: Ford goes for the pin, one, two, no! Kickout from Burner, who’s proving rather resilient!

Foxx: Ford is frustrated, he lifts Turner again but Turner escapes his grasp and tags in the Game! The Game now takes the place of Antwan Turner!

Stone: The Game attacks Ford, but once again that size difference is still pretty prominent and Ford draws him in with a short arm clothesline!

Foxx: He doesn’t let go of that arm, there’s some serious strength there!

Stone: Ford hoists the Game into his grasp, wraps his arms around the back and hits a well executed overhead belly to belly suplex! The Game takes a fall there and Ford heads straight over to him, lifts him up and he may be looking for a finish here!

Foxx: He’s looking to load up that package piledriver, he calls it the Fordplex!

Ford grabs the Game and with the encouragement of Bolton, hoists him into position before dropping the Game flat on his head.

Stone: HE NAILS IT! FORDPLEX!

Foxx: This one’s gotta be over from here, folks!

Stone: Ford taunting the downed Game and all he has left to do is pin him!

Foxx: Bolton gives his partner a good slap on the back for a job well done – that’s teamwork!

Stone: It is, but in doing that the ref says Bolton’s just tagged himself in! Matthew Ford is furious, but the ref’s rules are correct! Bolton looks on curiously at his partner getting pissed as hell with our referee!

Foxx: Pay attention, you sod! The Game’s trying to get to Antwan Turner in the corner!

Stone: He is, too! Ford’s really pissed and he’s only just noticed the Game crawling away! He’s shouting at Bolton to get him, but Bolton’s confused as well now!

Foxx: THERE we go! Bolton turns around and sees the problem!

Stone: TOO LATE! The Game tags in Antwan Turner and before Bolton has the common sense to tag Ford back in, Turner’s all over him! Kick to the left, kick to the right, a third kick-

Foxx: Bolton grabs his foot!

Stone: Turner spins for the dragon whip! Quick thinking by our college rookie, who follows up with a moonsault – no, wait, a double serving! Turner rolls out of the first and nails the second off the opposite ropes!

Foxx: Bolton tries to get to his partner, but Burner’s in control here! Antwan “Burner” Turner lifts Bolton up, hits the ropes, COLLEGE DROP OUT!

Stone: That’s the finish! Antwan Turner nails Bolton with that leaping reverse STO and drops down for the pin, one, two, THREE! It’s over here!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners, ANTWAN TURNER AND THE GAME!!!!

Antwan Burner and The-Game (7.6 aps + 5.8 aps + 0.8 avs = 14.2 total)
Matt Ford and Steven Bolton (7.77 aps + 3.23 aps + 1.6 avs = 12.6 total)

Antwan Turner rolls out of the ring quickly as Matthew Ford enters it in fury, pissed as hell. The Game joins Turner in heading up the ramp, but they turn and stop as Ford turns his attention to Bolton.

Foxx: I don’t think Ford’s too happy about his partner’s performance in the ring!

Stone: It would seem not, but there’s no need to-

Ford lifts Bolton and in a repeat of earlier performances, nails his former partner with the Fordplex. There is no remorse, and Ford grabs a mic from a ringside attendant.

Matthew Ford: Hey! Turner! Where the FUCK do you think you’re going? You. Me. 8.2. I want a fair, one on one match, without any ruddy distractions like this piece of shit.

Ford points to Bolton and Turner smiles.

Antwan Turner: You know what? I’ll take that challenge, and beat your ass just like UCLA beat USC any day of the week!

Matthew Ford: You can keep your football analogies, Turner. When we’re one on one, I’ll show everyone here what I’m really made of.

Ford ditches the mic and stares dangerously at the retreating Turner and the Game, who share a smile and hi-five their victorious effort.

Stone: A match well won by Antwan Turner, but you can’t help but feel Ford was let down by Bolton today.

Foxx: No doubt. I’m looking forward to the one on one rematch – this Ford seems like my kind of guy!

Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” plays over the speakers and the crowd boo like crazy as Saint Michael Dreamkiller and X enter the stage.

Foxx: I don’t see why this guy keeps showing up here. He’s clearly never going to be on the fans’ good side.

Stone: He has just as much right to be here as you, then – no one likes you either.

St. Dreamkiller: Now, now, hush! I’m here to speak, not to listen to a bunch of wild monkeys making whatever noise they feel is appropriate.

This only makes the crowd boo louder but Dreamkiller soaks it up with a certain glee. X stands watchfully behind him, ever vigilant.

St. Dreamkiller: Alchemy... what a strange place it is. However, I’m certain that with a few adjustments, I’ll be happy to call Alchemy my new home. No, home’s not the right word. My domain.

Once again, this only serves to incite the crowd into further deriding Dreamkiller.

Foxx: I don’t think they like the idea of Dreamkiller being a permanent resident here on Alchemy.

St. Dreamkiller: At Catalyst, I took care of a certain problem. I made an example of a nuisance. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without the help of one Romeo Vizzini – admittedly an unexpected ally but an ally nonetheless. But back to the matter at hand – Chris Austin.

This causes the crowd to cheer wildly for Austin, but Dreamkiller simply makes himself louder.

St. Dreamkiller: I’ve said all along that Chris Austin is a pandering hypocrite. Right from the outset of Catalyst, Christopher saw fit to challenge myself and X. To confront me right from the start. Trying to throw around his weight and make it look like he was actually in a position of power. All because of some bogus trophy. It’s disgusting. And it’s only one example of the state of degradation FMW has fallen into today.

Foxx: Degradation? Bull! We’ve gone from the era of Ethan Black to one of Nick Bryson! That’s the epitome of turnaround!

Stone: Keep telling yourself that. He’s right. Now shut up and let him speak.

St. Dreamkiller: Since Original Sin fell from their lofty heights, we’ve been inundated with baby-kissing fools like Chris Austin. More of his kind, like SPARTA and RAMPAGE!, have risen to positions of power and made FMW a joke. Good men like Eric Scorpio have been forced out of the company. Legends like Ethan Black have vanished completely.

Foxx: Scorpio left voluntarily and we were LUCKY to purge this company of men like Ethan Black!

St. Dreamkiller: I refuse to stand by and watch this injustice. I will not let the weak inherit the earth. There is some hope left. Romeo Vizzini is a prime example. After months of beating it into him, Romeo saw the light, took a hint and realized that people like me are not the enemy. The real enemy are people like you. People like Chris Austin. People he used to call friends. So I gladly offered my assistance.

The crowd release another furious wave of disapproval, booing Dreamkiller, even pieces of trash starting to be thrown.

St. Dreamkiller: As it seems, Anarchy looks fairly safe. Jaro has a plan to take the brand back from those incompetent fools you call SPARTA. I have plans of my own, however. And before you ask, no, they do not involve this farce of a tournament. RAMPAGE! neglected my monster, X. He looked over the superstar who is undoubtedly the most powerful, monstrous, destructive, chaotic superstar to ever compete in this company. That immediately invalidates any real value this tournament may have had. So I have a challenge.

Foxx: Here we go.

Stone: I’m sure it’ll be reasonable. Hear the guy out!

St. Dreamkiller: Both myself and X are challenging Nick Bryson. Ultimatum Two. Nick Bryson defends the FMW Championship against X. If Nick Bryson has ANY balls at all, he will accept this challenge. However, from my own experiences and valuable insight, I can tell he is still just the runt of his litter. A weak, pathetic excuse for a champion. I hold no regard whatsoever for Drew Michaels, which speaks for something when I say Nick Bryson isn’t good enough to hold Andrew’s jock strap.

Foxx: Reasonable my foot.

Once more, the crowd violently disagree.

St. Dreamkiller: However, I can save that for Ultimatum. Tonight, you all witnessed the fall of RAMPAGE!. How sad, to hold a tournament for a loved one and not even win the opening round. Ironic he did not even see the distraction and despondency that would be caused by his brother’s death. Where did this ‘love’ get him? It got him unconscious on the mat, beaten to near-death by TyranT – a man who KNOWS how to decimate people. Before his inevitable destruction, however, he retired as General Manager to become a full time superstar. And judging by the earlier performance, I’m going to make the obvious point that he made the wrong choice in doing so.

Foxx: These are all lies! I urge you, if you’re listening at home, don’t get taken in by this! RAMPAGE! has suffered quite a lot and doesn’t need this overweight and overpaid idiot degrading him!

St. Dreamkiller: Nevertheless, the fact remains that he has gone and that there is a vacancy in the position of Alchemy General Manager. It needs someone to steer this ship in the right direction. That someone is me. I have the experience, the credentials, the ability. I have proven my capabilities over and over on Anarchy when I was GM there. On Alchemy I can do even more, bring this miserable pile of shit into a new age of glory. I can remould it into a far better picture. If the board refuses to grant me this, then X and I will TAKE it from them.

Foxx: This is bogus! He can’t do this again! Anarchy was horrible under his reign as General Manager.

Stone: Oh, stop trying to convince yourself. He’s going to be a great-

“Homecoming” by Kanye West and Chris Martin hits the arena and the crowd give a mixed reaction as Peter Saint makes his way to the ring for the next match.

Foxx: Looks like Peter Saint is ready for his match and doesn’t particularly want to hear this crap. Thank goodness.

Saint stares at X and Dreamkiller, not taking his eyes off the duo as he enters the ring. Dreamkiller looks slightly miffed.

St. Dreamkiller: I’m not finished here, kid. You should have stayed in whatever desolate hole you’ve been staying in these past few months... I think they call it Australia? Regardless. Nobody’s excited to see you back, Petey. You’re a memory in these parts. Like the time I made you my personal slave? Remember that one?

Saint just stares, unflinching and clearly unamused.

St. Dreamkiller: If I – no, wait, scratch that – WHEN I become General Manager of Alchemy, you can expect more of the same. Except much more painful in your particular case. You see-

Saint: Oh, can it. People like you are the reason I came back to this place. I’d have spoken up earlier but I fell asleep because I was bored of the constant stream of bullshit that flows from your lips.

Dreamkiller is silenced momentarily, and Saint slides up next to him, looking up at X before invading Dreamkiller’s personal space, the mic an equal few centimetres from each of their mouths.

Saint: Do you think these people buy it, Mike? You honestly think they’ll ever see you as their saviour?

Saint backs off to let the crowd chant ‘Knock him out! Knock him out!’.

Saint: You’re a lousy pair of lips, hiding behind your giant ogre. You’re like Canada. You’re an annoying prick that’s very easy to deal with alone, but no-one will take you on because you’re backed up by a giant brute.

Stone: Australian bastard.

Foxx: Well, he’s right.

Stone: And he just punched Dreamkiller in the face!

Indeed, Saint has thrown a fist at Dreamkiller, who drops to the mat. X, however, takes immediate action and grabs Saint in a bearhug. Saint tries to fight out and wrenches himself free, ducking as X tries to clothesline him. X sees Saint leaning against the ropes, and he charges, but Saint drops with lightning speed and sends X flying over the top rope to the floor below. Dreamkiller grabs his cane from the mat and as Saint dusts his hands of X, Dreamkiller goes to raise it against Saint. Saint manages to turn around in time and grabs the cane, snapping it in half, leaving Dreamkiller cowering and X still on the outside of the ring.

Foxx: Yes! Get some damn revenge! Crush him!

Stone: First off, Saint’s tiny, and second, I don’t think Saint has much time before HE makes it!

Foxx: Oh, just fucking great.

Saint, who is threatening Dreamkiller, is attacked from nowhere by Alex O’Rion, who has sprinted full ball to the ring. Alex begins laying into Saint, who tries and succeeds in fighting back until he is clocked over the head from behind by a massive chairshot from X. Saint falls forward onto his knees, and Alex comes back with an impactful shining wizard. With Saint prone on the mat, Dreamkiller picks up the pieces from his cane and spits on Saint before exiting the ring, X following him. Alex grabs the chair that X drops behind and smashes Saint across the face with it, busting him wide open.

Foxx: That’s disgusting! Alex is just looking for a cheap win!

Stone: Of course he is! Stop being so shocked! He’s been like this since Lethal Injection! Get used to it.

Foxx: I’m aware of his personality, but someone needs to give him a sharp rap on the knuckles.

Stone: What are you, a fifties school teacher? It’s dog eat dog, and Alex wants to go to Ultimatum II. Just shut up and let the man do his job.

The bell rings as X and Dreamkiller depart through the curtain, and the referee forces Alex to throw away the chair.

Foxx: Well, I guess that means the match is underway, despite how much of a gip it’s been so far. For those of you who aren’t aware, this match is the second of our four Tournament for the Torch matches, with TyranT already having won the first match.

Stone: And in style at that!

Foxx: Style, hah. TyranT beat him unconscious. This looks likely to be a replay, except we’re starting with Saint near-unconscious anyway.

Stone: Indeed we are. Saint’s blood drips across the mat as he tries to run away from O’Rion, painting the perfect picture of superiority.

Foxx: If you were any more biased you’d be... well, really biased. Anyway. O’Rion follows Saint to the corner and taunts him, the crowd are hating this.

Stone: Well, they should just accept what’s happened and move on!

Foxx: Can’t believe I’m even commentating this. This isn’t a match, for God’s sake, it’s an extended ambush! Saint tries to fight back from the corner, but O’Rion drives his shoulders into Saint’s sternum.

Stone: The pain on Saint’s face... this is art, not an ambush! O’Rion’s a really good painter.

O’Rion whips Saint out of the corner to the opposite one, and he follows up by looking for a spear, but Saint manages to swing himself to the side at the last second and O’Rion’s shoulder is driven into the steel post.

Foxx: This isn’t over yet, not by a long shot! Saint may be at a disadvantage but they don’t call him the miracle man for nothing!

Stone: You’re just latching onto whatever hope you can find that he’s a good person.

Foxx: Sure I am. Saint now fighting back, he’s pushing Alex into the corner and there’s an elbow to the left, then the right, and Saint spins around for the third in the combo!

Stone: O’Rion blocks! Nice stuff! O’Rion catches Saint’s arm and OUCH! What a headbutt! Right to Saint’s already bleeding forehead!

Foxx: Saint stumbles backwards and O’Rion jumps to the second turnbuckle, bionic elbow! Shades of Dusty Rhodes!

Stone: Saint’s down on the mat, O’Rion with a knee drop to the already injured forehead of Peter Saint! He’s striking it lovely, but Saint’s staining his skin with all that blood!

Foxx: Hmm. I wonder how he could have avoided that.

Stone: O’Rion takes a step back, and there’s a little run up, knee drop to the forehead again and this time he rolls out of it ala Ric Flair!

Foxx: Indeed a successful move – O’Rion may be a jerk but at least he’s using ring psychology.

Stone: Just admit that he’s awesome!

Foxx: Ambushing your opponent before the match and continuing it although he’s bleeding heavily isn’t my idea of awesome.

Stone: Clearly your dictionary sucks ass.

Foxx: O'Rion going for the pin then, one, two, no! Kickout from Peter Saint, who’s definitely showing some resiliency here.

Stone: That’s who Saint is – he just hangs on, like some annoying bug on the windscreen. Story of his life.

Foxx: O’Rion lifting Saint up and he’s got total control of Saint here, moves to Saint’s side and there’s a well executed Snap DDT! He’s not giving Saint’s injury any time to dry, there’s still fresh blood pouring out and that can’t be good for Saint’s continued presence in this match up!

Stone: Say hello to Alex O'Rion, main eventer of Ultimatum Two! Good to take down that smarmy SPARTAn Nick Bryson.

Foxx: Oh, you’re full of it. O’Rion grabs Saint’s arm and turns him over so he’s facing the ceiling, and then swings over for a leg drop to the throat.

Stone: Well done, well done, O’Rion up again and he’s gone to the top turnbuckle! I think I know where this is going!

Foxx: If Saint had any sense about him he’d just slide out of the ring, but I don’t think he’s in control of his senses at the moment.

Stone: O’Rion’s just waiting, taunting the fans while he’s up there! Listen to their hatred! It’s like a giant ‘fuck you’ to society! I love it!

Foxx: Saint’s on his knees...

Alex O’Rion perches on the top turnbuckle, the crowd shouting their hatred for him. Saint slowly gets up and turns around, and Alex launches himself into the air, a malicious grin on his face. Time, however, stands still for no-one and Alex falls towards Saint, missile dropkick on target, until Saint rolls out of the way at the last second, incredible agile.

Stone: Saint ducks! Incredible! What agility!

Foxx: Shit!

Stone: Alex lands on both feet, he turns around, and HE MEETS THE BUSINESS END OF SAINT’S FOOT! O’RION PRIDE!

Foxx: Hey! You can’t hit O’Rion with his own finisher!

Stone: Seems fair to me! Both men are on the mat, Saint’s can’t capitalize! He’s too exhausted, he’s still bleeding! That blood loss has to be affecting him!

Foxx: O’Rion has this one in the bag, it’s a momentary setback for him!

Stone: The referee’s starting the count! One! Two!

Foxx: Come on, Alex, don’t let this happen, you deserve more! You have to fight for your right!

Stone: To party? Five! Six!

Foxx: Stop ruining my inspirational shouts!

At the count of eight, both Saint and O’Rion are using the ropes to get to their feet, but O’Rion is up first and Saint is once again struggling to gain some momentum. O’Rion heads to the corner and with a sick smile, raises his foot, slamming it against the mat in a mockery of Shawn Michaels.

Stone: What an ego... but we know he’s setting up for a finish here! Clearly Saint’s blow wasn’t quite the real thing!

Foxx: Well that’s fairly obvious! Only an O'Rion can pull of the O'Rion Pride! And here he goes, Saint’s on his feet, stumbling...

Stone: SAINT GRABS O'RION’S FOOT! SAINT COUNTERS!

Foxx: O'Rion doesn’t know what to do!

Stone: Saint holds on to Alex’s foot, he spins around, DRAGON WHIP! Saint smashes his feet into O'Rion’s head and what a move! Saint now on the attack!

Foxx: He doesn’t have the energy to do it, Stone, I’m telling you now! I’ll bet your car that O'Rion wins this one!

Stone: I’m not betting my car, you idiot! O'Rion rushes Saint, Saint with a hip throw! O'Rion tumbles to the ground, and comes back again, and there’s a second hip toss! Saint’s on fire, O'Rion comes back and Saint’s waiting, kick to the gut, spinning wheel kick!

Foxx: Come on, Lexus! Show us what you’ve got! You’re better than this!

Stone: O'Rion hits the mat hard and now Saint runs to the ropes, jumps up... Blessed Be! Saint hits a beautiful springboard 360 corkscrew moonsault! Saint hooks the leg! It could be over here!

Foxx: One, two... NO! O'Rion kicks out! Beautiful!

Stone: This match isn’t over yet, Saint looks frustrated, and worn out, quite frankly! He backs away... I think he’s got an idea! Saint lifts O'Rion to his feet!

Foxx: Sure, help your opponent off the mat. What a great strategy!

Stone: Saint runs at O'Rion, he’s going for the Miracle! And it’ll be one if he pulls this off! He grabs O'Rion around the back of the head...

Foxx: O'Rion throws him off! O'Rion shrugs off Saint’s attack and pushes him to the mat, where you can hear Saint’s back hit the canvas!

Stone: Indeed, a painful blow, O'Rion wipes a little blood away from his lip, Saint must have caught him there with the knee, and O'Rion’s got Saint’s legs... he’s going for the sharpshooter! Rip Tide coming Saint’s way!

Foxx: Come on, O'Rion... Foxx wants a new car!

Stone: I didn’t agree to the bet! O'Rion locks in the sharpshooter and Saint has nowhere to go!

Foxx: Tap! Tap out now, before you get hurt, Saint! It’s for your own good!

Stone: Alex hasn’t even focused on Saint’s legs... Peter is crawling for the ropes! Alex is being dragged along by a crimson masked Saint!

Foxx: Come on, for Pete’s sake, Alex! Well, maybe not for Peter Saint’s sake, but just kill him already!

Saint reaches out with a desperate hand... and he grabs the ropes! Naturally, Alex holds on until the referee reaches four, and he lets go with a look of disgust. Once again, Alex adopts a waiting position, ready for another shot at the O'Rion pride.

Stone: O'Rion’s lining it up again!

Foxx: Saint crawls to his feet and turns around... ALEX SHOOTS!

Stone: SAINT DUCKS! O’Rion turns around!

Foxx: NO!

Stone: SAINT! PETER SAINT WITH AN O'RION PRIDE!

Foxx: NO! ALEX GRABS HIS FOOT! SAINT’S STUCK!

Stone: HE IS! AND NOW O’RION KEEPS HOLD AND LAUNCHES AN O’RION PRIDE OF HIS OWN!

Foxx: CONNECTS!

Stone: Saint had nowhere to go! O’Rion had Saint by the foot and nailed Saint right in the forehead with that kick, aiming a little high! Saint’s down on the mat and O’Rion goes for the pin!

Foxx: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match and moving on to the next round of the Tournament For the Torch, ALEX O’RION!!!

Alex O'Rion (8.4 aps - 0.1 penalty + 1.8 avs = 10.1 total)
Peter Saint (8.17 aps + 0.6 avs = 8.77 total)

Stone: Well, there you have it! Alex O’Rion moves on to the next round but it’s not hard to see why, having AMBUSHED Peter Saint at the start!

Foxx: Yeah, well guess what? That’s the way it goes sometimes. O’Rion has a chance to face Nick Bryson at Ultimatum Two!

O’Rion grabs a mic from ringside and stands over the fallen body of Peter Saint.

Alex O’Rion: One match. I am ONE MATCH away from Ultimatum Two. And I’ve gotta tell you, byes, I’m looking forward to it. You know why? All I’ve been hearing the past few weeks is ‘You’re past your prime! Over the hill! Your time on top is over!’. Well guess what? They’re all WRONG. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Foxx: You hear that? They’re wrong, Stone.

Stone: I got that.

Alex O’Rion: At Ultimatum Two, I’m going for my first championship. And it just so happens to be the biggest Championship of all. And to make it just that much better, the irony of the Champion himself is brilliant. It’s Nick Bryson. The little baby cousin of my arch enemy, Drew-boy. I’m sick of the comparisons, the constant shouts that I’m less than Drew. It’s like King Midas’ touch, except instead of turning to gold, whatever I touch is compared to how many times and how much better Drew Michaels has touched it. The pleasure I’m going to derive from kicking little Bry-Bry’s ass at Ultimatum Two will be incredibly delicious.

The crowd shout their distaste for Alex, chanting ‘Bryson! Bryson! Bryson!’ at him. Alex shrugs it off and looks directly into the camera.

Alex O’Rion: You’re nothing but Drew’s junior assistant to me, Nicky. NOTHING more. I’m going to take your title, and I’m going to destroy SPARTA once I’m Champion. And then the fairytale ends. For good.

O’Rion throws down the mic and exits the ring after giving the finger to the fans, leaving them to boo him out.

Stone: What a bastard.

Foxx: You’re just jealous.

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, this will be a six man tag match! The superstar who takes the winning fall will be entered into the Gold Card Gauntlet match at ULTIMATUM TWO!

“Like A Prayer” by Rufio bursts over the speaker system and Wraith enters the arena to a divided crowd. His elaborate entrance makes it that much more of a spectacle, and he walks calmly to the ring chatting with Dorian Grey.

Shelia Blige: Introducing first, weighing in at 185 pounds and from Brooklyn, New York, accompanied to the ring by Dorian Grey, WRAITH!

Stone: Welcome back everybody! What we have here is going to be a six man tag match, where the superstar that makes the pin will become the first qualifying superstar for the Gold Card Gauntlet at Ultimatum Two!

Foxx: And with no matches officially announced yet, that will make them the first superstar out of ANYONE to qualify for Ultimatum Two! It’s a great honour – and that’s why Wraith deserves to be out here first.

Stone: First shall be last?

Foxx: No, you idiot. Because he’s the most decorated superstar out of any in the federation!

Stone: According to himself. A bit biased.

Shelia Blige: And the first of his tag team partners, weighing in at 220 pounds and from Eureka, California, TREY SPRUANCE!

“The Lasting Dose” by Crowbar interrupts Wraith’s music and Trey Spruance makes his entrance, notably without the usual smoke effects. He heads to the ring, determined and focused – an unusual entrance for the superstar.

Foxx: What happened to you, Trey? You used to be cool.

Stone: I’d say he made a positive life choice and he’s now on the rise. Good for him, too.

Shelia Blige: And their partner, from Rome, Italy, MASS CAESAR!!!

“The Might of Rome” marks the entrance of MASS Caesar, who enters the stage with a flourish, accompanied by two royal assistants. One of them holds a lavish red pillow in his hands, and the other carries a ceremonial trident in front of him. Caesar himself is sporting a grandiose silver helmet, which allows the audience to snigger.

Foxx: A truly appropriate entrance for such a magnificent superstar!

Stone: Either that or he’s trying to compensate for something.

Foxx: You’re one to talk.

As Caesar enters the ring, he removes his helmet and places it on the first servant’s pillow, and he nods to the servant with the trident. Wraith greets his friend with a bow, and Caesar returns the gesture. As Spruance looks on, rolling his eyes, “Far Enough” by Ra plays over the arena and Leon Caprice makes his way to the ring with a confident grin on his face. None of the opposing team pay too much attention to the young star, who is happy to run the ropes inside the ring.

Shelia Blige: And introducing their opponents, first, weighing in at 230 pounds and from Perth, Australia, LEON CAPRICE!

Stone: Young Leon Caprice has definitely been one of the company’s rising stars as of late.

Foxx: Who’s he faced that’s actually meant something? Really? Pearson, Johansson and a fluke win over Retribution.

Stone: Everyone’s got to start somewhere.

Foxx: No way he’s heading through tonight... same deal for his partners.

Shelia Blige: His tag team partner, weighing in at 230 pounds and from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, MARK JOHANSSON!

Speaking of partners, “It’s A Jungle Out There” by Burkhard Dullwitz hits the PA and Mark Johansson makes a no nonsense entrance to the ring, hi-fiving Caprice in the ring and looking his opposition up and down.

Stone: Mark Johansson and Leon Caprice both made a formidable team when they put their differences aside, no doubt they’ll be looking for a repeat of that tonight.

Foxx: What happens when it comes to making the pin, huh? Then they have to fight each other! They’ll never last.

Stone: The same applies to Wraith and Caesar then, correct?

Foxx: You’d think so... but I’m sure they’ve got a plan for it.

Shelia Blige: And finally, their tag partner, weighing in at 185 and from a Utopian Nation, FLARE!!

The final entrant in the match, Flare, comes out to the sound of Nirvana’s “Lake of Fire”. The crowd show him no support, nor does Flare ask for it, barely glancing at his partners as he walks up to his position on the outside of the ring.

Stone: All six men are ready, let’s get this thing started!

Foxx: There’s the bell, Mark Johansson and Caesar are going to start this off, Caesar ducks a right hand from Johansson and flips Johansson over into a Walls of Jericho!

Stone: Impressive submission manoeuvre, but can he really expect it to succeed?

Foxx: Well, Johansson has nowhere to go!

Stone: Wraith looks about ready to step in to prevent Caprice and Flare from interfering with the submission... hang on!

Foxx: Spruance just slid into the ring and broke it up! Trey interrupted his own team’s submission!

Stone: Caesar’s pissed... he’d never have gotten the victory so quickly, but he’s furious with Spruance! Trey just slides back indifferently and ignores the verbal jabs from Wraith!

Foxx: What kind of a tag partner is that? Spruance only wants to go to Ultimatum, he doesn’t want his team to have that honour at all!

Stone: Well, while they’re arguing about that, Johansson’s tagged in Caprice and Leon spins Caesar, and nails a spinning neckbreaker on him! Caprice keeps his eyes on Spruance and Wraith and he’s pulling Caesar towards his corner, goes for a pin!

Foxx: He’ll never get it... one, two-

Stone: Flare just put his boot through the rope and broke the pin! Flare’s doing the same thing as Spruance is! They know they’re the outcasts on their team and so they’re deliberately breaking their own team’s chances at victory!

Foxx: Flare’s heading into the ring – he had his hand on the tag rope so it’s a legal tag!

Stone: Caprice angrily ducks out and tries to re-tag Flare again, but Flare’s out of range and he lifts Caesar, whipping him into the ropes, Wraith gets the blind tag! Flare didn’t see it!

Foxx: Well, Flare gets a high back body drop on Caesar, who rolls out of the ring, and Wraith EXPLODES off the top turnbuckle with a flying clothesline!

Stone: Extremely well executed, and a clever move! Wraith now has control of this match and Caprice and Johansson both wait nervously on the other side.

Foxx: Wraith hoists Flare’s arm over him, going for a vertical suplex, and he delays it to perfection!

Stone: Flare comes down to the mat hard but look at that! Johansson reached out and tagged Flare’s foot as it came down! Wraith didn’t see it and there’s a blind tag of his own! Wraith tries to pin Flare! It’ll be invalid, and the ref’s not counting it!

Foxx: Uh oh... Spruance has jumped into the ring again, he’s about to attack Wraith from behind and stop him pinning, I don’t think Spruance saw the tag either!

Stone: And now Johansson runs into the ring, Caprice follows! Wraith and Spruance are arguing with each other, the ref’s trying to split them up!

As Spruance and Wraith confront each other, Johansson and Caprice hit the ropes and wisely take out both of their opponents with a double clothesline, sending the Spruance and Wraith to the outside of the ring. Both men hit the mat hard and Caprice, wanting to finish the job, superkicks Caesar in the face, knocking him off the apron and causing the royal star to smash his head against the barricade. Caesar collapses to the ground, leaving Johansson and Caprice celebrating inside the ring.

Foxx: This is chaos! Caprice slides out of the ring and throws Wraith back in, at Johansson’s mercy! He tries to get a hold of Spruance as well, no doubt wanting to take him down, SPRUANCE LOW BLOWS CAPRICE! That’s worth a laugh!

Stone: Spruance underhandedly takes down Caprice on the outside of the ring and he hops back up to the apron, no doubt waiting to tag himself into the match!

Foxx: Caesar is still picking himself up, but he’s climbing back up the apron too! Caprice is rolling on the ground in pain in the enemy’s corner but they don’t give a damn about him!

Stone: Johansson has Wraith, and there’s a few nasty blows to the head via Johansson’s fist. Johansson pulls him to the corner turnbuckle and he sits him on top... surely not this early on!

Foxx: He’s going for a superplex! He climbs up and follows Wraith, getting ready to hoist him over...

Stone: Wraith fights back with a vicious elbow to the forehead... Johansson doesn’t give up though, he headbutts Wraith in the chest! Wraith’s winded and Johansson uses the advantage!

Foxx: No, no... Wraith goes over!

As Wraith tumbles over Johansson’s form, he does manage to shift his weight and get an arm around Johansson’s neck, pulling him back into a reverse DDT, although not far enough to undo the superplex itself. Both men hit the mat hard and definitely feel the pain.

Stone: OUCH! Neither man came out on the better end of that, and now they’re both out on the mat!

Foxx: One of them is gonna need to make a tag!

Stone: Indeed they are, and they’ve both realized it! Wraith heads to his partner Caesar and Spruance, Johansson looking to Flare, who looks eager to get in the ring with no Caprice to stop him and a tired Johansson!

Foxx: Wraith’s almost there...

Stone: Johansson is inches away from Flare’s hand...

Foxx: Come on, damnit, Wraith! Don’t let those snooty rookies take it out!

Stone: FLARE MAKES THE TAG!

Foxx: Wraith raises his hand-

Stone: NO! NO TAG! Wraith’s hand comes down but LEON CAPRICE HAS PULLED CAESAR AND SPRUANCE AWAY FROM THE ROPES! Caprice yanks on the legs of Wraith’s partners and leaves him with no-one to tag! Flare drags Wraith away and mounts him...

Foxx: No homo?

Stone: I’d be very surprised if there was no homo.

Foxx: True.

Stone: Flare unloading the punches onto Wraith and Caprice has rammed both Caesar and Spruance into the steel ringpost with a double Irish whip! Using your opponent’s momentum against them!

Foxx: Caprice leaves the two there, the cheating little bugger, and returns to Johansson’s side! Flare lifts Wraith and whips him, Wraith counter-whips Flare into the ropes, but hold on! Did I just see ANOTHER blind tag? COME ON, ALREADY!

Stone: You did indeed! Flare was tagged by Caprice, who enters the ring and the ref forces Flare out, much to his own displeasure! Caprice and Wraith go at each other, Caprice a little fresher, and Wraith takes control!

Foxx: Wraith whips Leon, but Leon stretches his hand out and holds onto the ropes for a moment, Wraith has no idea what’s going on!

Stone: Johansson was tagged and now he’s on the top turnbuckle, Caprice on the ground – Johansson leaps off with a missile dropkick and Caprice launches a superkick of his own! What a double team move! Three feet connect with Wraith’s head and he flies out of the ring, crashing onto Caesar and Spruance!

Foxx: Celebrate while you can, juniors.

Celebrate Caprice and Johansson do. Flare waits impatiently as the referee tries to handle the three stars on the outside of the ring. Caesar, Spruance and Wraith untangle themselves slowly, and Caesar goes to assist Wraith into the ring, however he refuses to re-enter it and snatches a microphone from Shelia Blige’s hands.

Stone: Looks like he’s got something to say... can’t it wait until after?

Wraith: This is BULLSHIT! I don’t want or need to be in this match! A man of my talents is being wasted amongst inferiors and children, this ridiculous midcard scene! I’m done with Flare, that match was nothing! I should be the one going to Ultimatum Two to face Drew Michaels! That’s how it was supposed to go!

Foxx: He’s damn right! It’s about time someone gave him some respect!

Wraith: I have put this company ON MY BACK and gotten no respect for it whatsoever! So you know what? I’m done. I’m not wasting my precious time here any longer. Until I get the respect and the recognition I rightfully deserve from this company, I’m finished.

Wraith shoves the microphone back into Shelia’s hands and abandons his two partners, walking up the ramp while the crowd start a rousing chorus of ‘na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye!’.

Stone: Pretty much everyone except for Flare and Spruance seem befuddled by this! Including me! Everyone’s got to pay their dues, you can’t claim you get no respect because you’re having a bad run!

Foxx: Well, he does deserve more, quite frankly. He is a veteran.

Stone: I’m never going to win this argument, so let’s just go back to the match at hand. With the removal of Wraith, it’s now a two on three handicap match, I presume.

Foxx: Johansson the legal man, Spruance steps into the ring and they lock up.

Stone: Johansson pulls Spruance towards his corner and Caprice tags, Johansson lifts Spruance into a suplex and Caprice is off the top turnbuckle to assist in a double jackhammer! Caprice hooks the leg!

Foxx: One, two and NO! Flare’s there to interrupt!

Stone: Caprice not happy, Spruance tries to get away to tag Caesar!

Foxx: Damnit, Caprice notices, he tags in Johansson and they both grab Spruance, double whip to the ropes, both men duck an attempted clothesline by Spruance, Spruance rebounds and walks right into a double inverted sidewalk slam! Damnit, he’s outnumbered now!

Stone: Johansson now with the pin, one, two, thr-

Foxx: Again, Flare breaks it up! He’s becoming a very real thorn in the side of Caprice and Johansson here! Impressive work!

Stone: If you can call it work, he’s played a very limited role in this match, just happy to sit back and let his partners wear their opposition down so he can swoop in at the last second!

Foxx: Well, Caprice and Johansson aren’t the only unhappy ones! MASS Caesar isn’t fanatical about it at the moment either!

Stone: Johansson tags Caprice in again, Caprice grabs Spruance on his own and whips him to Leon’s own corner, Spruance with a burst of energy smashes Flare in the face with an elbow!

Foxx: Not the face! You idiot, Spruance!

Stone: Spruance dodges Leon’s charge and he reaches... HE TAGS CAESAR! Mass Caesar rushes into the ring... WHAT! HOLY FUCK!

Foxx: What?

Stone: HE’S GOT THE TRIDENT, YOU IDIOT! A GODDAMN TRIDENT!

Foxx: Now that’s epic! Caesar rushes Caprice with the trident, he’s got Caprice pinned against the corner turnbuckle!

Stone: HE’S GONNA KILL HIM, DAMNIT! WILL THE REF DO SOMETHING?

Foxx: The ref’s afraid! Caesar lunges back, here’s the kill you’ve been waiting for!

Stone: CAPRICE DODGES! Thank God for that one! Caesar’s trident stabs through the turnbuckle cover... and it’s stuck! Caesar’s feeling the reverberations from when it hit the metal pole through the cover, Caprice takes advantage of this! He jumps onto the turnbuckle, AND HE FLIES OFF! DIVING KNEE DROP! Caprice crushes the back of Caesar’s neck into the mat and Johansson’s watching Flare on the outside, Spruance is still too exhausted!

Foxx: No, damnit! ONE! TWO!

Stone: THREEE! This one’s DONE!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners, LEON CAPRICE, MARK JOHANSSON AND FLARE!

Leon Caprice, Mark Johansson, and Janus Flare (8.22 aps + 7.77 aps + 8.13 aps - 0.1 penalty + 1.9 avs = 25.92 total)
Wraith, Mass Caesar, and Trey Spruance (4.57 aps - 0.2 penalty + 0.0 aps + 7.93 aps + 0.2 avs = 12.5 total)

Stone: Well, Leon Caprice has just capitalised on Caesar’s mistake and he’ll be going to Ultimatum Two! What an honour!

Foxx: He only won because Wraith wasn’t here, and Wraith had every reason not to be! He should be main eventing Ultimatum, not pansying around with this lot!

Stone: Johansson comes into the ring to celebrate with his partner... so he should! This is a momentous achievement for the young Leon Caprice! Qualifying for Ultimatum Two, the first superstar to do so! He’ll be heading to the Gold Card Gauntlet in style!

Caprice and Johansson climb the opposite turnbuckles and celebrate, the crowd cheering them on. Spruance slinks to the back, furious, and Caesar is removed from the ring along with his trident.

Foxx: That trident thing would have worked if Caprice hadn’t moved!

Stone: You’re an- Uh oh!

As Caprice and Johansson play to the crowd, Flare enters the ring, chair in hand, and crushes Johansson over the spine with it. A second shot sends Johansson over the turnbuckle and crashing to the floor a few feet below. Caprice, hearing the sound, turns around and receives a chair to the head as compensation.

Stone: That’s just totally unnecessary! Flare’s mad, sure, I can understand, but that’s what you get for being more worried about your face than getting involved in the match and doing some damage yourself!

Foxx: I think this is more of a message to Drew... Flare’s coming for the C4 Championship! And what better way to do it than by crushing the first superstar to qualify for Ultimatum Two?!

Stone: Flare’s a sick bastard. He leaves those two in the ring and writes ‘C4’ in the air with his fingers. Caprice deserves better than this.

Foxx: Them’s the breaks.

Stone: Well, we’re heading to an ad break right now, don’t go away! Leon Caprice picks up the pinfall and he’s heading to Ultimatum Two!

Foxx: Well, we’re back from commercial, but-

Alter Bridge’s “Coming Home” interrupts Foxx’s diatribe and Romeo Vizzini solemnly makes his way to the ring. The lights dim and the crowd are unsure of whether to cheer or boo their former hero. Vizzini looks unconcerned, carrying only a steel chair and microphone.

Stone: Maybe we’re about to get a serious explanation for Vizzini’s actions.

Foxx: St. Michael had it right earlier, I think.

Vizzini sets the chair up in the ring and sits, taking the time to breathe deeply and exude an air of calm. The crowd are silent, in anticipation. A spotlight is all we get of Romeo, everything else covered in darkness.

Romeo: I should not have to explain my actions to you. It has become apparent to me that none of you can grasp my reasons.

Romeo pauses, allowing the silence to speak for itself.

Romeo: I do this for you.

The crowd disapprove of this but Romeo continue nonetheless.

Romeo: Corruption. Greed. Power. These collective influences have tainted Full Metal since I arrived. My... momentary alliance with Saint Michael, I guess you would call it. It was nothing more than convenience to my cause. “Keep your friends close, your enemies? Closer”. That is what they say, do they not?

Romeo’s rhetorical question goes unanswered.

Romeo: I have examples prepared. SPARTA – Nick Bryson and Drew Michaels. Former GM of Alchemy, RAMPAGE!. And last but not least, one Chris Austin. I was never looked at as an equal to these men. Do you wish to know why? Because they have formed a collective clique, a grouping in which a glass ceiling has been placed under. No younger, not even more deserving superstars can break through it. And it is not the superstars who ultimately suffer. It is you. The fans.

There is only quiet, for the audience are unsure of Romeo’s intentions. There is a slight grin on Romeo’s face that disappears just as quickly, and he continues, still maintaining a composed state of being.

Romeo: SPARTA are too late to be saved. They have used the very apt uncertainty of the Tag Team Title situation to capitalize, monopolize the belts. RAMPAGE! has been much the same. Dante placed himself within a position to hold the Mount Vesuvius Torch. Both of these examples are focused so inwardly – so uncaring about anyone but themselves – that they are slowly returning us to the life we lived when Original Sin were in control. And even this is an understatement.

Romeo breathes deeply, still illuminated by the spotlight.

Romeo: Original Sin at least contained some form of order. There was some primitive form of justice. This chaos we are in right now? It has no order, no justice. Which leads me to Christopher Austin.

The crowd cheer at the mention of Austin’s name but once again, Vizzini remains unfazed.

Romeo: Chris Austin had a chance to take a stand. To initiate change. Instead, he squandered it, preferring to follow the beaten path taken by SPARTA and Dante. He wanted only his own goals and pursuits. He fell into the same Hayabusa trap that Alex O’Rion fell into. Which is why I interfered. I needed something dramatic, something... radical. Something radical to save Austin from himself. However, it seems Austin did not get the message. He went on and inserted himself into the Fifteen Minute Massacre. He became so inwardly focused, so about the victory, that he forgot his principles, his morals.

The crowd clearly do not agree, but for some strange reason they continue their silence, allowing Romeo to speak.

Romeo: I differ here. I have never forgotten that my duty is to the people first, then to myself. I will do whatever it takes to save you people from the viceroy of corruption, whether you accept my methods or not. A bit radical, I understand. It was not hard to see Austin was a farce, a fraud who masqueraded under the guise of being one of you. A man of the people. It seems that after winning that shiny Hayabusa Trophy, it was only ever a matter of time before he showed his true colours. For you see, Christopher Austin and Alex O’Rion are not all that different.

At this the crowd speak up and voice their opposite opinion, clearly not O’Rion fans.

Romeo: They are one and the same – slithering, coiled snakes, waiting for the most opportune moment to sink their fangs into whatever stands in their way for their own selfish pursuits.

Romeo stands, looking at the crowd and camera.

Romeo: FMW. I am your anti venom. Your anti hero. It will be my duty, my honor, to rid these selfish hypocrites and sycophants of their newly crowned messiah.

The hip hop beats of “The Arrival” by Atmosphere hit the speakers as the arena is plunged into a wash of pulsating blue. Alchemy's newest superstar, Chris Austin, makes his way out through the fog. Austin shoots a determined glare at Vizzini, and does not even for a second take his eyes of him.

Stone: I think Austin’s just about done hearing Vizzini talk, he wants this match to be over and done with.

Foxx: All business from here!

Blige: Hailing from San Jose, California, and weighing in tonight at a sturdy 231 pounds, he is the 2008 Hayabusa Cup Champion, CHRIS AUUUUUUUSTINNNNNN!!!

Stone: The Tournament for the Torch continues! Alex O'Rion and TyranT have already qualified for the fatal four way finale of this twostep tournament, where we will crown our Number One Contender for Nick Bryson's Full Metal Championship at Ultimatum Two!

Foxx: Unfortunately for you Stone, it's not going to be you.

Stone: I know. I'm retired. So are you.

Foxx: I wasn't talking about just who's competing in the match, I'm talking about calling that big dog!

Stone: Sure you were. Either way, Chris Austin's on a roll as of late, and in an ironic twist, may not even have had the chance to challenge for the FMW Championship at Ultimatum, if Romeo Vizzini's actions hadn't cost him the Ultraviolent Championship match at Catalyst.

Foxx: Vizzini knew Austin has a higher calling. I knew it. We all knew it, except you and Austin of course.

Romeo returns Austin’s glare with a steel-eyed look of his own, both men inches away from each other in the center of the ring.

Blige: And his opponent, weighing in tonight at 240 pounds, he now resides in Manhattan, New York, and is the current FMW Abandoned Champion, RRRRRROMEOOOO VIZZZZZZZZZINIIIIIIIII!!!

Stone: Once upon a time, Vizzini would have felt something from the disdain the crowd is showing him. But those days seem to be all gone. Chris Austin has one of the biggest threats on the Alchemy roster to deal with tonight.

Foxx: It's a huge welcome to Alchemy for Austin. I've got no doubts he'll want to transfer back to the lower standard brand by the end of this match. He just can't match it with the pure skill and technique of Alchemy.

Stone: He's very fiery tonight, and is a much celebrated technical genius, approved by Hostyle himself, the former C-4 Champion.

Austin and Vizzini remain nose to nose in the center of the ring. As their gaze locks in to each other, tension rises exponentially between the two superstars. The bell rings, but neither man moves.

Foxx: Match up has started, but both men are staring each other down, foreheads are actually touching here folks. You can feel the electricity bouncing off them right now.

Stone: Both men circling each other in the ring, neither man has backed away, or acknowledged their opponents personal space. The referee gets in there now to try and break them away from each other, try and encourage some competition. Neither man is willing to do so!

Foxx: Why should they? He's only the referee. They're the ones going to murder each other in this match Stone.

Stone: Only if they start getting some action happening!

Foxx: Calm down Stone. It's not like this isn't an epic showdown or anything.

Stone: I've never seen a start to a match like RIGHT HAND BLOW CAUGHT BY VIZZINI! And Vizzini unleashes a flurry of blows on the head of Chris Austin! Austin got impatient, and Vizzini's making him pay the price right now.

Foxx: Irish Whip by Vizzini across the ring, Austin on the rebound, and he gets caught by a Lou Thesz Press from the Abandoned Champion.

Stone: Vizzini has Austin mounted on the ground, and is pummelling him again. Austin tries to block with his forearms, but gets nowhere with this futile attempt. Vizzini grabs Austin by the head and delivers a vicious headbutt!

Foxx: Austin seems in a daze, as Vizzini grabs the sides of his head, but Austin blocks the second headbutt! Austin turns the tide and flips Romeo over, and unleashes his arsenal of punches.

Stone: Neither man is well versed in this brawling style of wrestling, but they're putting on a fighting clinic in the ring. Austin stops the onslaught, and gets to his feet. Romeo tries to get to his feet as well, but a kick to the hamstring stops him.

Foxx: Austin takes his boot, and rubs it in the face of Vizzini. Romeo cries out from the pressure the Hayabusa Cup champion is putting on his face. Romeo grabs hold of the bottom rope! Referee starts the disqualification count, 1...2...3...4... Chris Austin stops just in the nick of time.

Stone: Chris Austin gets a talking to by the referee, while Vizzini tries to lift himself on the ropes. Austin is showing little regard for the rules tonight, pushes the Referee out of the way and charges at Vizzini...

Foxx: Vizzini counters, lifting Austin and propelling him over the top of the ropes to the outside! Brilliant counter. Austin lands on his feet on the outside, just in time to SEE THE SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK OVER THE ROPES BY VIZZINI!!!

From the impact of the kick, Austin flies backwards, before tumbling over the barricade at ringside and into the crowd. Vizzini gets up from the mat, and with adrenaline flowing through his veins, jumps over the barricade himself to get to Austin.

Stone: Vizzini is like a man obsessed! The crowd back away, security guards the only thing keeping the fans safe from these two mad men.

Foxx: Stop pretending that the Security guards can do anything about it. The are the weakest form of person. Have you never seen one try and approach a wrestler before?

Stone: They make security guards better for FMW than any other promotion Foxx. Ours are like our Wrestlers, the best.

Foxx: Vizzini bangs Chris Austin's head against the cold, unforgiving concrete, he's relentless in his attack tonight. It's a fire we haven't seen Vizzini hold for quite a long time. There referee is up to a 5 count inside the ring.

Stone: Vizzini drags Austin to his feet. SPINNING NECKBREAKER CONNECTS FROM VIZZINI!!! What a move right there by the current Abandoned Champion.

Foxx: Brilliant on an exceptional amount of levels. Vizzini quick to his feet as he leaps the barricade and heads back to the ring.

Stone: Vizzini's moves are some of the toughest around, but Chris Austin's getting to his feet, he's quick recovery times are a valuable assets to him. I don't think Vizzini realizes Austin's on his feet. Here comes Chris Austin. He leaps on top of the barricade, but Vizzini turns around just in time to avoid the springboard bulldog!

Foxx: Kick to the midsection by Romeo Vizzini, looking for a DDT, but Austin fights back. Austin lifts the Abandoned Champion up and RAMS HIM back first into the steel ring post. Austin rolls Vizzini back into the ring, breaking the 10 count at a healthy 9.

Stone: Austin climbs back into the ring himself, but Vizzini's already getting back to his feet. Some big power moves from both men are seemingly ineffective tonight.

Foxx: You've obviously never had bad blood with anybody to know what it's like in these sorts of matches.

Stone: You obviously don't know who I am, or what I achieved in a wrestling ring.

Foxx: Austin back in the ring now, but gets tripped up by a top toe hold. Vizzini looking for a submission here, an STF perhaps, but Austin powers out.

Stone: Vizzini tries to hit some boots into the spine of Austin, but Austin keeps getting up anyway. Vizzini in trouble now as Austin hits a European uppercut, gaining the upper hand.

Foxx: Vizzini is finding himself getting very well acquainted with the top turnbuckle, as Austin rams his head into it repeatedly. Austin is relentless with this attack, but he seems to be running out of steam to me.

Stone: Stop with the blatant hate of the Hayabusa Cup Champion. Austin slows up, and rests Vizzini in the corner. Austin takes a few steps back, before charging chest first into NO! Vizzini moved out of the way! Austin hit a huge splash on the empty turnbuckles.

Foxx: Big mistake going for such an outrageous and blind move. His rage must be stopping him from working properly. Vizzini quick to take advantage as he hits a Samoan drop! Timing is picture perfect on that move right there.

Stone: Austin in trouble as Vizzini picks Austin up and drags him over to the turnbuckles. Still yet to have a pin fall attempt in this match, that's what disdain does to you. It's all about the pain, not so much the victory.

Foxx: I call a big B and S on that comment Stone. You're out of touch. Why waste time going for a pin fall when you can finalize the victory with one big move? It's all about winning the right to challenge for the FMW Championship at Ultimatum.

Stone: Well, if it's just about the belt, then these two men still hate each other, because they're trying to destroy each other before the priority of the victory.

Foxx: Vizzini has Austin set up on the top of the turnbuckle. This could be trouble, as VIZZINI LOOKS FOR THE SUPERPLEX NO!!! Austin blocks it. Knee to the gut from the Radical one!

With both men perched precariously on the top turnbuckle, Chris Austin shifts his weight, allowing him to throw Romeo Vizzini off the top ropes, and out to the floor at ringside.

Stone: Vizzini lands back first with a hard thud! That's gotta knock the wind right out of you. Austin catches his breath, before leaping down to ringside to continue his assault on Romeo Vizzini.

Foxx: Vizzini tries to roll over to his stomach to get to his feet, but Austin's quick to stomp the shoulders, preventing this from happening. Vizzini is in real trouble now, as Austin drops elbows onto the spine. 1...2...3...4...!

Stone: Austin tries to pick Vizzini up, LOW BLOW!!!! LOW BLOW!!!! LOW BLOW FROM VIZZINI CONNECTS!!!!

Foxx: And Vizzini it quick to take control of this match. DDT!! What a tide swinger. Vizzini is now in complete control again, and Chris Austin is helpless. Vizzini looking over here now, he gets my approval!

Boss Foxx holds his hand up in a thumbs up motion towards Romeo Vizzini. Vizzini decides that this doesn't have the same meaning behind it as Foxx' intentions.

Stone: Referee up to a count of 6 now, as Vizzini picks Chris Austin up to his feet again. He seems to be out on them as a matter of fact, as... Vizzini leads Austin to our announce desk. Get back.... Get out of the way Foxx...

The microphones fall silent, except for the banging of Chris Austin's head against the Desk. Vizzini hits a clubbing blow to the side of the head, and lays Chris Austin out on the Announce Desk, as Stone and Foxx look on. The referee bellows out NINE!!, and Vizzini runs straight to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope, before sliding out again..

Foxx: Vizzini in command now as he resets the count out, he doesn't want the count out victory. He gets back in the ring, and climbs the to the top of the turnbuckle. What on Earth does he have in mind?

Stone: Romeo Vizzini on the top of the turnbuckle OH S<BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP>

Once again, the microphones fall silent, this time for coming off Stone's and Foxx' heads. Romeo Vizzini tries to Suicide dive from the top rope to Chris Austin on the announce table, however, Austin rolls out of the way, causing Vizzini to land on the unforgiving Announce table.

Austin rolls on the ground for a moment, before crawling back to the ring. Vizzini clutches himself in pain, seemingly paralysed from it. Stone and Foxx pick up their headsets and resume calling the match

Foxx: Bravery from Romeo Vizzini, but unfortunately, it didn't pay off. Chris Austin tries to make it back to the ring, like the weasel he is. The referee's at a count of 2.

Stone: They don't call it high risk for nothing. Vizzini rolls off our announce table here at ringside, in a whole world of hurt. Meanwhile, Austin's gotten to his feet, and is surveying the situation. He sees Vizzini in pain, and doesn't quite know what he should do about it.

Foxx: I think I see compassion crossing his face here.

Stone: Compassions not a bad thing, but he's turned his back on Vizzini. The referee's reached 5, and Chris Austin rolls into the ring. Meanwhile, I don't think Vizzini quite knows where he is at the moment.

Still in enormous pain, Vizzini looks up from the ground at ringside, to see Chris Austin standing patiently in the ring. Vizzini tries to force himself to his feet, but had too much pain in his midsection to do so.

Foxx: Vizzini's in serious trouble. The referee's called 7. Vizzini fights through the pain though. He makes it to his knees! He's almost on his feet!

Stone: He's not going to make it though. The referee's at nine. AND TEN!!!!! There's the count out!

Blige: Here is your winner, CHRRRRRISSSS AAAAAUUUUSSSSSTINNNNN!!!!

Chris Austin (8.35 aps + 1.6 avs = 9.95 total)
Romeo Vizzini (8.0 aps + 0.8 avs = 8.8 total)

“The Arrival” by Atmosphere blasts through the speakers as Chris Austin has his arm raised in victory. As he exits the ring, he doesn't take his eyes off a frustrated Romeo Vizzini at ringside.

Stone: Chris Austin moves on to Alchemy 8.2 to compete for the chance to Challenge Nick Bryson for the FMW Championship at Ultimatum Two. He joins Alex O'Rion and TyranT, who qualified earlier this evening. But I'm sure that's not the only satisfying thing about tonight for Austin.

Foxx: Nothing is satisfying for Chris Austin. He's won via count out. He hasn't made Vizzini bleed, he hasn't forced him to pass out, to collapse, or to suffer an injury. He did what he had to do to keep his chances at the FMW Championship alive. And I don't think Vizzini will be too happy with the... fair and just way he gained this spot. No doubt Romeo will have more words at 8.2 to add onto tonight’s lecture!

[alc]We retreat backstage once more, to find ourselves in the locker room of MASS Caesar. Caesar is sitting back on a rather ornate chair, surrounded and fawned upon by his many servants, including Flavius Mercury.

Mercury: Your majesty, if I may say once more, you performed exceptionally in that match. One loss is nothing we cannot recuperate. We-

Mercury is suddenly shoved out of the way by a rather angry looking Trey Spruance, who has barged into the locker room.

Spruance: YOU cost me a chance at the Gold Card Gauntlet, you fucker. Way to have a strong Alchemy debut. You know what’s most annoying out of this whole thing? That it’s this ridiculous gimmick you’ve got going that cost us the match. I mean, a trident? What the hell is wrong with you? If you weren’t so convinced you’re a Roman emperor, and you pulled your head out of your ass, maybe you’d be able to see your opponent and accomplish something for once!

Mercury: Excuse me, sir, but-

Spruance: I ain’t no sir, you wanker, and I’m not done talking yet. Instead of succeeding, you had a failed run as Television Champion, and you’re now zero and one in your new home. And unfortunately, this loss is going to be your worst ever, because it’s affected me. And I don’t take that kind of shit lightly.

MASS Caesar: You make me laugh. You’re nothing but a peasant. A plebeian. Lowly, a nothing, a nobody. If you speak to royalty such as myself like that again, Spruance, I’ll smite you where you stand.

Spruance: Oh, fucking hell. The Roman bullshit again. Are you ACTUALLY convinced you’re a real life, no-joke emperor? Because you look like boring-ass, regular, average MASS Chaos to me.

Caesar puts down his bowl of grapes and stands, eye to eye with Spruance.

MASS Caesar: I have heard enough. I challenge you to a match at 8.2. If I win, you must become my slave. A PERMANENT part of my entourage. And you must worship me for the true Roman divinity that I am.

Spruance: You’ve got yourself a deal.

MASS Caesar: Splendid!

Spruance: BUT. If I win the match? Then you have to come to your senses, leave this Caesar stuff in the grave and go back to being MASS Chaos. Drop the shenanigans, the servants, the tridents, the lion, everything!

MASS Caesar: So be it!

Caesar and Spruance both shake hands and as Spruance departs, a servant wipes Caesar’s hand clean.

MASS Caesar: Don’t know where that peasant scum has had his hands.[/alc]

Stone: Well, we’re already starting to form a solid line up for Alchemy 8.2 – some great matches coming your way!

Foxx: Antwan Turner vs. Matthew Ford, for one. Can’t wait to see Ford rip Burner a new one!

Stone: And as we’ve just heard announced, the first ever Go Rome or Go Home match between MASS Caesar and Trey Spruance!

Foxx: The C4 Championship match between Drew Michaels and Janus Flare! That’s sure to be a great one.

Stone: And of course, the final for the Tournament for the Torch! Only one man can survive! TyranT, Alex O’Rion and Chris Austin have all won their first round matches, but we need one more entrant to make this a fatal four way final!

Foxx: Let’s get into that match right now, time for the MAIN EVENT baby!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, the next match is scheduled for one fall, and it is a Tournament for the Torch Qualifying Match! Introducing first, weighing in at 215 pounds and from Perth, Australia, SKYLER STRIKER!!!

Madina Lake’s “Never Take Us Alive” explodes through the sound system to massive cheers from the audience. Skyler Striker emerges from behind the curtains, looking somehow different, reinvigorated.

Stone: Ironic how a star can have such a long losing streak and still be in the main event.

Foxx: Exactly why Smitten’s gonna win!

Shelia Blige: And introducing his opponent, he is a former Full Metal Wrestling Champion… hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, weighing in at 290lbs, CHRISTIAN G SMITTEN!!!

Suddenly, “Friend Like Me” by Wayne Bergeron begins to play, and at the top of the ramp emerges Christian G. Smitten. As the song gradually reaches its fluency Smitten can be seen focusing only on Skyler standing in the ring. Smitten enters with care, keeping an eye on Skyler at all times.

Stone: The bell has rung, and we’re off! Skyler swiftly moves at Smitten and catches him off guard. Striker is just teeing off on Smitten’s face with right and lefts, and the ref is warning him about the closed fist!

Foxx: No fair! Smitten wasn’t even ready!

Stone: Like he doesn’t deserve it. Smitten’s trying hard to cover up, but that leaves an opening for Striker, who grabs one of Smitten’s arms and locks in an armbar! Smitten rushes to the ropes almost immediately.

Foxx: Smart move there by the former champ. And an even smarter move that he rolled out of the ring to regain his composure.

Stone: Maybe not – Striker backs up, HE JUMPS! Suicide dive onto Smitten over the top rope! Smitten didn’t expect that so soon at all!

Foxx: Striker’s such a cheater! He has yet to attack while Smitten’s aware.

Stone: He’s using quick thinking tactics! You’re just being idiotic.

Foxx: I’m just saying it’s easier to crotch someone and go the whole distance rather than spend all the effort jumping the top rope!

Stone: Sigh. Striker lifts Smitten up and rolls him back into the ring to break the count. He follows Smitten into the ring, but is met with desperate stomps to the body! Smitten tries lifting Striker off the canvas, Striker counters into a roll-up! ONE!

Foxx: Kick out by Christian! Both men back up to their feet, Striker is hit with a chop and a combo of rights and lefts to the mid section! Yeah, Smitten’s got him now, a massive uppercut to Striker. Striker hits the mat hard!

Stone: And look at Smitten now, standing proudly over the fallen Skyler. That surprise fist caught Striker right on the end of his jaw line, and if he wasn’t pissed before, he should be now! Smitten turns his back, mistake! Striker recovers with a strong fist of his own! Now a chop and right hand combo that backs Smitten into the ropes. Irish whip by Striker, Smitten returns into a beautifully executed running enzuigiri!

Foxx: Come on, Smitty! The guy’s on a four match losing streak! Surely you can do better than this!

Stone: Smitten starting to stand up while Striker moves in and prepares a hammerlock, and he’s got it locked in. Striker follows up with a sweep to drop Smitten back down to the mat. Striker now wrenching that arm of Smitten!

Foxx: Striker converts it into a Walls of Jericho, his version called the Lockdown. Smitten’s stuck in the center of the ring.

Stone: And he’s well aware of that, as panic and pain are starting to set in! Smitten looks determined though to get out of it. There it is! Smitten pulls Striker down by the arms, bending his back!

Foxx: That’s what I’m talking about! Fuck that loser up, Smitten!

Stone: Striker releases the hold, Smitten jumps back onto his feet, and Striker is back up, as well. Striker with a clothesline attempt, but Smitten ducks, and kicks Striker to his midsection, Irish whips him to the corner. Smitten looks to attempt his signature move By-Law! Connects!!

Foxx: He almost broke some ribs there! Smitten was like a Rhino just now!

Stone: Smitten stands Striker up away from the corner, and goes for a Back Suplex. NO! He feinted the suplex and sat out into another one of his signature moves, this time hitting a perfect “Taking the Floor”, he sure decked the floors with that move!

Foxx: No…just no… and he goes for the cover! One! Two! NO!

Stone: Striker kicks out, and Smitten’s none too happy! And, what’s this? Looks like he’s dragging Skyler to the turnbuckle! He must be looking to finish Striker off with the Gavel Banger, but Striker has other plans! Skyler slips free and rolls away, and instantly runs towards Smitten! He wraps his arms around Smitten's waist and keeps running towards and through the rope...

Foxx: SMITTEN, WATCH OUT!

Stone: STRIKER JUST TOOK SMITTEN THROUGH THE ROPES AND SPEARED HIM TO THE OUTSIDE! Smitten didn’t know what happened, One second he’s setting up for his finisher and the next he’s laid out on the outside!

Foxx: I gotta admit – that was pretty cool!

The crowd is standing to see what the carnage is and if either of the competitors has risen.

Stone: And the crowd is really getting into this match, Foxx. Smitten may very well be knocked out! If so, all Striker needs to do is get to his feet and drag Smitten back into the ring and pin him.

Foxx: But that desperation move took a lot out of Striker, too. Look at him huffing and puffing down there!

Stone: Either way, he’s slowly rising and moving over to Smitten, who we have no idea whether or not he’s awake. We’ve seen no signs of him at all for quite some time now.

Striker has risen to his feet and moves down to lift Smitten up, however it seems that Smitten was playing possum as he delivers a strong kick to the head of Skyler, leaving him dazed and out of it.

Foxx: HA! Payback’s a big, fat bitch, ain’t she, Striker!

Stone: Smitten manages to lift himself quickly to his feet and catches Striker from behind with a vicious dropkick, but he also collapses from the expending of energy.

Foxx: But Smitten still owned that sucker!

Stone: Smitten is stirring, as the ref’s count has reached 9. He quickly rolls into the ring with Striker in hand just as the ref’s hand was counting the 10, he then goes for the pin on Striker.

Foxx: One, two, damnit! That non-stop losing cheater wasn’t supposed to kick out!

Stone: Smitten is completely shocked, and is now arguing with the ref. The distraction is enough for Striker to regain himself and catch Smitten off guard with a double leg takedown followed up with a technically perfect gorilla clutch! Smitten looks like he’s close to tapping!

Foxx: No way is he going to quit. He didn’t against Bryson or Doc back at Catalyst, and he certainly won’t now.

Smitten slowly crawls towards the nearest ropes, until he finally reaches them.

Stone: Smitten reaches the ropes! Striker breaks the hold, and Smitten is slow to get up. Striker with a kick to the midsection, and he hooks Smitten’s head. And now he springboards off of the ropes!

Foxx: But Smitten throws him off, ruining his Springboard DDT attempt. Striker charges, and Smitten attempts a hip toss.

Stone: But Striker flips out of it, and retaliates with a sweep kick to Smitten’s knee to try and regain control! And there’s a side kick to the other knee, followed by a sweeping jumping knee attack to Smitten’s face, but it gets caught!

Foxx: Smitten hits Striker with a swinging fist, and lifts him up for the power bomb. SWITCHBOMB!

Stone: And the cover! ONE! TWO! NO!!!!

Foxx: Another kick out! I can’t believe this match is still going!

Smitten rolls onto his back amazed, as well, while the crowd roars madly at the sight of Striker kicking out. Both men struggle to crawl towards the ropes on opposite sides of the ring, and both get back onto their feet before the count of 10.

Stone: Both men are looking spent, as they lean up against the ropes. Striker is now walking exhaustedly towards the center of the ring, and Smitten suddenly charges at him! Striker ducks a clothesline, catches Smitten’s arm, and hooks in the full nelson! Striker very heavy on the submissions tonight!

Foxx: Such a predictable asshole! Try something new and see if that works, cause we know Smitten’s’ not going to tap…its Smitten God damn it!

Stone: But Smitten manages to prevent Striker from getting his leg hooked by lifting it, and stomping on Striker’s foot! Punch to the temple by Smitten, which causes Striker to release the full nelson hold, followed by a hard knee to the gut! Smitten gets Skyler in position for his next move, as he prepares the “Witness Anti-protection Program”!

Foxx: It’s a wra- NO! Striker’s able to wriggle free! Smitten turns around, and Striker throws a spin kick. LEG CAUGHT BY SMITTEN!

Stone: Striker tries for an Enzuigiri, but Smitten ducks it! Striker lands on his free leg, and Smitten yanks Striker towards him, and nails him with a vicious Forearm Smash to the lower back, causing Striker to collapse down to the canvas!

Foxx: Smitten’s not done yet! He quickly applies the gorilla clutch again on Striker, and this has to be it. Skyler has to tap!

Stone: Skyler will not quit, he has relished that this match is a momentous one in his carrier and after the painful losses of the last few shows, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him faint from the pressure then actually tap!

Foxx: It’s ‘cause he’s not a tactical SOB. Duh! He’s going to tap…no-one stops the Legal Eagle.

Stone: Well, Smitten has just dropped Striker with his legs still locked, and has him in the centre of the ring, and in a huge amount of pain. Striker attempts to bend under to grab at Smitten’s legs, but the Former Champ stops him with a quick knee to the lower midsection! HE’S NOW CRANKING THE PRESSURE ON STRIKER, IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S GOING TO TAP!

Foxx: Smitten isn’t letting up one bit!

Smitten keeps the Gorilla Clutch locked, while scissoring Striker’s midsection with his legs.

Stone: Striker refuses to tap! That’s a credit to that quality of survivalism we’ve seen in him!

Foxx: BULL IT IS! TAP, YOU STUPID SOB , TAP!

Striker lets out a guttural scream, while Smitten continuously yells out “TAP OUT!” in a maniacal manner.

Stone: I’ll tell you this. Skyler Striker is showing some extreme fortitude, as he continues to hold on!

Foxx: You say fortitude, and I say masochistic tendencies! There’s no shame in tapping out when there’s no escape. Especially if that means that you’ll be able to walk on your own after the match!

Stone: Striker’s way too proud to just quit. It’s obvious that it’s going to take a helluva lot more to get him to submit!

Right on cue as if Smitten heard Stone, he suddenly begins to twist his upper body left and right in order to torque Striker’s injured legs & lower body.

Stone: Oh God, I can’t bear to listen to Striker’s screams! HE’S GOING TO TAP! Wait!... Skyler looks like he’s going to give it one more try.

Foxx: He’s trying to lift himself up onto his hands & knees and it crawling slowly to the bottom rope...

Stone: He’s going to make it…Smitten doesn’t have the energy to pull him back! HE’S GOT THE ROPES! Striker gets the ropes!

Foxx: Don’t kid yourself, Skyler is still grimacing from that hold, hell he hasn’t got to his feet yet and I don’t think he will for a good while!

Stone: Well your theory is about to be tested as Smitten has risen to his feet while Skyler eagerly lifts himself up using the ring ropes.

Foxx: Smitten charges at him, but wait he doesn’t attempt the clothesline, he instead sees Skyler lower his head to dodge the clothesline, Smitten drops to one knee and hits a great uppercut to Striker’s chin!

Stone: Smitten goes for a rollup, one, two, thr-no! Kickout AGAIN from Striker!

Foxx: Geez. He won’t die, will he?

Stone: Striker will not back down here... he’s going to be carted out in a stretcher at this rate!

In the ring Smitten has dragged the motionless Striker to the closest turnbuckle and is pulling Striker up, surely to set up the Gavel Banger!

Stone: Smitten has had enough, he wants this over with! Here it is…GAVEL BANGER!! WAIT! Striker countered! He DDTs Smitten!

Foxx: Bollocks! Smitten nailed the Gavel Banger!

On impact, neither Smitten nor Striker seem to come up immediately.

Stone: I have a feeling they both got hit with that one!

Foxx: Neither man’s getting up! Come on, Smitty!

Stone: Still no movement! The ref’s making his count and this crowd is silent apart from their joining in the count!

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

Foxx: COME ON! SMITTEN! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

6…

7…

8…

Stone: There’s signs of movement yet! Both men are moving!

9…



10!!!

Foxx: No way! You’ve got to be shitting me!

Stone: Double count-out! Neither man could best the other! Smitten just kept on pounding and Striker just kept on surviving!

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, by ruling of a double count out, THIS MATCH IS A DRAW!!!

Christian G. Smitten (8.55 aps - 0.1 penalty + 1.2 avs = 9.65 total)
Skyler Striker (8.45 aps + 1.2 avs = 9.65 total)

Stone: Wait – so what does this mean?

Shelia Blige: Ladies and gentlemen, under the rules of this tournament, both Smitten AND Striker are to be advanced into the final round!

The crowd cheer and Shelia exits the ring. Smitten, having taking significantly less damage throughout the match, begins climbing to his feet slowly but surely.

Foxx: So it’s a FIVE way match at 8.2?

Stone: Bingo! Alchemy 8.2, TyranT vs. Austin vs. O’Rion vs. Smitten vs. Striker! Winner goes on to Ultimatum to face Nick Bryson for the Full Metal Championship!

Foxx: Hey, look! Smitten’s finally recovered from that. He rolls out of the ring... and he grabs a chair!

Stone: Come on, Smitten, seriously? It’s not like you both got eliminated!

Foxx: Smitten slides into the ring and stands above the exhausted Striker... Striker gets to his knees, turns around and BANG! What a shot to the forehead! Striker sinks to the mat again like a dying animal! And BANG! Another one to the spine! No mercy from Smitten!

Stone: This isn’t necessary, damnit! Not in the- oh, no, come on! Don’t do this!

Foxx: Smitten opens the chair slightly and slides Striker’s head into it! This is not going to be good! He’s going to step on it!

Stone: The look in his eyes, he’s maniacal! Where’s he going?

Foxx: Oh SHIT! He’s going to the turnbuckle! Smitten begins climbing the corner turnbuckle!

The fans boo like crazy as Smitten ascends the corner turnbuckle. Striker, still having received a heavy blow from the chair to the skull, does not notice any of this.

Stone: Smitten is about to be standing on the top! From there he could crush Skyler’s skull! Think about this, this is murder!

Foxx: It’s happened before!

Stone: He’s looking down at Striker and the crowd are cheering for- DOC! JOHN DERRICK IS HERE! DERRICK SPRINTS TO THE RING!

Foxx: He had no business here! Derrick rushes into the ring and Smitten immediately jumps back to the apron and down to the floor, getting out of dodge, some obvious history there between these two men!

Stone: Thank God for Doc! Derrick removes the chair from Striker’s head and throws it at a retreating Smitten, who has to dance to avoid it!

Foxx: Look at the goody goody show. Doc offers to help Striker up but he refuses, he wants to get up himself...

Stone: He’s still dazed but at least he can make it to his feet.

Striker requests a microphone and one is given.Doc is flung one also.

Striker: You... you shouldn’t have saved me. It’s... it’s a bit of a tired act by now, hey?

Derrick: That’s about the response I was expecting of you.

Striker: So what’s with this, huh? Sudden... sudden burgeoning of conscience?

Striker tries to laugh into his own mic but it ends in a raspy cough, Doc just waits, as he’s so proficient at.

Striker: That’s not the John Derrick I know. Seems a little too human of you. A little too mortal. You’re still clearly not too friendly with me just yet. You’re down here for a reason, and I want to know what it is.

Derrick: First, human’s a matter of perception. Second, only reason I’m down here is I’m getting tired of looking the other way.

Striker: To what, to me getting my ass kicked week in, week out?

Derrick: Nope. Couldn’t care less about your win loss record. I’m tired of standing back and watching all of the shit that goes on through this company, and doing nothing to fix it.

Striker: The company? You honestly think that anyone can fix what Full Metal has become? All you’ll be doing is asking for trouble.

Derrick: Gotta do something. I can handle myself. The murderers, the psychopaths, and any others who fall under those sorts of categories... they can’t keep going. No-one else is bothering to fix it. If I have to confront them, so be it.

Something perks Striker’s ears at this and he looks somewhat nervously, somewhat angrily at Doc.

Striker: Confront them?

Derrick: Well, I’m not planning on sending them cease and desist letters.

Striker: You can’t. I won’t let you do it. I know how things go between you and Jade. I’m done endangering my family. One day you go after someone, they take Jade and her life is put on the line? No. I can’t and won’t let that happen. I’m finished fighting wars.

Derrick: Some wars are unavoidable.

Striker: I refuse to believe that.

Derrick: You said it yourself. ‘What Full Metal has become’. You’re practically preaching the problem to me. You shouldn’t have to be worried about your own family’s safety. As long as those kinds of people are out there, I’ve got to be involved. Best of luck at 8.2.

Derrick goes to exit the ring, leaving Striker dumbfounded.

Striker: I’ve got a child on the way, John. Will you endanger their life as well?

Derrick: Oh, for the love of all that’s postmodern. Look around you, Striker. You think that by continuing along this path, you can avoid a war? Well, suit up. You’re already in the middle of one. Even if you don’t see it on the surface. I’m not telling you to pick sides, either, it ain’t that kind of fight. But seeing as you’re not quite ready for her yet, Jade’s life is in either my hands or theirs. It’s your choice.

Striker: I refuse to believe that. If there is no third choice, I’ll MAKE one.

Striker backs off and then out of nowhere, snaps his foot into the air, going to superkick Derrick. Doc whips his hands up to block but before he can grab Striker’s foot, Striker stops the kick before it goes all the way and then returns to a standing position, looking at Derrick on the defensive. Striker moves in close to Doc’s face, a furious gaze in his eyes. His voice is soft, whispered into the microphone.

Striker: Leave my family out of this, or I swear I will not stop until I end you.

Striker drops the mic and leaves the ring, Doc still frozen in place with his hands at his chest, ready to block a kick that never came.

Stone: Emotional words from Skyler Striker, clearly wanting no part in Doc’s war against corruption!

Foxx: That’s all the time we have for now, folks, make sure you catch up with us for Alchemy 8.2!

The final shot is of Skyler Striker departing through the curtains, John Derrick left alone in the ring, before we fade to black.