EPISODE
1.13 – TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2010
MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
LAS VEGAS, NV
A video
package airs, focusing on events that took place last week, with Showtime Damon
Savage defeating Jackie Baccaro, with Dan Crowley as the special guest referee
to punch his ticket to Everlasting Epic VI, officially setting up a triple
threat match between the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla, Savage,
and
In the video, we see Crowley sacrifice his own body to prevent a chair shot
from Baccaro that might have ended Showtime’s campaign in controversy, allowing
Savage the opportunity to win the match fair and square. Then, we see footage
of what happened after the match, with Crowley giving Showtime a receipt for
one week prior, nailing him with the Brutal Legend, before Failla rushes out to
the ring to deliver the Weapon of Mass Destruction to Crowley and stand tall
over both his Everlasting Epic challengers.
From there,
the opening credits for PWA: The Rebirth roll, after which we are sent inside the
MGM Grand Garden Arena in
Buckingham:
Buckingham: And I’d expect nothing less, Vic, because this is ostensibly the
final episode of the season for us. One week from tonight, we will be on
location from Jacksonville as the city prepares for Everlasting Epic in what
will be a really special and unique broadcast, one that takes a look at exactly
what Everlasting Epic means to its host city.
Troy: That’s right, Randall, and it will be a really nice way for us to close
out this season on the NOW Network, but you are correct in that tonight is the
last presentation of The Rebirth this season that will mirror the 12 you’ve all
been witness to prior to tonight. And with that in mind, the show we have in
store for you should be absolutely ELECTRIC!
Buckingham: Let’s start with the main event, which is the match I personally am
most excited to see. We’re going to see a six-person mixed triple threat tag
team match, that splits the combatants
in our Everlasting Epic men’s and women’s world title bouts into three teams of
two! On one side, you’ll have Showtime Damon Savage and Keiko Ishida. On
another, you’ll have Dan Crowley and Lauren Tantalus. And on still another,
you’ll have the champions, Anthony Failla and Zina. Tonight, all three of those
mixed tag teams battle it out in triple threat action, and I can’t wait!
Buckingham: Also tonight, Greg Tantalus faces his final hurdle en route to
Everlasting Epic. It’s Tantalus versus Chase Stone, and if Tantalus wins, he
gets
Buckingham: I, for one, cannot WAIT to see who Justin has lined up for the
Wolfe
Buckingham: Yes. If you don’t like that, how about the WereWolfe of
Buckingham: What’s that?
***
With that, “Hallelujah” by Bishop Lamont featuring Xzibit thumps onto the speakers
and the fans begin booing loudly as Jackie Baccaro and the Duval Twins begin
making their way down the aisle to a thoroughly negative reaction. Baccaro
leads his charges to the ring, both of them with anger and bitterness etched on
their faces. Baccaro’s face however reads satisfaction as he prepares for
battle.
Moments later, “Dead Promises” by The Rasmus pounds onto the speakers and the
fans begin cheering thunderously as Morgan Day emerges from behind the curtain!
Morgan takes a few steps towards the ring before pausing, eyeing her
competition the whole way.
Then, “Falling From the Sky” by VAST hits and the fans let loose with ferocious
cheers for Vulture, who foregoes his customary wall of flames entrance tonight
to stand beside his wife in the aisle. The two opt not to start down the aisle
just yet, instead waiting for the final member of their team.
Just a few moments thereafter, that partner arrives, and the roof comes off the
MGM Grand Garden Arena! The fans cheer rampantly as “F*ckin in the Bushes” by
Oasis overtakes the speakers and The Iceman Jason Calysto emerges! After a few
steps, Calysto meets his partners and the trio heads down to the ring as one!
Troy: Alright, what an unbelievable
six-person mixed tag team match we have for you right now to kick things off
tonight!
Buckingham: Well this certainly is a star-studded match, that’s for sure!
SIX-PERSON MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH:
VULTURE, THE ICEMAN
JASON CALYSTO, & MORGAN DAY VS. JACKIE BACCARO & THE DUVAL TWINS
Referee: Matt Hansen
Once all the
parties are situated in the ring, the bell is sounded to kick off this contest.
Chris Duval elects to start the match for his side, begging his father to start
it with him. However, Vulture once again refuses to engage his son in battle
and asks Jason Calysto to start the match.
Picking up where they left off a week ago, Calysto and Duval lock up,
eventually shoving each other off with neither man having gained the advantage.
They attempt to lock up again, but this time, Duval responds with a thumb to
the eye, leaving the Iceman vulnerable. Then, Duval gets a running start and
pulls Calysto off his feet with a thunderous clothesline before retreating to
his corner and tagging in Alexis.
Buckingham: Here comes Alexis Duval, and
you know what that means! It’s time for Alexis and Morgan to get it on!
Calysto exits the ring and Morgan enters, only for Alexis to first engage
her in a round of trash-talking. Once Morgan has enough of her, however, she
drills her in the face with a forearm shiver and the battle is on! Alexis tries
to find her bearings and stop Morgan’s flurry, but she isn’t immediately successful.
Morgan is able to continue her advantage long enough to whip Alexis off the
ropes and down her with a hard back body drop! Then, as Alexis gets to her
feet, Morgan charges her, looking for a running savate kick! However, Alexis
sidesteps her at the last moment and rolls her up into a pinning combination!
One, two, and Morgan escapes.
Buckingham: Nice counter there by Alexis!
Troy: The question is, can she use that opening now to take the advantage in
this bout?
The immediate answer to that question appears to be “yes,” as Alexis is
able to immediately down Morgan with a clothesline as both of them pop back up.
With Morgan down, Alexis applies an armbar, locking it in tightly as Morgan
winces in pain. Morgan battles herself back to a knee and attempts to fight out
of it, swinging several stiff fists to Alexis’ gut, which eventually breaks the
hold. Morgan then bounces off the ropes, but Alexis downs her with a
shoulderblock as she returns, falling right into a cover… one, two, and Morgan
gets the shoulder up.
Alexis now attacks to cinch in a front facelock, but Morgan powers herself into
a good position and instead counters with a northern lights suplex, right into
a pin! One, two, and Alexis escapes. Taking no chances, Alexis retreats to the
corner and tags in Jackie Baccaro. The fans boo the move, which means that
Morgan must tag out of the match. She looks back at her partners, looking at
both Calysto and Vulture, before tagging Vulture into the match to a roaring
ovation!
Buckingham: If by something you mean an easy win for Baccaro! We saw this two
weeks ago and Vulture was left staring at the lights!
Vulture and Baccaro charge into the ring and waste no time taking the fight
to one another, exchanging a series of vicious and violent blows as each tries
to establish the advantage over the other.
Ultimately, it is Baccaro that develops that advantage, whipping Vulture
violently into the corner and crushing him with a hard clothesline. Vulture
staggers forward and Baccaro is there to grab him in a bearhug, wrenching it in
tightly. Vulture screams out in pain, but Baccaro doesn’t keep the hold applied
long, instead turning it into a spinebuster and crushing Vulture down to the
mat with tremendous authority! Baccaro goes for a cover… one, two, and Vulture
gets a shoulder up.
With Vulture prone and largely unable to defend himself for the moment, Baccaro
tags Chris Duval back into the match, who immediately goes to work on Vulture,
stinging him with repeated kicks and stomps. The fans boo loudly as Duval
shouts disparaging words at his father, slapping him in the back of his head as
he gets back to his feet. Vulture is enraged, but the two simply stare each
other down in the ring with Chris daring Vulture to hit him, before Vulture
retreats to his corner and tags in Calysto, to which the fans actually boo.
Calysto also appears to be slightly displeased as he enters the ring and
re-engages with Duval.
Buckingham: Troy, I know Calysto and
Vulture signed on for this tag title bout under the pretense that Vulture avoid
physically confronting his son, but when does that trepidation with that become
a real problem for this team?
Troy: I get what you’re saying, Randall. It’s become an issue for the two of
them and Morgan in this mixed six-person tag tonight, but with so much more on
the line at Everlasting Epic, how are they going to stand a chance if Vulture
just won’t engage with one half of the champs?
Calysto immediately takes the fight to Duval upon re-entry, downing him with
a huge German suplex! He then climbs right to the top rope, looking for the
bottom line, but Duval isn’t worn down enough yet and is able to dropkick
Calysto out of mid-air! Duval turns Calysto over and covers… one, two, and the
Iceman gets a shoulder up!
Both men ultimately reach a vertical base, but it is Chris Duval who is
prepared for the next step, whipping Calysto into the ropes and downing him
with a monstrous sidewalk slam! Duval covers again… one, two, and Calysto kicks
out again!
Duval pops up as Calysto continues to writhe on the mat and screams out “one
more!” Then, Duval lifts the Iceman off the mat and whips him into the ropes,
looking for another sidewalk slam, but Calysto ducks under it, hits off the
opposite ropes, and drills Duval with the spinning heel kick on the rebound!
Instead of going for a cover, however, Calysto instead opts to move towards
his corner. Duval does the same, crawling towards Baccaro with his hand
extended. Duval is able to make the tag to Baccaro, who darts into the ring,
headed straight for Calysto, but just in the nick of time, Calysto is able to
tag Vulture into the bout!
The fans
cheer wildly as Vulture storms into the ring, but Baccaro is ready for him,
lunging at him with a running forearm. However, Vulture ducks under it and,
when Baccaro turns around, he drills him with a thunderous Chill Factor
spinebuster! Vulture wastes no time in going for a cover… one, two, and Baccaro
is able to get a shoulder up.
With that, Vulture signals for the Sharpshooter and quickly locks it on
Baccaro, right in the center of the ring! However, Alexis rushes into the ring
and attempts to kick her father in the head, but Vulture relinquishes the hold
and moves toward Alexis! She smirks at him, knowing that he wouldn’t touch her,
but suddenly Morgan Day rushes into the ring and spears Alexis right through
the ropes, with both ladies tumbling to the outside!
Troy: That’s right, Morgan! Good for you!
Buckingham: Could you BE more of a shill for the fan favorites?
Morgan and Alexis aren’t down long on the outside, quickly getting back to
their feet and engaging in a brawl. Meanwhile, Vulture takes the fight to
Baccaro on the inside! Despite Baccaro’s best efforts, Vulture is absolutely on
fire, flooring Baccaro with a hard right hand before downing him again with a
dropkick when Baccaro pops back to his feet!
The fans cheer loudly as Vulture presses his advantage, next nailing Baccaro
with a running knee to the face and covering! One, two, and Baccaro gets a
shoulder up!
Baccaro is slow to his feet, but when he reaches them Vulture grabs him and
whips him into the ropes. However, Baccaro hits the ropes a bit too close to
his partner Duval, who reaches out and makes a blind tag to Baccaro’s back.
Vulture downs Baccaro with a hard back body drop, but turns around to meet the
charging Duval, who is now the legal man. Vulture cocks his fist to hit his
son, but can’t do it. Upon realizing this, Duval cracks a sinister smile.
Baccaro then pops up and clubs Vulture in the back, sending him forward,
straight into a sidewalk slam from Duval!
Alexis and Morgan are still brawling on the outside, unaware of what’s
happening in the ring, as Baccaro knocks Calysto off the ring apron and Duval
pries Vulture off the mat. Then, with Baccaro’s encouragement, Duval drills
Vulture down with the Duval Driver and covers him… one, two, three.
Buckingham: What a glorious moment for Chris Duval! And really, what a
harbinger of things to come this was, too! Vulture proved yet again that he is
just not physically capable of attacking his son. And as much as he and Calysto
want to talk about how Vulture will focus on Baccaro and Calysto will worry
about Duval, there is going to come a point in the match where it’s
unavoidable, as we saw tonight. Vulture hesitated, couldn’t pull the trigger,
and Duval jumped on the opportunity. And Vic, I don’t see how this doesn’t
happen again in
Troy: I hate to say it, but it very well might!
The fans boo passionately as “Hallelujah” replays and Baccaro and Chris
Duval exit the ring victoriously. Morgan’s brawl with Alexis concludes once the
bell sounds and they realize what happened. Alexis joins her teammates at the
start of the aisle and the celebration ensues. Meanwhile, in the ring, Calysto
and Morgan attempt to console a despondent and immensely frustrated Vulture as
we head to break.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT
17:05 – JACKIE BACCARO & THE DUVAL TWINS
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
As we return
from break, we see Vulture angrily packing his bag in his dressing room. Morgan
Day and Jason Calysto are beside him.
Morgan: Are you sure you don’t want to
stay, take a shower, clear your head a bit? Then we can talk about what
happened.
Calysto: Look dude, I didn’t expect you to get over your reservations about
this in one night. But we DO need to work on this before Everlasting Epic. Because
if you literally refuse to touch one member of their team, we’re going to lose.
They’re too good. Your kid, Duval, he’s good dude. He’s really good. He’s got a
lot of you in him actually, but Jackie’s taught him a lot too. And you know how
damn good Baccaro is. The bottom line is I need you, and I need you at full
strength.
Vulture glares at Calysto, then glares at his wife, grabs his bag, and
storms out of the room without saying a word, slamming the door behind him.
Calysto uncharacteristically kicks over a garbage can in frustration.
Calysto: What the hell are we gonna do,
Morgan?! How are we supposed to fix this if he won’t even talk?!
Morgan: You just need to give him some time to…
Calysto: We don’t have time! This match is in 11 days! And we are NOT ready.
Look, I’m not saying he needs to go out there and take it to his kid the whole
match. All I’m saying is that, when the chips are down, if a situation comes up
where it’s us or them, where he HAS to fight Duval or we lose, I need to know
that he’s gonna be able to do that.
Morgan: I understand. I’ll talk to him. I’m gonna let him cool off a bit
because I’m sure he went back to the hotel to shower, and I’m sure he’s turned
his mobile off by now, but I know exactly where he’s going after that. I’ll
find him.
Calysto: Please do. Because I didn’t come out of retirement to get embarrassed.
Calysto then storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him as well,
leaving an exasperated Morgan behind as we head to commercial.
***
Back from break, “All or Nothin” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is blaring
over the speakers and Kris Anthony stands in the ring, ready for competition.
Moments later, “Not Falling” by Mudvayne hits and The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg emerges from behind the curtain to a sizeable
ovation!
Buckingham: Yeah well they love that lowlife Greg Tantalus and Dulberg has done his part to get him to his match against
Chase Stone tonight, so it’s no surprise that these people would take to him.
But the bottom line is he is a cheat, and he doesn’t deserve to even be in the
same ring with Synergy and Chase Stone at Everlasting Epic.
Buckingham: With good reason! He was letting the group down! It was time for a
change!
Buckingham: All I know is that Dulberg will be lucky
to even get past Kris Anthony tonight.
THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT JON DULBERG VS. KRIS ANTHONY
Referee: Tom Stevens
The bell sounds, kicking this match off, and it is Anthony that
comes out the aggressor, immediately bashing Dulberg
in the face with repeated right hands, trying to keep him off guard. Anthony
then whips Dulberg off the ropes, but puts his head
down, telegraphing it, which allows Dulberg the
chance to counter with a DDT as he returns!
Anthony is slow to his feet and Dulberg attacks him
with a series of chops as he rises. Dulberg then
whips Anthony against the ropes and downs him with a jumping, spinning
clothesline as he returns! Then, with Anthony down, Dulberg
climbs to the top rope and delivers his Sudden Death finisher with crushing
authority! Dulberg covers… one, two, three!
Buckingham: He sure made short work of Kris Anthony, that’s for sure!
The fans cheer as Dulberg carries on his
celebration in the ring, “Not Falling” booming through the speakers.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 1:19 – THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT JON DULBERG
Suddenly, Dulberg is viciously knocked down from
behind, prompting the fans to boo! When the camera pans out, we can see Synergy
members The Omega Steve Beovich and Don “The MVP” Capriglione, alongside Chase
Stone, who has a huge match later tonight against Greg Tantalus.
Dulberg is subject to a brutal three-on-one assault
in the ring, forcing the fans to boo raucously. However, Greg Tantalus rushes
down the aisle, clearing the ring with a few swings of the chair he brought out
with him!
Buckingham: What the hell is he doing here?!
Synergy and Stone quickly flee the ring as Dulberg
gets his bearings. Tantalus points at Stone and screams at him that he’s his
later tonight, while Stone shouts and points back at him, telling him he’s
wrong. Meanwhile, Dulberg dares everyone to come back
into the ring until “Live to Win” by Paul Stanley hits. An intense staredown
ensues between all parties as we head to commercial.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from break, we are taken to the interior of the Wynn Las
Vegas casino. The camera pans around the interior of the casino until we reach
a craps table, where we can see Dexter P. Wellington playing, decked out in an
expensive Brioni suit. With a determined look on his face,
Dealer: Easy six! This must be your lucky
day!
Suddenly,
however, he is violently tackled to the ground by a man who begins wailing away
on him! The other people at the table are horrified as
***
Returning to live action, “Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart blares onto the
speakers and the fans begin booing loudly as Dex Wellington makes his way to
the ring, now wearing a slightly less expensive Armani suit. The International
Championship belt is draped over his shoulder as he starts down the aisle. The
look of arrogance on his face that was omnipresent at the casino has now
returned as he grabs a microphone and enters the ring.
A roar of cheers sweeps over the MGM Grand Arena.
With that, “Hero” by Nas featuring Keri Hilson blasts onto the speakers and
Evan Black receives a loud ovation from the Vegas crowd as he appears! Black
does not appear to be in a good mood as he grabs a microphone from the ringside
area and steps into the ring, standing face-to-face with
Black: So let me get this straight. My display at Wynn was barbaric, but you
brutalizing me and costing me my title shot four weeks ago wasn’t? And I guess
you bashing me in the head with that belt you have draped over your shoulder
last week wasn’t either?
Black: Of course I’m upset! All season long, you’ve been talking to me about
how you were going to bring me to the top, how I had what it took to get to the
next level. You never told me that I could get to that next level as long as
you made it to the one above it!
Black: You said your piece last week, Dex. What are you possibly going to say
to me that I don’t already know? That all season, you’ve been a wolf in sheep’s
clothing and that I should have known better? That you were content to stay by my side until there was a threat
that I would pass you, at which point you were so scared that you had to cut me
down? So no, Dex, I am not interested in what you have to say.
Black: If you’re such a coward that you need to press charges against me, then
go right ahead. But realize that you will ostracize yourself from every single
member of that locker room back there if you do. There’s an unspoken code among
the boys that we never settle our problems outside this ring.
Black: Dex, the only thing that’s going to happen between the two of us at
Everlasting Epic is that I’m going to pin your shoulders to the mat, 1-2-3, and
walk out of
The fans cheer this statement loudly, but
The
Buckingham: I sure hope not! There’s nothing worse than an ingrate getting
something he doesn’t deserve!
Buckingham: I can’t wait!
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from
break, “Fight On, State” by the Penn State Blue Band blasts onto the speakers
and Chase Stone begins making his way down the aisle to an onslaught of jeers.
Troy: Alright folks, we’re about to find
out whether or not Greg Tantalus will be competing against
Buckingham: And by proxy, we’ll be finding out whether or not Tantalus has even
the slightest chances of getting Justin Schenck alone in the squared circle at
that same event.
Buckingham: Certainly a lot on the line for Tantalus here tonight!
As Stone settles himself in the ring, “Live to Win” by Paul Stanley thumps
onto the speakers and Greg Tantalus emerges to a huge roar of approval from the
Tantalus has
his eyes locked on Stone, understanding the gravity of the situation as he
walks down the aisle. Finally, Tantalus settles himself in the ring, but just
before the bell is able to sound, “Parabola” by TOOL blasts onto the speakers
and the fans respond with jeers as Hollywood Mike Griffin makes his entrance.
Buckingham: I don’t know, but I do know that it is our privilege!
Buckingham: Mr. Griffin! SUCH a pleasure
to have you out here with us tonight!
Buckingham:
And believe me, Hollywood, everyone out there listening will be better off for
having heard your voice.
Griffin: You’re absolutely right, Randall.
Back in the ring, referee Jose Soares re-focuses Tantalus and
Stone and calls for the bell, getting this match underway.
GREG TANTALUS VS. CHASE STONE
Referee: Jose Soares
Tantalus and Stone immediately lock up in the center of the ring,
and it is Stone that establishes the initial advantage, tying Tantalus in a
side headlock. Tantalus then shoves Stone off the ropes, breaking the hold, and
then hits the mat as Stone bounces off the opposite ropes, causing Stone to
leap over him. Stone is headed for the opposite ropes but stops short, hoping
to catch Tantalus off guard. However, Tantalus is ready for him and nearly
takes his head off with a huge clothesline!
Tantalus then lifts Stone up and whips him into the corner, charging in after
him and nailing him with another hard clothesline! Stone staggers out of the
corner and Tantalus responds with yet another clothesline, this time sending him
up and over the top rope and out to the arena floor!
Griffin: I wouldn’t get your hopes up,
Buckingham: I do. It gets exhausting.
Tantalus goes out after Stone on the floor, but Stone is waiting for him.
When Tantalus tries to lift his opponent up, Stone whips him hard into the
steel steps, sending Tantalus smashing into them with crushing authority! Then,
despite protests from the official, Stone smashes Tantalus’ head against the
top step one time before rolling him back into the ring.
Once inside, Stone begins controlling the pace and tempo of the bout, first
keeping Tantalus at Bay with a swift array of stomps, followed by securing him
in a leg grapevine. Tantalus writhes in pain in the hold, trying desperately to
reach the ropes, but Stone keeps the hold locked in securely. Finally, Tantalus
uses a fair amount of strength to sit up and nail Stone in the face with three
hard right hands, forcing him to break the hold! Tantalus then pops up, looking
for a running knee to the face, but Stone ducks under it, slides around, and
destroys Tantalus with a vicious release German suplex!
Buckingham: And what a glorious playbook it is!
Stone doesn’t rest on his laurels however, immediately turning Tantalus
over and attempting a pinfall… one, two, and Tantalus gets a shoulder up.
Undaunted, Stone lifts Tantalus up off the mat and propels him shoulder-first
into the steel ringpost! Tantalus screams out in pain, but as he staggers
backwards, Stone grabs and nails him with a bridging belly-to-back suplex,
right into a pin. One, two, and Tantalus just barely escapes.
With Tantalus’ back against the wall, Stone locks in a front facelock, trying
to keep Tantalus grounded. However, Tantalus begins using the undying support
of the
Griffin: You want to talk about the resolve of Greg Tantalus, that’s your
right. I want to talk about how impressive this Chase Stone kid is. He’s like a
young Mike Griffin! Justin Schenck has found himself a real winner here. This
kid is the future of the PWA!
Buckingham: Vic, you are such a hater.
Feeling confident, Stone signals to the crowd that it is time to finish
Tantalus off. He lifts Tantalus up and grabs him in position for his delayed
Fisherman Suplex. However, after lifting him for the move, Tantalus slips out
and shoves Stone into the turnbuckles! Stone hits the buckles chest-first, and
when he staggers backwards, Tantalus downs him with a hard back suplex!
Both men are
down for several moments as the fans try to will Tantalus to his feet first.
Instead the two reach their feet virtually simultaneously, and it is Stone who
is the first to attempt offense. Stone swings a clothesline at Tantalus, but Tantalus
ducks under it, hits off the opposite ropes, and downs Stone with a running
knee to the face! Tantalus takes another several moments to regroup, but when
Stone gets himself back to a vertical base, Tantalus whips him against the
ropes and downs him with a huge spinebuster, floating over into a cover! One,
two, and Stone is able to get a shoulder up!
Stone is writhing on the mat and Tantalus looks to put him away. Suddenly, a
smirk comes over Tantalus’ face and he looks up to the top rope. Then, after
pulling Stone into position, Tantalus climbs up to the top and leaps off,
attempting a 450 Splash! Tantalus’ flight is perfect… but Stone moves out of
the way, causing Tantalus to crash down hard to the mat!
Griffin: Nice landing, Greg!
Stone alertly rolls onto Tantalus, attempting a pin… one, two, and Tantalus
is just barely able to escape! Stone slowly gets back up to a vertical base and
pulls the straps down on his singlet, beckoning Tantalus to his feet. When Tantalus
does rise, Stone attempts his Fisherman Suplex again, but Tantalus blocks it
and counters into a small package! One, two, and Stone escapes!
Both men pop
back to their feet, but Tantalus shoves Stone right into referee Jose Soares!
Stone staggers backwards after the collision, and Tantalus is right there to
covertly nail him with a low blow!
Buckingham: Referee! Open your eyes!
Soares is still groggy from the collision with Stone and doesn’t see the
low blow. However, he does recover in time to see Tantalus spin Stone around
and crush him with the Big O, his falcon arrow finisher! Tantalus covers
tightly as the whole crowd counts along… one, two, three!
Buckingham: What an injustice!
The fans cheer wildly as “Live to Win” replays over the speakers and
Tantalus stares down
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 12:05 – GREG TANTALUS
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from
break, PWA creative director Justin Schenck is in his office, talking on his
cell phone. Suddenly, the door opens and Greg Tantalus walks inside. Schenck
quickly hangs up the phone and stands up, holding up his arms.
Schenck: Whoa whoa
whoa, hold it right there, Tantalus. You KNOW if you
so much as TOUCH me before Everlasting Epic, you get NOTHING. No
Tantalus: Calm yourself, Schenck. I’m not an idiot. I didn’t come here to
attack you. I can do plenty of that in
Schenck: Then why are you here?
Tantalus: Because I don’t trust you. I KNOW you’re up to something. If you
really didn’t want me to make it to the pay-per-view, you would have thrown a
few more obstacles in my path to make it that much tougher. Sure, there were
difficulties along the way, but no real attempts on your part to out and out
screw me out of any of these matches. I want to know why.
Schenck: What makes you think I wanted you to lose BEFORE the pay-per-view,
Greg? A Tantalus vs.
Tantalus: And what about at Everlasting Epic? How can I be sure that you won’t
do everything in your power to stop me from defeating Mike Griffin?
Schenck: Because I’ve instructed the official to be VERY strict when it comes
to enforcing the rules. If cheating is attempted on
Tantalus: See, I just don’t get this.
Finally, after a brief pause, Tantalus appears to have a revelation.
Tantalus: I know what’s going on here.
You want me to get as far as I can, leaving it all up to me, and if I DO get
past
Schenck: Do you really think this is necessary to…
Tantalus: Yes, I DO think this is necessary. And I’ll tell you what. You put it
in writing right now that all members of the PWA roster be banned from ringside
from any potential match we have, and disallow disqualifications.
Schenck: Or what?
Tantalus: Or I don’t show up in
Schenck:
Tantalus: I get it. But I don’t care. You just don’t seem nervous enough about
the prospect of wrestling me, and there has to be a reason. So you either agree
to my terms right now, or I’m going back home for the rest of the season.
Schenck wears a look of extreme distress, which fades into anger, and then
finally defeat. He lets out a sigh and speaks.
Schenck: Fine. As you wish.
Tantalus: Good.
Tantalus turns to leave, but Hollywood Mike Griffin opens the door just as
Tantalus goes to exit.
Tantalus stares at
Tantalus: You have done nothing to
warrant me shaking your hand. I only shake the hands of people that I respect,
and you need to earn that respect back. You think you can just sweep this under
the rug, sell me out, and retain my friendship? You made your decision,
Tantalus walks off and
Schenck: What the hell are you talking about,
Schenck stares blankly at
Schenck: That’s good,
***
Back at ringside, “Charlie Big Potato” by Skunk Anansie blares
onto the speakers and John Wolfe makes his way to the ring to an array of boos.
Wolfe appears to be in a foul mood as he enters the squared circle and
stretches out on the ropes.
Moments later, “Opium of the People” by Slipknot hits and the loud jeering of
the crowd only increases in volume as GI Jew rides his Chopper out to ringside.
After parking it, Jew enters the ring and barely acknowledges his partner, who
is pacing back and forth.
Troy: Alright folks, we’ve got quite the
interesting tag team bout coming up here.
Buckingham: That’s right, Vic. John Wolfe and GI Jew are in the ring, waiting
for their opponents, and they will face the combination of Kerry Cox, Jew’s
Everlasting Epic opposition, and the man who will face Wolfe in Jacksonville, a
man whose identity is still unknown to us. I can’t wait to find out!
With that, “War Machine” by KISS thumps onto the speakers and the fans
begin cheering thunderously for the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox, who enters the
arena with a look of intense focus on his face, his eyes locked right on GI
Jew. Cox walks all the way down the aisle, down to the foot of the ring, before
stopping. However, Wolfe grows impatient and grabs a microphone.
Wolfe: Alright, enough of the bloody
games! Bring out my opponent! I have a right to know who I’m competing against!
Bring him out!
After several more moments of silence, “Map of the Problematique” by Muse
explodes onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering loudly for Wolfe’s
former tag team partner Paul Epton, who emerges from
behind the curtain and sprints all the way down the aisle!
Buckingham: I thought Wolfe ended his season! And it looks like Wolfe thought
the same thing, because he looks pretty shocked to see him!
Cox and Epton slide into the ring together, going
right at their Everlasting Epic opponents, prompting referee Dan Martin to
immediately ring the bell and get this match underway!
GI JEW & JOHN WOLFE VS. KERRY COX & PAUL EPTON
Referee: Dan Martin
Epton clotheslines Wolfe out of the ring,
the impact of which sends them both tumbling to the outside just as the bell
rings! Meanwhile, Jew and Cox exchange blows violently, each punch followed by
a more powerful haymaker. Finally, Cox establishes the advantage, spinning Jew
around with a hard right hand and using the opening to charge in and bulldog Jew
to the mat! Cox covers… one, two, and Jew is able to get a shoulder up.
On the outside, Epton and Wolfe have broken up their
initial brawl and returned to their neutral corners. Meanwhile, in the ring,
after a few well-placed stomps, Cox attempts to lock Jew in a Figure-Four
Leglock!
Buckingham: If he gets this on, he could make real short work of GI Jew right
here!
Cox goes for the submission hold, but when he does, Wolfe enters the ring
and clobbers him with a boot to the jaw! The fans boo, but this act prompts Epton to storm into the ring and nail Wolfe with a hard
running dropkick, the impact of which sends him sailing to the outside of the
ring!
Epton is beyond pumped, but as soon as he turns
around, he is destroyed with The Gore from GI Jew, the impact of which nearly
takes him out of his boots! Jew stands over Epton,
taunting, until Cox spins him around, boots him in the gut, and drills him with
the Coxsucker DDT! The fans are on their feet as Cox covers! One, two, three!
Buckingham: That isn’t fair! That is just NOT fair! This match was officiated
SO poorly! C’mon ref! How do you allow that?! All four men were just ignoring
the rules, blatantly doing whatever they wanted, and now, all of a sudden,
you’re going to recognize a pinfall attempt?! C’mon! GI Jew just got screwed!
He was caught completely off-guard!
Buckingham: And that’s another thing! The whole concept of the match was an
absolute travesty! Who was prepared for Paul Epton?!
Troy: I don’t know, but John Wolfe had better be in 11 days! He looked like he
saw a ghost tonight!
The fans cheer loudly as “War Machine” replays over the speakers and Cox
stands over Epton, who is slowly coming to. Jew rolls
out of the ring, clutching his neck, as a wide-eyed Wolfe backpedals out of the
ring. A staredown between the four ensues as we take a break.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 2:48 – KERRY COX & PAUL EPTON
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
The familiar MGM Grand spotlights shine upon the squared circle as
“My Avenue” by Lil' Boosie Bad Azz,
Lil' Phat, and Lil' Trill thumps through the
speakers, bringing the crowd to their feet as Jaguar steps out through the
entrance and onto the ramp. One huge, fiery explosion later, the five-time PWA
Champion marches his way down towards the ring.
Buckingham: He does look ready, but he had better be because the challenge he
is facing tonight is immense.
Championship.
Buckingham: He may have, but Solomon could hit him so hard that he knocks him
all the way back to
Jaguar climbs through the ropes and poses for the crowd in the ring as the
lights fall, and “Hear Me” by Darkseed seeps in. Lee
Palmer introduces Solomon, who makes his usual ominous entrance, stalking his
way to the ring with his icy blue eyes never leaving the frame of his waiting
opponent.
Troy: And here comes your favorite
wrestler, Randall.
Buckingham: You should know that I never play favorites here, Troy, but how can
anyone ever bet against this guy? He has the size, speed, power, agility… you
name it and Solomon has it, but this will be quite a test before Everlasting
Epic here for both men.
Solomon walks up the ring steps and calmly strides over the top rope to find
Jaguar's eyes deadlocked upon his as both men come to the center of the ring.
Buckingham: Both of these guys have
respect for one another, but can we expect them to go all out tonight, just 10
days away from Everlasting Epic?
Troy: In most cases, I would think it’s human nature to be tentative when you
have so much at stake coming up next Saturday, but these two guys are big money
players and I don't think they know any other way but to go full speed ahead.
JAGUAR VS. SOLOMON
Referee: Tom Stevens
The bell sounds and the crowd is alive as both men circle the ring and lock up
hard in the middle of it. Solomon has the clear power advantage and shows it as
he easily muscles Jaguar back into a corner. Referee Tom Stevens calls for a
break, and Solomon reluctantly gives one, but tries a quick overhand forearm
shot that only connects with the top turnbuckles as the agile 260-plus pounder
slides out of
the way. Solomon turns around and Jaguar nails him with a series of left and
right fists before attempting an Irish whip, but Solomon reverses it and plants
a boot right into his face upon return, sending Jag crashing down to the mat!
Jaguar writhes on the canvas rubbing his face before Solomon grabs him by the
shirt to pull him up to his feet. He follows up with a high vertical suplex,
beginning to attack the oft-injured lower back of the
Hot Boy. Solomon covers for a quick two count before grabbing him up to sling
him into a corner, following up with a ferocious clothesline to continue the
high impact assault. Jaguar crumbles to the canvas and the
Buckingham: This is what I was talking
about,
Troy: Very true, but with his resiliency, Solomon knows not to ever count him
out.
Jaguar tries to gain a vertical base and once he does, Solomon avalanches him
into the corner before slinging him out for a third powerful Irish whip.
Jaguar's back connects hard with the turnbuckles
and Solomon charges at him, but Jaguar stops the oncoming train with a big boot
to the face! Solomon is dizzied by the blow and then nailed with a hard
clothesline that puts him on his back!
Solomon gets back up to his feet, but leaves them again shortly as Jaguar
scoops him up and drops him with a bodyslam. He then
hits the ropes and comes off to blast his opponent with a hard, Great Muta-like corkscrew elbow drop that drives the wind right
out of the Alaskan Monster's chest! Jaguar makes a lateral press for one, two, and
Solomon powers right out of it! Trying to keep his advantage, Jaguar cinches in
a side headlock, attempting to keep Solomon grounded.
Troy: The tide has turned here a bit, but
Jaguar needs to stay in control and not let Solomon reach a vertical base
again.
Buckingham: Solomon is most dangerous when he is upright, so this is a good
strategy by Jaguar. Whether it works or not, we’ll have to see.
Jag keeps the headlock in tight, but Solomon is too strong and does manage to
reach his feet. He twists his body around to get behind Jaguar, and once he
does he lifts him up into the air, but instead of
driving him down for a back suplex, the sinister Solomon opts to toss Jaguar
towards the ropes, causing him to crotch himself along the top cable as the
crowd gasps!
Buckingham: No
Jaguar crumbles to the mat in overt and immense pain as Solomon snickers at his
plight. The two-time World Heavyweight Champion signals that this match is
nearing its end, as he motions for the Deep
Freeze.
Buckingham: If Solomon hits this, it’s as
a good as over with.
Troy: And with Jaguar in the shape he is in now, that looks like a real good
possibility for Solomon here.
Solomon grabs Jaguar up by the shirt again before hoisting him up into a
fireman's carry. He pushes him up off of his shoulders to swing him around for
the move, but Jaguar pushes off of Solomon and escapes! Solomon swings at him,
but Jag ducks underneath and connects with a kick to the midsection. He then
goes behind Solomon to lift him up for the Carrjack,
but he slips out! The angry Solomon throws up a big boot to put Jaguar down,
but it is ducked and referee Stevens eats the brunt of the blow! As Stevens
hits the deck, Jaguar decks Solomon, returning the favor with a low blow!
Buckingham: He hit him low right in front
of the ref!
Solomon is down and the crowd cheers as Jaguar senses the downed referee and
opts to take the time to instead climb up to the top rope, looking to seal
things with a Suga Splash! As he gets his balance
set, he sees out of the corner of his eye Michael Grieco blazing a trail down
the ramp and sliding into the ring! As Grieco gets up, Jaguar soars off and
drills him with a flying clothesline!
Buckingham: Everyone is looking to get a leg up on the competition before
Everlasting Epic!
Jaguar and Grieco rumble on the canvas as Solomon gets up and stomps Jaguar
right in the back of the head. Stevens comes to and calls for the bell, but it
is of no use as Solomon and Grieco simultaneously
pummel the five-time champion. The beating doesn't go on too long, as Scythe
now zooms down the ramp, carrying something with him!
Buckingham: Now Scythe is out here, and
what does he have?!
Scythe charges into the ring and immediately takes Grieco down with a crescent
kick! Solomon goes after him, but Scythe kicks him hard in the stomach,
doubling him over for a few seconds as he holds the
wireless clipper high into the air and turns it on, causing the cutter and the
crowd to both buzz loudly! Jaguar keeps Grieco at bay with a kick outside the
ring as Scythe grabs a chunk of Solomon's hair, but
before the clipper can reach his blonde hair, the Alaskan Monster shoves him
off and quickly rolls out of the ring to safety! The crowd cheers vociferously
as
Buckingham: He will get his chance next weekend. I can't wait to see him and
Solomon go at it for 30 minutes!
WINNER VIA
DISQUALIFICATION AT 9:05 – JAGUAR
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from commercial, “The Final Countdown” by The London Symphony Orchestra
hits the speakers and the fans begin booing loudly as Matthew Magellan makes
his way down to the ring, accompanied by his new girlfriend Liz Rush and his
massive bodyguard and tag team partner
Briggs. Magellan’s entourage positions itself on the outside of the ring as
Magellan settles himself inside, ready for combat.
Moments later, “Black” by Sevendust hits and the fans begin cheering loudly as
Paul Dawkins makes his entrance! Dawkins at first appears to be alone, but
after taking several solo steps forward, Dawkins is joined by his tag team
partner Renegade and noted Magellan despiser Jade!
Buckingham: Well, there’s no question these fans love him, but the truth is
that doesn’t make one iota of a difference in this match.
Buckingham: We should get a nice little preview of what we’re all in store for
with this group at Everlasting Epic right here.
Troy: That’s right, Randall, and it’s time to let the rest of the audience in
on what we already know to be true. Folks, earlier this week, Justin Schenck
signed the final match for the Everlasting Epic card, and it will be as
follows: we will see the team of Matthew Magellan and Briggs, with Liz Rush in
their corner, take on the team of Paul Dawkins and Renegade, with Jade in their
corner!
Buckingham: Well, it certainly should be an interesting tag team contest, that
is for sure!
PAUL DAWKINS VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN
Referee: Jose Soares
The bell does indeed sound and Dawkins is the first to make a
move, violently tackling Magellan to the mat and pounding away on him
viciously! Magellan is quickly able to reverse this, getting on top of Dawkins
and stinging him with rights and lefts of his own, but he is ultimately no
match for Dawkins in the strength department, as Dawkins frees himself and
immediately floors Magellan with a hard clothesline!
Buckingham: Maybe so, Vic, but he’s not gonna put Magellan away this easy.
Magellan is slow to his feet and Dawkins is ready for him as he rises,
whipping him hard against the ropes and downing him with a hard back body drop!
Then, Dawkins pries him up again and whips him into the corner, following him
in with a thunderous Stinger Splash! Magellan staggers forward and Dawkins
immediately looks for the Scud Missile rocker dropper, but as soon as he goes
for it, Briggs rumbles into the ring and headbutts Dawkins, prompting an
immediate disqualification!
Buckingham: Go get ‘em, Briggs!
WINNER VIA DISQUALICATION AT 2:28 – PAUL DAWKINS
The fans begin booing raucously as Liz also enters the ring and a
beatdown ensues. However, the beatdown doesn’t last long as Renegade and Jade
immediately storm into the ring and engage in a battle!
The Vegas crowd responds with pronounced cheers as Renegade slugs it out with
Briggs, Jade and Liz engage in battle, and once they reach their feet, Dawkins
and Magellan resume their war! Then, exciting the crowd even more, Dawkins,
Renegade, and Jade each daze their counterpart, leaving Magellan, Briggs, and
Liz on the ropes. Then, with one furious charge, the three fan favorites
clothesline Magellan, Briggs, and Liz over the top rope and to the outside! The
fans continue their loud cheering as “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent
thumps onto the speakers and Dawkins, Renegade, and Jade celebrate jubilantly
in the ring!
Buckingham: Maybe for now, but it will be a WHOLE different story when we get
to
Troy: I guess we’ll find out in Jacksonville, when Dawkins and Renegade collide
with Magellan and Briggs, with Jade and Liz Rush in their respective corners!
Dawkins, Renegade, and Jade shout back at Magellan, Briggs, and Liz as they
backpedal up the aisle, never taking their eyes off their Everlasting Epic
opposition. The tension between both the two teams and the two ladies is
palpable as we take another commercial break.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from
break “Your Song” by Elton John can be heard in the background as we see a
panorama of the world famous Bellagio fountain, which is gusting in a
synchronized display to the music. The presentation is dazzling, and as we pan
out, we can see Morgan Day making her way through the crowd, searching around.
Finally, she spots her husband. Vulture, dressed simply in a black t-shirt and
blue jeans, is hanging over the railing to watch the fountain, smoking a
cigarette as Morgan approaches. Vulture sees her and attempts to protest her
arrival, but she puts her finger to her lips and extends her hand. Vulture
grasps it and the two watch the remainder of the presentation.
Finally, the fountain finishes gusting until its next show in 15 minutes and
Morgan turns to Vulture to talk.
Morgan: I knew you’d be here.
Vulture: Yeah well this place has kind of a calming effect on me.
Morgan: What’s with the cigarette, by the way? You’re smoking again? You’d been
doing so well.
Vulture takes one last drag and tosses the butt away.
Vulture: Stress. I’d imagine I’ll be
quitting again in two weeks, one way or another.
Morgan: Listen, about that…
Vulture: Morgan, I really don’t want to talk about it.
Morgan: I know you don’t, but…
Vulture: But nothing. There’s nothing to say. Calysto signed up for this match
knowing that I couldn’t hit my son. The deal was I take Baccaro, he takes
Duval. That’s how we win this thing. Now everyone is freaking out because I
couldn’t hit Duval. I told you I couldn’t! I told everyone!
Morgan: And now they’re going to exploit that.
Vulture: Listen, I came out here to get away from it. I don’t want to think
about this now. I appreciate you coming out here to check up on me, but I’m
fine.
Morgan: That’s why you’re smoking again and why you were so angry before that
you couldn’t even say a word. Listen, nobody is saying you have to fight him
the whole match. But if a situation comes up where the match depends on it,
your partner needs to know that you have his back.
Vulture takes a long pause before turning back to Morgan.
Vulture: I’m gonna go back to the hotel.
Stay for the next one if you want. But I just need some more alone time.
Morgan lets out an exasperated sigh.
Morgan: Fine.
Vulture: I’ll see you back at the room in a little while.
Morgan: Ok. I love you.
Vulture: Love you too.
The two kiss quickly and Vulture walks away. The camera follows Vulture as
he walks, until moments later when he runs into Greg Tantalus on the street. Tantalus
notices Vulture at roughly the same moment that he notices him, and both stop
walking as they stand across from one another.
Vulture:
What the hell are you doing here?
Tantalus: I’m staying here, genius. You think you have a monopoly on the damn
Bellagio fountain?
There is now a continued silence between the two former friends
and co-founders of the formidable Strength in Numbers faction some seven years
ago. Finally, Vulture breaks the silence, attempting to continue the longest
conversation the two have had since their violent split, which culminated in
Tantalus effectively bringing Vulture’s career to a halt for a number of years.
Vulture:
Whatever. Plenty of other things to do around here.
Vulture walks off, until Tantalus calls out after him. Vulture
pauses and, at length, turns around.
Vulture: What?
Tantalus: I know you’re going through a lot right now. So am I. But for what
it’s worth, I’m sorry for what I did to you after SIN split. Now I know what it
feels like to have someone mess with your life and ruin everything you hold
dear, and I’m really sorry I did that to you.
Vulture doesn’t respond right away, but ultimately does.
Vulture: Yeah, well, looks like I’m going
through it again myself anyway.
Tantalus: I know. And I saw what happened earlier. And look, I can’t possibly
understand exactly what you’re going through, but there’s one observation I’ve
made that I can share with you right now.
Vulture: I’m listening.
Tantalus: Back in our SIN days, you would have NEVER let your emotions KEEP you
from acting. If there was any problem you and I had back then it’s that you
were TOO quick to act.
Vulture: Yeah, well a lot’s changed. You and I are both different people.
Tantalus: And are we any better off?
Vulture ponders Tantalus’ statement, but doesn’t respond.
Tantalus: Listen, you can take my advice
or you can ignore it, I don’t care. I have enough to worry about. But if you
want to get back to being Vulture, then you need to stop thinking and start
reacting. That’s when Vulture becomes the most dangerous man in this company.
With that, Tantalus slaps Vulture on the shoulder and begins walking off.
Tantalus: Anyway, good luck in
Vulture: Thanks. Good luck to you, too. Whatever you do to him, Schenck has it
coming.
Tantalus nods his head at Vulture and extends his hand.
Tantalus: Put it in the past?
Vulture shakes his hand.
Vulture: Why the hell not? I think we
both have enough to worry about in the present.
The two then walk off in opposite directions as we head to commercial.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
As we return from break, we are sent ringside to our commentators,
Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.
With that,
“Freeky People” by Kidneythieves hits the speakers, and a graphic for
Everlasting Epic VI appears on the Jumbotron.
Troy: On Saturday night, August 14, the
PWA will bring Everlasting Epic VI to you LIVE from the freshly-renamed EverBank
Field in Jacksonville, Florida, and our main event is not something you are
going to want to miss! After a whole season’s worth of ups and downs, of trials
and tribulations, both Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley will receive shots
at Anthony Failla’s PWA World Heavyweight Championship as they collide in a
triple threat match!
Buckingham: And the first man to score a pinfall or submission victory in that
match will leave Jacksonville and this season as the champion, so Failla could
theoretically lose the belt without being pinned!
Buckingham: Not to mention that hometown hero Jaguar will meet the challenge of
Michael Grieco in a Falls Count Anywhere street fight!
Buckingham: Also, the PWA Tag Team Championship will be up for grabs, when new
champions Jackie Baccaro and Chris Duval defend the gold against the superteam
of Vulture and Jason Calysto! But how are Vulture and Calysto going to stand a
chance in that match if Vulture is unable to physically harm his son Chris
Duval?
Buckingham: At Everlasting Epic, it will
be teacher vs. student when Evan Black challenges Dexter P. Wellington for the
International Championship!
Buckingham:
GI Jew and Kerry Cox square off one last time, but this time, one of them will
need to drive the other through a table in order to claim victory, just like
Jew did to Cox last week in catering!
Troy:
Jon Dulberg will return to action at Everlasting
Epic, but it will be in a 3-on-1 gauntlet match, where he will have to defeat
Synergy and Chase Stone in succession in order to win the bout! First, it’s Don
“The MVP” Capriglione, then it’s The Omega Steve Beovich, with Stone up last,
Buckingham: Can Dulberg even survive that far?
Buckingham:
And, as we learned just a little while ago, John Wolfe will take on his former
tag team partner Paul Epton!
***
With that, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits the speakers and
Dan Crowley and Lauren Tantalus emerge to a roaring ovation from the
Troy: Alright, here we go! Dan Crowley
and Lauren Tantalus are on their way to the ring!
Buckingham: Now, if I understand my PWA history correctly, don’t these two have
a history?
Troy: You’re absolutely right, Randall. About seven years ago, when Lauren
first joined the PWA, the two had an illicit romance that Greg Tantalus did not
approve of, at a time when both Crowley and Tantalus were members of the
Strength In Numbers faction alongside Vulture. Long story short, Greg was
successful in keeping them apart,
Buckingham: Doesn’t that make you wonder if
As
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
As we return from break, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits
and the fans begin booing raucously at the arrival of the champions. The PWA
World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla and the PWA Women’s Champion Zina
share the spotlight as they head down the aisle, eyeing the individuals who
will challenge them for their respective titles at Everlasting Epic.
Finally, with the jeers of the crowd still going strong, Failla and Zina step
into the ring and the official attempts to gain control. With all three teams
now firmly in their corners, Hansen signals for the bell to be rung, officially
kicking off this contest, with Zina and Lauren starting things off.
Troy: Alright, we are ready to go here!
Zina will start this off with Lauren Tantalus, but let’s first explain the
rules.
Buckingham: That’s right, Vic. The rules of this match are relatively simple.
Two individuals in the ring at once at all times. Members of the same team can
never be in the ring at the same time. Men vs. men, women vs. women. Any
participant may tag in anyone else in the match. If a woman tags a man or vice
versa, then the opponent they had been facing must also make a tag to someone
of the corresponding gender. And the first team to score a pinfall or
submission victory over the other will be the winner.
TRIPLE THREAT MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH:
PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTHONY FAILLA & PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION ZINA
VS. DAN CROWLEY & LAUREN TANTALUS VS. SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE & KEIKO
ISHIDA
Referee: Matt Hansen
As the bell rings, Lauren is very careful not to let Zina grab
hold of her, evading her grasp each time Zina lunges toward her. Finally,
Lauren frustrates Zina enough that the Women’s Champion leaves an opening for
Lauren to exploit, as Tantalus is able to nail her with a swift kick to the
midsection! Zina winces in pain and Lauren rushes in, grabbing her in a side
headlock. Zina is able to grab hold of Lauren and lift her up, looking for a
belly to back suplex. However, Lauren is able to deliver a counter of her own,
maintaining her grip on Zina and using Zina’s own momentum to take her down
with the headlock!
Zina now battles back to a vertical base and successfully breaks out of the
headlock with several stiff elbows to the midsection before shoving Lauren
against the ropes. Zina swings a big clothesline at Lauren as she rebounds, but
Lauren ducks under it and tags in Dan Crowley as he hits off the opposite
ropes, but not before downing Zina with a Thesz press as she returns! The fans
cheer wildly as Zina stumbles back to her feet and tags in her partner, Anthony
Failla.
Buckingham: We saw Failla go one-on-one with Showtime two weeks ago, but now
let’s see him duke it out with
Failla and
The two lock up again, but this time
Buckingham: These two guys may make good friends, but as we saw a few weeks
back, they may make better enemies. They have a real chemistry in that ring
together, and we’re about to get a little sample!
Showtime enters the ring amidst a serious buzz from the capacity crowd, but
opts to allow
Ultimately,
With Showtime down,
Both men pop
back up to a vertical base and
Buckingham: I hate to say it, but if Lauren hadn’t made that tag, Showtime
might very well have pinned
Lauren enters the ring and Showtime responds by tagging Keiko Ishida into
the bout! Keiko and Lauren lock up, and Keiko whips Lauren against the ropes,
looking for a clothesline as she returns. However, Lauren is able to duck under
the attempt, bounce off the opposite ropes, and down Keiko with a flying
shoulder tackle! Lauren covers… one, two, and Keiko kicks out rather
effortlessly!
When Lauren pops up, however, Keiko is waiting for her, downing her with a huge
clothesline! Lauren goes down hard, and Keiko takes the moment to catch her
breath before returning to work.
Keiko grabs
Lauren and downs her with a hard snap suplex before lifting her up and whipping
her into the corner. With Lauren resting in the corner, Keiko charges at her
and nails her with a hard big splash! Then, as Lauren slinks back into the
corner, Keiko gets a head of steam and rushes in, looking for another splash,
but this time Lauren gets both feet up, driving her boots into Ishida’s jaw!
Keiko staggers forward and Lauren rushes her, downing her with a hard bulldog!
The fans are cheering, but the cheers turn to boos when Zina reaches out and
slaps Lauren on the arm, tagging herself into the match.
Buckingham: Zina and Keiko!
Keiko is
slow to her feet as Zina powers into the ring, immediately blasting the former
champion with a violent kick to the midsection. Zina then pries Keiko off the
mat, lifts her up, and drills her with a thunderous backbreaker that silences
the capacity crowd in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. With that, a smirk appears on
Zina’s face and she signals for her bicycle kick.
Buckingham: Goodnight, Keiko!
Troy: I hate to say it, but if Zina is able to land this kick, it WILL be
goodnight, Keiko! No one in this company has been able to endure that kick and
continue on in the match, and Zina is looking to make Keiko a victim once
again!
Buckingham: Zina is in position! It’s go time!
Ishida
stumbles back to a vertical base and Zina is there waiting for her, rushing her
and unveiling the furious bicycle kick that has destroyed nearly the entire
women’s division! However, at the last moment, Keiko ducks under it, hits off
the opposite ropes, and nails a startled Zina with a desperation Running STO!
Buckingham: This can’t be happening!
With the
fans buzzing, Keiko tightly covers Zina… one, two, and Failla enters the ring
and lifts Keiko off his partner!
Buckingham: Are you serious?! Do you really think that would have had Zina?! NO
ONE has pinned Zina!
Buckingham: That’s your opinion, Troy, and you’re entitled to it, but I really
can’t see any way that Keiko could have pinned her like that! I don’t think she
got all of it! In any event, we’ll never know for sure!
Furious, Showtime storms into the ring and attacks Failla to a tremendous
ovation! The two begin brawling viciously in the ring as the referee struggles
to regain control of the action, but it isn’t until Dan Crowley climbs to the
top rope and takes both men out with the Shadow of the Nite that the brawling
stops!
Buckingham: He just took them all out, including himself!
One by one, all three men roll onto the arena floor and out of the ring.
Failla, who took the brunt of
Meanwhile,
back in the ring, Keiko Ishida gets herself in position in the corner, waiting
patiently for Zina to return to a vertical base. She signals for another
Running STO, and the fans cheer thunderously!
Buckingham: Alright fine, I will concede that if Keiko can land ANOTHER Running
STO, Zina won’t be getting up.
With the undefeated Women’s Champion down and Keiko closing in on her second
Running STO, the Japanese brawler backs up too far to the corner, allowing Lauren
to tag herself in by slapping her on the back!
Rather than remain focused on her task at hand, Keiko instead becomes
infuriated and turns back to Lauren, grabbing her and tossing her into the ring
from the apron! Lauren pops up to her feet and engages in a shoving match with
Keiko, all the while Zina is slowly gathering herself and returning to her
feet. Finally, Zina lets out a yell and begins charging across the ring,
nailing Lauren viciously in the skull with her bicycle kick, the impact of
which sends her smashing into Keiko, who in turn falls out of the ring!
Showtime and
Buckingham: What an impressive victory for our champions! Failla and Zina will
now march into Everlasting Epic with all the momentum!
Troy: They will, but I don’t think we’re done here!
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 17:05 – ANTHONY FAILLA & ZINA
The fans erupt with jeers as “Demons” by Aria briefly plays, but
the music is cut short when Failla springs to his feet on the outside, gets a
running start, and bulls both Showtime and Crowley into the steel steps! Both
go down hard in agony as Failla prepares to continue the rabid assault, first
grabbing
Finally, Failla rips the protective covering off the announce table and flings
the television monitors to the ground, before dragging
Back at the announce table, Failla now lifts Crowley up and, in one fell swoop,
destroys him with the Weapon of Mass Destruction straight through the announce
table!
As the Vegas crowd boos raucously, Failla grabs his title belt along with
the Women’s Championship belt and re-enters the ring. He then hands Zina her
belt and, as “Better Think Again” replays over the speakers, Failla and Zina,
the conquering champions, hold their belts high for the disgusted audience to
see.
Buckingham: Victor, I think we’ve just
been put on notice that our champions are NOT afraid of their challengers and
are, in fact, the favorites to walk out of
Troy: You know, Randall, it’s hard to come out of tonight feeling any
differently regarding these contests.
Buckingham: You know, the PWA marketing department can push Crowley and
Showtime down our throats as future world champions all they want; what I saw
tonight is a DOMINANT world champion in Anthony Failla who has NO intention of
losing that title anytime soon. And you know what? I don’t know if either
Buckingham: And in my opinion, that is the only prayer Showtime and
-- END SHOW --