Darkness Vs ShadowSammy Eubanks: The following contest is a DOG COLLAR MATCH and it is scheduled for one fall!
Tex: Well, folks, perhaps it's no surprise that this match is next seeing what we just witnessed in the last match - we've heard from the sound engineers backstage and apparently it was a genuine mistake. Darkness's music was queued up for this match and someone just pressed the wrong button...
Banter: Sure, sure. If you believe that you'll believe anything!
Cain: Well, becoming involved in the matches of others is certainly not in character for the Darkness we know, but then, this is the same man who smeared Cameron Jones's blood across his chest last month, so who knows?
Tex: Whatever the situation, you have to believe that Shadow is looking to get revenge for his Infinity team-mate's loss in this match.
Those that stand against me shall soon fall before me!" An instrumental version of Let Me Fly by DMX begins to play only the chorus is repeated three times until lights got out smoke fills the ramp way, and the houselights go out.
Sammy: Introducing fists...weighing in at 255 lbs...he is a member of INFINITY AND ONE HALF OF THE TCW UNIFIED TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONS....SHAAAAAAAAAAADOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Shadows masked face appears on screen white floodlight start to flash and finally the man walks to the top of the ramp way and turns his back on the crowd He's wearing a leather trench with the same Crow and Phoenix logo as the one on his chest. He slowly rolls his neck and turns forward walking a third of the way down the ramp before lifting the sign for the Reality Check (The middle and ring finger split into a v with the index and pinkie curled at the base) into the sky amid a chorus of boos. He lowers the sign and rolls his shoulder slowly making his way to the ring. When he reaches the apron he climbs the top turnbuckle and stands tall with his arms crossed staring towards the ramp way awaiting his opponent.
Banter: Where are his hot Japanese girlfriends?
Tex: Well spotted, Banter, there's no Yu and Ai with Shadow tonight. I guess maybe he thinks he won't need them?
Cain: Or he knows they'll be no use against Darkness...
A LIGHT IN THE BLACK? OR JUST A FEAR...OF THE DARK...?Tex: Speaking of whom!
The crowd erupts as Darkness's music begins and, on the Twistedtron, an image of the full moon behind dark, scattered clouds appears. Gradually, it fades and is replaced by the flaming pentagram logo of the New Hellfire Club. Abruptly, the view changes to one of a locker room door with the word ‘Darkness' written on it...
I am the man who walks alone...The door opens, revealing Darkness standing, head bowed.
And when I'm walking a dark road,
At night or strolling through the park... The camera pans out, showing that the door to the locker room is framed by half a dozen members of DanteCorp Security. Darkness nods to them and steps out into the corridor, the guards quickly falling into step as the camera follows Darkness's progress from a couple of feet in front of him.
When the light begins to fade, I sometimes feel a little strange,
A little anxious when it's dark...
Fear of the dark, fear of the dark,
I have a constant fear that something's always near... After walking down several corridors, Darkness -escort in tow - has reached the Gorilla position and he pauses for a few seconds as the anticipation of the crowd reaches fever pitch.
Fear of the dark (YOU!)The crowd chants in unison with the music: **FEAR OF THE DARK!**
I have a phobia that someone's always...there... A huge explosion of pyro from the entrance stuns everyone in the arena and, as ‘Fear of the Dark' kicks in; Darkness hurtles from behind the curtain and down the ramp at full speed. The crowd is chanting Darkness's name as, seemingly defying physics, he leaps from the arena floor and into the ring in one smooth bound, driving one fist into the mat and causing the entire structure to visibly tremble.
Cain: Wow!
Banter: This guy is all show, he needs to start putting his money where his mouth is...
Tex: He's been doing that since the day he arrived, Banter. Only two men have beaten Darkness and Shadow is looking to be the third!
Have you run your fingers down the wall,
And have you felt your neck skin crawl,
When you're searching for the light? Darkness crosses the ring, ignoring his opponent, and ascends the turnbuckle. He roars at the crowd as they cheer for him, soaking up their adulation and seemingly drawing power from it.
Sometimes when you're scared to take a look,
At the corner of the room,
You're scared that someone's watching you.... Darkness raises his arms above his head.
Fear of the dark! Fear of the dark! Sammy: And in the ring...from Chicago, Illinois...weighing in at 218 lbs...he is a member of THE NEW HELLFIIIIIIIIRE CLUB....DAAAAAAAAAARKNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As the music dies down, Darkness hops down into the ring and stands before Shadow, not taking his eyes from the taller man's expressionless mask. A few moments later, the referee is handed the ominous chain with a collar on each end and begins fastening it to the two wrestlers.
Tex: To those not familiar with the rules of this match, well they're very simple: ordinary rules apply, with the exception that the competitors are attached by a ten foot length of chain which is perfectly legal as a weapon in this match.
Cain: And ten feet might seem like a long distance, but once a few suplexes get thrown, it begins to get tangled up, and remember that those are metal links. This is not a fun match to be in.
Banter: Heh...look at Darkness's face - I don't think he likes wearing that collar!
In the ring, the former champion is giving the object fastened around his neck and distasteful look and tests the chain experimentally with a small tug.
Tex: Darkness doesn't seem like the type of guy who likes being chained up to me.
Banter: Weird, I thought Goths loved all that stuff.
The bell rings and Shadow starts by yanking the chain and pulling Darkness off his feet, bringing him down hard into the ring. The tag champion grabs Darkness's leg and looks for a half crab but Darkness is able to twist out of it in this early stage of the match.
Darkness rises to his feet and pulls Shadow up with him by the chain. He gets a lightning-fast arm drag and chains it into an armbar but Shadow reverses around into a hammerlock, causing the chain to twist up around Darkness's body. Immediately, Shadow grabs a short length of chain and wraps it around his opponent's neck, choking him.
Tex: And already we see this chain beginning to play a part in this match.
Cain: It's completely tangled around them already. Darkness isn't going to find it easy to escape.
Darkness struggles for a few moments before reaching back and, with monumental effort flips Shadow over his back. As the Infinity member crashes to the canvas, Darkness drops a knee on his temple and quickly covers...
One...
And Shadow kicks right out.
Cain: Too early to get a pin there.
Banter: What an idiot! Does the New Hellfire Club only ask retards to join up, or is it just a coincidence?
Shadow is up and gets an Irish whip, but is forced to follow Darkness into the corner by the tangled chain and gets a clothesline. He begins stomping Darkness in the corner, but the referee eventually breaks it up. Unperturbed, Shadow pulls Darkness into the middle of the ring and gets a double underhook DDT. He covers...
One...
Kickout straight away!
Banter: But see, that's different...
Tex: Because a member of Infinity did it?
Banter: Pretty much.
Shadow pulls Darkness to his feet by his long hair and gets a scoop slam. He goes straight for an armbar, but Darkness rolls out and gets a back elbow, sending Shadow reeling. The former champion is immediately up and executes a crisp dropkick, knocking Shadow off his feet.
By now the chain is thoroughly tangled up, and Darkness endeavours to get himself un-knotted, but Shadow is up too soon and trips him, quickly mounting Darkness and beating him down with his fists. Darkness finally manages to throw Shadow off and then attempts a standing moonsault, but the chain is still twisted around the bodies of both men and he can't make the full revolution.
Tex: Oooh...a hard landing for Darkness - he certainly didn't get all of that.
Shadow is the first to recover and, once he gets up, begins untangling the chain by tossing Darkness over and then around the ring. He continues to flip his smaller foe over by yanking at the chain until it's finally free.
Banter: That was great!
Cain: Darkness looks hurt and dizzy; it really is amazing what effect this chain linking the two of them is having on this match.
Shadow pulls the groggy Darkness forward and gets a neckbreaker. He grabs another length of chain and begins using it to choke Darkness.
Tex: Nothing the official can do here, the chain is perfectly legal, even for a choke!
Eventually Shadow releases the choke and goes for a cover...
One...
Two...
No, Darkness gets a shoulder up!
Cain: Darkness is showing his trademark tenacity here.
Banter: Trademark stupidity more like. If he'd stayed down then he'd have avoided the beating Shads is about to give him.
Tex: Shads?
Banter: All his friends call him that, Tex - didn't you know?
Tex: Oh I knew, I just didn't realise you were one of them.
Shadow picks Darkness up and whips him off the ropes, letting the chain extend before dropping to one knee and pulling hard, letting Darkness's momentum carry him forward and then yank him down as the chain goes taut. Shadow moves in and lays in the stomps and then follows up with a snapmare into a reverse chinklock.
Tex: Shadow looks to be firmly in control of this match right now.
Cain: Careful you don't speak too soon, Tex!
In the ring, Darkness begins to fight out with elbows, but Shadow kicks him in the gut and nails a big DDT before choking his opponent with the chain again.
Banter: See? In control.
Cain: Darkness is starting to look a little worn down here.
Shadow stands up and kicks Darkness in the back before clamping in a sleeper with the chain wrapped around his arm.
Tex: And that's also legal in this match.
Darkness's head begins to droop and his eyes flutter closed. Moments later the referee is in and raises Darkness's hand...
Tex: It could be all over here!
It begins to fall...no! Darkness raises his arm and starts to fight out, rising slowly to his feet. Shadow cleverly responds by releasing his hold and then grounding Darkness with a precision kick. Shadow gets a vertical suplex and observes that the chain is tangled up again. Shrugging, he pulls a length of it around one arm and wraps it around his wrist and up his forearm.
Cain: Shadow is turning this chain into a deadly weapon.
Tex: And that's just what he needs against a man like Darkness.
Banter: You mean a cheater? I hope he realises that playing his own music at the end of this match isn't going to distract Shadow.
Shadow nails a forearm to Darkness with the chain-wrapped arm. He kicks Darkness in the gut and drives him to his knees before smashing him in the face with a chain-assisted elbow.
Cain: Cheater or not, Darkness looks pretty hurt, now would be the ideal time for Shadow to strike.
The tag champion can't actually hear Isaiah's advice, but he seems to take it anyway, raising a hand and making the distinctive signal that heralds the Reality Check. Darkness slowly staggers to his feet and Shadow moves in. He reaches one hand over Darkness's shoulder, but the NHFC member grabs his wrist and flips him over his back with a smooth judo throw.
Tex: What a counter!
Banter: Did he hum Fear of the Dark to distract him?
Darkness staggers up, untangling the chain from himself. He clenches his fists and hits hard with a series of punches. Shadow is reeling and Darkness whips him off the ropes, going low and letting the chain wrap around his arm as Shadow comes back. He lets the chain go taut and pulls back, dropping Shadow hard. Quickly he gets an elbow drop before yanking Shadow up to his feet and nailing a back suplex which he bridges into a pin...
One...
Tw...no, Shadow kicks out.
Cain: Darkness is trying to mount a comeback, but he hasn't done enough for a pin yet, I feel.
Darkness adopts a new strategy, kicking Shadow in the knee. He hauls the larger man to his feet and gets a knee buster before going for the half crab.
Tex: Tap out?
Banter: No chance!
Banter is correct as Shadow crawls over to the ropes and the referee forces Darkness to break the hold. Unfazed, Darkness starts to wrap the chain around Shadow's leg, but the masked CEO fights back with punches. Darkness responds by stomping his leg and falls into a legbar. Shadow twists out, but the chain doesn't let Darkness go far. They begin to brawl on the mat again, exchanging vicious punches.
Cain: Both men are looking for leverage and the chance to use the chain to its utmost effect.
Shadow eventually gains the advantage, climbing on top of Darkness, but he gets monkey flipped over and Darkness slides up to his feet and unwinds the chain. Darkness picks Shadow up, but gets a punch to the gut. Shadow tries a suplex, but Darkness reverses and falls behind him.
Tex: School boy roll up!
One...
Two...
Thr....Kick out!
Tex: The first near-fall of the match, Shadow only just made it out of that one.
Shadow is up to his feet quickly and aims a kick, but Darkness catches it and gets a dragon screw into another legbar. Shadow is able to reach the ropes again though.
Cain: Darkness is working on that leg, which means he can be setting Shadow up for only one thing.
Banter: A huge victory for Infinity?
Tex: Not if the man once known as ‘the rookie sensation' has anything to do with it!
Darkness slowly raises a hand, wiggling his fingers as the crowd begins to come alive for what they know is coming next. Shadow pulls himself up using the ropes, not looking at Darkness. The former champion waits a few seconds before yanking on the chain and pulling Shadow around to face him. His gloved hand flies out, catching Shadow around the throat as 30,000 fans pop...
Tex: BLACKOUT SLAM!
Shadow is driven hard down to the mat with the chokeslam and it's clear what's coming next...
Tex: AND THE DARKSHOOTER! DARKSHOOTER LOCKED IN!
Banter: Calm down...Jesus...
Shadow looks like he's in pain. He tries to reach out for the ropes, but they're just outside his grasp. Darkness manages to twist his fist around the chain and pulls on it as he edges into the centre of the ring, dragging Shadow with him.
Tex: This must be over! Shadow must tap to this hold!
Cain: This is the very move with which Darkness won his first ever match against Shogun and also the world title last year - he has an illustrious history with forcing his opponents to tap out with it.
Shadow raises a hand as if to tap, but shakes his head and clenches his fist, burying his face in the canvas as he tries to resist the pain. Slowly, he begins to move towards the ropes, edging closer inch by tortuous inch. Darkness tries to reach back and pull Shadow from the ropes, but the Infinity member reaches out...and grabs the bottom rope!
Banter: Yes!
Tex: What incredible fortitude. Mightier men have tapped, but Shadow survives the Darkshooter this time.
Darkness releases the hold and steps back into the ring, unwinding the chain again. He leans down and slaps his thigh causing the crowd to come alive once more as they guess what's about to happen. Shadow stands using the ropes again and slowly turns...
Tex: Superkick...like a bolt of lightn...oh no!
Shadow catches the kick in midair and spins around, nailing Darkness with a spinkick almost too fast for the eye to follow.
Banter: Wow!
Cain: He calls that unique counter ‘The Crow and Phoenix'.
Tex: And it's not just a pretty name, the momentum of this match has just swing abruptly in Shadow's favour.
Shadow massages his injured leg as he hobbles to his feet. Darkness is down, but begins to rise and Shadow raises his hand again, once more signalling for the Reality Check. Darkness staggers upright and Shadow closes in....Reality Check! Shadow has managed to loop the chain into the hold too, further adding to the excruciating pain of the hold. Darkness has no hands free and cannot reach the ropes.
Banter: Yes! Come on Dorkness...time to tap out!
Cain: If he does, this will be a landmark victory for Shadow; Darkness has never submitted to my knowledge.
Darkness looks like he's passing out, but he is refusing to tap. Shadow shakes him back and forth, trying to get him to submit, but he won't, instead going slowly limp.
Tex: Shadow will take a knockout victory, I'm certain. Darkness's pride will not allow him to give up, but there's only so much even his mighty constitution can take.
The referee moves in to see if Darkness is unconscious. Neither of his hands are free to raise, so the official simply begins solely counting, giving Darkness the traditional three-count to recover...
One.
Two.
Thr...and the referee pauses. The camera focuses in and we see Darkness's eyes slowly open. The crowd surges into life and begins to chant their support for Darkness. Slowly his body seems to lose its limpness and his fists clench.
Tex: My God! Here it comes!
Banter: Come on, Shads! You can make him tap still!
Desperately Shadow attempts to tighten the hold, but Darkness is fighting back. Gradually, he begins to pull his arms out of Shadow's grip, prising apart the Reality Check by sheer force. Abruptly, Darkness throws out a sudden back kick to Shadow's gut that breaks the hold and sends him staggering.
Darkness breathes heavily, recovering for a few moments. Shadow also catches his breath before charging his opponent, only for Darkness to dodge around him and pull the chain with him, turning Shadow around to face him against his volition.
Darkness pauses for a spilt second to look Shadow in the eye.
Tex: DARKNESS DDT! DARKNESS DDT! LOOK AT THE IMPACT!
Shadow bounces up from the ring and is flipped over onto his back. Darkness cover immediately...
One...
Two...
Three!!!
"Fear of the Dark" begins to play as Darkness stands and has his hand raised.
Sammy Eubanks: Here is your winner...DAAAAAAAAAAAAARKNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESS!!!!!!!!!!!
With a look of grim determination, Darkness takes hold of the chain as he stares down at Shadow's prone form and, without blinking, snaps the metal links in two, breaking the chain with his bare hands.
Tex: My God...that is terrifying.
Banter: What a travesty...
Cain: Darkness advances to the next round, but one member of Infinity he will not be facing in the quarter finals is the Titanium Insomniac. We'll have to wait and see just what the fallout of the apparent sound error earlier will be.
Cain: Fans trust me when I say that you do NOT want to miss TCW Retribution - LIVE from Plaza De Ventas!!"
Banter: "Where is that?"
Tex: "That's in Spain Banter."
Banter: "Ah crap I hate spaghetti"
Cain: "... right"
Tex: "When TCW does a PPV they do it right, the finals of the Majestic Tournament will be a four way elimination match between Matt Strikmore, the Technician, Darkness and Drakus"
Cain: "WOW"
Banter: "Wow is right, the winner will get a half million dollars, a giant trophy and most importantly the power to make any match he desires no questions asked"
Cain: "WOW again"
Tex: "And news flash!! We actually have a competitive tag division beyond just the champ and 1 challenger"
Cain: "You're lying!"
Tex: "Nope things are really picking up."
Cain: "And that's not to mention that Kojack will defend against Dick Flehr and we've just been told that DeadZone's victory over the Italian Stallions earned him a shot at the Transcontinental title"
Banter: "I'm looking forward to THAT!"
Tex: "All that and definitely much, much more as we'll be feeling the fall out of Revolucion I'm sure"
Cain: "You know you want it fans, once we go off the air RUN! Don't walk but run to the phone and order TCW Retribution!!"
<center>

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Jason Dante Vs HighOneSammy Eubanks: The following non-title match is scheduled for one fall...
Tex: Well, we've already seen plenty of drama tonight and with the final four of the Majestic Cup decided, you might think things are about to calm down.
Banter: If they think that, they don't know TCW very well!
Cain: That's one thing we all agree on. This match is hotly anticipated; the de facto leaders of the company's two emergent factions - Infinity and The New Hellfire Club - will face off one-on-one.
Banter: And don't forget that they're both world champions!
Tex: Highone is just the Transcontinental Champion, Banter...
Banter: That's what ‘Transcontinental' means, dummy - it means it crosses all the continents. Highone is the champion of all of them; therefore he's the champion of the world.
Cain: What about the oceans?
Banter: Who is he? Aquaman? No one cares about oceans.
Tex: Well, that's a discussion for another time. Both championships are prestigious, but Dante is the one with the big gold and white belts around his waist. Not only is the pride of each faction on the line, but also you can bet your life that Highone is looking forward to the chance to get a win over the Unified World's Champion and maybe earn himself a title shot after he was ejected from the tournament by Darkness and Dante.
Banter: Which was a travesty, by the way. I'm looking forward to seeing Dante get his just deserts tonight.
Blackness fills the arena as all the lights go out. The crowd buzzes, unsure of which wrestler is about to emerge.
"Renegade, never been afraid to say what's on my mind at any given time of day. Cause I'm a renegade, never been afraid to talk about anything..."
...the sound of a record scratch and loud boos across the arena.
<i>Fuck with your soul like ether,
Teach you the King, you know you,
"God's son" across the belly,
Lose? I prove you lost already... </i>
Sammy: Introducing first...from Parts Unknown...weighing in at 265 lbs...HE IS A MEMBER OF INFIIIINIIIIITY AND THE TCW TRANSCONTINENTAL CHAMPION.........HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
A spotlight shines on the top of the entrance ramp. Highone steps from behind the curtain and stops. Gone are the bubble-butted BET beauties. The pristine white of his gi has been replaced with jet black. A few seconds later, a hoodie-wearing Nas steps out with a microphone in hand, kicking one of his most notorious tracks, "Ether". The legendary rapper and TCW Transcontinental champion touch fists and then start walking down to the ring. The normal jovial Highone looks dead serious.
<i>Brace yourself for the main event,
Y'all impatiently waitin,
It's like an aids test, what's the results?
Not positive, who's the best? Nas, Pac, and BIG,
Ain't no best, east, west, north, south, flossed out, greedy,
I embrace y'all with napalm,
Blows up, no guts, left chest, face gone
How could Infinity be garbage?
Semi-autos at your cartilege
Burner at the side of your dome, come outta my throne
I got this, locked since '0-1
I am the truest, name a fedder that I ain't influenced?
Gave y'all chapters but now I keep my eyes on the Judas
With Michael Joyeux fame, kept my name in his feudin...
Check it.. </i>
The Infinity captain does not acknowledge the fans, shrugging off their jeers and taunts.
<i>Yo pass me the weed, pour my ashes out on these D&D fiends,
Ay, y'all losers, y'all kneel and kiss the fuckin ring.
I've been fucked over, left for dead, dissed and fogotten,
Luck ran out, they hoped that I'd be gone, stiff and rotten,
Y'all just piss on me, shit on me, spit on my grave,
Talk about me, laugh behind my back but in my face,
Y'all some "well wishers," friendly actin, envy hidin snakes.
With your hands out for my money, man, how much can I take?
When these streets keep callin, heard it when I was asleep,
That this second-coming and soon to be going faction wanted beef,
Started cockin up my weapon, slowly loadin up this ammo,
To explode it on an albino, and his soldiers, I can handle. </i>
Highone pauses in front of the ring-steps, then slowly walks up them and climbs between the ropes. Once in the center of the ring, he holds his right fist up in the air, gold Infinity ring shining, and bows his head. The spotlight glistens off of his TC Championship and Nas' platinum chain, unfortunately blinding a fan who looks directly at them.
<i>Y'all deal with emotions like bitches,
What's sad is I love you 'cause you're my brother,
You traded your soul for riches,
My child, I've watched you grow up to be famous,
And now I smile like a proud dad, watchin his only son that made it.
You seem to be only concerned with dissin women,
Were you abused as a child, scared to smile, they called you ugly?
Well life is hard, hug me, don't reject me
Or make posts to disrespect me, blatent or indirectly
In '88 you was gettin chased through your buildin,
Callin my crib and I ain't even give you my numbers.
All I did was gave you a style for you to run with.
Smilin in my face, glad to break bread with the God,
Wearin jazz chains, no cash, no cars.
You a fan, a phony, a fake, a pussy, a Stan.
I still whip your ass, you thirty-somethin in a Karate class
You Tae-Bo ho, tryna' work it out, you tryna' get brolic?
Ask me if i'm tryna' kick knowledge?
Nah, i'm tryna' kick the shit you need to learn though.
That ether, that shit that make your soul burn slow
Is he Dame Diddy, Dame Daddy or Dame Dummy?
Oh, I get it, you Biggie and he's Puffy.
The Hellfire club already died, that was the end of its chapter,
And that's the group y'all chose to name your faction after?
Put it together, I rock girls, y'all rock fellas,
And now y'all try to take my spot, fellas?
Philly's hot rock fellas, put you in a dry spot, fellas
In a pine box with nine shots from my glock, fellas
Selenia got you hot 'cause you kept your face in her puss
What you think, you gettin girls now 'cause of your looks?
Al-bino please!
You no mustache havin, with whiskers like a rat
Compared to a jobber you whack...
Fuck with your soul like ether,
Teach you the King, you know you,
"God's son" across the belly,
Lose? I prove you lost already... </i>
The music begins to fade into the loud booing of the audience.
Tex: Not a reaction Highone will appreciate, I'm sure. No doubt Infinity has their fans, but their actions over the past few weeks have not endeared them to the general public.
Banter: What's wrong with these people? Infinity have brought hot women to the ring, they've thrown huge parties, they drink nothing but the finest champagne - who wouldn't love guys like that?!
Cain: No one likes show-offs, Banter...
"I AM THE GOD OF ALL HELL'S FIRE!"
The burning pentagram of the NHFC appears on the Twistedtron as the lights go out. Silhouetted in the entrance Dante can be seen standing on one knee before Selenia. Acolyte stands beside Dante. All during the intro of Dante's familiar entrance theme "Spit shine" by Carfax Abbey, he remains on one knee before his beloved Selenia.
<i>I'm not too hell bent on your cradled views.
I'm not too hell bent on spit shined shoes.
I'm not too hell bent on your broken prayer.
I'm not too hell bent nor do I care. </i>
Selenia places her hand on Dante's cheek and slowly he gets to his feet. As he and Selenia are face to face, he kisses her and turns around throwing out one arm to each side, belts in hand, and tilting his head back as the fans chant his name.
<i>I'm not your spitshine.
I'm not your spitshine.
I'm not your dirty whore.
Must I constantly remind you I am not the tie that binds you not your masterpiece or your reward? </i>
Selenia and Acolyte take up position on each side of Dante as the darkness is replaced by deep red lightning.
<i>Tell me what you want from me.
Tell me who you want me to be.
Self portrait of yourself you see in me.
Don't go trying to fix me.
Not a fucking thing wrong with me.
Not some sculpture you can mould out of clay.</i>
Sammy Eubanks: And his opponent...accompanied to the ring by Selenia and Acolyte...weighing in at 242 pounds..from the City of Dis in the 6th circle of hell... HE IS A MEMBER OF THE NEW HELLFIIIIIIIIRE CLUB AND THE 411FED AND ECF UNIFIED WORLD'S CHAMPION....JAAAAAAAAAAAAASOOOOOOOOOON DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<i>I'm not your spit shine.
I'm not your spit shine.
I'm not your dirty whore.
Must I constantly remind you I am not the tie that binds you not your masterpiece or your reward? </i>
The lights come back on as Dante, Acolyte and Selenia all enter the ring. Dante stands in the middle of the canvas and drops to one knee, extending his arms with a title belt on each and his beloved Selenia on his right side and Acolyte on the left.
<i>I'm not your spit shine.
I am cancer's Christ.
I'll make you little whore.
I hope you choke on my own cyanide.
Tastes like cancer on the inside.
Once I take you, then you'll be pure.</i>
Dante leans over to Selenia and they share one last kiss before the match, Dante the turns to Acolyte and Jason Dante and Cordazer Smith shakes hands. Selenia takes off his jacket and he hands his mirrored shades to Acolyte. Silently, his two companions both leave the ring.
Tex: Well you heard it, folks - the ECF and 411fed Unified World Champion. No titles on the line, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Dante doesn't want to lose this one.
Cain: No one ever wants to be the one with their shoulders pinned to the mat when the bell rings, Tex, but in this case a loss would certainly hurt Dante's credentials and maybe push Highone through the stratosphere. Nothing on the line, and yet neither man can afford to lose here.
Highone and Dante stand face-to-face in the ring, their eyes locked. The bell is the only thing that breaks their deadlock and, slowly, both men start to circle.
Banter: Listen to the fans; they can't get enough of Highone!
Tex: Exactly who they're cheering for may be debatable, but one thing's for sure, all 30,000 of the Puerto Rican fans here tonight are rabid to see this contest.
The two men lock up to start. Highone gets a side headlock straight away but Dante whips him off the ropes and goes low, Highone leapfrogs him and Dante hopes up to grab a hiptoss as his opponent comes back off the opposite ropes.
Highone is up quickly and they exchange armdrags. As both men roll to their feet they clench their fists and crouch slightly, standing off as the fans applaud.
Cain: Dante and Highone are taking their measure of each other - they seem evenly matched at this stage.
Tex: Evenly matched is the word. Highone holds a pinfall victory over Dante of course, having won the Bleeder title from him last year in one hell of a match.
Banter: Has Highone held every title? What a guy!
Tex: If my memory serves, Highone has been Bleeder, tag team and, of course, he's the current TC champ.
Banter: Can Dante say that? I don't think so!
Cain: Dante held the old Intercontinental title but other than that he matches Highone's achievements - plus he has the world titles.
Banter: If you ask me, any belt Highone hasn't held is hardly worth having anyway.
In the ring Highone gets a wristlock and twists it into a hammerlock. Dante reverses into a hammerlock of his own and the TC champion gets reversal but this time Dante rolls through and kips up out of it, grabbing a sleeper as he hops up behind Highone.
Tex: Dante is in control, but for how long?
Highone struggles for a few moments before reaching out and grabbing the ropes. Dante immediately breaks the hold and steps back, flexing his arms. Highone comes bacl with a kick and Irish whips him off the ropes. He gets a big back body drop and immediately attempts a pin...
On...no, Dante kicks out straight away.
Banter: Oooh! Close!
Cain: Not really.
Tex: Right, it's way too early for a pin, but clearly Highone isn't going to miss an opportunity to beat Dante whenever it comes.
Dante is up and Highone gets a front facelock before muscleing Dante into the corner. The referee calls for the break and Highone abides but doesn't hesitate to come back with a cheap shot, drawing boos from the crowd.
Highone plays to the fans with a smirk, but Dante takes him down with a forearm. The world champion grabs an armbar, but Highone rolls out and trips Dante. He goes for a pin again....
One...and another quick kickout.
Cain: Dante isn't looking troubled so far, but eventually one of these covers is going to work if he keeps them coming thick and fast like this.
Highone whips Dante into the corner and follows him in with a knee lift. He turns the albino's chest red with a series of knife-edge chops and then lets Dante stumble out into a gutwrench suplex.. He tries yet another pin...
Not even a one-count as Dante kicks out this time though.
Highone lays in a few punches and picks Dante up. He performs a quick armdrag and chains it into a cross-armbreaker, but Dante reaches the ropes. The referee begins to count Highone out when he doesn't release the hold...
One!
Two!
Three!
And Highone finally relents, standing up and hopping lightly from foot to foot.He waits for Dante to rise and aims a kick at him, but Dante catches it. Dante responds with a hard chop to the chest while he still holds Highone's leg and then lifts him up onto his shoulders in one smooth movement. Highone hangs in place for a seconds as Dante tries to retain his balance...
Cain: I think the champ is looking for a death valley driver...
But Highone reverses and pulls Dante down into a crucifix pin...
One...
Two...
And Dante kicks out!
Tex: A near fall there. Highone may be starting to gain the advantage.
Dante hops up to his feet in a split second and charges, flooring Highone with a clothesline. He picks Highone up by the hair and executes a scoop slam, trying a cover of his own straight after...
One...and Highone powers out.
Dante stands but Highone is straight up and deals out another knife edge chop that sends the champ into the corner, only to be whipped into the opposite corner. Highone follows with a running shoulder and then stands back, letting Dante stagger forward before grabbing his head and running up the ropes onto the turnbuckle.
Tex: Impressive agility from the Transcontinental Champion!
Highone swings off the turnbuckle with a huge tornado DDT and immediately covers again...
One...
Two...
Thr...and Dante just gets a shoulder up!
Cain: Dante was just a hair away from losing this then. Highone is showing he has the resources to give the world champion the fight he deserves.
Banter: I can't wait till he starts handing Dante the ass kicking he deserves!
Highone waits for Dante to stand and then gives him a belly-to-belly suplex. He goes for a sleeper but Dante fights out with elbows and whips Highone off the ropes. Dante attempts a back body drop, lifting Highone up into the air, but the Infinity member reverses in mid-air, executing another tornado DDT that plants Dante's had hard into the canvas.
Tex: The tide is turning in Highone's favour - we could be about to see a huge upset!
Highone doesn't go for the pin, instead pausing to catch his breath before whipping Dante into the corner. Highone comes in with some quick punches and kicks before the referee calls for the break. The slightly larger man separates but then nails a kick to the stomach.
Cain: We've seen this many times before, it could be over right here!
Highone springboards off the second rope, his leg outstretched for the Leopard Onslaught, but Dante ducks back, avoiding the strike by a hair.
Banter: Damn!
Tex: Dante is not short of resources himself.
Dante hits back a series of chops to Highone's chest. He whips Highone into the turnbuckle at close range, causing him to hit it chest first. Groggy from the impact, Highone staggers back and walks right into a dragon suplex which Dante bridges into a pin...
One...
Two...
Thr...no, Highone kicks out!
Tex: Amazing back and forth action in this match. It's hard to pick between either man. Your thoughts, Isaiah?
Cain: The momentum is swinging from Highone to Dante with every move. I thought Highone had it won there, but the tide has turned abruptly with a huge suplex from Dante which would be enough to end most matches. I can't call this one. Banter?
Banter: Highone to win!
Dante begins to take control. He Irish whips Highone again and floors him with a yakuza kick on the way back. He lifts up the groggy Infinity member and hefts him up on his shoulders again, but Highone wriggles out and gets a school boy roll up...
One...
But it's not nearly enough as Dante kicks out.
Dante is up right away and nails Highone with a drop kick. Highone is down and Dante tries to get a sleeper, but Highone is in the ropes. He waits for Dante to back off before standing up and then holds his hands out as if appealing to his opponent.
Cain: Looks like Highone needs some breathing room haha...
Banter: Wouldn't you need some time to recover if you were halfway to kicking the world champion's ass?
Tex: Ah, so I see the world championship is something important when it's Highone in control?
Banter: I'm just trying to bring my commentary down to your level. Dante will always be the guy who lost to Dorkness to me.
Cain: No shame in that...
Banter: No shame in losing to a dork? No wonder only ECF would employ you.
Dante looks at Highone sardonically before appealing to the crowd. As they jeer, he charges, but Highone is ready for him and pulls the ropes down, letting him tumble outside and down to the floor.
Banter: Hahahaha...Highone should join mensa. He'd show that Davey Hawkings a thing or two!
Highone rolls out of the ring and stomps Dante down. With a determined look, he whips the albino into the steps, sending him crashing over to land hard on his back.
Tex: Dante is tough, but those unyielding steel steps are going to take their toll on even his iron constitution.
(Referee: One!)
Dante gets up to his knees and Highone leaps off the steps, looking for the Leopard Onslaught again with his leg outstretched but Dante once again dodges and comes back with a forearm that sends Highone sprawling onto the announce table.
(Referee: Two!)
Cain: Okay, I was getting bored of sitting here anyway...
(Referee: Three!)
The announce team moves back as Dante, grimacing with obvious pain, climbs up onto the table and lifts Highone up. He turns him around and reaches through his legs, flipping him up with a pumphandle and onto one shoulder.
(Referee: Four!)
Tex: Oh no! Dante is looking for the Hellfire Driver right through the table!
But Highone struggles out of his grip and falls down behind Dante. The world champion tries to turn, but Highone roughly pushes him, sending him flying off the table and over the guardrail, down into the crowd area.
(Referee: Five!)
Highone pauses, looking down at Dante's prone form on the concrete. Steeling himself, he takes a few steps and throws himself off with a body splash.
Cain: Highone is taking a huge risk!
(Referee: Six!)
And it doesn't pay off as Dante rolls out of the way and Highone eats concrete. Dante rolls up to his feet and glances over at the ring as Highone writhes in agony.
(Referee: Seven!)
With a start, Dante realises he's about to be counted out and clambers over the guardrail.
(Referee: Eight!)
And throws himself into the ring and right out again, stopping the count at nine.
Tex: A close call for both Dante and Highone there.
As Highone staggers up Dante comes back for him and manages to punch him in the gut before smashing Dante's head into the guardrail and rolls him over it. Highone slowly climbs over and raises his arm, his fingertips pressed together menacingly.
Banter: This is going to be over very soon!
(Referee: One!)
Dante staggers upright and Highone's arm whips out, striking Dante on the collar bone.
Tex: Snake Strike!
(Referee: Two!)
Dante's face locks into a grimace of pain and shock as the nerve strike causes him to drop to his knees. Highone smirks, but the expression vanishes from his face as Dante clenches his fists and begins to pull himself back up to his feet.
Cain: Incredible! Does Dante have the strength of will to resist the paralysing effect of Highone's Snake Strike?
(Referee: Three!)
Acolyte leaves his position at ringside and rushes over to help his employer and stable-mate, but Dante holds up a hand to stop him getting involved. Highone raises his hand for a second Snake Strike...
(Referee: Four!)
Tex: Dante is mighty indeed, but he won't survive a second attack to his pressure points like that...
From nowhere, Dante suddenly headbutts Highone, sending him flying to the floor. He moves slowly, trying to shake the effects of the Snake Strike off. He moves towards Highone as if wading through mud and this gives the TC champion time to recover as gets a drop toe hold and brings Dante down hard.
(Referee: Five!)
Highone tries to muscle Dante back into the ring, but Dante punches him in the gut. With a groan of effort, Dante lifts Highone up onto his shoulders and finally brings him down with the death valley driver, collapsing with the effort afterwards.
Tex: Both men are down!
(Referee: Six!)
Cain: Acolyte is hovering nearby. Dante doesn't want him involved, clearly, but this match has taken its toll on both men and they look drained.
(Referee: Seven!)
Dante tries to get up, but Highone pulls at his tights and brings him down, heaving himself up at the same time. He stomps Dante's face and the picks him up, trying to smash him into the ring post, but the world champion resists and gets an ace crusher in response.
Tex: Huge counter, but it's helped no one...
(Referee: Eight!)
Again, both men stagger to their feet, but Highone is up marginally faster and brings Dante down with a jawbreaker.
(Referee: Nine!)
Highone turns suddenly, realising he's nearly counted out and starts to move towards the ring. He doesn't have the strength to dive in, so awkwardly clambers up the apron, trying to get under the ropes...
Referee: Ten!!!
The bell rings and Highone slumps down dejectedly.
Sammy Eubanks: Ladies and gentleman, as a result of a double count-out, both men have been DISQUALIFIED!
The crowd boos at the unpopular result and Highone looks just as annoyed. With an enraged look plastered across his face, he viciously stomps Dante down.
Tex: It's a damn shame to see a match like this end this way, but dammit, Highone is acting like a spoilt child!
Banter: He's pissed off, Tex. Let's watch him give Dante the ass kicking he's earned by being selfish and getting both of them DQ'd.
Cain: There was no element of self-preservation from either competitor; both of them tried to break the count, but Highone just wasn't fast enough to do it the second time.
Outside the ring, Highone continues to stomp again, finally resulting in Acolyte wading in and hauling Highone off his feet, tossing him through the air. The crowd cheers as the blonde man bellows in defiance and helps Dante to his feet.
Tex: Wait, who's that?!
Hardy bolts down the entrance ramp and dives into the ring. Dante and Acolyte both turn a second too late to see the young man leap up to the top tope and barrel at them with a corkscrew plancha that floors both New Hellfire Club members.
Cain: This is breaking down before our very eyes!
The bell rings a few times, but no one pays any attention as Highone and Hardy roll Dante and Acolyte into the ring. Hardy helps Highone up and the two Infinity members begin to stomp down their white-clad foes. Outside the ring, Selenia is shouting at her lover's aggressors but they pay her no attention. The two on two brawl is quickly turned into a 4 on 2 affair as Shadow and DeSean come through the curtains heading to the ring.
Tex: This does NOT look good for the New Hellfire Club!
Banter. Yeah but you've got to like Infinity's chances.
Shadow enters the ring but before DeSean can slide into the ring a guy comes leaping out of the crowd, knocking the Technician down.
Tex: Wait, who's that?! Is that...no!
Banter: He's so excited about being back in the ring that he accidentally knocked DeSean down!
Cain: Are you sure?
Cameron Jones, a.k.a. Plausible Deniability stands over the Technician with his fists clenched and an angry look on his face. He isn't wearing his Infinity ring, but that's no surprise as it was last seen in Darkness's possession.
Banter: Now we're talking! Infinity to the max!
Tex: Well Hardy and Highone certainly look pleased to see their stable-mate.
Hardy and Highone exchange grins since they didn't see PD knock DeSean down. Shadow steps through the ropes and confronts PD. Without hesitation, PD charges him and takes his heads off with a huge clothesline to a massive pop from the crowd!
Cain: Wow!
Banter: What the hell?!
Tex: I THINK HE OFFICIALLY QUIT INFINITY!!
PD stands tall on the floor with a big grin on his face as he looks down at the tag-team champions, but his triumph is short-lived as the Hammer comes sprinting towards the ring and the RoXorZ are still standing.
Cain: Here comes the Hammer, instantly skewing the odds back in Infinity's favour!
Tex: All hell is breaking loose!
Acolyte and Dante are both back up, but they don't long stay upright as Hammer slides in the ring and the three Infinity members start to beat on them. Shadow gets back up brings PD down with a forearm and he and DeSean begin beating down the man who Blackwell has replaced as tag champion alongside Shadow. Acolyte stands his ground beside the still groggy Dante, but Hammer smashes a big fist into his jaw, sending him staggering.
Banter: This is more like it!
Dante tries to defend himself, but in his injured and exhausted condition he can do little against the fresher Hammer, who rears back his right fist and smashes it right into Dante's face, nearly turning him inside out.
Tex: The Hammer of Doom! Dante might be out cold!
Hammer then turns his attention to Acolyte who is stumbling upright. With a grimace he takes hold of the much larger man and lifts him up onto his shoulders facing upwards.
Tex: Oh no...
Cain: This doesn't look good for Acolyte!
The Hammer grins and moves towards the ropes, before executing the Burning Hammer and throwing Acolyte over the ropes to land with a sickening crunch on the floor below.
Tex: OH MY GOD!
Cain: Aco looks hurt! We need some EMTs out here!
Banter: This is insane!
In the ring, Hammer and the RoZorz continue their assault on PD and Dante, throwing smirks and crotch chops with abandon as the crowd boos heavily and begins to throw trash into the ring. Shadow rolls PD into the ring to get all the forces together but Plausible Deniability isn't about to give up and jumps DeSean with a stinging right when he enters the ring.
Banter: Notice how he's only targeting the tag-team champions?
Tex: I did yes
Cain: You know I can't really picture Plausible Deniability as a member of the New Hellfire Club.
<i>A LIGHT IN THE BLACK...OR JUST A FEAR...OF THE DARK...?</i>
Though it's the third time they've heard it tonight, the fans in the arena still rise to their feet at the sound of Darkness's music.
Tex: Things are about to pick up! The NHFC just found their equaliser!
A massive pyro erupts from the entrance and ‘Fear of the Dark' skips forward to the point where the music kicks in and Darkness hurtles down the ramp. Immediately he dives into the ring, scattering his enemies with kicks and punches.
Tex: Blackout Slam to The Hammer!
As the Muslim hits the canvas, Darkness throws a leg out and superkicks Shadow out of the ring. Highone, Hardy and DeSean take a powder as Darkness stalks the ring, checking on Dante and PD although Plausible Deniability seems to want nothing to do with Darkness.
Cain: Darkness has cleaned house!
Banter: Infinity aren't done yet! It's just the calm before the storm!
DeSean launches himself back into the ring with a steel chair and smashes it over Darkness's skull, knocking him back against the ropes.
Tex: DeSean just busted Darkness wide open! Revenge, perhaps, for what he experienced at the hands of Darkness at Havoc...?
Cain: Blackwell and Darkness are both through to the next round of the Majestic Cup, but the young Infinity member has been highly vocal about how he resents Darkness's ‘charity' in insisting he should be a wildcard.
Darkness dabs at the blood on his forehead with a finger before glowering at DeSean and barrelling into him with a spear, laying in right and left hands to the young man in the center of the ring as the two men let their fists do the talking and they're talking mighty fast tonight.
Banter: Why aren't Highone and Hardy helping The Technician?
Tex: Maybe they know something we don't...
Drum beats echo across the arena and a pop like no other sounds. Darkness's head jerks up and his grey eyes focus on the entrance way.
Cain: OH HERE WE GO!
Banter: BACK TO BEDLAM!
Tex: BUSINESS...IS ABOUT TO PICK UP!
The drums continue to beat with a bass that seems to shake the ring as P Diddy extols along with the deep, primal rhythm.
<i>Uh-huh, Yeah,
Uh-huh, Yeah, uuh
Uh-huh, Yeah, uuh
Uh-huh, Yeah, uuh
Uh-huh, Yeah, uuh
Uh-huh, Yeah, Yeah
Hear my cries
Hear my call
Lend me your ears
See my fall
See my error
Know my faults
Time halts
See my loss
Know I'm lacking
Backtracking
Where I met you
Pistol packing
Itchy finger
Trigger happy
Try to trap me
Bad rap
Wiretap me
Back-stab me
Break the faith
Fall from grace
Tell me lies
Time flies
Close your eyes
Come with me...</i>
Darkness is on his feet, his fists clenched and his teeth bared as the Titanium Insomniac, still covered in dirt after being extricated from the mound of earth in which he was buried, appears on the entrance ramp.
<i>Come with me, Yeah
Come with me, Uh-huh, Yeah
You said to trust you
You'd never hurt me
Now I'm disgusted
Since then adjusted
Certainly you fooled me
Ridiculed me
Left me hanging
Now shit is boomeranging
Right back at you
Think long range
Narrow-minded
Left me blinded
I cosigned it
Shit backfired
But I'm bouncing back
I grinded
Not many would bear the pressure
You comprehend me
You want to end me
You offend me
It's trauma
Feel the trauma
Come with me...</i>
The two men's eyes are locked as TI calmly approaches, the grip on his cane tightening.
Tex: Earlier tonight, Darkness's music played and cost the Insomniac his match and his place in the Majestic Cup.
Banter: And now it's payback time!
Cain: And let's not forget what TI said about Darkness when he returned at Endgame...
Tex: The legendary Titanium Insomniac, member of Infinity, is about to take the fight to the icon, the New Hellfire Club founder, Darkness. This is the confrontation we've been waiting for!
<i>Yeah, Uh-huh, ah ha
Come with me, Don't be afraid, yeah
Come with me
I close my eyes
And I see..
You standing there
I cry...
Tears...
Of sorrow...
I die....
Uh-huh, Yeah...</i>
Outside the ring, a very worried Selenia is checking on Acolyte who doesn't look like he's in a good shape while the members of Infinity move towards the ramp, flanking TI as he approaches the ring. Dante slowly pulls himself to his feet and stands behind Darkness.
<i>Fuck my enemies
Fuck my foes
Damn these hoes
You're stepping on my toes
Back up off me
Take your hands off me
Give me room to breathe
I'm not hearing it
I'm not fearing it
I'm up to my ears in it
Bullshit I'm destructive
Some women find that seductive
Some say it's lunacy
Reluctantly I've been moving on
I ignore you
Sorry if I bore you
I neglect you
Don't mean to disrespect you
Can't you see
I love you dearly
And that sincerely
But you annoy me
You can't avoid me
I'm here to stay
Forever and ever and a day
That's never
I can't let you go
I can't forget it
Why you did it
I won't permit it
And won't acquit it
I want to fight you
I'll fucking bite you
Can't stand nobody like you
You can't run
You can't hide
No surprise
Close your eyes...</i>
Slowly, TI climbs into the ring and steps through the ropes.
Tex: Folks, we're almost out of time! We need to go!
Banter: Oh no, no, no we got a little more time
<i>Come with me, yeah
Come with me
Come with me, AHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOWWW
Yeah, like this
Come on, Come on
Yeah turn me up, turn me up
Yeah yeah yeah, come on now, Yeah...</i>
Titanium Insomniac and Darkness stand face-to-face, their gaze hasn't broken since TI entered the ring area. The fans have reached fever pitch in anticipation of the match to end all matches; TI versus Darkness, Infinity versus The New Hellfire Club and somewhere, somehow Plausible Deniability fits into it all.
They pause...
Darkness flinches, Titanium Insomniac reacts like only he can with an elbow to Darkness' jaw that signals one thing and one thing only "It's ON!!" Hammer and Hardy both rush Dante while Shadow and the Technician resume their fight with Plausible Deniability. HighOne holds back for a moment but the second Darkness looks like he's about to let loose on Titanium Insomniac he rushes in and plants a knee in Darkness' kidney.
Tex: They're totally outmatched!!
Banter: Well what do you expect? It's a 6 on 3 situation and Infinity damn well knows how to use the numbers game to their advantage.
Cain: and Infinity is a UNIT until 2 minutes ago Plausible Deniability was an enemy!
Banter: PD is here for his own sake not Dante or Darkness or Acolyte's!!
Hammer and Hardy have the world champion trapped in the corner with Hammer doing a number on the champs ribs. Going on pure piss and vinegar Plausible Deniability is actually able to knock Shadow out of the ring before being taken down by The Technician from behind.
Tex: CHAIR!!
*WHACK!!*
HighOne cracks Darkness over the skull drawing even more blood from the slay. Darkness is staggered but not out, only that doesn't help him much as Titanium Insomniac locks on the Sweet Irony sleeper on Darkness. Suddenly the curtains move once more as Jack Frost and Kojack come running down the aisle and tackle Shadow before the tag-team champ can get back in the ring.
Tex: THOSE DAMN OPPORTUNISTS!!
Banter: If you're gonna attack a guy it's best to do it when he's got his back to the ring.
Cain: Blitzkrieg have been very vocal in their desire to get a tag-team title shot, they're tired of waiting.
With a Pier 26 brawl going on in the ring and Titanium Insomniac trapping the bloodied Darkness in the Sleeper Tex says the fateful words.
Tex: FANS WE'RE REALLY OUT OF TIME NOW!!
Fade out...
© 2006 TCW - Upping workrates by reading faster