<center>

We are the Willing

Led By The Unknowing

Doing The Impossible

For The Ungrateful

We Have Now

Done So Much

For So Long

For So Many

With So Little

We Can Now Do Anything

With Nothing At All

I wish I would've met you
Now it's a little late
What you could've taught me
I could've saved some face
They think that your early ending
Was all wrong
For the most part they're right
But look how they all got strong
That's why I say hey man nice shot
What a good shot man
A man
Has gun
Hey man
Have fun
Nice shot
Now that the smokes gone
And the air is all clear
Those who were right there
Got a new kind of fear
You'd fight and you were right
But they were just to strong
They'd stick it in your face
And let you smell what they consider wrong
That's why I say hey man nice, nice shot
What a good shot man
A man
Has gun
Hey man
Have fun
Nice shot
I wish I would've met you
I wish I would've met you
I'd say
Nice shot

*FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSH!*
*FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSH*
*FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSH!*
*FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSH*
*FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSH!*</center>
Tex: Ladies and gentlemen, and all those in between, we're here live for TCW FRICTION, welcoming you to the new year!

Cain: And we're starting things off right, with a fight!


<center></center>

"The Suffering" by Coheed and Cambria begins to play on the P.A system as the crowd cheers, and Ghettofire makes his way to the ring.

Banter: It's so hard to choose who I want to win...both these teams are so good!

Ring Announcer: This contest is for one fall...Introducing first, making his way to the ring...he is from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and he weighs 245 pounds...Ghetoooooooooooooo fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!

(Ghettofire makes his way into the ring and raises his arms up to the fans, who cheer in response. Soon, the first strains of "Hate me now" by Nas fill the air as the crowd boos in unison.)

Tex: A very appropriate piece of music here for the man heading down to the ring...

Banter: Will you show some respect please? We're talking about a man who nearly beat our world chumpi....I mean champion!

Cain: As much as the crowd dislikes The Hammer, Banter is right...one cannot ignore how close he came to getting the world title at our last PPV...

Ring Announcer: His partner...he weighs 245 pounds...and he is from Los Angeles, California...Mutaaz "The Hameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer"...Tareef!

(The Hammer, along with the Ghetto Grass entourage and Yasmin, make their way down to the ring. Hammer ignores the few pieces of trash thrown his way and makes his way into the ring, shooing off Ghetto Grass and going up to Ghettofire.)

Cain: Hammer is all business tonight...not his usual entrance theatrics I see...

Banter: The man wants to win this match tonight...he wants to focus...

(Soon, "Hey Pachuco" plays on the P.A system, and the crowd heavily boos Kermit, who is now making his way down to the ring.)

Ring Announcer: Their opponents, "The Legitimate Business Associates", first...from Chicago, Illinois, weighing 230 pounds...Keeeeeeeeeermit!

Tex: Kermit and JE have had success in the ring leading up to this....and a win tonight will get them one step closer to the tag title straps...

Banter: Yeah, but you've got to beat Ghettofire and Hammer first before they do that...no easy task there...

(Kermit takes off his jacket and hands it to a ring attendant, who makes her way back down the aisle, as Audioslave's "Cochise" begins to play, and the crowd half boos and half cheers.)

Tex: Here comes The Aftershock Champion...

Banter: But there's no Jess! What gives?!?

Tex: I assume like Hammer, JE means business too...and wants to focus...

Ring Announcer: His partner...from Mallorca, Spain...he weighs 250 pounds...he is the TCW Aftershock Champion...JE!

(JE comes out and makes his way down the aisle, though his pace quickens to a run, as Ghetto and Hammer have started beating on Kermit in the ring.)

Cain: Ghetto and Hammer not even waiting for the bell!

Banter: Get in there and help your partner JE!

Tex: That's what he's doing Banter! Here he comes!

(JE slides into the ring and pounces on Ghetto, brawling with him into the corner as a now fighting even numbers Kermit begins to slug it out with The Hammer.)

Tex: Business is picking up here as all four men slug it out here!

(The ref manages to separate Ghetto and JE, who hesitantly head to the apron as the bell rings, and Hammer and Kermit continue their brawl.)

Cain: Kermit is a house of fire here, you know he wants himself and JE to win here!

(Kermit punches Hammer in the face several times, then swings him across the ropes, only to get a flying forearm in the face as Hammer comes bouncing back.)

Tex: But The Hammer fires right back with a flying forearm.

(The Hammer picks Kermit up by the hair, lifts him off his feet, and his a back breaker, then covers.)

1....

Tex: Forget about it, Kermit easily kicks out.

Cain: Far too early to be going for a pin here...

(Hammer lifts Kermit up again and sends him across the ropes, then uses his elbow to strike Kermit in the throat as he comes back. Hammer tags out to Ghetto, who strolls in, takes a running start, and hits an elbow drop.)

Banter: Kermit needs to tag out....like, right now!

Tex: I would have to agree, if Kermit doesn't tag out, this match is gonna end quickly...

(Ghetto picks Kermit up, and goes for a bodyslam, though Kermit manages to slide away and lands on his feet behind Ghetto. When Ghetto turns around, Kermit hits him in the chest with a dropkick, then another as Ghetto gets up, then a third one. Kermit finally bounds off the ropes and hits a Chris Jericho-esque moonsault off the ropes onto Ghetto, and covers him.)

Tex: Here's the cover by Kermit!

1....

2....

(Hammer comes in and stomps on Kermit's head, breaking up the count and drawing JE in. As JE and Hammer brawl about the ring, Kermit manages to recover, and he elbows Ghetto in the stomach, then hits a dropkick into his chest, which sends Ghetto to the outside. However, JE is also sent to the outside via a toss by Hammer. JE's head slightly hits the ring steps on the way out as he is tossed.)

Audience: Ooooooooh!

Banter: That'll take a couple dozen Advil to make go away...

Cain: I think JE may have been busted open from that shot...

Tex: Lets take a look see... (The camera cuts to JE, who is stumbling to his feet and gripping the apron, blood dribbling down his face) Yes he is...

Banter: That's not good at all...

(Meanwhile, Ghetto has crawled back into the ring, only to be DDT'ed by Kermit, who covers him for the pin.)

1....

2....

(Again Hammer stomps on Kermit to break the count, and this time, Hammer and Ghetto double team Kermit.)

Cain: With JE temporarily out of it, this could be the end for Kermit...

Banter: Animal will be heartbroken!

(Hammer and Ghetto lift Kermit up to do a double powerbomb, however, JE, who has groggily but surely headed up to the top turnbuckle, grabs his partners hands and manages to get him out of the powerbomb predicament as the crowd cheers.)

Tex: What team work by the Legitimate Business Associates!

Cain: This could be the tide turner...

(JE jumps off the ropes and hits a cross body splash onto Ghetto. Kermit, seeing an opportunity to strike Hammer, bounds across the ropes and towards him, only to be met with a Jihad Kick to the face.)

Audience: OOOOOOOOOOOH!

Banter: Whoa!

Tex: Good Lord! Kermit's nose could be broken!

(Kermit drops like a sack of potatoes as Ghetto manages to back drop JE over the top rope as Hammer motions to the fallen Kermit, then heads out of the ring so Ghetto, the legal man, can swoop in for the kill. To make sure of things, Ghetto picks the unconscious Kermit up and hits the Grass Mower, then casually covers him.)

1....

2...

......3!

Banter: They did it!

Cain: And just like that, Ghetto and Hammer move onto the next round...

Ring Announcer: Here are your winners....Ghettofire and The Hammer!

Tex: There you have it...Ghetto Grass, I'm sure, are quite happy with the results of this...

Banter: And this could be a big step backwards for the Business Associates...

The bleeding JE finally crawls into the ring and to the fallen Kermit as we cut to Ghetto and The Hammer making their way back to the backstage area.

<center></center>

The whole arena goes black for a few seconds, on the tron the words The Technician appear on screen. The lights begin to flash blue and gold back and forth, the beginning of AFI's Miseria Cantare begings to play.

Love...Your Hate...Your...Faith loss...
You...Are Now...One...of us
Love...Your Hate...Your...Faith Loss...
You...Are Now...One...of us

The drums begin to vibrate throughout the entire arena

Nothing from nowhere, I'm no one at all

DeSean walks out wearing his trademark blue hoodie, the masked Shadow at his side. With Singapore Cane in hand He walks slowly down the ramp, head up, talking trash to the fans in attendance. With the tag belts over their shoulders, they cross their hands while they stand on top of the steel steps, then walk across the apron.

Radiate, recognize one silent call

As we all form one dark flame... Incinerate

As incinerate is shouted, DeSean flips the hood back and out stretches his arms. He jumps on the top rope and back flips in, while Shadow leaps into the ring. In one motion, they pound their fists on the mat and point to the sky, blue and gold pyro goes off in the background.

As the music ends, they climb the ropes and puts their fists in the air showing off their Infinity rings.

Junior Kickstart begins to play, pumping up the crowd, as Duo appear on the ramp. Elsie is jumping and ready for action. She keeps up the crowd's energy while heading quickly towards the ring.

Cage follows close behind her, remaining focused. He makes no indication that he even notices the crowd.

Elsie heads to the corner, climbing the turnbuckle, keeping the crowd going, while Cage climbs into the ring, his massive form taking center-stage.

Banter: This Cage guy is huge! I wonder who in heaven Shadow and Desean pissed off to draw this assignment.

Cage flexes his muscles as he stands on the apron waiting for the match to begin. Pd bounces up and down to warm and up on his side of the ring Desean Blackwell cracks his knuckles as he prepares to start brining the former champions to glory.

Tex: He sure is a huge guy, Desean even looks a bit struck by one of his opponent's size.

Cain: Desean better focus on PD now he's the guy in the ring and the guy with a score to settle with Shadow and I guess by virtue of that with Desean too.

The referee calls for the bell and the two lock up, PD being the more experienced of the two drive Desean back towards the ropes, but Desean's technical skills and prowess in the ring honed in RoH helps him break the push back and return the two to an even lock up. Pd grabs a headlock and Desean pushes him off towards the ropes. PD uses the ropes to gain speed but gets met with a kick to the stomach that makes the veteran double over and fall to the canvas.

Tex: Desean goes for an STF, this kid is one of the most skilled submissionists in the TCW right now.

Banter: Is that even a real word?

Desean cranks back on the STF in a way that makes his older opponent scream out. But despite the cry of pain, Pd begins to reach for the ropes to break this painful hold, as Cameron Jones hand is about a third of an inch from the ropes, Elsie actually starts a cheer for Cage's partner.

PD! PD! PD! PD! PD!

Cain: The fans are rallying to PD's side as he fights Blackwell's STF.

The crowd lets out a huge cheer as PD reaches the ropes and the referee begins to count on Desean.

1...

2...

3...

Tex: Desean isn't letting go.

Banter: Come one, break him...break him!

4...

As the word "four"enters Desean's ears he lets go and watches with a smirk as his opponent crawls towards the corner for a tag and some relief. With ease Desean grabs PD's leg and pulls him away from Cage's stretched out hand but as Desean is about to pull PD to his feet, the veteran uses his experience and rolls Desean up.

1...

2...

KICKOUT!

Tex: PD played possum and he played it well.

Desean launches a enraged series of stomps and kicks aimed at PD who manages to defend himself against most of them. Infuriated by his lack of real success, Desean drags PD to his corner and tags in a slightly reluctant Shadow.

Cain: What's with Shadow? He seems a bit apprehensive.

Tex: Can you blame him? He was just tagged in against the man who wants to hurt him possible do something even worse to him.

Shadow picks his former partner up and his look of disgust is visible through the mask as he drops PD with a body slam and follows up with an elbow drop, A series of stomps is followed up with a vicious and well aimed kick at PD's head that busts him open as his eyebrow opens up.

Busted open and with blood dripping down his face PD once more tries to crawl back to Cage and his outstretched hand, this time Desean and Shadow team up to hinder their opponent from reaching a safe haven. The two lock up PD's legs and hit a improvised version of a double suplex that smashes the bleeding PD to the canvas.

Banter: Well, PD made a good attempt at winning this match.

Cain: he did?

Banter: he sure did, he made his way to the ring without any problems at all.

Shadow continues the relentless assault on PD in an effort to put his former partner off his trail or even into a wheelchair. Kicks and elbows keep Pd's torment going and the Shadow picks him up off the canvas and with a smirk that can be seen through the mask, he bounces off the ropes, passed Pd by and charges him from behind preparing to deliver a vicious kick to PD's head. But as Shadow approaches, PD ducks and then turns around kicks the masked superstar in the gut and drops him with a DDT.

With PD worn out from the match and Shadow trying to descramble his brain both men struggle to reach their partner, but PDF having gained the pause of Shadow attack seems to get to his senses first and crawls over to Cage and gets up on his knees. But as he makes the long awaited tag, Desean leaps into the ring and distracts the referee with a complaint about PD committing a violation of some unknown rule. As he sees Cage climbing into the ring Desean gets back out and leaves the rest to the confused referee.

Tex. What the hell is this?

Banter: Good strategic tag team wrestling, use the moves, use the ropes and use the referee.

Cage storms towards the prone Shadow but gets cut off by the referee who starts a count to get him to leave the ring. In a rage, Cage leaves the ring and thus Shadow can continue his assault on PD.
Punch by punch the match deteriorates into a fist fight, there are no moves as these two fight, just blows born by anger and betrayal. Slowly the tide turns and Desean enters to assist his partner and stop PD from upsetting the match.

Tex. Double team by the Infinity team!

Desean launches a furious attack on PD but gets blocked and punches for his trouble. PD turns to Shadow smirks and head butts the masked Infinity man and thus brings him to his knees. With a final burst of energy PD rushes across the ring and finally gets the tag as the crowd cheers.

Cage storms in accompanied by Elsie's cheers and a bone to pick with Shadow, he flattens the Infinity man with a clothesline and picks him up and continues the assault on him, a massive body slam sends him to the floor and makes the man in the black mask gasp for air.

Tex: Cage makes his first appearance in this match and he enters it like a house on fire!

Cage picks up Shadow and after a few hostile words he throws him to the corner and flattens him with a clothesline.

Cain: Good God! That must have broken every rib in Shadow.

Coughing as he gets up to his knees again, a stickily liquid now stains the area around Shadow's mask, thankful top be alive and still breathing Shadow looks up and sees his bane again, this time Cage wraps hi huge hand around Shadow's head and pulls him to his feet.

Banter: This one is a monster, I doubt he even cares about the damned match!

How right banter is, cage wants to get his hands on Shadow, he rears back for another blow when a hand on his shoulder interrupts him, Pd has gotten back to his feet and wants to finish the match.

With a smirk on his face he rears back to hit the Denied, but instead he throws a punch and lets Cage go for the cover.

PD keeps Desean from entering the ring as the referee counts.

1...

2...

3!

Cage is joined by Elsie who jumps up and down as they celebrate the victory, PD looks at Shadow and Desean and with a smirk on his face and a strange red gleam in his eye he leaves the ring as Sammy Eubanks announces the winners.

Eubanks: The winners of the match, the team of PD and Duo!

Tex: Now that was a fight. A brilliant comeback.

Cain: I think Desean and Shadow wasn't at their top this week.

Tex: They almost destroyed Pd in the beginning, but then he fought back and got help from the huge Cage.

Banter: Damn anti-Infinity bias, the damned referee should never had allowed that cheap tag!

Tex: Bitter much Banter?

Banter: Yes, but in the end I know I'll have the last laugh.

Cain: And why is that?

Banter: Because I know something you don't.


<center></center>

Backstage, a non-descript door opens and, to the sounds of muted cheering, a petite brunette appears. Glancing sidelong at the camera that follows her progress, Freya takes a sip from a bottle of water and readjusts one black elbow-pad before proceeding down the corridor. The camera focuses on her freckled face as she rounds a corner and then stops, a look of mild surprise in her eyes. The view swings ‘round, revealing the cause of the sudden halt. Blocking the corridor are a series of mismatched figures - the reigning World Champion Jason Dante in his trademark white suit, flanked by the towering Acolyte who raises one hand slightly in greeting to the young girl on one side and the sensuous Selenia on the other who appraises Freya with an odd glance. Behind the pale trio lurk the new tag team combination of Darkness and Acid Misfit, the former standing stoically in the shadows and the latter leaning casually against the wall. The crowd cheer loudly at the appearance of the New Hellfire Club.

"Did someone decide to have a party and not invite me?" Freya asks, cocking an eyebrow.

Dante barks a laugh and shrugs his shoulders noncommittally. "In a manner of speaking. I trust you got the letter I had left in your rooms, Ms. Green?"

"Yeah, I got it. I always thought your handwriting would be neater though."

Misfit is visibly amused by her comment and a ghost of a smile crosses even Darkness's lips. Dante grins too, flashing gleaming teeth that look almost like fangs. It is clear that the banter is good-humoured. "Well quite - but in all seriousness, we'd like to know whether you've considered our offer at all."

A strange hush falls on the crowd. "Offer?" Tex's voice ponders from the announce table.

Freya steps back, folding her arms. "I considered it, yeah..."

"And?"

She shrugs, echoing Dante's earlier motion. "I have to think about it some more. I have a commitment to Deadzone right now."

"DeadZone?" Dante frowns as if he isn't sure who she's referring to.

"Yeah you know. Good-looking guy...speaks like he's from the 1940s...always wears a hat?"

"Oh. Yes. Okay," Dante replies, obviously still not sure who she means. "Your tag partner against the RoXoRz?"

"Yup. That's where I'm going now." Freya moves her arms as if to shoo the NHFC from her path, making it clear that they're delaying her. Dante takes the hint and motions his allies to step back, allowing her to move past.

"We don't make this kind of offer to just anyone, Freya," Darkness says as she passes him, "If you're going to start taking on Infinity, you may need more than Deadzone can provide."

She gives the former champion a significant look. "Thanks for the advice, Hotshot, but I think I can handle myself against anything they might have up their sleeves - you ought to know that by now..."

Turning away, she carries on down the corridor as the NHFC watch her leave.

"What the hell do you think that was all about?" Banter asks.

"I guess we'll find out soon enough. Freya's match is next!" Cain says by way of reply.

We return to the arena an the house lights cut out as "Fuck Her Softly" by Tenacious D starts to play. A spotlight appears at the top of the ramp while strobe lights go off.

Sammy Eubanks: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall...introducing first; at a combined weight of 465 lbs...they are members of INFIIIIIIIIINITY....Highone...David Hardy...THE ROOOOOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOOOOOOOORZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly, two loud explosions are followed by a shower of sparks, and the RoXoRz step through the curtain. The crowd lets out a boo as each man signals the audience. As Jack Black sings, "ball you completely", Hardy ducks a pair of panties thrown in his direction. Highone flexes his biceps and puts the medical staff on high-alert for fainting women. The girls in the audience know their favorite "positsh" is cool with the RoXoRz. Once inside the ring, Highone and Hardy do a world famous "Five Second Pose" for the audience and high-five in preparation for the match.

Tex: Well, Hardy and Highone - Infinity's poster boys - seem as ready as ever to take anything their opponents can throw at them. They surely have the advantage of experience over their young opponents I think it's fair to say.

Banter: There's no need to rationalise the awesomeness of the RoXoRz, Tex. We know they're going to win, so lets get the victims out here and get this over with.

Cain: I thought you liked looking at Freya, Banter?

Banter: Yeah, I do, but her eyes have started to freak me out a bit.

Cain: It's not like you to stare at a woman's <i>eyes</i>, Banter...

<i>Faint white figures paint my sleep
Please don't tell my secrets keep them hidden (you got it, you got it, you got it)
If the words that matter reach your face from floor
Will you be wondering if, or (do I need what is given or honest)
Does it cost me scarring if the words stay true
Even number your nephew (I don't want it, don't want it, don't want it anymore)</i>

Sammy: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 333 lbs...FREEEEEYA GREEEEEN AND DEAAAAAAAAADZOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!

An explosion sounds above the entrance ramp, sending golden pyro raining down.

<i>And when the answer that you want
Is in the question that you state
Come what may!
Come what may!

And when the answer that you want
Is in the question that you state
Come what may!
Come what may! </i>

Freya walks down the ramp, accompanied by her new partner, signalling to her fans with points and grins.

<i>In a pain that buckles out your knees
Could you stop this if I plead (you got it, you got it, you got it)
So destined I am to walk among the dark
A child in keeping secrets from (will they know what I've done in the after)
In the sought for matter when the words blame you
In a blood red summer I'll give you (I don't want it, don't want it, don't want it) </i>

Freya hops up into the ring and climbs the turnbuckle and raises an arm, smiling at her many fans. DeadZone enters somewhat more gingerly, seemingly unused to the pomp and energy of the young girl's entrance.

Tex: These two are certainly an unusual team - it remains to be seen just how effective they'll be against Highone and Hardy, who have been a tag team for over two years now.

Cain: Freya holds a pinfall victory over Highone, but DeadZone was unsuccessful in his challenge for the Transcontinental Title against Highone a month or two ago. This is likely to be an even and competitive match.

Tex: Yeah right! Highone ought to clothesline Freya right now and get this over with. What is she, like a buck-fifty? This is crazy.

Cain: Don't forget that Freya beat Acolyte - who weighs almost three-hundred pounds - last week.

<i>And when the answer that you want
Is in the question that you state
Come what may!
Come what may!

And when the answer that you want
Is in the question that you state
Come what may!
Come what may!</i>

The music dies as Freya and DeadZone square up to the RoXorZ who have their usual cocky grins plastered across their faces. Freya regards them sternly, rapidly clenching an unclenching her fists.

Tex: Freya has had her problems with Highone in the past, it's fair to say. She lost her Bleeder Title to the Insomniac in a match he officiated, although there wasn't much ‘official' about how that one went down...

Banter: You cynic.

The bell rings and Hardy and Freya start things off with a lock-up. Hardy grinningly overpowers her, muscling her own to the floor, where he not-very-subtly attempts to grope her. Cringing, she repels him with a headbutt, which he seems to take as an odd kind of flirting.

Cain: Well, Hardy obviously has his own agenda in this match...

Banter: It's not like he has to concentrate on winning, he can just enjoy himself.

Cain: Hardy might find he's biting off more than he can chew if he doesn't take Freya seriously.

Another lock-up, and Hardy quickly goes behind and mimes thrusting, which again visibly disgusts Freya who elbows out of his waistlock and steps away.

Tex: Not the most chivalrous behaviour from Hardy there...

Banter: Didn't you get the memo, Tex? Chivalry is dead. It went out when people stopped living in castles and riding horses to war.

Hardy grins and tries to reason with her, offering a handshake as if doing the honest thing. She accepts, but he tries to pull her into a clothesline, only for Freya to double-bluff him by immediately twisting up onto his shoulders and hooking him up into a crucifix pin...

One...



Two...

Kickout!

Tex: The first near-fall of the match from Freya. It's so easy to underestimate this young girl, but her agility and fortitude more than make up for her lack of size and strength.

Hardy angrily tags in Highone, who is less inclined to play games. They lock up and Highone gets a quick belly to belly into a pin...

One...

But Freya kicks right out.

Cain: Highone is going to need more than that to take Freya down. He needs to use the benefit of his experience to ground her.

Banter: I'd sure like to get her on the ground...

Cain: I didn't even say that.

Highone immediately goes for a cross armbreaker afterwards, but Freya struggles and eventually reaches the ropes. Highone doesn't release immediately, waiting for the count of four to let her up. Freya shakes the life back into her arm and then goes for another lock-up, but Highone second guesses her and brings her own with a judo-style armrag. He tries an armbar, but Freya manages to roll out.

Tex: It looks like Highone is concentrating his efforts on Freya's left arm.

Cain: Highone is a veteran; he knows that if he works the arm enough he's going to completely neutralise his opponent and this one could be over.

Freya attempts a dropkick, but Highone slaps her down and then drops to the floor, pulling her into a hammerlock on the mat. Freya has no place to go, and tries to get up, but Highone's weight is pressing down on her. He wrenches at her arm, and she desperately reaches for the ropes, but can't get to them. Instead, she tries to edge Highone to the ropes, and eventually his feet touch them and the referee breaks it up.

Banter: Hey! That's cheating!

Tex: It looks like Freya has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve...

Banter: But she doesn't even have sleeves!

Highone tags in Hardy and the two of them double-team Freya, with Hardy whipping her into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Highone. Hardy goes for a pin, but Highone is being removed from the ring. The referee eventually turns around and starts counting...

One...

And Freya gets her shoulder up.

Hardy continues to work Freya's arm, locking in a seated arm-bar, but she fights out of it, finally heaving him off his feet and rolling him over her back and down to the mat. Favouring her injured arm, she moves to the corner and tags in DeadZone.

Tex: DeadZone is eager to get into action here - no doubt he's still stinging from his loss to Highone a short time ago.

Cain: DeadZone has begun to rise in popularity these past couple weeks. This may be his opportunity to start making the impression on the fans his skills in the ring deserve to make on them.

Banter: He's weird...

The mysterious DeadZone seems keen to get into action, coming at Hardy with a series of elbow strikes. He tries to whip him into the corner, but Hardy reverses and DeadZone is sent into the turnbuckle instead. Hardy follows him in with a Stinger splash and lets his opponent tumble to the mat. Quickly he assesses the situation before hopping up to the top rope.

Tex: A high risk move from Hardy...

He goes for The Eclipse, only for DeadZone to move out of the way just in time, causing Hardy to land hard on his tailbone.

Cain: It didn't pay off - this could be a major turning point in this match.

Hardy looks to be in trouble as he staggers to his feet, and DeadZone lifts him into a piledriver and then covers.

One...



Two...



Thr... and Highone makes the save at the last second!

Tex: An extremely close call for the RoXoRz there...

Banter: I think it was Hardy's plan all along to get piledriven then and to get pinned for a two count.

Cain: Is he lulling Freya and DeadZone into a false sense of security?

Banter: Sure. That must be it.

Freya tries complaining to the referee, but it only distracts the official and allows Highone to lock in the Dragon Claw on DeadZone. The referee turns around and breaks up the hold, but the damage is done and DeadZone is writhing on the mat in pain.

Banter: See?

Tex: This could be all over for the fledgling team...

Hardy rolls DeadZone into a cover....

One...



Two...



Thre...And he just rolls his shoulder up in time!

Hardy begins to redouble his efforts, whipping DeadZone across the ring and nailing a running enziguri on the way back. DeadZone is down on the mat and Hardy grabs the ropes and starts stomping.

Tex: David Hardy is tuning up the band for a superkick I think! If he hits this it's going to be all over!

Freya starts banging on the turnbuckle, trying to energise the crowd. A 'DeadZone' chant does indeed start and the man begins to slowly rise, but he is only walking right into a superkick....but manages to duck the kick at the last second and dives behind Hardy. The RoXoR turns around and walks right into a Lou Thesz press. DeadZone pounds on Hardy to a big cheer.

Cain: This is intense back-and-forth action.

Tex: At this point, I believe it may be anyone's match...

Highone is reaching for a tag, but DeadZone doesn't let up, whipping Hardy into a corner and climbing up to deliver a ten-punch. He only gets as far as three though before Hardy reverses into an inverted atomic drop. He staggers back and gets tripped by Hardy, who keeps hold of his legs and steps over into the Liontamer. DeadZone reaches for the ropes and Freya once again tries to energise the crowd.

Banter: I think you spoke too soon, Cain...

Tex: Hardy's signature hold is taking its toll - how long can DeadZone hold out against this kind of pressure?

Highone, sensing danger, steps into the ring and crosses over to Freya, knocking her off the apron with an elbow. The fans boo loudly.

Cain: You can't fault the wisdom of that blindside attack, but it's not the action of a decent human being is it?

Banter: What did I tell you about chivalry?

Tex: Did human decency go out the window with armour and swords too then?

Banter: Nah, that happened a bit later.

Indignantly, Freya gets to her feet and dives back into the ring, but Highone clubs her down and snaps on a cross-armbreaker on her injured arm. DeadZone is on the verge of tapping out as Hardy wrenches back. The referee is aware that Highone is interfering in the match, but is forced to concentrate on DeadZone's predicament.

Tex: The RoXoRz are about to steal this one!

DeadZone reaches for the rope, but can't quite make it. His eyes flick across to Freya however, and suddenly he seems energized.

Cain: Maybe chivalry isn't as dead as you thought, Banter...

Banter: What?!

Tex: DeadZone, I know for a fact just from talking to him, isn't the kind of guy who'll stand by idly when a woman is in peril!

Banter: Oh man, what an idiot! Just tap out!

With a mighty effort he reaches for the ropes and finally makes it, forcing the referee to break the hold. Hardy releases only when the official reaches four. Highone lets go of Freya and bounds to his feet in order to intercept DeadZone. The RoXoRz beat down on him, but Freya is on her feet. She climbs to the top rope and, as Highone notices her in his peripheral vision and turns, she flies off with a tornado DDT that drives Highone's head into the mat. He rolls out of the ring to recover and a stunned Hardy goggles at Freya. She ignores him and executes a vaulting body press on Highone.

Tex: Freya used her own body as a weapon to take out Highone! Hardy doesn't know where to look!

The tiny distraction is all that DeadZone needs as he hooks Hardy's leg and rolls him up into a school boy...

One...



Two...



Three!!!

Sammy Eubanks: Here are your winners....FREEEEEEYAAAA AND DEAAADZOOOOOOOOOONE!!!!!!!!

Cain: Freya and DeadZone did it! What a huge victory!

Hardy is stunned as DeadZone rolls out of the ring and helps Freya to her feet. The two of them walk up the ramp, looking at the RoXoRz as Highone slumps down against the apron and beats his fist against the floor in frustration. In the ring, Hardy holds his arms apart, appealing to the referee, but it's too late.

Tex: Freya and DeadZone proved to everyone tonight that they're a formidable team - let's hope this combination continues to wreak havoc in the tag team division in the future!

<center></center>

Sammy Eubanks: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall...introducing first, from Parts Unknown, at a combined weight of 543 lbs...Spike and Thorne...THE HEEEEEEEEEEEELLIONS!!!!!

"Prey" plays and Thorne walks out behind Spike. They both enter the ring and as their names are announced, Thorne stands in the middle of the ring with his arms crossed looking at the crowd while Spike paces back and forth behind him.

Tex: This one is sure to be an interesting contest. The Hellions have yet to make a major impact in TCW, but their opponents in this match are surely the team to do it against.

Banter: You'd think the NHFC would be good buddies with The <i>Hell</i>ions, wouldn't you?

Cain: Well, there's been no problem between these two teams so far and, as we know, it's starting to become something of a New Hellfire Club tradition for future members to have a match with a current member beforehand. Darkness and Dante forged their alliance in the fiery crucible of their title match at Endgame and, just last month, Darkness and Misfit had an amazing match that led to him being announced as the newest member of the club.

Banter: So they have a fight and make friends after?

Tex: Fans are calling it "The Trail by Fire"...

Banter: Can't people start having matches where they just end up hating each other? Pretty soon we'll have to start calling this place ‘PCW'?

Cain: PCW?

Banter: "Puss..."

Tex: *Coughs* I think The Hellions' opponents are about to make their way out...

"Mother" begins to play as the view cuts to the door of Darkness's locker room.

<i>Mother
Tell your children not to walk my way
Tell your children not to hear my words
What they mean
What they say
Mother... </i>

It opens and he steps out, 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.

<i>Mother
Can you keep them in the dark for life
Can you hide them from the waiting world
Oh mother... </i>

From immediately to the left, Acid Misfit steps into frame and begins to walk beside Darkness.

<i>Father
Gonna take you daughter out tonight
Gonna show her my world... </i>

After walking down several corridors, Darkness and Misfit -escort in tow - reach the Gorilla position and the two pause for a few seconds as the anticipation of the crowd reaches fever pitch.

<i>Oh father... </i>

A huge, blinding pyro erupts from the stage as the lights in the arena turn a shade of deep red, and Darkness and Misfit both stand on the stage, slowly they begin to walk to the ring.

<i>Not about to see your light
But if you wanna find hell with me
I can show you what it's like
Till you're bleeding... </i>

A second pyro shoots from the sides of the stage as they proceed down the ramp, ignoring the thunderous reaction of the crowd to their presence.

Sammy: And their opponents...at a combined weight of 433lbs...representing THE NEEEEW HEEEEEEELLFIIIIIIIIRE CLUUUUUUB....DAAAAAAAAAAARKNESS AND THE ACIIIIIIIIIIIIID MIIIIIIIIISFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

<i>Not about to see your light
And if you wanna find hell with me
I can show you what it's

Mother
Tell your children not to hold my hand
Tell your children not to understand
Oh mother

Father
Do you wanna bang heads with me
Do you wanna feel everything
Oh father... </i>

As the team make their way to the ring, flames of pyro run down either side of the ramp, framing them in billowing fire.

Tex: Some new ring attire for Darkness and a few new tattoos for Misfit - not least of which is that black chess knight on his shoulder.

Banter: These NHFC guys are gonna be pretty embarrassed if they break up, aren't they?

<i> Not about to see your light
And if you wanna find hell with me
I can show you what it's like
Till you're bleeding

Not about to see your light
And if you wanna find hell with me
I can show you what it's
Yeah! </i>

They climb into the ring, Darkness climbing onto the apron and through the ropes as Misfit rolls under them. Misfit perches on the ropes and raises one arm while Darkness ascends the turnbuckle and looks out at the fans, an expression of grim determination on his scarred face.

Tex: I think it's fair to say that if The Hellions pick up the win here it would be an upset, correct?

Cain: Yes indeed. Misfit is a two-time tag champion and a former 411fed World Champion, and we all know about Darkness's record here. But The Hellions certainly have the size advantage over their opponents.

Tex: And remember that the NHFC team are looking to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with too. Their faction already has the World Titles - do you think they'll be looking to add the tag belts to their trophy case?

Cain: Almost certainly.

Suddenly, The Hellions start to beat on Misfit and Darkness before the bell, but the two NHFC members rally and start fighting back. In unison, they whip both their opponents across the ring and hit two perfectly synchronised dropkicks to a big pop. Misfit charges Spike, who is reeling, and bowls him right out of the ring with a Cactus Clothesline.

Banter: Those cheats!

Tex: You mean The Hellions?

Banter: No, those dastardly Hellfire guys - attacking before the bell!

Cain: I think it was The Hellio...

Banter: The Hellfire Club? Yup.

Darkness grabs a headlock on the rising Thorne, and the bell finally rings. He gets whipped and tries a shoulder block on the way back, only to be floored by his much larger opponent. Thorne picks Darkness up by his hair, but gets an elbow to the gut for his trouble. Darkness attempts a scoop slam, but Thorne returns the favour and elbows him in the head.

Misfit is on the apron by this time after a short, inconclusive brawl with Spike outside the ring. He asks for a tag, and Darkness lets him in. They move to attack Thorne, but get double-clotheslined.

Cain: The Hellions are holding their own thus far. Darkness and Misfit need to use their experience to take them out.

Darkness is right up on his feet and dropkicks the big man into a school boy from Misfit!

One...



Two...

Kick out!

Darkness leaves the ring and Misfit gets up and starts working Thorne's leg with stomps and a legbar.

Tex: If Misfit keeps this up, he'll bring this larger opponent off his vertical base and that will negate the advantage of his size and strength.

Cain: And that's the way to play this.

Thorne fights his way out with sheer strength, using a closed fist to bludgeon Misfit's face. When the veteran releases, Thorne lifts him up with his hair and drops him with a hard scoop slam. He drags him over to his corner and tags in Spike, who comes off the second rope with an elbow drop. He pins...

One...

But Misfit kicks out.

The Hellions begin double-teaming Misfit with stomps and then a double-DDT.

Banter: They can try and be smart all they want, but there's no substitute for good, honest cheating...

Cain: I don't know that I'd endorse that, but The Hellions certainly have the advantage of being a cohesive team. Misfit's a legendary tag team competitor, but Darkness isn't Weapon Omega and he himself hasn't had a tag partner since the famously elusive John Doe.

Spike tries another pin as Thorne is ushered out of the ring...

One...



Two...


And Misfit rolls his shoulder up.

Spike whips Misfit, and attempts a back-body-drop, but Misfit reverses it into a tornado DDT and kips up before diving across the ring and tagging in Darkness.

Tex: Quick tags from the NHFC-members here.

Darkness hops up to the top rope and flies off with a cross-body once Spike gets to his feet. He tries to pin, but Spike rolls through...

One...

Kick out!

Darkness brings Spike down with a drop-toehold as he stands and hops forward into a side-headlock, but Spike rather sloppily shoves him into his corner. Thorne wraps one big arm around Darkness's neck as Spike thrusts his shoulder into his gut. Darkness tries to fight out but Thorne drives his fist into his chest, winding him. The referee gets involves and The Hellions release.

Banter: Even more of that great teamwork!

Spike gets a running neckbreaker and tries a pin...

On...but Darkness kicks right out.

He scoops Darkness up, but the former champion reverses and slides behind. He grabs a sleeper and then turns it into a cobra clutch before wrapping his legs around Spike's torso and dropping to the mat.

Tex: The Nightchoker! We don't see this too often from Darkness!

Cain: He prefers the Darkshooter as his submission hold of choice, but this move is almost as devastating.

Spike is clearly in trouble, and it doesn't take long before Thorne interferes, laying in stomps to break it up. Thorne is forced back to his corner and Spike and Darkness recover. Spike headbutts Darkness and whips him into his corner. He tags in Thorne and the Hellions stomp Darkness in the corner.

Tex: Dirty tactics or not, The Hellions are doing a good job of closing Darkness down. We've seen before how it only takes one mistake for him to seize the advantage and finish off an opponent.

Thorne executes a delayed vertical suplex and tries a pin...
One...



Two...

And Darkness kicks out!

Still eerily silent, Thorne then picks Darkness up and lifts him into a military press. He poses as Darkness is powerless in the air, turning towards the crowd and then around, only to receive a missile dropkick from Misfit!

Cain: The Acid Misfit came out of nowhere! What a save!

Tex: No words about the teamwork there, Banter?

Banter: Teamwork? That was just cheating - Misfit isn't the legal man...

Misfit rolls away and out of the ring as Thorne falls to the mat and Darkness lands in a pin...

One...



Two...


But Thorne kicks out, propelling Darkness across the ring.

It is only a brief respite however as Darkness immediately nails a Shadowed Wizard and, his momentum carrying him to his own corner, tags in Misfit.

Thorne is up, but gets a running Plastic Surgery Disaster and Misfit pins. Spike has other ideas however and comes off the top rope with the Doctor Stomp to Misfit's back! Thorne is hurt by the move too though and it takes him a few seconds to cover Misfit...

One...



Two...



Thr...no! Misfit gets his shoulder up just in time!

Tex: A close near fall there - could we be seeing the end of this team already?

Banter: Let's hope so!

Spike climbs out of the ring, but as he's on the apron, Darkness hits a springboard dropkick from his corner, sending him tumbling down to the floor. Thorne hooks Misfit for a biel throw, but he elbows out and comes off the ropes with a Lou Thesz press and then signals for the Blitzkrieg Drop.

Cain: Look how the tables have turned in just a moment! This is about to be all over!

He goes up high and comes off the top rope, but Thorne moves out of the way and Misfit goes face-first into the mat. Thorne tags in Spike, who has struggled back to his corner and he's in with some stomps and then a scoop slam. He picks Misfit up and tries for a brainbuster, but Misfit reverses out of nowhere into a Spinal Remains! Both men are down. Misfit is struggling for a tag, but Spike staggers up and grabs his foot. Misfit nails an enziguri and makes the hot tag to Darkness to a big pop.

Tex: Darkness, the fresher man, is in this!

Banter: Oh, I hate when this happens...

Darkness rushes the ring, bringing Spike down with a clothesline and then goes for the Slayer Slam, but Spike reverses the choke into a hammerlock. Darkness grabs a three-quarter front facelock and brings Spike over with a snapmare, only for the agile brawler to land on his feet. He turns around, and walks right into a kick to the gut and a Darkness DDT!

Tex: Darkness DDT! Darkness DDT! This one is over!

Simultaneously, Thorne steps into the ring and Misfit climbs up to the top rope. Darkness charges the big man and sends him tumbling over the ropes to the floor with a running superkick as Misfit, at the exact same instant, flies off with the Blitzkrieg Drop! The crowd roars in approval as Misfit rolls to one side and Darkness leaps into the cover...

One...



Two...



Three!!!

Sammy Eubanks: Here are your winners...DAAAAAAAAARKNEEEEEEEESS AND THE ACIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIID MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!!!

Spike rolls out of the ring and he and Thorne make their way up the ramp, throwing the odd backward glance in the direction of their victorious opponents. Darkness and Misfit mount the turnbuckles and signal to their cheering fans.

Cain: I think the TCW tag division just received a wake-up call!


<center></center>

Backstage, the camera pans from a wall to where Dante stands, title belts slung over his shoulders. The crowd cheers and, a moment later, the shadowy figure of Darkness steps into view standing opposite the World Champion.

"You heard what I said, Darkness..."

"You don't command me, Jason," Darkness grunts, but the albino holds up a hand to silence his stable-mate.

"No, I don't. So I'm asking you as a friend - no one in the New Hellfire Club is to get involved this time. I'm not having another main event turn into a damn brawl. This time, you stay out of the ring, understand?"

Darkness seems to consider the request before finally tilting his head in assent. Dante replies with just a nod, stepping out of shot. The camera moves around to Darkness's face, showing the warrior's steel-grey eyes follow Dante's progress down the corridor.

"Don't worry, Jason," he murmurs softly, "No one in the New Hellfire Club will lay a hand on a member of Infinity..."

The camera cuts to the arena and pans across the crowd and to the ring, where Sammy Eubanks stands with the microphone raised to his lips.

Sammy: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is tonight's main-event, and it is a triple-threat match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, the special guest referee...

The drum beats of "Battle of One" start as white lights strobe to the beat. The guitar riff starts, and blue strobes join the white lights. As the singer screams, Matt Strikmore makes his way through the entrance way.

Sammy: He is the TCW Transcontinental Champion and the holder of the Majestic Cup....MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATT STRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEMOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!!

Wearing long brown tights with blue details, Matt rolls his neck before heading down the ramp. There's very little fanfare, just the occasional slapping of a fans hand without looking away from the ring. Sliding under the bottom rope, Matt quickly jumps back up to his feet before lightly jogging in place while shaking out his arms.

Tex: Strikmore is a popular member of the roster and has built up a truly impressive series of victories, culminating in winning the Transcontinental title just last week. The question is though, does he have the experience to officiate such a high-profile match?

Banter: No.

Cain: It'll certainly be a challenge for the young rookie, but he's risen to all of the others so far. I'm confident this will be no different.

The arena lights cut out. As the opening notes of "Kerosene" play, a few red lights illuminate the arena. On the Twistedtron, black-and-white images of rural squalor flash -- boarded-up storefronts, rusted cars on garbage-littered front lawns, old bums in stained shirts on their porches drinking malt liquor from bags, bloated dead animals on the side of the road.

<i>"I was born in this town, lived here my whole life.
Probably come to die in this town, lived here my whole life.
Never anything to do in this town, lived here my whole life.
Never anything to do in this town, lived here my whole life.
Probably learn to die in this town, lived here my whole life." </i>

The images continue, becoming a series of shots of one run-down house with peeling paint in the middle of a vast, empty expanse. Shots of the inside show piles of disintegrating old magazines, cigarette-burned carpet, an ancient TV with a cracked screen and piles of moldy dishes in a disgusting, roach-infested kitchen.

<i>"Probably come to die in this town, lived here my whole life.
There's kerosene around, something to do.
There's kerosene around, she's something to do.
There's kerosene around, she's something to do.
There's kerosene around, find something to do
There's kerosene around, she's something to do.
Kerosene around, SET ME ON FIRE!" </i>

Sammy Eubanks: And, the first competitor, on the way to the ring...from Anderson, Indiana...weighing in at 280 lbs....DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly the black-and-white image of the old house is obliterated by a burst of flame that becomes a wall of fire. In front of the entrance, pillars of flame shoot up from the ground. A large man, head draped in a ragged black cloth, emerges between the pillars of fire, grunting and snorting smoke.

<i>"Set me on fire, kerosene.
Set me on fire, kerosene.
SET ME ON FIRE, KEROSENE.
SET ME ON FIRE, KEROSENE.
SET ME ON FIRE!"</i>

Tex: This is going to be one hell of a main event, folks. The smart money always favours the World Champion in any sport you care to name, but in this situation, with these opponents, you have to wonder if Dante might not be the underdog.

Banter: Of course he is - this is TI we're talking about!

Cain: Drakus is the man on the ramp, Banter. He's remained a formidable force since his debut, and his problems with Dante are well documented.

Climbing into the ring, Drakus removes the cloth from his head, streches both arms and unleashes a primal scream of rage.

Tex: We have to wonder, of course, what sort of effect the presence of the guest referee will have on Drakus. These two have become two of TCW's hottest rivals over the past few months, and let's not forget that Strikmore's first and only official loss came when Drakus, also as a guest referee, disqualified him.

Cain: I think every man in this match has a reason to want to rip apart the others - and that includes our official.

Strikmore, wearing the black and white stripes of a TCW referee, takes a long look at Drakus who stands silently in one corner, massaging the white athletic tape on his wrists.

The drums of P. Diddy's 'Come With Me' kick in as the arena goes dark. A weathered sign along a graveled country road appears on the screen with the words 'Welcome to Bedlam' carved into it.

The guitars kick in, we move to quick shots between riffs. The shots alternate between footage of TI in the ring and black and white art film clips. The clips are disturbing, somewhat incoherent. They only make sense to the one who filmed them.

Sammy: And his opponents...first, from St. Louis, Missouri...weighing in at 267 lbs...he is the TCW Bleeder Champion and a member of Infinity....THE TIIIIIIIIIIIITAAAAAAAAAAANIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUM IIIIIIIIINSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<i>"Hear my cry, hear my call
Lend me your ears, see my fall" </i>

The stage opens. Strobe lights flash as Titanium Insomniac rises from beneath, his Bleeder Championship belt gleaming around his waist.

<i>"Know I'm lacking, backtracking
Where I met you, pistol-packing" </i>

The clips continue to roll: TI puts an opponent through a table, a woman screams in melodramatic terror, TI smashes someone's head with a chair, a centipede crawls over a man's lifeless face...

<i>"Tell me lies, Time flies
Close your eyes, come with me" </i>

TI lingers at the top of the stage for a moment, surveying the crowd as the orchestra crescendoes. He finally starts toward the ring, a cocky swagger about him. He knows he is dangerous because he doesn't care. If he were to die tonight, it wouldn't matter.

He climbs through the ropes and smirks at his opponent as red and blue police lights flash above the ring.

<i>"Not many would bear the pressure,
You comprehend me,
You musn't end me,
You offend me, it's trauma,
Feel the drama, come with me." </i>

TI removes his trenchcoat as the lights come up. He removes the belt from his waist and studies it for a moment before handing it over. He looks across the ring and smiles a sadistic smile. It's time for bedlam once again.

Tex: And there's no love lost between the Insomniac and Strikmore either - we all remember the match in the Majestic Cup tournament where an alleged sound error led to TI being literally buried alive at the TC champion's hands.

Cain: Which led to his match with Darkness at Stranglehold - a loss that you've got to believe still irks the Sleepless One.

<i>"I AM THE GOD OF ALL HELL'S FIRE!" </i>

Flames leap up to form a burning pentagram that grows longer and as they die down slightly, two figures emerge through the floor of the entrance ramp, As the two figures have risen from the floor. Dante can be seen standing on one knee before Selenia. 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 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 three begin to walk to the ring, the flames part as they leave the area marked by the pentagram.

<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 finally....accompanied to the ring by Selenia...from the City of Dis in the 6th circle of hell... weighing in at 242 lbs...he is the 411fed and ECF Unified World's Champion and a member of the New Hellfire Club...

<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>

Sammy Eubanks: This...is...JASON DAAAAAAAAANTE!

<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>

The light come back on as Dante and Selenia all enter the ring. Dante stands in the middle of what will soon become a battlefield with his beloved Selenia by side.

<i>I'm not your spit shine.
I'm not your spit shine.
I'm not your little whore.
Must I constantly remind you I am not the bitch to bind you not your masterpiece fuck your reward! </i>

As the song fades out and the lights come on Dante takes off his coat and hands it to the ring attendant and gives Selenia one last kiss before the match before she departs down the ramp.

Tex: It looks like Dante doesn't want Selenia at ring-side - that fits with what he told Darkness backstage.

The bell rings and the three men square up to one another to start off, unsure of how to begin. Dante looks from Drakus to TI and moves to offer a lock-up to Drakus, but suddenly a familiar piece of music interrupts him...

<i> Motherfuckers -
say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined
That same dude you gave nothin, I made somethin doin
what I do through and through and
I give you the news - with a twist it's just his ghetto point-of-view
The renegade; you been afraid
I penetrate pop culture, bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they
pop toasters and they live with their moms got drop roasters from botched robberies niggas crouched overmommies knocked up cause she wasn't wached over knocked down by some clown when child support knocked no he's not around tnow how that sound to ya, jot it down
I bring it through the ghetto without ridin 'round
hidin down duckin strays from frustrated youths stuck in they ways
Just read a magazine that fucked up my day
How you rate music that thugs to nothin relate to it i help them see their weight through it not you cant step in my pants cant walk in my shoes bet everything your worth you lose your tie and your shirt</i>

Tex: What the hell is this?

Banter: TI wanted to bring some friends along, obviously!

Cain: I wonder if Darkness is going to hold to his promise now?

From the entrance ramp, the remaining five members of Infinity swagger out. Highone throws a crotch-chop at the crowd and, as a unit, they generally disrespect the fans and play up to the negative reaction.

Tex: Highone and Hardy were unlucky in their match earlier tonight, but they seem pretty unaffected by it now.

Banter: That cos they have bigger fish to fry now - one of their members is about to kick the World Champion's ass!

Infinity take up stations around the ring, eyeing Dante with smirks and Drakus with a little more care. Strikmore frowns at them, but they stay outside the ring and he can do nothing but level a warning finger at them.

Cain: Strikmore ought to order them to the back.

Tex: It's debatable whether it's in his power to do so - as long as they stay out of the match, he can't say or do anything about Infinity.

Cain: Well, either way, it looks like TI's allies have set themselves up as unofficial lumberjacks in this match...

Banter: Good, I love lumberjack matches.

Tex: Because they're inherently unfair?

Banter: Yup.

Dante is distracted by the sudden appearance of his enemies, and Drakus and TI both floor him with punches. They start beating on him, laying in stomps and TI drops an elbow to Dante's skull. TI takes a step back and gestures towards Drakus, graciously allowing him to deal with Dante. Quickly, the big man hefts him up and nails a powerslam. Drakus seems to consider pinning the champion, but then moves off and gestures for TI to continue.

Cain: It looks to me like the Insomniac and Drakus have come to some sort of agreement here in order to get rid of Dante.

Banter: How could a refined, intelligent man like TI ally with a stupid oaf like Drakus? His standards must be slipping.

Tex: Well he allied with Infinity - it's only a short step from stupid frat-boy to stupid oaf, I always thought.

Banter: Those two are world's away, you...hey! Infinity aren't stupid frat-boys!

TI begins his own assault, dropping a leg across Dante's throat and then executes a fisherman's suplex. Again, he doesn't maintain the bridge for a pin, but releases Dante.

Cain: Neither man is trying for a pin; it looks like these two are going to try and neutralise Dante before fighting it out themselves. A sound strategy, if a little unfortunate for Dante.

Drakus stomps Dante down as TI slides towards the ropes and crouches down. Drakus picks Dante up into a standing fireman's carry, but the albino recovers his wits and reverses into a crucifix pin!

One...


And TI breaks it up.

Tex: They're watching each other's backs, but I wonder how long an alliance between TI and Drakus can last? The two of them have had their problems in the past.

TI lifts Dante up, but gets a right hand to the gut. Dante starts fighting back, pressing TI against the ropes with forearms and elbows. He tries an Irish whip, but Drakus attacks from behind and tips Dante over the ropes.

Banter: And out he goes!

Cain: Dante is at an immense disadvantage in this match - not only is he contending with his opponents, who are intent on double-teaming him, but he also has to deal with Infinity outside the ring.

Immediatley, TI starts distracting Strikmore, pulling him to one side and pointing at Drakus. Outside the ring, Highone backs up as DeSean lifts Dante to his feet. The albino shoulders out of the young star's grip, but Highone charges and swings Dante around with a tornado DDT on the floor.

Tex: Matt Stikmore needs to get a handle on this. You might think he'd be more friend than foe to Dante against this pair, but he's allowing himself to be distracted.

Strikmore turns to see what's going on, but Drakus and TI have locked up. Drakus overpowers the Infinity member and kicks TI in the gut. He follows up with a big belly-to-belly and tries a pin, which Strikmore is forced to count and therefore ignore Infinity's actions...

One...



Two...


No, TI kicks out.

Outside the ring, Dante clambers to his feet and looks from side-to-side to see the wolves of Infinity stalking him. Strikmore once again tries to get involved with Infinity's unofficial lumberjacking, but TI trips Drakus and pulls him into a dragon sleeper, forcing him to once again concentrate on the in-ring action.

Banter: Strikmore is a great referee, he's totally dedicated to what's happening in this match.

Cain: The three-way rules certainly favour Infinity's despicable actions; Strikmore has to pay attentions to any holds or pins in order to do his job and, while TI and Drakus keep the action thick and fast like this, he's not going to be able to stop this outside the ring.

Dante climbs up to the apron, but Shadow intercepts him and drags him back to the floor. For a moment the two former tag partners face off, before Dante unhesitatingly slaps the taste out of Shadow's mouth. The former tag champion seems stunned, but doesn't have much time to react as Hardy comes from behind with a Flashback.

Tex: Oooh! Dante took that attack hard. This is blatant interference, but it's all going on behind Strikmore's back!

Drakus fights out of the dragon sleeper and pulls TI into an Argentine backbreaker, but the Bleeder Champion slides out and grabs a full-nelson. He lifts Drakus up and slams him down into the Teardrop!

Cain: This could be over right here!

Banter: Hooray!

TI covers...

One...

And, outside the ring, Dante staggers upright and sees what's going on...

Two...

Dodging Highone's grip, he dives into the ring...

Thre...and breaks up the pin!

Tex: Dante made the save! He came out of nowhere!

TI hammers Dante down with clubbing blows to the back and drops him with a vertical suplex. Drakus is still down, and TI tries another cover on him...


One...



Two...


Drakus kicks out!

Cain: He's had enough time to recover from the devastating Teardrop, but this match has gone from a seven-on-one mugging to something a lot more competitive!

As TI stands, Dante pulls him into a front-facelock and nails a DDT. Drakus advances on him, but Dante spears him down and pounds on him with rights and lefts. TI is up and drags Dante off, lifting him up into a back suplex. He tries a pin, but Drakus gets involved straight away.

Tex: This fragile partnership may be about to go out the window...

The two men face off, their alliance hanging in the balance, and Drakus has no compunction about breaking whatever word he may have given. He floors TI with a brutal clothesline.

Cain: I think the deal is off!

Suddenly, Dante pulls Drakus into a roll-up...

One...



Two...


No! Kick out!

Drakus is on his feet, furious, and charges Dante, who back drops him over the top rope.

Tex: And now this might be interesting...

Infinity watch Drakus land on the floor, seemingly unsure about how to proceed. He climbs to his feet and smirks at them, lifting his arms as if goading them to attack. Hardy approaches and, with a roar, Drakus barrels into him, turning him inside-out with a spear.

Banter: Whoa! That's not cool!

Cain: Drakus is no friend to Infinity - clearly he has no compunction about taking the fight to them!

In the ring, Dante zeroes in on TI, snapping on the Black Vice as he tries to get to his feet. TI grits his teeth, refusing to cry out, but catches sight of Drakus who is now climbing back into the ring. TI edges Dante towards Drakus, but Dante second-guesses the Sleepless One and releases the hold as Drakus dives towards them. Drakus smashes into TI with a shoulder-block, but then heads right for Dante. The champion swings at him, but Drakus anticipates and reverses, hooking the arm and lifting Dante onto his shoulders almost effortlessly.

Tex: Torture Rack! Drakus has Dante up in the Torture Rack!

TI waits and watches from the corner as Dante struggles in the Torture Rack, but Drakus is too close to the ropes, and Dante grabs hold of them and pulls himself off his opponent's shoulders to land on the apron. He holds the back of Drakus's head and drops to the floor, bouncing the tattooed man off the ropes.

Cain: Dante shows his experience with that reversal, but he may have made a mistake there...

Dante is now on the floor though, putting him back in Infnity's sights. Hammer moves in now, pounding one clenched fist into his other hand. In the ring, TI stands and signals for The Cure. Drakus staggers up and walks right into it.

Banter: Yes!

Tex: This is going to be all over! Dante needs to get back into this match!

TI pulls Drakus into the middle of the ring, and goes down to one knee, cinching in the hold as tight as he can. Drakus refuses to tap though. Hammer closes on Dante, but the champion is ready for him, and repels him with a hard knife-edge chop. Dante presses his advantage, pummelling at the Hammer with chops and elbows. His eyes flash red in anger, but he's been suckered into an ambush. From nowhere, Highone flies at him with a steel chair, dropping him to the floor. Strikmore, forced to concentrate on the possibility of Drakus tapping out, doesn't even see the attack.

Banter: Come on! Tap, you big bald idiot!

Tex: Dante is down outside the ring, surely TI is about to steal this one!

Infinity take advantage, stomping Dante down. Highone comes in with another chair shot, and another, and another. Dante refuses to lay down though and actually staggers to his feet to meet the assault. Highone grins and takes another swing, but this time Dante dodges and floors the RoXoR with a right hand.

Cain: Somehow, someway, Dante is fighting back - if Drakus can hold out for long enough, this match may still be on!

Drakus looks like he's passing out in the ring, but he refuses to tap. Dante is fighting a losing battle with Infnity on the outside as DeSean produces a Singapore cane and smashes Dante over the head with it. Dante is busted open, and falls to his knees in a pool of blood.

Tex: Goddamnit! This is disgusting!

Banter: What I want to know, is that if the NHFC are so great, why aren't they helping Dante?

Cain: You heard the words Dante and Darkness had before the match - the NHFC promised that this wouldn't turn into another brawl!

Drakus starts to fight back, elbowing his way out of the Sweet Irony. TI staggers back and Drakus, sweating and exhausted, pulls him up into an inverted-fireman's carry. He tries for the Psycho Driver, but TI manages to spin out of it and land on his feet.

Tex: Amazing reversal!

Strikmore finally looks outside the ring and sees the state of Dante as Infinity all distance themselves and make a fairly poor attempt to look innocent. As the referee is distracted, TI drops to his knees and hits a low blow on Drakus. He lifts him up and hits The Cure out of nowhere! Strikmore turns as TI covers...

One...



Two...



Three!!!

Tex: TI stole this one thanks to Infinity! What a travesty!

Cain: And Dante is lying in his own blood at ringside...

Strikmore looks around and starts berating Infinity. Highone ignores him and stomps Dante again, before Shadow and Hardy roll him into the ring. Drakus stands up, looking furious, but the withering look he gives Dante shows clearly who he blames for his defeat. Ignoring Infinity he swings himself out of the ring and promptly leaves.

Banter: Smart guy - Strikmore should follow his example...

The special referee doesn't seem to have the same idea. He squares up to Highone and TI as Hammer mounts Dante and lays in right hands. Strikmore looks angry, and tries to push past Infinity, but he is pressed back to the ropes. The crowd boo as TI sits on the ropes and gestures him out of the ring. Strikmore considers the odds and, his mouth twisting in a mix of emotions, he steps out onto the apron and down to the floor.

Tex: There's nothing Strikmore can do, not against eight men. I can't fault him for not wanting to be involved, even though it has to make a man like him sick to his stomach to see this kind of thing happening.

Strikmore leaves, looking back over his shoulder at the man he's left to the wolves and shaking his head. As he steps through the curtain, however, several figures shoulder past him and the crowd erupts.

Banter: What?!

Tex: It's the New Hellfire Club! Darkness, Misfit and Acolyte! And Selenia is with them!

Selenia makes to run to the ring, but one of Darkness's powerful hands encircles her arm and stops her progress.

Cain: Darkness promised their faction wouldn't get involved tonight, but surely he has to save his friend?!

In the ring, Hammer, Highone, Hardy, Shadow, and DeSean move to the ropes in order to goad the NHFC into another fight.

Tex: These brawl have become a fixture of shows as of late, and none of them have been conclusive - is this where we're about to see a change?

Banter: I doubt it. The NHFC are still outnumbered and Dante is bleeding to death...

In the ring, TI, unconcerned with enemies on the ramp walks over to Dante. He smiles down at the broken Champion and reaches down for his blood-soaked hair, but something in his peripheral vision makes him turn...

Tex: Who's that?!

Someone is on the apron, suddenly leaping into the air and flying off the top rope in a perfect asai moonsault, before catching TI in a headlock and spinning him round to land in a tornado DDT.

Cain: The Full Moon DDT! Who else could it be?!

Freya bounds to her feet while Infinity are still stunned from her surprise attack and rolls Dante out of the ring. Supporting him with one arm, she quickly grabs his title belts - throwing a quick glance at the Bleeder Title that sits to one side - and helps him back up the ramp. Darkness releases Selenia and she runs over to help Freya, the two women supporting the beaten champion up the ramp.

Banter: Oh come on...

Tex: It looks like Darkness was able to keep his promise and help Dante too! But what does this mean?

With Selenia's help, Dante is taken up to the stage and through the curtain. Darkness, Misfit, and Acolyte stand on the ramp and Freya gives them an appraising glance before folding her arms and joining them, standing beside the towering figure of Acolyte.

Cain: It looks to me like the NHFC have a new member!

Banter: What? Why? Can't they just give up already?!

Tex: I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon, but you have to wonder what this might mean for the fledgling partnership of Freya and DeadZone - we heard Freya earlier tonight telling the NHFC that she had a commitment to him...

Highone shakes his head and gestures for a microphone.

Highone grabs the mic and starts to talk but when no sound comes out he throws it down and demands a working one. A stagehand hands him one and he taps on it twice, he then starts to speak.

Highone: We are Infinity!

The crowd boos at the mention of the stable's name

Highone: We are the best damn stable in the history of this business!

The crowd boos again which causes Highone to stop and listen while there's trash being thrown in the ring.

Highone: Who's standing tall in the ring right now? And even after tonight we'll stand tall! Because! tonight we have a special surprise for you all! Roll the tape!

At the snap of his fingers the lights go off and a picture shows up on screen:

A spider, and the word Arachnophobia.

A lake, and the words Aquaphobia.

Three foreigners, and the word Xenophobia.

Infinity standing over their opponents and posing, and the word Aperiophobia.

Tex: Now what the hell is all this???

As the crowd boos Infinity loudly, the camera suddenly cuts backstage. Selinia and Dante walk into view, the beautiful, raven-haired woman supporting her lover as, bruised and bloodied, he looks for respite. In a shadowy corner the two find a bench and Selenia eases Dante down.

"Do you need anything?" she asks, her voice carrying a faint hint of her Italian heritage.

"Just...just some water..."

She nods. "I saw a vending machine around the corner. I'll be back in a minute."

The woman walks out of shot and Dante bows his head, pausing only to wipe the blood from his eyes. His shoulders have from exhaustion and beads of sweat trickle down his pale skin. Suddenly, his head rises, as if noticing something. Behind him, in the shadows of the corridor, a figure looms.

"I've been waiting for this..."

"What?"

Dante turns around, but he's a split second too late as, from the darkness, the hulking figure of Drakus steps into the light. The injured champion takes a swing, but Drakus has evidently recovered from his loss and easily catches his fist before heaving Dante up onto his shoulders.

"You ruined my life four years ago, Jason Dante," Drakus begins to say, holding the albino tightly as he struggles in the Torture Rack again, "I lost everything. You broke me and, when I came back, I made sure to break your friend Darkness too. But so far you've managed to survive everything I can throw at you; you've avoided me or beaten me at every turn. You broke me, but so far I've never managed to..."

Drakus roars as he propels Dante down off his back with immense velocity, driving him neck-first into the concrete with a devastating Psycho Driver.

*KRAKT!!!!*

"...BREAK YOU!"

Dante slumps to the floor, blood pooling again. The camera focuses in on Drakus's dark eyes as he looks down at Dante with a cold expression.

"Broken..." he whispers.

The camera pans down to Dante who lies motionless on the concrete except for his right hand which is twitching rhythmically in a worrying fashion. His neck is twisted at a terrifying angle and his pale eyes, the spark of red now dwindling, are open wide as if in terror.

"...and done."