<center><img src="http://www.twistedexperience.com/tcw/pics/posters/havocitaly/highonehammer.png">


#1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title
"There Must be a Winner"
"One man beat the world champion at Retribution, the other is the longest reigning Trancontinetal champion and fought the World champion to a draw in the weeks leading up to Retribution. Both are members of Infinity. These two men must now face off for the first time ever to determine which of these gets another match with Jason Dante at Stranglehold, this time with the gold on the line. Will the golden opportunity disrupt the Infinity team work or is their group strong enough to survive two of their members leaving nothing in the locker room and bringing everything to the ring? When the smoke clears who will challenge for the gold? Who will still be with Infinity? It has been dicated that there MUST be a winner in this match eliminating any Infinity plot to get a 3 way title match booked."</center>

Two muscular arms protruded from each side of a semi-crumpled linen sheet, each meathook stretching out towards the posh hotel suite's skylight. Highone sat up in bed and let out a hearty yawn, his pearly incsiors visible to the world. The young superstar turned sideways, put his feet down on the marble flooring, and started towards the bathroom is what was more of a stumble than walk. The great bear had been awoken after a seasonal slumber, but now Highone's hibernation was over and it was time to face the day.

A quick shower further refreshed the IC/TC Champion. He scrubbed extra hard to wash off the funk built up during his layoff. Highone hadn't wrestled since defeating DeadZone and retaining his championship at Retribution. Spain seemed so far away, though only one show had passed since then. Certainly it had been Highone's pleasure to assist in Freya's timely defeat at the hands of Titanium Insomniac, but calling a completely unbiased match doesn't keep one as sharp as competition in the Twisted Championship arena.

Highone dried himself off with a thick cotton towel and threw on the old standards; slightly baggy Polo jeans, a white T-Shirt, and a pair of tennis shoes. He wasn't expecting any physical confrontations today or else he might have thrown on some steel-toe boots. As fate would have it, his return to the ring was against his Infinity comrade Mutaaz "The Hammer" Tareef. Even better was the fact it was under the flag of a "Number One Contenders'" match. Regardless of outcome, someone from Infinity was going to be taking on Jason Dante for the World Championship in the very near future.

The RoXoR grabbed his room key and started towards the door. Things seemed to be working out better than Highone could have ever hoped for with the formation of Infinity. The group had driven each other individually, and as a collective, to achieve various levels of greatness. It was only fitting they would be competing with each other for the major championships. So why wasn't he smiling on the elevator ride down to the Principa de Piemonte's lobby?

As grateful as he was to have a shot at top contendership, it bothered Highone to know Infinity's bond was potentially being compromised. He had few doubts in Tareef's character, knowing Hammer to be a generally respectful individual when treated in such a way. He had few doubts in himself, putting the group before any individual accomplishment in terms of priority. But still, the risk was always there. Every gambler knows the only safe bet is that there is NO safe bet. One word taken out of context or one well-placed left hook and the foundation could crumble to pieces. And who was to blame for it? Some might say Hammer and Highone were at fault for being so damn good. Others would point the finger at the one person; the valkyrie with the va-vavoom, Valerie Stern. Only she had the ultimate say so when it came to fed matters. She was responsible for booking the match when she could have easily let each man have their own solo shot at the Albino champ. Highone did not walk around the jungle barefoot or capture crash survivors, but he was definitely one of the "others" in this instance.

He stepped into the waiting cab and grumbled his destination to the driver...

Highone: Il Palavela...

The small taxi whipped thru the cobblestone streets of San Torino and quickly made its way to the stadium. Highone gave the driver a nice tip for the quick trip, then started towards the arena's front doors. He walked in and quickly found the employees' entrance. A few questions later, the IC/TC Champ was standing in front of the commissioner's makeshift office. He raised his hand to knock, then lowered it and nodded in disgust. She had shown Infinity little respect. Such would be returned to her.

Highone twisted the knob and opened the door, not knowing what to expect. Stern was on her cell phone, mumbling some business figures, but nodded in his direction acknowledging his presence. It was hard to get a read on her reaction to him barging in. She never skipped a beat of the conversation, a true professional at heart.

Stern: ...I know Vince, this UFC stuff is killing our quarterlies...too bad you only employ entertainers, not fighters like TCW....speaking of which, I need to go....yes....yes...we'll catch up in the Hamptons...I'll talk to you later...

*click*

Highone: Look, we need to t-...

Stern: Before you make any demands, why don't you explain why you didn't have the courtesy to knock?

Highone: Not in the mood t-...

Stern: Next time, knock...or I'll have you escorted from the building.

Highone: Do you think I'm scared? Do you understand what Infinity represents to this company?

Stern: I understand you are employees of TCW. You don't make us. You won't break us.

Highone: Well then we have something in common, because TCW might have made us...but you sure as well won't break us, and that's why I'm here. Me against Hammer?

Stern: What, don't feel you're up to the match? After all, he did beat Dante. I seem to recall a draw the last time you two faced each other.

Highone: I've beaten him before!!!

Stern: I'm talking about LAST time. Maybe it's time to look at the present and stop living in the past.

Highone: So I should go beat the hell out of my ally?

Stern: Or have the hell beaten out of you by him. It's your choice. Or you can opt to not show up to the show...but trust me, you won't sniff that World Title again as far as I'm concerned if that's the case.

Highone: Look, I understand why the federation is interested in seeing Hammer and myself mix it up. It's not as if we aren't deserving of a legitimate shot at Dante's belt. I'm not one to back down from a fight, so trust me, I'll have my handband ready to rock come Havoc!

Stern: That's the spirit.

Highone: So you've got your match. Infinity is above petty infighting anyways. But I have a request...

Stern: No, David Hardy cannot be special guest ref.

Highone: Oooh, I hadn't thought of that! But you said no? Fine. I was more interested in your opinion on the corporate package we sent you.

Stern: Ah yes, that...

Highone: Your thoughts?

Stern: Very well put together. S-Mart must have some top notch lawyers.

Highone: Shadow is evil. Lawyers are evil. Makes sense, right?

Stern: True. As far as the presentation and concept, it's intriguing. I've never heard of anything like it in 411Fed, ECF, or TCW history. As my friend Eric tells me, "Controversy creates cash..." Tell your people that the light is yellowish-green. Have them finalize the details, and assuming it looks square, it's a "go".

A huge smile creeps across Highone's face.

Highone: That's VERY good news. I'll make sure to let everyone know.

Stern: You really plan on revealing some new member?

Highone: Not just SOME new member. This is a landmark event. This will be a landmark announcement.

Stern: Well it's a moot point until I can give final approval. But you have other things you need to worry about....

Highone: Like?

Stern: Hammer.

Highone: I'm not worried about Mutaaz.

Stern: Funny you say that. He didn't seem too worried either when I spoke with him earlier.

Highone: He was here?

Stern: He still is as far as I know. I'm sure you can find him if you look around the backstage area.

Highone: That's interesting. He texted me this morning saying he was going to check out some old Moorish ruins around the city. Maybe I should just go find him and ask what's UP with that!?!

Stern: Maybe you should...

Valerie's urging put Highone over the edge. He appeared to be agitated, which the commish was more than happy to see. The better the fight between Highone and Hammer, the higher the buyrate for Havoc. Stern was all about what was good for business. If stirring up the pot between two stablemates added a little fuel to the fire they burned off inside the ring, so be it. She smiled as the martial artist huffed-and-puffed out of her office.

Ten feet down the hallway, Highone flipped out his mobile communication device and punched in some letters. It looked as though he was relaying Commissioner Stern's answer about the package Infinity had sent her. Next stop was finding Hammer. It didn't take long, as the backstage area was relatively empty. Plus, with the Ghetto Grass kids around, Highone could sniff out the THC from a mile away.

Again, showing little tolerance for customary entrances, Highone slammed open the dressing room door and confronted Hammer. The door banged against the wall and alerted a nearby camera crew to a potential fracas in the making. Within seconds they were filming for future promotional video packages. Mutaaz's expression was one of extreme shock! He certainly never would have expected his partner in Infinity to bust through the door in such a fashion!

Highone: There you are!

Hammer: Where else would I be?

Highone: I don't know...site-seeing perhaps like you told me you'd be?

Hammer: Oh, well we decided to check out the arena first. Never wrestled here before...

Highone: Ah, trying to scope things out? Gain an advantage in our match?

Hammer: No. Why would I anyways? I beat Dante already. Seems like I should be the number one contender as is...

Highone: I see how it is. Then let's do this match the RIGHT way. After Havoc, we'll still be friends. This is all business. Nothing personal.

Hammer: If that's what you want, so be it.

Highone: Then mark my words, I'm bringing it RoXoR-style!!!!

Hammer: I don't even know what that means.

Highone: You will...you will...

With that, Highone left the room. The film crew focused in on him as he walked off. He felt the camera's gaze and kicked a trashcan, sending it tumbling into a nearby wall. The wrestling gossip websites would have a field day with a clash between two members of Infinity. The TCW editing crew would no doubt slap together footage to hype to confrontation between the two federation veterans. As far as Highone was concerned, that was just fine. In fact, he wouldn't have it any other way...Infinity wouldn't either.

Every wrestling promotion has a podcast these days, why should TCW be any different? The TCW announce team hosts a podcast every week and discuss current events in TCW and talk about upcoming matches. Let's see what they're talking about this week...

IC: Hello everybody, and welcome to TCW's Weekly Podcast Episode 19! I'm Isaiah Caine alongside Tex Tantrum & Banter Shark, and we're counting the days until the next episode of TCW Havoc, taking place in San Torino, Italy!

Tex: That's right Isaiah, and one of the matches garnering a lot of attention this week is the match to determine the number one contender for the TCW World Championship. It pits members of Infinity against each other, as TCW Transcontinental Champion Highone takes on Mutaaz "The Hammer" Tareef.

Banter: You know guys, this isn't really fair. Highone & Hammer are the best of friends, and now they're forced to wrestle each other?

Tex: I like it! Great decision by our commissioner Valerie Stern.

IC: Well, our champion has not been able to beat either of these men recently, so it's only fair that one of them should get a title shot.

Banter: I won't argue with you, Caine...but why can't he just take on both of them?

Tex: Because that wouldn't be fair to the champion, Banter!

Banter: Who cares? Jason Dante can take on anybody, right? Surely he can handle two members of the toughest faction in wrestling, right Tex?

Tex: I won't say that he can't, but our commissioner has decided that only one will take him on.

IC: And while they might have been friends, rumor has it that this match has already caused dissention in the ranks. You've probably seen the clip of the locker room confrontation between Hammer & Highone posted on TCW.com already, and it should be noted that none of the members of Infinity have commented on this matter.

Banter: Well why should they? They have their own matches to worry about this week...TI taking on Dante, Shadow taking on Freya, and the Technician's been dealing with a nasty breakup. They're busy men!

Tex: Seems to me like your favorite group might be falling apart.

Banter: You wish! Infinity is stronger than ever!

IC: Well, we're not settling anything here. Let's talk about the match pitting the WWF Champion against Mr. Acceptable...

-----

As Highone alluded to in their locker room confrontation, Mutaaz Tareef had planned on visiting some Moorish ruins in the area. The Moors were an Islamic tribe that controlled most of Spain and Western Africa from about 711 C.E. to 1492 C.E. Not the Moops, as George Costanza once claimed. Hammer and his spiritual advisor look over an old Moorish building...

"Pretty amazing, isn't it?"

Muhammad Jabbar turns towards his pupil.

Jabbar: What's that?

Hammer: This stuff was here thousands of years ago. It's still here. These days we gotta build new stadiums and arenas every 50 years or so because they always fall apart, or people need new ones, or whatever. How come we can't build stuff like this that will still be around in a thousand years?

Jabbar: Well, we probably could...but then we couldn't make more money by building new stuff.

Hammer: Of course. *sighs* It's too bad the kids don't appreciate things like this.

Jabbar: Yes, but at least they're taking the time to gas up the X-Press.

Hammer abruptly changes the subject, which is something he tends to do often.

Hammer: You know, it's kind of weird. Back in the old days I used to get all hyped up for big matches. I'd be nervous days in advance...even when I knew I was going to win, I'd still prepare like a madman.

Jabbar: Now?

Hammer: Now...I realize that there are more important things in life. Jabbar, I've accomplished pretty much everything I've set out to do in wrestling. I held every title there was in ECF that meant a damn, except one. It used to bother me that no matter what I did, I couldn't quite get over the hump. I couldn't quite get myself to that World title level.

Hammer takes a swig from his water bottle, then gets back on his rant...

Hammer: I've realized that I don't need a title to be a legend. Whether people like it or don't like it, I've accomplished a lot in wrestling. People don't like the way I do things...they don't like my style. But you know what? It doesn't matter. The cream rises to the top. People don't want to recognize my greatness, but my record speaks for itself. In this profession, I am among the very best. Anybody who wants to deny that is a fool.

Hammer takes another drink and looks back towards the building. Jabbar remains quiet, awaiting Hammer's next statement.

Hammer: But the thing that bothers me a little as I look at these ruins and see structures still existant today from long ago...will the things I've done really mean anything in a thousand years?

Jabbar: I've often wondered that myself, Mutaaz.

Hammer: I guess all we can really do is try to make the things we do important. Because one thing's for sure...if something's pointless now, it'll be really pointless thousands of years from now.

Jabbar: This is true.

Jabbar rolls out the carpet and he & Hammer kneel down and pray towards Mecca. I guess only Allah really knows the answer to these questions...

-----

The Ghetto Grass kids sit in a parking lot near the entrance of the area where the ruins are located. This area doesn't get a lot of traffic so they're pretty bored.

Ghetto Fire: I would complain about how bored I am...

Alexxx: But?

Ghetto Fire: Remember what happened the last time I complained about being bored?

Alexxx thinks for a minute, then remembers the confrontation they had with Drakus.

Alexxx: Oh yeah.

Ghetto Fire: Just you wait, Highone will be here any minute now to beat us up.

Alexxx: I dunno, Highone isn't some superhuman monster dude. We might have a shot against him.

Ghetto Fire: Maybe, if Stoner & Yasmin ever come out here.

Alexxx: What are they doing in there?

Ghetto Fire blankly stares at Alexxx.

Alexxx: Oh yeah...ewww. I wish Davey was here.

Ghetto Fire: I wish...hey, how come I'm the only member of this faction that doesn't get laid?

Alexxx: Because our authors are too lazy to give you love interests?

Ghetto Fire: Huh?

Alexxx: Never mind.

Alexxx makes a fair point though...I have a tough enough time figuring out ways to interject Alba into a storyline once every few months.

Ghetto Fire: You know what I could really go for?

Alexxx: Yeah, but we're fresh out. Stoner used it all up last night after watching Half Baked for the 34th billionth time.

Ghetto Fire: Good movie.

Alexxx: Yeah, but I sure could use a smoke.

The Ghetto Grass kids notice a red Lamborghini pull up a couple spaces next to the X-Press. Getting out of the car is none other than...

Alexxx: Highone?

Ghetto Fire: Wow, I never thought I'd be glad to see you, but we sure could use some weed.

Highone: Weed, eh? Well...I do have some on me. I'd be willing to trade for a couple cans of spraypaint.

Both: Spray paint?

Highone: Yeah. Looks like your bus could use a little bit of a paint job, doesn't it?

Ghetto Fire: I'll agree with you there.

Alexxx: Yeah, I miss the old green color scheme.

Highone: Well pretty lady, you're just in luck! Green is exactly what I was thinking of...

-----

About an hour later, Hammer & Jabbar return to the parking lot, having finished their visit to the ruins and their prayers. They are immediately charged by a horde of media people, some speaking Italian and some speaking English...

Reporter: What do you think about what happened to your bus?

Hammer: What are you talking about?

Hammer & Jabbar walk out a little bit further to see the new paintjob that the Praise Allah X-Press has received...though judging from the big name on the side maybe it should be called the "Praise Highone X-Press" now.

Hammer: HIGHONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

You can expect pictures all over tomorrow's San Torino newspapers of the vandalized Praise Allah X-Press. People will talk about how Infinity is bursting apart at the seams, about how Hammer & Highone can no longer co-exist, and about how they will surely destroy each other at Havoc.

And hopefully they'll buy some tickets to see it.

While they do that, Hammer will plot his revenge...

The streets of San Torino were full of life, typical of a Sunday. It was early afternoon and morning mass at the local churches had already let out. Well-groomed children skipped from sidewalk to sidewalk, their flowery-hat wearing mothers calling out what sounded like warnings in Italian. Highone turned a corner, heading towards a local farmers' market his hotel concierege had mentioned was nearby. Moments in the streets of a town were far more appealing to the IC/TC champion than standard site-seeing. It was in the smells and sounds of a city that one could get a true feel for the culture.

Then again, it was not to say he hadn't visited in any tourist attractions since arriving in Italy. He had seen some very interesting Moorish ruins....well, at least the parking lot outside them. Highone had sworn to bring a RoXoR'z fury and he had delivered. The spraypainting of the Muslim Mystery Machine was a necessary evil. And, knowing the possibility for more hijinks, the Ghetto Grass kids would be wise to avoid any blunts with funny-smelling tips. Apparently the entire group knew their place since Highone hadn't seen hide nor hair of them since the impromptu artwork.

A handful of meters ahead, the TCW champion saw the start of the market. Carts lined each side of the street offering fresh vegetables, local craftsmanship, and the occasional cut of lamb or fish. Highone eyed a shop with olives the size of Fabrege' eggs as he passed by. They were not the only regional fanfare on display. Highone stopped in front of a fruit stand. Behind the stacks of produce stood a beautiful Italian woman, her hair the color of raven's feathers, her eyes the color of the Mediterranean Sea. She smiled with lips the color of chianti. A less inviting look was given by the old man sitting to her right, a gruff fellow that was no doubt her father based on his like-colored eyes. Howerver, Highone wasn't inclined to think about them in such a poetic fashion as comparison to nature's beauty.

Highone: Nice melons...

In broken English, the girl replied...

Girl: We...do not sell melons.

Highone: Uh, er...I meant nice oranges. Do you mind if I squeeze them for freshness?

Girl: They are definitely ripe....trust me. But my father is very particular about anyone handling the fruits of his labor. He has a strict policy that a man must complete the sale before such a thing can be done.

"I thought bananas would be more up your alley...since they're YELLOW!"

The voice was all-too familiar. It was one Highone had heard many times since the formation of Infinity. He turned around and greeted Hammer properly.

Highone: Hello Brotha Hammer. I was wondering if I'd see you again before Havoc.

Hammer: You were the one defacing the X-Press while I was getting in touch with my spirtualism. I, on the other hand, am not afraid to confront you face to face.

Girl: Is everything o-...

Highone: Oh, so you think I'm afraid to come at you head on? Is that what you think Mutaaz "Hammer" Tareef? Because if it is Mutaaz, then you may be surprised. You see, Hammer...TCW Superstar...member of Infinity...I'm not afraid of anyone!

Hammer: Is that right?

Highone: Yes it is, Mutaaz...M-U-T-A-A-Z...

Hammer: ..."Hammer" Tareef. That's with a "T" as in "transcontinental".

At that instant, Highone side-kicked the fruit cart and sent a week's harvest flying into the hair. He quickly exited stage left and started running full speed. The IC/TC Champ didn't know where he was going. He just knew he had to get away from Hammer before something bad happened in public view.

Hammer: I, Mutaaz "Hammer" Tareef, must give chase and kick Highone's ass!

The Muslim Megastar took off after his Infinity stablemate. The two men made their way through the shoppers as best as they could. Neither was a small man, nor did either look like your average San Torinian. Highone pushed his way past a group, finally realizing he was leaving a clear path for Hammer to follow. He slowed to a walk and cut left, into an alleyway, shortly thereafter. His only hope was that Tareef would keep looking on the street and lose track of him in the confusion.

Back at the fruit stand, the lovely young girl was trying to explain the situation to a security guard while her father was busy shouting cursewords and turning as red as one of his apples.

Girl: One was a white man with a green headband...he had brown hair....Highone...the other was a black man whose name was Mutaaz "Hammer" Tareef. That's M-U-T-A....

As she was explaining the situation, two more security guards showed up with a slumped-over Highone in tow. A crimson substance, appearing to be blood, dripped from the side of his mouth. The two guards explained they had found the man unconcious in an alleyway. One of them pulled something out from his back pocket...

...a black turban...

----

A beam of sunlight broke through a set of curtains hanging in a bay-window and began to creep up in sync with the rising sun. It made its way up the foot of the king-sized bed in the room and eventually to a familiar scruffy face. Next to Highone, curled up at his hip, was a young girl with black hair. Her eyelids were shut, lost in slumber, but if they were open they would have revealed a pair of lightly colored emeralds. The inaugural TCW Beatdown Coverboy sat up and stretched. The events of the day before had been traumatic. He was lucky to be alive and NOT in jail. Fortunately for him, he'd been able to work out an arrangement with the co-owner of the fruit stand that had been agreeable.

He crawled out of the bed and lumbered towards the open laptop sitting on the hotel room desk. Highone flicked it on. After it joined him in waking up, he clicked on Firefox and went to his federation email. As expected, he received a notification from someone in TCW's P.R. department urging him to check out the usual wrestling-based newsites. The tone of the message was that of being freaked-out, but Highone couldn't help but smile. He went back to his homepage and searched "Highone Hammer San Torino". Links began to flash on the screen leading him to a handful of websites on which each reporting the same news. The smile on his face broadened. Highone clicked on the first one that came up...

Even More TCW News: Hammer/Highone rumble in Italy, New TCW Magazine
Posted by Ashish on 10.24.06

Some more Tuesday news! Havoc living up to its name...and the show hasn't even started yet!

- It appears as though TCW will be releasing its first regular publication. The term "TCW Beatdown" was recently copyrighted, leading to speculation this will be the name of the magazine. No word on what to expect inside.

- Rumor has it that Highone and Hammer had a physical altercation in San Torino. Based on eye-witness reports, Mutaaz Tareef, otherwise known as Hammer, exchanged words with the IC/TC Champion. There was a brief chase on foot and Highone was later found unconcious. He is expected to recover fully and be ready for their match at the PPV.

Credit: WrestlingObserver.com

Stephen LePage stands in front of the camera, waiting for the little light to turn red. He's rather full of himself these days, being the new editor of TCW Beatdown and all. That definitely puts him a step ahead of those idiots Shabbadoo & Justine. Soon enough, he'l probably be one of the main announcers. Tex looks like he could croak any day now, and Banter is always on the verge of getting fired for saying something stupid. Soon enough, he'll be the lead announcer for TCW...but for now he'll just settle for breaking all the top scoops.

The red light goes on...

LePage: Folks, I am right outside the Infinity locker room, where right now they are having a closed-door meeting to discuss a number of issues, most importantly the match scheduled for tonight between Mutaaz Tareef & Highone. This match to determine the #1 contender for the World Title has really...hold on, I think I hear something!

LePage puts his ear to the door, and the camera gets real close...

Voice: SO THAT'S HOW IT'S GONNA BE, HUH? ALL OF YOU ARE AGAINST ME? I SEE HOW IT IS! I'M OUTTA HERE!

We hear something thrown against the wall, and then the door flies open, hitting LePage right in the ear.

LePage: Ow! What the...

LePage looks up to see Mutaaz "The Hammer" Tareef. Hammer, dressed in warmup pants and an Infinity t-shirt, looks none too pleased with the results of this meeting.

LePage: Hammer, what can you tell us about what went on in there?

Hammer: It's a conspiracy, that's all it is! First TCW Management doesn't want me to get a title shot, and now not even my so-called friends want me to get a title shot! It's just like it was the first day I set foot into ECF...everybody fears the Hammer!

LePage: So you're saying that Infinity favors Highone...

Hammer: What I'm saying is that no matter what's in my way, I will one day become the heavyweight champion of the world. It is my destiny, foretold by the great and mighty Allah! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go down to MY locker room, the only place around here where I can find some allies.

Hammer brushes LePage aside and heads towards his locker room while the cameraman secretly follows him. He throws the door open and hears the same kind of bickering between Muhammad Jabbr & Alexxx that he just left behind in the Infinity locker room. The other Ghetto Grass members are nowhere to be seen...most likely they're in the bathroom lighting one up.

Alexxx: You can't tell me what to do!

Jabbar: Woman, I certainly can! And let me tell you something, you are not going to make me and Mutaaz look like a couple of nincompoops! You will not make us look foolish!

Alexxx: It has nothing to do with you!

Hammer: What's going on here?

Jabbar, seeing the camera man behind him, whispers the pertinent information into Mutaaz's ear. Hammer nods his head, looks towards Alexxx, ponders for a few seconds, then replies.

Hammer: I got no problem with it.

Jabbar: WHAT?

Hammer: I got no problem with it. Jabbar, have you even read this magazine before?

Jabbar: No, but I have heard about its filth!

Hammer: Dude, it's not like it's Playboy or something like that. She's not going to be naked...maybe a swimsuit or something, but it's not going to be dirty. It'll be good publicity for us.

Jabbar: A swimsuit is still filth, Mutaaz! Women's bodies are not meant to be shown off like that! I can't believe you don't understand that...then again, you are in with that whore-

Hammer grabs Jabbar by his shoulders and pushes him into the locker just behind him. Hammer stares right into Jabbar's eyes and scowls at him.

Hammer: I already have to fight one friend tonight...DO NOT MAKE ME FIGHT ANOTHER!

Hammer lets go of Jabbar and storms out of the locker room. The hall is quiet now, as the TCW talent is in their locker rooms preparing for their matches tonight and the TCW announcers, referees, road agents, camera men (including the one that followed Hammer, who is rushing there now) and everybody else are having their traditional pre-show meeting in Commissioner Stern's office. He goes to the catering table and grabs a bottle of Gatorade. He looks at the wall, which just happens to have a poster of the cover of the very first issue of TCW Beatdown.

Hammer chuckles to himself. He feels a poke on his right shoulder...Hammer turns around and sees Alexxx, looking like somebody who'd spent the past 10 minutes arguing with an unreasonable old man.

Alexxx: I just wanted to thank you for trying to talk some sense into him.

Hammer: Well...Jabbar is set in his ways. Where he comes from, the women dress in burkas whenever they're in public. Weird to people like us, but to him it's normal.

Alexxx: Well, at least you understand.

Hammer: Just remember that if they ask you about your boss in the interview, ok?

Alexxx laughs and squeezes Hammer's arm before heading back to the locker room. Alexxx knows that Hammer's only agreeing to this because he thinks it'll get him some publicity, but still, she is grateful. She remembered how Hammer was back when he was training her and Ghetto Grass...it's nice to know that somewhere, that version of Hammer still exists.

Hammer watches Alexxx walk off down the hall...after taking a swig of Gatorade he's tapped on the shoulder once again. He turns around and sees tonight's opposition.

Down the hall, a janitor cleans up a mess made when Pyro spilled his drink while cutting a promo for later usage. He hears manical laughter, but thinks nothing of it. Crazy wrestlers.