Fresh!burst8th October 2006
Introduction
FEATURING: DAVE KERN, JEFF MARX
AUTHOR: PIERRE HYDE
The screen goes to black then fizzles to life suddenly, the letters “AWC” flashing across in a brilliant white light. A moment of silence dominates, then, backed by “Way Away” by Yellowcard, images of AWC’s superstars appear, one after the other. The guitar plays softly first, then goes straight into a strong, powerful riff.
I think I’m breaking out
I’m gonna leave you now
There’s nothing for me here
It’s all the same
A pulsating white light continually lights up the screen, as shots of many AWC wrestlers in action are shown: Chainz, Johnny Lexicon, Frontier champion Darcy Crisis.
And even though I know
That everything might go
Go downhill from here
I’m not afraid
A quick collection of highlights from Coast To Coast 2006 flash across the screen as the song moves into its chorus. Pierce Lavelle speeding after Garbage Bag Johnny’s Segway; Josh Marquez’s giant Full House from the highest point of the boat; Mike Wade hitting David Harber with the TFW.
Way away, away from here I’ll be
Away, away, away, so you can see
How it feels to be alone and not believe
Feels to be alone and not believe
Anything
Dave Kern: Welcome to Fresh!burst! And after the debacle of last week’s last-minute timeslot change – we were bumped to make way for an impromptu feature-length special edition of Clarissa Explains It All, if you hadn’t worked it out –
Jeff Marx: Hence our abysmal 1.9 on the Snows…
Dave Kern: We’re now here to bring you a last little dose of action before Untouchable rocks the world five days from now.
Jeff Marx: The main event’s leaving me cold though, Dave. An all-female pay-per-view main event! Who’d’ve thought it?
Dave Kern: Jeff, you can feign ignorance as long as you like, but most of us have now established that Darcy Crisis is in fact male.
Jeff Marx: Regardless, Crisis and Aimz, without the belt or really anything at all on the line…
Dave Kern: Almost a decade of blood, sweat and tears? Isn’t that enough on the line for you, Jeff? The eagle-eyed amongst you, folks, will have seen an excellent write-up on the history of the relationship between Darcy Crisis and Aimz appear on the internet this week. The author didn’t leave his or her name but rumours persist that the Frontier champion himself wrote the fantastic backstory! It’s good to see some literary endeavour amongst our roster –
Jeff Marx: Yeah, we need to get some ghostwriters on the autobios.
Dave Kern: Untouchable of course features some other big matches. We’ve got the Alliance titles being defended by the Martins against The Coalition; we’ve got Gabriel Afeaki, recently conspicuous by his absence from events, scheduled to put his Relentless belt on the line against Teresa Tomas…
Jeff Marx: The belt’s on the line? Are you sure?
Dave Kern: Yes, I have it right here…
Jeff Marx: But why would Harber do that? – he made the match, after all.
Dave Kern: Well it had to go through Commissioner Wade, so I guess Mike wanted to spice it up.
Jeff Marx: Alternatively… maybe Harber’s less than happy at Afeaki not showing up to Fresh! the past few weeks… and the belt on the line is…
Dave Kern: A punishment of sorts?
Jeff Marx: Hmm actually… no. He knows the chances of GA falling to Teresa Tomas are less than one in a million, so it doesn’t really affect Afeaki either way.
Dave Kern: Now let’s not forget the Transatlantic title match! Garbage Bag Johnny defends against Paddy O’Shea for the first time, in a match that was booked back at Coast To Coast!
Jeff Marx: It’s also got pretty ridiculous stips…
Dave Kern: But I like them, Jeff, since it means we’re guaranteed to see these two go a full half-hour!
Jeff Marx: A half-hour of “courage” and “innovation” from O’Shea and Garbage Bag – i.e. pussyfooting and fluke – doesn’t exactly equate to an epic wrestling match.
Dave Kern: Then of course there is the Livewire title match. AgentDash won the right to enter that match on Fresh! this past week; tonight’s main event features four wrestlers looking to do the same: B.O.T., Johnny Lexicon, Teresa Tomas and Machaiveli St. Romani. I’d like to see Teresa win…
Jeff Marx: Just to screw up the schedule by having her double up.
Dave Kern: …but I feel the momentum’s with Lexicon here.
Jeff Marx: Can’t argue with that. St. Romani looks pretty badass, but his heart’s not in it. And B.O.T…. pfff!
Dave Kern: (hotly) B.O.T. has a lot of talent!
Jeff Marx: In the same way that Pleasure And Pain do… right?
Dave Kern: Speaking of, we’ll see Wayne Russell take on Jack Murphy tonight.
Jeff Marx: Walkover.
Dave sighs.
Dave Kern: Enjoy the show…
Murrr!
FEATURING: BLUE RUIN, ???
AUTHORS: MIKE BARCLAY AND PIERRE HYDE
With Blue Ruin waiting in the ring, all is set for the first match of the night. Then, a set of flaming dice rolls across the screen, one landing on “5” and the other on “2” for a lucky seven. Then, a phrase fades onto the screen over the dice.
“Do you feel lucky??”
Cut the lights.
Cue: “Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold.
"He who makes a beast out of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man!"
Dave Kern: WHAT?! This is Andy Murray’s music!
Jeff Marx: Isn’t he busy on the LTA tour?
Smoke begins to pour out of the entry way, and down the ramp as the screen changes to a deck of cards, and the word “Dice” flashes in neon “Vegas” like lights.
Dave Kern: Dice? Some kind of new gimmick for the former Frontier champion?
Jeff Marx: Doesn’t he know Scotsmen aren’t welcome here in the land of paella and hairy women?
Cue strobe lights.
“Caught here in a fiery blaze, won't lose my will to stay.”
And someone appears…
Jeff Marx: That isn’t Andy Murray!
Tyson DeBough appears at the top of the entrance, much to the appeal of all the females in the arena, who look just about ready to take off their clothes for the former model.
“I tried to drive all through the night, the heat stroke ridden weather, the barren empty sights. No oasis here to see, the sand is singing deathless words to me.”
Dave Kern: This is newcomer Tyson DeBough; he’s scheduled to debut in a few short moments against Blue Ruin, who’s waiting in the ring.
Jeff Marx: Is there a reason why he’s stolen Murray’s music?
DeBough reaches in his pocket, pulling out his trademark golden dice, and shakes them in his hand, as he walks down towards the ring. When he gets there, he tosses the dice into the ring, and slides inside after them checking to see what they’ve landed on.
“Can't you help me as I'm startin' to burn (all alone). Too many doses and I'm starting to get an attraction.”
He picks them up, and shows them around to the crowd, as the words “Lucky Seven” flash on the screen.
Cut the music.
Jeff Marx: (in his best Kip Dynamite voice) Well this is a ripoff.
DeBough gets tossed a mic.
Tyson DeBough: Heh, you fuckhead. Seems like it's your lucky day.
He smirks, rolling the dice in his hands still.
Tyson DeBough: See, I landed a "7" like always, which means that your ass is safe.
Ruin cocks his head in disapproval as DeBough struts around him in the ring.
Tyson DeBough: I'm not a rookie. I don't fight on the low card. Hell, I don't even fight on the mid card.
He smiles.
Tyson DeBough: I save my effort for the main event.
DeBough lays down.
Tyson DeBough: So go ahead.
He turns his head towards Ruin.
Tyson DeBough: Pin me.
Ruin hesitates.
Dave Kern: What is this? It’s ridiculous!
Tyson DeBough: Oh c'mon, just pin me you fucktard. It's not rocket science. Or have you forgotten how to win a match?
Blue Ruin again hesitates… and then makes a move. To kick DeBough in his beautiful little face.
Tyson DeBough vs Blue Ruin
STIPULATION: SINGLES
REFEREE: MICHAEL RYAN
SUMMARISER: JARRETT
After DeBough scrambled to his feet in anger, business picked up rather quickly. After an awkward stare down between the competitors (staredown because Ruin decided it would be a good time to catch a seat in the center of the ring) Tyson would find himself in a Boston crab early. He'd struggle a bit, and eventually pull free, and lay into Ruin with a series of right hands. Once in the turnbuckle, Tyson would nail a nice stinger splash to let Blue know he was serious. Unfortunately, it would be his last real stand.
Blue would quickly regain control, and force DeBough to the mat several more times, via clotheslines. A sort of rhythm is built by Ruin, as he finds himself punching, whipping, and then nailing Tyson with something horrendous on his rebound. Tyson's brain would tell him to attempt to counter, and stop this mass attack on his ass sponsored by Spicoli, but his genitals would soon disagree after being kicked back up into his pelvis after all those years they took dropping down. It wouldn’t be long before ShockTrendKill connects, and the 1… 2… 3 is counted.
The Midas Touch I
FEATURING: MIDAS T. GOLD, GUARD, JOHNNY LEXICON
AUTHOR: KRIS
A smokey grey Rolls Royce Phantom wheels lazily towards the arena's parkade entrance. Coming to settle languidly across two stalls the engine dies and the drivers side door opens, a black man in a crisp navy blue suit minus a tie. The echoing, hurried, steps of approach cause the black man to hesitate in his steps towards the back of the car.
Guard: Excuse me.
A hawk nosed man of slim proportions holds his radio at the ready.
Guard: You can't park that here!
He warns with a waggling finger.
Yo man I'm just the driver, I do what I'm told. You got hassle man, take it up with the boss.
The driver pulls on the door handle and lets it open wide.
Johnny Lexicon climbs from the back seat of the car, sliding a pair of aviators over his eyes.
Guard: Mister Lexicon.
Johnny smiles.
Guard: You're late, again. For the third week in a row!
The guard emphasizes, his tone of authority and demand of respect quickly vanishing.
Guard: I can't cover for you this time, I could lose my job.
Johnny Lexicon: Have you met my new manager?
Guard: M-Manager?
An uncomfortable ease settles across the man's face as Johnny's own smile grows.
The driver turns back to the conversation, tying a golden tie into place. He looks confused for a brief second, eyes roving between the two of them. His face suddenly splits into an award winning smile and he extends his hand.
Johnny Lexicon: This is…
Johnny fingers the security pass.
Johnny Lexicon: Lucious?
Guard: My parents, er, I'm---
Midas grips his hand firmly.
Johnny Lexicon: Lucy, whatever, meet Midas T. Gold. Why don't you two talk about this fine and catch up with me before my match.
Lucy: Well I---
The events of last week still brewing in his brain, Lucious doesn't stop Johnny from walking away.
Midas T. Gold: Listen I think you're doing a great job keeping things safe around here.
Gold's voice floats as silkily as his arm across Lucious' shoulders.
Lucy: Oh yeah?
Midas T. Gold: Yeah, I mean I wasn't even out my seat before you was on me. That's observational skills right there. You work out?
Midas gives his shoulders a squeeze.
Lucy: Well ya know, hah.
Lucious blushes.
Lucy: This can be a hazardous work place. But don't try and change the subject, I have orders.
Midas T. Gold: Right right, orders. Come walk with me.
Midas pats the man's back firmly and they walk towards the entrance doors.
Bound Together
FEATURING: DAVID HARBER, PIERCE LAVELLE, JUGGERNAUT KINTU
AUTHOR: PIERRE HYDE
It’s really quite quiet in The Empire’s skybox. With Dr. Kasidy Drake absent dealing business elsewhere, it’s becoming harder and harder for “Heartless” David Harber to hide that Gabriel Afeaki has gone AWOL, and with Pierce Lavelle embroiled in moral dilemmas and LeVar Kintu remaining a terrifying but unknown and possibly erratic quantity, Harber has lost, whether temporarily or otherwise, his most potent weapon. The Relentless champion has struck genuine fear right through AWC ever since before his existence was even confirmed; now with the Fijian Animal absent from shows, Harber is relying on the fearsome futurism of the Drakewerx guards’ contingent to maintain an aura of untouchability around his Empire.
Pierce Lavelle sits in the chair opposite, silent and stone-faced. If Harber should be able to identify with anyone right now, it’s Lavelle; the three-time Transatlantic champion took the same route as Harber in turning against the fans who had lauded him so gratefully for so long. But the Legend remains a mask of secrecy; the conflicting emotions abounding inside Lavelle’s head seemingly only come out to play when Sarah Kennedy forces them to. Kennedy is crucial, Harber sees that now, but without Afeaki and Drake, his focus is currently on holding his position rather than attempting a further advance and leaving his Empire vulnerable at the rear.
LeVar Kintu doesn’t talk either, but what he will do is eat; currently demolishing a thick thigh of beef, the Serum-enhanced monster goes about ignoring his surroundings as only he can do so effectively.
So silence reigns, and for the first time in months, Harber feels… awkward.
He also feels cold; a little shiver, and he turns to close the window. Before he can do so, however, a small slip of paper floats in on the wind, fluttering gently to the floor. Harber bends wearily to screw it into his palm, but writing inscribed on it catches his eye and he looks closer.
He wishes he hadn’t.
”Rachel’s a pretty girl, isn’t she?”
Harber turns straight to Pierce Lavelle.
David Harber: Pierce, I’ve tried to avoid this for your sake, but this is the final straw.
Pierce Lavelle: What’s that?
David Harber: This…
Harber scrunches the paper tight in his palm.
David Harber: This is Chainz.
Pierce Lavelle: Being crushed to a pulp, huh?
Harber grimaces.
David Harber: Watch and learn, then. Since you’re gonna have to do the same at Untouchable.
“Heartless” David Harber dispatches the paper into the bin across the room as Lavelle’s mouth falls open.
Pierce Lavelle: But I thought we said…
David Harber: We did. But now I’ve changed my mind. It’s time to cut to the chase…
We end showing the uncertainty on Lavelle’s face before moving to a new scene.
Wayne Russell vs Jack Murphy
STIPULATION: SINGLES
REFEREE: MICHAEL RYAN
AUTHOR: DAVE LARKIN
The two competitors came to the ring, both of them appearing to be quite confident. As soon as referee Michael Ryan rang the bell, Murphy gained an early advantage with some textbook technical wrestling. Murphy had Russell where he wanted him and began to wear him down with a series of power moves. Murphy went for the cover, but a two count was all that came from it. Murphy built even more momentum and almost made Russell submit with an armbar, but Russell reached the ropes before tapping out.
The momentum switch came shortly afterwards, with Russell reversing an attempted body slam into a dragon sleeper hold. Russell delivered a DDT to Murphy, knocking him down to the mat. Russell went to work with efficiency on the arms and legs of Murphy, hoping to disable his arsenal of power moves. Russell whipped Murphy off the ropes, looking for a snapmare takedown, but Murphy read his intentions and lashed out at his opponent with a shoulder tackle reminiscent of an NFL match. Murphy made the cover in desperation on Russell, but he couldn’t quite reach the three count due to the time taken for time to make the cover after the shoulder tackle.
With both men exhausted from the fast pace of the match, one of the competitors had to stand up and be counted in order to gain the victory. Murphy scored some nice vertical suplexes and delivered the vicious Firebrand ’77 to Russell. Murphy made the cover with the chants of the fans behind him, but Russell’s resilience prevailed once again, as he kicked out. Murphy, now in disbelief, attempted his finishing move Fall From Grace. Russell reversed the move to the surprise of the fans and rolled Murphy up into a small package. The fans held their breath for a moment, but the pin only yielded a two count.
The match began to take its toll on both men now. Russell and Murphy squared up and exchanged fists until Murphy managed to gain a slender advantage and whip Russell into the ropes. Russell charged back at Murphy at almost beheaded him with a flying clothesline. Murphy went down in a heap, and Russell made the cover. Referee Michael Ryan’s hand was about to go down for the three count, but Russell failed to hook the leg and Murphy kicked out. For several moments, it looked as if Murphy would punish Russell for his mistake, but Russell managed to maintain his composure and discipline to weaken Murphy further.
In the closing stages of this fast-paced match-up, Russell and Murphy exchanged holds with great execution. Murphy managed to execute a belly-to-belly suplex to Russell, which winded one half of Pleasure and Pain. Russell recovered quickly, but while going for a clothesline on Murphy, the veteran locked Russell up for his finishing move, the Fall From Grace. Murphy made the cover and got the win with a resounding three count. The fans applauded the efforts of both men for the splendid contest they had just witnessed.
King Prawns And Triangles
FEATURING: ELLIS NASH, MIKE WADE, JOSH MARQUEZ, B.O.T., BLUE RUIN
AUTHOR: PIERRE HYDE
“Wadey, I want in on Triangles this year.”
Backstage in Sevilla, they’re seated around a giant paella – not just Ellis Nash and Mike Wade, but about half the AWC roster. However, in true TV show style, the rest of the roster is just moving its lips and murmuring, so that we can focus on the ‘important’ conversation taking place before us.
Ellis Nash: I mean, last year I was the ‘mystery competitor’ and all, woo, great! – but it turned out kinda sucky. And this year I want to win.
Mike Wade: Well I don’t know Ellis…
Ellis Nash: What don’t you know?
Mike Wade: Whether this is chicken or rabbit in this paella.
Ellis Nash: Rabbit?! Eww!
Wade chews thoughtfully.
Mike Wade: Oh, you were saying?
Ellis Nash: Yeah, like, put me in Triangles. Please.
“What’s a Triangles?”
Oh. Now Josh Marquez’s voice has mysteriously faded up to audible volume, as he walks over and plunges a gigantic ladle into the rice dish before him.
Ellis Nash: It’s kind of a big deal, Marquez… bigger than you, anyway…
She lets her eyes float bitchily to Marquez’s crotch area and makes a face.
Ellis Nash: Much bigger.
Mike Wade: Josh, it’s basically a big crazy gimmick match. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Josh Marquez: But I’m the king of big crazy gimmick matches! Did you not see Coast To Coast?
Ellis Nash: Yeah, he saw me Decreeing your ass.
Josh Marquez: Whatever Ellis. It’s The Full House off the climbing wall that they’re replaying over and over. How many Decrees are there on YouTube? Two?
And though Ellis is loath to admit it, Marquez is right. In one big spot, he owned the Jewel Of The Seas.
Josh Marquez: So Wade, looks like I want in too. What’s on the line?
Ellis Nash: (spitefully) More than you’ll ever deserve.
Wade takes a big bite out of a chicken thigh and turns to Marquez.
Mike Wade: It’s not been confirmed yet. Last year there were three prizes: the Transatlantic title; the Grand Slam Package; and the Mystery Briefcase.
Josh Marquez: What was in the Mystery Briefcase?
Mike Wade: Er… a bomb.
Silence.
Ellis Nash: Cat got your tongue, Joshy?
Josh Marquez: I, er…
Ellis Nash: Worried this match is a little too risky for you?
Josh Marquez: No way. Sign me up!
Marquez claps Wade on the back.
Mike Wade: Well, it doesn’t quite work like that… you’ll need to pre-qualify.
Josh Marquez: How do I do that?
Mike Wade: Hold on…
Wade leaps out of his seat, having spotted an altercation across the room. Assessing the situation, he dives into the paella as the easiest and quickest way through, breaking out the front crawl to work through the saffron-coloured rice. He leaps out of the other side of the biggest pan on earth to step between B.O.T. and Blue Ruin, who appear to have been arguing over a particularly tasty prawn.
Mike Wade: That’s enough, you two!
B.O.T. stares at Wade. Because he’s covered in rice.
Mike Wade: None of this shit here. If you’ve got an issue, settle it in the ring for God’s sake!
B.O.T.: I thought you told me I couldn’t have a match at Untouchable.
Wade looks around in despair, thinking fast.
Mike Wade: RIGHT! Got it! Ellis! Josh! Get over here!
With a weary sigh, Ellis dives into the paella and swims across. Marquez shakes his head, and works his way round through the crowd.
Mike Wade: Right everyone. Ellis and Josh want in on Triangles. And you two want this… shrimp.
Blue Ruin: Actually, it’s a king prawn.
Mike Wade: Same difference. You’ve got five days to keep this under wraps, gentlemen… and ladies…
He quails under Nash’s steely eye.
Mike Wade: …before Untouchable, where you will face off in a Duo Tag match! Ellis and Blue Ruin versus Marquez and B.O.T.! And the winning team get a Triangles entry slot, AND THE PRAWN!
Blue Ruin: King prawn.
Mike Wade: Right.
Josh Marquez: So… if me and… that guy (Marquez waves a vague hand at B.O.T.) win… I get into Triangles… and he gets a prawn?
Blue Ruin: KING PRAWN!!!
Mike Wade: Yeah. Sound fair?
Josh Marquez: Damn straight. See you at Untouchable, Ellis.
The Inevitable Return Of...
FEATURING: ???
AUTHOR: ???
A videotape begins to roll. Bold, white text on a black background…
TEN MONTHS IS A LONG TIME IN THE ATLANTIC WRESTLING CLUB
The acoustic opening refrains of Clutch’s “Ghost” being to play in the background as the text fades out, only to be replaced.
PEOPLE HAVE COME, PEOPLE HAVE GONE
A few highlights of Anton Assault, Vince Jones, and more significantly, Sasha Volkyeva are shown.
CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS HAVE CHANGED HANDS
We see Ellis Nash holding the Frontier championship high after defeating Mike Wade back in March, followed by Garbage Bag Johnny pinning Pierce Lavelle in the wreckage of the trailer at Coast To Coast.
NEW POWERS HAVE RISEN
A group shot of the Empire – LeVar Kintu, Gabriel Afeaki, Dr. Kasidy Drake, Pierce Lavelle, and last but not least, “Heartless” David Harber.
AWC HAS ASSEMBLED A GROUP OF SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED PERFORMERS IN THE BUSINESS
As the song picks up the pace, we see quickfire shots of Teresa Tomas, Darcy Crisis, Johnny Lexicon and Chainz in action.
BUT FOR THE PAST TEN MONTHS, SOMETHING HAS BEEN MISSING…
There is no footage or image this time, only a smooth transition between the text.
SOMEONE HAS BEEN MISSING…
Old footage rolls of a wrestler stood on the second turnbuckle, a title belt raised high above his head. The footage is purposefully blurred, so we cannot make out who this wrestler is.
SOMEONE WITH THE ABILITY TO TAKE ON THE VERY BEST… AND WIN
The same blurred competitor is shown getting a slow-motion three-count on a hapless opponent.
SOMEONE WITH THE ABILITY TO WIN OVER A CROWD IN AN INSTANT
Again the blurred wrestler is shown, this time walking down the entrance ramp, shaking hands with a couple of fans, soaking up their adoration.
WE HOPE YOU HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN…
The music stops, the text fades out. A couple of footsteps can be heard close by, before coming to a halt. For a few moments there is nothing, before suddenly, for a second at the most, a light flashes across the face of a smirking man. His jet-black hair, his blue eyes, his smirk, all are instantly recognisable to the bulk of the audience…
ANDY MURRAY RETURNS
UNTOUCHABLE
OCTOBER 13th
Dash / Savion vs Delta Upsilon Iota
STIPULATION: DUO TAG
REFEREE: SELENA SUMNER
AUTHOR: KRIS
The college boys Delta Upsilon Iota take to the ring first to a round of cheers, a round a touch more affectionate than the welcome given to Bryce Savion and AgentDash. Hank Cobb started things off against Savion with a solid power competition. The two traded blow after blow until Hank maneuvered Bryce into the corner and made the tag. Cobb stuck around into the ring to help Korver execute a stunning double suplex. The Agent raided the ring and inadvertently pulled the ref’s attention away while Hank held Bryce on the turnbuckle while Colby got a running start. Savion looked to be in trouble until he dodged a running clothesline and made the tag to Dash.
The Agent clears house to the disapproval of the fans, Hank Cobb taking to the ring only to be put down by a diving fore-arm from Savion. The ref eventually gets control of the match in order to count a quick near fall for Dash on Colby. AgentDash presses his advantage for awhile but misses on a flying body splash and ends up outside the ring. Hank attacks AgentDash on the outside while Savion storms the ring after Colby. Chaos reins until Savion baseball slides out of the ring and knocks Hank into the guard railing.
The ref reasserts his control on the match while Dash sets Colby up for a diving elbow drop from the middle rope. Dash makes a tag to Savion who catches Colby just before he tags Hank. Savion works on Colby for awhile, Dash helping by holding Colby upright in the corner for a series of chops. Bryce looks ready to finish things off when Colby manages to escape a vertical release suplex and land on his feet. He makes a quick tag and slams a hard right into Savion's jaw in the same swift motion. Hank takes Bryce down with a clothesline, following through and knocking Dash off the apron with a back elbow.
Colby hits a huge frog splash while the ref is looking at AgentDash, rolling out of the ring with both arms around his midsection. Hank attacks Savion with a few boots before setting up and hitting a Swinging Sidewalk Slam, Southern Justice. AgentDash breaks the count, but as Savion sits up, he grabs AgentDash and appears to yell into his face that he can take care of himself. With no time for any crap, Dash tosses his partner over the top rope where he clatters into a rising Colby Korver on the outside. The two go down in a heap and Dash turns to slam the Agent Kick into Cobb’s shoulder. Star Struck inevitably follows and AgentDash takes the one-two-three.
The Midas Touch II
FEATURING: MIDAS T. GOLD, JOHNNY LEXICON
AUTHOR: KRIS
The camera finds Johnny Lexicon's locker room door open as a proud black man with a gold tie approaches it quickly, Lucious in tow, and raps his knuckles against the frame.
Midas T. Gold: Getting close to that time boss, how you feelin?
Johnny Lexicon: My shoulder's a little tight.
The angle follows Midas into the room, Johnny's sitting on a bench with a towel across his lap. His arms already taped from his finger tips to above his elbows; an orange Pierce Lavelle t-shirt hugging his broad shoulders and powerful chest. Midas rubs a dab of oil between his hand before grabbing Johnny's right shoulder firmly and working his thumbs in deep.
Johnny Lexicon: You take care of that fine for me?
Midas T. Gold: Of course, I put him on the payroll.
Johnny twists his head to look at Midas with an incredulous expression of doubt.
Johnny Lexicon: What? Why did you do that?
Midas T. Gold: Personal security force.
Midas replies as though it should be obvious.
Midas T. Gold: I've got him watching the car.
Johnny Lexicon: The kid weighs a buck fifty dripping wet, who's he gonna protect?
Midas T. Gold: Titan. It's cheaper than a kennel and when the dog gets big enough, he can protect Lucy.
Midas shrugs and moves onto Johnny's left shoulder.
Johnny Lexicon: Whatever you say, Midas, you're the Manageraccountantdriver.
Midas T. Gold: Believe that. You need a hair cut bro.
Johnny Lexicon: Fuck yourself.
Johnny tugs at the laces on his boots.
Midas T. Gold: Suit yourself Samson, long as you winnin’ matches. You ready?
Johnny Lexicon: For what?
Johnny stands up.
Midas T. Gold: For what, for the match!
Johnny Lexicon: I'm standing aren't I?
Midas T. Gold: That's a good tone. I like that tone Mister Lexicon. Just watch that Bot mother, he's a big boy.
Johnny chuckles and heads out into the hallway.
Midas T. Gold: And Tomas, she can be sly.
Johnny Lexicon: Hey Midas.
Midas T. Gold: Yeah?
Johnny Lexicon: Remember when we agreed to let me worry about the wrestling?
Midas T. Gold: Information is the key success my man, knowledge is power man. Knowledge is power.
The camera stops following and lets them walk away down the hall.
Midas T. Gold: Don't even worry about that Saint Mac guy.
Johnny Lexicon: Wasn't planning on it.
Johnny just shakes his head.
Lexicon vs B.O.T. vs St. Romani vs Tomas
STIPULATION: FOUR WAY ELIMINATION - #1 CONTENDERSHIP TO LIVEWIRE TITLE
REFEREE: RICHIE TRAVIS
AUTHOR: PIERRE HYDE
At the beginning of the match Teresa Tomas and Johnny Lexicon seemed to gravitate towards each other; Lexicon, regarded by many as the next breakout star in AWC, was clearly pursuing the best-reputed wrestler in this match for a reason; to prove to Commissioner Wade that he could hang with the action higher up the card. Tomas, however, quickly shunted Lexicon back to earth as she used a well-thought-out speed-based move set to bemuse the 267-pounder. The highlight was a hanging dropkick in which she flicked her leg back against her jump to catch an advancing Lexicon in the back of the head.
Meanwhile, B.O.T. and Machaiveli St. Romani were going at it. Despite being a big man (approaching Martin-size in weight), B.O.T. showed some impressive MMA and technical skills, while St. Romani’s brand of Cuban-inspired fighting was, while innovative, ineffective. A big surprise was to come when St. Romani downed B.O.T. with a chopping elbow and then stormed straight through the ropes and out of the ring. Everyone watched in surprise as Machaiveli stormed up the ramp and through the curtain; referee Richie Travis duly counted him out.
B.O.T. was then left to impose himself on the proceedings between Lexicon and The Top Rope Temptress, who just happened to be perched up on the turnbuckle at the time. Distracted by St. Romani’s premature exit, Tomas had stalled too long and allowed Lexicon to start getting to his feet, but no matter. The Bishop of Bottitude took Johnny on his back and slammed him down in a Samoan Drop, then backed away with the intention of allowing Tomas to finish off the 29-year-old. But – swerve! – swivel into the Squirrel and B.O.T. was down on the mat, shortly finding himself locked into the Southern Comfort. There was no escape and despite having acquitted himself admirably, B.O.T. was out of the running.
That left Lexicon to again go after Tomas, and her initially effective offense was now wearing thin. Lexicon had grown wise to her tactics and was now not letting her get close, holding the new cover star at arm’s length while he threw right hands into the side of her head. It wasn’t pretty, booed legions of female fans, but it sure was effective, and when Lexicon suddenly nipped in close for a release belly-to-belly, Tomas had no counter. The pinfall only yielded a two-count, however.
The next exchange saw Tomas begin to assert herself a little more again, but only a side kick coming off the ropes could have any lasting effect. Managing a two count after that kick winded Lexicon badly, Tomas attempted to follow up with a leg drop but Lexicon moved out of the way. Standing and tucking Teresa in close, it was then a formality for Lexicon to execute his impressive finisher, Pattern Perfect. As ever, there was no escape. The three-count gave Lexicon his Livewire title opportunity at Untouchable.