All-Star Championship Wrestling

Introduction
3,486 fans were in attendance on this cool Sunday night, a slight dip from the previous night but nothing drastic. Considering the din the fans were making, one would have thought more the attendance was double in number. Once the clock hit 7:00pm exactly, the video wall came to life and a special recap video of the previous night's proceedings aired.
Once that was done, the face of ICU appeared on the video wall, with Administrator Kelli Tanner in the background typing away like a busy little bee. ICU thanked the fans for coming out for a second night in a row, and announced that this second episode would be one to remember for many reasons. ICU hinted at a few newcomers making their debuts later on, as well as the continuation of the unofficial tournament for the new United States Champion. ICU also managed a cheap plug for ACW's upcoming pay-per-view that would feature #1 Contender Shawn Jessica Hart going one-on-one against World Champion Alias, before reminding the fans that this season season of SHOWCASE was going to be all about bringing things to the next level. With that, some fancy pyrotechnics went off and the crowd geared up for the opening match of the episode.

Vick Victory vs. Masato Hayajinx vs. Pro-Wrestling Fanatic (Referee: Belinda Decroix)
The opening match of the evening featured Vick Victory going up against two newcomers. The first of whom was Masato Hayajinx, billed as having kicks of death. While Vick and Masato exchanged pleasantries in the ring, the second newcomer came out to Hulk Hogan's old Real American theme music and dressed as an amalgamation of various wrestling figures from the past. He introduced himself as Pro-Wrestling Fanatic, and spoke in the manner most reminiscent of The Rock. Only, PWF was extremely obnoxious.
Suffice to say, Vick and Masato ganged up on PWF to kick off the match, and from there, PWF found the going tough. He was constantly dropped on his head and tossed out of the ring, clearly out of his depth. Masato and Vick exchanged a variety of holds mid-ring, with Vick springboarding off the ropes every opportunity he got. One particular arm-drag from Vick sent Masato flying towards the corner turnbuckle, and the latter's face smacked into the steel ringpost. That allowed Vick to surprise the beleagured Masato with a roll-up pin, but unfortunately got a two-count. PWF got back into the match briefly after ascending to the top of a corner turnbuckle and connecting with a double flying clothesline (that followed a whole minute of PWF gyrating his pelvic area). Unfortunately for PWF, Vick Victory's springboard hurricarana a short while later once again sent him flying out of the ring. This time 'round, PWF's noggin collided with the ringside barricade. Vick Victory turned around, feeling like he had the match in the bag; but Masato struck Vick down with a jumping turning kick to the side of the head! 1-2-3, and Masato Hayajinx picked up the victory.
Winner: Masato Hayajinx

A potential new hire with a decision to make
Backstage, a gentleman by the name of 'The Natural' Nathan Adams was led into ICU's office by Kelli Tanner, who was reportedly doing an excellent job serving as basically a personal assistant to the former ACW World Champion. ICU revealed that to Nathan that the latter's trainer was a close friend of his and that this meeting had been set up so that Adams could ascertain for himself if he wanted to launch his wrestling career in the All-Star Academy.
Nathan Adams responded by saying he'd been one of the many fans watching on with great interest the night before, and had liked what he'd seen on this second episode thus far. However, Nathan expressed concern that he was not considered good enough to start off in ACW directly. ICU quickly shot back by saying that while Nathan Adams was confident of himself, the fact remained that Adams had only turned professional a short while ago. To that effect, ICU handed over a document over to the potential new hire and said that Nathan had two weeks to decide if he wanted to be part of the All-Star Academy or not.
After quickly scanning the document, 'The Natural' Nathan Adams stated that he would indeed require some time to think things over and left after shaking hands with ICU. Once that was done, ICU was updated by Kelli Tanner that a special guest was awaiting to have some alone time with the Chief. ICU appeared confused by the message but told his Administrator that he would indeed make time to meet with the so-called special guest.

Joseph Kole vs. Haley Mulligan (Referee: Kevin Chang)
The second match of the evening featured burgeoning star Haley Mulligan facing off against Joseph Kole, of The Kole Brothers. As both competitors took their place in the middle of the squared circle, Ring Announcer Timothy Vale reminded fans that the winner of this match would progress to the semi-final match of the unofficial tournament for the United States Title. There was a lot at stake here.
Joseph, who was merely a fresh-faced hot-headed rookie way back when he was in ACW in 2003, started off strongly by taking Haley down numerous times with side headlocks. At one point, Haley looked to build some momentum, but Joseph resorted to pulling Haley's hair and yanking her down to the canvas with authority. A short while later, Joseph Kole locked in a sleeper submission hold. Referee Kevin Chang checked on Haley, who was not looking in the best of shapes.
However, the young English lassie rallied back thanks to the fans, eventually getting out of the sleeper submission and planting Joseph with a belly-to-back suplex! Only a two-count was earned on that exchange, but Joseph looked a little rattled. Haley and Joseph continued to pick up their game and started roughing up each other, clearly realising what was at stake. Joseph even found the time to distract the referee in order to gouge Haley in the eyes, following up with springboard elbow smash; Haley kicked out at the death, frustrating Joseph.
It was then that Joseph's temper came into play, as he wasted precious seconds arguing with referee Kevin Chang after a series of sequences saw Joseph counter a roll-up pin attempt by Haley Mulligan into a pin of his own that only earned a two-count. By the time Joseph got back to the matter at hand, Haley had managed to figure out what she had to do to keep the younger Kole brother down. A dropkick to his face sent Joseph staggering backwards into the corner turnbuckle, and upon his return, got caught with a leaping reverse STO! Impressive new move from Haley, which was enough to garner the 1-2-3. Haley Mulligan advanced in the hunt for a new United States Champion, a fact which had Joseph Kole livid after the match -- documented by the tantrum he threw at ringside, much to the amusement of Colour Commentator Eddie Scott Poser.
Winner: Haley Mulligan

Kristinia Kage vs. Andrew Kole (Referee: Kevin Chang)
It was then fitting that the next match featured Joseph's brother, Andrew, taking on Haley Mulligan's new friend in Kristinia Kage! Andrew was the first one out, exchanging a look with the departing Haley before going over to his younger brother and trying to calm him down. Kristinia was out next, and got a hearty round of cheers; that seemed to encourage her greatly considering her involvement at the upcoming ACW pay-per-view. Haley and Kristinia exchanged high-fives prior to the former's departure to the back, while Joey Kole too begrudingly left the ringside area after being told to do so by referee Kevin Chang.
Andrew Kole started the match like a bullet train, signalling his intention to advance to the semi-final of the unofficial tournament for the United States Title... but Kristinia came roaring back with, suitably enough, a roaring elbow after ducking a clothesline attempt. Only a two-count on that one, but Andrew was shaken enough to escape to the outside to catch a breather.
Kage was not going to stand around waiting and joined Andrew on the outside, sparking off a ringside brawl. Once the action returned to the ring, Andrew regained the advantage with a roundhouse kick to the lower spinal area of Kristinia Kage. From there, Andrew went to town, targetting Kage's lower back with a vengeance. Every attempt by Kristinia at a comeback was stifled, until of course Kristinia managed to trap Andrew in a backslide pin for another close two-count. Andrew survived, but immediately found himself trapped again; this time, in a modified crossface submission that saw Kristinia's hands interlocked across the forehead of Andrew.
Thankfully for the fans of the older Kole brother, the ropes were close by and Andrew managed to get a rope-break thanks to his long legs. Kristinia relinquished the hold but continued to beat on Andrew mercilessly, the fans solidly behind her. It was then a bit of a shock when Andrew countered a suplex attempt into a lifting reverse DDT and followed up with a picture-perfect Asai moonsault. Why was it shocking? Because somehow, that was enough to keep Kristinia down long enough for the 1-2-3; Kristinia's kick-out came half a second too late, and Andrew Kole secured somewhat of an upset win.
After the match, Kristinia looked somewhat dejected but the fans continued to cheer her on. Andrew Kole, meanwhile, celebrated like there was no tomorrow... and now, he would join Haley Mulligan in advancing to the semi-finals of the unofficial tournament for the United States Title.
Winner: Andrew Kole

Talk-worthy introductions of a twisted nature
With the crowd wondering what other surprises were in store for the night, it was no surprise that there was a collective gasp of shock when the video wall flickered to life and the face of the infamous 'Superstar' Vince Jacobs appeared on screen. Alas, the person that came out shortly after was not the former ACW World Champion... but someone that looked very much like Jacobs, albeit a much younger person.
This man took to the ring with a microphone, shouted an obscenity at Colour Commentator Eddie Scott Poser, and proceeded to introduce himself as the heir to the sterling legacy of the man who had done so much for ACW; Vince Jacobs Junior was the name he gave himself. Again, another gasp from the crowd. VJJ went on to explain that he wasn't actually related to Vince Jacobs, but more of a die-hard fan that had been watching Jacobs in action for close to six years. Himself being a wrestler that was trying to make it into the big leagues, Vince Jacobs Junior claimed he had an epiphany and that led him to becoming the man he was today.
Vince Jacobs Junior went on to insist that his mentor, Vince Jacobs, not being in the ACW Hall of Fame was a travesty. Hence, the arrival of VJJ to ensure people realised what an impact the former ACW World Champion has had on the industry. To that effect, Vince Jacobs Junior challenged anybody in the back to a match.
It took a full minute (which was unfortunately filled with Vince Jacobs Junior admonishing the crowd ruthlessly) before somebody answered the call: a man who had a large scar etched on his face that resembled the alphabet X. This mysterious man came out with referee Hammond Jones in tow, who announced that this man went by the name X (how original) and that he would answer VJJ's challenge. Upon seeing X climb into the ring, Colour Commentator Eddie Scott Poser shrieked and hid under the announce table. Vince Jacobs Junior looked at X standing a few feet away from him, and begrudingly told referee Hammond Jones that he was up for the match.

Vince Jacobs Junior vs. X (Referee: Hammond Jones)
The moment the bell rang, X charged at at Vince Jacobs Junior and nearly took the latter's head off with a ferocious clothesline! The impact of which saw VJJ roll out of the ring and drop to the floor screaming bloody murder. Needless to say, X got a large round of cheers for that. X remained emotionless, however, and simply waited for Vince Jacobs Junior to get back into the ring.
Something which took a long time happening, as VJJ was complaining about his face being messed up to referee Hammond Jones. Naturally, the fans continued to jeer Vince Jacobs Junior who was wasting time. But all that changed when X suddenly decided to join Vince Jacobs Junior on the outside, surprising the latter with yet another fantastic clothesline.
After wailing on Vince Jacobs Junior with powerful strikes on the outside for a while, X finally dragged his opponent back into the ring and instantly flattened the so-called heir to the Vince Jacobs' legacy with something of a full-nelson twist into a powerbomb. Impressive and effortlessly executed, there was no doubt about the 1-2-3. Referee Hammond Jones was quick to raise X's right arm in victory, but X swatted away the official's hand and exited the ring, with no desire to stick around.
Meanwhile, when Vince Jacobs Junior finally came to, he had to endure the merciless taunts of the fans. VJJ shouted at the fans and stormed out of the ring, holding the back of his head in agony.
Winner: X

Brotherly love at its manipulative best
The scene was once again somewhere backstage, as The Kole Brothers talked shop over their evening thus far. Contrasting fortunes were had earlier in the episode, for Joesph had lost his match and older brother Andrew had won. Andrew calmly dispensed some advise to his younger brother regarding keeping a cool head, to which Joseph responded with a witty retort concerning Andrew's exagerrated celebration at the conclusion of his match. Joseph then asked Andrew if he really could go all the way and win the United States Title.
Andrew replied with an emphatic 'yes', but told Joseph that they were in no way going to break up; The Kole Brothers were in the Academy to rebuild and repair from years of crazy battles on the road. Joseph didn't look convinced and ruefully commented that Andrew always got the better breaks in singles match. Andrew tried to comfort his brother, but a creepy grin broke across his face the moment Joseph shuffled out of sight to presumably let off some steam.

Shane Robertson vs. Josh Marshall vs. Kid Lightning vs. Koji Takada (Referee: Kevin Chang)
Four more newcomers were making their debuts next, with each having their own distinct personality and style. Shane Robertson looked the most physically imposing of the four, although the deranged look in his eyes really did scare many of the fans sitting in the front rows.
As expected, the match was a chaotic one from the get-go giving referee Kevin Chang one heck of a challenge. Within two minutes, it looked as if Kid Lightning had control, as he took out all of his three opponents with a suicide dive through the ropes. Shane and Koji were at the time ganging up on Josh Marshall, who seemed to have some sort of in-built fanbase. Naturally, Lightning's suicide dive garnered a large round of cheers, and the follow-up pin on Koji almost secured victory. Koji kicked out, and proceeded to freak not only Kid Lighting but a lot of people out with his follow-up stunt; he ducked a clothesline attempt, slapped on a rear waistlock, and grinded suggestively with Lighting before executing a release German suplex!
Not only that, but Takada licked his lips as he got to his feet. A quick glance at Takada's dossier revealed that he was actually bisexual. All the good-looking ones are. Anyway, Koji's moment of bisexual terror ended with Josh Marshall taking him down with a spear takedown. Shane Robertson was right behind, knocking Josh out with a snap powerslam. From there, Shane forced his authority on his three opponents, throwing him around like rag-dolls. It came to the point where Shane effectively muted Kid and Koji with backbreakers, which were surely leading up to his submission of a finisher.
However, when Shane attempted to put Josh away with a backbreaker, he found Marshall rousing back to life. A quick slugfest was settled when Marshall hit a drop-toe hold on Robertson... and moments later, executed the Snap Shot (Cradle Piledriver) on Robertson! 1-2-3, and Josh Marshall emerged victorious after a very entertaining battle of the debutants.
Winner: Josh Marshall

A familiar and rather famous face becoming a new member of the Academy family
Walking back into the office looking a little tired, ICU barely had the time to sit down in his chair and hit a button on his laptop when there was a knock at his door. Administrator Kelli Tanner was not around to be the gatekeeper for the Chief, so ICU bregrudingly beckoned for the visitor to enter.
The visitor turned out to be someone rather famous, especially for her exploits over in fWo the previous year. ICU looked a little bit stunned at the sight of Mary-Lynn Mayweather, who had her trademark clipboard clutched tightly to her chest. Mary-Lynn looked surprised that ICU looked surprised, and after a brief chat, ICU realised that Administrator Kelli Tanner had handled Mary-Lynn's paperwork. Mayweather went on to express outrage that she was not considered in ICU's plans for the United States Title, claiming that she'd been misinformed by Kelli regarding the date of the inaugural episode of the second season of SHOWCASE.
ICU expressed his deepest regrets at the mix-up, stating that he and Kelli had found themselves overworked. ICU stated that in the short time he knew Kelli, who had been referred by SilverHAWK via current ACW's masked enigma Z, she had done a top-notch job of having everything in order. Mary fired back with a scathing response, indicating that a young girl like Kelli couldn't possibly handle the day-to-day of operating a wrestling company. Mayweather suggested being of assistance to ICU and Kelli to help tighten things around the Academy, only wanting a small favour in return. Cautious, ICU wondered what the favour was. Mary-Lynn replied that the favour would be requested for towards the end of the season, but tried to ease ICU's nerves by stating that it was nothing malicious. Not entirely convinced, ICU nonetheless agreed to the deal and once again apologised for the trouble.

Malk Al-Haq vs. Orlando Grant (Referee: Belinda Decroix)
Orlando Grant was riding a wave of confidence after a strong performance on the most previous edition of ACW's Courage, and on the episode the night before, was absolutely no-nonsense in the way he took down his opponent. Orlando therefore came out to the ring for the next match looking as assured as he could, and with many people backing him to perform well on the upcoming ACW pay-per-view.
His opponent in this contest that would determine who the third semi-finalist of the unofficial tournament for the United States Title would be? None other than Malk Al-Haq. Malk hadn't managed to amass the best win-loss record during the first season of SHOWCASE, but his victory over JP Boudreau the previous night proved that Malk was all business and taking this season of SHOWCASE more seriously. Both men stared down each other intently as Ring Announcer Timothy Vale made with the introductions, and there was no holding both men back once the bell rang.
Within a couple of minutes, Malk looked to have managed to gain absolute control of the match, halting Orlando's building momentum with a pop-up spinebuster before cinching in a bearhug submission. However, Orlando quickly found his way out of Malk's grasp by using his forearms, and came very close to the victory one powerslam later. Luckily for Malk, the ropes were close by and referee Belinda Decroix had to call for a rope-break. Orlando tried dragging Malk closer to the middle of the ring and going for a pin again, but Al-Haq stunned The OG of ACW with a surprise roll-up pin! Orlando managed to get out just in the nick of time, but Malk once again took Grant out with a pop-up spinebuster.
For some reason, Malk decided to spend time arguing with the fans rather than immediately follow up with more punishment on Orlando Grant. It was no wonder then that when Malk turned around and lightly pushed his boot down against the back of Orlando's head, Grant flipped onto his back and grabbed hold of Malk's ankle, taking his bigger opponent down and trying his hardest to slap on an ankle lock submission! Malk squirmed out of it, but upon returning to his feet and charging back at Orlando, found himself taken down by a very unique hiptoss neckbreaker! Malk barely got the shoulder up, and the match was destined to carry on.
Orlando and Malk, tired but eager to carry on considering the prize at stake, continued to trade tough blows. Again, it was Malk Al-Haq who edged out ahead of his adversary, and the fans felt that Orlando's challenge was done once The OG of ACW was caught in mid-air (he was attempting a springboad cross-body block) and taken down in a snap backbreaker! This time, Malk quickly got Orlando back up and lifted the increasingly-popular superstar up for a powerbomb. Grant caught Malk off-guard by punching the man from Babylon right between the eyes, effectively escaping the powerbomb. 10 seconds later, Orlando had laid Al-Haq out with his Big Shit Poppin' finisher; 1-2-3, and that was all she wrote! Orlando Grant picked up his second victory as in many nights and guaranteed himself a one-in-four opportunity at becoming the new United States Champion!
Winner: Orlando Grant

Peter Phoenix vs. Rory Hayes (Referee: Dick Zhirkov)
Finally, it was time for the main event. Referee Dick Zhirkov was already in the ring, anticipating one heck of a battle was about to transpire. It was to be Peter Phoenix taking on Rory Hayes, to decide who would be the fourth semi-finalist that would have the opportunity to make history and go on to become the new United States Champion. Peter Phoenix was the first man out, and his legion of fans were united in their support for the mute, who had seen his fanbase steadily increase over the months.
Peter didn't manage to make it all the way down to the ring though, as the bitter Rory Hayes sprinted out from the back and knocked Peter on his ass with a vile clothesline to the back of the neck. Hayes was a man who would do anything to make it to the top, and it showed here; Hayes went on to attack Phoenix brutally at ringside, despite referee Dick Zhirkov's best efforts to get both men into the ring. After making sure Peter Phoenix's face got acquainted with the steel steps, Rory finally allowed himself and his opponent to be escorted into the ring.
Once the bell rang, Hayes knocked Peter down with a running forearm smash and swiftly followed up with the pin. It wasn't to be, for while Phoenix was a wounded animal, he was not about to go quietly into the good night. That did not prevent Hayes from launching an all-out assault on every possible part of Peter's body. Not even Jack Harris had managed to dominate the Australian pit-figther during their showdown in the previous season of SHOWCASE. Hayes was out to prove a point.
That point almost culminated after a series of snap suplexes (six in a row to be precise) was followed up with a fisherman's suplex; somehow, Peter managed to get the shoulder up at the death to remain in contention, a fact that greatly frustrated The Boston Mangler. Hayes therefore figured he had to execute his MDK move in order to put Phoenix away.
One problem with that; the Warrior From Down Under, when picked up, started to fight back... and did so with a stunning backfist that drew blood from Hayes nose. From there, Peter went to town on Hayes, unleashing a fierce comeback and getting the fans all riled up. Hayes was rocked and was finding it hard to hang on. Not enough an undetected low-blow could stop Peter, for the Warrior From Down Under evaded the subsequent roaring elbow attempt to pull out his shuffle sidekick of doom!
The elusive three-count remained just that, for Peter took quite some time to follow up with the cover and Hayes by then had recovered enough to kick out. Nonetheless, Rory's comeback lasted all of two minutes, as when he tried to execute his Boston Massacre finisher out of nowhere, Peter Phoenix shoved Hayes away and into the corner turnbuckle. Rory's back made hard contact with the corner turnbuckle, causing a whiplash effect that sent the Boston Mangler back into Peter's path. The Warrior From Down Under was scary fast into getting Rory stuck in a triangle choke, and the tap-out was academic. Peter Phoenix had pulled off the victory and the fans celebrated big time once the bell was rung!
Winner: Peter Phoenix

Aftermath
Peter Phoenix celebrated his victory at ringside, much to the adulation of his supporters. In the ring, Rory Hayes threw a fit and judging by the way he was sizing Peter up, must have had malevolent intentions. Just as Hayes rolled to the outside of the ring readying his hands for a post-match beatdown, none other than Orlando Grant came sprinting out to chase The Boston Mangler away.
That left Peter and Orlando to have a staredown at ringside, with the fans going ballistic. It was clear that both men were now the favourites to win the United States Title, but nobody knew if they were going to face each other in the semi-finals or have different opponents.
Right on cue, out came the Chief of the Academy himself, with Kelli Tanner in tow. ICU congratulated all four individuals (Orlando, Peter, Andrew Kole and Haley Mulligan) on being the survivors and announced to the crowd that on the next episode -- scheduled to take place in seven days -- Orlando Grant would face off against Andrew Kole while Haley Mulligan would take on Peter Phoenix! ICU reminded everybody that the final would take place later on in the same episode, and it would be a Ladder Match! ICU also reiterated that ACW World Champion Alias would be on hand to officially crown whoever the new United States Champion would be.
With that, ICU and Kelli Tanner left the scene, leaving Peter Phoenix and Orlando Grant to exchange a knowing look. The sight of the two top dogs in the Academy sizing up each other, potentially getting ready for a Ladder Match in seven days if they could dispatch of their respective opponents, was enough for the fans to go crazy. And that's how the second episode of the second season of SHOWCASE ended.

Reported by:
Sally Broxton
ACW Correspondent
21 February 2010