- - [July 13th/16th 2003] - -
Broadcasting LIVE! from Phoenix, Arizona at 10/9 p.m. CT

In Due Time

The green crotch rocket pulled into the parking bay as SilverHAWK stood waiting at the entryway. 

Jason Kain popped the kick stand, pulled off his helmet and stared coldly at him. 

HAWK didn’t sway one bit.

“Good to see you, Kain. I almost thought you wouldn’t show.” HAWK smirked.

Kain just stared at him.

“But then I thought to myself… when has this guy backed down before.” Hawk smiled. “Hell… I’m surprised you’re standing after that fall at Glory.”

“Bones heal.” Kain just snuffed. 

“What did you want from me? I said I quit… you wanted me here.”

“In due time, Kain. In due time.” HAWK walked away as Kain watched on...as a small smirk arrived on his face, as he was due in the ring, he couldn't wait till the end of the night.

PREVIOUSLY... The ACW staff and investors had done all they could, it was now down to fate to see if they could save their precious federation from bankruptcy. Cuts had been made. Wrestling and staff fired and new approaches to the federation taken. On the heel of a successful PPV, now sat Courage as a medium between the next PPV and the last, leaving many questions unanswered...like who will be the next ACW World Heavyweight Champion?

The Future...

"Back...again?"

Arizona was on it's feet as SilverHAWK stood in the middle of the ring, with a large tom bola and a desk in front of him, and a briefcase as he paced around the ring awaiting the noise level to go down that decibel or two so that he could start with the night's announcements, which were many in size.

"Ladies and gentleman, a few weeks back I announced that ACW would be doing a tournament, to find a #1 contender for the ACW World Heavyweight Title. 

Tonight, is the night in which that tournament starts and right here and right now, I am going to make the draw for the first round of that tournament, but firstly, a few rules that go along with the King of Ages.

All matches will be of a normal rules list, unless specified by ACW staff. This will be a Christmas tree system, meaning that the winners of each match will know whom they will have the prospect in fighting and the winner of this tournament, will have an ACW World Heavyweight title shot in October at ACW's PPV, which is yet to be named.

Those, are the few rules and stipulations that we have for the KoA tournament, and now, with the assistance of the JUMBOtron over there, I will make the draw for the first night's matches, which will be tonight, were six matches will take place, leaving the rest of the names waiting for next week's show.

SilverHAWK spun the tom bola before pulling out the two names, as the technicians at the back were waiting so that they could fill in the tournament brackets.

"Janitor Howard Vs. Hillary Small."

"Jade Vs. Joey Kole."

"'Superstar' Vince Jacobs Vs. Damnson."

"Quinton May Vs. Drake Nefarian."

That, is the first draw, for the first round of the tournament, and I would like to wish the best of luck to all the night competitors for their chance of possibly being a future ACW World Champion."

SilverHAWK put the microphone down on the table as he moved over to the briefcase which sat beside the names on paper on the table. He unlocked it and smiled as he opened it up, the camera being on the wrong side didn't know what was in the briefcase, until SilverHAWK pulled it out.

The ACW World Heavyweight Title.

He slapped it over his shoulder and posed to a few fans who flashed their camera's at him...deja vu' anyone?

"This...is on of the most prestigious belts in our industry. It's a title that has grown in respect in leaps and bounds over the last 10 months, as the men whom have held it, including myself have been true warriors of this business, men of which would be hard to follow, but soon their will be an owner of this title...as tonight.

We're going to have a World Title match."

Stay tuned.

Quinton's Army Meeting #016

"CHAMPIONS, OLE... CHAMPIONS, OLE... OLE OLE OLE!!!"

The sound of cans of ginger ale being opened was heard.

"CHAMPIONS, OLE... CHAMPIONS, OLE... OLE OLE OLE!!!"

The sound of packets of chips being opened was heard, as well as loud belching.

"CHAMPIONS, OLE... CHAMPIONS, OLE... OLE OLE OLE!!!"

And then, there was silence. Quinton May -- fresh off a hair dye that didn't allow him to be called 'the red-haired Canadian' anymore -- jumped onto a chair and raised his arms in the air, with his Television Title wrapped around his waist. El Janitors, 006.392, Damnson, and Bobby Knickerson all started to clap and cheer wildly. Since the Army's inception in March, the Glory PPV was dreamed of. And finally, it had happened.

Quinton had won the Television Title. El Janitors had picked up the Tag Team Titles. Joy all around.

Sure, the war with The British Army, led by Vincent Pembridge, was still ongoing. Just because El Janitors had pipped .vindication to the Tag Team Titles didn't mean it was all over. The Scorpion of Manchester was quick to announce that he was glad that his boys didn't win the Homicidal Tendencies Match at Glory, turning the victory of the two janitors into something of a pity win.

But El Janitors didn't care. They had the gold and the magic of history to back them up.

"Men, today marks a new day in the era of our Army. Yes, OUR Army. Today, I begin my reign as the Television Champion, while Howard & Morris commence their run as the OFFICIAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! YEAH!

Okay, so. Another thing kicks off tonight. And that's the darned King Of Ages Tournament. All of us are involved, I believe. But only myself & Howard & Damnson will be fighting tonight. As long as one of us progresses, I'm happy. I've no clue what the brackets are and all that stuff, but it doesn't matter!

Damnson, 006's been working with you and helping you prepare! That should be covered. Howard... I've got no worries. I'm a-okay myself, so that leaves the rest of you. What are you guys up to?"

Damnson & Janitor Howard looked at each other, before trading high-fives. Sort of a 'good luck' message to each other for the KOA Tournament matches they had to compete in later. The rest of the gang, however, were seemingly free on the night, according to Quinton. All he knew was who was scheduled to fight on the night.

"Yeah, I'ma help prep Damnson a bit more, it's his first real match ever. He's very excited over it, and I think he'll do pretty well. Unless, of course, he's going to be fighting some fat overweight bitch by the name of Alex. In which case, I'd say we're all fucking doomed!"

Quinton & the janitors & Knickerson stared at 006.392, mystified by his odd rambling. The YOTN & his friend Damnson giggled, obviously having just indulged in an joke of their own, leaving the new Television Champion and his new hair colour puzzled. Shaking it off, he noted down that 006 was 'booked' for the night, and focused his attention on Morris.

Who grinned and raised his arms up in the air, exposing his armpits.

Nodding, Quinton made a mental note to strike Janitor M off the 'inactive' list, and turned his head to the right, resting his eyes upon Bobby Knickerson. Who shrugged and shoved his hands into the side pocket of his jeans, thinking of how to reply to the Dictator.

"I was... uh... thinking of checking up on those .vindication dudes? See if they are going to try anything funny? After all, they're obviously going to want revenge for losing to Janitors at Glory, so it's a high possibility! Yeah, I'll be like 'secret agent guy' and all that!"

Smiling, Quincy nodded and jumped off his chair, now back on solid ground. His Army was slowly gelling, become a tight unit with a lot of fight in them. Didn't matter that Vincent Pembridge had them outnumbered. Strength of character was the main factor, and so was strategy.

Quinton's Army were in the lead right about now, too.

"Gentlemen! Start your engines, this next couple of weeks is gonna be...

BLOCKBUSTER!"

First Day on the Job!

El Emenopi watched the doors of the arena. The smile hadn’t left him for a week now. Glory had gone by without a hitch and Senor Kain had gotten him a job in ACW. He was a SUPERSTAR!!!

He looked at the door to the locker room, then noticed another door… with HIS name on it!!! He walked over and opened the door to his very own…

Janitors closet.

The smile left his face as he looked around. He looked down at a letter on the desk in the mini-office.

“I told you, you’d get a job here. You signed the contract… and since Howard and Morris have actually proved themselves from the bottom… well, you’re now at the bottom, El. Prove yourself. The mop’s in the bucket. – SilverHAWK”

El smirked. “Good trick, esse… good trick.”

D.O.C.

DOC stood outside the ACW arena indulging in a cigarette, a Newport to be more specific, but the entourage of China White and Pudgee Pete were nowhere to be found as DOC leaned against the building exhaling the smoke from the cancer stick.

"Who are you?" a voice was heard.

DOC titled his head and looked at Joe Bishop an ACW behind the scenes guy. He didn't smile, but extended his hand in the form of a "pound," Bishop wasn't sure what to do with that so he ignored the gesture and folded his arms across his chest scratching his beard.

"Ohh, Your that Doc guy, right?"

D.O.C smirked.

"That would be me, homie. Who are you?"

"The names Joe Bishop." He paused, "You know everyone's suppose to be inside by now getting ready for the show."

"Don't care. I'm waiting on my peoples."

"Your people?" 

"Did I stutter?" DOC rudely asked, "I said my people!"

Joe Bishop just shook his head and headed inside the building as a dark blue 2003 Range Rover pulled to where DOC had been standing the passenger side window slowly downed as Pudgee Pete stuck his head out the window and hollered.

"Waassssup, kneeeegrow!" 

DOC laughed.

"Where the hell y'all been."

Pudgee Pete held a burning Philly out the window for DOC to get an idea of the reason behind their late arrival. He smirked as he walked towards the vehicle and took several pulls from the blunt. 

"Let's go!"

Some Glory Backlash [Part I]

Vince Jacobs walked into the arena with his gym bag on his shoulder and he wasn’t wearing a smile. But like that was new. Vince continued to walk past several officials and some wrestlers. He was tired and hurting from his grueling match at Glory with Alias. But Vince was the type of person that wouldn’t show if he was hurt or injured. A few people were praising Vince for his performance last week in the Glory main event.

Vince was pleased with his performance but was pissed at the outcome. It was a big main event match and Vince didn’t come through. He knew that this thing with Chris would never end but there was something else on his mind that made him even forget about his mortal enemy Chris Sheffield.

The thing that was boring a hole in his head was what happened in the Glory Main Event. It wasn’t the fact that he lost, hell he has lost before but it was the WAY he lost. It was who caused him to lose. Vince did not like losing to Alias but he didn’t want it to end the way it did. It was all because of ONE man….. Osyrus

Vince walked to his dressing room looking around trying to see if he could spot Osyrus. He wanted Osyrus for costing him his match and a shot at the ACW World Heavyweight Championship. 

“I will find that son of a bitch.”

Bursting At The Seams?

Liam & Drake Nefarian. .vindication is what they're called.

Favourites to win the Homicidal Tendencies Match at Glory was their tag.

Hands-down favourites to win the match with the Tag Team Titles being placed as the prize was their updated status, minutes before the match.

10 minutes into the contest, having snapped up three decisions, .vindication were looking as if they were going to steamroll their opponents and show no mercy while doing so.

But by the end of the night, Liam & Nefarian were limping out of the arena, getting quite an earful from Vincent Pembridge, and with no championship belts in their possession. All their shenanigans had gone down their crapper; had been in vain. Without the titles, Liam's & Drake's efforts meant nothing.

And now, in the corridor with Drake Nefarian apparently preparing for his KOA Tournament Match -- and knowing who his opponent was, too -- .vindication was without the guidance of Vincent Pembridge. Purposely absent, because the show wasn't a live one. The British Army, which comprised of the teenagers, weren't around either. The Scorpion had them posted elsewhere.

"So. Tonight, you've got a bloody match, eh?"

Drake turned to his partner and nodded, "Yeah. KOA Tournament Match. Shouldn't be a problem."

The Irishman snorted, remembering those exact words coming out of the boxer's mouth before their match the previous Sunday. And in the end, they were labeled as the ones who LOST the match. Seeing how Liam was the one who racked up the most pinfalls against, and .vindication actually had a commanding lead for the early part of the match.

How quickly one's status as THE dominant team in the ACW had withered. Hell, Vincent Pembridge was so furious with his men that he ordered them NOT to consider even thinking about the titles, until further notice. The Plague From Manchester was planning to whip his boys back in shape, and in order for that to happen, there was to be no direct contact with the champions and their titles.

Not until Vincent felt the Irishman & The Middle-Eastern Gladiator Supremo were ready for another assault.

"Don't mess things up, aye? Vincent is watching."

Incredulous, Nefarian stopped walking and glared at his partner, insulted.

"What the hell possessed you to say that? I'm not going to mess up. I never have, you were the one getting treated like a cheap slut last week, getting pinned so many times!"

It was Liam's turn to halt in his tracks and take offense. Turning, he went nose-to-nose with his partner and began uttering profanities in a foreign language... probably Arabian. Drake answered right back, not afraid of his strappin' partner, and within seconds, the verbal war was escalating. Liam pushed Nefarian, who pushed back. The volume of their insulting and arguing increased, filling the hallways.

..vindication was seemingly collapsing in between everyone's eyes.

But just then, knights in shining armour stumbled by, watching the scene unfold. With bottles of beer in their hands, The Flying Scotsmen looked at Liam & Drake continuing their argument as they proceeded down the opposite way of the corridor, Hamish burping away uncontrollably.

And with alcohol dribbling down his chin, Tam suddenly had a brilliant idea.

What was it?

Oh, you'll find out soon enough, wee lassies.

King Of Ages Tournament Match - Round One
Janitor Howard Vs. Hillary Small

  

Coming off the backs of a brutal PPV, you would think that two competitors who gave it their absolute all would be dreading this match. Firstly, their battered bodies wouldn't be possibly able to absorb more punishment. Secondly, the fatigue factor had to be considered. And thirdly, the fact that if victory was attained, the ensuing round would definitely prove to be five times harder.

But for Hillary Small & Janitor Howard, this match was one they had been looking forward to.

Hillary's victory over Ron Williams at the Pain-or-Pleasure PPV made some people stand up and take notice of her. Sure, Hillary wasn't the most attractive of women, or the most technically sound squared-circle competitors. But she had that edge of toughness to her that made The Treacherous Troll menacing. The loss to Jade didn't really damage her reputation -- it helped boost it a little, in fact.

But now, she was going to lock horns with one half of the newly-crowned Tag Team Champions. A janitor who some would consider was past his prime. But he was still truckin' like it was 1979, and he wasn't afraid to get hardcore if need be. Considering the carnage he'd been through at the Glory PPV, you'd expect Janitor Howard to wanna stay away from a wrestling ring for the next few months. But with the chance to become the #1 Contender to the World Title on the line, there was nobody who was gonna keep Howard locked away.

"Shoot Me Again" by Metallica blared over the speakers, sending the crowd into a state of instant hate, as the house lights dimmed a little. Her quest to become THE Dominant Female in the company may have not culminated the way she would have wished to, but Hillary Small was still hell-bent on making waves. Quickly appearing from the back, Hillary -- wearing a maroon t-shirt and black pants with black shoes -- scowled at the crowd that were hurling abuse at her. She tried to ignore it but the sparse derogatory chants that had started up made her angrier.

So angry that she wanted to physically manhandle everyone in attendance.

Hillary quickly rolled into the ring and walked towards one of the four corners of the ring, staring out at the hateful crowd and spitting as the house lights came back up. The bell rang and the ring announcer began to introduce the match to the fans, just as Small's theme music was faded out.

And then, "Science" by System Of A Down.

That marked the arrival of Tag Team Champion, Janitor Howard of El Janitors! 11 seconds into the song, Janitor Howard bounced out to a pretty rousing reception from the crowd. Decked out in his old-school janitor's outfit, Howard strode down the ramp with his Tag Team Title wrapped around his waist. As he rolled into the ring, however, he unhooked it... and was immediately called into action, with Hillary charging at him.

Howard ducked the wild swing that ensued and drove his elbow into the face of Small, sending her tumbling into the corner diagonal to which she'd charged out from moments ago. The second her spine made contact with the turnbuckle, The Senior Citizen was on her like white on rice, slamming his clenched fists into the abdominals of Hillary, the crowd urging him on frantically.

"GO HOWARD, GO!"
"GO HOWARD, GO!"
"GO HOWARD, GO!"

But with a single forearm shot, Hillary Small knocked Janitor H down to the canvas. The latter rolled through it backwards though, and back on his feet, he charged at Hillary, driving his left shoulder into her mid-section. The fans cheered as Small winced and tumbled out of the corner, while Howard shot himself into the ropes and looked set to connect with a bulldog.

Hillary, however, snapped back to life and topped Howard with a fierce uppercut.

"BOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Small glared at the front-row fans jeering her actions, and drove her right boot into the back of Howard's head, before picking him up by his air and ramming her right forearm into the side of his head. The latter winced with every blow connected, and yelped in pain as Hillary executed a vile-looking snapmare. She wasn't about to slow down the pace of the match to suit Howard's needs, bouncing herself off the ropes and scoring with an elbow drop into his chest.

Following up with a quick cover;

ONE...

TWO...

Howard kicked out, sparking relieved cheers from the crowd. Growling, Small picked her opponent up and whipped him into the ropes, lowering her head as Howard returned... intending to go for a back body drop. Janitor H had seen it all the previous Sunday, during the Homicidal Tendencies Match, and immediately knew of a few ways to counter it. He chose to slap on the brakes and quickly hook both of Hillary's arms...

Before connecting with a double-underhook jumping facebuster!

"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"

Wasting no time, Howard quickly got his body across Hillary's and hooked the inner leg;

ONE...

TWO...

TH...

Hillary powered out of the pin, cutting short the crowd's celebrations. Howard wasn't quite sure how exactly his opponent managed to power out the way she did, and pulling her up, he aimed a punch at her grotesque face. Enraged by the fact that Janitor H would even lay a finger on her beautiful hair, Hillary blocked the punch and retaliated with a right hook of his own.

Which sent Howard staggering backwards, and thinking he probably had a broken tooth.

Taking one step back, Small charged at Howard... eventually connecting with a spinback reverse elbow, forcefully sending Howard into the corner turnbuckle. Rebounding of there due to the impact, Janitor H fell prey to a wonderful move by Hillary Small, as she grabbed The Senior Citizen from his right, raised him up into the air, and connected with a high-angle belly-to-back suplex! A great move that drew several claps from the crowd.

And a cover from The Mountain Troll;

ONE...

TWO...

THRE...

Quite unexpectedly, Janitor H kicked out, shocking (and aggravating Hillary). The Mountain Troll forced Howard back up and kicked him in the gut several times, before shoving his head in between her thighs. The volume of jeers picked up suddenly, with the crowd knowing what was to follow.

Dominant Female, anyone?

Not quite. See, Howard didn't quite like the position he was in. So, he mustered up some energy...

And managed to pull off a back body-drop, sending Hillary flying over his head!

"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"

The one-half of the Tag Team Champions tandem raised his arms in the air and started to eye Hillary Small getting to her feet, measuring her up for a possible knockout blow. Jubilation was in the air, as well as anticipation, and as Small turned out, Howard charged out of the starting blocks...

SPEAR!! As he did to Liam at the Glory PPV, Howard almost *murdered* Hillary Small with the spear, and considering he wasn't a 'veteran' in the industry, the power the move packed was immensely surprising! Howard quickly made the cover;

ONE...

TWO...

THRE...

NO!! Hillary Small had kicked out, and her dream of headlining the final of the KOA Tournament remained alive! The Senior Citizen was quite stunned at this revelation, and tugged at Hillary's neck, pulling her up to her feet. Within seconds, he was slugging away at her, with the crowd continuing to give him their support.

Whipping her into the ropes, Howard had planned to score with a clothesline upon her return but Hillary ducked and allowed her momentum to take her into the parallel set of ropes... connecting with a thunderous clothesline of her own as she came hurtling back towards Howard. Hillary now went into overdrive, as she kicked away rabidly at her adversary's left shoulder, before she sent herself into the ropes... and scored with a calculated knee-drop as she returned!

Confident that she'd done enough to weaken Howard, who was moaning in pain, The Treacherous Troll picked Janitor H up and kicked him in the gut, before quickly setting him up for her finisher again! This time, much to the dismay of the crowd, Hillary managed to get the Tag Team Champ up... but she took a little too long in relishing the moment.

Crafty as he was, Howard somehow managed to pull off a hurricanrana, not caring how sloppy it came off! He was just glad to have been spared the crushing sitdown powerbomb and certain defeat! Hillary was shell-shocked -- Janitor H had managed to escape her finisher twice so far! Not even Jade was spared from The Dominant Female finisher at Glory PPV.

Returning to his feet, The Senior Citizen noticed that Hillary too had recovered. Grinning, he bounced himself off the ropes and had plans to score with The Flying Fist Of Doom~~! move, but Small was hell-bent on finishing her opposition off once and for all. A 6'8", 323 lbs woman charging at you at full speed would make even THE UNDERTAKER consider hitting a move as weak as a flying fist.

So, what was Howard's contingency plan?

He ducked the wild swing of Hillary's and rolled through to the ropes, where he bounced off and hurtled back towards Small, who had turned around to face the Tag Team Champ again. And in gutsy fashion, Janitor Howard took flight... executing a truly brilliant spinning heel kick!

Hillary Small was just introduced to Old Is Gold, ladies and gentlemen. And it instantly knocked her out.

"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"
"HOWARD ROCKS!"

Janitor Howard was surprised with himself for having actually pulled the move off, and quickly got his body across Hillary's, hooking both the legs this time;

ONE...

TWO...

THREE!!

It was all over! Janitor Howard had picked up the victory in quite sensational fashion, and the crowd popped big time. Howard stood to his feet and raised his arms in the air, as the referee signalled for the bell. Claiming his title belt, Howard shook hands with the referee and exited the ring, pleased with the match he'd just fought.

He was through to the next round of the KOA Tournament.

As for Hillary Small? She lay there, on the canvas, raging mad. Not only had she racked up her second straight defeat, the chance to possibly wrestle for the ACW World Title had slipped through her hands.

Not a good time to be The Mountain Troll.

Winner: Janitor Howard 

From ‘Triumphant’ To…Not Booked?

Tommy Taylor grunted loudly as he pushed through a sea of fellow All-Star Championship Wrestling superstars, all crowded around what looked to be a massive bulletin board.

“Excuse me!” He exclaimed angrily, desperately trying to get to the front of the sea of people so he could see for himself what all the fuss was about.

The ACW wrestlers, even the pitiful rookies that technically couldn’t hold a candle to ‘The Triumphant One’ as far as experience goes and were signed to developmental contracts, simply sneered, each bringing their own foul remark to the table.

“Hey old man!” One, whose face was unable to be seen due to the mass amount of people huddled around the board, heckled in Tommy’s direction. “Why don’t you just get the fuck out of our way?”

Another, who was also unidentifiable, screamed. “Fuck getting out of our way! Why doesn’t he just get the hell out of our federation?”

“Seriously!” Jeered another, as Tommy, who had a very determined look on his face, continued to use his muscles and his bones, bones which many journalists and marks had written off as “old”, to force his way to the proverbial top of the heap. “Don’t you have some Jell-O you should be eating or a shuffleboard game you could be playing?”

They all chuckled in unison, yet still didn’t succeed in breaking Taylor’s spirit.

In fact, as he continued to make his way towards the board, the hatred coming from those assorted members of ACW’s roster seemed to simply encourage him to keep doing what he was doing.

To keep being the man that once conquered professional wrestling’s many territories and proceeded to rule them with an iron fist.

To keep being Tommy Taylor, a man so skilled in the ring and so charismatic outside of it that he had earned the name, through the shedding of his blood, sweat, and tears, ‘Triumphant’.

As if he was a wrecking ball, hell bent on crushing a tall and useless building, Tommy Taylor plowed through men that could one day be standing face to face with him in the squared circle, finally reaching the promised land and getting his chance to take a look at what everyone else standing there wanted to.

That night’s match pairings.

He stared at them intently, his eyes moving quickly in order to scan each and every word that was on the sheet.

Seemingly reading it multiple times, Tommy sighed heavily and tore the paper right off of the bulletin board.

Suddenly, in a fit of not so obvious rage, he screamed.

“DUNN!”

“Just a Gimmick” and Goals Are Set

“Another card with no match.” Alexi Volstein sighed. He sat there, feet propped on top of the table, arms folded, just staring off into space. He was lounging in the dressing room assigned to him and any of his cohorts, if they wanted to join him.

The door to the room opened, and in walked Alexi’s brother, Christoph. He was breathing heavily and seemed quite nervous. Alexi sensed it.

“What is the matter?” Alexi asked, removing his feet from atop the table. He was now leaning forward in his chair.

“I...” Christoph’s words were broken up by heavy panting. “I...just had...conversation...with po...police!”

Alexi rose from his chair, fixated on Christoph. He rested his hands on Christoph’s shoulders and sat him down. “What?” Alexi questioned, making sure he heard Christoph right.

After catching his breath, Christoph replied. “I was just questioned by police.”

“What do you mean...questioned?” A slight tone of anxiety fell upon Alexi’s thick, German accent as he awaited the response to come from Christoph’s mouth.

“They ask me ‘bout Glory.” Christoph began. “They ask about comments you made on television.”

Alexi sat on the edge of table, “Which comments?” 

Christoph replied with a quieter tone, this time. At such a low volume, his German accent was hard to decipher. “The whole ‘we kill because we have to kill.’”

Alexi smiled, and a look of confusion fell upon Christoph’s face. “Why you smile?” Christoph asked.

Alexi leaned in closer and whispered in to Christoph’s ear. “Tell them it was wrestling gimmick. They will think nothing of it...if they think it’s fake.” A smile now ran across Christoph’s face, but the camera was unable to pick up what Alexi told him.

After a pause, Christoph sparked up a new conversation. “So what you do without match?”

“I asked myself same question,” Alexi retorted. “Answer simple, really. We accomplish other goal while we wait for my wrestling debut.”

Christoph thought for a few seconds before checking on the goal. “You mean recruitment goal?”

Alexi nodded and Christoph returned it. 

“Now,” Alexi began. “Let’s go eat.”

Christoph removed himself from the chair, and Alexi hopped off the table. The two left the dressing room.

The Right Road

"So how is it going then?"

Charlie Dunn looked up to a friendly face for once, SilverHAWK.

"So far...we seem to be doing alrite. The PPV numbers helped us out a lot, and it seems like Carter can get us a few guys to help out with the funding, and he seems to know a few decent talents who could help us out, cheap ones too."

SilverHAWK looked less than impressed.

"I dunno Dunny, I'm just getting a Winters feel off him. I'm sure I've seen him before...certain, just wish I knew why I know the fucker."

Dunn got up off his chair and collected a few books from the nearby chair.

"Listen HAWK, at this moment in time, he's helping out a great deal, he's not only out sole investor, but he seems to have a few decent ideas...he seems to know what he's doing."

"So where is he tonight then?"

"He has other business...but let's forget Carter for now...what do you think they are gonna do tonight then, with the main event?"

SilverHAWK chuckled.

"I dunno man...it's gonna be a sight to see anyway, those two against each other will be good enough on it's own. Hopefully it's going to be a marketing tool that we can use."

Dunn laughed.

"Well HAWK, we need all the help we can get...shifty or not."

A Change Is Needed

Joey Kole sat in his locker-room, all dressed for the night's action. He was one of the earliest to arrive for the show, and hence, got the privilege of finding out what role he would play on the show, to be taped and aired only on the following Wednesday.

Joey Kole would be facing Jade in a KOA Round 1 Match, with the chance to contest for the ACW World Title up for grabs, if he indeed did go all the way.

But Joey -- wearing a black sleeveless tanktop and blue wrestling tights with black boots -- wasn't too thrilled about his prospects. The defeat in the Homicidal Tendencies classic at Glory the previous was something he couldn't accept. He had to, though, and that made him furious. Joey had become a ball of disappointment since Glory, keeping to himself. Worrying the hell out of his brother, Andi.

The Tag Team Titles were in the grasp of The Kole Brothers. They were the superior force for a portion of the match, resorting to their high-flying skills. Something that hadn't been showcased in the build-up to the Glory PPV.

The main reason Joey was so angry and upset was because he knew HE could have done so much more in the match. A factor that would have probably helped him and his brother win the titles. Instead, El Janitors were the champions, and .vindication were left with egg on their faces.

Spoils of war.

Lacing up his boots whilst sitting on the floor, the door to the locker room of TKB swung open, and in stepped Andi Kole. Uber-late, but present, nonetheless. He'd been a bit more upbeat about the defeat. Bummed? Ya bet. But they'd proven that The Kole Brothers DID have what it took to go the distance, and it would only be a matter of time before they would ascend to greatness.

"Hey, you left pretty damn early, didn't ya?"

"Uh, yeah. Didn't feel like staying at the hotel anymore, there wasn't anything fun to do anyway. You were engrossed in your facial scrub appointment, I decided to take off first. Hope you don't mind, bro. Figured I'd mentally prepare for my match tonight."

Andi smiled as he closed the door and threw his duffel bag onto the ground, before proceeding over to the leather couch and plopping himself down on it, looking down at his brother. He had been worried for Joey the whole week, and wondered if the boy would get over the extreme disappointment of the defeat at Glory soon.

Before it consumed his mind, heart, and soul.

"Yeah, it's fine.

Oh yeah... listen. Forget about Glory, man. We did our absolute best and we came so bloody close. Considering we're newcomers to the ACW, and on the back of not too sensational reputations, I'd say we've made our mark at Glory. The punishment we dished out was incredible, and now, we know what we're capable of.

Soon, our day will come! And when it does, it'll taste so sweet, Glory will be a distant reminder."

Joey emitted a low snigger, undetected by his brother. His mind was suddenly exposed to the unleashing of a series of flashbacks. The first meeting with Howard & Morris. The chilling words of Quinton May and the subsequent denied entry into Quinton's Army. The entire war with El Janitors & .vindication, spanning six or so weeks. And finally, the showpiece itself. Glory. Tables... ladders... chairs... bloodshed... Morris getting the decisive pinfall on Liam.

And the dream of The Kole Brothers being shot down.

Having finished lacing up his boots, Joey stood to his foot and cracked his neck, an audible sound being emitted. Andi had begun to stretch his legs, without knowing if he was scheduled for a match himself. Despite the brothers not being in the best physical condition, the live of an ACW competitor now required you to be prepared.

For Joey Kole, he was prepared to adopt a new mindset.

"A change is needed, Andi. A drastic change."

And with those words, Joey left the locker-room, his fists clenched up... ready to fight. Andi sat there, somewhat stunned. He sure as hell didn't expect one night to have such an impact in his brother's life. And the way in which Joey made his statement...

It sounded like trouble.

Play The Funky Music White Boy

El walked around backstage wondering why he wasn’t placed into this tournament. He was a superstar dammit. Not a janitor. 

A superstar. 

This was HIS show now… and no one even cared. 

He looked at the doors of certain locker rooms, and saw a little meeting office with the name “Quinton’s Army” a group of misfits like him. But even then he wasn’t one.

He was going to make a name for himself no matter what. He was going to be the biggest superstar ever! He was going to become the first ever Hispanic ACW World Champion!! He was…

Going to start mopping the floor of the soiled women’s bathroom before Senor SilverHAWK gets angry.

Nothing To Lose

Message for Mr. Kain

Jade sat in the dressing room, slowly getting ready for her match. She had disapproved of the match to herself right from the start, but had to go ahead with it anyways. She had already lost everything else that mattered in her life, and she wasn’t going to lose her job too. It was the only thing actually paying the bills right now, although, she didn’t officially own the loft she was staying in.

ACW had taken care of her and she knew that. Even when she was injured and in the hospital for those few weeks, they still made sure she had everything she needed to heal properly. 

And she did.

When she wanted her match with Hillary Small to mean something. 

She got it.

And it did.

SilverHAWK had tried to accommodate her as best he could, but she knew she wasn’t being easy to handle the last few weeks. She was going to try harder, if not for herself, for the company.

Jade got up off the bench and walked to her bag. She had just got in a whole new shipment of clothing and paraphernalia with her insignia on it, and the boxes were sitting across the dressing room from her. She looked at it, and sighed. 

Yeah, so what, she was succeeding in the company. It didn’t mean much to her at this particular moment, all she wanted to do was go to work, go home and sleep. 

And she did.

She grabbed her tape from the bag and began to wrap her wrists. Sitting on the bench again she finished up wrapping her wrists, and tossed it aside. 

This was her time to shine, and she would do it on her own terms. She pounded her hands together and stood up. 

Tonight was the night.

King Of Ages Tournament Match - Round One
Jade Vs. Joey Kole

  

As the music in the arena began to play, Joey Kole stepped out onto the ramp to a wave of boo’s from the crowd. He gave the entire crowd finger as he began to walk down the ramp towards the ring, a sneer on his lips. As he stepped up the stairs and through the ropes, he again gave them the finger and leaned against the ropes in the opposite corner, watching the ramp.

The lights finally went out and the crowd began to jump and cheer. Spotlight shined throughout the arena and pyro shot off with a huge blast. Kole did not move from the ropes, but continued to watch as the spotlights finally stopped on the top of the ramp, landing on none other than Jade. 

‘One Step Closer’ by Linkin Park played as Jade smirked on the top of the ramp. She posed for a second then shot her arms up in the air with a final spark of pyro, which exploded off the ends of the ramp and all the way down to the ring. She smiled again and walked slowly down the ramp, pointing at Kole the whole way. 

He just leaned against the ropes and jawed slightly at Jade. He motioned for her to stop prancing around and to get in the ring and fight. Jade stopped half way down the ramp and raised and eyebrow at Kole, who was leaning over the ropes still yelling at her.

She suddenly charged the ring and slid in feet first, grabbing onto Kole’s legs and taking him down, pinning his shoulders. 

..........1

..........2

Kole wriggled a bit and easily kicked out. Jade got up and laughed at him, making him more pissed than he already was. He charged Jade and knocked her down with a clothesline. Jade jumped right back up as Kole bounced off the other ropes and drop kicked her in the stomach. Jade went down to the mat again, and rolled to the corner. She used the ropes to help her up and smiled at Kole again. 

Kole was furious. He ran at Jade and did a cartwheel kick, hitting her in the face with his boot. Jade’s chin busted open and she began to bleed all over her green top. Jade wiped away the blood and spit to the outside of the ring. She got up off the mat and motioned for Kole to bring more to her. ‘Gladly’ was Kole’s response. He charged at her again with a spear but Jade dodged the attack and executed an elbow drop on Kole’s back, knocking him to the mat. She began to stomp on his back and kicked him in the ribs a few times before walking away. 

Kole began to get up but Jade turned and charged at him. Kole turned around and raised his foot as Jade ran at him, kicking her in the face once again. Jade went down to the mat, holding her face, which was bleeding heavily now. 

Kole climbed the ropes and stood up. Jade rolled over just in time to see Kole jump off and execute a moonsault. Jade rolled out of the way at the last second and Kole hit the mat hard. He held his stomach and rolled around in pain for a second.

Jade spit outside the ring again and grabbed Kole by the hair, picking him up to his feet. She kicked him in the stomach and grabbed onto his head and dropped it right into the mat face first. Jade picked him up again and Irish whipped him into the ropes across from her. He bounced back and Jade hit him with a drop kick to the face. Kole went down hard to the mat.

Jade picked Kole up and hip-tossed him right back down. Jade delivered a kick to the head of Kole via her Nike shoe. Jade stomped Kole hard in the ribs and stomach area.

Jade leaves Kole lying on the mat and begins to climb the ropes. The crowd begins to cheer as Jade stands on the top rope, her arms extended high above her head. Jade jumped off and Kole got hit hard, with the shooting star press. Jade covered Kole and the ref began the count. 

......1 

.......2 

Kole escaped at the last second.

Kole pushed Jade off of him and got back to his feet. Kole hit Jade with a single arm DDT, sending her flying to the other side of the ring. Kole got back up and climbed the ropes. He jumped off quickly and hit Jade with a shooting star press, just like the one he got hit with only moments before. 

This time Kole tried for the cover. The ref made the count. 

...1 

...2 

Jade escaped by pushing Kole off of her.

Jade stood up again slowly. She kicked Kole as he charged at her. He dropped to his knees and Jade kneed him in the head a few times. Kole took one last knee to the head and finally headbutted Jade in the stomach. Jade had the wind knocked out of her. She fell to the mat, both exhausted and winded. Kole crawled over to her and locked on a figure-four leg lock, pulling at Jade’s knee. 

Jade fought the hold as long as she could. Finally Kole broke the hold and pulled Jade up by the long red hair. He threw her to the ropes and as she bounced off, he hit her with an elbow to the face. Jade went down again, and Kole picked her up, kneed her in the stomach, grabbed her head and drove it into the mat. He grabbed her again, picked her up and did the same thing. He did it one more time, smashing Jade’s face into the mat for a third time, then began to kick her in the ribs. 

Jade rolled to the side of the ring, and right out of it, landing hard on the blue mats outside. She coughed a few times as Kole jumped out and grabbed her again. He threw her into the side of the ring and Jade landed hard on the mat. Kole strutted around the ring for a second, flexing his biceps at the crowd. They began to boo loudly. 

Kole picked Jade up and slapped her across the face. Jade’s head flew to one side. Kole turned around, ready to do it again, but Jade grabbed his hand with her left, and hooked him right in the side of the head with her right. Jade punched him a few more times in the side of the head then head butted him, right in the face, knocking him to the floor. Jade grabbed him from the floor and threw him back into the ring. 

Rolling in after him, she stood up and grabbed him again. She then executed a swinging bulldog on Kole driving his face into the mat. Jade stood up and put Kole in an arm grapevine submission for only a few moments, while working on his arm. 

The crowd cheered as Jade exploded and grabbed Kole, executing jawbreaker on him. Jade got back to her feet and went for a backdrop driver but Kole dodged the attack. To recover, Jade did a quick cartwheel kick and hit Kole in the face, knocking him to the ropes. She then uppercuts Kole, hitting him directly in the chin before kicking him in the groin.

Now Jade stands up. Kole raked his fingers across the face of Jade in attempt to make a come back. He then slapped her. Jade laughed in his face and kicked him in the groin again. Jade pulled him away from the ropes and hit Kole with a spinning head scissors and sent him hard to the mat. Jade rolled onto Kole connecting with a knee. 

Jade executed a headlock takedown, throwing Kole half way across the mat. Jade picked him up and dropped him neck first onto the ropes. Kole grabs his neck and walked around the ring in awe for a short while. Jade kicked him in stomach and grabbed his head throwing him by the hair to the mat. Jade locked Kole in the double chicken wing and she pulled it tighter and tighter every second that passed. Kole tried to escape over and over again, beginning to get desperate. Jade finally broke the hold and dragged Kole across the mat. She set him up on the corner turnbuckle, straddled over him and began to punch him many times in the head. 

Jade choked Kole with her forearm. Jade measured Kole up and dropped a closed fist on him. Jade walked away from Kole and turned half way across the ring. She charged at him and tried for the spear. Kole moved and Jade hit the turnbuckle hard, landing on the mat. Jade didn’t move for a few moments. Kole desperately climbed the ropes and jumped off. He went for the big moonsault again, but for a second time Jade rolled out of the way just in time. Kole rolled around in pain as Jade climbed the ropes. 

Jade stood there for a second as Kole slowly got to his feet. As he stood up, he turned around and looked at Jade as she jumped off and hit him with a top rope hurricanrana. Kole was taken down by Jade’s finisher. Jaded Skies. Jade slowly rolled onto Kole and the ref started the count

....1

.....2

.....3

Jade rolled off of Kole and stood up slowly. The ref raised her hand and she jumped out of the ring. Slowly she walked up the ramp, holding her swollen face. 

Winner: Jade

Getting Ready



Vince was sitting in his dressing room watching the monitor of tonight’s action. He sat back in the chair as a knock was suddenly heard on the door. Vince’s eyes shot toward the door as the door swung open. In walked Joe Bishop.

“Vince” Joe said

“Joe” Vince replied

“Listen Vince you have a match in the King of Ages tournament tonight against Damnson.” Joe said

“I can’t believe this freakin’ company. I mean I was robbed out of a shot at the world title last night by a oversize piece of crap.” Vince said

“I understand you are upset Vince, that’s why we entered you in the tournament.” Joe exclaimed

Vince folded his arms before answering Joe. “I will find Osyrus and he will be sorry for costing me my match at Glory.”

“Do what you must Vince but remember you do have a match tonight.” Joe said

Joe walked out of the door as Vince watched the door close behind Joe. Vince stood to his feet and walked into the bathroom. Tonight he had to do two things..

He had to wrestle Damnson in the first round of the tournament..

He had to find Osyrus and have a little talk…

Bad Enough

Kain sat in the parking lot still, watching the show via the security cameras. Then he noticed something in the hallway monitor… Jade’s locker door slammed shut. He saw her name on the doorway, and he stood up straight. The security guard looked up at him, then back at the screen.

“She really does something for you, don’t she?”

“What of it.” Kain’s face turned stern.

“Good luck, that’s all…” He turned to Kain. “I really hope it turns out well, I saw last week… No one deserves that shit. It’s bad enough that someone just wanted to beat you… but attacking your heart and mind while they’re at it? That’s just brutal.”

“I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you…” Kain said walking toward the entrance door. “You talk too much… it’ll get you killed one day.”

Patience

Alias sat alone in his dressing room. It was times like these that he just let his mind wander. He had finally beat Vince Jacobs without a shadow of a doubt at Glory. Alright there was a doubt… and his name was Osyrus. Would things have been different if Osyrus hadn’t felt like he had to make himself known in the Pounded and Fused match? 

Something like that just didn’t seem important anymore because, yes, Glory was the one thing that kept Alias living through this last month of hell, and that’s the thing with life… you keep living, you keep moving in that forward direction.

Alias stretched out his back and looked around his full lit room, a small smile cracked out from the side of his lips. The glass ceiling he had made for himself at Legends and Pain or Pleasure wasn’t there anymore. He had beaten SVJ, the last CWL World Champion, but how long would it last… this lingering peace in his life? 

Ironically enough he almost felt uncomfortable on top of the mountain as the #1 Contender for the ACW World Championship… it was almost as if the Original Pulp Hero had run out of big bad monsters to slay.

Bullshit… there was always going to be a deceitful bastard for every anti-hero. The only difference at the moment was the biggest and baddest bastards where at each others throats. Alias stood up from his seat on the bench and walked over to his equipment bag, Silverhawk had told him to dress in his ring gear tonight… just incase he was needed. 

“Just incase he was needed”? 

The thought brought a smile to Alias’s face this time, as he pulled his street shirt, a black ACW shirt, off of his body. Alias paused for a moment and looked at the innumerable faint scares on his arms and upper body. Silverhawk always had a way to really milk the moment out of something. 

Even after saving the company in numerous battles since he stepped backed into his federation some 10 months ago Alias was now looking forward to his first ever shot at the ACW World Championship, as its number one contender.

Ready whenever that opportunity might present itself… because hell, he’d been patient so far, hadn’t he?

The Explanation

The door to Charlie Dunn’s office burst open as Tommy Taylor, obviously frustrated about the match pairings he went through so much trouble to read earlier in the evening.

“What the FUCK is this?!” He asked Dunn, who simply sat there at his desk with his mouth wide open in a state of shock, loudly and ferociously.

Taylor reached into the pocket of his black work-out pants and pulled out a sheet of yellow paper, unfolding it and slamming it with a purpose onto Charlie’s desk.

Dunn calmly looked over the document as Taylor stood there, flustered. 

“It looks to be a list of tonight’s matches.”

Taylor nodded. “Ding, ding! Tell him what he’s won Johnny!” He screamed at Dunn sarcastically, before speaking once more. “Now, can you tell me what is wrong with this list?”

Charlie Dunn read it once more, this time picking it up and holding it close to his face, just to make sure that nothing was missed.

“No. Would you care to enlighten me?” 

“It would be my fucking pleasure!” Tommy replied, showcasing the infamous dirty mouth that he has been known to have when angry and pounding his fist fiercely onto the paper, and thus onto Dunn’s desk. “My name isn’t on it!”

“And?” Dunn stated, rather blankly and simply.

“Do you not remember our deal?” Taylor grumbled. “You told me to be here tonight, LIVE on Courage, so I could start wrestling a series of matches that could solidify my status as one of your wrestlers. Yet, I seem to be missing the part where you booked my goddamned match!”

“Oh, that’s all?” Dunn said, seeming relieved.

“What do you mean that’s all?” Tommy spitted back snidely.

“Tommy…Tommy…Tommy.” Dunn explained. “We were simply overbooked tonight, my man! A man with as much experience as you should know that!”

Tommy grunted once more, bringing back memories from his first appearance on this night’s edition of Courage, showing Charlie Dunn that the word “overbooked” didn’t mean anything to him.

Dunn coughed, sensing Tommy’s anger. “But I’ll tell you what!” He said, no doubt trying to save his own ass from getting steamrolled by Tommy Taylor. “Since I wasn’t quite clear on the fact that our stipulations could be broken depending on the circumstances, I’ll pay you this week, despite that fact that you have yet to compete. Sound good?”

Tommy seemed to ponder this offer for a bit before finally sighing and reluctantly agreeing.

“Fine.”

“Super!” Said Dunn, pulling a white envelope out of one of the drawers of his desk and sliding it across the solid oak masterpiece into the hands of Tommy Taylor, who took it, placed it in his pocket, and then began to walk away.

“Oh, and Tommy.” Dunn said, prompting the over the hill superstar and former MCW World Heavyweight Champion to turn around. “You’ll have a match next week, I promise.”

Taylor sniggered and left the room, slamming the door shut as he left.

Dunn laid back in his chair and smiled. “Phew. That was a close one.”

Threats

Khristain Keller dropped his bag on his locker room bench as he took in a deep yawn. It was hard being a professional wrestler who didn't exactly do much, but soon, there was a knock on the door.

Or be it a huge boot.

SilverHAWK burst in as Keller gave him an ice cold stare, before breaking some tension.

"Boss...I could have been naked there, and you know what ACW doesn't need a Sable style lawsuit."

SilverHAWK grabbed Keller by the collar and forced him up against the wall.

"You listen to me you little punk, if I ever see you not turning up for shows, and then being late the next, I'm not gonna fire you, I'm gonna make sure that you can never wrestle again. I don't give a fuck what kind of contract you got, we can pay you while your sipping your food threw a straw for all I care."

Keller didn't respond, all he did, was slowly, push SilverHAWK off him, before "dusting" himself off.

"HAWK...as your so called threat goes, do your worst pal, with that bummed knee and dodgy right hand, I wouldn't expect you to go over fucking El Emenopi never mind taking my career and I wonder what Mr. Carter would say if I told him someone one his payroll was acting like this...oh hold on, you aren't actually employed by ACW are you?"

HAWK motioned to the door.

"Just keep digging asshole, soon enough, you'll be so deep in your own shit, nobody's gonna help you."

With that, he closed the door, as Keller pondered on what mischief and bodily harm he could cause tonight...since he had nothing better to do.

Death Wish

There he walked. 

Dante Inferno strolled through the backstage of the arena with a presence of which no ACW superstar could compete with. He was a man-monster, and now with gold handing his fist, he looked ever more the real deal people had believed him to be.

Inferno wasn't booked for the night, and to save it from being a completely pointless trip, he entered the cafeteria, to try and scrounge as much free food as possible off of ACW and the arena.  

Seated at one of the six dining tables was newly signed Alexi Volstein. This was Alexi’s first Courage and he was a little upset he wasn’t making his in-ring debut. Alexi was not alone either, however. Also seated at the table were three larger men. The one directly to Alexi’s right had scraggly blonde hair, a pair of sunglasses resting on his nose, and a buttoned up black, leather trench coat. The other two men were seated across from Alexi and each wore the same outfit as the other unknown, only with different hairstyles. The two, were the largest, and each sported shaved heads. Much like Alexi’s. 

The man seated to the right of Alexi leaned over and put his lips up to Alexi’s ear. “That’s Dante Inferno...” He too, had a thick German accent and his English didn’t seem as good as Alexis. “He the US Champion.”

Alexi caught a glimpse of Dante before closing his eyes again. The man continued, “I think...he perfect for us.” The other two men turn to have a look at Dante and they seemed to concur with the expressions laid across their faces. 

Alexi took a deep breath, re-opened his eyelids and turned towards the man next to him. “We’ll see, Christoph...” The sentence was spoken slowly and articulately. The man seated next to Alexi was now revealed to be his brother Christoph. 

Dante didn’t notice the four men were watching him as he picked and prodded at the buffet line. Inferno could feel his back burning, as the eyes of Volstein and his men where transfixed on him, and as he turned around, he could a sight of Volstein, and then turned around, as he went right on eating and gathering more food. 

Alexi turned to Christoph, nodded, and Christoph removed himself from the table. He combed his hair with his hand and made his way over to Dante. Christoph picked up a plate and helped himself to the food, as well.

“Hello,” Christoph said trying to get Dante’s attention.

Dante looked at Christoph and didn’t say a word. By the look on Christoph’s face, it was obvious he found the silent return to be a sign of disrespect. Christoph grabbed Dante’s shoulder and tried turning him but Dante delivered a quick elbow to Christoph’s gut. 

“EAGGHHHHH!” Flew out of Christoph’s mouth as he grabbed his stomach and fell to his knees in pain. His eyes widened as he desperately grasped for air.

The two large men sitting at the table quickly stood up but Alexi motioned for them to sit down. Alexi then took his place on his feet, with a large smile across his face. He clapped and caught Dante’s attention. “Short temper...I like what I see.” Alexi continued to clap as he approached Dante.

Dante looked down at Christoph as he scampered back to the table where they were originally sitting, as Inferno watched on Volstein got closer...

“I know who you are,” Alexi replied shaking his hand. “I Alexi Volstein, newest addition to All-Star roster.”

“I take it you’re not from the States,” Dante said picking up on the broken English spoken by Alexi.

“Germany,” Alexi said smiling. He peered down at his watch then returned his focus to Dante Inferno. “I don’t have much time, so I will make this short.”

“Make what short?” Dante asked, taking the seat closest to the buffet table.

“I have proposition for you.” Alexi leaned against the table and began speaking to Dante in a very serious and low tone.

“Propositions do not interest me...” Dante said, quite adamant no matter what Volstein was going to say.

“I run organization that has America as a target,” Alexi began. “We find ways to kill government propaganda and spread truth. We always looking for talented individuals to join our fight. So, what you say?” 

Dante paused and Alexi threw in one more comment before he got a response. “We get violent if necessary. If that helps decision at all.”

Dante chuckled but soon saw Alexi was serious. A stern grin fell upon Dante and gazed up at Alexi. “You know...maybe those glasses have blinded you, because on my shoulder, sits the US title. Do you know what that means?” Dante questioned as Alexi looked at it. Alexi nodded and Dante continued. “This means I’M the United States Champion. This means I represent...America.”

“I understand.” Alexi remarked.

“So you'll understand why I must reject your offer.” Dante said, seeming rather calm.

“What better way to spread message than by having the title in our ranks that stands for America? We could soil belt and spit on Americana.” Alexi mentioned. 

Dante sighed.

"Even though I have a short temper, it seems you have a thick skull...I said no." Dante said as he got up from his seat, as he had had enough, suddenly, Volstein made a move for him, only for Dante to grab him by the collar and toss him across a table of food, causing a mess in the cafeteria.

However, as Dante walked away, as Volstein's followers helped him up, the new ACW recruit went too far.

“Your mother wouldn’t want you treating others like that!” Alexi hoisted himself back up and dusted off his clothes.

Dante came to a complete halt and clenched a fist as his eyes began to burn with anger. He turned around and dropped the US Title to floor, before cracking his neck and speaking.

"Repeat?"

“I said,” Alexi started in a very arrogant manner. “I’m sure your dead mother would not like you acting like this. No?” Alexi could tell he was getting under Dante’s skin and that’s exactly what he wanted. “Maybe we go dig her up and see?” 

Alexi laughed but Dante was having none of it.

Dante ripped his t-shirt off, and quickly motioned for Volstein to come and get some, only for Christoph and the other followers to surround their leader, in a human shield type fashion. Inferno was clever enough to re-think his strategy, because no matter what, he was never going to assault five men and come out walking...therefore, he grabbed his US Title and left the scene, leaving a very smug Volstein.

Alexi smiled, “We’ll get him...”

King Of Ages Tournament Match - Round One
'Superstar' Vince Jacobs Vs. Damnson

  

As ACW cuts back from commercial break one of the combatants is already standing in the ring for the next match. And that combatant would be Damnson. He’s leaned against one corner and is stretching his arms as everyone in the arena directs their attention to the entranceway. Cypress Hill’s “Ring Superstar” begins to play over the sound system as ‘Superstar’ Vince Jacobs emerges from behind the curtain.

“So you wanna be a ring superstarrr”  

Jacobs, arrogantly struts to the ring to a reaction of mostly boos. One fan begins patting SVJ on the back but Jacobs brushes him off.

“You’re in charge

Growing up in the world

Don’t trust nobody

Gotta look over your shoulder

Constantly

So you wanna be a ring superstarrr”

Jacobs makes his way up the steps and proceeds through the ropes as if he has all the time in the world. The referee checks to make sure both wrestlers are ready and then signals to the timekeeper for the match to begin. The two eye one another down as they circle within the confines of the ring.

They charge the center of the ring and lock up. Jacobs quickly gets the upper hand by turning the momentum against Damnson with a headlock. As Jacobs applies more pressure, Damnson begins gasping for air and quickly checking around for the nearest rope. Needless to say, they’re in the dead center of the ring and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. Damnson thinks to himself, decides what to do, and begins striking Jacobs in the side with forearm shivers. After four smashes to the side, the hold loosens.

It loosens enough to let Damnson push Jacobs off of him and into the opposing ropes. Jacobs bounces off the ropes and tries ducking under Damnson’s clothesline but to no avail. Jacobs is sent crashing to the mat but Damnson knows he has to keep the ‘Superstar’ grounded. Damnson leaps into the air and comes down hard across Jacobs’ chest with an elbow drop. Damnson looks for the quick win by turning over and covering Jacobs.

One...

T...

Not even a two count. Jacobs kicks out with ease and delivers a quick, successful shot to the Damnson’s chin. It stuns Damnson enough to allow Jacobs to get to his feet and then lift Damnson up off the mat. While holding Damnson by the back of the neck, Jacobs delivers a few knee shots to the midsection of his opponent. 

As Damnson is hunched over, Jacobs sees a perfect time to take advantage. He raises his left arm in the air and delivers a devastating forearm shiver of his own across the shoulder blades. Damnson falls to the ring with a thud and his landing is followed by a couple stomps to the ribs.

Jacobs rolls Damnson over with his foot and stomps away at Damnson’s abdominal section. Damnson winces and pushes Jacobs’ boot away. ‘Superstar’ backs away from Damnson and raises his arms in triumph to the fans.

“BOOOOOO!!!!!”

Jacobs yells back to the crowd, “SCREW YOU!”

Damnson rolls onto his side gripping his midsection and raises to one knee rather strenuously. He rests his upper body against his leg with an arm and looks up at Jacobs. With Jacobs’ back to him Damnson sees a perfect time to strike. With a smile on his face, Damnson jumps to his feet and rushes Jacobs. He sends the ‘Superstar’ to the mat again with a clothesline that connects on the back of the neck.

The crowd cheered and jeered this move but Damnson didn’t have time to acknowledge them. He falls to the mat with a quick elbow drop across the lower back and then makes it his feet swiftly. He drags Jacobs over to the turnbuckle and, to make sure Jacobs stays down, delivers another elbow drop the lower back. Damnson rises and climbs to the middle turnbuckle. He sits atop the turnbuckle to raises his arms and try to get the crowd in to the match.

Damnson leaps off the turnbuckle, spins, and drops a 360°-leg drop across Jacobs’ neck.

WHAM! Jacobs grunts out in pain and grabs the back of his neck with a palm. It was hard to hear the crowd’s roar over the thud the impact made. Damnson rolls Jacobs over and tries to put the match away.

One...

Tw...

Damnson gets closer this time, but still not a full two-count. Damnson, staying on the attack, grabs Jacobs’ full head of hair and hoists him up to a standing position. Damnson swings Jacobs’ arm over his neck and locks Jacobs’ head, looking to be going for a suplex. Damnson exerts a good amount of strength to get Jacobs over but it is blocked. 

Damnson tries a second time, but again, is blocked by Jacobs’ leg. In one burst of strength Damnson is reversed and suplexed over Jacobs. Damnson’s body slams against the turnbuckles and he falls on his head.

The crowd leaps to their feet and their roars fill the arena. Damnson’s body is scrunched up like an accordion and Jacobs falls to his hands and knees, gasping for breath.

“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

A small chant emanates from the front rows as Jacobs makes it to his feet. He stumbles over the turnbuckle and locks Damnson’s feet and ankles behind the top rope. Damnson’s head and arms are now the only part of his body touching the mat. A grin falls upon Jacobs’ face and he struts to the opposing turnbuckle.

“YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING!” He shouts to the crowd before charging the corner and sliding right past Damnson’s head. The crowd’s outburst was misplaced as they were looking toward a drop kick to Damnson’s face.

Instead, while on the outside of the ring and behind the corner post, Jacobs locks his hands around Damnson’s chin.

One...

Two...

The referee starts his count but Jacobs doesn’t seem to notice. He just keeps on tugging that head of Damnson. Damnson begins to flail his arms and grunt and moan out in pain but it doesn’t phase Jacobs who now seems to have a sadistic manner to him.

Three...

More muffled grunts of pain slide off of Damnson's lips.

Four...

Five...

Six...

Jacobs releases the hold and slides back into the ring before the count of seven. He unlocks Damnson’s feet and Damnson descends to the mat in a heap. He appears to be lifeless except for the heavy breathing coming from his insides.

Jacobs points to a fan in third row holding a sign that reads, ‘Superstar...SuperSUCK!’ “It ends now!” Jacobs shouts to him but the fan simply gives SVJ the middle finger.

Jacobs lifts Damnson up off of the ring canvas and sits him on top of the turnbuckle. Damnson’s upper body just hunches over and his arms fall limp. Damnson’s legs dangle inside the ring and the only reason why Damnson hasn’t fallen off is because Jacobs is holding him up with a hand as he moves the ring apron. 

While still holding Damnson, Jacobs grabs the top buckle and climbs to the top rope. Holding himself against Damnson, Jacobs balances his body on the top rope before hooking his leg behind Damnson’s neck and driving him to mat with a leg drop off the turnbuckle! THE SHINING STAR!

SLAM!

“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

The chant starts again and grows this time, consuming half of the crowd. The boos once directed at Jacobs now turn to quick cheers as he rolls Damnson over and pins him.

One...

Two...

Three...

No! The ref stops his hand from slapping the canvas and points to Damnson’s foot. Damnson mustered up enough strength and intelligence to hook the rope with his foot! Jacobs looks to his right and can’t believe what he sees.

“FUCK!” Jacobs grunts as he begins pounding the mat. Obviously distraught over what has happened, Jacobs storms to his feet and stomps Damnson’s head a few times.

The ‘holy shit’ chant has not turned into a ‘super suck’ chant.

“SUPER SUCK! SUPER SUCK!

SUPER SUCK! SUPER SUCK!”

Jacobs can’t believe that either! He grabs Damnson’s head and lifts him to his feet. He hooks Damnson’s head under his arm and drives Damnson down with a DDT. Instead of going for the pin here, Jacobs keeps Damnson on his back and applies a chin lock. With a stern expression on his face, Jacobs wrenches his opponent’s neck back.

“AHHHH!” Screams out Damnson. The ref drops to his knees and checks on Damnson. He asks Damnson if he submits but there’s not enough pressure from Jacobs to stop Damnson from shaking his head ‘no.’

Jacobs, obviously questioning his next move, releases the hold and stands. He drags Damnson into the center of the ring and runs to the ropes. He bounces off the ropes and baseball slides into the side of Damnson. The force from the kick turns Damnson over onto his back and Jacobs seizes the opportunity. He covers Damnson...

One...

Two...

Three...

No! Damnson is able to kick out the at last second. Jacobs buries his face into his palms, once again, not being able to believe what has just unfolded. Jacobs rises to his feet and leans over, face to face with a fallen Damnson.

“Guess what!?” Jacobs said, slapping Damnson’s face a little. “It’s time for you to get...STAR STRUCK!”

Jacobs picks Damnson up, and hooks his head again. The crowd stands, and roars, as they know what is about to happen. Jacobs lifts Damnson in the air and begins the spin...

‘Round and ‘round they go...

But suddenly, out of no where, Damnson swings down and plants Jacobs with a DDT of his own!

“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

Both competitors now lie motionless on the mat.

One...

Two...

Three...

Jacobs’ head begins to move and he tries to roll over on his side.

Four...

Now Damnson does the same.

Five...

Six...

Jacobs lifts himself to a knee and Damnson raises to all fours.

Seven...

Damnson uses the assistance of the top rope to elevate to his feet. Jacobs, by his own strength, gets to his feet but stumbling.

Eight...

Both wrestlers are now up and, with a second wind, Damnson blitzes Jacobs. But Jacobs side steps it and kicks the back of Damnson’s knee. Damnson falls to his knees and Jacobs runs against the ropes facing Damnson.

He bounces off...leaps into the air...and connects with a kick to Damnson’s head! STAR GAZER!

Damnson falls to the mat and is clearly out, Jacobs seems to have this match all wrapped up. Winded, Jacobs crawls over and flops atop a prone Damnson.

One...

Two...

Three...

The referee signals and the bell rings! Jacobs is still lying across Damnson’s body as the referee bends down and lifts Jacobs’ hand in victory..."The Superstar" was on his way, and few would bet against him somehow adding King of Ages Champion to his lengthy CV.

Winner: ‘Superstar’ Vince Jacobs

The Nail In The Coffin

Kain stood in front of the door. For the first time ever he saw it. Under the star it said, “Jason Kain” something he had never seen before. Every other time it had said “Sean Hayes” or “Jade Greene” but never his own name. This was his own. 

He pushed the door open and saw his own bench… he saw his own monitor. Everything in here was his own. Then he saw something he wasn’t prepared to see. 

He saw three sets of his gear… pressed. 

The “star” treatment. 

This wasn’t usual for him, and he didn’t know how to take it. But instead of questioning it, he sat down at the end of the bench.

“How do you like it?” A voice popped out from behind him.

Kain turned around as SilverHAWK stepped out from somewhere. He looked around and smiled.

“That stunt you pulled made those fans love you…” He looked at Kain again.

“That wasn’t a stunt. I don’t know what you’re getting at, HAWK… a stupid room with my name on it isn’t going to keep me in this fed. I quit, remember? I’m only here via a request from you, not because I actually WANT to be here.” Kain sneered. 

“Now tell me why you want me here. If it’s to get another shot at Osyrus, fuck that. I don’t need to prove myself anymore. I don’t want the shit you allowed me to go through just for ratings. For that matter, I should just put my ass back on my motorcycle and leave.”

“Go right on ahead, Kain. I’m not holding you here. But if you stay for little while longer, maybe, just maybe, you might like what you’re hearing.” HAWK smirked. “I’ve got an announcement to prepare for… enjoy the commodities.”

HAWK walked out of the room, leaving Kain alone. 

Kain sat back down and stared at the mirror in front of him. He put a hand inside his pocket and pulled out a small box. He stood up and walked over to the vanity, placing the box on the counter. Then he sat back down, staring at it.

Some Glory Backlash [Part II]



SVJ had been walking backstage looking for Osyrus most of the night and had no luck in finding him, even after his match for the evening. Vince stopped and got himself a cup of coffee. He started to pour sugar in his cup when a long legged beauty stood by the table. Vince turned and started to examine the legs all the way up to some nice firm hips then a hot body. Vince stood up and saw Isis standing in front of him.

Vince grinned as the beautiful valet of Osyrus stood looking at him with her arms crossed. Vince looked at Isis while stirring his coffee.

“I hear you at looking for my man, Osyrus.” Isis said standing seductively

Vince took a sip of the coffee before answering her question. Vince sat the coffee on the table as he looked at Isis.

“Yes I am, do you know where he is?” Vince said

Isis smiled “Of course I do but you don’t search for Osyrus, he searches for you.”

Vince grabbed his coffee from the table and took another sip before his ever presence smirk appeared. 

“Oh really. Well that son of a bitch cost me a shot at the ACW World Title at Glory so I need to speak to him” Vince stated

“Osyrus is a busy man. He doesn’t have time for the likes of people like you.” Isis said

Vince frowned. “People like me?”

“You know, has-beens, never was, people that can’t hold a candle to Omar. Ya’ know, like you.” Isis said

At this time Vince was keeping his composure. The frame of mind he was in he could snap Isis’ neck in four different places if he had to.

“Actually Isis don’t you mean that Osyrus can’t hold a candle to SVJ.” Vince said

Isis started to laugh at Vince’s statement.

“Well since I can’t seem to hold a candle to Osyrus, why don’t you tell him something for me.” Vince said as he turned his back and started to walk away from Isis

“And what would that be?” Isis replied

Suddenly Vince nailed Isis with a vicious Superstar kick. Isis laid unconscious on the ground as Vince stood over top of her with his coffee in hand. Vince poured the coffee on Isis as she started to scream. Vince moved closer to the fallen Isis.

“Tell that bastard that the ratings grabber is looking for him and I will find him.” Vince said

“I believe he will be searching for me now.” Vince said with a smile walking away from the downed Isis

The ACW officials ran in to check on Isis who was trying to make it to her feet.

NEEDS A TITLE

“God damnit!”

Elijah Arson sat backstage, scratching his head. After his loss last week at Glory in his ACW debut, Elijah Arson was feeling kind of down. Although, with Elijah’s struggles in his life, it seemed as if this were nothing new for him.

“What’s the matter newbie?”

A familiar voice was heard. 

Arson looked up to spot a man in front of him.

Khristain Keller.

“What’s the matter, rookie? Angry because you couldn’t pull out with the win at Glory? Especially after you went in and demanded a title shot...I’m sure you did everything besides impress SilverHAWK with that kind of performance.”

K² began to smirk as ‘The Constant’ sat still glaring into his eyes.

“Oh? And I’m sure you’ve never had an off night before, Khristain? You’ve never had a night where things were going wrong for you? You fucking bastard, you listen to me, don’t you ever come in here and try and poke fun at me unless you want your head completely disfigured.”

Elijah didn’t smile nor laugh, as Keller’s smile suddenly faded away.

“Green boy has a set of balls? Interesting. Listen to me you little faggot...”

Elijah had a tendency to interrupt whomever he was speaking to. K² was no different.

“Wait, who are you to tell me what to do? You know what, better yet, show me what to do...in the ring...tonight.”

A small pop was heard from the background. 

The crowd was fully behind the idea of Keller vs. Arson.

“Na...you see son, I'm a vet, a vet with a functioning brain. A few weeks back, I got myself an iron clad contract, so I can do whatever the fuck I want, and wrestling a little green newbie isn't on the schedule for tonight. When you get a one on the right hand column, come and speak to me, 0-1 boy.”

Elijah stood up staring into the eyes of K². He shook his head.

“I’m not taking no for an answer...”

But before Elijah could say anymore, Keller had cut him off.

“Or maybe you have no choice.”

And with that, Khristain Keller shoved ‘The Constant’. Elijah tripped backwards over the bench and went stumbling into the locker. Keller lifted his head up, grinned, and let out a smirk. He shook his head and gave Elijah one last look before turning straight around walking out of the locker room.

Elijah, however, wasn’t amused as K² was.

“And you thought that was funny, eh, Khristain?”

King Of Ages Tournament Match - Round One
Quinton May Vs. Drake Nefarian

  

"Pity" by Drowning Pool.

The crowd unleashed a flurry of jeers upon Drake Nefarian, who'd quickly made his way from the back and proceeded down the ramp, with a microphone in hand. There were several sections of the crowd taunting the former boxer for having lost at Glory, considering how he & Liam were considered favourites to be victorious. But Nefarian -- wearing a white Nike sleeveless tanktop with skyblue trackpants and black shoes -- ignored them.

Instead, he had several matters on his mind. The most important ones being his little 'fight' with Liam earlier, and the opponent he was about to face. Regarding the latter, he had cooked up a little plan to add more spice to the occasion, that would also probably go some way in showing the boss, Vincent Pembridge, that he wasn't the weak link in the Homicidal Tendencies Match at Glory.

Rolling into the ring, Drake immediately took his place in the middle, and waited for a few seconds to collect his thoughts, as well was waited for the fans to simmer down. They duly obliged, although hating the guts of the man inside the ring, with the microphone raised to his lips.

"Most people who've taken part on the show tonight had no idea who their opponents were in the KOA Tournament. Well, I do. And I must say, I'm relishing this opportunity. QUINTON MAY, if you're man enough, you'd put your newly-won Television Title on the line, because I do believe that I can beat you for it.

What do you say to that, Quincy?"

Nefarian tossed the microphone out of the ring and smirked, keeping his eyes fixed on the entrance. The crowd began to cheer exuberantly, now knowing that it would be Quinton May versus Drake Nefarian in this match, and with the challenge laid out to Quincy about possibly placing the Television Title on the line. Most felt that Quinton would accept.

A small portion thought otherwise, for whatever reason.

Cue "Date Rape" by Sublime, and the eruption of approving roars. Quinton May -- wearing black pants with a dark blue belt accompanied with a silver buckle and black boots -- swaggered down the ramp at alarming speed, his Television Title around his waist, and a microphone in his left hand. Unhooking it, Quincy threw the title into the ring, much to Drake's delight.

"I'm game, Drake!"

And with that, the match was underway! Television Title on the line and all!

Sliding into the ring, May immediately ducking a charging clothesline from Drake and retaliated with a super-hook! Nefarian was right back at it, however, firing back with a hook of his own. Within second, the crowd were roaring frantically, as a good ol'-fashioned slugging contest unfolded in the ring. Quincy finally got the upper hand as he wore Drake down with his punches, and ended the routine with a kick to the Boxing Sensation's gut. With Drake somewhat winded, Quincy attempted to whip him into the ropes.

Nefarian reversed it though, and aimed for a clothesline as the Television Champion returned. Quincy ducked it and let his momentum take him into the opposite set of ropes, setting him up nicely for a high leg clothesline, knocking the startled Drake Nefarian down to the canvas in a heartbeat!

"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"

Quinton leaned in and looked to strike furiously, attempting a right hook. Nefarian blocked it and drilled Quinton with a hook of his own, sending him flying down to the mat. Helping himself up, the Canadian had no time to avoid a barrage of punches to his face, that sent him into the corner, trapped. Nefarian continued with the ferocious punches, before whipping Quinton into the opposite corner. Quinton bounced right out of the corner, his back arched in pain. Nefarian grinned knowingly, before charging at him.

The Television Champion surprisingly ducked, causing The Middle-Eastern Gladiator Supreme to smash face-first into the turnbuckle. Staggering backwards, Nefarian walked right into a reverse DDT from May, who quickly followed up with the pin;

One...

Two...

Thr...

Nefarian jerked his body off the mat, stopping the count just in time. Quinton shook his head, believing he had it won right then and there, despite it being so early in the match. He waited for his opponent to regain his footing, before Quinton shot himself into the ropes and came hurtling towards Nefarian. Who basically lifted the Dictator onto his shoulders and
slammed him back down in a powerful Samoan drop, going right for the cover after that;

One...

Two...

Th...

Fatigue gave away to intensity as Nefarian regained his vertical balance laid into Quinton with a criminal amount of stomps, which softened the champion up to be pulled up to his feet. Drake knew that if he wanted to win, it would have to be wrapped up very quickly. The longer the match progressed, the more it favoured Quincy. The Boxin' Sensation whipped May into the corner with all his might, the impact of Quinton’s spine and the turnbuckle shaking the ring as he fell to the mat face first. Now The Boxin' Sensation was moving slowly, performing every move with a murderous intent as he now hooked the Dictator's arms and pulled him up to his feet.

He powered up the hero once, hitting a double-underhook suplex, but Nefarian refused to let up on his grip. He rolled through and got Quinton to his feet yet again, repeating the suplex with yet another as he rolled through yet again. Quinton tried to fight the hold even while in pain, but a swift knee to the face stopped that before Nefarian planted Quincy Mama to the mat with a double underhook powerbomb, hooking BOTH legs for the pin;

One...

Two...

Thre...

The fans cheered for Quinton’s resiliency and in relief, his left shoulder shooting up at the last moment. Drake looked slightly frustrated as he struck a downed Quinton with a stiff forearm, following it up with a submission move surprisingly; a dragon sleeper. The Boxin' Sensation wrenched back on it intensely, yelling for the referee to check Quinton as he slowly began to fade.

Things looked bleak, Quincy's hands went from flailing with fight to merely drooping at his sides, Nefarian planting his knee into Quinton’s back to further accentuate the pain. The referee began to reach for Quinton’s left arm, preparing for the submission count.

“LET'S GO, QUINCY!"
*clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

His arm fell once, no fight and no give.

“LET'S GO, QUINCY!"
*clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

His arm fell yet again, Drake refusing to give up on his grip until he KNEW the match was his. He watched eagerly as the referee lifted Quinton’s hand up for the last time….if it fell one more time, Nefarian could claim victory over the Television Champion...

BUT NO! QUINTON MAY WAS STILL ALIVE!

With new vigor inherent, Quincy began to tremble as the adrenaline pumped through his veins. He was bloody excited now, and lashed out beautifully with an uppercut to Drake's face, that effectively broke the hold! Just like that, the submission move was relinquished, and both men crashed to the canvas, back at square one. Quincy kick flipped his way up to his feet, and grinned as Drake took his time to recover.

The champion shot himself into the ropes and scored with a thrust kick to the solarplexes of The Hired Hitman, sending him flying into the parallel set of ropes and back into Quincy's path. The audience were going wild at May getting his second wind, and an overhead belly-to-belly suplex seemed to have done the job of knocking Drake out! Quincy wasted no time in making the cover;

One...

Two...

Thre...

NO! Drake was still in the match, and was determined not to lose. Quincy recovered and kicked at his opponent's head several times, before pulling him up and whipping him into the ropes. Yet again, the Hired Hitman managed to avoid it, holding on to May's arm this time and pulling the champion towards him..

Before exquisitely locking in a crossface chicken wing!

The audience jeered immensely, as the sight of Quinton May struggling to stay alive became visible to them again. But as Drake tried to hardest to tighten the grip, the new Television Champion had one last trick up his figurative sleeve, and knew that now was a time as good as any to use it, and save his ass.

Front-face neckbreaker, almost decapitating Drake Nefarian!

“LET'S GO, QUINCY!"
*clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

“LET'S GO, QUINCY!"
*clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

“LET'S GO, QUINCY!"
*clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

It was pandemonium, with Quinton May quickly back on his feet and eagerly awaiting Drake Nefarian's recovery. Most would agree that Drake has shone in the match, getting in some good offense. But as he groggily stumbled directly into Quincy's path, the majority of the crowd knew that it was about to be curtains for The British Army member. Quincy kicked him in the gut and set up him for his finisher special!

HIDEAWAY!

Drake was resisting though... so what would Quinton do?

Slam his forearm into the kidney area of Nefarian, and try again.

*SLAM*

"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"
"QUINCY MAMA!"

HIDEAWAY! HIDEAWAY! It was practically all over, and the arena exploded with a rousing round of celebratory cheers, as Quinton May rolled Drake Nefarian over and hooked the legs;

One...

Two...

Three!

And it was all she wrote! Quinton May advanced in the KOA Tournament and made his first successful defense of his Television Title! Rolling to the outside, Quincy punched the air and collected his Television Title, slapping hands with the front-row fans as he made his way up the ramp. Another victory over TBA forces, and Vincent Pembridge was sure as hell not gonna be happy.

In the ring, Drake Nefarian cursed loudly. He'd blown another chance.

The backlash... would be deadly.

Winner: Quinton May

Before You Die, You See The Ring

The box sat there, taunting Jason Kain. No smile was on his face. But now his eyes were reddening. Through the black contacts he wore, you could see the bloodshot outlines. It looked as if one small thing could make him snap. He didn’t know whether to stick around and hear the announcement SilverHAWK had to make, or to just go home. He’d been given the option. And for once, HAWK wasn’t stopping him. He had the free will to walk out on his contract. Free will to leave on his own. Another commodity.

He looked back to the vanity counter where the small black box stood. The box sat there with it’s inanimate prescience striking a chord to the room. Kain kept coming back to this box, seemingly looking for an answer from it.

“If only you were a Magic 8 Ball” Kain mused.

He stood up and walked over to the box again. Slowly he opened it.

The $14,000 diamond glowed at him. The ring was pure 24-karat gold. The artwork of it, a masterpiece. An engagement ring.

It never has seen the hand it was meant for. And it never will.

Kain pulled the ring out of the box carefully, the lifted it up in front of his face and stared at it. He looked for what felt like hours, then looked at himself in the mirror. He put his hand on his scar, seeing that once again… he had been scarred. He couldn’t stop himself. Not only was bad things happening… but they heft the worse feelings ever. He looked at his wrists. Scabbed cuts. The possibility that it all could end right now, staring him in the face. He fought the urge to pick at those scabs. He looked at his hands, burned from the electric shocks he punished himself with for not killing Osyrus in that ring.

He looked once again at the ring in his hand. The anger started to well up inside him again. His hand clenched a fist around the ring as his other hand reached for a chair.

Message for Mr. Kain

El sat in his closet. This was the first time he’d ever felt miserable at a job. It was like they didn’t even want him. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. He turned in his hard old-school swivel chair and pulled the door open a little.

“El… you’re needed.”

“Si, Senor SilverHAWK.” HE stood up sadly and picked up the mop.

“No, El… you don’t need the mop this time. I need for you to give Jason Kain a message. Can you do that? You keep up the good work and maybe I’ll allow you to get in the ring.”

El’s eyes widened. He was going to do a good job if it killed him.

“Si, Senor! I can do that… what’s the message?!?”

Mano a Mano

The room was a wreck. Pieces of wood and chairs flung everywhere. The only things left standing was the vanity mirror and the bench that Jason Kain was sitting on. Kain looked at his fist. In it he still held the ring. He knew that this was the hardest moment in his life. The electric burn marks on his hands, and the slits on his wrists said everything without a word. He looked at the ring with increased intensity than before… this time because he knew that the money he spent on it meant nothing. The person he was going to give it to…

She meant everything.

The diamond sparkled in the light. It shone with a brilliance owned by the happy, owned by the worthy. Something Kain had so much wanted to be. He never thought that this wasn't meant to be. He couldn't have known. Everything had been going so right. But one swipe of a selfish man's ways had taken it all away from him. And he was willing to give up on his revenge for one last chance… One final attempt at being happy.

He curled the fist around the ring again as the door slowly crept open.

It was Alias… and he had a calm understanding about him as he looked across the room, from the doorway, at Kain. Since the day he met Kain… he had never expected to see him in this condition. The Kain he knew was such a strong man, such a proud man… but after what happened with Jade... and that bitch Isis, it all just seemed to slowly waste away. 

Alias made his way into the room, dressed in his street attire, and stopped only a couple of feet from where Kain sat on the bench. The ring was still firmly held in Kain’s fist. Alias let out a soft sigh while his searched for word, just one word, to break the lingering silence.

This realization had only added to the pain of watching Kain crumble around him. He couldn't stand seeing all that Kain had built up come crumbling down, especially his relationship with Jade... it was obvious the two where made for each other.

Painfully.

Alias could still remember the night that he had come back to ACW. BreakOUT. It was a quiet return for him, what wasn't quiet was the realization of such a strong bond between Kain and Jade. When a fight begins with shared malice between two sides...only to end with pure lust in the middle of the ring... you knew there was more then just a simple spark there. Those where days when it was both simpler... and much happier, however.

Since then… through all the blood, sweat and tears, the love and the hate, the friendships and the broken dreams… Obstacle after sneering obstacle… Alias knew, everyone knew, if there was a voice that could speak to Kain, short of Jade herself, it would be the voice of the Original Pulp Hero.

But for the first time, Alias even knew that this would be a hard feat. Kain’s attention was blocked by rage and pain. He looked at Kain through the mirror in front of him, remembering how just a few solemn weeks ago, he had been "The Epitome of Innovation" not the depressed self-loather he saw in front of him. But he also knew that Kain needed someone to talk to. And first the first time, Alias knew that although he wasn't one to make friends... this could be the exception.

Suddenly the silence broke.

"I know you're standing there. I know you think I want to talk... but... frankly, I only wanted one thing, Chris." Alias got a little startled at Kain's blatant calling of his first name.

He opened his hand, and the sparkle of the diamond made Alias' eyes widen. All of the sudden a new understanding was breached. Alias looked at Kain, not as just a self-defeated man... but a man that had truly lost everything.

"I didn't want this fed. I didn't want to fight Osyrus. I didn't want to be taken advantage of once again... no. All I wanted was to be happy for once." Kain turned around and looked Alias in the eye.

"I walked into this federation 10 months ago in a mask. A mask that hid my true face... a mask that covered the hideousness of this scar." He pointed to the chainlink mess. "But that mask hid more than just that, Chris. It hid me. I didn't want the world to know that deep inside I was the saddest human alive. I didn't want them to know the endless medications... the psychiatrists... the drugs... the pain... the drinking.

“I didn't want them to see me. Then something happened. Jade came back to me. I didn't want it. But it happened." He paused and looked back at the ring in his hand. The frown on his face turning into a grimace of hatred and pain. "It happened. I was complete. I had the one thing that made me happy. I became whole. I didn't need championships. I didn't need revenge on O'Brien for wrecking my bar. I needed her."

He looked around the room for a moment, then sat down, clenching the fist tight around the ring again.

"NOW look at me. I'm nothing again. Nothing."

With those words he stood up, then angrily threw the ring into a trashcan. He spit, then sat down… he cracked his knuckles and neck then sat facing away from Alias again.

Alias tilted his head to the side for a second, his eyes still firmly on the glittering diamond ring, now bent and on top of a pile of paper towels, as the words sunk into him. The words hit him hard... a barrage of pain, fear and self-loathing. Finally Alias moved again, sitting on the side of the bench now only a step away from Kain. He turned his head and looked at Kain who still sat on the end, facing the mirror. Alias eyes still held a glitter of hope in them as he finally broke his silence, his voice was uncharacteristically soft.

“You’ll only become nothing if you give up on everyone, including yourself, Jason. You still need her and, the thing is, she still needs you. You can’t stop fighting for her. I know you’ve tried to get through to her… but you can’t quit now. Not like this. If you keep on this path… guys like Osyrus have won, every last deceitful bastard.” Alias looked away from Kain, his own silent anger in his eyes. "Don't let go of that ring, Jason. There's always hope. You had something, hell you still do, that I've never had… and that's love that is true to life. Don't let that go."

Kain stood up and looked at Alias. Alias’ eyes weren’t the same eyes he saw in the ring. They looked concerned. They looked pained. They looked… at Kain’s wrists.

“I don’t know how I can’t sit here and let you say that to me, Chris. Are you doing this just to keep me from killing myself?” Kain smirked as the scabs on his wrists caught Alias’ attention again. “Don’t worry… I don’t give up on everything THAT easy. I thought I did… but something keeps stopping me. But once I figure out what that is…”

Suddenly the door opened. El Emenopi’s head popped in.

“Ey, esse… You’d better turn on your monitor, Senor Kain…” He looked over at Alias. “There’s going to be some sort of announcement… and Meester SilverHAWK wants us all listening, hommes.”

The Future... Part Two

The ACW fans rose to their feet once again as SilverHAWK stood at the top of the ramp clutching onto the ACW World Title with his left hand, and an ACW microphone in his right.

"Earlier on...I told you that we would be having an ACW World Title match tonight, and I wasn't lying, in around 10 minutes, two men on the ACW roster will be battling it out for the ACW World Title. You see, through ACW's history, we have 3 men, whom have held the belt with honour, respect, and a fighting spirit, and it is in their honour, that I stand here tonight, placing two men on the road to immortality.
However, firstly, I would like you to watch this package the boys at the back set up...just to show you how much this title means."

-------------------------------
[The package on the JUMBOtron starts with a picture of the ACW title being shown by Dunn and Boyd on one of the very first Courage's, as they announced that a tournament would be underway for the title] 
This is my life
It's not what it was before

[The competitors of all the opening round matches are shown, as Osyrus and Arcayin slowly progress through the rounds and into the final.]
All these feelings I've shared
And these are my dreams
That I'd never lived before

[Osyrus and Arcayin fill the screen as they stand toe to toe at Courage in September 2002, the final of the ACW World Heavyweight Championship tournament.]
Somebody shake me 'cause I
I must be sleeping

[As the guitars and the music kick in, the footage from the match is show]
Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain

[Osyrus and Arcayin slug it out in and outside of the ring]

And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day

[The match closes, as we see Osyrus being handed with the belt by the referee]
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be

[Sepiroth Du Luc makes his ACW debut as he attacks Osyrus at the prize giving of the brand new title.]
The Person that I am today
These are my words
That I've never said before 

[More ACW history is shown, as Winters INC is formed at the expense of Sepiroth Du Luc and SilverHAWK in early October of 2002, as Osyrus and Winters unite with ERA over SilverHAWK's badly beaten body, as he wrestled not once but twice that night, against ICU and ERA.]
I think I'm doing okay
And this is the smile

[After a grueling gauntlet match, Osyrus stands over SilverHAWK, as the duo are shown squaring up to one another during a promo piece by Osyrus, as he points at the ACW World Title and then laughs at HAWK]
That I've never shown before
Somebody shake me 'cause I

[The legendary BreakOUT match is shown, as both Osyrus and SilverHAWK enter the arena and look up at the large 3 tier cage, as the ACW belt hags above them.]
I must be sleeping
Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain

[Osyrus and SilverHAWK are shown battling through the cage tiers as SilverHAWK finally makes it to the top of the cage, but as a price, as the piece shows you SilverHAWK being thrown from the top to the first floor of the cage.]
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away

[The piece showed the conflicts of SilverHAWK and Osyrus since then, as Osyrus attempted to win his belt back by not only hurting HAWK, but by hurting his friends also.]
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day

[Osyrus smashing HAWK in the face with a pipe, winning a pinfall victory over the Champion in a non-title street fight.]
I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be

[And then Osyrus and SilverHAWK going at it in a best of three match at End Game, as the highlights showed SilverHAWK and Osyrus tearing the place apart, before gaining the pinfall over HAWK]
The Person that I am today
I'm so afraid of waking 

[ICU making his presence felt, as he attacked Osyrus and helped SilverHAWK at End Game]
Please don't shake me
Afraid of waking

[ICU fights with Osyrus and everyone who comes along with him, including A*Dubbs in Winters INC]
Please don't shake me
Now that we're here, it's so far away

[ICU is screwed out of his TV Title by Scott Perry and Winters INC]
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained

[The title match at Apocalypse]
They all finally start to go away

[ICU and Osyrus beat one another up all over the arena as the forming of the Resistance causes ICU to be crowned the new ACW World Heavyweight Champion.]
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day

[ICU is shown with the belt in his hands, as he contemplates his future]
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today

[ICU is shown handing the belt to SilverHAWK, as the video finished with a montage of Osyrus, SilverHAWK and the ICU as it then fades into the ACW World Title, as a question mark over shadows it...]
-------------------------------

"Very nice..."

The crowd clapped as Stainds music faded away as the attention of everyone was brought back to SilverHAWK, with the vacant ACW World Title on his shoulder.

"As you can see, quite a bit of commotion has been dished out over this strap, and now I will announce the workings of the next two men whom are going to fight out for this title. You see, we at the back decided that this belt was too important to be fought in one sitting, you see, we don't want someone to win this on a fluke, or some freak coincidence...therefore, from now, until King of Ages, this belt will be up for grabs.

That's right...the ACW World Title will be up for grabs in a best of seven series of matches.

So that pretty much means...that the first match would be right about now?"

Huge pop.

"The two men that will be fighting right now, in a street fight for the first point in the ACW World Championship series are..."

...

HAWK dropped the mic.

...

The cameras backstage showed Osyrus looking toward his monitor. Then it flashed over to Vince Jacobs lockeroom.

…

The fans were becoming restless.

…

Jade’s room was shown, but she just turned and walked out of the room. Quinton May looked on, with the rest of the Army standing behind him.

...

HAWK grabbed the mic again, and looked to the crowd. “You really wanna know?”

The crowd cheered as loud as ever.

...

Jason Kain and Alias stared on, and El Emenopi looked on with excitement. Alexi Volstein stared at his monitor backstage with a stern look.

…

HAWK looked around, watching the crowd becoming explosive. Cheers this loud had never been heard before.

…

Vincent Pembridge watched as well, though his expression was a bit blank to the actual outcome. Another view showed The Kole brothers watching in expectation.

…

The crowd’s buzz grew increasingly louder, almost riotous. HAWK watched in his own amazement.

…

Osyrus now sat down, glaring at his screen… “Say it, already, HAWK!”

…

Liam and Nefarian stared at the screen, watching for any sign of HAWK finally announcing it.

…

Kain and Alias now both sat down. The feeling was almost World-Stopping. Suddenly the crowd went silent as SilverHAWK raised his hand.

…

Every wrestler in ACW’s backstage, every crowd in their seat, every single solitary ACW staff member, and every single person at home… all reached the edge of their seat.

…

HAWK raised the mic to his lips… and said the final words…

"Alias and Jason Kain."

Kain and Alias’ faces suddenly went pale.

H O L Y     S H I T

 

DING 

DING 

DING!!!!

ACW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Best Of Seven Series
Alias Vs. Jason Kain

  

No music was set off as both Kain and Alias looked at each other. Just moments ago they had shown an actual friendship, a band that they weren’t truly ready to give to anyone else. But for some odd reason that friendship was being put to the test right now. But there was something in Kain’s eyes that showed something other than the fact that he was chosen as a possible representative for this federation.

He had heard the bell.

Alias had heard it, too… but he realized this had to be a competition. 

Kain wasn’t in it for the competition. 

He was furious.

“NO WAY AM I LETTING THIS FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT FEDERATION CONTINUE TO RUIN MY LIFE!!!”

Alias backed away for a second, as Kain had flipped out again. He shoved past Alias, grabbing the trashcan on the way out of the room. Alias followed him, seeing him head toward the arena’s hall. Kain made his way through the backstage areas, and resurfaced in the entryway as the crowd exploded with cheers. Alias ran through behind him, but Kain shoved him off.

He grabbed a microphone from one of the stage hands, then shoved the trashcan into the ring.

“THIS IS BULLSHIT!!!”

The crowd immediately went silent. They were in awe of Kain’s sudden disregard for the federation in general. 

They didn’t boo him, nor cheer him.

“I look at every one of you out there, bloodthirsty and ready for action. And I don’t blame you. But, this federation in general I do blame. I understand you want entertainment. And you think that putting me, in the state that I’m in, in a match with one of your best superstars, AND my only friend here, is going to give that entertainment? You think I want your stupid title? For all I give a damn, that thing could be in that trashcan over there. 

For that matter, this whole stupid shit is trash. This federation is trash and you all know it. But for once I’m going to agree with you… THIS will be entertainment. The two best in this business battling it out for the ACW World Championship?” Kain looked around wildly. “FINE THEN! ALIAS BRING YOUR BEST!!! But from here on in… I’m not letting this shit bother me. I’ll be in you little contest, I’ll finish it out… But this isn’t getting in my way. Chris, come down to the ring and shake my hand.”

Alias looked at Kain who amazingly was smiling. It wasn’t a smile of happiness… it was a smile of insanity. The man had finally lost it. But Alias looked at the crowd, who now was cheering for the match to begin. Alias started toward the ring, and Kain’s outstretched hand. Alias climbed into the ring.

The stakes were incredibly high. Was it possible for this friendship to survive through this ordeal? Or was it just meant to be for them to be loners? Kain was right, this idea WAS trash… but this was ENTERTAINMENT. Alias walked up to Kain and took the mic from him. Kain still held out his hand, and Alias looked at it.

“Amazing how you’ve changed in just these short few days, Jason. Amazing.” Alias looked at Kain with a strange look of mixed pity and piqued interest. “You’ve gone from one end of the spectrum to the other? I don’t know where you’re headed with this… but I have on thing to say… Let the BEST MAN win.”

The “Original Pulp Hero” vs. The “Epitome of Innovation.”

The “Tin Angel” vs. The “Hott Wire.”

Alias vs. Jason Kain.

Hero vs. Hero.

It came down to these two men. The federation wanted BOTH of them. But they only had one title to give. And Kain was holding out his hand. This was monumental. This was extraordinary. This…

This was IT.

Alias put his hand out to an amazing choir of cheers from the crowd. Chants of “A-C-Dub” and “Holy Shit” were exploding through the arena… but they quickly diminished as Alias flung Kain to the ropes, shocking the crowd with the first move. Alias drove in for a hard clothesline, but Kain ducked it, rebounded off the other ropes and delivered his own. 

With Alias on the mat, Kain backflipped over the ropes to the outside of the ring. He walked over and grabbed a chair, tossing it into the ring. He then climbed back in, grabbing Alias by the head and pulling him to his feet.

Alias reversed, setting in a kick to Kain’s shins, then another to his shoulder. The Muay Thai style pushing Kain away from Alias. Alias hit another few short jabs then laid a pure kick to the gut and dropped him with a DDT. The crowd roared and start up an “A-Li-As” chant. Kain rolled out of the move, but not fast enough as Alias flung him back to the mat with a hard belly-to-belly slam. Kain tried pushing his way up, but Alias hooked his head and slung him up into the air and back down hard with a half-belly suplex.

Kain held his neck and head, rolling around on the mat. But Alias wasn’t ready to stop. Alias walked forward, ready to grab Kain again… but out of nowhere Kain popped off the mat with a rising White Lightning. The spear hitting Alias square in the stomach and virtually lifting him clear off the mat. Kain then pushed himself to his feet, but something about the eyes again… as if he was beginning to vent his frustrations. 

He grabbed the trashcan, and slammed it onto Alias’s chest, rolling him to his back, where he slammed it down on his head three times, before dumping the contents onto him. Kain then pulled Alias to his feet and dropped the can over him, leaving him inside of it… then grabbed the chair and rung his bell with it. Kain threw the chair out of the ring, and flung Alias to the mat.

Alias rolled out of the trashcan, holding his head from the ringing, but Kain was on top of him again whipping him to the ropes then flinging him overhead with a hard belly-to-belly suplex. Kain stood up and started breathing heavily with a psychotic grin on his face, waiting for Alias to get to his feet.

But as Alias started to his feet, Kain realized that he was beating up his only friend in the federation. He pulled Alias to his feet, to which Alias nodded he was okay… then followed his answer up with a flapjack, pulling Kain over him and slapping him face first into the mat. 

Kain tried to shake off the move, but was unsuccessful as Alias swung him around and into the turnbuckle. Kain slumped in the corner as Alias set him up on the top then flipped him over with a super armdrag.

Kain rolled into the center of the ring as Alias charged toward him with a his head down, hopping up just in time to nail Kain with a sharp dropkick, sending him back to the mat, hard. Kain pushed his way to his knees as Alias drove a hard kick to Kain’s ribs, then pulled him to his feet. The crowd started chanting… “Ja-Son Kain”

But Alias wasn’t ready to oblige the fans, pulling Kain into position then locking his hand around Kain’s arm and into his face… flipping him overhead with his patented Pulped suplex. Kain landed face first and rolled on the mat holding his nose. Blood poured out, and the crowd went ballistic. 

But Kain wasn’t ready to go down yet, as he pushed his way back to his feet. Alias smiled at Kain’s perseverance, then waved him into a grapple. Alias got the better of the move, slinging Kain over with a headlock takedown, then made a combo into a straight-press armbar. Kain pulled against the hold, driving a fist into Alias’ stomach.

It took two more punches to make Alias let go of the hold… but Kain instantly jumped out of the ring. Alias followed in pursuit, but Kain instantly went for the whip into the turnpost. As Alias felt his head ring off the move, Kain whipped him into the guard rail, following it up with a short avalanche then a whip into the steps. The crowd went wild for a moment then started up an “A-Li-As” chant again.

Kain rolled back into the ring again, motioning for Alias to get back into the ring as well. Alias shook off the cobwebs from his head ringing against virtually everything outside, but still he climbed into the ring. Kain set up the chair as Alias blindly went for his offensive, but Kain countered with a drop toe-hold into the chair. Alias popped off the chair holding his face, and now he was bleeding as well.

“A-Li-As!!”
“A-Li-As!!”
“A-Li-As!!”
“A-Li-As!!”
“A-Li-As!!”

The crowd chants got larger and larger. Kain grabbed Alias and rolled him over, going for a pin…

1… 

2… 

KICKOUT!!!

Amazingly Alias pulled a kickout at the last second… then started to push himself to his feet. Kain rushed in again… but this time was blocked out, by Alias suddenly charging in with a barrage of Muay Thai punches and kicks, sending Kain back some, then crashing an elbow to the back of Kain’s head… setting off the Bullets from Alias. Knee, elbow, knee, elbow, knee, elbow, knee… finally with a excruciatingly hard knee he let go, watching Kain tumble back into the ropes entangling himself.

With a headbutt to the face, Click Click Boom! Kain was leveled with a knee and a final elbow to the mat. Alias pulled him to his feet, but Kain was still shaky from the attacks, so Alias set him up… flipped him to the ropes… pulls a tilt-a-whirl…

A-BOMB!!!!

Alias stands up, wearily, then drops down on Kain…

1… 

2… 

Thr…

KICKOUT!!!

Amazingly Kain kicks out and shoves Alias off of him. Alias now looks a bit surprised, standing up and putting his hand through his hair. Kain rolls to his knees and coughs, spitting out blood from the massive piledriver he just endured. He looks up, knowing he can’t take much more of this…

Alias starts moving in… Kain looks around, and finds his window…

Alias wobbles back with an amazingly fast chip shot to the guy with the chair! Kain stands up and steps back. Alias doubles over from the shot, then looks up as Kain drops the chair to the mat, then hooks Alias’ head, and snap suplexes him into the chair!!!

The move put both men out, though. Leaving Kain on the mat, gasping for breath, while Alias just laid there almost unconscious. The ref instantly started the count…

1…

2…

Kain started rolling around a bit…

3…

4…

Alias coughed… and Kain pushed himself to his stomach.

5…

6…

Suddenly Kain shoved himself to his feet, rushing over to a turnbuckle. The speed defying what little energy he had left. He pulled the covering off and then hobbled over to Alias’ downed body… pulling him to his feet.

But Alias reverses! Amazingly Alias sends Kain flying into the bare turnbuckle! Kain hits it chest first dropping himself to the mat, as Alias shakes his head around to gain his bearings. Kain rolls over in pain, but still manages to pull himself to his feet, just a split second before Alias came rushing in… shoving Kain back to the mat, and rolling back out of the ring with a shoulder block. Kain landed on his feet outside of the ring, but wobbly. He slid back in, only to get a set of feet stomping him down, before lifting him into a tuck position. Alias points to the sky as the crowd starts cheering wildly…

He pulls Kain up onto his shoulders stepping backward a bit then lifting him high above his head, setting up for the High Angle Powerbomb! But suddenly Kain fidgets, and swings himself around… dropping back over his shoulder…

CIRCUIT BREAKER!!!!

The stunner put Alias to the mat fast… Kain rushed over to the ropes and climbed them. The crowd suddenly goes into a “HOLY SHIT” chant due to the fact that Kain has never attempted a rope move before in his career. But Kain had notified that he might have done this very same thing at Glory if he needed to… and he flies into a 180 flat spin splash…

POWER SURGE!!!!

The crowd is on their feet as he holds it for the pin…

1… 

2… 

SHOULDER UP!!!!!

The crowd, along with Kain, is completely baffled as to how the Original Pulp Hero pulled that one out. Alias just moaned though, as if that shoulder was all he had left… Kain suddenly flipped him up and hooked his arm around the neck and hooked in his patented Shocking Experience… But Alias knew how to break the hold since the move was also his very own finisher as well… Kain fell back as the crowd oohed Alias’ cunning maneuver. 

Instantly, Kain was on his feet, quickly thinking over what had just happened… but Alias didn’t need to think, he had his second wind… and Kain had just wasted his…

Kain quickly stepped forward trying to hit Alias with a second Circuit Breaker… but the kick didn’t affect Alias. Especially considering Alias had CAUGHT the kick, and was already pulling Kain into a hard Capture Suplex. Kain flopped to the mat as Alias suddenly climbed the ropes himself.

He signaled to the crowd for the Glasgow Kiss, and the crowd roared, then he set up… and dove…

…

BUT KAIN ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY! Alias’ head bounced off the mat with a horrifying thud as Kain suddenly rolled around… pulling something completely new into the mix!

He started with the same single arm choke he would do for the Shocking Experience… But quickly converted the move locking in a sickeningly twisted double armlock/nelson… then pulled the legs over completing his new finisher…

OVERLOAD!!!!

His own creation was too much for Alias to bear against… and after a good ten seconds of struggling against the hold, Alias cried out, then tapped!!! The crowd exploded with uproarious cheers. Kain let go of the hold immediately as Alias tapped and the bell rung. Kain stood up and put a hand out to Alias, who gladly took the gesture. The score was 1-0 in favor of Jason Kain but both wrestler’s hands were in the air. The crowd’s applause got louder.

Kain then pointed at Alias, and stepped out of the ring, walking backwards up it. Alias looked at Kain, and shrugged. Kain shrugged back. The two had just gone through hell, and both men were walking away from it.

The aftermath of Glory had been just as devastating as Glory itself. 

The ACW World Title hunt was on its way. 

The King Of Ages tournament was up and running as well. 

And as it seemed… ACW would NOT be the same.

Winner: Jason Kain (Now Leads The Seven Series 1-0)