KK: Lets turn our attention to this match up Trent. We have two semi final match-ups leading to the newly crowned international champion later this evening after a final to see who is truly the most deserving.
Kevin Conner comes down to ringside to many cheers. "The Celtic Warrior" slaps a few hands, before jumping into the ring and doing some warm up stretches. Mental Mark walks more sedately down to ringside, getting a mixed reaction of both boos and cheers.
The two men lock up, and quickly Conner gets the advantage, using some crisp wrestling holds to outwit Mark. Mark staggers back to the corner and then composes himself. He launches a strong attack on Conner, attempting to get Conners back and land a choke hold. Conner anticipates the move and throws Mark over his back. Mark twists and turns and ends up vertical again, but again Conner is too quick and clotheslines him to the ground before hitting him with a baseball slide. Mark hold his ribs in pain.
KK: Conner quickly getting the advantage here.
TB: Certainly good to see Conner back to where he used to be.
KK: If he wins this, it's either Blue Thunder or Danny Starr against him in the final.
Conner picks up Mark and hits him with the 'Soul Searcher'. Mark goes down and Conner makes the pin. 1-2-3 and it's over.
KK: Conner quickly disposes of Mark there.
TB: Yes, Conner reminding us all of his former brilliance in the speed he managed to put Mental Mark away.
The scene opens up backstage and we see a man walking with a duffle bag over his shoulder. The camera is behind him so all we know is that he is wearing a Johan Santana Minnesota Twins jersey. From in front of this mystery man we can see Jim Otis running up with a microphone.
Jim Otis: Excuse me sir, Mr. Hartman isn't it? May I ask you a few questions?
TPO: Yes, I am Nate "The Phenomenal One" Hartman. And I suppose you can fire a couple at me my good man.
Jim Otis: What is the special occasion that brings you here to the HWA?
TPO: Well, you see I was sittin' at home watching the last SNS and I happened to see that two-faced bastard Danny Starr on my television screen being nice to people and helping people up after matches trying to show everybody he changed. I don't buy it. That son of a bitch as double-crossed every person in this federation at least three times.
Jim Otis: So I take it you don't care for Danny Starr too much then do you?
TPO: Thank you Captain Obvious. It's not that I don't care for him, it's that i don't trust him. That's the whole reason
I've come back here to the HWA, to prove that "The Sensation" Danny Starr hasn't changed one bit and is still the two-bit sack of shit he was the last time I saw him. So if you're watching this Mr. Starr, I will expose you. And now if you'll excuse me, I must be getting to my dressing room.
Jim Otis: Ok, well there you have it folks, it looks like not everyone is believing Danny Starr is a changed man. How is this gonna affect Mr. Starr?
The camera focuses in on The Phenomenal One as the screen fades to black.
KK: Two Hall of Fame bound wrestlers here in this match for sure, Trent.
TB: Actually Keith, Danny Starr already IS in the HWA Hall of Fame.
KK: Ah shit yeah. With all the bad shit he has caused, it is sometimes easy to forget.
TB: You've got to think that Blue Thunder will be in there sometime soon too.
KK: Not with Jackson and his goons calling the shots I doubt it.
TB: Can't Ron Royalty put him in?
KK: Have you spoken to Royalty recently? Something is certainly amiss with the guy. He hasn't been the same since he just turned back up after Jackson kidnapped him.
Danny Starr comes down to ringside to many cheers (just one or two boos now that he has started to prove himself once more to the fans). He is accompanied to the ring by his manager Eric Raynes. Blue Thunder follows him down to the ring to a tremendous cheer.
KK: One for the ages Trent.
TB: This is a Pay Per View quality match Keith, for sure.
The two men spend a little time eyeing each other up, trying to win the all-important psychological battle. In a rare gesture, Blue Thunder offers a hand to Starr. Starr looks around at the fans to see what he should do, they cheer, he shakes and the crowd go crazy. Two of their favourites locking up for the first time ever. They acknowledge their fans and then return to the centre of the ring. After an early exchange neither man really manages to get any advantage. Eric Raynes encourages Danny from the sidelines.
TB: How on earth did we get those two confused Keith?
KK: Beats me.
Danny Starr tries an early attempt on the Halls of Sensation, but Thunder has done his homework, and powers out of the move. Now Thunder is on the attack, hoping to connect with one of his big power moves. He hits Starr with an elbow, and Starr's natural reaction is to shield his face, leaving Thunder some space for a spear. The 350lb spear is too much for Starr, who goes down in a heap. Eric Raynes manages to distract Thunder before he can execute the last ride. Raynes grabs a chair and manages to get Thunder's attention, buying Danny time to heal. We suddenly notice that attention has been drawn to the top of the ramp. There stood is Dexil Midnight, next to David Jackson. Both are stood, seemingly in discussion of something.
TB: Ah damn. I knew it would only be time before those two bastards turned up.
KK: Bastards? Thats a bit harsh Trent!
TB: Keith, those two men orchestrated the RAPE of Erin Wallace.
KK: There is no proof to substantiate those claims Trent and you know it.
Re-focused, the action continues in the ring. Starr manages to down Thunder and holds the big man in a figure 4 leglock. Thunder grimaces in pain. Starr's efforts are etched in his pained face. Thunder though is simply too strong, and he starts to make his way, inch by inch across the mat to the ropes.
TB: Surely he'll never make it? It's too far!
KK: Never underestimate Blue Thunder, Trent.
Sure enough, to Danny Starr's shock, Blue Thunder reaches the ropes, and Starr is forced to relinquish the hold.
KK: I bet Starr regrets this pretense of being a nice guy now! If he wasn't too busy trying to win everyone over, he'd keep that bad boy slapped on, and Thunder would be a tapping man.
TB: You don't believe Starr is a changed man do you Keith?
KK: Said it before and i'll say it again. Leopards do NOT change their spots, especially when they're called Danny Starr.
Weakened now, Thunder attempts a huge clothesline on Starr, but without full use of one ankle, Thunder's aim is weak, and Starr manages to avoid the move. Instead, Starr manages to get a standing drop-kick aimed at the middle of Thunder's back. Thunder almost goes down, but instead ends up hung over the top rope. Starr climbs to the top turnbuckle. Seeing the prone Thunder, he gives a salute to the fans, before launching himself off the turnbuckle, flying 10 feet through the air, and hitting the leg-drop on Thunder. Thunder's body is sent catapulting over the top rope, and sails straight into the announce table which has been hastily vacated by Trent and Keith. The announce table is turned to sawdust and splinters with Thunder's huge frame hitting it. The entire crowd starts a Holy Shit chant. Starr himself has not managed to avoid injury either. The daredevil move saw him fall at a strange angle, and he has managed to pull a muscle. Danny limps over to Thunder's prone form to inspect the damage. Thunder is caked with blood, even Starr looks shocked at the damage to Thunder.
TB: Are we still on?
KK: I think so Trent. Just look at our table!
TB: What a shocking turn of events, I just hope Blue Thunder is ok.
KK: The most we can hope for after that is that Blue Thunder is ALIVE Trent.
Thunder twitches his head. Starr takes a step back in shock. Suddenly, Dexil Midnight comes out of nowhere and with a leap off the apron, hits a tornado DDT onto Starr. Midnight then gives Starr a kick for good measure before he and Jackson disappear back up the ramp way. Eric Raynes checks on Starr. Thunder looks up in surprise. He starts attempting to get himself back to a vertical base.
TB: Just look at the state that these men are in Keith. And to think, this is only match two! It's not even the final!
KK: With what happened in This match, Conner will have a huge advantage over whoever the winner is.
TB: Good point, Keith.
Thunder has managed to drag himself back into the ring now, with Starr rolled in by Eric Raynes. The referee goes for the count. 1-2-3-4-5... Starr raises an arm... 6-7-8-9, Thunder gets his whole upper body up, Starr rolls to his side. 10!
KK: Oh my God, the referee has made a double count out!! Thats a shocking way to end this match, the fans deserve better.
TB: Oh this is an absolute travesty. Both men gave it their all, and for it to end this way is truly a shame.
Purple Haze hits and David Jackson steps back out onto the rampway, accompanied by Dexil Midnight. He grabs a mike, and starts to swagger down to rinside.
DJ: Referee, get the hell out of here, that is terrible officiating.
Jackson climbs into the ring.
DJ: I declare the winner of this match - BLUE THUNDER!
The look on both Starr AND Thunder's faces is identical, complete shock.
DJ: Thats right. Blue Thunder, as your body was closer to being up for the count, the big W goes to you!
The look of shock and disgust on Thunder's face is apparent.
TB: Well there's no way Thunder would want to win the match on those terms. Thats not how Blue Thunder works.
KK: Why is Jackson helping Thunder though? Dexil Midnight took Starr out at a quite opportune moment for Thunder. Coincidence?
TB: Surely you're not suggesting Thunder is in cahoots with these guys?
KK: All i'm saying is that it's more than possible...
We are now backstage and Ron Royalty stands with Jim Otis, HWA Announcer.
JO: Ron Royalty, how great it is to see you. I'm sure the HWA has just one question on their lips - where were you over those couple of weeks after David Jackson kidnapped you?
RR: Well, predictably, I was with Jackson! Not much I could really do on that one!
JO: Excuse the bluntness Mr Royalty, but with all due respect, why the hell didn't you contact the authorities when you returned to work?
RR: Well see I had to make a deal with Jackson for my release.
JO: Would you mind letting us in on what the deal entailed?
RR: You need to keep your nose out of things like that young man, what did you say your name was?
JO: I didn't, it's Jim, Jim Otis.
RR: Well Jim trust me on one thing. Thats to not ask questions like that which you have no place knowing the answer to.
Ron looks quite uncomfortable at this line of questioning.
JO: My apologies Mr Royalty, one more question if i may?
RR: Sure.
JO: How did you get away from David Jackson and his team?
RR: See, again you go spoiling what could be a promising career with stupid questions like that. Now get out of my sight you little twat.
Jim moves quickly out of Ron's way. Ron looks tormented by something and lands a hard fist on a nearby door. He looks out to the coridor towards the ring as the scene fades.
TB: Was that a tear in Royalty's eye there Keith?
KK: I'm not sure, but my suspicions would indeed seem to be correct, there is something about this whole situation i'm not comfortable with. Something is definitely not right here.
TB: So the controversial Dexil Midnight takes on the returning Dylan Wolfe.
KK: Thats right, whoever is doing the match making currently for the HWA is doing a might fine job!
Both men start in the ring. They lock up. Immediately Dexil starts to cheat, with an eye gouge. The referee gives him a warning. Dylan Wolfe gives him more, a punch straight to the nose in fact. Dexil clutches his nose just in time to meet Dylan's knee.
TB: Terrible start for Dexil Midnight here.
Just then though, David Jackson walks down to ringside.
KK: Oh God, I think we've had about enough of David Jackson already tonight.
TB: Why won't Ron Royalty control this man? Surely all Ron needs to do is fire him!
Dylan continues to punish Dexil, but Jackson intervenes and enters the ring, distracting Wolfe. In that time, Dexil pulls out some brass knuckles (the same he previously attacked Wolfe with last week) and with a sense of De Ja Vu, almost knocks wolfe's head off once again. Jackson stealthily moves away from the ring apron while Wolfe goes down clutching his head. Midnight covers Wolfe and the referee makes the count 1-2-kickout!
KK: Dylan Wolfe showing some serious toughness there.
Wolfe in fact grabs Midnight, putting him in a headlock, reversing positions, and before Jackson can interfere for a second time, Wolfe DDTs Dexil and picks up the 1-2-3 cover.
TB: My God, did you see how quickly Dylan reversed that?
KK: He had no choice, it was the only way to counter the effects of having Jackson at ringisde.
TB: Will we have a match tonight that ISN'T influenced by Jackson? KK: Wait, whats this? Kevin Conner!
Sure enough, Conner flies down to ringside (ok, so not literally), with a chair in hand. He reaches the ring and plants a vicious chair shot on Dexil Midnight. Looking pleased with himself, Conner grabs a table from under the ring. He sets it up, giving Midnight another kick for good measure. He then pulls out a bag from his pocket and proceeds to empty it of its contents (around 300-400 thumbtacks) all over the table. Conner then grabs Midnight once more, and the Hardcore Icon lives up to his name, planting Dexil through the table. Leaving Midnight in the ring, pouring blood, Conner salutes his fans before leaving.
We're backstage again and this time a cameraman is making his way around the HWA offices. The view stops on the door of Ron Royalty's office name plate.
TB: Well finally, I hope we're going to get a proper interview with Ron Royalty. Who is making this video?
KK: I'm not sure Trent, it's not on my schedule.
The door opens and inside we see the back of a totally naked woman. Sitting at his desk, enjoying what appears to be a lapdance, is none other than Ron Royalty. Ron is tapping a pen lazily on a desk, whilst inhaling deeply on a fine cuban cigar in his other hand. Ron has a big smile on his face, whilst the woman, well, she has a smile too! She turns to face the camera, one arm covering her breasts.
TB: Oh my GOD!
KK: SYREN?!
TB: We haven't seen her in the HWA since..... Well, AGES!
KK: Ron Royalty getting a Lap Dance from SYREN?! That is SO unfair! Syren, come here!
Unable to hear them, Syren looks into the camera, bends forward (Royalty gets a great view) and blows a kiss to the camera.
TB: Oh my, Ron Royalty is one incredibly lucky guy.....
TB: Here we have a repeat match from last week. Two HWA legends and veterans here. Sett, the big man, is looking to bring his A game one more time as he takes on the smaller, but possibly more skilful Ryan Maxem. Maxem will definitely be out for revenge this week as he lost a soft victory to Sett a week previous.
They lock up and Sett overpowers Maxem. Sett grabs Maxem and throws him into the turnbuckle. Maxem recovers and fires a couple of quick elbows at Sett, stopping Sett in his stride. Sett bulks himself back up and clotheslines Maxem inside out! Maxem fires back out of the corner and plants a DDT on Sett. Fired up Maxem heads to the turnbuckle, ascending again and flying off the top rope.
KK: Wow, Maxem is in good shape, he's moving like a Crusierweight here.
TB: Yes, very impressive here. Maxem is no small guy at 283lb. Its just that Sett is so huge!
KK: Easy tiger, easy!
The match continues for around another 7-8 minutes, neither man backing down, and neither man really gaining any significant advantage. During a particularly technical exchange on the ground, some guy jumps the crowd and enters the ring. He has "Zack Maxem" written on the back of his T-Shirt. He grabs onto the back of Sett and brings the big man to his knees, allowing Ryan Maxem to carry out a roundhouse kick into Sett's large chest.
TB: Who the hell is this?
KK: Beats me, must be some relation of Ryan Maxem's!
Zack continues to work on Sett, Ryan Maxem seems to relish the chance of getting a few extra shots in, and comes swinging in with some hard rights and lefts whilst Zack holds Sett down.
Voice: Now now, we can't be having this CAN we?!
TB: Danny Starr?!
Danny walks down to ringside, microphone in hand. He enters the ring, and Zack Maxem leaves at the other end, disappearing back into the crowd.
DS: See? Thats more like it, back to one on one. Do continue!
Both Maxem and Sett look at Danny like they don't want to be dictated to by him. Nonetheless the fight continues in earnest, Maxem starting to raise the tempo a little more, and trying more risky moves. Sett sticks to his ground and pound game and manages to cast aside the vast majority of what the faster, more agile Maxem can throw his way. Unusually, considering his past, Danny Starr continues to keep out of the way, letting the match continue. After another 6-7 minutes of to and fro action, Maxem attempts the Technical Difficuties, but Sett manages to counter. Sett hits the journey and after 23 minutes of hard fought action, Sett picks up the 1-2-3. Danny Starr hits the ring and raises Sett's hand, much to the cheers of the fans. Maxem flips Starr off before leaving the ring and returning to the back.
We now open the scene in David Jackson's office. Jackson is sitting at the desk, and similar to the scene earlier in Royalty's office, a superstar is sitting with their back to the camera. This time, the superstar is clearly male though, and not lap-dancing.
DJ: Do you know why I called you here?
XX: No, I only came because your guards made me.
DJ: Hmm, even despite the fact that I helped you win earlier?
XX: You didn't do shit for me, Jackson.
DJ: Really? That doesn't sound very greatful...
XX: What do you want me here for?
DJ: Lets just say that we need to make a trade.
XX: Nothin' I want from you.
DJ: Oh but I think there is. Take a look at this.
On the screen we see the picture of an elderly woman being held, clearly against her will by some of jackson's goons.
XX: What the FUCK sort of a game are you playing Jackson?
DJ: Oh? Interested now are we?
The man turns around and we see that it is none other than Blue Thunder, pissed off to the extremes.
DJ: Want me to let your mother go? Well I will, but first you have to help me with something. See, I have this feeling that something is going down at the Pay Per View, Rebirth, next weekend. And i need, shall we say, an 'insurance' policy. Thats where you come in.
Thunder picks up the monitor screen and hurls it at Jackson. It misses, and instead flies out of a nearby window. Jackson winces in fear. TB: This is shocking. That son-of-a-bitch Jackson is going to force Blue Thunder to fight for him at the Rebirth Pay Per View.
KK: Thats certainly how it seems Trent, but in what capacity?
TB: That i don't know Keith.
Thunder walks out of the office, his face engulfed in fury. Waiting outside the door is Kevin Conner. Kevin walks in.
KC: Listen Jackson, you've gone one step too far.
DJ: Blue Thunder was easy enough to manipulate!
KC: I don't mean Blue Thunder, asshole, I mean Erin Wallace.
DJ: What about her?
KC: YOU! You and Dexil Raped her!
DJ: Steady, steady my young friend. Accusations like that will get you thrown in jail.
KC: Where is she?
DJ: That, i'm not going to tell you my boy.
KC: I WANT TO KNOW WHERE SHE IS.
DJ: Look, there's only one way you'll get to see Erin again. Thats by winning your match at the Rebirth Pay Per View.
KC: Thats fine, anything. Whats the match?
DJ: Lets see, how about you versus, say, Dexil Midnight? Ladder match of course, with Erin suspended above the ring! Sounds good, yes?
KC: That sounds GREAT! Dexil won't know what hit him!
Conner walks out, rubbing his fist with a smile on his face. DJ: Thats what YOU think!
KK: With Jackson around, everybody is a target. Jackson is the king of manipulation.
Kevin Conner comes down to the ring to cheers, he gets in the ring and begins to warm up again.
TB: Of course, it needs to be noted that Conner had by far the easiest first round match. Blue Thunder was half dead by the end of his match with Danny Starr.
Blue Thunder comes down to ringside to mostly cheers, but a few boos thrown in - presumably because of the scene we just saw. Thunder looks unworried.
TB: Remember folks, one of these two men will be our NEW International Champion after this match!
Conner quickly takes the lead in the match, being the fresher of the two. Thunder goes onto the defensive. Conner comes out all guns blazing at the start, punches, kicks, elbows. Thunder takes it all though, and comes back with a large right, which sends Conner reeling. Conner dives underneath the bottom rope and out the ring. Conner grabs a table from underneath the ring. He pushes it underneath the bottom rope, but Thunder grabs it. Conner re-enters the ring, and with a bounce of the ropes, drop kicks Thunder, sending the table crashing into Thunder's chest. Thunder goes down clutching his side. Conner exits the ring again, this time coming back with two chairs. He sets one up on top of Thunder's face, but whilst preparing for a leg drop, Thunder sits up, grabs the chair, and not only avoids Conner's move, but manages to land a chair shot to the head. Conner goes down.
TB: Already a brutal match folks, but nobody thought this one would be pretty.
Suddenly, Jackson and Dexil Midnight appear at the top of the rampway and start walking down to ringside.
TB: Oh God, not those idiots again.
KK: I think we've seen enough of them today.
TB: Why won't Ron Royalty stop them?
The two men in the ring seem not to have noticed though, and the action continues. Blue Thunder pulls out a barbed wire baseball bat and the crowd gasp. Conner looks worried and takes an understandable couple of steps backward. Thunder approaches and Conner's options are running out. Conner dives under the bottom rope, but is quickly cut off by Jackson and Dexil. Stook between a rock and a hard place, Conner attacks Dexil and Jackson.
KK: Oh my God, this is shocking, what else could Conner do?
TB: Well he could always face Thunder with his barbed wire bat!
KK: Would you?
TB: No.
KK: Well then.
Conner gets a good kick on the stomach of Dexil Midnight, but Jackson is wearing the brass kunckles this time, and Conner goes down following a fist to the head. Thunder looks pissed at Jackson.
TB: I seriously hope Thunder isn't going to take the easy option here, that wouldn't be right.
KK: Wait, look, Thunder is getting out the ring.
Thunder gets out the ring and goes over to check on the condition of Conner. With Jackson reprimanding Thunder from nearby, Thunder picks up the semi conscious Conner and helps him to his feet. Jacksons reprimand gets more and more serious. Glancing at Jackson, Thunder rolls Conner back into the ring. Jackson likes this course of action and enters the ring himself too.
TB: What the hell is going on now?
KK: I'm not sure, but it doesn't feel right.
Jackson and Thunder come face to face in the ring, a look of fury in Thunder's face, a look of fear in Jacksons. That is until Thunder shakes Jacksons hand!
TB: OH MY GOD!!
KK: WHAT THE HELL!?
TB: I DON'T BELIEVE THIS, THUNDER IS IN LEAGUE WITH JACKSON!
KK: NO FREAKIN' WAY!
TB: THAT S-O-B FOOLED US ALL. All that talk of being a hero, a hall of fame contender, someone for the others to look up to. ALL ruined, he's spat in all our faces.
Wait whats this? At the top of the ramp - it's RON ROYALTY!
Ron runs down to the ring, stepping over Dexil Midnight who is still down. Royalty charges into the ring, and takes down Jackson with a speak. The two men roll out of the ring and to the outside. The crowd give a huge cheers for Royalty who is finally doing something to sort things out.
TB: Well it's certainly not before time...
Back in the ring, it's back to Thunder v Conner. Both men are circling each other in the ring. Blue Thunder sttempts a clothesline, Conner ducks but is then hit once again by Dexil Midnight who nobody saw getting back into the ring.
KK: Jeez, this is like a 3 on 1 situation.
TB: Well, 3 on 2 now that Royalty is here I guess.
Conner goes down, but at the top of the rampway another figure appears.
KK: RYAN MAXEM?!
TB: What the hell?
KK: That man has no business being here. Maxem needs to keep his nose out.
Maxem climbs into the ring.
TB: Perhaps he's going to help Conner?
KK: I doubt that, no wait, he IS!
Maxem squares up to Blue Thunder. Thunder stares him in the eye. They shake hands.
TB: WHAT?! KK: ANOTHER WRESTLER WITH NO MORALS?!
Maxem and Thunder start to work on Conner once again. And then Royalty is back in the ring, but so are Jackson and Dexil.
TB: This is turning into a riot, so far on one side you have Royalty and Conner, and on the other there is Blue Thunder, David Jackson, Dexil Midnight and now Ryan Maxem!
KK: Wait there's someone else...
TB: DANNY STARR!
Danny Starr gets down to ringside and immediately starts to work on Ryan Maxem. That fight spills outside the ring, as does Royalty/Jackson. Conner is left to face Dexil Midnight and Blue Thunder. Conner gets to the top turnbuckle, but Thunder approaches, instead Conner hits a flying dropkick on Dexil. Dexil flounders in Thunder's path, and the big man is unbalanaced. Conner quickly climbs to the top turnbuckle once more. Another flying drop kick and Thunder goes down. Conner hits the Soul Searcher and the referee counts 1-2-NO!
TB: That gangster rap wannabe Dexil Midnight interferes.
KK: Will this match EVER be over?
Danny Starr re-enters the ring and pulls Dexil out to the outside, where he and Royalty are taking on Jackson, Maxem and now Dexil too.
TB: Blue Thunder picks up Kevin Conner!
KK: He's going for the last ride!
TB: This could be all over right here.
But Kevin still has energy left over, something Blue Thunder doesn't since his brutal match with Danny Starr earlier. Kevin manages to reverse the Last Ride.
KK: A second Soul Searcher!
The referee counts 1-2-3 and its over.
TB: WHAT A MATCH FOLKS, I've never seen anything like that, EVER! Conner becomes the International Champion.
KK: Wait, Danny Starr is entering the ring.
TB: I told you you couldn't trust that guy.
KK: But look...
Sure enough, Danny walks over to Conner and offers him his hand. Conner looks around the crowd who all scream for him to shake it. Conner looks away for a second, then shakes it. The crowd go wild. Danny holds Kevin's hand aloft and the two men get cheers. Their celebration is short lived though as Blue Thunder has recovered and the big man sends them both flying with a HUGE double clothesline. Blue Thunder leaves the carnage in the ring and leaves through the crowd.
KK: I would guess Thunder is off to check on his mother, i presume that is who was on the monitor in Jackson's room?
The fight quickly re-enters the ring, and even without Thunder the numbers are too much.
A chorus of boos reigns down from the crowd as Jackson, along with Ryan Maxem and Dexil Midnight, stand victorious over their fallen victims.
TB: This is nothing more then a heinous beat down, orchestrated by that son-of-a-bitch David Jackson!
KK: Careful Trent, son-of-a-bitch or not... he is STILL the man with all the power.
Jackson orders Maxem and Dexil to hoist Ron Royalty up to his feet as he goes outside and grabs a steel chair.
TB: Now what!? Haven't they done enough damage!?
As if Jackson heard Trent, he shot the announcer a nasty glare as an evil smirk came across his face. Jackson slid back into the ring as Maxem and Dexil held up the defenseless Royalty. Jackson struts his way across the ring, swinging the chair back and forth as if taking practice swings.
TB: Come on now! Stop this! Enough is enough!
The fans begin an "asshole" chant, distracting Jackson as he glares out at the crowd. Spitting the disgusting taste out of his mouth, Jackson wound the chair back, preparing to knock Royalty's head clean off his shoulders. But then, the lights cut to pitch black and the arena was left in darkness.
TB: What the..? What's happening? What's Jackson up to now?
KK: Something tells me that this isn't Jackson's doing.
An eerie silence flows through the arena as the only light which was visible was those from the flashes of cameras. With the luminescent glow, fans could still see that Maxem and Dexil were holding Royalty up as Jackson seemed to be moving in circles, wondering if there was an attack coming. Suddenly, a series of long pyros and explosions erupted from the stage, causing Jackson and many of the fans to jump in surprise.
TB: What the hell is going on?
KK: Nothing good, I can assure you of that.
The HWATron flickers to life with an annoying static sound. After moments of seeing nothing but white, the HWATron goes to darkness as letters begin to scroll across the screen...
The World Is In Disarray...
There Is Nothing But Darkness...
In Its Final Hour...
A Hero Shall Be Reborn...
... the cryptic message cuts to static once more as the lights return to normal and Dexil, Maxem, and Jackson were, once again, seen standing in the ring, a look of bewilderment on their faces.
KK: What the hell did we just see?
TB: I have no idea.
Jackson, Maxem, and Dexil all look at each other and laugh as if they were expecting something or, rather, someone else. Seeing that there was no current threat to them, Jackson wound back up with the steel chair when, suddenly, pyros explod from the stage! "Points of Authority" by Linkin Park blares over the loud speakers as the fans, all in unison, rose up out of their seats!
TB: Oh my God! Oh my God! It can't be!
Emerging from the smoke and sprinting down the rampway was, none other, then "Your Hero" Michael Diamond!
TB: It is! It is! It's Michael fuckin' Diamond!
Maxem and Dexil quickly tossed Royalty to the ground as Diamond slid into the ring. Dexil, first, went to meet the approaching Hero but Diamond ducks under the clothesline. Sprinting past Dexil, Diamond meets Maxem with a devastating Spear - dropping the big man to the mat!
TB: Spear! Spear!
Michael quickly gets up and turns back to Dexil as he sees a hard right coming for him. Blocking the blow with his left, Michael lay into Dexil with a fury never before witnessed in the HWA, hitting Dexil with such quick rights that Midnight quickly found himself teetering up against the ring ropes. Backing off from Dexil for just a second, Michael leaps into the air and connects on a picture-perfect Dropkick, sending Dexil toppling over the top rope and crashing hard to the outside!
TB: And you can't argue that Michael Diamond's Dropkick is one of the best in the business today! He gets such high velocity and extension, it's no wonder why many superstars fear Michael Diamond's aerial arsenal
The fans were deafening now, chants of "Diamond" rising up through the ranks as Diamond pushs himself up to his feet once more, focusing in on Maxem once again. Maxem stumbles up to his feet as Diamond rushs to meet him, diving on top of Maxem and pummeling him with a series of hard rights and lefts as Maxem did his best to cover up.
TB: And you talk about intense folks, Michael Diamond is not known for his brawling skills but we've seen him lay into both Maxem and Dexil with relentless abandon.
Having got his fill of beating Maxem down, Michael rolls off of his former friend and gets up to his feet, pumping the crowd up. But Diamond has made a mistake, forgetting about the one man left in the ring. Jackson went after Michael, raising the chair high up above his head. Hearing the warnings from the crowd, Michael quickly dove off to the side as Jackson swung the chair down and ended up hitting the top rope. The chair came back and hit him in the head as he stumbles backwards from the blow.
TB: Jackson looking to take Diamond's head off there but no body home!
KK: And now Jackson is in a bad, bad way!
Jackson staggers around the ring as Diamond stalks after his prey. Jackson stumbles into Diamond's trap as Michael delivers a stiff kick to the gut, doubling Jackson over.
TB: He's going for the Diamond Cutter!
Michael pulls Jackson into him and prepares to hit the Diamond Cutter but Jackson, somehow, manages to muster up enough strength to shove Diamond away from him. Diamond appears to be in trouble as he is shoved towards Maxem, who is back up on his feet once more. Maxem attempts a big boot on Diamond but Diamond ducks under the blow and positions himself behind Ryan. Ryan, confused as to where Diamond went, turns around as Michael locks his arms around Ryan's waist. Falling backwards, Diamond flips Maxem over him with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex, sending the large man flying over the top rope and landing hard on the outside surface!
TB: Oh dear Lord! What a Belly-to-Belly Suplex on Maxem!
Diamond quickly pushed himself up to his feet just in time to see Jackson scurrying out of the ring and up the ramp way. Michael stares down Jackson as Jackson walks backwards up the ramp, furious at this intervention by "Your Hero" Michael Diamond. The fans are on their feet and applauding "Your Hero" as Michael paces around the ring like a wild animal, the adrenaline and synergy flowing through him. Slowly, Conner and Starr start to make their way up to their feet as Michael, calming himself down slightly, walks over to the ring ropes and requests a mic. Someone quickly rushes over and gives him one as Diamond walks back to the middle of the ring and begins to help Royalty up to his feet. Walking Royalty over to the ropes and propping him up against them, Diamond looks over at Conner, the two sharing a brief stare down. Michael's gaze then takes him to his ultimate nemesis, Danny Starr. Danny seems pleased at Michael's sudden return but Michael does not share in Danny's sentiment, glaring long and hard at "The Sensation." Finally, Michael tears his eyes off of Starr as he looks up the ramp at Jackson. Maxem and Dexil have regrouped and now stand alongside the HWA President, both arguing with him about what it is that's going on.
Michael Diamond: Hey Jackson!
Maxem and Devil stop arguing as the three men look down the ramp at Michael Diamond as he stands in the center of the ring, the microphone up at his lips.
Michael Diamond: I bet, right now, you're wondering what it is someone like me is doing in an HWA ring, right?
Three three men all nod their heads as a smirk comes across Michael Diamond's face.
Michael Diamond: After all, no one gets hired unless David Jackson says so, right?
Jackson mouths the words "you're damn right" as the fans continue to boo the President.
Michael Diamond: Well I got news for ya Jack-o...
Michael Diamond reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out an official HWA contract.
Michael Diamond: ... as of officially right now, "Your Hero" Michael Diamond is back in the H... W... A!
The fans explode with applause and cheers as Michael holds up the contract with his free hand, while Jackson looks on in shock.
Michael Diamond: So here's what's going to happen Jackson. At next week's PPV, there's going to be a Six-Man Tag- Team Main Event! And the participants in this match are going to be Ryan Maxem...
The crowd boos.
Michael Diamond: Dexil Midnight...
More boos.
Michael Diamond: And Percy Peterson!
No reaction is made from the crowd, as they haven't seen Percy in weeks.
Michael Diamond: Oh, wait... that's right, I forgot. Percy's out fuckin' a cow!
Laughter rises up from the crowd as Jackson is, clearly, beginning to get irritated.
Michael Diamond: Well, hmm... we'll just have to improvise. How 'bout the third man is... you!
Michael points at Jackson as Jackson nearly shits himself. The fans are cheering their approval as Michael smiles up at the HWA President.
Michael Diamond: And your shit squad will face none other then Kevin Conner...
The fans cheer as Conner nods his head, liking the sound of things.
Michael Diamond: Danny Starr...
More cheers, as Danny looks out at the crowd, still a bit awestruck at the reaction he is receiving.
Michael Diamond: And in his first match since breaking his neck in 2003... "Your Hero" Michael Diamond!
The place erupts into cheers as the "Diamond" chants start up again. Maxem and Dexil start arguing with Jackson about how this is possible as Jackson simply glares down at Michael.
Michael Diamond: Let this be a little wake-up call to you Jackson. Because you see, you aren't the only one in the HWA with power!
Michael looks over at Ron Royalty as Royalty nods his head.
Michael Diamond: So you wanna run HWA into the ground, Jackson? Well it's time that you find out that everything in this industry has a price. And its high time you begin paying. And at HWA ReBirth Jackson, you're going to pay... whether you like it, or not!
Diamond threw the microphone down as an intense stare down occurred between the six individuals that'd be apart of the six-man main event at HWA ReBirth.
TB: Can you believe it!? Michael Diamond is back in the HWA and he's gunning for Jackson and his crew!
KK: But it's been nearly two years Trent, you have to wonder if Diamond is going to be able to step right back up into the big leagues! I don't think this is good career decision on Diamond's part!
TB: Well good decision or not, we will get to see Michael Diamond in action for the first time since late 2003! What a match that'll be! I can't see Jackson in that match though, with the agreement he made with Thunder earlier, he's bound to get Thunder to take his place, like the coward he is.
KK: Only one thing we know for sure folks, and that is that Rebirth '05 will take place on September 11th. One week from tonight. It's simply unmissable.
