Post by Sydney Effin LaRoux on Oct 29, 2012 12:11:45 GMT -5
A Video compilation of Revival in the last few weeks begins to play. It shows the epic battle for the contendership to the Legacy Title. It flows into the Battle over the Legacy Title and than into the mess of revelations between Kerry Windsor and Ben Hanson. The bumps, the bruises and the mayhem around the World Title. It then fades to black...with the “Any Given Sunday” Logo.
Mayhem: Welcome to Revival’s Pay Per View “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY”! It is yours truly, Maggie Mayhem with my furryheaded sidekick Richard Trinks!
Trinks: Dickie Trinkerson! The “always rockin..toting a big ol co-”
Mayhem: Richie! Don’t you dare!
Trinks: What? We are on HBO ya know..
Mayhem: Nevermind that, we have a huge broadcast for you tonight. I can almost guarantee you that one of the titles will change hands tonight, Trinks.
Trinks: How can you be so sure, Magpie?
Mayhem: How can you not have this much angst in Revival and not have an upset or two? Big matchups tonight with Windsor and Hanson.. The triangle of craziness with Hess/LaRoux/Adams and St. Croix. The huge HUGE matchup on the Primetime Title.. The Legacy Title on the line here tonight.. It will be a night too remember Richie
Trinks: I dunno about that, Magdeline, but what I do know is that we should be interrupted at any mome-”
Trinks: Really? He has the nerve to show his face here after his revelations last week?
Mayhem: He is set to defend his World title in the main event later this evening, but I didn’t think he’d show up much before then…and neither did the fans by the sounds of it.
There are no special effects as ‘The Metal Heart’ solemnly makes his way down to the ring; the fans here in the United Center aren’t feeling particularly affectionate for Ben Hanson right now; boos ring out from all sections of the crowd as Hanson appears at the top of aisle. He’s already wearing his ring attire, black short pants with the purple trim, black boots with purple kick guards as well as a plain black tee.
Mayhem: I know what he did was … awful doesn’t seem strong enough a word.
Trinks: Heinous, repugnant, vile. When someone does something repulsive from now on we can just call it ‘doing a Hanson’ if it’s easier.
One or two die hard fans reach out for high fives and Ben obliges them, otherwise he keeps his head bowed as he strides towards the ring. Once there, Hanson climbs up the ring steps and enters through the middle rope as one of the ring crew hands him a microphone.
”Baby killer! Baby killer!”
Ben Hanson: Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you as a dishonored man…
More jeers ring out from the fans as, in the ring, Hanson fails to look up.
Ben Hanson: On the last edition of Violence, I admitted to you, admitted to the world something that I am deeply ashamed of. For weeks I have hid the truth from you all and for that I am sorry. I am sorry that I have let you all cheer for me, not knowing the depths of my depravity. I am sorry I allowed you to support me, to cast me in a golden light and for the times you were happy that I won … I didn’t deserve any of that.
Hanson finally lifts his head and looks around the crowd; nearly all of the fans in attendance are booing, the rest are still buying confectionery and merchandise.
Ben Hanson: I’m ashamed to admit that I had hoped the truth would never come out; that you, the fans, would never know what type of person I was … Not because I wanted to deceive you, not because I wanted to lie to you all. But because until I was standing in this ring on the last edition of Violence, with Kerry Windsor screaming at me to tell the truth, I had not yet come to terms with what I had done myself … Now…
He looks around the crowd; people still chant “baby killer” from the high seats, but Ben ignores them as he raises the microphone to his lips once again.
Ben Hanson: I have realised the depths to which I fell that night. I have forsaken my pride, stripped myself of my honor and I stand before each and every one of you … seeking redemption. Not forgiveness, I don’t deserve your forgiveness for what I have done…
Trinks: How exactly can he atone for what he did? He planned to kill Kerry Windsor’s child!
Mayhem: Kerry and Sheree’s child…
Ben Hanson: Hopefully, one day … but not tonight. I will start on the right path first thing tomorrow, but tonight on ‘Any Given Sunday’ I have some unfinished business with one, Kerry Windsor! Because for weeks I did not retaliate for the bruised trachea, for the sonogram he sent me. I sought no revenge for burning my title. You thought you played a masterful stroke when you got me to confess to my crimes, didn’t you Kerry? You got me to show my true colors to these fans, to let them see the monster that I am … The side of the argument you’ve refused to see is that since that night when you drove a steel chair into my neck so hard you bruised my throat, since you tried to put me out of action, I have wanted to get my hands on you. I had promised a friend that I wouldn’t antagonise you, that I wouldn’t involve myself with you … And it took great self restraint to follow their wishes. It took great self control not to seek revenge, not to retaliate. So yeah, you got what you wanted … everyone knows what I did, everybody knows the truth.
Hanson pauses briefly.
Ben Hanson: And I got what I want, I get to face you, one-on-one! No holds barred; there was no other option, no other match would do us justice. For weeks you made my holding that promise far more difficult than it should have been. You made it nearly impossible for me to seek the redemption I crave … And for that I hate you, Kerry Windsor. Because you took it upon yourself to drag ‘innocent’ bystanders into your plans, to turn them against me before they knew the truth … I hate you for that. You took everything that I had worked for from me. You took damn near everything I wanted from me … And I hate you for that! And I have bottled that hatred, kept it deep down inside me … until now, until tonight.
Trinks: Do you think he wants some cheese with that whine?
There’s a mixed reaction from the fans; presumably the anticipation of the main event is too much for some and they’re not actually supporting Ben Hanson.
Ben Hanson: This will not be pretty, this will not be wrestling as we know it … But I guaran-damn-tee that this will be a match not soon forgotten! And when I am done with you, Kerry Windsor, when this is said and done, when one of us manages to walk away as the victor…
Hanson looks down to a young female fan in the audience as he says the next line.
Ben Hanson: Then, and only then, my path to redemption can begin…
‘Black Sabotage’ starts up as Hanson passes the microphone back to the ring crew member; he exits the ring and walks back up the aisle much the same way he entered, his head bowed and the fans booing him until after he passes through the curtains.
Trinks: Call me biased, but I hope Kerry Windsor kicks his ass tonight.
Mayhem: That’s just predictable, Richie. But the fans are certainly keen to see the main event tonight. Both of the men involved, Kerry and Ben have been part of some great matches already here in Revival.
Trinks: Kerry more so.
Mayhem: Who can forget the Kerry Windsor/Myke Adams ladder match from ‘Ascension’. Or Ben Hanson/Sydney Laroux in the Tai Pei deathmatch at the same event. And, of course, the fatal fourway match at ‘Glory’.
Trinks: Just the raw emotion both men are feeling ahead of the match tonight, Magz, I think that’s what’ll set this match apart. It’s not about the title, this is as personal as it gets!
Mayhem: You’re right, Richie.
Trinks: And I hope Kerry kicks Hanson’s ass!
As the excitement builds for Revival's "Any Given Sunday" PPV, a backstage camera captures the Scottish Empath, Breanne Cayden, and the Vagrant Gamer, Brandon Cohen. Breanne is dressed in her ring attire while they walk together from their locker room towards the arena.
Breanne Cayden: "Ah am so ready fir mah first ever PPV match! Number one contendership fir the Primetime Championship, here ah come!"
Brandon Cohen: "Hell yeah! As long as you're cool, calm and collected, utilize your super speed, and have eyes on the back of your head, you're golden."
That's when they're interrupted by a burst of derisive laughter, turning to see the self-proclaimed Face of the Future, Victor Bravis. He wears a REVIVAL T-shirt and his ring attire, shaking his head at them.
Victor Bravis: "That's... that's cute, it really is. The power of positive thinking and all that."
He smirks as he walks over toward them.
Victor Bravis: "Except we all know that I'm gonna be winning that match later tonight, sweetheart."
Double Forte stop in their tracks when Victor intrudes on their motivational conversation. Brandon gives him a cautious look, but before he can say anything, Breanne steps forward and tilts her head.
Breanne Cayden: "Yer confidence is rather beamin', if ah do say so mahself. Ah've seen yer work in eWo and ah know ah'm not dealin' with the average cocky wrestler. Ya can talk the talk and walk the walk."
She offers Victor a sweet smile and extends her right hand towards him, body language requesting a handshake.
Breanne Cayden: "Ah've got tah show you mah respect. You were nice tah me when presentin' yer shoot; ah appreciate it."
For his part, Victor not-so-subtly checks her out up close, but makes no effort to take her hand.
Victor Bravis: "Well, good to see that someone recognizes greatness when they see it, and respects it, at that."
Beat.
Victor Bravis: "That said, drop the accent, honey, we all know you're not really Scottish. I know this because this close up, I can't smell sheep on you, which proves it."
Breanne is a bit taken aback and confused by Victor's words.
Breanne Cayden: "Pardon? Mah accent is completely authentic Scottish..."
Slowly she lowers her extended hand-- as it was not received by him-- and raises an eyebrow.
Breanne Cayden: "...and what about smellin' like sheep? Are ya sayin' Scotsmen and women carry that animal's odor?"
Brandon twitches a couple times, yet he stays out of their conversation for the time being. Victor doesn't even glance at him as he smirks with all the smugness in the world at her.
Victor Bravis: "Oh, don't play stupid with me, girl. Everyone knows the reason that Scots wear kilts is because sheep are scared of the sound of a zipper."
He punctuates this by miming unzipping a fly, laughing at his own joke. Then he gets a little more serious.
Victor Bravis: "Look, sweetie, I should tell you that, since I'll be winning the match tonight, you might as well just turn around and go back to wherever you actually come from."
Breanne Cayden: "Excuse me? Ah'm wearin' a kilt right now and ah don't sexually involve mahself with sheep. You have no right tah make that kind of assumption with mah fellow Scots."
She clenches her fists, huffs and narrows her eyes.
Breanne Cayden: "I overestimated yer kindness. It figures that you'd be brash, rude, and arrogant. Tryin' tah mimic yer mentor 'cause ya can't conjure yer own personality?"
Now she's firing back. Brandon smiles with approval. Victor's smile vanishes as he glares at her coldly.
Victor Bravis: "Don't hate, sweetie. Appreciate. I could have been a lot less kind to you, like bringing up the fact that they named the traditional Scottish musical instrument after your grandmother."
This gets a puzzled look from her, and even Brandon looks confused, until Victor clarifies.
Victor Bravis: "Why do you think they call them BAG-pipes?"
Breanne is livid by his insult as she quickly replies with--
Breanne Cayden: "Don't ya go talkin' about mah granmother like that--"
--but Brandon decides to get involved. He swiftly moves in between the two and shakes his head.
Brandon Cohen: "Alright, I've heard enough."
Then he looks Victor in the eye and frowns.
Brandon Cohen: "Drop the attitude and keep on walking."
Far from defusing the situation, however, Victor laughs in his face.
Victor Bravis: "What, I'm supposed to take advice from some jackass who identifies himself as a homeless video-game loser?"
His smirk instantly vanishes as he warns Brandon--
Victor Bravis: "You've got two seconds to get out of my face, Brandon Beard."
Brandon Cohen: "Why don't you try and make me, Vicci Assbutt?"
Victor shrugs.
Victor Bravis: "If you insist."
And he knocks Brandon on his ass with a sudden punch to the jaw. He leans over Brandon, adding--
Victor Bravis: "Pro-tip: if you're gonna try to trade insults with me, be more creative than 'Assbutt,' loser."
Brandon's landing was on the rough side, placing a hand on his jaw where he was struck. Before he can defend himself, however, his best friend steps up and SLAPS Victor across the face. Hard impact with a loud resonation.
Breanne Cayden: "If ya dare touch mah BFF again...!"
Immediately, Brandon gets up on his feet and restrains her before she can retaliate. She's quite fiesty, pulling and yelling Scottish obscenities. Victor clutches his face where she slapped him, fury in his eyes, and as typical for the wrestling business, that is the moment when officials and security finally intercede, pulling the three apart.
Official: "All right, save it for the ring! Save it for the ring!"
They usher Breanne and Brandon in one direction, the former still screaming in Gaelic, and Victor in another direction.
Victor Bravis: "I'll see you later, sweetie, and you'll end up on your back where you belong!"
Breanne Cayden: "Not like yer gonna beat me, ya freakin' tosser!"
Brandon Cohen: "Easy, easy! Enough with words; it's time for action."
Brandon refuses to let her go until she calms down. She huffs, steadies herself, and breathes slowly. At last, she calms down, yet in reality her eyes are still fiery with controlled anger.
Breanne Cayden: "Hmph... ah'll run circles around 'im. Watch."
Double Forte look at each other, nod in unison, and head towards the battle zone. The camera closes on a scowling Victor Bravis, who watches them go.
Victor Bravis: "Yeah. We'll see how fast you can run with a busted knee, sweetie."
Other cameras in the backstage area catch up with Finale, who is standing in front of a large monitor with the Any Given Sunday title card playing on a loop.
Finale: Greetings daisies. I'm not here to take up a lot of time but I've been afforded a few moments to tell all of you exactly what I think of Joe Johnson and more importantly, what may worry me about him.
He clears his throat.
Finale: Airtime on pay-per-view is quite costly ladies and gentlemen. So first and foremost I'd like to begin by thanking Revival Wrestling for believing enough in me to invest that kind of money in a promo. It displays a tremendous show of faith in Ol' Super Shredder and it really means a lot to me. In my heart.
He grabs his chest and does his best thankful expression.
Finale: Secondly, I'd like to thank the wonderful city of Chicago...
A massive pop there, earning a smug grin from Finale.
Finale: ...for having us here tonight. It's truly an honor to wrestle in one of the greatest cities in the world. I promise that I'll make each and every one of you shit your pants tonight. It'll be so good that you won't even care that you smell like Victor Bravis' breath - you'll just accept it. Think about how awesome I must be if I can make you shit yourself and like it.
He looks at his watch.
Finale: Yikes! I've only got about thirty more seconds and I haven't even touched on Joey Jo Jo. I really do know how to go off on a tangent don't I? It's almost like I'm doing it on purpose.
He drops the microphone and then mugs obnoxiously for the camera. He goes to pic it up but intentionally kicks it along the floor. He looks back at the camera with a blank expression. Finale takes his time picking the mic back up. He dusts it off and then looks at his watch.
Finale: Ten seconds left. Perfect, that's all the time I need to tell you about the beating that Joey is gonna catch.
Another pause.
Finale: He will die.
A smile.
Finale: Because I'm the end and the end...
He tosses the mic over his shoulder and walks out of frame, leaving Chicago to chorus in with 'IS NIGH!'. Cut.
Trinks: Stan is Nighhhh! I mean..NEAR.. Next up!
Stan Hopeforth: Ladies and gentlemen, our opening contest of the evening is scheduled for one fall and is to determine the number one contender for the Revival Primetime Championship … Introducing first, from Glasgow, Scotland …’SCOTTISH EMPATH’ BREANNE CAYDEN!!!
The lights of the arena go out and “Parachute” by Ingrid Michaelson sounds off from the PA system. Light blue and pink lights flash along with the beat. Brandon Cohen emerges from the curtains first, dancing to the rhythm. He starts to draw the energy of the fans as they move along with him. Soon, Breanne Cayden runs out and jumps on Brandon from behind. He laughs and helps her climb up onto his shoulders. When everything is comfortable and he stands up straight, she giggles and claps her hands in time with the music. Double Forte make their way down the ramp together, Breanne playing to the crowd by clapping to the beat of the song while Brandon keeps them steady. The energy of the fans is high as they clap along with Breanne. Once the tag-team reaches the bottom of the ramp, Breanne-- with Brandon’s help-- shifts and moves so her feet are supported by his hands. Brandon launches the Scottish Empath up into the air and over the top rope. Breanne lands on her feet in the ring and applauds for the Vagrant Gamer as he slides under the bottom rope and into the ring. Once Brandon is up on his feet, he double high fives Breanne and white pyro shoots from the four ring posts. Breanne and Brandon play to the fans as the lights come back on slowly. Once they’re completely on, the music starts to fade, but Double Forte and the fans are still clapping and cheering for each other.
Stan Hopeforth: And her opponent, from Tampa, Florida … Weighing in at 219lbs … ‘THE HEARTBREAKER’ SAMUEL VALENTINE!!!
Black and red lights shine over the stage as ‘Kill The Lights’ blares over the loud speakers. Samuel walks out on stage and looks over the crowd. As he walks down the ramp, he takes off his shirt and throws it out in the crowd. He quickly gets in the ring and looks over at Breanne Cayden before turning his attention to the aisle, awaiting the arrival of their opponent.
Stan Hopeforth: And their opponent, from Los Angeles, California … Weighing in at 240lbs … ‘THE FACE OF THE FUTURE’ VICTOR BRAVIS!!!
The lights dim as the brass music of the classic Superman cinematic theme plays...
"Faster than a speeding bullet... More powerful than a locomotive...
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...
Up in the sky! It's a bird! it's a plane--!!"
The lights start to flash and sweep the arena as the bold bass guitars of Ralph Cardall's "It's A Bird, It's A Plane" plays, just as Victor Bravis swaggers out onto the stage. He strikes a pose, arms raised high and flashing a V-for-Victory, then saunters down to the ring, trash-talking a few fans en route and laughing off their attempts to swing at him. He climbs up onto the turnbuckle, posing once again with his cocky, confident grin, and jumps down into the ring, posing down on one knee in the center as the crowd jeers and boos. The music fades and Victor makes his way to an empty corner.
Trinks: The opening contest to our third pay-per-view, Magz. Are you as excited for this night as I am?
Mayhem: I think so, Richie. Lets get this party started.
The bell sounds to start the match as all three competitors wait in their respective corners. Until the little firecracker, Breanne Cayden charges in at Victor Bravis. She’s joined by ‘The Heartbreaker’ as ‘The Face of the Future’ finds himself backed into a corner; two opponents punching and kicking at him as Bravis tries to fight back. He sneakily prods a thumb into the eye of Valentine, sending Samuel staggering back. The referee was out of place to see that dirty move but, alone, Cayden finds herself overpowered by her larger opponent. Victor blocks one shot, countering with a knife edge chop to the chest before he throws Breanne back into the corner and drives a knee up into her mid-section. By this time Valentine has recovered; he charges in and catches Bravis unaware with a dropkick, sending him tumbling out through the ropes.
Mayhem: You’ve got to have eyes on the back of your head in a match like this.
Trinks: Some people find it difficult to focus on one opponent, let alone two. But this is what they have to do if they want that shot at the Primetime title, Magz.
Bravis picks himself up on the outside, using the guard rails to help his ascension back to a vertical base; just in time to get caught by a suicide dive courtesy of Samuel Valentine! The crowd are cheering as, in the ring, Breanne steadies herself by the ropes. She waits for her opponents to stand up, which Valentine does first as Cayden launches herself over the top rope with a vaulting body press! More cheers from the crowd as all three competitors are temporarily down at the moment.
It’s Cayden who gets to her feet first, followed shortly after by Victor Bravis. Both of them slide back into the ring, Victor keeping his eyes on Breanne as turns her attention back to her opponent on the outside–only to get rocked by a forearm smash to the face. Bravis nails her with a second one, backing The Scottish Empath against the ropes. An Irish whip follows as Cayden is sent running against the ropes. She bounces back as Bravis catches her with running knee strike to the mid-section; she tumbles head over heels and lands back first on the mat as Bravis drops down for the pin attempt, getting a one count. By now Valentine is back in the ring as he clobbers Victor from behind with an axhandle smash. Bravis stumbles but remains standing as Sam comes up behind him again with a rear waistlock, one that is reversed. Bravis goes for a German suplex–but Sam hooks the leg to block it. Valentine fires off a few back elbows to try and break free, managing to do so as he runs against the ropes for some momentum, coming back with a headscissors takedown!
Trinks: Nobody seems to be able to gain a large advantage. They must not want that title shot.
Cayden is back on her feet as she charges at Valentine, only to get to caught by surprise; a hurricanrana sends her sprawling across the mat as Sam Valentine pops back to his feet. Breanne gets back up as Sam grabs her by the wrist and sends her against the ropes with an Irish whip, executing a monkey flip upon her return!
Mayhem: Did you see the elevation on that monkey flip, Richie?
Trinks: She almost got stuck in the rafters.
Breanne rolls to the outside clutching her back as Bravis regains his footing inside the ring. Valentine is peering over the rope at the fallen Cayden, not noticing Victor sneaking up behind him as Bravis lays into him with a clubbing blow. He turns Sam around and drills him with a European uppercut, followed by a second one and Valentine stumbles back into the corner. Bravis unloads with a few more knife edge chops, each one drawing a “whooo” from the fans. An Irish whip follows, Valentine being sent from pillar to post as he crashes back first into the opposite turnbuckle. Victor charges in after him–face first into the raised boots of ‘The Heartbreaker’! Bravis stumbles back a couple of steps as Sam props himself up on the middle rope and leaps with a cross body block–NO–he’s caught in mid air and slammed down with a powerslam! A hook of the leg by Victor!
One…
Two--NOOO!
Trinks: A big move by ‘The Face of the Future’, but Valentine got the shoulder up in the nick of time!
Bravis, undeterred by the kick out, moves around to the legs of his opponent, grabbing Sam’s right leg before dropping an elbow down across the knee. And again. Rinse and repeat as a third elbow drops down across the knee as Bravis shifts his weight to apply a leg lock. The referee checks for a submission, but it’s not coming. Instead Valentine uses his free leg to wrap around Bravis’s head, causing him to break the hold. Both competitors scramble back to their feet as Bravis runs at his opponent with a lariat–ducked–he turns back around as Valentine catches him with a mule kick to the midsection. Victor is doubled over as Sam clocks him over the back of the neck with a scissor kick! And a hook of the leg.
One…
Two…
Mayhem: A strong kick out by Victor Bravis.
Trinks: Near falls by both men just now, Magz. But Samuel Valentine is holding his own against the more experienced Bravis.
Mayhem: His speed could be very beneficial for him tonight, Richie.
Valentine picks himself up and spies Breanne doing the same on the outside. He runs at her with a baseball slide, knocking her back against the guard rail. She tries to stand back up again as Sam waits near the ropes–but Victor grabs him from behind with the rear waistlock–GERMAN SUPLEX! NO! Valentine lands on his feet! Bravis regains a vertical base and gets clocked with a standing enziguiri. He staggers back as Valentine runs against the ropes for some momentum…
Mayhem: Was Bravis playing possum?
BOOM! Headshot!
Trinks: There’s your answer, Magz!
The vicious Busaiku knee strike from Victor Bravis, but before he can make the cover, Breanne clambers back into the ring. Bravis sees her coming as she runs at him with a wild lariat attempt, which is easily countered with a fireman’s carry–STFU DRIVER!!! And the hook of the leg!
One…
Two…
THREE!!!
Stan Hopeforth: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match and new number one contender for the Primetime title…VICTOR BRAVIS!!!
The camera pans over to find Joe Johnson walking into frame with a surly expression. Finale stuffs the rest of the sandwich in his mouth and places his phone on the table.
Joe Johnson: Cat got your tongue?
Finale: (with a mouthful) Sammich.
Joe Johnson: What?
Finale swallows and retrieves a water bottle, he takes a sip.
Finale: Sorry, that sandwich was beyond tasty. What can I do for ya Joey Jo Jo?
Joe Johnson: You can stay the fuck out of matters that do not concern you.
Finale: I'm drawin' a blank here pal. What are we talking about?
Joe Johnson: You know exactly what I'm talking about you moron! What happened to Kyle Cross had nothing to do with you but you decided to play hero. Well tonight I'm going to show you what happens to heros when they go up against a man like me.
Finale screws his face up as if he's not able to process Johnson's words.
Finale: You're still upset, I get that. However I think that maybe your anger will effect the quality of our match later on. Let's squash this beef right now.
Johnson gets ready to fight but Finale reaches over to the table and takes a plate with a large piece of cake on it.
Finale: This is the last piece of cake. I want you to have it. A peace offering. A gesture of good sportsmanship from me to you.
Johnson looks down at the cake before him and then back up to Finale with a menacing glare.
Joe Johnson: You can't be fucking serious.
Finale: No dice? Understandable. It kind of smells weird anyway.
Silence.
Joe Johnson: What does it smell like?
Finale: Take a sniff.
Finale holds the plate up to Johnson's face and he goes to smell the delicious treat. Just as he inhales Finale shoves the cake into his face. The plate drops and smashes on the ground. Finale nearly doubles over with laughter.
Finale: I can't...(laughter)...I can't believe...(laughter)...you actually fell for that.
Johnson lets out a primal roar, wipes the cake from his face and lunges forward. He catches Finale with a forearm shot to the face and then knees him in the gut. He attempts to toss him over the catering table but officials arrive quickly to break it up.
As Finale gets back to his feet Johnson fights some officials off and catches him with a shot. Finale answers back and the brawl resumes. Johnson gets the upper hand and lifts Finale up. He drops him with a spinebuster through the catering table and food is catapulted in all directions.
Joe Johnson: Believe that you are a fucking dead man.
With that Johnson walks off leaving the officials to check on Finale as he walks out heading towards his match that is to follow.
Mayhem: Wow. that was rather explosive! Joe is due up next here against Finale...It should be a clash-bang.
Trinks: A real humdinger!
Stan Hopeforth: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...
”Don't Drag Me Down” by Social Distortion kicks in throughout the arena as the fans start their chorus of boos. They begin to chant “Joe Sucks" as Joe Johnson walks out on to the ramp loving the negative response from the crowd. Holding his arms out wide in a Jesus sort of pose. He has such a sadistic smirk due to the crowds negative response as he now begins his walk down to the ring. Slapping the hands away from the fans that try to grab him. Once at the ring Joe Johnson walks up the steel steps and enters the ring through the top and middle rope. Now in the ring he walks over to the turnbuckle climbing up to the second rope and holds his arms out wide in a Jesus pose once again. As he jumps down he makes his way to the middle of the ring as he stands there smirking as his music fades out.
Stan Hopeforth: ...from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 235lbs., he is Joe Johnson!
Despite being from right here in Chicago, the fans continue to boo the shit out of Joe Johnson. Suddenly, the arena goes dark and the screen lights up with quick flashes of various images, all veiled beneath a lime green hue. Butcher knives, saw blades, machetes - each image accompanied by split-second screech. A stylized F logo appears and then the opening chords begin.
Stan Hopeforth: And his opponent...
Panning the audience the camera sees fans holding up signs with the insignia peppered amongst the crowd under lime hued lighting. 'Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club comes thundering out of the p.a. and a figure appears on the ramp, a silhouette of black against the green in the air.
Stan Hopeforth: ...hailing from Buffalo, New York by way of Toronto, Ontario, weighing in at 245lbs., he is Finale!
The figure turns around and spotlights come down revealing Super Shredder himself, Finale. He walks to the ring and grabs the camera man. He shakes the camera lens violently then shoves it and the operator backwards with a laugh. He struts down to the ring sporting his brand new '...Is Nigh' t-shirt.
Mayhem: One has to wonder what Finale's physical status is after Joe Johnson put him through the catering table earlier.
Trinks: Hopefully he's fucked up, then this will go a lot faster and we won't have to endure this idiot's antics for too long.
Finale rolls in under the bottom rope as the audience cheers wildly. He then walks to the center of the ring and stands with one foot on the middle rope and one on the top. He cups his hands to his mouth and yells "Naptime is ooooooooover." before hopping down. He takes off his shirt revealing taped ribs. The music starts to fade.
Ding! Ding!
Johnson immediately rushes Finale and goes for a boot to the gut but it's evaded. Finale sidesteps Johnson and then hits him with a hard kick to either knee. He then goes for a big spin kick, intent on taking Johnson's head off but Johnson ducks and shoves Finale from behind into the corner. Finale leaps up to the top rope and comes off with a moonsault, grounding his opponent and delighting the fans.
Mayhem: Finale said he'd give the fans a show they wouldn't forget tonight.
Trinks: : If he means but Joe Johnson murdering him live on pay per view then he's so very right.
Finale keeps Johnson grounded with some severe knees to forehead and then calls out to the crowd. He drops one elbow onto Johnson, springs up, drops a second, springs up again, calls out to the audience one more time and then drops a punishing third. He covers and the ref makes the count.
Mayhem: Finale goes for the cover early!
ONE!!
Not a chance! Johnson powers out before two and both men get back to their feet. Finale charges in but Johnson gets his leg up out of nowhere and nearly decapitates his opponent. Finale goes down hard and Johnson gets a moment to recover.
Trinks: Ha! Did you see that? I think I saw some of that moron's teeth go flying into the fourth row.
Johnson seizes Finale and hits him with a hard knife edged chop. He goes for a swinging roundhouse kick but Finale evades it and looks to answer with one of his own. Johnson is able to side step that and he takes hold of Finale, leaping into the air and slamming him into the canvas with a leaping reverse STO.
Trinks: Picture perfect! Joe Johnson is an animal!
With his opponent grounded, Johnson hits a few precisely placed stomps to keep up the pressure, targeting Finale's ribs. Johnson hits a hard soccer punt to Finale's midsection and then gets him up. He tries to shoot him into the corner but Finale reverses the momentum. Johnson hits the corner with a thud and Finale comes charging in after him. Johnson gets a boot up that sends Finale flying backwards. As Finale gets back to his feet, Johnson climbs to the top rope and nails a punishing Flying KO! He covers!
Trinks: This is it! What a move!
Mayhem: Finale may be out cold!
ONE!!
TWO!!
Finale is just able to get his shoulder up and the audience pops. Johnson isn't deterred, he gets his opponent up and sends him hard into the corner. He follows that up with a huge running knee to Finale's injured mid-section. However Johnson follows it up with a vicious succession of a half dozen knee strikes to Finale's gut. Johnson then shoves Finale out of the corner, hits a springboard off of the second rope and plants Super Shredder with a moonsault ddt. However he doesn't cover.
Trinks: See? Joe Johnson is the real next big thing in Revival. Not someone like this hack Shitty Shredder.
Johnson points at his downed opponent and hits him with a hard soccer kick to the ribs. Finale rolls around on the mat in pain and Johnson gets him up. He sends Finale sailing over the top rope, causing him to land with a hard thud on the outside. Johnson then exits the ring and hits a running stomp to Finale's head. He then gets him up and lifts him for a suplex but instead attempts to drop Finale gut first on the railing. However Finale drops his feet on the railing, pushes off and reverses it into a tornado ddt! Johnson goes head first into the floor and the audience pops big!
Mayhem: An insane counter from Finale! That ringside padding is very thin, Joe Johnson could have a concussion.
Trinks: It doesn't matter if he does! Finale is just delaying the inevitable, Johnson is going to rip him apart.
Super Shredder gets back to his feet and is clearly favoring his mid-section. He backs away as Johnson uses the guard rail to get up. Finale calls out and charges. Johnson barely has time to react as Finale smashes him in the kisser with his One Foot in the Grave! Johnson is sent over the railing into the front row and Chicago absolutely loves it.
Mayhem: Johnson was literally kicked out of the ringside area!
Trinks: Get this back in the ring! Where is the ten count!?
Johnson slowly gets up and an audience member showers him in popcorn. Johnson takes hold of the fan by the collar but doesn't get a chance to do anything as Finale runs, leaps off of the barricade and clobbers him with a flying Superman punch. Finale then takes Johnson, tosses him back over the barricade and into the ring.
Mayhem: Joe Johnson is looking a little loopy after those three big shots to the head that he took. Finale may look to knock him out completely.
Trinks: Shake it off Joe! This guy is a bum! You're a feral beast!
In the ring Finale lines Johnson up. He charges and goes for a shining wizard but Johnson ducks under it. Finale turns and nearly eats a superkick but is able to avoid it. He goes for a lariat but Johnson dives and rolls forward. He then hits a springboard and goes for a hurricanranna but Finale swings him and uses his momentum against him with a big diving powerbomb counter! Johnson lands hard and Finale feels the momentum.
Trinks: Listen to these idiots in Chicago. Actually cheering against a hometown boy. Sickening.
The audience begins some infectious 'SU-PER-SHRE-DDER-' chants and Finale calls out to them. He takes hold of Johnson's legs and goes for the Drawn & Quartered but Johnson counters and nearly applies a Boston crab! Finale is able to roll that through. He then punts Johnson right in the ass, sending him down to the mat. There is an uproar of laughter and Finale quickly applies the Drawn & Quartered!
Trinks: How old is Finale? Was that sportsmanlike?
Mayhem: I don't think it matters he may make Joe Johnson submit right here.
The referee is in Johnson's face as Finale wrenches back, kneeling on Johnson's head as much as he can. Johnson refuses to submit but Finale appears to be in serious pain. Johnson must feel this as in one swift move he slips out of the hold and both men snap back up to their feet. Johnson is able to act first as he expertly puts Finale down and locks in the Sudden Death!
Trinks: Oh how the tables have turned!
Mayhem: This is no doubt excruciating for the already injured Finale.
While having the hold locked in, Johnson starts smashing Finale with hard shots to the ribs. Finale cries out in agony but refuses to submit. The audience starts chanting as loudly as they can in unison, trying to will him on. Johnson is relentless with his assault and Finale appears to be fading. That's until he does a very unique roll through and pops up to his feet behind Johnson! He hits the ropes and comes back, looking for a swinging neckbreaker but Johnson amazingly rolls it through and turns it into his Head Trauma! He covers.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR-
Trinks: COME ON!
Finale is just able to kick out and the audience cannot believe it. Johnson looks pissed as he backs away and lines Finale up. The REVIVAL newcomer slowly gets to his feet in a daze as Johnson has him in his sights. Johnson charges and goes for the Cardiac Arrest but Finale sidesteps it and catches Johnson with a big release German suplex! Johnson lands with a thud and Finale with a sense of urgency, fights through the pain, leaps up to the top rope and comes down on Johnson's mid-section with a diving knee bomb! He lands hard and Johnson wretches in pain.
Mayhem: Holy shit! He may have cracked Johnson's sternum!
Trinks: Joe Johnson is not a delicate little flower! He is going to get back up and knock Finale's teeth out!
Mayhem: What is your obsession with teeth tonight?
Instead of covering, Finale rolls out of the ring and seizes an audience member's iPhone. He then rolls back into the ring and holds the phone above him. He stands with his foot on Johnson's head and snaps a photo. He then tosses it out of the ring and the fan catches it, earning a big pop. The referee is distracted by this and misses Johnson nailing Super Shredder with a low blow.
Trinks: Ha!
Mayhem: And the referee doesn't see it.
Trinks: That's what Finale gets for being an ass.
Johnson immediately runs across the ring, hits a springboard and goes for the Heart Attack but Finale nails him with a hook kick to the gut, mid-air. Despite his rib and testicle problems, Finale grounds his opponent with the Snake Oil! Johnson is trapped in the arm bar for only a few seconds as he is able to catch the bottom rope with his foot. Both men scramble back to their feet and Johnson goes for a lariat but Finale catches his arm, spins him around and all in on fluid act he plants Johnson with the Stripper's Real Name! The move earns a big pop and Finale covers.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
DING! DING! DING!
Stan Hopeforth: Here is your winner, FFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNALLLLLLLLLLLLEEEE!!!!
'Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll' hits the p.a. and Chicago cheers wildly for Super Shredder. He has his arm raised and smiles wide, despite holding onto his battered ribs. Finale calls out to the fans and then flips Johnson off before exiting the ring. As he backs up the ramp, Johnson rolls over onto his stomach and their eye lines meet. Johnson looks furious and Finale is all smiles.
The show cuts backstage to where Jessica King is standing, primed for one of her appearances of Revival’s biggest show to date. She lifts the microphone to her lips as she begins to speak.
Jessica King: I’m backstage, just outside of the locker room of the Revival World Heavyweight Champion, Ben Hanson … and I’m going to try and get a word with about what he said earlier.
She knocks on the door and slowly opens it, but Hanson isn’t alone in there.
Ben Hanson: Don’t speak to me like that!
Other Man: What’s wrong, Ben? Is this cutting too close to the bone.
King opens the door slightly more, allowing us to see the other man standing there talking to the champion is none other than the commissioner, Rian Valiant. Hanson is still in his ring attire; as he was earlier in the evening. Valiant is dressed in a grey suit with a blue tie. And neither of them seem to have noticed the open door.
Valiant: What the hell were you thinking?
Ben Hanson: I wasn’t thinking! Do you think I planned this!? Do you think I went there with a chloroform rag and a coat hanger or something? Replace those with chocolates and flowers and you’ll realise my intentions for that night … But I got angry.
Valiant: And to think, you almost had me convinced you’d changed.
Ben Hanson: I have changed!
Valiant: No, Ben, you haven’t! You’re still the same guy you were last year. You cling onto someone and when they disappoint you, you lash out in anger like a petulant child.
There’s no answer from the champion on that one; he turns and walks away from Valiant before speaking again.
Ben Hanson: I made amends for that! I started from the bottom and I rebuilt my career.
Valiant: Yet here we are! You don’t like it when the fans hate you, do you? I saw you earlier, squirming when they booed you … Well, I don’t like it when people’s personal lives affect my shows, Ben. Especially when it’s you.
The last word was said with such hatred that Hanson turns back to the commissioner, rage flaring in his eyes as the two men square up to one another.
Ben Hanson: Get out.
Valiant: Next time you pull a stunt like this you may not be so lucky.
With that Rian walks away from the champion, making his way towards the door as Jessica King and her cameraman scramble to get away without getting caught eavesdropping. Valiant notices them but walks the other way, resuming his calm demeanor before anybody else sees him.
Mayhem: Welcome to Revival’s Pay Per View “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY”! It is yours truly, Maggie Mayhem with my furryheaded sidekick Richard Trinks!
Trinks: Dickie Trinkerson! The “always rockin..toting a big ol co-”
Mayhem: Richie! Don’t you dare!
Trinks: What? We are on HBO ya know..
Mayhem: Nevermind that, we have a huge broadcast for you tonight. I can almost guarantee you that one of the titles will change hands tonight, Trinks.
Trinks: How can you be so sure, Magpie?
Mayhem: How can you not have this much angst in Revival and not have an upset or two? Big matchups tonight with Windsor and Hanson.. The triangle of craziness with Hess/LaRoux/Adams and St. Croix. The huge HUGE matchup on the Primetime Title.. The Legacy Title on the line here tonight.. It will be a night too remember Richie
Trinks: I dunno about that, Magdeline, but what I do know is that we should be interrupted at any mome-”
”IT’S THE NEW STYLE!
Trinks: Really? He has the nerve to show his face here after his revelations last week?
Mayhem: He is set to defend his World title in the main event later this evening, but I didn’t think he’d show up much before then…and neither did the fans by the sounds of it.
There are no special effects as ‘The Metal Heart’ solemnly makes his way down to the ring; the fans here in the United Center aren’t feeling particularly affectionate for Ben Hanson right now; boos ring out from all sections of the crowd as Hanson appears at the top of aisle. He’s already wearing his ring attire, black short pants with the purple trim, black boots with purple kick guards as well as a plain black tee.
Mayhem: I know what he did was … awful doesn’t seem strong enough a word.
Trinks: Heinous, repugnant, vile. When someone does something repulsive from now on we can just call it ‘doing a Hanson’ if it’s easier.
One or two die hard fans reach out for high fives and Ben obliges them, otherwise he keeps his head bowed as he strides towards the ring. Once there, Hanson climbs up the ring steps and enters through the middle rope as one of the ring crew hands him a microphone.
”Baby killer! Baby killer!”
Ben Hanson: Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you as a dishonored man…
More jeers ring out from the fans as, in the ring, Hanson fails to look up.
Ben Hanson: On the last edition of Violence, I admitted to you, admitted to the world something that I am deeply ashamed of. For weeks I have hid the truth from you all and for that I am sorry. I am sorry that I have let you all cheer for me, not knowing the depths of my depravity. I am sorry I allowed you to support me, to cast me in a golden light and for the times you were happy that I won … I didn’t deserve any of that.
Hanson finally lifts his head and looks around the crowd; nearly all of the fans in attendance are booing, the rest are still buying confectionery and merchandise.
Ben Hanson: I’m ashamed to admit that I had hoped the truth would never come out; that you, the fans, would never know what type of person I was … Not because I wanted to deceive you, not because I wanted to lie to you all. But because until I was standing in this ring on the last edition of Violence, with Kerry Windsor screaming at me to tell the truth, I had not yet come to terms with what I had done myself … Now…
He looks around the crowd; people still chant “baby killer” from the high seats, but Ben ignores them as he raises the microphone to his lips once again.
Ben Hanson: I have realised the depths to which I fell that night. I have forsaken my pride, stripped myself of my honor and I stand before each and every one of you … seeking redemption. Not forgiveness, I don’t deserve your forgiveness for what I have done…
Trinks: How exactly can he atone for what he did? He planned to kill Kerry Windsor’s child!
Mayhem: Kerry and Sheree’s child…
Ben Hanson: Hopefully, one day … but not tonight. I will start on the right path first thing tomorrow, but tonight on ‘Any Given Sunday’ I have some unfinished business with one, Kerry Windsor! Because for weeks I did not retaliate for the bruised trachea, for the sonogram he sent me. I sought no revenge for burning my title. You thought you played a masterful stroke when you got me to confess to my crimes, didn’t you Kerry? You got me to show my true colors to these fans, to let them see the monster that I am … The side of the argument you’ve refused to see is that since that night when you drove a steel chair into my neck so hard you bruised my throat, since you tried to put me out of action, I have wanted to get my hands on you. I had promised a friend that I wouldn’t antagonise you, that I wouldn’t involve myself with you … And it took great self restraint to follow their wishes. It took great self control not to seek revenge, not to retaliate. So yeah, you got what you wanted … everyone knows what I did, everybody knows the truth.
Hanson pauses briefly.
Ben Hanson: And I got what I want, I get to face you, one-on-one! No holds barred; there was no other option, no other match would do us justice. For weeks you made my holding that promise far more difficult than it should have been. You made it nearly impossible for me to seek the redemption I crave … And for that I hate you, Kerry Windsor. Because you took it upon yourself to drag ‘innocent’ bystanders into your plans, to turn them against me before they knew the truth … I hate you for that. You took everything that I had worked for from me. You took damn near everything I wanted from me … And I hate you for that! And I have bottled that hatred, kept it deep down inside me … until now, until tonight.
Trinks: Do you think he wants some cheese with that whine?
There’s a mixed reaction from the fans; presumably the anticipation of the main event is too much for some and they’re not actually supporting Ben Hanson.
Ben Hanson: This will not be pretty, this will not be wrestling as we know it … But I guaran-damn-tee that this will be a match not soon forgotten! And when I am done with you, Kerry Windsor, when this is said and done, when one of us manages to walk away as the victor…
Hanson looks down to a young female fan in the audience as he says the next line.
Ben Hanson: Then, and only then, my path to redemption can begin…
‘Black Sabotage’ starts up as Hanson passes the microphone back to the ring crew member; he exits the ring and walks back up the aisle much the same way he entered, his head bowed and the fans booing him until after he passes through the curtains.
Trinks: Call me biased, but I hope Kerry Windsor kicks his ass tonight.
Mayhem: That’s just predictable, Richie. But the fans are certainly keen to see the main event tonight. Both of the men involved, Kerry and Ben have been part of some great matches already here in Revival.
Trinks: Kerry more so.
Mayhem: Who can forget the Kerry Windsor/Myke Adams ladder match from ‘Ascension’. Or Ben Hanson/Sydney Laroux in the Tai Pei deathmatch at the same event. And, of course, the fatal fourway match at ‘Glory’.
Trinks: Just the raw emotion both men are feeling ahead of the match tonight, Magz, I think that’s what’ll set this match apart. It’s not about the title, this is as personal as it gets!
Mayhem: You’re right, Richie.
Trinks: And I hope Kerry kicks Hanson’s ass!
As the excitement builds for Revival's "Any Given Sunday" PPV, a backstage camera captures the Scottish Empath, Breanne Cayden, and the Vagrant Gamer, Brandon Cohen. Breanne is dressed in her ring attire while they walk together from their locker room towards the arena.
Breanne Cayden: "Ah am so ready fir mah first ever PPV match! Number one contendership fir the Primetime Championship, here ah come!"
Brandon Cohen: "Hell yeah! As long as you're cool, calm and collected, utilize your super speed, and have eyes on the back of your head, you're golden."
That's when they're interrupted by a burst of derisive laughter, turning to see the self-proclaimed Face of the Future, Victor Bravis. He wears a REVIVAL T-shirt and his ring attire, shaking his head at them.
Victor Bravis: "That's... that's cute, it really is. The power of positive thinking and all that."
He smirks as he walks over toward them.
Victor Bravis: "Except we all know that I'm gonna be winning that match later tonight, sweetheart."
Double Forte stop in their tracks when Victor intrudes on their motivational conversation. Brandon gives him a cautious look, but before he can say anything, Breanne steps forward and tilts her head.
Breanne Cayden: "Yer confidence is rather beamin', if ah do say so mahself. Ah've seen yer work in eWo and ah know ah'm not dealin' with the average cocky wrestler. Ya can talk the talk and walk the walk."
She offers Victor a sweet smile and extends her right hand towards him, body language requesting a handshake.
Breanne Cayden: "Ah've got tah show you mah respect. You were nice tah me when presentin' yer shoot; ah appreciate it."
For his part, Victor not-so-subtly checks her out up close, but makes no effort to take her hand.
Victor Bravis: "Well, good to see that someone recognizes greatness when they see it, and respects it, at that."
Beat.
Victor Bravis: "That said, drop the accent, honey, we all know you're not really Scottish. I know this because this close up, I can't smell sheep on you, which proves it."
Breanne is a bit taken aback and confused by Victor's words.
Breanne Cayden: "Pardon? Mah accent is completely authentic Scottish..."
Slowly she lowers her extended hand-- as it was not received by him-- and raises an eyebrow.
Breanne Cayden: "...and what about smellin' like sheep? Are ya sayin' Scotsmen and women carry that animal's odor?"
Brandon twitches a couple times, yet he stays out of their conversation for the time being. Victor doesn't even glance at him as he smirks with all the smugness in the world at her.
Victor Bravis: "Oh, don't play stupid with me, girl. Everyone knows the reason that Scots wear kilts is because sheep are scared of the sound of a zipper."
He punctuates this by miming unzipping a fly, laughing at his own joke. Then he gets a little more serious.
Victor Bravis: "Look, sweetie, I should tell you that, since I'll be winning the match tonight, you might as well just turn around and go back to wherever you actually come from."
Breanne Cayden: "Excuse me? Ah'm wearin' a kilt right now and ah don't sexually involve mahself with sheep. You have no right tah make that kind of assumption with mah fellow Scots."
She clenches her fists, huffs and narrows her eyes.
Breanne Cayden: "I overestimated yer kindness. It figures that you'd be brash, rude, and arrogant. Tryin' tah mimic yer mentor 'cause ya can't conjure yer own personality?"
Now she's firing back. Brandon smiles with approval. Victor's smile vanishes as he glares at her coldly.
Victor Bravis: "Don't hate, sweetie. Appreciate. I could have been a lot less kind to you, like bringing up the fact that they named the traditional Scottish musical instrument after your grandmother."
This gets a puzzled look from her, and even Brandon looks confused, until Victor clarifies.
Victor Bravis: "Why do you think they call them BAG-pipes?"
Breanne is livid by his insult as she quickly replies with--
Breanne Cayden: "Don't ya go talkin' about mah granmother like that--"
--but Brandon decides to get involved. He swiftly moves in between the two and shakes his head.
Brandon Cohen: "Alright, I've heard enough."
Then he looks Victor in the eye and frowns.
Brandon Cohen: "Drop the attitude and keep on walking."
Far from defusing the situation, however, Victor laughs in his face.
Victor Bravis: "What, I'm supposed to take advice from some jackass who identifies himself as a homeless video-game loser?"
His smirk instantly vanishes as he warns Brandon--
Victor Bravis: "You've got two seconds to get out of my face, Brandon Beard."
Brandon Cohen: "Why don't you try and make me, Vicci Assbutt?"
Victor shrugs.
Victor Bravis: "If you insist."
And he knocks Brandon on his ass with a sudden punch to the jaw. He leans over Brandon, adding--
Victor Bravis: "Pro-tip: if you're gonna try to trade insults with me, be more creative than 'Assbutt,' loser."
Brandon's landing was on the rough side, placing a hand on his jaw where he was struck. Before he can defend himself, however, his best friend steps up and SLAPS Victor across the face. Hard impact with a loud resonation.
Breanne Cayden: "If ya dare touch mah BFF again...!"
Immediately, Brandon gets up on his feet and restrains her before she can retaliate. She's quite fiesty, pulling and yelling Scottish obscenities. Victor clutches his face where she slapped him, fury in his eyes, and as typical for the wrestling business, that is the moment when officials and security finally intercede, pulling the three apart.
Official: "All right, save it for the ring! Save it for the ring!"
They usher Breanne and Brandon in one direction, the former still screaming in Gaelic, and Victor in another direction.
Victor Bravis: "I'll see you later, sweetie, and you'll end up on your back where you belong!"
Breanne Cayden: "Not like yer gonna beat me, ya freakin' tosser!"
Brandon Cohen: "Easy, easy! Enough with words; it's time for action."
Brandon refuses to let her go until she calms down. She huffs, steadies herself, and breathes slowly. At last, she calms down, yet in reality her eyes are still fiery with controlled anger.
Breanne Cayden: "Hmph... ah'll run circles around 'im. Watch."
Double Forte look at each other, nod in unison, and head towards the battle zone. The camera closes on a scowling Victor Bravis, who watches them go.
Victor Bravis: "Yeah. We'll see how fast you can run with a busted knee, sweetie."
Other cameras in the backstage area catch up with Finale, who is standing in front of a large monitor with the Any Given Sunday title card playing on a loop.
Finale: Greetings daisies. I'm not here to take up a lot of time but I've been afforded a few moments to tell all of you exactly what I think of Joe Johnson and more importantly, what may worry me about him.
He clears his throat.
Finale: Airtime on pay-per-view is quite costly ladies and gentlemen. So first and foremost I'd like to begin by thanking Revival Wrestling for believing enough in me to invest that kind of money in a promo. It displays a tremendous show of faith in Ol' Super Shredder and it really means a lot to me. In my heart.
He grabs his chest and does his best thankful expression.
Finale: Secondly, I'd like to thank the wonderful city of Chicago...
A massive pop there, earning a smug grin from Finale.
Finale: ...for having us here tonight. It's truly an honor to wrestle in one of the greatest cities in the world. I promise that I'll make each and every one of you shit your pants tonight. It'll be so good that you won't even care that you smell like Victor Bravis' breath - you'll just accept it. Think about how awesome I must be if I can make you shit yourself and like it.
He looks at his watch.
Finale: Yikes! I've only got about thirty more seconds and I haven't even touched on Joey Jo Jo. I really do know how to go off on a tangent don't I? It's almost like I'm doing it on purpose.
He drops the microphone and then mugs obnoxiously for the camera. He goes to pic it up but intentionally kicks it along the floor. He looks back at the camera with a blank expression. Finale takes his time picking the mic back up. He dusts it off and then looks at his watch.
Finale: Ten seconds left. Perfect, that's all the time I need to tell you about the beating that Joey is gonna catch.
Another pause.
Finale: He will die.
A smile.
Finale: Because I'm the end and the end...
He tosses the mic over his shoulder and walks out of frame, leaving Chicago to chorus in with 'IS NIGH!'. Cut.
Trinks: Stan is Nighhhh! I mean..NEAR.. Next up!
Stan Hopeforth: Ladies and gentlemen, our opening contest of the evening is scheduled for one fall and is to determine the number one contender for the Revival Primetime Championship … Introducing first, from Glasgow, Scotland …’SCOTTISH EMPATH’ BREANNE CAYDEN!!!
The lights of the arena go out and “Parachute” by Ingrid Michaelson sounds off from the PA system. Light blue and pink lights flash along with the beat. Brandon Cohen emerges from the curtains first, dancing to the rhythm. He starts to draw the energy of the fans as they move along with him. Soon, Breanne Cayden runs out and jumps on Brandon from behind. He laughs and helps her climb up onto his shoulders. When everything is comfortable and he stands up straight, she giggles and claps her hands in time with the music. Double Forte make their way down the ramp together, Breanne playing to the crowd by clapping to the beat of the song while Brandon keeps them steady. The energy of the fans is high as they clap along with Breanne. Once the tag-team reaches the bottom of the ramp, Breanne-- with Brandon’s help-- shifts and moves so her feet are supported by his hands. Brandon launches the Scottish Empath up into the air and over the top rope. Breanne lands on her feet in the ring and applauds for the Vagrant Gamer as he slides under the bottom rope and into the ring. Once Brandon is up on his feet, he double high fives Breanne and white pyro shoots from the four ring posts. Breanne and Brandon play to the fans as the lights come back on slowly. Once they’re completely on, the music starts to fade, but Double Forte and the fans are still clapping and cheering for each other.
Stan Hopeforth: And her opponent, from Tampa, Florida … Weighing in at 219lbs … ‘THE HEARTBREAKER’ SAMUEL VALENTINE!!!
Black and red lights shine over the stage as ‘Kill The Lights’ blares over the loud speakers. Samuel walks out on stage and looks over the crowd. As he walks down the ramp, he takes off his shirt and throws it out in the crowd. He quickly gets in the ring and looks over at Breanne Cayden before turning his attention to the aisle, awaiting the arrival of their opponent.
Stan Hopeforth: And their opponent, from Los Angeles, California … Weighing in at 240lbs … ‘THE FACE OF THE FUTURE’ VICTOR BRAVIS!!!
The lights dim as the brass music of the classic Superman cinematic theme plays...
"Faster than a speeding bullet... More powerful than a locomotive...
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...
Up in the sky! It's a bird! it's a plane--!!"
The lights start to flash and sweep the arena as the bold bass guitars of Ralph Cardall's "It's A Bird, It's A Plane" plays, just as Victor Bravis swaggers out onto the stage. He strikes a pose, arms raised high and flashing a V-for-Victory, then saunters down to the ring, trash-talking a few fans en route and laughing off their attempts to swing at him. He climbs up onto the turnbuckle, posing once again with his cocky, confident grin, and jumps down into the ring, posing down on one knee in the center as the crowd jeers and boos. The music fades and Victor makes his way to an empty corner.
Trinks: The opening contest to our third pay-per-view, Magz. Are you as excited for this night as I am?
Mayhem: I think so, Richie. Lets get this party started.
The bell sounds to start the match as all three competitors wait in their respective corners. Until the little firecracker, Breanne Cayden charges in at Victor Bravis. She’s joined by ‘The Heartbreaker’ as ‘The Face of the Future’ finds himself backed into a corner; two opponents punching and kicking at him as Bravis tries to fight back. He sneakily prods a thumb into the eye of Valentine, sending Samuel staggering back. The referee was out of place to see that dirty move but, alone, Cayden finds herself overpowered by her larger opponent. Victor blocks one shot, countering with a knife edge chop to the chest before he throws Breanne back into the corner and drives a knee up into her mid-section. By this time Valentine has recovered; he charges in and catches Bravis unaware with a dropkick, sending him tumbling out through the ropes.
Mayhem: You’ve got to have eyes on the back of your head in a match like this.
Trinks: Some people find it difficult to focus on one opponent, let alone two. But this is what they have to do if they want that shot at the Primetime title, Magz.
Bravis picks himself up on the outside, using the guard rails to help his ascension back to a vertical base; just in time to get caught by a suicide dive courtesy of Samuel Valentine! The crowd are cheering as, in the ring, Breanne steadies herself by the ropes. She waits for her opponents to stand up, which Valentine does first as Cayden launches herself over the top rope with a vaulting body press! More cheers from the crowd as all three competitors are temporarily down at the moment.
It’s Cayden who gets to her feet first, followed shortly after by Victor Bravis. Both of them slide back into the ring, Victor keeping his eyes on Breanne as turns her attention back to her opponent on the outside–only to get rocked by a forearm smash to the face. Bravis nails her with a second one, backing The Scottish Empath against the ropes. An Irish whip follows as Cayden is sent running against the ropes. She bounces back as Bravis catches her with running knee strike to the mid-section; she tumbles head over heels and lands back first on the mat as Bravis drops down for the pin attempt, getting a one count. By now Valentine is back in the ring as he clobbers Victor from behind with an axhandle smash. Bravis stumbles but remains standing as Sam comes up behind him again with a rear waistlock, one that is reversed. Bravis goes for a German suplex–but Sam hooks the leg to block it. Valentine fires off a few back elbows to try and break free, managing to do so as he runs against the ropes for some momentum, coming back with a headscissors takedown!
Trinks: Nobody seems to be able to gain a large advantage. They must not want that title shot.
Cayden is back on her feet as she charges at Valentine, only to get to caught by surprise; a hurricanrana sends her sprawling across the mat as Sam Valentine pops back to his feet. Breanne gets back up as Sam grabs her by the wrist and sends her against the ropes with an Irish whip, executing a monkey flip upon her return!
Mayhem: Did you see the elevation on that monkey flip, Richie?
Trinks: She almost got stuck in the rafters.
Breanne rolls to the outside clutching her back as Bravis regains his footing inside the ring. Valentine is peering over the rope at the fallen Cayden, not noticing Victor sneaking up behind him as Bravis lays into him with a clubbing blow. He turns Sam around and drills him with a European uppercut, followed by a second one and Valentine stumbles back into the corner. Bravis unloads with a few more knife edge chops, each one drawing a “whooo” from the fans. An Irish whip follows, Valentine being sent from pillar to post as he crashes back first into the opposite turnbuckle. Victor charges in after him–face first into the raised boots of ‘The Heartbreaker’! Bravis stumbles back a couple of steps as Sam props himself up on the middle rope and leaps with a cross body block–NO–he’s caught in mid air and slammed down with a powerslam! A hook of the leg by Victor!
One…
Two--NOOO!
Trinks: A big move by ‘The Face of the Future’, but Valentine got the shoulder up in the nick of time!
Bravis, undeterred by the kick out, moves around to the legs of his opponent, grabbing Sam’s right leg before dropping an elbow down across the knee. And again. Rinse and repeat as a third elbow drops down across the knee as Bravis shifts his weight to apply a leg lock. The referee checks for a submission, but it’s not coming. Instead Valentine uses his free leg to wrap around Bravis’s head, causing him to break the hold. Both competitors scramble back to their feet as Bravis runs at his opponent with a lariat–ducked–he turns back around as Valentine catches him with a mule kick to the midsection. Victor is doubled over as Sam clocks him over the back of the neck with a scissor kick! And a hook of the leg.
One…
Two…
Mayhem: A strong kick out by Victor Bravis.
Trinks: Near falls by both men just now, Magz. But Samuel Valentine is holding his own against the more experienced Bravis.
Mayhem: His speed could be very beneficial for him tonight, Richie.
Valentine picks himself up and spies Breanne doing the same on the outside. He runs at her with a baseball slide, knocking her back against the guard rail. She tries to stand back up again as Sam waits near the ropes–but Victor grabs him from behind with the rear waistlock–GERMAN SUPLEX! NO! Valentine lands on his feet! Bravis regains a vertical base and gets clocked with a standing enziguiri. He staggers back as Valentine runs against the ropes for some momentum…
Mayhem: Was Bravis playing possum?
BOOM! Headshot!
Trinks: There’s your answer, Magz!
The vicious Busaiku knee strike from Victor Bravis, but before he can make the cover, Breanne clambers back into the ring. Bravis sees her coming as she runs at him with a wild lariat attempt, which is easily countered with a fireman’s carry–STFU DRIVER!!! And the hook of the leg!
One…
Two…
THREE!!!
Stan Hopeforth: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match and new number one contender for the Primetime title…VICTOR BRAVIS!!!
The camera pans over to find Joe Johnson walking into frame with a surly expression. Finale stuffs the rest of the sandwich in his mouth and places his phone on the table.
Joe Johnson: Cat got your tongue?
Finale: (with a mouthful) Sammich.
Joe Johnson: What?
Finale swallows and retrieves a water bottle, he takes a sip.
Finale: Sorry, that sandwich was beyond tasty. What can I do for ya Joey Jo Jo?
Joe Johnson: You can stay the fuck out of matters that do not concern you.
Finale: I'm drawin' a blank here pal. What are we talking about?
Joe Johnson: You know exactly what I'm talking about you moron! What happened to Kyle Cross had nothing to do with you but you decided to play hero. Well tonight I'm going to show you what happens to heros when they go up against a man like me.
Finale screws his face up as if he's not able to process Johnson's words.
Finale: You're still upset, I get that. However I think that maybe your anger will effect the quality of our match later on. Let's squash this beef right now.
Johnson gets ready to fight but Finale reaches over to the table and takes a plate with a large piece of cake on it.
Finale: This is the last piece of cake. I want you to have it. A peace offering. A gesture of good sportsmanship from me to you.
Johnson looks down at the cake before him and then back up to Finale with a menacing glare.
Joe Johnson: You can't be fucking serious.
Finale: No dice? Understandable. It kind of smells weird anyway.
Silence.
Joe Johnson: What does it smell like?
Finale: Take a sniff.
Finale holds the plate up to Johnson's face and he goes to smell the delicious treat. Just as he inhales Finale shoves the cake into his face. The plate drops and smashes on the ground. Finale nearly doubles over with laughter.
Finale: I can't...(laughter)...I can't believe...(laughter)...you actually fell for that.
Johnson lets out a primal roar, wipes the cake from his face and lunges forward. He catches Finale with a forearm shot to the face and then knees him in the gut. He attempts to toss him over the catering table but officials arrive quickly to break it up.
As Finale gets back to his feet Johnson fights some officials off and catches him with a shot. Finale answers back and the brawl resumes. Johnson gets the upper hand and lifts Finale up. He drops him with a spinebuster through the catering table and food is catapulted in all directions.
Joe Johnson: Believe that you are a fucking dead man.
With that Johnson walks off leaving the officials to check on Finale as he walks out heading towards his match that is to follow.
Mayhem: Wow. that was rather explosive! Joe is due up next here against Finale...It should be a clash-bang.
Trinks: A real humdinger!
Stan Hopeforth: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...
”Don't Drag Me Down” by Social Distortion kicks in throughout the arena as the fans start their chorus of boos. They begin to chant “Joe Sucks" as Joe Johnson walks out on to the ramp loving the negative response from the crowd. Holding his arms out wide in a Jesus sort of pose. He has such a sadistic smirk due to the crowds negative response as he now begins his walk down to the ring. Slapping the hands away from the fans that try to grab him. Once at the ring Joe Johnson walks up the steel steps and enters the ring through the top and middle rope. Now in the ring he walks over to the turnbuckle climbing up to the second rope and holds his arms out wide in a Jesus pose once again. As he jumps down he makes his way to the middle of the ring as he stands there smirking as his music fades out.
Stan Hopeforth: ...from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 235lbs., he is Joe Johnson!
Despite being from right here in Chicago, the fans continue to boo the shit out of Joe Johnson. Suddenly, the arena goes dark and the screen lights up with quick flashes of various images, all veiled beneath a lime green hue. Butcher knives, saw blades, machetes - each image accompanied by split-second screech. A stylized F logo appears and then the opening chords begin.
Stan Hopeforth: And his opponent...
Panning the audience the camera sees fans holding up signs with the insignia peppered amongst the crowd under lime hued lighting. 'Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club comes thundering out of the p.a. and a figure appears on the ramp, a silhouette of black against the green in the air.
Stan Hopeforth: ...hailing from Buffalo, New York by way of Toronto, Ontario, weighing in at 245lbs., he is Finale!
The figure turns around and spotlights come down revealing Super Shredder himself, Finale. He walks to the ring and grabs the camera man. He shakes the camera lens violently then shoves it and the operator backwards with a laugh. He struts down to the ring sporting his brand new '...Is Nigh' t-shirt.
Mayhem: One has to wonder what Finale's physical status is after Joe Johnson put him through the catering table earlier.
Trinks: Hopefully he's fucked up, then this will go a lot faster and we won't have to endure this idiot's antics for too long.
Finale rolls in under the bottom rope as the audience cheers wildly. He then walks to the center of the ring and stands with one foot on the middle rope and one on the top. He cups his hands to his mouth and yells "Naptime is ooooooooover." before hopping down. He takes off his shirt revealing taped ribs. The music starts to fade.
Ding! Ding!
Johnson immediately rushes Finale and goes for a boot to the gut but it's evaded. Finale sidesteps Johnson and then hits him with a hard kick to either knee. He then goes for a big spin kick, intent on taking Johnson's head off but Johnson ducks and shoves Finale from behind into the corner. Finale leaps up to the top rope and comes off with a moonsault, grounding his opponent and delighting the fans.
Mayhem: Finale said he'd give the fans a show they wouldn't forget tonight.
Trinks: : If he means but Joe Johnson murdering him live on pay per view then he's so very right.
Finale keeps Johnson grounded with some severe knees to forehead and then calls out to the crowd. He drops one elbow onto Johnson, springs up, drops a second, springs up again, calls out to the audience one more time and then drops a punishing third. He covers and the ref makes the count.
Mayhem: Finale goes for the cover early!
ONE!!
Not a chance! Johnson powers out before two and both men get back to their feet. Finale charges in but Johnson gets his leg up out of nowhere and nearly decapitates his opponent. Finale goes down hard and Johnson gets a moment to recover.
Trinks: Ha! Did you see that? I think I saw some of that moron's teeth go flying into the fourth row.
Johnson seizes Finale and hits him with a hard knife edged chop. He goes for a swinging roundhouse kick but Finale evades it and looks to answer with one of his own. Johnson is able to side step that and he takes hold of Finale, leaping into the air and slamming him into the canvas with a leaping reverse STO.
Trinks: Picture perfect! Joe Johnson is an animal!
With his opponent grounded, Johnson hits a few precisely placed stomps to keep up the pressure, targeting Finale's ribs. Johnson hits a hard soccer punt to Finale's midsection and then gets him up. He tries to shoot him into the corner but Finale reverses the momentum. Johnson hits the corner with a thud and Finale comes charging in after him. Johnson gets a boot up that sends Finale flying backwards. As Finale gets back to his feet, Johnson climbs to the top rope and nails a punishing Flying KO! He covers!
Trinks: This is it! What a move!
Mayhem: Finale may be out cold!
ONE!!
TWO!!
Finale is just able to get his shoulder up and the audience pops. Johnson isn't deterred, he gets his opponent up and sends him hard into the corner. He follows that up with a huge running knee to Finale's injured mid-section. However Johnson follows it up with a vicious succession of a half dozen knee strikes to Finale's gut. Johnson then shoves Finale out of the corner, hits a springboard off of the second rope and plants Super Shredder with a moonsault ddt. However he doesn't cover.
Trinks: See? Joe Johnson is the real next big thing in Revival. Not someone like this hack Shitty Shredder.
Johnson points at his downed opponent and hits him with a hard soccer kick to the ribs. Finale rolls around on the mat in pain and Johnson gets him up. He sends Finale sailing over the top rope, causing him to land with a hard thud on the outside. Johnson then exits the ring and hits a running stomp to Finale's head. He then gets him up and lifts him for a suplex but instead attempts to drop Finale gut first on the railing. However Finale drops his feet on the railing, pushes off and reverses it into a tornado ddt! Johnson goes head first into the floor and the audience pops big!
Mayhem: An insane counter from Finale! That ringside padding is very thin, Joe Johnson could have a concussion.
Trinks: It doesn't matter if he does! Finale is just delaying the inevitable, Johnson is going to rip him apart.
Super Shredder gets back to his feet and is clearly favoring his mid-section. He backs away as Johnson uses the guard rail to get up. Finale calls out and charges. Johnson barely has time to react as Finale smashes him in the kisser with his One Foot in the Grave! Johnson is sent over the railing into the front row and Chicago absolutely loves it.
Mayhem: Johnson was literally kicked out of the ringside area!
Trinks: Get this back in the ring! Where is the ten count!?
Johnson slowly gets up and an audience member showers him in popcorn. Johnson takes hold of the fan by the collar but doesn't get a chance to do anything as Finale runs, leaps off of the barricade and clobbers him with a flying Superman punch. Finale then takes Johnson, tosses him back over the barricade and into the ring.
Mayhem: Joe Johnson is looking a little loopy after those three big shots to the head that he took. Finale may look to knock him out completely.
Trinks: Shake it off Joe! This guy is a bum! You're a feral beast!
In the ring Finale lines Johnson up. He charges and goes for a shining wizard but Johnson ducks under it. Finale turns and nearly eats a superkick but is able to avoid it. He goes for a lariat but Johnson dives and rolls forward. He then hits a springboard and goes for a hurricanranna but Finale swings him and uses his momentum against him with a big diving powerbomb counter! Johnson lands hard and Finale feels the momentum.
Trinks: Listen to these idiots in Chicago. Actually cheering against a hometown boy. Sickening.
The audience begins some infectious 'SU-PER-SHRE-DDER-' chants and Finale calls out to them. He takes hold of Johnson's legs and goes for the Drawn & Quartered but Johnson counters and nearly applies a Boston crab! Finale is able to roll that through. He then punts Johnson right in the ass, sending him down to the mat. There is an uproar of laughter and Finale quickly applies the Drawn & Quartered!
Trinks: How old is Finale? Was that sportsmanlike?
Mayhem: I don't think it matters he may make Joe Johnson submit right here.
The referee is in Johnson's face as Finale wrenches back, kneeling on Johnson's head as much as he can. Johnson refuses to submit but Finale appears to be in serious pain. Johnson must feel this as in one swift move he slips out of the hold and both men snap back up to their feet. Johnson is able to act first as he expertly puts Finale down and locks in the Sudden Death!
Trinks: Oh how the tables have turned!
Mayhem: This is no doubt excruciating for the already injured Finale.
While having the hold locked in, Johnson starts smashing Finale with hard shots to the ribs. Finale cries out in agony but refuses to submit. The audience starts chanting as loudly as they can in unison, trying to will him on. Johnson is relentless with his assault and Finale appears to be fading. That's until he does a very unique roll through and pops up to his feet behind Johnson! He hits the ropes and comes back, looking for a swinging neckbreaker but Johnson amazingly rolls it through and turns it into his Head Trauma! He covers.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR-
Trinks: COME ON!
Finale is just able to kick out and the audience cannot believe it. Johnson looks pissed as he backs away and lines Finale up. The REVIVAL newcomer slowly gets to his feet in a daze as Johnson has him in his sights. Johnson charges and goes for the Cardiac Arrest but Finale sidesteps it and catches Johnson with a big release German suplex! Johnson lands with a thud and Finale with a sense of urgency, fights through the pain, leaps up to the top rope and comes down on Johnson's mid-section with a diving knee bomb! He lands hard and Johnson wretches in pain.
Mayhem: Holy shit! He may have cracked Johnson's sternum!
Trinks: Joe Johnson is not a delicate little flower! He is going to get back up and knock Finale's teeth out!
Mayhem: What is your obsession with teeth tonight?
Instead of covering, Finale rolls out of the ring and seizes an audience member's iPhone. He then rolls back into the ring and holds the phone above him. He stands with his foot on Johnson's head and snaps a photo. He then tosses it out of the ring and the fan catches it, earning a big pop. The referee is distracted by this and misses Johnson nailing Super Shredder with a low blow.
Trinks: Ha!
Mayhem: And the referee doesn't see it.
Trinks: That's what Finale gets for being an ass.
Johnson immediately runs across the ring, hits a springboard and goes for the Heart Attack but Finale nails him with a hook kick to the gut, mid-air. Despite his rib and testicle problems, Finale grounds his opponent with the Snake Oil! Johnson is trapped in the arm bar for only a few seconds as he is able to catch the bottom rope with his foot. Both men scramble back to their feet and Johnson goes for a lariat but Finale catches his arm, spins him around and all in on fluid act he plants Johnson with the Stripper's Real Name! The move earns a big pop and Finale covers.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
DING! DING! DING!
Stan Hopeforth: Here is your winner, FFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNALLLLLLLLLLLLEEEE!!!!
'Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll' hits the p.a. and Chicago cheers wildly for Super Shredder. He has his arm raised and smiles wide, despite holding onto his battered ribs. Finale calls out to the fans and then flips Johnson off before exiting the ring. As he backs up the ramp, Johnson rolls over onto his stomach and their eye lines meet. Johnson looks furious and Finale is all smiles.
The show cuts backstage to where Jessica King is standing, primed for one of her appearances of Revival’s biggest show to date. She lifts the microphone to her lips as she begins to speak.
Jessica King: I’m backstage, just outside of the locker room of the Revival World Heavyweight Champion, Ben Hanson … and I’m going to try and get a word with about what he said earlier.
She knocks on the door and slowly opens it, but Hanson isn’t alone in there.
Ben Hanson: Don’t speak to me like that!
Other Man: What’s wrong, Ben? Is this cutting too close to the bone.
King opens the door slightly more, allowing us to see the other man standing there talking to the champion is none other than the commissioner, Rian Valiant. Hanson is still in his ring attire; as he was earlier in the evening. Valiant is dressed in a grey suit with a blue tie. And neither of them seem to have noticed the open door.
Valiant: What the hell were you thinking?
Ben Hanson: I wasn’t thinking! Do you think I planned this!? Do you think I went there with a chloroform rag and a coat hanger or something? Replace those with chocolates and flowers and you’ll realise my intentions for that night … But I got angry.
Valiant: And to think, you almost had me convinced you’d changed.
Ben Hanson: I have changed!
Valiant: No, Ben, you haven’t! You’re still the same guy you were last year. You cling onto someone and when they disappoint you, you lash out in anger like a petulant child.
There’s no answer from the champion on that one; he turns and walks away from Valiant before speaking again.
Ben Hanson: I made amends for that! I started from the bottom and I rebuilt my career.
Valiant: Yet here we are! You don’t like it when the fans hate you, do you? I saw you earlier, squirming when they booed you … Well, I don’t like it when people’s personal lives affect my shows, Ben. Especially when it’s you.
The last word was said with such hatred that Hanson turns back to the commissioner, rage flaring in his eyes as the two men square up to one another.
Ben Hanson: Get out.
Valiant: Next time you pull a stunt like this you may not be so lucky.
With that Rian walks away from the champion, making his way towards the door as Jessica King and her cameraman scramble to get away without getting caught eavesdropping. Valiant notices them but walks the other way, resuming his calm demeanor before anybody else sees him.
: That's quite enough, Aimes...