[Mr. Rich is backstage with Tiffany Tolberg]

Tiffany: Mr. Rich, last week, you walked out on your partner Muru and left him high and dry, and this week, you face in the LORDS OF PUNISHMENT Tournment. Why did you walk out on Muru last week?

Mr. Rich: Cute question Tiffany! I did not walk out on Muru last week. I simply gave him a chance to prove himself and to me that he is the LORD OF PUNISHMENT. I put my trust in Muru that he could win that match for us and he failed. He failed miserably. I told him that if he could get the job done, that I would take him under my wing. That I would give him a chance to have that deluxe apartment in the sky. But he failed. I couldn't even trust him to win a match for us. As for tonight, that low class punk has one more chance to prove his loyalty to me. If he can lay down at the start of our match and let me pin him, then I will take back every bad thing I ever said about him.

Tiffany: And take him under your wing?

Mr. Rich: Of course not. Just take back the bad things I said about him. The truth is, Muru is a loser, always has been. He had a chance this time last year to gain the world title and he choked. He didn’t have to face Nick Dangerous for it. All he had to do was beat Johnny Serious. I mean, he had his world title handed to him on a silver platter, and the low class loser dropped the ball in every way that a loser can drop the ball.

Tiffany: So what are you saying?

Mr. Rich: My point darling, is that tonight, in front of many, I will do what I am destined to do. Beat Muru, and move on and win the Lords Of Punishment tournament, and that you can take to the BANK!!!!!!!!

[Mr. Rich walks off]

[The cWo logo appears on the screen and spins out of control then transitions into the menacing smile of Josh Cantrell after his title win at Will of the Warrior as "Driven" by Sevendust begins to play. Clips of Christian Roman's several battles througout the years is shown. Next is Jen Diamond winning the Best of Five Series against Chastity McGavin. After that Chris Michaels stands victorious over Nick Dangerous. This is followed by Devon Dice hitting the Hard Eight on Chandler Dalmon. He appears in front of a blank screen. The text scrawsl in front of him.]

I AM DRIVEN

[Christian Roman appears in front of the blank screen then.]

I AM cWo

[Muru does a Muru splash from the top rope onto Chris Michaels

Brother Shabazz whips on Raymond Jacobson.

Barret Hawk holds a Texas bull rope in his hands.

Chazz Mendel holds his U.S title in the air after beating The ChED.He appears in front of the blank screen.]

I AM DRIVEN

[Muru appears in front of the screen now.]

I AM cWo

[Several shots of Jacob Baxter hitting the hooligan kick on his opponents is shown. Raymond Jacobson performs the RJA. Lana Lexington gets a near pin on Evette. Sean Pason roundhouse kicks Nick Dangerous in the head.

Pason appears in front of the blank screen.]

I AM DRIVEN

[He quickly turns into Jacob Baxter.]

I AM cWo

[Mr. Rich and Evette walk down to ringside. Evette with the Woman's title around her waist.

Mike Logan uses blow up dolls of Chastity and Mary-Joe to demonstrate what a great lover he is.Chastity pops a blow up doll.Mike Logan walks off with both Mary-Joe and Chastity McGavin over his shoulders. Mike Logan appears in front of the blank screen.]

I AM DRIVEN

[Mr. Rich appears with Evette by his side.]

I AM cWo

[Flashes of Nick Dangerous hitting several submissions is shown before a flash of him pinning Pason at WOTW is shown. A shot of Chandler Dalmon slapping Christian Roman in the face is shown next. Thaddeus Walker sprays Pason down with oil. Honest Griffin and Jenna stand tall in the ring. Finally, Johnny Serious hitting the Got Serious'd on several different opponents. He looks at Heretic face to face. He stands in front of the blank screen.]

I AM DRIVEN

[He changes to Nick Dangerous]

I AM CWO

[Heretic overlooks his opponents in the cell. He then is seen painting the world title gold. He slams a steel chair over the head of Muru. Lance Wilden attempts to stab him with a screw driver. He is seen laughing. Next is Josh Cantrelll's return to cWo. Then him hitting Phantasy. He reads a letter from his father, then beats on Christiano Drago. Then once again, his smile at the fall of Heretic. Heretic appears in front of the blank screen.]

I AM DRIVEN

[Josh Cantrell appears with the title over his shoulder

I AM CWO

[The picture then breaks into pieces to reveal the pyro going off around the Staples Cener as the camera pans around the sold out crowd, which is on it’s feet. The camera shows off fans holding signs such as “Hail to the ChED!,” “Why should Mr. Rich buy the cow when he can get The Muru for free?,” and “Mike Logan + Mary-Joe= an annoying, horny baby.” The Camera then switches to Joel Nelson and Robbie Hart sitting at ringside.]

Nelson: We are two days away from Veneration: Lord of Punishment and the Staples Center in Los Angeles California is packed for the final stop.

Hart: This is more than a “final stop,” this is perhaps the most exciting Driven we have seen in awhile. And what a place for it?

Nelson: Yes, we are in Hollywood, so Tony Awesome has a Holiday blockbuster planned, beginning with the last two second round matches in the Lord of Punishment tournament!

Hart: We are going to see The ChED get another one of his “moral” victories over that fool The Mac Machine. Then Mr. Rich is going to finally defeat Muru like he said right before the show.

Nelson: That is what you want to happen, not what is going to happen. Ontop of those matches, we have three “Pick Your Poison” matches for the three men who will be involved in the U.S title match at Veneration. Firstly, Sean Pason will be facing off against an opponent chose by Chazz Mendel… who knows who that could possibly be? Mendel is a wild card.

Hart: Not as wild as Nick Dangerous, who will choose Mendel’s opponent. That is one that is also unpredictable.

Nelson: And in our final match of the evening, Nick Dangerous will take on someone of his rival, Sean Pason’s choosing. It is clear that tonight is going to be a wild night and I think it is going to be NOW!

Nelson: We are set to be joined by "HotShot" Chris Michaels who gave us some startling information last week.

Hart: Yeah, he cheated his way into the world title match.

Nelson: However he did it, he's in it, so let's go to ringside where we await the arrival of the HotShot.

("Superstar" by Saliva hits the PA and the crowd goes nuts. "HotShot" Chris Michaels comes through the curtain wearing a black suit, blue shirt and red tie. He slaps the hands of the fans as he makes his way down and he uses the steps to get in the ring. He reaches to the outside for a mic and then mounts the 2nd turnbuckle giving his trademark one fist salute.)

Nelson: Michaels has the mic.

HotShot: Ya know, I've been getting calls all week asking me how I got myself into this match. Well, after my match with Cantrell, I showed myself that I've still got it, there is still one big run left in this ol' engine. So I barged myself right into Tony Awesome's office and I looked him straight in the face…..and I just asked.

Hart: What???

HotShot: I'm not sure what made it so easy, but that's all I had to do…just ask.

Nelson: I'm not sure if the veteran is telling the whole truth, but I for one, am sure glad to see him get one more shot!

Hart: Bah.

HotShot: Okay, maybe there was a little bit more to it than that, but I don't want to bore you with the details. The fact of the matter is, I'm in the main event at Veneration, with another chance to be world heavyweight wrestling champion.

(Crowd pops.)

HotShot: I"ve got a couple of tough opponents, that's for sure. Johnny Serious is just an amazing athlete, and amazing competitor and I'm honored to get another chance in the ring with him. He is the epitome of what the cWo is all about today. Unlike our other opponent Josh Cantrell. Cantrell turned his back on everyone who supported him and that doesn't get taken lightly by the ol' HotShot. Cantrell might be one sick puppy, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and I can tell you for sure that this might be the last time you see Chris Michaels in a main event if I don't get the job done at Veneration…

Hart: Thank God!!

HotShot: Has anyone else ever thought about how dumb that name was?.....(Michaels shakes his head…)anyway….With that said, Johnny, if you think just because I had some nice things to say about you that I won't be bringing everything with me, well, in your words…ARE YOU SERIOUS? You can catch lightning in a bottle, miracles do happen, and the HotShot will once again be the cWo heavyweight champion. Consider it a little Christmas present to myself.

Nelson: Some strong words from the legend.

HotShot: Speaking of Christmas. Since it is a week away, I figured I'd bring Christmas a little early to LA…even if he doesn't celebrate it.

Nelson: Who is he?

HotShot: Ya see, I can't come to LA without visiting a few places. But most importantly, I can't come out here without visiting a certain friend.

Hart: I know who…Oh jeez.

HotShot: So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me give you your Christmas present from the ol' HotShot….the greatest of all time….NOTORIOUS JON!!

["Search and Destroy" by Iggy Pop plays and the crowd errupts in cheers. There's a quick burst of pyro in the entrace ramp, then another long one which coveres the entire entranceramp in golden sparks. When the smoke clears, Notorious JON stands in the entrance ramp. He's dressed in street clothes, jeans and a cWo T-shirt. He smiles and waves to the crowd as he limps to the ring.]

Nelson: I can't believe it! I would never have expected this, but the five time world champion is HERE TONIGHT!

Hart: Try not to go too nuts, Joel.

Nelson: Sorry, Robbie, but it's hard not to. I've been a cWo fan since it's begining, and this is the man who has defined this organization.. and this is my first time calling the action when he's involved! I gotta admit, this is a fan's DREAM!

Hart: But what's he doing out here with Michaels of all people?!

Nelson: You know their history as well as I do, Robbie!

[Notorious JON gingerly steps up the ring steps, and is helped through the ropes by Chris Michaels.]

Nelson: We can see that the knee injury he suffered at Cyberslam IV still isn't fully healed.

Hart: He's walking like he's 80 years old!

[Michaels hands Notorious JON the mic.]

Notorious JON: What's up, LA?

[He smiles as he recieves a cheap pop.]

Notorious JON: You didn't think I'd let cWo pass through my neighborhood wihtout coming to say hi, did you? It's been a while, but I've been keeping tabs on this place. I've seen what's going down, and to be honest, cWo hasn't been what is used to be. We had one world champion out to destroy any credibility that belt had, a current champion who doesn't seem to be any better, and nobody who seems ready, willing or able to do anything about it. We've seen bad times in cWo before, but never like it's been recently. A lot of people are calling cWo a sinking ship, saying that the moral is getting a little too low, that there's no way it can sustain itself. Well, I've got a feeling things are gonna get a hole lot better. In fact, I'm thinking after this Sunday at Veneration, we'll have a world champion we can FINALLY be proud of! Someone who finally respects the belt, respects cWo and respects what it means to be a champion!

Notorious JON: Johnny Serious, you're great. You're a superstar, you're a winner, and you've got a fan in me, that's for sure. But for the last eight months or so, we've had a slogan around here... "I am cWo." And Johnny, as much as I admire and respect you... our new world champion needs to BE cWo.. and right now, there's only one man around here that can honestly say that he IS cWo, and that's my friend Chris Michaels!!!!

Hart: Michaels?! Seriously?

Nelson: Not too much of a surprise, but a HUGE vote of confidence for The Hot Shot!

Notorious JON: If someone is gonna save this sinking ship... if someone's gonna be the guy with the bucket... or cup, shoveling out the rising water... it needs to be Chris Michaels! For all these years, Chris has stuck with cWo in good times and bad, through thick and thin. He's never wavered, never abandoned this organization when it needs him, never retreated in the face of adversity like a REAL champion! This isn't just me rooting for a friend of mine, this is me flat out saying that cWo NEEDS Chris Michaels as it's champion! Sorry, Johnny. When I'm watching Veneration live in San Diego..this is the man I'll be rooting for!

Hart: I don't think Josh Cantrell is gonna be too thrilled about this..

Nelson: Neither will Johnny Serious!

Hart: Serious should just be happy that someone important actually knows who he is.

Notorious JON: But there's someone else I need to adress. There's a scared little child running around in cWo trying to compensate just because he had it rough. He thinks just because he didn't have an easy path, he's got the right to make it tough on everyone else. Why? Because he thinks he deserves it. Well, I believe that people do get what they deserve, and old friend, you WILL get what you deserve, you'll get it tenfold... beleive me.

Nelson: And no names need to even be mentioned there.. we all know who that's directed towards.

Hart: Heretic!

Nelson: Yes, hence the whole "no names need to be mentioned" statement.

Notorious JON: And as for the million dollar question... I can't answer that right now. I don't know what the future holds for me, but i know that cWo's future will be looking a whole hell of a lot better with Chris Michaels as it's World Champion!

[He raises the arm of Chris Michaels and the crowd cheers loudly as "Search and Destroy" plays.]

Nelson: Well, Notorious JON made his pick tonight for the main event of Veneration!

Hart: I'm all for nostalgia, but I'd like a world champion born after the Civil War.

Nelson: I don’t believe what we just saw!

Hart: Your telling me! We just saw a special appearance from Notorious Jon!

Nelson: Yeah, it makes sense that we are in L.A, but still, it has been a little more than six months ago since we’ve seen him in the flesh. But you never know what we are going to get in L.A. We are surrounded by celebrities tonight.

[The camera pans the crowd and first focuses on Dustin Diamond wearing a Jen Diamond t-shirt.]

Hart: Look Joel it’s Screech! That guy hit on my sister one time.

[The camera pans around the crowd again and focuses on Wayne Brady and his huge family of twelve. They are sporting different fan t-shirts.]

Nelson: Not just him, but funny man Wayne Brady is here. I know that he makes sure to see us everytime we come to town.

Hart: Who else do we have? Is THAT?

Nelson: Is that who I think it is?

Hart: It is!

[In the front row sits a very familiar woman with black hair, piercings, and tats along her arms. In her arms though is what seems to be something moving under a black blanket]

Nelson: Wow… that is former cWo star, Stephanie Bliss! We haven’t seen her in over a year! I know a lot of our cWo fans miss her.

Hart: What is that in her arms?

Nelson: I don’t know!

Hart: I thought I just saw a small hand arise from the blanket. Is that a baby?

Nelson: I am not sure Robbie! I don’t know who would bring a baby into an arean with a bunch of screaming fans. However, we do have to move onto our next match.

Hart: I don’t even know why we are having this match, Mac Machine should just forfeit for being just insane!

Nelson: I don’t think no matter how silly you might think he is, that he is going to forfeit.

Hart: But he is going against The ChED! The man who ended Raymond Jacobson’s career!

Nelson: He attacked Jacobson…

Hart: But who knows the next time we’ll see him!

Nelson: We wish him a quick recovery as we prepare for our next second round match in the Lord of Punishment tournament.

Dixon: The next match is scheduled for one fall and is a second round match in the Lord of Punishment tournament. Introducing first…

[The lights dim and the jumbotron reads "Please Insert Card and Enter PIN" machine dispensing noises sound as the Mac Machine enters the arena as fake money falls from the rafters.]

Dixon: Weighing in at three hundred fifty pounds and hailing from the 7-11 in West Parterson, New Jersey. He is the … Mac Machine!

Nelson: The Mac Machine is here for some LOP action!

Hart: I hope that Dalmon passes on his truth giving serum to Mac Machine. He is a man in a freakin machine costume.

Nelson: Hey, he does have a pin on Muru. That is pretty impressive for a rookie.

[The lights in the arena dim as only light in the middle of the ramp shows as "Princes of the Universe" by Queen screams over the P.A and a figure begins to elevate from beneath the rampway.]

Here we are, born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers

[The song picks up as the figure hits ground level the lights go up and a smiling Chandler Edsel Dalmon, The ChED stands on the rampway as fireworks shoot out from the ceiling and hit the sides of the rampway around him. Then pyro shoots out from all sides of the cWo tron. Finally doves fly out.

Hey...
And here we are
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've got to be the rulers of your world

[Chandler raises his arms in front of the cWo tron as the words "Champion of the People" flashes on it. He walks to each side of the walkway and says "your welcome" to his onlookers.]

Oh!
I am immortal
I have inside me blood of kings (Yeah, yeah!)
I have no rival
No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of new earth

[The ChED climbs up the steel steps and lifts his arm out to his fans as he is booed. He hops up onto the turnbuckle and raises his arms up to the air as fireworks shoot off from the rafters. He jumps into the middle of the ring.]

Born to be kings, princes of the universe
Fighting and free, got your world in my hand
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe
No man could understand
My power is in my own hand

[Chandler goes on his knees and raises his arms out again with a wide smile on his face. He stands back up and then mouths the words "My pleasure" to his fans.]

Dixon: And his opponent, weighing in at two hundred forty pounds, hailing from Manhattan, New York… Chandler Edsel Dalmon… He is the ChED!

Nelson: Remember the winner of this match goes onto the semifinals at this Sundays Veneration to either face Muru or Mr. Rich.

Hart: I believe that The ChED will have this one in the bag.

Nelson: The match has not even started yet.

Hart: It’s a genius former U.S champion who has several victories over cWo veterans.

Ding Ding Ding

Nelson: The ChED attacks with a running knee lift. He follows it up with a single arm lariat. But Mac Machine doesn’t go down, remember he is a big man. Chandler off the ropes with a dropkick that sends Mac Machine backwards. Chandler off the ropes again but Mac Machine catches him with a big boot. Chandler goes down!

Hart: That is only temporary.

Nelson: Chandler gets back up just in time to be laid out with a suplex by Mac Machine. Mac waits for The ChED to get back and when does he puts him in a brutal bear hug.

Hart: Who does that anymore?

Nelson: Apparently machines! The ChED struggling in the hold and trying to push Mac off. The Machine isn’t budging.

Hart: Do something Chandler!

Nelson: Chandler begins to fade away, but makes sure to knee the Machine in the groin. Mac drops him to the mat.

Nelson: Either way, The ChED is back in control and irish whips Mac Machine to the ropes. When Mac bounces back he hits an Ace Crusher body press he calls the Slaughter House 5. Chandler quickly tries to make the pin.

One

Two

Nelson: Mac Machine with the kick out. Chandler laying in those stomps to the forehead… he actually looks angry.

[While The ChED lays in the boots he is screaming “You are man, not a machine! Pull your head of your ass because no one cares about you or your imaginary feud with the ATM.” Chandler bounces off the ropes again and kicks him in the ribs.]

Hart: I’m beginning to believe that The ChED is more into getting into people’s heads than winning the tournament.

Nelson: I would not be surprised one bit. It looks like he is going to accomplish both here tonight. The ChED lifts Mac Machine up once more and it looks like is going to perform a neckbreaker. Before he can hit, Mac Machine lifts him up. Chandler struggling now and Mac puts The ChED on the top turnbuckle. The fans go crazy as Mac performs a brilliant SUPERPLEX! This seriously puts Chandler back in trouble. Mac pulls him back up and throws him down for a gorilla press! Mac follows this up with a BIG SPLASH! A hook of the leg and Blake begins the count.

One

Two

Hart: This is the part where The ChED comes back! I hope!

Nelson: I don’t think so, Mac Machine is pulling him back up and irish whips him to the turnbuckle. Mac takes him by the hair and slams him into it.

[As he repeatedly slams Chandler’s cranium into the turnbuckle he yells “Service Charges are a rip off! I am the only way to save the people from ATM.”]

Nelson: Now, Chandler gets caught in a Russian leg sweep. Mac Machine with another pinning attempt.

One

Two

Nelson: The ChED with yet another kick out.

Hart: Well… you know what they say about University of Phoenix Graduates… they have nine lives.

Nelson: You are thinking about cats.

Hart: Oh

Nelson: Mac Machine lifts Chandler up for a “Fraudulent Attempt” but Chandler spins behind Mac Machine and shoves him to the corner.

The ChED: You are the fraud!

Hart: Tell em ChED!

Nelson: Chandler goes for the Exclamation Point but Mac Machine quickly moves out of the way as The ChED stops himself from colliding with the turnbuckle. Mac turns Chandler around, but The ChED spits into his face. How disrespectful! With the distraction Chandler hits another knee lift then throws him to the turnbuckle. Chandler backs up and hits the Exclamation Point on Mac!

Hart: We might as well just call him Lord Chandler now.

Nelson: Chandler makes the pinning attempt.

One

Two

Three

Ding Ding Ding

Dixon: Here is your winner and moving onto the semifinals of the Lord of Punishment Tournament: The ChED.

[Chandler takes the microphone and begins to speak to a chorus of boos]

Nelson: Great, he is going to talk!

The ChED: Thank you, thank you, I couldn’t have won this without thinking of my people. But you haven’t seen the last of me tonight. Stay tuned for a very special LOP edition of “Chatting with the Ched” where I will talk to the three other semi-finalists.

Hart: Did you hear that Joel? We are going to have an impromptu “Chatting with the ChED!”

Nelson: Oh yay!... I can’t wait to see him talk about himself some more. Before that, we have Jason Duran backstage with Sean Pason!

[Jason Duran stands backstage with a very focused Sean Pason.]

Duran- Sean, after what happened last week between yourself, Nick Dangerous, and Chazz Mendel. Tony Awesome decided that the only way to solve this problem was to put you three men into a triple threat match at Veneration, but tonight you have to face any opponent that is chosen for you by Chazz Mendel. How do you prepare yourself for that?

Pason- Simple I’m not. I’m not going to prepare myself for this match because I’m already ready. Whoever Chazz Mendel chooses is in for a rude awakening because I am going to show that person a preview of what I am capable of doing at Veneration.

Duran- You must be shocked that Tony Awesome made the match at Veneration a triple threat match because Sean your odds have just decrease as you will have to face the difficult challenge of the champion Chazz Mendel and the talented Nick Dangerous.

Pason- Odds! I don’t need odds. You see Jason, Tony Awesome did me a favor since I get to kill two damn birds with one stone. Last week I got into the skin of Chazz Mendel, and made him notice me. Now Chazz won’t forget and if he does he will realize that was one big a** kicking mistake. At Veneration I can damn sure tell you that…

[Pason pauses and turns his attention solely into the view of the camera]

Pason- Look into my eyes when I tell you Chazz that the odds of you retaining that United States Championships is as good as Nick Dangerous walking out of the Cox Arena on his own will.

Well if you don’t understand that, then too bad.

[Sean Pason tosses Jason Duran mic back to him as he walks away]

[Chastity is backstage doing push-ups when Mary-Joe Wolf slowly walks into the room she is training in.]

Mary-Joe: You know that there is no way you are going to win, right?

[Chastity ignores her and keeps doing push ups.]

Mary-Joe: I know you, Chastity, you don’t want to do this. You are nothing without me, I made you, I brought you into this world and…

[Chastity gets up and wipes herself off.]

Mary-Joe: LISTEN TO ME, YOU IDIOT!

[Chastity turns towards her and doesn’t make any sort of reaction.]

Mary-Joe: I know your limitations and you CANNOT beat a body of work like Mike Logan. Believe me, he knows how to get the job done. We spread the rumors in hopes you would just give up, but here you are for what? To be a woman who gets beat down by another man? You shouldn’t have to stand for that. No one deserves to get beat the way Logan has and will…

[Chastity slams her against the wall.]

McGavin: You created me, you made me… and you are the one who told me that I was just as good if not better than any man in the business. I want you to remember that when I am beating your new man all over the arena.

[Chastity throws Mary-Joe down and turns her back on her. Mary-Joe quickly scurries off. The cameras cut back to Robbie Hart and Joel Nelson.]

Hart: Little does Chastity know that Mary-Joe likes to be choked like that.

Nelson: I have no idea why you feel like sharing your and Mary-Joe’s personal life with us.

Hart: Because I tapped that, yo!

Nelson: Please don’t talk like that! Coming up next is the last second round match! The winner of this goes onto the semi finals to face Chandler Dalmon. This person will also go on to tonight’s “Chatting with the ChED!”

Hart: It is a special edition too. I can’t wait to see Mr. Rich and the ChED on the same talk show!

Nelson: You don’t know that Mr. Rich is going to win. Muru might have been indifferent lately, but he still wants to win the tournament as much as anyone else does. He might want it more than Mr. Rich actually.

Dixon: The following contest is a second round match in the Lord of Punishment tournament.

[Up on the cWo tron a picture of the earth is seen. The earth then explodes as pyro and explosions fill the arena. The entrance ramp is filled with smoke as "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva begins to play. Muru then walks out through the fog and makes his way down the ramp. Along the way to the ring he is greeted with a mixed reaction bordering on boos. When he gets to the ring he slides in and waits for Mr. Rich]

Dixon: Introducing first weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds, from Allen Park Michigan…MuuuuRuuuu!!!!

Nelson: Muru got past Brother Shabazz to advance here Robbie. His opponent Mr. Rich beat Giant Maxx.

Hart: True Joel, but now the winner of this match has to The ChED. This could be a case where winning is really losing.

Dixon: And his opponent weighing two hundred and fifty-four pounds, he is from New York City, New York,…Mr. Riiiich!!!!

[Pink Floyd's "Money" hits the arena as Mr Rich makes his way out towards the ring. He stops in the aisle, waving his money around as a dollar sign lights up. He continues to the ring, flashing his money in the fans face and then taking it away. He slowly enters the ring and stands in the center as canons from all four ring posts shoot out fake money with Mr Rich's face on it]

Hart: Look at all the fans reaching for that money. It never gets old!

[Now both men are in the ring and Muru approaches Mr. Rich and is yelling at him. Mr. Rich is answering but Muru doesn’t seem to like what he is hearing]

Nelson: Muru wants to know what happened last week when Mr. Rich left him high and dry.

[Mr. Rich feels satisfied with his answer and turns towards the crowd drawing boos. He turn back to Muru and is met with a left to the side of the head]

DING DING DING

Nelson: The referee calls for the bell and this one is underway. Muru continues with the lefts which have Mr. Rich reeling. Muru whips him of the ropes and with a hip toss sends Mr. Rich to the mat. Muru picks him up and hit’s a Russian leg sweep, Now Muru goes to the second rope and hit’s a leg drop across the throat of Mr. Rich,

Hart: Muru is really fired up. He doesn’t like that he was left to fend for himself last week.

[Muru continues to wear down Mr. Rich by using a chin lock. Mr. Rich fights to his feet and uses a well placed elbow to get Muru to release the hold. Mr. Rich now with a body slam and Muru hit’s the mat]

Nelson: Mr. Rich has taken control and now is climbing the ropes himself. He stops on the second rope and waits for Muru to get to his feet. He drives his elbow into the top of Muru’s head and follows it up with one to the chest as he is on the mat.

Hart: Those sharp pointy elbows of the matured Mr. Rich can do a lot of damage.

Nelson: Mr. Rich is going for what looks like a piledriiver. Muru kicks his legs and Mr. Rich can’t get him up. Muru now reverses and flips Mr. Rich onto his back!

[Muru seeing Mr. Rich on the mat rushes into the corner and leaps to the top turnbuckle and comes off the top with a moonsault. He lands on Mr. Rich and goes for a pin attempt]

ONE

TWO…

Hart: He kicks out!

Nelson: Muru tried to take advantage of the situation but it didn’t work out. He drives a knee into the side of Mr. Rich’s head which sends him into the turnbuckle. Muru is measuring his next attack and charges in at Mr. Rich. Mr. Rich moves and he crashes into the buckle hard!

Hart: Mr. Rich was baiting him! Now he is going to show Muru what it means to be the Lord of Punishment!

[Muru is holding his chest as he turns into Mr. Rich. Mr. Rich grabs him by the neck and hit’s a choke slam. He goes for the cover and uses the ropes for leverage]

ONE

TWO…

Nelson: Muru kicks out! Even with Mr. Rich taking an unfair advantage.

Hart: It isn’t his fault his legs got inadvertently tangled into the ropes!

Nelson: I am sure that is what happened Robbie…Mr. Rich using his size advantage now to force Muru into the corner.

[Mr. Rich has Muru in the corner and it chopping away at his chest. As Muru’s chest turns bright red Mr. Rich continues the assault. Muru is able to push him away and Mr. Rich rolls backwards. As Muru approaches he is hit with a low blow that goes undetected by the referee]

Nelson: Mr. Rich just went below the belt on Muru and the referee didn’t see it.

Hart: Or maybe something Muru had for lunch isn’t agreeing with him. Some of that catered food can be suspect.

Nelson: Mr. Rich grabs a hold of Muru’s hair and hit’s the Dow Jones. Muru is driven face first into the mat and Mr. Rich rolls him over looking for the pin!

Hart: He fell harder then the stock market!

ONE

TWO…

Nelson: Muru gets his foot on the rope!

Hart: Mr. Rich could have won it right there but Muru was too close to the ropes. I can’t believe it!

[Mr. Rich looking to capitalize on the fallen Muru grabs him by the leg and drags him into the center of the ring. He then tries to but Muru into The Bad Investment]

Nelson: Mr. Rich looking for the submission now but he is struggling to turn Muru over. Muru isn’t giving up without a fight.

Hart: What else is new!

[The struggling Muru fights Mr. Rich off by kicking him away. Mr. Rich tries again but Muru kicks him in the gut from his back. This doubles Mr. Rich over as Muru gets to his feet]

Nelson: Muru uses his quickness to get back to his feet and grabs Mr. Rich in a front face lock. Mr. Rich takes a trip Around the World!

Hart: That isn’t a first class ticket Joel!

[Muru hits his version of a swinging neck breaker which leave Mr. Rich laid out on the top. He then climbs to the top rope. He stalls for a moment before leaping onto the fallen Mr. Rich]

Nelson: The MuruSplash connects and Muru hooks the leg as the referee slides into position.

ONE

TWO

THREE!!!

Dixon: The winner of this match MuuuuRuuuu!!!!

Nelson: Muru picks up a victory over Mr. Rich Robbie, some might call this karma.

Hart: And some may call this a travesty Joel. I really though Mr. Rich would win this match and go onto win the whole thing.

Nelson: Really?

Hart: Sure, why not?

[Tony Awesome is in his office when Evette, dressed in her black leather mini skirt and white tank top, comes storming in with her cWo Women't Title over her shoulder. She walks right over to Tony and give him a hard slap in the face.]

Evette: What is the meaning of throwing me in a triple threat cage match and forcing me to put up my golden piece of accessory here against two disgusting little whores that I have all ready taken care of.

[Tony grabs his face]

Tony: Listen. You owe me big for the stunt you pulled at Will of a Warrior.

Evette: I don't know what your talking about. I had a doctors note.

Tony: Cosmetic surgery is not a valid excuse!

Evette: What cosmetic surgery?

Tony: Come on!

[Tony looks down at Evette's chest]

Tony: No one is blind!

Evette: How dare you!

Tony: Like I was saying, you owe me a huge match-up. And I want to make sure there is no way you can back yourself into another victory. I want you to have to earn your title defense.

Evette: I am a woman Tony. I have millions of little girls who follow every move I make. I can not let them see me in this kind of "Manly" match. You will cancel this match immediatly and book me on a Mall Tour to meet and greet all the little girls who adore me!

Tony: I will not, and you will show up for this match, or, you will be FIRED!

[Evette looks like she is going to deck Tony, but instead, screams in his face, and then exits the office as Tony just gives a little smile.]

Nelson: Serves her right that she has to defend her title.

Hart: But in a cage? Evette is going to hurt!

Nelson: I think that is the point, if not just to get the title off her. Speaking of titles, the next three matches spin off of the U.S title situation. At Veneration, we will see Sean Pason, and Nick Dangerous challenge for Chazz Mendel’s U.S title.

Hart: If you ask me, Tony Awesome shouldn’t have let Pason compete.

Nelson: Either way, Awesome promised these men in singles action last week and he came through. Tonight we will see three “Pick your Poison” matches for these men. The first of which is Sean Pason Vs. a wrestler of Chazz Mendel’s choice.

Hart: I hope it’s The Grate One!

Dixon: Entering the ring first, weighing in at two-hundred and ten pounds. He hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. Sean… Pason!

[The lights begin to dim as the intro to “Calm like a Bomb” begins playing in the background. Sean Pason slowly walks out of the entrance ramp. Sean wearing a hooded sweatshirt stops and moves his head to the beat of the song, then continues towards the ring. Pason slaps a couple of the fans hands that are trying to reach out to him. Sean slowly enters into the ring as his entrance song ends. Sean takes the sweatshirt off throwing it into the crowd and then stretches out as he awaits his opponents.]

Nelson: Sean Pason seems to be ready for anything that comes his way as he stated earlier. Who knows what Chazz Mendel has in store for Sean Pason but right now Sean seems to be fully focused.

Hart: Fully Focus! No way after hearing what Sean Pason said earlier there’s no way he is fully focused. Sean Pason has Veneration completely on his mind I can’t believe he threatened to take out Nick Dangerous at Veneration, what a thug he is.

Nelson: Sean Pason only guaranteed that he was going to give us one hell of a match at Veneration. That triple threat mach could be match of the night as you have three gifted men who can’t stand each other.

Hart: If Sean Pason didn’t whine we could of saw one of the greatest U.S. title matches ever between Nick Dangerous and Chazz Mendel but instead Pason had to sneak his way into the match.

Nelson: It doesn’t matter now as the mysterious opponent for Sean Pason is going to be revealed.

[“Superstar" by Saliva hits the PA as the "HotShot" comes through the curtain. He walks slowly down the ramp with a big smile on his face. He takes the steps into the ring and mounts the second turnbuckle to give a one fist salute.]
Dixon: Entering the ring first, weighing in at two hundred and twenty five pounds. He hails from Roanoke Virginia. Chris…Michaels!
Hart: I can’t believe it Chazz Mendel is a genius if it isn’t one of the most respected wrestlers in Cwo for Sean Pason maybe. How is Pason going to be able to destroy one of his idols?
Nelson: What are you talking about Hart? Sean Pason only said that he respects Chris Michaels for what he has done. You act like Sean Pason completely adores Chris Michaels.

Hart: He does Sean Pason is completely obsessed with Chris Michaels; a private source told me this.

Nelson: This match is underway as Sean Pason is hesitating to lock up with Chris Michaels.

Hart: Sean Pason is just too scared to hurt his idol.

Nelson: Sean Pason just knows that this match is as important to him as it is to Chris Michaels with Veneration coming up next for both wrestlers. The winner of this match will have a lot of momentum heading into Veneration.

[Sean Pason and Chris Michaels lock up in the middle of the ring, both men try to gain advantage in the lock up. Sean Pason delivers a headlock on Chris Michaels but Chris Michaels pushes out of the headlock by whipping Sean Michaels to the ropes.

Nelson: Chris Michaels out powers out of Sean Pason’s headlock and delivers a shoulder block on Pason.

Hart: Chris Michaels showing how weak Sean Pason is if he is getting out powered by Chris Michaels.

[Sean Pason springs up quickly as Chris Michaels delivers a kick to the midsection of Sean Pason then slams him into the mat hard with a snap suplex]

Nelson: Chris Michaels quickly goes for a cover after nailing Pason with a snap suplex. Referee Aaron Blake makes the count but Pason quickly jumps out of the pin.

[Chris Michaels grabs Sean Pason and delivers a scoop slam on Pason]

Nelson: Chris Michaels thinks about going for the cover but attempts to go for a standing moonsault but Sean Pason counters by rolling away.

Hart: What a wuss Pason, is, a real fighter would have taken that.

Nelson: Do you realize what you just said? Sean Pason begins delivering kicks to the back of Chris Michael’s legs. Chris Michaels seems to be in pain but he is able to nail Pason in face with a back elbow blow, Sean Pason is momentarily stunned.

[Chris Michaels whips Sean Pason to the ropes but Sean Pason counters with a whip of his own]

Nelson: Michaels tries another counter with a clothesline, Pason ducks and delivers a belly overhead suplex on Chris Michaels. Chris Michaels quickly tries to get up as Pason connects with a spin kick sending Chris Michaels falling to the mat.

[Sean Pason goes for the cover]

ONE

TW

Nelson: Chris Michaels is able to get his shoulder just as referee Aaron Blake was about to make a three count. Sean Pason is impressive early on as the tables have turn as Sean Pason is dominating the match now.

Hart: Sean Pason is just using those dirty mma tactics once again as he has no true wrestling ability.

Nelson: Sean Pason has been using both abilities affectively during this match.

[Sean Pason and Chris Michaels trade blows in the middle ring]

Nelson: Chris Michaels counters Sean Pason’s right hands by nailing a couple body shots to the midsection of Pason but Pason fights back. Pason lunges at Chris Michael’s midsection sending Chris Michaels into the corner turnbuckle.

[Sean Pason hits two shoulder blocks on Chris Michaels, steps back and nails Michaels with a flying right knee to his chest sending Chris Michaels to one knee]

Nelson: What thunderous knee to the chest of Chris Michaels, Michaels must be reeling in pain as he tries to inhale his breath after that hit. Sean Pason isn’t hesitating as he grabs Chris Michaels and whips Michaels to the ropes. Pason delivers a flying clothesline on Chris Michael. Is this a different side of Pason that we haven’t seen before?

Hart: Oh he is finally learning some wrestling moves nothing special.

[Pason grabs Michael’s and nails a couple forearm shots on Michaels but Michael’s counters with a chop to the chest]

Nelson: Michaels out of desperation nails Pason with a thunderous chop to his chest.

Hart: That chop was so nasty I could feel it from here.

Nelson: Chris Michaels lift Pason up and delivers an atomic drop on Pason. Pason falls back in pain as Chris Michaels grabs Pason head and slams it into one of the corner turnbuckles. Chris Michaels begins delivering right hand shots to the forehead of Sean Pason. Chris Michaels continues hitting Pason towards the ropes and whips Pason to ropes.

[Michaels bends down for overhead slam but Pason counters with kick to the chest on Michaels]

Nelson: Pason going for another spin kick but Michaels ducks the kick and gets Pason back. Michaels delivers a german suplex on Pason. Michael’s still holding on with the bridge.

ONE

TWO

THR

Hart: He almost had the win!

Nelson: But Sean Pason is able to break out of the bridging pin as Chris Michaels almost snuck out a win. Do not underestimate Chris Michaels, this old vet still can give you a fight and break out win.

[Chris Michaels grabs Sean Pason and starts nailing a couple forearm shots on Pason. Michael whips Pason to the ropes and delivers a huge lariat on Pason]

Nelson: Pason just got deck with that lariat. Chris Michaels quickly capitalizes by delivering a scoop slam on Pason. Chris Michaels climbs the turnbuckle and goes for a flying elbow drop but Pason rolls out of the way as Chris Michaels slams hard onto the mat.

[Pason then quickly climbs on the turnbuckle and springs off with a flying head butt nailing Michaels]

Nelson: Pason goes for the pin

ONE

TWO

THR

Nelson: Chris Michaels is able to kick out and rolls out of the ring. Sean Pason isn’t going to let Chris Michaels get a breather as he lunges at the ropes and springs off with an over the top suicide dive.

Hart: That was just reckless!

Nelson: Sean Pason didn’t get that entire move as Chris Michaels was able to side step partially to avoid full contact as both men are on the ground. Both men are getting up slowly as Sean Pason grabs Michaels and sends him back into the ring.

[Sean Pason waits and sets Michaels up for the roundhouse kick]

Nelson: Pason hits the roundhouse kick but Michaels was able to block most of the kick as he was able to put his hands up. Pason still quickly goes for a cover.

ONE

TWO

Nelson: Michaels kicks out. Pason is getting frustrated.

[Pason delivers a couple kicks to the midsection of Michaels. Pason sets up Michaels to the middle of the ring]

Nelson: Sean Pason lunges towards the ropes as he springs off into my god a springboard spin kick but Michaels counters with super kick! Pason is down as Michaels falls on top of Pason for the cover, Michaels gets a leg.

ONE

TWO

THREE

Nelson: Pason tries to kick out but it’s too late.

Dixon: Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of the match by pin fall he is the hotshot Chris Michaels!

Hart: Great job by both men to completely wear each other out when in a couple days they are in two big match ups.

Nelson: Both men knew what was on the line and they both are true competitors.

[Chris Michaels heads over to Sean Pason who is on one knee still holding his jaw, shaking his head in disappointment]

Nelson: It only took one mistake for Sean Pason to lose this match but he cant be discourage because if this is the performance he can give then Chazz Mendel and Nick Dangerous better be worried .

[Chris Michaels extends his hand out to Sean Pason who pauses and then stares down Chris Michaels]

Hart: Look at that I guess Pason’s a little upset at his idol.

[Sean Pason then shakes his Chris Michaels hand as the crowd begins to cheer]

Nelson: Now that is showing respect, Pason knows that he gave away the match but still has the sportsmanship and respect to shake Chris Michael’s hand.

[The ring is decked out to look like a coffee shop with a couch in the middle and a coffee counter to the right hand side. On the counter lie four microphones, Chandler picks up a microphone in his right hand while holidng a cup of coffee in the other, which he takes a sip from before he begins..]

Nelson: Welcome back folks, I guess it is time for the second edition of Chatting with the ChED! We already saw this guy out here earlier tonight, but apparently he thought important to get all of the other semi-finalists for the Lord of Punishment tournament out here.

Hart: I think these fans would like to know what all four men are thinking.

Nelson: What are the odds that we are going to hear what they are thinking and not what The ChED thinks about them.

The ChED: This Sunday is Veneration where we will see nine competitors face off for three titles. We are also going to see *yawn Christian Roman take on Heretic. I would like to remind all of you that I have a pinfall victory over Mr. Roman. There is also a falls count anywhere match between Mike Logan and Chastity McGavin. Those are all good and whatever, but the big event, the thing that this Pay Per View is all about will finally come to an end. Being Lord of Punishment is a prestigious title that only a diamond in the rough can win. Well folks, I am that diamond, so I would like to introduce you to the rough, the other participants in Lord of Punishment.

[Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" hits the P.A. system. Once the song begins to pick up steam Barrett Hawk comes out from the entrance-way, sporting a cowboy hat, while he carries his rope and cowbell. He gets in the ring but keeps his distance from the ChED and doesn’t sit. The ChED reaches out his hand and Hawk is hesitant, but finally does.]

The ChED: Can I take your …um… cowbell?

[Hawk looking disinterested in making conversation simply shakes his head in disapproval.]

The ChED: Can I get you a cup of something?

[Once again Hawk shakes his head.]

The ChED: Okay… onto my next guest, he isn’t a stranger to this show and he is my semi-final opponent. I bring to you the guy who couldn’t take out Chris Michaels and thanks to him, Michaels is getting a shot at a title he does not deserve… he is Muru!!!

[Up on the cWo tron a picture of the earth is seen. The earth then explodes as pyro and explosions fill the arena. The entrance ramp is filled with smoke as "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva begins to play. Muru then walks out through the fog and makes his way down the ramp. Along the way to the ring he slaps the hands of a few fans and the he slides into the ring. He then raises his hands to the air as the crowd gives him a mixed reaction. He steps into the ring and looks at Barrret Hawk and then The ChED. He shakes Hawks hand, but looks indifferent to shake The ChEDs. The ChED looks offended but moves on.]

The ChED: You want something to drink? Perhaps a café moca?

Muru: I’d prefer to move this along, I got a match I need to train for.

The ChED: Train all you like, I am always going to be the thing you could not be!

Muru: Just move onto Dice!

The ChED: Good old Muru, still thinks he can be luke warm about everything without there being repercussions. BUT… I can’t wait to bring our next guest out. He is a man I have a pinfall victory over and he's a guy who is going to let everyone down. Please welcome Devon Dice!

[Clutch's "Electric Worry" plays as Devon Dice emerges from the curtain with his arms raised. The crowd cheers as Dice walks to the ring. The fans cheer wildly as Devon Dice walks into the ring and immediately takes over the place. The barista hands him the cup of coffee. He immediately goes to shake Barret Hawk’s hand, then Muru’s, Muru looks unsure while this happens. Devon Dice then looks at Chandler and with a very sarcastic expression wildly shakes his hand and then makes himself comfortable on the couch.]

The ChED: Now that we are all here… lets begin. The four are completely different. From different walks of life… most of us aren’t very refined.

[He looks at Barret Hawk.]

The ChED: Others aren’t very smart.

[He looks over at Devon Dice and then finally looks at Muru.]

The ChED: And then there is… vanilla. The boring neutral flavor.

[Chandler turns his back on them as he continues to talk.]

The ChED: However, the four of us have one thing in common. We are the chosen ones. By sheer will and determination and an undeserved second chance we are walking into Veneration as the Semi-finalists. We are the final four if you will. This Sunday, we will be narrowed down to two and then finally… like the movie my theme music comes from… there can only be ONE! I think we can all agree, we are determined to be that one. We truly are the Princes of the Universe! Now I am going to tell you one by one, why you aren’t..

[Finally, Barret Hawk cuts him off and grabs the microphone from him as the fans cheer for him.]

Hawk: Now hold on a minute...

[A mild volumed cheer is heard in the audience as Hawk continues.]

Hawk: Hate to interrupt since you seem to think an awful lot of yourself, but I didn't plan on "chat with the Ched," for very long, so why don't you move your Starbucks somewhere else so the fans can see the wrestling that they paid good money to see?

[Fans cheer as Dice is seen nodding in approval of the notion.]

The ChED: Excuse me? Dwight Yoakam? Is this your talk show? Last I checked this wasn't Chattin' with Cletus, it's Chattin' with the Ched and I make the rules around here. So how about I start with you Tex?

[Barrett rolls his eyes as he listens to Chandler Dalmon with minimal interest.]

The ChED: What I wanna know is, why haven’t you thanked me yet?

[Hawk's eyes squint as he shrugs his shoulders and says "what are you talking about?" off the mic.]

The ChED: Yes, I said, if it weren’t for me taking out Raymond Jacobson for being a tool, you, would not be here today. I think you owe me a thank you!

[Hawk looks over the audience around him as he looks impatient for Chandler to get out so Hawk can have his match.]

Hawk: I owe Tony Awesome for the opportunity, I owe these people for supporting me but I don't owe you a thing.

[Fans continue to rally behind Hawk as he continues to speak from the heart.]

Hawk: But you know somethin', I know Muru here will definitely be thanking you tonight when he beats you, and makes it to the finals of the tournament!

[Muru nods his head with a smile on his face as Hawk pats him on the back. Chandler grabs a replacement microphone and begins to speak.]

The ChED: You put too much faith in a guy who doesn’t have a lot of faith in himself.

[Dice takes the microphone from Barret Hawk and looks at The ChED.]

Dice: Before I get started, I want to let everyone know that I have nothing but the utmost respect for Muru and Barrett Hawk, but I want to see Dalmon in the finals!

[The ChED smirks a little bit.]

The ChED: So, you are assuming that you are going to beat Mr. Hawk here then?

Dice: I'm very confident in my abilities, I know he's a great competitor, but there is no way I am going down. I've come too far to fail now. I know the fans are expecting a great show at Lord of Punishment from Barrett and I, and we're definitely gonna give 'em one, but if he's going to beat me, he's going to have to kill me. Dalmon, there's nothing that's going to stop me from meeting you once again, to prove I am the better man. You better keep your end of the deal because when you roll the dice, the house always wins!

[Dice slams the microphone onto Chandler’s chest. Chandler grabs it and rolls his eyes.]

The ChED: Are you also my new drug of choice? I promise you this, Devon, that all of your want and need to face me and beat me will be for naught. Even if you make it past Hawk… I’ll make sure that it isn’t worth it. Then you can go back to your monkey! Now onto you Brian! “I am going to prove this? “I am going to prove that!” It doesn’t matter if you are good or bad or neutral , there is one thing you excel at: lacking confidence. You don’t hide it well either. You are always walking around, unsure of yourself. With you it’s always “I think I can beat you, but I probably won’t.” You are the walking contradiction my friend. You know what the thing about you that really pisses me off. You want IT! You want to win this tournament. You want to win the world title! You want the brass ring! In fact, I know that you believe that winning this tournament will take away that burden you carry on your shoulders. You believe that winning this tournament will erase your mistakes and your screw ups. Ontop of that, it isn’t about just winning all of these tournament matches for you. You NEED to do it your way, don’t you? You are a perfectionist of the highest magnitude and if things don’t go your way, you pack your bags and leave. We saw that at least twice this past year actually…

[Muru finally takes the mic from Chandler.]

Muru: That is enough! Listen to me, LANDEN, I am not the push over you think I am! I am also not neutral. I didn’t take Chris Michaels out, not because I was weak or didn’t have it in me. I didn’t take him out because he was my friend. And you are right, deep down inside, I am not a bad guy! I am most definitely not coward! I am going to prove that this Sunday and since we are being truthful, since you feel so comfortable to do and say what you feel like, I am going to do the same!

[Muru drops the microphone and immediately slaps The ChED! The ChED looks steamed and charges Muru, trading lefts and rights. Muru knocks ChED back towards Devon Dice who nails a punch on him. When The ChED stumbles backwards again, Barret Hawk charges with his bell and rope but The ChED ducks it and slides out of the ring, leaving all three men looking steamed but united in the middle of the ring.]

Hart: That was revealing about all three men!

Nelson: No! That wasn’t revealing, that was just The ChED taking horrible verbal jabs at them and once again, he sticks his foot in his ass! OH GREAT! He has another microphone.

[Chandler is already half way up the rampway as a worker hands him a microphone.]

The ChED: That’s great guys! You guys are united right now, but what good is that going to do you during the semi-finals and finals. The four of us are enemies and I am the only one being LABELED as one. This is…

[Barret Hawk interrupts him.]

Hawk: I reckon that you should shut your yap before all three of us walk down here and get “truthful” with ya.

[“Simple Man” by Lynard Skynard plays as Chandler stomps off looking very upset.]

[Jason Duran stands backstage when suddenly he's approached by Heretic, who carries a large sack on his shoulder. Duran jumps back.]

Heretic: Hi Jason.

Duran: Um.. hi.

Heretic: I just want to let you know, I'm feeling the holiday spirit! Aren't YOU?

Duran: Yeah.. sure.

Heretic: YOU BETTER BE! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and I've got some very special gifts for Christian Roman.

Duran: Gifts? What are they?

Heretic: Oh no no.. not now. I'll give him his gifts at Veneration! I'll SMASH them over his head oNE AFtER ANotHER AFtER ANOtHER! Because if he's NOT HERE, then I set the rules... and I'll give him his gifts personally in a STREET FIGHT!

[Duran snaps back into interviewer mode.]

Duran: Fans, you just heard it! Heretic and Roman will now be facing each other in a Street Fight at Veneration!

[Heretic puts down the sack, digs it in and smiles.]

Heretic: I've got a present for you too, Jason!

Duran: R...really?

[Heretic slams a dead bird into Duran's hand and smiles.]

Heretic: Happy Kwanzaa!

[Duran looks wide eyed at the dead bird in his hand, shocked and disgusted. Heretic begins to sing as he walks away.]

Heretic: You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout.. I'm telling you why, HERETIC is COMING TO TOOOWWWN!

[Duran drops the dead bird and looks down at it in horror]

[The camera focuses back on the announce team.]

Nelson: It is time for our second Pick Your Poison match of the night! I don’t know how Nick Dangerous plans on topping Chazz Mendel’s choice for Sean Pason.

Hart: What was so great about Chris Michaels and Sean Pason?

Nelson: Two challengers to two separate titles who are picking up a head of steam, a lot of competition between the two. Both wanted to send a message to the others in their matches.

Hart: Yeah, sure, but up next is Nick Dangerous’s poison for a guy I am hating more and more.

Ding Ding Ding

Dixon: The following match is scheduled for one fall

[The crowds cheers as the introduction to "Tiger the Lion" by The Tragically Hip floats out the PA system. Gord Downie's voice croons over the music.]

"This is Tiger The Lion..."
"Give me the knuckles of Frisco..."
"If there's danger in the language, Gentlemen..."
"I suggest no further use of the two way radio..."

[The song kicks in and Chazz Mendel walks out onto the stage with the United States Title around his waist. He looks deterimned as he walks to the ring.]

Donna Dixon: On his way to the ring, weighing in at two hundred and twelve pounds, he is the cWo United States Champion, CHAAAAZZ MENNNNNNNNDEL!

[More cheers from the crowd can be heard as Chazz runs up the ring steps, grabs the top rope, and leapfrogs into the ring. Chazz takes the belt off and hands it to referee Hector Garcia as Tiger The Lion fades out.]

Nelson: Chazz Mendel is looking focused, and ready for just about anything, or anyone. Any thoughts on who Chazz is facing tonight? Because I'm stumped!

Hart: Your guess is as good as mine, Joel. But knowing Reg and Nick Dangerous, this one won't be easy.

[Joel and Robbie are suddenly interrupted by Hair Of The Dog by Nazareth.]

Nelson: We all know what this means.

Hart: It's time for Chazz Mendel to MAN UP!

[Reg Mendel comes walking out onto the stage to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Reg shrugs them off, and he stands on the ramp with a microphone in his hand.]

Reg: Son, I know Nick Dangerous was supposed to choose your opponent tonight. He would be out here right now, but he insisted that if he couldn't choose himself, he didn't give a damn who you'd be wrestling. He left the decision to me, and have I got an opponent for you!

[The camera cuts to Chazz, who's leaning up against the ropes. He throws his arms in the air, and the cameras barely pick up him asking "who?"]

Reg: Don't get too curious, boy. Last time you saw this guy, he made you quake in your boots like a pansy! And he's back to do it again!

[Reg folds his arms and nods. Chazz is looking fired up, telling his father to "bring it on!"]

Nelson: Who is Reg talking about?!

[As if like clockwork, the introduction to "Back In The Saddle" by Aerosmith starts playing over the PA. A blast of pyro goes off on the sides of the stage as Steven Tyler yells.]

"I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!"

[Suddenly, with a cocky grin on his face, The Comeback Kid, Andrew Phillips comes strutting out onto the stage as Back In The Saddle kicks in.]

Nelson: Well I'll be damned! It's The Comeback Kid, Andrew Phillips! I didn't think this was possible!

Hart: Reg Mendel made this possible! He's a mover and shaker, Joel. You know that as well as I do.

[The crowd boos Phillips as he and Reg shake hands. He and Reg share a quick word before CBK walks down the aisle.]

Donna Dixon: Making his way down the aisle, from San Diego California! The Comeback Kid, Andrewwwwww PHILLIPS!!!

[As he walks, CBK laughs and fakes his shock of the people booing him. Phillips slides into the ring under the bottom rope, and looks at Chazz with a broad smile saying, "Remember me?"]

Nelson: Chazz definitely doesn't look amused here, folks. Neither does this capacity crowd. I did hear a few cheers in there, but I'm sure those will fade rather quickly, especially if Andrew Phillips is in league with Reg Mendel.

Hart: Bah! Reg saw good in The Comeback Kid before, looks like he has again! I'm for it!

[Hector Garcia hands the United States title belt to Donna Dixon, who quickly leaves the ring. Garcia checks Chazz's boots, then walks over to CBK to do the same. Chazz and CBK come out of their corners as Garcia calls for the opening bell.]

DING DING DING

[Chazz and CBK circle each other in the ring, trying to find an early weakness in the other. Both men tie up quickly.]

Nelson: Collar and elbow tie up to start things off.

[Chazz grabs CBK's arm and turns the collar and elbow tie up into a top wristlock. Phillips suddenly takes Chazz down to the mat. But Chazz holds on.]

Nelson: Nice counter by Andrew Phillips with that armdrag variation. But Chazz is able to hold on, turning it into a Hammerlock as the two are immediately back up on their feet.

[Chazz works the hammerlock with Phillips looking to land an elbow.]

Nelson: The Comeback Kid is looking to land one of those elbows to break up the hammerlock. Chazz is really working it, applying pressure to the arm, and specifically the shoulder of his opponent.

Hart: Hector Garcia should stop this! Chazz is going to break his arm!

Nelson: You really have turned on Chazz, haven't you?

Hart: More like I've stuck with Reg, buddy. I know winners when I see them.

[Phillips quickly rolls his shoulder, breaking the hammerlock, and taking Chazz to the mat with a drop toe hold. CBK rolls over Chazz's back, puts a headlock in, but Chazz is quick to duck out of that, and re-apply the hammerlock.]

Nelson: These two really know each other well with Chazz Mendel coming out on top of that exchange, keeping the hammerlock applied!

Hart: They aught to know each other pretty well. They only used to be brothers!

[Chazz wrenches up on the arm causing CBK to shout out. Phillips grabs the bottom rope with his free arm.]

Nelson: And Phillips gets a hold of the bottom rope, forcing the United States Champion to break the hold. Robbie, you have to think that so far, so good for Chazz Mendel. In the back of his mind you know he's looking ahead to Veneration, and to that big triple threat match for the US Title.

[Hector Garcia starts to count, but Chazz lets go before he can count to one.]

Hart: Well, if he is, he better stop! He's in the right with a former world champion.

Nelson: It's so odd seeing Chazz follow the rules too. He didn't even wait for the manditory five count to even start. Hector Garcia must be a little shocked to see that from someone who calls themselves "The Villain Of The Year."

[CBK gets back to his feet, and Chazz is standing, ready to strike. The two look at each other, and Chazz tells him to "bring it on." The fans respond with some cheers as he and CBK circle each other, and lock up again.]

Nelson: Wow, Chazz is full of confidence. He's daring Andrew Phillips to come at him! Can't say I blame him, Phillips has been easy picking for Mendel here thus far.

Hart: Ooooh yeah, so easy with that thing the cops do when they try to arrest you move and the lock up thing. Chazz is reaaaaallllyyy dominating, Joel.

[Chazz slips inside and puts CBK in a headlock.]

Nelson: Don't roll your eyes at me! Headlock!

[CBK with a forearm shot to the ribs. Chazz loosens his grip on the headlock, causing CBK to slip out of it, and shoot Chazz into the ropes. Chazz rebounds, and CBK attempts a clothesline that's ducked by Chazz. Mendel runs off the ropes, and hits a spinning wheel kick.]

Nelson: And big spinning wheel kick from Chazz Mendel, taking Andrew Phillips right off his feet! Mendel is on him quickly with a lateral press!

ONE

[Phillips kicks out.]

Nelson: And the Comeback Kid kicks out right before a two count.

Hart: Dominant, Joel! Isn't that right?

Nelson: Oh stop it!

[Chazz immediately gets to his feet and takes off to the ropes. CBK pops up to his feet, but he's immediately taken down by a shoulderblock. Chazz continues to run off the ropes, CBK lays down flat, and Chazz leapfrogs him. CBK pops back to his feet again, and Chazz takes him down with a flying clothesline.]

Nelson: What a huge flying clothesline by Chazz Mendel after that bit of fast paced action! Chazz is using his speed to his advantage to...

Hart: Dominate! Yes! We've only heard it like three times already...

Nelson: I was trying to say that he was to keep the advantage by using his speed.

[Chazz with a pin attempt.]

Hart: Yeeeah.

ONE

TWO

[CBK kicks out.]

Nelson: And Andrew Phillips kicks out just after two. That was one heck of a clothesline.

Hart: You're making me sick over here... Why don't you just marry Chazz since you love him so much!

[Chazz puts CBK in a headlock. He starts to bring CBK to his feet. CBK hits Mendel with a forearm shot, then another.]

Nelson: CBK with some a series of forearm shots, and I'm going to ignore that last one...

[CBK breaks the headlock, Chazz turns for a clothesline that's ducked by CBK.]

Nelson: DRUMAX! The Comeback Kid hit the Drumax from out of nowhere! Chazz is flat on his back! Phillips with the lateral press!

ONE

TWO

[Chazz Kicks out.]

Nelson: And Chazz Mendel kicks out right before three count! He had the living daylights knocked out of him with that superkick by Andrew Phillips, but had the presence of mind to kick out!

Hart: Blah! That should have done it! Kick him again! Right in the kisser!

[CBK starts to stomp on Chazz while he's still on the mat. Chazz gets to a sitting position, but is put back on his back by a standing front dropkick to Chazz's head and chest.]

Nelson: Oooh! That had to hurt! Basement dropkick by Andrew Phillips! And somewhere backstage Reg Mendel and Nick Dangerous have to be loving this.

Hart: They are! And we all know you absolutely hate it. Which makes it even better!

Nelson: CBK goes for a side kick but Mendel catches it! His former brother tries for the enziguri, but Chazz ducks it and hits him with his own roundhouse kick. Great reversal from Mendel. He quickly grabs him and follows up with a side suplex. And listen to these fans, I’ve never heard them be so alive for Chazz!

Hart: They clearly have horrible taste!

Nelson: Mendel makes the quick roll up!

One

Two

Nelson: CBK makes the last minute kick out as Mendel pulls him up. Phillips tries to force himself out of his arms and twists around for a neckbreaker but Chazz reverses that as well and hits a northern lights suplex on him! Mendel quickly goes to the top turnbuckle… I think it’s time for the fated circle!

Hart: Not this… Andrew is the Com Back Kid, not the lay down and take it Kid!

[As the crowd is in a frenzy for Mendel’s finisher, Reg appears to Chazz’s side and starts yelling at him.]

Hart: It’s about time Reg is going to put an end to his son’s reign of terror.

Nelson: There was once upon a time that these three men called eachother family! Reg now on the apron threatening to push him off, but Chazz ignores him. Right as Chazz focuses on him, CBK leaps onto the turnbuckle and slams Chazz down with a brilliant superplex!

Hart: You know… I missed Andrew Phillips. It’s good to have him back and that he came to his senses.

Nelson: Yeah and thanks to Reg Mendel he is back in charge of this match! Phillips waits for Chazz to get to his feet. Mendel is up AND PHILLIPS NEARLY TAKES CHAZZ’S HEAD OFF WITH ANOTHER DRUMAX!

Hart: This has to do him in for sure!

Nelson: Phillips makes the cover!

One

Two

Three

Ding Ding Ding

Dixon: Here is your winner: “The Comeback Kid” Andrew Phillips

[Phillips celebrates in ring as Back in the Saddle plays across the P.A! Reg walks up the rampway as Chazz comes to.]

Hart: What a come back for Andrew Phillips!

Nelson: Yes, thanks to Reg Mendel blowing a Fated Circle attempt! Look at Chazz though, he is angry!

[CBK slides out the ring as Chazz Mendel begins to get up looking pissed! CBK smiles at Mendel as he yells at his former brother!]

Nelson: If I were Reg, Dangerous or even Phillips, I would watch my back.

Hart: Eh, now that Chazz abandoned his father, he isn’t much of a threat. Have you seen Nick Dangerous wrestle? I’d say Reg is well protected.

Nelson: Well folks, we are going from a family tearing apart to a completely different change of pace.

Hart: Yes, apparently we have obtained footage of well…

Nelson: Let’s just say it’s Thaddeus. Roll it!

[The camera focuses on Thaddeus’s grinning face! He is sitting down in what is his old fashioned living room. Obviously this was taped earlier, that also explains why it is in grainy black and white.]

Walker: Remember wipe this, wipe that!

[The camera pans out to Natalie Mercer on her knees wiping down a tile floor! She looks up at Thaddeus frustrated.]

Mercer: What is the point of this? Are you trying to teach me hand eye coordination?

Walker: Heavens no! This is the first portion of your training to show where a woman’s place is usually at. If the men were not at war, this is where you would normally be. I am just making sure you won’t get rusty!

[Mercer gets up, clearly upset with what Thaddeus just told her.]

Mercer: Now… I don’t know who you think you are but I am doing this to become a better wrestler not to be your…

[Suddenly, Thaddeus smacks her across the face.]

Walker: Good heavens dame, we have a lot of grappling training to do. You are not to talk back to a gentleman like that. Now do you want be able to compete with some of the most mediocre women’s wrestlers in the territories?

[Mercer answers him with her head down.]

Mercer: Yes… I think!

[Thaddeus smiles.]

Walker: GREAT! Now onto the next obstacle in your training…

[He looks over to the kitchen.]

Walker: You must make me a five course meal plus desert!

[Mercer begins to talk but Thaddeus puts his finger on her mouth.]

Walker: Tut-tut! What did we just speak upon? Now make me dinner… I’ll only eat a little bit of it, but I don’t want you to get rusty!

[Mercer walks towards the kitchen as Thaddeus throws back up his newspaper.]

Walker: And have it finished by your curfew at 8pm!

[Natalie rolls her eyes as she puts on an old fashioned apron and the camera fades to black.]

Nelson: Ladies and gentlemen, we are just moments away from Nick Dangerous Vs. an opponent of Sean Pason’s choosing. And we are only two days away from cWo’s last Pay-Per-View of the year Veneration. All the matches are confirmed and the line up is amazing.

[A graphic of Chastity McGavin standing alone followed by Mike Logan next to Mary-Joe Wolf. The two pictures freeze as the word “Vs.” appears the two of them]

Hart: Your telling me! We are finally going to see Mike Logan put Chastity McGavin in her place. In a Falls Count Anywhere match!

[The next graphic that comes up is Evette holding her woman’s title over her shoulder, then Jen Diamond with her hands in the air and finally Lana Lexington. A graphic of a cage appears behind them.]

Nelson: We’ll see the rest of the womens division face off in a steel cage. Will Evette continue just nearly escaping defeat? Or will the accomplished Jen Diamond walk off with the gold? Or will it go to the rookie, Lana Lexington?

[A bloody and beaten Heretic appears on screen, followed by a picture of Christian Roman.]

Hart: I can’t wait for this one… a classic cWo rivalry continues as Heretic and Christian Roman will meet once more in what will be a vicious street fight!

[Chazz Mendel appears on screen holding his U.S title. To the right side of Mendel, Nick Dangerous appears and to his left, Sean Pason appears.]

Nelson: In another triple threat title match, Chazz Mendel will defend his U.S title against his father newest client, Nick Dangerous and cWo’s guardian angel, Sean Pason!

[First a shot of Muru and The ChED facing eachother appears. This is followed by a graphic of Barret Hawk and Devon looking at eachother.]

Hart: And let’s not forget the semi-finals and finals of the Lord of Punishment tournament will be happening at Veneration. The winners of Dice Vs. Hawk and ChED Vs. Muru will go on to face eachother in the finals to crown the 2009 Lord of Punishment. A title they will carry all throughout next year. I don’t think words can describe how prestigious this is for the past winners of this tournament. There is no doubt that the best man will win and that man is The ChED!

[Finally, a graphic of Josh Cantrell with his title around his waist is shown. Behind him on each side is respectively Johnny Serious and Chris Michaels.]

Nelson: The main event Veneration is looking to be quite the doozy! Champion Josh Cantrell will defend against the face of cWo past, Chris Michaels and the face of cWo’s present, Johnny Serious. This is a match that no true cWo fan should miss. If Cantrell retains, the dark days continues, if either Michaels or Serious gains the title, we may finally be able to move back towards a more traditional cWo! Clearly the future outlook of this company is at stake.

Hart: Wow… what a show! I think we are looking at a grand way to end the year.

Nelson: I agree Robbie! With that said, we are ready for the last Driven of the year’s main event!

Hart: Main event is right Robbie. Nick Dangerous only competes in main events.

Nelson: It was just the luck of the draw. The luck of the draw also says that Nick Dangerous will be facing off against someone of Sean Pason’s choosing.

Hart: No matter what Pason throws at him, Dangerous is winning. He is THE best wrestler in the business today!

Nelson: I’m sure there are others who are willing to argue with you.

DING DING DING

Benson: The following contest is our main event of the evening and is scheduled for one fall!

["Demoniality" by Arch Enemy hits the PA system as the lights go dark. A calm and collected Nick Dangerous walks down the aisle with his eyes on the cWo ring in the center of the arena. Sporting his usual ski mask with a skull drawn on the face, and tribal designed yellow and green open trenchcoat he comes down with Reg Mendel following after.]

Dixon: Entering first, weighing in at two hundred and forty five pounds and hailing from Edmonton Alberta Canada. Nick Daaaangerouuuus!

Nelson: So far it's been a surprising and entertaining send off for cWo headed into the new year. This main event could make tonight even more memorable. We've had the return of the "Comeback Kid" Andrew Phillips, a close encounter between Sean Pason and Chris Michaels, just what could be next?

Hart: Well it's up to Sean Pason who's next, but who is at his disposal that Nick hasn't already walked over?

Nelson: I could name a few names.

[Nick Dangerous enters the ring as Reg Mendel takes his spot at ringside, admiring his newfound running partner from the outside. Nick Dangerous takes off his ski mask and performs a quick cutthroat motion immediately after as his music dims down, and Nick continues taking off his entrance attire.]

Benson: And his opponent...

[After a longer than usual pause, "Simple Man" hits the PA system as the cheers are heard throughout the live audience.]

Nelson: Barrett Hawk!

[The lights dim as the intro plays, as the guitar picks up Barrett Hawk makes a somber entrance through the stage. With his usual cowbell and cowboy hat, Barrett Hawk walks down the aisle, looking determined and barely giving the audience a glance as he recognizes the challenge ahead.]

Benson: And his opponent, as chosen by Sean Pason, weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds, and hailing from Sulphur, Oklahoma. Barreeeeett Hawk!

Nelson: Another week, another surprise match for Barrett Hawk.

Hart: But I don't know if this is something Hawk wants to be a part of. No disrespect to Mike Logan, but..but this isn't Mike Logan!

Nelson: This is a whole other animal that's for sure. You can tell by the look on Hawk's face that he's gonna have to step up his game, he's got a big time opportunity coming up at Veneration and he's gonna want to be in tip top shape for that.

Hart: Well going to Veneration is a pipe dream now!

[Hawk steps into the ring, he puts his cowbell aside and tosses his hat into the audience, keeping his eyes on Nick Dangerous. Referee Hector Garcia brings the two closer to the center of the ring as he calls for the bell.]

DING DING DING

Nelson: Hawk might not have the experience to get the job done, but it's his heart that might take him to the finish line in this contest.

Hart: Heart shmart, heart don't mean a thing against Nick Dangerous, he's heartless, whatever tricks Hawk has up his leave won't shake him!

[The two stare each other down in the center of the ring, face to face, Nick looks on with his typical grimace on his face, as Hawk looks a tad intimidated, he makes the first move as he initiates a tie up.]

Nelson: They lock horns.

[Nick begins pushing Hawk backwards into the corner.]

Nelson: Nick showcasing his superior strength.

[Nick compresses Hawk in the corner, grabbing him by the hair and arm and tosses him towards the center of the ring.]

Nelson: Aggressive hip toss by Nick Dangerous.

[Hawk gets up as Nick walks a steady pace towards him. Hawk gets up to his feet and charges Dangerous, but Dangerous quickly wraps around him in a waistlock, and tosses him to his stomache.]

Hart: Tossed him like a rag doll there!

[Nick walks a faster pace towards a downed Hawk and tries to drop a quick knee on him.]

Nelson: Hawk rilling out of harms way.

[Nick shrugs it off as he follows after Hawk some more and attempts to drop another knee, but Hawk again rolls out of the way.]

Nelson: Another missed knee but that's not stopping him.

Hart: He's like the terminator!

[Nick tries again and it misses as Hawk pulls himself to his feet quickly with use of the ropes, once toe to toe with Nick he finally throws Nick off his game with a impactful slap in the face.]

Nelson: Whoa now!

Hart: I think the scalpers could hear that from outside the arena!

[The slap gives the audience and Hawk a rush of adrenaline as Hawk charges in and takes Nick Dangerous down with a headlock takedown.]

Nelson: Headlock takedown.

[Hawk tightens his grip as much as he can when Nick Dangerous is able to pry him off by wrapping his legs around his head.]

Nelson: Nick gets out with a leg scissors.

[Hawk quickly pulls his head out from Nick's grasp, and picks up his legs, attempting his trademark Texas Cloverleaf.]

Nelson: Hawk's gonna trap him in the Cloverleaf!

Hart: No way!

[Nick pulls his legs in, and kicks them into Hawk's chest, backing him up against the ropes.]

Nelson: Oh, maybe not.

[On the rebound, Hawk dives towards a downed Nick Dangerous and hooks him in a bridged jacknife pin.]

Nelson: Pins him!

ONE

[Nick bridges out of the pin, bringing both Hawk and himself to their feet, and spins around with the waistlock applied, pulling Hawk's head between Nick's legs.]

Nelson: Nick again putting his strength to good use.

[He hoists Hawk up quickly for a powerbomb, and tosses him into the turnbuckle, his back hits the top turnbuckle as he is taken back, and leaned against the corner.]

Hart: He's just tossing him around!

[Nick then follows up, keeping Hawk winded with repeated knees to the stomache.]

Hart: I think that's the last we'll see of Hawk getting one over on Dangerous.

Nelson: Nick definitely has him where he wants him now.

[Nick then hoists Barrett Hawk onto the top turnbuckle. Once seated on the turnbuckle Nick pushes him backwards.]

Nelson: Hey watch it!

[Hawk hooks his ankles behind the second rop as he falls backwards, hanging over the top rope backwards looking outside the ring upside down.]

Nelson: He tried pushing Barrett Hawk out of the ring with no regard for his landing. Thankfully he caught himself.

[Nick then crouches down and clenches his hands together over Hawk's neck and begins pulling back.]

Nelson: Dangerous bending the rules with a bit of a contorted camel clutch.

[Hector Garcia starts a five count, Nick lets go as close to five as he can, only to start making a dash for the opposite rope.]

Nelson: Hector Garcia's gotta get Hawk out of there!

[On the rebound he charges the hanging Barrett Hawk who Hector Garcia struggles to break free from the ropes and baseball slides the back of his head and slides out of the ring.]

Hart: Did you see that Joel?

Nelson: Innovative baseball slide from Dangerous, not exactly legal.

Hart: But not illegal enough not to do it, that turned Hawk out like a light!

[Hawk collapses to the ring apron as Nick looks on almost in admiration of his handy work before rolling back in the ring. Cameras look to an approving Reg Mendel before seeing Nick Dangerous in the ring, reaching over the top rope to pick Hawk up on the apron by the hair.]

Nelson: Reg Mendel definitely likes what he sees.

Hart: His son's gotta be hating it.

Nelson: Might be putting him at ease to know he'll be squaring off against him in two days.

[While locking Hawk in a front face lock, Nick pulls Hawk halfway inside the ring, leaving his legs hanging on the top rope, Nick hooks Hawk by the arms, lifts him up, bounces him off the top rope and slams him near the center of the ring.]

Nelson: And a slingshot butterfly suplex takes the Simple Man down.

[Nick pins Hawk.]

ONE

TWO

Nelson: And a two count.

[Nick then sits Hawk up and places him in a full nelson.]

Nelson: And the full nelson applied. Nick as always quick to move from one phase of attack to the other, always keeping the opponent busy.

Hart: Who steps in the ring against Nick Dangerous just two days before the semi finals to the Lord of Punishment?

Nelson: The way I see it is how much more momentum would Barrett Hawk have if he could say he beat Nick Dangerous going into Veneration?

Hart: I won't lie, that won't be a perk, but I'll be honest Joel, tonight I'm hitting the clubs and I plan on telling women I'm the president of the United States, it hardly ever works, but it sounds a lot more believable when you compare it to the idea of Barrett Hawk beating Nick Dangerous tonight.

Nelson: You're just being unfair. It's been proven on several occasions that victory isn't an impossibility as pertains to Nick Dangerous.

Hart: Yeah but what? Are we counting Chris Michaels here?

Nelson: Of course!

Hart: How can you count that?

Nelson: A win's a win Robbie.

Hart: He didn't look like a winner when it was all said and done.

[Hawk begins to shake his arms, showing signs of life as the fans rally behind him.]

Nelson: Well this match isn't done yet. Hawk fighting his way out of this full nelson with all that he's got.

[Hawk tries to create more movement as he rattles his arms and pulls himself to his feet.]

Nelson: He's getting up!

[Dangerous tries to apply all his weight but, while a pained Barrett Hawk refuses to fall.]

Nelson: You can do it Hawk! Turn this thing around!

[Nick begins flailing Hawk left and right, trying to exhaust him, but Hawk manages to wriggle free, and fall to his back on the mat.]

Nelson: Yes, yes!

[Dangerous bends over to try and continue his offense, but Hawk gets his feet under Nick's armpits and rolls him over for a victory roll.]

ONE

TWO

Nelson: Yes! No! Not quite!

[Both men get up as the adrenaline kicks in for Hawk, who catches Nick off guard with some snap jabs.]

Nelson: Some hard right hands from Barrett Hawk which seem to be hitting a sweet spot!

[Hawk backs against the ropes to get momentum as Nick stumbles. As he charges, Nick counters with a back body drop towards the outside of the ring.]

Hart: It's not enough!

Nelson: Hold on a minute!

[Hawk lands on the apron as Nick, sure that Hawk's down and out, finds the center of the ring, as he turns to face Hawk, Hawk leaps up on the top rope.]

Nelson: And a springboard clothesline from Barrett Hawk!

[Fans cheer as Hawk gets up and goes over to the apron opposite the side of the ring he'd already leapt from as he looks anxious for Nick's recovery.]

Hart: What's he doing?

Nelson: Looks like he's not convinced he's done enough and lookout!

[Hawk again leaps from the top rope to Nick Dangerous with a flying lariat.]

Nelson: But that could be enough!

[Hawk sits up, looking like he's reminded himself of the damage done to his head.]

Nelson: Get on him! This could be it!

[Hawk rolls over on top of Nick for a pin.]

ONE

Nelson: Two, what?

Hart: Not even a two.

Nelson: Nearly a two.

[Hawk looks obviously frustrated as his eyes squint as he looks up to the roof in frustration.]

Hart: He shouldn't take his time worrying about it!

Nelson: That's right, don't get discouraged, he can't afford it.

[Hawk gets back into the match as he sizes up Nick Dangerous for a recovery.]

Nelson: Hawk trying to remain a step ahead here. What's in store for the Weapon?

[Nick gets to his feet, as Hawk greets him with a kick to the stomache.]

Nelson: There's a boot the the midsection.

[Hawk then picks Nick up for a tombstone piledriver.]

Nelson: Oh now we're talking!

[Fans are all for Hawk finishing the move but before he can, Nick puts all his weight down, and causes Hawk to fall backwards, and Nick hooks Hawk up into a tombstone of his own.]

Hart: Well at least he tried...

[Dangerous then boosts Hawk so his midsection rests on Nick's shoulder.]

Nelson: Nick changing it up.

[Dangerous then adjusts Hawk into a fireman's carry situation.]

Hart: It's over!

Nelson: Is it time for a Danger Driver?

[Hawk then reverse it into a sunset flip.]

ONE

TWO

Nelson: Almost pulled it out again! Just like Michaels did it!

Hart: No dignity in that!

[Both men rise to their feet, when Nick makes the first strike, running at Hawk with his trademark running kippou kick.]

Nelson: Dangerous Kick! Out of nowhere!

Hart: Nick's had his fill of the Simple Man and he just let him know it right there!

[Conveniently positioned next to a laid out Barrett Hawk, Nick hooks Hawk in an arm triangle choke and pulls back with all his strength.]

Hart: Well it was fun while it lasted Joel.

Nelson: Hawk in a bad spot right now that's for sure, no rope in sight but anything's possible!

[Hawk begins tapping out.]

Hart: Not tonight!

DING DING DING

Nelson: And unfortunately that's the end of our main event.

Hart: There you go picking favorites, just like Wilden!

Nelson: I can't help but root for the underdog. Would have been a huge boost to Barrett Hawk's stock to have come out of this one victorious.

[Meanwhile a bit of a ruckus begins in the ring as Nick keeps the hold applied.]

Nelson: He can let go of that hold now, the match is over!

[Hector Garcia pleads with Dangerous to let Hawk go but Dangerous appears to be in a world of his own as he keeps it applied.]

Nelson: Let him go Dangerous! This isn't necessary!

Hart: He's making a statement, he's determined to become the United States champion!

Nelson: He's already made his statement, it was a nice match, that's enough!

[Reg Mendel then gets in the ring and looks to be telling Nick that enough is enough.]

Nelson: Even Reg Mendel's seen enough!

Hart: Doesn't look like Reg Mendel can stop this either.

[Fans boo as Nick pays no mind to his surroundings, continuing to choke Hawk out. Fans find new hope as Sean Pason bursts out from the entrance way.]

Hart: Looks like Veneration might come early! Maybe this is what he wanted!

[Nick Dangerous gets up as he anticipates the arrival of Sean Pason.]

Nelson: At least it got Nick off of Hawk!

[Security comes rushing in to prevent the scene from getting any more hectic as they get in the ring and between Dangerous and Pason. Pason gives it a shot anyhow as he slides into the ring and tries to make a dash towards Dangerous, but security restrains the two of them from getting at each other.]

Nelson: These two have on hell of a fight at Veneration folks-and look out!

[Suddenly fans erupt as Chazz Mendel appears from the other end of the ring and applies a headlock on Nick Dangerous, throwing rapid fire right hands to his head.]

Nelson: Chazz Mendel's getting himself some! This is getting chaotic!

Hart: At Veneration there won't be any security between them, I can't wait!

Nelson: We have a stellar show coming up in only two days! We're out of time tonight, goodnight!