Thursday Night Meltdown 8th February 2007

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 4: BK London vs Vladimir Rasputin (Credit: BK)

Phillip: This match is scheduled for one fall, and is NO DQ, FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE..coming to the ring weighing in at 215lbs, from Irkutsk, Siberia, Vladimir Rasputin!

The arena darkens to a blood red light as Mad World begins its haunting melody on the sound system. The titantron shows images not of Vlad's match highlights but of those less fortunate individuals whom Vlad has taken to defending. Vlad enters the main viewing area draped in his dark robe and makes his way towards the ring, entering without any gestures towards the crowd removing his cloak to a huge amount of heat. He licks his lips, as he has a taste for blood tonight, and there is no doubt blood will spill when he goes up with BK London.

Phillip: And his opponent, coming to the ring weighing in at 230lbs, from Brooklyn, New York, B-K London!

The lights in the arena flash all different colors as "Beach Chair" by Jay-Z bursts into life and the crowd breaks into a frenzy of cheers for the veteran BK London. Smoke pours out from the stage and coming through the smoke is the man who has been taking ACW by storm for nearly 3 years, comes out from behind the curtain onto the stage. Instead of showboating and appealing to the fans, he makes a b-line to the ring with one purpose in mind. Revenge. His head bandages has been reduced to multiple band-aids, and even before he can make it to the ring Vladimir slides under the bottom rope and meets him at the mouth of the ramp. The match begins there.

As the pair meet, they are engaged in a battle of fists as each man exchanges blows with the others and the crowd goes absolutely nuts. BK London manages to get the upperhand in this affair, bringing Vladimir back onto the ring apron before kicking him in the abdomen and ramming him back first into that very apron. Vlad manages to endure the blow and he pummels BK several times with a forearm to his upper back. BK manages to back off and Vladimir runs toward him, but recieves a back body drop for his troubles, right onto the steel ring ramp. Vladimir clutches his lower back in pain, and now BK picks him up by his long hair and drags him to the steel steps. CRASH! BK rams his head into the steel steps, and it sends Vlad reeling backwards. BK takes Vlad down with a clothesline before picking him up, tossing him in the ring and now throwing up the ring skirt as he looks for weapons. Something catches his eye, and the crowd cheers loudly in approval as BK pulls out a table from underneath the ring. BK begins to set it up on the outside of the ring, but inside of the ring Vladimir is recovering from the assault by BK London. BK hops up on the apron and looks to enter the ring, but Vlad connects with a knee to BK skull, which has him just drop into the ring. BK holds his head in pain while Vlad works him over with several stomps to his sternum and now picks him up. Vlad rests BK on the ropes before whipping him across the ring and hoping to hit some sort of move as he rebounds off the ropes. BK scouts the clothesline attempt from Vlad and stalks him from behind as he turns around. Looking for a Roundhouse Kick, BK aims right for the head of Vlad, but Vlad manages to duck under and grab the former World Champion from behind. Vlad delivers a German Suplex with a Bridge, folding BK like an accordian and referee Carter Donovan slides over to check if the shoulders are down and makes the count.

ONE
.
.
TWO-KICK OUT!

Right after two BK kicks out, but is now feeling the effects of the attack on Monday as he is in the ring. Vlad releases BK from his clutches and now rises to his feet before dragging his foe to the corner. Vlad hits several elbows to BK in the corner, before BK slumps down and now Vlad applies a foot choke. The camera closes in on the intensity on Vlad's face as he drives the sole of his foot into the throat of BK, knowing full well the referee cannot do anything about it since its under Hardcore like Rules. Vlad releases the choke and as he sees BK is fighting to gasp any air that he can, he exits the ring and goes under the ring skirt himself. He reaches under and pulls out a ladder from under the ring, and while he is a heel, it gets an approval from the blood thirsty crowd. BK is getting to his senses and he sees Vlad sliding the ladder in the ring between the ropes and he dives towards one end of the ladder, dropping right on it. This sets off a catapult effect and the ladder smacks Vlad right in his chin, sending him staggering backwards into the announce table. BK pulls the rest of the ladder in the ring before ascending to the top rope and perching himself as he sees Vlad recovering from such a shot. Vlad looks up, and he sees BK London coming down from the top rope with a Double Axe Handle and he quickly side steps it, and BK crashes head first into the announce table. BK falls flat on his back, once again holding his head in pain, but he sucks it up and slowly begins to get up again. As Vlad is still holding his chin, he walks over to Phillip before throwing him off the chair in a rage and grabbing it. After folding the chair, he waits for BK to get back up and eventually BK does and Vlad doesn't hesitate to deliver a skull crushing blow with the steel chair to BK.

The sound of the chairshot echoes throughout the arena and the camera closes in on the former International Champion, catching the blood trickling from his forehead from that open wound he got on Monday. Vlad sees the blood and immediately attacks it like a shark, releasing a relentless flury of punches to BK's head before grabbing him and throwing him over the barricade into the crowd. Vlad steps over the barricade himself, and continues taking it to BK, sending him further and further through the crazy fans who pat the two on the back, hoping to get their 5 seconds of fame on the television. Eventually, the two reach the huge wall seperating the levels and BK is sent back first into it. BK cringes in pain, and sinks down and Vlad sees a chance to capitalize. He backs up and looks for a running kick, so he can smash BK's head into the concrete, but it is evaded by the fan favorite. Vlad limps around for a bit, and BK hits Vlad with a Double Leg Takedown and now sets him up for a slingshot catapult, catapulting him head first into the wall. The fans in that area go nuts, and "B-K!" chants emerge. Vlad is certainly knocked for a loop, but BK isn't over yet. Bloody face and all, he grabs Vlad and tosses him through the double doors to the backstage area of the arena, and Ref. Carter has no choice but to follow.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

BK continues to lead this fight thew the corridors, delivering hefty rights to the face of Vlad. Vlad is sent staggering through the hallways and finds his way to the refreshments area. As BK walks towards him, Vlad manages to grab a cup of coffee and throws it right in the face of BK. The coffee scolds the face and chest of BK, and BK lets out a very large scream before Vlad follows up with a shot with the huge gatorade tank to the head, luckily its empty. BK falls flat on his ass and Vlad covers him in the middle of the hallway.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
TH- KICK OUT!

BK manages to get his shoulder up and Vlad is absolutely pissed, he picks up BK and drags him down the hallway and eventually throws him into the rest room. Several fans pour of the rest room, as not to get hurt, but still crowd around the door to see the action. Vlad looks to hurl BK right into the wall, but BK manages to stop himself and elbows Vlad several times in the abdomen. BK grabs Vlad and Russian Leg Sweeps him into the wall, and both fall down on the ground simultaneously but BK manages to get his arm over the chest of Vlad.

Carter Donovan looks to check if Vlad's shoulders is down, and apparrently they are not. He informs BK of such and now BK pins him correctly.

ONE
.
.
TWO- KICK OUT!

BK climbs up, and picks up Vlad, but Vlad pushes him into one of the stalls right on the toilet seat. Vlad catches his breath while he is on the ground before getting up, and makes his way towards the stall. Unfortunately, BK kicks the door right into the face of Vlad sending him stumbling backwards. BK grabs Vlad by his hair and exits the rest room and continues down the corridor. The pair end up in the lobby of the arena, where a bunch of fans have managed to place themselves and they cheer on BK effectively. The blood on BK's face has managed to stop pouring down as this battle goes on, and BK makes his way towards the Merchandise Stand. BK tosses Vlad right over the counter and then joins him there before choking him out with one of Latino's shirts. Vlad is gasping for air, and his face begins to turn a bright red. BK drags him with one of the shirts and carries him through the lobby, and through the sea of diehard ACW fans to the parking lot before letting him go. Vlad attempts to catch his breath and BK covers him in the middle of the parking lot.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
TH-KICK OUT

Vlad manages to kick out, and now BK London picks him up, hoping to capitalize but he is rammed back first into a nearby car by the production truck. BK slumps down and Vlad grabs BK's head and slams it into the door of the car, creating a huge dent. Vlad continues to catch his breath while BK rolls around, writhing in pain on the mat, and he decides that he's done fighting and begins to search for an exit out the parking lot. He sees a someone exiting their car and walks up to them before decking them and taking their keys. He hops into the car and puts the key in the ignition, but he is grabbed by BK through the window. Vlad in defense hits the window button which drives the window repeatedly into the arm of BK, crushing it. BK holds his fingers in pain and Vlad takes him down with a huge door shot to the head. BK falls back down and Vlad picks him up and throws him in the trunk of the car before heading back around to the front. He steps in the car and attempts to start the ignition, but the engine doesn't appear to be turning on. He continues to turn the key and is now getting fed up, but before he can exit the car, BK comes out from the backseat and chokes him with the seatbelt.

BK exits the car and pulls Vlad out with him before throwing him into the side of the car repeatedly, before attempting to hit a huge boot to his face. Luckily, Vlad evades the move and BK's boot goes right through the windshield, which causes BK a lot of pain. Vlad stumbles on the ground beside BK and begins to crawl before actually getting up and running away, not wanting any more of this match. He sees BK following him, limping of course, and now Vlad begins to scale one of the production trucks and heads to the top. BK follows him, but as he reaches the top, Vlad stomps on his fingers several times to prevent him from reaching the top. BK falls down a few of the steps, but makes his way back up. He finally gets to the top and is met with a huge barrage of punches from Vladimir. Vlad delivers several chops to the chest of BK, looking to hit him off the edge, but BK retaliates with a few chops of his own. As he looks for a big chop, Vlad ducks under and lifts him up on his shoulders before carrying him to the edge. BK slips off Vlad's shoulders and looks to push him up, but Vlad maintains his balance as he is inches away from a 20 foot fall. He turns around and BK looks for a spear, but he side steps it and now BK is in the predicament Vlad is in. BK turns around and Vlad looks for a Uranage of some sort, but BK elbows elbows his way out of the manuever. Vlad falls back towards the center of the top of the production truck, and now BK picks him up and puts his head between his legs.

BK hoists Vlad on his shoulder and looks for a Running Powerbomb, shades of Mike Awesome, but Vlad slips off and grabs BK from behind before looking for his Iron Curtain I. BK frees himself from the clutches, and before Vlad can even turn around he lays him with a vicious superkick off the top of the production truck and sends him sailing 20 feet below.

A huge crash is heard and as the camera runs over to the scene, Vlad has landed inside of a giant dumpster. BK looks down at the falling and motionless Vlad, before hitting an exclamation point by diving off the top of the dumpster with an elbow drop of some sort. A large amount of dust shoots out of the trash can and BK throws his arm over his foe. Ref Carter Donovan jumps up on the dumpster and jumps in, before reluctantly making the count on a banana peel.

The bell in the arena can be heard and so can Phillip.

Phillip: And the winner of this match, B-K London!

A hard fought battle for the former World Champion, but he managed to vanquish a pain in his ass, now he has one focus in mind and that's the Light Heavyweight Championship. He slowly rises to his feet and scales the dumpster before dropping to the outside. Carter Donovan meets him on the outside to raise his arm and help him up, and this is when several EMTs and officials pour out the back into the parking lot. They attempt to help BK, but he throws them off and limps from the parking lot back to the locker room area of the arena, with a win under his belt, a hard fought one.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder (Credit: Scott Andrews)

It’s anyone’s guess as to why Alexander Starkweather acted the way he did when he bumped into Scott Andrews, but now anyone and everyone knows that when Scott Andrews promises victory in a battle of honor and integrity, he always comes out on top, no matter who the opponent. On Warfare he beat Starkweather in a great showing from both competitors, but the point is, he made Starkweather eat his words, just like he said he would.

As the Scarlet Assassin makes his way towards Jessie’s ward for a second attempt at consoling his wounded partner he can’t help but notice, once again, the many who are far worse off then either him or Jessie. Men in wheelchairs, paralyzed in the legs, or men with no legs at all, burn victims, cancer patients. Scott seems rather perturbed as he acknowledges the fact that Starkweather is indeed a doctor, although not a medical one, still a doctor. It burdens him mentally, but what can he do? He’s surrounded by these taunting images, yet he has no other choice if he wishes to see the one he loves. Some decisions may seem hard, but Scott has no problem with heading straight to Room 19.

He walks in through the open door, and Jessie gives him that warm smile. Smiles are contagious.

Scott moves bedside and gently presses his lips on hers.

Scott: I take it you’re feeling better?

Jessie: I am now that you’re here.

They kiss once more.

Scott: That’s what the Fallout Womens Division said last night.

Jessie looks shocked initially, but she smiles and lightly hits Scott on the arm. He chuckles and sits down.

Scott: So how long till you get out of here?

Jessie: Not too long now, a week or so the doctor thinks.

Scott: That’s great news, huh? …

“The Ghostbusters Theme” plays once again, and Scott picks up his cell phone. He sighs and rolls his eyes as he answers.

Scott: Hello?...Are you fucking serious?!

A passing nurse looks into the room with a look of shock at the sudden outburst of cursing.

Scott: Starkweather, again?! Can’t your booking team think of anything else?!...Starkweather’s idea? Why do you let him get what he wants?...Fine, I’ll be there as soon as possible to kick his ass again…

The phone is slam shut.

Scott: FUCK!...Can’t I spend more than half an hour here without someone telling me I’m suddenly booked…

He runs one hand through his hair as he stands.

Jessie: So you’re leaving already?

Scott: I wish it weren’t so, but yes, I have to go.

Scott can rhyme.

Jessie: Why can’t you just stay here and not show up?

Scott: Because that’s naughty, and besides, I wanna get paid don’t I?

Jessie: I suppose…You’ll come back though right?

Scott: I promise…

One last kiss later and Scott is heading out the door, back into those perilous corridors. He tries his best to avoid eye contact with any of the patients, let alone look at them at all. He reaches his safe haven; the elevator.

DING!

No waiting this time…That’s a relief…Now where did I park my car?...

FADE OUT.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Behind the Magic (Credit: AK/Rena/Latino)

The arena is in a minor lull as it frequently is between matches; backstage, however, it’s all systems go as the crew hurries around doing all the small, tedious yet essential jobs connected with the broadcast. Amidst all this, one lithe figure moves more slowly than the rest; Rayne is no longer a stranger to this hullabaloo, but she still finds it close to overawing.

She couldn’t forget the route to her destination if she tried, and yet she hesitates halfway there. Is it still nerves about meeting someone she’s looked up to for a significant period of time, or is there some other, unknown reason to her reticence…?

Before any conclusions can be drawn, one of the few people in the back who would recognise Rayne sees her, and pushes through the traffic to her side.

Rena: You’re here, I knew you would be. Have you been watching the show?

Rayne: Oh, yes, I wasn’t really expecting anything and then Alicia had a match, it was so amazing! I just had to try and see her to tell her how much I enjoyed it, she did say she’d like to see me again… do you think this is a good time?

Rena smiles.

Rena: Honey, it’s always a good time for some real appreciation. Let’s go and catch up with Alicia right now.

Rena takes her by the hand and leads her the short distance through the hallways to Alicia and Latino’s dressing room. She motions, and Rayne knocks on the door; she takes a deep breath as it opens…

Rayne: ….Oh!

Latino looks almost as surprised at the star-struck young woman. He looks at Rena and then at Rayne with the only thought running through is head is pure curiosity. Rena deftly steps in to break the pause.

Rena: Of course, you two haven’t met… Victor, this is Rayne. She’s a huge fan of your dear wife.

Latino churns out a smile but even he himself is not sure of any true meaning behind it. He takes a step back and allows Rayne the opportunity to enter the room as she cannot help but blush at the advance.

Rayne: Thankyou… I’m a great supporter of yours as well.

Rena smiles and enters, moving gently past Latino, and Rayne follows. Rayne’s surprise returns for an encore, for the room is busy with people; Charlotte is talking into her Dictaphone, making notes, and seated on one end of the well-worn couch is none other than Chairman Gingerdude, with Alicia seated opposite him on a singe chair. At first, Ginger and Alicia don’t notice that their numbers have swelled.

Ginger: So you’re going to give Nick Durden a few pointers? Well, anything that stops him disrupting my shows on a regular basis gets my approval.

Alicia: I can’t promise it’ll stop immediately, he’s still got a great deal of anger and issues to deal with. But I’ll do my best… Victor and I have agreed the parameters.

She looks up at Latino, and they share a brief smile with one another. As they break eye contact, Alicia notices Rena and Rayne. For a fraction of a second she is startled, caught unawares, but it’s gone too fast to spot and she gives the pair of them a wave.

Alicia: Hello, ladies… How are you, Rayne? I trust the show tonight meets with your exacting standards.

Rayne blushes again very slightly, but she looks much more confident than before.

Rayne: It was just wonderful, you showed those boys a thing or two!

Alicia smiles and blushes a little herself. As she does this, Latino makes a gesture as if pointing at a watch on his arm, and Alicia throws up her hands in mock-horror.

Alicia: Yes, yes, I know, I wasn’t expecting a match tonight… I’ll go and have the world’s fastest shower, and then we can go. You won’t be late, don’t worry. Please do excuse me, everyone…

Alicia hops off of the chair and goes into the adjoining shower and dressing room. The sounds of the shower are heard within a few seconds; Rena looks at Latino and frowns.

Rena: You really have to go? That’s tough, this house is throwing up one problem after another for you two.

Rayne: The house?

She speaks her thoughts, as if not realising she has said them out loud. Everyone looks at her, and Rayne feels a chill as if she’s said something wrong, but Rena again picks up the baton.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Rena: Oh, you wouldn’t know about that, it’s not something in the public domain. It’s nothing dramatic, really… Alicia and Victor have bought themselves a larger house, and it’s taking a long time to fix up.

Charlotte: There’s some legal stuff Victor’s got to handle this weekend down in Sacramento, of all places… that’s where the vendors are based now. Did I get that right?

Latino lets out a heavy sigh as he folds his arms and then gives Charlotte a slight nod.

Rena: That’s not the worst part of it, though… having workmen around the place means someone’s got to be there most of the week. I couldn’t do it, barely seeing my husband from one show to the next… I’d go nuts in an apartment all on my own.

Charlotte: It’s hard, but if that’s what you want you have to put up with those sorts of things. Besides, Alicia’s got us to talk to, she and I chat every day.

For a second, Rayne gives Charlotte an odd look. It’s envious… and Charlotte catches just a glimpse of it. Before she can take a better look, Ginger stands up, deflecting attention to himself. He addresses Latino.

Ginger: Well as long as the pair of you continue to fulfil your contracts, your private lives are none of my concern… I mean that in a friendly way. I should see you around during the shows… oh, Rena, can you come to my office in about 10 minutes? Ryan and I have some things we need to run by you…

Ginger takes his leave and lets himself out. Charlotte looks at Rayne again, but dismisses the feeling along her spine that she gets, and stands up straight.

Charlotte: I have to get going too, can’t let Kevin hog all the interviews… someone’s got to maintain the journalistic integrity of this company, such as it is. I’ll see some of you later…

With her last comment a little more pointed than she intended, Charlotte follows Ginger out of the door. Latino is starting to get a little anxious, but fortunately Alicia appears almost at once, having just about broken the world speed shower record. Her hair is still damp, but it’ll have to do.

Alicia: Right… let’s get going. I’ll drive you to the airport, and then I’ll go home and send you a text to let you know I’m ok.

Rena frowns a second time.

Rena: You’re going to be driving alone through those forest roads at this time of night? I don’t like the sound of that.

Alicia: It doesn’t thrill me either, but what can I do? Perhaps you-

Rena: No, I really would, but Ginger and Ryan need me. Damn men and their meetings…

She looks at Alicia, then at Rayne, and an idea “dawns” that she’s in fact been working on for the last ten minutes or so.

Rena: Hey, I know! Why doesn’t Rayne go with you?

Alicia:….Pardon?

Rayne: What? Me? I couldn’t… I mean, we’ve barely met one another, really… I would never impose like that…

Her tone is self-depreciating, but there is a hint of eagerness in her voice. Alicia furrows her brow, perhaps detecting it, perhaps not, and she looks at Latino.

Alicia: Well… some company would be very welcome, it’s quite a way…

Latino seems to consider this, and then inclines his head just a little in agreement. Rena smiles, extremely pleased at her success.

Rena: Wonderful! Now, the three of you had better get going… Alicia, I’ll call you tomorrow, OK? If you need anything just let me know.

She opens the door, and all four of them leave the room, moving into the corridor. Rena waves as she heads in one direction, leaving Alicia, Rayne and Victor together. Alicia is very slightly tentative… but she is aided by Latino, who moves between the two ladies and gives them both a nudge.

Reassured, Alicia leads the way toward the parking lot.

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Back Home to Rest My Wounds (Credit: XS3)

----------------------------
February 8, 2007
XS3's Residence
1:28 PM
----------------------------

Maxwell McNally: "What more can I add? There are no words to describe the despicable and evil actions we just saw in that ring Edison. You can go to hell Thunderkiss. Straight to hell."

The image rewound.

Maxwell McNally:[/bSegment: Back Home to Rest My Wounds (Credit: XS3)

"You can go to hell Thunderkiss. Straight to hell."

The image rewound once more.

Maxwell McNally: "Straight to hell."

The tape stopped in its tracks. XS3 stood up from the couch he sat on and in a fury, tossed a vase straight to the floor, sending pieces of glass exploding into the air. Christine backed off as XS3 tossed some papers aside from the table and sat down in a chair, burying his face into his hands and grabbing his hair.

XS3: "MOTHERFUCKER! I AM SO SICK OF THIS BULLSHIT!"

Christine cautiously approached XS3, making sure that she didn't feel the fury. XS3 pulled a few strands of hair out of his head before dropping his face to the table and pounding it with his fist. Christine slowly sat down in the chair next to him and wrapped her arms around him. XS3 finally stopped shaking with anger and wiped some tears from his face, tears caused by hate.

XS3: "Christine… this is the first time since our marriage that I've feared for our lives. I've never been this angry towards one trio in my life."

Christine's eyes welled up with tears and XS3 pulled her in closer for a hug, not wanting to let go even if he had to.

Christine: "Matt… I'm terrified. I'm terrified for my children, my husband and my family and… Joanna… she's taking this… too f-far…"

Christine finally let her heart pour out to XS3 and her sobs filled the household. Just then, the door could be heard opening and shutting. A man with long black hair, beard, black jeans, a black muscle shirt and sneakers walked into the room with a somber look on his face. This was Parker Scott Irvine, full-blood brother of XS3 and often known on the indies as Nightmare. He approached the couple and sat down in one of the chairs, letting a sigh come out of his mouth.

Nightmare: "So… what are you guys going to do?"

XS3 looked up to see Nightmare. Rather then punch him in an act of fury… he chuckled. If XS3 had truly lost his mind, Nightmare or Christine would know. This wasn't the case at all, however. Either XS3 had a plan… or maybe they were wrong all along and he finally went off the deep end.

XS3: "Very simple. We strike him where he least expects it."

Christine wiped the tears from her face.

Christine: "But how can we?"

XS3: "I'm going to go to the arena on Monday, track him down and get a little payback to what they did to us. All of us. This isn't just a feud anymore, its war. I'm tired of assholes like him walking around thinking they can fuck up a man's family and get away with it. It's unforgivable and when I get my hands on him, he is going to spend the rest of his days in a wheelchair playing 'Connect the Track Marks on Axl Rose'."

Christine let out a small chuckle and Nightmare simply laughed at the Axl Rose comment. XS3 smirked before getting back to business.

XS3: "Anyway, the next time you see me on ACW programming, I'll be kicking Thunderkiss' ass… and I think I might kick it up a notch."

Nightmare: "Kick it up a notch?"

XS3: "Hey, whatever I do couldn't possibly be as degrading as what he did to us on Monday."

Christine nodded solemnly. Finally, the couple stopped hugging and stood up from their chairs holding hands.

Christine: "You promise that you'll be okay, Matt?"

XS3: "Definitely, baby."

The couple planted a kiss on each other's lips while Nightmare nodded. XS3 turned to Nightmare and smirked.

XS3: "You know, Nightmare, Chinese Democracy isn't going to be out this year at all."

Nightmare stopped smiling and pointed at XS3.

Nightmare: "NO WAY! I will give you all of my Star Wars action figures if that's true… except Boba Fett. No matter how sure I am, I never risk the Fett-man."

Five seconds later, the three of them burst out laughing, obviously finding a cure for their distressing mood. But in XS3's heart, he knew that the next time he and Thunderkiss would meet would be no laughing matter.

Fade out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: “Minding Business” (Credit: Kudo & BK)

BK London, body still slicked with sweat and expanding with deep breaths trudges through the halls, his eyes obviously showing his intent for one thing. BK turns the corner and pushes the door open and the camera follows him in as Kudo Yasuda is seated down with his legs crossed in front of him, slowly and lightly bringing his hands together in sarcastic claps at BK.

BK: What the fuck man?

Kudo(still clapping): I just thought you wanted to hear some applause for your performance just now against Vladimir. You certainly didn’t get a chance to hear it during the match…

BK(annoyed): What was that?!

Kudo: Relax, I just meant that you probably didn’t hear the arena cheers when you were brawling with Vlad all over the backstage area. They were definitely there though…

Kudo lets out a smirk and an aggravated BK London clenches his teeth before taking a deep breath and regaining his composure.

BK: Listen, I came to your locker room to ask you one thing, and one thing only and I want you standing in front of me like a man –

BK kicks the small table in front of Kudo away as his rested feet drop abruptly to the ground. Kudo gets to his feet and the two men stare each other down with the tension mounting.

BK: I want to know the reason why you just simply stood there, gawking with your beady little eyes as I got my head smashed in by Vladimir. I know we aren't exactly "friends" but we were partners just two weeks prior - hell, I saved you from getting your ass kicked by Rattlesnake, Latino, and AK a few days before the PPV. What's the fucking deal huh?

Kudo: Let me tell you something, and you’d better listen this time because obviously you’ve been missing the point. I’ve told you before that I have no obligation whatsoever to help you in any way. You’re ‘expecting things’ from me is unwarranted and you again fail to realize that you are none of my business, and I am none of yours. When we wrestled last week, my business was defending this title and showing the world that I could. When that bell rang, my business with you was over, and likewise after Ragnarok, when we got the victory, my business with you and Jake were over. You must be out of your mind to think that we’ve developed some sort of bond with one another. Got that?

BK: Yeah...I got it. I got that you've grown to become an ungrateful asshole since getting your hands on that piece of shiny tin there. Well you know what, you just witnessed the end of my little problem with Vladimir, so I'm shifting gears. You say that I'm none of your business, well guess what - I'm making it my business to make you my business.

BK takes one step forward, all up in the grill of Kudo yo.

BK: And I'm making it my business to take the Light Heavyweight Championship away from you.

BK presses his forehead closer to Kudo, the two obviously heated up and ready to throw some shots.

Kudo: Well then I guess consider this forearm I’m about to throw at your face…just business!

Kudo brings his arm back and BK is quick to cock his arm back and throw one of his own punches, but security and officials barge in and just separate the two men before any physical contact happens. Before things could escalate any further, officials forcibly pull BK out of the room and out of view as other security members continue to hold Kudo back, who is now breathing noticeably himself…

-Fade Out-

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 5: Starkweather vs Scott Andrews (Credit: Hunter)

To say that Stark was "disappointed" with his loss from the previous show would be an understatement, and it was abundantly clear from the first few seconds of the match that he did not wish to waste any time with staring contests, hand shakes, or foul words. Before the fans could even sit back down after standing and applauding both men during their individual entrances, Stark nailed Scott with a barrage of fists, brought him down with a headbutt, and locked on a triangle choke. Scott was able to break the hold eventually and regain some momentum in the vital first part of the match, hitting Stark with a variety of kicks to the midsection, and to keep the pain going on said section, he ended up nailing a pair of fisherman suplexes. Although this would have been the perfect opportunity for a pin, Scott got overzealous and attempted to nail a Suisault, which the International Champion was able to dodge, using Scott's brief moment of weakness to nail the SchweinDT for a two count.

Approaching the midway point, the men were only beginning to break a sweat, despite some powerful and magnificent spots. At one point, Scott attempted to hit his trademarked Reload move, but Stark anticipated it and was able to grab his legs and slam him hard on his back before nailing the Re-Education, another big move...and yet another two count. Stark used Scott's exhaustion and locked him in various submissions, including the ever painful I.I.S, which knocked quite a lot out of the two-time Light-Heavyweight Champion. After passing the midway point, Scott began to look incredibly strong, countering many of Stark's moves, including a unique counter to the Relapse, where he leaped off the ropes he was hanging on and nailed a picture perfect reverse DDT. Stark recovered relatively quickly from this, and Scott proceeded to hit him with the Head Shot out of nowhere. Unfortunately for him, the previous few moments had exhausted him to the point where he did not even have enough energy to crawl over to Stark and cover him.

After the referee had counted to eight, Stark was able to rise, and he then proceeded to stomp the living hell out of Scott. He used this opportunity to try to lock in the Sensory Deprivation on Scott, but the latter was able to counter the move into a roll up pin of sorts, although it only got him a roughly two and a half count. Scott attempted the Head Shot yet again, but this time Stark was able to counter it into a kick of his own, one that lacked the power of Scott's kick, thus it did not give him the pinfall he sought. He attempted the Frontal Lobotomy, but after completing the first part, Scott was able to get him into a rolling clutch pin, and despite the fact that it LOOKED like a three count, it was not. Scott lifted Stark up for the Assassination, but Stark was able to slip off of Scott's shoulders. He lunged at him and was able to lock on the first part of the Sensory Deprivation, and a tired Scott was unable to stop the second part, thus completing the powerful submission. After a few painful minutes, Scott finally gave in and tapped out, and a pleased Starkweather left the ring without so much as a word.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Concealed differences (Credit: Shawn)

Chance "Tiger VII" Emmerson has been quietly seething with rage for days now. The loss to Wyvern, brought about by an accidental assist from Umeko, has completely occupied his mind. He replays the match over, and over, and over again in his head. For ever mistake he remembers, he quietly curses his overconfidence. He's been doing this during what was supposed to be his meditation. For what seems like hours, with his eye closed, he's concentrated on this one thing. When he finally opens his eye, it focuses on something quite strange. Something entirely impossible, in fact...

Umkeo Saito stands right in front of him...but she's walking on the ceiling. Yes, she's pacing back and forth like she's done it a million times. At first, this doesn't even strike Chance as odd.

Chance: I've been thinking, my Queen...

Umeko stops her pacing and focuses onto the World Champion with a hateful gaze.

Umeko: You? Think? You're too fucking pathetic to develop a thought of your own. Don't lie to me.

Oddly enough, the cursing is the first thing that Chance finds odd about this entire ordeal.

Chance: Something isn't right...

Umeko: You're not right, you freak. You're fucking pathetic. You follow me around like a sad lost little puppy, and you actually think I care about you. I'll be honest... You're little more than a piece of shit stuck on the heel of my fucking shoes. If you didn't have your uses, I'd wipe you off right now.

Chance tries to back out the door, but it strangely slams shut behind him. A sense of urgency, he tries to pull the door open. A kind of primal fear takes over his body as he realizes that he's not even able to get it to budge.

Chance: This isn't right...

Chance makes an erratic turn and bumps right into Umeko, who has undergone a strange transformation. In the span of a few seconds, she's grown at least five feet taller. Her head, in violation of nature, has three different faces. One is clearly red with anger, one is little more than a giant smile, and one can only be described as a crying mess.

Umeko: What's the matter? Don't you love me? I hate you. You hate me, don't you?

Then, it clicks.

Chance: This is a drea--

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Umeko: Did I disturb you?

Chance opens his eye...for real this time. He apparently dosed off in the midst of his meditation. Like any man who's ever had a nightmare, he tells the complete truth about what happened.

Chance: No, my Queen. I was just getting ready for our match.

Umeko fiddles nervously in her coat pocket as Chance slowly rises to his feet. Once he's up, she clamps her hands together and makes a stern announcement.

Umeko: No you're not.

Chance:...

Umeko: I'm very, very bored my Tiger. I could care less that you lost last week, it wasn't important at all. I could care less about the boring reptile... All I want to do is foward our agenda, and there is simply nothing interesting on the table at the moment. Follow me, and I'll show you exactly what I mean.

Chance growls quietly as he quietly considers her words. He's not bored at the prospect of facing Rattlesnake one bit. In fact, it's something that he feels he must do as a warrior. However, he can understand how his Queen feels. After all, what is there about Rattlesnake that's even interesting? This occupies Chance's mind as he follows Umeko out of the room and the scene fades unto black.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: A mutually convenient arrangement (Credit: Rena / AK)

The forest road is usually quiet, peaceful, serene. Tonight, however, there’s a bit more cheerfulness, and it’s coming from the lone vehicle making its way along the twisting route.

Away from the arena and any perceived pressures to conform to type, Alicia and Rayne are both far more relaxed. Having seen Latino safely on to his flight and exchanged (in Alicia’s case) an emotional goodbye, the two women are heading back toward the town and the arena. Alicia is relating a story which she swears is true, and which has Rayne curled up in her seat with laughter.

Rayne (laughing): He he he… so, let me see if I got this… you, Rena and Charlotte, you’re in London after Emperor of the Ring, and you’ve all gone to this club called G.A.Y. Which is a club that…

Alicia: …Does what it says on the tin, yeah.

Rayne: Ok. So you’re having a great time and dancing to really bad music, and you have a few drinks… and then a few more drinks… and the next thing you know, someone’s suggesting that you’d make “a really great Mayor”.

Alicia: Right. My campaign slogan was going to be “My tits are better than Ken’s”, or something. It wasn’t a real eye-catcher, you know? So then, Charlotte has her 12th Bacardi Breezer and decides we need professional help.

Rayne: Psychological?

Alicia: No, political. And I had no idea you could get put through to the offices of the U.S. Senate via UK Directory Enquries.

Rayne: Oh my God, you didn’t…?

Alicia: We did. My brain does this weird thing; when I need to perform, doesn’t matter what for, it sort of “sections off” the effects of fatigue or alcohol or whatever. Apparently the secretary swore later on that I sounded completely rational. So she put me through to the committee room-

Rayne: Committee Room?! What was he doing?

Alicia: Discussing the banana wars and the World Trade Organisation, I think, can’t quite remember. I do recall though that the committee room phone was one Steve wasn’t entirely familiar with, and he mistakenly put me on the speaker.

Rayne covers her eyes with her hands, giggling with guilty pleasure at the scene conjured up before her.

Rayne: I don’t think I want to know what happened next….

Alicia: That’s good, I don’t remember much of it myself. I believe I asked Steve whether being a gay icon was good for getting elected, implying by my tone that this was something he would know all about. Then when he tried to get me to hang up, I started demanding to speak to George Bush on the grounds that I felt my policies were leaning to the right, only with fewer guns and less enthusiasm for invading other countries. I suspect I crossed the line when I called Hilary Clinton an “old bag”.

Rayne: Did she find out about it?

Alicia: I think so, she was three seats away to the right.

Rayne shrieks with mirth, and Alicia slows the car down as she laughs too at the memory.

Alicia: By all accounts, the Senator eventually pulled the chord out at the wall and claimed it was one of his aides on a cultural visit getting a little too into the spirit of the British drinking culture. I got an email the next day promising me “more Filibusters than I could count”. Though actually he came up with a much better idea… I got a letter from the Bureau of Foreign Affairs telling me I was being deported for being “drunk in charge of an English accent”.

Rayne wipes her eyes, still smiling; she sees that they are arriving back at the arena, and her smile fades. Alicia pulls gently to a stop.

Alicia: Anyway, I suspect I’ve corrupted your brain with enough rubbish for one night. Are you OK to get back to where you’re staying?

Rayne shrugs and summons a smile, but it’s hollow.

Rayne: I’ll manage. I’ve not had a proper place to stay for months, all I can afford is a damp room in a cheap motel… but it’s enough, as long as I can stay here and keep coming to the shows. I’ve had a wonderful evening, Alicia, I can’t thank you enough… it’s more than I ever hoped for.

She opens the door and gets out, grimacing as an icy rain begins to fall. Alicia is suddenly torn; her natural caution clashes with her instinct toward kindness, and her own loneliness without her husband tips the balance.

Alicia: Listen, Rayne… if you don’t have anywhere else pressing to be… would you like to stay over at my place tonight? It’s not exactly the height of glamour, but we have a spare room you can use.

Rayne’s eyes open up wide. She’s not looking at Alicia, and for just a moment, her eyes narrow… then they return to normal, and she turns clasping her hands to her chest.

Rayne: You… really mean that? I… I don’t want to make a nuisance of myself, I would hate to become one of those crazy types… are you sure?

It’s a question Alicia has just inwardly asked herself. But she can’t rescind the offer, and a large part of her welcomes the idea of not being alone in the apartment, if only for one night less.

Alicia: I’m very sure. Jump in, it’s not far.

Rayne’s smile is like the sun as she gets back in the vehicle. Alicia pulls smartly away from the kerb; she tells herself it’s the least she can do, that she needs to reconnect with those she’s drifted away from.

As for Rayne, what she’s thinking, no one can be quite sure…

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 6: Main Event Match
Rattlesnake & Wyvern vs Chance Emmerson & Umeko Saito (Credit: XS3) (Post Match Promo Credit: Shawn)

With tensions between Chance and Rattlesnake growing, this match will only make those tensions thicken. Philip steps into the ring.

Philip: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, representing the Senatorial Stable, from Tacoma, Washington, he stands 6'2" and weighs in at 215 lbs, he is Wyvern!"

As "Trip Like I Do" hits, the lights fade as purple strobe lights flash on the entrance ramp. A slight fog rolls in, casting a silhouette of Wyvern as he makes his way to the ring, typically at a slow pace. From there, he makes his way onto the ring apron, where he stands, resting against the ropes, awaiting his partner.

Philip: "And his opponent, also representing the Senatorial Stable, from Orlando, Florida, he stands at 6'7" and weighs in at 277 lbs, he is 'The Vision of Greatness' Rattlesnake!"

The lights fade to black. Two green spotlight shine across the fans and stop at the top of the entrance ramp. The spotlights quickly shut off shortly after. The words "Don't fear the reaper, fear the Rattler" echo throughout the arena followed by "Blind" by Silverchair. The spotlights flicker back on as a huge surge of green pyros blast off with a huge cloud of smoke. As the smoke clears, Rattlesnake appears in the spotlights. He slowly walks down the ramp and looks at the fans as he passes. He stops to look around and smirks. He slowly raises his arms to boos from the fans. He starts walking down to the ring again. As he inches closer to the ring, the arena lights slowly come back on until he reaches the steps. He walks up and steps into the ring. He walks over to the turnbuckle and climbs it. He looks around as flashbulbs continuously go off. He smirks and jumps down.

Philip: "And their opponents, from Tokyo, Japan, they are the team of Umeko Saito and the ACW World Heavyweight Champion, Chance "Tiger VII" Emmerson!"

"This Velvet Glove" by Red Hot Chili Peppers plays… and nothing's happening. A few good seconds pass and the crowd is quite confused once the music dies down.

Philip: "Umm… Umeko Saito and Chance Emmerson!"

"This Velvet Glove" starts up again and once again, there is no Chance or Umeko in sight. The fans are starting to get restless and Rattlesnake is getting increasingly pissed off by the second. The music dies down once again.

Philip: "Ahem… I said UMEKO SAITO AND CHANCE EMMERSON!"

For the last time, "This Velvet Glove" starts and the fans are getting angrier, waiting for Chance and Umeko. Finally, after a solid ten seconds, the music dies down once again. The referee tells Philip something and he nods.

Philip: "Ladies and gentlemen, due to a supposed forfeit, the winners of this match are Wyvern and Rattlesnake."

The fans are screaming with hate and boos. They know they've got screwed out of a main event match. Rattlesnake, in a frustrated state, begins to head to the back to look for Chance himself. As he gets halfway up the ramp, he bears witness to a familiar face on the Alphatron. The teasing smirk of Umeko Saito simply makes his blood boil. As the camera pans out slightly, it can be seen that Umeko and Chance Emmerson are far, far away from the ACW Arena. They seem to be outside some sort of club downtown. Chance, as always, stands in the background as Umeko delievers a venemous speech.

Umeko: As you can see, my Tiger and I were too bored to show up to for the match. Enjoy the victory, because it's as close as you're going to get to a World Title shot. Not because I want the title, because I really could care less what happens to it anymore, but because you don't deserve to be in the same ring as my Champion. So, on Monday, we might as well walk out and leave that gaudy little belt in the middle of the ring. Then, you can come out and take it for yourself. Wouldn't that be great? You'd get yet another thing handed to you on a silver platter.

Rattlesnake seethes as Umeko chuckles.

Umeko: I hope I'm not striking a nerve...but do be honest with yourself... What have you ever really earned since joining this company? You didn't have to work your way to the top like everybody else did. Sure, you pretended like you had to...but you've been dubbed as a future world champions since day one. Not a day has gone by without some mindless peon singing your praises, and it's pathetic. What have you done to earn anybody's respect? What have you really done? I'll give you a simple answer: nothing. You're nothing without hype.

Chance walks up a little closer to the camera. There's a dark glimmer in his eye as a bit of snow starts to rain down from above.

Chance: I don't fear hype.

Umeko: Neither do I, my Tiger...neither do I... I've heard the whispers ever since Winter's Discontent... Everybody said you were going to be the next champion. Everybody said that you'd be the one to knock my Tiger off of his pearch. Everybody has been talking a very big game. You have been talking a very big game, my friend. You think you're destined to be World Champion, do you? Well, I'm not even going to entertain that part of your ego. You're three-fourths media creation with a thimble of natural talent. You've done nothing I haven't seen a thousand times. I don't think I've said it enough...you're boring.

With the crowd's boos nearly overwhelming her, she closes with a harsh proclaimation.

Umeko: You'll not be getting a title shot, I'm afraid. That's final.

With the sound of Umeko's sarcastic yawn, the Alphatron fades. We're left to the image of Rattlesnake shaking with rage…

The main event has turned out to be a non-event… but can Umeko and Chance dictate to the extent that they believe, or will Rattlesnake enforce his title claim by any means necessary?

Will BK and Kudo’s rivalry become a bitter one?

And with the scores tied, will we see a rubber match between Starkweather AND Scott Andrews?

There’s only one way to find out, and you know what it is. Be there.

Fade to Black.

End of Show.

[hunter]

...well that was an interesting ending. Anywho, good show.

[chengling]

This BK/Kudo feud is shaping up real nicely.

[tgb]

Great show! BK is King of ACW end of story

[xs3]

Phew, good to see that I didn't screw up my mission.

Oh, and owntastical show.