Thursday Night Meltdown 15th March 2007

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: "The Ruse" (Credit: Rattlesnake)

Since learning about the little part of himself, Rattlesnake has been more confused than ever. Just how could Cobra be that little spark? It just didn't seem to make much sense to him. But rather than try to find the quick answer, he would have to take the time to find out just how this was possible. Then again, if he were to ever discuss this with someone, he'd be deemed certifiably insane and then Cobra would begin his rampage anew.

Rattlesnake: I just don't get it. It doesn't seem to be possible.

But for some inexplicable reason...it was. It wasn't the hatred or the rage that created Cobra as Rattlesnake thought. Cobra was Rattlesnake...Rattlesnake was Cobra. Two sides of the same coin.

For what it was worth, Rattlesnake wasn't completely shocked at what Cobra had told him. Despite it not making sense, it somehow felt right. It was like Cobra finally gave off an aura that Rattlesnake had recognized.

But the fact remains...how can Cobra be contained? If he can be contained...for how long? Once again...answers that would come with time.

Suddenly, Rattlesnake's hand just jumps up and slaps him.

Rattlesnake: The hell?

Cobra: So you are awake. I thought you were off in "La La Land" trying to comprehend what I've told you.

Rattlesnake: For the record, I was trying to comprehend it. I just can't seem to figure it out.

Cobra: Oh dear. It seems as if I went over your head. You're pathetic. You're weak. It's no wonder I abandoned you. You made it all too easy.

Rattlesnake: Don't say abandon around me!

Cobra: It's not my fault I left. It's yours. You were just too weak to do anything about it.

Rattlesnake: If you believe that, then why did you leave? You had to have had some reason.

Rattlesnake can hear Cobra laughing.

Cobra: Do you think you can handle it? Do you think you're ready for the truth?

Rattlesnake: Quit stalling!

Cobra sighs.

Cobra: Fine. You're just going to ruin my little game anyways. You were always merciful. You always thought what others thought of you. You were so focused on your damned image that you lost sight of what truly mattered...ability, skill, talent...whatever you want to call it, you lost sight of it.

Rattlesnake: That's not true.

Cobra: You sure about that? I should know after all. I became disgusted with what you turned us into. I had no choice but to let you fail. You have no one to blame but yourself.

Rattlesnake's clenched fist crosses the right side of his jaw.

Rattlesnake: Shit! What was that for?

Cobra: Because it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. In fact...

Rattlesnake: In fact what?

Rattlesnake hand reaches over and grabs an object. Rattlesnake can't see it until it's literally 6 inches in front of his face. Cobra had taken control of Rattlesnake's arm and grabbed the Snakequalizer. It connects with Rattlesnake's forehead and knocks him out. As blood starts to trickle down his face, Rattlesnake's eyes open. Thing of it is, it isn't Rattlesnake. Cobra decided to take over.

Cobra: Miserable bastard. I can't believe he fell for the whole "spark" thing. He's too damn gullible. Since he's out for the count, we ought to see how tonight goes. Poor Alicia. She might suffer as much as Latino did last week. Then again, she might suffer more.

It's been Cobra's plan all along to get to the outside once again. This time, however, he intends to stay out. By confusing Rattlesnake, he managed to one-up the "Vision of Greatness." But now, it's not the "Vision of Greatness" that will be in the ring...it'll be the "Vision of Darkness."

Cobra laughs as he touches his forehead and looks at his hand.

Cobra: It's been a while since I felt this. Oh how I've missed it. Nothing would suffice. Not even watching Rattlesnake fail. And now, it's time to see just what kinds of hell I can unleash on all those poor fools in ACW.

Cobra laughs and walks off.

Fade Out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Addressing the Challenge (Credit: Shawn)

Chance “Tiger VII” Emmerson paced in front of the camera with all the unbridled rage and terror of his namesake. His lone eye glared at the camera without a shred of pity for whoever would get in his way. Behind him, for once, stood Umeko Saito; at once as beautiful as she was terrible. She tossed the coveted ACW World Title at her feet like normal, and let her cold voice cut through the silence.

Umeko: I suppose it’s only right that I speak briefly on Senator Steve Phillips.

Chance stopped in his tracks and stared at the camera with an ominous, emotionless grin.

Umeko: As much as my Tiger would like to believe otherwise, there’s no denying that you just aren’t cut out for our business anymore. Even I’m not heartless enough to discredit what you’ve done, Mr. Phillips. You were an amazing competitor in your time and at one point you were hands down the very best wrestler in the world.

She gave the world title a lazy kick before continuing her point with a purr.

Umeko: Those days have been gone for a while now…and what do you have to show for it? You’re haunted by the fact you never held this little trinket at my feet, I’m sure. For all your legendary skill, you found yourself cut short at every turn. You never achieved your full potential…and I know what hurts you the most about that. You know that you’re still good. You know, better than anyone else, that you’re still able to wrestle with the best of them. You’re still a good wrestler. Why is this bad, you ask?

She laughed with a sinister confidence as she stared coolly into the camera.

Umeko: You’re a good wrestler. The Senator that everybody remembers fondly was a great wrestler. You realize you still have it…but within the very depths of your soul, you know that you’re not good enough to be the absolute best anymore. Sure, you can compete with the developing young talent on Fallout…but…

She motioned to her Tiger with an overly elaborate motion. He merely stood as still as a statue with his blank, intense stare telling the entire story.

Umeko: Could you stand up to this and even begin to compete? That’s something you should ask yourself, Old Man. Accept your weakness gracefully and just fade away like a nice old soldier.

Her mocking smile was as apparent as always.

Umeko: Now…onto more pressing matters… Wyvern… My Tiger is more than ready to face you at any time and any place. If you want the match at the Pay-Per-View…then you got it. We’re more than ready to break this unfortunate tie. I anxiously await your response and I‘ll even allow you the honor of picking the match, how does that sound?

With that, she made a strange waving motion with her hand as the camera panned out and faded unto black.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: I Got a Little Problem...
(Credit: Freeman, Senator)

The camera focuses in on Jason Freeman, who is walking down the hallway, looking none too happy...obviously becuase of what he was told by Ginger. If he's proven guilty he's fired. Obviously, he knows it wasn't him. But now he just has to convince other people. And sometimes that can be the hardest thing of all. There's nothing worse than knowing you're innocent, and not being able to prove anything. But as he walks down the hallway, he sees Senator Phillips walking down the hallway from the opposite direction. Freeman reacts a bit nervously at first...because he doesn't know what Senator's take on the situation is...

The Senator: Hello, Mr. Freeman. Wait, and hear me out. Now, from the hearsay that I have gathered, you are indeed in a nasty bit of trouble.

Freeman tries to speak, but Phillips cuts him off.

Senator: Now then, you know just what I think of steroids. Not only do I not tolerate their use, but I despise them. Dang it, I put up with Hunter, even with his mood swings and his often shady behavior, reason being, in the ring, he knew what he was doing. I put up with the elusiveness of Fallen Souls, since he was all business once he got in the ring. I even put up with the stupid sophomoric antics of the Capitalists, and still do, since they know that they have to work their arses off to achieve their goals. Steroids are a bane upon the existance of the industry, and for athletics as a whole! No matter what, I want you to know that I have managed to continue to compete at the age of fourty, and am still in great shape, without ever resorting to chemical enhansements of any sort. The Senatorial Stable tolerates many things, but steroid useage is not one of them.

Freeman: Look, listen, I...I didn't...you know that I wouldn't do this. I mean...why would I jeapordize everything...My career, and everything...I would never. This was all a plan by Thunderkiss...I promise. You can believe me. And when I get my hands on him...I'll...

He doesn't really know how to finish the sentence, so he goes silent. But his eyes are definately sincere, and it seems like he isnt lying.

Senator Look, if you think you can put something past me, just because I am trusting among my allies, you are only fooling yourself. After all, I am a politican, are I not? Lying and deception come with the territory, and if you can not tell when someone else is attempting such a thing, you are through. Guilty or innocent, I prefer if you remain honest.

Freeman: I promise you that I am definately not lying...but...I need to prove it...I need to prove Thunderkiss did this...do you...do you have any proof or...did you see anything? Anything suspicious?! I should have seen this coming...right from the beginning. When my locker room was wrong...I should have known that something was wrong...

Senator: I shall see if my connections can dig something up, but otherwise, I am sorry to say that I can not help you in this matter, at least as far as information goes. Been too busy elsewhere to really have a grip on the situation.

At this Freeman seems very dissapointed, and he gives a sigh...obviously not knowing what he's going to do.

Freeman: Well...thanks...anyways...Just...listen...I promise...I wouldn't do this...I was set up...

Senator: Well, no matter what, I will be receptive first and foremost if you remain honest, and if it is true that your intuitions are correct, then you can be assured that I will fully support you in your struggles. Until then, I have other business to handle, and I hope you can sort this case out.

The Senator walks off, leaving Freeman standing behind, and leaving a mystery unsolved. Was Thunderkiss really behind the rumors? Or has Freeman been hanging out with Barry Bonds and Sonjay Dutt? Only one way to find out...

Fade Out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Down that similar old path to mediocrity (Credit: Dan, Nick D)

We start off with a shot of Nick Durden standing in the ring. The crowd is in a bit of an uneasy murmur about how Nick is going to address his current situation with Adrian Flamingo.

Nick: You know, I’ve always prided myself as being one of the best-prepared competitors in the industry. Every time I step into this ring, I’ve painstakingly observed and fine tuned each aspect about myself. I look at my strengths, my weaknesses, the strengths and weaknesses of my opponent. No stone is left unturned each and every single time I step foot into this ring. And yet, even with what appeared to me to be all the preparation in the world, “The Astonishing One” truly lived up to his name and took me completely by surprise. So by now, I’d imagine many people are wondering what my response to all this will be. Well, you see–

But before he can finish his sentence, Nick is interrupted by some fantasia-style music echoing from the alphatron. He, and the camera look up as the countdown appears on the screen.

McNally: Oh my…

Edison: It’s the final few seconds!

The countdown shows the final 15 seconds or so, before the final 10 countdown…

…10…

…9…

…8…

…7…

…6…

…5…

...4…

…3…

…2…

…1…

…0…

The countdown finishes, and there’s an eerie silence. You could literally hear a pin drop from the furthest corner of the room as the crowd watches in awe. But a few seconds go by, and the camera pans back to Nick, who shakes his head.

Nick: Well folks, I guess seeing is believing, but as you can see, you should believe the hype you cannot see. Anyway-

Again Nick is cut off as the room falls into darkness, and there’s a huge cheer from the crowd. As the crowd dies down, a guitar rift can be heard in the background, and to the trained ear it would sound like the opening rift to “Wonderwall” by Oasis. The feel around the arena is a confusing one to say the least, but suddenly the song bursts into life.

*BEEP BEEP*

The rift then morphs into “Hello” by Oasis, and there’s a small cheer from the crowd as the titantron bursts into life. Images from the past montage of the countdown footage is shown, from the epic warrior walking into the light to the soldier shot on the battlefield.

”I don’t know as if I know you, you take up all my time
The days are long and the night will throw you are cuz the sun don’t shine

A red and green dull light both turn on to give a strange atmospheric feel, as Nick and the fans appear confused to say the least.

Nobody ever mentions the weather, can make or break your day
Nobody ever seems to remember, life is a game we play

The lights then fade on, as smoke covers the entrance ramp, disguising whoever has made the appearance tonight, and the camera quickly pans to Nick, who is curious to see who it is.

We live in the shadows and we had the chance to blow it away
And it's never gonna be the same
Cos the years are following by like the rain
And it's never gonna be the same
'Til the life I knew comes to my house and says….

Voice through the smoke: Hello, Hello!

Hello! Hello!

Voice through the smoke: Hello, Hello!

Hello…!

The music ends, and the smoke clears away…and there’s an almighty cheer as the smart black-suited with a dark blue open-colour shirted, aviator wearing, hair streaked back and polish-shoed suaved-up “Welsh Dragon” Dan White emerges from the cloud. The pop is still quite deafening as Dan allows a huge grin to appear over his face. Having not been on ACW television since August last year, he welcomes the warm return as he holds a microphone in his hand.

Dan: Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, cats and kittens…Your Personal Hero has finally returned to Alpha Championship Wrestling!

There’s another loud pop as Dan acknowledges the crowd, but there are obviously a few questions to exactly why he has turned up tonight.

Dan: I’m sure you’re wondering why after all the media hype, and after all the lies, the scandals, the fake stories you all read in the tabloids, why I have indeed returned to ACW. Well peeps, I guess I will be honest with you. After spending seven whole months in that hellhole you call Hollywood, I can safely say that it’s no place for a Welshman. Hell, it’s no place for any sane person. I mean I am fricking bigger than Jesus, and they treated me like shit.

He pauses for dramatic effect, allowing the crowd to soak up.

Dan: But I recognized my roots. I realized that despite a potential career and life killer in a horrific head-collision injury I suffered at the hands of Alexander Starkweather, I couldn’t let you guys, my friends and peeps down. So I am asking you merely one simple question. Guys, can you forgive an old friend?

Dan sounds convincing in his apology, but the fans promptly eat it up and their cheers indicate that they do indeed accept Dan’s apology. But Nick doesn’t seem so forgiving. The expression on his face shows that he’s clearly had enough off the Dan love, and so steps in, interrupting the crowd.

Nick: Hey Dan, I don’t believe we’ve met before, but I’m a kind of guy who takes a first impression as something to consider. And you’re not exactly giving the best first impression to myself. I came out here wanting to address to the crowd, and instead I’m interrupted by yourself and your silly little “dramatic” entrance. And can I just say? Less smoke next time. There’s enough smoke in here to turn us all asthmatic.

Dan glares at Nick, slowly taking his sunglasses off and slipping them into his front pocket as he places the microphone to his lips.

Dan: Can I ask you a question, Mr. Nick?

Nick: Sure, Dan. Ask away.

Dan: Okay Nick. My question is…who, in the name of purple sausage dogs that fly to the moon, the hell are you?!

There’s another loud cheer as Dan gets another one on Nick, who looks to the side, rather annoyingly.

Nick: Look Dan, I don’t see what coming out here is actually achieving yourself. You’ve made your big appearance, and I respect that. You were a big name here in the past, but you could at least do the same and give me a bit of respect.

Dan: Listen junior, I don’t care what you are talking about. Your words are so unimportant to me that by the time it reaches my ears all I can hear is a little whiney voice telling, begging me to shut up. And believe me it’s annoying. I had to put up with directors, producers, record companies, but without a shadow of a doubt whatever your talking about has to be the most annoying thing I have ever heard in my life. I mean look at you. How much did that stuff even cost you? About a £10 supermarket sweep around Netto? You’re talking to a living legend here, an icon, a man who has seen it all. I am the undisputed, undeniable, impeccable Lord of the Ring.

Nick: Dan? You know what? Who cares about whether or not your clothes are more expensive than mine. It just shows that you need material products to make these people think you’re better than me. Well head injury or no head injury, I could beat your ass in this ring any day of the week.

The crowd hushes, and Dan’s smirk turns to one of disgust at the challenge brought onto him by Nick.

Dan: Nick, are you challenging me to a fight?

Dan looks to the crowd.

Dan: See fans? This is what I am talking about. Ever since I was taken off the ACW roster, you fans have had to suffer mediocrity on your television screens. And in the seven months I was off your television screens, you have had to endure these people coming in and attempting to take the role of the Welsh Dragon. You have had Starkweather, Brimstone, Rattlesnake, and this little good-for-nothing Jonah make you believe that mediocrity is excellence. Well you have been completely misunderstood. They have brainwashed into believing that mediocrity is excellence, when you have plain well forgotten than the Welsh Dragon is true excellence!

Another loud cheers comes up from the fans, obviously believing what he is saying to them.

Dan: You have forgotten what true entertainment is, and judging by your ecstatic approach to yours truly, you know the real meaning of entertainment. You flip open your Oxford dictionary and entertainment is defined as something to entertain you, or something like that. Then you get a picture of yours truly, and the caption that read “a perfect example of entertainment”, and that is what I have come back to do. I could no longer bear listening to the tripe on my television screen, by these creatures who have a distinct lack of talent and charisma. Well peeps, your Welsh Dragon has returned, and that my friend, is a right touch!

Dan poses for the crowd, but Nick isn’t quite done with the Welsh Dragon yet.

Nick: Hold on Dan, you didn’t answer my question. I challenged you to fight. Name the place, name the time, and I’ll be waiting for you. You attempted a grand return and all you did was fall flat on your face. All you have to show for it is that you now know you’re a marked man. Nick is coming for you…

There’s a pop for Nick’s catchphrase, but Dan smiles back at Nick, replying into the microphone.

Dan: You’re coming for me? Well all I can say is bring it, bitchcakes…

Dan looks as if to say “it’s your call”, as he shrugs his shoulders and the chorus to “Hello” by Oasis hits the PA system again. There’s another loud pop as Dan puts his hand in the air like in a Black Panther-style, before turning an exiting. For Nick meanwhile, he’s been pretty much outdone by the Welsh Dragon tonight, but by all means hasn’t ruled out a potential meeting between the two in the future after the hostile meeting.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Connection (Credit: AK/Latino)

The show is moving on apace; the crowd is eagerly awaiting the next match, but even though it should be top of her priorities as well, Alicia Laureano is focused on something even more daunting than taking on the disturbed Rattlesnake.

It’s taken her most of the evening to gather her courage for this moment, but she is determined not to let it pass. She walks up to the door with which she is so well acquainted, and knocks. Nothing.

She knocks again, a little louder. All quiet, then…

“Rayne?”

Her heart feels as if it’s just been pumped with lead; her arm remains suspended, poised a few inches from the door. Part of her wants to scream; another just wants to flee, to curl up somewhere dark-

“Rayne, if that’s you, just go. Don’t you get it?”

From lead to hydrogen in a split second. She barely breathes, and then realizes that the person behind the door must be listening closely too, perhaps for receding footsteps.

“I won’t play this game. I’m a one-woman guy, and she’s all I want…”

He sounds tired, and emotional now. Alicia almost slumps against the door, left palm now flat to the wood, and closes her eyes. With her ear now right to the panel, she can hear the person on the other side coming closer.

She expects a further verbal warning, but none comes. Though it must be a trick of the mind, she would swear later that she could hear his heart beating in his chest, so near and yet so far…

She has no words for this; she takes her hand away and stands an inch or so from the door, and waits. After a few seconds, the handle turns, and the door opens up slowly.

There is something particularly precious about seeing someone for the first time after a long absence; and that’s precisely how it feels as Alicia and Victor look upon each other properly for the first time in too long. She smiles, and he smiles back; there will be discussion and explanation aplenty in good time. For now, for this moment, they simply choose to erase the last of the gap between them, and embrace with a deep, hard won passion.

This lasts a sufficiently long time for a crew member to come past, actually heading to Alicia’s temporary locker room. Slightly embarrassed, he coughs, and Alicia looks back over her shoulder.

Crewmember: Uh, Mrs Laureano? Your match is up in five minutes.

The crewmember rapidly excuses himself. Alicia and Victor part; Victor has a look of concern, for he knows first hand just how dangerous Rattlesnake is in his current state. Alicia simply gives him a nod which says “I’ll be careful”, and with a final smile she walks away toward the ring entrance, looking back a few times to see Latino watching her progress.

Once she’s gone, Latino steps back inside their locker room. He still hasn’t got around to that shower; with a devilish grin, he decides that perhaps now he’ll wait until his wife gets back…

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 5: Rattlesnake vs Alicia Laureano (Credit: Nick D)

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.

Don’t fear the reaper, fear the Rattler

"Blind" by Silverchair echoes throughout the arena. 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.

Phillip Jones: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Making his way to the ring...from Orlando, Florida...weighing in at two hundred and seventy-seven pounds...“The Vision of Greatness”...RRRRATTLESNAAAAAAAAKE!

Maxwell McNally: Good evening. Maxwell McNally and “Fast” Eddie Edison extending a most warm “welcome back” to yet another exciting Thursday Night Meltdown. Coming up next, “Emperor” Rattlesnake will attempt to take out the second half of the Upper Echelon after his impressive win last week over Latino.

Eddie Edison: We all saw that conversation between Rattlesnake and his counterpart, Cobra, in which Cobra vowed to revive the viciously cutthroat persona that had given Rattlesnake so much success in the past. He’ll certainly need an extra something if he’s going to take out a second former world champion in a row in Alicia Laureano.

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, glancing around as if taking in the scene afresh. The crowd at the front gets slightly uneasy...

The catchy guitar riff of “One Way” by the Levellers rings from the PA as Alicia Laureano steps through the curtains to a raucous reception from the fans.

Phillip: And his opponent...weighing in at one hundred and thirty-five pounds...from London, UK...ALICIA...LAUREANOOOOOOOO!

McNally: As most of you already know, Ms. Laureano ran into some auto troubles on her way to the arena and was forced to actually miss a match. Luckily for us, Rayne Iwashita proved to be an adequate replacement, but I have to admit nothing is a perfect substitute for a one-of-a-kind superstar like Alicia. The important thing is that she’s in this ring now and ready to put on another great showing.

Alicia marches her way to the ring and climbs up the ring steps to enter. She makes a few final stretches to prepare herself for combat as Keiji Makabe calls for the bell.

DING, DING, DING!

The two move in for the tie-up. As expected, Snake quickly overpowers Alicia and backs her up against the ropes; Alicia seems to be caught off-guard, and Snake snickers, a sound which immediately gets Alicia’s attention back where it ought to be. After some beckoning from Makabe, Snake backs off but quickly strikes again with a roaring right cross intended to behead Alicia. However, Alicia quickly ducks under and rushes away from the ropes back to the center of the ring. By the time Snake turns to face Alicia, she’s come charging back toward him with a stiff lariat, but this strike doesn’t have the necessary oomph to fell the sturdy colossus that is Snake. Alicia runs to the ropes again. When she bounces off, Snake is prepared to greet her with a clothesline, but Alicia ducks under and continues running toward the opposite ropes. This time, she rebounds straight into a European uppercut from Snake. Alicia staggers back and drops to one knee. Now Snake runs to the ropes, but when he bounces off, Alicia pops straight up again and gives him a mouthful of boots in the form of a vicious dropkick, a little more savage than is normal for her and perhaps a sign that she recognizes that this Snake will only understand brute force. Alicia quickly bounds to her feet while Snake only manages to labor his way up to one knee. Alicia capitalizes with some elbow strikes into Snake’s temple. However, he suddenly explodes back to his feet and strikes with four right-handed jabs. He then performs that infamous slithering motion with his arms that signifies the conclusion to his patented Jab Combo, following that up by swinging his left arm around for the finishing haymaker, but Alicia sticks both of her arms in front of her face to block his attack. After pushing Snake’s arm away, Alicia steps on his knee and with her near foot swings her free foot around to smack Snake across the back of the head with an enziguri! But yet again does Snake retain his vertical base, though he is sent stumbling backward in a daze. As he’s still trying to shake out the cobwebs, Alicia runs toward him and leaps up, catching Snake in a front facelock before spinning around to plant him in a tornado DDT! Alicia with the cover.

1..............

.....2...

KICKOUT

Alicia pulls Snake to his feet, only to ground him with a snapmare. With Snake still in the seated position, Alicia runs to the ropes in the direction Snake is facing. Alicia rebounds to land a dropkick square in Snake’s jaw. Snake rolls out of the ring, hoping to find some respite on the outside and looking extremely pissed off. Alicia quickly follows him and grabs hold of his arm, whipping him straight into the barricade afterwards. Alicia follows this up with a cactus clothesline that sends both competitors over the barricade and down onto the concrete. Alicia gets to her feet again and throws Snake back over the barricade; she is visibly breathing hard from all the exertion and it’s a dangerous game, but it seems to have stalled Snake’s own gameplan, at least temporarily. She follows him and drags him back toward the ring before slamming his face down onto the apron. She then gets onto the apron and pulls Snake up after her. She traps him in a front facelock and throws his arm over her head to set up for a suplex, but as she tries to lift Snake, he holds onto the middle rope while hooking his leg around Alicia’s to block the attempt. He buries a few punches into Alicia’s ribs to effect his release. Snake throws a haymaker, but Alicia blocks it again. She steps onto the bottom rope and pushes off for adequate elevation to wrap her legs around Snake’s head. She then flips backward to hurl Snake back down to the outside with a hurricarana! Once she finally makes her way back to her feet, she rolls Snake back into the ring. After reentering the ring herself, she goes for the cover.

1.............

KICKOUT

Alicia and the crowd alike are surprised by how little effect such a bout of offense seems to have had on Snake. She rolls Snake onto his stomach and grabs hold of his arm, placing it in between her legs and sitting down to snap on the armbar. Snake grits his teeth in barely contained fury as Alicia tenaciously wrenches back on his arm. Then, in a display of his deceptive quickness, Snake rolls forward so that his legs fall onto the bottom rope, forcing Alicia to break the submission. Alicia drags Snake back to the center of the ring and applies a grounded sleeper hold. However, Alicia doesn’t have anywhere near the adequate bulk to weigh him down, and Snake fights his way up to his knees. Alicia senses Snake’s comeback and therefore drills him in the back of the head with an elbow strike. Alicia pulls a stunned Snake back to his feet and turns him around to face her. She grabs hold of Snake’s arm and turns away from him before pulling his arm straight down over her shoulder. Still holding onto Snake’s arm, she raises it high into the air again, but Snake quickly pulls his arm in to wrap it around Alicia’s neck and lock in a sleeper hold. After wearing her down a bit, Snake releases the hold but immediately wraps his arms around her waist. He then falls backward and effortlessly flings her over in a release German suplex! Snake gets to his feet and continues his assault by dropping a double axe handle across Alicia’s back. Snake covers.

1..............

........2...

KICKOUT

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Snake raises Alicia to her feet and hoists her up into vertical suplex position. He holds her up for a moment to stress his brute strength before dropping her stomach-first onto the top rope. Snake pulls Alicia back into the ring and scoops her up onto his shoulder. He walks over to the corner and drops her face-first onto the turnbuckle with a snake eyes; it’s clear that he can do a lot more damage a lot more quickly than Alicia can in such a situation. Alicia stumbles back, but Snake quickly grabs hold of her again and throws her up against the turnbuckle. He whips her into the opposite turnbuckle and charges toward her, but he is met by two feet being shoved into his face. While Snake is still stunned, Alicia hoists herself up to the second rope and comes flying off with a missile dropkick! Alicia covers.

1..............

KICKOUT

Snake is still far from out of it, and claws his way to the corner, Alicia raining stomps onto him along the way. Once Snake seats himself against the turnbuckle, Alicia tries to plant another stomp into his stomach, but Snake grabs hold of her foot. He then rises to his feet and throws Alicia’s leg up, causing her to flip backward. When she lands on her feet, she’s in for a most rude awakening in the form of a big boot from Snake. Snake grabs Alicia by the throat and pulls her back up. Still holding onto Alicia, he rushes forth and shoves her straight against the corner. Snake then proceeds to choke Alicia until the last moment before the 5 count. He pulls Alicia away from the corner just slightly and bends her over. He then lifts her high into the air and powerbombs her onto the top turnbuckle! The crowd cries out, and Snake pulls her away from the corner and makes the cover.

1.............

.........2.....

KICKOUT

Even as she kicks, Alicia’s pain from that move is clear. Snake raises Alicia to her feet and snaps on the front facelock in preparation for another suplex. But before he can lift her up, Alicia hooks her leg around Snake’s leg. Alicia then quickly rolls him up in a small package!

1...........

.........2......

KICKOUT

Both roll back to their feet, but Snake acts first by making a run at Alicia with a clothesline attempt. Alicia ducks under and ends up behind Snake. Before he can turn to face her, she locks her arms around Snake’s waist. Snake throws his elbow back into Alicia’s head to shake her off. When he turns to face her, though, he’s greeted with a brutally stiff gamengiri! Snake plops down to the mat in a flaccid heap as Alicia lies motionless as well, the recent effort having taken a toll on her as well. Both manage to labor their way up at around the 8 count. This time, Alicia strikes first with a toe kick, but Snake catches her foot and drops an elbow onto her knee. Snake runs to the ropes and rebounds with a yakuza kick attempt, but Alicia ducks under. When Snake turns to face her, she plants a dropkick straight into his knee. Snake drops to all fours, and Alicia runs to the ropes. She hops onto the second rope and flips backward to come crashing down on top of Snake with a moonsault. She rolls him onto his back and goes for the cover.

1.................

.......2.........

KICKOUT!

Alicia pulls Snake back to his feet and backs him up against the ropes with some stiff chops. She tries to whip him to the opposite ropes, but Snake holds onto the top rope with his free hand. Snake then pulls Alicia in towards himself. Snake bends forward and throws Alicia over the top rope with a back body drop, but Alicia nimbly repositions herself in midair to land gracefully on the apron. Before Snake can turn to face her, Alicia nails him the back of the head with an elbow strike. Snake stumbles forward a few steps in a daze. Once he turns to face Alicia, she’s already hopped onto the top rope and come soaring off with a crossbody, but Snake catches her straight out of midair! Snake tosses Alicia over his head, repositioning her in a fireman’s carry to set up for the Snakebite. However, Alicia wriggles out of his grasp so that she lands on her feet behind Snake. On her way down, she wraps her arm around Snake’s head to trap him in an inverted facelock. Finally, she rolls quickly to the side to plant Snake in the Shockwave! Alicia covers.

1................

........2..........

..............3!

DING, DING, DING!

Phillip: Here is your winner...ALICIA...LAUREANOOOOOOOO!

Philip’s still in the midst of his theatrical announcement as Alicia slides out of the ring; she has no intention of staying around to let Rattlesnake’s “other half” extract some payback, and besides, she has to get back to Victor and catch up on some serious quality time.

Rattlesnake, or rather Cobra, grasps the rope and stares a hole into Alicia; Alicia stares back at him, and her fatigue is evident, the victory extremely hard won. Despite this, though, she’s given Cobra a reason to head off and reconsider his game plan… and the crowd can’t wait to see what comes next in this curious saga of the “twin snakes”…

Fade to the break.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Too much caffeine for Jonny? (Credit: Jonny Spade, Jason Freeman )

The scene opens up to seeing Jonny Spade out in the hallway getting a drink of sorts from a vending machine. Unfortunately though for him once the money goes in but after making the choice for his can of Coke, nothing comes out at the bottom. But that quickly changes though because after a few bangs in the sweet spots on the machine not only does he get the one he paid for but another 2 come out of the machine also. Not one to give up on a free chance for not paying he takes those 2 for himself and proceeds to walk on back to his locker room whistling some song. Although as he walks back down the hallway he feels a hand land on his shoulder which prompts him to stop in his tracks. He turns around and spots the ACW Entertainment Champion Jason Freeman.

Jonny: I got nothing to say to you. I am not too particularly happy to have to team with you tonight, so if you don't mind “Mr. Technicality”, I will be on my way.

Freeman: Look, Jon, I'm not trying to start anything. As far as Im concerned we're equal now, okay? I've got no problems with you.

Jonny spits out his coke that he was drinking. Freeman looks noticeably preoccupied with other thoughts, however, obviously about the possibility of getting fired.

Jonny: EQUAL? Easy for you to say, you were the one that got what you wanted and then you ended up winning the way that you did later on at that pay per view….

Jonny takes a deep breath in and then takes a big gulp from his can of coke to finish off his sentence.

….does not make us even.

Freeman: Okay, fine then, we're not equal. You don't have to like me for what I did and Im okay with that...but all I want to know is...did you see ANYTHING, that could have ANYTHING to do with what happened to me on Monday? Because, I KNOW I was framed. Did you see ANYTHING?

Jonny: No I haven’t. But I am glad that what happened DID happen. You got what you deserved. You're just lucky someone didn’t do it to you earlier…

Freeman finally got the answer he was looking for and just butts in to cut off Jonny.

Freeman: Well, then Jonny, I have to go...and Ill see you later in the match.

Jason walks off in the direction he had entered to get Jonny frustrated again.

Jonny: WELL THERE GOES THE ENTERTAINMENT CHAMPION……AGAIN!!!! THINKING HES BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE……..AGAIN!!!

Jonny walks off in the opposite direction yelling about something that can't be heard. Jonny tosses away that can he was drinking and then pops open another can of coke and starts to drink that as the scene fades out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment “Thunderkiss Idol – Part 3” Credit: T-Kiss Special Thanks: Renix/Jade

Note: Prerecorded Footage.

[Alright, if you haven’t been following this story, first let me first admonish you for missing perhaps the single greatest event in ACW history. Secondly, let me get you up to speed. Valets are in. Especially Asian valets. Its ALL the rage baby! Understanding this knowledge, TK embarked on a quest to find the perfect valet through this very contest – “Thunderkiss Idol”. Contestants came from all around, but unfortunately, they all failed to meet TK’s expectations. And when I say “failed”, I really mean bombed. We’ve had midgets, fat chicks and nerdy chicks – but TODAY… oh yes Today will be different. When we last saw our heroes, they were informed that the infamous JADE was standing behind the contestants door. Will TK finally land the perfect girl to do his laundry and dishes .. and occasionally escort him to the ring? Let’s read on…]

Thunderkiss: Well before you send that lovely muffin in, lets end the suspense and introduce our new judge!

Wilcox: Send him in!

[Thunderkiss watches LeRoy pop the door open and in comes a man who resembles former A.C.W Superstar Dan White. He has his exact ring gear on and if you are far enough away, your eye would be trick into believing this is the real thing. Thunderkiss, acting as if he hit the lottery, walks over to the man …]

Wilcox: Is that …?

Thunderkiss: Indeed it is Willy! Let me introduce you to Dan. Dan Offwhite!

Wilcox: Off… White?!

Thunderkiss: Did I stutter?! That’s right, Offwhite. You see, we couldn’t get the real thing to agree because he is quote unquote … retired a.k.a. a “pansy”. So this will have to do, play along Willy.

Wilcox: Just as long as he isn’t as annoying as the real thing.

Dan Offwhite: I LIKE FOOTBALL!

Wilcox: Oh dear God …

Thunderkiss: Plus it’s a parody, so we can’t get sued! Isn’t America great?!

Dan Offwhite: BLIMEY!

Thunderkiss: Ok Dan, go take your seat and lets get this contest back underway!

[Dan Offwhite takes his seat to the right of William Wilcox and looks around the room with a big cheesy grin on his face. Thunderkiss takes his seat as well and once again shouts at LeRoy who is standing by the door picking his nose.]

Thunderkiss: LEROY! Send in Jade!

[Caught off guard, LeRoy quickly wipes his fingers on his shirt and opens the door. It steps Jade, looking as lovely as we last saw her. She expresses no emotion as she glides over in front of the judges table…]

Thunderkiss: Now THIS is what I’m talking about. After a whole day of loser contestants, finally some REAL meat has come out to play!

Wilcox: Scrump-dilly-umpscious!

Dan Offwhite: CRIKEY!

[Jade’s eyes fixate upon Thunderkiss without saying a word. TK looks up at reads her face and his demeanor quickly changes …]

Thunderkiss: What’s a matter with you baby? You look like you want to –

Jade: Kick your ass?

Thunderkiss: Well… yeah…

[Jade takes two steps over to the judges table and places both hands in front of Thunderkiss and lowers her eyes to his level before responding.]

Jade: Because that’s EXACTLY what I want to do. Since I’ve watched you, I soon realized that you are one of the most DISGUSTING men I have ever SEEN. You are a self centered piece of trash, and I drove all the way here just to say this to your face … and do THIS!

~!~SLAP~!~

Dan Offwhite: OH BLOODY HELL!

[Jade’s palm print can clearly be seen on the right side of TK’s face as she has just unloaded upon him. TK looks shocked and it takes a while for his brain to even register what just happened. Luckily, this is enough time for Jade to walk out the door unscathed. When it finally hits him, TK snaps and flips the judges table over in anger.]

Dan Offwhite: HOOLIGANISM!

Thunderkiss: OH SHUT UP OR I’LL REPLACE YOU WITH ANOTHER BRITISH STEREOTYPE!

Dan Offwhite: …………….

Thunderkiss: That’s IT. I’ve had it with this stupid fucking contest! It has been a disaster since that stupid midget stepped his ass in here and it’s gotten worse ever since. That’s it, I’m pulling this contest NOW!

Wilcox: TK….

Thunderkiss: WHAT?!

[TK sees that Wilcox is pointing to the entryway. TK’s eyes quickly spin in that direction and litterally fall out of their sockets as he sees one of the most beautiful girls he has ever seen in his life. His jaw drops, and for the FIRST time in his life, his big mouth doesn’t have any words to mutter. This is no problem for the girl, however, as she has plenty of things to say…]

Vivid: Baby, you’ve just hit the JACKPOT!

[End Part Three]

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Title: The Conquest of Gaul (Credit: Stark/Shawn)

So, he'd been keeping her out of the kitchen. It was his domain, no one wass allowed to tamper with his work when he was at the office and the same could be said of his cooking. Relegating her to the living room to watch some television with William the Conqueror to keep her company, he'd been working for nearly two hours to have what could be described as a gourmet meal for two. She'd see it when he was finished, which was quickly drawing near, but for the moment she was rather loudly complaining that there was nothing on TV from her seat down the hall.

Umeko: If I have to watch another lame American comedy, I might seriously contemplate suicide. How many plots can be wrapped around comic misunderstandings? It’s terribly cliché.

Umeko groaned as she absentmindedly tapped the remote on the side of her head as if she was trying to slowly push the boredom from her head. The only positives, at the moment, is the fact that William the Conquerer is proving to be a rather sweet animal and that the aroma coming from the kitchen is absolutely divine. The former would have been much more useful had she known it in the past, and the latter is something that causes her mouth to water with anticipation.

So, as she crosses her legs and renews her search for something decent to watch, she raises her voice and almost obnoxiously asks the one question a cook can never, ever stand.

Umeko: When will this dinner of yours be done, Doctor?

He groaned. Audibly. Loud enough for her to hear, even. He walked to the door, drying his hands with a towel after washing them and called after her.

Stark: One more word out of you, and William will be eating your portion. It's almost done, be patient.

He returned to his work, pouring a bit of sauce onto the plate that he'd made an identical copy of that was sitting on the counter. The dessert was in the refrigerator... Food on the counter or still cooling on the stove in their foil wrap...

For her part, Umeko was enjoying scratching William’s belly while the TV was on mute. It was at that moment she was completely convinced that the story of him being a savage guard dog was at the very least a bit of a myth, and at the most an outright lie.

While doing this, she looked herself over with a small compact mirror that she pulled from her purse moments before. She’d hate for Starkweather to see her so insecure, but she really couldn’t help it. The night had to be perfect for her; it just had to. She wasn’t about to fool herself into thinking that this wasn’t a very important night. If it went well, then things would go better than she’d hope. If it went badly, then…well…that’s something she didn’t actually feel like contemplating. Too much scheming, believe it or not, annoys her just as much as it’d annoy anybody else

Umeko: What makes you tick, Umeko? Sometimes I don’t even get you.

She muttered to herself as she straightened her hair and retouched a bit of her makeup. She satisfied herself quickly and then went about her waiting a little more. She couldn’t help but think the smell emanating from just down the hallway was oddly familiar.

He stopped, almost at the same time she did at that point in time, to close the refrigerator after removing the wine in the ice bucket that he'd been keeping in their while he worked and contemplate his own actions. What was it that he wanted? What good would this do him? Showing off his talents to someone who was obviously trying time and time again to break him to her will and use him as yet another living weapon for her own glory.

But...

There was something about her. When she wasn't scheming, plotting, putting up all those walls around her. She could be genuine, she could be human, she could be halfway standable when she wasn't being... Well, her usual self. He fully expected some light-hearted curt remarks with quite a bit of sexual overtone to her conversation for the night, and she was sure to not disappoint.

Regardless, dinner was finished. He walked down the hallway and she heard his footsteps on the hardwood floor, William popping up off the floor and trotting off after the noise with his tail wagging. Starkweather led him down the hallway to let him out into the twilit evening to have a run around the yard, then returned to the living room to lean on the doorframe.

Stark: Hopefully you haven't decided to eat your own leg from hunger, it'd ruin your appetite.

Umeko: At least you didn’t make some off-color joke about me eating your pet…

She sarcastically rolls her eyes in classic Umeko fashion. She does, for a change, let out a hint of a bright smile.

Hm... There's the playful side, but the smile is progress. He led the way down the hall to the dining room that adjoined the kitchen. There on the table sat a pair of plates containing the beginning course, what seemed to be a small plate with a sort of appetizer on it. As she sat he explained what it was on her plate, it arranged rather delicately but not to make it seem like some kind of bizarre artwork.

Stark: It's a warmed crab cake with a bit of shaved cauliflower on the side, with a light dijon emulsion on the plate for flavor. It's new, so I do hope it's worth the effort.

She raised her eyebrow for a second…she didn’t expect for him to be this good.

Umeko: I’m impressed…this looks divine.

Starkweather looked at her with an expecting eye as she carved a nice little bite from it and carefully tasted it. She savored the bite for a few seconds, and by looking at the look on her face, Starkweather knew it was a success.

Umeko: I think I’m in Heaven, Doctor.
The slight bit of confidence that showed itself on his face was quickly replaced by a somewhat uncaring, if slightly superior, aura.

Stark: Fine food is an art form to others, I just pick things up rather quickly. Once you get the gist of what kind of foods can go with what, then it's really very simple. I am glad you enjoy it, though.

They ate their food in relative quiet for a time, the crab cake not being very large and they finishing the opening plate in a bare few minutes. He stood as she finished and left the room with the plates to acquire the chilled wine and the entree, leaving her to her thoughts for a minute or two.

While she was alone, she couldn‘t help but wonder what kind of man she‘d fallen for. She certainly didn‘t mean to fall for him, but now that she had a desire to figure him out. She wanted to find more out about the tragic source of his rage, she wanted to find out why he still carried on, and she wanted to find a way to harness his cunning and intelligence. She surmised that he needed a reason to live… And she believed that it was better to live for the flesh rather than the shade. She wanted to harness his passions, his strength, and his intelligence…for both their sake.

She contemplated, with uncertainty, how the night would go from there as she heard her host reentered the room. He looked to be the same as normal, but Umeko could sense that something was a bit different about the normally solemn doctor. With a smile, she greeted him.

Umeko: Welcome back. I was about to have to go and find your myself.

He emerged from the kitchen with two glasses, one he put in front of her, and a bucket of ice with a wine bottle jutting up from it that was set on a nearby table. He then went back into the kitchen for a sparse few seconds before emerging again with a pair of somewhat heavier plates, this time bearing what exactly smelled so wonderful from her position in the living room.

He set the plate in front of her, this one bearing what seemed to be a rather large cut of some kind of fish, blackened lightly on the upside with a hint of redness showing through from some kind of glaze, it sitting on a bed of two kinds of mushrooms in a shallow pool of a deep orange and yellow sauce. He set his plate down on the table in front of his plate and poured her a glass of wine, it being a white variety.

Stark: This is a Verdelet. Took me some time to find a variety that went well with the dish.

He turned, settling down into his chair and looking at her reaction to the dish.

Stark: That would be crispy spiced black bass with a peking duck bouillon, with a few maitake and enoki mushrooms under for flavor.

Umeko looked up at Stark with amazement as she took a few bites from the dish.

Umeko: I’m definitely going to have to keep you…and here I thought all this time your intelligence was your best quality. You’ve clearly proven me wrong. You’re a man full of surprises.

A light shrug. He'd had quite a bit of time to get good at what he did, and his access to the internet and an assortment of Japanese friends from his touring days in Japan. He ate his meal quietly, rather fond of listening to her reverent noises upon eating the food. It was almost above his ability, that dish in particular, but he was able to cook the fish just right. It was a bit dark, but that added flavor. or so he thought.

Stark: Keep me around, hm? I have quite a few qualities, patience and the ability to feed myself the most obvious among them. I suppose.

The rest of the dinner when relatively uneventfully. He'd told her to choose the movie they would watch on his television with the surround sound speakers in his living room, his DVD player would handle anything she threw at it. Perhaps to his surprise, she picked out a copy of Gladiator with a wry smile.

Umeko: I have a love affair with ancient Rome, what can I say?

His smile was more subdued, as was the usual, but they sat down on the couch facing the television and began to watch the movie. The emperor was slain, his mad son took power and exiled the great general Maximus who was then made to be a fighting slave in the pits of the middle east. As they arrived in Rome near the middle of the movie they almost unconsciously grew closer to one another in their seats.

Umeko: You’d think we’d talk more.

She said this as she leaned her head on his shoulder and took a possessive grab of his hand. If it were brighter, he could have seen the smile across her face.

Stark: You'd think...

His view was impassive, really, but her hand wasn't rejected outright. He was rather impassive in general, when it came to it, but the lack of rejection on his end was indication enough that he wasn't objecting to the hand clasping itself to his own. Her head leaning on his shoulder drew his eyes over to hers, and that familiar spark traveled from one set of eyes to the other before either of them realized that they'd both let their guard down for two very different reasons.

Umeko: I suppose it shows we don’t know each other as well as we’d like…

In a bit of a surprise, she gives him a simple peck on the neck and just scoots in a little closer.

Then it was his turn to be lucky, as a look that was a little hard to describe crept over his face and he allowed her to scoot in closer. She was quite warm, that was something he found strange. Warmer than him, anyway. As she scooted closer and practically wrapped herself around his right arm he curled it around her to rest familiarly on her hip. The movie was coming to the end of another epic battle scene, to a more subdued scene with many dark colors, and the room was bathed in a dark blue ambience that made most anything but the screen hard to make out clearly.

Umeko: Don’t be shy… It doesn’t suit you.

He wasn't going to make the first move. That would make her the one with the power. But what he did do was apply a subtle amount of pressure to her hips, pulling her waist yet closer to his own. He turned his head just enough to look her square in the eye. That spark was still there, as powerful as ever... It was all a matter of who was able to withstand that base urge for the longest.

Umeko bit her lower lip and smiled as she enjoyed the unspoken power struggle. It allowed her to see her companion in a very different light and it all intoxicated her. So, she decided to make the first move…and still convince herself that she won the game. She seductively leaned in, like before, and went for a peck on his neck. Unlike before, she gave him a relatively light, but uniquely harsh bite. She pulled back and almost giggled with glee.[/i]

Umeko: Would you think me undignified if I made an off-color joke about dessert?

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 6: Six Man Tag Team Match
Champions vs Champions
Jason Freeman and Wyldcard vs Thunderkiss and Top Draw (Credit: BK)

Phillip: This main event is a six man tag team match scheduled for one fall, coming to the ring weighing in a combined weight of 738lbs, The Entertainment Champion Jason Freeman and Wyldcard!

As the slow intro of the song, the lights dim, and he walks out slowly, and stays near the top of the ramp. When the chorus hits the lights turn on and flash brightly as a bit of fire pyro goes off. He walks slow with the Entertainment Title over his shoulder, and poses a bit as he walks down the ramp. He is shortly followed by the 'ACW Tag Team Champions' Wyldcard, who appear to be his tag team partners tonight in this match, but there still lies how the team will co-exist with the past rivalry with Spade and Freeman. All six men enter the ring with one thing on their mind, revenge on their opponents.

Phillip: And their opponents, coming to the ring weighing in at combined weight of 702lbs, the LUE Champion Thunderkiss, and Top Draw!

"Paradise City" sounds through the speakers and all three men walk out onto the stage and the pyro shoots up from behind as they do their respective poses, even the introduction of the Thunderkiss pose. All three walk down to the ring and look to be a cohesive unit, going over their strategy as they hit the ramp before running down and sliding into the ring for an explosive start to the match and the bell immediately rings for the match.

All six men are now in the ring and it looks like a complete warzone in the squared circle as all three members of each team have found a person to engage in a brawl with. Gooey and BK London appear to be getting it on in one corner of the ring while Jake Cheng and Jonny Spade, former ACW Tag Team Champions in their own right are scuffling as well. The Entertainment Champions Thunderkiss and Jason Freeman exchange blows in the center of the ring, but Thunderkiss manages to bring the exchange to a halt with a rake to the eye. The rake to the eye temporarily blinds the real Entertainment Champion and he whips him across the ring before looking for a Back Body Drop. Jason Freeman delivers a stiff toe kick to the face of Thunderkiss, before dropping him down to the mat with a standing dropkick. Thunderkiss rolls under the bottom rope to the outside to recover from the move and suddenly Jake Cheng grabs Freeman from behind and dumps him over the top rope to the outside. Jake slaps his chest in triumph before turning around, in which he recieves a Cactus Clothesline from Gooey - sending them both over the top rope to the outside. The only two left in the ring now is BK London and Jonny Spade.

A kick to the gut by BK London starts off the brawl before he lays into him with a stiff forearm to the jaw. Knocked for a bit off the loop, Jonny stumbles backwards into the ropes but comes right back with a huge forearm of his own. BK is knocked off his vertical base and he gets up again before recieving a clothesline by the four time ACW Tag Team Champion. BK rises up again and recieves another clothesline, sending him crashing down to the mat. BK gets up for a third time and Jonny brings a halt to the chain of clothesline as he whips the former World Champion into the corner. Landing hard in the corner, BK appears to be immobile and now Jonny looks to capitalize. He backs up and runs straight for BK, landing with a huge running shoulder thrust to the abdomen. BK holds his gut upon stepping out of the corner and Jonny grabs him and hits him with a Snap Suplex. One would think he would go for the pin, but instead he picks his opponent up and drags him to his corner where he tags in his tag team partner Gooey Garth. Gooey hasn't been seen in the ring in the past few months, but he isn't going to let the mild ring rust gets to him as Jonny picks up BK in a scoop slam and drops him back first over his partner's knee.

BK writhes in pain after that double team manuever and now Gooey looks for the first pin attempt in the match and referee Keiji Makabe is there to make the count.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
KICK OUT!

It's going to take a lot more than that to take out the former World Champion, and Gooey sees that, which is why he wastes no time capitalizing on BK with a grounded version of the abdominal stretch - further working on the abdominal area that Jonny targeted previously. BK screams in pain upon recieving such manuever and you can hear some members of the audience starting up a BK chant - but it is eclipsed by the chants for Wyldcard. Thunderkiss enters the ring and breaks up the submission with a boot to the head before being sent back to the corner by Makabe. BK musters up enough strength to return to his feet and Gooey manages to recover from the hard boot to the head, but he doesn't see BK coming up behind him and BK delivers a Lungblower to the former Tag Team Champion right in the center of the ring. Gooey flops over on his stomach and now BK pulls him over to his corner before tagging in Jake Cheng. BK picks up Gooey and delivers an Invernted Atomic Drop to him as Jake comes off the ropes and nearly takes his head off with a Running Front Dropkick to his head. BK returns to his corner and Jake hooks the leg of Gooey, looking to pick up the win.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
TH-KICK OUT!

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Gooey gets his shoulder up right before three and Jake is shocked to see him kicked out of that combination of manuevers. Jake picks up Gooey again and rests him in the corner and follows up with a few well placed kick to the gut before a huge one to the side of his head. Gooey still isn't knocked down by those rather hard kicks to his head and now Jake attempts to take him down with a headbutt, but it ends up hurting him more than Gooey. Jake holds his head for a bit before rising up and attempting a right hand, but Gooey blocks it and delivers a headbutt to Jake. Jake stumbles back and Gooey grabs him again before delivering a much harder headbutt to the head, bringing Jake down to the mat. Gooey drops down to one knee, obviously taking a bit of punishment from the headbutts himself and he attempts to make his way to his corner but Thunderkiss runs in the ring and takes both Jonny and Jason off the apron in a very heelish manuever. Makabe yells at him and demands he gets back to his corner and he does so. Jake rolls over to the Top Draw side of the ring and tags in Thunderkiss to deal with a lone Gooey.

He rushes up to Gooey and attempts to deliver a huge punch to Gooey, but Gooey blocks it and begins mounting an offense. He comes at Thunderkiss with three huge punches to the head, and the crowd goes completely wild. After resting him on the ropes, he whips him off and looks for a back body drop, but Thunderkiss drives him into the mat with a DDT. Gooey is planted into the mat by Thunderkiss, and the crowd couldn't boo any more for the faux Entertainment Champion. Thunderkiss nonchalantly pins the tag team champion, looking to pick up an easy win after that move.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
TH-

But the pin is broken up by Jason Freeman, an angry one at that, still anxious to get into this match. Keiji has to grab the furious Freeman to return him to his corner, while Thunderkiss drags Gooey to his corner and Jake, BK, and himself begin a three on one onslaught which infuriates Freeman more. Thunderkiss tags BK into the match, and now BK continues with what he started earlier into the match. BK pulls Gooey to the center of the ring and has him stand groggily on his two feet before nailing him with a kick to the gut and driving him into the mat with the Revolver, but he isn't done yet - oh no, far from it. He walks over to the corner and begins Tuning up the Band, and both Thunderkiss and Jake can be seen tuning up the band along with their teammate. Gooey staggers to his feet and turns around as BK comes straight forward at him, and Gooey manages to duck under it and scoop BK up in a Electric Chair before dropping him right on his back. BK lays motionless in the ring while Gooey slowly begins to make his way to his corner - and when he's halfway there BK makes a break for his corner as well. BK reaches to his corner first and tags in Thunderkiss, who attempts to make it to get to Gooey before he can get to Freeman but it's too late.

The caged animal has been freed as he hops over the top rope to enter the ring and he takes down Thunderkiss with a series of clotheslines. He whips Thunderkiss off the ropes and takes him down with a huge back body drop, sending him soaring throughout the air. His momentum is brought to an end with a vicious clothesline to the back of the head by Jake Cheng, and now the former Light Heavyweight Champion goes to work on Jason Freeman with a series of stomps to his lowerback. Jonny enters the ring and gets a good lock on Jake, and soon enough Jake turns around and walks right into a huge spear by the four time tag team champion. The roof nearly blows off the arena after that huge spear, but it is quickly turned down after BK tosses Jonny through the ropes to the outside of the ring. BK picks up Freeman and sets him up for the Revovler, but Freeman pushes BK into the ropes and drives him into the mat with an Arn Anderson like Spinebuster. Freeman rises up and Thunder scoops him up with a Heaven's Door, but he isn't able to deliver it as Gooey takes out his legs with a chop block which sends Freeman falling on top of Thunderkiss in a pinning position.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
THR-

BK manages to muster enough strength after the spear to break up the count, and Gooey goes after him. He rolls out the ring and leads Gooey around the corner, where is head is taken off by a stiff roundhouse kick by Jake. Freeman grabs Thunderkiss and places his head between his legs before throwing him over his shoulder. In an impressive show of strength it looks like he is about to deliver his Journey's end. BK hops back on the apron and tags himself in, unknowing to Freeman and Freeman delivers his move. BK rolls in the ring and pick up Jason Freeman in a bearhug position while Jake quickly ascends to the top rope and hits a Double Stomp, which they call "So a Chinese Guy and a Black Guy Walk Into a Bar..". BK capitalizes with a Jacknife Pin and it's simply academic from here.

ONE
.
.
TWO
.
.
THREE!

Phillip: And the winners of this match, the team of Top Draw and Thunderkiss!

"Paradise City" sounds throughout the speakers as the winners celebrate in the ring and the losers head to the back with their tails tucked behind their legs. The crowd isn't exactly crazy over the winners of this match, but they appreciate the six man tag team treat they had.

Fade Out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: The little bitch (Credit: Rena)

Backstage, the last match has just finished… and Rena has finally managed to get a few moments alone with her husband Ryan. She has the paper from Wednesday in her hands.

Rena slammed the newspaper on her husband’s desk.

Rena: Did you read that trash!?

Ryan: Rena,-

Rena: Who the hell does that little bitch think she is!? Alicia has been nothing but kind to her and she goes and fucking does that shit? I'm going to-

Ryan: Rena!

Rena: WHAT!?

Ryan: Rayne was here this morning.

Rena: And I hope you kicked her sorry ass out without a job and heading back to wherever the fuck she came from.

Ryan: No. She explained.

Rena: There is no excuse or explanation in the world for that!

Ryan: She said Ginger put her up to it.

Rena: Ginger? Why in the hell would he put her up to it!?

Ryan: She said that it would build rivalry and interest within the feud. There's nothing like trying to create a real life tussle. It has Gingerdude written all over it.

Rena: You're a fucking fool if you believe that shit.

Ryan: Rena, you know as I do that Alicia is not getting any younger. And a few of us think that-

Rena: That Rayne will be the next Alicia?

Ryan: Well, something like that.

Rena: Well it wont happen because you just wont book her.

Ryan: I can't do that, Rena.

Rena: Oh and why the hell not?

Ryan: We cant just pass up that kind of talent, Rena. She almost beat Brimstone on her debut! The big boys really want to push her hard. I can't just refuse due to some little girl fight.

Rena: I runs longer and deeper than some girl fight.

Ryan: It's all a big misunderstanding.

Rena: You can't believe her.

Ryan: I don't know what to believe.

Rena: Have you talked to Ginger about it?

Ryan: No. I haven't got a hold of him.

Rena: Well I will be scheduling a luncheon with him soon.

Ryan: Rena.

Rena: Don't you Rena me. You are choosing you wife and best friends over some little bitch. And did you know what I heard from Latino tonight during the show? Rayne tried to hit on him.

Ryan: Rayne what?

Rena: You heard me. She tried to seduce him for god knows what reason. Probably couldn't be satisfied with stealing Alicia's match. She had to steal her man aswell. And dont you also find it funny that every single news publication was there the night that Rayne got the match?

Ryan: Well, yes.

Rena: I think I've made my point.

Ryan: Indeed. I'll speak with Ginger about it-

Rena: No. Let me.

Ryan: Alright.

Rena smiled and kissed her husband on the forehead. She never really likes making him angry and raising her voice at him. She left the room in a cheery mood, glad she got everything under control finally.

[fade.]

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Party Poopers (Credit: BK/Jake/Zero)

As we fade in from the previous segment, Top Draw seems to still be celebrating their six man tag team win over Jason Freeman and Wyldcard. They hold their respective Tag Team Championships on their shoulders, but Jake calls for the mic from Phillip - who doesn't waste a second presenting him with it. The "tag team champs" seem very cocky after their win, you can almost feel some sort of a confident aura exuding from them.

Jake: You see people, you'd like to think we're done tonight. But we're just getting started folks. I know that we have a match scheduled for Genocide against Wyldcard, but ah hell BK, I can't wait, can you?

BK: You know I can't wait.

Jake: Screw the rules, we're challenging Wyldcard to a Tables Match right here - right now!

An immense pop follows this challenge by Top Draw, and BK nods in approval as Jake walks over to BK and drops his belt on the mat. He shoves BK a bit, and BK stumbles back before he screams out this well known phrase:

Jake: BK! GET THE TABLES!

BK: ....why I gotta get the tables? It's because I'm black?

Jake: ....yes it is BK, it's because you're black. Now get the tables!

A bit of comedy from the PWB Tag Team Champions as BK gets ready to exit the ring and get the tables, but a very familiar theme sounds throughout the speakers.

“Simple Man” by Hardcore Superstar begins to blast its killer cords which stops BK straight in his steps and makes Jake thrust his head from the opposite direction towards the Alphatron. BK pulls himself away from the ropes and takes a few steps back as Jake is shown behind BK also staring on. Without any further ado, the man they call Jay Zero steps out onto the stage with his black and white boas wrapped around his neck. He’s wearing a black leather vest with no shirt underneath and short white pants with black tassels coming from the ends. He struts around on the stage with an ACW microphone in hand, embracing the thousands of “Zero” chants. BK turns to talk to Jake, making some arm and hand motions towards Zero. The music begins to slowly fade as Zero pulls the microphone up to his face.

Zero: Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girl…..I introduce to you, Top Draw, ACW’s saddest attempt to draw in sales!

Zero begins to clap and the majority joins in with him.

Zero: Now, for those of you who may have missed Monday Night Warfare, allow me to introduce myself. I am the man who will be the most impactful, controversial, and sexiest to ever enter ACW at 5’10” and 195 pounds! Who am I? I’m Jay Zero!

He begins to walk around a bit on the stage as the girls in the arena begin cheering for him more. Zero then points to BK.

Zero: BK…..very nice, solid match up against Chance on Monday. Maybe you just are beginning to get out of that rut that you’re having. Oh, and congratulations on the win here tonight. However there’s still one thing that I’m seeing that’s kind of….well…weighing you down.

BK and Jake both glare on as BK readjusts his PWB Tag Team Title that he just picked up and placed over his shoulder.

Zero: No…No. It’s not that…..Oh so glamorous tag team title that lays upon your shoulder. But instead, what’s weighing you down is the man that stands aside you at this very moment. Jacob Cheng.

Jake launches forward towards the ropes and BK can do nothing towards Zero’s words since Zero’s all the way up on the stage, and he’s in the ring. Jake starts yelling out some stuff to Jay and BK just readjusts his title, and slightly pulling back on Jake’s shoulder.

Zero: Y’see BK. There comes a time in every man, or woman’s wrestling, football, soccer, basically any sports career where they reach a point where they are untouchable. It nearly seems impossible to stop this person at the very thing that they do best. You may say that this person is in their prime.

Well BK, you’ve done many impressive things in your career, however you haven’t even reached your prime yet. In your near future, all you're going to do is go up, but like I said on Monday you’re going down the ladder at the moment. Jake Cheng isn’t doing a thing for you! You used to walk out to the ring with a meaning, and you used to spill your heart and soul in the ring. You used to have the intensity, but now that Top Draw is back in the picture, you’ve been making up fake titles and telling jokes like this is some kind of comedy club.

BK, snap out of it, this isn’t who you are! Jake Cheng……is ruining your career, and taking from you who you are!

Jake steps inbetween the ropes and BK wastes no time in pulling Jake back and restraining him. This how gotten BK just as mad as Jake and for how much he’d like to go and beat Zero, he knows it’s not the right choice.

Zero: Yeah, whatcha’ gonna do Jakey boy? You gonna come up this ramp-way and fight me? Well Jake…..I am aware that you have challenged me to a match because of what I said to you on Monday….So come on Jakey, let’s do this!

Zero pulls off the boa and chucks them into the crowd off the stage as many people push and shove while jumping, trying to grab the boas. BK shrugs his shoulders and lets go of Jake, but halts as Zero opens his mouth again.

Zero: …..Whoa whoa whoa, Jakey boy……you didn’t let me finish. Let’s do this, just…not now, and not Monday either.

This gets some boos from the crowd as they wanted to see the Jake / Zero encounter.

Zero: Yeah, I know you challenged me to a formal match Monday, but I decline. Now don’t name me as a coward, because that’s clearly not my reasoning for not accepting. Jake, it’s not the fact that I’m not ready to rush into these things, it’s merely the fact that I…..Don’t think your ready for me!

This is the straw that broke the camels back as Jake begins to make his way out the ring and up the ramp, the crowd cheers for Wyldcard as they hop the barrier and pull out a table from under the ring. Meanwhile in the ring, BK is totally oblivious to this, and he continues to cheer on his partner as he makes his way toward's the newcomer Zero.

Jonny and Gooey slided in the ring with the table, still recieving a huge reaction from the crowd. BK turns around and - THWACK - Gooey and Jonny use the flat surface of the table as somewhat of a battering ram and breaks it over the skull of BK. BK lays motionless between the two large pieces of wood and Gooey as only one thing to say.

Gooey: In Soviet Russia, table goes through you.

Large laughters from the crowd ensue and Jake turns around and sees that he has been duped, hoodwinked, tricked, flabberghasted, and all other words for being taken as a fool. He runs back down the ramp and slides in the ring while Wyldcard exit the ring and return back from where they came.

Jake begins to check on his partner, who has obviously been taken for a fool and he turns back towards the stage to see Zero gone and looks in the crowd to see both Jonny and Gooey laughing it up. Not a happy ending for Top Draw on this episode of Meltdown, but they have one more show before Warfare to get it right - and there's no doubt redemption will be in mind…

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Final Decision (Credit: Wyvern / Senator)

It’s not over yet, folks…

As the ring clears out after commercial, “Trip Like I Do” plays to a big reaction from the crowd, as Wyvern briskly walks down the ramp, wearing a new variation on his classic “Expect the Unexpected” shirt and warm-up pants.

Maxwell McNally: It looks as if Wyvern has something important to say here, I doubt he would be coming to the ring at this time if otherwise.

As he steps into the ring, Wyvern calls for and receives the microphone. Just as the tossed audio implement reaches Wyvern’s hand, another theme plays over the PA system.

“Fast” Eddie Edison: That’s Eye of the Tiger! It’s the Senator!

Phillips walks down to the ring, wearing one of his usual finely tailored suits, taking a microphone from Phillip Jones along the way. Wyvern holds the ropes down, allowing his fellow Senatorial Stable member into the ring.

Wyvern: Well, that was grandiose. I thought you only used that theme for a pay-per-view match?

The Senator: Well, it is a special occasion, nevertheless, so I told the guys in the booth to use it. So then, just to let you people out there in the audience know, this conversation is being held right here, right now, for a specific reason. Chairman Ginger would find some way to listen in and broadcast it if we tried to hold it elsewhere, and since this is extremely relevant to ACW as a whole, it is best to make this public.

Wyvern: Sorry to interrupt, but you haven’t said what this is about…

Senator: True enough. Very well, an important issue has arisen as of late, to be clear, the issue of the number one contendership for the ACW World title. Each of us has a valid claim for that challenge. Now, instead of resorting to clichéd violence, or unbearable bureaucracy, it is indeed better to have this simple, preferable discussion to make the decision. Now, no matter what decision we arrive at, let it be said that there will be no hard feelings here. If we decide your case is stronger, that is fine, if I prevail, I will ensure that you get a future shot at the title. I think we both agree on that point. If you would wish to state your argument first, I have no problem with that.

Wyvern: Sure, I can warrant an explanation. So far during my tenure here in Alpha Championship Wrestling, I’ve held multiple titles, and have brought hard-earned prestige to them. I revitalized the Entertainment title that our stablemate Jason Freeman currently dons. Let’s also not forget my reign with the International title, which not only did I defend valiantly against former Senatorial Stable members, but I still to this date, am the ONLY sole victor of the Fallen Heroes battle royale. And that to this day is my sole title shot, and I haven’t asked for one since. To state my case without resorting to somewhat distant reasons, let’s not forget I’ve been fairing quite well in recent months. I’ve defeated Latino, a former World champion. I can also safely say I’ve defeated the current Lightweight, International, and World champions. I’ve defeated Chance, Kudo, and Brimstone…within the past month and a half. And finally, you did retire here in ACW. Not that I don't think you can still go, but you're under contract to Fallout, and that might bring about some unnecessary hassles.

Senator: Very well then. Now, about the contract deal, I had a nice talk to Ginger earlier. Rest assured, I am clear to compete in ACW. That was taken care of already; I would be lax if I made an empty challenge that I could not back up. Ok, then, I have two main points that I think are on my side. First, I have scouted Mr. Emmerson, and believe that my in-ring style has the ability to neutralize his own. Not that it will be easy by any means, but Tim Dwight has told me that if I continue training at the level I have over the last two months, my tactics will give me more than a fighting chance, no pun intended, of course. As for the other point, this is the right time for me to challenge. My body has sufficiently healed from the last match it endured, and my condition is as good as it will ever be from here on out. Mentally, I am at the state where I still am motivated to give it one last try, to go for that belt one last time, to push myself to the breaking limit for that one final shot at the top. I am not getting any younger.

Phillips removes his suit coat, handing it off to a ringside worker before continuing.

Senator: If there ever was a time, that I could manage to split my time between the political and wrestling worlds with the opportunity to finally realize my last dream in the company, this is it. I won my re-election, and staffing problems have been solved. Over here, I have trained relentlessly with the Dwight Gym, whipping not only them, but also myself into top shape. I doubt I can hold out much longer. This is personal, too. Umeko Saito believes herself to be the top strategist ACW, and her boy Chance to be nearly invincible. She sees me as an obstacle to her final usurpation of power here. If I can win this match, it defeats her goal, quite emphatically, more so than if anyone else, including you. That is the final reason that I wish to have this match, for Genocide, and ask that you allow me to take it. Wyvern, you're not a spring chicken yourself, and you have likely suffered as many injuries in your shorter career as I have. Even so, you will have more opportunities down the road, which is inevitable. Someone like yourself will always have the opportunity, should you take it. I only ask that, at this time, that you allow me to do so. It may sound a tad selfish, and yes, perhaps it is a tad selfish, but I truly think this is the best time for me to take this shot.

Wyvern takes the mic, and looks down for a moment, pondering what has just been said. After a few moments, Wyvern pulls the mic up and responds.

Wyvern: It’s definitely a messy situation. Both of us desire this shot immensely, and both of us want to thwart Chance and Umeko. Personally, I want this shot immensely, probably more than you realize. Part of me wants to prove to my own self that the World title isn’t out of my reach for good, and part of me just wants the thrill of the pursuit. I’ve been racking my brain here tonight, and I really wanted to think of a way we could make the best out of this situation. I thought, let’s make it a triple threat match, but then we’d have a problem, as Chance and Umeko would surely benefit from both of us vying for the title. However, no other solution came to mind. So here I am, feeling pumped and primed to make my strides for the title, but I do see the validity of your statement. And for that…I rescind my bid for the World title shot. It means a lot for the Senatorial Stable that we illustrate our dominance here in the ACW, and even more so, put Chance and Umeko in their place. I’ll have future shots towards the title, I’m sure of it. Go ahead, and make the stable proud!

The crowd roars with Wyvern’s announcement – not only is it affirming the Senator’s run for the title, it also shows the selflessness nature of the members of the Senatorial Stable. Senator picks up the mic and speaks.

Senator: I must say, I am rarely speechless, but this is one of those times. Thank you for doing this the right way.

With that, the two shake hands in a moment of respect. Wyvern flashes a genuine smile to Senator, who responds in the same fashion, as the broadcast fades.

Fade to Black.

End of Show.