Monday Night Warfare 2nd June 2008

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Epic Encounter (Credit: BK / Flamingo)

As the cameras cut back to the South Korean crowd who're on their feet as Chairman Gingerdude stood out on the entrance ramp, in a dashing gray suit with a microphone in hand. At his sides, stood two of ACW's biggest security guards that were currently on the pay roll.

Chairman Gingerdude: Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you here tonight on the behalf of Alpha Championship Wrestling and I'm pleased to say that you've sold out this arena tonight!

Gingerdude pauses to let the fans cheer themselves for selling out their hometown arena in order to support ACW. Gingerdude himself joins in on the applause with a big smile on his face, but suddenly remembers why he's there and calmly starts to usher the fans down.

Chairman Gingerdude: Unfortunately, I'm not out here tonight just for the good news. Now, as you may know, tonight I've promised to make a huge announcement concerning both BK London and Adrian Flamingo that will certainly change the future of this company. So, would BK London please come ou-

HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOO

HELLO BROOKLYN

Gingerdude grimaces after BK's entrance music cuts him off once again. BK London steps out from behind the black curtain of the entrance ramp followed by five ACW security guards as the crowd roar with cheers for the former ACW Champion. BK is dressed in a casual garb of blue jeans and a black t-shirt that reads “I've got SEEEEOOOOOOOOUL”. Despite the humorous t-shirt, BK seemed tense as he made his way down to the ring after glaring at Gingerdude, slapping hands as he made his way down. After BK slid into the ring, five more security guards rushed down to the ring and cut the ring in half diagonally along with the other security guards as they formed a human chain.

Chairman Gingerdude: Now, would Adrian Flamingo please join us.

IN HEAVEN, EVERYTHING IS FINE

YOU'VE GOT YOUR GOOD THINGS, AND I'VE GOT MINE

Adrian Flamingo rushes out of the black curtain in jeans and plain black t-shirt to the echoed boos of the South Korean crowd. Their disapproval doesn't have much affect on Flamingo who casually flips Gingerdude off with a sneer before slowly walking his way to the ring. As soon as he slides into the ring, he rushes right at BK who more than eagerly tries to shove his way through security, but the human chain stayed strong and kept both men at bay.

Chairman Gingerdude: Excuse me, gentlemen, I'd appreciate it if you turned your attention to the man who holds your careers in his hand.

Slowly but surely, both Adrian and BK step back towards their corners and look back up at Gingerdude who smugly smiles down at the both of them.

Chairman Gingerdude: There, much better. Now, boys, I think I speak for everyone in ACW when I say that I'm sick and tired of dealing with the two of you. In fact, it's become very apparent that the two of you can't even be in the same vicinity of one another. BK London, I understand your desire for retaliation and revenge on the man who put you on the shelf with a crippling leg injury. Heck, some would say that your injury was the reason why your home life fell into shambles. At what point, however, do you realize that this is never going to end? Adrian Flamingo, here, has made it very clear that no matter how many victories you get or how many injuries he sustains, he's just going to come back for more. At what point, BK, do you realize that you're endangering your career as this blood feud continues?

The camera cuts to BK who gives a very stern look into the direction of Gingerdude as Adrian laughs at BK.

Chairman Gingerdude: I wouldn't be smiling if I were you, Mr. Flamingo. Adrian Flamingo, over the past year I've watched a promising talent and world title contender morph into a mentally unstable, obsessed time bomb. It's to the point that I can't even book you into matches because I fear for the well-being of your opponents, and even if I don't book you into matches, you just insert yourself in them anyway. At our last show, our show for the servicemen in Iraq, a show that was supposed to send the boys and girls there back to their bases with a good feeling inside, you and Danny Mainer interrupted a showcase match of a lifetime. One of ACW's most decorated teams comprised of two of ACW's most decorated wrestlers, Top Draw, was set to face off in another one of their epic encounters. Yet, you decided that you needed to rob those good boys and girls the match of a lifetime for a measure of petty revenge. Adrian Flamingo, you gripe and complain that you haven't been given title opportunities, but why in the world could I justify giving one to a man with your level of insubordination and mental incompetence?

The smirk on Adrian's face was gone and, this time, BK London shared a laugh at his enemy's anger. This was short-lived, however, as Gingerdude once again commanded their attention.

Chairman Gingerdude: So, on the long journey from Iraq to South Korea, I got to thinking. How in the world could I end this war between the two of you so that ACW could finally have some peace of mind? I could always book you into a cage match at Omega Effect... or perhaps a more sinister match like a no rope barbed wire match... but then I realized, would ACW still be standing by Omega Effect if things continued at this rate? Well, I'm pleased to tell you that I took some advice from Mr. Flamingo over there. Adrian, did you not say that the only way this could end was if one of you weren't around to get into the other one's way? Well, at our Anniversary Show in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan... Adrian Flamingo will take on BK London one last time... in a Loser Leaves ACW match!

Everyone in the arena's eyes widened and jaws dropped as Gingerdude took a bow before exiting the entrance way with his two security guards in tow. As the fans remained in a state of shocked silence, Adrian Flamingo slowly turned his head and locked his eyes on the face of BK London. Neither man looked stunned, nor showed fear. Deep down, both of them knew that what Gingerdude had said was true. Just like the food chain, in order for one to thrive, the other would have to disappear. So, without a single word shared between the two, Adrian Flamingo rolled out of the ring and slowly made his way up the ramp. The entire time, his emotionless face stared back at the emotionless face of BK London.

Adrian Flamingo vs. BK London 3... Loser Leaves ACW

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Sweet Revenge: Part 13: Looking Through A Magnifying Glass To See What’s Right In Front Of You

(Credit: Scott Andrews)

After his defeat, Scott Andrews is none too pleased. He trudges angrily through the backstage area tipping over pot plants, picking up and throwing items at the walls and smashing a water cooler with a swift Headshot. He continues walking for a moment before stumbling into his locker room and breaking down. Jessie watches him plop down on a fold out chair with his face in his hands and sob. She rushes to him and hugs him worryingly.

Scott: I...I can’t control myself, Jessie, I just can’t...

He wipes his eyes.

Scott: I lost my cool before, during, and after my match even when I told myself I’d be alright; I told myself I could control my anger...but I fuckin’ caved...

Jessie begins to let out a couple of tears, wishing she could speek; wishing she could comfort her love. But she can’t and tears her up inside.

Scott: I need to do something about this, Jess, I can’t keep doing this; I can’t keep letting it get the best of me.
Jessie get up and grabs a bottle of water for Scott who takes a couple of mouthfuls before screwing the lid back on.

Scott: Thanks, hun. I love you. I love you so much and I hate you seeing me like this...I need to get myself back on track, Jess or I’m gonna end up doing something I regret...

Scott sits still with his head in his lap as the scene fades softly into black.

Fade Out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

“Welcome Back”
Credit: Yoko Satoshi, Kenny

[On the television screens worldwide, logos of companies that want nothing more than your money and soul begin to pop up, cuing McNally into doing the following - ]

Maxwell McNally: Tonight’s Monday Night Warfare is brought to you by ...

[Before McNally can cash another sponsor’s check, the unscheduled beat of “Flashing Lights” drowns out his voice.]

Maxwell McNally: ... Aiden Joseph’s music, apparently.

“Fast” Eddie Edison: Somebody better inform him that he is no longer World Champion and can’t put a stop to the show whenever he likes.

Maxwell McNally: Why don’t you do it, Eddie?

“Fast” Eddie Edison: I am a professional commentator, Maxwell! I have a degree in broadcasting, unlike some people! You tell him!

[McNally sighs at Edison’s vexation and fixates his gaze onto his monitor where he watches Aiden wiggle his way into the ring through the top and middle ropes. Now inside the square that made him famous, Aiden takes control of his instrument of destruction and does what he does best, entertain.]

Aiden Joseph: Unknown to you all I invited a very special guest to join me here tonight, and though I have been given no confirmation of her arrival, I know all too well that she is not one to disappoint.

[With a smirk Aiden turns towards the entranceway and leans his body over the top rope. In a very nonchalant way he lifts the microphone to his pouty lips and pages his guest for this evening.]

Aiden: Yoko, let’s not keep the masses waiting, my dear! The moment you stuck your shattered nose into my business you knew this moment was coming.

[With the opening beats of “The Flower of Carnage,” out comes Yoko Satoshi to inform her caller that she agrees.]

Aiden *smiling*: Right on time.

[The South Korea fans are in for quite a treat for this is the first time Yoko has graced a presentation of Warfare in almost ten months. Looking just like she did the day she vanished from the cameras, a determined Yoko places her boot down inside the arena and the crowd welcomes her home with an enthusiastic uproar. There is not a pair of eyes in the known world that does not want to see this long awaited confrontation take place, well, all expect one. Like a suicidal kamikaze the Chairman of the Board comes virtually out of nowhere and leaps directly in front of Yoko’s path.]

Gingerdude: Look Yoko, without a doctor’s notice your suspension still stands!

Yoko Satoshi: I’d move if I were you.

[Watching Ginger act like a blockade draws Aiden’s ire. From the ring he beckons for his long time associate to remove himself so that tonight’s proceedings can continue.]

Aiden: No, Ginger. Let this one go.

Ginger *yelling*: I am not going to risk a law -

Aiden *interrupting*: Oh come on Ginger! Do you really think Yoko would sue you?!

Ginger: I have my business to protect!

Aiden: I’d be more than happy to cover any occurring damages if that quells your anxiety, Ginger. Have your people spin a legal document; I’ll sign it. Now you better pass my friend if you want to make sure your appendages remain attached. She looks quite upset.

[Ginger reconnects his eyes with the Flower of Carnage. With a gulp he quickly steps aside as he realizes Aiden is astute as ever. Ginger watches on as Yoko’s jet black hair streaks past him like the summer breeze; her hands trembling with rage. Later tonight he’ll thank Aiden for his advice but for the moment his attention is caught up in Aiden’s own well being. He’s seen the horrors those little Asian hands have done, and for Aiden’s sake, he hopes he is ready for what lies ahead.]

Aiden: Welcome Yoko, let’s talk business. I’ve replayed Spring into Hell over and over in my mind Yoko and each time I come to the same conclusion: I would still be the ACW World Champion if it was not for you. Now I know you’ve been away for a while so let me refresh your memory when it comes to my past. Typically when one takes from me, I take back, tenfold. Now I’m fairly certain your concern over my future hostility is minimal, considering your inflated ego and all, but surely you know I won’t be making life easy for you now! I must simply ask ... why? Why would you open yourself up to my aggression over a girl who broke your heart?

Yoko: Why would you leave yourself out in the open with a girl who can break your neck?

[One second her arm is by her side; the next it is bent at the elbow making a beeline towards Aiden’s throat. Aiden’s tussle with Sarin last month has made him quite accustomed to facing quicker opponents, and in combination with his long hours of film study on Yoko, he is able to raise his hand up in time to block her attack.]

Aiden: SO Expected. I knew civility would be tossed out the window when dealing with you. My turn.

[Thrusting his knee out, Aiden attempts the most important RESHOOT of his life. Every action has a reaction and Yoko responds by thrusting her arms downwards faster than he can move his lower body. Making the block easily, Yoko leaves Aiden in complete awe. Even in his quest for vindication, he must take a moment to appreciate the physical specimens he has in front of him. His mind immediately takes a step backwards to last Fall and remembers the offer he placed at her doorsteps; an offer that was responded with a bloody tampon. Oh what they could have been.]

Aiden: We could have owned this place, Yoko.

Yoko: True, but what’s the fun in that?

Aiden: Touché. Let the games begin!

~!~CRACK~!~

Fans: Boooooooooooooooooo!

[Sparking a feeling of deja vu to all those who purchased Spring into Hell, a human wall is quickly built in front of the two opposing forces. Try as they might, even their combined efforts cannot overcome what is quickly becoming an annoyance to not only themselves, but to all the faithful viewers as well. To see this through to the end, they will most definitely have to step out of the realm of Ginger’s influence if they dare not wait till Omega Effect IV.]

Aiden: We should carry this elsewhere.

Yoko: Don't be late.

[He doesn’t have to tell her where or what time; she already knows. If only the rest of us were as lucky.]

[FADE]

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 5: ACW Heavyweight Championship - Special Guest Referee: Fallen Souls
Sarin Rossi(c) vs. Nick Durden

An ACW Championship match is always a major event, and tonight is no exception. The crowd has even more reason to be hyperactive than normal, for the referee is a man who they have revered since the beginning of his tenure with the Federation, and FSX enters in a referee’s shirt to a barnstorming welcome from the Seoul fans, “Beast of Blood” hammering the sound system for all it’s worth.

The sound continues to bubble like an undercurrent as Philip makes the formal introductions. Nick Durden appears first to the sound of “What I Want”; the fans make a decent amount of noise, and Nick’s not in the frame of mind to notice one way or the other. His attention is 100% on what lies ahead, an approach which Fallen understands very well.

Nick’s focus, however, is not so Zen-like as to be able to blot out the ugly sound the crowd makes when “Lady” comes on. Since they love Fallen, the crowd therefore hates Sarin on an instinctive level, regardless of what she may or may not have previously done in their eyes. Sarin looks just a little taken aback as she enters the arena, but rapidly pushes those feelings aside. She’s got a job to do, and as she approaches the ring she makes eye contact with the man she fully intends to face at Omega Effect IV. She can only hope that Fallen will call things straight – it’s going to be hard enough for her to meet Durden’s challenge as it is.

Bell Rings.

Thoughts of Omega Effect will have to wait; right now, Nick and Sarin only have eyes for one another, and FSX scrutinizes them as they circle a little, the crowd noise buffeting them around like waves on a beach. After a few moments they tie up, and Sarin rolls her wrists to compromise Nick’s grip – Nick responds with a rough headbutt, and then DDT’s her while she is momentarily stunned. A pin attempt follows, but barely gets one and a half; nevertheless Nick has made his intention extremely clear.

Wanting to build on this strong start, Nick gets in close, swinging with a discus elbow. Sarin neatly dodges this, and delivers some pain with a series of very quick toe kicks to her foe’s shins. Cursing, Nick breaks out the speed himself and tries a takedown; Sarin dodges, and Nick ends up rolling across the mat and underneath the ropes. Instead of falling out of the ring, however, he nips up on the edge of the apron and uses the ropes to launch into the Blazing Magus (single leg diving dropkick), connecting with Sarin as she realizes too late what he is doing. The pair crash down, and Nick pins again; it’s a 2, just barely. The crowd groans; a few berate FSX (despite his near-deity status) for counting slowly, though in reality Fallen’s adjudication is of an excellent standard. Sarin pushes Nick off, and brushes herself down as she rises; tossing her hair back behind her, she smiles a little and beckons her opponent with her eyes.

Nick approaches without dilly-dallying, but also with due caution; Sarin moves first and he blocks her butterfly kick, aiming to respond with an arcing kick of his own which Sarin blocks in turn. There is a fast and furious sequence of thrust and counter-thrust; the fans watch with mounting excitement as the two superstars demonstrate that it’s as much about the blows you avoid as those you dish out. Eventually, Sarin’s patience proves to be the greater, and Nick unwisely tries to break the deadlock with a scoop slam; Sarin flails and breaks away before he can perform it, and this time her Butterfly kicks land with agonizing precision until Nick is thoroughly worked over. Trying to twist things back toward him, he lashes out with a screaming elbow; Sarin ducks, and responds coolly with a snapmare. Dizzied for a second, Nick struggles to right himself, and consequently exposes his head to the nightmare of Sarin’s Enziguri while he is still kneeling; The fans protest as the Henshin Hero keels over, and Fallen makes the count. 1……2….-

The kick comes just after the 2. Sarin gives FSX a glance, a little indignant; she is not convinced that count was as fast as the others. FSX in turn looks annoyed at having his authority cast into doubt; he slaps his chest over the ref’s stripes, and the crowd cheers loudly, hoping to see things kick off. Both Sarin and FSX are wiser than this, of course. Sarin decides to take her frustrations out on Nick, performing three armdrags in a row followed by an elbow drop and a pin; Nick kicks at 2, and now it’s his turn to prove he’s made of stern stuff. Sarin frowns; she’d hoped to have weakened her opponent considerably more by this point, and she realizes that she needs to step her game up to the next level.

Hauling themselves up, the two foes tentatively exchange a few blows, until suddenly Sarin changes tactics completely and throws herself against the ropes, coming charging back to clothesline Nick down. Nick kips up as Sarin rebounds, and backs away so that Sarin has to cross the ring to reach him; in response Sarin drops her shoulder, and tackles Nick straight out of the ring. The fans all crowd forward as the battle just keeps going on the outside; FSX leaps with agility over the rope (getting a big pop in the process) and follows the dueling pair as they pursue and whip one another around the outside of the ring. The unforgiving surfaces leave mementoes with both wrestlers; a turning point is reached when Sarin manages to send Nick straight against one of the metal ring posts. Nick staggers backward, dazed, and Sarin closes in; in desperation Nick throws everything into his Gyroscope Kick, smashing a foot into Sarin’s head. They both hit the outside mats at the same time; FSX has been conscientiously counting toward 10, and it looks as if a double count-out will leave the honours even. It’s not the result the crowd wants, and not the one FSX wants, either; breaking with protocol he urges both competitors to stand, stopping short of actually putting them back in the ring himself. If the count “Stretches” a little then no one is bothered; Sarin and Nick pull themselves together and recover back to the ring before FSX calls the 10. It was always going to be a close contest, and now one inspired move could make the difference between victory and defeat…

Sarin has seen this part of a match play out many times. According to tradition, Nick should make a valiant effort and go all-out to win the match; but Sarin has always been one to turn tradition on its head. She knows she could hold fire and let the hungry challenger wear himself down; instead, it is she who enters the fray with all guns blazing. Win or lose, she is determined to do it by her own hand.

As he fends off a stream of ferocious kicks, Nick can see that special spark which brings gold in its wake. He meets Sarin’s firepower with his own, and the match teeters, back and forth; with some matches the ending is signposted way before the end, but this is as real as it gets. Sarin spots a chance and goes for the Rin Spin; Nick backflips, nearly hitting FSX who has to use his own skills to get out of the way. Still pursuing, Sarin grasps hold of Nick and attempts the Rin Roll; she elevates him and executes the move, but Nick keeps them rolling through and right out of it, forcing Sarin to separate. They come up close to the ropes, and Nick is first on his feet; heart hammering, he leaps up and commits to the Nick Roll.

Sarin comes within a millisecond of losing her title; Nick has enough velocity behind him to stop a freight train in its tracks. But he doesn’t connect, and slams into the canvas; winded, he is vulnerable, and Sarin quickly lifts him into a wheelbarrow to nail the Rin Pin. Using all her strength, she knocks the stuffing out of Nick; the Boom goes Bust, and Nick just can’t quite kick out in time to avoid the 3.

Philip: Here is your winner, and still ACW Champion, Sarin Rossi!

Nick looks totally crushed for several moments as he gets his breath back. Sarin, being the kind of person she is, gives him a few seconds and then offers her hand, helping him up. The look of relief on her face is obvious; she had to fight like a tiger, and her respect for her opponent has risen several notches as a result.

Nick makes his way out; there is a drop in the crowd noise as Sarin turns, and sees FSX holding the World Title.

He extends it to her, and she takes it with one hand. FSX does not let go; for a few lingering seconds they remain like that, looking intensely at one another…

…and then Sarin takes the belt, and her music hits. The crowd boos, and chants for Fallen start up; Sarin waks back up the ramp, still feeling Fallen’s eyes on her and the title as she does so.

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: A Naked Erosion (Credit: Sarin / ??)

Throngs of South Koreans who could not purchase a ticket to the show scream in earnest as Sarin Rossi emerges. Female champions cause quite a stir, Sarin notes as security escorts her to a plane. She's back to the States for an appearance on Letterman, then will rejoin the tour proper on Meltdown. As security cops cleave a path through the crowds, Sarin's cell phone rings.

The number is blocked. Curious, Sarin flips open her phone with a quick snap of the wrist.

Sarin: Talk to me.

Voice: Sarin Rossi. I don't believe I've had the pleasure.

Sarin's blood runs cold. She stops, and a security guard at her flank bumps into her.

Sarin: Not many have.

The icy voice chuckles. Sarin's grip on her phone becomes unnecessarily hard.

Voice: I'll be paying you a visit in Tokyo. For the Anniversary Show.

Sarin: You'll have to go through my publicist for an autograph.

Voice: I won't be traveling to Japan for an autograph. I'll see what I can do to relieve the gold around your waist.

Sarin: Wait, you can't just--

Click. The security guard behind her nudges her to keep moving. Unnerved, Sarin hurries forward, stepping onto the plane. As she straps herself in and looks out the window, she spots three men in identical suits standing in a row. Though she can't see their eyes through their sunglasses, she feels their gaze through the thickness of the plane.

Sallow Man: We lost her.

Lackey: Not to worry.

Subordinate: Her heart is clean and soiled.

Sallow Man: We are not what are; we are what we are not.

They walk in separate directions and disappear into the black of night.

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Closing Segment: Journey to the West (Credit: FSX)

How calm and serene a place can become so quickly, especially given the case of a night of entertainment coming to a surprisingly swift end. One would of imagined that the mighty stars of Alpha Championship Wrestling would be able to spend a bit more time in Korea following the end of the show in order to properly give the attention to their fans there, but it seems that isn't the case. With such an intense and busy schedule building up to the biggest show of them all; Omega Effect, it's not all that surprising that everyone was quickly ushered on a plane and ready to head off on there next adventure! But even as most will be packing and preparing there things for the next trip they must go on to keep up with the fans, there is always a stray person who happens to fall behind and find themselves a step behind all of the others. Seeing that the location was very dear to him, this should really come as no surprise either. As the show was over and all those in the building were on there way off, Fallen had yet to begin his departure. He simply sat alone in the backstage area...likely in the midst of a train of thought that was better left not spoken of.

FSX: So many things have happened since I started my quest to be champion, but have I really started yet?

How cluttered his mind may be at the moment is quite unsure, though one must imagine that everything is on his mind. After the night that he endured, and the situations that he happened to encounter...well..it's clearly unsure just where his direction had gone. After having such an intense drive and determination to become the number one contender and prove that anyone could make it to the top if they gave it their all, he seems to have calmed down quite a bit. In fact, it's almost as if the fire has gone from beneath him. That he no longer has to prove anything to anyone..after all...he was to Main Event Omega Effect IV. That alone would ensure his place in history, even if it was his last match..but he didn't really want it to be the case, did he? There was still so much more left to do...

FSX: You know, they say the longest journey begins with a single step. I must have taken my fair share by now, but have I really gotten anywhere? I'm sure I've proved a bit of a point by now..but will it really mean anything? Even if people remember me for the match that's coming, will they remember the message it was supposed to spread all along? Or did I lose my way...again...happen to become an insane sociopath and forget about all the people I'm doing this for. Everyone and anyone who deserved a chance and never got one. I can't let them down by just accepting the impossibility, can I?

Hearing the words that he himself uttered would be a bit unsettling, as he really didn't have much a clue how much truth they actually held. Though he may have a firm belief that Sarin is someone who deserves his respect, and has truly earned the right to walk as a World Champion, did he really think of her as unbeatable? Perhaps it was simply a case of misconception due to the fact that she was associated with a woman who reigned supreme for years without much question, or the fact that every encounter the two had in the past ended with a clear victory for her...but he did seem to come to that realization. She wasn't the most talented individual to ever enter the ring, but she might just be the most clever and willing he had ever faced. In fact, it could only be deemed appropriate she be given a proper title to prove this. One that would show she has succeeded her predecessors with great success.

FSX: I guess over time there really isn't much a question, and many should of seen it coming a mile away...but she has become the Sarinberg. Filling all those that dare oppose her with a sort of fear that can never be underestimated, and providing me an opponent that hasn't lost to a man once. It's intimidating..really rather daunting...but I have no choice in the matter. She happens to stand as the best in this company, and it is my destiny to defeat that person. Man or Woman, it doesn't matter...losing just isn't an option.

That rang more true that Fallen inherently desired it too, but the match was already set in stone by this point. Despite the fact that he would really rather not have to risk his career in a contest with someone that held such a great advantage over him, and many believe would have no trouble disposing of him as an opponent, there was no choice in the matter. Giving up his position in the Main Event simply wasn't an option for him, and the risk was in a balance to the reward of the match. If he someone managed to surpass this final mighty obstacle he would be able to stand tall as a true champion, and finally declare himself worth of the accolade that has eluded him his entire life. Not simply to be the champion of ACW, but to find worth that he doesn't feel he has yet deserved. Perhaps there was really more riding on this match that had been properly announced to the public, but that much was yet to be heard. Maybe it was just a matter of career after all...

FSX: What can I possibly do about all of this now, though? As I prepare to do battle with someone who carries only the stray loss of occasion to those that had an even mightier streak then her own, can I possibly manage to take victory? After all, I'll be trying to do something that many before me have attempted. Most would say that many of those that are better then me have tried to overcome her, but none of them succeeded. I know I'm not the best in the world...hell..I'm not even the best in this company. What do I have that they don't? Well, aside from the extra motivation of my livelihood on the line...It's not as if I'd have much a career should I lose anyway.

Maybe that was the only real proper counter balance to all of the fears that had been plaguing him of late, but the point was quite valid. The only reason that he found no reason to have any sort of worry that his career was on the line prior to this instance was because he had no will to fight any longer should he give it his all and come up short yet again. After all, you can only muster so many failures in a lifetime before you can't take anymore of it, and have to simply give up. That's not to say that Fallen would never be able to capture the World Title should he fail that fated evening, though his burning desire to capture the title may of extinguished forever at that point. Not to mention the fact his fragile belief in his own ability would likely be shattered forever... He'd only be a shell of the man that he once was if defeat is his fate, so this really was the only thing left for him to look forward too. Everything he has strived for over his career will come to a final head on the 28th, not to mention the mission that he decreed for himself will come to a conclusion. Whether it will end happily is really more in the eye of the beholder then connected to the outcome of the contest...

FSX: Maybe I should be creating more of a strategy for that contest rather then thinking of the outcome. In fact, I probably should treat it a bit more like a regular match then have it decided to myself that the fate of everything is riding on it. Sarin may be a good person deep down, but that doesn't mean she will give me an ounce of pity. She'll be there to win the match as if it is simply a match, and I have to go in there thinking the same thing. The rest will simply be an added bonus that I can think about afterward...or an added punishment that I'll simply have to live with afterward.

The look on his face would tell the entire story before it was actually written, as he appeared to be quite distraught yet pleased with his decision over the matter. It was not the best one that could of been made, and will most likely manage to haunt him later on should things not end up going as simply as he has visualized it all playing out, but what can be done now of what has already been said? He would of had to live with any words that he happened to utter this night, even if they would echo his confidence and make one believe that he has no worries whatsoever regarding the most important match of his life. The ignorance of such a statement would undoubtedly be blinding and painful despite the eventual outcome of the match, and perhaps more so if he happened to claim the unlikely victory. This was better...even if still risque. Perhaps nothing should of been said at all.

FSX: There is no use in thinking about all of this now however, as there is still alot of time before that date actually comes. I'll just have to lie in wait and train for the match as hard as I can. Give every ounce of effort and energy in my being toward becoming a champion, and just simply hope I get lucky enough to come away with the victory. As long as I do all of those things I should be able to leave that night with no regrets, and that's really all that I can ask for. Maybe I'll even be able to give one last smile to my fans, and know that someone will remember the effort. Somwhere...

Despite it all, simply a build to the inevitable, Fallen would likely leave the way that he came this night. A smile on his face and a deep confidence that he has the ability to overcome what others have deemed impossible. That he wouldn't just give up and surrender at the apparently insurmountable odds. That he would do all he could and continue his fight for all of those that believed in him. Those were the people that he would be fighting for come the actual date, and those would be the people that fueled him to do all that he could to survive that night. Until then he could only keep himself at a sort of serene peace. A calm understanding of the consequences that this lie within the contest. As long as he kept a clear mind and a belief within himself that everything would work out, nothing would stop him on his Journey to the West. To his destiny...

Fade to black.

End of Show.

[Scott Andrews]

Awesome.

Fallen, you're the man. Good stuff.

I also liked Sarin and AJ's stuff.

Keep up the good work everyone.

[BK London]

Good show, I enjoyed Andrews/Mainer, the introduction of Kai to ACW, and a few other things that I can't currently remember.

[Dan White]

That was an ace show. Don't think I can seperate Sarin/X at the minute.

[Thunderkiss]

Disclaimer: These picks are of course my opinion. My opinion is neither right or wrong its just what I think. So if you don’t make the list, please do not feel that I don’t like you, what you wrote or that your promos were not as good as the one’s I have listed. I really don’t want people to get discoura ged over things like these. Please, please realize that with the amount of talented writers that we have it’s a super tough job picking out just five promos.

HONORABLE MENTIONS!

FYI: I am altering the "top five" folks and kind of condensing it after suggestions from other members of the roster. Truth be told, I love doing it but it was taking wayyyyy too much time. "News and Notes" and "Q & A" are gone, and honorable mentions will be placed upon the top and will not go into terrific detail. I hope this doesn't disappoint!

- Rena is returning! Yay!
- Solid FSX showing.
- Another great effort by Chris Cooley. Where is his match, BC?

THE TOP FIVE!

• “Winter - Part 2" by Nick D. Mike continues his hot streak by placing the 2nd chapter of this tale along side the first. I really like how Nick captured the bully’s father. His attitude was very true to what one normally sees from a parent of such a child. In contrast, Nick’s uncle was typically what would one see from a more responsible child such as Nick. Terrific writing. Mike’s younger version of Durden is so anti-social, it will be interesting to see how Nick eventually transforms himself into a performer.
  
  
• “Segment: Let’s try this again…” Durden & AK. I am breaking my own rules! Yes, I know Mike just claimed a spot on the top five, but to deny AK her opportunity would be blasphemy! I love Nick being thrust into the role of a mentor, and not only that, I love the angle AK has been taking with Kai. She isn’t just throwing him out there saying he has had years of wrestling experience under his tights. Oh no, she is building his guy from the ground up and I feel this makes for better character development. Nick’s reaction to the “Mr. Durden” stuff was great and all around I think both AK and Mike have the chemistry required to keep this a viable tag team for the foreseeable future.
  
  
• “The Gutter” by Sarin. Wow, this one tugs at your heart, that is for sure. If you are unfamiliar with Sarin’s background for her character, this is a nice start. It is an awesome rags to riches story and honestly, who doesn’t like those? If I had to sum up this piece with one word it would be “haunting.” Long after I read it, it stayed with me because I just felt so sorry for her. I’m telling you people of ACW, if you can pull emotion out of me you’ll always end up on this list.
  
  
• “Sweet Revenge: Part 13: Looking Through A Magnifying Glass To See What’s Right In Front Of You” by Scott Andrews. Human, very human. I love it. Scott definitely appears to be a man who is on the verge of a break down, which has happened to most of us during our lifetimes. I like how he goes to Jessie for help, I see her as being the person that grounds this man. They are one of my favorite ACW couples, and
  
  
• “Epic Encounter” by BK & Flamingo. Well, it certainly wasn’t false advertising! Somebody is going home after Monday, but will it be for good?! For the moment, this is the centerpiece of Flamingo’s and BK’s feud that started wayyyy back last August. Will they trump this with something we aren’t seeing? Maybe. I honestly can’t see either one leaving for good. For months we all expected them to have one final battle at OE IV and I still see that happening. Other things I liked: Gingerdude was used to full effect and I love BK’s humor (the t-shirt).

Moment of the Show:

Taken from “All work - no play” by BK London

Jun 2, 2008 16:20:08 GMT -5 Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune said:

Gingerdude: What do you mean he says the paycheck isn't big enough?! This is bigger than his Omega Effect payoff last year! We only need him for ONE show.

The high pitched mumuring of a woman on the other line can be heard, but what she's specifically saying is absolutely inaudible.

Gingerdude: OH YEAH?! Well you tell him that if he EVER wants to work in Hollywood again, he'll give me a call and we'll chop this out. Goodbye!

Damn that Macho! Great work slipping that in there BK!