The 130Chance XPW

[cotguy130]

October Week 1
BattleBrawl
The Ballroom

Just as the media team begin their standard opening greetings, Cutie Pie yells “Follow Me” and takes off. The camera swings around to follow, and we see Roberto Samba and Mack Caliber squaring off. Samba is doing most of the “squaring”, Caliber looks bored.
CUTIE PIE: Gentlemen, what’s going on here?
MACK: I’m not sure. Samba got in my face and-
SAMBA: Don’t play dumb, Mack. I never really got a good shot at you for that little laugh you and Pony Umbrella had at my expense.
MACK: You’re still mad at that? Dude, that was like 5 years ago.
SAMBA: It was this year, DUDE! I forgot exactly, but Samba’s never forget…much. Anyhow, you got a receipt coming.
MACK: You’re a really determined little guy, aren’t you? Tell you what…you got…Kongo Kid is it…tonight. You beat him and we will have us a nice little one-on-one. K?
SAMBA: Not really. I will destroy the Kid, but I’m getting a match either way. You owe me.
MACK: I’m leaving now, Robby. Don’t follow.
CUTIE PIE: Let’s go to the ring.

1) We open with Brick City picking up an easy win over The Numbskulls
BANGER: People keep asking us why we can win the tag titles, but not hang on to them. Dang it, we ain’t sure ourselves, except for one thing. Them Gage Boys are damn good.
HUSTLER: Us Florez boys are damn good too, and we will figure them out. We might be 17-time champs by then, but we’re going to beat the Age Guyz-My bad, I meant Gage.
BANGER: They are old as dirt. I heard they owe Moses a quarter. <Both laugh> They’re old and sneaky, and that’s a tough combination.
HUSTLER: The boys from Brick City are young and sneaky and tough and mean, and that combo WILL get the job done for more than just one match.
BANGER: Hey, what’s the city of solid dirt that weird Gage keeps talking about?
HUSTLER: Let’s go ask Mack.

2) The Neo-Knights are cutting up backstage.
JACK: John, you keep performing like you did last night, and they’re going to break us up and send me to developmental. You were on fire.
JOHN: Thanks, man. Means a lot. I can’t believe they picked me. Glad I had my gear, Y’know? I heard talk that ‘Iron was getting pulled, but I he and I aren’t that much different.
JACK: You’re infinitely better than Gridiron.
JOHN: Infinitely? Big word from a little guy. I don’t want to piss ‘Iron off if you get my drift. You know the best part of the night, though? It was seeing Jakob Hearse’s face when he realized his masterful plan just exploded in his stupid face.
JACK: That was crazy. It got better when Elle told him they were changing the rule about two belts. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

A roar is heard from offscreen and Jakob Hearse enters swinging a steel chair. Both Knights are down before they realize what happened. Another series of shots keeps them down.

HEARSE: You think it’s funny, do you? Do you think this is funny, Bumbler John? <Chair Shot> How ‘bout you, Jerkrabbit? <Chair shot> You make everything a joke. I’ll be the one laughing when I’m holding the XPW title and the TV title over my head. Good call about developmental, bunny boy…you both belong there, acting as waterboys for the lowest level trainees. <Couple more chair shots>

3) In a tag team match, Pendragon and Donny Atomic defeated The Wheelmen

4) Enyu and his court are in the ring, along with a trophy that’s at least 10 ft. tall.
ZHANG: His Imperial majesty is still angry at the treatment he received after easily winning the Gentlemen’s Classic. We all knew going in that XPW’s lack of promotion for the event was due to certain parties’ jealousy of the Emperor. As you American marks say, XPW buried it’s own big show so as to not have to give my liege his proper due. Well, Chiyome, Krait, and I have chosen to take care of the situation ourselves. We purchased this very large, very expensive trophy with our own yen as a gift to Emperor Enyu to celebrate his victory. My Master, accept from us what XPW cruelly deprived you of. <Enyu finally looks at the trophy. He is expressionless. He carefully examines it. Finally, he picks it up and holds it over his head, nearly falling over in the process as the crowd chuckles> We are pleased you enjoy your well-earned- <Enyu carries the trophy to the ring ropes and throws it hard to the floor, destroying it.> Did I mention it was very expen-
ENYU: Silence your prattling, fool. What do I want with a trophy? I have statues of pure gold twice that size in my palace. Gifts from the three of you are less than insignificant. What I want from XPW isn’t a trophy! It’s the recognition that I am the greatest wrestler in the world. That’s what I was expecting after the tournament, the adulation of these Americans. Regardless, the lack of recognition from this company does nothing to make my greatness any less so. You will all see, and you will all bow.
ZHANG: My liege, perhaps the ladies and I should punish the video crew for making that horrific recording that played after they cut you off. We can go right now if it would please you. I found out where they live.
ENYU: You are an idiot. Those were nobodies doing as ordered for a slave’s wage. The punishment shall be brought down on the head of the one who dared herald his arrival at my expense. Gunslinger, reconsider your plans to return. Should you choose to do so, it will be a short-lived reunion.

5) Kongo Kid defeats Roberto Samba. Mac Caliber watches the end of the match and has a good laugh.

6) In a Death Match, Keziah defeats Sweet Jane.

7) Baby Girl comes out. She is in a much happier mood than we’ve seen her previously.
BABY: No, Tony didn’t give me permission to come out here. Tony doesn’t dictate to me anymore. We’re still together. Everything’s just fine with that little ol’ Underworld. Juuuust fine. You don’t have to worry about my Uncle Verne. I’ll tell you the whole story sometime. It’s all going to work out juuuuust fine. You know what I’m saying? Now that I’m done with my life story, hey, you all have been asking. Your chirps have been burning up my phone. I only want to mention one chirp specifically. It was from a fan, and it was asking about the Ladies title. I’m going to answer that chirp right now, live. Here goes. Carolina Strutter, you’re in my sights. I’m a former champion, and I’m also a future champion…at your expense. I have a friend, her name’s…Sissy Sticc. Yup, that’s her. Well, Sissy’s been in my ear telling me that she enjoyed wearing, er, sorry, watching me wear…that Ladies title. Strutter, I’m laying it out there. I want the belt, and I deserve a shot. That simple. I don’t need anybody doing my talking for me, ok?

8) Next up, Gavin Sterling defeats Doomsayer. Diablo and Grimcraft attack after the match, accompanied by the sisters. Tier One make the save.

9) In a non-title match, Carolina Candy defeats the XPW Ladies tag team champs, the Sky Diamonds.

10) In a TV title match, Wally Saratoga successfully retains the title against Mr. Europa with the help from Greg Quebec. Quebec says something to Wally after the match.

We close with a replay of the Gunslinger video.

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One Week One
The Craft of Wrestling with Pony Umbrella

PONY: Welcome to the most-watched pure wrestling podcast on the internet! I'm Pony Umbrella, and we have the good fortune to be joined by a champion from the XPW today. He's not the top guy, but he took advantage of an opportunity and now he's in the record books forever as a TV Champion, and that's Wally Saratoga! Wally, glad to have you.

WALLY: Pony, I'm honored. To be honest, I never thought--

PONY: That's great, Wally. By the way, congrats on having two more wins this year than Roberto Samba, a supposed "real fighter".

WALLY: Actually, it's three. You see, I--

PONY: Wally, tell us about the path you took to get to be the champ. You've been in the business almost 15 years now, right?

WALLY: Yep. Fortunate enough to tag with my dad before he retired. We were up against the Insiders, and--

PONY: We're looking for a synopsis, not an autobiography. <Pony mugs for the camera with a huge grin.> What was life like before XPW?

WALLY: It was rough Pony. For three years after I finished my training, I lived in my car eating raw tuna and potatoes because that was the cheapest food I could get. I finally landed a gig with--

PONY: That's really rough. Not as rough as Samba's record, but I digress. So how did you get to XPW?

WALLY: On a bus. <Wally's eyes have become more and more intense, and an uncomfortable silence follows.>

PONY: An interesting mode of transportation. Not one someone of my star power would take, but nonetheless... How does it feel to be champion after so many long years of trying to make ends meet?

WALLY: About the same as before. <Wally is now staring a hole through Pony.>

PONY: It's getting a bit uncomfortable here.

WALLY: Is it? <Wally stands up.> Are you getting uncomfortable? Are you bothered by my answers? Is that why you keep interrupting me? Or is it because you, like everyone in the XPW locker room, like everybody watching at home, sees me and treats me as a joke? I thought maybe someone like you, who has bounced around, who has never held titles, who wrestled because they loved what they did and could make a living at it-- maybe you of all people would give me a fair shake.

PONY: I'm just asking some questions here--

WALLY: NO. <Wally puts his finger up in Pony's face.> You're not even listening to my answers. You don't care any more than any of my detractors. Don't think I haven't seen the podcasts or read the articles, Pony, the ones saying I'm going to drop the belt immediately. You of all people should know what it's like to never be given a shot, to have to scrape and claw for every scrap you ever got, and for people to tell you your whole career that you're too slow, too small, too ugly, too vanilla, and not enough! THIS IS MY MOMENT. I have waited my entire career for one opportunity, and dammit, I'm gonna make the most of this.

<Wally storms off set. Pony's crew can be heard applauding in the background. Pony has a shocked look on his face and his arms spread in shock.>

PONY: What'd I do?

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One Week One
Chirpy Highlights

@hearse
I will not hold a belt for a short time. But I will make Blue Steel’s lives hell for a long time.

@biggrid
Nice trofy, Enyu. That would look good on my mantel. Be glad I got pulled from the Gentalman Clasic.

@massgaines
Jakob, you hit me from behind with a chair, fine. But Lexy is making an announcement this week. You bother her, you get a piece of me.

@justclaymore
I’m back this week. Whoop de doo.

@grimcrizzle
You’re right, Claymore. No one cares.

@missythicc
Hey Dom, do you think Tony will be upset if I go out on the town tonight? Wait... I don’t care what he thinks!!

@slinger
Soon, compadres, soon. I’ve got a special moment planned, and then I’ll be back with both guns blazing.

@keziah
RAGE! MURDER! MAIMING! I CRAVE THESE THINGS!

@smilefordominic
Teeheehee, I hope everyone gets a good laugh over what I have planned next! Heehee!!

[cotguy130]

Friday Fight Season
Boston Arena
Week 2

1) The show intro is interrupted for the second week in a row by Cutie Pie. This time, she glances off camera and says, “Not again”, and takes off. Once again, we see Roberto Samba accosting Mack Caliber. Unlike last week, Caliber blows off Samba and keeps walking. Samba puts what looks like brass knuckles on his hand and punches an unsuspecting Caliber in the back of the head. Mack hits the floor. Samba clears a nearby snack table and lays Caliber over it. Samba then climbs some scaffolding set up against the wall on the other said of the hall. He comes off the scaffolding, clears the width of the hall, and crushes Caliber through the table.
SAMBA: Bet you’ll give me a match now, won’t you? Stupid fake poser hardman.

2) Autumn Hex over Warhawk and Brooklyn Belle in a three-way.

3) XPW champ Flint Decker and Electronica are out.
ELECTRONICA: So, boss, what’s next?
FLINT: What’s next? Elle, what if I told you and the fans that one of the things that’s next is bigger than this title.
ELECTRONICA: I would say, “yea, I know, you already told me.”
FLINT: Very funny. People, you’ve been hearing hints about “behind the scenes” stuff at XPW, and some, shall we say, “unsavory” character that have been involved in these activities.
ELECTRONICA: You can call them “scumbags”. That works for me.
FLINT: “Scumbags” though they may be, I am still not at liberty to reveal names. However, if you’ve been paying attention, you probably won’t be surprised. If I may briefly address, “they who shall not be named,” boys, times up. A reckoning is at hand.
ELECTRONICA: You might say….” it’s HIGH NOON”.
FLINT: Very good. I see what you did there.
ELECTRONICA: They remind me of that music from that old Western…the one with the whistling.
FLINT: You mean this…<the theme from “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly plays>
ELECTRONICA: That’s it. Except we would have to call them…uh…The Fat, The Bad, and The Ugly.
FLINT: You are on fire, girl. I know there’s no shortage of arrogance between the three of you, but in this case, the odds are not in your favor. Trust me. Even with all these shenanigans, I still have all the responsibilities of the XPW champ. There are people who want this belt. I’ve been hearing about a certain young Emperor who feels he deserves a shot. Enyu, step up. There’s a match next week to see who challenges me at Halloween Hellraiser. Alexei is already in. Why don’t you put your name on the other line?
Electronica: Didn’t he already run from Alexei once, though. Remember the tummy ache?
FLINT: That’s right. Ok, Enyu, if your delicate condition allows it, sign up to challenge Alexei. I personally don’t care who I face. I’ve beaten Alexei already. You might as well give me a new set of shoulders to pin.

4) Next up, the Uprising, represented by Gavin Sterling and Tier One, take on the Dark Arts, with both Hex Sisters at ringside. Doomsayer pins Donny Atomic to get the win off a double distraction from Autumn and Winter. After the match, the sisters provide another distraction which allows the Dark Arts to jump the Uprising from behind. Doomsayer and Diablo do most of the labor, as Grimcraft joins the sisters in “cheering on” the attack. GQ breaks it up with a chair.

5) GQ remains in the ring after Sterling and Tier One exit.
GQ: Wally, Wally Saratoga, come on out and bring that paper I gave you. Before I had to come give my boys a hand, me and the champ were talking. <Wally comes out carrying a folder. He gets in the ring and he and GQ shake hands> Before I was rudely interrupted by the Boogermen attacking my friends, I was reminding Wally of something. We all know that Wally’s title win was…suspect. Right, Wally? Even he agrees. Since winning it however, Wally’s been on a good little run…sorta. Right, Wally? You enjoyed a few weeks of the champion’s bonus thanks to me. <Wally shrugs> He knows it. You got some “dubs” over some top guys. Good for you. Now, it’s time to pay the piper. In that folder is a contract for a TV title match at Halloween Hellraiser where Wally will defend against me. You kinda owe me, champ. <Wally shrugs> I think you get it. Hope you banked that champ’s bonus, ‘cause the ride’s over. I think there’s a pen in there. <Wally pulls a pen out of the folder with a document> No need to read, we talked it over. Pen to paper Wally, it’s past time. <Wally shrugs and signs the paper. He hands the pen to GQ who does likewise> Good man, champ. I’ll just this to the office, ok? You head on back and start training for me. This will be your toughest challenge to date.

6) The next match features the return of Claymore. When the Ring Announcer adds “the Brave”, Claymore corrects him. Clay acts like he’s got as weight on his shoulders and wrestles a slow plodding match against Seraph. Seraph picks up the win.
7) Alexei Monstro is in the ring,
ALEXEI: I would like to begin by saying that if there really is some kind of shadow cabinet operating behind the scenes at XPW, I would like in. As much as this company screws me over, you really think that
I’m involved in running it. Decker, stop looking for excuses as to why your as champ has been a failure. It’s time for me to be the face of this company again, despite how much they abhor the idea. Decker was right about one thing. Emperor Enyu’s been doing a lot of talking about what he deserves in XPW. Your holiness, you don’t deserve shit. You had a match against me. We were about to square off, and you backed out. Sent your stooge to take your beating. Don’t try that next week, as I will find you and beat you and your stooge up.

<Enyu and Bao Zhang enter>

ZHANG: My emperor, allow me to go silence this cretin.
ENYU: Silence. He nearly hospitalized you last time. Leave me.

<A chastised Bao Zhang exits>

ENYU: Monstro, there are many ways to defeat an opponent before you set foot in the ring. My strategies are beyond your comprehension.
MONSTRO: Running away is a strategy for defeating me? You have strange ideas.
ENYU: It’s called the Long Game. You are well aware of it, as you and your cabal have been playing it for months. I really don’t care about that. I care about the XPW title, and I will beat you next week for the right to beat Decker for it. It’s as assured as if written in stone.
MONSTRO: You won’t run away again? Really, you probably should. I thought I was the most arrogant person I knew. I’ve got nothing on you. I know you feel your ability comes from your ancestors, and something about dragons, blah, blah. You’re a gift to man from the gods, in your mind. Whatever. In the ring, Enyu, I am the closest thing to a god any mortal will encounter. I will destroy your faith in your gods or dragons and leave you a broken, weeping husk.
ENYU: If you truly feel that way, then after our match next week, I will be called Emperor Deicide.

8) Brick City over The Neo-Knights.

9) In an XPW Ladies title match, Carolina Strutter retains against Baby Girl.

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One, Week Two
Cyber's BoobToob Channel

CYBER: YOOOOOO!!! What's up? Long time no see, as I've been focusing on my wrestling, but I'm back with another gaming video. My good buddies Jackrabbit, aka Ace Dogma, and Bomber John are with me, as has become a regular feature here.

JACK: Sup.

JOHN: Hey.

CYBER: Why so glum, chums?

JACK: Cyber, there comes a point where, and you're not there yet, where you're no longer just "happy being a part of the show."

JOHN: That's right.

JACK: Where you're a bit discontent about the way things are going.

JOHN: Mmm-hmmm.

JACK: Where the way you play the game, or just that you get to play the game at all, isn't enough anymore.

JOHN: It ain't.

JACK: When you've been on a losing streak like we have...

JOHN: And boy have we.

JACK: You begin to question why. Why? Why? Why? (Both Neo-Knights repeat "why" in high pitched voices.) And you come to the conclusion that some things have to change in order to improve your station in life.

JOHN: Somethin gotta give.

CYBER: So, what are you saying? Are you out of Blue Steel because you lost a couple matches?

JACK and JOHN: NO!

JOHN: Not while Lexy's around, that's for sure.

JACK: Not even close. But you're going to see a combination of things. You'll see us going back to some of our old moveset that worked to make is the inaugural X. P. W. World. Tag. Team. Champ-ions! You'll see us work harder, and, as much as I hate to say it, play less video games until we get back on track.

JOHN: Say it ain't so, Jack!

JACK: Oh it's so, John, it's so. The Ace Dogma channel will be posting compilation videos for the rest of the year. Sometimes you have to choose what's most important and focus on that. For us, its wrestling and Blue Steel, not BoobToob. Sorry, guys.

CYBER: So, is this the last time we'll be playing this year?

JACK: No... last time was the last time we're playing together this year. But don't worry-- we'll get back together after New Year's Day.

JOHN: BECAAAAAAAUSE-- New. Year's Rocks. New. Year's Rocks. New. Year's Rocks...

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One, Week Two
Wrestling Monitor Review with Ryan Hernandez

RYAN: Welcome to the Review. I've had this guy on in the past, but he's here to specifically talk about an angle going on in XPW that he has some experience with. Welcome please again, the current governor of Guam, the former Nuclear Warhawk!

NUKE: Thanks for having me again. And I apologize about last time, and not finding out this was a shoot podcast beforehand. Rookie mistake.

RYAN: No problem. Nuke, we've got this angle in XPW between Emperor Haruki Enyu and Alexei Monstro. Heel vs heel doesn't normally work, but you've managed to get a couple of heel vs heel angles over in the past.

NUKE: For certain. I had feuds back in ABCW against Officer Chip, who was playing a bad cop at the time, and with Chicano before he joined WNE.

RYAN: In both of those instances, one of you ended up becoming a fan favorite.

NUKE: Spoiler alert-- neither one was me.

RYAN: But you managed to get Chip fired from the squad, he became a... a swimmer?

NUKE: A lifeguard.

RYAN: That's right. It was part of a tie in to Babe Watch, which was a popular show at the time. And Chicano, well, he had a gimmick that could go either way, so turning him wasn't hard.

NUKE: In his case, the fans wanted to cheer him, so we just had him feud with me, who everyone wanted to boo.

RYAN: So back to the feud with Chip. What specifically did you do to make that feud a success?

NUKE: Well, the thing with that was that both of us were playing detestable guys. I was a rogue soldier in business for myself. He was a cop who abused his power. So, the only way that would work is if one of us took away from the other what made us detestable. I ran an angle where I had him framed for robbery and that got his badge taken away. He then rightfully came after me, and slowly we got the fans on his side.

RYAN: Yeah, and it worked out well for him.

NUKE: It sure did. Originally, I was supposed to turn and be the lifeguard, but I told them I wouldn't do it, since that's a terrible gimmick. But I didn't know about the TV show tie in. He actually landed as a regular, and made way more money in TV than he ever did in wrestling. I could've been surrounded by beautiful women in bikinis, rich beyond my wildest dreams, an icon of pop culture, not the governor of Guam... <Nuke has a sad look of regret on his face.>

RYAN: So what needs to happen with Monstro v Enyu? Who should turn, and why?

NUKE: I think you have to turn Enyu into the crowd favorite. Now, that's going to be tough, because he's already talked about how much he hates the people and how they're beneath him. XPW isn't RnR, where they have a history of flipping people and the fans just being like, OK, whatever, bad writing again. They expect a turn to have logic behind it. So, I think Alexei has to do something that threatens Enyu being Emperor. He either turns his court against him-- we haven't seen Jolly Foo in a while, he could be a Monstro stooge-- or they run a vignette or two about how Monstro is stealing his empire.

RYAN: Do you think it would work?

NUKE: HELL NO. Both of these guys are irredeemable in their current form. They've painted themselves into a corner with this booking.

RYAN: Nuke, as always, thanks for your insight.

[cotguy130]

Week 3
Wrestling Classic
Canada Center

CUTIE PIE: Hello fans. I won’t be running off tonight to deal with another issue between Mack Caliber and Roberto Samba. Tonight, they settle their score in the ring as part of a big Trios match later tonight. We’ve got several exciting matches scheduled for you tonight, including a first-time ever match between Jakob Hearse and Gavin Sterling. Additionally, our main event will see Alexei Monstro take on Emperor Enyu. What’s at stake? Only an XPW title match next week at Halloween Hellraiser. Now, let’s go to the ring.

1) In the opening match, Richie B defeats Dre Apex.

2) Grifter defeats Claymore. Once again, Claymore seems unfocused much of the time during the match.
GRIFTER: Brother, if that’s all you have going for you these days, you might as well pack it in. You keep that up and you’ll be teaming with The Enhancer. I may not like you one bit, but I hate people who don’t try.
3) We go to a video of what looks like an abandoned hospital. It’s night, and something’s moving in the dark. Keziah steps out of the gloom.
KEZIAH (Cackling): Jane, you weren’t so sweet lying in that hospital bed with scanners trying to see how much I’d damaged your brain. I didn’t do enough since you were able to come back. I made my point, and there’s always another time to finish the job. Warhawk, there’s a freezer with your name on it, dearie. Our story’s not done. All of you female’s listen. Strutter, Candy, Diamonds, I don’t care who you are. You will end up like Jane, and it will be at my hands. I don’t play all this hero and villain trash. There’s me, and there’s all of you. That’s the only 2 sides I care about. I don’t want allies, and I sure as Hell don’t need friends. I need victims…bodies hitting the floor. Don’t worry about stepping up to me. I’ll be in your face, ripping at it, before you know what hit you.

4) In a Ladies’ tag team match, Winter Hex and Autumn Hex defeat Kristy Tristan and Molly Oliver.

5) Jakob Hearse and Gavin Sterling fought to a double-disqualification. The match broke down and the eref lost control.

6) The Underworld are out. Immediately noticeable is Dominic’s lack of engagement with the rest of the group, and Baby Girl’s newfound confidence.
TONY: You people hear this. I got important stuff to say. <The crowd gets louder> I can stay out here all night, right Dom?
DOMINIC: Yea, sure, whatever.
BABY GIRL: Hey, good people, how’s it going? <Tony turns red-faced> Would mind giving Tony a few minutes to get something off his chest? Before he does, I got to something I want to mention. That ok? <crowd roars their approval> Some of you have asked me about Uncle Verne. Well, you’ll be happy to know that the Uncle Verne situation has been handled, and he and Claudia and all my little cousins are going to be just fine. Ain’t that great, sweetie?
TONY (sarcastically): Just awesome, Baby Girl. Couldn’t be more excited for good ol’ Verne and Claudia. Now, she asked you all to listen to me, so please give her that respect if you won’t give it to me. You know, I ought to order a pair of concrete galoshes for everyone of you.
CHARLIE: Good idea, boss. Teach them to disrespect you.
DOMINIC: Shut up, Chuck.
TONY: There’s rumors going around that I’m losing control of The Underworld. Nothing could be further from the truth, right Charlie? <Dom shoots Charlie a hard look, and Charlie stays quiet> I really like this new, assertive Icepick Dominic.
DOM: You don’t have a choice.
TONY: See, the guy’s a real kidder these days. In fact, I have come hold Dom in such high regard that I am recognizing that cruiserweight title and in the very unlikely event that he loses it, he doesn’t have to leave the family.
DOM: It’s a good thing you decided to recognize this title, Tony. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that in your good graces again.
CHARLIE: Are you being sarcastic? I can’t tell.
TONY: Of course, he is. Wait, are you? I can’t tell either.
DOM: Don’t let it worry you one bit.
BABY GIRL: As you good people can see, we’re just one big, happy, Underworld family.

7) In a trios match, Brick City and Mack Caliber defeat the Numbskulls and Roberto Samba. After the match, as the Cellblock celebrated in the ring, they were attacked from behind by their opponents, who were carrying crowbars and tire irons. All three men went down. During the celebration, Samba had set up a table at ringside. The Numbskulls placed Caliber on the table, and Samba put him through it with a dive off the turnbuckle.

8) Backstage, Pendragon and Donny Atomic are talking when Doomsayer and Diablo blindside them. They inflict a lot of damage before Sterling and GQ arrive to break it up.

9) In the main event, Alexei Monstro wins the right to challenge Flint Decker for the XPW title at Halloween Hellraiser with a win over Emperor Enyu. After the match, Bao Zhang and the Kunoichi Clan enter the ring to check on their leader. Monstro orders them out of “his ring”. Zhang yells “let’s get him!” and charges forward. The Clan, wisely, don’t move. Monstro blasts Zhang and lays him out with one shot. The Clan scurry away.

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One Post Week Three
XPW’s Official BoobToob Channel

A prison cell holds Mack Caliber. His ribs are bandaged from the attack by Roberto Samba. He speaks directly to the camera.

MACK: Listen up. Samba, I’m not gonna waste my time talking when I can freestyle. Here’s all you need to know.

You bit off more than you can chew, and that’s a fact.
I’m getting tired of your silly little act.

So Imma take this injury as inspiration,
And dish out retribution— here’s my invitation.

Meet me in the ring, it don’t matter when or where.
I’ll make your face as messed up as your generic-ass hair.

You got no style, no skill, no class.
Now Imma shove this size 14 straight up your stupid ass.

I’m the lion, you’re the prey, and I’m about to feast.
Be careful what you wish for, cause you unleashed a beast.

[Thumper Moore III]

October Year One Week Four
Chirpy Highlights

@justclaymore
Meh. What does it matter anyway. At least I have a paycheck, I guess.

@hearse
Gavin! That was fun! Let’s do that again soon. Maybe you can stay within the rules next time.

@sambamma
Mack, you think you’re funny? I accept your challenge. When I beat you, no one will be laughing anymore.

@smilefordominic
Teeheehee, I’ll always be laughing at you Samba! Just like I’ll laugh at anyone who gets in my way! Heehee!!

@grimcrizzle
By years end, I and my associates will be in total control. It is... inevitable.

@yoboycyber
YOOOO!! Big Match Flint is gonna year the house down and stay champ! Alexei doesn’t have a chance!

[cotguy130]

October Week 4
Halloween Hellraiser
London Grounds

During the pre-show, a roundtable with the media team of Kyle, Adam, Cutie Pie, and Rod Codger, XPW Social Media Coordinator Arizona Chance came out to the delight of the crowd. Cutie Pie made a crack wondering how a “dinosaur” like Chance came to be in charge of a very modern concept like social media.
ARIZONA: Let’s just say that the job entails a lot more than just social media. <She starts to ask a follow-up question> You’re right about one thing, Miss, compared to my friend that’s about to come out, I am a dinosaur. I’m good with that because this man’s the future.

<The lights go out, and the big screen lights up. It’s the intro vignette for Gunslinger. As the video plays, a scrim drops lowers on the entrance platform beneath the big screen. When the horse galloping is heard on the video during the trouble in the bar, a man rides a horse onto the platform behind the scrim, so he’s only seen in silhouette. The crowd pops. The man climbs off the horse, and as Gunslinger enters the bar in the video, he steps through a slit in the scrim, in an identical pose. The video goes black and the lady’s breathy voice is heard whispering, “He’s back”. It goes black, and then the arena explodes with Gunslinger’s well-known theme, pyro, and lights show. He makes an effort to shake every single hand reaching for him as he heads to the ring. On the apron, Arizona Chance holds the ropes, but Gunslinger declines to enter.
GUNSLINGER: Mr. Chance, sir, I am not worthy to enter a ring with you holding the ropes.

<Chance smiles and steps back. Gunslinger climbs the turnbuckle, acknowledges the cheers, and leaps into the ring.>

CHANCE: XPW, please welcome, Gunslinger!!!! <Another pop> GS, welcome to XPW. There’s a very specific reason why you’ve chosen to come back right now. We still can’t go into details, but suffice it to say, you are on a mission.
GUNSLINGER: Mr. Chance, I want the fans to understand something. After Alexei beat me in the finals to become the XPW champ, I was disappointed. I had no intention of leaving the company. I had a lucrative deal that I chose to walk away from because I found out what was going on. I needed to operate from the outside. It was a long year, but I’m back. I found out what was going on, and, with your help, I am going to do something about it.
CHANCE: This is as good a time as any to announce that I’m stepping down as social media coordinator. Once certain people process what’s going on tonight, I will be fired anyhow. I accomplished what I needed to.

The lights go out again, and a video begins. The word “LIVE” appears in the upper left-hand corner. The camera appears to be stationary. The setting is a cemetery, and this time there’s a mausoleum in the scene. Wrestling historians will recognize it as the same mausoleum that appeared in many WoW videos decades earlier. The wall that had been destroyed in an altercation could be seen to be crudely patched up. The Dark Arts were standing in front of the mausoleum. The tombstones referencing the “deaths” of the Northwoods Kingdom and Zed were sitting in the ground at their feet. Grimcraft held the third tombstone, which bore 4 question marks. The members of the Dark Arts each held a candle.
AUTUMN HEX: Grim, what’s supposed to happen?
GRIMCRAFT: All in good time my dear. <Lightning cracks and thunder rolls> I see that time is nearly upon us. By agreeing to align yourself with me, you have earned the honor of being on the edge of history. You will all be better people for this experience, trust me.
DOOMSAYER: Are you finally going to explain what the question marks on the third stone mean?
GRIMCRAFT: I won’t have to explain, my loyal friend. You will see it with your own eyes. In fact, I dare say you will experience it over seeing it. <Another lightning and thunder> It’s time. <Grimcraft opens the big wooden door to the mausoleum> Enter, quickly. I must be last for the ritual to work. <The sisters enter first, followed by Diablo and Doomsayer. Doomsayer hesitates> Hurry. You who were my first disciple gets the place of honor, at my side. <Doomsayer smiles wickedly and enters. Grimcraft quickly shuts the door behind him without entering. He slides a bolt, locking the door. The thunder and lightning are crashing and flashing almost constantly. The wind is howling, and the camera begins to shake. He addresses the camera> My minions asked about the four question marks. They forgot one thing. Tombstones have 2 sides. <Grimcraft reveals the other side of the tombstone he’s carrying. The names of the Dark Arts are chiseled into the other side. Screams and shouts can be heard coming from inside the mausoleum as someone bangs on the door. Grimcraft laughs, and casually lets the tombstone drop and shatter> They served me well. Now, they serve me even beyond the limits of their frail lives. <Grimcraft slips off camera. At the same time, a gust of wind blows the camera on its side. The mausoleum is still in view. There’s another thunderclap. Back at the arena several fans swore they heard the same thunder in the arena and not over the speakers from the video. Then, a bolt of lightning slashed down and struck a mausoleum. Simultaneously, the lights in the London Grounds flickered. The video screen got so bright that people had to turn away. When the image cleared up, the people gasped. The mausoleum was a pile of rubble. The sisters, Doomsayer, and Diablo were nowhere to be seen. The video didn’t end as much as the image just faded into black. As the last of the light disappeared, a faint moan could be heard coming from…somewhere. Some swore it came across the video while others swore it came from the rafters or even from ringside. The lights came up.
GUNSLINGER: What in God’s name was that?
CHANCE: I don’t know, but I think I know where that is. We need to make some calls. Sorry, folks, we were hoping to spend more time with you all, but GS and I have work to do.

(Gunslinger and Arizona Chance ran from the ring and left the arena floor).

Cutie Pie and Rod Codger are opening the show
CUTIE PIE: Rod, I hate to interrupt your obviously well-rehearsed intro, but are we going to ignore what we just saw? I don’t like any of those people, but we may have just witnessed four murders.
ROD: CP, the voice in my earpiece said to do just that, and I am. Gunslinger and Arizona will handle. Fans, let’s go to the ring.

1) In the opening match, Wally Saratoga defends the TV title against GQ. In what most saw as a foregone result, GQ wins the title in under 2 minutes. Quebec takes the title and quickly leaves, allowing Saratoga a final? time in the spotlight.

2) Keziah beats Warbird.

3) Next up is a Tables Match. To win, you must put your opponent through a table. Mack Caliber picks up the win over Roberto Samba by doing just that. Samba actually goes through 2 tables, the second occurring after the bell. The winning table break happens when Caliber whips Samba through a table resting against the turnbuckle. As the bell rings, Caliber sets up a table outside and throws Samba over the top rope and through it. The Numbskulls head to the ring. Caliber stops and watches them approach. They stop. Caliber shrugs and makes a “come on” motion. The Numbskulls retreat.

4) The XPW tag title changes hands yet again as Brick City defeat the Gage Guyz.
HUSTLER: This time, it’s for real. We’ve figured the Age Guyz out, and they aren’t beating us again.
BANGER: Brother, I think you mean NOBODY is beating us. We’ve figured out the whole tag division. The cell door has slammed shut and locked down solid. All you weak-ass team take a long, hard look.
HUSTLER: This is as close as you will get to these belts.

5) Alexei Monstro and Flint Decker are in the ring for the main event. Enyu’s music plays and he comes out with Bao Zhang.
ENYU: Whoever walks away tonight…. don’t relax. Don’t let down your guard. Both of you are old and tired. Enyu is the future. Enyu will lead XPW to new heights. You are both anchors, and I will be cutting the chains of whichever anchor walks out of this ring as champion. Alexei, I hope you succeed. I will admit it. Decker, you will be too easy for me. The monster might be an arrogant cretin, but he comes by the arrogance honestly. Decker, you a sad, pathetic excuse for champion, and one of us will remedy that by relieving you of that burden. Have a good match and may the better inferior win.

6) In the main event, Flint Decker holds off Alexei Monstro to retain the title. Monstro exits as Blue Steel enter the ring. Decker calls out Enyu. Blue Steel celebrate. Then, the lights go out. A cackling laugh is heard over the PA. It’s Grimcraft’s voice. He says “He’s Alive!! He’s Alive!!”. An eerie glow is seen coming from beneath the ring. It intensifies until you can see what’s happening in the ring, although the arena is still dark. A fog drifts up from beneath as well. Blue Steel are on alert. Thunder is heard inside the arena, and what is unmistakably lightning flashes in the open air above the ring. Suddenly, a blade held by a gloved hand thrusts upward from beneath the ring through the canvas. The blade slashes through the mat for a few feet before it begins rising further. The arm is followed by a wide set of shoulders in a filthy, brown coverall. A head with long matted hair emerges but remains down. The huge body pulls itself up through the cut-out hole.
DECKER: What in God’s name-?
BOMBER JOHN: God doesn’t have anything to do with that

Cyber Blue leaps out of the ring. The behemoth climbs from the hole and throws it’s head back revealing a stained hockey mask.
ADAM: It’s SLASHMASTER!! The ultimate evil is back, and he’s in XPW.
KYLE: Fans, this may be the end.

The glow from beneath the ring blinks out, and it’s pitch black. They come back on, and the entirety of Blue Steel is laid out, including Cyber, who is on the floor at ringside. Everyone of them is bleeding from the face. Slashmaster is gone. Gunslinger and Arizona Chance lead a medical team to ringside to check on Blue Steel. The ring announcer wishes everyone a good night as Kyle and Adam are completely silent.

[Thumper Moore III]

Pre-November Year One
Wrestling Monitor Review

RYAN HERNANDEZ: Welcome once again to the review. The big news coming out of Halloween Hellraiser is that it seems that Grimcraft’s experiment, or ritual, or what have you, was just a MacGuffin to reintroduce Slashmaster to wrestling. Fans, you know I’m not a fan of the heebie jeebie stuff, but in this case I’ll let it slide since, well, it’s Slashmaster. To discuss this on the podcast today, I have a very special guest. It’s another blast from the past, who has had a tremendous history with Slash. Some would call him Slash’s greatest rival. It’s the one, the only, High Flyin Kid, Chet Skye. Chet, welcome.

SKYE: Ryan, it’s always a pleasure to be on this podcast.

RYAN: Chet, what do you think would make a guy like Slashmaster come out of retirement like this? I mean, he’s done it all, like you have, and you haven’t been in a match in years despite looking like you’re in great shape.

SKYE: The thing about Slash is that he’s just born to do this. Over the past three decades of dominance, Slash is everything he claims to be. He is the Undead Man. He can’t be killed... and I guess that goes for his career too.

RYAN: He has come out of retirement more often than hardcore legend Jerry Junk.

SKYE: I think there’s two things at play there. First, to an extent, he’s still got it. I mean, even legends start to slow down after a while, but while the body is deteriorating— or in his case, decomposing— the mind still thinks we can do everything we used to. That’s why some guys look like garbage at the end of their careers. But Slash is built on mystique and character, and those elements of what makes us who we are age far better than our bodies, and aren’t as subject to the ravages of time.

RYAN: So, what I hear you saying is that it’s easier to be an undead serial killer at his age than it would be for you to be the High Flyin Kid.

SKYE: It’s just Chet these days.

RYAN: Is there anything else you’d like to add? The floor is yours.

SKYE: Just that Slash is the best I’ve ever stepped into the ring with, and I’d love to go one more round... but my days between the ropes are behind me.

RYAN: You’ve got that successful fitness clothing line now. I bet that keeps you busy.

SKYE: It does. Be sure to pick up your High Flyers compression shorts at a Door-Mart near you!

RYAN: That’s all the time for today— Chet Skye, thank you.

[cotguy130]

November Week 1
BattleBrawl
Cattle Castle

The show opens with an edited recap, narrated by Arizona Chance, of the beginning and ending of Halloween Hellraiser. Chance appears at the end of the video.
CHANCE: Fans, XPW, in conjunction with local authorities, is investigating what happened to Doomsayer, Diablo, and the Ladies Autumn and Winter. We will not be releasing the location of the incident as to discourage tourists. The members of the Dark Arts group may not have been popular, but they are still people. Enjoy the show.

1) We cut to Grifter and Chester Blood, who are rehashing the events of the video in less than respectful terms. Cutie Pie approaches.
CP: Are you two mocking what we just saw?
Chester: Us? No! We love those crazy mates, but bloody Hell!
Grifter: Where was the blood? The internal organs? They should’ve been splattered all over the rubble.
Chester: Elementary My Dear Grifter, the games afoot!
Grifter: I don’t think that’s how it goes.
Chester: Like you’ve read Shakespeare.
CP: Changing the subject…before classic literature gets butchered any more…. there has been a long-standing issue that refuses to be settle between the two of you and Cyber Blue and Jackrabbit.
Grifter: Pie, it was settled a long time ago. They just can’t accept it.
Chester: In Bunny Boy’s defense, it’s Blue that’s too stupid to know when he’s beaten. He keeps pulling Bunny into it.
Cutie Pie: Cyber Blue now says that if you two will take a tag match against he and Jack that it will be settled.
Chester: Me and Grif are really singles guys. We watch each other’s back because we’re both targets, but we really don’t like tagging. We have talked, however, and decided that if it means moving on, we will team one time against Bunny and Blue.
Grifter: There it is boys, challenge accepted. Blue’s shaking in his boots now. We’re ready when you are. (to Chester) I read, smart guy. Even some famous books…and I really like Shakespeare the Homie.
CP: Let’s go to the ring.

2) In his in-ring debut, Gunslinger defeats Mr. Europa by countout when the outclassed Europa bails on the match and leaves. After the match, GS ends up at the table with Kyle and Adam.
GUNSLINGER: XPE wanted to make a bigger deal of my debut, but I don’t care about all that. I was supposed to make my debut at Survival of the Fittest, but with Slashmaster showing up, I pushed up the timetable. I needed to knock off the rust.
KYLE: Europa didn’t feel any rust.
GUNSLINGER: Wish he’d stuck around, but I wasn’t in the mood for his games. Before I go, people have been asking me what’s going on. I’m sorry, but I can’t say yet. Everything has to be perfect or we can end up in a worse mess than we are. It’s coming, fans, I promise. Thank you, gentlemen.

3) In a Trios match, Cellblock G defeat The Wild Things and Dre Apex.

4) The Uprising are out.
Pendragon: We each have a simple message. Donny and I are a Tier One team, and that’s what you may call us. Tier One teams hold titles, and I don’t see any around these waists. I do see them around Brick City waists, and the thought of two common street thugs dirtying up those belts sickens me. Donny and I are going to liberate those titles, and not lose them right back. We will hold them, like champions do.
GQ: My own boys won’t admit it, but they’re a little jealous. I’ve already won gold.
GAVIN: What you did to Saratoga was downright criminal…but effective.
GQ: Thank you very much, but I didn’t do anything to Saratoga that any of you couldn’t have done. I really can’t wait for April when Jakob Hearse’s title match moratorium ends. Hearse, please come try and take this back. I beg you. In the meantime, I keep hearing the name Mack Caliber brought up. Yes, for those asking. I am more than ready for Caliber. Mack, step up…if you’re ready for me.
GAVIN: I haven’t said a lot since I’ve been around. I’m an “actions over words” guy. Never forget, there’s violence behind this silence. This will sound cliched, but most wrestling promos do and it doesn’t stop the other guys, but my silence now is like the calm before the storm. When that storm finally rages, all others will seem like a spring rain. Right now, I’m part of something big that’s coming soon. After that? Watch out, ALL of you…. collateral damage is a very dangerous thing.

5) Audrey Onyx over Brooklyn Belle.

6) Claymore over Cyber Blue.

7) Electronica slows down Keziah’s momentum with a win.

8) We cut to a video. It’s Grimcraft and Slashmaster.
GRIMCRAFT: Aren’t I amazing? I have brought the single most destructive force in the history of this business back, and under my control. Excuse my ill manners, for those who don’t know, the creature before you is called the Slashmaster. Again. He used to be called Undermaster because he claims he took over Hell or something. Don’t know the details, and don’t really care. He’s back!! Did you see what he did to Blue Steel? So proud of my boy. Before he and I begin our reign of terror, I have some unfinished business. After Survival of the Fittest, when my partners and I seize total control, then will I bring this beast back. For now, he’s watching and learning. He’s been away a long time. Enjoy your last days of peace, XPW.

9) In a Cruiserweight title match, Icepick Dominic retains against Seraph.

[Thumper Moore III]

November Year One Week One
The Craft of Wrestling with Pony Umbrella

PONY: Welcome to the best wrestling podcast on the planet! Guys, I’ve been having bad luck with guests lately, so I’m by myself today.

Kidding! I’ve actually got a great guest today... he’s a new champion in XPW, and way more deserving than the last guy to hold this belt. Please welcome the previous Greg Quebec, now going by simply GQ!

GQ: Yeah. You didn’t need to mention my old name, Pony. I’m not an indie darling any more. I’m big time, and this proves it. <GQ pats the TV Title slung across his shoulder.>

PONY: Yeah you are! Boy, I tell you what, we’ve had some bangers back in the day. You, me, and Reaver had that three way dance in Toronto four years ago, that time we tagged together against Total Harmony in Biloxi, that—

GQ: Pony, those were good times, but I’m focused on the future, man. And the future is what I’m interested in talking about. And he doesn’t go be Reaver, he’s Gavin Sterling. He, I, Donnie Atomic and Pendragon are the hottest act in wrestling, and we’re going to ride that train to all the gold in XPW. Gavin will be your world champ, and Tier One will be your tag champs soon enough.

PONY: So, why the Uprising? Why XPW, and why now?

GQ: Why the Uprising? Why the hell not? We’re tired of there being a glass ceiling above our heads. We’re tired of major companies telling us that we’re not top tier because I carry a little extra weight, or like Donnie and Pen, that they’re too small, or like Gavin, that we’ve blown our one shot. We’re the best in this business, Pony. The very best.

PONY: Growing up in Quebec, did you ever imagine you’d end up as a title holder in a big promotion?

GQ: Pony, I don’t like what you’re insinuating. It was a foregone conclusion that someone with my work ethic, my obvious talent, both on the mic and in the ring, would ascend to the top of this profession. There was never a time where I DIDN’T imagine this is exactly where I would end up.

PONY: You’re not wasting any time in calling out big names. Why Mack Caliber, after what he did to Roberto Samba?

GQ: Mack likes rhymes, right? I’ve got one for him.
Roses are red, violets ain’t pink.
Mack Caliber, I’m going to wipe the floor with you, and your whole cellblock, and your grandma and grandpa too, and if you wanna know why, it’s cause you stink.

PONY: That rolls right off the tongue. GQ, thank you for joining us, and fans, we’ll see you next time on the Craft of Wrestling.

[Thumper Moore III]

November Year One Week One
Chirpy Highlights

@justclaymore
Ho hum. I win. Great. In the end, what does it matter? A paycheck? Food on the table? Whatever.

@grimcrizzle
My monster... soon you will be unleashed. XPW... run while you still can.

@sambamma
I’m starting up a cooking class soon. You want to get ripped like me? Eat like me. #sambaskitchen

@biggrid
soon i’ll b back and when i am xpw will b dstroyde

@yoboycyber
Yo. I’m tired of losing. I’m tired of being the other guy in Blue Steel. I’m better than this. I’m angry. I’m seeing red, y’all.

@flintdecker
Cyber, you’re a valued member of the team. Elle, can you DM me? I have an arrangement we need to make.

[cotguy130]

November Week 2
Friday Fight Season
Chitown Complex

1) We open with a match which sees Bomber John defeat Wally Saratoga. Cutie Pie “ambushes” John post-match.
CP: Bomber John, the last few weeks have seen major issues within the ranks of XPW’s top factions. The Dark Arts is obviously no more, and I hope I don’t mean that literally where the individual members are concerned. The Underworld is obviously in turmoil, despite their assertions to the contrary, and there are now rumors of issues within the ranks of Blue Steel. What do you have to say?
JOHN: Pie, what I have to say is that “Things Change, People Change”.
CP: You don’t deny the issues?
JOHN: (Silence)
CP: OK. The Neo-Knights haven’t enjoyed a lot of success since joining Blue Steel-
JOHN: That again…
CP: It’s relevant, and very factual. Has this lack of success affected your friendship with Jackson? Your recent string of solo matches-
JOHN: Pie, listen good. Me and Jack could be 0 for a million as a team and that wouldn’t affect our friendship. We’re brothers from another mother as the old saying goes. I would leave the business before I would let it ruin my friendship with Jack. As there WILL be no further questions, your honor…Bye Pie.

2) In a three-way match, Chester Blood defeats Claymore and Cyber Blue. Blue keeps trying to get Claymore to ally with him against Blood, but Claymore keeps attacking Blue. At one point in the match, Claymore is heard saying, “Blue, you are an annoying jackass that is on the verge of helping me find my will to really fight again.” Blood picks up the win by pinning Claymore.
CHESTER: Blue, you did hear Grif and I last week? We answered your challenge. You’re getting what you want.
CYBER: Yea, Blood, I just gotta work out the details with Jack. You better hope he never comes around,
‘cause I’m ready to take a piece out of you and “Grif’s” hide, fellas.

3) Jakob Hearse is out, and he calls out Gavin Sterling.
HEARSE: Our match didn’t get a lot of pub because of the way the ref stopped it to save you, but I have to admit that I haven’t felt that beat up after a match in a long time. I liked it, and I want to do it again.
STERLING: Woah. The ref stopped it to save me? He stopped it because I was beating the Hell out of you, and yes, I want to do it again. This time, I will finish beating the Hell out of you. I agree, it felt good. The me beating you up.
HEARSE: I already called the office about a match, and they made some excuse about your plate being full for the next few weeks. How convenient.
STERLING: Such is the price of being awesome, Jakob. Maybe one day you will experience it. When it’s time for the match, we will make the match.

4) The Mindbenders and The Wheelmen fight to a 20-minute time-limit draw.

5) Carolina Candy over The Sky Diamonds in a non-title match.

6) We are in a conference room with a big table. Gunslinger is seated on one side, and Alexei Monstro and Grimcraft on the other. Security stands shoulder to shoulder along every wall.
GUNSLINGER: Fans, it’s time for the whole truth. You’ve waited long enough, and you deserve it.
GRIMCRAFT: The cretins deserve nothing, but what we decide they should have. That’s as it has been, and it won’t be changing. If they don’t like it, they can leave. If XPW dies, I…. we…will move on.
GUNSLINGER: It will change, and it will change in two weeks at Survival of the Fittest.
MONSTRO: Finish up, cowboy. I’m a busy man. Do you really think all these fools would be enough to protect you if Grimcraft and I decided to go into business for ourselves?
GUNSLINGER: Boys, these men are here for your protection. Now, calm down and let me finish. Fans, long story short, Alexei, Grimcraft, and Big Tony, who is supposed to be here, have been running XPW as a kind of “shadow cabinet”.
GRIMCRAFT: You mean puppet masters, pulling the strings of the weaker.
GUNSLINGER: Whatever. It was originally Tony and Alexei, but Grimcraft’s winning the Battle Royale threw everything off and they included him. Their individual goals were different enough that they could somewhat co-exist. Alexei wanted titles…although that hasn’t worked out to well has it? <Alexei gets up and storms out> Tony was all about the money, and Grimcraft here was after power. We now know for what purpose.
GRIMCRAFT (standing up): You bore me. Alexei had the right idea. By the way, after we take Survival of the Fittest, I’m sending Slashmaster to cripple you. <Grimcraft leaves>.
GUNSLINGER: I’m shocked they stuck around this long. In the interest of time, I will finish up. You know the background, now here’s the future. At Survival of the Fittest, I will be joined by Gavin Sterling of the Uprising, and in proud wrestling tradition, a mystery partner, to take on Tony, Alexei, and Grimcraft. The stipulation is simple. If they win, XPW is theirs. If my team wins, their little trio breaks up. They will get to stick around, because they bring the fans. They will be closely monitored while on XPW time, and they will not be allowed in the corporate office till the end of the next year. That, in a nutshell, is what everyone’s been whispering about. It does account for many of the strange decisions and choices that “management” made. Arizona Chance and others were able to work from within to hold them in check at times. If they were allowed to continue, they would’ve overrun the office and taken over completely. Thank you for your time, and we hope this clears up a lot of the mystery. See you in the ring.

7) Tier One over The Numbskulls

8) Gridiron over Seraph.

9) The Underworld are out, minus Baby Girl.
TONY: Before any rumors get started, me and Baby Girl are doing just fine. Right now, we are…on a break. She wanted some distance, and I allowed it.
DOM: That’s right, Tone. YOU “allowed” it
CHARLIE: Dom, not now.
DOM: Not now what? These people aren’t stupid. They know what they’re looking at.
CHARLIE: Thanks to you.
TONY: Dom, shut up.
DOM: What are you going to do if I don’t? Tony, the only thing BIG about you is your waistline. Baby Girl left you high n’ dry. You got no stroke with any of the other families anymore, and you’re the weak link on your team with Alexei and Grimcraft. You should’ve been in that meeting that we just saw instead of doing whatever you were doing, probably begging BG to come back. If the two of you listen to me, I might be able to pull us out of this mess.
TONY: Dom, until there is any word otherwise, I’m in charge of this family and it’s staying that way. I’m going to deal with your lack of respect, capisce? <Dom laughs> Laugh while you can, little man. Laugh while you can.

10) GQ comes out.
GQ: I’m obligated to defend the title tonight, so I think I will challenge myself…with an Open Challenge. You know the drill, boys. First one who come through that door gets the shot. Who’s is going to be? Don’t matter to me. You aren’t winning this title. <Bao Zhang walks out> Well, well…The Emperor’s stooge. Get in here, Zhang.

GQ retains the TV title with a win over Bao Zhang.