Rampage 11-12-2010

***INTERNET MATCH***

Bobby Lee was able to avoid Ben Buckingham and roll him up for a quick One, Two, and Three within six seconds for the fastest win in this federation’s history.

The guitar intro from the Lemonheads’ cover of Mrs. Robinson starts to play as the screen fades in a shot of the Pantheon.

And here’s to you, Mr. Robinson
Everybody knows that you’re the best
Yes, yes, yes

Robinson is standing in a ring, wearing the Robinson Pro World title belt, fans cheering wildly.

Our thanks to you, Mr. Robinson
We’re so glad that you now run the show
Whoa, whoa, whoa

A low camera shot of the Phoenix wearing an expensive suit and the Robinson Pro World title belt. The camera angle makes Robinson look larger than life. He smiles and spreads his hands out in a welcoming gesture.

For many years we had to deal with lots of wrestling crap
But now you’re here to show us greatness
We know you’ll give us the best damn wrestling show
Its not Aggression, its time for Rampage

The intro fades away and we’re in the arena, the camera sweeps around to show off the new set and settles on the announce table.

*STATIC*

The shot fades to a woman standing with Rob Martinez, microphone in hand.

ROB MARTINEZ: So, tell us what you think of Robinson Pro.

WOMAN: I’ve seen better wrestling in TNA.

Rob turns to the camera, nodding as we fade back into the actual arena.

JON MCDANIEL: What a low blow there from whomever that woman is.

COREY TAYLOR: Bet her IQ is less than two.

***Backstage(unseen on Megavision)***

An envelope with “Freak Show” is leaning up against a door.

We come back from the hacked commercial and find that Marcus Marion and Grandpa Gary are already both in the ring. The ever lovely Nichole Rhodes is on the outside and Referee Alec Wilcox calls for the bell!

JON McDANIEL: This should be a great match as these two men have some history with each other!

COREY TAYLOR: History? Gary was one of the guys to sign the Declaration Of Independence!

The two men lock up in the center of the ring, each jockeying for position. Side headlock from Gary followed by a standing switch into a reverse hammerlock. Marcus counters and brings Gary to the mat with a drop toe hold. Marcus rolls over and applies his own side headlock onto Gary. The former Aggression Champion is able to make it to his feet and backs Marcus against the ropes. Gary shoots Marcus off, but gets dropped to the mat with a shoulder block. Marcus with an elbow drop. Misses! Gary rolls out of the way at the last second. Marcus is up and is greeted with a forearm shot to the head. Another shot from Gary rattles the former World champ and he backs himself into a corner. Gary steps in and takes a boot to the gut. A rake to the eyes from Marcus and a warning from the referee. Marcus spins the older man around placing his back against the corner and lights his chest up with a chop!

JON McDANIEL: No one chops harder than Marcus Marion!

Gary fires back with a right hand!
Chop from Marcus!
Right from Gary!
Chop from Marcus!
Right from Gary!
Chop from Marcus!
Right from Gary!

The fans are eating this up!

JON McDANIEL: Back and forth! Neither man willing to give an inch!

Another right connects from Gary! A third and Marcus is back peddling! Marion drops to his knees begging off and Gary reaches down to grab him. Another thumb to the eyes from Marcus! Marcus is up, hits the ropes and brings Gary down with a chop block! Marcus swaggers his way around Gary, all smiles. Marcus pulls Gary up. Double underhook into a across the knee backbreaker! Marcus goes for a sloppy cover on Gary.

1!

2!

Gary kicks out and Marcus simply smirks.

COREY TAYLOR: Look at

Marcus, he knows this is an easy win!

Again Gary is dragged to his feet. Chop across the chest and the fans unleash a ‘wooooooo!’ A second chop and Garys chest is beet red. Marcus backs Gary against the ropes, shoots him off and drops him with a back elbow! Marcus hits the far ropes and drops a knee across the head of Gary and again goes for a lazy cover!

1!

2!

Gary kicks out but Marcus doesn’t seem to mind. Gary walks over and confers for a moment with Nichole while waiting for Gary to pull himself back to his feet. As soon as Gary is vertical, he takes another wicked chop block from Marcus that leaves him on the mat clutching at his leg! Marcus rolls to the outside, grabs a microphone and rolls back into the ring!

JON McDANIEL: What’s he doing?

COREY TAYLOR: I hope he sings!

MARCUS: (pointing to Gary) I am SO tired of facing people below my caliber! How many times will this company force me to wrestle AND BEAT Gary until they realize that he’ll never be the athlete I am! Phoenix! I know you’re here. I want, no, I DEMAND my World Title shot!

COREY TAYLOR: Why should he?!

Gary tries to get up but takes a boot to the face.

MARCUS: Since stripping me of the REBEL World Title and awarding yourself this ‘Robinson Championship’ you have YET to defend it! So I’m saying right here, right now, GIVE ME MY TITLE SHOT! I demand ~ GAH!

JON McDANIEL: Gary has risen from the dead!

Marcus drops to the mat and we see that Gary has locked in an ankle lock submission! The referee snatches the microphone away from Marion as Gary gets to his feet and applies more pressure on the ankle of Marcus! Marion rolls onto his back and uses his free leg to push Gary away breaking the ankle lock. Marcus rolls to his feet, staggers slightly when he puts pressure on his ankle but aims a clothesline at Garys head! Gary counters it into a Crippler Crossface! The fans are going crazy as Marcus tries to pull himself to the ropes! Marcus reaches out with his free hand and Gary switches it up from a crossface to a Rings of Saturn submission! Gary leans his head back and for all to hear yells, ‘BACON!!!!’ at the top of his 60 year old lungs!

COREY TAYLOR: What is it with this ‘bacon’ thing?

Marcus is able to scoot his body around to drape a leg on the bottom rope and the referee calls for the break. Gary pulls Marcus up and snaps his head back with a European uppercut. Marion is whipped into the ropes and is hip tossed to the mat! Marion is up. A clothesline drops him! Again Marcus springs to his feet and like déjà vu he takes another Gary clothesline! A ‘We Want Bacon!’ chant is echoing through the building. Marcus is slow to get up and is met with a right hand to the head! Gary goes for his 60 Year Old Stunner! Marcus shoves him off into the ropes and catches him with a low dropkick to the damaged knee of Gary on the rebound! Lighting quick Marcus pulls Gary into position for his ‘Revolutionary Thrill’ piledriver but it’s countered into a backdrop! Marion reaches out and grabs a leg on his way down to the mat and pulls Gary off of his feet! Marcus with the figure four leglock!

COREY TAYLOR: It’s over! Marcus is gonna snap those chicken legs if he doesn’t give up!

JON McDANIEL: Gary is a fighter! He might be old and have a fetish for bacon but he’s a tough old bastard!

The referee is in the face of Gary asking if he wants to quit but the old codger screams ‘BACON’ and holds on. Speaking on holding on, behind the referees back, Marcus has reaches back and is getting extra leverage from Nichole on the outside! The referee catches the shenanigans and forces a break! Marcus is to his feet first and drags a hurting Gary up and positions him for a shin breaker. Marcus hoists him up but Gary counters it into his 60 Year Old Stunner! Gary goes for the cover!

1!

2!

3-No!

JON McDANIEL: What!

COREY TAYLOR: Holy HELL that was close!

Marcus has a foot on the bottom rope! The fans along ringside are pointing to Nichole saying she placed her mans foot on the bottom rope! The referee is asking some hard questions to Nichole and has his back turned to the wrestlers. Gary, looking frustrated, goes to pull Marcus up but takes a low blow! ‘Revolutionary Thrill’ from Marcus! The referee turns just in time to see Marion drape an arm across the body of Gary!

JON McDANIEL: No! Not like this!

1!

2!

3!

This one is over!

COREY TAYLOR: Score one for youth and brains!

ERIC EMERSON: Winner of this match, Marcus Marion!!!!

Marcus rolls out of the ring and Nichole is there to help him to the back.

JON McDANIEL: What a travesty!

COREY TAYLOR: Oh boo hoo. Go change Gary’s diaper and man up Jon.

***Backstage(unseen on Megavision)***

An envelope is placed up against the door of another lockerroom; it reads “Kurtis Family”.

*STATIC*

The commercial is hacked, showing Chet Whetleson next to a guy wearing overalls, a John Deere hat, and work boots; he is not wearing a shirt.

CHET WHETLESON: So, Danny Joe, what do you think about Robinson Pro?

The man spits a stream of brown juice out of his mouth.

DANNY JOE: Well Chet… (spit) Tell yur what.. it sure tain’t no good rasslin’ like we’s used to ahseeing in Rebel Pro. I wursh that Phoenix feller would just leave somethin’ that wure good alone. As my pappy telled me, if’n it tain’t broke, then don’t try afixin’ it.

Chet nods at the camera that fades back into the live show.

COREY TAYLOR: See what I mean, his IQ had to be less than one!

** Backstage **

We see the Robinson World Champ Phoenix walking backstage, flanked by security, when he comes to a sudden stop. The camera pans over to reveal a smirking Chris Casino.

Phoenix: Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your match?

Casino ambles over to the ‘champ’ and eyes the security.

Casino: Against those losers you’ve booked us against? Please. Me, The Freak and Shut Down will show them why REBEL doesn’t need castoffs from PWA.

One of the security guards inchs closer to Casino.

Casino: Easy guy….You’re not my type.

Phoenix: What the Hell do you want anyway? I’m a busy man and unless you want trouble then I would….

Casino acts shocked.

Casino: Trouble!? Me? (laughs) I just wanted to say that I’m happy to be part of your team in this little Survivor Series match you set up.

Phoenix doesn’t look to be buying it.

Casino: I mean, you’ll be in the ring with ME and a few other guys who….Love….What you’ve turned REBEL into. It’ll be a BLAST. I for one can’t wait. Now, if you’ll excuse me I DO have a match to get ready for….Boss. See you inside that ring soon though and hey….I got your back.

Casino walks off laughing as Phoenix looks after him.

Phoenix: It’s Robinson Pro you ass.

Casino walks to his dressing room’s door, looking down he spots another mysterious envelope with his name on the front. Looking around he doesn’t spot who might have left it. Casino picks it up before walking into his room.

- fade.

Back from the Casino segment and :Heeee heee heee”

“Oddities” by ICP in the speakers as from the back to a big time pop, perhaps the biggest in their formerly Rebel Pro career… The Freak, Shut Down… The Freak Show!

ERIC EMERSON: Ladies and Gentlemen…”

Freak holds up a hand as “Smooth” by Santana and featuring Rob Thomas hits up in the speakers as from the back to a mixed reaction with more cheers than boos is… Chris Casino!

ERIC EMERSON: Representing the Rebel Pro Loyalist contingent, Introducing The THE FREAK, SHUT DOWN, and CHRIS CASINO!

All three men step down the ramp and into their corner where they begin to discuss strategy for the upcoming match. Alec Wilcox comes over, checking all three men for weapons and warning them of the strict rules.

JON MCDANIEL: These three men look ready to take on The Pantheon here.

COREY TAYLOR: There is no way, The Pantheon are a group of big time champions. The only reason they are not in the Main Event tonight is because of the Rebel Pro Loyalists.

“Princes of the Universe” hits up and the crowd begin to boo heavily as Scottie Snow, The Dragon, and the large Moke Doshkey come down to the ring from the back.

ERIC EMERSON: From…

A loud burst of static is heard as a voice, definitely not Eric Emerson’s comes through the speakers.

V/O: “From the idiotic stable of Rob Robinsons, SCOOTIE FLURRY, THE DRAGOON, and this big idiot, MOOKIE DOOSHKEY.”

The crowd doesn’t boo, but that is because they can’t stop laughing. Someone has hacked into the sound system again and these three men are furious as they step into the ring and go right after the other three men.

DING DING

JON MCDANIEL: I thought it was regular rules?!

COREY TAYLOR: Who cares?! Get them!

Moke and Shut Down begin to exchange big time meaty right and lefts. Freak and Dragon with a collar and elbow tie up. Chris Casino whips Scottie into the ropes with an Irish whip sending him over after a quick clothesline. The crowd pops as Freak leaps over Casino, onto the top rope, front flipping and sending both feet right into Scottie’s face and slamming him into the guardrail. Casino turns around as Dragon comes flying at him with a cross body. Casino ducks, catching Dragon on his shoulders, spinning around dropping him with a stunner over his right shoulder. Casino up quickly, dropping a shoulder into Moke’s left knee as Shut Down pounds the big man with a clothesline. Shut Down off the ropes dropa a leg across Moke’s throat and the crowd is into this match as the Rebel Pro Loyalists are kicking some Pantheon butt. Freak pulls himself up, thumbing both his partners inside the ring. Scottie gets up behind Freak, slamming a shoulder into the back of his left knee taking him down onto the padding. Freak turns around, but Snow is there with a roundhouse kick right to the bridge of Freak’s nose knocking him out.

JON MCDANIEL: Snow with a great kick there.

COREY TAYLOR: He is part of Pantheon, of course he is great.

Dragon is getting up inside the ring, charging at the back of Casino’s legs, looking to take him out from behind. Casino ducks as Shut Down throws a big right fist. Dragon leaps to Casino’s back, up and around Shut Down’s head, bringing the big man down to the canvas with a very innovative DDT. Dragon is up quickly as he and Casino square off center ring.

JON MCDANIEL: What a move!

COREY TAYLOR: Even these fans are impressed, as they should be.

Casino with a wristlock, but Dragon flips over, kicking out and sweeping Casino’s legs out from under him. Dragon holds the wrist still, locking it up into an arm scissorlock. Casino rolls over into the ropes, but Alec Wilcox is not making any attempt at getting Dragon to break the hold, instead he is looking off in the distance. Casino, having spent much time in Rebel Pro, is used to having to break holds himself. Thus, Alec doesn’t see the roll over and punch to the junk of The Dragon, who releases the hold immediately in favor of holding something more near and dear to his personage. Casino rolls up to his feet as Dragon is wincing in pain. Casino with a knee drop onto the inner thigh and now Alec is watching in anticipation of an illegal move. Moke is getting back up and charging at the anklelock Casino locks on Dragon. But big Shut Down with a running forearm sends him off target. However, the big Moke is right there and the two big men are exchanging rights and lefts again.

JON MCDANIEL: Alec Wilcox has lost control!

COREY TAYLOR: So, Pantheon is kicking ass!

Dragon rolls over kicking Casino in the side of the head. Shut Down with a hammerlock on the big Moke, but he quickly ducks under reversing the hold into a hammerlock of his own. Moke rops the hammerlock, wrapping his arms around Shut Down’s waist.

JON MCDANIEL: No way…

COREY TAYLOR: Yes Way!

Moke lifts Shut Down up, grunting from the strain and spins around!

*WHAM!*

The ring shakes as Moke delivers the biggest German suplex in the history of this fed!

WAIT!

He isn’t finished, he rolls back over and everyone is watching, they can’t believe it! Moke is getting Shut Down up for another!

COREY TAYLOR: Look at his strength!

JON MCDANIEL: That… cannot be denied.

Moke lifts, but Shut Down wraps his legs in the ropes, preventing the second German. Freak leaps from the floor to the apron and from the apron to around Moke’s head…

REVERSE HURRICANRANA!

COREY TAYLOR: That damn FREAK!

JON MCDANIEL: What a move!

Freak gets up, stumbling forward, holding his left knee, he came down on it hard. Scottie slides into the ring.

SNOW PLOW!

Too bad it was on Shut Down, who just looks down at the much… much… much smaller man. Snow looks up.

*GULP*

Shut Down smiles, picking Snow up, turning around…

CHOKESLAM!

Freak off the ropes, front flipping leg drop across the throat and the cover!

ONE!

Dragon leaps, diving forward to stop the pin.

TWO!

Casino reaches out, barely catching the ankle. Moke is crawling towards Freak, but Shut Down with a kick to his ribs rolls him onto his back.

THREE!

DING DING DING

JON MCDANIEL: They did it!

COREY TAYLOR: They cheated, a legal man was never established!

ERIC EMERSON: Winner of the match… the team of Chris Casino… The Freak… and Shut down!

*STATIC*

Jenny Jersey stands next to a young boy, wearing a vintage Chad Kurtis shirt and Rebel Pro baseball cap.

JENNY JERSEY: So Timmy, what do you think about Robinson Pro.

TIMMY: I think it stinks more than The Phoenix. Rebel Pro was unique, but oh

no, Phoenix had to come in and change up the rules. He thinks he is making things better, or has made them better, but all he has done is ruined the best thing this side of the Mississippi.”

Jenny nods at the camera that fades back into the arena.

“YOU SAY YOU KNOW JUST WHO I AM.”

Rocks the arena and out steps “The Falcon” Jacob Venar, the crowd get hot in a hurry, launching their boos at Jacob Venar with full force. Venar’s focus is squarely on the matchup with his former tag team partner Johnny Maverick.

ERIC EMERSON: Making his way down to the ring! From British Columbia, Canada, weighing in at TWO hundred and FORTY POUNDS THE FALCON JACOB VENAR!

JON MACDANIEL: Jacob Venar looks EXTREMELY focused tonight. The back and forth this week between he and Maverick? It was just brutal.

COREY TAYLOR: And that’s EXACTLY how I like it. It is so much better when the “kid” gloves get thrown off. No need in being phony. The two CAN’T stand each other.

The crowd continues heckling and booing Venar as he calmly strolls down to the ring, not giving them the satisfaction of letting them get a “rise” out of him.

“Lead Into Demise” by Kingdom of Sorrow begins to roar over the house speakers.

ERIC EMERSON: From Washington D.C.; he stands at six feet and two inches and weighs in at two hundred and twenty five pounds… JOHNNY MAVERICK!

Maverick, peering at Venar during the entire time he strolls down the aisle, is greeted by a much more positive reaction from the crowd. Some of the more stanch fans hold out signs, one of which reads, “You are my idol!”

JON MACDANIEL: I have a feeling that this will be the most interesting match of the night. In truth, you can say that “Bragging Rights” await the winner.

COREY TAYLOR: Bragging Rights? You sound SOO cliché.

JON MACDANIEL: Okay Corey. Let’s just call the match, alright?

The two superstars meet nose to nose in the center of the ring. And they begin a tie up, with Venar getting the upper-hand. Venar peppers Maverick with three rapid punches, each knocking Maverick’s head back. The look on Maverick’s face shows he’s more annoyed than in actual pain. Venar whips Maverick to the rope, off the rebound Venar throws out a clothesline, which Maverick ducks. Instantly turning, Maverick nails a picture perfect standing dropkick. He then quickly goes for the cover. Ref Lance Weston is on the job!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

JON MACDANIEL: Maverick isn’t taking any chances here. That pinfall, I’d say, was more to keep Maverick on his toes than anything else.

COREY TAYLOR: Eh, he thought he was slick and could catch Venar sleeping. Venar, however, you NEVER catch sleeping.

Maverick picks up Venar by his head and drives a knee to his gut while bringing him to his feet. Amazingly, without the aid of a rope rebound, he flips over a doubled over Venar and catches him in a sunset flip. But, however, Venar remains at a vertical base and simply drops down on the chest of his former tag team partner.

JON MACDANIEL: Venar had that move well-scouted. He planted his feet so that Maverick’s momentum could not take him over.

Maverick winces in pain a bit from two hundred and forty pounds careening down onto his chest. Venar, without giving Mav even a second to catch his breath, drops a quick leg-drop across his throat. He then mounts on top of Maverick, and begins a “mount and pound”. Venar throws out stiff punches, but Maverick covers up. After a few seconds, Maverick manages to shove Venar away.

COREY TAYLOR: He pushes him away. What a tool.

JON MACDANIEL: Good decision by Maverick. There’s only so many of those stiff shots his arms could have blocked before fatigue began to set in.

Both competitors manage to get to their feet. Maverick walks up to Venar and slaps him HARD across the face! The fans in attendance, liking Maverick a “tad” more than they like Venar, roar their approval. To which, Maverick offers a sly smirk. Venar, like a bull seeing red; charges at Maverick, who quickly catches him in a side-headlock take-down . Venar manages to get his arms underneath Maverick, rolling backward into a pinning combination. Weston, once again, is there to make the count.
ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

KICKOUT!

With the headlock still synched in, Maverick applies more and more pressure. Weston asks Venar if he “yields” to which he replies: NO! Maverick, with the rest hold still applied, pulls Venar to his feet with him. Venar replies with some shots to the ribs and kidneys. Trying to loosen the grip that Mav has on him. Venar manages to push Mav off to the ropes, freeing himself. Instead of waiting for Mav to rebound, Venar follows him to the ropes and lariats Maverick clean over the top rope. The fans begin their boo-fest, like it was just invented.

COREY TALOR: That lariat was the stuff of legends. It packed a punch!

JON MACDANIEL: Must you be so biased?

Venar slides under the rope, meeting Maverick out to the floor. The ref, looking on from the center of the ring looks on, motioning that the two should return to the ring. Venar brushes him off. He takes a downed Maverick and tries to slam him head first into the ring apron. But he’s blocked! Maverick slams Venar’s head hard onto the side of the apron. And, in a swift motion, gives him an inverted atomic drop. The ref begins the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Maverick throws Venar back into the ring, then slithers in himself, effectively stopping the count. Without giving him much of a reprieve, Maverick stands Venar up and nails him with a gamengiri. The blow takes Venar down. Maverick then scales the second rope and comes down hard on Venar’s exposed chest with a crushing elbow drop. He relaxes the move into a cover. The ref makes the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-

KICKOUT!

JON MACDANIEL: Maverick took flight. But Venar manages to get that shoulder up.

COREY TAYLOR: Eh, it was a standard elbow drop. Nothing special.

The match has begun to really set in, with both men sweating and moving just that much more slowly. Pulling Venar to his feet, Maverick tries to take him over with a suplex, but it’s blocked. Venar takes him down with one of his own. He then kicks Maverick on the side of the head, then quickly applies a crippler crossface! Maverick, in agony, inches his way over to the ropes. Venar pushes down on him with his weight.

JON MACDANIEL: He’s closing in on those ropes.

After a few minutes, that feel like an eternity, Maverick grips the bottom rope. The ref moves in to break up the hold. But Venar won’t budge. Instead he tightens the grip. The ref makes the count.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIV-

Venar, giving Maverick one last squeeze, finally releases the hold. Venar stands an all but worn out Maverick to his feet and returns the same slap in the face he received earlier. The fans boo. Venar then takes Maverick down with a side back-breaker. He quickly scales the ropes and goes for a top rope splash, but is met with a stiff boot to the face from Maverick. The fans begin to cheer.

JON MACDANIEL: Maverick had great presence of mind, there.

COREY TAYLOR: Yeah, whatever.

With Venar laid out on the mat, Maverick begins to shake the cob webs loose. Stretching himself to keep himself limber, he picks Venar up and takes him back down with an Inverted DDT. He then drags Venar over to the bottom rope and rests his body on it. Maverick races and rebounds to and off the ropes, then delivers a crushing splash on Venar’s back. Maverick then kicks Venar’s body out of the ring, he follows suit.

COREY TAYLOR: For Goodness Sakes, Jacob, GET UP!

JON MACDANIEL: Looks like this match has spilled to the outside again.

Venar lies on the ground, pretty much zonked out. Maverick makes a move for him, raising him up a bit, then attempting to slam his head on the guard-rail. Venar, most certainly, will have none of it. He blocks the blow. Then, with what little strength he can muster, slams Maverick’s head into the guard rail. The fans boo. Venar falls to his knees, trying to catch his breath. Giving the fighters some lee-way, the ref begins the count.

ONE

TWO

THREE

JON MACDANIEL: These guys better high-tail it to the ring, or else they’ll be counted out.

Venar, manages to get to his feet, and waves Maverick off. He decides to fight another day and heads for the back. Maverick, having now recovered a bit, stalks Venar. He runs and nails him with a clubbing forearm to the back of the head. Venar hits the ground and is swiftly taken over by a German suplex. The crowd shares their sentiments…

CROWD: OOOH!

FOUR

FIVE

Fighting the exhaustion of the match, himself, Maverick makes his way over to the guard-rail to get a rest. Venar extremely slowly gets to his feet. He favors his lower back from the impact of that German Suplex. Once to his feet, he charges toward Maverick. Venar jumps and executes a cross body block onto Maverick, which takes both men over the top of the guard rail. The fans begin to move back, giving the competitors a little room.

SIX

SEVEN

COREY TAYLOR: This match is bananas!

JON MACDANIEL: They just want to kill each other. They are ignoring that count.

Venar begins to throw haymakers Maverick’s way, stunning and softening him up even further. Venar then picks Maverick up by the hair, and rams him head-first into an idle steel chair, vacated by one of the fans.

EIGHT

Venar then picks Maverick up and gives him a rake across the eyes. Maverick, blinded a bit, begins to throw wild punches which miss their intended mark. Venar clubs Maverick across the back with an elbow. Maverick, then throws a back elbow, catching Venar flush on the jaw. Regaining his momentarily lost sight, Maverick takes Venar down with an Ace-Crusher.

NINE

JON MACDANIEL: This match is one count away from being over.

Maverick follows that up with slamming Venar’s head hard onto the concrete floor. The ref, looking out into the crowd of people, now having lost sight of the Venar and Maverick… officially calls the match.

TEN!

COREY TAYLOR: IT’S OVER!

ERIC EMERSON: As a result of both combatants failing to enter the ring before the ten count, this match has ended in a DOUBLE COUNT-OUT!

JON MACDANIEL: That was a really hard hitting match. I am sure the fans do wish we could have gotten a different ending, though.

COREY TAYLOR: Venar SHOULD have been the winner.

With that we cut to Commercial.

*STATIC*

Chad Kurtis, Jonothan Kurtis, and Matthew Kurtis stand with a hundred or more of people.

FANS: Bring back Rebel Pro!

A slight pause.

PEOPLE: “We hate Robinson Pro! *clap. clap. clap clap clap* We Hate Robinson Pro! *Clap. clap. clap clap clap*

Fade back into the arena and the still live feed.

“Here we are, born to be kings. We’re the princes of the universe.”

As we return from commercial, the camera is focused tightly on a man that is clearly a Freddy Mercury impersonator, though he looks more like Borat. The live band continues with the song, “Princes of the Universe” from the Highlander soundtrack as the Pantheon, the Phoenix, Rob Robinson (wearing the Robinson Pro World title), Might & Magic, Moke Doshky and the Dragon, Scottie “The Panther” Snow and Fantastic Andy Strickland all walk out from behind the curtain and head to the ring. The path to the ring is covered by a red carpet, matching the one covering the ring. Huge vases of purple flowers, the color of royalty, decorate the ring. Once all five men are in the ring, the Phoenix motions with his hand in front of his throat, telling the band to stop.

ROBINSON: Ladies and gentlemen, you’re here on a historic night for Robinson Pro Wrestling!

The crowd boos hotly.

ROBINSON: I’ve spared no expense this evening, because I know this night will go down in the history books and I wanted to make sure it was special. I hired “Princess”, the world’s premier Queen cover band to play the Pantheon’s theme song, I decorated the arena with brand new banners…

The camera sweeps across the arena, showing massive hanging banners, each with a picture of one of the Pantheon members on it.

ROBINSON: And I’ve classed the joint up with flowers. Why? Because a historic moment, especially one that’s planned, should be carried out with a sense of style and ceremony. When I bought Rebel Pro and transformed it into Robinson Pro Wrestling, I said that I want to take this company to the top of the industry. I started that journey with small steps, things like enforcing the rules, appointing champions the company can be proud of, and signing some top level, World class talent.

The boos just get louder as Phoenix lists each “accomplishment”.

ROBINSON: But tonight I’m done with the small steps, tonight Robinson Pro takes a massive leap forward and I couldn’t be more proud or excited. Because… I’ve seen the future. No, I’m not claiming to be psychic. You don’t need a sixth sense to know what’s coming for Robinson Pro, you just need to watch Rampage each week.

ROBINSON: I’ve seen the future, not just of this company, but of this very industry. I know a lot of the men I employ hate my guts, and I’m cool with that. They don’t need to like me, they just need to give you fans the best wrestling action on the planet, that’s all I ask. Men like “The Show” Chad Kurtis and Chris Casino. They wouldn’t stop to piss on me if I was on fire, but you fans love them for some reason, so I keep putting them in the ring. They’ve got a raw, unformed talent that’s just in need of some mentoring and I know they can be made into real, honest-to-goodness mid-card wrestlers.

The crowd, which had been cheering for Kurtis and Casino turn on a dime to boo the mention of them as mid-carders.

ROBINSON: Oh, come on! They may have been in the main event in Rebel Pro, but the game has changed and so will they if they want to keep a spot here. I admited they’ve got a spark of talent. It just isn’t enough to turn them into the kind of legends that I’m known for creating. But there’s no shame in being a mid-card guy. Without curtain jerkers and mid-carders, all we’d have is the main event!

ROBINSON: And I’ll admit, when I bought the company, I wondered what I was going to do about getting some real main event talent. I mean, its not like I could wrestle myself every night! But my first week here, I saw a glint of something, a tiny bit of hope. And then the second and third weeks, I realized this wasn’t a fluke! I was seeing the man that could carry the Robinson Pro banner! I was seeing a man that I could be proud to have as my champion! I was seeing a man that I could mentor and lead to greatness! In short, I was seeing the Phoenix, version 2.0!

More booing. Which is good, because that means more money from beer concessions when these bastards get dry throats.

ROBINSON: Love me or hate me, there’s no denying that I know talent when I see it. I’m the man that made household names of people like Chamelion, Raizzor, and Sirus Moran. I literally made that backstabber Hunter Sullivan into a man people could take seriously as a World champion. So it is fair to say that I know a thing or two when it comes to wrestling talent. Even if you think I don’t possess it, no one could claim I don’t know it when I see it. Now, I don’t want to oversell this, but I’ve just seen the man that will go down in the history books as the greatest of all time, maybe even able to surpass my many accomplishments in the ring, if not my overall impact in the industry. This is the man that will be the face of Robinson Pro wrestling, the man that will carry this company to the top on his shoulders, the man that will be the franchise of this great company! And I’m not just saying that because he has a bird themed nickname, too. So, without further ado, Jacob Venar, please come to the ring.

The Borat looking dude screams, “YOU SAY YOU KNOW JUST WHO I AM” as Princess launches into 12 Stones’ “Anthem For the Underdog”. Jacob Venar comes out in his usual wrestling attire to meet the biggest jeers we’ve heard all night, stopping only to glare and shake his head in disgust at the band totally BUTCHERING his theme song, and walks to the ring, keeping his fiery eyes on the Pantheon.

ROBINSON: Jacob… Jake… let me just say that watching you perform the last few weeks has been both a blessing and an honor. Sure, things may not have always gone exactly to plan, but they almost never do, so don’t let that get you down. The important thing is that you picked yourself up and the desire to succeed just burns hotter with every so-called setback.

The Falcon slows his approach a little as the band finally quiets down, becoming suspicious of Robinson.

ROBINSON: But I wouldn’t have called you out here if you just possessed a desire to be the best. Lots of people have that. You’ve also got the will to make it happen. But other people have that, too. What you’ve got that they don’t are the actual tools to shape your own reality. Whatever you want, you’re capable of taking and that’s what I really like about you. These other guys in Robinson Pro, they may think they want to be the best, they may think they can make it happen, but none of them have taken any steps to actually do it. Not you, not the Falcon. You turned on your tag team partner, Johnny Maverick, because he was holding you back. That takes brains and guts. Some people would have been too scared to venture out into the world of singles competition, but you knew what you wanted and took action. That’s something I think we all can admire.

Robinson gestures out to the arena, but the fans just boo him. The Falcon just stands back, staying cautious and keeping his eye on Robinson.

ROBINSON: But all the talent and action in the world doesn’t amount to anything without the brains to make an effective plan, and you’ve got that in spades. Once Rebel Pro became Robinson Pro, you were the only man in the company to realize this was an opportunity to be seized and that’s just what you’ve done. First, by getting rid of that dead weight, Maverick, and then by doing me the favor of taking care of the Freak. You didn’t have to do that and you didn’t stand to gain anything big from it, just an exemption from the strict rules in the ring, but you did it anyway, because you knew that having a man like me owe you a favor could be a huge advantage, an advantage that no one else would have.

The Falcon’s eye dims a little, wondering what Robinson is getting at.

ROBINSON: Your actions have earned you a reward, Jacob. A man with your talent, skill, and abilities should be recognized and given their due, which is exactly what I plan to do tonight. I’m about to offer you the opportunity of a lifetime and I know that you’ll make the right decision.

The fans buzz in spite of all the boos as the Falcon slowly starts to approach the ring again.

ROBINSON: When I reformed the Pantheon and brought them to Rebel Pro, I said that we are like the gods of Olympus walking among the mortals of Rebel Pro. It is time for you to ascend, Jacob Venar. It is time for you to take your rightful position as my right hand man and join the Pantheon.

The crowd boos louder at this idea. The Falcon’s eyebrows drop at the idea of joining Robinson’s lackeys, and he raises his microphone to protest, but Robinson cuts him off before he can speak.

ROBINSON: Don’t answer yet, Jacob. Before you make up your mind, you need to know something. We all know that some of the guys on the roster are foolishly holding on to hope that they can somehow revive Rebel Pro. You and I know that’s not going to happen, but some people take longer to understand. So I’ve got a lot of work to do to firmly establish my authority here and get all of my employees on the same page. At the same time, I’ve got people outside my company that are tampering with my business and I’ve got to handle that, too. What I’m getting at is, I’m not able to devote the time and attention to the Pantheon that it deserves. I can’t be the glorious leader that the fans deserve. But you can. What I’m offering to you isn’t just a place in the Pantheon, I’m asking you to lead it.

The Falcon freezes for a moment, staring down the man in the ring with the microphone still raised to his lips. The Falcon finally decides to move, dropping the microphone and finishing his approach to the ring, lifting himself over the top rope with his arms in a terrific show of athleticism. The Falcon walks right up to Robinson, looking out at the crowd who steadily boo and beg him “DON’T DO IT”. After a moment or so of careful consideration, the Falcon looks into the eyes of the Phoenix… and smiles. The fans erupt in fierce boos and jeers as the Falcon shakes Robinson’s hand, and turns to leave.

ROBINSON: Whoa, hang on there, Falcon.

The Falcon, with one leg through the ropes, turns and looks at Robinson, who invites him back into the ring. The Falcon obliges begrudgingly, really looking like he’d like to get home.

ROBINSON: You made the right choice, just like I knew you would. But there’s one more surprise. Before I could tell you this, I had to make certain I could count on you. Well, you didn’t let me down. I said you’re the future of Robinson Pro, and I meant every word of that. But there’s one more thing you need to lead not just the Pantheon, but also Robinson Pro.

Robinson reaches behind his back and unfastens the World title belt. He looks down at it, smiles, and hands the title to the Falcon. The Falcon accepts, hesitantly, eyes studying the Pantheon closely, looking for foul play. Robinson releases the belt from his grasp, and backs away from the Falcon, who stares at the belt half-suspicious, half in disbelief.

ROBINSON: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the new Robinson Pro Wrestling World champion… “The Falcon” Jacob Venar!

The Falcon smirks as he stares out at the crowd which strains each of their voices to make their disapproval of the new Champion heard. With the Falcon in the ring, surrounded by Pantheon, world title in hand, on top of the world…

The lights fade to the Robinson Pro logo, and then to black. The feed cuts right back on air, with the following words scrolling across the screen.

“The following is unknowingly paid for by Rob Robinson.”

Static on Megavision. Then we’re in a dim corner of the back of the arena. An over head light shines down on a few crates randomly placed. Standing by one of these crates talking are the Kurtis brothers. Chad and Jon are talking to each other, both holding a piece of paper, while Matt is sitting on a crate looking around. The three look up as Shut Down and The Freak walk in.

SHUT DOWN: You all too?

The Freak holds up a piece of paper.

CHAD: Yep.

Jon holds his up.

VOICE: Kind of a waste. I could probably do this myself.

They all turn their attention to the man who just walked in, Chris Casino.

MATT KURTIS: Would you shut the hell up and take a look around? Would someone mind telling me what’s going on? Because from the look of it, Robinson has all his enemies in one place now. For all I know, one of you is a spy!

Matt jumps to his feet, angry expression on his face as he glares at Freak Show and Chris Casino.

VOICE: Calm down, and I’ll clue you in.

All six men turn their attention to a man in the corner. The light doesn’t shine down far enough to expose him.

MATT KURTIS: Make it quick.

VOICE: Patience. You have to savor this Matt. Think about it…What’s the fun if you can’t mess with Robinson before you bring him down? That’s too quick, too dull.

CHAD KURTIS: Let me take a guess. You’re the one who has been messing with the feeds.

VOICE: It is with much pride I admit to…most of that. My Photoshop skills are a bit weak. But you can bet I had fun finding Phoenix’s biggest bloopers and introducing a whole new crowd to them.

THE FREAK: Enough talk. I’m starting to agree with Matt. Why are we here?

VOICE: Alright, alright. I can see y’all are on edge, and I can understand why. Here’s the deal guys. Robinson’s a plague. I know this. Rob and his cronies love nothing more than themselves. But the thing is, I know Rob. I know how he works. And best of all, I have a plan. A rather…disgusting plan, if you will. Now, I understand y’all want your federation back. Problem is, Robinson and his buddies are like an infestation. Good news for you! I’m your Orkin man, and I want you guys to be my poison. It’s too soon for me to step out. I still have some stuff to do behind the scenes. But when I do make myself known, Rob won’t like it. We have some history.

CASINO: So, a lot of people have history with this guy. He ran that crap fest PWA for years.

VOICE: Exactly, and Rob hates nothing more than some guy coming into his home and becoming alpha male. Been there, done that.

SHUT DOWN: I hear a lot of talk.

VOICE: And soon, you’ll see a lot of action. You guys just keep Rob busy a little longer and watch your backs. If Rob’s goon squad beats you down, you won’t be any help to the cause. Take care guys. Oh, and Matt…Jon…keep that gold around your waist.

JONOTHAN: No problem what-so-ever.

MATTHEW: And Matt, would it kill you to smile?

Matt looks confused.

CHAD:…OHHH, I get it.

VOICE: SHHHH. Now get out of here before Robinson finds you guys.

The feed cuts out.