GCWA Friday Night Inferno


*What time is it? What day is it? Oh, okay. Well then, shall we just get to it? Welcome to Inferno, boyos...*

*After the GCWA logo pops and fades, we find ourselves standing inside a ring. Well, standing as in the camera appears to be in the ring, you know how that goes. Joining the camera in the ring is a smiling Deana Barrows.*

Deana Barrows: When it comes to the fight, the World Champion is never done...

*We see shots of Mack O'Connor silhouetted on the canvas, fighting guys like Ed Houston, The Big Bifford, James Raven, and Betsy Granger, among others.*

Deana Barrows: You get past one obstacle... and more will appear...

*The image shows O'Connor seemingly looking around in multiple directions, as if focusing on his next challenge.*

Deana Barrows: Sometimes, the biggest threat is when there are too many obstacles, each wanting their chance to unseat the champion...

*In each corner, we see wrestlers appear, as if holograms. We see Outcast, looking bemused at the thought of O'Connor in front of him. Xavier Lux is shown, bouncing on his heels, ready to rumble. On the other side of the ring, we see Shawn Warstein standing in one corner, James Raven in the other, and the rest of Legacy lining the ropes, all hungry for the chase. Deana looks at all of them, smiling her usual grin.*

Deana Barrows: That's when the numbers need to be paired down... and sometimes, that means war...

*We see the images seem to go at each other, even as Deana steps to the side, still smiling. She looks back at the camera.*

Deana Barrows: But who will survive the battle to have a chance at winning the war?

*Deana laughs, enjoying the potential chaos, as the fire grows around her, consuming the ring. The flames seem to surround everything, burning along the edges as the image goes away, illuminating every square inch of the screen. In the flames, shots of different wrestling maneuvers are shown. Punisher. Cancelled. The Sound of Silence. The Death Penalty. Souled Out. The Flight of the Raven. The Perfect Finisher. The Stroke. The Claymore. Each as impressive as you would expect. In the center of the flames, an image of the current GCWA World Heavyweight Champion, Mack O'Connor, holding the title in one hand and a beer in the other. The fury of the flames overtakes the champion, as he disappears from sight. "Legend" from the Score then plays, leading us into the beginning of Inferno!*

"BANG BANG, BANG BANG, BANG BANG, THIS FIRE'S A WEAPON... BANG BANG, BANG BANG, BANG BANG, WON'T STOP 'TIL WE'RE LEGEND!"

*Throughout the flames, images of the various wrestlers competing in the company flash by, some doing their signature maneuvers, others posing for the camera. As the music hits a crescendo, the screen blows apart, and we return to the GCWA Arena in Dallas, Texas! The audience is packed as always, with many fans hyped up to find out what's going to happen in the near future. You can tell they're interested in many things, wondering what's upcoming for the GCWA. We leave them behind, going to Adrian Rockwell & Hood.

Rockwell: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Inferno!

Hood: We're back, wooo!

Rockwell: Yeah, it felt longer this time...

Hood: Strange, right?

Rockwell: With a blizzard making its way towards Dallas, it's a good thing we're having this show when we are. Tonight, we've got four matches set up with some very strong talent, especially in our main event, as The Enforcer will face off with PerZag!

Hood: It could only get better if gold was on the line for PerZag to win!

Rockwell: Also tonight, we expect to find out more about the upcoming #1 Contenders match for Mack O'Connor's World Title!

Hood: My money's on Legacy!

Rockwell: You're just saying that because half the competitors are in Legacy!

Hood: Well, yeah, of course! That's where my odds are better, hence that's where my money is!

Rockwell: I can't argue with your logic... and speaking of Legacy, we've got to head to the back!



*A camera shows Deana Barrows sitting behind her desk, sifting through various paperwork. Ace is speaking with her quietly when the door bursts open. Both look up startled as Betsy Granger and James Raven enter, followed closely by Shawn Warstein. Noah Jackson, Jackson Hart, and Atara Themis bring up the rear and block the doorway. No one in, no one out. Deana rises slowly from behind the desk, a nervous smile on her face. Ace just watches everything quietly from his seat.*

Betsy Granger: We've come to bargain.

*A peel of astonished laughter erupts from Deana's lips.*

Deana Barrows: You can't possibly be serious right now.

James Raven: As a heart attack.

*Deana's eyes dart from Betsy to James. Looking to her father for guidance, the elder Barrows just shrugs. Finally, she turns back to the couple, her reluctance written all over her face. She gestures for them to carry on as she slumps back into her chair.*

Deana Barrows: I suppose I have no choice but to hear you out at the moment.

James Raven: That's the spirit! Here's the deal: The four you named for the shot at the World Heavyweight Title. I'm going to have to go ahead and bow out. I could have cashed in a rematch, but I think someone else may have a little more fun pursuing this shot. Someone with a bone to pick and a fire under her ass.

*Deana's eyes narrow as she casts a glare on Betsy. Even though she responds to James, her eyes never leave Granger's.*

Deana Barrows: Gee, I wonder who you had in mind.

*Betsy steps forward, her emerald eyes hard and her face set in determination.*

Betsy Granger: You're god damn right.

*Sweeping her gaze across the room, Deana takes the measure of the rest of the Legacy.*

Deana Barrows: And not a single one of you has a problem with this?

*Warstein steps forward now.*

Shawn Warstein: That's what you always missed about us, Deana. It's not about one of us, it's about all of us. It doesn't matter who, as long as its Legacy.

*The others nod their agreement. Sitting back in her chair, Deana steeples her fingers together as she considers the demands being made of her. Finally, that sly grin crosses her face and she leans forward, placing her elbows on the desk.*

Deana Barrows: You know what? Just to show you that there are no hard feelings... I'll grant you this little request. Betsy, you will take James' place for the number one contender's match. Anything else?

*Betsy and James exchange a glance before looking suspiciously back at Deana. Without another word, Legacy retreats from the office. As they head down the hall, Betsy turns back towards the group, her face openly troubled now.*

Betsy Granger: Is it just me, or was that entirely too easy?

Shawn Warstein: The wheel was definitely turning. Tighten up those buckles kids, I think this ride is about to get a bit more violent.

Noah Jackson: Tell the cunt to bring it on! There's nothing she can throw the way that we can't handle!

Jackson Hart: Easy to say until she's piling our dance cards with ridiculous bullshit matches and challenges. The woman is pissed, she isn't hiding it as well as she'd like to think she is.

Betsy Granger: So we keep our vigilance on high and tighten up the ranks. We'll keep a closer eye on each other. I will not let this rebuild crumble before we have a chance to reach the full height of our potential.

James Raven: Well said. There's no point in fretting over this. The deal is done and all we can do now is be ready for whatever Deana decides to throw Shawn and Betsy's way for these contenders' matches.

Shawn Warstein: We've fucking got this.

*The stable, still talking amongst themselves, turn a corner and disappear as the camera switches back to the arena.*

Rockwell: So Betsy Granger is back in the hunt for the World Title!

Hood: Well, that's surprising that Raven would bow out... but that still means two Legacy members, which means my odds of winning are still intact!

Rockwell: I'm surprised, really, that Deana went ahead with it so readily, considering how she feels about Granger.

Hood: She knows it's a good story, Adrian, and good stories put the butts in the seats!


Tag-Team Match
Life Before Death (Lucas Thames & Mike Zybala) (2-1) vs. The Impasta Mafia (Manny Cotti & Al Fredo) (0-6)

Minos: The next match is scheduled for one fall... introducing first... weighing a combined 435 lbs... accompanied by Link Greenie... here are Manny Cotti and Al Fredo... The Impasta Mafia!!

*"Italian Mafia" by Sicilian Heart begins to play, leading out the Impasta Mafia family. The three men make their way down, with Greenie wearing a flamboyant green suit, while the others are in proper wrestling gear. They head into the ring, ignoring the boos from the audience here in Dallas.*

Rockwell: The Impasta Mafia had their best chance last week to win some gold, but came up short against the Malvados.

Hood: I still blame Paco...

Rockwell: Tonight, they're looking to get back on the winning track...

Hood: Back? Don't you have to have been there previously? The Mafia's mostly just been in the parking lot, they've never gotten close to the track...

Minos: Their opponents... weighing a combined 595 lbs... accompanied by Peter "The Janitor" Vaughn... here are Lucas "The Icon" Thames & Mike Zybala... Life Before Death!!

*The lights dim as Battle without Honor of Humanity starts playing. When the drums and trumpets hit, out walks Lucas Thames and Mike Zybala, dressed for action. They are flanked by Peter Vaughn, dressed in a disheveled suit and sunglasses and making the look work, a real Orange Cassidy vibe going. Vaughn and Zybala move in slow motion to match the music and trying to look bad ass as Thames shakes his head and moves normally, usually getting to the ring before his partners. Zybala and Vaughn walk slow-mo down the ramp while high fiving fans. Vaughn slowly gets in the ring, with Zybala on the outside, and all strike slow-mo poses.*

Rockwell: Thames gave us a bit of a history lesson on the Mafia this week. I don't think he's expecting much from the Mafia tonight.

Hood: I'm not sure Zybala's even going to get in the ring... which I fully approve.

Rockwell: Looks like he's walking over here...

Hood: NO!!!!

*Hood jumps up, but realizes that Zybala's actually on the other side of the ring. Hood turns and glares at a grinning Rockwell, as the bell rings.*

Rockwell: So let's see what the Mafia has planned for tonight...

Hood: ...

Rockwell: Sit down, Hood, it was just a joke...

Hood: ...

*Zybala is still on the outside, having been joined by Vaughn. The two are talking animatedly, apparently about Zybala's next idea for Life Before Death merchandise. Thames, meanwhile, is standing in the ring, waiting. Seeing this, both Cotti and Fredo step into the ring at the same time. The referee tells them that one of them is going to have to stay on the apron, but Fredo just pushes him aside. The two men, grinning, advance on Thames, ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.*

Rockwell: Uh oh, maybe someone should tell Zybala...

Hood: Oooo, let me... *whispers* Zybala... hey Zybala...

Rockwell: Hood, don't be... wow, I think he heard you, he's looking this way...

Hood: Not gonna fool me twice, Adrian... oh, what the fuck...

*Hood glances over, seeing Zybala is actually smiling at him from across the ring. Hood sits back, looking terrified. In the meantime, Cotti goes after Thames first, grabbing at him, but Thames nails him with a striking elbow, sending him reeling. Fredo launches himself at Thames, but Thames blocks his attack as well, taking the larger man over with a snap German suplex! He shoves Fredo aside, getting up, as Cotti comes back in, only to be sent flying by a hip toss! As Fredo tries to rise, Thames latches onto him, delivering a snap Dragon suplex!! Fredo rolls out of the ring, landing at the feet of Vaughn and Zybala, who look at him for a second before going back to their talk.*

Rockwell: Okay, maybe Thames doesn't even need Zybala with this one.

Hood: ... I'm scared to say anything now...

Rockwell: What do you mean?

Hood: ... He's listening...

*As Cotti pulls himself up, Thames is right on top of him, hammering away on his back. He then twists Cotti around and delivers a snap Tiger suplex, throwing the smaller man around. Cotti looks like he wants to crawl out of the ring towards Link Greenie, but Thames stops him, dragging him backwards as Cotti reaches out desperately. Thames shows no mercy, pulling Cotti back up and locking him in place, before dropping with the Iconizer (Leg-Assisted Neckbreaker)!!! Cotti could be out, but Thames doesn't feel like ending this one yet. He gets up, looking down at Cotti as he stands over him. Outside, Greenie is yelling for Fredo to get up. He does, looking a little dazed, and starts to turn towards the ring... until Zybala nails him with a Superkick, sending him back down!!*

Rockwell: Superkick!!

Hood: And he didn't even stop talking... he's not human!!

*Zybala has, indeed, gone back to his conversation with Vaughn, even though Vaughn himself looks thrown off. Fredo is out, with Greenie looking absolutely shocked. In the ring, Thames has locked Cotti up, lifting him around and tossing him down to the mat before applying All It Takes Is Five Seconds (Anaconda Vice)!!! Cotti gets wildly for a couple of seconds, then does what has to be done, tapping rapidly on Thames' shoulder! The referee, seeing it, calls for the bell, ending this one, as Zybala turns and hops up on the apron to join his partner. Vaughn, taken by surprise, hurries after him.*

Minos: Here are your winners... Lucas "The Icon" Thames & Mike Zybala... Life Before Death!!

Rockwell: A dominating win for Life Before Death, with Lucas Thames doing 90% of it...

Hood: I'm sure Zybala used his dark ghost magic, too...

Rockwell: Well, he definitely used a superkick...

*Zybala and Thames get their arms raised by Vaughn, who parades them around the ring. Afterwards, they start to head out, with Zybala wanting to talk to Thames to get his take on his new idea. The three walk away, leaving Link Greenie to try and pull his two wrestlers together and leave.*





*We cut to footage that must've been filmed earlier in the night. We arrive in the hallway outside of the locker room areas as we see Jones standing at attention with a microphone at hand.*

Jones: Hello ladies and gentleman, I am here today to speak to PerZag as he holds auditions for his services for anybody within the GCWA. So, let's go in.

*Jones walks over to the left of the screen until a door comes into view with the name 'PerZag' written on it. Jones knocks on the door, the door opening as a man in a butler uniform stands at the door.*

PerZag: Bernard, who is it?

Bernard: It is Jones, Sir?

PerZag: Let him in, he can be here for this.

*Jones walks into PerZag's locker room as Bernard, the butler, closes the locker room door. At the far end of the locker room, PerZag is seated at a desk staring at two men standing in front of him. We notice that it is the two men known as Wrath of the Storm: Thunder and Lightning.*

Thunder: THUNDER!

Lightning: LIGHTNING!

PerZag: PERZAG!

*The three men finish shouting their names as PerZag starts chuckling.*

PerZag: You're right, guys. That is fun. You know what, I'll chuck your names in the maybe pile. I'll tell you soon.

*Thunder and Lightning high five each other as they turn around and walk towards the exit of the locker room, passing Jones along the way. Jones walks over to PerZag as PerZag waves him over.*

PerZag: Hey, Jones, I see you've made it. Welcome!

Jones: Thank you, PerZag. So, are you free for some questions?

*PerZag looks around the room, showing that it is empty.*

PerZag: Well, it looks like I'm clear. What would you like to ask?

Jones: Firstly.........

*Jones looks over at the butler, Bernard.*

Jones: Who is that guy? I have never seen him before.

*PerZag shrugs his shoulders.*

PerZag: Ah, he's just some guy I hired for some extra presence. Plus if some people aren't pleased, I can get him to just throw them out.

*Jones nods, understanding.*

Jones: Alright, then, I had one question about Alessandro Quagliaterre. As you have obviously seen...................

*PerZag cuts Jones off before he can ask the question.*

PerZag: Alessandro Quagliaterre. What a fucking douchebag! There's nothing more to say than that. He's trying to get me to waste my Golden Opportunity on him by calling me a coward. I'm not that stupid. I'm smarter than he fucking thinks. I won't ever waste my opportunity on someone as worthless as him, let alone the GCWA Television Championship.

I know I'm worth more than that. Certainly worth more than him. And face these facts, if he wasn't a coward or a yellow belly himself, he'd defend that title against me, without the use of a briefcase. But that won't ever happen. I know that for sure.

*PerZag starts shaking his head.*

PerZag: That guy is just all talk. Nothing more, nothing less. He won't ever have the guts to fight me. Either way, Jones, what else have you got for me?

Jones: Um, with Alessandro out of the way, the only thing I had left to ask was.............. How are your auditions going today?

*PerZag smiles.*

PerZag: Ah, they have been fantastic, Jones. I have had so many offers. As you have seen, Wrath of the Storm wants me to join them plus there's been so many more.

Jones: Well, who else has auditioned?

PerZag: Well, first, there was Legacy. They wanted me to join them, but they already have too many egotistical jackasses in their group. They don't need an eighth or whatever. Fucked if I know who's in that group anymore.

Then the Sins of the Father asked for my services. Apparently, they want me to be Lust as they try to find more sinners to form the Seven Deadly Sins. I refused because I didn't want a name change or anything like that. I am happy as PerZag.

Then the Danger Boiz returned, asking me to be their new brother. They wanted me to be called Vicious Vic for some reason. Don't know why they must just like their alliterations or something.

Then the World Champion Mack O'Connor asked for a team-up. He wants to shave me bald and then call us the Bald-Headed Fruit Loops. Great name, great idea, I just can't let this mane go. I have such great hair.

But, as you can tell Jones, I am being VERY FUCKING SARCASTIC!

*PerZag stops, breathing heavily as he attempts to push his frustration back down.*

Jones: PerZag, are you okay?

PerZag: To be frank, Jones, it's been a bit of a letdown. All I've had all day are aspiring wrestlers, backstage nobodies that want to get on TV, and Wrath of the Storm. The best offer I've gotten is this poster that says #JOINBOB.

*PerZag shows the poster to Jones as Jones studies it.*

Jones: So, are you going to join BOB?

*PerZag rubs the top of his head as he contemplates.*

PerZag: Well, it is the best offer I've got, and I said I wanted a group to work with, so I might just have to join..........................

*There is a sudden knock at the door as PerZag and Jones turn their heads towards it. Bernard grabs the handle of the door, opening it up as the screen turns to black with three words written on it.*

*We go back to ringside.*

Hood: Man, PerZag making a decision on who to join... you think it's too late for me to start a group?

Rockwell: Who the hell would work with you?

Hood: Hey, I've worked with The A-List plenty.... wait a second... THE A-LIST!!

Rockwell: Put away your phone, Hood, you can text later. For now, let's get back to the ring.


Singles Match
Space Lord (7-4-2) vs. Dennis Rodman (0-0)

Minos: The next contest is scheduled for one fall... introducing first... standing 6'7" and weighing 220 lbs... representing the Nefarious Wrestling Outsiders... here is Dennis Rodman!!

*The lights drop in the arena and "Keep Me" by the Black Keys begins to play over the PA. The crowd gives a bit of a mixed reaction, but leans mostly towards boos. White strobe lights flash at the top of the entrance way as Rodman walks out, cockily walking down the aisle. He flashes the "Too Sweet" hand gesture at the crowd, followed by a middle finger, earning more boos.*

Rockwell: Rodman was left behind when the Nefarious Wrestling Outsiders went back to being Sports Entertainment Xpress. Now he and his crew feel like they need to chart their own course.

Hood: Man, this is just weird, having Rodman wrestle...

Rockwell: What's wrong with that? We've seen First Mate Rodman before...

Hood: Not like this...

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'3" and weighing 285 lbs... from the Black Eye Galaxy... representing Sports Entertainment Xpress... here is Space Lord!!

*"Space Lord" by Monster Magnet hits the speakers, with Space Lord charging out of the back. The crowd cheers as Space Lord heads down the aisle, spinning rapidly like Taz from Looney Tunes. He gets through the ropes, fired up and already pumped for this fight against his former First Mate.*

Rockwell: Space Lord is looking for his new First Mate.

Hood: There was Kirk... Rodman... but there's not going to be Efron...

Rockwell: That's okay, I'd rather see him in the movies anyway...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So what happens if the NWO wins here?

Hood: It certainly wouldn't look good, would it? They don't have Life Before Death to help them, either...

Rockwell: Well, Space Lord's going to be hard to beat.

Hood: If anyone knows how to take him down, it's his former First Mate!

*Space Lord, seething, approaches Rodman, telling him that he should have just left and been glad he was spared. Rodman smirks at him, having no interest in even listening to the former Dark Lord. He turns away... but then comes right back with a blind punch, striking at Space Lord! Space Lord staggers back, as Rodman throws a few more right hands, driving him back to the ropes. Rodman then grabs Space Lord by the arm and whips him towards the ropes, setting him up. But it's Space Lord who comes back in a rush, catching Rodman off-guard with a running shoulder tackle that knocks him down! As Rodman starts to get up, Space Lord hits the ropes again and charges, hitting a second shoulder tackle!*

Rockwell: Space Lord running wild!

Hood: What's Rodman gonna do?

*Rodman is trying to retreat now, hobbling over to the ropes. But Space Lord isn't giving him a break, running forward and clotheslining Rodman right out of the ring! Rodman flips around, partially landing on his feet before falling forward to the outside mat, knocked senseless. Space Lord shakes the ropes for a few seconds, still dealing with excess energy. He then steps through the ropes and jumps off the apron, dropping a double axehandle onto Rodman's back!! Rodman staggers forward, apparently heading around to the aisle, as Space Lord starts after him, not wanting to let Rodman escape.*

Hood: Rodman's running!

Rockwell: I can't fully blame him. As a non-full time wrestler, he's having a lot of trouble with Space Lord...

Hood: Or maybe... it's an ambush!!

Rockwell: What?

*As Rodman stumbles up the aisle with Space Lord in pursuit, several figures can be seen stepping out from the corners out of the darkness. Space Lord stops up short, surprised, as the line of wrestlers become clear. We see Major Flavor, Sargent Snake, and S & M!! The former members of the Nefarious Wrestling Outsiders all look ready to exact some revenge on Space Lord, walking towards him, as Rodman slowly gets up and turns, smirking at him. Space Lord takes a couple of steps back, preparing himself for an incredible battle as they get closer.*

Hood: Hah! They're going to make mince meat out of Space Lord!!

Rockwell: Not if his friends have anything to say about it!

*The crowd reacts, suddenly cheering, which seems to surprise the members of the NWO. They all look around, confused... as Terry Marshall, The Cosmic Cowboy, Major Helmet, and Private Bug Girl come running out! They all attack together, beating down on Flavor, Snake, and S & M, as the battle is joined!! The crowd is loving the wild brawl. Rodman doesn't seem to know what to do, backing away from the melee. He turns around... and gets lifted off the ground by Space Lord, who begins running up the aisle with him!! Before Rodman can free himself, Space Lord turns it into the Space Race (Running Powerslam) on the outside, smashing Rodman down!! Space Lord gets up, giving a roar to the fans, as the brawl behind him continues!*

Rockwell: This one's gotten a little wild!

Hood: We need security down here to protect us!

Rockwell: It looks like the only ones coming near the ring are the actual participants!

Hood: Wait, this hasn't been DQ'ed?

Rockwell: Nope, the only people who have hit Rodman and Space Lord are each other so far...

*Rodman finds himself lifted up and launches into the ring, showing the power of Space Lord. He follows, feeling the power of everyone in attendance. Rodman is hurting badly as Space Lord lines him up, prepared to end this one. We can see Major Flavor trying to get down the aisle, only to get Thunderstruck from behind by Marshall!! Rodman's last chance is to dodge, but he has no idea what's coming as he slowly turns around... and gets hit with the Big Bang (Spear)!!!! It's over, as Space Lord makes the cover... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... Space Lord!!

Rockwell: In spite of the ambush planned by the Nefarious Wrestling Outsiders, Space Lord comes out victorious!

Hood: Too bad, it almost worked. If only the Sports Entertainment Xpress wrestlers had been busy working on their ship or something...

Rockwell: They probably expected something like this would happen, so they were waiting for their chance to get involved.

Hood: Maybe Rodman can just go back to being, y'know, Rodman after this...

*Space Lord has already shoved Rodman out of the ring with his boot, showing his displeasure for what Rodman reminds him of. Marshall, Cowboy, Helmet, & Bug Girl all come into the ring to join with Space Lord, with the members of SEX celebrating their victory.*





*The scene opens to Outcast sitting in his dressing room smoking a Newport and watching Inferno on the TV. Outcast looks grumpy, but that is pretty much how he always looks. Suddenly there is a knock at his door, which causes him to become more alert. He stands and says, "come in". Deana Barrows enters with a large cheesy smile on her face. Outcast's expressions changes to one of annoyed curiosity. Outcast slowly sits back down but drops his Newport into a water bottle extinguishing it.*

Outcast: To what do I owe this pleasure?

Deana Barrows: I thought maybe I could drop by and see how you're doing, champ. Big announcement later tonight about the match. I could tell you more about it, but I figured you'd want it to be a surprise.

*Deana gives Outcast another sly smile, but it's wasted as Outcast isn't looking her direction. She clears her throat and continues.*

Deana Barrows: Actually, there was something I would like to talk to you about. You see, you've got a real opportunity at becoming the #1 contender. You could be the future World Heavyweight Champion here. And you know, an honor like that comes with responsibilities. For one thing, you would need to look the part. I know a good tailor who might be willing to give you a discount...

*Outcast scoffs as he looks down at this outfit of leather jacket, an Alice in Chains t-shirt, and jeans. He slowly raises his gaze to Deana and gives a smirk.*

Outcast: Ya know...

*Outcast is cut off as his phone begins to ring. He pulls the old flip phone from his pocket and checks the caller ID. He shrugs and silences the phone and puts it back into his pocket.*

Deana Barrows: I also know someone with Verizon who can get you a good deal on...

Outcast: *cutting Deana off*, Na, I don't want one of those smartphones. I don't need the government keeping tabs on me with a listening and tracking device I carry around in my pocket. What I'm more concerned with is....

*The phone begins to ring again, interrupting Outcast once more. He shakes his head and again looks at the phone and silences it. Deana looks a little thrown off by the phone calls, but rallies herself.*

Deana Barrows: So we could also talk about your vehicle. I've seen what you're driving to the arena. You know, one of our sponsors is Ford, and they've recently released their 2021 F-150...

Outcast: Now you're talking my language. You know I could really use a new...

*The phone rings a third time, and this time Outcast is visibly angered. He pulls the phone from his pocket, looks at the caller ID, and then flips it open. "Hello," he says in a gruff voice. "Yeah, who's this?", he says again. Then his face seems to go pale as his expression turns blank. He sits listening for a while and then hangs up the phone and stands up.*

Deana Barrows: Is everything ok?

Outcast: I gotta go.

Deana Barrows: But the annou...

*Without another word Outcast exits the room leaving Deana alone in mid-sentence.*

Hood: Man, Deana is not having much luck so far with Outcast, is she?

Rockwell: I think she really wants to butter him up as possibly being his backer, like she was with Legacy.

Hood: I mean, maybe, or maybe she's worried that Outcast will win and we'll have, well, THAT as our World Champion...

Rockwell: ... Is it that different from Mack O'Connor?

Hood: ... You make a good point.


Singles Match
Betsy Granger (7-2) vs. Tony The Spider (9-5)

Minos: The next match is scheduled for one fall... coming to the ring... standing 5'6" and weighing 190 lbs... from Smalltown, USA... here is Tony The Spider!!

*"The Itsy Bitsy Spider" by the Boogers plays, bringing out Tony The Spider. He's got his merchandise cart with him, but the cart has had some alterations. His three children are positioned across the cart, safely secured as he makes his way down. A couple of sickos in the audience make an offer, but Tony doesn't turn their direction, bringing the cart down with him.*

Rockwell: I can't believe Tony The Spider brought his children to the ring.

Hood: I'll say, it takes a lot for Tony to surprise me... but yeah, this does it...

Rockwell: Is it even safe for them to be at ringside?

Hood: Probably not, but I'm not getting involved. Legally, I've got nothing to do with it...

Minos: His opponent... standing 5'9" and weighing 130 lbs... residing in Toronto, Canada... here is "The Impossible Traveler" Betsy Granger!!

*A single spotlight hits the stage as Fame on Fire's cover of "Blinding Lights" begins its first few beats. As the band kicks in, Betsy Granger hits the stage with her signature dab before skipping down the ramp to the beat of the song. She slaps hands with fans along the way... only to have her arm grabbed by one of them, hanging on!! Granger fights for a moment, managing to pull herself free, stumbling backwards... but another fan is jumping the railing behind her, grabbing hold of her from behind!!*

Hood: Can you believe Betsy and Legacy were singing...

Rockwell: Hold on, Hood!! Betsy's getting attacked by some of the fans!!

Hood: What? Wait... those aren't fans... we saw them earlier... that's Strangler and Masher... S & M!

Rockwell: I thought they left!

*Strangler is hanging onto Granger, even as Masher jumps over the railing to join them. The two members of S & M study her, grinning... but now Tony The Spider is rushing up the aisle, yelling at them!! Masher turns, coming at Tony, even as Tony reaches into his fanny pack. Strangler, meanwhile, can't hang onto Granger, who pulls free and spins, slugging away at him! In the background, we see Masher stumbling backwards and holding his face, as Tony has pulled out what looks to be a mini spraycan of some sort! GCWA Security moves in, breaking things up, as the fans are really thrown off here.*

Rockwell: What on earth is going on here??

Hood: You got me. I guess S & M wanted a piece of Betsy, as long as they were in the building...

Rockwell: And Tony coming to her aid?

Hood: I doubt it was him being a hero. Remember, he wanted to get his own hands on Betsy... in a pretty disturbing way...

Rockwell: At the very least, he had some doctored photos that were pretty creepy...

*As security pushes everyone apart, restoring order, The Accelerator appears on the big screen, seemingly looking down on them. He's shaking his head.*

The Accelerator: This show gets more and more chaotic as time goes on. Well, you know how we used to handle this back in the day? It's time we turned this into a tag match, playas! Send them to the ring!

Hood: What??

Rockwell: It's a tag match!! So Granger and Tony are going to be teaming up now!

Hood: What the fuck....

Tag-Team Match
Betsy Granger & Tony The Spider (0-0) vs. S&M (Strangler & Masher) (0-1)

*The wrestlers have all reached the ring now, with the help of GCWA Security. Strangler has stepped in, waiting, pointing over towards Granger, as if wanting to get his hands on her again. Masher is still trying to clear his vision. Granger has no problems stepping inside, as she truly looks pissed off. Tony has moved to the side, momentarily checking on his kids, who seem to be quite content to stay where they are. It might be because Tony buckled them down securely on top of the cart. Granger, meanwhile, charges at Strangler, swinging at him with shot after shot, as the ref signals for the bell!*

Rockwell: Well, this is completely unexpected...

Hood: I'll say! A wonderful woman like Betsy Granger forced to team up with a creep like Tony The Spider!

Rockwell: You're just mad because Tony doesn't sell a Hood action figure.

Hood: I tell you, it'd work perfect with a mic swing grip!

*Granger lands a few more shots on Strangler, moving him backwards, but then takes a step back when she realizes that Strangler seems to be enjoying it. He grins at her, telling her to continue, with Granger looking disgusted with him. She raises her hands and steps back, telling him that he's sick. Strangler, shrugging his shoulders in apparent agreement, then suddenly runs forward, going for a running hip attack! Granger dives out of the way in time, with Strangler landing, tangled, in the ropes! Granger gets up, looking towards Tony, who's back on the apron. She glances between Strangler and Tony a couple of times before she goes with the 'lesser evil', stepping over and tagging Tony in!*

Rockwell: We have a clean tag!

Hood: I don't know if I'd call it clean. I know where Tony's hands have been...

Rockwell: I don't even want to think about it...

Hood: Hey, maybe he used sanitizer from his fanny pack before he came out here, you never know...

*Tony comes into the ring, with Strangler getting up and looking him up and down, not impressed. He shakes his head, pointing towards Granger instead. Tony shakes his own head, then points towards Granger as well, pointing out that he wanted to wrestle her, not a couple of guys with painted faces. Strangler, annoyed, walks away in frustration, where Masher is reaching out, wanting to get tagged in to get some revenge. Strangler agrees, tagging him, with Masher stepping through the ropes with bloodshot eyes. As the largest wrestler in the ring, he towers over Tony, who takes note of this fact... and turns and slides out of the ring, with Masher in pursuit! The two men run around the ring, with Tony laughing as he sprints around, staying out of range!*

Rockwell: Tony showing everyone his speed, one of his chief assets.

Hood: He'll need that speed, once his wife finds out that he's put his kids in danger...

*As Tony goes around the ring again, Masher suddenly stops, staring at the merchandise cart. He walks over to the kids, smiling at them. It's hard to tell what Masher is thinking, but Tony immediately turns and comes back, not taking any chances. He jumps onto Masher's back, hanging onto him with a sleeper!! Masher stumbles around, trying to get himself free. He staggers over near the apron... and Strangler is there, kicking Tony in the back of the head! Tony slumps forward, with Masher now able to toss him into the ring, before taking a few moments to get his breath back. Granger, watching from the side, seems like she's not too concerned for her partner, since he's not Legacy.*

Rockwell: One thing that's going to hold true in this one is that S & M will work better as a team...

Hood: S & M has been a team for as long as I can remember. Like Peanut M&M's. One is a nutty candy, and one usually has a guy's nuts in a vice...

*Masher comes into the ring, grabbing Tony off the mat. He drags Tony over to Granger, offering for her to tag in. Granger actually seems tempted, if only to knock the man's teeth in. But before either can do anything, Tony suddenly rises up, poking Masher in the eyes!! Masher stumbles back, blinded, as Tony delivers a kick to the skin, causing him to hop away in pain. He staggers into the referee, hanging onto him, while Tony reaches into his fanny pack again. Strangler, sensing that something is up, starts to come in behind Tony... who spins and blasts him with the Kiss of the Spider (Brass Knuckles)!!! Strangler goes down, falling through the ropes!*

Rockwell: So much for Strangler!

Hood: He'll probably enjoy it once he's awake again...

*As Tony turns back, the referee is looking towards his hand, with Tony trying to hide it behind his back. Masher, meanwhile, tries to take advantage, shoving the referee from behind into Tony! Masher then starts forward, no, Granger's in, grabbing a surprised Masher and dropping him with the Ich Muss Dich Brechen (Full Nelson Face Buster)!!! Granger then rolls out of the ring, wiping her hands on her pants, as Tony, never one to miss an opportunity, grabs a stunned Masher from behind and rolls him up!! The referee, looking upwards for a second as if blaming someone up above for the grief he's having to deal with, eventually drops and makes the count... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here are your winners... Betsy Granger and Tony The Spider!!

Rockwell: They weren't expecting to team today, but both wrestlers got themselves a victory!

Hood: Yeah, that's something to celebrate, even if they had to... uh oh...

Rockwell: What?

Hood: Look up the aisle...

Rockwell: Where are... oh... oh no...

*Granger, having no interest in celebrating with Tony The Spider, has started to leave ringside, wanting to put this whole thing behind her. But another woman is storming down the aisle towards her, glaring at her. It's Tony's wife, Sally!!! She gets in Granger's face, telling "Sweet Betsy" that she needs to keep her hands off her man!! Granger raises her arms, saying that she wants nothing to do with him, and that she'll stay out of the way. Sally then peers over her shoulder, seeing her kids playfully bouncing in the merchandise cart. Furious, Sally stomps around Granger and heads towards her children, as Granger just shakes her head and walks away.*

Rockwell: Tony The Spider has never been in more danger than he is at this very minute...

Hood: The man needs to celebrate his win tonight by running through the crowd. It's his only chance...

*Tony, having been getting some cheers (and maybe some merchandise orders) from the other side of the ring, finally looks back in the other direction. He looks startled to see Sally standing there, as she's grabbing the merchandise cart with her kids and is wheeling it away from him!! Tony gives chase, either because of the kids or the cart, as Sally doesn't bother looking back. Tony hurries behind her, trying to tell her about his win and the money he'll get for it, as we cut away to give them some privacy.*





*The lights start to flicker, matching the opening riffs and drums of Disturb 's 'The Infection'. After the heavy intro, a brief pyro explosion goes off in the entrance and as lyrics of the song begin, Xavier Lux steps out from behind the smoke left by the pyro. He stands there looking around, holding the tag team title over his left shoulder. *

Rockwell: Xavier Lux is out here on his own tonight, his tag team partner Marcus being out of the country on business.

Hood: Business? What business could be more important than being here tonight on Friday Night Inferno?!

Rockwell: Well he is not booked, so technically he doesn't have to be here?

Hood: Everyone needs to be here; I hope Deana fines his ass.

*Xavier pulls out a microphone from his back pocket and addresses the crowd as his music dies down.*

Xavier: In exactly one week from today, I'll be stepping into the ring to fight in a number one contenders match against Betsy Granger..

*The Crowd boos. *

Xavier: Shawn Warstein...

*The boos get louder.*

Xavier: ...and Outcast.

*The boos turn into a huge pop. Xavier smiles and nods.*

Xavier: When I came to GCWA 5 months ago I knew two things... One, that I was coming into the tag team division with Marcus just to test the waters and see how we would do as a tag team. See if we would make it work and win the gold, and make it work we did. But for Marcus, that is enough, but for me, that is just the beginning. You see number two for me was to wake up my dormant career as a singles wrestler. No, I didn't want to see if "I still had it" because I KNOW I do; but I wanted to see if I could become someone outside of NLW, the only home I ever knew. Little by little I started building a singles record here, and just a few weeks ago I earned the biggest win of my GCWA career. That win alone has earned me this spot, a spot that was meant for that big goof. I know it was expected to be him all along and not me, and since I ruined things, the front office was left scrambling for answers and since they couldn't give me the shot straight up, they came up with this four way match. That is why I had Paco put up this twitter question earlier in the week...

*Xavier points to the big screen behind him and the tweet is displayed. *

Hood: Hey I saw that tweet, I thought it was him because he was the only one that was cleaned shaved!

Rockwell: First of all Hood, you're an idiot, second of all, you don't have twitter.

*Some fans start to shout guesses at Venom but he just waves them off.*

Xavier: The answers we got from both fans and "fellow" wrestlers alike were quite comical, people focusing on dumb things like the poses or what the four of us were wearing and even skin color. Hall of Famer The Lost Soul came out from hiding and made fun at the fact that he didn't even know what I was. Well, if you ever decide to come out from hiding or stop posing as a dungeons and dragons nerd, I can show you exactly what I am TLS.

*Xavier pauses again as he looks at the camera with fire in his eyes. *

Rockwell: I like Xavier, and I get he's on a hot streak and pissed off at the lack of recognition but I'm not sure if provoking The Lost Soul is a good idea.

Hood: He only needs to ask Outcast about that, nothing good comes out from challenging TLS... ever.

*Marcus looks away from the camera and smiles again.*

Xavier: Everyone guessed I was the thing that didn't belong, but for all the wrong reasons. You see, the reason is simple, when you think number one contenders in GCWA... NO ONE thinks I belong. From Deana to her father, to the announcers, the men in the back and everyone of you thought The Big Bifford was going to be the one getting this spot and challenging Mack O'Connor for the World Heavy Weight Title.

*Crowd gives a mixed reaction.*

Xavier: Don't lie, you know I am right, but now you just have to deal with it...

*He turns to the nearest camera which gets a close up. *

Xavier: Just like you will have to deal with the fact that when it is all said and done next Friday, I will be the one challenging Mack O'Connor for the GCWA Championship!

*His music hits as the crowd gives a mix reaction again, but most can be heard cheering. He looks away from the camera and raises his tag team championship up in the air and points to himself vigorously on his chest. *

Rockwell: A very emotional and fired up Xavier Lux out here tonight, ready to show everyone, we included Hood apparently, that he belongs in the conversation for #1 contender to O'Connor's championship.

Hood: Well if you ask me, I know Marcus Ka'Derrion definitely belongs; but Venom illegally choked out The Big Bifford, not sure that earns him that spot.

Rockwell: Hood how many wrestlers you know that a) can choke out The Big Bifford and b) get his big body over the top rope to the outside?

Hood: Well put me on the spot won't ya? Let's see, uh, um...

Rockwell: You know the answer just as well as I do, one, Xavier Lux. He belongs but having said that, he does have a tough match up against not one but two members of Legacy and perhaps our best current singles champion in Outcast.

Hood: He has no chance Rockwell, we all know it, let's just move on.


Singles Match
Enforcer (13-10) vs. PerZag (18-6)

Minos: It is now time for our main event of the evening... introducing first... standing 6'5" and weighing 215 lbs... from Australia... here is one of the Golden Opportunity holders... "The 70-Minute Man" PerZag!!

*'Whatever It Takes' by Imagine Dragons plays to the crowd as the women in the audience lose their shit. The men roll their eyes, stick fingers up and boo as the 'Sexiest Man In Wrestling' PerZag, walks out from the back. Wearing a long blue gown, he winks at all the ladies as he walks past, making them all go crazy. PerZag reaches the ringside, and quickly slides into the ring. He stands up, walks to the centre of the ring, and stops. The lights suddenly turn off, except for one spotlight that shines on the centre of the ring, directly on PerZag. PerZag grabs at his gown, pulling it off, showcasing his fantastic bod for all the people in the arena. He drops the gown to the ground as all the lights turn back on, and he walks over to one of the corners of the ring to await the match to start.*

Rockwell: We saw "Sexy PerZag" meet up with his previous alter-ego, "Worthy PerZag", this week...

Hood: I feel really badly for Worthy PerZag. He doesn't deserve to be living the way he is...

Rockwell: I mean, he's potentially just a figment of PerZag's crazy imagination...

Hood: You take that back!

Rockwell: Are you ser...

Hood: Adrian!!

Rockwell: Alright, alright! I apologize! Calm down!

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'4" and weighing 275 lbs... from Brooklyn, New York... here is The Enforcer!!

*Natural Born Killaz By Ice Cube and Dr. Dre starts playing throughout the arena. Smoke comes from the entrance way. As the smoke is clearing The Enforcer walks through the smoke and looks out at the crowd. Enforcer than walks down to the ring. He walks up the stairs on to the ring apron, looks out at the crowd and lifts his arms out to the side. Enforcer steps through the top and middle ropes. Enforcer walks over to the the opposite ring ropes and lifts his arms out to his side.*

Rockwell: We got to learn more about The Enforcer's past, and how his life almost ended before his wrestling career could begin.

Hood: That would have been a hell of a shame, him getting whacked at such a young age.

Rockwell: It would have made our World Television division extremely different, that's for sure. And who knows where Justice Orton would be today.

Hood: Oh, she'd still be a wrestler, but she probably wouldn't be near as happy...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So this one's going to be difficult for you, Hood. I know you like both wrestlers.

Hood: True. The Enforcer has been such an incredible wrestler for us, and I really respect the power he's got. But... it's PerZag...

Rockwell: Yeah, and you've been PerZag's biggest fan over the last year.

Hood: Well, not his biggest fan.

Rockwell: Okay, maybe his girlfriend, now that they've patched things up...

Hood: I was thinking maybe Fan Zag, personally...

*PerZag and Enforcer have walked up to face each other, with PerZag smirking at his opponent. He starts to talk to Enforcer, questioning whether he's the bitch or the braun in his marriage. Enforcer doesn't seem to be letting it phase him, staring down PerZag, before asking him how insecure he has to be to have so many nicknames. PerZag nods, respecting the question if not the intent behind it. He then throws a right hand, striking Enforcer across the face! Enforcer barely moves, looking back at PerZag with a glare, before smashing PerZag with his own right! PerZag takes a step away, shaking it off, then faces Enforcer again. Both men nod at each other... and then start throwing punches with abandon, as the crowd pops for the brawl!*

Rockwell: PerZag working to stand against the power of the Enforcer!

Hood: PerZag's strength is underrated. I mean, he's an inch taller than Enforcer!

Rockwell: And about 60 pounds lighter...

Hood: Well, yeah, okay...

*Enforcer has managed to take control, stunning PerZag with a couple of shots to move him back into the corner. Enforcer then lowers his shoulder, ramming into PerZag's stomach repeatedly. PerZag groans, feeling his insides getting moved around in an unnatural way. Enforcer then straightens up, pulling PerZag out of the corner and setting him up. He lifts PerZag up, showing his power, as he drops PerZag with a piledriver!! PerZag might already be out, as Enforcer goes for the pin... 1... 2.. and PerZag is able to kick out in time. Enforcer immediately turns PerZag over, applying a reverse headlock as he works on PerZag on the mat.*

Rockwell: Sometimes Enforcer sticks to strictly power moves, but he's breaking out some technical skills for this one.

Hood: You've got to bring everything in your arsenal if you want to get past PerZag...

Rockwell: Or you can attack him backstage...

Hood: That was just a little blip in the Year of the PerZag...

*PerZag is fighting his way up now, trying to pull himself free from Enforcer's grip, but Enforcer lands a few rising knees to stun him. Enforcer then grabs PerZag by the shoulders and launches him towards the ropes. As PerZag comes back, Enforcer goes for the clothesline, but PerZag manages to run underneath it. He hits the ropes and comes back as Enforcer turns, smashing into him with a spear!! Both wrestlers are down, as PerZag rolls away, holding his shoulder in pain. He gets to the ropes, pulling himself up, obviously hurting, but his spear did some damage as Enforcer is still down, holding his side.*

Rockwell: That must have been like tackling a brick wall!

Hood: But if you note, it's the brick wall that crumbled...

Rockwell: Doesn't mean it was a good decision...

*The referee checks on PerZag to make sure he can continue, as PerZag's readjusting his shoulder as if making sure it's not dislocate. He tells the ref to back away, of course saying he can keep going. He walks over to a recovering Enforcer, catching him on the way up and landing a leaping Fameasser!! Enforcer's back down, with PerZag making the cover... 1... 2... and Enforcer kicks out. PerZag pulls himself up, still favoring his right arm. He grabs at Enforcer's legs, though, fighting through it in order to apply a Boston Crab submission!! Enforcer is fighting the pain, trying to get free, even as PerZag's struggling as well.*

Rockwell: This submission has worked for PerZag in the past, but with his shoulder the way it is, it's obviously hurting him.

Hood: Yeah, one of the worst things a wrestler can deal with is an injury to an arm. It affects your whole repetoire.

Rockwell: Not to mention those tree trunks of Enforcer...

*PerZag tries to hang onto the submission, working to crank back. But Enforcer's got his arms up now, pushing himself upwards, allowing him to break some of the tension. Enforcer then shoves with his feet, forcing the break and sending PerZag falling into the ropes! PerZag works to recover quickly, pulling himself up, as he sees Enforcer struggling to his feet. PerZag charges him, leaping into the air for a flying crossbody!! But Enforcer catches him in mid-air, holding onto PerZag for only a second or two before sending him flying with a fallaway slam!! PerZag rolls away, stunned, as Enforcer fights back up, limping slightly as he turns towards his foe. He starts over towards PerZag, intent on keeping him down.*

Hood: Man, that was a rough landing for PerZag!

Rockwell: Yep, Enforcer threw him like a kite into zero wind...

Hood: A sexy kite...

Rockwell: If you say so...

*Enforcer has grabbed hold of PerZag now, sending him flying into the corner at full speed. It's enough that PerZag rebounds out of the corner, staggering forward right into Enforcer's grasp, as he lifts him up and delivers a pop-up powerbomb!! The crowd winces in sympathy for PerZag, as Enforcer stays in position and makes the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!! PerZag manages a shoulder up! Enforcer looks at the ref questioningly, seeming to think he had it there. He gets up, not losing any time on PerZag as he drags him up by the hair. He turns, saying something to his opponent before throwing PerZag over the ropes! Enforcer walks away, not seeing that PerZag is hanging on, skinning the cat to come back in!*

Hood: The 70-minute man does it again!

Rockwell: Damn, it is seriously hard to get PerZag over the top rope, isn't it?

* The fans are cheering as PerZag runs towards Enforcer, who doesn't realize his danger yet. PerZag grabs the startled wrestler from behind, dropping with an inverted DDT! PerZag puts an arm across him, trying to hang on, as the ref drops... 1... 2... 3, NO! Enforcer gets free in time! PerZag sighs from his seated position, having been thrown off by Enforcer's powerful shrug. He works to get up, rotating his shoulder once again. He turns to Enforcer as the powerhouse is getting up. He steps in, kicking Enforcer in the gut, and sets him up for a Perfect Plex! PerZag takes a deep breath and lifts... and then drops Enforcer back down, his shoulder keeping him from pulling it off! Sensing the opportunity, Enforcer lifts instead, suplexing PerZag over! Both wrestlers stay down, breathing heavily, as the fans are loving it.*

Rockwell: I swear, we're getting a PPV worthy match tonight between these two!

Hood: PerZag is one of the greatest of all time, but I think Enforcer is showing that he's definitely more than just brawn.

Rockwell: You don't hold numerous titles in a company without being one of the best...

*Enforcer has gotten himself back up, shaking off the pain to keep going. He moves over to a dazed PerZag, lifting him up and getting him airborne before delivering a brainbuster!! PerZag's arm flops on the mat as Enforcer makes another cover... 1... 2... and somehow PerZag gets out again! Enforcer, looking a little frustrated, gets to his feet and heads over to the corner, pulling himself upwards. The big man stands at the top, staring out at PerZag, gesturing for him to get to his feet. PerZag slowly gets up, looking out of it. He staggers around, as Enforcer leaps off for a clothesline... and PerZag instinctively leaps, dropkicking Enforcer in the head in mid-air!! The crowd pops the dangerous move, as PerZag collapes onto Enforcer... 1... 2... NO!!!*

Rockwell: PerZag saved himself a horrible blow there!

Hood: Whew!

Rockwell: Were you starting to doubt him, Hood?

Hood: ... Of course not!

*PerZag struggles up, leaning back on the nearby ropes. He stumbles over to Enforcer, trying to pull him up, possibly thinking about either the Sexy Neutralizer (Torture Rack) or the Worthiest Move Of All (Powerbomb into Backbreaker). But PerZag's barely even able to pull Enforcer up, wincing every time he puts pressure on his shoulder. He shakes his head, then turns Enforcer around, dropping him with a Russian leg sweep instead. PerZag then stumbles away, making his way to the turnbuckle. The fans are cheering as PerZag starts to go up, trying to get himself to the top in time.*

Rockwell: Looks like PerZag doesn't trust himself to be able to get Enforcer up...

Hood: Hey, it's not like Enforcer is a lightweight, and PerZag's shoulder is obviously hurting.

Rockwell: Too true, but this could be a step too far, as Enforcer's getting up!

Hood: Oh no! Hurry up, PerZag!

*Enforcer is indeed up, walking awkwardly to the side, hitting the ropes just as PerZag has gotten upright. His balance disrupted, PerZag falls, straddling the turnbuckle!! The fans feel every inch of that one, both the ladies who hate to see damage to that equipment and the men in feeling it in their own privates. Enforcer makes his way over to him, climbing up the turnbuckle next to him. He grabs hold of PerZag's head, looking for the Death Penalty DDT from the top!! He goes to lift, but PerZag hangs on, with Enforcer going off the top on his own!! Enforcer crashes down, landing on his back!! PerZag, not letting another second slip away, immediately turns and leaps off the top, scoring Pure Beauty (Top Rope Moonsault)!!! The crowd is losing it as the count is made... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... "The 70-Minute Man" PerZag!!

Hood: Man, that was a clash of the titans!

Rockwell: Yeah, both clearly brought their best to this one. It really could have gone either way.

Hood: Maybe, but it went the best way with the Year of the PerZag continuing!

Rockwell: Okay, Hood, at least you'll be happy the rest of the night...

Hood: Hell, this one's going to last all week!

*PerZag has sat up, holding his arm to his side, as his shoulder's still clearly bothering him. The ref goes to raise his other arm, but PerZag shrugs him off, not wanting to risk it. He starts through the ropes, instead, smiling as he feels the thrill of victory.*





*We return to the ringside area, where Deana Barrows and The Accelerator have both come down.*

Rockwell: So it's time for the official announcement!

Hood: I mean, what's there to announce? We know the four who are going to be fighting...

Rockwell: That's true, but we haven't had the match officially assigned yet.

Hood: Fatal Fourway, winner gets the shot. What's so hard about that?

*Deana offers the mic to Ace, but he shakes his head, content to sit in his wheelchair and watch the festivities. Deana smiles at him.*

Deana Barrows: Ladies and gentlemen, let's bring out our #1 contenders... introducing first... one of our World Tag-Team Champions... Xavier Lux!!

*The lights start to flicker, matching the opening riffs and drums of Disturbed's 'The Infection'. After the heavy intro, a brief pyro explosion goes off in the entrance and as lyrics of the song begin, Xavier Lux steps out from behind the smoke left by the pyro. He stands there looking around, indifferent to the mix reaction from the crowd, but feeling full of confidence at the same time. He makes his way down the ramp, keeping his focus in the ring, and once he gets there he slides under the bottom rope, quickly jumping to his feet in the middle of the ring.*

Rockwell: It seems strange to have Xavier Lux out here without his partner, Marcus Ka'Derrion.

Hood: The man's set to be a singles wrestler, Adrian. He needs to just turn on Marcus and be done with it...

Deana Barrows: Next, he is your Unified X-Division Champion... Outcast!!

*"Existence Is Punishment" by Crowbar leads out Outcast to the ring. He displays the Unified X-Division Title around his waist, but looks more intent on the ring, stomping down the aisle and sliding inside. He stares at Lux, completely ignoring the look that Deana is trying to give him.*

Rockwell: How wild would it be if Outcast rides his undefeated streak all the way to the World Title?

Hood: I tell you, nobody could have predicted that. I'm still in shock he's got such a run going in 2021...

Deana Barrows: Finally, since I know they'll insist on coming down together... here are the North American Champion, Shawn Warstein, and our most recent #1 contender, Betsy Granger!

*"Centuries Remix" by Fallout Boy feat. Juicy J starts up, with Shawn Warstein walking out onto the ramp first. He stops, looking behind him as a single spotlight lands next to him. Fame on Fire's cover of "Blinding Lights" begins its first few beats. As the band kicks in, Betsy Granger hits the stage with her signature dab. She joins with Warstein, the two smirking at each other as they head down to the ring. They head to a corner together, with Granger openly glaring at Deana Barrows, who tries to smile weakly at her.*

Rockwell: There's still tension between Betsy and Deana, even with Deana granting the Legacy request to allow Betsy to have James Raven's slot here.

Hood: Those two will likely never get along. We just have to be happy if they don't try to kill each other... especially Deana, since she's not exactly a wrestler.

Rockwell: She does have the genes of the Accelerator, though, so I wouldn't rule it out completely...

*As all the music stops, Deana nods to everyone and begins talking.*

Deana Barrows: Thank you all for coming here tonight. I know you're interested to know how you're going to be fighting next week. Ace and I, we considered several different options. Ace was partial to having a Beat The Clock Challenge, a favorite of... long-time fans of wrestling.

*Ace can be seen nodding, still liking the idea, but knowing they've moved on from it.*

Deana Barrows: I thought about maybe a battle royal, but we did just have the Rumble. Then there was the boring possibility of a Fatal Fourway match, but with the four wrestlers involved, I had the feeling we wouldn't get a clean result. That's the last thing we need...

*Deana looks pointedly over at the Legacy members, with Warstein looking like he understands. Granger is still probably thinking thoughts about what she'd like to do to Deana's bone structure.*

Deana Barrows: So it was decided that we actually needed something special... something that will truly test you and show that you deserve this opportunity against Mack O'Connor. So, on February 26th, we're going to be having a new style of match... a Crowning Achievement, if you will...

Hood: A Crowning Achievement? What's that supposed to mean?

Rockwell: If you give them a moment, Hood, I'm sure they'll explain...

Hood: Meaning you don't know either.

Rockwell: Nope, not a clue.

Deana Barrows: You see, on that date, you four wrestlers will start out inside this ring. We'll start out with the usual rules, of course. You'll each compete and look to get the first pinfall or the first submission. There will be no countouts. There will be no disqualifications. Anything goes.

*The Legacy members look pleased by this announcement. So does Outcast, always a fan of this type of match. Lux is the only one who looks a little more serious, contemplating what lies in front of him.*

Deana Barrows: However, that first win? It's just the beginning. Once you have that under your belt, you'll have the ability to go for the ability to name yourself the #1 contender... it just won't be in the ring. It won't be on the stage, either. It will be... up there...

*Deana points upwards, with all wrestlers following her finger. We see it goes above the stage, on the upper platforms, where a crown can be seen, hanging from above. A ladder has been set up underneath it.*

Rockwell: Oh, wow...

Hood: That's got to be three, four stories in the air, doesn't it?

Rockwell: Well, let's not exaggerate... oh, wait, it's wrestling, yeah, maybe five stories...

*Deana looks back at the group, still smiling.*

Deana Barrows: You have that pin or submission under your belt, you can make the long climb up there. But there's a little thing called a time limit... you wrestlers will only have a certain amount of time to win this match.

*The wrestlers all look at each other, not looking too concerned as they all expect to win quickly.*

Deana Barrows: But you see, there's the rub. You will all have the opportunity, as promised, to become the #1 contender. But let's say that none of you manage to grab that crown in time. That'd be a damn shame, wouldn't it? Because that would mean... we'd have to look elsewhere for a #1 contender...

*Deana turns and looks towards the stage, her grin turning a little more sinister. The other wrestlers turn to look as well, as we begin to see various images coming up from the backstage area appearing on the big screen. We see The Big Bifford watching from his locker room, munching on a sandwich. PerZag, fresh off his win earlier, wiping off some sweat. The members of Sports Entertainment Xpress, animatedly talking to each other. A group of wrestlers watching on a smaller screen, including Alessandro Quagliaterre, Crash Rodriguez, Lucas Thames, Mike Zybala, and others. Finally, we see a shot of the Legacy locker room, with James Raven and Jackson Hart already in an intense conversation, even as Noah Jackson sits nearby, taking a handful of popcorn.*

Deana Barrows: As I said... there will be no countouts... no disqualifications... anything can happen. Will one of you be able to wear the crown of the #1 contender? Good luck... to all of you...

Hood: Oh, fuck... is Deana going to screw all of them??

Rockwell: The entire GCWA locker room might now be invested in keeping any of these four winning in two weeks! What the hell is going to happen at the next Inferno??

*Granger looks ready to go after Deana, with Warstein stepping in front of her. He doesn't look too happy himself, although he knows Legacy will have a plan. Lux is staring up at the crown above, thinking through how quickly he could climb that structure compared to everyone else. Outcast is the only one who looks more excited at the prospects of the chaos to come. We slowly fade out.*

OOC: It's finally up! I know it's been a weird weekend of waiting, but things are at least back on the road again. Remember, the next Inferno is in two weeks, so if you know you've got conflicts next week, get your posts in this week! Good luck to all!

GCWA Presents - Friday Night Inferno!

LIVE! Friday, February 26th, 2021

From The GCWA Arena, Dallas, Texas

Opener

TBD

Mid-Card

Carlin Watts vs. Aaron Warthog

PerZag vs. Manny Cotti

Justice Cross vs. Mailer Daemon

Alessandro Quagliaterre vs. Crash Rodriguez, Non-Title Hardcore Rules match

Main Event

Betsy Granger vs. Xavier Lux vs. Shawn Warstein vs. Outcast, Crowning Achievement Match
(Two Roleplays Each)

Roleplaying will be from Monday, February 15th to Wednesday, February 24th, giving you 10 days to post your roleplays. Remember, each must be in before 12:00am CST to count. You may only post one roleplay per day for the title matches.

Tag Teams - 2 rps per team. One written by each member. 2k word max per rp. Both members can post on the final day.

GCWA Television Title match - 2 rps, but the limit is reduced to 1k max.

Outsiders match - 2 roleplays, set to 750 words max for the PPV.

Good luck to all!