The SWF logo flashes across the screen.

Fade in.

Earlier today.

Opening with a tight shot on Sir Boliver Turnbuckle and Mark "Danger" Zohn, the SWF Tag Team Champions can do nothing but stare a hole right through us. Turnbuckle sports his Tag Team Championship on one shoulder and the KCW World Title he took from Mark Zohn on his other. After a few moments on intense breathing, Sir Boliver breaks the silence.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: Is this what you wanted, Hammer? Our backs against the wall? A unmistakable target on our chests?

He snarls.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: You think we made a mockery of your first show's precious main event. You despise us for doing what we had to do to Bruiser Bedlam. You so desperately want these championships off of us, but your main problem.. You do not have anyone WORTHY! You do not have anyone CAPABLE!

Zohn looks off into the distance, proudly getting to wear his championship for once, as Turnbuckle continues.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: You do not have a team that is able to defeat us, so you create this Jokers Wild Cup. You had to divide the entire roster into random duos and fall on your arthritis-riddled knees and pray to God that one of them can beat us.

Mark Zohn: KEEP PRAYING, BUDDY!

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: Nelson Hammer, at the end of the night, when these championships still rest on our shoulders and the status quo remains unchanged.. Then you can be assured that we will go on the offensive.

He pauses momentarily to readjust the titles on his shoulders.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: For you stood back and allowed a blatant ASSAULT to go down in the Gauntlet for the Gold. My quest to become a triple champion went up into flames when a coup formed against myself and Mark. A miscarriage of justice! A stain on the concept of a match that is coined "every man for himself."

Mark Zohn: We could've been co-World Champion!

Turnbuckle looks over to Zohn and shakes his head.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: So while you let the inmates rule the asylum, we will be planning on how to proceed further. Not only did we have to secure bodyguards to protect ourselves on the last show, now we must watch out for people like Charlie Hooker and Ace Sky who allowed a mugging to transpire.

Mark Zohn: I GOT KNOCKED DOWN, BUT I GOT UP AGAIN!

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: We WILL remember the names of those who stood idly by.

Mark Zohn: YOU'RE NEVER.. GONNA' KEEP US DOWN!

Turnbuckle's maid, Matilda, places her hand over Zohn's mouth to stop him from speaking any longer.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: So, SWF roster, enjoy beating one another into a bloody pulp tonight in this grueling tournament that your heroic leader has established for you. Just rememba' that his plan is to use two of you to vanquish us and our title reign. So when we stand tall at the end of the night and your march through the bracket was for naught.. You know who to blame.

He pauses.

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: And Snake Malone, we have somethin' special in store for you when the time is right.

We go to the ring for our first match of the evening.

Rone Gargan drops off the apron and wipes his brow, seemingly relieved that his night is over and he escaped unscathed.

Russell Smith: What is the SWF Hardcore Champion doing?! He looks pleased to have lost!

Hacksaw Anderson: I bet he's glad he doesn't have to compete any more tonight, Russ. He was taking some serious damage out there and didn't bother to break up that final pin fall. He'll talk with Lance later on, so maybe we'll find out.

VLADISLAV and Malachi shake hands and Malachi demands a microphone.

Malachi: What you just witnessed was a dominant force running roughshod over a current SWF champion and an absolute giant! Fourteen teams started with the same goal here tonight, now, there's one less one in contention.

Although he doesn't speak the language, VLADISLAV takes the microphone and begins screaming into it with his native tongue.

VLADISLAV: < I MANHANDLED THE GIANT KING KONG BROPHY! I HUMILIATED THE WEE RONE GARGAN! IN MY DEBUT NO LESS! THE FINAL BOSS IS MY NAME FOR A REASON! >

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" chants fill the Mid-South Coliseum, which makes VLADISLAV talk even more.

VLADISLAV: < MYSELF AND MALACHI ARE YOU NEXT SWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND SOON WE WILL BE TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS RICHER! AFTER THAT, BEWARE SWF, I AM COMING FOR ALL OF YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD.. EVEN IF I MUST DEMOLISH THIS MAN NEXT TO ME TO GET IT! >

Malachi claps his hands with a big smile on his face, having no idea what his partner just spelled out for his future in VLADISLAV's native tongue. We cut away from ringside.

Moving away from the ring, we now find ourselves at the commentary table with Russell Smith and Hacksaw Anderson. Hacksaw taps a yellow pencil against the desktop as Russell flashes a big smile and welcomes us.

Russell Smith: Welcome wrestling fans to another Southern Wrestling Federation production! This is the first-annual Jokers Wild Cup! It's a one-night blind-tag team tournament to honor the SWF's founder, Joker J. Jones! You just saw our opening contest and got a little sample of what we're working with here in terms of unique teams.

Hacksaw Anderson: I would HATE to be in a tournament like this if I were a competitor. I don't trust a lot of men, Russ, especially when there's money on the line.

Russell Smith: As Hack mentioned, the winners of tonight's event not only possess the SWF Tag Team Championships, they'll also take home TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS CASH!

Hacksaw Anderson: Look at this bracket, Russ! It's anyone's game

Russell Smith: The true Wild Card is at the very end - The Allied Powers. The SWF Tag Team Champions will sit until the finals and be the most rested team in the entire event.. And they'll need it with their backs against the wall in this event. They have no idea who to prepare for.

Hacksaw Anderson: You just hate to see that.

Hacksaw snarls his upper lip.

Hacksaw Anderson: I hope whoever makes it to the finals kicks their teeth down their throats in honor of Bruiser Bedlam!

Russell Smith: The tag team division in SWF is really something to keep an eye on. With the three teams that main evented our first show to the rumors of new signings. Nelson Hammer told me he's been passionately and urgently recruiting teams from all around the world to come into the SWF and take on the division. We'll see if his recruiting pays off.

He continues.

Russell Smith: And speaking of Nelson Hammer, he told me earlier today that he's going to announce some matches for the next edition of Championship Wrestling From Nashville, including the MAIN EVENT! He promises a main event to rock the world, so we're definitely looking forward to finding out what that is. We'll also start shaping the card for December's Respect is Earned event.

Hacksaw Anderson: Remember when those two company owners suggested that the SWF was a "stone dead promotion," Russ? Look at 'em now. Closed up shop, forgotten to the passin' of time. One of the belts now belongs to our sister-promotion, Miracle Galaxy Pro, and the other's has a belt in possession of that idiot Turnbuckle. Then look at us, bursting at the seams! Where we started and where we are now are daylight and dark, and we owe it to this roster and the great fans at home!

Russell Smith: That's very true, Hack! And not at all as venomous and mean-spirited towards them as I was expecting! A miracle!

Russell Smith releases a sigh of relief.

Russell Smith: But enough from us, ladies and gentlemen. Let's take it to some pre-recorded words from a team who takes the ring coming up next.. Here's the very unique pairing of Slamsley McBody and the debuting Myles Wilkins!

Earlier Today

Backstage.

Slamsley McBody paces back and forth with Myles Wilkins standing in front of him. Wilkins rubs his hands together confidently.

Myles Wilkins: When I debuted in SWF, I knew the Jokers Wild was coming up. I knew there was nothing but destiny controlling who my partner would be. Would I get paired up with the World Champ? Would I get stuck with John Blade? The outcomes were endless. It was exciting embracing the unknown in a new promotion.

He turns and slaps McBody on the shoulder.

Myles Wilkins: And then we drew one another. Slamsley McBody. A giant!

Slamsley McBody: I'M THE GUY WHO GAINS GROUND IN THIS GRAPPLIN' GAME!

Wilkins nods.

Myles Wilkins: No idea what that means, but I LOVE it.

Slamsley McBody: And after me and this man right here win that trophy full of cash.. I'm comin' for Jason Ryan! I'm coming for that there redemption!

McBody steps towards the camera in front of Wilkins.

Slamsley McBody: Tonight, it's Donny Hollywood and Archer Banks. Next show, it's Jason Ryan! That referee, Little Miss Thing! She messed me and Jason over. And now we get a chance to fight for the title we were kept away from by her poor talent! You're lookin' at a future double champion when I beat Jason Ryan and then pin Charlie Hooker's deadbeat dad shoulders to the mat!

Myles Wilkins: Donny Hollywood, Archer Banks, y'all strap in. You're in for a long night tonight in our first round match!

We go to the ring where Slamsley McBody and Myles Wilkins team up - next!

With Banks and Hollywood's hands in the air, Mac Redford and Robert Pittman enter the ring and move the referee out of the way. Banks wants nothing to do with Redford and gets in Hollywood's face, demanding an answer about his pin getting stolen by Donny.

Russell Smith: We're two matches in and already have trouble in paradise! I can't blame Archer Banks, though. He's been longing for a win in SWF and was on the cusp of pinning Slamsley McBody himself until Donny stepped in to steal the glory.

Donny Hollywood brushes Archer off and stands behind Pittman, knowing there's nothing Banks can do to him now. Mac Redford reaches into his pocket and pulls out a wad of cash. After rolling off a few big bills, he hands them to Banks and slaps him on the shoulder.

"See you in the next round, pal! You're welcome," Redford says to the frustrated Banks.

Hollywood rolls out of the ring and is flanked by his entourage, leaving his tag team partner in the ring with a win and a handful of money.

Back from commercial and Lance Gordon is seen exhaling smoke while mashing a cigarette into a burnt orange ash tray. He picks up his microphone and hides the ash tray underneath the podium.

Lance Gordon: Welcome back to the show, ladies and gentlemen. We're two matches deep into the Jokers Wild with much more to come. Right now, though, I want to bring out my next guest and get some comments from him. He's quite the interesting fella'. Let's hear it from one of the Gauntlet for the Gold finalists and the SWF Hardcore Champion, Rone Gargan!

Boos swarm the area as Rone Gargan appears from behind the curtain. With sunglasses and a black tank top on, Gargan looks miffed as he walks towards Lance Gordon. The SWF Hardcore Championship is draped across his right shoulder.

Lance Gordon: Rone, welcome to the show. You kicked us off tonight in the opening match, exiting the first round along with your partner, King Kong Brophy.

Rone seems completely unbothered.

Rone Gargan: That's on him. That match was NOT my fault.

Gargan rests the title on an easel that sits atop the podium as the camera zooms in for a tight shot.

Rone Gargan: Personally, I don't care about the SWF Tag Team Championship anyway. However, I do care about winning and I care about money, but ON MY TERMS.. So in turn, I'm just going to continue marching through the SINGLES division in SWF, much like General Sherman's March to the Sea, burning everything in sight and laying waste of those who oppose the most destructive force in the Southern Wrestling Federation!

The mention of a Union General from the Civil War draws a little bit of a negative response in the South, as Gargan knows he has the crowd where he wants them.

Rone Gargan: Speaking on laying waste.. Charlie Hooker.

Lance Gordon: I feel like people calling out the new SWF World Champion is going to be a regular occurrence tonight.

Rone Gargan: As it should be, Lance. By hook or by crook, this man sits atop the food chain in SWF. If you're here in the SWF and you're not coming for Charlie Hooker, then get out of here.

Gargan pauses.

Rone Gargan: Congratulations, Charlie. Enjoy it while you can. You and I, we had a nice alliance formed, didn't we, Champ? Used one another to qualify for the Gauntlet. And I made the fatal mistake of taking my eye off of you.. It was a matter of time, really. Every man for himself in the Gauntlet, wasn't it? You got me before I had the chance to get you.

Gargan nods, accepting his fate, but comes back with a stern vow.

Rone Gargan: That was not the last time that you and I share a ring together, brother. There's a rumor going around about Nelson Hammer working on selecting your first title defense and then who gets the title shot at Respect is Earned.. I throw my name in the hat. Let's finish what you started.

Before he can continue, John Blade comes out with no music. The fans give him a positive response as Lance Gordon closes his eyes and bows his head. He then begins motioning for John Blade to go away.

Lance Gordon: Hey man, nobody gives a shit about the promotion you're trying to start. Go on, get!

Lance tries shooing Blade away, unsuccessfully.

Lance Gordon: Well, whatever. John Blade, what are you doing out here?

Blade steps right into Gargan's face.

John Blade: I want a shot at your title.

Lance throws his hands in the air.

Lance Gordon: Of course he does. God bless.

John Blade: Time and time again in SWF, the bad guys always come out on top. Donny Hollywood cheats his way through every match! Seth Warner and JK Lovemoney attack El Masko! Charlie Hooker betrays people on his way to the top..

Blade stares a hole through Gargan.

John Blade: And you, Rone Gargan, you only defend your title on SWF Saturday Night against people who cannot defend themselves. My partner tonight, Divorced Darryl, he's one of the men that you abused in your Blood Sport stipulation. I've sat by and allowed evil to rise in this company, and I'm putting a STOP to it! FIGHT.. ME!

Rone Gargan: You want a shot at this title, you stupid prick?

John Blade: John Blade didn't stutter.

Rone Gargan: John Blade's not going to be able to speak after I shatter his jaw into a thousand pieces.

Without hesitation, Gargan takes the belt off his shoulder and shows it to Blade.

Rone Gargan: You want this?! You want to vanquish me and get rid of the evil in SWF? Try me. The next Championship Wrestling From Nashville, SWF Studio, you're on.

John Blade: THESE PEOPLE WANNA' SEE IT, DON'T YOU, MEMPHIS?!

A very lackadaisical response from the crowd in Memphis. Blade continues, FIRED UP over his challenge.

John Blade: THEY WANT IT BAD! I WANT IT BAD! LET'S GO!

Lance Gordon: "Wanting it bad" is a very generous statement. There was something like five people who seemed pumped about it and I'm pretty sure they're your other aliases.

Rone Gargan: You're a fool, Blade.

John Blade: That belt's going to look great around my waist next to the SWF Tag Team Championship.

Blade nods to Gargan and walks off set, leaving a confused Lance Gordon looking for words.

Lance Gordon: That idiot thinks he and Divorced Darryl are winnin' the Jokers Wild Cup?

Rone Gargan: That idiot also apparently doesn't know what a Blood Sport match is.

A pause.

Rone Gargan: He'll soon find out the hard way.

Gargan throws the Hardcore title over his shoulder and walks off of the set, leaving Lance to throw it back to the announcers.

Lance Gordon: It's for our next first round match-up! Hacksaw, Russell, take it over!

We go to the ring for our next match!

Jason Ryan gives his partner a quick nod of respect, who responds back with a nod of his own.

Russell Smith: Jason Ryan and Scotty Adams seem to click as a team. Two polar opposite personalities, these decorated competitors made easy work of The Big Kahuna.

Hunter Boyd looks down at this fallen partner for the evening and shakes his head, disgusted. As The Big Kahuna pushes himself up, HUNTER BOYD COMES RUNNING AND HITS A CURB STOMP - LIGHTS! OUT! KAHUNA'S HEAD SMASHES AGAINST THE MAT! The fans in attendance gasp as Kahuna's nose is immediately busted open from the impact. Even Jason Ryan and Scotty Adams look on in shock.

Hacksaw Anderson: HOLY SHIT!

Russell Smith: The Outlaw is a ruthless brute! He has no tolerance for losing and has taken it out on his partner!

Hacksaw Anderson: Somebody get a trash can and dump this fella' in it.

Boyd points his finger at Scotty Adams and Jason Ryan and tells them both that they got lucky, but he WILL see them again. Boyd then hops through the middle rope to the outside, meeting his wife. The two walk down the aisle, slapping fans' hands away from them as we cut to a commercial break.

Back from commercial and we are in the ring. Cameron Fuller is standing in the ring with a microphone. She motions her free hand towards the entry way as she begins speaking.

Cameron Fuller: Memphis, Tennessee!

Cheap crowd pop.

Cameron Fuller: It's my honor to introduce to you the NEW SWF WORLD CHAMPION! "HOT STUFF" CHARLIE HOOKER!

And with less enthusiasm in her voice..

Cameron Fuller: ...And Ace Sky.

The camera pans over to the entryway where Ace Sky comes out first in his ring gear holding a white plastic bag. "Do Ya' Wanna Taste?" hits over the PA system and the fans are booing loudly as the SWF World Champion makes his appearance behind Sky.

Russell Smith: Love him or hate him, there's the man who outlasted the entire SWF roster to become World Champion at the Gauntlet for the Gold.

Hooker nudges Sky, who seems reluctant and shakes his head. Hooker removes the title from around his waist and holds it above Sky's head. "I'm the Champ and you do what I say!"

Hacksaw Anderson: He's giving his teammate some.. tough love. And that tough love seemingly comes with demands.

Sky sighs and reaches into the plastic bag and throws his arm in the air. Confetti flies everywhere as Sky walks to the ring, tossing the colorful shreds of paper, almost like a flower girl at a wedding. Hooker soaks in the boos from the fans as he walks down the aisle and steps into the ring with Ace Sky right behind him. He gives Cameron Fuller and side hug and takes the microphone from here.

Charlie Hooker: Memphis, Tennessee.. Your SWF WORLD Champion has arrived!

Hooker raises the beautiful ten pounds of gold in the air and the fans begin booing even louder than before. Ace Sky stands next to his partner, looking on in disbelief.

Charlie Hooker: It's a shame that I won this championship and then got immediately paired up with the worst wrestler on the roster for this event! It's an insult to my intelligence and my ability! I should've quit right on the spot or at least held Nelson Hammer up for more money, but instead of being a PUSSY like someone formerly on this roster, here I am! I know I'm not going to win this tournament, how could I? So I decided to throw a Championship Celebration, and then gave Ace Sky a very important role in it - confetti thrower!

Ace Sky stares a hole through Hooker.

Charlie Hooker: Go on, show 'em how bad ass you are at slinging that confetti!

Sky grabs a handful from the bag and throws it at Hooker's feet.

Charlie Hooker: Well, not the best of efforts. You know any jokes? Can you dance or somethin'? What abou-

Sky snatches the microphone from Hooker's hand, drawing an audible "OoooOooohhhhh!" from the fans.

Ace Sky: Shut up, man. I was in that Gauntlet just like you! Last time I checked, only eleven people in the ENTIRE company made it. So for you to say I'm the worst wrestler on the roster is an insult.

Sky stands his ground, which shocks Hooker and draws praise from those in attendance.

Ace Sky: Did you even think that maybe I didn't want to be YOUR partner?!

Charlie Hooker: Why would you ever think something STUPID like that for?! Huh?! You got piss for brains, boss? Anyway..

Hooker snaps his fingers.

Charlie Hooker: Drop the celebratory balloons!

After a slight delay, dozens of green and red balloons drop from the ceiling and begin flying around the Mid-South Coliseum. Fans begin punching them around ringside like beach balls.

Charlie Hooker: Why wouldn't you want to team with a man that just literally made it RAIN BALLOONS?! Do you not enjoy balloons, Ace Sky?

Ace Sky: I enjoy winning and being part of a team where my partner and I can work together and succeed. One that doesn't involve me having to toss confetti around before a big match.

Hooker rolls his eyes and puts the title belt on his left shoulder.

Charlie Hooker: Brother, this match comin' up is in the bag.. Maybe. Grab hold of these coattails and get prepared for the ride, baby! 'Cause the champ is about to try and turn water into wine and drag you to a victory against your will! Straight up miracle style. We'll see what happens. I know you good Baptists goin' to church tomorrow can tell your pastor about the great works you saw when I do the impossible.. Or just change my mind and not even try. To be determined.

Ace Sky: Against my will? I WANT to win!

Charlie Hooker: That's great, man! Tonight is a celebration! "Hot Stuff" Charlie Hooker embarrassed every man on this roster and proved himself as the only Alpha in the SWF! This celebration has confetti! It has balloons! And now it's going to have a cake! BRING OUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP CAKE!

Hooker begins licking his lips and staring down the entrance.. But instead of cake, he gets.. Dave Kang?

On a four-wheeler?

With the cake placed on the back?

Charlie Hooker: Hold on! Hold on!

Dave Kang does a donut in front of the commentary table and gasses it, sending the ATV fishtailing out of control and the cake flying off of the back, exploding on impact against the ground! Kang hops off and snatches the headset off Russell Smith and screams into it.

Dave Kang: SAVE THAT CAKE FOR A BIRTHDAY, FOOL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GROUND!

Hacksaw Anderson: HEY! YOU PIECE'A SHIT! THEY CAN'T HEAR YOU IN THE RING ON THAT HEADSET!

Kang spikes the headset on the ground and stomps on it before marching up the ring steps and into the ring. Hooker is ready to fight, but "No. 99" by Joey Bada$$ hits and the place erupts! "Badmon" himself, Spencer Adams, emerges from the back with a microphone. He slaps hands with the ringside fans and enters the ring.

Spencer Adams: Congratulations, Charlie Hooker. That strap looks good around your waist... for now.

Dave Kang: Until World Champion Dave Kang takes it for his own! You cannot stop Glizzy McGuire, son!

Spencer takes the microphone back from Kang and shakes his head.

Spencer Adams: Ace Sky, my brother. Good to see you.

Sky and Adams shake hands, the only two sane men in the ring.

Spencer Adams: Big celebration you had, Charlie. Balloons, got Ace to shower you in confetti in front of the largest SWF crowd yet. You even had a big cake that Dave slung off the back of a four-wheeler.. You had it all figured out. Tonight was gonna' be a big night for you, huh? The coronation of the new King! I saw the announcement on Twitter and just knew I had to be part of it.

Charlie Hooker: I'm the man who worked this territory for decades and finally broke through! I'm the man who did what he had to do in the Gauntlet for the Gold, even betraying a makeshift ally in Rone Gargan, to get this belt! I'm a survivor, boss. And you? Who are you besides a man who interrupted my party?

Spencer steps right up into Hooker's face and speaks without a moment's hesitation.

Spencer Adams: I'm the man who's gonna' team with Dave Kang and settle business with you and Ace Sky tonight.. And after that.. I'm gonna' be the man who takes that beautiful belt off your shoulder and give this company a champion that it deserves! Everywhere I've gone, I've been THE top guy. The SWF is going to be no exception.

Unimpressed, Hooker fires back.

Charlie Hooker: Oh.. You're one of those new fellas that don't know how things run around here, aren't you? Both of you.

Hooker snarls at the two challengers.

Charlie Hooker: You can destroy a cake, ride a four-wheeler around ringside, and interrupt a party, MY party.. But if you wanna' be THE CHAMP around here! If you wanna' fight for the top prize! You have to beat the best SWF has to offer.. You also have to beat Ace Sky!

Ace Sky: The hell, man? We're teammates!

Dave Kang: Stay out of this, Ace Sky! Prick!

Spencer Adams: We're gonna' let the ref come on down and get this thing ready to go, then we're going to settle business in this Jokers Wild thing. But after this match, just know your reign is on borrowed time. It's gonna' be a short one. 'Cause once we win, I'll be right up there on the rankings of who gets to face you for the belt.

Spencer removes his sunglasses and slings them into the crowd.

Spencer Adams: You can believe that!

Charlie Hooker: I hear you loud and clear.

BAM! Charlie Hooker decks Dave Kang with the butt-end of the microphone, causing a loud THUD! sound on impact! Senor Count slides into the ring and calls for the bell while Charlie Hooker slings his denim jacket off and begins choking Kang with it, screaming, "THIS IS FOR RUINING MY CAKE!"

The unlikely team of Spencer Adams and The Dave Kang celebrate in the middle of the ring, even finding enough common ground between them to share a fist bump. The fans are firmly behind Spencer Adams out of the four men in the ring. Ace Sky rolls out with Charlie Hooker dropping down off of the apron.

Russell Smith: The SWF Champion looks frustrated with his partner, who did ALL of the work in a valiant effort!

Hacksaw Anderson: Why? Russ, Charlie Hooker didn't even TAG INTO THE MATCH AFTER STARTING IT OFF!

Hooker throws his arms up, demanding an answer from Ace. Ace brushes by him, shouldering him in the gut to get away. Hooker grabs Sky by the arm and spins him around. "WHAT DID YOU JUST DO TO THE CHAMP?!" Ace Sky waves him off and turns, wanting to mind his own business and go to the back. Hooker spins him around again and grabs Sky by the side of the head and rams him head-first into the ring post!

Russell Smith: What is this?! This is uncalled for!

Hacksaw Anderson: That should be Charlie Hooker's face rammed into that ring post!

Cameron Fuller hands Charlie his SWF Championship and the two walk around the ring. Charlie looks down at the remains of his cake and begins reaching down but thinks better of it.

Hacksaw Anderson: You don't wanna' be the man who eats food off the ground, Russ. It's a stigma you can't shake.

 With Charlie turning back to the ring one final time before exiting, he points to Spencer and Kang, mouthing off to them.

Russell Smith: I can almost guarantee we've not seen Spencer Adams, Dave Kang, and Charlie Hooker sharing a ring for the last time.

The camera cuts to a pre-tape.

A pre-tape takes over the screen as the cameras cut away from the ring. SWF newcomer, Ryan Johnson, stands in front of the camera with a microphone in one hand and part of the long black cord in the other. He wears a white Polo shirt and khaki slacks with a gold watch shining on his left wrist.

Ryan Johnson: SWF fans, I'm Ryan Johnson and I just wanted to let you all know that I cannot wait to debut next month in Nashville!

The veteran looks to be in phenomenal shape after a long layoff from the ring.

Ryan Johnson: The SWF contract is signed, sealed and delivered to Nelson Hammer.. So all that there is to do now is continue training and find an opponent for my debut on Championship Wrestling From Nashville.

He pauses.

Ryan Johnson: My signed contract also came with a request. Nelson is a former competitor himself. He knows how important it is to make a great first impression. So I told him to give me his best shot. I've been keeping up with the SWF since its return in July and I know this roster is second-to-none. It's been eleven years since I stepped into the squared-circle.. So Nelson Hammer, don't give me some generic introductory match. Don't give me a pity win or an easy night.

Johnson shakes his head back and forth.

Ryan Johnson: This is my last ride. I want to know if I still have what it takes to hang with this new crop of talent or not. Give me the best available and let's see where the chips fall. I know I missed Jokers Wild and the Gauntlet for the Gold, but it's not too late to set my sights on a top match at Respect is Earned in December. So SWF fans, I'm lookin' forward to seeing you all next month in the SWF Studio and I chase this dream one final time.

RYAN JOHNSON
DEBUTS ON THE NEXT
CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM NASHVILLE

We go to the ring for our next match.

Jonny Jackobin, Jane Frederiksen, Jonah K. Lovemoney, and Seth Warner immediately make their way over to Lance Gordon at the interview podium while Yamamoto and El Masko converse with one another in the ring.

Lance Gordon: Look at what the cat drug in right now..

Jonah K. Lovemoney: SHUT UP, LANCE! RIGHT NOW, THIS PUSSYCAT HAS SOMETHING TO SAY!

The camera zooms in as Lovemoney throws his arm around Seth Warner.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: ONE-AND-OH! That's my record as a manager! They say nobody bats a thousand, but you're lookin' at the man who is! My mother will be so proud when I tell her at our next family function. She'll go to the pickleball club and tell her friends and they'll slap the backs of the heads of their stock broker sons and wonder why they're failures compared to me!

Seth Warner: We're going straight to the top of the SWF!

Jonah K. Lovemoney: First it was shocking the world and kicking El Masko to the side and signing this man right here! Seth Warner! And then it was guiding these two to a victory in the Jokers Wild! Next, it's the quarters, then the semis, and then the SWF Tag Team Championships!

Seth Warner: I understand not everyone was pleased with their pairings once the bracket was released, but I have to say, myself and Jonny Jackobin make quite the deadly team! We're now a handful of matches away from those belts and ten grand!

Lovemoney looks to Jackobin.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Ten grand isn't enough to make me want to care, so you can keep the cash when we win.

Jonny Jackobin: Say no more!

Jackobin fists pumps and slaps the podium in jubilee.

Jonny Jackobin: We just proved why we're the best team in this bracket! And after we win this tournament and I see how many pockets it takes to put ten thousand cash in my pants, then I'm setting my sights on Charlie Hooker.

Lance Gordon: You and everybody else.

Jane pie-faces Lance out of the frame.

Lance Gordon: Hey! I pay good money to get abused like that and the women are far better lookin' than you!

Jonny Jackobin: Everyone else can spend their time calling their shots, but only one man has the rightful stake in being the first contender to the SWF World Championship! And you're looking at 'em!

Gaining some confidence, Jackobin continues.

Jonny Jackobin: We spent a lot of time in the Gauntlet and I want to fight Hooker one-on-one when we're both at a hundred percent and fully rested. I can't guarantee the outcome would change, but I'm pretty confident I'd take that belt straight to the Pay Window and see what they could offer me for it!

Jonah K. Lovemoney: If it's money you're after, Jonny, then be my second client. I can make you so much money than the off-shore casino you use will OWE YOU money and not the other way around!

Seth Warner: We can conquer this entire company, Jonny!

Thankfully, Jane steps in between them and pushes Lovemoney's extended hand back towards him.

Jane Frederiksen: Jonny is doin' just fine. We appreciate the offer, but tonight's association in the Jokers Wild Cup is as far as it goes.

Lovemoney blows Jane a kiss and winks at her.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: That's fine, baby doll. I love the chase.

Jackobin pulls Jane away before stepping in front of her.

Jonny Jackobin: Anyway.. I heard Russell Smith mention that Nelson Hammer will be deciding on who faces Charlie Hooker at Respect is Earned. Quite frankly, there's nobody else qualified but myself. Forget these new guys! I've actually faced legitimate talent in the SWF and the way that match just ended is proof that not only are myself and Seth Warner the team to beat in this tournament, but that I'm the only true contender for the SWF Championship!

Jonah K. Lovemoney: If we didn't have such a killer surprise for later, I might be a little upset that you turned me down, your girlfriend turned me down, and you ignored my client as a worthy contender to Charlie Hooker's belt.

Seth Warner: Championship gold will come in due time, JK. There's still Mark Storm to tend to. He's been in rough shape since that time limit draw, and now I heard through the grapevines he wants to finish things off once and for all against me?

Warner shakes his head.

Seth Warner: I'll gladly put the bullet behind your ear and put ya' out of your misery, cowboy.

A pause.

Seth Warner: Until then, myself and Jonny Jackobin are one step closer to winning this tournament!

We go back to the ring for the next match.

In the locker room, Jacky Sweetwater stares deeply at his reflection in a full-length mirror on the wall. He blows himself a kiss and slowly puts on his aviator sunglasses. His self-admiration is cut short, as Mac Bane grabs him by the shoulder and spins him around to face him.

Jacky Sweetwater: HEY! What's the problem?

Mac Bane: There'll be time to stare at yourself later. We have shit to tend to in that ring. We're up next.

Sweetwater looks unbothered and attempts to give himself another glance, but not before Bane blocks him.

Mac Bane: For a man who didn't qualify for the Gauntlet last time out, you aren't as fired up for redemption as I expected.

Jacky Sweetwater: I'm one of the top stars here, Mac. Don't you worry about me. What happened last time out was what they call an "anomaly."

Mac Bane: Sure.

Jacky Sweetwater: That means that-

Mac Bane: I know what it means.

Bane huffs with anger.

Mac Bane: Here's the deal, Jack. I've been a winner EVERY place that I've been. Tonight is my SWF debut and I don't plan on it going any different here than anywhere else.

The camera pans out to show the IIW International Championship around Bane's waist.

Mac Bane: A few weeks ago, I finished up in IIW and kept this belt. From WGWF and everywhere in between, I've won gold. You just follow my lead and we'll get more of it tonight. Then we can go shut the bars down.

Jacky Sweetwater: Wait.. Follow YOUR lead?

Mac Bane: You heard me. And after this, I'm going after the SWF title. I let Nelson Hammer know before I signed my name on the contract that I was coming for his top belt. I'll do what I have to do tonight because I've taken a liking to you, but the sole purpose as to why I'm here is to get that big gold belt that Hooker's wearing.

Sweetwater takes offense.

Jacky Sweetwater: So you're just going to walk in here and try to take over?

Mac Bane: You can either stand by me and help win this tournament or you can get mowed over like the rest of the SWF's gonna' get after tonight. I suggest that you choose wisely.

Jacky Sweetwater: And to think, man, we really hit it off. I saved a ring rat for you and everything.

Mac Bane: She was for Jody, not me. I can get my own.

Jacky Sweetwater: IT MIGHT'VE BEEN!

Sweetwater throws his arms out to the side and turns to a group of wrestlers, nowhere near being involved in Bane and his conversation.

Jacky Sweetwater: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT?! HUH?!

Among the crowd of wrestlers, one in particular emerges. King Kong Brophy. Next to him is Jon Tees and Jimmy Jack Tees.

Jacky Sweetwater: Ah, shit.

The Syndicate walk up to Sweetwater and stare him down.

Jon Tees: I love seeing teammates making plans that won't come to fruition. You think you two can trust one another? Hate to break it to you fellas, but this tag team division is on lock.

Brophy slams his right fist into the open palm of his gigantic left hand.

Jon Tees: While you two fight over who does what, this man and the rest of The Syndicate, we're plotting our next moves. Forget this blind team bullshit. We're a unit that's as good as it gets when we work together.

Tees chuckles and looks at Bane and Sweetwater.

Jon Tees: Good luck to you fellas. Who knows? Maybe if you go all the way and win the straps, we'll be waitin' as your first challengers now that Brody doesn't have that idiot Grogan setting 'em up for failure. He's another we'll tend to.

Tees turns and walks away with Jimmy Jack and the monstrous King Kong Brophy following suit. Bane turns to Sweetwater with a dead serious expression.

Mac Bane: Time to step up and get the job done.

We go to the ring for quarter-final action!

Sweetwater crawls his way into the ring with help from his cousin. He celebrates momentarily with Mac Bane and the fans are livid. Malachi is out cold in the center of the ring, having no shot against the brass knuckles of Mac Bane.

Russell Smith: They got away with robbery!

 After a few moments, Bane and Sweetwater exit the ring, stopping by Lance Gordon's podium. Bane snatches the microphone out of Lance's hands and looks dead into the camera.

Mac Bane: Take notice, SWF.. This blind tag has created a monster. Ain't nobody stoppin' me and Jacky Sweetwater. Allied Powers, we're gonna' be seeing you boys here soon. Bank on it!

Bane stuffs the microphone into the chest of Lance Gordon's like a quarterback handing a ball off to his running back, only a lot more stiffer.

Hacksaw Anderson: Easy to celebrate after doin' that to win! I wanna' see these fellas EARN their wins, not this crap!

The cameras get a final shot of them celebrating at the entrance curtain before cutting away to the interview podium.

The camera quickly cuts to the interview set and podium where Lance Gordon is recovering from the drive by from Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater. Having entered from the opposite side are  Snake Malone, Rodney Tannenhill, and Mason Levis. The fans are cheering loudly for the trio as they stand on either side of Lance.

Lance Gordon: Well, let's see if I get assaulted in back-to-back segments. Bunch of heathens. Here we are with Snake Malone and the Titan Dragons, SWF fans!

HUGE reaction from the larger-than-usual crowd. Snake Malone can't help but to watch the entryway, soured on the way Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater brashly took the microphone from Lance and treated him just moments before.

Lance Gordon: Now Snake and Rodney, so far tonight, you two have proven to be quite the team as you advanced to the next round of the Jokers Wild Cup.

Rodney Tannenhill: And we're just getting started, Lance!

Lance Gordon: Some have you two slotted as the favorite to win the entire Cup. I've even seen you two referred to as a "super" team within the blind drawings compared to some of the other pairings.

Snake Malone: I'm not sure about a "super" team, Lance, but each of us do come from a tag team background and that's definitely working in our favor.

Tannenhill nods in agreement.

Snake Malone: But what also works in our favor is our motivation. Ten thousand dollars is a lot of cash. Gonna' buy us a lot of beer at the bar later tonight. Being SWF Tag Team Champion is something we both had in mind when the first show happened back in July.. But the real reason we're dead set on getting to the finals is who we have waiting on us in the Finals.

Mason Levis: There's a lot of unfinished business! The Allied Powers handcuffed me and Rod together and cost us the straps. They did a horrific thing to this man's mentor.. Tonight, these two are getting their revenge, baby! Tell 'em, Rod!

Tannenhill and Malone shake hands as Tannenhill looks to the camera.

Rodney Tannenhill: That's right, Mace. Us and Snake were fightin' for the same thing a few months ago, and while the quest to one day hold the SWF Tag Titles with Mason Levis remains, this man, Snake Malone, has been fightin' the fight and treated us with respect. So tonight, with one common enemy, we're about to raise hell in this tournament!

Snake Malone: The little taste I got in the Gauntlet wasn't enough, Lance. I appreciate the people in the battle royal who stood aside and let me do what I had to do. Now, Seth Warner, I remember what you did and there's going to be a day where that gets addressed, but tonight is all about marching to the finals and finishing what I started at the Gauntlet.

Snake slaps the barrel chest of Tannenhill.

Snake Malone: And I'm sure as hell pumped up to have someone like Rodney Tannenhill as my partner! And when we break every bone in Mark Zohn and "SIR" Boliver's bodies later tonight in the finals, becoming co-Tag Champions in the process, we're going to have a dilemma on our hands..

Rodney Tannenhill: That's right, Snake.

Snake Malone: Two members of two teams will each have a belt.

Rodney Tannenhill: I guess there's only one solution to that, don't you?

Snake nods.

Snake Malone: When Bruiser is better, then it's only fitting we take on the Titan Dragons for the right to have one team control those straps! But that's putting the cart before the horse. I'm in no hurry to stand opposite of the ring from these guys again.. Tonight is about justice for Bruiser Bedlam. Tonight is about winning the Jokers Wild Cup.. Tonight is about ENDING the Allied Powers!

Rodney Tannenhill: Turnbuckle! Zohn! We're gonna' see how you boys like handcuffs and ass kickings! 'Cause we're gonna' return the favor in the Jokers Wild finals! You just wait and see! It's time to reap what you've sowed, boys!

The fans are on their feet going wild as Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill high five. Their fired up spirits have the fans chanting their names and stomping their feet. The 2,000 strong in the Mid-South Coliseum has this place ROCKING after that interview. While just getting started, we'll see if Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill can stick to their plan of making it to the finals.

We go to the ring.

Caos Ortiz stands over his "partner" while Jonah K. Lovemoney and Seth Warner stroll down the aisle, applauding what's transpiring in front of their eyes. Spencer Adams and Dave Kang slide out of the ring, taking the easy win and not wanting to ruffle any feathers. Standing on the outside of the ring, Lovemoney makes eye contact with Ortiz and gives him a thumbs down. Ortiz nods his head, turns to Mark Storm, who is pulling himself up with help from the ropes, AND PLANTS HIM WITH EL MARTILO!

Russell Smith: Caos Ortiz destroyed Mark Storm with that lariat! I don't understand why!

Hacksaw Anderson: Ortiz is in cahoots with Lovemoney, Russ!

Ortiz stands over Mark Storm as Lovemoney and Warner step into the ring. The fans' boos are only amplified by Seth Warner leaning over the ropes and taunting them. Lovemoney has found a microphone and slaps it as hard as he can twice before speaking into it.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: I told you all a little bit ago that I had another surprise brewin'.. Well.. SURPRISE!

Lovemoney struts around the ring like a marching band member, pretending to blow an imaginary trombone. The fans are near riot-level with Lovemoney, and begin desperately rooting for Mark Storm to get up.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Keep rootin' for him to get up, but this man is on Dream Street!

The camera gets a tight shot of a dazed Mark Storm before cutting back to Lovemoney.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Caos Ortiz left Puerto Rico to come to the SWF on a short-term basis. He wants to raise as much hell as he can, and so, I bought his contract and told him I had just the situation for him to get involved in if raising hell was in fact his primary objective. My mother Venmo'd me a LARGE sum of money and told me to get this man anything he wanted for agreeing to be my amigo!

Lovemoney slaps Caos on the back.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: So ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm greeting to the newest member of Lovemoney Enterprises - CAOS ORTIZ!

Hacksaw Anderson: Oh, give me a break!

Mark Storm gets to his knees and Lovemoney catches it out of the corner of his eye. He gives Ortiz orders to take care of this. With Storm lifted up high for a Chokeslam, Ortiz looks to finish Storm off once and for all..

BUT HERE'S EL MASKO WITH A CHAIR!

The place erupts as Masko slides in and swings the chair wildly, causing Ortiz to drop Storm to the mat. Lovemoney, already escaped to the outside, stands behind Seth Warner. Caos Ortiz stands a head taller than El Masko, showing no fear of Mark Storm's savior, but listens to Lovemoney's demands and exits the ring on their side.

Russell Smith: El Masko here for the save!

El Masko helps Mark Storm up to his feet and then Masko picks up the microphone that Lovemoney dropped on his way out of the ring.

El Masko: JK LOVEMONEY! YOU KEEP BUYING FRIENDS BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO BE WITH YOU FOR ANY OTHER REASON!

Huge crowd pop from that delivery. Lovemoney's jaw drops and he shakes his head. You can read his lips telling Masko, "THAT'S NOT TRUE!"

El Masko: Mark Storm is a good, honorable man! He stood up for El Masko when he didn't have to, and now, El Masko stands up for him! That is why El Masko challenges Caos Ortiz to a match next month at Championship Wrestling From Nashville!

You can see Mark Storm trying to talk Masko out of it.

El Masko: El Masko may not be the toughest, or the strongest, but I fight with HONOR and will do whatever I can to help those who help me. Caos Ortiz, on the next show, YOU WILL PAY!

Caos Ortiz: YOU'LL PAY DEARLY!

Mark Storm takes the microphone from El Masko and puts his arm around him.

Mark Storm: El Masko, you're a mysterious son of a bitch, but I thank you for stepping up to the plate for me just then.

Storm rubs his jaw, still reeling from the El Martilo lariat.

Mark Storm: Lovemoney, all of this started because this man didn't want to be your client? Now I understand why. Because you associate yourself with nothing but cowards and cheats! Seth Warner and I had a helluva match on the first SWF show. Time limit draw. I asked for five more minutes and he refused.

Warner laughs from the floor.

Mark Storm: Instead of settling this like men, Warner ran and chose the money. So now we have ourselves quite the crossroads, don't we? I guess we're going to have to start getting ready for a conclusion and settle this all once and for all.

Lovemoney raises an eyebrow, curious as to what Storm has planned.

Mark Storm: El Masko here is gonna' whoop Caos Ortiz's ass at Championship Wrestling From Nashville!

The crowd cheers loudly as a small "LET'S GO MASKO!" chant breaks out.

Mark Storm: And then I'm going to set my sights on finishing this with Seth Warner once and for all. What do you say, Seth? One more match. Let's find out who the best man is.

Warner takes the microphone from Caos Ortiz.

Seth Warner: Screw... You.

Seth Warner, Jonah K. Lovemoney, and Caos Ortiz walk away from the ring and go back up the aisle to a chorus of boos.  Jonah K. Lovemoney has added another member to Lovemoney Enterprises, but Seth Warner refused a rematch with Mark Storm! During all of this, Mark Storm and El Masko remain in the ring, talking amongst themselves as we cut away from ringside.

Donny Hollywood pumps his fists as Mac Redford and Robert Pittman enter the ring. With his hand raised in the air, Hollywood points to himself with his free hand, talking trash into the camera.

Russell Smith: This is the third SWF show, Hack, and the first time Donny Hollywood has pinned someone CLEANLY in the ring!

Hacksaw Anderson: Maybe he's turnin' over a new leaf? He's cheated, he's stolen pins, and now he's pinned an opponent the right way. This man is a chameleon, Russ. He's doin' somethin' different all of the time.

Archer Banks rolls into the ring and gets his hand raised as well. He can't believe what he saw, but doesn't dare complain. On the outside, Jason Ryan washes his hands of Scotty Adams, causing the two to get into a bit of a shoving match with one another.

Russell Smith: Donny Hollywood and Archer Banks are headed to the semi-finals of the upper-bracket. Can these two make it to the finals? Can they dethrone the SWF Tag Team Champions if they get the opportunity?

We go to commercial.

12.16.23 - War Memorial Auditorium
Nashville, Tennessee

Seth Warner has let his frustrations get the best of him, costing his team the match. He slams the chair down as is immediately confronted by Jonny Jackobin, who is demanding answers from his betraying partner.

Russell Smith: Seth Warner listened to Jonah K. Lovemoney and blasted Rodney's knee with that chair!

Hacksaw Anderson: Seth Warner took the bad wheel out from under Rodney Tannenhill, but it was right in front of the referee!

Jackobin shoves Warner and exits the ring in a huff, visibly frustrated that a clear shot to the tournament finals was ruined by a selfish act from his partner. Warner flips Jackobin the middle finger as he walks away.. but turns around and sees Snake Malone.

Warner turns the other way as there's a hobbling Rodney Tannenhill on the other side.

Hacksaw Anderson: There's a sandwich you don't wanna' be in.

Jonah K. Lovemoney is on the apron, pleading with them to show mercy to his client. Malone hits the ropes, bumping Lovemoney off of the apron and to the floor! Warner swings at Malone, who ducks it and shoves him into the waiting arms of Rodney Tannenhill.. CAN CRUSHER POWER BOMB!

Hacksaw Anderson: Mercy! That landing!

"Up in the Air" by 30 Seconds to Mars hits, and with the fans cheering wildly, Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill celebrate in the middle of the ring. The camera pans to the entryway, catching a shot of Jonny Jackobin sourly watching the celebration.

Russell Smith: Seth Warner is one of the foundational pieces of the SWF and his power has increased with JK Lovemoney's branding and financial backing.. But he let frustration get in the way tonight.

Hacksaw Anderson: We've learned tonight that you have to at least somewhat work with your partners to have a chance. Ten grand is on the line along with those titles, Russ! It's serious business.

Seth Warner is dragged out of the ring by Jonah K. Lovemoney. Warner grabs the bent chair on the outside and attempts to go back into the ring, but Lovemoney yanks the chair from his hand and tosses it back down on the floor.

"We didn't dream about becoming Tag Champions with Jonny Jackobin. You did the right thing. We have bigger fish to fry!"

Lovemoney's reassurances calms Warner down and the two exit the ringside area, living to fight another day.

Russell Smith: And this is another caveat to the night, Hack. Some of the competitors are choosing to count their losses and not want to succeed with their blindly drawn partners. Jonah K. Lovemoney says his client has bigger fish to fry, which we know is Mark Storm and El Masko at this point.

Hacksaw Anderson: Whether you like someone or not, when money and championship gold is on the line, you should always try your hardest. Tannenhill and Malone won the match, but Warner might've given their future opponents a target to go after with that bum knee of Rodney's.

Tannenhill and Malone high-five as the camera cuts away from the ringside area and to the interview podium where Lance Gordon awaits.

Cutting from the ring, we're back to Lance Gordon where he has Chip Mahoney, Lilly Evans, and Rene McRea standing beside him. Lilly is looking all business and seems prepared to start talking before Lance even gets the introduction going.

Lance Gordon: Look at what we have here, ladies and gentlemen. We have Chip Mahoney back from the dead and now he has a buddy with 'em!

Chip Mahoney: That's right, Lance. This here is Ren-

Lilly cuts Chip off by squeezing his lips together, instead taking the lead.

Lilly Evans: Lance, at the Gauntlet for Gold, Chip was robbed of his chance to fight for the SWF World Championship because Caos Ortiz ran into the ring and destroyed him and Sean Pierre. Now, I see Nelson Hammer offering a mulligan to Jason Ryan and Slamsley McBody, but why hasn't one been extended to Chip? This man wants Caos Ortiz and he wants the SWF Championship!

Chip defiantly shakes his head side to side, a look of horror overtaking his face.

Lilly Evans: But since Caos Ortiz is busy with Lovemoney, he gets a pass for now.

Chip mouths, "Thank you, God!" He leans in to the microphone.

Chip Mahoney: To be fair, I wouldn't have won the World title anyway.

He shrugs.

Chip Mahoney: Maybe? Guess we'll never know.

Lilly Evans: But there WILL be a day where revenge is gathered on Caos Ortiz. Until then, this is Rene McRea. I'm going to lead these two in the tag team division.

Rene McRea: WE WILL TAKE ON ANY TAG TEAM IN THE SOUTHERN WRESTLING FEDERATION!

Rene flexes, curling his biceps to the point of ripping through the sleeves of his shirt.

Rene McRea: Bring any team on at Championship Wrestling From Nashville and we will HUMILIATE THEM!

What color Chip Mahoney did have to his skin has evaporated, as he's now pale as a ghost with his agent and friend both speaking boldly.

Lilly Evans: I like the confidence from Rene. I wish Chip thought as highly of himself as his pal does.

Chip Mahoney: To my defense, I'm more of a realist. I try to stay low-key and opt to be pleasantly surprised when things work out.

Lance chuckles and slaps Chip on the back.

Lance Gordon: Ah, hell. You sad man.

Lilly Evans: So since everyone is calling shots and making requests, sign us up. Nelson Hammer, say hello to your next top tag team!

Lilly marches off of the set with Rene and Chip following suit. After a rough start to SWF so far, is this the moment that Chip Mahoney turns the corner with the addition of his friend, Rene McRea, to the SWF roster?

Archer Banks slaps the mat in frustration as Bane and Sweetwater bump fists and exit the ring. The fans are booing loudly, and one front row fan even takes a swing at Mac Bane! Sweetwater steps in and goozles the fan, shoving him back down in his seat as security quickly steps in and breaks it up.

Russell Smith: That fan just tried taking a shot at Mac Bane!

Hacksaw Anderson: Welcome to the South, tough guy. If you're gonna' win a match that way, you'd better be ready.

Donny Hollywood, Mac Redford, and Robert Pittman stand in front of Banks, with Hollywood out in front. He shakes his head at the sight of Banks and begins blaming him for taking the three count and ending their quest for the Jokers Wild.

"I should've known you would've dropped the ball. Loser."

Russell Smith: Donny Hollywood is calling Archer Banks a loser?! This man did everything he could for his team!

Hacksaw Anderson: Archer Banks ought to slap his jaws into next week! Donny stepping off of the apron for his "bum knee" is why they lost!

Hollywood's cold, harsh words towards his partner causes Archer Banks to spring up from the mat and charge at him, but Robert Pittman steps in at the last minute! Pittman controls the situation as Hollywood and Redford quickly get out of harm's way.

Russell Smith: He took your idea to heart, Hack! Luckily for Donny Hollywood, Robert Pittman was there to save the day!

Banks leans over the ropes and tells Hollywood that the day's going to come to where he gets what's coming to him. The fans begin chanting "ARCHER! ARCHER!" but the man from Montana wants nothing to do with the consolation prize from the fans.

Russell Smith: Archer Banks' frustration is at a whole new level, Hack. We're seeing this young man act completely different than he has on previous shows. The stress of the competition along with Donny Hollywood's picking and prodding is enough to change a man.

We quickly cut backstage.

The camera quickly cuts to some commotion going on backstage. Jonny Jackobin and Jane Frederiksen are storming down a hallway and Jackobin kicks the first door he comes to open. Inside, Jonah K. Lovemoney, Caos Ortiz, and Seth Warner are caught completely off guard.

Jonny Jackobin: You think you're some kind of genius or something?!

No response.

Jonny Jackobin: Answer me!

Seth Warner: Who the hell are you directing your line of questioning to?

Caos Ortiz: Because I know it's not me..

Ortiz stands up, towering over the shorter Jackobin. Jackobin shakes his head back and forth.

Jonny Jackobin: No, not you. I don't even know who you are, man!

Jackobin side-steps Ortiz and points a finger at Seth Warner.

Jonny Jackobin: We could've won that match!

Seth Warner: So?

Warner nonchalantly shrugs.

Seth Warner: I didn't come here to be TAG Champion. I came here to be WORLD Champion.

Lovemoney reaches into his pocket and reels off four one-hundred dollar bills and hands them to Jane.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Here, babe. Buy yourself something nice to soften the blow of the loss.

Jackobin snatches the money from her hands.

Jonny Jackobin: SHE HAS MONEY! HOW DOES GIVING HER MORE MAKE THIS BETTER?!

Lovemoney winks at her.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Mama Lovemoney says it's time for me to meet a nice girl.

Jonny Jackobin: Look, she's mine. Sure, we fight every week and it's always a cliffhanger as to whether or not we work it out, but she's off limits..

Jackobin looks to Warner, visibly angry.

Jonny Jackobin: We made it that far and you just threw in the towel and went rogue?

Jonah K. Lovemoney: I encouraged my client to make the best decision for him. At that point in the match, it was close to being over, so instead of either of you getting pinned, I elected to just make matters worse for that fat slob Tannenhill. Like Seth said, Jonny.. We ain't here for Tag Team gold.

Jonny Jackobin: Well, the belts are silver or platinum.. or something. Distinguishes them from the other divisions. It was a whole stylistic decision.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: I literally do not give a damn what color they are.

He's blunt and to the point.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Seth Warner doesn't want them. He wants the World Title. So, thanks to me, he's going to get him a match on the next SWF show and begin his march to the World Championship. No more wasting time with these meaningless matches. If Nelson Hammer wants the best possible title match at Respect is Earned, then he'll have no choice but to put Seth Warner in the main event.

Seth Warner: And you can watch from home as I become the World Champion.

Jonny Jackobin: As a man who has made a lot of enemies in my day.. I don't think your strategy is going to work out of adding more enemies to the tally.

Jackobin throws the money on the floor.

Jonny Jackobin: Keep your money. You'll need it for a funeral for when El Masko, Mark Storm, or myself put you in the dirt!

Seth Warner: I'm terrified.

Jonny Jackobin: As you should be.

Jackobin looks down at the money and then over to Lovemoney.

Jonny Jackobin: Keep the change you filthy animal.

Jackobin goes to exit the room but has second thoughts, coming back and taking two of the four bills, sticking them in the front part of his tights.

Jonny Jackobin: After all, we're just up the road from Tunica. I could put it all on black and forget this night ever existed.

Jackobin clings to ..some.. of his moral high ground.

Jonny Jackobin: And if you want to be a World Champion, Warner, then you're gonna' have to go through ME! 'Cause if anyone is getting that shot at Charlie Hooker, I'm the one who called dibs. Go fight Mark Storm.

Seth Warner: Mark Storm has to EARN the right to face me. And if he does, it'll be on MY terms.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: And it'll never happen!

Jackobin grabs the door handle and looks back, a sad expression overtaking his face with his tone somber.

Jonny Jackobin: This right here.. It could've been special. We could've made merch and everything. Your loss, pal.

Jackobin slams the door behind him as the scene fades.

Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill offer handshakes to their opponents, getting a strong reaction from the crowd for their act of sportsmanship. Dave Kang pulls himself up with help of the ropes, clutching his neck. Spencer Adams looks disgusted at the sight of his partner, having fought so hard tonight.

Russell Smith: You have to appreciate there being good people still left in the world. Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill are on a collision course to the finals of this tournament, but still respect the sport.

A frustrated Spencer Adams kicks the bottom rope but does shake hands with Snake and Tannenhill. Dave Kang grabs his crotch with one hand and flips them the middle finger with the other. He exits the ring to a round of boos, giving the fans the middle finger as well.

Hacksaw Anderson: I hate this annoying little shit! Who the hell hired Dave Kang?!

Spencer Adams nods to the victors, dropping down to the mat and exiting the ring, giving the spotlight to them.

Stepping away from the podium, Lance Gordon is somewhere backstage in a tucked away section of the Mid-South Coliseum. Standing alongside him is Nelson Hammer.

Lance Gordon: What a match that was? We have our first team heading into the bracket finals of the Jokers Wild Cup. Standing next to me right now is the man who came up with the concept, SWF Promoter, Nelson Hammer.

Nelson and Lance shake hands as Nelson steps more directly into the shot.

Nelson Hammer: It truly has been a killer event thus far tonight, Lance. I knew assembling completely random teams was a risky proposition. Egos come into play, the talent discrepancies of our roster is a factor, and then there's just the matter of some people don't wanna' team with anybody, not even their own mother.

Lance Gordon: My mother's dead, so the only hot tag she's gettin' is from Satan himself.

Hammer gives a half-shrug, having no idea how to respond to that.

Nelson Hammer: To each their own, but I think tonight's been a rousing success. We've seen some teammates come together and pull the rope in the same direction, and we've seen some natural rivalries form in front of our very eyes. We're on a collision course with our next big event, Respect is Earned, in December and I can't wait.

Lance Gordon: You asked me to come back here so that you could announce a few things. What's on your mind?

Nelson Hammer: It's quite simple, Lance. SWF has quickly became a destination. We have proven ourselves as a top tier promotion that's running like a well-oiled machine, and with that comes an influx of new, exciting talent. We've seen it on social media and we've seen it here tonight. A lot of people want Charlie Hooker's title. Which is EXACTLY what I wanted when I commissioned that championship to be redesigned. I wanted our small, regional promotion, to have the prettiest and most sought-after World Championship in this business.

Hammer takes a beat.

Nelson Hammer: Spencer Adams wants a shot after his team was victorious earlier tonight. Mac Bane wants a shot due to his pedigree. Jonny Jackobin wants a rematch. Rone Gargan has his eyes on Hooker. There's a lot of hunters chasin' after one animal right now, and we're going to announce on the next Championship Wrestling From Nashville some plans to get some contenders in line for Charlie and set up our main event for Respect is Earned.. BUT..

He holds up one finger and draws Lance's microphone closer.

Nelson Hammer: BUT first, before all of that.. Lance, we're going to have ourselves a defense of the World title on the next show. Charlie Hooker is going to defend his championship against the partner he had such an issue with tonight, ACE SKY!

Lance Gordon: Wait, seriously?

Hammer nods.

Lance Gordon: If the bar is that low, let me get a title shot.

Nelson Hammer: A new championship for a new promotion needs defenses to build up the prestige, Lance. In the SWF, I'm all about givin' everyone a shot. Ace Sky is a well-respected, world-traveling competitor and he has an issue with Charlie, and Charlie seemed to have an issue teaming with Ace tonight, so let's settle it in the ring like men and make history while we're at it. If Charlie Hooker wants to attack his partner after the match like he did, then he best be ready to fight.

Hammer turns back to the camera and gives us a comforting smile.

Nelson Hammer: And now, we're going to head to the ring for our next bracket semi-final match. After that, I'm going to meet up with some of the SWF roster and announce the main event of the next show where we'll crown the first North American Champion!

He pulls a folded up piece of paper out of his pants pocket and hands it to Lance.

Nelson Hammer: Go round up these folks if you don't mind.

Lance Gordon: Wasn't aware I was an errand boy.

Lance sighs.

Lance Gordon: Ladies and gentlemen, while I do Nelson Hammer's chores, let's send it back to ringside to Russell and Hacksaw!

We go to the ring for the bracket finals!

As Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater celebrate in the ring, Snake Malone and Mason Levis help Rodney Tannenhill out of the ring. Tannenhill is hobbling badly on his bum knee thanks to Seth Warner's chair shot earlier. The fans are cheering loudly for them as the exit down the aisle.

Russell Smith: Nothing but respect for what Snake Malone and Rodney Tannenhill managed to do here tonight, Hack. Thanks to interference from Sir Boliver Turnbuckle's maid, Matilda, it was just enough to distract them and let Bane and Sweetwater take advantage of the opening!

Hacksaw Anderson: Something HAS to be done about those bastards, Russ! I'm sick and tired of them doin' whatever they want without any problem.

Russell Smith: Their day's coming, Hack. It's no guarantee that they can win the Finals.. But they'll be going into it as the freshest team. It's most certain a guarantee that Snake Malone will get the Powers next, but the Titan Dragons certainly deserve a title match of their own!

With the attention turned back to the ring, Bane and Sweetwater shake hands and share a half-hug, knowing there's one final bump in the road.. And on cue, the camera pans to the entryway where Mark Zohn and Sir Boliver Turnbuckle stand.

Russell Smith: Speaking of the devils. The Champions are here and we have ourselves a face off.. We're minutes away from the Jokers Wild Cup finals, ladies and gentlemen.

The SWF Tag Team Championships defiantly hold their titles in the air, smug expressions smeared across their faces. The fans aren't sure who to cheer for in the Jokers Wild Cup Finals, but it's sure to be one for the ages!

Cutting away from the ring, we find ourselves in Nelson Hammer's office. Though he vowed to keep things more traditional with work being done at the podium with Lance, he wanted to have a special meeting with a selected few.

Nelson Hammer: Men, thanks for taking the time to meet with me. I'll keep this short as I'm sure you are preparing to watch the main event.

In the room forming a semi-circle in front of him are Donny Hollywood, Malachi, Hunter Boyd, Nighthawk, Myles Wilkins, and Shinjiro Yamamoto.

Donny Hollywood: Not even close.

Hollywood snickers. Sarcasm drips from his words.

Donny Hollywood: I'm not watching that. I'm walking out the door as soon as this is over.

Hammer sighs and keeps his thoughts to himself.

Nelson Hammer: I appreciate the honesty.

Turning the page, Hammer looks back to his desk and removes a silky black cover off of an oddly-shaped object, revealing the SWF North American Championship underneath.

Nelson Hammer: Cutting right to the chase. THIS is why you're here.

He picks up the championship and displays it in his hands, showing all six men the beautiful new championship.

Nelson Hammer: For the longest time, the SWF only had the Southern Heavyweight and the Hardcore titles. Joker always said if you weren't tryin' to be the Southern Champion, then what were you even doing? And while I agree to an extent, we have a talented roster here that I want to reward with opportunities.

Hammer rests the title back on the desk.

Nelson Hammer: And you six can consider this an opportunity to make history. I've made it a point to give everyone on the roster every chance possible to succeed. The Gauntlet for the Gold, the Jokers Wild, and now this. The six of you have caught my eye in a variety of ways. From your athleticism, your potential, your brash nature, down to the resourcefulness you use to win matches..

Donny Hollywood: He's talking about me.

Nelson Hammer: Next month when we return to Nashville for Championship Wrestling, you six will main event in a ladder match for the right to call yourself the first SWF North American Champion!

Myles Wilkins: I'm in. Let's do this! That title is going to look amazing around my waist.

Malachi: Hold on, hold on.. You expect us to risk permanent injury to win this title in a ladder match?

Hunter Boyd scoffs.

Hunter Boyd: What's wrong? Scared?

Malachi: Not even. Prick.

Nelson Hammer: I expect you all to lay it on the line for the right to carry this championship. Just like the old days, this belt is going to be the workhorse championship. Only the elite get their names etched in its history. And just like it should be with a belt like this, he who holds it is always in line for a SWF World title shot.

Nighthawk: Consider this belt mine. The ink isn't even dry on my contract and this man KNEW he had a champion on his hands.

Nighthawk looks to the crowd.

Nighthawk: Cross me at your own risk.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: I look forward to this opportunity.

Donny Hollywood: You all are wasting your time. My man, Big Rob, is just going to wipe you all out and hoist me up the ladder to snatch that title with ease.

Hammer snaps his fingers as if he remembered something.

Nelson Hammer: Speaking of that. Pittman and Mac are banned from ringside.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: This is.. Quite unfortunate for you.

Hollywood rears back as if he's going to smack Yamamoto but thinks better of it.

Donny Hollywood: You'll regret that, Hammer.

Myles Wilkins: Y'all are just running your mouths when the champion is RIGHT HERE in the flesh!

Malachi: You're right, lad. I AM!

The group begins arguing as tensions rise. Staying out of it is Hunter Boyd, who turns straight to Nelson Hammer.

Hunter Boyd: I suppose this is to make up for the embarrassment of a partner you stuck me with tonight.

Nelson Hammer: You drew the card, Hunter.

Hunter Boyd: You hired the idiot.

Hammer nods.

Nelson Hammer: Well, can't win 'em all, can we? Thanks to you, we'll never see The Big Kahuna ever again.

He moves away from Boyd and steps in between the remaining members of the group, deep into an argument.

Nelson Hammer: You all were picked for a reason. Don't forget that. I see a lot in each of you and I have no doubt that your futures here in the SWF will be legendary. Best of luck to you all on the next show as one of you.. "Races to the top!"

Malachi: Rubbish tagline.

Nelson Hammer: Pro-wrestling is all about branding, Malachi. You'll learn.

Hammer slaps Hollywood on the back rather sternly, causing him to be knocked forward.

Nelson Hammer: Now, if you all don't mind, we have a main event to watch, don't we? The SWF Tag Team Championships on the line along with ten grand. Doesn't get any better than that. I'm going to be making my way out there.

The Jokers Wild Cup Bracket Finals are next! Who will take on the Allied Powers for all of the marbles?!

We are contractually obligated* to advertise Razor Wrestling.

*We were asked nicely.

Russell Smith: What a match! The unlikely team of Jacky Sweetwater and Mac Bane have won the Jokers Wild Cup for 2023, are ten thousand dollars richer, and possess the SWF Tag Team Championship! Fifteen teams started off in the field, and we ended the night with ONE!

Hacksaw Anderson: What a tournament it's been tonight, Russ. Seriously, we've seen some stellar matches with thirty men givin' it their all. If you ask me, the SWF Tag Team Championships just became the most valuable set of Tag belts in the industry! Three SWF shows and twice the titles have main evented!

Bruiser Bedlam raises their arms in the air while Sir Boliver Turnbuckle and Mark Zohn are in Nelson Hammer's face on the outside, screaming at how unjust his decision to select Bruiser as referee was! Turnbuckle slaps his hands in Hammer's face, signifying how quickly he counted that final three count. Zohn's clutching his ribs and doing the best he can to keep Turnbuckle from doing anything he'll regret.

Russell Smith: The FORMER Tag Team Champions have a real nerve to be complaining after all they've put people through the first few months of SWF's revival! I'm GLAD they lost! I'm GLAD Bruiser Bedlam's count might've been a little quicker than normal! Sir Boliver Turnbuckle has nobody to blame for all of this but HIMSELF!

Hacksaw Anderson: Bruiser Bedlam might be the best referee on the roster! He called it RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE if you ask me. Now, I don't like Mac Bane or Jacky Sweetwater, but I love seeing lowdown, egg-sucking dogs get their comeuppance. Bruiser Bedlam is healthy! He's back! And made a difference!

Russell Smith: Fourteen teams fought through this tournament tonight for the chance to get to the Allied Powers. For the majority of the match, it looked like the Champions were going to retain, using their freshness to their favor. In the end, however, Bruiser Bedlam being the surprise guest referee was the unaccounted-for X-Factor!

Nelson Hammer grabs the oversized trophy and the championships and steps in between Zohn and Turnbuckle, who have not stopped stomping, yelling, and raging at the outcome of the match. Zohn yells over and over, "THIS IS A CONSPIRACY! THIS IS A CONSPIRACY AGAINST US!"

 Nelson Hammer enters the ring and hands the championships to their new owners, shaking their hands in the process. As Bane and Sweetwater celebrate the Jokers Wild Cup victory, they each grab one end of the gigantic trophy and hoist it into the air...

WAIT A SECOND! THREE MEN JUST ENTERED THE RING AND INTERRUPTED THE CELEBRATION! WHO IS THIS?!

Russell Smith: Are my eyes deceiving me or is it who I think it is?! Are the rumors true?!

THE GANGSTERS OF CHRIST ARE IN SWF! POPE DAWSON! JETHRO DAWSON! MICHAEL DAWSON! THEY'RE ALL HERE AND THEY'RE IN THE RING FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE NEW SWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! THEY'RE SPORTING THE FOREVER IIW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS AROUND THEIR WAISTS AS WELL!

"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"

Hacksaw Anderson: What's going on here?

Russell Smith: These men are the Forever IIW Tag Team Champions! Once the doors of IIW closed after they retained their titles in a triple threat, they've hopped around everywhere, Hack! You name it, they've been there as of late! TPW's Friday Night Fury! The Grand Awakening show hosted by Denzel Porter! WGWF's Brawl! XWF Weekend Warfare! They've hit all of the spots and have found their way to Memphis here tonight! There were rumors that Nelson Hammer was aggressively recruiting them and here they are!

Michael Dawson, the father of the two Dawson boys, points to the champions and then makes a belt motion around his waist, signifying that his sons are coming for those championships. The SWF Tag Team Champions sit the Cup down and motion for them to come and get it. The fans are all on their feet in the Mid-South Coliseum!

Russell Smith: HOLD ON! WHAT!

LEX COLLINS AND SHANE DONOVAN HAVE ENTERED THE RING AND TAKEN THE CUP! Lex Collins grabs handfuls of cash out of the Cup while Donovan picks it up and SMASHES IT ON THE MAT! The Tag Team Champions are surrounded by two new sets of challengers and the crowd is LOSING THEIR MINDS! An exhausted Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater don't know which team to keep an eye on.

Russell Smith: We knew the legendary veteran, Shane Donovan, signed a contract with SWF but hasn't debuted until now.. While Lex Collins worked a match on SWF Saturday Night last weekend. This is a shocking debut from this team!

Lex Collins mocks the Champions and throws the cash into the air, settling into the first few rows of fans at ringside, who frantically dive and reach for the money. Bane and Sweetwater lunge for the newcomers, but Nelson Hammer stops him, promising he'll make the money situation right with them later.

The camera gets a zoom in on the Jokers Wild Cup, now with a massive dent in the side of it from the impact on the mat. Now in a standoff position, the three teams trade words, with The Gangsters of Christ and Lex Collins/Shane Donovan doing most of the talking between one another, accusing the other of stealing their moment of debuting.

Hacksaw Anderson: This is the dawning of a new era of tag team wrestling in the Southern Wrestling Federation! We have new champions, who marched through this tournament and earned the belts and now we have two new tag teams who have came in and are ruining the moment!

Russell Smith: The Forever IIW Tag Team Champions, the Gangsters of Christ, are here in the SWF! But so are Lex Collins and Shane Donovan, a successful tag team in their own right! Not to mention the Syndicate, Titan Dragons, and some of the teams formed here tonight in the Jokers Wild Cup. The entire landscape of the tag team division has been turned up on its head!

Nelson Hammer steps between the three teams and shakes his head in disgust.

"Not like this!"

Hammer picks up the dented trophy and shakes it in Donovan and Collins' direction.

"You think this shit is funny?"

Then he turns to Michael Dawson and his sons.

"I told you that your boys would debut PEACEFULLY! Not this bullshit!"

Hacksaw Anderson: Nelson Hammer is laying the law down! The Jokers Wild was an incredible tournament, and now these four debuting has turned everything on its head!

The Gangsters of Christ remove their IIW Tag Team Championships and raise them in the air, proclaiming themselves as the only tag team that matters in the ring. This draws loud boos from the fans. Lex Collins and Shane Donovan look less than impressed, but then the SWF Tag Team Champions raise their belts in the air, drawing a huge pop from the SWF fans! Hammer does the best he can to keep matters from escalating.

Hacksaw Anderson: That's right, boys! Show 'em who the REAL champs are! Our champions ain't in their backyard, those boys are in OUR yard, wanting OUR titles! I don't like Mac or Jacky, but they're OUR champions now and they deserve the glory for goin' the distance tonight!

As Nelson Hammer does his best to maintain some sense of order in the ring, we hear Russell Smith give us the sign off.

Russell Smith: For Hacksaw Anderson, I'm Russell Smith, and we're out of time! See you all next month back in the SWF Studio! We have a LOT of new events to cover next month, with the first SWF World title defense along with the first matches of the debuting Gangsters of Christ and Lex Collins and Shane Donovan! Congratulations to Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater! Goodnight everyone!

End transmission.