Fade in.

The SWF logo flashes across the screen.

500 or so fans fill up our screen as the camera pans up and down, getting glimpses of their signs and screaming faces. A few of the fans are even dressed up in their Halloween costumes even though it's a couple of weeks away. Spotlights and some generic rock music add to the aesthetic, showing a subtle increase in production value compared to the last few shows, but still not on par with a lot of the larger promotions.

We cut to the announce booth where Halloween is in full force! Russell Smith and Hacksaw Anderson greet us, completely out of character for them. Russell is wearing the mask from The Phantom of the Opera while Hacksaw is dressed up as a policeman. The set behind them also sports some Halloween decor to get us all in the mood.

Russell Smith: Welcome to another edition of Championship Wrestling From Nashville! Happy early Halloween, everyone! Do not adjust your television sets, we're in the spooky season spirit! I'm Russell Smith and beside me is the legendary Hacksaw Anderson.. Or should I say OFFICER Hacksaw Anderson!

Hacksaw Anderson: I'm only wearin' this for the opening segment and then we're going to forget it ever happened! Nelson Hammer refused to let me come out here and DO MY JOB AS A REGULAR PERSON!

Russell nervously adjusts his tie while keeping a bright and smiling face.

Russell Smith: Hacksaw's in the Halloween spirit, ladies and gentlemen! We're just a few short weeks away from Trick or Treating, but tonight, we have ALL TREATS for you great fans of the Southern Wrestling Federation! We're fresh off of the wildly-successful Jokers Wild Cup and we have new SWF Tag Team Champions! Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater will be in action here tonight. Also in action will be the reigning SWF World Champion, Charlie Hooker, defending the championship for the first time ever against the partner he left out to dry at the Jokers Wild, Ace Sky!

Hacksaw Anderson: That main event is going to be a damn car crash, Russ! Six men vie for the North American Championship in a ladder match! I didn't even know the SWF had ladders!

Russell Smith: Thanks to Bud's Hardware and Key Shop, we have a plethora of brand new ladders!

Hacksaw Anderson: Hammer's spendin' money. Unbelievable.

Russell Smith: If you want to become a destination, you have to invest the time and energy into the product, which is exactly what Nelson Hammer is doing! We have superstars calling daily trying to get booked, but it's the great roster we've assembled so far that's taken us to new heights!

Hacksaw Anderson: If you've slept on this SWF to this point, that's on you!

Russell Smith: Speaking of Nelson Hammer, the SWF Promoter has promised to name the challenger to the SWF Champion in Respect is Earned's main event later tonight. The competition is lining up, as Spencer Adams has already called out the champion, not to mention the match later tonight of Jason Ryan taking on Slamsley McBody to see who takes on the World Champion on the next show.

Russell turns to Hacksaw.

Russell Smith: But what about it, Hack? Are you ready to get this show on the road with a Halloween Street Fight? Archer Banks, Jacky Sweetwater, and the debuts of Ryan Johnson and Noah Stroud will duke it out in a hardcore match. The winner gets to take on Rone Gargan for the SWF Hardcore Championship!

The camera shot switches to ringside where plastic skeletons and pumpkins line the ring. There's a couple of tables and some steel chairs lining the outside. We also see a big bowl of candy on top of one of the tables.

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

While Noah Stroud is kicking chairs and flipping over tables at ringside, Archer Banks rolls back into the ring and gets his right hand lifted in victory. He cradles his left arm against his chest, looking to be in agony. Jacky Sweetwater is on his knees on the outside, shaking his head. He knows he was so close to getting the win, even having given his finisher to the eventual winner.

Russell Smith: It's finally clicked for Archer Banks! He got a big time "W" here tonight and now has a date with Rone Gargan for the SWF Hardcore Championship in December.

Hacksaw Anderson: I could've sworn Noah Stroud was the sure fire winner in this one. Hell, you could've even convinced me Jacky Sweetwater was about to get a chance to get double gold! Archer has been grinding since day one and looks like he fought through injury. Much respect to him.

We get a final shot of Archer Banks celebrating before sending it over to Lance Gordon.

Lance Gordon has his left hand on top of his head, his eyes closed tightly, and a look of distraught on his face. The camera pans out to reveal Slamsley McBody standing next to him. After a few moments of self-dread, he opens his eyes and takes a deep breath. Like a switch flipping, Lance Gordon is flashing a big smile and is down to business.

Lance Gordon: Welcome in to the show, ladies and gentlemen! What an opening match that was, huh? Halloween. Crazy stuff.

Lance slaps the massive Slamsley McBody on the back and then points to him.

Lance Gordon: Speaking of crazy stuff, here's Slamsley McBody. Slamsley, tonight is the biggest match of your career. Probably.

Slamsley nods.

Slamsley McBody: Biggest match since the Cracker Barrel Kickball Tournament of 2019.

Lance can only blink at Slamsley. Completely ignoring the response, he continues speaking.

Lance Gordon: You and Jason Ryan were both impacted directly by Summer Jo's poor officiating at the Gauntlet and Nelson Hammer is giving you two an opportunity to make it right. The winner of your match tonight gets to take on Charlie Hooker next month here in the SWF Studio for the World Championship.

Slamsley McBody: Charlie Hooker or Ace Sky. They have a title match after ours.

Lance sighs.

Lance Gordon: Like I said, the winner of your match will be taking on Charlie Hooker next month for the championship.

Slamsley McBody: Tonight's gonna' be a big night for Slamsley! No bad referee is jacking around me around tonight! No dumb woman is leaving the kitchen to pretend to be a referee and keep me from becoming the World Champion tonight! Nah-uh! SLAMSLEY RULES THE WORLD AND TONIGHT HE TAKES THE CROWN IN SWF!

Hunter Boyd comes out to a nice pop from the fans with a few boos scattered within. He stomps right up to the podium and cuts Slamsley off

Hunter Boyd: Slamsley, no disrespect, but your time is over. This interview segment now belongs to The Outlaw.

Slamsley refuses to yield.

Hunter Boyd: Now, get lost.

Slamsley McBody: You get lost, Outlaw! This is MY time! I'M the next number one contender to the strap!

Hunter Boyd: Laughable.

Boyd mentions something being laughable but doesn't change his stoic expression. He remains in Slamsley's face.

Hunter Boyd: If you have a problem with me coming out here, then we can settle this dispute in that ring on the next show like men. I do not respect you, I think you're a joke, and you have no shot in hell of winning tonight.. So, for your safety, remove yourself from this situation and let a grown man handle business.

Boyd looks dead center into the camera and motions for it to zoom in on him.

Hunter Boyd: Right here is where the camera needs to lie because I have something to say. Last month in Memphis, an arena I watched shows in many times, a place I hold dearly to my heart, hosted the most unjust tragedy in my entire career. I understand the concept of the show. I know it was a blind draw and it was my own doing when I chose the card of The Big Kahuna.

He can't believe the words left his lips.

Hunter Boyd: The Big Kahuna. Gone and forever forgotten. Once those words left my lips just then, they'll never be spoken in this company ever again. I was again robbed of winning a championship in this company because I was forced to rely on the help of an incompetent party and in the end, he cost me.. But as you all saw, that man paid dearly.

Boyd strokes his thick mustache and then his chin.

Hunter Boyd: Tonight, my hunt for championship gold ends when I climb that ladder. No more excuses! No more relying on those unworthy to be in the ring with me! Nothing stands in my way but five other men who do not have the ability to lace my boots let alone have the worth to be able to call themselves the first SWF North American Champion.

This draws a nice response from the fans, which takes Boyd off guard being so used to being booed for his actions.

Hunter Boyd: Ladder matches are a cruel mistress. They shorten careers and almost always come with an injury, but for the right to call myself the North American Champion and have my name forever etched in the history books of the Southern Wrestling Federation, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make the goal of championship gold come to fruition here tonight.

This brings out Donny Hollywood and his entourage. Robert Pittman and Mac Redford flank either side of the former television star and the trio approach the podium. Slamsley McBody still lurks in the background, refusing to leave the scene completely. Hunter Boyd slams the podium in anger.

Hunter Boyd: This is MY interview time!

Smacking gum obnoxiously, Donny Hollywood wags his finger back and forth.

Donny Hollywood: From where I stand, it's Slamsley McBody's time.

Slamsley McBody: THANK YOU!

Ignoring Slamsley, Donny continues.

Donny Hollywood: But now it's MY time! Because, ya' see, Outlaw, I can't let you stand out here and run your mouth like you're doing.

Hunter Boyd: That right?

Donny Hollywood: Nobody in our match but YOU deserves to be the North American Champion? Who died and made you Donny Hollywood? Because the only man in that ladder match with a chance in hell of winning it.. is ME!

The two stare one another down.

Donny Hollywood: We both had rotten partners at Jokers Wild, but you don't see me complaining. We both didn't get the World title in the Gauntlet, but you don't see me complaining. That's what you're doing.

Lance Gordon: Just momentarily stepping in here - Archer Banks is pretty dang good. The Big Kahuna may as well not even have existed. All he was good for was eatin' that pin like it was a got damn pizza.

Donny shakes Lance's interruption off.

Donny Hollywood: You pride yourself on being this big and bad hoss, wanting to fight the toughest men in the company.. But I don't see you backing up your talk when titles are on the line. I only see choking.

Hunter Boyd: You'll think choking when I wrap this hand around your throat and squeeze the life out of you until your eyeballs pop out of their sockets!

The crowd roars as Pittman steps in front of Hollywood, almost pleading with Boyd to make a move. A "BOYD! BOYD!" chant begins to break out, causing Hollywood to try his best to quiet them down.

Hunter Boyd: It's rich that the man who hides behind a bodyguard and his agent comes out here and throws descriptions at me as though he's not talking to himself in the mirror. You are nothing more than a spineless little man, Donny. You allowed Archer Banks to do all of the work and you tried riding his coattails throughout that tournament. When the well ran dry, you dumped him to take the fall to protect yourself.

Donny Hollywood: Uh, yeah. Duh.

Hunter Boyd: Tonight, you won't have that luxury. It's every man for himself. Nelson Hammer also said last month that Pittman and Mac are banned from ringside as well.. So we're going to see how big your balls are, son! Do you have the guts to fight for something you want without relying on others to get it for you? When you're out there with nobody to save you, do you have the ability to dig deep and find another gear? It's either that..

Boyd is right in his face.

Hunter Boyd: Or will I bury you six feet in the dirt just like I'm going to do to Malachi and the others before ascending that ladder and grabbing that championship for my own?

Donny Hollywood: Trust me, buddy. I always have a plan.

Donny smirks, almost acting like he knows something Boyd doesn't.

Donny Hollywood: When I'm finished with you tonight, you'll be seeing double.. And I'll be seeing myself with nothing on but the North American title around my waist!

Boyd cocks an eyebrow in curiosity.

Donny Hollywood: You're one of the baddest men in the SWF, no doubt about it. But we're going to see tonight who wins out.. Brawn.. Or brains.

Donny winks at Boyd and leaves the interview podium. Quickly following behind him are Mac and Pittman, leaving Hunter Boyd behind with Lance. Something doesn't feel right, but Hunter Boyd simply cannot put a finger on it.

Lance Gordon: Well ladies and gentlemen, that was ominous as all hell. Nevertheless, it's not a one-on-one affair for the North American Championship, it's a six-man battle! We've heard from two of the competitors, and we'll hear from the other four as the night progresses and we get closer to our big time main event! Let's get back to Russell and Hacksaw for our next bout!

We go to the ring for our next match!

The fans are throwing debris in the ring as Lex Collins and Shane Donovan have their arms raised in the air. Bobby Chaos crawls out of the crowd and tries getting back to the ring before his crawl turns into face planting on the ground.

Russell Smith: I've called wrestling matches since 1987. It's the only job I've ever had in my life. And that right there was the damndest thing I've ever seen in my life.

Hacksaw Anderson: Just by lookin' at Donovan and Collins, you wouldn't think they were capable of such.. violence.. But those two were absolutely disgusting menaces in that match! They knew they had to come out firing on all cylinders to live up to their debut last month at Jokers Wild.. And they've done just that!

Lex Collins gets the microphone from Samantha Sims and brings it into the ring, the long cord resting on the bottom rope. Donovan stands next to him as they prepare to address the unruly crowd in the SWF Studio. Dennis Roberts and a ringside medic help escort the losing team away from ringside.

Shane Donovan: It wasn't an hour after Jokers Wild that the SWF's social media team spit out all of the graphics about the signing of the Gangsters of Christ. The long-awaited decision of where the hottest free agent acts in the business would sign came down to them interrupting the winners and shocking the world.

Scattered boos for the Gangsters.

Shane Donovan: Everywhere you turned, the hype was on the Gangsters of Christ and on Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater. It's all anyone could talk about, gossip about, or focus on.. But there was a third team involved at the end of that show.

Collins takes the microphone from Donovan.

Lex Collins: And you're lookin' at 'em! We signed right after the Jokers Wild bracket went out and missed our opportunity. We didn't get the fanfare or the social media hype. We didn't get the parade and spotlight. I've worked SWF Saturday Night against enhancement pieces of shit like what was in the ring with us tonight. And it stops!

The fans boo and Donovan leans over the top rope, mouthing to one fan in the front row.

Lex Collins: When Shane signed up for the SWF, I knew I had to join him. I knew the tag division was ripe for the taking. Here we are. Give us a shot at the champs!

The Preacher man says it's the end of time..
And the Mississippi River, she's going dry...

"A Country Boy Can Survive" by Hank Williams, Jr. hits and the fans pop for an all-time classic southern song.. Until they see who it brings out. The Gangsters of Christ - Michael Dawson and his sons come out, the IIW Tag Team Championships around their waists. They take an extra microphone and step into the ring, just a foot or two away from Lex Collins and Shane Donovan. Their father, Michael, dressed in his Sunday best, clutches a thick Bible against his chest and begins speaking into the microphone held by his free hand.

Michael Dawson: Congregation! We are gathered here today to put a stop to the blasphemous venom oozing out of your mouths!

Dawson speaks loudly and confidently with his sons of either side of him.

Michael Dawson: My boys got the publicity they got because they are THE REAL DEAL! They left IIW FOREVER the Tag Team Champions! They've beaten the best teams in this business and every promotion out there wanted them! XWF, TPW, all of 'em! And they settled on the Southern Wrestling Federation.

He raises an eyebrow.

Michael Dawson: And you know why?

Shane Donovan: Why?

Michael Dawson: 'Cause we were told about the emphasis that was being put on the tag team division. We saw the all-tag team show. Nelson Hammer showed us footage of the teams that are already here like the Titan Dragons. Then we heard about you two having signed shortly before us. See, we've been contracted to SWF for quite a while. We just had to wait for the right time to make our debut.

Dawson stares down Collins and Donovan.

Michael Dawson: That moment belonged to my boys. And you took that from them.

Lex Collins: Whoops.

Michael Dawson: We knew adding you two to the mix in the tag division along with what was already here would make this division go over the top once we signed on.. We just didn't figure you two would be glory hounds and try to hog the moment for yourselves. But hey, my boys here are the ones fighting REAL competition tonight while you two whipped up on the last two un-booked slobs from a SWF Saturday Night house show. And that alone is why we deserve to be first in line to fight for those titles!

"Badass" by Saliva hits and out come the new SWF Tag Team Champions, Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater. The two get a deafening amount of boos. Sweetwater is fresh off of competing in the opening bout of the night while Mac Bane has on his ring gear and looks ready to compete. They pace around the ring and finally roll in, forming a triangle of teams.

Mac Bane: Jacky, am I hearin' things right? Are there two teams in this ring who haven't pinned a soul already mapping out when they're going to fight us for these titles?

Jacky Sweetwater: That's how I heard it, Mac.

Mac Bane: I know you boys are new around here, but see these titles around our waists?

A quick zoom in on the SWF Tag Team Championships.

Mac Bane: These mean more than the ones you two are wearin'. One, because SWF is open and IIW isn't.. And two, 'cause they're around our waists, which gives them INSTANT credibility!

The fans are booing, not wanting to hear anything from ANY of the three teams in the ring.

Mac Bane: Pope, Jethro, as you know, I was in IIW just like y'all were. I know you're credentials. I know you're tough as hell.

He turns to Collins and Donovan.

Mac Bane: And fellas, I've seen you two around the block as well. I know what you're capable of.

Jacky Sweetwater: Basically, we know you two are legitimate teams, but you AIN'T THE CHAMPS! Which means you DON'T GET TO CALL THE SHOTS! WE DO!

Bane looks irritated that Jacky stole the mic from him but allows his new partner to continue.

Jacky Sweetwater: We went through fourteen teams and came out the other side with championship gold and cash.. Cash that Mac and I didn't get any of, by the way.. And by that alone, the fact that we've WON MATCHES, means nothing happens in this division unless we allow it!

Mac Bane: I'm sure there's going to come a day where we do battle with each of you. I'm even willing to bet that the day comes sooner rather than later, but we're not a charity. These belts won't be put on the line against just anyone, no matter how much Twitter clout they have!

Just about on cue, this brings out The Titan Dragons! The place ERUPTS as big time fan favorites, Mason Levis and Rodney Tannenhill, emerge from the curtain and play to the fans. Dressed in flannel shirts and jeans, the two enter the ring and immediately tower over everyone inside.

Mason Levis: All of y'all are new so you may not fully understand how it's gonna' go around here, so let me spell it out for everyone real clear.

Levis points to himself and then to Tannenhill.

Mason Levis: Seth Warner cost this man and Snake Malone those straps. Sure, Mac and Jacky, y'all made the pin, but had it not been for Warner's chair shot to wear down Rod's knee, we would've had a whole 'nother story. Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater wouldn't be doing anything important, and we'd have the straps while talking to you five.. And trust me when I tell you, Seth Warner's day is comin'. Tell 'em, Rod!

Rodney Tannenhill: Seth Warner, you're livin' on borrowed time, brother.

Tannenhill still walks carefully but is able to put a lot more weight on his leg than the last time we saw him in a ring.

Rodney Tannenhill: From chair shots to handcuffs to all of the B.S. you can think of, we've been here since day one and since day one, we've dealt with roadblock after roadblock.. That ends NOW!

The fans chant "TI-TAN-DRAG-ONS! clap clap clapclapclap TI-TAN-DRAG-ONS!"

Rodney Tannenhill: We want a shot at the belts! You wanna' talk about how important the tag division is? We signed our names on the dotted line to an unknown entity and trusted Nelson Hammer. We MAIN EVENTED the first show - a three team match for the belts! We've put in the work month after month to make SWF what it is while you guys waited to see how the waters were before diving in.

Mason Levis: That's why Gangsters, Collins, Donovan.. Y'all just need to stand back and let us be the team who steps up and ends this title reign before it even gets started!

All five-hundred fans in the SWF Studio are on their feet, rattling the camera with their cheers! A lot of arguing away from the microphones begin, with a lot of egos and personalities in the ring clashing. A few chest bumps and shoves are even beginning to transpire. The inside of the ring is more of a powder keg ready to blow at this point.

Russell Smith: There's six men in this ring who want first dibs on Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater! The SWF tag team division is THE top division in any promotion!

Nelson Hammer comes power walking from behind the curtain, making no delay about where he's going. He marches up the steps and snatches the microphone from Mason Levis. Holding court in the middle of the ring, Hammer speaks with a sea of people surrounding him in a semi-circle.

Nelson Hammer: If there's a tag team out there watchin' that isn't in SWF, your loss.

Hammer surveys the teams in front of him and it brings a smile to his face.

Nelson Hammer: At Jokers Wild, I sure as hell didn't expect Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater to leave with the belts, but that's the beauty of the blind draw for partners. I also didn't expect you four to show up like you did and steal the moment away from my new champions. Destroyed my trophy, threw cash out in the audience. That wasn't supposed to happen.

His attention focuses on Donovan, Collins, and the Dawson Boys.

Nelson Hammer: You all were big time signings. Game changers. I know you come with attitudes as much as you come with all the talent in the world. I love a surprise debut.. But you didn't listen to what I said. You didn't follow my orders. What could've been a perfecting ending to our biggest show yet, ended with chaos and bullshit.

Michael Dawson: Merely the price you pay when you allow people like Lex Collins and Shane Donovan to mingle with your top shelf talent, Brother Hammer.

Nelson Hammer: Stop it.

Lex Collins: What did you just say?

Before they can even start a skirmish, Hammer pulls Collins back and stands in between them.

Nelson Hammer: Nah, hold on.. Hold on.. We're not goin' to do this again.

He looks around at the competitors in the ring and strokes his chin. After a few moments of thinking it over, he continues.

Nelson Hammer: Respect is Earned, December 16th. Sold out event. More tickets sold to it than any event in SWF history at this point..

The fans are buzzing knowing that something is about to happen.

Nelson Hammer: I wanted to put an emphasis on this division because I love tag team wrestling. So let's make Respect is Earned one of the biggest events ever with two big time tag team matches, shall we?

He slaps Lex Collins on the back and turns to the Dawson Boys.

Nelson Hammer: In a match for the number one contendership to the titles, Lex Collins and Shane Donovan will take on The Gangsters of Christ, the Forever IIW Tag Team Champions! First time ever! We ain't easing y'all into it, we're throwing you out into the deep end and seein' whose going to swim to the shore! Who wants it? Huh? Y'all wanna' both claim to be the best team around, PROVE IT! I brought y'all in with a lot of hype and potential, let's see who wants those belts!

The Gangsters of Christ and Lex Collins and Shane Donovan stare one another down, mouthing back and forth at one another. The capacity crowd is all about this match announcement.

Russell Smith: Nelson Hammer is getting right down to business!

Nelson Hammer: And if my math is correct, that leaves two teams. Mac Bane, Jacky Sweetwater, let me introduce you to your opponents at Respect is Earned.. if you two make it to December with those titles.

Unfazed, Bane and Sweetwater shake their heads at the sights of the beastly Titan Dragons.

Nelson Hammer: The Titan Dragons have been so damn close and crap gets in their way. Not this time. Just a classic tag team match with no outside parties, no weapons, none of that. Let's find out who the better teams are. Let's find out who's able to separate themselves in the best tag team division in professional wrestling! Rodney, Mason, if you two don't win this one, I can't help you anymore. Get the job done or go back to the end of the line. Got me?

Rodney and Mason nod in agreement with Hammer's stipulation, then they bump fists while Jacky Sweetwater and Mac Bane strategize amongst themselves, definitely not pleased with how this has gone.

Nelson Hammer: Any other promotion would've done a bunch of tomfoolery with stipulations and probably even set a man on fire to book some of these matches, but that's not how it works around here. This is PRO WRESTLING! This ain't sports entertainment! I don't know how it's been done anywhere else lately, but here, shit's handled in the ring. We're not teasin' and drawin' out dream matches for the hell of it. We're stacking Respect is Earned! Four teams claim they're the best, prove it. Settle it right here in this squared-circle the old fashioned way!

Hammer points to the ring steps.

Nelson Hammer: Now, we've been out here talkin' long enough. I ain't Oprah. We ain't interviewin' for 60 Minutes. We're here for wrestling matches! Men, you've been given your assignments for Respect is Earned. Dragons, go get ready for your six-man. Donovan and Lex, hit the showers and be thankful Nitro and Chaos will live to see another day after what y'all did to 'em. Gangsters, you two are at match number eight later on. You have some time, but you'd best start getting your shit on and gettin' taped up.

Mac Bane takes the microphone and smirks.

Mac Bane: Yeah Dragons, y'all go on and get ready for your six-man match. Maybe you can win that one because you sure as hell ain't gettin' these from us at Respect is Earned. All you two do is knock on the door. When it comes time to kick it down, you can't man up and get the job done, can ya'?

The fans boo.

Mac Bane: And there's always an excuse, too. Handcuffs, chair shots, the temperature, what you ate for supper.. All of the reasons why you can't get it done. Hell, I showed up here on night one and drug Jacky Sweetwater to gold! It ain't that hard.

Rodney Tannenhill: If it's not that hard, forget December, let's do it now!

Jacky Sweetwater: Hold on, hold on, holllllddddddd on!

Mason Levis: RIGHT NOW! LET'S GO! PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS, BOY!

Jacky Sweetwater: I've already wrestled once! I had a pumpkin put on my head! No!

Mac Bane: Fellas, I don't think you understand what you're saying. You're not in ring gear. You're not stretched and ready to go. Nelson Hammer literally just told your dumb asses that if you lost again, you'd be outta' luck. And you REALLY want to risk it all right now? Get lost.

Rodney Tannenhill: LET'S GO, BANE! DRAG YOUR BUDDY TO A VICTORY IF YOU CAN! LET'S SETTLE IT!

The capacity crowd of the SWF Studio's cheers rumble the camera ever so slightly. The stomping of feet and clapping of hands at the possibility of the match makes it sound like thunder is echoing throughout the intimate setting. Mac Bane realizes his back is against the wall and the massive men known as the Titan Dragons are refusing to yield.

Mac Bane: Sorry guys. I have a match next. Now, go on and get lost. Scram. Go find Snake Malone and see if Brusier Bedlam's still kicking.

Nelson Hammer's been in deep thought while the back and forth was ongoing, stroking his chin and nods, coming to some sort of conclusion inside his own head. He interrupts the dueling war of words.

Nelson Hammer: You know.. I feel a little crazy tonight. Let's go outside the box for a minute. Mac, you know, you do have a match against DeMarco Cole scheduled for right now.. But I think the Dragons have a point. Let's not wait for Respect is Earned! GIVE ME A GOD DAMN REFEREE AND LET'S DO THIS MATCH RIGHT NOW! TITLES ON THE LINE!

Stevie Starks rushes out from the back and slides into the ring. The Gangsters of Christ and Lex Collins and Shane Donovan exit the ring, leaving it to the Titan Dragons and the SWF Tag Team Champions! Jacky Sweetwater is pleading with Nelson Hammer to change his mind, but Hammer brushes him off.

The new Tag Team Champions have their arms raised in the air and the crowd loses their minds. Mac Bane remains out on the canvas as Jacky Sweetwater looks on from the curtain, shaking his head after watching his title reign end unceremoniously. Tannenhill and Levis "clink" their title belts together and then celebrate towards the fans.

Hacksaw Anderson: What a shocker! We have new Tag Team Champions!

Jacky Sweetwater picks up a microphone and is joined by his cousin, Jacky. Mac is still laying on the canvas.

Jacky Sweetwater: Did I walk into the Studio tonight expecting to get a friggin' pumpkin spiked on my head? No. Did I walk into the Studio tonight expecting to have the legendary Mac Bane speak FOR ME and put MY TAG TEAM TITLES on the line in an impromptu match against my will? HELLLLLLLL NO! You're not my boss, Mac! You are nothing to me!

Sweetwater snarls, slapping the hair out of his face as he looks down at his former partner.

Jacky Sweetwater: I made an executive decision on the fly just then. I chose to sit back and watch you end our title reign before it even got started. Why? Ever since we met, it's been all about you. Mac Bane is the biggest signing in SWF history! Mac Bane all over the promotional materials, whoring his image out to hype up SWF! Mac Bane is the Tag Champ as if there's not a second man who made a team! And you, you had the gall to speak for me and accept a match..

Sweetwater is disgusted. He slaps Mac across the face, yelling at him.

Jacky Sweetwater: I hope you're happy, Mac. You lost our belts by getting pinned to a team with the name of the TITAN FREAKING DRAGONS! It's a name that came from a random name generator! I'm sure WGWF or whatever dumpster company you still work for will be THRILLED that one of their main guys looked like a horse's ass tonight in Nowhere, Tennessee and got pinned without even having his regular singles match! By the way, I told DeMarco in the back not to bother comin' out because it was canceled. You deserve more than what I did to you, but lucky for you, I didn't have time to hatch a real coup. Jody liked ya', Mac. He doesn't have many friends, so it's a damn shame it's gotta' end like this..

Jody picks Mac Bane up and PRESS SLAMS HIM TO THE OUTSIDE! The fans boo and someone throws a half-eaten pretzel into the ring, hitting Jacky across the back of the head.

Jacky Sweetwater: I listen to NO MAN! I follow NO MAN! I am Hell's Heartthrob.. And I'm now a singles competitor! No more dead weight. Nelson, baby, put me in that Fatal Fourway for the World Title contendership, 'cause it's time to get singles gold around my waist! I'm finished being a tag team wrestler with people like this FRAUD!

The camera zooms in on Jacky and Jody Sweetwater as the fans are booing loudly.

We cut to the back.

Cutting from the ring, a shaky camera is backstage in a small room that's been converted into a training room of sorts. Archer Banks is seated in a chair with his left hand resting on a table with a medic cautiously taping it up.

Medic: Mr. Banks, you're going to need a cast for this. I think your wrist is broken.

Banks grimaces in pain as the medic finishes applying a soft cast.

Medic: This soft cast will keep is stable until you're able to get to Vanderbilt ER. They'll fix you up and you should be a new man in eight weeks or so.

Archer Banks: EIGHT WEEKS?!

The news doesn't sit well with him at all.

Archer Banks: In eight weeks, it'll be Respect is Earned. I don't HAVE eight weeks! I'm just starting to get things going here and that idiot had to break my wrist. Nah, I'm gonna' have to get a second opinion or something. There's no way.

Ryan Johnson walks in and looks concerned upon seeing the soft cast.

Ryan Johnson: I'm sorry about what happened out there, man. It's my first real match back in a while and I don't normally do hardcore stuff.

Banks stands up and cradles his left arm against his chest.

Archer Banks: You don't belong in this company. You're some old man chasing a dream so that your kids can see what you're capable of?

Banks shows him his wrist.

Archer Banks: You kids now know that daddy is just a reckless fool and belongs back at the house readin' 'em bedtime stories more than he belongs inside the ring.

Ryan Johnson: Hey, calm down. This isn't ballet, right? Stuff happens out there that's out of our control.

Archer Banks: Sure.

Johnson can't believe Banks' reaction.

Ryan Johnson: I don't know what else to say. I said I was sorry. It was a hardcore match with pumpkins and shit ringside. Things happen.

BAM!

Ryan Johnson collapses into a heap on the floor from a stiff shot of the soft cast from Archer Banks! Banks yells out in agony from the impact and grabs his arm with his right hand. He looks down at the fallen Johnson and snarls.

Archer Banks: You're right.

He half-shrugs.

Archer Banks: Stuff happens.

Banks walks out of the training room, leaving the medic to tend to the fallen Ryan Johnson. We cut back to the ring for our next match where our participants are already in the ring.

VLADISLAV's father wastes no time in grabbing and microphone and bringing it into the ring and handing it to his son. The fans are booing loudly as "O Fortuna" plays in the background. Stanisław Kowalski motions for the music to stop, giving a stern stare to the camera.

VLADISLAV: <My reign of dominance in SWF continues.>

The southern crowd is having NONE of the foreigner's conversation, unable to understand a word of it.

VLADISLAV: <Mac Bane's brass knuckles cost me and my partner victory at the Jokers Wild Cup, but I was not pinned, nor do I submit. Cheating might have given Mac Bane and Jacky Sweetwater championships and money, but it did not make them legitimate men in my eyes. Look at what happened to them tonight.>

Kowalski shakes his head back and forth.

VLADISLAV: <I am here to bathe in gold. I cannot do that by continuously being in the ring with people such as my opponents tonight. I want REAL competition! I want the best of this company! I am here to prove that I am the Final Boss of the Southern Wrestling Federation, and that all roads go.. through.. ME!>

Rone Gargan appears through the curtain and stops at Lance Gordon's podium, taking the microphone off of the table top. He walks a few feet away from the ring, but still at a safe distance from VLADISLAV.

Rone Gargan: You know, VLADISLAV, you intrigue me.

Gargan adjusts the Hardcore Championship on his shoulder.

Rone Gargan: Well-trained, highly-disciplined, a true embodiment of living up to your name.. The Final Boss. You wrestle with respect, with honor.

Gargan removes his sunglasses and hangs them from the neck of his black tank top.

Rone Gargan: So do I.

A mixed response from the crowd as Gargan pays them no mind.

Rone Gargan: I know what you're capable of. I witnessed your brutality first hand at Jokers Wild. I want to fight you.

This gets the fans' attention as well as VLADISLAV and his father.

Rone Gargan: In other promotions, the Hardcore Championship gets a bad wrap. It's the low card belt. It's a throwaway, meaningless championship. Not here. This is the most-defended championship in SWF. I have been given a mission to mold this championship into my image, and I am doing just that. Later tonight, it is John Blade's turn.. But VLADISLAV, I want our paths to cross.

VLADISLAV: <Big mistake!>

Rone Gargan: There was a stupid gimmicky Halloween match to determine my challenger at Respect is Earned, and that's fine.. It gives you time. You want a run for championship gold? I'm giving it to you. When you're finished chasing hurt feelings and want to go for gold, I'll be waiting.

Gargan flips the microphone back to Lance Gordon and walks back through the curtain. Kowalski explains things to his son as the fans cheer for the idea of these two going at it!

Russell Smith: The SWF Hardcore Champion is ISSUING challenges instead of receiving them!

Hacksaw Anderson: And I respect the hell out of that, Russ. He's not going to let this Hardcore title be the low title on the totem pole. He's looking to make it valuable, and by challenging The Final Boss, he's doin' just that! But hey, he has to get past his newly-minted number one contender first!

The scene quickly switches.

Cutting away from the ring, we're at the interview set with Lance Gordon and Ace Sky. Ace is in his ring gear and a SWF t-shirt with the sleeves cut out of it.

Lance Gordon: We're keeping this show rolling, baby! Ain't trying to make it ten hours long like the Jokers Wild. Fourteen damn matches. This is about getting stuff in the ring and getting the hell outta' here.

Ace Sky shrugs.

Ace Sky: Efficiency is key, I suppose.

Lance Gordon: Ace Sky is my next guest, ladies and gentlemen. This man challenges Charlie Hooker for the SWF World Championship in tonight's semi-main event. Ace, you've been in countless championship bouts in your career, but tonight will be the first defense of the SWF World Championship. How are you approaching it?

Ace doesn't even hesitate with a response.

Ace Sky: Exactly how I do each and every match, Lance. I treat every match I have in any promotion around the world like it's a World title match.

Lance rolls his eyes.

Lance Gordon: Oh, brother.

Ace Sky: It's true. This business is about preparation. It's about taking everything thrown at you seriously and adapting. Charlie Hooker wasn't a very good teammate in the Jokers Wild Cup. He spent time running me down and saying that I was the weak link in the chain.

Boos come from the fans at the mention of the champion.

Ace Sky: And now he's been on Twitter ever since running his mouth, and Lance, it's doing nothing but bringing the wrong kind of publicity to the SWF Championship. I was the one who did ALL of the work in our first round match. All Charlie did was stir up the hornet's nest and leave me behind to pick up the pieces. That's not a champion. That's a CHUMP!

Lance Gordon: Them's fighting words!

Ace Sky: He can say whatever he wants about me. He can throw me into the ring post. But when the bell rings tonight, it's just him and I inside that ring. He'll have to answer for all of the trash he's talked, and SWF will have a World Champion it can be proud of.

Ace looks at Lance.

Ace Sky: I know what people say about me. I even saw what you said about me getting this title shot. I encourage everyone to keep on doubting Ace Sky, because time and time again, I've proved the doubters wrong and shocked the world. And tonight will be no different! I'm not fighting people online like Charlie Hooker wanted to. I'm going to do all of the talking in that ring!

Ace throws up double "peace" signs to the fans in attendance, getting a strong reaction from them in response. He walks away from the set and the cameras immediately cut to the ring for our next match. Can Ace Sky do the impossible and claim the SWF World Championship later tonight?!

King Kong Brophy grabs Jimmy Jack by the legs and slides him out of the ring, draping him across his shoulders. Rodney Tannenhill and Mason Levis slide into the ring and high five Snake Malone as the fans are roaring loudly. The three men get their hands raised in victory as the camera pans over to The Syndicate on the floor, irritated at how close they were and Jimmy Jack getting caught by Malone, shifting the momentum on a dime.

Russell Smith: Snake Malone hit Snake Mountain and ended this match completely out of nowhere, Hack! Snake looks as healthy as he ever has and that move could be one that becomes a hot finisher here in SWF as we progress. Bruiser Bedlam is healthy, Snake is on a tear, and we could have ourselves a big time show down looming at Respect is Earned between them and the Allied Powers!

Hacksaw Anderson: Then you have the Titan Dragons becomin' the new champs earlier tonight. I'm pumped for these three men and Bruiser, Russ. It seems like finally things are turning their way.

Russell Smith: Let's not ignore The Syndicate. They came to SWF after IIW closed its doors and we weren't sure what to expect out of the trio, but they fought hard and gave it their best try. Rumors of their SWF future speculate that it's in doubt, so that'll be something to watch.

The camera zooms in on Malone who points right at us and mouths, "BRING US THE ALLIED POWERS!" We cut quickly backstage as the celebration continues inside the ring.

Myles Wilkins leans back into his locker and closes his eyes, listening deeply to the music coming out of the white headphones he has tucked inside his ears. He breathes deeply and lets out a sigh to control his nerves. Once he opens his eyes, he sees John Blade standing right in front of him, startling him momentarily.

John Blade: Come help me. We have to get Dave Kang out of this locker room.

Wilkins shakes his head, unable to make out what Blade is talking about. He removes his ear buds and throws his hands up at Blade.

Myles Wilkins: I'm trying to get ready for a match, Blade. Not now.

John Blade: Hey, I have a match to get ready for myself, but you don't see me ignoring the world as it burns.

Myles Wilkins: What are you talking about?

Wilkins shakes his head.

Myles Wilkins: Goofy ass mother fu-

Wilkins looks and sees Dave Kang setting a SMALL FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LOCKER ROOM!

Myles Wilkins: What are you doing, bro?!

Dave Kang has collected some pizza boxes and random pieces of debris and has strategically stuffed it inside of a garbage can and lit it on fire! Flames burst out of the plastic can, which is beginning to melt from the bottom. Kang looks at Wilkins and Blade, grabs his crotch and yells out.

Dave Kang: LAST MONTH IT WAS A FOUR WHEELER AND A CAKE ON THE GROUND, TONIGHT, IT'S A FIRE! DAVE KANG DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT NONE OF Y'ALL!

John Blade: You're bad news, Dave Kang!

Noah Stroud busts through the locker room and slings a chair halfway across the room. He looks on at the chaos unfolding in front of him.

Noah Stroud: WHAT IS THIS?

John Blade: You see-

Stroud doesn't wait for an explanation. He snatches Dave Kang and GIVES HIM THE SILENCER ON THE FLOOR! Dave flops around like a dying fish upon impact!

Noah Stroud: I was robbed out of the match tonight and all you idiots can do is set fires and bullshit around?!

Stroud grabs Myles Wilkins and rams his head into the wall! Wilkins falls backwards, clutching his nose as Stroud turns to John Blade.

John Blade: I have my own troubles tonight, Noah Stroud. I have -

Stroud goozles Blade by the throat and lifts him into the air. Blade's face begins turning shades of red in front of our eyes.

Noah Stroud: I. Do. Not. Care. I don't like you, I'm not going to like you, and I will leave this room having forgotten that I even crossed paths with you three.. But you three will FOREVER remember what I did to you on this night. Send a message to Gargan. It should've been me facin' him next. And tell 'em I'll be comin' soon.

Stroud turns the goozle into Blade being hoisted onto his shoulders - THE SILENCER INTO THE BLOCK WALL! John Blade bounces off of it like a basketball, spinning sideways in the air on his way to the ground! Noah Stroud roars to the ceilings, looking like an absolute un-caged animal!

We go to the ring for our next match.

Caos Ortiz dips out of the ring, joining Jonah K. Lovemoney on the outside. Seth Warner comes out and stands next to them. Warner gives Lovemoney a solemn nod and says, "it's finished." Ortiz looks ready to get back into the ring, but Lovemoney holds him back and grabs a microphone as El Masko is slow to his feet.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: El Masko, you IDIOT! It could be rainin' soup and you'd be outside with a fork!

He's proud of himself for that one.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: El Masko, if your brains were fuel, you wouldn't have enough to power a flea's motorcycle around a raindrop!

The fans are drowning Lovemoney out with boos, but he continues on with his rant.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: You may think you're a genius for getting yourself disqualified with a steel chair to take down the giant, but I'll have you know.. Seth Warner has just informed me that Mark Storm is FINISHED! He had a bad meeting with a dumpster out back and we'll never see him again! That leaves you with no allies.

El Masko slams the chair against the mat and motions for them to come in and fight.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Now that Mark Storm is wiped out, it's time to end this joke that is El Masko once and for all! I'm sending my men onto bigger and better things and not wasting any more time with you. It's time for them to live up to their potentials and chase championships, not linger around the dumpster with you and the cowboy. So I've found the perfect opponent that will end your SWF career once and for all..

He flashes a big smile.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: My mother bought me a conch shell at the fair many years ago. She told me, "J.K., this shell is magic. You can have any wish that you want granted if you believe hard enough." So later that night, I sat on my bed with that conch shell and I wished for a real life friend. One who'd want to play video games and watch movies with me.

Russell Smith: That's kind of sad.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: SIKE! I WISHED FOR A DESTRUCTIVE MONSTER WHO WOULD ONLY LISTEN TO MY COMMANDS! AND I'VE HAD HIM IN OUR LAKE FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE RIGHT MOMENT TO FREE HIM TO DO MY BIDDING!

Hacksaw Anderson: I'm sorry, but what did he say?

Jonah K. Lovemoney: AND THAT TIME.. IS.. NOW! YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT MY MONSTER NEXT MONTH! YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT THIS MONSTER!

A hazy photo of Jonah K. Lovemoney clutching a long chain with some sort of.. creature.. appears on the screen. The crowd is in shock as Lovemoney's devious laughter echoes in the background of the photo.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: THIS IS THE BADDEST MONSTER THIS SIDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!

Hacksaw Anderson: What in the fuc-

Russell Smith: Let me stop you right there before you say something that'll get us kicked off the air.

The screen shot fades out and we're back at ringside. El Masko looks on, confused, while Jonah K. Lovemoney cackles like a cartoon villain.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT.. THE SEA CREATURE! THIS ISN'T HALLOWEEN! THIS IS YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!

Hacksaw Anderson: THAT'S CLEARLY A MAN IN A GOD DAMN COSTUME! WHAT IS THIS BULLSHIT? THIS AIN'T PRO WRESTLING!

El Masko gets a microphone and shakes his head.

El Masko: You don't call the shots, Señor Lovemoney! I will fight your bizarre creature..

Lovemoney nods, frothing at the mouth.

El Masko: I will also be curious as to why I was the embarrassing signee while SWF was promoted as "serious" professional wrestling and now we have a Sea Creature.. I also worry about how many men have succumbed to trash receptacles thus far in SWF. It seems as though it's the only way to rid this company of the men once and for all. Very dangerous!

He continues.

El Masko: But I will only fight this creature with my SWF career on the line under one condition... That you put something on the line as well.

Lovemoney raises an eyebrow.

El Masko: If I survive your Sea Creature and emerge victorious, then you must fight El Masko in the ring without interference from your men for five minutes at Respect is Earned!

The fans pop loudly as Lovemoney strokes his chin. Caos and Seth both whisper in his ears, offering pieces of advice.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: YOU'RE ON! NOTHING CAN STOP THE SEA CREATURE!

Lovemoney points to El Masko.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Now, to ensure there's nothing but scraps for Sea Creature.. Caos, Seth.. Finish this man off once and for all! Send him to the dump with his buddy, Mark Storm!

El Masko, chair still in hand, braces himself for a fight as Caos Ortiz and Seth Warner enter the ring, backing him into a corner. HERE'S JONNY JACKOBIN! Jackobin slides into the ring and goes right for Seth Warner!

Russell Smith: Seth Warner gets blasted by Jonny Jackobin! He's still angry at Warner for costing them the match in the Jokers Wild last month!

Hacksaw Anderson: This is the first time I've ever been happy to see Jonny Jackobin. God granted us mercy to end this segment.

El Masko swings the chair wildly, missing Caos Ortiz, but startling him just enough to cause him to take a powder on the outside next to Jonah K. Lovemoney. Warner is down from a clothesline and El Masko stands next to Jackobin.

Russell Smith: El Masko and Jonny Jackobin are side by side! They have Lovemoney Enterprises on their heels!

Jonny Jackobin then DUMPS EL MASKO OVER THE TOP ROPE! WHAT'S HE DOING?!

Hacksaw Anderson: I don't even know what's going on anymore.

Jackobin picks up the microphone that Masko dropped inside the ring.

Jonny Jackobin: DON'T CHEER ME! I'M A HEEL! I DON'T CARE ABOUT EL MASKO, COMPRENDE? ME LOS NOT LIKE EL MASKO MUCHO AT ALL! I'M NOT OUT HERE TO BE A HERO! I'M HERE TO FIGHT SETH WARNER!

Hacksaw Anderson: Did Jonny Jackobin just use wrestling terminology to describe himself?

Russell Smith: THAT is what caught your attention? Not the awful, possibly problematic, Spanish?

Hacksaw Anderson: I understood everything he said!

The bell sounds and the match is on!

Jonny Jackobin can't believe how quickly he won and neither can the fans! Quickly, Jackobin rolls out of the ring and is greeted by Jane, who herself can't believe what just happened. "LOOK AT ME, JANE! I'M AN ATHLETIC FREAK!"

Russell Smith: I'm in shock!

Hacksaw Anderson: Shock doesn't even begin to describe it! Seth Warner may never have feeling below his shoulders ever again after that!

Lovemoney and Caos Ortiz step into the ring and stand over Seth Warner, who remains on the mat trying to gather his senses. Lovemoney demands a microphone. Upon getting one, he hovers over Seth Warner, his face blood red with rage.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Seth Warner, my mother didn't give me all of this money to buy the most average stable of all time! My mother didn't sacrifice the cost of one Sunday brunch at the country club to buy out your contract for me just to sit back and watch you lose in THIRTY SECONDS TO JONNY JACKOBIN! This is Threat Level Midnight. All hands on deck. We got rid of Mark Storm and all that's left if that masked freak and you can't even hold your own for us to get the job done!

Lovemoney looks to Ortiz and gives him a thumbs down.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: You know what has to be done, Caos.

Caos grabs Seth Warner by the throat and lifts him square off the mat to a standing base! EL MARTILO! Seth Warner is turned inside out with The Hammer lariat of Ortiz!

Russell Smith: Oh my God! J.K. Lovemoney just turned on Seth Warner!

Jonah K. Lovemoney: TIME AND TIME AGAIN YOU FAILED, WARNER, AND NOW THIS! THIS IS THE BREAKING POINT! I WILL NOT BE EMBARRASSED IN THIS RING! CAOS, AGAIN! SHOW 'EM WHAT MAMA LOVEMONEY THINKS ABOUT FAILURES!

Unsatisfied, Lovemoney tells Ortiz to pick Warner up and finish the job. Ortiz picks Warner up and bends him over.. CAOS REIGNS! The Spinning Powerbomb leaves Seth Warner doubled over like an accordion, his knees pressed against his forehead. El Masko looks on from the arena floor, in disbelief at what he's witnessed.

Hacksaw Anderson: Seth Warner was one of the initial stars of the SWF and now he's a folded up, broken man! Lovemoney has lost his damn mind! He's turning on the only people who TOLERATE him!

Lovemoney leans over the ropes and stares down the masked man.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: I'll have a new member of Lovemoney Enterprises in NO TIME, so don't worry about this bum! But El Masko.. I hope you watched what happened. This is how badly I want to ruin you. If I'll cut off the dead weight of a bad investment, just imagine what I'm going to have in store for you!

Lovemoney snarls at the sight of Seth Warner.

Jonah K. Lovemoney: Someone take out the trash. I'll have him replaced by the end of the night.

Lovemoney spikes the microphone on the canvas and raises Caos Ortiz's arm in the air and boos rain down on what's left of Lovemoney Enterprises. This man has lost the plot, so obsessed with El Masko, that he just ousted his "crown jewel" member of Lovemoney Enterprises for losing to Jonny Jackobin! Jonah K. Lovemoney

Cutting to the back of the SWF Studio building, we see Bruiser Bedlam and Snake Malone in jeans and tank tops, exiting the arena with their gear bags over their shoulders. The two men are deep in conversation with one another as they make it out into the gravel parking lot of the Fairgrounds.

Snake Malone: Felt good gettin' back out there with Rod and Mason tonight. Also glad that they're getting that title shot at Respect is Earned. Gonna' be a helluva match.

Bruiser Bedlam: And when they get those straps off Bane and Jacky, we'll be ready. Until then, we have us some bigger fish to fry.

As they walk out of the gravel lot and into the paved asphalt lot where the wrestlers and staff park, Malone points over to their two Harley-Davidson bikes and the duo begin walking in that direction..

And a red, white, and blue tour bus with Mark "Danger" Zohn's logo plastered on the side of it next to the bikes. On the windshield is one of the sun blockers with the Allied Powers' faces on it to make it look like they're driving the bus.

Snake Malone: I'd like to punch the shit out of those faces.

Russell Smith: What in the world is this?!

Hacksaw Anderson: That's Zohn's stupid "Danger Express" bus!

With no one behind the wheel and the engine still rumbling loudly. Bedlam marches over to the door and begins beating on it, punching it with all of his might.

Bruiser Bedlam: GET OUT OF THIS BUS, YOU COWARDS!

Bedlam cracks the glass on the door with one of his stiff haymakers and rears back for another until Malone grabs Bedlam by the arm and leads him away from the bus.

Snake Malone: Let it go, brother. You got one up on them at Jokers Wild to the point that they protested and refused to show up tonight and fight. You did serious damage to 'em. I'm willing to bet they're not even on that bus.

Bedlam looks around, surveying the surroundings.

Bruiser Bedlam: There's nobody out here but us, Snake. Those S.O.B.s are on that bus!

Bruiser goes back to doing everything he can to pry the Danger Express' door open while Snake watches on. After a few more attempts, Bedlam gives up and spits on the bus before kicking a sizeable dent in the quarter panel as he walks away.

A WHITE CAR SQUEALS TIRES INTO THE PARKING LOT, ITS SPEEDING INCREASING BY THE SECOND, AND RUNS RIGHT TOWARDS BEDLAM AND MALONE!

Bruiser Bedlam: SHIT! KID, MOVE!

BEDLAM AND MALONE DON'T GET OUT OF THE WAY IN TIME, BUT MANAGE TO GET INTO THE AIR AS THE CAR PLOWS THROUGH THEIR BIKES AND SENDS MALONE AND BEDLAM FLYING UP ONTO THE HOODS AND OFF TO THE LEFT SIDE!

Russell Smith: OH MY GOD!

Hacksaw Anderson: I KNOW IT WAS THOSE BASTARDS, THE POWERS, DRIVIN' THAT VEHICLE!

The car spins around and races back towards Malone and Bedlam, who lie on the pavement with scattered pieces of their motorcycles surrounding them. The car stops beside them with the passenger side window rolling down.. SIR BOLIVER TURNBUCKLE STICKS HIS HEAD OUT!

Sir Boliver Turnbuckle: The Allied Powers send their regards.

The car squeals tires again and speeds out of the parking lot, drifting into traffic at a break-neck speed, and disappearing into the sunset just as quickly as it appeared and caused the damage!

Russell Smith: Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have to get some help out in the parking lot for Snake Malone and Bruised Bedlam! They don't seem seriously injured, but their bikes have seen better days.

Hacksaw Anderson: The Allied Powers have taken this to a whole new level, Russ. From day one, they've had it out for Snake and Bruiser, down to the point of TRYING TO COMMIT VEHICULAR HOMICIDE! They lost fair and square at Jokers Wild and this is how they wanna' react? It's time to let these four settle the score once and for all.

Russell Smith: You're right, Hack. You're absolutely right. We're going to get back to the action in the ring right after this commercial break.

Malone and Bedlam are slow to get up on their feet, dusting themselves off, and surveying the destroyed remains of their motorcycles. Malone grabs his left knee, grimacing in pain from the impact. A few members of the SWF medical staff burst through the exit doors to check on them. Bedlam shoves one away from him and looks to the road, knowing the Allied Powers are long gone by now. Bedlam reaches into the saddlebag of his now-destroyed bike and pulls out a pocket knife. Without hesitation, he marches over to the Danger Express and stabs it right into the driver's side front tire!

Air escapes from the tire, causing the bus to slump without the front tire balancing it. The camera gets a final shot of the flat tire with the brown, wooden knife handle sticking out of it as we cut to a quick commercial break.

We're back and ringside. Inside the ring is the SWF World Champion Charlie Hooker and Cameron Fuller. "Do Ya' Wanna' Taste?" plays over the Studio's PA system while Hooker, sporting dark hair tonight, dances around the ring with a microphone in hand. Cameron Fuller stands next to a podium that holds the SWF World Championship on it. In the background, a large sign on a wooden frame stands against the backside ropes that reads, "HOOKER'S HANGOUT."

Charlie Hooker: WELCOME LADIES AND GERMS TO THE FIRST EPISODE OF "HOOKER'S HANGOUT!"

The fans begin relentlessly booing the World Champion. He pays them no attention and stays on point.

Charlie Hooker: I need all of you Nashville MORONS to sit down and shut your mouths while THE CHAMP is talkin'!

This only makes the booing worse. Hooker huffs, frustrated, and covers his ears. Cameron Fuller mouths off at a fan in the front row until Hooker finally steps up in front of her and guides her back to her spot next to the championship.

Charlie Hooker: Ever since I won this belt back in August, there's been next to no attention on me and how amazing I am or how Herculean of an effort I had to exert to win the most prestigious World Championship in this business! We immediately turned the page to the Jokers Wild Cup and "Hot Stuff" had his glory put on the backburner by that stupid trophy and how much we all hate Bruiser Bedlam and Snake Malone!

Hooker looks into the camera.

Charlie Hooker: Cool origin story, bro.

Hooker rolls his eyes.

Charlie Hooker: So what we're doin' tonight is TAKIN' BACK THE POWER! The spotlight, the attention, and all of your eyes.. They belong right here where the Champ is! Forget Spencer Adams! Keep dreamin', Mac Bane! Kiss my ass, Ace Sky! There's only one top guy in the SWF and you're lookin' at 'em! I tried having an innocent celebration last month and that dick, Dave Kang, spiked my cake on the ground for no reason! So forget the party, I decided to host my own talk show! Trust me, one way or another, I WILL GET MY FLOWERS!

Hooker paces around the ring before stopping and admiring his reflection in his World Championship.

Charlie Hooker: It's annoying, though. You have all of these people who suddenly stake claims on this beautiful belt. Guys who wrestled a couple of times, guys who have zero wins under their belt, John Blade who just wants a shot at anything.. These people are all coming for me. And while all of these bums are beggin' and pleadin' for title shots, I'll be drowning out their trash talk and their pleas. See, I can't hear all of that noise and static..

Hooker takes the belt off the podium and raises it in the air.

Charlie Hooker: BECAUSE I HAVE A WORLD TITLE IN MY EAR!

While the boos are overwhelming Hooker's promo, he places the belt back onto the podium and admires it one more time.

Charlie Hooker: I outlasted the entire SWF roster to win this and trust me when I tell you all.. That title isn't going anywhere! Bring on Ace Sky and Jason Ryan or Slamsley McBody and tell the others to scram. Let Nelson Hammer's old ass come down to this ring and announce some nobody as my opponent for Respect is Earned. I. Do. Not. Care!

A LOUD "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" chant breaks out in a small section of the audience. Hooker leans over the ropes, pretending to lunge at them, and is reeled back in by Fuller.

Russell Smith: Some SPICY language from the SWF crowd tonight.

Hacksaw Anderson: I can't make out what they're chantin', Russ. Tell me what they're sayin'?

Russell Smith: Stop it!

Charlie Hooker: All of these j-brones are doin' nothing but yapping their jaws about how great they are and there's not a single person in this company worthy of facing me for this strap!

"Whiskey River" hits and out comes Nelson Hammer! He slaps hands with the fans on the front row of the bleachers before circling the ring. He stops by the timekeeper's table and gets a microphone and walks up the steel ring steps. Entering the ring, he waives to the adoring fans and looks around at Charlie Hooker's props.

Nelson Hammer: Nice set you have here, champ.

Charlie Hooker: Made it myself. UPS Store.

Hammer nods, impressed. He wasn't exactly expecting an answer, but Hooker is proud of his handy work.

Nelson Hammer: So, I let you have your moment in the sun. You got to run down some of the members of the SWF roster, show off your fancy set. You've had your fun and now it's time to get down to business. Indeed, you are the World's Champion. And indeed, there are quite a few people clamoring for a shot at your title, with good reason.. And indeed, like you said, most of them aren't worthy.

Hammer holds up one finger and pauses briefly.

Nelson Hammer: Yet.

Hooker looks for an explanation.

Nelson Hammer: I'm big on people earning their title shots. I gave Ace Sky a shot tonight because of what you did to him last month. Jason Ryan or Slamsley McBody will get a shot next month to atone for the referee blunder at the Gauntlet for the Gold. I want the World's Championship to be the most prestigious and sought after title in the business, and I think we're doing just that. So at Respect is Earned, I'm going to book a Fatal Fourway match. The winner gets a shot at you or whomever the World Champion is after Respect is Earned.

He pauses.

Nelson Hammer: Spencer Adams, KC Glenn, Scotty Adams, VLADISLAV, Noah Stroud, Caos Ortiz, so on and so on. There's so many guys who have caught my attention thus far. So what we're goin' to do is see who impresses the most tonight and next month in their matches and find four guys to compete for the title shot from there. Hell, I think they can even main event Grand Slam Spectacular if they win it.

Charlie Hooker: Good luck booking into 2024, boss.

Hammer smirks.

Nelson Hammer: Sure, it's hard to book that far in advance because of how things change. Hell, this show alone was shuffled more than a deck of cards.. But what isn't hard to do is picking your opponent for Respect is Earned. I spoke to that gentlemen before comin' out here and I think you two are going to have a helluva main event in two months if you can survive your title defenses to even get to December 16.

'Supernature' by Cerrone hits and out comes Jonny Jackobin! Jackobin is in a custom looking suit, looking fresh and suave, with Jane Frederiksen reluctantly by his side. He snarls in disgust at the fans reaching their hands out wanting to high-five him. He enters the ring and stares down the World Championship on the podium.

Nelson Hammer: Jonny Jackobin checked all of the boxes. He's won every singles match he's had in SWF since day one. He's beaten Jason Ryan and Chip Mahoney in competitive matches. He was a finalist for the Gauntlet for the Gold, and that's not mentioning his deep run in the Jokers Wild Cup with the newly-released Seth Warner.

Charlie Hooker: Jonny Jackobin?! THIS is who you lined up to face me?

Jonny Jackobin: I was just as surprised as you! I'm not ready to win the World Championship yet! I have this whole character arc I have to get established and that'll take a minimum of six more months.

Charlie Hooker: Then you'll be easy pickings. Thoughts and prayers.

Jonny Jackobin: Anything but, man! Just because I wasn't expecting to be champion so early doesn't mean I'm not walking into Respect is Earned to do anything else but win that title from you! You and I did the dance in the finals of the Gauntlet for the Gold. I think it's time to go one more round.

Nelson Hammer: Next month in the Studio, we're going to have a contract signing for the biggest main event in SWF history. Now, I know contract signings are boring and not a lot goes on, but I want to commemorate the sold out event with two of the biggest stars in the Southern Wrestling Federation going at it!

Hooker and Jackobin stare one another down with Nelson Hammer standing in between the two.

Jonny Jackobin: You all saw what I did to Seth Warner tonight! Thirty-one seconds! I'm advancing in the ring each and every time out, and I'm gonna' take everything you have, Hooker.

Jackobin shakes his head with a look of trauma smeared across his face.

Jonny Jackobin: Not the first time I've ever said that.

Cameron Fuller, Jane Frederiksen, and Nelson Hammer all cringe. Hooker is in the zone and doesn't register.

Charlie Hooker: Hammer, if THIS is the best you have to put against me, then I hope you plan on me holding this championship forever.

Hooker scoffs at Jackobin.

Charlie Hooker: Tell me this, Jackobin.. Can you even sign your name on a contract?

Puzzled, Jackobin responds.

Jonny Jackobin: What kind of question is that? Of course I can! Can you?

Charlie Hooker: That's for me to know and you to find out.

Hooker snatches the title belt off of the podium and tucks it under his left arm.

Charlie Hooker: Now, if you'll excuse us, I have a WORLD TITLE MATCH to go prepare for. Hope you're able to wash off the stench of being remotely involved in that shitty Lovemoney feud earlier, Jackobin. See you at the contract signing. It's going to be hot.

Hooker and Cameron Fuller exit the ring with the fans booing loudly. Jackobin and Hammer are left in the ring as the ring crew, which are simply members of the SWF Saturday Night enhancement talent roster, come into the ring and start breaking things down. The camera pans over to the announce table.

Russell Smith: What a main event this is going to be at Respect is Earned, Hack! If Charlie Hooker can retain his title in his defenses tonight and next month, he'll stand across the ring from the man he narrowly defeated to capture the World Championship in the first place!

Hacksaw Anderson: If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now. First, Nelson Hammer mentions booking a four corners match to determine a contender and then he brings out Jackobin!

Russell Smith: Who is absolutely the right choice! Nelson listed his credentials and they line up to what you'd want in a top contender. Besides figuring out who the four men selected will be for the contender's match, next month is going to be a wild show with this contract signing!

Hacksaw Anderson: The World Champion left his own stupid talk show and, thankfully, cut this thing short! Ace Sky is a big time underdog, but I'm hopin' he does the Lord's work here tonight and pins Hooker for that title.

Russell Smith: We look ready for our next match, ladies and gentlemen. With Charlie Hooker defended the title later tonight, we go right now to two teams making their SWF debuts. It's Chip Mahoney returning to the SWF with a partner, and they're taking on big time newcomers, the boys from Lizard Lick - the Gangsters of Christ!

We go back to the ring for our next match.

Senor Count raises the arms of the Dawson Boys in the air as their father quickly enters the ring to get away from Rene McRea. He applus his boys and shoves the referee out of the way. Michael embraces each of his sons, hands them their IIW Tag Team Championships, and raises their arms in the air, mouthing off to the sea of fans in front of him. This draws a large contingency of boos in response, but he shrugs them off.

Russell Smith: Another impressive debut here tonight as The Gangsters of Christ showed exactly why they were one of the top signings in SWF and looked primed to square off against the SWF Tag Team Champions! But first, they have a date with Lex Collins and Shane Donovan at Respect is Earned!

And here's Shane Donovan and Lex Collins from behind! They blast the Dawson brothers, knocking them down to the mat. Michael goes to help his sons up, but is forced to the outside by the attacking team.

Russell Smith: Lex Collins and Shane Donovan refused to just have a competitive match for contendership. Here they are trying to soften up their Respect is Earned opponents!

Collins and Donovan pick up the IIW Tag Team Championships and raise them in the air.. But here's the Gangsters back up! They each spin Collins and Donovan around and the four men begin trading right hands. We have a melee on our hands and the fans are rooting for nothing but violence! After a few moments of fighting, referees hit the ring and finally manage to separate the four men. Michael Dawson demands that his sons exit the ring and join him on the outside. With everyone separate and tensions boiling over, the camera gets a final shot of the two teams before quickly swapping over to Lance Gordon.

Lance Gordon takes center stage at the interview set, and for once, he looks completely prepared and not distracted. He flashes the viewers at home a big smile and motions towards the entrance curtain.

Lance Gordon: What a show we've had so far! That was a great debut by the Gangsters of Christ, the Forever IIW Tag Team Champions, until Shane Donovan and Lex Collins jumped them from behind. That match right there is going to make Respect is Earned worth it, let alone the other title matches we have set up! Let's shift gears and talk to a man who made his SWF debut last month in Memphis at the Jokers Wild Cup. He's making his SWF Studio in-ring debut here tonight.. Here's "Badmon" Spencer Adams!

The fans cheer loudly as the "Badmon" himself appears through the curtain flanked by masked men. The opening baseline of "No. 99" blasts through the PA system in the SWF Studio. Spencer Adams walks in front of the podium and faces the 500 or so fans in attendance, throwing his arms in the air, screaming out "WHAT'S MY NAME?!"

Russell Smith: These SWF fans have really taken to the "Badmon" Spencer Adams!

Spencer turns from the fans and walks back over to Lance Gordon, shaking hands with the Voice of Nashville Wrestling.

Lance Gordon: God bless, what a response for Spencer Adams!

This causes the fans to get even louder.

Lance Gordon: Spencer, welcome to the SWF Studio!

Spencer Adams: NASHVILLE! WHAT'S MY NAME?!

The crowd responds back in unison with "BADMON!"

Spencer Adams: Lance, it's an honor to be here. I watched the Southern Wrestling Federation get off the ground back in June and July, and to see what it's transformed into now is something to be proud of. It all goes back to the roster Nelson Hammer's assembled and to all of these fans!

Cheap crowd pop.

Spencer Adams: And, not to toot my own horn, but toot-toot.. It also helped getting some people like myself, the Gangsters of Christ, Mac Bane, and VLADISLAV to come down south and give this place a completely new set of eyeballs. Fresh blood means fresh opportunities, Lance. And like you saw at Jokers Wild, I tried to make the most of my opportunity.

Lance Gordon: Speaking of opportunity, that's why I wanted to talk to you tonight. At Jokers Wild, you had Dave Kang as a partner, having never worked together before.. And you two were able to get a first round victory over a well known star in Ace Sky, a man who works all around the world.. AND the SWF World Champion, Charlie Hooker!

Spencer Adams: Absolutely right, we did.. And that's just the beginning of Spencer Adams in SWF. See, I'm a winner. I've been to the top in every company that I've worked for, and that's not going to be any different here. Ace Sky got pinned, but that's still a big "L" on the record for the World Champ. So, far as I'm concerned, that puts yours truly in line for a shot at Charlie Hooker.

Spencer pauses and smiles into the camera.

Spencer Adams: So, what about it, Champ? After I bulldoze ol' KC Glenn, let's set somethin' up for the big gold.. If you can survive Jason Ryan and Jonny Jackobin, that is.

Without fanfare or entrance music, KC Glenn comes from behind the curtain in his ring gear and a black t-shirt. He walks up to the podium and shows no fear as he stands across from his opponent for the evening.

KC Glenn: What did you say, Spence? You're going to "bulldoze" me?

Spencer nods, confidently.

KC Glenn: You mentioned all of these new guys debuting, you didn't mention me. That's fine. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.. But you may exclude me before our match, but understand one thing, I'm not afraid of you. I know you're famous on Twitter. I know your accomplishments are a mile long.

Spencer removes his sunglasses and tucks them in the pocket of his black hoodie.

KC Glenn: But I didn't come here to get a participation trophy. No disrespect to you, Spencer, but I also didn't come here just to be able to say I was in the ring with Spencer Adams, either. I'm here to win.

Spencer takes the microphone from Lance Gordon and stares his opponent down. His expression is a mixture of shock and respect for the guts that the younger Glenn is showing.

Spencer Adams: Look at the guts on the new cat! I wanted a challenge to prove myself and get one step closer to the SWF Championship, and it sure seems like you're ready to step up.

He pauses.

Spencer Adams: But don't you think for one second that I'm not going to do what I have to do in that ring to get the job done.

Glenn snatches the microphone from Spencer and lifts it up to his lips.

KC Glenn: Give me your best shot. Let's do this!

Glenn drops the mic onto the podium and the two head to the ring for our next match!

As the referee raises Spencer Adams' hand in the air to a great reaction from the crowd, KC Glenn rises to his feet. He's visibly frustrated in himself, but can accept the loss. He walks over to Spencer and extends his hand out. The crowd's chanting of "THIS IS AWESOME!" drowns out the commentary team momentarily.

Hacksaw Anderson: A great show of respect from KC Glenn to Spencer Adams after a great match, Russ.

Russell Smith: These two really put on a show here tonight!

Spencer returns the sign of respect back, shaking the debuting Glenn's hand. The two nod at one another and KC Glenn hops through the middle rope to give the spotlight to "Badmon." Spencer waves to the crowd, knowing he survived KC Glenn's best shot as we cut to commercial break.

Russell Smith: Don't adjust your televisions, that IS a Sea Creature hooked up to a chain being held by Jonah K. Lovemoney! Desperate to rid the Southern Wrestling Federation of El Masko, Lovemoney has reached to the depths of Percy Priest Lake and brought out the Sea Creature!

Rone Gargan stomps on the back of John Blade's head with the referee signaling for the bell again and again, doing nothing to stop the Hardcore Champion down. HERE COMES ARCHER BANKS! With a cast on his left hand, he slides into the ring and takes a swing at Gargan, who immediately bails out of the ring. He grabs his championship from the timekeeper's table and looks on with a snarl on his face.

Russell Smith: THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER IS HERE!

Archer leans over the rope and motions for him to get back in the ring and fight him, but Gargan gives Banks a middle finger, yelling, "I'LL SEE YOU AT RESPECT IS EARNED!"

Not in the SWF Studio tonight is Scotty Adams. Adams is somewhere unknown, leaned against a white block wall with chipping paint all over, exposing the gray blocks underneath. He looks up, piecing together his words that'll break the silence in the air.

Scotty Adams: I guess this is it, huh? Full-time SWF signee. Jokers Wild went well enough that I decided to give the south a whirl.

He smirks while still contemplating his words.

Scotty Adams: Now that it's time to hit the ground running, I just want to let all of the Southern Wrestling Federation's roster know that it's time to pay attention. It's easy to sit around and just come to the Studio once a month, have a match, and just exist. Just be glad to be there and collect a check... But that's not me.

Scotty shakes his head back and forth.

Scotty Adams: I've done this at a high level for too long to do anything other than be at the top of this company. I'm not here to exist, I'm here to win championships. I'm here for main event matches and to prove why I am the best at what I do. So starting right now, SWF, get ready.

His voice is filled with conviction as he doesn't break eye contact with us.

Scotty Adams: You got a small sample of what I'm capable of at the Jokers Wild Cup. It didn't end with Tag Team gold or ten grand, but it opened the door to new opportunities. I heard Nelson Hammer mention wanting to put four impressive individuals in a match at Respect is Earned to determine the first challenger to the World Champion in 2024.. I've already been on the phone with him and I've got myself booked for the next Championship Wrestling From Nashville.

He pauses.

Scotty Adams: It's time to show the world what a motivated and fully focused Scotty Adams can do. I know what I'm capable of. I know what it takes to get to the top of a company.. And I'm ready to do it here in the SWF. And it starts next month.

He points to himself with his thumb.

Scotty Adams: Nelson Hammer, give me the best you have to offer because I'm going to be one of the four in your Fatal Fourway. Bank on it.

The camera switches back to the ring for our next match.

Jason Ryan jumps out of the ring and snatches the microphone out of Samantha Sims' hand before she can even announce the winner. Jonah K. Lovemoney points to the announce table and tells him to "TELL THE WORLD, JASON!" He stands on top of the announce table, showing no regard for any of Russell or Hacksaw's belongings or monitors.

Hacksaw Anderson: Son of a bitch! Kicked my coffee onto my notes!

Jason Ryan: YOUR WINNER AND NEW SWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NUMBER ONE CONTENDER... "THE DREAMKILLER" JASON RYAN!

Russell Smith: It looks like Jason Ryan is the newest member of Lovemoney Enterprises!

Jason Ryan slaps the top of the microphone while catching his breath. Still winded, he begins speaking into the microphone while the fans are booing. All eyes are on him as he stands above everyone else with Lovemoney standing on the ground next to the table.

Jason Ryan: While you all celebrate the main event announcement for Respect is Earned, I stand here in front of you all as the number one contender to Charlie Hooker's title! I stand here as the NEXT SWF WORLD CHAMPION AND NEW CROWN JEWEL OF LOVEMONEY ENTERPRISES!

The crowd boos loudly but Lovemoney applauds obnoxiously.

Jason Ryan: From day one, I joined this company with one goal.. To become World Champion.

Ryan looks round the SWF Studio.

Jason Ryan: Everyone is planning ahead without even giving me a chance to win that title. So what should I do about that? I guess I'm going to RUIN NELSON HAMMER'S PLANS! His girlfriend tried screwing me over two months ago and now he's announcing future matches without even giving me my shot to face Hooker!

Russell Smith: That's why the cards always say "card subject to change!"

Jason Ryan: So fine. Plan ahead. Discredit me. Cast me to the side. That's why I've aligned with Jonah Lovemoney. I'm evening the odds and using his power and influence to get me over the top! Next month in that very ring in front of me, I'm going to beat the life out of Charlie Hooker or Ace Sky and claim that SWF Championship just just I should have at the Gauntlet for the Gold! And once that beautiful belt is around my waist, there's not going to be anyone who will be able to stop The Dreamkiller!

He pauses.

Jason Ryan: Hooker, I know you're up next. Trust me, I'll be watching every move you make, scouting you like my life depends on it. SWF, your new champion awaits..

Ryan drops the mic on the floor and jumps off of the announcer's table. Lovemoney wildly shakes the hand of Ryan and lifts it high into the air, celebrating this newfound partnership. The fans are booing loudly as he walks in front of them to head towards the entrance curtain.

Russell Smith: Jason Ryan looks very motivated after defeating Slamsley McBody. Can he add another World Championship to his tally next month against the winner of our next match? You have to wonder how much of an X-Factor that Lovemoney now plays in this! Out with Seth Warner, in with Jason Ryan!

Hacksaw Anderson: Lovemoney is just chasing winners, Russ! He can't make people into winners, so he joins 'em after the work is done!

We cut to the backstage area.

An crashing sound explodes as the screen is still black. Once we're focused and backstage, we see Rene McRea kicking trash cans and slapping drinks and plates of food off of tables in the catering area of the arena. Chip Mahoney and Lilly Evans are doing their best to try to calm down the big man.

Lilly Evans: C'mon, Rene! You're acting irrational!

Rene McRea: IRRATIONAL?!

Rene responds to Lilly's slander by flipping over a table, sending food flying everywhere. Lilly snaps her head back at Chip and purses her lips.

Chip Mahoney: Rene, pal, c'mon, let's not cause a scene.

Lilly Evans: We're beyond that.

Chip Mahoney: Let's no cause any more of a scene?

He looks to Lilly for reassurance, to which she offers none.

Chip Mahoney: We gave it our best shot tonight and I mean, we looked good out there. Not even loss is a loss.. Or something.. Let's just get out of here and let these nice people enjoy their meals.

Chip surveys the catering scene and sees The Syndicate.

Chip Mahoney: See, look at those guys. They came up short tonight also! You don't see them burning the house down even after the news broke that they're no longer getting booked by Nelson Hammer.

Jon Tees slowly gets up from the table, slides his chair underneath, and makes a beeline towards the group. Following him are Jimmy Jack and King Kong Brophy.

Lilly Evans: Look at what you've done, Chip!

Jon Tees: Do we have a problem over here or something?

Chip shakes his head.

Chip Mahoney: Not a bit of one.

Jon Tees: I think we do.

King Kong Brophy comes to the left side of Tees, towering over the men in front of them.

Jon Tees: Me and the boys were minding our own business when jughead over here comes in wanting to raise hell. We let that slide. Then Timid Timmy over here wants to try to calm down his buddy by comparing him to us.

Brophy smashes his fist into his open palm.

Jon Tees: You think you're some sort of comedian?

Chip Mahoney: Definitely wasn't suggesting that. I was just trying to calm down my friend. You know how it goes, right?

Jon Tees: No. I don't.

Rene, foolishly, steps up to Brophy and Tees. Jimmy Jack looks ready to go at the drop of a hat while Chip stands behind Lilly.

Chip Mahoney: Well, consider yourself lucky. So yeah, we're just gonna' head on out. Sorry about you guys losing your jobs and all of that.

Tees brushes Chip off.

Jon Tees: I ought to make you eat a sandwich off the floor for the crap comedy you're trying to pass off.

Lilly Evans: Why would he have to eat a sandwich off the floor?

Chip looks to Lilly.

Chip Mahoney: I've heard of the sandwich off the floor thing. You NEVER come back from that.

Lilly Evans: What?

Jon Tees: One second.. What did you say about us losing our jobs?

Chip flippantly responds without a second thought.

Chip Mahoney: Yeah, I overheard Nelson talk about no longer booking you three. Can't win a match, had no idea how y'all succeeded in IIW. All of that stuff. Real bummer.

Tees takes a swig from a water bottle and then dumps the remaining part onto Chip Mahoney's shoes. He then hands Rene the bottle.

Jon Tees: You know what, boys?

Jon Tees turns and looks to Brophy and Jimmy Jack.

Jon Tees: We quit.

The Syndicate walk out of catering and down a hallway, never to be seen again. Chip Mahoney looks down at his soaking wet feet and sighs.

Chip Mahoney: My socks.. Are soaking wet.

Rene McRea: So many men written off here tonight. A tragedy!

Chip Mahoney: Why couldn't someone have just escorted them out of the building if they knew they were letting them go? Why did it have to resort to water being dumped on my shoes and me almost having to eat a sandwich off the ground?!

Rene McRea: Remember when he got prank called by "Weird" Al?

Rene shakes his head.

 Rene McRea: That's the Syndicate's legacy.

Rene shrugs.

Rene McRea: Still better off than Mac Bane and Seth Warner.

He then looks down at Chip's wet shoes.

Rene McRea: And you.

We go to the ring. The World Championship is on the line - NEXT!

Charlie Hooker hops outside and is handed the SWF Championship by Marty The Mouth. Boon Crowe and Wash Cooley flank either side of the champion. Someone in the stands throws a half-empty bucket of popcorn at the group, hitting Marty in the shoulder, causing kernels to explode everywhere like a bomb went off.

Russell Smith: If "Hot Stuff" Charlie Hooker has had reinforcements called in to protect him courtesty of Cameron Fuller, then the rest of the Southern Wrestling Federation is in trouble! The last thing Hooker needed was men doing his bidding to ensure he kept that championship!

Hacksaw Anderson: Cameron Fuller knew she had to protect her investment. The rehabilitation of "Hot Stuff" has been very impressive, and she couldn't risk losin' her cash cow after Nelson Hammer started lining up title defenses. Hell, he was close on several occasions tonight of losing the title!

Russell Smith: He survived Ace Sky tonight and now has a date with "The Dreamkiller" Jason Ryan! If he survives that, then he has an epic show down awaiting at Respect is Earned on December 16 against Jonny Jackobin!

Hacksaw Anderson: Jackobin's a shitty wrestler engaged in a toxic relationship where both will likely meet their demise in a murder-suicide, but he's our only hope to get that belt off of Hooker, I'm afraid!

Russell Smith: ....That was very grim.

Hacksaw Anderson: Happy Halloween.

Hooker, Marty, Cameron, and the Gator Boys celebrate at the curtain with the crowd's boos sounding so thunderous that it feels like the roof could collapse in the SWF Studio at any moment.

The scene switches quickly to Lance Gordon's podium

Lance Gordon stands in between Shinjiro Yamamoto and Malachi, two of the six men in tonight's ladder match.

Lance Gordon: Can y'all believe someone asked what my name was the other day? I looked that man right in his beady little eyes and said, "You son of a bitch, I'm Lance GOD DAMN Gordon! The Voice of Nashville Wrestling! I owned two restaurants with my face on the sign, a bowling alley with my face on every pin, and a car wash that didn't have my face on it at all to prevent sexual innuendos. This was all until a series of bad investments in said businesses led me to Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a new beginning with everything I own being signed into my wife's name. How dare you not know who I am?"

Things get uncomfortable quickly as Malachi has no idea how to respond to that and Shinjiro's English isn't strong enough to completely comprehend.

Russell Smith: What?

Lance Gordon: So anyway, what a show we've had so far huh? Lord have mercy!

It's like a switch has flipped with Lance doing a complete one-eighty from the man ready to kill someone for not knowing his name to being the bubbly voice of the SWF.

Lance Gordon: We've seen the Hardcore and World Championships defended for the first time here tonight, we're about to crown our first ever North American Champion, and these two men are one-third of the field. Malachi and Shinjiro Yamamoto!

A polite response for the two from the crowd.

Lance Gordon: Shinjiro, give us your back story. You came from Japan with a lot of buzz upon signing with the SWF. You debuted with El Masko at Jokers Wild and impressed enough to get invited to join this ladder match by Nelson Hammer.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: I come from a family of wrestlers. This sport is.. in my blood. My grandfather, The Dragon. My father, Hahn, also The Dragon.

Malachi rolls his eyes.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: My brother and I formed a tremendous tag team, won many titles.. I came to America and worked in other promotions.. But SWF caught my eye. I wanted to be part of what is being built here. I wanted to prove myself against some of the best competition in the world. I look forward to winning the North American Championship.

The crowd cheers, causing Yamamoto to take a pause and nod to them in gratitude.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: I understand that I might not 'fit' into this company on paper, but once the bell sounds, The Golden Dragon will prove to be difficult to defeat.

Malachi: Alright, that's enough.

The fans begin booing Malachi as he cuts off The Golden Dragon.

Malachi: Thanks for the history lesson, Hiroshima. Really appreciate that.

He scoffs as Lance begins reconsidering his position between the two men.

Malachi: You didn't advance in Jokers Wild because both you AND your partner are rubbish. While myself and VLADISLAV, we did not advance due to means beyond our control. But alas.. On to bigger things. More important things.

Malachi flashes a bright smile that could light Vegas up for a week.

Malachi: Once I win the North American title tonight, someone can tell ol' VLAD to come find me if he wants to chase gold so badly. Wasting time with Rone Gargan when he needs to step up and be the Final Boss he claims that he is. Brass knuckles didn't help the cause for us last month, but VLADISLAV's lack of passion certainly didn't help.

Yamamoto leans in.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: Nobody.. Cares.

Lance holds the microphone for Yamamoto.

Shinjiro Yamamoto: Once I capture the North American title, I will turn my attention to Charlie Hooker. I am here to be the best. Ichiban! What you do after tonight does not affect me.

Malachi: Oh, but this will-

BAM! Malachi headbutts Yamamoto and the two begin scuffling on the interview set, knocking the podium over! It hits the ground and breaks into three pieces as the fight continues on. Lance drops to his knees and begins trying to reassemble the set the best that he can.

Lance Gordon: You broke my podium!

Malachi and Yamamoto begin trading right hands back and forth.. HERE'S NIGHTHAWK! He grabs the microphone from Lance Gordon and screams into the camera.

Nighthawk: WHERE WAS MY INTERVIEW SEGMENT?! I'M JUST AS MUCH PART OF THIS MATCH AS THEY ARE!

Defending himself, Lance hops to his feet and grabs the microphone out of Nighthawk's hand. Heartbroken and standing among the rubble of his interview podium, he snaps back.

Lance Gordon: Hell, we didn't know if your ass was showing up or not so we really didn't plan anything for you!

Nighthawk: You cannot plan for someone like me, Lance. You can merely hope to survive me.

He pauses while the fight is still ongoing behind them.

Nighthawk: Tonight, six men enter the ring with ladders surrounding the area.. All for the hope in capturing the North American Championship. While these fools fight, I will be waiting. Picking my spot. Doing whatever it takes to capture that championship for myself.

Lance Gordon: Unless you have some wood glue, I honestly do not care. Either go stand in the ring or go fight the two fellas over there.

Choosing wislely not risk it and get involved, Nighthawk looks on as SWF security and referees work to break Malachi and Yamamoto up. The fighting is getting intense even though their match is coming up next. The fight spills away from the interview set, past the two floor cameras and near the crowd. As security tries its best to keep the two men away from the crowd, the camera cuts back to a panicked Lance Gordon.

Lance Gordon: We're gonna' have to take a quick commercial break for an ad about Respect is Earned!

We go to our final commercial break of the evening!

Russell Smith: After the success of Jokers Wild and the momentum that's picked up as of late, we're proud to announce that our next super show event in December, Respect is Earned, is SOLD OUT! War Memorial Auditorium has been a great home to us in the past, and there's consideration of moving the show to the Municipal Auditorium and opening up more seating!
 

Hunter Boyd sits on top of the ladder and kisses the championship as the fans roar in approval. Confetti rains from the ceiling as his music hits. The camera pans over to reveal Buster McQueen, Mac Redford, and Robert Pittman trying to untangle Donny Hollywood from the ropes he found himself trapped in after falling off of the ladder.

Hacksaw Anderson: A plan like that should've worked to perfection! I'm sure Mac Redford will have something to say about this!

Bodies lie all over the ringside area, debris scattered as far as the eye can see.

Russell Smith: Look at what all Hunter Boyd overcame here tonight. Six men walked into the first ladder match in SWF history. Body scattered all over the place along with ladders, chairs, and tables. In the end, the bloodied Outlaw himself has found the Pay Window and championship gold here in SWF!

Hunter Boyd raises the title high in the air, still on the top of the ladder.

Russell Smith: What a show we had tonight ladies and gentlemen! Two new champions here in the Southern Wrestling Federation! Next month back in the SWF Studio, we'll go home and prepare for Respect is Earned! What a show it was tonight, what a show we have planned for you next month, and what a show Respect is Earned is going to be! For Hacksaw Anderson, I'm Russell Smith! Goodnight!

End transmission.