(WHOOO! As the ebon stillness shutters in the word UPW in red fading red trim, the clashing shatter of the white background brings us to the re-cap of the action that went down at UPW Renegade. From Zander losing the belt, to Ebon delivering the sinking feeling, from Chris Johnstons shinning wizard, to the shocking twist that developed in the end. It's all shown centering the orange pitch that then brings us into the regular UPW Showdown intro by the sounds and stylistic of Godsmak, and there hit "Whatever". As Sureshot's, Final Destinations, Setback's and Sinking Feelings are shown, the crazed high pitch color scheme, which resembles a Window's Media fold, darken's into one solid and clocked explosion infront of several thousands jampacked in Washington,DC)
(As the dust settles, announcer Jim Floss is standing in the middle of the ring. Raising the microphone to a zoom in on his face, the crowd remain silence.)
Jim Floss: Ladies and gentlemen at this time, it gives me a great privalege and a great honor to introduce to you tonight, a man who's been shelved at home for the last 3 months-
(Huge pop that never seems to fade.)
Jim Floss: A man who's certainly been looking forward to this moment ever since getting word he'd be side lining for such a vast majority of the fall-
(The pop gains more momentum.)
Jim Floss: He is indeed one of the most technical wrestlers of his time, the soon to be hall of famer, the Straightshooter, ladies and gentlemen-
(Standing up, each fan stares up the aisle way.)
Jim Floss: At this time, I'd like to welcome back- JASON COPELAND!
(As Jim points up the ramp, "All My Life" by the Fighters starts to an ENORMOUS OVATION. Letting the music play the good starting 15 minutes, the lights dim blue. Through the curtain, a shadow steps infront of the ramp. There, the crowd's cheers grow two times the strength it was when the music began. Out from the blue, comes Jason Copeland. Wearing a pair of blue jeans and a black Straightshooter shirt, he shockingly also sports a neck brace. Looking left and right amongst the sold out arena all on there feet, Copeland just smiles and knods his head. Taking his time down the aisle, he shakes hands with just about every nancy and tim holding a Copeland sign til he reaches the mat. There, he takes one graceful bow, making sure he doesn't bend his neck. Turning left, he walks towards the steps. Reaching for the ring post, he uses it to walk pass the first step. Up the second, he moves onto the canvas. There, he takes one good look at the audience still standing. Smiling, he taps his chest symbolically acknowledging the love. Through the middle rope, he enters the ring. There, JF reaches out his hand. As Copeland extends his, the two shake. As the music fades, the ovation last for a verrrrrrry loooooooong time, before Jim stands beside Copeland with the microphone tilted to his mouth.)
Jim Floss: Well, what can I say? These fans have been waiting-
(Another enormous pop.)
Jim Floss: I've been waiting, the UPW superstars have been anxiously awaiting, and what for? This moment. The moment that one of the greatest UPW Superstars returns from a near career ending injury.
Jim Floss: Jason Copeland, this is truly an honor.
(Jim extends the microphone.)
Jason Copeland: Well-
(HUUUUUUGE CHEER... And then chants.)
Jason Copeland: Well- Jim, this certainly is. Not only to be standing next to one of the greatest commentators in the world trying to give me all the credit-
(The two smile.)
Jason Copeland: But it's a great honor to be standing amongst so many fans who stood by thick and thin, ever since the night I was put on the shelf-
(J-A-S-O-N!)
Jason Copeland: It's because of each and everyone of you, that Jason Copeland was able to come back tonight like he did. It's because of each and everyone of you, that sitting at home for what felt like an eternity, lasted for what felt like a couple weeks.
(Looks down.)
Jason Copeland: It feels like just last week, I was standing in this ring, being pulled out on a stretcher drenched in my own pool of blood.
Jason Copeland: And even though the doctors that night agreed I'd never make it back to see another night, here I stand before you all, on this night. Here on Showdown!
(As Cope steps away from the microphone another pop occurs.)
Jim Floss: Well we're certainly happy to have you back, but I must ask. Looking up and seeing the neckbrace-
(Jason snatches the microphone.)
Jason Copeland: Jim. It's simple. The doctors have told me, they expect people with injuries like mine to be making speedy recoveries in the next 2-3 months.
(Cheers turn to jeers.)
Jason Copeland: But last Sunday when I had the oppurtunity to speak with someone I consider these days a genuine friend, it came to me.
Jason Copeland: Y'see, Jason Copeland, is depicted these days as the type of guy who's always beaten the odds. He's always been the type of guy who runs it, and runs it hard. No matter what.
Jason Copeland: And whether it's a neckbrace, an anklebrace, or a fucking splin-
(HUGE CHEER as Jason gets loud.)
Jason Copeland: I can't stop. And I won't stop. Nothing holds me down.
Jason Copeland: So if those at the office think this shit is holding me down from doing what I do for a living they've obviously gotten the wrong Jason "Straightshooter" Copeland.
(Pop of doom.)
Jason Copeland: Because I'm back. And back for good.
(Jim wants to bring the microphone back to him, but Jay speaks yet again.)
Jason Copeland: And y'know, now that I'm back, I guess the only thing left to do is talk, un-finish business.
(Pause.)
Jason Copeland: And while you might believe the un-finish business I speak of, is Stevie Zander, there's also something else.
Jason Copeland: Let me re-assure you first off that there will be a time when I will get my hands on him, just not now. Because there's something else I'd like to draw your attention to.
Jason Copeland: Y'see ever since I was granted the oppurtunity to go home from the hospital, I've been sitting on my ass at home, doing everything I could to come back faster then expected. I'd train, I'd do the therapy, I'd even put in extra therapy. But the one thing, that inspired me the most, was a certain UPW superstar, the only one actually away from Shane Mathews who'd call to make sure I was doing okay and if I needed anything.
Jason Copeland: This certain individual who'd I'd never been soclose to prior, kept me informed and in the long run, became a genuine friend.
Jason Copeland: And with that said, I'd like to bring out right now, so that I could thank him personally, your World Champion, and my friend, Johnny Vassie!
( "Cigarettes And Alcohol" by Oasis comes over the crowd. Instantly drawing the biggest pop besides Copeland, Vassie paces from the backstage area wearing the title over his shoulder and a pair of warm ups. Down the ramp and up the apron, he enters the ring. As Copeland turns in his direction, the two stare down one another while the music fades. Extending a hand, Copeland shakes it, before pulling Vassie in for a hug. Applauds all over.)
Jason Copeland: Thank you. Thank you for everything.
(Vassie nods his head.)
Jason Copeland: Johnny Vassie, you truly are a friend. Through all that I've been through, you stook beside me and made sure I was taken care of. Thank you.
(Jason hands the microphone over.)
Johnny Vassie: Copeland. There's one thing we learn through the years, and that's respect for one another. And even though there may have been times when we'd be slugging it out, there's also that time to respect your peers. It was nothing, really.
(Vassie hands the microphone back to Copeland.)
Jason Copeland: Well I admit over the years, there have been some times. It's been an up and down ride from day one.
(Coepland pauses, remembering something in the back of his mind.)
Jason Copeland: Say, do you remember what you said a couple weeks ago? Y'know, when we were discussing that-eh- thing?
Johnny Vassie: You mean-
(Copeland points to the belt, which recieves a huge cheer.)
Johnny Vassie: As a matter a fact I do.
Jason Copeland: And do you remember what you said that night when we were talking about-
(Points to it again.)
Johnny Vassie: Well I talked about it- Look, where are you going with this?
Jason Copeland: The point I'm trying to make Vassie is that in that conversation, you clearly stated that when I was back you'd consider giving me the oppurtunity. The shot of a lifetime for your, World Heavyweight Championship.
(HUGE POP.)
Jason Copeland: And certainly admitting to it, I only have just one thing to say to you.
Jason Copeland: I'm back.
(Jason hands Vassie the microphone.)
Johnny Vassie: Listen Jason, that night, your right, I made reference to it. But I never thought this is how you'd come back.
(Points to his neck.)
Johnny Vassie: I mean look at you, your not even ready to wrestle. In fact by rules, your not even cleared yet.
Jason Copeland: Oh but I am Vassie. I am. And if you'd give me the oppurtunity to prove it-
Johnny Vassie: Look Jason. I'd hate to burst your bubble but I don't know about this. I mean your not physically a 100% and I mean-
Jason Copeland: Vassie man, besides the brace, I'm healed. I'm ready. I'm actually in the best shape of my life. I'm ready. Trust me.
(Vassie stops to think.)
Johnny Vassie: Copeland, your my friend. I respect you and you respect me. And as a friend, I'm just not sure this come back had it's time to come back. In fact, I'm not to sure this whole idea wasn't a good idea. Maybe I should've never made such gauruntee's til you were cleared.
Jason Copeland: Vass. Man. C'mon-
Johnny Vassie: I'm sorry Jason, but it's just to damn risky.
(Suddenly Vassie drops the microphone. Looking Copeland in the eyes, he shakes his head and says again that he's sorry. As he goes through the ropes, he hops off the apron. Onto the ramp, he starts walking backwards, still gazing up at Jason. Telling him he's sorry again, he turns back around and walks up and into the backstage area. Zooming into the face of Copeland, we fade to commercial.)
- - - -
("Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar suddenly descends over the loud speakers. In the thrust of pink shading scalped over the semi-tron, the curtain opens at the hands of Sarah Kennedy recieving a mix reaction down the well lit aisle way. Wearing a pair of black tights, a black sleeveless tang-top, black boots and her hair parted down the edge of her face, she gives way to the tremendous animosity driving those at the edge of each barricade to reach and grab just a hand fall of her, or the hat she has slightly cocked to the side. As she makes her way to the edge of the ramp, she cuts left destine for the steps. When she climbs up each ring, she glances into the ring where the ring official stands ten announcing her name. Reaching over the middle rope, she slides down the canvas, lifts one leg in and bends herself in afterwards. There, her music fades and suddenly "Stand Up" by Ludacris pushes the entrance of Shane Mathews. Wearing a pair of blue jean shorts, white wrist tape, black boots and a cut up UPW T-shirt, he slices through the stale mate curtain raising his hands signalling...y'know... stand up and whatnot. Anywhoo, Shane steps off the ramp and onto the mat. Leaping to get onto the apron, he makes his way into the ring trough the middle rope. Unbuttoning the hardcore title off his waste, he suddenly ducks a quick start right by Kennedy. As the bell rings, Kennedy turns around finding herself inside the corner. There, Shane delivers a fist to the temple, then another, then another. Grabbing her by the hand, he irish whips her forward opposite the corner and inside another. Racing after her with a full blown body splash, Kennedy leaps up, getting the boot right in the face of Shane, stopping him in his tracks. As he turns, holding his chin, she runs out of the corner, snatching up by the neck and delivers the spinning neckbreaker. Sliding out of the ring, she walks towards the ring announcer. Demanding that he move, she grabs the chair right from underneathe him. Pushing it close, she slides it into the ring. Rolling in after it, she gets to her feet before picking it up. As Mathews gets back to his feet, Sarah cocks the chair back. When Shane turns around, Sarah takes a swing but doesn't connect. In fact she makes a turnabout back to Shane who delivers a kick to the mid-section and a DDT beside it. Getting then up to his feet, he grabs the chair. Sitting it up, he places it down in the middle. Picking Kennedy up by her hair, he grabs her by the hand before irish whiping her off the ropes. As she bounces, Shane attempts a closeline. She ducks under, she shoots on top of the chair. Leaping then over to the ropes, she leaps back with a lionsault. As Shane grabs her in mid air over his shoulder, he runs her chin into the turnbuckles. When she connects, she turns around holding her chin. Locking around her leg, Shane delivers the drop toe hold over the chair which leans the chair slightly over before falling. Getting to his feet, he closes the chair up. Letting Kennedy get to her feet, he delivers a shot to her chest. Lifting the chair in mid-air he then slugs it over her back. Going for the cover, 1-2, Kennedy kicks out. Getting to his feet, Shane takes a breather. Sliding out of the ring, he lifts up the apron. Reaching under the ring, he grabs a stop sign. Sliding it into the ring, he lifts the apron up once more. Pulling out a trash can lid, he tosses it over the top turnbuckle.
Instantly, Kennedy is back up on her feet in the ring. As Shane puts the apron back down, he slides into the ring. Getting to his feet, Sarah tosses him the trash can lid. Catching it, she runs forward then delivering the shinning wizard. When he falls, she falls on top of him. 1-2-... Mathews kicks out. There, Kennedy sits up. Sitting up Mathews by his head, she delivers a right, then another. Then another. Letting the head go, she grabs him by the arm. Lifting him up, she irish whips him forward. Falling into the corner, Shane snaps back but dazed. Grabbing the stop sign, Kennedy tosses it to him just like the trash can lid. As Shane grabs hold of it, she runs forward with a spear. Stepping slightly out of the way, Shane leaves her to fall into the corner. Pulling out, she turns around. Dropping the stop sign, he lifts Kennedy up before delivering the scoop slam on top of it. Cringing in pain, she rolls off. As he grabs the sign, he places it between the second turnbuckle and the top. Grabbing Kennedy up, he delivers a right to the face. Then another, and then a back elbow for good measure. Grabbing her hand, he attempts irishing whipping her forward. Twisting his hand just as she stops in place, she pulls him forward for a running closeline. As both competitors snap back to there feet, Mathews shoots a right hand Kennedy ducks. When he does the turnabout, Kennedy delivers a kick to the mid section. Grabbing him by from his neck, she pulls him to the nearest corner. Lifting herself onto the middle and then the top turnbuckle, she brings him back into the direction of the ring, delivering a dudley dog. Going for the cover, the ring official slides in. 1-2-.... Mathews barely kicks out. In disbelief, Kennedy can't believe it. Getting to her feet, she stops over Mathews. Picking him up, she backs him into a corner. Delivering a forearm, then another, then another, she walks over to the stop sign. Picking it up, she turns back around to Mathews, lifts it in mid air. Delivering a kick to the mid-section, Mathews stops the transaction. Delivering another, then another, he backs Kennedy enough from him that he can get out of the corner. Delivering one more, she drops the sign. Lifting over her, he takes her down with a "throwback". Going for the cover, Kennedy kicks out after a 2 and a half. Rolling off her, he gets to his feet. Noticing the trash can lid still sitting in the corner, he grabs Kennedy by her hair. Picking her up, he delivers a heavy jab. Grabbing her by the arm, he uses enough momentum from just pulling her forward to lifting her over his shoulder. Walking her over to the stop sign, he levels her. Backing up, he starts picking up the pace to land her forward, but she pushes her way to slide down his back. As Kennedy then delivers a missile drop kick, Mathews goes into the sign shoulder first. Getting back to her feet, Kennedy quickly grabs him up by his waste. Lifting him up and over she delivers a german suplex. 1-2-3!
Ring Announcer:Here's your winner and STILL UPW Hardcore Champion....SHANE MATHEWS!
WINNER and STILL UPW Hardcore Champion: Shane Mathews at 9:45 via pinfall.
(As "Stand Up" reigns over the loud speakers, Kennedy gets to her feet. Shocked if not anything else, she pulls the ring official by his collar towards her. Questioning him, he defense his decision. As she states her claim, he shakes his head and points down at the mat at what he saw. Shaking her head, she ignores his regard and tells him again what happen. As the ring official then turns to the ring announcer, the ring announcer knods his head.)
Ring Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the ring official has ordered me to clarrify his decision. From where he was, Kennedy had both shoulders down, therefore, the decision stands, and your Hardcore Champion stands-
(Kennedy snatches the microphone.)
Sarah Kennedy: Bullshit! Total bullshit! I had him pinned, and you know it. That's bullshit. I want another official. Let's get someone elses opinion.
(Just as Shane Mathews gets to his feet and grabs his belt, another ring official slides into the ring. As Shane begins leaving the ring, the ring official snatches the belt right out of his hands. Handing it over to Kennedy, Mathews looks confused. When the ring official speaks with the other one, and then to the ring announcer, the ring announcer then knods his head.)
Ring Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, I've been informed by another ring official that the decision has been reversed. There for the winner, AND NEEEEEEEW UPW HARDCORE CHAMPION-
(Suddenly Mathews snatches the microphone from the ring announcer.)
Shane Mathews: Yo. Now I know this dude over here swore he saw things differently from the back, but this dude over here, who was officiating the match from the start saw it with both his eyes right infront of him. Hmmm. Who's more accurate?
(Snatching the belt out of Kennedy's hands the crowd goes wild.)
Shane Mathews: Thank you.
(Heading for the ropes, the ring official then snatches the belt back from Mathews. As Mathews stops, looks back, and turns around, he smirks it all off. Grabbing the ring official up by his collar, he pushes him into a corner. As the other ring official then pulls Shane back, he signals for the ring announcer.)
Ring Announcer: Laides and gentlemen, the ring official has just signalled for this match to be declared a DRAW.
(The crowd erupts with boo's. As Shane lets go off the ring official, he turns around to Kennedy who then hits him right between the eyes with the stop sign. Clocking him right out, she grabs the belt. Sliding out of the ring, she walks the ramp claiming it to be her belt. We go to commercial.)
- - - -
(Opening back from commercial break, there's a sudden pop for Jason Copeland sitting beside a locker. Looking down at the ground, he stays rather still.)
Laura Allen: Some friend huh?
Jason Copeland: What?
(Snapping up and into the face of Allen's daughter, a loud jeer is heard from the audience.)
Laura Allen: To know how hungry you are for his World title, and for him to just reject you like that. When ultimately he came up with the idea. Some friend huh?
(Shakes her head dramatically.)
Jason Copeland: Nah, it's not like that. In fact it's never been like that.
Laura Allen: Oh?
Jason Copeland: It's not Vassie. It's this damn neck brace.
(Continues staring into the ground tiles.)
Jason Copeland: Vassie would have kept his promise, I know he would have. It's just- just this stupid thing that holds me down. If some how I could-
Laura Allen: What, show him that your 100%? That your physically able to challenge him for his,Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship?
(Copeland looks up.)
Laura Allen: Copeland I know your hungry. In fact I know your blood thirsty to get your shot at the World title. I mean look at you. All these years and not a title run under your belt yet.
Laura Allen: I know you want it. I know that your crave it.
Laura Allen: And though Vassie doesn't look like he's willing to admit it, he obviously knows it to. That's why he's considering your "injury" to take the blaim.
(Jeers for Laura.)
Laura Allen: But that can all change Copeland, that can all change. As a matter of fact, it will change. Because I've got a proposal for you.
(Copeland looks Laura directly in the face.)
Laura Allen: I'm issuing a tag match next week between you and Main Attraction. If you win, your number one contender. If not, oh well.
Jason Copeland: Wait? Are you serious?
(Laura smiles and nods her head. Copeland smiles like a child.)
Jason Copeland: Great. This is great. I can use this match to show Vassie just how "ready" I am for the title shot. This'll be great.
(Patting him on the back, Laura opens the door to leave.)
Jason Copeland: Hey Laura?
(Laura stops and turns around.)
Jason Copeland: Who's gonna be my tag partner?
Laura Allen: Well. We'll leave that up to a certain friend. That is if he believes your ready for action again.
(Laura leaves the room. Copeland just stares at the door.)
(We go back to the ring to UPW ring announcer Howard Shrinkel, who stands in the middle of the ring and holds a microphone and a set of note cards. The lights dim, except for the single spotlight shining on Shrinkel.)
Howard Shrinkel: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall with a sixty-minute time limit, and it is for the UPW Heavyweight Championship of the World!
(Sho-T's "A Stupid Barber" plays on the arena sound system, drawing a rousing ovation. David Brujah, decked in black leather pants and boots, calmly strolls through the curtain and begins his usual saunter down the aisle. Both fists are covered in black tape up to the forearm.)
Howard Shrinkel: First, making his way down the aisle ... from Buffalo, New York ... standing six feet, two inches and weighing in at 201 pounds ... he is a former Tag Team Champion ... a former National Heavyweight Champion ... and a former Heavyweight Champion of the World ... he is "Dr. Enigma" ... David ... BRUJAH!
(He wears a confident smirk as he finally reaches ringside and rolls in. He hops to his feet and nods to acknowledge the cheering fans. He backs to the ropes opposite the ramp and leans against them as the lights dim and a blue spotlight shines on the top of the ramp. "A Stupid Barber" cuts out and is replaced by Oasis' "Cigarettes and Alcohol," which draws the loudest pop of the night. Just as the song starts going full-blast, Johnny Vassie bursts through the curtain and stops at the top of the ramp, looking out at the screaming fans. He wears an open green sleeveless vest, green tights with blue trim, and white boots. White tape covers his wrists, while the UPW World Heavyweight Championship belt is strapped tightly around his waist.)
Howard Shrinkel: And now entering the arena ... originally hailing from Scotland ... he stands six feet, one inch tall ... he weighs a trim 227 pounds ... he is the reigning and defending undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World ... JOHNNY VASSIE!
(Vassie begins his walk down the ramp, slapping the hands of fans on both sides along the way. He reaches ringside and makes a complete lap around the ring, jogging and slapping hands all the while before rushing up the steps, entering the ring and climbing to the middle rope. He unstraps his belt and holds it high, drawing instant flashes from the cameras in the audience. He looks back at the smiling Brujah and steps down from his perch. He walks to mid-ring and hands the belt to the official, who orders Brujah to the center of said ring. Vassie quickly removes his vest and tosses it into the crowd. After a few seconds of explaining the rules, he shows the belt to Brujah, who nods. The ref holds up the belt, then walks to the ropes and hands it to the announcer. He points to the timekeeper, who promptly rings the bell. The two men begin circling, keeping about a seven foot distance between one another. Vassie extends his right hand palm-in, which Brujah slaps in a sign of respect. The circling continues.)
JF: These two men respect each other so much. They've been teaming for the last few months, so they know how good the other guy is.
(Vassie finally stops, crouching with a wide base and extending his right hand. He cautiously wiggles his fingers, inviting a knucklelock. Brujah reaches out with his left hand, hesitant to lock hands with the champion. Brujah smiles and quickly pulls the hand back, rubbing his chin. Vassie stands upright, shaking his head with a smile. Brujah flicks his hair back and continues the circling process. The two men stop simultaneously and reach out again, this time initiating the knucklelock. Vassie reaches out with his left hand, attempting to enter a test of strength. Brujah appears ready to comply, but quickly drops to the mat, spins, and takes Vassie down with a legsweep! He leaps on top for the lateral press, taking Vassie by surprise! One, Vassie shoves him off, and Brujah smiles as the champ gets back to his feet. Brujah points to his head, drawing some cheers and some boos. Vassie nods and chuckles.)
JF: Brujah is trying to get in the champ's head here. He's a master of mind games and psychological warfare, but Vassie's rarely fallen victim to those tactics.
(The two men circle once again, but this time Vassie wastes no time, locking up immediately and engaging the challenger with a collar-and-elbow tieup. They jockey for position, with the stronger Vassie forcing his opponent to the ropes. The referee steps in and orders a break, but Vassie instead whips Brujah across the ring. Brujah hits the ropes, hooks onto the top to stop his momentum, drops to the canvas and rolls outside, laughing the whole time. Now the crowd -- and Vassie -- is getting annoyed. Brujah walks around the ring as the official begins the mandatory ten count.)
Johnny Vassie: Wrestle, damnit!
(Brujah calmly scales the steps and re-enters the ring. Vassie approaches him for another lockup, but Brujah responds with a quick thumb to the eye that draws boos.)
JF: This crowd certainly isn't appreciating the challenger's tactics, but you've gotta do what it takes to win. These opportunities don't pop up often.
(Brujah winds back and delivers a brutal knife edge chop that echoes through the arena and draws "whoo"s from the crowd. Vassie clutches his chest, then quickly fires back with one of his own! Brujah wastes no time, immediately returning fire, only for Vassie to respond with an even louder chop! Brujah then delivers a hard right fist to the skull, but Vassie delivers another chop! A Brujah punch, then a Vassie chop. Punch, chop, punch, chop, chop, chop, chop! Brujah winces and clutches his chest, backing away. He swings widldly, but Vassie ducks, then flors him with a chop! Vassie covers with a lateral press. ONE, TWO, kickout by Brujah. Brujah quickly rolls outside the ring, grabbing his already red chest. He walks around the ring, pausing for a moment by the announcers. Vassie, meanwhile, begins scaling the turnbuckles near the ramp. Brujah continues his walk around the ring, eventually coming into Vassie's vicinity. Out of nowhere, Vassie blindsides Brujah with a plancha from the top turnbuckle to the outside! The crowd erupts with chants of "VASS-IE" as the champ rollsthe challenger back into the ring and follows with a lateral press. One, two, easy kickout. Brujah gets to his feet and stagers into a quick armdrag that segues into an armbar. Brujah gets to his knees, then to one, then to his feet. He places his free palm into Vassie's chin, pushing him back into a corner. The referee immediately starts the count, stepping in and forcing Vassie to release the armbar. Brujah leans on Vassie as the official ducks between them ... allowing Brujah to deliver a hard right fist to Vassie's nose! The fans boo as Brujah begins unloading with rapid-fire punches on Vassie's face. He ends the flurry with a chop that sends Vassie to a seated position on the mat. His head rests against the middle turnbuckle as the official forces his challenger back. Brujah wastes no time, returning to lift Vassie to his feet and lean him back in the corner. Vassie delivers a hard forearm shot to the chest, then grabs the middle rope on either side of Vassie. He bends down and drives his right shoulderblade into the gut of the champion! He stretches back, then drives another shoulder into the gut. This time he stays in that position and begins grinding the bone into Vassie's ribs. He pulls out, delivers a snapmare, and dropkicks Vassie in the back of the skull as the champ sits up. Vassie rolls across the mat and out to the apron. He grabs the middle rope and pulls himself first to a kneeling position, then to his feet. Brujah shocks the crowd, however, by delivering a Chris Sabin-like running Enziguiri that snaps off the back of Vassie's head and sends him off the apron and to the floor, with his face conecting with the steel ring steps! The camera zooms on Vassie's sprawled form as we cut to a commercial.)
(Back from the break, and Vassie's bleeding from the forehead. He is stagering around the ring with Brujah in hot pursuit. Vassie fires off a knife edge chop that floors the challenger, but Brujah pops right back up and drives a hard right hand into Vassie's head wound. The champ stagers to the ropes, where Brujah knees him in the gut before whipping him across. Off the rebound, Vassie looks for a Highlands Sidekick, but Brujah ducks and catches Vassie with a quick clothesline to the back of the head! He drops a knee onto Vassie's kidney, then rolls him over and hooks the far leg. One, two, kickout. Brujah steps out to the apron and ascends the ropes in a corner. He perches up top, waiting for Vassie to expend the energy of getting to his feet. Vassie turns and walks into a Flying Body Press from the challenger, who stays on top with the cross body! One, two, thr-kickout! Both men stand, and Brujah delivers a sharp crescent kick to the outside of Vassie's left thigh. He delivers another kick there, then another. Vassie delivers his first right hand of the match, rocking Brujah. Brujah tries to come back with one of his own, but Vassie fires off three consecutive knife edge chops that send the challenger scurrying to a corner. Vassie rushes in and begins absolutely unloading the chops. "WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO! WHOO," shouts the crowd. Vassie backs Brujah to the ropes and whips him across, then bounces off the opposite side. Brujah ducks a rebounding clothesline, and both men continue running. Brujah leapfrogs Vassie as the rope-running continues. Finally, Brujah jumps for a Thesz Press as Vassie jumps for a Cross Body. They collide in mid-air, with Vassie landing on top with the cover! One, two, kickout! Vassie chops Brujah when he stands, only for the enigmatic one to respond with a kick to Vassie's outer thigh. Another chop from Vassie and another kick from Brujah. A third chop, and Brujah finally rakes the champion's eyes. He backs him to the ropes and whips him across. Brujah ducks his head down, and Vassie hops over him with a Sunset Flip off the rebound! Brujah rolls through, however, hooks Vassie's feet under his armpits, and rocks back with a catapult. He hangs onto the feet, however, and Vassie's torso hits the top rope, propelling him back-first onto Brujah's elevated knees! The fans groan as Brujah releases the ailing champ. Vassie rolls to a corner, clutching at his back and resting the back of his head on the bottom turnbuckle. Brujah rushes to the corner and delivers a sliding Basement Dropkick to Vassie's bleeding face! Brujah then stands and notices Vassie's head laying against the buckle. He grabs the top rope and places the bottom of his right boot on Vassie's face. He then slides it across in vicious fashion. He does another boot scrape, then another, then another, then rushes to the opposite ropes. On the rebound, he leaps into the air and delivers a massive kick right to the side of Vassie's face, the sole sliding off the flesh and opening the wound even more. The official admonishes Brujah, who chuckles at the bleeding and battered champ. Vassie grabs his face and crawls out of the corner. Brujah quickly capitalizes with an Oklahoma Roll! One, two, Vassie reverses to a small package! One, two, thre-kickout but barely! Brujah straddles Vassie's back, grabs a handful of hair, lifts Vassie's head back, and begins unloading vicious crossface shots with his right arm! He hits him once, then again, then again! He then applies a Camel Clutch, further damaging Vassie's injured ribs! Vassie shouts "No!" when the official asks him to submit. The fans begin stomping and clapping in an attempt to get Vassie back into the match. Vassie begins squirming, trying to find some way to counter. Somehow, Vassie works his way to his knees! The move now resembles a Steiner Recliner. Brujah releases the move and stomps Vassie's back. Vassie rolls onto his back in a prone position, so Brujah takes off and hits the ropes. He charges back at Vassie and leaps up with a STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS!)
JF: Mah gawd! A Standing Shooting Star! ONE! TWO! THR-SHOULDER UP!
(And we cut to commercial as Brujah begins raining knees into Vassie's side.)
(Back from a commercial break, and JF lets us know we're at the 22:00 mark. Brujah and Vassie, meanwhile, are fighting up top. Vassie is seated on the top buckle and Brujah is standing on the middle ropes. Brujah is slugging away at him with right hands. Vassie fires back, so Brujah delivers a loud palm strike that causes blood to squirt from Vassie's wound and draws a "WHOO" from the crowd. The force of the blow nearly knocks Vassie to the concrete. He stagers to the left and back, but Brujah grabs Vassie's trunks to keep him in position. Brujah steps up top and double underhooks Vassie's arms. He then hesitates a second before diving back and tossing Brujah across the ring with a Butterfly Superplex! Vassie gasps for air, the wind obviously knocked out of him after impact. Brujah covers with the lateral press. ONE! TWO! SHOULDER UP! Brujah stomps at the ribs, but Vassie suddenly catches the right boot, swings his legs up, grapevine's Brujah's right leg and twists, bringing the challenger down into an Anklelock/Kneebar combo! Brujah howls in pain as Vassie expertly positions himself between Brujah and the ropes. On his stomach, Brujah tries crawling to the very near ropes, but Vassie increases the pressure and Brujah has trouble moving Vassie's added weight. Vassie suddenly pops to his feet, still holding the Anklelock portion of the hold, and drags Brujah to the center of the ring before dropping down to one knee and increasing the hold's pressure! Brujah screams and reaches for the ropes in every possible direction. He begins dragging both himself and Vassie toward the far ropes. Brujah finally makes the ropes, forcing the break. Vassie lifts the challenger to his feet, but Brujah responds with another swift kick to the outside of Vassie's left thigh. Brujah just kills him with three straight leg kicks. The camera zooms in as JF points out the swelling in Vassie's thigh. A thick red bruise can be seen forming. Brujah delivers another kick, but Vassie fires back with a forearm shot. Kick, forearm, kick, forearm. Then Vassie delivers a left-handed forarm shot. A right forearm, then a left one, then a right one, then a left one, and the challenger is stagered. Vassie then spins and flos him with a Roaring Elbow! The fans erupt as Vassie wipes the blood from his face and pumps his fists. He leans down to lift Brujah up, however, and falls prey to a vicious straight right to the face! He falls straight back with an Owen Hart-like bump as Brujah stands, his black fist tape covered in blood. Cut to commercial break.)
- - - -
(Back from commercial with Vassie shooting Brujah into the corner and bouncing off the closest set of ropes. Brujah connects back-first and stagers out of the corner just as Vassie rebounds and leaps up for a bulldog. Brujah carries Vassie's momentum to the ropes, however, bounces Vassie's legs off the top, and pulls him back in with a Slingshot Backbreaker! He hooks the near leg! ONE, TWO, THRE -- SHOULDER UP! Brujah argues the count, then lifts Vassie to his feet and overhooks the arms from behind. He begins turning him for the Answer, but Vassie struggles. Brujah finally gets him turned, but Vassie shoves him forward and right into the referee! The referee is sandwiched into the corner and knocked cold. Brujah stagers back and into a Full Nelson. Brujah quickly breaks the grip, so Vassie prepares for a German Suplex instead. A lift attempt fails, however, as Brujah blocks and fires back an albow. Brujah performs a standing switch, bends down, underhooks the arms, stands upright, and drops Vassie with the ANY QUESTIONS VERTEBREAKER! The fans react with "HOLY SHIT" for Vassie's sick neck bump. Brujah rolls the champ over and covers, but to no avail. The move seems to have taken everything out of him, as he just lays on top of Vassie. Suddenly, the crowd erupts with boos as new UPW owner Craig Allen rushes down the aisle with an evil grin on his evil face! He slides into the ring and surveys the damage.)
JF: AW! AW NAW! Who the hell invited that sunuvabitch out here?! What business does he have?! He hates both these guys!
(He slowly unbuckles his belt and takes it off. He folds it, looks to the jeering crowd, and whips Brujah in the back with the belt! Brujah arches his back and howls, rolling off Vassie. Allen then whips him again making a loud cracking noise in the process. Then he mwhips the unconscious Vassie in the chest, leaving a red imprint!)
HL: WHIP 'EM! WHIP 'EM LIKE A YELLA DOG, TONY!
(Suddenly, the roof nearly blows off the arena as Brian Washington storms down the aisle! Allen looks up and sees the charging Devil Himself. His eyes bulge as the former Renegade slides into the ring. Allen drops the belt and slides out of the ring, only to be followed by Washington, who chases the owner around the ring. Allen stops for just a moment to shove the ring announcer out of his chair and swipe it. He slides into the ring with Washington in hot pursuit. As Washington stands, Allen swings the chair ... only for Washington to catch it! The two men engage in a tug of war over the chair, with neither gaining much of an edge. Brujah reaches his feet, sees Allen, and charges. Allen looks back and releases the chair, dodging as a three-way collision occurs between Brujah, the chair, and Washington! Washington falls through the ropes and to the outside, the chair drops to the mat, and Brujah follows suit. Allen, meanwhile, is recovering from his near-heart attack. Once he realizes he's out of harm's way, he smiles. He notices Vassie beginning to stir and grabs the steel chair. He raises it above his head and approaches Vassie ... who promptly delivers an uppercut to the groin! The fans pop huge as Allen clutches his manhood and rolls out of the ring. Vassie grabs the ropes and stagers to his feet. Across the ring, Brujah does the same. Vassie wipes some blood from his eyes and clutches his ribs. He turns as Brujah backs into him. Vassie quickly applies the Full Nelson, then explodes with a Dragon Suplex! He somehow struggles through the pain in his ribs, back, and thigh to maintain the bridge. The official crawls over in typical overdramatic fashion. ONE! ... TWO! ... THREE!)
WINNER and STILL UPW World Heavyweight Champion: Johnny Vassie at 38:11 via pinfall.
JF: Bah gawd! Johnny Vassie retains, but David Brujah may have had this match won if not for Craig Allen's interference!
HL: Craig Allen? It was Brian Washington's fault! He's the guy Brujah needs to blame, and I think he agrees with me!
(Indeed, Vassie clutches the belt as the crowd cheers, but Brujah is holding the back of his head and leaning through the ropes shouting obscenities at the barely recovered Washington. The camera zooms in on Brujah's angry face as we go to another break.)
- - - -
(Fading back a springful jeer turns to the image of Laura and Craig Allen standing beside one another blowing baloons. As Laura finishes her's before Craig's, she suddenly ties it once before letting it fall to the ground where there's a dozen more just like it.)
Laura Allen: Just wait til he sees this. He's going to be so surprised.
(Craig looks up at the ceiling. There, a banner displays the name "Jay" and underneathe "Congrats".)
Craig Allen: Just wait til he sees this.
(The two smile. Suddenly there's a knock at the door.)