A black screen. A "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by the Verve begins to play…Mercy’s sweat drenched face flashes upon the screen, and just as quickly is gone as the opening melody plays on. Again his face appears, changed in position, but still taken from the same moment. The face vanishes again…

As the song gets through it’s opening melody Bryan Mercy’s face flashes back on the screen. His eyes wide, his hair plastered against his face in sweat, he looks to the crowd with a childish smile on his face…

His image is abruptly replaced by Kieth Wildwing’s…his body tired and worn he holds the JWA World Title loose in hi hands. A look of content upon his face…

Banshee’s red eyes ignite the screen as he replaces Wildwing’s image. A sickened look on his face he throws his head back and releases a silent scream…

Then War’s face appears. A cocky smile upon his lips he speaks unheard words into a mic…

War’s image too flashes away as then, quickly, footage from some of the JWA’s more notable past matches begin to hit the screen..

The end to the controversial Mercy/Wildwing match…

Faith and Mass Carnage as they battle it out at And Justice For All. Blood and sweat soaked…

Jon Clark, as he seals himself a victory over Wildwing for the World title…

Clark Gregory, as he attacks the many ethnic ring announcers at a Thursday Vengence…

At the end of this string comes the last image…

Then that too fades away to be replaced by the image of a control room. Techs and staff members rush around it’s confines with headsets and clipboards. A few sit before monitors typing upon keyboards or just simply watching, and at the forefront of it all sits Benjamin J. Duke…

He stands with his hands folded in front of him and a pair of glasses upon his face…

Ben Duke: ‘Hello all and welcome to the first Thursday Night Verdict. My name is Benjamin J. Duke, writer for the JWA Scouting Report, and tonight I’ll be your host for the next hour."

Ben pauses and moves to his left a little to stand next to a monitor…

Ben Duke: "Now Thursday Night Verdict will not be a weekly show. The only time Verdict will air is right before the JWA’s PPV’s. It serves two purposes really. One, it gives us here at the JWA a chance to show you the viewer at home exactly what we have in store for you, and analyze it. Two, it allows our wrestlers to have the night off as they gear up for their respective matches. "

"You see here at the JWA President Chadman believes in protecting his wrestler’s, but at the same time giving the fans quality entertainment. So hence Thursday Night Verdict was born.

Another pause as a tech with a clipboard comes up to Ben, and the two pretend to engage in a serious discussion. A few seconds pass and his attention returns to the camera..

Ben Duke: "Pardon me, busy night. Now we’ll begin tonight’s show with a look at Blind Justices opening match. The new comer Peyton Bryce versus a mystery opponent."

"Deep down inside we all love these matches, and up until he minute the mystery opponent is unveiled we try our best to solve the mystery, and then even if we’re sure who it is…it isn’t until they come out through that curtain that we say "I knew it" and actually believe it."

An image of Peyton Bryce hits the screen. Young, cocky, arrogant, he’s the trend of the modern wrestler…

Ben Duke: "However, mystery matches also make it harder to analyze…Bryce is a young talented individual. He has the makings to be a main event, but he’s still lacking that dedication, and even though his debut match went off well…He shouldn’t so easily dismiss a mystery opponent. I could be anyone."

"I look for Bryce to put up a good showing either way win or loss, but I’m afraid I can’t make predictions on that match just yet. As for the mystery opponent? Something tells me it’s going to be the perfect surprise."

Ben smiles as the image of Peyton starts to move…

Ben Duke: "We managed to catch up with Peyton Bryce and he had this to say about his upcoming match…"

Peyton Bryce: "Oh please…what does it matter. It doesn’t matter if I know who I’m facing or not. In the end it’s always the same outcome. I win and you lose. It doesn’t get any simpler then that. So I hope this mystery opponent of mine can at least carry his side of the match because I get so damn tired of being the whole show…Until Sunday though I’ll be content with the fact that I am…the King of all Heavyweights."

As Bryce’s segment plays out the screen fades to black and Ben turns his attention back to the camera…

Ben Duke: "Something that’s interesting about the JWA’s follow up PPV to their And Justice For All show is that it has just as much if not more heat building around it then And Justice For All itself. Again we have all the titles on the line in even bigger matches. More twist and turns to the matches which makes for a show that may out do it’s predecessor…As in the case of the Trans-Atlantic title match."

"Just recently vacated by Malibu Magee President Paul Chadman appointed Clark Gregory and, also a new comer from that very same show, Tek Robbins as the number one contenders. Now I know very little about Tek Robbins although there is a strong Rumor that Tek has been let go of his contract, however the Commish will be here to try to straighten it out. There is no doubt, whether good or bad I do know a bit about Clark Gregory. But"

A pause as his smile fades away…

Ben Duke: "I have been informed to remain civil while hosting this show, and while I’m on this show I will do just that. Well earlier we caught up with the infamous King of Smoke and Current JWA Prez."

Smokey: "Unfortunately due to personal problems Tek Robbins asked to be release from his contract. It appears as of now Clark Gregory will be named the New Trans-Atlantic Title holder on Sunday, at Blind Justice. However Mr.Clark will defend that same title on the following Vengence against the person I name as the new number 1 contender. Unfortunately we will not have a match for the title. This could not have been avoided and on behalf of the JWA I apolagize to the fans for this situation and not being able to put this high quality match together."

"We caught up with both Tek and Clark and got a few of their comments pertaining to their upcoming match…"

Again Ben turns back around to the screen.

Ben Duke: "Well that is unfortunate as a professional journalist we will show you the words that Clark gave to us"

Smokey’s image fades away to be replaced by Clark Gregory’s…his segment begins…

Clark Gregory: "Is Duke gonna see this? He is? Great…Hey Dukie how ya doing buddy? Do I have you all hot down below yet? Oh I know I do sweet pea, but you’ll just have to wait for Clarky, slut. And in the time being I’ll just entertain myself with this um, Tek Robbins guy. Shows up outta the blue one day and already he wants a piece of me…Oh it feels great to be sooo wanted. Too bad he's not gonna have his turn."

"OK listen Tek…I'm gonna let you in on what you missed by bowing out of this match. See you were gonna be forced to lay down in the middle of the ring and I would have fulfilled those wild fantasies of yours and crawl on top…"

Clark’s segment ends and with a disgusted look on his face Ben turns back to the camera…

Ben Duke: "We had to cut that segment short. Anything said after that isn’t approved rating for this show…I believe after that we all need a short break. We’ll return right after these messages…"

The scene fades to black and then cuts into commercials…

Soon the commercials end and we are returned to the JWA control center…Center stage still Ben Duke…

Ben Duke: "And we’re back. Into the final stretch now as we arrive at the Hardcore match. Where we have Oasis, War, and the hardcore legend Flesh’s brother, Faith duking it out in a brick house match for the JWA Hardcore Title…I’m telling you now this will be one of the premier matches of the night. Where the champion will be decided by dumping a load of bricks on both of his opponents heads."

"This is one of those car-accident matches. Real gruesome to look at but you just can’t help yourself from looking. And look for this one to be tough fought by all competitors…War, clearly the veteran here, I look to have the best advantage for pulling away with a win and the title. If he can clear his head from his most recent loss to Gangrene and get back to the basics that made him the IOV there’s no stopping him…but that’s easier said then done. So don’t be surprised if Oasis or Faith show up with some of that rookie ambition and walk away with it all…War, the new JWA Hardcore champion. You heard it here first."

Ben turns back to the blank screen where Oasis’ image appears…

Ben Duke: "We managed to get a hold of all three and they had this to say…"

Oasis’ segment begins to run…

Oasis: "Well let me begin by saying to Smokey shine that belt up real good because that belt is going where along my waist where it belongs. Now WAR you seem to think that you actually could out do me. Out think me. Do anything better. You know when your young you make mistakes but now there will be no mistakes. No mistakes at all. You see WAR I'm not only gonna make you believe that I have improved so much that I surpassed anybody's expectations except the man of the Scouting Reports Mr. Duke. He said I had talent. He believed now it is time for the rest of the World."

"Faith there is respect that I throw out there. There is something about that word that seems to be over used but in this occasion it is the right word. You see Faith in the little time I have seen you. You have inspired me and made my competitive juices flow. You have proven yourself as a top man in the world of JWA. Then you showed that you were a man of pride and honor but this Sunday there will one thing that will happen and it will be a Victory for me. I will do anything and I mean I would jump off the Empire State Building to get this title. If you are willing to do this then come in the ring if not stay in the locker room."

Oasis’ segment ends as the camera returns to Ben…

Ben Duke: "Confident words there from the young hardcore protégé. Now on to War…"

War’s image appears on the screen and his footage begins…

WAR: "Hmm…two scrubs and me. I don’t know who do you think will win? Hell those two wouldn’t have a chance against me if I laid down, and gave them the first two counts. I’m just that good. And well put us all together in a hardcore match? Uh-huh, and I’m just called the Innovator of Violence for the hell of it right?"

"Well I guess Duke’s really the only one around here who even has a clue as to who I am and what I’m capable of. So this Sunday I’ll just let my actions introduce me to the JWA, and when the last brick has fallen you’ll find out just why WAR has survived this long."

His segment runs down, and again it returns to Ben…

Ben Duke: "And War never with a loss for words…ever. And Faith will finish the debate off."

Again back to the screen as Faith’s segment begins to play…

Faith: "…Well I’m not Will…nor have I ever claimed to be. I’m just his brother, and I’m here because I’m his brother. Don’t really care what the other two who are in this match are in it for. It just doesn’t matter. I’m here and I’m with the M.o.A to make sure that no one forgets what my brother did for the hardcore division."

"As of recent his name has been thrown around like a novelty. Wrong. It should be shown much more respect then it has been shown. A hardcore title in every major AOWF federation…along with a couple of World titles to boot, and he’s become a novelty? On the 5th when that bell sounds I’ll have my brothers best interest’s in mind as I continue hislegacy, and drop a few bricks on some damn fools head."

That segment comes to an end and the camera returns to Ben…

Ben Duke: "Legacy?…Hmm, in this match I’d look for heavy M.o.A involvement, especially from Gangrene, who has no love for either Oasis or War, and I’d look for Faith to pull something out of the ol nasty bag…After all isn’t that what Flesh was all about?"

Another pause as he turns to face the camera completely…

Ben Duke: "On that note check for the 6th edition of the JWA Scouting Report due out this Friday as I review the M.o.A as a stable along with Styx, and the returned Charm…Jeffery Drake. Make sure to pick that one up at your local news stands."

"Moving right along now we come to the JWA Television title match. The match began as nothing more then a grudge match. As Steven Anderson and Johnny Keel were about to collide again, but Keel winning the TV title from Gangrene last Thursday turned the match into a title match. Already with the no dq, submission match rules it was shaping up to be one of the highlighted matches, then along came Jose."

"As soon as Jose showed up on the scene he showed immediate interest at the TV title, but even through all his hurdled insults his challenge to Johnny Keel has went unaccepted. So for the time being it still remains Keel versus Anderson, but a presidential decision could easily change that outcome…I’m looking for Keel to hold onto his title through this one. He seems to be focused and has slowed his pace down from his first appearance here in the JWA. Of course this is all depending on what kind of affect Jose might have on the match…Johnny Keel, retains his TV title, you heard it here first."

"We caught up with Keel and Anderson to get their thoughts on this Sunday’s TV title match. We go to Anderson first…"

Again Ben turns to the monitor where Anderson’s image has appeared. His foootage begins to role…

"Superstar" Steven Anderson: "Ok, I have about ohh…two-minutes to spare on my worthless opponent, the Bleeding Heart Johnny Boy. Alright Johnny we’ve been going back and forth for awhile now, and you know what I’m really getting tired of you. Now I’m not going to blame you, because after all it is my fault for allowing you to get as far as you have…"

"But I guarantee my dim witted friend that when I grab a hold of you on Sunday it will end. As you open up your mouth and squeal like a pig. Then the world will see the Superstar take his place among the champions."

Anderson’s footage ends and Keel image appears on the screen…

Ben Duke: "And a cocky Anderson making his intentions well known. Johnny Keel, up next now…

As Duke turns back around to the screen the footage begins to play…

Johnny Keel: "Why I keep taking steps backwards is beyond me. Really I could have sworn I was done with this very dark chapter of my life. Anderson? I’m facing Anderson at a JWA PPV, and you all wonder where this confidence exudes from? Hey, listen up here Anderson this match is going to have the same ending as before. There won’t be any twist or turns. No surprises. Just me shoving my boot so far up you ass you’ll be puking laces for a week. A no dq match…this is my specialty…are you a complete idiot? Well I guess we’ll answer that this Sunday huh? Until then this is your Bloodstained Hero signing off."

Anderson’s image freezes and then fades away. The camera returns to Duke who looks back up from the screen…

Ben Duke: "We did manage to catch up with Jose Gonzalez, but he refused to comment on the match claiming that quote "There was no match because Jose wasn’t in it." unquote. I have a feeling that Jose will find his way into this match one way or another. We’ll be back right after these messages."

Again the show cuts away to a run of commercials…

After a few commercials go by the scene returns to inside the JWA Control Room. Where Duke still stands next to the monitor…

Ben Duke: "Welcome back to Verdict as we go into the final match analysis of the night. A world title match that has taken all kinds of twist and turns to get to where it is today. It started all the way back at And Justice For All. As Keith Wildwing came away with a controversial win over Flyin’ Bryan Mercy to win the World Title…"

"The roller coaster ride continued as we neared Blind Justice, and Bryan Mercy the number one contender was awarded a title shot, BUT before we made it that far along came the young upstart Jon Clark…who shocked the world and defeated Keith Wildwing in another controversial match just this Thursday to become the new World champion."

"Mercy, was still due his title shot no matter what, but the JWA decided that because of unfair play that Keith Wildwing would receive a chance to redeem himself. So the final picture comes down to Wildwing versus Clark versus Mercy for the World Title, and maybe this time we’ll finally have an undisputed champion. Unlikely but hopefully. The longer the JWA goes without credible World champions the longer it will take them to become a credible federation…"

"I’m going to maintain my confidence in Bryan Mercy and give him the call. Keith Wildwing, although very focused in the past…recently hasn’t been too focused on this match or the World title. While Mercy and Clark on the other hand are geared up 100% for the match. Now true it could go either way between Clark and Mercy, but I think Mercy’s due…Bryan Mercy, new World champion, you heard it here first."

"We managed to catch up with Mercy and Clark to get their views on their match this Sunday, but unfortunately we were unable to track down Keith Wildwing. We go first to Bryan Mercy…"

Ben, looks back to the screen as Mercy’s face appears. His segment begins to play…

Flyin’ Bryan Mercy: "I'm amazed sometimes at what the 'talent' of a wrestling federation does, and how it acts. When I was in WCIWA, I was set to be in the MidCard. One they didn't need me in Main Events. Second, I wasn't ready then, to fight the guys like Twilight and Sherril and Jamie Williams etc. Love me or hate me, within a few months, I paid my dues. How'd I get rewarded? I got put into a title match. I got put into a run with guys who were towards the top of the card. So, when I went to Merrix fed, I expected to be put in are relatively same spot, as most of the people there were familiar with me. So, of course i went into a match with Forever. Of course I lost. Of course I settled back into the midcard, earning shots against Jamie Williams. My career has grown so much since then, and some of the talent has.....disappeared, that when I came to JWA, yeah, I was the Main Eventer. Never mind that I worked through nearly an entire Royale Rumble to get there. People forget that part, usually. And, they usually forget that I should be the World Champion right now, too. But, if they need to, I've got the footage to show them, to remind them."

"Jon Clark backed his way into the title picture. That's fine. He's gotta realize, this reign of his, will be the ONLY time he sniffs the title after I win it on Sunday. Devie, he's on a soul searching mission or whatever. Hey, that's fine, Devie, go find yourself. While you're out, hopping around with Banshee, I was in a weight room. You were playing in graves, looking for mystical powers? I was watching the "Best of Devie". Well, not really, because it was only a 10 second tape. But, you get the idea."

"You know, I look around, and I see that everyone is expecting me to come out on top on Sunday. Look at all the heat I've generated the last few days. Everyone wants a piece of me. How many of these guys do you see me mention Clark in an interview? How man of these guys even notice Devie? None of them. Because I'm in the spotlight. I'm the guy they're gunning for. I took a risk when I.... when I tried to take the reigns of Forever. Excuse me, that's not entirely true. Remember, Fall III, was about Heros. When Forever ended that night, my hero went down."

"I will walk out of the Skydome on Sunday, carrying both belts. I'll walk out of the Skydome on Sunday, as your hero."

Mercy’s segment ends and Ben turns to the camera…

Ben Duke: "The heir apparent or maybe the continuation with some confident words. Now to Jon Clark…"

Duke turns back around to the screen where Jon Clark’s face has appeared. His footage begins to roll…

Jon Clark: "An upset? An upset? For crying out loud it was only Devy…It wasn’t like I was wrestling…myself or something. Ah, well that doesn’t matter it’s all old news now, and after Sunday it will remain old news along with Mercy’s dreams of aspiration and Keith’s hopes for redemption…"

"In truth am the new hope for this federation and I will lead it into a new direction. A direction that is no longer dominated by the long dead past, but reserved for a youthful future. I’m tired of hearing about the past…this Sunday I hammer the first nail into it’s coffin."

Jon’s image freezes and then fades away. The camera returns to Duke who looks back to the camera, and moves away from the monitor…

Ben Duke: "And we end or show with Clark’s words. We hoped you enjoyed this first Thursday Verdict, and we look forward to bringing you another edition of Verdict sometime in the future. If you have any comments about weather you would like to see another edition please give us a call at 1-800-JUSTICE. Because here in the JWA…you’re opinion does matter. Good night."

The screen fades to black…