MAINSTREAM 26 - KNOXVILLE - 09/07/2019

[Robert Daniels]

Seattle Pro Wrestling Presents

MAINSTREAM 26
SATURDAY - 09/07/2019
THOMPSON BOLING ARENA
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

MAINSTREAM IS LIVE FROM KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE FROM THE THOMPSON BOLING ARENA...HOME OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Ladies and Gentlemen we’re Live on the Battleground Network from the THOMPSON BOLING ARENA right here in KNOXVILLE!

INTERGALACTIC

PLANETARY

PLANETARY

INTERGALACTIC

The crowd begins to cheer, as Billy Danielson walks out onto the stage. He’s wearing a nice suit, but with his arm in a sling to keep his collarbone in place. In his free arm, he holds the Seattle Pro United States Championship. He smiles at the crowd, but it seems to be a bit hollow, as he’s clearly in a lot of physical and emotional pain. He slowly walks to the ring, unable to hi-five fans, but acknowledging them with smiles and nods. He makes his way up the ring steps, and wipes his feet on the apron before getting into the ring.

Billy slowly unfastens the belt, having a bit of difficulty with the injured arm. He holds the title high to a chorus of cheers, something he’s not necessarily used to. He holds it as high as he can, feeding off the hype of the crowd, before lowering it down to his waist. The strap touches the floor as he takes a moment. He soaks it all in one last time, before lifting the title to his face and kissing it. Billy then lays the title at his feet, and asks for a microphone. The ring-hand gives Billy what he asks for, as Billy asks the crowd to quiet down a bit.

BILLY DANIELSON: You know… This isn’t something I wanted to do.

Billy fights back a bit of emotion, as he shakes his head.

BILLY DANIELSON: For 273 days, the longest reign in Seattle Pro by at least 101 days, I’ve redefined what Pride means. So much so, that they had to rename the damn belt, because I put too much pride in being the Pride Champion.

He kind of laughs at this.

BILLY DANIELSON: For 273 days, I have cemented myself as the franchise of this company, and I know that sounds like a lot of ego-centric bullshit, but it’s the truth. I became the first grand slam champion, and the only person to have held all the original Seattle Pro belts. I have the longest reign of any title, the most defenses of any title, the first active champion to win the ECC, and the first active champion to be inducted into the hall of fame. I put a lot into this title reign, and I wasn’t done yet.

The disappointment starts to sink in, as Billy’s face goes a bit sour. Just thinking about what happened three weeks ago.

BILLY DANIELSON: I wasn’t done yet, because I was excited to see where I went. Could I make it to 300 days? A Year? Could I win the Heavyweight Title and be a double champion? I was also excited to see who would beat me. Chris Constantine Jr? Amira Kassouri? Someone else? This is all the stuff I was excited form and I know you all were excited to see that too, but clearly Bryan Blaze had other plans. Blake Mitchell had other plans.

The crowd boos the reference two the two guys that jumped Billy Danielson at the last Seattle Pro show. Billy had just beaten Blake Mitchell in a successful defense, when Bryan Blaze repeated his assault from the Hall of Fame ceremony, and attacked Billy from behind. Blaze and Mitchell would then team up to attack Billy, breaking his collarbone in the process and putting him out of action for nearly 3 months. Billy was in a lot of pain, and was definitely more upset about this incident than the fans, but he still shushes the crowd.

BILLY DANIELSON: Don’t give them your energy they don’t deserve it. They took a great thing, they took a legacy, and they literally broke it. The match ups, all of the fantasy bookings, thrown out the window. So don’t give them the energy, the ability to enjoy their misdeeds, because Bryan Blaze… Blake Mitchell… they’ll get what they deserve soon enough.

“But I’m not here, because of them…”

Billy puts his head down and points to the title laying at his feet.

BILLY DANIELSON: I’m here because I need to do what’s right. I’m here, to vacate the Seattle Pro United States Championship…

The crowd does more of a sad boo now.

BILLY DANIELSON: There’s a chance that I won’t even be able to wrestle until November, and it isn’t fair to the great talent here at Seattle Pro if I boggart this title while on injury reserve. It’s not fair to them, it’s not fair to you, and it isn’t fair to me.

“Thank you all so much for being with me on this journey, and when I come back, there will be asses to be kicked, payback to get, and a World Heavyweight Championship to win.”

“I hope whoever wins this title next is able to grow and achieve just as much as I did. Good luck.”

Billy drops to one knee, telling the title goodbye one last time, before rolling out of the ring and walking to the back. His music plays, as the crowd chants.

THANK YOU BILLY!!!

CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP

THANK YOU BILLY!!!

CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP

THANK YOU BILLY!!!

CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP

CHARLES HUDSON:  I did not see this coming Lou!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Rumors have been swirling for the last few days that Billy may not be able to compete within the contractually obligates 30 Day time frame in which you must defend your title so this is a joint decision by him and Robb Daniels this I am sure of.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Danielson has been the United States Champion for nearly 300 days! That takes a toll on person defending the title night in and night out. He needs to take this time to rest, heal and prepare for when he comes back because as the 2019 Emerald City Classic Champion he has a title shot waiting for him to use at his discretion.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  You’re right Charles. Once Billy Danielson returns he’ll be able to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship no questions asked because he earned that right this summer. We want to wish Billy Danielson the best of luck in his recovery. We’re going to go backstage for a word with James Edwards!

---

BACKSTAGE...
From inside the tunnel walks James Edwards, suited up for action, and wearing the face of a man about to do unspeakable things.

JAMES EDWARDS: I guess y'all wanna know what's to happen out there?

Edwards question is rhetorical, and the SPW camera crew are smart enough to let him say his piece.

JAMES EDWARDS: I came back here to make history, not relive it. Every damn time I start to build some traction here, somebody no-name climbs outta the gutter and jumps me. Bryan Blaze did it, and so did Eli Buchanan. Those two used me as a springboard, and I just let it go instead of breakin' their bones like I should have.

Edwards pulls up the hood on his ring jacket.

JAMES EDWARDS: These Celestial Warriors, they're doing the same thing, and I know this ain't personal. They picked the first guy with name recognition they thought wouldn't fight back, and in the past, I wouldn't have. I would've let it go, man. I can't this time. I ain't here to relive history. I'm here to make it, again. I'm gonna win that triple crown, and it starts tonight by making Carlos Cruze into a piece of history...

Edwards turns the corner and out of sight.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Standing in between his seated brothers, the latest addition to the tag team division Maximum Dynamite, was the ever-controversial Agustin Gates. He was smiling from ear to ear dressed professionally for the evening, one hand firmly placed on the shoulders of his younger brothers. The young tandem was seated on steel chairs, staring daggers at the camera before them. The Majestic One silently looked at the former two-time tag team champions for a brief moment, later returning their gaze to the camera ahead of him.

AGUSTIN GATES: Allow me to first say this. Maximum Dynamite is the next breakout tag team in Seattle Pro Wrestling TODAY! Remove your gaze from the current tag team champions. Dismiss the names of the past. Look towards the future. Look towards Steven Maximum and Elijah Dynamite. Look at the most explosive duo in professional wrestling today.

ELIJAH DYNAMITE: I’m ready to explode right now!

STEVEN MAXIMUM: For the first time ever I’m in no mood to joke around. I’m ready to bring a huge beat down on the so-called tag champs.

Gates laughed to himself as he stepped back once his brothers shot up to their feet. They slapped each other on the chests, itching for a fight. The Celestial Warriors had come to SPW with a mission. Take all of the gold for themselves. They also wanted to erase the heavily adored names that built SPW from the ground up, replacing them with theirs. The Celestial Warriors might consist of young third-generation athletes, but they certainly knew how to create a buzz wherever they went. Gates crossed his arms as his brothers faced the camera in front of them.

ELIJAH DYNAMITE: And we don’t want to wait too long for that. We demand a chance to make a huge statement in OUR future tag team division.

STEVEN MAXIMUM: Prepare yourselves for a MAXIMUM beat down from THE BEST NEW tag team in Seattle Pro Wrestling! Don’t believe us?!

ELIJAH DYNAMITE: Well you better be careful. Because you just stepped on a landmine. And you know what happens next. YOU EXPLODE INTO TINY LITTLE PIECES!

Walking in between his fired up siblings, Gates stood in front of them adjusting his tie with a smirk on his face.

AGUSTIN GATES: We talked. You listened. Now, we make an example out of someone else.

Walking past Gates, both Steven and Elijah shoves the camera backward ending the segment.

[Robert Daniels]

GRUDGE MATCH
★★★ CARLOS CRUZ ★★★
vs
★★★ JAMES EDWARDS ★★★

The bell rings and the opponents stepped forward to get things going as Carlos Cruz offers James Edwards a handshake with a sarcastic smirk. Edwards accepts the gesture with a half-hearted shake. Cruz goes to pull his hand back, but Edwards suddenly tightens his grip. James Edwards looked over his shoulder towards the stage. And right on cue, Agustin Gates appeared before the excited now turned sour crowd. Carlos cracked his knuckles staring a hole in James.

Meanwhile, The Burning Heart gritted his teeth as the sight of The Majestic One boiled his blood. Bulging veins began popping on his neck as Gates waved at the former four-time World Champion to commence their match. Annoying as ever, Gates was seen dressed as a king, crown and all, casually seated on an expensive custom made gold throne. On his right side, an exotic woman was feeding him fresh grapes while the woman on his left fanned him with a large green leaf. Gates waved out to a few irked fans, tuning out their boos and jeers. If not one of the best, Gates was certainly considered an expert in playing mind games.

Edwards connects with a pair of lightning-fast open palm strikes. With Cruz momentarily dazed, Edwards pulls him forward and chops him right in the throat. Cruz falls to both knees gasping for air, and Edwards hits the ropes, connecting with a Pole Shift (Rebound Wheel Kick) that seemingly has Cruz out like a light. Instead of covering Cruz, Edwards rises to his feet and casually kicks at the Jesus Freak, egging him to get up and fight.

While Agustin had James’s complete attention, it was enough for Carlos to crack his opponent across the face with a swift forearm shot. The blow sent The Burning Heart stumbling a bit back, making him realize his real fight was in the ring and not out.

Chasing after his opponent, Carlos pushed James against the ropes and sends Edwards into the ropes and upon the Burning Heart's rebound lays him out with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Cruz hits the ropes himself and attempts a senton but hits nothing but canvas, Edwards having rolled away at the last second. Still, too groggy to take advantage, Edwards stays on the matt and takes time to rest, a mistake on his part as Cruz is immediately back up on his feet and running forward. Cruz's standing shooting star press attempts his paydirt, but only momentarily, somehow Edwards has managed to get his hooks into Cruz and is attempting to lock in a triangle choke. Cruz fights Edwards hard in the guard, though, and the Burning Heart is forced to silence his opponent with stiff elbows to the top of the head. The shots to the head stifle Cruz's resistance, though he does offer some token struggle. The waits a few seconds and then moves in to check and see if Cruz is out. The official raises his arm, and it falls. He raises it again and still, there are no signs of life from Cruz. Cruz's arm goes up for the third time, and Edwards releases the hold. The official offers him a puzzled look, and Edwards responds, "He ain't suffered enough."

Though James was tempted to run up the ramp and personally give the same whooping Carlos was receiving to his younger brother, James knew he needed to stay on top of his fatigue and beaten down opponent. Wagging his index finger at an irked Agustin, James’s stern gaze said it all. It was only a matter of time till James had The Majestic One in his grasp. While the official was preoccupied with continuing his count on a still dazed Cruz, James took advantage to sneak out of the ring behind him. Ignoring the shouts of the official, James effortlessly picked up Cruz and tossed him back into the square. “This and more is heading your way you (bleeping) virgin!” After barking at the now standing younger brother of Carlos, James rolled himself back into the squared circle. Hoisting his frail opponent off the canvas, James hooked both his muscular arms underneath Carlos’s waist suddenly slamming him down with a potent German suplex. Once the ground and Carlos’s head stopped shaking, James went for a quick cover for 1...2...NEARFALL!

Staying on the attack, James picked Carlos up by his left arm. Halfway turning his body towards Gates, James shouted at him stating that this was all his fault. Spit flew out of his mouth as he continued to waste his breath on his hopefully next opponent. Growling down at Carlos, James slit his throat signaling the end of the match. As he did so, a woozy Carlos hit a swift forearm strike to James’s jaw. The crowd erupted in jeers after finally seeing Carlos land his first clear blow on the household name. Still aching from head to toe, Carlos was completely free from James’s cement-like grip. Gathering his bearings, Carlos willed his hurting body to land another shot to Edward’s face. The second shot made James stare up at the bright ceiling. The Lexington native stumbled back in pain, Carlos came forward, he jumped and brought an elbow down on top of James’s left shoulder. Carlos dropped to one knee, clearly in pain.

On the stage, Gates was heard demanding that his older brother stay on the attack. Leaving his royal garments on the stage alongside his two eye candies, Gates made his way down the ramp barking more and more orders. It wasn’t like Carlos wanted to make a quick prayer in the middle of a match. He was just hurting too much for him to return to a vertical base. Finally at ringside, Gates stomped his way over to his dazed and brutalized sibling. He smacked the apron with furiosity trying to be heard over the ruckus crowd. Shaking off the tingling feeling in his shoulder, James blocked out Agustin and made his way towards the still kneeling Jesus Freak.

Edwards surges forward off the ropes and hits his second Pole Shift off the contest. He quickly gets to his feet and brings a prone Cruz vertical with him. Edwards Irish whips Cruz into a corner and follows up with a shotgun dropkick to the midsection. Getting to his feet again, Edwards grabs hold of Cruz and tosses him overhead with a release Northern Lights Suplex. Edwards drops a few knees into Cruz's gut and then eyes the turnbuckle. Scaling the heights, Edwards surveys the scene below and comes flying off the top with a diving headbutt, only to crash and burn when Cruz moves out of the way!

A pissed off Edwards springs off the ropes and tries for a hat trick with a Pole Shift. This time Cruz dodges out of the way and Edwards lands with a thud on the canvas. A smirking Cruz saunters over to Edwards and taunts him. Edwards, still writhing in pain, responds with a kick to the groin. The referee can't tell if it was a low blow or not and lets the move slide. Cruz topples over, and both men are now down! The referee begins the count. 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! 7!

Edwards is the first to his feet and yells at the referee to stop the count with language that will make the more conservative audience members bristle. Edwards slowly makes his way over to Cruz and picks him up, struggling to support Cruz's weight this late in the contest with deep fatigue setting in. He Irish whips Cruz into a corner. Edwards gingerly makes his way over and fires off rapid machine gun chops into Cruz's chest. Cruz falls on his bottom, but Edwards shows no mercy he takes a step back into his corner and runs out with the Violent Gospel!

Edwards looks up the aisle at a disgruntled Agustin Gates and immediately turns his attention to Cruz's face and screams that he brought this on himself and then chops Cruz in the throat. With a wild look in his eyes Cruz sits up holding to his throat with both hands with eyes wide open. Edwards steps back and drops him with another Violent Gospel dedicated to Gates this time.

Cruz is laid out on the mat. Edwards waves off the pin attempt and he looks up at Gates pointing at him first then shows him three fingers and he looks to hit Cruz with a third Violent Gospel but as he does the official steps between and calls for the bell.

GRAHAM STEVENA: Your winner by total knock out...JAMES—EDWARDS!

CHARLES HUDSON:  I heard the Gospel and yes it was Violent!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  James Edwards with the impressive win against Carlos Cruz!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Edwards is standing on the apron pointing back at Agusta Gates mouthing ‘you’re next’.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I was told near the ending of this match that if Edwards was to win then he would face off against Agusta Gates one on one at Mainstream 27 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Now let’s take a commercial break and when we return we’ll see Coral Rose defend the World Television Championship against number one contender Jason Cashe!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

DURING THE BREAK...
The cameras cut to the back as Coral is in her locker room. Coral was looking at WL, while she was getting ready. She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She looks away from WL, looking down at her World Television Championship sitting on the bench. She smiles softly.

CORAL ROSE: You know when I won the World Television Championship, I honestly thought it would be different than before when I was the World Heavyweight Champion. Sadly though, I am finding it's not all that different in some ways. There has been betrayal like before, only this time it's not me doing it. There's been me losing it. Something I do regret and realized it was a mistake.

Coral looks down, shaking her head.

CORAL ROSE: Still this isn't about me losing it, this is about defending my championship against Jason Cashe. I'll admit, I was an idiot falling for his friendship, his lies. I really thought we were friends, but I was wrong. I should have expected it, Cashe proved he is no better than some people. That's okay, I don't need people like him as friends, I have better people. I have come to see Cashe as being nothing but a hater like others. You know something, I may have got lost once because of it, but now I know and will remember that the haters mean nothing, they can honestly go themselves.

She shakes her head.

CORAL ROSE: Still off of that, and onto my match. I keep asking Jason what will he do when he loses. He's actually told me to suggest things, he will make a deal with me and stuff. Honestly, I could care less if he wants to make a deal, I am not in this to cost someone their job because they lost to me. There is no reason for it. Honestly, if I lose, I will go over what went wrong, and find ways to correct it. I will move on from it once I figure out what went wrong. Unlike some, I won't get frustrated, I won't go on some revenge spree. Hell, I won't even care if I get a rematch.

She pauses for a few seconds.

CORAL ROSE: If I win, honestly, I would give Jason another shot, I would give anyone a shot, even Annie. I hope Robb is hearing that and looking towards my next defense. Don't take this as I am looking at Jason as an easy win because I know he won't be easy to beat. I will do everything I can to beat him, to show him the destruction I can cause in the ring. If I do lose, he will be having a hard time beating me. I will do all I can to retain my title, I hope Jason knows that.

Coral glances at WL as she nods.

CORAL ROSE: Jason, I think all that's left to say is, I hope you are ready for some destruction. I'll see you out there.

Coral grabs her title, while WL moves over to her. She gives him a quick kiss before heading out of the room.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I am here with the Number One Contender to the World Television Championship! The DiOGee, Jason Cashe and tonight has to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders! How do you feel?

Almost the perfect vintage look to how the setting was. A Seattle Pro logo posted on the wall behind them as Kinsley held a microphone and Jason Cashe stood at her side ready to respond to the question asked.

JASON CASHE: I feel like that new car smell. Kinsley, I feel like someone pulled the old rechargeable out of my back and replaced it with a new, freshly charged battery! That little pink rabbit banging drums ain't got S*** on me and tonight? Coral Rose.. like the batteries in your sex toys, I will leave you spasming on the canvas and ready for a nap.

Almost spitting out, Samantha Kinsley laughs. Trying to maintain her professional courtesy. She follows up with a statement and question.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: This match is a little personal isn't? You portrayed a friend, trained with her only to eventually get a shot at her title. Since then, you've said you would leave SPW if she beat you. Has it really come to that?

JASONCASHE: Let's just ignore that she said she would vacate the Title after the match was booked. Let us forget that she said win or lose, she would quit and walk away simply because people were being mean. This is Professional F***ing Wrestling!! You better come with thicker skin because Coral? Oh so much worse can be done to you! That's why I asked for no colors, no bright smiles and matching gear. Bring anything other than the Coral that wiped the FLOOR with Izzy and it WILL be your last match but you won't have a choice in the matter..

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Jason or Cashe? Who am I speaking too and who will be out there tonight, fighting for the TV Championship?

Giving her a slight grin, only a corner of his smile bones are shown. His head tilts as he stares at her before wiping his mouth with his index finger and thumb.

JASON CASHE: I've come to understand that it never mattered. See, I am Jason and Cashe. That's just my name. What I am is Broken. Busted, Warped, Foul, an Addict, a Fool and a Junkie, I am sure people can add more to that list but that's who I am. What the means is that while I am not out to use a weed wacker on an opponent in some deathmatch, I am an athletic dysfunction that has less to lose when it comes to looking good or having pride for very much at all. I give no F***s because I have none left to give! So be it the Jason in me handling the gameplans and doing the talking, or the Cashe in me standing and trading with someone blow for blow, shot for shot. I am there. Me. The next Seattle Pro World TV Champion.. Anything else?

Kinsley nods, raising a single finger. One question remained in her head. She asks it.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: What attracts you to the TV Title? You made a claim for it when you first arrived. You have fought for it twice when Mariano Fernandez held it.. Why?

JASON CASHE: Heh.. Because THIS is a Face for Television and as The Champion, I will BE the As Seen On TV that moments in this sport SHOULD be!

Reaching over, Cashe softly touches Kinsley's forehead with the tip of his index finger. He turns and leaves the capture of the recording.

[Robert Daniels]

SEATTLE PRO WRESTLING
WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
★★★ CORAL ROSE (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ JASON CASHE ★★★

As the bell sounds off, Coral Rose races at Cashe! She runs up him looking for a quick Shining Wizard but Cashe shoves her off. She flips back and lands on her feet! Cashe dives at her with a clothesline but she ducks and springs forward, hitting the ropes. As Cashe turns around, Coral again climbs up him but instead of a Wizard, she locks in her Triangle Choke (CAB) and drops down to her back, locking it in!

He screams, he struggles and fights to break the hold. The referee watching closely would sure see any biting or pinching. Yet Cashe fought. Pushing to his knees, he simply rolled her up, legs over head. The referee transitions to a pin attempt for 1…2...KICKOUT!

Coral had to release the hold. Cashe's eyes were glossed over. He was moments from tapping out. Coral is up first but Cashe followed seconds after. The two go to lock up but Coral front kicks him to his knee. He wobbles and falls into the ropes behind him. Coral steps towards him, leaps and spins, hitting a Spinning Knee Strike that knocks Cashe through the ropes. He fumbles out onto the ring apron. Using the ropes for leverage, he pulls up but Coral is there to grab his head and upper body through the middle rope. She makes no hesitation as she drops back and spikes Cashe with a Rope Pull Piledriver!

Coral goes for the pin but Cashe puts his foot on the ropes. The count doesn't even hit 1. She rises and brings him up with her, Cashe burst free of her grapple. Wildly throws both hands, open palms to each side of her head. Slapping each ear with a Bell Clap. Coral hears ringing! She covers her ears and bends over as it gives her an instant headache. Impressed with himself using a sophisticated move, he taunts a bit, popping his imaginary collar. Coral pops up, Cashe freezes shocked as Coral goes for her "Dick Kick". Cashe catches it, swings her leg to the side but she uses the momentum and whirls around before hitting her "Spin of Destruction!" Cashe's head twists from the blow as spits blubbers from his mouth and he drops to the canvas and makes the cover for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Coral was a touch surprised. Snatching Cashe up off the canvas. Coral goes for a Rolling Snapmare, potentially looking to hit her "Seductive Destruction" but Cashe pulls free of the Snapmare. Coral falls forward but hurries to stand. As she does, Cashe leaps up and connects with his "UTI" Jumping Neckbreaker! He lays across her as the referee slaps the canvas for 1...2…KICKOUT!

Shaking his head. Cashe pushes up off a knee. Nodding as if going over the game plan, Cashe rips Coral off the canvas. Her colorful hair gripped in his hands, she gets to her feet. Cashe Irish Whips Coral across the ring, keeping close behind her. As she puts her back to the ropes, he looks to clothesline her but Coral ducks and shoulder lifts Cashe over the top ropes. He plummets hard to the outside. As he groggily gets up, Coral runs up to nearby turnbuckles and flips over in a twisted senton to the outside. Cashe dives out of the way like he was trying to avoid a grenade. Coral crashes hard into the ringside floor, knocking herself a little silly.

On the outside, Cashe yanks Coral by her hair as she gets to her knees with birds of daze flying over her head. Cashe punches her in the face and gets boos from the crowd. Smiling, he decides he likes the boos and does it again and again and again. Ripping her to her feet by her hair, Cashe drags her over the steel stairs at the outside corner post. Like she slipped and fell long ways, she laid on the stairs. Cashe pulling her head back by the hair, punches her to the face again.

Softly, he lays her face against the edge of the top steel step. He stands on the top step but steps up onto the ring apron and to the crowd, he slaps his left knee. Leaping from the apron, he goes to drop down in a curb stomp like knee to the back of her head. Coral moves. Cashe howls out as he dumps off the stairs, holding his knee in tremendous pain.

There were chants from the crowd! Coral with almost a scared look to her, seeing how far Cashe was trying to go. She slow rolls into the ring. The referee gets to the count of 7 before Cashe even moves towards the ring. Clawing himself towards it, he uses the apron skirt and pulls himself up. At the count of 9, Cashe gets himself under the ropes. His leg still being held, clearly in pain and maybe injured. Coral Rose slowly gets him to his feet. He keeps hold of the ropes to help his balance. Coral slaps him in an overhand. He snaps a look at her and she slaps him again. Cashe bucks up as mad as a stick poked dog and Coral slaps him even harder! So hard, both legs buckled and he almost went down. Placing an arm under his armpit, Coral runs him a few steps and hip tosses him into the corner turnbuckles. He lands upside down.

Coral falls from the toss and scoots away from him. Getting himself right side up, Cashe pushes off his good leg to get out of the corner, both of them tired. Coral gets to a sprinter's stance and springs forward. Cashe walks a few steps and stumbles as she rushes in and hits him with a Bicycle Knee to the chest. He flings back hard into the turnbuckles and as she scurries to her feet, Cashe erupts from the corner. Leaping from his feet and clobbers her with his "Mark of JASON" Superman Elbow. He drags himself over her, one hand down at his leg for 1…2...KICKOUT!

Rolling onto his back, Cashe roared out in a scream! Coral shoving him at his head and body to get off her, she punches him to the ear. Some payback from the earlier bell clap. Cashe uses his far right, swings up and over an open palm, coming down into the face of Coral. A face open palm slap? As he tries to get up, Coral upkicks him to the face. He drops before he fully rises.

The two use each other to get up off the canvas. Some dirty boxing, shorts shots and slaps at close range. Coral gets up first, spins and looks for the Snapmare. Cashe pushes her away, she turns towards him and takes a toe kick to the mid section. Cashe yanks her into a headlock, slides her into a suplex before hooking a leg and making it a Fisherman's grapple. Cashe in a swift motion, lifts, twists and slams her down with a Spinning Fisherman Buster. He crawls and makes the cover as she flops flat on the canvas for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENA: Your winner by pin fall and NEW SEATTLE PRO WRESTLING WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION...JASON—CASHE!

CHARLES HUDSON: I expected fireworks! The betrayal, the hate that has built between them.. This was amazing! What was that move he finished her with? I don't think we've seen Cashe use that before..

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The DiOGee has learned a new trick and with it, he is now our NEW World Television Champion! Round of applause for Coral though, that girl put on a Fight!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Coral Rose has nothing to hang her head on tonight. One would have to believe she’ll be granted a rematch for the title.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Jason Cashe is now the fifth person to hold the World Television Championship so Congratulations to him! We’re going to take a break and we’ll be back after a word from our sponsors!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED...
The members of the Tenacious Wrecking Crew, Dom Harter and Annie Zellor, are sitting on a sofa somewhere with their Seattle Pro Tag Team titles resting on their laps. Leaned back, with his arm around his fiancée’s shoulders, Harter speaks first.

DOM HARTER: Hello loyal Seattle Pro fans. It’s us, your reigning and greatest ever Seattle Pro Tag Team Champions. Sorry we couldn’t be at the show tonight but…well we’re not under contract and we’ve seen what happens to those people…

ANNIE ZELLOR: You’re not getting these belts off us that easy.

She shakes her head, smirking all the while.

DOM HARTER: Absolutely not. But fear not, Seattle Pro, because now the deadweight has been removed– now they’ve been sent packing off to NVR, where the lesser Harters roam–

Take that, Dickie!

DOM HARTER: –maybe our esteemed leader, Robb Daniels, will finally have the money to meet our contract demands. And maybe – just maybe! – the Tenacious Wrecking Crew will one day be Seattle Pro Wrestling superstars!

He speaks in a grandiose manner, gesticulating for emphasis before Annie takes over.

ANNIE ZELLOR: We gots to get paid! ‘Cause– see before we’re gonna be stepping foot in a Seattle Pri ring again, we’ve got a couple of dates to meet.

DOM HARTER: Very important dates.

ANNIE ZELLOR: Uh huh, and since A.J. Morales isn’t here for us to kick around anymore, we’ve, like, gotta go further afield! All the way to Japan to defend these belts against…

Annie shudders before saying the name; the vision of a naked Teiji Shintaro and Cactus Jack Bronson filling her mind as she pinches the bridge of her nose.

DOM HARTER: …The Ultraviolence Union! Before we’re sent to NVR on a good will mission. To face the Army of Darkness, and show NVR fans what tag team titles are. And when we’re done– when we’ve beaten the best that NVR has to offer…

ANNIE ZELLOR: And defeated the Ultraviolence Union at Violence Dream 2, right here on the Battleground Network! We’re gonna be back, Seattle Pro. And then, we’re gonna get paid!

They both smile for the camera– real big, shit eating grins that just make you want to punch them for acting so damn smug – as the scene fades out, and the show cuts elsewhere.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
We got to the back where Samantha Kinsley is standing by outside the locker room, where four masked individuals are standing guard. She smiles warmly at the camera and nods to the viewers before speaking.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m outside the private locker room of former Seattle Pro Wrestling World Champion, Eli Buchanan. I’m hoping to speak with him a head of his match tonight against a yet to be named opponent.

She approaches the door but the masked individuals block her path, backing her off. The door suddenly opens and Riel walks out. He puts this hands on the shoulders of his masked goons and they back off.

RIEL BUCK: Ms. Kinsley, so good to make your acquaintance. You obviously know who I am already, so let’s bypass the pleasantries here. Whatcha wanna know?

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Actually, I was hoping to speak with Eli directly. Is it possible I can speak with him about…

Riel reaches out and places a finger on her lips.

RIEL BUCK: The answer is no. No one speaks to Eli but me and my friends here (waving to the masked individuals). You want to know why? It’s because Eli doesn’t want to talk to any of you anymore. He doesn’t want to indulge your curiosities or answer any of your stupid jokes. He’s tired of having to taking his focus off the things that truly matter to him, like winning back his World Title and becoming the single greatest fighter in the history of this company, to have to waste his time speaking with anyone outside of his inner circle.

“You want to know how Eli is feeling? Hungry! For months and months Eli Buchanan has been chomping at the bit to get back into a Seattle Pro ring. Samantha, my dear younger brother has been cleared to compete since the beginning of June and has been completely stonewalled by the this company! Meanwhile, he’s been wrestling elsewhere, kicking ass and winning titles. Tonight, he plans on bringing all that pent up frustration and all that rage with him into the ring and we don’t care who it is that stands across the ring from him, because I guarantee two things are going to happen. Number one, they’re going to get their face smashed; and number two, they’re going to get choked out!”

Riel chuckles to himself for a moment.

RIEL BUCK: Do you know where the safest place is when a dragon’s on the attack?

Samantha shakes her head.

RIEL BUCK: By his side!

He turns to leave, but halts and turns back around.

RIEL BUCK: Speaking of which, why don’t you and I meet up after the show and…

He leans forward and whispers something in her ear. Her disgusted look in response says it all, as he offers her a wink before turning back around and heading back into the locker room. Samantha visibly shakes once he’s gone and turns back to the camera.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I feel dirty after that interview, I think I need go shower. McKayla, Charles, back to you.

[Robert Daniels]

NVR WRESTLING
WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
★★★ TRIXIE (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ CHRISTINA IDOL ★★★

The bell rings and it’s Christina Idol approaching Trixie looking for a test of strength but Trixie looks around and notices the considerable height difference between her and Christina but still goes back and forth with her exchanging forearms instead.

Trixie gets knocked to the ring ropes and then irish whipped as Christina looks for a back body drop. Trixie holds the ropes and then pulls them down to send Christina to the outside where Trixie lands a diving bulldog off the apron. Trixie taunts Idol before exiting only to bring her back into the ring.

Trixie gets struck with two front kicks and Christina hoists her up for an Alabama Slam. Fortunately, Trixie grabs the ring ropes and forces Christina to let her go. Trixie fends off Christina with some chops but as she picks up some speed with the ropes, Christina catches Trixie in a sleeper hold and drags her to the mat.

Christina tries to get Trixie with a release dragon suplex, but Trixie would break one arm free and use Christina's own weight against her with a judo throw! Trixie then combos into an armbar on the ring mat. Christina locks her hands but Trixie's lands a few heels into her gut to break the grip and locks in her finisher, The Wrestling Apology as Idol is forced to submit!

GRAHAM STEVENA: Your winner by submission and STILL NVR WOMEN’S CHAMPION...TRIXIE!

The video monitor statics as the fans turn their attention to it. When the static is over the scene shows a man with his back to the camera sitting in a chair with the words "IOG" bedazzled onto it. A few of the fans murmur with speculations of who it could be.

They see a make up artist walk up to the man clearly helping him look presentable for the camera whenever he decides to turn around to look into it. Instead of doing so he speaks.

CHARLES HUDSON: Look who it is Lou! It’s Bryan Ford! I had heard the rumors but it must be true!

BRYAN FORD: Seattle... this is a nice change of pace. And as popular as you think yourselves to be... it's about to be double... no... triple that. I've taken a notice to you all... and trust and believe that's not a light statement at all.

“But there's something missing... something crucial actually. You guys are lacking pizzazz... charisma... star power. Let's face it every sports team has their captain or their house hold name and while a lot of you could easily fit that category... many of you only have one of the very characteristics I listed just now. You need someone who has the whole package. You need..."

The man stands, up dusting his blazer off of any dust, turning around to reveal his face as the camera pans up to it. It's Bryan Ford, as many of the fans know his face. He gives a smirk looking directly into the camera lens.

BRYAN FORD: You need me... and Seattle...I'm here.

The fans erupt as "DNA" by Kendrick Lamar hits the speakers. Jumping for joy as they wait to see the ‘Innovator of Greatness’ hit the stage but no one appears.

Ford gives a laugh

BRYAN FORD: You didn't let me finish... I'm here... in Los Angeles right now. Handling business but as I said. Seattle has appeared on my radar... so let's just say your boy is looking to bring the Bryan Ford Show to you live...in due time.

Bryan smiles pulling out some black shades as he sets them over his eyes.

BRYAN FORD: But the question is...when and where will I begin the new season? Well that's for me to know and you to find out. Let's build the anticipation a bit shall we? But trust me when I say... the day I set foot on the grounds of Seattle Pro... will be the greatest day of Professional Wrestling History. See ya soon Seattle!

Bryan lowers the shades a bit as he gives the camera a wink before it fades to black.

CHARLES HUDSON: Ladies and Gentlemen it appears that Bryan Ford has or intends to sign on the dotted line with Seattle Pro Wrestling!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: When we return from commercial break we’ll see former World Heavyweight Champion—Eli Buchanan returns to singles competition!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

DURING THE BREAK...
18 years. A veteran in the business who has seen ups and downs more than the average. These last few years have been a struggle for Cashe and he just turned 34 yesterday. There wasn't a celebration of friends backstage waiting for him. Those days were gone.

JASON CASHE: Eye. See. You…

He sat alone. He sat at the center of a locker room that usually was where multiple talent stored their stuff. Yet nobody else was around. He sat on his knees and before him, stretched out from strap to strap was the Seattle Pro Television Championship.

JASON CASHE: Coral.. I won this from you tonight but.. I am not sure that I've yet earned it.

Slowly, Cashe reaches down and grabs the belt with both hands. As if it were a mirror, he holds it up and stares into the main plate.

JASON CASHE: I could make a joke and say the DiOGee got his bone. I could say that now things will truly change for me. The losses, the struggle to find my footing. Like a cruel joke do I finally claim a goal set. Do I become the transitional champion that just passes it to the very next to challenge for it? See Coral.. I misjudged you.

I expected little from you and just the same, folks expect little from me too. You wanted to run and off the words from Eli Buchanan, you decide to stay. Should I thank him? Maybe offer him an opportunity because that is all this was for me! A free opportunity, not earned through competition but handed outright. See Coral? I see what sits in my reflection. I OWN who I am now, in the past and who I will be moving forward!

The difference is now? I am planning the moves I make moving forward. I cannot win every opportunity, I don't live in that luxury. What luxury I do now have though is being the NEW Television Champion! A Title I wanted, fought for, hurt for and have taken a long road to get to it! Now comes the challenge to defend it. Do what you did, do what Manny did or any Champion that came before me.

Maybe for the first time since winning it, Cashe slides the TV Title onto his shoulder. Tracing its design with the tip of his fingers.

JASON CASHE: Do I feel like a Champion? No. Do I feel I have earned this? Not even remotely. So come one, come all...

Through some aches and pains, Cashe pushes up to one knee. Then to standing, he adjusts himself and the the title draped over his shoulder.

JASON CASHE: Take it from me. I have no plans to sit around and just hold a title. I can buy a f***ing replica or go to one of them small shows down the road and win some. No, this DiOGee wants to fight for it every match as if I am fighting to win it every time I step into that square of ropes and canvas. So talk to Robb or come pick you a fight because until someone takes this from me? I am Mr. As-Seen-On-TV because I am THE World Television Champion! How. Bout. That!

With his head tilted, his mouth open wide with his smile bones showing. Jason Cashe raises the TV Title close into his face.

[Robert Daniels]

The lights in the arena go dark, and all eyes turn to the big screen.

After a few seconds, the screen fills with a rapid-fire graphics package combining Seattle Pro highlights with wide shots from different cities in Red State Revolver’s domain, all set to dramatic strings and skittering double-time breakbeats. Every few seconds, one letter of the phrase “In the Lup” flashes on screen in the sort of font used on an old typewriter.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: And now, LIVE from Knoxville, Tennessee, Natural Innovations presents In the Lup with Scott Lupinacci: Homecoming Edition!

Finally, a CGI Seattle Space Needle soars up from the bottom of the screen, taking us to the set of the show, where a small but excited live audience applauds as Scott Lupinacci, carrying the Evolution Television Championship in one hand, makes his way down to his desk in one of his usual punk-influenced, mock-formal suits, though this time, he’s incorporating a lot more red into the look than usual. Once he’s there, he sets the belt up so it’s facing the camera and starts straightening out his notes.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Thank you, thank you! Howyoudoin’, everybody? I’m Scott Lupinacci, and this is a special edition of In the Lup, where we bring youse hard news, interviews, and everything you need to know to stay in the loop. Now, normally, my beat’s over in Evolution Wrestling in Scotland and Ireland, but tonight, it’s my honor and privilege to be reportin’ on Seattle Pro and comin’ home to the city that gave me my big break, Knoxville, Tennessee!

The cheap pop creates an uproar of applause and cheers, especially from those who watched those Red State Revolver shows and saw Scotty’s initial breakthrough as it happened.

CROWD: SCOTTY! SCOTTY! SCOTTY!...

Judging by the look on his face, even Scotty wasn’t expecting this. He has to fight back a tear or two as he listens to the chants, and he lets them run their course, straightening out the papers on his desk. As he does so, we switch cameras to get him onto the left side of the frame, while on the right, a CGI silver crown falls from the top of the frame, followed shortly after by a larger golden crown, which obscures the first. Beneath the graphic, the words “Empress Unites the Thrones?” type themselves onto the screen.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, youse know the drill, let’s get right into the main story. My guest tonight is a former Seattle Pro World Television Champion, but that’s just one piece of the incredible hot streak for 2019 that she’s on. We’re talkin’ top champion of Rebellion Pro PEAK, top champion and double champion on Yamashi Pro’s After Dark brand, the first interpromotional champion of any kind in the Southside-Evolution Pact...all at the same time. Right this second. And in tonight’s main event, she’s gonna try and add the Seattle Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship to that trophy case in a title unification match for the ages. If she ain’t a legend in this sport already, she will be soon enough, and that ain’t just my personal opinions talkin’...even if, full disclosure, she’s the love of my life. Please welcome the WTC Destiny Crown Champion, Amira Kassouri!

The live audience applauds - some even cheer - as Amira Kassouri enters from the left. She is wearing a green “DESTINY’S CHILD” crop top, pleather skirt, tights and boots; the Destiny Crown Championship slung over her shoulder. Amira soaks in the reaction from the audience with a warm smile before turning to embrace Scotty with a kiss.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: So, how you doin’, sweetheart?

AMIRA KASSOURI: I’m glad to be here. Thank you for having me.

She chuckles as they both sit down either side of the desk.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, let’s get into this, ‘cause these people didn’t come here just to watch us flirt. Let’s start with the—

Scotty goes silent, freezing up as he slowly puts two fingers to his earpiece. It seems there’s a producer talking in his ear.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Sorry, folks, one second…

Scotty listens intently to the producer, but his expression quickly turns confused, and we end up hearing one side of a very candid conversation...

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Whaddaya mean, you...?...Oh, for Chr—I don’t need to do that, there’s already—...look, it’s my show, I know how to—

Scotty winces, as the producer yells loud enough that we can hear his voice, even if we can’t make out whatever tirade said producer is on.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, a’right, Jeezus! I’ll f**kin’ ask about it! Just lemme do my job, a’right? We’re live here…

Scotty takes a deep breath to recenter himself as Amira gives him a puzzled look.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Sorry about that...well, they must do business a little different here, ‘cause I’m told there’s some topics we absolutely need to cover that I ain’t got listed on my notes here. You good with that?

AMIRA KASSOURI: I mean, yeah - as long as they’re not dumb questions.

Scotty bites his lip and straightens his notes out.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, so Scotty’s producer wants to know...there’s been mad controversy surroundin’ Seattle Pro in the past week and a half, ever since we found out that multiple key members of the roster were released from their contracts at the start of June, primarily over their involvement to NVR Wrestling, and have been workin’ on handshake deals since then. There’s been a social media firestorm since then, it’s escalated the rivalry between Seattle Pro and NVR to new heights…you, on the other hand, was one outta 13 people that made the cut and maintained their Seattle Pro contract. Why do you think that is, and what do you get outta workin’ for Seattle Pro that other places maybe don’t have to the same degree?

AMIRA KASSOURI: Well obviously I have no ties to NVR, so I’m sure that’s part of it. I’d also like to think Robb sees me as a big part of Seattle Pro moving forward. Looking down the roster… I don’t know, it’s looking kinda bleak without some of the old guard. As for what I get out of working for Seattle, well I came here to make a foothold in North America. I’m more known in Europe and now Japan but wrestling here opens up a whole new market and the chance to cement myself as a global star. But look, I’m not gonna make out I’m diehard Seattle in this rivalry with NVR. My home federation will always be Evolution Wrestling because that’s where I made my name, but I will continue to do my best to represent Seattle Pro until the arrangement is no longer beneficial.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Speakin’ of homes, you’ve been tweetin’ about your search for some real estate in the States to go with your place in Dublin, Ireland...any updates on that you wanna share?

AMIRA KASSOURI: I was between Seattle and Miami. The latter for a route into Southside. As Revolution Champion, I’m getting more and more bookings there. Not gonna lie, even though I think my spot on the Seattle Pro roster is safe, the recent cull has still put me off committing to a property here. You never know what’s round the corner. I know you suggested Brooklyn but if I’m in New York, I’ll just stay with you, right? I wanna make life on the road a bit easier. It’s helped me so much having a base in Dublin to fully prepare before Evolution matches and unwind afterwards.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: No kiddin’—especially when it’s your place in Dublin I’m crashin’ at.

He winks at the camera, then turns back to his guest.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Now, back to the brand wars...as we already mentioned, SPW has 13 people on official contracts, but there’s one guy in particular who the NVR side keeps bringin’ up, and that’s the GIW North Beach Champion, Agustin Gates. Gates has expressed some, uh...let’s just say Upstate opinions about some social issues on Twitter, and thanks to that and various other incidents involvin’ him, the NVR side has been holdin’ Gates up as an example of somebody who should not be signed to Seattle Pro—at least, not instead of Trixie, Izzy Van Doren, Manny Fernandez, or any of the other big names that got cut. So I’m curious, what’s your stance on this Gates guy?

AMIRA KASSOURI: Hm. As you know, I grew up around chauvinist values. Old school Muslim family. I was told my life would be spent cooking and cleaning for my husband and children - and that it should be an honour. To see this neek all over social media spewing these tired old narratives about women… it’s just trash. Gates might be a decent wrestler and he certainly brings eyes to the product. But at the same time, he damages the brand of any promotion he’s involved in and Seattle is no exception.

As the crowd starts cheering and applauding for Amira—after all, Gates has displayed open contempt to the fans everywhere he’s gone so far—Scotty stands up and starts looking at somewhere behind the camera, presumably where the producers are at.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: OK, can we get to the questions I wrote now?...Yes?...OK, good, just don’t wait ‘till the cameras are rollin’ to spring this stuff on me next time, capisce?

The noise dies down, and Scotty sits back at his desk.

AMIRA KASSOURI: Hey Scotty, I see you’ve got that new Evolution Wrestling Television Championship with you tonight. It’s looking good. Congratulations once again. You know, I was gonna bring my other belts but it’s a nightmare at customs.

We make a subtle shift in camera angles to put more spotlight on Scotty’s gold as he rests a hand gently on the front plate.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: No kiddin’! They gave me enough trouble with this one when I got to LaGuardia…

He takes his notes and checks them again as the camera switches back to the previous angle.
SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, let’s get to the good stuff...so you’re walkin’ into tonight’s matchup as the sixth, and probably the last, Destiny Crown Champion. It’s a title that’s floated in Seattle Pro’s orbit pretty much for its entire existence—every single champion has been prominent in Seattle Pro at some point—but the question of what kinda title it is seems to be up for some debate. Some people call it about on par with SPW’s own World Television Championship, some people call it a world title in its own right...but before this title unification fight, before the SPW World Heavyweight title absorbs it, I wanna know, what does this Destiny Crown mean to you?

AMIRA KASSOURI: Yeah, it’s hard to define. I think if there is any doubt over the status of a championship, it probably can’t be considered level with a world title. It’s like all or nothing, you know? But I definitely think the Destiny Crown was elevated to new heights by the series between SILK and Cosmo. We never saw a conclusion to the series but the energy surrounding it certainly made the Destiny Crown feel like a world title. At least, to me. So winning meant a hell of a lot. I notched up my first defence against Dayna Grace at the last show but I haven’t had the chance to tour overseas as champion. I’m hoping to defend against the best around the world and really establish this as one of the most prestigious interpromotional titles.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Before we get to the Heavyweight title, let’s run with the belt levels theme for a bit, ‘cause this ain’t the only gold you got that prompts those questions. It’s interestin’, ‘cause like...there’s a divide between the top titles and the world titles that people don’t always think about, y’know? I mean, the After Dark Championship’s a top title, but it’s not necessarily promoted as a world title the way Yamashi promotes the Death Trip Wrestling World Championship. The PEAK Championship is PEAK’s top title, but it’s a sub-brand of Rebellion Pro, so it’s not promoted as a world title, the way the Rebellion Championship is. And then there’s your SEP Revolution Championship, which has worldwide, interpromotional recognition, it could be the top title in one of those promotions, but put it next to the SEP World Championship and suddenly it’s harder to answer whether it’s a really a world title. So the way you look at it, do any of those titles already make you a world champion, or would a win tonight be the moment that officially brings you to that status?

AMIRA KASSOURI: I… I don’t know. In my eyes, the Revolution Championship is the top title in SEP. It doesn’t really matter who’s SEP World Champion because they were crowned long after I’ve been leading the Pact. Surely being the figurehead of a new coalition constitutes world champion status? But... I know I’m contradicting myself here because I just said if there’s any doubt it’s probably not a world title. So I guess winning here tonight would be my first official world title. As much as I’m loathe to admit it.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Now, obviously, in order to get that World Heavyweight Championship, you gotta beat the defendin’ champ, SILK—

AMIRA KASSOURI: Nah, he’s gotta beat me.

The crowd goes up into an uproar that’s one part booing, one part cheering, and two parts “Oh, sh*t, did she just say that?” Scotty, for his part, turns to the crowd, throwing his hands up defensively.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Hey, she said it, not me.

AMIRA KASSOURI: I’m 2-0 against SILK. He’s gotta beat me.

Scotty can’t help cracking up a bit at that one as he turns back to Amira.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: That you are. Now, where were we? Oh, yeah...so you and SILK, youse used to be...not as close as we are, obviously, but still pretty close. Your first title shot in the company was you and him versus Da TrixTeam for the tag titles. What was it exactly that made that alliance fall apart?

AMIRA KASSOURI: To answer that we need to go back to the start. SILK is actually the reason I started wrestling in Seattle. He had been following my work in Europe and hit me up about competing over here. I didn’t really know anyone so we started hanging out after shows; he showed me around the bars downtown - you know I like a drink. But when I accepted Dame’s invitation to join The Conglomerate, me and SILK went our separate ways because of his issues with certain members of the stable. Honestly, I didn’t realise how deep that feud was - and still is to this day - but my decision was no slight on him or anyone else. I just saw an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the world.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Can’t blame you for that...so when you and SILK had that fight backstage after Mainstream 23, the one that started the whole chain of events leadin’ up to tonight...first of all, how did that fight happen, and second, what was goin’ through your head in the moment?

AMIRA KASSOURI: Ah, it was about some disrespectful shit he said on Twitter just to get a reaction. I let you address it at the time but I’d been waiting for a chance to confront him about it face to face. There wasn’t any need for him to go low when I never dog piled with the rest of The Conglomerate when they went at him. Guess I was pretty mad when I called him out and from there... I mean, we’re wrestlers so it doesn’t take much before punches start flying. The red mist came over me. Purple for him.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: Now, I’m not gonna ask you to give your whole fight plan away, but what’s one thing you learned from the triple-threat in Portland that you’re hopin’ will come in handy tonight?

AMIRA KASSOURI: To keep my distance. SILK is a lot bigger, stronger and more powerful than me. If he builds momentum, he can cause some serious damage. I know I’m going to be on the backfoot in this match. I have to keep moving. The best way to defeat him is to frustrate him. All I need is that hint of desperation, an opportunity opens and BAM. He’s out. I pick my spots and I’m highly prolific with them.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: And supposin’ you win tonight, what do you hope your run as World Heavyweight Champion represents to the fans?

AMIRA KASSOURI: Every time I step through the ropes, I represent women of a similar background and I hope my accomplishments inspire them to follow their dreams. But as a wider fanbase, I’m not sure. I’ve always had a mixed reaction here; I’m known for aggressive career moves and a ruthless streak. But I’d like to think Seattle would embrace something different and view an Amira title reign as a sign of growth.

Scotty looks to the back of the room for some kind of signal, nodding when he gets it.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: A’right, that seems like a good note to end this on. Thanks for bein’ on the show!

AMIRA KASSOURI: My pleasure as always.

SCOTT LUPINACCI: And as for the rest of yas, thank you all so much for joinin’ us and gettin’ in the loop on what could be the most pivotal Seattle Pro title match all year—so do NOT forget to stay tuned for that. Until then, on behalf of all our production crew, I’m Scott Lupinacci, keep sendin’ me those hot tips on Twitter at @plstellscotty—that’s P-L-S-Tell-Scotty, ‘cause Scotty wants to know—and when Mainstream 26 returns, we got ringside action comin’ up NEXT!

The show’s theme comes back in, the audience gives one last round of applause, and as the credits begin to fly by on the screen, Amira gets one last good-luck kiss from Scotty before she leaves to make her final preparations for the main event. While she does that, Scotty grabs his Evolution TV title belt and makes his way over to the crowd, giving handshakes and signing autographs like he never even left Tennessee to wrestle overseas. We stay with him until the show fades to black and the network feed goes to commercials.

[Robert Daniels]

SHOWCASE MATCH
★★★ ELI BUCHANAN ★★★
vs
★★★ LOCAL TALENT ★★★
[ADAM JACOBS]

The bell ring and its Eli Buchanan charging out of his corner nailing the local Adam Jacobs with a flying knee strike. He mounts his opponent and begins smashing his forearm into his face. Buchanan ignored the prompts from the referee to stop and had to be dragged off Jacobs. He was sent to stand in his corner while the referee went back to check on Jacobs.

Buchanan grabs Jacobs around the waist and effortlessly tosses them a German suplex. He kips up to his feet stomps on Jacobs back. Buchanan drops down and grabbing a hold of Jacobs begins to repeatedly drives his knee into his side. He finishes with a hard forearm shot to the back of Jacobs neck, rolls him over and makes the cover for 1...2...BREAK!

Buchanan breaks the pin attempt to inflict more punishment on his challenger. Buchanan whips Jacobs into the corner and follows in with a running knee to the face. He pulls Jacobs out of the corner and tosses him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. Buchanan walks over to him and pulls Jacobs to his feet. Locking on a full nelson, Buchanan squeezes tight and hits a dragon suplex with a bridge and goes for 1...2...BREAK!

Once again Buchanan breaks the pin attempt to continue the match. He grabs Jacobs around the waist and hits another German suplex. Refusing to release the waist lock, Buchanan pulls Jacobs to his feet and hits a second German suplex. Still not done, Buchanan drags Jacobs to his feet and grabbing Jacobs arm whips theme around and hits a ripcord jumping knee strike. Jacobs goes down and Buchanan goes in for the kill, locking in the Dragon Sleeper and shouting at Jacobs to submit!

GRAHAM STEVENA: Your winner by submission...ELI—BUCHANAN!

CHARLES HUDSON:  What a showing by the former World Heavyweight Champion!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Valiant effort by the local Adam Jacobs but still no match for the 2018 Emerald City Classic Champion.

CHARLES HUDSON:  You’re right Lou, it’s great to see Eli Buchanan back in the ring for singles competition tonight!

We return to ringside just as a small portion of the crowd, starting in the back rows of the lower deck, starts making enough noise to send the rest of the crowd into an uproar of confusion. After a few seconds, the source of the confusion makes himself obvious—it’s “The Revolution” A.J. Morales, swaggering down the steps in the stands with a ticket in his hand and no less than five title belts on him, with the NVR World Championship taking the most prominence. He’s still fist-bumping fans who reach out to him, but he’s not looking at them. He’s looking at the cameras, shouting something any good lip-reader can pick up.

A.J. MORALES: Hit my music! Hit my f#qkin’ music!

Somewhere backstage, a confused, panicking sound guy hits the right button, and...

“WRATH TO THE INDUSTRY!”

...the opening breakdown of "King of Amarillo" by Issues hits the PA, and A.J. starts headbanging in time with the song as he keeps making his way down the stairs. Ring announcer Graham Stevens doesn’t give Morales an introduction, but Morales doesn’t seem to notice or care.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Now, wait just a minute! A.J. Morales isn’t even supposed to be here tonight! He doesn’t even work for this company anymore!

CHARLES HUDSON: For a guy who made more noise than anybody about how unfair it was to fire him from Seattle Pro, he sure doesn’t want to leave us alone!

A.J. hops the barricade and starts yelling for a mic, which a stagehand quickly tosses him. Morales nods his thanks, then climbs up and rolls into the ring. He stands dead center, facing the hardcam.

A.J. MORALES: A’right, Knoxville—

The crowd gives him a pop of cheers, which he soaks in as usual.

A.J. MORALES: ...y’all don’t mind if I shoot from the hip a little, do you?

The fans cheer, but A.J. gets a bit of a dark glimmer in his eyes, something that says “OK, you asked for it…”

A.J. MORALES: A’right, good, ‘cause there’s a certain MTV-lookin’ punk backstage who needs to hear this. I tried to handle it professionally, I tried to keep it low-key, but apparently, the only way to get through to that carny sack of sh!t is to get in front of the crowds that know him best and air his dirty laundry!

Morales ignores the increasing rabble from the crowd and proceeds, looking right down the lens of the hardcam.

A.J. MORALES: Robb, it’s funny...this time three months ago, I was all set to be the face of your company. I was getting ready to make that flight to Kansas City, do my press runs in the morning like always, come to the arena, make another tag title defense with Idolution, then smack AJ Knight around until his ego was bruised and his World Heavyweight Championship was mine. And I was so ready for it, ‘cause I loved working for Seattle Pro—but three months later, you’ve left me no choice but to lead the war against it.

At this point, the crowd is in a state of full-on confusion. They can’t even believe what he’s saying. But A.J. seems to expect this reaction; he keeps his cool and carries on.

A.J. MORALES: And let’s get something straight, I didn’t start this war. We didn’t start this war. I was perfectly happy to be a man of two worlds. I didn’t even want to believe something like this was happening when the tensions first started ratcheting up. But after what’s gone down these past couple weeks, I can’t run from the truth anymore. Robb Daniels created something that he thought would never get past a certain ceiling, he gave it to people who turned it into something more, and when he realized he couldn’t control it anymore, he lashed out. He said we were dead to him. He took it out on me, he took it out on three of the people I’ve been running with backstage, and if Christina Idol wins tonight and walks out of this ring as a champion, which I 100% think she’s gonna do, he’s gonna put her through the same exact ringer. He doesn’t care how many of his top stars he pushes away with his carny horsesh!t. All it takes for Robb to throw common sense out the window are three little letters...

A.J. takes the NVR and SFW world title belts, still strapped together, and lifts them up, making sure the former is the one on more visible display.

A.J. MORALES: N. V. R.

By this point, the crowd hits a clear 50-50 split—half the crowd takes A.J. as a traitor and boos him, while the other half sees things his way and cheers him.

A.J. MORALES: And I know this better than anybody, because I’m the greatest NVR World Champion of all time! Hell, Robb was the one who booked me to challenge Jimmy Pagan for it in the first place! Without him, I might never have been a world champion, let alone the Superchamp! And y’know what? I’m more thankful for that opportunity than I’ve ever been, because it meant I got to be right there with Izzy, Trixie, Manny, Red Tiger Kid, Diego Matias, PLC, and everybody else that’s helped take NVR worldwide and turn it from a developmental brand to the biggest breakout promotion of 2019.

Just then, A.J. spots three or four security guards starting to hop the barricade and surround the ring, and he knows exactly what they’re preparing to do...

A.J. MORALES: So you know what? Go ahead, Robb, keep trying to hold us down. Keep playing your games; it only unites us more against you. You started this war, but we’re the ones who’ll win it. And when it’s over...you better brace yourself, ‘cause we’re leaving a mark on Seattle Pro that this place will never forget.

A.J. makes like he’s going to drop the mic...but then he throws it right at one of the security guards! The others immediately rush the ring, and A.J. runs for it, leaving the ring and hopping the barricade back into the audience. The security gives chase, and a few more start racing down to try and catch A.J., but he uses his title belts as weapons to knock any guard or cameraman who gets too close away from him, and before long, Morales escapes to the backstage area, where the cameras completely lose track of him.

CHARLES HUDSON: He’d better have a getaway car parked outside, or he’s gonna be in for another parking-lot arrest!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: I don’t know what to say...I mean, I don’t think he’s turned on the fans, per se, but he’s certainly turned his back on Seattle Pro, and he won’t be making a peaceful return to the negotiating table any time soon.

The producers decide to cut away from ringside for a moment, just to try and calm things down...

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  We’re going to take our final commercial break for the evening and when we return it’s time for the Main Event...Stay tuned!

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[Robert Daniels]

DURING THE BREAK...
Trixie is seen backstage with her Women's Championship on her shoulder. A little sweaty following the match with her hair all a mess but a bright smile before she's approached by non-other than

TRIXIE: What a win! Totally a great feeling to walk out here with the NVR Women's Championship and into the next challenger…Karen.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: And what about the situation with you being let go from Seattle Pro

TRIXIE: It's become a hot topic…like a really big one. I was a bit surprised DaTrixTeam were let go to be honest. I've been here almost a year so it's just a little surprising to let me go.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: So is this the last time we'll ever see you?

TRIXIE: I don't think that's my question to answer….All I can say is if it isn't, you'll see me holding the NVR Wrestling Title like I am right now. But you don't want to miss the Karen Trixie match. Mark it down on your calendar because it's going to be competitive, it's totally going to be a match to remember. But after it all, I'll still be the Prime Girl of NVR.

And with that Trixie flashes a smile to the camera, looks over at her title and exits to the left.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The camera opens on a darkened dressing room. SILK sits in his wrestling gear, on the leather couch found in the middle of the room. He’s leaning forward, staring deeply into the main plate of the Seattle Pro World Heavyweight Championship as it rests on a coffee table in front of the couch, strap buckled, sitting upwards. It seems as though SILK’s been here for at least a few minutes as he looks to be in a deep, deep thought. His elbows come up onto his knees, he clasps his hands together and rests them under his chin.

SILK: Amira, I’ve lost a lot to you.

He sighs deeply as the atmosphere in the room is not only extremely serious but also somewhat tense.

SILK: I gave you what I had left in the tank at Evolution’s Anniversary Show after winnin’ the Southside Battle Royal. We faced off for the opportunity to become the inaugural SEP Revolution Champion but what I gave though? Wasn’t good enough. I lost the chance at being a first in the record books to you.

A slight smile overcomes SILK.

SILK: But the celebration with you that night? Unreal and it seemed all worth it - we gave ‘em a show and it may have not been me who shined but it was you, the next best thing.

The smile disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

SILK: I gave you my heart at one point as you did with me but that wasn’t as enticing or comforting for you like having the support of your new found friends the Conglomerate, was it Amira?

There’s no three framed glasses to mask the pain in his eyes this time around as they lay on the coffee table as well.

SILK: But you didn’t stop there, did you? In a company I brought you into, Seattle Pro, my home, you decided to take one more thing from me - my WTC Destiny Crown Championship and the longest reign in the Title history.

SILKs hands come out from under his chin and he cautiously leans back on the couch, not quite slumping back into it but still finding a level of comfort that suits him.

SILK: Tonight though Amira, the one way street of taking stops. You see, you may have taken my SEP opportunity away, you may have taken my WTC Title away and yes, you may have even stolen my heart at one point but I WILL NOT let you take my world away from the - the Seattle Pro World Heavyweight Championship.

He leans forward, not even taking a few minutes to enjoy the full comfort of sitting back on the couch. He rubs his fingers along the face plate of the World Title.

SILK: Tonight, at Mainstream 26, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the SILKY Smooth One rights the wrong of the WTC Destiny Title bein’ taken from me and tomorrow? Who knows, the possibilities are endless, so maybe it’s time ya boi starts takin’ even more from ya instead of givin’.

Now grabbing the Title off of the coffee table, SILK places it over his shoulder after unbuckling it. He stands up, ready for what awaits him in the ring as he exits the dressing room and we fade out.

[Robert Daniels]

MAIN EVENT
TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH
SEATTLE PRO WRESTLING
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
&
WTC
DESTINY CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP
★★★ SILK (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ AMIRA KASSOURI (C) ★★★

Amira takes a deep breath, glaring at SILK as they slowly circle one another. He lunges forward, snatching at her legs, but she jumps back into a corner. As SILK closes in again, she pulls herself up onto the middle ropes of the turnbuckle and then pushes off, connecting with a vicious leg lariat. As the World Heavyweight Champion clutches his nose and rises to his knees, Amira hits the ropes and comes flying back at him with a running dropkick to the face. She aims some stomps to his left ankle but he lashes out with his other leg to stun her long enough for Silky Smooth One to leap back up. He goes for a spinning backfist but Amira ducks under it. He immediately turns, swinging wildly with a haymaker but AK-47 is too quick, sidestepping and then drilling the back of his knee with a low kick. He staggers for a moment as she hits a second, and then a third. The champion drops to his "good" knee and Amira nails a bulldog. With a groan, she turns the far heavier SILK onto his back and hooks his leg for 1...KICKOUT!

The early pin attempt doesn’t bring Amira much but she’s back up, on the second turnbuckle, waiting for SILK to get up. As he does, Amira flies off with a double axe handle attempt but SILK manages to show off his athleticism by exploding into her with a quickly executed dropkick to Kassouri’s stomach. Amira also hits the mat stomach first when she lands, knocking the wind further out of her. As she writhes in pain, flat on her stomach, SILK comes from behind, wraps his arms around her waist and delivers a nasty looking deadlift German Suplex while managing to hold it with a bridge...1...2...KICKOUT!

SILK brings Amira up to her feet in no time after she kicks out. He sends her towards the ropes and ducks for a back body drop but Amira rolls over his back and lands behind SILK. He turns around and is stunned by a lifting knee strike by Amira. Instead of standing to deliver a second, she runs back towards the ropes and comes off of them with some momentum, delivering another nasty knee strike that sends a loud crack through the arena and knocks SILK back down onto his ass. While sitting on the mat and checking his jaw, Amira takes further advantage by running towards the World Champion and nailing a double knee strike square to the middle of his face that puts him flat on the mat seeing stars.

Amira mounts SILK. She grabs him by the head, looking to drive a hard right forearm down but instead she just looks at him for a moment as he lay there vulnerable beneath her, almost as if she’s second guessing herself. Amazingly, she jumps off of him, brings him up to his feet and then her mistake catches up to her as a stiff SILK elbow to the gut keels Amira over. SILK grabs hold of Amira's arm and twists it up behind her back. He sends one knee into her stomach and doubles her over. She splutters as he hoists her up into the air, stalling for the crowd, making them wait to see his signature brainbuster. Somehow, Amira manages to flip over and land on her feet with catlike agility. SILK turns round but she's already got his legs trapped in a drop toe-hold. He topples over, neck first into the bottom rope and hangs there. She climbs out onto the apron and axe kicks down across the back of his head.

The crowd collectively winces at the brutal impact. Amira now senses an opportunity, she kicks SILK again - this time from underneath - booting him in the face at point blank range. He slumps to the mat. With all her limited strength, she pulls his arms backwards but can barely lift his upper body off the ground to deliver her new Berb Stomp finisher. She rolls him over again. 1...2...NO!

SILK has one leg on the bottom rope! The fans cannot believe it and neither can Amira! Amira is on both knees, looking at the ref in disbelief, wondering how that wasn’t a three count. She grabs SILK by the hair and once up, tosses him towards the corner as his back crashes into the turnbuckles hard. Amira runs full speed and soars at SILK looking for a body splash but he gets the right boot up! It connects and stops Amira dead in her tracks, sending her backwards towards the mat with her head snapping back violently. SILK climbs up to the middle rope and flies off, connecting with a diving fist drop that connects perfectly.

SILK pops back up to his feet and then drives down a leg drop across Amira’s neck. He’s then back up just as quickly as before to deliver another leg drop. SILK does this a few more times and then after the fifth, stands up and plays to the crowd as he’s starting to feel the momentum shift in his favor. Amira barely makes it to her feet but as soon as she does, SILK drops her right back where she came from with a thunderous elevated sitout powerbomb. SILK doesn’t let go after Amira hits the mat, putting her in a pinning predicament for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Amira got her left shoulder up off the mat to break the pin as SILK throws her legs off of his shoulder and gets up. He stays at her legs, grabbing her by the ankles and looking to turn her over for an elevated boston crab. Amira keeps fighting him off though, clutching at his right ankle to stop him from turning her over to the left and then clutching at his left ankle to stop him from turning her over to the right. Finally, SILK gets fed up and as he straightens her and him back out, Amira brings her legs in and then extends them out towards SILK’s chest, pushing him backwards towards the ropes so she can get back to her feet.

As she does, SILK comes back in attempting a clothesline but Kassouri ducks it, grabs him from behind and drops the SILKY Smooth One with a beautiful swinging neck breaker. SILK begins trying to get up but Amira lines him up, runs in from behind and manages to hit him with a hard shining wizard to the back of the skull that flattens him back down onto the mat. Amira sees an opportunity present itself with the World Champion lying motionless on his stomach. Amira steps over him, turns herself around and applies the Algerian Deathlock to SILK!

SILK screams out in pain as Amira moves her head as if she’s nodding yes, this is it. She rears back to apply even more pressure on the hold as SILK reaches aimlessly towards the ropes but there’s no way he’s reaching them. The referee checks on SILK who shakes his head no, indicating he’s not ready to give up quite yet. SILK grabs at Amira’s fingers, trying to break her grip. He manages to get her left hand loose, grabbing her middle finger as well as her ring finger and pulls them apart from each other as hard as he can. A light crack can be heard as Amira yells out in pain, she lets go of her grip around his neck but is on his back still. SILK grabs her by each wrist and uses all of his body strength to stand up, now having Amira in a crucifix powerbomb position! SILK falls forward, throwing Amira neck first down onto the mat off of his back, delivering the crucifix powerbomb perfectly.

Now back fully in control, SILK uses brute force to hammer a dizzy Amira with lefts and rights in the corner of the ring. He pulls her back into the middle and lifts her up in an electric chair position. The crowd roars, knowing the SILKPLEX is next, but Amira counters into a headscissors takedown. SILK lands in a seated position and AK-47 immediately goes for LAPIDATION!! NO!! SILK manages to grab hold of her leg! He twists it, sending her tumbling to the canvas. But Amira doesn't stay there for long and is soon back up in the air for the SILKPLEX. This time he hits it perfectly and covers. For 1...2...NEARFALL!

Amira somehow digs deep and kicks out! SILK shakes his head from side to side, dragging Amira towards the turnbuckle. She looks up at him - eyes glazed over - but the World Champion is unrelenting. He hits her with an elbow strike before lifting her onto his shoulders a third time. But this time he very carefully steps up onto the bottom rope of the turnbuckle, and then the second rope... oh no...SILKPLEX off the turnbuckle!

The impact causes Amira to hit the mat, sit up and flop back down on the mat as SILK lay on the mat for a moment, exhausted and trying to gather himself. He musters the strength, crawls over and drapes an arm over Amira for 1...2...3!

GRAHAM STEVENA: Your winner by pin fall and STILL THE SEATTLE PRO WRESTLING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...SILK!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Sean Isaac Leonard Kennedy! The man simply known as Silk has done it!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Ladies and Gentlemen with this win Silk has regained the WTC Destiny Crown Championship unifying it with the Seattle Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship and it will be absorbed into its title history.

SILK rolls off of Amira and lies next to her on the mat, head to head. The referee makes his way over to SILK who slowly sits up. The referee places both the Seattle Pro World Heavyweight Title in his lap, as well as the WTC Destiny Crown Championship.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Silk is head and shoulders above the rest right now and with Billy Danielson injures for the time being it opens a hole in the World Title scene where someone needs to step up!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  We’ve had a monumental night here in Knoxville. Jason Cashe is the new World Television Champion, Billy Danielson relinquishes the United States Championship due to injury and now Silk has unifies the World Heavyweight Championship and Destiny Crown. That’s all for MAINSTREAM 26...we’ll see you in two weeks in Tuscaloosa for MAINSTREAM 27!

SILK looks at both Titles and then back down at his former partner and love interest before standing up to have the referee raise his arm in victory as he’s declared the victor. SILK holds both Championships high in the air as his victory celebration commences.

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