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Titles on are on the line!
Pride is on the line!
Even the future of Earth is on the line!
Despite whatever came before, all that matters is…
The Golden Moment!
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Golden Pro Wrestling theme song “The Sound” by Switchfoot begins to play…
THIS!
IS!
GOLDEN!
PRO!
WRESTLING!
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In Golden Pro Wrestling Season 2…
Abel Unstable escaped…
The Draconian put the world on the line…
Violence took disrespect to a new level…
Cory Stenson emerged a champion…
And Shotcaller earned the wrath of Golden Ben Miller…
But everything can change in a single moment…
THE GOLDEN MOMENT
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The camera fades into the FedExForm where thousands of fans have filled the floor, the first level, the second level and into the first few rows of the upper level!
The camera pans the arena and fans, providing shots of the ring, ramp, intro stage and Gold Screen before transitioning to a two-shot of the announcers.
Rudy Mac: Wow! Here we are! The Golden Moment! I’m your Memphis rasslin’ expert, Rudy Mac, and with me is a member of the Idiot Hall of Fame, DeShawn Brannon!
DeShawn: Hey hey hey!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn, did you ever think we’d get here? The end of Season 2?!
DeShawn: To be honest, no. I thought you’d have had a heart attack by now.
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! You know my ticker has never been stronger!
DeShawn: Good news, I guess!
Rudy Mac: Now, let’s get down to business because we have SEVEN major matches coming up. Firstly, we have a three-way tag team match for the belts between Your Captains, the Wild Kards and the current champions, Endgame.
DeShawn: Insert three-way joke here!
Rudy Mac: Then we have King Crab Mack defending the hardcore belt against Awoke!
DeShawn: Time for some social justice!
Rudy Mac: Afterward Jumpstart has a Silver Championship title shot against Cory Stenson.
DeShawn: Jumpstart cheated to get it!
Rudy Mac: Then we get into the meat of the show with Sicko vs. Abel Unstable in a Basement Match. If Sicko wins, then Abel must return to the “care” of Dr. Dean.
DeShawn: Abel needs help!
Rudy Mac: Up next is Flip’s chance to save the world! The Draconian knows an asteroid is heading toward Earth in 150 years, and if Flip wins, the Draconian will blow it up. This can’t be real!
DeShawn: This isn’t make-believe! The Draconian’s ship is REAL!
Rudy Mac: In the penultimate match, Golden Ben Miller will take on Shotcaller. If GBM wins, Commissioner Meloche is obligated to read some sort of self-incriminating statement!
DeShawn: I don’t know what “penultimate” means.
Rudy Mac: And finally, in our MAIN EVENT, the Pure Gold Championship is on the line. Current champion, Violence, faces the upstart Fuse Makoto. Will this be the Golden Moment!?
DeShawn: I bet it will!
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The broadcast switches to the back parking lot where an enormous orange truck drives up with large tires and tinted windows. The truck parks outside the wrestler entrance, and the driver’s side door opens.
The crowd POPS when they see King Crab Mack step out wearing his Hardcore Championship belt. He reaches into the bed of his pickup and grabs his extra-large crabbing hook.
He looks into the camera and grins.
KCM: Let’s fucking go!
King Crab Mack continues around the truck and toward the door when he sees a large man with blue hair holding a sign that reads “SAVE THE CRABS”.
Awoke: Save the crabs! Save the crabs! Save the crabs!
KCM: What the fuck is this shit?
The San Francisco Social Justice Warrior turns to King Crab Mack and scowls.
Awoke: There he is. The butcher of the Bering Sea!
KCM: The fuck are you talking about? I catch crabs and I kick ass, and only ONE of those things is going to impact you tonight.
Awoke: Don’t you know that crabs are incredibly empathetic and feel pain?
KCM: The same can probably be said about you, and THAT is what you should be worried about.
Awoke: I won’t stand for this! Tonight, when I take your belt, I’m going to raffle it away to raise money for my Stop Cruelty Against Crabs Foundation.
King Crab Mack shakes his head in disgust and walks past Awoke, who goes back to chanting his protest slogan by himself.
Awoke: Save the crabs! Save the crabs! Save the crabs!
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The broadcast switches back to inside the FedExForum, and “Lit Up” by Buckcherry hits the speakers, and the crowd responds with a large cheer. The Wild Kards come running out, strike a pose at the top of the ramp and head down to the ring.
Rudy Mac: This is a big moment for the Wild Kards! They get another shot at the belt after Shotcaller messed up their last chance.
The music is replaced with “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins. The duo of Your Captains come out with their arms spread like airplane wings, and the two zig-zag down the ramp toward the ring.
BOO!!!
DeShawn: I hate flying Spirit Airlines but it’s all I can afford!
Finally, the music switches to “Helicopter Mack” by Archnemesis and the crowd cheers when Endgame emerges from backstage. Phaser and Ryan Rogue head down the ring with serious faces with their tag team titles around their waists.
Rudy Mac: Endgame has been the champs all season, will their reign continue!?
Inside the ring, Sean Kard, Capt. John, and Ryan Rogue all square up in an awkward triangle. The match begins with Sean Kard running straight at Capt. John, who sidesteps right into clothesline by Ryan Rogue.
It’s chaos inside the ring, and when Sean Kard gets laid out by Capt. John’s leg drop, Ryan Rogue surprises Capt. John with a full-nelson DDT.
ROGUE DDT!!!
Rudy Mac: Our first pin attempt!
1… 2… NO!!!
Sean Kard breaks up the three-count, then runs to tag in Seth. Seth comes out flying and nails a scissor kick against Ryan Rogue. Capt. John rolls away and tags in Capt. Derek.
Capt. Derek and Seth Kard begin to exchange some great high-flying moves while Phaser gets tagged in. Phaser sneaks up and grabs Capt. Derek, delivering a STRONG bulldog. When he gets up, Seth Kard delivers a running knee, dropping Phaser right next to Capt. Derek.
Seth climbs up to the top rope and jumps off.
THE SUICIDE KING!!!
DeShawn: 360 leg drop on BOTH Capt. Derek AND Phaser, and now he’s trying to pin Phaser!
1… 2… NO!!!
Capt. Derek interrupts the three-count. Seth gets up and tags in Sean, and Sean begins to level a series of technical maneuvers against Phaser while Capt. Derek tags in Capt. John.
Sean sees Capt. Derek coming and manages to fight him off, but Phaser finally gets up and tags in Ryan Rogue.
Rogue, seeing the two wrestlers distracted, attempts to clothesline them both but misses wildly. Sean knocks Capt. Derek to the ground, then goes over to grab Ryan Rogue by the legs.
CRAZY 8 LEG LOCK!!!
TA… TA… NO!!!
Capt. Derek LAUNCHES himself from the top rope and hits a senton bomb onto Sean Kard’s back, who is ejected to the far side of the ring. Luckily, it’s right in front of Seth, who tags right in.
CRASH LANDING!!!
Rudy Mac: My god!
Ryan Rogue is still writhing on the ground from the submission move, and Seth SPEARS Capt. Derek. Once again, Seth goes to the top rope and launches into a 360 leg drop on Capt. Derek.
SUICIDE KING!
Ryan Rogue painfully attempts to crawl over and break up Seth Kard’s pin attempt.
1… 2… 3!!!
Rudy Mac: The Wild Kards did it! They’re back on top!
Sean and Seth Kard are handed their GPW Tag Team Championship belts, and the two brothers embrace in an emotional hug. Both Endgame and Your Captains shake their heads in disappointment as they make their way back up the ramp.
Winner and NEW Tag Team Champions:
The Wild Kards via Suicide King
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Backstage, GPW reports Vicky Cogliano stands by with a smiling Cory Stenson. Bounce Squad remains behind Vicky as a measure of safety.
Strapped across Cory’s waist is the Golden Pro Wrestling Silver Championship.
Vicky: Cory, the last time we stood here together, it was the beginning of Gold Strike 1, and you have grown up so much!
Cory: Thanks, Vicky. I’ll admit, I had no idea what I was getting myself into that night… the injury by Violence, the long recovery, and the hard work it took to return in Season 2.
Vicky: Then, I guess my main question is, how does it feel!?
The young wrestler looks down at the championship belt around his waist and smiles proudly to the camera.
Cory: In a word… fortunate. I am so THANKFUL for my friends, my family, and perhaps most importantly… the FANS who supported me through this journey!
The crowd POPS inside the main arena.
Vicky: Tonight, you face Jumpstart, who is looking to reclaim his past glory. What are your thoughts?
Cory: First and foremost, I’ve been a lifelong fan of Jumpstart. Like many others, I had Jumpstart sheets on my bed as a little kid.
Vicky: But he doesn’t seem to be same Jumpstart as years past. In fact, some have taken issue with how he earned his title shot tonight.
GPW’s fresh-faced kid takes moment to collect his thoughts.
Cory: No doubt, I saw what he did to Ejercito de Juan at Gold Strike 10, and I’m willing to chalk it up to a momentary lapse in judgment. I have no doubt he took a look in the mirror and realized he can’t win that way. That’s the Jumpstart I know, at least.
Vicky: Then good luck tonight, Cory. Your Silver Champion, ladies and gentlemen!
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The Golden Moment returns to the main arena of the FedExForum, and the cheesy pop song “Chained To The Rhythm” by Katy Perry hits the speaker system.
BOO!!!
Awoke walks out from backstage holding his “SAVE THE CRABS” protest sign, which he moves up and down while making his way down the ramp and into the ring.
Rudy Mac: He has to be the MOST annoying wrestler on the roster!
DeShawn: Don’t assume his pronouns, Rudy!
Once Awoke is inside the ring, the crowd POPS when “Slit Wrist Theory” by 36 Crazyfists begins to play. King Crab Mack slowly walks out from backstage wearing his Hardcore Championship belt and carrying his large crab hook over his shoulder.
Rudy Mac: The Bering Sea Badass! King Crab Mack has been unstoppable in the hardcore division.
DeShawn: He’s beaten everyone he has faced!
KCM climbs into the ring and the match begins. Awoke, nearly 8 inches taller, runs and nails a big boot to start. King Crab Mack surprisingly drops his hook in response.
Awoke props his sign up in the corner, then grabs KCM and whips him toward it.
SNAP!!!
DeShawn: I hope that’s not a “sign” of things to come!
Rudy: DeShawn! No puns mid-match!
King Crab Mack smashes through the “SAVE THE CRABS” sign, while Awoke scowls. Awoke picks up KCM, but King Crab Mack surprises him with a knee to the gut.
The two wrestlers go back and forth with a series of power moves. Awoke eventually clotheslines KCM outside of the ring and climbs down after him. Awoke picks up KCM and drops him on the barrier, leaving King Crab Mack to clutch his chest and fall to his back.
1… 2… NO!!!
Awoke shakes his head, the goes and pulls out a chair and props it up ringside. He grabs KCM in and lifts him onto his shoulders…
CANCELLED ONTO THE CHAIR!
Rudy Mac: What a powerful Samoan Drop!
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: KCM is showing of some resiliency!
Aggravated, Awoke lifts KCM up once more, but KCM nails and uppercut and grabs the chair off the ground.
SMACK!!!
Awoke stumbles away and KCM drops the chair before grabbing his hook out of the ring. King Crab Mack runs at Awoke and NAILS him with the hook into the head.
Rudy Mac: Awoke is stumbling but STILL on his feet!
In a magnificent feat of strength, KCM grabs Awoke and lifts him up…
THE FULL POT!!!
DeShawn: That’s gotta be a backbreaker! A JUMPING backbreaker!
1… 2… 3!!!
The crowd cheers wildly, and an exhausted KCM gets to his feet. The Hardcore Championship belt is handed to him, which he holds up and shows to the fans.
Rudy Mac: KCM is still unbeaten!
Winner and STILL Hardcore Champion:
King Crab Mack via The Full Pot
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The show transitions to the back parking lot, where the familiar white van of the Greater Memphis Psychiatric Institute pulls up. The Orderlies and Dr. Dean climb out of the van and take a look around before walking to the backdoor of the van.
The Psych Ward leader slowly nods, and Orderly Summers opens the door. Orderly Caruso reaches in and pulls out Sicko, who is wearing his straitjacket. Sicko’s face is dark and twisted.
Dr. Dean: Well, Sicko, are we clear on your mission tonight?
Sicko nods and gives a grotesque grin.
Dr. Dean: Then let’s find the entrance to the basement where Abel hides. Remember, if you find and defeat him, there will be ample rewards waiting for you back in your cell.
Again, Sicko nods silently.
Dr. Dean: Summers, Caruso, let’s get going. The hunt begins after the next match.
The Orderlies each grab one of Sicko’s elbows and follow Dr. Dean through the rear doors of the FedExForum.
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The broadcast transitions back to inside the main arena, and “Destruction” by Joywave begins to play, and the crowd responds with a mixed reaction. The veteran Jumpstart emerges with a tepid smile, and waves to the fans before heading down to the ring.
Rudy Mac: I think everyone here is wondering if Jumpstart is going to keep it clean, or if the last match wasn’t just a one-off act of desperation.
DeShawn: Seeing Jumpstart cheat was almost as bad as when I found my wife in bed with another man!
His music is replaced by the classic pump-up song “Get Ready” by 2 Unlimited. The fans stand on their feet to cheer the newest Silver Champion, Cory Stenson.
The big local boy comes out from backstage with his title belt strapped around his waist. He points to the belt and then points out toward the fans in recognition before walking down and climbing into the ring.
Rudy Mac: I’d say that Cory is way ahead of schedule when it comes to his pro wrestling potential!
DeShawn: Cory Stenson may be young, but he’s already building his resume!
Cory hands the belt off to a production assistant and the match gets underway. Cory Stenson, nearly a foot taller, attempts a series of power moves, but Jumpstart is too quick. Jumpstart stuns Cory Stenson with a spinning heel kick before nailing a moonsault.
1… 2… NO!!!
Jumpstart lets Cory get to his feet before jumping over the ropes and springboarding back with a Plancha. Cory grabs him in mid-air and throws him down with a massive powerslam.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Both men haven’t been able to put this match away early.
The two trade a series of dualling high-flying and power moves. Cory Stenson is the next wrestler to get an advantage when he lifts Jumpstart up and NAILS a jackhammer.
1… 2… … NO!!!
A minute later Jumpstart drops Cory Stenson and runs up to the top rope.
DeShawn: Here comes the classic Shooting Star Press!
THE START-UP!!!
Rudy Mac: We’ve seen this work a hundred times!
1… 2… …. NO!!!
Jumpstart stands up, obviously frustrated, and suddenly begins to limp around the ring. The referee attempts to check on him, but Jumpstart shoves him away angrily, which causes the referee to hit the mat while stunned.
Rudy Mac: Jumpstart is trying to walk off that knee injury!
After Cory gets to his feet, he manages to catch up to the hobbled Jumpstart and pull him in for his signature jumping piledriver.
STENSON DR- NO!!!
Before Cory can pick him up into the jumping piledriver, Jumpstart slips out and SLAMS his forearm up between Cory’s legs.
DeShawn: Another low blow!
Jumpstart hobbles up to the top rope again.
THE START-UP!!!
The referee comes back to life and sees Jumpstart covering Cory Stenson.
1… 2… 3!!!
Rudy Mac: This isn’t the Jumpstart we knew, and he’s now the Silver Champion!
DeShawn: Jumpstart, no!
Back inside the ring, Jumpstart is handed the Silver Championship, which he looks at before taking a glance at Cory Stenson lying on the mat. Jumpstart looks down and shakes his head before heading out of the ring with his new title belt.
Winner and NEW Silver Champion:
Jumpstart via The Start-Up
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The Golden Moment broadcast transitions to somewhere deep inside the FedExForum at the top of the stairs to the arena basement.
Sicko, still in his straitjacket and flanked by the Orderlies, stands before the serious Dr. Dean.
Dr. Dean: Now, Sicko, the rules are clear. You must venture down into Abel’s home, defeat him, and bring his body back.
The twisted mental patient nods with his grim face.
To his side is a nervous-looking referee prepared to accompany Sicko down into the basement. The referee looks directly at the camera.
Referee: Are you ready for this?
The camera nods up and down, obviously being held by a brave videographer.
Referee: Alright, Sicko, let’s get this started.
Dr. Dean nods to the Orderlies, who then remove Sicko’s straitjacket and usher him to the top of the stairs.
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The camera follows along as Sicko slowly walks through the door to the stairs leading down into the FedExForum basement.
Rudy Mac: Here we go folks! Basement Match!
DeShawn: I can’t even go into my own basement; this must be terrifying for the referee and cameraman.
Rudy Mac: Who knows what awaits below!
Sicko arrives at the bottom of the stairs and finds himself looking down a long hallway with multiple doors along the walls. Only a few fluorescent lights hang on the long hallway ceiling, a couple of them blinking. The referee follows along slowly making sure to give enough space not to get caught in the action.
The mental patient carefully walks down the hallway, peering into a couple of open doors before finding himself in front of his first closed door. He jiggles the handle and finds it unlocked, and then slowly pushes the door open.
Inside the room it is pitch dark, until Abel Unstable rushes out from the darkness with a broom.
SNAP!!!
He immediately cracks Sicko across the head with the broom handle, which splinters it in half.
Rudy Mac: Looks like he found Abel!
Abel pulls Sicko out into the hallway and climbs on top of Sicko. He pounds away until Sicko is able to grab the broken broom handle.
CRACK!!!
The larger patient of Dr. Dean rolls off of Sicko and stumbles down the hallway into another side room. Sicko, the referee, and the cameraman follow Abel into the dark room. Sicko feels against the inside wall and flips on the light switch. A single light illuminates an enormous room filled with rows of folded chairs.
DeShawn: Looks like we found some FedExForum storage!
Abel rushes out from behind a row of chairs holding one himself, which he swings at Sicko. Sicko side steps and grabs a chair of his own. When Abel turns around…
SMACK!!!
The chair shot stuns Abel, and Sicko pulls him in for a full-nelson facebuster on the basement floor.
THE LOOSE SCREW ONTO CONCRETE!!!
Rudy Mac: Our first pin attempt!
1… 2… NO!!!
Sicko stands up emotionlessly and begins to stomp on Abel’s head, which has begun to bleed.
Abel then catches one of Sicko’s feet and pulls it out from under him, which lays Sicko onto his back. Abel jumps and nails a standing belly splash on Sicko against the concrete floor.
1… 2… NO!!!
Abel: ARGH!
The escaped mental patient stands up and runs out of the room and through another hallway door while dripping blood on the floor. Sicko stands up and sees the trail of blood going out the hallway and into the other room.
DeShawn: Looks like his prey is wounded!
Sicko enters the new room, which reveals itself to be a boiler room. Along the walls are vents, pipes and large pieces of plumbing apparatus. The referee and cameraman follow cautiously.
Still clad in his green and black outfit with white makeup, Sicko slowly follows the blood trail, which leads around a series of water heaters. Sicko peers around the last water heater and is suddenly sprayed across the face with steaming water.
Sicko: GRAHHHHH!
Abel takes advantage of the blinded Sicko and unleashes a torrent of hammer fists. Sicko, obviously disoriented and distraught gets pulled in by Abel, who turns Sicko upside down in his arms.
Rudy Mac: My god! This is gonna hurt!
THE UNSTABALIZER ONTO CONCRETE!!!
DeShawn: What a tombstone piledriver!
1… 2… 3!!!
The referee quickly gets up and backs away, while the intrepid cameraman keeps shooting.
Abel stands up from Sicko’s body and runs past the camera and out into the hallway. When the cameraman follows out to the hallway and looks down each way, Abel has already disappeared.
Rudy Mac: Let freedom ring! Abel Unstable is still on the loose!
Winner:
Abel Unstable via The Unstabalizer
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The cameraman and referee emerge at the top of the stairs, and the referee meekly shakes his head to Dr. Dean.
Dr. Dean: Blasted! That infernal Abel!
The Orderlies grit their teeth in agreed frustration, and two Golden Pro Wrestling security guards head down the stairwell.
Dr. Dean: I swear, if I find who ever let that madman out in the first place, I will EXACT my revenge!
A short moment later, the two GPW security guards emerge with a dazed and groggy Sicko. Sicko’s face is obviously burned from the hot water that blasted him in the face.
Dr. Dean: Sicko, I’m afraid you will not be receiving your rewards… but you will have more opportunities in Season 3.
The Orderlies strap the straitjacket around Sicko, and the group unhappily walks away, seemingly ending their Season 2 action.
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The show returns to inside the main arena of the FedExForum, and “Midnight Voyage” by Ghostland Observatory kicks in through the speaker system. The crowd POPS when Flip Costa emerges from backstage smiling to the crowd.
Rudy Mac: DeShawn, hold me if I faint!
DeShawn: Don’t faint, Rudy! Flip Costa has to win this match so that the Draconian will blow up that asteroid!
Flip Costa enters the ring but paces around nervously.
Suddenly, the lights dim, and blue lights pan around the arena in a ballyhoo. “The Core” by Uppermost begins to drone into the arena, and the Draconian’s entrance creates a strong fan reaction.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: He is basically holding Earth hostage! He could blow up that asteroid any time he wants!
DeShawn: Don’t cross the Draconian… he’ll make you pay; I know personally.
The large being walks out with an emotionless face, and simply makes his way down to the ring. The Draconian slowly climbs the stairs, casually lifts his legs over the top rope and approaches Flip Costa.
Flip Costa is nearly a foot shorter than the Draconian, but it doesn’t stop him from beginning instant offense. Flip runs to the ropes, but when he attempts a flying clothesline, the Draconian simply swats him away.
The Draconian grabs Flip and throws him down with a strong scoop slam.
1… 2… NO!!!
Over the next few minutes, the Pensacola Pretty Boy re-asserts himself in the ring and catches the Draconian off guard with bulldog from the top rope. He runs to the middle ropes and launches into a 360 moonsault.
Rudy Mac: Simply stunning!
1… 2… NO!!!
The Draconian takes momentum over the next minute, and finally unleashes a torrent of MONSTER German suplexes.
On the last suplex, he pauses while holding Flip Costa seven feet up in the air…
DeShawn: At least Flip won’t land on his face!
Flip Costa slams into the mat on the last suplex, which the Draconian holders for a bridged pin attempt.
1… 2… … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Nice kickout!
Things turn back in Flip Costa’s direction, and he surprises the Draconian with SWEET cross body block. The Draconian falls backward allowing Flip to go for the win.
1… 2… NO!!!
The two wrestlers get back to their feet and take a moment to stare at each other. Flip, seemingly in desperation, runs and slides between the Draconian’s feet, then pulls him down into a small package.
Rudy Mac: Flip is going for a cheeky win!
1… 2… …. NO!!!
DeShawn: Man, no one can pin the other!
Flip keeps his momentum going, and hits the Draconian with a spinning heel kick, which drops the alien being down onto his back in the middle of the ring. Flip scrambles up to the top rope…
Rudy Mac: Looks like Flip is going for the Flipoff!
Before Flip can perform the senton elbow drop, the Gold Screen suddenly switches from the spinning GPW logo to a stunning headshot of Flip Costa.
Rudy Mac: What’s Flip’s face doing on the Gold Screen!?
DeShawn: It’s beautiful…
Rudy Mac: I’m not complaining, but it seems to have caught Flip’s attention!
Flip Costa, staring at his own handsome face, doesn’t notice the Draconian stand up. The Draconian calmly walks over to Flip Costa, climbs the ropes and grabs him…
ABDUCTION!!!
Rudy Mac: MY GOD! Gutwrench Powerbomb off the top rope!
1… 2… 3!!!
The entire arena goes silent in realization of what just happened, and the Draconian stands up in the middle of the ring. A disoriented Flip Costa slowly gets to his feet and rings his hands through his hair.
Winner:
The Draconian via Abduction off the top rope
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Inside the ring, the large, emotionless Draconian gestures of the Gold Screen, and Flip Costa’s headshot slowly dissolves to the familiar footage of a slow, spinning asteroid hurtling through space, and presumably toward Earth.
The alien being begins to talk through the speaker system without a microphone.
The Draconian: Flip Costa, you have proven the vanity and self-indulgence of the hu-mahn species is stronger than your desire to survive.
Flip holds his hands up as if pleading with the Draconian.
Rudy Mac: Give ol’ Flip one more chance!
The alien being continues inside the arena.
The Draconian: The asteroid will continue its journey, and in 150 years it will smash into the Earth location you call California.
DeShawn: So, it’s not ALL bad!
The Gold Screen switches off and all of the arena lights turn off creating total darkness.
When the lights come back up, Flip Costa stands alone in the middle of the ring staring off distantly. Apparently aghast at what has happened.
Rudy Mac: We’re still with you, Flip!
His theme music kicks in and he makes his way back up the ramp, but the fans aren’t cheering, and Flip certainly isn’t smiling at how Season 2 has ended for him.
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After Flip Costa returns backstage, the familiar sounds of “E.I.” by Nelly begin to play through the FedExForum sound system.
A strong, mixed reaction appears when Golden Pro Wrestling Commissioner Parker Meloche walks out. Regardless of hearing a few boos, he still smiles and waves to the fans while walking down the ramp. He makes his way around ringside and sits down with announcers Rudy Mac and DeShawn Brannon.
Rudy Mac: Commish! What an honor!
The GPW matchmaker grabs the extra headset and sits down in an empty chair.
Parker: A pleasure to see you gentlemen, again!
DeShawn: Forgive me if I forget my words around such an esteemed genius.
Parker: Haha, thanks, DeShawn. But truth be told, I don’t really have to do much to entertain these fans. Golden Pro Wrestling’s roster has never been stronger, and these competitors put on a show without me.
Rudy Mac: And I must admit, ever since Gold Strike 1, more and more fans fill up the FedExForum at each event.
DeShawn: Look at the upper level! It’s almost a sellout!
Parker: That means a lot, fellas. Our favorite Memphis wrestler, and my boss, Golden Glen Miller, tasked me with selling out this arena by Season 4. And I’m willing to bet that we nail the sellout by the end of Season 3.
Rudy Mac: Can you give us any hints about what’s in store for Season 3?
Parker: Heh, let’s just say I’m going to keep that in the “vault” but there may be a sneak preview before the main event tonight.
DeShawn: And what’s your prediction for the main event?
Parker: Well, that’s tough to say. Violence is… Violence, of course. But Fuse Makoto has caught fire this season and nobody seems to be able to stop him.
Rudy Mac: But first, it looks like there’s some things to work out with Golden Ben Miller.
Parker: You’re right, Rudy. GBM seems to have some theory that I’m involved in something shady having to do with Shotcaller.
DeShawn: Out of journalistic integrity, I have to ask… are you?
Parker: I respect you asking me that question, DeShawn. And the answer is absolutely not. How could anyone be in charge of Shotcaller? The man is a rogue, a complete loose cannon. Anyways, I have a strong feeling he will defeat Golden Ben Miller and we can move past this whole sorted affair.
Rudy Mac: We appreciate you indulging these questions, Commish! It sounds like we’re about to see this through!
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The crowd’s attention turns to the top of the ramp when “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” by 2Pac begins to play.
BOO!!!
Shotcaller struts out with his signature red headband and stops to throw a ‘W’ across his chest before heading down to the ring.
Rudy Mac: You’re right, Commish! Shotcaller has been a loose cannon and targeting the Golden Pros all season. It looks like he might have to pay up!
Parker: But if you’ve seen his athleticism in the ring, you know that won’t be easy to beat.
Inside the ring, Shotcaller climbs to a top rope facing the announcer’s table and stares down to Parker Meloche. Parker looks annoyed and motions his head for Shotcaller to get to the middle of the ring.
Shotcaller’s music is replaced with “My Hero” by Foo Fighters, and the crowd goes NUTS!
Rudy Mac: GPW’s Golden War Horse is here!
With a serious demeanor, Golden Ben Miller walks out and pauses at the top of the ramp. The crowd continues to cheer, and it seems GBM is taking a moment to soak it all in.
GBM gets into the ring, and then spends time to go to stand on each turnbuckle and hit is signature pose with his right arm raised up to the fans. Each time the fans in front of him cheer wildly.
Parker: I will give Ben some credit, the fans absolutely adore him and that’s something I can never take away.
Shotcaller and Golden Ben Miller square up in the middle of the ring and the match gets going. The two are relatively close in size, and equally athletic, granted GBM might have more sheer strength.
After locking up, they begin a series of reversals and counters, but Shotcaller finally levels Golden Ben Miller with a dropkick.
Amazingly, Shotcaller nails a standing shooting star press.
DeShawn: Whoa! That’s new!
1… 2… NO!!!
GBM kicks out and brings the crowd to life. He gets to his feet and begins to pound on Shotcaller, eventually getting him stuck in the corner against the turnbuckle. After feeding Shotcaller a few haymakers, GBM whips Shotcaller to the far corner.
When GBM follows Shotcaller, the LA Crip jumps over the running GBM and nails a reverse DDT out of the corner.
Rudy Mac: Wowza!
1… 2… NO!!!
Parker: Looks like Shotcaller is getting the better of this match already!
GBM shakes it off and continues to press the attack, but things get out of hand when he clotheslines Shotcaller out of the ring and subsequently follows him down.
Rudy Mac: This better not end up a count out!
Outside the ring, Golden Ben Miller lifts Shotcaller and drops him on the barrier while the referee begins to count them both out. Shotcaller clutches his chest, and stumbles right into a classic Miller scoop slam.
The referee’s count continues, but GBM takes a moment to bring Shotcaller over to the announcers’ table. Holding Shotcaller by the neck, Golden Ben Miller looks squarely at Parker.
GBM: Here’s your hitman!
Golden Ben Miller slams Shotcaller’s face off the table, forcing Parker Meloche, Rudy Mac and DeShawn Brannon to lean back in their chairs.
DeShawn: I got Shotcaller sweat on me!
Before the referee can conclude his count, GBM rolls Shotcaller back into the ring and continues to press his advantage. In the middle of the ring, Golden Ben Miller drops Shotcaller with another classic Miller scoop slam.
The crowd begins to buzz in excitement while GBM takes off his knee pad.
Rudy Mac: The most illustrious move in all pro wrestling!
Golden Ben Miller runs to one rope to begin his Golden Knee finisher, but as he runs over Shotcaller’s body…
DRIVE-BY OUT OF NOWHERE!!!
Rudy Mac: Shotcaller just popped out of nowhere for his signature neckbreaker!
1… 2… …. NO!!!
Shotcaller looks up in disbelief that he couldn’t put GBM away. The two get to their feet and keep at it, until GBM delivers a big boot to Shotcaller’s face, and DROPS the LA Crip with a massive sidewalk slam.
DeShawn: Go for it again, GBM!
Indeed, Golden Ben Miller runs off one rope, then the other, then returns to Shotcaller’s body and drops a knee directly on Shotcaller’s head.
THE GOLDEN KNEE!!!
1… 2… … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: Golden Ben Miller did it! Golden Ben Miller did it!
Parker: Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!
Inside the ring, Golden Ben Miller looks down at Parker Meloche and smiles before gesturing with his hand for the commissioner to join him.
Winner:
Golden Ben Miller via the Golden Knee
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Parker Meloche takes of his broadcaster headset and nervously stands up. He dutifully straightens his business jacket and walks up the steps to the ring and ducks between the second and third ropes.
The crowd buzzes in anticipation while a production assistant throws in two microphones, and hands Golden Ben Miller an envelope. GBM takes the envelope and picks up the microphone, and likewise Parker picks up the other microphone.
GBM: Well, well, well, here we are Parker.
Golden Ben Miller holds the envelope up, showing it to the GPW commissioner.
GBM: In this envelope is a statement which you have already read, and you know is true. You wouldn’t have agreed to this if I were leveraging you into telling a lie, though you’ve done enough of that by know.
The GPW commissioner holds up his hand in attempt to reason his way out of this.
Parker: Whoa, Ben, before things get out of control, let’s just think everything through. Now, yes, you have found out some… information… but you drew the wrong conclusion.
GBM: Oh yeah? Well, why don’t you share this “information” with the fans, and let’s see what conclusion THEY draw!
The crowd POPS in excitement, and Parker slowly takes the envelope out of Golden Ben Miller’s hand. He carefully opens it and pulls out the piece of paper. With one hand holding the statement and he raises the microphone to his lips.
Parker: Ahem…
The commissioner audibly clears his throat in what appears to be an attempt to delay time, but the GPW fans bust into a chant.
READ IT! READ IT! READ IT!
Meanwhile, Shotcaller gets up from the mat and stands off to the side from GBM and Parker. The crowd’s chant dies down as Parker puts the microphone back up to his mouth.
Parker: This is a statement to the fans, staff and wrestlers of Golden Pro Wrestling. I, Parker Meloche… entered into an illegal agreement to spare Shotcaller of jail time on a drug dealing charge. In return, I have blackmailed Shotcaller into doing my bidding and directly ordered him to attack the Golden Pros throughout Season 2.
BOO!!!
Golden Ben Miller gives a satisfied smile, and Shotcaller scowls in annoyance.
BOO!!!
Commissioner Meloche looks visibly embarrassed and is obviously blushing. The booing dies down, and Parker attempts to speak more.
Parker: Listen, Ben-
GBM: Oh, shut the hell up, Parker!
The crowd cheers at GBM’s cutoff remark.
GBM: Since Day 1, you’ve been bending the rules. And I knew something just didn’t make sense with Shotcaller… the Golden Pros had done nothing to him, yet he was hunting us down show-to-show for no reason!?
Parker: Listen, I can explain.
GBM: Well, please do!
Commissioner Meloche raises his free hand, still clutching the paper statement, and spins in 360 degrees while gesturing to the fans.
Parker: Take a look around, Ben. Do you remember Gold Strike 1? We barely filled up the floor, let alone much of the first level. By the end of Season 1, we were still scraping to get butts in all of the first level.
GBM: Are you saying you simply did this to sell tickets?
Parker: No, no, no… not just sell tickets. I did it to SAVE your grandfather’s legacy!
Golden Ben Miller’s head turns sharply to the commission, obviously unhappy with Parker invoking Golden Glen Miller’s name.
Parker: Come back to reality. Golden Glen Miller is a hallowed name in Memphis, yes, but he’s been largely forgotten outside of Tennessee. Every action I’ve taken, including my dealings with Shotcaller, are for the sake of driving Golden Pro Wrestling’s success. Because, you see, the more exciting Golden Pro Wrestling is, the better GPW does, and thus the longer your grandfather’s name will live on!
GBM: There’s no way you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart to save my Goldpa’s legacy. You’re just in it for the MONEY!
Parker: Yes, yes, there is alignment with my goal of personal success but-
DRIVE BY!!!
Before the GPW commissioner could finish his sentence, Shotcaller runs through and devastates Parker with a sudden neckbreaker. The crowd POPS at the turn of events.
The LA Crip grabs Parker’s microphone off the ground.
Shotcaller: Yo… yo… YO!
The crowd quiets down to hear Shotcaller’s side of the story. Shotcaller looks directly at Golden Ben Miller with a surprisingly respectful face.
Shotcaller: Listen, yo, I know I been doin ya’ll durrrty, but now you know my biz. Ya, this corny lil dood been makin me come at ya, and it ain’t gonna happen no mo.
GBM: It sounded like Parker had you between a rock and a hard place.
Shotcaller: And now dat you done expose it all, I guess I just gotta wait for da alphabet boyz to come grab me again.
GBM: Actually, Shotcaller, they won’t. You see, the mayor of Memphis is a great friend to the Miller family, and I had him look into the matter. It appears he did not see any reason to pursue further charges. You’re free to go, bud.
The LA Crip looks surprised, but then straightens his back and nods his head to Golden Ben Miller.
Shotcaller: Alright, my dood. No more beef, den.
The two wrestlers pound their fists together and the crowd cheers wildly, apparently approving of Shotcaller’s new circumstances.
A moment later Golden Ben Miller and Shotcaller head up the ramp together to “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” plays while GPW staff and doctors enter the ring to take Parker Meloche away on a stretcher.
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After the action and carnage from Shotcaller, Golden Ben Miller and Parker Meloche is cleaned up, the FedExForum’s lights begin to dim, and the Gold Screen slowly fades to black and the music “Alive” by Eliot Lipp begins to play.
Words begin to appear on the Gold Screen.
SEASON 3
Slow fade…
FIVE MEN ENTER
Slow fade…
BUT ONLY ONE WILL LEAVE WITH THE GOLD
Slow fade…
INTRODUCING
Slow fade…
FORT KNOCKS
Slow fade…
COMING TO GPW FOR SEASON 3
The lights come back up and the crowd POPS in excitement for what’s around the corner.
Rudy Mac: Whoa! Season 3 just got a lot more interesting!
DeShawn: If I was a fan, I’d be RUNNING to buy my Golden Pro Wrestling season tickets!
Rudy Mac: Nice plug! Commissioner Meloche would be proud.
DeShawn: When he comes back to consciousness, I hope someone tells him about my great work!
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Rudy Mac: Here we go, folks! It’s all come down to this! Fuse Makoto’s arduous journey has reached its climax, and he now has a shot at the PURE GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
DeShawn: But to achieve his goal, he has to go through VIOLENCE!
Rudy Mac: A feat that NO ONE has managed to do one-on-one. Since the beginning of Golden Pro Wrestling, he is a clean 5-0 in those matches.
“Name Of The Game” by The Crystal Method begins to play and the crowd POPS HUGE. Fuse Makoto walks out from backstage with an incredibly focused look.
Rudy Mac: After losing to Dr. Dean early in Season 1, Fuse has gone 4-0 in singles matches.
DeShawn: I don’t think he’s focused on his record, Rudy. I think he’s here to reclaim his family’s honor.
Rudy Mac: You’re right about that, DeShawn. Violence has gone out of his way to disrespect Fuse’s father, and even mock Haru Makoto’s famous headband.
Fuse takes his place in the middle of the ring and waits in a focused pose with his arms by his side.
“Halo” by Soil shocks the speaker system.
BOO!!!
The GPW fans unload a torrent of boos while Violence walks out confidently with the Pure Gold Championship strapped around his waist and the Makoto family headband tied around his head.
Rudy Mac: Disgusting! He’s still wearing the Makoto family headband!
DeShawn: Why does Fuse only wear a white one?
Rudy Mac: Perhaps he doesn’t think he’s earned the right for the family headband yet?
Violence throws two middle fingers out to the crowd and proceeds down the ramp to the ring. He climbs in between the ropes and walks around the ring snarling to the fans. He hands the Pure Gold Championship off to a production assistant and turns to Fuse.
Violence: Hey sushi boy, ching chong bring it on!
Fuse doesn’t react at all, obviously in a state of pure focus on the task.
Rudy Mac: Here we go folks! The Golden Moment is now!
The two competitors face each other and enter into an immediate lockup. Violence grabs the momentum early by slamming down Fuse and proceeding to stomp on his face repeated.
While laying on the mat, Fuse grabs Violence’s foot and twist it, causing Violence to stumble away. Violence, in an agitated state, rushes the now-standing Fuse.
Fuse sidesteps Violence and stuns Violence with a side kick to the back of the head. When Violence turns around, Fuse pulls him in and drills a DDT.
Rudy Mac: It feels like we’re just getting started!
The next couple of minutes feature both hitting moves in their respective styles. Violence eventually grabs Fuse and NAILS a spinning spinebuster.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: That’s not enough to put down Fuse!
Both wrestlers get back to their feet and re-engage with each other. Fuse hits another move that lays Violence down on the mat, which gives Fuse a quick second to climb to the top rope.
Rudy Mac: Electric frog splash!
The ring shakes from the unexpected move by Fuse Makoto.
1… 2… … NO!!!
Despite not getting the three-count, Fuse continues on and delivers a series of kicks to Violence’s ribcage. Violence grabs Fuse by the leg and snaps the young Japanese wrestler down to the mat.
Violence goes for his own high-flying move and launches from the top rope to hit an elbow drop. Fuse moves at the last second, leaving Violence to crash into the mat.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: Nice try, Fuse!
After Violence and Fuse get to their feet, Violence again presses the attack. He pulverizes Fuse in the corner with a series of monster punches, and then drags Fuse out to mid-ring. He throws Fuse up on his shoulders and the camera begins to go blurry…
THE BLUR OUT!!!
Rudy Mac: Oh no! That could be it!
The broadcast comes back into clarity with Violence going for the win.
1… 2… … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: He KICKED OUT of the BLUR OUT!
GPW’s fans go completely bonkers for Fuse Makoto’s resiliency. Violence paces around the ring in annoyance, and the crowd pops again when Fuse performs a martial arts jump to his feet from a laying position.
Fuse stuns Violence with a spinning elbow, and in a magnificent feat of strength, he lifts Violence onto his shoulders.
DeShawn: If he’s going for what I think he’s going for, tell the production crew to adjust the feed!
Indeed, the broadcast goes blurry, but right before it does you can see the look of surprise on Violence’s face.
THE BLUR OUT BY FUSE MAKOTO!!!
The broadcast comes back into focus with Fuse simply standing above Violence’s knocked-out body.
Rudy Mac: Go for it, Fuse! Get the win!
Instead of attempting to pin Violence, he reaches down and pulls the Makoto family headband off of Violence’s head. He removes the white headband from his own and tosses it to the side. The crowd pops off huge when Fuse paces the Makoto family head band around his brow and secures it in the back.
Rudy Mac: Fuse has reclaimed his family’s honor! And that appears to be more important than even winning.
A groggy Violence gets to his feet and sees the Makoto family headband now on Fuse. He snarls with contempt and lunges at Fuse, but the young Japanese wrestler deftly rolls under and away. When Violence turns around, he sees Fuse twisting his body and lifting his right leg.
All sense of time slows while Fuse thrusts his leg around and upward toward Violence.
Camera flashes pop off from all around the arena, and Violence again has a look of surprise on his face.
NIKUYA STRIKE!!!
Violence stays standing for a moment with a noticeable wobble from the signature tornado kick. Fuse watches as Violence then slowly falls backward onto the mat with a loud thud.
1… 2… … … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: It’s over! It’s over! Fuse Makoto is the new Pure Gold Champion!
DeShawn: Violence has been dethroned!
Fuse kneels next to Violence’s unconscious body and looks down at the mat. He closes his eyes and says something to himself. Fuse then stands and spins while holding both arms up to the cheering crowd.
Winner and NEW Pure Gold Champion:
Fuse Makoto via Nikuya Strike
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Inside the ring, the referee ceremoniously straps the Pure Gold Championship belt around Fuse’s waist and gives him a pat on the back. Fuse looks obviously overcome with emotion.
Rudy Mac: He’s the Pure Gold Champion! He’s the Pure Gold Champion!
Fuse takes a moment to go to the top rope of each corner and respectfully bow to the crowd, which prompts a loud cheer each time.
DeShawn: What a satisfying way to go out from Season 2!
Rudy Mac: That’s its folks! Fuse Makoto is the NEW Pure Gold Champion, and we’ll be back for Season 3 of Golden Pro Wrestling when we learn more about Fort Knocks. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you soon!
The camera zooms in to the Pure Gold Championship belt around Fuse Makoto’s waist and then fades to black.
All illustrations from the talented David G.