Gold Strike 16

Season 4 is underway!

The night starts off with a special address from Commissioner Parker Meloche, but ends with an attempt on a wrestler’s life!

Elsewhere, Awoke decides to segregate water fountains in the interest of diversity.

The road begins to Season 4’s finale, Allegiance!

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Golden Pro Wrestling theme song “The Sound” by Switchfoot begins to play…

THIS!

IS!

GOLDEN!

PRO!

WRESTLING!

The camera fades into the FedExForum where thousands of fans have already filled into their seats on the floor, the entire lower and second levels, and the ENTIRE upper level!

The camera pans the arena and fans, providing shots of the ring, ramp, intro stage and Gold Screen.

The broadcast transitions to a two-shot of Golden Pro Wrestling’s announcer team.

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Welcome Back!

Rudy Mac: Can you believe it!? Golden Pro Wrestling is back for Season 4!

In the background of the camera shot are fans holding signs such as “That Is GOLDEN!” and “Fuse Makoto #1!”.

Rudy Mac: I’m Rudy Mac, your Memphis rasslin’ expert, and sitting next to me is recovering TGIF television addict, DeShawn Brannon!

DeShawn: Hey hey hey!

Rudy Mac: DeShawn, we’re still trying to process the obscene violence of Fort Knocks at the end of Season 3 where Fuse Makoto retained his Pure Gold Championship against FIVE of Golden Pro Wrestling’s best.

DeShawn: I’m just now getting the blood stains out of my clothing!

Rudy Mac: Indeed! Now we’re back to business with a whole new season of outrageous events, jaw-dropping action, and complicated storylines. Shall we do a quick rundown?

DeShawn: Give it to me straight, Rudy!

Rudy Mac: We’ve got a lot going on; firstly, Fuse Makoto is still THE CHAMP, and the entire singles division is WIDE open.

DeShawn: Let the pecking order battle begin!

Rudy Mac: Abel Unstable was recaptured by Dr. Dean at Fort Knocks, which spells all sorts of disaster for Abel’s psyche.

DeShawn: I hope he doesn’t end up like Sicko!

Rudy Mac: Decade’s psychological struggles came to light, and it appears he’s battling an alter ego capable of making him do terrible acts.

DeShawn: My alter ego makes me watch adult entertainment even when I don’t feel like it!

Rudy Mac: And perhaps the most bizarre story of them all, Flip Costa has been ABDUCTED by the Draconian! Who knows where the Draconian is taking him in outer space!

DeShawn: I hope Flip knows what he’s doing! He REALLY wants to find a way to stop the impending asteroid hurtling to Earth!

Rudy Mac: We’ve got a lot to figure out in Season 4, and it all starts now with a special address from Golden Pro Wrestling’s glorious leader, Parker Meloche!

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A New Demand

“E.I.” by Nelly suddenly begins to play throughout the arena and the crowd gives a surprisingly loud pop for Golden Pro Wrestling’s commissioner. The young Canadian businessman, Parker Meloche, walks out from backstage with a big smile and waves to the sellout crowd.

Rudy Mac: Commissioner Meloche is here!

DeShawn: He’s got the best signature in the game because it’s all over my paychecks!

After Parker walks down the ramp and climbs the stairs into the ring, he’s handed a microphone from a production assistant and heads to mid-ring. The crowd and the music quiets down.

Parker: Here we go! SEASON 4 OF GOLDEN PRO WRESTLING!

The crowd cheers wildly in response.

Parker: I’m going to keep this short and sweet folks because I know you’re ready to get into the action and see how this season plays out.

Suddenly, the GPW fans break out into an impromptu chant.

WHERE IS FLIP!? WHERE IS FLIP!? WHERE IS FLIP!?

Once the cheer subsides, Parker begins to speak with a concerned look.

Parker: Where is Flip Costa? All we know is that he left Fort Knocks with the Draconian to go… somewhere. We have NO idea. Hopefully, we’ll get some updates throughout the season.

The crowd buzzes.

Parker: As for Season 4, Allegiance, Golden Pro Wrestling’s best wresters will be jockeying for position to get their shot at the Pure Gold Champion, Fuse Makoto!

GPW’s diehard fans pop loudly at the name of their hero.

Parker: You know how this work by now… the Silver Championship is always defended in the main event of the first Gold Strike every season, and tonight, Ejercito de Juan will get his shot against the Silver Champion, Jumpstart!

Another big cheer of excitement is made by the crowd.

Parker: The Pure Gold Championship will be defended at the third episode of Gold Strike this season, but we’ll be holding a number one contender match next episode! These seasons sure do go quickly, don’t they!?

The GPW fans cheer in affirmation.

Parker: Now, from the bottom of my heart, I want to tell you all some-

The commissioner is cut off when “Chained to the Rhythm” by Katy Perry blasts out of the arena speakers.

Rudy Mac: That’s Awoke’s music!

Indeed, the hulking 7’0” social justice blue-haired warrior comes out from backstage with a disapproving look and a microphone in his hand.

BOO!!!

The San Francisco native stays at on the entrance stage, and when Katy Perry’s socially-aware theme song fades out, Awoke lifts the microphone to his lips.

Awoke: Hello… white supremacists!

BOO!!!

Inside the ring, Parker shakes his head in annoyance.

Awoke: Commissioner Meloche, I came out here because it’s of paramount importance that Golden Pro Wrestling finally has a serious conversation regarding the DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION of this roster!

BOO!!!

Parker: Awoke, what are you talking about?

Awoke: I’m talking about the fact that only TEN wrestlers on this roster are consider people of color, minorities, or are from somewhere besides Earth!

Parker: That’s about one third of the roster, and considering the United States is one third minority, that seems to be a direct correlation to the population-

Awoke: SHUT UP! I won’t tolerate your bigotry any longer!

BOO!!!

Awoke: Here’s the deal! This season, I’m going to make sure that the minorities on this roster are finally elevated in the manner that helps them over the come the SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION you leverage every single show!

Parker: Whoa whoa whoa. We treat every wrestler equally with the same amount of respect and opportunities.

Awoke: NOT GOOD ENOUGH! This season will be different! I’ll be taking matters into my own hands, and if any white supremacist has questions about this… follow me on TIKTOK!

“Chained to the Rhythm” begins to play again and Awoke walks backstage leaving Parker Meloche standing the middle of the ring by himself with a face of disbelief.

Rudy Mac: My god! Awoke just gave notice that he’s stepping in to help Golden Pro Wrestling’s minorities!

DeShawn: I don’t think us POCs need his help!

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Violence vs. Saga

Single Fall

After Commissioner Meloche signs off to the crowd and returns backstage, “Halo” by Soil begins to blast through the speakers, prompting an immediate, loud reaction.

BOO!!!

The Asshole From Alberta stomps onto the entrance ramp and immediately throws a middle finger up and shows it to the Golden Pro Wrestling fans.

Rudy Mac: Looks like we’re kicking off Season 4 action with a return of GPW’s most hated wrestler, Violence!

DeShawn: He’s the opener!? I need a warmup or two before I’m ready to deal with him!

Rudy Mac: The former Pure Gold Champion got eliminated in spectacular fashion at Fort Knocks, but Violence is looking to get back on track quickly to get another shot at the prize.

The mohawked wrestler from Canada makes his way down and climbs into the ring and gives the crowd another nasty look.

His music is then replaced by “I Can See It In Your Face” by Pretty Lights, and the fans give a lukewarm reaction to the Polynesian wrestler who enters the arena.

Rudy Mac: We’re four seasons in now, and Saga still has yet to make any sort of impact.

DeShawn: I’m pretty sure I have more wins than Saga!

Despite the light reception, Saga smiles broadly to the fans and shows off a bit positivity. Once inside the ring, Saga and Violence hear the bell prompting the two wrestlers to lock up.

Rudy Mac: Season 4 action starts now!

The two men of equal size lay into each other with a series of counters and power slams. Violence seems annoyed that an undercard wrestler like Saga isn’t going down quickly.

DeShawn: Is it me, Rudy, or is this match a little closer than expected?

Rudy Mac: I’m guessing that Violence thought he’d cruise through Saga in a matter of moments!

Violence lays down Saga with a nice spinebuster mid-ring and goes for his first pin attempt.

1… NO!!!

Rudy Mac: That’s a quick kickout!

Saga jumps to his feet and begins to lay into Violence on his own volition. He whips Violence into the middle of the ring, and when the dazed Violence stumbles back out, he’s met with a massive fallaway slam.

1… 2… NO!!!

DeShawn: Could have been a big upset!

Violence regains control and corners Saga up against the turnbuckle, which he uses to climb and rain down punch-after-punch. The Asshole From Alberta drags Saga out to mid-ring and throws him up on his shoulders.

DeShawn: Don’t look, Rudy!

The television feed goes blurry and viewers at home are unable to watch what’s next.

THE BLUR OUT!!!

Rudy Mac: I guess this is over!

When the action becomes viewable again, Violence is seen going for the cover.

1… 2… … NO!!!

Rudy Mac: Saga just KICKED OUT of the Blur Out! Unbelievable!

Violence grits his teeth and pulls Saga up and is immediately caught off guard by a knee from Saga to his stomach. The crowd cheers loudly when Saga lifts Violence up onto his shoulders.

STORY’S END!!!

Rudy Mac: Epic Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker!

1… 2… … NO!!!

DeShawn: So close!

Saga pops to his feet with a look of surprise and frustration, and he begins to pace around with his hands on his hips. He doesn’t notice when Violence stands and sneaks up behind him. Violence spins Saga around and quickly lifts him up, and again the camera goes unviewable.

THE BLUR OUT!!!

1… 2… … 3!!!

Rudy Mac: That’s it! It might have been a bit more difficult than Violence expected, but he picks up the win.

Violence climbs to his feet and ignores the referees and the fans, and quickly makes his way up the ramp, obviously frustrated at the surprisingly difficult match.

Winner:

Violence via The Blur Out

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Shotty Time

The show transitions backstage where intrepid GPW reporter Vicky Cogliano stands by with Shotcaller, prompting a mixed reaction from the fans. In the background stand her bodyguards, Chavez and Blain of Bounce Squad.

Vicky: Hello Golden Pro Wrestling fans! I’m Vicky Cogliano, and I’m excited to be here with you for Season 4, and I’m kicking it off with a special guest, Shotcaller!

The LA gangster sneers at the camera.

Shotcaller: What’s good, hun?

Vicky: Shotcaller, you lost a chance to win the Pure Gold Championship at Fort Knocks. Tell us, what did you learn and what do you have planned for Season 4?

Shotcaller: Well yo, Shotty done lost at Fort Knocks, ya know, but what don’t kill me juz make me stronga.

The GPW reporting visibly concentrates to understand what she just heard.

Vicky: Does that you mean are you going to keep going for the Pure Gold Championship?

Shotcaller: Hey yo, you know me… All I carez about is money, bitches and gold belts. OF COURSE, I’m going for the Pure Gold!

Vicky: Let’s go back a minute all the way to Season 2. At that time, Commissioner Parker Meloche was blackmailing you to do his bidding by using potential criminal charges. Have you been staying clear of the law since then?

The Bloods gang member places his hand on his chin and thinks to himself.

Shotcaller: Lizzen, Vicky, Shotty been doin his thang, but ain’t gonna catch no charges. I’m here for DA BELT, and ain’t nuttin gonna stop me. Know what I’m sayin!?

With that, Shotcaller throws a quick nod to the camera and walks off camera. GPW’s reporter, and moonlight dancer at the Gold Club, looks back at the camera.

Vicky: Shotcaller, ladies and gentlemen!

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The Dominars vs. Your Captains

Tag Team, Single Fall

The show returns to inside the FedExForum where the lights turn down and blue lights begin to pan around the arena. “Flying Red” by EOTO hits the speaker system and the crowd boos when the Dominars emerge.

BOO!!!

Rudy Mac: The mysterious, dangerous duo of the Dominars are here! Dominar Fyx and Dominar Shaphre must be holding down the fort on Earth while the Draconian is away with Flip Costa!

DeShawn: Maybe they’ll give us some answers tonight!

The two wrestlers slowly walk down the arena with dark, blank stares and climb up onto the ring apron. Dominar Shaphre enters the ring and awaits his opponent.

A moment later, the iconic guitar rift of “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins begins to play, which prompts another chorus of displeasure by the Memphis wrestling crowd.

BOO!!!

Your Captains run out from backstage and down the ramp while holding out their arms like wings.

Rudy Mac: These two pilots are regular DINGBATS!

DeShawn: Maybe they can hook me up with some cheap tickets to Vegas!?

Rudy Mac: You don’t need a “hook up” for cheap tickets; they pilot for Spirit Airlines! It’s already cheap!

Capt. Derek enters the ring with a light jog and cocky attitude and squares up against Dominar Shaphre. The music trails out and the bell rings to signify the start of the match.

The two equally sized wrestlers lock up, and Dominar Shaphre shows off his finesse and technique by hip throwing Capt. Derek to the mat, and then climbs on top of him. After laying in a couple of punches, he turns Capt. Derek over and places him into a modified camel clutch.

Rudy Mac: Dominar Shaphre is definitely the more technically sound of the two Dominars. He seems like he has a few submission moves under his belt!

TA… TA… TA… NO!!!

Capt. John jumps into the ring and nails Dominar Shaphre with a boot to his face, which sends the skinnier Dominar rolling away. The referee angrily gets into Capt. John’s face and ushers him away to his corner.

DeShawn: Not smart! Here comes Dominar Fyx!

Dominar Shaphre tags in Dominar Fyx, and the larger of the two aliens climbs up to the top rope and hits a flying elbow onto Capt. Derek’s head. The referee turns around just in time to see the cover.

1… 2… NO!!!

Rudy Mac: Your Captains are still surviving!

Dominar Fyx pulls Capt. Derek up to his feet and attempts a clothesline but misses, and when he turns around, Capt. Derek hits a running drop kick. The Spirit Airlines pilot rolls away and tags in Capt. John.

Capt. John gets into the ring and begins to trade power moves with the larger Dominar Fyx. Dominar Fyx stuns Capt. John with a boot to the face and then lifts him up into a sitout inverted front powerslam.

INTERDICTION!!!

1… 2… … NO!!!

Rudy Mac: Epic resiliency by Capt. John Cunningham!

Dominar Fyx stands up without any emotion and drills Capt. John with two kicks to the head. He slowly walks to his corner and tags in Dominar Shaphre. Dominar Shaphre climbs to the top rope and perches himself with his back toward the middle of the ring.

DeShawn: Capt. John may not be able to kick out of this one!

Indeed, Dominar Shaphre backflips off the top rope to hit a high flying moonsault.

ORBITAL BOMBARDMENT!!!

Rudy Mac: That might do it!

1… 2… … 3!!!

The bell rings and the Dominars both stand mid-ring, looking down at the groggy Capt. John Cunningham. Capt. Derek McDonnell looks like he wants to help out is team mate, but is too afraid to get into the ring.

Winner:

The Dominars via Orbital Bombardment

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Never Mind, Never Mind

Inside the ring, the Dominars take an emotionless look at the unconscious body of Capt. John.

DeShawn: I’ve had enough of this! We need to know where the Draconian took Flip Costa!

Golden Pro Wrestling’s color commentator hops up from the announcers table and walks toward ringside, waving his arms to get the attention of the Dominars.

Rudy Mac: DeShawn, what are you doing!?

Without a microphone, DeShawn can still be heard yelling at the other-worldly tag team.

DeShawn: Okay, you two! Spill the beans! Where did the Draconian take Flip!?

Rudy Mac: For you folks at home, DeShawn is doing something ILL ADVISED!

The Dominars turn their attention away from Capt. John and walk toward the side of the ring DeShawn stands. They reach the side and grab the ropes, leaning down and staring with black eyes at Golden Pro Wrestling’s comedic announcer.

DeShawn quickly realizes the danger he may be in.

DeShawn: Okay, okay. Never mind, never mind!

The lights inside the FedExForum suddenly go out leaving the arena in complete pitch black. When the lights come up a moment later, the Dominars are gone, and a wide-eyed DeShawn Brannon walks back to the announcer table.

Rudy Mac: DeShawn! What got into you!?

DeShawn: I’m scared to admit this, but I’ve been to the Draconian’s ship! I know the terror Flip must be feeling, and it scares me to think that this may be turning Flip’s beautiful chestnut hair gray!

Rudy Mac: My goodness, you never told me!

DeShawn: I didn’t think anyone would believe me!

Rudy Mac: Just don’t do that again, or else I may have to get involved and ol’ Rudy doesn’t have much left in the tank for a fight!

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Non-Whites Only

Gold Strike 16 moves on as the broadcast fades into a backstage hallway where Awoke stands next to a hallway water fountain.

BOO!!!

The large blue-haired social justice warrior is attempting to tape a makeshift sign above the water fountain, which reads ‘NON-WHITES ONLY’.

BOO!!!

Awoke finishes taping the sign up and stands back with his arms crossed and a smug look. Suddenly, a golden-haired wrestler walks up behind him, and the crowd POPS huge when they see the wrestler is Golden Ben Miller.

GBM: Excuse me, bud, need to grab a drink.

The San Francisco SJW cocks a twisted look at Golden Ben Miller and throws his hand across GBM’s chest.

Awoke: Nice try buddy, but your kind isn’t welcome here. This water fountain is for BIPOC and LBGPTQIA+ only. Not you ‘perfect white men’.

The Golden Warhorse gets a puzzled look.

GBM: What the hell are you talkin’ about? Get out of my way and let me grab a drink.

Golden Ben Miller tries to get past him once more but Awoke uses his large arm to block him once again. The two wrestlers size each other up and the crowd buzzes in anticipation of a sudden backstage brawl.

Awoke: I told you already. If you need a water fountain, there is one in one of the way-back hallways.

GBM: This is absolutely retar-

Awoke: WHOA! You can’t just drop a hard ‘R’! This is 2024!

Golden Ben Miller shakes his head and looks at Awoke with a pissed off glare.

GBM: Alright buddy, I usually handle this in the ring, but what the hell.

Awoke leans over and puts his hand on the water fountain as Golden Ben Miller cocks his arm back to throw a punch.

Ejercito de Juan: Yo necessito agua.

Both Golden Ben Miller and Awoke look over and see the small lucha libre wrestler standing patiently with his mask over his face.

Golden Ben Miller shakes his hand and puts his arm down while Awoke happily beckons Juan to the water fountain.

Awoke: Si! Si! Agua for you! And thank you for wearing your mask, what with COVID still running rampant.

The traditionally masked lucha libre wrestler cocks his head in confusion before leaning down and taking a sip of water.

Awoke: Good luck tonight, Mr. Juan. I hope you defeat the cis hetero white male named Jumpstart!

Ejercito de Juan makes a confused face from inside his mask and walks off quietly leaving Golden Ben Miller and Awoke alone.

GBM: Alright, Awoke, I see what’s going on. You’re bringing that damn DEI crap into Golden Pro Wrestling!

Awoke: Of course I am! It’s the only way to make sure you white men don’t hold everyone else back!

GBM: YOU ARE A WHITE MAN!

Awoke: Don’t remind me! Now listen, if you have a problem with how I run the DEI initiatives, go take it up with someone in charge because that isn’t you!

Golden Ben Miller nods to himself for a minute and begins to turn as if walking away. At the last moment, he turns around as if to throw a punch, which forces Awoke to visibly flinch. The crowd laughs from back inside the main arena.

GBM: This kind of stuff isn’t going to work here, Awoke. I guarantee it!

As the Golden Warhorse walks off, Awoke grins and the show moves on.

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Cory Stenson vs. Sicko

Single Fall, Hardcore Rules

The show goes back inside the main arena of the FedExForum, and the classic pump-up song “Get Ready” by 2 Unlimited hits the speaker system. The crowd gives a loud cheer for their hometown boy, Cory Stenson, who walks out onto the entrance stage.

Rudy Mac: Here comes Cory Stenson! The former Silver Champion is surprisingly dipping his toes into the hardcore division tonight!

DeShawn: Maybe we should call him Hard-Cory!

Rudy Mac: DeShawn… that’s incredible branding, nice work!

After the young-yet-large, Memphis-born wrestler climbs into the ring, the music transitions to the dark and moody “Dead Man” by Karnivool.

BOO!!!

The Golden Pro Wrestling faithful emit displeasure when Sicko walks out from backstage, flanked by Dr. Dean and the Orderlies.

Rudy Mac: This is the first appearance of the Psych Ward, and you know they are always mixing things up each season!

DeShawn: They’re bringing Sicko out now, but when will they bring back Abel Unstable!?

Donning his ever-demented face paint and outfit, Sicko climbs into the ring and emotionlessly stares at the much larger Cory Stenson. Dr. Dean and the Orderlies stay ringside while the bell rings to get the match gets underway.

Rudy Mac: Season 4 hardcore action… here we go!

The match starts off with Cory Stenson dominating the smaller Sicko. He picks up Sicko and slams him down with a sidewalk slam and pulls him up for another. At the last moment, Sicko slides out from underneath Cory’s arm and drops him with a bulldog.

DeShawn: Size doesn’t matter! Ask all of my girlfriends!

Dr. Dean tosses a chain into the ring, which Sicko picks up and whips across Cory’s back.

OHHH!!!

Rudy Mac: Perhaps that chain is symbolic of Dr. Dean’s control!

Sicko keeps up the attack and pulls the chain around Cory’s neck from behind. The referee gets down low and checks on Cory Stenson for a potential submission.

TA… TA… TA… NO!!!

Cory Stenson uses his superior strength to pull the chain away from his neck and flip Sicko over his back. He then returns the favor and wraps the chain around Sicko’s neck, which prompts a cheer from the fans.

TA… TA… TA… NO!!!

DeShawn: He’s really using the psychopath strength!

In surprising turn of events, Sicko manages to get the chain off of his neck and roll away. Cory Stenson runs at Sicko for a clothesline, but Sicko ducks and Cory falls over the ropes and out of the ring.

Sicko climbs up from the top turn buckle, and as Cory gets to his feet Sicko flies off and drills a dropkick.

Rudy Mac: Incredible!

Sicko attempts to pull Cory into a full-nelson facebuster, but Cory pushes him away.

Rudy Mac: A failed attempt for the Loose Screw by Sicko!

Cory picks Sicko up into a piledriver position and climbs the steel stairs leading up to the ring. Once at the top of the stairs, he jumps off and hits his finisher onto the ringside floor.

STENSON DRIVER!!!

Dr. Dean puts his hands on his head in dismay.

1…  2… … … NO!!!

DeShawn: How can someone possible kick out of THAT!

Orderly Caruso pulls a chair out from underneath the ring and tosses it to Sicko, who proceeds to crack Cory Stenson over the head. He drops the chair and puts Cory Stenson’s head between his legs for a full-nelson facebuster.

THE LOOSE SCREW ONTO A CHAIR!!!

1… 2… … … 3!!!

Rudy Mac: Oh no! Perhaps Cory isn’t suited for the hardcore division!

Sicko gets up and is immediately grabbed by both of the Orderlies while Dr. Dean grins from his patient’s success.

Winner:

Sicko via The Loose Screw

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Where Is Abel!?

As the Orderlies get ahold of Sicko, the crowd breaks into an impromptu chant.

WHERE IS ABEL!?

WHERE IS ABEL!?

WHERE IS ABEL!?

Rudy Mac: It looks like the Golden Pro Wrestling fans are concerned about the mental patient known as Abel Unstable!

DeShawn: After Dr. Dean recaptured him at Fort Knocks, EVERYONE is concerned!

Dr. Dean stands ringside, and strokes his goatee with a grin, and then decides to climb up into the ring. A production assistant throws a microphone into the ring, which Dr. Dean picks up.

The fans’ chant slowly subsides, and Dr. Dean begins to speak.

Dr. Dean: Well, well, well. It appears as if Mr. Abel put the lot of you in quite a spell.

The leader of the Psych Ward thinks to himself for a moment.

Dr. Dean: After recapturing him for the safety of the community and for the safety of myself, I have been testing a NEW treatment. And I assure you, this time we will be able to CURE him of his psychosis. FOR GOOD!

BOO!!!

Rudy Mac: I don’t believe a word of this! Whatever Dr. Dean is doing, it’s got to be diabolical!

Dr. Dean: I believe by the time we reach Season 4’s finale, Allegiance, I’ll be ready to introduce the reformed version of Mr. Abel. Until then myself, the Orderlies and Sicko will be working to dominate Golden Pro Wrestling one wrestler at a time!

BOO!!!

The devious psychiatrist drops the microphone and climbs out of the ring and walks backstage with the Orderlies and Sicko. At ringside, a groggy Cory Stenson gets to his feet and leaves, as well.

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Be Ca'ful, Shotcall-san

The show transitions to backstage where Shotcaller is walking down a hallway with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. As he goes around a corner, he’s stopped by two Japanese men in expensive suits. They grin and step in front of Shotcaller, blocking his way.

Shotcaller: Outta my way, yo.

The Japanese men look at each other, and then back at Shotcaller before one of them speaks.

Japanese Man: Hello, Shotcall-san. I don’t believe we’ve met befo’.

Shotcaller: Who da fuck are you?

Japanese Man: Let’s just say I ‘epresent the interests of an o’ganization that is ve’y conce’ned with you. You see, me and my o‘ganization do not app’eciate you’ activities ‘ere at Golden P’o Wrestling.

Golden Pro Wrestling’s resident ‘G’ looks annoyed at the encounter.

Shotcaller: Seriously, yo, get to da fuckin point.

Japanese Man: We will be keeping a very ca’fule eye on you, Shotcall-san. If you continue to threaten ou’ Fuse Makoto, or pa’take in any business outside of the ‘ing, we won’t be happy.

Shotcaller: Listen cuz, I’m a ‘G’ and I ain’t gonna intimidated by a couple sushi boys. That Pure Gold Championship is MINE this season, for realz.

The two Japanese men look at each other and frown.

Japanese Man: Okay, Shotcall-san. Then you will see what will happen ‘eal soon.

Shotcaller scowls as the Japanese men walk away down the hallway.

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Ejercito de Juan vs. Jumpstart

Silver Championship Match

Gold Strike 16 goes back inside to the main arena of the FedExForum, and the crowd buzzes in anticipation of the main event.

Rudy Mac: What on earth is going on there! Shotcaller appears to have stirred up some trouble for himself. Those gentlemen remind me a very notorious Japanese syndicate that I’ve seen in some movies!

DeShawn: That can’t be good!

The upbeat sound of “Mucha lucha” by Chicos de Barrio begins to play through the speaker system and the crowd gives a very warm reception when Ejercito de Juan jogs out from backstage. He pauses at the top of the ramp and puts his hands on his hips.

Rudy Mac: This is it, folks! Ejercito de Juan has a chance to win the Silver Championship in tonight’s main event!

DeShawn: Ay caramba!

The small, Mexican wrestler does a light run down to the ring and easily hops directly up to edge of ring and springboards over the ropes. He gets to mid-ring with an arm up in the air and cordially points to the fans.

Juan’s music fades out and is replaced by the opening guitar rift of “Destruction” by Joywave.

BOO!!!

The Silver Champion, Jumpstart, walks out from backstage with a smug grin and Golden Pro Wrestling’s second-most prestigious belt around his waist.

Rudy Mac: Once a hero, Jumpstart has really turned into quite the antagonist for Golden Pro Wrestling fans!

DeShawn: I used to believe in you, Jumpstart!

The veteran Canadian wrestler walks down to the ring before hopping up and over the ropes just as Juan had done moments before.

Rudy Mac: We’ve got two amazingly athletic high-flyers here tonight, and we’ve already seen their fireworks in action before!

DeShawn: That was Gold Strike 10!

Rudy Mac: That’s right! It was the night Jumpstart started cheating when he nailed that low blow and screwed over Ejercito de Juan! We’ll see if Juan can get some payback and capture his first championship belt!

A production assistant gets ahold of the Silver Championship belt before the bell rings, and the crowd cheers in excitement as the two wrestlers lock up. The GPW fans aren’t disappointed as the quick, explosive competitors begin a series of attacks and reversals.

Ejercito de Juan gets the first advantage with a flying lariat that drops Jumpstart to the mat. Seizing the opportunity, Juan flings himself backwards off the ropes for a stunning moonsault.

1… 2… NO!!!

Rudy Mac: Jumpstart might be old, but he’s still got that trademark resiliency!

The two wrestlers continue to go back-and-forth before Jumpstart hits a spinning heel kick that forces Ejercito de Juan into the ropes. When Juan stumbles back into mid-ring, he’s met with a flipping neckbreaker, which prompts a low gasp from the crowd.

1… 2… NO!!!

DeShawn: In all my years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jumpstart pull out that move!

Rudy Mac: Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks!?

Despite failing to secure the win, Jumpstart continues to press the attack. He throws Ejercito de Juan into the corner ropes, and then chases after him for a leaping elbow. At the last moment, Juan ducks out of the way and Jumpstart falls directly into the turnbuckle.

The crowd cheers in excitement as Juan now can make a push for the win. Indeed, Juan nails Jumpstart in the back of the head twice and begins to pull him up to the top of the rope.

Rudy Mac: What’s going on here!? These two are perched up on the top rope!

DeShawn: This is something we’ve been wanting to see all night!

Ejercito de Juan secures Jumpstart’s head under his arm and points with a finger up into the air with his free hand. He then jumps backwards to the ring and twists his body around before planting Jumpstart’s head into the mat.

Rudy Mac: Stellar tornado DDT off the top rope!

1… 2… … NO!!!

DeShawn: HOW!?

Absolutely shocked, Ejercito de Juan sits up and pauses momentarily. Despite kicking out, Jumpstart remains motionless in the middle of the ring.

Juan gets up to his feet and pulls Jumpstart up to a dazed standing position. The Mexica lucha libre wrestler runs and pops off backwards into the air from the ropes.

Rudy Mac: He’s going for his signature moonsault huracurrana!

EL SUPREMO-NO!!!

Jumpstart ducks out of the way at the last moment and let’s Ejercito slam down into the mat. As Juan rolls around in discomfort, Jumpstart turns his back to the referee and reaches down into his wrestling gear.

Rudy Mac: What’s going on here!? What’s Jumpstart getting out of his tights!?

The referee is oblivious to something hidden in Jumpstart’s hands. Juan slowly gets to his feet and Jumpstart begins to wildly point up to the entrance stage of the ring.

The gullible referee goes to check out what Jumpstart is calling attention to, and with the referee’s back turned Jumpstart throws a handful of white powder into Juan’s face.

Rudy Mac: HOGWASH!

Ejercito de Juan clutches at his eyes beneath his mask and becomes unprepared for Jumpstart’s flying dropkick. The referee turns around to see Juan laid out in the middle of the ring and Jumpstart climbing to the top rope.

DeShawn: I don’t even know who Jumpstart is anymore!

Jumpstart leaps off the top rope toward Juan.

THE START-UP!!!

Rudy Mac: That shooting star press is still impressive, though!

1… 2… … 3!!!

Rudy Mac: And it’s enough to help Jumpstart retain his Silver Champion!

BOO!!!

The referee raises Jumpstart’s arm in the middle of the ring and hands him the Silver Championship belt while the crowd boos wildly.

Winner and STILL Silver Champion:

Jumpstart via The Start-Up

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Shots Fired!

The crowd continues to voice its displeasure as Jumpstart points to the Silver Championship and taunts the fans.

Rudy Mac: That’s it! Gold Strike 16 just kicked off Season 4, and we’ve got more Golden Pro Wrestling entertainment lined up all season long before we get to the finale, Allegiance!

Before the show can expectedly fade to black, the Gold Screen begins to show a security camera feed from the parking.

Rudy Mac: Wait, what’s going on!?

Shotcaller can be seen walking out of a door and into the parking lot to his car. Further down the row of vehicles, a small car slowly creeps toward him with its lights off.

DeShawn: This can’t be good!

Golden Pro Wrestling’s ‘G’ from Los Angeles gets to his car and begins to open the door. When the suspicious vehicle comes by, a window is rolled down and a gun sticks out. It flashes brightly from its muzzle.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The crowd screams wildly.

Shotcaller’s body spins around from the impact of the bullets and flops onto the hood of his car. The driver and the gunman quickly peel out of the parking lot leaving Shotcaller clutching himself in pain with blood leaking onto his car.

Rudy Mac and DeShawn: OH MY GOD!

Golden Ben Miller, Corbin Fiscal and other wrestlers rush out of the arena door and over to Shotcaller’s car. GBM checks on Shotcaller and then yells to Corbin to call for emergency services.

Rudy Mac: We’ve just seen an attempted murder on Gold Strike! We’ve got to go folks, but hopefully Shotcaller will survive, and we’ll get some answers at Gold Strike 17! Good night!

The show fades to black…

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