Golden Ben Miller wanted to pick a fight with Draconium and… HE GOT ONE! Gold Strike 24’s main event features the GPW fan favorite against the Draconian with the fate of Flip Draco/Flip Costa on the line!
PLUS Jumpstart and Violence finally come to terms with the fact that they are on a collision course. Just what kind of match awaits them at the Season 5 finale, Starfall?
Elsewhere on the card, Trickster and Sicko face off in a Hardcore Championship match, and then a Fatal Fourway is lined up for Awoke, Decade, Whatevs and Big Buddha! There are PURE GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP implications for this one!
Season 5 flies on!
anchor
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, and every level within the entire arena!
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.
anchor
Rudy Mac: Welcome BACK to Golden Pro Wrestling for Gold Strike 24! I’m Rudy Mac, your Memphis rasslin’ expert, and sitting next to me is a man who has no fear due to general ignorance and lack of situational awareness, DeShawn Brannon!
DeShawn: Hey hey hey!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn, we are already HALFWAY through Season 5, and we’re locked in for more incredible GPW action!
DeShawn: You got that right!
Rudy Mac: When we last left things off, Shotcaller had successfully defended the Pure Gold Championship against Jumpstart, who was JUMPED by that no-good Violence!
DeShawn: Oh, and my Jumpstart pajamas arrived in the mail! I have them under my clothes right now!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! You have to be burning up! Anyways, elsewhere, Golden Ben Miller made a deal with the space devil and has the chance to FREE FLIP COSTA!
DeShawn: You make it sound easy, Rudy!
Rudy Mac: Well, IT ISN’T! In order to transform Flip Draco back into Flip Costa, GBM must secure a victory over the Draconian TONIGHT, here on Gold Strike 24!
DeShawn: Oh lordy!
Rudy Mac: Without further ado, let’s get this rolling with backstage interview between Vicky Cogliano and the former Pure Gold Champion, Violence!
anchor
Gold Strike 24 transitions backstage where Golden Pro Wrestling reporter Vicky Cogliano, flanked by her bodyguards, Bounce Squad, is standing by with Violence.
BOO!!!
Before Vicky can begin, Violence starts things off.
Violence: Oh, get it out of your system, you idiots. I can barely hear you!
The crowd turns up their volume of discontent.
BOO!!!
When the jeering finally subsides, GPW’s intrepid journalist/adult dancer begins in the interview.
Vicky: Violence, at Gold Strike 22 you ‘helped’ Jumpstart get the win over Golden Ben Miller. Then at Gold Strike 23, you ambushed Jumpstart after his loss against Shotcaller.
Violence: What are you getting at, honey?
Vicky: Well, the entire world wants to know your reasoning. What has Jumpstart done to you, and why are you targeting him in Season 5 like this?
The Asshole From Alberta begins a deep laugh, and then suddenly shows a serious face.
Violence: I can’t believe I have to bend down and explain it to all of you people.
BOO!!!
Violence: Season 5 is about reminding ALL off you – the fans, the roster, hell, even that little twerp production assistant – that I’m still VIOLENCE! And it all starts with sending that little fucking elderly midget into RETIREMENT!
From inside the main arena of FedExForum, the crowd cries out in surprise.
Vicky: Retirement? You’re trying to retire Jumpstart?
Violence: Beauty school didn’t teach you much in the way of critical thinking, did it, darling?
Bounce Squad steps forward in annoyance of Violence’s disrespect toward Vicky, but she waves them back so Violence can continue.
Violence: Sure, Season 4 wasn’t exactly a great time for this Pure Gold Champion-
GPW’s reporter quickly cuts Violence off.
Vicky: Former Pure Gold Champion.
Violence: Oh, what the fuck ever! Just to show Golden Pro Wrestling and the entire world that I mean business, I’m willing to put my career on the line at Starfall! That’s right! Jumpstart, you want to get me off your back!? You’re going to have to beat me in a retirement match!
The crowd screams in excitement at the opportunity, and Violence grabs the microphone to hold it closer to his face.
Violence: So, what’s it gonna’ be, son? I’m an asshole from Alberta, and you’re a little runt from Ontario. LET’S SETTLE THIS!
The former Pure Gold Champion gives a sick smile to the camera and then walks off with a huff leaving Vicky Cogliano.
Vicky: The ball is in Jumpstart’s court! I’ll be tracking down the former Silver Champion for an answer. Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen!
anchor
The transmission cuts to the backstage parking lot where Decade waits alone by the rear employee entrance door to FedExForum. An audible mixed reaction emanates from the fans in the main arena, and then ultimately turns to boos when the ‘Greater Memphis Psychiatric Ward’ white van approaches.
It comes to a parked stop in a handicapped space, and then Dr. Dean and the Orderlies exit. While the Orderlies go about opening the back of the van, Dr. Dean smiles and approaches Decade.
Dr. Dean: Ah, my young chap. Fine work being so punctual!
Decade: Sure, Doctor. I’m not anything if not a good patient.
Dr. Dean: Right you are. Now you’ll get to see first-hand the power of my therapeutic capabilities and see the functional member of society that Sicko has become!
Orderly Caruso pulls Sicko out from the van and stands him on his feet, and Orderly Summers hands the demented mental patient the Hardcore Championship belt.
Sicko grips it in his hands and gives a twisted smile while Dr. Dean stands in front of him and sizes up his patient.
Dr. Dean: Now, dear Sicko, you know your job, right? You are to dispatch the insufferable Trickster! Pay no mind if he attempts any of his misdirection. Hurt him if you must!
With a subdued gurgling sound behind the twisted smile, Sicko nods with dead eyes.
The leader of Psych Ward raises his arms and begins alternating slaps against the sides of Sicko’s head which visibly angers him. Decade looks obviously uncomfortable.
When Dr. Dean looks back at Decade’s distress, he laughs.
Dr. Dean: Fear not, Decade! This is all part of the therapy! I have prepared his mind for the entertainment he will give society!
Decade: I guess…
Dr. Dean: Summers! Caruso! Let us get Sicko out to his match, which starts shortly!
The two large employees of Dr. Dean grab Sicko by the elbows and usher him through the FedExForum employee entry doors, and Decade and Dr. Dean follow.
anchor
The show returns to inside the main arena, and “Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm begins to play through the speakers. The Golden Pro Wrestling fans give a warm pop when Trickster emerges from backstage with a sly grin, while rubbing the palms of his hands together.
Rudy Mac: Trickster is back after earning himself a shot at the Hardcore Championship with that well-deserved victory against Reject at Gold Strike 22! If you recall, he used AI to fake a message from Vicky Cogliano, which distracted Reject enough to help him win!
DeShawn: Anyone who can trick Reject into thinking Vicky wants him is fine by me!
Trickster climbs into the ring and takes a light warmup jog, and the music switches to “Deadman” by Karnivool.
BOO!!!
Sicko walks out slowly from backstage with dead eyes on his face and the Golden Pro Wrestling Hardcore Championship belt wrapped around his waist. Dr. Dean and the Orderlies walk behind him, and finally Decade follows the rest of the group.
Rudy Mac: Dr. Dean is apparently trying to showcase Sicko as some sort of success case for his medical treatments!
DeShawn: Dr. Dean’s medicine is about trustworthy as a COVID vaccine!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! No politics!
Orderly Summers unstraps the GPW Hardcore Championship belt from Sicko’s waist, and the twisted mental patient climbs into the ring. Trickster gets a believably nervous face.
Rudy Mac: I hope Trickster knows what he’s doing in the Hardcore Division!
The bell rings, and Dr. Dean smirks at ringside while the match begins. Sicko makes the first move and begins to wallop Trickster with a series of punches and kicks. He lifts Trickster up and drops him over his back into a jawbreaker.
DeShawn: Right on the chinny chin chin!
1… 2… NO!!!
Dr. Dean smugly looks over to Decade and nods as if it’s okay.
The two wrestlers get to their feet, and Trickster takes control of the match by whipping Sicko off the ropes and drilling him with a dropkick. The impact launches Sicko out of the ring onto the floor in front of Dr. Dean, the Orderlies and Decade. Dr. Dean motions for them all to get back.
Rudy Mac: Looks like Dr. Dean doesn’t want to get involved in this one!
Trickster hops down ringside, and the two wrestlers go back at it. Trickster gets the upper hand and throws Sicko into the steel steps, which sends the GPW Hardcore Champion sprawling.
The challenger suddenly gets onto his knees and begins to dig around under the ring.
Rudy Mac: Trickster must be looking for some clever weapon!
Trickster pulls out a full-length mirror and stands it up next to Sicko, and then goes running around the ring to hide. Sicko climbs up and finds himself face-to-face with his reflection.
DeShawn: Sicko looks mesmerized!
Rudy Mac: Who knows how long it’s been since Sicko has even seen his reflection!
In the mirror, Sicko can see Trickster sneaking up from behind, and he turns around to his face opponent.
KICKERY TRICK-NO!!!
Sicko dodges and Trickster misses with the superkick, which knocks the mirror flat onto the ground. The current GPW Hardcore Champion grabs Trickster and nails a full-nelson facebuster onto the mirror.
THE LOOSE SCREW!!!
Rudy Mac: That’s coming face-to-face with your demons!
1… 2… 3!!!
BOO!!!
Dr. Dean throws his head back and laughs while the Orderlies corral Sicko up, re-strap his championship belt around his waist and usher him up the ramp.
Decade momentarily looks back with concern at Trickster who is laying on the ground bleeding while picking glass out of his face.
Winner and STILL GPW Hardcore Champion:
Sicko via The Loose Screw
anchor
The show transitions backstage where Whatevs is sitting in a locker room taping up their knee. Just down the bench the brothers Sean and Seth Kard are finishing putting on their wrestling attire.
Sean takes a moment to look Whatevs’ way.
Sean Kard: Hey Whatevs. We just wanted to say we’re thrilled to have you on the roster. You’re obviously a serious competitor with some solid talent.
Whatevs: I appreciate that, Sean. It’s nice to be somewhere that I can just focus on my wrestling career.
As if on cue, the lumbering blue-haired oaf named Awoke walks into the room.
BOO!!!
Whatevs immediately rolls their eyes.
Awoke: Hey there, Whatevs. I just came to check in on you before our match against Decade and Big Buddha later. From what I understand, the winner of the Fatal Fourway will be moving up the ladder toward a shot at the Pure Gold Championship!
Instead of engaging with Awoke, Whatevs simply looks down and finishes taping their knee.
Awoke: Um, I don’t know if you heard me.
Whatevs: Oh, I heard you.
GPW’s newest wrestler looks up at Awoke with a contemptuous face.
Awoke: As someone who is amazing at reading and empathizing with people, I must say I’m sensing a little hostility.
This triggers Whatevs to stand up and face Awoke, albeit by glaring upward at the massive wrestler.
Whatevs: A little hostility? Now why would that be!? You only ruined my match against Crosscheck Beck, and otherwise been a smug, oblivious, condescending jerk since I got here!
The San Francisco SJW scowls with skeptical eyes.
Awoke: What are you talking about? All I’ve done is try to support you as an ally.
Whatevs: An ally to what!? I’m just a wrestler! I’m here for victories and championships! That’s the whole point of all this!
A smile spreads across Awoke’s face.
Awoke: Ah, I get it now. You just don’t see the bigger picture because you’re not paying attention! We are in a backward place with bigoted people, so it up to us to educate and enlighten them about the straightforward topics like gender. You see, they don’t understand that gender is a spec-
Whatevs: Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Nobody gives a crap about all that because it doesn’t really matter! People just want to be left to their own lives and not deal with this idiocy!
Finally, Awoke’s face turns serious and angry.
Awoke: Listen, if you want to be a traitor to the left… then I can’t help that, but I can show the rest of our movement what happens to people like you.
The blue-haired oaf huffs and leaves the locker room. Whatevs sits back down while Sean and Seth Kard walk by on their way to their match.
Seth Kard: Don’t worry about that dude. Just go out and win tonight, because victory is the best message you can send.
Whatevs: Thanks, boys. Good luck against Your Captains.
anchor
The show shifts to FedExForum’s rear parking lot where a handheld camera focuses on the employee entrance door. The Orderlies, Sicko, Dr. Dean and Decade emerge from the building and make their way toward the Greater Memphis Psychiatric Institution van.
Dr. Dean: Well done, my dear Sicko. Back in the van with you!
The twisted mental patient begins to struggle against the grip that the Orderlies have on his arms. He makes guttural angry grunts. Finally, the head psychiatrist smiles to himself.
Dr. Dean: Okay, okay, you may keep your title belt while riding back to the institution.
Sicko relents from his struggle and allows Orderly Caruso to strap him into the back of the van with the Golden Pro Wrestling Hardcore Championship belt laid across his lap. Orderly Summers slams the doors shut.
The young, mentally tortured Canadian wrestler looks at the smug Dr. Dean.
Decade: That seemed nice of you. Do you often do that with him?
Dr. Dean: Do what? Treat him with respect and provide him with positive re-enforcement!? Of course! That is what my treatment is all about!
Decade: But what about the ‘keeping him locked up in his cell 24/7’ thing?
The Orderlies take their places like sentinels on each side of the GMPI van while Dr. Dean raises an eyebrow toward Decade.
Dr. Dean: Please understand, young man. Everything I do for Sicko is for the good of his mental health, and that of society. Did you see how proud and stable, he is?
Decade’s face appears puzzled as if contemplating the image of Sicko nailing The Loose Screw against Crosscheck Beck on top of a mirror.
Dr. Dean: If you play your cards right, and really focus on healing yourself, you can achieve the level of serenity that I know Sicko enjoys!
Decade: Okay, Dr. De-
Dr. Dean: Now no more time for this! We must get you back into the arena for your match! I expect to see you both confront your demons and achieve victory all at once!
The leader of Psych Ward briskly walks past Decade back toward the employee entrance door and beckons his young patient to follow. After a moment of hesitation, Decade joins Dr. Dean on their way back inside FedExForum.
anchor
Following the confrontation between Awoke and Whatevs, Gold Strike 24 returns inside the main arena of FedExForum. “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins hits the speakers.
BOO!!!
The tag team Your Captains run out from backstage and mimic airplane wings on their way down the ramp.
Rudy Mac: It doesn’t look like the fans are in the mood for these jackass Spirit Airlines pilots!
DeShawn: Maybe because they take pleasure in seeking out turbulence!
Capt. John Cunningham enters the ring as the apparent first competitor that the two former Air Force pilots selected.
Next the music switches to “Lit Up” by Buckcherry, and the crowd pops for the veteran brothers of Sean and Seth Kard. The two men walk out from backstage and throw their signature ‘W’ signs with their hands to the fans and cameras.
Rudy Mac: The former GPW Tag Team Champions are back in action and looking to get themselves to the top of the pecking order!
DeShawn: Your Captains and the Wild Kards have split their two previous meetings, so this should be a good rubber match!
Rudy Mac: Good exposition, DeShawn!
Once the Wild Kards get down to the ring, Sean Kard enters first. The bell rings and he locks up with Capt. John, and the first minute is spent with the two wrestlers going back and forth.
The exchanges end when Capt. John hits an uppercut and suplex into a pin attempt.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: He couldn’t land the win quite yet!
Capt. John tags in his wingman, Capt. Derek, who continues to beat down on Sean Kard. Capt. Derek attempts to drill Sean with a spear, but Sean moves at the last second and lets his opponent crash into the turnbuckle. He uses the opportunity to tag in Seth Kard.
Rudy Mac: Here comes the little brother!
DeShawn: Small but mighty!
Seth Kard immediately hops to the top rope and jumps out for an elbow drop, but Capt. Derek moves at the last second.
DeShawn: Yikes!
Capt. Derek climbs to the top rope and flies out to deliver a senton bomb.
CRASH LANDING!!!
Rudy Mac: That’s a classic finisher!
1… 2… … NO!!!
With a little bit of frustration, Capt. Derek tags in Capt. John, who whiffs on his first attempt to clobber Seth Kard. Seth bounces off the ropes and delivers a flying dropkick that lays Capt. John out in the middle of the ring.
The younger Wild Kard gets to the top rope, and the fans cheer wildly when he delivers a 360 leg drop.
SUICIDE KING!!!
1… 2… … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: The Wild Kards pick up the win and put themselves back on the map to potentially get a revenge match against the Dominars for the Golden Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship!
Sean Kard enters the ring and high fives Seth while “Lit Up” by Buckcherry plays over the speakers.
Winner:
The Wild Kards via Suicide King
anchor
Gold Strike 24 moves backstage once again to where GPW reporter Vicky Cogliano is standing by with the veteran Canadian wrestler, Jumpstart. Vicky’s bodyguards, Bounce Squad, stand behind her.
The crowd lets off a large cheer when they see their redeemed hero, and once the excitement dies down, Vicky begins her interview.
Vicky: Jumpstart! Season 5 of Golden Pro Wrestling has been quite a ride for you! First, and excuse my exposition, you lost the Silver Championship at Gold Strike 21, then you won the Pure Gold Championship #1 contender match at Gold Strike 22, and then you barely lost your chance to win the Pure Gold Championship at Gold Strike 23! And all this time, Violence was meddling in your affairs!
The former Silver Champion presents a humble smile.
Jumpstart: Well, there’s a lot to unpack there, Vicky. First, yes, I’m not currently the champion of anything… but if the fans are back on my side, THAT’S ALL I NEED!
A massive POP goes off back inside the main arena of FedExForum.
Jumpstart: And, yes, Violence has been a thorn in my side that needs to be RIPPED OUT!
Vicky: Earlier tonight he told me that he wants to face you at Starfall in an actual retirement match? What is your reaction to that? Do you take the challenge?
Jumpstart: You know, I’ve never ducked a fight in my entire life. And I may not be as quick as I was in my prime, but I know that a little showdown with a buffoon like Violence won’t be the end of my career.
Vicky: So does that mean…
The GPW reporter obliges when Jumpstart tilts the microphone closer to his mouth and looks directly into the camera.
Jumpstart: Yes, that means I ACCEPT! Starfall. Violence. Retirement Match. It’s time to send this asshole BACK TO ALBERTA!
After the loudest crowd cheer of the entire interview, Jumpstart looks back at Vicky once more with a smile and walks off.
Vicky: Jumpstart, ladies and gentlemen!
anchor
The show moves back inside the main arena of FedExForum, and the music “Chained to the Rhythm” by Katy Perry hits. The melodious voice of the socially aware singer prompts an instant reaction.
BOO!!!
Awoke comes walking out from backstage with a “4-WAYS ARE NATURAL” sign held up in the air.
Rudy Mac: We’re about to kick off a Fatal Fourway match-up with Pure Gold Championship contender pecking order implications!
DeShawn: Are you saying this will get them a Pure Gold Championship shot?
Rudy Mac: No, DeShawn! But it will get them one step closer to that opportunity!
The blue-haired social justice warrior discards the sign and climbs into the ring while simultaneously scowling at the fans.
The music switches to “Novacain” by 10 Years, and Decade emerges from backstage with Dr. Dean behind him.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: That’s a nasty reception for a former up-and-coming wrestler who the fans admired!
DeShawn: I hope he just gets through Dr. Dean’s therapy for the BETTER!
Dr. Dean follows Decade and whispers something encouraging into his patient’s ear before Decade climbs into the ring to join Awoke.
Next up is the music of “Talk Amongst Yourselves” by Grand National, which prompts a lively cheery from the GPW fans. The strange-looking Whatevs walks out with their fists clenched and a serious face and begins to head down the entrance ramp.
Rudy Mac: No funny business. That’s ALL Whatevs wants!
DeShawn: It’s too bad that they’ve been dealing with Awoke since the moment they joined Golden Pro Wrestling!
Whatevs gets into the ring and looks suspiciously at Awoke, who returns a negative glare.
The arena speaker system transitions to “Four Vows” by Chris Burrows, and the crowd lets off a LOUD POP for the lumbering Buddhist monk who appears on the entrance stage.
Rudy Mac: No doubt that Big Buddha is looking for some sort of levitatious revenge against Decade for the beating he took at the Season 4 finale, Allegiance!
DeShawn: Levitatious isn’t a word, Rudy!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! Don’t try to embarrass me!
The four wrestlers all begin to square off, and the bell rings. The immediate action pits Decade vs. Big Buddha and Whatevs vs. Awoke.
Rudy Mac: All it takes in one pin count to win the match tonight!
Decade gets the upper hand on Big Buddha and drives home several knees to the stomach before exerting some massive strength by german suplexing the Buddhist monk.
DeShawn: That Decade is strong as an ox, I say!
1… 2… NO!!!
At the last second, Whatevs and Awoke both run over and interrupt the pin attempt. Awoke begins to take out his aggression on Decade and throws him into the corner.
Meanwhile, Whatevs helps Big Buddha to his feet, but the 400-pound Buddhist monk surprises Whatevs with a strong clothesline, and then a MASSIVE leg drop.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Whatevs didn’t need any help to get out of that pin attempt!
DeShawn: Whatevs resiliency is absolutely certain, even if their gender identity isn’t!
Across the ring, Awoke clobbers Decade over the head with several large swings of the arm, and then clotheslines Decade out of the ring. Awoke turns around to get back into the action against his two other opponents, but is immediately met with a dropkick from Whatevs, which sends the blue-haired giant tumbling over the ropes onto Decade.
DeShawn: Decade goes SQUISH!
Whatevs turns their attention back to Big Buddha and presses a technical attack. Finally, Whatevs grabs hold of Big Buddha from behind and delivers a belly-to-back suplex near the ropes where Awoke and Decade lay on the ringside floor.
THE WHATEVER!!!
1… 2… … NO!!!
Awoke yanks Whatevs by the ankle out of the ring. Dr. Dean yells from nearby for Decade to get to his feet.
Rudy Mac: Good thinking on Awoke’s part to grab hold of Whatevs!
Dr. Dean: Get up, young man! Realize your potential!
While Awoke climbs into the ring, Decade gets to his feet ringside and beats down on Whatevs while manically screaming in anger.
Rudy Mac: Oh no! Decade is letting his violent alter ego take over once more!
At the exact same moment, Decade lifts Whatevs into a standing vertical suplex, and inside the ring Awoke lifts Big Buddha onto his broad shoulders.
CANCELLED!!!
The ring shakes with Big Buddha’s impact onto the mat.
A PERFECT 10-NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Whatevs just slipped out of Decade’s finisher!
Whatevs reverses around Decade’s back and delivers a picture-perfect belly-to-back suplex.
THE WHATEVER!!!
Inside the ring, Awoke goes for the cover on Big Buddha as Whatevs scampers under the ropes toward the mid-ring action.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Pin count interrupted by Whatevs, now it’s a showdown between the two progressive-of-different-level wrestlers!
The San Francisco SJW climbs to his feet and stares down at the smaller Whatevs with contempt, and he can be heard shouting and berating the GPW newcomer.
Awoke: I’ve been trying to help you all season, and this is the thanks I get!?
Whatevs: I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP!
The crowd cheers in excitement as the two wrestlers come to dramatic blows. Whatevs presses a strong attack, and even snaps Awoke over with an incredible fisherman’s suplex to attempt a pin.
1… 2… NO!!!
After they get back to their feet, Awoke gets an advantage by throwing Whatevs into the corner. He methodically pulls Whatevs up to the top rope and gets them positioned onto his shoulders.
Rudy Mac: I don’t like the look of this!
DeShawn: Same here, Rudy!
The crowd gasps as Awoke throws Whatevs with a Samoan Drop down into the ring.
CANCELLED OFF THE TOP ROPE!!!
He follows it up by jumping off the top rope and delivering a massive flying elbow drop.
Rudy Mac: Oh no!
1… 2… 3!!!
Awoke gets to his feet and looks down and begins to dismissively chuckle to himself.
Rudy Mac: That’s BIG WIN for Awoke, and it’s going to get him on the radar for chance to get a Pure Gold Championship title shot!
BOO!!!
“Chained to the Rhythm” by Katy Perry again plays over the speaker system, and the San Francisco SJW leaves the ring in triumph. Down at ringside, Dr. Dean can be seen helping Decade to his feet and shaking his head in disappointment.
Winner:
Awoke via Cancelled
anchor
Once all competitors in the Fatal Fourway match return backstage, the show goes to a two-shot of the announcers, Rudy Mac and DeShawn Brannon.
Rudy Mac: Alright, DeShawn! We’re about to REALLY get into it now! We’ve got our hero, Golden Ben Miller, facing the Draconian, and there’s A LOT on the line!
DeShawn: You’re going to have to remind me, Rudy, because I’ve been sippin’ sizzurp all night!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! Sizzurp contains cough medicine which may make you drowsy and less effective at your job!
DeShawn: What’s… that?
Rudy Mac: I guess I’ll plow ahead myself and give the fans the rundown of what this match means!
Behind the announcers’ table, fans hold up signs that read “That Is Golden!” and “Beam Me Up!”
Rudy Mac: Ever since Queen Solis of Draconium turned Flip Costa into Flip Draco at the Season 4 finale, Allegiance, Golden Ben Miller has been trying to figure out a way to save him! TONIGHT, he has that chance, but first he MUST beat the Draconian!
GPW’s color commentator begins to chime in, albeit slightly slurred.
DeShawn: Druh… druh… Draconian!
Rudy Mac: Stay with me, good buddy!
Suddenly, the transmission of Gold Strike 24 switches to a backstage security camera feed of the FedExForum employees parking lot.
Rudy Mac: What’s going on here?!
Two black vans with the letters ‘FBI’ quickly pull up outside the rear entrance, and after the van side doors slide open, a team of agents begin to exit in tactical vests.
The last one to get out of the van is Agent Ryan Leonard, who looks around and gives a nod to one of the other agents before they open the door and enter the building.
Rudy Mac: Agent Leonard and his team here! This could spell chaos!
anchor
Following the ominous footage of the FBI agents entering the building, the show returns inside the main arena of FedExForum. A wide camera pan shows all sections filled with fans holding signs and enjoying the show.
Then, the familiar, epic drumbeat of “My Hero” by Foo Fighters begins to play, and the crowd goes ABSOLUTELY NUTS.
Rudy Mac: Golden Ben Miller IS. IN. THE. HOUSE!
Golden Ben Miller walks out from backstage wearing his signature gold and black wrestling attire, and a focused demeanor. He takes a moment at the top of the ramp to hold an arm up to the fans before making his way down to the ring.
DeShawn: Ruud…
Rudy Mac: Don’t worry, DeShawn! We all know you’re on the sizzurp, so let me take care of this match solo!
Once inside the ring, GBM gets up to a turnbuckle and throws an arm up again to the fans, which only prompts more cheering.
Rudy Mac: Golden Ben Miller loves the fans, and they sure love him back!
The music fades out, and the ominous intro of “The Core” by Uppermost drones through the speaker system.
BOO!!!
With a mysterious aura, the Draconian slowly walks onto the entrance ramp with black, soulless eyes.
Rudy Mac: The Draconian is back in action for his first match since Gold Strike 13 when he lost his GPW title shot against Fuse Makoto!
DeShawn: Fus…
Rudy Mac: Hang in there, DeShawn! That sizzurp will wear off soon!
The Draconian climbs into the ring and approaches Golden Ben Miller, who bravely refuses to move back an inch.
Rudy Mac: This is it! If The Draconian wins, Flip Draco remains! If GBM wins, we get Flip Costa BACK!
The music fades out and the two large wrestlers look at one another. The 7’0” 350-pound Draconian holds the ultimate size advantage, but Golden Ben Miller remains stoic.
The bell rings, and the fans cheer as the two wrestlers begin to trade blows. For the first couple of minutes, the match is relatively even, but then the Draconian gets ahold of GBM’s head and SLAMS him down with a standing bulldog.
Rudy Mac: The Draconian is showing why he’s so feared amongst the GPW roster!
Gold Strike 24’s attendees boo as the Draconian delivers several stomps to GBM’s back. He finally picks up Golden Ben Miller, throws him off the ropes and spins him into a MAJOR sidewalk slam.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Golden Ben Miller is WAY too resilient to go down from a sidewalk slam!
The match continues, and GBM is able to battle his way back. He eventually knocks the Draconian down with a running shoulder block, and then does a jumping leg drop onto the large, enigmatic wrestler’s head.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: Leg dr…
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! You’re adding nothing while you’re on the sizzurp! Let me handle this!
After another couple of minutes, the two large wrestlers trade a series of punches and lumbering attacks. GBM stuns the Draconian with a knee to the stomach, and then laboriously picks up the Draconian with into a scoop slam.
Rudy Mac: What strength by Golden Ben Miller! He’s holding up 350 pounds of interstellar mass!
GBM spins the Draconian and lets the large blue-and-gray clad wrestler fall with a THUD onto the mat. The arena EXPLODES from the scoop slam against the Draconian.
1… 2… … NO!!!
The Draconian kicks out after the devastating old school wrestling move and the two competitors continue to go back and forth. With a serious amount of concentration, the Draconian gains the advantage, and corners Golden Ben Miller.
Rudy Mac: That’s NOT a good spot for GBM to be in!
The crowd gasps as the Draconian begins to pull and lift GBM up onto the top of the turnbuckle, and the two wrestlers become interlocked standing high above the ring mat.
DeShawn: Ru…
Rudy Mac: Not now, DeShawn!
The crowd inside FedExForum hushes as the Draconian lifts GBM into a superplex and lays him out across the ring with a THUNDEROUS slam.
Rudy Mac: Oh no! That might do it!
1… 2… … NO!!!
The arena pops off when Golden Ben Miller kicks out, and the two wrestlers get back to their feet.
Rudy Mac: Oh golly, I wish you were lucid for this, DeShawn! This match is incredible!
The next few minutes of the match feature Golden Ben Miller and the Draconian continuing to go move-for-move. Unfortunately for GBM, the Draconian kicks him in the stomach and lifts him up into a gutwrench powerbomb.
ABDUCTION!!!
Rudy Mac: Gah!
1… 2… … … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Incredible! You don’t know what you’re missing, DeShawn! You should have stayed off the sizzurp!
Without conveying any emotion, it’s obvious that the Draconian is becoming frustrated. He hurriedly picks GBM up off the mat and clobbers him with more punches. However, GBM finally blocks one of the punches and delivers one of his own.
The entire arena roars at GBM’s counterattack, and the Golden Warhorse finishes with yet another epic scoop slam in the middle of the ring.
Rudy Mac: Please tell me this is gonna happen!
Golden Ben Miller stands above the Draconian’s body, pulls off his knee pad and throws it out of the ring, and a mob of fans can be seen fighting over the souvenir. GBM then runs over to the ropes, bounces back and flies across the ring again.
Rudy Mac: The most illustrious move in all sports entertainment!
GBM returns to mid-ring, jumps into the air and drops a knee DIRECTLY onto the Draconian’s head.
THE GOLDEN KNEE!!!
Rudy Mac: Grill me up and put me on a bun!
1… 2… … …
Suddenly, the entire arena’s lights go out and it becomes pitch black, and the illumination of nearly a dozen flashlights appear as armed men rush out from backstage.
Rudy Mac: What’s going on here!?
From what little light there is, it becomes apparent that the FBI tactical team has entered the main arena of FedExForum and is heading down to the ring.
The silhouette of Golden Ben Miller can be seen getting to a standing position while the referee calls for the bell to signal the end of the match.
RESULT: NO CONTEST
anchor
Inside the dark ring, the team of FBI agents in tactical gear can be seen surrounding both Golden Ben Miller and the Draconian with guns pointed at the two wrestlers.
Rudy Mac: It’s hard to tell what’s going on out there, but it looks like the FBI is trying to capture the Draconian!
DeShawn: Bu.. Ru..
Rudy Mac: Not now, DeShawn! Sleep off that sizzurp!
The lights come back on, and FBI Agent Leonard is standing in the middle of the ring with his hands on his hips wearing a smug expression. Golden Ben Miller looks angered while the Draconian displays his standard, emotionless face.
A ringside microphone can pick up the government agent’s orders and emanates them through the arena speaker system.
Agent Leonard: Alright, that’s enough, buddy! You’re coming with me, Draconian!
Golden Ben Miller furrows his brow and looks over at the Draconian, who simply shakes his head back at the FBI agent.
Rudy Mac: I don’t think capturing the Draconian is going to be as easy as Agent Leonard thinks it will!
The FBI gumshoe begins to look annoyed.
Agent Leonard: That’s it! Get on the ground and put your hands behind your head! You too, Miller! I know you’ve been in on this whole thing from the beginning!
GBM manages to push the FBI agents away for a moment, but they regroup and all pounce on him at once. The team of tactical LEOs pull the Golden Warhorse back to his feet and quickly slap handcuffs on him.
Rudy Mac: Unbelievable! Golden Ben Miller hasn’t committed a crime!
Suddenly, an iridescent blue light begins to shimmer all around the Draconian.
Rudy Mac: I know what that means! The Draconian is about to be OUT OF HERE!
With a look of surprise, Agent Leonard rushes and attempts to tackle the Draconian while the enigmatic interstellar being beams away. Instead, Agent Leonard simply flies through the air where the Draconian previously stood and falls onto the mat.
Agent Leonard: If we can’t get the Draconian, then we’re going to have to be satisfied with his accomplice.
Rudy Mac: Hogwash! They’re arresting Golden Ben Miller!
BOO!!!
The FBI agent walks over to GBM with an angry face.
Agent Leonard: You’re coming with me, and this time you will answer ALL of my questions!
The team of FBI agents parade GBM out of the ring and up the ramp while trash is thrown from the crowd at Agent Leonard.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: Hogwash! Flip Costa is still Flip Draco, Golden Ben Miller has been arrested by the FBI, and DeShawn is still passed out on sizzurp! Tune in to Gold Strike 25 when we try to get this all sorted out! Good night!
The camera zooms in on Golden Ben Miller’s angry, surprised face as he’s led away by the FBI, and the transmission fades to black…
All illustrations from the talented David G.