Flip Costa is BACK IN ACTION and battles none other than the legendary Fuse Makoto!
The stakes?
A shot for the title at Gold Strike 28 against the Pure Gold Champion, Shotcaller!
PLUS Golden Ben Miller starts his Season Six tour of duty, and King Crab Mack sorts out the chaos from Gold Strike 26.
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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, 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.
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Rudy Mac: Welcome BACK to Golden Pro Wrestling for Gold Strike 27! I’m Rudy Mac, your Memphis rasslin’ expert, and sitting next to me is a man who drinks Pepsi like a psychopath instead of Coke like a normal person, DeShawn Brannon!
DeShawn: Hey hey hey!
Rudy Mac: Let’s just be honest, Gold Strike 26 ended on a ROUGH note! The Psych Ward delivered basically every signature move they had against King Crab Mack!
DeShawn: That must be some sort of record for the WORST beatdown in Golden Pro Wrestling history!
Rudy Mac: No doubt! And I have it on good authority that KCM is HERE TONIGHT and looking for answers!
DeShawn: Like what, Rudy!?
Rudy Mac: For instance, what’s it going to take to make the Psych Ward atone for their sins! OR why did Raft Daddy and Crosscheck Beck come to bail out King Crab Mack!?
DeShawn: Just my two cents? It’s because Raft Daddy, Crosscheck Beck and King Crab Mack are all BAD AS-
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! Family show! Family show!
DeShawn: My bad!
Rudy Mac: Elsewhere, we’ve got a lineup FULL of major GPW stars! That includes Awoke up against Raft Daddy, Abel Unstable versus THE Golden Ben Miller, The Dominars defending their Tag Team Championship, and then the big one… FLIP COSTA RETURNS TO THE RING AGAINST FUSE MAKOTO!
DeShawn: Check my arm for a needle because I feel high as a kite with this show!
Rudy Mac: Drug abuse isn’t a joke, DeShawn! Any who, let’s not hold things up any further because the production crew is telling me that something is up backstage!
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The Gold Strike 27 transmission moves backstages for its first segment of the night, and the scene shows a backstage locker room where Raft Daddy is lifting some weights and warming up for his match.
Back inside the main arena of FedExForum, the fans cheer at the sight of him and Crosscheck Beck, who is hanging out on a bench nearby.
Crosscheck Beck: Yeah bro, Awoke shouldn’t be a big deal for you. I gave him a spanking back at Gold Strike 11. Choked the annoying big boy out with my hockey stick.
The off-season raft guide gives a smirk back to GPW’s resident hockey enforcer.
Raft Daddy: No DQ?
Crosscheck Beck: Nah, that idiot was trying his hand at the hardcore division at the time. That is MY domain.
The answer prompts a light chuckle from Raft Daddy. Then the fans POP when the door opens, and King Crab Mack walks into the room carrying his extra-large crabbing hook.
Raft Daddy: Hey Mack!
Crosscheck Beck: Broski, how you feeling there?
The Bering Sea Badass places his hook on the floor and leans upon it like a cane before replying.
KCM: How am I feeling? PISSED.
Raft Daddy: For sure, man.
Crosscheck Beck: That stuff that Dr. Dean and his minions pulled last week was NOT cool in our book.
King Crab Mack scratches his neck with a slightly confused face.
KCM: Yeah, actually, that’s sort of why I’m here. I’m usually on my own at GPW but I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciated both coming out there when I was down.
Raft Daddy and Crosscheck Beck give each other a nod.
Crosscheck Beck: Dude, you are the HARDEST guy on the roster. And I’ve been hanging out with Raft Daddy a lot lately at shows, and we both think highly of you.
Raft Daddy: I mean, it’s no surprise. I was telling Beck how I grew up playing hockey in Colorado, and he mentioned you did, too. Back in Alaska?
The face of the Bering Sea Badass smiles.
KCM: Ha, yeah. I was a bit of a stay-at-home defenseman. You?
Raft Daddy: Two-way center. Up-and-down the ice, do-it-all kind of player.
Crosscheck Beck: And you know me, I played whatever position got me on the ice to throw some knuckles.
The three former hockey players all laugh together before King Crab Mack gives him a more serious face.
KCM: Well, I like you guys. So, if you ever need me, I’ll be there.
Crosscheck Beck and Raft Daddy both give King Crab Mack respectful farewells and KCM leaves the room.
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The Gold Strike 27 feed switches back to the backstage hallway interview area where Vicky Cogliano, flanked by the protective Bounce Squad, stands next to Golden Ben Miller.
Just the sight of GBM prompts the LOUDEST pop thus far in Season Six. GBM smiles to Vicky while the camera visibly shakes from the excitement emanating from the main arena of FedExForum.
Once it quiets down, Vicky begins.
Vicky: Ben! It’s such a treat to see you again in Season Six! Can you give us an idea of how your offseason went?
GBM: Vicky, firstly, I can’t describe how happy I am to be back with my hometown people from Memphis, Tennessee!
Another loud cheer goes up, but GPW’s Golden War Horse continues on.
GBM: How was my offseason? It was THE most productive offseason I’ve had so far. After Starfall and the big climax with Draconium, I recharged and refocused on what matters most to me.
Vicky: And what’s that, Ben?
GBM: It’s simple… the PURE GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
Gold Strike 27’s attendees let loose more excitement.
GBM: The fact that Shotcaller is still at the top of the mountain is COMPLETELY offensive. That dude and his ‘homies’ have been nothing more than a stain on this fine wrestling promotion. And I didn’t grind through the first five seasons of GPW just to watch such a low-brow, classless, despicable gang member hold the belt.
BOO!!!
Vicky: Is it fair to say that you have your eye on the prize this season?
GBM: …YES!
The crowd pops off in response to the idea of Golden Ben Miller making the statement.
GBM: What’ more Vi-
Golden Ben Miller cuts off his sentence when he sees two red-clad men enter the camera shot.
BOO!!!
Wazzup and Choo Choo, also simply known as Da Bloodz, smirk to each other and then start to size up GBM.
GBM: Look who it is, Shotcaller’s soldiers.
Golden Pro Wrestling reporter Vicky Cogliano backs up nervously, and her bodyguards, Bounce Squad, take a protective position at her sides.
The larger member of Da Bloodz waves a hand at Blain and Chavez.
Wazzup: You all good, my Gs. We here to talk to dis fool, Golden Ben Milluh.
Choo Choo: Dat rite, yo. Our boy, Shotty, wanted us to come delivah a message.
The Golden War Horse eyes them suspiciously.
GBM: Alright, you’ve got my attention. What do you want?
Choo Choo: Pretty simple, foo. Shotty knows what you think of him, and he says he been waitin’ for a chance to even things up.
Wazzup: Yeah, he said dat bullshit during Season Two between you both still got him trippin. He wants you do whateva you can to find him at Blood and Bling!
Golden Ben Miller leans forward toward Da Bloodz.
GBM: Then you tell your boss that is already my plan.
Da Bloodz look at each other and grin.
Choo Choo: Aight aight. See you around, sucka.
Wazzup and Choo Choo give each other a pound and walk off, and Vicky walks back up to Golden Ben Miller with her microphone.
Vicky: Is it easy to say that Season Six is on?
The Golden War Horse smiles back to the pretty reporter.
GBM: Oh, it’s ON!
Golden Pro Wrestling’s reporter turns back to the camera with her signature smile.
Vicky: Golden Ben Miller, ladies and gentlemen!
Back inside the main arena of FedExForum, the Memphis, Tennessee wrestling fans cheer wildly.
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Back inside the main arena of FedExForum, the song “Chained To The Rhythm” by Katy Perry hits the speaker system.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: Jeez golly! It feels like we have to deal with Awoke every week!
DeShawn: We might as well log into social media and watch video shorts!
Awoke walks out from backstage carrying a sign that reads “WATER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS” and the crowd continues to jeer the San Francisco SJW.
DeShawn: Rudy, for context, water rights are a complex issue that faces the upper and lower basin states of the southwest, and how they handle hydrological needs for agriculture and metropolitan usage!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn… how do you know all this?
DeShawn: I’m not sure!
Awoke discards the sign at the bottom of the ramp and climbs into the ring. The music switches over to “Take Me to the River” by Talking Heads, and the crowd lets out a good-sized pop.
Rudy Mac: It’s always a treat to see Raft Daddy!
The offseason rafting guide from Colorado walks out confidently and gives points to the crowd on his way down the entrance ramp.
DeShawn: I’d try rafting if I wasn’t so afraid of heights!
Rudy Mac: Do you even know what rafting is!?
Raft Daddy gets into the ring and sizes up Awoke, and the bell rings signaling the start of the match.
Rudy Mac: Here we go! The first match of Gold Strike 27!
Things kick off with a back-and-forth series of moves. Raft Daddy uses his more athletic body to outmaneuver Awoke and hit him with a THUNDEROUS german suplex.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Raft Daddy is a good all-around wrestler, but I do believe he has an arsenal of suplexes!
Things continue and Awoke starts to take control of the match. He whips Raft Daddy off the ropes and drops him mid-ring with a clothesline.
DeShawn: I’m not sure where this is heading, but it can’t be good!
Awoke bounces off the ropes and returns to Raft Daddy, and delivers a massive leg drop, and then keeps his leg on top of the raft guide to go for the three-count.
1… 2… NO!!!
The blue-haired oaf yells at the referee for not counting quickly enough.
Rudy Mac: I do believe Awoke called the referee anti-liberal!
After a few more minutes, Raft Daddy wears down Awoke with a series of knees to the chest in the corner and pulls him out to mid-ring. He then attempts to lift Awoke onto his shoulders.
Rudy Mac: It’ll be impressive if Raft Daddy can hit all 7’0” of Awoke with his signature fallaway slam!
Indeed, Raft Daddy lifts Awoke up with a massive amount of exertion, which prompts cheering from the fans.
GO WITH THE FLOW!!!
1… 2… 3!!!
DeShawn: NOICE!
Rudy Mac: Yep! A ‘noice’ statement win for one of Golden Pro Wrestling’s newest competitors!
Raft Daddy jumps to his feet as if barely winded by the affair, and the referee holds up his arm.
Winner:
Raft Daddy via Go With The Flow
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After Awoke and Raft Daddy leave the main arena of FedExForum, Gold Strike 27 returns backstage behind the Gold Screen where wrestlers prepare to walk out.
Dr. Dean is standing by with the Orderlies and Abel Unstable.
BOO!!!
The leader of the Psych Ward leans toward Abel Unstable, who breathes heavily through his nose and grits his jaw with intensity.
Dr. Dean: Okay now, my dear Abel, you have an enormous opportunity. You have a chance to defeat Golden Ben Miller.
The crowd cheers at the mention of their favorite hero, which emanates into Dr. Dean’s ears and causes him to furrow his brow.
Dr. Dean: Never mind the simpleton viewers. Of course, it’s worth noting that I have defeated Golden Ben Miller myself!
Behind the triumphant, grinning Dr. Dean, Orderly Caruso weighs in.
Caruso: But boss, I distracted the referee so you could hit him the groin. Just like we planned right before the ma-
Dr. Dean: Blasted, Caruso! Shut up!
The large Italian-American medical orderly stops talking and gives Orderly Summers a quick glance.
Before Dr. Dean can return to “motivating” Abel Unstable, a large man in orange and black raingear walks into the scene. The crowd POPS at the sight of King Crab Mack, making his second appearance of the show.
Dr. Dean takes a quick step back in surprise, and the Orderlies step in front.
King Crab Mack peers around the tall men in scrubs.
KCM: Dean, stop hiding behind your bodyguards!
The smaller Dr.Dean, wearing his signature physician’s uniform, jumps out from behind the Orderlies.
Dr. Dean: Medical professionals! Both fully qualified, certified and ratified! Not bodyguards!
KCM: What the hell ever. I just want to give you a little message, Dean.
Dr. Dean: And what be your insipid thought that must be shared? I already dispatched with you at the end of Gold Strike 26!
BOO!!!
Tonight’s Gold Strike 27 attendees had obviously not forgotten about the epic beatdown King Crab Mack had experienced at the hands of the Psych Ward.
The Bering Sea Badass leans forward and points his finger into Dr. Dean’s chest.
KCM: I kicked the CRAP out of you at Gold Strike 23, and ever since then all you’ve done is try to bring me down! First, you bring your cronies in to CHEAT me out of my Silver Championship at Starfall, and then you TRIED to END me at Gold Strike 27!
Dr. Dean: This is all circumstantial evidence! You can’t tie recent events back to your lucky victory over me at Gold Strike 23!
King Crab Mack takes a step back and chuckles to himself.
KCM: You really are deluded, Dean. But let me give you something that IS true… for me, Season Six is going to be all about DELIVERING YOU PAIN!
The fans back inside the main arena of FedExForum burst into cheering for the Bering Sea Badass’ proclamation.
The Orderlies watch carefully as King Crab Mack gives them a glare and walks off. Dr. Dean hops over to Abel Unstable, who seems oblivious to the entire exchange.
Dr. Dean: Okay, my dear Abel! On with the show!
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Gold Strike 27 continues inside the main arena of FedExForum where the fans standby for the show’s next action.
Rudy Mac: King Crab Mack just made his intentions CLEAR!
DeShawn: I can’t wait to see what’s coming next between him and Psych Ward!
The crowd’s anxious buzzing instantly turns into displeasure when “Tear Down the Wall” by Art of Dying begins to play.
BOO!!!
Abel Unstable walks out with Dr. Dean and the Orderlies following closely.
Rudy Mac: Ever since Abel Unstable was recaptured by Dr. Dean in Season 3 and transformed into the powerful monster during Season 4 that we now see, he’s been a LOAD for anyone to deal with!
DeShawn: I’ve actually been thinking about using Dr. Dean’s medicine to help me get more results in the gym!
The large mental patient gets into the ring while his handler and his henchmen take their place ringside. The music fades out and then… MASSIVE CHEERING ensues when it’s replaced by “My Hero” by Foo Fighters.
Rudy Mac: For the first time in Season 6, we get to see Golden Ben Miller back in the ring!
Golden Ben Miller walks out confidently onto the entrance stage and throws his arm up in recognition to the crowd. The fans only cheer louder in response.
DeShawn: Golden Ben Miller seems to get bigger, stronger, and more amazing every season!
The Golden Warhorse makes his way down to the ring and climbs in. He takes a moment to get up onto a turnbuckle and throw his arm up once more. His iconic intro song continues to play until he hops down and squares up against Abel Unstable.
GBM gives a quick glance down at Dr. Dean and points his fingers at his eyes and then back down to the sadistic psychiatrist.
Rudy Mac: I believe GBM is telling Dr. Dean that he’s watching him!
The bell rings, and the crowd gives a last pop of excitement when Golden Ben Miller and Abel Unstable lock up in the middle of the ring.
DeShawn: Rudy, isn’t this where you give a brief comparison of their size differences?
Rudy Mac: Oh shoot! Yes, Golden Ben Miller and Abel Unstable are nearly identical in both height and weight!
To the fans’ surprise, Abel Unstable gets the first advantage and drops Golden Ben Miller with a sidewalk slam. The large man then jumps up and drops an elbow across GBM’s chest.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: I think this match is just warming up!
Dr. Dean yells some “encouragement” to Abel Unstable, and the lumbering mental patient picks up GBM and whips him to the ropes. When Golden Ben Miller returns mid-ring, he levels Abel with a boot to the face.
1… 2… NO!!!
The fans cheer when Golden Ben Miller pulls Able up and plants him with a headbutt, which sends the big oaf staggering backward.
Rudy Mac: I think the GBM train is starting to get going!
GBM runs in for a shoulder block but bounces off the stalwart Abel Unstable. With a groan of rage, Abel runs after Golden Ben Miller and begins to hammer him down with a series of strikes.
For the next couple of minutes, Abel Unstable is in complete control.
DeShawn: DeShawn no likey!
Finally, GBM is able to fight back and brings Abel Unstable to the floor with an atomic drop.
Rudy Mac: Right in the waist marbles!
Golden Ben Miller goes to deliver an elbow drop, but Dr. Dean jumps onto the ring apron and begins to yell at the official. The referee dutifully runs over and begins to chide Dr. Dean for the disruption.
Rudy Mac: I don’t like this! Something is up!
Indeed, the Orderlies attempt to climb into the ring from the other side but are met with a double clothesline by Golden Ben Miller, which sends Caruso and Summers falling back to the ringside floor.
DeShawn: Booya!
GBM them pulls Abel Unstable back up to his feet and lifts him into a scoop slam position and then holds him there.
DeShawn: Why isn’t GBM delivering his scoop slam!?
Rudy Mac: I think ol’ Golden Ben Miller is having a little fun and giving the fans a show!
With a downward thrust, Golden Ben Miller PLANTS Abel Unstable onto the mat. The referee turns his attention to the match while Dr. Dean looks on helplessly as GBM pulls off his kneepad and throws it into the crowd.
Rudy Mac: Here we go! The most illustrious move in all sports entertainment!
Golden Ben Miller bounces off one rope, runs across and bounces off the other, and when he gets to mid-ring, he jumps and nails his knee into Abel’s head.
THE GOLDEN KNEE!!!
1… 2… … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: NICE!
The crowd goes crazy for GBM’s victory, and he climbs to his feet and throws his arm up to the fans.
At ringside, Dr. Dean can be stomping in frustration while Orderlies Caruso and Summers get to their feet.
Winner:
Golden Ben Miller via The Golden Knee
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The transmission switches backstage where Choo Choo and Wazzup are chilling out in a hallway.
BOO!!!
The smaller member of Da Bloodz elbows Wazzup and nods in the direction of Corbin Fiscal, who is walking by himself.
Choo Choo: Yo cuz, look who comin.
Wazzup: Ha, sup with Uncle Tom over here?
Golden Pro Wrestling’s accountant comes to a stop when he notices Da Bloodz looking at him but then approaches them cordially.
Corbin: Hey fellas, what are you doing here? You don’t have a match tonight.
Choo Choo: So wut, bitch? We do what we want.
Behind his glasses, Corbin Fiscal raises his eyebrows.
Corbin: You know, I was thinking about telling you guys something but never mind. I’m not sure it’ll make a difference.
Wazzup: We always down for a laugh. Whatchu got?
Choo Choo: Yeah, homie, you got tax advice or sumtin?
The wrestling promotion’s bookkeeper smiles and then flashes the Bloods gang sign with his hands really quickly. Da Bloodz both show an expression of shock.
Choo Choo: Da hell was dat!?
Wazzup: You been studying gang signs on YouTube or sumtin!?
GPW’s accountant smirks and shakes his head.
Corbin: No, no, no. Before I came to college in Memphis on a full scholarship for wrestling, I grew up in New York. On the streets. A Blood. Just like you.
The larger member of Da Bloodz, Wazzup, slaps Choo Choo on the shoulder and begins laughing.
Wazzup: A New York Blood!? Hahaha!
Corbin Fiscal’s furrows his brow as Choo Choo chimes in, as well.
Choo Choo: You homies in New York ain’t real Bloods, cuz. Ya’ll just spawns of the United Blood Nation and dat ain’t real Blood life.
Corbin Fiscal sticks his finger up in protest, but before he can say anything, Wazzup WOLLOPS Corbin across the head with a fist.
The fans back inside the main arena of FedExForum voice their displeasure as Da Bloodz begin to attack the affable accountant.
BOO!!!
Wazzup grabs hold of Corbin Fiscal and throws him into Choo Choo’s direction, who jumps and drops the bookkeeper with a bicycle kick. Da Bloodz then pick up Corbin, who is now bleeding from the face, and start hammering him down with multiple punches and kicks.
BOO!!!
The smaller Da Bloodz member stands by while Wazzup lifts Corbin up into a dead lift and drops him face-first onto the hallway floor. Choo Choo bends down and begins to speak in Corbin Fiscal’s ear.
Choo Choo: We don’t curr wut you think, yo. You ain’t a real Blood, and if you got a problem with that, come find us whenever you want.
Wazzup and Choo Choo give Corbin a couple last kicks in the ribs and walk off with a gangster swagger.
BOO!!!
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Gold Strike 27 returns to inside the main arena of FedExForum.
Rudy Mac: Good gosh ALMIGHTY! Corbin Fiscal was just BEAT DOWN by Da Bloodz!
DeShawn: It looks like Da Bloodz just jumped Corbin Fiscal out of the gang!
Rudy Mac: I’d love to explore the implications, which will probably manifest at Gold Strike 28, but the show goes on!
The crowd gives a loud cheer when “Sittin’ Sideways” by Paul Wall begins to bump from the speaker system. Bounce Squad walks out from backstage with serious faceS.
Rudy Mac: Major opportunity for Chavez and Blain here with a chance to win the TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP!
DeShawn: This opportunity only shows what a benevolent leader Commissioner Meloche is!
They hold a finger to their earpieces as if hearing important bouncing instructions, nod to each other, and then head down to the ring. Blain climbs in first and twists his neck side-to-side in a stretching and popping manner.
The arena lights darken and blue lights pan the arena, and the music is replaced with “Flying Red” by EOTO.
BOO!!!
Dominar Shaphre and Dominar Fyx emerge from backstage with the Golden Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship belts strapped around their waists. Their eyes betray no emotion except a slight smirk on Dominar Fyx’s face.
Rudy Mac: The Dominars are entering their second season as tag team champs, but they’ve only had to defend the belt ONE time!
DeShawn: I’ll take watching them lose in the Starfall match over a title defense ANY DAY!
Rudy Mac: Amen, brother!
The enigmatic tag team reaches the ring, and they take their title belts off and hand to a nervous production assistant. Dominar Shaphre climbs into the ring first and cooly walks up to the much larger Blain.
FedExForum’s lights return to normal, and the music dies out and the bell rings, which prompts a pop from the Gold Strike 27 attendees.
Rudy Mac: Here we go!
The match starts off as a game of cat and mouse as Blain attempts to grab hold of the smaller Dominar Shaphre. Shaphre sidesteps a running shoulder block and hits an elbow to the back of Blain’s head.
DeShawn: The Dominars might be a real headache for Bounce Squad!
Blain finally gets ahold of Dominar Shaphre, prompting a cheer from the crowd, and he lifts his opponent in a booming suplex.
Rudy Mac: What technique from the night club tough guy!
1… 2… NO!!!
Chavez is tagged in by Blain, and he quickly gets to work continuing the attack. He nails a couple of power moves on Dominar Shaphre but is surprised when Shaphre slips out of his grasp and rolls him up with a small package.
DeShawn: Classic quick pin attempt!
1… 2… NO!!!
Dominar Shaphre slaps hands with Dominar Fyx, and the large 6’5” power wrestler NAILS a spear into Chavez’s gut.
Rudy Mac: I hope Chavez has the guts to pull this out!
DeShawn: Rudy! Know your role! I make the jokes around here!
Chavez is picked up by Dominar Shaphre and PLANTED with a sitout inverted front powerslam.
INTERDICTION!!!
1… 2… … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Bounce Squad is here to show that they can hang!
Dominar Fyx emotionlessly gets up and plucks Chavez from the mat, but is surprised when Chavez hits a spinning elbow, throws Fyx to the ropes, and drops him with a big boot.
DeShawn: Hold on, Rudy! I think the building is about to shake!
Chavez jumps up and drops his midsection into Dominar Fyx with a classic big splash.
THE COVER CHARGE!!!
1… 2… … … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: That might have been Bounce Squad’s best shot!
Chavez slowly climbs to his feet and gets over to Blain and tags him back in. Meanwhile, Dominar Fyx manages to tag in his counterpart, Dominar Shaphre. Blain and Shaphre meet mid-ring and immediately go to war.
DeShawn: This is sort of shaping up as a GREAT match!
Rudy Mac: Just another night of Gold Strike, in my opinion!
Dominar Shaphre is once again able to stay shifty and eventually trip Blain. While Blain rolls over onto his back, Shaphre climbs the top rope and quickly launches into a moonsault.
ORBITAL BOMBARDMENT-NOOOO!!!
At the last moment, Blain pops up to his feet and snatches Dominar Shaphre mid-air into a belly-to-belly slam.
THE TOSS OUT!!!
The entire arena goes berserk for the display of skill by the big man.
Rudy Mac and DeShawn: WHAT!?
1… … 2… … … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Amazing kickout after that UNBELIEVABLE move by Blain!
Blain looks visibly frustrated but presses on. Unfortunately, Dominar Shaphre is able to weather the storm, and tags in Dominar Fyx.
Before Blain can get to Chavez, Dominar Fyx clobbers him from behind. With Blain dazed, Dominar Fyx lifts him up and shakes the entire building with another sitout inverted front powerslam.
INTERDICTION!!!
1… … 2… … … 3!!!
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: The Dominars HUNG IN and SURVIVED an unexpectedly strong performance by Bounce Squad!
DeShawn: I don’t think I’ll ever look at Bounce Squad the same way! They really had a great showing here!
Dominar Shaphre and Dominar Fyx are handed their tag team championship belts, and a blue light absorbs and dissolves them back to their spaceship in orbit of planet Earth.
Winner and STILL Tag Team Champions:
The Dominars via Interdiction
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Following the tag team championship match, Gold Strike 27 transitions to a backstage locker room where Fuse Makoto is sitting on a stool and lacing up his wrestling boots. The crowd instantly POPS for the Golden Pro Wrestling legend and former Pure Gold Champion.
His new wife, Aiko, slides behind him and begins to massage his shoulders.
Aiko: Fuse, it’s new season and new you. You win tonight, and everyone back home will be very, very happy.
The young, accomplished wrestler from Tano, Japan makes a consternated face, which Aiko appears to sense. She stops rubbing her shoulders and pokes her head closer to Fuse’s ear.
Aiko: You know you need to make money. Winning is money, yes? If you not win, people back home must think of other ways to make money. You understand?
Fuse: Yes… my wife. I understand. Win tonight, and everyone back home will be happy.
The petite Japanese woman smiled and went back to rubbing his shoulder.
Aiko: Good, good.
The scene fades away.
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Back inside the main arena of FedExForum, the Gold Strike 27 fans buzz.
Rudy Mac: What the heck was that all about? Winning is money!? Is that what Fuse’s wife is after!?
DeShawn: From my experience, this is all normal!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! Millions of people are in happily monogamous, enriching, meaningful marriages!
DeShawn: And millions of others AREN’T!
Rudy Mac: Fair enough!
Suddenly, the large Gold Screen above the entrance ramp switches from the spinning GPW logo to a cell phone stream of Awoke’s face. The blue-haired oaf is obviously recording a selfie meant for social media.
BOO!!!
Awoke: Hello, my Awokened! I’m here to bring you ANOTHER important message that will help you WAKE UP!
BOO!!!
Awoke: This, of course, is about the absolute GENOCIDE of immigrants!
Rudy Mac: That’s the wrong word! Disagree with how foreign immigrants being treated, but don’t compare this to mass extermination!
The San Francisco SJW continues.
Awoke: I want to call attention to ONE immigrant in particular! Just because he isn’t here on quote-unquote “legal” terms doesn’t mean he should be prosecuted! So, I’m here to give a formal warning to the federal government to LEAVE EJERCITO DE JUAN ALONE!
The fans gasp in shock at Awoke’s stupidity.
Rudy Mac: What is Awoke doing!? That’s going to lead the federal government right to Juan!
DeShawn: On top of a lot of other things, Awoke is a NARC!
Awoke: And one more FACT! Just because Ejercito de Juan committed a crime to get into the country, it DOESN’T make him a criminal! Committing crimes doesn’t equal criminality! PEACE!
The end of the transmission sends the GPW fans into a tizzy.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: I think Awoke just made Ejercito de Juan’s life a lot more complicated!
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Rudy Mac: Gold Strike 27 has FLOWN by, and now we’re here to a MAJOR match of massive implications!
DeShawn: Do you want to run down the context, or me!?
Rudy Mac: Let’s both give it a shot!
DeShawn: You first!
Rudy Mac: Flip Costa, freshly and beautifully reanimated, has a chance to score a shot at the Pure Gold Championship BUT he has to beat the Golden Pro Wrestling superstar, Fuse Makoto!
DeShawn: Not bad!
Rudy Mac: Your turn, DeShawn! What sort of literary devices will you use to come up with a better context statement for the main event!?
DeShawn: Ahem… Flip Costa, freshly and beautifully reanimated, has a chance to score a shot at the Pure Gold Championship BUT he has to beat the Golden Pro Wrestling superstar, Fuse Makoto!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! You stole my words!
DeShawn: But I put emphasis on various parts to make it more dramatic!
Rudy Mac: The emphasis was random and incoherent! Whatever!
The arena speaker system begins to play the opening intro of “Midnight Voyage” by Ghostland Observatory which sets the arena ABLAZE in cheering.
Flip Costa walks out from backstage confidently with a smile on his face. His chestnut brown hair bounces and swings around his shoulders.
Rudy Mac: FINALLY, HE IS BACK TO WRESTLE AS HE’S MEANT TO BE!
DeShawn: A beautiful, beautiful piece of artwork, that is!
Rudy Mac: Where’s the production assistant!? I need cold water! I’m heating up!
Both men and women throughout the arena swoon while Flip Costa jogs down the ramp, up the stairs and into the ring. He takes a moment to run and backflips off the ropes into a spectacular moonsault but ends it standing on his feet.
Rudy Mac: He sticks the landing!
The music fades out, and is replaced with another iconic Golden Pro Wrestling intro.
“Name Of The Game” by The Crystal Method.
The crowd goes INSANE!
Rudy Mac: Can you believe the match up we’re about to be treated to!?
DeShawn: NO, I CANNOT!
Flip Costa emerges onto the entrance stage with his wife holding onto his arm. Aiko smiles and waves to the crowd while basking in Fuse’s attention.
Rudy Mac: Flip Costa vs. Fuse Makoto!? This could be a season finale main event in my book!
DeShawn: Thank our glorious leader, Parker Meloche for giving us the goods EVERY show!
Aiko gives Fuse a kiss on the cheek before sending Fuse up the ringside stairs. The former Pure Gold Champion enters the ring and gives a look over at Flip Costa.
Flip responds by walking up and holding a fist out in an act of sportsmanship. Fuse Makoto nods and bumps his fist against Flip Costa, and the Pensacola Pretty Boy takes a few bouncy steps backwards.
Rudy Mac: Mutual respect from these two!
DeShawn: Let’s just see if something happens with Aiko on the sidelines! I’m not sure I trust her!
The bell rings, and the Gold Strike 27 attendees cheer in anticipation. The two Golden Pro Wrestling superstars circle each other; Flip Costa clearly has more spring in his step, while Fuse Makoto betrays a solely focused face.
Rudy Mac: Who will make the first move!?
Flip Costa answers the question by lunging at Fuse Makoto, who quickly returns a karate chop against Flip’s chest. Fuse maintains the momentum for the first minute of the match, finishing his move set with a snap DDT.
DeShawn: Fuse going for a quick win!
1… 2… NO!!!
The fans cheer that the match won’t end surprisingly early. The action continues, and Flip Costa reverses Fuse Makoto’s running dropkick by delivering a reverse bulldog.
Rudy Mac: There’s so much athleticism out there, I can’t keep up!
Fuse Makoto quickly gets to his feet, and the two wrestlers square up again. Their complimenting styles between Fuse Makoto’s athletic all-around game vs. Flip Costa’s gymnast acrobatics take center stage.
First, Fuse rolls Flip Costa around the ring with three successive snap mares but then Flip Costa grabs hold of Fuse Makoto and hits a Russian side leg sweep.
DeShawn: I’d KILL to have Flip Costa manhandle me like that!
Flip Costa runs up to the top rope and launches out for a senton elbow drop.
THE FLIPOFF-NO!!!
At the last moment, Aiko reaches and pulls Fuse Makoto which prompts the former Pure Gold Champion to roll away. Flip Costa slams HARD into the mat temporarily dazing him.
Rudy Mac: Hogwash! Aiko just INTERFERED!
DeShawn: Is that a DQ!?
Rudy Mac: It doesn’t look like it! Aiko didn’t attack Flip Costa in any way!
Fuse Makoto gets to his feet and gives a quick, disapproving face to Aiko, and beckons her with the palm of his hand to stay out of it.
While Fuse is distracted, Flip Costa climbs to his feet and waits patiently for Fuse to turn around.
Rudy Mac: Sportsmanship AND gorgeous looks!
Fuse finally turns around and goes back into his karate stance. The former Pure Gold Champion extends his leg out and hits Flip with a combo of kicks across his midsection. Flip Costa is doubled over, and Fuse Makoto finishes his attack with a flying kneebuster.
1… 2… NO!!!
The crowd cheers on as Fuse Makoto and Flip Costa get back to their feet and continue the match. This time, Flip Costa gets the advantage, and ROCKS Fuse Makoto with a somersault that results in a jumping knee to Fuse’s face.
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Back-and-forth they go!
As the two wrestlers keep battling on, Aiko appears to get more and more frustrated that Fuse isn’t winning. She finally snaps and climbs onto the ring apron, which pulls away the referee’s attention.
DeShawn: Rudy! I don’t like this!
Aiko argues with the referee that he is not disqualifying Flip Costa for any of his moves, but the referee argues back that they are perfectly legal.
Meanwhile, Flip Costa and Fuse Makoto continue wrestling, unaware of a disturbance building in the crowd.
Rudy Mac: Something appears to be going on in the stands! Someone is pushing their way through the crowd!
Suddenly, Violence emerges from the first row of seats and jumps over the barricade.
BOO!!!
Rudy Mac: Violence! Hogwash, this ain’t gonna be good!
Violence climbs into the ring and the two wrestlers turn around to see what’s going on. The Asshole From Alberta runs at the two wrestlers and clobbers them with a two-armed clothesline.
He then picks up Fuse Makoto onto his shoulders, and the transmission goes unviewable momentarily.
THE BLUR OUT!!!
BOO!!!
When the show becomes viewable, Violence lifts Flip Costa up and the show is forced to digitize again.
THE BLUR OUT!!!
BOO!!!
The transmission re-crystalizes.
Rudy Mac: I think Violence is trying to spoil the match! Probably
Aiko, obviously surprised by what she witnesses behind the referee’s back, hops off the ring apron and retreats while Violence climbs out of the ring and ducks back into the crowd. He can last be seen shouldering GPW fans out of the way abrasively.
The referee turns around to see both men laid out.
DeShawn: Now it’s a matter of who can get it up first!
Rudy Mac: That wording was a little strange!
The referee begins a double count out.
Referee: ONE!
Neither wrestler moves.
Referee: TWO!
Flip Costa begins to stir, holding his hand to the back of his neck.
Referee: THREE!
Fuse Makoto shows his first signs of life by moving his legs around while Aiko pleads with him to wake up.
Referee: FOUR!
The two men start to move around with more full-body activity.
Referee: FIVE!
Flip Costa gets to his knees.
Referee: SIX!
Fuse Makoto begins to kneel with one foot planted.
Referee: SEVEN!
The crowd gets into it.
G-P-W! G-P-W! G-P-W!
Referee: EIGHT!
Both Fuse and Flip are nearly standing.
Rudy Mac: You’re almost there, boys!
Referee: NINE!
Flip Costa and Fuse Makoto finally get their feet simultaneously, prompting a MAJOR positive reaction from the entire arena.
DeShawn: Raise the roof, this ain’t over!
The two wrestlers engage each other once more, and they are now both showing signs of obvious exhaustion. Eventually, Flip Costa makes an error and leaves himself spinning loosely.
Like a seasoned champion, Fuse Makoto capitalizes with his signature tornado kick.
NIKUYA STRIKE!!!
Rudy Mac: That’s probably it!
1… … 2… … … NO!!!
Fuse rises to his knees with a surprised look on his face as he stares down at Flip Costa in an impressed fashion. The shock gives Flip time to hop to his feet, and nail a leg sweep that plants Fuse on his back.
From ringside, Aiko can be heard shouting at her husband.
Rudy Mac: Something big may be happening here!
Flip Costa climbs up to the top rope and launches into his senton elbow drop finisher.
THE FLIP OUT-NO!!!
Fuse Makoto quickly does a karate jump from his back to his feet and twists his body into the air for a Nikuya Strike against the flying Pensacola Pretty Boy.
NIKUYA STRIKE-NO!!!
Flip Costa makes a mid-air adjustment; grabs hold of Fuse Makoto’s head and nails the bulldog to END all bulldogs!
Rudy Mac and DeShawn: WHAT!?!?
1… … 2… … … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: Holy moley with guacamole-
DeShawn: Like smokin a spliff WITH Spicoli!
The entire arena full of fans POPS OFF at the spectacular ending between the two fan favorites.
Rudy Mac: That is what Golden Pro Wrestling IS ALL ABOUT!
Flip Costa rises to his feet, and the referee holds his hands up.
Rudy Mac: Flip Costa just PUNCHED… nay, FLYING BULLDOGGED his way to a match against Shotcaller for the Pure Gold Championship at Gold Strike 28!
Aiko climbs into the ring and furiously berates Fuse Makoto has he comes back to consciousness on the ring mat.
Winner:
Flip Costa via Flying Bulldog
anchor
Flip Costa, Fuse Makoto and Aiko all stand in the ring while the Gold Strike 27 attendees cheer for the quality of the match they just witnessed. However, the entire arena hushes when the Gold Screen above the entrance stage begins to cut in-and-out as if a transmission is attempting to signal in.
Rudy Mac: Why do I feel like this has happened before?!
The incoming transmission finally becomes viewable.
BOO!!!
The Gold Screen now shows the Draconian sitting in the command chair on the bridge of his spaceship.
DeShawn: This is never good!
Fuse Makoto, his wife, and Flip Costa all stare up at the Gold Screen attentively. The large pale-skinned alien in his blue outfit begins to speak dispassionately.
The Draconian: I am here to send you a message, hu-mahns. The mission of Draconium has not ended. The subjugation and defeat of your pa-thetic species will continue.
BOO!!!
Inside the ring, Flip Costa steps forward with a defiant, indignant face.
The Draconian: Step aside, Flip Co-stah. You are no longer of my concern; you remain at my Queen’s discretion. I am here for him.
The “General” of Draconium points a large finger toward the camera intended for the only other wrestler present, Fuse Makoto.
The Draconian: In order to begin my campaign for the Pure Gold Championship, I am selecting only the best of the best of Golden Pro Wrestling to prove my superiority. It begins with the one they call Fuse Mah-koto.
Aiko looks at Fuse Makoto nervously, but the young, Japanese wrestler stands his ground with a defiant face.
The Draconian: Yes, maintain your hu-mahn spirit, pride and honor. It will be… your DOWNFALL.
BOO!!!
The transmission becomes choppy on the Gold Screen and finally cuts out, leaving the Flip Costa, Fuse Makoto and Aiko standing in the ring silently.
Rudy Mac: The shoe has DROPPED! Draconium isn’t done with GPW yet, and it apparently focuses around Fuse Makoto!
DeShawn: I can tell you that having the Draconian’s attention is NOT a good thing!
Rudy Mac: Agreed! Gold Strike 27 is IN THE BOOKS! Good night, folks!
The camera focuses in on Fuse Makoto’s stoic face while “Midnight Voyage” plays across the speaker system, and the transmission fades to black…
All illustrations from the talented David G.