Gold Strike 24 ended in chaos and GBM missed out on his chance to free Flip Costa from Draconium’s control. Now Commissioner Meloche must step in to finalize an epic showdown between the alien faction and the Golden Pros.
Plus… FUSE MAKOTO RETURNS!
The last Gold Strike of Season 5 sets the scene for the season finale, Starfall… brace for the impact!
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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 25! I’m Rudy Mac, your Memphis rasslin’ expert, and sitting next to me is a man who passed out before the last main event due to a sizzurp overdose!
DeShawn: Hey hey hey!
Rudy Mac: Okay, DeShawn, at Gold Strike 24, you MISSED EVERYTHING between the Draconian and Golden Ben Miller! Everyone wants to know, how you feelin’!?
DeShawn: Like a new man! I’ve successfully detoxed since Gold Strike 24 and recommitted myself to being SIZZURP-FREE for an indeterminate amount of time!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! That’s no plan for long-term sobriety and maximal self-realization! Think about your family! Think about ME!
DeShawn: I do… until the sweet taste of codeine and promethazine take me back where I belong!
Rudy Mac: If I can’t help you with your sizzurp habit, at least I can help you catch up on what you missed at Gold Strike 24!
DeShawn: Lay it on me, Rudy!
Rudy Mac: In last show’s main event, Golden Ben Miller had the opportunity to save Flip Costa, now known as Flip Draco, from Draconium. All he had to do was beat THE DRACONIAN!
DeShawn: That’s where things started getting fuzzy for me!
Rudy Mac: The match was stellar! That is, until FBI Agent Leonard interfered!
DeShawn: What!?
Rudy Mac: That’s right! He attempted to CAPTURE the Draconian, but when the Draconian beamed back to his spaceship, Agent Leonard arrested Golden Ben Miller instead!
DeShawn: I HATE the alphabet boys! I’m assuming Golden Ben Miller is still locked up?
Rudy Mac: I think that’s what we’re about to find out!
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Gold Strike 25 makes its first transition, which takes the show backstage to a single shot of Golden Pro Wrestling Commissioner Parker Meloche sitting at his desk in a FedExForum office. The crowd inside the main arena of FedExForum let out a loud cheer.
The enthusiasm calms down, and the young businessman from Canada begins.
Parker: Welcome to Season 5’s final Gold Strike!
Another pop goes off from the fans.
Parker: Now, I have to admit, I’ve been derelict in my duties. We’re nearly at the end of Season 5, and we only have ONE match locked in. And that, of course, is the RETIREMENT MATCH between Violence and Jumpstart!
A mixed reaction from the Gold Strike crowd shows just how concerning that upcoming match is.
Parker: So first, I’m going to rattle a couple things off here… ONE: as promised, Fuse Makoto is here TONIGHT!
The sudden outburst of cheering causes the leader of Golden Pro Wrestling to grab his desk while the camera wobbles. After a lengthy expression of rapture, Parker Meloche is able to continue.
Parker: And he’ll be getting right back into action with a GOLDEN PRO WRESTLING PURE GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP NUMBER ONE CONTENDER MATCH against Awoke!
The raucous response causes dirt and debris to shake loose from the ceiling and fall all around Parker.
Parker: And right now, I have little doubt that there has been a more imposing Silver Champion during the time of Golden Pro Wrestling, which is why I think we need a HIGH-CALIBER opponent for King Crab Mack. That’s why I’m happy to announce King Crab Mack vs. Decade in a Silver Championship match at Starfall!
The young Canadian businessman gives the crowd a moment to get through their obligatory excitement.
Parker: Now, there will be Hardcore Championship match at Starfall, but we won’t know the contender until the end of tonight’s TRIPLE THREAT hardcore rules match between Ejercito de Juan, Abel Unstable, and former champion Reject!
He gives his signature smile while the fans digest the novelty of seeing those three wrestlers face off.
Parker: But the biggest issue of them all… is Golden Ben Miller and Draconium. There have been twists and turns all season while GBM tries to get Flip Costa restored to his original form. Indeed, the world cannot take another minute of our best-looking person held captive as Flip Draco by Draconium.
BOO!!!
Parker: We certainly thought we would have matters settled at Gold Strike 24, but then the government got involved and ruined Ben’s chances to free Flip. Really… justice was not served by the FBI. Which is why TONIGHT, I am calling for a summit between ALL of Draconium and ALL of the Golden Pros! Ben, you’re not doing this alone ANYMORE!
The crowd lets out a large pop at the prospect of a come-to-Jesus moment between the two factions.
Parker: At the conclusion of tonight’s match against Awoke and Fuse Makoto, I invite… no, I COMMAND Queen Solis and her minions to join us IN-RING with Golden Ben Miller, Corbin Fiscal, Cory Stenson, and the Wild Kards!
Gold Strike 25’s attendees break out into an impromptu chant.
G-P-W! G-P-W! G-P-W!
Parker: Starfall is coming up, so let’s get everything LOCKED IN!
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Gold Strike 25 switches to a backstage hallway where Awoke is walking down the hall in street clothes with a rainbow-colored gym bag slung over his shoulder.
BOO!!!
The San Francisco SJW holds his phone up in front of his face apparently livestreaming to his social media followers.
Awoke: That’s right my people, tonight I get a chance to pay back Fuse Makoto for his cheating ways at Gold Strike 18 AND punch my ticket for a chance to beat Shotcaller at Starfall! My victories will be an inspiration to millions of enlightened young people of every color and gender on the spectrum!
He presses a button on the phone screen and puts it back in his pocket. As he turns a corner, he’s met by his Season 5 nemesis, Whatevs.
The crowd gives a warm pop for its politically neutral wrestler. Awoke gives an annoyed, dismissive face to Whatevs.
Whatevs: Hey there, dumbass. I just heard you are getting another chance for the Pure Gold Championship?
Awoke: Does that bother you? I thought people of your ilk… conservatives… were all about MERIT!
The ambiguously gendered wrestler shakes their head in disbelief.
Whatevs: Just because I don’t endorse all your political bullshit doesn’t mean I’m a conservative. Not everything is black-and-white!
Awoke: Aha! It is black and white… and brown, and yellow, and turquoise!
GPW’s newest wrestler furrows their brow before responding.
Whatevs: Anyways, I just wanted to wish you good luck. You won last week’s match cleanly, but I bet if it was one vs. one, I’d wipe the FLOOR with you.
The blue-haired oaf appears unable to respond.
Whatevs: I just wanted to let you know that I actually checked in with Commissioner Meloche before the show, and he told me that if you didn’t win tonight, he was more than happy to guarantee me a match against you at Starfall!
A loud POP from the fans emanates from inside the main arena of FedExForum.
Awoke: What a waste of time! I’m sorry that you’ll be left with nothing to do at Starfall, but nice try my little Republican friend!
The San Francisco SJW rolls his eyes and makes an annoyed face before brushing past Whatevs to find a locker room.
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The show goes back inside the main arena of FedExForum for the first match of the night.
Rudy Mac: Big stuff! Big stuff! Commissioner Meloche has locked in Decade vs. King Crab Mack at Starfall and Awoke and Fuse Makoto will be battling for the Pure Gold Championship Number One Contender status TONIGHT!
DeShawn: I think he mentioned something else!
Rudy Mac: That’s right. We have a SUMMIT between the Golden Pros and Draconium at the end of the show find a resolution for Flip Draco’s… I mean, Flip Costa’s fate!
The arena speakers begin to play “I Can See It In Your Face” by Pretty Lights and the crowd gives a very mild reaction to Golden Pro Wrestling’s only wrestler of Polynesian descent. Indeed, Saga walks out from backstage.
Rudy Mac: While he sports a hulking frame, Saga doesn’t sport a very good track record in GPW.
DeShawn: He is ZERO and EIGHT after FIVE seasons of GPW action!
Saga climbs into the ring, and the music transitions to “I Chase Paper” by Plies, which prompts a great cheer from the crowd. Corbin Fiscal comes jogging out in his dollar sign-adorned wrestling attire and makes his way down the ramp.
Rudy Mac: The man who signs our checks, GPW accountant Corbin Fiscal is in the house!
DeShawn: Hey Corbin! Don’t be afraid to accidentally print my check twice!
After he ducks between the ropes and squares up against Saga, the music fades out and the bell rings to start the match. The crowd gives a quick pop for the beginning of Golden Pro Wrestling action at Gold Strike 25.
Rudy Mac: Corbin Fiscal may be the more athletic of the two wrestlers, but Saga makes up for it in sheer power!
Saga does get the first advantage by grabbing hold of Corbin and delivering a tilt-a-whirl slam.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: Corbin needs to start balancing his books in the ring!
The match continues and the two wrestlers go back-and-forth with a series of reversals and light wrestling moves. Corbin Fiscal gets the upper hand and delivers a dropkick that sends Saga off the ropes.
Rudy Mac: Looks like Saga is starting to let this slip away once more!
When Saga returns to mid-ring, Corbin Fiscal hits him with a jumping DDT.
1… 2… NO!!!
Unperturbed, Corbin picks Saga up and continues to press his attack. When he goes to lift Saga into a reverse brainbuster, Saga counters with a knee to the stomach and then picks up Corbin into a fireman’s carry before delivering a neckbreaker.
STORY’S END!!!
1… 2… … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Saga has delivered that finisher that many times in his GPW career, but it has NEVER ended a match!
Saga begins to look frustrated but doesn’t give up. After pulling Corbin to his feet, he lays down several more power moves, but eventually Corbin counters and gets Saga into a reverse brainbuster position.
THE CASH OUT!!!
DeShawn: Count it!
1… 2… … 3!!!
Corbin Fiscal pops to his feet and enjoys some cheering from the crowd but then helps Saga up to his feet.
Rudy Mac: Corbin Fiscal is always a good sport!
Dejected, Saga shrugs off Corbin’s help while “I Chase Paper” plays inside FedExForum.
Rudy Mac: Of course, we’ll see Corbin Fiscal later at the Draconium-Golden Pros summit!
Winner:
Corbin Fiscal via The Cash Out
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The show shifts to the backstage parking lot where a small black car pulls up, and Vicky Cogliano stands by with her microphone to get a scoop.
The backseat door opens, and a wrestler climbs out, and the ground of the parking lot begins to shake from the THUNDEROUS reaction of Gold Strike 25’s attendees.
Fuse Makoto is BACK.
Before Vicky can ask a question, Fuse turns to the car and holds an arm out, which the small skinny hand of a woman reaches and grabs. Fuse helps the beautiful, petite Japanese darling from the car, and she smiles up at Fuse before grabbing his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.
Golden Pro Wrestling’s intrepid reporter looks completely surprised, and the tremor from cheering begins to subside.
Vicky: Fuse Makoto! Welcome back to Golden Pro Wrestling!
The former Pure Gold Champion looks back at Vicky and smiles peacefully.
Fuse: Thank you, Vicky Cogliano. I appreciate this welcome.
Vicky: Before I ask you about your time away from Golden Pro Wrestling, please introduce the good fans of GPW to this beautiful young woman!
Fuse attempts to speak, but Aiko takes a step forward and commands the attention of Vicky.
Aiko: Aiko Tanaka, pleased to meet you!
She leans toward Vicky, and the two women embrace in a prototypical feminine chest-forward, rearend-pushed-outward hug.
Aiko: I have been watching Golden Pro Wrestling since Gold Strike 1, and I’ve ALWAYS admired your tenacity to get to the truth and provide the fans with transparency and access to GPW’s stars!
Vicky: Oh, my goodness! You are the SWEETEST! Fuse, how did you find her!?
The pride of Tano, Japan looks uncomfortable but comes to attention when Aiko sticks her elbow in Fuse’s side.
Fuse: After Allegiance, I returned to my homeland Japan to win the affection of the sweetheart of my youth. I simply… could not go on in America without her at my side.
Vicky: Aw! Aiko, we’re SO excited to have you here in Memphis to support Fuse on his incredible journey!
Aiko: And I’m honored for this opportunity to support my husband.
Vicky: Husband!? Congratulations to you both!
Fuse smiles politely while Aiko beams with a seemingly wonderful smile.
Vicky: Now, Fuse, getting down to business about your return… earlier in Gold Strike 25, Commissioner Parker Meloche announced that you’ll be BACK in action tonight against Awoke for another shot at the Pure Gold Championship!
Fuse: Yes, Vicky Cogliano. Commissioner Meloche contacted me yesterday and informed me of this opportunity. This is an opportunity that I do not plan to waste… Fuse Makoto will become Pure Gold Champion once again.
The wife of the former champion interjects.
Aiko: And I’m plenty familiar with this buffoon named Awoke. My people in Japan laugh when we watch him!
Vicky: Okay, and say you beat Awoke, that just means you’re facing the current Pure Gold Champion, Shotcaller, at the season 5 finale, Starfall! What does the prospect of a rematch look like to you?
Fuse: Shotcaller did defeat me, yes. But the family Makoto has never back down from a-
Again, Aiko interjects which visibly surprises Fuse.
Aiko: What my husband means is that a match between him and Shotcaller would simply be the most profound match in Golden Pro Wrestling history! Would he win? Of course, and I… I mean, we won’t let the opportunity go to waste.
Vicky attempts to ask another question, but Fuse waves his hand as if he’s had enough of the interview.
Fuse: Thank you for your warm welcome, Vicky, but I must go and prepare for my match.
Vicky: Of course!
Fuse bows his head in respect, and Aiko grabs him by the arm to walk with him. At the last moment, she turns back to Vicky and the camera.
Aiko: It was a pleasure to meet you, Vicky!
As the couple enters the door into FedExForum, Vicky looks back at the camera with her microphone.
Vicky: Fuse and Aiko Makoto, ladies and gentlemen!
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Following the arrival of Fuse Makoto, the show goes back inside the main arena of FedExForum, and the camera makes a wide pan of the packed seats.
Rudy Mac: Can you believe that!? Our young Fuse is all grown up and married!
DeShawn: Rudy, I don’t know about this Aiko girl! Something doesn’t seem right!
Rudy Mac: Just because you’ve had all those failed relationships doesn’t mean Fuse will!
DeShawn: I can only hope!
The song “Mucha lucha” by Chicos de Barrio hits the speaker system and the crowd gives a lively cheer when the lucha libre Ejercito de Juan comes jogging out from backstage. He stops at the top of the ramp and gives a poise with his hands on his hips before heading down to the ring.
Rudy Mac: I’ll tell you what, this Ejercito de Juan may not have a ton of wins, but he ALWAYS puts on a show for the fans.
The music switches over to “Tear Down the Wall” by Art of Dying, and the crowd gives an apoplectic reaction.
BOO!!!
Abel Unstable, flanked by the Orderlies and followed by Dr. Dean, slowly walks out from backstage. His face is expressionless, and his body bulges with freakishly large muscles.
Rudy Mac: Abel Unstable used to be a bit overweight, but after Dr. Dean’s special treatments, he looks MUCH different!
DeShawn: That medication must be some sort of mixture of Ozempic and steroids!
The large mental patient climbs into the ring and grumbles at Ejercito de Juan. The Orderlies and Dr. Dean stand by at ringside.
Then “Bloodwork” by 36 Crazyfists begins to play, and the fans FREAK OUT.
BOO!!!
Reject emerges onto the entrance stage carrying his signature wooden bat wrapped with barbed wire.
Rudy Mac: The former Golden Pro Wrestling Hardcore Champion is here, and he’s looking to earn a shot to get his former title back!
DeShawn: I’d give him the edge over the other two because he’s a NATURAL hardcore competitor. I’m not so sure it’s the same for a lucha libre and Frankenstein monster!
The three wrestlers all square off in the ring, and the match begins with the ring of a bell. Reject starts things by attempting a swing of his bat at Ejercito de Juan, who quickly ducks under.
After evading Reject, Ejercito de Juan takes a running leap at Abel Unstable and floors him with a flipping clothesline.
Rudy Mac: Abel may be big, but it seems like he’s still a bit slow!
With Abel Unstable done, Ejercito de Juan and Reject go at it. Finally, Reject delivers a kneebuster to Ejercito de Juan’s face.
1… 2… NO!!!
At the last moment, the large mental patient jumps on Reject and interrupts the three-count.
Rudy Mac: Nice break up by Abel!
Abel Unstable lifts Reject above his head and toss him across the ring while Dr. Dean rubs his hands together with a grin on his face.
Reject attempts to get to his feet, but Abel stuns him and picks him up into a tombstone piledriver.
THE UNSTABALIZER!!!
1… 2… NO!!!
In a feat of athleticism, Ejercito de Juan moonsaults off the ropes and breaks up the pin attempt. The interruption enrages Abel Unstable, who stands ups and grabs Ejercito de Juan by the neck and THROWS him over the ropes and out of the ring.
DeShawn: We all know that Ejercito de Juan LOVES to fly!
Rudy Mac: But I don’t think he enjoyed that flight!
Reject gets to his feet and picks up his bat, and when Abel turns around…
CRACK!!!
Rudy Mac: Smash of the bat to Abel’s head!
The force of the impact knocks Abel out clean, but Reject doesn’t go for the cover. Instead, he climbs out of the ring and begins to whale away. Reject picks up Ejercito de Juan and drops the lucha libre with a double knee gutbuster.
LEFT SWIPE!!!
Rudy Mac: We’ve seen this move finish opponents plenty of times!
1… 2… NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Epic kickout!
Meanwhile, Dr. Dean screams at Abel Unstable to get up but Abel is still knocked out cold from the barbed wire bat. Down at ringside, Ejercito de Juan floors Reject with a drop kick and grabs a chair from under the ring, which he props up on the floor.
DeShawn: What’s going on here!?
Ejercito de Juan climbs onto the ring apron and waits for a groggy Reject to get to his feet. Just at the right moment, the lucha libre hits a moonsault toward the ringside floor and delivers a huracurrana to Reject DIRECTLY into the chair.
EL SUPREMO!!!
Rudy Mac: Epic violence from our little friend!
1… 2… … 3!!!
The crowd cheers as Ejercito de Juan gets to his feet in triumph.
Rudy Mac: Unreal! Ejercito de Juan is the number one contender for the GPW Hardcore Championship at the season 5 finale, Starfall!
“Mucha lucha” by Chicos de Barrio merrily plays over the speakers and Ejercito de Juan makes his way up the ramp. Dr. Dean and the Orderlies collect Abel Unstable while Reject rolls around on the ringside floor in distress.
Winner:
Ejercito de Juan via El Supremo
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Gold Strike 25 moves to a dimly lit backstage hallway, and the handheld camera focuses on the ugly face of Golden Pro Wrestling’s first Pure Gold Champion.
Violence.
BOO!!!
Violence: Hey dipshits!
BOO!!!
The Asshole From Alberta sneers toward the camera.
Violence: So, it sounds like I got my wish; a retirement match against Jumpstart at Starfall!
Back inside the main arena, the crowd pops in excitement for the showdown between the two wrestlers.
Violence: Since this WILL be Jumpstart’s last match, I think it’s only fitting if we roll through some of Jumpstart’s career highlights. What do you think?
The GPW fans audibly buzz with interest.
Violence: Hey TV production crew, you retards got the highlight package that I gave you teed up?
The handheld camera nods up and down.
Violence: Alright, then roll it you morons!
The camera zooms out, which gives the television shot enough room to fit a small picture-in-picture box next to Violence’s face. The first highlights include a very young Jumpstart who is obviously at the beginning of his career.
Violence: First, we have Jumpstart starting out decades ago. Everyone in the business knows what Jumpstart did to get his first contract.
The former Pure Gold Champion mimes a crude sexual act.
BOO!!!
The video footage then transitions to Jumpstart performing the Start-Up with lights flashing all around him.
Violence: Now our little Ontario butt boy is putting on a show for the fans night after night in the prime of his career. He even won a title or two… but again, we all know how he kept getting those opportunities.
Again, Violence makes the same crude gesture with his hands and mouth. The footage switches to Jumpstart attempting to hit his signature shooting star press but then missing the opponent and landing horribly on his leg.
The Asshole From Alberta laughs as Jumpstart’s knee buckles and he falls clutching it. Violence takes moment to wipe a tear from his eyes while his laughing subsides.
Violence: Just too funny, right? The moron spends his whole life jumping around like an idiot, and it finally blows out his knee. Anyways, keep this blooper reel going!
The video montage of Jumpstart transitions to his Golden Pro Wrestling matches where Jumpstart is reduced to cheating over-and-over again. Each time Jumpstart delivers a low blow to an opponent, Violence pops off a chuckle.
Violence: Now, I don’t have much of a problem with bending the rules a little bit, but I know that you dumbass fans DO!
BOO!!!
The picture-in-picture box disappears, and the camera again zooms in on Violence’s face.
Violence: And all it took was a little pity party, a dorky kid with cancer, and one LOSS to get you fans back on his side! PA-THET-IC!
BOO!!!
Violence: When we square off at Starfall and your little butt boy gives it all he got, and then COMES UP SHORT… I want you to remember THIS… VIOLENCE IS ETERNAL. Jumpstart’s career is OVER!
BOO!!!
The transmission cuts out as the show returns to the main arena of FedExForum.
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The Gold Strike 25 transmission returns to inside the main arena of the FedExForum and a two-shot of the GPW announcers.
Rudy Mac: That Violence! I’ve had enough of his disrespect for Jumpstart!
DeShawn: How dare he call Jumpstart ‘butt boy’!
The fans let out a large cheer when “Get Ready” by 2 Unlimited begins to play through the speakers, and the large homegrown wrestler Cory Stenson walks out confidently.
Rudy Mac: Tennessee’s own Cory Stenson is back in action, and he’s looking for an early piece of action against Draconium!
DeShawn: Cory is a former Silver Champion but hasn’t won a match since Gold Strike 11!
Cory Stenson climbs into the ring and takes a light jog around while waving to the fans with a smile on his face.
Then, the rhythmic intro groove of “Midnight Voyage” by Ghostland Observatory takes over the speaker system. The crowd gives a loud mixed cheer when Flip Draco emerges backstage.
Rudy Mac: His eyes may be dark, and his skin may be pale, but he’s still-
DeShawn: The best-looking person we’ve ever seen!
Rudy Mac: Took the words right out of my mouth, DeShawn!
Gold Strike 25’s attendees are obviously flummoxed by the transformation of their former heartthrob. Flip Draco hops up into the ring with an emotionless demeanor and approaches Cory Stenson.
Rudy Mac: Flip Draco is back in action!
The bell rings, and Cory Stenson takes a few steps away while Flip Draco approaches. Cory tries to use his hands as if to communicate and calm Flip Draco, but the acolyte of Queen Solis and Draconium acts undeterred.
DeShawn: We’ve already seen Flip Draco in action already once this season, and he was cool as a cucumber!
Without warning, Flip Draco runs at Cory Stenson and delivers a vicious spear, which knocks Cory back into the ropes and makes him stumble to mid-ring. Flip Draco takes no time to deliver a scissor kick to Cory’s head.
Rudy Mac: OOF!
Cory Stenson attempts to get to his feet but is met with a stiff dropkick to the face, which sends him sprawling backward onto the mat.
For the next couple of minutes, Flip Draco has his way with the younger, less experienced wrestler. He eventually grabs ahold of Cory’s head and drops him with a huracurrana.
Rudy Mac: Our first pin attempt!
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: Hang in there, big boy!
The match continues, and Cory Stenson is finally able to make headway. He plants Flip Draco with a sidewalk slam, climbs to the second rope and jumps out for a splash.
Rudy Mac: He nailed it!
1… 2… NO!!!
Flip Draco and Cory Stenson continue to go back-and-forth, and Flip Draco attempts a running cross block, but is grabbed mid-air by Cory Stenson. With a quick flick, Cory pulls him into a piledriver position and jumps up into the air.
STENSON DRIVER!!!
DeShawn: This is over!
1… 2… … NO!!!
Rudy Mac: Flip Draco must not be human anymore!
After kicking out of Cory Stenson’s finisher, Flip Draco takes back momentum and manages to bulldog Cory onto the mat, who flips over onto his back. The once-beautiful wrestler from Pensacola, Florida climbs up to the top rope.
Rudy Mac: It just isn’t the same when he’s up there with a straight face!
Flip Draco jumps out and nails his signature senton elbow drop.
THE FLIPOFF!!!
1… 2… … 3!!!
Rudy Mac: Flip Draco is just as good as Flip Costa!
DeShawn: SCARY!
Flip Draco gets to his feet and looks down at Cory Stenson, and then dematerializes into a blue light, presumably beaming back to Draconium’s spaceship orbiting planet earth.
Winner:
Flip Draco via The Flipoff
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The show returns to a backstage hallway where Golden Ben Miller, Corbin Fiscal and the Wild Kards stand around a locker room.
The arena provides LOUD cheer at the sight of the Golden Pros; the collection of fan favorite wrestlers who have trained with and supported each other since the beginning of Golden Pro Wrestling.
Corbin Fiscal, who had already wrestled that night, is repacking his gym bag. Meanwhile, Golden Ben Miler and the Wild Kards stand around in street clothes.
Corbin Fiscal: I don’t know, Ben. You just saw what happened to Cory out there. Do you really think there is anything we can do to help Flip? It’s getting ugly out there!
The Golden Warhorse rings his right hand through his hair and looks back at GPW’s accountant.
GBM: Yeah, I get it. I picked this fight…
Seth Kard: I mean, you’ve really kicked the hornet’s nest here.
Before Golden Ben Miller can respond, the door to the locker room opens, and a weary Cory Stenson walks in. Sean Kard grabs an ice pack from nearby and hands it to the big, young wrestler from Nashville who just lost to Flip Draco.
Sean Kard: Have a seat, Cory. That looked pretty rough out there.
Cory sits down on the locker room bench, and the rest of the group comes over and gives some encouraging pats on his shoulders. GBM gets a concerned face and begins to speak to the group collectively.
GBM: Okay, boys. I wish we weren’t in this situation, but Flip can’t stay… the way he is right now. We have to get the old Flip Costa back up and running. Am I right?
Corbin, Cory, Seth and Sean Kard all look at each other and nod back at Ben.
GBM: Parker made the effort to organize this summit between us and Draconium tonight, and we’d be fools not be there in FULL FORCE.
The door to the locker room opens, and the group looks over to see a familiar face waiting in the doorway.
GBM: Agent Leonard, you here to haul me off for no reason again?
The federal gumshoe smiles.
Agent Leonard: Well, thank you for the warm welcome, Miller. Unfortunately, I don’t need your services anymore, which means any deal we might have worked out is off the table.
The rest of the Golden Pros look over to see Golden Ben Miller’s response, which is nothing more than emotionless.
Agent Leonard: That said, you are no longer the focus of my investigation anyways. And I appreciate you and your boss organizing this little meeting with Draconium tonight.
GBM: Listen, Leonard, if you interfere at all, I’m going to make sure you lose whatever assignments, ranks or privileges you have.
The man who had been doggedly investigating Golden Pro Wrestling, GBM, and Draconium all season rolls his eyes in response.
Agent Leonard: Don’t worry, I’m not going to interfere… but I will be watching, Miller. Just make sure you get these beings to show at Starfall.
Golden Ben Miller furrows his brow and eyes the federal gumshoe suspiciously.
GMB: I’ll do it… but not for you. For Flip Costa.
Agent Leonard: Use whatever motivation you need, just get it done.
The group watches as Agent Leonard leaves the locker room and shuts the door behind him. The leader of the Golden Pros, Golden Ben Miller, turns back to the group.
Seth Kard: Then what’s the plan here?
Ben puts his hands on his hips and looks to the group with a serious face.
GBM: We go out there, and we challenge all of them. Queen Solis only respects courage and victory… I say we use that to get a shot to win Flip’s freedom.
GPW’s head accountant gets a skeptical look on his face.
Corbin Fiscal: And what if she doesn’t go for it?
GBM: She will… because I’m going to offer her something she can’t refuse.
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Gold Strike 25 once again returns inside the main arena of FedExForum, and the camera performs a wide pan across the entire arena.
Rudy Mac: It looks like the Golden Pros are coalescing around a common goal!
DeShawn: Getting Flip Costa back to his normal self!? That’s a goal we should ALL rally around!
Rudy Mac: Before we can get everything between the Golden Pros and Draconium sorted out, we have an EXTRAORDINARY moment in front of us!
DeShawn: Fuse Makoto!
Rudy Mac: That’s right! And he’s about to take on-
The speakers begin to play “Chained to the Rhythm” by Katy Perry.
BOO!!!
Awoke clomps and stomps his way out onto the entrance stage with an angry scowl and holds a sign that says “SUSHI IS FISH MURDER” as an obvious afront to Fuse Makoto’s status as a sushi chef.
Rudy Mac: Boy, I hope Awoke gets what’s coming to him!
DeShawn: And if he does, it means he’ll need to face off against Whatevs at Starfall!
Rudy Mac: Of course, I think Awoke would rather win here and get a shot at the Pure Gold Championship!
The large social justice warrior discards the sign and climbs into the ring to await his opponent. His music fades out, and the crowd is left buzzing in excitement.
After a dramatic moment of waiting, a small chant begins to build up organically from the crowd.
MA-KO-TO! MA-KO-TO! MA-KO-TO!
Rudy Mac: Listen to them, DeShawn! This is ALL the fans!
The lights dim, and then the opening rift of “Name Of The Game” by The Crystal Method begins to play… and the crowd EXPLODES!
From backstage, the iconic Golden Pro Wrestling competitor in a white and red wrestling outfit walks out with a serious face. A young, beautiful Japanese woman follows.
Rudy Mac: I’ve been waiting all season to say it… Fuse Makoto is… BACK!
The crowd continues to unleash its torrent of adulation while the former Pure Gold Champion walks down the ramp and toward the ring.
DeShawn: Hoo boy! Fuse Makoto done good for himself with that girl!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! Have some respect! That’s his WIFE!
Aiko gives Fuse a hug before he heads into the ring and whispers something into his ear. He nods emotionlessly and climbs in and then takes a moment to walk around the ring.
The crowd continues to cheer as he climbs one turnbuckle after another and bows out to the fans.
Rudy Mac: Fuse is ALWAYS a class act!
He hops down from the turnbuckle and spins toward Awoke, who stands incredulously in the middle of the ring. The bell rings, and Fuse enters his iconic martial arts stance waiting for Awoke to make his move.
DeShawn: I just finished Cobra Kai on Net-
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! We don’t have the rights to mention that streaming service, and we don’t have the time to talk about TV shows!
Awoke makes the first attack and leaps toward Fuse, who simply sidesteps and lets the big man fall on his face. The blue-haired oaf gets up and tries another attack. Again, Fuse moves and Awoke crashes down.
Rudy Mac: Fuse is no stranger to Awoke’s tricks! He already defeated him once at Gold Strike 18!
When Awoke gets to his feet again, Fuse runs forward and delivers a bicycle kick to the SJW’s face sending him backward in pain and anger.
For the next few minutes, Fuse puts on a showcase of his athleticism by delivering several direct hand, knee and foot strikes. Eventually, Awoke walks into a flying clothesline from the former Pure Gold Champion.
1… 2… NO!!!
DeShawn: Awoke may have kicked out, but I think Fuse is just getting warmed up!
As the match continues, Awoke begins to assert himself by clobbering Fuse with his big meaty fists. Fuse attempts to take the momentum back, but is met with a massive big boot to the face.
Rudy Mac: At least Fuse is already married, so he doesn’t have to worry about his looks!
1… 2… NO!!!
The contest between Fuse Makoto and Awoke goes airborne when Fuse lays out Awoke in the middle of the ring and then climbs to the top rope to deliver a flying elbow drop.
Aiko Makoto cheers for her husband from ringside.
1… 2… … NO!!!
Again, momentum switches and Awoke drills Fuse Makoto with a mammoth suplex.
DeShawn: He’s going to need a backeotomy!
1… 2… … NO!!!
Down at ringside, Aiko yells words of encouragement.
Aiko Makoto: I believe in you, Fuse!
Her husband’s opponent, Awoke, walks over to the ropes and looks down at her.
Awoke: Did you know that your husband is responsible for the deaths, mutilations and consumption of MILLIONS of fish!?
BOO!!!
Behind Awoke, Fuse Makoto jumps from his back into a standing position all in one motion, and the crowd unleashes a pop of excitement. When Awoke turns around…
NIKUYA STRIKE!!!
Rudy Mac: That’s the tornado kick we’ve all been missing!
1… … 2… … … NO!!!
The crowd exclaims in disappointment, but Fuse Makoto wastes no time and pulls Awoke back up to his feet. Awoke fights back, and lifts Fuse up into a Samoan Drop position…
CANCELLED-NO!!!
Fuse slips out of the power move and pushes the San Francisco SJW off the ropes. When Awoke stumbles back into mid-ring…
Rudy Mac: Here we go!
NIKUYA STRIKE!!!
Aiko screams in delight from ringside as Fuse goes for another pin attempt.
1… 2… … 3!!!
The crowd EXPLODES in excitement, and Aiko quickly runs up the steps and climbs into the ring.
Rudy Mac: Just like that, Fuse is going to get a revenge match against Shotcaller at Starfall for the PURE GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
DeShawn: NICE!
Fuse is helped to his feet by his wife, and he takes a moment to bow and appreciate the fans for their support.
Winner and Pure Gold Championship Number One Contender:
Fuse Makoto via Nikuya Strike
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Fuse continues to wave with gratitude to the fans, and Aiko emphatically holds up her husband’s arm with a proud smile. Awoke gets to his feet behind them, climbs out of the ring and heads up the ramp.
Rudy Mac: Awoke is going to have to come to grips that he has a date with Whatevs at Starfall!
Once Awoke goes backstage, the crowd starts up another impromptu chant.
MA-KO-TO! MA-KO-TO! MA-KO-TO!
Rudy Mac: You can tell just how much these fans missed the most decorated Pure Gold Champion in Golden Pro Wrestling history!
DeShawn: Life doesn’t get much better than this!
The lights dim inside the arena, and the Gold Screen above the entrance stage cuts to a backstage hallway. Shotcaller, Choo Choo and Wazzup all stare into the camera with snarls on their faces.
Shotcaller repositions the Pure Gold Championship belt over his shoulder.
BOO!!!
Back inside the ring, Fuse and Aiko look up to the Gold Screen with consternation.
Shotcaller: Sup cuz…
BOO!!!
Shotcaller: I’ll keep dis to da point, homie. First off, I’m impressed ya finna come back and try to get MY belt.
BOO!!!
Shotcaller: Now it looks like you really got dat shot, homie. Know what I’m sayin’? But guess what, I don’t wanna run it back like we did at Allegiance.
Behind the Pure Gold Champion, Choo Choo and Wazzup smirk and bump fists.
Shotcaller: Dat right. At Starfall, we gonna do sumtin DIFFERENT. Ya see, cuz, I already talked to Meloche, and he agreed dat another borin’ match of me beatin ya azz just ain’t wut da fans want!
Aiko runs her hand over Fuse’s shoulder in support, but the young wrestler from Japan looks completely focused on Shotcaller.
In the backstage hallway, Shotcaller walks up closer to the camera.
Shotcaller: See, I got dis idea, yo. Since I been in and outta jail all my life, I know exactly what it’s like to be up in a cage. So, why don’t you join me, cuz? Let’s fuckin do this… CAGE MATCH. STARFALL. FIRST ONE OUT WINS. GET FUCKED, CUZ!
The Gold Screen goes back to a spinning GPW logo, and the entire arena SHAKES from the cheers and excitement of the crowd.
Rudy Mac: Shotcaller just challenged Fuse Makoto to a cage match for the Pure Gold Championship at Starfall!
DeShawn: If anyone knows about busting out of a cage, it’s Shotcaller!
Fuse shakes his head inside the ring, and Aiko tries to give him words of encouragement. The former Pure Gold Champion barely acknowledges his wife, and the two leave the ring and head backstage while the crowd continues to buzz.
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With everyone from the show’s main event now backstage, the crowd buzzes anxiously inside the arena for the climax of Gold Strike 25. The camera shows a two-shot of the GPW announcer team.
Rudy Mac: Now that all the action is wrapped up, there’s still ONE thing left for us tonight!
DeShawn: A political summit, how exciting!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! I can tell there’s some sarcasm! Don’t forget that we need the fans to stay engaged!
DeShawn: My bad! I mean… an INTENSE political summit!
Rudy Mac: Much better. The fact of the matter is that Golden Ben Miller is doing EVERYTHING he can to earn Flip Costa’s freedom from the clutches of Queen Solis and Draconium, but interference from the FBI has fouled it all up! Now, Commissioner Meloche is stepping in to negotiate a way to bring closure!
As if on cue, “E.I.” by Nelly begins to play through the speaker system, and the crowd gives a warm pop for Golden Pro Wrestling’s leader.
Rudy Mac: The BOSS is here!
The charming, handsome young Canadian businessman walks out from backstage with a confident smile. He waves and respectfully applauds with a golf clap in recognition to the fans.
DeShawn: I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have this man as our commissioner. He’s single-handedly brought GPW to the Tennessee zeitgeist!
Rudy Mac: Well put, DeShawn!
After getting into the ring, a production assistant hands him a microphone to let the GPW leader kick off the occasion.
Parker: Good evening, Memphis!
The nice cheer goes up in response.
Parker: Let’s just get right into it. For most of Season 5, Golden Ben Miller has been after Draconium trying to figure out a way to reverse Queen Solis’ transformation of Flip Costa. And I AGREE! Flip Draco’s existence cannot stand!
The Gold Strike 25 attendees give a loud pop in agreement.
Parker: And after some government shenanigans, we’re nowhere close to resolution. And so, I have taken it upon myself to call together all sides of the issue and reach an ironclad agreement to address this!
Rudy Mac: Amen!
The commissioner nods in agreement to his own proclamation before continuing.
Parker: Without further delay, let’s get the interested parties out here!
After a momentary delay, the iconic drumbeat intro of “My Hero” by Foo Fighters begins to play AND THE CROWD GOES NUTS!
DeShawn: The term ‘hero’ is thrown around so loosely, but here comes a real one!
Golden Ben Miller emerges from backstage followed by Cory Stenson, Corbin Fiscal and the Wild Kards.
Rudy Mac: The Golden Pros are a collection of Golden Pro Wrestling’s best aspects. Honor, decency, loyalty and hard work!
The five wrestlers walk down the ramp, and then one-by-one climb the stairs and enter the ring. They take a moment to acknowledge the fans, and the lengthy cheer continues. A production assistant hands a microphone to Golden Ben Miller so he can presumably represent his group during the summit.
The music fades out, and the Golden Pros and Parker Meloche wait patiently mid-ring. FedExForum’s lights dim, and blue lights begin to pan the arena while the speaker system plays “The Core” by Uppermost.
BOO!!!
Parker Meloche and the Golden Pros turn their attention to the entrance ramp where Queen Solis, the Draconian, Flip Draco and the Dominars enter the arena.
BOO!!!
Draconium makes their way down the ramp with emotionless faces, and they all walk up the steps and into the ring. The Golden Pros carefully back up to one side of the ring while Queen Solis and her minions take position on the other side.
Everyone can see the visible indications that Queen Solis is pregnant, which had already been revealed to be the child of Flip Costa.
The two groups stare coldly at one another.
Rudy Mac: You could cut this tension with a knife!
Commissioner Parker Meloche is left in the middle of the two groups, and the music dies out. Parker carefully lets the buzz of the crowd calm down before speaking.
Parker: Thank you to BOTH of your groups for coming here tonight. I’m just going to jump right into it; Queen Solis, you offered the opportunity for Golden Ben Miller to earn Flip Costa’s freedom by defeating the Draconian at Gold Strike 24.
Without a microphone, Queen Solis speaks aloud and is immediately broadcast through the arena speakers.
Queen Solis: Yes, Parker Meloche. He had his opportunity.
Before Parker can keep going, Golden Ben Miller retorts.
GBM: That opportunity was ruined by the actions of others! If you’re as honorable as you say, then you will allow for a rematch!
Queen Solis: Others? It was the human government who interfered. People who represent your pathetic species. I see no difference between them and you.
The young Canadian businessman and GPW head honcho holds out his hand to calm down the two groups.
Parker: Alright, there is obviously some difference in opinion about the adjudication of Gold Strike 24’s ending. Golden Ben Miller is right, there was interference from an outside party that didn’t represent his interests, and Queen Solis is right that human interference is human interference.
Golden Ben Miller and Queen Solis continue to stare at one another.
Parker: THAT SAID, rather than run it back with the same opportunity, I have a proposal… at the Season 5 finale, we conclude this matter with ONE. FINAL. BATTLE!
The crowd unleashes a major cheer in agreement.
Queen Solis: Absolutely not. In my benevolence I already granted the opportunity to return Flip Draco to his original form. There will be no other opportunity. I have nothing to gain by giving another.
Before Parker can begin to speak, the Golden Warhorse provides his response.
GBM: What if you had something to gain this time?
The crowd buzzes while Queen Solis eyes GBM suspiciously.
Queen Solis: You have nothing you can offer me.
GBM: I offer… myself.
Gold Strike 24’s attendees audibly gasp.
Queen Solis: Explain.
GBM: The Golden Pros will take on your army at Starfall. If we defeat every single one of your soldiers, then you return Flip Costa back to his original self, BUT if you defeat us, then you may transform ME just like you did Flip.
Parker looks surprised at the bargaining chip Golden Ben Miller presented. The leader of Draconium thinks carefully before responding.
Queen Solis: You would come willingly?
GBM: Besides the epic struggle to free our friend?… Yes.
Queen Solis: Fine. Agreed, but with one clarification.
Everyone in the arena waits patiently for Queen Solis to provide her counteroffer.
Queen Solis: It won’t just be the Draconian, Flip Draco and the Dominars that your group will face… it will also include me.
Golden Ben Miller, the rest of the Golden Pros, and Parker Meloche all get shocked, concerned faces.
GBM: But… you’re pregnant. We couldn’t possibly try to hurt you or your baby.
Queen Solis: Hahaha! You pathetic hu-mahns. The Draconian species is much more evolved than yours. Draconian females become stronger in pregnancy in order to protect their unborn. There is nothing you can do to jeopardize this life inside me.
The leader of the Golden Pros, Golden Ben Miller, thinks carefully before responding.
GBM: Fine, we’ll just have to take your word for it… it’s a deal.
As the main deal broker, Commissioner Meloche makes a final interjection.
Parker: Then it is SETTLED! The Golden Pros vs. Draconium in a five-on-five elimination match at the Season 5 finale, Starfall!
The crowd EXPLODES in cheers at the prospect of Starfall’s new main event.
Queen Solis and Golden Ben Miller nod to each other in agreement before a blue light begins to emanate all around the five members of Draconium.
Parker Meloche, the Golden Pros and the entire arena watch as Draconium dissipates in their typical fashion, leaving the ring and presumably beaming back to their starship orbiting the planet.
Rudy Mac: My gawd! Starfall is going to be for ALL the marbles! If the Golden Pros win, Flip Costa is BACK, but if Draconium wins, then Golden Ben Miller is GONE!
DeShawn: This is too much! I can’t take it! I won’t be there!
Rudy Mac: DeShawn! You have a contractual obligation to be there, and I promise you that you won’t want to miss it!
“My Hero” by Foo Fighters hits the speaker system once more, and the crowd cheers wildly in excitement while Parker walks over and gives a handshake to GBM. The rest of the Golden Pros all come around GBM and pat him on the back in recognition of the sacrifice he’s willing to make.
Rudy Mac: All the Gold Strikes of Season 5 are over! Now onto its epic conclusion at Starfall. Good night!
Inside the ring, Golden Ben Miller and his team take a moment to acknowledge the fans, and the transmission fades to black…
All illustrations from the talented David G.