End of the Year Special - December 31, 2023

“Supreme Championship Wrestling...”

A shot of Kelcey Wallace nailing Bree Lancaster with the Perfect Ending, followed by a shot of Steve Griffin hitting the Decimator off the top rope on CHBK at the first Rise to Greatness, before turning a shot of Jake Starr pumping up the crowd on his way to the ring, before turning into a shot of Ravyn Taylor sitting in the corner, waiting for the start of a match. We then see a shot of Katie Steward holding the Women’s Championship before cutting to a shot of Selena Frost hitting Vixen Cain with the Defying Gravity at Supreme Saturday: Just Desserts.

“The leading force in sports and entertainment today....”

MAIN SHOW:

“Halfway to Hell” by Jelly Roll starts to play as we see shots of Selena Frost walking to the ring at Rise to Greatness XX, looking around, while holding the SCW World Championship. We then cut to see Gavin Taylor heading to the ring at Taking Hold of the Flame. This is followed by a shot of Owen Cruze holding the SCW World and United States Championship belts over his head.

I'm a county jail revival
I'm a bottle and a Bible
I'm a rolling stone disciple
With a cross across my face
I'm a trailer park tornado
Jagged edges on my halo
Hope the chariot gon' swing low
And carry me away

Shots of Bree Lancaster attacking the knee of Amelia Blythe is shown, before showing twelve individuals fighting in the ring at Body, Heart, and Soul. Shots of Light in the Darkness battling Dark Fantasy follow, before showing The One Kirsten Scott being held back by officials at ringside. Asher Hayes pulling the World Championship down from the ceiling, while standing on a ladder follows, before we see Adam Allocco presenting Alistaire Allocco with the World Championship. Xander Valentine chokeslamming Alex Desoubrais Jr. over the top rope to the floor follows.

This little light of mine
Damn near burned me alive
Lord knows that Mama tried
And I don't know if I'm

The Holly Adams Brand is shown next before showing Selena Frost walking out of the building backstage. We then see Kimberly Williams stapling Adam Allocco in the ass before following up with a shot of Datura stapling her own ass with a staple gun.

Halfway to Heaven or halfway to hell
My angels and demons at war with myself
One foot in the fire and I still can't tell
Am I halfway to Heaven
Halfway to Heaven or hell

Shots of Ace Marshall eating a banana while in the ring are then followed by a shot of Damian Marshall walking into a room backstage as black smoke billows out. Adam Brock is shown signing a contract from Mr. D before showing CHBK standing in the ring, shaking Mr. D’s hand.

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen before we open up inside the Scotiabank Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The crowd cheers as spotlights circle the arena. Sparks shoot off above the ring like a classic wrestling event from the 1990s. The crowd cheers some more as the spotlights circle the arena and the cameras pan across the crowd.

Phillips: “Please welcome your master of ceremonies for the 2023 End of the Year Special…Jonathan Knots!”

“Criticize” by Adelita’s Way plays as the crowd roars and a few moments pass before Jonathan Knots walks out wearing a robe. He then opens it up, revealing very clearly he’s wearing a suit underneath. Knots looks around and smirks before taking the robe off and throwing it to the side. He then walks over to the podium and looks around. His music plays out.

Knots: “What? Expecting someone else? Don’t worry…I got some things in the divorce.”

Knots smirks.

Knots: “I did try to come out here naked on a horse. We are on pay per view after all!”

Knots smirks as he looks around. Knots then looks off stage.

Knots: “We aren’t. Oh…well…2023 could’ve gone out BIG!”

Knots shrugs as he looks at the crowd.

Knots: “But so be it. Apparently, we couldn’t get a horse that could handle ALL of this.”

Knots shrugs.

Knots: “But 2023 has brought a lot of changes to SCW. We’ve seen Owen Cruze call it a career…Selena Frost-“

The crowd boos.

Knots: “Selena Frost become as popular as jock itch!”

The crowd roars.

Knots: “And we’ve seen new ownership in SCW. But don’t worry. I’m constant. I’m like air and water. I’m always around until we drive this planet into the ground! And just like that…so too are our hopes to predict the future. And we start off tonight by announcing the 2023 Star of Tomorrow. Who do you, the fans, feel is most likely to finally break through in 2024?”

The crowd cheers a bit.

Knots: “I mean Asher Hayes…it took fourteen years! And he’s at the top!”

The crowd boos.

Knots: “So let’s find out who is the 2023 Star of Tomorrow!”

Knots turns and grabs the envelope for the award. He holds it up and opens it. He looks at the card inside.

Knots: “Your star of tomorrow for 2023….DATURA!”

The crowd roars and some boos come from the crowd before as the opening notes of Sleep Token’s “The Offering” bounce around the arena, the lights go completely black. Two blue lights on either side of the ramp suddenly burst onto the stage, revealing clouds of fog billowing down the aisle. As the guitar begins to pick up, the lights flicker on beat. As the drums finally kick in, and the music explodes into intensity, Datura slinks onto the stage, a devious smirk on her face. She turns to the left, then right, staring into the sea of cell phone lights. Extending her arms outward, Datura spins, basking in the light. When the music softens, she walks over to Jonathan Knots. He hands her the award and she looks at it. The music fades out. Datura looks around.

Datura: “Star of Tomorrow…”

Datura scoffs a bit.

Datura: “I don’t know if I should be pleased or offended…”

Datura looks around.

Datura: “I should be the star of today. I should’ve been Tag Champions with Bree. I should be dominating!”

Datura looks around.

Datura: “But I am relevant.”

Datura looks up at the crowd.

Datura: “And if I have to keep being relevant by trying to stop someone I called a friend from making the biggest mistake of her career. If I have to step in to defend someone I feel is worth defending…I will! And that’s not going to stop!”

Datura looks at the award.

Datura: “My best way to make it all worth it is to take this and remind myself what I can do. And what I have to do.”

Datura turns as her music starts to play again. Knots walks over to the microphone. Datura starts to head off.

Knots: “Congratulations to Datura. Take the Asher Hayes comparison as your guide. You can do it!”

Datura stops and turns around, walking over to Knots and getting into his face. She says something to him before she steps back and walks off. Knots gulps and looks around and leans to the microphone.

Knots: “Okay…Sharper….take it from here!”

The scene cuts to the announce position as Adam Sharper and Jessica Winters sit at the announce table.

Winters: “He’s always getting himself into trouble.”

Sharper: “Nothing new for Jonathan Knots. Meanwhile, hello everyone, welcome to ringside. Adam Sharper here with Jessica Winters. We’ll be calling the action here at ringside and End of the Year Special can always be lifechanging.”

Winters: “Along with looking back at the year that was, we’ll see the World Title on the line. Asher Hayes will be defending his title, but against who? Kelsai Adamson and Deanna Frost tied in the fan vote and they’ll meet in just a few moments.”

Sharper: “Not only that. Josh Hudson will face Simon Lyman in a thirty minute ultimate submission match and the End of the Year Open Invitational will take place too. All that and more. Let’s go to the ring.”

Kelsai Adamson vs. Deanna Frost

For World Championship Shot Later in Show

The familiar riffs of Nickelback's "Savin Me" begins and soon Kelsai Adamson appears at the top of stage. She looks out from the stage before looking at the ring, smiling. Chance Owens walks out with her. She then starts to head down to the ring, Owens following.

Phillips: “The opening contest is scheduled for onefall with a thirty minute time limit and the winner will face Asher Hayes for the SCW World Championship later tonight. First, accompanied by Chance Owens, from New Orleans, Louisiana by way of Denver, Colorado, she is Kelsai Adamson!”

Adamson heads down to the ring, listening to the mixed reaction greeting her. She then runs to the ring and hops onto the apron. Owens walks around the ring as Kelsai looks around before climbing up to the middle turnbuckle. She looks out before hopping into the ring. She steps forward. Kelsai’s music fades out as she goes to the corner, joined by Chance Owens who starts to provide some last minute help.

Sharper: “Kelsai Adamson hoping to end 2023 in a position she has been in before, just not in SCW. That’s holding a World Championship.”

Winters: “Chance Owens at ringside. So she has her support. But she has a tough challenge. Despite gaining enough votes to get here, she has to get through Deanna Frost. The two virtually tied in our fan vote.”

Sharper: “And Asher Hayes will be watching this closely. Hoping that he can face a weakened challenger.”

The chords of "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson fill the arena, causing a roar from the audience as bright, fall leaves seem to blow and fly on the LED screens on and around the ramp. From the back curtain, out runs Deanna Frost, wearing the SCW United States Championship, taking in the audience before running to the right side, then the left side, shouting to them in excitement. The 'leaves' follow her as she does. Returning to the middle, Deanna gives a spin on one foot, her arms outstretched, the 'leaves' circling her below her feet.

Phillips: “Her opponent, on her way to the ring, from Manhattan, New York, she is the SCW United States Champion, Deanna Frost!”

Hearing her name, Deanna stops her spin, side facing the ring, and, with one hand over her heart, her free hand arcs around to point forward, the 'leaves' flying down the ramp and 'circling the ring LED barriers. Making her way down to the ring, Deanna high-fives fans along the way until she reaches the ring. Sliding under the ring, the Queen's Guard jumps to her feet, making her way to the middle ropes and leaning over them, one arm raised to the crowd. She does the same to the other sides of the ring. On the last time, Deanna hops back into the ring as the lights return to normal. She hands off.

Sharper: “Deanna Frost meanwhile hoping to repeat by Owen Cruze did earlier this year and that’s be a double champion. Has to win first against Kelsai, of course.”

Winters: “Can’t get ahead of herself and I don’t think Deanna will. She’s going to focus on Kelsai and then refocus for later. But you wonder what she’s also thinking given the recent controversy surrounding Selena Frost not being at Fatal Fortunes. The noise if you will.”

Sharper: “Maybe giving her a test of being a top champion. You need to be able to ignore that noise.”

Deanna and Kelsai look at one another. The bell sounds. Kelsai and Deanna step up and lock up in the middle of the ring. They push back on one another and Deanna turns into a side headlock. The crowd gives a mixed reaction as Kelsai reaches around and pulls her back into the ropes. She fires Deanna off. Deanna bounces off and Deanna shoulders Kelsai down. Kelsai looks up as Deanna runs into the ropes. She bounces off. Kelsai drops down in front of her. Deanna hops over. Deanna bounces off the other side. Kelsai leapfrogs over her. Deanna bounces off the other side and Kelsai goes for a hip toss. Deanna blocks it and then nails Kelsai in the ribs. She places her leg on the back of Kelsai’s head and backflips out. Kelsai goes for a clothesline. Deanna spins around and rolls her up into a school boy.

Kelsai kicks out. Both get up and Kelsai goes for a dropkick. Deanna sidesteps. Kelsai hits and Deanna hits an elbow drop. She goes for another pin.

Kelsai kicks out again. She rolls over to the ropes as Deanna gets up. The crowd looks on. Chance heads around.

Sharper: “Kelsai maybe a bit too aggressive. Maybe a bit too desperate early.”

Winters: “The match already may have gotten to her. You want a good start, but she’s just throwing herself at Deanna.”

Kelsai slowly gets up and Deanna heads over and Kelsai backs up to the corner. Deanna forearms her in the jaw and then again before whipping her across the ring. Deanna runs after and Kelsai gets a boot up, but Deanna catches it and pulls her out. Kelsai lands on the mat and Deanna then grabs the other foot and rolls forward into a jackknife pin.

Kelsai kicks out. She rolls away again as Deanna gets up. Deanna heads after Kelsai and grabs her. Kelsai gets up and elbows Deanna in the jaw. Deanna staggers back and Kelsai runs at her, but Deanna scoops her up and powerslams her over into a pin.

Kelsai kicks out. She rolls over, holding her lower back and moves to the ropes. She looks up at Deanna and then lunges at her, but Deanna ducks a clothesline. Kelsai stops and turns and Deanna kicks her in the ribs and hits a snap suplex. She turns and goes for a lateral press.

Kelsai kicks out again. She turns to the ropes.

Sharper: “Kelsai maybe just overmatched. Owens and Adamson have been at that level where they’re just trying to punch through the ceiling.”

Winters: “And now looking like she may be trying just too hard.”

Kelsai gets up and runs at Deanna and Deanna spins around her. She then steps forward and hits a bridging German suplex.

Kelsai just kicks out. Chance can be seen trying to motion to Kelsai to slow as Kelsai rolls over. She moves to the corner as Deanna spins her around and chops her. The crowd woos. She chops her again. More woos. She then whips Kelsai across the ring. Kelsai hits hard and staggers out and Deanna hoists her up and hits a Samoan drop. She hooks the leg.

Kelsai gets her shoulder up. She then starts to get up and Deanna gets up and looks at Kelsai, a brief bit of hesitation, before grabbing her. She then turns and whips her into the ropes. Kelsai however grabs the top and middle rope and spins her legs through before spinning around and into a discus clothesline. The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Deanna not holding up. Perhaps hoping for a quick win to maintain her energy for later, but Kelsai just threw a vicious discus clothesline.”

Winters: “The added torque from the double spin too and she caught Deanna under the jaw.”

Deanna holds her jaw and Kelsai gets up and staggers back before hitting a standing moonsault. She hooks the leg.

Deanna kicks out. She turns and starts to get up and Kelsai follows up with a hard right hand and then another before chopping Deanna. The crowd woos. Chance looks on, cheering on Kelsai. Kelsai then kicks Deanna in the ribs before whipping her across the ring. Deanna hits the corner and Kelsai runs across and hits a running dropkick. The crowd ohs. Deanna falls out of the corner. She rolls over. Deanna starts to get up, almost out of instinct and Kelsai turns and jumps to the middle rope and dives back with a lionsault, taking down Deanna. She hooks the leg.

Deanna gets her shoulder up.

Sharper: “And a nearfall. Kelsai with high impact and turns this around.”

Winters: “She just needs to keep it up. Maybe Kelsai’s plan always involved going hard and hoping it would get through.”

Deanna rolls over and Kelsai grabs her and pulls her up and hits a back suplex. Kelsai turns to the corner. She then climbs to the middle rope before jumping up to the top rope and going for the Double Shot.

Sharper: “Double shot! Early!”

Knots: “Deanna moved! Kelsai lands on her feet!”

Deanna rolls out of the way and Kelsai lands on her feet. She steps back and runs at Deanna who catches her and hits a belly to belly suplex into the corner. The crowd ohs. Kelsai rolls back to her stomach. Deanna grabs her and pulls her up with a waistlock before then hitting another German suplex into a bridge.

Kelsai rolls her shoulder up. The crowd ohs. Kelsai crawls to the ropes. She then starts to get up and turns and Deanna hits a straight kick to the ribs. She then hits a spinning heel kick. Kelsai goes down. Deanna turns and exits to the apron. She then starts to climb to the top rope. The crowd looks on, a bit surprised. She gets to the top and Kelsai grits her teeth before running over and jumping to the middle rope and then jumping up, wrapping her legs around the head of Deanna and hitting a top rope frankensteiner. The crowd roars. Owens cheers.

Sharper: “And Adamson to the top, frankensteiner!”

Winters: “Deanna Frost went some high risk and that brought her into Adamson’s domain!”

Sharper: “And she made her pay!”

Deanna looks up and starts to stir. Adamson gets up and moves to the corner. She looks at Deanna and Deanna gets up only for Kelsai to run at her, flipping up onto her shoulders and hitting a samurai driver. The crowd ohs. Kelsai turns and hooks the leg.

Deanna gets her shoulder up. She rolls over. She starts to get up and Kelsai grabs her and lifts her up and goes for a back suplex, but Deanna backflips through and hooks Kelsai and hits a snap back suplex. The crowd ohs. Kelsai rolls over, holding her head and neck in pain. Kelsai crawls to the corner and gets up and Deanna turns and runs at her and hits a double knee to the chest. The crowd looks on as Kelsai staggers forward as Deanna steps back. Deanna then kicks her in the ribs and hits the Spring Fling DDT. She turns and hooks the leg.

Kelsai gets her shoulder up. She rolls over and Deanna rolls with her and then goes for the Consortium. She tries to lock it in, but Kelsai starts to block it. Chance looks on, cheering and willing Kelsai on. Kelsai manages to get to her feet with Deanna still trying to lock the hold on. She gets up and pushes Deanna back hard into the corner. She then elbows Deanna in the ribs once and then again before getting free and hitting a fallback kick to the side of Deanna’s head. Deanna falls to a knee. Kelsai rolls away.

Sharper: “Kelsai fighting out. I think she had the Consortium scouted.”

Winters: “Immediately went into defense.”

Sharper: “And a hard kick drops Deanna Frost to a knee.”

Deanna slowly gets up and Kelsai runs at her and hits a cannonball into her stomach. Deanna falls over as Kelsai rolls back. She gets up and grabs Deanna. She pulls her up and hits a DDT. Kelsai gets up and doesn’t go for the pin. Kelsai then springboards to the top rope and hits a rounding splash onto Deanna. She hooks the leg.

Deanna shoots her shoulder up. The crowd ohs. Kelsai turns and grabs Deanna and pulls her up before kicking her in the ribs. She backs up to the ropes and bounces off and hits an axe kick. Deanna drops down. She smiles and then exits to the apron. She climbs up to the top rope. Deanna remains down, face down into the mat. Kelsai gets to the top rope. She looks at her and goes for the Bombs Away, but Deanna rolls out of the way. Kelsai hits the mat. The crowd ohs. Kelsai slowly gets up, holding her chest. She turns around and Deanna spears her down. Deanna rolls over, holding her head in pain.

Sharper: “Deanna just trying to keep Kelsai down there. I’m surprised we didn’t see the Burnout.”

Winters: “Maybe a bit of desperation for Deanna Frost here. Shows how Kelsai has fought back.”

Kelsai rolls over, holding her ribs. She slowly gets up and Deanna gets up and chops her. The crowd woos. Kelsai chops her back. More woos. Deanna chops her again. Woos. Kelsai chops again and Deanna kicks her in the ribs. She whips her across the ring. Kelsai bounces off and Deanna goes for a back drop. Kelsai spins through and lands on her feet. She then runs Deanna into a ropes. She pulls her back for an Okana roll.

Deanna kicks out. Kelsai falls back. She rolls over and gets up. Deanna gets up and Kelsai hits a jawbreaker. Deanna falls back to the ropes.

Sharper: “Shades of Chance Owens with the Roadblock there.”

Winters: “Presumably they’ve been training together. But Deanna is set up awkwardly against the ropes.”

Deanna uses the ropes to pull herself up as Kelsai runs across the ring. She runs at Deanna and hits a running dropkick, but Deanna moves out of the way. Kelsai goes through the ropes and lands on the floor, the momentum taking her into the barricade. Kelsai winces. (1) She turns and fights back into the ring. She then tries to go right to Deanna, but Deanna grabs her and takes her over with an inside cradle.

Kelsai kicks out. Kelsai rolls over and gets up and Deanna hits a jawbreaker of her own. Kelsai falls into the corner. Deanna then grabs her and goes for the Cold Snapmare. Kelsai rolls through. Deanna gets up and runs into the ropes. Kelsai is in the seated position and Deanna goes for the Burnout, but Kelsai leans back and then pulls Deanna over with a school boy.

Deanna kicks out.

Sharper: “Counter by Kelsai. Nearly got Deanna with the school boy!”

Winters: “Both trying to play chess while seeing through their own strategies!”

Deanna rolls over and gets up and Kelsai hits an inside cradle.

Deanna kicks out. Both get up and Deanna spins around Kelsai and then pushes her into the ropes, but Kelsai holds on. Deanna rolls back to her feet and then looks up as Kelsai runs at her and goes for a clothesline. Deanna ducks and both spin around at one another before Deanna takes Kelsai down by the legs and flips forward into a jackknife pin.

The bell sounds and the crowd roars as Kelsai looks up and Deanna rolls over and turns.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, and the person who will face for the SCW World Championship later tonight, Deanna Frost!”

The crowd cheers some as Deanna Frost turns to Kelsai and says something to her. Kelsai falls back to a seated position as Deanna gets up and has her arm raised.

Sharper: “Back and forth and the jackknife pin catches Kelsai Adamson!”

Winters: “Got a bit deeper. Made it harder to kick out and that’s the difference. Deanna Frost moves on to face Asher Hayes later tonight!”

Sharper: “Deanna Frost versus Asher Hayes for the SCW World Championship later tonight here on the End of the Year Special. Will Frost become a double champion to close out 2023 or will Asher Hayes continue to be led by his Kismet and remain at the top of the mountain!”

Deanna Frost looks around and leans against the ropes. She then nods before turning and being handed her SCW United States Championship. Deanna takes it and places it over her shoulder and raises her arms over her head. Owens enters the ring to help Kelsai up. Deanna drops down to the floor and heads to the back.

Sharper: “And now let’s take a look at the Shocking Moment of 2023!”

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

“The Shocking Moment…of 2023.”

The scene opens up on the March 3, 2023 edition of Breakdown. Adam Allocco is in the ring.

Allocco: “You’re watching history. The real Comeback Kid is here. Someone who you can count on that when the spotlights are there, he will win. When the back is up against the wall, they’ll win. Sure, I’m an asshole, but who cares? Most of us are. And I’m just proud of it, while I’m proving to everyone that I am as good as anyone else in this sport! And that’s just the way it is!”

The crowd erupts in cheers as Allocco keeps talking to the crowd.

Allocco: “See! You all get it. You’re in Glendale for a reason. You know what I’m getting at!”

Allocco turns as Owen Cruze slides into the ring, holding the SCW World Championship. The crowd erupts as Owen looks at Allocco with pure hatred as Allocco turns and Owen runs at him and drills him in the head with the SCW World Championship! The crowd erupts.

Sharper: “My God! Owen Cruze! Title to the head!”

Knots: “He just tried to take his head off! What the hell!”

Allocco rolls over, discombobulated and staggering back up to his feet. His blazer starts to fall off his shoulders and hangs a bit down his arm before Owen turns and nails him again with the SCW World Championship. Allocco hits the mat and rolls over. Owen throws the title down and dives onto him and nails him with repeated hard right hands, mounting him while Allocco’s on his side. Allocco covers up as the crowd cheers loudly. The camera angle turns as we see Allocco is bleeding from the forehead. Owen nails him over and over and over and over again. Allocco then starts to try to slide to the ropes.

Sharper: “Allocco is bleeding! Owen Cruze has lost it!”

Knots: “What was on that video? Is this why?!”

Owen keeps nailing him as Allocco grabs the ropes and then pulls himself to the apron. Owen gets up and stomps him a couple of times. Allocco then falls to the floor and rolls over. He looks up as blood streams down his face, while he looks at Owen stunned. The blood drips onto his white shirt. He backs up as officials come to ringside to keep Owen back. Owen just seethes looking at Allocco through the ropes.

Sharper: “Owen is incensed!”

Allocco slides back as officials keep looking at him.

Owen: “You! You’re why Alistaire’s done! You ruined EVERYTHING for him! EVERYTHING!”

Allocco backs up and looks around. He then stumbles up and falls over. He rolls over on the rampway.

Owen: “YOU SON OF A BITCH!”

Sharper: “Alistaire…Wait…”

Knots: “His career has been on derailed from a drunk driver…oh God…”

Allocco staggers back up. An official goes to help him, but he pushes away. He then heads to the back, covered in blood as Owen Cruze looks down, leaning on the middle rope. The Breakdown logo comes up on the screen. We cut to the September 7 edition of Breakdown.

We cut to a shot of a silhouette standing outside of the house, leaning on the wall, in what seems to be the porch. Little light is available, happening in the middle of the night. The only light appears to come from a cell phone, held sideways in front of Adam Allocco. The sounds of a girl moaning can be heard. The door opens and Adam fumbles the phone. It tumbles to the ground. Alistaire steps out, turning on the light as he does.

Alistaire: “I thought I heard you….and someone else?”

Adam: “No one else. Totally just me. Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

A women’s voice can be heard coming from the phone.

???: “This work for you Adam? I mean…you couldn’t handle this.”

Alistaire walks over to the phone.

Adam: “Now, Ali…I get fan mail and women, they just-“

Alistaire grabs the phone and looks at it.

Alistaire: “Her again.”

Adam: “Okay, so she’s more than a fan.”

Alistaire: “Delete it.”

Alistaire hands Adam the phone.

Adam: “Delete it?”

Alistaire: “Delete it.”

Adam takes the phone. He sighs and then taps the screen a few times, first to stop the video. Second to then delete it. He makes sure of it and hands the phone to Alistaire to prove it to him. Alistaire looks at it and nods.

Alistaire: “Thank you.”

Adam: “Well, I’m trying…yeah…trying.”

Alistaire: “It’s going to take more than that.”

Alistaire sits down on a bench. Adam awkwardly does too, showing notably his discomfort with these situations.

Alistaire: “How far did you get?”

Adam: “What?...Oh…the Bible.”

Adam thinks for a minute.

Adam: “Once I saw Exodus and started to think about Moses with a gun, I figured I’d gone far enough.”

Alistaire: “Farther than I thought you’d get…you faked it for a long time.”

Adam: “Well…uh….”

Alistaire doesn’t say anything. Adam then turns to his son.

Adam: “Thank you for giving me this chance. I realize I probably don’t deserve it.”

Alistaire slowly turns to his father.

Alistaire: “That book you barely got through is one reason I’m even sitting with you after you did what you did.”

Adam looks at his son.

Alistaire: “Honour thy father and mother…”

Alistaire then stands up.

Alistaire: “Don’t make me regret it…again. There’s a second chance here…and if you want to succeed, you’ll need to be a better person. And at SCW, I’ll be by your side to see it happens.”

Alistaire then opens the door to his house and stops.

Alistaire: “I asked CHBK for a favour. We’re in the tag turmoil next week. He thinks you’ll screw this up.”

Alistaire then steps inside. He keeps the light on as Adam sits on the bench shaking his head.

Adam: “Son of a bitch. Screw you Alex…”

Adam sighs. The scene fades to black.

“The Shocking Moment of 2023 – Adam Allocco is revealed to have nearly ended his son career…and Alistaire, his son, chooses to stand by his side.”

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

COMMERCIALS

The End of the Year Special returns as the camera pans down to the stage where Jonathan Knots walks over to the podium.

Knots: “Well! I’ve managed to not be maimed or threatened in a bit. Good night since then. Sorry, Datura. Just trying to motivate you! I didn’t tell you to have to staple your ass again! Geez!”

Knots shrugs.

Knots: “Sorry Adam. I know that’s probably going to give you some PTSD. Anyway…”

Knots shakes his head.

Knots: “We are next going to announce the Rookie of 2023!”

The crowd cheers.

Knots: “Who had the best first year in their SCW careers?”

Knots looks around as he pulls out the envelope. He then looks around.

Knots: “Your 2023 Rookie of the Year…”

Knots slides out the card and then he looks down, gulping again. He then looks around.

Knots: “Ah…”

Knots looks around before we see black smoke billow out of the entrance way. Knots looks around and sees it.

Knots: “I’m getting the hell out of here.”

Knots, instead of walking around the podium, rolls over it and down in front of it before dropping to the stage and rolling off to the floor. He jogs away as the lights flicker a bit.

Sharper: “That black smoke…”

Winters: “The Enigma…”

As dread fills the arena, the menacing voice of The Enigma is heard.

Enigma: “Rookie of the Year. How you all don’t understand. I have been doing this for far, far longer…”

Enigma pauses as the crowd roars a bit.

Enigma: “2023 was only the beginning. SCW will fall to its knees before me…”

Another pause as boos follow, while some cheer. Knots heads to the back.

Enigma: “Crystal…you will regret locking me in that room for I cannot be stopped. And Diamond…I hear you need a partner. Perhaps you need to understand first hand again what I am capable of.”

The black smoke continues to billow out before the lights stop flickering. The crowd roars a bit as the cameras pan around the arena, some turn to the stage, others show the floor.

Winters: “Is he gone?”

Sharper: “I don’t know…but I hope so…”

Winters: “Did he just offer to be Diamond Steele’s tag partner against Light in the Darkness on the first Breakdown of 2024?”

Sharper: “Sounds like it.”

End of the Year Special Open Invitational

Jason Phillips stands in the ring as we see a shot of the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 parked next to the stage.

Phillips: “The following match is the End of the Year Special Open Invitational. Eliminations occur by pinfall or submission. The last person standing wins the Invitational along with two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars and a brand new 2024 Aston Martin DB12!”

The crowd cheers as the camera pans across the car. The lights dim to a crimson red color throughout the arena. A high pitched female voice can be heard over the PA speakers…

"I Lost My Miiiiiiind..."

The image of a red dragon appears on the Tron. The dragon is engulfed in flames as it is replaced by a phoenix. Then that too goes up in flames as it is replaced by an image of Angelica Jones. The Global-Tron shows images of Angelica Jones delivering the Hot Shot to Steve Pinex, Meagan Collins, Glory Braddock, Angela Jameson and the Divine Impact to Dazz, Daystalker, and Cuchulain. Angelica then steps out onto the stage. She is dressed in all black, from head to toe, and that includes a black trenchcoat. Her long hair hangs down to shoulder length.

Phillips: “The first out, she is Angelica Jones!”

She stares menacingly, sadistically down at the ring, pausing before finally beginning to make the long walk to the ring. Once at ringside she takes a sharp turn to the right and the ascends the steel steps, making her way up to the ring apron. She strolls slowly to the center before turning towards the audience. She looks out intensely at the crowd before posing with both arms raised high into the air. Angelica steps into the ring and then steps over to the opposite side of the ring where she poses on the second rope. She then jumps off and heads to the center where the music dies down and the lights come back up. She stands, waiting for the match to begin.

Sharper: “For the first time since Under Attack, we are seeing Angelica Jones. And I wonder if this is part an opportunity for her to get out some frustration after James Evans and the House of James took her out.”

Winters: “Maybe, but it could also be a great way to remind the world you don’t mess with the Dragon!”

The LED screens in the arena suddenly cut to black before the opening guitar riffs of “My Redemption” by Halestorm begin to play, the fans buzzing in anticipation. When the lyrics kick in, the physical specimen that is Ivy Plume slowly makes her way out onto the stage, looking around with a grin as it sinks in that she’s standing here in an SCW arena. When the lyrics begin to pick up in tempo, she beats her chest twice before slowly raising her arms into a flex that shows off her impressive physique as the LED screens come back to life, showing the image of what looks like a barren wasteland before flowers and vines begin to sprout from the ground, rapidly overtaking the scene as one particular flower seems to grow higher and higher into the sky before opening up in a burst of pollen to reveal Ivy’s name, just as the song goes into the chorus. In perfect timing with this, Ivy swings her arms back down to her sides in a motion that almost implies she’s ready to break somebody in half as she starts marching down to the ring.

Phillips: “Next out, she is Ivy Plume!”

The confidence does seem to slip halfway down the ramp, giving way to excitement over the fact that she’s actually here as she can’t help but give a few high-fives to fans until she gets to ringside. It’s here that her grin returns as she heads over to a specific group of six people sitting in the front row that we can imply to be some of her closest friends, two of them notably being Amelia Blythe and La Pequeña Luz who have apparently snuck out to join the other four in the crowd at some point. Ivy leans back against the barricade and flexes once more, the back of her right hand bumping fists with Amelia before she rubs Ivy’s shoulders to warm her up as Luz grins and points to Ivy’s left bicep while their other friends all shout words of encouragement to her. After looking back and nodding to them, Ivy bursts forward and rolls into the ring before getting to her feet, where she once again beats her chest twice before flexing her biceps, letting the cheers of the fans wash over her for a moment before she stops posing and shifts gears for the match ahead.

Sharper: “A friend of the World Tag Team Champions, Light in the Darkness, Ivy Plume appearing here. Big opportunity for her.”

Winters: “And we’ve seen people come in from outside of SCW and succeed. We’ve even seen some end up with a contract. Selena Frost being the most obvious there.”

Chilling laughter enters the arena and the lights begin flashing purple and green, going along with the beat of “Coma White” as it begins to blare through the PA system. Saber walks out to an increased amount of boos.

Phillips: “Next, he is Saber!”

He walks out with a smile on his face. Saber reaches the ring steps and lifts his hands up and salutes the heavens, giving them a middle finger for their troubles, before slowly making his way up the ring steps and across the apron. He drops to the mat and slithers around the ring, flicking his tongue out at the crowd, scaring a few kids here and there. He then gets up and leans into the corner and waits.

Sharper: “The maniacal Saber!”

Winters: “As if we didn’t need more oddity around her with the Enigma around.”

“Undefeated" by Daughtry blares through the sound system. There is no pyro. There is nothing special going on. Out from the back steps Mitch Sanders, as the crowd begins to cheer.

Phillips: “Mitch Sanders!”

Mitch, however, doesn’t look at the crowd. He just focuses on the ring, which he heads to, before the show goes to a commercial break.

Winters: “Trying to get anything going!”

Sharper: “Mitch Sanders has been a mainstay of this match for a few years. It’s a match that can change a life. And he knows it.”

The arena lights go completely black. Lightning begins to streak around the entrance way, as "The Terminator" theme blares through the sound system. Smoke rises from the stage as the lightning slowly dies down. As the music continues and the smoke clears, a figure turning slowly rises to its feet in the smoke. The music then transitions into "(Oh My) Darling Don’t Cry” by Run the Jewels as Beard reveals himself, stepping out from the smoke, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Phillips: “Next...he is Beard!”

Beard makes his way to the ring, taking some time out to lean into the crowd. He then runs and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Once inside the ring , Beard climbs to the top rope and strokes his beard before extending his arms out and doing a backflip off of the top rope, landing on his feet, and dropping to one knee as the music dies down.

Sharper: “Beard returning to the ring. Taking a night off from backstage duties. Getting back in the ring.”

Winters: “See what he has and again, anyone can enter.

“Man in the Box” by Like a Storm plays and the crowd roars. A few moments pass before David Striker walks out from the back and scans the arena. He then nods a bit as he turns to the ring and looks at his opponent. He then starts to head to the ring.

Phillips: “Bam Bam David Striker!”

The crowd applauds a bit as Striker heads to the ring and slides into the ring. He gets up to a knee and looks around before getting up to his feet. He then turns and runs into the ropes, testing the ropes before looking at the field assembling before him.

Sharper: “One of SCW’s newest signings. He made his debut on the final Breakdown of 2023. David Striker hoping to now build from that win with a bigger win tonight.”

Winters: “A statement win. Your second match and you win in this environment. Add the money. Add the car. We’ve seen people in the past turn this match into what spurs them to the next level. Look at Kandis last year.”

The lights go down, only four wide and soft spotlights aimed at the stage. The slow drumbeat of “Voodoo” begins, and the lights slowly swirl. The drums intensify and Jaina Lancaster steps out, in her all black gear and black shawl draped across her outstretched arms. The lights follow her as she begins down the ramp as the drumbreak hits and the chorus starts.

Phillips: “Jaina Lancaster!”

“I'm not the one, who's so far away
When I feel the snakebite enter my veins
Never did I want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came”

The music continues as Jaina gets to the ring, and goes up the steps, arms still outstretched. She steps up on the corner, on the second rope outside of the ropes, and removes the shawl with a flourish. Letting it fall to the ground, Jaina then leans over to grab the top rope and flips herself into the ring. She spins around and steps to the center, arms out and smiling. The lights come up as the music fades out.

Winters: “My broadcast colleague backstage.”

Sharper: “She seems to be having the itch to compete more and more.”

Winters: “Yeah. And it’s leading to some interesting challenges given some of the people we have on the roster.”

“Bang Bang” by Rammstein plays throughout the arena and sparks shoot out of the rampway as Hakuri Keitaro jumps out from them. He walks around the stage as smoke starts to pour down the rampway. He looks around, throwing his arms in the air.

Phillips: “And finally, Hakuri Keitaro!”

He then turns to the ring and starts to make his way down. He rolls into the ring and then looks at everyone in the ring. Mitch Sanders and Saber step up to look at him.

Sharper: “Hakuri Keitaro. Talk about a blast from the past. The former Adrenaline Champion.”

Winters: “Wasn’t it Adam Riddick?”

Sharper: “It was. Dillusion also dressed as him. But, maybe just doing something different. You can hear the chants from the crowd. Meanwhile, looking a bit buffer. A bit bigger.”

Winters: “Could be interesting to see.”

“Riddick” chants break out all over the arena as Keitaro looks around. The bell sounds as the officials are in position. Jaina runs at Plume and nails her with a forearm shot before Jones is knocked down by Saber. Beard goes after Striker and Sanders runs at Keitaro. Keitaro, however, gets Jaina and throws her out of the ring. Keitaro turns as Sander nails him with a couple of hard right hands before throwing him into the corner. He turns and runs at Plume and kicks her in the ribs. The crowd looks on, making noise as Beard nails Striker with a hard right and then another before running him across the ring and throwing him face first into the top turnbuckle. He goes down as Saber muscles Jones up and just throws her over the top rope. She rolls to the floor. Saber turns and looks at Sanders and Beard.

Sharper: “Saber, Sanders and Beard controlling the ring.”

Winters: “Now they turn to each other. Remember, it’s not over the top rope.”

Sharper: “Pinfalls or submissions. Have to take place in the ring.”

Sanders then nails Saber before Beard nails Sander with a hard right. Saber rakes the eyes of Beard and then kicks Sanders in the ribs. He whips Sanders into the ropes. Sanders bounces off and Saber hits a clothesline. He then turns to Beard and Beard grabs him and hits a jawbreaker. Saber staggers as Beard then runs at him, but Saber turns and throws him into the corner. Saber then runs at Sanders as he gets up and kicks him in the face. He goes down before turning around as Angelica Jones is back in the ring. She kicks Saber in the stomach and double underhooks her before hitting the Hot Shot. She rolls him over.

Sharper: “Hot Shot! Saber didn’t even see it coming!”

Winters: “Dumped Jones out of the ring. Jones came back with a clear purpose!”

Angelica gets up as Sander runs over and dropkicks her down.

Phillips: “Saber has been eliminated!”

Beard runs over and knocks Jaina off the apron. She goes back down. Sanders then nails Plume before going over to Striker and Striker suddenly nails him in the ribs a couple of times with hard shots before then grabbing his head and stepping forward. He then pulls him back and hits the Death Penalty. He turns and hooks the leg.

Beard then runs over and stomps Striker in the head a couple of times.

Phillips: “Mitch Sanders has been eliminated!”

He then runs over and stomps Jones before running at Keitaro who is back in the ring. Keitaro catches him and hits a hot shot to the top rope. Beard stagger back and into Keitaro who catches him, hooking him up and backflipping through, hitting the Death Drop!

Sharper: “The Death Drop. Keitaro version of the C4!”

Winters: “Just pulled him into it! That looked as good as it used to back in the day!”

Keitaro hooks the leg.

The crowd roars.

Phillips: “Beard has been eliminated!”

Keitaro rolls off before getting up and Jaina runs over and nails him from behind. He rolls over and Jaina stomps him in the chest a couple of times. Plume now enters the ring as Beard rolls out of the ring. Jones starts to get up and Plume wrenches her arm and chops her. The crowd woos. She then pulls Jones out and whips her across the ring. Plume runs after and Angelica gets her boot up. Plume staggers back before turning into Jaina who runs out at her and hits a running bulldog. She rolls Plume over.

Plume kicks out. Jaina turns and gets up and drags Plume up and moves her to the corner. Keitaro gets up and Striker drops him with a palm strike. Keitaro rolls to the apron. Striker then turns and moves to Jones and goes for a spinning back fist, but Jones ducks and spins around. She then kicks him in the ribs and goes to send him into the ropes. Striker spins through and sends her in. He elbows her down and then hits the Viva la BAM. He gets up and Keitaro pulls him to the floor and then turns and throws him into the announce table.

Sharper: “Right into us. Striker driven into our announce table.”

Winters: “I always prefer to meet the talent in a different way.”

Keitaro rolls in as Jaina is knocked out of the corner by Plume who fights back. Jaina turns and lunges at her, but Plume launches her in the air and hits the Autumn Uppercut. The crowd ohs. Jaina hits the mat and rolls over. Plume then grabs her in a gutwrench. The crowd roars as Plume hoists her up in the Karelin lift. The crowd roars some more and Plume throws Jaina over with a gutwrench suplex. Plume gets up as Keitaro springboards to the top rope and hits a front dropkick. Plume falls back and rolls to the floor. Keitaro rolls over and right to Angelica who nips up and takes her over with a frankensteiner.

Sharper: “And the chaos of this match becoming more apparent as these five are trying to each get any advantage.”

Winters: “Saber, Sanders and Beard had control of the ring, but when that broke down, it’s turned into this.”

Sharper: “And it made them all angry. Got them eliminated.”

Keitaro grabs at the ropes and gets up and Angelica grabs him and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Angelica goes for the pin.

Keitaro kicks out and Angelica looks down a bit confused before getting up and stomping her once and then goes for another stomp, but Striker pulls Keitaro to the floor. She ends up on her feet and hits a release northern lights suplex on the floor. Keitaro rolls over in pain. Striker turns as Jaina then runs at him and dives through the ropes and hits a tope suicida. The crowd erupts.

Sharper: “And Jaina Lancaster out of nowhere!”

Winters: “Through the ropes. Right onto Striker!”

Jaina rolls over in pain as Plume then gets up as Angelica does too. Plume runs over and knees Angelica in the ribs. She knees her again and then pulls her in for a powerbomb. She hoists Angelica up and Angelica slides down her back. She then runs to the corner and floats over and to the middle rope before hitting a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle and onto Jaina. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “At forty years old, Angelica Jones can still fly with the best of them.”

Winters: “And in one fluid motion to the turnbuckle and onto Jaina!”

Sharper: “Plume’s still in the ring though!”

Ivy Plume exits to the floor. She then runs around the ring, getting some steam. Angelica gets up and Plume runs around and drills her with a European uppercut, knocking her back and into Striker who hits a release German suplex on the floor. The crowd ohs. Angelica rolls over, holding her head in pain.

Sharper: “An unwitting double team, but one that Angelica Jones wishes she wasn’t in!”

Winters: “Dazed from that running European uppercut and knocked into Striker.”

Sharper: “And look out! Hakuri Keitaro! Top rope!”

Plume gets up, as does Striker and Keitaro dives off the top rope with a moonsault onto both of them. The crowd erupts.

Sharper: “Bodies in front of us. Keitaro takes down Striker and Plume!”

Winters: “Now someone has to get people back in the ring. Start to eliminate. None of this matters if no one is eliminated!”

Keitaro gets up and grabs Jaina. She lifts her up and turns and rolls her into the ring. Keitaro rolls in after and Jaina starts to get up and Keitaro clubs her in the back once and then again and again. He runs into the ropes, bouncing off and hitting a spinning heel kick. He goes for the pin.

Lancaster kicks out. She rolls over as Keitaro grabs her and pulls her up. He then spins her around and pulls her in. He sets up for the Death Drop. The crowd cheers again, only for Jiana to hooks his head and roll through and move into a calf crusher. The crowd roars as Jaina tries to lock it in. Keitaro fights and Jaina grabs at the leg, but Keitaro swipes at her and she lets go and rolls over. Keitaro starts to get up and Jaina runs at him and Keitaro hits a back elbow. More cheers before Jaina stumbles back and Keitaro jumps up and hits a frankensteiner. Jaina rolls over and to the ropes. Keitaro gets up only for Angelica Jones to jump to the middle rope and dive back, hitting the From the Ashes. She then gets up and runs to the ropes, hitting the middle rope and hitting the Divine Impact. She hooks the leg.

Sharper: “Divine Impact. Keitaro down!”

Winters: “Jones looking for another elimination!”

Keitaro kicks out. He rolls over and moves to the ropes. Jones gets up and stomps him in the chest once and then again and again before turning around as Ivy Plume kicks her in the ribs, hoists her up and hits the Planting Flowers. She bends over and covers her.

Jones kicks out and Plume pops back and into Striker who catches her in a full nelson and then throws her over with the Hard Justice!

Plume just kicks out. She rolls over as Striker gets up. He sees Keitaro getting up and runs over and hits the Texas Smash right hook, knocking Keitaro down. Striker backs up as Jaina springboards to the top rope and twists, landing on Striker’s shoulders and twisting, hitting a variation of the Blessing. The crowd ohs. Jaina crawls over and hooks the leg.

Sharper: “Jaina Lancaster driving Striker back. It wasn’t the prettiest but did she get it all!”

Winters: “Cover!”

The crowd ohs as Striker rolls over. Jaina looks up, smiling.

Phillips: “David Striker has been eliminated!”

Jaina turns as catches Angelica with a running bulldog for good measure as Striker rolls out of the ring.

Sharper: “Striker getting caught. Jaina now hoping to control the ring a bit here.”

Winters: “Down to the final four.”

Jaina then grabs Plume and pulls her up and forearms her in the jaw once and then again and again before stepping back and running at her and Athame. The crowd ohs. Plume stumbles forward and Jaina runs across the ring, but Keitaro jumps up and catches her as she hits the ropes and spins her around and hits a guillotine drop. Jaina stumbles back and into Plume who bends her over, hooks her arm and pumphandles her up before dropping her with the Nature’s Wrath. The crowd ohs. Plume folds her over.

Phillips: “Jaina Lancaster has been eliminated!”

Sharper: “Keitaro stopping Jaina’s advance. Walking right into Plume who drives her into the mat. Getting the elimination. We’re down to three.”

Winters: “Jaina maybe getting a bit too confident. Keitaro on the floor. She may have just forgotten he was there after Striker waylaid him.”

Plume gets up as Jones looks at her and chops her. Plume forearms her. Jones chops her. Plume follows with a forearm. Jaina rolls out of the ring. Jones then kicks Plume in the ribs and goes to whip her into the ropes. Plume spins through and sends Jones in who hits a dropkick to Keitaro as he hops up again. Keitaro drops to the mat. Jones gets up and Plume scoops her up and drops her with an over the shoulder powerslam. She goes for the pin.

Jones gets her shoulder up. She rolls over and Plume grabs her and pulls her up. She then hoists her up and places her on the top rope. The crowd roars as Plume nails her with a hard right and then another. She pulls her in and starts to set up for the Gaia Buster. Angelica, however, stops her and nails her with a shot to the throat and then another before stepping up and flipping forward with a variation of a blockbuster. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “And Angelica Jones fighting back. A hell of a move off the top rope. A neckbreaker.”

Winters: “Even with Plume having the strength advantage, the crafty veteran found a way.”

Sharper: “Both trying to get back up. Trying to be a finalist here.”

Angelica rolls over and gets up as Plume rolls over, holding her head and neck. She lunges and goes for the lariat, but Angelica ducks and spins around as Plume turns and Angelica kicks her in the legs, double underhooks her and hits the Hot Shot! The crowd roars. Angelica turns her over and hooks the leg.

Phillips: “Ivy Plume has been eliminated!”

Angelica rolls off and gets up and turns only to be caught by a Hakuri Keitaro superkick! The crowd roars and cheers as Keitaro drops down onto Angelica.

Sharper: “Hakuri Keitaro out of nowhere!”

Winters: “He got all of that superkick!”

Sharper: “And the cover!”

The crowd roars and cheers as Hakuri Keitaro rolls off of Angelica Jones and moves to his knees. He throws his arms up as the bell sounds and “Bang Bang” plays throughout the arena.

Phillips: “Here is your winner of the 2023 End of the Year Open Invitational…Hakuri Keitaro!”

Sharper: “Keitaro coming back after years…or…”

“Riddick!” chants echo out as Keitaro looks around and then has his arm raised by Aaron Demitra.

Sharper: “If it is Riddick making a quiet return, a hell of a showing.”

Winters: “Hakuri Keitaro returning and maybe he can still go. It’s a been a while.”

Keitaro looks around and then at Angelica and Ivy. He then steps over Angelica and exits to the floor. He looks around and winces a bit, stretching out, before heading to the rampway.

Winters: “I’m going to try and get a word with the winner.”

Sharper: “Sounds great. Jessica Winters going to the new Aston Martin that is awaiting the winner, Hakuri Keitaro.”

Winters walks around the ring, grabbing a microphone. Keitaro drops down to the floor and high-fives a few fans hands as the crowd cheers him. He walks over to the Aston Martin, separating himself now from the rampway and the fans. Winters walks along the rampway and over to him as we see CHBK walking over to the vehicle. Keitaro stops and looks at CHBK. CHBK is handed a novelty cheque of $250 000. Winters heads over to Keitaro.

Winters: “Hakuri Keitaro…again, please give it up to our winner!”

The crowd cheers as Keitaro turns and looks around before turning back to CHBK and the check.

Winters: “Hakuri, please, it’s been so long since you’ve been here. We’ve even heard some chants of one man who used to use this disguise. And…”

Hakuri Keitaro then places their hand over the microphone. He then walks over and says something to CHBK. CHBK motions to someone off camera. Keitaro walks over to that person, who has a pair of car keys in his hand. Keitaro walks over and takes it from them. He then turns back and looks at the cheque, smirks at CHBK, before grabbing it and pulling it away. He then walks off, cheque and car keys in hand, having not said a word. CHBK watches them leave as Jessica Winters turns and looks at the crowd.

Winters: “Guess Hakuri Keitaro knew what they came for. Uh…congratulations again! We’ll be back after this!”

The camera pans out to the crowd as the scene cuts away.

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

“The Feud of 2023…”

We see a shot of Josh Hudson holding the SCW United States Championship before showing Owen Cruze holding the SCW World Championship. We cut to show Josh Hudson locking in the Hudson Stretch on Hairless Penguin during Kimberly Williams’s Trios Tournament Cash-in. We see Penguin tapping out. We then see Hudson smiling as Owen looks down. Shots of Owen being handed the SCW United States Championship before showing Josh Hudson being handed the World Championship. Owen and Josh can be seen watching one another. Hudson proudly throws the title over his shoulder.

Sharper: “Your new US Champion and Owen Cruze and Josh Hudson switching championships. And that means they’ll also face each other at Playing the Wildcard in a title for title match.”

Knots: “All the marbles to put it simply! The feud of 2022 coming to 2023. Josh wanted it. Owen wanted it. It’s happening!”

We then see a shot of Owen Cruze shaking hands with Mr. D.

Hudson: “You and I, one on one, Playing the Wildcard. US title on the line…World Title on the line. Winner take all. And frankly Owen, you should be worried. Because after all of this talk of getting to the top…even getting your redemption. I saw your little handshake with D there. All of it is going to gone just like that!”

Owen and Josh go face to face.

Owen: “We do have unfinished business. But while you can talk about how you got me to tap at Rise to Greatness and yeah, that moment may live rent-free in my head, the fact is that because it does, it makes me more dangerous. But you are right…no rematches. No second chances. I either step up and get it done or Josh, you get the last laugh.”

The crowd boos a bit.

Owen: “And God knows we don’t need to hear that forever. So Josh…we’ll get the match we both want…in Kansas City…and Josh, I just plan to beat you. So be ready because if I know one thing…I shocked Xander…I handled Hairless Penguin…I rose to the occasion with Kimberly Williams.”

Williams sticks her tongue out and mocks Owen a bit as Owen glances at her again.

Owen: “And I gave Adam Allocco the beating he deserved…but none of that will pale in comparison for how important April 23 will be for me. Because on that night, I END this by becoming a Double Champion and over you. Don’t need feud or match of the night. Just need to win!”

We see a shot of Josh Hudson laughing as Colleen attacks Owen Cruze backstage. Cruze throws her down as officials break them up.

Sharper: “Is Josh Hudson setting this up?”

Knots: “Wouldn’t doubt it!”

Sharper: “Using Colleen who seems to be smitten with him. Jesus Christ! And to attack Owen Cruze!”

Cruze glares at Hudson. Cruze shakes his head.

Hudson: “Just wanted to give you a reminder of last year…just with a twist!”

We cut forward a week. We see a shot of Hudson coming to the ring, before cutting to showing Owen Cruze coming to the ring.

Hudson: “Beating you for both the United States Championship and retaining the World Title! Title for Title Owen. All of the marbles. The one way this match could be higher stakes! And we already saw that the pressure got to you once.”

Cruze: “You think it was pressure, Josh. Nah…”

Hudson: “Going for excuses? Huh?”

Cruze: “No Josh. I’ll leave that for you. When I beat you. At Rise to Greatness XIX, you were better. Simple as that!”

Cruze looks at Hudson as the crowd boos.

Cruze: “But I’ve spent the last year getting better and better for this moment. I want nothing more than to be standing over holding both the US and World Titles. That’s why I went to D and forfeited by Underground Title rematch. As much as I wanted to give that a shot. To show Kim, I was going to show the respect for that title, even if she may not always show it to me or my family…but the ONE thing I care about more in this sport is what we will do come Playing the Wildcard and it is beating YOU!”

The crowd roars.

Cruze: “See, you can throw Rise to Greatness at me. You can throw the fact that I tapped. All of that. All you’re doing is motivating me. So while you can sit there and act smug, you are right that this match, it sells itself. Just like this match, it motivates me alone. Alone to prove that while you had my number in 2022, in 2023, when I had achieved my redemption everywhere else, there was one place I haven’t yet…and it’s against you. So Josh…buckle up. Because I’m coming and I refuse to miss this time.”

Cruze looks at Hudson as he looks back. The crowd roars. A “Cruze” chant breaks out. Owen doesn’t acknowledge the fans.

Cruze: “Now, Josh…if you want, we can do another callback too. Because I remember that you and I threw down an awful lot before Rise to Greatness. So, Josh…”

Cruze steps back and places the microphone down. He then takes off his shirt and turns and throws it to the crowd. He turns back to Josh and grabs the microphone.

Cruze: “So…Josh…what say you?”

Cruze looks at Josh as the crowd cheers. Hudson looks at him. He then steps back.

Hudson: “Owen…you said it yourself. You’ve got all of the motivation in the world. So do I…and right now, I know I can beat you. So why would I give that up?”

Hudson steps through the ropes and down to the floor. The crowd boos. He backs up.

Hudson: “See you in Kansas City!”

“Duality” plays throughout the arena. Hudson tosses the microphone to Phillips who is behind him. He then walks around the ring, proudly holding his SCW World Championship. Cruze just looks at him.

The Playing the Wildcard Logo comes up on the screen and the final moments of the Hudson/Cruze Title for Title Match. Hudson goes for a second Kingdom Come, but Cruze lands on his feet. Hudson notices this and sweeps out his leg. Cruze falls face first into the mat. Hudson then runs into the ropes, bouncing off and then rolls through with a Gator roll type pick up into a waist lock and pulling Cruze up. He then throws him back with a German suplex into the turnbuckle. Cruze falls forward and staggers forward. Hudson then steps up and spins him around and goes to hoist him up for another Kingdom Come, but Cruze uses the momentum to flip through into a stunner. Hudson pops up and staggers before Cruze gets up and Hudson reaches for him only for Cruze to hit the ODE. Hudson falls back. Cruze goes for the pin.

Hudson gets his shoulder up. Cruze rolls off. He then looks around before looking at Hudson.

Sharper: “And Hudson kicks out of the ODE!”

Knots: “Both running on empty. Both throwing what they can.”

Hudson slowly starts to stir. Cruze gets up and grabs him and drags him up. He then kicks him in the ribs. Hudson falls to a knee. Cruze limps into the ropes and bounces off and goes for the Redemption. Hudson however pushes up and launches Cruze up and then catches him on his shoulders. The crowd erupts as he sets up for the Kingdom Come. Cruze elbows out of it. He slides down. Hudson nails him with a hard right. Cruze stumbles back into the ropes, bouncing off and then hitting the Truth Hurts. Hudson drops to the mat. Cruze falls to a knee. He then looks up at the sky before pushing himself up. The crowd roars as Cruze staggers to the corner. He exits to the apron and climbs up to the top rope.

Sharper: “Cruze! Willed on! By these fans. By his heart! By his legacy!”

Knots: “I still don’t have a damn clue how he countered that Kingdom Come. Hudson caught him!”

Sharper: “And now Cruze going to the top rope! He tried for the Cruze Missile earlier. Will he go for that? The Swanton? Shades of Shaun? Or Orlando?”

Cruze gets to the top rope. Hudson slowly starts to get up, looking up at Cruze. This time, Hudson can’t dodge as Cruze dives off the top rope and hits the Cruze Missile. The crowd cheers. Hudson hits the mat. He rolls over to his stomach. Cruze then remains down for a moment, rolling to his back. He then nips up. Cruze grimaces as he lands, clearly favouring his left leg, but fighting through the pain. The crowd cheers some more as Hudson slowly starts to get up on his hands and knees. Cruze sees this and turns, running into the ropes and bouncing off, hitting the Redemption. The crowd cheers.

Sharper: “Redemption! Cruze with Redemption!”

Hudson rolls to his back. Cruze falls back on top of him.

The bell sounds as the crowd cheers.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, STILL the SCW United States Champion and the NEW SCW World Champion…Owen Cruze!”

Cruze rolls off and looks down.

Sharper: “Owen Cruze! Cruze has defeated Josh Hudson! Hudson had not answer for the heart, the momentum, the drive…”

Knots: “And Cruze rides off into the sunset a double champion!”

Sharper: “Retaining the US Title. Regaining the World Championship. And part of me is hoping he’ll reconsider but if not….Owen…what a way to go out!”

Owen Cruze slowly looks up as the crowd cheers loudly. Tears can be seen coming down his face as he slowly gets up and Demitra hands him both titles. Cruze takes them and thrusts them over his head. He then looks around as the crowd cheers some more.

Sharper: “From the Cruze Legacy to the youngest World Champion ever, to a ignominious exit when he attacked the founder of his company in a fit of rage…to his redemption…to his own legacy. Owen Cruze leaves on top of the wrestling world!”

Cruze continues to celebrate with the titles, limping as he does. Josh Hudson can be seen now at ringside, dejected, looking in the ring with disdain. Owen continues to celebrate in the ring as the crowd cheers him and his music plays. The scene slowly fades to black…

“Feud of the 2023…Owen Cruze vs. Josh Hudson”

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

COMMERCIALS

The End of the Year Special returns as we see Jonathan Knots at the podium.

Knots: “You know…I’m thinking we should have a second best announcer in SCW. Something Sharper, and Winters, and hell, Lyman was calling matches this year. He can be the hero of announcing…if he’s still walking after tonight…How does that sound, Sharper?!”

Knots looks down at the announce position as we cut to see Sharper shaking his head.

Knots: “Hey. I have great ideas. Just like hosting this thing. I get paid a bucket of cash, phone in it, and can’t even get fired for being practically drunk one year!”

Knots throws his arms up as the crowd roars.

Knots: “But that’s not the case for our professional wrestlers. No sirree bob. Along with references like that that were in vogue when CHBK was a young-in. The other one was bunk. It’s why sometimes CHBK talks about his boomer knees. Anyway…our roster has some of the best tag teams on the planet and this year, we heard about how strong the tag division was. Well, this year, I think the Tag Team of the Year Award means a little bit more.”

Knots turns and grabs the envelope.

Knots: “And so…your best tag team of 2023!”

Knots looks around. He then opens the envelope and slides out the card.

Knots: “The World Tag Team Champions…La Pequena Luz and Amelia Blythe, The Light in the Darkness!”

All of a sudden, the lights go out, prompting a surprised pop from the fans. “In the Name of Love” by Arion feat. Cyan Kicks begins to play, the LED screens flickering to life to show a large wisteria tree in front of a starry night sky with a beautiful moon, the stars seeming like they’re slowly shifting and dancing around as petals from the tree fall and gracefully glide through the sky. One spotlight comes to life on the left side of the stage from the camera’s perspective, revealing Amelia Blythe and La Pequena Luz standing underneath it. They proudly hold their titles as they look around. Luz and Blythe then hold hands and walk over to the podium. Knots extends the award to them. Luz and Blythe settle at the podium as the music goes out.

Luz: “I…Thank you.”

Blythe: “Yes, thank you. To think a couple of years ago, both of us injured, we weren’t sure if we’d be back and now…not only tag team champions, but also now Tag Team of the Year.”

Luz: “We fought some of the best this year. House of Frost. Twisted & Sadistic. Dark Fantasy. And we know you’re coming for us. We know Diamond awaits us and whoever she has. Dark Fantasy, Twisted & Sadistic. You’re both coming at us.”

Blythe: “And we’ll be ready. Because all this means is right now, we are what we’ve wanted to be. To prove ourselves in that ring. We’ve had some hardships, but we’ve fought back and we are here. And we will keep fighting here, for all of you, for both of us.”

Luz: “And for each other!”

Luz and Blythe raise each other’s arms in the air. The crowd cheers as they look out at the crowd and their music returns. They step back and bow for the fans as they cheer and head to the back.

Simon Lyman vs. Josh Hudson

Thirty Minute Ultimate Submission

Match to be added soon. Josh Hudson wins the match and after Simon Lyman does not get up, taken out of the ring on a stretcher.

COMMERCIALS

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

“The Match of 2023…”

We then open up with a shot of the Rogers Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, before showing shots backstage. We then cut to shots of Kimberly Williams fighting Adam Allocco, Syren and Xander Valentine glaring at each other in the entrance way and Light in the Darkness fighting in the ring.

Kim: “Let’s the CHAOS BEGIN!”

We see shots of Magical Cosmic Princess YUYO fighting with Hairless Penguin before showing Owen Cruze and Josh Hudson battling. We see Kim’s hand getting kicked as a staple gun flies out of her hand. Shots of Kandis, Datura, Adam Allocco, Asher Hayes and others battling follow. We see Syren and Owen Cruze trading blows in the ring before we see Kandis Wolfe hitting Cassie Wolfe with the Starmaker. We then see shots of Glory Braddock fighting the Playgirls before showing Braddock getting locked in a foot locker. We then cut to see Selena Frost helping her out. We see Selena Frost and Deanna Frost fighting Josh Hudson and Colleen backstage. We then see Lexy Chapel running after Ace Marshall.

The recap continues showing Syren and Ravyn Taylor look at one another before showing The One Kirsten Scott coming out. We cut to shots of Selena Frost locking the Frost Bite on Diamond Steele, before showing Deanna Frost hitting a German suplex on Josh Hudson and shots of multiple school boys by various wrestlers in the ring and backstage. Chance Owens is shown with his arm over The One for a pin.

We cut backstage to see Kimberly Williams showing up with multiple staple guns, climbing over the barricade. We then see her trying to staple people as they try to fight her off. We then see Asher Hayes wincing in pain backstage as he’s being checked out only for Kandis to attack him. We see Adam Allocco then running around backstage, handcuffed to an official before showing him repeatedly attacking Dancing Bear, with six men he hired. We also see Ace Marshall fighting backstage as Lexy Chapel keeps running after him. We then see Konrad Raab getting hit by the One Eyed Royal before Ace Marshall covers him. Shots of Datura helping Bree Lancaster backstage pick up falls follows too.

Shots of Adam Allocco getting stapled in the ass by Kimberly Williams follows before showing Xander Valentine going for Adam Allocco. We see him knocking down Syren before showing shots of Kelsai Adamson and La Pequena Luz diving onto Josh Hudson and Owen Cruze at ringside. We cut to shots of Kandis trying to swirlie Adam Allocco before showing Kimberly Williams handing staple guns to downed people at ringside. We cut to shots of Deanna Frost getting pushed out of the building by Polly Playtime as her falls are waived off. We cut to see Kandis getting speared by Jamison Logan through an open garage door and out of the building.

We cut to shots of people fighting in the ring before showing Hudson locking in the Hudson Stretch on Hairless Penguin. The bell sounds. Hudson drops Penguin as Kim keeps throwing chairs, Syren and Owen swatting them away, as do Owens and Kelsai who are now in the ring. The bell then sounds as Hudson turns as Kim looks around. She then smirks as there’s a brief bit of silence as the crowd buzzes.

Sharper: “There’s the buzzer! We’re out of time!”

Knots: “Who has it? Who has it!”

The leaderboard then comes up on the big screen.

Josh Hudson – 8 falls

Owen Cruze – 7 falls

Syren – 6 falls

Ace Marshall – 5 falls

Selena Frost – 5 falls

Bree Lancaster – 4 falls

Luz – 3 falls

The One – 3 falls

Kimberly Williams – 2 falls*

YUYO – 2 falls

Glory Braddock – 2 falls

Amelia Blythe – 2 falls

Cassie Wolfe – 1 fall

Ravyn Taylor – 1 fall

Chance Owens – 1 fall

Religious Wright – 1 fall

*Kimberly Williams earned one fall thus becomes Underground Champion

The crowd roars before starting to boo. “Duality” then starts to play throughout the arena. Kim then backs up, dusting her hands as she looks around.

Sharper: “Hudson! Josh Hudson is our new World Champion! Hudson has come out on top.”

Knots: “Look! Owen’s the US Champion. Hudson’s getting the match he wants.”

Sharper: “Oh my God! What a chaotic night. What a history making night. Syren is Adrenaline Champion. Tag Champions…Selena Frost and Ace Marshall!”

Knots: “And Bree swaps her Adrenaline Title for the TV Title!”

“The Match of 2023…Kimberly Williams’s Trios Tournament Cash-In.”

The End of the Year Special logo comes up on the screen.

The scene reopens on the stage where we see Jonathan Knots at the podium.

Knots: “Congratulations to uh…everyone? I guess? Kim? Chaos reigns! And fans love it. So uh…there’s that! Please don’t kill me. I live in fear of being stapled by WASLEY.”

Knots looks around as the crowd roars.

Knots: “Go for Sharper. His ass is bigger. Anyway, I-“

“This is How a Heart Breaks” by Rob Thomas starts to play as the crowd cheers. Knots turns as we see CHBK walk out from the back in a suit, holding two envelopes. Knots turns to him as CHBK walks over to him and places his hand on his shoulder.

Knots: “Uh…boss…need help with some decision-making. I can tell you who I think should get title shots and-“

CHBK: “No, Jon…I think you’re good. Take the rest of the night off. Have a drink. Celebrate…whatever you want to celebrate. I’ll take it from here.”

Knots: “Hell yeah! I’m out, losers!”

Knots pulls his tie off and throws it in the air. He then heads off, holding his arm in the air. The crowd roars. CHBK turns to the podium.

CHBK: “Well…that’s one way to make an exit.”

CHBK shrugs.

CHBK: “Before we get to our main event here tonight, where Deanna Frost will challenge for the SCW World Championship against Asher Hayes, we have two more awards to hand out. And I am going to start with the Woman of the Year Award. An award that has been won by multiple hall of famers and reflects the woman who had in your eyes the greatest 2023.”

The crowd cheers.

CHBK: “So…your Woman Wrestler of 2023…”

CHBK opens up the envelope and slides out the card. He looks up.

CHBK: “Kandis!”

The opening of "Whore" by In This Moment fills the arena as red and pink lights swirl around...

{I'm the girl you've been thinking about, The one thing you can't live without
I'm the girl you've been waiting for
I'll have you down on your knees, I'll have you begging for more}

Kandis appears on the stage. She looks around the arena and heads over to the podium. She looks at CHBK and just passes by him before grabbing the award sitting on the podium. She looks at it and then glances back at CHBK. Her music fades out.

Kandis: “You know…last year, I should’ve been in the World Title match and of course there’s a Frost involved.”

Kandis shakes her head as the crowd roars.

Kandis: “But from winning the End of the Year Special Open Invitational, to winning Taking Hold of the Flame. To winning the WORLD TITLE at Rise to Greatness…that’s a hell of a good year.”

Kandis looks around.

Kandis: “And I should be holding it now, but someone got a break…”

Kandis turns to CHBK.

Kandis: “And I’m going to tell you right now, CHBK. I want Asher Hayes. I want the World Title. I want my rematch!”

Kandis pauses and looks at him.

Kandis: “Because I know, one on one, I can beat Asher Hayes and with that title on the line. And I meant it when I said I would do all I can to take that title personally from him. So CHBK…while 2023 was a good year and I EARNED this. I am already thinking about surpassing it in 2024. So…line it up. Asher Hayes says he’s better than anyone. He gets past Deanna tonight. Line me up. If Deanna wins, LINE ME UP. Because I am far from done from being at the top of this profession. Because, and damn it, I’m shameless about it…I ALWAYS am on top.”

Kandis steps back as her music fades back in. Kandis looks at CHBK and then turns and throws her arms in the air. She looks out at the crowd before turning and heading to the back. CHBK turns and heads to the podium again. Kandis’s music fades out.

CHBK: “Well Kandis…we’ll see what 2024 brings. After tonight, of course.”

CHBK pauses before pulling out the second envelope.

CHBK: “Congratulations to Kandis. But we now have to announce our Male Wrestler of 2023. Just as with Kandis and the Woman Wrestler of 2023, this is to reward and acknowledge the male wrestler who did the most in 2023. Who accomplished the most or who left the biggest impression on our fans.”

CHBK pauses again.

CHBK: “And without further ado…”

CHBK opens up the envelope and smiles.

CHBK: “We have two winners as the vote was tied. And so allow me to announce the first winner of the Male Wrestler of 2023 Award…the SCW World Champion, Asher Hayes!”

The opening riff to "Smooth Sailing" by Queens of the Stone Age kicks in. At the 11 second mark, the name "Asher Hayes" blares through the PA system, and Asher appears on the stage, wearing a long leather jacket and sunglasses. The SCW World Championship is over his shoulder. He then walks over to the podium and looks at CHBK.

Hayes: “Well, well, well…”

Hayes looks at him.

Hayes: “Oh don’t bother with the other guy.”

Hayes pulls the card from CHBK’s hand.

Hayes: “Owen Cruze? The man who gave up and went home because he knew he couldn’t win the lottery again. Screw him. I’m your own focal point. I’m the only one that matters. How does it feel that I am the person you need to rely on just so your new investment has any life to it, huh?”

CHBK just folds his arms across his chest.

Hayes: “Yeah, when you wanted to keep me down because you were jealous of me old man. Well, I’m now holding your World Title. And in fact, you need me to go back there so you can milk my entrance because you’re going to see me beat the hell out of your US Champion and prove no one can touch me. Kandis? She wants me again. She was dropped by this hand at Under Attack. She can whine all she wants. Her ass isn’t going to carry her any farther. And trust me, she’s not always on top. I saw the video!”

The crowd ohs.

Hayes: “Don’t worry, CHBK. We may be boring as hell, but I’m the must see one around here. And will be until I just don’t feel like it and that won’t be coming soon as Kismet and I are on this road to the top-“

Kandis then storms out from the back. The crowd erupts in cheers. CHBK turns and stops Kandis.

Hayes: “No! Let her come at me. She can end 2023 on her back and understand she’s NEVER getting back on top!”

Kandis stops and looks at Hayes. She points to the World Title.

Hayes: “Now excuse me. I need to give you something to give a damn about!”

“Smooth Sailing” plays as Hayes backs up and looks at Kandis. Kandis turns and steps toward him. Hayes steps back and laughs as he walks around as CHBK steps between Kandis and Hayes. Hayes heads to the back. CHBK turns to Kandis as Kandis again can be seen demanding her shot.

Sharper: “Hayes taunting Kandis. Owen Cruze also it sounds like was named Male of the Year, but we’re trying to get order here.”

Winters: “And the World Championship is up next!”

Sharper: “We’ll be back after this!”

The scene fades out.

COMMERCIALS

Deanna Frost vs. Asher Hayes

SCW World Championship

The chords of "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson fill the arena, causing a roar from the audience as bright, fall leaves seem to blow and fly on the LED screens on and around the ramp. From the back curtain, out runs Deanna Frost, wearing the SCW United States Championship, taking in the audience before running to the right side, then the left side, shouting to them in excitement. The 'leaves' follow her as she does. Returning to the middle, Deanna gives a spin on one foot, her arms outstretched, the 'leaves' circling her below her feet.

Phillips: “The following contest is your main event and is scheduled for onefall with a sixty minute time limit and is for the SCW World Championship. First, the challenger, on her way to the ring, from Manhattan, New York, she is the SCW United States Champion, Deanna Frost!”

Hearing her name, Deanna stops her spin, side facing the ring, and, with one hand over her heart, her free hand arcs around to point forward, the 'leaves' flying down the ramp and 'circling the ring LED barriers. Making her way down to the ring, Deanna high-fives fans along the way until she reaches the ring. Sliding under the ring, the Queen's Guard jumps to her feet, making her way to the middle ropes and leaning over them, one arm raised to the crowd. She does the same to the other sides of the ring. On the last time, Deanna hops back into the ring as the lights return to normal. She hands off the US Title.

Sharper: “Deanna Frost is hoping tonight may be one night to allow her to crown herself as a top star in professional wrestling. To become a double champion. To become the World Champion.”

Winters: “And consider everything going on for her. The issue of The One Kirsten Scott on her for all the year. Losing the Tag Team Championship as she did. The US Championship. Selena Frost leaving SCW. And Deanna turning it into motivation to stand on her own.”

Sharper: “Tonight, she could add herself to a select group. She just has to get past the World Champion, Asher Hayes!”

The opening riff to "Smooth Sailing" by Queens of the Stone Age kicks in. At the 11 second mark, the name "Asher Hayes" blares through the PA system, and Asher appears on the stage, wearing a long leather jacket and sunglasses. The SCW World Championship is around his waist.

“It's all in motion, no stoppin' it now
I got nothing to lose and only one way up
I'm burning bridges, I destroy the mirage
All visions of collisions, fucking bon voyage"

Phillips: “Her opponent, on his way to the ring, from Chicago, Illinois, he is the SCW World Champion, Asher Hayes!”

He makes his way down the ramp as the reaction of the crowd rain down upon him. He walks up the ring steps and climbs to the top turnbuckle, lifting both fists into the air, slinging the jacket off his shoulders, simply looking at the crowd before dropping down and running to the opposite side.

“I got bruises and hickies, stitches and scars
Got my own theme music, plays wherever I are
Fear is the hand that pulls your strings
A useless toy, pitiful plaything
I'm in flagrante
In every way
Every day"

He stands, once again, on the top rope. He removes his shades as he looks toward the ceiling, before dropping down, removing his jacket and handing his belongings to the ref.

"It's all smooth sailing
From here on out
I'm gon' do the damage
That needs getting done"

Asher then leans into the corner, waiting for the match to begin. Demitra takes the World Title from him and holds it over his head. The SCW World Championship logo comes across the screen before fading to the bottom corner.

Sharper: “Hayes as confident as ever.”

Winters: “He’s been on a roll in one sense, but he’s also had no problem doing whatever he needs to to retain.”

Sharper: “While he insults anyone in his way, beneath him, above him, in the past. He thinks he’s something special now that he’s finally at the top of the mountain. Finally, after roughly fourteen years, crowned World Champion.”

Hayes looks across at Frost as the bell sounds. Demitra backs up and Deanna and Asher step up. Hayes just chuckles as Deanna looks at Hayes and nods before Hayes smacks her. The crowd ohs. Deanna turns away briefly before she turns and nails Hayes with a hard right. Hayes hits the mat. He rolls over and gets up as the crowd roars. Deanna nails Hayes with another hard right. Hayes falls back into the corner. Deanna nails him again and again before kicking him in the ribs with a hard shot and then another and another. Hayes drops down to a seated position. Demitra calls for the break.

Sharper: “Deanna all over the World Champion!”

Winters: “Maybe channeling the anger of Selena Frost here. Or maybe it’s just for herself. She knows what this means and she’s not going to let Hayes disrespect her!”

Deanna steps back and walks around the ring. Hayes starts to pull himself up. Deanna heads over to him and grabs him, but Hayes thumbs her in the eye. He spins her around into the corner and nails her with a hard right and then a chop before nailing her with another hard right. He starts to choke her.

Hayes lets go and grabs Deanna and whips her across the ring. Hayes runs after. Deanna gets a boot up. Hayes catches it and throws it down before cracking Frost with a forearm to the jaw. Deanna staggers out of the corner. Hayes grabs her and pushes her into the ropes and fires her off. Deanna bounces off and Hayes goes for a clothesline, but Deanna slides under his arm. She pops up and Hayes turns and Deanna knees him in the ribs and hits a snapmare before dropkicking him in the back of the head. Hayes rolls over to the ropes.

Winters: “Knee to the ribs. Snapmare and then the dropkick!”

Sharper: “Striking repeatedly. Keeping Hayes off guard. And not letting him build that early momentum.”

Hayes starts to get up at the ropes and turns to Deanna who dropkicks him down. The crowd roars. Hayes pops back up and turns and Deanna hits another dropkick. She goes for the pin.

Hayes kicks out. Hayes rolls over and crawls to the ropes. He starts to get up and Deanna follows up and stands over him and hits a crossface punch to the jaw and then rears back and hits another one and then another one. Deanna pulls Hayes up and to his feet and runs into the ropes. She bounces off and Hayes steps forward and drills her with a vicious back elbow. Deanna hits hard and rolls over, holding her jaw. She starts to get up, her lip busted and Hayes jumps up and dropkicks her in the head. She falls back into the corner.

Sharper: “Hayes got all of that elbow. He then follows up with a dropkick. Two hard shots to the head.”

Winters: “Deanna dazed from it. Demitra checking on her. This would be the worst case for Deanna.”

Sharper: “Hayes not even going to take it. Wants to now get a bit more punishment.”

Hayes follows up and kicks her in the ribs and nails her with a hard right. He then pulls her out and hits a snap suplex. Deanna rolls over and starts to get up. She moves to the ropes and Hayes runs at her, but Deanna gets an elbow up. Hayes stumbles back and turns as Deanna runs at him and Hayes launches her overhead and Deanna lands on the middle rope before diving back with a leg lariat to Hayes as he turns around. Deanna rolls through and goes for the pin.

Hayes kicks out. He rolls over and Deanna turns and hits a sliding knee to the ribs. Hayes rolls over to the ropes. He gets up and Deanna runs across the ring. She bounces off and Hayes lunges and hits a European uppercut. Deanna remains on her feet, but is clearly jarred, stumbling back. She shakes her head and steps up as Hayes runs at her and hits a big boot.

Sharper: “Hayes damn near takes Deanna Frost’s head off.”

Winters: “Just after catching her with that European uppercut.”

Sharper: “The time with Konrad Raab helping.”

Deanna rolls over and starts to get up and Hayes stomps her in the side of the head and then again. Deanna rolls over. She starts to get up and turns to Hayes who kicks her in the ribs and goes to whip her across the ring, only to pull her into a short-arm clothesline. Deanna rolls over and Hayes then grabs her up and pulls her up before whipping her into the corner. Deanna hits the turnbuckle and Hayes runs after and hits a running clothesline hard in the corner. Deanna drops down to a seated position. Hayes looks around before then looking at Deanna before stepping on her head and pressing down, pushing down on the middle rope, reaching over the top rope. Deanna stamps on the mat in pain.

Hayes steps off. He smirks and steps through the ropes to the floor. Hayes then pushes the steel steps out of the way. Deanna rolls over, before Hayes grabs her and drags her over to the ring post and then pulls on her chin and her legs and presses his leg on the ringpost, pulling Deanna back first against the ringpost. The crowd ohs as Deanna yells in pain.

Hayes lets go and Demitra warns him. (1) Hayes looks around and smirks as Deanna rolls into the middle of the ring.

Sharper: “Hayes using the ringpost to do some damage.”

Winters: “Trying to just torture her. Probably for just showing up.”

Sharper: “Focusing on the face, the back. Trying to do anything to just extract pain. To wear down the challenger.”

Hayes slides in after. Deanna starts to get up and Hayes scoops her up and hits a backbreaker. Hayes goes for the pin.

Deanna gets her shoulder up. The crowd cheers some as Hayes rolls off. He starts to get up and stomps Deanna in the face. Deanna rolls over in pain. Hayes stomps her again. Deanna rolls to the ropes. Hayes stomps her again. Deanna rolls to the apron. Hayes walks around the ring and turns and heads over to her and grabs her through the ropes and pulls her up, but Deanna grabs his head and hits a guillotine drop. Hayes stumbles back and falls to a knee. Deanna grabs the ropes and climbs to the top rope. Hayes gets up and turns to her and Deanna dives off with a somersault dive onto Hayes. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “Deanna going off the top!”

Winters: “Not known for that, but pulling out what she can.”

Sharper: “Just throwing herself at the World Champion. Keeping him down and giving her a chance, to hopefully, recover!”

Frost rolls over and looks at Hayes. Hayes turns and starts to get up to his feet. He does and stumbles forward into Frost who grabs his head and hits the Spring Fling DDT. The crowd ohs. Hayes flips through to his back. Deanna turns and hooks the leg.

Hayes gets his shoulder up. Deanna rolls over. She looks out and fights to her feet. She stretches out a bit and turns around as Hayes starts to roll over. He gets up and Deanna nails him with a hard right. The crowd ohs. Deanna nails him with another. She goes to whip him across. Hayes spins through and sends her in. Deanna bounces off and hits a crossbody into a pin.

Hayes kicks out. Both get up and Hayes turns to Deanna and Deanna knees him in the ribs before jumping up and hitting a rocker dropper. Hayes rolls over in pain. Deanna rolls over and turns and exits to the apron. She moves to the corner and climbs up to the top rope. She gets to the top rope and steadies herself, but Asher then gets up and shoves Demitra into the ropes. Deanna lands hard on the top turnbuckle as the crowd boos as Hayes rolls over. He smirks as Demitra turns and reprimands him.

Winters: “Oh God!”

Sharper: “Hayes shoving Demitra into the ropes. And Demitra would love to disqualify him, but that would only penalize Deanna here.”

Winters: “Using that official’s prerogative.”

Hayes ignores Demitra and heads over to the corner. He nails Deanna with a hard right and then another and another. He smirks as he climbs up to the middle turnbuckle. He then looks around and grabs Frost. He starts to hoist her up a bit before then turning and diving back, landing on his back, with his knees up and flipping Frost onto his knees with a backbreaker. Deanna Frost rolls through, down into a heap, holding her back in pain. The crowd ohs from the move as Hayes crawls over and hooks the leg.

Frost gets her shoulder up. The crowd roars.

Sharper: “Deanna Frost thrown down into a double knee backbreaker from the top rope! And only two!”

Winters: “Deanna knows how rare this opportunity is. The fans voted her and Kelsai in. She’s fighting through it. Trying to find what she can to keep going. Despite the damage now to her back!”

Deanna rolls over and tries to move away. Hayes gets up and looks at her and drives his elbow into her chest. Deanna grimaces in pain and rolls over and Hayes drives his elbow into her lower back. The crowd boos as Deanna rolls over in pain. Hayes looks at her and shakes his head before stomping her in the head. Deanna rolls to the apron. Hayes shakes his head as he backs up and Deanna starts to get up on the apron. Hayes looks at her and tells her to come into the ring. Deanna looks at him and then steps through and lunges at him and nails him with a hard forearm and then another.

Winters: “Hayes learning from earlier, but Deanna now coming right for him!”

Deanna then kicks him in the ribs and grabs him by the head. He then counters by lifting her up and running her back first into the turnbuckle. Deanna grimaces in pain. Hayes rears back and shoulders her in the ribs once and then again before spinning her around and shoulders her in the back. Hayes smirks and walks around the ring. Deanna grimaces in pain and turns around and Hayes heads over to Deanna only for Deanna to hit a spinning heel kick. Hayes hits the mat. Deanna rolls over.

Sharper: “Spinning heel kick. Caught Hayes right in the mouth!”

Winters: “Deanna digging deep!”

Sharper: “That perch on the top of the mountain looking shaky here in Toronto!”

Deanna looks around and then gets up. Hayes rolls over and starts to get up and Deanna runs at him and hits a lunging diving clothesline. Hayes hits the mat. Deanna gets up and spins around and hits a running senton backsplash onto Hayes. Hayes rolls over in pain and Deanna turns and gets up and jumps up, but Hayes counters with a release spinebuster. The crowd ohs as Deanna grimaces in pain and Hayes lifts her legs up and steps through and turns her over into a sharpshooter. Deanna yells in pain as Hayes sits down, smiling.

Sharper: “And the sharpshooter. Here in Toronto! Hayes locking it in.”

Winters: “And all that damage to the back. Deanna may not have much left. Add the match earlier. Hard fought. Hayes hoping that Deanna doesn’t have the energy to fight through anymore!”

Hayes looks around as Deanna reaches out. The cameras focus on her as she grits her teeth. She pulls on her hair as she reaches out again. She tries to move forward, but Hayes’s weight at this moment too much. Demitra checks on Deanna. She shakes her head no. Hayes yells at Demitra to keep asking as Deanna starts to move on her forearms. She bridges up too as Hayes remains seated. Deanna crawls toward the ropes. Hayes holds on as he looks back, increasingly stunned as Deanna moves a bit closer. The crowd roars and Deanna crawls a bit closer and closer. She reaches out. Still too far. Hayes looks around and tells Demitra to ask her again. Demitra watches Deanna as she moves forward to the ropes. She crawls a bit forward and reaches out, grabbing the bottom rope. The crowd roars.

Hayes lets go and steps forward and looks around. He then turns to Demitra and snaps at him. Deanna rolls over and moves to the corner. Hayes continues to berate Demitra before then nodding and turning to Deanna. He grabs her, but Deanna shoves him back. Hayes rolls through and back to his feet only for Deanna to run out and jump up, hitting the Burnout! The crowd ohs.

Sharper: “Burnout! Deanna hit the Burnout!”

Winters: “Cover Hayes! Cover him!”

Deanna turns and looks around and tries to find Hayes. She moves around and dives onto him, hooking the leg.

Hayes shoots his shoulder up. The crowd ohs as Deanna rolls off and looks out. Hayes rolls over, holding his jaw in pain.

Sharper: “And Hayes kicks out!”

Winters: “Just barely!”

Hayes turns and starts to get up as Deanna turns and looks at Hayes. She then walks over and kicks him in the ribs. She then grabs him by the head and runs him into the corner. Hayes staggers out and Deanna turns and runs into the ropes. She bounces off and Hayes ducks. Deanna keeps running and jumps to the middle rope and dives back, twisting and going for the Burnout, but Hayes jumps up and hits the Dust to Dust. The two hit knee to knee. The crowd ohs. Deanna and Hayes roll over in pain, holding their knees. They both fight up as the crowd ohs and Deanna turns to Hayes as Hayes rolls through and locks in a school boy, pulling on the tights.

Hayes yells out and rolls over in pain as Deanna turns and rolls over, clutching at her knee.

Phillips: “Here is your winner, and STILL SCW World Champion, Asher Hayes!”

Sharper: “Knee on knee and Hayes going low.”

Winters: “Just nothing left to kick out with after the pain. And Hayes even had the tights!”

Sharper: “And look at him. He’s happy. He’s proud. He’s got the World Title still. Kismet on his side to end 2023. While Deanna, close isn’t enough.”

Winters: “Still the US Champion, but nonetheless, she hoped to walk out a double champion. Not to be tonight.”

Sharper: “Congratulations to Asher Hayes for retaining. We’ll see you on Thursday for Breakdown!”

The scene fades to black…