Heatstroke Results!!

We return from a brief commercial break as Jerry Heisenberg steps to the middle of the ring with the referee beside him for the first match of this star studded event.

Axel Reid: That was an interesting edition of the ever-interesting Jones Zone.  Starrkadian looks to have his sights set on Casanova English.  But Casanova English is going to be preoccupied against PKA in that Xcel Championship match.  However, that's our main event and it’s time for the first match of the night, Ruby! Are you excited?

Ruby Parvati: A Canadian madman taking on the man known simply as Death...well they do say that crazy is sexy. That Death though...he’s got like a mysterious sexy quality to him...

Axel Reid: Both men have not been doing so well lately but they will be looking forward to turning their fortunes around with a win here tonight. That is, of course, unless this ends in a double disqualification or double countout or something in which neither of them win...

Ruby Parvati: Death always wins in the end, Axel.

Axel Reid: That’s true, I suppose. In any case it looks like we’re ready to go...take it away, Jerry!

Heisenberg nods then puts the microphone to his lips as the crowd quiets down.

Jerry Heisenberg: Ladies and gentlemen...welcome to Heatstroke!

The fans cheer loudly, causing him to pause for a moment to allow the cheers to die down.

Jerry Heisenberg: The following is the opening contest of the evening and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, standing at 6 feet 3 inches, weighing in at 230 pounds and hailing from Hell’s Kitchen, New York, the man known as “The Falling One”...DEATH!!!



“Hello Zepp” by Charles Clouser starts up as the house lights darken. Death walks out slowly as lights start flashing and smoke comes up. When the music picks up, lights start flashing red and white as he makes his way to the ring. Once he is in the ring, he stares at the crowd solemnly, then goes to the far corner just opposite of the entrance. He then sits down waiting for his opponent.

Ruby Parvati: Them eyes though…

Axel Reid: Leave it to you to lust after death, Ruby.

The arena lights dim as “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun” by The Beastie Boys starts to pump through the arena’s PA system.

Jerry Heisenberg: And his opponent, standing 6 feet 6 inches, weighing in at 325 pounds and hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, he is “The Canadian Madman”...HUGO STRANGE!!!

Hugo Strange steps out on the stage and looks out into the crowd and makes a gun with his hands and points it at the ring. Hugo calmly walks to the ring and heads to the ring steps and walks up the steps and onto the apron. Before Hugo steps in between the ropes he wipes his feet then steps into the ring. Hugo goes to the middle of the ring and raises both hands and then goes to his corner and leans in the corner on the turnbuckle waiting for the start of the match.

Axel Reid: Hugo clearly has both a height and weight advantage over Death but will that be enough for him to get the win here tonight?

Ruby Parvati: You know what they say, Axel. Death be nimble, death be quick…

Axel Reid: And with that Jerry has left the ring, Death’s stood up in his corner, and it looks like the referee’s about to get this match and this pay-per-view event started!

DING! DING! DING!

The two men move towards the center of the ring, sizing each other up before Hugo offers a test of strength. Death obliges and the two of them engage in the test, with neither man appearing to have a clear advantage over the other.

Axel Reid: Well what Death might lack in size it looks like he’s making up for in strength.

Ruby Parvati: Strength, an air of mystery, smoldering eyes...all qualities on my list.

Axel Reid: List? What list?

Ruby Parvati: My list of qualities I find attractive in a man. You know, you’ve got several of those qualities too, Axel…

Axel Reid: I knew when I asked about the list I was going to regret it…

The men continue tussling, trying to get an advantage in the test until finally as the referee’s view becomes partially obstructed by their moving about Death kicks Hugo directly in the groin breaking the hold. The crowd boos slightly as Hugo drops to a knee, wincing slightly in pain.

Axel Reid: What a cheap shot by Death there! He’s lucky the ref couldn’t see it.

Ruby Parvati: Death doesn’t fear referees. Death doesn’t fear anyone. Everyone fears Death though, well except for me. I think he’s sexy...

Axel Reid: I don’t fear the reaper...oh man! Shining wizard by Death!

The impact of the move knocks Hugo fully to the ground. Death takes the opportunity while Hugo is down to bounce off the ropes and come back at the downed Hugo with full force, executing a double foot stomp upon his chest.

Axel Reid: That could’ve knocked the wind out of Hugo there!

Ruby Parvati: Psh...that guy’s so fat he probably didn’t even feel it.

Death brings Hugo up to his feet and whips him into the turnbuckle. He then moves to the opposite turnbuckle. He pauses for a moment before rushing towards Hugo, attempting a body avalanche but Hugo scouts it well, catching him in his arms!

Axel Reid: What a counter! Hugo caught Death while he was airborne!

Ruby Parvati: But...you can’t catch Death! Death catches you!

Hugo, carrying Death, moves out from the corner to the middle of the ring. Visibly angry from the low blow earlier, he forcefully throws Death over him with a belly to belly suplex that puts both men on the canvas. Hugo manages to make it to his feet first, moving over to Death and picking him up. He puts Death’s head between his legs, lifting him up for a powerbomb but before Hugo can slam him back down Death starts repeatedly punching Hugo’s head. A few of these distracts Hugo long enough for Death to position himself in such a way to roll Hugo up for a possible pin!

1…

2… - HUGO KICKS OUT!

Axel Reid: Death almost pulled out the win there.

Ruby Parvati: That would’ve been a sexy way to do it too…

The two get back to their feet and begin to trade blows, Death with backhand chops to the chest of Hugo and Hugo with stiff punches to Death’s face. Death breaks the stalemate with a kick to the stomach of Strange, following it up with a DDT that sends Hugo’s head into the canvas. Death makes it quickly back to his feet, waiting patiently to strike Hugo.

Axel Reid: Death could be looking for the move he calls Life Support here to put Hugo away for good.

Ruby Parvati: Watch what’s about to happen, Axel. Death’s gonna finish him. FINISH HIM!

Hugo slowly makes it to his feet. Death bounds for him and hits a big boot. The move keeps Hugo on his feet but causes him to lose his balance. Death then tries to go for the Life Support, but as he tries Hugo picks him up, lifting him over his shoulders before slamming his head into the mat with a Death Valley Driver!

Axel Reid: Moose Killer! Moose Killer! This could be it!

Ruby Parvati: NOOO!

With Death down on the canvas, Hugo gets down and hooks the leg for a pin attempt…

1…

2…

3!!!

DING! DING! DING!

As the bell rings, Hugo gets to his feet and has his hand raised as the winner. He appears pleased as the crowd cheers for him. Death still lies on the mat slowly starting to move as Jerry Heisenberg puts the mic to his lips once more.

Jerry Heisenberg: The winner of this match, via pinfall...HUGO STRANGE!!!

Ruby Parvati: But...but this isn’t right! Death always wins!

Axel Reid: Not tonight he doesn’t, Ruby. Death put up a good effort, but Hugo’s size was just too much for him here tonight and Hugo Strange walks out of Heatstroke with his first victory since joining VOW.

The cameras pan through the fired-up crowd -- who jostle each other to try and get into the shot -- before coming to rest on the commentary booth, where Axel Reid mops his forehead with the sleeve of his jacket, and Ruby Parvati looks into the camera seductively.

Axel Reid: Wow! Wow, wow, wow. If you're joining us a little late, ladies and gentlemen, you just missed one hell of a ladder match!  And some parting words from the meanest man in professional wrestling, Seth Iser.

Ruby Parvati: But don't worry, because you can catch it on demand with the VOW Network for only --

Axel Reid: My broadcast partner is joking, of course, folks. VOW doesn't have a Network just yet, but it's matches like that --

Axel points to the ring, where, out of shot, the ring crew clear the scene of debris and mangled ladders.

Axel Reid: That are gonna put us on the map and make that Network a reality!

Ruby Parvati: We still have plenty to come tonight, everybody: Vanessa takes on the seven-foot spectre, Hazard; Cera faces Reya Serra in a bitter sibling rivalry; and last, but not least, PKA squares off against Casanova English to determine the first-ever VOW Xcel Champion.

Axel Reid: A match several weeks in-the-making, of course, with both men advancing through the brackets to the finals. Right now, however, we have two hot prospects chomping at the bit to make a name for themselves here in VOW...

The crowd give a small pop as Jerry Heisenberg steps into the centre of the ring, holding his microphone like a wine glass. He smiles warmly and raises the mic to his mouth. As is his trademark, he adjusts his bowtie as he clears his throat. He then speaks in a deep baritone, making sure to enunciate very clearly.

Jerry Heisenberg: The following contest is scheduled for one-fall...


The heavy instrumental of Sixx:A.M.'s "Deadllly ihood" plays loudly within the arena as Maxwell Soloke makes his way onto the stage -- sporting a bandaged head -- with a warm smile to the crowd, who give him a small pop following his efforts in recent weeks.

Jerry Heisenberg: Making his way to the ring, hailing from Bexley, Ohio and weighing one-hundred eighty-five pounds... 'The Perfect Disaster' MAXWEEELLLLL SOOOOLLLOKE!

After letting his music play for a bit, simply enjoying it himself, Max sprints straight for the ring, the coattails of his trench coat waving in the breeze. At the apron, he does not stop sprinting and instead slides under the bottom rope on his back. From there, he kips up and goes straight for a turnbuckle, standing high on it and playing to the crowd, getting them hyped up.

Axel Reid: Maxwell Soloke actually laid down the challenge to Berlin Anderson this past edition of Breakthrough, claiming to now be at a hundred percent following a decline.

A brief video recap of Breakthrough #9 plays, showing Maxwell standing in the ring with a microphone.

Maxwell Soloke: I’m feeling just like I did a year ago. I feel like I’ve got my moves back and my body is functioning as it should. I am not going to say you are not skilled, but I am saying that you only had me at 75% at best.

Ruby Parvati: He doesn't look a hundred percent. What's with the bandages?

Axel Reid: Details are sketchy but it seems Soloke had a minor accident leading to this bout. It'll be interesting to see how that factors into the match.

The opening notes of "Drive It Like You Stole It" by The Glitch Mob ring through the arena, eliciting another respectful pop from the audience.

Jerry Heisenberg: Aaand his opponent, coming to us from Los Angeles, California, weighing one-hundred seventy-eight pounds... 'The Parkour Warrior' BERRRLINNN AAANDERSSSSONNN!

Berlin Anderson shoots through the curtain and down the ramp at full speed, planting a foot on the ring apron and pushing off into the Capoeira mariposa. He circles the ring, slapping hands with the fans, pausing to gift his shades to a child at ringside. He jumps to the apron, using the top rope to springboard himself into the ring, rolling to his feet and climbing the turnbuckles fluidly, posing arms spread for a moment.

Axel Reid: Berlin accepted the challenge, bringing us to where we are now.

Jumping down again, he readies himself for the match, bouncing on his toes.

Jerry exits the ring and senior official Clint Eisner steps forwards, laying down the law for both men, who nod as they stretch and shadow spar.

Axel Reid: These two men previously met at Breakthrough eight, in a triple threat match which also featured Death. Berlin got the victory, but Soloke was not involved in the decision. Maxwell now looking to prove himself to Berlin here tonight.

Clint dismisses them and they walk into opposite corners, where he then performs a check for foreign objects. Finding nothing suspect, Clint straightens up and calls for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

Soloke wastes no time and makes a beeline for Anderson, blasting him with pinpoint kicks to the back of his legs, the fans exclaiming with each blow.

Axel Reid: Soloke taking the fight straight to Anderson, hacking away at those hamstrings.

Berlin hobbles along the ropes, lashing out with a backfist which is easily dodged by Soloke.

Axel Reid: Y'know, Ruby, Maxwell reminds me of Muhammad Ali; he floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

Ruby Parvati: Looking at that bandaged head, if Max is Ali, then Anderson is Larry Holmes. This could get ugly.

The nimble Soloke continues to dance around Berlin, pelting him with vicious strikes. With Berlin on the ropes, Max grabs his wrist and whips him across the ring -- but Anderson counters, instead throwing Soloke into the ropes. Just as he hits them, Berlin leaps into the air, looking to hit a dropkick. Soloke, however, hangs onto the ropes, and Berlin lands flat on his back.

Max rushes forwards and grabs hold of Berlin's leg. He holds it up off the ground and delivers another stiff kick to the hamstring.

Axel Reid: Soloke looks to be employing a smart gameplan here; keeping the aerialist, Berlin Anderson, grounded.

Still clutching Berlin's leg, Soloke walks around to the side of his prone adversary. He then jerks Berlin's leg to the side.

Axel Reid: Vicious offense on display by Maxwell Soloke. He damn near tore his leg out of its socket with that one.

Anderson screams and reaches towards his aching limb, but Soloke -- still holding on -- steps over him and stands next to his head. He then tugs on the leg again, pulling it almost parallel to Anderson's chest. Berlin slaps the mat with his forearms, gnashing his teeth in pain. Soloke finally releases the limb and peels Anderson off the mat, pulling him up to his feet. He kicks out the back of Berlin's knee and runs into the ropes directly behind them. On the rebound, he grabs the back of Berlin's head and plants his skull into the mat with a nasty facebuster. He rolls him onto his back and makes the cover, Clint sliding into action, prosthetic hip and all.


1 . . .


2 -- Shoulder up!


Axel Reid: Anderson having to lift his shoulder off the mat to break the first cover in this match. Notice how Soloke already looks to have taken kickouts away from Berlin early on.

Unfased, Soloke goes straight back into a cover, cradling both of Berlin's legs tightly.


1 . . .


2 -- Another shoulder up!


A third pin, Berlin moaning in pain.


1 -- No!


Clint motions for Soloke to give it up. He obliges, putting up little resistance.

Axel Reid: Soloke is not giving Berlin an inch to breathe here, folks. Every time he covers him, it's tiring Anderson out to get that shoulder up. By bundling up those legs the way he did, he aggravates them even further.

Maxwell grabs Anderson by the head and gets him to his knees -- but Berlin drills him in the gut with a body shot. Max is caught offguard for a second as he tries to catch his breath, but he quickly subdues the Parkour Warrior with a forearm across the back. Dragging him to his feet, Max goes to whip Berlin again -- only for Berlin to reverse it a second time. This time, however, Max comes running back right into a facebreaker knee smash, his bandaged head bouncing off of Berlin's knee!

Ruby Parvati: A despicable, cowardly act from Berlin as he targets a physically impaired Maxwell Soloke!

Axel Reid: Physically impaired? Soloke has maintained the upper hand thus far.

Ruby Parvati: Look at those bandages, Axel. Soloke shouldn't be out here, least of all to be victimised by this thug. Steve Frei has a lot to answer for!

Max straightens up, clutching his head. He flicks a clothesline Berlin's way, but the mohawked highflier pulls him into a Japanese armdrag. Max hits the mat but rolls through onto his feet. He goes for another clothesline, only to be pulled into another armdrag. He gets to his feet once more -- slightly slower this time -- and turns around just in time to get a mouthful of boot!

Axel Reid: Beautiful spinning heel kick by Berlin! Looks like he's going for a cover -- but Soloke wisely rolls under the ropes!

Ruby Parvati: Denied!

Berlin slaps the mat and gets to his feet with the aid of the ropes, nursing his injured leg following the heel kick. Soloke stirs on the outside, pulling himself up using the crowd barrier. Berlin looks at the set of ropes behind him, then back at Soloke, a smile spreading across his face. The fans catch on and increase in volume as he tears into the ropes.

Axel Reid: I think Berlin is looking to fly here -- NO! CHOPBLOCK!

OOOHHH!

The fans groan as Berlin is felled centre-ring by a chopblock from Soloke, who dove into the ring last-second to cut him off. Anderson writhes in pain on the mat, clutching his weakened limb. Soloke gets to his feet, sucking air, and goes to grab Berlin's leg. Anderson lashes out from on the ground, kicking as hard as he can, but Soloke quickly subdues him by stomping on his ankle. Grabbing the leg, he drags Berlin to the ropes and drapes the leg on the bottom rope.

Climbing up onto the middle rope, Soloke bounces up and down a couple of times before crashing down on Berlin's leg. Anderson covers his face with his hands as he groans in pain and slaps the mat. Soloke climbs back up to the second rope and comes crashing down once again, his full body weight landing on Berlin's leg. He goes up a third time and bounces on the ropes -- but Berlin withdraws his leg and quickly pulls him down into a schoolboy!

Axel Reid: Outta nowhere!


1 . . .


2 . . .


KICKOUT!


OOOHHH!

The fans pop as Soloke just barely escapes the surprise pinning predicament. 

Ruby Parvati: Credit where credit is due, Axel; Soloke somehow managed to kick out of that underhanded move by Berlin!

Axel Reid: Underhanded!? It's a textbook wrestling move!

Max races back to his feet -- so fast that he grips the rope and holds his head for a moment -- and lays into the back of Berlin with furious boots. Yanking Berlin up off the canvas, Soloke boots him in the gut. Berlin's shaky legs betray him and he goes down to one knee. Soloke snatches him back up in frustration and --

SMACK
OOOOOHHHHH!

Axel Reid: Oh, wow! He just about decapitated him with that European uppercut!

Berlin reels back from the impact.

Ruby Parvati: Looks like Soloke is going for that patented Maxus Combo!

Sure enough, Soloke sizes Anderson up. He winds back for the deadly roundhouse kick, the crowd building up as he does so...

wwwhhhhhoooOOOOAAAAAAA --

Axel Reid: BERLIN GRABS THE FOOT!

Soloke hops up and down on the spot -- as does Berlin -- and shakes his head at his opponent, but Anderson flashes a smile in return and spins his opponent round --

BACKFLIP KICK!

Ruby Parvati: He just kicked him right in the breadbasket!

Axel Reid: And what a kick! Soloke's neck just got compressed like an accordion!

Ruby Parvati: Disqualify him, referee, he's exploiting a blatant injury!

Max staggers backwards, seeing stars. He collapses into the ropes, which toss him back towards Berlin. Max flicks a weak clothesline his way, but Berlin side-steps it and locks his arms around the waist of Soloke in a belly-to-back set-up.

Axel Reid: I think Berlin is looking to do a little Exploration, here!

The crowd ramp up as Anderson hoists Max up into the air, looking to hit the rechristened Blue Thunder driver -- but his leg gives out!

AAARRRGGGHHH!

The Grounded Parkour Warrior cries out in pain as he falls to the mat, his leg crumpling under Soloke's weight.

Axel Reid: It looks as though Soloke's strategy has paid dividends! Berlin couldn't pick him up for that patented Blue Thunder driver of his.

Clutching his afflicted extremity, he slowly rolls away instinctively, putting as much distance as he can between himself and Max, who groggily gets to his feet. The referee holds up his hand to the Perfect Disaster -- who circles his prey like a shark who has smelled blood -- and hurries over to Berlin.

Ruby Parvati: Sweet justice. But that referee needs to get out of the way and let Soloke finish the job.

Axel Reid: How can you condone Soloke's targeting of Berlin's legs, while condemning Berlin's focus on Soloke's head?

Ruby Parvati: Very easily.

The official asks Anderson if he can continue, to which he nods his head furiously. Clint pleads with him to reconsider and throw in the towel, but Berlin grabs a fistful of his shirt and commands him not to end the match. Clint shakes his head and reluctantly backs away.

Axel Reid: Thankfully, it looks as though Berlin is still able to continue this contest. A gutsy performance by the Parkour Warrior, matched only by Soloke's ruthlessness and determination.

Max backs up into the corner opposite to Berlin, and sizes his opponent up, who kneels on the mat. Soloke slaps his leg, as Anderson stares him down defiantly and motions for him to 'bring it!'. Max obliges, and charges across the ring as the crowd once again ramp up in volume...

wwwhhhhhoooOOOOAAAAAAA --

SHINING WIZARD!

Axel Reid: COUNTERED! Berlin counters the Perfect Disaster!

Anderson dodges the attack and snares Soloke's legs in a drop toe-hold, sending him facefirst into the middle turnbuckle!

OOOHHH!

The crowd groan as Soloke's head snaps back from the impact. Clint rushes over to check his condition. Soloke -- nose busted and bleeding -- mouths inaudibly and the referee nods, seemingly letting things carry on. Berlin crawls over and pulls Maxwell out of the corner by his shoulder. Soloke collapses onto his back without much of a struggle, and Anderson drapes an arm over his chest.


1 . . .


2 . . .


3!?


SHOULDER UP!


Axel Reid: Soloke somehow digging deep and kicking out! What a thrilling match!

Ruby Parvati: Looks like Max might have a broken nose!

Indeed, as Max stirs on the canvas, blood trickles out from his nose and runs down the sides of his face in his prone position.

Axel Reid: I just wanna say this now, everybody; regardless of who wins tonight, I think both these men have earned our respect tonight. They are going hell for leather to make an impact, and they're leaving it all in the ring!

Blood beads off of Soloke's earlobes and drips onto the mat, staining it. Max slowly rolls away from Berlin, decking him with a back elbow as he does. Now lying on his chest, Max reaches for the ring ropes and starts to heave himself up off the mat. Berlin, meanwhile, crawls away with one arm while nursing his legs with the other. Both battered warriors pull themselves up using the ropes, and turn to face one another.

They burn a hole through each other, their eyes ablaze with the desire to carve out their legacies. Soloke staggers towards Berlin, clutching his head; Anderson limps towards Maxwell, his leg dragging behind him. They meet in the middle of the ring. Soloke suddenly winds back and hits Berlin with a mean elbow. Anderson strikes back with a big right hand. Max retaliates with a forearm, and from there, both men's hands become a blur as they engage in a slugfest, doling out concussive blows to each other.

Axel Reid: Forearms, elbows, lefts, rights! These guys are knocking the hell out of each other!

In the midst of the melee, Soloke catches Berlin with a low kick to the leg. Anderson doesn't go down, but his offense is broken as he hobbles on the spot. Max then hurls himself into the ropes and, on the rebound, leaps up into the air.

FLYING ELBOW SMASH --

BERLIN DUCKS!

Axel Reid: Nobody home! Perfectly telegraphed by Anderson!

On landing, Max immediately turns around. To his surprise, Anderson swings a kick his way. Soloke grabs hold of the foot and returns the grin which Berlin gave him earlier. Before he can act, however, Anderson throws caution to the wind and leaps into the air himself.

ENZUIGIRI!

But it's Soloke who ducks it now. Not missing a beat, Berlin catches himself on his fingertips and pumps off the canvas on his stricken leg with all his might --

REVERSE ROUNDHOUSE!

SLAP
OOOOOHHHHHH!

Ruby Parvati: Did you hear that impact!? That was the sound of Berlin's foot colliding with Soloke's skull!

The crowd pop as Soloke goes limp and falls to his knees, having just had his bell rung for a third time in this match. The bandages on his head start to unravel from the strenuous physical activity and copious flow of sweat.

Eyeing his dazed opponent, Berlin closes his eyes and nods to himself, sweat dripping off his brow. He crawls under the ropes behind Soloke and, using the ropes, pulls himself to his feet on the apron. He hops on one leg awkwardly and looks back at the crowd, waving his arm in the air and motioning for them to rally behind him. They cheer and applaud his sterling effort, willing him on as he digs deep.

Axel Reid: Wait a minute, is he doing what I think he's doing!? This is suicide, with that bum leg of his!

Ruby Parvati: But Maxwell Soloke is the Suicide King! This is a huge gamble on Berlin's part!

Anderson pulls down on the top rope and leaps up from the apron onto it. He springboards off the rope and twirls through the air with a wheel kick!

.38 SPECIAL!

Following a short video package showing the creation of the Xcel Championship, our view returns to ringside, where Axel and Ruby sit at commentary.

Axel Reid: It's been an awesome night so far, Ruby, but Heatstroke is far from over. Still to come is the impressive Lucas McCann in singles competition against Brett Carson; fan favourite Starrkadian taking on Rayne Draven-Omega; and, of course, the crowning of VOW's inaugural Xcel Champion as Casanova English dukes it out with PKA for the gold.

Ruby Parvati: That belt will look fantastic around the waist of Casanova.

Axel Reid: You make it sound like a foregone conclusion that he's winning, Ruby.

Ruby Parvati: If he puts on a good enough performance, he will win Ruby, Axel.

Axel looks at Ruby uneasily.

Axel Reid: Coming up next is a deeply personal match, folks. Best friends and former tag team partners go head-to-head in a match which, for one participant, has a lot riding on it.

A video recap featuring Jarek plays.

Jarek: At the next pay-per-view... I want an opponent. I don't give a damn who it is, or where they come from. Give me one final chance to prove I'm where I belong, boss. I can't afford to be a disappointment any longer! My fans need to believe in me once again! And if you grant me this one request... Well, you'll see.

The video fades back to a shot of Axel and Ruby.

Axel Reid: That was, of course, Jarek from Breakthrough seven. Having failed to rack up a single victory here thus far, he has vowed to show his worth if given one more shot, here tonight at Heatstroke.

Ruby Parvati: And, in a move some dubbed as cold -- though I thought it was hilarious -- Steven Frei obliged; granting Jarek a match with his BFF and former tag partner, Shane Sparx.

Axel Reid: Guilty Pleasure reunites for one night only, though fighting out of opposite corners!

Jerry Heisenberg stands in the centre of the ring, microphone held to his mouth. He adjusts his bowtie and clears his throat, the crowd doing it alongside him.

AHEM!

Jerry Heisenberg: The following bout is set for one-fall...

The electronic pulse of Skrillex's Bangarang reverberates throughout the Frost Arena in South Dakota.

Sha-sha-sha-sha-sha-sha-shout to all my Lost Boys

We rowdy

BANGARANG...

BASS!

Shane Sparx races out from behind the curtain onto the stage to a warm reception.

Jerry Heisenberg: En route to the ring, from Battlecreek, Michigan, weighing two-hundred thirty-five pounds... SHAAAAANE SPAAARRRRRX!

Axel Reid: Would you look at that -- Shane Sparx making his entrance wearing a Guilty Pleasure t-shirt. That's what this is all about. That's what this match means to him. A classy nod to his partner.

Sparx jogs down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans. Eyeing the camera, he tugs on the hem of his shirt, pulling it taut to reveal the Guilty Pleasure logo. He points at it and nods his head, before sliding in under the ring ropes. In the ring, he hits the ropes and performs some last-minute stretches. Bangarang fades out and Shane looks over at the stage, slouching slightly.

Jerry Heisenberg: Aaand his opponent...

I Can't... Get... No... SLEEP!

The phrase "Get it how you live!" flashes across the screen just as DJ Tiesto's "Insomnia" starts up on the speaker system. The pace to the music speeds up while several strobe lights shine down atop the ramp way entrance. The arena lighting grows dim, giving off more of a night club atmosphere than anything else. All of a sudden, a colorful array of pyrotechnics shoot off seconds before Jarek makes his rather dramatic entrance from behind the curtains.

Jerry Heisenberg: Hailing from San Francisco, California, weighing two-hundred fifty-three pounds... JAAAARRRREEEEEK!

The crowd explode as the party animal gradually makes his way down the aisle. Every so often, lowering his expensive pair of shades to make eye contact with a woman he probably deems attractive in the front row.

Axel Reid: Well, how about that? Looks like Jarek had the same thing in mind!

Sporting the same Guilty Pleasure t-shirt, Jarek screams into the camera as he points at the team logo before rolling under the bottom ropes. He faces the entrance ramp and grabs hold of the top rope now with one hand while simultaneously waving the other back and forth. Almost as if he's attempting to work the crowd. The beat to his theme reaches a fever pitch and right on cue, Jarek screams out "BEAT THAT F*N BEAT!". The fans in attendance pop as he begins to fist pump repeatedly. His theme fades out and he removes his shades, standing with his back to Shane.

Jarek stands in the corner, his head bowed against the top turnbuckle. He takes a moment to bask in the adulation showered down on him by the fans. Over in the opposite corner, Shane looks around at the thousands in attendance, standing with his hands on his hips and nodding in appreciation at they cheer for Jarek. The partygoer finally lifts his head, slaps the turnbuckle and turns to face Shane.

They look each other in the eyes.

Axel Reid: These two men have so much respect and admiration for one another. This match means the world to them.

Ruby Parvati: Which side are you on in this thing, Axel? Team Sparx or Team Jarek?

Axel Reid: I'm Team Guilty Pleasure!

Ruby Parvati: Copout.

Axel Reid: Dare I ask whose team you're on?

Ruby Parvati: Team Sparx, of course. Does Jarek even have a team?

Axel Reid: He will after tonight, I guarantee that much!

Shane steps forwards and whips his shirt off, tossing it into the crowd and eliciting a very vocal reaction from the female half of the audience. He then points to Jarek. The other half of Guilty Pleasure turns his head side-to-side, pointing at his chest and mouthing inaudibly to the fans 'ME!?'. With the crowd cheering him on, Jarek steps forwards and whips his own shirt off, garnering an even louder reaction from the crowd -- males included. He balls the shirt up and tosses it into the crowd. He and Shane smile and share a laugh, but the smiles soon vanish as they stand toe-to-toe centre-ring. Clint Eisner recites the rules, to which both men nod. Shane offers his hand to Jarek, which the latter accepts.


DING! DING! DING!


Axel Reid: And we are underway!

Joking aside and now straight-faced, both men circle one another warily.

Axel Reid: These two guys fought alongside each other for years, Ruby. You have to figure that they have each other scouted; each man knows the other's moves, counters, habits -- everything.

Ruby Parvati: Absolutely, Axel. And let's face it, Shane and Jarek have shared far more than their arsenals over the years.

Jarek suddenly lunges towards Sparx and slices the air with a mean elbow, Sparx weaving out of the way just in time.

Axel Reid: Jarek assuming the role of aggressor early on.

Jarek doesn't give Shane any room to breathe, though, and pursues him, throwing more elbows and knees his way along the length of the ropes. On reaching the corner, Shane grabs hold of the ropes. The referee immediately calls for a break and orders Jarek to back off. Shane looks at Jarek questioningly, holding up his hands.

They circle again, feinting and attempting to psych each other out, before Jarek lunges forwards again with a high knee. Sparx barely side-steps it; Jarek's knee just grazing his ribs.

Axel Reid: Jarek putting that Muay Thai background of his to good use. Sparx unable to find an opening.

Ruby Parvati: You know, for a guy who brags about knowing Muay Thai, I've never actually seen Jarek show any credentials. Like a black belt or something.

Axel Reid: I've never heard him bragging about it. Even if he did, I wouldn't question it.

Shane yells at Jarek, though the noise of the crowd drown him out. He hesitates, before circling his former partner a third time. Jarek rears back and strikes almost immediately, but Shane quickly ducks under and emerges behind Jarek, trapping him in a waistlock. The two struggle for a moment, Jarek attempting to pry Shane's hands apart, but Sparx holds tight. Sparx tries for belly-to-back suplex, but Jarek sandbags it.

Axel Reid: Jarek utilising his near twenty-pound weight advantage to great effect.

Unable to break the waistlock, Jarek instead wraps his arms around Shane's head, trapping him in a headlock. Shane grimaces in pain, but doesn't release his grip -- until Jarek floats him over with a crisp side headlock takedown! With both men on the canvas, Jarek keeps the headlock applied -- not for long, however, as Shane quickly brings his legs up and catches Jarek in a headscissors. Jarek lies back as he fights the hold, both his shoulders touching the mat. Clint slides in to make a count.



1 . . .



2 . . .



Axel Reid: Your shoulders, Jarek!



3 ? ? ?





Shoulder up!



OOOHHH!



The fans pop as the referee's hand comes perilously close to striking the mat a third time within minutes of the opening bell.

Axel Reid: I don't think Jarek even realised his shoulders were down until at least the two-count!

After a brief struggle, Jay Kay manages to pry the legs apart and escape the hold. Both men roll to their feet and whip round to face each other, ready to lock up again. Shane lowers his guard, though, and smirks. Jarek returns it, somewhat reluctantly.

Axel Reid: This thing almost ended as soon as it started. I can see fans wiping the sweat from their foreheads after that one!

Ruby Parvati: Let's face it; that's a telling sign that Jarek just can't hang with Shane. His old partner carried him, and without him, he's lost.

Axel Reid: That's ridiculous. Jarek hasn't exactly been on a hot streak, but maybe this is just what he needs to light a fire under him again.

Guilty Pleasure edge towards each other. Shane raises his hand into the air tentatively, willing Jarek to enter a lock-up. The Party Animal doesn't take much convincing, as he, too, raises his hand and grabs hold of Shane's. Jarek, the heavier and stronger of the duo, quickly forces Shane down onto the mat, but Shane keeps hold of Jarek's hands and quickly kips up onto his feet, promptly pulling Jarek into an arm drag. Jarek hits the mat and groans in pain as Sparx applies a seated armbar.

Axel Reid: An early submission move from Sparx in the opening minutes. He knows he isn't going to put the big man away this early, but by isolating the arms, he could impede Jarek's power-based offense.

As Jarek clamps his eyes shut against the pain and reaches for his shoulder with his free hand, however, Shane abruptly releases the hold and gets back to his feet.

Axel Reid: What the heck is Shane doing?

Nursing his aching limb, Jarek looks around uncertainly, anticipating another attack. When it doesn't come, he gets to his knees and turns round.

Ruby Parvati: He's standing back in his corner. Guess he's feeling a little pity for Jarek.

Jarek gets back to his feet and stares at Shane, who applauds him, his face deadly serious.

BOOOOOOOOOO!

The crowd grill Shane for what they perceive to be showboating, but he looks genuinely taken aback at their response. He then eyes Jarek, who marches over to him. He holds out his hands and mouths something to Jarek, but the Party Animal doesn't want to hear it.

SLAP

OOOOOOOOOOHHH!

Axel Reid: Jarek just slapped the taste out of his mouth!

The fans give a mixed reaction to the slap. Shane holds his jaw and glares at Jarek, the corner of his mouth twitching.

Ruby Parvati: What a display of disrespect! That's your friend, Jarek! Your partner!

Axel Reid: Jarek himself felt disrespected by Sparx letting him off easily, Ruby. Sparx didn't mean it that way, but Jarek is no charity case. Best friend or not; tag team partner or not; JAREK CAME HERE TO FIGHT!

Gripping the ropes either side of him, Sparx propels himself forwards and throws a running elbow smash Jarek's way, but he ducks it, heading into the corner himself. Shane immediately spins round, just in time to duck a running knee lift from Jarek. Quicker than a hiccup, Sparx leaps into the air and grabs hold of Jarek's head.

Axel Reid: Wait, surely he's not --

Shane swings his legs around to gather momentum, spinning Jarek around.

Axel Reid: EARLY FINISHER FROM SPARX!?


FIREWALL!


JAREK THROWS HIM OFF!


OOOHHH!


Axel Reid: Jarek counters the reverse Tornado DDT!

Ruby Parvati: Looks like Shane is pissed at Jarek!
 
Shane rolls through and gets straight back to his feet, having been thwarted in his attempt to hit an early finisher. Jarek throws a big clothesline his way, but Shane strafes out of harm's way. Both men run into opposing sets of ropes. On the rebound, Jarek leaps into the air --


VANILLA THUNDER!


SHANE HITS THE MAT TO AVOID IT!


OOOOOHHHHH!

 
Axel Reid: Another early finisher, this time from Jarek, but Shane threw himself down on the mat out of pure instinct!

Jarek hits the canvas back-first, but quickly scrambles to his feet. Both men share a fiery gaze and charge into each other. Shane hacks at Jarek's chest with a knife-edged chop.


SMACK


WOOOOO!


And another.


SMACK


WOOOOO!


Ruby Parvati: The fans paying homage to one of the all-time greats.

He follows up with a European uppercut which rocks Jarek but doesn't take him off his feet. Jarek comes back with a mean elbow which slams into Shane's jaw. He grabs hold of the back of Shane's head and forces his torso down, proceeding to lay into him with brutal knee lifts. Having worn him down some, Jarek tosses Shane aside.

Shane takes a moment to recuperate, before getting back to his feet -- where he is immediately knocked down from a shoulder tackle by Jarek. Shane hits the mat and Jarek runs into the ropes. Shane rolls onto his gut and Jarek leaps over him as he bounces back. Jarek hits the ropes and cuts Shane down to size with a flying shoulder tackle this time. Jarek tears into the ropes once more, leaping over a prone Sparx before felling him with another flying tackle.

Axel Reid: Jarek is building up a head of steam, here. This is a bad place to be if you're his opponent!

Body aching from Jarek's bulldozer offense, Sparx gets to his feet and stumbles backwards right into Jarek. Jay Dub smashes Shane in the back with a forearm and threads one of his arms through his legs, grasping Shane's hand with his own. He bends his knees and lifts Shane up onto his shoulders.

Axel Reid: Uh-oh, Shane is a precarious situation here!


PUMPHANDLE NECKBREAKER!


SHANE SQUIRMS OUT OF IT!


Sparx lands behind Jarek, who whips round with a clothesline, but Shane jumps up, grabs the arm, and falls back to the mat, bringing Jarek down with him.

Axel Reid: Shane taking Jarek down with an armbreaker; again targeting those big, powerful arms.

Shane gets to his feet and pulls Jarek's arm out from under him. He opens up Jarek's hand and plants it on the mat, then stomps on it! Jarek cries out in pain and tries to retract his arm, but Shane pins it and stomps on his hand again, before stomping the rest of the afflicted limb.

Ruby Parvati: Shane is showing a very aggressive side. That slap really woke him up.

Axel Reid: Jarek literally slapped the smile off his face.

Shane stomps Jarek's arm some more, before using it to pull Jay Kay so that he lies parallel to the ropes, roughly a foot away from the apron. Shane straightens up and looks at the audience, signalling for something by rolling his hand in circles, his finger pointing out. He then turns on the spot and darts into the far set of ropes, the crowd building up as he traverses the ring.


wwwhhhhhHHHOOOOOOAAAAA --


STOP, DROP, ROLL -- ONTO THE ARM!


OOOOHHHH!


The crowd pop as Shane busts out his signature maneuver.

Axel Reid: That was painful to watch! Shane Sparx landing with all his body weight onto Jarek's arm!

Shane throws himself on top of Jarek for the cover, making sure to hook the leg and grab the arm closest to the ropes.



1 . . .



2 . . .

 
 
KICKOUT!



Ruby Parvati: Jarek just doesn't know when to quit!

Axel Reid: The guy came to Heatstroke with something to prove, and by God is he doing just that!

Shane slaps the mat in frustration and walks away, allowing the referee to kneel down beside Jarek and check on his condition. Shane -- who now kneels down in the corner -- watches his partner, a look of concern on his face. Jarek flexes his arm -- albeit painfully -- and assures the referee he is fit to continue. The crowd pop as the referee motions for things to continue, and as Jarek gets to his knees, a small chant breaks out.


JAAA-REK! JAAA-REK! JAAA-REK!


He looks out at the fans and soldiers his way to his feet. Shane takes the fight straight to him and boots him in the gut. He grabs Jarek's wrist and pulls him in close for a short-arm clothesline, but Jarek ducks under and spins Shane round. Jarek then kicks Shane in the gut, doubling him over, and, switching arms, whips Shane into the corner.

Shane, however, jumps up onto the middle turnbuckle as he approaches it. He springboards off backwards, turns to face Jarek in mid-air, and floors him with a flying shoulder tackle to the injured arm!

Axel Reid: Shane once again takes Jarek down, homing in on that weakened arm!

Sparx gets to his feet, sweat now running down his temples. He lays a boot into Jarek's arm for good measure, then grabs hold of it and uses it to pull the Party Animal to his feet. Still clutching the arm, Shane leaps up for another armbreaker, but Jarek holds onto the rope and slams Shane down back-first.

Ruby Parvati: The guy is still fighting with that damaged arm of his. I don't know whether he's brave, stupid, or both.

Axel Reid: He's making good on his word and going out swinging, Ruby. I told you Jarek can carry himself.

Ruby Parvati: I don't think the guy can carry his own bags with that arm.

Jarek stoops over and peels Shane off the mat by his head. Shaking his head at what he knows will be a painful move -- and risky, at that -- Jarek scoops Shane up into the air with his bad arm and slams him back down again centre-ring. Shane arches his back from the impact, his hands resembling arthritic claws. Jarek straightens Shane up and looks out into the crowd, a familiar smile dancing across his lips. They join him in unison as he yells:


BEAT THE F-bleep-IN' BEAT!


They also join him in fist-pumping the air, before he throws himself into the ropes. He comes back and stops just as he reaches Shane, fist-pumping the air once more, before finally dropping the fist right into Shane's sternum!

Axel Reid: I don't think you need me to tell you what he calls that one, folks!

Shane convulses in the ring from the impactful fist drop. Jarek, meanwhile, retreats into the far corner and squats down, gripping the ropes either side of him. He bobs up and down, pleading with Shane to get up. Slowly but surely, Shane recovers and gets to his feet. He shakes off the cobwebs and turns around as Jarek charges across the ring.


VANILLA THUN --


Shane heads Jarek off and, before he is able to lift his knee, grabs hold of him and throws him into the corner, using his own momentum against him --


CRACK!


OOOOHHHH!


Jarek shoots between the turnbuckle pads and collides shoulder-first with the steel ringpost!

Axel Reid: Did you hear that sickening sound!? That was the sound of human flesh meeting cold, cold steel!

Clutching his shoulder and groaning in pain, Jarek slowly backs out of the corner. A waiting Shane Sparx shakes his head, then puts a waistlock on Jarek and drapes his arm back, looking for a suplex. Jarek, however, doesn't intend to go down without a fight. With his one remaining good arm, he reaches over and reigns down on Shane's head with blow after blow.

Ruby Parvati: Jarek just WILL NOT DIE! GIVE IT UP! YOU'RE DONE!

Still holding onto Jarek, Shane bends his knees and hoists him up off the canvas with a belly-to-back suplex, with Jarek's bad arm pinned under him!

Axel Reid: Jarek's entire body just came crashing down onto that arm!

Jarek rolls onto his back and looks up at the lights, clutching his arm close to his chest. Shane shakes his head and points at the top turnbuckle, signalling for the end. He gets up and crosses the ring, taking a moment to look back at his fallen partner. He then climbs through the ropes and ascends the turnbuckle, perching on the top rope. He mouths something to his opponent.

Axel Reid: I don't have a degree in lip-reading, everybody, but I'll bet my paycheck this month that Shane Sparx just told Jarek, 'I'm sorry, brother'!

Shane leaps from the turnbuckle.


WHEN SPARX FLY!


OOOOOOHHHHHHH!


Axel Reid: Shane hits that patented five-star frog splash of his -- right onto Jarek, who had his arm draped over his chest! Surely this must be over!?

Clutching his ribs following the top-rope impact, Shane gingerly crawls into the cover.



1 . . .



Ruby Parvati: NO! KICK OUT, JAREK!



2 . . .



Ruby Parvati: KICK OUT, DAMMIT!



3 ? ? ?



T-H-R-E-E ! ! !



Ruby Parvati: NO!


The referee calls for the bell.


DING! DING! DING!


Bangarang pulses throughout the Frost Arena as Shane kneels beside Jarek, shaking his head and looking down at the mat. The official goes to raise his hand, but Shane pulls away.

Axel Reid: Well, Ruby... it sounds as though Jarek made a believer out of you towards the end.

Jerry Heisenberg: The winner of the match, via pinfall... SHAAAAANE SPAAAARRRRRRX!

Shane gently puts his hand on Jarek's shoulder. The Party Animal slowly sits up, now having to contend with sore ribs in addition to a mangled arm. Shane offers him his hand, which Jarek accepts with his good hand. Shane pulls him up to his feet and the two embrace, patting each other on the back.

Axel Reid: We knew this one was going to be emotional. We knew there was every chance that Guilty Pleasure might implode following this deeply personal match. Thankfully, however, that doesn't seem to be the case. These two best friends can hold their heads high and say they came out all the stronger for it.

Shane pulls Jarek into him and mouths something to him. They both smile and laugh. With that, Shane gives Jarek one last pat on the back and leaves the ring, allowing Jarek a moment with the fans, who chant his name.


JAAA-REK! JAAA-REK! JAAA-REK!


After allowing himself ample time to catch his breath enough, following the grueling match, Jarek motions for the stage hand to give him a microphone.

Axel Reid: Wait, what's this about?

Ruby Parvati: I think I can guess...

As soon as Shane's music fades into silence, Jarek moves to the center of the ring... he just stands there, motionless. Eyes beginning to well up as he grins at the fans who are still giving him an ovation. Jay then brings the microphone to his lips and inhales sharply.

Jarek: You know... when I got into this business four years ago, I never would've thought two things. First, that someone as gifted as I am would face such adversity. And two... that even when I wasn't doing well enough to get the job done, you people still cheered for me. You still... approved of me.

He removes the mic from his mouth as the fans begin chanting his name. Taking in their reaction, Jarek pauses for a moment and then lets out a sigh. Though due to the roar of the crowd, it's not even audible. He continues on with his point shortly thereafter.

Jarek: In that span of time. Four years, I mean... and if I've ever given any of you a reason to buy a ticket, beat that beat along with me, or just watch me perform in the ring, with smile on your face... Then I can truly say what I've had to endure was worth every second of it. Each and every one of you made EVERY match, every victory and every defeat WORTH IT TO ME!... And words will never be able to express how thankful I am for that. It's something I'll NEVER forget or understate... I guess...

He pauses again, as it's obvious this is a very emotional happening for Jarek. Managing to keep his nerves for a bit longer, he brings the mic back up to his lips.

Jarek: There's just one thing left to say. I want to personally thank Stefan Frei, the CEO of VOW. He saw that I was on the decline, but he honored my request. He gave me one more chance to see if I could still go. And you know what? I DID GO! I went balls to the wall! H.A.M.! To hell and back! But the reality is... it still wasn't enough to experience the taste of victory. So with this... I hereby announce my retirement from professional wrestling!

The crowd is in complete and utter shock, as well as our broadcast team who immediately chime in.

Axel Reid: What?! He's retiring?!

Ruby Parvati: Why now?! He finally showed me what he was capable of!!

Axel Reid: I guess at the end of the day... Jarek's pride has made the final decision and the proverbial curtain call on his career!

One last time, we hear the sound of "Insomnia" by DJ Tiesto as Jarek drops the mic to the overwhelming reception by the audience. He remains in the ring for a bit longer, waving farewell to the fans before exiting and slowly making his way back up the ramp. He stops about midway up the aisle and hugs a heavy set black woman, who is openly weeping with as grin on his face. Jay then scales the remainder of the ramp, pausing at the top of it. He turns to face the crowd with tears streaming down his face as he raises on hand, closes it in a fist and fist pumps a few times while the crowd in perfect unison chants 'Jarek! Jarek!" over and over again. He then waves goodbye one final time before disappearing behind the curtains.

Axel Reid: Well, folks... you just heard it! Jarek Whitaker has officially retired from Wrestling! It's a shame to see him go, but at least his final match was against his closest friend in Shane Sparx, who picked up a hard fought win over his former tag partner Jarek. But coming up after the break, plenty more action including Lucas McCann against Brett Carson! You won't want to miss it!

Our cameras transition into a commercial break moments later.