DT: Well, ladies and gentlemen… we’re moments away from the Intercontinental Title bout.
MN: OH, CRAP!! I left my list of Megatron jokes on the nightstand in my hotel room! Man, I had some GOOD ones!
DM: Here, Mike… you can look off my list.
MN: Dang, Dean, thanks!
DM: Your welcome. We need somebody babbling incoherently while we call the action, after all.
DT: The story behind this match goes back to Aggression 32, not far from here in the city of Dallas. It was on that night that the Sergeant ended a MONSTER title reign by becoming the Intercontinental Champion in beating the “The Dragon” Karl Brown. Some would say that the Sergeant won by unjust means in using a chair against his opponent, though some would argue that he was only evening the odds…
MN: Hey, chair shots are the way to go. I’m glad Sarge got that through his head. He has real promise, you know? Can you see a reign of him just bashing people’s heads in?
DM: I hope I NEVER have to see that.
DT: Troy Douglas was also involved in the match on that fateful evening when the Sergeant walked out of the building with the title. But, regardless of his defeat, Troy Douglas STILL laid down the challenge for the title!
MN: Let it be known, that Troy Douglas ALWAYS shoots his wad in the end.
DM: …while Mike doesn’t quite have a pleasant way of saying it, many would agree with him. Troy Douglas has been with this company for FOUR YEARS and never tasted Empire Pro gold.
DT: But tonight… that could all CHANGE!! He faces an equally determined opponent who is set to prove that he is a LEGITIMATE champion! These two have been locking horns over the past few months, and their rivalry has culminated to THIS moment… at BLACK DAWN!!
[“You Known My Name” by Chris Cornell hits the PA, and the crowd POPS WILDLY!! Troy Douglas’ video package plays on the VERY LARGE screens as the arena flashes in lights of blue and red!]
TF: Ladies and gentlemen… the following contest is set for one fall, and for the EMPIRE PRO INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP!! Introducing first, the challenger… from Greensboro, North Carolina… he weighs in 260 pounds… HE IS… TTRROOOOYYY DDOOOUUUGGLAASSS!!
[Three CANNON BLASTS ring through the air as fireworks LIGHT UP the stage and the song cuts to its chorus! Troy Douglas BOUNDS of the entry-way to a HUGE ovation, slapping hands with the fans during his extended walk to the ring.]
DT: Troy Douglas is HERE, and he looks READY for this match!
MN: Yeah… strange how no matter how many times he gets knocked off his cloud, he puts himself back on it every single time.
DM: You can’t look at it so pessimistically, Mike. Troy Douglas has had a number of trials throughout both his LIFE and his CAREER… and in spite of them all, he sticks to the game, puts his best effort forward, and STILL gets this crowd of TENS of THOUSANDS to their feet by just walking to the ring!
DT: Troy Douglas is looking to take that a step FURTHER by picking up a win here tonight, and earning his place in Empire Pro history. But he’s got a hell of a man to go through to get there…
[The arena lights cut to black as Troy Douglas is standing in the ring. “We Right Here” by DMX hits the PA, and the crowd POPS!! The Sergeant’s usual video package begins to play as green and yellow “camo” lights flicker through the arena.]
TF: And his opponent… from Springfield, Missouri… he weighs in at 201 pounds, and represents the UNITED STATES MILITARY FORCES!! He is the EPW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!! Please welcome… THEEE SSEEEERRRRGGGEEEAAAANNNTTTT!!!
[HUGE pyros explode across the stage as SARGE charges out onto the rampway, playing up to the SCREAMING fans surrounding him!! To a HUGE ovation, he makes his way to the ring, eyes focused on the challenger standing between the ropes. Douglas watches his arrival and entrance to the ring. Sarge takes a moment to go to various corners and hold up his title for a WAVE of flickering lights from flash photography, until he hands the belt over and goes over to his corner to stretch. The referee holds the title into the air before handing it off to the timekeeper.]
DT: Both of these men have made big claims for tonight… and we’ll see WHICH of the two of them can back up their words!!
MN: Five bucks Megatron eats it in the first ten minutes.
DM: I’ll see that. I have a hunch Douglas will find some success now that Michael Bay’s hitting it big with Transformers.
DT: The referee rings the bell, and the battle for the Intercontinental Title begins NOW!! Douglas and the Sergeant advancing toward each other… and there’s the tie-up!
DM: Douglas slaps on a quick arm wrench… but Sarge just follows through and reverses, flipping Douglas onto his back! The champion slaps on a headlock to maintain control!
DT: Keep your eye on Douglas now… here he comes with a Back Suplex—OH WAIT, the Sergeant lands on his feet, reverses with a Full-Nelson hold! And now Douglas pitches his weight forward, sending Sarge up and over… but Sarge lands SAFELY on his feet!
DM: Good use of reversals we’re seeing. Both of these men are well-trained wrestlers, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some good back and forth action on the mat.
MN: Oh geez… I’m gonna read this magazine. Tell me when it gets interesting.
DM: Watch, Mike. You might LEARN something.
DT: I wouldn’t hold out on that, Dean… both men with a brief moment to regain themselves as they watch each other closely… and there’s the tie-up once again! Sarge, looking for something… but Douglas sinks his hands behind his head and puts him right in a clinch! And there’s the KNEE right below the jaw for added effect!
DM: A SECOND knee! The champion’s in a precarious situation now… and Douglas, again—NO!! Sarge catches the leg before Douglas could land another strike, and the champion PUTS HIM to the mat!
DT: Textbook ground and pound now… Sarge laying a series of FISTS into the face of the challenger… but Douglas wraps his legs around his middle, and puts the champion’s head under his arm! Oh man, he’s got him locked into a GUILLOTINE CHOKEHOLD!!
MN: Am I watching EPW or UFC?!
DM: Sarge tags the ropes and saves himself from yet another sticky situation. Douglas is really presenting the challenge tonight.
DT: But the Sergeant has barely begun his work.
MN: Yeah, wait until he grabs a chair. Screw your chokeholds and take-downs and Go-Go-Gadget-Platas or what have you…
DT: Both men on their feet again… there’s the lock up!! Douglas with a different advance, gets the Sergeant trapped with a double standing underhooks… and TAKES HIM to the mat once again! Oh no, WAIT!! Sarge rolls THROUGH and ends up on top!
DM: And the champion sinks in a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! We’ve seen a couple submission holds thus far, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the match we could expect to see!
DT: Douglas not near any ropes, but seems to have his armed positioned in a way where Sarge can’t get the maximum effect on the hold… and now it’s Douglas getting to his feet, trying to shake the Sergeant off! There’s a PUNCH to the face of the champion… and ANOTHER, and Sarge releases the hold!
DM: Both men scrambling to their feet… Douglas up first, and goes for a lariat—DUCKED by Sarge, who reaches back and nails a NECKBREAKER!!
DT: And just like that, the Intercontinental Champion takes control of this match! Here’s the first cover for the night!
One!
Two!
And a kickout by Douglas. May be a little to soon for that.
DM: Regardless, the Sergeant is going to keep the pressure going. Douglas back up, but not for long as Sarge puts him down with a scoop slam. Sarge off the ropes… into the air, and INTO THE STERNUM of Troy Douglas with all four knuckles from that jumping fist drop!
DT: Sarge with another cover!
One!
Two!
Another kickout from Troy Douglas, who shows he still has a long way to go before he can be put down!
MN: Not that it matters how long it takes. Douglas ALWAYS goes down…
DT: That may change tonight, Mike… but the Sergeant will do anything to see that title remains around his waist! He waits for Douglas to come to his feet, and comes running in for a clothesline… but Douglas DUCKS, and reverses with a BACKSLIDE PIN!!
ONE!
TWO!
THR—OH, that was close! Troy Douglas nearly stole the title right there.
DM: But the champion is no fool, and doesn’t like being MADE into a fool! Douglas up, but the champion meets him with a standing dropkick to put him down again! Now he’s going for the leg, slapping on a Side Leglock on the prone Troy Douglas before he can make a move!
DT: Douglas, feeling the pain, but denies the referee’s request to tap out. The Sarge keeps the hold locked in for a few more moments to work that leg… and finally releases! Still has a grip on that leg as he flips Douglas over onto his belly… lifts him by the ankle HIGH INTO THE AIR… and DRIVES down on that knee!! He seems to be focusing a lot on his opponent’s mobility!
DM: Not a bad idea. Troy Douglas already has a bit of a weight and power advantage, so slowing him down would be an effective offense. Now the Sergeant keeps the heat on, taking that leg and wrapping it into a Single Crab! Held a bit low to focus more on the knee than the back!
DT: Troy Douglas is REALLY hurting now! You can just SEE the pain in face, fans, as he reaches for the ropes but is kept in place by the champion! Douglas has to escape… but the Sergeant finally releases the hold, much to his mercy!
MN: Are you kidding? He’s a SERGEANT!! They know no mercy! He’s gonna drop him and DEMAND he gives fifty without breaking a sweat!
DM: But the champ is only going to give him a half second to rub that sore leg as he brings him to his feet again! Now the Sarge has his arms around his leg… lifts him up for a KNEE CRUSHER—NO!!
DT: Douglas kicked his leg FREE, and COUNTERS with a bulldog! Excellent quick thinking on the part of the challenger.
MN: To think if he’d done that some time ago, he wouldn’t have waited four years to get a taste of gold.
DT: Can it, Mike. Douglas with an advantage now as he positions himself across the Sergeant’s back… props his arms over his knees, and locks in a CAMEL CLUTCH!! Now THERE’S a move you hardly see anymore!
DM: Amen to that, Dave… although I’m not sure if Douglas has enough size and strength to really put that into full effect. Sarge is resisting the tap out, but at least Douglas is taking away a good chunk of his stamina!
DT: Finally, Troy Douglas releases the hold. What’s he doing now? Douglas wrapping the champion’s legs around his own… grabs ahold of both arms, and—PULLS BACK for the Mexican Surfboard! WOW, the challenger is REALLY showing his prowess in submission moves tonight! Could he be looking for the tapout?!
MN: Apparently not TOO much prowess, cause I see his shoulders on the mat…
DT: Oh, quick eye, Mike! The referee making the count!
One!
Two!
And Douglas breaks the hold before facing an unceremonious defeat! But the damage is already done.
DM: Both men back up… and Douglas with arm drag, puts Sarge back on his mat! Now he slaps on an armbar!
DT: Man, the Sarge is really feeling the pressure from the challenger! It’s as though Troy Douglas was in there saying, “Two can play at this game!” But wait… now it’s the Sergeant getting back to his feet! This capacity crowd is RALLYING behind the Intercontinental Champion as he works his way off the mat…
MN: These saps sure like their cheater champions, huh?
DM: Here’s Sarge with a shot to Douglas’ ribs with his free arm… and Douglas releases the hold before he can take any more damage! Sarge meets him with a CHOP across the chest to reel him back… sends himself into the ropes… here’s Douglas with a clothesline attempt, but Sarge COUNTERS with a CRUCIFIX PIN—
DT: OH NO, turned into a SAMOAN DROP from the challenger!! Douglas quickly derailed the champion’s plans to make a comeback, which is just what he’ll need to do if he hopes to walk out of here with that title.
MN: Or go the way the guy before him did: just beat his brains in with a chair.
DT: You know that’s not going to happen, Mike… but nevermind that, perhaps Troy Douglas can win NOW as he makes the cover!
One!
Two!
NO!! A strong kickout from the Sergeant, who proves he still has a little left in the tank!
DM: Things are getting drastic now in that ring. We can see it’s beginning to move out of the technical wrestling contest from earlier, as Troy Douglas uses his strength advantage to keep the Sergeant at bay. He’s still tending to that leg the champion worked on earlier, but he seems to be ignoring the pain while he continues to work.
DT: Douglas, now, bringing Sarge to his feet… there’s the Irish Whip to the corner! Douglas coming in for a STINGER SPLASH—and Sarge DODGES at the last moment, causing Troy Douglas to EAT the top turnbuckle like Rosanne Bar into a butterball turkey!
MN: Interesting image, Dave… are you looking off my notes?
DM: Costly error for Troy Douglas as the Sergeant recuperates and grabs him from behind… the champ, looking for a GERMAN SUPLEX—but CAN’T get Douglas over! Troy got his leg in the ropes…
DT: Sarge doesn’t break the hold… and Douglas BLASTS him off with an ACE CUTTER out of nowhere!! The champion’s LIGHTS just went out with that one, and here’s Douglas with the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!! A kickout from the Sergeant!
DM: Troy Douglas is really wearing the champion down now. Sarge looking groggy, but Douglas forces him to his feet… hooks him around the head… lifts him UP, AND A BRAINBUSTER follows!!
MN: I guess the Sarge will forever be known as the only serviceman to be shell-shocked without ever actually having been in the dirt.
DT: I’d watch my mouth, if I was you. Then again, if I was you, I’d also likely cry myself to sleep every night…
MN: …dang, how’d you know I did that?
DT: Ugh, nevermind… back to the ring, where Douglas hoping to pick up the win here!
One!
Two!
NO!! The Sarge will NOT let himself be beaten!
DM: Douglas is still in control, though. He can’t let himself get impatient at this point. Now he has the champion to his feet again, and there’s the whip to the ropes. Douglas looking for the Back Body Drop, but goes too soon—and SARGE, with a DRILLING DDT, puts Douglas to the mat!
DT: OH MY!! We’ve got both men lying prone on the mat, and this capacity crowd is going WILD for the both of them as the referee begins the ten count!
One…
Two…
Three…
Four…
Looks like the Intercontinental Champion will be the first one on his feet… but now we’re seeing signs of life in Troy Douglas!
Seven…
DM: And now it’s SARGE up… And here’s DOUGLAS with him! Here we GO!!
DT: SARGE with a shot to the face… and Douglas FIRES BACK!! The Sergeant with ANOTHER big strike, and Douglas returns!! SERGEANT… DOUGLAS… SERGEANT… DOUGLAS… SERGEANT… SERGEANT… SERGEANT… and the CHAMPION beginning to get some steam as he PUMMELS Troy Douglas to the ropes!
MN: Looks like Douglas is entering “blow-it” mode once again!
DM: There’s Sarge with the whip to the other ropes… but Douglas reverses! Sarge rebounds… runs straight into a Douglas SPINEBUSTER—NO!! Ear-clap from the champion… who counters with a NECKBREAKER, and the fans just POP to their feet!
DT: What a COMEBACK by the champion, Sarge!! He quickly goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!!
NO!! A kickout by Troy Douglas!! How much does the champion have to dish out to put down this determined-as-hell challenger?
MN: Eh… the secret’s usually in holding out long enough for that challenger to blow his chance.
DT: Even if that WERE true, Mike—which I know it ISN’T—how long would that be? The Sergeant maintaining control… brings Troy Douglas to his feet, and now it’s HIS turn to unleash the punishing maneuvers! He hooks Douglas by the face… hooks the leg as he lifts him up, and BRIDGES with a Fisherman Suplex!!
ONE!
TWO!!
NO!! Another kickout from the challenger, who refuses to go down without a fight.
DM: Sarge needs to up the ante a bit to put this guy away… and it looks like he’s just now realizing that as he brings Douglas back off the mat and leads him to the ropes. What’s he got planned? Standing-legscissor… into a POWERBOMB!?
DT: SARGE, looking to send TROY DOUGLAS to the outside like he did at Russian Roulette… NO!! Douglas grabs the ROPES, and Sarge goes TOPPLING WITH HIM as both men TUMBLE VIOLENTLY to the outside! MY GOD, what a nasty spill!!
MN: Somebody get the cleaning crew out here to wipe that sweat off the mat in front of us… cause these guys STINK!!
DM: That’s the smell of the sport, Mike! The smell I love!
MN: Yeah, I bet.
DM: …shut up, Mike.
DT: Douglas back on his feet… takes Sarge by the head and DRIVES HIM right into the corner of the apron… and DRAGS HIM a few feet for extra measure! That just left a big rub mark across the forehead of the Intercontinental Champion! This match is getting BRUTAL now!
DM: Douglas taking the beaten champ by the arm… looking to WHIP HIM to the steel post—but Sarge STOPS HIM in his tracks… yanks Douglas back, and lifts him onto his SHOULDERS—OH MAN, OLYMPIC SLAM INTO THE RINGPOST!!
DT: WOW!! He could’ve broken Troy Douglas’ SPINE with that move!!
MN: Silly Dave… Megatron has no spine!
DT: Sarge just ended Douglas’ attempt to regain control with that quick reversal… and he slips into the ring only briefly to end the referee’s count at seven. Douglas is feeling the pain in his back, and that may prove to be a factor if the Sergeant is able to lock in the CORRECTIVE TRAINING!!
DM: But for now, he continues to chip away at the challenger… Sarge takes him by the arm and gets him to his feet… and just WHIPS HIM straight into the steel barricade at ringside!! Still managing to work on that back, Dave! Good observation!
DT: Douglas trying to get to his feet… and a CLOTHESLINE from the Sergeant knocks him RIGHT OVER THE BARRICADE and into the RINGSIDE SEATS!! Looks like those fans who shelled out the extra dough to get that ringside experience are REALLY getting their money’s worth now!
DM: There’s the Sergeant into the ring to break the count… now wait, he STAYS in the ring? Looking for a count-out win? No wait… the Sergeant running to the ROPES as Douglas gets to his feet… here comes THE SERGEANT—
DT: OH GOD IN HEAVEN, DID YOU SEE THAT!!
DM: I SURE DID, Dave! The Sergeant just went OVER THE ROPES with that Suicide Dive, and CLEARED THE FREAKING BARRICADE… CRASHING into Troy Douglas before he could so much as look up and see what was coming at him!
MN: Yeah, Dave, those fans are REALLY getting the ringside experience with two sweaty guys lying on top of them!
DT: Both competitors are now lying in a heap in the first three rows… and now it seems that the champion is finally coming back to his senses! He’s going back over the barricade to the ring, and bringing Douglas with him! Looks like he’s taking this fight back to the ring!
MN: No, you idiot! There are chairs ALL OVER THE PLACE out there!
DM: Douglas is rolled back into the ring… and Sarge follows as the ref gets to the count of eight. The champion has Douglas right where he wants him now! After the payoff from that high-risk maneuver we just witnessed, I’d say he’s ready to put this one away!
DT: Here’s Sarge with an Irish Whip to the corner, and Douglas connects HARD! Sarge charges in after him… DENIED!! Douglas got the elbow up! The challenger with an opportunity to turn things around… he boosts himself to the TOP ROPE as the Sergeant reels back… this could be something BIG!!
DM: Here comes Douglas with a DIVING SPEAR OFF THE TOP ROPE—OH NOOO!! Met with a SUPERKICK from Sarge while he was mid-flight!!
MN: HA HA HA!! Man, that’s so predictable…
DT: That looked like it could have knocked Troy Douglas’ incisors clear down the back of his throat… and following THAT punishing counter, Sarge makes the cover!!
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE—NO!! Douglas got the shoulder up in the nick of time!
DM: Douglas is really in dire straits right now. The Sergeant just WILL NOT give him an opportunity to make a comeback…
DT: The Sergeant, now, bringing Douglas back to his feet… but Douglas fires back with a RIGHT HAND to the mid-section! There’s ANOTHER! This may be that comeback you were talking about, Dean!
DM: Just watch how the champion handles himself in this situation…
DT: Douglas pops to his feet and hits the ropes… comes back with a LARIAT—but SARGE just hooks him by the arm, and goes looking for a BACKSLIDE—NO WAIT!! Douglas REVERSES… powers Sarge around into a STANDING HEADSCISSOR—AND GOES STRAIGHT INTO A TIGER DRIVER!! OH WOW!!
DM: Now THAT was EXACTLY what Troy Douglas needed to stay in this match! Wait, he’s keeping the hold locked in… lifting the Sergeant up for a SECOND TIGER DRIVER!! Man, that just DRILLED HIM!!
DT: Troy Douglas, showing he can take whatever the champion gives him… and now he has Sarge in the prawn hold for the pin!
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE—OH, AND SARGE just BARELY gets that shoulder up before the count of three!
MN: Close, but no cigar, Megatron!
DM: Man, this has just been a PUNISHING match thus far… both men may have very well reached their limits, and with Troy Douglas in control of this match, he may have enough to put the Sergeant down and strip him of his championship!
DT: After kicking out of TWO Tiger Drivers, I’d say the Sergeant could withstand quite a bit, but… what more does Troy Douglas have in mind as he brings Sarge back to his feet? Douglas takes Sarge from behind… and a REVERSE DDT just FLATTENS the champion on the mat! Douglas leaves behind the cover, and goes to the turnbuckle!
DM: Looks like Troy Douglas is looking for his OWN high-risk maneuver here! Douglas firmly placed on the top rope, and the Sergeant is laid out before him! Is this going to PAY OFF?!
MN: Bet Sarge really wishes he had that chair NOW…
DT: Here’s Douglas from the top rope… with a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!
OH GAWD, HE NAILED IT!! RIGHT ACROSS THE RIBS OF THE SERGEANT!!
HERE’S THE COVER!!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
WE HAVE A NEW—OH NO, SARGE KICKED OUT!!!
DM: WOW… talk about a close call for the champion! He was NANOSECONDS from losing his title to Troy Douglas!
MN: Alas, the powers that be stepped in and prevented the impossibility of Megatron EVER holding Empire Pro gold.
DT: Troy Douglas is moments away from becoming the Intercontinental Champion. All he must do now is put that EXTRA BIT forward to keep the Sergeant on the mat for good. Perhaps he’s prepared to go that extra distance NOW, as he brings the champion to his feet and leads him to the corner!! Could this be THE END OF THE ROAD!?
DM: IT MAY BE, Dave! Troy Douglas props himself onto the second rope and has the arms underhooked… HERE’S THE LIFTOFF…!!
DT: AND THE DESCENT!! END OF THE ROAD, like poetry in motion, and TROY DOUGLAS is just THREE COUNTS away from ending the journey that began FOUR YEARS ago!! Douglas PINNING THE SHOULDERS…
ONE!!
TWO!!!
THREEEE!!!
DM: NOOOO!!!
DT: WHAT?!
DM: The referee STOPPED right before the count of three… yes, that’s it, THE SERGEANT’S FOOT IS ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!
DT: Oh man… I couldn’t see from that last camera angle.
MN: I saw it just fine, Thomas. Well, I can’t say I really SAW it, but rather expected it…
DM: HOW?!
MN: Cause it’s freakin’ MEGATRON!!
DT: Regardless… Troy Douglas in absolute SHOCK over the Sergeant’s survival of that BRUTAL Second-Rope Double-Underhook Piledriver! I don’t know if the champion managed to put his foot up in time or if it just FELL there on a fluke… but the Sergeant stays in this match for just a bit longer!
DM: Probably won’t be for much longer with Douglas controlling the match the way he has been…
DT: Every second counts in that ring… but perhaps you’re right in saying that time is quickly running out for the Intercontinental Champion as Troy Douglas drags him by the legs to the center of the ring! It’s Douglas, now, setting up for the SCORPION DEATHLOCK—NO WAIT!! Sarge reaches up and grabs him by the head—and ROLLS HIM OVER with a SMALL PACKAGE!!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!! OH WAIT, NO!! Douglas BARELY kicks out!
DM: In spite of ALL he’s been through, the Sarge shows that he’s still capable of surprises! Douglas back on his feet while Sarge recovers… and comes SPRINGING at him with a clothesline—and Douglas EASILY dodges it!!
DT: Douglas has the Sergeant by the arm, and hooks him from behind… Pump-Handle Lift—NO!! Sarge falls down his back, and sinks in the CORRECTIVE TRAINING!! THE CHAMPION HAS DONE IT!!
MN: IT’S OVER!! And he didn’t even NEED the chair this time!
DM: Sarge has that Dragon Sleeper locked in… but look, Dave, he doesn’t have the leg-scissor applied!
DT: Why… you’re RIGHT, Dean! From here, it looks as though Douglas has his legs wrapped around the Sergeant’s right leg, thus PREVENTING him from locking in that leg-scissor hold!
DM: If Sarge can’t lock those legs around Douglas’ hips and SQUEEZE the life out of him, as is the purpose of that maneuver, then it’s all the better for his opponent! We can see now as the Sergeant struggles to keep Douglas in the middle of the ring, but Douglas is using that extra mobility that he wouldn’t normally have in the leg-scissor to drag himself to the ropes!
DT: What INCREDIBLE submission defense on the part of Troy Douglas, who would be in a VERY bad situation now if he were fully locked in the Corrective Training! Douglas only feet away from the nearest set of ropes now, as the Sarge FRANTICALLY tries to free his leg, but he can’t do so without loosening his grip around Douglas’ face!
DM: Here’s Douglas reaching with his legs… MISSED, but only by a couple inches… reaching AGAIN… OOHH, he’s SOOOO CLOSE…
DT: …THERE!! HE TAGGED THE ROPES WITH HIS FOOT!! The referee ORDERS the break, and Troy Douglas SURVIVES!! What a HUGE ovation from the fans as this match continues!! But though this match continues for their enjoyment, the disappointment is OBVIOUS in the face of the Sergeant.
MN: Yep… shoulda done the chair bit.
DM: Nevertheless, the champion must continue this match, for the fate of his reign. Now he begins to bring Douglas back to his feet… but Douglas fires back with a shot to his abdomen as he comes up the rest of the way! Douglas fires another jab—but Sarge BLOCKS, and counters with one of his own!
DT: And there’s DOUGLAS with a shot to the face! And SARGE answers in kind! DOUGLAS… SARGE… DOUGLAS… SARGE… both men going BACK AND FORTH in the center of the ring while these fans ROAR WILDLY around them!!
DM: Good thing we don’t have the retractable roof over our heads, otherwise it’d be BLOWN OFF by this capacity crowd!!
DT: There’s DOUGLAS with a heavy hook that sends the Sergeant into the ropes… Douglas with a BACKHAND—but it’s DUCKED by Sarge! Sarge from behind—
CORRECTIVE TRAINING!!
HE LOCKED IT IN A SECOND TIME, with the LEG-SCISSOR TO GO WITH!!
DM: Oh man, THIS IS IT!! The champion HAS DOUGLAS ON THE MAT and there’s nowhere for him to go! No mobility, no traction… NOTHING!! All Troy Douglas can do now is FIGHT THE PAIN to his best!!
MN: Even then, it’s only a matter of time before he CRACKS like he always does!!
DT: Sarge putting the STRAIN on that Dragon Sleeper, and Troy Douglas is SCREAMING in absolute agony!! He HAS to tap!! There’s no other choice!!
DM: Douglas reaching out, and the ref’s asking him…
DT: Is this it??
…Douglas extending the arm…
…and WAVES OFF THE REF!!
MN: HE TAPPED!! HE TAPPED!!
DM: NO, Mike, you dummy! He was REFUSING to tap, since he can’t muster the VOCAL POWER to do it right now!!
DT: What COURAGE from Troy Douglas, but really, what CHANCE does he have at this point?
DM: None at all, Dave. Douglas can hold out for as long as he wants, but eventually, that PAIN will catch up to him… or the Sergeant will STRETCH him to the point of his back breaking, possibly ENDING his career!
DT: Oh man, is that WORTH IT ALL?! I mean, I know Troy Douglas has worked SO HARD for this opportunity and waited SO LONG for his chance to shine, but is it WORTH THE RISK of losing his career?!
…
…wait a second… am I seeing things?
DM: I don’t think so, Dave… it looks like…
…YES… Troy Douglas is trying to BREAK FREE from that hold!!
MN: WHAT?! Man, no WONDER the Decepticons lost!
DT: Troy Douglas is DESPERATELY trying to squirm his way into a sideways position to keep the effect of that HOLD off of his spine! He’s got himself turned part ways, but the Sarge seems to know EXACTLY what he has in mind, and is trying to keep him in place!
DM: Oh no, this could be BAD for the champion! What can he do if Troy Douglas breaks FREE from this decisive submission hold?!
MN: Probably be left on head-cleaning duty for a few months…
DT: Douglas STILL working his way into a side position… and now he’s regaining the mobility of his legs on the mat!! Douglas PUSHING with his feet buried into the mat… and now SARGE has to rise to one leg to keep him in place… now BOTH legs!! My God, I can’t believe what I’m seeing… TROY DOUGLAS is GETTING TO HIS FEET while still trapped in the CORRECTIVE TRAINING!!
DM: The Sergeant is now CLINGING to the side of Troy Douglas, trying to reapply that Dragon Sleeper… but Douglas has ahold of his leg—and just POWERSLAMS THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION TO THE MAT!!
Crowd: PAWP~!!!!!!!
MN: Oh shoot, there went my hearing…
DT: TROY DOUGLAS HAS DONE IT!! TROY DOUGLAS HAS FREED HIMSELF FROM THE CORRECTIVE TRAINING!! But man oh man, what CONDITION is he left in!
DM: He was in that hold for a solid few minutes, Dave… and he is showing CLEAR signs of pain! I’m not sure if his back is in that good of condition… and if he wants that title, he needs to end this match NOW!!
MN: What??
DT: Douglas is very PAINFULLY coming to his feet and taking the wearing Sergeant by the legs… looking for a SCORPION DEATHLOCK—NO!! Sarge BOOTS HIM AWAY—and Douglas BUTTS HEADS with the REFEREE!!
DM: OH MAN!! The zebra is OUT like a light, and now Sarge pops back to his feet… here comes a stunned Troy Douglas, and—SARGE DROPS HIM WITH A DOUBLE-KNEE CHINBUSTER!! GOOD NIGHT!!!
MN: What??
DT: That desperate act just KNOCKED Troy Douglas’ lights out… but now as the Sarge recovers and comes to his feet, he sees the referee incapacitated! He must be thinking to himself right now, “What will it TAKE to put this man down?”
DM: I think he has an IDEA, Dave…
DT: Wait a minute… the Sergeant going to the OUTSIDE!! Where is he going… oh my God, no, Sarge just grabbed a CHAIR!!
MN: ALRIGHT!! I KNEW he’d come to his senses! This is the ONLY way he can win this match, and he knows it!
DT: Damnit, Mike, I don’t care WHAT this looks like, Sarge is NOT that kind of man!
MN: What?? I still can’t hear you guys…
DM: Shouldn’t have applied so much mousse this evening, Mike…
MN: What??
DM: I said, I SLEPT WITH YOUR WIFE!!
MN: What??
DM: BUT THAT’S A LIE, CAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE A WIFE, BECAUSE YOU’RE A DRUNK, PATHETIC LOSER!!
MN: WHAT??
DT: BACK TO THE MATCH, guys!! Sarge is TAKING THAT CHAIR into the ring as Troy Douglas shakes the cobwebs out of his head and regains his senses! No, Sarge, NOT LIKE THIS!!
DM: I think he means it, Dave! Sarge waiting in the corner with that chair held and ready to strike! He’s waiting for Douglas to come to his feet… but is he sure he wants to do it this way?
DT: I don’t know, Dean-O… Sarge looks… confused now, as he looks from Douglas to the chair to the fans in the audience. What could POSSBILY be going through his head right now?
DM: If he’s having second thoughts, he better make a decision FAST, because Douglas is almost up!
DT: Douglas BACK on his feet… and turns to see SARGE wielding that chair…
…and SARGE THROWS IT OUTSIDE!!
Crowd: ASPLODE~~!!!!!!
MN: WHAAAAATT??!! You IDIOT!!
DT: What a COMMENDABLE ACT on the part of the Sergeant, saying to EVERYBODY that he doesn’t need to defend his title with a chair! He’s ready to do it with his BARE HANDS!!
DM: Here comes DOUGLAS CHARGING FORWARD… and Sarge STOPS him with a boot to the gut… and drives him SHOULDER-FIRST right through the second and third ropes, and into the STEEL RING POST!!
DT: That just DESTROYED Troy Douglas… and now Sarge spends a moment to resuscitate the referee so a finish can be made. The zeeb looks a bit groggy, but… but wait, what’s Sarge doing now? Sarge pulling Douglas out, hooking both arms… going to the SECOND ROPE…
DM: The Sergeant is going to finish off Troy Douglas with HIS OWN MOVE!! HERE’S SARGE WITH THE END OF THE ROAD…
…BUT TROY DOUGLAS SANDBAGS!!
MN: What??
DM: YOUR PLUGS ARE SHOWING!!
DT: Sarge struggling… but now DOUGLAS lifts him off the ropes!! Douglas turning to the center of the ring—HIGH-ANGLE SPINEBUSTER!! The Sergeant was just OBLITERATED!!
DM: Douglas sets the leg and cross Sarge’s ankles…
…and sinks in the SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! ESS-DEE-ELL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!
DT: THIS IS IT!! TROY DOUGLAS with the SHARPSHOOTER HOLD in the center of the ring, and the Sergeant FLAILS WILDLY in attempt to free himself, but CANNOT!! Douglas is MOMENTS AWAY from becoming the Intercontinental Champion!!
MN: WHAT?? Douglas, the Intercontinental Champion??
DM: Oh, your hearing’s back?
MN: Yeah, just popped in right when Dave was talking about freeing himself, or whatever.
DT: Guys, WOULD YOU WATCH THIS!! Sarge in a DIRE position, as Douglas pulls back on his legs and brings that extra tension down on his SPINE!! Sarge HAS to get to the ropes so the ref can break the hold!! But they’re SO far away!!
DM: He’s going to need to dig down deep if he wants to get himself across that distance… but DOES HE HAVE IT IN HIM??
DT: Sarge reaching out… and DRAGGING himself with his bare hands, even with Douglas pulling HARD against his legs to keep him in place!! The more he pushes himself forward, the more it HURTS…
…but STILL, Sarge presses forward!!
DM: I think he might MAKE IT, THOMAS!!
MN: Oh, no way! No FREAKING way!!
DT: OH YES WAY!! Sarge only FEET away now!! Douglas is fighting JUST AS HARD to keep him pinned down… but the Sergeant will NOT be denied!! The champion INCH by PAINFUL INCH advances to those ropes!! He reaches out… only INCHES AWAY!!
DM: Just once more push, and he might make it!
DT: Sarge is ALMOST THERE…
…and TROY DOUGLAS JUST DRAGS HIM BACK to the middle of the ring!!
Crowd: AAAAWWWWWW!!!
DM: Ah, man, SO CLOSE!! All that hard work and for NOTHING!!
DT: The Sergeant is facing the bitter taste of defeat as Troy Douglas cinches that submission hold in, and there is NOT HOPE for the Intercontinental Champion…
…or maybe there IS!! Can it BE?!
…YES!! SARGE IS INCHING HIS WAY TO THE ROPES AGAIN!!
DM: Man, talk about DETERMINATION!! Look at that man’s FACE!! It’s just beet red, drenched in sweat, veins popping out all over the place…
MN: Like he’s crapping himself, or something.
DT: Can it, Mike! To IMAGINE that he still REFUSES to tap… and he CONTINUES to fight for his survival…THAT is the motivation of ANY dedicated champion!!
DM: The Intercontinental Title is ON THE LINE as Sarge gives his ALL into reaching those ropes!! Douglas PRYING BACK on those legs… trying like HELL to force in that extra bit more to send Sarge off the edge and force him to TAP!! But Sarge CONTINUES to press on to the ropes!!
DT: His face is an absolute MASK of pain right now!! But freedom is in SIGHT!! Only a foot away from the ropes now…
…a HAND’S LENGTH away…
…the Sergeant EXTENDS HIS HAND—
…AND IT GOES LIMP!! SARGE PASSED OUT!! HE PASSED OUT FROM THE PAIN!!
DM: MY GOD, DOUGLAS HAS DONE IT!!
Crowd: RRRROOOOAAAARRRR!!!!
MN: Oh crap, there went my hearing again…
SFX: DING! DING! DING!!
[“You Know My Name” fills the open arena as the audience EXPLODES!! Troy Douglas releases the hold at last, collapsing to the mat in absolute exhaustion, not stirring until the referee checks on him. Douglas suddenly bounds to his feet and jumps nearly FIVE FEET IN THE AIR as he beats his fist against his chest and ROARS TRIUMPHANTLY back to the audience!!]
TF: Ladies and gentlemen… here is your winner, by submission…
…and NEW EMPIRE PRO INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION…
TTTRROOOOOYYYYY DDDOOOOOOUUUUGGLLLAAAAASSSS!!!!
[Fireworks POP momentarily over the ring as the referee hands the Intercontinental Title to Troy Douglas who takes it in his hands with tears running down his eyes, and holds it up for the crowd to see. Other ring officials, meanwhile, come to the ring to tend to the Sergeant, who is just now being woken up again and comes to discover the result.]
DT: A tragic end for a promising champion in the Sergeant… but a DRAMATIC and EMOTIONAL victory for the man standing tall in the ring, TROY DOUGLAS!! After FOUR YEARS of trying to make his mark in Empire Pro, Douglas FINALLY puts his name in the history books with his hard-fought victory tonight!!
DM: Sarge put up a good fight, but Douglas was NOT going to let himself be denied tonight! He earned that title, every step of the way!
MN: Bah… I bet Sarge is really kicking himself right now for not using that CHAIR when he could have!
DT: On the contrary, Mike… I believe Sarge knew he was doing the RIGHT thing when he threw that chair out of the ring. It wouldn’t be worth holding that belt if he knew he had it through the WRONG MEANS!!
MN: I should call Joey Melton to the ring right now and *****SLAP you for even thinking that…
[Officials lead the Sergeant from the ring as Troy Douglas continues to celebrate in the ring. Before the former champion disappears through the entry-way, his tear-filled eyes turn back to the man who defeated him in the ring. The former opponents share a long look at each other before Sarge quietly salutes the victory and leaves. Douglas straps the IC belt around his waist and perches himself onto a turnbuckle, posing for the audience.]
DT: Ladies and gentlemen, this has been a HIGHLY MAGICAL evening! We’ve seen TWO titles change hands, and the MAIN EVENT is still to come! BLACK DAWN continues right after………
[CUEUP: "Pieces" by Hoobastank. The crowd looks around, unsure of what's going on, given the unfamiliar music. The Sergeant stops in his tracks, medical personnel holding him upright as he stares at the curtain. Within a few seconds, they get their answer at the top of the stage, as LARRY TACT emerges from the gateway, decked out in a black leather coat, brown pants, and a black collared shirt. As he surveys the scene before him, the crowd responds with a loud and lively reaction at the sight of Tact, who gives a smirk before raising his hands and clapping. He then produces a mic from a pocket of his coat.]
TACT: "Bravo.. bravo. I must give credit, that was a match worthy of Black Dawn, from Houston, Texas!!!"
[SFX: Crowd pops.]
"I wouldn't expect anything less of EPW wrestlers but to put on a competitive contest, what with one of its Championships at stake. And that's partly why I decided to come watch tonight. I enjoy those competitive highs, risking hitting those bottom lows if you fall short, and doing it on several fronts. But it's been a while since I've gotten around to that last one."
"Since WrestleSTOCK, I came to terms with the fact that I'd been in something of a hybernation period. While I was doing my thing here and there, it wasn't quite enough. At WrestleSTOCK, I watched the wrestlers of EPW shine, and afterwards I realized that I just... wanted... more. In this business, you have to strike while you're still able to, while you have that burning desire. And right now, there's no reason I shouldn't be."
[He begins walking towards the ring.]
"In fact, I could have come in here, tonight, and gone right after The Sergeant and Troy Douglas. You might not know much of me, but I've heard and seen enough about the two of you to know... I could have gone in there, tonight, and walked out Empire Pro... Intercontinental... Champion."
[The crowd gives a mixed reaction at this. Tact stops midway to the ring.]
"That isn't, however, to say I don't recognize the level of the EPW Intercontinental Championship, or its top contender slot. I can absolutely respect the prestige of that Championship, what with such Champions as Karl Brown in its history. I mean no harm to what that title has and continues to symbolize. It's one worth competing for, and holding."
"I just don't respect you, Sergeant."
"And Troy Douglas? One of the all-time hot and cold wrestlers. All the great potential, all the people who want to crown you a future star... but that 'future' seems to keep being pushed back. It's a future perpetually out of reach for you. Well I don't wait around for my great future to drop in my lap, or go chasing after it like a horse for a carrot. I find what I want in my future, grab it by the damn horns, and make it happen. And more often than not, I'm just that good at what I do that it works out."
"I'd show you both that very fact, firsthand, tonight... but while Houston is a nice place for you two to put on your performance... it's simply not quite good enough for the site of Larry Tact's debut in an EPW ring."
[The crowd gives him hell for this as he backs up the ramp, looking smugly around.]
"In fact, I think anywhere else would be more suitable. Which is why... next Aggression... you can all turn on your televisions and watch, because maybe then Larry Tact will grace an EPW ring."
"Either way, it's gonna bode poorly for EPW wrestlers. Because the time for Larry Tact to strike new ground is on the horizon... and the bar... it's about to be raised again."
[CUEUP: "Pieces" by Hoobastank, as Tact raises a fist toward the ring.]