(Scenes from the last Xplosion are seen, with images of Rourke battling Poppa, MVP and T-Bone tagging against John Williams and Jake Silas, OOO fighting off QUade DeSade, NHL and Stevens against the Hangman and Low, and the Dark Warrior fight against Schizm. The Shock intro is shown on the screen and it cuts off to show the fireworks show from Madison Square Garden as Shock is kicked off.)

HS: "Hello everyone and welcome to another exciting edition of Shock. I'm Herb Summers and as usual, I have my good friend and colleague Frank Jackson sitting next to me."

FJ: "Yes and we have a killer show lined up tonight. We have the Hangman awarding his HOSScar to the winner of the "Getting It" short. KING CHOZEN!!! The King himself will be gracing the AWA with a match against Emeric, an unknown wrestler who is debuting here tonight. Bad Blood will be defending the AWA Tag Team Championships against the Canucks, which should prove to be an interesting match up."

HS: "Also, we have two King of the Kage qualifying matches tonight. Andreas Lasiewicz will be facing the Immortal Atlas Johansson in a non-title match where the winner will advance to be a part of the elite 8 of King of the Kage qualifiers. Also, Brian Williams will face Cynder in the chance to enter that same category of Elite 8 for the King of the Kage tournament, where the winner will be the new AWA World Heavyweight Champion."

FJ: "You said it Herb...this should be one exciting night!"

(The lights go dim and then we hear the small progression of chords begin at the beginning of Metallica's "Damage, Inc." Green and white lights begin to strobe as Nathaniel Henry Lee and Brian Stevens emerge from the back. The two determined superstars stand on top of the stage and look around at the crowd. NHL spits a mouthful of water out of his mouth, spraying it across the stage as he looks at the crowd members. Brian Stevens looks around the crowd, but doesn't acknowledge any of the jeers or trash talking from the fans. The two begin to make their way towards the ring.)

HS: "So, I guess this is the new alliance that Nathaniel Henry Lee has been talking about for the past couple of weeks."

FJ: "This is a twisted and strange combination, but I'm sure this will prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the AWA in due time."

HS: "I guess the only thing on our minds now is why these two are addressing the crowd now at this point in time."

FJ: "Patience, Herb, patience."

(Brian Stevens ascends the ring steps as NHL pulls himself onto the ring apron. The two enter the ring at the same time between the middle and top ropes. NHL climbs to the second turnbuckle and raises his arms in the air while talking trash to the crowd. Brian Stevens climbs the adjacent turnbuckle and flexes his arms for the crowd. He hops off the turnbuckle and grabs a microphone from the ring announcer. NHL walks over to Brian and the two talk. Brian hands over the microphone and he stands next to NHL as the arena lights come back up.)

NHL: "Now, I'm sure you bloody fools are wondering why we're out here. If you haven't been keeping tabs on my recent AWA activity via AWA_Online or whatever, then you deserve to be in the damn dark. What you see in ther ing is the newest force in the AWA. Brian Stevens and I have aligned our strengths and powers into one solid unit, one solid alliance, and we're going to go around and damage everyone who stands in our path. I felt that this week would be a fitting time to announce the emergence of a new force in the AWA."

Stevens: "Henry and I teamed together to form our alliance because of the amount of respect we have for each other. This respect is different than the term that was tossed around earlier this week, but let me assure each and every one of you loser sitting in the stands that we will not go quietly into the night. The AWA will be forever changed and tonight is the beginning of that change. Henry, what do we so greatly have in common. Let these idiots know exactly what we have in common. Enlighten these pions."

NHL: "Now, we have a history of damaging certain people involved in the AWA. I've shelved four people. Bryan Peek, Snake, Maxx Skabb multiple times, and Kyle Duke. Brian Stevens has shelved Stevo and Scott Lotus. We have damaged a combined 6 people, and we're looking to add to that list. Our next victims on the list will be the Legendary Low and the Hangman. These two have pissed in our tea for the last bloody time and they will be dealt with tonight, without prejudice. Hence forth, whenever you see us together, you will know we mean business...welcome to Damage, Incorporated."

(NHL drops the mic on the mat and he walks out of the ring with Brian Stevens.)

HS: "It seems that Damage, Inc. mean business here tonight."

FJ: "Yeah. If I were Low and the Hangman, I would watch my back, because I'm sure that Damage, Inc. is going to be looking for revenge tonight!"

HS: “But first… a word from our sponsers!”

(A KOTK hype commercial is shown.)

HS: "We're back from commercial and just about ready to begin our first match. For those of you who don't know, we're in for a real treat as King Chozen makes his return tonight against the rookie, Emeric."

FJ: "This Emeric kid, he's got tons of potential, Herb. He's an amazing athlete and I foresee great things from him."

HS: "Well, he's 200 pounds of PURE muscle and considers himself a Vatican Monk."

FJ: "Can't beat that!"

(Gregorian monk chants begin to absolutely no reaction.)

FJ: "Wait till they see this guy in action! He'll show them."

HS: "Emeric is going to be the next huge AWA Superstar, I just know it!"

FJ: "He's about to show King Chozen a thing or two, as well."

HS: "Not sure about that, but it'll be a good contest."

(The air quickly darkens to a black stale atmosphere. Nothing is seen. Gregorian chants are stirring from all around. A torch is seen from out of the dark, stale air, being carried by a man, walking af if he were on air. No face i given way to on-lookers as this man wears a traditional Gregorian monk's robe, hood covering the head. Very little is seen of this figure by the torchlight. The man slowly steps up the steps and stakes his torch in the ringpost, leaving it remain lit. Stepping through the ropes the man faces the corner toward the flame and conjoins his arms from under the arms of the robe, he waits. He begins to disrobe himself, carefully removing each piece of the modest clothes as if it were silk. He folds it gently and places it aside, he waits.)

FJ: "Such a granderuous entrance! This guys is going to be amazing."

(The lights go out as “Rock Star” by N.E.R.D. comes on and the fans instantly erupt.)

HS: "These fans LOVE King Chozen. He's their HOMETOWN HERO!"

FJ: "Once they see this Emeric guy in action, they might have a new hero."

HS: "If he's everything he's cracked up to be, I might agree."

(After several suspenseful seconds, the lights come back on and King Chozen is standing on the ramp way, dressed in his personalized Chozen Wear ring attire. Both fists are fully wrapped in yellow tape and Chozen’s baggy silky white pants seem to flow with his every move. Along the side of his right pant leg lays the Chozen Wear Emblem. Chozen makes his way down the ramp and slides into the ring. He jumps around several times in the ring and then bounces off the ropes while waiting for the bell. The fans are a complete rukkus.)

HS: "That's an AWA legend in that ring right now ladies and gentlemen. These New York fans are giving there hometown hero a Standing Ovation! This is intense."

FJ: "Let's see how Emeric reacts."

(React Emeric does, as he suddenly runs up behind Chozen and kicks him in the back of the head as the fans boo loudly. Chozen, caught off gaurd, slumps to the mat.)

HS: "What's this? Emeric wants to finish this now!"

FJ: "I told you... He;'s going to be a World Champion someday. And soon!"

(Emeric ascends the turnbuckle and as soon as Chozen hits his feet, he leaps off with a flying cross body.)

HS: "LEAP OF FAITH!"

FJ: "It's over already!"

(But Chozen catches him and rolls through and into a pin. ONE! TWO! Emeric manages to kick out.)

HS: "So much for that."

(Chozen rolls to his feet and continues towards the ropes. On the recoil, he connects hard with the just standing Emeric.)

HS: "CHOZEN SPEAR!"

FJ: "What? NO WAY!"

(The fans erupt again and the arena is thundering. They count along with the referee as Chozen hits hte quick pin. ONE! TWO! THREE!)

HS: "Chozen wins in his return!"

FJ: "Man, guess that Emeric guy wasn't all he was hyped to be."

HS: "I'm actually getting word from the back that President Gray is so sick with Emeric's performance and the fact that hey prematurely attacked King Chozen, he's been fired!"

FJ: "Fired? Already?"

HS: "Yep."

FJ: "Hmph. Good riddance. He wouldn't have done much anyway."

HS: "I agree."

(Commercial)

HS: "Welcome back everyone. Just moments ago, we saw King Chozen show us what a veteran can really do inside the ring."

FJ: "Yeah, it appears that there is no ring rust on him."

HS: "Up next, we have Bad Blood defending the Tag Team Championship against the Canucks."

FJ: “BOOOOORING!”

HS: “I guarantee these New York fans won’t think so. Bad Blood is trying to go down in the record books as the greatest team ever. The Canucks want to make a name for themselves. All four men are crowd pleasers and fan favorites. This match up is going to be awesome!”

FJ: “Whatever you say. Wake me when it’s over.”

(A large pyro explosion shoots up on the stage and ‘Give It All’ by Rise Against starts playing to substantial cheers.)

HS: “XTJ has won over many fans with his youthful exuberance and his high flying, risk taking abilities! His brother, Xstatic, lives by the same mantra.”

FJ: “Whatever happened to that other Canadian?”

HS: “Terry James?”

FJ: “Yeah… that’s his name.”

HS: “He is no longer with the AWA.”

(Both Xstatic and XTJ run out, Xstatic to the right end of the stage and XTJ to the left. They run to the very edge of each side and raise their hands before jogging back to the center. The two the run down the ramp and slide under the bottom rope into the ring. They then spring up and go to top of the turnbuckles in front of them. Xstatic goes to the right and raises his hand while perched on the tope rope and XTJ does the same on the left as they wait for their opponents.)

HS: “The Canucks are just so full of energy. I know this is going to be a great match!”

FJ: “Do you think I can get that peanut vendor to go grab me a pillow or something? Maybe one of the ring aides?”

HS: “Shut up, Frank.”

(‘I’m Going Out’ by Mobb Deep hits and the fans instantly erupt. The Canucks turn their attention towards the entranceway, as do the fans and the cameras. Eventually, C-Rock and Dark Warrior emerge simultaneously from the back, saluting the crowd. C-Rock looks intensely pumped up and is holding his tag belt high. Dark Warrior is loosening up his shoulders as they both make their way to the ring.)

HS: “These two men will be hall of famers one day. Both are multi time World Champions and between them have a trophy case of gold that could line a wall. Bad Blood has only lost one match in their entire tag team career, which has spanned two years already, against Atlas and Apollo, the Immortals. But Bad Blood won the rematch less than a month ago, and are now staking claim as the dominant team in AWA. They want to be known as the greatest team ever, and quite frankly, its hard to argue that.”

FJ: “Well, I mean, look who they’re facing? Two Canadians, one who should still be in high school!”

HS: “The Canucks are an established team and can upset ANYONE in this company. Bad Blood won’t be taking them lightly, neither should you. This is going to be a great contest.”

(Bad Blood climbs into the ring and the lights return to normal. The Canucks offer handshakes to the champions, who oblige. The referee shows the Canucks the titles and their eyes light up. He explains the rules and Xstatic and C-Rock are designated to go first.)

HS: “TAG TITLES ON THE LINE AND HERE WE GO!”

(C-Rock starts off quickly, grabbing Xstatic and kneeing him in the stomach. He then unloads with a fury of knife edge chops that back Xstatic into the corner. Once in the corner, C-Rock climbs to the second rope and holds up a fist as the fans cheer. He begins punching Xstatic in the head, as the fans count. ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! But Xstatic shoves C-Rock off, hard, and he goes falling back first onto the mat. Xstatic, pushing up from the rope, leaps up onto the top rope and instantly bounds off, landing a leg drop across C-Rock’s chest. The fans cheer the aerial move as Xstatic rolls to his feet, pumped up.)

(But C-Rock is a little more worse for wear, and rolls quickly to his feet and to his corner, where he tags the awaiting Dark Warrior. Xstatic turns around to catch a hard clothesline, sending him to the mat. The twenty year old pops back up, only to be taken down by a second clothesline. Xstatic pops up again, almost from the impact alone, and Dark Warrior unloads with a European Uppercut, knocking him to the mat for good.)

(Dark Warrior hits the ropes and lands a double axe handle on Xstatic, who was on all fours. The fans begin to get behind DW. Dark Warrior waits for Xstatic to get to his feet, then immediately lunges in and locks in a waist lock. A moment later, he tosses Xstatic with a belly to belly suplex. After the move, Dark Warrior goes for a quick pin.)

(ONE! TWO! THR – XTJ manages to save his partner with a springboard elbow smash. The fans applaud the daring move, and Dark Warrior rolls up to his feet. The referee orders XTJ out of the ring, who obliges, after receiving a mouth full from Christianson. Dark Warrior locks in a front face lock on Xstatic, then walks him over to his corner where C-Rock tags himself in.)

(Dark Warrior holds the front face lock in and C-Rock hops up onto the second turnbuckle. He then leaps off and nails a punch to Xstatic’s exposed gut. Dark Warrior leaves the ring and C-Rock goes to work on the rookie. He immediately locks in a sleeper hold, then pulls Xstatic to his feet, turning it into a standing sleeper.)

(Xstatic struggles to break free, but C-Rock releases the move on his own accord. C-Rock then whips Xstatic into the ropes and runs the opposite direction, spring himself off the ropes as well. Xstatic ducks C-Rock’s running clothesline and both men continue on. C-Rock rolls through the next meeting and Xstatic leap frogs him. They both hit the ropes once more and C-Rock unloads with a spear as the fans erupt.)

(XTJ is quick to react, and he rushes in and dropkicks C-Rock, who is about to pound away at Xstatic. This brings Dark Warrior into the ring and the referee goes frantic, trying to restore order. Xstatic reaches the ropes and makes a tag to XTJ, which the referee, who was arguing with Dark Warrior, hears and wheels around to see XTJ in the ring.)

(XTJ clotheslines C-Rock, which sends him to the mat. C-Rock quickly climbs to his feet, where XTJ is waiting. XTJ runs at C-Rock and lands a bull dog, completely catching him off guard. XTJ hits his feet and runs at the ropes. He then hits a springboard moonsault on C-Rock.)

(XTJ lays atop C-Rock for the pin. ONE! TWO! Dark Warrior stomps XTJ in the back to break the count. The referee forces Dark Warrior out of the ring as XTJ glares at him. The young superstar goes right back to work as the fans cheer the action, feeling a huge upset.)

(XTJ locks in Camel Clutch on C-Rock, who seems more stunned than hurt. C-Rock quickly squirms out of the move, dragging himself by his legs and touching the bottom rope with his foot. XTJ breaks up the hold and then charges for the opposite ropes.)

(But Dark Warrior nails him in the back with a knee. The referee scolds him, but the damage is done, as XTJ stumbles forward into the waiting arms of C-Rock. C-Rock rolls around behind XTJ and has him in a reverse bear hug hold. Dark Warrior, on cue, quickly hits the ring and the fans cheer as he prepares for a super kick.)

(DW unloads with the super kick – SMACK! He nails C-Rock square in the face. XTJ managed to block to German with his ankle and Dark Warrior accidentally connected with C-Rock. C-Rock fell backwards, still holding XTJ, and both men stumble into the referee, knocking him down. Dark Warrior looks down at C-Rock in confusion, and Xstatic takes the opportunity to knock him down with a discus lariat. Dark Warrior bounces back off his feet, dazed, and Xstatic nails him with a dropsault, sending Dark Warrior sprawling back into the ropes.)

(Dark Warrior springs off and Xstatic kicks him square in the gut, doubling him over. The young Xstatic quickly takes the opportunity and lifts Dark Warrior up like a pile driver. The fans erupt at the upcoming finisher, called Chaos Theory. An upset is only moments away, and no one would have expected it.)

(Xstatic pulls his legs over Dark Warrior’s shoulders, one at the time, preparing for the piledriver face plant. Just before he’s about to hit the move, however, Dark Warrior grabs his leg and pulls him down, rolling up behind him.)

(Out of nowhere, Dark Warrior has an ankle lock in and Xstatic groans in pain. The fans cheer loudly as Dark Warrior pulls the ankle tighter. Xstatic struggles to break free, and sprawls away towards his partner, XTJ, who is just coming to. But Dark Warrior drags him backward, and then drops to the mat and locks in the grapevine.)

(The referee is just coming to as well, and wakes just in time to see Xstatic slapping the mat, tapping out in pain. Despite the fact that neither Dark Warrior or Xstatic are the legal men, the referee calls for the bell in the confusion.)

HS: “What the hell? Dark Warrior isn’t the legal man! Neither is Xstatic!”

FJ: “Bad Blood win anyway! I was wrong about this match, it defiantly wasn’t a bore!”

(But Dark Warrior doesn’t release the hold. XTJ runs to save his brother, but Dark Warrior lets go and quickly takes him out with a clothesline. He then tosses XTJ over the ropes and goes back to Xstatic as the fans begin to boo in confusion.)

HS: “What the hell is Dark Warrior doing here?

FJ: “He’s snapped or something.”

HS: “You don’t think he’s still upset about losing to Schizm last week, do you?”

FJ: “I don’t know, but he’s certainly taking it out on Xstatic.”

(Dark Warrior screams as the referee struggles to break him off Xstatic. Finally, C-Rock, who has seen enough, comes over and pulls his partner away, looking at him confused. Dark Warrior shoves C-Rock off and then drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring.)

HS: “These two partners and friends have to face one another next week for one of the final two KOTK spots! Is that what this is all about?”

FJ: “I’m not sure even C-Rock knows.)

(The camera fades in on C-Rock’s befuddled look as the scene rolls to commercial.)

(Commercial)

FJ: "Well, that was one hell of a tag team match and the show is only half over!"

HS: "Yes, up next we have the first of two King of the Kage qualifying matches. Andreas Lasiewicz will take on Atlas in a match to determine who advances to the King of the Kage tournament."

FJ: "And the United States Championship is not on the line."

HS: "Andreas Lasiewicz will take on Atlas Johansson, where the winner will advance into the King of the Kage tournament where we already have NHL, Low, Whisper, and others already qualified."

FJ: "You said it Herb. This match will be intense as both of these guys want in on the King of the Kage tournament, where the winner will become the next, new AWA World Heavyweight Champion."

(The arena darkens slowly. An air siren begins to sound, with green spotlights shooting in all directions as an infamous slogan is revealed on the big screen:

COME N' PLACE YA BETS!!

"Welcome to the Jungle" suddenly thunders from the P.A system. The Gambit steps out from behind the curtain, a traditional cigarette in his mouth as he stalks his way down to the ring, and he cracks a cheeky grin at the hideous reaction from the crowd.)

FJ: "Andreas Lasiewicz has been on a roll as of late. He's won the US Underground to become the 49th AWA United States Champion. He's just been on fire with the Carnival, bouncing back from their loss...(cries)...I still remember when she kissed me..."

HS: "It's ok Frank. It's ok...I'm sure that Andreas is going to devote this match to Lady Ashe so he'll be one step closer to becoming the AWA Champion."

(He circles the ring, rolls in and stands on the turnbuckle surveying the fans with a Cheshire Cat grin. He hops off and stops for a minute receiving the reaction of all the fans. He then walks slowly over to the top rope before perching himself on the top rope raising his right arm in the air as the crowd boos and screams. Atlas' theme hits the arena speakers. Blue and yellow spotlights sweep the crowd. After about 10-20 seconds, Atlas comes out on the ramp. He is dressed in yellow/blue striped wrestling tights and black boots, his usual wrestling attire. He walks down the ramp, showing his focus for the match.)

HS: "Here's Atlas, making his way to the ring. He seems focused and excited for this match tonight. Again, this is a King of the Kage Qualifying match. The United States Championship is not on the line tonight."

FJ: "...(sobs)..."

(He waves to the crowd as he makes his way down the ramp, towards the ring. He slides under the bottom rope, jumps to his feet, pulls the top rope a couple of times, slaps his chest muscles and is ready to go! The referee calls for the bell and the match is on. Lasiewicz and Atlas lock up and Andreas gets the upper hand on Magnus in the opening minutes. The Gambit hits Atlas with a vertical suplex, sending Atlas to the mat with force, leaving him in pain. Andreas picks up Atlas and hits a Russian leg sweep. Andreas grabs Atlas's head, but Atlas kicks Andreas and knocks him backwards. Atlas grabs Andreas and cracks him with a DDT. While Andreas is on the mat, Atlas hits a standing moon sault and goes for an early pin...ONE...TWO.- But Andreas kicks out with force. Atlas hops up to his feet and whips Andreas into the ropes and hits an arm drag. Atlas puts Andreas in a cross arm breaker and Lasiewicz screams out in pain. Andreas rolls around and reverses it to put Atlas in a pinning position...ONE...TW- Atlas breaks the hold and kicks out. Andreas gets up, holding his left arm and looks at Atlas who is getting up to his feet. Atlas charges Andreas, but the Gambit spins out of the way and Atlas hits the ring post.)

(Andreas grabs the stunned Atlas and hits him with a snap suplex. Andreas applies a Texas Cloverleaf on Atlas, but Atlas tries to battle out of it. Atlas crawls to the ropes, but Andreas pulls him away. Atlas tries again, but Andreas pulls him away. Finally, Atlas is able to reach around him and grab the left leg of Andreas Lasiewicz to break the hold. Andreas falls to the mat and Atlas has an ankle lock on Andreas. The Gambit rolls kicks Atlas in the chest, sending him backwards a little. The two lock up again and Andreas hits Atlas with a German suplex. He picks up Atlas and hits him with the Polish Hammer and follows it up with a pin...ONE...T- Atlas kicks out yet again. Andreas gets frustrated and hits a bulldog on Atlas and slaps on the Four Card Trick. Atlas tries to reach for the ropes, but Andreas as the elevated figure four leg lock held in. Atlas tries to roll Lasiewicz, but Andreas stays firm in his position and Atlas has no choice but to tap out. Just as Atlas starts to drop the hand, Andreas releases the grip and "flings" himself backwards, knocking out the referee.)

(Just then, Cynder comes down to the ring and starts to attack Atlas as he's trying to get up from just being released from an almost certain loss. Andreas joins Cynder and the two stomp on Atlas, beating him into the mat. Just then, Apollo rushes down to the ring and comes to save the day. Cynder charges towards Apollo, but Apollo hits a drop toe hold on Cynder, who lands face first into the mat. Apollo turns and super kicks Andreas, knocking him to the mat, but the referee has just seen Apollo hit Andreas and the referee calls for the bell.)

HS: "Andreas has won, but it took Cynder's interference and Apollo being in the wrong place at the wrong time to do it. He's going on to face NHL, Low, Whisper, and the others to be involved in the King of the Kage tournament soon!"

FJ: "...yeah, and the other guys who make it into the tournament."

(Apollo looks at Atlas and tries to apologize, but Apollo gets cracked in the back of the head with a chair by Andreas. Cynder grabs Atlas' arms and pulls them behind Atlas' back and Andreas cracks the chair over the head of Atlas, leaving him knocked out next to his partner, Apollo.)

HS: "This is just reprehensible! I can't believe that the Carnival have the gall to attack the Immortals in this fashion."

FJ: "They're getting revenge for the death of Lady Ashe!"

HS: "I'm sorry Frank."

FJ: "...(sobs)..."

(Commercial)

HS: "Frank, are you ok? Can you continue?"

FJ: "Yeah, I'll be fine."

HS: "Ok. I think the Hangman is prepared to award his HOSScar to the winner of his invitational."

FJ: "Yippee!!"

(The image of a longhorn skull appears with ropes dangling off the horns. "Sleep Now In The Fire" by Rage Against the Machine blares out over the PA. As red pyros go off, we see The Hangman's cherry red Cadillac convertible part the curtains.)

HS: "Whoa!!! Look at this Frank. The Hangman is back in style now. Did you pimp out his ride?"

FJ: "It would appear that The Hangman has put his car in the body shop since last we saw it."

HS: "You did, didn't you Frank? Yeah, I thought so."

(Driving it down to the ring, The Hangman sneers ominously out into the audience before getting out. Purposefully moving to the trunk, he then opens it and pulls out the briefcase as well as gold statue known as 'The HOSScar.' Zooming in, the camera picks up the features of the statue. We see a similar nondescript figure like on the Oscar award, except this one has on overalls and a tilted, straw hat. Sliding into the ring, The Hangman motions for a mic. Tapping it a few times he then speaks.)

HANGMAN: "Time is a precious commodity....almost as much as knowledge. I could ramble on and on about what I've done and what I intend on doing. I could talk to you about agenda and purpose, but you are mere sheep and not one of you in this pit of humanity that you call Madison Square Garden would understand."

(Crowd boos)

HANGMAN: "Let's cut to the chase shall we? There's a certain wrestler in the back that just wouldn't stop while he had the most precious things in life....time and knowledge. Over and over again he just kept sticking his nose in matters that he had no part in. Being the good natured and caring individual that I am, I tried to warn him of his wayward thinking. Yet, Schizm kept putting the FOOL in foolishness and intervening in matters that were only of MY concern. He chanced fate repeatedly and put himself squarely in my path. People, you know what happens when someone does such a thing. Hell, there are even those in the back that think twice about even THINKING of such a thing."

(Head lolls to the side)

HANGMAN: "I'll give him some credit where it's due. He got me to thinking about what I wanted...not had to, but WANTED...to do to him. So I took away his dear ladyfriend, I decimated his stable....yet it just wasn't enough."

(Starts ramming his index finger into his head)

HANGMAN: "He just....wouldn't....GET IT! It was enough to get me to drink....more. So there I was drinking and thinking.....thinking and drinking, and suddenly it hit me like a boot to the head. It wasn't enough to destroy him in this world of hopelessness. You see, Schizm is a special breed of sheep. He's a very poor knock-off of someone you may remember named Mr. Jack Happy."

(Crowd cheers. The Hangman's head straightens back up as he glares hatefully into the audience.)

HANGMAN: "That's right...cheer for that miserable, crippled up, comatose, airbag. See, in my mind that's whom I saw night in and night out...except this was a piss poor replica. Kind of like....a Happy-Lite. Same fool, just less to see. In fact, he's not nearly as entertaining as Jack. Wait...what was that? Entertaining. There it was. All laid out before me. You can beat on a clown, you can take away everything close to them, but to out-ENTERTAIN them....that's where it really hurts them. After all, what is a clown if the spotlight is RIPPED from them on the stage? They can be funny, they can be sad, but in the end they will simply be IGNORED. Schizm became as forgotten as Jack Happy to all of you because no longer were you enraptured in what he did, but moreso what people in the back were doing TO him. He became nothing but the BUTT to everyone else's jokes and do you know what the occurring punchline was to all of it?"

(Pauses to allow a sickening, wide sneer to overtake his face)

HANGMAN: "I ORCHESTRATED IT ALL!"

(Chorus of boos)

HANGMAN: "To hell with all of you and what you think. The only thing I have time for now is to deliver on my word. I told everyone in the back that I would reward the most creative 'short cinematic piece' with not only $100,000 dollars, but also their very own HOSScar award. It's time to annouce the winner."

HS: "Moment of truth time! Hey, who do you think is gonna get it Frank? Susan Lucci? The Arizona Cardinals? Maybe Mike Tyson? Oh wait, that's right...they're all a bunch of losers."

FJ: "Susan Lucci won once."

HS: "Yeah, and you got PAIGED once too...what's your point?"

HANGMAN: "The winner of the highly coveted HOSScar award goes to none other than......"

(Pointing towards the ramp, we then hear "Tilt" by Scott Walker. Parting the curtains, Low walks down the ramp, not even acknowleding the fans and steps into the ring. Once inside, he calls for a mic.)

HS: "Who would've thunk it?"

FJ: "Can we cut to commercial?"

HANGMAN: "Congratulations Low. It seems that your segment of 'Getting It' was just the overwhelming favorite."

LOW: "Hangman, I said it last week - you and I are the two surviving soldiers of wars unseen in the AWA today. I see new guys like Nathaniel Henry Lee or Schizm or Andreas Lasiewicz come into the AWA, thinking they've got everything figured out, thinking they are the best."

"It's not that award, it's not the money, it's two things - teaching lessons and entertaining MYSELF!"

(Low smiles.)

LOW: "Besides... I thought you might need some help from a TRUE legend..."

(This causes the crowd to erupt. Hangman's unsual good mood gets replaced with one we're more accustomed to. The two superstars get nose to nose and begins jawing at each other. Abruptly, however, The Hangman backs up and lets a slight sneer spread across his face once more.)

HANGMAN: "You know what Low? Not even you in all of your arrogant splendor is gonna ruin my mood tonight. Had you said that on another night or at another place, then you MIGHT HAVE gotten the reaction you were hoping for. Not tonight though Low....not tonight. We've both been through this enough not to fall for something like that. So enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, can we see that footage one more time? I'm feeling the need to be entertained once more by it. Roll the damn tape!"

(We cut back to Sunday Night Shock a few weeks ago with Low, dressed in the guise of Mr. Lowly, attacking Schizm and power bombing him through a number of cakes and a table. The footage is interrupted, however, by the sound of action in the ring.)

HS: "It's Damage Inc.!"

(NHL and Brian Stevens are in the ring, chairs in their hands. Low and Hangman do not see DI coming into the ring and NHL cracks Low in the head with the chair, sending Low crashing to the mat outside the ring. Meanwhile, Stevens walks up to The Hangman and knocks him onto the mat inside the ring. With the Hangman on the mat, Stevens takes the chair and cracks the Hangman on the head again.)

HS: "This is reprehensible behavior here! Damage Inc. is just systematically taking apart Low and The Hangman."

FJ: "Wow, that's a lot of pent up frustration."

(NHL takes the folding chair and tosses it to the ground. He pulls Low to his feet and superkicks him in the stomach. Low doubles over in pain, dropping to one knee. NHL picks up the chair and cracks it over Low's head, sending Low to the ground. Low rolls onto his stomach as NHL picks up the chair and tosses it into the ring to Brian Stevens. NHL returns to Low and lifts him up into a sitting position as blood starts to dribble down from the top of Low's head and down his face in small streams, with more coming as the seconds pass. NHL starts to hammer straight right shots to Low's head, talking trash while doing so.)

HS: "NHL has busted open Low. Now, I don't like Low, but he is a human being and this has to stop. Where in the hell is security?"

FJ: "Probably munching on some donuts or something."

(Brian Stevens has taken both chairs and he's put both of the Hangman's feet into the chairs and he steps onto the second turnbuckle and looks down at the semi-knocked out body of the Hangman. Brian jumps off the turnbuckle and each leg lands on the folding part of the chair, crushing the steel into The Hangman's ankles like a sandwich. The Hangman sits up and grabs his right leg. Stevens walks up to the Hangman and kicks him straight in the face. Stevens pulls down The Hangman's noose, which has come down after a signal from Stevens, and drags it to the floor of the ring. He drags the Hangman's body up to the noose and puts the noose around his neck. He tugs on the rope and the rope slowly ascends to the heavens, bringing the broken body of the Hangman with it.)

HS: "I'm sure that Damage Inc. hasn't heard the last of Low and The Hangman!"

FJ: "You've got that right. Oh look, here come the EMTs for Low."

(Commercial)

HS: "Ladies and gentlemen, what just occurred just a few moments ago is just one of the low points of the AWA. It's been done several times in the past, but this time, these two have been interrupted and taken advantage of just out of nowhere. Why Damage, Inc. has done this is just unknown."

FJ: "It's because Low and the Hangman almost dessimated NHL and Stevens. They wanted retribution, and that's it. Tonight, Damage, Inc. has damaged Low and the Hangman, and I don't think this is the last time we will hear from these four about this."

HS: "Anyway, we have out next and final match of the evening. Brian Williams will face off against Cynder for a shot to advance to the King of the Kage tournament in July."

HS: ”It is time for our second King of the Kage qualification match tonight. In a clash of men who are huge physically as well as skill-wise, Brian Williams will take on Cynder.”

FJ: “It will be hard to pick a winner here. On the one hand, Brian Williams was in the Shock King of the Kage final last year. But on the other hand, Cynder has been on fire lately. And not only because of his recent engagement to one of the hottest ladies in the AWA… But Williams almost won it all last year...”

HS: “You already said that, Frank! And besides, this match will be all about tonight. What happened last year doesn’t mean anything.”

("Inhale" by Stone Sour hits the PA. Pieces of shattered glass showing some of Cynder’s, and the rest of the Carnival’s, finest moments lately, topped off with his engagement to Kat show on the AWAtron. Cynder himself soon walks out from behind the curtain accompanied by rapidly flashing blacklights that distort his appearance. He steadily stalks to the ring, looking ready to beat the crap out of anyone getting in his way. He is met with a cyclone of boos from the crowd. The massive heat doesn’t bother him though. As he reaches the ring he slowly climbs the turnbuckle and looks out at the fans with an expression of utter contempt. Then he drops to the canvas and awaits his opponent.)

(The lights go out. The ominous opening chords of “Harvester of Sorrow” begin to build, and the crowd roars its disapproval. After a long pause, a single deep bluelight falls on the ramp way. Smoke billows from the entrance creating an ominous haze, from within the haze we see the seven foot monster’s silhouette as he pauses, The dense mist follows Williams all the way to the ring until he steps over the top rope stares at his opponent.)

FJ: “This will be great. I just know it will be.”

HS: “Cynder is by no means a small man, but look at him next to Williams. They almost look like The Immortals.”

FJ: “They look nothing like those sissys!”

(The ref calls for the bell, and the match has started. Williams wastes no time, but charges with a thunderous shoulderblock to Cynder, sending both men to the canvas. They both are quick getting back to their feet, and Cynder hits his opponent with a short arm clothesline. Williams doesn’t even blink, he seems completely unaffected by Cynder’s offense. Cynder hits another clothesline, and then a knife-edge chop. Williams backs one step, but not more. Instead, he grabs Cynder with both hands around the throat and lifts him up with a choke. Cynder tries to kick his way out of it, but to no avail. Williams waits until the last possible moment before releasing his hold just when the referee is about to call for the disqualification. Cynder falls to his knees, clutching his throat. Williams capitalizes by driving his elbow to his opponent’s neck multiple times. Then he pulls Cynder to his feet before whipping him into the turnbuckle with tremendous power. He follows that up by placing his huge boot to Cynder’s throat, choking him once again. And yet another time, he has the ref count to “four” until releasing the pressure. He looks annoyed with the referee and starts arguing with him. Cynder sees his chance and sneaks up behind Williams and digs his fingers into the bigger man’s eyes. Williams screams in pain while Cynder locks him in an inverted facelock. He then drops down, driving Williams head to the mat in an inverted DDT. He covers him for a two count and then a kickout.)

(Both men slowly get to their feet, eyeing the other. Cynder raises his hand in the air, inviting Williams to a classic strength comparison. Williams hesitantly wraps his big palm around his opponent’s hand, and they lock their free hands as well. Williams quickly gains the upper hand, but at the exactly same time, both men go for a kick to the midsection, neither man goes down though, and they begin trading kicks. All the time, Cynder is struggling to stay upright, but finally, after a rather long time, drops to one knee. An emerging grin on Williams’ face freezes as a low blow from Cynder makes the male portion of the audience go ‘Owww!’. Williams drops to his knees, and Cynder delivers a stiff thrust to his throat. Cynder gets to his feet, and some of the fans actually cheer for him. Cynder waits for his opponent to rise, and then lifts him up for a T-bone suplex. Williams’ weight in combination with his struggling however makes Cynder stumble backwards with his opponent on top of him. The referee drops and counts 1… 2… Shoulder up! 1… 2… Kickout!)

(They both get to their feet, and embrace. It looks like both of them are trying to set up a spinebuster, but every attempt is blocked by the opponent. Finally Williams puts an end to the struggle by head butting Cynder, sending him several stumbling steps backwards. Williams moves in for a swinging neck breaker, but somehow Cynder is able to reverse it by spinning through 360, causing Williams to lose hold of him. He delivers a quick DDT, and then pulls Williams up for a second go at the T-bone. This time he is more successful, even though Williams’ weight causes it to be less than picture perfect. Cynder follows the suplex up with a quick cover and a 1… 2… 3… NO! Williams grabs the ropes just as the referee is about to slam his hand to the mat for the third time. Cynder breaks the hold, and backs off. Williams gets to his feet, and Cynder, who was waiting for this, comes rushing to him with a spear. Williams gets his foot up in time though, and Cynder crashes to the mat from the impact by the big boot. Williams moves up to him and delivers a double foot stomp to Cynder’s forehead. He then turns him over and locks in a full nelson on the prone Cynder. As Williams lifts him up, we can see that the stomp must have given Cynder a cut, since his forehead as well as the canvas is smeared with blood. Williams keeps the full nelson locked in, but when his opponent shows no signs of tapping, he slams him to the mat. Williams looks at the crowd and signals that it is time to end this.)

FJ: “Here comes the Struggle Within! Brian Williams will end this now, and move on to the King of the Kage, just like I predicted!”

HS: “You didn’t -”

(Cynder begs to differ though, and grabs Williams left foot and leg, twisting it and forcing the big man to lose his balance. Once Williams hits the canvas, it’s only a matter of seconds until Cynder has locked in a single leg crab. Williams struggles for a long time, well over a minute, before managing to kick Cynder off. Once again they both are on their feet. Williams is a little unsteady on his feet, and Cynder quickly capitalizes by taking him down with a dragonscrew legwhip. He then locks a sharpshooter in. He never really can apply pressure though, as Williams is too close to the ropes, and breaks the hold that way. Not one to give up easily, Cynder somehow gets Williams in a grapevine reverse leglock. The behemoth looks ready to tap, but in a valiant effort, he manages to break free from Cynder, and stumble over to the corner, slumping face first against the turnbuckle. Cynder gets up and sees his opportunity. He runs to the corner, driving Williams shoulder first into the ring post. Blood covering his face, Cynder gives the crowd a devilish grin, and then sets Williams up for the 3rd Degree Burn! Williams seems to be completely out of it, and too late realizes what is going on. Desperation fills his face but is quickly transformed into pain. He tries to break free or reverse the hold, but Cynder has it locked in tight, and Williams is going nowhere. Eventually, Brian Williams taps out!)

HS: “He tapped out! Brian Williams, a finalist in last year’s tournament is eliminated before the tournament even has begun! I can’t believe it!”

FJ: “You’d better! And yet another Carnival member moves on to the King of the Kage! I already told you Cynder was on fire, but now you could see for yourself. He gave Brian Williams a third degree burn, that’s how hot he is!”

HS: “I am impressed, Frank.”

FJ: “Yeah, who isn’t? The Carnival is taking over the AWA!”

HS: “That’s not what I meant. You gave an accurate analysis of the match. That’s what I was impressed by. It must be the first - and probably the last - time that ever happened.”

FJ: "So, who's in the tournament now? NHL qualified first then it was Whisper and Low. Tonight we had Andreas Lasiewicz and Cynder. Was there anyone else?"

HS: "You forgot Schizm. It's NHL, Whisper, Low, Schizm, Andreas Lasiewicz, and Cynder. There are only two more spots left. Next week, Bad Blood will face each other in a match that will show not only who is the better wrestler in Bad Blood, but who will advance to the King of the Kage."

FJ: "Also, next week will be the match that determines our NEW AWA Cruiserweight Champion in a triple threat match. OOO, Atlas, and John Rourke will face off to determine the new Cruiserweight Champion!"

HS: "And we can't forget about the No Limit Round Robin tournament. Thus far, Quade DeSade is leading the pack with 35 points, but Poppa is close behind with 20. John Rourke and Cynder still have yet to gain points, but their opportunities are approaching. Next week, I'm sure we will have some backlash from the actions by The Carnival, Damage, Inc., and others who have caused ripples, both good and bad, across the AWA. For Frank Jackson, I'm Herb Summers. Thanks for joining us on Shock!"