{We come back to Rachel who has a smile on her face as she nods approvingly.}

 

Rachel Grimes: This really started out as a friendly situation. Roberto needed an ally in his fight against Warren Kane and Rob Diamond, and Jake was looking to get back in the thick of things.  In what seemed to be a setup match, Roberto Verona made a Triple Threat Match to determine the Number One Contendership for the Imperial Championship at Metamorphosis between Rob Diamond, Warren Kane, and The Ace with the stipulation that if Rob and Warren hadn't fought one another they'd be stripped of their championships (as covered in the last episode). The Ace would be the man to walk out victorious...check this out.

 

{The scene fades out and then back in and we see enter the end of the Triple Threat Match mentioned from the January 4th New Year's Edition of Sacrifice...}

 

{ Roberto looks to the back curtain and yells as InFamous prepare to two man pile drive Ace into the concrete but Zasshu comes running out from the back with a steel chair and cracks Rob over the back with it, he drops the Ace, Warren leaps off to attack Zasshu as a war breaks out at ring side. }

Vasco Dias: Thank God!

Terri Morasco: This match is devolving into mayhem!

{ Warren is trying to fight off Zasshu who has dropped the steel chair as the Ace pulls himself back into the ring and away from the battle at ring side. }

Vasco Dias: Smart move for the Ace to get out of dodge.

{ Warren starts to get the upper hand on Zasshu when SPIKE KANE JUMPS THE RING BARRIER!!!! He grabs Warren, whips him around and THUNDER STRUCK!!!! }

Terri Morasco: What the hell!!!!!!!?????

Vasco Dias: THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!

{ Spike pulls his son up and throws him into the ring where the Ace quickly covers the limp body of Warren Kane. ONE! TWO! THREE!!! Rob is too slow to get up and Zasshu is right there with a spin kick and a Michinoku driver on the steel chair he brought to the ring! }

Alison Valance: Your winner and new number one contender to the IWF Imperial Championship... JAKE "THE ACE" CONWAY!!!!!

{ Kathy comes into the ring to celebrate with the Ace as Roberto Verona claps for his friend, Spike Kane and Zasshu slowly back up the ramp as they over look the damage they have caused. }

 

{We return to Rachel who is now at her desk.}

 

Rachel Grimes: The overlapping of characters is to be expected as we again see Zasshu making his way into Rob Diamond's business, and we see Spike Kane stabbing his son in the back...which wouldn't be the only time this year...SPOILER!

 

{She laughs before continuing.}

​

Rachel Grimes: Anyway, thanks to the interference, The Ace would go on to Metamorphosis to take on Roberto Verona for the Imperial Title. Before that though, there of course had to be some gamesmanship between the two friends, and that would start on the January 18th Edition of Sacrifice, when Jake would lock Nighthawk in the "Winner Takes All" (his version of the Anaconda Vice), and lock eyes with his friend...the champion as Nighthawk taps.

​

With little head games here and there, it was finally time for the match, and as a treat to you, the viewer...we present it here, in it's entirety as the first Match of the Year Candidate of the calendar year.

​

{We're taken to the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington, the site of Metamorphosis.}

 

Vasco Dias: Now, it’s time for the main event of the evening! I can’t wait, two veterans going one on one until only one emerges victorious.

 

Terri Morasco: Many are calling this a match draped in nepotism and favoritism, they accuse Verona of just giving his friends handouts, that this is just a chance for them both to boost their own egos.

 

Vasco Dias: Have you been reading the dirt sheets again, Morasco? Who cares what other people think, they’re often ill-informed. This isn’t a time for stupid conspiracy theories, it’s a time to enjoy two wrestlers in their prime who know how to put on a show.

 

Alison Valance: The following contest is schedule for one fall and is for the Imperial Championship!

 

{The lights in the arena dim with the opening chords and then start to flash red, green, yellow and purple in rotation as the synthesized guitar riff kicks in. The big screen shows the silhouette of a woman with her hair blowing across her face and holding a playing card between the forefingers of her right hand, she flips it over in her fingers to reveal the Ace Of Spades, the symbol grows out of the card and gets larger with every repetition of the guitar riff until it envelops the screen. Huge flame pyros explode either side of the ramp as cards begin to fall from the rafters. As the lyrics to 'Voodoo Child' by Brick + Mortar begin, the circular platform on which The Ace is stood with his back towards us and the Union Jack draped across his shoulders, starts to turn.

 

Well I stand up next to a mountain...

 

The platform is decorated to look like a roulette wheel.

 

Well I stand up next to a mountain...

 

Slowly it spins a full one-eighty degrees as we now see The Ace take a swig from the water bottle in his right hand and spit the water in the air. After this Kathy Conway appears on stage beside her husband and takes his hand as she leads him off the platform. He throws the bottle to one side.

 

Well I pick up all the pieces, maybe even make, maybe there's a little sand...

Well I pick up all the pieces, maybe even make, maybe there's a little sand...

 

The couple walks down through the shower of falling cards, hand in hand, Kathy carrying her husband's rake in her other hand.

 

Well I stand up next to a mountain

And I chop it down with the edge of my hand

Well I stand up next to a mountain

And I chop it down with the edge of my hand

 

The Ace gets to the foot of the ramp and the cards stop falling, the couple share a kiss before The Ace enters the ring himself, climbing the steel steps and getting the official to part the ropes for him as he steps through them. He walks over to the adjacent turnbuckle, climbing the second rope whilst an armed Kathy stays at ringside.

 

The Ace raises both arms in the air.

 

'Cause I'm a voodoo child, yeah

Lord knows I'm a voodoo child

'Cause I'm a voodoo child

Lord knows I'm a voodoo child

 

The Ace climbs down and hands the flag over to a stagehand before he walks to the middle of the ring, and the song fades...}

 

Alison Valance: Introducing first, the challenger, now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada and weighing in at 260lbs, Jake “The Ace” Conway!

 

Terri Morasco: People have criticized how Jake won his shot in this match, but arguably they have short memories. Conway was one of the best Man of Steel champions in company history, arguably he earned his chance with that run.

 

Vasco Dias: Let’s not forget that Jake has only had one shot at this belt in IWF’s entire history before tonight, against Angel Blake, he will be desperate to not go 0-2.

 

Terri Morasco: Can Jake finally silence the critics?

 

{The lights in the arena all go out at "King of the World" by Porcelain and the Tramps begins to blare out of the PA system. Spotlights begin to scan the crowd before fixating on a figure at the top of the stage which is revealed to be Roberto Verona, his head bowed towards the floor. As cheers being to resonate around the arena Verona raises his head and he begins a slow methodical march down the ramp, the spotlight following him as golden pyro rains down from above on the stage. Verona stares with disgust at the crowd who cheer him as he approaches the ring, but he doesn't react to them. As he reaches the steps he slowly ascends them before walking towards the middle of the ring apron, turning around to look into the crowd one last time before looking up and closing his eyes as he stretches his arms out wide and basks in the adulation. After indulging himself Verona climbs into the ring, psyching himself up as he awaits the beginning of the match.}

 

Alison Valance: And his opponent, from Firenze, Italy, weighing in at 220lbs, he is the reigning, defending Imperial Champion and COO of IWF, Roberto Verona!

 

Vasco Dias: Verona will be determined tonight to prove a lot of his doubters wrong. So many people have criticized him for his title reign.

 

Terri Morasco: Nobody likes to see the boss succeed, arguably his recent behavior justifies their feelings.

 

Vasco Dias: Then they’re idiots too, Verona did what everyone wanted and got rid of Renee Pleasant’s reign of terror, he has nothing to apologize for.

 

{The referee holds the Imperial Title high in the air. He then hands it to ringside and signals for the bell as the two friends stare one another down. The two show some sportsmanship and shake hands with one another, but quickly turn it into a tug of war with Ace pulling Roberto into a headlock before Roberto pushes Ace up against the ropes, shooting him to the far side, leap frogging him as Ace goes to the other ropes before trying to grab him by the hair and throw him over the top rope, only to have it reversed and have Ace throw Roberto into the ropes, and upon return, duck under him against the mat, and then trying to execute a Superkick, but Roberto grabs hold of the ropes, stopping all momentum to avoid the kick before lunging forward, attempting his own, but Ace ducks and tries to twist him into a Spinning Neckbreaker, but Roberto gets out of it and turns it into a Backslide cover, only to get a one before Ace rolls out of it and sweeps the legs of Roberto, jack knifing him with a pin attempt of his own, also only getting a one count. After the kickout, the two stand to their feet as the crowd applauds the stalemate.}

 

Vasco Dias: These two know each other so well.

 

Terri Morasco: That they do. It’s going to take a mistake for someone to get the upperhand.

 

{The two lock up again and it’s The Ace going behind and grabbing Roberto by the neck and trying to get a neckbreaker again, but Roberto counters, spinning Ace frontward into a knee to the gut followed by a swift DDT!}

 

Terri Morasco: The first real move of the match and it’s a hard DDT from the COO.

 

{Verona pushes his way past the official as he stalks after Conway, who has retreated to the corner before running at him to land a clothesline which takes the wind out of the challenger and sends him down to the mat. Verona senses blood and begins to stomp on his fallen comrade before the official finally pulls him away. Roberto is furious and he pushes the official sending him staggering backwards before he turns back around, but as the official is momentarily distracted Jake reaches up and rakes across Verona’s eyes! The champ is taken by surprised and stagger backwards clutching his face as Jake Conway grins from ear to ear. Verona falls to the mat as Jake picks himself up, clearly pleased with himself.}

 

Terri Morasco: What a cheap shot, but you could argue Verona deserved it for the way he treated the official.

 

Vasco Dias: Screw the official, he was getting in the way of a good fight!

 

{Verona rolls around in pain as Jake begins to stalk over his pray, leaning down to try and throw some punches to the champion but as he does so Verona grabs his shoulders and lashing out with a fast knee straight to the regions Kat Conway is most likely to be concerned about. The official doesn’t quite catch the desperate low blow but Jake feels the full effects as he grabs his crotch and tumbles to the mat. Both men clutch to their respective injuries, clearly in visible pain as the official does his best to check on both men whilst Kathy looks on horrified.}

 

Vasco Dias: Maybe Jake won’t be celebrating as much as he’d like tonight!

 

Terri Morasco: Some would call it karma, I’d still call it cheating.

 

Vasco Dias: Nobody cares what you’d call it, Morasco.

 

{Jake wrenches in the Trente et Quarante tightly, locking Verona in squarely in the middle of the ring. The situation is looking increasingly grim for the Imperial Champion who shakes his head and pounds the mat with his fist to try and re-direct the pain. Jake keeps pulling as hard as he can as he tries his best to force Verona to submit, but thus far it is to no avail. The official drops to his knees and asks Verona if he wants to give up but the champion shakes his head before spitting something out to the referee who suddenly looks incredibly puzzled. The official hesitates as he seems to ask Verona if he is sure, the champion nods his head as best he can as the referee stands to his feet and leans through the ropes to tell Alison Valance something. Alison looks a little confused but raises the microphone to her lips.}

 

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentleman, I have been informed that an amendment to this contest’s stipulation has been made. This match may now only end in a pin fall, count out or failure by both competitors to answer a ten count.

 

Vasco Dias: Ha ha! Brilliant! Verona just changed the stipulation!

 

Terri Morasco: What the hell is this? This isn’t fair!

 

Vasco Dias: Nothing is fair in war, Morasco.

 

{Jake looks up with a surprised look on his face as he relinquishes the hold. Conway gets to his knees and shakes his head, but as we can see he as a knowing smile on his face as he even seems to laugh whilst nodding his head. Conway stands up with his hands on his hips as the referee seems to apologize to him but Jake doesn’t seem to care as he pushes the official out of his way before proceeding to stamp on Verona’s back and the back of his head to ensure that, despite his setback, he remains in the ascendency. Ace jumps in the air and plants a few elbows into the hurting spine of Verona who, despite escaping the submission, still looks in a bad way.}

 

Terri Morasco: So The Ace has him in a bad way, and the boss changes the rules. I thought this was going to be a fair fight?

 

Vasco Dias: These two know each other so well. You gotta believe they know each other’s tricks.

 

{The Ace walks up and drops a knee right into the small of the back of the champion who writhes in pain as Ace pulls him up to his feet, throwing him into the ropes, and upon return, lifts him and spins him through the air, taking him down hard with a Tilt-a-Whirl Slam, hooking the leg and only getting a two count much to his chagrin. Ace nods to himself as he stares down at his opponent who rolls to his stomach.}

 

Terri Morasco: It seems like the Ace knows what he needs to do.

 

Vasco Dias: He may, but then again…he may not.

 

{Ace stalks Verona who is up on all fours and soon to his feet, back turned to The Ace who locks him up for the Russian Roulette but Verona drops to his knees, bringing Ace over his head, rolling forward. As Ace stands Verona gets up and grabs him from behind, lifting him into the air and hitting an Inverted Brainbuster! Both men lie on the mat as the referee counts.}

 

Vasco Dias: Back and forth they go.

 

Terri Morasco: This is the teacher and the student in many respects.

 

{The referee gets to five before Roberto crawls into a cover after the big move, but only gets a two count as The Ace shoots the shoulder off the mat. Roberto rolls to his back and both men gingerly start to get to their feet before trading blows. Roberto finally hits a shot that rocks Ace into the ropes, where he bounces him to the far side and goes to level him with the “Silencer” Superkick, but Ace ducks it, stops on a dime, and plants Roberto with THE RUSSIAN ROULETTE! Ace shoots the half and hooks the leg…

 

1!

 

2!!

 

NO!

 

Ace sits up and smacks the mat in frustration.}

 

Terri Morasco: They’re hitting each other with their best moves here.

 

Vasco Dias: And it just isn’t enough to keep the other man down.

 

{Kathy at ringside, grabs hold of a chair from under the ring and sets it in the corner, opposite the referee, behind his back. She then heads to the side as Ace stands and Roberto is getting to his feet. Ace grabs hold of the chair as Kathy climbs up on the apron…}

 

Vasco Dias: He wouldn’t?

 

Terri Morasco: Perhaps there’s a lesson left to teach?

 

{Roberto is on all fours and looks at Jake, noticing Kathy’s distraction. He stands and he and Jake stare at one another as Conway’s grip around the chair tightens whilst the official is distracted by Kathy at ringside. Verona braces himself as Jake raises the chair above his head, shutting his eyes as he prepares for the impact as a sickening crunch is heard. Verona stands, still bracing himself before opening eye…. Where he notices that Jake has not only let go of the chair, but its writhing around in “agony” on the mat. Verona’s eyes open in a wide panic as he looks around desperately, noticing that suddenly Kathy seems to be relinquishing her apparent objections. Verona suddenly freeze still before he too suddenly hits the deck, clutching his face. The official turns around, staring at the battered steel chair between the pair as both men writhe in pain. The referee stands with his hands on his hips looking down at the pair. }

 

Terri Morasco: Look at these two, they just can’t help themselves!

 

Vasco Dias: It’s called playing possum, Morasco.

 

Terri Morasco: Do you even know what the means you idiot?

 

Vasco Dias: There’s no need for profanities!

 

{The official shakes his head as both men peer through their fingers, suddenly realizing the ploy isn’t quite going as planned. Both of them suddenly make a miraculous recovery as they plead their cases to the official on their knees, demanding that he punish the other. The referee raises his hands and refuses to make a decision, remind both men that he didn’t see any offence take place as the pair turn to stare at one another. Both men are clearly frustrated that yet another one of their ruses hasn’t seemed to outfox the other before they begin to shout at one another before seemingly nodding. Suddenly Ace throws a right hand which gets the noise levels in the building amped up before Verona retaliates with one of his own as the pair begin to exchange blows. As each one throws a punch they gradually get to one knee before lifting themselves up, continuing to throw punch after punch which seems to have fired up this capacity crowd.}

 

Terri Morasco: Looks like both men realize they’ve conned their way to a stalemate.

 

Vasco Dias: Neither man is capable of out cunning the other it seems, looks like we’re in for a good old fashioned fight!

 

Terri Morasco: It’s about God damn time.

 

{The wild punching continues, with both men even going for a knee at the same time before falling to the mat and rolling over the bottom rope, tumbling to the outside where both men separate holding their ribs after the fall. They get up and Roberto throws the first punch on the outside, but Ace retaliates. Roberto goes to retaliate but Ace ducks and shoves his friend’s face into the steel ring post. Verona bounces and stumbles to his knees, grasping hold of the barrier to pull himself back up. He stumbles along to the bend in the barrier by the time keeper and Ace stops in his tracks…thinking of his next move before charging full speed toward Verona…SPEARING HIM THROUGH THE BARRIER! The crowd goes nuts as the referee is up to five in his count.}

 

Terri Morasco: The Ace showing what it means to him to become the Imperial Champion!

 

Vasco Dias: He sure the hell is with that move! He could have killed him!

 

{Ace is to his feet, stumbling toward the ring as the referee hits seven. He rolls in the ring, but quickly realizes he can’t win the title via count out and rolls back under the ring rope to the floor, breaking the referee’s count before rolling Roberto into the ring, scrambling as much as he can for the cover…

 

1!

 

2!!

 

NO! SOMEHOW VERONA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

 

Ace can’t believe it, holding up three fingers and the referee just shakes his head.}

 

Terri Morasco: The resiliency of the champion to not relinquish what is his!

 

Vasco Dias: Don’t EVER question that man’s passion!

 

{Ace pushes himself to his feet as Verona starts to stir, but is quickly picked up by the challenger who boots him in the gut and runs to the ropes, jumping in the air, looking for a FameAcer, only for Roberto to stand up, taking hold of him under the arms, and falling forward with all his strength, nailing Ace with a “Fallen Idol” Crucifix Powerbomb!}

 

Terri Morasco: How the hell did he do that?

 

Vasco Dias: He’s not the Imperial Champion for no reason Terri!

 

{Both men are down and breathing heavy. Ace looks like he’s out, and Roberto is trying to catch any semblance of sense and put it back in his head. He starts the slow crawl, draping his arm over Conway…

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THRE…NO!}

 

Vasco Dias: How the hell did he kick out of that!?

 

Terri Morasco: I don’t know how much these two have left!

 

{Both are barely moving, yet crawling to the ropes to pull themselves up. They both get to their feet and lunge at one another with duel Superkicks, standing each other straight up before The Ace falls flat on his back with Verona falling into the ropes, then back ON TOP OF CONWAY…

 

1!

 

2!!

 

3!!!

 

The bell rings as Kathy enters the ring and Hannah Reed comes rushing down the ramp, sliding into the ring to check on each man as the winner is announced.}

 

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this contest…and STILL IWF IMPERIAL CHAMPION…ROBERTOOOOOOO VERONAAAA!

 

{The women tend to their men as ringside medical staff rush in to check on them as well. After a few moments, they get both to sit up and after a sip of water or two are pulled to their feet, meeting in the middle of the ring, first shaking hands and falling into each other’s arms with an embrace, propped up by those who surround them.}

 

Terri Morasco: A hell of a match to end the show!

 

Vasco Dias: Like them or hate them…they put on a match for the ages and gave it their all.

 

Terri Morasco: I’m Terri Morasco, he’s Vasco Dias…we hope you enjoyed the telecast…GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!

 

{The two head up the ramp, surrounded by staff and their respective female counterparts, turning to acknowledge the crowd who cheer out of respect, Ace holding Roberto’s hand in the air as the scene goes black.}

 

{We go back to Rachel who is sitting at the desk with a look of dismay on her face..}

 

Rachel Grimes: Can two people be more evenly matched? I mean, if that's not a classic, I don't know what is.

​

{She holds up an index finger.}

 

Rachel Grimes: BUT! tThat wouldn't be the end of this feud, not by a long shot. Roberto would go on to feud with the likes of Rob Diamond while Jake would sit at home, trying to figure out where things went wrong in what he felt was a loss that revealed much more about himself than he wanted to know. The month of March would be upon us and it was time for the Roulette Wheel to spin. See what I did...never mind. Roberto was giving those "on his side" a pep talk, once again setting the Ace up for a huge moment in his IWF career, offering him the option of entering the match randomly like everyone else, or entering last. Conway, using his "Ace in the hole"...no? Nothing?

 

{She shakes her head, realizing her joke didn't go over too well…}

​

Rachel Grimes: Whatever...he chose to enter the match last.

​

Roberto Verona would defend his title against Rob Diamond, but thanks to the interference as documented from Mike Laszlo, Roberto would retain his title, maintaining his course with the winner of the Roulette Match at Night of the Immortals.

​

This feud would have its flames reignited at High Stakes....

​

{She motions to the video screen and we're taken back to the end of the Roulette Match at High Stakes...}

​

​

​

{We come back to Rachel who is again standing next to the giant screen with a "map" showing where things would go from there.}

​

Rachel Grimes: Metamorphosis turned out to be a huge turning point all around as 2016 really started to pick up from there. After the actions of Mike Laszlo, he and Rob would go off to one of the most brutal feuds in recent memory, chronicled in episode one of "Looking Back w/ Rachel Grimes". Warren would continue his battles with Verona, but also, due to the way things ended in the Imperial Title Match, a little confrontation was starting to brew between Roberto Verona and Jake Conway as well, of which we will talk about in a later episode. For now, we focus on Warren and Roberto.

​

While Rob turned his attention to Laszlo, still making appearances in this rivalry, things would shift more toward Verona vs Warren. The week after Metamorphosis would prove that the outcome of the Andrew Jacobsen vs Warren Kane match really only had one point...to fire the loser. Roberto would interrupt Warren and strip him of the Invictus Championship. Warren would have until Danger Zone in February to give up his championship.

​

The next week though, he would be "rewarded" with a match against Jake Conway to celebrate "The Ace's" 13 year anniversary in wrestling. It was later that night that Roberto would reveal that if Warren did not give up the Invictus Championship, the belt would be defended under 24/7 rules.

​

At Danger Zone, Roberto would try to strip Warren of his title, but Warren refused. The two would engage in a fight with Warren getting the better of Roberto, holding his title high overhead.

​

Rob Diamond would re-enter this feud, getting a shot at Roberto Verona and the Imperial Championship at the March 14th Open Fight Night Sacrifice. Again, shame on you for not watching Episode one, but if you did, you'd see that Mike Laszlo would interfere, costing Rob his championship match with an assault that would only heighten their own feud.

​

Things would get interesting at the High Stakes PPV in March. Rob would take on Mike Laszlo in a brutal Last Man Standing Match, a match he would lose, but then also was the Number One Entrant in the Roulette Match. A bounty of sorts was put on Diamond's head. The man who eliminates Rob would get a shot at Verona's Imperial Title at the April "Viewer's Choice" PPV, later to be named Destiny. Here's how the end of the Roulette went down.

​

{She motions to the screen as we fade to the end of the Roulette Match at High Stakes 2016, from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.}

​

{ All three men cling to the ropes as they throw desperate blow after desperate blow trying their absolute hardest to not only stay alive themselves but knock their opponents off balance. Ace strikes Rob, Rob strikes Ace, Warren strikes Rob, Ace strikes Warren. Back and forth they go landing blow after blow after blow. Each time one looks to be losing their grip and teetering they tighten and their resilience holds through as they clutch on with everything in their locker. No man will yield as they become increasing desperate. Whenever one tries to get back in the ring they are yanked back onto the apron, it is soon apparent that this contest will be determined right here. }

Terri Morasco: This is getting intense, I can’t pick a winner.

Vasco Dias: Come on Jake!

Roberto Verona: Now we will find out who truly can survive.

{ Each man continues to trade blows as Warren swings wildly…. And misses! Warren teeters and falls…. But he grabs Rob! Diamond stumbles backwards and in his own desperation he reaches out and grabs Jake! Warren hovers in a very precious spot, clinging to Rob desperately as he fights to stay in this contest. Jake clings as best he can, the weight of two men pulling at him as he tries everything to stay in this contest. Rob and Warren fight to pull themselves back up, clawing for the ropes but they just can’t reach as Jake looks at the ropes and back at the two men, closing his eyes as he takes in a deep breath…. And let’s go of the ropes! Cameras flash as all three men plummet through the air and down to the mat below in a big heap of bodies! }

Roberto Verona: Jake just took his chances with the odds…

Vasco Dias: But who dropped first!?

Terri Morasco: More importantly, who dropped last!?

{ Officials rush over to the competitors to check on all of them after a hellacious encounter as technicians and referees rush to look at the monitors to watch over the replays which play over and over on the screen as nobody is quite sure what is going on. Minutes pass the officials all deliberate before finally they nod and Alison emerges with her microphone. }

Alison Valance: And your winner… as per the television referee….. Jake “The Ace” Conway!

ELIMINATED – ROB DIAMOND AND WARREN KANE

{ Ace’s music begins to play as a slow motion replay reveals that his feet touched the mat last, with Kane and Diamond both hitting the mat at the same time. Ace is still dazed as confetti begins to fall and Kat Conway rushes down the ramp to the ring. She embraces her husband as he gets to his feet, almost unable to hold back his emotions. Jake rolls into the ring and continues celebrating with Kathy as he drinks in this moment. }

Vasco Dias: I knew it! I knew I was right!

Terri Morasco: What a performance from all three here tonight, such a huge contest.

{ Ace continues to celebrate as all of a sudden Roberto Verona walks up the steps to join Kat and Jake in the ring. Verona extend a hand to Jake who looks down at it, pausing for a moment as they stand face to face in the ring. Eventually, Jake takes his hand and shakes it as Verona nods to his old friend and then goes to pull away… but Jake holds on? Verona looks down confused before suddenly Conway yanks him in… and hits an Ace-Plant!? Verona is laid out as Jake sits up, the crowd going wild. Jake picks up the Imperial Championship and he stands over Roberto, holding the prize aloft side by side with Kathy as our show gradually comes to a close. }

Vasco Dias: What the… what just happened!?

Terri Morasco: Survival of the Fittest…. Conway just sent a message that he is here for the title. Verona’s mantra is alive and well…

Vasco Dias: But what about him!?

{ Confetti continues to fall as our copyright logo appears and the show comes to a close for another year. }

{There's a flash and just like that we see Rachel standing beside the video board with an image of The Ace surrounded by confetti frozen on the screen.}

​

Rachel Grimes: Surprise...surprise. Ace wins the Roulette, his ticket is punched to Night of the Immortals, and just to make sure Verona knows he's coming for the belt, he sends a little message to Roberto to end the show. However, Roberto came out the next edition of Sacrifice and said that Jake's actions and their upcoming title bout would have no bearing on their friendship, and that if it were him who had won the Roulette, he would have sent the same message to Conway.

​

{She throws her arms out to the side.}

​

Rachel Grimes: So everything is hunky dory right? Right? Not so fast as the next week, Roberto and Ace would be booked in a Tag Team Match, taking on The Knitemare On Helms Street, InFamous 2.0, and Cyrus Daniels and Spike Kane, and that's when THIS happened.

​

{She motions to the video board and the camera zooms in before the scene comes into the beginning of that massive Tag Team Match.}

​

{ The referee calls for the bell, Trent goes right for Spike and crashes into him with a running drop kick that sends him flying backward into his corner. Rob eyes up Roberto as the two men stare each other down. }

Terri Morasco: I've been waiting a long time for this.

Vasco Dias: For what? Verona to put Rob in his place?

Terri Morasco: Yeah, I don't think that's whats going to happen.

{ Verona smirks before looking back to his partner and reaching out, Rob storms at Verona as Jake looks at his partner's hand and then back up to his eyes before just dropping off the apron. }

Vasco Dias: WHAT!!!!???

Terri Morasco: I knew it! I knew things weren't all good within the kingdom!

{ Verona looks pissed as he turns back to Rob who snaps up and catches him with a DIAMOND CUTTER TO A HUGE POP!!!! }

Terri Morasco: DIAMOND CUTTER!!!!

{ Rob goes for the quick cover but Trent breaks it up with a running senton before even a one count. }

Vasco Dias: What the hell is Jake doing!?

Terri Morasco: Stabbing his friend in the back again!

{ Trent pulls Rob up and throws him into the corner where Adam Knite waits with a big club over the chest of Rob. Ace marches to the back not even bothering to look back as Verona struggles to get to his feet. Spike watches from the corner not sure what to do as Trent sees Roberto and flies across the ring and grabs him with an amazing spring board tornado DDT! }

 

{We flashback to Rachel who is leaning on her desk now, shrugging her shoulders.}

​

Rachel Grimes: Welp...I guess things just weren't as cheerful in the big ivory tower as Roberto would like them to appear. The Ace wasn't the only thing that had to be on Roberto's mind though as he had an Imperial Title to defend against both members of InFamous 2.0 in the Triple Threat Main Event of the People's Choice PPV Destiny. Verona would go on to retain his title as documented in the last episode of Looking Back after some interference from Jayson Matthews and Steve Awesome, pinning Warren Kane to retain his championship. It was then that the head games from Conway would continue...take a look.

​

{ Roberto stumbles to his feet and holds the championship over his head when “Brotherhood of Man” hits the PA as the crowd goes into a chorus of boos as Jake “The Ace” Conway steps out onto the apron. }

Terri Morasco: The Ace is here!

Vasco Dias: Oh no, what the hell is he doing!?

Terri Morasco: It looks like he’s sending a message to the champion!

{ Jake stands on the ramp as Roberto looks up at him, Jake points to the Night of the Immortals banner behind Roberto and then makes the “belt” motion around his waist as Roberto holds the championship ever closer.}

​

{Rachel is now at her desk, hands resting comfortably on the desktop.}

​

Rachel Grimes: The collision course was set. Roberto Verona was the reigning, defending, Imperial Champion and his challenger was the IWF Roulette winner, Jake "The Ace" Conway in another epic encounter. EXCEPT...this happened...

​

{She motions for the next clip to roll.}

​

{The pyro goes off and the crowd is blowing the roof off the Allstate Arena.}

Terri Morasco: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Monday Night Sacrifice! And boy do we have a show for them Vasco.

Vasco Dias: That’s right Terri, and it starts…

{Before Vasco can finish, “Cult of Personality” hits the arena sound system and out to a mixed reaction is Mike Laszlo and Alexis Caffrey.}

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome...Mike Laszlo and Alexis Caffrey!!!

Vasco Dias: Well, I guess we’re starting with Mike Laszlo.

Terri Morasco: That we are, and after what he did at the end of Sacrifice last week, he says he has a huge announcement here tonight.

{Mike makes his way to the ring holding Alexis’ hand before reaching the ring and lifting her up onto the apron before rolling into the ring himself and walking across the ring, reaching for the microphone, extended to him by Alison Valance. The music dies down and Mike looks around to a mixed reaction.}

Mike Laszlo: Okay, okay, that’s enough of that. After all, what I did last week, planting my knee into the face of Jack Gaither, which will also happen tonight, and then doing the same to Roberto Verona to end the show…

{A “Yes Chant” breaks out, but Mike shakes his head.}

Mike Laszlo: Wasn’t for any of you.

{Boos erupt.}

Mike Laszlo: Not a single damn thing I do is ever for any of you...it’s all about me.

{He points into his chest with a smirk on his face.}

Mike Laszlo: I did it for me because ladies and gentlemen...and I use that term oh so loosely...it’s about that time. You see, last year, at Night of the Immortals, I won a little match. A match in which I won a little something called the JOKER...IN THE PACK!!

{The crowd cheers, anticipating what the announcement is.}

Mike Laszlo: Shut up...I’m not done.

{That didn’t go over well.}

Mike Laszlo: For those of you too stupid to remember, the Joker In The Pack allows me up to a year to cash in for a championship match with a week’s notice. That year...ends at Night of the Immortals in two weeks...and THAT is where I’ll be cashing in.

{The crowd may not like the man, but the match is one to cheer for.}

Mike Laszlo: You people are rude...I’m not done talking, so for the love of God, SHUT THE HELL UP!!!

{Booooooooooooo.}

Mike Laszlo: I didn’t get my shot at the main event in the Roulette at High Stakes because I was busy ridding myself of Rob Diamond. So...not to rain on Ace’s Parade...but it is official, I’m cashing in my Joker in the Pack opportunity, and the match between Roberto Verona and The Ace at Night of the Immortals...is a TRIPLE THREAT MATCH!

{The crowd cheers.}

Terri Morasco: THAT’S HUGE!

Vasco Dias: That just made Night of the Immortals a bit bigger!

{Mike brings the mic to his lips again.}

Mike Laszlo: And just like my lovely, beautiful wife is a multiple time Diamonds Champion...I WILL BE the first and only two time Imperial CHAMPION!

{A grin on his face, Mike drops the mic as “Cult of Personality” plays again. Mike and Alexis exit the ring as the scene fades to commercial.}

 

{Rachel is stood up behind her desk, leaning over the desk with an "awe" look on her face.}

​

Rachel Grimes: TALK ABOUT A BOMBSHELL! In one match...we had the Imperial Champion, the Roulette Winner AND the previous years Joker In The Pack Winner!?!? History in the making folks and you saw it here in the year 2016!

​

After Mike's history making announcement, Jake would come out during Mike's match with Adam Knite, costing him the match, hitting him with the Ace Plant. Mike would disregard Jake's warning though, and during Jake's match with Adam a week later, he would interfere and the three men would engage in a huge brawl.

​

Then it was time. History was about to be made, and here it is in it's entirety...another Match of the Year Candidate...with the Imperial Title on the line, Mike Laszlo and Jake Conway challenging Roberto Verona for the Imperial Championship...

​

{The scene shifts and we go to Soldier Field in Chicago...}

​

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!!’

 

{The crowd jumps up, certainly knowing they’re in for a treat.}

 

Terri Morasco: I can’t believe this great night is coming to a close.

 

Vasco Dias: Yeah, don’t cry on my shoulder you sissy woman.

 

{"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour hits the sound system, Mike Laszlo walking out onto the stage, followed by Alexis Caffrey, to a negative reaction from the crowd. Surveying those who boo, a grin comes over his face as he heads for the ring with a confident walk, ignoring the outstretched hands of some fans along the isle, Alexis by his side holding his other hand.}

 

Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, accompanied by Alexis Caffrey, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing 237 pounds…MIIIIKE LASZLOOOOO!

 

{The two get to the end of the ramp before Mike lifts Alexis onto the apron. She enters the ring as Mike rolls in under the bottom rope. He climbs the outside ropes to the top rope in the corner nearest the entrance ramp and poses for the crowd amassing a magnitude of booing. He jumps down and goes to the opposite corner and does the same, garnering the same reaction. With a sly grin on his face he jumps down and backs into the corner, clasping his hands together and twirling his wrists as he gets ready for the match.}

 

Terri Morasco: Some people claimed he doesn’t belong here, that he didn’t “earn” it, but that said, he did win the Joker In The Pack match to actually get here.

 

Vasco Dias: That he did, and he is cashing in on the biggest stage in professional wrestling.

 

Alison Valance: And now for the other challenger…

 

{The lights in the arena dim with the opening chords and then start to flash red, green, yellow and purple in rotation as the guitar riff kicks in, joined by the drums.. The titantron shows the silhouette of a woman with her hair blowing across her face and holding a playing card between the forefingers of her right hand, she flips it over in her fingers to reveal the Ace Of Spades, the symbol grows out of the card and gets larger with every repetition of the guitar riff until it envelops the screen. Huge flame pyros explode either side of the ramp as cards begin to fall from the rafters. The circular platform on which The Ace is stood with his back towards us and the Union Jack draped across his shoulders, starts to turn.

 

The platform is decorated to look like a roulette wheel. Slowly it spins a full one-eighty degrees as we now see The Ace take a swig from the water bottle in his right hand and spit the water in the air. After the lyrics to "Brotherhood of Man" by Motorhead kick in, Kathy Conway appears on stage beside her husband and takes his hand as she leads him off the platform. He throws the bottle to one side.

 

Now your time has come

A storm of iron in the sky

War and murder come again

Lucky if you die

 

The couple walks down through the shower of falling cards, hand in hand, Kathy carrying her husband's rake in her other hand.}

 

Alison Valance: Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 260 pounds...he is the winner of the 2016 IWF Roulette Match...JAKE...THE ACE...CONWAAAAAY!!!

 

{No way to rescue destiny

Scream and curse in vain

You will never be remembered

No one knows your name

 

When the music changes

Then all is broken down

Mighty cities laid to ruin

Burn in to the ground

 

The Ace gets to the foot of the ramp and the cards stop falling, the couple share a kiss before The Ace enters the ring himself, climbing the steel steps and getting the offcial to part the ropes for him as he steps through them. He walks over to the adjacent turnbuckle, climbing the second rope whilst an armed Kathy stays at ringside.

 

The Ace raises both arms in the air.

 

Murder has become the law

You cannot make a stand

Chaos rules the world now, mortal

Brotherhood of Man

 

The Ace climbs down and hands the flag over to a stagehand before he walks to the middle of the ring, and the song fades…}

 

Terri Morasco: Here is the winner of the Roulette Match. He went through 29 other men to get here, and indeed has what it takes to get the job done by any means necessary.

 

Vasco Dias: This is the opportunity he fought for and has been waiting for really since that ending of Metamorphosis where Roberto just barely escaped with the title.

 

Alison Valance: And now...the champion…

 

{The lights in the arena all go out at "King of the World" by Porcelain and the Tramps begins to blare out of the PA system. Spotlights begin to scan the crowd before fixating on a figure at the top of the stage which is revealed to be Roberto Verona, his head bowed towards the floor. As cheers being to resonate around the arena Verona raises his head and he begins a slow methodical march down the ramp, the spotlight following him as golden pyro rains down from above on the stage.}

 

Alison Valance: From Firenze, Italy, now residing in Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 220 pounds...he is the IWF IMPERIAL CHAMPION...ROBERTOOOOOO VERONAAAAA!!!

 

{Verona stares with disgust at the crowd who cheer him as he approaches the ring, but he doesn't react to them. As he reaches the steps he slowly ascends them before walking towards the middle of the ring apron, turning around to look into the crowd one last time before looking up and closing his eyes as he stretches his arms out wide and basks in the adulation. After indulging himself Verona climbs into the ring, psyching himself up as he awaits the beginning of the match.}

 

Terri Morasco: Love him or hate him, there’s a reason why this man has been the Imperial Champion longer than anyone in history.

 

Vasco Dias: Yes, because he’s the most sound specimen in all of this business. The skill, the intellect, all of it is simply unmatched.

 

{The bell rings and the referee holds the belt as high as he can, the crowd getting ramped up for the main event as the three men look up at the Imperial Title before eyeing one another and circling the ring, waiting for the first one to make the move before Verona and Ace attack Laszlo, taking him down and stomping him out of the ring to the chagrin of Alexis at ringside who runs over to help him as the two of them square off in the center of the ring.}

 

Terri Morasco: This was the scheduled main event before Laszlo got involved and cashed in his Joker In The Pack Contract.

 

{The two men look from side to side as the anxious crowd cheer them on. They then talk a little trash before the two come to blows, quickly exchanging lefts and right to the cheering of the crowd, neither getting the advantage, but both quickly turning as Laszlo flies through the air off a springboard and takes both men down with a Springboard Clothesline!}

 

Vasco Dias: Talk about out of nowhere!

 

Terri Morasco: They thought they had taken Mike out of this match, but he’s shown up and made an impact already.

 

{Mike grabs hold of Ace and throws him out of the ring where his wife checks on him before turning to Verona who is staggering to his feet before Mike punts him right in the ribs. Verona flips to his back, clutching at his side before Mike stomps directly on his stomach, sending a wave of punishment through his body.}

 

Terri Morasco: And just like that, Mike has taken control.

 

Vasco Dias: Not so fast…

 

{Ace is back in the ring and spins Laszlo around, blasting him with shots to the face that rock the JITP winner, pushing him back into the ropes before shooting him to the far side, lifting him into the air and executing a near flawless Tilt-a-Whirl Sideslam! He jumps on the cover and looks for the win, only getting a two count before Mike shoots his shoulder off the mat.}

 

Terri Morasco: The Ace with the first high impact move of the match, with that Tilt-A-Whirl Slam.

 

Vasco Dias: It’ll take more than that to keep Mike down. We’ve seen it in the past.

 

{Ace goes to grab hold of Laszlo before he’s blasted from behind by Verona with a clubbing blow to the back. Ace turns and gets clubbed a few more times before Verona hooks him up and spins him down violently to the mat with a Swinging Neckbreaker! He too is quick to a cover, but only gets a two count before Ace gets the shoulder off the mat.}

 

Vasco Dias: This one is going back and forth, neither of these three getting the advantage.

 

Terri Morasco: These are three of the top stars in our industry today. To keep one down for the three count will be extremely difficult with the richest prize in our game on the line.

 

{Verona turns but gets blasted in the face by Laszlo and a Superkick, sending him rolling to the outside of the ring as Mike now turns his attention to Conway who is now on his stomach, trying to push his way back up, only to have the ultra-aggresive Laszlo grab him by the hair, boot him in the gut, hooking both arms and nailing him with the “Welcome to the C-L-E” Double Underhook Backbreaker, going for the cover but getting a two count as Verona somehow breaks up the cover, saving his title.}

 

Terri Morasco: That was a close one. Verona may have seen his title slipping away.

 

Vasco Dias: One reason I hate Triple Threats...the advantage of being the champion is null and void.

 

{The three men are all down with Laszlo being the first to his feet, followed by Verona. The two men see one another and step forward, Laszlo delivering the first blow, followed by Verona with the second. They go back and forth before Laszlo goes with a knee to the midsection, doubling Verona over due to the rib damage earlier in the match. He throws Verona through the middle rope, but locks onto his head, looking for “The Executioner” DDT, but instead, gets crippled with a Chop Block to his surgically repaired knee by Jake from behind.}

 

Vasco Dias: How smart is that!?

 

Terri Morasco: I was wondering how long it would be before that knee became an issue.

 

{Mike grasps at his leg as he rolls away, Jake, kneeing Verona in the head, sending him to the floor below. Ace then turns his attention to Laszlo who is in quite a bit of pain. Jake grabs hold of the bad leg and continues to stomp away, only to then pull Laszlo to his feet before taking him back down with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip, torquing at that knee again, keeping a grasp on it before lifting the other leg, and locking in the SHARPSHOOTER!!! All the pressure is on Mike’s bad knee and it’s locked in the center of the ring!!!}

 

Terri Morasco: THIS COULD BE IT!!

 

Vasco Dias: Mike’s bad leg is wrapped up tight...I don’t think he can withstand the pressure the Ace is putting on here!!!

 

{Mike squirms and does his best to get out of the hold, biting his own hand to coax away the pain. He crawls to the ropes and grabs hold of them, to no avail, but gets up to the second rope to alleviate some of the pressure. Ace tries to pull him off the ropes, but to no avail as Laszlo holds on for dear life, only letting go as he tucks himself downward and rolls out of the hold!}

 

Vasco Dias: How the hell did he get out of that!?

 

Terri Morasco: Straight up resourcefulness, using the ropes to relieve the pressure.

 

{Ace goes to lock in the Sharpshooter again but Laszlo pulls him down into a small package cover opportunity, but only gets a two count. Both men are to their feet, Ace looks for a Superkick of his own, but Laszlo ducks, going behind Ace and hitting him with a German Suplex...WITH A BRIDGE!!!

 

1!

 

2!!

 

NO!!! Verona breaks up the pin attempt!}

 

Vasco Dias: Now we’re getting down to the wire.

 

Terri Morasco: Each of these men pulling out all the stops.

 

{Verona quickly heads to the ropes and upon the rebound, nails a now on his knees Laszlo with a knee straight to the face! He then grabs hold of a stunned Ace and pulls him into the “Fallen Idol” (Crucifix Powerbomb)!!

 

He goes for the cover…

 

1!

 

2!!

 

NO! LASZLO DIVES IN FOR THE SAVE!}

 

Terri Morasco: Neither one of these men can stand to let this match end unless they’re on the winning end!

 

Vasco Dias: That’s kind of the point.

 

{All three men are down as the crowd starts a “This is AWESOME!!” Chant.}

 

Terri Morasco: This crowd letting the men in the ring know that they appreciate the sacrifices they’re making for the purpose of entertainment!

 

Vasco Dias: That’s all well and good, but I don’t think the guys in the ring give a crap.

 

{The three men get to their feet as the crowd urges them on. Mike is first with a shot to Verona. Then Ace joins in with a shot of his own on the champion. Mike then hits Ace. Verona hits Mike. The round robin continues as Ace and Roberto grab each other’s hand and try to Double Clothesline Laszlo, but he ducks and hits the ropes, returning with a lunge forward, grabbing hold of both men’s heads and dropping them back with a HUGE DOUBLE DDT!!!

 

The crowd erupts as Mike slowly covers Verona, only getting a two count in the process before grabbing hold of Ace and hooking the leg, garnering the same result!}

 

Terri Morasco: What will it take for these men to put each other down!?

 

Vasco Dias: I don’t know, but this is great television!

 

{Mike seems frustrated as he sits up to his feet, slapping the mat in anger as he stares down Verona, signaling for the end!}

 

Vasco Dias: He has his sights on the champion!

 

{Mike waits for Verona to get up and twirls his body around...LOCKING VERONA IN THE ENTANGLEMENT!!!}

 

Terri Morasco: He’s got the Entanglement locked on in the center of the ring! There’s nowhere for the champion to go!

 

Vasco Dias: We might be seeing the end of a reign!

 

{Mike wrenches back on the hold as Verona struggles, somehow getting a couple of steps closer to the ropes, but then drops to a knee!}

 

Terri Morasco: Verona is fading!

 

Vasco Dias: LOOK OUT!

 

{The Ace comes in from behind and with Laszlo in position, hits the FAMEACER!!!}

 

Terri Morasco: He just hit the FameAcer on Laszlo, causing him to break the hold!

 

Vasco Dias: What a move!

 

{Laszlo rolls out of the ring, being mere feet from the ropes as Ace eyes up Roberto who is clutching at his shoulder in pain. Roberto gets on all fours and Ace runs in...FAMEACER AGAIN!!!

 

He hooks the leg…

 

1!

 

2!!

 

Laszlo tries to intervene as the referee’s hand is coming down...and right as it hits for three...Verona hits Ace with Brass Knuckles on the blind side in a last ditch effort. The referee calls for the bell as Laszlo’s hands go over his head. The referee looks down at Verona, Brass Knuckles still on his hand and a smile on his face.

 

The referee leans out of the ring and explains to Ally what is going on to which she announces to the crowd…}

 

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen...your winner of the match via disqualification...JAKE “THE ACE” CONWAAAAY!!

 

Terri Morasco: DISQUALIFICATION!? HE PINNED HIM!!!

 

Vasco Dias: VERONA GOT THE SHOT IN FIRST!! GENIUS!!

 

Alison Valance: However, the championship cannot change hands via disqualification, and therefore, STILL...IWF IMPERIAL CHAMPION...ROBERTOOOOO VERONAAAAAAA!!!

 

Terri Morasco: I can’t believe this crock of absolute shit!

 

Vasco Dias: Terri! It was a genius plan!

 

Terri Morasco: He just ruined the main event of the biggest event of the year!!!

 

{“King of the World” plays as the World Wide crowd in attendance boos the outcome. Verona gets up to his feet and holds the title high overhead. He then climbs the turnbuckle repeating the process as pyro goes off all around him from the top of the arena. The Night Of Immortals logo appears on the screen as we focus on his smiling face before cutting to the highlight video at the end of the show.}

​

{The scene shifts back to Rachel who has a disgusted look on her face.}

​

Rachel Grimes: The audacity of Roberto Verona to ruin a classic match like that the way he did...just despicable. He wouldn't get away with ruining the biggest show of the year though...because the board of directors would STRIP him of the Imperial Championship due to the abuse of power. Verona wouldn't comply though and would instead taunt the board and Conways first by introducing Joey Leroux as his liaison, getting under the skin of Simon and costing Kathy a match in the Heiress to the Throne.

​

There was only one way in which this could end, and on August 15th, The Ace returned and made the challenge...

​

{We return to another arena, this time the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.}​