4. HOUSE SHOW - The Underground 24 Sep 2016

Crumb: WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE UNDERGROUND!!

The web streaming pans about the capacity crowd of about one hundred or so people. Signs, banners, and posters are sprinkled throughout the crowd such as “I Miss GZW2K1”, “Give Us Icon Lord Kellar vs. Icon T-Rex”, and “How Do I Sign Up?!” The camera finally lands on the commentating table near ringside where The Stooges – Patrick Nelson, Todd Crumb, and Joshua Samson – are seated.

Nelson: We are streaming live from the Underground Zero Trouble Trax located in Atlanta, Georgia!

Samson: Good God, how the mighty have fallen!

Crumb: What are you talking about, Joshua?

Samson: I’m talking about this…all of this, Crumbbum! This time last year we were commentating in sold out world arenas for a global wrestling company. Now look at us. This is freakin’ pitiful!

Nelson: It is not that bad, Samson.

Samson: The hell you say, Patticake! Good thing we still have contracts with HKWF and UJW. We do have contracts with them still right?

Nelson: Yes, Samson, we still do, but we have also negotiated terms to continue to assist Underground Zero in its time of need.
Samson: I don’t remember negotiating anything.

Crumb: It was all a part of those contracts I had you sign the other day. You said you didn’t have to worry about reading them before you signed them.

Samson: What the hell?!

Nelson: Anyway, we have an exciting night of wrestling in store on this inaugural Underground show!

Crumb: Yes we do. Three solid matches. Roxana Velazquez takes on Jazmin Davis. Rickey Gaines versus The Mongrel in a debut match. And finally Sophia Wilson battles against John Champa.

Samson: Don’t care. The Mongrel. John Champa.

Nelson: Way to be a professional, Samson.

Samson: I do what I do, Patticake.

Nelson: Anyway without further delay, welcome, wrestling world, to Underground Zero’s The Underground!




Torres: The following contest is set for one fall!!!

Roxana is already waiting in the ring.

Samson: Who in the hell is this Roxana chick?!

Crumb: You really have no clue about anything, huh?

Samson: I know you’re still a bumbling tool, Crumbbum!

Crumb: Hey! Take that back!

Samson: I would if I could but I can’t…

Nelson: Settle down, children. To answer your question, Samson, Roxana Velazquez is one of Underground Zero’s first students to enroll for wrestling training.

Samson: You mean to tell me that the Icon Circle are really pushing the school aspect of UGZ instead of strictly being a wrestling organization?

"Real World" by All American Rejects begins to play and Jazmin Davis appears at the entrance doors. She tosses her arms up in the air, catching a positive reaction in return. Jaz smiles, the warm welcome seeming to grow on her. She begins to make her way down to the ring, stretching an arm out to slap hands with the fans as she passes. Trotting up the steps, she winks cockily to the crowd before climbing in to prepare for the match.







Crumb: Here is the super talented Jazmin Davis!

Samson: More like super spoiled! Talk about nepotism!

Nelson: Samson, you know that is not true. Granted, Davis spent a year long tutelage under the watchful eyes of former GroundZero Wrestling 2K1 greats does not mean that she has not earned everything she is working on.

Samson: Pfffttt….her and her brother, Stephon, are spoiled rotten and you best believe the wrestling world has something in store for them.

Nelson: What are you talking about, Samson? Are you planning…

Suddenly, the lights go out.

Crumb: Did the Icon Circle forget to pay the bill?

Nelson: I do not...

Samson: They did?!

Nelson: No!

Crumb: Then…

As the crowd murmurs, a red strobe effect kicks in, bathing the arena in strange shadows. Suddenly, something splashes over the ring. The strobe light goes away and the lights come back on to show Roxana and Jazmin both covered in red liquid.

Crumb: Oh… no…

Nelson: We know what this probably means!

Samson: Yes… yes, we do…

As Roxana looks around in confusion, seemingly unfazed Jazmin quickly springs into action. Jazmin hits Roxana with a wicked superkick. Roxana goes down hard. Jazmin pulls her right back up and performs Valium Skies (contra code).
Nelson: What a brilliant display by Jazmin Davis!
Jazmin covers, hooking the leg.

One…

Two…

THREE!!!

Crumb: WHAT CAN JAZMIN DAVIS BE THINKING AS SHE SCORES A BIG WIN HERE TONIGHT AT THE UNDERGROUND?!?!

Samson: Probably, “if it weren't for the distraction, this Roxana chick would have probably kicked my ass!”

Suddenly, the lights go out again and psychotic laughter rings out through the Trouble Trax.

Nelson: I guess we know who to credit now, do we not?

Crumb and Samson: Red Dragon.

The lights come back on and Jazmin is in the ring alone nodding to the notion of a coming big fight.





Backstage there is a bit of a hubbub going on, with several wrestlers and students all gathered in a corner of the locker room, excitedly murmuring. Our intrepid backstage interviewer approaches to check out the scene, and spots something that makes his face light up. With a frantic wave of his hand he signals his camera operator to follow him.

Jason: 'Scuse me, pardon me, coming through.

The throng parts slightly to grant him admittance, and in the process reveals the object of their interest: Vernon Vanderbilt himself is backstage here at Underground Zero!

Jason: Ohmigosh! Vernon! Vernon Vanderbilt! Can I get a minute for the fans?

Vernon eyes the young man, his gaze caressing him head to toe before speaking.

Vernon: I don't know you.

Jason: No, I'm Jason…

Vernon: …Nevermind. You're an interviewer, I assume? You don't look like the type who's going to be beating anyone up.
Jason: Well, yes.

Vernon grins mischievously, eyebrow cocked.

Vernon: I'll give you three questions, and if I feel the experience has been...fruitful, I'll let you...ask me some more sometime.

Vanderbilt licks his lips as Jason nervously clears his throat.

Jason: Okay. Um. So, where have you been?

Vernon's eyebrow drops as he sighs quietly.

Vernon: Here, there, everywhere. Less here, more there. Around.

Jason: Like…?

Vernon: Is that going to be your second question?

He glances around at the young performers and prospects, smiling.

Vernon: You have to keep them in line, kids. Remember this. You're the reason for the interview.

He turns back to Jason.

Vernon: Next question.

Jason: How have you been enjoying your retirement?

Vernon: Who told you I was retired? I didn't.

Jason: Well, I mean…

Vernon: I fight when I feel like fighting. When you're a legend in the flesh, that's a privilege you get. I go to battle on my own terms, thank you.

Jason: Sorry. It's just, we haven't seen anything from you for several years now.

Vernon: Is that so? Are you sure about that?

Jason stammers a bit. Vernon gently pats him on the top of his head.

Vernon: Forgiven, child, fret not. I'll enlighten you another time. What's your last question? I do have admirers to attend to, after all.

He gestures to the youngsters surrounding him.

Jason: Are we going to see you in a UGZ ring anytime soon?

Vernon thoughtfully strokes his goatee, considering his answer.

Vernon: I never say never, but it's simply too soon to answer definitively one way or the other. Let me check out the show and see what the talent pool looks like. I'm an event-level talent, you know, so if I'm going to wrestle, I need to see that there's a worthy opponent first.

He winks at one of the students.

Vernon: Who wants some pictures? I know you kids are all about the selfies. Did you know I invented the selfie?

The group gathers around him as he whips out his phone and holds it up.

Vernon: Everyone crowd in if you want in this shot. Don't be shy now. Say “Sleaze!”

Everyone: Sleaze!

He snaps the pic and takes a look at it.

Vernon: First try perfection, kids. Check the Instagram later.

He starts to put the phone away, then reconsiders and hands it to Jason.

Vernon: Would you mind snapping a few for me? I'm sure some of these fine lads and lasses would love to get one-on-one shots with moi.

Jason: Oh, sure.

Jason readies his shot as Vernon examines the group. He makes a decision and extends his hand.

Vernon: Would you like to go first, milady? What's your name?

Jennifer: Jennifer Fuller, sir. It's an honor.

Vernon: Aren't you a strapping young thing? Let's have a little fun, eh? How about an action shot?

Jennifer: Sure, that sounds great.

Vernon: Let's see, how about I put you in a headlock? That's a classic pose, one you can share with your family and friends.

Jennifer: Okay, cool.

She bends forward and Vernon cinches her head. They both smile for the camera.

Jason: In three...two…

As Jason reaches one and snaps, Vernon suddenly smashes Jennifer in the face with a closed fist, stunning the young competitor as he throws her forward to the floor. The others gasp and step back as Jason scrambles to get out of the way of her falling body.

Vernon: Now THAT is a shot to remember, no?

He reaches down and grabs her by the hair, dragging her back to her feet. A trickle of blood drips down her face from a laceration on her forehead. Vernon holds her face against his own.

Vernon: Get another picture!

Jason: I…

Vernon: TAKE THE PICTURE!

Jason dutifully snaps again. Satisfied, Vernon lets her go. She's wobbly and dazed, but still standing.

Vernon: Now pay attention, kids. Learn from the master here.

He rears back and drives his fist right into her heart. Jennifer drops like a sandbag. The rest of the group is in shock, unsure what to make of this. Vernon's grin doesn't fade as he turns to address them.

Vernon: The most important rule in the wrestling game – always be ready, because someone always wants to take you out. Don't end up like young Ms. Fuller here.

He kicks her hard in the ribs to punctuate his point. Jennifer groans in pain.

Vernon: If you can't stand the heat, step away from the Furnace.

He winks at the camera.

Vernon: Thus endeth the lesson. Looks like it's the first one that's been taught in this building.

He turns to Jason, who flinches and cowers in response.

Vernon: Tell those so-called Icons that one of them should really call me sometime. I haven't heard from them in ages.

Jason nods nervously.

Vernon: Well, what are you waiting for? Go!

Jason scurries off before Vernon can hit him, too.

Vernon: Underground Zero? I think this place needs a Plus One.

With one last leer at the youths, he saunters off to who knows where.











“light em up” by fall out boy begins to play. Ryan simply walks to the ring occasionally touching hands with some of the ringside audience. In the ring he stands on the second turnbuckle and signals to the crowd.

Nelson: This young man, Ryan Gaines, is looking to prove what he is capable of tonight in his Underground Zero debut!

Samson: Anyone that has to try and prove ANYTHING against Mongrel is in a very bad place...

"No Rest for the Wicked" by Godsmack hits the arena sound system as The Mongrel appears at the entrance doors. He stands in silence, glaring at the ring with a look of pure malice on his face. After a few seconds, he calmly walks to the ring.

Crumb: Everything about this man is scary...

Nelson: That is a bit of an understatement, Crumb!

Referee Tobias Ulrich looks at both men to make sure they're ready before calling for the bell, making the match officially underway.


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Samson: Probably, “I wonder if McDonald’s is still hiring?!”

Mongrel then covers.

One…

Two…

THREE!!

Nelson: A dominant performance by The Mongrel!

Samson: I think you're putting it lightly!

Mongrel is back to his feet and motions for a microphone. One is quickly given to him.

Mongrel: Mister Raab. Mister Konrad Raab. I was informed you were engaged in intensive training for upcoming bouts on your tour of your Fatherland. I extend to you the utmost success in your bid for the United States Championship for Supreme Championship Wrestling. And for those commitments, I understand your absence here tonight.

Nelson: As just explained by The Mongrel, Raab is currently in Germany competing for Supreme Championship Wrestling.

Mongrel: But, Mister Raab, that doesn’t excuse you from that paltry attempt at a rebuttal to my initial challenge. I admit I am a man of very little words as I prefer to allow my physical actions in the ring to speak for me but you clearly must be unaware that the verbal sparring between pitted opponents is the lynchpin of business of our beloved sport. And in that, sir, you have failed.

The giant of a man shifts weight from one leg to the other.

Mongrel: You have failed to entice the imagination of the wrestling world, Mister Raab. You have failed to ignite within me the blazing inferno that I so desired in a potential worthy adversary. Your shortcomings on the microphone are only sated by the expressed opinion of Icon Lord Jon Kellar that you indeed do have the moxie to excel within this squared ring. While Icon Lord Kellar and I have never seen quite eye-to-eye on very much, I do place weighted value on his perspective on wrestling talent. As such judgment shall be deferred for the moment.

Samson: The hell with Lord Fathead!

Crumb: Shhh!

Mongrel: I implore you, Mister Raab, to utilize the therapy sessions that you and your trainer so willingly boast about upon the Twitter social media platform. Use the methods taught to you in order to evoke any kind of reaction besides that of “blah”. I have faith in you, Mister Raab. I believe that you can muster what it will take for you, for us, to fulfill what can still be an epic encounter.

“No Rest for the Wicked” cranks back up as Mongrel exits the ring.

Crumb: It’s scary how calm Mongrel is right now.

Nelson: It is much like the calm before the storm.

Samson: If Konnie was smart he would lose his passport and stay in Germany instead of coming back to America to face Mongrel.









"Princess of China" fills the arena, and the crowd sings along with the "OHHHHH" as they await Sophia's arrival.

When the "OHHH" stops and the vocals start, Sophia emerges from behind the curtain. She walks to the ring, arms out wide and her head down and hidden under a silver hooded jacket. She looks focussed and determined as the crowd continue to join in on the "OHHHHH"s.

When she reaches the ring, she jumps up onto the ring apron, grabs the top rope and leaps over it. She lands in the ring and rolls into a crouched position, holding that pose for a few seconds before throwing back her hood and standing, spreading her arms out wide. She retreats to the corner and removes her jacket.

Crumb: Did Sophia really just get… sort of… cheered?

Nelson: Well, she did have a five star against Amanda Reynolds at the Supercard last month.

Samson: I suppose Champa has done a lot to make them all hate him too.

"Greatness in the Flesh" flashes across the screen, as the arena's lights begin to strobe throughout the arena.



John Champa walks out and stands in the entrance way as pyro shoots off, and a spotlight shines down on him.



John walks cockily down the aisle to a chorus of boos from the crowd.



As he reaches the ring, he jumps on to the apron and enters the ring. The spotlight still on him, John stands in the center of the ring, his arms stretched out welcoming the crowds reaction.

Nelson: Love him or hate him, there is no denying that John Champa will garner some kind of emotion from you.

Samson: Champa is the prototype of a bad guy, Patticake…he’s the bad guy’s bad guy!







Crumb: HERE WE GO!!

As the bell sounds, Champa moves in before Sophia can do anything and drills her with a high knee to the face that smashes her back into the corner. Taking a headlock on Sophia, Champa peels her over and launches her across the ring. Sophia hits hard against the turnbuckles. Champa pulls her out and puts her in an abdominal stretch. Sophia grimaces in pain and tries to strike her way out. Champa smirks, spins, and gives her a big hiptoss. Sophia catches big air before crashing to the mat. Champa follows with a cover.

One…

Two…

Thr…KICKOUT!

Samson: Who in the hell booked this match?! Do you guys see how overwhelmed Lord Fathead’s lover is?

Crumb: Joshua, you know that Sophia IS NOT Icon Lord Jon Kellar’s lover but his niece!

Samson: You believe what you want to believe and I know what I know but it doesn’t take away from the fact that Sophia is grossly overmatched in there against my boy Champa!

Champa sits Sophia up and puts his knee between her shoulderblades. He pulls back on her arms, appearing to be trying to both tear her in half and pull the arms out of the sockets at the same time. Sophia cries out in pain. Champa grins and pulls harder.
Sophia groans some more.

Nelson: Wilson is in excruciating pain!

Champa switches to a chinlock and Sophia turns into him, biting his nose.

Samson: WHAT THE HELL?!

Champa releases his grip and Sophia lets go of him, clapping around his head. Champa clutches at his ears as Sophia pulls him into a small package.

One…

Two…

Th…KICKOUT!!!

Crumb: Sophia almost had the three count!

Champa goes for a reversal but Sophia squirms out and rolls to the ropes. She pops up, springboards off the ropes and catches Champa for a flying tornado DDT. She covers, hooking the leg.

One…

Two…

TH…KICKOUT!!!

Champa pulls her over into a backslide.

One…

Two…

THR…KICKOUT!!!

As they rise, Champa clotheslines Sophia down and then drops an elbow to chest. He rolls over and covers.

One…

Two…

THRE…SHOULDER UP!!!

Sophia rolls him over into a crucifix but Champa gets out and then away before any count can be made.

Nelson: What a display of near misses and pinfall attempts!

Crumb: As great as Champa is there is no discounting Sophia. She was trained by her uncle and has had extensive wrestling tours in Japan over the past four years since she debuted with GZW2K1 in 2012.

Samson: Yet none of that is going to save her from this butt whooping!

Sophia gets up and headbutts Champa in the stomach. Champa staggers back and Sophia spins to connect with her Silverstrike (buzzsaw kick). Champa goes down and Sophia slaps on the Silverlock (omoplata crossface).

Crumb: This could be it! This could be it!

Samson: Can you yell it any louder?!

Nelson: Wilson has the Silverlock locked in super tight!

As Champa writhes in pain in the hold, two men wearing camouflage pants and boots jump the railing and dive into the ring.

Crumb: WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY DOING OUT HERE?!

Samson: UGZ let me officially introduce you to the newest members of the Samson Family… Eric and Dexter Calloway…together known as The Heathens!

They start putting the boots to Sophia and eventually knock her loose.

Nelson: This is totally uncalled for, Samson, and you know it! There is no reason whatsoever for your men to come out here and interrupt this match!

As Champa starts to get up Eric hits a wheelbarrow suplex while Dexter adds a sitout rear mat slam to drive Sophia's head into the mat.

Samson: The Heathens call that move Southern Pride and I can’t be more proud of them!

Crumb: This is sick! Just sick!

The Heathens lift a barely conscious Sophia up by either arm as Champa sizes her up. The brothers whip here forward to Champa, who springs into action and drops her with Star-struck (RKO).

Torres: Ladies and gentlemen….the winner of this match by disqualification…SOPHIA WILSON!!!

Crumb: I don’t think Champa cares about if he won this match or not!

Samson: Of course he does! Champa was the winner of this match the moment he showed up here tonight.

Nelson: This is deplorable! The Icon Circle surely has to issue out sanctions against not only John Champa but you and your Heathens, Samson!

Suddenly “Invincible” by Adelitas Way blares throughout the Trax drawing everyone in attendance to the entrance doors, including Champa and The Heathens.

Samson: It can’t be! He’s been banned for life from GZW2K1!

Crumb: This isn’t GZW2K1, Joshua! And it is him!

The double doors open and rushing down the aisle is Alex Cross, steel chair in hand, followed by two rugged looking men.

Nelson: Ladies and gentlemen, Alex Cross is here at The Underground!

Crumb: And he brought reinforcement! That’s Zachary Ryan and Colton Storm, together known as the tag team Southern Xchange!

Samson: What the hell?! WHAT THE HELL?!

As Alex and Southern Xchange hit the ring to take on the awaiting Champa and the Heathens the feed ends to the sound of Patrick Nelson’s screaming voice.

Nelson: WE ARE OUT OF TIME! WE ARE OUT OF TIME!