Crest Fall

ROH! ROH! ROH! ROH!

The chants of ROH echo throughout the entire building as things cut backstage to the Sour & Sweet Incorporated of Chris Hero, Davey Richards, and Eddie Edwards lead by their agent Larry Sweeney. With a mic in his hands and his usual golden locks and sunglasses adorning his face, Sweeney took to the mic for the group.

Larry Sweeney: Ha ha ha ha, listen up!!! Sweet and Sour Inc. is going to set themselves above all others tonight right here in ROH! Since after all, I don’t settle for nothing, and I mean nothing, less then the best. The very best! And here in ROH, I own the best of everything: The youngest, greatest talent of the next generation in Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, The American Wolves! They are not only the best of the young talent, they are not only your future, tonight, they are going to prove that they are you present, I’ll say it again, PRESENT, greatest tag team in not only ROH, but in the entire world. Cause tonight, when they pin the Briscoe Brothers, one, two, three, flat against the mat, they’ll show each and one of you ham and eggers just what they are made of. You ready boys?

Sweeney pats Richards chest, causing him to arrogantly smile while

Davey Richards: You got it boss.

Eddie Edwards: Hey L-

Chris Hero: Whoa, whoa, whoa, Larry, I think you are forgetting about something.

Larry Sweeney: Don’t worry Chris, I haven’t forgotten anything! How can you even think I’d forget you, my star client! Tonight, the American Wolves are not the only thing on attraction. No, no, no, we have my hero, your hero, the hero of ROH! That Young….Knockout Kid….CHRIS….HERO!!!

Hero takes the mic in hand from Sweeney planning to deliver his own message. He didn’t need Sweeney to voice things for him.

Chris Hero: Bryan Danielson is widely consider the “Best Wrestler in the World”

The rest of Sour and Sweet made quotation marks in air with Hero as he spoke of Danielson’s nickname.

Chris Hero: I’m the most dominate athlete in ROH. I’ve proven myself repeatedly that I’m on a level that’s superior to all around here throughout all the years I’ve been wrestling. So, if Bryan Danielson really wants to call himself “The Best Wrestler in the World,” I suggest you beat the TRUE greatest wrestler in Ring of Honor, Chris Hero.

Chris hands Sweeney mic as he and Sour and Sweet begins to walk away.

Larry Sweeney: Get ready Dragon, Briscoes! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Sweeney dropped the mic in dramatic fashion and strutted in the ring with Davey Richards as Eddie Edwards watched on and did a sort of spasm with his arms that was in his mind a killer-dance move. Sweeney clapped the American Wolves on the backs and led them out of the ring, following Chris Hero back to the locker rooms.

Back in the ring, Bobby Cruise had gotten into the ring with a bundle of cards, getting some anxious cheers and "Woos!" from the crowd that knew a match was coming up. As usual with Ring of Honor pre-match events, Todd Sinclair entered the arena and climbed into the ring, and as usual the crowd booed him every step of the way.

The lights dim in the building as people begin hitting the barricades rapidly and loud, yelling out in delight as the first entrance began. “Metal Health” began playing across the PA as Necro Butcher stepped through the curtain and made his way to the ring, the crowd cheering him on as Necro enters and paces around the ring like a caged animal. The PA changes as “We Will Rock You” intro began and the crowd began beating along to the beat. Then, the quick switch in song to “I got the have it” happened as Claudio Castagnoli stepped out at the top of the ramp with Halliburton in hand. Double C paced down to the ring, sliding in and going to the top rope to deliver his trademark “HEY!” The crowd response echo backed his HEY. The music finished up as Castagnoli, Butcher stood in the opposite corner, and introductions began.

The crowd couldn't believe it! Necro just beat Claudio Castagnoli! The chanted and cheered as Necro's arm was raised, surprising even him at what he had just done. Necro celebrated in the ring and around ringside as Claudio sat up, loopy from the hard battle with the Necro Butcher. Claudio rolled out of the ring and crawled, staggered, and stumbled his way to the back as Necro gave a big salute to the crowd before disappearing behind the curtain after him.

We headed backstage to a crowded hallway, where wrestlers and staff were gathered around monitors watching the show, huddled into groups in deep conversation, and throwing a few jabs and uppercuts in preparation for their upcoming matches. At the end of the hallway, the curtain that led to the ring was thrown open and a sweaty Claudio Castagnoli stumbled through. He had a bruise on the top of his head the size of an egg, no doubt the signs of a recent match with the Necro Butcher. Claudio made his way through the hall, pushing some out of his path along the way. Ring of Honor interviewer Kyle Durden appeared in front of the camera and approached Claudio Castagnoli.

Kyle Durden: Claudio! Claudio! Can we have a minute?

Claudio Castagnoli: Kyle, if you don't get out of my way you can have your Adam's Apple for dinner after I uppercut the crap out of it! Now get out of my way!

Claudio stormed past Kyle who helplessly looked at the camera. Next came the Necro Butcher through the curtain, just as bruised and sweaty as Claudio, only difference was that he had the winner's smile on his face. He was grabbing his chin and neck in pain, no doubt the signs of a recent match with Claudio Castagnoli. He staggered through, pushing some out of the way gently (not like Claudio who practically threw them aside), and Kyle Durden pushed forward for an interview.

Kyle Durden: Necro! Necro! Can we have a minute!

Necro stopped before Kyle and massaged his chin, giving one big exhale of air as he opened his mouth to speak. But before he could, Daizee Haze appeared and marched Necro away, but not before turning around and giving Kyle Durden some advice.

Daizee Haze: Are you a complete idiot? It's no wonder why no one will give you an interview, you keep on asking them after their matches!

Durden's shoulders slumped and he rubbed his forearm against his head roughly in irritation. Daizee threw Necro's arm around her for support and she led him towards the locker room.

Daizee Haze: Necro, I need to ask you for a favor. It's about Delirious... I need you to...

But Daizee's words faded away as they moved further away from the cameras and disappeared down the opposite hallways toward the locker rooms. Suddenly, Kyle Durden jumped at someone slapping him hard on the back.

???: Hey! Hey! Hey!

The cameras turned and revealed the Human Tornado.

Kyle Durden: Human Tornado! What's up? Hey, do you know anyone that wants an interview?

Human Tornado: Do I know who wants an interview? Heh. Kyle, of course I do!

Kyle Durden: Great! Can you tell me someone who does? Anyone!

Human Tornado: Me, of course!

And Tornado smirked a blinding-white smile.

Kyle Durden: Oh, well... uhh, nah, that's alright.

And Kyle led the camera crew away, but Tornado chased after them. He shoved Durden out of the way and grabbed the camera man, who tried to get away but Tornado trapped him against the wall with his arms.

Human Tornado: There we go. Turden, you're gonna feel bad that you didn't give the Human Tornado this interview, because H-Tizzle's got a lot to say. Last year I made my debut in Ring of Honor, and well, I think we can all agree that I didn't get to do anything. You can't blame that on me, because just as I was getting started, my damn knee gave out and next thing Tornado knows, he's out sidelined with an injury for the next year. I had to go work at a frickin' Dairy Queen just to pay my mortgage! What kind of bullshit is that?! Some hater with a voodoo doll must have wanted vengeance against H-Tizzle, but yo, you should have known that you can't hold the Human Tornado down! And as you can see, I'm back, and I'm better than ever, and now I'm aiming to be the best! You see ROH offers the most prestigious title in the entire world, and some say that if you hold that title, then you're the best wrestler in the world... Well, I'm not sure about all that, but one thing I do know is that wrestling titles are one big P-Magnet, so long it's actually made out of metal and not cardboard, haha. And that ROH World Title's gotta be one huge P-Magnet... I bet even Danielson got some when he had that belt! My sister wouldn't even do him and she's three hundred pounds with cankles! You imagine the sort of business H-Tizzle would start having if he had the ROH World Title gleaming around his waist on the streets of LA? I'll run LA With that title, yo!

Durden stumbled to his feet, at last and interrupted Tornado.

Kyle Durden: Uhh, Tornado, I'm not sure if we're exactly allowed to say “P-Magnet.”

Human Tornado: Why not? It's true! Alright, since you ugly-ass crackas don't understand H-Tizzle's lifestyle, I'll play your game. You wanna know the real reason Human Tornado wants that ROH World Title? Because Nigel McGuinness is boring as Hell! Bryan Danielson is boring as Hell! Tyler Black is boring as Hell! You ask me, these ROH fans want a little more bang for their buck, and I'm the one that can provide that bang! I'm full of flash, I'm rollin' in cash, and I'm kickin' ass! H-Tizzle is hungry for some competition, and someone told me that if I wanted competition then becoming the ROH World Champion was the way to go. Wrestlers from all around the world will be eying you, well I say let them stare, let them come and try to beat me, and let them go back to their third world countries with their tails between their legs! Now, you Nigel McGuinness---

???: Yes?

Tornado turned and nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of the ROH World Champion.

Nigel McGuinness: Did you need something from me, Mr. Tizzle?

Human Tornado: Yo man, you can't just jump out at me like that! You do that in LA and you get a knife in your chest!

Nigel McGuinness: Sure, I bet. Now darling, what did you need from me?

Tornado thought about it for a moment, scratching his chin and X-Raying Nigel McGuinness out of the corner of his eye.

Human Tornado: Aight, I'll tell you. Nigel, I want that ROH World Title and I want it ASAP! These fans are tired of you... I haven't even been in ROH for a year and I'm tired of you too! The ROH fans want someone different, and there ain't much different than a tea-drinkin' Brit like you than a stylin' and profilin' P.I.M.P. from Los Angeles!

Nigel McGuinness: Look at that Turden, isn't he cute? So Mr. Tizzle, you want a shot at the ROH World Champion? You want Nigel McGuinness? Well you got him then! You see, in a couple weeks I hear I got myself quite the challenge. Pro Wrestling NOAH is sending someone over, certainly hoping that one of their kids can slay the monster that's destroyed so many of theirs. Well Human Tornado, that ain't gonna happen. But I could definitely use a test... a warm up... And since you're here, rambling on, why the hell not? Next week: Nigel McGuinness versus Human Tornado for the ROH World Championship! And guess what? Since you apparently love competition so much, you'll get to face NOAH's boy if you beat me... Hahahaha, but we all know that's not going to happen either, is it, Mr. Tizzle?

Nigel smirked down at Tornado then stood up straight, took the title off of his shoulder and fastened it around his waist backwards, so that the plate was against his back, insinuating that “everyone who wanted this belt could kiss the champ's ass.” Nigel strutted away, his head held high.

Human Tornado: Oh yeah, well, you're wrong, Nigel! A storm is coming next week, and this tornado is going to be spinning circles all around you when I become the new ROH World Champion!

Nigel McGuinness: Ahahaha, that's so adorable! Can we keep him?

Tornado's face scrunched up in anger as Nigel disappeared around the corner and we headed back to the ring for the next match at ROH Reborn.

The lights dimmed as heavy metal music blasted throughout the Hammerstein Ballroom. Then the curtain was thrown aside as Ultramantis Black and Hydra appeared. Ultramantis, the leader of the Neo Solar Temple led Hydra, the gargantuan monster from the sea. Hydra and his hulking muscles had a rough time of getting into the ring through the ring ropes.

Dave Prazak: Bison Smith better be worried. Hydra is even bigger than him!

Lenny Leonard: You have got to be kidding me...

Ultramantis Black snatched a microphone away from Bobby Cruise, and the next moment his cackling laughter echoed throughout the historic ballroom.

Ultramantis Black: Hello homosapien scum! Ahahahaha! Tonight's match was booked as CHIKARA versus Ring of Honor, but that is untrue! For we do not represent CHIKARA, we represent your new leaders, the Order of the Neo Solar Temple! Hahahaha! Tonight my creature from the black lagoon, Hydra, will defeat Bison Smith! The wicked Bison has laid waste to superstar after superstar, but he has never faced someone as wicked as him! HYDRA! Your time is now! We shall conquer Bison Smith, then we shall conquer Ring of Honor, and then we shall conquer the entire world! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Cowboys From Hell by Pantera exploded on the PA System and the hulking Bison Smith appeared. Bison circled the ring, licking his lips slightly at his next victim thrown to him like fodder. He slid into the ring and Ultramantis Black ran for his life. Bison threw off his ring jacket and immediately went to work on Hydra by decapitating him with a Lariat!

Bison stood in the ring for a moment as his music went up and the crowd chanted his name. Paramedics checked on Ultramantis Black who was lying still in the table rubble, then the paramedics team split up so some people could check on the lifeless Hydra in the ring. Bison raised his arm and let out a buffalo-like grunt, before exiting the ring and storming to the backstage area.

We go backstage to narrow hallway. The camera travels along it, before cutting over into a white room with Austin Aries sitting on a steel chair looking out a window. In his hands a water bottle and him dressed in his leather jacket and pants alongside his pair of sunglasses, removed and around his necklace.

Austin Aries: FIP Championship. Tyler Black. Jimmy Jacobs. And I, Austin Aries. Tonight’s main event is we. It’s not Kevin Steen and El Generico. Nor is it Nigel McGuinness. No, none of them matter tonight. First, our FIP Champion, Tyler Black: Mr. Flavor of the Month. I will give you your props you are a good wrestler. You have earned your spot in the Ring of Honor roster. However, that doesn’t mean everything you’ve been getting you deserve. The Title shots, the praise. All these fans cheering you on, like they love you. All it is your 15 minutes of fame. It takes more then a couple of cheers to get you to stay on top. All you are is a flash in the pan compared to me, The Ace of ROH. Remember that tonight when I take your FIP Championship. Now, on to more important matters...

Aries reaches up and removes his sunglasses, now placing around his necklace before addressing his true adversary.

Austin Aries: I think we all know the history between Jimmy Jacobs and myself but I want to remind you all of things. Starting over a year ago, Jimmy created The Age of the Fall. He came out here, whined, complained, and constantly bitched about how it was everyone else’s fault about things. Society was his new target. In his little mind, he was the victim. He tried to bring me into this mess, but... Well, I’m not a weak of mind as all these others who follow him. And neither was Lacey...

Aries paused for a moment, taking a look down to the ground for a moment before turning back to the camera.

Austin Aries: Lacey was finally free from you, Jimmt. She finally saw the light and could actually move forward. Yet you could not let her be happy, could you? No, you had to keep pushing, stalking, following her. She had broken free of your twisted control and you couldn’t stand it. Then you... you... you hurt Lacey! I wasn’t going to let that end there! So, I decided then and there, I was going to make you pay...

Aries stops again, taking a sip of his water. His focused returned as the bitterness in his voice vanished and he went back to a calmer tone.

Austin Aries: Jimmy, you blamed EVERYONE else for everything that happen to you. You want someone to blame so much? Well, tonight, I’ll give you that one person to blame for what happens: Me. Cause I want you to blame me for all the scars I plan to leave on you. I want you to know that it was me who will make you cry out in terror and plead for your life. When anyone asks, I want you to say my name when people ask “Who beat you to the brink of death.”

Aries then stands, picking up the steel chair, folding it, and leaving the room.

Eye of the Storm by Killswitch Engage exploded throughout the Hammerstein Ballroom, signaling the entrance of Roderick Strong and Erick Stevens. They appeared on the rampway to a rather positive reaction, before they headed around ringside, high fiving fans and getting into the ring, set to begin the match.

“OLE~!”

The crowd got to its feet in excitement as Ole by the Bouncing Souls began, bringing the crowd to its feet as the fans sang along and clapped their hands to the beat. The curtain was tossed aside and out skipped El Generico, a finger pointed high in the air and a wide grin on his face. He walked around the ring at a brisk pace, high fiving fans and holding his ROH World Tag Team Title high above his head. Steen was out several seconds after Generico, much more reserved than his Lucha counter part, as he marched down the aisle, hit the ring, and held the belt high in front of Stevens and Strong.

Steen and Generico handed their titles to referee Paul Turner, who immediately handed them to to the time keeper's table, since it was a Non-Title match. Even though no titles were on the line, there was no doubting the importance of this match for both teams. Steen and Generico wanted to prove their dominance throughout Ring of Honor, and since they won the titles, they have constantly been questioned by the likes of the Briscoes, and when they were still around, the Age of the Fall.

Generico raised his hand to high five his partner, who looked back at him with a raised eyebrow and shook his head in annoyance.

There seemed to be a commotion and the fans got to their feet and peeked over the top of other peeking heads as Teddy Hart and Jack Evans, the New Hart Foundation made their return to Ring of Honor. There was a loud reception for Jack, who grinned and smacked his lips. Teddy, on the other hand, got a much warmer reception.... in that his temperature rose and his head became the color of a tomato as fans shouted obscenities at him.

Steen and Generico looked out at them and asked Paul Turner what they were doing here. Turner told them to hit the bricks (junior) and go backstage, but Teddy told him they weren't doing anything wrong. They were just here to “observe.”

Paul Turner seemed to buy it, but Steen and Generico weren't so confident. But Strong and Stevens weren't going to wait around with distractions all day, and fed up with being overlooked because of Evans and Hart, Strong attacked Generico as Generico yelled some Spanish obscenities up at Hart and Evans.

The crowd celebrated with Steen and Generico as Stevens crawled over to his partner to check on Roderick, holding his pain from being in the Sharpshooter for nearly an entire minute. Steen and Generico celebrated on the ropes with their ROH World Tag Team Titles as the New Hart Foundation watched on from the rampway with amused expressions as part one faded to black, set and ready for part two!