4CW Presents... Storm Front - June 28, 2020

NOTE: Rumble in the Storm was originally advertised as July 26, 2020. I've changed it to July 28. Mainly cos I goofed up on a graphic and I'm too lazy to fix it.

Also, this show is in recap form. Enjoy!

4CW PRESENTS... STORM FRONT
JUNE 28, 2020
LIVE FROM 4CW FIGHT ISLAND

**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**

Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to 4CW Storm Front! I am Scott Phoenix, joined as ever by my broadcast partners, Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts! We are just ONE SHOW AWAY from 4CW Storm Front: Rumble in the Storm! On that night, thirty competitors will take part in the Rumble in the Storm match, an over-the-top Rumble match where the winner will get a future shot at the 4CW Undisputed Championship!
Jeffrey: But that's NEXT month! Let's talk about TONIGHT!  First off,  our main event tonight: 4CW Undisputed Champion Jack Valentine will do battle with 4CW Universal Champion Pilgrim Paige! It's a non-title match - but both champions will want to use the other as a propeller for their momentum!
Roberts: And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Tonight, we also have Jerome Grayson vs Quentin Cosmo in singles action, 4CW Custom Cup Champion and Lightning in the Bottle holder Phil McGroin in singles action, a Hardcore Championship match and much, much more!
Phoenix: And we're going to kick things off tonight, with singles action featuring some of our freshest talent!

"Roadgame" by Kavinsky hits the PA system.

Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from London, England, weighing in at 239lbs... REUBEN ... KOOOOJO!!

One half of the Synth City Thrillers, Reuben Kojo, comes out on stage with his usual grooving jive, coming into this match in an apparent good mood. Accompanied by his tag team partner, Devon Drummond, Kojo makes his way down to the ring, getting the small amount of fans in attendance excited.

Phoenix: Well, Synth City Thrillers just came off a 4CW Tag Team Championship match last month! They were, obviously, unsuccessful - but they certainly held their own, and while they will no doubt want to attempt to take those titles in the future, tonight is a singles test for Reuben, which given the nature of the Rumble in the Storm match, where it's every man for himself, may not be such a bad idea!

Kojo enters the ring as Drummond takes a seat at ringside. "Ravenous" by Killswitch Engage hits the PA system. The lights swoop around the stage frantically as the opponent steps out on stage. Covered in tattoos, long hair and beard, black trunks and boots, he stares at Reuben Kojo inside the ring.

Carson: And his opponent, from Newport, Wales, weighing in at 231lbs ... THE HORIZON .... ELIIIIII WATERS!!

Phoenix: He's 6'5, 230lbs... he's a technical striker and brawler, and Eli Waters showed everyone what he is capable of at Revival, when he picked up a victory against both Jerome Grayson and Quentin Cosmo!
Roberts: He's young and hungry, and started his 4CW life off with a bang.

"I choose a life defined by evolving belief...
A truth undefined is where I will find my peace!"

Eli Waters comes down to the ring, jumps up on the apron, and climbs into the ring through the ropes. He then goes to the hard cam ropes, leans over and gives a big thumbs down, before back-flipping back into the middle of the ring, snapping his head at his opponent, then moving into his corner.

Singles match
Reuben Kojo vs Eli Waters
Reuben Kojo and Eli Waters don't go gentle into this match. They immediately lay into each other with a variety of strikes in the opening minutes. Everything from exchanging knife edge chops to going jab for jab to even a couple of headbutts. This leads to a stand off with Eli Waters clearly having taking the brunt of the damage due to his smaller size. Nevertheless, the two slap hands as a sign of respect and continue onwards with some grappling. At this point, Kojo takes control of the match. He keeps Waters on the defensive as they travel around the ring. Some early highlights include a back body drop from Kojo, followed by a body slam.

Waters fights back and gains some space, reversing another back body drop attempt by kicking Kojo in the face. Waters then follows up with a spinning handstand capoeria kick, which brings Kojo down to the mat. Waters gets a two count, then impressively continues his offence with a German Suplex. He attempts to pick up Kojo for another suplex, this time a back suplex, but Kojo's weight advantage takes hold and Kojo falls back to his feet, clubbing Waters in the back and taking him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two count.

In the next few minutes, Kojo takes out Waters with a corner cannonball that he calls the Disco Ball, and Waters hits the This Fire Burns spinebuster, but neither man is able to put away the other. Around the ten minute mark and more back and forth between the two, Waters gains an opening when he takes down Kojo with a lariat. He follows it up with a discus clothesline (dubbed "Hate By Design") and then sets up for The Death of Injustice (otherwise known as the Brogue Kick). Kojo sees it coming though and sidesteps Waters, reversing and taking him down with the Reubenage for a very close two and a half count.

Now in the position of power, Kojo sets up the Kojo Kick. He throws it, but Waters manages to avoid it and follows up with a second Hate By Design! Kojo falls to his knees and Waters is gone like a shot, going to the ropes to gain momentum and BAM! He claps Kojo across the head with The Death of Injustice. Waters hooks the leg and gets the ONE ... TWO ... THREE!

Carson: Here is your winner... THE HORIZON... ELIIIII ... WATERS!!

Win-Loss Record:
Reuben Kojo 1-2
Eli Waters 2-0

Phoenix: A big victory for Eli Waters as he goes from strength to strength tonight!
Roberts: And Kojo will no doubt feel bitter about that loss. On another night, it could have been him going away with the victory!
Jeffrey: But it wasn't! It was Waters! And I'll tell you what, he's impressing me more every time I see him!
Phoenix: Indeed!  It's now time for a break, but don't go anywhere! When we come back, we turn our attention to the titantron, as General Manager Sery has a message for us all.

Sery appears on the titantron to a good pop from the crowd.

Sery: Thank you everyone who has joined us here tonight. Here in 4CW Fight Island, and those around the world on television. As you know, next month, Storm Front: Rumble in the Storm III will feature the titular Rumble in the Storm match! Thirty competitors, Rumble rules, and the last person in that ring will be the winner!

The crowd approve of this long-loved annual event.

Sery: And so it is my pleasure to announce that next month, whoever wins the Rumble in the Storm match, WILL receive a future 4CW World Championship match! Now, I'm not going to reveal exactly WHEN the winner will get their shot yet, but they will! And who will be in this match? You'll just have to wait and see, but you can expect to see all of the top tier stars here in 4CW battling it out, including former winner Pilgrim Paige!

And speaking of 4CW Universal Champion Pilgrim Page, she has told me, like the fighting champion she is, that she will defend that title at Rumble in the Storm... in an Open Challenge!

And if all of that isn't enough, the 4CW Custom Cup Championship will also be on the line! Who the champion will be is still to be decided tonight, but whether it is Phil McGroin or Senecca, the Custom Cup Champion will defend the title against a man who has won his first two matches here in 4CW, Xavier Avana!

That's all I've got for you right now, but stay tuned for more announcements!

"As I Am" by Dream Theatre hits the PA system. The crowd immediately turn into venom personified as they boo the most hated man in Pro Wrestling. Cain comes down to the ring in a specific kind of bad mood. He isn't in the mood to berate the crowd, or scream profanities. He just marches to the ring, stoic and glaring.

Carson: Please welcome... 4CW Hall of Famer... THE BLACK FLAME... RHYS ... CAAAAAIN!!

Phoenix: Well, here comes Rhys Cain. We all know what happened last month. He faced off against Clyde Bonham in a No Disqualification grudge match - and he got his ass beat!
Jeffrey: Only because Sery decided to play some tricks!
Phoenix: At that point in the match, Cain had already attacked a referee and tried to get one of his goons to officiate.
Jeffrey: Details, details.... either way, The Black Flame is in a foul mood, I know that much. But he's too quiet.. he's almost scarier like this than when he's raging.

Cain slides into the ring and snatches the mic from Carson and simply points out of the ring. Carson immediately obliges and leaves.

Cain: Eleven years. Eleven long, hard years. That's how long I have been a part of this company. I spent my rookie year in 4CW building what would become the longest 4CW Custom Cup Championship reign in history. Many have tried in the years since to beat my record. Pilgrim Paige, Witch Hazel, Tommy Young - and they've all fallen short. Because what I did with that reign was nothing short of iconic.

Cain adjusts his suit, feeling a little proud of himself.

Cain: In 2013, I won my first 4CW World Championship. In 2014, I became a Revival main eventer and a Hall of Famer. In 2016, I won my second World Title and in 2017, I main evented Revival all over again. And that's just skimming the surface of my accomplishments here in 4CW. But you all know this, so why am I telling you? It's not, believe it or not, an attempt to brag about why I am the greatest 4CW competitor of all time. I don't need to convince any of you of that, because you all know, deep down, that it's true.

The crowd boo at this, and let Cain know in any way possible that they definitely do not think this is true.... or they are booing because they don't like the fact he is right. It's hard to tell.

Cain: The reason why I bring it all up is because after all the years of my tenure here, after everything I've achieved, after all the moments I've created and after all the money I have made this company, last month, I was SCREWED ... out of my chance for vengeance on Clyde Bonham. And I know, interference from other competitors is not uncommon in this bizarre world we live in, but I was screwed by 4CW MANAGEMENT itself, in the most literal sense! Sery - fucking Sery....

Cain laughs to himself, but it is very clearly not a laugh with any morsel of joy. It is pure, unadulterated boiling rage disguised as self-deprication. This becomes apparent when Cain suddenly stops, wide eyed and yells into the hard cam.

Cain: That annoying little fuckwit of a shit COST ME MY MATCH! ... I've put up with that little prick's shit for TOO FUCKING LONG! Sery, you thought I was angry before? I mean, sure... I wanted to slap you about... but that was between you and me, no-one else. But for you to have the GALL to involve yourself in my OTHER business - you - I - you little fucker, I'm going to make you rue the day you fucked with me!

Phoenix: Cain sounding more like a petulant child at this point.
Jeffrey: In his defence, Sery DID involve himself in his match that had nothing to do with Sery.
Phoenix: He did... so maybe now Cain knows what it's like, because he's been doing it himself for months!

Cain rolls his eyes and turns to the commentary table.

Cain: I can hear you yacking from here, Scott - shut the fuck up before I remind YOU what it's like to fuck with me!

Phoenix stands up, not at all intimidated, and he and Cain stare at each other for a moment. Then, Cain breaks the tension with a wide smile.

Cain: See, that's the difference between you and Sery, Scott. Even though you know you'd get your ass handed to you, because you're a washed up old man who knows his place is best served talking about what I do rather than trying to do it himself, you'll still stand up and face me like a man when cornered... and despite everything, I kind of respect that.

Cain turns his attention back to the hard cam. Phoenix doesn't immediately move, but after a few seconds, he slowly sits back down.

Cain: Sery, on the other hand, will wait until I have my opponent beat, then play his shitty little rock song to distract me, then not even have the BALLS to show up, like the little rat that he is. And that's the problem - that little rat is running THIS WHOLE THING!

The crowd cheer to make sure Cain knows they have no problem with Sery running "this whole thing".

Cain: Oh, you guys think it's just me being bitter or something? You think no-one will agree with me? I'll do you one better... I bet my most hated enemy would agree with me.... Look no further than what happened to Marie Dubois last month! Nothing to do with me, all to do with Sery and his incompetence! You think Carstein is going to want that idiot in charge when he isn't even able to keep his word and keep Dubois safe? Sery played some shitty mind games to even get the job in the first place, and now he's angry because for months, I've been giving him a taste of his own medicine!

The crowd now go back to booing Cain.

Cain: So now it comes to this: Sery is in power, and he's abusing that power - but not only that, he's also compromising his own product by allowing his own bias to affect main events and getting his female staff slapped about by big, powerful men! And even with the one brain cell all of you people share, you can tell that I have been working my way into the pockets of the board to get a leg up on Sery - that's right, I admit it! I've been trying to get into power in this wretched company because someone - ANYONE - needs to save it from the grasp of that megalomaniac, Sery!

More boos, compounding and compounding to match Cain's growing irateness.

Cain: You know what I want, Sery. Me and you... One on one... And WHEN I mop the mat with your bloody face, I WANT IT ALL!! I want to run this whole damn show, so I can take 4CW down The Scorched Path, and engulf everything in the smoke of The Black Flame. Purify it and save it. Save the wrestlers, save the staff, save the reputation of this company that I love so much, so it can rise to heights higher than even what it's reached before!

The buzzing of the crowds disdain now hangs in the cool Summer air like a swarm of mosquitos.

Cain: The only question is, Sery... do you, like Scott Phoenix, have the balls to come and face me like a man and accept my challenge?

Cain waits, and the camera turns to the stage... for a few moments, there is nothing and then...

"Red Flag" by Billy Talent hits the PA system. To a humongous roar from the crowd, General Manager Sery comes out on stage with a mic in hand. He is more subdued, not his usual happy-go-lucky, quirky self. He stares at Cain, not focusing on the crowd, and lifts the mic to his face.

Sery: My answer is simple, Cain. Will I give you what you want? No, I will not.

The crowd buzz in confusion, unsure what to think about this.

Sery: And it's not because I'm scared of you, or because I'm worried about losing my role as 4CW's General Manager, no.... it's simply because I think you're the biggest asshole I've ever had the displeasure of meeting, and refusing your challenge will really shit on your day. So, in a nutshell, you can kiss my ass and go fuck yourself.

Huge pop from the crowd. Sery doesn't even wait for a response. He turns and leaves, throwing the mic in the air behind him nonchalantly and goes through the curtain and out of sight. Cain doesn't immediately react, but then slowly nods his head.

Cain: Alright, alright... that's fine, Sery, that's just fine... just remember this: whatever happens from here on out, just like what happened to Marie Dubois last month, it's all on your head.

Roberts: Ominous words from Rhys Cain.
Phoenix: Ominous, indeed... but Sery is nothing if not stubborn. I don't see how Cain can get Sery to willingly give him what he wants.

Phoenix: And now it's time, for some Hardcore Championship action!

"Spiders on the Wall" by Magnolia Bayou hits the PA system. Fog and darkness embrace the outdoor arena, and then, The Swamp Folk (mostly now consisting of the former Supergroup) emerge from the stage, led by Ol' Smokey. They are all transfixed on following Smokey. Smokey directs the Swamp Folk down the ramp. Then Smokey turns back to the stage, where the 4CW Hardcore Champion steps out, the title strapped tightly around his waist.

Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the 4CW Hardcore Championship! Introducing first, the champion, being accompanied to the ring by The Swamp Folk and Ol' Smokey, from Devil's Back Bone, Louisiana, weighing in at 275lbs ... he is the 4CW Hardcore Champion ... DAAAARK ... LOOOTUS!!

Dark Lotus enters the ring and the Swamp Folk, directed by Smokey, huddle in a corner at ringside. Lotus removes his ghillie suit and hands it to Smokey, who leaves the ring with it.

"Ding Dong Song" by Gunther hits the PA system and the crowd pop for one of their classic favourites, JANITUR! Janitur comes out with his usual mask, and a new medical mask on top of it, for pandemic reasons. He has a mop and bucket, but there are no members of The Janiturs with him tonight.

Roberts: It seems Janitur is out here alone tonight!
Phoenix: Well, I actually spoke to Janitur earlier today. He said that the rest of The Janiturs are self-isolating at home. Wasn't exactly clear where "home" was, mind you... and he also said that he wants to challenge Dark Lotus tonight because he thinks Lotus rolls around too much in the dirt. That was either a well-rounded metaphor or a literal statement. Again, wasn't exactly clear.
Jeffrey: Fascinating.

Carson: And his opponent, residing in Oshkosh-Neenah, Wisconsin, weighing in at 240lbs ... JANITUR!!

Janitur arrives at the bottom of the ramp and neatly puts his mop and bucket to one side, the thought of using either as a weapon in this hardcore match apparently having not occurred to him. He rolls into the ring and goes into his corner as the referee, Vivian Ford, an older, athletic and stern woman who doesn't seem at all impressed or concerned by Dark Lotus, tells both of them the rules, of which there are none aside from the match ends by pinfall or submission. Then, she calls for the bell.

4CW Hardcore Championsip
Dark Lotus (c) vs Janitur
Oh, Janitur. He tried, he really did. And I don't mean that condescendingly (well, maybe a little), he genuinely tried to and almost won this match. As you would imagine, Lotus dominated the early going with a variety of power moves and even though Janitur showed signs of fight, Lotus was too laser-focused for Janitur to find an opening. It was looking like this one might be over before it really began, when Janitur suddenly and finally gets a break: hitting a clothesline out of nowhere and following it up with a DDT to get a pinfall attempt, which Lotus promptly kicks out of at 1.

But Janitur didn't stop there, and while he never dominated the match for any extended period, he would occasionally break up Lotus' barrage of powerful moves with a suprise suplex here and a sneaky neckbreaker there. Janitur eventually did gain some momentum around the six minute mark, still with no weapons used in this entire match, when he successfully hits The Plunge diving headbutt on Lotus and gets a near fall with a 2 count!

The crowd are chanting for Janitur to pull this one out of the bag at this point, and there is a taste of potential shock in the air - when suddenly, Smokey makes a signal, and the entire Swamp Folk swarm the ring, all of them kicking and stomping Janitur down to the mat. After about thirty seconds of this, they leave the ring. Lotus picks up the scraps of Janitur and takes him out with a powerbomb for the dominant, if not fully deserved, victory.

Carson: Here is your winner, and STILL 4CW Hardcore Champion ... DAAARK ... LOOOTUS!!

Win-Loss Records:
Dark Lotus 5-0
Janitur 1-2

Phoenix: Well, Janitur really gave it his all! He had Lotus in a perilous position and he didn't even need a weapon, but it wasn't enough to deal with The Swamp Folk!
Roberts: And anything goes in these matches so we really have to commend Dark Lotus for his intelligent strategies! He's held the Hardcore Title for a long time now, and I don't see anyone on the horizon stopping him!

Janitur rolls out of the ring and stumbles at ringside. As Lotus celebrates in the ring, the Swamp Folk surround Janitur once again. They all slowly approach him, and it looks like he's going to get another beatdown.... but NO!! HERE COME THE CAVALRY!!

Phoenix: Look at this! The Janiturs are here after all!! There's JANISTAR, Jani-Her and Swifter!

Janitur sees them coming and his head shakes frantically. He picks up his mop out of its bucket and holds it in the air so that The Janiturs skid to a halt as to not get mopped.

JANISTAR: What ... doing? We come ... help!
Janitur: SOCIAL DISTANCING! You weren't supposed to leave home!
Jani-Her: But they are going to attack!
Janitur: Now is not the time. We retreat. Back home with you!

Janitur flips the mop in the air so that it is now facing towards the Swamp Folk. Using the mop as a guard, The Janiturs head up the ramp backwards and retreat.

Phoenix: Well... that was bizarre!
Roberts: I don't understand why Janitur doesn't want to fight back...

We cut backstage where Janitur is heading back to the locker room with The Janiturs behind him. He is stopped by Gabriel Crowe, who has a mic in hand.

Crowe: Janitur, Janitur - I have to ask, why didn't you fight?

Janitur: I have seen The Supergroup and who they are. They are perhaps our greatest rivals. But what we see them as now, that does not please I. Even to my worst enemies, I want them to be themselves. Instead, they are dirtied. Poisoned, by the people from the muddy swamps. And with the virus pandemic, for them, it is not a virus of the body ... but a virus of the mind, yes. I must go and study... I must discover... I must clean.

Crowe: So.... you didn't fight because....?

Janitur: The time for fighting is the time for fighting. This is not that time. Not yet.

Janitur leaves with his crew, leaving Crowe and pretty much everyone just as confused as before.

"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central hits the PA system. As Elfan Simtul and Maximillian Yesgill make their way out on to the stage, Carson introduces the match.

Carson: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from New York, New York, weighing in at a combined weight of lbs ... ELFAN SIMTUL ... MAXIMILLIAN YESGILL ... UMBRAAAAA ... MAXIMAAA!! And their opponents, already in the ring, Pink Tractor... and The Starman!

Phoenix: Umbra Maxima, arguably the greatest tag team in 4CW history, are back in action tonight for the first time since their loss in the Soul Survivor Final!
Jeffrey: And after such a loss, they will definitely want to let out their frustrations and get a tune up against their opponents tonight!
Roberts: Let's not rule out Pink Trac--
Jeffrey: NO! Just don't! Shut up, Roberts! We all know where this match is going, don't kid yourself!

Elfan Simtul and Maximillian Yesgill get into the ring together and take a corner. They discuss tactics between themselves as Pink Tractor and The Starman look (foolishly) confident.

Tag team match
Umbra Maxima vs Pink Tractor and The Starman
Of course, Ray Jeffrey was absolutely correct in his assumption of where this match was going to go. Simtul and Yesgill were not in a good mood after losing their chance at the tag titles and they definitely wanted to deliver some punishment tonight. After a quick and dominant opening from Yesgill, he tags in Simtul who runs around the ring, throwing both opponents around like ragdolls.

Simtul throws The Starman out of the ring with ease and Yesgill comes off the top to hit a picture-perfect moonsault on Pink Tractor. Simtul then puts Tractor into the Darkness Takes You (Dragon Sleeper w/body scissors) submission and within moments Tractor is out cold. Referee Vivian Ford wastes no time in calling for the bell.

Carson: Here are your winners... UMBRAAA ... MAXIMAAA!!

Win-Loss Records:
Elfan Simtul 2-3
Maximillian Yesgill 2-3

Simtul and Yesgill congratulate the other on their success and look happy with their victory. They don't waste much time on fanfare, instead leaving the ring after the referee raises their arms and discussing the quick win between themselves going up the ramp.

Phoenix: A succinct, dominant victory from Umbra Maxima which really says one thing: we are not done with this division yet!
Jeffrey: I never doubted it for a second, Scott! Umbra Maxima will no doubt want a shot at the tag titles down the road, but more immediately, they have the Rumble in the Storm to prepare for, and this match would do just fine to combat any ring rust!
Roberts: Simtul is a former 13 Ghost Gauntlet winner, so he has to be a dark horse going into the Rumble in the Storm match! But then Yesgill is faster and more unpredictable, so he could also be a dark horse!
Phoenix: Well, that's next month! This month, they are winners! And showing they are very much still a threat!

"Between II Worlds" by NERO hits the PA system. The crowd pop as Quentin Cosmo steps out on stage, bringing with him an air of adventure and slight insanity. He taps his imaginary watch on his wrist and then heads down to the ring.

Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from THE WIDER UNIVERSE, weighing in at 217lbs ... QUENTIIIIN ... COSMO!!

Phoenix: Quentin Cosmo hasn't had the best starts in 4CW, now being 0-2. He is hoping that tonight will be third time lucky, and he can finally secure his first win since debuting at Revival.
Jeffrey: Maybe ... but Jerome Grayson, his opponent tonight, is also searching for his first win. So both men will be desperate to make an impact!

Cosmo gets into the ring and stands in his corner, waiting. "Muggsy Bogues (fg. v)" by Alltta hits the PA system. Jerome Grayson, undeterred by his debut loss, steps out on to the stage confidently.

Carson: And his opponent, from Dallas, Texas, weighing in at 230lbs, JEROOOME ... GRAYSON!!

Phoenix: And while there may be only 17lbs between them, it's important to note Grayson has the clear height advantage, standing at 6'8!
Jeffrey: A former basketball player, and that height will probably do him well here in 4CW!

Grayson gets into the ring. He and Cosmo slap hands as a sign of respect before the start of the match. Jason Trent is the referee, and he checks both competitors and explains the basic rules before calling for the bell.

Singles match
Jerome Grayson vs Quentin Cosmo

Both Grayson and Cosmo are given a chance to shine in this back and forth affair. Grayson's dominant height and Cosmo's agile athleticism and underrated strength made this an entertaining collision. The biggest highlights came when Cosmo defended himself in the corner with an axe kick and then took out Grayson with an impressive T-Bone suplex for a two count, and when Grayson turned a bearhug into a ferocious belly-to-belly suplex.

Grayson begins to dominate after hitting a double powerbomb into a pin for a very close near fall.  Jerome hits the What Goes Up, Must Come Down elevated exploder suplex, but again, only gets a two count. He then sends Cosmo to the ropes and attempts the Gray Area running elbow strike, but Cosmo ducks and reverses, taking out Grayson with a cradle suplex. Cosmo hits the Light-years to Midnight (standing shooting star press) but only gets a two count. Grayson reverses Cosmo's attempt to finish the match with The Paradox (Jumping Cutter) and takes out Cosmo with a Big Boot. Grayson falls and covers him, but Cosmo kicks out at two.

Grayson struggles to his feet, using the ropes for leverage, stands up and staggers towards Cosmo, when - BAM!!! Rhys Cain appears out of nowhere and SMASHES Jerome Grayson across the head with the steel chair! The referee immediately calls for the bell. Cosmo runs at Cain - SMASH!! And gets the same, a chair shot right across the head!! The bell continues to ring frantically, as Cain kicks Grayson out of the ring.

Carson: The referee has concluded that this match is a No Contest!

Win-Loss Records:
Quentin Cosmo 0-2-1
Jerome Grayson 0-1-1

Phoenix: What the hell?! Cain has just destroyed both men with brutal steel chair shots!

Cain kneels down and starts delivering punches point-blank into the face of Quentin Cosmo, who is already busted open from the chair shot. Security floods the ring and pulls Cain off Cosmo, but Cain breaks free. He elbows one security guard right in the ear, kicks another ones knee out and headbutts a third. The three attacked security guards roll out of the ring and the two remaining look at each other and approach Cain slowly, looking nervous.

Cain grins, and then takes them both down with a double clothesline! They roll out of the ring too, leaving Cain and Cosmo alone in the ring. Cain grabs the steel chair and WRAPS IT AROUND THE NECK OF COSMO!!

Roberts: Oh my god!
Jeffrey: Someone's gotta stop this - now!
Phoenix: This is just outrageous! Come on!

Sery comes out on stage with a mic in hand.

Sery: You son of a bitch! You do this and you'll be fired on the spot!

Cain grabs a mic.

Cain: Are you sure? I mean, the board MAY agree with you that I have definitely gone too far this time - but... what if they don't? What if I've paid them enough to just slap me with a heavy fine? Is that a risk your willing to take, Sery? Would you risk this man's career - a man YOU brought to this company at Revival! You know what I want, Sery. I'm not going to ask twice. Either you accept my challenge, or my foot comes crashing down on this chair! You've got til the count of three...

Sery: You son of a bitch...
Cain: One... Two...
Sery: ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT!! You want it, Cain? YOU'VE FUCKING GOT IT!!

Phoenix: WHAT?!

Suddenly, Sery drops the mic and sprints into the ring. He slides in, and Cain, who clearly wasn't expecting Sery to run in, eats a DROPKICK right to the face! Cain falls and rolls out of the ring. Sery takes the chair from around Cosmo's neck, and rolls out of the ring, chasing Cain with it! Sery swings and misses narrowly, hitting the turnbuckle! Sery swings again but Cain scarpers! Cain runs up the ramp as Sery chases after him!! On the ramp, Sery throws the chair at Cain, who narrowly avoids it by inches, before flying through the curtain!

Phoenix: HA! CAIN RAN!! RAN LIKE A DAMN COWARD!!
Roberts: Sery UNLEASHED! But that's not the main story here! Has Sery just made a huge mistake?!
Jeffrey: Doesn't matter, it's offiicial! Cain vs Sery, next month, at Storm Front: Rumble in the Storm III - and if Cain wins, he becomes the GM of 4CW!!
Phoenix: You know what? There comes a time where you have to make the hard choice! Sery accepted this match because he believes, like I do, that Cain's toxicity will bring this company down! Sery needs to deal with that bastard once and for all, and THEN this company can truly thrive!

"Head Like A Hole" by Miley Cyrus hits the PA system. The crowd cheer as Senecca comes out on stage with none other than Marquis the Moose! And a steel chair of course.

Carson: The following contest is a CHAIRS match and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, the challenger, from Valhalla, New York, weighing in at 330lbs... 4CW Hall of Famer ... SENECCA!!

Marquis the Moose is taken by a handler back through the curtain as Senecca makes his way down to the ring. He hits the chair against the apron playfully, and then rolls into the ring.

Phoenix: Well, last month, Senecca came to the ring to stop Phil McGroin from beating on his partner, DIrk Meyer, after a successful title defence. And I can reveal now that for THIS match, both Dirk Meyer and Camera Man will be barred from ringside!
Jeffrey: But who's gonna film McGroin in every moment of his on screen time?
Roberts: Oh, I dunno - maybe the camera crew?
Jeffrey: *mocks* Oh, I dunno... maybe the - shut up, Roberts!

Senecca waits in the corner for his opponent to arrive, a giddy excitement behind his eyes. "Numb" by Linkin Park hits the PA system. McGroin steps out on stage, belt around his waist and Lightning in the Bottle secured in his hand. He of course has a chair in his other hand. He raises the bottle in the air and taps his belt with the other hand, but he is clearly miffed at the lack of his own Camera Man's presence.

Phoenix: Say what you will about his attutude, his style or his tactics... Phil McGroin is on the roll of his career! He's 4-0-1 in 2020, so he hasn't lost a match this year!
Jeffrey: And that's why he's not only a champion but also has that perfect opportunity inside that bottle. A championship match of his choosing, at any time, any place, so long as it is during 4CW programming. That kind of opportunity comes with a level of confidence that McGroin is very much exuding tonight, even without his Camera Man!

McGroin takes his time handing the Custom Cup title and the Lightning in the Bottle to the ringside assistant, and then slides into the ring with the chair, expecting Senecca to launch for him. But Senecca waits patiently, as McGroin psyches himself out and goes to his own corner. The referee, Jason Trent, calls for the bell.

4CW Custom Cup Championship
Chairs match
Phil McGroin (c) vs Senecca

McGroin goes gung ho and runs at Senecca with the steel chair in hand. Senecca calmly uses his own chair to hit McGroin's and send it flying out of his hands. Senecca then takes down McGroin with a clothesline before lining him up for a chair shot, right across the back! McGroin crumples under the impact and Senecca hits him two more times with the chair before getting bored and throwing it aside. A back body drop and a belly to belly suplex had many thinking we'd see a quick victory for Senecca, but McGroin kicked out at two!

Senecca wedges a steel chair in between the two turnbuckles and rams McGroin's head into it but still only gets a two count. Senecca hits a big boot and follows it up with a big splash, but McGroin manages to roll out of the way! McGroin scrambles to his feet in the corner, ripping apart the turnbuckle pad on the top buckle and throwing the material away, exposing the metal. Unfortunately for McGroin, Senecca is able to see exactly what he's doing and grabs him from behind, taking him out with another belly-to-belly suplex!

Senecca reaches McGroin and grabs him to deliver another powerful move, but before he can even lift McGroin, he reveals a chair that he was laying on top of and jabs Senecca in the gut with it! The 330lber retreats, holding his ribs as McGroin struggles to his feet. McGroin whacks Senecca across the back with the steel chair. He then follows it up with two more smacks across the back, until the chair is literally bent out of shape, and then he throws it away and grabs Senecca, hitting the EGGCUTION DDT! Which nine times out of ten would be the end of such a match, but not this time, as Senecca did, somewhat surprisingly, kick out at 2!

McGroin tries to pick up Senecca to hit a second Eggcution, this time with a chair perfectly lined up on the mat, but Senecca powers out of it and whips McGroin into the corner. Senecca then runs at McGroin, and surprisingly, McGroin steps forward too! At the last moment, McGroin executes a drop toe hold and Senecca falls face-first into the exposed top turnbuckle! Senecca, stunned and dazed, stumbles around into a second Eggcution DDT - on to the steel chair! And THIS, is enough to put Senecca away as McGroin gets a 1...2....3!!

Carson: Here is your winner and STILL the 4CW Custom Cup Champion, PHIL ... MCGROOOIN!!

Win-Loss Records:
Phil McGroin 5-0-1
Senecca 1-4

"Numb" by Linkin Park hits the PA system and McGroin scrambles to grab his belt and his bottle from ringside before getting the hell out of dodge up the ramp. It's only when he's halfway up the ramp does he comfortably raise his arms in victory.

Phoenix: Well, McGroin has somehow remained undefeated and is still the champion - but you can't deny he used every little trick in the book!
Jeffrey: He didn't break any rules though! Mainly cos there aren't any! It's genius!
Phoenix: Senecca will be bitterly disappointed with his own performance tonight. He really wanted to give Phil McGroin a what-for.
Jeffrey: Well, what do you expect when you come face to face with the Undefeated Man Who Made A Cow Tap Out?!

We cut to Sery backstage in some hallway. He's clearly rushed to put this together as he has something important to say.

Sery: Cain, I know you think you hold all the cards -and if you beat me next month at Rumble in the Storm, you WILL become GM! But you're forgetting one major thing... right now, as of this very moment, you are NOT the GM and I AM!! And despite how much you think you've paid off the board, it obviously isn't enough for them to outright fire me and put you in my place, SO ... if I'm putting it all on the line, then I am using my power to make sure you do the exact same thing. It's not only my GM position on the line, Cain - because WHEN I beat you at Rumble in the Storm, you will be FIRED!! And if you think for one second your little group of roadies will help you, this match will be held inside an MMA-style cage, so you can't run away like you did today - and if any of your little friends even THINK about entering that cage - they, will also be fired, ON THE SPOT!  And if you try and run like a coward, just like you did tonight, Cain? That'll count as a forfeit, and you'll be fired! I'll see you next month, Cain...and I really hope you bring the nastiest, dirtiest piece of shit you've got in you - because even that won't be enough to beat THIS GUY.

Sery, despite his venomous anger, brings a trademark smile, which gets a pop from the fans, before the camera moves away and cuts back to the announce table.

Phoenix: A monumental main event for next month's Storm Front: Rumble in the Storm III. It's Rhys Cain vs Sery, inside an MMA-style cage. If Cain wins, he becomes GM. If Sery wins, Cain is fired!
Jeffrey: Which means it could either be the best thing or the worst thing to ever happen to 4CW, depending on how it goes! I don't know if I can deal with this much tension!
Roberts: A monumental match - next month, at Rumble in the Storm! Don't go anywhere, our main event... JACK VALENTINE VS PILGRIM PAIGE... CHAMPION VS CHAMPION... NEXT!!

Carson: The following contest is our MAIN EVENT of the evening and it is a non-title CHAMPION VS CHAMPION match scheduled for one fall!

"The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch hits the PA system. The crowd, limited though it may be, explodes in encouragement for their champion. Fog emerges on the stage and through the darkness comes the 4CW Hall of Famer the fans have been waiting for, Pilgrim Paige. After a brief scan of her surroundings, the song's beat picks up in conjunction with a growling vocalisation and Pilgrim Paige takes one panoramic view of the fans that have faithfully shown up tonight and comes down the steps.

Carson: Introducing first, from the DARK SIDE OF THE MOOOOOON ... weighing in at 134lbs, she is the 4CW Universal Champion ... THE GOLDEEEEEEN ... PILGRIIIIM ...PAAAAIGE!!

Phoenix: Pilgrim Paige was successful at Revival, defeating Supreme in a phenomenal Ironman match that proved that she could go with the best of them! Well, it doesn't get better than the 4CW World Champion - and Paige knows that, she's a former champion herself! Tonight, she has an opportunity for a monumental victory, but let's not forget, next month, she will compete in the Rumble in the Storm match, a match she has already won, and if she can do it again, the next time Paige and Valentine fight it could be for championship gold!
Roberts: The possibilities are endless, but I'm just happy to see two 4CW champions going head to head, just to see who the best person is!

Pilgrim Paige arrives in the ring with her usual fanfare, as she runs down to the bottom of the ramp and slides into the ring, the Universal Championship glistening around her waist. She swings her arms outwards and throws her head back, unleashing a mighty "WOOOOOOO!" which is complemented by bursts of colourful pyro shooting up from the corner posts.

Paige then turns to her corner as the lights return to normal and her music cuts, as she awaits the arrive of her opponent.

"Supernova Goes Pop" by Powerman 5000 hits the PA system. The crowd boo at the recognition of the music, and the person it plays for, as he steps out on stage, the Undisputed 4CW World Champion, standing tall in all his glory! He raises the belt high into the air, and then heads down the ramp.

Carson: And her opponent, from Atlantic City, New Jersey, weighing in at 220lbs, he is the UNDISPUTED 4CW WORLD CHAMPION ... JACK ... VALENTIIIIINE!!

Phoenix: And you'll notice a pattern here tonight. Sery has implement a general "allies banned from ringside" rule for most of tonight's contests. I guess he wants to see Valentine vs Paige, legit one on one, without any kind of interference to aide either one.
Jeffrey: And we all know how both Paige and Valentine have a lot of allies in general, so that's probably the best way to go about it, especially to avoid the outright chaos we had last week!
Roberts: Forget last week, we've had enough chaos tonight alone!
Phoenix: Nevertheless, this is a huge test for both competitors and there's a big atmosphere here tonight! Their titles are safe, so both Valentine and Paige are fighting for nothing other than pride and bragging rights! Either person walking out tonight with a victory would be a huge notch on their respective belts. Both champions, both Hall of Famers, both personifying the level of achievement that is celebrated here in 4 Corners Wrestling!

Valentine gets into the ring and he and Paige exchange glances, before Valentine heads for his own corner. After the usual pre-match rituals with the referee Jude O'Cater, he calls for the bell to get this one under way.

Non-title match
4CW Undisputed World Champion Jack Valentine vs 4CW Universal Champion Pilgrim Paige

Immediately as soon as the bell rings (and possibly even a fraction of a second before it rang), Valentine pounces on the Universal Champion to gain the early advantage. His wild and pounding fists bring her to her knees in the corner and he soon turns it into a series of kicks, knees and stomps which keep Pilgrim Paige down in the corner. A vicious kick to the neck and Valentine finally relents under threat of disqualification.

With the damage done, Valentine systematically spends the next few minutes wearing down Paige. He focuses his attacks on her head and neck, exemplified by spinning neck breakers and whips that are suddenly pulled back into a short arm clothesline. Valentine talks trash to Paige as he keeps her locked in a headlock or rest holds for the next couple of minutes. Eventually, Paige teases a comeback, with a few elbows to the gut and a clothesline to boot. But it doesn't last long as Valentine spins out of Paige's DDT attempt and brings her down with a forearm smash to the back of the neck, which in itself, almost secures Valentine the victory but Paige kicks out at two.

After eating a hurricanrana and kicking out of a moonsault, Pilgrim Paige manages to finally get a proper turn around in the match. She eats an elbow smash from Valentine, who then pushes her back and throws a superkick into the air. Paige sees it coming and ducks the superkick, and takes down Valentine with a sit-out jawbreaker. Paige then wows the audience with a standing shooting star press, only managing a two count, but finally getting out of the slump she was up until this point.

Valentine and Paige go back and forth over the next couple of minutes. A quick flurry of strikes from Paige which peter off when Valentine reverses and hits a neck breaker for a two count. Valentine then threatens to end it all with an attempt at The Flea Shot, but Paige escapes and takes down Valentine with an enziguri, getting another near fall. Eventually, Paige and Valentine decide the time for flipping is over and start pummelling each other with a series of lefts and rights, that evolve into a string of forearms, that leads to an outright flurry of wild strikes from both parties, which Valentine gets the better of, ending it with a headbutt.

Valentine smells blood in the water and picks up Paige to lock her in the Euthanasia Lock, when suddenly, the crowd are going nuts! Confused, Valentine drops Paige and turns around - AND GETS CLOCKED WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM CARSTEIN!! The bell rings!

Phoenix: IT'S CARSTEIN! CARSTEIN IS HERE!
Jeffrey: The crazy fool is not even cleared to compete! Get him out of here!
Roberts: He's laying into Jack Valentine!!

Carson: Here is your winner via disqualification... JACK ... VALENTINE!!

Win-Loss Records:
Jack Valentine 2-0
Pilgrim Paige 2-1-1

Carstein continues to hail lefts and rights down on the Undisputed World Champion, who is defenceless and alone! The crowd all pop loudly when Inferno comes out on to the stage, because they know that's who Carstein is really out here for. Carstein reads the crowd like they are part of his own soul, and snaps his head up from Valentine, seeing Inferno on the stage. Instantly, Carstein leaps out of the ring through the middle rope and sprints full speed up the ramp. Inferno, a little slower to react, doesn't get much down the ramp. So they meet at the top of the ramp with clubbing blows left and right, beating the shit out of each other!

Inferno delivers a particularly meaty right hook which rocks Carstein and suddenly, the security have caught up and begin to flood the stage and ramp area, separating the two men. Sery comes out down the ramp with a mic in hand and stands on the side of Carstein, instructing the officials and security to keep them apart at any cost. Sery looks flustered and exhausted due to all of his involvement in the events of tonight's show.

Carstein struggles but is unable to get to Inferno, so instead, Carstein switches targets. He turns and grabs Sery, and lifts him by the scruff of his neck, then moves back until they are both leaning against the ring.

Carstein: YOUR WORD SERY! YOU GAVE ME YOUR WORD THAT SHE WOULD BE SAFE!!
Sery: Carstein, put me down -
Carstein: YOU SAID SHE WOULD BE UNHARMED!

Sery finds his footing on the ring apron, pulls away from Carstein and jumps down so they are face to face. Sery puts the mic to his mouth.

Sery: I am truly sorry that Marie got hurt. But let me tell you something, Carstein: I can't control what she does! She was the one who went into the ring and slapped Inferno! And I won't have anyone on this damn roster thinking they can put their hands on me!

Further up the ramp, Inferno has been guided back through the curtain. The disappearance of Inferno seems to calm Carstein some.

Carstein: I grant you that, but you still broke your word. Now, fix it! I want retribution, Sery! Give me Inferno!
Sery: I will, I will. You have my word, really... you will face Inferno, one on one.... as SOON as the doctors clear you, and not a second before!

Sery drops the mic and heads back up the ramp, perhaps half-expecting Carstein to run after him. But Carstein doesn't. Instead, he glares at Sery as he heads up the ramp.

Phoenix: It may not be exactly what he wanted, but it is official: Carstein will fight Inferno, at some point! Carstein needs to be cleared to compete first though!
Jeffrey: And because of Carstein's inability to wait, he ruined a perfectly good main event!
Roberts: Some things are bigger than any one match, Ray. Carstein needs vengeance on his former partner, Inferno, for his ultimate betrayal!
Phoenix: And we don't know when that will be, but we do know that Carstein will get his chance in the near future! Thanks for joining us folks, we'll see you at Storm Front: Rumble in the Storm III on July 28th! Goodnight!!

Quick Results:
Eli Waters defeated Reuben Kojo
Dark Lotus (c) defeated Janitur to retain the 4CW Hardcore Championship
Umbra Maxima defeated Pink Tractor and The Starman
Jerome Grayson vs Quentin Cosmo ended in a no contest
Phil McGroin (c) defeated Senecca in a Chairs match to retain the 4CW Custom Cup Championship
Jack Valentine defeated Pilgrim Paige via DQ in a non-title Champion vs Champion match

Writing Credit:
Rhys

Review Sheet:
Reuben Kojo vs Eli Waters:
Sery announcements:
Cain/Sery segment:
Hardcore Championship, Dark Lotus (c) vs Janitur:
Janitur interview:
Umbra Maxima vs Pink Tractor & Starman:
Jerome Grayson vs Quentin Cosmo:
Cain/Cosmo/Sery segment:
4CW Custom Cup Championship, Phil McGroin (c) vs Senecca, Chairs match:
Sery backstage:
Non-title Champion vs Champion, Jack Valentine vs Pilgrim Paige:
Carstein/Valentine/Inferno post match:

Match of the Night:
Moment of the Night:
MVP of the Night:
Graphic of the Night: