AUTHOR'S NOTE: A HEARTFELT UPDATE on APRIL 21st, 2016

For anyone who is reading and is already caught up in the story, you may not have had a moment to read my sentiments regarding the loss we suffered last week that I went back and added at the end of Chapter Eight. With that said, I am reposting it at the beginning of this chapter because I think these words too, are worthy of being read. While she has left us in this world, this story is in an alternate universe and I had plans for her (as well as Prince ironically) to be referenced in some capacity later in the story prior to hearing this devastating news.Without further ado, here they are (and Chapter Nine will immediately follow):

Between the last few updates there have been more notable deaths in the professional wrestling family. Rest in peace to Blackjack Mulligan, Balls Mahoney, and last but most certainly not least, one of my favorite and most influential wrestlers of all time: The Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna.

Regardless of the tension regarding her place on the WWE's roster, the allegations and opinions others have regarding a supposed "love triangle" with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, her drug abuse, her alleged tumultuous relationship with X-Pac, or pornography career which many attribute to her ultimate downfall, I will choose to always admire Chyna for her undeniable influence on the professional wrestling world for young girls in the 1990s, including myself. While there certainly were women before her setting a standard, she broke a glass ceiling, and in doing so, set a new standard of her own for many to follow.

Thank you Chyna for reminding girls like me that women can contribute a lot more in the professional wrestling business than just eye candy for the male viewers. We don't have to stop at just being fans or writers. We can be strong, sexy, impactful, kick-ass workers, who can crossover to become pop cultural icons, win the same championships, and obtain the same accolades as "the boys" too! Just like the chorus of your theme song says: "Don't treat me like a woman. Don't treat me like a man. Don't treat me like you know me. Treat me for just who and what I am. I'm so much more, I'm so much more, I'm so much more, I'm so much more than that."

I'm blessed to have be born in a period to witness you perform in your prime. You've cemented a legacy not just in the Attitude Era, but in my view, wrestling history altogether. I love you, miss you already, and say hello to all the greats in Wrestling Heaven for me. Eddie's probably thrilled to see his Mamacita again. And who could really blame him? Easy on the low-rider though. You wouldn't want to mess up that sick paint job.


Early June 2016

Shannon read an article midday from WWE dot com's corporate website regarding new signees to the company. She skimmed over all of the other names not because she was an asshole, but because another name drew her attention.

"WWE has signed a developmental contract with international wrestler 'Kana.' In addition to the many home promotions in Japan, Kana, real name Kanuko Urai, wrestled several events in the U.S. for Shimmer Women Athletes and Chikara between 2011-2014. She will begin her career under the new name of "Asuka," when she appears at NXT."

Huh. You learn something everyday. We never crossed paths. I hadn't even started when she was here in The States last.

Shannon texted Bayley right away.

Me: Hey.

Pam: Hey, what are you wearing right now?

Me: What the hell? Aaron, put the phone back in your girlfriend's hands!

Pam: You caught me! Giving it to her now.

Me: Hey.

Pam: Hey!

Me: How do I know it's you, and Aaron didn't just lie to me? Shit, we all wrestle. Say something about me that only you would know.

Pam: Um, you like Tampax Pearl over Playtex?

Me: Fair enough. Anyway, my opponent in Japan, Kana? Heard you guys just signed her.

Pam: Who, Urai? I call her KoKo because there's a k and an o in her first name,which makes me think of knockout, as in what she nearly did to your teeth. Yeah we signed her.

Me: What's up with her? Is she cool?

Pam: Hell yeah, she's cool! She started wrestling as a face, and worked heel for the past four. She used to be a video game graphic designer and columnist for Microsoft. She loves American pop culture.

Me: No fucking way! She played me! Dude, although it didn't show, I was insanely nervous wrestling her in Japan. I've never been to Japan, never had a huge crowd, knew she had a rep, didn't know any Japanese, and didn't know she knew English! Wow!

Pam: LOL. Dude, tons of Japanese people know English. Surprisingly, translating English to Japanese is relatively smooth. Heck of a lot easier than Chinese.

Me: Right, I get that. I guess I should've just asked. Haha, damn. I'm not hating though. That's a good heel there, right down to the communication. Tell her I respect her hustle. I'd tip my cap to her if I had one on right now.

Pam: Will do. Hell of a match with her by the way. I rewatched it a few times. Anything else?

Me: Thanks! You know me. I like to be in there with an equal or someone that's better than me. I don't want to be stagnant, or develop bad habits like being uncoordinated or lazy in the ring. Hey, don't steal all the good matches with her! Save some for me!

Pam: Well you need to hurry the hell up with bouncing all over the place then! I love you though. The grind is real. Be a beast!

Me: I'll make them eat defeat. Keep that locker space reserved for me. Bye.

Shannon wasn't sure if she had anything to do with Kana's hiring because she was an American talent working with her, but if she was, she remained humble.

HBK once said, "You are only as good as your dance partner." The honor was all mine Kana. Do your thing girl. Have a blast. I'll see you again.


Mid June 2016

Shannon continued her little impromptu international tour in Mexico. Speed Demon, the high flying Luchador Shannon wrestled in New York, put a good word in for Shannon at the AAA promotion she worked for. Rey Mysterio worked at AAA for the past four years since leaving the WWE in 2011. In November 2015, he announced his departure from AAA and signed with Lucha Underground two weeks later. Lucha Underground was a wrestling promotion based in California and John Hennigan and Melina Perez, who competed as Johnny Nitro/John Morrison, and Melina in the WWE were top stars in the company since joining a few years ago. Lucha Underground was a unique alternative to WWE, TNA, and ROH, as it presented its wrestling show in a supernatural, sci-fi format. While characters were melodramatic, unlike WWE's bipolar booking which seemed to struggle with balancing realism and continuity, Lucha Underground was intentionally presented like bizarre cinema. Lucha Underground aired two three-month seasons a year, which enabled their talent rest or flexibility to commit to other independent dates if they so chose, instead of the typical, grueling schedules of other televised wrestling programs. Like ROH though, the in-ring action was stellar in every sixty minute episode.

AAA and Lucha Underground did a joint Pay Per View together in Mexico where each promotion benefited with increased viewership. Lucha Underground had an opportunity to begin an international tour with a successful show in Mexico. AAA would benefit from Lucha Underground's American viewers through its El Rey network broadcast. One of the featured matches was Johnny Mundo (the former Johnny Nitro/John Morrison), Rey Mysterio, and Melina defending their LU Trios Tag Team Championships in a hardcore cage match. Shannon competed against Evelisse, a great independent wrestler who was eliminated from the 2011 season of Tough Enough due to injury.


Early July 2016

It had now been over a year since Shannon started training full time. Up to this point, she'd been wrestling people a year or two out of wrestling school, or veterans on the independents who hadn't made it to the WWE. Other than Jacqueline, she had not competed against anyone who had a notable stint in the WWE. While winning a match against a competitor with the reputation and caliber of Kana on an international Pay Per View was the biggest match she had to date, Shannon hadn't won anything tangible. She was grateful that she was networking: taking bookings from Lucha Underground, Evolve, and Chikara, but none of the promotions booked her to compete for a title of any kind.

Shannon returned to her training center and home promotion, MCW. Shannon never abandoned them. She continued to work for MCW whenever she didn't receive bookings outside the promotion. But since she was away for a while and had created those memories in her absence from MCW, she thought she deserved at least a conversation about moving up with something substantive on the card.

"Hey stranger, done walking the global red carpet?" asked McDevitt who looked up at Shannon after talking someone on the roster.

"Good to see you too Coach," said Shannon who quickly hugged the person McDevitt finished his conversation with before approaching the practice ring. When the other person in the large, multi-purpose room left, she climbed up the apron and slouched her arms across the top rope, remaining outside the ring. McDevitt remained standing in the center of the ring.

"You know I'm still in the family. I'm here every week, just been in other parts of the world for some particular weekends," she continued with a reassuring smile, patting her chest at the MCW tank top she was wearing, along with a sterling silver choker that read "Storm" in cursive around her neck.

"Yeah, yeah, kid. You've come back to slum it out with the B+ players," McDevitt joked. He knew who Shannon was a mark for and would get her to laugh at the label Triple H and Stephanie McMahon referred to the late Daniel Bryan as. "Anyway, what's up?"

"I want a championship match during the show at the end of the month," Shannon declared. Last July she asked for a match with Bayley. This time she didn't plead with McDevitt, and just told him what she wanted without stalling.

"Already booked Shannon," McDevitt said shaking his head. "You never learn."

"Who's the champion anyway?" she interrogated. Even though Shannon was a millennial and owned a smartphone, she was not one of those people that was a disciple of the digital age that remained in the know about every latest device, app, trend, or story. There were a few dirt sheet newsletters she subscribed to, but unless she heard from McDevitt specifically about anything on Rage TV or the shows at the end of each month, she ignored it.

"An alum of the school," he responded.

"It can't be Lita because she's at the E," Shannon squeezed the top rope tightly and narrowed her focus on a random spot on the ring canvas as she thought aloud. "If it were someone new on the roster, you would've told me...is it possible that it's…"

"Hey Mickie!" McDevitt yelled forward as Mickie James entered the room and made her way down the path to enter the practice ring. Shannon's back was to Mickie as she was standing on the apron outside of the ring slouching over the ropes. When she heard McDevitt call Mickie's name, she turned around instantly and sat on the middle rope, raising the top rope over her head for Mickie to enter. She didn't want Mickie to think she was being disrespectful with her back turned. Shannon honestly had no idea she would be at the facility today. Holding the ropes for Mickie to enter the ring to some might have been cheesy or viewed as kissing ass, but Shannon was simply trying to establish respect with the gesture. She didn't run away from paying dues. She embraced it.

"You have a problem mixing it up with anyone else for the title defense at the end of the month?" McDevitt asked Mickie with a raised eyebrow.

"No, why?" Mickie questioned back as she entered the ring. McDevitt hadn't mentioned anything to her before about any new stipulations. But she was a professional and would cooperate.

"Alright, you're defending it against this one too," McDevitt said nudging his head forward towards Shannon. "You took the Bayley match from Mandy last spring. I'm not going to take an opportunity from her here too. But what I can do is add to the match. So the MCW Women's Championship will be defended by Mickie James against Mandy Leon and Shannon Storm."

"But I didn't compete in a number one contender's match for the title shot," Shannon said to McDevitt. "Do I need to do an angle on an episode of Rage TV to show it? That could get complicated."

Mickie, who was now in the ring, leaned against a corner turnbuckle and spoke to Shannon for the first time. "You wrestled in Japan and Mexico. That's your number one contendership."

"But what about fans who bitch and call 'bullshit' because even though they remember me on some weekly Rage TV episodes, know I haven't done one of monthly special shows in a while," Shannon inquired. "What then?"

"Did the fans go from wrestling school, to working actual cards both in and out of this promotion, to getting tours in Japan and Mexico in a one year span?" Mickie asked, staring at Shannon.

"No," Shannon said simply.

"Then they can shut the fuck up with what they think," Mickie reassured Shannon. "You weren't AWOL because you didn't care. You weren't released from this roster. You were grinding in other places as opportunities came."

"She's right," McDevitt said in agreeance with Mickie. "Besides, you're a heel. While the real Shannon may have a moral compass and want to justify point by point her actions, Shannon Storm wouldn't give a rat's ass how she became number one contender. She'd do or say whatever she had to to sneak her way into a title match."

"Thanks," Shannon started. "Thank you both. That makes a lot of sense." Shannon shook her head not in confusion, but amazement. "You're always teaching Coach."

"Because you've always got something to learn kiddo" McDevitt said. "Now that you two are here, I can call Mandy and we can let her know about the addition." He dialed her number and put the phone on speaker. After three rings, Mandy Leon answered.

"Hello?" asked Mandy.

"Hey Mandy. What's that muffled noise? Can you hear me?" McDevitt would've left a voicemail on her cellphone if she didn't answer. But the fact that she did answer and he had difficulty hearing her through the distortion concerned him.

"Um, I'm driving right now, and my phone slipped," said Mandy. "Hang on while I pull over. Alright I'm back."

"Okay. I've got you on speakerphone with Mickie and Shannon. I'm adding her to the title match. You two switched with Bayley, but I'm not taking you out of this one," said McDevitt who couldn't help but notice Mandy's sigh of relief over the phone. There wasn't any bad blood between Shannon and Mandy, but Shannon-even with good intentions-in Mandy's view, politicked getting the rub from McDevitt, and had the match switched last spring. Mandy was a few years older than Shannon, and loved the business too. She didn't want to feel threatened by Shannon efforts to alter matches.

"You have any ideas off the top of your head on what you want done in the match?" McDevitt asked, then looked at Mickie and Shannon.

"To get some heat for Shannon, have her take out Mickie before the match and she and I can go at it," Mandy spoke, and Mickie interrupted her before she could finish her thought.

"How long though until I return?" Mickie asked.

"You won't be gone the whole match obviously," Mandy continued. "But you need to stay away long enough to the point where the crowd has forgotten about you, and legitimately believe the belt is up for grabs between just Shannon and me."

"I like it" Shannon said. She snapped her fingers acknowledging she had an idea. "For the finish, I say I hit Mickie with the WTS and she kicks out."

"You sure?" asked Mickie.

"Yeah. I haven't had the crowd do that look of shock as the WTS has been mostly protected," Shannon affirmed. "I've had Jackie counter it before I nailed it, but no one's ever kicked out of it once I nailed it. So let's do it. You'd be helping me. I need that moment to sell frustration. Not getting the pin after a WTS is the catalyst for that."

"Then we could each hit finishers on each other back to back," Mandy continued as the conversation began to flow without murmurs of hesitation. "Shannon gets the WTS, Mickie kicks out. Shannon's bitching, but walks into Twist of Saint. When I pin Shannon, Mickie pulls me off during the cover, and does her springboard bulldog finish. She goes over and retains the championship."

"I like that!" Mickie shouted. "Shannon gets heat from an earlier attack, I look resilient returning to the match with a successful defense, and you legitimize yourself as a worthy contender and uncrowned champion. Because not only did you have Shannon beat, but it leaves the window open for you to make a heel turn. If you turn heel, you could brag about being screwed. Had I just stayed in the back after the attack, you would've finished Shannon off effortlessly."

"Yep," Mandy nodded gripping her steering wheel even though they couldn't see it.

"I like it all," said McDevitt. "I love when I'm booking for people who aren't rookies. You just come up with stuff so quickly. Alright Mandy, well I'll see you when you get in. Bye Bye." He ended the call and stuffed the phone in his back pocket. "Ladies, I'm going to my office. I'll leave you two some time to get acquainted."


Late July 2016

MCW Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup

It was time for MCW's monthly July weekend show. The show, like all of the shows at the end of the calendar month, was essentially a Pay Per View. But because MCW's promotion wasn't even half the size of Ring of Honor, they never aired their monthly shows over a Pay Per View broadcast. Like Evolve, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and many others, MCW made DVDS for monthly shows, or offered a service where fans could stream them live.

McDevitt decided to make the women's title match the main event. While to many wrestlers main eventing on a card at any point is a big deal, it wasn't for Shannon. She wasn't in a hurry. She had the passion and desire to be great and felt when the time was right, the accomplishments would come. Shannon did not want to be misunderstood: She both wanted and was grateful for being last on the card, but at the same time had more concern about the match itself. Shannon was never in a triple threat match before, so this was a new challenge.

Multi-person matches could be tricky. While the bookers loved the dynamic of additional players in the match, as they would purposely unbalance the face to heel ratios, making fans question their allegiance during temporary alliances between certain wrestlers; for the talent themselves, it could be difficult. Wrestlers had to focus not only on getting their individual spots in, but plan specific moments when each other would exit, giving two opponents at a time a moment to shine in the match. It was for this reason, if wrestlers were booked to be in multi-person matches for titles, most of them preferred doing it at a downgraded Pay Per View, rather than a larger one like a Summerslam or Wrestlemania. You could make a title match have much more meaning at a larger Pay Per View if the contest was a singles match, as there would be more time to prep the actual match, as well as the construction of the feud itself surrounding said match. If the performers had a history, then that made it even better.


"It is now time for your main event! The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the MCW Women's Championship," said announcer Danny Mays as the crowd cheered in excitement. Although Mickie was from Virginia and wasn't a "hometown hero," she was a star in the WWE and trained at MCW before later getting further training at Storm Wrestling Academy in Canada. So the fans accepted her as a "homegrown hero" making a homecoming, and looked forward to seeing her defend the championship.

Mandy Leon was introduced first and received a warm reception. Next was Shannon, who received a mixed reaction of cheers and boos. That wasn't what she expected. Perhaps the fact that she had an actual first and last name this time around instead of a band or mashup of countries caused some fans to support her. It also could have been because this was her first "Pay Per View" appearance for the company in a while.

Once Shannon and Mandy were in the ring, the MCW faithful grew quiet as Mays announced Mickie James twice without her arrival.

"Let's go! What's going on?" Shannon screamed in the direction of the entrance ramp, which was still barren with no sign of Mickie. Mandy Leon placed her hands on her hips and paced around the ring.

Mays rose from his seat and entered the ring holding the microphone in his right hand, and touched his earpiece with the left. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been instructed by MCW staff to defer everyone to the monitors above."

"We are live everyone, but be that as it may, we're following along just as you are to the monitors and what's this...It's Mickie James making her way to the ring…" said MCW commentator Brent Tarring as the crowd grew irritated the longer the match went unstarted.

"Wait a minute...some figure is creeping up behind her with a clenched fist dressed in all black…" Tarring continued. "Oh man, a clobbering blow to the back of the head!"

"And the assault continues as they pounce on Mickie," said Credle, "with what looks like brass knuckles on that clenched fist! This person is drilling Mickie in the face!"

"What on Earth? Who is this person? Who let them in the building?" asked Tarring, whose voice shrieked as the onslaught continued. "Fans, we're trying to get a look on who this could be...Dear Lord! Olympic slam through a hall table! But they're wearing a skeleton-faced ski mask!"

"She brought this on herself Brent," said Credle.

"What? You've got to be kidding me!," Tarring shouted. "And just what in the hell would make you think that?"

"Mickie said she wanted to be a fighting champion! And someone's bringing the fight to her!" Credle responded. "When you put yourself out there, you've gotta' be prepared for anyone and anything at any time."

"And they throw her into the wall for good measure before walking away...wait, they stopped mid stride...and they're turning around to remove the mask...It's Shannon Storm! That bitch!" Tarring whined. "Mickie needs some help back there! I'm glad the assault is over, but I want to know what's the status for the match."

The video ended on the television monitor and the cameraman focused the camera on Shannon, who was now leaning against the ropes as a smirk slowly emerged on her face.

Mays spoke back into the microphone. "Per MCW staff, due to Mickie James' current state, she has been declared unable to compete. Therefore, the match for the MCW Women's Championship will not take place!"

The boos from the crowd escalated to an even higher volume. Shannon milked the crowd, allowing their disapproval to extend a few seconds before snatching the microphone from Mays' hand, delaying his exit from the ring.

"Oh you don't like what I did? You think I care about what you people think of me? I don't give a flying fuck about what you think of my actions!" Shannon yelled as she pointed out to the crowd. "Screw management. Screw McDevitt. No one's calling off this match. Mickie, bring your ass out here! I don't care if they have to drag you to the ring! Quit being a coward! I'm not a pussy just because I have one! You'd have to leave me me in a pool of my own damn blood without a pulse to get me to no-show this event!"

"Is Shannon mental? I mean seriously, has this woman lost her freaking mind?" asked Tarring. "Mickie didn't no-show! She's here! And you assaulted her!" Tarring shouted through his headset pointing in her direction.

The crowd shouted a "You took cheap shots, You took cheap shots," chant at Shannon.

"I don't take cheap shots! I smarten up! I'm strategic," Shannon retorted, pointing her index finger to her head. "A wise man said 'everybody's got a price' and unfortunately for Mickie, her price was an ass-kicking by me! It doesn't matter how loud you boo, or how cute you think you are with your little chants, you folks are just feces to me. And the thing about feces," she paused to prolong the rabid reaction even more.

"The thing about excrement is that it doesn't matter what you try to cover it or smear it up with, at the end of the day-like you people-it's just a piece of shit!" Shannon turned to Leon. "Since Mickie isn't woman enough to come down to this ring, whataya' say Mandy? Whataya' say you and I wrestle for the championship, just the two of us?"

She held the microphone out to Leon, who said confidently, "You're on!" The crowd jumped out of their seats, excited that Mandy didn't back down from Shannon's challenge, despite watching the attack like everyone else on the monitor. They were also excited that they were indeed getting their match.

"Ring the damn bell," said Shannon, who stared intensely at Leon while simultaneously speaking in the microphone. She inserted her mouth guard and slammed the microphone into Mays' chest, before he finally left the ring for good to sound the bell.


"Shannon and Mandy lock up here in a collar and elbow tie up, and we are underway in this match," said Tarring who calmed down from his previous state. "Folks I'd like to remind you of what's going on here. Moments ago we were all ready to watch MCW Women's Champion Mickie James defend her title in a triple threat match where it was revealed Shannon Storm brutally attacked her beforehand. Now it seems 'The Exotic Goddess' Mandy Leon, and Shannon Storm are having the match without her."

"No one asked for a recap Brent. Fans are here and others are watching at home or on their mobile devices. They're already informed on what's transpired you idiot!" Credle remarked to his partner on the announce team after shaking his head. "Forget about what got us here and let's enjoy what Shannon and Mandy are going to bring to the table! I sure as hell will."

"Storm and Mandy still locked up...let's see who'll get the upperhand here...and it's Shannon Storm with the chinlock on Mandy," Tarring began, taking heed to Credle's demand of focusing on the match they did have instead of the match that was anticipated. "I don't think Mandy will be able to power out of it, she may have to fight her way through the escape."

"Oh, and that's exactly what she's trying to do with elbows to Shannon's abdomen," said Credle. "Though Shannon's starting to lean over, she's not giving way. That chinlock is still locked in."

"Hopefully Mandy continues to battle through like the fighter she is. I gotta' say Shawn, Shannon's at a vertical base now with the chinlock, but if she gets down to the mat with it still stenched in, the ref needs to watch her," Tarring replied with a sense of worry in his voice. "I don't trust that she'll keep it clean. When you're wrenching back that low on the canvas, it's hard for the referee to spot if the chinlock is still in place, or if the opponent is taking advantage and applying a rare naked choke."

"What is your deal with this woman Brent?" asked Credle. "You have been at her since day one! Are you implying she isn't aware of what a blatant choke is?"

"No Shawn. I'm not implying she doesn't know what a choke is, but the exact opposite! She absolutely knows what the rules are, and I highly doubt for a second she won't take advantage," Tarring clarified emphatically.

"Mandy continues to deliver elbows to Shannon's abdomen, and she finally releases the chinlock...Mandy runs to the ropes...no, Shannon pulls her by the tights and hammers her in the back with a clubbing forearm, then follows up with a sidewalk slam," Credle explained.

"Quick cover by Storm and the referee makes the count...one...oh Leon doesn't kick out but does get her shoulder up! While I question her tactics, I will admit this is great strategy. Shawn even though it's early on in the match and Shannon didn't get a three count, the more rapid covers she makes the longer the match goes, the more she'll tire out Leon," said Tarring who surprised Credle in his remarks.

"Well it's about time you're giving the woman credit Brent, and I couldn't agree more!" exclaimed Credle. "Some wrestlers have superior strength, incredible speed, or elite technique. But at the end of the day, the best of the best in our sport-I'm talking about folks who are on many people's greatest of all time lists-all have great cardio and endurance. It's about who can suck it up and perform big when the stars are shining the brightest, and it counts the most! Shannon's testing Mandy's stamina with the quick covers. The more time elapses, the more Mandy's energy plummets as she forces her body to kick out at each quick pin attempt."

When Leon got her shoulder up after the pin attempt, Shannon grabbed her by the arm and whipped her hard into each corner of the ring, back and then chest first. Mandy collapsed every time.

"Oh my God! Incredible velocity on the four Irish Whips executed by Storm! Shawn tell us what that does to a competitor," urged Tarring.

"Oh man, when Shannon whips Mandy hard into the corner and Mandy hits the turnbuckles back first, she's putting a hurting on Mandy's lower back and kidney area," explained Credle. "I'm sure if she wanted to leave some bruises on Mandy she'd follow up with chops. But she opted to send Mandy sternum first into the corner of the ring; and with that, she's just trying to knock the wind out of her."

"Mandy reaches her arm behind her back, rubbing it in pain. She can't even get up on her own. Look at Shannon smiling as Mandy crawls and uses Shannon's own boots and kneepads to pull herself up! What disrespect! Mandy makes it to both of her feet finally, and Shannon sends her into the ropes...tilt a whirl backbreaker by Shannon Storm and here comes that power on full display! Mandy has yet to catch a break," said Tarring.

Shannon did not attempt to pin Leon following the backbreaker. She instead exited the ring and facing the audience, grabbed hold of the top rope with each hand.

"I don't understand why Shannon isn't covering Leon here," remarked Tarring. "She's leaving the ring...maybe she wants to try a dive...what on Earth?! Fans I don't believe what I am seeing! Instead of capitalizing on a weakened opponent, Shannon Storm is doing reverse pull ups from the outside!"

"Well you know in Shannon's defense, she's a special athlete," noted Credle. "Like Shannon, Scott Steiner was a standout collegiate amateur wrestler at the University of Michigan, who made the transition to the pros. He'd take a few moments to do some push ups when he felt like the competition in the ring wasn't up to par. So maybe that's how she feels about Mandy right now, that this match is a workout. So she's getting some reps in."

After the twenty fifth pull up, Leon got up and did a sliding dropkick to Shannon, who went flying into the announce table in front of her.

"Oh no! Baseball Slide by Mandy Leon and Shannon Storm collides right in front of us as this raucous crowd erupts," said Credle. "Maybe this is the break Mandy needs."

"Shannon grabbed her face after bouncing off our table seconds ago. I know she wears a mouth guard, but maybe she hit her cheek or forehead. It happened so quickly. Could you make it out Shawn?" asked Tarring.

"Looks like we're about to find out as Mandy rolls out of the ring to grab Shannon," said Credle. "Wow, swinging neckbreaker by Mandy to Shannon right on the mats outside! There it is, I see blood trickling across the bridge of Shannon's nose. Shannon pushes Mandy backward, and she crashes into the metal guardrail…"

"Now she's removing one of the mats from the floor...Shannon no, that covering is there to protect you!" shouted Tarring.

"You think she gives a damn because you tell her not to remove the padding?" asked Credle. "She knows what she's doing. She knows the risks. Not that the padding is that much help when you're tossed or slammed on it by a professional athlete."

"Shannon places Mandy between her legs and raises her above her head...powerbomb on the ring apron!" Tarring yelled. "But she doesn't relinquish the grip and raises her again...powerbomb on the apron by Shannon Storm for a second time!"

"Shannon rolls in the ring at the referee's count of seven," said Credle. "She's being relentless right now with the assault on the spine, look at Mandy thriving in pain! Mandy crawls back toward the ropes...wham! Shannon with a running knee to the side of her jaw, blocking Mandy's entry."

"Shannon exits the ring again and grabs Mandy Leon by the hair, guiding her back along the section where the covering was removed...she raises Mandy above her above her head...I know her last name is Storm, but her demeanor mirrors that of a raging pitbull," Tarring conveyed. "A third powerb...no! Holy fuck! Mandy countered the would be powerbomb into a frankensteiner! Shannon's skull just said hello to the concrete!" Tarring yelled.

A "Mandy's gonna' kill you" chant reminiscent of the "Joe is gonna' kill you" chants Samoa Joe received during big spots in his matches filled the crowd.

"I know this is a championship match, but I think she's done," said Credle. "Shannon's out. The ref might stop it."

Leon shook the barricade and shouted at the crowd who reciprocated her energy as Shannon remained down listening to the referee's count. Leon walked over to Shannon and picked up her seemingly limp body, tossing her back into the ring. She hooked both of Shannon's legs right away, but Shannon got a shoulder up. Leon then DDT'd Shannon into the second turnbuckle and Shannon made sure to get contact with her nose on the turnbuckle pad to get more color on her cut. The referee didn't count Mandy's pin attempt as both she and Shannon were too close to the ropes.


The match continued for another ten minutes with Shannon selling Leon's dominating offense. Shannon tried to distract the referee attempting first to introduce weapons into the ring, then pushed the referee into Leon, but Leon countered every attempt Shannon made to regain the upper hand. Five minutes later, Mickie James, now with two black eyes, limped down the entrance ramp and the audience exploded in cheers.

"What's this? I forgot all about Mickie!" Tarring screamed. "I thought after the attack she wasn't cleared, and we were going to have a title match as is with Storm and Leon. I guess Mickie James had other ideas."

"What are you doing?" Shannon screamed at Mickie on her knees as she used the middle ropes to help herself up. "This is between me and Mandy! Get out of here!"

Leon pushed Shannon into Mickie who entered the ring, and Shannon's face connected with Mickie's forearm. Leon and Mickie exchanged blows as Shannon bounced back and forth between the two for several moments. After receiving four strikes from each woman, Shannon ducked Mickie's fifth strike, with the punch landing on Leon. As Leon went down, Shannon raised Mickie to her shoulders, tossed her mid air, and jumped with the cutter.

"Weather The Storm! Shannon got it on Mickie! One, two, kickout!" shouted Tarring. "What just happened? Has anyone kicked out of the WTS when Storm nails it without a hitch?!"

"No they haven't! The crowd is on their feet and are just as wide-eyed as us," said Credle. "Man oh man, she got all of it. I thought she had the match! Unbelievable! And look at her-she's absolutely livid-pounding the mat and kicking the ropes in frustration. No Shannon! Don't remove the turnbuckle pad, you've got to keep your cool. Keep your head on straight! This is not the time to lose it! A championship is on the line tonight! Don't turn aro-Twist of Saint! Mandy Leon with the Twist of Saint neckbreaker!"

"Mandy Leon's gonna' do it! She gonna' become champion!" shouted Tarring. "One, two, what? Mickie pulls Leon off Shannon Storm and connects with her springboard backflip bulldog! One, two, three!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, and still MCW Women's Champion, Mickie James!" Mays announced to the crowd.

Shannon and Leon remained on opposite sides of the canvas while the referee stood in the middle of the ring raising Mickie's hand, acknowledging her victory. The show closed with the audience applauding Mickie and shouting, "That's a champion, That's a champion, That's a champion!" Mickie climbed to the second rope and returned the applause back to the audience.

Shannon was proud of herself. She didn't mark out during the match, thought it went great, and was glad to finally put to test if she was ready for the big stage as much as she talked about it.