Outside the Staples Center, 1 hours before showtime
Detrick Cyrus is seen standing outside of the former Staples Center waiting. He leans against a car as he checks his phone to look at the time.
"He's always late. He better show up soon or I'm going back down to ghetto to snatch that whiteboy's ass and drag him down here." Detrick said, before looking around. "Damn, waiting for Jason has made me go crazy. There's no one else out here to talk to."
The entrance door to the Staples Center opens causing Detrick to shift his head towards it at the sound of the noise.
"Damn, not who I was looking for." Detrick mutters to himself as he sees Natalia Rodriguez walk out the door. Natalia sees Detrick and smiles.
"Detrick!" She calls before walking towards him. "I've been looking all over the place for you."
"Sorry about keeping you waiting. I'm just waiting for Jason to show up. I thought that he might've came through a different entrance." Detrick said.
"Well, there's one entrance for every faction and the building is sectioned off into four parts, so I doubt that he could get into Hope's side without you." Natalia said.
"He needs to get here quick. That show is starting really soon." Detrick said.
"While we're talking about Jason, what's the relationship between you two?" Natalia said.
"He's my third brother. Not by blood, but we rode together. Hell, we grew up together. Yesterday, I was wrestling with him and then we talked. It felt like the old times that I wish I could relive. It felt like my family was here again." Detrick said.
"That's cute." Natalia said.
"Don't label anything Jason and I do as cute." Detrick said.
"Sor-" Suddenly a glass bottle is thrown right between the two. It hits the wall and shatters as Natalia lets out a shriek.
"God dammit Jason." Detrick said as he the Ace approach with a chuckle.
"What? You two are talking about all this sappy shit when we're less than an hour away from fighting Despair. You two needed a little wake up call." Jason said.
"You didn't need to give her a heart attack though." Detrick said as he looked over at Natalia who was calming down.
"She looks fine to me." Jason shrugs, before looking at her up and down. "And I mean that in more than one way."
"Don't hit on her." Detrick said.
"Wow." Jason said.
"Wow, what?" Natalia.
"I didn't know that Detrick could actually score with a girl." Jason said.
"Shut up." Detrick said, lightly punching a laughing Sabre in the arm.
"I don't understand…" Natalia said
"You don't need to understand." Detrick said, before Jason puts his arm around his friend and pulls him close so Natalia can't hear.
"Hey when you two did it for the first time, did you take the mask off or did you think the power of the mask helps in bed?" Jason joked, before Detrick pushed him off.
"Enough with the bullshitting Jason. This is serious. I need a serious Ace of Pro Wrestling." Detrick said, pushing off the loveable asshole.
"Just because we're in some serious times doesn't mean I can't have a little bit of fun at your expense." Jason said, before the three hear the door open again. Detrick groans as he sees a 6'2 man with short hair and a long bang approach.
"What are you two doing talking to this thug? Rey Pantera is about to put me over in front of everyone." The man said.
"I doubt that he's planning to do that." Detrick said.
"No he is. He has great respect for my family, especially after my grandfather Roddy McCormick defeated him in Rio." The man said, causing Natalia to look at Detrick.
"I don't remember Master telling us about that." Natalia said.
"That's because it never happened. Will's just full of it sometimes." Detrick said.
"So is anyone going to introduce me to the overgrown scene kid or what?" Jason asked.
"I'm Will Ralston and I am not a scene kid. Although, my third cousin was actually responsible for causing that little movement." Will Ralston states.
"I feel like this guy is lying." Jason said.
"That's because he is. He's a little bit of a pathological liar and a major annoyance to everyone in Hope." Detrick said.
"That's very unkind of you to say. I am the Ultimate Hope that's going to take down Despair. You should be more respectful to me." Will said.
"If you want respect then you should earn it instead of running your mouth and spewing out crap every chance you get." Detrick said, causing Will to scoff.
"Whatever. Just come inside for the meeting and leave this thug out here." Will said.
"If you call me a thug one more time, I'll shove Detrick's shoe up your teeny bopper ass." Jason threatened.
"Calm down Jason." Detrick said, trying to keep the peace.
"Jason? As in Jason Sabre? The Ace?" Will Ralston asked
"Yeah, that's my name." Jason said.
"Despair must've really hit you hard." Will said.
"What?" Asked Jason.
"People used to call you the best wrestler on the planet and now look at you. But don't worry when I end Despair for good, you'll probably have a less pitiful life." Will said as Detrick instantly got in Jason's way as he lunged at Detrick.
"Natalia, get Will out of here before he kills the guy." Detrick said as he struggles to hold Jason back. Natalia quickly leads Will back into the building, before Detrick lets go.
"He's dead." Jason said
"No Jason. I know he's arrogant and a prick, but he's on my side. I'll introduce you to Master Pantera later. Right now you should just go to the Nomad's side and get ready for the show." Detrick says.
"I hope I have a match against him." Jason said.
"I hope you don't for his wife's sake." Detrick said
Asylum, Several hours before the show
A man is on his knees in a padded room praying when someone's feet appear in front of him.
"Rise up Oscar." The woman said as Oscar opened his eyes and saw Giselle. He stands on his feet, before noticing something in her hands.
"Why...why do you have that?" Oscar said as the 6'4 man began to cower at the sight of a mask.
"Because Oscar Nevermore is poor excuse for a human that Azriel saved. Grimm, on the other hand is a valuable asset to Despair." Giselle said as she stepped closer to Oscar. With every step she took, he backed up.
"No, I can't. Not anymore. Not anymore. Not anymore." He said as he continued to back up.
"You will. You owe your existence to Azriel. He is the man who saved you. He is the man that gave you an Archangel to believe him." Giselle said as Oscar hit the padded wall behind him and was now trapped. "This asylum that Azriel built for you was so you could one day serve him as Grimm. This is the destiny that you have been given by the lord who gave you a reason to live."
Giselle was inches away Oscar's face. She puts the mask right up to the nervous Oscar's face.
"Put it on for him."
Oscar nervously looks at it, trembling.
"You swore your life to Azriel. You signed your life away in the blood of innocent humans yet Azriel saved you from any type of repercussion."
"Grimm did that." Oscars squeaked out.
"The world said otherwise. Only one person believed you and that one person is someone that you need to repay. I see the fear in your eyes. I hear the worry in your words. This mask was once your biggest fear. But now it is time for it to become your greatest strength. The time has come for you to repay Azriel by serving him as Grimm"
"What about Oscar?" Oscar asked
"Oscar will live and when Azriel permits it, he will return. But right now, he needs Grimm." Giselle said. "Serve your lord."
Giselle then drops the mask in front of Oscar. Giselle turns around smirking as Oscar picks it up.
"Do it."
Oscar looks at Giselle, who doesn't even look back at him.
"You owe it to Azriel."
Oscar looks one more time at the mask with his hands still shaking. Then he places the mask over his face.
"For Azriel."
(Ad Break)
The roar of the crowd joins us as we return from commercial. The crowd is loud and excited for the return of Professional wrestling to North America.
"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the return of Professional Wrestling in North America. This is ACW. My name is David Harkness and right beside me is-" Said a 5'7 man, before being interrupted by the man next to him.
"Shut your mouth, my nobody of a partner. They all know who I am. I am the host of the most successful podcast in the history of planet earth. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am the host of the Neal Deal with Evan Neal podcast in the flesh. I am the voice of Professional Wrestling's return. I am Evan Neal, but you already knew that." Evan Neal said.
"A little braggadocious, don't you think?" David questions.
"How can I not be? We haven't seen Professional Wrestling on this continent in many years. Tonight is the return and I get to be the host of the show." Evan said.
"And tonight's historic show will be great." David said.
"Obviously it will, but we don't even know what's going to happen on this show. But the president does and he's standing in the middle of ring to tell everyone what's going to happen. So enough with David's boring commentary, let's head up to Richard Montoya." Evan said
"God help me during these next nineteen episode." David mutters.
We cut to in the ring where Richard Montoya stands with the National Guard surrounding the ring. The crowd in the Staples Center is electric.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the United States….welcome to A….C….W! " Richard said with a grin on his face at the loud response. "Now it has been years since wrestling has been seen in this country. I personally decided to bring it back for the betterment of this world and the entertainment of you people."
Richard pauses again as the fans rally behind him.
"But first we need to get down to business. In wrestling everyone competes for prizes known as Championships. In ACW, there are two Championships. The ACW World Championship for the men and the ACW Womens Championship for the women. There will be two different tournaments that will happen over the upcoming six weeks that will conclude at our first special episode, ACW Glory Road. The ACW Womens Championship will be determined in a traditional eight women tournament. However the ACW World Championship tournament will be different. Only six men will be in that tournament. They will be seperated in one on one matches and the finals will be a triple threat at ACW Glory Road. Four of those men will be selected at random. I say four because tonight's first episode needs some stakes…"
Richard smiles.
"In our opening contest a Nomad by the name of Jason Sabre-"
The crowd explodes at the sound of his name.
"-will challenge a Upper Class member-"
In an instant the explosion of cheers turn into an eruption of boos.
"Freddy Escobar. And a member of Hope choosing will face a member of Despair's choosing in our main event. The winners of those matches will be guaranteed a spot in the tournament. Everyone else will be chosen at random." Richard Montoya announces. "However that isn't all for tonight. The women will be wrestling in a eight woman tag team match and the person who gets the pin will choose their first round opponent in the tournament."
Richard pauses again, looking around at the crowd.
"Now...let the return of Pro Wrestling begin!" Richard said to a huge pop
(Backstage; Upper Class locker room)
"Looks like he's back." Freddy scoffed. "It doesn't matter anymore, I'll defeat him."
Suddenly, Caesar pokes his head into the room.
"Did you get my future wife?" Freddy asked, only for Caesar to nod. "Good. Bring her in."
Caesar opens the door as a blond woman walks in with a curve loving tight dress that caused Freddy to grin and lick his lips.
"If I didn't have to wrestle a match, I'd ask Caesar to leave." Freddy comments
"I'm not in the mood for that tonight Freddy. My brother called me and told me that our President isn't going to put me in the tournament. My brother is going to come down here next week to talk to him about this awful tragedy." Talia rants.
"It is very unfair, but what is your brother going to do?" Freddy said.
"You two are going to get me into the tournament." Talia said.
"Us two? I have to work with him?" Freddy questions.
"Of course. He's a billionaire and you're a millionaire. The two of you can outsmart that man and get me my Championship." Talia said, before a knock on the door is heard.
"Who is it?" Shouts Freddy.
" , your match with Jason Sabre is starting soon. You need to get to the ring." The voice said. Freddy sighed before looking at Talia and kissing her.
"Next week, I'll help you get closer to your Championship. This week, I'm beating an old acquaintance to get closer to mine." Freddy said.
"You know that lower class scum." Talia said, raising a brow
"I wasn't born into money Talia. I know a lot of those scumbags." Freddy said, before signalling for Caesar to follow him out of the locker room.
Rain's falling down and just darkens the ground
A sound that I've heard before but I'm not sure
You keep me away from the place where you've been
But now I remember why you stay away from there
"As the sound of Pay Money to My Pain's Weight of my Pride fill's the arena, Jason Sabre has returned. He was known as one of the worlds greatest wrestlers. However when Despair hit, this young man disappeared. Now, the time has come for the Ace to return and fulfill his destiny." David said
"Destiny? What destiny? What makes him better than Freddy Escobar? You're hyping him up like he's some type of prodigy yet he is someone I've never heard of. Honestly, his destiny could end up with him not even being in tournament if he loses. If Freddy wins, then Jason Sabre has to depend on the luck of the draw to enter and the chances of him being one of those lucky four men is slimmer than my waistline." Evan said
"Also slimmer than your popularity." David quips
"Tell that to my six million podcast downloads." Counters Evan
I'm living in that 21st Century, doing something mean to it
Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it
"Now coming down to the ring is a success story during these dark times. Once a nobody wrestler has turned into a millionaire. But now, this brilliant man has returned to the sport to beat the so called Ace and get one step closer to the ACW Championship." Evan said
"You know, Freddy Escobar is set to marry Talia Brooks, who herself is wrestling here. Talia is the sister of the heir to the Brooks Oil Corporation. Why would they need to be here?" David said.
"My sources say that it's probably fame." Evan said
"That's very possible. If he connects with that One handed electric chair driver that he calls Princes Throne. Or maybe his friend on the outside will help." David said.
The bell rings as the Los Angeles crowd is electric for the first match in North America in years. Jason and Freddy circle each other. Suddenly Jason extends his hand out for what seems to be a fist bump. Freddy quickly waves it off and Jason drops his hand, going back to a fighting stance. Jason has a cocky expression on his face as Freddy looks ready to tear into the Ace. Freddy inaudible trash talks Sabre, only to get a punch to the face. Jason then delivers a series of right hands to knock Freddy down to the mat. Every time he got up, he would get another one. After repeating the process five times, Jason changed things up by delivering a sickening Knife Edge Chop to the chest to back Freddy into the ropes. Jason then lunges at him with another right hand, causing Freddy to walk over to the corner in an attempt to create distance. But Jason followed and delivered another chop to his chest.
Jason takes a moment to let the crowd calm down, before delivering another knife edge chop. Freddy continued to walk around the ring, trying to shake off the pain and Jason followed by clubbing him in the back. Suddenly, Freddy elbowed him in the gut. Freddy then delivered a few right hands in succession to get the advantage. But then Jason fired back with his own right hand. The crowd explodes in excitement, absolutely enthralled by the early fight between the Ace and The Prince. Freddy begins to connect with a couple more punches than Jason. Freddy is starting to get the best of this exchange as he begins to back Sabre into the corner. However Jason blows one hand with his arm and delivers a headbutt straight to the head. Freddy reels backwards as Jason shakes off the headbutt.
Freddy takes a moment to rub his head, before looking back up at Jason Sabre who kicks him in the gut, before doing a headlock takedown on the unsuspecting Prince. Jason Sabre doesn't even attempt to put in the headlock, letting go right after they hit the mat in favor of getting to his feet. Freddy gets up only for Jason to hip toss him back down. Jason runs off the ropes as Freddy sits up. A sliding clothesline connects! Jason goes for the cover
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Kick out at .20
Jason grabs Freddy by the arm and drags him up, before whipping him off the ropes. Jason attempts a dropkick, but Freddy is able to swat Jason's feet away while he's in the air. Jason lands on both feet, but Freddy takes him down with a running knee to the back. Freddy then leaps in the air and does a knee drop to Jason, before picking him up. A loud 'Freddy Sucks' begins among the crowd, before Freddy runs off the ropes and connects with a big flying clothesline on Jason. Freddy goes into a corner and rests for a bit as Jason smartly rolls to the opposite side. Jason gets to his feet as Freddy begins to talk trash again. Jason runs out of his corner, only for Freddy to sidestep. Jason turns around into a right hand, before being hit with a second one that sends him bouncing off the corner. Jason comes back only to step into the a fireman's carry position on top of Freddy's shoulders. Jason quickly elbows Freddy a couple ties, causing him to step forward, near the ropes. Jason slides off Freddy's shoulder's and onto the ring apron. Jason tries to springboard, but before both his feet can touch the top rope, Freddy Escobar connects with a European Uppercut! Jason lets go of the ropes and falls straight to the ground below.
"Hey remember that guy that you said was the Ace of Pro Wrestling? Yeah, I think that was hyperbole." Evan said
"Admittedly, things aren't looking too good for Jason right now. But he's on the outside where Freddy can't pin him and we're still just getting into this match between the Ace and the Prince. Momentum can and has shifted at any moment." David said
"That was a very unfunny joke." Evan said.
"It wasn't a joke Evan." David sighed
Freddy doesn't waste any time as he jumps out of the ring to pick up Jason Sabre. Freddy quickly smashes the Nomad's head off the steel steps, before dragging him over and doing the same thing off the announce table. Then he does it a second time, before doing it a third time. Freddy grabs David Harkness' water bottle as Jason staggers around. Freddy takes a sip of water, before turning Jason around and spitting the water in his face. The crowd 'oh's' as Jason is woken up by this and tackles Freddy, back first into the announce table. Jason then grabs Freddy by his cropped black hair and forces him back into the ring. Jason gets on the ring apron as Freddy had gotten up and charged toward him with a fist. Jason sidesteps him and connects with a elevated kick to the face to knock him flat onto his back. Jason connects with a Hilo on Freddy. Jason then gets up as the crowd is firmly behind him at this point. Freddy gets to his feet and Jason delivers a stiff chop to the chest, followed by a few more. Freddy leans against the ropes, holding his chest, before Jason whips him off the ropes. But Freddy reverses! Jason comes back straight into a superkick! Jason crumples to the mat as Freddy smiles. Freddy taunts, signaling for the Princes Throne. Jason begins to get up as Freddy stands behind him, before lifting him onto his shoulders in a seated position. Jason instantly begins to wiggle, causing Freddy to push him off his shoulders. Jason lands on his feet and in an instant connects with a beautiful Pele kick to the top of Freddy's head to stop him from doing anything! Jason quickly gets his bearings, probably not knowing what just happened and covers Freddy.
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Kick out!
Jason gets up and keeps his eye on Freddy, who is getting up near a corner. Jason quickly sandwiches him with a crossbody into the corner. Jason then drags him out of the corner and connects with a swinging neckbreaker. Jason drags Freddy up to his feet with him and Irish whips him into the ropes. Jason leaps in the air and catches him with a standing dropkick. Jason follows up by kipping up to a huge pop and pointing at the top turnbuckle. Jason ascends to the top turnbuckle, but as he does, Freddy gets to his feet and clubs him over the head with a right hand to stop him. Freddy climbs up to the second rope, punching Jason as he does. Freddy then puts Jason on his shoulders and connects with a Samoan drop from the second turnbuckle onto the mat, straight into a pin!
"Jason Sabre went up and Freddy sent him crashing!" Evan calls
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2!
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Kick out!
"It wasn't enough. Jason is still in this match! But for how much longer at the rate these two are wrestling at?" David Said
"I don't know about you, but I think these two are just scratching the surface on what they can do." Evan said
Freddy sits up and looks at the ref, absolutely furious with the call. He claps his hands say that it should've been a three count. Freddy gets up, before reaching down to pick up his opponent. However, Jason catches him by surprise by kicking him leg upward and catching Freddy on the side of the head. Freddy grabs his head as Jason rolls away. Jason then gets up and charges at Freddy. Freddy pulls down the top ropes, but Jason jumps over him and the ropes, clearing it and landing safely on the ring apron. Freddy gets to a vertical base, before Jason catches him with a forearm. Jason turns his head to look at the floor below and then hooks Freddy up for a Suplex. Jason Suplex's Freddy from inside the ring to the outside! The crowd cheers loudly as Jason looks on from the ring apron. Jason then decides to turn things up another notch by Springboarding backwards off the top rope and connecting with an Asai Moonsault on Freddy while Freddy's on the floor!
"Lord have mercy on both of these men. That was beautiful to watch, but painful to feel." Evan Neal said.
"You have to respect the risk by Jason Sabre. He did that, not for the championship, but for an opportunity to enter a tournament to win that Championship." David said
"I don't have to respect anything." Evan said
Both men crawl around the outside as the ref begins his count. Jason Sabre becomes the first one to get to his feet using the announce table as leverage. Jason quickly rolls into the ring as the ref hits a five count, before rolling back out to restart the count. Freddy is using the Guard rail to pull himself up as Jason runs at him. But Freddy bursts back to life and side steps Jason, sending him chest first into the Guard rail. Freddy then turns Jason around and connects with a snap powerslam on the ring floor. The crowds minor pop for the move turns into boos in an instant as Freddy acknowledges the 'scum' in the crowd. Freddy drags Jason back to his feet by his hair and slaps him. Freddy then runs toward the post and crashes Jason's face against it. Jason falls to the floor on impact as Freddy is loving it. Freddy rolls into the ring and takes a moment to play to the crowd as Jason Sabre slowly gets to his feet.
Freddy exits the ring again and connects with a clothesline to take Jason down again. Freddy then tells something to Caesar who immediately walks toward the announce table and rips the cover and monitors out. Evan Neal and David Harkness get out of the way as Freddy then slams Jason's head off the announce table, before laying him on top of it. The referee exits the ring to tell Freddy not to do anything, but Freddy ignores him and climbs up onto the announce table as Jason is on all fours. Freddy puts him in a front facelock and drags him up. Freddy looks like he's going for a DDT, but Jason back body drops Freddy onto the announce table as a counter! The crowd starts a loud 'Jason!' chant as Sabre drops to both knees, a little tired, before getting up. Sabre quickly hits a Pescado from the announce table on a unsuspecting Caesar Montana, before getting up to his feet. However, Jason is then given a surprise Diving Tornado DDT off the announce table by Freddy! The two lay on the outside floor as the ref continues to count them out.
"Stop the count ref! I don't want the first match on North American soil in years to end this way." David said
"Thankfully my announce table is okay. Unfortunately these two aren't and that is bad for the sake of this match." Evan said
The ref is at a count of eight as both men slowly get to a vertical base. They make eye contact ready to fight until they hear 'Nine' slip from the refs mouth. The two then forget about the fighting idea and make a beeline for the ring to break the count. They slide under the bottom rope at nine as the crowd give them a standing ovation.
"This is Wrestling! This is Wrestling!"
Jason and Freddy don't even take a moment to acknowledge the respect from the city as they jump to their feet. Freddy quickly goes for a superkick, but Jason ducks it and goes for a discus clothesline, only for Freddy to duck that. Freddy leaps in the air and connects with a jumping knee to the chin of Jason Sabre. Jason falls back into the ropes, but ricochets off it with a rebound Koppu Kick. Freddy and Jason lay on the mat as the 'This is Wrestling!' chants continue.
"Hey North America, Professional Wrestling is back." Evan said
"These two men are spent after this incredible match, but they have to pull something out and end this. Only one of these two men will be guaranteed a spot in the ACW World Championship tournament and after all this, it would be incredibly heartbreaking to lose this match for both men." David comments
Freddy sits up, breathing heavily. Then Jason Sabre kips up to his feet, causing Freddy's eyes to widen. Jason looks down at Freddy as goosebump appear over many of the twenty thousand people in the Staples Center arms. Freddy gets to his feet, not taking his eyes off Jason. Freddy tries another right hand, but Jason catches it and pulls him into a forearm. Jason then runs off the ropes and hits a Slingblade! Jason slaps the mat, hyping himself up as he feeds off the electricity. Jason gets up and backs up into the corner, pointing his 'gun' at Freddy and taunting for the Running Knee Strike that he labeled the Final Resolution. Freddy gets to his one knee and Jason runs at him, but Freddy leaps up to his feet and catches him with a roundhouse kick. Jason rocked by the surprise counter. Freddy lifts him up and hits a Samoan Driver that he dubbed The Royal Decree. Freddy hooks the leg of Jason Sabre!
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Kick out at 2.80!
"God damn, I bit! I thought it was over." David said
"Jason Sabre may be over, but this match isn't. However, any move could end it at this point. Both men have been going at it with everything they've got for over fifteen minutes." Evan said
Freddy gets to his feet, sweating and breathing heavily. He does the same taunt that he did earlier, signaling for the Princes Throne. Jason slowly gets to his feet and is quickly picked up onto Freddy's shoulder. Freddy reaches up and grabs Jason by the head. However, Jason desperately bites Freddy's arm, cutting open the millionaire's skin! Freddy yelps in pain and lets go of Jason's head. This gives Jason the opportunity to get off Freddy's shoulders. Freddy turns around into a step up Enziguri, which Jason follows with a roaring elbow to knock Freddy onto one knee. Jason quickly gets in the corner for the second and does his gun taunt before connecting with a Final Resolution!
"He finally connects with the Final Resolution!" David said.
"Goodnight sweet Prince." Evan said as Jason covers Freddy.
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3!
"And it is official, Jason Sabre is one of six men who will compete in the ACW World Championship tournament!" David exclaims.
"You know, I'm an honest man." Evan said
"Are you really?" David asked
"No, I'm not. That's why I'm not going to admit that I was impressed with Jason Sabre's performance tonight." Evan said
"You just did Evan. Nonetheless, Freddy Escobar and Jason Sabre kicked off ACW with a classic and the night will continue as we will have a eight woman tag match between the eight participants in the ACW Womens Championship tournament. It will be Adela Harroway, Giselle, Nevah Maria and Katarina Love taking on Natalia Rodriguez, Erin Frost, Nyx Rosewood & Rayleen Barnett. Whoever gets the pin will get to choose their opponent for the first round of the tournament." David announces
(Backstage; Hope Locker room- before the show)
Rey Pantera is seen standing in front of the Hope roster when Natalia walks in with Will Ralston.
"Where is Detrick? I asked you to get him and Natalia." Rey said.
"I'm sorry, but he's too busy helping some worthless nomad that I taught a lesson to." Will said.
"No one is worthless. Everyone in the world is worth something. We all have a purpose in life." Rey said
"Like me leading Hope to victory as we destroy Despair." Will said causing everyone except Rey to roll their eyes.
"Just sit down. I want to talk about tonight." Rey said as the two took their seats. "Tonight we have two important matches. Natalia, you and Erin will be teaming up with two nomads. I want you to work with them, not against them. However, I was told that the winner was allowed to choose who they face during the first round of the tournament. So make sure that one of you will get the pin."
"We sure will master." Natalia said. "Right Erin?"
Natalia turns her head to see Erin Frost sitting on her chair meditating, seated in a Hindu position. Erin turns her head to Natalia with her eyes still close.
"Shhh...I'm centering my Chi right now." Erin said
"Chi?" The slightly confused Natalia said, before an African American man leans forward from his seat to near Natalia's ear.
"Don't question Erin. It's not good for your sanity." The man said.
"You're probably right CJ." Natalia said
"Anyways, I have one more thing to adress and that's tonight's main event-" Rey said, before Detrick enters the room.
"I'm sorry for being late Master Pantera. I had to clean up Will's mess." Detrick said.
"My mess? It's your fault." Will said.
"I don't want arguing right now. So, Detrick, I was just about to mention tonight's main event. A member of Hope will go against a member of Despair by the name of Grimm. The winner will receive a guaranteed spot in a tournament to determine the ACW World Champion. So I had to choose who will represent us." Rey said before looking at Detrick. "Go out there and win one for us chico."
"I will." Detrick nodded
"Wait?! What about me!" Ralston spoke up
"I don't want any arguing Will. My word is final. Detrick gets the match." Rey said. Will looks at Detrick with obvious envy as Detrick looks right back at him.
(Ad Break)
(Backstage; Neutral hallway)
Giselle is walking down an empty hall, heading out for her eight woman tag match. Giselle turns the corner and immediately bumps into someone. Suddenly a flash of that man from her dreams appears until she regains her bearings and snaps out of it. She looks up to see one man….
"You need to watch out." Jason Sabre said to the 5'5 woman. Giselle made eye contact with the Ace and instantly the visions of that mystery man returned. "Hey, did you lose your voice or something"
"Who are you?" Giselle spoke.
"I'm Jason Sabre. Who are you?" Jason said
"Jason Sabre…" Giselle spoke.
"No that's my name. Who are you?" Jason said.
Giselle didn't speak. Instead she looked at Jason Sabre. Her honey colored eyes stared deep into Jason Sabre's almost black, dark brown eyes. Giselle then shoved past the Ace and began to walk down the hall.
"Jason Sabre…" She muttered as Jason Sabre watches her leave.
"What a weirdo...at least she's hot." Jason said to himself before deciding to walk straight. What Jason didn't notice was Adela Harroway leaning against the wall with a wicked smirk on her face.
"Azriel's queen has taken notice of the Nomad. Very interesting." She says to herself.
Back in the arena
I am (I am) woman (woman)
I am (I am) woman (woman)
"Here comes four members of Despair led by Giselle." David said.
"For those who are unaware, Giselle was chosen to be Azriel's partner of sorts." Evan said.
"A romantic partner or is it platonic?" David asked
"My sources can neither confirm nor deny that. However, there are three other women. Adela Harroway, Katarina Love and Nevah Maria. Each of them are skilled fighters that were hand selected to be here." Evan said
"Do your sources have anything about the other three?" David asked
"I can confirm that Katarina Love and Nevah Maria seem to be attached to each other. Nevah loyally follows Katarina everywhere." Evan said
Come at me,
And you'll see,
I'm more than meets the eye.
"And here comes there opponents. They are led by Natalia Rodriguez, who is a student of the legendary Rey Pantera. Alongside her is a fellow Hope member in Erin Frost." David said
"Quit talking about them. There's two Nomads who could care less about Hope. Those two are Rayleen Bennet and Nyx Rosewood." Evan said
"Judging by their facial expressions, Rayleen looks like she's all business tonight." David said.
"And that criminal, Nyx Rosewood, doesn't look happy to be on this team. She should be happy that her and her boyfriend haven't been locked up." Evan states
"Ignoring the last comment from you, I can't blame Nyx. Only the person who gets the pin will get to choose their opponent, so she can't trust her team. Meanwhile, the other team is all from Despair, so they're more of a unit." David said.
The bell rings as Natalia tries to start for her team, but Nyx quickly tells her to get out so she can start. Natalia obliges, before exiting the ring as Nyx starts the match against Katarina Love. Katarina gets right into Nyx's face and pie faces her. Nyx quickly fires back with a slap to the face as retaliation. Katarina quickly tries to pick the bigger Nyx up for a scoop slam, but Nyx floats over. Katarina turns around for Nyx to leap in the air and hit her with a Hurricanrana. Both get up and Nyx follows with a Calf Kick. Nyx follows that move up with a standing moonsault. Nyx picks her up and hits a Russian Leg Sweep, before noticing Rayleen stick her hand out. Nyx looks at her, begrudgingly tagging her in.
Rayleen enters and does a knee drop to the head. Katarina rolls away from Rayleen who is on her trail, but stop once Katarina is near the Despair corner. Katarina tags in Adela. Adela enters and gets into an elbow and collar tie up with Rayleen. Adela decides to play dirty and stomp on her feet. The Warmaster lets go of the Collar and elbow out of shock, before Adela hits a high kick to the back of her head. Rayleen falls to one knee, before bouncing off the ropes. Adela comes back and connects with a basement dropkick to the chest of Rayleen, knocking her down. Adela offers her hand to Giselle, but Giselle waves her off, saying no.
"Interesting." Evan notes.
"Maybe the plan is for Adela to win." David speculates.
Adela smirks back at Giselle, before bending over to pick up Rayleen. But she ends up being dragged down to the mat by Rayleen and put in a Guillotine choke. Adela waves her arms around, practically calling for help, which she gets when Katarina and Nevah enter the ring. The two pull Adela out of the hold. Rayleen gets to her feet as Natalia and Erin get into the ring. Erin clotheslines Nevah Maria down! Meanwhile, Natalia runs at Katarina and catches her with a Corkscrew Flying Forearm Smash. Natalia gets up and ducks underneath a high kick from Adela. Erin Frost ends up catching Adela's leg and she swings it toward Rayleen, who catches her leg and does a leg trap Suplex. Katarina and Nevah are seen getting up outside the ring as Natalia grasps the top rope. Natalia springs up and does a cannonball onto both of them. The crowd chants 'Holy Shit.' as Giselle watches from the ring apron.
Erin Frost is dragged back to her corner, where Nyx stands. Rayleen puts Adela in a headlock and walks over to the two. Rayleen tags in Erin and basically hands over Adela to her. Erin drags her toward the middle of the ring. Erin does a wrist lock, before pulling her into a Northern lights Suplex that she bridges into a pin.
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Katarina Love jumps in the ring to break it up. Natalia slides into the ring from beside her, only for Katarina to see her and do a double leg takedown on the much smaller woman. The ref tries to pull Katarina off and as he does, Nevah Maria comes up from behind Erin and turns her around. The Brazillian catches the Alaskan Native with a spinning backfist that knocks her down. Nevah exits the ring as Katarina is dragged back to her teams corner, happy that her distraction worked. Nevah seems proud of herself on the outside, before Nyx Rosewood comes up from behind and grabs her flowing black hair, before running her face first into the steel post. And if that wasn't back enough, Nevah Maria is then hit with a Suicide Sommersault Senton from Natalia Rodriguez from out of nowhere, less than second later!
"Oh my god! Natalia just took out Nevah with that amazing sommersault through the middle rope. I didn't even see her coming." David said
"That Nomad helped, don't forget that." Evan said
Nyx looks at Natalia, who is laying on the floor, before getting onto the ring apron. Erin tags in Nyx and she enters the ring, meanwhile Erin goes to the floor to help Natalia up. Nyx goes for a Springboard Move, but before she can even do anything, Adela sidesteps. Nyx lands on her feet, but before she can catch her bearings, Adela turns her around and hits a Uranage on Nyx. Adela goes for the pin.
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Katarina Love, Nevah Maria, Natalia, Rayleen and Erin Frost all enter the ring
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Katarina and Rayleen begin to brawl with Rayleen knocking Katarina down
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Nevah Maria connects with a lou thez on Erin and delivers a few punches.
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Natalia squeaks by the madness and breaks up the pin at 2.97
"Natalia barely saves it!" David calls.
Erin Frost rolls out of the ring as Nevah Maria gets to her feet. Meanwhile, Rayleen throws Katarina out of the ring as the ref loses control of this match again. Katarina and Erin get to there feet as Nevah runs off the ropes and then dives over the top with a Plancha onto both. Rayleen then gets turned around by Adela and hit with a surprise Snap DDT. Adela stands on her feet and sees three women getting up on the outside. Adela is about to run off the ropes, but ends up running into a Double Knee Press from the top turnbuckle from a patiently waiting Natalia Rodriguez! Natalia follows the ambush by rolling up to get feet and doing a slingshot crossbody onto all four of the women outside. The crowd is popping loud for the spots as Nyx Rosewood stands alone in the ring. Nyx makes her way to the top turnbuckle with her back to the ring.
"I think Nxy is about to hit her famous Phoenix Splash." David said.
"I think someone else has something to say about that." Evan says
And Evan was right. Giselle finally entered the ring and pulled Adela out of the way as Nyx attempted the Phoenix Splash! Nyx crashes as Giselle kicks Natalia in the face when she tries to reenter the ring. Adela gets up and looks at Giselle a little surprised. Giselle yells at her to finish it. Adela ascends to the top turnbuckle and then connects with a Laide Hell (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press.) She hooks the leg as Giselle watches from inside the ring
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3!
"Adela Harroway has earned the right to pick her opponent for the first round of the ACW Womens Championship tournament." David said
"You know, I have to give Giselle some credit for doing nothing during the entire match and waiting until the end to come in and help. I was thinking that there was some trouble-" Evan said
"I pick you." Adela says to Giselle audibly as Giselle smiles.
"Nevermind! My sources just heard Adela choose Giselle! Is there problems in Despair?" Evan said
"Are you kidding me? I don't understand why you'd want to pick someone in your own faction." David said
"I have a theory, my unintelligent coworker. Maybe they want to guarantee that someone in Despair gets to the Semi-Finals." Evan said
"That's actually very possible, but the relationship between Giselle and Adela seems to be rocky based on an earlier interaction in the match. This could just be a grudge match as opposed to a master plan by Despair." David states
"Speaking of Despair, our main event is up next as Despair's Grimm challenged Hope's Detrick Cyrus. Who will join Jason Sabre as one of six men in the ACW Championship tournament?" Evan said
(Ad Break)
Ash Russo and the rest of Anarchy are seen standing outside the fan entrance of the Staples Center.
"The main event is up next. It's time to strike." Ash said.
"Be patient Ash. The time will come for us to strike, but it's not tonight. Let them celebrate." Jasper said
"When do I get to burn this bitch to the ground?" Ash asked.
"Soon. Just not tonight. Patience is virtue." Jasper said, before a rather husky man approached them.
"What the hell do you want nerd?" Ash asked.
"Ash, be nice. He hasn't done anything." Lacey speaks up.
"I'm sorry to disturb you. My name is Ray Kiran. I'm trying to get into ACW, but apparently no one chose me to be apart of their faction." Ray Kiran said.
"I can see why. You look like the marshmallow man from Ghostbusters." Ash said.
"No. I'm just a little big boned. Anyways, I was wondering if you guys know who I can give my resume too. I'm willing to join both Hope and Despair and I'm really talented too. I can do a Pele Kick." Ray Kiran said as he held up his resume.
"Can you really?" Lacey asked.
"Yes mam. My mother taught it to me. You see, I was raised by many respectable women." Ray Kiran said.
"Okay feminist, shut the hell up. I don't care who raised you to be a overgrown twinkboy and you're kind of annoying me right now. Let me give you some advice. You're not a wrestler. You stand no chance against anyone. A person in wheelchair has a better chance of surviving as a wrestler than you do." Ash said.
"You know what, all my life I've been told no. They said I couldn't be a wrestler. They said I couldn't get a girlfriend. They said I couldn't graduate High School. And...well...you know, I might not have done any of that yet, but gosh darnit I will!" David said.
"Say it, don't spray it jackass." Ash said as he wiped spit from his face.
"Mr. Kiran," Jasper spoke. "I suggest you leave and not come back. My friend is starting to become irritated by your presence."
"No. I'm going to hand my resume to whoever takes resumes. I'm not giving up. I am Ray Kiran and I'm a wrestler!" Ray said, before Ash turns to Roman McIntyre.
"Roman...end this idiot."
"Huh?" Ray Kiran says before Roman tears his head off with a Lariat! Roman then picks Ray Kiran up puts him between his legs.
"Through the window." Ash directs, before Roman lifts him up in a Powerbomb Position and throws him threw a window into the Staples Center. Ash picks up the resume and enters the Staples Center through the broken window, walking on the shattered glass as Ray Kiran lays in a pile of shattered glass. Ash rips his resume and throws the scraps down onto him. "When you wake up and security find you….tell them that Anarchy will reign."
"That was a little bit extreme." Lacey said.
"Always a hothead, aren't you Ash?" Jasper sighed.
"Whatever. Since we're not interfering in the main event, let's get the hell out of here." Ash said to Anarchy
(Back in the arena)
You've got me shaking from the way you're talking
My heart is breaking but there's no use crying
What a cyanide surprise you have left for my eyes
If I had common sense I'd cut myself or curl up and die
"What the hell is this masked thing?" Questions David.
"My sources have nothing. All I know is that his name is Grimm." Evan said
"Your sources are terrible." David said
"Don't insult my sources. At least people are willing to talk to me about something, unlike you." Evan said
Only got one shot
I'll Make it to the top I swear
"And here comes Rey Pantera's greatest student. This is Detrick Cyrus and from what I've heard, he is an amazing Luchadore." David said.
"This guy has all the hype in the world. He is essentially Hope's top wrestler. But is he good enough to win this match tonight?" Asked Evan
"I believe that he is, but this Grimm guy is a real enigma. We know nothing about him." David said
Detrick seems a bit tentative to strike as Grimm quickly approaches him. Detrick back up into a corner as Grimm closes in on his. Suddenly, Detrick surprises him with a shoot kick to the chest of Grim. Detrick follows with a couple more right hands, before elevating himself into the second turnbuckle. Detrick jumps off trying to for a Tornado DDT. However, as he spins, Grimm pushes him off. Detrick catches himself and runs at Grimm, only for Grimm to lift him into the air and connect with a Flapjack. Grimm then pulls Detrick up by his half black and half white shorts, before hitting a atomic drop and following it up with a very stiff Discus Forearm to the back of the head of the 5'10 luchadore. The much larger, 6'4, Grimm stands over Detrick's body as LA tries to rally their nearby hero. Grimm picks him up and puts him in a waistlock before sending Detrick flying with a German Suplex! Detrick crashes down onto the mat, landing on the back of his neck.
Grimm then drags Detrick up again and lifts him up onto his shoulders, possibly going for the Psycho Gutbuster. But Detrick slides off his shoulders and catches Grimm in a sleeper hold from behind. Detrick is hoping to make Grimm pass out as the ref tries to do the arm test to see if he's knocked out. It drops once, but when he tries it for a second time, Grimm's arm stays up. Grimm quickly drags himself and Detrick toward the ropes, where Grimm grabs the top rope to break the hold. Detrick immediately lets go, before delivering a spin kick to the gut on Grimm, sending the bigger men tumbling over the middle rope to the outside. Detrick claps, encouraging the crowd to join him as he watches Grimm get to his feet on the outside. Detrick then bounces off the ropes and does a Tope Suicida!
"Detrick's head just hit Grimm in the chest!" David said
"That was like a bullet!" Evan said
Detrick takes a moment to soak up the reaction to the move, before picking Grimm up. Detrick slams Grimm's head on the ring apron a couple times, before Grimm pushes him away for a second and rolls back into the ring. Detrick follows behind him, but gets caught with an uppercut to the chin, that sends him to the floor. The Lucha Warrior lays on the ground as Grimm stomps over his sternum a couple times. Grimm then drops an pointed elbow on the chest of Detrick. Grimm then pulls both himself and Detrick off the mat and puts him in a tree of woe position. Grimm uses this opportunity to deliver two hand blows to the stomach of Detrick. However, Detrick is able to get legs free and flip out of the tree of woe, while mule kicking Grimm! Grimm backs up, before Detrick shoots up onto the top turnbuckle and flying back with a Crossbody straight into a pin.
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Kick out at 2.04!
Detrick gets to his feet and quickly tries to pick Grimm up, but the bigger man delivers a hard right to his stomach. Detrick doubles over and Grimm headbutts Detrick, causing him to fall to the floor. Grimm drags Detrick's body up and hits a Sidewalk slam backbreaker, and keeps Detrick stretched across his knee. He then deadlifts Detrick up again and delivers a second one. He then deadlifts him again, spins around three times and delivered a final sidewalk slam. But he doesn't go for the pin. Grimm stands on his feet and stalks Detrick, who is grabbing his back as he slowly gets to his feet. Grimm lifts him up onto his shoulders for the Psycho Gutbuster. Grimm pushes him into the air, but Detrick catches him with a DDT on his way down.
"What a counter! This might be Detrick's chance!" David said.
Detrick rolls out onto the ring apron and uses the ropes to pull himself up as the fans are firmly behind him. Detrick looks back for a moment and sees people telling him to jump in the ring. Detrick obliges with a Springboard dropkick on the now standing Grimm. Grimm hits the ropes and comes back into the Leaping Reverse STO that Detrick labeled Tranquilo! Detrick rolls him over, going for the win.
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Kick out at 2.20!
Detrick sits up, keeping his cool. Detrick leaves the ring and steps onto the ring apron, before climbing up onto the top turnbuckle. But Grimm sits up! Grimm gets to his feet quickly as Detrick dives off with a missile dropkick on his mind, but Grimm swats his feet away in midair. Detrick falls to the ring mat and gets up only to get a running big boot that knocks him back down, for a much longer time. The crowd has been silenced as Grimm drags Detrick up. Grimm lifts Detrick onto his shoulders again, possibly going for the Psycho Gutbuster, but Detrick once against slides off his shoulder. However, he has no time to do anything when Grimm wraps his hand around Detrick's throat, but Detrick kicks at Grimm's knee. After a couple times, Grimm lets go and Detrick hits a jumping knee to the face of Grimm. Detrick follows with a Strong Roundhouse kick to the side of Grimm's head. Grimm is woozy, but Detrick knows it's not enough, so he does it again to knock him down! The crowd cheers the smaller man on as he ascends to the top turnbuckle. Everyone stands up and Detrick delivers a beautiful frog splash!
"Frog Splash!" Call David
But he doesn't go for the pin. Instead goes up to the opposite top turnbuckle.
"Pin him idiot!" Evan said.
"Detrick Cyrus is trying to make sure that this monster of a man stays down for good." David states
Then Detrick flies in the air a beautiful Falling Star (High Angle Senton Bomb)! The crowd gives him a standing ovation for that move, but Detrick doesn't soak it in right now as he instantly goes for the pin
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3!
"Detrick did it! Hope stands tall in the main event of this historic night." David said.
"At the moment, Rey Pantera wasn't wrong for making this guy the one who leads Hope in the mens division. He took an ass beating from Grimm, but he still pulled it off after two huge high flying moves and two big roundhouse kicks." Evan said.
"Detrick has punched his ticket to the ACW World Championship tournament. What a premiere. We'll see you next week!" David says
(After the show; Richard Montoya's office)
"Jason Sabre and Detrick Cyrus are the two who get guaranteed spots. I shouldn't be surprised, but both of them had close matches." Richard said as he looks at a tumble with balls containing the names of ACW Superstars. "Now it's time to see the other four guys."
He opens the tumbler and reaches in. He pulls out a ball and reads it.
"CJ Hawk…"
He then pulls out another name and reads it.
"Furno Moxley…"
He pulls out another name and reads it
"Will Ralston. Hm, all Nomads or Hope members so far. Only one spot left and hopefully it's not Despair. The last name is..."
Richard Montoya is about to put his hand in the tumbler when the lights go out in his office.
"What the hell is going on?!"
They come back on….
And Giselle is standing in front of him. The President is startled as Giselle stands with one of the balls from the tumbler in her hand. She opens the ball and doesn't even look at the paper.
"The last name is Azriel." Giselle said, before showing the paper that she didn't even read to confirm it. "The Lord of Despair is coming for his throne. Prepare to live in fear."
The lights go out again and Giselle leaves. Richard is sweating from Giselle's words and then feels something weird. He looks down on his floor and sees blood.
Blood that was painted in the shape of Despair's logo.
(Credits)
A/N: It didn't take me a year this time. Anyways to recap, Jason teased Detrick like a brother in front of the slightly naive Natalia until Will Ralston made his first appearance and annoyed Jason Sabre and Detrick to death. Meanwhile, Giselle was able to get Oscar Nevermore to put on a mask and become Grimm. The show opened with Richard Montoya announcing tournaments and tonights matches. Jason Sabre defeated Freddy Escobar in a classic. Then we flashback to before the show where Rey Patera's meeting was about tonights matches and not putting over Will Ralston. Rey picked Detrick over Will as the representative in the main event. Giselle met Jason Sabre and got flashbacks of that man again. Adela was watching however. Speaking of Adela, she got the pin in a wild eight woman tag to earn the right to name her opponent in the ACW Womens Championship tournament. And she picked Azriel's girl, Giselle. Was that a smart idea? Anyways, Ray Kiran made his legendary debut and got killed by Anarchy. The in the main event, Detrick beat Grimm in a tough match. Then we got to our final scene of the night where we found out the four random entrants. But Giselle showed up to help Richard pick Azriel's name from the tumbler. Jeez...shit's getting real now.
Anyways, review. Give me my star ratings (Or whatever gimmick you people have). Give me opinions. Give me predictions. Just give me something. In fact, let's see if you can predict the entire tournaments and see if you're happens
ACW World Championship tournament
Preliminary round:
Azriel vs CJ Hawk
Jason Sabre vs Will Ralston
Detrick Cyrus vs Furno Moxley
Finals:
Azriel/CJ Hawk vs Jason Sabre/Will Ralston vs Detrick Cyrus/Furno Moxley
ACW Womens Championship tournament
Quarter Finals:
Natalia Rodriguez vs Nevah Maria
Giselle vs Adela Harroway
Erin Frost vs Rayleen Bennet
Katarina Love vs Nyx Rosewood
Semi Finals
Natalia Rodriguez/Nevah Maria vs Giselle/Adela Harroway
Erin Frost/Rayleen Bennet vs Katarina Love/Nyx Rosewood
Finals:
Natalia Rodriguez/Nevah Maria/Giselle/Adela Harroway vs Erin Frost/Rayleen Bennet/Katarina Love/Nyx Rosewood
ACW Episode 3 card:
ACW Womens Championship tournament: Natalia Rodriguez vs Nevah Maria
Singles match: Casey Harris vs Anthony Dre
ACW World Championship tournament: Azriel vs CJ Hawk
Plus, will Anarchy Strike? What is Will Ralston and Detrick relationship going to be like after Detrick's win? What bullshit is Jason Sabre going to do? How will Freddy Escobar and Jacob Brooks work together to get Talia a Womens Championship spot? Is Ray Kiran dead? Find out on the next episode of this crazy ride that we call ACW
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