We open on our ring, with SMWA Commissioner Jack McCullough and Nick Jones already inside, Jones  with a microphone in hand.

JONES:  Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been signed...  On New Year's Day, 1999, teacher will meet student, mentor will meet pupil, master will meet apprentice...  I'd like to introduce the two principles in that match...  First, the CHALLENGER... MIKE HAGGAR!!!

    This was the first time we've seen Mike Haggar since the brutal assault he suffered at the hands of Major Force on Saturday Night.  He was not looking good.  He sported a massive black eye, his shoulder was taped up once more and seemed to be limping a bit.  He was dressed in regular clothes.  If nothing else, we can assume that the doctors aren't letting him wrestle just yet.  Mike Haggar climbed into the ring and walked right up to Jones and McCullough.  He did not look happy as he grabbed the microphone.

    HAGGAR:  Before this goes any further than it should, I'm going to step forward here.  I know you've signed a match between me and Slade for New Year's Smash, McCullough.  Find yourself a new number one contender, because I don't want it.  I'm taking myself out of the main event.

    A stunned murmur went over the crowd.  Mike Haggar was turning down a shot at the SMWA World Heavyweight Title?  After being robbed of the shot days earlier, he didn't want it anymore?  Nick Jones and Commissioner McCullough stood stunned in the ring, not knowing what to think.  McCullough piped up first.

MCCULLOUGH:  Mike... What gives?  I pretty much had to hold you down in that hospital bed on Saturday night to keep you from coming back to the arena.  I'm giving you a Title shot, and you don't want it?  Why?

HAGGAR:  McCullough... I have my reasons.  Sorry to make things tough for you, but you're going to have to find Jack a new opponent.

    Haggar didn't look like he truly believed what he was telling McCullough.  The crowd didn't seem to understand, and a few boos could be heard in the arena.  Mike Haggar has always been defined by the World Title.  It's almost impossible to imagine the scene without him.  Why was he backing out?
    One man wanted some answers.

    The Massacre crowd broke their stunned reaction to cheer on the NEW SMWA Heavyweight Champion of the World.  Slade walked out from the back, dressed in street clothes, the World Title draped over his shoulder.  But he didn't look like a man who had just won a World Title.  There was no joy in his face.  He marched solemnly to the ring and asked Nick Jones for the mic.  Slade stood right across from his old mentor.  Haggar couldn't look Slade in the eyes, but he did get a good glimpse of the World Title.

SLADE:  You said you have your reasons.  Let's hear them.

    The crowd burst into a restrained applause.  What was Mike Haggar doing?

HAGGAR:  Can we talk about this someplace else, Jack?

SLADE:  Oh, I see.  You'll tell the world you're backing out, but then you won't tell anybody why?  No, Mike, it's not going to work like that.  I want a damn reason.

    There was an uncomfortable pause in the ring.  Haggar managed to compose himself and looked Slade right in the eyes.

HAGGAR:  I... There's no incentive for me.

    Slade's face turned to a look of utter disbelief.  He wasn't buying it.

SLADE:  No incentive....  No incentive... DO YOU SEE THIS BELT, MIKE???  This is the World Heavyweight Title.  This has been your whole damn career, and you're telling me there's no incentive?  You get robbed of a shot on Saturday, and you suddenly lose interest?

HAGGAR:  Jack...

SLADE:  No, don't 'Jack' me, Mike.  You are backing down.  You, of all people, are backing down.  You're trying to tell me you've lost your drive?  Is that it?

HAGGAR:  No, Jack, it's not that.

SLADE:  Well, please do explain, because I don't have the single damnedest idea of what the Hell you're doing right now.

HAGGAR:  Fine, what do you want to hear.

SLADE:  The truth.

    There was another pause in the ring.  Slade wasn't going to leave the ring until Mike gave him an answer.  But was it an answer Mike Haggar was willing to give?

HAGGAR:  Jack... There's nothing for me to gain by wrestling you.  I've had that Title five times before and...

SLADE:  Nothing to gain?!?!  Oh, okay.  Sorry to waste your time.  I guess I was being silly to think that you'd waste your time fighting your lowly apprentice.   I mean, a guy like you would have nothing to gain by beating a kid like me, even if he is World Champion.  I'm nothing but your shadow, anyway...

HAGGAR:  Jack...

SLADE:  It's absolute BULL, Mike, and you know it.  I want this match.  The fans want the match.  You're the only hold out.  And you expect the World to believe that you, that Mike Haggar has lost his drive?  That Mike Haggar is no longer interested in the World Title?  I'm not buying it for one single second, Mike.  What the Hell is going on?

HAGGAR:  Can we talk about this backstage?

    Coming out from the back were the fearsome foursome of Major Force.  Saul Masters and Ghost came out first, with Grater and Skarzz flanking them.  Masters had a grin on his face, while Ghost was his typical, unemotional self.  Masters had a mic in hand.

MASTERS:  I can't even begin to tell you how much this turns my stomach.  I think Kent was right.  There's something going on here, isn't there, McCullough?

MCCULLOUGH:  Masters, this doesn't concern you.

MASTERS:  Oh, I beg to differ.  My man was screwed out of his World Title on Saturday Night.  Mike Haggar can't make the main event, so you pull the bait and switch, and look who ends up in the main event.  Haggar's little boy.  No, I'm sure that nothing is going on.  Nothing at all.

    Slade was getting increasingly aggravated in the ring.  He looked like he was ready to rush Major Force all by himself.  Masters continued.

MASTERS:  Angry, Jack?  I would be, too, if my World Title reign was a sham.  You know you didn't deserve to win on Saturday.  By all rights, Ghost should still be World Heavyweight Champion today.  But, instead, it was handed over to you.  Don't try to deny it, Jack.  You know that belt doesn't belong around your waist.  McCullough pulled a fast one and you ended up on top.  That is the end of the story.

    Slade was quite finished listening to all of this at this point.

SLADE:  First of all, shut the Hell up.  I'm in no mood to listen to the garbage spewing from your mouth right now, okay.  Second of all, you can take your right wing conspiracy theories, pretend they're cigars and shove 'em.  You think you had it rough?  Ghost chickened out of a World Title match, so he went and attacked the number one contender.  That's a World Champion?  I don't think so, Saul.  Now, I had already wrestled once that night  where, if memory serves me correctly, I dumped big ugly's ass over the top rope on my way to EARNING a World Title shot.  I was tired.  I was hurt.  I wasn't in the best of shape.  When McCullough came up to me and asked me if I wanted the shot that night, I could have said no.  I could have waited to face Casper's ass at New Year's Smash.  But I was stupid.  I was tired, I was hurt, and I beat your boy for the World Title.  You call that a conspiracy?  Here's what it was, Masters.  It was Crunch Time...and Casper came up short.

    Ghost snatched the microphone away from Masters.  He was going to interject himself.

GHOST:  First of all, kid, don't you ever question my bravery.  If I was Mike Haggar, I wouldn't have let that attack keep me down.  I was ready to destroy the hero once and for all.  It's not my fault that, at his age, he just can't take a good sneak attack.

HAGGAR:  Keep talking, Ghost.  Keep talking.

GHOST:  I'm addressing the World Champion, hero.  I suggest you pipe down.  Slade, I wasn't expecting you.  I should have beaten you.  I didn't.  You surprised me, and I'll credit you for that.  But if you think it ends there, you're wrong.  Dead wrong.  If you're going to call yourself any sort of fighting champion, then I suggest you respond to this challenge with a yes.  You and me.  Tonight.  Rematch.  World Title.

    The crowd burst into cheers.  A rematch of the classic on Saturday wasn't Slade vs Haggar, but it was bound to be an incredible match.  Slade smirked as he looked Ghost.

SLADE:  Way I figure it, I beat you tired last time.  This time I'm fresh.  You have no chance, Whitey.  See you later.

GHOST:  Absolutely.  Now, I'll allow you and Haggar to return to your argument.  See you later, Jack.

SLADE:  Count on it, Whitey.

    Major Force disappeared into the back once more.  Slade was still in control of the microphone.  He gave Mike Haggar another look.

SLADE:  Seems like somebody thinks I'm worth wrestling.

HAGGAR:  Jack....

SLADE:  I've got a World Title match later tonight.  I've got to go back and prepare for it.  Stick around.  We'll chat.

    With that, Slade handed the microphone back to Nick Jones and he returned to the dressing room.

    We will see Ghost vs Jack Slade later tonight.  But will we see Slade vs Haggar at New Year's Smash.  It's still signed, but we don't know yet.
    Something is up with Mike Haggar.  And Jack Slade doesn't like it.

    Well, on top of our just announced main event, we have one hell of a card for you.
    Johnny Proton defends his Cruiserweight Title against Lovechild.
    Doomsday will take on King Rasta.
    Terry Sky takes on Rokuru, and Simply the Best is in the building with their newest recruit, "Daredevil" Ron Grayson.
    Highland Hell will defend the World Tag Team Titles against the force from the dark side, Teioh and Naga Yajito.
    And the War of the Super Powers will continue, as Gunloc faces off against Biff Slamkovich one more time.
    Let's get to the action.

    Saturday was a big day for both of these men.  King Rasta finally put his feud with Shadow Maxx behind him, while Doomsday was able to get yet another piece of Skarzz.  And he will have another chance to do it in the future.
    Just signed for SMWA New Year's Smash - Skarzz vs Doomsday!!!
    But first, Doomsday had to get past King Rasta.  Rasta has had plenty of experience fighting Skarzz, and Doomsday has a similar style, though he is shorter and heavier.  The bad news for Rasta is that he has never pinned Skarzz.  Nobody has.  Could he take out the other SMWA destroyer?
    We were about to find out.

    Doomsday took it to Rasta right from the start fo the match.  Rasta fought back as best he could, but just couldn't make a dent in the Green Monster.  Doomsday punched and kicked Rasta all over the ring.  Bobby could only watch in terror as his friend was  being torn apart.
    Rasta managed to gain an edge with a low blow.  He followed up with several lariats, but he could not take Doomsday off of his feet.  Rasta ran into the ropes to gain some momentum in an attempt to take Doomsday down, but Doomsday was ready.  He grabbed Rasta and tossed him high overhead with a Gorilla Press slam.  Rasta hit the mat with a big thud.  Doomsday began dropping massive elbows to Rasta's sternum.  He picked him up once more and planted him hard to the mat with a spinning power bomb.  Doomsday went for a cover, but only got a two count.  Rasta had plenty of fight left in him.
    Doomsday kept up his assault and began toying with Rasta.  He'd knock him down with a lariat, wait for Rasta to get up, and then nail him with another.  The pattern became predictable after a while, though, as Rasta managed to duck one lariat and hook on a crucifix.  Doomsday's shoulders were down for a one count.  Doomsday kicked Rasta square in the jaw and regained the advantage.  He picked Rasta up for a Samoan Drop, but Rasta managed to reverse it into a sunset flip attempt.  Doomsday was too strong, and he clocked Rasta in between the eyes.
    Rasta was getting desperate.  Doomsday was dominating and taking his sweet time doing it.  After bullying Rasta some more, Doomsday whipped him into the corner for an avalanche.  Rasta stuck up a boot and gained the momentum.  He hit Doomsday with lariat after lariat, but nothing would take him down.  A flying butt bump put Doomsday down on a knee, but he hadn't left his feet.  Finally, Rasta dove at Doomsday with a flying clothesline, knocking the big monster down.  Doomsday started to get up and Rasta charged at him.  Doomsday side stepped, sending Rasta sprawling into the ring ropes.
    Rasta started to go over the ropes but then stopped with a thunderous jerk.  His right arm and shoulder had gotten caught between the ropes with a whiplash like effect.  Rasta howled in pain.  Doomsday, seeing an opportunity, kicked the arm while it was caught in the ropes.  Rasta winced once more.  The ref tried to free Rasta, but with no success.  Even Bobby tried to help, but he couldn't separate the ropes and was soon running when Extinct came to that side of the ring.  Finally, it was Doomsday who freed Rasta.  Too late, though.  Rasta was hurt and hurt badly.
    Doomsday continued to pound on the injured limb.  Rasta couldn't mount any sort of offence.  Effortlessly, Doomsday picked Rasta up and hit him with the Armageddon.  Rasta landed right on the back of his neck and right shoulder.  It was over.

Doomsday pinned King Rasta with the Armageddon in 0:10:39.
Rating: * 1/2

    Doomsday wasn't done.  He started kicking Rasta hard in the head and shoulders, looking to inflict further damage upon the Rastafarian.  Rasta wasn't getting up.  It took all of his available strength to clutch his injured limb.  Bobby climbed into the ring and jumped on Doomsday's leg.  Doomsday swatted him away like a fly.  Extinct signalled Doomsday to pick Rasta up once more, and Doomsday once more hit the Armageddon.  Extinct grabbed the mic off of the ring announcer.

EXTINCT:  Skarzz!  It's you and Doomsday at New Year's Smash.  What you're seeing right now is Doomsday accomplishing the one thing that you could never do.  Doomsday is going to destroy King Rasta.  Get him, Doomsday.  Get him...

    Doomsday grabbed the mic from Extinct and tossed it aside, giving Extinct a quick glare.  He was going to destroy Rasta on his own terms.  Once more, he picked Rasta up and hit a third Armageddon.  The damage done, Doomsday left the ring.

    Bobby quickly ran over to his fallen comrade.  Rasta was on the ground, unconscious.  His shoulder appeared to be out of joint and there was an odd bruise on Rasta's collarbone.  Medics rushed down to the ring, stretcher in hand.  One medic was on a walkie talkie, talking to somebody backstage.  "Get the ambulance ready", he said.  "We may have a broken collarbone."  Quickly, they loaded Rasta up and carried him to the back.  Bobby rode on the front of the stretcher with his friend to the back.

    We went to a commercial.  On our return, Rasta was being loaded into an ambulance by several paramedics.  Bobby, obviously concerned, tried to get into the ambulance.  He was stopped by one of the medics.

MEDIC:  Sorry, little fella.  No animals at the hospital.  You're going to have to wait here.

    Bobby began screeching and hollering, wanting desperately to get into that ambulance.  If Rasta had been conscious, perhaps he could have coaxed the paramedics.  No such luck.  Rasta was still right out.  The ambulance doors were closed and the lights went on.  Bobby tried to jump onto the back, but he couldn't make it.
    While his best friend was being carted to hospital, Bobby was standing alone in the back of the arena.  There was nothing he could do at this point.  His friend was gone and he'd have to try and catch up to him later.
    Bobby started screeching and crying in the receiving area.  He wanted his friend back.

    As Bobby wandered around alone backstage, we were ready for our next match.
    Terry Sky and the Highland Hit Squad were dealt a major blow on Saturday when Ron Grayson introduced his mystery partners for the six man tag team match.  "Tricky" Rick Clark and Cody Simmons joined Grayson, and Grayson and Monica, in turn, joined Simply the Best.  StB has been seen in the building tonight.
    Rokuru had half a cup of coffee with Sky Entertainment Ltd., being one of the final three men on Sky's team during the epic Rolling Thunder match at Thanksgiving Thunder.  He was a member that Sky never really wanted, though.  There wouldn't be any old sense of duty to shrug off in this match.

    Rokuru started off quickly, flooring Sky with a spinebuster.  Sky was backpedalling from the start.  He tried to wrestle with Rokuru, but Rokuru kept on reversing and was able to use his martial arts skills to control much of the match.  Rokuru was dominating his boss-for-a-day, and there was nothing Terry Sky could do about it.  Rokuru locked on a painful Octopus hold to Sky and it looked like Terry would give up.  Fortunately, Rokuru let go.  He then hit Sky with a savate kick that sent him through the ropes.  As Sky got up from the floor, Rokuru attempted a plancha.
    Sky moved and Rokuru hit hard on the outside.  Looking to put the nail in this embarrassing display, Sky pulled Rokuru back into the ring, picked him up in a bodyslam position and from there it was Lights Out for the Teddy Bear of Destruction.

Terry Sky pinned Rokuru with the Lights Out in 0:04:58.
Rating: * 3/4

    Suddenly, we hear Rick Clark's voice over the PA system.

CLARK:  Somewhere, children are having nightmares because of what you just did, Terry.

    Simply the Best came out from the back and stood on the ramp.  Their two newest members, Monica and Ron Grayson, were in tow.  Clark was sporting a huge smile, Kent had a smirk, Grayson was flashing lots of teeth and Cody had troubles keeping his eyes off of Monica, who was modelling a new StB T-shirt and looking damn fine doing it.  Clark handed the microphone off to Grayson.

GRAYSON:  Well, well, well.  Looks like somebody - Ron Grayson - was a smarter business man than somebody else - Terry Sky - thought.  Highland Hell?  Sure, they're good.  But they just aint Simply the Best.

CODY:  They aint to bright, either.  In fact, I just heard that ol' Hamish there just found another use for sheep.

GRAYSON:  What's that, Cody.

CODY:  Wool.

MONICA:  Yeah.  You can do a lot with wool.  Ha!

    StB all looked at each other for a moment as Monica looked at Sky and the Hit Squad in the ring.  Grayson shrugged his shoulders and continued.

GRAYSON:  She's precious, isn't she?  Now, Terry, word on the street is that you want a shot at my North American Title at New Year's Smash.  I think I can fit you in.  You bring team Haggis, and I'll bring my three men and the little lady.  Let's mambo!

    Grayson then handed the mic over to "Tricky" Rick, who would certainly have just a little bit more to say to his former tag team partner.

CLARK:  Hey Terry.  Now, I know you looked a little bit surprised on Saturday, but how could you not see this coming.  Sure, Ronnie G may not be the brightest tree in the cabbage patch, and Monica is right out of la la land, but think about it.  She's the most beautiful woman in the SMWA - though the competition isn't much - and he's the North American Champion.  Add that to the toughest fighter this side of the Grand Meridian, our grizzled old friend Jerry and the man who put the Rick into Tricky, and you've got something special.  A team supreme, we've raised the beam and we beat you team.  But if you still have no idea what I'm talking about, I think I can sum it up for you in three little letters... S!!! t!!! B!!!

    Terry Sky had obtained a microphone in the ring and was ready for a retort.

SKY:  Okay, Rick.  You guys pulled a fast one on Saturday.  Considering the circumstances, it's not surprising that you won.

    Jerry Kent perked up in the aisle and grabbed the mic.

KENT:  Come on, Terry.  Your team wasn't THAT bad.

SKY:  I wasn't talking about my team...

KENT:  Wait.  You just said that you lost due to "circumstances".  The only circumstances I can think of would be that, one, we are Simply the Best and, two, as you seem to be saying, your Highland Hit Squad wasn't up to the task.

SKY:  I wasn't...

    Hamish decided to pipe in.

HAMISH:  Is that what you've been tellin' people?

SKY:  Hamish....

ANGUS:  Fer God's sakes, Terry.  Ya can't criticize us when you won't even step in the ring.

SKY:  Look, you guys lost, and...

KENT:  Nice, Terry.  Call them losers on national television.

SCOTSMAN:  Well.  I don't much like that.

SKY:  Fellas, look.  He's twisting my words around.  Don't be so stupid...

HIGHLANDERS:  Stupid?

SCOTSMAN:  We'll show you stupid...

    The Scotsman planted a kick in Sky's groin and Angus followed up with a big power bomb.  Hamish picked Sky up and placed him on the turnbuckle.  Simply the Best cheered on from ringside.  Clark and Grayson were competing to see who enjoyed this more.  Hamish took Sky and pitched him off of the top ropes with the Scottish Slam.  Having proved their point, the Highlanders made their way from the ring.  Grayson and Monica had one last go on the mic.

GRAYSON:  Geez, Terry.  You really have to start giving people more credit.

MONICA:  You are SO stupid.

    Simply the Best then disappeared into the back, Highland Hell not far behind.  Sky was still down in the ring.
    So, now Terry Sky has Simply the Best and Highland Hell on his bad side.  Good going.

    Nick Jones was waiting backstage with Jack Slade, the SMWA World Champion.

JONES:  I'm here with Jack Slade.  Jack, you and Mike Haggar were just not getting along at the start of today's broadcast.  I'm just wondering, what is it you'd like to say to him.

SLADE:  There's a lot of stuff I'd like to tell Haggar, Jones.  But I'm going to tell him face to face, not through you.  I've got a match tonight, so if you'll excuse me.

    With that, Jack Slade left Nick Jones standing alone in the dressing room.  We took a commercial break.

    In the front row, we can see several important looking dignitaries, looking on in awe, enjoying the show.

    Switch to a long balcony view.  A dark figure is watching the show.  We see a close up of his right hand.  He is holding a dagger.

    The actor on stage points the gun at the people in the front row.

    The dagger cuts through a rope and, suddenly, we see a chandelier start to shake.  The massive structure of glass and brass begins to descend towards the stage.  Our gunman notices this and dives for cover.

    The theatre erupts into chaos.  People are running left and right, attempting to escape.  In the chaos, we see the dark figure move through the sky, as if swinging on something.  He lands just off stage.

    The gunman tries to grab his gun once more but is then hit in the face by a flying piece of silver.  The gunman is knocked unconscious.  Quickly, the dark figure darts across the stage and retrieves the silver piece.  He disappears backstage.

    We see a close up of the unconscious gunman.  The letter "B" is imprinted on his cheek.

    We fade to another shot of people reading newspapers with adventurous music playing in the background.  The headline on the papers reads "Dark Brand Strikes Again".

    A quick dissolve to black and white, the music growing louder
 
 

Witness the Adventure, the Valour, the Passion.  Witness...

   Quick fade to a well dressed, dark figure, a shadow amongst the light.
 
 

THE DARK BRAND

    Bobby the Monkey was wandering around the parking lot, presumably looking to hitch a ride.  A van pulled in to the lot.  It had something written on the side...
    Animal Control.
    Bobby quickly ran away from the van and disappeared into the building.

    Next up was our Cruiserweight Title match...a match Kodiak Marmoset wasn't involved in.  Kodiak had lost a rematch to Johnny Proton at Final Breath on Saturday, a match which saw Proton still offering his friendship after Kodiak drove him to the edge, both mentally and physically.  Was Kodiak here to accept Proton's friendship?  Or was he here for something else?
    As he picked up the mic, we knew we were going to get some answers.
    The crowd was already well into its chant of "loser" as Kodiak started to talk.

KODIAK:  Fine.  Chant.  I don't care.  You're right, you know.  I am a loser.

    The crowd cheered as Kodiak delivered his lines with complete seriousness.  He was looking completely haggard in that ring, like he was about to burst out into tears at any moment.

KODIAK:  I guess, really, there's only one way to change the way you people are thinking.  That's to win.  But I'm not talking about a winning streak.  I'm not talking about winning titles.  I'm not even talking about winning my next match.  I'm talking about beating one man.  The one man who has caused all of my trouble, if I like it or not.

    The crowd moaned.  One fans held up a sign that read "Obsess Much?"  Kodiak didn't notice.

KODIAK:  Clone, you've beaten me more times than I care to remember.  Only two people are to blame for those matches - you and me.  So all I'm asking for is one more chance.  New Year's Smash.  No DQ, No Countouts, No Rules.  You and me, one last time.

    Kodiak took a deep breath, readying his next line.

KODIAK:  And if I lose, I will leave the SMWA forever!

    The crowd burst into cheers.  Kodiak wasn't happy.

KODIAK:  And all of you people.... You'd actually like it if I left, wouldn't you?

    The cheers got even louder!  Kodiak wasn't too concerned.

KODIAK:  Well, maybe you'll get your chance... But I'll just say this, Clone.  If you accept, I can guarantee you that I am not going to lose.  In fact, I'm betting my career on it.  Bring it to New Year's Smash.

    With that, Kodiak put down the mic and left the ring.  Up next, one of Proton's old friend's would be wrestling in a Cruiserweight Title Match...

    Johnny Proton came down the aisle first... just as Kodiak was on his way to the back.  The two couldn't help but exchange glares on the way back.  Proton actually stopped for a second, but Kodiak just walked right past.  "It's not worth it, Johnny", a solemn Kodiak said as he passed by.  Proton looked back, but then kept on walking.  He had a match to get to, and whatever happened between him and Kodiak on Saturday was Saturday.

    The encounter between these two was spirited.  Lovechild tried to keep Proton grounded with his power advantage, while Proton used his speed as best he could.  The action spilled outside, where Proton hit a picture perfect Asai moonsault.  The match was evenly fought throughout.
    Near its end, the match developed into a brawl, which Proton was more than ready for.  He took Lovechild down with a series of left hands and a big european uppercut.  Proton bounced off of the ropes but was grabbed by a Lovechild stomach claw.  Lovechild put on the power and forced Proton to the mat.  Proton, in obvious pain, did all he could to keep his shoulders off of the mat.  Finally, he managed to get a foot in the right position and kick Lovechild into a corner.  Proton charged in after him, but was caught by an elbow.  Lovechild then grabbed Proton in a front facelock and climbed to the middle turnbuckle, readying himself for spinning DDT.  He connected with deadly force and went for the cover.
    Two count.
    Lovechild picked Proton up once more and whipped him to the ropes.  Proton, thinking fast, jumped onto the middle rope and sprang off with a mid-ring moonsault to catch Lovechild off guard.  As Lovechild got to his feet, Proton nailed the Proton kick.  The rest was simple.

Johnny Proton pinned Lovechild with the Proton kick in 0:14:49.
Rating: *** 1/4
(Johnny Proton retained the SMWA Cruiserweight Title.)

    Proton looked around in shock as the lights dimmed in the arena and flashes of lightning began to go off.  Skarzz was coming to the ring.  Proton had no way out.
    As the monster climbed over the ropes, Proton tried to get out of the ring, wanting nothing to do with the seven footer.  Skarzz wasn't going to let Proton escape.  He charged at the Cruiserweight Champ, hitting him with a Yakuza kick in the back of the head as he was leaving.  Proton spilled to the outside, dazed.  Skarzz wasn't done with him.
    Skarzz went outside and kept pounding on Proton.  He grabbed the Cruiserweight Champ by the throat and delivered a big chokeslam.  Skarzz then proceeded to kick Proton while he was down as Saul Masters took the mic.

MASTERS:  Okay, Extinct.  Is that how it's going to be?  Are we going to compare paths of destruction.  Rest assured, Skarzz can match your man.  But that doesn't mean he has to.

    Masters then snapped his fingers and signalled to Skarzz.  Skarzz stopped beating Proton.

MASTERS:  I could have had Skarzz destroy this man like you did Rasta.  But why waste energy?  I want every fibre of Skarzz's being directed at beating Doomsday at New Year's Smash.  Doomsday can injure as many men as he'd like until then.  Don't think this means I'm merciful.  It just means I know which battles to fight.  Skarzz, let's go.

    With that, Masters and Skarzz left Proton on the ground at ringside.  Johnny slowly and painfully got to his feet.
    Masters and Skarzz do mean business.  They're just going to go about it their own way.

    We went to a commercial and then returned to find the Animal Control people looking for Bobby backstage.  A man who appeared to be the team leader was splitting the group up into twos, ordering each team to search a particular part of the arena.  Each team went their own way.
    From behind several boxes of production equipment, Bobby emerged, looking quite scared.  He slowly walked away from the boxes when something was thrown onto the screen.
    A banana.
    None of the animal control people had bananas.  But Bobby was interested.  He grabbed the banana and then somebody's voice.  "Come here, little one."  And, like that, Bobby was leaving.  But for who?  Who had enticed the monkey?

    That question would have to wait.  All light left the arena as we prepared for a World Tag Team Title Match.

    Highland Hell sure isn't ducking anybody.  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time Teioh and Naga have teamed up.  They'd have quite the daunting task against the seemingly indestructible Highlanders.
    However, Angus and Hamish aren't going to get off easy facing the Lord of Shadows and his Minion.  This match could be an interesting one.
    And, just to confirm it, Highland Hell was without Terry Sky.  The days of the "Highland Hit Squad" are over and done with.

    Hamish and Angus didn't seem too concerned with Teioh's theatrics before the match, while Teioh didn't react to any of Highland Hell's dirty innuendo.  Neither team was going to psych the other out.
    The bell rang, and it would be Teioh and Angus starting it off.

    A flash of light appeared for a split second.  Everybody in the ring noticed, and everybody knew what it was.
    Oni.
    Zists began cursing at the air, insisting Oni show himself.  Teioh decided to wrestle.  He attacked Hamish with a series of vicious punches and kicks, and Hamish definitely felt them.  He also fought through them.  Teioh attacked with a high thrust kick, but Hamish merely grabbed the foot and shoved Teioh to the mat.  Teioh sprang back up but was floored by a big boot.  Hamish then picked up Teioh and heaved him high overhead in a Gorilla Press.  He made him think for a bit and then dropped Teioh on his back.  Hamish wouldn't let up after that.  Teioh kept getting up but also kept getting floored by a double underhook DDT, a Diamond Cutter and a big belly to belly suplex.  This was the most trouble we've seen Teioh in since some of his encounters with Oni.
    Teioh finally managed to brawl his way back, tripping Hamish up with a Toka legsweep,  dropping the Highlander right on his shoulder.

    There it was again.  Teioh noticed it.  He tagged out to Naga and then turned his attention to the skies, cursing Oni.
    Naga used his speed to keep Hamish off balance and even used a few speedy suplexes to take the big man down.  Angus charged into the ring and received a big kick to the face.

    Again.  Teioh and Zists were getting especially upset, but they still had a match to wrestle.  Teioh was tagged back in and he kept working on Hamish.

    Teioh was getting tired of these fancy flashes.  He hit Hamish with an Ipponzei and then went to the top.  He came off with the Dark Moon and connected hard.  Hamish was down for the count.
    1...
        2...
           ******** FLASH ********

    The ref couldn't see and was forced to stop counting.  Teioh was irrate.  He motioned to his corner and Naga threw him his staff.  Teioh began spinning the staff and yelling more challenges.  Angus attacked Teioh but was hit in the stomach and then the back of the head.  Hamish received a shot to the face.  The ref's vision was murky, but he saw what was happening.  And Teioh wasn't going to get away with it.

Highland Hell defeated Teioh and Naga Yajito when Wallace defeated Teioh by disqualification in 0:06:39.
Rating: **
(Highland Hell retained the SMWA World Tag Team Titles.)

    The flashes of light started coming faster and faster until we finally saw three glowing orbs converging at the ramp.  The orbs collided with one another and, in one final flash, there was Oni.  Holding the mystical Kongo staff, Oni spoke with no microphone and was heard.

ONI:  My dark brother.  You know why I'm here.  You know what is to come.  You know that you are powerless to stop him and, no matter how strong you become, he will annihilate you all.  He shall arrive when needed.  In the interim, I am his representative.  You, Teioh, are a blight.  We both have the powers, but I make no false claims.  But in light comes clarity.  In light comes truth.  On the New Years of the Western mortals, great warriors will face in battles for supremacy.  Let our war continue there.

    Teioh stood in the ring, motionless.  Zists had his own things to say.

ZISTS:  It shall be.  But know this, Demon.  Your light is false.  Your power is stolen.  You are nothing.  On the Western New Years, the war shall begin.  It shall also end.  And the bastard shall be stripped of his power and be banished from the realm.

ONI:  Though you proclaim me bastard, I am more true than your Lord of Shadows could ever be.  Shortly, it shall be proved.

    With that, there was another flash of light and Oni was gone.  Seconds later, all lights in the arena disappeared and, when they came back on, Highland Hell was alone in the ring, looking beaten and confused.
    Bastard?  Stolen powers?  Brother?  What is happening with Oni and Teioh?
    Maybe New Year's Smash will provide some answers.

    We went to a commercial and then returned to a snow squall.  We were outside in some sort of vast plain of snow, with vicious arctic winds whipping across the land.  The camera pans right to reveal Zangief standing in front of a massive concrete structure, barely visible through the snow.  We switch to a shot of Zangief looking up at the structure.

ZANGIEF:  Zometimes, you have to go home to get anzers.  Zometimes, ze anzers are not where you'd like.  But zometimes, ze anzers are vons you must accept.  Gunloc... Hillzman...  Zis war has gone on long enough.  I'm lookink to end it.  Zis structure you zee before me is a Gulag.  Verse zan Auswitch.  Hell on earth.  Years ago, a zick, zick man put millionz of his own countrymen in structurz like zis.  It vaz not a prizon.  It vaz death.  Zere was no ezcape.  Vat I'm propzing is a final solution... very similar.  At New Yearz Smash, ze wvar between ze Super Powerz vill end.  Ve lock ourselves in and fight till von man can fight no more.  It vill be ze end.  Do think about it, All-Americans.  Every wvar must end.

    Zangief has challenged the All-Americans to a Gulag Match.  With a Biff Slamkovich/Gunloc match coming in mere minutes, we would likely have an answer to the challenge before the end of tonight.

    Before that match, however, Nick Jones had word from the backstage area.

JONES:  Fans, Mike Haggar has just entered Jack Slade's dressing room, presumably to try and clear things up from earlier this evening.  I don't know what is being said...

    Mike Haggar then stormed out of the dressing room and right past Nick Jones.

JONES:  Mike Haggar....

    Haggar was already gone.

JONES:  Folks, that was Mike Haggar and he was not looking too happy.  I'm going to try and get a word from Jack Slade...

    And at that, the dressing room door slammed in Jones' face.

JONES:  ...not right now, though.  Well, fans, something big is going on.  Hopefully, we'll be able to let you know how this situation is playing out as soon as possible.  Back to you, John.

    As we heard the oh-so-familiar chords of the Star Spangled Banner play over the PA, the boos grew to a fever pitch.  Out came Gunloc, minus Chad Hillsman.  Gunloc the traitor.  The man who betrayed his best friend and joined with the most hated man in the SMWA.
    Not a popular man, Gunloc.
    He had heard Zangief's Gulag challenge.  Before the match started, he grabbed a mic, climbed into the ring and had an answer.

GUNLOC:  Zangief, Zangief, Zangief.  You want to talk to me about prisons?  About torture?  About pain?  I'm Marine Corps, jackass.  Your sissy little Gulag doesn't amount to a single piece of dog crap to me, furball.  If it takes a Gulag to end this thing and prove that the All-Americans are the dominant team in the SMWA, then that's what it takes.  Get ready for Hell, you Commie scum.  And Biff - Chad aint here.  It's you and me, one on one.  You'll wish you had somebody watching your back by the time I'm done with you.

    Gunloc stopped talking and the vibrant guitar chords of Biff Slamkovich's theme blared across the PA system.  The normally composed Slamkovich charged down to the ring and, within seconds, he and Gunloc were trading punches.  Gunloc got the edge when he floored Biff with a big savate kick.  Keeping on his former partner, Gunloc used his slight strength advantage to keep Biff down.  Controlling him with various suplexes, locks and throws, Gunloc wasn't going to let the Rocker get any kind of edge.
    Gunloc tossed Biff into the corner and then charged right in.  Big mistake.  Using an old Super Power trademark, Biff rebounded from the corner and started peppering Gunloc with the infamous Sonic Fists.  Biff grabbed Gunloc and tossed him into the ropes again, but Gunloc was ready.  He levelled Biff with a violent lariat.  A tiger suplex put Biff on his head and almost put him down for the three count.
    Gunloc pressed his advantage as much as he could, but Biff was game.  Gunloc went for another tiger suplex and Biff was able to make his way out of it and turn it into a big atomic drop.  As Gunloc stood stunned in mid-ring, Biff bounced off of the ropes and nailed him with a dropkick.  Gunloc got back up but was taken over with a Frankensteiner.  Looking to put a quick end to things, Biff hit with his version of the Gut Crush and then climbed up top.  He was going for the Hammer Splash.
    It was too soon.  Gunloc easily rolled out of the way.  A hurt Biff struggled to his feet, where Gunloc quickly nailed him with a leg lariat.  Gunloc hit a big spinebuster and went for the pin.
    1...
        2...
            NO!!!  Kickout!
    Gunloc turned back to his suplex offence, using a waistlock suplex followed by a fisherman's suplex for a near fall.  Gunloc then picked his partner off of the mat and hit an inverted power bomb for another near fall.  Gunloc charged Biff with a lariat, but Slamkovich moved out of the way and Gunloc went to the floor.  Quickly, Biff was flying over the top ropes with a plancha.  Both men were down on the outside.
    Gunloc got up first and once again charged Biff.  Biff ducked and Gunloc's head smacked off of the ringpost.  Biff rolled his former partner into the ring and quickly placed him on the top turnbuckle.  A big belly to belly superplex was followed by a cover.
    1...
        2...
        NO!!! Shoulder!  Gunloc got a shoulder up.  Biff tried to get Gunloc back to his feet, but Gunloc wasn't selling.  He nailed Biff with a vicious low blow.  Biff hit the mat hard and the Loose Cannon picked him up for a Gut Crush.
    Biff shoved Gunloc hard from behind, sending him into the ropes.  Gunloc came off with a lariat, but Biff ducked.  Biff went for a lariat of his own, which Gunloc ducked.  Finally, Gunloc went to the air with a flying shoulder attack.  Biff grabbed his head and DDTed Gunloc to the mat.  Not wanting to waste any time, Biff climbed up to the top and nailed the Hammer Splash.
    1...
        2...
            3!!!

Biff Slamkovich pinned Gunloc with the Hammer splash in 0:14:40.
Rating: **** 1/4

    Out came Chad Hillsman!  He wasn't supposed to be here!  Nobody knew he was here, but he showed up and was ready to...
    Do absolutely nothing.  The match was over and, if Hillsman touched Biff, he would be suspended indefinitely.
    A cold smile crossed Biff's face.  He went outside and grabbed a steel chair and a microphone.  Before anybody could stop him, he was in the ring.

BIFF:  Hey, Chad.  Your partner is alone in zis ring with me and a steel chair.  What can you do about it, eh?  I could hit him in ze head right now, and all you would be able to do would be watch.  Zo, what's stopping me?

    Biff tossed the mic aside and held the steel chair high above his head.  The crowd was cheering in anticipation of the shot.  Gunloc was just starting to get up, and he might not have been sure about what was happening.  As it was, he hadn't seen Biff holding that chair.  He was about to take a massive shot to the head.  All Hillsman could do was yell "no".
    Biff listened.
    He dropped the chair and casually left the ring.  As he walked past Chad, he told him very simply "Not today".  With that, Biff just walked on back to the dressing room.
    Biff could have nailed his partner with immunity.  He chose not to.  Mind games leading up to the Gulag Match.
    We took one final commercial break before we got to our...

    Not a part of this match, Mike Haggar made his way down to ringside.  The fans were cheering, but weren't exactly sure what he was doing there.  It quickly became obvious, as Haggar took a seat next to John Lee and Tony B. to do a little colour commentary.

LEE:  Well, it seems like we've been joined by the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Mike Haggar.  Please, Mike, take a seat.

HAGGAR:  Don't mind if I do.   Tony.

TONY:  Mike, I don't know if you heard Commissioner McCullough, but your title match is at New Year's Smash, not tonight.

HAGGAR:  I've heard Commissioner McCullough and, in my opinion, the Title match is still up in the air.

RA:  Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the SMWA World Heavyweight Championship!!!

RA:  First, the Challenger...  Being led to the ring by Saul Masters and representing Major Force...  From the Northwestern United States... Weighing in at two hundred and thirty four pounds...  GHOST!!!

LEE:  The former Heavyweight Champion of the World as a result of Final Breath gets another shot tonight against Jack Slade.

TONY:  Hey Mike.  Really, what do you think of Ghost getting a World Title shot before you?

HAGGAR:  I've told you, Tony.  The World Title doesn't mean that much to me right now.

LEE:  You mean in one week, you've gone from eager challenger to a guy who just doesn't care.

HAGGAR:  It isn't that.

LEE:  Then what is it?

TONY:  Let me guess.  You just don't want to waste your time on that punk Jack Slade.

HAGGAR:  No, Tony, that isn't it.  I have my own reasons, and we'll leave it at that.  As far as Ghost goes, I might have had some respect for him after he beat me the first time.  I lose all respect for anybody who has to injure his opponent before the match to defend his title.  Ghost is nothing more than a coward, and that's final.

RA:  His opponent... From Detroit, Michigan...  Weighing in at two hundred and fourty one pounds...  The SMWA Heavyweight Champion of the World!!!  "THE CRUNCHER"!  JACK! SLADE!

LEE:  And the crowd explodes as our new World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring.

TONY:  Yeah, but if you'll notice, the fans are acting the same way they were with Haggar.  A lot of them are cheering, but there are a lot of confused faces.  A lot of people don't know what to do with this whole situation.

HAGGAR:  Frankly, I think people are making too much of the whole situation.

LEE:  Well, Mike, what did you and Jack talk about backstage.

HAGGAR:  Right now, that's between me and Jack, John.

TONY:  Come on, Mike, you can trust us.

HAGGAR:  I don't think I can, Tony.

    Jack Slade got a look at Haggar sitting at ringside.  Neither man said a word.  Slade climbed into the ring and started going toe to toe with Ghost.
    The opening of the match was an even exchange of holds between the two rivals.  It wasn't long before it broke down into fisticuffs.  Mike Haggar and the announce team watched intently from ringside.

LEE:  Vicious rights and lefts by both men, and Ghost takes Slade down with a chop to the throat.  Mike, you've faced off against Ghost before and you've known Slade longer than anybody in the SMWA.  What does each man have to do to win this match.

HAGGAR:  Well, Ghost is good at a quick strike offence.  Slade prefers to grind you for a bit and relies on a few slower, high impact moves.  Ghost is going to have to keep Slade off balance and hit him with a few new tricks, cause that photographic memory of Slade's will pick up any of Ghost's old strategies.  As far as Jack goes, so long as he maintains a competent maturity level, he should be fine.  If he starts acting like a kid again, Ghost has him.

LEE:  What do you mean by "again".

HAGGAR:  I mean that, as a guy who's worked with Slade many times before, he has this tendency to act like a kid in the middle of a match, and that costs him.  He loses focus and is easy to take advantage of.  If you look at it, some of Jack's biggest losses came because he let the other guy get to him.

TONY:  So you're calling Jack immature?

HAGGAR:  Sometimes, yes.

    Ghost was covering Slade after a textbook leaping DDT.  He got a two count.  Tossing Slade outside, Ghost went for one of his high risk moves, an Asai Tornado Dive.  Slade got out of the way and Ghost crashed hard and uncomfortably to the ground.  Before Slade could capitalize, Saul Masters jumped him from behind.

HAGGAR:  That's what Major Force does.  They won't face you one on one.  They're their own best backup, and if it isn't fair, it sure is effective.

TONY:  Speaking of not fair, Mike, a lot of people would say this situation with you and Slade just isn't fair.

HAGGAR:  Excuse me?

    Ghost had got to his feet and charged at Slade.  Slade side stepped and shoved Ghost into a cameraman at ringside.  As Ghost was stunned, Slade put him back inside.

TONY:  You know what I'm talking about, Mike.  This deal going on between you, Slade and Commissioner McCullough.  You three are thick as thieves and figure "Hey, might as well share the World Title, get a little heat off of it and put ourselves in the main event of New Year's Smash"  And McCullough goes along because you and Slade equal big bucks.  And the only people who get screwed are guys like Ghost.

HAGGAR:  Do you have any independent thought, or do you just recycle what other people tell you to?

TONY:  Gee, Mike, I don't know.  I'll have to get back to you on that.

    Ghost had floored Slade with a spinebuster slam and was up top.  But he was up top too soon.  Slade got to him and pitched him off with a big belly-to-belly superplex.  With Ghost on the mat, Slade went up top himself and hit a beautiful flying cross body press.  He got a two count.

HAGGAR:  There's no conspiracy here.  If there was, would I be backing out of a World Title match?

TONY:  Maybe you're just trying to build heat.

HAGGAR:  That must be it.

    Slade used a beautiful jumping piledriver on Ghost to again take him down.  Going to the top once again, Slade attempted a flying dropkick.  He missed.

HAGGAR:  See, Jack's concentration is off.  He doesn't go to the top this often most times.  He's let this whole thing get to him.

TONY:  Well, I'm sure he didn't notice you sitting at ringside.

HAGGAR:  After what he was saying backstage, I didn't want to let him off the hook that easy.

TONY:  But you still don't want to wrestle him at New Year's Smash.

HAGGAR:  I have nothing to prove.

LEE:  You realize how that sounds, Mike.

HAGGAR:  I can understand how some people might misinterpret it, yes.

LEE:  And how do you mean for us to interpret it?

HAGGAR:  Pretty much the way I said it.

    Ghost had floored Slade with a Thunder Fire Power Bomb and went for a pin.  Two count.  Quickly he went back to the top and went for a shooting star press.  Slade moved out of the way.  He could see Ghost coming a mile away.

TONY:  Are you saying that Jack Slade isn't worth your time, or that the incredible Mike Haggar doesn't need another World Title?

HAGGAR:  Neither.  What I'm saying is I don't have anything to prove at New Year's Smash.

TONY:  Well, Mike, you've certainly proved you can be vague.

HAGGAR:  And you've proved that you can't mind your own business.

    Things were starting to break down in the ring.  Slade and Ghost had given up on the fancy moves and had shifted the match to a pure brawl.  Ghost floored Slade with a thrust kick and picked him up for the Final Breath.  Slade backdropped out of it and went for the Spiked DDT.  Ghost shoved Slade back first into the corner.  Slade side stepped a high body splash in the corner and quickly hit a Stunner.  He went for the pin.

    1..
        2...
            3!!!

Jack Slade pinned Ghost after the Stunner in 0:08:38.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Jack Slade retained the SMWA World Heavyweight Title.)

    Jack Slade had just barely got to his feet when Saul Masters stormed the ring and attacked him.  Slade fought him off, but it provided just enough time for reinforcements to arrive.
    Skarzz and Grater charged at the ring.  Skarzz took on Slade but Grater decided he'd fight with Haggar.  Both men were fought off.  Slade hit Skarzz with a Stunner and then clotheslined him over the top ropes.  Grater tried to hit Haggar with the ring bell, but Haggar swiped it from him and clocked Grater.  At the behest of Saul Masters, Major Force backed off.

    Slade looked down at ringside and saw Mike Haggar, bell in hand.  The situation wasn't sitting right.  Slade went outside and shoved his former mentor, getting his attention.

SLADE:  Thanks for coming to see me, Mike.  Glad to see I'm worthy of your attention.

HAGGAR:  Jack...

SLADE:  Okay, explain something to me.  You don't want to wrestle me, you have nothing to prove, yet you're here at ringside.  What part of that doesn't make sense.

HAGGAR:  You think I was going to let you get off with a free ride after what you said backstage?

SLADE:  Oh, I see.  So I hurt your feelings.

HAGGAR:  Are you even listening to yourself?

SLADE:  Are you?

    There was a prolonged staredown between the two men.  Haggar was the first to budge.

HAGGAR:  Maybe she'll be able to talk some sense in to you.

SLADE:  She's your daughter.  So probably not.