The camera pans over the rabid Pinnacle crowd, fans cheering and shouting at the camera. Signs litter the audience, SHOOT merchandise canvases each body, and the familiar voices of Eryk Masters and Jason Johnson come over the intro music.
Eryk Masters: Welcome fans, one and all, to the 13th edition of ZENITH!! We are LIVE from the SHOOT Pinnacle in New York, New York!
Cut to Eryk and Jason at their ringside booth.
Eryk Masters: I'm Eryk Masters.
Jason Johnson: I'm Jason Johnson.
Eryk Masters: And tonight, in the wake of Reckoning Day, we kick off the opening round of the annual Master of the Mat tournament!
Jason Johnson: That's right, Eryk. And what makes this year's Master of the Mat so special? The simple fact that there are TWO tournaments!
Eryk Masters: Sixteen of the top singles stars in all of professional wrestling will be competing tonight to see who will advance one step closer to a shot at the World Heavyweight championship, and in two weeks? We start the opening rounds of the TAG TEAM Master of the Mat, where the winning pair will earn their spot at the front of the line for the Pantheon championship!
Jason Johnson: The number one seed in the tournament, two-time and current Premier champion IZZY SIA, will take on SHOOT newcomer YORINOBU SAKAI in a bout that will also act as an Eliminator for her title.
Eryk Masters: KATSUMI tests her might against the ever-dangerous ARTHUR PLEASANT. The UWA World Heavyweight champion HOLDEN NOBODY takes on former SHOOT Project World Heavyweight champion LAURA SETON.
Jason Johnson: MADISON SETON faces another former SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Champion in IGNATIUS ALBERT MARTIN, former Empire State champion THE DARKSPADE takes on the man they're calling "the Iron Saint," RICKY TENET, and there's some history there, Eryk.
Eryk Masters: We can't forget about JOHNNY NAPALM, the new Empire State champion, taking on AIDEN VANITY, which is also an Eliminator match! MIKE DE LOS HUESOS will square off with VITO VALENTINO!
Jason Johnson: And in what I'm calling as the potential Match of the Night, the Grappler's Guild's own JAMIE JOHNSON will be squaring off with the impressive JOSIAH HUDSON to cinch up the first round.
Eryk Masters: Let's take it to the ring with SAMANTHA COIL so we can get right to...
Eryk is cut off by a trio of drumrolls booming over the PA, the cameras catching him drop a pen in minor frustration while the crowd ROARS.
Slayer's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" brings out the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight champion himself, Corey Lazarus, from behind the entrance curtain. Laz offers an uncharacteristic polite smile, not quite milking the reaction to the same extent he typically does, and pats the World title around his waist as he starts walking down the ramp.
Eryk Masters: ...fans, I guess our World champion has something to say.
Jason Johnson: After how it ended between him and Thunderwolf at Reckoning Day, Eryk? I can't say I blame him.
Corey slaps a few hands and bumps a few fists, stopping briefly to take a selfie with a gathering of college kids in the front row holding a large "ROCK N' FUCKING ROLL" sign, before he saunters over to Samantha Coil, requesting her microphone.
Corey Lazarus: Thanks, Sammy.
Corey rolls into the ring and rises to a knee, holding his arms out for a few seconds in an exaggerated stage bow.
Corey Lazarus: Now maestro, if you would please cut the music? The goddamn CHAMP has something to say.
"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" dies as Lazarus stands up straight, adjusting his silver-rimmed Ray Bans as the Pinnacle erupts...
"L-A-Z!! L-A-Z!! L-A-Z!! L-A-Z!!"
Corey Lazarus: Thank you, thank you, now if you'd all please settle down...
The chants gradually taper off as Corey lowers his head, holding out a hand.
Corey Lazarus: New York City...WHAT IS UP TONIGHT?!
Lazarus hits the ropes and holds onto the top, shaking it as the crowd cheers. He laughs and flashes that Trademark Devilish Grin, blowing a kiss to the camera.
Corey Lazarus: Two weeks ago, in this very ring, something miraculous happened. Right about...here, to be exact.
Corey carefully steps closer to the ropes farthest from the hard cam, pointing down to the canvas beneath his feet.
Corey Lazarus: A sniveling, conniving, jaundiced, buck-toothed bastard; a sorry excuse for a man, someone that has taken so much pride in accomplishing so little, was driven head-first right HERE!!
He pauses, looking back up at the camera.
Corey Lazarus: This doesn't have much bearing on what I actually came out here to say, mind you, but it's always worth pointing out whenever Artie P eats some shit, dig?
Corey smirks and puts a little pep in his step as he walks back to the center of the ring.
Corey Lazarus: More importantly, though, and the real reason I've decided to come out here and stall the show, is to address the elephant in the room. Namely, words - and gestures - exchanged between myself, the Last Damn Icon, and the man they call...Thunderwolf.
The crowd "oooh"s as Lazarus takes a moment to steady himself, his grip on the microphone visibly tightening at the mention of his "partner."
Corey Lazarus: Dustin, my brother? I know you're here tonight. I saw your Uber drop you off, I knocked on your locker room door, and I've even been asked by a few of the fine folks in catering what you wanted for dinner tonight, but...!
Thunderwolf: Core? Just shut the fuck up. For once.
All eyes are drawn to the top of the stage as Thunderwolf steps out from the curtain, favoring his right knee. He isn't dressed for combat, sporting a fine Thom Ford three-piece, and he casually sips on a bottle of water as he stops atop the ramp.
Thunderwolf: In the two minutes you've been out here, Corey? I've already felt like I was going to throw up from the smell. There's just so much bullshit coming out of your mouth, and that's nothing new, but hey, babe...
Kelser emphasizes the "babe" in a faux-Californian accent, drawing a raised eyebrow and bemused chuckle from Lazarus.
Thunderwolf: ...just spare us. Spare us all the secondhand embarrassment, stop pretending it's 1997 and you're some super cool college bro, and realize that the world doesn't revolve around you, you arrogant twat!
Some boos scatter about the Pinnacle, growing in intensity and volume.
Thunderwolf: No! NO! You do NOT get to boo ME! Not for exposing this dickriding asshole that I used to call my best friend for the snake that he is!
The boos grow even more, Corey clearly enjoying Kelser's frustration.
Thunderwolf: Fine. If you want THAT as your champion? As your big hero? Then fuck you, too.
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!" *clap, clap, clapclapclap* "SHUT THE FUCK UP!!" *clap, clap, clapclapclap*
Thunderwolf: Fuck you, Corey. Fuck you, fuck SHOOT Project, and fuck ALLLLLL of you!
Dustin lowers the microphone, his body starting to tremble. Four members of AEGIS Security file out, immediately standing in front of Dustin. One points their finger at Thunderwolf, who swats it away without once breaking his glare from Corey.
Corey Lazarus: ...well then...those are some mighty harsh words, slick, but like I said...
Thunderwolf: YOU, of all people, do NOT get to interrupt me, you egotistical prick! Because you're done fucking around...and now it's time to find out.
Dustin drops the microphone and fires off both birds, holding them up high and steady as his arms shake. Kelser lowers his hands, pointing right to Lazarus and mouthing another "fuck you" as Corey slowly removes his Ray Bans, shaking his head. Two more from AEGIS Security file out, making their way down the ramp as Lazarus takes a step out onto the apron.
Eryk Masters: What the hell happened between these two?!
Jason Johnson: Pride and ego, Eryk. If you want to be the best? You have to BELIEVE you're the best, and neither of these two have ever wanted to be anybody else's sidekick!
Corey hops off the apron and gingerly taps the center plate of the World title, tonguing the inside of his cheek.
Corey Lazarus: Hey...HEY! Let him come down!
"LET THEM FIGHT!!" "LET THEM FIGHT!!"
Corey Lazarus: Let's make it official, Dustin. One more time!
Corey quickly unstraps the World title from around his waist, raising it up as Thunderwolf takes a step forward.
Corey Lazarus: I said right away that I was going to be a fighting champion, buckaroo! Anytime, anywhere! Why not give everyone in the Master of the Mat a glimpse of what they're in for?!
Corey drops the mic, taking two big steps forward as AEGIS blocks his path. He tries to hit-and-spin around one but the other catches him, sandbagging him down as the guards by Kelser make their way down toward the champion.
Eryk Masters: Thunderwolf isn't even trying to get into it, Jason. He just looks disgusted at what he's seeing.
Kelser shakes his head and mouths a final "fuck you," once more raising a pair of middle fingers as Lazarus tries to break free once more.
Jason Johnson: This is the Corey Lazarus that Dustin's been talking about, Eryk. He wants to settle this now, he wants to rush headfirst into this, he wants...!
Eryk Masters: ...RIGHT BEHIND...!!
A massive, meaty THUD resonates through the camera as Arthur Pleasant clubs Dustin from behind. Thunderwolf drops to a knee from the blow, the GODSEND peering down the ramp at the World champion with a condescending smile and wave.
Eryk Masters: ARTHUR PLEASANT JUST JUMPED DUSTIN KELSER FROM BEHIND!!
Arthur grabs Dustin by the hair and brings him to his feet, cackling with his wicked sneer the entire time.
The GODSEND: Oooops! Did you think I was done playing with you, you poor, pathetic little doggie? Time to take Old Yeller out back, if you catch my drift!
Pleasant winds up for a right hand to Kelser, but Thunderwolf surprises him by spitting a faceful of red mist into his face!
Jason Johnson: The Wolf's Bane!! Dustin just blinded him with the Wolf's Bane!!
The GODSEND: AHHHHH!! IT BURNS!! IT BURNS!!
Arthur stumbles blindly as AEGIS starts charging in, but it's too late. Kelser grabs the GODSEND in a double underhook...
Eryk Masters: THE CRY OF THE WOLF...!!
Wolf stares down the ramp at Corey, held back by AEGIS, as someone in the crowd hops the barricade and climbs onto the stage. At first glance, it's an old woman, with an oversized floral dress covered with an equally oversized LAST VANGUARD tee, and an even bigger bosom! Her eyes are hidden behind large sunglasses and hair beneath an off-white scarf patterned with faded roses.
Jason Johnson: Whoa, what the hell...is that an old woman...?!
Before Dustin can lift Arthur up from his feet, he's cracked across the back of the head with a walking stick wielded by the "old woman"!
Eryk Masters: What the hell is going on?!?
Kelser drops Arthur back down, stumbling on the stage before the "old woman" rushes him, smashing him once more with "her" walking stick across the face. "She" grabs Dustin and hurls him OFF OF THE STAGE and TO THE CONCRETE BELOW.
Jason Johnson: What the hell is she...?!
The "old woman" rips off "her" scarf and sunglasses...
Eryk Masters: NC-17?!?!
NC-17 shimmies his large, fake old lady boobs and sneers, wiping the ruby red lipstick from his mouth and smearing it across his face. Arthur, hearing everything going on but still utterly blinded by the red mist, laughs as he realizes someone actually 'saved' him.
The GODSEND: Well, uh, (stifling the stinging in his eyes), thank you whoever you are!
Wiping, nearly CLAWING at his eyes, Pleasant walks towards the stage area and delivers a "yikes!" As he's just able to make out who's in the stageside wreckage. Before he can follow them below, Sammy Rochester emerges from the entrance and grabs a hold of Pleasant. Lifting him over his shoulder, Sammy turns around, away from AEGIS, who has now begun circling around Arthur and NC-17, ready to prevent any more carnage from going down.
Eryk Masters: Sammy Rochester with the save! It looks like Pleasant is still trying to see, but that Wolf's Bane mist really did a number on him.
Jason Johnson: Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
Crumpled in a heap on the stageside floor lies Thunderwolf, his leg twisted around one of the lighting rigs that line the stage. A pool of blood creeps and crawls from him, an open wound across his face that feeds it by the second.
Eryk Masters: Where the hell are the medics?!
At the bottom of the ramp, Corey breaks free from AEGIS and charges up to meet NC-17, Teen goading him on by spitting off the stage onto Dustin's unconscious body. The remaining AEGIS guards cluster between the Last Damn Icon and the Cream of Obscene, a tapestry of full-auto curses flying between the two as Lazarus claws forward. Teen laughs and turns, his fingers running through his greasy mohawk as he disappears behind the curtain.
A squad of paramedics rush to the stageside floor, a gurney in tow. Corey turns and focuses on Dustin, quickly hopping off the stage to help tend to him.
Corey Lazarus: Dusty...Dusty, can you hear me?
Silence befalls the booth as the medics turn Kelser over, fitting him with a neck brace. Lazarus grips Dustin's hand as Wolf comes to, using whatever strength he has to push his "partner" away.
Thunderwolf: ....fFfFfffuck...yooOoOoOoUUuu...
The World champion backs off, holding up his hands as the medics slide the backboard underneath him, strapping him down.
Thunderwolf: Let...meeEEee...up...
Three AEGIS guards, satisfied that both Arthur and NC-17 are removed from the scene, rush down to the floor, standing between Corey and Dustin as the latter is moved to the gurney.
She stands in front of a SHOOT backdrop, already in her gear, including her cape. While now-ex-Premier Champion Madison Seton had the usual aura of confidence, it was unusual that she didn't carry her trademarked smug smirk... but rather a (seemingly) legit grin.
Madison Seton: Attention all Soldiers... we are about to embark on our annual journey. One that gives out a guaranteed grand prize, with a couple second prizes on the table as well. Granted, the Premier and Empire State Championships are better than a "second prize," admittedly a poor choice of fuckin' words--because a title's still a title, right? But I think we can all agree we all want the World Heavyweight Championship.
She takes a couple seconds to get back on track, with a couple extra on top for dramatic effect. Her smile gradually becomes her smirk as she continues.
Madison Seton: Soldiers will be paired against each other and will compete tournament-style until only one is left standing.
...
A master.
A Master of the Mat.
A chance to break in to the class of the elite here in SHOOT. To break free of descriptions like, "potentially" and "future" and be looked at as a legit threat... a legit superstar... a surefire guaranteed Hall-of-Fucking-Famer. Run the gamut of what fate produces for you, and you find yourself one step from being "that person."
Not "that person," you know, the lazy fuck or degenerative asshole you know that likes to poke and prod at you just to piss you off.
But "that person." The one everyone in SHOOT looks up to. Everyone from fellow Soldiers to the company leaders to the fucking fans...
Every...
Fucking...
Person.
Even in ALL of professional wrestling.
You're the Master amongst those who wished they had even a tenth of your ability. Even one percent of your gumption and guts. You're the Master of Champions, both today and yesterday.
You're the one with the future power of more than 10,000-fucking suns. And you've absolutely fucking earned it. Last year, I thought I was on route to the Final Four and instead of sliding through?
I got bumped out.
This ain't a piece of cake. It's not supposed to be. And it sure as shit ain't. So when I enter that ring? Later tonight?
I'm so fucking ready. I'm ready to make up for last year. I'm ready to whoop more ass this year. To all those that come across me in this? Bring your best...
Or be...
...
Eliminated.
And though she gives a proud smile, you can see in her eyes that she's not done. Not just yet.
Madison Seton: And even though I am focused on Master of the Mat and am ready for my first challenge... there's still a golden oldie out there. Mikey Draven. Apparently finding a way to team with my childhood crush, good ol' X. Ya know, if I wasn't married? I'd try and make a threesome with you two, in more ways than one...
She gives a playful wink at the camera.
Madison Seton: But you need not worry about that, Jack. I'm all yours. And besides, what's with this return anyways, Michael? Can't win any wars at home with the offspring, so ya gotta make it back in your old career? Hate to tell you, but outside of that tag partner of yours and my sis? We're younger, bigger, faster and just better than you these days. It's a new era, dude. You wanna relive the glory days? Give it a shot. But soon, oh yes, you too will be...
Eliminated.
The camera focuses on the outside of a locker room door, the sign reading THE LAST VANGUARD...only "the Last Vanguard" is crossed out in black marker, under it a piece of paper taped to the door reading COREY LAZARUS. Ricky Tenet rushes up and stops on a dime, the camera catching him off-guard like a deer in the headlights.
Ricky Tenet: Oh, there's a wait. Sorry...? Yeah, no, this is more important...
Ricky goes to knock on the door and shakes his head, turning the handle and barging in to find the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight champion pacing back and forth, his cell up to his ear and a hand on his hip.
Ricky Tenet: Hey dad, have you...?!
Corey holds up a finger, mouthing "hold on" to his son.
Corey Lazarus: Look, Misty, I know...no, listen, I...yeah, babe, I know he's fucking pissed at me, dig? But I...would you...would you listen for just a second, please?! I'm just calling to see if he's...okay...okay, yeah, I'm a prick...just call Karen once you hear something, please? Or Fiona? Gregor...!
Corey looks down at the phone and sighs, shaking his head.
Corey Lazarus: ...she hung up...anyway, what's up, kiddo? And, uh...friends...
Lazarus motions to the camera crew and Ricky dismisses them, pulling up his elbow pad.
Ricky Tenet: ...is Dustin okay?
Corey Lazarus: He'll be fine, I'm sure. Anyway, what's up with you?
Ricky Tenet: Oh, I just came by to see if you heard about Dustin, maybe a last minute pep talk before I...
Corey Lazarus: Before Mr. Boogedy gets a taste of "the Iron Saint?"
Lazarus can't help himself and forms the quotation marks with his fingers, pausing for a moment as he remembers something.
Corey Lazarus: Hey Ricky, speaking of? I really, really wish you'd run these PR ideas by me first. At least by Gregory. Actually, mostly by Gregory, because his people could look it up, file the proper trademarks, and all that fun stuff.
Ricky Tenet: Oh, uhhh...is there something wrong with it? I thought it sounded pretty cool, and after how it went down with Arthur, I...!
Corey Lazarus: No, you're right on both accounts. It has a ring to it, a certain charm, a "je ne sais pas de quois je parle" vibe...
Lazarus searches for the words as he places a hand on his son's shoulder.
Ricky Tenet: ...but...?
Corey Lazarus: ...but it's, you know. Taken.
Ricky Tenet: It's taken?
Corey Lazarus: Yeah. It has been for quite a while, too.
Ricky Tenet: Well, like, did whoever take it retire? Are they still around?
Corey Lazarus: I'm pretty sure he's retired? I don't know for sure. We don't exactly send each other Christmas cards, dig? Not big on the meme exchange with this guy.
Ricky Tenet: Well, that narrows it down.
Corey Lazarus: I mean, don't you have access to the archives on Reality Check TV? Has nobody told you about Jaime?
Ricky Tenet: Is he the one that left you high and dry against those Mansonite people? SCAR Prospect, or whatever?
Corey Lazarus: No, that was 3M, and they were Project SCAR, and...look, it doesn't matter, really, but...
Ricky Tenet: So why can't I just, like, use it? That one British kid called himself "Corey Lazarus" for a few years, didn't he?
Corey Lazarus: Well, yeah, but we filed so many suits and sent so many C&D's and...look, Ricky, I dig it, right? I'm all on board for this newfound confidence, and I'm practically the president of your fan club...
Ricky Tenet: ...I have a fan club...?
Corey Lazarus: ...but this might be one to walk on from. Why not "the Iron Dawn," or whatever? We'll workshop it.
Ricky Tenet: Oh, uh...sure. Hey, did you...?
Corey's ringtone echoes throughout the room - the chorus of Danzig's "Dirty Black Summer" - and he holds up a finger, checking the screen.
Corey Lazarus: It's Gregory, he may have news on Dustin. Hey, good luck out there against the Oogie Boogie, sport. Kick his fucking teeth in.
Ricky Tenet: Yeah, thanks...
Lazarus answers the call and Ricky turns, muttering to himself.
Ricky Tenet: "The Iron Dawn?" No, maybe "the Iron Bishop"..."Iron Slayer"...no, that's too lame, I'd need a van with an airbrushed tapestry...
Corey Lazarus: Gregory, PLEASE tell me some good news...
Ricky pulls the camera along with him as he exits his father's locker room, the scene fading...
Eryk Masters: Two down, six to go! Jamie Johnson and Vito Valentino are your first two competitors to advance in the Master of the Mat tournament, and Jason, neither of those wins came easy.
Jason Johnson: Not even close. Josiah Hudson gave Jamie everything he could handle. That kid came in as the eleven seed and fought like he belonged in the top four. There were stretches in that match where I genuinely thought Hudson was going to pull it off.
Eryk Masters: Hudson was relentless. He matched Jamie's pace, he absorbed punishment that would've put most people away, and he kept coming forward. Jamie had to dig deep to put that one to bed, and I think that tells you everything you need to know about how dangerous this tournament is going to be.
Jason Johnson: And then Mike de los Huesos. The six seed. The guy we were just talking about earlier tonight as a dark horse to win the whole thing. Vito Valentino walked in there and took that from him. That's a statement.
Eryk Masters: De los Huesos is as tough as they come. Physical, smart, relentless. And Vito found a way to beat him. That's the kind of win that makes people take notice. A fourteen seed knocking off a six is an upset on paper, but the way Valentino carried himself in that match? It didn't look like an upset at all.
Jason Johnson: Both Hudson and de los Huesos walk out of here tonight with nothing to be ashamed of. They were tough outs. But that's what the tournament does. You either advance or you go home, and tonight Jamie Johnson and Vito Valentino move on.
Eryk Masters: Still a lot of first round action to come, folks. We're just getting started.
We open the scene to a shot of the backstage gym area. It seems that as more and more people join outside entities, the Empire, the Grapplers Guild, there are less and less people utilizing the gym in the Pinnacle. This suits Alexander Vaka just fine. He adjusts his massive frame under a squat bar and begins his workout. Chunk Suckley waves towards the camera and points over at Vaka. He is wearing his, now signature, "Please Hire Me" T-Shirt and has a black clip-on tie connected to the crew neck of the T-shirt. He moves over towards Vaka, who looks less than enthused to have his workout interrupted.
Chunk Suckley: Ladies and Gentlemen, Chunk Suckley here with an EXCLUSIVE interview with Alexander "The Silent Axe" Vaka! Alex, the Master of the Mat tournament has been announced, but the seeding and matchups have yet to be finalized. Can you tell us a little about what is on your mind with the tournament set to begin anytime?
Vaka settles the bar on the squat rack and grabs a towel that hangs from the apparatus. He towels off his shoulder a touch and attempts to move away from Chunk and his cameraman but Chunk simply boxes him out.
Vaka: Look, I tolerate your foolishness because it makes Curtis happy, but he isn't here right now and to be honest? Your Chuck Woollery act is getting a little tired for me.
Chunk looks slightly wounded, but does not back down from the man-mountain that is Vaka.
Chunk: Listen, I know you generally let Curtis do the talkin here, but I figured that the Fear and Loathing fans would love to get a bit of insight into what the muscle is thinking with what is, quite possibly, the biggest tournament in your team's career coming up.
Vaka stops trying to push past Chunk and heaves a heavy sigh. He takes a seat on a press-bench next to him and grabs a water bottle from his bag.
Vaka: The biggest tournament for Fear and Loathing ever? Chunk, do you have any idea how long Curtis and I have been in the SHOOT Project? We have been here, having matches, and being the only constant in the Tag Team Division for over twenty years. That's two decades, Chunk. Two decades of hard fought matches. I'm not trying to say that this tournament isn't important, but let's not overstate the importance, while diminishing our impact, please.
Suckley looks confused at the eloquence with which Alexander Vaka speaks. He's right. Fear and Loathing had been in SHOOT for as long as Chunk could remember. He clearly wasn't expecting much more than a two to three word answer from the big man. Time to adjust his interview tactics. This is where he showed the brass at SHOOT that he had the chops to do more than just comedy interviews with Curtis Rose.
Chunk Suckley: I apologize terribly if I came across as dismissive, Axe. What I mean to say is, can you tell me what is going through your head while you await the announcement of your first round matchup?
Vaka: Chunk, it's the same thing that goes through my head every time we face a challenge. Have I prepared enough for the challenge ahead of me? Have I put the work in to make sure that I have the strength to go from bell to bell with whatever upstart team that SHOOT Project has placed in front of me? When I get into the trenches, is this the time that I am going to meet the challenge that I cannot overcome? These are the type things that go through my mind when training, Chunk. This is the type of thinking that puts a man through the crucible of training that it takes to be a champion.
Chunk: Well, from the looks of it, it appears that you have been working very hard. Tell me, what kind of strategy do you have for the tournament? Anything that you care to share?
Vaka cracks a small grin. No one had ever really asked him about his strategy before. No one really asked Vaka much. It was hard to tell if the questions just went to Curtis, or if Curtis was just the first one to answer.
Vaka: The strategy of Fear and Loathing is nothing special, Chunk. It's the same it always is. Curtis and I may not be as young as we used to be, but he's still got the quickness to make a difference in the ring, and I've still got the strength to stand toe to toe with anyone in this business. We are going to go out there and play our game, and it's going to work out in our favor.
Chunk: This has all been terribly respectful up till now. But let me ask you this: What do you say to the people that say that Fear and Loathing are, and have always been a comedy act? Nothing to take seriously? After all, if you were going to win the Tag Team titles, wouldn't you have done so at least once in your twenty year career?
Chunk reflexively recoils from the slap that he is sure is coming his way for asking such an abrasive question. Instead, he feels a hand on his shoulder. Vaka reaches out a comforting hand to Chunk Suckley.
Vaka: Chunk, it's true. We have been around for longer than most. And during that time we haven't had a lot of opportunities to climb the mountain of tag royalty. We've lost more than we've won, but we're still here. We're the only one's still here as a matter of fact. When everyone else retires, or moves on, we stayed. If anything, I would post to you that there has never been a tag team that more exemplifies the values that a SHOOT Project Tag Team possesses than Fear and Loathing. Loyalty, persistence, lasting impact? More so than any other team that can be put together in this Master of the Mat tournament, we represent the SHOOT Project. We represent the unwavering spirit that was forged in the dark Yakuza halls to the Epicenter, all the way to the Pinnacle. We have been here, working our asses off, and being as reliable as the SHOOT Project helmet is. When you see that helmet, you know you are about to get a hell of a show. In that same vein, I can say that when you see Fear and Loathing on the card, you are going to get a phenomenal match that represents the synergy that is Tag Team Wrestling.
Chunk: That all does make a lot of sense, Axe, but it doesn't answer my question. What do you say to the detractors that don't take Fear and Loathing seriously?
Vaka stands, really beginning to feel himself and really grow into the public speaking that he has avoided throughout most of his career.
Vaka: No one says that you have to take Fear and Loathing seriously. There's no law against it. Shit, if I saw us across from me on the bracket I may be tempted to see it as an easy pass myself. But I know something that they don't. I know that the bond that Curtis and I have is something that a team thrown together for a tournament, or one that has been together for a few months, or a group of people that think that a team is an interchangeable thing will never understand. Fear and Loathing is a living, breathing thing. It is something that cannot be altered, it cannot be compromised. It is something that we have spent an entire career working on. I know what Curtis is going to do before he does more often than not. He knows when I need him to step in because I'm getting outpaced by someone. I know when he needs me to lay down the axe because he's getting overpowered. We are a team. We are FAMILY.
Chasing titles is something that was important to me when I first broke into this business. It's something that Curtis and I always dreamed about when we were younger. As time went on, we found that more important than gold was the irrevocable bond of steel that we formed together. While other teams split, went solo, did whatever they could to stay relevant, we stayed unflinchingly Fear and Loathing. When it comes to Master of the Mat, Fear and Loathing will show everyone what the Tag Team Division in SHOOT Project really has to offer. Put whomever against us. It doesn't matter. What we lack in gold, we make up for in something that the rest of the teams in this tournament will never have. We have a legacy. If we don't win this tournament I will be very disappointed, but when the people have long forgotten the names of the victors, they will always remember Curtis Rose and Alex Vaka. They will always remember Fear and Loathing.
With that, Vaka has had all that he can handle of public interaction. He politely waves Chunk towards the door and motions to the workout equipment. He already lost a good bit of time, he didn't want to miss any more. He moves back towards the squat rack as Chunk Suckley makes his way towards the door.
Chunk Suckley: Well there you have it, folks. Fear and Loathing aren't in this tournament to play any games. They are here to win, and they are here to cement their legacies as cornerstones of the SHOOT Project. For SHOOT Project hopefully one day, this is Chunk Suckley and that's the Suckley Second!
Chunk drops the mic and is clearly frustrated as he knows that his sign off did not quite hit the way that he hoped it would. The camera focuses away from Chunk and towards Vaka, powering through a set of squats as the camera fades to black.
X-Calibur and Michael Draven sit back in the production room of the Pinnacle; watching the replay from their vignette spot at Zenith 12.
X, feet up on the edge of the production table, actually looks... relaxed?
Michael Draven is pacing back and forth. Looking like an expectant father.
Michael Draven: Dude.
X-Calibur: It's fine!
Michael Draven: DUDE.
X-Calibur: What?!
Michael Draven: I don't know if I can do this.
X-Calibur: Of COURSE you can!
Michael Draven: I need, like, a paper bag or something.
X-Calibur: Are you.. is this.. are you having a panic attack right now?!
Michael Draven: Man...did you see that? I thought I'd never see something as dumb as Madison Seton claiming to be a pro wrestler, but then--
X-Calibur: Spit it out!
Draven sighs, and stops pacing, turning to face X.
Michael Draven: It's corny, man. You don't see it?! It screams "Here come the Olds!"
X sits up, folding his arms and looking up at the SHOOT newcomer.
X-Calibur: Listen bitch, first of all, I spent a long time working on that. Like...at least fifty-three seconds. Besides, do you really think anyone's going to compare us to old people? All they'll remember is the broken bodies we leave in our wake as we destroy everyone in this tournament.
Draven considers this for a moment, then nods.
Michael Draven: You're right, you're right. I'll be right back. Gonna see if I can find Madison Seton again. I need a good laugh.
Draven leaves the locker room, leaving X in silence for a moment...until he lurches forward, kicking the chair out from underneath him as he rises to his feet in a panic.
X-Calibur: Fuck! Are we old now?!
Fade to...
Now Entering the 2026 Tag Team Master of the Mat...
Michael Draven.
X-Calibur.
Together...they are:
Embrace Black Excellence stands next to Ignatius Albert Martin. The two of them are walking down the hallway of locker rooms in the Pinnacle. IAM seems to have very little idea where he is going and we pick up in what seems to be the middle of an ongoing conversation.
Embrace Black Excellence: See, now this is what I'm talking about. If you're going to be something in the SHOOT Project again, you can't do it by yourself. You gotta have people in your corner. Remember, you put a bunch of indestructible atoms together, well you got yourself a system. You got something bigger than itself. So, with that in mind...
IAM is dismissive of his friend, not looking up from the floor.
IAM: Cal, I
Embrace Black Excellence: Mutha Fucker. I told you over and over, you aint gonna call me by my Government name. I will not answer to the name given to me by a government designed to oppress and...You don't care about any of that. Just call me by my chosen name, Ig. I aint going round calling you Ignatius all the time am I?
IAM laughs and looks up at his friend. It's the first smile that we've seen from IAM since he's been back in the SHOOT Project.
IAM: Well, I mean. That is my name. I'm only playin' you know it's gonna take me a second. Now where we going?
The two men continue down the hall until they get to a closed door. Embrace Black Excellence stands in the doorway before IAM has a chance to try and open the door.
Embrace Black Excellence: Now, before I open this door, I need you to have an open mind. I need you to understand that I have your back. Everything I do, I do in your best interest. You aint gotta like it, but you gotta believe that I'm out here grindin, trying to make this SHOOT Project a place that is gonna recognize the Great IAM and Embrace Black Excellence.
IAM: Yeah, and what does another person have to do with making that dream a reality?
Embrace Black Excellence: You think too locally. You gotta take your mind out your neighborhood and start lookin towards the rest of the world, Ig. You put all your eggs in A&M and what happened? You bet it all on the NFL and What happened? I don't even have to talk about your "battle" against the Empire.
IAM: So far, I'm gettin that insulting me is your way of expanding our reach? You got anything else up your sleeve?
Embrace Black Excellence puts one hand on IAM's shoulder, and another hand on the knob of the locker room door.
Embrace Black Excellence: You gonna put everything you got into the Master of the Mat, and if you lose, then what? You wanna put us on the map? You wanna make sure that this place recognizes our game? Well my brother you have to be in the game for the people to recognize you playin' dig? What I am saying is that I got you signed up for the Tag Team Master of the Mat tournament. Now, I know you gonna give me some kind of stoic ass "I don't play well with others" jive but I am telling you that you are going to, and you are going to win.
IAM: I cannot imagine that you found anyone on this roster willing to tag up with me. I've been out the game for over two years. Aint nobody got faith in IAM no more.
Embrace Black Excellence takes his hand off of IAM's shoulder and points to the sky as if he is having his "Eureka!" moment at this very second.
Embrace Black Excellence: When the establishment doesn't want to have anything to do with you, you gotta step outside of the establishment, brother. That's a fancy way to say that some people aint been here long enough to realize what a selfish prick you are.
IAM: So what's behind door number one, Embrace Black Excellence? If you say Holden Nobody Imma slap you like your momma should have. I aint got the patience to deal with his "I pay for pre-workout on payments" nonsense.
Embrace Black Excellence starts to laugh a little, then steps to the side. He pulls the handle on the door and starts to open it.
Embrace Black Excellence: When you and I got goin together in this business I told you that we were gonna make everyone recognize that the game has changed. We was gonna bring the streets to em, and make em realize that the days of the soft-hearted IAM was done. Seems like Everyone in SHOOT got themselves a set they reppin' so I figured, after watching what the young buck had to offer, we'd start a set of our own.
As the door is opened the two friends start to walk in. Without looking at one another they answer simultaneously.
Embrace Black Excellence/IAM: Josiah Hudson
Josiah sits on a stool, playing with the tape on his wrists.
Mauler Kulinski looks like he had been in the middle of saying something important, before he was rudely interrupted.
Josiah looks up, grins.
Josiah Hudson: Yo. IAM and uh --
Mauler is already stood between the duo and Josiah, one might say he's a bit overprotective of his client. He extends his hand to EBE.
Mauler Kulinski: Mauler. Thrilled to meet.
Embrace Black Excellence: Embrace Black Excellence.
Mauler Kulinski: Absolutely. What's your name though?
Embrace Black Excellence: Embrace Black Excellence.
Mauler Kulinski: Brother, I'm embracing it, alright? Giving it a big hug. Never had a problem with it. What's your NAME, though?
Embrace Black Excellence: ANYWAY. Josiah Hudson. I know y'all have already met in the ring, but given you two are going to be teaming up in the Masters of the Mat tournament, I figure you best meet in a context that don't involve beating the hell out each other.
Josiah stands, daps up IAM.
Josiah Hudson: Let's get it.
Eryk Masters: Five first round matches in the books, Jason, and the bracket is really starting to take shape. Ricky Tenet, Johnny Napalm, and Madison Seton all punching their tickets to the quarterfinals.
Jason Johnson: Let's start with Ricky Tenet. That kid just beat the seven seed in The Darkspade. A veteran, a guy who's been around the block more times than most people on this roster have been alive, and Ricky went in there and got the job done. You saw it backstage earlier tonight, he was loose, he was confident, and he brought that energy right into the ring.
Eryk Masters: Darkspade is no joke. The man is a nightmare to prepare for. But Tenet handled it. And you have to wonder if that backstage visit with his father lit a fire under him. Corey Lazarus told him to kick The Darkspade's teeth in, and that's essentially what he did.
Jason Johnson: Then the Eliminator match. Johnny Napalm, the Empire State Champion, the two seed, and he defended his spot against Aiden Vanity. Vanity came in with nothing to lose and a title shot to gain, and to his credit, he made Napalm work for it. But at the end of the day, Napalm is Napalm. That man is a wrecking ball right now.
Eryk Masters: Vanity gave it everything. He came in swinging and he never stopped. But the gap between the two seed and the fifteen seed showed itself when it mattered most. Napalm advances and his Empire State Championship stays safe. No Eliminator title shot for Vanity.
Jason Johnson: And then Madison Seton. We heard her earlier tonight talking about how ready she was, how she wasn't going to let last year repeat itself, and she backed every word of it up against Ignatius Albert Martin. IAM is a big, physical competitor and she handled him.
Eryk Masters: IAM put up a fight, too. That man has been finding his footing again in SHOOT Project and he showed tonight that he still belongs. But Madison was on another level. She came in focused and she never let the moment get bigger than her. The five seed moves on.
Jason Johnson: So let's run it down. Through five matches, we've got Jamie Johnson, Vito Valentino, Ricky Tenet, Johnny Napalm, and Madison Seton all into the quarterfinals. Three first round matches still to come tonight.
Eryk Masters: And some big ones still on deck. We're not done yet, folks. Not by a long shot.
Mary Kelly is in the back with Holden Nobody. He wears both the UWA and Resistance Championship proudly. There is an unusual confidence to him, a swagger, something that we haven't seen from the usual clunky, awkward Holden we've become accustomed to. However, there is also a sway to him, as if this shoulders-back confidence isn't exactly familiar to him yet.
Mary Kelly: Holden, your match with Laura Seton is coming up here very shortly. While you've recently been very successful both at Reckoning Day and the UWA, Laura Seton presents no small task for you.
Holden nods, patting the UWA World Championship.
Holden Nobody: Nobody is a small task, Mary.
Holden laughs.
Holden Nobody: That...sounds like a terrible catchphrase. I promise you, that wasn't the intention.
Mary grins, Holden proving to be very disarming with a certain awkward charm.
Holden Nobody: What I mean to say is, this industry is nothing but obstacles to overcome. When you are breaking in, they try to feed you to established, tougher people. Then they continue to try and feed you to the hungry newcomers to make sure you still have what it takes. Then you move up the card, and each battle gets harder and harder. You have to overcome bandits, warriors, legends, and monsters--
Holden snickers again.
Holden Nobody: Sorry, again, this sounds like a corny fantasy novel, but we live in a world of fantasy sometimes, and it's hard to be the guy who tries to keep it somewhat grounded in reality.
Holden shrugs.
Holden Nobody: I didn't earn these titles in the UWA because I'm the son of a famous person or because I have some kind of grand destiny. The world is not owed to me, and there is nothing that special about me. But, as I said to Laura, I work harder than anyone else here, I put myself out there more than anyone else here, and I will continue to be the work horse of SHOOT until my place here is undeniable, and until people, like Laura, are forced to take notice...
Holden turns as Ricky Tenet walks up behind him, temporarily shielding his eyes from the glare of the overhead lights off of both the UWA and Resistance championship belts.
Holden Nobody: ...of me.
Ricky pats Holden on the back, pumping his fist emphatically.
Ricky Tenet: Holden, man, I'm sorry to interrupt, but...oh, great promo, by the way. Killer stuff. Anyways, I haven't heard back from you over the last couple of weeks? And yeah, you're busy, like, REAL busy...
Ricky pats both the UWA and Resistance belts as Holden looks on bemused. Tenet pulls back, stepping away and holding his hands up.
Ricky Tenet: ...buuuuut, you know, there's this other part of Master of the Mat this year? I don't know if you've heard, but there's also a Tag Team tournament going on, too? And, see, there's this open slot still, sooooo...
Holden Nobody: So you want me to tag up with you?
Ricky pauses, taken aback by the abrupt response.
Ricky Tenet: Well, yeah. Why not, right? You can handle your business, I can handle mine, just ask Arthur, right? So, like...I don't know, man. I've called you, texted, never heard anything back because you're so damn busy all the time, but...what do you say? Partners?
Tenet grins, holding out his hand for Holden. Nobody looks down at Ricky's hand and then back up to his eyes.
Holden Nobody: Man...I have to defend these two belts, I have to see how far I can get in Master of the Mat, and I've got a future title shot at Izzy Sia? Ricky...my plate is full.
The grin on Ricky starts to fade a touch, but Holden holds out his hand.
Holden Nobody: You're lucky I'm a hungry man. Let's do it.
Ricky Tenet: Hell yeah!
Ricky and Holden shake hands, but the joy on Holden's face is quickly replaced by a shadow as the much larger Josiah Hudson appears on camera. Ricky looks Josiah up and down before turning back to Holden, patting him on the shoulder.
Ricky Tenet: Alright, man, I'll check you later. I need to go stretch out and prep and water the ficus, maybe balance my checkbook, and...see ya...
Ricky carefully brushes past Josiah as Hudson's focus never leaves Nobody.
Josiah Hudson: Yo.
Holden shifts, standing up tall as possible, though nowhere near eye to eye with Josiah.
Holden Nobody: What's up, Josiah?
Josiah Hudson: The word is yours now.
Holden looks confused.
Josiah Hudson: 'Ridiculous.' The run you're on? Yeah, bro. It's your word now.
Josiah gives Holden a friendly smack on the back. Holden initially recoils at the feeling of Josiah's hand, but he centers himself. Holden still looks a little on edge and antsy, but he tries to keep himself calm.
Holden Nobody: It's just a word, bud - a thing to describe a situation. You are ridiculous. To be where you are, to be who you are, at your age, it's a crazy thing. I can see why you look at a guy like me and think you can run through me real easy, a little step on your climb to greatness. A lot of people see me like that.
Holden loses the sourpuss on his face and smiles a little.
Holden Nobody: I just have my own flavor of ridiculous.
He shifts the UWA and Resistance World Championship a little bit for emphasis.
Holden Nobody: So, y'know, maybe down the road, we run that back, just you and me, and we see just how wacky and ridiculous the outcome is.
Holden offers his hand to Josiah.
Josiah Hudson: I got some work to do before we run it back.
Hudson daps up Holden instead of shaking his hand.
Josiah Hudson: I'ma call you Holden Somebody.
Quick cuts flash across the screen. A bell rings. Bodies collide. Gold glints under arena lights. The tempo builds as a deep, resonant voiceover kicks in.
V/O:
Sixteen competitors. Eight first round battles. One goal.
Flash cuts of headshots: Izzy Sia, Johnny Napalm, Jamie Johnson, Madison Seton, Holden Nobody, KATSUMI, Arthur Pleasant, The Darkspade. Each name burns across the screen in gold before dissolving into the next.
Champions put their pride on the line. Underdogs fight for the chance of a lifetime. Veterans clash with the next generation. Every match is do or die.
Highlights rip across the screen. A devastating lariat. A high-angle suplex. A near-fall that brings the crowd to its feet. The pace quickens.
The Eliminator rule raises the stakes even higher. Beat a champion, earn a guaranteed shot at their gold. There is no safe path through this bracket.
The music swells. The SHOOT Project helmet spins into frame, transitioning into the Master of the Mat logo.
When the dust settles, one Soldier will stand alone. One name will be etched into history. One competitor will earn their shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.
The logo locks into place. Bold text slams onto the screen.
Master of the Mat 2026
Who will survive the gauntlet?
Master of the Mat 2026 is brought to you by NexGen Sports Broadcasting & SteamVault Digital
Backstage at Zenith 13. The Grappler's Guild occupies a staging area near the loading dock. Equipment cases and coiled cable line the walls. Jamie Johnson leans against a road case, a towel draped over his shoulder, still cooling down from his match. His hair is damp but his composure is intact. Across from him, Quinn and Richards sit on an equipment trunk, while Avalanche stands near the roll-up door with his arms folded, the night air drifting in from outside.
Jamie Johnson: One down. Josiah Hudson was game, but not game enough. He's going to be huge here, no doubt about that, but it's not his time yet.
Quinn leans forward, elbows on his knees.
Joe Quinn: Valentino's a different animal than Hudson, Jamie. The guy held the Premier Championship. He's slippery. Knows how to play the long game in a match.
Dan Richards: He's also desperate. He's been chasing gold for months and keeps coming up short. Desperate guys are dangerous, but they also make mistakes.
Jamie Johnson: Getting a world tier opponent like Vito in the second round is... a challenge. But this is exactly what I'm talking about. We have statements to make and grabbing a win over the guy who's probably considered the most heralded Premier Champion since the title's inception? That's the kind of statement we're out to make. I don't know if I'm better than Vito Valentino overall, but I just have to be better than him at Zenith 14.
Avalanche shifts against the door frame. The metal groans under him. Quinn glances at Richards, then back at Jamie.
Joe Quinn: So when do we find out who we've got?
Jamie Johnson: You two, you're going to be in action at Zenith 14. This is your chance to show that Reckoning Day was just a blip and not what the future holds. You know what we stand for. You know what's at stake. Winning tag team Master of the Mat gets you right on track, so we're going to try to avoid failure.
Richards nods, cracking his knuckles one at a time. Methodical. Ready.
Dan Richards: We're not going to let Reckoning Day define us. We owe ourselves better than that.
Joe Quinn: We owe you better than that.
Quinn looks at Jamie directly. No fidgeting this time. No frustration. Just clarity.
Jamie Johnson: We're moving in the right direction. It's slower than I would have liked, but a movement... heh, a revolution... has setbacks. We take each match one at a time. We don't look past a single opponent, because that's how we get stung. We all have a job to do, so let's do the work.
Jamie pulls the towel off his shoulder and tosses it into a bin near the door. He pushes off the road case and heads for the exit. Avalanche steps aside to let him through, then falls in behind him. Quinn and Richards exchange a look, bump fists, and follow.
The loading dock goes quiet. A single overhead light buzzes against the silence.
Eryk Masters: What a night it has been, Jason. Seven first round matches complete, and we have two more results to talk about before our main event.
Jason Johnson: Laura Seton. The thirteen seed. She just knocked off Holden Nobody, the four seed, a man carrying two championship belts and riding one of the hottest streaks in SHOOT Project. And Laura went in there and ended it. That is a massive upset.
Eryk Masters: Holden had so much on his plate. The UWA Championship, the Resistance Championship, the tag team tournament with Ricky Tenet, the future Premier Championship shot. We heard him say earlier tonight that he was a hungry man, but maybe there's such a thing as too many plates. Laura Seton capitalized and she deserves all the credit in the world for that win.
Jason Johnson: And remember what we said earlier tonight about the Seton sisters being on the same side of the bracket? Madison won her match. Laura won hers. That quarterfinal collision is now a reality. Family against family. That is going to be something special.
Eryk Masters: Then we got the match that you called earlier tonight, Jason. KATSUMI versus Arthur Pleasant. You said it would set the tone for the entire tournament, and it absolutely delivered. Arthur Pleasant wins it. The nine seed moves on.
Jason Johnson: KATSUMI brought everything she had. Technical precision, toughness, heart. But Arthur Pleasant is a different animal in tournament settings. He feeds off the pressure. He dragged KATSUMI into his world and he found a way to finish it. Nobody in this bracket wants to see that man across from them in the quarterfinals.
Eryk Masters: So that leaves us with one first round match remaining. The main event of Zenith Thirteen. The number one seed, the Premier Champion, Izzy Sia, against the sixteen seed, Yorinobu Sakai. The Eliminator match. If Sakai pulls off the upset, he earns a guaranteed future shot at the Premier Championship.
Jason Johnson: Sakai has watched every competitor tonight leave it all in that ring. He knows what's at stake. And Izzy Sia has had to sit here all night watching the field get set around her. The pressure is on both of them, but for very different reasons. That match is next and it is going to be electric.
Eryk Masters: And folks, if you think tonight was big, Zenith Fourteen is going to be absolutely loaded. The Tag Team Master of the Mat tournament kicks off, and we get the quarterfinals of the singles bracket. The World Warriors, Fear and Loathing, IAM and Josiah Hudson, Holden Nobody and Ricky Tenet, all of those teams we saw come together tonight will be in action. Plus the quarterfinal matchups from everything that's happened here tonight.
Jason Johnson: Jamie Johnson, Vito Valentino, Ricky Tenet, Johnny Napalm, Madison Seton, Laura Seton, Arthur Pleasant, and whoever wins this main event. Eight competitors, four quarterfinal matches, all happening on Zenith Fourteen alongside the tag team first round. You do not want to miss it.
Eryk Masters: But first, our main event. Izzy Sia versus Yorinobu Sakai. Eliminator rules. Let's go!
Eryk Masters: I still can't believe what we just witnessed. Yorinobu Sakai. The sixteen seed. He just beat the number one seed, the Premier Champion Izzy Sia, in the main event of Zenith Thirteen. Jason, that might be the biggest upset in Master of the Mat history.
Jason Johnson: Might be? Eryk, it IS. A sixteen over a one. The lowest seed in the tournament just knocked off the Premier Champion. And because of the Eliminator stipulation, Sakai now has a guaranteed future shot at the Premier Championship. That kid walked in here tonight with nothing and leaves with everything.
Eryk Masters: Nobody gave him a chance. We sat here at the top of the show and called it a mismatch on paper. Sakai didn't care about the paper. He went in there, he matched Izzy Sia move for move, and when the moment came, he seized it. This Pinnacle crowd is still buzzing.
Jason Johnson: And now the quarterfinal bracket is set. Sakai advances into Arthur Pleasant's side of the draw. Think about that. The sixteen seed who just shocked the world against the nine seed who thrives on chaos. This tournament is wide open.
Eryk Masters: Folks, if you haven't been keeping up with the UWA, make sure you check out last week's shows. Plenty of action over there that ties directly into what's happening here on Zenith. And speaking of what's coming next, Zenith Fourteen is shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of the year.
Jason Johnson: The Tag Team Master of the Mat kicks off. The World Warriors, Fear and Loathing, Quinn and Richards, IAM and Josiah Hudson, Holden Nobody and Ricky Tenet, all making their debuts as teams in tournament action. Plus the singles quarterfinals. It's going to be a packed card.
Eryk Masters: What a night. Thank you for joining us for Zenith Thirteen, everybody. Sakai shocks the world, and the road to the World Heavyweight Championship continues. Good night from the Pinnacle!