UCW Meltdown – July 9 – Wednesday Night Action Zone

As the opening strains of Guns’ N’ Roses’ Welcome to the Jungle blast from the screen, we are shown brief highlights from last week’s edition of UCW Meltdown. Things began with Jim Cornette awarding Brother Devine with a special surprise, giving him the new Meltdown Championship Belt, before Brother Ray announced, London & Kendrick have been re-installed as contenders to face 3D at Revolution, then Cornette announced that the main event would be no DQ and no count out, before Kurt Angle came out, prompting Cornette to also make the match loser leaves, for both men and even anyone who should interfere from Meltdown would be fired. Shawn Michaels was then saved from a post-match beating against The Great Khali, having won by DQ, when Rhino charged to the ring, sending Khali to the outside, before the War Machine accepted Michaels’ Re-Match challenge with one request, that they watch each others back until then. LAX then had a victory almost secured, when the Major Brother interfered, ending things in a DQ then beating down LAX. Brother Ray then informed London & Kendrick that, should they fail at Revolution, then they would be forced to split-up and never join forces as a tag team ever again. Then finally in the main event, Samoa Joe dominated for long periods of time, but, when the referee was knocked down Joe finally locked in the Kokina Clutch hold, forcing Kurt Angle to tap out but to no avail. Then following the patented Snap Slam, again Joe had the match won but with no ref, the match continued. Then in the end, with Angle positioned for the Muscle Buster, a masked intruder entered the ring, connecting with a Spear to the mid-section of Samoa Joe, instantly sending him down, allowing Angle to score the victory before the man then revealed himself to be Edge, shrouded in controversy as Kurt Angle became the UCW title number one contender, while Samoa Joe will now be forced to leave UCW having agreed to the stipulation.

And with a huge cheer and explosion of pyro as Meltdown goes live to the world, wasting no time we see Jim Cornette making his way down the ramp with a pleased expression on his face, armed with a clip-board in one hand and, as he enters the ring, wearing a business suit and still harbouring a slightly stiff neck, but no other effects, drawing jeers and hostility from the live crowd while un-accompanied by Team 3D, Cornette impatiently claims a mic and begins to address the Action Zone crowd, saying…“Ladies and gentlemen, if you would be so kind as to allow me some quiet, my voice can only stretch so far and I am in no mood to shout above you people, thank you very much, now…As you’re no doubt aware last week was a historic night, we not only saw the crowning of a new No.1 Contender for the UCW Championship, with Kurt Angle but we also witnessed a young and promising career come to an end, brought to an abrupt halt by the actions of one man…the Rated R Superstar, Edge!!! Now while I know you all have your questions and they will all be answer in time, tonight Samoa Joe will say his last good-byes, his final fleeting fare-wells to you all, but right now I would like to focus on positives and not so much the negatives, so, therefore please ladies and gentlemen…Join me in welcoming this truly great man, the Greatest Living Ambassador for the sport of Professional Wrestling in 2008 and, even if I do say so myself the perfect candidate to be a champion we can be proud of, the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist and former and soon to be 2-time UCW Champion, born & raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and bred to be a champion, Kurt Angle!!!”

But when Cornette is cut-off in mid-sentence, the arena lights gradually begin to dim, signalling the arrival of Kurt Angle as attention now turns towards the main entrance, we hear the beginnings of some really intense music playing over the sound system, before a dark silhouetted figure rises on a platform from below the Action Zone stage, with a hood covering his head, then as the crowd begins to jeer as he steps forwards, wearing white wrestling boots & a blue wrestling-suit emblazoned by yellow flames, Kurt now begins to advance down the ramp, with an relaxed and content on his face, while Cornette looks on with pride, as Kurt gets closer and closer to the ring and, when Angle enters the ring and steps towards Cornette, shaking hands with the GM, then mouthing something to him as Cornette smiles, while the crowd become louder, jeering the former Olympic Medallist and GM, before Cornette slowly backs away, with Angle soon calling for a mic and, as the jeers for him subside he begins to speak, saying…“Thank you Mr. Cornette and may I just say that was a great introduction, one that makes me proud to work for you and one that these people could learn from, because quite frankly after the reception that they gave me when I walked out here, Kurt Angle feels betrayed. I feel disrespected and do you know why, Mr. Cornette? Because ever since 1996, when I won an Olympic Gold Medal for my own country, the good old U.S of A…all I ever asked for was a little respect, a little appreciation, not only for myself but for the efforts and commitment it took to achieve that goal, but NO instead all I get is booed, jeered and cursed at everywhere I go, now I ask you, is that fair? People, do you think that is fair? Do I come to your place of business, where you all pump gas, or flip burgers or wash cars all day and boo you all day long, of course not because I am respectable, I am courteous and most of all, I am a hero, I’m a role model and I’m an American. And as an American, I am also a success, because I achieve the goal that I set out to achieve, like winning the 1996 Gold Medal, like becoming UCW Champion and last week I did it again, by defeating Samoa Joe, costing him his career here in UCW and forcing him to bid his farewells here tonight, now…for some reason ever since last week, when I had my hands raised in victory, all I’ve been hearing on the street, in airports and hotels all across the country is this, ‘Joe Got Screwed’ this and ‘controversy’ that, well I’m here to set the record straight, because there was no controversy people…get over it. Now you can all still trust me, I’m an Olympic Gold Medallist and an American Hero and I certainly NEVER lie, so, believe me when I said this…Samoa Joe was always gonna lose the match against me, because I’m Kurt Angle. It’s true, just check my record…my win-loss record is 90%! Just do the math, folks, I’ve already beaten Joe more time than you could ever count, then after he scored on fluke…obviously the odds were I my favour this time around, its simple mathematics. Now after getting rid of one problem, we move onto another, July 20 on PPV when UCW Presents Revolution and I will once again face Triple H, 1-on-1 for the UCW Championship…and rest assured people, the belt is coming h…”

TIME 2 PLAY THE GAME! But as the Action Zone crowd erupts with a loud cheer, cutting-off Kurt Angle to welcome Triple H, before a deafening response breaks out, opposing the reaction of the Angles who observe The Game with complete disdain, coming down the ramp, dressed in casual jeans and an official King of Kings T-shirt, wearing a leather jacket and with an incredibly intense attitude about his entrance, with the arena bathed in a dark green glow as the sound of Motorhead reverberates, The Game then climbs up onto the apron and locks eyes with Kurt’s intense glare, before turning to spit his water out into the front row to a deafening crowd reaction. And with Cornette attempting to restrain Angle and soothe his massive, fragile ego, Triple H steps through the ropes into the ring, calling for a mic to address the crowd, before confronting Kurt and with cheers echoing all around the sold-out Action Zone, saying…“You know something Kurt, that’s a pretty impressive rant you just went on, really entertaining but as great as you are, before you put a choke hold on this crowd, then send them all to sleep…I thought I’d come out here and help you out a little bit, because before when you mentioned your won-loss record here against Samoa Joe, you’re right and it is impressive but, you need to check the books one more time, because against you my won-loss record is perfect…You see because I’ve never lost, meaning you’ve never beaten me and that means if you want to take this belt ‘home’ like you just said…then Kurt, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done before!” Then Angle says…“Ok Hunter, you got me, that’s true but just think about it this way, because while I was UCW Champion for 5 months…you’ve been champ 5 minutes, not even long enough for a cup of coffee…So don’t get too attacked to that belt, because in about ten days it’s going back in my trophy cabinet with my Gold Medal!” But HHH says…“Really? That’s funny, but in all the time you were the champion, can you name one guy you actually beat? I mean, someone who you defeated fair, square and legit? Also, although I’ve been UCW Champion ever since Immortality, back in January I’d have been champion at Road 2 Glory if not for you’re cheating, conniving bitch-whore wife!!! So if you wanna test me, if you wanna see what I got, then forget Revolution in 2 weeks because we can go right here, right now, tonight!” But when the crowd erupt with cheers of approval for these word from The Game, Angle becomes worried, stepping away and turning towards Cornette for direction, then saying…“Actually Hunter, that’s just not going to happen, because I know you, you wanna get me off my guard, off my game and away from my comfort zone and, it’s not gonna happen. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you at Revolution, good bye…” Then with the crowd jeering and Cornette smiling at Triple H as Angle backs away, suddenly Kurt lashes out, catching HHH off-guard and connecting with a right hand, snapping back The Game’s head and dropping him off-balance, down to one knee, then when Angle begins to gloat to the crowd, while handing his mic to Cornette, suddenly Triple H springs back to his feet, lunging towards Angle, mi still in hand, connecting with a devastating blow with the top of the microphone to Angle’s skull, dropping the Gold Medallist to the canvas with one hit, with Cornette panicking, saying…“Um, now, now Hunter, calm down…Just, just take it easy, just stay calm!”  But when Triple H draws back his hand and fakes a right hand swing at Cornette, quickly the GM flinches and drops to the canvas anyway, before rolling to the outside, while Angle remains down on his back, slowly regaining his whereabouts in the ring, before rolling to the outside as well and leaving Triple H alone to accepts the cheers, performing several popular crotch chops as Angle and Cornette re-group at ringside, slowly backing away up the ramp and heading towards the stage, as HHH stands tall.   

Then as we join JR & King at ringside with Angle and Cornette heading out of sight, Triple H leaves the ring to a huge reception and JR welcomes the Meltdown viewers, saying…“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Meltdown with me Good Ol’ JR here, right here at ringside along side my announce partner Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, but, King after that interesting start to the night, thing may be looking up at long last…” King says…“Well, I don’t know about that JR, although Triple H got the upper hand, Cornette and certainly not Angle will take that lying down, but also coming up later, as mentioned by our GM just now, Samoa Joe will be in the Action Zone tonight!!!” Then JR says…“Yes indeed King, because even after the injustice from last week, when Samoa Joe was screwed, yes SCREWED by Edge, Joe will be here tonight, however it will be for the final time as a member of the UCW Meltdown active roster, because it is his Fare-well Address. So set your VCR folks, it will be a moment, something you won’t want to miss because you may never see Samoa Joe, again…” Then King says…“Well speaking of never before or again, coming up tonight, Brother Ray will face Paul London as we preview the Tag Team Titles Match-up coming-up at Revolution when London & Kendrick attempt to challenge Team 3D, looking to strike it lucky twice in a row, but if they do not win the belts that night, then as-per the stipulations they will never again be permitted to team up in UCW!” And JR says…“Well fingers crossed King, London & Kendrick deserve the chance, but also tonight in a HUGE main event match, following the events from last week, the first ever meeting between two power-houses, when the War Machine Rhino engages with The Great Khali! With Shawn Michaels’ promise to have Rhino’s back, after the War Machine saved him last week…only time will tell what happens there.” And King says…“But now, we kick off the action with LAX in a bad mood tonight...”

MATCH 1

Latin-American Exchange vs. Cade & Murdock

LAX! And with both Homicide & Hernandez receiving a welcoming crowd reaction, both men enter the ring and signal to the Action Zone crowd with LAX hand signals, pumped up to get down to action after their attack from the Major Brother last week, before Cade & Murdock confront them and gain the brunt of the crowd’s displeasure. And following the bell Cade initially attempts to intimidate the smaller Homicide, however the rugged Texan soon learns that Homicide possess the speed advantage. And, despite the dirty tactics used by Cade & Murdock, their experience as a team means nothing as Homicide is able to take advantage of a mild-miscommunication, enabling him to dive towards his corner and earn a hot tag to his partner, Hernandez. And as the big man enters the ring, the match turns around as his power soon shows. And while he cleans house on Cade before nailing Murdock down and off the apron, Homicide quickly climbs to the top rope as Hernandez picks Cade up, off his feet, lifts him high into the air and drops him down to the canvas with the Border Toss, Homicide comes crashing down on top of Cade with an elbow off the top turnbuckle, before Hernandez then kneels down to make the cover on Cade, earning the victory. Homicide & Hernandez then get their hands raised in victory before sharing a high-5, and making LAX signs with their hands, acknowledging their supporters in the crowd, before both motioning around their waists for the Tag Team Championship Belts, clearly stating their case for a Re-Match with Team 3D after a dominant performance, setting things straight after last weeks DQ. But with Salinas joining LAX in the ring, following their victory as celebrations begin, attention turns towards the Big Screen, where we now focus on Brian and Brett Major standing in front of the TV camera, looking smug and pleased with themselves, wearing official Meltdown LAX T-shirts, appearing unshaven and with broad smiles across their faces, while the crowd boo, saying…“Ole, boys, before we go any further just wait right there, stay in the ring, because for your information we’re not even in the building right now, and trust us, you’ll never find us anyway so you may as well listen to what we’re saying right now, because by the time you do find us, we won’t be here. Now first we need to explain, explain the beating we gave you last week. That was nothing more than a warning, because you deserved it. You disrespected us when you said to stay outta you’re way, nobody talk to us like that, we didn’t take it from Team 3D and we won’t from you, now at No Remorse our world came crashing down, we lost not only a tag title match, but we lost our hopes and dreams, we lost everything that ever meant something to us, growing up, going to college, during out training, all that gone in a few short minutes, now we don’t expect people to feel sorry for us, but we did expect to keep out dignity, not to be brushed aside or treated like garbage. But that’s just what we got from you, Homicide, Hernandez, so if you won’t respect us, then we will beat respect into you, so listen up boys, because we are challenging you to a match on PPV at Revolution, and we expect you answer next week. Plus from now on there will be no more games, no more Mr. Nice Guys and no more Major Brats so starting next week on Meltdown, it’s about time everybody here found out about us and found out who we really are...” And when their image fades from the Big Screen, Homicide instantly calls for a mic, saying…“Brrrrra! Orale MAJOR BROTHERS, I don’t know what you got planned, but you don’t need to wait for next week because we will accept right here and now, LAX vs. the Major Brothers at Revolution, vato. To Live and die in LAX, Brrrrra, because coming up at Revolution you boys will get what you have coming to you, when the Latino Revolution runs over you and on our way to the Tag Team titles!!!” 

Backstage we now join JB with Brother Ray, Brother Devon and Brother Devine, with all three men holding a championship belt over their shoulder, looking smug, while JB begins to address the trio ahead of Brother Ray’s singles match tonight, saying…“Wrestling fans, JB here and coming up we still have that huge main event, Rhino taking on The Great Khali, but next it will be Brother Ray vs. Paul London, and Bubba after London & Kendrick embarrassed you and Devon two weeks ago, winning the tag team titles only to have the decision reversed, only with Jim Cornette, last week you really turned the tables so to speak on London & Kendrick, not only, because you have made them wait until Revolution for that obligatory title Re-Match, but also because of the added stipulation that should they fail to claim your title, unfortunately they will be forced to disband as a tag team, never to join forces again, now many have speculated that that is because you fear the competition they offer, that they seemed to have your number and you want them out of your way, forever, however…” But before JB can continue, Brother Ray quickly snatches the mic away, saying…“First off JB, its Mr. Ray to you, secondly we ain’t afraid of nobody, ok, because we’re Team 3D and we’re the greatest team in wrestling history, understand? London & Kendrick didn’t embarrass Devon & me, no, they embarrassed themselves, because they proved that they could never beat us without cheating and manipulating, without underhanded tricks and skulduggery, not with great team work and ethics, unlike me and Devon…we would never stoop to such low levels to retain the titles, just like we won them. We are proud champions and we defend the belts with honour, with integrity and with pride, unlike London & Kendrick who fight with dirty tricks that bring this business down. It makes me sick JB, and after Revolution, is over, because when we beat London and Kendrick, they will never sully this sport again, because they will never again team-up in a UCW ring again…and that’s a good thing, right Devon?” And as JB then holds the mic up for Brother Devon to make comment, saying…“Oh My Brother…TESTIFY!!!” as Devon flexes his muscles to the screen, while Brother Ray now begins squaring-up to JB, intimidating him before the camera, Brother Devine looks into the screen and pretends to style his hair while we cut away.

A promotional vignette then airs, beginning with a view of a wild western town, complete with sand-covered street, saloon bars and the faint sound of guns fired, before the scenes changes when the following voice-over begins to tell the tale, focusing on an empty, dust-filled arena surrounded with a battered, run-down ring, while the scene changes again and we see find James Storm, sat on a lone bar stool, holding a bottle, wearing a black Cowboy Hat and set against a black back-ground, saying…“So now I was on my own, ready to concur the world all by myself, but, once again all everybody wanted to talk about was my former partner, Chris Harris, about how he was supposed to be the ‘break out star’ the ‘new rising star’ and me, nobody was talking about me. So what did I do, well after drowning my sorrows, then I took a good look at myself and I decided to start doing what I always set out to do, Cowboy James Storm was gonna get back to kicking ass and taking names, drinking, raising hell, starting trouble and dishing out the ass whippings like I always had done, come hell or high water. So after I got finished wiping the floor up with my partners, then I moved on to CM Punk, and I beat his ass up and down just for the hell of it, simply because he was there and I couldn’t stand to look at his face one more time, and he paid the price for trying to tell me how to live my life. I’m my own man now, I’ll go wherever I want, when I want and I’ll pick a damn fight with whoever I want, so right now the only question to think about is…Just who might be my next target?” And then as the picture slowly faces to a blank screen, the following text appears, reading…“Cowboy James Storm…Coming Soon to Meltdown…to be continue…”

MATCH 2

Brother Ray w/ Devon vs. Paul London w/ Brian Kendrick

With London & Kendrick making their way to the ring by charging down the ramp, full of energy and receiving a warm welcoming from the live crowd in attendance, once inside the ring the brothers share a high-5 and await the arrival of Team 3D, slowly coming through the curtain and drawing a hostile reaction from the crowd. Devon then holds the ropes open for Brother Ray and with both having entered, during the pre-match instructions Brother Ray warms up for the match by mock shadow-boxing while Devon holds up his hands like pads for his brother to hit, drawing further jeers from the crowd, as Brother Ray yells at the top of his voice… “This guy is just a human punching bag…and tonight I’m gonna break him in half!!!” Then as the ref instructs Devon and Kendrick to leave the ring, as the bell sounds, Brother Ray and Paul London step forward, before Brother Ray backs away again, playing mind games with the youngster. Then as they both step forward once more, locking-up, Bubba quickly cuts London off with a sneaky knee to the mid-section, doubling him over before dropping him to his knees with a clubbing blow to the back. Bubba then drags London up by the hair and rocks him with a solid right to the head, before backing London away into the far corner, followed-up by a slap to the chest, stinging his flesh before delivering a hard arm-whip, sending London across the ring. Then as Brother Ray quickly charges behind London looking to follow-up quickly, London pushes up and off the turnbuckle-post, springing up-and-over Brother Ray, landing on his feet behind him and as London steadies himself and Ray turns around, London leaps and connects with a high standing drop-kick, staggering Brother Ray, sending him stumbling backwards into the corner. Then with the crowd cheering, London quickly gets to his feet and with Brother Ray slumped against the turnbuckle, London quickly charges and connects with a solid high knee to the face, rocking Ray. Then as Ray slumps to the canvas, as London drags him out of the corner by the foot, before quickly making a cover, Brother Ray kicks out following barely a 1-count. London then gets to his feet, dragging Bubba up and maintaining a slight advantage, utilising a number of quick pinning combinations only for Brother Ray to escape, however following this, with Brother Ray able to reverse London into the far ropes, due to a weight advantage, at ringside Devon reaches and grabs London by the ankle, causing a distraction that allows Brother Ray to gain the upper-hand in the match-up. Brother Ray then begins to beat down on the younger man while the crowd jeers, maintaining his advantage thanks to brute force and several under-handed tactics. But, following several near falls from Brother Ray, eventually Paul London fires back up, making a huge come back and sending Brother Ray down, time and time again, connecting with a number of clotheslines and a back-body-drop, then a dropkick. However, with Brother Ray down when London comes off the top rope with a high, Flying Leg Drop, Devon reaches into the ring again, this time grabbing his brother, pulling him out of harms way and causing London to crash down onto the canvas! Then with the ref immediately distracted by this, with Brian Kendrick now also livid, Devon and Kendrick soon clash on the outside drawing the attention of the ref further, with Brother Ray clearing his head and London slowly standing on his unsteady legs, when London drags Brother Ray up Bubba quickly connects with a vicious low blow, buckling London down to the canvas behind the ref’s back and, as the referee turns, Brother Ray makes the cover with Kendrick looking on with horror into the ring, while Devon backs away and smiles as the referee counts 1-2-3 giving Bubba the win, having hooked the tights to gain extra leverage, before quickly rolling to the outside, joining Brother Devon for a victory celebration high-5 as the crowd become incensed, while Kendrick quickly rolls back in to console his partner, with both men frustrated.

Backstage again we re-join JB now standing between Shawn Michaels and Rhino, saying…“Things really going from bad to worse for London & Kendrick here tonight, but now I’m joined by two men who’ve had their own share of misunderstandings, but now seem to be on the same page, with an agreement to watch each other backs, following a handshake last week. Now tonight after aiding Shawn Michaels last week, against The Great Khali, Mr. Khali has now requested to face you in the ring tonight, what will be your game-plan and how if at all will things involve Shawn out there?” But HBK says…“Ok, JB I’ve gotta cut you off right here, because about last week, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels has never and will never need anybodies help, ok? Now Rhino ran into send Khali packing because he had something to say, to me, and that’s fine, but under no circumstances did I need help and I think he knows that, but I am grateful non-the-less. And as it relates to tonight, I will remain back here, watching the match with my feet up, however should a situation develop that might, maybe and in any way place our match at Revolution in jeopardy, then rest assured, HBK will not be far away…and Big Khali better have eyes in the back of his head!” Then Rhino says…“Now Shawn, you may not have asked for my help last week, but, from where I stand, you needed it because Khali was about to crush you skull in, so, but I appreciate your honesty. Now tonight I know you will have my back out there, but as far as I’m concerned…I can handle Khali myself. So you don’t need to worry, I’ll be fine, but in-case you have any other ideas, it’ll be good to see you out there…” And HBK says…“Don’t worry Big Man. I’ve always got your back, if I’m needed…” And with that Rhino and Michaels share a high-5, before Rhino turns to march away, making his way to the ring for the main event coming up next, with HBK watching, nodding with confidence then turning away in the opposite direction as we cut away.

Elsewhere we now join Crystal Louthan outside the door to the GM Cornette’s office, ready to address the camera when the office door opens and Kurt Angle walks out, still rubbing his head after the microphone blow he received earlier from Triple H, closing the door behind him, then as Angle turns to leave Crystal approaches him, saying…“Kurt, Kurt please wait, it’s Crystal. Have you any comments to make, anything at all after Triple H knocked you out earlier tonight, that can’t feel good?” Angle then says…“Well done Crystal, you win the prize for the dumbest announcer, of course it doesn’t feel good, it sucks, how would you like me to knock you out, although judging from the state of you when you’re conscious, no one would notice, but still this is about me, not you and Triple H will pay for what he did here tonight, because at Revolution I am going to take back MY championship, mark my words, plus after talking to Mr. Cornette, who by the way feels terrible about what happened, next week we have a little surprise for The Game, but you’ll have to wait and see…” Then as a brief smile spreads across his face, Angle leaves Crystal as we cut away.

MATCH 3

The Great Khali vs. Rhino

And with the 7ft 3” Punjabi Nightmare towering over the intense War Machine, crowds cheer this moment while Rhino tilts his head backwards, looking upwards, seeing The Great Khali staring down at him and attempting to intimidate Rhino, before Rhino slowly steps away as the crowd begin to cheer with Khali not impressed, while Rhino aggressively beats his chest as a signal of his intentions in this match. Then when the bell sounds and the crowd cheer, anticipating a rugged brawl to ensue, Rhino remains still and stoic, keeping his eyes locked on the mammoth giant Khali, while the Punjabi Warrior begins rubbing his huge hands together with evil intentions, drawing a boo from the crowd and a sneer on the face of Rhino, while tilting his head, again looking directly into the eyes of Khali, shaking his head at the Punjabi Giant, energizing the live crowd and showing defiance in the face of the Punjabi Monster, while we see a brief shot from backstage of Shawn Michaels watching events occur, sitting down in the hallway on a steel chair with his feet resting up on a nearby table, with both men stepping forwards to lock-up in the centre of the ring, but as they do, suddenly Khali lashes out with a mighty shove, sending Rhino staggering backwards, before stumbling off-balance and down to the canvas. And as the crowd are shocked, along with Rhino himself, Khali raises his arms and roars aloud with dominance, before Rhino soon gets to his feet and slowly approaches the Punjabi Warrior again, only for Khali to again lash out, sending Rhino down with another almighty shove, drawing jeers but also awe from the crowd. But as Rhino again gets back to his feet, quickly advancing back towards Khali, Joe aggressively shoves Khali in the chest, hardly moving the Giant but pleasing the crowd before Khali draws his hand back, swinging with a HUGE right hand, only for Rhino to block this and counter himself, connecting with three huge right hands, which also have almost no lasting effect, before Khali winds the War Machine with a knee to the gut, then lashes out again, grabbing a handful of hair and connecting with a devastating Headbutt to Rhino, sending him down to the canvas. And with Rhino being dazed, Khali drags him up, shoving Rhino back and into the near corner, then connecting with another huge knee, before sending him across the ring into the far corner, slamming into the turnbuckle, then as Rhino staggers forwards again Khali connects with a devastating clothesline, sending him down. And with Rhino going down, The Great Khali looks to advance, placing his hands either side of his head and attempting to apply his deadly Vice Grip, but Rhino is able to counter and escape with a kick to the gut, then hits the far ropes, only to run directly into another huge clothesline from the Giant, taking Rhino down. Khali then applies his debilitating Nerve Hold to the left shoulder muscle of Rhino, keeping him under control on the canvas, but as the crowd begins to cheer for him, Rhino regains some strength and manages to battle firmly back up and onto his feet, then after a barrage of right hands and elbows to the gut, Rhino breaks free again, hitting the ropes and connecting with his running shoulder block on The Great Khali, but when the Giant only staggers and does not go down, Rhino hits the ropes again, charging to connect with a running clothesline that staggers Khali back further, followed by a second clothesline off the ropes, that staggers Khali back even more, but when he turns to hit the ropes once again, Rhino charges back towards the Giant, Khali counters with a massive boot to the face, sending Rhino back down to the mat, clattering the skull of Rhino and sending him down to the canvas in a huge heap and, while the crowd sense the end for Rhino, Khali now asserts his complete dominance, striding forwards and again dragging Rhino’s head up and off the canvas and slowly clamping his hands around the head of Rhino and applying his deathly Vice Grip, however as Rhino fights desperately to escape, before Khali can cinch in the hold, managing to hook his feet around the bottom rope, Khali still continues to squeeze, until the referee begins to count and with Khali possibly in danger of getting DQ’d, the Giant releases Rhino and steps back. Then as Rhino gets slowly to his feet again, stepping forwards in a dazed state, he is able to duck under a wild swing from Khali, before hitting the ropes on the far side for momentum and when Khali turns around, Rhino comes away from the ropes with huge momentum, careening at high speed, clattering into Khali with a huge running clothesline, staggering the Giant on his feet. And with the crowd alerted with hope, the War Machine turns to hit the ropes again, building momentum and again crashing into Khali with a HUGE running clothesline, staggering the monster further. Then with the crowd sensing a change in momentum, Rhino hits the ropes and then charges again towards the dazed Punjabi Warrior, ducking underneath a wild swing from the monster before stopping still in his tracks, then when Khali quickly turns to confront him, Rhino suddenly steps forwards, bracing himself for a mammoth effort and hosts Khali cleanly up and off his feet, slamming him down to the canvas, flat on his back with a brutalising Spine Buster!!!  And with Khali down, Rhino rolls over and onto his back, following his huge effort, before gradually getting back to his feet and aggressively firing-up for the crowd, crouching down low in the corner and violently calling for the devastating Gore, showing his supreme intensity and manoeuvring to stalk Khali as he begins to rise, slowly but surely. Then as Khali slowly rises and turns around, Rhino now strikes, charging across the ring and aiming to connect and take the Punjabi Warrior down, but with Khali lumbering around while the War Machine explodes right towards him, Rhino runs into the signature Hand Chop from the Giant, sending him down hard. And when Rhino’s head bounces off the mat as he goes down, Khali raises his arms, stepping forward he places one foot on the chest of the War Machine, making a cover, with the crowd fearing the end has come, while the referee gradually makes the count, 1……2……But Rhino now kicks out!!! Visibly stunning both Khali and the crowd, before the Punjabi Giant looks to re-group, rubbing his hands together with intent and, then with the War Machine clearing his head Khali advances and dragging Rhino up, the live crowd now hold their breath when Khali drags Rhino back up onto his feet, clamping his hands around the head of Rhino and applying his deadly Vice Grip, squeezing and pressing tightly on the head of Rhino and attempting to crush his skull, as the machine slowly, slowly begins to fade away, dropping down to his knees and, gradually down to the mat as his eyes roll back into his head and his body goes limp, suddenly the crowd begins to cheer as attention now turns towards the main stage, when Shawn Michaels comes running out through the curtain holding a steel chair, making his way quickly down the ramp and rolling into the ring, HBK looks angry, while Khali remains with his back to Michaels, still maintaining his grip on Rhino, when Michaels gets to his feet and after brandishing the steel chair for the crowd, following their accepting cheers, HBK crashing the chair across the back of Khali, arching his back and forcing him to release his grip on Rhino. Then following this, when the referee calls for the bell and ends things with a DQ, Khali now turns away, leaving Rhino on the canvas and now facing HBK, but when Khali steps forwards, Michaels quickly jabs the chair into the mid-section of Khali, doubling over the Giant, before stepping back, crashing the chair over his head, staggering the monster back, then with Khali leaning on the ropes to support himself, HBK now quickly charges, connecting with a running charge shot, sending Khali backwards over the top rope, then down and onto the ringside floor, but landing off-balance on his un-steady feet, while back in the ring HBK fires up. Then when Khali clears his head, backing away, Rhino slowly now gets back to his feet, still dazed from the effects for the Vice Grip, when the fired-up HBK turns around still brandishing the steel chair in his right hand, before Rhino sees the chair and pauses in his tracks, pointing directly at Michaels, accusing him with intent. Then when HBK sees what Rhino means, he backs away, pleading his innocence and discarding the chair, saying it was for Khali not Rhino, while the War Machine seems un-convinced, as Michaels offers his hand to Rhino, while the crowd remain hushed. Rhino then seems to understand what HBK means, before calming down and eventually the pair shakes hands. Then as they turn to leave, Michaels takes a slight look back over his shoulder, glancing towards the steel chair, then back at Rhino, while the War Machine has his back turned. And then Michaels, after turning back to Rhino, holds the ropes open for him to step out onto the apron, before again looking across the ring at the steel chair and considering things again, before dropping down to join Rhino on the floor as the pair leave ringside together, with a slight feeling on unease in the air surrounding Michaels’ actions and motives.

We are then shown a brief promotional vignette for the next time that UCW action will be featured live on PPV, when Meltdown & Infest both combine once again to present: – UCW Revolution…Live and only on Pay-Per-View…Sunday 20 July.

And now back at ringside we re-join JR & King as the mood in the arena changes, with the end of the show now drawing nearer, JR comments on the night thus far, saying…“Well, King we have seen some interesting elements come to light here, starting-off with the accepted challenge between LAX and the Major Brothers, but, King what on earth did the Majors mean when they said that next week it’s gonna be, no more Mr. Nice Guys and we’ll find out who they really are? Plus also next week, following an exchange with Triple H, Kurt Angle has promised to surprise The Game, how and with what, is anyone’s guess and…Cryme Tyme will again be in action, but, right now with no more delay, JB is in the ring for the Fare-well of Samoa Joe, JB…”

And as the camera shot widens, we now see JB standing in the ring, a mic in hand, saying…“Wrestling fans, ladies and gentlemen, last week was indeed a historic night, successful for Kurt Angle but regrettable and unforgettable for my guest right now, because after a year of hard fought battles and wars waged here in the Action Zone, after an intense pursuit of the UCW Championship and ambitions close to realisation, the UCW career of Samoa Joe was brought to a screeching halt by the referee’s count, 1……2……3! And just like that it was over, now we can argue over the specifics and allocate the blame, but that is for another time, since right now the man is waiting, and here tonight to present his fare-well address to you the UCW fans, I give you all, the man who truly embodies UCW, the Samoan Submission Machine, Samoa Joe…”

JOE’S GONNA KILL YOU! And when attention now turns towards the main stage, proceedings are interrupted with the familiar entrance music of Samoa Joe sounding, before the Samoan Submission Machine himself now gradually comes out into view, wearing casual blue jeans and an official ‘Joe’s Gonna Kill You’ Meltdown T-shirt, while the crowd chant…“JOE…JOE…JOE…JOE!” as Joe pauses on the main stage, before slowly making his way down the ramp with an intense expression on his face. And with the sold-out live crowd chanting his name, Samoa Joe now enters the ring, smiling briefly while the cheers and chants from the live crowd gradually increase, before eventually claiming a mic and assuming an aggressive stance inside the ring, shaking hands with JB and sharing a brief word of thanks, as the live crowd applaud, while all around can sense the tension as Joe stands with a face etched with disdain, saying…“Thank you JB and thank you to each and every person who showed up, everyone who bought a ticket expecting to see Samoa Joe do what I love, to wrestle, but now that is no more. Now I have to face the same abrupt reality as I did before, when last week I came to the realisation that my career was ending, in a heartbeat, along with my dreams, my goals and my desire to compete here in a UCW ring. But, with that said I am certain that this night not be about me, but about each one of you, the UCW fans and the people who have supported me, cheered me and spurred me on, through thick and thin…through the good and bad, against the likes of Kurt Angle, against men I respect like Sting, men I despise like Randy Orton, men like Triple H, who I always wished to test myself against on fair and even ground. But here tonight, because this is my Fare-well Address and because I have no limitation with T.V. time, JB as the host, please embark with any questions you have, since I have all night…” Then JB continues, saying…“Well Joe, I really don’t know where to begin with this, except to say that I never thought this would happen…But since we’re are both here, how about I open things up to the fans, does anyone have a question for Samoa Joe?” And as the crowd begin to cheer, raising their arms into the air hoping to be chosen, slowly attention turns towards the main stage as Jim Cornette comes into view, wearing a business suit and making his way down the entrance ramp and into the ring, drawing intense hatred from the crowd as-well-as Samoa Joe, who begins to snarl, while Cornette enters and says something to JB, who quickly hands Cornette his mic, before promptly leaving the ring, leaving Cornette in the ring alone with Samoa Joe, saying…“Now Joe, I actually had no such intentions of coming out here tonight, but, what you just said is not quite true. You see, last week we may have had no limits, what with the huge main event and all, but here tonight we need to get done on time, so please if you don’t, could you wrap this up with a few words and leave it at that?” And with that as Joe grimaces with intense disdain for Cornette, similar to the crowd, who begin jeering the GM, Joe points to the crowd, then gestures towards Cornette, but before Joe can speak again, the GM interrupts once more, mouthing something, before reaching into his sui- pocket and removing folded business document and, saying…“Actually Joe, if you don’t mind, the ‘fare-well’ will simply have to wait, because after the match last week, after the stipulation that you have to leave UCW, with the promise I made to tear up your contract live on  Meltdown, now here it is, this in my hand his your UCW contract, so here you go, from one man to another, hopefully there are no hard feelings between us two…and with that in mind Mr. Joe, please take the contract because I will allow you to tear it up yourself, so go ahead…” And as Cornette hands the contract to Joe, the Samoan Submission Machine smiles, saying…“Oh Jimmy, now that was real stupid, not only have you interrupted my time, the only chance I’ll have to say thank you and goodbye to the people, to MY people, but now you hand me my contract and you expect me to rip it up with my own hands, well after the way things went down last week, Jimmy that’s just not gonna happen, you see…I understand the stipulations and I know my time in UCW is all but done, however if I’m going down…I will not go quietly, so the only way this is gonna work, the way this contract will get torn up is it your take it out of my hand here and now, because I refuse to do your dirty work for you, so why don’t you just do it yourself?” But then as the crowd cheer, Jim Cornette hands his mic over to the ring-attendant, then flexes his neck muscles, while looking to brace himself to attempt to tackle Joe, but Joe says…“Come on Cornette, don’t be stupid, don’t do this, you don’t want this, you don’t want to spend to next few months in tractions, don’t take one step closer! Why don’t to bring your boys Team 3D out here, have them try to take this from me, Bubba, Devon, even Devine…Because I enjoy eating punks like that for breakfast…”

YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME! And at that moment with the crowd now hushed, attention turns towards the main stage again, with Samoa Joe and Cornette looking, when smoke blows out from the entrance way and Edge walks through the curtain, wearing casual jeans, a grey ‘Rated R Superstar’ T-shirt and black pair of sunglasses, pausing on the stage and removing his shades, hanging them on his T-shirt collar, smiling broadly and slowly making his way down the ramp with an arrogant swagger, then pausing on the ramp as the crowd begin jeering, but Joe keeps his eyes locked, watching Edge with every move, while Cornette backs away and Edge slowly enters, climbing the steps and stepping through the ropes, then with Joe still remaining still, holding a mic in one hand and his contract in the other, Edge calls to the attendant, motioning for a mic. Then with a mic in hand, Edge cracks a brief arrogant smile, saying…“I bet you never expected to see me out here tonight, huh? Well guess what, you were wrong…Just like these fans were wrong to underestimate me, once again, because after No Remorse I doubt they ever thought they’d see me again, but now, here I am…so if you’re quite finished with your pathetic little fare-well speech, Joe, why don’t you hit the bricks and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out, because this is MY house! And you can’t touch me since you’re no longer contracted, you’re not officially on the roster, so in the words of Vince Neil and Motley Crew, don’t go away mad, Joe, just go away…Samoa Joe has become a name of the passed, because Canadian Edge, the Rated R Superstar is now apart of the Meltdown Roster, thanks to that man Jim Cornette…That’s right people, because after No Remorse, when I was unfairly banished from Infest, I immediately made a call to Jim Cornette, because I saw how he ran things over here and I wanted in. But his hands were tied. there was a full roster on Meltdown and no space for anyone, even someone like me. That was until I mentioned to him the way some of his employees had been behaving, like you Joe. Disrespecting the GM, insulting him and his good name all over town, so Cornette told me that you Joe were walking on thin ice…you had one last chance, which is why he presented you with the option of your release. But you didn’t take it, but you did accept the second option…and we all know what that was, now don’t we, therefore I had to get my hands dirty if I wanted to take your place here on Meltdown! So last week as I snuck into the building with the ring crew, hid underneath the ring, waited there all night long, I heard Cornette tell Kurt Angle he’d be fired if he lost, but by then it was too late and I figured ‘what the hell’ I was under there anyway, so, might as well do what I came to do…by giving fate a little helping hand, so to speak, ha, ha, ha. And it never hurts to earn few more brownie points with the new boss too, so as a BIG thank you for helping to cure the huge headache that was you, Samoa Joe, my new boss Jim Cornette has not only given me an immediate signing-on bonus, but, next week I will be presenting the first Meltdown edition of my very own talk show, the Cutting Edge featuring the Meltdown main event for UCW Revolution on PPV, UCW Champion The Game Triple H and 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle. No doubt another guaranteed Meltdown ratings bonanza, but as for you there Jo-Jo, you might wanna sit down at home on your Laze-E-boy reclining chair, take it easy, grab a nice big cup of Slim Fast milkshake, but not too much, maybe a small cookie, relax and watch me on TV, doing your job, doing all the things you used to do here, only better. And when you’re there, maybe you’ll remember about the good old days, reminisce and wonder aloud about what might have been, had your career continued, while coming up in the weeks and months ahead as I achieve what you never could, something you always wanted, always dreamed of but now sadly never will achieve, because I am here on Meltdown for one reason, to become the next UCW Champion, while you Joe are powerless to do anything to stop me, because you have no contract, no hope and no chance. So be a man Joe, hand over the contract and just walk away, because if you don’t you’ll be sued for everything, every single last penny you have, now hand it over…Give It To Me…” But with Edge coming un-hinged at this point, Joe slowly steps towards the Rated R Superstar, now standing just a few feet away, saying…“Edge like I told Cornette, if you want this contract, you’ll have to take it…” Then with the crowd cheering, Cornette gulps in the background, while Edge seethes, while Joe drops his mic and Edge looks away, thinking frantically for a few seconds, then yelling…“Damn it Cornette, take it from him, just take it...” Then as he says this, Cornette seems shocked, while Joe quickly turns towards the GM, threatening him, before Edge suddenly charges forwards with Joe now distracted and caught off-guard, confronting Cornette, Edge quickly strikes and lunges directly towards Samoa Joe, connecting with a devastating Spear to the mid-section, taking Joe down to the mat, with the contract being knocked from his hand. Then as Edge now discards his mic, with Joe down and motionless, Cornette begins to smile while Edge gets to his feet, smiling broadly and with another arrogant swagger, before kneeling down beside Joe, taking the contract in his right hand and getting to his feet in the centre of the ring, and with the entire world watching his movements, Edge raises the contract in the air, high above his head and slowly and deliberately rips it down the middle and in half, then tossing both separate parts into the air and as the pieces cascade to the canvas, coming to rest on the ground all around, Edge remains smiling along with Cornette, while jeers and boos rain down from the crowd as Meltdown now comes to an end.