PCW Trauma 287: Spring Celebration

[PCW Staff]

Pure Class Wrestling Presents: Trauma 287

Sunday April 4th, 2021

The show opens with the usual loud and excited crowd filling the PCW Arena. Jerry Andrews and Ace Anderson are seated at ringside as always.

Jerry Andrews: We are live once again for PCW Trauma! Happy Easter to those who celebrate and welcome to our Spring Celebration! I'm Jerry Andrews alongside Ace Anderson and we're so happy that you could join us here tonight!

Ace Anderson: That's for sure! Spring is a time for rebirth and growth and PCW is doing some of our own growing and changing! You've likely noticed that our television schedule has been adjusted a bit to match the changing landscape, but one thing has not changed and that is that we're going to continue to put on the absolute best wrestling show we possibly can!

Jerry Andrews: That's for sure! Tonight you'll see a new number one contender for the Genesis Title named as two men who returned at Mass Destruction square off one-on-one! That's right, Michael Wryght meets Hunter Benjamin here tonight!

Ace Anderson: Plus, PCW has a new World Champion and we're going to hear from him tonight! Grimm will speak to the Faithful this evening!

The lights shift to a sickly shade of yellow. A pale glow, as if the arena has been cast in the harvest moon’s reflection off the season’s first killing frost. With the sound of a sharp nib scratching across a ragged sheet of parchment, a sepia-toned cursive scrawls grimm across the PCW-Tron. The name flickers in the guttering candle light.

Ace Anderson: Well, I guess that's happening right now!

Thump. Clap. Thump. Clap. An incessant electric tremolo. The deep end of a piano. The ebb and flow of a dissonant wail builds to a wall of noise as Zeal and Ardor’s “You Ain’t Coming Back (Instrumental)" breaks forth upon the masses, heralding the arrival of Grimm.

A lone silhouette steps out onto the entry way, and as it begins the long walk to the ring, candle wax drips onto the parchment. The lights fall into a pestilential throbbing, in and out of time with the discordance raging from the speakers.

Tonight, though, those lights reflect off the enormous belt slung over the Hangtown Horror’s shoulder.

He remains deadset on the ring, steadfast in his approach. He climbs onto the apron and slides between the ropes. Instead of the usual hopping upon a turnbuckle, Grimm casts his gaze out over the crowd from a spot in the middle of the ring. A spot where a microphone has been left there on the mat. He adjusts the belt before picking up that mic.

“There are those who assign meanings to numbers. That the presence of a certain number or groupings of numbers can tell you things about yourself, or about what is to come, or have specific powers in and of themselves.”

Where is Grimm going with this?

“Take the number 8, for example. Some folks would have you believe it represents infinity. Others would argue it contains within it the capacity for compassion, self-confidence, discipline, and decisiveness. I suspect Granny and Ruth have their own ideas when it comes to numbers. Maybe even something special about the transition from 7 to 8.”

What..oh, wait, now I get it. He’s talking about his numerous reigns as PCW World Champion. Oh, that Grimm.

“I don’t know about that. What I do know, is that three of us walked to this ring at Mass Destruction and I walked out with this.”

Grimm raps his knuckles against the faceplate of the belt.

“Again.”

The audience appreciates a job well done, and some of them even appreciate the fact it was Grimm who performed said job. They let him know.

“Stormm held this belt for a long time. But nothing lasts forever. And Gerard Angelo, well, his experience at Mass Destruction was his own doing. He asked for that. Gerry could have cashed in that IIT win for any title at any time, and he chose this one. Not that any of us had any doubts as to what he would decide. We all knew how that was going to play out.”

Grimm turns to face another quadrant of the arena.

“What we don’t know right now is how this is going to turn out. Because things have changed. You’ve read about the restructuring of Pure Class Wrestling. You’ve seen how tonight’s Trauma has been arranged, and how our events will be organized going forward. It’s different, and no mistake. I don’t know when, or even if, I’ll see Stormm and Gerry in this ring again. There’s been a shift. No one can deny it. And no one can state unequivocally what nights like this will look like down the road.”

“I do know one thing, though.”

Grimm lowers the microphone and takes a slow stroll around the ring. He taps his fingers on the World Title in a rhythm of his own design. Perhaps in a pattern of eighth notes. After one complete circle, he brings the microphone back up.

“The more things change…well, you know how it goes.”

The lights go out. The crowd cheers instinctively before eventually falling silent. Suddenly the sound of guitars pierce through the silence. "Wastelands" by Linkin Park begins to boom throughout the arena, the lights in the building flashing along with the drum beat of the song. Then, from the entrance way, steps Rick Majors.

Wearing a black denim military jacket, a grey t-shirt, and jeans, Rick Majors pauses for a moment and looks down briefly. He then looks up and starts to make his way to the ring.

"This is war with no weapons,
Marching with no stepping,
Murder with no killing,
Illing every direction."

Majors walks slowly, looking out around the arena as he continues his way down to the ring.

“Please welcome at this time, the Pure Class Wrestling Genesis Champion: RICK ‘THE IMPACT’ MAJORS!!”

The lights in the arena burst on fully as the song's chorus hits.

In the wastelands of today,
When there's nothing left to lose,
And and there's nothing more to take,
But you force yourself to choose,
In the wastelands of today,
When tomorrow disappears
When the future slips away,
And your hope turns into fear,
In the wastelands of today.

Majors doesn’t enter the ring, but instead sits down at the commentary desk with Jerry Andrews and Ace Anderson.

Jerry Andrews: Welcome to the desk, Rick. I assume you’re out here to watch the two men who are competing for a shot at your championship?

Rick Majors: That’s exactly right, Jerry. I want to see these guys close up.

Ace Anderson: Didn’t you see them close enough when you faced both of them in that triple threat match, which, by the way, you were lucky to win.

Rick Majors: You’re certainly right about that, Ace. I was lucky to leave that match with the Genesis title. But, no, I haven’t seen them enough yet. Both of them were a complete surprise to me. I wasn’t able to study them before the match, so I want to do that now.

“The following match is to name a number one contender for the PCW Genesis Championship! Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Stace Matthews, from Sturgis, South Dakota: “KODIAK” HUNTER BENJAMIN!”

A thundering roar rumbled the empty seats of the arena as the crowd stood in ovation, bringing Hunter through the curtain with sudden explosiveness. Black and white trim, from his headgear, and wrestling singlet, to his mat shoes, and he was ripped.

The massive wrestler following Stace Matthews slapped hands and bumped fists with the fans along the ramp. A bright white smile and rosy cheeks lit up the building as the two closed in on the ring.

At ringside, Stace went up the steps while his large companion stepped right up onto the apron, wiped his boots and then sat on the middle rope. Stace entered the ring through the opened ropes with the bear of a boy right behind him.

Jerry Andrews: This guy is young and some might say inexperienced, but he’s incredibly talented and absolutely HUGE.

Rick Majors: You’ve got that right! Trust me, when he hits you, it HURTS. And if he grabs you, it hurts even more!

“And... his opponent, from Brick, New Jersey: “MR. SHOWTIME” MICHAEL WRYGHT!!!”

"Gold on the Ceiling" by The Black Keys begins to blare over the P.A. system and the arena darkens. A single spotlight begins to shine on the entrance way illumination none other than “Mr. Showtime” Michael Wryght. He is wearing a long black and silver sleeveless robe. He stands there with his back to the ring and his arms crossed. The back of the robe is exposed with the words in blue and silver “Mr. Showtime”. Showtime slowly walks to the beat of the music as the only light in the arena follows him to the ring. He walks up the stairs and whips off his feet on the outside apron. He ducks under the top rope and two other spotlights shoot on him he spins and puts his arms out. He slowly makes his way to the corner crossing his wrists, with is fingers are lock making a “W.” He pulls his arms down setting off some small pyros behind him, which also begins the lights to return to the arena.

Jerry Andrews: It’s great to see Michael Wryght, a PCW veteran, multiple-time champion, and Hall of Famer back in Pure Class Wrestling as a competitor!

Ace Anderson: Honestly, I was shocked when he returned. I never ever expected that.

Rick Majors: Neither did I! That really caught me off guard!

Number One Contendership for the PCW Genesis Championship
Singles Match

"Mr. Showtime  Michael Wryght vs "Kodiak" Hunter Benjamin w/ Stace Matthews

Referee: Eric Russo

The bell rings and the competitors square off. Benjamin looks at Showtime in the eyes and smiles. Showtime smiles back and they both back off and start to circle one another. They lock up and Benjamin pushes Showtime into a corner but Wryght pushes back and get Hunter in a corner. The ref calls for a break, Hunter lifts his arms and Showtime backs away.

Jerry Andrews: A clean break from both men there, I wonder if this is going to be a classic or a down right brawl?

Ace Anderson: Well right now its going to be whose going to get the first big move off.

Rick Majors: That's exactly it. You may come into a match with a plan and hoping for a clean fight, but things can change quickly if you get rocked.

Ace Anderson: I don't need you to back me up, Rick.

Benajmin walks out of the corner and get locked up in a go behind arm bar from Showtime. Hunter reverses it. Wryght goes for Benjamin's leg and pulls it out from under him and Showtime goes for a flip over pin, but gets a one as the Kodiak bridges out of it and goes for a backslide and gets a two, Showtime rolls Hunter up in a small package and gets a two, Hunter then sweeps Michael Wryght's legs from under and covers him but Showtime bridges up and Benjamin tries to break that bridge but Wryght gets his feet on Hunter's stomach and pushes him back and forward so Hunter Benjamin brings Michael Wryght up in the air and Showtime gets a leg lock around Hunter waist and flips him over with an arm drag.

Jerry Andrews: What a barrage of moves and counters.

Ace Anderson: What a technical display so far! It's nearly impossible for either man to hit a move.

Rick Majors: These guys are just both so skilled that it’s an even match so far!

Jerry Andrews: How do you prepare for someone who's technically talented like this?

Rick Majors: It’s tough. I mean, obviously, I'm not exactly an expert technician but...

Ace Anderson: Here they go again!

Showtime and Benjamin get right into it again. They both run off the ropes. Hunter Benjamin ducks a clothesline from Showtime. Wryght then leap frogs over Hunter who comes off the opposite side. Benjamin stops and knees Showtime in the back. Bejamin lifts him up for a suplex but Showtime slides out of it and comes up behind Hunter for a German suplex... but Hunter lands on his feet!

Jerry Andrews: It was certainly impressive that Showtime could get the big man up for a German, but maybe even more impressive that Hunter Benjamin landed on his feet!

Showtime stands up and charges in, but Benjamin drop toe holds him into the ropes. Hunter runs off the ropes and nails Wryght with both his knees into his back. Hunter Benjamin then drags him into the middle of the ring and snap suplexes him. Hunter then locks in a headlock and the ref checks it to make sure its not a choke. Showtime stands up, elbows his way out of the hold, and Irish whips Benjamin into the ropes. Hunter nails Michael Wryght with a shoulder block and runs off the ropes again, but Showtime kicks him in the stomach, stopping him in his tracks. He then connects with a single arm DDT and goes for a cover:

1…

2….

Jerry Andrews: And a kickout by Hunter Benjamin!

Showtime stands up as does Benjamin. The Kodiak takes a swing with a right but Wryght ducks it and comes up behind Benjamin. He pulls him down to the mat, causing the back of Benjamin’s head to bounce off the mat.

Jerry Andrews: Both men are down, this match is so far intense.

Ace Anderson: That last move looked like it really rocked Benjamin. He seems a bit dazed now.

Showtime gets to his feet as does Hunter, but Benjamin is shaking the cobwebs from his head, giving Michael Wryght an opening. Showtime throws a left and it connects. He tries again, but this time Benjamin blocks it and twists Showtime's arm and kicks his legs out from under him. Benjamin then runs off the ropes and attempts clothesline, but Showtime dropkicks him in the knee. Showtime gets to his feet and lifts Hunter up but Benjamin shoves him away. He then runs at him and kicks him right in the head with a big boot! He takes a moment to compose himself and shake his head before going for a cover:

1.....

2.............

Ace Anderson: No! This match continues!

Jerry Andrews: Folks, we apologize, but we have to take a break! We’ll keep recording and fill you in on anything that happens when we get back!

Jerry Andrews: Welcome back to Trauma! The action has been fast and furious during the break with both men trading moves.

Ace Anderson: So far no one has managed to get a sustained upper hand!

Jerry Andrews: Watching this match right now, Rick, do you have a preference for who you would like to face?

Rick Majors: I’m going to have to say no, Jerry. These guys are both incredible talents. You can see how hard they’re battling out here. Whoever wins is going to be a tough opponent.

Michael Wryght shoves Hunter Benjamin into a corner and chops him across the chest. Showtime then goes to Irish whip him but the Kodiak reverses it and he kicks Showtime in the gut. He then sets him up…

Jerry Andrews: EXPLODER SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER!

Ace Anderson: And he hit the turnbuckles with such force!

Rick Majors: He’s covering him!

1.......

2.......

Jerry Andrews: Hunter Benjamin can't believe Showtime kicked out of that last move.

Ace Anderson: Neither can I! How much more can these two withstand!?

Hunter Benjamin lifts Showtime up and sets him on the top rope.

Jerry Andrews: This is dangerous… what is he going to do here?

Ace Anderson: He’s obviously looking for a superplex!

Ace is right. Benjamin tries to get Showtime up for a superplex, but Wryght grabs hold of the top rope. He then throws a punch to Hunter's gut and then a series of headbutts to his head. Hunter falls off the ropes and Showtime stands up on the top rope as Benjamin hits the mat. Showtime leaps off of the ropes with a flying elbow!

Jerry Andrews: It connects! The cover!

1..........

2...........

Ace Anderson: Kickout!

Showtime pulls Hunter Benjamin to his feet. Benjamin blocks a punch, shoves Wryght back, and connects with a bicycle kick to the face! He then pulls him up….

Jerry Andrews: Gorilla press slam!

Ace Anderson: Look at that power!

Rick Majors: I have to admit, that’s scary.

Hunter Benjamin with a cover:

1….

2…

Jerry Andrews: Michael Wryght kicks out!

Hunter Benjamin pulls his opponent up. Showtime tries to grapple him, but the Kodiak breaks free. Wryght swings at him, Benjamin ducks. He gets behind his opponent….

Jerry Andrews: Kodiak Crusher! He’s got it locked in!

Showtime tries to break free, but Hunter Benjamin tights his grip.

Ace Anderson: It looks like Wryght is fading!

Rick Majors: His head's drooping! He's not moving! I think he’s out!

The referee believes so as well. He calls for the bell as Showtime is apparently unconscious from the move. The bell rings and Hunter Benjamin drops him to the canvas where he remains motionless.

“The winner of this match and number one contender for the Genesis Championship: “KODIAK” HUNTER BENJAMIN!!!”

Stace Matthews enters the ring and raises Hunter Benjamin’s arm as Rick Majors looks up from ringside.

Jerry Andrews: Well, Rick, that’s your next opponent. How do you feel?

Rick Majors: It’s gonna be a challenge, that’s for sure….

Suddenly, an ear-piercing severe weather horn blared from speakers. The PCW Faithful cup their ears, ducking for cover in their seats. The few moments that the sound bears down on the PCW Arena feels like an eternity, yet only gets worse. Alarms, bells, and whistles joined the blaring sirens of emergency vehicles. Distorted, incoherent radio talk builds under the noise until a sharp rise of feedback screams before complete silence.

♫
“Administrators of this arena, with support of local, state, and federal safety authorities, have triggered this safety alert. This is not a test. Please take shelter in your seats immediately and brace yourself to be thoroughly entertained…”
♫

The groovy beat of Black Label Society’s “Fire It Up” played for about thirty seconds before that double kick-drum brought Heathen Jones idling through the curtain. He’s absolutely filthy, from head to toe. Every inch of his blue, canvas, Dickie’s overalls are stained in sweat, tears, snot, and blood; his leather, steel-toed Redwings are scuffed; and his large-billed, straw, orchard hat shields his beady, shark eyes.

Not a hard guy to recognize for Stace Matthews or the PCW Faithful, the latter showered him with garbage. They threw their crumpled nacho trays and empty cups, littering the stage at his feet. Hiding behind Hunter Benjamin, Stace’s eyes were the size of dodgeballs.

Heathen didn’t care about the Faithful, their garbage, or the rather large, young man shielding his greatest rival. He made every one of them wait, raising his Mossy Oak mud jug to his lip to spit. The tobacco trailed off, down into the tight, black curlies of his beard, to become crusted remains with those already hanging around. Despite the fact, he dragged the sleeve of his left arm across his mouth in a futile effort to wipe it away entirely.

With the Faithful fully disgusted, he tapped the top of his left thigh with his fingers. He made an “nck, nck” sound as if he were calling his dog, and out came Hickey. Dancing. With the eight-foot log chain wrapped around her like a charmer would wear her snake, Hickey advanced the stage and rounded her man with a wink to Stace -or Hunter, who knows. She wasn’t wearing much else but a pair of newspaper thin flip-flops, dinky Daisy Dukes, and a shirt with the LCW Wild Card logo on it. The sleeves and midsection of her shirt were torn away and the neck was ripped down the front, but that logo was plain as day.

Hickey: Surprise, Black Widow!

Stace shook her head in the ring, she was completely flush and her eyes hadn’t unglued from the soulless glare of Heathen Jones.

Hickey: No worries, see, we understand that you are free and clear forever. We ain’t here to put you on the end of this here chain, no. No, no, no. No. You have nothing we want...

Heathen stands steadfast, staring holes through Hunter Benjamin and working the dip in his lip.

Hickey: ...but he does.

Hickey pointed directly at Hunter Benjamin.

Hickey: And, I know, you have a big match coming up on May 9 with Rick Majors for that Genesis Championship of his, but what are you doing on June 13? Because should you win- and you’re a big boy, I don’t see you having any issue, one on one -but there’s a big ol’ barbeque party on June 13, right here, and I am challenging you to put that title on the line.

The Faithful erupted in anticipation and excitement.

Hickey: Imagine it, Hunter Benjamin, the Pure Class Wrestling Genesis Champion, faces Heathen Jones in his very first title defense. -It will be your last, but can you picture that poster?

Stace talks down her hulking bear in the ring. Hunter, nodding and challenging Heathen.

Hunter: We don’t have to wait, come get you some. I know who you are!

Heathen took three steps forward, forcing Stace to back Hunter up in the ring. Hickey jerked Heathen’s arm, stopping him on the ramp.

Hickey: And, just to prove my confidence, should Mr. Showtime or even Justin Michaels, if anyone backstage wants to face The Heathen on May 9, at Living a Legacy, he will earn his shot at that title.

Another huge pop from the crowd, various chants for different superstars cut loose, but none stuck to bring them all together. Everyone had their favorites.

Hickey: Hunter, if you don’t win at Living a Legacy, against Rick Majors, the challenge still stands because, no, Widow, we don’t want you on the end of our chain, but we don’t want you in the way of any of our future plans and, just looking at you, I can see you feel the same way about us. So, title or no title, on July 13, do you dare to make that match also for our respective Pure Wrestling Entertainment contracts?

The Faithful gasped, Stace jumped on getting Heathen Jones out of PCW without hesitation or thought, agreeing to the stipulations with a Texas-sized nod.

Hickey: I guess that is that and we will see you on June 13; hopefully, you will bring a little shimmer and shine to the party.

The crowd chanted “PCW!” and “THIS IS AWE-SOME!”

Hickey: And PCW, for anyone listening in the back or anywhere else, I don’t care, we need a match on May 9 at Living a Legacy. Who’s it going to be? Let’s go babe, we’re done here.

With that, the groovy intro of Fire It Up plays while Hickey and Heathen made their exit, disappearing behind the curtain. Stace and Hunter huddle in the center of the ring as Trauma comes to a close.

- CLICK -


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© 2021