One Last Stop: 2026

The screen is black.

For several seconds, there is nothing but the distant rumble of a crowd.

Then the sound begins to build.

Twenty thousand voices becoming one.

A rapid montage flashes across the screen.

Mexico City.

Strasbourg.

London.

San Juan.

Buenos Aires.

Rio de Janeiro.

South Africa.

Championships won.

Friendships destroyed.

Careers changed.

And through it all, the United Toughness Alliance kept moving.

One city after another.

One country after another.

Until there was nowhere else to go.

Large white letters slowly appear against the darkness.

ONE.

A beat.

LAST.

Another beat.

STOP.

BOOM!

The picture explodes into a live shot inside Toronto's Scotiabank Arena as a massive wall of red and white pyrotechnics erupts from the entrance stage!

The capacity crowd is already on its feet, signs filling the air as the cameras sweep across the arena. UTA logos glow from the massive video screens surrounding the stage while the ring sits beneath a brilliant bank of lights at the center of it all.

The camera races down the aisle, circles the ring, and finally settles at ringside where John Phillips and Mark Bravo sit behind the commentary desk.

John Phillips: "TORONTO, CANADA! Welcome to ONE LAST STOP!"

Mark Bravo: "Listen to this place, John! The World Tour has brought the UTA around the globe, but tonight everything comes together right here in Toronto!"

John Phillips: "I'm John Phillips alongside Mark Bravo, and what a night we have ahead of us. Six matches, five championships on the line, and months of unfinished business that could finally come to an end tonight."

Mark Bravo: "Or get a whole lot worse."

John Phillips: "Knowing the people involved, Mark, that's entirely possible."

The WrestleZone Championship graphic fills the screen.

John Phillips: "Maxx Mayhem somehow managed to convince General Manager Scott Stevens to give him what he wanted. Tonight, Mayhem challenges Mikey Unlikely for the WrestleZone Championship."

Mark Bravo: "I still don't know if Stevens gave Maxx a championship match because he earned it or because it was the easiest way to get him out of his office."

John Phillips: "Either way, Mikey Unlikely now has to deal with him, and there may not be a more unpredictable challenger on the UTA roster."

The graphic changes.

John Phillips: "The International Championship will also be defended when Bobby Dean puts the title on the line against Lindsey Lothario."

Mark Bravo: "And you've got to appreciate Eli Creed here. He encourages Bobby Dean to become a fighting champion, tells him he needs to defend that championship... and wouldn't you know it? He just happens to know somebody who would love a title shot."

John Phillips: "Lindsey Lothario of The Creed Method. Lindsey has tasted championship gold before, and tonight, she has the opportunity to do it again."

The crowd grows noticeably louder as the next graphic appears.

SUSANITA YBANEZ.

MARIE VAN CLAUDIO.

John Phillips: "And then there is this."

Mark Bravo: "Forget championships. Forget rankings. These two women want to hurt each other."

John Phillips: "Susanita Ybanez trusted Marie Van Claudio. She fought for Marie. She sacrificed for Marie. And at International Affair, after Susanita won Marie's freedom, Van Claudio repaid her by turning on her and forming The Empire."

Mark Bravo: "And Marie hasn't stopped playing games since. Even in South Africa, she found another way inside Susanita's head. Tonight there are no more games. Susanita finally gets Marie Van Claudio in that ring."

John Phillips: "Perhaps the most personal rivalry in the UTA comes to a head tonight."

The United States Championship appears on the screen.

John Phillips: "For weeks, Hakuryu has watched Yoshii."

Mark Bravo: "Watched him. Studied him. Never rushed him. Never needed to say much of anything."

John Phillips: "Yoshii has continued to turn away challenger after challenger, but tonight Hakuryu is finished watching. The number one ranked competitor finally steps forward to challenge Yoshii for the United States Championship."

Mark Bravo: "Yoshii has been dominant. Hakuryu has been terrifyingly patient. Something has to give."

The graphic changes again, this time showing Emily Hightower and Sol Azteca on opposite sides of the UTA Women's Championship.

John Phillips: "Emily Hightower and Sol Azteca know each other very well. They have battled, they have bled, and tonight Sol receives another opportunity at The Hightower."

Mark Bravo: "But this time there's something hanging over Emily's shoulder, John. The UTA Women's Championship."

John Phillips: "Sol Azteca has proven she can stand toe-to-toe with Emily Hightower. Tonight she has to prove she can defeat her when the championship is at stake."

The arena darkens slightly.

The final match graphic appears.

Three faces.

CHRIS ROSS.

MIKE BEST.

MAXWELL JETT.

The UTA Championship sits between them.

The Toronto crowd erupts.

John Phillips: "And then, our main event."

Mark Bravo: "This is insane."

John Phillips: "At International Affair, Maxwell Jett accomplished something no UTA Champion had ever done. He entered All or Nothing as champion, survived the entire field, and left London still holding the UTA Championship."

Mark Bravo: "And somehow his life has gotten harder ever since."

John Phillips: "Chris Ross has stalked him across the World Tour. He attacked Maxwell in Argentina and threw him down a hotel laundry chute. In Brazil, despite Scott Stevens attempting to keep him out of the building, The Reaper found his way into the UTA Championship match."

Mark Bravo: "And Mike Best hasn't traveled all this way to make friends. He's a legend. He's a Hall of Famer. He came to the UTA because he wanted the biggest prize here, and tonight he finally has the opportunity to take it."

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett. Mike Best. Chris Ross. Triple Threat. No champion's advantage. The first man to score a pinfall or submission walks out of Toronto as UTA Champion."

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell wanted to be on top of the world."

Bravo looks toward the ring as the crowd continues roaring around them.

Mark Bravo: "Well, welcome to the view."

The camera pulls away from the commentary desk and rises above the ring, revealing the entirety of the packed Scotiabank Arena.

John Phillips: "The World Tour has brought us here. Every rivalry, every championship, every decision has brought us to Toronto."

Mark Bravo: "No tomorrow. No next country. No next stop."

John Phillips: "This is ONE LAST STOP!"

The crowd erupts once again as the One Last Stop logo slams onto the screen.

The One Last Stop logo fades from the screen.

For just a moment, the capacity crowd inside Scotiabank Arena is allowed to breathe.

Then—

“Gold Standard” hits.

The reaction is immediate.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

John Phillips: "Well, we wondered how we were going to officially begin One Last Stop, and I suppose we have our answer."

Mark Bravo: "Stand up, John. The champion is here."

John Phillips: "I will do no such thing."

A single spotlight hits the entrance stage.

Maxwell Jett steps through the curtain.

Unlike the designer suits and expensive robes we've become accustomed to seeing him wear, tonight the UTA Champion is already dressed for competition.

Full ring attire.

UTA Championship strapped firmly around his waist.

And that same insufferable smirk stretched across his face.

Behind him come the other members of First Class, Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington.

Darian is jawing with the Toronto crowd almost immediately.

Jacoby, however, is carrying something unusual.

A small stack of papers.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett is already dressed to compete."

Mark Bravo: "Maybe he just likes being prepared."

John Phillips: "Have you met Maxwell Jett?"

Mark Bravo: "Fair point."

Max stops at the top of the ramp.

He looks out over the crowd.

Slowly turns his head from one side of Scotiabank Arena to the other.

Then raises both hands and closes his eyes, soaking in the hatred like Toronto is throwing rose petals at his feet.

Finally, Jett taps the UTA Championship around his waist.

He mouths toward the hard camera.

Maxwell Jett: "That's why you're here."

First Class slowly makes its way toward ringside.

John Phillips: "Later tonight, Maxwell Jett is scheduled to face perhaps the greatest challenge of his championship reign. A Triple Threat Match against Chris Ross and Mike Best."

Mark Bravo: "And there is no champion's advantage. Maxwell doesn't have to be pinned to lose that championship. Chris Ross can pin Mike Best. Mike Best can pin Chris Ross. Either way, Maxwell Jett walks out without the UTA Championship."

John Phillips: "Chris Ross has made the champion's life a living hell throughout this World Tour, while Mike Best came into the UTA with one goal—to reach the top."

Mark Bravo: "And Maxwell has spent the entire time telling everybody neither one belongs in his spotlight."

Jett reaches ringside and takes his time climbing the steps.

He wipes his boots on the apron.

Steps through the ropes.

Then immediately climbs to the second turnbuckle and unfastens the UTA Championship.

He raises it high.

The boos get even louder.

Jett smiles.

He blows an exaggerated kiss to the crowd before dropping back to the canvas.

Jacoby and Darian enter behind him.

Max demands a microphone.

He waits.

And waits.

And waits.

The boos refuse to die.

Jett finally lifts the microphone anyway.

Maxwell Jett: "Are you people finished?"

BOOOOOOOOO!

Max nods.

Maxwell Jett: "That's what I thought."

He looks down at the UTA Championship in his hand.

Maxwell Jett: "You know, I've been thinking."

Maxwell Jett: "Dangerous concept for most of you, I know."

Another wave of boos.

Maxwell Jett: "I've been thinking about this World Tour."

Maxwell Jett: "I've been thinking about everything I've accomplished."

Maxwell Jett: "I walked into International Affair as the UTA Champion."

Maxwell Jett: "I entered All or Nothing with every single person in that match trying to take this away from me."

He raises the championship.

Maxwell Jett: "And I did something nobody in the history of this company had ever done."

Maxwell Jett: "I survived."

Maxwell Jett: "I won."

Maxwell Jett: "And I walked out exactly the same way I walked in."

Max drapes the championship over his shoulder.

Maxwell Jett: "As your UTA Champion."

BOOOOOOOOO!

Maxwell Jett: "And yet..."

His expression changes.

The smile disappears.

Maxwell Jett: "Nobody wants to talk about me."

Maxwell Jett: "No."

Maxwell Jett: "Instead, every week, I have to hear about Chris Ross."

The mention of Ross gets a reaction from the crowd.

Maxwell Jett: "Chris Ross did this."

Maxwell Jett: "Chris Ross attacked that guy."

Maxwell Jett: "Chris Ross showed up here."

Maxwell Jett: "Chris Ross disappeared there."

Maxwell Jett: "Chris Ross is coming for Maxwell Jett."

Max rolls his eyes.

Maxwell Jett: "And when you're not obsessing over some psychotic loser from Harrisburg, everybody suddenly wants to talk about Mike Best."

The crowd pops again.

Maxwell Jett: "A man who spent the best years of his career somewhere else."

Maxwell Jett: "A man whose greatest accomplishment in the UTA is reminding everybody about all the things he accomplished outside of it."

Maxwell Jett: "A UTA never-was."

The crowd reacts loudly.

John Phillips: "Oh, come on."

Mark Bravo: "I don't think Mike Best is going to appreciate that one."

Maxwell Jett: "And somehow those are the two men getting all the attention."

Maxwell Jett: "Meanwhile, the guy holding the most important championship in professional wrestling gets treated like an afterthought."

Max pauses.

Then smirks.

Maxwell Jett: "But that's how Scott Stevens runs things, isn't it?"

The crowd reacts at the mention of the General Manager.

Maxwell Jett: "Scott doesn't recognize greatness until somebody else tells him where to look."

Maxwell Jett: "So tonight, Scott..."

Max turns toward the entrance.

Maxwell Jett: "I'm going to remind you."

Maxwell Jett: "I'm going to remind Mike Best."

Maxwell Jett: "I'm going to remind Chris Ross."

Maxwell Jett: "And I'm going to remind every single one of you ungrateful Canadian mouth-breathers exactly who the hell I am."

BOOOOOOOOO!

Maxwell Jett: "I am the champion."

Maxwell Jett: "I am the standard."

Maxwell Jett: "And there is nobody in the United Toughness Alliance who comes close."

Max looks into the hard camera.

Maxwell Jett: "Not Ross."

Maxwell Jett: "Not Best."

Maxwell Jett: "Nobody."

He begins pacing.

Maxwell Jett: "Now, Chris Ross and Mike Best managed to worm their way into a championship opportunity tonight."

Maxwell Jett: "Fine."

Maxwell Jett: "But here's the thing."

Max stops.

The smirk returns.

Maxwell Jett: "They don't get two more hours to prepare."

John Phillips immediately sits forward at commentary.

Maxwell Jett: "Because Scott Stevens may have made the match..."

Jett slowly lifts the UTA Championship above his head.

Maxwell Jett: "...but I'm the goddamn champion."

The crowd roars.

Maxwell Jett: "And I set the terms."

Max turns toward the entrance ramp.

Maxwell Jett: "So Chris."

Maxwell Jett: "Mike."

Maxwell Jett: "Get your asses down here..."

Jett drops the championship onto the canvas at his feet.

Maxwell Jett: "...AND LET'S DO THIS RIGHT NOW!"

The building EXPLODES.

John Phillips: "WHAT?!"

Mark Bravo: "Did he just—"

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett just called for the UTA Championship match! Right now!"

Mark Bravo: "Our main event is supposed to happen at the end of the night!"

Max throws the microphone down and begins stretching against the ropes.

Jacoby and Darian exchange knowing smiles.

They're loving this.

Until—

Scott Stevens' music hits.

The General Manager storms through the curtain with a microphone already in hand.

Scott Stevens: "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!"

Maxwell rolls his eyes.

Scott Stevens: "That's not how this works, Maxwell."

Stevens begins walking down the ramp.

Scott Stevens: "You don't get to come out here and dictate wh—"

Maxwell Jett: "In fact, Scott, I do."

Stevens stops.

Max is smiling again.

Maxwell Jett: "Because if Chris Ross and Mike Best don't come through that curtain and have this match right now..."

He bends down and picks up the UTA Championship.

Maxwell Jett: "...I'm leaving."

The crowd boos.

Maxwell Jett: "I'll walk right out of Scotiabank Arena."

Maxwell Jett: "And if the champion isn't here..."

Max shrugs.

Maxwell Jett: "...there isn't going to be a championship match."

Stevens stares at him from the aisle.

Scott Stevens: "Or I can vacate the championship right now and let Chris Ross and Mike Best fight over it."

The crowd erupts.

For the first time, Maxwell looks slightly concerned.

Then he smiles.

Maxwell Jett: "No, Scott."

Maxwell Jett: "You can't."

Stevens raises an eyebrow.

Maxwell Jett: "See, even you have a limit to your power."

Max turns.

Maxwell Jett: "Jacoby."

Jacoby perks up.

Maxwell Jett: "Read the thing."

Jacoby proudly lifts the papers he's been carrying.

John Phillips: "Read the thing?"

Mark Bravo: "Apparently First Class has legal representation now."

Jacoby clears his throat.

Max walks over and holds his microphone in front of Jacoby's mouth.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Section four, Article thirteen, paragraph two."

Jacoby squints at the paper.

Jacoby Jacobs: "The UTA Champion, at his discretion, may defend the championship at any point in which he sees fit, as long as the individual or individuals challenging are under current contract with the United Toughness Alliance."

Max slowly turns his head toward Stevens.

Smug doesn't begin to describe the expression on his face.

Maxwell Jett: "Continue."

Jacoby flips the page.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Paragraph six."

Jacoby Jacobs: "If said match has previously been scheduled at a future date, then the UTA Champion's challenge shall henceforth fulfill the champion's obligation for the scheduled title defense."

Maxwell slowly nods.

Maxwell Jett: "There you have it."

Scott Stevens looks genuinely confused.

Scott Stevens: "Where the hell are you getting this?"

Maxwell Jett: "It's right there in the contract, Scott."

Jacoby Jacobs: "Yeah, ChatGPT found—"

Maxwell's head WHIPS around.

Darian's eyes go wide.

Jacoby freezes.

There is one perfect second of silence.

Then Scotiabank Arena absolutely loses it.

John Phillips: "OH MY GOD!"

Mark Bravo: "HAHAHAHA! THEY USED CHATGPT?!"

Maxwell lowers the microphone very slowly.

He stares at Jacoby.

Jacoby offers an apologetic little shrug.

Jacoby Jacobs: "My bad."

Darian turns away, desperately trying not to laugh.

Scott Stevens just shakes his head.

Scott Stevens: "You have got to be kidding me."

Max tries desperately to regain control.

Maxwell Jett: "That is completely irrelevant."

Scott Stevens: "You had artificial intelligence write fake clauses into your contract?"

Maxwell Jett: "They're not fake if they're legally sound."

Scott Stevens: "THAT'S NOT HOW CONTRACTS WORK!"

The crowd is roaring with laughter now.

John Phillips: "Now we know what this is about."

Mark Bravo: "Of course we do. Maxwell is already dressed. First Class is already out here. He figured Chris Ross and Mike Best wouldn't be ready to compete at the start of the show."

John Phillips: "The whole thing was a setup!"

Maxwell angrily turns toward commentary.

Maxwell Jett: "SHUT UP!"

And then—

The arena goes dark.

The laughter disappears instantly.

On the massive video screen...

THE REAPER.

The logo fills the screen.

The opening of “Black Flame” by Bury Tomorrow blasts throughout Scotiabank Arena.

The reaction is deafening.

John Phillips: "WAIT A MINUTE!"

Mark Bravo: "Oh, Max."

Red, white, and blue police lights begin flickering across the stage.

Chris Ross storms through the curtain.

John Phillips: "THE REAPER IS HERE!"

Maxwell's face drops.

Jacoby slowly lowers the papers.

Darian isn't laughing anymore.

Ross doesn't pose.

Doesn't play to the crowd.

Doesn't even look toward the ring at first.

His eyes find Scott Stevens.

Ross walks directly toward the General Manager.

Stevens raises his microphone, but Ross grabs his wrist.

He pulls Stevens' hand—and the microphone with it—toward his own mouth.

Ross never takes his eyes off Maxwell Jett.

Chris Ross: "I told you."

He pauses.

Chris Ross: "Any time."

Chris Ross: "Any place."

Ross' eyes narrow.

Chris Ross: "You wanna do this now, Maxwell?"

A grin slowly forms across Ross' face.

Chris Ross: "Get ready to reap what you sow."

Ross shoves Stevens away.

Then starts toward the ring.

John Phillips: "Chris Ross has called Maxwell Jett's bluff!"

Mark Bravo: "Look at First Class!"

Jacoby and Darian immediately begin backing toward the opposite side of the ring.

Maxwell is waving his hands.

Maxwell Jett: "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"

Ross reaches ringside.

Maxwell Jett: "Chris!"

Ross pulls himself onto the apron.

Maxwell Jett: "Think about this!"

Ross steps through the ropes.

First Class retreats.

Ross moves forward.

Maxwell moves backward.

Maxwell Jett: "I'm not ready!"

The crowd erupts in laughter again.

Maxwell Jett: "The match is the main event!"

John Phillips: "HE JUST ASKED FOR THE MATCH!"

Mark Bravo: "That was before Chris Ross actually showed up!"

Ross keeps walking toward him.

Maxwell continues retreating.

And then—

Mike Best's music hits.

The arena erupts AGAIN.

Ross stops.

Maxwell's eyes close.

Jacoby puts both hands on top of his head.

Darian mouths something that the cameras thankfully don't quite pick up.

Scott Stevens, still standing in the aisle, lowers his head.

He looks completely defeated.

John Phillips: "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"

Mark Bravo: "Mike Best too!"

Mike Best steps through the curtain.

And it's immediately obvious that he was not expecting to wrestle yet.

He's in his ring gear.

His knee pads aren't completely situated.

One boot isn't even fully tied.

Best takes two hurried steps onto the stage before stopping.

He holds one finger up.

Wait.

Then bends down.

Right there on the entrance stage, Mike Best finishes tying his boot.

The crowd laughs and cheers.

Mark Bravo: "He wasn't ready either!"

John Phillips: "But unlike Maxwell Jett, apparently Mike Best doesn't care!"

Best finishes tying the boot.

He stands.

Adjusts his knee pad.

Then looks toward the ring.

First at Chris Ross.

Then at Maxwell Jett.

A smirk spreads across his face.

Mike Best: "You wanna do this now?"

Best throws both arms out.

Mike Best: "LET'S DO IT NOW!"

Scotiabank Arena comes unglued.

Mike Best starts down the ramp.

Scott Stevens watches him pass.

He looks toward the ring.

Chris Ross is ready.

Mike Best is coming.

And in the middle of the ring, the UTA Champion looks like a man who just realized his brilliant plan worked far better than he ever intended.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett tried to ambush his challengers by moving the main event to the opening minutes of One Last Stop!"

Mark Bravo: "And they both called his bluff!"

John Phillips: "Somebody get a referee out here because we may be about to start One Last Stop with the UTA CHAMPIONSHIP!"

Mike Best continues toward the ring as Chris Ross stares through Maxwell Jett.

Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington look at one another.

Then at Maxwell.

Max looks at Ross.

He looks at Best.

He looks down at the UTA Championship.

For once...

Maxwell Jett has absolutely nothing to say.

Mike Best reaches the bottom of the ramp as Scott Stevens stands off to the side, staring at all three men like he has officially given up trying to maintain control.

Chris Ross is already inside the ring.

Maxwell Jett is still backing away from him.

First Class huddles near the ropes, suddenly far less confident than they were five minutes ago.

Stevens raises the microphone.

Scott Stevens: "You know what?"

He exhales heavily.

Scott Stevens: "Whatever."

The crowd begins to buzz.

Scott Stevens: "You three idiots wanna do this now?"

Stevens throws his free hand up.

Scott Stevens: "Fine."

The crowd ERUPTS.

Scott Stevens: "REFEREE!"

Stevens points toward the entrance.

Scott Stevens: "GET OUT HERE!"

John Phillips: "OH MY GOD!"

Mark Bravo: "He's doing it!"

John Phillips: "Scott Stevens has made it official! The UTA Championship match is happening RIGHT NOW!"

A referee comes sprinting through the curtain and races down the aisle.

Mike Best reaches ringside and immediately climbs onto the apron.

Maxwell Jett rushes toward the ropes.

Maxwell Jett: "WAIT! HOLD ON!"

Stevens slowly turns toward him.

Maxwell Jett: "Scott, let's not make any emotional decisions here."

Stevens just stares.

Maxwell Jett: "There are schedules. There are sponsors. There are—"

Scott Stevens: "You asked for it."

The crowd roars.

Scott Stevens: "You got it."

Stevens points at Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington.

Scott Stevens: "And you two."

Jacoby looks around innocently.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Us?"

Scott Stevens: "Out."

Jacoby's smile disappears.

Scott Stevens: "Get out of the ring."

Darian Darrington: "Man, come on—"

Scott Stevens: "NOW!"

Darian throws his hands up.

Jacoby gathers his completely legitimate, definitely-not-AI-generated paperwork and slips through the ropes.

Darian follows.

They remain at ringside as the referee enters the ring.

Mike Best steps through the ropes.

The atmosphere changes instantly.

Chris Ross stands in one corner.

Mike Best takes another.

And Maxwell Jett slowly backs into the third.

The UTA Championship is still clutched tightly against his chest.

John Phillips: "This was supposed to be tonight's main event."

Mark Bravo: "Instead, we're opening One Last Stop with it!"

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett tried to catch both challengers unprepared."

Mark Bravo: "And now look at him. He's the only one who doesn't want the match!"

The referee walks toward Maxwell and reaches for the championship.

Jett pulls it away.

Maxwell Jett: "Careful."

The referee reaches again.

Max reluctantly hands it over.

The official raises the UTA Championship high above his head.

Scotiabank Arena explodes.

John Phillips: "The biggest championship in the United Toughness Alliance is on the line!"

The referee hands the title through the ropes.

Chris Ross rolls his shoulders.

Mike Best bounces lightly on the balls of his feet.

Maxwell Jett looks from one challenger to the other.

Then immediately points at both of them.

Maxwell Jett: "Okay."

Maxwell Jett: "Let's all be smart here."

Ross takes one step forward.

Best takes one step forward.

Max stops talking.

Mark Bravo: "I don't think they're interested in being smart."

The referee looks around at all three men.

Then signals for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

John Phillips: "HERE WE GO!"

The UTA Championship Triple Threat Match is officially underway.

Chris Ross looks at Mike Best.

Mike Best looks at Chris Ross.

Neither man says a word.

They both slowly turn their attention toward Maxwell.

Jett stops.

Mark Bravo: "Uh-oh."

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett wanted this match right now. I think he's starting to understand exactly what that means."

Max points between Ross and Best.

Maxwell Jett: "Don't."

Ross starts walking toward him.

Best does the same.

Maxwell Jett: "Guys."

Max backs up.

Maxwell Jett: "Come on."

Ross continues forward.

Best continues forward.

Max's back hits the turnbuckles.

Maxwell Jett: "Think about this."

Ross cracks his neck.

Best rolls his shoulders.

Maxwell Jett: "There are three people in this match. You two should be worried about each oth—"

Ross BLASTS Jett with a right hand!

Best follows with one of his own!

The crowd erupts.

John Phillips: "Here we go!"

Ross fires another shot.

Best follows.

Ross.

Best.

Ross.

Best.

Maxwell's head snaps back and forth as the two challengers take turns hammering the UTA Champion in the corner.

Mark Bravo: "They're taking turns!"

John Phillips: "And Maxwell Jett has nobody to blame but himself!"

Ross grabs Maxwell by the wrist and pulls him out of the corner.

He sends Jett across the ring with a hard Irish whip.

Max hits the opposite turnbuckles.

Best charges first—

RUNNING FOREARM!

Jett staggers forward directly into Ross.

Ross catches him around the waist.

BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Maxwell crashes across the canvas.

John Phillips: "Chris Ross just launched the champion!"

Jett rolls toward the ropes, desperate to escape.

Mike Best grabs him by the ankle.

Max clings to the bottom rope with both hands.

Maxwell Jett: "NO! NO! NO!"

Best pulls.

Max refuses to let go.

Ross walks over.

He looks at Best.

Then stomps directly on Maxwell's hands.

Jett releases the rope immediately.

Best drags him back to the center of the ring.

Mark Bravo: "That's teamwork!"

John Phillips: "Temporary teamwork."

Best pulls Maxwell to his feet.

Knife-edge chop!

SMACK!

Jett recoils.

Ross steps in.

Another brutal chop!

SMACK!

Maxwell turns away clutching his chest.

Best grabs him and turns him back around.

Another chop!

SMACK!

Ross follows!

SMACK!

Maxwell stumbles between them, chest already turning bright red.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett is being dismantled here!"

Mark Bravo: "And look at Jacoby and Darian. There's nothing they can do!"

At ringside, Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington are screaming instructions toward the champion.

Jacoby Jacobs: "GET OUTTA THERE, MAX!"

Darian Darrington: "STOP LETTIN' 'EM HIT YOU!"

Maxwell hears them.

He looks toward ringside with absolute disbelief.

Maxwell Jett: "OH, REALLY?!"

That distraction costs him.

Best grabs Maxwell from behind.

SNAP SUPLEX!

Jett hits hard.

Best rolls through and starts pulling Maxwell up again—

Ross steps in.

He grabs Jett himself.

OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY!

Maxwell flies halfway across the ring.

John Phillips: "This is becoming a competition between Ross and Best to see who can throw Maxwell Jett farther!"

Maxwell lands near the ropes and immediately rolls underneath them.

He tumbles to the floor.

Jett lands on his knees beside First Class.

Jacoby immediately reaches down to help him.

Darian steps between Maxwell and the ring.

Maxwell Jett: "TIME OUT!"

The crowd laughs.

John Phillips: "There are no timeouts!"

Maxwell points angrily toward the referee.

Maxwell Jett: "Tell them!"

The referee just shakes his head.

Inside the ring, Mike Best looks toward Chris Ross.

Ross looks back.

Then both men look down at Maxwell.

Again.

Mark Bravo: "Oh, come on."

Maxwell sees it.

Maxwell Jett: "No."

Ross exits through one side of the ring.

Best exits through the other.

Maxwell Jett: "NO!"

First Class immediately starts backing away.

Maxwell grabs Jacoby by the shoulder.

Maxwell Jett: "DO SOMETHING!"

Jacoby points to himself.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Me?!"

Ross comes around one side of the ring.

Best comes around the other.

Jacoby and Darian scatter.

Leaving Maxwell standing alone.

He slowly looks left.

Chris Ross.

He slowly looks right.

Mike Best.

Maxwell Jett: "Traitors."

Max takes off running.

He races around ringside.

Ross gives chase from behind.

Best cuts him off from the opposite direction.

Max stops dead.

He turns back toward Ross.

Too late.

Ross catches him with a huge forearm across the jaw!

Maxwell spins directly into Best—

WHO DROPS HIM WITH A FULL-WEIGHT LARIAT!

Jett flips inside out on the floor.

John Phillips: "GOOD LORD!"

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell may be reconsidering that whole 'fight right now' thing!"

Ross grabs Jett by the hair and drags him back to his feet.

He drives Maxwell face-first into the ring apron.

Jett staggers backward.

Best grabs him.

And sends him shoulder-first into the barricade!

Maxwell crashes against the steel and drops to one knee.

John Phillips: "Remember, this is Triple Threat rules. No disqualifications. No count-outs. The referee can't stop any of this!"

Ross approaches Maxwell again.

Jett sees him coming.

Desperation takes over.

Max reaches forward and rakes Ross across the eyes!

Chris Ross: "AHH!"

Ross stumbles backward.

Max spins—

And kicks Mike Best directly between the legs!

The crowd explodes with boos.

Best drops immediately.

John Phillips: "OH, COME ON!"

Mark Bravo: "There it is! Maxwell finally found an opening!"

Maxwell drops to his knees between both challengers, gasping for air.

His chest is red.

His hair is disheveled.

His face is twisted with rage.

But slowly...

The smile returns.

Jett gets to his feet and backs toward the ring.

He points at Ross.

Then at Best.

Maxwell Jett: "I'm smarter than both of you."

Max slides underneath the bottom rope.

He gets back to his feet and throws his arms wide for the crowd.

BOOOOOOOOOOO!

Maxwell Jett: "THAT'S WHY I'M THE CHAMPION!"

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett has survived the opening assault, but only by going straight to the shortcuts that made him champion in the first place."

Mark Bravo: "He survived, John. That's all that matters."

Outside the ring, Chris Ross wipes at his eyes.

Mike Best remains doubled over near the barricade.

Inside the ring, Maxwell Jett finally has a moment to breathe.

And for the first time since the bell rang...

The UTA Champion is smiling again.

Maxwell Jett stands in the center of the ring, breathing heavily but looking far too pleased with himself.

Outside, Chris Ross is already recovering.

Mike Best is slower to straighten up, one hand still pressed low after the cheap shot.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett bought himself some time, but I don't know how much."

Mark Bravo: "Enough to change the complexion of the match. That's all he needed."

Ross reaches the apron first.

Maxwell immediately charges.

Running boot!

Ross takes it across the side of the head and drops back to the floor.

Jett spins around—

Mike Best slides underneath the bottom rope.

Maxwell charges him too.

Best ducks the clothesline.

Jett turns—

SNAP DROPKICK!

Maxwell hits the canvas hard.

John Phillips: "Mike Best caught him clean!"

Best immediately grabs Jett by the wrist and pulls him back up.

Short-arm knee to the body!

Another!

Then a snap suplex!

Best floats over into the cover.

ONE!

TWO—

Chris Ross dives into the ring and breaks it up with a clubbing forearm across Best's back.

John Phillips: "And there it is."

Mark Bravo: "The alliance lasted exactly as long as Maxwell Jett was the biggest problem."

Best rolls off Maxwell and gets to one knee.

He looks up at Ross.

Ross looks back down at him.

There's a brief pause.

Mike Best: "Had to happen eventually."

Ross answers with a forearm.

Best fires one back.

The crowd comes alive again.

Ross hits another.

Best responds.

Ross.

Best.

Neither gives ground.

John Phillips: "Now we're seeing the collision we knew was inevitable!"

Best changes levels and drives a knee into Ross' midsection.

He grabs a front facelock.

Ross blocks the suplex.

Best tries again.

Blocked again.

Ross powers free and hooks Best around the waist.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Best lands hard but rolls through to his knees.

Ross charges.

Best sidesteps.

Ross hits the ropes and turns around—

SUPERKICK!

Ross staggers but doesn't go down.

Best runs the ropes.

FULL-WEIGHT LARIAT!

Ross finally hits the mat.

Mark Bravo: "Mike Best just put the Reaper down!"

Best drops for the cover.

ONE!

Maxwell Jett comes flying in with a knee drop to the back of Best's head!

The cover is broken immediately.

Jett scrambles onto Best.

ONE!

TWO!

Best kicks out.

Max instantly shifts to Ross.

Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Ross powers a shoulder up.

Maxwell sits up in disbelief.

Maxwell Jett: "Come on!"

John Phillips: "That is the danger Maxwell Jett presents in this environment. He doesn't have to dominate. He just has to be there when somebody else does the work."

Mark Bravo: "That's called efficiency."

Jett pulls Best up first.

Arm wringer.

He twists hard on the shoulder, then snaps Best down with a quick arm-controlled takedown.

Max drops a knee directly onto the shoulder.

Then another.

He grabs the wrist and starts grinding the joint into the mat.

John Phillips: "This is much more Maxwell's pace now. Slow it down. Pick a body part. Make the match smaller."

Maxwell pulls Best back up and sends him shoulder-first into the turnbuckles.

Best hits hard and turns out of the corner.

Jett rushes forward—

RUNNING KNEE!

Best drops to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle.

Maxwell backs away.

Measures him.

Charges—

Ross explodes across the ring and intercepts Jett with a SPINEBUSTER!

The ring shakes.

John Phillips: "CHRIS ROSS JUST PLANTED THE CHAMPION!"

Ross mounts Maxwell immediately.

Forearm!

Forearm!

Forearm!

Ross rains heavy shots down across the champion's head and face.

The referee can only watch.

Mark Bravo: "And this is where Triple Threat rules are terrifying with Chris Ross. There's nobody to pull him off!"

Ross grabs Maxwell by the throat and drags him upright.

Jett desperately drives a thumb toward Ross' eye—

Ross catches the wrist.

Max's eyes widen.

Ross headbutts him.

Jett drops to his knees.

Ross takes a step back.

He begins measuring Maxwell.

John Phillips: "Ross may be looking for the 12 Gauge!"

Ross grabs Maxwell's wrist.

He pulls him forward—

Mike Best catches Ross from the side with a knee!

Ross releases Jett.

Best immediately hooks Ross.

BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX!

Ross hits hard.

Best turns—

Maxwell Jett is already there.

Hammerlock DDT!

Best is driven head-first into the canvas.

Jett hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

ROSS BREAKS IT UP!

Ross simply drives a boot into Maxwell's ribs and sends him rolling away.

John Phillips: "So close!"

Jett rolls toward the ropes and pulls himself upright.

Ross charges him.

Maxwell drops down and pulls the top rope with him!

Ross tumbles over the ropes and crashes to the floor.

Jett immediately turns toward Mike Best.

Best is getting back up.

Max charges—

HEAT SEEKER KNEE!

The knee connects flush!

Best crumples.

Maxwell dives on top of him!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

BEST GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Maxwell's eyes practically bulge out of his head.

Maxwell Jett: "NO!"

He grabs the referee by the shirt.

Maxwell Jett: "THAT WAS THREE!"

The referee holds up two fingers.

Jett argues.

Behind him, Chris Ross is back on the apron.

John Phillips: "Maxwell needs to stop worrying about the referee!"

Ross steps through the ropes.

Jett turns around.

360 DISCUS ELBOW!

THE 10-71!

Maxwell drops like he's been shot.

John Phillips: "10-71!"

Ross hooks Maxwell's leg!

ONE!

TWO!

MIKE BEST DIVES ACROSS AND BREAKS IT UP!

All three men collapse to the canvas.

The crowd rises to its feet.

Mark Bravo: "Now we're getting somewhere."

For several seconds, nobody moves.

Then Ross sits up.

Best rolls onto one elbow.

Maxwell remains flat on his back between them.

Ross looks across at Best.

Best looks back.

Both men glance down at Maxwell.

Then back at each other.

John Phillips: "The champion is down."

Mark Bravo: "Which means now they have a decision to make."

Ross gets to his feet.

Best does the same.

Neither man looks away.

And this time...

Maxwell Jett isn't between them.

Chris Ross and Mike Best stand across from one another.

Between them, Maxwell Jett remains flat on his back.

For the first time tonight, neither challenger is looking at the champion.

The crowd realizes what's coming.

The noise begins to build.

John Phillips: "These two helped tear Maxwell Jett apart at the beginning of this match, but there can only be one UTA Champion."

Mark Bravo: "And neither one came to Toronto to help the other guy win it."

Best raises his hands.

Ross does the same.

They circle.

Then collide in the center of the ring.

Best immediately tries to control the head.

Ross drives forward.

Best twists into a standing headlock.

Ross hooks him around the waist and tries to lift—

Best drops his weight.

Ross tries again.

Best releases the headlock and transitions behind.

Waistlock.

Ross fires an elbow backward.

Best ducks.

Ross spins around.

Best catches the arm.

He tries to drag Ross down into an armbar!

Ross immediately clasps his hands together.

John Phillips: "Look at Best! Mike Best will wrestle you anywhere, anytime, and he's trying to take that arm home with him!"

Ross powers himself back to his feet with Best still attached to the arm.

Best tries to extend it.

Ross reaches down.

He grabs Best around the waist.

And simply PICKS HIM UP!

Best's eyes widen.

Ross runs forward and drives him back-first into the turnbuckles!

Best releases the arm.

Ross immediately buries a shoulder into his stomach.

Again!

Again!

Then Ross grabs Best around the waist.

OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Best crashes across the ring.

Mark Bravo: "Technical wrestling works great until Chris Ross decides to throw you across the building."

Best rolls through the impact and pushes himself up.

Ross is already coming.

Best fires a kick into the thigh.

Another.

Ross slows.

Best lands a third kick.

Then an elbow across the jaw.

Ross answers with a forearm.

Best fires back.

Ross!

Best!

Ross!

Best!

Ross finally rocks Best with a particularly vicious shot.

Best staggers backward.

Ross charges—

Best catches him!

SPINNING SPINEBUSTER!

Ross hits hard!

Best immediately hooks a leg!

ONE!

TWO!

Ross powers out.

Best doesn't waste a second.

He grabs Ross' arm and rolls directly into an armbar!

John Phillips: "Best goes right back to the arm!"

Ross grimaces.

Best pulls back.

The referee drops beside Ross.

Referee: "Do you give?!"

Ross looks at him like the question itself is offensive.

Chris Ross: "FUCK NO!"

The crowd roars.

Mark Bravo: "I think that's a no."

Ross twists his body.

Best adjusts his grip.

Ross forces himself onto his knees.

Then one foot.

Best's eyes widen.

Ross is standing with Best hanging off his arm.

Ross reaches down.

Gets his other arm around Best.

And POWERBOMBS HIM INTO THE CANVAS!

Best releases immediately.

John Phillips: "Good lord!"

Ross shakes feeling back into the arm.

Best rolls onto his stomach.

Ross grabs him.

Pulls him upright.

SNAP SUPLEX!

Ross maintains control.

He pulls Best up again.

BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX!

Still Ross doesn't release him.

Best is dragged upright for a third time.

John Phillips: "Ross is doing exactly what he does best!"

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Best folds up on impact.

Mark Bravo: "All the technique in the world doesn't help if the other guy keeps dropping you on your head!"

Ross gets back to his feet.

He looks down at Best.

Then suddenly remembers something.

Maxwell Jett.

Ross turns.

The champion is gone.

John Phillips: "Where's Maxwell?"

The camera quickly finds him.

Jett is crouched on the floor beside First Class.

He has been there for nearly the entire exchange.

Recovering.

Watching.

Waiting.

Mark Bravo: "There he is!"

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett has let Ross and Best beat the hell out of each other while he recovers on the floor!"

Mark Bravo: "Now THAT is championship strategy."

Ross walks toward the ropes.

He stares down at Maxwell.

Jett points at Mike Best behind him.

Maxwell Jett: "He's right there!"

Ross doesn't care.

Maxwell Jett: "CHRIS!"

Ross steps through the ropes.

Maxwell immediately starts retreating.

Maxwell Jett: "You're winning!"

Ross drops to the floor.

Maxwell Jett: "GO PIN HIM!"

Ross starts toward him.

Maxwell backs directly into Jacoby Jacobs.

He turns.

Looks at Jacoby.

Looks at Ross.

Then grabs Jacoby by the shoulders and SHOVES HIM AT CHRIS ROSS!

Jacoby Jacobs: "YO—"

Ross catches Jacoby.

Jacoby's eyes get huge.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Hey, man, I ain't even in the ma—"

Ross launches him with a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor!

Jacoby crashes down!

John Phillips: "MAXWELL JUST SACRIFICED JACOBY JACOBS!"

Darian looks down at his partner.

Then up at Maxwell.

Darian Darrington: "Man, what the hell?!"

Maxwell Jett: "HE'S FINE!"

Max takes off around the ring.

Ross follows.

Darian kneels beside Jacoby.

Darian Darrington: "You good?"

Jacoby Jacobs: "No!"

Maxwell rounds the corner.

Ross closes the distance.

Jett suddenly slides underneath the bottom rope.

Ross follows him in.

Exactly what Maxwell wanted.

Jett springs to his feet and stomps Ross as he enters!

Again!

Again!

Again!

John Phillips: "Jett suckered him in!"

Maxwell grabs Ross by the head.

HAMMERLOCK DDT!

Ross is planted!

Maxwell rolls him over.

Hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

MIKE BEST BREAKS IT UP!

Best drives a boot into Maxwell's head.

Jett rolls away.

Best grabs Maxwell.

Pulls him up.

Knife-edge chop!

Max staggers.

Best grabs him around the waist.

NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!

Bridge!

ONE!

TWO!

MAXWELL KICKS OUT!

Best rolls backward to his feet.

Maxwell scrambles up as well.

Best catches him with a kick to the stomach.

Then another.

Max doubles over.

Best pulls him into position.

Jett realizes what's happening and desperately drops to one knee.

Best tries to pull him back up.

Maxwell reaches forward—

And rakes Best across the eyes!

Best stumbles away.

Jett springs forward.

RUNNING BOOT TO THE FACE!

Best drops.

Maxwell turns toward the hard camera.

His hair is a mess.

His chest is covered in red marks.

He's breathing hard.

And he still can't help himself.

Maxwell Jett: "THIS IS YOUR LEGEND?!"

The crowd boos.

Maxwell Jett: "LOOK AT HIM!"

Maxwell turns back toward Best.

He never sees Chris Ross get up behind him.

John Phillips: "Max!"

Ross grabs Maxwell around the waist.

Jett's expression changes instantly.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Maxwell lands on his shoulders and neck!

Ross maintains the waistlock.

He pulls Maxwell up.

SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!

Jett hits again!

Ross still doesn't release him.

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell should've kept his mouth shut!"

Ross drags him up one more time.

Maxwell desperately reaches for the ropes.

Too far away.

THIRD GERMAN SUPLEX!

Jett crashes down!

Ross gets up and lets out a roar.

The Toronto crowd roars with him.

Maxwell slowly rolls onto his hands and knees.

Ross sees him.

He grabs the champion by the back of the neck.

John Phillips: "Ross has him!"

SIDE WALK SMASH!

Ross drives Maxwell face-first into the canvas!

Jett goes limp.

Ross stands over him.

Then looks toward the ropes.

The crowd realizes it.

John Phillips: "Ross may be thinking Welcome to Harrisburg!"

Ross reaches down for Maxwell.

But Mike Best suddenly grabs Ross from behind!

Best drags him backward!

Ross spins around—

Best drives a knee into the body!

Then another!

Ross fires back with a forearm!

Best answers with an elbow!

Ross swings!

Best ducks!

Best hooks him—

RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP!

Ross hits the mat.

Best immediately grabs the arm and leg.

He starts twisting Ross over.

John Phillips: "GILDED CAGE!"

Best locks in the chicken wing Muta lock!

Ross' body contorts as Best cranks back!

The referee drops into position.

Referee: "Chris! Do you give?!"

Chris Ross: "NO!"

Best pulls harder.

Ross growls through the pain.

John Phillips: "There are no rope breaks in a Triple Threat! Ross has nowhere to go!"

Ross reaches toward the ropes anyway.

His fingertips touch the bottom rope.

Nothing happens.

Best keeps the hold locked in.

Ross realizes it.

So does the crowd.

Ross plants his free hand against the mat.

He starts trying to push himself upward.

Best leans back harder.

Ross refuses to quit.

And several feet away...

Maxwell Jett's eyes slowly open.

He sees Mike Best.

He sees Chris Ross trapped.

He sees both men completely occupied with each other.

Maxwell begins crawling toward them.

Mark Bravo: "Look at the champion."

Jett gets to one knee.

Then both feet.

Best still doesn't see him.

Ross can't do anything about him.

Maxwell backs into the corner.

His eyes lock onto Mike Best.

He measures the distance.

John Phillips: "Best has no idea!"

Maxwell Jett explodes out of the corner—

Maxwell Jett explodes out of the corner—

HEAT SEEKER KNEE!

The knee catches Mike Best square in the side of the head!

Best collapses instantly.

The Gilded Cage is broken.

John Phillips: "JETT JUST SAVED ROSS!"

Mark Bravo: "No, John! He saved himself!"

Maxwell dives on top of Best!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

ROSS GRABS MAXWELL BY THE ANKLE AND YANKS HIM OFF!

Jett screams as he's dragged backward across the canvas.

Maxwell Jett: "NO! NO!"

Ross pulls himself up using the ropes, one arm still hurting from the submission.

Max scrambles to his feet.

Ross charges.

Max ducks the forearm.

Ross turns.

Jett kicks him in the knee.

Another kick!

Ross drops to one leg.

Maxwell backs away.

Runs forward—

RUNNING BOOT!

Ross takes it across the face and falls backward into the ropes.

Maxwell immediately grabs the injured arm Best had been working.

He twists it.

Ross snarls.

Jett wrenches harder.

Then drops Ross shoulder-first across his knee!

John Phillips: "Smart attack by Maxwell Jett. He's going right after that arm."

Max stays on it.

Arm wringer.

He drives an elbow into the shoulder joint.

Another.

Ross swings wildly with the free hand.

Max ducks.

HAMMERLOCK DDT!

Ross spikes into the canvas!

Maxwell rolls him over.

Hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

ROSS KICKS OUT!

Max sits up immediately.

He stares at the referee.

Then at Ross.

Then at Mike Best, who is beginning to move in the opposite corner.

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell's running out of bodies to steal a pin from."

Jett rises.

He looks down at Ross.

Then reaches for the arm.

John Phillips: "He's going for the Long Island Lock!"

Maxwell traps the wrist and starts trying to sit back into the armbar.

Ross immediately fights.

He clasps his hands.

Max kicks at the grip.

Ross refuses to release.

Max stomps the shoulder.

Ross finally loses the grip.

Jett drops backward—

LONG ISLAND LOCK!

Ross' arm is extended.

Maxwell pulls back with everything he has.

John Phillips: "Jett has it locked in!"

Ross grimaces.

The referee asks the question.

Referee: "Chris! Do you give?!"

Chris Ross: "NO!"

Maxwell cranks harder.

Maxwell Jett: "TAP!"

Ross shakes his head.

Maxwell Jett: "TAP, YOU PSYCHO!"

Ross begins twisting his body toward Jett.

Max tries to keep control.

Ross forces himself onto his knees.

Then—

Mike Best flies into frame with a running knee to Maxwell's face!

Jett loses the hold and falls backward.

John Phillips: "MIKE BEST!"

Best grabs Maxwell immediately.

FOREARM!

Jett staggers.

Another forearm!

Max backs into the ropes.

Best whips him across.

Jett rebounds—

Best catches him with a BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Maxwell bounces off the canvas.

Best stays on him.

He pulls Jett upright.

SNAP SUPLEX!

Best rolls through.

Pulls Maxwell up again.

ANOTHER SUPLEX!

Jett is getting ragdolled now.

Mark Bravo: "Mike Best has had enough!"

Best drags Maxwell up one more time.

Max reaches desperately for Best's face.

Best catches the hand.

Twists the wrist.

Elbow to the jaw!

Maxwell drops to one knee.

Best takes a step back.

The crowd rises.

John Phillips: "Wait a minute..."

Best looks down at Jett.

Maxwell is seated on his heels.

Perfect position.

John Phillips: "I KNEED A HERO!"

Best charges—

ROSS TACKLES HIM OUT OF NOWHERE!

Both men tumble through the ropes and crash to the floor!

Maxwell remains on his knees in the ring.

His eyes are wide.

He realizes exactly how close he just came.

Mark Bravo: "Ross just saved the championship for Maxwell again!"

Jett looks toward the floor.

Ross and Best are already getting up.

Ross throws a forearm.

Best fires back.

The two start brawling at ringside.

Ross drives Best backward into the barricade.

Best answers with a knee to the stomach.

Ross fires a headbutt.

Best stumbles.

Ross grabs him by the back of the head.

He charges toward the ring post—

Best blocks!

Ross tries again.

Best plants a foot.

Then reverses!

ROSS GOES SHOULDER-FIRST INTO THE POST!

Ross drops to the floor clutching the same arm that has been worked over repeatedly.

John Phillips: "That shoulder may be in serious trouble now!"

Best turns around.

Maxwell Jett comes flying through the ropes with a baseball slide!

Both feet catch Best in the chest!

Best goes backward into the barricade.

Maxwell slides out of the ring after him.

Jett immediately grabs Best by the head.

He slams Best face-first into the announce desk!

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Maxwell Jett: "LEGEND?!"

Jett drives him into the desk again.

Maxwell Jett: "THIS IS THE GUY?!"

Max turns toward the camera.

Maxwell Jett: "I'M THE GUY!"

He turns back—

Best punches him directly in the mouth.

Maxwell stumbles backward.

Best steps forward and fires another shot.

Jett answers.

Best.

Jett.

Best.

Maxwell tries another eye rake—

Best catches the wrist.

He smiles.

Mike Best: "Not twice."

Best pulls Maxwell forward—

SHORT-ARM LARIAT!

Jett flips backward and crashes to the floor!

The crowd roars.

Best starts pulling Maxwell up.

Behind him—

Ross is back on his feet.

He charges.

25 TO LIFE!

The cyclone kick catches Mike Best flush!

Best drops beside Maxwell.

John Phillips: "25 TO LIFE!"

Ross stands over both men.

His shoulder is clearly hurting.

He doesn't care.

Ross grabs Maxwell.

Rolls him underneath the bottom rope.

Then follows him into the ring.

Jett is barely moving.

Ross pulls him up.

Maxwell tries to fight.

A weak punch.

Ross doesn't even flinch.

Another punch.

Ross stares at him.

Maxwell realizes it's not working.

Ross grabs the back of his neck.

SIDE WALK SMASH!

Jett goes face-first into the canvas again!

Ross doesn't cover.

Instead, he pulls Maxwell back up.

John Phillips: "Ross could pin him!"

Mark Bravo: "He doesn't want a pin!"

Ross positions Jett.

The crowd rises again.

John Phillips: "WELCOME TO HARRISBURG!"

Ross drives Maxwell face-first into the canvas with the curb stomp!

The champion crumples.

Ross rolls him over.

Hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MIKE BEST DIVES INTO THE RING AND BREAKS THE COVER!

The crowd explodes.

John Phillips: "BEST SAVES IT!"

Ross slowly turns toward him.

Best is kneeling beside Maxwell.

Both men are exhausted.

Ross gets to his feet.

Best gets to his.

They meet in the middle.

FOREARM FROM ROSS!

ELBOW FROM BEST!

ROSS!

BEST!

ROSS!

BEST!

The crowd chants along with every strike.

Best finally gets the better of the exchange with a knee to the stomach.

Ross doubles over.

Best hits the ropes.

Running knee!

Ross drops to one knee.

Best sees it.

He backs into the opposite corner.

John Phillips: "Ross is down!"

Mike Best explodes forward.

John Phillips: "I KNEED A HERO!"

BEST CONNECTS!

Ross collapses.

Mike Best dives onto him!

ONE!

TWO!

Maxwell Jett launches himself across the ring—

THR—

AND BREAKS IT UP AT THE ABSOLUTE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!

The entire arena erupts.

John Phillips: "MAXWELL SAVED HIS CHAMPIONSHIP!"

Mark Bravo: "By a fraction of a second!"

Mike Best sits up.

He stares at Maxwell.

Jett is on his hands and knees.

Best's expression changes.

He looks furious.

Maxwell looks up.

Sees Best.

Immediately begins crawling backward.

Maxwell Jett: "Mike."

Best rises.

Maxwell Jett: "Mike, come on."

Best starts toward him.

Maxwell Jett: "You almost had him!"

Best keeps coming.

Maxwell Jett: "THAT'S A COMPLIMENT!"

Best grabs Maxwell by the ankle.

Jett desperately claws at the canvas.

Best drags him back toward the center of the ring.

Maxwell rolls onto his back.

Best stands over him.

Jett raises both hands.

Maxwell Jett: "Let's talk."

Best smiles.

Mike Best: "Okay."

Best grabs him by the head.

Mike Best: "Talk."

And starts pulling the UTA Champion back to his feet.

Mike Best pulls Maxwell Jett back to his feet.

Mike Best: "Talk."

Maxwell opens his mouth—

Best unloads with a knife-edge chop!

SMACK!

Jett staggers backward.

Mike Best: "Go ahead."

Another chop!

SMACK!

Maxwell's chest is nearly purple now.

Mike Best: "I'm listening."

Best swings again—

Maxwell ducks!

Jett hooks Best from behind.

ROLL-UP!

ONE!

TWO!

BEST KICKS OUT!

Both men scramble up.

Best charges.

Maxwell sidesteps and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post!

Best crashes through the turnbuckles.

Jett immediately grabs the arm.

John Phillips: "Maxwell going back to that shoulder!"

Jett yanks Best backward and twists the arm behind him.

HAMMERLOCK DDT!

Best is planted!

Maxwell hooks both legs!

ONE!

TWO!

BEST KICKS OUT!

Jett pounds the mat in frustration.

Maxwell Jett: "STAY DOWN!"

He grabs Best by the wrist.

Maxwell pulls him toward the center of the ring.

He traps the arm.

Mark Bravo: "He's looking for the Long Island Lock again!"

Best immediately recognizes it.

He rolls through before Jett can secure the hold.

Best reaches up and traps Maxwell's leg.

He twists.

Jett goes down!

Best transitions behind.

He hooks Maxwell's legs.

John Phillips: "Sharpshooter!"

Best turns him over!

SASORI-GATAME!

Maxwell screams.

Maxwell Jett: "NO! NO! NO!"

Best sits deep into the hold.

The referee checks on Jett.

Referee: "Do you give?!"

Maxwell Jett: "GET OFF ME!"

Jett begins crawling toward the ropes.

John Phillips: "Remember, the ropes won't save him!"

Maxwell reaches them anyway.

He grabs the bottom rope.

The referee does nothing.

Jett stares at him in disbelief.

Maxwell Jett: "BREAK IT!"

Referee: "NO ROPE BREAK!"

Maxwell Jett: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!"

Mark Bravo: "Apparently Maxwell didn't have ChatGPT explain Triple Threat rules."

The crowd roars with laughter.

Best leans back harder.

Maxwell reaches desperately toward ringside.

Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington are both shouting at him.

Darian Darrington: "DON'T TAP!"

Maxwell Jett: "I KNOW!"

Jacoby Jacobs: "GET OUT OF IT!"

Maxwell Jett: "I KNOW THAT TOO!"

Best wrenches back again.

Maxwell screams.

His hand comes up.

The crowd gets louder.

John Phillips: "Jett may have to tap!"

His hand hovers above the mat.

Best pulls harder.

Maxwell raises his hand higher—

CHRIS ROSS CRASHES INTO MIKE BEST WITH A RUNNING BOOT!

The hold is broken!

Best rolls away.

Maxwell curls into a ball clutching his back.

John Phillips: "Ross saves Maxwell Jett AGAIN!"

Mark Bravo: "Nobody has saved Maxwell more tonight than the two men trying to take his championship!"

Ross doesn't even glance at Jett.

His attention is entirely on Mike Best.

Best gets to his knees.

Ross grabs him by the back of the head.

FOREARM!

Another!

Best fires one into Ross' stomach.

Ross answers with a knee.

He pulls Best upright.

Hooks him around the waist.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Best rolls through the impact and somehow gets back to his feet.

Ross charges.

Best catches him with a step-up enzuigiri!

Ross stumbles into the ropes.

Best follows with a running knee!

Ross spills through the ropes and lands on the apron.

Best grabs him through the ropes.

Ross fires a headbutt!

Best staggers.

Ross steps back into the ring.

Best turns—

12 GAUGE!

The ripcord headbutt SMASHES Best in the face!

Best crumples to the canvas.

John Phillips: "12 GAUGE! Mike Best may be out!"

Ross drops beside him.

Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MAXWELL JETT DIVES ON TOP OF THE PILE!

The referee stops the count.

Jett rolls Ross off.

Then immediately covers Mike Best himself!

ONE!

TWO!

BEST KICKS OUT!

Maxwell rolls onto his back and stares toward the ceiling.

Maxwell Jett: "HOW?!"

Ross grabs Maxwell by the throat from behind.

Jett's eyes widen.

Chris Ross: "You stealing my kill?"

Ross drags Maxwell upright.

Jett starts throwing frantic elbows backward.

One catches Ross in the injured shoulder.

Ross loosens his grip.

Maxwell hits the shoulder again.

Ross releases.

Jett spins.

Kick to the knee!

Ross drops down.

Maxwell runs the ropes.

HEAT SEEKER KNEE!

Ross falls backward!

Jett doesn't cover.

He looks toward Mike Best.

Best is slowly pulling himself up in the corner.

Maxwell looks between both challengers.

A desperate idea forms.

Jett pulls Ross up first.

He hooks the arm.

John Phillips: "Platinum Driver!"

Ross blocks it.

Maxwell tries again.

Ross powers upright.

BACK BODY DROP!

Jett crashes to the mat.

Ross turns—

MIKE BEST BLASTS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!

Ross drops to one knee.

Best sees the opening.

He backs away.

John Phillips: "Not again!"

Best charges.

I KNEED A HERO—

ROSS FALLS FLAT!

Best's knee sails over him!

Best lands awkwardly and turns around—

MAXWELL JETT KICKS HIM IN THE STOMACH!

Jett traps the arm.

PLATINUM DRIVER!

MIKE BEST IS SPIKED INTO THE CANVAS!

THE CROWD ERUPTS!

John Phillips: "PLATINUM DRIVER! PLATINUM DRIVER ON MIKE BEST!"

Maxwell immediately rolls Best over.

He hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

ROSS DIVES—

THR—

ROSS BREAKS IT UP!

Ross gets there with barely a fraction of a second remaining.

Maxwell pounds the canvas.

He turns toward Ross with pure hatred.

Maxwell Jett: "YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

Jett launches himself at Ross.

Forearm!

Ross fires one back!

Maxwell swings again!

Ross absorbs it.

Another from Jett!

Ross answers with a headbutt!

Maxwell staggers.

Ross grabs him.

SPINEBUSTER!

Jett crashes down.

Ross mounts him.

Forearm!

Forearm!

Forearm!

Maxwell tries covering up.

Ross keeps hammering away.

John Phillips: "Ross isn't even thinking about the championship anymore!"

Mark Bravo: "That's what makes him so dangerous! He doesn't care about three seconds!"

Ross stops.

He looks down at Maxwell.

Then slowly pulls him upright.

Ross positions him.

John Phillips: "He's looking for Welcome to Harrisburg again!"

Ross grabs the back of Maxwell's neck.

Jett desperately grabs at Ross' injured arm.

Ross winces.

Maxwell twists the wrist.

Ross loses control.

Jett spins behind him.

LOW BLOW!

Ross freezes.

The crowd erupts in boos.

John Phillips: "DAMN IT!"

Ross slowly drops to his knees.

Maxwell backs away.

He sees Ross kneeling.

Perfectly positioned.

Max takes off.

HEAT SEEKER KNEE!

ROSS IS FLATTENED!

Maxwell dives on top!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MIKE BEST GRABS THE REFEREE'S ARM!

The count stops.

The crowd erupts again.

Maxwell slowly turns his head.

Mike Best is barely conscious, still on the canvas, but he has the referee by the wrist.

Mark Bravo: "Mike Best just saved Chris Ross!"

Jett crawls toward Best.

There is absolute fury in his eyes.

Maxwell Jett: "WHY WON'T EITHER OF YOU JUST DIE?!"

Best looks up at him.

Smiles weakly.

Then flips Maxwell off.

The crowd explodes.

Maxwell loses it.

He jumps on Best and begins raining punches down!

Best covers up.

Jett keeps swinging.

Behind them...

Chris Ross starts to rise.

Slowly.

First to one knee.

Then to his feet.

Maxwell doesn't see him.

Ross stands directly behind the UTA Champion.

The Toronto crowd gets louder and louder.

Maxwell finally notices the noise.

He stops punching.

His expression changes.

Very slowly...

Maxwell Jett turns around.

Maxwell Jett slowly turns around.

Chris Ross is standing directly behind him.

Maxwell freezes.

Ross' chest rises and falls heavily.

His shoulder hangs slightly lower after everything Mike Best and Maxwell have done to the arm.

But the look in his eyes hasn't changed.

Maxwell immediately puts both hands up.

Maxwell Jett: "Chris."

Ross steps forward.

Maxwell Jett: "Think about what you're doing."

Another step.

Maxwell Jett: "Mike's the problem."

Maxwell points frantically past Ross.

Maxwell Jett: "HE'S THE ONE WHO KEEPS BREAKING UP YOUR PINS!"

Ross glances over his shoulder.

Just for a fraction of a second.

Maxwell takes the bait he created himself.

He lunges forward—

Ross spins back around!

HEADBUTT!

Jett's legs buckle.

Ross grabs him by the wrist.

John Phillips: "Maxwell tried to sucker Ross again!"

Ross pulls Jett toward him—

12 GAUGE!

THE RIPCORD HEADBUTT CONNECTS!

Maxwell collapses!

John Phillips: "12 GAUGE!"

Ross drops to make the cover—

MIKE BEST GRABS ROSS FROM BEHIND!

Best yanks Ross backward before he can even hook the leg.

Ross spins around.

Best unloads with a forearm!

Ross answers!

Best fires another!

Ross returns it!

Best!

Ross!

Best!

Ross swings again—

Best ducks!

Ross turns—

SUPERKICK!

Ross staggers backward into the ropes.

Best charges.

RUNNING FOREARM!

The impact sends Ross through the ropes!

Ross crashes to the floor!

John Phillips: "Chris Ross is out!"

Mike Best immediately turns around.

Maxwell Jett is still down.

Best sees him.

The crowd sees him.

And suddenly the entire building realizes what's possible.

John Phillips: "Mike Best has Maxwell Jett all to himself!"

Best walks toward the champion.

Slowly.

His eyes never leave Maxwell.

At ringside, Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington are losing their minds.

Jacoby Jacobs: "MAX! GET UP!"

Darian Darrington: "GET YOUR ASS UP, MAN!"

Maxwell rolls onto his stomach.

He pushes himself onto his hands and knees.

Best watches him rise.

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell doesn't know where Mike Best is."

Jett gets one foot underneath him.

Then the other.

He turns.

Best kicks him in the stomach!

Maxwell doubles over.

Best hooks him.

Maxwell realizes what's happening.

He starts fighting wildly.

Shots to Best's ribs!

Another!

Best loses the grip.

Maxwell stumbles away.

Best grabs his wrist.

Pulls him back—

Maxwell spins through!

Eye rake!

Best staggers backward.

Jett runs forward—

HEAT SEEKER KNEE!

BEST DUCKS!

Maxwell flies past him!

Jett lands and turns around—

BEST DRILLS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!

Maxwell drops to his knees.

Mike Best looks at him.

The crowd rises.

John Phillips: "He's got him!"

Best backs toward the corner.

Maxwell sways on his knees.

His eyes are glassy.

Best measures him.

Mark Bravo: "Maxwell is exactly where Mike wants him!"

Best explodes forward—

John Phillips: "I KNEED A HERO!"

THE KNEE CONNECTS FLUSH!

Maxwell's head snaps backward.

He collapses to the canvas.

Mike Best falls on top of him!

He hooks both legs!

ONE!

The crowd counts with the referee.

TWO!

Chris Ross is still on the floor.

Jacoby and Darian are screaming.

THR—

MAXWELL JETT GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Scotiabank Arena gasps.

John Phillips: "NO! NO! MAXWELL SURVIVED!"

Mike Best sits upright.

He stares at the referee.

Two fingers.

Best nods.

No argument.

No wasted time.

He gets back to his feet.

John Phillips: "Mike Best knows how close he is!"

Best looks down at Maxwell.

Then toward the corner.

He begins climbing.

Mark Bravo: "What's Best doing now?"

Mike reaches the second rope.

Then the top.

Maxwell remains flat on his back.

Best steadies himself.

He looks down.

Then launches—

DIVING ELBOW DROP!

RIGHT INTO MAXWELL'S CHEST!

Jett's entire body jolts from the impact.

Best rolls through.

He's hurting too.

But he gets back up.

Maxwell doesn't.

John Phillips: "Mike Best is pouring it on!"

Best grabs Maxwell by the hair.

He drags the champion upright.

Maxwell can barely stand.

Best hooks him.

Jett's arms hang limp.

Best lifts—

BRAINBUSTER!

MAXWELL IS SPIKED!

The crowd erupts.

Best could cover.

Instead, he looks toward the corner again.

John Phillips: "Mike Best wants to make absolutely certain!"

Best drags Maxwell toward the center of the ring.

He leaves him there.

Then backs away.

All the way into the corner.

Best lowers himself.

His hands grip the ropes on either side of him.

He waits.

Maxwell doesn't move.

Best shouts at him.

Mike Best: "GET UP!"

At ringside, Jacoby slaps the mat.

Jacoby Jacobs: "DON'T GET UP!"

Darian Darrington: "STAY DOWN, MAX!"

Maxwell's fingers move.

He slowly pushes himself up.

Best waits.

Jett reaches his knees.

The Toronto crowd is deafening.

Best explodes out of the corner.

I KNEED A HERO!

AGAIN!

THE KNEE DESTROYS MAXWELL JETT!

Jett crumples.

Mike Best immediately hooks the leg.

John Phillips: "THAT'S IT!"

Mark Bravo: "WE'VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!"

The referee drops.

ONE!

Jacoby Jacobs climbs onto the apron!

The referee sees him and points him down!

Darian grabs Jacoby and pulls him off before he can get them both thrown out.

TWO!

Mike Best squeezes the leg tighter.

Maxwell Jett isn't moving.

Chris Ross is nowhere in sight.

The referee's hand comes down—

ROSS FLIES INTO FRAME!

HE DRIVES BOTH BOOTS INTO MIKE BEST!

Best is knocked completely off Maxwell!

The crowd EXPLODES.

John Phillips: "CHRIS ROSS! CHRIS ROSS AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!"

Best rolls across the ring.

Ross falls beside Maxwell.

All three men are down.

For several seconds, nobody moves.

Mark Bravo: "Mike Best had it!"

John Phillips: "There was nothing left! Maxwell Jett was done!"

Ross begins pushing himself upright.

Mike Best does the same on the opposite side.

They see each other.

Best's expression is pure fury.

Ross gives him a tired grin.

Best charges.

Ross meets him.

FOREARM!

Best answers!

Ross!

Best!

Best gets the advantage!

Elbow!

Another!

A third!

Ross staggers backward.

Best charges—

Ross catches him!

OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY!

Best crashes hard.

Ross gets up.

Best does too.

25 TO LIFE!

BEST DUCKS THE CYCLONE KICK!

Ross spins through.

Best catches him from behind!

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Ross lands hard!

Best maintains the waistlock.

He pulls Ross up again.

SECOND GERMAN!

Ross crashes down!

Best releases.

Ross rolls onto his knees.

Best sees him.

Perfect position.

The crowd rises again.

John Phillips: "Best has another one lined up!"

Mike Best backs into the corner.

Chris Ross is on his knees.

Best charges—

I KNEED A HERO!

ROSS MOVES!

Best's knee misses!

His momentum carries him toward the ropes.

Ross springs up behind him.

Best turns—

25 TO LIFE!

THE CYCLONE KICK CONNECTS!

Mike Best is sent tumbling through the ropes!

He crashes to the floor!

John Phillips: "BEST IS OUT OF THE RING!"

Ross drops to one knee.

He clutches the shoulder.

He looks toward the floor.

Mike Best is down.

Then Ross looks behind him.

Maxwell Jett.

The champion is crawling.

Slowly.

Desperately.

Toward the ropes.

Toward First Class.

Toward safety.

Ross sees him.

His expression changes.

He begins stalking Maxwell.

John Phillips: "Maxwell doesn't know!"

Jett reaches the bottom rope.

Jacoby reaches toward him.

Jacoby Jacobs: "COME ON, MAX!"

Ross grabs Maxwell's ankle.

Jett's eyes go wide.

Maxwell Jett: "NO!"

Ross drags him away from the ropes.

Maxwell claws at the canvas.

Maxwell Jett: "NO! NO! NO!"

Ross pulls him to the center of the ring.

Jett rolls onto his back.

He kicks desperately at Ross.

Ross catches one leg.

Maxwell kicks with the other.

Ross swats it away.

Jett scrambles upright.

Ross grabs the wrist.

Maxwell knows what's coming.

He shakes his head violently.

Maxwell Jett: "NO!"

Ross pulls him forward—

12 GAUGE!

THE RIPCORD HEADBUTT CONNECTS!

Maxwell drops.

Ross looks down at him.

Then toward the floor.

Mike Best is beginning to stir.

Ross knows he doesn't have long.

He grabs Maxwell.

Pulls the champion onto his knees.

Ross steps backward.

Best reaches the apron.

John Phillips: "Mike Best is coming back!"

Ross explodes forward—

25 TO LIFE!

THE CYCLONE KICK DESTROYS MAXWELL!

Jett collapses.

Ross dives on top!

Best pulls himself onto the apron!

ONE!

Best gets one leg through the ropes!

TWO!

Best throws himself forward!

Ross hooks Maxwell's leg tighter!

Best dives—

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

MIKE BEST CRASHES INTO THE PILE A FRACTION OF A SECOND TOO LATE!

Scotiabank Arena ERUPTS.

John Phillips: "ROSS GOT HIM!"

Mark Bravo: "HE DID IT!"

John Phillips: "CHRIS ROSS HAS PINNED MAXWELL JETT!"

Ross rolls away from the impact.

Mike Best immediately sits up.

His eyes are locked on the referee.

The official signals three.

Best closes his eyes.

He knows.

He was too late.

Maxwell Jett hasn't moved.

At ringside, Jacoby Jacobs and Darian Darrington are frozen.

The ring announcer rises.

Ring Announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match..."

The referee retrieves the UTA Championship.

Ring Announcer: "...AND NEEEEEEW..."

Ross gets to his knees.

Ring Announcer: "UTA CHAMPION..."

The championship is placed into his hands.

Ring Announcer: "THE REAPER..."

Ring Announcer: "CHRIS..."

Ring Announcer: "ROSS!"

The building explodes again.

John Phillips: "Chris Ross has done it! The Reaper has recaptured the UTA Championship!"

Ross looks down at the title.

Months of chaos.

Months of stalking Maxwell Jett.

Argentina.

Brazil.

Every warning.

Every promise.

Any time.

Any place.

Anywhere.

And now...

It's his again.

Ross rises.

The referee raises his arm.

Chris Ross raises the UTA Championship high above his head.

John Phillips: "Mike Best was seconds away! Maybe less than seconds! He had Maxwell Jett beaten!"

Mark Bravo: "But that's the Triple Threat, John. Mike Best didn't lose this match. He didn't have to. Chris Ross found the opening, he pinned Maxwell Jett, and that's all that matters."

Mike Best sits against the bottom turnbuckle.

He watches Ross with the championship.

There is frustration written across his face.

But he doesn't argue.

He knows exactly what happened.

Across the ring, Maxwell finally begins to stir.

He looks toward the referee.

Then toward Chris Ross.

Then toward the championship raised above Ross' head.

Maxwell's face goes blank.

The realization hits him.

His championship is gone.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett wanted this match now."

Ross climbs onto the second turnbuckle.

The UTA Championship rises above his head.

John Phillips: "Maxwell Jett demanded this match now."

Jett sits motionless on the canvas.

John Phillips: "And Maxwell Jett has nobody to blame."

Mark Bravo: "His own plan cost him everything."

Chris Ross looks out across Scotiabank Arena.

Then down at Maxwell Jett.

Ross slowly raises the championship one more time.

The Reaper is once again on top of the United Toughness Alliance.

This should hit Susanita’s core character hard: heart, loyalty, and the belief that betrayal has consequences. Her history consistently frames her as someone who values respect and refuses to cheat, even when things get personal.

The camera cuts backstage.

Melissa Cartwright stands in front of the One Last Stop backdrop, microphone in hand.

Beside her is Susanita Ybanez.

Susanita is already dressed for competition.

Her hands are taped.

Her hair is pulled back.

But unlike the usual focused determination we've seen from her, tonight there is something different.

Her eyes are already wet.

Her jaw is tight.

She's trying very hard to keep herself composed.

Melissa Cartwright: "Susanita, after weeks of waiting, weeks of interference, weeks of The Empire doing everything they could to keep this from happening..."

Melissa pauses.

Melissa Cartwright: "Tonight, you finally get Marie Van Claudio one-on-one."

Susanita looks down.

Melissa Cartwright: "What is going through your head right now?"

For several seconds, Susanita doesn't answer.

She takes a breath.

Then another.

When she finally looks back toward Melissa, the emotion is written all over her face.

Susanita Ybanez: "Everything."

Her voice catches slightly.

Susanita Ybanez: "Everything is going through my head."

She swallows hard.

Susanita Ybanez: "Because this isn't just another match for me, Melissa."

Susanita Ybanez: "This isn't about rankings."

Susanita Ybanez: "It isn't about a championship."

Susanita Ybanez: "It isn't about proving that I am the better wrestler."

Susanita shakes her head.

Susanita Ybanez: "This is personal."

Her eyes begin to well up more.

Susanita Ybanez: "Marie was my friend."

Susanita Ybanez: "I believed in her."

Susanita Ybanez: "When people attacked her, I stood beside her."

Susanita Ybanez: "When she was hurt, I worried about her."

Susanita Ybanez: "When she needed someone, I was there."

Susanita wipes underneath one eye with the back of her taped hand.

Susanita Ybanez: "And then she looked me in the face..."

Her voice trembles.

Susanita Ybanez: "...and decided none of that mattered."

She looks away for a moment.

Her breathing becomes heavier.

Susanita Ybanez: "Do you know what that feels like?"

Susanita Ybanez: "To fight for somebody."

Susanita Ybanez: "To trust somebody."

Susanita Ybanez: "To think you know their heart."

Susanita Ybanez: "And then find out that maybe you never knew them at all?"

Melissa doesn't interrupt.

Susanita looks directly into the camera now.

Susanita Ybanez: "Marie, tonight I need you to understand something."

Her sadness begins turning into anger.

Susanita Ybanez: "You cannot just turn your back on your friends."

Susanita Ybanez: "You cannot use people."

Susanita Ybanez: "You cannot betray everyone who stood beside you and then pretend it makes you powerful."

Susanita's voice rises.

Susanita Ybanez: "It doesn't!"

She takes another breath, trying to steady herself.

Susanita Ybanez: "And it isn't only me."

Susanita Ybanez: "You turned your back on all of them too."

She points toward the arena.

Susanita Ybanez: "Every person who cheered for you."

Susanita Ybanez: "Every person who believed in you."

Susanita Ybanez: "Every little girl who looked at Marie Van Claudio and thought she was someone worth believing in."

Susanita shakes her head slowly.

Susanita Ybanez: "You disrespected all of them."

Susanita Ybanez: "You disrespected this entire UTA Universe."

Her fists tighten.

Susanita Ybanez: "And that is not right."

Her voice cracks again.

Susanita Ybanez: "Maybe that sounds stupid to some people."

Susanita Ybanez: "Maybe people will tell me this is wrestling and I should stop taking it so personally."

She shakes her head.

Susanita Ybanez: "No."

Susanita Ybanez: "I take it personally because people matter to me."

Susanita Ybanez: "Friendship matters to me."

Susanita Ybanez: "Respect matters to me."

Susanita Ybanez: "These fans matter to me."

Susanita puts a hand over her heart.

Susanita Ybanez: "And tonight..."

She stares directly into the camera.

Susanita Ybanez: "...I fight for all of it."

Melissa gives her a moment before speaking again.

Melissa Cartwright: "Susanita, throughout this rivalry, Marie hasn't exactly been alone."

Melissa Cartwright: "Amy Harrison."

Melissa Cartwright: "Valkyrie Knoxx."

Melissa Cartwright: "The Empire has repeatedly made its presence felt."

Melissa lowers the microphone slightly.

Melissa Cartwright: "What happens if The Empire gets involved tonight?"

Susanita looks at Melissa.

The emotion disappears from her face for just a second.

Not because she feels less.

Because something inside her has hardened.

She slowly turns back toward the camera.

Susanita Ybanez: "Then The Empire will fall tonight too."

Melissa's eyebrows rise slightly.

Susanita steps closer to the camera.

Susanita Ybanez: "Amy."

Susanita Ybanez: "Valkyrie."

Susanita Ybanez: "Listen to me."

Susanita Ybanez: "If you come to that ring, I will fight you."

Susanita Ybanez: "If you stand between me and Marie, I will go through you."

Susanita Ybanez: "I don't care how many of you there are."

Susanita Ybanez: "I don't care what you have planned."

Her eyes begin watering again, but this time she doesn't wipe them.

Susanita Ybanez: "I have waited too long for this."

Susanita Ybanez: "I have cried too much over this."

Susanita Ybanez: "And I have spent too many nights wondering why someone I cared about could do what Marie did."

Susanita takes a breath.

Susanita Ybanez: "Tonight, I stop wondering."

Susanita Ybanez: "Tonight, I stop chasing her."

Susanita Ybanez: "Tonight, Marie Van Claudio has nowhere left to run."

Susanita's voice drops.

Susanita Ybanez: "And tonight..."

She looks directly into the lens.

Susanita Ybanez: "...Susanita will prevail."

She holds the stare for several seconds.

Then Susanita turns and walks out of frame.

Melissa watches her leave.

The camera lingers on the empty space beside her for a moment before fading.

The camera cuts backstage.

Mikey Unlikely is already in his ring gear, the WrestleZone Championship resting over his shoulder as he makes his way down the hallway toward Gorilla position.

His match is next.

There is a little more focus in Mikey's step than usual tonight.

Maxx Mayhem is not exactly the kind of opponent anyone can prepare for in a conventional sense.

Then, from somewhere behind him—

HONK!

Mikey stops.

His eyes close.

HONK! HONK!

Mikey slowly turns around.

Rolling toward him in the now-infamous battle chair is "Beautiful" Bobby Dean.

The UTA International Championship is draped proudly across Bobby's lap.

Bobby has one hand on the controls and the other raised excitedly in the air.

Bobby Dean: "MIKEY!"

Mikey smiles immediately.

Mikey Unlikely: "There he is."

Bobby rolls up beside him and brings the battle chair to a stop.

Bobby Dean: "I heard you're next."

Mikey Unlikely: "That is generally why I'm walking toward the place where people go before they wrestle, yes."

Bobby nods thoughtfully.

Bobby Dean: "Makes sense."

He looks down at the WrestleZone Championship.

Then back up at Mikey.

Bobby Dean: "Well, I just wanted to come wish you luck."

Mikey's expression softens slightly.

Mikey Unlikely: "Thanks, buddy."

Bobby Dean: "Because Maxx Mayhem is crazy."

Mikey nods.

Mikey Unlikely: "He is."

Bobby Dean: "Like... really crazy."

Mikey Unlikely: "I'm aware."

Bobby Dean: "Like the kind of crazy where you see him walking toward you in a parking lot and you suddenly remember you left something inside."

Mikey considers that.

Mikey Unlikely: "That's actually pretty accurate."

Bobby leans closer.

Bobby Dean: "So here's what you gotta do."

Mikey waits.

Bobby Dean: "Don't let him hit you."

Mikey stares at him.

Bobby Dean: "That's important."

Mikey Unlikely: "That's your advice?"

Bobby Dean: "Well, yeah."

Bobby shrugs.

Bobby Dean: "Every time somebody hits me, it hurts."

Bobby Dean: "So I've started thinking maybe getting hit is actually bad."

Mikey slowly nods.

Mikey Unlikely: "Ten years in the business together and you're still teaching me things."

Bobby Dean: "That's what friends are for."

Bobby smiles proudly.

Bobby Dean: "Also, if things get really bad..."

He pats the armrest of the battle chair.

Bobby Dean: "I can probably get this thing up to about eleven miles an hour downhill."

Mikey Unlikely: "Bobby, you are absolutely not driving that thing into Maxx Mayhem."

Bobby Dean: "Twelve if I skip lunch."

Mikey looks at him.

Bobby thinks about what he just said.

Bobby Dean: "Never mind. Eleven."

Mikey laughs.

Mikey Unlikely: "I'll handle Maxx."

Bobby Dean: "Okay."

Bobby's expression grows slightly more sincere.

Bobby Dean: "Seriously though."

He taps the WrestleZone Championship.

Bobby Dean: "Don't let him take that from you."

Mikey looks down at the title.

Bobby Dean: "You came all the way back here."

Bobby Dean: "You got that thing."

Bobby Dean: "And you're really good at this."

Mikey looks back at Bobby.

Bobby Dean: "Which is kinda annoying sometimes."

Mikey Unlikely: "There he is."

Bobby Dean: "But still."

Bobby smiles.

Bobby Dean: "Go beat him."

Mikey reaches out and pats Bobby on the shoulder.

Mikey Unlikely: "Thanks, Bobbo."

He starts to turn toward Gorilla, then stops.

Mikey Unlikely: "And hey."

Bobby looks up.

Mikey Unlikely: "You've got Lindsey Lothario later."

Bobby's smile fades just a little.

Bobby Dean: "Yeah."

Mikey Unlikely: "Don't sell yourself short."

Bobby looks down at the International Championship across his lap.

Mikey Unlikely: "You still do that."

Bobby Dean: "Do what?"

Mikey Unlikely: "Act like the belt accidentally fell into your lap."

Bobby looks at the championship.

Which is, quite literally, sitting in his lap.

Bobby Dean: "Well..."

Mikey points at him.

Mikey Unlikely: "Not literally."

Bobby Dean: "Oh."

Mikey shakes his head, smiling.

Mikey Unlikely: "You're the International Champion, Bobby."

Mikey Unlikely: "Not because somebody forgot to pick it up."

Mikey Unlikely: "Not because Scott Stevens made a paperwork mistake."

Mikey Unlikely: "Not because the universe thought it'd be funny."

Bobby gives him a skeptical look.

Mikey Unlikely: "Okay, maybe the universe thought it'd be a little funny."

Bobby nods.

Mikey Unlikely: "But you're still the champion."

Mikey Unlikely: "So when Lindsey comes after you tonight..."

Mikey taps Bobby's championship.

Mikey Unlikely: "...make her take it."

Bobby looks down at the International Championship again.

This time, he actually seems to let the words sink in.

Bobby Dean: "Make her take it."

Mikey Unlikely: "Exactly."

Bobby slowly nods.

Bobby Dean: "Okay."

Then his eyes suddenly light up.

Bobby Dean: "And if she tries..."

He pats the battle chair.

Bobby Dean: "Eleven miles an hour."

Mikey laughs and starts walking away.

Mikey Unlikely: "Whatever works, buddy."

Bobby immediately hits the horn.

HONK! HONK!

Bobby Dean: "GO GET 'EM, MIKEY!"

Mikey raises the WrestleZone Championship over his shoulder without turning around.

Bobby watches his old friend disappear toward Gorilla position.

Then Bobby looks down at his own championship.

He considers Mikey's words for a moment.

Bobby Dean: "Make her take it."

Bobby nods.

A little more confidence now.

Then he presses the controls on the battle chair.

It moves approximately six inches.

Stops.

Bobby looks down.

Bobby Dean: "Uh oh."

He hits the horn.

HONK!

We cut away.

The camera cuts backstage.

Mike Best is walking down the hallway.

Slowly.

His hands are planted firmly on his hips.

Sweat pours from his face and chest, his hair soaked from the battle we just witnessed.

There is no smile.

No smirk.

No veteran enjoying one more night under the lights.

Mike Best is furious.

His breathing is still heavy as he moves through the corridor, staring straight ahead like anyone unfortunate enough to step into his path might become collateral damage.

From behind him—

Melissa Cartwright: "Mike!"

Best keeps walking.

Melissa Cartwright: "Mike! Mike, wait!"

Melissa Cartwright jogs into frame, quickly catching up beside him with her microphone in hand.

Melissa Cartwright: "Mike, do you have anything to say after what we just saw out there?"

Best suddenly stops.

Melissa almost walks past him.

Mike slowly turns his head.

The look he gives her makes Melissa instinctively take half a step back.

Mike Best: "Do I have anything to say?"

Melissa keeps the microphone raised.

Mike Best: "Yeah."

Best takes a breath through his nose.

Mike Best: "I got plenty to fucking say."

He turns completely toward her now.

Mike Best: "You wanna talk about the match?"

Mike Best: "Let's talk about the match."

Mike points back toward the arena.

Mike Best: "I had Maxwell Jett beaten."

Melissa starts to speak.

Mike Best: "No."

He raises one finger.

Mike Best: "Don't."

Melissa stops.

Mike Best: "Don't give me the Triple Threat speech."

Mike Best: "Don't tell me Chris Ross was legally allowed to break up the pin."

Mike Best: "Don't tell me there were no disqualifications."

Mike Best: "Don't tell me that's the nature of the match."

His voice rises.

Mike Best: "I KNOW HOW A FUCKING TRIPLE THREAT WORKS."

The hallway goes quiet around them.

Several crew members in the background suddenly find other things to be doing.

Mike Best: "I have been doing this longer than half that locker room has been legally allowed to drive."

Mike Best: "I don't need anybody explaining wrestling to me."

Mike points toward himself.

Mike Best: "I hit Maxwell Jett with I KNEED A HERO."

Mike Best: "I had him dead in the middle of that ring."

Mike Best: "One."

Mike Best: "Two."

He holds up three fingers.

Mike Best: "And everybody in that fucking building knew what came next."

Mike lowers his hand.

Mike Best: "Mike Best becomes UTA Champion."

His jaw tightens.

Mike Best: "But Chris Ross couldn't let that happen."

Mike Best: "Could he?"

Melissa carefully responds.

Melissa Cartwright: "Chris Ross was trying to win the championship too."

Mike immediately laughs.

There is absolutely no humor in it.

Mike Best: "Thank you, Melissa."

Mike Best: "Thank you for that incredible insight."

Melissa's expression hardens slightly.

Mike Best: "Yes."

Mike Best: "Chris Ross wanted the championship."

Mike Best: "And how did he get it?"

Mike spreads his hands.

Mike Best: "By waiting for me to do the fucking work."

There it is.

The bitterness is becoming something else now.

Mike Best: "I beat Maxwell."

Mike Best: "I broke Maxwell down."

Mike Best: "I was seconds away from finishing this cute little championship fairy tale everybody has been telling themselves."

Mike Best: "And then Chris Ross throws me out of the equation and pins the body I left behind."

Mike shakes his head.

Mike Best: "Congratulations."

Slow clap.

Mike Best: "What a champion."

Melissa studies him.

Melissa Cartwright: "But Mike, you also broke up several of Chris Ross' pin attempts during the match."

Mike stares at her.

A long silence.

Mike Best: "Yeah."

He steps closer.

Mike Best: "Because I'm Mike fucking Best."

Melissa doesn't move.

Mike Best: "There's the difference."

Mike Best: "When I stop somebody from winning, it's because I'm going to beat them myself."

Mike Best: "When Chris Ross does it, it's because he knows he can't."

Mike turns away for a second, hands returning to his hips.

Mike Best: "You know what I've heard since I walked through the door here?"

He looks back at Melissa.

Mike Best: "Welcome back, Mike."

Mike Best: "What a surprise, Mike."

Mike Best: "It's so great to see you, Mike."

Mike Best: "Hall of Famer Mike Best is in the UTA."

He mockingly nods along with every phrase.

Mike Best: "Everybody wanted the nostalgia moment."

Mike Best: "Everybody wanted to clap because the old guy showed up."

Mike Best: "Everybody wanted their little photograph of Mike Best standing in a UTA ring."

His expression hardens.

Mike Best: "Well, take your fucking picture."

Mike spreads his arms.

Mike Best: "Here I am."

Mike Best: "And now that everybody has gotten the novelty out of their system, maybe you can start paying attention."

Mike steps toward the camera.

Mike Best: "I did not come here for nostalgia."

Mike Best: "I did not come here to wave to the crowd."

Mike Best: "I did not come here to help Chris Ross finish some sad little redemption story."

Mike Best: "And I sure as hell did not come here to make Maxwell Jett look good."

Mike gets even closer to the lens.

Mike Best: "I came here to become UTA Champion."

He pauses.

Mike Best: "And tonight..."

Mike's eyes narrow.

Mike Best: "...I was screwed out of it."

Melissa raises the microphone slightly.

Melissa Cartwright: "By Chris Ross?"

Mike turns toward her again.

Mike Best: "By everybody."

Melissa looks confused.

Mike Best: "Chris Ross."

Mike Best: "Maxwell Jett."

Mike Best: "Scott Stevens."

Mike Best: "This company."

Mike taps his own chest.

Mike Best: "You put Mike Best in a championship match and then surround him with chaos because that's what makes good television."

Mike Best: "Great."

Mike Best: "Congratulations."

Mike Best: "You got your television."

He points toward the arena again.

Mike Best: "You got your surprise title change."

Mike Best: "You got Chris Ross standing there holding the belt."

Mike Best: "Everybody gets their moment."

His voice drops.

Mike Best: "Except the best wrestler in the fucking match."

Melissa gives him a long look.

Melissa Cartwright: "So what happens now?"

Mike takes several seconds before answering.

When he does, the anger is quieter.

More dangerous.

Mike Best: "Now?"

He wipes sweat from his forehead with his wrist.

Mike Best: "Now I stop being nice."

Melissa's expression changes.

Mike Best: "Because apparently that's where I fucked up."

Mike Best: "I came into this company smiling."

Mike Best: "I shook hands."

Mike Best: "I played the returning legend."

Mike Best: "I let everybody have their fun."

Mike slowly shakes his head.

Mike Best: "That version of Mike Best didn't become UTA Champion tonight."

He looks directly into the camera.

Mike Best: "So that version of Mike Best is fucking dead."

Melissa lowers the microphone slightly.

Mike begins walking away.

Then stops after two steps.

He doesn't turn around.

Mike Best: "Chris."

Mike looks over his shoulder toward the camera.

Mike Best: "Enjoy my championship."

Mike Best: "You won't have it long."

Mike Best turns and continues down the hallway.

Melissa remains where she is.

The camera stays with Best as he disappears around the corner.

No smile.

No nostalgia.

No celebration that the Son of GOD is back.

Tonight, Mike Best lost an opportunity.

And judging by the look on his face...

he intends to make that everyone else's problem.

Back at ringside, the energy inside Scotiabank Arena begins to rise again as the camera sweeps across the packed Toronto crowd.

We settle on the ring, where the official stands waiting for our next contest.

John Phillips: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have already seen championship gold change hands tonight, and now another champion is about to step into the ring."

Mark Bravo: "Not defending it, though, Johnny. Important distinction. Maxx Mayhem doesn't get the WrestleZone Championship if he somehow pulls this thing off."

John Phillips: "No, the championship is not on the line, but you have to believe a victory over the champion would put Maxx Mayhem squarely into that conversation."

Mark Bravo: "Conversation? You beat the champion, you don't start a conversation. You kick his door down and demand the match."

The arena lights suddenly begin to dim.

The video wall flickers.

Paparazzi flashes.

A red carpet.

Hollywood marquees.

Images from a career spanning championships, arenas, movie sets, red carpets, and more than a few questionable fashion decisions flash across the massive screen.

Then everything cuts to black.

One word appears.

UNLIKELY

The Toronto crowd erupts.

♫ "Blunt Blowin" by Lil Wayne ♫

John Phillips: "Listen to Toronto!"

The beat hits and Mikey Unlikely steps through the curtain.

The WrestleZone Championship is fastened firmly around his waist.

Mikey stops at the top of the stage.

He doesn't immediately start toward the ring.

Why would he?

The World's Greatest Entertainer knows how this works.

You don't rush the shot.

You let the camera find you.

Mikey slowly spreads his arms and turns his head from one side of Scotiabank Arena to the other, soaking in the reaction.

Then he looks down.

At the championship.

He runs his hand across the faceplate before looking directly into the camera.

That familiar grin appears.

Mark Bravo: "This man has never met a camera he didn't believe was there specifically for him."

John Phillips: "Maybe because quite a few of them have been."

Mark Bravo: "Don't encourage him."

Mikey starts down the ramp.

There is a swagger to every step.

Not the swagger of somebody trying to convince everyone he belongs.

Mikey Unlikely has been doing this far too long for that.

This is the swagger of somebody who knows exactly who he is.

John Phillips: "It really has been remarkable watching Mikey Unlikely back in the UTA. More than a decade of history with this company, a member of the Hall of Fame, and now once again carrying championship gold."

Mark Bravo: "International Affair wasn't some ceremonial return either. Mikey walked into the All or Nothing Rumble and walked back out as WrestleZone Champion."

John Phillips: "And since then, Mikey has made it very clear that this isn't a nostalgia tour."

Mikey reaches toward the fans lining the barricade, slapping several outstretched hands as he continues toward ringside.

One fan holds up an old Hollywood Bruvs sign.

Mikey notices it.

Stops.

Points.

Then gives the fan an approving nod.

Mark Bravo: "See? That's Mikey's favorite kind of fan."

John Phillips: "Someone who's been watching for years?"

Mark Bravo: "Someone carrying a picture of Mikey."

Mikey reaches ringside and walks around the ring instead of immediately entering.

He stops in front of the hard camera.

Unfastens the WrestleZone Championship.

Looks at it.

Looks into the camera.

And raises the championship high overhead.

Another roar rolls through the arena.

John Phillips: "That championship has a long history of its own, and Mikey Unlikely is writing another chapter in it."

Mikey lowers the belt and heads toward the steel steps.

He climbs onto the apron, pauses once more to look out over Toronto, then steps between the ropes.

Once inside, Mikey heads straight for the nearest corner.

Second rope.

Championship raised.

Flashbulbs fire throughout the building.

Mark Bravo: "There it is. That's going on Instagram before the bell rings."

John Phillips: "Do you even use Instagram?"

Mark Bravo: "No."

John Phillips: "Then how would you know?"

Mark Bravo: "I understand branding, Johnny."

Mikey hops down from the turnbuckles and walks toward the center of the ring.

The referee approaches and Mikey hands over the WrestleZone Championship, though not before giving the faceplate one final pat.

The official raises the championship overhead.

Again, it is not being defended tonight.

But it is impossible to ignore what it represents.

Mikey Unlikely is the WrestleZone Champion.

And Maxx Mayhem is about to get an opportunity to beat him.

John Phillips: "Mikey Unlikely looks ready."

Mark Bravo: "He better be. Because all the Hollywood polish, all the experience, and all the championship gold in the world doesn't prepare you for Maxx Mayhem."

John Phillips: "And speaking of Mayhem..."

Mikey backs into his corner as his music begins to fade.

His eyes move toward the entrance.

The smile remains.

But now the World's Greatest Entertainer waits to see exactly what kind of insanity is coming through that curtain.

Mikey Unlikely waits in his corner.

The arena lights begin to flicker.

Once.

Twice.

Then the video wall suddenly fills with static.

A siren screams through Scotiabank Arena.

Not a clean production siren.

Something harsher.

More like somebody hijacked an emergency broadcast system.

John Phillips: "And here we go."

Mark Bravo: "That is never a reassuring sentence when Maxx Mayhem is involved."

The static cuts out.

♫ "Holiday" by Green Day ♫

The opening guitar riff hits.

Nothing happens.

Mikey raises an eyebrow.

The crowd waits.

Still nothing.

Mark Bravo: "Did he miss his cue?"

John Phillips: "With Maxx Mayhem, I'm not convinced there was ever a cue."

Suddenly, a trash can lid comes flying through the curtain.

It skids across the stage.

A second later, Maxx Mayhem bursts through after it.

He is cackling.

Not smiling.

Cackling.

Maxx scoops the trash can lid up off the floor and begins smashing it against the side of his own head in rhythm with the music.

CLANG!

CLANG!

CLANG!

The crowd reacts with a mixture of cheers and complete disbelief.

John Phillips: "I don't know why I expected anything else."

Mark Bravo: "Because you're an optimist."

Maxx stops at the top of the ramp.

He holds the trash can lid up like a championship belt.

Then looks down at it.

Frowns.

Turns it around.

Looks at it again.

Then nods approvingly.

Maxx Mayhem: "THERE IT IS!"

Maxx throws the lid over his shoulder.

It nearly hits a stagehand.

The stagehand ducks just in time.

Maxx doesn't even notice.

He begins marching down the ramp.

Not walking.

Marching.

High knees.

Arms swinging.

For absolutely no reason.

Mark Bravo: "He looks like he's invading a country by himself."

John Phillips: "And losing."

Halfway down the ramp, Maxx suddenly stops.

He turns toward a fan holding a sign that reads:

MAXX MAYHEM NEEDS THERAPY

Maxx reads it.

Slowly nods.

Then points at the fan.

Maxx Mayhem: "YOU'RE NOT WRONG!"

The crowd laughs.

Maxx slaps the top of the barricade and continues down the ramp.

Then he sees a ringside camera.

He stops.

Walks directly toward it.

The camera operator backs up.

Maxx follows.

The camera backs up again.

Maxx follows again.

John Phillips: "Leave the cameraman alone."

Maxx finally leans directly into the lens.

His face fills the screen.

He stares into it.

Then sticks out his tongue and licks the camera lens.

The picture immediately blurs.

Mark Bravo: "Oh, come on!"

John Phillips: "Someone sanitize that camera."

Maxx turns toward the announce desk.

Phillips sees him coming.

John Phillips: "No."

Maxx keeps coming.

John Phillips: "Absolutely not."

Maxx stops in front of the desk.

He looks at Phillips.

Then Bravo.

Then at the WrestleZone Championship resting at ringside.

Maxx reaches toward it.

The official quickly pulls the belt away.

Maxx freezes.

He slowly looks at the referee.

Maxx Mayhem: "Rude."

He turns toward commentary.

Maxx Mayhem: "You two got anything valuable?"

Mark Bravo: "Not anymore."

Maxx nods.

Maxx Mayhem: "Good answer."

He suddenly SLAPS the announce desk with both hands.

Phillips jumps.

Maxx laughs hysterically.

John Phillips: "I hate him."

Maxx finally turns toward the ring.

Mikey Unlikely has been watching all of this from his corner.

Arms crossed.

Expression somewhere between amusement and concern.

Maxx sees him.

The grin disappears.

For just a second.

Maxx points at Mikey.

Then points at the WrestleZone Championship.

Then makes a throat-cutting motion.

Then immediately follows it by blowing Mikey a kiss.

Mark Bravo: "I genuinely don't know what message that was supposed to send."

John Phillips: "I don't think Maxx does either."

Maxx circles the ring.

He reaches underneath the apron.

The referee immediately leans through the ropes.

Referee: "NO!"

Maxx stops.

Slowly pulls his empty hand back out.

He raises both hands innocently.

Maxx Mayhem: "I wasn't doing anything."

The referee points toward the ring.

Referee: "GET IN HERE!"

Maxx looks at the ring.

Then the referee.

Then the ring again.

He shrugs.

And takes off running.

Maxx sprints around the entire ring.

One full lap.

Then a second.

By the third, the crowd is clapping along.

John Phillips: "What is he doing?!"

Mark Bravo: "Cardio."

On the fourth lap, Maxx suddenly dives under the bottom rope.

He slides almost all the way across the ring.

Stops just short of Mikey's boots.

Maxx looks up.

Mikey looks down.

Maxx smiles.

Maxx Mayhem: "Hi."

Mikey slowly looks toward the referee.

Mikey Unlikely: "This is the guy?"

The referee just shrugs.

Maxx springs back to his feet.

He runs to the opposite corner.

Climbs to the second rope.

Throws both arms wide.

Maxx Mayhem: "ORDER IS FOR COWARDS!"

The crowd reacts loudly.

Maxx Mayhem: "LET'S MAKE SOME MAYHEM!"

Maxx jumps down.

He begins pacing in a tight circle.

Fast.

Muttering to himself.

Slapping the side of his own head.

Getting himself increasingly worked up.

John Phillips: "Mikey Unlikely has experience against just about every kind of competitor imaginable."

Mark Bravo: "Not this kind."

John Phillips: "No."

Mark Bravo: "There may not be another one of this kind."

Maxx finally stops pacing.

He turns toward Mikey.

The grin comes back.

Wide.

Uncomfortable.

Completely unhinged.

Mikey removes his entrance jacket and hands it through the ropes.

His eyes never leave Maxx.

The referee steps between them.

On one side:

The polished, experienced WrestleZone Champion.

On the other:

A man who just licked a television camera and ran four laps around the ring for no discernible reason.

John Phillips: "Mikey Unlikely versus Maxx Mayhem."

Mark Bravo: "Good luck, Mikey."

The referee checks both men.

Maxx keeps bouncing from foot to foot.

Mikey shakes his head.

The official signals for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

Mikey Unlikely steps out of his corner.

Maxx Mayhem does not.

Maxx remains crouched in his corner, gripping the middle rope with both hands.

Staring at Mikey.

Grinning.

Mikey takes another step forward.

Nothing.

Mikey looks toward the referee.

Mikey Unlikely: "Are we doing this?"

The referee looks at Maxx.

Referee: "Come on, Maxx!"

Maxx suddenly explodes out of the corner!

Mikey immediately braces himself—

Maxx runs right past him.

Hits the opposite ropes.

Comes back.

Runs past Mikey again.

Hits the ropes.

Back again.

Mikey turns each time, increasingly confused.

John Phillips: "What is he doing?"

Mark Bravo: "Building momentum?"

Maxx hits the ropes again.

This time Mikey anticipates him.

Dropkick!

Maxx runs directly into both boots!

He crashes to the canvas.

Mikey pops back to his feet.

He spreads his arms.

Mikey Unlikely: "Was that the plan?"

The Toronto crowd laughs.

Maxx sits upright.

He rubs his jaw.

Then starts laughing.

Mark Bravo: "Apparently."

Maxx springs back up.

This time the two men circle.

Mikey raises a hand.

Maxx raises his.

Collar-and-elbow tie-up—

No.

Maxx drops flat onto his stomach.

Mikey grabs nothing but air.

Maxx rolls underneath Mikey's legs.

Springs back up behind him.

And slaps Mikey on the back of the head.

Mikey freezes.

The crowd reacts.

Maxx immediately takes off running.

John Phillips: "Oh, that's a mistake."

Mikey gives chase.

Maxx circles the ring.

Mikey follows.

Maxx abruptly stops.

Mikey nearly runs into him.

Maxx drops down.

Drop toe hold!

Mikey goes face-first into the middle turnbuckle!

Maxx jumps onto his back.

Schoolboy!

ONE!

Mikey kicks out immediately.

Both men spring up.

Mikey swings.

Maxx ducks.

Maxx throws a wild right hand.

Mikey ducks.

Maxx spins all the way around.

Mikey catches him.

Waistlock!

TAKEDOWN!

Mikey rides Maxx to the canvas.

Front facelock.

Maxx tries rolling.

Mikey follows.

Maxx tries rolling the opposite direction.

Mikey follows again.

Maxx stops.

Looks toward the referee.

Maxx Mayhem: "HE'S FOLLOWING ME!"

Referee: "That's wrestling!"

Maxx Mayhem: "CREEPY!"

Mikey tightens the hold.

Mikey Unlikely: "You asked for this match!"

Maxx Mayhem: "I MAKE BAD DECISIONS!"

Mark Bravo: "Finally, something we can all agree on."

Maxx works himself back to one knee.

Mikey keeps the headlock secured.

Maxx reaches toward the ropes.

Too far.

So Maxx bites Mikey's forearm.

Mikey Unlikely: "OW! WHAT THE HELL?!"

Mikey immediately releases him.

The referee jumps between them.

Referee: "NO BITING!"

Maxx looks offended.

Maxx Mayhem: "I DIDN'T BITE HIM!"

Mikey holds up his arm.

Mikey Unlikely: "YOUR TEETH ARE STILL IN MY ARM!"

Maxx looks at Mikey's arm.

Then at the referee.

Maxx Mayhem: "Circumstantial."

John Phillips: "Circumstantial?!"

Mikey has heard enough.

He pushes past the referee.

Maxx swings.

Mikey blocks it.

RIGHT HAND!

Maxx staggers.

Another!

And another!

Mikey grabs Maxx by the wrist.

Irish whip!

Maxx hits the ropes.

Mikey catches him coming back—

POWERSLAM!

Mikey hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Maxx kicks out!

Mikey immediately transitions into a grounded headlock.

John Phillips: "And this is where the experience of Mikey Unlikely becomes important. Maxx wants chaos. Mikey needs to keep him grounded."

Mark Bravo: "You can't cause mayhem if you're lying on your face."

Maxx starts fighting up.

Mikey keeps pressure on him.

Maxx gets to his feet.

He drives an elbow into Mikey's stomach.

Another.

A third breaks the hold.

Maxx hits the ropes.

Mikey leapfrogs him.

Maxx rebounds.

Mikey drops down.

Maxx jumps over him.

Hits the opposite ropes.

Mikey rises—

Maxx stops dead.

Mikey waits.

Maxx waits.

They stare at each other.

Maxx slowly raises one finger.

Maxx Mayhem: "Hold on."

Maxx bends over.

Puts both hands on his knees.

Starts breathing heavily.

Maxx Mayhem: "Too much running."

Mikey stares at him.

Mark Bravo: "Four laps before the match may have been a tactical error."

Maxx holds up his finger again.

Maxx Mayhem: "Time out."

Mikey looks toward the crowd.

The crowd laughs.

Mikey looks back at Maxx.

Then shrugs.

SUPERKICK!

Maxx goes down!

John Phillips: "THERE ARE NO TIMEOUTS!"

Mikey drops into the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey sits up.

He nods.

Enough games.

Mikey pulls Maxx back to his feet.

European uppercut!

Maxx backs into the corner.

Mikey follows.

Knife-edge chop!

SMACK!

Maxx grabs his chest.

Maxx Mayhem: "WHY?!"

Another chop!

SMACK!

Maxx Mayhem: "I THOUGHT WE WERE HAVING FUN!"

Mikey grabs his wrist.

Irish whip across the ring!

Maxx crashes into the opposite turnbuckles.

Mikey charges.

Maxx gets a boot up!

Mikey catches it.

Maxx hops on one leg.

He looks down at his trapped foot.

Then at Mikey.

He smiles.

ENZUIGIRI!

Mikey releases the leg and staggers sideways.

Maxx climbs onto the second rope.

He launches—

MISSILE DROPKICK!

Mikey goes down!

Maxx crawls into the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

Mikey kicks out!

Maxx sits up.

He looks at the referee.

Holds up three fingers.

The referee holds up two.

Maxx looks at his own fingers.

He puts one down.

Now he's holding up two.

He nods.

Maxx Mayhem: "Okay."

Mark Bravo: "Excellent officiating."

Maxx gets back to his feet.

Mikey is already rising.

Maxx charges.

Running knee!

Mikey ducks!

Maxx crashes knee-first into the turnbuckles!

He stumbles backward.

Mikey hooks him around the waist.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Maxx lands hard!

Mikey maintains control.

He pulls Maxx up.

SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!

Mikey releases this time.

Maxx rolls toward the ropes.

Mikey gets up.

He waits.

Maxx slowly pulls himself upright.

Mikey charges—

Maxx suddenly drops and pulls down the top rope!

Mikey's momentum carries him over!

He crashes to the floor!

John Phillips: "And there it is! Just when Mikey seems to have him figured out, Maxx does something completely different!"

Maxx looks down at Mikey.

Then toward the opposite ropes.

Then back at Mikey.

The grin returns.

Mark Bravo: "Oh no."

Maxx takes off.

He hits the opposite ropes.

Sprints back across the ring.

Mikey begins getting up on the floor.

Maxx launches himself between the ropes—

SUICIDE DIVE!

MAXX CRASHES INTO MIKEY!

Both men slam into the barricade!

The crowd erupts.

John Phillips: "MAYHEM TAKES FLIGHT!"

Both men are down.

Maxx slowly sits up.

He looks around.

Then begins laughing again.

Mikey remains against the barricade, clutching his ribs.

Maxx gets to his feet.

He grabs Mikey by the head.

And suddenly the silliness is gone.

Maxx drives Mikey face-first into the barricade!

Mikey staggers backward.

Maxx grabs him again.

He sends the WrestleZone Champion shoulder-first into the steel steps!

CRASH!

Mikey hits hard.

Maxx stands over him.

His head tilts slightly.

That strange smile creeps back across his face.

John Phillips: "This is what makes Maxx Mayhem dangerous. It's easy to laugh at him. It's easy to dismiss all the bizarre behavior."

Mark Bravo: "Until he starts hurting you."

Maxx reaches down.

He grabs Mikey by the hair.

Pulls him back toward the ring.

And rolls the WrestleZone Champion underneath the bottom rope.

Maxx climbs onto the apron.

Mikey slowly pushes himself onto his hands and knees.

Maxx watches him.

The grin disappears again.

He grips the top rope.

Waiting.

For the first time tonight...

Maxx Mayhem looks completely serious.

Maxx Mayhem grips the top rope from the apron.

Mikey Unlikely is on his hands and knees in the center of the ring, still trying to recover from being driven into the steps.

Maxx watches him.

Still.

Focused.

Then he springs up—

JUMPING SENTON OVER THE TOP ROPE!

MAXX CRASHES DOWN ACROSS MIKEY'S BACK!

Mikey is flattened!

John Phillips: "Good lord! Maxx Mayhem just crushed the WrestleZone Champion!"

Maxx rolls Mikey over.

Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

MIKEY KICKS OUT!

Maxx sits up.

He looks at the referee.

No argument this time.

He just smiles.

Then grabs Mikey by the head and pulls him upright.

SNAP DDT!

Mikey is planted.

Maxx covers again!

ONE!

TWO!

Mikey kicks out again!

Mark Bravo: "This is a very different Maxx Mayhem now."

John Phillips: "Exactly. The jokes are gone, and this is the version of Maxx that makes him dangerous."

Maxx gets back to his feet.

He drags Mikey toward the corner.

Whips him hard into the turnbuckles.

Mikey hits chest-first and staggers backward.

Maxx runs the ropes.

DISCUS ELBOW!

Mikey drops!

Maxx hooks both legs.

ONE!

TWO!

MIKEY GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Maxx pounds the canvas once.

Then twice.

Not angry.

Excited.

Maxx Mayhem: "Come on, movie star!"

Maxx pulls Mikey back up.

Mikey fires a forearm into his stomach.

Maxx responds with a clubbing shot across the back.

Mikey fires another.

Maxx clubs him again.

Mikey drops to one knee.

Maxx grabs the wrist.

Irish whip into the corner!

Maxx takes off after him!

John Phillips: "Crash Course!"

MAXX LEAPS—

FULL-SPEED CANNONBALL!

MIKEY MOVES!

Maxx crashes spine-first into the turnbuckles!

The ring shakes!

Mark Bravo: "He flattened himself!"

Maxx collapses out of the corner.

Mikey falls against the ropes, trying to catch his breath.

Both men are down.

The crowd begins clapping.

Mikey gets to his knees first.

Maxx follows.

They rise together.

Maxx swings wildly.

Mikey ducks.

SUPERKICK!

Maxx staggers backward.

Mikey fires another kick into the body.

Then a sharp forearm.

Another!

Maxx backs into the ropes.

Mikey whips him across.

Maxx rebounds—

SPINEBUSTER!

Mikey plants him!

Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey gets right back up.

He looks toward the corner.

Then toward Maxx.

Mikey grabs him by the head.

Pulls him upright.

Maxx suddenly rakes Mikey across the eyes!

Referee: "HEY!"

Maxx Mayhem: "ACCIDENT!"

Mikey stumbles away.

Maxx charges.

SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Mikey hits hard.

Maxx immediately grabs the leg.

ANKLE LOCK!

Mikey shouts as Maxx twists the ankle.

John Phillips: "Tapout Terror!"

Maxx leans back harder.

Maxx Mayhem: "SHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Mikey looks back at him in disbelief.

Maxx Mayhem: "SHHHHHHHHH!"

Maxx twists harder.

Mikey crawls toward the ropes.

John Phillips: "Mikey needs the ropes!"

Mikey reaches.

Almost.

Maxx pulls him back toward the center.

Mark Bravo: "Maxx Mayhem may actually submit Mikey Unlikely!"

Mikey rolls forward!

Maxx loses his grip and gets thrown toward the ropes.

He rebounds—

MIKEY CATCHES HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!

Maxx drops to his knees.

Mikey grabs him.

SNAP SUPLEX!

Mikey floats over.

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey sits up.

He nods.

Now both men are breathing heavily.

Maxx rolls toward the apron.

Mikey follows.

Maxx slips through the ropes to the floor.

Mikey reaches through to grab him—

Maxx pulls Mikey throat-first across the middle rope!

Mikey recoils.

Maxx reaches beneath the ring.

John Phillips: "No, no, no."

He pulls out a steel chair.

The referee immediately slides halfway through the ropes.

Referee: "PUT IT DOWN!"

Maxx looks at the chair.

Then the referee.

Maxx Mayhem: "This?"

Referee: "YES, THAT!"

Maxx looks confused.

Maxx Mayhem: "I found it."

Referee: "PUT IT DOWN!"

Maxx sighs.

He drops the chair.

Then kicks it angrily underneath the ring.

Mark Bravo: "He's disappointed."

Maxx climbs back onto the apron.

Mikey is waiting.

RIGHT HAND!

Maxx nearly falls off.

Mikey grabs him through the ropes.

Maxx fires a shoulder into Mikey's stomach.

Another.

Mikey backs up.

Maxx slingshots himself over the ropes—

MIKEY CATCHES HIM IN MID-AIR!

POWERSLAM!

Maxx is driven into the canvas!

Mikey hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey can't believe it.

John Phillips: "Maxx Mayhem keeps finding ways to survive!"

Mikey gets back to his feet.

He grabs Maxx by the wrist.

Pulls him up.

Maxx fires a right hand.

Mikey answers.

Maxx!

Mikey!

Maxx!

Mikey!

The crowd starts reacting to each shot.

Maxx suddenly HEADBUTTS Mikey.

Mikey staggers.

Maxx laughs.

Mikey steps back in.

HEADBUTTS MAXX RIGHT BACK!

Maxx staggers now.

He looks offended.

Maxx Mayhem: "HEY!"

Mikey fires a forearm.

Maxx responds with one of his own.

Mikey hits another.

Maxx swings—

Mikey ducks.

Maxx turns around.

Mikey hooks him from behind.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Maxx lands on his shoulders!

But somehow rolls through!

He's back on his feet!

Mikey turns—

DISCUS ELBOW!

MIKEY DROPS!

Maxx collapses onto him!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MIKEY KICKS OUT!

The crowd erupts.

Maxx sits upright.

The grin slowly fades.

For the first time, frustration starts to creep in.

He looks toward the corner.

Then back at Mikey.

Maxx gets to his feet.

He pulls Mikey up.

Irish whip into the corner!

Mikey crashes into the turnbuckles.

Maxx backs all the way across the ring.

John Phillips: "He's looking for Crash Course again!"

Maxx starts screaming.

Maxx Mayhem: "MAYHEMMMMMMMM!"

He takes off.

Full speed.

Maxx leaps—

CRASH COURSE!

THE CANNONBALL CONNECTS!

MIKEY IS CRUSHED IN THE CORNER!

Maxx crashes down too!

John Phillips: "HE GOT ALL OF IT!"

Maxx crawls away from the corner.

He grabs Mikey by the ankle.

Drags the champion out toward the center.

Mikey looks completely dazed.

Maxx rolls toward the ropes.

Then suddenly slides out to the floor.

Mark Bravo: "Where is he going now?"

Maxx reaches under the ring again.

The referee immediately starts shouting.

Referee: "MAXX!"

Maxx ignores him.

He pulls something out.

A folding chair.

The crowd reacts.

John Phillips: "We just went through this!"

Maxx looks at the chair.

Then at Mikey.

Then at the referee.

His grin returns.

He slides the chair into the ring.

The referee immediately grabs it.

Maxx climbs onto the apron.

The official is yelling at him while trying to get the chair out of the ring.

Maxx looks past him.

Mikey is slowly getting back to his feet.

Maxx steps through the ropes.

The referee turns away for just a second to slide the chair out—

MAXX RUSHES MIKEY!

MIKEY DUCKS!

Maxx nearly crashes into the referee!

He stops just in time.

Maxx turns—

SUPERKICK!

Maxx drops to one knee!

Mikey takes a step back.

Measures him.

Charges—

RUNNING KNEE!

MAXX IS FLATTENED!

Mikey falls into the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MAXX MAYHEM KICKS OUT!

The entire arena erupts.

Mikey rolls onto his back.

He stares up at the lights.

Maxx lies beside him.

Both men are spent.

John Phillips: "Mikey Unlikely just threw almost everything he had at Maxx Mayhem, and somehow Mayhem is still alive!"

Mark Bravo: "He's too crazy to know when he's beaten."

Mikey slowly turns his head.

Looks at Maxx.

Then starts pulling himself back to his feet.

Mikey Unlikely slowly gets back to his feet.

Across from him, Maxx Mayhem rolls onto his stomach.

Then onto his hands and knees.

Mikey watches him.

Waits.

Maxx pushes himself upright.

Still smiling.

Still somehow enjoying this.

John Phillips: "Both men have absorbed a lot here, but Mikey Unlikely is still the fresher of the two."

Mark Bravo: "Which means Maxx is probably about to do something incredibly stupid."

Maxx reaches his feet.

Mikey charges.

FOREARM!

Maxx answers with one of his own.

Mikey fires another.

Maxx fires back.

Mikey.

Maxx.

Mikey finally gets the better of it with a sharp knee to the stomach.

Maxx doubles over.

Mikey grabs the head.

SNAP DDT!

Maxx is planted.

Mikey rolls him over.

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey immediately sits up.

He glances toward the referee.

Then back at Maxx.

No frustration.

Just calculation.

John Phillips: "Mikey is starting to piece this together. He knows Maxx is not going away easily."

Mikey pulls Maxx upright.

Whips him across the ring.

Maxx rebounds.

Mikey lowers his shoulder.

Maxx leapfrogs him!

Mikey turns.

Maxx spins—

DISCUS ELBOW!

Mikey ducks!

Maxx keeps spinning.

He stops facing the wrong direction.

Mikey looks at him.

Maxx looks over his shoulder.

Maxx Mayhem: "Aw, shit."

Mikey grabs him from behind.

BACKDROP DRIVER!

Maxx lands high on his shoulders!

Mikey maintains control.

Pulls him back up.

SECOND BACKDROP DRIVER!

Maxx folds up again!

Mikey finally releases.

Maxx rolls toward the corner.

Mark Bravo: "This is where Mikey's experience is taking over."

Mikey waits for Maxx to pull himself upright.

Maxx reaches the turnbuckles.

Uses them to stand.

Mikey charges—

CORNER FOREARM!

Maxx gets rocked.

Mikey hooks the waist.

He pulls Maxx out of the corner.

GERMAN SUPLEX!

Maxx lands hard!

Mikey bridges!

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey rolls through to his feet.

Maxx stays down.

Mikey looks toward the crowd.

Then signals that he's ready to finish it.

John Phillips: "Mikey may have him now."

Mikey backs into the corner.

He lowers himself.

Waits.

Maxx slowly gets to one knee.

Mikey charges—

RUNNING KNEE!

MAXX MOVES!

Mikey crashes knee-first into the turnbuckles!

He recoils in pain.

Maxx is suddenly behind him.

SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Mikey goes down!

Maxx hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

MIKEY KICKS OUT!

Maxx rolls away.

He immediately exits the ring.

John Phillips: "Where is he going now?"

Maxx reaches under the apron.

Pulls out another chair.

The referee sees it.

Referee: "NO!"

Maxx ignores him.

He holds the chair up.

Looks at Mikey.

Then looks at the referee.

He slides it into the ring.

The referee immediately moves to retrieve it.

Mark Bravo: "He's doing the exact same thing again."

Maxx climbs onto the apron.

The referee picks the chair up.

Starts carrying it toward the ropes.

Maxx steps through.

Mikey is getting up.

Maxx reaches into the back of his tights.

Pulls out—

A second, much smaller folding chair.

John Phillips: "WHERE DID HE GET THAT?!"

Maxx raises it.

Mikey turns.

And Maxx swings—

MIKEY SUPERKICKS THE CHAIR INTO MAXX'S FACE!

The tiny chair goes flying.

Maxx drops flat.

Mark Bravo: "I have so many questions."

The referee turns around.

Sees Maxx down.

Sees the tiny chair.

Looks at Mikey.

Mikey raises both hands.

Mikey Unlikely: "Not mine."

The referee looks at Maxx.

Then at the tiny chair.

He kicks it out of the ring too.

Mikey doesn't waste the opening.

He grabs Maxx.

Pulls him up.

Hooks the head.

SPIKE DDT!

Maxx is driven into the canvas!

Mikey rolls him over.

ONE!

TWO!

MAXX KICKS OUT!

Mikey exhales sharply.

He gets up again.

Looks toward the corner.

Maxx is barely moving.

Mikey backs up.

Waits.

Maxx pushes himself upright.

One knee.

Then both feet.

Mikey charges—

RUNNING KNEE!

MAXX CATCHES HIM!

Maxx grabs Mikey around the waist.

He lifts—

BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Mikey crashes across the ring.

Maxx pops back up.

He screams.

Maxx Mayhem: "MAYHEMMMM!"

He hits the ropes.

Mikey gets to his knees.

Maxx charges—

DISCUS ELBOW!

MIKEY DROPS!

Maxx hooks both legs!

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MIKEY GETS A SHOULDER UP!

The crowd erupts.

Maxx sits up.

He looks at Mikey.

For once, no joke.

No laugh.

No weird face.

Just frustration.

Maxx grabs Mikey by the wrist.

Pulls him up.

Kick to the stomach.

He hooks Mikey for the brainbuster.

John Phillips: "Maxximum Carnage!"

Maxx tries to lift.

Mikey blocks.

Maxx tries again.

Mikey blocks again.

Mikey lifts Maxx instead!

VERTICAL SUPLEX!

Maxx crashes down.

Mikey gets back up.

Maxx does too.

They meet in the center.

Mikey throws a forearm.

Maxx answers.

Mikey.

Maxx.

Mikey rocks him with a third.

Maxx responds with a headbutt.

Both men stagger.

Mikey comes back first.

SUPERKICK!

Maxx drops to one knee.

Mikey hits the ropes.

RUNNING KNEE!

THIS ONE CONNECTS!

Maxx falls flat!

John Phillips: "That may do it!"

Mikey drops into the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

MAXX GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPE!

The referee sees it at the absolute last second.

John Phillips: "NO! Maxx survives again!"

Mikey sits up.

He stares toward the ropes.

Then at Maxx.

For the first time, the champion looks genuinely annoyed.

Mikey gets back to his feet.

He pulls Maxx up by the head.

Maxx is barely standing.

Mikey whispers something in his ear.

Mikey Unlikely: "Enough."

Mikey kicks Maxx in the stomach.

He hooks both arms.

Maxx struggles.

Mikey maintains control.

He lifts—

MIKEY MONEYMAKER!

MAXX IS DRIVEN INTO THE CANVAS!

Mikey immediately hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

The Toronto crowd erupts.

John Phillips: "MIKEY UNLIKELY GETS IT DONE!"

Mark Bravo: "And it took damn near everything he had!"

Mikey rolls off Maxx and remains on his back for a second.

Breathing heavily.

Exhausted.

Then slowly sits up.

The referee retrieves the WrestleZone Championship.

Mikey gets to his knees as the title is handed back to him.

He looks down at it.

Then over at Maxx Mayhem.

Maxx is still flat on his back.

Mikey shakes his head.

Half amused.

Half relieved.

Ring Announcer: "Here is your winner... the WrestleZone Champion... MIKEY... UNLIKELY!"

Mikey gets to his feet.

He raises the WrestleZone Championship high.

John Phillips: "Maxx Mayhem may not have walked out with a win, but he pushed Mikey Unlikely to the absolute limit."

Mark Bravo: "Which is a sentence I never expected to say after watching the man pull a tiny chair out of his pants."

Mikey climbs the second rope and raises the championship again.

The crowd cheers.

Behind him, Maxx Mayhem slowly begins to sit up.

He looks toward Mikey.

Then starts laughing.

Mikey hears him.

He looks over his shoulder.

Maxx gives him a weak thumbs-up.

Mikey just shakes his head and smiles.

The WrestleZone Champion survives the Mayhem.

The camera cuts backstage.

No hallway chaos.

No shouting.

No celebration.

Just silence.

Chris Ross sits on a bench inside his locker room.

The newly reclaimed UTA Championship rests across his lap.

His hands sit on either side of it.

Not gripping it tightly.

Not raising it.

Just feeling the weight.

But Ross isn't looking at the championship.

His eyes are fixed on something else.

A photograph.

Or what remains of one.

The picture of Lauran.

Ripped.

Torn apart by Maxwell Jett during a rivalry that became about far more than championship gold.

Ross holds the damaged photograph carefully between his fingers.

The same hands that have bloodied men.

The same hands that have carried screwdrivers, chairs, and championships.

Right now, they treat a torn piece of paper like it could break again.

Beside him sits Valentina Blaze.

Close.

Not crowding him.

Not trying to force him to speak.

Just there.

For several seconds, neither says anything.

Valentina looks down at the UTA Championship.

Then at the photograph.

Finally, she looks at Chris.

Valentina Blaze: "You did it."

Ross doesn't look up.

His thumb slowly moves across the torn edge of the photograph.

Chris Ross: "Yeah."

That's all.

Valentina smiles softly.

Valentina Blaze: "No."

Ross finally shifts his eyes toward her.

Valentina Blaze: "Don't give me 'yeah.'"

Her smile grows just a little.

Valentina Blaze: "You did it, Chris."

She taps the faceplate of the championship sitting across his legs.

Valentina Blaze: "You're UTA Champion again."

Ross looks down at the belt.

His expression barely moves.

But his breathing does.

A little deeper.

A little heavier.

Chris Ross: "Took long enough."

Valentina lets out a small laugh.

Valentina Blaze: "There he is."

Ross glances at her.

Valentina Blaze: "Can't just have a moment, can you?"

Chris Ross: "Not really my thing."

Valentina looks back at the photograph.

Her expression softens again.

Valentina Blaze: "I know what that meant."

Ross' jaw tightens slightly.

He looks back down.

Valentina Blaze: "What Maxwell did."

No response.

Valentina Blaze: "I know why that hurt more than anything he could've done to you in that ring."

Ross swallows.

Still staring at the picture.

Chris Ross: "He didn't know her."

His voice is low.

Chris Ross: "Didn't know anything about her."

Chris Ross: "Didn't know what she meant."

His fingers tighten slightly around the edge of the photograph.

Chris Ross: "He just knew it would piss me off."

Valentina nods.

Valentina Blaze: "And it did."

Ross gives her a look.

Valentina Blaze: "I'm not saying he was right."

She shifts closer.

Valentina Blaze: "I'm saying he knew exactly where to cut."

Ross looks away.

For a moment, that monster everyone sees disappears.

What's underneath is just a man staring at something he lost a long time ago.

Chris Ross: "People keep thinkin' they can use dead people against me."

Valentina's expression tightens.

Chris Ross: "Like they're props."

Chris Ross: "Like they're stories."

Chris Ross: "Like because they're gone, they don't matter anymore."

Valentina looks at him carefully.

Valentina Blaze: "She matters."

Ross says nothing.

Valentina Blaze: "She'll always matter."

She reaches over and gently rests a hand against his forearm.

Valentina Blaze: "But Maxwell doesn't get to own that anymore."

Ross looks at her.

Valentina Blaze: "He doesn't get to live in your head because he tore a picture."

Valentina Blaze: "He doesn't get to decide what her memory means."

Valentina Blaze: "And he sure as hell doesn't get to decide what happens next."

Valentina taps the championship again.

Valentina Blaze: "You decided that."

Ross looks down at the belt.

Valentina Blaze: "Tonight."

The room falls quiet again.

Ross stares at the championship.

Then the picture.

Then back at the championship.

Chris Ross: "Justice."

Valentina hears it.

Valentina Blaze: "Yeah."

Ross gives the smallest nod.

Chris Ross: "Finally."

Valentina smiles.

Valentina Blaze: "Finally."

She leans into him now.

Her shoulder against his.

Chris doesn't move away.

He doesn't immediately move closer either.

But after a second...

His shoulder relaxes against hers.

Valentina Blaze: "I'm proud of you."

Ross' eyes immediately shift away.

Like somehow that sentence is harder for him to handle than anything Maxwell Jett ever threw at him.

Chris Ross: "Don't start."

Valentina smiles wider.

Valentina Blaze: "I'm serious."

Chris Ross: "I know."

Valentina Blaze: "You should be proud of yourself too."

Ross exhales through his nose.

Chris Ross: "Let's not get carried away."

Valentina laughs softly.

Valentina Blaze: "Okay, tough guy."

She looks down at the picture again.

Valentina Blaze: "What are you gonna do with it?"

Ross looks at the torn photograph.

Long pause.

Chris Ross: "Keep it."

Valentina nods.

Chris Ross: "I'm not letting him be the last person who touched it."

That lands.

Valentina doesn't try to answer immediately.

Instead, she gently squeezes his arm.

Valentina Blaze: "Then keep it."

Ross carefully places the torn photograph inside his bag.

Not thrown in.

Not shoved away.

Placed.

Protected.

He closes the zipper.

Then his hands return to the UTA Championship.

This time, Ross actually lifts it.

Just slightly.

He stares at the faceplate.

Valentina Blaze: "That chapter's over."

Ross doesn't answer immediately.

Valentina Blaze: "Maxwell."

Valentina Blaze: "The picture."

Valentina Blaze: "All of it."

Ross' thumb moves slowly across the UTA logo.

Valentina Blaze: "You got back what you came for."

Ross gives another small nod.

Chris Ross: "Yeah."

Valentina raises an eyebrow.

Valentina Blaze: "There it is again."

Ross finally looks at her.

And there...

For the briefest second...

Is almost a smile.

Almost.

Chris Ross: "I'm champion."

Valentina beams.

Valentina Blaze: "You're damn right you are."

She leans over and kisses him on the cheek.

Ross immediately looks toward the camera.

The expression says everything.

Chris Ross: "You better not put that shit in the highlight package."

Valentina laughs.

Valentina Blaze: "Oh, that's absolutely going in."

Ross shakes his head.

But that almost-smile comes back.

He looks down at the UTA Championship again.

Then rests it firmly across his shoulder.

The Reaper is champion again.

The photograph is safe.

Maxwell Jett no longer owns the ending.

And beside Chris Ross, Valentina Blaze looks at him with nothing but pride.

For once...

Chris Ross looks almost at peace.

Almost.

We cut to the office of UTA General Manager Scott Stevens.

Stevens is seated behind his desk.

For perhaps the first time tonight, things appear relatively calm.

That lasts approximately three seconds.

BANG!

The office door flies open!

Maxwell Jett: "THIS IS BULLSHIT!"

Maxwell Jett storms into the office.

Still in his ring gear.

Still sweaty from the Triple Threat Match earlier tonight.

And, most importantly...

No longer carrying the UTA Championship.

Jacoby Jacobs and Darrian Darington follow behind him.

First Class has arrived.

Scott Stevens slowly looks up from his desk.

He sees Maxwell.

He sees Jacoby.

He sees Darrian.

Then he looks back down at whatever he was working on.

Scott Stevens: "No."

Maxwell stops.

Maxwell Jett: "Excuse me?"

Scott Stevens: "Whatever you're about to say."

Scott looks back up.

Scott Stevens: "No."

Maxwell Jett: "Oh, you're gonna listen to what I have to say, Scott, because what happened out there was completely fucking unacceptable!"

Maxwell marches toward the desk.

Maxwell Jett: "You forced me to defend the UTA Championship hours before I was scheduled to compete!"

Scott blinks.

Maxwell Jett: "I had no time to properly prepare!"

Scott's eyebrows rise.

Maxwell Jett: "No time to warm up!"

Scott leans back.

Maxwell Jett: "No time to mentally prepare myself for a Triple Threat Match against two psychopaths!"

Scott stares at him.

Maxwell throws his arms out.

Maxwell Jett: "And now because of your gross incompetence, Chris Ross is walking around with MY championship!"

Silence.

Scott looks toward Jacoby.

Then Darrian.

Then back at Maxwell.

Scott Stevens: "Are you serious?"

Maxwell Jett: "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Scott Stevens: "You want to know what I think happened?"

Maxwell Jett: "I just told you what happened!"

Scott Stevens: "No. You told me what happened in the alternate universe currently existing inside your head."

Maxwell's eyes narrow.

Scott Stevens: "Here's what actually happened."

Scott stands.

Scott Stevens: "You walked into that ring."

He points at Maxwell.

Scott Stevens: "You called out Chris Ross."

Another finger.

Scott Stevens: "You called out Mike Best."

Another.

Scott Stevens: "You demanded that I move the UTA Championship Match to the beginning of the show."

Maxwell Jett: "Because—"

Scott Stevens: "You threatened to leave the building if I didn't!"

Maxwell stops.

Scott Stevens: "You had Jacoby read me some bullshit clause from a contract."

Scott looks at Jacoby.

Scott Stevens: "That ChatGPT apparently wrote."

Jacoby looks down.

Jacoby Jacobs: "In fairness, it sounded pretty official."

Maxwell whips around.

Maxwell Jett: "STOP HELPING!"

Jacoby Jacobs: "Right."

Jacoby takes a step backward.

Scott turns back toward Maxwell.

Scott Stevens: "And when your little plan didn't work because Chris Ross actually showed up..."

Scott smiles.

Scott Stevens: "...you panicked."

Maxwell Jett: "I did not panic."

Scott Stevens: "You told him you weren't ready."

Maxwell Jett: "Strategic recalibration."

Scott Stevens: "Then Mike Best showed up."

Maxwell Jett: "Also unexpected."

Scott Stevens: "And suddenly the man who demanded to defend his championship right then and there didn't want to defend his championship right then and there."

Maxwell Jett: "Circumstances changed."

Scott Stevens: "No, Maxwell."

Scott steps around his desk.

Scott Stevens: "Your plan blew up in your face."

Maxwell's jaw tightens.

Scott Stevens: "You thought you'd catch Mike and Chris unprepared."

Scott Stevens: "You thought neither one of them would be ready to wrestle."

Scott Stevens: "You thought you'd stand in that ring, make a big show out of being the champion, and when they couldn't answer your challenge, you'd spend the rest of the night telling everybody how they were afraid of Maxwell Jett."

Maxwell says nothing.

Which says plenty.

Scott Stevens: "Except Chris Ross called your bluff."

Beat.

Scott Stevens: "Then Mike Best called it too."

Scott moves closer.

Scott Stevens: "And you lost."

Maxwell's face twists.

Maxwell Jett: "I wasn't even pinned!"

Scott pauses.

He stares at Maxwell.

Scott Stevens: "Yes, you were."

Jacoby closes his eyes.

Darrian slowly turns his head away.

Maxwell realizes what he just said.

Maxwell Jett: "That's not what I meant."

Scott Stevens: "Chris Ross pinned you."

Maxwell Jett: "I KNOW THAT!"

Scott Stevens: "One."

Scott raises a finger.

Scott Stevens: "Two."

A second.

Scott Stevens: "Three."

Third finger.

Scott Stevens: "Right in the middle of the ring."

Maxwell Jett: "I WAS THERE, SCOTT!"

Scott Stevens: "Then why the hell are you in my office asking me what happened?"

Maxwell slams both hands onto Stevens' desk.

Maxwell Jett: "Because I want my championship back!"

Scott looks down at Maxwell's hands.

Then slowly looks back up.

Scott Stevens: "That's not my championship."

Beat.

Scott Stevens: "That's not your championship."

Another beat.

Scott Stevens: "It's Chris Ross' championship."

Maxwell's nostrils flare.

Scott Stevens: "Because he beat you for it."

Maxwell Jett: "I want my rematch."

Scott Stevens: "Of course you do."

Maxwell Jett: "Tonight."

Scott actually laughs.

Scott Stevens: "No."

Maxwell Jett: "I have a contractual—"

Scott Stevens: "Don't."

Scott points at Jacoby.

Scott Stevens: "And don't you dare pull those papers out again."

Jacoby, who had actually begun reaching behind his back, immediately stops.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Wasn't gonna."

Scott Stevens: "Maxwell, listen carefully."

Scott steps directly in front of the former champion.

Scott Stevens: "For weeks, you have complained about Chris Ross."

Scott Stevens: "You've complained about Mike Best."

Scott Stevens: "You've complained about me."

Scott Stevens: "You've complained that everybody was paying attention to everyone except Maxwell Jett."

Scott gestures toward the empty space where the UTA Championship normally sits around Maxwell's waist.

Scott Stevens: "Well, tonight everybody was paying attention to you."

Maxwell stares daggers through him.

Scott Stevens: "You got exactly what you asked for."

Beat.

Scott Stevens: "You wanted the match."

Scott Stevens: "You wanted it early."

Scott Stevens: "You wanted Chris Ross."

Scott Stevens: "You wanted Mike Best."

Scott Stevens: "You wanted the spotlight."

Scott leans forward.

Scott Stevens: "Congratulations."

He gives Maxwell a cold smile.

Scott Stevens: "You got all of it."

Maxwell's face reddens.

Scott Stevens: "And then Chris Ross took your championship."

Silence.

Maxwell looks ready to explode.

Maxwell Jett: "You're enjoying this."

Scott Stevens: "A little."

Jacoby coughs into his fist to hide a laugh.

Maxwell spins toward him.

Maxwell Jett: "Is something funny?!"

Jacoby Jacobs: "Allergies."

Maxwell turns back to Scott.

Maxwell Jett: "This isn't over."

Scott Stevens: "Probably not."

Maxwell Jett: "I am Maxwell Jett."

Scott Stevens: "I'm aware."

Maxwell Jett: "I made history at All or Nothing."

Scott Stevens: "You did."

Maxwell Jett: "I am the biggest star in this company."

Scott Stevens: "Debatable."

Maxwell Jett: "And I will be UTA Champion again."

Scott shrugs.

Scott Stevens: "Then earn it."

That one hits Maxwell harder than anything else.

His eyes narrow.

His jaw clenches.

He takes one long look at Stevens.

Then turns sharply.

Maxwell Jett: "We're leaving."

First Class follows him toward the door.

Jacoby reaches it last.

Scott Stevens: "Jacoby."

Jacoby stops.

Slowly turns around.

Scott Stevens: "Next time you need legal advice..."

Scott points toward the papers Jacoby is still carrying.

Scott Stevens: "...hire a lawyer."

Jacoby looks down at the papers.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Yeah."

He sighs.

Jacoby Jacobs: "Probably fair."

Maxwell Jett: "JACOBY!"

Jacoby Jacobs: "COMING!"

Jacoby rushes out.

The door slams behind First Class.

Scott stands alone in his office.

He looks at the closed door.

Shakes his head.

Scott Stevens: "ChatGPT..."

Scott sits back down.

Scott Stevens: "Fucking idiot."

We fade out.