"Show Time Power Hour" TV Taping Number Four (Week Seven)

The show opened in what looks like a courtroom. Adam Cole was dressed in a suit and tie. With him was the rest of "The Kingdom," also dressed in business suits. On the witness stand was NWA: Show Time CEO "The Show" Jordan Richards (dressed in a suit). Cole was acting as an attorney, cross-examining Richards. They re-enacted the scene from "A Few Good Men."

Adam Cole: "Did you do it?!'

Jordan Richards: "Do you want answers?!"

Cole: "I think the people are entitled to them!"

Richards: "Do the people want answers?!"

Cole: "They want the truth!"

Richards: "They can't handle the truth! But, I'll give it to them today..."

The scene cut to the standard show opening.

William Regal: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the hottest sixty minutes in pro wrestling, the Show Time Power Hour! I'm your host William Regal. Beside me, as always, is the ever alluring Renee Young. Renee, we are hot off the heels of an extremely controversial ending to last week's episode. My apologies, first of all, for abandoning you on commentary last week. I saw flashbacks to nearly twenty years ago and I simply could not take it. That will never happen again, Sunshine."

Renee Young: "William, given the circumstances, I completely understand why you did what you did. What went down last Tuesday is incomprehensible and I, for one, hope that our CEO Jordan Richards can shed some light on why it happened."

"Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva blared over the PA system to bring out NWA: Show Time CEO Jordan Richards, with Brock Lesnar and "The Kingdom" en tow, to a chorus of boos.

Regal: "It looks as if we won't have to wait long for that light to be shed."

Richards: "Ah, the sound of pure disdain. The uneducated masses have been conditioned to hate anything they don't understand. You folks assume that I am up to no good, simply because I have aligned myself with people you don't like. That's a typical response. I have always been a misunderstood individual. Throughout my wrestling career, I was known as a 'heel,' though I always did what was best for each company that I worked in. Now that I own a promotion, I have even more pressure to do what is best for the wellbeing of my employees and my customers. What you people don't seem to get is that this organization lives or dies based on two things:

1. How it's perceived
2. How profitable it becomes

I am directly responsible for both of those attributes. If we are perceived as "second-rate" or "bush league," that reflects on me as the leader. That is why I have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have the absolute best roster available to us. I drafted the rare gems of the world that other organizations foolishly overlooked because I wanted the best wrestlers my money could buy. For Show Time to attain television contracts and corporate sponsorships, we must be perceived as supreme athletic competition. That is why I placed superstars like 'The Kingdom,' Shelton Benjamin, Jay Lethal, Mikael Judas, Jason Justice, 'Sons of Steel,' Xavier Woods, Gunner, Tetsuya Naito, 'KES,' and so many others under contract immediately. It was because I want this organization to be perceived as pro wrestling first and entertainment second. I had a proud wrestling career and I want to be surrounded by pro wrestlers, not cartoon characters.

When the supplemental draft came up, I knew I wanted Brock Lesnar because he is the most dominant individual of the last generation. For my money, he is the number one guy in the business. Claudio Castagnoli, Dean Ambrose...the list goes on and on of guys I knew I had to have. I did not start this promotion for it to be another cookie-cutter NWA territory. Every person who works for me, from the trainers, to the announcers, to the active roster, are a cut above the status quo. We are all quality athletes. Just look at my ladies division. I defy you to find a better roster of female talent anywhere on God's green earth. You can't. There isn't one. My girls are so good, they have their own television program. Why? Because I made it happen. I make the hard decisions no one else has the guts or fortitude to make.

That's how I succeed in life. I dictate the pace. I am the barometer. I am the standard-bearer. I demand excellence in every facet of my existence. The same goes with this promotion, which brings me to last week. The biggest question in the entire wrestling world right now is, 'Why did you turn on your own promotion, Jordan?' Why, indeed. First of all, I did not 'turn' on anyone. I made a business decision. Number one--the day I signed Brock Lesnar, I signed him as a mercenary contracted directly to me. He works for Show Time because I ask him to. He helped CM Punk win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship because I asked him to. But, I'll let Punk explain that entire situation himself when Emperor Ihsahn's next installment of Wild West TV airs.

Number two--have you ever heard the phrase 'cream of the crop,' or the expression, 'the cream always rises to the top?' Well, that perfectly explains 'The Kingdom.' I've said before that Adam Cole reminds me of a young Jordan Richards. He is intelligent, good-looking, and has a wrestling acumen far beyond his years in the sport. His running buddies, Mike Bennett and Matt Taven, are two of those rare gems I was talking about. They are diamonds in the rough on the surface. However, they are honing their craft at an alarming rate, and they get better each time they step foot in the ring. Last, and certainly not least, is the temptress Maria Kanellis. She was never given a fair shake in 'McMahonland.' She was cast as a 'dumb bimbo.' Well, that could not be further from the truth. Maria is as ruthless as she is beautiful. She is as sly as she is sensuous. Make no mistake about it. This young lady is not only queen of 'The Kingdom,' she is engine that makes the machine run. This stable came right in and forced itself to the top of the card. I appreciate that.

You see, I have chosen to surround myself with those whom I feel are the elite in pro wrestling. Brock Lesnar is the most physically imposing specimen alive today. Combine that with the best collection of up-and-coming talent in the world and you have a truly unstoppable force. Add to the mix the company's CEO AND Chairman of the NWA Board of Governors, and you have the money and political clout to make waves! One of the tough decisions I had to make was to steer this ship in the correct direction. To do that, I had to ensure that I featured the right talent at the right time. Well, the people you see around me are the right talent. Now is the right time, because I have just inked a deal with Ted Turner to begin broadcasting our television program on his networks! That's right! Ted Turner is back in the 'rasslin' business! You can thank me for that! When you watch Power Hour on TBS, remember that I did that! When you see Femme Fatales on TNT, don't forget who brokered that deal!

So, boo if you must, but get one thing straight. Whether you like it or not, you had better learn to respect it. I am taking NWA: Show Time into the forefront of the wrestling world and we are on the fast track to success. Everyone on this roster needs to listen well. If you want opportunities to succeed, show me that you deserve them. We are at the top of the food chain. We have the Heavyweight Championship already. I'm looking for these guys to add more gold to the collection in the very near future. Brock Lesnar will take a championship trophy when and if he feels like it. Anyone else is going to get along if they wish to go along.

Impress me and you will be featured. Stay under the radar, and you will not last. That goes for management, trainers, wrestlers, and everyone in between. It's a new day. We're dawning on a new era and writing a new chapter. There's a reason they call me 'The Show,' and everyone is about to get a healthy dose of 'Show Time!'"

The original "nWo" music hit to bring our Commissioner Scott Hall and Deputy Commissioner Jake Roberts to a big ovation.

Scott Hall: "Hey, yo! So, I see the CEO is having problems staying retired. He got the itch and had to get back in front of the cameras. I can dig it. Hey, 'The Bad Guy' is out here every week himself. 'Snake' gets it too. Here's the issue I have, Jordan. Jake and I got on board with NWA: Show Time because we wanted to be a part of something new and exciting. We wanted to make a difference in the wrestling world. We wanted to give back. We were tired of what pro wrestling had become. It looks to me like you're trying to rehash a storyline I made millions with in 1996."

Jake Roberts: "This is not what I signed on for, Jordan Richards. This isn't the right kind of difference you should be making. You should not be meddling with the careers of these wrestlers, who have all worked hard to get where they are. Every one on our roster should get a fair shake, because they have all earned it!"

Richards: "Don't forget who you're talking to! It's my name that appears at the bottom of your paychecks! But, I agree. Everyone should get a fair shake around here and they will. I'm an ethical man. In fact, Mr. Hall, I'll start with someone you know very well--your son Cody. He is a young upstart. What's say we give him a 'fair shake?' I know! Cody Hall can prove himself tonight against, oh, I don't know. How about Brock Lesnar?"

Hall: "I see what you're trying to do here. I said, from day one, that I would not get in Cody's way and I would not treat him different than any other contracted talent. If he wants Lesnar, he can have him!"

Regal: "Oh my! Jordan Richards is throwing young Cody Hall into the lion's den."

Young: "This may not go very well for the rookie."

Richards: "You may have been 'The Bad Guy' and you may have been 'The Snake,' but now you're employees of 'The Show.' If you want to keep those cushy jobs you have, you'll let me do the talking around here. Scott, why don't you and Jake run along and find your little boy. Tell him to get out here, because his match with 'The Beast' is right now!"

Match One~ Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Hall

Cody Hall came to the ring to a good ovation. Scott Hall and Jake Roberts did not stay at ringside, but they remained in the area. Lesnar was surrounded by "The Kingdom" as Jordan Richards took a seat at the commentary booth.

The match itself was what you would expect. Brock dropped Cody on his head no less than thirteen times with "German Suplexes," never once attempting a cover. Hall fought back bravely. Every time he attempted to mount an offense, Lesnar cut him off with a clubbing forearm or "Clothesline." Finally, Brock dropped Cody with a thunderous "F-5," mercifully (by Brock Lesnar's standards) ending this one early.

Winner = Brock Lesnar by pinfall in 4:04

Brock picked Cody up after the bell for another "F-5." As if he could take no more, Scott Hall stormed the ring with a steel chair. Lesnar retreated, laughing his way back to the dressing room. "The Kingdom" followed and Jordan Richards could be heard yelling to Scott Hall, "Do not mess with us! You will not like how it ends!"

Regal: "Brock Lesnar positively dismantled Cody Hall. He is an absolute monster!"

Young: "We've always known Lesnar to be an immovable object, but how powerful will he be knowing that he is now a weapon that will be fired at whatever target Jordan Richards chooses?"

Regal: "Jordan Richards has certainly set himself up for dominance. I only hope that were are not seeing an 'nWo'-like takeover. It seems that our CEO has become drunk with power. The 'Good Book' says, 'Bad company corrupts good judgment.' It looks as if the same could be said for too much authority."

Young: "Jordan Richards set up a tag team match featuring 'The Kingdom' for a little later. But first, watch this interesting video from the 'Priest of Punishment' Mikael Judas."

Mikael Judas was shown sitting in a dark room with a single ambient red light shining down on him.

Mikael Judas: "Oh, the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. It must be vanquished. I have been sent to rid the world of evil men. They are many in this world. Family betrays family. Friends betray friends. Dastardly are those who perpetrate these acts. Jason Justice, you were a friend to Mikael Judas. You walked a path with me that very few have traversed. Then, our paths splintered. You chose your own way. You, like a thief in the night, attacked from the rear. You struck Mikael Judas down with malice in your heart. Jason Justice, your penance has now come due. With the same vengeance you chose to bring upon me, you will see it visited back to your house. You will feel the same wrath that your black soul has unleashed. Your cries for mercy will go unheard. You will reap the reward for the sins of your flesh. You call yourself a 'ticking time bomb.' It is with that same anticipation of explosion that I await our next confrontation. Tick, tick, tick. Tick, tick, tick. The ring cannot contain us. Our fury simply cannot be housed inside the squared circle. The 'powers that be' have indicated that a 'Falls Count Anywhere' match might be a more appropriate solution to our ongoing issue. Next week, Jason Justice, Charlotte, NC, will be the venue for your demise. Settle your affairs. Time is ticking away."

Regal: "That was a rather chilling monologue from Mikael Judas."

Young: "That guy sort of freaks me out. He's an enigma. Power Hour will explode next week as he and Jason Justice go to battle once again."

Regal: "Let's go to the ring."

Match Two ~ NWA: Show Time Tag Team Champions "Sons of Steel"--Boomer Payne & Brice Anthony vs. "The Kingdom"--Michael Bennett & Matt Taven (non-title)

This match was a barnburner from the opening bell. Referee Charles Robinson had the unenviable task of controlling the action. The match spilled outside the ring on several occasions. Taven hit a "Suicide Dive" to the outside, taking out the other three competitors. Boomer Payne leveled Bennett with an "Olympic Slam" on the floor. Bennett landed a "Yakuza Kick" to the face of Brice Anthony. At one point, all four men were motionless on the floor, Back in the ring, Anthony unloaded with his signature "Running Lariat" on Taven. He made the cover, but the referee was trying to get Payne and Bennett back to neutral corners. Adam Cole took the opportunity to sneak in and drop Anthony with a "Brainbuster." A "Spiuke Piledriver" later, and "The Kingdom" scored an important victory over the Tag Team Champions.

Winners = "The Kingdom" by pinfall in 18:23

Regal: "What a travesty of justice! 'The Kingdom' used the numbers game to its advantage once again!"

Young: "Yes, and it scored them a win over 'Sons of Steel.' Does that immediately put them in line for a championship match?"

Regal: "My guess is that Jordan Richards will end up rewarding them for their 'hard fought' triumph. Nevertheless, 'SOS' are fighting champions who, I'm sure, would welcome the challenge."

Just then, Mikael Judas and Jason Justice came crashing into the ringside area. They were wailing away on each other. Several referees attempted to break up the melee, to no avail. The locker rooms emptied and at least half of the roster were called upon to try and separate the two. The fans were chanting, "Let them fight!" as they continued to claw through the mass of humanity to get at each other. Eventually, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police entered the fray. After several minutes, both men were finally separated and taken back to the dressing room area.

Regal: "This feud was gotten totally out of control. I don't think even a 'Falls Count Anywhere' stipulation can settle this."

Young: "One of them may have to be carted out in an ambulance before the war is over."

Regal: "Wow! Let's go back to the ring."

Match Three ~ NWA: Show Time Heavyweight Champion Adam Cole vs. Claudio Castagnoli (non-title)

Claudio came out on a mission. He was a house of fire. Adam Cole didn't know what hit him. It was a "European Uppercut" party. Every member of "The Kingdom" received one, including Maria Kanellis, who jumped in front of a charging Castagnoli. She "took one for the team," as it were. It worked. The pendulum swung in favor of Cole at that point. Castagnoli's shock caused him to pause long enough for Cole to strike with a "Superkick" to the jaw. Cole went to work immediately. He began to go after Claudio's right leg in an effort to ground the larger Swiss superstar, as well as setting him up for the "Figure-four Leglock." Cole managed to lock the painful hold on Castagnoli, but his powerful legs were able to withstand the agony long enough to reverse the maneuver. The damage was done, however, as Claudio was hobbled for the remainder of the contest. Castagnoli captured Cole in the "Giant Swing," but could only make three revolutions before he was forced to let go due to the stress it put on his bad wheel. Cole whipped Castagnoli into the ropes and ducked for a "Backdrop." Claudio quickly reversed it into the "Neutralizer." Before the referee could even register a count, "The Kingdom" hit the ring to cause the disqualification.

Winner = Claudio Castagnoli by disqualification in 20:56

"The Kingdom" laid the boots to Castagnoli and were soon followed by Brock Lesnar and a vicious "F-5." Dean Ambrose and Shelton Benjamin stormed the ring for the save, but were taken out. Suddenly, brand new signee Kevin Steen sprinted to ringside with a lead pipe! "The Kingdom" and Lesnar hit the bricks and the crowd was going wild! Steen grabbed a microphone.

Kevin Steen: "Hey Lesnar! I have a bone to pick with you! You cost me the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, so I signed with Show Time just to get my hands on you!"

Richards: "You signed with NWA: Show Time?! I didn't approve that!"

Hall: "No, boss. You didn't. Jim Ross, Jake Roberts, and I did. You said you wanted the best wrestlers in the world, and Kevin Steen is one of them!"

Richards: "That's fine and dandy. You showed good initiative, in fact. But, Mr. Steen, don't make the mistake of jumping on Brock Lesnar. You'd be better served to join us. You might want to think about it for a moment."

Steen: "I'm good. I just want to fight." 

All eight men go it.

Regal: "Oh my! It has broken down out here!"

Young: "There are fists flying everywhere!"

Regal: "Fans, we're out of time! Join us Thursday for Femme Fatales and next Tuesday for Power Hour!"

The show went off the air with all eight embroiled in a huge brawl.