* * * * *
Ten hours later, Riot went on the air.
Joey saw the completed video package for the first time when it aired. It was a work of art. Joey was proud to be a part of it.
Perhaps that was the theme of the night for Joey, maybe for everyone who had come from the GWA, Revolution was a company they could be proud to work for.
Everyone arrived on time, which was an hour before the first dark match. Everyone gathered together for a company meeting, complete with a briefing by Gene Harold and a motivational speech from Max. Everyone had a screenplay in their hands, which they studied carefully. Everyone had a schedule, which was mirrored on a whiteboard at the performer’s entrance. Everyone sat together during the taping, and watched the broadcast on a television outside of the locker rooms. The “travel buddies” kept everyone on track, and made Joey feel like he could relax, because they wouldn’t let him miss his cue.
After the video package, which received applause from the spectators in the locker room, and a fury of emotion from the crowd, Max Zeffer came to the ring.
“My friends, welcome to a new era,” he said to the audience. He went on to talk about the history of The Monday Night Battles, the history of the GWA, the history of Revolution, and the significance of the merger. “But before we begin on our new course, in a new company, old business must be settled. My friends, before we can arrange for the Titanic struggle between the GWA Champion and the Revolution Champion, a struggle to create the first ever undisputed World Champion, we must settle an important point. Who is the GWA Champion? This Sunday you’ll find out. This Sunday, Goliath makes his return, to finish what was started in Houston a month ago. This Sunday. Montreal. Apocalypse. Joey Mayhem vs. Goliath to determine the GWA World Champion. The winner faces Lucifer in the dream match of the century!”
The crowd, of course, ate this up like a final meal. Even Joey, watching from television backstage, knowing what Max was going to say before he said it, couldn’t help but feel a swell of excitement, the wrestling fan within him thrilled at this present Max Zeffer was giving.
“But tonight we celebrate. Tonight I present to you the first ever match between a GWA superstar and a Revolution superstar, as Deep Six takes on Jerry Senika. Tonight I present to you Lucifer, Goliath, and Red Jackson in one arena, on one show. Tonight I present to you the new Revolution Riot, the greatest show on earth!”
Riot went to commercial as Max left the ring to a standing ovation.