Rhaps vs Dave Carter - 90 Minute Ironman Match

[Rhaps]

Ride the Lightning by Metallica sounds through the speakers, quieting the audience from the sheer volume of the music. The Fans cheer in response, their reception to the Ice Cream Eater, nearly as loud as the entrance music playing. As the guitar plays, signalling the beginning of the song a tall wall of flames lick the air each time the guitar hits a fresh note. The pyro explodes down the entire length of the entrance ramp, causing the fans in the front rows to back off slightly from the heat.

The roar of a motorbike engine is heard as the music quietens slightly. The engine revs several times and it suddenly kicks into life, amidst the scream of screeching tires. Rhaps, riding a Harley Davidson, bursts from backstage and he brings the bike to a sudden halt on the top of the entrance ramp. Rhaps is wearing a Metallica shirt with the band logo emblazoned across the front of it. He is also wearing a faded leather biker jacket with the BOC symbol on the back, with thick set biking boots and heavy cargo trousers. Rhaps revs the engine twice more and raises his arm in salute to the crowd.

Lizzie: Now it is time for the Pre-Main Event. The following match is a Champion vs Champion non-title 90 minute Ironman match where the most number of pinfalls and submissions after a 90 minute time limit will win.

Introducing first, making his way to the ring. Hailing from Canterbury, England and weighing in at 223 lbs. He is the reigning Charging Glory Champion, and the Safety Ranger of GHW. Rhaps!

As Lizzie makes the announcement Rhaps reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pair of sunglasses before placing them on his head. He takes a seat back on the bike and he revs the engine of the Harley once more and lets go of the handbrake at the same time, causing the smell of burning tyres to fill the air as the bike lunges forward. As this happens, the pillars of flame change into a continuous burst of pyro, blazing wildly as Rhaps rides the bike towards the ring.

JP: Look at these fans Ray. They are really pumped for this next match and I have to commend Rhaps on his choice of match. He's given the fans what they really wanted to see. A match between two great competitors with at least 90 minutes of action.

Ray: And better yet, this is quite possibly the most hardcore PPV we at GHW have ever had. What a night it's been so far.

JP: I don't say this often but I agree with you Ray. I've really enjoyed the match ups we've had so far tonight.

Rhaps reaches the end of the entrance ramp and he kicks the bike support out. He stops the engine and he leans the bike upright while stepping off. As this happens the flames stop, leaving a smoky, sulphurous smell behind while Ride the Lightning continues to echo throughout the arena. The Safety Ranger looks around at the frenzied audience. He reaches up to his face and removes the sunglasses and he throws them into the crowd before walking slowly up the ring steps.

He steps into the ring with the Charging Glory Belt draped over his shoulder. As he enters he hands the title to the referee and he takes the leather jacket off. His entrance music slowly dies as the Ice Cream Eater removes the Metallica t-shirt and begins to jump on the spot as he awaits the arrival of his opponent.

TBCB Dave Carter.

[Dave Carter]

The arena lights go dim and titantron starts playing a video of all kinds of lightning strikes and clips from storms. Pictures keep changing faster and faster and few moments the titantron goes black and a voice is heard from the speakers.

~~Voice~~
Get reeeaaady, because the show is about to.... start!

With the last word, three pairs of lightning strike to the sides of the ramp one after each other, leaving thick smoke at the top of the entrance ramp. Just a moment later, Ludacris & Sum41 - "Get Back" hits the PA system and the crowd erupts in wild cheers. Out from the curtain walks out Dave. He walks around the ramp a bit, looking around the crowd as it cheers loudly, before stopping at the center and quickly rising his arm with one finger of each hand pointing up, as silver and yellow pyro shot from the stage.

~~Lizzie~~
And his opponent, from Vancouver, Canada, weighing in at 208 lbs... he is the reigning New Age Champion... Dave "The Lightning" Carter.

Dave begins to walk down the ramp, tagging hands with as many fans as he can. He wears a pair of dark green wrestling thighs, a open Slam Jam Nation shirt and a pair of sunglasses, as well with New Age title around his waist. Dave slides into the ring and quickly gets back on his feet, looking into the fans with a big smile in his face. Dave then takes of his shirt and starts to dance even more energetic then before, throwing the shirt into the crowd during the dance. After few moments Dave climbs up the nearest turnbuckle and takes of his sunglasses as well, carefully throwing them to some a young boy in the first row. Carter looks around the crowd and shouts "Slam Jam!", then quickly stretches his arms from the face aside, with fingers on each hand making V sign, while the crowd ends the chant with a very loud "NATION!". Dave once again poses a bit with his signature self confident smile and jumps of the turnbuckle to face his opponent. The Lightning looks Rhaps straight into the eyes as he takes of the belt of his waist and hands it to the referee of the match.

~~Ray~~
Just look at that mysterious smile in Dave's face as he looks into Rhaps.

~~JP~~
I don't know what it is about but you can say that Dave isn't the favorite in this match. He hasn't had a match back since Summer Ritual and might be quite rusty, while Rhaps faced high caliber opponents every week between past and this PPV. I think he is more ready for this match.

~~Ray~~
Well you never know.

Dave continues to have a little staredown with Rhaps for few more seconds till he slowly extends his right hand toward his opponent as a sign of respect.

TBC by Rhaps

[Rhaps]

Rhaps and Dave stare at each other while the bell sounds. The fans begin cheering both men in the ring, their voices reaching new heights in their support for the respective superstars in the ring. Rhaps and Dave break away their attention from their opponent and both look around at the audience. After a minute of this Dave turns his attention back to the ice cream eater and he steps forward, looking into his opponent's eyes. Rhaps nods slowly in response to this.

JP: Look at these two men Ray. We've been waiting for this match up for such a long time. And in a 90 minute match, ladies and gentleman, history will be made here tonight.

Ray: And we get to see two men tear each other apart. But be honest JP, you're looking forward to the main event as much as I am as well?

JP: Well, it's certainly going to be a brutal match but I don't want to see too many superstars get injured. But I think it's certainly going to heat up the tag division.

Rhaps and Dave continue to stare at one another, while the audience waits in anticipation for the first move to be made. It comes sooner than expected as Dave suddenly shoves Rhaps back. Rhaps shakes his head in response and he charges at his opponent, shoving him back even further. Dave looks down at himself briefly, as if deep in thought. Suddenly he swings a well aimed right hand punch. Rhaps shows he still has incredible speed despite gaining some weight by moving his head out of the way just in the nick of time.

Air is wafted by Rhaps' face and he moves instantly, aiming a huge right hand into Dave's gut. The air is driven from his lungs and he staggers back a step or two. Rhaps moves unexpectedly and his forearm clashes painfully against his chest, in a stinging chop. Much to the delight of the fans they emit the all too familiar 'Wooooo' as the chops lands, creating an ugly red welt across his mid section. Before Dave has a chance to recover, Rhaps unleashes hell and he starts to pummel his opponent in quick left and rights, causing him to stagger backwards, before eventually toppling against the ring ropes.

JP: Wow, the speed with which Rhaps attacked Dave Carter there was amazing. This is definitely the way to win a singles match but I'm not sure if anyone can expend this much energy in the early goings of a match. Dave may well have the advantage later on if Rhaps burns himself out.

Dave bounces against the ropes gently while an idea suddenly emerges in Rhaps' head. Rhaps half runs at Dave, using the ropes to gain extra momentum. Amazingly he manages to catch hold of Dave's head under his arm and he quickly attempts a bulldog. Dave halts this attack by using his weight to counter the momentum off the ropes. Instantly, Rhaps slows down, giving Dace the edge he needed. He heaves against Rhaps' dead weight and he manages to lift his bulk off the mat. A shocked expression is seen on his face as Dave grits his teeth in the manoeuvre, before slamming the Safety Ranger into the canvas on his head and neck.

Rhaps rolls to one side, grabbing his head, pain clearly showing. The counter appears to have hurt Rhaps much more than it should have done while Dave looks on in confusion at his stricken opponent. The Ice Cream Eater begins to pick himself up to his feet but his breathing has become laboured, his chest rising and falling in short, sharp bursts.

JP: I think that match against Jake did more damage to his head than anybody realised. Rhaps doesn't look good and the counter itself was quite simple.

Ray: And better yet, Dave's just realised this as well. Look at the strategy.

As Ray mentions this Dave kicks Rhaps in the back to halt his progress before looping his arm around Rhaps' throat. In this position he begins to place pressure, soon turning the Safety Ranger's head a bright auburn. The amount of pressure being applied is evident by the sheer volume of Dave's screams as he wrenches Rhaps in the modified headlock. Rhaps' arms begin to flail uselessly, trying desperately to find some way to break the hold. Meanwhile the clock on the Titantron has reached the 81 minute mark.

Rhaps begins to fight against the hold slowly and surely. He begins to gradually bring his knees up. Eventually Rhaps is on all fours while Dave merely changes position to keep the hold locked in. Visibly shaking now, Rhaps begins to slowly stand while Dave uses all his strength to keep his opponent on the mat. Rhaps gives one last ounce of strength as he struggles to break the hold. Suddenly Rhaps seizes hold of Dave's legs and he heaves upwards against his weight. Rhaps isn't able to lift Dave over his head so he settles for smashing Dave's face into the canvas.

Dave rolls forwards onto the mat, his brains suddenly scrambled from the counter. Rhaps falls to the canvas alongside Dave due to the lack of oxygen from the headlock. The referee looks around the ring and he begins to count for a double knockout while the clock ticks past the 86 minute mark on the titantron. Rhaps begins to pick himself up to his feet while Dave continues to lie groggily on the mat. Rhaps is soon on his feet and he staggers as he tries to maintain balance. The referee's count has reached 6 by the time Dave has crouched on all fours. Rhaps suddenly gets a crazy idea and he positions himself with his back to Dave while he begins to pick himself up. As he gets to his knees the referee counts eight while Rhaps crouches to the ground. Suddenly he springs up and throws his body back, executing a back flip in mid air. Rhaps crashes onto Dave just as he stands up, compacting him between the mat and the Charging Glory Champion.

JP: Rhaps has lost it. A standing Cross Body! Can you believe that Rhaps managed to execute that move?

Ray: Yes Jimmy, it was very pretty, now shhhhh.

Rhaps rolls off the Genesis World Champion to one side and he is back on his feet quickly. As he does so he lurches forward and he grabs hold of the ring ropes. He hangs onto it as he shakes his head to clear the cobwebs, the extent of his injuries still uncertain. Dave hops onto his feet, showing that the match hasn't taken that great a toll on him. The fans supporting him erupt in frenzy as they see him stand, his face overwhelmed by a look of new found determination.

Dave heads over to where Rhaps is leant against the ropes and he clenches his fist as he does so. Before Rhaps can react, Dave unleashes with the left and right hands, pummelling Rhaps until he is driven onto his knees as he futilely tries to defend himself against the onslaught. Dave suddenly changes his approach and he seizes the Safety Ranger by his hand and wrenches against it. Rhaps is lifted off his feet and he snaps into the ropes on the far side from the Irish whip.

Dave is ready as Rhaps hurtles towards him from the momentum of the move. As Rhaps crashes into him, Dave loops his arms around the Charging Glory Champion and he hoists him over his head in a textbook Belly to Belly suplex. Rhaps is sent careening over the top rope and he smashes through the announce table, accompanied by the noise of splintering wood. Splinters are driven into the flat of Rhaps' back and he writhes in agony from the impact while Dave smirks to himself.

JP: Oh my God! Can you believe that manoeuvre from Dave Carter? Rhaps was broken in half and it must have been a hell of a feat of strength to send the 223 pound Rhaps through our announce table.

Ray: That's what I'm talking about Jimmy, a real hardcore edge. Although I'm slightly annoyed that I have nowhere to stand my coffee now.

TBCB Dave Carter

[Dave Carter]

It looked that Carter was full of adrenaline that moment, because it takes great strength to throw a heavier opponent so strong. Dave falls on his back as he throws Rhaps over himself and over the top rope. He quickly turns his head to see The Ice Cream Eater having a chance to enjoy some wood. A little smile appears in Dave's face for a sec, but disappears just as quick as it appeared, because the match doesn't end here, the cloak only shows a bit more then 70 minutes left of this match. Dave rolls onto his stomach and puts his arms in front of chest, using them to lift his body of the canvas. Slowly Carter has his both feet fully planted on the mat and he himself returns to vertical position. Dave walks toward the ropes that are closest to announcer tables and takes a look at Rhaps, lying motionless in a pile of wood that just a minute ago was a announcer table. Dave just stands there calmly for few seconds, most likely thinking what to do now, what move could he pull. Suddenly Dave quickly turns toward his right side, moving toward the ropes of that ring side. He grabs the top rope with both hands and pulls his body up, bending it over the belly and knees in the process. Just as his feet touches the top rope, Dave pulls away his hands and springboards backwards a bit. But just before jumping backwards, Carter twists his body to one side just enough to direct his body going backwards toward the ropes that are closest to announcers. Just barely Dave is able to land his feet on these ropes. Yet he doesn't stay on them too long and just in eye blink time he springboards of them and uses all this momentum to launch himself very high in the air, high enough for Dave to flip his body not once, but twice in backward motion, as well target it to land on his opponent and, unfortunately to Rhaps and to Dave himself, the broken announcer table with a Double Moonsault.

~~JP~~
Jesus Christ! It's almost as if want to make sawdust out of that table and Rhaps.

~~Ray~~
I just hope they both are ok.

Dave seems to have hurt himself in few places, hitting parts of the table when landing, still Rhaps is apparently damaged even more as his back was pressed into the table pieces while Dave's body hit his stomach with high impact at the same time. Both men remain lying in the pile of now trash for few minutes, before recovering enough to start returning back on their feet. Dave is first to do so, since he was damaged less from the last move, but Rhaps seems to be recovering nearly at the same time. Carter stumbles at the ringside, leaning onto the apron and shaking his head, apparently trying shake of the dizziness. He then sees Rhaps almost back in vertical base as well and rushed toward him, throwing a hard right fist in front of himself, that connects with Rhap's head. The Lightning then continues to throw lightning quick now both left and right fists, pounding Rhap's head and trying not to allow the Charging Glory Champion to fully get up and answer with his own hits. Punches push Rhaps back and presses him against the barrier, leaving Rhaps with nowhere to retreat. With that in mind, The Ice Cream Eater has nothing left to do, but just take the risk and try to attack Dave himself. Rhaps quickly catches Dave's right arm with both his hands, thus leaving Carter big opening to attack Rhap's with his left fist. Yet before he is able to do so, Rhaps shows his own amazing speed and twists The Lightning's hand around, then quickly runs behind Carter, locking Dave's arm in Hammerlock armbar.

~~JP~~
What a great technique. Rhaps has Dave right where he want him.

~~Ray~~
Talking about that...

~~JP~~
No! We aren't talking about that, Ray.

Rhaps adds pressure to Dave's hand, twisting it more and more. Yet, even if Dave taps out, it won't count, since both men are still outside the ring. So instead the Charging Glory Champion quickly spins Dave's body around and lifts one of his knee's up, bringing Dave's stomach right into it. Rhaps then quickly connects with another knee to the guts, making Carter bend over. Not waiting a second, The Ice Cream Eater jumps on the same barrier he was pressed into and springboards of it. With Dave still bend over, Rhaps quickly wraps his lower legs around Dave's neck while still in the air, stretches out into horizontal base and corkscrews his body for a modified Hurricanrana. This twists Dave's neck quite hard and at the same lifts him of his feet, corkscrewing his body as well and thus slamming it into hard concrete back first. Rhaps lands on his belly though and he seems to have been prepared for this, avoiding serious consequences.
As Charging Glory Champion begins to get up, his attention is drawn by a voice. Voice of referee. He shouts to Rhaps that all this time Dave and Rhaps were fighting at the ringside, count out took place and both men have been counted out already, making it 1-1. Rhaps seems to be shocked a bit about this, but the result is still equal. Referee then continues to shout to Rhaps to bring Dave and himself back in to the ring fast, or the referee will have to start a second count out. The Ice Cream Eater, understanding it, grabs Dave by the hair and starts pulling him up to his own feet. He then grabs Dave's thighs and shoves Dave into the ring, rolling into it right after. With Dave still down, Rhaps decides to try his luck and slides onto Carter and hooking Carter's leg for a three count. The referee gets down on the mat and start tapping his hand into the canvas.

Referee: 1...2...

Just as the referee is about to tap the mat for the three, Dave's shoulder rises of the mat, almost like it was a reflex. Rhaps rolls of Carter and taps the mat seeing as he was so close of getting a fall. He rises his head up to the titantron, seeing that first 30 minutes of this match are about to end and the last hour to start. He then moves on both of his knees and using his hands to support his body, by planting them on the canvas, begins to return to vertical base. At this point, "Safety Ranger" chants break through loud in the arena giving a direct signal to Rhaps. He moves toward the nearest turnbuckle, slowly climbing to the top of it. He then turns around, looking around the crowd still chanting his nickname. The Ice Cream Eater stretches out his body as he fully stands up on the top turnbuckle and faces his opponent, you can say trying to lock the target for the Safety Bomb. But then the unexpected happens, as his target, Dave, somehow managed to roll onto his belly and is half way in getting back to vertical base process. This forces Rhaps to quickly change the plan and launch his body of the turnbuckle stretched out and aiming for a Missile Drop Kick. Yet, Carter is able to avoid it and The Charging Glory Champion lands on the mat with nothing reached. He quickly jumps back on his feet, though only to get a both to a face, as Dave was back on his feet quicker and thrust kicked Rhaps, sending him back to hit the ropes. Instead of bouncing of them, Charging Glory Champion's arms wraps around the top rope, leaving him half hanging on the ring ropes. Seeing his opponent in a very good position for attack, Carter decides that he just has to try and use his chance to deliver a crushing move. He runs full speed at the opposing ropes, bouncing of them and running toward Rhaps. Still, instead of delivering a strong hit to Rhaps, Dave learns that the Safety Ranger being trapped by the ropes is just a smart trick, as Rhaps quickly unwraps his arms of the top rope and shoves his shoulder into running Carter's guts, nailing him down to the canvas.

~~JP~~
Head-On Collision! Rhaps played smart and hit a devastating move.

~~Ray~~
Yes and now he has a chance to score a fall, making the result favorite to his side.

TBC by Rhaps

[Rhaps]

Rhaps laughs to himself as Dave spills to the canvas dramatically amidst the roar and din of the loyal fans. Quickly he grabs Dave by the leg and he drags him back into the centre of the ring before going for the cover. The referee rushes over and his hand falls down, slapping the canvas twice. Just as he is about to count the three Dave shoots his shoulder off the canvas, shocking all those in attendance, no less than Rhaps. The Safety Ranger sits up with an exasperated look on his face as The Lightning lies on the mat breathing heavily. Wasting little time Rhaps covers his opponent again, ramming his arm across his throat in an attempt to score the pinfall. Just as before, Dave raises his shoulder before the all important three can be reached, frustrating Rhaps even further.

JP: How in the world did Dave kick out after the Head-On Collision by Rhaps? He's showing true gut and determination in this match and I admire him for it.

Ray: Yes, we all know how you like to suck up to the face's. I want something good to happen like a maniacal Gnarff to come out here and level Rhaps with that frying pan of his. After all, he never got a rematch and Rhaps is the Charging Glory Champion. He should've made his move for the title by now.

JP: Enough about that Ray. Just concentrate on what's going on in the ring.

Rhaps shakes his head incredulously before he almost snaps and he starts stomping away on Dave's winded form. He drives his foot viciously into Dave's chest and stomach several times, his face contorted almost in a picture of rage. The Lightning covers up from the assault and soon he is able to block most of Rhaps' attacks. The Safety Ranger changes approach and he drops his whole weight onto his knee, driving it onto The Lightning's exposed nose and facial features. A sickening crunch is heard as Rhaps' knee smashes into Dave's face and he starts squirming in pain from the shot.

Bright rivulets of blood splash onto the mat as Rhaps ceases his assault on the New Age Champion. As Dave places his hands on the canvas and starts to work his way up to a vertical base, the Ice Cream Eater heads over to the turnbuckle. He jumps up to it easily and he turns round to face the centre of the ring once more. He waits for his opponent to reach the correct position before bunching his leg muscles and flinging himself back into the ring, his arm outstretched. Dave half turns towards Rhaps as he nears. He suddenly reacts instinctively and he lunges himself forwards towards the Safety Ranger, stretching his arm out also. Both superstars nail each other with clotheslines, sending both men reeling to the canvas in pain.

JP: What the hell happened there? A flying clothesline stopped dead by a clothesline from Dave as well. This match is going to be deadly to both participants.

Ray: But you're forgetting Jimmy, Dave is out for the count as well after being nailed by Rhaps. This is damn exciting. Ahh nuts, I shouldn't be enjoying a straight edge match like this.

The referee begins a double knockout count while both men lay groggily on the canvas. Dave appears to begin moving first and he is up to his knees at the count of five while Rhaps has yet to begin the long process of standing up. By 7 Dave reaches his feet and he gingerly helps Rhaps up as well, ending the count at 9 while Rhaps stumbles uncertainly on his feet. The Lightning seizes the advantage and he takes Rhaps' hand before using his weight to fling him towards the ropes. Rhaps snaps back into the ring where Dave is waiting. As he nears, the New Age Champion raises his elbow, smashing it into the side of the Safety Ranger's head.

Rhaps falls back to the canvas onto his knees before putting his hand out to stop himself from falling any further. He pushes against the mat and raises himself carefully back to his feet. Meanwhile Dave explodes from where he is standing and he jumps to the top rope, using the momentum to shoot himself back into the ring. Rhaps turns into the attack, making it easier for Dave to catch him in mid air, before turning him ninety degrees to plant his face into the canvas. Dave's fans erupt in response to the Tornado DDT while the momentum of the manoeuvre swings Rhaps into a sitting position on the mat. Dave turns and notices this, smiling to himself. He moves quickly as he launches himself into the air, stretching his legs as he does so. His feet smash into Rhaps' forehead, making his head bounce off the canvas as he is left reeling from the standing dropkick.

JP: The momentum of the match is now solidly with Dave Carter here and if he's smart he should finish Rhaps off and get the advantage in this match up.

Ray: And he's doing that just now Jimmy. He's trying to lock that Camel Clutch in but Rhaps is squirming for his life. What a coward!

As Dave tries to use his weight to trap Rhaps, the Safety Ranger desperately tries to reach the ropes and he nearly makes it before Dave manages to stop him dead in his track. He loops his arms around Rhaps' neck and he wrenches backwards painfully. The timer reaches the 50 minute mark while Dave grits his teeth as he almost tried to break Rhaps' neck in the submission hold. Rhaps squirms underneath and he begins to inch his way to the ropes. He stretches his arm out, his fingertips just touching the rope, causing it to twitch slightly but not enough for the referee to notice.

Dave pulls on Rhaps head again with all his strength as he tries to make the Ice Cream Eater tap out. His arm snaps back in response and he futilely grasps at Dave's hands around his throat in vain. Quickly he shifts his position and he reaches for the ropes once more, finally managing to grasp them. The referee notices almost instantly and he announces the rope break and starts the count. Dave breaks on one and he begins to stamp away in bitter frustration.

Dave moves back into the centre of the ring while Rhaps turns and lies on the canvas staring up at the arena lights. Dave looks over at his opponent and he moves quickly, half running at his opponent. As he nears he launches himself into the air and stretches his legs out in an attempted leg drop. Rhaps however is quicker and he raises his feet, booting Dave in the ribs as he attempts to hit with the leg drop. The Lightning steps backwards into the centre of the ring in pain after the counter while Rhaps jumps up to his feet, finding a second wind.

Now it's Rhaps' turn to charge at the ropes, using them as a springboard to hit a move back into the ring. He lies horizontally in the air as he rushes towards Dave, kicking his feet out, smashing them into his chest with the springboard Yakuza kick. Dave reels backwards, slamming back first against the canvas as he grasps his chest in pain. Before Dave can begin to recover, Rhaps hoists him to his feet and hits a quick Irish Whip into the corner before exploding towards him. He steps up onto the second rope and brings his foot up sharply, smashing it into his opponent's cheek.

JP: Can you believe the change in momentum here Ray? That was an incredible step up Enzuiguri into the corner and now Rhaps is in charge.

Ray: But he'd better be careful, it looks as if he might lose his balance up there.

Just as Ray mentions this Rhaps does indeed lose his balance and before he has a chance to reach the canvas safely, he topples over the turnbuckle. He manages to catch hold of the ropes as he does so, landing safely on the ring apron by the steel steps with his back to the ring. Dave instantly makes his move and he turns and grabs Rhaps by the throat. He half chokes him, half holds him in place while the Charging Glory Champion struggles against the hold. Quickly, the New Age Champion changes his approach and he pulls back against his opponent, ramming his back and neck painfully into the ring post. Rhaps drops to the ground like a stone, spilling off the steel steps onto the concrete below.

Dave begins to climb the turnbuckle and he stands atop it as he waits for Rhaps to get into the correct position. Soon Rhaps is back on his feet, though unsteady, just as the referee's count out reaches six. Dave suddenly leaps out of the ring with an amazing double moonsault. Rhaps reacts with lightning speed as he reaches out and half catches his opponent in mid air. Using the momentum from the manoeuvre, Rhaps drills Dave into the concrete with a power bomb counter, sending both men smashing onto the ground with incredible velocity.

JP: How was Rhaps able to counter that? Well, it doesn't really matter now though. That move took a lot out of both men.

Ray: And neither of them have moved yet and the count is up to three already.

As the clock counts down from 43 minutes the referee's count reaches 6 before either man begins to move. They stir gently but neither of them can react fast enough as the referee reaches ten and he signals to other ring officials that the score is now 2-2. This is updated on the titantron before the referee starts the count again. Finally both men reach a vertical base and they soon start trading single punches with each other, neither bothering to block. Rhaps blasts Dave with a huge right hand, staggering forwards as he does so. The lightning recovers and he hits back with another huge punch. The count reaches nine so Dave slides underneath the bottom rope into the ring.

As he does so, Rhaps shakes the cobwebs out from his head and he runs headlong at the steel steps, jumping up to them before springing back with a corkscrew flip. Dave slides out of the ring, breaking the count out as this happens and he sees Rhaps heading towards him at the last second. Desperately he lunges himself out of the way and Rhaps crashes into the unyielding concrete after the failed Rhapsifaction. The Lightning stands up after the move, a smile creeping onto his face. He moves as quickly as possible, wrenching Rhaps up to his feet before holding him limply to one side. He hoists him up and flips him in mid air before setting him up in the power bomb position. Rhaps suddenly seems aware of his plight and he starts hammering way on Dave's head, but too late. He drives him down, Rhaps' back smashing painfully against the ring apron.

JP: What a Lightning Bomb from Dave Carter there. He can get the pinfall now. Sure enough he's sliding Rhaps back into the ring.

Dave rolls Rhaps into the ring before entering himself. Quickly he hooks the leg and the referee rushes over. He brings his hand down three times and the fans of Dave Carter cheer audibly in response as the score now becomes 3-2 with 41 minutes remaining.

TBCB Dave Carter.