(Copyright information flashes on the screen. We go into a highlight screen with First Blood a few years ago when Patrick Payne was able to reach the title Azar Vulcan also in the match low blows Tony Ikeda costing him the championship, Tony’s frustration grows as he misses out on his championship shots, clips of Aari’s return and his successes along with Azar title reign, they all focus on the world championship. An introduction screen welcomes us to Payback 2026. Pyrotechnics blasts on the stage. The lights turn on, and fans yell, and wave their signs. The camera gets a few shots of the crowd. We zoom out to display the location information. We get a few shots of the crowd as commentators speak over the shot.)
JR-Hello and welcome to the 2026 edition of Payback. I’m good ol’ JR, Jim Ross. I’m joined by Jerry “the King” Lawler, and Kris “KG” Gaffney.
King-Tonight Aari Maxwell and Tony Ikeda are trapped in a cage with a man that’s already better than them.
Kris Gaffney-Most situations would say that Aari, and Tony are a disadvantage, but OK.
JR-Let’s get started with the opening match of the night.
[video size="small" src=""][/video]
[As the unmistakable opening notes of "Money" by Pink Floyd begin to ecFho through the arena, a grandiose display of gold and green laser lights crisscrosses the space, creating an atmosphere of opulence and exclusivity. The entire arena is bathed in a luxurious glow, mimicking the sheen of gold.
The titantron springs to life, showcasing a dazzling montage of Hollywood's most glamorous moments: red carpets, flashing camera lights, and premiere nights, all leading up to the marquee name, "Austin Jameson Mercer," emblazoned across the screen in bold, shimmering letters.
Simultaneously, the entrance ramp transforms into a visual spectacle, resembling a premiere night red carpet. A line of spotlight-equipped drones flies overhead, casting down beams of light that spotlight the path, while confetti cannons strategically positioned at the sides of the ramp blast gold and silver confetti, fluttering down like a cascade of wealth.
Then, with a flair that only he can muster, "Hollywood" Austin Jameson Mercer steps out, clad in a custom-tailored robe that sparkles under the lights, his confident stride in sync with the rhythm of the song. He pauses at the top of the ramp, soaking in the adulation, a smirk playing across his lips as he surveys his domain.]
Beautiful female announcer: "Making his grand entrance from Beverly Hills, California, standing at six feet two inches and weighing in at two hundred thirty-five pounds... He is the blockbuster sensation of the wrestling world, the “Pretty Boy”, 'Hollywood' Austin Jameson Mercer!"
[Austin then makes his way down the ramp, each step calculated to maximize the dramatic effect of his presence. Personal security guards, dressed in sleek suits, flank him, adding to the aura of untouchable celebrity status. He occasionally stops to pose for the "cameras," his every move oozing the charisma and confidence of a true movie star.
Upon reaching ringside, Austin takes a moment to gaze out at the crowd, offering a cocky wave before he discards his robe, revealing his wrestling gear beneath, adorned with gold trim that catches the light perfectly. He ascends the stairs and steps through the ropes with an air of entitlement, as if the ring were his personal stage.
The music fades, the lights gradually return to normal, and the confetti settles, leaving Austin Jameson Mercer standing center-ring. He stretches out his arms, welcoming the audience to his show, a smug smile on his face, ready to prove once again why he is the premier attraction, as the arena buzzes with anticipation for the spectacle to come.]
JR-Austin Jameson Mercer is looking to get a championship for the Maledictum.
King-They changed him, and now he’s looking to make them dominate
Suddenly, the powerful tones of “Twilight of the Thunder God” by Amon Arnath engulfed the arena. Lights went pitch black for a moment, and when they return, they danced in a patriotic sequence of Red, White, and Blue while sparks rained down from the ceiling. The camera panned around quickly, searching for the source of the entrance, finally setting halfway up the stands in the crowd. There stood Jackson Gunner followed by Wade Wilson, surrounded by a sea of ecstatic fans. The crowd’s roars intensified as he tore off his tank top, throwing it to a lucky audience member. In a gesture of sheer energy, he beat his chest and threw his hands into the air, forming an X, signaling his readiness for battle as his Championship drapes over his shoulder.)
Announcer: Ladies and Gentleman! Making his way through the crowd, hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 250 pounds… he is the reigning EMF TV Champion, “THE SMILING WARRIOR” JACKSON “KOA KOA” GUNNER!
JR-Jackson Gunner is looking to defend against another very talented opponent.
Kris Gaffney-The history of this is probably on his mind.
King-These two fought over the world title if I’m not mistaken.
[Jackson Gunner and Austin Jameson Mercer pace around the ring. Jackson Gunner connects with a knee lift, and he whips him to the ropes, and he connects with a one man flap jack that puts him down on the mat. Austin Jameson Mercer goes down on the mat, he is slow ot get up to his feet. Once he gets up to his feet. Jackson Gunner connects with a few fists to the face, and he whips him to the ropes, and he bounces off of the ropes, Jackson Gunner connects with a hip toss Austin Jameson Mercer gets up t his feet, and he throws a wild fist to the face, and he ducks under. Jackson Gunner connects with a release german suplex that sends him flying through the air and he crashes down on the mat. Austin Jameson Mercer connects with a kick to the gut, and he sets him up, and he connects with a sit down powerbomb. Austin Jameson Mercer gets hold down with a pin by Jackson Gunner. The ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1………….2…………KICK OUT by Austin Jameson Mercer!!]
JR-Jackson Gunner almost got the three.
King-Austin Jameson Mercer wasn’t going to give him what he wanted.
Kris Gaffney-Guess not.
[Jackson Gunner waits for Austin Jameson Mercer to get up to his feet. Austin Jameson Mercer picks up Jackson Gunner, and he lifts him up AJM up, but at the last moment AJM is able to get free. Ausitn Jameson Mercer connects with the Red Carpent. Jackson Gunner stumbles backwards. Austin Jameson Mercer hits a kick to the gut, and he sets him up, and he drops him with a world premeire with a bridge. The ref goes into position to make the count, the ref counts 1………..2…….Jackson Gunner kicks out!]
JR-Jackson Gunner kicks out!
King- That wasn’t perfect, but AJM did take a lot of big moves.
[Austin picks up Jackson Gunner, but Jackson slides out of the back. Jackson lifts up Austin Jameson Mercer, and he drops him with the burning samoan!! Jackson Gunner goes into the cover on AJM!! Jackson Gunner goes into the cover on AJM. The ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1………….2…………3!!]
JR-Jackson Gunner retains the TV championship.
(“Radio” blasts on the PA system. Zack Ryder walks out on the stage with his web camera, and he steps inside of the ring.)
JR-This is a battle of the men with championship experience.
King-Zack has the web footage advantage.
Kris Gaffney-Ha!
[div align="center"][video][/bbvideo][/align]
The arena lights dim, and the opening beats of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" blast through the speakers. As soon as the first note hits, bright spotlights flash in sync with the music, and a thick cloud of smoke rises from the stage. The crowd immediately erupts in a mix of cheers and laughter, knowing they’re in for something special. As the beat drops, multicolored fireworks explode around the stage, and through the smoke, Patrick Payne bursts out, dancing his way onto the stage like he’s straight out of a 90s boy band video. Patrick starts hitting the iconic "Bye Bye Bye" choreography, exaggerated and dripping with his own flavor. He smirks at the camera, pointing at random fans in the crowd, and moving with the beat like he’s starring in his own music video. He stops midway down the ramp, faking a pause, and then launches back into the dance, arms waving and hips moving as the crowd sings along to the chorus.
EMF Ring Announcer: From wherever he damn well pleases, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing in at 210 pounds he is the unpredictable, the unstoppable, Patrick ˜The PP Express Payne!!!
As the music continues, the lights flash in rhythm, and Patrick slides into the spotlight, twirling and dipping to the beat. Nearing the ring, he stops for a second, tilts his head toward the camera, and breaks into a final burst of the dance, fully embracing the ridiculousness of it all. Without breaking his flow, he leaps over the top rope with a fluid, acrobatic jump, landing in a perfect roll before bouncing right back into the Bye Bye Bye dance inside the ring. Patrick moves effortlessly, finishing his routine by running up the turnbuckle, arms wide, and executing a picture-perfect backflip off the top rope. As his feet hit the mat, he drops into a flawless superhero landing, kneeling down, one fist on the ground, with a cocky grin stretched across his face. He rises slowly, arms outstretched, soaking in the crowd’s reaction, while the music fades and the lights settle back to normal. The camera zooms in as Patrick winks at the audience, mouthing, "You’re welcome!" before leaning casually against the ropes, waiting for his match to begin.
JR-Patrick Payne knows he will be facing someone who has done it all.
Kris Gaffney-It will be difficult to catch him off guard.
King-That’s for sure.
[Zack Ryder and Patrick Payne pace around the ring, and they lock up. Zack Ryder puts Patrick Payne into a side head lock, and he puts on the pressure Patrick Payne. Zack Ryder gets pushed to the ropes, and he bounces off of the ropes. Patrick Payne bounces off of the ropes, and he connects with a shoulder block. Patrick Payne gets up to his feet, and he runs towards Zack Ryder. Zack Ryder takes him down with a hip toss. Patrick Payne get sup to his feet, Patrick Payne gets knocked back with a standing drop kick that knocks him backwards. Zack Ryder runs towards the corner, and he connects with a clothesline. Zack Ryder backs up. Patrick Payne falls into a seated position. Zack Ryder grins and he fist pumps (Woo! Woo! Woo! Zack Ryder runs towards the corner, and he connects with the Broski boot to the side of the face. Zack Ryder pulls Patrick Payne out of the corner. Zack Ryder goes into the cover on Patrick Payne, the ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1…………2………KICK OUT by Patrick Payne!!]
JR-Zack Ryder almost got three.
King-Zack Ryder might have only got two, but your lameness is a three.
Kris Gaffney-Not sure if that make sense.
[Zack Ryder measures up Patrick Payne, and he goes for the Rough Ryder but it’s blocked by Patrick Payne, and Patrick connects with a power bomb on Zack Ryder. Patrick Payne falls against the ropes, and he is up to the top rope. Patrick Payne connects with the Flight Risk!! Patrick Payne goes into the cover on Zack Ryder. The ref goes into position to make the count, the ref counts 1……….2……..KICK OUT by Zack Ryder.]
JR-Zack Ryder was able to kick out at the last moment.
King-Patrick might be looking to end this.
Kris Gaffney-Think his finisher name still makes sense.
King-YES!
[Patrick Payne kicks Zack Ryder in the gut, and he sets him up but Zack Ryder spins out of it. Patrick Payne goes for a clothesline. Ryder ducks under, Patrick turns around right into the Rough Ryder!! Zack Ryder goes into the cover on Patrick Payne. The ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1……….2………3!!]
JR-Zack Ryder was able to end the match, and gain the victory.
(“The duck song” blasts on the PA system. Kenny Omegrape transport like he’s Mega Man and he does a pose that says Kenny Omegrape….man. The crowd throws grapes at him.)
JR-Well….I’d say that’s different, but it’s more..expected.
King-To understand the Melon Gods would just explode your brain JR…so please try to understand.
Kris Gaffney-Sounds messy.
The opening notes of "Attitude" by The Misfits blast through the arena as the lights flicker and strobe. The entire crowd erupts into cheers and excitement as Sythe appears at the entrance ramp.
(The arena lights suddenly cut out, plunging everything into darkness. For a brief moment, the only sound is the murmur of the crowd, uncertain of what’s about to happen. Then, with a crackle of static, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra begins to play. But it’s not the smooth, classic version everyone knows—this one is slightly distorted, as if being played on an old, warbled record.
A lone spotlight flickers on, illuminating the entrance ramp where Jack "The Anarchist" Lynch stands, his silhouette stark against the chaos flashing on the titantron behind him—glitchy visuals of riots, fires, and carnage intercut with scenes from black-and-white films, all overlayed with the words "The Anarchist" in jagged, graffiti-style text.)
Announcer: Making his way to the ring. Fight from Wellington, New Zealand
. He stands 6'1" and weighs 230 pounds. He is The Anarchist, Jack Lynch!
(Jack takes a slow, deliberate step forward, his barbed-wire baseball bat resting casually on his shoulder. He wears a long, tattered trench coat covered in patches and scribbled phrases that look like they were done in a fit of madness. With each step, the crowd’s anticipation builds, his presence commanding yet erratic, like a ticking time bomb.
As he strides down the ramp, Jack’s grin is wide and manic, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of what’s to come. He stops suddenly, halfway down, as if a thought has just occurred to him. With a playful shrug, he pulls a flask from inside his coat, takes a swig, and sprays the liquid into the air. The mist catches the spotlight, creating a shimmering, chaotic halo around him as he continues toward the ring.
Reaching ringside, Jack doesn’t just walk up the steps like everyone else—no, that’s too predictable. Instead, he makes a sudden, wild dash toward the barricade, leaping onto it with the grace of a cat, balancing precariously on the edge. He taunts the crowd, swinging his bat playfully, then balances along the top of the barricade as if it were a tightrope, laughing all the while.
Finally, he jumps down and slides into the ring under the bottom rope, rolling to his feet in one fluid, exaggerated motion. He twirls his bat in his hand like a gunslinger ready for a duel, his eyes scanning the crowd as if daring anyone to challenge him.
Once inside, Jack heads straight for the nearest turnbuckle, leaping up onto it with a wild, unhinged energy. Perched there, he looks out over the crowd with a mix of madness and glee, as if soaking in the chaos he’s about to unleash. With a sudden, dramatic swing of his bat toward the titantron, the screen behind him glitches violently, flashing between images of destruction and his own maniacal grin.
Jack then hops down from the turnbuckle, casually tossing his bat to a ring crew member with a wink and a smirk, as if he’s just handed them a live grenade. He leans back against the ropes, whistling the last notes of "My Way" as if it’s all just a part of his twisted, chaotic day.)
JR-Sythe brings a mix of high flying and ground game.
Kris Gaffney-Jack Lynch should be at home with the chaos.
King-Facing God…that’s pretty chaotic, but not enough to win…unless the Melon Gods say so.
[Kenny Omegrape, Sythe, and Jack Lynch stand in the middle of the ring. The bell rings, and Kenny Omegrape talks about the order of the Melon Gods. This doesn’t please Jack Lynch, and he ducks under. He goes for a wild fist, and Kenny Omegrape ducks under, and he throws him hard into Sythe. Sythe falls out of the ring. Kenny Omegrape waits as Jack Lynch stumbles otwards him, and he lifts him up, and he drops him with a belly to back back breaker. Jack Lynch takes a few moments to get up to his feet, and Kenny Omegrape connects with a double arm DDT Into the mat. Kenny OMegrape goes into the cover on Jack Lynch. The ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1…………2………Sythe from the outside of the ring pulls him out of the ring.]
JR-Kenny Omegrape almost got the three count.
King-Truly the will of the Melon Gods.
Kris Gaffney-Shut up King!
[Sythe throws Kenny Omegrape hard into the ring steps, and he waits for Kenny Omegrape to get up to his feet, and once he gets up to his feet he kicks him in the gut, and he connects with a snap suplex. Sythe climbs up on the apron, and he connects with a hang man that makes Jack Lynch stumble backwards. Sythe climbs up to the top rope, and he measures up, and he goes for double axe handle, but Jack Lynch moves out of the way, and he connects with the Pandemonium kick that drops Sythe. Kenny Omegrape climbs up on the apron. Kenny Omegrape gets knocked off of the apron with a fist. Jack Lynch calls for the end of the match.]
JR-Jack Lynch is looking to end the match.
King-He thinks this chaos, but that’s what the Melon Gods want you to think.
[Jack Lynch picks up Sythe, and he drops him with the Pandemonium Driver, but before he goes into the cover Kenny Omegrape sneaks into the ring, and throws Jack Lynch hard into the ring post. Kenny Omegrape goes into the cover on Sythe. The ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1………………2………….3!!]
JR-Kenny picked his spot, and he got the victory.
(“Game On” blasts on the PA system. Tony Ikeda walks out on the stage, and he steps inside of the ring.)
JR-Tony Ikeda has had this feud with Azar for a long time never forgetting the ladder match.
King-Well he gets a chance to avenge it, going to any extreme to do it because that’s what being not better than Azar is like.
Kris Gaffney-Guess we all know how he feels…
(Animal sounds echo the arena when the lights go black. The lights turn on green and an image of a giant alligator moves up the ramp, when it gets to the top it bites down, fireworks shoot from the sage and from up in the rafters comes sliding Aari Maxwell comes sliding down. Once close enough he unclips himself, lands in the ring, rolls, jumps up ontop of the ring post and shouts "CRIKEY!" To the fans with his arms out. He jumps, springs off of the rope and does a backflip landing on his feet. Aari "The Zoo Keeper, slides into his corner, bends down wrapping his arms around the ropes with his back on the post smiling as he waits for the match to begin.)
JR-Aari Maxwell speed might have some issue as the limited area will make it more difficult.
King-But not impossible.
Kris Gaffney-That’s true.
[I’m better than you and you know it” Is said over the loud speakers right before Lamb Of God- “Overlord” hits. The crowd erupts in boos as the lighting begins to flash green and gold. The ramp fills with images of money as Azar Vulcan steps out from the back with a smug grin on his face. He stops atop of the ramp laughing at the fans.]
Announcer: Ladies and gentleman, making his way to the ring, weighing in at 215 pounds and standing 5’11”. He is The EMF World Heavyweight Champion, The Best In The World, Azar “Mastermind” Vulcan!
JR-Azar Vulcan comes into this match the underdog due to the match and the other people in this match.
Kris Gaffney-That’s all triple threat matches when you’re the champion.
King-That’s because you haven’t factored in he’s already better than everyone else in that case he’s the favorite!
[Tony Ikeda, Aari Maxwell, and Azar Vulcan stand in the ring. Tony Ikeda seems to be staring down Azar Vulcan, but Azar Vulcan is not going to take any chance, and he connects with a big low blow on Tony Ikeda. Aari Maxwell tries to attack Azar Vulcan, but Azar Vulcan side steps him, and he throws him hard into the cage side. Aari Maxwel stumbles towards Azar Vulcan. Azar Vulcan kicks Aari Maxwell, and he sets him up, and he drops him with a brain buster. Aari Maxwell is down on the mat. Azar Vulcan runs towards the ropes, and he spring boards off of the ropes, and he connects with spring board moonsault off of the second rope. Azar Vulcan goes into the cover on Aari Maxwell. The ref goes into position to make the count, the ref counts 1………….2……..Tony Ikeda is able to break up the three count.]
JR-Tony Ikeda was able to break up the three count.
King-Probably shouldn’t have announced what he was planning to do with Aari.
Kris Gaffney-Probably not….never forget when you in a no holds barred match…
[Tony Ikeda and Azar Vulcan throw fists to the face, Tony Ikeda is able to answer with a head butt, and Tony Ikeda throws him hard into the ring side of the cage side. Azar Vulcan stumbles backwards, and Tony Ikeda connects with a release german suplex. Tony Ikeda waits for Azar Vulcan, and he connects with a few fists to the face that knocks him backwards. Tony Ikeda whips him to the ropes, and he bounces off of the ropes. Tony Ikeda lowers his head, and he connects with a body back body drop that sends him flying through the air, and he crashes into the mat. Tony Ikeda waits as Azar Vulcan is slow to get up to his feet, Tony Ikeda hooks Azar Vulcan and he lifts him up, and Tony Ikeda drops Azar Vulcan into a full nelson slam!!]
JR-Could that be it?
King- If this was the 2000s I’d say…probably…and the guy who he was in the ring with wasn’t already better than everyone else.
Kris Gaffney-Ouch…Azar is like a walking Wrestlemania, where finishers go to die.
[Tony Ikeda goes into the cover on Azar Vulcan, the ref goes into position to make the count. The ref counts 1………..2……….Aari Maxwell comes flying into the picture, but Tony Ikeda moves out of the way at the last moment. Aari connects with My Kingdom on Azar Vulcan. Tony Ikeda stares down Aari Maxwell Aari Maxwell stares down Tony. Azar is down. Tony Ikeda and Aari Maxwell throw fists to the face, and Aari Maxwell gets hit with a few, Tony tries to lift up Aari, but Aari slides out of the back. Tony Ikeda turns around, and Aari Maxwell runs towards the ropes, and he connects with the spring board cutter on Tony Ikeda!! Aari Maxwell goes to the outside, and he connects with the 630 senton splash on Tony Ikeda. Tony Ikeda is hurting. Aari Maxwell goes into the cover on Tony Ikeda. The ref goes inot position to make the count, the ref counts 1………..2…….KICK OUT by Tony Ikeda!!]
JR-Almost three there.
King-Crikey! That was close!
[Aari Maxwell gets up, and Azar Vulcan connects with an impaler DDT. Azar and Aari are down on the mat, but as this is going on Tony Ikeda is climbing of the ropes to the door. Azar Vulcan is able to get a hold of Tony Ikeda. Azar Vulcan and Tony Ikeda fight by the open door. What is unseen Aari Maxwell running, and he jumps and he connects with a splash on Azar in the corner, Azar hits into the corner….and Tony Ikeda. Tony Ikeda falls backwards right out of the cage…TO THE FLOOR!! Tony Ikeda wins via escape!!]
JR-Tony Ikeda wins via escape!!
King-I think they executed the plan, I got a plan to punch JR in the face!
(Tony Ikeda looks kind of surprised that events happened but accepting with the world title as Payback goes off the air.)
