Backstage, the sounds from the arena seeped through the concrete walls, almost alive with energy.
Lance burst into the production area, where Vince stood with his arms crossed, intently watching several monitors at once. Nearby, Mark had a headset draped around his neck, coordinating entrance timings and checking cues for the main event lighting.
"We've surpassed the previous peak," Lance exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. "Viewership just hit an all-time high!"
Mark's head shot up in surprise. "Are you serious?"
Lance nodded, a wide grin spreading across his face. "And it's not even the main event yet!"
Mark let out a laugh of relief. For days, he had been juggling egos, managing technicians, and smoothing over tempers, and now the numbers were finally validating all that hard work.
Vince, however, didn't join in the celebration.
He simply kept his gaze fixed on the screen, where the tag champions were still posing with their belts, a small, satisfied smile creeping onto his face.
"Let's wait for the main event," he said, his tone calm.
Lance looked at him, puzzled by his unreadable demeanor. "You're not even excited?"
Vince's eyes remained glued to the monitor. "I'll be excited when they're still watching after the final bell."
Out in the crowd, the atmosphere had shifted. The arena felt heavier now, as if everyone sensed what was about to unfold.
Tony pulled out a crumpled twenty-dollar bill and grinned. "Prince wins," he declared with confidence. "He's the smarter one."
Justin shook his head, unconvinced. "Hogan's walking out with that belt."
Luke crossed his arms, nodding firmly. "Hogan's not losing tonight."
Tony shot them a smirk. "I'll bet you twenty that Prince retains."
Justin and Luke exchanged glances before they both nodded in agreement.
"Deal."
The arena lights dimmed a bit.
Noah rose from the commentary table, microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen… the following contest is your main event of the evening!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Irvin picked up the sheet he had been given earlier and cleared his throat. "And tonight's match will be contested under… Falls Count Anywhere rules."
A buzz of excitement rippled through the arena.
Irvin continued, "That means there are no disqualifications. No count-outs. A fall can happen inside the ring, outside the ring, in the aisle, or anywhere in this arena. The only way to win is by pinfall."
The crowd roared in anticipation.
Tony leaned in closer. "Oh, this is going to get messy."
Hogan Hornet's music blared first.
A sharp electric guitar riff blasted through the speakers, and the crowd went wild. Hogan stepped out onto the stage, his white hair flowing down to his shoulders, muscles glistening under the bright lights. He sported bright yellow trunks, matching knee pads, and white boots.
He paused at the top of the ramp, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere.
Twenty thousand voices erupted, chanting his name.
He made his way down, high-fiving fans, flexing his muscles, and pointing toward the ring.
"Let's go!" Justin shouted, his excitement palpable.
Luke couldn't help but grin.
Hogan climbed into the ring, arms raised high, soaking in the cheers from the crowd.
Then, the music changed.
A haunting violin layered over the thumping drums.
Eddie Prince made his entrance, championship belt snug around his waist, clad in tight purple gear that sparkled under the bright lights. His expression was intense, a stark contrast to the last time they faced off two weeks ago when he ambushed Hogan.
The crowd's reaction was mixed, but the boos were louder.
Eddie remained unfazed.
He walked with determination.
He recalled the near-brawl backstage, the fire in Hogan's eyes.
Sliding into the ring, he unfastened the championship belt, holding it aloft for a moment before passing it to the referee. The official raised it high, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation as it was handed to ringside.
The bell rang.
Hogan and Eddie began to circle each other.
They locked up right away.
The test of strength was evenly matched—two powerful men straining for dominance. The referee had to step in briefly to separate them as they edged toward the ropes.
They locked up again.
This time, Eddie made a sudden move, grabbing Hogan's ear and twisting it mercilessly.
Hogan cried out in pain as the crowd erupted in boos.
Eddie leaned into the hold, relishing the moment.
But Hogan retaliated with a punch to Eddie's midsection, breaking free just enough. He followed up with a sharp forearm that snapped Eddie's head back.
The tide was turning.
Hogan pushed Eddie back into the corner, driving his shoulder into Eddie's midsection again and again—once, twice, three times. Each hit got the crowd buzzing.
Eddie dropped to his knees, cradling his ribs.
Hogan seized him by the head and slammed him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Eddie stumbled and crashed to the mat.
Hogan went for the cover.
One.
Two.
Eddie kicked out.
Without missing a beat, Hogan yanked Eddie up and landed another punch right to his face.
Eddie ducked the next blow and retaliated with a sharp uppercut that caught Hogan right under the jaw. He hit the ropes and came back with a clothesline that sent Hogan crashing down.
Eddie went for the cover.
One.
Two.
Hogan kicked out quickly.
Both men got back to their feet and started trading heavy blows in the center of the ring. The sound of their forearms clashing echoed throughout the arena.
Finally, Hogan gained the upper hand, hooking Eddie and tossing him over the top rope.
Eddie hit the floor hard.
Hogan rolled out from the opposite side.
The crowd rose to their feet as Hogan took a few steps back, raised his hand, and let out a loud "Whoo!" before charging forward.
He collided with Eddie in a brutal shoulder block that sent the champion skidding across the thin mats at ringside.
Tony winced. "That floor doesn't forgive."
Hogan picked Eddie up and slammed him headfirst into the ring post.
Eddie staggered back, clutching his forehead.
Hogan took a step back, shouting to the crowd.
Then he charged.
At the last moment, Eddie sidestepped and pulled the rope down just enough.
Hogan's own momentum sent him flying over the barricade and into the front row.
The crowd gasped.
Eddie took a moment to lean against the apron, trying to catch his breath.
Hogan made his way up slowly, and Eddie greeted him with a solid right hook that sent him crashing into the folding chairs.
The two started exchanging punches right there in the crowd.
Fans quickly scattered to make room while security attempted to form a loose barrier around the chaos.
Noah yelled, "This is what Falls Count Anywhere is all about!"
Hogan delivered a powerful punch that had Eddie reeling against a railing. But Eddie wasn't done; he retaliated with a knee to Hogan's ribs.
They pushed further into the aisle between the seating sections, with officials and camera operators struggling to keep pace.
Eddie seized Hogan by the head and slammed him into the side wall. In response, Hogan threw a back elbow that caught Eddie off guard.