Post by gvb on Mar 26, 2021 17:08:22 GMT -6
Millennium LXXX
Live from Selland Arena in Fresno, CA
Wednesday, March 24th, 2021
Singles Match
Andrew Raynes VS Jada HashfordAndrew Raynes made his presence felt last week when he attacked the, almost literally, biggest dog in the yard, the Warwolf himself. Tonight instead marked his official debut for the company, in a match that saw him taking on the Backwoods Braggart Jada Hashford. The Mississippi Queen had some unflattering words about Raynes in the days prior to this match, ignoring, or not caring particularly, about the old saying not to poke the bear. But her jabs didn’t go unnoticed to Raynes, who wasted no time to clock Jada with a punch straight to the face right off the opening bell. Hashford stumbled back, caught off guard by the sudden strike. She recovered rather quickly though, ducking under Andrew’s lariat. The Embracer Of Hate kept running to the ropes and came back with a big boot that decked the opponent. Jada was quickly up to her feet and Raynes caught her with another right hand. He grabbed her arm and threw her against the ropes, but Hashford reversed the irish whip and waited for him to bounce back, sending him flipping over her head with a back body drop. He landed hard on his lower back, rolling on his belly as he tried to get up to a vertical position. Jada made sure that he had no time to recover stomping his back mercilessly. She quickly gathered Raynes up and sent him hard into the corner with yet another Irish whip. The veteran seemed surprised by the force that Hashford was able to use and by the determination she showed in these first minutes. She scored another series of moves with a running back elbow to the cornered Raynes followed by a snapmare and a kick to the back. She put more pressure on it with a chinlock, her knee planted on Raynes’ spine. The former multi-time SCW and GCW champion managed to stand up and bring himself next to the opponent, planting her on her face with a half nelson facebuster. Hashford kept working on the opponent’s lower back with a series of forearm strikes. She then spun him around and went for the Shut Out (scoop brainbuster) but the veteran blocked her attempt and raised his knee in her midsection four consecutive times, leaving her doubled over. A quick run at the ropes and he came back at full speed with the Code Of The Sith (running single leg high knee) to knock her down. That was the turning point of the match that went all downhill for Raynes.He kept Hashford trapped in the corner with several back elbows and forearm strikes. He seemed to enjoy the pain he was bringing to the Backwoods Braggart, his blows were getting faster and stiffer. The referee counted to five before forcing the break, doing for Jada what she couldn’t do herself, which was creating some separation and get time to regroup. A little time, actually, as Raynes was right back on the attack, firing the Greenville born across the ring and into the opposite corner. He charged in once again, but this time Jada pulled her foot up and kicked him in the face. She then climbed to the second rope and clasped her hands for a double axe handle but Andrews caught her in an atomic drop. He immediately followed with the move he took West out with, the leaping reverse STO he calls Hate Never Sleeps. The result was the same, Jada was out and Raynes could make the cover to pick up his first win in MWE. WINNER: Andrew Raynes BY: Pinfall (Hate Never Sleeps), 8:18 |
Andrew was smirking as the referee raised his hand in victory. He did exactly what he came out to do, picking up an impressive win and giving a preview of what the Embracer Of Hate is about to bring to MWE. The fans looked impressed, though some of them might question his attitude. And hiding amongst them was someone who was eager to give Andrew his personal welcome to MWE.
West Long hopped the barricade and entered the ring. Andrew turned around but it was too late to avoid the big boot that knocked him off his feet. But of course, that wasn't enough for him. He picked Raynes up and lifted him over his shoulders to plant him with the Point Blank. Raynes was flat on his back, the Warwolf smiled down on him proud and satisfied that he could get his measure of revenge. He posed on the fallen Andrews with a foot on his chest, staking his claim at the camera. The Intercontinental championship will be his.
West Long hopped the barricade and entered the ring. Andrew turned around but it was too late to avoid the big boot that knocked him off his feet. But of course, that wasn't enough for him. He picked Raynes up and lifted him over his shoulders to plant him with the Point Blank. Raynes was flat on his back, the Warwolf smiled down on him proud and satisfied that he could get his measure of revenge. He posed on the fallen Andrews with a foot on his chest, staking his claim at the camera. The Intercontinental championship will be his.
We cut to a locker room, where Jimmy Scrivens is seen tossing a heavy bag across the room as he gets himself prepared for his upcoming match. He stands up and looks at the camera.
Jimmy Scrivens:
Did you guys miss me?
He grins as he walks over to the bench and starts taping up his hands.
Jimmy Scrivens:
I know, I know. I was only gone a week, it’s not really that long. But still, to go a whole week without getting to see me in a ring? I’m sorry to have deprived you all of that.
He rips the tape to finish, and tosses it back into his open gym bag.
Jimmy Scrivens:
And yet, doesn’t that make tonight just that much better? The fact that you don’t get to see me every week, it’s just that much sweeter when you actually do. So really I should be saying ‘you’re welcome’. And you are. I can promise you that tonight is going to be even better than last time you saw me.
Scrivens furrows his brow a bit, as he thinks back to his last match in Millenium. He shakes his head out of it and looks back at the camera.
Jimmy Scrivens:
No, I didn’t beat Melissa Reeves when we wrestled two weeks ago. Yes, I was disappointed with the result. But it is what it is. Don’t forget, I’ve only been a pro wrestler for two months, she’s been in this business for years. She has multitudes of experience over me. That’s the reason she beat me. You could see it yourself, watching the match. I had her. I was in control. My wrestling was taking over. But I got ahead of myself. I tried to do too much. Instead of just going for the win when I had her reeling, I tried to put an exclamation point on it. That’s where she got me, and kudos to her. She saw my mistake and took advantage. She’s a phenomenal wrestler, and was exactly the challenge that I knew she would be. She held on until I made a mistake, and then she capitalized like she’s done to so many other wrestlers before. But that’s the thing about me. I don’t make the same mistake twice.
He adjusts his shorts and then looks around at the room before turning and facing the camera once more.
Jimmy Scrivens:
Since that loss, all I’ve been doing is training. Working. Getting better. I’m never going to be one to sit and coast. I didn’t get to be one of the greatest college wrestlers of all time by sitting back and letting things come to me. I went out there and took everything. And that’s what I’m going to do here in Millenium. I may not win every week. Nobody does. People get lucky, people make mistakes, I certainly am no exception. But I can work to limit those mistakes. I can improve enough that luck doesn’t make a difference. I can make sure that I don’t get caught in a rut, that I bounce back from any tough setback.
He smiles as he starts moving towards the locker room door, readying to head out for his match.
Jimmy Scrivens:
That starts this week. It starts tonight against Christina Rose. Another wrestling vet that’s been around for over a decade. You don’t last that long in this business without being talented. She’s won world championships countless times over. Even if that was her ‘old self’ Crystal or whatever. She still did those things. She knows how to win against anyone. So she’s not going to be a cakewalk. But I never expected it to be. I didn’t train my ass off in preparation for this just to act like it’s going to be easy. But I worked hard because I knew that if I did, I would beat her. I will beat her. I’m not going on a losing streak. I’m too damn good for that. I’m going to grab Christina and toss her all over the ring. Every time she thinks she has a chance to get herself going, I’m going to suffocate her with my strength, athleticism and wrestling. She may have wrestled some good pure wrestlers before, but she’s never faced one with the pure talent, skill and experience that I have. They don’t exist. There’s just me. So it doesn’t matter what she’s done in the past. It doesn’t matter how much experience she has. What matters is me, going out there and bouncing back from my recent defeat. What matters is me getting that win over a veteran like Christina. What matters is me. Continuing my rise to the top.
With that, Jimmy exits the locker room as we fade out.
Singles Match
Christina Rose VS Jimmy ScrivensTwo weeks after her loss against the Cloud Gate champion Lowri Moss, Christina Rose was back in action against Jimmy Scrivens. The Blossoming Rose appeared to have a huge chip on her shoulder, her comeback to Millennium wasn’t going as planned and her beef with Stone was doing more harm than good to her career. With the concern about the Abominable Showman possibly interfering and messing with her again looming over her, Christina’s attention was divided, something you can’t afford when you’re in the ring with a hungry and talented up and comer as Jimmy Scrivens. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Jimmy attacked the distracted Rose with a running forearm to the back of the head, dragging the rocked opponent to the corner and slamming her head into the top turnbuckle for a total of ten times. Jimmy then sat her on the top rope and climbed up as well, preparing to drive her all the way down to the canvas with a superplex. The veteran fought back, hammering at his ribs with a flurry of quick punches. Scrivens was forced to let her go and hop off the middle rope. Rose jumped down as well, but she did it with a diving armdrag that sent the freestyle wrestler halfway across the ring. She was quick to follow up with a shining wizard before he could get back on his feet and to obtain the first near fall of the match with her trademark handspring standing moonsault called Smell The Roses. Her speed and agility was creating more than one trouble to Jimmy, who didn’t seem to be able to counter her quick attacks, coming from all angles. And so Christina obtained another long two count after she nailed the opponent with a tilt-a-whirl ddt. The pace of the match changed consistently after Jimmy connected a discus clothesline. He went down and applied a front facelock, Christina shifted the position of her body and tried to reach the ropes with her foot but Scrivens rolled through in the opposite direction and kept the hold locked in. He then transitioned into a waistlock, deadlifting the opponent from that position and connecting a german suplex. His amateur background was in full display tonight, not only with his impressive mat wrestling technique, but with suplexes and throws as well. Around the seventh minute mark Jimmy appeared to be ready to call it a night, signaling the Cali fans for the Lion’s Roar. Crystal managed to slip away and jumped on Jimmy’s back with a backstabber, attempting a quick cover from which Scrivens kicked out in one. Although she was visibly worn out, Rose controlled the next couple of minutes, keeping Kimmy at bay with her kicking combinations and scoring another near fall with the Flashing Lights. Scrivens was in trouble now, back against the ropes while Christina was kicking the crap out of him with shoot kicks to the chest. She was on fire, trying to rally the fans behind her and finding that she had a decent amount of fans in the state she decided to live in. The referee called for the rope break, allowing Jimmy to step away from the ropes. The Blossoming Rose tried to kick him but he blocked her leg and quickly dropped her with The 313. As the referee moved in position to count, Jimmy leaned his feet on the ropes to get that extra leverage to keep her down for the three count. WINNER: Jimmy Scrivens BY: Pinfall (The 313), 9:49 |
The scene opens backstage. Kyle Butler is staring at the camera. He isn’t in his normal fun loving, jovial mood. He’s all business.
Kyle Butler:
No secret a lot has been on my mind lately. A couple months ago I admit I wanted to step away. Wrestling is embedded in my DNA. All I ever imagined doing. Sitting on the couch sucks. I pushed forward. What has that gotten me? Heh. Feels I am the guy who people beat then move on to become champion. Dustin and Atticus can attest to that. So where does that leave me? I can’t dwell on my position in the company. Omari Washington the third...
Kyle points at the camera.
Kyle Butler:
... you are my sole focus. You and The Bad Boyz. Your crew can’t stay out of the business of the people I care about. Sophie a month or so ago. And your never ending involvement in the business of my wife and her best friend. I can’t overlook that either. As much as my own place in this company is in doubt these days, one thing isn’t. The Bad Boyz aren’t great for the sport, so tonight Omari, I am going to do the right thing. I am standing up for my wife, her best friend and Glorious Golden Era as a whole. You don’t screw with the people I care about. Tell me how it feels when I ROLL TIDE all over that ass.
Kyle Butler storms off as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Kyle Butler VS Khalil Washington IIIKhalil was in his corner, his partner in crime Marcus Ali Jr was giving him some pep talk. Butler was patiently waiting in his corner for the match to start and when it did, he locked horns with the Bad Boy. Equally matched in strength, they still tried to outpower one another, making it a matter of pride. Or at least it seemed to be for Butler, while Khalil had no qualms in stomping his foot and raking his eyes. This gave him the opening to deliver a quick boxing combination to force Kyle back against the ropes. On the outside, Marcus was seen shadowboxing and repeating Khalil’s sequence, one that he possibly taught him. Washington irish whipped Butler across the ring and caught him with a twisting spinebuster as he bounced back, obtaining a two count and the applause of approval from his tag partner. Kyle scrambled to his feet but Khalil met him with a disrespectful slap across the cheek and then shoved him through the ropes with a thrust kick. KW3 left the ring and pursued the former MWE tag team champion, dragging him up to his feet and throwing a right hook at his face. Kyle saw it coming from a mile and ducked the shot, moving behind the opponent’s shoulders and waiting for him to turn around to level him with a clothesline. Ali quickly walked around the ring reaching the duo and he seemed intent to hit Butler. That would have caused a disqualification, and the referee reminded Marcus about that fact. Of course this was just a way to distract the ref and allow Khalil to punch the opponent down there and slam his head into the ring post. Kyle was rocked from the impact and the Bad Boy rolled him back inside the ring, following suit to make another cover attempt, only worth a count of two. After the rough start, Kyle was feeling good now, having turned the tides and controlling the pace now. Kahlil was going for his spinning belly to back suplex but Butler countered the move with some sharp elbows to the stomach, leaving the Bad Boy doubled over in pain. The next step for him was to drop him down with a neckbreaker that would give him the chance to bring the contest to the mat, where he had a clear advantage over the Texas Thug. He didn’t rely only on holds and submissions though, showing a certain meanstreak as he grabbed Khalil’s arms and stomped his face repeatedly. Of course there was room for his suplexes as well, but that change of strategy allowed the Bad Boyz to come back. Boyz, since Marcus played a prominent role in the final minutes of the contest. He was the one who literally saved KW3 by putting his foot on the bottom rope and bringing the referee’s attention on it when Kyle nailed him with the Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!, he was the one who bought KW time to recover by getting in another pointless argument with the ref and the Glorious Golden Era Member and he even took the chance to drop a nasty elbow on Kyle’s chest as he was laying on the apron after Washington tried to choke him on the bottom rope. As if all that wasn’t enough meddling, he got involved in the decisive pinfall as well. Khalil had whipped Butler into the corner with such force that the former tag champion stumbled back toward the middle of the ring. The Bad Boy broke him in half with his Drive By spear, but despite that Kyle still managed to get his foot on the nearby ropes. Before the referee could spot it, Marcus pushed it down. WINNER: Khalil Washington III BY: Pinfall (Drive By), 9:38 |
The classical strains of Luigi Boccherini’s Minuetto began to play, the crowd in attendance let out their boos as they awaited the arrival of the Eldon Family, a figure stepping out onto the stage as the boos went silent, in confusion. Though the dress, the bust size and hair looked like Karen Eldon, it turned out to be Niko Yua, the taller than average Joshi strutting down to the ring with all of Karen’s characteristic arrogance, “Karen” caught her shoe on the ramp and twisted it to break the heel, before scolding one of the stagehands at ringside, followed by a wink which got a grin from the target of scorn, before she entered the ring and took a hold of the microphone.
Niko Yua:
I’ll be having words with management about the disgusting display of the ramp trying to break my ankle! But until then, I’m planning on standing right here in this ring, addressing you people in attendance by wasting everybody's time with absolute nonsense for no other reason than the fact that I can!
“Karen” paused for a moment, a number of people were laughing as she readjusted the balloons under her dress, making it blatantly obvious
Niko Yua:
Last week, we wrestled Fabulous in a match that was completely fair and above board, and I proved that by losing, we deserve the title shot and the belts a lot more than any of the more obviously talented teams that we’ve screwed over in our run that accentuates our weaknesses. I mean I struggle to tell my ass…
“Karen” pointed to her elbow
Niko Yua:
From my… uhhh… elbow!
She then pointed to her chest, a fingernail poking just hard enough that one of the balloons burst.
Niko Yua:
Looks like I’ll be filing a malpractice report with the surgical committee for shoddy implants too. But the last few weeks, Warblade 42 have made us look bigger morons than usual! Valkyrie kneed me over a barrier as Niko Yua took a cheap shot at my son two weeks ago! Then last week, Valkyrie injured my darling little Erika’s neck with four fingers and a slight bit of pressure! I had to pay someone $50 to fit a neck brace to make it look realistic! He was wearing a white coat and everything! But Warblade, I know that we’re destined to get our asses handed to us when you get us in a fair fight, and when you can swing weapons harder than us we’ll be do-
“Karen” paused, as she stared up the ramp, shedding her high heels as she prepared herself for a fight. After a few seconds though, nothing happened as a hugely overweight looking green figure staggered out, the camera picking up the face. None other than Valkyrie, wearing a bald cap, a fat suit and covered in green paint, followed by a figure in an electric wheelchair, wrapped in bandages and wearing a neckbrace. “Clyde” began a walk down the ramp, stumbling over and rolling down the ramp, as the wheelchair containing “Erika” rolled off the stage and crashed to the concrete below, though closer inspection revealed it as nothing more than a dummy. Eventually though, Clyde, with three stagehands pushing, got into the ring under the bottom rope.
Valkyrie:
MAMA! WE NEED TALK!
There was a pause for laughs, as Valkyrie broke into simple Hulk speak for her impersonation
Valkyrie:
HOW ME NOT TALK PROPER?! WHO IS DADA?!
Niko Yua:
I’m not sure my darling munchkin, I wasn’t the only one there! And most of the good looking men who were witty, articulate and all had alibis for their sperm that night! So it was either Uncle Malcom or Grandpa John!
Valkyrie:
SO FAMILY TREE IS CIRCLE! CLYDE UNDERSTAND!
“Karen” smiled, a condescending smile on her face as she reached up and gently patted “Clyde” on the cheek
Niko Yua:
No my darling, you really don’t. I dropped you five minutes after you were born onto your head and you weren’t ever the same after! And I never learnt my lesson the second time with your sister either!
Valkyrie:
THAT WHY SHE HAVE STACK PENNIES FOR NECK?!
There was a brief pause, both members of Warblade 42, with egging on from the crowd were struggling to keep a straight face
Niko Yua:
She doesn’t really my darling, I made that up to make Warblade 42 look bad, so that we can celebrate when our lies get them fired so we don’t have to get our asses kicked if this little scam goes wrong! Do you think a competent doctor would have let Erika attend training when a competent trainer can tell a potential that their neck and back aren’t capable of taking the bumps just by a light touch? The only reason you got cleared to train was because you’re thicker than ground beef and make the best meatshield a Mother could ask for!
Valkyrie:
CLYDE IS TANK!
“Karen” suddenly clamped her hand over “Clyde’s” mouth
Niko Yua:
NIKO: SSSSH! Don’t say “Tank”! Warblade 42 are friends with that big guy and we don’t want him coming over and claiming copyright infringement! Use “Meatbag” like we rehearsed!
Valkyrie:
OOOOH! CLYDE IS MEATBAG!
Niko Yua:
The DUMBEST meatbag, and I score negatively on the IQ tests so I should know!
While the fake Eldon’s are having a good time in the ring suddenly the sounds of the mother of the Eldon’s voice comes through the speaker. Out from the back with the night off wearing a blue dress and heels is Karen Eldon. Flanked on each side by both Clyde Eldon Jr and Erika Eldon, still fitted in her neck brace.
Karen Eldon:
Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I don’t know if this little charade was supposed to be funny, sad, or just a waste of time. But I as well as these fans want this to be over and done with. I mean really? Dressing up and coming out to make fun of us. How played out is that?
Walking down the ramp as Clyde can be seen glaring at his doppelganger in Valkyrie who is slapping her fake stomach to egg him on.
Karen Eldon:
First you attack my poor helpless daughter. And now you want to come out here and make fun of my family? The same family that BEAT you a little over a month ago!? We have had enough of it so you know what...let’s fight right now…
Karen hands her daughter the mic as Erika hands her mother the infamous purse which Karen arms like a weapon. But as they are about to take off towards the ring Valkyrie and Niko had shed their costumes down to their wrestling gear, and from the fatsuit, pulled out a pair of baseball bats. While Clyde seems more than ready to keep going regardless Karen stops on a dime putting her arm out to stop Clyde.
Karen Eldon:
You know what you aren’t worth it!
Trying to hide the fact she is scared Karen angrily throws the microphone down, now starting to retreat, whereas Valkyrie had recovered her microphone and took up a seated position on the middle rope, opening the ring up to invite the Eldons in.
Valkyrie:
Oh come on Karen! Don’t retreat now! We had a rapport going! But that said, thank you for proving me right with all the stuff we’ve said on Twitter. That the Eldon Family aren’t only a bunch of Cheating Lying Bastards, when offered a fair fight, they back off. Well, except Clyde because he’s too much of a dumbass to realise anything.
Niko Yua:
And don’t let us catch you interfering in our business tonight. Otherwise come Dark Web, we’ll be waiting for you in the car park with these little equalisers joining the sit down and wait!
As the Eldon’s vanished backstage, Warblade looked at one another, shrugged and then departed the ring .
Singles Match
Micaela VS BROOKFORDSad Max was at ringside in the match that saw his partner in ROTTEN Micaela taking on the resident Problem Solver. The redhead tried to talk the big man to join her side with a quite impassioned speech about becoming part of the solution to the wrestling world problems. BROOKFORD listened carefully to what she had to say, then said that he was being paid to solve another problem. The smirk that appeared on his face was a dead giveaway about what kind of problem he was talking about. In case someone hadn’t figure out that he was talking about Micaela or, in a wider sense, ROTTEN, he made his point clear with a violent open handed chop that knocked the air out of her lungs. He then lifted her off the ground and drove her into the corner where he unleashed more chops and forearm strikes. Micaela was leaning groggily against the turnbuckle and BROOKFORD walked away from her, reaching the opposite corner. The plan was obvious, squashing the young woman under his 265 pounds of humanity. So obvious that Max realized what was going through his mind as soon as he took the first step in the opposite direction and had plenty of time to help his comrade out of the ring. BROOKFORD didn’t seem bothered by the fact that, when he turned around, his opponent was gone, nor he seemed too eager to get her back in the ring. Confidently, borderline arrogant, he gave her all the time she needed to regroup and allowed her to get back in the ring without any hassle. Micaela began to move around the big man, using quick kicks to the legs that didn’t seem to bother BROOKFORD too much. Every kick. every strike she landed was echoed by Max’ cheers and Micaela’s confidence received a huge boost when, for the first time, the big man faltered. She charged to plant him with a running ddt but she was caught by a spinebuster from the former UG Dynasty champion. The match continued following that script, Micaela doing her best to stay away from BROOKFORD who took her attacks like a pro and countered with his power moves whenever he had the chance. He got more near falls than his opponent, but she went closer than he ever did to three when she finished her sequence of kicks with a savate one that sent BROOKFORD against the ropes. As he bounced back, she hit her Eat The Rich leaping leg lariat and followed with a standing moonsault double knee drop. The near fall was a wake up call for BROOKFORD and a clear signal that playtime was over. His entire demeanor changed, the intensity of his attacks turned up a notch and even his movements appeared to be faster, as if until now he had held back. Things had taken a bad turn for Micaela, the Problem Solver’s brute strength was too much for her, now crumbling under the spinebusters, the powerbombs and powerslams. Max was very concerned, especially when it became clear that winning the match was the last of the thoughts BROOKFORD’s mind. Never once he tried to make the cover, he was rather trying to demolish Micaela and send a message to her and ROTTEN as a whole. He was caught glancing at the fans after every big move he hit, teasing the end that, unfortunately for Micaela, wasn’t coming yet. The referee tried to discourage him from using the top and middle rope to block Micaela’s arms and tie her up, but BROOKFORD wasn’t listening. Once again he looked over at the crowd and prepared himself to kick the powerless opponent in the face with a running big boot. Max entered the ring and used the steel chair to stop the charging behemoth. This obviously triggered the disqualification for Micaela, but saved her from a much worse fate. WINNER: BROOKFORD BY: DQ, 11:05 |
Max probably wished he had saved himself. Or that he was faster to disentangle Micaela from the ropes. Because by the time he was done, BROOKFORD was back up to his feet, and he was wielding the chair Max hit him with. He selflessly pushed his comrade out of harm's way, but he wasn't able to avoid a brutal chair shot to the back from the New Yorker. He went down like a ton of bricks, BROOKFORD then placed the chair next to him and called for the Problem.. Solved. But Micaela solved what just became Max' biggest problem, dragging the Living Corpse out of the ring and helping him to escape BROOKFORD's wrath.
Backstage in the dressing room area we find “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz. The Polish beauty is dressed for combat and is stretching on the floor, with both her GCW Global Tag Team Championship and MWE World Tag Team Championship resting on the floor in front of her. The opening and subsequent shutting of a door is heard. Jessica looks up to find her tag team partner and best friend Summer Collins joining her. Summer is also dressed to compete. She has her GCW Global Tag Team Championship belt draped over her left shoulder and the MWE World Tag Team Championship belt draped over her right shoulder. Jessica stands up and greets her partner face to face.
Summer Collins:
Are you ready for tonight, Jess?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Do you even have to ask? I’m always ready for a good fight and I know Valkyrie and Niko will provide us with a good fight. To be perfectly honest with you, I’m glad we’re facing Warblade 42 tonight. A change of pace from constantly having to deal with the constant whining and moaning of The Eldons. I’m glad we put them behind us last week.
Collins sigh and shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
I wouldn’t be so certain of that, Jess. Knowing Karen she’ll try to worm her way back into our lives. Hell, she and Clyde, maybe even the Bad Boyz, may get involved tonight the way they got involved last week.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You really think they’d be dumb enough to continue to provoke us?
Summer Collins:
I would.
The Archangel smirks.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You never did know when to quit provoking me when we were fighting each other.
Summer Collins:
You’re absolutely right and that’s why I’m saying we need to still remain on guard. The Eldons and The Bad Boys have reason to come after not only us but Warblade. And on top of that, we have the one thing all three of those teams want.
Collins pats her MWE World Tag Team Championship belt.
Summer Collins:
Warblade may have made enemies, they may have a target on their back, but the biggest target is still on our back.
The Archangel bends down and picks up her championship belts.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Oh I know this, Summer. But I’m not intimidated in the least. Tonight we’ll handle our business with Warblade. And then if anyone else wants to take a shot at us then they can bring it on. Any team in the MWE can just bring it on if they want it, but we’ll handle our business as we always do, because we are the best tag team in the world today and we are absolutely Fabulous.
Summer Collins:
Good to hear that we’re on the same page. Let’s go kick some ass, babe.
Lasiewicz and Collins walk off.
Tag Team Match
Warblade 42 VS Fabulous
A loud “Karen” chant welcomed Niko as she walked down the ramp side by side with her tag partner Valkyrie. The California fans surely loved Yua’s interpretation of the outspoken matriarch of the Eldon Family. Even Jessica and Summer who were waiting inside the ring cracked a smile as the Blade Maiden of Tokyo pulled out the wig she was wearing and wore it to mock Karen even further. But once the bell rang, things got very serious. Vee and Niko were aware that this was the last Millennium before the PPV, and currently Fabulous didn’t have an opponent. Safe to say, a win tonight would’ve allowed them to stake their claim at gold, and they looked determined on taking that spot. Valkyrie started things off with Summer, using the power and size advantage to force Collins into her corner, The first tag of the match happened less than a minute into the contest, and it allowed Warblade to whip Summer into the ropes and floor her with a double back elbow. Niko then stepped on Valkyrie’s hands and she threw her partner high in the air. Flipping and twisting in mid-air, Niko came down with a double foot stomp on Summer, which earned her the first near fall of the match and a convinced round of applause from the Fresno fans. The two women than began trading shots back and forth in an exchange that saw Summer coming out on top after ducking a roundhouse kick and taking her down with a sweep kick. Grabbing her by the ankle, she kicked Niko in the hamstring several times before dragging her in the corner. Jessica tagged herself in and continued working on the leg for a couple of long minutes, even attempting the Four Card Trick to get an early win and eliminate some competition. But Valkyrie was there and saved her partner, clotheslining the Archangel and breaking up the submission. The fans in attendance were graced with a great match tonight. Tag team wrestling at its finest, quick and frequent tags to keep the action fast paced and a lot of perfectly timed tag team moves. We saw Fabulous’ Golden Kiss Of Death as well as a double submission attempt on the poor Niko with the Power Of Two (boston crab/crippler crossface). Despite the leg hurting like hell, Niko powered through the pain and gave a demonstration of why Warblade 42 has been for years one of the most respected and dangerous teams out there.They almost got the win over the champions with a stereo superkick on Jessica and one on Summer who was standing on the apron to make sure she couldn’t interfere. But The Archangel raised her shoulder just a mere moment before the three, staying in the match. There had to be someone to ruin a great match, right? And who would fit the role better than Karen Eldon? In all fairness, all she did was walk down the ramp and call Niko’s name as the japanese was preparing herself to hit Jessica with the Meteor Strike. As all eyes were on her, Clyde jumped the barricade and hit Valkyrie with his For You Dad spear, while Jessica clocked Niko inside the ring with the Our Lady Peace. With Vee unable to break up the pin, Fabulous picked up another victory. Jessica immediately left the ring and chased Karen, but the woman escaped before the tag champion could get her. Summer instead went for Clyde who was shouting at Valkyrie “Guess who looks dumb now?” but just like his mother, the young Eldon was quick to leave the scene and retreat over the same barricade he came from. WINNER: Fabulous BY: Pinfall (Our Lady Peace), 16:20 |
Valkyrie and Niko left the ringside, chasing after the Eldons. Jessica and Summer were standing in the middle of the ring, raising their titles in the air celebrating with the California fans.
That was when "Carry The Weight" by We Came As Romans blasted out of the loudspeakers, cuasing the cheers of the fans to turn up to eleven. The hometown boy Rhett Adelson came out accompanied by his girlfriend Qiyara Singh. The young man from Redlands greeted the fans and then spoke directly to the champions. He said that this wasn't his way to deal with things, but since apparently neither them nor Fabulous have an opponent for Dark Web 3, he thought the fans would love to see Fabulous going once again against him and Qiyara, with the titles on the line. And this time, with no shenanigans.
"Best part of it?" He added. "The same fans will get to decide the stipulation."
The challenge was issued, Jessica and Summer didn't reply but you could tell by the look in their eyes that they were up for the task. If anything, to prove once and for all that they are the best tag team in MWE, without the shadow of a doubt.
That was when "Carry The Weight" by We Came As Romans blasted out of the loudspeakers, cuasing the cheers of the fans to turn up to eleven. The hometown boy Rhett Adelson came out accompanied by his girlfriend Qiyara Singh. The young man from Redlands greeted the fans and then spoke directly to the champions. He said that this wasn't his way to deal with things, but since apparently neither them nor Fabulous have an opponent for Dark Web 3, he thought the fans would love to see Fabulous going once again against him and Qiyara, with the titles on the line. And this time, with no shenanigans.
"Best part of it?" He added. "The same fans will get to decide the stipulation."
The challenge was issued, Jessica and Summer didn't reply but you could tell by the look in their eyes that they were up for the task. If anything, to prove once and for all that they are the best tag team in MWE, without the shadow of a doubt.
We soon head to the locker room area where the World Champion and grizzled veteran Seth Iser is lacing up his boots calmly. He’s dressed in one of his more basic variations of his attire, the black and blue. It’s the oldest staple of his color combinations but one he’s often not used of late but he seemed moved to break it out today.
Seth Iser:
We both made our picks...and it kind of went with the nature of Dark Web coming up. We didn’t know what our fate was until it was revealed. Truth be told:I had a feeling this was coming. I didn’t necessarily know...because I had a thought on who Duke might pick. I don’t know why he just did it on twitter...that’s not necessarily the pro wrestler way to me...but I’m the old school wrestler in that regard. But Duke wanted someone who didn’t want to back down yet go toward the emotional side. I get why he did it. I figured he wanted someone who knew me damn well. Maybe draw something different out of me that he can be aware of. But if he’s wondering why I picked James Edwards...it’s simple.
He scowls in front of the camera as he’s finished taking care of his boot.
Seth Iser:
I wanted the opposite.
There’s a little bit of menace in his tone of voice as he says that. It has that familiar bite that we’re accustomed to hearing from him.
Seth Iser:
James and I aren’t friends. Hell, I’d even wager to say we dislike each other generally speaking. He can take what I’m doing as either a favor with extra pay and an extra opportunity, a disservice because of the short notice...or both. That’s up to him to decide. But he’s not a talker. He’s a fighter. That’s who he is. He’ll knock the hell out of you if you come in unprepared. Both of them are on equal standing for this. It’s why I announced it the way I did. Wouldn’t want it to be unfair to either party you know. Nor do I really plan on getting involved in the main event. We’ve not made contact yet...and I figure we might as well see it through enough, right Duke?
There’s this coldness to his voice as he talks about all of this. Colder than the other side of the pillow and the sneer is apparent on his face.
Seth Iser:
He beat Melissa, I’ll grant him that. I do wonder though...if that weakness will show itself tonight or if it’ll wait when the pressure cranks up one more notch with the title on the line against me. He was doing an awful lot of arrogant barking at James...lots of puffing his chest up. Wonder if he’s a little more afraid then he lets on with what’s coming. Him being the broken shards of glass after all...
He smirks for a moment though that vanishes fast. He’s maintaining this coldness.
Seth Iser:
But here I am wrestling one half of a phenomenal tag team and somebody who is looking at closing the book a bit in Christian Michaels. Christian and I go back a few years at this point...Kelsey being the connecting part. Hell, he asked for my permission to marry the lass because that’s an old school tradition. He didn’t have to but it’s a level of respect there. He’s literally one of the tougher bastards you’d cross in that ring with how he’ll bring the fight to you. And he does it in a more old school way...so we have that in common. Just remove the rule breaking I like to do from time to time…
A knowing grin creeps onto his face as he stands up, the gleam of the MWE World Title from his locker shining through. He even lets out a quick stomp to make sure the boot is tightened right. The smile however fades off but it’s more of a neutral look now.
Seth Iser:
Hell, I’m pretty sure he’ll be a groomsman when it’s my turn to get married. Might even train our respective kids in...lord only knows his first born can be mouthy about that. Yet...it is all the more important I have to win this match. It isn’t even about something like bragging rights among our kids to talk about though it’s a fun, harmless piece of theater. No...it’s something far more important.
There’s a frown but it isn’t from the cold variety. There’s still a hint of that warmth of the father that he is and the protective friend and even mentor figure that he can be. But his eyes have that steely determination.
Seth Iser:
It’s one of my two cardinal sins. Pride. My pride won’t allow it. So I really can’t afford to lose...really I can’t. It’s too big of a wound to my pride and disrespectful if I didn’t.
He shakes his head with that steely grit.
Seth Iser:
Christian Michaels has my full attention. If I didn’t, I’d disrespect this company...I’d disrespect this championship...and I’d disrespect anyone I’d ever trained because I’d tell them the same thing. So I’m going to dissect someone I consider a friend with the same efficiency that characterizes my conquests in the singles competition. I know he won’t take it personal like a certain Duke did because he’ll at least take the blinders off and understand my position. But I know the task will not be an easy one. It never is at this level.
And then there’s a smirk etched on his face, not one of egotism but rather the warrior chasing a fight as he reaches for the championship shining in the corner.
Seth Iser:
But I’m a World Champion at age forty at this level. I’m one of the best to ever play our game and a lot of the dirty tricks that are now in play find their roots back to me. I’m the greatest mind this sport has ever seen. And even in a situation where I’m facing someone I like...and someone who knows my moves, my tendencies...my tactics by heart...I’ll find a way when it matters most. My mind never stops working. Not for any and all scenarios.
And then the ego is finally seeping in toward the end there as the smirk is becoming a little more devious by nature.
Seth Iser:
My Magnum Opus is far from complete...but I get another page done tonight. And then at the Dark Web? Duke...you’re just going to have to admit that as good as you are physically with the talent, you just don’t have the mental make up to deal with me in the ring. And it’d be all your fault…
The coldness of Seth’s voice comes in as he taps the World Championship that’s now over his shoulder before he leaves.
We cut backstage to see proud team member Matt Stone standing in front of a monitor, watching a replay of what happened last week during his tag team match against Warblade, shaking his head.
Matt Stone:
Sure Matt, you love tag teams, here’s the most incompetent partner we could find for you, go out there and show us what you got
He’s not bitter at all about this, as you can see.
Matt Stone:
How am I meant to win any championships around here when all they do is throw me into teams? It’s enough to drive a guy mad.
Teagan Gallagher:
That must be a short drive for you.
One half of the BreeTee Committee can be heard from somewhere behind where Matt is standing as he turns around to see Teagan Gallagher leaning up against the wall a little further away from where the monitor was placed. There’s a big smile on her face.
Teagan Gallagher:
How’s it hanging Matty?
Even with the camera focused on Teagan you can hear a loud sigh from slightly off screen as we adjust to get both of them in frame.
Matt Stone:
What do you want? Come to give me tips on how to be in a successful team? Oh wait...you’re no better than I am when it comes to success in a tag team, are you?
Teagan continues to laugh as she takes a few steps forward, counting down some of her tag team accomplishments with the use of her fingers.
Teagan Gallagher:
I mean, pretty sure Bree and I are winning, plus we are former tag team champions.
Matt Stone:
Aha! I’ve never lost tag team titles so clearly I’m the superior tag team competitor.
He pauses for a second, thinking that over.
Matt Stone:
Yeah...that’ll hold up, yeah!
Teagan shakes her head.
Teagan Gallagher:
Matty logic is a terrifying thing.
Clearly the nickname is more amusing for her than it will ever be for Matt as she places one hand over her chest, taking a deep breath like she’s about to say something serious.
Teagan Gallagher:
Honestly, I was just wanting to wish you good luck, I know you’re going through a really tough time and all…
Matt Stone:
I’m not Matty!
He looks down at her hand, shaking his head.
Matt Stone:
And don’t patronize me, I don’t have enough hands to count how many championships I’ve held so you can keep your well wishes and your good lucks to yourself.
Teagan Gallagher:
You don’t need to be so rude, no wonder you don’t have any friends.
Teagan sticks her bottom lip out in a mock pout before she shrugs her shoulders. Matt seems a little taken aback by that but is quick to recover.
Matt Stone:
You interrupt me and use a name you know annoys me and I’m the rude one? I’ll have you know I have plenty of friends, over six hundred followers on Twitter! That’s a lot, ya know.
Teagan Gallagher:
That totally doesn’t count, you weirdo.
Teagan rolls her eyes as if she was incredibly annoyed about having to explain something so painfully obvious.
Teagan Gallagher:
Now I hope you lose tonight.
Matt Stone:
Rude!
Matt chuckles at his turn-table turning on Teagan, glancing back at the monitor just in time to watch himself piledriving his “partner” after the match.
Matt Stone:
You see that? It’d be a shame if we were to ever team up.
Teagan looks up, having been in the middle of inspecting her nails, as she appears to be confused in regards to what he’s talking about.
Teagan Gallagher:
What?I wasn’t paying attention.
Matt Stone:
I suppose it was too much to ask that you pay attention for five minutes, damn Millennials. Since your dirty nails are more intriguing than I am, I suppose I’ll take my leave now.
Teagan Gallagher:
Could you? That would be great.
Teagan gives him a big smile as she lifts up one hand and makes a mocking little wave as a gesture of goodbye.
Matt Stone:
Has anyone ever told you you’re the spitting image of DeeDee? I’m going back to my lab and DON’T follow me!
Matt throws his hands up in exasperation and begins to walk away from his monitor and Teagan who watches him with an amused expression still on her face, before she makes a quick motion that looks like she’s twirling. That’s how she dances away in the opposite direction.
Pick Your Poison Match
Seth Iser VS Christian MichaelsMonths after his last appearance in a MWE ring, Christian Michaels came out of retirement to take on his friend and mentor of his wife, the World Champion himself Seth Iser. Duke Andrews, who’s also friends with the former tag champion, was the one setting him up for this… So much for frienship! The McMillion had some ring rust to shake off in the first minutes, but if you think that Seth would go easy on him for that reason, or in the name of their friendship, you really don’t know the World Champion. He started the match hot with his usual hard hitting style, and CM was already in trouble, having to kick out twice in the first minutes from Seth’s suplexes. Just like when the fans began to wonder if Duke’s choice was really that smart, Christian began to fight back, proving that age was just a number and despite him approaching his forties and despite the months spent out of action, he could still go. The Memphis born was flying all over the place, turning the tides of the match. The turning point was when he stole a page from his brother’s playbook, running up the turnbuckle and moonsaulting over Seth’s head, sending the champ against the corner with a dropkick to the back and rolling him up with a schoolboy pin. The champ kicked out in one, but he received a vicious knee to the face. Seth looked particularly rocked after it and he had to take a break on the outside. Christian couldn’t resist his nature and recklessly launched himself through the ropes, taking Seth down with a suicide dive. Eventually his better condition allowed Seth to weather the storm and turn things around. It was odd, but a pleasant change, to see him playing fair. Never once he used one of his various tricks to swing the momentum back in his control, and he even granted Christian a clean break when the McMillion dragged himself to the ropes to escape the figure four leglock, instantly releasing him without taking advantage of the five count and stepping to the centre of the ring to give Christian a chance to get up to his feet. Moves like the superplex, the three jabs/discus clothesline combination and the inevitable Pillar Of Truth directed the match to the conclusion everyone was expecting, but when Seth went for the Deprivation DDT, Christian managed to wiggle free and moved behind Seth’s back to kick him down to one knee and connecting a superkick to the back of the head. Once again the World champ kicked out, quickly going back to work to regain control. He tried to submit Michaels with the Dream Eater but the Memphis born had a counter for this one as well. And the same happened for the Black Magic: Michaels looked like he was done for but as soon as Seth went for the Tombstone Piledriver, the former tag team champion found a way to avoid it. CM surely did his homework, preparing a counter for every one of Seth’s biggest moves. Iser had to pull something different, something new, something his opponent wasn’t expecting. Something like a small package to counter Christian’s superkick. Michaels was caught off guard and tried to kick out from the pinning predicament, managing to do it a moment after the count of three. WINNER: Seth Iser BY: Pinfall (Small Package), 15:08 |
We open backstage in the Selland Arena in Fresno, California. We see an anxious, maybe even nervous, and definitely eccentric ginger known to one and all as “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. She is pacing the floor, dressed in her wrestling gear and with her SCW Lizard Championship wrapped around her waist. With her is her trusty Dalek. Eventually her anxious pacing stops and she turns to face the camera.
Kimberly Williams:
Now I suppose this is the part where I say something about my Trios match tonight. Y’know the one where I team with Reevesy and Mossy against a Stoner, one of the half billion people named Valentine walking the planet, and Joey Leclair. Normally something like that wouldn’t cause me to bat an eye. Because everyone should know by now that I love a good fight. There is nothing Stoner, Valentino, or “The Little Joey That Could” could possibly do to intimidate me. I have been to hell and was kicked out for being too wild, too crazy, too much for them to control. So I have no issues with tonight’s match and I have no problems doing my part to hype this thing as it properly should be. What I do take issue with are the snakes in the grass trying to steal my Lizard Championship from me.
She pats her Lizard title belt.
Kimberly Williams:
I have had a wide range of people to come after me. Pizza delivery guys have come after me, retired wrestlers looking for renewed glory have come after me, and even Donovan Keane dressed as a freaking dinosaur targeted me. So how do I know a member of the MWE staff won’t target me? So tonight I will give an interview, but the exclusive interview will be granted to my loyal and devoted Dalek.
The Woman Scorned pats the Dalek on its domed top.
Dalek:
EXTERMINATE!
Kimberly Williams:
That’s right, sweetie. Anyone who dares challenge me will be exterminated. Including Joey, Atti, and Matty.
Dalek:
I SHALL BE IN THE CORNER OF THE HUMAN FLESH CREATURES KNOWN AS MELISSA REEVES, LOWRI MOSS, AND KIMBERLY WILLIAMS! THOSE WHO OPPOSE THEM SHALL BE EXTERMINATED FOR THE GLORY OF THE DALEK EMPIRE!
Williams smacks the Dalek on top of its crome dome.
Kimberly Williams:
Hush with that! You need to pretend to be fair and balanced right now. You can show blatant favoritism and exterminate our enemies later, ok? Now interview me!
Dalek:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE BEHIND THIS CONCEPT OF A TRIOS MATCH? DALEKS DO NOT HAVE A CONCEPT OF TEAM! EXPLAIN!
Kimberly Williams:
Well I’m not always a good team player, either. People don’t exactly trust me. I don’t know why. It could be the fact that I’ve used staple guns, shanks, a freddy krueger knife glove, and a loaded penguin as weapons. It could be due to the fact that I’ve kidnapped members of my own family before. It could be because I once spent time in a mental facility for the criminally insane. There’s a lot of reasons why people may not want to team with me, but trust me on this one Reevesy and Mossy, you can trust me.
The Woman Scorned winks.
Kimberly Williams:
Tonight I will be the bestest team player you could ever ask for. And together we will gut them, maim them, and leave them crying, moaning in a bloody heap as they slowly and surely die an agonizing death…...or we’ll just pin them, whichever comes first.
Kimberly skips away with the Dalek following close behind.
The camera pans backstage to A stairwell were Joey a Leclair is seen sitting on some stairs.
Joey Leclair:
All my life I have been doubted, and misunderstood, and looked over so Melissa Reeves you better believe that you are not the first people to label me A fool, and you will not be the last, but since you love to point out the obvious fact that I don’t know you? Let me throw that back at you when I say you don’t know me Mel, and if you continue to label me A fool and remain confident that you are going to walk through me like I am going to be a walk in the park for you?
Joey shakes his head and scoffs at that idea.
Joey Leclair:
Then you have already lost, because I have lived a career of doing the impossible and achieving the unthinkable, and it’s always A pleasure to shut up all the critics. Since we don’t know each other that well? Allow me to educate you a little about who I am about who Joey Leclair is. When I debuted in this business? I was going nowhere I was bland and had no charisma believe it or not, but one person one woman lit a fire in my ass by simply saying that she sees potential in me, and I didn’t want to let her down so I worked my ass off, and got a chip on my shoulder and that chip led me to entering A thirty man over the top rope royal rumble, and this is where my career of proving everyone wrong began because you see I entered his particular rumble at number three which is not good odds, and I was a nobody in a ring full of well known talent, and I ended up shocking the system by winning the whole fucking thing and earning a world championship title shot, and I went on to become the world champion of that company, and I could go on and on with more stories, but this story is important because it details my beginning, and yes I have accomplished many things since then, but you never forget your roots your breakout monent. Mel you messed up because you see? My immediate intentions was not to chase after the World championship, but to face the best in the company, but since you was adamant of making our match be for A potential shot at the World Championship? You’ve done a dangerous thing! You lit a fire under me that wants to taste that rush of being the person to beat in a company, and come hell or high water? You will not run through me, and I promise you that win or lose? You will not be the same cause I am going to push you to limits your have never been pushed before Melissa so if you plan on beating me? You better bring an oxygen tank because I won’t stop so one of us may very well be leaving on a stretcher cause your going to have to knock me out if you wanna go through me, and that’s not a threat but a promise, and tonight I may not like my teammates, but I plan on giving you a sample of what’s to come.
Joey smirks and lowers his head as the scene comes to an end.
Trios Match
Lowri Moss & Kimberly Williams & Melissa Reeves VS Matt Stone & Atti Valentine & Joey Leclair
This trios match was as chaotic as you could imagine. Things went south before the match even started. Lowri and Joey were in the ring and Kimberly’s Dalek was wandering outside, a little too close to Atti Valentine who didn’t appreciate the distraction the little robot was providing by continuously bipping and repeating “EXTERMINATE!” all over again. And he kicked it, hard. Kimberly entered the ring and ran past Leclair and Moss who had locked up and dove through the ropes to take out the Chicago Way champion. Matt might not be much of a team player, but he saw a chance to wear down one of his opponents and he took it, starting to stomp the Woman Scorned into the floor. Reeves rolled her eyes and ran across the ring to rescue her partner, grabbing the Abominable Showman and throwing him away. She was about to take Kim back in their corner but Valentine was back on his feet and blasted them both from behind with a double clothesline. With all this chaos going on outside the ring, you’d think the referee would be distracted, but he actually didn’t care, remaining focused on the action inside the ring. And he had a lot to keep track of, Joey and Lowri weren’t certainly holding anything back. The former Chicago Way champion went for the Prodigal Elbow Smash but he missed the target and got dropped on his head by Lowri’s inverted ddt. The Welsh glanced in her corner, but nobody was there. Melissa and Kimberly were only now regaining their place after the scuffle with Stone and Valentine. She focused back on her opponent but he made her pay for that momentary distraction. The second Prodigal Elbow hit the mark and knocked her down. Joey tagged Atti in and the Chicago Way champion piled up on the Welsh with some hard ground and pound strikes from a mounting position. Lowri countered an irish whip and sent Atti in the corner, following up with a running knee strike. Having him exactly where she wanted, Lowri unleashed the Scarlet Barrage and then dragged the Chicago Way champion to her corner, where Kimberly took the tag anticipating Melissa. The Wildcard was out for blood, looking to avenge her poor Dalek. The two traded hard shots and near falls, the closer to three happening after WIlliams hit the Morrigan’s Wrath (superkick). Matt Stone saved his partner in this circumstance, getting punched in the face by the vindictive Kimberly. He tried a reaction but the referee got in the way and held him back, trying to convince him to get out of the ring. Kim, in the meantime, headed to her corner and pulled out something from her bag of tricks. A literal bag with “Tricks” written on it in red. Betty White made her appearance in this match, but Melissa took it from her partner’s hands before Kim could put it into use. Williams demanded that she’ll give it back before getting suplexed by Atti who, in the meantime, had fully recovered and sneaked up behind her. As he lifted the redhead, Melissa made the tag. Valentine didn’t see it at all, keeping his focus on Kimberly with a series of kicks and stomps. Mel entered the ring and forced him to turn around, connecting the Facial Deconstructor. This time it was Joey who got in just in time to save his partner. There was no chemistry at all between the three men, while their opponents showed some teamwork. Especially Melissa and Lowri, who were working well together. Kimberly added that bit of unpredictability to the team dynamics, and she was the one who almost got the decisive pin with the Shadowblade on Stone. She was also the one who allowed the opponents to regain control when she missed the Chaos Theory (corkscrew senton). From that moment on, the trio kept control and the three men took turns to attack the Woman Scorned, keeping her isolated from her opponents. Kimberly was in a rough spot, getting hit by some of the opponents’ best shots. Matt’s Piledriving Miss Daisy, Joey’s trademark striking combination and Atti’s lifting ddt. Just like it happened to Kimberly before, taking high risks didn’t pay out for Atti. His Valentine’s Day (swanton bomb) found nobody home. But neither did Kim when she finally got to her corner. Matt and Joey took down, respectively, Lowri and Mel, taking the much needed tag away from Williams. With her partners gone, nobody was stopping her from using Betty White, the Freddy Kruger’s glove. The referee tried to, but to no avail. Kim tried to gut Atticus, but the champion barely dodged the attack with a jump back. And he quickly charged with his patented single leg running dropkick known as Into The Fire, obtaining the win for his team. WINNER: Atti Valentine, Matt Stone, Joey Leclair BY: Pinfall (Into The Fire), 19:29 |
Earlier in the day, James Edwards pulled into the arena parking in a rental car. He immediately spied the waiting camera crew and didn't look amused as he stepped out into the sunshine.
James Edwards:
So we're doing this again, eh?
"The Burning Heart" squinted. The sun annoyed him as much as the presence of the cameras.
James Edwards:
After the week I’ve had on Twitter this paparazzi shit is the last thing I wanna deal with, so thanks guys I really appreciate this.
To their credit, the camera crew was professional and ignored Edwards' sarcasm.
James Edwards:
Believe it or not, some of us just wanna’ be left alone.
He sighed.
James Edwards:
I didn’t come to this company to put up with online bullshit from people like Dusty Douglas or that walkin’ PSA for mandatory drug testing, Duke Andrews. I came to Millenium because there are a lot of people I’m excited to fight. That’s all I wanna do, I swear to god.
He noticed the open car door and slammed shut with authority.
James Edwards:
I’ll swear to this too, the only problem I had with taking this fight tonight was I wish Seth would’ve asked before he volunteered me for it. That’s just common courtesy, man, and even then it’s not a big deal. Like I would turn down the main event of a show outta spite. I’m not stupid and I’m not afraid to take a fight on a few days notice either. I’ve done that my entire career from Lowell, Massachusetts to Sydney, Australia.
The stress of it all caused him to ruffle his hair.
James Edwards:
I’ll keep sayin’ this till I’m blue in the face, this ain’t Hollywood. This is a sport, a violent one at that. We don’t need all this fake ass drama to drum up interest. The chance of watchin’ somebody getting their skull kicked in is more than a good enough hook. The only thing that should matter to me right now is staying undefeated and I can’t do that because I’m a dumbass hot head who can’t ignore what some dipshit says online.
He let out another hard sigh.
James Edwards:
I can talk about what tonight should be all I want, but that ain’t reality, and I’m not the kinda guy who likes to waste time. The fact is tonight is about provin’ I belong with the best this company has to offer. Shit, it would be a helluva lot more satisfying if the guy that’s gonna be across the ring from me actually took me seriously.
He gritted his teeth.
James Edwards:
That’s why I told the asshole to watch some tape because I’m a fighter worth taking seriously and it ain’t an ego thing either. I know I’m a fighter worth getting excited over. Andrews should be spendin’ time in the gym instead of on Twitter runnin’ me down. He should be getting ready to give everything he has to beat me. I promise him and everybody watchin’ that it’ll be worth his time. I don’t wanna soften him up for Seth, I wanna help prepare him for the biggest fight of his life. Even if I hate a guy, I’ll give him my best and make him better. That’s what sports is supposed to be about; it’s my ideal and it’s what I should be fightin’ for.
Even as anger oozed with each word he said, “The Burning Heart’s” passion for the sport of professional wrestling shined through
James Edwards:
But I live in the real world. I know this guy ain’t gonna respect me unless I drop him on his head or put him sleep with a choke. Anyways, I gotta get ready for my fight.
Edwards turned back to his car.
Offscreen Cameraperson:
You aren’t going to the locker room.
Edwards shook his head.
James Edwards:
Nah, I don’t feel welcome in there. I’d rather get changed in the car.
Maybe the newcomer was being a martyr, but he didn’t care, sticking to his principles was more important than being comfortable.
Duke Andrews stands in front of a simple black backdrop with the MWE logo emblazoned on the center of it in a white font. Sports a black, custom tailored suit, a white dress shirt and a solid red tie, he stared into the camera.
Duke Andrews:
Seth Iser. Good pick...thank you for picking someone who is clawing to become relevant not only in this company but in the industry as well. Someone who felt the need to try and feel like he was something with his two and oh record he’s sporting. Someone who thinks he has a prayer in this match. Where I view this as just another match. Another chance to fine tune my brain and my body prior to the “match of my career”
Duke scoffs as he unbuttons the jacket. The tie held down with a silver tie pin as he placed his hands in his pockets.
Duke Andrews:
To think that this is the match of my career is a gross overstatement, Seth. To think that you rank so high on the Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling? See we know you’re good. But we all know that you’re on the decline. So what do I get after I beat you? A pat on the back for taking Ol’ Yeller out back and finally putting him out of his misery? Or a high five for taking out the geriatric and sending him back to the nursing home where he belongs?
Duke snarled as he took a long breath.
Duke Andrews:
Seth, I’ve faced your type a million times before. There is nothing there besides me taking what should’ve been my property to begin with. See it’s a lose-lose situation I find myself in. I beat you and I lose. I’m going to be told by everyone that it should’ve been done and that it shouldn’t have been that close. Or I lose, and I lose because I hear from everyone how I let the gimp get one over me.
Duke shakes his head as he pulls his hands from his pockets.
Duke Andrews:
So James, take this lesson tonight to heart. I won’t talk down to you. I won’t treat you like the bottom of the card guy you’ll eventually end up as. I’ll give you an opportunity to go one on one with the best wrestler this company has. Take this as a lesson in the ring. We can get big and slap each other around like you’re Tank. Or we can take it to the mat and I’ll tap you like you’re a skilled mat superstar. Either way, I told you and the world the outcome of this the other day on Twitter. Two and one. That’s all you got.
Fade.
Pick Your Poison Match
Duke Andrews VS James EdwardsPeyton Holland: “It’s main event time, ladies and gentlemen. Ambra, a quick word on the contest we’re about to see?” Ambra Monroe: “I’m not going to lie, Peyton. I’m excited to see it. Ever since the match was announced, I tried to rack my brain about Seth’s choice. Why James Edwards?” Peyton Holland: “My guess? He’s someone Duke isn’t familiar with, someone Seth knows from their time in FGA and someone who’s used to perform in the main event.” Ambra Monroe: “These are good points, but we’re talking about Seth Iser here. I can’t stop thinking there’s more than just this.” The match started with Duke talking down The Burning Heart. You thought people would’ve learned the lesson after seeing how poorly this strategy worked out for Karib a few days ago on Riot but nope, Duke still taunted him. James didn’t reply, letting his hands do the talking for him. A quick jab to the jaw caused Duke to stumble back and opened him up to a flurry of palm strikes from Edwards. The former Mainstream champion added a few kicks to the mix, and one of those was blocked by the Epitome Of Perfection. He toyed with James for a few moments, holding him by the foot and mocking him with some trash talk. Edwards wasn’t taking it and went for an enziguri kick, but Duke bent backwards and saw his foot passing inches away from his face but leaving him unharmed. James instead, went down face first on the mat and, worst part of this, his foot was still in Duke’s hands. Michigan’s favorite son then locked him in an STF, pulling out a rare submission from his arsenal. Peyton Holland: “This is not something we see often from Duke, but he has this kind of technical moves in his arsenal.” Ambra Monroe: “It’s almost like he’s trying to show a different side of him, much like Seth did early when he fought, and won, a clean match. This is a message sent to the World champion, Duke is not a one trick pony.” Sure, his mat game was not perfect, but he managed to keep James grounded for a while. Then Duke got bored and dragged the opponent back to his feet, starting throwing his heavy hands at him. The newest member of the Riot roster didn’t come to Fresno tonight to play the role of Duke’s punching bag, and he started firing back. The intensity picked up as their blows became faster and harder, the fans loving this display of strength, toughness and perseverance from the two men who went back and forth for a good minute. For as good as a brawler Duke was, he was going against one of the best strikers in the game. He started losing ground after James caught him flush in the jaw, backing down into the corner as he implemented kicks to the ribs to his long combination. Not even there Edwards’ offence stopped, the Burning Heart started pounding at the number one contender to the World title with several knees to the stomach. When he went for an irish whip though, Andrews countered the move and the Kentucky born crashed into the turnbuckle, stumbling back toward Duke who kicked him in the stomach and lifted him for a buckle bomb. Another cover made, another two in the books. Ambra Monroe: “I guess Duke has changed his mind on James by now.” Peyton Holland: “I don’t think he ever meant them. It was a way to get under James’ skin.” The two locked up and jockeyed for position. Duke applied a standing switch and tried to take the opponent down to the mat with a waist lock but Edwards shifted his weight and grabbed Andrews’ left arm, taking him down with an arm drag. Before Duke could get up, James charged and connected his shin to the APE member’s skull with a devastating shining wizard. Before James could capitalize on it with the cover, the stunned Andrews rolled out of the ring. Andrews was on the outside trying to regroup and he never saw James coming with a baseball slide that sent him against the barricade. Edwards left the ring and went to pick Duke up, looking to slam his head on the guard rail, The two time Lockdown champion blocked the attempt by holding onto the barrier and driving his elbow in James’ stomach, giving him a taste of the same medicine he was about to feed him.He then lifted him with a suplex and dropped him stomach first on the barricade, leaving him hanging as he took aim and barged in with the Killshot to the side of the head. He looked confident as he dragged him back in the ring and made the cover, but there was still some fire left in the Burning Heart. Ambra Monroe: “I thought he had him there.” James dug deep inside him to find the energy for another comeback, the umpteenth of this back and forth match that saw both competitors pushing each other to the limit. His kicks were not as fast and precise as they were earlier in the match, and that was understandable after fifteen minutes of a very physically demanding contest. But they were still very effective, tearing down Duke’s defenses and leaving him helpless against the butterfly brainbuster. Andrews raised his shoulder in two, just like he did one minute later when James connected the Triple Play (two spinning back fist followed by a spinning back elbow). The Epitome Of Perfection had something to prove to the man he will challenge for the MWE World title in ten days, the man who was now testing him by picking this opponent. He regained control with one of those tricks guys like him and Seth call “experience”, the classic thumb to the eye that never fails to stop the opponent’s momentum. Duke hit the blinded James with a flurry of open handed chops to the chest, whipping him against the ropes and flooring him with a lariat on the rebound. Not giving James any chance to take a breath, Duke followed with a suplex, floating right into a cover. Definitely not enough to keep Edwards down, but it put the number one contender in position to apply a headlock. James rose up to his feet but he couldn’t get away from his tight grip. Peyton Holland: “Vintage Duke here with the punches to the head from a headlock position.” Ambra Monroe: “Nothing more simple and effective than that to keep control and wear the opponent down.” And to catch your breath. Not a small thing for someone who has been fighting for close to twenty minutes against an opponent who really gave him a run for his money, way more than he expected. Duke looked ready for the final assault, using some of his power moves to drop James down on his back and neck. Powerbombs, spinebusters, suplexes, neckbreakers… He really put Edwards through the grinder, setting him up for the Andrews Effect. And James almost got him here, shifting his weight and pinning Duke with a victory roll. A moment before the three Andrews kicked out, getting up to a vertical base before his opponent and using the position of advantage to connect another Killshot. James really felt this one, going limp. At this point, Duke wasn’t taking any chance and he lifted him over his shoulders again, dropping him with the Andrews Effect. It was a hard fought battle, but Duke Andrews came out victorious. WINNER: Duke Andrews BY: Pinfall (Andrews Effect), 22:07 |