Post by gvb on Apr 19, 2021 16:45:20 GMT -6
Riot in Utah
Live from Maverick Center in West Valley City, UT
Sunday, April 18th, 2021
Singles Match
Nine van der Hoek VS NinaRiot in Utah opened up with a problem. And no, we’re not talking about the one Figgles and Amy had to face while calling the match between Nina and Nine, with the obvious confusion this would generate. The New Problem was the nickname the Dutch grappler used to introduce herself to the Riot fans, and it was clear from the first moments that her technical prowess was surely going to be a problem for anyone on the roster. Starting with Nina. The Chicago born was quite proficient in submission and holds herself, but van der Hoek appeared to be always one step ahead. It was a long exchange, the two women trading holds back and forth for a couple of minutes, leaving the fans delighted and appreciative when, at the end of it, Nine had the opponent in a tight arm-in guillotine. A rare submission you don’t see everyday in a wrestling ring, more pertaining to a MMA cage, beautiful and effective. Nina was in difficulty already, the choke hold cutting her regular breathing and rapidly wearing her out. Somehow she managed to use the free arm to punch her way out of it. But Nine wasn’t only a submission expert, she proved to be a proficient striker as well, landing some interesting combinations that put the Viper on the back foot. Punches to the face and kicks to the torso left Nina staggered, but when the Frisian Demon went for the killing strike, the Chicago Fight Lab trainee ducked the spinning kick and took the opponent down with a leg sweep. As soon as van der Hoek’s back touched the canvas, Nina jumped on her chest with a double foot stomp and made a first pinfall attempt, from which the Dutch kicked out in two. After a rough start, Nina finally started building momentum. As often happens in her matches, the turning point was a counterattack, a wicked jumping knee that caught Nine under the chin after ducking another strike from the pupil of Alessio van Duren. With van der Hoek down, the Snakebite had the chance to showcase her sambo background and her own submission game. Her main target was Nine’s left leg, one she previously injured with a hard kick to the kneecap. The goal was clear, hurting the limb to take away those dangerous kicks from the New Problem’s arsenal and prepare the ground for her sambo knee bar. To escape the figure four leglock, Nine crawled to the ropes and Nina immediately let her go. A courtesy the Dutch didn’t show when, a minute later, trapped Nina in the joint manipulation armbar, keeping the submission locked in and bending her fingers even when the Viper reached the bottom rope with her foot. Nina didn’t take this too kindly, more so since she had kept the contest within rules so far. And she expressed her feelings to the New Problem, getting in her face. When Nine shrugged her shoulders, the former intern struck with The Fang, the one finger takedown. As Nine rose up, Nina went for the Snakebite, but the axe kick was dodged by the Frisian Demon who was quick to connect a leaping reverse STO before ending the match with the Old Honor (reverse figure four necklock). WINNER: Nine van der Hoek BY: Submission (Old Honor), 9:55 |
The camera cut to backstage, finding one of the leads on commentary, Amy Maynard standing there. It was obvious that she was pulling double duty tonight, as MWE had been looking to hire a new interviewer, but that role had not been filled as of yet. At least officially. She smiled for the camera, with the microphone to her lips as she spoke.
Amy Maynard:
Ladies and Gentlemen, I find myself in unusual circumstances. I’ve come backstage, not to interview one of the stars of Riot, but instead their agent. And a woman well known and respected in MWE, but often not seen on camera. Please give a warm welcome to Eloise LeBeau.
As the camera panned right, Eloise tiptoed into view, wearing a gorgeous figure hugging white dress. She seemed a little shy to the camera, a little unusual for a woman who was also known for her modelling, but she was nonetheless, awaiting the questioning from the popular announcer.
Amy Maynard:
Eloise, it’s a pleasure to have the chance to interview you, but it is a little unusual. You mostly keep backstage, and rarely are seen in front of the camera.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Thank you for the kind greeting, Amy. And you’re right, I’m not usually the kind of woman to give a speech, nor stand in front of the camera for an interview. But as a sports and entertainment agent, I’m here to do what is best for my clients. In my line of work, and my eyes, my clients come before anything, and I am blessed with some of the best in the world. Whilst a number of people I represent are outside of this business, whether in alternate sports or television, you most know me for representing the former Cloud Gate Champion, Anastasia Starling. And of course, the woman who is set to break the record for the longest Junior Heavyweight Title reign in MWE history, my sister Leia LeBeau.
Amy Maynard:
Two of the biggest MWE Champions of the past couple of years. I will note one sadly is not competing with us any more, though present for a show recently. But who I want to know about is Leia. I have noticed she is not present tonight, which is a first for her. She has been at every episode of Riot since she signed, whether competing or not.
Eloise, or Elkie to her closest friends, paused as she looked down to her feet. It was clear she was ill accustomed to handling interviews, but she raised her head with a sweet smile. She spoke sweetly, and clearly honestly in her defence of her sister.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Yes, you are correct Amy, my sister is not present this week. Her injuries suffered last Riot are not severe, I can grant you that, but I personally felt that it was better for her to remain home. The treatment of her by the Portland locals, for the sheer case that Leia was born in Seattle, shocked me to the core. Fans in that region have never been warm to her, despite all the efforts that she has made to better herself in the business.
Amy Maynard:
The reception for her wasn’t pleasant, though I will say she has been vocal in the past about not liking the Portland area. But I will ask about her injuries, as in her count out draw with Echo last week, she took a number of nasty shots, especially on the outside of the ring.
Amy continued her questioning, leaving Eloise to let out a soft sigh, nodding her head as she remembered the happenings of the past week, a small box appearing in the corner of the screen as it replayed what happened in Portland.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Yes, as stated, her injuries are not severe. But the purpose of Echo’s assault on her wasn’t in the spirit of competition, nor entertainment, no matter what the local fans' bloodthirsty chanting said. It was a purposeful message sent out. That Echo cares not for the rules, nor the sport or the competition. She just wants to hurt people, and my client was not prepared for a fight outside the rules set by MWE management.
Bebe LeBeau:
Echo is a bish!
Came the voice behind the camera, both Amy and Eloise jolting up to look into the lens.
Bebe LeBeau:
Oops. Sorry!
Eloise raised a single finger to her lips, the footage clearly being filmed by resident camerawoman, Bebe, Leia and Eloise’s little notorious little sister.
Amy Maynard:
May I ask what your opinion is of Echo, and the way she handled the match? Leia seemed very taken off guard, not just for the reception she received, which was much more hostile than expected.
LeBeau nodded her head solemnly.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
I understand she has a bit of a reputation for ignoring the establishment, it’s one of the few things she is known for, and am aware she doesn’t do it for popularity. Not that she has any with the general fanbase, nor anyone else in the back. But her actions need to be addressed, especially after her prior warnings.
Amy Maynard:
There was something said about matters being addressed, and a meeting was being held. We haven’t heard anything back about this as of yet, though we did expect to be hearing something soon. But is their any message to be brought to us from the Junior Heavyweight Champion?
Eloise looked up, growing a little more confident in her speech, adjusting to the situation as she had her final say on the situation.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
As I have stated, I’m not normally the mouthpiece for my clients in front of the camera, but I felt in this circumstance, it was required. What I will say is that Leia LeBeau will be back next week when there is a Riot in Rhode Island. And I will say that The Show is going to give you a Show that you will not want to miss. And will likely, never ever forget.
Eloise nodded her head, shaking hands with Amy before being motioned that she could leave.
Amy Maynard:
Thank you very much, Eloise. Now we go back to ringside. And I have to run.
Trios Match
Nightfall Rising & Asher Miles VS Bad Boyz
The path of Nightfall Rising and the Bad Boyz crossed once again, this time with the addition of Asher Miles in their ranks and Omari Johnson with his brother in arms. Certainly there was no love lost between the teams, months and months of rivalry and attacks certainly created a lot of bad blood between them, and it showed since the beginning, with the Bad Boyz attacking the opposing trio blindsiding them as they were walking to the ring. It was a brutal assault, Omari caught Asher with a snap german suplex on the ramp, Karib blasted Jay with a clothesline from behind while Dré grabbed Donovan and tossed him against the barricade. The trio tried to fight back, but the advantage given by the surprise attack allowed the Bad Boyz to stay on top and frustrate their attempts. By the time the six men finally arrived to the ring, the Nightfall guys were already pretty banged up. As soon as the bell rang, Omari blasted Donnie with the Super Duper Kick. His team partner blocked Jay and Asher who tried to save the match, but luckily for them, Keane managed to raise his shoulder in time. It was clear already that this was going to be a long, rough night for Donnie. Maybe not that long, since the impression was that the Bad Boyz could end it at any moment, and only Donnie’s incredible resilience and his never give up attitude kept this match alive. With quick tags, the Bad Boyz fought most of this part of the match 2 on 1 when not 3 on 1, really putting the poor Donnie through the grinder. But if there’s one thing Keane proved in his time in MWE, especially his matches against his partner of the night Asher Miles, it’s that he doesn’t know how to quit. And eventually, he created the opportunity to turn the tides with his Donnie Cutter out of nowhere, managing to make the tag to Jay. The upside of all the punishment Donovan took in those first few minutes was that he bought his partners time to recover from the early assault. Gallagher and Miles showed great chemistry despite this being the first time they worked together, helping one another with frequent tags to keep themselves fresh, avoiding taking risks and saving energy since this was now pretty much a handicap match. Donovan, in fact, was laying on the floor outside, battered, bruised and exhausted, basically of no use for most likely the rest of the match. Asher almost got the win for his team with a top rope flying knee strike on Dré. Jay stopped Omari from breaking up the pin with a running single knee strike, but he couldn’t do anything to block Karib, who broke up the pin. With these conditions it was an uphill battle for the Nightfall trio, always one man short. Despite the clear disadvantage, Asher and Jay kept trying, and Gallagher was able to connect the Jay Walking (fireman’s carry into overhead kick) to Johnson, obtaining another near fall. It was only a matter of time though before the numbers game would catch up, and the Bad Boyz took back control. Asher took a triple devastating blow when he was met with Omari’s Super Duper Kick that sent him stumbling into a huge discus lariat by Angelo. Dré put the icing on the cake with his Empire State Disaster (diving double foot stomp) and made the cover. Jay was cut off by the Bad Boyz, and the only way the match didn’t end then and there was because Keane, from outside the ring, grabbed Dré’s foot and dragged him out. Things got hectic from that moment on, Donnie punched the crap out of Angelo out of the ring, Jay brawled it out with Trinidad while Miles and Johnson traded kicks. A thud was heard and the attention moved outside the ring where Keane had just powerbombed Dré on the steel steps. Jay capitalized on the momentary distraction this caused to shove Karib through the ropes and floor Omari with a superkick to the back. Donnie rolled Angelo under the bottom rope and Asher finished him off with his Red Star (shooting star press). WINNER: Asher Miles & Nightfall Rising BY: Pinfall (The Red Star), 13:25 |
Backstage in the dressing room area we find three of the Glorious Golden Era members, the three that made up the Trinity of the first graduating class of the Glenn Braddock Wrestling School; Sophie O’Brian, her brother Mark O’Brian, and Glenn’s oldest daughter, “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. Sophie is dressed to compete, wearing her mostly black and green wrestling gear and boots. She is on the floor stretching. Mark O’Brian is dressed in denim jeans, black boots, and a plain white t-shirt, pacing the floor liked a caged lion. Glory Braddock may have a match tonight but she isn’t dressed for battle yet; she is still wearing a knee length white skirt, matching white long sleeve blouse, and light pink high heeled pumps. Her long blonde hairs hangs unrestrained to past the shoulders.
Glory Braddock:
Are you ready for Mercer?
Sophie O’Brian:
Sun Tzu says, ‘If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .
The woman from Belfast, Northern Ireland hops up to her feet and stares at Glory with a smirk etched across her face.
Sophie O’Brian:
Yes, my friend. I am ready.
Glory Braddock:
I fought Mercer once, she is no slouch. Do not underestimate her.
Sophie O’Brian:
I underestimate no one.
Sophie points at Glory.
Sophie O’Brian:
What of yourself? You find yourself in a far more troubling situation than I do tonight.
The British Bombshell sighs and then nods her head in agreement.
Glory Braddock:
I can’t argue with you there. I bloody hate The Triumvirate, I hate everything they represent, and I have made my feelings about them known very clearly. You and I have already whipped their asses twice. Yet for some reason I was paired up with Monroe tonight.
Sophie O’Brian:
Jayce and Reeves are on friendlier terms.
Glory Braddock:
Suppose that means I get to suffer with an opponent I cannot trust.
The British Bombshell shakes her head.
Glory Braddock:
But no more complaining from me. I will go out there and do what I must.
Sophie arches her brow.
Sophie O’Brian:
What does that mean?
Glory Braddock:
I do not plan to betray her, if that’s what you are asking. But I am not stupid, either; Megan definitely would betray me out of spite, despite claims otherwise. So do me a favor and watch my back tonight. If she tries anything funny, come out there and take care of business. I am on the road to winning my sixteenth world championship, and I will leave nothing to chance.
O’Brian smirks knowingly.
Sophie O’Brian:
Fear not, my friend. Monroe may or may not have your back tonight, but Mark and I will always have your back. And remember that this road you are on is not a sprint, it is a marathon. No what may happen between now and the championship match, all that matters is that the end result is you becoming the MWE World Champion. Whatever it takes.
Braddock nods her head in agreement.
Glory Braddock:
Whatever it takes.
Singles Match
Sophie O'Brian VS Liv MercerOn paper this promised to be a very technical contest, and the two competitors didn’t disappoint. Mercer took the quick advantage out of the lock up with a wristlock that caused Sophie to pat her arm in pain. She then rolled out of it and pounced off of the mat with a clothesline. O’Brian attempted her Wisdom (Muta lock) early, but Liv managed to quickly slip out, get to her feet and dropkick the Belfast Born to the mat. Sophie stood up and tried to catch the first ever Riot champion off guard by charging at her with a wild right hand, but she beautifully countered it into a swinging neckbreaker that gave her the first near fall of the match. Mercer tried to work the opponent on the mat, probably not the wisest decision since this put her right in O’Brian’s territory. The Northern Irish seemed to have a counter to any hold, and despite Liv’s multiple attempts to keep her grounded, Sophie was back on a vertical base. Sophie wrapped her arms around Liv’s waist, attempting a belly to belly suplex. Mercer broke free with a shot at the head and moved behind Sophie’s back, setting her up for a german suplex. O’Brian blocked the attempt with her leg and used a standing switch to put herself in position to connect with the same move, this time successfully. A roundhouse kick caught Sophie off guard, flattening her. Liv grabbed her legs and began trying to turn Sophie over for a Boston Crab. Sophie obviously was doing all in her power to resist, trying to swing the momentum in the opposite direction. After doing this a few times, she finally used all of her core and leg strength to flip Mercer over to the mat. She quickly got to her feet, Liv threw a right hand to regain control but the Glorious Golden Era member blocked it, delivering one of her own. Liv attempted another but this time Sophie ducked and ran underneath the attempted fist, waited for the opponent to turn around and decked Mercer with an enziguri kick. Looking to exploit her superior technique, O’Brian went straight for another submission, locking the opponent in the Shekhinah Glory (triangle choke) right in the middle of the ring. The ropes were definitely out of reach for an already fading Liv, who had to find a way out of this predicament, and do it quickly. Squirming and wiggling she managed to slip out of the submission. She hadn’t fully recovered yet when O'Brian caught her with the variation of a codebreaker she called Death Of Wisdom. Somehow, Liv kicked out and through the following minutes, thanks to a thumb to the eye that allowed her to catch some time to regroup, came very close to the win in at least one occasion with a bridging northern lights suplex, but Sophie refused to stay down. The hand came suddenly but not unexpected when Mercer missed with her diving crossbody and O'Brian was quick to drop her with the Ode To Braddock to win a match she dominated for the most part. WINNER: Sophie O’Brian BY: Pinfall (Ode To Braddock), 10:36 |
We cut back to the ring, where one Damian Carter stood, microphone in hand. He looked out among the crowd, pointing fondly at people sporting Chicago Fight Lab gear, mirroring his own t-shirt. He took a deep breath, clearing his head before lifting the microphone to his lips.
Damian Carter:
Month after month, week after week, show after show, we’ve seen the once promising Echo descend into nothing more than a bully. All the talent in the world, all the potential, being used for what? Assaults? Blatantly breaking rules? Mocking everything that most everyone here stands for, and for what? To get a rise out of Razzle? Nina? Yulia and me?
He paused for a second, turning his attention to Yulia who sat at ringside with his two young daughters, waving at them.
Damian Carter:
And maybe you’re right. We wanted to turn you into a precision instrument. Picking people apart, using their own weaknesses against them. But that isn’t your style, right? No, brute force, intimidation, arrogance. That’s what you are, a blunt object that forces your way through life. We’ve all seen the trail of “bodies you’ve dropped” that have been left in the wake of your destruction, for all the good it’s done you, because up until now we were going to leave you to your own devices and wait for someone to knock you off of the pedestal you’ve put yourself on.
He sighed, looking at his daughters again. He nodded at Yulia who took hold of their hands and stood them up, walking them through the crowd, the same crowd who were now rising to their feet to see what would be coming next.
Damian Carter:
I helped make you, Juliet. It was my blood, sweat and tears that went into turning you into whatever the hell you want to call yourself now…
He motioned again toward ringside, this time a referee sliding into the ring beside him.
Damian Carter:
I’m not a wrestler, but I’m damn sure a fighter, you know that better than most. So if this is what you want so badly, Juliet, Echo, come on. I’m right here.
He didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Invoking Dominance by Hatebreed started playing in the arena, drawing stares to the entryway where Echo slowly made her way out from backstage with her ever present cocky grin plastered on her face. She kept her eyes on Damian as she advanced toward the ring, laughing at his tense demeanor. He took a step back into a corner as she climbed up the ringsteps and entered the ring, her eyes not once leaving her former trainer.
She wasn’t dressed to compete but tossed her jacket out of the ring anyway, shrugging her shoulders as Damian told the official to ring the bell. It rung out across the arena and the impromptu match was underway, though Echo was taking it much less seriously. The two met in the middle of the ring, the fiery Aussie leaning forward and tapping her chin with her finger, almost begging Damian to hit her.
Imagine her shock when a right hand made clean contact, sending her backwards into a corner. She fell to the mat and stared up at Damian, mouthing off words to him while she checked to see if she was bleeding. She pulled herself up off the mat, adjusting her jaw as the pair circled around one another. As she went in to lockup with him, she went low instead, kicking him between the legs. The bell rang as Damian fell to the ground, though he received to reprieve.
Echo quickly pounced, raining down fists across his head, moving to kneeing him in the ribs when he finally managed to start defending himself. She kept him grounded, dishing out more punishment as the referee tried to pull her away, only for the ref himself to be thrown out of the ring in her rage.
Damian tried rolling out of the ring, but Echo gave chase, driving a knee into the side of his head as he tried to regain his footing. He crumpled up in a heap and Echo stood over him, stomping away at his back, stopping only to retrieve a chair from under the ring. She dragged him and the chair toward the steps, setting his head on top of the cold steel and held him there with her foot.
Nobody dared stop her as she brandished the chair, though she did request a microphone be handed to her. One was tossed to her rather quickly.
Echo:
This ones for you, Yules. Make sure the kids are watching.
She slammed the microphone down on Damian’s head, only to then take a step back and rain down chair shot after chair shot on his unmoving body. He slid from the steps, blood streaming from his forehead and mouth, but the chair shots didn’t stop. One after another, to his head, back, arms, legs. Finally more staff came running to the ring, near tackling her and holding her against the barricade as medical personnel swarmed the Chicago Fight Lab trainer.
She was pulled along the ring and up the side of the ramp as Damian was attended to, laughing all the while. The crowd was booing and a few brave souls even threw things at her as she was forced backstage, though they grew quiet when Yulia stepped beyond the curtain. She looked down at the carnage at ringside, holding back tears.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting in her locker room. Tiffany has her red wrestling gear on with black trim, a black Duke Andrews T-Shirt, and she is lacing up her boots.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I love when things come together and I didn’t even have to scheme or manipulate. As we all know my new best friend,James Edwards, is coming off a big win alongside me and now he is the special referee for my match against that pathetic sycophant Sioban Mahoney.
Tiffany stands up.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Siobhan, we all know I outclass you in every conceivable way. Which is why I will beat you tonight and we can all rejoice as James and I are in the center of the ring when he raises my hand in victory. It is really all that simple, right? But of course it is and that is why I’ll make quick work out of Siobhan then continue my path to Leia and the MWE Junior Heavyweight champion. With James watching my back how can I not get everything I want?
Tiffany walks out of camera shot.
Singles Match
James Edwards Special Referee
Siobhan Mahoney VS Tiffany Lynn PageJames Edwards Special Referee
He might not be happy about it, or understand why, but James Edwards looked good in a striped uniform. And most importantly, he was the epitome of fairness and sportsmanship, which in a delicate match between two competitors who don’t really like each other and are known for taking shortcuts at any given chance, having someone with a strong personality to enforce the rules was definitely a guarantee that no bullshit was going to be allowed. That was probably the thought process behind Vincent’s decision for a match that, according to some rumors circulating backstage, could have potential implications for the MENTV championship. James was going to have his hands full, that much was clear since the opening minutes. Neither Tiffany nor Siobhan was respecting rope breaks, and they surely had no qualms going for the eyes or pulling hair to regain control. Tiffany tried to use her “influence” with the referee to get a less strict treatment, but while she tried to convince him to cut her some slack on certain behaviors in the name of their new found “friendship” following last week’s team match. Of course it didn’t work, and it also backfired since it allowed Mahoney to drop her down with the Morrigan’s Curse (swinging neckbreaker). Siobhan made the quick cover and tried to get more leverage on the ropes. Edwards spotted it and immediately stopped the count. Siobhan was back to her feet as Page slowly got up to one knee and then to both feet, staggering a bit. Mahoney irish whipped her into the ropes. The “Too Sexy” bounced off, ducking a clothesline, then hit the opposite ropes, coming off of them and knocking down the Human Disaster with a flying forearm. She began lurking over the Irish, waiting for her to rise up, when she did, she doubled her over with a kick to the gut and set her up for the Hottie Bomb (powerbomb). She made the cover, but it was only a two, said Edwards. The match continued with some intense back and forth action. Stiff strikes, sure, but nothing illegal that would need James to step in. More well versed in the brawling side, Siobhan came out on top and left Tiffany groggy after a sequence of sharp elbows to the face. She took a sprint at the ropes, striking her down with the Eire Raid (running bicycle knee strike). Once again Siobhan laid on top of the opponent, who raised her shoulder just before the three. Mahoney tried to complain with the referee but James stood by his decision, and rightfully so. So far his judgement on every situation of the match had been beyond reproach, as expected. Both competitors had pushed him throughout the entire match, but the Burning Heart didn’t come here to let them walk over him and went as far as threatening to disqualify Tiffany when she tried to choke Siobhan on the ropes. After the argument with the referee, Lynn Page went to pick the opponent up and dropped her on her head with a ddt, climbing the turnbuckles right after. She took a moment before jumping off with the Money Power Respect shooting star press, and that slight hesitation was fatal as Siobhan rolled out of the way. Tiffany landed hard on her chest, needing some time to recover before she could stand up to her feet, only to be hit by the Shillelagh spin kick. Mahoney hooked the leg and picked up her first win in MWE. WINNER: Siobhan Mahoney BY: Pinfall (Shillelagh), 9:43 |
We see The MENTV Champion Alex Andrews sitting on a production crate, her championship belt across her lap.
Alex Andrews :
Ups and downs, always ups and downs with me. Even when I become a champion, its a roller coaster ride, it seems.
Alex scoffs and shakes her head.
Alex Andrews :
Last week did not go as planned, not in the slightest. I can't believe Tiffany Lynn Page pinned me the most...ugh person I've ever know. That's gonna stick with me for a little bit.
She runs a hand through her hair and tries to collect herself.
Alex Andrews :
But I can't focus on that right now. Because I have to defend my MENTV Championship against Alexus Meyer, the South African She-Hulk. And I know exactly how big of a task that is. In fact, just days after winning this championship, she pinned me over in Valiant. Why?
This gets a small laugh out of her.
Alex Andrews :
Because I asked for the match. She was grumping about not on the card and I figured I wanted to test my mettle. It...did not end well for me.
Alex shakes her head again.
Alex Andrews :
She is everything she touts herself to be. Her strength is scary. And she's one vicious woman. And I thought I was fine with her. But she made a good point and felt she deserved a title shot. I see the logic in it, indeed. I shot my shot and now she's trying to do the exact same thing.
Alex looks up and glares at the camera.
Alex Andrews :
Alexus. It won't end the same way this time. This time, I know exactly what to respect. And this time, you'll be stepping onto MY turf. In a match under MY rules? Let's see if you can get the job done with a strict time limit. I tapped out Neil Newman to grab this title after he put me through the wringer to get to it. I'm not about to let it go with out a fight on my first defense.
Alex wipes her mouth and almost sneers.
Alex Andrews :
I have all the respect in the world for you, Alexus, but I'm not rolling over for you. Things are going to be different, I assure you. You're one tough strong lady, but so am I. I've been knocked down more times than I can count and I get up each and every time. You may have the strength advantage on me, but I doubt you want this as badly as I do. And I'll go through hell to make sure I keep this piece of gold around my waist.
Her eyes hard on the camera.
Alex Andrews :
Can you say the same?
And with that, we fade to black.
MENTV Championship Match
Alex Andrews © VS Alexus MeyerFifteen minutes against the imposing South African She Hulk, the only double champion in Valiant history. Andrews versus Meyer was a rematch from the last event held by the Los Angeles based company, and that day the MENTV champion suffered a tough loss. Not the best precedent especially with her title being on the line tonight in Utah but, on the bright side, she only had to last fifteen minutes to retain. Sure, it wouldn’t count as a defense unless she pins or submits the big woman, but sometimes the best thing is to live to fight another day, right? Alex surely didn’t think so, and as the bell sounded she used her smaller size as a quickness advantage by moving in fast and trying to land a few stiff kicks to the side of Meyer’s thighs but after the first one landed, Alexus blocked the second attempt, then grabbed her by the throat and chokeslammed her to the ground. Alexus followed up by attempting a short, running clothesline but the champion rolled underneath it and went back to trying to chop the opponent down with more kicks to the South African’s thighs but this time she kept switching from left to right, making her attacks more unpredictable and keeping the opponent off balance. Alexus had been backed into the corner by the kicks to the legs, Andrews then hopped to the second rope and hit her with a stiff rising knee that snapped her head back. Alex hooked her arms around her head and sprinted out of the corner for a bulldog but Meyer shoved her away, keeping hold on her wrist to quickly pull her back into a lariat that turned the MENTV champion inside out. Not an easy first defense for Alex who was now being ragdolled by the South African powerhouse. The fans were firmly behind Lady Limitless, not liking the idea of someone not signed to the company walking out with the gold, but their support wasn’t really helping the Tennessee born. Meyer was in full control, showing a good technique that, combined with her raw power, made her one of the most interesting prospects in the industry. Alternating moves like a sleeper suplex and pumphandle neckbreaker to less flashy but equally effective moves like the pop-up european uppercut and the gorilla press drop, the South African controlled the match. What she was missing was the killing blow, that one big move that would keep Andrews down for three seconds. Her first attempt to connect the Thunderklap (Fireman’s carry powerslam) saw the MENTV champion slipping away and jumping with both knees on Alexus’ muscular back, dragging the Valiant star down with her Broken Wings. It was the break Alex needed so desperately, her chance to turn the tides and build some momentum. She relied on her kicks to wear Meyer down, lifting her even for just a suplex proved to be a titanic task more so after all the damage the South African did to the back. Silver lining, there were now less than five minutes to go. Andrews wanted the win, and tried to achieve it with the Elysium but Alexus sidestepped and dropped the champion on her chest with the inverted powerslam. Meyer went for a second Thunderklap attempt, this time though Alex grabbed hold of the ropes and resisted. Alexus pushed her out of the ring, but she landed on the apron and kicked her on the head. Andrews grabbed the opponent’s head and dragged her out of the ring, the two now standing on the apron. With a swift superkick, Lady Limitless knocked the South African She Hulk on the floor, waiting for her to rise to plant her with a ddt from the apron. The impact stunned Alexus, but somehow she was able to shove Alex away when the MENTV champion tried to push her back in the ring, sending her into the steel post. Visibly dazed, Alexus dropped to one knee. Alex instead, despite the hard impact, managed to connect the Brain Death and slide back in the ring at nine. Meyer, instead, couldn’t beat the count. WINNER: Alex Andrews BY: Count Out, 13:56 |
Times are tense these days in MWE, especially when the World Championship is being targeted by four other individuals. One of those individuals with their eyes on the company’s top prize is none other than “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. The beautiful blonde is dressed in her two piece royal purple wrestling gear and matching purple boots. She is slowly pacing the floor as the camera zooms in on the British beauty.
Glory Braddock:
Respect…
Braddock stops pacing and turns to face the camera. She has a stoic gaze upon her face.
Glory Braddock:
...I believe respect is lost upon many in this business today. And that, perhaps, is the root of most problems in professional wrestling today. In my father’s time, the person standing across the ring from you may have been an enemy but you still respected them because you knew that they put in the same kind of work, dedication, and commitment, the same kind of training, all with the purpose of being the best. And you knew that your enemy, whether you liked them or not, still had the ability on any given night to best you. No matter how good you are, no matter how many people you have beaten, that opponent could be the person who topples you off of your high horse. Thus the respect was there. That’s how wrestling should be.
A smirk forms upon Braddock’s face and a chuckle escapes her lips.
Glory Braddock:
Now I won’t stand here and pretend to be a perfect little angel. But I have always held a deep respect for my opponents. And I respect each and every opponent I face in the Cage scramble for the MWE World Championship, because whether you like them or not they have done something to earn this opportunity at the title. And as far as I am concerned, if I want to prove myself as the Best in the World, I have to beat the elite of the elite in this company, and if that means overcoming four of the very best in this company today then so be it. I am not going to complain about this opportunity, I am not going to disrespect anyone, I am just going to do whatever I can to overcome each and every obstacle in my way and eventually becoming MWE World Champion. And one of those obstacles includes this rather odd tag team match tonight on Riot.
Braddock shakes her head.
Glory Braddock:
Y’know, it is ironic that only Keelan Jayce seems grateful for the opportunity he has. He won a rumble match and apparently his performance was impressive enough that Elsa and Vincent granted him a title opportunity. Yet Keelan’s partner tonight can only complain that she doesn’t have a one on one title match. Melissa, you should take a cue from your partner tonight. You talk as if you are the only one deserving of a one on one title match but you forget that I also won a number one contender’s match at Dark Web III, or does the world revolve around you and you forget about my match altogether? You complain after you became number one contender but surely you had to know that this world title match would be something chaotic, something unique and unusual, something definitely not traditional. Two number one contender matches were booked for god’s sake! There was no way in hell this would be a normal match, Reeves. If you were expecting a one on one match then you were truly naive and that is a very bad quality to have.
The British Bombshell pats herself on the chest.
Glory Braddock:
I go into any and every situation expecting the unexpected. I prepare for the absolute worst case scenario. Just like tonight, I am prepared for the worst case scenario as I go into this tag team match with Megan Monroe as my partner…
Braddock chuckles again.
Glory Braddock:
You think you are the end all be all, you think you are god’s gift to everything, and that is what really annoys the piss out of me. People like you are exactly what I am talking about when I speak of the disrespect in this business. You think you are so damn good and so untouchable. I will admit that you are pretty damn good but untouchable you are not. How many times in that long Intercontinental title reign did you need help in order to retain your championship? And if you want to compare resumes then by all means, I’ll match mine up with yours any day of the week. I am fifteen time former World Champion, and one of those world championships I held for two years. There is a reason the fans...not me, THE FANS...call me the Best in the World and it is because I prove it each and every time I set foot inside the wrestling ring. And you thought you could protect yourself with this little Triumvirate of yours? Well your Triumvirate is already coming apart at the seams isn’t it? You lost your title, Pierce lost his, and where was Seth all this time? And now you are prepared to take Seth’s title away from him. Just like the Roman Triumvirate, betrayal and greed will ultimately destroy you lot. I will just be the one to deliver the kill shot when I take the title away from Seth.
Braddock shakes her head.
Glory Braddock:
But don’t worry about tonight, I will do my job. I will be professional and hold up my end of the bargain so long as you hold up your end. But understand that if you decide to betray me then all bets are off. If you try anything funny tonight then I will throw this partnership out the window and choke you out in front of the whole damn world. And that is a promise. Sic Semper Tyrannis…
Sometime before the show, Melissa Reeves sits in her Malibu home, opening the clip with the camera in her hand. She soon sets it down and sits back onto her couch, a beer bottle in one hand and her feet up.
Melissa Reeves
The BS in wrestling never ceases to amaze me. The people willing to do whatever they can to mess with others. Take this upcoming match for instance…
Reeves takes a little swig from the bottle.
Melissa Reeves
How convenient it is. How...fishy. Okay, so we didn’t announce it in public, no, but Keelan and I broke up. We did tell management, though, and how they ‘happen’ to pair us up? Sure. Right. Okay.
She shrugs.
Melissa Reeves
I mean come on, it’s so obvious why they’d do that. Yes, he has been...given a title shot. Yes, so have my opponents. Although, I will acknowledge that Braddock did at least earn hers. She’s just chasing numbers though, you see her saying it constantly. She doesn’t bleed MWE like I do.
Mel scoffs.
Melissa Reeves
Then you have Megan and Keelan. There’s unfinished business between those two, that’s for sure. But it’s not about to be resolved in this match up, is it? I expect fireworks, that much is pretty obvious, and I expect that management will get the mess they so clearly wanted.
One last shrug.
Melissa Reeves
And honestly, I just don’t care. My focus in the title, this...this is just a distraction. I won’t BE distracted, though,my focus will not move. Let’s just get this over with.
The reaches out and turns the camera off, ending things abruptly.
Tag Team Match
Megan Monroe & Glory Braddock VS Melissa Reeves & Keelan Jayce
Strange bedfellows would be the most accurate way to describe this match. Figgles tried to make a joke about how this wasn’t true for Melissa and Keelan, considering they were in a relationship but Amy cut him off right away. But aside from all that, this was a match between the four people who will challenge Seth at Hic Sunt Leones in the Cage Scramble, and you can bet the World Champion, who will be in action later tonight in the main event, will be keeping a close look at this. His fellow Triumvirate member Megan Monroe was the one who started for her team, taking on someone she was very familiar with, having defended the title against him on more than one occasion during her year long reign. Perhaps that made her take the task lightly, and Keelan easily took control in the early moments. Megan’s execution was slow and for someone as agile as the Aussie sensation, dodging her attacks was a walk in the park. And he did it in his usual, flamboyant way with cartwheels and flips of all sorts. Very energy consuming, as Figgles pointed out, but certainly a sight to behold. Not to mention that Keelan already proved he had stamina for days. Between one evasion and the other, Jayce landed some kicks and punches that perhaps didn’t do much damage, but certainly increased Megan’s frustration. After being knocked down by a handspring enziguri, the former Intercontinental champion picked herself up and charged at Keelan, running right into a sidewalk slam. The Aussie hooked the leg but Braddock quickly interrupted the pinning predicament. Despite their personal vicissitudes, Keelan and Mel were able to put that aside and focus on the match, working together just as well as they did in their past ventures as a tag team. Reeves received the tag and blasted Monroe with a flurry of kicks, the last one aiming at her abdominal region and doubling her over. The former World Champion sprinted toward the ropes and planted Megan on her head with a running ddt, but once again the Triumvirate member kicked out. The match continued with Melissa keeping control, even though the former IC champion slowly began to find her footing. She rocked Mel with the Gamengirl Kick, blasting her with a superkick to the face as she dropped to one knee. Rather than going for the tag, Megan attempted a cover with a standing moonsault but only got a two out of it. Only then, reluctantly, she decided to involve her partner in the match, making the tag. Braddock wanted to start her Quest To Sixteen with the right foot, and a win over a former MWE World champion was surely the best way to do it. She went really close to her goal with the Beautiful Insanity ddt, but Keelan was there to make the save. Jayce had the opportunity to measure himself against the self-proclaimed Best In The World, and he held his own against her. Not only, but he almost scored what many would consider an upset when he nailed her with his XXXX (cradle hammerlock ddt). Glory had to thank her team partner for being able to dodge Melissa’s attempt to block her with a clothesline and making the save. The match continued, Braddock and Jayce traded shots and near falls, ending up taking each other out with simultaneous high kicks at the end of a particularly intense exchange. It was all down to Melissa and Megan. Monroe seemed out to prove that she, and not Mel, should’ve won the Female Wrestler Of The Year award, bringing the fight to the former World and Cloud Gate champion. She broke free from a german suplex attempt with a headbutt and followed with a pele kick. Mel stumbled back into the corner, barely dodging Megan’s splash and quickly connecting an inverted suplex. Reeves was on a roll now, lifting the IC champion on her shoulders and dropping her down with the Reaver Slam, frustrating her attempt to quickly get up with a shining wizard and delighting the fans with the Death From Above shooting star press. And still it wasn’t enough to keep her down for the three. The win though, was only one Facial Deconstructor away, and The Reaver connected it as soon as Megan got up to her feet. WINNER: Melissa Reeves & Keelan Jayce BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 16:18 |
There’s a distinct emptiness in the locker room as we get a look at the MWE World Champion before his match for the evening. He has switched into his ring attire but he’s got a heating pad on his left knee as if he’s stimulating it before he goes out to the ring and the gleam of that knee brace is hanging up in the locker behind him. The standard black and red variation of his attire is what he’s picked to go out there in today but it seems like he’s getting into that kind of zone as he has the headphones on. Soon as he notices the camera he pushes a button on his phone and takes the blue headphones off.
Seth Iser:
This is a selfish industry. It always has and it always will be. And if you don’t realize this as a fact...the industry takes away from you. I’ve seen it a thousand times in my career where that has played out without fail. So never be afraid to take in this line of work because the wrestling business takes from us every day. It takes our bodies minimum. If you then make it to a certain level...it takes away a level of your privacy...hell it can even take away your sanity if you let it. Seen that play out far too often over the years…
The veteran shakes his head as if he’s a man who has just seen a lot of war. The gleam of the World Title and the knee brace both shines behind him as he contemplates his words a little more.
Seth Iser:
So no, I’m not surprised when there wasn’t any disagreement on everyone taking their shot at me in the multi person match. I don’t fault anybody for that. Not Megan, not Melissa, not anyone really. I’d be questioning their logic if they turned it down because no matter how many times you may have been to the top of the mountain...you never know if it’ll be your last shot to get there. You have a career to advance...mouths to feed at home, a brand to grow if that’s more your thing. It’s in your best interests to do it, risks of the multi person nature or the cage structure be damned!
The frown on his face is obvious as even if the structure itself is one of his most preferred avenues for combat...he doesn’t seem as happy to climb in.
Seth Iser:
Everyone has their own preparations to make. Hell, my four challengers are all under one roof and divided up in a tag team match against one another. Megan, my protege, and ol Fifteen time Glory against Keelan, who really doesn’t like me much, and Melissa...the person most synonymous with this company. You might think that’s convenient for me but...before I can worry about those four...and what’s approaching...I willingly accepted another match even though I was just in New York the last two nights...one doing commentary and the other wrestling. You might think that’s crazy for a wrestler to do but…
And then there’s a smile on the champion’s face that’s on his face briefly.
Seth Iser:
But I’m the World Champion...and this is what I do.
The smile vanishes quickly and is replaced by the normal scowl that’s etched on his face though his body language loosens up a little.
Seth Iser:
I’m an old school wrestler who grew up watching wrestlers go from one city to another and fighting off the best. It’s in my DNA at this point...even if the people don’t like what I term old school...doesn’t matter. That’s just who the hell I am and what I represent being THE man in professional wrestling. So no, there wasn’t any hesitation knowing my potential schedule in accepting Henri Black’s challenge.
There’s a tense frown etched on Iser’s face after stating this.
Seth Iser:
I was more insulted when you insinuate that I wouldn’t retain the title to be able to accept this challenge of yours…
He shakes his head at what he perceived as a slight before he starts taking the heating pad off of his left knee but his eyes are still on the camera.
Seth Iser:
Through all the games where one can have fun...and I know Henri loves having fun at some people’s expense...that god damned chip being a prime example...when that bell rings, he’s a two time Riot Champion. That’s not some damned fluke either...he beat ol fifteen time for the first one...and he beat my associate and friend Pierce Manning for the second one. Two of the damned best not just in this company but the world today. So he’s dangerous...quite dangerous. Too big of a mistake from me and not only do I have to worry about my own health but yet another challenger…
The man reaches back behind him and grabs the World Championship, the top prize of the company and places it over his broad shoulder.
Seth Iser:
Not to mention the horseplay that was that six person tag...but we don’t have any additional moving parts to that…or you still needing that receipt for stepping over the line and jumping Megan.
There’s a shake of the head as Iser’s still bitter about how that match played out.
Seth Iser:
I would’ve been far more understanding about that if you jumped me instead. I’d get it...really I would. It’s a selfish business after all...I said as much. But everything we’ve ever done...well it always comes back to us. And I know that day will come for me...that’s how it always works. But tonight isn’t about me. Well...it’s more on you. It’s coming back on you...what you’ve done to us in the Triumvirate. And don’t worry regardless of how this World Title match goes...the Triumvirate will keep going as strong as ever…
And then the sneer is etched on Iser as he grabs his bulky knee brace and starts the process of putting it on.
Seth Iser:
Just tonight? I’m repaying you for what you’ve done Henri. I get my pound of flesh...and I get my hand raised tonight. Just as the code would dictate. It’ll be one hell of an exhibition as to why I’m the great one...the leader of this golden generation. And even a wrestler as good as Henri Black? A man who represents an entire brand even...well...
The sneer transitions into that arrogant smirk of his that has a bit of a devious nature hidden behind it.
Seth Iser:
He’s just fighting for second place.
The last words coming from the World Champion as we fade from this.
Singles Match
Seth Iser VS Henri BlackAmy Maynard: “The World Champion against the Riot Champion. The Utah fans are certainly in for a threat with this main event.” Sir Figgles: “Damn right they are! They can see Henri Black getting beaten up, LIVE!” Amy Maynard: “But what if he beats Seth though? How will this affect the main event of Hic Sunt Leones? We already know who Seth is going to defend his title against, will Henri be added to the mix?” Sir Figgles: “It doesn’t matter, Seth won’t allow it. He said it loud and clear, the deck is already stacked against him, there’s no chance he’s going to let someone else be added to that clusterfuck.” Amy Maynard: “He might not have a choice though. If he lose…” Sir Figgles: “He won’t. He’s Wrestling’s Greatest Mind, don’t forget it.” Unlike Figgles, the MWE World champion was definitely showing some concern. He knew that Henri Black was one of the toughest competitors on the orange brand, he saw that in his matches against Pierce and he experienced it himself in the trios match they had before Dark Web III. Henri was aware of the opportunity this main event was hiding, a win tonight would allow him to claim his stake on the title held by Iser. Despite that, though, he couldn't resist mocking the veteran with a ghost chilli reference. Then the bell sounded, and shit got real. Fists like stone started flying back and forth between the two contenders, the scale tipping only slightly in Seth’s favor due to his greater strength and reach. But the Blackstar was having none of it, driving his foot in the champion’s gut to shift the momentum back in his favor. The Riot champion delivered a flurry of chops and forearm strikes to the champion, forcing him to step further back. Grabbing Seth by the wrist, Henri went for an irish whip but the grizzled veteran planted his feet down and blocked the attempt. Black tried yanking one more time, still to no avail. Third time’s a charm, he thought, and he was right; not for him, though. Seth pulled him into a spinning side slam, dropping him on the mat with a loud thud. As Henri got back to his feet, Seth went for a wild haymaker but Black blocked it and delivered a headbutt that staggered the Deity Of Destruction. Amy Maynard: “The match only just started but they’re certainly not playing it safe.” Sir Figgles: “Iser is tough as nails and Black is… relatively tough too. The match started exactly as we expected, and it can only get worse from now on.” The two locked horns with a collar and elbow tie up. Iser used his size advantage and bull rushed Black into the nearest turnbuckle, pinning him in. Seth shoved a forearm into Henri’s neck forcing the referee to start a five count. The World champ hesitated, but finally let off before crashing back in with vicious forearm smashes. He hit five in succession before the Australian flipped the script and sent Iser into the corner. Henri delivered some punches, even a couple of closed fists, and forearm strikes to the face and midsection, until Charles wedged in between the two and directed them to the center of the ring. Both men locked up again, Black now took control with a Muay Thai Clinch and started delivering rapid knee strikes to the head and midsection. Seth finally fought out of the clinch, but Henri shifted position and looped his arms around the man’s waist, lifting him for an impressive german suplex. Without losing his grip, the Riot champion stood up again and went for a second. The fans were waiting for the third one to complete the sequence, but Seth broke free with a couple of elbows to the side of the face, spinning around to level the Riot champion with a discus clothesline. Amy Maynard: “Damn, now that’s a game changer!” Iser stayed on the attack with more direct shots. It took Henri a while to regain his composure and block some of those hard punches. He pushed off Seth and nailed him with an enziguri kick. Iser stumbled but stayed on his feet. Henri then drove a dropkick to the leg, and followed with the Black Diamond knee to the face, dropping the big man on his back. He hooked the leg to make the cover, but the champ kicked out in two. Black got to his feet and drove in a couple stiff kicks before pulling Iser up by the hair. As he stood to his feet, Seth broke the grip and drove him down with an STO. Henri quickly popped back up but got sent against the ropes with an irish whip Seth waited for him to come back and picked him up for the Pillar Of Truth, making the cover. Only a two, said Charles. Sir Figgles: “This would’ve been a three for any other referee. This guy is being bullied by Henri and is too scared to act against him.” Amy Maynard: “Stop trying to fuel the fire with these conspiracy theories. He’s doing his job, and he’s doing it just fine.” Seth kept the pressure on Black, locking him in a sharpshooter.Henri yelled out in pain and tried to fight his way to the ropes, but the weight difference was too much, making the task extremely difficult. The referee kept checking if he wanted to tap, but the Aussie emphatically refused. Suddenly, with a last boost of energy, Black reached the ropes, finally escaping the excruciating submission. Seth, obviously, held it in for five more seconds, getting all that extra advantage. As Henri rose up, the World champ doubled the damage on the back with his Icebreaker, trying a cover after that and only getting another near fall. Amy Maynard: “You have to give Henri credit, he’s not gonna give up.” Sir Figgles: “I ain’t giving him SH…” Amy Maynard: “Shocking counter by the Riot champion!” Seth had picked Black up and slinged him into the ropes. On the return, Henri ducked the clothesline and came back to hit the veteran with an inverted bulldog. Both men popped back up and Black went straight away for a right hook. Seth dodged it, sending the Blackstar spinning. Iser grabbed Black by the hair and yanked him back. It looked like he was going for an inverted DDT but the two time Riot champion slipped out and hit a boot to the gut, quickly planting him with the spike ddt. After kicking out, Seth remained on his knees, baiting Henri to go for the Black Sacrament. As the Riot champion did exactly that, Seth rolled on the canvas to get himself out of the trajectory. He quickly popped up to his feet, doubling Henri over with a kick to the stomach as he turned around and finished him off with a quick Deprivation DDT. WINNER: Seth Iser BY: Pinfall (Deprivation DDT), 18:31 |