Post by gvb on Nov 7, 2021 19:11:46 GMT -6
Millennium XCII
Live from Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, NM
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021
Olly:
Fuck..
The expletive echoed in the locker room, immediately catching the attention of Faith Savell who turned her head to see what was going on with her boyfriend. Already dressed to compete in her upcoming tag match, Faith walked up to Olly, finding him stuck in his own shirt.
Faith Savell:
It’s the shoulder, isn’t it?
Olly:
Yeah.. Do you mind helping me?
She shook her head, immediately grabbing the shirt and carefully helping Olly to take it off. As soon as she did we could clearly see the athletic tape wrapping the young man’s shoulder, a minor injury suffered at the DeathGraps event for which the doctor advised him to get some rest. But K2O had matches to win and titles to chase. Taking a break was out of the question.
Olly:
Thank you baby.
He spoke in a soft tone, a rarity he would only concede to the woman he loves.
Faith Savell:
Did you really have to ask for this match tonight? You have a title match in Valiant in four days, and a defense in ten…
Olly:
Someone has to remind Tiff how pathetic she is.
He answered nonchalantly.
Faith Savell:
Isn’t that what mirrors are for?
That zinger, blunt, mean and out of nowhere caused Olly to burst out laughing.
Olly:
Haha, yeah you would assume that was enough of a reminder. But little Tiff started to bark again, and I feel it’s my duty to finish what you started and put her down once and for all.
Faith Savell:
And you definitely would, Olly, nobody doubts it. Even in this conditions, even with one arm, you would beat Tiffany and make quick work of her.
The tone of her voice changed once again, now even more mellow and soft. She even moved behind him and began to massage his sore shoulder.
Faith Savell:
But you have two big matches coming up, and you should focus on those. Beating the empty shell of a wrestler who doesn’t understand she should have stayed retired won’t do anything for you. Winning the Valiant tag titles and retaining the MWE ones instead will only remind everyone who the real golden couple is.
She surely knew the words to say and how to say them. Olly sighed and then replied.
Olly:
Yeah, but I can’t pull back now. The match is already booked and…
Faith Savell:
And I’m sure Karen will gladly replace you. She’s more than capable of handling Tiff. And Elsa will agree, I doubt she wants to take the chance to lose one of his greatest assets on the last show before the PPV.
Olly:
Fine, you convinced me.
He stands up from the bench and picks up the shirt he just removed and put it on, once again not without a sharp pain irradiating from the shoulder.
Olly:
Do you mind telling Karen and Elsa, please?
She nodded and asked:
Faith Savell:
Where are you going?
Flashing that infamous grin, he replied.
Olly:
There’s something else I have to do. Kick some ass out there.
Faith Savell:
As always.
Olly left the locker room, and the camera faded to black.
Singles Match
Morag Bean VS Lucie CallawayAfter her successful return one week ago, Lucie Callaway was scheduled to open another episode of Millennium, this time taking on the Cannibal Queen herself. The pace was quick from the get going, Lucie immediately showing who's boss and forcing Morag on the backfoot with a volley of quick kicks. Bean took a first break by rolling out of the ring, followed by Lucie. The former Chicago Way Champion started chasing Morag around the ring but she was stopped on her tracks by the Indian giant Meera Makara who stepped in her way. Callaway looked up at the imposing woman, taking her eyes off the opponent who quickly entered the ring and jumped through the ropes with a suicide dive. The impact sent Lucie against the barricade where she was reached by the Scottish woman with some hard stomps to the head. Morag picked her up and dragged her back inside the ring. She set her up with her neck resting on the middle rope and placed her knee on the back of her head, pressing down to choke her. The referee counted to five and then forced the break, pushing Bean away and giving her the lecture. As he did that, Meera acted behind his back to hit Lucie with a massive punch to the chin, acting all innocent when the referee turned around after hearing the boos from the fans. Morag hooked the leg for the cover but Lucie kicked out in time. Callaway was struggling to build any momentum, but not for her own demerit. Every time she seemed to finally turn the tides, Morag found an illegal way to prevent her from taking control. Whether she did it with cheap shots, bites and eye rakes, or thanks to the involvement of Meera, the Cannibal Queen managed to still remain on top, coming very close to the win with her patented Shetland Bones (low dropkick/shining wizard combination). This game worked for most of the match but abusing this tactic led to the inevitable moment when the inexperienced referee spotted Makara hitting Lucie with a punch to the back of the head. He instantly sent Morag's bodyguard off, demanding that she'd leave ringside. This obviously caused the Scotswoman to protest and Lucie almost capitalized on the situation with a schoolboy pin, but Bean kicked out in two. Lucie grabbed her by the arm and tossed her into the corner, blasting her with a running double knees. Callaway went to the top of the turnbuckle to seal the deal with her Hell Upside Down but Morag rolled under the bottom row and on the apron before she could jump. Lucie climbed down and the two started fighting on the apron, a dangerous battle won by the youngest champion in MWE history who dropped Morag on her head with a ddt on the hardest part of the ring. Lucie brought the fight back inside the ring and once again climbed up to the top rope. She didn't go for the 630 senton, opting for a tribute to her sister with the Thrillkiller. Morag saved herself at the last moment, at least for now. When Callaway connected the Nine Crimes and didn't try to make the cover, the New Mexico fans knew exactly what was about to happen. Lucie waited until the stunned Scot stood up to catch her with the SOS, adding another win to her record. WINNER: Lucie Callaway BY: Pinfall (S.O.S.), 5:55 |
Backstage we cut to Luna Smith who's sitting backstage and sipping a luxury expresso with her name hand painted on the cup. She's all made up, hair on point, makeup done to perfection and wearing a very dark navy gown tied at the waist by a cute rope into a bow.
Joining her is the Warwolf, towering over the glamorous star of Millennium Wrestling.
West Long:
So you ready to handle these two tonight?
Luna Smith:
I am. I'm looking forward to seeing you literally knock some sense into that thing who goes by a number. Nine….what an ironic name for a negative two in my book.
Luna takes note of her appearance in the camera filming her of how she sips the cup, rehearsing her best look almost for a sponsorship deal perhaps.
Luna Smith:
I want you to mess up her fingers too. Stamp on them, kick them or crush them in your mighty grip. That should teach her for getting involved in my business and violating the Luna Ranking System.
West Long:
I got it. Don't worry. She ran last week, she ain't got anywhere to go this week. Hell she can try and hide on the apron, who's to say an elbow don't find its way into her cheek before I turn the Savell girl inside out yeah.
Luna casually checks out West's elbow and smirks devilishly at the idea of Nine ending up on the business end of it.
Luna Smith:
I'm sure MWE will replay her thrashing over and over on YouTube, with plenty of shots of my gorgeous look. However, I spoke with the GM.
West Long:
Oh yeah. What went down?
Luna Smith:
Well it wasn't me per say. I had one of my assistants go in and hold her phone up. Rumor has it our dear GM has a cold coming on and I wouldn't risk coming into contact with that, plus they had on this awful outfit that was difficult to endure virtually nevermind in person.
West Long:
Right….Right, but the take away, the headline?
Luna Smith:
The headline is this. You'll be facing Nine at the PPV and I demanded that she can't touch me again without firing. That part is still being mulled over but they'd be a fool not to.
Luna finishes her coffee and puts it on a saucer one of her assistants has been holding and waiting on standby for her to finish.
Tag Team Match
Luna Smith & West Long VS Nine van der Hoek & Faith Savell
Faith Savell and Nine van der Hoek made for one odd pairing, and with neither of them being too keen on tag team wrestling, the advantage into this match had to go to the team of Luna and West Long. The former Lockdown champion didn’t think about it twice and sent her bodyguard to start the match against Faith Savell. The Valedictorian didn’t seem impressed by the size of her opponent, but perhaps changed her opinion when West interrupted her flurry of kicks by simply grabbing her by the shoulders and launching her all the way across the ring. Faith hit her corner and Nine immediately took the tag. As she entered the ring, she pointed her finger to Luna demanding that she would step inside the ring. West turned to her and when his client shook her head no, he attacked Nine with a clothesline. The fast Dutch ducked it and continued her run toward the enemy’s corner, knocking Luna off the apron with a running big boot. She turned around just in time to see Long charging at her and avoid impact by quickly shifting on the apron through the ropes. From there she rocked West with a high kick to the side of the head, but when she tried to enter the ring to capitalize on that, Luna grabbed her by the foot and pulled, causing Nine to smash her face on the apron. Faith left her position and ran around the ring, leveling Smith with a clothesline to the back of the head. Van der Hoek picked herself up and climbed on the apron, re-entering the ring the hard way thanks to a suplex from Long. Luna only entered the ring when she felt it was safe and Nine got sufficiently worn out by the big man’s power moves. With the Frisian Demon in great difficulty, the Star Of The Night shone bright in New Mexico. Her unmatched speed and agility proved to be even more devastating against the spent Nine, who would have probably succumbed to the Starstorm (discus spinning roundhouse) if it wasn’t for Faith’s quickly getting in to break it up. The blonde continued with her Krav Maga based attacks, collecting a couple more near falls before Nine managed to turn the tides with her leaping reverse STO, and finally tag Faith back in. Savell was on fire, abusing the opponent with three consecutive suplexes and a picture perfect moonsault, but none of it was enough to keep Luna down for the three. Faith tried to achieve that with her characteristic bridging northern lights suplex, but West saved his partner in that circumstance. A jawbreaker gave Luna the chance to enter the ring, and with the powerhouse back in, the momentum of the match shifted once again. The Warwolf came close to the three with his scoop spinning powerslam, but his overconfident attitude allowed Faith to get a little separation and make the tag to Nine. The Dutch was back in and immediately went for the opponents’ legs, trying to chop him down with hard kicks to the thighs. She even managed to lock him in a figure four leglock but West grabbed the bottom rope and broke free. Just when Nine seemed to be getting some momentum on her side, Long’s Boom Drop put an abrupt half to her offense. West just hit her with his stiff strikes for a couple of minutes leaving her down in the middle of the ring as he made the tag to Luna. The Star Of The Night climbed on her bodyguard’s shoulders to jump with the Sparkle Splash, securing the win for her team while West kept Faith from interfering. WINNER: Luna Smith & West Long BY: Pinfall (Sparkle Splash), 11:54 |
The camera pans backstage where the camera’s focus on Joey Leclair who has just evidently arrived, and is heading towards his locker room when he is approached by a Paisley Dawn.
Paisley Dawn:
Joey tonight's the go home show for On The Rise, and tonight you step into the ring with Dean Smith, and I would like to get your thoughts heading into this match, and what the future might hold for one Joey Leclair?.
Joey stops, and turns to face the interviewer, and lets a smirk come across his lips.
Joey Leclair :
To be honest? I don’t know much about Dean Smith other than the fact that he has been apart of this roster longer than me, and that they call him Mean Dean Smith, and so I guess that means he is pretty good in the ring to earn a nickname like that, but I guess we will find out tonight because like always I am going to go down to that ring, and once the bell rings I am going to give it all I have, and that is all I can do.
Joey smiles, and extends his right hand out and pats the interviewer on his right shoulder.
Joey Leclair :
As for my plans for the future? Well to be honest I look back just a couple weeks back when Helena Noir announced her retirement, and I find myself thinking that I am so god damn jealous of Helena, because shes has had a fantastic career, and now she gets to rest her battered body, and explore options outside the ring, and enjoy retirement.
Joey lets out a long exaggerated sigh.
Joey Leclair :
I then ask myself if I am that jealous of it does that mean it’s time for Joey Leclair to finally hang up his boots?! I am still young, but I have been doing this for a really long time now, and my body has its miles on it, and it hurts, and hell a prime example of that is several months back when I lost my Chicago Way Championship, and ended up fracturing my ribs? Normally with an injury like that I would be recovered, and back on the grind in no time, but now it takes a little longer for my body to repair its self from all the wear, and tear is has endured, and yes Retirement is close, but not yet….. Not yet, because I have one last goal in sight, and everyone who knows me, knows that I will chase my goals until I accomplish them, and so I will keep on pushing my body to its limits until I win the Millennium World Championship, and then I will defend it like my life depends on it, and then I retire.
Joey steps past the interviewer, and walks over to his locker room door, and grips the doorknob, and opens the door.
Joey Leclair :
Until then I will continue to show the world just why I am a different breed, and show them just who Joey Leclair is.
Joey steps inside his room, and shuts the door as the scene comes to an end.
As the camera cuts backstage we spot Olly walking down the hallway. The one half of the Tag Team champions doesn’t seem too bothered by not competing tonight anymore, or if he is, he’s hiding it pretty well behind that smug smile. Where is he going? That question is quickly answered as the former student stopped in front of BROOKFORD:
Olly:
Just the man I was looking for.. How’s business going, Mr. Briefcase?
He points at the Briefcase held by the New Yorker, in reference to his recent announcement that he will now take bids to change people’s matches. BROOKFORD shrugs.
BROOKFORD:
No one has come to me yet. But they will. All the time in the world.
Olly:
Do I get a discount for being your first client then?
Speaking with his usual cockiness, the young man flashes a smile to the Problem Solver. BROOKFORD simply shakes his head.
BROOKFORD:
No. Get to it, I gotta kill Clyde’s hopes and dreams. I was tempted to use my contract to sub myself out. Not like he’s worth the effort. Been awhile since I beat someone up. Not his lucky day.
Olly:
Oh I have no doubts you will. I mean, Clyde is pretty much cannon fodder, the guy you feed to whoever you want to make look strong. Let’s be honest, he doesn’t belong in the same ring with you, or me.
Olly and Clyde never really saw eye to eye, but things surely escalated in the past months.
Olly:
We got to a point where beating him doesn’t really add anything to your status. And getting another loss to him tonight won’t change things for him either. Ironically, it might just feed into his delusion that, someday, he’ll be someone in this business. He’s going to have people patting him on the back, telling him that he did a good job, that he’s getting there and he just has to keep trying. We should just pull the plug and show him that it’s time he finds himself another job.
BROOKFORD:
We? What do you have in mind?
Olly’s smile grows wider.
Olly:
We.. The brains and the brawn. It’s the perfect combination, you have the chance to get in the ring with him and I have the perfect idea to crush him definitely. After this, Clyde will never want to show his face on TV again, I’m sure of it.
It’s hard to tell by his expression what BROOKFORD thinks about this plan and the alleged partnership. Still, he invites Olly to continue.
Olly:
No matter how badly you break his body, he’ll just keep coming back. But if you crush his spirit, take that ounce of dignity he has left… Poof. Problem solved.
BROOKFORD:
How do you propose we break his spirit? Not that I care but you’re not worried his mom might take issue with how eager you are to force Clyde to take a mental health break?
Olly shrugs his shoulders.
Olly:
Better that than having to watch him laying in a hospital bed, don’t you think?
Before BROOKFORD can reply, Olly continues.
Olly:
Tuxedo match. Add to the embarrassment of another loss the humiliation of being publicly stripped on live television. You should be able to get that done easily, and you don’t even have to injure him too much.
BROOKFORD half smirks. Then he breaks out chuckling, a rare sight for MWE fans. In the blink of an eye the serious expression returns to his face.
BROOKFORD:
No. I went through three death matches in one night to secure my briefcase. Not a chance I’m going out there to strip a tuxedo off another man.
BROOKFORD pats Olly on the shoulder.
BROOKFORD:
Olly, you’re cool, you got a great mind. I see why you frustrate a lot of people. Keep it up. There’s no chance I’m lowering myself to that. No amount of money in the world can change my mind. Is there anything else?
Olly:
It was worth a try.
He smiles at BROOKFORD, turning around and heading the same way he came from. A few steps down the hallway and he stops. He doesn’t turn around this time, only adding one last thought before going his way.
Olly:
Let’s just hope one day you won’t come to regret this
Singles Match
Joey Leclair VS Dean SmithDean and Joey walked into this first match between them with the wind of the recent success in their sails, though in Smith’s case, that came in tag matches with his sister Bree. Joey Leclair came out of the gates guns blazing, connecting on strikes to the limbs of the bigger Dean Smith. An early Prodigal Elbow strike knocked him down to the mat for a quick two count before Dean managed to kick out. Before the former Invictus champion could get up, Leclair hit him with a shining wizard and sent him sprawling back down to the mat. The second pinfall attempt was thwarted by Dean getting his shoulder up a hair after the two count hit. Both men got back to their feet with the Prodigy exploiting the favorable moment with another barrage of kicks and punches. Strikes kept coming from Leclair until he had backed Dean up into the corner. Once there he climbed to the middle rope and began to lay into him with punches. The referee kept track of how many he landed, getting to a total of nine before Smith managed to use his strength to hoist the Canadian up onto his shoulders and then drop him into the mat with a running power bomb. Dean couldn’t capitalize, the early onslaught surely took a toll on him. He then took this time to rest up and recover next to his opponent, while the referee counted them both out.. They took their time, that initial exchange surely took a lot out of them both, only getting up to their feet as the count reached eight. The match continued with the two competitors exchanging hard strikes. Dean’s boxing background gave him a little advantage over the canadian brawler. Smith lifted Joey up into the air and took a short run before laying his opponent out with a running power slam. Joey rolled over onto his chest and began to push himself up. Dean wrapped his arms around the waist and tossed him around with a deadlift belly to back suplex.. Sensing that he had control of the match finally, Dean stood and moved to the ropes and then ran at his opponent, bashing his skull with a brutal knee strike. Immediately he dropped to the mat and hooked the leg but only got a two out of it. Dean tried to set Joey up for the backslide driver but the former Chicago Way champion escaped the attempt. Without wasting any time, Leclair spun around and delivered another Prodigal Elbow, once again getting a long two out of it. Exploiting the momentum Joey pulled his opponent back up to his feet after he had kicked out and fired him into the nearby corner. Charging at full speed, Leclair delivered a brutal running jumping knee, grabbing Smith by his hair and running back to the centre of the ring where he slammed his face into the canvas..Leclair wanted to show off his strength, picking Dean up in a powerbomb position and throwing him into the corner with a buckle bomb. Once again Joey went for a running clothesline but, unlike before, his plan didn’t come to fruition and he crashed against Dean’s foot. Dean lifted himself up on the top rope and jumped, driving his knee against the Prodigy’s skull. The Mean Dean proved once again to be a resolutive maneuver that can end a match in the blink of an eye. WINNER: Dean Smith BY: Pinfall (Mean Dean), 12:23 |
Earlier in the day
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is walking off her private jet in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She looks around with a disgusted look on her face.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
New Mexico?
Tiffany shakes her head.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Why am I being dragged to all these backwoods hee haw towns? Why can’t our shows be somewhere classy like New York? I’d even settle for going back to Chicago but here we are in the ass crack of America. Damn shame.
Tiffany begins walking down the stairs of the jet.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Not only do I have to come here to this damn state I have to step into the ring to face the crazed lunatic who has been obsessed with me for the entire time I have been here in MWE. I cannot say that I am shocked, it’s the only pitfall of being me. Luckily like I have said I have the most badass person on my side. So I am quite confident that Clyde and I will be walking out victorious no matter who that deluded lunatic fools into being his partner tonight. After Clyde and I close out Millenium standing over the beaten body of James both Clyde and I can move on to better things. What that might be? I’ll let the world know when I am damn good and ready and if you dare to try to go against me Clyde will put you in his place. If you didn’t already figure that out as that will happen again tonight when Jimmy is finally laid out for good.
Tiffany walks over to the waiting 2022 black Mercedes that will be taking her to Rio Rancho Event Center.
BROOKFORD can be seen backstage in the interview area. He’s alone in his wrestling gear. He has his trusty briefcase alongside him.
BROOKFORD:
Clyde. Clyde. Clyde. If I actually gave a damn, I would feel sorry for you. Lets be real, I don’t. Not my concern why management keeps putting you in situations way above your paygrade, meh, it is what it is. I’ll give you credit. Two matches against Kim Williams you didn’t die. You’re like a cockroach, hard to kill. Maybe, I’ll have a little fun tonight whooping your ass, trust me kid, this will be an ass whooping. Your only saving grace is I don’t hate you enough to send you to the hospital. Apathy might give you a chance. I stress the word might. See you out there kid.
BROOKFORD uses his free hand to give the throat cut motion. Winks into the camera. Then walks off.
Singles Match
BROOKFORD VS Clyde Eldon Jr. No, this wasn't a Tuxedo match, despite Olly's plan to further embarrass Clyde by making him lose his clothes one by one. BROOKFORD refused to take part in that and instead limited himself to do his job and wrestle. Clyde looked relieved and thankful for it, at least until the match actually started and he tried first hand how one of BROOKFORD’s punches felt. The right hand knocked him down instantly, which seemed to disappoint the Problem Solver who shrugged his shoulders and made the cover. Despite seeming to be out cold, Clyde kicked out in two. The match continued and it was all BROOKFORD in one of his most dominant performances to date. The Briefcase holder had Eldon in the corner where he could dispose of him with heavy chops on the chest. Clyde’s pecs were a bright shade of red as he finally stumbled out of the corner. BROOKFORD watched him career into the ropes. The Problem Solver slowly walked to him and grabbed him by the arm, whipping him against the ropes and preparing himself for a back body drop. Clyde saw it coming and slowed down to kick the big man in the shoulder. As BROOKFORD stood up, Eldon went for a clothesline but couldn’t take the opponent down with it. A second one achieved the same result, a third caused him to stumble and a fourth, finally, dropped him down. Clyde wasted no time and connected a running senton, finding out that he’ll need a lot more than that to keep BROOKFORD down. He kicked and punched, apparently without putting too much thought into what he was doing or having any sort of game plan to effectively take down one of the most dangerous men in MWE. For a while this assault worked for him, and Clyde even scored a near fall with a flatliner. But eventually BROOKFORD caught him, and the young man’s night took a bad turn. BROOKFORD didn’t go easy on him, hitting him with hard shots and moves like the belly to belly suplex right into the turnbuckle. And if that impact wasn’t painful enough, the Problem Solver then doubled down with a running splash. Clyde, to his credit, showed a great fighting spirit refusing to give up, even after he found himself on the receiving end of BROOKFORD’s sitout spinebuster. His reactions though became less incisive and more sporadic. As a direct consequence, BROOKFORD gained more ground, taking complete control and cruising smoothly toward another win that never really seemed in question. Except maybe for that brief moment when Clyde ducked the big man’s clothesline and speared him, coming this close to the upset of the night. But soon the Problem Solver turned the tides one more time, tearing Clyde apart piece by piece and eventually finishing him with his dragon screw neck whip called Problem… Solved for the one, two, three. WINNER: BROOKFORD BY: Pinfall (Problem... Solved), 8:31 |
The lights dim in the arena and the fans are stirring with some anticipation. The beginning strums of ‘Unsainted’ start to play and there is a mixed reaction. The boos from the passionate fans who have already decided they hate him no matter what, and the cheers from a group of rebels who kind of missed his presence. And then from the curtain appears the now cleared Seth Iser staring out into that mixed reaction and he pauses there for a second just to take in the environment. For a brief moment there is a smile etched on his face that is void of it’s usual predatory air. It’s natural and a little more calming but it fades fast as he nods his head, allowing himself that one moment before the all business sneer is back on his face.
He then starts his trek down the ramp and we get a better look at the shape and ring attire he’s picked for the evening, he’s in pretty good toned shape with those veins through his arms in particular. He’s also wearing one of his more traditional looks, the black trench coat, a black and purple variation of the attire with the gleam of that black knee brace on that left knee, the normal. He’s not walking too gingerly for the first time in a while as he marches down the rampway a touch faster approaches the ring. He even taps the apron with his knuckle for a moment, nodding his head…
Before he pulls himself up onto the apron and enters the ring as he normally does. There is no slinking to the corner for his thoughts however because it seems like he has something to say as he’s gesturing for the microphone and nobody is going to deny him that request. The former briefcase holder and world champion takes a moment listening to the loud mixed reception he’s received and he’s just waiting for them to decide to be quiet...and yet it keeps going for him. So he just takes a step back and gestures for the audience with his free hand to let it all out and for a moment that reaction is magnified but the intention works. He finally has them quiet enough for him to start speaking.
Seth Iser:
You won’t hear this often from me...but coming out here and wrestling...even talking in the middle of the ring like this no matter my mind frame. I missed this. I truly have.
Something as rare as Halley’s comet, Seth Iser getting universally cheered by an audience outside of his home or Japan but it happened here. After that though, he just turns toward the crowd behind him and away from the camera even if we can see that sneer creep back onto his face.
Seth Iser:
Hold on...you couldn’t make up your mind when I came down the ramp, now you want to cheer. Why don’t you listen before you really decide whether you want to cheer or boo me rather then rush into your usual preconceived notions one way or another.
And there it is...the crowd has mostly turned against him with that line and we’re back to that far more familiar feeling with crowds when they see him but Seth doesn’t miss a beat before turning toward the opposite side so the camera gets a good view of him.
Seth Iser:
I’m scheduled to wrestle tonight for this company. I don’t want to go into too many rehashes but...a quick summary for the unaware. For the first time in...a couple of months. The last time I was in the ring...I did that clothesline going inside of the ring to the outside, I’ve done that move countless times, but because of what was already going on in my knee thanks to that Caged Scramble match where I retained the World title.
Without missing a beat, he fully glares into the camera with some animosity in his veins coursing through.
Seth Iser:
God damn you Chuck Matthews…
He curses that name like he has done a couple of times now. Beyond that though, the brief animosity shown in that moment vanishes as he continues recounting what has been going on.
Seth Iser:
But when I landed, something that was already starting to give in my knee went at that moment. I finished the match as best I could...I was literally a one legged man at that point. I had to apologize to the current Riot Champion Pierce Manning, my fellow Triumvirate member, and he understood the deal and I had to go get it operated on. Doesn’t matter how minor some surgery is...it’s...hell.
He pauses for a moment, closing his eyes and even taking a deep breath acknowledging all of it.
Seth Iser:
It’s worse when you willingly say no to painkillers. When you have the history I have had with drugs…
He trails that thought off before shaking his head not wanting to finish that thought entirely.
Seth Iser:
I’ve become far too familiar with what it’s like to sit on the sidelines being physically unable to go or not being able to go to full capacity due to some sort of nagging injury. It’s...put quite the strain on the old mind. I might be the Greatest Mind in all of Professional Wrestling...but the fact of the matter is I’m only human. That is the kind of thing that just burns a hole and keeps you awake at night...what now if I get a forced close? It’s...a sobering thought, really. And I’m not going to say some of the things I’ve said in front of a sports psychologist...that stays in the room...but one of the blessings in disguise about being away was to realize there’s this issue.
He pauses for a moment nodding his head briefly.
Seth Iser:
But...I am back…
He says that quietly before nodding his head again, a little more enthusiasm for the older wrestler.
Seth Iser:
Oh yes...I’m back and it’s been LONG overdue to remind everyone from the people in the locker room...to you people who buy the damned tickets...to the media and everyone in between who the hell I am! And while I could talk about what might be ahead...one step at a time...let’s talk about the here and now. I’m wrestling a young man by the name of Dante Cutler…
He pauses for a moment and listens to the crowd give a loud and noticeable reaction that’s been growing for him especially over the past month.
Seth Iser:
The leader of A Tribe Called Conquest...and yet another talented wrestler who represents the United Kingdom now in some fashion after moving from Jamaica joining Lowri and Gareth among others...oh yes...your name has been buzzing a lot lately hasn’t it? You got media folks spouting your name more and more. Hellen Keller could see that. It isn’t unwarranted either when that bell rings. I see the angles of your strikes...I see the agility you possess...something I never had even when I was a young man. The more they see you perform...the more your name comes out of the mouths for people to watch. Some people in the industry for the first time...are smiling down upon you. It’s a foreign feeling in a way, isn’t it? And you combine your name starting to breakthrough yet another level...it leads to where we’re at tonight.
There’s a turn on his face as he’s far more serious, the iron mask is back on. He isn’t giving anything as he recounted all of that.
Seth Iser:
I was happy when it was you, Dante. I mean that sincerely...because you’re the kind of hungry, driven professional wrestler that we need to see more of. It means the old man gets to understand real quick where he’s at when that bell rings...and it means both of us have something to prove tonight. You want to continue to amass this buzz circulating around you and what better way to do that then defeat someone who is Professional Wrestling by any means necessary. Hell…
The look in his eyes seems far more predatory as he glances at the camera.
Seth Iser:
I’d be far more offended if you didn’t try to do what you had to. This is the spiritual successor to the Roman Gladiators after all and only winners write the history and get paid accordingly. You want the pen that I’ve yielded for quite some time…
The smirk is fully in place now as the audience has decided the way he’s going about it...they’re booing him now but Seth shakes his head ignoring them.
Seth Iser:
But I’ve spent the last two months itching to get back into this ring for this company...and when the bell rings...I don’t give a shit about your buzz. I don’t give a shit about your accolades. You’re just in my damned way of things I want to accomplish and I already know my own clock is ticking. It’s the ultimate pressure cooker that’ll make my mind...even sharper. I don’t call myself the Greatest Mind in Professional Wrestling because it’d look good on some damned t-shirt. The only thing I care about is exploiting the weaknesses you do have until either your body is held down for a three count or you decide you can’t take it anymore and tap out and I’m a god damned master at that!
There’s more fire in his eyes before he turns toward the entrance ramp just to await his opponent. He’s gesturing toward the ramp and begins taking off his entrance jacket.
Seth Iser:
But that’s enough talking from me. Come on down. No need to prolong this any longer. I’m going to prove where I’m at and see what I still need to work on by whooping your ass in front of everyone...and there won’t be a god-damned thing you can do about it!
There’s a spike of the microphone from Seth that makes that static sound as he then backsteps toward the top rope leaning his back on his, stretching himself out further as he is awaiting his opponent for the evening.
Singles Match
Dante Cutler VS Seth IserThe bell sounded and for a moment, nothing happened. The two competitors just stared at each other, the tension between them building up to the point when it could be cut with a knife. Dante struck first, a kick to the knee that kept Seth out of action for nearly two months. The sudden strike gave him the early advantage, but it was quickly thwarted as Dante attempted a headlock, quickly countered by Seth who shoved the man into the ropes and knocked him down with a shoulder tackle. Methodical as always, the former World Champion had no intention whatsoever in speeding up the pace, favoring a slower tempo that allowed him to keep in check Dante’s speed with various holds. He had Cutler in a wristlock, twisting his atm in a way it wasn’t meant to bend. Dante reached the ropes and grabbed it with his free hand, but rather than wait for the referee to break up the submission, he performed a front flip to escape it. He then kicked Iser’s shoulder and delivered a low dropkick once again aiming at the injured leg. The former champion was down and Cutler began to stomp on him. Needless to say which part of Seth’s body he stomped, his game plan at this point was all too clear. And effective. As minutes went by, Iser started favoring the leg, the painful expression on his face with every step he took gave it away clearly. An uncomfortable situation for the Deity Of Destruction, but not one he was unfamiliar with, having worn a knee brace for a long time now. Seth knew exactly how to act in these circumstances, protecting the injured limb while luring the opponent to strike, forcing him to expose his side to his counterattack. Once he regained control and started dictating the pace once again, Seth scored the first near fall of the match with the Pillar Of Truth (Big Boss slam). In certain moments it was like watching a game of chess. Counter after counter after counter showed how methodically they both studied the opponent’s moves. This was the first match between the two but it seemed like they have been fighting each other for years, understanding the other’s intention before they could perform a maneuver. In a deadlock situation like that, only a flair, an unexpected move could shift the momentum in one’s favor. And that was something more in Dante’s wheelhouse than it was in Seth's, the Brit had a couple of aces up his sleeves, bouncing off the middle rope with a springboard cutter that Seth never saw coming. This gives him the chance to build some momentum and earn a long two count with the Liquid Swords (Kamigoye). Two months away from the ring were starting to catch up on Seth, now struggling to break Dante’s offense. Only once he managed to create some issue to The Rhythm, when he blocked his The Creator (leaping flatliner) attempt and dropped the former CWC World Champion spine first onto the extended knee. Cutler kicked out and went back on the attack, regaining control now that fatigue began to crept up on Seth. But when he had the former Briefcase holder where he wanted him, stuck in the corner waiting to be shot down by The Guns Of Brixton, Dante was distracted by The Big Nasty climbing over the barricade and appearing at ringside. Seth recovered and almost knocked his head off with a devastating running big boot. The impact left Dante dazed and helpless, easy prey for Seth’s Deprivation DDT. WINNER: Seth Iser BY: Pinfall (Deprivation DDT), 14:41 |
Backstage we find Dawn Paisley sandwiched in between the infamous Dalek on her left and to her right is “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. The psychotic ginger is dressed to compete and has her MWE Chicago Way Championship title belt draped over her right shoulder and the SCW Underground Championship title belt draped over her left shoulder.
Paisley Dawn
Well ladies and gentlemen, I am…
Kimberly Williams
INEVITABLE!
Paisley Dawn
Huh?
Kimberly Williams
That’s what you were gonna say, right? I am inevitable! Say it!
Dawn shrugs her shoulders.
Paisley Dawn
I am inevitable?
Kimberly Williams
Doesn’t that feel so cool?
Paisley Dawn
Uh, maybe?
Kimberly Williams
Anyway, I think before we begin Dalek wants to make an announcement!
Dalek
AFFIRMATIVE! I AM ENTERING THE GAUNTLET MATCH! I SHALL WIN! I SHALL CHALLENGE YOU FOR THE CHICAGO WAY CHAMPIONSHIP AT ON THE RISE! KENNEDY STREET IS MY WIFE!
Kimberly Williams
That’s nice an…wait, what?!
Paisley Dawn
You’re entering the gauntlet match, Dalek? That IS breaking news!
Kimberly Williams
No it isn’t! The breaking news is that he’s malfunctioning again. He thinks he’s married now! I haven’t even given you her number, pepperpot! Now make the REAL announcement!
Dalek
30.43 WEEKS! 213 DAYS! 5112 HOURS! 306720 MINUTES! 18,403,200 SECONDS!
Williams smirks.
Kimberly Williams
You know what those numbers represent, Dawnie?
Paisley Dawn
The length of your Chicago Way Title reign, I assume?
Williams nods her head.
Kimberly Williams
Yup! And tonight won’t change any of that, obviously. It just crowns a number one contender. But I welcome anyone and everyone who wants to take a run at me to give it their all! Come at me bro! There is a funny meme for that with a penguin and everything! Come at me! Throw everything you got me! I’ll face the whole damn roster if I have to! But the Chicago Way Title is going nowhere anytime soon! And with each passing second of my reign I further cement myself as THE QUEEN OF THE DEATHMATCH!
The camera cuts backstage into one of the utility areas of the arena, The Embracer of Hate, Andrew Raynes is pacing back and for a good few seconds not realizing that the camera was on him. He catches wind that he's on and stops a minute, his focus is laser because he knows what's at stake tonight. Given the playing field about to be introduced, he knows he's already at a distinct advantage tonight.
Andrew Raynes:
It's gonna be like watching fools chasing after the carrot. I'm going to enjoy every second of it.
Watching the underprivileged giving themselves that opportunity to rise to the occasion and actually think they can pin Kimmie Williams to face her at On The Rise is an absolute laughing stock.
You have no idea what you’re up against, but I do.
Andrew smirks
Andrew Raynes:
She knows who the only true threat to her is going to be, while you’re all out there running over each other and trying to outsmart her, I'm gonna sit back and watch everything unfold nicely. BEcause i know exactly how she ticks, she's the only one that has truly been able to unleash as much violence as I can dish out and still be left standing. If there is going to be any true war for the Chicago Way Championship at On The Rise
It’s going to be against me.
Andrew looks confident delivering that line, knowing Kimmie the way he does and how she operates puts him in a much better position to pop one over and lock this match down.
Andrew Raynes:
You don’t become Wrestling’s most hated by simply allowing other kids to start playing in your pool and allowing it to happen. To be perfectly honest I have very little interest in trying to really keep any of you at bay because you’re all going to foolishly trip over each other's feet trying to be the one that pins Kimmie in the ring when it counts the most. Make no mistake about it though, if you think you’re going to try and take me out to get to Kimmie? You’ll find yourself embracing hate and out of any opportunity to get that shot at On the Rise.
Ive been around too long, seen stupid shit like this type of match play out where people are all going to come together to try and wreck Kimmie into oblivion, then to turn on each other like wild fucking dogs because ego always gets in the way of truces and alliances. You’d probably all be stupid enough to let Kimmie actually beat any one of you in this match and fuck me over in the process, not happening.
I’ll make sure you never get that chance if that's how it's looking.
I've waddled enough in the kiddie pool, dealing with that worthless bitch, Summer Collins, while waiting for something better to happen. Watching them choke on their chance to win the tag team titles was something I found highly amusing. Now though, it's my turn to take my shot and show everyone here in MWE that there is someone who’s equally or slightly more dangerous than Kimmie as the Chicago Way Champion.
Say what you want, think whatever you may think that gives you the chance to actually do something in this match and come out on top. Watching all of you act like little kids trying to get to the champ is everything I am going to need to pick you apart piece by piece and waste Kimmie for myself. I could also just throw away the entire script and legitimately decimate every single one of you who thinks they have a chance, and save kimmie for the end where everyone gets a preview of what will happen again at On the Rise where i am the one to dethrone her and become Chicago Way Champion.
Andrew flashes his confidence, away from the midline bullshit he was stuck in before. This gives him the chance to truly flex his muscle and show what he is truly capable of going forward here in MWE.
Andrew Raynes:I came here because I became someone who was known for unleashing my own form of violence and walking to a beat that is largely afraid to be walked anymore. I don't answer to people and I do what I want when I want. I dont carry an agenda because the truth is that i dont give a fuck about any of you in this company or what you’re about. My purpose here is to smash through whoever gets in my way and not care what happens to you. I dont share your concerns, I am not interested in any form of working with any of you to try and get this done because i know that as soon as i do all the heavy lifting, you fucking rabid dogs will try to cast me aside, knowing i am the only true threat to beat kimmie, and then try to claim the shot for yourselves. KNowing what I know, i am going to make sure that I pick the right time to come in and finish the job because i know that Kimmie is going to fuck around with all of you and wait for me to make my appearance and give her the showdown she knows we can deliver.
Don’t believe me? We’ve danced a few times.
Most of you clowns probably salvated or tucked your ball away finding out about this match and the chance that it carries. The chance to be picked from obscurity and to come face to face with not one, but two of the most dangerous and ruthless people in this company is going to be a hard pill to swallow when you’re left practically lifeless and no further ahead than where you were when the card was announced. For me this is something that I have been waiting for, something that is actually worth me getting out of bed for and not something that involves one half of a team that is so far from relevancy now that they thought it was worth my time to get involved with them, no. It's time now for me to really show people what the true meaning of hate is when I disregard all of your well being in pursuit of something that enticed me to choose millennium over riot when I was given the chance to sign where I wanted.
So tonight, you all witness the true power iof hate being unleashed, taking away the dreams you never thought you could attain at this juncture, where all the wannabes are hoping they can fluke their way into a title match, I will be there to embrace you and take everything away that you hold dear while Kimmie runs off and fights with a chicken because it has more fight than any of you will in this match, either that or she’ll snap half of you out of existence.
Tonight is my true step towards showing you and MWE what hate really is about, the time for meddling around is the cesspool or wasteless talent is over. I am going to be the next Chicago Way Champion.
Sit back and embrace it.
Andrew smirks again and walks off as the camera cuts back.
Kimmy's (Infinity) Gauntlet Match
No DQ. Whoever pins the champion will earn a title shot at On The Rise
No DQ. Whoever pins the champion will earn a title shot at On The Rise
Kimberly Williams VS Bree Smith VS Andrew Raynes VS Crystal Zdunich VS Jada Hashford VS more?
A gauntlet match to determine the next contender, or more likely contenders, to her Chicago Way championship. You can say that Kimberly finally got the competition she always asked for. The No DQ rules though could possibly make this easier for her, a true artist when it comes to hardcore stipulations. And she came prepared, carrying her infamous bag of tricks, escorted by the Dalek to the ring. Aspen Aisley announced the first person to enter the ring, Crystal Zdunich. As the referee reminded the two competitors of the rules, or lack of, Aspen did the same to the fans. The most interesting caveat of it all was the fact that pinfalls and submissions can happen outside the ring as well. The gauntlet began, Crystal got the head start thanks to her speed and a good flurry of kicks, pushing Kimberly back into her corner. And that was her first mistake. The Woman Scorner rolled on the apron and picked up her Bag Of Tricks, pulling out Betty White from it and wore the Freddy Krueger glove on her hand. As soon as she saw the Chicago Way champion enter the ring with the knife glove, Christina tried to protest but Williams immediately started chasing her, causing her to flee outside the ring. The two ran around the ring for a few seconds in an almost comical way, if it wasn’t for that Nightmare's glove being worn by an absolute maniac. Zdunich’s run for her life came to an end when the Dalek bumped into her and sent her flat on her back. Kim was quickly over her, threatening to use Betty White. Crystal managed to kick the hand away, causing the glove to fall on the floor. With a second kick, Christina kicked in under the ring, a third one caught the champion on the face and caused her to stumble back. Crystal did her best to get the pinfall, using a chair to help herself achieve the goal. But keeping Kimberly down wasn’t as easy as she thought, and not even the tornado ddt on the chair was enough. She climbed to the top rope for the Mega Buster but Kimberly kicked the ropes causing her to lose balance and fall onto the mat. Williams picked up the chair from the floor and returned all the punishment in spades, leaving Crystal broken and hurting in the middle of the ring. Never one to be too cautious, Kimberly delivered her Shadowblade knee with the chair between her leg and zdunich’s skull. Overkill maybe, and a move that could, and did, injure her as well. But it got her the first win in the gauntlet. The second entrant of the Gauntlet was Andrew Raynes, the worst possible opponent in a moment like this. Like a shark smelling blood in the water, he immediately reached for the chair and began to slam it against Kim’s injured knee. Hard to tell how many chair shots he landed, but it did some serious damage to the leg, judging by the scream of agony The Woman Scorned let out. The Dalek tried to distract Raynes, but the Embracer Of Hate was a man on a mission, focused on getting that spot in the Chicago Way championship match. He applied a knee bar, and a sane person would have given up right away, more so with more matches to go through. But of course Kimberly wouldn’t do what a normal person would, and she began clawing toward the ropes. Knowing there were no rope breaks, Kim just crawled under the bottom rope, falling on the outside and breaking free. Raynes followed her, but by the time he got there, she had reached for the Bag Of Tricks and retrieved the Infinity Glove. A first punch sent Andrew on his back, giving Kim time to pick herself up. Even on one leg, the Woman Scorned knew how to be dangerous, especially with Thanos’ glove on her hand. An uppercut sent Andrew flat on his back, but the following cover only gave Kim a two count. Andrew delivered a hard kick to the thigh, creating that little bit of separation needed to connect the Hate Never Sleeps on the concrete. The cover was made, Andrew Raynes just pinned the Chicago Way champion and earned his spot in the PPV match. Jada Hashford ran to the ring, looking to make the best of the dazed opponent. She set up a table on the outside and went to pick up Kim who, in the meantime, was trying to slide back in the ring. Williams desperately kicked the Backwoods Braggart away, Hashford recovered rather quickly and slid inside the ring. She easily got the upper hand on the weakened opponent, picking her up and trying to powerbomb her on the outside, putting her through the table. Kimberly realized that in time and managed to counter the move with a headscissor, leaving Jada hanging on the middle rope. Williams took a run and kicked the Mississippi Queen with a tiger feint kick, making another cover attempt for a count of two. This was the third match for Kimberly, and she began to show signs of fatigue, failing to keep control of the contest and allowing Jada to come back, Hashford’s brawling style worked wonders now that Kimberly speed had dwindled because of weariness and the injured leg. And the no DQ rules in place did the rest, allowing Jada to use closed fists and maximize the damage. Kimberly proved once again, if there was any need for it, her incredible resilience, surviving the Backwoods Braggart’s attacks and countering the Shut Out attempt, A little help to the champion came from her trusted Dalek who blinded Jada with the ghost chili juice buying her some time. Kimberly got her hands on some thumbtacks and poured them on the mat, plotting some devious plan to drop Jada onto them. It almost backfired as she was about to land onto them with a Super Shut Out attempt from the Mississippi Queen, but the Wildcard fought tooth and nail to prevent that, eventually managing to knock Hashford off the turnbuckle with a headbutt. Jada landed back first on the tacks, letting out a groan of pain as they stuck through her skin. Kimberly threw once again caution out of the window and jumped with the Chaos Theory (630 splash) landing on top of Jada and picking up her second win of the night. Bree Smith was up the next, the last entrant unless there was some surprise in store for the Chicago Way champion. Needless to say, Bree entered with a huge advantage: an exhausted opponent with an injured leg and a dozen of thumbtacks in her arm and a table already set up on the outside. Smith quickly put it to good use, powerbombing Kim through it. Shockingly the Woman Scorned kicked out again, and the two began to fight on the outside. The Dalek got involved, giving Kim the opportunity to connect the Morrigan’s Wrath but Smith raised her shoulder in time. You have to give the champion credit, she put up one hell of a fight against Bree, more so considering what she had been through prior to that. But eventually Smith managed to get that three count with the Bree-Show (pop up powerbomb) onto the steel steps. As Bree celebrated her win, Kimberly received the standing ovation of the New Mexico fans. Two wins and two losses in a gauntlet like this is quite the impressive outcome, something the fans could respect. With that said, we now know that at “On The Rise” it will be a triple threat for the Chicago Way, featuring Andrew Raynes and Bree Smith. Or was it? “EXTERMINATE!” Came the voice of the Dalek, followed by some commotion among the fans. Someone was making her way through them, running toward the barricade. The figure jumped on the rail and from there leaped toward Kimberly. As his hoodie fell down, it was revealed to be.. DONOVAN KEANE? The member of Nightfall Rising hadn’t been on television since August, and he picked a great moment to come back. Sure that dropkick would have been enough to keep the exhausted Kimberly down for the three, but the Dalek quickly moved in front of Kimberly, taking the bullet for her. Kicking the metal creature surely had to have some consequences on his leg, but that was something he could worry about later. Dalek might have saved Kimberly from getting kicked in the face, but the force on Donovan’s kick was enough to knock it down, causing it to fall on top of the Chicago Way champion. Keane wasted no time and made the cover, getting the win. One last twist to this crazy match came when the referee communicated the winners to Aspen for the final announcement. You could tell by her expression that something was off with it. Aspen Eisley: “The winners of the gauntlet, earning a Chicago Way championship match at “On The Rise” are... Andrew Raynes, Bree Smith, Donovan Keane and The Dalek!” Shock. That was the only word to describe the look on Kimberly’s face as she stared at the referee. Donovan couldn’t help but laugh at the turn of events, but his expression immediately changed as he stood up, and the right leg gave out on him. Medical personnel immediately came to check on him and they helped him walk backstage. That was the same leg that bothered him in the past months, the one he just healed from. Did he just injure himself again? Will he be able to compete in ten days? Time will tell. WINNER: Andrew Raynes, Bree Smith, Donovan Keane, The Dalek BY: Pinfalls, 24:08 |
Backstage we find MWE journalist Robbie Hayden standing next to the intimidating and menacing figure of “The Assassin” Clyde Sutter. Sutter is dressed in his wrestling gear and is glaring angrily into the camera. Robbie, to his credit, isn’t letting Sutter’s presence intimidate him.
Robbie Hayden
I am Robbie Hayden and with me at this time is my guest, the man whom James Edwards and many others have labeled “Tiffany Page’s Hired Gun” Clyde Sutter. Mr. Sutter, I…
Sutter places a firm, tight grip on Robbie’s shoulders. He glares menacingly down at the interviewer and chuckles nastily.
Clyde Sutter
That’s what THEY say…but what do you think, Robbie? As a man of supposed journalistic integrity what do you think? What is your judgment, Mr. Hayden?
Robbie gulps.
Robbie Hayden
Well, uh, it does appear that you are doing Tiffany’s dirty work for her.
Clyde Sutter
It would appear that way, wouldn’t it? The truth is far from it. And that is the case with much of what we think and feel today. What we think and feel is the truth, in reality is just a skewed variant of what the reality of the situation actually is. I could snap Tiffany in half easily. And I would have a damn good time while doing it. But you see, Robbie, Tiffany is not special. She is not unique, just like Mr. Edwards is not unique. No one on this roster is not unique or special. They will all eventually get destroyed by my hands. Tiffany merely delayed her judgment day by paying me to put Mr. Edwards ahead of the line. Do I care who gets annihilated first?
The Assassin shakes his head.
Clyde Sutter
No…I don’t give a damn. Tiffany will get broken just like everyone else will get broken. But for now she has paid me quite well to put Mr. Edwards at the top of my list of destruction. She has paid me quite well to do something I would have done for free anyway. Tonight Tiffany and I are partners against James Edwards and a partner of his choosing. And do you even know who Mr. Edwards has chosen to help him tonight?
Robbie Hayden
He has said repeatedly that he doesn’t want a partner.
Clyde Sutter
I like that about him. He has guts. He is fierce and violent, just like me. Hell, we could’ve been good friends in another lifetime. And if Tiffany had any other partner than me, I might be willing to put my money on Mr. Edwards actually pulling off the miracle and beating her team all on his own. Unfortunately Tiffany’s tag team partner is yours truly. And what that means is no matter who Mr. Edwards chooses to help him out, it won’t be enough. And if he does choose to go it alone, well, he is brave but he will be slaughtered. He may not even make it to On The Rise to face me one on one.
Sutter turns and glares into the camera.
Clyde Sutter
Your time is running out, Mr. Edwards. Tick tock…
Tag Team Match
Glorious Golden Era VS Devon Slayton & Tank Steiner
The GGE never hid their intentions. Their goal is to take the titles from K2O, more so after the controversial ending of their match at When The Sun Goes Down. Tonight they faced the team of Tank Steiner and Devon Slayton who may not have tag team gold ambitions as of yet, but they surely proved to be an effective duo last week in Arizona, in their match against A Tribe Called Conquest. Slayton was the one charged with starting things off, taking on Neil Newman. The two men locked up in the middle of the ring. Nobody had the height and leverage advantage since they were exactly the same size so the discriminating factor was the technical ability, and in that department Newman had the edge, shifting behind Slayton in a waist lock and taking him down on the mat. Neil threw a couple of punches to the back of Devon’s head to keep control. Slayton managed to get back to his feet and break free with an elbow to the side of the head. He turned around and immediately went swinging with a wild right hand but Newman ducked and drove his shoulder in his stomach, lifting him and driving him into the corner. There he began to kick him in the ribs, Sophie made the tag and joined him in the process. Before leaving the stage to his partner, Neil lifted Devon in a stalling vertical suplex for O’Brian to kick him in the head while he dropped him on his head with a brainbuster. Sophie was not going to let the initial advantage go to waste, staying on top of Slayton with relentless striking combinations. Finding a small opportunity for attack, Devon dodged a punch aimed right for his face and quickly followed up by slamming Sophie’s face first onto the top turnbuckle. Her head bounced off the corner and she stumbled backwards in a daze, giving Devon just the right amount of time and space to floor her with the Black Flame (high impact short-range lariat). Now was the time for him to reach for his partner in the corner, making the tag to Tank Steiner. A true game-changer, the Austrian dominated the central part of the match, regardless of who he was facing. Whether it was Sophie or Neil, Steiner gave them all equal treatment, a dose of suplexes and thundering blows with extra skin-tearing chops for Newman.Tank even came close to beat his personal record of spins for his Giant Swing and probably would have if Newman didn’t spoil his moment with a big boot to the face. This prompted Devon to rush in and restore the level playing field, attacking Newman with a flurry of punches. The momentum of the battle left the legal wrestlers inside the ring. Steiner effortlessly picked up the dazed O’Brian and powerbombed her into the canvas, obtaining another two count. Only working together as a team the Glorious Golden Era eventually got the best of the Austrian Hulk, scoring a near fall with an impressive running big boot (Sophie) into a german suplex (Neil). Tank and Devon showed some good chemistry as well, the final part of the match was everything you’d expect from a tag team bout. Quick tags, fast pace, combined moves and several close calls, for each team. Tank and Slayton seemed to be able to bring this one home at the end of a hard fought match, but right when Devon was ready to end things, the Tribe Called Conquest came out on the ramp, and they were dragging a bleeding Dusty Douglas behind them. Dante had a microphone in his hand and he used it to announce that this will be the fate Tank and Slayton will suffer at On The Rise, the same fate that will await anyone who will try to oppose The Tribe. And while the attention of Devon and Tank was drawn to the TCC and the Murder Train, Newman had time to recover and make the tag to Sophie. Kick to the stomach, Ode To Braddock and that’s all she wrote. WINNER: Glorious Golden Era BY: Pinfall (Ode To Braddock), 14:38 |
Despite not being booked tonight, Trinity Thompson was backstage at the Rio Rancho Events Center. To support her sister, sure, but there was something else going through her mind. She was, in fact, standing in front of the GM office, taking a deep breath before knocking at the door.
Elsa McCarthy:
Come in!
The Millennium GM replied from inside. Thompson lowered the handle and pushed the door open, stepping inside and taking a seat in front of Elsa’s desk.
Elsa McCarthy:
Good evening Trinity. To what do I owe this visit?
The young girl seemed a bit uneasy. This was her first time speaking to an authority figure and you could tell she wasn’t too sure how to address Elsa.
Trinity Thompson:
I… Uhhh.. Good evening Ma’am. I just.. I’m sure you know already that the doctor suggested that Millie would sit out this next PPV.
Elsa nodded.
Elsa McCarthy:
I was informed, yes. A true shame, I had plans for Team Trillie.
Trinity Thompson:
Yeah, it sucks… What about me tho?
Her answer left Elsa slightly confused.
Trinity Thompson:
Sorry, what I meant is, do you have anything for me? I was injured for over a month, I just came back and… I just want to fight.
Hearing those words put a smile on the GM’s face. Those were the same words her half-sister Tiff Rollins had repeated so often in recent times. A chip off the old block, we can say.
Elsa McCarthy:
I understand, Trinity. It’s a bit complicated, the card is almost fully booked and…
Trinity Thompson:
I.. I actually had an idea, if you want to hear it.
She interrupted Elsa, but the General Manager didn’t seem to be bothered. Actually, she invited Thompson to speak up.
Trinity Thompson:
There’s one match I’ve been wanting for quite some time.. Gian never wanted to make it happen at The Academy and I never understood why.. But I think it’s time Faizah and I settle our differences in a ring once and for all.
Elsa thought about it for a long moment. The history between them was well documented, going back to when Trinity played Tiffany’s during the Gold Star match between Faith and Faizah at the event “The Community”. Bad blood that has been dragging for months, to the most recent interaction a couple of weeks ago. Giving the two girls a closure could be the best for both of them.
Elsa McCarthy:
Hmm. That’s actually a good idea. I’ll have to make a small change to the card but I’m sure Faizah won’t mind it.
The second Elsa completed her sentence, Faziah Marshall walks into Elsa’s office without warning. Not too far is behind is TD Batterson. Noticing Trinity talking to Elsa, this is enough to freeze Faizah in place. She looks over her shoulder at TD.
Faizah Marshall:
Stand between us ok?
TD Batterson nods. He moves directly in front of Faizah Marshall.
Faizah Marshall:
I won’t take long. Elsa... I am extremely disappointed. What does a girl have to do around here to get a match? Ever since I lost to Lowri it just feels like management doesn’t have anything for me. You do realize I was a star on Ghost Fighter Boone. What gives? Do you care about ratings?
Trinity rolls her eyes, not sure if it’s because she deems TD’s involvement unnecessary or because of the young girl’s bragging about her television career. Elsa instead, simply nods and replies.
Elsa McCarthy:
I’m aware of your success as an actress and I want to take the occasion to congratulate you. Unfortunately, your status as a TV star doesn’t affect the one on this roster. Or maybe it does to a degree, but not the way you’re suggesting.
Faizah raises an eyebrow, not sure where the GM is going with this.
Elsa McCarthy:
What I’m saying is that we don’t book the shows based on how popular someone is on TV, or on social media. But perhaps, dividing your focus and time between the ring and the camera has somehow affected your performances in the squared circle. Though I admit you’re seemingly getting back on track now.
Faizah sighs.
Faizah Marshall:
Do I have a match for the pay per view or not. All I came here for. If I don’t then there’s no point in me showing at On The Rise.
Trinity Thompson:
You’re welcome, bitch!
That came out of nowhere and took everyone by surprise. Thompson just walked past TD and left the room, leaving Elsa to explain to Faizah what that was about.
Elsa McCarthy:
What she meant is that she came here and requested a match against you. Given the history between you two, I signed off on it. I was about to call you as soon as Trinity was leaving, but your timing was perfect.
A smirk forms on Faizah’s face. She walks around TD not concerned that the general manager is going to hit her.
Faizah Marshall:
Thank you... I refuse to thank Trinity for anything. That’s Trinity for you. She wanted me to thank her for beating Faith. Doesn’t even care that she broke my heart with her actions. All about her half sister. I am up to here with her condescending attitude. Sorry... I hate her. At On The Rise, I am putting to bed that chapter of my life once and for all. Again. Thanks.
Faizah looks over her shoulder at TD.
Faizah Marshall:
Lets go TD.
Batterson nods. Faziah waves goodbye to Elsa. Both her and her bodyguard leave her office.
Singles Match
Tiff Rollins VS Karen EldonTiffany was not pleased with the unexpected change, though she was certainly looking forward to smacking that arrogant smile off her face. Karen started the match with some trash talk and a slap to the face to the one she called “kid”. This didn’t go over well with the former Cloud Gate champion, whose answer to that was a stiff forearm to the jaw. Tiff cornered Karen against the ropes, leaving her nowhere to escape as she unleashed a flurry of kicks to the sides and right hands to the face. Not one single fan in New Mexico seemed to be behind Karen, cheering loudly for every impactful blow Tiffany landed on the blonde opponent. And she gladly gave the fans what they wanted to see, unleashing hell on the tag team champion till the referee allowed her to. Then she grabbed Karen by the wrist and whipped her to the ropes. For someone her size, she pulled out an impressive spinebuster on the return.No wasted motion for the relentless Five Foot Murder Machine who mounted on top of Karen to laid onto her a rain of fists to the face. Karen raised her arms to protection but most of those blows reached the target anyway. breaking through her guard. Finally satisfied with the punishment delivered, Tiff made the cover and obtained a two. The momentum then shifted when Karen dodged the Peacemaker and caught Rollins with a hard blow to the back of the head. A few more shots landed and Eldon had her right where she wanted, dazed and loose in the legs. Arrogance was Karen’s sin in this situation, the woman vastly underestimated the former Cloud Gate champion and tried to end it early with her Can I Speak To Your Manager?. The first part of the move connected, the slap across the cheek echoed in the arena. But the second part, the running knee strike was way too telegraphed and easily dodged by Rollins who then nailed Eldon with a ddt. Karen slowly stood up to her feet, finding Rollins waiting for her with some of her deadly kicks. Karen stumbled backwards into the corner. Quickly rushing in, Tiffany left her no chance to recover, driving both knees in Eldon’s face..Karen was seeing stars, barely holding herself up. And perhaps in that moment the realization that she bit more than she could chew hit her. This was the best version of Tiffany since coming back, the Five Foot Murder Machine apparently came back to that shape and mentality from her days as champion. Rollins charged in but Karen was able to kick her in the face and momentarily stun her. Eldon lifted herself to the top rope but Rollins caused her to lose balance and end up sitting on the top rope. Next came one of the moves she inherited by her adoptive mother Brytain Rollins, the Bone Grinder. Karen kicked out in two. Refusing to stay down, Eldon pulled one of her many tricks to interrupt the onslaught, rolling on the apron and, when Tiff grabbed her to drag her back in the ring, jumping off the apron to cause her neck to snap against the top rope. Karen was quick to get back in the ring and capitalize on the opening, connecting a neckbreaker. She obtained four near falls in just as many minutes, showing signs of frustrations when Tiff kept kicking out. Karen tried once again her finisher, and this time the knee strike connected. It wasn’t hers, but that of Rollins who anticipated the tag team champion with the Peacemaker. Rollins hooked the leg but Eldon kicked out in two and half. Karen dragged herself to the corner, helping herself up with the ropes. Tiffany tried to lift her for a german suplex but failed the attempt as her opponent hung for dear life on the ropes. The crafty woman wasn’t just defending herself by clinging on the ropes. Unseen by the referee, she started untying the knot keeping the protective pad in place. Once she successfully did it, she threw a wild elbow backwards, catching Rollins on the jaw. Karen then quickly removed the pad to expose the turnbuckle and hid it by leaning into the corner. Tiffany saw her there and charged. That was when Eldon moved out of the way and the former Cloud Gate champion hit the exposed steel head first. Karen quickly pinned her with a school boy, using the ropes for extra leverage just to make sure Tiff wouldn’t kick out. And she couldn’t. The whole Arena fell into a shocked silence, followed by a round of boos when Karen celebrated the biggest win of her career posing with a foot on the former champion’s chest. WINNER: Karen Eldon BY: Pinfall (Schoolboy pin), 16:33 |
Pre-recorded…
We open inside of an empty broken down, dirty looking workout center. This is, as it turns out, the personal gym used by Glenn Braddock, the late father of “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. His daughter could have had it redone and remodeled to look nicer but he would not have wanted it that way. He would have wanted it just like it is. And Glory has kept it looking this way, knowing that is what her father would have wanted. A few seconds later and the clicking of heels across the concrete floor can be heard. It isn’t long until Glory Braddock herself steps into view from stage right. The British Bombshell is wearing a black knee length skirt, black patent leather high heel pumps, and a royal purple blouse. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders. She has a confident grin on her face, and why wouldn’t she be confident? She is where she feels most comfortable. She is home. This place holds tons of memories for Braddock.
Glory Braddock
Do I have your attention now, Duke?
Braddock chuckles.
Glory Braddock
Silly me. I forgot to mention, this is my family gym. I am a second generation wrestler. My dad trained here. He trained me here. And I still use it myself. And my old man, he was often underestimated by opponents. At least, he was underestimated early on in his wrestling career. But he enjoyed being underestimated. He thrived upon being underestimated. He enjoyed going out there night in and night out and proving his opponents wrong. He also used that underestimation to his tactical advantage. Opponent after opponent would overlook him and each one of them would learn the hard way that he really was as good as advertised. Of course eventually people would figure out that underestimating Glenn Braddock was never a good idea. But by the time they figured it out, it was already too late. My dad was on a roll, he was riding a wave of momentum, and no one would stop him.
She points a long slender finger at the camera.
Glory Braddock
From our social media exchange I got the sense, I got the feeling that you were overlooking me. And on Riot I believe you were calling me Old Yeller…you said I would be afraid for my career…
The British Bombshell smirks knowingly.
Glory Braddock
That is laughable, mate. There is absolutely nothing and no one in this business that will ever intimidate me, there is nothing that will me afraid or scared, and believe me, Duke, I have experienced a lot in my career, I have battled many tough sons of bitches in my career, I have put my body on the line against psychopaths and lunatics. But you thought I would be afraid? You refer to me as Old Yeller? You didn’t think I could beat you for a second straight time. Well on Riot, Old Yeller kicked your ass again, pinned your ass again, and this time it was one on one. It wasn’t a tag match, there can be no excuses this time. I beat you not once but twice. And you want to know why that happened? It happened because you underestimated me. You speak about the fight in the dog? Well maybe now you are beginning to realize just how much fight this bitch still has in her.
Braddock shakes her head.
Glory Braddock
Unfortunately, it is too late….for you, that is. You are a smart man, Duke, so surely you know by now that you are in for a war and you know by now that your MWE World Championship is in serious jeopardy. You realize now that you’re not wasting your time against The British Bombshell. But you are realizing all of this just a little too late because I have beaten you twice now and that means the momentum is on my side. Not only that but I get to choose the stipulation for our match at On The Rise. I hold all of the cards, Duke.
She begins to walk and the camera follows her. A wrestling ring slowly starts to come into view. Glory steps in front of it and stops dead in the center.
Glory Braddock
Tradition of professional wrestling is sacred to me. So I promise you this, the stipulation I choose will not be anything crude like barbed wire massacre, last man standing, or anything hardcore. I can also tell you that the stipulation will not be anything to ridiculously tilt things in my favor…such as my best mate Sophie O’Brian as guest referee or Neil Newman and Kyle Butler as guest enforcers…there won’t be any of that crap, either. I do not want this match between you and I to end in any funny business, controversy, chicanery, smoke and mirrors. Whoever holds the MWE World Championship should be the absolute best in the business. Whoever walks away from our match at On The Rise with their hand raised in victory should be able to do so with their head held high KNOWING that they are, without a shadow of a doubt, the absolute BEST in MWE right now and worthy of carrying the MWE World Championship.
The British Bombshell smirks knowingly.
Glory Braddock
...and in 60 minutes or longer, we will know whether that individual is Duke Andrews or ‘The British Bombshell’ Glory Braddock, because we are going to have this match in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match…
She chuckles.
Glory Braddock
...or Iron Person Match, I suppose? I don’t care what you call it, I’m not going to get caught up in that. The point is that the match will last 60 minutes. You earn a fall by pin, submission, count out, or disqualification. The person at the end of the 60 minute period with the most falls wins. And I said that this match would go 60 minutes OR LONGER…because in the event of a tie, there will be a sudden death overtime period. The rules in the sudden death overtime period are simple…whoever scores the next fall, no matter how long it takes, by pin or submission, count out or disqualification, wins the match and the title. Furthermore, EVERYONE is banned from ringside. And I love how some blokes love to get around the rule by just standing at the top of the entrance ramp or having footage aired during the match to cause a distraction. That crap is banned too. If any of that happens, if anyone comes to the ring, they will be punished by a hefty fine and a suspension. And the referee, it won’t be referee Charles, that’s for damn sure. There will be no funny business, no controversy, and therefore no excuses for either of us when this match ends. This MWE World Championship, the grandest prize in the company, should be decided between just you and me, Duke. And I am using my power to choose the stipulation to keep it that way.
The British Bombshell folds her arms over her chest and stares stoically into the camera.
Glory Braddock
No controversy, no shenanigans, just two great warriors battling for sixty minutes to find out who is the best, to determine who is worthy to carry the MWE World Championship. And I swear to you, Duke, I will do everything within my power to make sure that at the end of it all, the winner will be…AND NEW MWE World Champion…Glory Braddock…
She shuts her eyes.
Glory Braddock
Sic Semper Tyrannis…
Tag Team Match
Tiffany Lynn-Page & Clyde Sutter VS James Edwards & TBA
Peyton Holland: “The main event is here, and we have yet to know who James’ tag partner will be.” Ambra Monroe: “Or if he even has one. He said it over and over again, he doesn’t need anyone to take on Page and Sutter.” Peyton Holland: “That fits the character, sure. But honestly speaking? He knows as well as we do that it’d be suicide.” Ambra Monroe: “Well, Tiffany and Clyde are already in the ring. I guess we will find out soon.” “My Name Is Human” by Highly Suspect blared out of the loudspeakers and out came Jame Edwards, receiving a warm reaction by the New Mexico fans. Rather than walking to the ring, the former MENTV champion stopped on the stage. Peyton Holland: “Looks like he didn’t come alone, after all.” The shock only lasted for a second, then the loudest pop of the night erupted from the fans who immediately associated the initial beat of Boy Azooga’s “Loner Boogie” with the former Cloud Gate champion Lowri Moss. She was James’ mystery partner for the night, and Tiffany wasn’t pleased with this. At all. Ambra Monroe: “Well, things just got a lot more interesting.” Peyton Holland: “Little known fact about Lowri and James, they have been working for the same companies for a great part of their careers, most notably in FGA, Underground and now in MWE. And yet, they’ve never had a one on one.” Ambra Monroe: “So he was the one Lowri mentioned a while ago when talking about one of her dream matches.” Peyton Holland: “That’s a dream match for everyone, actually. Two of the best strikers in the company, who wouldn’t love it?” Ambra Monroe: “True. But for now, that will just remain a dream. Consolation prize, we can see them in tag team action.” James asked and obtained to start the match. He didn’t seem to care who, on the opposing team, he’d have to face. Both of them were due an ass beating from the Burning Heart. The choice fell on Clyde Sutter, and a smirk appeared on Edwards’ face. Charging across the ring, James headed straight for Clyde with his arms stretched out, going for a clothesline. He missed though, as Sutter slid out of the way. Crashing into the corner, the Burning Heart looked up and caught a stiff right to the face from the Assassin. Clyde drove his forearm against James’ throat for an attempted choke, keeping the pressure for the whole five count. Considering the fiery tempers in play and well aware of the violent history between them, the referee hoped that having a conversation with the Assassin could help him keep some sort of control over the match. Instead, it just opened the way for Tiffany to pace the apron heading from her corner to the one where James was still catching his breath and hit him with a hard kick to the back of the head. As Edwards fell flat on his chest, the official quickly put two and two together and lectured her as well. Sutter dragged Edwards up to his feet by the hair and hooked both his arms to throw him on the mat with a butterfly suplex. Ambra Monroe: “Tiffany and Clyde are going to make the referee’s life hell tonight.” Swinging around, Sutter wildly threw his elbow at James’ head but missed as he ducked underneath and fired back with a solid shot to the ribs. The impact forced the Assassin to buckle over but he still managed to throw a shot into the former MENTV champion’s midsection. Bursting upward, Clyde grabbed James underneath the arms and slightly lifted him up. James quickly dropped an elbow between his shoulders blocking the suplex attempt and sent Clyde into the friendly corner with an irish whip. He ran across to deliver a brutal running uppercut, offering the tag to the Welsh. Peyton Holland: “I wouldn’t want to be in Clyde’s shoes right now.” Ambra Monroe: “Yeah, we know what’s coming next. Looks like it’s Scarlet Barrage time.” Knife-edge chop, forearm shot to the face. Rinse. Repeat. Lowri unleashed all hell on the Assassin, pushing him down on the mat after countless rapid shots. Another tag made to Edwards who stepped in and connected the Triple Play (two spinning back fists followed by a spinning elbow). The last shot caused Clyde to spin around and stumble into a bicycle knee strike from Moss. James hooked the leg for the cover but Clyde was able to get his shoulder up in time. For some odd reason, it looked like the more punishment Clyde was taking, the harder he would fight back. And eventually he turned the tables with a clothesline from hell that almost beheaded Edwards. Both men were down, crawling to the respective corners as the referee counted them out. Peyton Holland: “If this was a preview of what will happen in ten days…” Ambra Monroe: “Yeah, it’s going to be a very intense match, no doubt.” It was time for the ladies to shine, and they were not to be outdone. The pace was sensibly faster now, mostly thanks to Tiffany’s style of offense. Knowing she couldn’t match the Welsh in a striking contest, Page used her speed to her advantage, moving quickly around the former Cloud Gate champion to avoid those educated feet of her. As for the offense, the Diva waited patiently for the opening when she could safely lunge in and grab Lowri’s legs for a double leg takedown. She kept hold on her ankles and flipped into a jackknife cover, but Moss kicked out in two. Lowri seemed in difficulty tonight, proof that, even without the shenanigans, Page was a force to be reckoned with. And when her ability failed to help her keep control, she still had a few tricks in her book to turn things around. The favorite had to be the thumb to the eye she used to break Lowri’s momentum and floor her with the Prima Donna for another long two. But eventually the Welsh found the opening to get behind her shoulders and drop her on the head with the Inverted DDT. From that moment on Lowri, propelled by the love of the fans, controlled the match, getting in two occasions very close to seal deal, first with the Slice Of Heaven (springboard enziguri), then with the cradle piledriver. In this case Sutter stepped in and made the save, which obviously caused James to enter the ring as well and lash out on the Assassin. Peyton Holland: “Here we go again, these two really can’t go five minutes in the same room without throwing hands.” With the four competitors in the ring, the referee tried to restore some sort of order but convincing James and Clyde to stop punching each other proved to be a bigger task than he expected. And when chaos ensues, people like Tiffany thrive. She confirmed this unhealthy obsession with Lowri’s eyes, raking at them before dropping the former Cloud Gate champion on her head with the Alluring brainbuster. By now Sutter had disposed of Edwards and thrown him out of the ring, heading back to his corner. Before stepping through the ropes to get on the apron though, he clocked Moss with a huge big boot. Tiffany made another cover but she only got a two. A tag brought the Assassin back in the ring, and he kept punishing Moss. James saved his partner by breaking up the Judgement Day sleeper, but it was clear that Lowri needed to tag out ASAP. The question mark kick gave the Welsh the opening she needed, and just like that James was back in. He and Clyde went punch for punch for a couple of minutes, but eventually the Burning Heart was able to connect with his Wildfire (spin kick/roundhouse knee combo). Lowri made sure Tiffany couldn’t get there in time to make the save, but shockingly Sutter kicked out. Page kept fighting Moss despite the referee’s attempt to get the two women out of the ring. And while his focus was on them, Clyde hit James with a low blow and finished him with the Judge, Jury & Executioner. WINNER: Clyde Sutter & Tiffany Lynn-Page BY: Pinfall (Judge, Jury & Executioner), 19:22 |
Even if the match was over, Tiffany and Sutter weren't done with Edwards. The Diva ordered that he'd hit him again but Lowri wasn't going to let that happen on her watch. She quickly popped up to her feet and superkicked Sutter before he could hurt James further. A second superkick floored Page, and at that point, Lowri wisely choose to retreat, helping her tag partner out of the ring. The duo was making their way to the back when all of a sudden the lights went out.
When they came back, Henri Black was standing in front of Lowri and Edwards. He didn't say or do anything, he simply stared at the Welsh. Then the lights went off again and by the time they began to shine again, Henri was gone. There was a piece of paper on the ramp instead, the same spot he was standing. Lowri picked it up and noticed the company logo and the the logo of the On The Rise PPV printed on it. Did Henri just challenge her?
When they came back, Henri Black was standing in front of Lowri and Edwards. He didn't say or do anything, he simply stared at the Welsh. Then the lights went off again and by the time they began to shine again, Henri was gone. There was a piece of paper on the ramp instead, the same spot he was standing. Lowri picked it up and noticed the company logo and the the logo of the On The Rise PPV printed on it. Did Henri just challenge her?