Post by gvb on Nov 14, 2021 18:22:50 GMT -6
MWE Presents: On The Rise Pre-Show (night 1)
Live from Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Saturday, November 13th, 2021
The Academy Pre-Show
2/3 Falls Gold Star #1 Contender Match
Devin Levandrier VS Gabriel Landry2/3 Falls Gold Star #1 Contender Match
The rivalry between these two students is, for a change, one based on mutual respect. On a collision course since the inaugural battle royale, they’ve shared the ring a couple more times since then. Once in tag team action and, the following week, going one on one in possibly the best match the Academy fans have witnessed this year. A match that impressed Gian and the team leaders as well, convincing them to give the kids another chance after their previous battle ended in a double count out after a ruinous fall on the outside. To spice things up, the winner of this match will receive a shot at the Gold Star to cash in before the next MWE pay-per-view. The students were inside the ring, carrying the burden of emotions and pressure that comes with performing in front of thousands of screaming fans for the first time. As the bell sounded, Levandrier got the upper hand almost immediately by dodging a strike and then unloading with a series of knife edge chops to the chest of Landry. backing him up into the corner.With a series of kicks, he worked Gabe down to a seated position. He moved his hands in the air to rally the fans behind him as he ran in a circle around the ring to come back at full speed and connect a stiff dropkick to the face of poor Gabriel, flattening him. Landry rolled out of the ring trying to regain his composure early on in the match. Not wasting any time, Levandrier ran to the opposite ropes and rebounded, sprinting across the ring and diving between the middle and top ropes, smashing Gabriel into the barrier. Both competitors took their time after the high risk maneuver to recover from the damage inflicted as the referee began his ten count. At seven Devin was back on his feet and picked the opponent up, throwing him back in the ring and making a cover. Gabriel kicked out in two. Devin couldn’t capitalize on the early advantage and get the first fall of the match. Slowly but steadily, Gabriel started gaining some ground, finding enough space to use his speed and agility. At first he blasted him with a number of successive strikes, kicks and knees mostly, trying to take the fight to Levandrier. The Canadian didn’t stand idly and started to fight back, throwing some wild punches at Landry. Try as he might, though, Gabe seemed to be one step aside. The fans went wild when Landry landed on his feet from a back body drop attempt and quickly connected a reverse hurricanrana, planting Levandrier on his head. Landry made the cover right away but Devin kicked out in two. Gabriel insisted with a flurry of kicks and then performed a beautiful standing moonsault to land on top of the opponent for another cover, and another two count. Despite the fans loudly cheering his name, at least half of them while the other half was chanting for Levandrier, Gabe started second guessing himself, wondering what he could do to pin the opponent. He tried with an ace crusher but he only got a two, then with a satellite ddt but the result was the same. Growing a bit frustrated, he went back to the basics, relying on direct strikes. Devin dodged a punch aimed to his chin and surprised Gabriel with a backslide, obtaining a three count. First Fall: Devin Levandrier. Gabriel looked shocked. He dominated the match for the past minutes and still lost, beaten by a simple backslide. His confidence took a huge hit, and for several minutes after that he seemed completely at the mercy of the opponent, unable to dodge his strikes or counter his suplexes. Levandrier almost made a clean sweep, getting as close as it gets to the three with a superplex. Levandrier, on the other hand, was on fire. He attempted a belly to back suplex but Gabriel, thanks to his agility, landed on his feet. Too bad for him Dev was quick to get up, turn around and blast him with a superkick. As Gabriel went down, Devin made another quick cover and obtained another near fall. Much like before, the decisive pin came out of nowhere. It was Landry who scored it, evening the score with a springboard cutter followed by a running shooting star press. Second Fall: Gabriel Landry. It all went down to the last fall. The two young men now took on each other barefaced, holding nothing back. If earlier they both showcased their strengths, this last phase was a real slobber-knocker. Hard strikes kept flying back and forth, kicks and punches in equal measure. None of them was even trying to protect themselves or dodge the blows, focusing the little they had left on their attacks in an attempt to knock the other down before he could do it. They both ended up flat on their backs, watching the lights as the referee counted them out. The fans were on their feet, cheering on the two kids pushing them to get up once again. And they did, Gabriel first quickly followed by Devin. That second ahead allowed Landry to hit him with a rapid series of forearm strikes and fire him in the corner with an irish whip. Gabe charged in but ate a boot to the face that stunned him. Levandrier pushed himself up to the top rope, aiming at the dazed opponent. Then, in an almost perfect replay of their last match. Landry charged with a full head of steam, climbed the ropes to reach the opponent on top, in a precarious balance. This time though, the Spanish fly connected and the two of them impacted the mat in the middle of the ring. An exhausted Gabriel barely managed to drape his arm over Devin’s chest. Levandrier clearly had the worst of the high risk move, and despite the light cover, he couldn’t kick out in time. WINNER: Gabriel Landry BY: 2-1 Pinfalls, 16:57 |
MWE Presents: On The Rise (night 1)
Live from Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Saturday, November 13th, 2021
Triple Threat Match
Lucie Callaway VS Alan Envy VS Siobhan Mahoney
The scene opens up showing the rooftop of the Greennsbor Coliseum where Joey Leclair is seen standing on the edge looking over the city.
Joey Leclair:
Looking out over the city, watching hundreds, thousands of cars driving by every minute is a constant reminder that time slows down for noone, a constant reminder to take advantage of the time you got and make the most out of life before it’s over. That is why a lot of times you find me on the rooftop before my matches. Up here I am able to clear my find, and focus on what is important.
Joey steps back off the edge, and turns around facing the camera.
Joey Leclair:
Tonight I face one of my toughest tests yet in Millennium, a former World Champion in Seth Iser. Tonight I get to show the world who Joey Leclair really is, and prove to everyone in attendance, and everyone watching at home, that I deserve a shot at the World Championship. I have been training non stop and have experienced many sleepless nights just from the stress of constantly training, and I won’t stop! I won’t ever stop until I retire, because in this business you have to constantly be training, and evolving in order to stay relevant, and can’t afford to slack. This is why i stepped away from death match wrestling, and started focusing more on my technical ability, because as a death match wrestler? My ability to grow was limited. As a pure wrestler, instead? The sky's the limit, and I will continue pushing myself to the limit until I reach my final goal in this business.
Joey balls up his right fist, and punches his left hand.
Joey Leclair:
Seth Iser I know how good you are, and I would never dare to take you lightly, but tonight's event is called On The Rise, and no offense but you have already risen, Now it's my time, tonight I am going to step in the ring with you, and prove to the world that Joey Leclair is On The Rise.
Joey turns away from the camera as the scene comes to the end.
The three competitors came to this match from very different paths. Lucie just came back after a few months and looked impressive so far. Siobhan had been on quite the roll since losing the MENTV championship while Alan kind of lost his way after reaching the finals of the Battle For The Briefcase in July. As the bell sounded, it didn't take long for the two women to gang up on the preacher. Whether it was to stop him from blabbering about repentance and the Bible or because they identified him as the bigger threat and decided to take him out early, we would never know. But as a matter of fact, Alan was shoved out of the ring by a double clothesline, leaving Siobhan and Lucie to fight it off. The two ladies started with an exchange of punches, going back and forth for half a minute before one of them got the upper hand. It was Siobhan who got the best of it with a kick to the abdomen that caught Callaway by surprise and doubled her over. She then whipped her into the ropes, or rather into a clothesline from the returning Alan Envy. The Lonestar had just entered the ring when he saw the blonde running toward him and acted quickly to outstretch his arm and turn her inside out. Siobhan charged at him but Envy simply raised his boot and floored her. The Texan momentarily forgot about turning the other cheek and crouched down on Mahoney’s chest, raining down a flurry of strikes. He kept focusing on the Northern Irish, dragging her up to her feet and pummeling her with European uppercuts. In the meantime Lucie picked herself up and regained her bearings. Finally she jumped, giving them both a drop kick with either leg sending them both stumbling back into the ropes and outside of the ring. The fans were calling for it and Lucie wasn’t letting them down. She turned back and hit the ropes, gaining speed and momentum to leap over the top rope and take both opponents down with a tope con hilo. For convenience she picked Siobhan up and pushed her back in the ring, leaving the heavier Alan on the outside. She tried a quick pin but Siobhan kicked out before the two, showing she needed a lot more to keep her down. The Nine Crimes (snapmare driver onto the knee) brought her a little closer to the win, but still wasn’t enough. Callaway applied a cravate and delivered a flurry of knee strikes to the head, wearing her down enough to set her up for the Killing Joke. Alan kicked her in the midsection before she could drop Mahoney down and lifted her in a suplex position, letting her fall on her chest with his trademark gourdbuster. Siobhan poked Alan’s eyes and grabbed a handful of hair to drop him on his face with the Blarney Stoned (sitout facebuster). She tried to pin him but he kicked out in two. Mahoney stomped the hell out of the Lonestar before turning her attention on the younger competitor in the ring, dragging her up to her feet. Callaway quickly rolled her up with an inside cradle, almost getting the win with the sudden move. In the final moments of the match, Alan was in full control. His size and power advantage became a factor now that fatigue began to creep in his two opponents. After obliterating Siobhan with the pop-up death valley driver, he charged at Lucie who was resting in the corner and squashed her with a leaping clothesline. Grabbing the youngest champion in MWE history by the hair, he slammed her face on the top turnbuckle, dragging her across the ring and doing the same thing in the other three corners. At the end of the process Callaway was almost out of it, easy prey for the Envious Demise. After dropping her on the mat, Alan gave his blessings to her and the fans and hooked the leg, sure that he had the match won. He probably would have if Siobhan didn’t dive in and made the last minute rescue. The Human Disaster found herself one on one against Envy now that Lucie was laying flat on the mat. She put up a decent fight but eventually the Lonestar outpowered her and had her in position for the Envious Demise. Mahoney went low and hit him with a knee to the crotch, and Alan instantly dropped to his knee. Without wasting any time she delivered the Shillelagh spin kick to knock him down. Callaway attempted a desperate save but she didn’t make it in time. Siobhan Mahoney got the three and a prestigious win, though she seemed to have lost the respect of the crowd who started to boo her loudly. And to think that Alan isn’t exactly a fan favorite... WINNER: Siobhan Mahoney BY: Pinfall (Shillelagh), 10:13 |
The scene opens up showing the rooftop of the Greennsbor Coliseum where Joey Leclair is seen standing on the edge looking over the city.
Joey Leclair:
Looking out over the city, watching hundreds, thousands of cars driving by every minute is a constant reminder that time slows down for noone, a constant reminder to take advantage of the time you got and make the most out of life before it’s over. That is why a lot of times you find me on the rooftop before my matches. Up here I am able to clear my find, and focus on what is important.
Joey steps back off the edge, and turns around facing the camera.
Joey Leclair:
Tonight I face one of my toughest tests yet in Millennium, a former World Champion in Seth Iser. Tonight I get to show the world who Joey Leclair really is, and prove to everyone in attendance, and everyone watching at home, that I deserve a shot at the World Championship. I have been training non stop and have experienced many sleepless nights just from the stress of constantly training, and I won’t stop! I won’t ever stop until I retire, because in this business you have to constantly be training, and evolving in order to stay relevant, and can’t afford to slack. This is why i stepped away from death match wrestling, and started focusing more on my technical ability, because as a death match wrestler? My ability to grow was limited. As a pure wrestler, instead? The sky's the limit, and I will continue pushing myself to the limit until I reach my final goal in this business.
Joey balls up his right fist, and punches his left hand.
Joey Leclair:
Seth Iser I know how good you are, and I would never dare to take you lightly, but tonight's event is called On The Rise, and no offense but you have already risen, Now it's my time, tonight I am going to step in the ring with you, and prove to the world that Joey Leclair is On The Rise.
Joey turns away from the camera as the scene comes to the end.
Singles Match
Nine van der Hoek VS West LongThe size difference between the two is impressive, though Nine didn’t seem to be intimidated. Cold and calculated, the Frisian Demon was feeling no pressure at all, or if she did, she hid it very well. West was just an obstacle on her path to revenge, her focus was more on the reward if she could beat the Warwolf rather than on what would happen if she failed. For Long, this was another job. Being Luna’s bodyguard is a full time job due to the blonde’s talent to make enemies. But a win tonight would mean one less problem to deal with, as per the stipulation announced by the Star Of The Night on the last episode of Millennium. If Nine loses tonight, she will be inhibited from getting any close to Luna. The match started and van der Hoek was the first to strike with a low kick to the side of West’s leg. He fired back immediately with a big right hand, ducked by Nine who quickly delivered another kick to the knee. This went on for a couple of minutes, making it clear what the Dutch’s strategy was going into this match. Not being able to connect a single move since the bell rang caused Long to grow frustrated, which played right in Nine’s hand. His attacks became less precise, making it easier for her to dodge them. And when he went for a predictable big boot, she dodged and took him down, locking that tree-sized leg in a submission hold. Long managed to reach the ropes rather quickly before the submission could do any real harm, even though Nine took the whole five seconds count to do some actual damage, even cheekily stomping onto the knee after the referee forced the break, earning a stern warning from the official. One slight mistake was all it took for Nine to waste the advantage she obtained in the early stages. She did well in ducking the straight punch and grabbing the bigger opponent by the wrist. But of all the things she could’ve done at that point, putting him in a submission or throwing another one of her sharp kicks, she chose the one thing she should’ve avoided. Trying to whip him into the ropes. The weight difference was just too much and all Long had to do was to plant his strong legs and block the attempt, pulling the New Problem into a massive clothesline. Nine definitely felt all of it, bringing her hands to her neck as she rolled on the canvas, trying to get out of the ring and West’s reach. But the Warwolf was right onto her. Reaching down, Long gripped the wrist of Nine and pulled her to a standing position. He pushed the Dutch into the corner and delivered a couple shoulder blocks before stepping a couple of steps back and running forward for a body splash. Though not fully recovered yet, van der Hoek scouted the move and spun her body, catching the big man right on the chin. The Warwolf staggered back and Nine had enough space to run and bring him to one knee with a dropkick to the leg. She saw the opportunity to hit him with The Seventh Nightmare and went for it, but Long quickly popped to his feet and caught the running Dutch, lifting her in the air, spinning around and crushing her into the canvas with a ridiculous spinning spinebuster. Some of the fans even thought the match was over given how close it was to the three. After a rough few minutes where Long dominated the scene, tossing Nine around with his full array of power moves, including an effortless gorilla press drop. But none of them kept the Dutch woman down for three seconds. West decided to take it to the next level in the most literal way, sitting the Frisian Demon on the top turnbuckle and climbing up, ready to deliver a superplex. Van der Hoek fought back with everything she had, trying to resist and push the man down. Those punches to the ribs though were ineffective and he managed to lift her. Somehow she shifted her weight and blocked this first attempt, but Long wasn’t letting her go. A headbutt, then a second and eventually a third one got her out of the dangerous spot and knocked West down on the mat. Finding herself still on the top rope, Nine decided to jump with a double foot stomp, landing right on the big man’s knee. She rolled out of the ring and dragged the man closer to the post, wrapping his legs around it and putting him in a figure four. She could only keep the illegal move for a count of five but it really did a number on the Warwolf. He was holding his knee, rolling in pain on the mat. Nine was back in the ring and went for another submission, a kneebar right in the middle of the ring. Long groaned in pain, and he began to claw toward the ropes. He almost got there but then Nine rolled through and put him back far away from there. Change of plans, West now used his brute strength to get out of the submission, pounding at Nine’s leg until she was forced to let him go. They both got up to their feet, though West appeared to be in great difficulty, barely able to stand on that leg. Nine moved closer and began to kick it, trying to take the big man down once again. Too focused on that goal, she ended up being caught by West’s powerful hand, gripping her by the neck. He lifted her over his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position and powerslammed her into the mat with his Point Blank. He made the cover and obtained the win, eliminating the threat Nine presented to his client. WINNER: West Long BY: Pinfall (Point Blank), 10:07 |
The scene opens backstage in the interview area. Kyle Butler is sitting on a brown wooden stool. The Lockdown Championship is draped over his shoulder. His facial expression is rather stoic this evening.
Kyle Butler
Bill Gates once said, don’t compare yourself to others, if you do, you’re insulting yourself. It’s kinda hard NOT to compare yourself to other people when the former champion was The Murder Train, Dustin Douglas. When he was the Lockdown Champion he was a monster. Defeating everyone in sight. Only was pinned by one man. Me. Here I am, the new Lockdown Champion. Already have been pinned twice during my short reign. Once by Lowri and once by the woman who challenges me tonight, Leia LeBeau. A 1-2 record as champion isn’t something to brag about.
Kyle chuckles.
Kyle Butler
So I’ll be honest with you fine people today, I do feel like a failure as champion thus far. Don’t worry about me, I am still the fun loving goofball you all know and love. Being a singles champion is a new experience for me. I enjoy it. Don’t plan to relinquish the Lockdown Championship anytime soon. Even I know comparing myself to another person is unhealthy, seen it so many times over the course of my career I should know better.
I’m human.
I completely understand the legacy I am now carrying. The Lockdown Championship has always stood for excellence. Bobbi Jackson defended this championship with pride six times. Hammerstein, a man who put me down the first time I challenged for this, was a complete monster, set a high standard. Already mentioned Dustin. All I want to do is rise up to the legacy of the Lockdown Championship while creating my own. I am not off to a good start by my own admission.
Kyle takes a moment to collect his thoughts.
Kyle Butler
So Leia, no complaints about our last match, you more than earned the right to see if you can be the one to take the Lockdown Championship from me. I hope you were listening to what I just said. My legacy is on the line. So is the legacy of the Lockdown Championship. I can’t afford to go down as a champion who only defended this once. Last thing the Lockdown Championship needs is to be viewed any less than what it is now. No offense to you, it won’t look credible bouncing around so quickly after the reign Dustin had. The standard has been set. I am going to do my best to carry the legacy forward.
Kyle nods. He walks off screen as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Clyde Eldon Jr. VS Tiff RollinsSome people would consider this match as the last resort for both competitors. As absurd as it may sound, after all we’re talking about the longest reigning champion in MWE history, Tiff’s career is spiraling down. Her long awaited return has been a huge disappointment, a long series of embarrassing losses with rare wins. Too little for the standards she accustomed the fans to, and she knew it so well. Clyde’s career, ever since being replaced by Olly in the tag team with his mother, has been a list of tough lessons to learn. In fairness, he often faced opponents way out of his league; he’s still a rookie after all and not used to singles matches. But the young man was not one to give up, facing any task with great determination, no matter how uphill the battle looked to be. Including this one. As the match started, Tiff came out and tried to lock up with Clyde. After a brief struggle Clyde tossed her back, causing her to hit the mat back first. Rollins quickly hopped up and shook it off, changing her approach and circling around the opponent instead. Eldon struck first, lunging forward and catching the Five Foot Death Machine with a quick jab to the chin. She stumbled back holding her chin, allowing Clyde to level her with a lariat. CEJ jumped and landed back first on Tiffany’s chest, making the cover after the senton and only getting a two count out of it. Clyde reached down and dragged Tiff up to her feet.. He fired a chop to her chest and then locked her up for a belly to belly suplex. Rollins began battling out with a couple of quick headbutts, causing him to release the lock around her waist. Finally having a little opening, she delivered a forearm strike to his jaw, pushing him back a couple of steps. The former Cloud Gate champion kicked Clyde in the gut before locking his head under her arm, and spinning him, dropping him with a swinging neck breaker. She wasted no time, hopping up and coming down with an elbow directly at Clyde's chest. Rollins immediately hooked the leg, but Clyde kicked out in two. The Little Hoss approached CEJ as he began to get up to his knees, delivering her terrific shoot kicks to the chest. She landed two of them but the third attempt was ducked by Clyde who then sneaked his head between Rollins’ legs and stood up, holding her in an electric chair position. Rather than falling backwards, he dropped her forwards in an imitation of Duke’s Andrews Effect, less effective than the World champion’s finisher as the blonde was able to pull her shoulder up in two. Capitalizing on the favorable moment, Clyde drove his knee into the stomach of the Five Foot Murder Machine and dropped her on her head with a nasty ddt, once again only worth a count of two. The fans never withhold their support for the former champion, and perhaps was that, as well as an hesitation from Clyde when he was climbing the turnbuckle that allowed her to react and strike him before he could jump with a double axe handle, setting him up for the Bone Grinder (rope hung flatliner). The leg was hooked but Clyde wasn’t going down so easily. It was bedlam inside the Greensboro Coliseum. Despite the recent struggles, Tiffany was still one of the most loved superstars in MWE while Clyde, though he displayed a change of heart of sorts recently, still hadn’t earned back the trust of the fans who hadn’t forgiven all the cheating he did while tagging with Karen. And seeing the blonde girl beating the crap out of Eldon was giving the fans the time of their life, more so in light of the cheap way Karen beat Tiffany last Wednesday. Sins of the mother, I guess. Tiff was throwing everything she had at him, showing the same intensity and determination from back in the day. We saw the Peacemaker, the swinging ddt and even a tribute to Heather Lasiewicz with the triangle choke, from which Clyde barely escaped by reaching the ropes. But nothing could keep the young man down for the three. Rollins went for her Death Kick but missed the target and left herself open to Clyde’s comeback. He dropped her onto his knee for a backbreaker, then lifted her and replied the same move only targeting the front side with a gutbuster. As Tiffany was picking herself up, he relentlessly kicked her on the side, and dropped a knee to the midsection as she fell on the mat. He could have pinned her, but instead he stepped back, crouching in the corner. He waited patiently as Rollins picked herself up using the ropes as clutch and then charged in for his For You Dad patented spear. It connected but the enthusiasm of the crowd didn’t diminish. They were sure Tiff was going to lift her shoulder, she couldn’t lose to Clyde Eldon Jr, right? Wrong. Rollins couldn’t get up in time, the referee counted to three and then, only then, the Arena fell into a shocked silence. WINNER: Clyde Eldon Jr. BY: Pinfall (For You Dad), 11:08 |
The Greensboro Coliseum was still in shocked silence after witnessing the upset of the night: inside the ring, Clyde Eldon Jr had just pinned Tiff Rollins. The Five Foot Death Machine had been struggling since coming back to wrestling a few months ago, suffering a few heavy losses along the way. But being defeated by Clyde who hadn’t won a match in months? That had to be the lowest point of her once glorious career.
When the bell rang she didn’t realize it right away, or maybe she did but refused to believe it. But when the referee raised Clyde’s arm, reality hit her like a truck. The embarrassment was too much to handle, and not because her opponent didn’t deserve the win. The young Eldon fought the best match of his career, continuing to show the progress he displayed even in defeat.
The embarrassment, the shame even, was for once again failing the fans that had supported her despite the difficulties. She quickly rolled out of the ring and ran backstage, trying to hide the overwhelming emotions that were taking over.
But her night, if possible, was about to become even worse. Just past the curtain, in the famous gorilla position, she stumbled into Olly. It couldn’t be a coincidence that he was there, his half of the MWE tag team titles fully on display on his shoulder, that annoying, cocky smile on his face.
Olly:
Holy shit… Did you… Did you really just lose to Clyde?
He could barely hold back a laughter as he addressed the former champion. Normally Tiff would snap back at something like this, but she was so distraught that she couldn't even look him in the eye. All the progress that she tried to muster since the Academy have seemingly gone up in smoke. All she could do was tilt her head down and stare at the floor as she tried to move past the former Academy student and now reigning champion.
Tiff:
Leave me alone.
Her words and the tone of defeat she said those three simple words in would have convinced anyone to step aside and let her go. But Olly was known for taking pleasure in kicking people down when they were at their lowest, and Tiff knew it better than most, having been on the receiving end of his vexations during the time they shared at The Academy. She took a step right to move past him, he took a step to the left to block her way. She went left, he moved once again in front of her.
Olly:
Do you remember when you joined the Academy, almost one year ago? Everyone was so excited, Gian saying that we could learn so much from you, a former champion and all that jazz… I’m tempted to find that episode and play it in his face, that arrogant prick. What did we learn from you, huh? What could have we possibly learned from a weak, pathetic, broken shell of a champion like you?
She wanted nothing to do with this. She couldn't contain her emotions for much longer. She needed to leave right now, but she knew that reacting would only cause more trouble for herself. She's already endured one of the worst losses in her MWE career, the last she needed to hear her rival's boyfriend ridiculing her.
Tiff:
Dammit stop…
Olly:
Or what?
He taunted her more, that twisted smile always present on his face.
Olly:
You’re gonna cry like you…
Clyde Eldon Jr.:
Come on, drop it.
The win over Tiffany certainly boosted Clyde’s confidence, to the point that he surprisingly stood up to Olly. The tag team champion’s reaction was a loud burst of laughter.
Olly:
Get lost Clyde, the white knight’s shining armor doesn’t suit you. Try black, I heard it’s slimming.
Clyde rolled his eyes. This wasn’t the first “you’re fat” joke Olly made to him, and not even the best one.
Clyde Eldon Jr.:
Whatever.. Shouldn’t you be carrying Faith’s bag or something?
Shrugging his shoulders, Olly replied.
Olly:
I already did. It’s called being kind and gallant to your woman. Now, if you ever had one, you would know.
He then turned his attention back to Tiffany who was taking the chance to sneak away while the two men were arguing.
Olly:
Hey, Tiff!
For some reason she stopped on her tracks, turning back to Olly. He smiled and tossed her something. She instinctively grabbed it and immediately realized what it was. A pack of tissues.
Olly:
I bet you’re going to need them. You’re welc…
He couldn’t even finish the sentence as Clyde shoved him back, causing the MWE championship to slip off his shoulder and fall on the floor with a thud.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
I told you to drop it.
He was dead serious, more than he had ever been. Olly must have noticed it as well as his expression suddenly changed. He raised his hand and took a step back, nodding his head and mumbling a barely audible “Okay”. Crouching down, he picked up his title belt and placed it back on his shoulder, turning around and walking away.
Only to suddenly turn around and smack the belt on Clyde’s face, flooring him.
Olly:
Don’t you dare ever touch me again, pig boy.
Adding insult to injury, he even spat on Eldon’s before finally leaving the scene. Olly was gone, and unfortunately so was Tiff, who finally managed to escape the scene during this confrontation. This was certainly not over between Olly and Clyde, but can the same be said for poor Tiff?
Leia LeBeau:
Bright Lights, Big City. Greensboro, are you ready for The Show?
The fabulous Leia LeBeau was right there in front of the camera, her hands upon the wall as she looked over her shoulder, shaking her behind as she gave the camera a sultry look. Unlike her usual Showgirl attire, she was wearing skin tight wrestling tights and a matching sleeveless top. It was green in theme of both Millennium, many of the Seattle based sports teams like the Sounders and the former Supersonics. But upon her head was a golden helmet in the traditional Spartan fashion, clearly a reference to the UNC Greensboro Spartans, the local sports and athletics group that represented the University of North Carolina. She made a seductive turn, winking to the camera as the six foot Show twirled a golden longsword in her hands, as opposed to her traditional cane.
Leia LeBeau:
Ever since Elsa McCarthy held a hugely successful business meeting with my world class agent, my sister Eloise K. LeBeau, I have been plying my trade on Millennium. And the green Wednesday night lights have been shining with opportunity. While I’ve always thought of myself as a Riot girl, this change of scenery is giving me a fresh sense of purpose. Away from the drama around the Junior Heavyweight Title, and the revenge story in it’s aftermath, this new season of The Show is building up to it’s season finale that we shall call… Lockdown.
She spun around, facing the camera as the leggy Show grinned at the camera.
Leia LeBeau:
Every season has its twists and turns, shock and awe is a constant here in MWE. And after a long Summer where I was able to rethink, regroup and rebuild along with my man, Donnie, all has led to this opportunity. And I’m simply dripping in anticipation.
Raising the sword high, she then pointed it towards the camera, making whoever was behind it jump a little, before MWE’s favourite Showgirl spoke again.
Leia LeBeau:
From Luke Jackson, through Duke Andrews, Bobbi Jackson, Hammerstein and Dustin Douglas, the Lockdown Championship has had some incredible reigns, and a wild variety of stipulations. Please remember that the champion dictates the stipulation for every match, and some spectacular stipulations have been made. Makes it a shame that the current champion opting for Golden Era Rules is just… well… predictable.
Resting the blade over her shoulders, her hips made a hypnotic rotation, her tongue rolling across her lips as she gave the camera another wink, the temptress giving what many of her fans wanted.
Leia LeBeau:
But entertainment has never been Kyle Butler’s strongpoint, nor will it ever be. But if you want action, glamour, high paced award winning presentation, who do you turn to?
She raised the sword high again, before pointing at herself with her thumb, emphasizing every word.
Leia LeBeau:
All. This. Show.
The Showgirl winked again, putt her sword down to the floor as she rested both of her hands upon it, rotating her hips in a seductive fashion as she continued to speak.
Leia LeBeau:
Now, I’m not saying that this will be easy. My last victory over Kyle, and reasoning for this opportunity, wasn’t without serious effort. I may have made it look easy, I may have made it look so, so, so good. But that is what The Show does. No half measures, just the full shot, and stick a sparkling umbrella in the top of it.
Just coming into shot, another figure was seen, carrying what seemed to be Leia’s favourite latte. A beautiful brunette, slightly shorter than the towering Leia, but much more endowed upstairs. Leia spotted her, waving the reluctant woman over as the camera rolled.
Leia LeBeau:
Eloise! Come here. Please. Please come on camera.
The beautiful woman was Eloise, the eldest of the LeBeaus’ and well known as a sports agent within the industry. She was clearly unwilling to appear on screen, attired in a stunning mint green business suit, and it took Leia dragging her as she set the latte down to get her in front of the cameras.
Leia LeBeau:
This woman right here is my amazing and beautiful big sister, Eloise. She is the reason this company took a chance on me in the first place, and the reason I am now here on Millennium competing tonight. I couldn’t do this without her.
Eloise looked completely embarrassed as Leia looped an arm around her shoulder, her cheek going red as she glared down towards her designer shoes.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Leia, please. You’re embarrassing me.
Leia LeBeau:
I mean it. Without your support, I would never have reached the heights that I have in my career. And here, on my second anniversary in MWE, I want to dedicate this match to you. I’m going to go out there in OUR season finale, put on the Show of all Shows, and I aim to be walking back here with the Lockdown Championship. And it’s for you.
Eloise, looking clearly emotional by the whole thing, mouthed a few words of thanks to her younger sister, then gave her a hug in a heart-warming moment. As they broke the embrace, Leia turned to take her beloved drink and finish off her speech...
Leia LeBeau:
W-where is my Latte?
But the fabled latte of the gods wasn’t there. Leia looked around helplessly, then stared across the room, the camera picking up another figure. They were a little shorter, with their hair in a bun, raising the cup to take a sip of the legendary latte as they playfully waved at them.
Leia LeBeau:
BEBE! Give that back!
Bebe LeBeau, the youngest of the LeBeau crew, stood there, still waving a good distance away, before she took a sip of the rich, milky coffee as Leia and Eloise gasped.
Bebe LeBeau:
I licked it, so it’s mine!
Leia LeBeau:
BEBE JEANNE LEBEAU! GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!
Bebe gasped, turning as she made a run for it, Leia in hot pursuit of the coffee thief as they tried to make their escape, screaming something out as they made their exit.
Bebe LeBeau:
WATCH THE ACADEMY ON FRIDAY NIGHTS! A BEBE IS THE BESTEST THING ON IT! TUNE IN, DON’T MISS OUUUUUUTTTTT!
Leia chased her younger sister away, leaving only Eloise standing there with a bemused look on her face, as the camera cut away.
Lockdown Championship
Kyle's Rule: Golden Era Rules
Kyle Butler © VS Leia LeBeauKyle's Rule: Golden Era Rules
A win over the Lockdown champion a couple of weeks ago earned Leia LeBeau this opportunity. Can she do it again tonight, with the gold on the line and under Kyle’s Golden Era Rules? Though Leia wasn’t really a high flier, she has been known for taking it to the sky every now and then, something tonight she won’t be able to do. With the sound of the bell signaling the start of the match, both wrestlers approached each other and met face to face in the middle of the ring. Moving in circles, Leia struck first with a left jab to Kyle’s nose, showing off that boxing background of hers and stunning him for just a short moment. Spinning around, the former Junior Heavyweight champion connected with a backfist and quickly followed it up with an elbow to the stomach. She then wrapped her arms around Butler’s head and dropped him into the canvas with a snapmare driver, making the first cover of the match for a count of two. The challenger started off strong, but Kyle’s reaction came right away as he blocked one of Leia’s famous kicks against the side of his body and quickly took the Show down with a dragon screw leg whip. He kept hold of the foot, raised her leg and began to stomp and kick behind her knee. He then stepped over it and bent the leg like a pretzel, putting the young star in a painful submission. Leia wasn’t far away from the ropes and quickly reached them. Butler let her go immediately, granting her a rare clean break that earned him the applause of the fans and a nod of appreciation and respect from his opponent. The two locked up in the middle of the ring and the champion quickly slipped behind LeBeau, putting her in a waistlock and going for a suplex. LeBeau landed on her feet and immediately went for a dropkick. Kyle scouted that and stepped aside, causing her to miss the target and land flat on her back. Wasting no time, he jumped on the spot and went down with an elbow drop to the heart. Rather than going for a pin right away, he picked her up and hooked the leg to perform a fisherman suplex, holding the bridge into a cover, from which Leia kicked out in two. Pulling Leia up from the mat, Butler locked his arm around his head and lifted Leiainto the air for a suplex. Just as she reached his highest point, the Jet City Woman twisted and slipped out of Kyle’s arms, dropping down to her feet behind him. The former Junior Heavyweight champion wrapped her arms around Butler’s head and started applying pressure to his neck and trachea. Kyle started squirming in an attempt to get out of the submission quickly. He eventually managed to do it with a sharp elbow to the ribs, creating a little separation between him and Leia. He turned around and kicked her in the stomach, going for another suplex that, this time, connected. As Leia tried to push herself up, Butler struck with multiple kicks to her knee, keeping her down and damaging that leg, taking out one, if not the, most dangerous weapon in her arsenal. He then jumped on the spot and came down with a double foot stomp, only to miss as LeBeau rolled out of the way. Using her left leg, Leia swept the opponent’s feet and took him down to the mat. They both got up to their feet and you could notice that the right leg was clearly bothering Leia. Butler noticed and lunged in, trying to grab that leg to continue his offence. All he got instead was a knee to the face. He went down and Leia hooked the leg for a quick cover, but the champion kicked out before the ref’s hand touched the canvas for the third time. This was a very close match, much more than Kyle’s previous defense against Christina Zdunich. As expected, the Golden Era rules weren’t really an issue for Leia, who prefered to keep her offence to the ground. Despite the pain in her leg, she couldn’t help but rely on it for her attacks, And even though they lacked something in power compared to her standard, those kicks were still very dangerous. Butler wasn’t backing down from the challenge, and fought back kick for kick. He went for a roundhouse but LeBeau ducked it and connected a spinning hook kick to the back of his head. The champion was down and LeBeau went for another pinning predicament, still getting only a two. Standing to her feet, she then pulled up the champ to his, but he caught her with a right hand to the gut. Drawing back, he then swung forward, hitting her in the face with a forearm shot. Backing her up across the ring, Kyle hit her with multiple forearms and elbows until she finally came to a stop with her back against the corner. With Leia trapped now, the champ fired away with multiple knife edge chops across the chest before he sent her to the opposite corner with an irish whip and followed with a clothesline. A snapmare brought Leia to a seated position, perfectly positioned for a nasty kick to the spine from Kyle. He made the cover but only got a count of two from it. Butler picked Leia up and put her in a headlock, attempting the Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!! LeBeau barely escaped it by slipping out the hold and connecting a standing dropkick to the back of her opponent. The impact sent Kyle chest first against the corner, stumbling back toward the center of the ring. Leia sprinted against the ropes and jumped, draping her leg around the back of his neck and driving him face first into the canvas with the Seattle Slutdrop. Close, but no cigar and the match continued. Not for long though as Leia whipped the champion in the corner and went for her Jet City Jive. Kyle saw it coming and exploded out of his corner with a bicycle kick that flattened the Showgirl. To make sure she’d stay down this time, he quickly dragged her to her feet and planted her on her head with the Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!! The cover was made, and the referee counted the one, two, three. Despite her effort, Leia couldn’t take the title from Butler. WINNER: Kyle Butler (STILL LOCKDOWN CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!!), 14:13 |
We then head to a sight that hasn’t been seen in a while, a golden embroiled locker room that signals the sight of the Triumvirate. There’s a table set with the three chairs, the normal surrounding, as well as professional suits hanging in the locker room. Why are they hanging there? The two men who would normally wear them have changed into their in ring attire. The current Riot Champion Pierce Manning is to the left with a sneer on his face and the gleam of his gold around his waist while in his ring attire. To the right is Seth Iser, the elder statesman dressed in a black and gold variation of his attire with his infamous knee brace showing the shiny sheen of gold.
Seth Iser:
It’s been a minute...but Pierce and I both have something we need to get off our chests. I will never pontificate or put words in my friend’s mouth here but I think we’re both feeling something similar for different reasons. We both feel disrespected in some respect. Like what we’ve done for this company...for this industry...it’s not given the respect it deserves. Look, I’m aware that it’ll take a few more reps before everything’s back in full working order but...I just dropped a man who was CWC World Champion on his head after he made one simple mistake and beat him in just my second match back from a damned knee injury and you’re trying to make a false equivalence with me and Joey Leclair. Joey…as talented and proven as you’ve been in other places, I’ll rattle some of that off and I’ll get to you in a minute but...something else takes precedent and that’s disrespect of tradition.
He shakes his head in disgust with that sneer in place.
Seth Iser:
This man...ONE OF THE BEST IN THIS COMPANY TODAY...might I add, has had to deal with it worse...and get a good damn shot at the proof that makes him one of the best.
Seth points toward Pierce and the gleam of the championship he carries, even gesturing at the camera to film the title.
Seth Iser:
This is the man who helped give the Television title it’s meaning. It’s one thing to BE a champion...it’s another to be so good at it that they are chasing what YOU did with it. And he springboarded that. Some people say that he’s tied with Henri Black involving that Riot Title but no...he beat him when it mattered most. He proved he’s superior. And yet people around the world already just want to dismiss him...dismiss us while trying to shine up the new toy with the shiny world reputation in front of his face? We’re ones who don’t mind kicking the asses of people with these reputations...hell, we welcome that, but trying to just toss us to the side in favor of these people arbitrarily?
Seth sneers coldly while shaking his head, disgusted with what his partner has had to go through just brushing his greying hair off of his face so we get a better view but he just turns to Pierce, still agitated thinking about this affront to both of them.
Seth Iser:
What a load of crap to both of us. Pierce, what the hell are some of the petty halfwits trying to do...from a champion on god damned social media bemoaning the TRADITIONS of our sport to this crap being done to us? This isn’t how it’s supposed to be!
Pierce doesn’t waste any time getting straight to the point.
Pierce Manning:
Me defending the Riot Championship against Billy Danielson is BULLSHIT!
Pierce says, lashing out almost immediately. He takes a deep breath to calm himself down enough to push through this!
Pierce Manning:
You dipshits out there may not like me. The one thing that can not be disputed is I paid my dues in this company to get to where I’m at. There was a time I couldn’t win a pay per view match for the life off me. Hard dealing with Henri’s nonsense. I moved on. When I put my mind to wanting to become the Invictus Champion, I suffered a few setbacks before ultimately becoming The Man in June of 2020. I wasn’t handed anything. The keys to the city weren’t dropped on my lap after TWO FUCKING MATCHES. I had to go through the best of the best on a weekly basis in order to get one opportunity.
Pierce holds up the Riot Championship so everyone who is watching can get a better view of it.
Pierce Manning:
You do realize the Riot Championship represents the flag bearer of the Riot brand? I am not the biggest Glory Braddock fan but… she earned her way to wear this. Henri. As much as the man sickens me, he earned the right to wear this championship. He wasn’t handed the keys to the city. I’ve already talked about my journey ad nauseam. Giving Billy Danielson a shot at the Riot Championship is setting a dangerous precedent. You are telling any Tom, Dick and Harry who signs a contract that they can waltz in, jump over going after the MENTV Championship first to try to earn the right to call themselves the face of the brand.
Holding this championship is supposed to be an honor, not handed out like free candy. Billy should have done A LOT more than get one fluke win over yours truly. But he beat me? I don’t give a crap. How about this… if Glory beats Duke I should get a World Championship Match. It should be a threeway if we’re being honest. None of that is going to happen because the higher ups in this company have never appreciated me. What further proof do you need than Henri’s former bff Charles being stuck as the referee of my matches for as long as I can remember?! He should not have been the referee of my matches in the first place on principle. But sure, lets get inside Pierce’s head, it’ll be funny to continue the long running joke.
I AM NOT LAUGHING!!
ALL I WANT IS A LITTLE RESPECT.
Pierce sneers.
Pierce Manning:
The respect I have more than earned. The respect the champion of the Riot brand is entitled to. The respect I… AM… ENTITLED… TOO. Hey Grace, do you want Billy to be champion? You poured so much money into your brand new toy that you don’t appreciate the hard work I have put in? I am class personified. I represent this company well on the media junket. What should have been my moment when I won the Riot Championship, banishing Henri from challenging me anytime soon, I should have had a parade in my honor. Of course that wasn’t the case, its all about Billy. Fuck Billy. Fuck you. Fuck MWE. I will be damned if your golden boy is going to steal, that’s right, STEAL what I earned. Tonight, I am going to wipe my ass with Billy Danielson, then, you and everyone else will be forced to acknowledge who The Man around here is.
Pierce rolls his eyes. There’s a smirk from Iser’s face after he hears Pierce let out some of that.
Seth Iser:
The title stays here, and you will get your respect before it’s all said and done one way or another.
Iser puts it more directly before he sneers toward the camera. There’s more of a calm look of intensity as he’s lowering his voice as a contrast to what Pierce showed.
Seth Iser:
Joey Leclair...brother, listen carefully because I heard you speak. I hear everything that’s said...especially when I’m the one in the building. And it’s all a sound plan...really it is. Everyone wants to be the man or the woman. Have the wrestling world revolve around you and get to the very top of the industry. Especially after you see what your sibling went through...because wrestling is in your blood. There aren’t enough talked about wrestling families in that regard and it’s almost a little old fashioned running into that to an extent. You were champion in this company once, not the championship you desire most but gold is gold and it’s all in what you make of it. Pierce can certainly let you know about that…
He again points at the championship Pierce is wearing before eyeballing the camera.
Seth Iser:
But I know what’s being done. Some people think there’s false equivalence putting us together in a match like this on pay per view...when that just isn’t the case. It has nothing to do with talent...not even our accomplishments in our respective careers. It’s life experience of a different sort, Joey. You might scoff and say I’m undermining your decade long career...with all the kinks in your armor. The bum ankle...the nagging ribs that just didn’t want to heal. Your sister’s enforced closed…
He just shakes his head, calm and resolute.
Seth Iser:
I have a decade on you. And that matters for perspective. Perspective in training the next generation that’ll replace you. Perspective in life...in general. And you think you’re slowing down and nearing the end at the ‘dreaded’ thirty year old mark? To quote my friend here in his feelings of his title defense...THAT is bullshit!
You can see his face curl into a scowl after he says that for a little emphasis. He crosses his arms and somehow looks a little more menacing with the veins going down his arms bulging a touch, his anger coming out in another form even if he isn’t completely screaming or yelling.
Seth Iser:
You might not run in a straight line as fast as you once did but if you really work at our craft...that decade will end up being your most lucrative. Your greatest weapon isn’t pure raw attributes...this is the ultimate game of the mind. You shape your body to what’s given but it’s mental chess when that bell rings. The more experience you have...the easier the moves someone else lays out becomes to predict and anticipate. But you have to be willing to swallow your ego...your pride and admit you can’t wrestle like a young man anymore and learn what that means. Because tonight...you’re dealing with the most dangerous proposition in ALL of Professional Wrestling…not some jacked up monster who has no regard for someone’s career or a daredevil looking to thrill the idiots who buy the tickets diving off some stupid height...no…
The veteran just leans forward, another projection of his height, one of Iser’s god given attributes, while he balls his right hand up into a fist.
Seth Iser:
You’re facing an old man who thrives in a sport many people consider a young man’s game. We’re not equivalent at all...you’re trying to strive to be what I am as far as I’m concerned. And I’ve already learned and started to adjust while in the process of coming back from my own injuries. That’s what the great ones do if they have to deal with those cards. So are you going to adjust Joey...give yourself an actual chance to beat the Greatest Mind in ALL of Professional Wrestling…
He then lets in a semblance of a smirk for the first time, his confidence bordering in arrogance yet again but it seems like there’s a more devious element to it rather than purely egotistical.
Seth Iser:
Or are you just going to hide behind your new found issues as an excuse while I make an example of you? Choice is yours but...don’t leave yourself diluted...I’m the one getting my hand raised tonight. There are people I want to pursue yet while I still am damn well capable of as you know. But...Pierce...I say for tonight...we leave no doubt on both of our opponents who is superior. Either the respect will come…
And then there’s a more sinister sneer creeping onto his face as he glares toward the camera.
Seth Iser:
Or we’ll make them respect us and everyone can kiss our fucking asses. Their choice. We don’t mind either option at this point.
One last message as Pierce gestures at his gold while Seth has that glare etched on his face before we go away from this view.
Singles Match
Seth Iser VS Joey LeclairSecond match since coming back from the injury for the former World Champion against a tough opponent like the former Chicago Way champion Joey Leclair. The Prodigy’s loss last week against Dean Smith came as quite the shock for the MWE universe, an unexpected stop for someone clearly aiming to get in the World Title picture. Both men circled the ring slowly, both with left hands extended as if they were trying to lock up. Iser swung with his right, trying to catch Leclair with a quick strike but he missed by a few inches, leaving Joey to move out of the way and target him with a quick kick to the leg. Iser threw another wild punch, once again barely missing the target as Joey dodged it. With a quick movement Leclair moved in trying to take the big man down with a single leg takedown but Seth pushed him away. Again the two returned to circling the ring slowly before finally moving to tie up. Instead of locking into the tie up, however, Seth hooked Joey’s arm and took him down to the mat with an arm drag, holding onto his arm and applying pressure to the right shoulder. It wasn’t long before he switched to an armbar, hyperextending the elbow joints in a clear attempt at making the Prodigal Elbow Strike no longer an option in this match. The Canadian wasted no time working his way back up to his feet and trying to reach the ropes. Seth, needless to say, exploited the whole five count before letting him go. As soon as he did, he lunged back in to grab once again the same arm, bending it around the rope in a hammerlock. Once again the referee started the count, getting all the way to four before the former champion would let him go. As soon as he released the hold, Iser booted the rope around which Joey’s arm was still wrapped. The referee flexed his authority, getting in the former champions’ face reminding him of the rules. Iser kept his calm, letting the referee do his speech before raising his hand and reminding him that he had until five, but he still let go at four. Surely he didn’t win the ref’s sympathy with that argument or the lax interpretation of the rules, but he kept control of the match, so we doubt he really cared. Holding Leclair by the wrist, he pulled him into himself twice, colliding with massive shoulder tackles to the Prodigy’s right shoulder. Then he finally sent him against the ropes with an irish whip. As Joey returned, Seth telegraphed a back body drop to which Leclair countered with a quick boot to the sternum, standing him up straight before making a spin to deliver his patented elbow strike. Too easy for Seth to dodge it and grab the arm to take Joey down to the mat and put him in a kimura lock. Leclair quickly crawled back and got to touch the rope with his foot, saving himself on the occasion. All this work on the shoulder and arm was paying off already as Leclair grabbed at his shoulder for a brief moment before working his way back to a seated position. As he did so, Seth closed and snapped a quick kick to the right arm of his opponent, but Leclair was quick to roll out of the ring before falling victim to another one of Seth’s submissions. Knowing better than following him on the outside, Seth waited inside the ring knowing that, at some point, his opponent had to get back in. And when he did, he was there waiting for him with a stomp to the shoulder. He quickly picked Leclair up and tossed him into the corner, his shoulder hitting the ring post. The one way onslaught continued with a shoulder breaker and an armbar to follow. Leclair needed to somehow turn things around and he did so with an incredible feat of strength, lifting the heavier opponent and throwing him into the corner with a buckle bomb, getting free from the painful submission. Seth Iser dominated the majority of this contest, but failed to put down the resilient Leclair. After fifteen minutes of this intense battle the two months away from the ring began to show. Joey’s took the chance to try to turn the tables. With what at this point could be described as a dead arm, Leclair had to drastically change his style of offense as he could no longer rely on punches, apply submissions or use the arm to lift the heavyweight. He could throw some mean kicks though, and one of those, a bicycle kick, sent the former champion into the ropes and bouncing back into a superkick. The combo flattened the grizzled veteran but he still managed to kick out in two. Joey kept his offense going and obtained a few near falls, further wearing Seth down. But his attacks, limited to kicks and knee strikes, soon became easy to predict for the veteran. Dodging a running knee strike, Seth had the opening he needed to saito suplex the opponent. Seth charged with a full head of steam but he ran into the empty turnbuckle as Joey moved out of the way. Leclair tried to quickly roll him up but the Deity Of Destruction kicked out in two and half. A close call for Seth, possibly closer than you’d expect. A symptom that the less than optimal shape the 40 years old was in could be the cause of his downfall? That definitely seemed to be the case as another flash pin, this time with a cradle, almost got Seth. Third time was, indeed, a charm for Joey who blocked the Deprivation ddt attempt and moved behind Seth’s back, applying a waistlock and pushing the veteran into the ropes, using the momentum to pin his shoulders to the canvas with an O’Connor Roll. The kick out came one millisecond too late. Against all odds, Joey Leclair pinned the former World champion. WINNER: Joey Leclair BY: Pinfall (O’Connor Roll), 17:44 |
The scene cuts backstage where we see the true threat to dethrone the Chicago way champion, wrestling's most hated, Andrew Raynes, preparing himself for his match tonight. Andrew knew he was the only one who really had the chance to take that title away from Kim but knew the other three, even if it was a Dalek, but had to keep himself on his toes in order to win. The scene was dark, given the match type he needed to keep himself in the moment. Blackbeard wasn't gonna have anything on he who embraces hate.
Andrew Raynes:
Not even Blackbeard himself can delay the inevitable.
The truth is that it would never have mattered what type of match this was going to be to decide the Chicago way champion because hate has finally come to embrace its true potential here in MWE. Embracing Kim's head onto the concrete that secured my position in this match sealed its fate for everyone else who simply took advantage of the damage I caused to her skull and prevented her from keeping anyone else from being involved.
Give yourself a chance because you're here but it's not going to matter.
It's cute how Donovan though wanted to take advantage of his return by being a surprise entrant into the gauntlet and getting the jump on Kimmie. More conveniently, he waited until the very end to make himself known, like a true worthless rat, who waited until everyone else got their shots in before picking up the pieces of what was left to cakewalk into the match. It's a cute feel good story for yourself but that's where the dream ends. Now you walk into the abyss of hatred aboard a ship that carries you.off a plank and away from my championship.
Andrew smirks, his confidence level is high after making his statement in the gauntlet match, it was time to cash in.
Andrew Raynes:
I'm sure some of you will be concerned with the variables in this match as to who will walk away with this belt but it won't matter to me. Hate cares little about who thinks they have a chance, I care little about your chances because my purpose is to reign devastation upon everyone and prove that hate can withstand anything thrown it's way.
Matches like this are why I chose the Millenium brand over Riot when I signed here. I wanted a place where my hate, my trade can be applied in a manner that caters to my strengths and my cold concern for the well being of others. Kimmie, Bree, Donovan, you will bear witness to why I have come here and unleash the pain as I so desire. I have no will to try and do things in a way that you.may respect or appreciate because it doesn't matter to me, my purpose is to do as i see fit, to dispose of competition in a matter that benefits me and shows that i don't fuck around anymore. The time I wasted with a half pathetic tag team afforded more opportunities than deserved shows that my time was nothing but wasted. Now though I have something I can dedicate myself to and the Chicago Way will be embraced in hate and there's not going to be anything that can be done about it.
I am the captain of the ship now.
Andrew grins, his message was loud and clear but knew that overconfident clowns and a Dalek would never understand, it was.time to be straight with the ones who have no idea what's coming.
Andrew Raynes:
It was one thing for you to book a spot in this match, one on one, but it's another for you to come face to face with the true threat in this match. Kimmie is someone who has become complacent in her quest to remain Chicago Way champion and that's why it was easy for her to get picked apart one on one. While Bree and Donovan may be salivating over the chance to claim a championship, you have no idea how powerful Hate can be when it's dialed in on what it's after. While my pedigree allows me to choose whatever i want, my desire to wreak havoc on the roster by way of being Chicago way champion will solidify my message to the rest of Millennium and MWE that Hate never sleeps and hate embraces everything it touches and puts it to sleep.
The other thing to consider is that Kimmie Is going to be very defensive about her title and will stop at nothing to retain, why else is Dalek involved in this. Are you prepared for what's gonna happen when you try taking it from her? You can bet she's never been threatened like this before, her first hand knowledge of what i bring to the table will freak her out enough but knowing bree or donovan can steal this will go a long way in the chaos that will ensue in this pirate match.
Unpredictability is my strong suit, anything Kimmie or you clowns wanna throw at the wall i'm fine with. The bottom line is that if you're not ready to seize it, then you'll learn real quick how devastating hate can be at its peak. I Have the uncanny ability to strike when you don't see it coming or when your back is turned, my sole goal is to do whatever it takes to walk out on the rise and that worthless match as Chicago way champion.
If You're truly not ready, then there's nothing stopping me from destroying all of you and becoming champion. The Time has come for me to stop wasting my time waddling in the kiddie pool and take charge as insee fit. I've allowed enough time to pass where now i've put myself in a position to capitalize and move forward towards becoming MWE World champion in time. Thenchicago way championship is only thenfirst step in annoucing my sadistic presence here and it's fucking time you all embrace the truth about hate.
And it's that Hate, hate never sleeps!
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Faith Savell © VS LunaLuna Smith and Faith Savell stood in the middle of the ring, circling each other as the bell rang. The Star Of The Night motioned a championship across her waist, reminding Savell what happened in their last match. Faith looked unimpressed, blaming her partner for her recent shortcoming and reminding Luna that, on their only one on one match, she was going to beat her if it wasn’t for Nine getting involved and causing the DQ. Luna looked for a collar and elbow tie up but Faith had other plans, shoving the challenger into the nearby corner. The Valedictorian charged at full speed but ended up crashing into the empty corner as Luna shifted through the ropes to transition on the apron, and from there she kicked Faith on the back of her head. As the champion stumbled out of the corner, Luna climbed up to the top rope and dove onto her with a crossbody, getting the first near fall of the match. Wasting no time, Luna picked the opponent up and attacked with some knife edge chops. Savell ducked the chop and put Luna in a side headlock, slowing the pace to one she was more comfortable with. She torqued on the hold, Smith quickly pushing her towards the ropes. The Cloud Gate champion bounced back, taking Luna down with a dropkick. As the challenger touched the mat, the Valedictorian rushed onto her and applied another hold. Smith tried to get up to a vertical basis and escape it, but Faith quickly switched into a hammerlock. Twisting and turning, Luna got out of that as well, only to be put into another headlock by the talented young champion. Takedown by Faith and we were back to square one, with Smith struggling to get back to her feet. Giving up and admitting her opponent’s technical superiority, Luna finally decided to drag herself to the ropes, interrupting this long series of mat wrestling. When free from Faith’s grasp and free to use her speed and athleticism, Luna reminded everyone why she so often finds herself in title contention. A quick striking combination left Faith in a daze, allowing Luna to connect a beautiful springboard hurricanrana right into a pinning predicament, from which Savell kicked out not without some difficulties. Savell shook her head, looking like she might have taken a knock already. And Luna was ready to capitalize on it. Again those Krav Maga knee strikes came into play, delivered right to the Valedictorian’s face from a clinch position. Coming off the ropes after an Irish whip, Faith extended her arm for a clothesline but Luna ducked under it and ran the ropes on the opposite side. The two met once again in the middle of the ring, both of them at full speed. The collision seemed inevitable but Luna pulled a Spanish fly out of nowhere, once again coming this close to win the Cloud Gate championship that already escaped her in the past, back when Tiff Rollins was the champion. Luna rolled Faith to a sitting position, applying a rear chinlock. She then drove her knee into the middle of Savell’s back, pulling back as hard as she possibly could. Slowing down the pace turned out to be a mistake. As painful as this hold was, it gave Faith time to regroup. Her technical prowess did the rest, the talented teenager stood up to her feet and easily switched into a hammerlock, and from there shifted in front of Luna, planting her on her head with a ddt. The challenger got up to her feet but a kick to the face sent her staggering backwards. A leaping roundhouse kick did the rest, knocking Luna down onto her back. Cover to retain from Faith but Smith raised her shoulder in time. Now fully in control, the champion showed off her ability with an endless series of suplexes. Textbook execution for every one of them, confirmation of that pure talent that dazzled her trainers since the day she walked into the Academy. In the midst of that display of perfect technique, Faith almost got the three count with a bridging german suplex, but Luna survived and kicked out. Smith rolled onto the apron to take a breather but Faith quickly walked toward her and stomped her through the ropes. Grabbing a handful of her blonde locks, Faith picked Luna up and tried to suplex her back inside the ring. That was, perhaps, asking too much, though she did manage to slightly lift the Star Of The Night before she grabbed onto the top rope and blocked the attempt. Luna jumped off the apron causing Faith’s head to snap on the rope. The champion started coughing as she walked back to the centre of the ring, holding her throat and neck. Luna climbed back on the apron and springboarded herself inside the ring, connecting a bulldog on the Cloud Gate champion. After Faith kicked out, Luna picked her up and connected a couple of knee strikes, following with an overdrive neckbreaker. The Upgrade, that was the name of the move, wasn’t a real upgrade when it came to success rate. Faith kicked out once again before the three, frustrating another attempt. Go big or go home, the old saying must have gone through Luna’s mind as she ascended to the top rope, looking to end things in style with her Stardom. She jumped and twisted in mid air, but the sparkle splash found nobody home as Faith rolled to the side. Luna arched her back upon impact, groaning in pain. Savell didn’t hesitate and pulled her up, straight into that beautiful northern lights suplex that gave her so many wins in the past. And tonight was no different. Chalk up another title defense for the Cloud Gate champion. WINNER: Faith Savell (STILL CLOUD GATE CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Bridging Northern Lights Suplex), 12:18 |
We cut to the backstage area of the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Two chairs are set up. Sitting in one is none other than MWE journalist Paisley Dawn. Sitting in the other is “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. The beautiful blonde is wearing a royal purple tight form fitting dress, a black dress jacket, and patent leather high heel pumps. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders.
Paisley Dawn
Ladies and gentlemen, I am Paisley Dawn and I am being joined at this time by the number one contender to the MWE World Championship, a woman who will challenge for that very title tomorrow night in the main event of On The Rise, she is “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock. Thank you for joining me, Glory.
Braddock nods her head.
Glory Braddock
My pleasure, mate.
Paisley Dawn
You are not unfamiliar with the spotlight. Already in MWE you have been the Riot Champion. And in your thirteen year career you have held a recognized World Championship on fifteen separate occasions. You have already had one opportunity at the MWE World Championship back in May of this year in the Cage Scramble. What makes this opportunity different?
Glory Braddock
Well first and most obvious, I hold the cards. Now I am not going to go around making excuses about what happened back at Hic Sunt Leones. I lost, plain and simple. But you said it yourself, it was a Cage Scramble. I wasn’t just facing Seth Iser, I was facing Keelan Jayce, Megan Monroe, and Melissa Reeves. It was pure and simple chaos. Yet still I came so close to winning.
She sighs and shakes her head.
Glory Braddock
But close means nothing. You need to get the job done and I didn’t get the job done that night. This time I’m not facing multiple opponents, it’s just me and the champion. It’s just me and Duke Andrews. And on top of that, I got to choose the match I wanted. Now no offense to fans of the hardcore environment…and a cage match would fall under that category…but as a wrestling traditionalist, as someone who believes in the purity of the sport, I want the absolute best to walk away as the champion. And I dare you to find a better proving ground than an Iron Man Match to see who the best in the world really is. Duke happens to think that he is the best. And as long as he has that MWE World Championship, then he is the best. But I am convinced that I am the best. And at the end of the sixty minute period, I believe that I will be crowned the new MWE World Champion, and the undisputed BEST in this company. And there is another way that makes this different, Paisley. Quite simply put, no funny business, no tricks, and no excuses.
Paisley Dawn
Yes, I wanted to ask you about that…you were quite specific with certain stipulations. Care to go over them again?
Glory Braddock
Certainly. First of all, in the event of a tie at the end of the sixty minute period, there will be a sudden death overtime period in which we go one fall to a finish, and whoever wins the next fall, regardless of how that fall happens, within the sudden death period is the champion. Also everyone is barred from interfering in every conceivable way. I don’t want anyone who has a beef with Duke screwing him over, I don’t want him to have any excuses when I take that championship away from him tomorrow night. On the same token, if by chance I’m wrong and he beats me, I don’t want there to be any doubts. The winner of tomorrow night’s main event is the best. No questions asked. That’s why I wanted those extra provisions, Paisley.
Paisley Dawn
You mentioned how North Carolina was special to you. Care to explain?
Braddock nods her head.
Glory Braddock
Professional wrestling has given so much to my family. It helped make my dad a legend over in Europe. Thanks to professional wrestling I would go on to make a name for myself all over the world. I would eventually take on my late father’s wrestling school to help train the next generation of wrestlers. And it was here in North Carolina, this state and these great people, who gave me the opportunity to be an executive, to run a wrestling promotion. I have done it all in this business; a fifteen time world champion as an active competitor, I have been a trainer in Europe, and I have been a promoter. Now I am back in North Carolina, a state that gave me an opportunity to expand my reach, and it is here where I hope to win my sixteenth World Championship. And all of this…the titles, the training, promoting, all of it…it isn’t to fill my ego. God knows I don’t need my ego stroked. Everything I have ever done, bad or good, has been with the best of intentions, all for the greater good and greater benefit of professional wrestling. And more than ever I want the opportunity to represent this great sport that has given so much to me, and this company that has given me a chance, as its World Champion.
She holds up one finger.
Glory Braddock
Just one more run…one more chance to represent wrestling, its fans, and each and every competitor in the locker room, as the World Champion. That’s what I want and I want it not for ego, for my own glory, but because I am passionate about this business. I love this business. I would die for this business. And I am prepared to go through sixty plus minutes of hell for this business in the hopes of becoming MWE World Champion for the first time.
Paisley Dawn
Is there anything you would like to say to Duke right now?
The British Bombshell smirks knowingly.
Glory Braddock
Oh there’s plenty I have to say, but I will save some of that for tomorrow night. Besides, the time for talking is running out. But I will say one little thing to Duke.
She turns and faces the camera.
Glory Braddock
I hope you are paying attention to me now, Duke. I hope you are taking me seriously now. Because if you still have that same smug attitude towards me, as if I don’t have a chance, then I am going to smoke your ass tomorrow night. I already beat you twice, mate. Third time is the charm and if I beat you for a third time I will be the new MWE World Champion. But surely you are smarter than that. Surely you will know better than to underestimate me. You will be prepared. Unfortunately, I am prepared as well. I am prepared to give every damn bit of my blood and my very soul tomorrow night in order to leave as the champion. And as God as my witness, when On The Rise is over, the last thing you hear will be….and the winner of the match, AND NEW MWE World Champion…Glory Braddock.
She shuts her eyes.
Glory Braddock
Sic Semper Tyrannis…
Riot Championship
Singles Match
Pierce Manning © VS Billy DanielsonSingles Match
A lot of testosterone in this match. The Riot championship was on the line and, with it, pride. Pierce Manning didn’t appreciate the way Billy waltzed his way to the top of the orange brand, and most importantly the way management seemed to have presented the Mainstream Legacy Champion ever since signing him. Danielson knew it, he knew he was in the champion’s head and was determined to use that to his advantage. As the referee raised the title in the air, Billy pointed it and then at the fans filling the Coliseum, claiming that they WANTED to see him walk out with the title. Manning went off and swung a punch aiming right between Billy’s eyes. The Franchise barely managed to tilt his head and dodge it, but he quickly threw an uppercut to The Man’s chin. Manning staggered backwards, falling into the corner. Billy charged him with a running clothesline, continuing to put the defending champion on the ropes. Billy climbed up onto the second rope and raised his fist high, the crowd quickly chanting along with each blow he landed. Danielson went for one final blow, the tenth, but Pierce suddenly snapped back to life. He grabbed Danielson and slammed him to the mat with a devastating powerbomb, dropping a fist to his face rather than attempting an early pin. More punches followed while Danielson was on the ground, and the champion received a warning from the official for using some forbidden closed fists in his flurry. Eventually Manning stopped and looked at the downed opponent, adding one more stomps to his chest before strutting around the ring with his arms open wide, yelling at the fans “Who’s the man?”. Danielson popped up to his feet and caught the distracted champion with a belly to back. In a surprising display of agility, Pierce landed on his feet and tried to level the challenger with a clothesline as soon as he turned around. Billy ducked the move and quickly kicked Manning in the stomach, doubling him over. A heavy forearm to the back flattened the Riot champion, Danielson rolled him on his back and hooked the leg for a cover, only getting a count of two. To nobody’s surprise, the match quickly turned into a slug-fest. The fans didn’t see much wrestling, but they seem to appreciate the two men beating the shit out of each other just as much. Punches kept flying back and forth, none of them was holding back or slowing down. Just as Billy was getting the advantage, Pierce sneaked in a knee to the stomach, wrapping his arms around Billy’s head in a side headlock from the champion. Takedown and Manning kept Danielson grounded, pressing down as he used his weight advantage. Billy tried to get back up, but the champi was having none of it. He let go, only to blast him in the back of the head with an elbow smash. The shot left him stunned for a moment, allowing Pierce to take a few steps back and hit him with an absolutely relentless clothesline to the back of the head. The Franchise held his neck, feeling the whiplash of that impressive blow. Seeing that put a wicked grin on the Riot champion’s face, knowing that he got his opponent in a bad spot now. Billy tried to fight back, but Pierce looked in full control now, blocking the opponent’s strikes and dropping him to the mat with a hangman neckbreaker. Another cover attempt made by the champion, but The Franchise still had some left in his tank. After the kick out, Billy blocked a suplex attempt, shoving the champion back and smacking him with the Chicago Blackout, Danielson’s most characteristic move. The knee sent the champion stumbling back against the ropes, but he didn’t stay there for long as a huge clothesline sent him outside the ring. Billy took a moment to rest and soak in the cheers from the crowd before rolling under the ropes and following Manning on the outside. After a scuffle on the outside, prolonged by either of them alternatively sliding inside the ring to interrupt the count out, and a few more Chicago Blackouts, the fight was taken back in the ring, and Billy was in control. The challenger kept hitting the champion with hard strikes and backbreakers, scoring a couple of near falls. And most importantly, he frustrated the attempt at a comeback Pierce made. Just when the champion was turning the tides, Danielson hit him with the Thinning The Herd out of nowhere and took back control. Billy attempted the ninth? tenth? Seriously, who’s counting them? Chicago Blackout, but Pierce dodged this one and Danielson knocked the poor referee out. Manning wasn’t going to pass on this chance, immediately hitting the challenger with a low blow. Billy dropped on his knees as Pierce walked up to him. If he went low, Danielson was not to be outdone and returned the favor. He doubled up with a knee to face (yes, another one) then demanded that Aspen would call for another official. Someone came, but it wasn’t the referee. Megan Monroe, Pierce’s girlfriend and the third member of The Triumvirate, entered the ring from the crowd and charged at Billy. He went for a clothesline and missed, when he turned around he couldn’t avoid her Mega Kick (single leg running dropkick to the face). She went to shake off her boyfriend, leaving the ring when Charles the referee came out of the curtain. Manning rolled his eyes as he realized who was going to call the final part of the match. But not even Charles on his worst day could do harm in this situation. Manning picked up Billy and dropped him down with his patented TBTM, for the one, two, three. WINNER: Pierce Manning (STILL RIOT CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (TBTM), 16:46 |
We cut backstage. All by itself is The Dalek. The pepperpot shaped menace is waiting with anxious anticipation upon the reigning MWE Chicago Way Champion, “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. Dalek has incurred the wrath of Kimberly, because on Millennium it accidentally earned a spot in tonight’s Blackbeard’s Revenge Match for the Chicago Way Title.
Dalek
MISTRESS! WHERE ARE YOU?! MISTRESS!
Williams steps into the screen. She has her Freddy Krueger knife glove on one hand and the infinity gauntlet on the other hand. She is dressed in her ring gear and has the MWE Chicago Way championship title belt wrapped around her waist.
Kimberly Williams
What do you want, Dalek?! If you want to apologize forget it. You screwed up! You got yourself into this match and now you of all people…
Dalek
I AM NOT PEOPLE I AM A DALEK!
Kimberly Williams
Fine! You of all Daleks could become the new Chicago Way Champion! Of all the people…uh, creatures to end my title reign, it shouldn’t be you! You have freaking batteries for god’s sake! I can take them out and beat you!
She raises her Infinity Gauntlet.
Kimberly Williams
I should be focusing on using this to snap half of my opponents out of existence!
Williams slashes at the air with her knife glove.
Kimberly Williams
And I should be using this to maim the rest! Instead I have the extra added task of worrying about whether or not you will screw this up and end my historic run as champion prematurely!
Dalek
I WAS NOT GOING TO APOLOGIZE!
Kimberly narrows her eyes.
Kimberly Williams
Then what is it you wanted?!
Dalek
I WANTED TO DEDICATE THIS TITLE VICTORY TO MY WIFE KENNEDY STREET!
The Woman Scorned kicks the Dalek.
Kimberly Williams
You stupid love sick tin can! She isn’t into robots! She just divorced one! I am your meal ticket, Dalek, so if you want to keep those batteries replenished then you had better make damn sure that I retain the Chicago Way Championship tonight. Bree Smith and Donovan Keane? Pffft, they don’t worry me. There’s only one person in this match who can match me in terms of pure, unadulterated violence and that is Andrew Raynes. Ol’ Embrace of Hate himself is the only thing standing in the way of me and beating the Joey Leclair record for longest Chicago Way Title reign. So you make life hell for Raynes, got it? I’ll focus on everyone else. Are we clear?
Dalek
AFFIRMATIVE!
Kimberly Williams
And you are NOT to win this match tonight. Are we clear?
Dalek
AFFIRMATIVE!
Williams nods her head.
Kimberly Williams
Great. Now avast, me matey! We have a Blackbeard’s Revenge Match to win! Set SAIL!!!!!
Chicago Way Championship
Blackbeard's Revenge Match
Blackbeard's Revenge Match
Kimberly Williams © VS Andrew Raynes VS Bree Smith VS Donovan Keane VS The Dalek
The camera moved to the announcers desk, the Millennium one where Peyton Holland and Ambra Monroe were sitting. Ambra Monroe: “It’s now time for one of the most unorthodox matches in MWE history. Scratch that, this is hands down the most unorthodox.” Peyton Holland: “It’s the second time the Chicago Way championship isn’t defended inside the Arena. At When The Sun Goes Down, the stage was the Universal Studios. Tonight, it’s a pirate ship.” Ambra Monroe: “You heard right, for the Blackbeard’s Revenge match we move to Lake Brandt. As some of you may know, the ghost of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, the late Edward Teach is rumored to haunt Ocracoke Island here in North Carolina.” Peyton Holland: “And someone thought having a hardcore match on a pirate ship in the middle of a lake in North Carolina in november and making it so the only way to eliminate the opponents is to throw them overboard was a good idea.” Ambra Monroe: “You forgot to say that the Dalek is in it.” Peyton Holland: “Can it even swim? Ambra Monroe: “I guess we’ll find out tonight. Unless somehow he manages to be the last man… thing.. standing and walks… whatever he does to move out with the title.” Cut to the ship, perfect in every detail including the Jolly Roger waving in the cold Greensboro night. All around the boat were several dive teams ready to pick up whoever got tossed into the water. Medical personnel was there as well, both on boats and ashore. On the boat the four wrestlers and the Dalek were ready to fight. All around them on deck were all kinds of pirate props. Cutlasses (hopefully fake), hooks (idem), booty chests, guns, cannons and all that jazz. The Chicago Way champion was even dressed as a pirate, and she had put a tricorn on her Dalek. The referee reminded the rules and the carnage commenced. Kimberly whispered something to the Dalek and Donovan quickly pointed it out as an unfair advantage for the champion. Then again there were no rules in this match, and alliances were quite common in multi-person matches though, in fairness, those usually didn’t last long. The Dalek began to roll up and down the deck, circling around the competitors. Kimberly charged at full speed and delivered an early Shadowblade knee strike to Keane, knocking him down. Bree and Andrew started trading punches, the former tag team champion proved that she could go toe to toe with the Canadian brawler, winning this first exchange with a stiff punch to the jaw. Raynes stumbled back, holding his jaw and glaring at Bree. Letting out a loud roar, he charged at her and blasted her with the Code Of The Sith (running single leg high knee), sending Smith flying onto a small mound of sand and shells allegedly from some caraibic beach. In the meantime Kimberly was dragging Donovan to the side of the ship to throw him overboard. Keane started kicking her away, bringing both knees to the chest and pushing with all his strength. The impact almost sent the champion into the water, as Kim landed a couple of feet from the edge. Donnie was determined to take her out right away but Williams had one last line of defense. Her trusted Dalek came charging at full speed and bumped into Donnie, tossing him on the floor. Peyton Holland: “It looks like the Dalek is set to defend Kimberly.” Ambra Monroe: “That certainly gives a whole new meaning to the words champion’s advantage Peyton Holland: “Yeah, having a robotic bodyguard into the match can definitely come in handy for Williams.” Raynes picked up a chain from the floor and wrapped it around his fist, going to rearrange Bree’s facial features. He was on top of her, raising his fist in the air ready to drive it down on her face but Smith grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in his eyes, momentarily blinding him. He stood up and stumbled back, Bree grabbed one end of the chain dangling from his arm and yanked, pulling Raynes into a devastating lariat. “EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!" Came the voice of the Dalek who was now chasing Donovan. Keane was still wiping the ghost chili juice from his eyes, struggling to keep them open as he literally ran for his life, chased by the overgrown tin can. Williams laughed at the scene, the history between her and Donnie was well documented and pretty heated, tracing back to the days where she teamed up with Saki. Seeing her most precious toy scaring the hell out of him was certainly fun, but not quite like a duel on the main deck. She picked up one of the swords from the floor and called Bree, pointing at another cutlass that was laying next to Smith. Confused at first, the former tag champion eventually picked it up and accepted the challenge. The two started walking in circles, Williams was the first to hit, plunging the sword toward Bree. Smith raised her sword to parry the blow, the sound they made when they clashed left no doubt. Those were authentic swords though, obviously, the blade was dull to avoid serious injuries. The impromptu duel gave Raynes time to regain his sight. The first thing he saw was Donnie running from the Dalek and seeking refuge up the main mast. While the Dalek was unable to climb, he still was giving Donnie no break, standing close to the mast, stalking the young man. Raynes saw the opportunity and grabbed once again the chain, using it to tie the Dalek to the mast, nullifying the threat. Ambra Monroe: “Absolutely brilliant move from Raynes!” Peyton Holland: “I agree, he just took the Dalek out of the equation. Sure, they’ll have to eliminate him at some point, but that’s a bridge they’ll cross when the time comes. For now, the feisty creature is no longer a threat.” Raynes saw the two women busy in their sword fight. Kimberly was completely immersed in the role, even talking like a pirate now. He decided to put an end to it in a fitting way, with a flintlock gun. Now, he surely knew they were loaded with plastic bullets but you can bet that when he pointed at Kimberly it sent a shiver down the fans’ spine. He fired the pistol, the bullet hitting the Chicago Way champion on the chest. A perfect shot to the heart that caused Kim to immediately drop the sword and fall to her knees. Unfortunately for him, the gun only had one shot, and he needed to be more creative with Bree who, unlike the Woman Scorned, was still armed and dangerous. Throwing the pistol at her sounded like a good idea. It soared through the air and landed right between Bree’s eyes, knocking the woman down. The three of them started fighting, thankfully now with weapons but just using their fists this time. Smith and Williams joined forces briefly against the Embracer Of Hate, pushing him back. A loud roar breaks the monotony of the battle sounds. The three of them raised their eyes to where the sound was coming from, seeing Donovan Keane on the Crow’s Nest. Peyton Holland: “No way…” Ambra Monroe: “That’s like 20 feet in the air… He can’t be thinking…” He was, and he did. Donnie jumped off the small structure on the main mast from where the pirates scouted the horizon with a crossbody, taking down all three opponents with it. They were all laying on the main deck, licking their wounds after the incredible spot. If this was done in front of a crowd, they’d be chanting “HOLY SHIT” by now, and you can bet they actually did as they watched it on the giant screen inside the Arena, though the competitors couldn’t hear them. The referee went to check on each of them, the only thing he could do since there was no count out in this match. Finally someone began to move, and it was Donnie, the man who pulled that crazy stunt. He picked up Bree who, among all the opponents, seemed to be the one who got the worst of it. He started to drag her toward the plank, looking to score the first elimination. Bree began to fight with punches, forearms and even headbutts. Donnie fired back, the two trading blows close to the edge. Bree’s strength allowed the blonde to get the upper hand, forcing Donovan to back down on the small plank of wood protruding from the ship. Bree seized the opportunity and grabbed him by the shoulders, looking to push him into the water. Donnie took a huge risk and fell back, raising his foot and putting it on Bree’s tight, using his own momentum to flip her over and throwing her into the water with a splash. Ambra Monroe: “There it is, the first elimination of the night!” Peyton Holland: “She was by far the less experienced in hardcore matches, but she still did good.” Sighing in relief, Donnie picked himself up. That was a close call! Holding his ribs, still sore from that insane diving crossbody, he jumped right back into the heat of the battle. Raynes had just got the best of Williams with another Code Of The Sith, and the same move, performed by Keane behind his back, dropped him on top of the defending champion. The fight moved to the forecastle deck, which caused the rescuers’ boat to move in front of the pirate ship, ready to intervene in case someone was thrown overboard in that zone. Good call as the Embracer Of Hate, after breaking a wooden stool on Donnie’s back, grabbed the Nightfall student and yeeted him into the water. Ambra Monroe: “What in the world?” Peyton Holland: “How did he manage to do that?” It was probably a mix of luck, cat-like reflexes, strength and partially a mistake from Raynes, but Keane was now hanging from the bowsprit, technically still in the match. Andrew couldn’t believe it, looking for something to throw at the young man to make him lose his grasp and fall into the water. But it had to wait as Kim was coming back for him. The two traded punches, giving Donnie time to pick himself up and wrap his legs and arms around the bowsprit, like a koala on a tree. Slowly he began to crawl back onto the boat while Kim planted Raynes on his head with a ddt. There was a table nearby, an old-looking map and a compass on it just for scenic effect. Williams cleaned it up and threw everything on the ground, placing Raynes on top of it. She then climbed on the railing and jumped onto him with her Chaos Theory (630 senton). The table broke in half, and the same probably happened to Andrew’s back. Keane was finally back on board, charging at Williams and eating a Morrigan’s Wrath superkick. There was one of those booty chest right next to her and Kimberly eyed it for a moment. She then headed for another chest, down on the main deck. The reason? That was where her toys were stashed. She grinned as she pulled out Betty Hunt from it, wearing the Freddy Krueger glove. In a moment of madness, she grabbed a hook hand from the pile of props and wore it on her left hand in an improbable mash-up between Nightmare On Elm Street and Peter Pan. She yelled something at the Dalek, and that was the first time anyone noticed some sparkles coming from the creature. Was it trying to cut the chain with a pocket sized acetylene torch? Yes, it was. Peyton Holland: “What the hell is Kimberly doing?” Ambra Monroe: “I don’t know but you can always count on her to turn the danger up to 11.” Peyton Holland: “I still don’t know how Betty White is not banned..” Ambra Monroe: “In fairness, she hasn’t hurt anybody with it yet. Though I have a feeling Donovan might be the first one.” “What the fuck?” Donnie blurted out as Kim approached him, swinging lefts and rights. Neither being gutted by Freddy Krueger nor getting stabbed by Captain James Hook looked like a viable option. Keane was doing his best to stay away from those weaponized hands. By doing so, he got dangerously close to the edge of the ship. Now he had nowhere to go, and Kimberly was almost close enough to seriously hurt him. He looked behind him, then at the maniac in front of him. “Fuck this man, I’m out!” He yelled and moonsaulted into the water. Ambra Monroe: “Goodbye Donovan!” Peyton Holland: “Can you blame him?” Ambra Monroe: “No, I would’ve done the same thing.” As Keane took himself out, it was now down to three. Raynes, Kim and the Dalek who almost broke free from the chains. The Embracer Of Hate sneaked up behind Kim while she was still laughing at Donnie looking to eliminate her but The Wildcard caught him with an elbow to the face. She turned around and lunged in with Betty White but Raynes stepped aside and dodged the blow, blocking her arm and removing the glove. She still had the hook tho and used that to punch the canadian. Turns out, the hook hand was one of the very few fake props on the boat. Relieved and most importantly not hurting, Raynes threw the champion on the main deck with a belly to belly suplex. Williams landed hard on the wood floor, arching her back in pain. Wasting no time, the Embracer Of Hate jumped down with a big time elbow drop. Then a well familiar noise caught his attention. “EXTERMINATE!” Ambra Monroe: “Oh no, the Dalek broke free!” Peyton Holland: “This is basically a two on one match now, Raynes has to think of something, real fast…” Right next to him was a cannon, one with wheels. Raynes grabbed it and charged at the Dalek, using it as a battering ram to push the dome-head overboard. Turns out -who would’ve guessed?- Daleks can’t swim. Or float for all that matters. It sank down into the blue waters, the salvage crew immediately beginning the operations to bring it back up. Ambra Monroe: “There goes the Dalek!” Peyton Holland: “It just hit me… Do you think it will still function after this?” Ambra Monroe: “... I honestly have no idea.” Kimberly was fuming, and clearly concerned. She charged at Raynes, pinning him to the deck with a Thesz Press and dropping furious punches to his face in order to avenge her Dalek. This sudden burst of energy took Andrew off guard, and it took him a while before he could react and flip the opponent over to the center of the ship. Raynes had a close encounter with the mast when The Woman Scorned drove his head against it. And again. And again for a total of five times. Raynes was out, all Kim had to do now was to drag him to the side of the ship and throw him in the water to retain. But Andrew still had some energy to fight back, punching her in the stomach and following with the X To The E (spinning elbow). Both competitors looked exhausted, barely able to continue. Kim was dangerously close to the water but Raynes didn’t look like he could go for the killing blow. He picked up a plastic cannonball from the floor and pushed inside the barrel. He fired the prop cannon, the ball flying toward Kimberly and hitting her in the stomach, pushing her overboard and into Lake Brandt. WINNER: Andrew Raynes (NEW CHICAGO WAY CHAMPION) BY: Last Man Standing, 20:24 |
The fans were loud tonight, and how could they not? It's been a great night of wrestling so far. Statements have been made, we witnessed surprised returns and upsets that shocked the MWE fans to the core. The last match surely was having the fans talking and perhaps left a bitter taste in their mouths for not being able to witness it in person. But there was one more match on the card, the main event of night one.
Some may call it a grudge match, but there was a lot more than grudge in that. It was a tale of friendship and misplaced trust, of love turned into hate, of guidance and indipendence, of crushed dreams and broken bones.
Yulia Kirilenko was in her locker room, watching on the screen as the cage was being set up, alone with her thoughts. This was the first match of her career, the biggest one and the last, all at once. When she signed the contract, two weeks ago, she demanded that the Junior Heavyweight champion wouldn't be on the line. She wasn't chasing gold, she had no intention of coming back to defend the strap against the talented stars in MWE. This wasn't her place, she never thought she'd be lacing up her boots and compete for the company she helped shaping.
But something had to be done.
They were chanting her name. "Yulia! Yulia! Yulia!" They wanted her to go out there and stop the nightmare called Echo, the dominant, ruthless Junior Heavyweight champion on an unstoppable path of destruction since winning the title. They wanted... No they needed a hero, they needed her to wear the cape, wield the word and slay the beast.
Then why was she feeling like she was the villain of the story?
She will never forget the day her long-time friend Gianluigi Vaccaro called her saying that MWE was considering adding a second show to their weekly programing and she should've brought up her ideas to Grace van Beek. That day Riot came to life to offer something different to the wrestling fans. A place where honor and respect mattered, a place where people came to FIGHT, leaving the drama, the politics, the backstabbing on the sister brand. The Invictus division being the culmination of her vision, innovation and tradition coming together in a niche where wrestling and MMA merged into something unique and appealing to the fans.
And it worked for a while. And it was beautiful.
She will never forget the day she signed Echo either. A young girl from Australia, someone whose passion for this business was only second to her talent. Raw, sure, but it was there and someone like Yulia couldn't help but see it. Her attitude issues emerged from the day she walked through the MWE doors. One night, after a rough confrontation on live television, Echo showed up at her place. She assaulted her General Manager in her house.
She was strong, fast, and she hit like a truck. But Yulia fought back, using her knowledge in martial arts to ground and block her. And perhaps that night, she earned an ounce of respect from the Australian.
And she lost it when she quit her job a few weeks later. Echo never forgave her for that, she held it against her even when she started training at the Chicago Fight Lab. Even when their mentor/student relationship evolved into something else. Love.
"Yules? Are you there?"
The voice of Gianluigi Vaccaro brought her back to reality. She shook her head and looked up at the Italian, nodding her head vigurously.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Yes... Sorry Gian, I spaced out a moment.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I've never seen you this nervous before. Are you sure you want to do this?
He asked her with a tone of concern. Her answer came right away, she didn't even have to think about it.
Yulia Kirilenko:
No, I'm not. But I have no choice. Truth is, I never had one.
Gian closed distance with her and rested his hand on her shoulder. She sighed and tilted her head, leaning against his hand.
Yulia Kirilenko:
She's right, Gian. This, all this... It's all on me. The assaults on the interviewers, the kick on Amy's face... Razzles and then Tiana, and her friend Trinity... Damian... All those people got hurt because of me. Because I tried to turn Juliet into something she's not, because I saw something in her that clearly isn't there.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Stop.
He blurted out, looking into the Russian's eyes.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
If you saw something there, I'd bet everything I have that it actually is right where you saw it. You always had a sixth sense to find the good in people, and a talent to bring it out. Just because Echo is refusing to see it, just because she's pissed with the world and decided she won't listen to someone who clearly knows her better than she does... That doesn't mean you're wrong.
After a short pause, he continued.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
And it surely doesn't mean she's right.
His words though didn't seem to find fertile ground in Yulia's soul, strangled by doubts and guilt.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I shouldn't have forced my personal views on her. I shouldn't have tried to shape her into something she's not...
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But you didn't.
He cut her off.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You showed her a way, you gave her a direction and she followed you. I don't know if she did it because she believed in what you taught her or because she loved you. I don't think that even matters, to be honest. She made her decision and she probably enjoyed it until she lately came to repudiate it, blaming you for God only knows what reason.
Yulia seemed slightly relieved by his words, though something was still bothering her.
Yulia Kirilenko:
All those people injured... I could have avoided it if only...
Once again Gian interrupted that dangerous train of thoughts. He was aware of the baggage of emotions Yulia was carrying into this match. A weight under which she would eventually crumble. This, after all, was not a normal fight for her.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You didn't have to do this. You didn't need this match. You could have ignored her once again but you didn't. Honestly, between me and you? I wish you didn't accept this match. I get why you did it, you're stepping in that ring for Tiana, for Trinity, for every guy and girl in the back who are rightfully scared to face someone who doesn't care about others. You're doing this for Juliet, not for Echo. For that girl you took under your wing and into your house, for the talented young woman you saw when everyone else was seeing a problem.
You're stepping in the cage because, deep down, you think you can get Juliet to see again what you once showed her, to believe in what you believe.
Yulia didn't answer, she simply looked up into Gian's eyes.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I admire you for that and I support your decision. Just be careful in that cage, ok? Sometimes, when we look through the glasses of emotion, we see things that are not really there.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I'll keep my eyes wide open, then.
Yulia, smiling for the first time, stood up. Then, in a perfect Italian without any accent, the Russian added.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Grazie di tutto, Gian.
The principal of the Academy smiled and briefly hugged the former Riot General Manager.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
удачи, Yulia.
As Yulia pulled back from the hug, the scene faded.
MMA Cage Match
Knockout Or Submission Only
Echo VS Yulia KirilenkoKnockout Or Submission Only
As the show came back inside the Greensboro Coliseum, the ring was gone, replaced by the characteristic Octagon Cage. That was one of the reasons why this match was the main event of night one, the practical one. The other was the once-in-a-lifetime vibe this match was sending off, and the implications the match itself had, promptly highlighted by the commentary team. Peyton Holland: “This match will be something you don’t see everyday. While the match will be contested inside a MMA cage, the rules are actually a mix of both disciples.” Amy Maynard: “Imagine an Invictus rules match but without the rounds or the chance to end by judges decision. The only way to win is to either knock out or submit the opponent.” Ambra Monroe: “The name Yulia Kirilenko may not say much to the wrestling fans, other than being the former GM of Riot and trainer of some MWE stars, but back in Russia she was considered one of the greatest experts in Systema and Sambo, two dangerous martial arts.” Sir Figgles: “Yeah that sounds rad... But when did she have her last competitive match? During the Cold War.” Peyton Holland: “I don’t think that matters as much as you think it does, Figgles. She’s in great shape, don’t forget she’s been training the likes of Nina, Tiana and before them Echo at the Chicago Fight Lab.” Amy Maynard: “That’s definitely going to be a factor in this match. Even though Echo has almost completely dropped the Fight Lab Style, she still trained under Yulia for a year, and that, in my opinion, is a huge advantage for the Russian.” Ambra Monroe: “Formerly mentor and student, former lovers… A lot of personal history has poured into this match. For months Yulia turned down the challenge, for months Echo has left broken bodies in her wake, including the latest protegé of her former mentor and her boyfriend Damian Carter. The psychological aspect is something that shouldn’t be ignored either.” A lot to process and elaborate, but all talks were out of the window when the bell rang. Echo tried to get inside Yulia’s head with some trash talk but the Russian wasn’t letting that affect her. She was focused solely on Echo, reading every step she took, paying attention to the slightest movement of her body, ready to react. But for now the Australian limited herself to moving around her former trainer and talk, a lot. Despite the confidence flaunted since the match was announced two weeks ago, Echo was well aware of how dangerous Yulia could be, how quickly she could capitalize on a minor mistake and trap her in one of those excruciating submissions, or connect one of the swift and stiff strikes. Finally something Echo said caught Yulia’s attention as the Russian suddenly froze and looked at her former student. Or maybe she just pretended it did to bait the impulsive Aussie into striking. As soon as Echo lunged in with the punch, Kirilenko stepped to the side and grabbed her wrist with the left hand, putting the right one on her shoulder as she pulled the arm down, destabilizing the Junior Heavyweight champion’s balance. Rotating her hips, Yulia then swept the leg with a powerful kick, taking Echo down but still keeping hold of her arm to keep control of her body. She pushed her knee to Echo’s sternum and delivered a stiff forearm to the nose. Peyton Holland: “This is why Yulia is not one to mess with. Did you see how quickly she took Echo down?” Amy Maynard: “And she’s not going easy on her either. Look at Echo, one shot and she’s already bleeding.” The sight of blood pouring down Echo’s nostrils excited the fans, completely behind the Russian. Yulia stepped back allowing the referee to check on Echo but the blonde didn’t want any medical attention, shoving the ref away and charging at her former trainer. This actually played in Yulia’s hand, those ferocious attacks, driven by blind rage, were powerful but imprecise and easy to dodge for the quick former General Manager. Once again she grabbed control of the wrist after blocking a punch. Leaning back slightly and driving the knee up she then delivered a thunderous side kick to Echo’s floating ribs, a move often performed by Nina as well. Executed to perfection by the Sambo master, the kick looked, and judging by Echo’s reaction felt too, ten times stronger than Nina’s version. Ambra Monroe: “I’m surprised it didn’t crack her ribs..” Sir Figgles: “It wasn’t that hard…” Ambra Monroe: “Are you sure?” Sir Figgles: “No, that had to hurt like hell.” Echo remained on her knee for a few long seconds, folded in two as she held onto the ribs. Yulia didn’t attack her while she was down, but provoked her to get up and attack her again. Which she did, letting once again her emotions get the best of her and falling right into the Russian’s trap. A flying armbar, the same move Tiana used in that infamous Riot match and injured JJ Night with. The fans went ballistic, if the match ended then and there, it would be a huge lesson in humility for the Australian, and they had been waiting for someone to put her in her place for a long time. “TAP! TAP!” they screamed but Echo had no intentions to give up. Yulia Kirilenko: “You know how to escape this, what are you doing?” The Russian screamed at her opponent while bending her arm in an unnatural way. More mind games or was she trying to trigger those memories of her time at the Lab, hoping they would be a step to bring back that version of Echo, the Invictus champion everybody respected? Hard to tell but it was clear that the Aussie wasn’t going there. She never tried to wrestle her way out of the submission, constantly moving to bring herself closer to the cage. Using the wall as leverage, she rotated her position so that now she was no longer on her back. Then she pushed herself up to her feet with Yulia still clinging onto her arm. Clenching her teeth and pushing through the pain, Echo tossed her former trainer against the cage, Yulia’s head bouncing hard against the steel. The right arm was in pain but Echo still had the left one to bash Yulia’s head with a flurry of punches. A brutal assault that left Kirilenko stunned and with a swollen eye. Amy Maynard: “Now that’s something that’s going to affect the continuation of this match.” Ambra Monroe: “Big point scored by Echo there. Her attacks may not have been as technically good to see as Yulia’s, but definitely very effective.” Even with her sight hindered, Yulia seemed to be constantly one step ahead of the opponent. Most of Echo’s attacks hit nothing but thin air while Yulia’s counter strikes hit the targets with disarming accuracy. After ducking a punch aimed right between her eyes, Yulia turned her back against Echo’s body and blocked her arm with one hand, bringing it onto her stomach. With the other arm she reached behind Echo’s back and bent forward, flipping the Australian over with the characteristic Sambo hip throw. Wasting no time Kirilenko applied another submission, but the Jr Heavyweight champion was quick to escape. Finally Echo seemed to have realized that this kind of strategy wasn’t going to work. She had to slow down and time her strikes better, thinking outside the box to surprise her former trainer who knew her like the palm of her hand. One way was to drive her heel onto Yulia’s foot, catching the Russian off guard for the first time since the match started. Finally getting an opening, Echo grabbed Yulia by the shoulders and spun around, tossing her head first into the cage with all her force. Hard to tell if it was that first impact or one of the following times when she drove Kirilenko’s head against the cage but at the end of the sequence, Yulia’s face was covered in blood. And certainly grinding her forehead against the structure didn’t do her any good. The boos rained down now that Echo was in control and the Australian? She wallowed in those. Peyton Holland: “Echo’s viciousness is almost disturbing. That’s a woman she used to love, and now not only is she beating her up to a pulp, but enjoying every moment of it.” The beatdown Yulia was going through was hard to watch. Punches and kicks to the bloodied face as well as vicious stomps to the body and limbs, as if she was wanting to crush every single bone in her body. Kirilenko was almost out, making some fans wonder if the referee should stop the match. The rules were clear though, knockout or submission only to win. And despite being on her last legs, Yulia was not out yet, and Echo wasn’t even trying to submit her. A win by KO was more her cup of tea anyway. The Junior Heavyweight champion dragged the opponent across the Octagon, clearly taking pride in what she was doing. She finally reached her destination, a corner of the cage right in front of Damian and his two daughters. She dragged Yulia up and slammed her face against the steel for them to see. The younger of the two kids immediately started to cry at the sight of the face of the woman they welcomed in their family, almost disfigured, swollen and covered in blood. Carter jumped on his feet and he probably would have hopped the barricade and inside the cage if Yulia didn’t, somehow, find the strength to react. That elbow connected right under Echo’s sternum with surgical precision, doubling the Australian over and causing her to lose the grip. Kirilenko immediately applied a standing guillotine choke, but Echo escaped it by pushing her against the wall. Yulia quickly wrapped her arm around her neck one more time but rather than trying to choke her, she fell back driving her skull into the cage repeatedly. Amy Maynard: “How are they still fighting?” Peyton Holland: “Pride can be one hell of a drive.” Ambra Monroe: “It’s not just that, this goes much deeper. For Yulia it’s all about stopping Echo and preventing her from injuring anyone else. She feels it’s her duty, she created this monster and she’s the one who has to stop her. As for Echo? This is about moving on once and for all from a past she abjured and, once again, assert dominance.” Echo was a bloody mess as well now, the impacts against the cage opened a deep cut on top of her skull, painting her short blond hair a dark shade of red. The tides had definitely turned now, Echo was the one in difficulty while Yulia, digging deep in her tank, had found the energy for one last assault. No more playing hide and seek, no more waiting for the opportunity to strike, no more counter-attacks. Yulia was now going all in, that last affront, the tears of the young daughter of her lover was the straw that broke the camel’s back. This was no longer one last, desperate attempt to bring the old Echo back. Her goal now was to stop this new version, by all means. Those kicks, the punches, the knee and elbow strikes aimed to hurt, and hurt badly. Ribs and face were the main targets, and they barely missed. Echo’s defense was null, the Australian was barely able to stand let alone try to block those stiff strikes that kept coming in rapid succession. And there it was, the punch that knocked Echo out this past summer connected. The fatigue surely was a factor, and the outcome wasn’t the same as it was at “When The Sun Goes Down”. Not enough to knock Echo out and end the match but still strong enough to put her down on her knees. She looked out, covered in blood and barely responsive, those eyes staring up at Yulia, one strike away from Dreamland. Yulia took a step back, measuring the distance ready to end this once and for all with one last kick to the face. You could hear a pin drop inside the Greensboro Coliseum, twenty thousand people holding their breath in this highly emotional moment. Yulia hesitated, taking a moment before charging her leg and delivering that final kick. And that was the end for her. In a moment of clarity Echo had barely the time to realize what was about to happen and dropped down on the mat, causing Yulia’s kick to miss. She grabbed her leg and tripped her over, placing her left leg around Yulia’s and grabbing the ankle with both hands. She then rolled on her back, creating a pinch point to put pressure on her tibia with the calf crush, ironically one of the moves the former Riot GM taught her and the one that earned her the Invictus championship against Dean Smith. Yulia tried to escape, but her former student applied this submission to perfection, leaving her no choice but to tap. WINNER: Echo BY: Submission (Calf Crush), 17:13 |
The commentary team was still going through the match they just called. Brutal, emotional, intense. Those were some of the adjectives thrown around more frequently, and those who described the match best. And while Peyton, Ambra and Ami were pointing out how one slight hesitation, probably due to the history between them, cost Yulia a match she dominated for long traits and how Echo, despite suffering probably the worst beatdown in her career, ruthlessly capitalized on that, Figgles brought their attention on one small detail.
Echo hadn't released the excruciating submission yet.
The referee was yelling at her, Damian had jumped the barricade and would have been inside the cage already if an overzealous security member didn't tackle him to the ground. His two daughters weren't even watching, burying their faces against Tiana who was struggling to look at what was happening inside the cage as well, an all too familiar scene for her, a fresh wound that might have healed on her body but not in her soul.
Yulia was begging that she would let go, but Echo was deaf to her plea. She kept torquing and bending that leg, uncaring about the loud boos.
And then, all went silent. Except for Yulia, crying and screaming in pain.
The camera zoomed on the injured leg for just a moment before quickly shifting elsewhere once realized how bad the injury was, and how distrubing the sight. It panned on the faces of some of the people close to the dramatic event that just unfolded. The referee, seemingly in shock and unsure about what to do for the longest moment, eventually shaking it off and crossing his arms forming an X to call for medical attention.
Damian: tormented, a mix of rage, disbelief and anguish on his face, struggling to get free from the security's hold, screaming to let him go to his loved one.
Tiana: upset, on the verge of tears less than 24 hours before a title match she had a real chance to win after forcing the champion to a draw two weeks ago, holding close to herself Damian's daughter who, you can bet, were crying their heart out only by imagining what happened to the woman they welcomed in their family and sometimes addressed as Mom. Trying to comfort them when she seemed to be inconsolable herself.
And Echo. A wicked grin on her face, looking proud of what she just did, breaking the bond with her past like she broke Yulia's leg. Sneering at the woman she once loved after ruthlessly injuring her.
The door of the cage finally opened to allow the medic personnel to enter. Echo exited and headed backstage, glancing over at Damian who was still being held by the guard. Finally she began to walk up the ramp, the Junior Heavyweight champion on her shoulder. The louder they booed her, the wider that smirk grew. With Echo gone, the security member finally let Damian go, allowing him to join the paramedics attending Yulia inside the ring. He grabbed her hand and kissed it, giving it a light squeeze. He talked to her, but the camera couldn't pick up the conversation, or what the doctor said. And on that harrowing scene, the feed cut.
Night one is over.
Echo hadn't released the excruciating submission yet.
The referee was yelling at her, Damian had jumped the barricade and would have been inside the cage already if an overzealous security member didn't tackle him to the ground. His two daughters weren't even watching, burying their faces against Tiana who was struggling to look at what was happening inside the cage as well, an all too familiar scene for her, a fresh wound that might have healed on her body but not in her soul.
Yulia was begging that she would let go, but Echo was deaf to her plea. She kept torquing and bending that leg, uncaring about the loud boos.
And then, all went silent. Except for Yulia, crying and screaming in pain.
The camera zoomed on the injured leg for just a moment before quickly shifting elsewhere once realized how bad the injury was, and how distrubing the sight. It panned on the faces of some of the people close to the dramatic event that just unfolded. The referee, seemingly in shock and unsure about what to do for the longest moment, eventually shaking it off and crossing his arms forming an X to call for medical attention.
Damian: tormented, a mix of rage, disbelief and anguish on his face, struggling to get free from the security's hold, screaming to let him go to his loved one.
Tiana: upset, on the verge of tears less than 24 hours before a title match she had a real chance to win after forcing the champion to a draw two weeks ago, holding close to herself Damian's daughter who, you can bet, were crying their heart out only by imagining what happened to the woman they welcomed in their family and sometimes addressed as Mom. Trying to comfort them when she seemed to be inconsolable herself.
And Echo. A wicked grin on her face, looking proud of what she just did, breaking the bond with her past like she broke Yulia's leg. Sneering at the woman she once loved after ruthlessly injuring her.
The door of the cage finally opened to allow the medic personnel to enter. Echo exited and headed backstage, glancing over at Damian who was still being held by the guard. Finally she began to walk up the ramp, the Junior Heavyweight champion on her shoulder. The louder they booed her, the wider that smirk grew. With Echo gone, the security member finally let Damian go, allowing him to join the paramedics attending Yulia inside the ring. He grabbed her hand and kissed it, giving it a light squeeze. He talked to her, but the camera couldn't pick up the conversation, or what the doctor said. And on that harrowing scene, the feed cut.
Night one is over.