Millennium XCV

Millennium XCV Dec 15, 2021 17:53:03 GMT -6

Post by gvb on Dec 15, 2021 17:53:03 GMT -6

Millennium XCV
Live from Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Singles Match

Nine van der Hoek VS Karib Trinidad

Nine started things off fiercely with a low dropkick to the knee and a swinging neckbreaker, looking down at her opponent with a smug expression on her face. Karib, on his first match back, was hoping for a better start. Popping up to his feet, the man had an angry reaction, swinging with a sudden right punch that caught van der Hoek right on the jaw. While the Frisian Demon was reeling, Trinidad brought her down with a spear tackle and unleashed a flurry of wild forearm strikes until he’s finally waved off by the official with a warning. He ran back in, but Nine was ready with a drop toe hold that brought him down and then twisted him up into a figure four leglock. Karib snarled in pain, but didn’t even entertain the idea of tapping out as he dragged himself to the rope. Nine held on for the full count before releasing, even giving him a stomp as she stood. Over the next few minutes, the Dutch kept working on that leg, using hard kicks and painful holds.Trinidad managed to escape every single time, whether by getting a rope break or breaking through it by pure force. But when he got up with the help of the ropes and walked to the center of the ring, you could see how much that had affected him, as he was limping on that right leg.

Despite that, Trinidad had taken control by the halfway point with something Nine wasn’t expecting out of him. A handspring elbow that stalled her momentum and left her staggered. And after that incredible display of agility, Karib gave further proof of his strength with a running clothesline that turned the Frisian Demon inside out. He legitimized his performance with a series of consecutive German suplexes, followed by his Sick Kick (spinning heel kick). Nine barely kicked out in time from that, using the ropes to get herself up. Visibly dazed, van der Hoek stumbled right into a kick to the stomach by Karib who then picked himself up to the top rope, pointing at the doubled over opponent ready to hit his Black Horizon. But as he was standing there, he spotted the same guy that had been showing up during the Bad Boyz matches holding another “Repent” sign. Nine was so quick to kick the top rope, causing him to lose balance and fall inside the ring. She wasted no time and bent his leg around the middle rope, applying an illegal submission. After letting him go at 4.99, Nine jumped and stomped on the leg after resting his foot on the bottom rope, causing Karib to scream in pain. Next, she would put him in an ankle lock, and Trinidad had no choice but to tap out.

WINNER: Nine van der Hoek
BY: Submission (Ankle Lock), 9:29

The Millennium General Manager Elsa McCarthy was heading back to her office after a chat with some of the backstage staff. She stopped a few steps away from the door, her relaxed expression swiftly changed as she heard some noise coming from inside. Scuffling, objects being moved and voices overlapping, clear signs that someone had entered while she was gone.

Despite the trauma suffered when she was assaulted one year ago, Elsa didn’t call for backup, stepping forward and resolutely swinging the door open.

Elsa McCarthy:
What the hell are you doing here? Get OUT!

Her voice like thunder echoed in the small office, causing the half-dozen of men who abusively entered the office to freeze on the spot. A few moments later and they fled the room, a couple of them passing past Elsa and leaving through the door, the others jumping out of the open windows.

Elsa McCarthy:
Unbelievable… Who even were those people?

Shaking her head, she sat back behind her desk and picked up some papers. She had just started going through them when another group of people stormed her office, dressed just like the one she just chased. Visibly upset, she stood up and yelled at them to leave before she would call security, and so they did. The scene repeated once again a few seconds later, and after chasing the third wave off, Elsa brought her hands to the side of her head, rubbing her temples.

Elsa McCarthy:
Great, here comes the migraine. And I was hoping I could work in peace on these contracts…

Luna Smith's heels are heard gradually getting louder and louder as she approaches the door. Her freshly manicured fingers clutch the door frame and she peers inside.

Luna Smith
Oh. Where's that start up company trio who were trying to 3D Print Wrestling Dolls. I'm ready for my photo shoot.

As she wore her favorite new outfit from this year's winter collection she'd imported from Milan.

Luna Smith
Are they all on break or something?

Elsa raised an eyebrow at the former Lockdown champion.

Elsa McCarthy:
Certainly not here, Luna. This is my office, not the location of some start-...

Before she could finish the sentence, two more people came in through the window. One of them had some lights he quickly placed in the corner of the room, the other one had a camera in his hands,

Photographer:
Oh, here you are Luna.. For a moment I thought we had the wrong address. Can you please take one step to the right?

Elsa was at a loss for words. Her eyes quickly shifting from the photographer, to the assistant and back to Luna who was striking poses as if the General Manager wasn’t even there.

Elsa McCarthy:
What in the world…

Luna Smith
It's my world.

Luna puts a pair of her shades on, then raises them to rest on her hair while moving to the marker looking like a mix of sweet, fierce and fun loving all mixed in one while she did a few poses.

Luna Smith
I kindly put a few good words out to these struggling students who need a break and a nice location to do their thing. They were all onboard to share the space, and I just assumed you wouldn't be using it since clearly you don't read your messages from The Star of The Night. Everyone reads them. So I kindly offered it to them and obvi they wanted a beautiful product to start with, so they went for the best Lockdown Champion in the history of this company. Me.

She sends Elsa a quick look, and a insincere smile, posing for photos throughout.

Photographer:
Do you mind scooching to the left, I'm noticing a small shadow from you.

He says to Elsa.

Elsa McCarthy
Sure, no problem.

She replied, taking a step to the left, just like he asked. But she only did it to get closer to the phone, which she quickly used to call the security.

Elsa McCarthy:
I need you in my office, NOW!

She stared at Luna, silently demanding an explanation. The echo of the boots of the guards running to the office was enough to scare the photographer and his assistant, as they quickly gathered their equipment and left through the same window they came in. Security was now on the door, ready to drag Luna out. But Elsa stopped them with an authoritative gesture of her hand. She then crossed her arms on her chest and waited for Luna’s explanation.

Luna Smith
First. If one of them touches me there will be consequences. Second. Now you know what it's like when you have a system and somebody else disrupted it. You're trying to work and you've had a cast of people affect you. Kind of sounds familiar, like Miss Negative 50 and her ugly, ugly full-sized smurfs.

It took Elsa a moment to figure out what she was talking about, but when she did, she rolled her eyes.

Elsa McCarthy:
I assume you’re talking about Nine and her… Cultists, right? I understand their presence might bother you, but honestly? How can we stop them? Do you expect security to search every person who enters the Arena to see if they carry masks? And what if the masks are already inside the Arena?

Luna Smith
That's just petty slashes to the snake’s body. Why not just fire Nine and that's a definitive end to it. I'll happily take a raise from her salary as compensation for all the trauma they've put me through, a title shot and limo service indefinitely and we're even, Elsa.

The General Manager couldn’t help but chuckle at the request.

Elsa McCarthy:
Absolutely not. But what I can do is to talk with her next Wednesday and ask her to leave you be. How does that sound?

Luna was about to protest, visibly not satisfied with the General Manager’s answer. But before she could say anything, Elsa continued.

Elsa McCarthy:
Good, I’m glad we could find an agreement. Now go, I have work to do. And you better hope nobody else comes in to disturb me or I will hold you personally responsible.

Luna just glares at her, burning a hole through her before she collects her glasses, folds them and stores them away in her bag.

Luna Smith
If she or any of her people come near me again, I'll hold you personally responsible.

She flashed that grin at Elsa again before stomping her way out the office frustrated she didn't get her way whatsoever. At this point Luna's sister walks by ready and dressed to compete, throwing a football up and down on her way in only to see the mood she's in. Bree casually spins on her heels

Bree Smith:
No…

Realising now's not the best time as the scene fades to black.

Lockdown Championship Match
Kyle's Rules: Golden Era Rules

Kyle Butler © VS Bree Smith

In the first title match of the night, Bree Smith stepped up to accept the Lockdown champion’s open challenge. The rules were simple, but the ref still reminded them. Disqualifications and count outs were in place, pinfalls had to happen inside the ring like in a regular match but no moves from the top rope were allowed. Kyle looked confident but, at the same time, very respectful of the opponent’s skills, and he showed it with an honest and heartfelt handshake as the match began. The two began moving around each other in circles and Butler drew first blood, delivering that big boot of his to Smith’s midsection before lifting her up for a suplex and slamming her down on the mat. Bree clutched at her back for a moment, but with the tenacity she’s known for she got to her feet and met Butler with a wild right hook. The force is enough to bring Butler down, Bree followed with an elbow drop but the champion rolled out of the way. The momentum kept switching back and forth between the two competitors in a very physical contest. The Breebarian wasn’t afraid of going punch for punch with the Lockdown champion, and she proved she could almost match him strength-wise, replicating every move he made. If he went for a belly-to-belly suplex, she would hit one of her own right away. If he used a backbreaker to drop her down a minute later, you can bet she did the same thing and even went for a second one with her characteristic backbreaker reps.

Bree apparently forgot about the Golden Era rules as she climbed to the top rope, only for the referee to step in front of her to prevent her from jumping with a double axe handle. She stepped down, right into a forearm strike to the side of the head. Butler then would grab her by the arm and whipped her in the opposite corner, following with a running clothesline. Smith was laying back against the turnbuckle and the champion climbed up to the second rope which, by his own rules, was allowed. From there he dropped the characteristic ten punches, but Smith came back with a second wind, sliding down at the eighth punch to set him up for a powerbomb. Kyle kept punching her but couldn’t stop the blonde from slamming him violently into the canvas and hooking the leg to make the cover. Butler kicked out in two. In Bree’s best moment, when it really looked like she could pull the upset of the night and walk out with the Lockdown Championship, the IC champion Matt Stone came out to spur her. Or mock her. Or both. But his presence there took Bree’s focus off her opponent who took advantage with a big boot to the face that knocked Smith on her back. She valiantly picked herself up to continue the match but Kyle hammered at her with a barrage of stiff strikes, wearing her down before he planted her on her face with the Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!! securing the win. When he realized what really happened and why Bree lost her focus allowing his comeback though, he was far from happy, staring a hole through Matt Stone who mocked him by taking a bow and saying “You’re welcome”.

WINNER: Kyle Butler (STILL LOCKDOWN CHAMPION)
BY: Pinfall (Rooooooooooooooooooolllll TIDE!!), 13:17

We then head over to the locker room where rather than be with his teammate and Triumvirate trio it seems Iser is alone for the moment. He’s in his ring gear and it seems like he’s got a calm demeanor to him. He’s opting for a black and red varient of his attire with the Triumvirate logo going down his right leg and his left knee brace shining brightly in red as well. The greying hair of the veteran and the full beard shows his age on the face as he taps his bearded chin in a little bit of thought.

Seth Iser:
Two Savells for the price of one tonight…I’m so shocked by this development.

Seth’s sarcasm is obvious as he muses on that thought for a moment.

Seth Iser:
Similar but different just rings in my head and you can always see how the apple never falls far from the tree. Both in attitude and talent. Hell…the youngest one of the bunch has herself some championship gold one way or another. Borrowing a bit from the talents of one of your sisters in a slightly different package. It’s almost a case of real…dejavu. But you’re in the teeth of what it means to be a champion now…and the wrestling industry is now slowly adjusting to your own variation of the kameleon talent. You might think you’re young and that’s all you need right now…but it never is. The game always changes. It constantly evolves…just ask your brother on that one.

He flashes a knowing smirk as he drives a little more of a needle with that line as faint as that was before the face morphs back into his usual form.

Seth Iser:
But kid… nothing personal but I do think trying to see how deep your tool chest truly runs in our tag setting is one hell of a workout and one hell of a way to get myself further in shape again. Just…don’t act like your older brother you know…where he spouts off all of this over the top bull. You already have that advantage and the stigma of your last name…puts you a mile ahead of a lot of people in terms of paying dues. Even by Academy standards. But do less chasing of others while you’re the champion…and make them chase you if you really want to achieve your goal. Otherwise you’ll never truly feel like that reign was your own.

There’s a sternness from the old man as he gives that kind of lecturing advice but the smirk is back on his face.

Seth Iser:
But as for your older brother who wants to play this little game…that’s fine. You’re already getting agitated. You got a little angry. You even threw a damn hissy fit before you did a lock up in your big singles match return to the company…because the truth is…I mean what I said. You’re part of a last name now. That’s attached to you just like it is your siblings. The problem is…the reason why your name has the stigma it has today…is because of you.

He points coldly toward the camera as if he’s talking to Julian here.

Seth Iser:
Yes…in your case it’s completely deserved. Do you really think you’re bettering your family last name or the business itself acting like a damn fool on a daily basis and wasting your natural talent of late? That’s what you’ve been doing. You’re not the son of a bitch who put Gordon Fury out for months. You aren’t the person who was one of the pillars who won the Pride Heavyweight Title in Three Stages of Hell. You haven’t been that guy in quite some time…

He shakes his head, mouthing the word no for a moment.

Seth Iser:
You’re also not the first member of your family who came barking down this tree. The problem is…as of right now I can safely say your sister did it better. You remember what Riley did in Australia, right? She got me angry. She cost me a match just like you did as you recall but she waited until it was a situation where it cost me big. Can’t deny that…it’s a damned fact. You, Julian, couldn't control your impulse and threw that card away immediately. And truthfully I’ve been amused by our game more than anything else. You got Megan furious…she wants to kick your teeth down your throat for pulling that stunt but I recognize it for what it is. So you better grow a set and put it all together real soon.

There’s an arrogant smile plastered on the man’s face as he wags his finger.

Seth Iser:
If you were the man who was one of the pillars…you’d have a chance to win. I’d be way more concerned with what you could do. But you aren’t and your green half sister champion is a far bigger concern to me because of that same ability Riley has. So tonight and on Christmas? All you’re doing is both having a brush with true greatness…with a true name. And just a warm up to me getting that one step closer to being back in shape. That’s all it is to me right now…and you have minimal time to change my mind on that. Time’s ticking, boy.

He taps on his taped wrist before he walks off having made his point.

Tag Team Match

The Triumvirate (Seth Iser & Megan Monroe) VS Julian Savell & Faith Savell

On one side, the former World Champion and the former Intercontinental champion. On the other side, the current Cloud Gate champion and one of the newest signees in the company and a multi time champion in Julian Savell, the first champion of the company who would have eventually become MWE. Ladies first to start things off with a very confident Megan unloads on Faith early in the match, hitting her with a Pele kick that left the Cloud Gate champion staggered just after the bell rings, then a discus elbow smash and a superkick in rapid succession. Savell shook herself, trying to regain her composure before Megan could add more offense, but she wasn’t fast enough to avoid her slingblade. Somehow though, she was back on her feet before Monroe could close in and created some space for herself with a snap DDT when Megan charged her. Wasting no time she made the tag to her half-brother who entered the ring and kicked Megan on her rear as she was standing up, telling her to get the hell out of his ring and letting the old man get in. Obviously it was a bait, playing on Megan’s ego to get a rise out of her and making her make a mistake, and his plan worked. A pissed off Monroe charged in with a clothesline, easily ducked by Julian who countered with a snap German Suplex. But he wasn’t the only one playing mind tricks. Iser was quite the expert at that game and easily distracted Julian, allowing Megan to floor him with a crescent kick and make the tag.

The two men weren’t playing around, going straight for each other’s throat in a stiff exchange. The brawling style favored Seth who hit Julian with his trademark three jabs/discus clothesline sequence. Iser didn’t try to pin him, instead he planted his knee on Savell’s chest and hammered at him with some heavy forearms to the face. The former Pride champion didn’t hesitate to bite Seth to create some separation and send him on the floor with a hurricanrana. To reach Faith and make the tag he had to go past the former World Champion who was starting to get up. He ran toward his half-sister, curb-stomping Seth to reach her and finally make the tag. Faith delivered a superkick right to his face and hooked the leg for a cover, only obtaining a two count. The experience and size advantage allowed the Deity Of Destruction to turn the tables, slamming Faith onto his knee with the Icebreaker, from which the young Cloud Gate champion barely kicked out. Seth then went to tag Megan in, but as soon as the former IC champion entered the ring, Billy Danielson jumped the barricade and stared at her. Seth tried to eliminate the threat with a clothesline but The Franchise was quick to duck it and take the veteran down with his patented Imperium. Megan began to yell at him, giving Faith plenty of time to get up to her feet and drop Monroe with the patented northern lights suplex, scoring the win for her team.

WINNER: Faith Savell & Julian Savell
BY: Pinfall (Northern Lights Suplex), 14:03

We cut to a corridor in the backstage area, where we see Tiffany Rollins warming up for her upcoming match against Melissa Reeves. This was a solitary space for Tiff before heading into one of her toughest challenges since coming back to Millennium, but there was still something clearly bothering her; no doubt the fallout of last week’s traumatic match that saw a devastating assault on her tag team partner Clyde Eldon. There was a measure of guilt on her face as she punched the air and showed off the recent footwork taught to her by Jackie Fowler. That solitude was suddenly disrupted though.

Unfortunately for her, that quiet time is disrupted by none other than her opponent for tonight. Melissa approaches with both hands raised.

Melissa Reeves:
I come in peace, I promise.

Tiff smirks at this. It's no secret these two have been friends for a while behind the scenes, but things were a little different tonight. Mel comes to a halt a little distance away from Tiffany, leaning on the opposite wall of the corridor.

Melissa Reeves:
So it’s you and me, huh? I mean, we always knew it would happen at some stage. I wanted the match for a long time but…I mean, I do wish it was under better circumstances. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind lately. How you been holding up?

Tiff's smirk turns into a weak smile in response as she lets her guard down.

Tiff:
Been better I guess. I mean… this ain't exactly what I had in mind when I imagine us in the ring together. There's just been so much shit you know?

Mel does know. She’s followed Tiffany’s journey for a long time, never shy about that.

Melissa Reeves:
I know. I wish it was a different situation too, but we’ll put on a match for the fans and we’ll still be friends after.

She says that but her face shows she’s not into the match on this particular night either.

Melissa Reeves:
You know I still believe in you, right? I mean it might seem dumb to say that to my opponent, but I do. Always have. I know others haven’t stuck by you, seems unfair.

This clearly means a lot to Tiff, who hasn't been all that enthusiastic about her own abilities lately. Her rotten luck has only made things worse for her, both in the ring and in her personal life, and Mel clearly recognizes that. Nonetheless, Tiff is also no stranger to dismissing things at the most inopportune times, as seen in her attempt to shift away from this confrontation.

Tiff:
Let's just get this over with…

Mel just nods.

Melissa Reeves:
Cya out there.

But before she departs, she offers a smile to Tiff. As she heads away, it fades again and her game face is on. But it is wiped off her face quickly as around the corner comes Karen Eldon with her big fake smile glowing.

Karen Eldon:
Oh! Is it your turn to be Tiff’s therapist Melissa? I think it is so amazing how the entire roster pitches in to take a turn trying to cheer her up. But then again are you sure you're the one to be giving advice here Mel’? I mean where’ve you been the past few months. Maybe a fellow quitter isn’t the best person to be helping Tiff out?

Karen says this while maintaining her extremely fake voice, as she looks at the two of them both seeming to be restraining themselves from what they want to do to Karen. Tiff especially, after witnessing what Karen did to her own son just last week, preventing her from doing anything about her, was desperately holding herself back.

Tiff:
Back off Karen…

Tiff said that in a quiet tone, clearly still upset about it.

Karen Eldon:
Upset about the loss Tiff? You should be used to that by now. You are amazing at it. As for you Melissa? Isn’t it crazy how much things have changed since we last wrestled? You are an afterthought now and I am like the biggest star here. Crazy how things change.

Reeves isn't worried by Karen's words. She looks at Tiffany, ignoring Eldon entirely.

Melissa Reeves:
You hear that, Tiff? Some kind of high pitched whining. Maybe I need to get the maintenance boys to check it out, could be a loose pipe somewhere.

She looks Karen's way now.

Melissa Reeves:
Because I know for sure it can't be some bitch I already defeated trying to talk shit to me and my friend Tiffany, can it? Because if it was I might have to call the medical folks instead, so they can come scoop your ass up off the floor.

She gives an extremely fake looking smile.

Melissa Reeves:
So I'm going to assume you misspoke, Karen. I'm going to assume you learned not to cross me after last time. I'm going to assume that you aren't looking to get your ass kicked right here and now. But if I'm wrong, and do tell if I am, then I'll have no problem dropping you on your head right where you stand. So what's it going to be?

Looking at the two annoyed, Tiff gives a bit of a smug look hearing Melissa go off on her.

Karen Eldon:
You stay out of my business Melissa. Because you may have beaten the old me, but I have only gotten better while you took time off to sulk. Guess that’s a fitting name for you two? The sulk sisters. Enjoy your little pity party together, I have better things to do.

Seemingly a bit scared of Melissa but not wanting to show it Karen looks at them both and then scurries off, to get away from them leaving the two alone again.

Tiff:
Damn…

That's all Tiff could say behind Melissa's back as she stood her ground, making sure Karen was gone from her sight. Reeves scoffs, half turning back to Tiff.

Melissa Reeves:
She’s as delightful as ever.

The Australian shrugs though.

Melissa Reeves:
No matter. See you out there, “sister”.

With a small smirk on her face, Melissa heads away, leaving Tiffany to her preparations.

Singles Match

Melissa Reeves VS Tiff

The match started with a handshake. If anything, Tiffany looked in better spirits than she had been in recent times, perhaps heartened and inspired by facing someone she respected and she could call “friend”. Despite their bond though, when the bell sounded their competitiveness came out. Tiffany’s footwork was on display early as the Five Foot Murder Machine used it to stay away from Mel’s kicks. The former Cloud Gate champion’s offense was based on quick jabs to take Reeves off guard, shades of her new mentor Jackie Fowler clearly visible in her movements. But then the Reaver caught her with a running knee lift, a clothesline, and a snap suplex in rapid-fire succession. A sequence that left Tiff dazed as she swayed on her feet when she stood again, finding herself on the receiving end of a swinging neckbreaker for her trouble. Melissa floated around and hooked the leg, but Rollins’ shoulder was up after the two. Tiff managed to make a comeback a couple of minutes later following a misstep from Mel that let her fire off a standing dropkick, creating just enough space for herself to hit the Peacemaker (leaping high knee), welcomed with a quick pop from her die-hard fans. The blonde wasted no time and went to make the cover, obtaining a count of two before the Reaver kicked out.

The fans witnessed an absolute classic, hands down Tiffany’s best match since coming back. She kept Mel on the defensive for long parts of the match, getting extremely close to the three with the swinging neckbreaker, tribute to her adoptive mother Brytain Rollins. Reeves’ reaction was immediate and impressive as she began unloading absolutely everything she had on Tiffany, almost forcing her to tap out to her Iron Lock. Rollins barely managed to get to the ropes and slowly picked herself up. That was when she noticed Karen watching the match from the ramp. Reeves called her opponent telling her to remain focused on the match and the two went to trade strikes in the middle of the ring. Mel was the one coming out on top from the exchange, thanks to the longer reach of her hard kicks. She went for a bicycle knee strike, catching the young opponent on the face and pushing her back into the referee. With the official down, Karen rushed to the ring and blasted the former World Champion to the back of the head with her purse. Tiffany got up to her feet and realized what Karen had just done and boy, she was fuming! She charged at Karen but the former tag champion stepped to the side. When Tiff turned around, she slapped her on the cheek and floored her with the Can I Speak To Your Manager? running knee. With a smile on her face she then dragged Tiffany’s body on top of Reeves, just as the referee was about to recover. Seeing the cover, the official moved in position and slowly counted to three.

WINNER: Tiff Rollins
BY: Pinfall (Can I Speak To Your Manager?), 11:46

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting on the rooftop of The Press Lounge that is on 11th Avenue in New York City. She has a glass of white wine in her hands.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
One might wonder why we might be here today. I have things set up quite nicely despite that lunatic being obsessed with me. I am a former MENTV Champion, the World Champ is watching my back. Probably literally. But I have the biggest and baddest hired gun a girl can ask for but the problem is he has openly admitted that he would break me in two. While I know he has no reason to right now that will always be in the back of my mind. So while that is a pause for concern I trust Clyde’s greed and as long as my checks keep clearing he’ll be as happy with our understanding as he can be. Which is why I asked you here today because I need somebody who I trust to watch my back.

Tiffany takes a sip of her wine.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I have been waiting for this moment for a very, very long time. Ever since I first laid eyes on you I knew you were a star. A star I wanted standing by my side, handling business, and watching my back. You are a badass! While it took a couple of years of admiring your work from a far the time is now and the place is in Millenium Wrestling where that all changes.

Tiffany sets her glass of wine down on the table in front of her.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I expect big things for both of us going forward. Matt Stone who is clearly obsessed with me. Which is not really a shock but all his trolling over the past few weeks since he got lucky at On The Rise, he can’t keep me out of his mind. Now I am even more determined to take his Intercontinental championship from him. But I am so excited right now because you have stopped fighting who you are and let your true self out to show the rest of the world. I am positive that embracing who you are will lead you to new heights that you could have never imagined when you were trying to make others happy. It is your time to make yourself happy.

Tiffany raises her wine glass in the air and cheers with another glass. The camera pans over to see MWE’s newest signee, Megan Coleman, sitting with Tiffany. Each woman takes a sip of their wine as Tiffany is smiling from ear to ear while Megan settley nods her head in agreement with a smile on her face.

Chicago Way Championship Match
Tables Match

Andrew Raynes © VS Donovan Keane

Second title match of the night, the Chicago Way Championship on the line in a table match between Andrew Raynes and Donovan Keane. The Embracer Of Hate was looking to add a second defense to his reign, having successfully retained four days ago at GCW's pay-per-view. The match started with the defending champion swinging and missing with the right hook. The mistake threw him off balance and he fell victim to Donnie's backbreaker. With the opponent down, Keane left the ring and went to retrieve a steel chair from under the ring apron, determined to show the Embracer Of Hate why underestimating him was a big mistake. Donnie grabbed the chair and drove the top rail into his ribs. Raynes rolled out of the ring before Donnie could hit him a second time, catching an early break. But Keane wasn’t slowing down, instead he just tossed the chair toward the Chicago Way champion who somehow managed to dodge the flying object. But he couldn’t avoid the challenger’s suicide dive, ending up on the cold concrete floor outside. Keane quickly retrieved the chair and picked up where he had left, slamming it on the grounded champion, causing him to squirm in pain. Raynes, who had to still be feeling the effects of his recent match, was able to catch a break when he kicked the chair back in Donnie’s face, causing the young man to stumble back and lose possession of the chair. Raynes quickly went for his legs, grabbing both of them to take down the Nightfall Rising member. Keeping hold onto the legs, The Embracer Of Hate then fell back to catapult Donnie into the ring post.

The goal of the match was to put the opponent through a table, and it didn’t take long before that specific tool was introduced in the ring. Not much later, the first table got broken. But since the reason was Donnie missing the DK Bomb after Andrew rolled off the table, the match could continue. The champion picked up the opponent from the debrises and delivered his patented X To The E spinning elbow, sending Donovan down in the corner. With a satisfied grin on his face, Raynes left the ring to bring in another table which he set up in the middle of the ring. He went to pick up the exhausted Donnie, but as soon as he got within reach, the member of Nightfall Rising grabbed him by the waistband of his trunks and pulled him into the corner, causing him to slam his face on the turnbuckle he had exposed! The impact against the steel cut Andrew’s forehead, but the greatest danger was Donnie moving behind him and locking his arms around the waist to suplex him through the table. Raynes grabbed hold of the ropes and blocked the attempt, but Keane didn’t desiste and tried a second time. A mule kick caught the young man right between the legs, allowing the champion to break free. The next step for the Embracer Of Hate was to lift the opponent and powerbomb him through the table, successfully retaining his title.

WINNER: Andrew Raynes (STILL CHICAGO WAY CHAMPION)
BY: Powerbomb Through The Table, 15:18

The scene opens up with the Glorious Golden Era backstage. The crowd cheers. Neil Newman is standing in the middle. Sophie is standing to the right. Kyle Butler is standing to the left. Kyle takes one step forward indicating he is going to speak first.

Kyle Butler:
I might be an enemy of the state tonight... considering who I rep. Alabama, all day, every day...

Kyle smirks. There is a small section of the crowd that boos, Alabama and Georgia are rivals. Not enough boos to drown out the cheers Kyle receives for being a good guy and an ambassador of wrestling.

Kyle Butler:
College allegiances aside, I am damn proud to defend the Lockdown Championship tonight. Is it awkward facing Bree Smith? Nah. Not the first time we’ve tussled over a championship. Our tag team title showdowns are quite legendary. Face your friend enough times it becomes the norm. Could say we know each other like the back of our friends. As good as Bree is. As strong as she is. As determined as she is, there is a reason why I am a singles champion and she’s not. I’m objectionally the better wrestler.

Kyle pats the Lockdown Championship around his waist.

Kyle Butler:
That isn’t a shot. That’s a fact. Could an any given Sunday situation happen? Sure. Not today. Not any day anytime soon. I grinded, suffered setbacks for way too long to lose the Lockdown after two defenses. Do you want this more than me, Bree? I don’t it. I’m happy to see if you can prove me wrong.

Kyle takes a step back to stand next to his partners. Neil and Sophie step forward, indicating it is their turn to say what they need to say.

Neil Newman:
Know who would do some good to admit their wrong? K20. Doesn’t surprise me. When they win by nefarious means they want to claim they are the best team in the modern era, the moment they get their comeuppance. Like having Karen’s son finally stand up to that bastard Olly... they are the victims. Typical. The important thing is we're the champions. Unlike you two, we’ll carry on with honor, and respect for the sport.

Crowd cheers. Neil nods.

Neil Newman:
Dustin and Tank. You’re beefy boys, no doubt about that. A literal wet dream for some wrestling fans. Two hosses like yourselves present a unique challenge. Sophie and I are all about testing ourselves. We’ll see if you measure up. Maybe if you prove yourselves worthy, we’ll put our belts on the line against a worthy challenge.

Neil looks at Sophie, anticipating what she’ll say.

Sophie O’Brian:
I have never once pretended to be a saint. But I’ve also never been a hypocrite. I have never changed who I am. If the people cheer me, it’s because I happen to be going against someone the fans despise. If I am on the receiving end of boos, then it’s because I am targeting one of their beloved heroes. But a leopard never changes her spots and neither do I. I have always been a student of war. I have been a practitioner of war. And war is never just, it’s never fair, it’s never saintly. In the words of William Tecumseh Sherman, war is hell.

O’Brian smirks.

Sophie O’Brian:
Dustin and Tank, you are most definitely prepared for war. You have proven yourselves individually and you have proven yourselves lately as a unit. I respect the threat that you pose to this tag team division and like Neil, I look forward to the challenge you represent. But K2O is a different animal altogether. Karen and Olly, the darkness within me can respect the tactics you utilize. I have utilized many of them myself. But unlike you I don’t run around pretending to be something I’m not. You are like modern day tyrants who demand respect from your peers yet treat those peers like garbage. The least you could do is at least admit to who you are, own and embrace your identity…

Sophie glares into the camera.

Sophie O’Brian:
…you are scum. And you will never get close to these tag team championships ever again. The same goes for Dustin and Tank…with all due respect, gentlemen.

Tag Team Match

K2O VS Glorious Golden Era VS Tank Steiner & Dusty Douglas

Despite what Karen said, the titles were not on the line in this match. And she didn’t have better luck in trying to sway Dustin to help her, the big man was fully focused on getting the win for himself and his tag partner, Tank Steiner. The champions weren’t ones to back down from a challenge and Neil gladly took on the Murder Train, locking horns with the much powerful man. This ended in the only possible way with Douglas pushing Newman back in his corner. And just like that the champion found himself in the wrong side of town, at the mercy of the two big men who were taking turns in lighting up his chest with brutal knife edge chops. Karen and Olly were more than happy to sit this one out, jumping off the apron when Newman walked toward them for a tag. Neil shook his head and continued to walk toward Sophie, but Tank was right back onto him at this point, swinging that massive right hand for a hook that knocked Neil down. When the Austrian Hulk went to pick him up, Newman fought back with a couple of punches to the stomach and followed with a chin breaker, creating the separation necessary to reach his partner. After tonight they might as well change the old saying to “Hell hath no fury like Sophie O’Brian”, the tag team champion entered the ring and cleaned house, knocking down Steiner with a jumping knee at the end of a volley of kicks and then dropping Dusty off the apron with a superkick. She didn’t stop there, getting rid of Olly and Karen with a running yakuza kick and a spinning backfist. When she turned around though, she found Tank standing behind her, ready to deliver a kick to the stomach and a powerbomb.

K2O’s plan was clear, letting the other two wear each other down and reap on their hard work with sneaky tags. It almost paid off when Olly tagged himself in after Dustin hit his Hyper Beam and went to make the cover on Sophie. The Murder Train wasn’t pleased and stomped him on the back to break up the pin, deadlfting him with a massive german suplex. The GGE isolated Olly in their corner, focusing their combined attacks on the less experienced competitor in the ring. The Academy graduate took quite the beating but he never stopped fighting, creating some separation with a headbutt to Sophie followed by a stiff lariat. He then made the tag to Karen while O’Brian tagged Dustin in. Karen tried to convince Douglas that they shouldn’t fight but the Murder Train still hit her with a right hand. Eldon was able to dodge the savate kick and took the big man down with a leg sweep kick. The Blonde brought the fight to the Big Nasty, almost getting the win with a roundhouse kick to the head. Sophie broke up the pin, saving Dustin from taking the fall. The powerhouse eventually turned the tides with the King Kai Bomb, but this time it was Neil who, reluctantly, saved Karen to allow the match to continue. Tank was now dealing with Eldon, apparently enjoying throwing the woman around. The Austrian Hulk focused on Karen’s lower back, laying the groundwork for his Morgen In Traktion. Olly entered the ring to rescue his partner, but someone stopped him by grabbing his foot. Clyde Eldon? Again? Karen’s son came out from the crowd and not only blocked Olly’s attempt, but took his pound of flesh by raining down punches and kicks and stomps to the rival, all of this under a shower of cheers from the fans. Dustin took care of Sophie and Neil, making sure they couldn’t interrupt Tank’s submission attempt. And eventually Karen tapped out, giving the team of Dusty and Tank a huge win.

WINNER: Tank Steiner & Dustin Douglas
BY: Submission (Morgen In Traktion), 15:24

Backstage, the cameras find Betsy Gallagher exercising her wrists, a smile on her face. The crowd pops at the sight of British wrestling's legacy. Last week, she made a successful debut, beating Teddy Warren in a singles match that saw her giving her all. This week, she gets a big opportunity, facing five other tough competitors, all to become the #1 Contender to the Cloud Gate Championship. That smile on her face reveals both her excitement and appreciation for the greatest opportunity of her MWE career so far. And it's just her second match.

Betsy Gallagher:
Last week was fun, wasn't it?

The crowd goes wild, agreeing with Lady Gallagher. Her smile grows bigger at that.

Betsy Gallagher:
Teddy Warren was great competition. I can't say I had it easy. He brought it to me, everything he had, and I brought it back. Can't say I don't respect the man, and I hope he respects me now because I may be new to MWE but I'm certainly not a rookie in that ring.

The crowd pops again, cheering her name.

Betsy Gallagher:
Tonight may very well be the biggest opportunity of my MWE career. Five other amazing wrestlers... Leia LeBeau, Jessica Lasiewicz, Lucie Callaway, Billy Danielson, and Faizah Marshall...

As Betsy runs down the names of her other competitors, they get their respective cheers and some boos in there. Betsy just shakes her head, grinning from ear to ear, as her hands find their way to her hips.

Betsy Gallagher:
There will be six of us in that Six-Way Elimination Match...but only one will survive and become the #1 Contender to the Cloud Gate Championship.

She pauses, letting the gravity of that match, her first main-event appearance in MWE, sink in with the fans and even herself.

Betsy Gallagher:
You all know me, and if you don't, you will, but I'm not one to toot my own horn. The five other people I have to go through are tough, but I will be tougher. This may just be my second match in MWE but all I need is that one opportunity, that one chance, to drop the Betsy Bomb on someone...

The crowd starts chanting "Betsy Bomb" and the Lady Gallagher grins.

Betsy Gallagher:
...or take them out with the Hexcalibur...

The crowd switches to chanting "Betsy" because "Hexcalibur" is too long a chant apparently.

Betsy Gallagher:
...and I will be your #1 Contender to the Cloud Gate Championship.

She starts nodding as the "Betsy" chants starts growing louder.

Betsy Gallagher:
So, good luck to those five others I will have to plow through tonight, and good luck to the Cloud Gate Champion Faith Savell whom I will see very, very soon.

Betsy starts waving at the camera with that cheeky grin.

Betsy Gallagher:
Because you always place your bets on Betsy! I will never let you down.

The camera then lingers on Betsy and her smile before it slowly fades out.

Six-Way Elimination Match
Cloud Gate Championship #1 Contender

Leia LeBeau VS Jessica Lasiewicz VS Betsy Gallagher VS
Lucie Callaway VS Billy Danielson VS Faizah Marshall

Peyton Holland: “Six wrestlers competing for a golden opportunity to challenge Faith Savell at Below Zero for the Cloud Gate championship.”

Ambra Monroe: “Hard to pick a favorite, but Jessica Lasiewicz and Billy Danielson in my opinion stand out, if anything, for their experience.”

Peyton Holland: “Good point, but I wouldn’t rule out Leia either. She’s a former Junior Heavyweight champion, and she has proved time and time again that she’s one of the best competitors in MWE.”

Ambra Monroe: “You’re right there. As for Betsy and Faizah, this is a massive opportunity to take their career to the next level. Or, in Lucie’s case, to get it back on track.”

Five competitors were already in the ring, the last entrant was Billy Danielson, coming out to now to a huge pop from the fans. Several fans of The Franchise were in attendance tonight, and you can imagine their disappointment when Megan Monroe blasted him from behind with a steel chair. The former Intercontinental Champion didn’t appreciate Billy’s interference in her match earlier tonight, and she was making sure Danielson won’t take part in his, absolutely destroying the Chicago Born with that chair. By the time security came to the scene and disarmed Megan, it was clear to everyone that Billy was in no shape to continue, bleeding from his head as the doctors escorted him backstage. The match had yet to start and we were down to five already. The bell sounded and the action started in the ring, fast and furious from the get going. Jessica took it on Callaway, Leia introduced Betsy to her lethal kicks while Marshall waited in the corner, saving her energy.

Peyton Holland: “Well, there goes one of the expected protagonists of this match..”

Ambra Monroe: “This is now twice that Megan cost him a title opportunity. I’m sure he won’t be happy about it.”

Peyton Holland: “Nope. But his early exclusion definitely changed the dynamic of the match, and Faizah immediately took advantage of this situation.”

She didn’t get to play the odd woman out for much longer, having to step out of her safe spot in the corner to avoid the incoming Leia, sent into it by an irish whip from Betsy. Gallagher charged right away and delivered a running clothesline to the Showgirl. The newcomer and the former Gold Star then formed a temporary alliance to kick the Jet City Woman in the corner. Obviously their partnership wasn't meant to last and at the very first chance Faizah quite literally stabbed Betsy in the back, jumping with both of her knees high and pulling the British woman into a backstabber. The rapid maneuver saw Betsy kicking out in two and subsequently rolling out of the ring to get a break. In the opposite corner, Jessica Lasiewicz had Callaway pinned into the corner but the youngest champion in MWE history managed to switch position with the Archangel and feed her a jumping knee. Lucie then took a few steps back and charged in for a corner splash but ran right into a kick from Lasiewicz, who then lifted herself to the top rope. The back and forth between the two continued with yet another turn of events as Lucie quickly climbed to the top and performed a beautiful top rope hurricanrana.

Peyton Holland: “Fantastic move from Callaway.”

Ambra Monroe: “I haven’t seen her this determined in a while.”

The frantic action was surely keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Faizah almost fell to the Regal Knee, but Gallagher only got a count of two out of it. Not even time to despair for how close she got to score the elimination and Gallagher almost had to say goodbye to her hopes thanks to the Nine Crimes (snapmare driver onto the knee). Jessica and Leia engaged in a furious exchange of kicks that jazzed the crowd. At some point they both went for a bicycle kick, connecting to the face of the opponent and knocking each other down. Lucie and Betsy stopped fighting, exchanged a quick look and charged on the downed opponents. Gallagher jumped with a running senton on Leia while Lucie delighted the fans with a running shooting star press. The referee got in position and counted for an incredible double elimination, but both LeBeau and Lasiewicz popped their shoulders up at the very last second.

Ambra Monroe: “Damn, that was a close call!”

Peyton Holland: “Great thinking by Lucie and Betsy. In a match like this, you have to keep your eyes open for any chance.”

Or for possible blindsidings. Gallagher never saw Faizah sneaking up behind her and sliding her arm between her legs for a quick roll-up. A handful of thighs and some extra leverage on the ropes did the rest, cutting the number of contenders down to four. For a moment it looked like Lucie was going to break up the pin, but she quickly realized that the elimination would play in her favor and desisted.

Aspen Eisley: “Betsy Gallagher has been eliminated!”

The match continued, now as a fatal four way. Leia had Lucie right where she wanted her, down to her knees and helpless victim to the Show Kicks. Marshall was holding her own against Jessica, but the Archangel turned the tables with a sudden roundhouse kick, completing the combo she calls Beauty with a curb stomp. The Archangel made the cover but Marshall kicked out in two. Jessica picked her up and shoved her in the corner, where she began to chop her like there’s no tomorrow. On the opposite side of the ring, Leia was doing the same. The Showgirl called the former Tag Team champion and, without saying a word, they both charged to the opposite corner delivering double knees to the chest and swapping partners.

Ambra Monroe: “Fifteen minutes in, and we still have four of the six… Well, five… Initial participants.”

Peyton Holland: “I’m wondering how this match would be if Bill actually entered. His size and power advantage surely would’ve been a factor tonight.”

Ambra Monroe: “Speaking of big men, what is TD Batterson doing?”

Faizah’s bodyguard had grabbed Leia’s feet when the Showgirl was about to charge toward his client with the Jet City Jive. The former Junior Heavyweight champion tripped over and went down face first into the mat. Marshall took advantage of the situation and blasted her with a running single leg dropkick. LeBeau was down and the two-time Gold Star saw the opportunity to remove her from the match with her Best Splash Ever. As she was coming down with the 450, Leia raised her knees making her landing the most uncomfortable. Marshall felt a sharp pain on her ribcage area. She barely got time to register that and she immediately found herself with her shoulders pinned to the mat for the one, two, three.

Aspen Eisley: “Faizah Marshall has been eliminated!”

Peyton Holland: “And we’re down to three!”

Ambra Monroe: "They call them high risk maneuvers for a reason, and this time it didn't pay out for Faizah."

The young wrestler didn't take the elimination too well. After protesting with the official to no avail, she whispered something in her bodyguard's ear. TD then dragged Leia out of the ring and powerbombed her onto the floor. Not once, not twice but three times, a display of brutality that left the commentators speechless and Leia motionless on the floor. Batterson then picked up the Showgirl and rolled her in the ring for Jessica to score an easy pinfall.

Aspen Eisley: “Leia LeBeau has been eliminated!”

Peyton Holland: “That was tough to watch. I hope Leia is okay.”

Ambra Monroe: “She will be fine. Pissed, but fine.”

Lucie Callaway or Jessica Lasiewicz. One of them will challenge Faith Savell at Below Zero for the Cloud Gate championship. Both competitors looked tired, but determined to go the extra mile to score the decisive pinfall or submission. Jessica tried with the Our Lady Peace, Lady Magdalena’s bicycle kick but she made the cover too close to the ropes and Callaway managed to get her foot on the bottom one to interrupt the count. The younger sister of Brytain Rollins tried to slow the pace and put the Archangel to sleep with a bridging arm triangle choke but Jessica found a way to escape the submission attempt. Back and forth they went until Lasiewicz hooked Lucie’s arms, setting her up for the Pure Deformation. The former Chicago Way champion stomped her foot, causing Jessica to lose the grip. Then from out of nowhere, Callaway connected the Sawed Off Shotgun, hooking both legs for a deep cover that earned her the win and the number one contender spot.

WINNER: Lucie Callaway
BY: Pinfall (S.O.S.), 26:10

Post by gvb on Dec 15, 2021 17:53:03 GMT -6

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