Post by gvb on Mar 12, 2022 2:07:40 GMT -6
Riot in Arizona
Live from Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ
Sunday, March 6th, 2022
BLAIR JACKSON:
A new place for me to wrestle. And I’m ready for this I need this.
We see Blair Jackson walking around in the back she has a smile on her face as she looks at the camera.
BLAIR JACKSON:
I know that I’m a very busy person, and I want to keep fighting. I want to keep my name out there. I jumped here because I saw the competition and I wanted it. No matter what I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my name out there. Hell I know I might be knocked down but I’ll always get back up. I’ll always dig at every single person that I’m in that ring with.
She laughs a bit as she looks deep into the cards.
BLAIR JACKSON:
You see 2022 is my year and I’m taking it no matter who steps in my way. So good luck to whomever sees this. You’ll need it.
Singles Match
Crystal Zdunich VS Blair JacksonRiot debut for the current SRW Overdrive champion Blair Jackson against a woman perpetually trying to achieve in MWE the same success she obtained in her career. Could this be the turning point for Christina? The first couple of minutes of the match suggested that no, this wasn’t going to be Zdunich’s night. Blair was out to make an impression on her new fans, the management and put the roster on notice, starting out aggressively with a volley of forearms that rocked the 34 years old. Jackson then sent the opponent into the ropes and caught her with an elbow to the face as she bounced back. Christina was down and Blair laid down her punishment in the form of some vicious stomps to the chest and head, forcing the veteran to retreat on the apron. Blair pulled her up by the hair and tried to drag her back in the ring. Zdunich hit her with a right hand, Jackson went for one of her own. The two kept trading punches in a stiff exchange that saw Zdunich fighting back desperately to avoid getting knocked off the apron and eventually coming out on top. When she went for a shoulder thrust through the ropes though she was met with a knee to the face that set her up for a rope hung ddt. Blair then rolled her on her back and pinned her, but the Detroit-born kicked out in two. All in all this was looking like an easy night of work for Jackson, but the tide was about to change. A tilt-a-whirl DDT from Crystal spiked Blair on her head and while it was only worth a count of two, the near fall obtained was a huge boost for Zdunich. Finally getting some momentum going for her, the Blossoming Rose connected three consecutive arm drags. As Blair got up to her feet, Christina hit her with a low dropkick to the face and followed with her patented Smell The Roses (handspring moonsault), but it still wasn’t enough to keep Jackson down. Crystal went for the Flashing Lights (Chick Kick) but Blair was quick to duck under it and immediately swung her leg for a stiff kick to the lower back. As Christina arched her back in pain, Blair hit the ropes and came back at full speed, pushing the opponent’s face on the mat with a bulldog. Just like that Blair took control once again, and kept it until the very end of the match. Her attacks focused on the woman’s back, which he hit with knee strikes, kicks and even a diving double foot stomp. All of that work paid off when she put Crystal in her Killer Instinct (lion tamer) and Zdunich tapped out quickly. Jackson kept the submission locked in a little longer to reinforce her statement to the MWE roster. WINNER: Blair Jackson BY: Submission (Killer Instinct), 7:17 |
We cut backstage where we find ‘The British Bombshell’ Glory Braddock is pacing the floors. She isn’t anxious or nervous, but she is frustrated and a little angry. Braddock is also determined, more determined than ever before to fight back into the MWE World Championship hunt. The British Bombshell isn’t dressed in her typical fashionable attire. She is wearing denim jeans, black boots, a purple t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. A throwback to her tomboyish look when she first made her wrestling debut in 2008. Glory stops pacing for a moment to turn to face the camera.
Glory Braddock:
Time and again I have been saying that I need to get back to the basics, that I need to get back to who and what Glory Braddock is all about. I’m not some gorgeous fashionista flaunting my good looks, I’m not some wealthy prima donna flaunting my wealth, and I’m not some egomaniac looking to pad her record. At the heart of who I am, deep inside my soul, is a passion for this sport, and to do what is right by it. This sport helped make me who I am today. It gave me so much and it is only fair that I give back to it in whatever way I can. That’s why the phrase Sic Semper Tyrannis is so very important to me. When I see something wrong going on in this sport, I cannot sit idly by and do nothing.
Braddock shakes her head.
Glory Braddock:
Now last Riot, me and Duke were going to throw down. We were going to put on another instant classic. And furthermore, I had every intention of deflating his ego by making him tap out. But then before the match could even take place, we were interrupted by that monster named Valentine.
She chuckles softly.
Glory Braddock:
You’re not the first monster named Valentine to cross my paths. Hell, I think I’ve fought about three or four of you by now. Now I admit, Duke is a bit of a wanker, and he may have deserved an ass kicking like that, but that wasn’t the time or the place. You do that in the ring in a legally sanctioned match. And you definitely do not interfere or interrupt in another person’s match. But that’s not the worst of it for me. You see, I am not naive and I am not stupid. I pay very close attention. In the heat of the moment I wasn’t exactly thinking about why you decided to break up our match and beat us down. But after the fact I got to thinking, your little pal Evie talked gushingly about her meeting with the MWE World Champion Brookford, the very same Brookford who beat Duke for the championship, the very same Brookford who still has a beef with Duke to this very day. And then shortly after my match with Duke was interrupted, I find out that you Valentine just so happen to be teaming up with Brookford to fight APE on Riot.
Braddock smirks.
Glory Braddock:
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what’s going on here. Valentine, I’m done talking to you. If you want to try fighting me when I’m ready? I’ll be more than happy to choke your happy ass out. But as for you Brookford…
Glory points a finger into the camera.
Glory Braddock:
..if you are making deals with devils let me warn you that you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. People like Valentine and his little bitch are going to want something in return and it may very well be that championship you now possess. You already have Duke who wants a piece of you, you have me who wants a piece of you, and now potentially Valentine, when he decides to cash in on that favor he did for you, will want a piece of you. I hope I’m wrong about this, Brookford, but things don’t look good for you right now, and they are only going to get worse if you continue down this path. And if what I think is true, then this becomes a hell of a lot bigger than the world championship for me. Sic Semper Tyrannis…
Braddock turns and walks off.
Singles Match
Dean Smith VS Kate SteeleThe bell rang and the duo came out from their respective corners, Kate was giving up a lot of size to the former Invictus champion but she didn’t seem much like she was going to back down any here. Dean went for a big right to open hostilities, but Steele was able to duck under as she charged towards the ring ropes and rebounded with a forearms smash to Dean’s chest. Smith gave grounds but didn't fall. Kate ran herself into the ropes again but this time she spun as she connected a spinning heel kick that floored the stunned man. She quickly laid on top of him for an early cover but Dean kicked out in one with authority. A shotgun dropkick sent Smith in the corner as soon as he stood up, giving Steele the opportunity to go for a corner Yakuza kick. Moving deceptively quickly for a guy of that size, Dean moved out of the way, dodging the boot to the face and throwing Kate halfway across the ring with a German suplex. Smith then got down to one knee, waiting for the opponent to get up. When she finally did, he sprinted and folded her in two with a massive spear. The groan of pain Steele let out upon impact was heard loud and clear, but despite clearly hurting, the former Lockdown champion managed to raise her shoulder in time. The pain was real, the bruised ribs were clearly bothering Kate who seemed to be struggling breathing regularly. It didn’t help that Dean never gave her time to recover, keeping his offense consistent and ruthless and doubling down on that part of the body with a rib breaker and a higher than usual Down With The Door. Steele was in great difficulty, sitting in the corner holding her chest in pain. Relentlessly, Dean walked to her and started stomping her on the ground, stopping only when the referee counted up to four and imposed the break. He then pulled the opponent up, tied her arms around the ropes and used her as a Training Dummy for his hard uppercuts. Once again the referee had to step between them to separate the two contenders, pushing back Dean and almost getting in his face for a stern warning. The lecture went on long enough for Kate to recover and be ready when Smith would come for her again. He had to eat an elbow to the face that rocked him and caused him to stumble back. He recovered quickly and charged at the opponent who raised her leg and kicked him in the face. Steele then pushed herself to the top rope and jumped toward the stunned opponent, catching his head between her legs and connecting a diving hurricanrana right into a cover, for a long count of two. Feeling confident now, Kate struck Dean with a combination of martial arts kick, but her momentum was abruptly interrupted by a spinning backfist from Smith who then planted her on the canvas with a spinebuster. It was Dean’s turn now to climb to the top rope and jump, connecting the Mean Dean (diving knee strike) for the three. WINNER: Dean Smith BY: Pinfall (Mean Dean), 8:15 |
The scene opens backstage in Faizah Marshall’s locker room. She is sitting down on a black steel folding chair with the Cloud Gate Championship resting on her lap. She is staring down at the floor appearing to be in deep thought. TD Batterson is standing behind her. There’s a knock on the door.
Faizah Marshall:
Come in.
Doesn’t take long for the door to open. Coming into the room is JJ Night. TD doesn’t give JJ the most welcoming of looks. Faizah raises her head, notices that JJ is looking at TD. She stands up, turns around, she waves at her bodyguard.
Faizah Marshall:
It’s fine.
TD Batterson:
I don’t like this. You sure he’s not going to be a distraction?
Faizah Marshall:
Remember what we talked about, ok? Go. I’m a big girl, I can handle this.
TD Batterson nods. He walks past JJ without acknowledging him. Faizah and JJ now look at each other.
JJ Night:
What did I do?
Faizah Marshall:
TD is just being protective of me as usual, not that I blame him in this case. To be honest JJ, I don’t like that we’re teaming together. A couple months ago I would have jumped at the opportunity but considering how things have gone? You might be a liability.
JJ is shocked to hear that a woman who is supposed to be his friend is being so negative about them teaming together. He goes to speak. Faizah holds up one finger.
Faizah Marshall:
You do realize who we’re standing across the ring from. Echo is a complete undeniable sociopath and no matter what you say to Trinity, that woman hates my guts. I don’t even want to be in the same company as her. Such is life. Then we have you--
Faizah points to JJ.
Faizah Marshall:
-- Mr. Superman. Captain America. Batman. The entire Justice League combined. No matter what Echo does or the way Trinity refuses to keep my name out of her tweets, you want to be a great guy. I admire that about you but... tonight is different. I am going to go out there and do what is necessary to win this fight. No chance in hell I am going to give Trinity the satisfaction of saying she owns a victory over me. If I look at TD and give him the signal, I’m afraid you are going to get in the way because you don’t want to win the same way the rest of us do. There. I said it. This whole Superman thing could get in the way.
JJ listens intently and while most would have been offended, JJ isn’t. He understands.
JJ Night:
I understand where you’re coming from. But listen. Whether TD is out there or not, as your partner? No, as your friend? I’m not going to let anything happen to you out there. I understand how intense this match is and what it means. Just because I want to do things… a particular way, doesn’t mean that we can’t work together.
JJ walks closer to Faizah and peers into her eyes as he places a hand on her shoulder and smiles.
JJ Night:
I’m just asking you to trust me out there. I get why you’d be guarded and all of that. But please, if there’s anyone in Millennium that I’d expect to trust me out there? It’s you. Despite our differences and train of thought, you haven’t acted like everyone else has towards me.
He pulls his head away and sighs before shrugging his shoulders.
JJ Night:
Well, until what you just said earlier.
Faizah runs her hands through her hair processing everything JJ just said.
Faizah Marshall:
This isn't easy for me, ok. I wish I could ignore that I have feelings for you but I can't. I can't help that you are one of the few people I feel vulnerable around. This match is super important, I am tryna put my game face on. Standing here in this room with you reminds me how weak I am...
Faizah grabs JJ's hand. She returns his hand on her shoulder. She smiles.
Faizah Marshall:
The truth? Being your tag partner means the world to me. After all we've been through, you're a saint for showing me any level of kindness. I know I'm difficult. A mess. A brat. Bit of an ego, you name it. Don't know if you truly understand what it's like. I am a champion. I have been on a hit show. As great as all that is, there is one thing I want that I can't have.
Faizah sighs.
Faizah Marshall:
With that said, ignore the liability talk. Just me tryna be strong I guess, there is no one I'd rather go to war with then you. Just don't tell Clyde that, he might get mad.
Faizah chuckles. Without hesitation she wraps her arms around JJ, hugging him. She rests her head against his chest.
Faizah Marshall:
Sorry for being a mess.
JJ’s eyes widen in surprise. He’s used to Faizah being open with him but still, he didn’t expect her to let her guard down this much. Nevertheless, he wraps his arms around her in return, reciprocating the hug with a smile on his face.
JJ Night:
Hey now, your secret is safe with me. And to be honest? I’m glad we’re teaming out there too. I know that besides my Nightfall boys, you’re the one out there that’ll always have my back. I really do believe that.
He nods confidently.
JJ Night:
So let’s go out there and show everyone, especially old grumps like Seth and Pierce, what Academy graduates are all about. Because one thing I know for certain? We’re not just the future of Millennium.
JJ nods over to Faiz’s championship.
JJ Night:
We’re the present.
Feeling a lot better Faizah withdraws from the hug. She nods at JJ.
Faizah Marshall:
Damn right.
The scene fades on Faizah smiling.
Tag Team Match
Echo & Trinity Thompson VS JJ Night & Faizah Marshall
Two teams with a rocky past and, most likely, some chemistry issues. Even though, in fairness, JJ and Faizah seemed to be, if not on the same page, at least able to function as a team. Perhaps that had something to do with the time shared back in the Academy where they surely had the chance to team and train together. Something from that experience remained and the two of them, despite their complicated relationship, easily took control over the Junior Heavyweight champion. Echo characteristic’s reluctance to team didn’t help, nor did the fact that she didn’t hold her partner in high regard, refusing to tag her in even when she had the chance to do it. She kept fighting, alone against the two opponents, and for a brief moment, it seemed like she could pull it off, leveling Faizah with a clothesline and taking out JJ with a running big boot that knocked the young man off the apron. She then went back to attacking the Cloud Gate champion with some vicious knee strikes to the face before whipping her into the ropes, ready to catch her on the rebound with the Reverb. But that was when TD made himself useful, blocking his client and saving her from what seemed to be destiny already marked. Nobody was really surprised to see him getting involved, it wasn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last, but that didn’t mean that Echo and Trinity were going to passively accept. While Echo limited herself to threatening the big man, Trinity instead took action and charged at them, ready to do something reckless. Reading her intentions, TD pushed his client out of the way of Trin’s suicide dive. The impact sent him stumbling back and into the barricade, while Faizah went straight in Echo’s arms and got slammed into the canvas with The Reverb. Luckily for her Night recovered in time to make the save. Eventually Echo made the tag, or rather Thompson took it when the Australian stumbed close to the ropes. And let me tell you, the Junior Heavyweight champion wasn’t happy about it. Truth being told, Trin did pretty good in her time inside the ring, matching JJ speed and beating him thanks to the better physical condition. JJ in fact was starting to feel the fatigue of the intense match while Trinity had been pretty much resting until now. A spectacular spanish fly almost put the young man away, but Faizah returned the courtesy from before and saved him. The Cloud Gate champion had the chance to take on her rival a minute later, and their exchange was one of the most intense and hard hitting to memory. The mutual distaste fueled both women who just kept hitting each other without even trying to parry or dodge the opponent’s blows. The fans seemed to appreciate what they had seen, accompanying every shot and kick with loud cheers if it came from Trinity or boos whenever it was Faizah connecting them. Eventually Trinity was sent into the ropes and came back with a bicycle kick, the very same move Marshall attempted. The result was that both girls were down, prompting a double count from the referee. Both began crawling to the respective corner and made the tag at the same time to their partner. That wasn’t the last time they crossed paths in this match, as they got involved in another altercation after Faizah got in the ring to rescue her partner. This last clash took place outside the ring and ended when Thompson dropped her opponent with a piledriver on the concrete floor. TD immediately went to check on Marshall and got his head kicked in from Trin. The big man wasn’t pleased and grabbed the former Academy student by the throat, JJ, who had just flattened Echo with his Casualty Break, saw what was going on and told Batterson to let Trinity go. The referee did the same, but added a disqualification threat to convince Faizah’s bodyguard. TD finally let Trinity go, but by the time he did it,, Echo had time to recover and get to her feet, hitting Night with a forearm to the back of his head before sending him into the ropes and catching him with Reverb. WINNER: Echo & Trinity Thompson BY: Pinfall (The Reverb), 15:09 |
The camera cuts to the backstage area as we focus on one of the back entrance doors that is quickly opened by Veronica Sawyer stepping through looking radiant. She is wearing a tight fitting pair of dark brown leather pants with a black sheer blouse, her long blonde hair is pulled back into a slightly messy ponytail, and she pauses for a moment in order to look back. We soon find out the reason why as Matt Stone is next to step through the door, struggling with Veronica’s bags along with attempting to carry her coffee in one hand.
Veronica Sawyer:
Careful! You know how much Starbucks charges for coffee.
Matt Stone:
Of course I know…I paid for it
He struggled to get out as he stepped inside, Veronica being too busy warning him not to spill to hold the door open for him.
Matt Stone:
Remind me again why it makes sense for me to be carrying all of your things…cause this doesn’t feel right to me.
Veronica places both of her hands on her hips as she begins to smirk.
Veronica Sawyer:
I’m sorry, who is the one between us that has the match tonight?
He sighs at her response, knowing she’s right
Matt Stone:
Well you are…but I’m sure you can find any old guy to carry your bags for you, why does it fall on my shoulders, specifically? Literally too, might I add.
Veronica Sawyer:
Isn’t that what good tag team partners do?
Veronica places one hand over her chest for a brief moment, sticking her bottom lip out in a pout, before she steps closer to take the coffee out of Matt’s hand.
Veronica Sawyer:
After all, I’m going to defend the honor of my good buddy Matt here tonight against Leia LeBeau and remind her that she isn’t above either member of PCP.
He was going to point out that she hadn’t carried anything of his when he had a match and she didn’t but that felt like it was going to be a losing argument from the beginning so just didn’t bother.
Matt Stone:
Your good buddy, eh? Well you’re certainly right about her not being above either one of us. When you win tonight, am I right in thinking the dinner will be on me or will your beau be taking you out?
Veronica Sawyer:
Well, if you insist on buying me dinner, I’m not going to say no.
Veronica resumes her confident stride down the hall, not even slowing down to allow Matt the chance to catch up as he continues struggling with the weight of her luggage.
Veronica Sawyer:
All I ask for is a singles match without some nonsense happening that will steal from me the victory I will have rightfully earned.
Matt Stone:
So you’re perfectly happy with nonsense that gives you the win?
He asks a little louder so that she could hear him, given how he was already a decent distance behind her as his knees buckled under the weight of the luggage.
Matt Stone:
And do you really need ALL of this for one match?
Veronica Sawyer:
I like to bring options with me, you know that.
Veronica comes to a stop in front of a closed door as she turns to look at Matt, clearly expecting for him to open the door for her now that they’ve arrived at her dressing room for the night.
Veronica Sawyer:
Don’t mock me either. I will not be distracted from my goal here tonight.
It took Matt a few extra seconds to get to where she had stopped and he looked at her, then to the door. Then back at her.
Matt Stone:
You can’t be serious…
The look on her face told him she was.
Matt Stone:
Okay then…
He slipped his arm through the holder of the bag he was carrying and gripped the door handle, giving it a turn and taking a step inside, but the shoulder strap slipped down in front of him and he tripped, stumbling forward before falling on his face!
Matt Stone:
Your highn-aaargh!
Veronica appears less than impressed as she carefully steps over where Matt is lying flat on the floor, looking back at him with a frown.
Veronica Sawyer:
Are you trying to break something? We’ll never win the tag titles that way.
Matt just looks up at her as he starts to get to his feet, rubbing his head.
Matt Stone:
Don’t worry, your boots broke my fall.
Veronica Sawyer:
You can imagine my relief.
Finally Veronica extends one hand out towards Matt to help him get more steady on his feet, giving him a quick pat on the shoulder.
Veronica Sawyer:
Thank you for carrying my bags. I hated the thought of tiring myself out before getting inside of the ring.
He takes her hand, getting up and still rubbing his forehead.
Matt Stone:
Perish the thought…
He looks down and sees that his shirt is completely covered in what used to be Veronica’s cup of coffee.
Matt Stone:
Ugh…guess I’ll be going back out to get you another cup. Is there anything else I can get for you while I’m out?
He asks, though he doesn’t sound the most sincere in doing so. Veronica appears to be giving it some thought, tapping her index finger against her chin, before she shakes her head.
Veronica Sawyer:
No, just the coffee will do, remember I want the fat-free whipped cream on top.
Matt Stone:
Oh don’t worry about that…it’s still written on my hand from when you wanted me to go in before.
He shows her the markings on his hand before turning and heading back out the door, the camera following him as Veronica needed her private time to get ready.
Matt Stone:
So glad I asked her to come back…
Singles Match
Veronica Sawyer VS Leia LeBeau For this match. Amy and Figgles were joined by the IC champion himself, Matt Stone. Leia wasted no time and charged at Veronica as soon as the bell rang, taking the opponent by surprise and knocking her down with a clothesline. Very aggressive from the get going, LeBeau hadn’t forgotten the controversial loss suffered in last week’s tag match or the cowardly way her tag partner Matt Stone got away from their match at Centum. She wanted to use Sawyer to send a message to the Straight Shooter, hitting the cornered Canadian with stiff kicks to the chest. The referee ordered a break to which Leia reluctantly agreed only after he reached a count of four. As soon as she stopped kicking her though, she grabbed her arm and whipped her in the opposite corner, charging in with a double knee to the face. The Love At First Kick hit LeBeau from out of nowhere and marked the first turning point of the match, with Sawyer finally managing to build some momentum. Mindful of Leia’s striking ability, Ronnie pointed on her speed to keep herself out of harm’s way, dropping the former Junior Heavyweight champion with a top rope blockbuster for a count of two. As soon as Leia kicked out, Ronnie delivered a brutal shining wizard and attempted another cover, getting a little closer to the three. Overall it was a great match with the momentum continuously switching between the two ladies. After a prolonged phase where Veronica kept control and got very close to beat the Show with her Heartbreaker (sunset flip powerbomb), the final part of the match was all Leia. Sure, she had to take a shortcut to regain control and blinded Veronica with an eye rake to frustrate the Canadian’s comeback attempt, but it wasn’t like Veronica had always played by the rules until now. Leia was pulling out all her arsenal to try to keep the opponent down. From the crane kick to the Seattle Slutdrop, from the handstand corner foot choke to someswift boxing combinations, Leia really had the opponent on the ropes now. The time was ripe for the killing blow and the Jet City Woman sent the blonde opponent in the corner with another Irish whip. Ready to strike her down with the Jet City Jive, Leia took her eyes off the prize for a brief moment, distracted by Matt Stone standing up from the commentary table and calling her name. This was clearly a trap, a way for Matt to buy Veronica some time and get deeper in Leia’s head. And it worked. As LeBeau turned back to Ronnie, she saw that the Canadian was no longer resting against the corner, but she had climbed to the top rope instead. From there, she jumped and caught Leia with the Lovestruck, obtaining her first win in singles competition. WINNER: Veronica Sawyer BY: Pinfall (Lovestruck), 10:33 |
The scene opens in the area backstage where all the production crates are. BROOKFORD is sitting on one of them taping his wrist up for his match tonight against A.P.E. He doesn’t notice a tall man stepping into the frame. It’s Valentine. And it doesn’t take long for his manager to take her place in front of him. BROOKFORD looks up at Valentine, then at Evie.
BROOKFORD:
Hey.
Valentine, of course, says nothing. Evie is warmer in her reply, offering a smile first and her verbal reply a moment later.
Evie:
Hello, darling.
She steps between the two men, leaving Valentine to loom behind her.
Evie:
I got your message, it sounded rather urgent. What did you want to discuss?
BROOKFORD slides off the production crate. He grabs his MWE World Championship. Resting the title on his shoulders he looks at the big man first then down at Evie.
BROOKFORD:
APE is a well oiled machine. Physically me and your guy can take them. Muscle alone isn’t going to get the job done so just making sure we’re on the same page.
Evie’s eyes follow the title, then she smiles to Brookford. Valentine blankly stares at him, no smile.
Evie:
Of course, darling. V may not normally be a big team player, but he knows the importance of working with you. Isn’t that right, V?
Valentine barely acknowledges it, a grunt at the most.
Evie:
See, he’s on board. Now, as you said, physically you two can take APE on. With me in your corner, well that’s advantage us, wouldn’t you agree?
BROOKFORD nods.
BROOKFORD:
One hundred percent. Five years ago a guy brought me into this business. Gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to plant my flag into the ground. I took the ball and ran with it. View tonight as you and Valentine’s plant in the flag moment. Personally I don’t give a crap about APE, they were only worth a damn when Constantine was trolling around. Their brand has value. Us winning tonight will cement you and Valentine’s flag. Take advantage, ya dig?
Evie looks firstly to Valentine, then back at BROOKFORD.
Evie:
We understand.
She nods.
Evie:
We’re not here to squander opportunities. Prepare the flag, V, we have a statement to go make.
BROOKFORD balls up his fist, he presents it to Valentine to see if he’ll fist bump him. When Valentine doesn’t reciprocate, BROOKFORD shrugs. He looks back at Evie. He cracks a smile.
BROOKFORD:
Cool. Lets go get it.
BROOKFORD nods to both of them. He walks off in the opposite direction.
Standing at the gorilla position, the camera is pointed directly at the knees of who we all know as Duke Andrews. The long camouflage trunks, the matching soft knee pads with the American flag printed over the A.P.E. logo and the tall black boots. The nickel colored Don Joy knee brace added.
Duke Andrews:
Kill every enemy until they dissipate. Go to war with this nickel plate and leave ‘em in a different place.
The camera pans up. Alan Envy by his side. The two thirds of A.P.E. ready for the match that is about to take place.
Duke Andrews:
I’ve been waiting for your fat ass to finally show up. I’ve been waiting for you to actually show up and do something for the company that you work for. It’s been what, a month since you’ve been seen on television? So, Nathaniel, that’s part of why it could come across as me barking for you to show up. But I get it, I really do.
The grin coming across the face of Duke Andrews as he pulled his elbow pads up on his arms.
Duke Andrews:
It takes a strong man to get his whore and her god damn freak to interject in a match that has a direct relation to your hold on a title that you don’t deserve. I get why though. I get why you had them come and attack me last week. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Wonder why I kept quiet? I didn’t even ask for this match. But the pattern is there. I’ve called you out since day one. Yet you don’t want to face me. You know the end result. Alan knows. I know. Even Hearst knows deep down in the three brain cells he has left after Sandstorm. You know that the day is coming that you will have to stand across from me with my title on the line. You know that on that day I will take back what is rightfully mine. And then, the world can begin to go back to normal.
Envy jerks his glare over to Duke.
Alan Envy:
Do not take the Lord's name in vain…asshole…
A deep breath is heard as Duke stares at his partner rolling his eyes.
Duke Andrews:
So tonight the inevitable is going to happen. That big sack of shit is going to hit me hard. I’ll stand back up and probably get knocked back down. It’ll hurt. I’ll smile. I’ll stand back up. Alan will get knocked down. He will stand back up. You, you won’t get in the ring. You’ll stay on the apron and let the monster do his dirty work and you’ll probably win. It’ll give you the opportunity to tell me that I’ll have to go to the back of the line. The line I’ve been trying to create. The line that I started. The line that I said I would walk down and beat everyone in front of me. Until you get this toy house reject involved. I see your game. I see what you’re doing. And know that without me bringing you up each and every god damn show, you’d be a forgotten part of this company. So you’re welcome in advance. Keeping your name relevant.
At that point Duke slapped Alan on the chest.
Alan Envy:
That's right my brother. Because that's what guys like us do. We keep getting knocked down but eventually we get back up and hit you harder. It hasn't been the best of runs for me in a while here in Millenium as a matter of fact its absolutely sucked. And I look over at Duke here and I say I'm sorry. A man can do the Lord's work and also be a bad mother trucker as well. I am that man. Tonight Alan Envy the Show Stealer, the Lonestar Icon returns, and you two boys get to experience it tonight. I'm talking directly to you BROOKFORD….My foot will be broke off in your ass tonight. Because that guy you threw around previously isn't this guy. MILLENIUM….Take notice. And Karen try not to touch yourself too much watching us be sexy and kick people's teeth down their throats. Sinner…
Tag Team Match
APE VS BROOKFORD & Valentine
Everybody loves a hoss fight! The match started with a huge brawl in the middle of the ring featuring all the four stars involved. Andrews immediately got revenge on Valentine who attacked him last week, hammering at him with heavy forearm strikes. In the meantime his brother in arms took on the World Champion, with poor results. BROOKFORD was just too much for him. Barely affected by Alan’s strikes, the Problem Solver shook his head and punched the preacher, sending him into the ropes and flattening him with a big boot on the rebound. The brawl between Duke and Valentine was more evenly matched but eventually the Epitome Of Perfection managed to send the opponent tumbling over the top rope with a clothesline. Now that Alan rolled out of the ring, BROOKFORD and Andrews were standing face to face in an intense staredown. The fight the fans wanted to see, the fight the two protagonists wanted to have was about to go down. And it was as intense and epic as you can imagine, stiff and hard strikes flying back and forth between the two powerhouses, and none of them was giving up an inch. The stalemate was eventually broken by a headbutt from Andrews who then lifted the World champion and slammed him into the canvas with a spinebuster. Not wasting a moment, theTop Heel jumped on him and started to pound his face with punches from a mounted position. He only connected two, maybe three before BROOKFORD managed to roll through and switch positions: Rather than going for some ground and pound, the champ wrapped both arms around Duke’s neck and deadlifted him in the air, turning to the middle of the ring and slamming him hard on the mat with a huge sit-out choke bomb. Alan entered the ring and broke up the pin with a kick to the head. Coordinated by Evie, BROOKFORD and Valentine worked quite well as a team. This was all more impressive considering it was their first time together. Still, the chemistry possessed by the former Tag Team champions was on another level. When they finally managed to get the momentum on their side, Duke and Alan reminded everyone why they’re still, although tied with K2O, the longest reigning team in MWE history. Quick tags and devastating combos allowed the duo to tame the beast known as Valentine. Isolated from his partner, the big man was in great difficulty now, like never before. He proved to be incredibly tough to put down, surviving the Red White & Blue Combo and, even more shockingly, the Envious Demise. And when he got the chance, a rare hesitation from Duke who got caught in some bickering with BROOKFORD, the monster opened his path to the corner with his raw power, knocking the former World Champion down with a discus punch. He made the tag to the Problem Solver who didn’t give Andrews time to stand up, charging at full speed and kicking the leader of APE to the ribs. For BROOKFORD, this was the opportunity to shut the Epitome Of Perfection’s mouth. Ever since losing the title on Christmas, Duke had been very vocal, sometimes with hair-brained theories that caused the champion to lose whatever respect he had for his predecessor. That translated into a very aggressive approach, almost punishing. For some odd reasons, this seemed to fuel Duke who, after an extended time at the mercy of the Problem Solver, came back with a second wind. His Crossroads (leghook reverse STO) put the big man down but only for two seconds, then the World champion kicked out. Their tag partners got involved once again by the end of the match. The triggering factor was Evie cheekily grabbing Duke’s foot and blocking him as he was about to hit his Killshot. This prompted Alan to confront Valentine’s manager in a threatening way. Or at least that was what Valentine got from it, as he didn’t hesitate to level the Lonestar with a running clothesline. The fight continued, outside the ring between Envy and the Ravager and inside the ropes between the two legal men. The latter was, obviously the one everybody was focusing on, until a squeal from Amy and the unmistakable sound of the commentary table crashing caught everyone’s attention. Alan Envy was laying there in the rubble with Valentine standing tall next to him. BROOKFORD took advantage of the distraction and hit Duke with a forearm to the back of the head, setting him up for the Problem… Solved for the one, two, three. WINNER: BROOKFORD & Valentine BY: Pinfall (Problem… Solved), 13:28 |
We see Alex Andrews just pacing around some place in the back stage area. The Riot Championship smug around her waist. She looks to be in a sour mood, which is perfectly understandable. Alex looks hard at the camera.
Alex Andrews :
Isn't that always the way? I work my ass off, I put on great match after great match, maintaining a bit of honor and integrity in the process. Being a champion that this company can be proud of, to show just how damn tough I am. And what happems, after a hard won fight, I get cheap shotted. They take the low route and attack me from behind. Good on you, Luna. You know what you want, and you think I'll be an easy target. So you made your move, and you know what? I'll gladly accept that challenge. Because after that disp!ay, you have my full and undivided attention. But I have bad news for you, I'm not easy pickings. I'm the Riot Champion for a reason. I scraped and clawed to become the first ever two time MENTV Champion. Then I defended it five times, through ups and downs. And then, my biggest challenge, was unseating the Champion himself, Pierce Manning.
She shakes her head.
Alex Andrews :
Even after getting biased in the head by a foriegn object, he could not put me down. I eeked out with this title and I'll be damned if I'm losing it just yet. My time is not done yet.
Alex waves her hands on front of her.
Alex Andrews :
So bring the man I beat FAIRLY as your tag partner, Luna. See how far that'll get you. And I'll bring my own back up. And we'll see whom the last one standing is. Be ready to stare at the lights, cause the mood y'all out me in, I'm taking no prisoners and gives zero effs.
Alex walks off down the hall way as we fade to black.
Tag Team Match
Luna & West Long VS Alex Andrews & TBA
Amy Maynard: “Luna made quite the statement last week when she attacked Alex at the end of her match against West Long and laid claim on the Riot championship.” Sir Figgles: “What a great moment that was! Finally someone stepped up to take that title from Andrews.” Amy Maynard: “I don’t get this hate on the Riot champion.. She busted her ass to get where she is, winning the MENTV championship twice and defending it five times to get her rightful shot and beat Pierce Manning clean.” Sir Figgles: “... And then she ruined everything by defending it against someone who didn’t even work for this company.” Amy Maynard: “Oh, I see you’ve been drinking The Man’s kool aid… Not gonna lie, I miss the days when the only thing you drank was Sandstorm…” Sir Figgles: “Best drink in the world.” Luna and West were already in the ring when “I Want It All” by Queen blared out of the loudspeakers. Out came the Riot champion, welcomed by the loud pop of the fans. Alex knew better than walking down to the ring alone, the chances that they’d jump her before the match even started were pretty high.. She stopped on the stage, waiting for her partner with a big smile on her face. Clearly, by now she knew exactly who she was going to team with and she was eager to let everyone know, already foretasting the reaction of the fans and, most importantly, their opponents. Shock and surprise could only start to describe the look on everyone’s face when “You Right” by Doja Cat blared out of the loudspeakers and a tiny, familiar figure emerged from the smoke surrounding the stage. Amy Maynard: “WHAT? That’s Abby Blake!” Sir Figgles: “Who? I never heard of her…” Amy Maynard: “You’re probably the only one, judging by this reaction. Anyway, she was making waves in Valiant before the company went on hiatus… Looks like she chose MWE as her new home!” Abby and Alex exchanged a quick nod and charged toward the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and taking the fight to their opponents before the bell could even ring. Blake started hitting the Warwolf with quick forearm strikes in what was an incredibly mismatched fight that Long could’ve turned in his favor at any moment. But Alex quickly joined in to help her, after forcing Luna to retreat on the outside. They hit him with coordinated strikes before grabbing one hand each and sending him into the ropes. As he bounced back, they both jumped in the air and connected a double dropkick that knocked the big man down. Just like Luna, West rolled out of the ring. Another wordless understanding between Alex and Abby as they launched themselves through the ropes, taking down both opponents with stereo suicide dives. Amy Maynard: “I guess Luna and West didn’t expect that from their opponents!” Sir Figgles: “It was a cheap shot before the match officially started and I’m SHOCKED you’re condoning such actions!” Together, the two girls pushed Long back in the ring. Abby then headed back in the corner and let Andrews take care of the Warwolf. Surely the advantage obtained in the first moments of the match helped, but Alex seemed to have the number of her opponent tonight. Learning from their past match, she moved quickly around the big guy and worked together with Abby to keep constant pressure on him and keep themselves fresh. Abby’s flashy moveset proved to be not only highly entertaining and exciting to see but effective as well, Her diving somersault neckbreaker almost gave her the win, but Luna was there to spoil the party. The blonde girl attempted a springboard lungblower but the move was countered by the Warwolf who then tagged the Star Of The Night in. Amy Maynard: “Tough break for Abby and Alex there, Isolating Long might have seemed like an ambitious move, but they were doing a great job at wearing him down.” Sir Figgles: “It was a brilliant strategy by West, actually. Just look at how this guy is built, do you think two bird legs like them can do any damage to a human tank? He let them believe they were in control, wore them down and now he’s letting Luna pick up the pieces and take the win. Easy clap!” The fresh Star Of The Night “welcomed” Blake to MWE with a flurry of Krav Maga knee strikes, leaving her stunned in the middle of the ring. With her Starstorm she knocked the former Valiant wrestler down and jumped on her chest with a double foot stomp, attempting the cover with a deep lateral press from which Blake kicked out in two. Luna kept attacking the newest signee with stiff kicks, though her main focus remained Alex. After each of those strikes in fact, she taunted the Riot champion telling her to take notes because this was going to be the fate she’ll suffer coming Dark Web. Andrews in all response kept cheering her partner on. Abby tried to react but her comeback was immediately cut short with a throat strike from the former Lockdown champion. Her obsession with playing mind games with Alex almost cost Luna as Abby caught her off guard with a small package pin for a near fall. Both girls were up to their feet and Luna started another one of her dangerous striking combinations. This time Blake had it scouted and ducked her blow, running against the ropes and slamming the Star Of The Night’s face on the canvas with a wheelbarrow facebuster. Amy Maynard: “This is it, the chance Abby needed to make the tag!” West saw the danger and abandoned his position on the apron, running around the ring and trying to blindside Andrews and knock her off the apron to prevent the tag. His running clothesline meant to sweep her off her legs was evaded by the Riot champion with a jump, and West’s big arm impacted against the steel post. Abby finally reached Alex and made the tag, using her last ounce of energy to jump onto him with an asai moonsault. Alex started kicking Luna who was trying to get up to her feet, hitting her with several shots before taking a couple of steps back and hit her with the Brain Death for the win. WINNER: Alex Andrews & Abby Blake BY: Pinfall (Brain Death), 16:16 |