Millennium XXI Take Two

Millennium XXI Take Two Dec 6, 2018 14:52:04 GMT -6

Post by gvb on Dec 6, 2018 14:52:04 GMT -6

MILLENNIUM XXI: Take Two
Live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, December 5th, 2018

”When Legends Rise” by Godsmack welcomes us as Millennium XXI comes to air live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Pyros explode all over the stage as the camera pans on the twenty thousand who came to watch the action live, showing some handmade signs.

“Off The Wall” “Biker Mice > TMNT” “Green with Envy” “I’m the Yin to Jennifer’s Yang” “Yell for me Bea” “HSH can’t beat Pac Man” “RIP Chris” “If Chris dies, Mel can have my babies”

Eventually the camera stops on the announcer’s table where Bea Torres and Jared Idol welcome us to the show.

Jared Idol:

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Millennium XXI.

Bea Torres:

OH MY GOD, DID YOU SEE? SOMEONE MADE A SIGN FOR ME!

Jared Idol

Aye. I hate that guy.

Bea Torres:

Stop being a grumpy bear, Jared! We have a great night ahead of us, did you see the card?

Jared Idol:

You’re right about that. The long road to the Tag Team Titles starts tonight, and later on we will hear from our General Manager the rules of this tournament.

Bea Torres:

And speaking of announcements, Luna is going to explain us the new stipulation under which the Lockdown Title will be contested.

Jared Idol

You don’t have to wait too long for that because I’ve been told that the new Lockdown champion is here!

As Luna's theme. All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar plays into the arena. A flurry of white, navy blue, golden and bronze stars flutter down into the arena while she has on her shoulder the Lockdown Championship belt which she waits on the stage for the cameraman to come up and get a close up of. She walks down to the ring with a confident but prideful strut wearing a little black dress with the one over the shoulder strap designed into stars. Once she's in the ring, she makes a gesture for the fans to simmer down with their boos.

Luna Smith:

That is exactly what a fanbase led by Kate Steele do. Boo a true star such as myself and reject what's written in the stars. Luna Smith; Lockdown Champion!

She then raises her title up to get a few more boos that makes her extend the pose until she's fully ready to continue.

Luna Smith:

Kate Steele thought she'd send me to the back of the line, that she'd be a brick wall and in her own game I made her tap out live in Cleveland! And started the trend for the gold changing hands.

There's a small pause from Luna as the crowd give their 'opinion' on her statement.

Luna Smith:

But we're gathered here tonight to see just what title matches I'll be defending this under…but sometimes we have to wait.

Luna hears the boos roll in from the crowd and shakes her hand no.

Luna Smith:

No no no, Some things are worth the wait.

And she drops the microphone before heading out of the ring with her

Singles Match

Dustin Douglas VS Kamila Rose

The debutant Dustin Douglas looked a bit nervous walking to the ring. For someone like him who has waited of this moment for 15 years, making his professional debut at 35 in front of the twenty thousand people filling the Arena in Atlanta, this must be a very emotional moment. And it was definitely affecting his performance, as he quickly found himself on the receiving hand of Kamila's quick offense. She brought the big man down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but the early pinfall attempt only gave her a one count. Dustin rose back to his feet, only to be met by kick to the knee and a single leg takedown. Rose applied a knee bar in the middle of the ring, hyperextending the knee joints of the 35 years old rookie. Fighting through the pain, Douglas reached the ropes, and the referee forced Kamila to break the hold.

Things started to turn in Dustin's favor when he rolled out of the way of Kamila's diving elbow drop, finding the opening he needed. He rolled her sit on the floor with a snapmare and some stiff kicks to the back. Taking a run against the ropes, he ended the sequence with a shining wizard. Kamila kicked out, but Dustin was now firmly in control of things keeping her grounded with a front chancery. Rose struggled to get back on her feet, and her effort was quickly frustrated by a couple of front knee strikes. With the opponent stunned, Dustin gave a show of his technical prowess with a belly to belly suplex.

Out of nowhere Kamila connected with a double-knee facebreaker, that almost sealed the deal. But it was just a flash in the pan, with Dustin re-establishing his supremacy with an STO. After the kickout, he slid behind her back and locked in the cobra clutch holding the grip for half a minute before dropping her down with a suplex. From there, he took her legs and crossed them, grabbing the free ankle and placing it between his thighs before laying on top of her back and trapping her arm and head with his arms. The D6 (Regal Stretch) gave the rookie his first win in Millennium, as Kamila quickly tapped out.

WINNER: Dustin Douglas
BY: Submission (D6) , 5:49

Bea Torres: "What a great win for Dustin!"

Jared Idol: "Aye. I'm saving my judgement for now. Kamila isn't exactly a reliable test bench."

Bea Torres: "Don't be rude! And let me tell you something about Dustin. This kid is talented."

Jared Idol: "This kid is 35..."

The feed cuts back to the General Manager's office where we see Gian sitting behind his desk welcoming the fans with his charming smile.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:

Two weeks ago, at our most successful pay-per-view, Deep Six

A ill-concealed shade of pride in his tone.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:

I announced that it was my intentions to introduce the Tag Team Titles here in Millennium. On top of that, I plan to make our tag team division the standard of tag team wrestling. I signed some of the best tag teams in the world, twelve to be more precise, to compete in this tournament. Six of them are kicking things off tonight, the others will be in action next week… I guess this is a good time to announce the rules of the tournament, wouldn't you agree?

He takes a small pause.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:

Twelve teams in four brackets of three teams each. The matches will be contested with a twenty minutes time limit, a win gives the team two points, a time limit draw one point to each team. The winners of each bracket will compete in a four way tag team elimination match at our next pay per view, on January 9th in Washington DC.

In the eventuality of two teams finishing the bracket tied for the first spot, time will be the criterion to determine who advance.

Standing up from his seat the GM walks to the other side of the desk, leaning against it with his arms crossed over his chest, assuming a much less formal stance.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:

I'm not going to lie, I'm thrilled about this tournament. And I'm sure you all are as well. Established tag teams such as Jetpack, Uncanny Socialites, young teams such as The Mighty Now Thrive, BreeTee Committee and High Score Heroes… And some aces I still have up my sleeve…

This is what we meant when we said Millennium has entered a new era.

Enjoy the show.

The camera cuts back to the next segment.

Singles Match

Alan Envy VS Drakkon

The former Vengeance Pro superstar Alan Envy was set to make his debut against Drakkon in what was, at least on papers, an easy match. And Envy was out to impress his new crowd, hammering Drakkon with lefts and rights, forcing him into the corner where the forearms turned into kicks. The referee eventually separated the two men, at least momentarily. Envy grabbed his wrist and whipped him across the ring to the opposite corner, meeting the boot when he tried to follow up with a clothesline.

The kick caught Envy right on the jaw, leaving him staggering and defenseless against Drakkon's bulldog. Obviously it wasn't enough to keep the veteran down, but it allowed him to take control keeping him grounded with some submission moves. Alan broke free from the Nightfall (a sleeper hold) and connected with a couple of right fists and an European Uppercut for good measure. Drakkon answered with a kick to the stomach and a suplex attempt, countered by the veteran with one of his own.

The action went back and forth with a couple more minutes, until Envy, hidden from the referee's sight, blinded Drakkon with an eye rake and drove his knee in his guts. He lifted him in a suplex position before violently dropping him frontally with a gordbuster, hooking the leg for a near fall. Without losing his calm, he picked the opponent up and called for the Envious Demise. But before he could connect the evenflow ddt, someone with a skull painted face slid inside the ring behind him and hit him with a chair to the back of the head. The referee had no chance but to call for a DQ.

WINNER: Alan Envy
BY: DQ (Outside Interference), 7:05

Bea Torres: "Who the heck?"

Jared Idol: "Wait, they're not done yet.."

The hulking man stands staring at Envy with a evil looking grin. The official tries to stand in the way of him, but from behind ACID of the N.E.W World enters the ring and tosses the referee out of the ring. With Drakkon in the corner, he shouts out "HIT HIM AGAIN!" and the tall man smashes the chair on Envy's back, that can be heard throughout the arena.

The other member of the N.E.W World enters, Vengeance and he slaps Envy around his head and laughs manically while Drakkon gets to his feet with the help of ACID. Drakkon nods his head, and the tall man drops the chair, and grabs Envy by the hair. Vengeance climbs the top rope and the tall man transitions Envy into a Tombstone position and then Vengeance jumps pushing Envy's feet to landing right on his head.

Vengeance laughs wildly, skipping in the ring, ACID grins like a cat ate the canary, and the unknown man, poses to Drakkon on his knee. Drakkon motions for a microphone and gets it.

Drakkon:

Playtime! Is over! For as long as we have been here, we have been playing along, with a facade. A ruse! To convince you fools, that we were nothing more, than mere peasants like yourselfs. Beings who bring nothing of value. Just discarded away to be disposed of. For as long as we have been here, we have been fooling you all.

Drakkon moves to the center of the ring where the face painted man is kneeling

Drakkon:

With my newfound friend, The Deadman. We will well, and truly be an unstoppable force! Nothing! Will hold us back now! For The Deadman, and Vengeance! Will show you all, why this old world will fall! And a NEW World, will rise! You will not stop! What is to come! Bow! Before your new leader!!!

Vengeance and ACID bow in a pose similar to that of the Deadman. Drakkon meanwhile closes his eyes as they do. Suddenly then, the lights go out, and then return on. The N.E.W World is gone, but Adam Envy still is in the ring.

Singles Match

Christina Rose VS Sean Libby

Christina entered this match with a renewed confidence after finally catching her first win at Deep Six. Sean Libby was obviously in a very different mood after coming up short in his shot at the Empire Extreme Championship. The bell rang and it was the Irishman who landed the first shot, with a kick to the stomach that doubled Rose over right off the bat. He sent her for a run against the ropes, catching her with a single leg dropkick when she bounced off.

The fans filling the State Farm Arena and those watching at home were witnessing a surprisingly good contest between two competitors who had more downs than ups so far in the company. Christina connected with a series of Japanese style arm drags, Libby sprung back to his feet and, after ducking under her right hand shot, he dropped her down with a neckbreaker. Sean was quick to climb on the top rope and connecting with the Skydive for a two count.

As the minutes went by, Libbeh started growing more and more frustrated by Christina's resilience, after seeing her kicking out of the Avalanche Bomb he calls Irish Car Bomb. He started arguing with the referee and almost paid for it when the Blossoming Rose rolled him over with a schoolboy pin. Managing to kick out, he swung his leg aiming for the opponent's head, but Kristal ducked it and countered with a hurricanrana. This seemed to give her a new life, and the thousands of fans getting behind her only fueled her reaction. The Detroit girl shifted into high gear, planting Libby down with a tilt-a-whirl ddt. Not satisfied, she hit her patented handspring moonsault called Smell The Roses, but it still wasn't enough to defeat Libby.

As the match approached the eight minutes mark, Sean took a break rolling out of the ring after the Flashlight. The referee started to count him out, yelling at him to get back inside the ring. And that he did, as the count reached seven. Only he slid back in with a steel chair in his hand. The referee tried to take it off his hands, reminding him that he'll lose the match via DQ. But Sean didn't listen, pushing him away and throwing the chair at Christina. Instinctively she grabbed it, only to get it smashed on her face after a dropkick to the chair. The match obviously ended with Christina being declared the winner.

WINNER: Christina Rose
BY: DQ (Chair Shot), 7:55

Bea Torres: "What's wrong with Libby? Why did he bring in a chair?"

Jared Idol: "Frustration? Desperation? He's nuts? You pick"

Bea Torres: "I don't know, something doesn't add up here..."

Jared Idol: "If you ask me, definitely the third option."

The scene opens to Billy Valentine and Jimmy Strife, the tag team known as High Score Heroes, standing in the catering area. Billy leans against the cold concrete wall as Jimmy grabs a plate at the head of the table.

JIMMY STRIFE:

DUDE! Look at all this food! I feel like I am at thanksgiving.

Jimmy grabs a chicken leg and doesn’t even put it on his plate before taking a giant bite out of it.

BILLY VALENTINE:

Come on man, act like you’ve been here before.

JIMMY STRIFE:

What do you mean? This is our debut. I am going to live it up.

Bits of chicken falling out of the young man's mouth as he talks. Nobody else was in the room, probably due to the fact the show was going on. Their debut match only moments away.

BILLY VALENTINE:

You need to chill out man, we can’t take this lightly. And if you keep eating like that you’re going to throw up in the ring.

Billy look at his friend, the skin of the fried chicken hanging out of his mouth. You can see Jimmy realizing that what his friend has said was true.

JIMMY STRIFE:

You’re right, but dude it all looks so good! I feel like Donkey Kong, everything is mine!

BILLY VALENTINE:

Well, if you keep eating like that I’m going to have Kerby as a tag team partner.

JIMMY STRIFE:

Woah, what the heck? I’m not getting fat. I’m just used to ramen noodles and canned vegetables.

Jimmy looks down at his belly as if he can feel it growing from the three chicken legs now calling it home.

BILLY VALENTINE:

We can’t forget why we are here. Pinky Promise remember?

JIMMY STRIFE:

I know. I know. Pinky Promise.

They knew it was a childish thing, making pinky promises, but they made one at the age of 8 years old to become the best tag team in history.

BILLY VALENTINE:

Now put the plate down and come here. We have some video to watch if we are going to be ready for this match.

Jimmy reluctantly places the paper plate on the table and makes his way over to Billy who had pulled out a first generation iPad.

JIMMY STRIFE:
Alright, let’s get this wired in.

Tag Team Match

Tournament, Group D

The Mighty Now Thrive VS High Score Heroes

The Millennium Tag Team Championship Tournament kicked off with a match from group D between two young but very promising teams. Yona Blake accompanied her boyfriend to the ring in his Millennium's debut. Waiting for the Potluck Pro Tag Champs inside the ring, the High Score Heroes were discussing some strategy before the match. Or so it seemed. A quick nod and they both dove over the top rope and landed on the opponents outside with two Somersault Plan has that wiped them out completely. Yona included. Billy and Jimmy exchanged an high five pleased by the successful outcome of their move and, more importantly, by how the crowd received it. Strife picked up Null and rolled him back into the ring, where the referee finally signaled for the bell to ring.

As it was easily predictable, the match went down on a very quick pace, right in the wheelhouse of the two teams. Jimmy fully exploited the early advantage the dives gave them, keeping Null isolated in their half of the ring with frequent tags. Billy Valentine was now working on the TMNT member, lighting up his chest with a series of knife edge chops. Another quick tag and the duo performed a double suplex, with Strife going for the cover but only getting a two count.

Outside the ring, Kid Terra and Yona were spurring their partner in this moment of difficulty, inviting the fans to the same. And for a moment it seemed to work, with the wolf boy creating himself an opening with a dragon whip and slowly crawling across the ring. But before he could reach his corner, Valentine knocked him down dropping the elbow to the back of his neck. Jimmy then wrapped his arms around the opponent's waist with a deadlift bridging German suplex, once again getting another near fall. The HSH exchanged a nod, planning some other team move to finally win over the tenacity of the wolfman. But he could never reach the corner. Null grabbed the rope with his free hand, blocking himself from being dragged in the enemy's corner. Jimmy obviously kept pulling but Null was holding on that rope like his life depended on it. Which, metaphorically speaking, wasn't too far from the truth.

The tug of war was eventually won by the TMNT member who surprised the opponent with a middle kick. A quick brawl followed up, with Null eventually creating a window of opportunity for himself when, holding the opponent by the wrist, brought his right foot to the side of his face and dropped backwards with a sole food. The tag was finally made and Kid Terra finally jumped into the ring. First thing he did was running all the way across the ring to knock Billy off the apron with a dropkick, preventing the tag to be made. He then turned his attention back to Strife, bending him over with a kick and following up with a snap ddt. Not done yet, he took a dash to the ropes and performed a beautiful springboard moonsault, hooking the leg for a two count.

As the match went on, things didn't look good for Jimmy, who was desperately in need for a tag, completely at Kid's mercy. But it wasn't easy for him to wind a way out of the thick web of submission holds Terra had him trapped into. For every time he seemed to escape from one, his opponent quickly flowed into another showcasing an impressive technique. Once again Strife found himself lying on the mat and locked in a bridging arm triangle choke. Luckily for him the ropes were right between reach and, although with great effort, he managed to reach them with his foot.

Billy Valentine eventually came back into the match in style with a springboard forearm after a blind tag. Kid Terra didn't seem able to find a way to counter his speed, which was creating him more than a problem. A pinfall attempt after a diving crossbody was broken by Null, saving the match for his team. Strife didn't hesitate to step inside the ring and making him pay for it with a super kick. Chaos ensued, despite the referee's effort to bring back some order. The fans didn't seem to mind the direction things took, with an all out brawl between the four men inside the ring. After Jimmy took out Null with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors that sent him rolling out of the ring, the High Score Heroes turned their attention on the legal man. A quick look at each other before shouting out loud “FINISH HIM!”, the name of their Backstabber/Double Foot Stomp combination. As soon as Billy laid down into a cover, Jimmy made sure there would be no interference from Null this time, taking him out with a suicide dive.

But Kid Terra didn't need any help this time, lifting his shoulder in the nick of time. Way past the ten minutes mark, Kid managed to give the tag to his partner. Null immediately delivered a spinning heel kick to Valentine and waited for him to get up just to connect with a second one. The wolfman let out a long howl, echoed by Yona and the fans, firing himself up before charging at the opponent with a spear. After tagging Kid Terra back in, Null lifted Billy over his shoulders, while his partner climbed to the top rope.

Pack Mentality! The Doomsday Canadian Destroyer connected and the Potluck Pro Tag Team Champions were three seconds away from their first win and two points in the Tag Team Tournament. Null delivered a second spear, this time to Jimmy who ran in trying to save his team mate. The ref's hand touched the mat for a third time, and TMNT won their debut after an hard fought battle, with only 20 seconds to spare.

WINNER: The Mighty Now Thrive
BY: Pinfall (Pack Mentality), 19:40

Bea Torres: "WOOOOAHHH"

Jared Idol: "What a match these two young teams put on!"

Bea Torres: "If this is the level of competition we can expect... Oh man. .."

Jared Idol: "You heard Gian, he's planning to make this division the best in professional wrestling... And he started with the right foot."

‘Fly’ by Nicki Minaj plays and the fans know that could only mean the arrival of one person. They stand to their feet excitedly, but no one appears as the music continues playing. The boos begin to fade as the fans are left more confused than anything. After about a minute of the song playing, the lights darken and the song starts over. A pink spotlight shines among the fans and standing in that spotlight, walking through the audience, is former world champion and perennial fan favorite, Rayven Hardy!

The now 21 year old makes her way through the sea of fans, making sure to greet each and every one with a smile and a hand clap. As she reaches ringside, the fans help lift her up and sit her down over the ringside barricade. Rayven walks up to the ring steps and stops. The young wrestler looks emotional as she finally exhales and walks up the steps and then enters the ring, for the first time since August. Once in the ring, Rayven is handed a microphone as the fans begin chanting her name.

CROWD:

RAYVEN! RAYVEN! RAYVEN! RAYVEN! RAYVEN!

Hardy mouths ‘thank you’ repeatedly as the fans continue their chant for nearly two minutes before finally dying down, giving the 21 year old a chance to talk.

Rayven Hardy:

First, let me say thank you. You guys have no idea how much I’ve missed that.

The fans let out a cheer at the former champion recognizing their cheers and showing them the respect that they deserve.

Rayven Hardy:

Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve stepped in a Millennium ring. As a matter of fact, the last time I was here, I was being helped out of the ring. I thought my knee was shattered after Gray Malone attacked me with a bat after my one and only match here. Fortunately, deep bruising was the extent, but I was hesitant. I knew in my heart that one more smack from that bat could have potentially ended my career, and I guess in a way I was mentally defeated more than physically. I rehabbed my knee, and I knew one day I would end up back here, in a ring, and not just any ring, but a Millennium ring.

Rayven pauses as the fans begin cheering again. This was one energetic crowd, and Hardy was loving every second of it.

Rayven Hardy:

When I initially signed a contract with Millennium, I was fresh off of a run in Empire where I won the Imperial tournament, but then lost three consecutive matches to then champion, Molly Reid. Love her, hate her, Molly was legit, and along the way, despite those defeats, I knew that I learned a lot and I was able to grow from those losses. Fast forward to my debut against Gray Malone, someone I was familiar with and had actually defeated when I was a champion elsewhere back in 2017. This Gray was different, he was more vicious, visceral, and after he beat me clean, I was ready to shake his hand and show him the respect that he earned, but then he ruined that by attacking me with a baseball bat. Yeah, not fun.

Rayven smiles about it now, but the incident at the time was traumatic.

Rayven Hardy:

Here we are, a few months later, and I want to thank Mr. Vaccaro for everything. We had a face to face meeting and I wanted to officially announce, formally, that as of today, I’m BACK on the Millennium roster and I cannot WAIT to put my wrestling boots on and continue doing what I love for you guys, the fans that I love. From day one, you’ve had my back, and I don’t think I can fully express how much you guys mean to me.

“Hold me close, don’t let go, watch me!”

The lights flicker, and the violins play ever so slowly over the silent crowd that just moments ago were so filled with joy and excitement. In the ring Rayven seems confused. Not sure about what’s going on. But the crowd knows what to expect. They’ve seen the assaults and broken bodies that usually follow along with the creepy violins. His Dying Majesty steps out onto the stage in his full gear. Crown, staff, robe and everything. As he makes his way down the ramp the flickering lights make it look like he floats through the air.

Armed with a microphone and stare that could kill he enters the ring and steps right up to Rayven Hardy. She is about to speak but is interrupted when Jason puts a finger in front of the piece that covers his face. With the microphone he starts to point towards the crowd. He reaches all over the arena as Rayven looks around and seems distraught that the crowd could change so much in just seconds. All life had been sucked out of them. Just as excited they were to cheer on her, just as terrified they suddenly had become to make anything that just resembled a noise. Rayven suddenly can’t find her words. She opens her mouth but must lower the microphone and as she does Jason removes his face piece and turns to the crowd.

Jason Hawk:

I am terribly sorry for having to interrupt this pathetic celebration. But they were chanting for the wrong bird and I couldn’t stand for it! Please, forgive me.

Jason turns back to Rayven and continues.

Jason Hawk:

I want you to listen very carefully. Take a real close listen. Remember this moment. Don’t you dare ever forget. Not because I tell you to, but because it is for your own sake. I was like you once. Young, full of hope, so much unplugged potential. I had the world at my feet and tomorrow belonged to me. Nothing could get in my way. Nothing was impossible. I could do everything! I flew higher than anyone ever did because they fueled me. They kept me going. They let me know that Jason Hawk was the best high-flyer they ever saw. They loved me and adored me with a passion and eventually they crowned me king. His Flying Majesty was born for they had never seen anyone like me. There had never been a Jason Hawk before and there has never been a Jason Hawk since. Does it sound familiar? You won a world title. You’re gifted, you know what I am talking about, right?

Rayven raises the microphone as she is interrupted again.

Jason Hawk:

No no. Don’t break this beautiful silence and encourage them to do the same. Just nod.

Rayven nods, the young wrestler seems almost in a trance due to Jason’s words and demands.

Jason Hawk:

Except I don’t think that you do. You don’t understand. You don’t get it yet. I know because I was just like you. I was young once too. I also used to be naïve. Just like you. That speech you just gave. Those words of wisdom you just spat out like you knew what you were talking about. I know that speech by heart. Because I’ve held it so many times that I lost count a long time ago. I remember how proud I was once every time I got to get on this microphone and tell them just how much I appreciated their support and how they carried me through the hard times. Oh, how I remember.

Jason trails off for a moment and looks out at the crowd that once adored him like they did Rayven just moments ago.

Jason Hawk:

But they… they don’t remember. Nothing, they remember nothing. They barely, if at all, even remember my name. To tell you the truth I bet they can’t even remember what you just said moments ago. They might remember that there was a pretty pink light and maybe a catchy song. But anything you had to say? It didn’t interest them. The only thing they want from you is a broken body. You are a tool to them, a toy. They only care if you put your health and well-being at risk for their amusement. Don’t fall for their act because they don’t remember. I am sorry for repeating myself, but I cannot emphasize this enough. So, listen to me, listen closely when I tell you that they don’t remember.

Rayven puts the microphone to her mouth and attempts to speak, but nothing comes out. Everything that Jason had just said repeats in her head, and it’s almost as if she’s frozen. The veteran had effectively muted the young wrestler/actress.

Jason Hawk:

Usually I would come out here and just destroy you to spite all of them because how dare they show just fake affection for you. And don’t get me wrong, you’ll get what’s coming to you and when that time comes, please forgive me. But I only had to tell you to shut up once and you listened, so I’ll spare you this time. But that is not all. Call me old and sentimental but I can’t help but see myself in your young naivety. I don’t want you to feel what I felt. I don’t want you to one day wake up and realize that they never cared for you.

Rayven once more tries to speak and again, Jason cuts her off. This time he raises his voice, drawing in boos from the fans and a look of confusion from Rayven Hardy.

Jason Hawk:

But there is still time for you! You can still make it right. Listen to me and you’ll realize that they mean nothing. They never did anything for me. Everything I ever achieved I did myself. My talent and hard work got me everything I ever got. They were never a part of it and I was foolish enough to think that they played a part. I don’t blame you for listening to them. For believing that they matter because the truth is that everyone in the back believes so as well. Be smarter than them. Open your eyes and see through the façade.

Rayven finally musters up enough confidence to now cut him off, something that doesn’t seem to sit well with Hawk judging by the expression on his face, but Rayven talks over him.

Rayven Hardy:

There isn’t a facade, and the love these fans have shown me from the moment I stepped foot in a ring is far from fake, there has never been a more genuine bond. Seriously. I can remember sitting right there…

Rayven points to a seat in the front row. Today, a teenage girl wearing a Millennium shirt is sitting there, smiling as Rayven points at her.

Rayven Hardy:

And when I sat in that seat, I cheered for people who fought for all of the RIGHT reasons. People like you…

Was that why it was so hard for Ravyen to speak up before? While most of the fans have forgotten Hawk, Rayven was a fan of his.

Rayven Hardy:

I relate to them because they see themselves in me, and me? I see some of the old you in me. I’ve patterned my high flying after you in many ways. So I think-

Jason shouts into the microphone, stopping Rayven mid sentence. He then laughs a bit, coldly of course, as he steps closer, trying to intimidate the returning superstar.

Jason Hawk:

Be a good girl and do as I tell, or I’ll tear the skin off your back and break your body so they don’t care about you anymore. Think about it. The silence will come for you no matter what. But you get to decide your own fate, I didn’t.

Jason then takes the microphone from Rayven’s hand. She attempts to grab it back but he tosses it out of the ring, causing it to malfunction and break into a sound of static before it’s cut off by the backstage team. Hawk leans closer to Rayven, whispering to her as the microphone is still to his lips.

Jason Hawk:

So, listen. Drink in the silence. Learn to love it and find the beauty in the sound of silence. It comes for us all. Force it upon them before they ever get the chance give you the cold shoulder and throw you into obscurity. So, listen. Listen closely.

He says before exiting the ring and leaving Rayven with something to think about. As he backs up the ramp, he flips off the crowd and just for good measure he points to his shirt which reads FUCK. YOU. ALL.

Singles Match

Paddy Costigan VS Yona Blake

Yona's spirits were at an all time high after seeing her boyfriend successfully debuting in Millennium with a huge win, and this translated in a very aggressive attitude since the start, coming off strong with a couple of clothesline that didn't take take the veteran down. The third attempt instead was enough to knock Paddy down, but just for a count of one. It took a good couple of minutes to Perfect Paddy Costigan before eventually being able to counter her speed catching her mid air after a crossbody. Taking some sweet time to think about what he should do with her, he eventually dropped her back first on his knee.

The backbreaker definitely took the wind off her sails, allowing the expert wrestler to control the operations. Only a few person on the Millennium roster can compete with Costigan's technique when it comes to mat wrestling and Blake was definitely not one of them. Paddy put on a real clinic, each one of his submission meant to inflict damage to her back. We saw a seated surfboard stretch, a bow and arrow hold and finally a single leg Boston crab. There were a couple of moments where it seemed like Yona was ready to throw the towel in, but she held on and eventually made it to the ropes. Paddy kept the pressure exploiting the five count at its fullest before finally letting her go.

Yona eventually found her footing in this match, finally able to exploit her quickness. With Costigan in the corner, Blake had the perfect opportunity to connect her Unprettier, a running double knees to the face. Paddy dropped down and the werewolf of London went for another pinfall, this time getting a lot closer to the win. Her confidence kept growing with every move she landed, a kicking combination left the veteran stunned enough for her to wrap her arm around his head and using the nearby ropes as a springboard to drive his face to the canvas with a bulldog. But the great ring awareness of the 60 years old veteran allowed him to place his foot on the ropes and saving the match.

A vicious Spinning Spinebuster from Paddy suddenly stopped Yona's momentum. Instead of going for a cover, Costigan waited for her to get up and tried his Crossface Chickenwing, but before he could lock her in, Yona elbowed him with her free arm and quickly rolled him over with an small package, taking the veteran completely by surprise and obtaining an unexpected, upset win.

WINNER: Yona Blake
BY: Pinfall (Roll-Up), 8:46

Jared Idol: "And Yona steals a win tonight.. What an upset!"

Bea Torres: "NOO DADD... PADDY!!"

Jared Idol: "Perhaps and excess of confidence costed the veteran the win tonight."

Bea Torres: "It's the first win in like... How long for Yona?"

Jared Idol: "I honestly don't know, but it seems like having her boyfriend in the same company gave her a new drive"

Olivia Wythe:

Is this thing even working?

It's a sudden introduction, the viewer suddenly watching as Olivia looks into the camera. Clearly, this is not a Millennium production, but one done by a newly signed member to their roster. Full of curiosity, Olivia looks into the viewfinder as she tries to frame herself correctly. Olivia huffs out of frustration, as she wanted to show initiative on her debut. A video package playing before her match would definitely get the word out there about who she really is.

Unfortunately, technology has never been her strong suit.

Olivia Wythe:

I think it is? The guy said if I see myself and the red circle in the corner that means it's recording.

Olivia rolls her eyes, walking backward as more of the shot can capture her. We see that she's dressed in workout clothing, obviously having just finished a session at the gym. Suddenly she perks up, understanding now that the camera has been capturing everything. So far, not a good start.

Olivia Wythe:

Hey everyone! My name is Olivia Wythe, and I'm one of the newest members to the Millennium roster. I just have to preface this whole thing, I have no idea what I'm doing here. I think they said I could cut a promo before my match, but that made me super nervous. I'm already nervous, I didn't want to be more nervous. It's a whole compounded thing, I know. Anyway! I decided I would do it now, and just let it pre-roll before my match, make things a whole lot easier for myself.

She flashes the camera a smile, pausing for a second.

Olivia Wythe:

So look, here's the scoop, just a few months ago I was a recent college grad. I managed to finish up with the new year, I wanted a new adventure. I needed something more in my life. My good buddy, Levi, decided that her life was boring too. You'll see more of her later.

Olivia says, with a smirk.

Olivia Wythe:

After four years of school, and plenty of time just doing what my parents wanted me to do, I thought it would be time to do something I liked. Something I always enjoyed, no matter what was going on in my life. Wrestling is a big part of our lives, there no denying that for anyone on the Millennium roster. Anybody competing here tonight has some kind of love for this business. I am not excluded from that, so now I am here to challenge myself. I am here to become something great, do something fun, and just live my life the way I want to.

Olivia stops, thinking to herself for a moment.

Olivia Wythe:

Sure, I'm a complete and utter rookie. I probably stand no chance tonight, have you seen the size of my opponent? I looked her up on Twitter, she's massive. But that's okay! Because I want the challenge. I want the danger that stepping through those ropes will present to me, every single time I step through them. I'm here to push myself to my limits and go beyond that.

She smiles.

Olivia Wythe:

I hope y'all enjoy my match, because I know I'm going to. I can't wait to get started here, because believe me you're all about to see some great things happen.

Olivia blows a kiss to the camera but almost seems to forget something. Before she can run back into frame fully, she bumps into the camera. It falls to the floor, as we hear Olivia in the background.

Olivia Wythe:

Aw hell, I hate this stupid thing!

With that, the scene cuts away, as we continue with the show.

Cutting to backstage, Sean Libby is leaning on a wall, smiling. Almost laughing in a way. Chuckling as he seems proud of what he did in his match tonight. Libby looks at his hands and begins talking to himself.

Sean Libby:

Heheheh... Oh man. I haven't had this much fun in wrestling for... A very long time. Coming here, fightin' idiots, beating them up, but its been a long, LONG time since I've walked away from a match, with my head held high and my morals not haunting me. I mean, for the longest time. I've always been catered as, the guy who shows up, is here, or there, but around to just be a non factor to anything or anybody. But y'know its... Good. To cut loose those old restraints. And when I do... I become the real thing.

Libby gets off the wall, and holds a metal baseball bat

Sean Libby:

I mean, for a long time I've... Always believed that, winning, and losing was inconsequential. Meaningless. And, more often than not, when I win, its just... I never kept my head above my shoulders. Until tonight. Where, I walked into that arena with my head up, and I walked out, with my head up. I didn't lose. Losing is being the last to leave that ring. And I'm better than that! I'm better than everybody! Heheh! I'm faster and quicker than others! Ha, and I'm far more extreme than everyone! And I'll prove it!

Libby raises his bat and looks at his reflection

Sean Libby:

I'm better. You're better. You don't need to listen to the rules, this is YOUR show my friend! Only you will be the one, people come to buy tickets for. Yes. Yes you are better than these morons! You're worth every moment of your offense! Don't give them a moment to relax! Because your name is Sean Libby! And we are Mr. Millennium! All! Night! Long!!

Libby laughs wildly backstage before he is cut off

Tag Team Match

Tournament, Group A

Jetpack VS Kate Steele & Teddy Steele

All eyes were, obviously, on the former IYHWF tag team champions Jetpack, whose signing definitely put the spotlights on Millennium and this tournament. The reception for Penny and Jet was exceptional as one might expect, and that seemed to sting Kate and Teddy who didn't even wait for the bell to ring to give them their welcome to Millennium, in the form of a forearm shot.

The match started with Black Sexy Teddy taking on the blonde opponent, the cheap shot giving him the early advantage. Katie's husband was putting on a good performance in his Millennium debut, forcing Pen Pen on the defensive with his direct striking style. Starting weaving from side to side he landed a few quick jabs to Kaplan, before cocking back and going for a knockout shot. After this combination he calls You Ain't That Bad, he dropped into a cover only getting a count of one.

Penny's reaction was immediate and she quickly headed back to her corner where she gave the tag to Jet. Using the short time they were allowed to stay in the ring together, they both went for perfectly synchronized front kick to the guts of Teddy, following up with a double ddt. Jet went for a cover but the former Lockdown Champion broke the pin. While the referee was pushing Kate back to her corner, behind his back Teddy hit a low blow and quickly rolled Jet on his shoulders trying to steal a win, but the Georgian was able to kick out.

A tag was made and Kate entered the match with a springboard leg drop across the chest of Jet. Another quick cover and another two count for the Steeles. Kate's martial arts kicks forced Jet against the corner, the perfect spot for one of the Siren's trademark moves, the corner Yakuza Kick. But her shot missed the mark and she ended up stuck in the corner with her leg over the turnbuckle. Jet slid his arm between her legs and rolled her over. Kate quickly escaped the pinning predicament and got back up on her feet, walking straight into a codebreaker from the Jetpack member. This time the closeness of the ropes allowed Kate to save herself.

Penny came back in the ring around the nine minutes mark picking up where her partner left. After hitting a suplex, she transitioned into a cover forcing an exhausted Kate to yet another quick kick out. The strategy was now clear, keeping her away from the corner and keeping the pressure high with continuous pins. And it worked for a bit, until the former champ knocked Penny down with a spinning heel kick out of nowhere. She quickly went for the tag, allowing her fresh husband back into this match. Teddy was on fire, jumping in and taking Pen down with a lariat. And another one, followed by a third.

Black Sexy Teddy seemed to be in full control until he tried a suplex, from which Penny was able to wiggle free and reach her corner. Jet entered the ring with a springboard lariat to which Penny followed with a spinning elbow drop. Once again the Lift Kit gave Jetpack another win, and the lead of their bracket with two points.

WINNER: Jetpack
BY: Pinfall (Lift Kit), 11:03

Jared Idol: "No surprises here tonight."

Bea Torres: "Kate and her hubby tried, but it wasn't enough against the former two time IYHWF Tag Team Champions"

Jared Idol: "Penny and Jet didn't miss a beat. You have to believe they are one of the favorites to win the whole tournament."

Bea Torres: "Maybe, but my money is on the Uncanny Socialites. Kelsey and Becky are awesome!"

Jared Idol: "Indeed they are. And they will be in action later tonight."

Saki:

Blood and smiles, for miles and miles.

She glances up at the camera, her eyes were two different colors today. She smiles wide, so wide it seemed almost unnatural.

Saki:

Figgins havin’ a wiggins like chief of springfield

Gonna be screaming like a bitch from Saw gettin’ his skin peeled

Gets to play with Champ, like a moth to a lamp.

A colorfully vulgar poacher, gonna take Figs on an Odyssey fit for Homer.

She giggles to herself and bites the bear.

Saki:

Eye for an eye, by the bog life swamps and vines

They get a rise out of frogs and flies

And I will remember your name and face

And I will rejoice in your fall from grace

Saki giggled again and rocked, chewing her lip and staring through the camera before we cut away.

Singles Match
No DQ

Jacob Figgins VS Saki

When you read “Saki” and “No DQ” in the same sentence you know things are about to get funny. If, like the Empire Extreme Champion, you have a thing for violence. Add to the mix a Jacob Figgins that seemed to have found his dimension in hardcore division and you understand why the fans were so excited for this match. And the two competitors literally wasted no time to exploit the lack of rules.

At the first occasion, the Extreme champ rolled out of the ring and grabbed a chair and slid back on the ring, slamming it on Figgins’ back as he was getting back up after the devastating Roundhouse Kick she surprised him with in the early going of the match. After a couple of shots, Jacob finally was able to roll out of harm's way, finding his safe place outside the ring. Or so he thought.

After dropping the chair, the Kawaii Deathmachine launched herself between the ropes with a suicide dive. And with no count-outs, she could take all the time she wanted to play with her opponent. Digging under the ring, she grabbed another chair and approached Jacob with wicked intentions. The eccentric Missourian was standing back up with the help of the commentators table when he saw the champ wielding the foreign object out of the corner of his eye. He grabbed the first thing within reach, Bea's bottle of water, and tossed it on Saki's face. This provided him a small window of opportunity he didn't miss, kicking Saki's in the stomach and forcing her to drop the chair. Jacob then grabbed the Empire Extreme Championship and drove it to her face, knocking the champ down.

Neither of them seemed to have any intention to bring the action back in the ring, enjoying the freedom to express their “creativity”. And nothing was off limits for them, not even the plastic replica of the Millennium Championship Saki took from a young fan on the front row to whip Figgins across the back. Once she was done punishing him, she handed the title back to its owner with a light bow. Saki set a table up in a corner of the ringside area, close to the barricade. After smashing Jacob's head onto the ring post, she laid him down over said table, and with a sinister giggle, climbed on the apron, ready to take a leap. But Figgins rolled off the table, falling down on the floor and forcing Saki to reconsider her strategy.

The two contenders bawled outside, dangerously close to the table. And inevitably it came into play, but not the way Saki planned; she was the one sent crashing through it with a suplex. Jacob capitalised on it by rolling her back on the ring and trying a pinfall, but Saki resilience is well known and proved, there was no way this could have kept her down. Knowing what a win against her could imply, he quickly picked her up and set her up for the Moonshine Delirium.

Saki escaped from the move by dropping on her knees before Figgins could lock in the full Nelson hold. Crawling backwards between his legs, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pushed him against the ropes. He held onto the top one, stopping the momentum and sending the Extreme Champion rolling backwards. She was quickly back on her feet and caught him on the chin with a superkick. Figgins was leaning against the ropes, dizzy after the close encounter with the Singapore Mauler's right foot. With the chair close by and the corner a few steps away, an idea struck the champ. Everyone in the arena thought the match was over after the Shiranui on the steel chair, but despite the impact of the back of his head onto the foreign object lacerated his skin, Figgins still kicked out.

But it was just a matter of time before this match was over, and Saki knew it. She waited patiently for him to stand up and connected the Cotton Candy Kiss Of Death, obtaining another impressive win and confirming herself as the Queen of the Extreme Division here in Millennium.

WINNER: Saki
BY: Pinfall (Cotton Candy Kiss Of Death), 10:33

Jared Idol: "Another win for the Kawaii Deathmachine."

Bea Torres: "She's scary..."

Jared Idol: "Are you talking about her twitter profile pic?"

Bea Torres: "Yeah, that t... No! I mean she's dismantling the competition each and every week. She can't be stopped!"

Jared Idol: "Aye, she's been on a roll lately."

The cameras switch to a corridor backstage, where Chloe Collins is seen, with microphone in hand. Stood beside Chloe is a stern looking Selina Metzger, who is dressed in her ring attire, ready for her upcoming match.

Chloe Collins

Selina, thanks for joining me again.

Selina’s face softens somewhat, smiling politely at the reporter.

Selina Metzger

No problem, Chloe.

Chloe Collins

Two weeks ago at Deep-Six you almost won the Cloud Gate Championship, but ultimately, Britty Kane was able to retain her title, as you tasted defeat for the first time here in Millennium Wrestling. With how close you came to winning the title, what was your mindset like immediately after that match?

There is a small sigh from the German amazon.

Selina Metzger

I was disappointed, Chloe. I mean, I wasn’t too downhearted - the loss didn’t plunge me into a pit of despair - but because of how close I was to becoming the champion, like you said, I couldn’t help thinking about what could, and maybe should, have been. But by the following day, I had gotten over what happened, I went to my happy place - literally - and I began to look ahead positively to the future.

Before she can add anything more, Chloe interrupts with a remark.

Chloe Collins

I’m going to take an educated guess and say that I think your “happy place” is probably the gym.

Selina lets out a laugh.

Selina Metzger

You are correct, of course.

She takes a breath, before continuing.

Selina Metzger

It would be easy for me to be upset about the way my match at Deep-Six ended, but I don’t have any issues with what Britty did - it was opportunistic, but it’s not like she did anything that’s against the rules, and if I had been in her shoes, I would’ve done exactly the same thing.

Selina smiles wryly.

Selina Metzger

With the way that she has been boasting on Twitter though, you would think that Britty was able to overcome Dan Archer single handedly. She needs to remember exactly how she won that match; deep down she knows that she barely escaped with her championship reign still intact, and the next time she and I are in the ring together, she may not be so fortunate.

Her smile then changes into more of a smirk, while Chloe proceeds to ask her another question.

Chloe Collins

You said that you have been looking ahead to the future positively, so I feel I ought to ask, what are your aims for the immediate future?

Selina Metzger

Simply put, to win matches, and get myself back into title contention. I earned the shot I had at the Cloud Gate Championship by putting together a run of half a dozen consecutive victories from my debut onwards, and if I go on another run like that, then I’m sure it’ll only be a matter of time before I get another shot at… well, either that title, or a different one.

Chloe Collins

On the subject of your match tonight, you’re going to be taking on the debuting Olivia Wythe. What do you know about her?

Selina shrugs her broad shoulders.

Selina Metzger

I can’t pretend to know too much about her, but I do know that Millennium doesn’t hire just anyone, so if the powers that be saw fit to give her a contract, then I’m sure she must be at least adequate in the ring. I’m aware that she’s a rookie, like me, so for possibly the first time in my career, I’m going to be in a match where there isn’t much difference in the level of experience - and with how I’ve dealt with the more experienced opponents that I’ve come up against so far, I’m confident that Olivia is going to suffer the same fate as the likes of Christina Rose, Jacob Figgins, and Kate Steele.

She puts her hand on her hips.

Selina Metzger

After what happened at Deep-Six, I would be relishing the opportunity to get back in the ring, and the opportunity to get back to winning ways, regardless of the identity of my opponent. I’m not going to underestimate Olivia, she’s clearly disciplined, that’s evident from the shape she’s in. However, while she might be in good shape, she isn’t in über shape, and tonight, Olivia Wythe’s Millennium debut is going to end in a loss at the hands of “Der Übermensch.”

Selina then raises her arms and flexes both of her biceps, and it is on that image that the camera cuts away.

Singles Match

Olivia Wythe VS Selina Metzger

Der Ubermensch looked impressive at Deep Six, dominating the Cloud Gate Championship triple threat match for the most part against two formidable opponents such as Britty Kane and Dane Archer. Truth being told, she had the match won after the Elbe Valley Driver on the mercenary, if it wasn't for Britty's swift reflexes and readiness of mind. Anyway, it's now back to the drawing board for the German, acting tonight as welcoming committee for the new signee Olivia Wythe.

If you know Selina, you can be sure she's not taking any match lightly, no matter the name of her opponent. And she proved it once more tonight, approaching Wythe cautiously and letting her making the first moves, testing the waters before eventually taking the reins of the match with her bigger experience, showing the rookie why she's one of the biggest threat in the Millennium roster with by catching her with a scoop powerslam. Olivia kicked out and Selina immediately dragged her back to her feet and tossed her in the corner, following up with a clothesline. Another pinfall and another kick out.

Winning the emotions coming from the debut on the big stage, Olivia finally started showing the set of skills that led her to Millennium. The fans could barely believe their eyes when she came out on top from a brawl with the weightlifter but they loved every moment of it. A forearm smash rocked the Ubermensch, but it didn't knock her down, and neither did the lariat she hit her with right after. Metzger tried a reaction swinging her right arm but finding nothing but air, leaving herself open to Olivia's Saito Suplex. An impressive move, but not enough to keep the German down.

Wythe got once again close to the win after a dropkick to the knee/big boot to the side of the head combination, but Selina wasn't going down so easily. Actually, after kicking out she had a furious reaction that caught the rookie completely off guard. Kicks and punches started raining down Olivia, who quickly found herself in the corner with Metzger relentlessly hitting her and sitting her on the top of the turnbuckle, shaking the ring with a superplex. She barely kicked out, crawling toward the ropes to climb back to her feet. But Selina had something else in store for her opponent, as she grabbed her by the legs and applied a gorilla clutch hold with bodyscissors. Once the Uberwaltigt was locked in, there was nowhere else to go for the rookie, who had no choice but to tap after an impressive performance.

WINNER: Selina Metzger
BY: Submission (Uberwaltigt), 9:59

Jared Idol: "Great debut from Olivia tonight."

Bea Torres: "I agree, she did her best tonight, but Selina was the better woman tonight."

Jared Idol: "We're talking about some on who has taken Millennium by storm, and who two weeks ago almost won the Cloud Gate Championship.

Not that most in Georgia would recognize, but for the first time in months, the clamor of a dragging chain clanged link by link from deep within the bowels of the building. Louder and louder, closer and closer until the entire arena went pitch black.

Silence.

Momentarily any way, before the LEDs speckled the masses like a clear night sky over the peach orchards. Just as sudden, a chest-throbbing strum backed a singing choir over a beat that shook the State Farm Arena at its very foundation. Few were aware, most were not, as the entire attendance took to their feet in anticipation. Complete with crackling flames, flickering red and orange lights and large billows of smoke rising into the rafters, a spawn of Hell prepared to grace them.

Heathen Jones stepped out from behind the curtain and stopped at the top of the ramp. From under his wicker-woven hat, while the flames danced in his wicked-cold glare, those beady black eyes locked on the ring below. Steadfast, he stood in leather work boots, dirty jeans and a flannel with the sleeves rolled once and pulled up his forearm. In his right hand, a Mossy Oak mudjug that he raised to his mouth to spit his tobacco into. Like the pinch before, and several before that, the sticky last bit dropped down into his “grizzly” to become crusty remnants hardened in the tightly tangled beard on his chin. Around his left wrist and through the grip of his fist, the heavy links of a logging chain trailed off behind the curtain.

Heathen allowed them to wait just long enough to pique all of their curiosity. Then again, some were already expecting it when he jerked the chain. Through the curtain, tripping and crawling over herself, he yanked his most precious possession from backstage.

Hickey isn't small, not even petite; no, frail may be best. Frail and filthy. From the newspaper thin flip-flops on her feet to the unkempt dirty blonde atop her head, she was dirty. Her Daisy Dukes were worn and frayed and the “shirt” she had on was stained and tattered. It was also ripped to shreds at the neck, arms and bottom, showing her collar bones, shoulders and midriff. The chain wrapped once around her waist, tightly bound with a Masterlock. Her hips kept it from sliding down and there was no possible way to pull it up over her ribs.

She was his.

From an ear-piercing silence to a disgusted roar, they showed their disdain as Heathen started down the ramp. Hickey's entire body lurched and jolted forward each time he pulled against the taunt chain. When she caught up to him, her pleads fell on deaf ears before he stiff-armed her to the side. When she fell behind, the chain lost slack and he jerked her forward.

All the way to the foot of the ramp this continued in a downpour of crumpled candy wrappers, nacho trays and empty paper cups. Heathen batted most of the garbage from hitting him as they got to ringside. He pointed, all but demanding that Hickey stand next to the ring steps before he flopped up onto the apron and rolled in under the bottom rope. Crawling on his knees to the near corner, he unwound the chain from his grasp and wrapped it around the ring post. Pulling a second lock from the pocket of his flannel, Heathen chained Hickey to the ring. He used the middle ropes on each side of the turnbuckle to push himself backward and up to his feet. Crossing the ring, showered in more garbage, he called for the microphone before returning to the center to absorb the jeers.

Then, he raised the microphone to his lips.

Heathen Jones - Funny ain't it…

They didn't care in the least what he had to say and their lack of interest didn't concern him any different.

Heathen Jones - ...for days, near on uh-week now, all we hearin’ is the Lonestar is on `is way tuh return `ere in Millennium.

That “Alan Envy” three-clap chant started in low and Heathen allowed it to grow before killing it.

Heathen Jones - Stop, y'all embarrassin’ ya-selves an’ don't even know it. Leh'me do ya one better…

Heathen adjusts his hat as they simmer.

Heathen Jones - `magine dis, ya gots uh-chance tuh beat down uh-legend `til she can no long´uh stand wit´ uh-big ol´ stick in-uh main`vent.

Heathen allows their anticipation of the main event to become deafening before adding.

Heathen Jones - Y'all know dis is gonna go one further `cause now `magine ya be dat has-been's lil’ follower, also doin’ debut t´night, an´ havin´ tuh watch it go down.

A mixed chant of “Five-foot Death Kick” and “Aurora's Gonna Kill You” drowns one another and Heathen walks it dry.

Heathen Jones - Yeah, prob´ly jus´ as heartbreakin´ as watchin´ `er lil’ follower win `er first title an´ never gettin´ uh-chance tuh defen´it.

They drown Heathen's demented laughter out as they boo and ridicule him. Like fuel to the flame though as he simply lavishes in their hatred.

Heathen Jones - Ol´ wounds? Likely. Guessin´ we all gots lotsa scores never tuh be settled. So, leh'me talk on duh `ere an´ now. See, dare may be some ol´ faces `round an´ `bout, make no n´vermind tuh duh-Heathen. Betcha ain't heard dis-un, `cause been real quiet `bout it, duh-Heathen be `ere tuh win an´ dec`rate meh chain wit´ gold.

Heathen tipped the brim of his hat and stapled this one.

Heathen Jones - ...soon. Mmhmmm...

Heathen tossed the microphone under the bottom rope, walked to Hickey's corner and dropped down to his knees. Pulling the key from the coin pocket of his jeans he released the chain from the post. As the garbage flew directly at him, he rolled out of the ring with a Cheshire grin and yanked Hickey back up the littered ramp.

Singles Match

Dane Archer VS Melissa Reeves

The fact that things between Melissa and the owner of Millennium Grace van Beek are a bit tense was no secret. And it was no surprise that the young South African used her weapon of choice to deal with the Aussie. Diane's loyalty has never been in question. If not to the Diamond Princess herself, he definitely was loyal to her money. Keeping that in mind, and having plenty of examples of how Archer's only care is to do what he's paid to do, regardless of winning or losing, Reeves walked into this match ready for anything.

The bell had yet to ring when Dane charged at the former Liberty Champion, almost running over the poor referee and knocking her out with a clothesline. Relentlessly he picked her up and tossed her in the corner, following up with a splash. He tried for an early win, but only got a two count out of it. Without wasting a moment he deadlifted her and dropped her on the back after a stalling suplex.

The dominant performance put up on the early going by the mercenary came to an end when Mel ducked a big boot sliding under his leg and kicked him hard on the back. Dane turned around seemingly barely affected by the kick and grabbed Reeves by the throat. She fought hard to block the chokeslam, driving her elbow to his face multiple times until, finally he relinquished the hold. Mel grabbed tree sized arm and twisted it behind his back, dropping him on the head with a hammerlock ddt.

Due to the size disadvantage, the rich variety of suplexes was not an option for Mel tonight. Her strategy became clear, quick movements to keep herself out of Dane's reach and stiff kicks to wear the big man down. And it worked for a while, until he was able to catch her leg and drop his massive fist on her knee cap. Mel screamed in agony, holding her leg.

The knee became then a huge target for Archer's offense. He stomped, and twisted it although it was clear that he wasn't looking for a submission move; his goal was to injure her. Melissa reached the ropes, and Dane let her go when the referee threatened to disqualify him after counting up to four. He dragged Reeves back in the center of the ring and casually walked over her right knee, being showered by a huge round of boos by the twenty thousand gathered here in Atlanta. Without a single care in the world, “Pure Power” went back to work on that same leg. As soon as he grabbed it though, Melissa rolled him up with a cradle, almost stealing the win.

She pulled back on her feet, visibly limping on the injured leg but with the same intact determination in her eyes. She was able to hit him with some right jabs before a massive Uppercut stunned her. Dane went for a fisherman suplex, hooking her bad leg but the Australian fought her way out of it with a headbutt. From there, she was able to build some offense although with some stiff forearm shots leading into a float over ddt. She hooked the leg, but Dane lifted his shoulder at two.

As the minutes passed by, Mel's pain grew higher, seriously affecting her mobility. It became easy for Dane to regain control, turning her inside out with a crooked arm lariat. Reeves stayed in the match kicking out at the very last moment, showing all her tenacity and heart. Archer whipped her against the ropes and launched her in the air, but his pop up powerbomb attempt was countered by a dropkick from Mel that sent the big man stumbling backwards against the ropes, bouncing back right into the Facial Deconstructor. The fans were on their feet counting to three alongside the referee.

WINNER: Melissa Reeves
BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 12:02

Bea Torres: "She did it!"

Jared Idol: "Aye, but at what price? Look, she's barely able to stand..."

"The Ecstasy Of Gold" by Ennio Morricone blares out of the loudspeakers, instantly followed by the boos of the fans. But Grace van Beek doesn't care at all, shielded by her personal security, the Diamond Princess walks on the stage with a microphone in hand. With a regal stride she walks down ramp, stopping right at the end of it.

Grace van Beek:
Another good performance, miss Reeves.

Her tone is slightly disparaging, but that's not a surprise.

Grace van Beek:
I am not afraid to admit that this match was meant as a punishment for your actions. Mister Archer has always been a valuable asset for me, someone I could always rely on to reach my goals.

The owner of Millennium and Melissa lock eyes. And you can tell by the look on Mel's face that she's dying to get her hands on the young South African, and the only thing stopping her is Ryen Riekert and three huge men standing in her way. The tension between them can be cut with a knife.

Grace van Beek:
That is why I am surprised to see you are still... Standing.

Her dark red lips curl into a wicked grin as, behind Mel's back, Dane Archer is getting up on his feet. The fans try to warn Reeves but before she even realize what's going on, Dane drops her down with a chop block, obviously targeting the same right knee. As Mel screams in pain holding her leg, Grace nods at Ryen who grabs a steel chair from under the ring and hands it to Dane
The mercenary gestures the Crown Jewel that this is going to cost her an extra.

Grace van Beek:
Just do it.

She says without even flinching, turning on her heels as Dane smashes the chair on the Aussie's leg, multiple times, until the paramedics rush to the ring. At that point, Dane simply tosses the chair and leaves the ring, letting them carry the agonizing Mel on the stretcher.

Or at least they try. As soon as they lay her down on it, she gets back on her feet, refusing to being carried out. They try to insist but she shakes her head.

Visibly in pain and dragging her leg, she limps her way backstage, saluted by the heartfelt applause of the Atlanta crowd.

We’re backstage at the State Farm Arena, where we see a shot of a back stairwell that likely leads to some kind of maintenance area. On the stairs sits our favourite blue-haired Blue Hurricane, with her best friend and tag team partner perched just a few steps above her. Both women are already dressed in their wrestling gear, and they’re just waiting for the cue to go out and compete. Faint sounds of the live crowd can be heard in the background as they both stare into the camera filming them from a low angle.

Kelsey Spencer:
Hey there, nice to see ya. My name’s Kelsey Spencer…

Rebecca Saint:
...and I am Rebecca Saint. Or, as I am sometimes known in the Spanish community, “El Jefe”.

Kelsey scrunches up her nose and glances up over her shoulder.

Kelsey Spencer:
You know that’s not true…

Rebecca shrugs.

Rebecca Saint:
In spirit, it is.

It’s not her hill to die on, so Kelsey turns back to address us again.

Kelsey Spencer:
...and we’re the Uncanny Socialites. You know, we’ve been all over the world - we’ve competed against some of the best tag teams in the industry today - and we’ve fared pretty well. It’s kinda what drives us, tough competition; seeing how we stack up against top-tier tag teams gives us something to strive for. So, when we heard Millennium Wrestling was gonna be hosting a tournament to crown its first Tag Team Champions, bringing in some of the best teams from all corners of the globe? We jumped at the chance to take part in it.

Rebecca Saint:
From established and accomplished teams that we have faced in the past, such as Jetpack… To promising, hungry teams looking to prove something that we have yet to compete against, like the High Score Heroes. Every name we have seen so far has peaked our interest in one way or another. The way this is shaping up, it seems that in 2019, Millennium Pro is going to be the place to be for tag team wrestling. And at the end of the day, the Uncanny Socialites are going to be the team to beat.

While Rebecca appears to be getting fired up, Kelsey keeps a cool head.

Kelsey Spencer:
We’re so thankful for all the love you guys have thrown our way. There hasn’t been a much warmer reception for us recently than we’ve felt from the Millennium fans, and locker room, even. We’re grateful for this opportunity to showcase what we can do - show you the skills that’ve made us 4-time Tag Team Champions - and leave it all in the ring for you every night.

Rebecca Saint:
You see while a large chunk of the teams in this tournament will sit on Twitter and prattle on about why they will win, we are going to allow our actions in the ring to do the talking for us. The journey to becoming the first Millennium Tag Team Champions begins tonight, with our match against the BreeTee Committee.

Tag Team Match

Tournament, Group C

BreeTee Committee VS Uncanny Socialites

The last match of the first day of the Tag Team Tournament saw the much anticipated debut of one of the best and most loved teams in the world today. The reaction the fans in Atlanta reserved for the Uncanny Socialites was one to remember. Kelsey Spencer and Rebecca Saint entered the ring where their opponents were waiting for them. Bree Smith and Taegan Gallagher may not have the palmares their opponents can flaunt, but they are not to count out.

And this showed since the early moments of the match, with Bree taking on Kelsey. Luna's cousin overpowered the Australian born in the initial test of strength forcing her a few steps backwards before pushing her against the ropes. She dropped down, forcing the opponent to jump over her and continuing her run to the opposite side. When they meet again in the middle of the ring Bree showed her athleticism with a leapfrog quickly turning around ready to catch Spencer with a scoop powerslam. Gaining the first applause of the match, she tagged herself out, allowing Teeg to pick up where she left.

Gallagher immediately drove her knee to Kelsey's chest twice, weakening her down before she grabbed her leg and performed a picture perfect fisherman suplex, floating into a cover for the first near fall of the match. The BreeTee Committee was making a great impression in their debut, working like a well oiled machine and keeping Kelsey away from her partner. After a spinning kick, Taegan tagged Bree back in,and the two women gave another display of their teamwork with a sandwich piledriver. Becky was ready to step in and make the save, but Kel kicked out on her own, making her intervention unnecessary. Stepping back out on the apron, she started asking the fans to show their support to her team partner in this moment of difficulty, rallying up the crowd.

And their cheers gave new life to Kelsey, right when she needed it the most. She found herself on Bree's shoulder in an electric chair position, with the blonde girl ready to drop her with a powerbomb. Kelsey connected a few punches to the crown of her head before launching herself backward turning it into a reverse rana. The referee started counting both women, getting to four before they both started stretching out and crawl to the respective corners. The tags were made simultaneously and the fresh members of both teams rushed into the ring. Teagan immediately went for a lariat but Becky saw it coming and ducked under her arm, stopping on her track and hitting Teegs with a reverse side kick as soon as she turned. Saint continued her offense with a standing moonsault, popping back up on her feet and dropkicking Bree off the apron to clean the ring before climbing to the second rope and pointed at the floored opponent before dropping the elbow. The fans were on their feet for the impressive combination, which still wasn't enough to get the Uncanny Socialites the win.

A few minutes later, Teagan had Becky in a side headlock and dragged her in her team corner. Bree patted her back to get the tag, joining her team partner for a double suplex. Saint tried to get up, but Bree quickly lifted her with a German Suplex, followed by a second and a third one. But not even this chain of suplexes she calls The Power Of Bree could keep Becky down.

After an Enziguri, Saint gave the tag back to Kelsey who had recovered from the beat down she suffered in the opening of the match. Spencer showed off all her arsenal, starting with a series of arm drags to a number of different kicks including a springboard Roundhouse that left Bree laying in the middle of the ring. A quick look at her partner and everybody knew what was coming. Right after the tag, Becky ran across the ring hitting Teagan with a forearm shots. Bree was on her knees, trying to get up when she got caught in the middle of the Socialite Sandwich. Becky made the cover, and her team secured two points in the tournament.

WINNER: Uncanny Socialites
BY: Pinfall (Socialite Sandwich), 15:22

Bea Torres: "BECKY MY GIRL!"

Jared Idol: "Uncanny Socialites eventually walked out with the win tonight, but it wasn't as easy as someone was expecting."

Bea Torres: "Shoutout to the BreeTee Committee. They proved to be one heck of a team."

Jared Idol: "Aye, Bree and Teagan are definitely a team everybody should keep an eye on."

The scene opens up inside the General Manager’s office. Sitting in front of him on the brown leather couch is none other than the owner of Millennium, Grace van Beek, accompanied, as always, by the head of her personal security, Ryen Riekert. Oddly enough, the rest of the team is nowhere to be seen.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

I must admit I’m surprised, miss van Beek. When you offered me this position as the General Manager of Millennium, you were extremely clear about one thing. You said you had no intentions to be involved with the roster.

Grace nods, crossing her legs and making sure the black skirt of her dress is covering her knee.

Grace van Beek

Some exceptional events required for me to step in, mister Vaccaro.

She speaks those words in her usual, calm tone.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

I understand that. But I’m afraid this might be the wrong approach.

Grace van Beek

I demand respect from the people working for me. I extinguished my debt with the people who stood up for me, and I had the best intentions to step away from anything concerning Millennium. I do have a bright career I should focus on but, as i am sure you will understand, some behaviors shall not pass. They want a war, they will get it.

The tone of her voice is cold, yet determined. She stares in Gian’s eyes.

Grace van Beek

Do you have a problem with how I am dealing with this?

Gianluigi stares back in those blue eyes without speaking.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

I simply offered my advice, miss van Beek. Adding fuel to this fire can be dangerous. The situation is already so tense as it is.

Grace smirked.

Grace van Beek

That is why I am making Aurora do the dirty work for us. Just think of it, mister Vaccaro. It works to perfection indeed. She is close to Reeves, but at the same time her “moral code” or whatever it is, assures us that she will not hold back. Not even against her friend’s boyfriend. We…

With a bold move, Gian interrupts her, raising his hand.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

You, not we. This is not how I would have dealt with this situation. The choice is your and yours only, I’m just working with what you decided.

Grace van Beek

Hmpf. Fine then, I will punish Kane for something he did to you, and get my revenge on his girlfriend. Perhaps she will learn her place, after this.

The young South African takes a sip of red wine from her glass.

Grace van Beek

Friendship, love… They are nothing but liability in this business. Be close to someone and you inevitably turn him into a weapon in your enemies’ hands. A puppet they can play with and turn against you…

The door opening interrupts her observation. A firm knock happens, however the door is already wide open before it does. Standing in the doorway in her street clothes is Aurora, sleek blonde bob accentuating her cheekbones as she smiles, plush lips curving up despite the fact her green eyes have already taken in the room and see that it’s rather… occupied.

Aurora

Well well, Gianluigi, how lovely to see you.

She unzips her heavy leather jacket, showing off her #ChicagoCrew t-shirt and putting her hands on her hips before she takes a few more steps in.

Aurora

I have a few questions for you, darling, and since you’re not busy, why… I invited myself in. Don’t listen to the lore, it’s misleading.

Gian glances over at Grace, who, despite apparently keeping her composure, didn’t take the interruption too well. From his angle, the GM can see how she’s tapping her fingertips nervously on her leg.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

Aurora. I can’t say you’re wrong. Technically I’m not… Busy. But as you can see, miss van Beek is here, and we were discussing about your match tonight.

He pauses, looking up at the blonde woman.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

But I’m sure you already know that. I don’t believe in coincidences.

Aurora beams a brilliant smile at him, then tips her head just a touch toward where Grace sits with Ryen.

Aurora

Ah yes, definitely not busy then. Outstanding.

She steps in a bit closer to Gian, a hint of her vanilla and rose perfume filling the space.

Aurora

There are no coincidences, happy or otherwise. There are however, mistakes. Some of them are really… well, honestly not even worth worrying about, in the grand scheme of things.

She winks at Gian and then slowly turns her head so she’s staring right at Grace, her tone never wavering from the obnoxiously fake cheerful she’s affected.

Aurora

Some of them though, oh those special mistakes? They’ve got consequences.

With her usual arrogant smirk, Grace shakes her head at Aurora.

Grace van Beek

I would agree with you, if i did not think you are assuming I, Grace van Beek

[/b] made a mistake. You already thought that once. And, unsurprisingly, I had the last laugh in the end. How is the saying? Fool me once…[/span][/div]

She stops there. No need to finish the sentence, her message is already sent.

Aurora

See that’s the thing about last laughs everyone seems to forget. They all go along with that old saw, he who laughs last, laughs best. But my trainer? He had a better one.

She takes another step in, seeming relaxed, though her gaze is now unwaveringly on Grace.

Aurora

Laugh now, you’ll be crying later.

Aurora holds up a hand, almost as obnoxiously as her tone and smile in delivery.

Aurora

I simply came in here to make sure I had tonight’s agenda in order, Grace. I simply wanted to be absolutely sure, that I’m intended to go down that ramp, get in that ring, get a Singapore Cane and pretty much beat Christopher Kane until he can’t get up, all the while he’s going to do his best to do the same to me. And we all know he’s stubborn, but me? I’m ruthless, relentless, after that bell rings.

A slight roll of those amazing green eyes.

Aurora

So at the end of the day, Grace, what I’m hearing is that you want me to Punish him for you, so you don’t get your precious French Tips in disarray, and your hands are clean. Correct?

The Diamond Princess stands up from her couch. Ryen Riekert is about to do the same but a firm gesture of her hand stops him. Grace walks in front of Aurora, her dark red lips curled in a malicious smile.

Grace van Beek

That is none of your concern Aurora. You do work for me, remember? Mister Matthews is gone, whether you like it or not, I am your boss, and you should refer to me as miss van Beek. Even more importantly, whatever I tell you to, you will do it. And without questioning.

There’s a serious look of concern on Gian’s face, as he watches the confrontation between the two women. Aurora… blinks, and her smile if anything gets wider.

Aurora

Oh dear. You’ve… you’ve made another mistake. I’m no one’s attack dog, Grace. Not Chuck’s, and certainly not yours.

There’s an inhale after this, Gian? Maybe, has time to realize what’s happening. Aurora’s eyes narrow and her arm slides up, going around Grace’s neck as she stuffs her head in close to her ribs and her long, sinfully long leg flies up as she drops back to the hard tiles, impacting Grace onto them with one of her favourite DDT’s… the To Be Named. The impact is loud in the small office, but not quite as loud as Aurora’s joyful laugh. Ryen jumps on his feet and immediately checks on Grace. Gian is on his knee next to his boss as well, but his eyes are locked on Aurora. He knows that, after this action, there’s only one possible consequence. And the look on Aurora’s face tells him that she’s well aware of that. And she doesn’t regret it. Grace is starting to stir up, still failing to realize what just went down. Her hands wandering on the floor eventually find Ryen’s, and her bodyguard helps her to get back on her feet.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

Aurora…

A quick look at Grace, who’s staring at the Mistress Of The DDT with fire in her eyes.

Aurora

Gianluigi, it’s been just lovely having this chat. I should go, you should take her to the trainers, concussions are tricky beasts…

Aurora blows Gian a kiss and swans out of the office, whistling the familiar tune to Twisted Nerve as she heads out into the hallway.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

Miss van Beek…

Grace pushes his hand away. Too big the embarrassment of being hit by one of her employee. And Aurora deprived her of the satisfaction she would have gotten from firing her.

Grace van Beek

Call the rest of the team, mister Riekert. We are leaving.

After a deep breath, she finally takes back control of her emotions. With graceful movements she fixes back her hair and dress, stepping out of the office.

Grace van Beek

I am confident you will find a fitting replacement for your main event, Mr. Vaccaro.

She says without as she walks out of the office, without even looking back.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

I just might have.

But Grace is already gone. The General Manager grabs the phone from his pocket and taps on the screen, making a call.

Gianluigi Vaccaro

Is he ready to compete tonight?

After a moment of silence, Gian nods and closes the call. The camera cuts to the next segment.

The camera feed comes in slowly, zooming in on the smiling face of Nessa Wall who stands in front of the MENTV logo.

Nessa Wall:

Ladies and gentlemen, it's my distinct pleasure to return to my roots, to pick up a microphone and conduct a hard-hitting and insightful interview on one of the cornerstones of Millennium Wrestling – Chloe Collins could stand to take a lesson.

That grin borders on cheeky as she lets out a little laugh before glancing to the left.

Nessa Wall:

And now, without further ado, I present to you a woman who needs no introduction, the most polarizing woman in the company.

The crowd pops, expecting someone else, obviously. She turns and reveals her reflection in a full-length mirror, the Millennium Championship proudly draped over one shoulder. She's already in her ring gear – the ice blue Elsa number this evening, if anyone is keeping track – and the belt almost seems too huge for her small frame. Her smile dims slightly as the cheers taper off to booing.

Nessa Wall #2:

Thank you for that lovely introduction, Nessa. It's a pleasure to be here this evening in the presence of such a consummate professional and you know there's not another soul on the planet I trust enough to conduct my first interview as the reigning Queen of Millennium.

Interviewer Nessa shrugs, looking almost sheepish.

Nessa Wall:

Of course, dear. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I must dive right in and ask the most important question…

Champion Nessa looks smug, running her hand gently over the title.

Nessa Wall:

How does it feel...

She pauses again for effect, getting a loud collective groan from the crowd.

Nessa Wall:

...to not be in tonight's Main Event? Instead, you're facing the reigning Cloud Gate Champion Britty Kane who's fresh off her latest successful defense at Deep Six. Some may say she's on a roll and should not be taken lightly. Are you angry? Do you feel slighted?

The champion shakes her head, rolling her eyes.

Nessa Wall #2:

If I were to admit that, I'd be taking away from Christopher Kane. I'd be insulting the pedigree and the LEGACY that comes along with Aurora – you know I'd never stoop so low. Nessa. Christopher has proven himself time and time again, hasn't he? Why…

She frowns, tilting her head.

Nessa Wall #2:

I'm sure he did something noteworthy. Something that ingratiated him to the powers that be. I'm sure it had nothing to do with his association with Melissa Reeves. Absolutely not. I'm sure it'll be a barnburner, a right slobber-knocker that they'll be blogging about for ages.

Interviewer Nessa nods politely.

Nessa Wall:

And you'll be watching closely, I'm sure, being the fighting champion you've always been.

Nessa Wall #2:

Of course. I know what comes next. I know I have a target on my shoulder and cross-hairs on my back or however that terribly redneck saying goes. I'm no stranger to what this status entails. I carried Empire Wrestling to great heights as their inaugural champion – I managed to defeat the legendary Smith Jones, after all. I sent him scuttling back to the small pond that spawned him. I smashed the ego that was Ace Watson and drove him into retirement. I embarrassed Nora Foley and I hear she's got one foot out the door now as well. I defeated Jennifer Yang, broke her streak and made her start over at zero – if we're all lucky, she'll take a page from their books and disappear.

She nods, eyes wide and unblinking as she looks into the camera lens.

Nessa Wall #2:

I can still remember the awful places I worked in years ago, back when I started out. I can remember the gross locker rooms and the knuckle-dragging mouth-breathers I had to deal with. I can remember how much I wanted to get out there, to prove that I could do it better, more consistently than they could. Look at me now! It's been five years of ups and downs, of paying my dues to end up here. I don't plan to go back there, because every step I take away from those dives has been one more step of saving grace. It's been a long road to this point, and I am so happy to be here. Right here. Right now. I want nothing more than to share my happiness with all of you.

She holds up the belt and looks at it for a moment.

Nessa Wall #2:

Tonight, a new era begins. This isn't a plan for revenge. Forget the overthrowing of Chuck Matthews – he's capable enough to handle his business on his own. This is about me, about the next chapter in the Nessa Wall story. This is about something that began the moment I was entered in that tournament for the briefcase. This is about a future that begins with an opportunity seized and ends with the landscape of the company changed forever.

Interviewer Nessa nods appreciatively.

Nessa Wall:

Well said. I think it goes without saying, as well, that you've certainly earned the right to call yourself the smartest woman in professional wrestling. Can we expect you to be billing yourself as such going forward? Has Chuck passed the torch to you in that regard?

Champion Nessa flashes that smug grin again, refusing to take the bait and answer the question directly. A a chorus of booing drowns out something that's whispered under her breath before the view moves elsewhere in the arena.

Singles Match

Tiffany Tompkins VS Jennifer Yang

After three months, Jennifer Yang walked out of the curtains without the Millennium Championship. But the reaction for the former Champ was the same, a deafening round of cheers. Tiff Tompkins, another fan favorite and one of the brightest talents in wrestling today looked as focused as ever, ready for the task at hand. Jenni might have lost the title but she's still the measuring stick in the company.

The match started with a handshake and the usual phase of studying. The martial art style of Yang resulted hard to counter for the inexperienced opponent, who found herself on the receiving end of the Wing Chun strikes. But for each time Jennifer knocked her down, Tiff quickly got back up almost wanting to prove once again her toughness. The break came when she finally was able to block a left kick, taking Jenn down with a dragon screw.

It was now Tompkins’ turn to show her proficiency in kicks, targeting the back of the seated opponents. And Jenni was feeling each and everyone of those kicks, her face writhing in a grimace of pain as she arched her back. Tiffany's next move was a running big boot that earned her a two count only.

Ho never stopped shouting instructions to her client, driving her in what he recognized could be a crucial moment in her career. He knew that, after losing her title two weeks ago, Jenn needed a win tonight to get back on track and avoiding to fall in a dangerous downward spiral. Yang knew it as well, but she found herself dealing with an opponent who grew a lot in the past couple of months, gaining more confidence in her abilities. The opportunity she was waiting for presented itself when the Five Foot Deathmachine had the slightest of hesitations before going for the Death Kick, her killing shot. Jennifer dodged it and rolled her over with a schoolboy. But it wasn't a pin Yang had in mind. She rolled as well, kicking the young opponent right on the temple. A quick cover from the champ and another near fall.

The pace of the match picked up when Jennifer brought in her high flying moves. She got another two count after a springboard crossbody and as soon Tiffany stood up, she was met with a reverse kick to the mid section that doubled her over, setting her up for a running swinging neckbreaker. The former champ tried for a third consecutive pinfall, but once again the Android 18 managed to lift her shoulder. Yang looked at the young opponent, surprised by her resilience. Starting to wonder what she had to do to keep Tiffany down, Jenni slowly climbed to the top rope. Too slowly, and that gave her opponent the opportunity to reach her with a forearm shot that stunned the Yang, almost causing her to lose equilibrium and fall on the outside.

But it didn’t really matter how she was able to hang on, it wasn’t meant to last. Tiffany dropped her on the face with the Bone Grinder, a rope hung flatliner taught to her by Brytain Rollins. Having spent her last energy in this maneuver, Tompkins literally fell over the opponent, and the referee went down to count. Ho Wei Shun sighed in relief when his girlfriend and client kicked out right before the three. Tiffany, on the other hand, was string at the referee in disbelief. The match went on with both contenders seemingly on their last leg. It was Jennifer who eventually had the upper hand in the last exchange when a jumping knee stunned the young girl, busting her lips open. Once again it was the martial arts background of the former champion coming into play; the incredible sequence of rapid Wing Chun punches and knees doubled the Android 18 over, the switchblade kick put the exclamation point on this match. Once again the #LOCKDOWN gave Jennifer Yang another win.

WINNER: Jennifer Yang
BY: Pinfall (#LOCKDOWN), 16:12

Jared Idol: "And here is your winner, the former Millennium Champion Jennifer Yang!"

Bea Torres: "She's still the real champion to me, damnit!"

Jared Idol: "The title on Ness's shoulder says otherwise..."

Bea Torres: "Hmpf!"

Jared Idol: "Anyway, should we talk about Tiffany Tompkins? Another great performance for this kid."

Bea Torres: "She keeps proving she can go with the best in Millennium. She's definitely the future of this company."

Backstage now and Melissa Reeves stands before the camera, slowly clapping.

Melissa Reeves:

What can I say, Grace? Oh well done.

She claps still.

Melissa Reeves:

Oh, it very good, Grace. You sure did get one over on me. You come out and distract, let that big bastard recover just enough to attack me from behind. You probably thought you'd worked the whole thing out. You did, didn't you? What was it, a few hundred more? A thousand? I hope it was more than that. Just how much did it cost for that dire attempt at taking me out?

She pulls the camera closer.

Melissa Reeves:

You know what? It doesn't matter. See, regardless of how much you paid, you failed. Now I'm gonna make sure that you keep on paying for it and I'm gonna start doing that right here, right now...

She raises her baseball bat into view and smirks. The camera pans back and Melissa turns on the spot, slamming the bat down into a wooden door. At her feet lay a few members of Millennum security, just like last time. On the door hangs a "Private, do not enter" sign. That soon drops off, bent by the bat. Reeves opens the door and heads in.

Jared Idol:

That's Ms. Grace van Beek's office!

The crowd cheer as Melissa steps crashes through the cracked door. A couple more guards await her inside, but the bat makes short work of them.

Melissa Reeves:

Ohh Graaace? Gracie, Grace...where are you?

She grabs one of the guards by his collar.

Melissa Reeves:

Tell me, where's Grace van Bitch hiding?

The guard's voice wobbles, he says he has no idea. She rolls her eyes and lets go of him. She sighs and flips the desk over, before putting the bat clean through a large painting on the wall.

Melissa Reeves:

Come out, come out, Grace.

She heads back out from the office, walking along the corridor. A few people scurry away from her determined march. She stops one before he can scramble from her, grabbing his ankle. She pulls him up by the collar.

Melissa Reeves:

Where's van Beek?

He points off one way, hand shaking a little. Reeves smirks and drops him. She heads in that direction and finds herself outside in the parking lot. She arrives just in time to see an SUV screech away. She roars out, throwing the bat after them, then stands with her hands on her hips.

Britty Kane stood backstage with the Cloud Gate Championship around her waist. Standing next to her was her good friend and Millennium interview, Chloe Collins. Britty had a smile on her face next to ChloCo as she was known to her friends.

Chloe Collins

Hello Millennium fans! Chloe here and I’m standing next to the Cloud Gate Champion herself… Snow Britty. Hello, Britt!

The Cloud Gate Champion kept a smile on her face as she adjusts the title.

Britty Kane

Wow, even on national TV you’re calling me Snow Britty. If you weren’t such a great friend I’d have to throw you through a wall.

The champion chuckles and pats Chloe on the back.

Britty Kane

I’d say I’m glad to be here but I’ve been in this company plenty of times before so hello everyone.

Chloe Collins

So… tonight, you’re facing off against our new Millennium Champion: Nessa Wall. I think we all saw how exactly she came to hold the belt, so let’s start there. What ARE your thoughts on the new champion?

Britty thinks about it for a few seconds and smirks. She has a sense of confidence as she speaks.

Britty Kane

It was a rather smooth job by Nessa to win the title like she did at Deep-Six. She waited like a thief in the night and stole the evening from everyone. I’ve seen Nessa wrestle for many years now. I know what she can do in that ring for those years upon years of watching in my bedroom, hoping beyond hope that someone would knock her on her ass.

A chuckle escapes from Britty’s mouth.

Britty Kane

I know she’s a talented wrestler but I also know she’s apt to take a few shortcuts here or there. It’s always different to face someone that’s willing to bend the rules, and in this match tonight? I feel like she’s going to do that in order to say she’s the best champion in Millennium.

Chloe nods and asks the question she already knows the answer to.

Chloe Collins

Is she?

Britty glances over at Chloe who is trying to keep a straight face.

Britty Kane

The last time I looked, Chloe, I was one of two champions to enter Deep-Six and still leave with their title in tow. I was in a triple threat match. I took advantage of it. Much like she did, but I was in the match the entire time. I’ve defended this title successfully every single time it’s been on the line.

She took a small pause.

Britty Kane

I am the best champion in this company. I won this title. I’ve defended this title with honor and pride. I want to be the best Cloud Gate Champion in Millennium history. If Nessa Wall thinks that she’s the better champion? She certainly has another thing coming to her.

Chloe Collins

Let’s change course for a second. People have accused Nessa of being, among other things, hand-picked to succeed in Millennium under the previous management. Now she’s champion. Do you feel that this at all changes the landscape of Millennium? Do you think this poses an invisible threat to Grace van Beek and the new management here? And how do you fit into all of this? Do you feel at risk now with Grace in charge?

Britty Kane

I don’t think anything really changes. I’m sure if Miss van Beek was upset at the end of Deep-Six, she could have easily claimed someone else had a shot and pulled the rug from under Nessa then and there. She had the time and the means to do that, as she did at the anniversary show to Mr. Matthews.

Another pause as Britty sighs.

Britty Kane

It’s no threat at all, Chloe. We’ve seen that Nessa is sometimes willing to latch onto someone when it benefits her. Now, I know we’re not going to see them scissor anytime soon, but I’m sure Nessa is scheming ways to be friendly with Miss van Beek as we speak.

Kane smiles again and glances at her friend once more.

Britty Kane

And it’s no secret I held respect for Mr. Matthews, going as far to troll his sister by calling him Daddy Charles to get under her skin.

A snicker follows.

Britty Kane

Grace already tried to stack the deck against me at Deep-Six in that triple threat match. I walked through the fire to keep hold of this championship. I’m sure she’ll have someone new lined up in a moment’s notice to take this title from me, but it’ll end like all the Cloud Gate matches since I’ve been in my first one, me walking out with this title.

Chloe smiles.

Chloe Collins

I think they’re going to start cutting my camera time if I take too much more of it, but thank you as always for your time, and good luck tonight!

Singles Match
Champion vs Champion

Nessa Wall VS Britty Kane

In the days immediately following Deep Six, Britty stated in more than one occasion how she would deserve a shot at the new champion, or how she should be the face of of the company. Tonight she had the chance to prove it, going one on one against the new Millennium Champion, Nessa Wall. The reaction Nessa got from the Atlanta crowd was far different to the one reserved to her predecessor; the fans didn’t like how she won the title, cashing in the suitcase she won five months prior.

The Cloud Gate champion had an angry look on her face, the rumors and insults spread on social media by someone hiding behind the anonymity on Curious Cat clearly got to her. Designed victim of her frustration was, obviously, the new MIllennium Champion who wasn’t quite expecting such an aggressive start from the opponent. Brittany literally jumped on her as the bell rang, taking her down with a Lou Thesz press and beginning to hammer her face and head with closed fists. The referee had to separate them, reminding at the younger Kane that those are not allowed. Britty grabbed Nessa by her long blond hair and pulled her up on her feet, earning herself another warning from the referee. The Cloud Gate Champion followed with a slap on Nessa’s cheek, grabbing her arm next and irish whipping her in the corner, meeting her there with a dropkick.

Trying to escape her fury, Nessa rolled out of the ring, but Britty was quickly on her, slamming her face first on the steel steps. The referee started counting them out, but this seemed to be the last concern for Kane, who found on her opponent the perfect outlet for her frustrations. As the official reached eight, Britty quickly rolled back in the ring to interrupt the count out, before going back on the attack. The small pause though gave the top champion enough time to recuperate, Playing possum she waited for her to get closer before tripping her over with a drop toe hold. Before Britty could get back on her feet, Nessa was already on the apron, ready to leap backwards with a spectacular moonsault that wiped the Cloud Gate Champion out.

The actions went back to the ring with a failed pinfall attempt from Nessa who, unsuccessfully, tried to capitalize on the previous moonsault. There was a lot more to do to keep Britty down and Nessa definitely knew it as well. She tried to keep her grounded with various submission holds, but Kane really gave her a run for her money, countering all her moves in an amazing sequence of mat wrestling that lit up the fans. Even trapped in a headlock, Britty stepped back to her feet, getting free with a couple of well placed elbows to the ribs. following with a rib breaker and an unsuccessful cover.

The momentum of the match shifted back in Nessa’s favor when she knocked Britty down with the spinning backfist she calls Against The Wall. Britty didn't seem able to counter her attacks anymore, Nessa's hard and precise strike constantly hitting their target. Including the MENSA Application Denied, a beautiful disaster kick that knocked the Cloud Gate Champion down. Nessa taunted the fans, taking a few steps back and giving the Cloud Gate Champion time to start pulling herself up. She blew her a kiss, something she always does before knocking them out with the Kissy, Kissy. But this time Kane ducked it and rolled her up almost stealing the win. Nessa kicked out and tried to grab the opponent, but once again Britty surprised her with a cradle. Wall rolled through with one of her own, holding on Britty's thights and keeping her down for three seconds, all she needed to walk out with a victory.

WINNER: Nessa Wall
BY: Pinfall (Roll Up), 14:31

Jared Idol: "And Nessa for the win!"

Bea Torres: "OH MY GOD, SHE CHEATED AGAIN!"

Jared Idol: "I'm pretty sure she would call it outsmarting the opponent."

Bea Torres: "HOLDING. THE. THIGHTS. IS. CHEATING."

After coming off a huge win in his debut match, Dustin Douglas, the 35 year old rookie sensation comes walking down the hall. He is wearing a Millennium wrestling t-shirt and sweat pants, having obviously just finished showering and changing after his glorious match. Dustin is greeting the various workers, stage hands, and caterers back stage as he begins to scoop what seems to be steak tips into his plate. I swear Millennium has amazing catering and I freaking love it. Anyway. He grabs his plate and sits down with some other local rookies who are gazing into a monitor watching the other matches go down. As Dustin eats and watches the matches, he is approached by a random neck bearded dude in a Dogs of War shirt. I guess this guy feels he is some hipster fan wearing a shirt of a group that doesn’t have a presence in this fed. This kid reminds me of those morons in high school that would wear a Ramones t-shirt but have no clue what any of their songs were. So anyway, wrestling hipster doofus walks up and speaks to Dustin.

Wrestling Hipster Doofus:

So….I loved your match Dustin Douglas. Your work rate is pretty stellar, though your look could use some help. Also your gimmick is trash and you should fix it.

Dustin looks at the kid, and the other rookies around him are pretty speechless

Dustin Douglas:

Yo who the eff is this?

Wrestling Hipster Doofus:

I’m just saying…I watch like, 32 hours of professional wrestling programming a week so I know a thing or two about this business. Your gimmick sucks. Great match, terrible gimmick. You will never be a draw.

Dustin is flabbergasted at this conversation, and the wrestling hipster doofus leaves, leaving the 35 year old rookie bewildered and confused, much like me during the homecoming dance my junior year when my date decided to get back together with her ex boyfriend. That sucked.

Singles Match

?? VS Christopher Kane

Christopher Kane was standing in the ring, waiting for his opponent after Aurora walked out of the company earlier tonight, not before scartching the itch and dropping Grace van Beek on her head. Rumchata Ayano just announced that this match will be now contested under standard rules, but she didn't mention the name of Chris’ opponent. As the lights in the Arena finally dimmed out, “Futatsu no Kyoosei” blared out of the loudspeakers and the man known as SERO walked out of the curtains, accompanied by two figures dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos with a white mask covering their faces. Laser focused, he walked to the ring oozing confidence, his eyes glued on his opponent.

The match began, and despite the short notice, SERO seemed more than ready for the fight, locking horns with Kane as soon as the bell rang. Relying on his grappling ability, after a flawless sequence of chain wrestling, Chris had the opponent in a side headlock. The Panther King freed himself by pushing him against the ropes, taking him down with a shoulder tackle as he bounced back. Chris quickly jumped back on his feet, staring right in the cold eyes of the man in front of him.

The pair started started brawling in the middle of the ring and, boy… Were those some hard shots! Both too proud and determine to prove their supremacy, they weren't really trying to protect themselves. Actually they started pushing each other to deliver their best shots, willing to see who would have backed down first. And it was Christopher, after a vicious right hand to the jaw who staggered, giving SERO an opening to continue his relentless attack. He was pretty much out on his feet when the Japanese wrestler lifted him over his shoulders in a fireman's carry position, dropping him down and knocking him out with a tremendous discus punch. SERO went down for a cover, getting a first taste of Kane's resilience when he surprisingly kicked out from the Tekken Tachikaze.

As the match went on, it became clear to Chris that challenging SERO on his strong suit wasn't going to play out well for him. The opportunity to turn the tables came when the Panther King missed a Roundhouse Kick, or better, CK dodged it and positioned himself behind the opponent and performed an half and half suplex. With the opponent down, Chris started working on his neck wearing him down with various holds. SERO managed to get back to his feet and break free with an elbow to the stomach, only for a moment before Chris drove his knee on his ribs and applied another cravate. The Panther King found himself once again struggling to get free, until, still keeping the hold, suplexed him down on the mat.

A couple of near falls later, the two contenders found themselves joking for position on the top rope, after Chris hesitated for a moment instead of going for the New York Rain immediately, allowing the opponent to hit reach him in heights. The reason for his hesitation? The two mysterious figures that walked out with the Panther King still standing at the end of the ramp, watching the actions behind their masks without moving at all. Eventually SERO was able to hook Chris arms and driving him down on the mat with the Hakka no Togame, which roughly translates to White Haze Punishment. CK kicked out of the Top Rope Tiger Driver as well, and that brought a wicked smile on SERO's face.

Despite all the punishment he had gone through, Chris still had some fight left in him, and a couple of aces up his sleeve like the From Nowhere, a kip up ace crusher. With the characteristic gunshot gesture, CK called for the Omega Finale. But he stopped when he noticed only one of the mysterious figures standing outside the ring. Where was the other one? Right behind him, on their knees and driving their arm.. Well, you know where. The referee called for the disqualification after the low blow, but that wasn't going to stop the trio from beating the hell out of Chris. SERO was back on his feet, watching his partners who revealed themselves to be OMI and NEO were stomping the poor Kane, who was still holding his crotch. They eventually picked him up, holding him up for the Panther King to hit him with the Tenchi Kaijin.

The trio then kicked him out of the ring, standing there soaking in the boos of the fans.

WINNER: Christopher Kane
BY: DQ (Outside Interference), 12:49

Bea Torres: "What is wrong with people? Why is everyon low blowing Christopher?"

Jared Idol: "Why don't you ask them?"

Bea Torres: "BECAUSE I DON'T SPEAK JAPANESE!"

Jared Idol: "Thank God the night is over and I don't have to hear you yelling anymore."

Bea Torres: "Hey Jared, where are we going next week?"

Jared Idol: "Let me check... Millennium XXII will be airing from Greenville, South Carolina!"

Bea Torres: "I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA!"

Jared Idol: "Really?"

Bea Torres: "I don't know, I've never been there... I just wanted to yell something... Goodnight!"

Jared Idol: "God give me strength... Good Night ladies and gentlemen, see you next week."

Post by gvb on Dec 6, 2018 14:52:04 GMT -6

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