Post by gvb on Nov 3, 2023 16:03:36 GMT -6
Riot in Australia
Live from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sidney, Australia
Sunday, October 29th, 2023
Backstage Rick appears before the camera holding a red baseball cap in his hand. An iconic hat some would know. On his ring gear he have a name across his heart also in red design.
Rick Benson:
If ask me where I would begin Millennium career, truthfully I would not have guessed Australia for my debut match. However am glad for it to be.
For you see, am here in Millennium to become Champion. But speaking of champion, made my debut early during another title match. Miss Abby Blake was not in fair contest so I decided to get involved.
I stopped my opponent tonight from taking Abby title shot away. She proved she could win gold and am proud of her. Now am believing he requested this match. To try and get even. But have been in this business for a longer than my opponent and his significant other will no doubt say. Have the experience skill and know how to pull an Abby Blake moment and defeat Rainer here.
For today this is my start to my Millennium journey. Defeating a former champion is great way to start it. Yes, it is quite the opportunity.
Now Rick put his hat on his head and make it perfect.
Rick Benson:
And I never waste an opportunity.
Rick Benson then walk off to make entrance for the show.
Singles Match
Rainer Nordhagen (w/ Karen Eldon) VS Rick Benson (w/ Abby Blake)After losing the Junior Heavyweight championship in front of his homecrowd in Germany, Rainer Nordhagen found himself once again competing in front of his people, from her mother's side. Not that this would give him any advantage, with fans booing him just like anywhere else. His opponent, making his debut for the company, was Abby Blake's good friend from the Valiant days, Rick Benson. But if this was his first ever match for the company, he wasn't a total stranger to the fans, as he was the one who stopped Karen from interfering in the title match at Zeitgeist. To say that Rainer had a bone to pick with Benson was an understatement, and that translated in a very aggressive start from the former Junior Heavyweight champion. He easily took Benson down and stomped the hell out of him, forcing him to roll out of the ring and regroup with his friend and current champion Abby Blake. Of course Karen had to get involved, screamong something at the duo but quickly stepping back as Abby barely raised her fist, reminding her that she was pregnant. Back inside the ring, Rick got some momentum going for him with a flurry of right hands that left Rainer stunned. He began rolling his arm, as if he was loading a punch the same way a cartoon character would do. And the fans really got behind that, following his spinning with a prolonged "Ooooooohhhh" exploding in a roar of approval as Rick's fist connected, sending Rainer flat on his back. Benson then took a run to the ropes and jumped on Nordhagen with a running senton, obtaining a count of two. A rather impressive showing from the newest signee, perhaps helped by the fact that Rainer appeared to have vastly underestimated him. Once again Benson came close to the win with an elbow drop from the second rope, but in the end, thanks to another distraction from Karen, Nordhagen got the upper hand with his The Last Stand (running knee strike). WINNER: Rainer Nordhagen BY: Pinfall (The Last Stand), 7:03 |
Abby's first thought was to slide back in the ring and check on her friend, reassuring him for what had to be a heartbreaking loss on his debut match. Karen mocked her from outside which prompted the champion to shift her attention from Rick to herself. Clearly Abby knew better than hitting a pregnant woman, but she made sure Karen knew exactly what she was thinking about her..
But while her focus was on Karen, Rainer managed to grab the title he used to carry around his waist and blast Blake on the back of her head with it, knocking her down. Benson bravely got to his feet and hit Rainer with a superkick, flooring him and forcing him to retreat. He then helped Abby to stand up, the two of them glaring at the Nordhagens. Rainer inequivocabilly gestured the title around his waist, telling the champ that he was coming for it.
Singles Match
Betsy Gallagher VS West LongAfter taking the Chaos Theory champion to the limit, Besty was presented with another massive challenge to keep her momentum going in West Long. The towering male has always been a bit wild card in the MWE roster, maybe not as successful and rewarding as is size and strength would make one think he would be, but he still proved to be someone not to be messed around with. Not that Betsy would let his size intimidate her, going on the attack right after the sound of the bell, kicking at the big guy's legs. Long wasn't impressed and just shoved her to the ground. When she rolled back to her feet, Long charged in and hit her with a massive shoulder tackle, sending her flying back down. It was one of the most dominant performances we saw from West, and one of the most dominant ever in recent times. Betsy barely managed to land any move, and nothing impactful enough to cause any real damage at the Warwolf. Then only time she was able to drop him down with the Regal Knee, it was only for a count of one. She was just refusing to stay down though, kicking out from everything West threw at her. Long even tossed her out of the ring from a military press position, throwing the Brit all the way into the front row. It took Betsy almost the whole ten count to get back in the ring, but she was still in the match. Seemingly not for long as West lifted her over his shoulders in a fireman's carry position, setting her up for his Point Blank finisher. Gallagher managed to slip out of his grasp and quickly tried to pin him with an O'Connor Roll, picking up an unexpected win. WINNER: Betsy Gallagher BY: Pinfall (O'Connor Roll), 7:17 |
Time for a tag match, but it wasn't the LeBeaus' theme playing out of the loudspeakers. It was an unfimiliar beat that blasted in the ether, "I Hope You Hate Me" by Dead Poet Society. The fans waited to see who would be walking out to that song, bursting out in loud boos as they recognized the bleached blonde figure that just appeared on the stage was none other than Donovan Keane. The way he turned on his longtime partner and friend Jay Gallagher at Zeitgeist to join the ranks of The Division turned him into one of the most hated in the company, a role he seemed to embrace fully and proudly, starting with the choice of his new walk-out song. He slowly walked to the ring, cockily smiling at the jeering fans and almost taunting them. When the noise eventually died down, Donovan raised the microphone and began to speak.
Donovan Keane:
Good evening Sidney! Surprised to see me here?
They certainly weren't happy, that much could be said.
Donovan Keane:
Well, you really shouldn't. The past few months should have thaught you that The Division is ALWAYS here, ALWAYS ready. That's why we run this place, that's why NOBODY has been able to touch us so far.
The Australian crowd decided to mock him, starting to chant "Jay Is Better!!"
Donovan Keane:
Alright, alirght. Let's just address the elephant in the room, shall we? You're all mad at me because I
Airquoting with his fingers.
Donovan Keane:
Turned on Jay...
Keane began to shake his head.
Donovan Keane:
That's the dumbest thing I heard in my life. I didn't turn on him, anyone with a brain can see that he turned on me!
At this point the boos were almost deafening but Donnie didn't stop.
Donovan Keane:
When I reached out to Julian, it was to protect him too. The idea was to have them watching our back against the Band Of Nine because fuck me if I have to deal with their cultist ass again... I was looking out for Jay, like I always did. I was protecting him, I was making sure he'd get out of there unharmed. And what did he do?
As he paused, he bagn to pace nervously the ring.
Donovan Keane:
He turned down my help and he lectured me. Can you believe it? I had his best interest in mind and he decided to stand on his soapbox and tell me who I should and who I shouldn't talk with. Can you believe it?
Keane let out a sigh of frustration, shaking his head once more.
Donovan Keane:
So get off my ass with this bullshit. He's the one who walked out, he's the one who chose to go separate ways. But you know what? That's fine. It was his decision and I honestly don't care. Nightfall is my past, The Division is my present and future. Which would have involved me winning the Battle For The Briefcase if it wasn't for that Time Lord bitch.
At his reference to Anna Daniels the Australian fans raised their volume once again, almost drowning Donnie's voice in boos and chants for the Muse.
Donovan Keane:
Oh right, when people like her mess with other folks' y'all cool with it right? The problem is only when The Division does that shit.. Hypocrites.
He was definitely not out here to make friends tonight.
Donovan Keane:
It's alright tho, Daniels is going to pay for what she did. Resistance is futile, your efforts are in vain. The Division cannot be stopped. And soon, you will see why.
As he said that, "I Hope You Hate Me" by Dead Poet Society began to play once more as Donnie left the ring. Before he disappeared backstage, he was met by Leia on the entrance stage, the two of them indulging in a long deep kiss before parting ways.
Tag Team Match
Those Damned LeBeaus VS Warblade 42
The first of two tag team matches saw Those Damned LeBeaus taking on Valkyrie and Niko Yua of Warblade 42. The two sisters seemed to have this one in their pocket as they took control as soon as the match started with Leia's kicks instantly putting Niko on the back foot. The Japanese eventually was able to take the former Junior Heavyweight champion down with a dragon screw legwhip and tag Valkyrie in. The Great Dane Bitch took back control, slamming Leia on the mat with a spinebuster. When she went to make the cover though, LeBeau was quick to catch her with a cradle and get a count of two. Bebe entered the ring and as soon as she did, chaos ensued. She ran straight past Valkyrie to bump Niko off the apron with a hip attack. This prompted the Japanese to get in the ring in an attempt to get revenge on Bebe, but the referee was quick to stop her. Bebe was quick to take advantage, grabbing the opponent by the hair and drag her to her corner. Leia entered the ring without a tag and the sisters obliterated the Dane with a devastating double superkick. Leia made the cover and the referee counted to two before Yua made the save. Warblade 42 were known for their resilience, and they took everything the LeBeaus threw them and then some, even managing to dish out some punishment of their own with a spear from Vee that broke Bebe in half. But eventually the LeBeaus got the best of them with Leia turning off the Dane's lights with her Jet City Jive. WINNER: Those Damned LeBeaus BY: Pinfalll (Jet City Jive), 9:42 |
Tag Team Match
Bad & Boujee VS Ti 'n' Trin (Tiana Petrova-Hammond & Trinity Thompson)
Probably the match of the night, or at least competing with the main event for that spot, the battle between these two teams kept the fans involved from bell to bell. Tiana and Trinity were not intimidated by going against the former Tag champions and Team Of The Year, using quick tags to keep the pressure on Annica and isolate her from her sister. A couple of near falls in the first three minutes represented some sort of alarm bell for the twins. Ti 'n' Trin were not to be underestimated. Annica was able to get some separation with a thumb to the eye and tag her sister in. Aliyah charged in at full speed, running right into a beautiful spanish fly from Trin that switched the momentum back on Ti 'n' Trin's side. The experience was firmly on the Greene's side, and by that I mean that they were not afraid to twist some rules to get the upper hand. It earned them a couple of warnings from the ref but the former champions eventually took back control. Trinity found herself on the receiving end of the Electric Dreams, surpringly kicking out of it. The former XIX World champion still found the strength to fight back and knock Aliyah down with an enziguri kick, giving the former Academy student the opening to reach for Petrova-Hammond. But when she dove for the tag, Tiana suddenlly disappeared from her spot on the apron, swept off by Annica. After the failed tag, the Nap Town girl met her fate courtesy of Greene's Barbie Tingz. WINNER: Bad & Boujee BY: Pinfall (Barbie Tingz), 16:22 |
The camera cuts to the backstage area and we are now inside the locker room of the current Chaos Theory champion, Emma Wakefield, who appears to be in the middle of some serious pacing back and forth. She is adjusting her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail while chewing on her bottom lip, completely lost in thought. Her championship belt rests upon the arm of the couch where her boyfriend Bobby Bradley sits, looking as if he was watching a tennis match with the way his head keeps moving back and forth to follow Emma’s footsteps.
Bobby Bradley
You know, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep going back and forth like that. At least that’s what my sister used to tell me when I paced.
eEmma stops her pacing as she slowly turns around, an amused expression on her face as she looks at Bobby, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Emma Wakefield:
Did that ever happen to you?
He thinks for a moment before replying
Bobby Bradley
Not specifically, no, though she did push me into a hole once, so we can count it.
He chuckles before looking her in the eyes.
Bobby Bradley
The point though is that you’re just going to feed yourself more anxiety if you pace like that rather than relaxing. I know this title defense against Luna is important, they all are, but you need to relax your body and mind and just let your natural talents flourish rather than overthinking everything Em.
Emma Wakefield:
That’s easy for you to say, I just feel since my last defense against Betsy, that maybe I’ve lost that edge where I was even able to win the Chaos Theory title in the first place.
Bobby pats the seat next to him on the couch.
Bobby Bradley
Well the good news is that you don’t have to worry about winning it any more cause you have it. Why would you think that, though? All I can see is the same tough as nails champion that I’ve always seen.
Emma makes her way over towards the couch and takes her seat besides Bobby, giving him a casual shrugging motion with her shoulders.
Emma Wakefield:
Oh yeah? You still think I have my best GRRR face?
Once she’s asked him her question, Emma makes sure to offer up her best snarl, curling the corner of her mouth upwards while making some slashing motion with her hands. Bobby pretends to be afraid of the amazing Grr face to help build her confidence.
Bobby Bradley
Oh yeah, no doubt! You’ve got a terrifying …gurr face indeed. But aside from that, you’ve also got the heart of a competitor and no matter how hard something might be, you’re simply not someone that’s going to give up. I admire that so much in you.
Emma Wakefield:
You’re so sweet Bobby and you always know the right thing to say to cheer me up.
Emma’s smile grows even bigger as she leans in closer to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Bobby wraps his arm around her and smiles.
Bobby Bradley
That’s not even the best part. I’ve arranged with your sister and her fiance to look after Dodger for a couple weeks so we can enjoy an extended vacation right here in Australia for your birthday! Phoebe will be meeting us down here in a couple of days as well.
Emma Wakefield:
Really? I’m surprised Holly would agree to that with her allergy.
Bobby pauses for a moment, clearly he hadn’t thought about that when he asked.
Bobby Bradley
Well I guess that’s just how much she supports you. Plus Hayden loves him, I’m sure it’ll be fine. We just have to get through tonight, with your hand raised high and then we can enjoy the rest of the time down undah, as they say.
He tried an Australian accent but it wasn’t very good, truth be told. It’s still enough to make Emma laugh as she playfully nudges Bobby's arm with one hand.
Emma Wakefield:
You definitely put me in the right spirit to kick some butt!
And with those words, Emma jumps up from the couch, fist bumping the air high above her head before she makes her way over to her Chaos Theory championship. She places it over her shoulder with a smile on her face, patting the golden plate, ready for her match tonight.
Chaos Theory Match
Emma Wakefield © VS LunaEmma barely survived her last defense against Betsy, going to a time limit draw that left her stuck at one defense. To move up to two she had to beat Luna tonight, a former Lockdown and Junior Heavyweight champion herself who seems to have lost her way in the past year. She looked determined to remind everyone who the Star Of The Night is and add another piece of gold to her collection. The young Emma seemed out of her depth against the expert fighter, that Krav Maga influenced offense wreaking havoc in the young champion's defense. Luna's Upgrade gave the challenger a long count of two, so close to threee that she felt entitled to protest against the referee, asking him to revert his decision and make the "right call". A rough start from Emma, but eventually the young champion's skills allowed her to change the tide and take control of the match. The Australian fans cheered on top of their lungs for Em, who seemed to feed on their enthusiasm to find a second wind and sore a near fall on Luna with her From Your Emmagination DDT. Luna missed with the Starstorm and got pinned once again with a bridging German suplex, but just like before, she was able to kick out in time. From the floor, Luna grabbed the champ by the waistband of her trunks and pullled her head first into the middle turnbuckle and followed with a running knee strike, but it wasn't enough to keep the champ down. Frustrated, Luna called for backup, bringing her bodyguard West Long back to the ring. The Warwolf tried to enter the ring, but it was just a decoy to allow Luna to strike the champ with a chair while the referee was distracted with West. Luckily for Emma, Betsy blocked the chair shot before it could connect. She threatened to hit Luna which prompted West to enter the ring and floor Gallagher with a big boot. At that point, the referee had no chance but to call the match, declaring it a no contest which, unfortunately for Emma, won't count as a defense. WINNER: Draw BY: No Contest, 10:03 |
Singles Match
Echo VS Erin Marie PaigeBefore the match, Echo stated that this was "not even fair". And to her credit, she kept her promise, absolutely dominating Erin with ease. Too much the difference in experience, strength and perhaps motivation. For Echo, in fact, this was no ordinary match. EMP was undoubtedly involved in the abduction of her sister, perpetrated by Nine and her cult back at Zeitgeist, and for the Australian native this was a chance to get revenge and send a message to the Band Of Nine. And a message was delivered, just not quite the one Echo was hoping to get through. Suddenly the lights went out and the screen lit up, showing Brighton tied to a chair in the middle of an empty and unidentifiable room. Battered and bruised, Echo's sister had obvioously seen better days but at least this was an update on her condition. When the lights came back in the Arena, Echo was standing alone in the ring, with EMP nowhere to be seen. WINNER: Echo BY: Count Out, 3:59 |
Australia: The Day Before The Show.
The Aussie sun beamed through the clouds. Ice cream was in nearly every person's hand. The Millennium star Veronica Sawyer was captured by the film crew for some YouTube content of her as promotion. She never missed an opportunity to display her newly won tag team championship belt, proudly draped over one shoulder, as her blonde curls shine even brighter thanks to the sun shining from the sky above.
Veronica Sawyer:
It truly must be an honour for Australia to be in the presence of a Goddess such as myself and I’m hopeful to see a packed arena when I’ll be in action for Riot.
The creak of a cage door opening goes unheard.
SUDDENLY, a koala emerged from the cage and started a straight run towards the Millennium star. Veronica turns upon hearing the commotion and her eyes open wide in shock as she drops her championship belt, seeing the small furry creature making his intentions clear with her as his intended target.
A hand came out and let the Koala climb up his arm to perch himself on the shoulder of Mr. Brooks. He had a little trail mix left over and offered the Koala a little piece to eat.
Leo Brooks:
I think you dropped this, Miss.
As he offered Ronnie the dropped gold while keeping his head turned to see the Koala finishing his treat and handed him over a softer nut. She reaches out to take her title belt back in her possession, clenching tightly onto the golden strap.
Veronica Sawyer:
Nice save there, Ace Ventura.
She raises one eyebrow slightly amused over her own joke.
Veronica Sawyer:
He just took me by surprise.
Leo Brooks:
She shouldn't hurt you now, she's all munching away. Ruby Koalason. The males got bigger noses.
He pointed out the Koala's nose.
Leo Brooks:
If you're gonna throw out Ace Ventura then I either got to know some animal facts or knock out the Monopoly man but I don't see one. I'm Leo.
He shook her hand quickly and then handed the Koala another piece.
He held out his hand with a little piece of trail mix if she wanted to reconcile with the newly dubbed Ruby Koalason. Ronnie hesitates for a moment before she picks up some of the trail mix and offers her hand to the koala.
Veronica Sawyer:
My apologies Miss Ruby, I guess us girls need to stick together.
Ironically that's when the brother sister duo arrive concerned about the missing Koala.
Leo Brooks:
True that. I'll let you go now back with your two best human friends. Make sure you check out the show though. Get all your koala girls and koala guys around to watch the show.
The brother took the Koala into his arms and started checking it hadn't been scratched. The sister appears to be extremely relieved to see their little friend is completely safe.
Leo Brooks:
And there she goes. Came this close to the tag team champion.
As he held up the tiniest piece left between his thumb and finger. Veronica chuckles slightly as she places her championship belt back upon her shoulder.
Veronica Sawyer:
Well as you know, close only counts in horseshoes
Leo Brooks:
I've actually never played. I was more of a basketball guy. Maybe you can show me when we get back.
Veronica Sawyer:
That is if you don’t hold a grudge over me beating you in our match.
He chuckled, while putting his hand on the title.
Leo Brooks:
I don't hold grudges, just titles.
Then took his hand off and pointed out the ice cream stand.
Leo Brooks:
How'd I miss the ice cream stand.
Veronica Sawyer:
Too distracted by the koala rescue I imagine.
Leo nodded.
Leo Brooks:
Yeah. So is it out of line to take my opponent to get one?
Veronica Sawyer:
As long as this isn’t some kind of a bribe, I’m not so easily persuaded when it comes to getting some wins in the ring, and only as a friendly gesture.
Veronica nods her head following her words making it clear where she is drawing the line before she makes a motion for him to lead the way.
Singles Match
Leo Brooks VS Veronica SawyerDespite this being a singles match, Veronica still came to the ring wearing her Tag Team Champion belt. Leo seemed particularly interested in that particular piece of jewelry, perhaps realizing that a win tonight could put them in an interesting position when it comes to find the new contenders to PCP's titles. The Lumberjock was not going to go easy on Ronnie, blassting her with heavy strikes before throwing her into the ropes and catching her on the rebound with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Not only raw power, Brooks showed off some techical skills as well, putting the Canadian in his Chopping Block (Boston Crab), but Sawyer was able to crawl to the ropes and break up the pin. Not that there was any doubt, but Veronica proved to be an incredible singles competitor as well, turning the tide and connect her Love At First Kick (springboard head kick). Brooks rolled out of the ring to avoid the possible pinning predicament. Leo seemed to be dazed, stumbling around looking to regain his composure. Veronica dove through the ropes, grab him by the head and spun around to plant the Lumberjock on the floor with a beautiful suicide dive into a DDT. She then entered the ring, seemingly content to take the count out win. It wasn't the case as Leo beat the count, but then again she was ready to welcome him with a low dropkick to the head: Still not enough to keep The New Age Super Soldier down. Veronica then went to the top rope, ready to end this in style with the Fool's Kiss (Phoenix Splash), but Leo ran up the corner and suplexed her to the mat. Sore, Ronnie pushed herself to her feet but got doubled over with a kick to the gut and docked with the Brookbuster (brainbuster) that gave Leo the win. WINNER: Leo Brooks BY: Pinfall (Brookbuster), 9:29 |
Singles Match
Melissa Reeves VS Anna DanielsThe crowd was pretty split for this one. Not quite 50/50, but there were a lot of people cheering for Anna as well. After all, the Time Lord was, in a way, playing at home as well having wrestled for long in OWF and having "married" the Australian born Jacky Rex Daniels. The two women gave rise to an instant classic, starting with an intense back and forth. Stiff kicks and punches flew between the two fierce competitors that saw Melissa coming out on top. The Reaver followed with an evenflow DDT, rolling Anna on her back for the first cover of the match obtaining a two count. Anna rolled out of the ring to recover, Mel followed her there and that was the former World Champion's first mistake. Daniels kicked her in the stomach and whipped her into the ring post. Impacting head first against the steel left Reeves dazed, and getting dropped once again on her head with a running reverse STO. Daniels carried the advantage back in the ring, keeping the pressure on Mel with a boxing combination, leading to a falcon arrow worth another count of two. Mel's reaction to that was another flurry of kicks that forced Anna back into the corner. Reeves lifted the opponent and attempted a superplex but Anna fought back, knocking her down. The following diving double foot stomp attempt from the Muse missed the target as Mel rolled out of the way. The former World champion quickly stood up and lifted the challenger for the Reaver Slam but Daniels slipped away and dropped Mel down onto her knee with a neckbreaker. As it often happens in MWE, a great match ended poorly thanks to some shenanigans, in this case a distraction from Donovan Keane, walking out to taunt and threat the Time Lord. Melissa, a bit surprisingly, took advantage of that situation and hit Anna with the Facial Deconstructor, getting the win in tonight's main event. WINNER: Melissa Reeves BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 18:15 |