Post by gvb on Dec 4, 2023 12:10:13 GMT -6
Riot in Hong Kong
Live from AsiaWorld Arena in Hong Kong
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
Walking down the halls of the Hong Kong arena was one half of the MWE Tag Team champions Matt Stone on his way towards the ring for his big match. Of course he has the championship draped over his shoulder, catching the ceiling light in an obnoxiously bright way every three steps.
In the open area the hall leads to is Clementine Smith and Millie Smith doing some last minute taping up of their wrists ahead of their match.
Clementine Smith:
What's that smell?
Clementine’s nose wrinkles as she catches the cologne. Millie's scrunches a little too after she tears off her tape and flattens it out. Both of them dressed in Academy inspired ring gear with a touch of glamour. Millie's name on the back of her top and Clementine on the back of hers.
As the two ladies turn their heads their heads they’re met with Matt Stone who stops when he spots them.
Matt Stone:
Well look who it is, two of the Smith girls looking to make a name for themselves in my division. You two think you have what it takes to one day hold this title?
As he asks, he’s patting the faceplate of the tag title.
Bree Smith:
I'll crush Matt!
He jumps as the third Smith girl comes up behind him and he turns to face her.
Matt Stone:
You guys are like a flock of birds out here, always sticking together.
Both Millie and Clem giggle.
Clementine Smith:
Told ya Matt is afraid of Bree, Mils. It's ok, Matty. It's not Halloween anymore. Chill.
Clem says patting Matt on the shoulder while Millie did something on her phone, perhaps paying Clem the bet.
Clementine Smith:
But you are right. We do stick together. We might be the first Smith Girl team to win Millennium gold.
Millie Smith:
Well, Bree used to say Teagan was an honourary Smith Girl.
Matt rolls his eyes at the mention of Teagan.
Matt Stone:
Don’t get me started on that one. Though I will say if you girls want to get gold so bad, you might want to look at other avenues that don’t involve going through me. And I’m not afraid of Bree!
Clementine Smith:
You almost jumped out of your own skin from a recording of Bree, as for the different avenues talk - we’re supposed to wait til you lose the titles? Don’t think so. We’re the Acadettes. Trained in the Academy to be champions, not champwalkawayers.
Millie then doubles over as she sneezes, her hair flying over and obscuring her face and causing Matt to jump again.
Millie Smith:
Sorry, allergies. I’m at the tail end of the seasonal allergies stuff.
She then pulls out a little nasal spray bottle. Matt eyes her suspiciously for a few seconds before moving on.
Matt Stone:
Bless you…and I knew all along that was a recording, I was just playing along. I am an entertainer after all.
Millie and Clementine exchange a look and then shrug, not really believing it.
Clementine Smith:
Sure.
Millie Smith:
Right.
Again they share another look with a slight smile.
Clementine Smith:
So since you're here, oh wise Matt. What tips can you give us Acadettes on our opponents? Since you are keeping an eye on all challengers from atop of your mountain..
He eyes them, wondering why they were giving each other glances like that.
Matt Stone:
Why would I give away all my secrets? I can give you a tip though, that thing you’ve got in your hand there Mills? You can use that to blind one of them, could really come in handy!
Millie looks a little offended; anyone would suggest she'd do that. She tucked it away in her bag quickly.
Millie Smith:
The Acadettes could never do that.
Matt Stone:
Well a thousand pardons for insulting your Honor. If you don’t want to use that, then I’d recommend using your speed and your instincts. Since you’re both part of this vast wrestling family, I’m sure you two know more than you let on.
Clementine Smith:
He’s right, we do.
Clem says to Millie as she gets her hair into a quick, tight pony as she’s done a thousand times for gymnastics. Millie mirrors that smile back to Clem.
Millie Smith:
I think we’re up next. Bye, Matt.
Clementine Smith:
Gotta go. I’ll be sure to let Teagan know you rolled your eyes at her. Ciao!
Matt’s eyes squint as the two of them walk away, annoyed at the pair of blondes. He turns to walk away, mumbling to himself.
Matt Stone:
I’m not afraid of Bree…I’m not afraid of Bree.
Tag Team Match
The Accadettes VS Warblade 42
The Accadette may be the youngest tag team in MWE, but they already had their share of fans, even here in Hong Kong. Unfortunately that didn't seem to be enough to save them from the beatdown Warblade 42 had in store for them. The veteran team weren't playing games, throwing everything they had at Millie and Clementine, truly giving them hell for the first five minutes of the match. In at least two occasions The Accadettes looked like they were going to fall without truly landing any impactful move on the opponent, but Millie managed to kick out from the Switching Suplex and, a minute later, she was able to save Clem when Valkyrie obliterated her with the Hammer Of Thor (kinshasa). But the young Smiths weren't going to give up so easily and they eventually managed to make a comeback, with Millie dropping Niko with her OnlyFace (inverted stomp breaker) and getting the much needed break. Tag to Clementine who entered the ring like a house on fire, charging straight at Valkyrie on the apron and shoving her down to the floor below. She then turned her attention on Niko, connecting her patented Clemical Disaster (springboard cutter). She hooked the leg for the cover but Valkyrie came back in time to break up the pin. The Great Dane Bitch was back in the mix after a tag but the Flexibelle ducked under the clothesline with a Matrix evasion and tagged her cousin back in. Wasting no time, the two attempted their Caribean Crush (side slam by Clem into a Backstabber by Millie) and picked up their first win as a team. WINNER: The Accadettes BY: Pinfall (Caribbean Crush), 8:51 |
The scene cuts backstage, and finds Qiyara Singh who is dressed in her ring gear. Typically we are used to seeing her with her tag team partner and life partner Rhett Adelson, however tonight she is on her own. Dressed in something a little more dazzling than what we typically she her in, she is stretched out in one of her all to familiar yoga poses as she glimmers slightly for the camera before turning and placing her palms together, signature of her namaste greeting, though she does not utter those words instead she holds the pose before looking up directly at the camera.
Qiyara Singh:
My friends, my family, otherwise known as the Millennium Wrestling Enterprise Universe. I want to thank you for being patient with me as I’ve found my way in this business. It seems many have found me incapable of venturing out on my own, although I have proved it many times before that I can go toe to toe with the best of them.
She let out a slight giggle.
Qiyara Singh:
It is my demeanor, I understand. Yara is passive, she doesn’t become slighted when business takes place, she never gets angry. . .
She paused growing more stern.
Qiyara Singh:
Those words are simply untrue, anger is certainly something I feel from within me, but unlike most in this industry I don’t strive to show my anger through words or even through fighting, but instead through control and grace. It is something that many simply do not understand as they have never found that control within themselves and I feel for them. It is hard to harbor such a thing within one’s self for so long until it begins to eat them alive. I was in a place like that once. I’ve been in a place like that several times truly, and that is why within my career, you will never get to see that type of behavior from me. I have grown, I have strengthened, and quite frankly. I have evolved.
She took a few moments before stretching one of her legs behind her bending her back as her hair dwindled down and she rolled her neck before leaning back up.
Qiyara Singh:
Tonight when I fight Faith Savell, you will get to see just that. My evolution, but until then. . . Namaste friends.
She bowed her head before getting back to her pre-match routine.
Singles Match
Qiyara Singh VS Faith SavellNow focusing on her singles career due to Rhett injury, Qiyara was immediately called to a difficult task here, against the Masterclass. She started off strong, taking Savell off of her feet with a series of hip tosses. Finally, as she was going for the fifth, Faith was able to block it and connect one of her own, following with a headscissors. Qiyara rolled out of the ring after the move while the Masterclass climbed to the top rope and leaped with a cross body onto the floor. The two briefly fought on the outside but the Indian, as soon as she regained the initiative, brought the match back inside the ring, grabbing the Valedictorian in a clinch and raising her knee to her face multiple times. This match would have not looked bad main-eventing a show, such was the quality of the action the fans got to witness. And even though this was their first match, you could tell that they knew each other quite well by the way they had counters and reversals almost every move the other tried perhaps thanks to their shared time back at Nightfall. The Masterclass almost walked out with another prestigious win with the Faith No More (inverted DDT), but Singh was able to get her foot on the ropes. They went back and forth for another couple of minutes, trading strikes in the middle of the ring. With a push kick to the chest, Singh created that little separation she needed to blast Faith with the Singhing Off Qi to seal the deal and obtain an important win against a former champion in MWE. WINNER: Qiyara Singh BY: Pinfall (Singhing Off Qi), 10:07 |
In the locker room backstage, West is sat watching last episode's events. The Chaos Theory title match. The Warwolf shook his head as the official called it off, sitting forward on the chair as he skipped back a minute or two.
Meanwhile Luna is pacing in her white and light pink ensemble for this event. Custom made by an independent contractor, with two pink bands in her ponytail as she is midrant.
Luna Smith:
I don't really know why I should be here fighting in this tag match after what happened in Australia.
Luna stops to watch the match again, rolling her eyes as she sees herself arguing with the official.
Luna Smith:
I got a three count but of course the official played favourites. I should be the champion right now, but the useless officials can't even count properly. Now I've flown however many miles to be here in Hong Kong for a non-title match. Well, we'll see how that goes. I'm still not passed the fact my match was cut short. Betsy couldn't get the job done in 15, I had time to spare to do my hair if the referee had been fair.
The Warwolf happened to notice her hit some rhymes at the end.
West Long:
You trying to be a poet now?
Luna visibly realizes she did that and then heads to the mirror to check her hair.
Luna Smith:
Coincidence. The very same answer management gave when I formally complained.
Luna then touches up her lips just a little bit still stewing. West
West Long:
We don't need to complain. We got both of them in the ring together yeah.
Two of em. I'm sure as hell gonna make sure Betsy Gallagher gets out of our way.
No more mistakes, she shouldn't have been out there.
West stood up and Luna immediately has to tilt her head up to the tall man. He carried what happened last week like a weight across his shoulders.
West Long:
So tonight we're not only gonna win this tag match but we'll be back in the title picture. Singles championships across both our waists.
If you got your eyes on the chaos title; you show Emma she got a lucky escape from you.
Luna Smith:
Oh I should have hit her with that chair. Hindsight is 20/20 but I should have. I'm starting to think she and the ref were related you know.
West shrugged and started walking to the door.
West Long:
Who knows. All I know is these fans are gonna look away and maybe even throw in the towel on behalf of Betsy & Emma when they see what we can do.
Let's go.
He loudly pushed the door open and Luna looks remarkably impressed. She took one last look to see she was the fairest of them all in Millennium and followed her partner.
Tag Team Match
Emma Wakefield & Betsy Gallagher VS Luna & West Long
From what we heard from the commentary team, the four of them will be fighting at Dark Web V for Emma's Chaos Theory champion in a four way that could mean, if the champ retains, that she will be able to cash it in for a shot at either the Junior Heavyweight or the Riot championship. Emma and West started the match off for their respective teams, the champ tried to take the big guy off his feet with a shoulder tackle but he didn’t budge. He challneged her to do it again and as she did he dropped her on his knee with a backbreaker. He tagged Luna in and the Star Of The Night immediately connected her Upgrade on Wakefield, obtaining another count of two. Emma reacted with a neckbreaker and let Betsy in. Luna decided to insult Betsy, saying that a four like the Brit couldn't be in the same ring with a ten like her. And speaking of numbers, Gallagher gave her a five right across the cheek with a resounding slap after which she unleashed hell on the former Lockdown champion. Luna seemed to be in difficulty tonight, perhaps pissing off Betsy wasn't a good idea after all. Lady Titania had her in the corner where she kept hitting her with hard strikes to the chest and face. Her Regal Knee was almost enough to get the win, but Long made it in time for the save. When the Warwolf got back in the ring, Betsy didn't finch and actually challenged him to a test of strength. She held her ground, looking quite impressive and definitely earning herself some new fans from this feat of strenght alone but eventually the big guy got the upper hand. West wore her down with some heavy strikes and repeatedly slammed her into the canvas with various suplexes and slams, but none of them was enough. Furstrated, he just lifted her over his head in a gorilla press position and tossed her out of the ring and against Emma. The young referee considered the impact as a tag, but the champ didn't seem to have realized it as she tried to get back to her feet. West instead heard that loud and clear and he just lifted Emma over the top rope with a suplex to the inside. Then he tagged Luna in and allowed her to climb on his shoulders, from where she hit the Stardom (Sparkle Splash) for the win. WINNER: Luna & West Long BY: Pinfall (Stardom), 11:37 |
The shot opened on a close up of Riot's interviewer Jelena Scherbakova.
Jelena Scherbakova:
Good evening ladies and gentleman, Jelena here tonight with somewhat of a returning guest. I had the pleasure to interview her at Zeitgeist, right before her professional debut after graduating, please welcome my guest at this time, Ava Grimes.
As the camera zoomed out we saw the young Grimes standing next to the interviewer, already donning her ring gear.
Jelena Scherbakova:
Ava, your first match as a singles competitor in Millennium didn't quite go as planned. You ended up taking the pin in that triple threat match against Marina and Cloudy, but your performance must have impressed the Riot General Manager Vincent Moretti since he booked you against the champion herself.
There was a soft chuckle escaping Ava's lips as a proud smile appeared on her face.
Ava Grimes:
Well, Lena, that's what this is all about, right? Making an impression, give the upper ranks a reason to put you on TV week in and week out. Some do that by being absolute twats, others are able to achieve it because they are that good at what they do. Luckily I fall in this category.
The Russian native nodded in agreement.
Jelena Scherbakova:
That would seem to be the case for both you and your opponent tonight, the Riot champion Haylie LaFleur. You must be feeling the pressure of going one on one against one of the top competitors in this company.
Ava Grimes:
I won't lie to you, I do. Some might say that Haylie got lucky in her match against Andrews, and to a degree, that is correct. But let's not forget that she made her own luck, she earned that shot and she pinned the champion, more than once actually.
The former Academy student took a brief pause before continuing.
Ava Grimes:
But I'm a Grimes, I'm born for this. It may sounds pretentious, but it's true. This business runs deep in my family, my brother Gavin is a multi-time world champion and one of the most accomplished wrestler in this business and if there's someone who knows how to handle the pressure, that would be him. And he taught me how to deal with it, and as much as I respect Haylie and what she can do, I'm not intimidated. I know what I'm capable of, and with what Scott told me from their previous encounter, I believe I'm ready to take on her.
Jelena Scherbakova:
You mentioned your boyfriend, Scott. A few weeks ago he surprised everyone when he walked out in his match against Haylie. Why did he do that?
Ava just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Ava Grimes:
Well, I know he had his reasons, but it's not really my place to tell. Perhaps you should ask him on your next interview, right?
There was a nod from the young interviewer.
Jelena Scherbakova:
I would like to ask you one more question, but I understand it might be a somewhat sensitive topic for you, so if you don't really feel like answering, I would understand.
Lena hadn't really said much, but Ava already figured out where she was going. You could tell by her reaction that she wasn't very pleased, but chose to answer regardless.
Ava Grimes:
That's fine, Lena, go ahead. But I can't promise you'd be satisfied with the answer..
Jelena Scherbakova:
I believe that is fair. You mentioned earlier your brother Gavin, whose career is continuing wonderfully over in Midwest Championship Wrestling, but I wanted to ask about your brother Sammy, who has not appeared publicly since Zeitgeist.
Ava Grimes:
That's about the last time I saw or heard from him as well. And it pains me.
There was an audible sigh coming from Ava.
Ava Grimes:
I would lie if I said I don't miss how things were between us, but I could no longer deal with what we turned into. If he can't accept my relationship with Scott, if he can't understand why I'm so upset with the things his girlfriend did and said to me, then I guess it's better for us both to keep on going our respective and separate ways rather than dealing with that constant drama. So to answer your question, I don't know where he is, I don't know what he's doing, but I hope he's happy.
Jelena Scherbakova:
I wish one day you guys will be able to mend that bridge. Anyway, I want to thank you for your time Ava, and wish you good luck in your upcoming match against the Riot Champion Haylie LaFleur.
The young Grimes smiled, although one could see it wasn't the same bright and light-hearted smile she flashed at the beginning of the interview. Instead, it was carrying a shade of melancholy.
Ava Grimes:
Appreciate it Lena. Keep up the good work.
That last sentence seemed to be a way to reassure the Russian interviewer whose expression had changed following the shift in Ava's mood, almost as if she was feeling guilty for upsetting her friend bringing up such personal matters. Grimes waited a few more seconds until Jelena gave her a nod before walking away.
Singles Match
Matt Stone VS Noah LeiffsenThey traded a few words before the match started, or at least Matt did. Noah didn't seem too keen on indulging in chit-chats. But when Matt claimed that he wouldn't be able to "Shut... Me... Up...", he took him at his word and punched him in the mouth, almost causing him to swallow a tooth or two. That gave him the early advantage but the Tag champion eventually recovered and began to fire back. Still, Leiffsen appeared to have the edge of it, at least until Stone aimed for his neck and halted his momentum with a throat strike. Stone immediately attempted to put the opponent down with the Stone Cutter but it was too little too soon to beat Noah. The Canadian took the Minnesota native off his feet with a dropkick Leiffsen got back to his feet, looking pissed and blocked Matt's punch, hitting him with a headbutt before throwing him across the ring with his patented The Hefty Hypotenuse Toss. Matt responded with a series of slaps across Noah’s face, a buzzsaw kick, and a forearm but it wasn’t enough to put The Minnesota Monster down for a three-count. Noah fought off the Abominable Showman as he set him up on the top rope for a suplex and jumped on his chest with a double stomp, obtaining another count of two. The two kept fighting back and forth, pride kicking in as they traded blows without trying to defend themselves, focusing all their energy into trying to one up the other. At the end of this incredible battle, Matt Stone was the one coming out victorious, leaving one half of the Brookson Wrestling Company standing gtoggily in front of him. Tha Straight Shooter then sprinted toward the ropes behind him and charged toward Noah, taking him down with his S-T-Owned. Matt then waited for the opponent to stand up and soon as he did, he ambushed him with his C-c-c-c combo Breaker. Unfortunately for him, the Minnesota Monster was able to roll out of the ring and avoid the pin. Matt gave him chase but he ran right into a big boot from Leiffsen, who then picked him up and threw him against the edge of the ring with his Finale Bomb (jackknnife powerbomb). At that point, all he had to do was to push him back inside the ring and, just to make sure, plant him on the canvas with his patented chokeslam for the win. WINNER: Noah Leiffsen BY: Pinfall (The Leiffsen Chokeout), 10:33 |
There was a cumbersome expression on the face of the blonde that appeared on screen, she looked to be concentrating rather frivolously on the task at hand as the scene opened wider.
“B-38”
Said the blonde before the shout of the BINGO came across and the blonde smiled vehemently as the camera finally turned to show the face of Haylie LaFluer as she congratulated the winner of the Bingo contest that she’d been holding. Moments seemed to pass then as the blonde smiled at the lucky winner before the scene quickly faded into a black backdrop where Haylie now sat in with just herself and the camera on focus.
Haylie LaFluer:
It's funny isn’t it? Just how luck works. People take luck as a random chance, a happening, but that’s the thing about it, isn’t it?
She chuckled lightly.
Haylie LaFluer:
I know what everyone says about my capturing of the Riot Championship, I know how they talk about the few matches I’ve had since capturing the belt, but truly I’m not fazed, why would I be? When I took on Andrew Raynes he said it himself that all I had to do was beat him once. If the rules had been changed to a regular match and the pins were counting where they needed to then he wouldn’t been the first to lose and I still would’ve won this gold. Many seem to forget that because Andrew’s Reign was one of the best in the company. Quite honestly it was fabulous and I am happy to hold the title of the one who was able to dethrone the champ himself. Whether it was by luck, or by formula, I now hold what many others want, and while my recent match with Scott Martell didn’t exactly show what I plan to show while holding this title, I do know that the next opponent I face will show a little more of what this year’s academy has to offer. I know that Ava’s time in the Academy was cut short and that she spent quite some time healing from her injuries, but she still managed to go out there and get into the ring. I have nothing but respect for this young lady and while I haven’t exactly had the best track record in terms of the young up-and-comers or ‘prodigy’ types I know that Ava is something different. She is talented, she is calculated, and truly I know she will offer quite a wonderful performance in the ring.
Haylie gave a soft glimmer of a smile.
Haylie LaFluer:
I don’t really have much to say about the match beyond that. I wish her well, and I look forward to seeing you all as we explore Hong Kong. Doh jeh [thank you]!
Singles Match
Ava Grimes VS Haylie LaFleurAfter the unique win against Scott Martell a few weeks back, the Riot champion found herself taking on another Academy graduate, ironically enough the girlfriend of the guy who walked out on that match against her. And while we still have no clue why Scott did what he did, he surely gave a detailed report to his girl, who seemed to have the champ's number. As fast and used to quick pace as the champion was, Ava was simply one step ahead, using her gymnastic background to stay out of LaFleur's attacks. One of the most impressive sequences Ava successfully completed was using a back handspring to dodge a superkick, followed by a forward roll under her clothesline attempt. Quickly leaping to her feet, Grimes then jumped on the middle rope and caught Haylie with a springboard cutter, obtaining a count of two and a standing ovation from the fans. The champ was not going to be outshined tonight, stealing the spotlight in the second part of the match thanks to her beautiful moonsault sliced bread for a long count of two. The pace reamined high octane, the action inside the ring spectacular with both women taking risks that a lot of people would deem unnecessary with their acrobatic styles, but all of them benefit the match and kept the fans on the edge of their seats. There was a moment of shock as Ava looked particularly dazed after a slingshot DDT, her history with concussion immediately coming back to mind. Everyone, Haylie included, froze and held in place as the referee checked on Ava's condition. The young girl reassured him saying that she could continue, but it took a little further to convince him. The match finally began, the two going a little longer although it looked like Haylie was somehow holding back. And Ava took advantage of that hesitation, taking a page out of her brother Gavin's book to pin Haylie with the Roll Up Of Doom. WINNER: Ava Grimes BY: Pinfall (Roll Up Of Doom), 10:23 |
Alice Wagner:
Hi there, Alex. Long time no see.
Opening the scene on a closeup of one of the semifinalists of the Battle For The Briefcase tournament, the camera would then pan out to reveal Alice Wagner's figure standing in the place she's most comfortable. A wrestling ring. We are inside the AsiaWorld Arena in Hong Kong in the hours immediately preceding the episode of Riot.
Alice Wagner:
One year ago I was home in Phoenix, trying to suppress that itch to come back to wrestling. By now I'm pretty sure everyone knows my story and how, for a long time, I've been debating whether this is what I really want, if I really belong here.
Lifting her gaze, she flashes a smile to the camera.
Alice Wagner:
Now, not everything has been as simple as I would have hoped for. I've been involved in my share of drama, and there's some family matters I would've gladly done without that could potentially be source of conflict down the line, but all in all I think it's been a positive experience so far. I've traveled the world and fought some of the best in this company, I've had quite the impressive run in this tournament, making it to the semis.. Which still feels crazy by the way..
A nervous chuckle escapes her lips.
Alice Wagner:
But you know how it goes, once you get a taste of victory, you kinda get used to it and you keep wanting more. After all, this is what this sport is all about, winning matches, being the best, collecting championships, making history, building a legacy.
Spotlights switch on illuminating the Academy graduate standing in the middle of the ring. They only last a fleeting second, this was likely a test done by the production team to be sure that, in a few hours when the show goes on, everything will work fine. The timing though, that was perfectly spot on.
Alice Wagner:
We're both young, shit I literally only just started, but we're already doing all that. We're two matches away from writing history, so close and yet so far. I could become the youngest to win the Battle For The Briefcase tournament, you could get one step closer to win another World championship, and I'm sure that achieving that here would taste differently than any other company for you.
After taking a brief pause, she continues.
Alice Wagner:
For one of us, the dream will end tonight. The other will be heading straight into the main event of Dark Web V and will need to go through Three Stages Of Hell with Billy Danielson to finish the story.
She lets out a soft chuckle.
Alice Wagner:
I will be rooting for you, if you happen to be the one. But that doesn't mean I will make it easy for you tonight. I know you don't expect me to, I know you won't make the mistake everyone has done since I made my debut in MWE.
Her lips turn into a smirk, she definitely enjoyed this run as the underdog in the tournament.
Alice Wagner:
I also know that I can expect a fair fight with you, which is something I learned I should not take for granted with most people. Last time we were in the same ring, we got people talking because we beat two pillars of this company. Let's send the fans home tonight talking about how Andrews versus Wagner in a Steel Cage was one of the best matches they saw this year.
The camera zoomed back in on her smiling face, a shot matching the opening one.
Alice Wagner:
See you out here in a few, Alex.
Champion vs Champion Match
Julian Savell VS Melody LennoxThe Hong Kong fans were treated to a match between the two top champions in MWE. It was the World champion who drew, metaphorically, first blood, connecting a vicious and sudden punch to the Intercontinental champion's jaw. Melody stumbled back, completely caught off guard by the cheap shot that left her exposed to Julian's attacks. The World champion launched a furious onslaught with stiff punches and kicks, backing Melody back into the corner. Julian then grabbed her by the hair and repeatedly slammed her head against the turnbuckle, following with a neckbreaker that gave him the first count of two. Melody was quick to shake that off and counterattack, pushing Savell in the corner with a shotgun dropkick and followed with her Thread And A Needle, a running splash in the corner that saw her transitioning throught the ropes and on the apron in one swift and smooth motion. From there, she was able to attack the World champion with a springboard hurricanrana, but Julian kicked out in time. The Intercontinental champion had truly an impressive showing tonight, increasing the regret and discontent of some fans for not seeing her more often on MWE programming. While some may argue that trying to instill common sense in Julian's skull was a lost cause, her homonymous front-flipping walkover one-legging scorpion kick was quite effective, knocking Jules flat on his chest. Melody climbed to the top rope and went for her Crescendo (Moonsault Diving Double Foot Stomp) but Savell moved out of the way. She still landed on her feet and even managed to dodge his lariat with a Matrix evasion but couldn't possily avoid the following running single leg dropkick. The match continued for a few more minutes, near falls kept coming in a finale that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Julian had Melody right where he wanted her after scratching her eyes and delivering the Savior Kick (superkick to a kneeling opponent). Rather then going for the pin, he climbed to the top rope looking to finish it with the Savell Splash. Melody suddenly popped to her feet and managed to hit Julian with a punch to the jaw that left him rocked on the top rope. She went up on the middle rope and hit him with some headbutt before leaping back down. With the World champion now sitting on the top rope, the Small But Mighty had the opportunity to end this with her Siren Song, but Savell countered it by holding onto the ropes for dear life. Lennox fall back flat on her back and the leader of The Division wasted no time leaping off and landing on top of the IC champion, connecting the Savell Splash for the three count. WINNER: Julian Savell BY: Pinfall (Savell Splash), 14:41 |
We see Lady Limitless sitting criss-cross applesauce on a production crate backstage, head tilted back, just running things over in her head. A small smile slowly realizes itself across her face. Alex tilts her head towards the camera.
Alex Andrews:
Oh don't mind me, I was just thinking about being here main eventing Riot in Hong Kong. You know, something a little more than 3 years ago would have been a pipe dream for me. About this time then, I would habe been shown some serious tough love by Neil Newman, and well, you've seen how its worked out for me since.
She clears her throat.
Alex Andrews:
I'd like to think I've done pretty well for myself in my career. Tag Champion with my bestie in Kallie Reznik. Won a mid card titles here and there, and heck even managed to snag a couple year end awards. Those were quite humbling to receive, let me tell you. But I have to say winning the Grand Championship elsewhere and going on a seven month run defending against all odds was a highlight, most definitely. In doing so, I proved without a shadow of a doubt that I am capable not performing on the highest level. That I am quite capable of carrying a company on my back and even fighting against a corrupted owner's meddling.
Alex shows her hands to the camera, showing she's empty handed and perhaps trying to show she's laying it all out there, symbolically. She shifts and straightens her legs out, letting them dangle along side the production crate.
Alex Andrews:
And even here, I've proven I can go with the top this company has to offer. I've beaten former World Champions before, even doing so to get as far as I have in this tournament. I have the talent, and you damn well know I habe the will power and desire to get it done. Alice, I've been in your shoes, just starting out, trying to make a name for yourself. Doing anything you can to stand out and get noticed, showing off your resiliency in the process. I can't say I have your lineage and the weight and drama that comes with that last name, but I do know one thing about you. You and I girl spent some time training at Nightfall. So even if we didn't know it and you left that part of your past behind you, we have a little bit of commonality between us. I got to know Chris a bit in my time in HOW and if you're anything like the rest, I know what kind of a fighter you are. I know how deep you'll dig, Alice. Maybe it'll be enough, but I've had to dash others dreams to get to this point as well. I'm not above doing it again. We both want this, let's go out there and show them just what we are all about, what do you say?
Alex chuckles to herself as she hops off the crate, she pats the side of it a couple times and waves to the camera as she turns and walks off down the hall away from the camera as the scene fades.
Battle For The Briefcase Tournament Match
Semi-Final: Steel Cage Match
Alex Andrews VS Alice WagnerSemi-Final: Steel Cage Match
Alice's run since graduating from The Academy has been nothing short of impressive. Not only she entered this match still undefeated, but she could brag about having made some illustrioous victims in her shirt tenure, beating former champions such as Karen Eldon, Kimberly Williams and, in a tag match with Alex on the last Millennium episode, Seth Iser and Billy Danielson. And while she had to be still considered the underdog in this cage match, the idea of her coming out victorious may not be that big of a shock to everyone. The match started just like any other match Alice Wagner was invovled into, with a handshake in the middle of the ring. Andrews began strong with a flurry of kicks to the legs, but only three or four kicks in and Alice blocked her leg and took her down with a dragon screw legwhip. Unlike the Millennium semi-final match, the cage was rarely used tonight, at least in this first part of the match. That didn't make the contest any less interesting or exciting, the fans still witnessed a ridiculously good match with incredible technical exchanges. At the end of a long sequence, Andrews was able to take Alice off guard (something that we don't see happening too often) with the Mouse Trap but the former Academy student managed to get her shoulder up in time. Way into the fifteenth minute, the match was still hanging in balance as neither competitor was seemingly getting the upper hand. Both had their moments to shine, Alice's downward roundhouse kick almost gave her the upset win, but the former Riot champion still had a lot left in her tank and she quickly turned the tables with the Elysium (running bicycle kick). Both women were down, recovering from the hard fought battle. Alex was the first up and instantly delivered a second Elysium, this time transitioning into a cover for a long count of two. Andrews insisted and went for the Brain Death but once again the former student dodged the scorpion kick and quickly rolled Alex up, getting another near fall. They once again were up, trading strikes in the middle of the ring in another back and forth that highlighted how the crowd was split supporting the two wrestlers. Eventually the exchange came to an end when both fell on the mat, knocking each other down with simultaneous kicks to the face. Andrews began to crawl toward the door while Alice was still not moving. Slowly she made her way there and glanced back, seeing that Wagner was slowly making her way to the opposite side of the ring, trying to reach the ropes to help herself up to her feet. She asked for the door to be open, and the referee immediately did as she asked, removing the chain before he got his head smashed into the steel cage by Donovan Keane. The boos were deafening as the Division appeared at ringside, coming straight from the crowd. Olly was standing next to Donnie, smirking and taunting Andrews saying that she was "so close" and inciting her to "come out". Then he slammed the door shut on her head with such ferocity that it was immediately lights out for Andrews. But that wasn't enough as Olly stepped inside the cage and hit her with his Born To Lose, leaving her motionless right next to the exit. The boos were deafening as the duo made their way on the other side of the barricade where Jvstice and McKena Hardy were standing. Alice finally got up and immediately realized what happened. She looked in The Division's direction, spotting her cousins among their ranks. Her expression was an unintelligible one, a mix of feelings reflecting the blur of thoughts going through her mind. She made her way toward Alex, shaking her head all the way there. Another glance at the Division before going down on her knees right next to Andrews, three seconds away from punching her ticket to the final of the Battle For The Briefcase tournament... But instead of laying on top of her, Alice draped Alex' arm around her neck and helped her getting up to her feet. The boos turned into cheers accompanying the exhausted Academy graduate as she carried her opponent toward the door. Alex seemed to be drifting in and out of consciousness, and you have to wonder if she was actually aware of what was going on. Wagner ordered for the door to be opened and stepped through the ropes, dragging Andrews along. Visibly proven, both physically and emotionally, Alice asked for the referee to help her and the official moved to the opposite side of Alex, holding her up and sharing her weight with Wagner as she slowly took her first step down. Olly seemed ready to climb again and finish his job but Jvstice placed his hand on his shoulder and stopped him. They got to the end of the steel stairs, the next step would be the one ending this match and determine who will be facing Billy Danielson in the final at Dark Web V... And Wagner insisted that Andrews would be the one taking it. She stopped and convinced a hesitant referee to let Alex's feet touching the floor outside the ring. Wagner then sat on the steel steps, head in her hands and downcast eyes. WINNER: Alex Andrews BY: Cage Escape, 28:51 |